Through The Christmas Keyhole

Keith Lemon is back with a sixth series of Through the Keyhole, kicking off with a Christmas special.  Join Keith as he rummages around three mystery celebrity houses unearthing clues for the studio panel to guess 'who habitates in a house like this.

 

On this week's festive star-studded panel is the king of chat Jonathan Ross, presenter Lorraine Kelly and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Fri 14 Dec 2018

9.00pm - 10.00pm

Katherine Kelly and Sofie Gråbøl join Sally Wainwright’s BBC One drama Gentleman Jack, as a new image of Suranne Jones as Anne Lister is released

Katherine Kelly (Happy Valley, Mr Selfridge) and Sofie Gråbøl (The Killing, Fortitude) have joined the cast of Sally Wainwright's forthcoming eight-part drama Gentleman Jack. Gentleman Jack is a Lookout Point production for BBC One, co-produced with HBO.

Katherine Kelly plays Elizabeth Sutherland, the sister of Anne Lister's intended wife Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), whilst Sofie Gråbøl will appear towards the end of the series as Queen Marie of Denmark. Her appearance will be shot on location in Copenhagen.

The news coincides with the release of a new picture from the series (above), featuring Suranne Jones in character as the remarkable Regency landowner. Filming on Gentleman Jack draws to a close in the weeks ahead, with the series due to air in 2019.

On joining Gentleman Jack, Katherine Kelly says: "I'm thrilled to be reuniting with Sally once again. I know how passionate she is about the life and times of Anne Lister, and I'm delighted to be portraying such a key historical character in Anne Lister's story."

Sofie Gråbøl says: "When asked if I would like to play the Queen of Denmark in Sally Wainwright's brand new series, I could not have said 'yes' fast enough! I'm excited to welcome the Gentleman Jack team to Copenhagen, and to film my scene as Queen Marie with the wonderful Suranne Jones."

Sally Wainwright, Gentleman Jack's creator, writer, and lead director says: "It's so exciting that Anne Lister's story has attracted such an extraordinary cast, and now we can add to that the unique talents of Katherine Kelly and Sofie Gråbøl! Anne Lister is taking us up to Scotland and across Europe!"

Kelly will be joined by Derek Riddell (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Gunpowder) as Elizabeth's husband, Captain Sutherland, and Veronica Clifford (Hurt By Paradise, GameFace) as mother-in-law Mrs Sutherland.

Also announced today are Sylvia Syms (Rev, One Night in Bath) as the Elderly Mrs Rawson, Brendan Patricks (Downton Abbey, Kiri) as the clergyman Thomas Ainsworth, Caspar Phillipson (Jackie, Mission: Impossible - Fallout) as Mr De Hagemann, Polly Maberly (EastEnders, Shakespeare & Hathaway) as Lady De Hagemann, Lucy Black (The Durrells, Jericho) as Mary Sowden, Stephanie Hyam (Bodyguard, Doctor Who) as Sophie Ferrall, Dino Fetscher (Humans, Paranoid) as Thomas Beech, Rupert Vansittart(The Children Act, Game of Thrones) as Charles Lawton, and Michael Xavier (Never Let Go, Into The Woods) as Dr. Steph Belcombe.

They join the previously announced extended cast, which includes Gemma Whelan, Timothy West, Gemma Jones, Stephanie Cole, Peter Davison, Amelia Bullmore, Vincent Franklin, Shaun Dooley,Joe Armstrong and Rosie Cavaliero.

Channel 4 reconnects with a Celebrity Call Centre Christmas Special

The Celebrity Call Centre is re-opening its 'phone lines for the festive season, in partnership with Age UK, with eight new stars tackling dilemmas large and small, from Christmas quandaries to troublesome affairs of the heart. 

Taking calls from the great British public this time round will be Strictly Come Dancing finalist Debbie McGee, Countdown's Nick Hewer, Goggleboxers Steph and Dom Parker, Coronation St legend Amanda Barrie, Ackley Bridge star Sunetra Sarker, comedian James Acaster and Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney. 

The all-star agony aunts will be staffing the telephone helplines providing advice to callers, never knowing who'll be at the other end of the 'phone or what problem they'll be faced with. 

Celebrity Call Centre Christmas Special 1 x 60' was commissioned by Channel 4 Factual Entertainment Commissioning Editor Lee McMurray, and produced by Kerfuffle TV, with Steven D Wright as Executive Producer.

 "It's a simple but really effective way of gaining some great insight into the personal – and often very moving - experiences of our celebrities, whilst tackling the sorts of everyday dilemmas that so many of us face, especially at Christmas – one of the most challenging times for families up and down the country" commented Lee McMurray.

Steven D Wright added: "Using wit, humour and honesty, our celebrities give great advice about every aspect of the yuletide season – ranging from practical tips on, say, how to cook a turkey to offering genuine emotional support to callers struggling with loneliness on Christmas day."

Kathi Hall, Head of Content Strategy & Brand at Age UK, commented: "We're really excited to be working with Channel 4 again, especially so because the concept of this show is so unique and entertaining. While Christmas can be a time of great celebration, it can also be a difficult time, especially for those who are alone or whose families are far away. Some of the calls that the celebrities answered were quite poignant and hopefully this will bring a greater awareness of what older people have to face if they have no one to turn to, which is why the Age UK advice line is open 365 days a year."   

Radio 4 presents the world premiere of Alex Mackendrick’s Mary Queen of Scots featuring Glenda Jackson

Narration from multi award-winning actor Glenda Jackson; Bafta Breakthrough Brit director, Hope Dickson Leach; and a performance from rising star, Ellie Bamber - late film director Alex Mackendrick’s unmade movie Mary Queen of Scots airs on Radio 4 on Saturday 8 December.

The screenplay follows the tragic life of 16th century monarch, Mary Stuart; from exile to reign, to demise, and was developed with Jay Presson-Allen (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Marnie, Cabaret). Originally Mackendrick imagined Mary Queen of Scots as a western, a portrait of a woman trying to survive internecine battles for power between rival clans; but he also described the screenplay as "a gangster study".

Mackendrick first began the film’s development whilst at Ealing Films in the 1950s, but studio head Michael Balcon vetoed it as "too disrespectful of royalty." Later, at different points, Mackendrick worked on drafts of the script with Gore Vidal and Anthony Burgess. By 1969 Mary Queen of Scots was due to start production, backed by Universal Studios and with Sandy Lieberson producing. When this was derailed Mackendrick followed a new opportunity in a teaching position at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Whilst he never completed his final film project Mackendrick will be remembered for pivotal cinematic works including The Ladykillers and Sweet Smell of Success.

For this radio adaptation, director Hope Dickinson Leach and producers Dancing Ledge Productions have collaborated with the film’s intended producer, Sandy Liberson, and the Mackendrick estate. Glenda Jackson narrates, providing a theatrical parallel given her role as Elizabeth I in the 1971 BBC Two television drama series Elizabeth R. Bridging the generations of acting talent, Jackson is joined by stage and screen actor Ellie Bamber in the role of Mary Stuart. The cast for Radio 4’s production also includes Mark Bonnar as Scottish politician William Maitland, Emun Elliot as Bothwell and Kerr, and as Darnley, Edward Holcroft.

Alison Hindell, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction says: “Once again Radio 4 brings a script to life which may have otherwise languished in the archives. Mackendrick’s Mary Queen of Scots has a notable trio of brilliant women both in front of and behind the microphone and follows other unmade movies successfully adapted into radio dramas, including those by Arthur Miller, Orson Welles, Harold Pinter and Dennis Potter.”

Laurence Bowen, Producer, Dancing Ledge Productions, says: “Alexander Mackendrick’s very personal take on Mary Queen of Scots, set over just one treacherous year, presents us with an extraordinary portrait of the young twenty three year old Queen. Isolated, pregnant, betrayed yet still with a steely intelligence and instinct for survival that, for a moment, seems to triumph over the two warring gangs of men that surround her. It’s been an honour to bring it all to life.”

Glenda Jackson says: “I love radio, it’s my favourite medium - because you never have to learn your lines or wear make-up.”

Unmade Movies: Alex Mackendrick’s Mary Queen of Scots
Saturday 8 December, 2.30-4pm
Narrator… Glenda Jackson
Mary Stuart… Ellie Bamber
Maitland… Mark Bonnar
Bothwell/Kerr... Emun Elliott
Darnley… Edward Holcroft
Murray/Rizzio/Taylor/Scout… Kevin Guthrie
Morton… Bill Paterson 
Ruthven/Du Croc/Knox/Erskine… Struan Rodger
Paris/Porter… Jamie Quinn
Mary Seton/Mary Fleming… Katharine O’Donnelly

BBC Children in Need’s 2018 Appeal raises a whopping £50.5 million

People from across the UK have come together once again to raise a phenomenal £50,595,053 for BBC Children in Need’s 2018 Appeal. The money raised during the evening means that the charity has now raised over £1 billion since the first major Appeal in 1980, all to help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK.

Live on BBC One and Two from 7.30pm on Friday until the early hours of Saturday morning, the 2018 Appeal show marked the crescendo of this year’s fundraising activities for BBC Children in Need with a special night of family entertainment to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people in communities across the UK.

TV favourites Ade Adepitan and Tess Daly kicked off proceedings, before Mel Giedroyc and Graham Norton took over ahead of Rochelle and Marvin Humes, who were later joined by Rob Beckett. All seven presenters saw the stage came to life with performances from Boyzone, Jamie Cullum, Jonas Blue featuring Liam Payne, and Lennon Stella, Anne Marie and Sheridan Smith. A standout performance on the night saw Jamie Cullum take to the stage for a beautiful and emotive performance of the 2018 official single for BBC Children in Need, Love Is In The Picture. Jamie wrote the single especially for the 2018 Appeal and it is available to buy now.

A very special highlight came from the cast of EastEnders, who spread some movie magic across Albert Square with a delightful Disney medley which celebrated Mickey Mouse’s 90th Anniversary. In what was the most dazzling EastEnders medley yet, the cast took on roles inspired by classic Disney characters whilst performing in The Square. There was also an added sprinkle of Disney animation and special effects bringing extra magic to the scenes.

The 2018 show also saw Boyzone bidding to win the Pudsey Glitter Ball trophy in the Strictly Come Dancing BBC Children in Need special. The special saw the band taking to the dancefloor with the Strictly pros, with Shane Lynch and professional partner Luba Mushtuk lifting the 2018 Pudsey Glitterball trophy.

In a fitting tribute to the charity’s Life-President, the show also saw the presentation of the third Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser Of The Year Award. The accolade recognises the charity’s fundraisers, of whom Sir Terry was a huge champion, and went to Keeley Browse who has fundraised for BBC Children in Need for many years, putting on charity gala nights for the whole community.

The show also saw the finale of The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge, as the team arrived at the finishing point in Salford. During the challenge Matt Baker and six inspirational young people who have beneffited from BBC Children in Need funding, cycled the rickshaw 423 miles, from Calais to Salford, raising an amazing £4.3 million along the way.

Another very special moment on the show saw an incredible young girl who has been supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project visit the Doctor Who film set. On the visit she entered the TARDIS and met the entire cast before being surprised by the Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker.

The 2018 Appeal show also saw world-famous music artists come together for deserving project workers funded by BBC Children in Need. The Project workers being surprised by some of the biggest names in music including Olly Murs, Craig David, Little Mix, Sheridan Smith and Alfie Boe. The artists joined the project workers in song, giving them the opportunity to duet with their musical idols.

Actor and comedian Stephen Mangan hosted a special episode of Mastermind in support of BBC Children in Need. For the first time ever the questions were tackled by pairs made up of four children who have been supported by a BBC Children in Need funded project, alongside a celebrity partner. The celebrity partners included David Bradley, Tony Clay, Steve McManaman and John Thomson.

During the evening, Michael Ball and Jo Whiley came to the stage to announce the Radio 2 fundraising total for 2018, which was led by Chris Evans. The Radio 2 team raised an absolutely phenomenal £9.2 million. The staggering amount of money was raised after a series of fundraising activities including Chris Evans’ extraordinary auction prizes, Carfest, and some of the station’s biggest names lending their support to raise money for the charity.

Celebrities including Rob Brydon, Alesha Dixon, Sue Johnston, Little Mix, Naomie Harris, Keeley Hawes, and Katie Piper reminded viewers about where their money goes with stories of the children and young people who have received support from BBC Children in Need funded projects, thanks to the generosity of people across the UK and their fundraising efforts.


Other highlights of the evening included:
Over 1,400 children came together across ten different UK locations to sing in unison in the Children’s Choir performing A Million Dreams, from the musical The Greatest Showman.

Actors Eddie Redmayne and Zoë Kravitz undertook an interview with Alex Jones for The One Show which took a surprising turn when they were fed answers through an ear-piece by three cheeky school-children.
School Of Rock opened the show with a spectacular medley of exclusive songs.

Call The Midwife stars Jenny Agutter, Helen George and Jennifer Kirby came together onstage to give an exclusive first-look at the Call The Midwife 2018 Christmas special.

Audiences were given an exclusive first-look at Doctor Who’s forthcoming episode.

Straight from London’s West End, there was a fantastic musical performance from the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The total raised for Children in Need Rocks 2018 was announced, an incredible £632,000.
Countryfile presenters John Craven and Ellie Harrison announced this year’s total for Countryfile, a phenomenal £2.9 million.

A whole host of stars including James Argent, Nadine Coyle, Spencer Matthews, Vogue Williams, Greg Rutherford and Georgia Toffolo joined Marvin, Rochelle and Rob for fun and games towards the end of the evening.

Thank you messages to fundraisers and schools across the UK who have pulled out all the stops in their fundraising this year and are currently on track to raise £4.75 million and £5.5 million respectively.


Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need, says: “Once again, people across the UK should be feeling incredibly proud of what has been achieved. The remarkable generosity shown this evening will go on make a lasting difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people all across the UK who really do need our help. Thank you!”

Tonight’s total represents an exciting culmination of fundraising activity for BBC Children in Need - but this evening’s total will continue to rise as the money pours in from the thousands of events already held, or scheduled to happen, across the UK. And it's not too late to get involved! Organise a fundraising event or donate at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey or 0345 733 2233.

The BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is a BBC Studios production, executive produced by Clare Pizey and Leanne Witcoop.

Jamie Oliver interview on Jimmy & Jamie's Friday Night Feast

Jimmy & Jamie's Friday Night Feast starts Friday 7th December at 8pm on Channel 4



Tell us a bit about the new run of Jamie & Jimmy's Friday Night Feast…

It’s the sixth series and feels like it’s getting better and better as time goes on. People are getting creative in how they consume TV content - on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, catch-up, in all sorts of weird, wonderful and dynamic ways - but I think actually many of them want regular, trusted programmes at certain times of the week. And on Friday evenings, it just fits. It’s a nice balance of cooking, celebrities and campaigning. It’s great to have that seven-minute soapbox campaign slot, rather than an hour-long documentary. The show has achieved amazing, important things because of a light-hearted little Friday night rant. And we genuinely work hard to make the audience happy.

Are the slots to be diners in the café still vastly over-subscribed?

It’s always a  massive response. The series is just a joy to make: the right show at the right time. People have a little extra spring in their step on Fridays. They shop and cook differently at weekends, when it’s more about comfort good and indulgence. We celebrate food in the same way. Plus we’re getting amazing superstar guests.

You’ve got some fantastic guests this series, including Danny DeVito. How was he?

Hilarious. He’s a Hollywood legend and he came especially to see us - at the end of Southend Pier, two hours out of London, for a six-hour filming. That isn’t normal. On Jonathan Ross, you can get in and out in two hours, so our show is a major time commitment. But people come because they like what we do and they love food. Danny calls everyone baby - “hey baby, thanks baby”.

What do you cook for him?

You’re going to love Danny’s story. We go back to his roots in Basilicata, where his grandparents came from. He’s never been there himself but that particular part of southern Italy was tough and full of poverty, especially after the war. We get pictures in front of his grandparents’ old house with the town’s mayor. The mayor’s also the local baker and the deputy mayor makes olive oil and wine. Every morsel of food cooked in the café that day was from the town where his family comes from. We got a traditional pasta shape and recipe that his grandparents would definitely have cooked. We had archive pictures on the walls. He was genuinely moved. The mayor wrote him a letter saying the town was so proud of everything he’d achieved, how they always seen him as one of their own and giving him the keys to the city.

Harry Hill is another guest this series. How was he?

Brilliant. As funny and chaotic, as you’d expect. His story was an interesting one. He used to be a doctor, spent some time working out in India and talked about his memories of how good the hospital canteen food was. Our job was to try and relive that for him. So we found the hospital and one of the chefs from Harry’s time was still there. We got the actual recipes from him, then we recreated this thali, which is like a platter of different curries, with the bread that he remembered. On Southend Pier.

What about Stephen Fry?

He was on banging form. I don’t know how we’re going to edit that show because it was too funny. Utterly brilliant. We talked about everything from cake decorating to personal hygiene.

And Jodie Whittaker, aka the new Doctor Who?

She was wonderful. What you see is what you get with Jodie. She’s a grafter, she’s enthusiastic and she’s everything you want her to be. Just like Jessica Ennis, who’s also on this series. Gold standard. Our first Dame on the show. As a dad of girls, it’s amazing to have these extraordinary female role models on the show.

How’s your old mate Jimmy Doherty?

He’s so good. I’m so lucky to work with Jimmy. I’ve got the advantage of having grown up with him since the age of two, so I know him inside out, frontwards and backwards. Jimmy’s always got a few shows on the go and he does more days’ filming than anyone I know, so technically he’s on fire but still loads of fun and beautifully daft. He’s a farmer, a butcher and nobody on the planet travels to as many farms and food businesses around the world as he does. Combine that knowledge with my cooking and we’re a really good twosome.

Is he going to be your best man? Because you’re getting married again…

Yeah! Me and Jools are going to renew our vows to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We don’t get out much or have too many parties, so we thought we’d give it a go. She loves the idea and thinks it’s romantic. I think 20 years is a massive achievement. And if we get to 40 years, we’ll do it again.

What have you learnt in 20 years of marriage?

Bloody good question. To never hold grudges. Move on. And just hang about. Don’t go anywhere. It’s genuinely a wonderful thing and I’m so grateful to her. I couldn’t do what I do without her nailing all the kids and family stuff. We’re a good team. She keeps me on my toes, doesn’t take any shit, she’s kind, she’s funny… At some point in life, you have to go “I did good there. Lucked out and punched well above my weight.”

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! - Trailer

Sneak peek at I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Trailer

This is the first look at Dec & Holly in the Jungle, this new on air promo will be seen during tonight's (Friday 16th November) Coronation Street.  I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! starts this Sunday at 9pm on ITV.