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Tuesday 31 March 2020

Comedian Bert Kreischer is back, and shirtless once again, in his second Netflix Original comedy special


Comedian Bert Kreischer is back, and shirtless once again, in his second Netflix Original comedy special, Bert Kreischer: Hey Big Boy. Bert candidly shares hilarious stories about his daughter’s period party, a pushy arms dealer, and an inside joke with a Starbucks barista.

Ever the stand-up party animal, comic Bert Kreischer riffs on parenting and family life, being a gun and pet owner, his dad discovering pot, and more.

Bert Kreischer: Hey Big Boy premieres globally on Netflix on March 17, 2020.

netflix.com/bertkreischerheybigboy

The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show | Official Trailer | Netflix Comedy Series


Hold on to your top knot and grab your remote for the upcoming six-part sketch series, The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show. Executive produced and starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger who leads her ensemble cast in this hilarious satire filled series packed with insane original characters who inhabit the landscape of all the content we love to consume and make fun of. From bizarre exercise plans to the over-simplified DIY shows to “reality” TV at its best/worst, The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show celebrates/skewers the TV stereotypes that fill our screens big, small, and tiny.

Kim Gamble, Kara Baker, David Martin, Richard Allen-Turner, and Jon Thoday also executive produce.  The series is directed by Laura Murphy (Girl Code; Adam Ruins Everything)

The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show premieres globally on Netflix on April 1, 2020.

www.netflix.com/TheIlizaShlesingerSketchShow

Code 404, a Sky original comedy, launches on Sky One and NOW TV on 29 April


Starring Stephen Graham, Daniel Mays and Anna Maxwell Martin

Sky has confirmed that new original comedy, Code 404, starring Stephen Graham, Daniel Mays and Anna Maxwell Martin will air on Sky One and streaming service NOW TV, with all episodes available from Wednesday 29 April.

Detective Inspectors DI John Major (Mays) and DI Roy Carver (Graham) are the top crime fighting duo in the Unit. But when an undercover sting goes horribly wrong, Major is gunned down on the job and killed. Full of guilt and regret about Major’s untimely death, Roy turns to the only person who understands him, John’s wife, Kelly (Maxwell Martin). However, John gets a reboot. Chosen by the police as the prototype for a new A.I. driven initiative, John is brought back from the dead – much to the surprise of Roy and Kelly. He’d like to believe he’s better than ever, but something isn’t quite right…

The 6 x 30-minute police comedy is directed by Al Campbell and written by Daniel Peak. Executive producers include Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions, Phil Temple for Kudos, part of EndemolShine UK and Morwenna Gordon for Sky. The series was commissioned by Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios and Zai Bennett, MD of Content at Sky UK & Ireland

CLIP: The Steph Show launches on Channel 4 from Steph McGovern's living room!


Watch the opening moments of The Steph Show, live from Steph McGovern’s home in Yorkshire

Channel 4’s new daytime programme, The Steph Show, launched today, broadcast live from the home of its presenter Steph McGovern.

Steph opened the show in her living room in Yorkshire, saying: “This is my actual house where for a long time I’ve just been living here, in a lot of chaos because of the baby and now we’re doing a show from here.”

She went on to say: “Like a lot of people I’m now working from home, and these are strange times so I wanted to create a show from my front room that’s a power hour of positivity where we celebrate the brilliant people out there... whether it’s a key worker grafting on the frontline or someone helping the neighbours out with their shopping, we want to come together to say thank you. So let’s have a laugh, get inspired and maybe learn a few things as well.”

Steph also showed viewers around the make-shift studio in her front room, which contains cameras but no operators.

She said: “It’s just me in this room with camera. So this is like the Yorkshire Big Brother with just one contestant and hopefully no evictions otherwise it will be really awkward.”

There are five cameras being operated remotely, with the production team work in her garage and some trucks outside.

Steph said: “We really are doing this with the minimum people we safely can so please forgive us if things are a bit rough around the edges. But that’s how I’ve been described from most of my career!”

The first episode of The Steph Show featured guest appearances, via Skype, from Keith Lemon and his mum and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke who gave viewers a cha cha cha lesson.

Steph also spoke to a Dundee family with 10 children to find out how they’re getting on with home schooling, as well as an advisor from debt charity Step Change who offered guidance to those worried about their finances at the moment. And in the first ‘Steph Show Shout Outs’, Steph paid tribute to heroes on the front line of the coronavirus crisis.

Watch The Steph Show daily at midday on Channel 4. Catch up on All 4.


Monday 30 March 2020

Competition: Win The Windsors Series 3 on DVD


The Windsors Series 3 is out on DVD on 6th April.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis
BRITAIN IS divided, everyone’s down in the dumps, so who better to cheer us up than The Windsors?

Returning to Channel 4 for a third series, the satirical sitcom takes us beyond the palace gates for a hilarious inside peek at the riotous royals to see what really goes on. The Windsors Series Three and
the Complete Series One – Three Box Set (including Wedding & Christmas Specials) arrive on DVD and digital 6 April 2020 from Acorn Media International.

Ever wondered what the real reason behind Megxit was? Or whether David Beckham has a shot at a knighthood? All is revealed as The Windsors take on family feuds, pay disputes, uncomfortable truths and royal weddings with their usual panache.

Meghan (Kathryn Drysdale – Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) and Harry (Tom Durant-Pritchard – Judy), who is looking like a new man after an alcohol-free retreat, might break up the Fab
Four and head to America…but why are they so angry at Wills (Hugh Skinner – Fleabag) and Kate (Louise Ford – Crashing)? And who is really pulling the strings?

Meanwhile, Charles (Harry Enfield – Harry Enfield and Chums) is on strike with his siblings demanding higher pay, and Beatrice (Ellie White – Stath Lets Flats) and Eugenie (Celeste Dring – Wanderlust) set
up a disastrous drinks brand ahead of Beatrice’s big wedding, where Fergie (Katie Wix – Agatha Raisin) might have to take on more responsibility than expected after all the “unpleasantness” with Andrew.


Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 13-04-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Friday 27 March 2020

Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway - Preview Video


Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway airs 7pm this Saturday on ITV.

Tomorrow night's Saturday Night Takeaway features the finale of Men in Brown and some of Ant & Dec's favourite SNT moments including Richard Madeley's 2015 I'm A Celebrity...Get Out Of Me Ear.

Hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly present hilarious sketches on various issues, interact with celebrity guests and invite the audience members to play games.

Dr Hilary joins the Britain Get Talking campaign to urge the nation to keep in touch with neighbours


Dr Hilary Jones is joining forces with the ITV Britain Get Talking campaign to encourage the nation to reach out to those in isolation, at a time when a phone call could make all the difference. He encourages people to check on their neighbours and offer essential support.

The campaign, which re-launched on Saturday night to 9.5 million viewers off the back of Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, is urging members of the public to share messages of love and support as we adapt to the challenges faced by the Coronavirus crisis.

Dr Hilary, who has been widely praised for his daily medical updates and reassuring demeanour across ITV’s daytime shows Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, is now linking up with the mental wellness initiative to ensure that, even though we are currently apart, we never feel alone.

The Silver Line, a dedicated 24/7 helpline charity for older people, joins mental health charities Mind and YoungMinds in supporting the brand-new advert, which will debut on ITV on Friday 27th March.

Since its return to ITV the Britain Get Talking campaign has received support from famous faces including Ant and Dec, Davina McCall, Susanna Reid, Lorraine Kelly, Gordon Ramsay and soap stars Sally Dyvenor, Lisa Riley, Ali Mardell, Sam Aston, Ryan Prescott, Chris Bisson, Dolly Rose Campbell and Michelle Hardwick.

The campaign website, itv.com/BritainGetTalking also hosts advice on how to help safely, and information on sources of support for viewers who can’t rely on family and friends.

In the advert, Dr Hilary says:
“Right now we all need to stay at home and we all have to find new ways to connect, especially with people who are self isolating. If you’re well and not at risk, why not pop a note through your neighbour’s door offering essential support. Let your neighbours know that you’re there for them. A phone call could make all the difference. So Britain please, Get Talking.”

Thursday 26 March 2020

New Angry Birds Animated Series coming to Netflix in 2021


Netflix and CAKE in partnership with Rovio Entertainment announced a new animated series, Angry Birds: Summer Madness based on the iconic world of the Angry Birds mobile video game.

The 40 x 11 minute episode series will debut globally starting in 2021, taking its cue from the humor and tone of The Angry Birds Movie franchise while revealing a fresh new look.

Angry Birds: Summer Madness sees much-loved birds Red, Bomb and Chuck, as well as a cast of brand new feathered friends, as tween birds at summer camp under the questionable guidance of their counsellor Mighty Eagle. Explosive antics, improbable pranks and crazy summertime adventures see the birds pushing boundaries and breaking all the rules while fending off the brash and obnoxious Pigs on the other side of the lake, who seem hell-bent on causing as much mayhem as possible!

Ed Galton, CCO & Managing Director, CAKE said, “Angry Birds are about to smash the small screen and we are thrilled to be making the journey with Netflix as our global partner.” 

Ville Heijari, CMO, Rovio said, Angry Birds animated content plays a key role in our long-term franchise strategy. After more than a decade in hit games, blockbuster movies and licensed products, this is the Angry Birds' first foray into a long-form series. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with CAKE and can't wait to unveil the world of Angry Birds: Summer Madness to viewers on Netflix."

Curtis Lelash, Director of Original Animated Series, Netflix said, “Angry Birds have been a true phenomenon for kids around the world and we’re excited to bring them home to the nest at Netflix where they will be angrier and bird-ier than ever.”


Tuesday 24 March 2020

Big Show stars in "The Big Show Show" only on Netflix


The World's Largest Athlete takes on a new role in "The Big Show Show," premiering Monday, April 6, only on Netflix.

The Big Show Show is an upcoming English-language comedy television series starring WWE wrestler, Big Show.

The show is produced by WWE Studios and will air on Netflix. Josh Bycel and Jason Berger are executive producers and showrunners, with Susan Levison and Richard Lowell serving as executive producers for WWE Studios.

In September 2019, Big Show announced on Steve Austin's podcast that the show has filmed three episodes and will premier around the time of WrestleMania 36.

The show will feature Big Show as a fictional version of himself. The premise will feature his teenage daughter moving in with him, his wife and an additional two daughters

Sunday 22 March 2020

ITV to suspend production of Coronation Street and Emmerdale


Press release from ITV

“ITV has sadly taken the decision to suspend production of the soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale with effect from Monday 23 March 2020.

We’ve been doing our best to carry on filming, whilst adhering to the Government’s latest health guidelines, to ensure we’ve episodes of both soaps airing on ITV until at least the early summer.

However, the health and well-being of the production teams, actors, crew and their families is of paramount importance to us and we now feel that the time has come to stop filming.

We’d like to thank our viewers for their support and hope they continue to enjoy both soaps in the coming months.“

ITV Daytime to stop broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women


Finally some good news!

ITV Press Release

ITV Daytime has taken the decision to stop broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women live from Monday 23rd March.  This decision has been made to minimise the number of staff travelling in and out of our studios and working together on shift at any one time.

We're focusing our efforts on providing to viewers the latest news on the rapidly changing situation which aims to offer some stability and continuity in all our lives whilst so many of us are at home right now. That’s why we have taken this tough decision to protect our GMB News programme in the morning and keep This Morning on air for as long as possible.

From Monday we will be running an extended version of Good Morning Britain from 0600 until 10am. At 9am Lorraine Kelly will join Piers in the GMB studio for the last hour and then hand straight over to the This Morning studio with Phillip and Holly as usual running from 10am until 1230pm. We will then run some of our most favourite repeat episodes of Loose Women from 12.30pm to 1.30pm to give viewers something to smile about each day at lunchtime.

We have been reducing our crew numbers over the last week and these changes will enable us to reduce them further and help us build further resilience with the aim of  Daytime content continuing to air for as long as possible.

Safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved with our programmes is our priority and in this dynamically developing situation we will obviously continue to review these new arrangements on a day by day basis and follow at all times the latest PHE and WHO guidelines.

Saturday 21 March 2020

Trailer released for Sky Comedy series Run starring Merritt Wever and Domnhall Gleeson


Run, written and produced by Vicky Jones (Killing Eve, Fleabag), starts on Wednesday 15th April on Sky Comedy and NOW TV. The two-minute trailer released today features funny moments and intrigue from the upcoming series from HBO.

Starring Emmy® winner Merritt Wever (Godless, Nurse Jackie)and Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Ex Machina), Run is a romantic comedic thriller about a woman, Ruby Richardson (Wever) who walks away from her ordinary life in the suburbs to revisit her past with her college boyfriend, Billy Johnson (Gleeson), with whom she made a pact 17 years prior that if either one of them texted the word “run” and the other replied with the same, they would drop everything and meet in Grand Central Station and travel across America together.

Coming soon to Sky Comedy and streaming service NOW TV, Run is executive produced by Vicky Jones, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jenny Robins, Kate Dennis, Emily Leo and Oliver Roskill of Wigwam Films, Run is produced by eOne, the studio behind acclaimed HBO series Sharp Objects.

In 2013, Jones directed Waller-Bridge’s stage production “Fleabag,” which was later adapted into an Emmy®, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning television series. Jones also served as a writer on Killing Eve, the Emmy® nominated drama series, which was created by Waller-Bridge.

Friday 20 March 2020

Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On


Starting at teatime this Monday on Channel 4 Jamie Oliver is set to show the nation some easy-to-follow recipes, tips and hacks, specifically tailored for the unique times we’re living in with so many people staying at home.

In Jamie: Keep Cooking and Carry On Jamie will show viewers how to make the most from kitchen staples and how to be creative with whatever ingredients they’ve got at home, and whatever their budget. From ingenious ideas for frozen food, to recipes drawn entirely from the store-cupboard, Jamie will be on hand to show home cooks how to make nutritious and delicious food using simple ingredients.

And for those feeling a little more ambitious, Jamie will also be showing viewers just how easy it is to make a simple bread dough and pasta from scratch with what they already have to hand.

Jamie Oliver said: "Cooking nutritious meals for yourself and your loved ones has never been more important. This show will be packed with easy and delicious recipes that the whole family can enjoy, plus loads of tips, tricks and hacks for simple swaps and ways you can make the recipes work with what you've got. Let's big up those store cupboard and freezer faves and hero recipes you can take lots of ways."

Tuesday 17 March 2020

ITV orders documentary Manhunt: The Raoul Moat Story


The impact of Raoul Moat’s murderous rampage across the North East is the focus of a new current affairs documentary commissioned by ITV from MultiStory Media Cymru, part of ITV Studios.

A decade on from the Moat case, the new 60-minute programme explores the police and public reaction to the drama as it unfolded tragically in July 2010.

Fronted by journalist Nicky Campbell, Manhunt: The Raoul Moat Story, which is being produced out of MultiStory Media Cymru’s base in Cardiff, speaks to police officers who led the hunt for Moat, who went on the run after shooting dead his ex-girlfriend’s new lover Chris Brown, and severely wounding her.

Containing exclusive new interviews with family members, witnesses and journalists who covered the hunt as it unfolded, the programme seeks to piece together the tragic events which gripped the nation and ultimately led to Moat shooting himself dead while surrounded by armed police.

Using new and rare archive footage and stills, this 60-minute documentary which airs in Summer 2020 explores the consequences for those caught up in the violent and tragic events to provide a vivid insight into Moat’s mindset, and to get the inside track on how he was finally found.

Executive Producer for MultiStory Media, Mike Blair says: 
“This documentary is the latest in a line of programmes to come out of our base in Cardiff and thanks to the experience and skill of the team there, it will provide a revealing and sensitive insight into a manhunt which gripped the nation - but which had a tragic backstory.”

Great British Menu is back, and it's bigger than ever!


The heat has been well and truly turned up in the Great British Menu kitchen as more chefs than ever before compete for their chance to cook for famous names from the literary world in the exciting new series of Great British Menu later this March.

The 32 chefs will be sharpening their knives and curating their perfect literary based menus, in the hope that they will be chosen by an expert panel of judges to cook at the Great British Menu banquet at the end of the series.

Located in Exeter College, Oxford, the city that inspired Phillip Pullman, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Lewis Carroll, the banquet will feature the very best dishes from across the series and will see celebrity judges, authors and more vote on their favourite dish so one chef is ultimately crowned champion of champions.

There are also some format changes for the new series that make the competition more intense than ever, with any mistake potentially leading to an early exit for even the best of chefs.

Great British Menu will also be reflecting a more contemporary tasting menu this series, with an amuse-bouche and pre-dessert palate cleanser added to the courses, challenging the chefs’ skills and creativity even further.

Friday 13 March 2020

Adult Material first look - Online trailer released


Channel 4 has today released the first-look trailer from Lucy Kirkwood’s brand new drama, Adult Material.

Set in modern Britain, the series from Fifty Fathoms delves inside the porn industry from the perspective of a woman who has been working in it her entire adult life and has seen it grow from an illegitimate backroom enterprise to a mainstream and highly profitable arm of the telecommunications industry. Adult Material will interrogate what’s real, what’s fake, what’s up for sale and the impact that these things have on the individuals involved.

Hayley Squires plays Jolene Dollar, a regular mother of three, who is proudly the breadwinner of the family. But Jolene doesn’t have the most conventional of careers: she is one of the top porn performers in the UK. Adult Material ventures into Jolene’s world - to a place that influences all of our lives, whether we know it or not, but none of us ever truly see.

One day on set, Jolene is introduced to Amy (played by Siena Kelly). Amy is 19, not much older than Jolene’s oldest daughter, Phoebe (played by Alex Jarrett). Jolene looks after Amy the way that she looks after every new girl on set, but she can’t protect Amy from her own choices, and soon her relationship with this unstable young woman will see Jolene’s own career and home life start to unravel.

Rupert Everett plays Jolene’s long-term friend, producer and businessman, Carroll Quinn. Carroll has been in the business a long time and has seen the porn industry change to a multi-million-dollar proposition.  He’s constantly trying to keep up with the times and technology. Joe Dempsie plays Rich, Jolene’s loving and dedicated long-term partner. Julian Ovenden plays the US porn Kingpin, Tom Pain, a man from porn’s most extreme quarter, for whom ‘no’ doesn’t exist. Kerry Godliman plays MP, Stella Maitland, whose life becomes intertwined with Jolene’s when they form an unlikely friendship. Stella comes to her defence when Jolene’s career, family, and reputation are in tatters.

Thursday 12 March 2020

First look at Dynamo in striking teaser for Sky original Beyond Belief launching next month


Three-part special heads to Sky One and NOW TV with all episodes available on 9th April

To celebrate Dynamo’s return to television, the first teaser for the new Sky original, Dynamo: Beyond Belief, with all episodes available on 9th April, has been released today.

Beyond Belief is a three-part magic special that combines jaw-dropping magic with the story of Dynamo’s road to recovery after the career threatening onslaught of chronic arthritis.

Throughout the three episodes, stunning moments of magic are intertwined with Dynamo’s brutally honest back story narrative. The gripping series slowly reveals Dynamo’s journey from the start of his illness, through to the height of his hospitalisation where he created over 200 new magic ideas sketched from his hospital bed, and finally to his return to health.

From the neon lights of Tokyo to the Day of the Dead festival in San Miguel De Allende, Dynamo visits extraordinary and dramatic places all over the world. He performs a spine tingling encounter with a Geisha in one of Tokyo’s royal tea rooms, makes vodka shots turn to ice in the heart of Moscow’s underworld and embarks on a daring adventure in one of Mexico’s notorious Barrios.

Two of the key moments in the show, and the most dangerous pieces Dynamo has ever undertaken, include a terrifying, high-octane blindfold reverse drive in a yellow taxi through central Moscow and a breath-taking Fast & Furious-style underground ‘Tokyo Drift’ car meet in Japan where he attempts to stop a high-powered car with his bare hands, whilst a live audience look on astounded.

Travelling around the world, the locations throughout Beyond Belief include Tokyo, Chiba, Dubai, Moscow, Mexico City, San Miguel De Allende, London and Los Angeles. In addition to Dynamo’s preparation, he learned Japanese, Russian and Spanish before filming to create a deeper connection with his global audiences.

ITV commissions crime drama Professor T starring Ben Miller and Frances De La Tour


Based on the hit Belgian series of the same name, Professor T is set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, Cambridge University.

Ben Miller (Johnny English, Death in Paradise) plays the genius OCD criminologist, Professor Jasper Tempest, alongside Tony award-winning actress Frances de la Tour (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The History Boys) as his colourful but overbearing mother, Adelaide. Emerging star Emma Naomi who is currently appearing on the London stage in Blithe Spirit, takes up the role of Detective Inspector Lisa Donckers with rising star Barney White cast as her police sidekick Dan Winters.

The series will be directed by leading Belgian director, Indra Siera, and will be filmed in Belgium and Cambridge during the summer of 2020.  Eagle Eye Drama aims to create another household name to add to ITV’s impressive roster of renowned detectives and returnable crime series.

ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned the series for the channel.

The series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama and is supported by Screen Flanders and the Belgian tax shelter. PBS Distribution holds the North American rights. Beta Film will distribute the series worldwide.

Commented Executive Producer and CEO of Eagle Eye Drama Walter Iuzzolino:

“Professor T is my all-time favourite detective – a tortured genius wrestling with a mystery childhood trauma. It’s a unique crime series with a core of wonderful warm characters at its heart and I am delighted to be working with our hand-picked European production team to make this for ITV and international audiences.”

The Good Karma Hospital - Series 3 Episode 1 Announcement


Starts Sunday 15 March 2020
8.00pm - 9.00pm

Series overview
The Good Karma Hospital series three finds our tropical Indian hospital busy as ever, with several big new arrivals causing a stir. The team faces their most shocking case yet when one of their own nursing team – young, idealistic Jyoti Gill – survives a violent attack. Lydia and Nurse Mari are particularly affected and struggle to provide the care she needs. Mari has to set aside herprejudices to support her friend, while Lydia must revisit some emotional places in her own past to show Jyoti the way forward.

Dr Ruby Walker faces a tricky dilemma over where her home lies – with her newfound Indian family, or at the bustling hospital? It’s made all the more difficult by her simmering relationship with Dr Gabriel Varma. The series will see the couple get closer than ever before, only to be blindsided by the arrival of a talented, glamorous older surgeon from Gabriel’s past. Can the relationship survive the threat?

Series three also introduces us to a visiting Brit, Ted Dalrymple, an older man on a mission to find a love from his past. As Ruby manages his deteriorating health, she’ll aid him on his quest. Edward’s journey is moving and poignant, showing that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and follow your
heart, even across 50 years and thousands of miles.

Greg is in for a big surprise this series, forced to reconnect with long neglected family. Can he finally step up to long avoided responsibilities? And after months of being away at medical school, AJ will return to the hospital as a junior doctor, desperate to impress his dad. Can Ram finally be proud of
his wayward son?

The series goes to darker places than ever before, but it is through the bonds of family and friendship – rekindled and strengthened over the series – that the team weather their biggest challenges yet.

Episode 1
After months away with her family, Ruby returns to the hospital for her pregnant sister to give birth. When a life and death medical crisis unfolds, it will force Ruby to see where her loyalty lies. Plus, Greg gets a surprise family visitor.

Cast
Dr Lydia Fonseca - Amanda Redman
Dr Ruby Walker - Amrita Acharia
Dr Gabriel Varma - James Krishna Floyd
Dr Ram Nair - Darshan Jariwalla
Mari Rodriguez -     Nimmi Harasgama
Barsha - Ritu Arya
Jyoti - Sayani Gupta
Tommy - Scarlett Alice Johnson
Greg - Neil Morrissey
Mr Palaty - Rod Silvers
Amit - Rajat Kapoor
Manisha - Auritra Ghosh
Ketan - Paritosh Tiwari
Kapil - Eraj Gunewardena
Dinesh - Migara Cabral

Matt Lucas to join The Great British Bake Off


Famous for wearing blackface and performing as racist stereotypes, Matt Lucas is trying to get away from that disgusting brand of entertainment and will be joining Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the Bake Off tent.

Much like creating a successful bake, a successful presenting partnership is all about chemistry and Matt and Noel have it by the oven-load.

Matt Lucas said : ‘I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can’t wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers. And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation. See you in the tent!’

Welcoming Matt to the team, Noel said “I love Matt. I love his warmth and his comedy and his big joyful smile. I think if we play our cards right we could become the next Chas and Morph.

Paul said “I’m a genuine fan of Matt’s, it is such great news he will be joining us in the tent, he’s a fantastic addition to the team.”

Prue commented “The combination of Matt Lucas and Noel Fielding! Will we stop laughing and get any filming done?”

Richard McKerrow, CEO and Executive Producer, Love Productions added: It's extremely exciting to have Matt joining the Bake Off family, he's a phenomenal talent with a huge heart and we can't wait to enjoy the mischief and mayhem he and Noel will inevitably create in the tent. Our new batch of bakers will be in very safe hands.

Channel 4’s Director of Programmes, Ian Katz, welcomed Matt saying “We’re thrilled that one much loved national institution is joining another. Matt has everything it takes to be a great Bake Off presenter: he’s warm, hilarious and loves cake.”

Filming for the eleventh series of The Great British Bake Off begins this spring.

Putin: A Russian Spy Story


Putin: A Russian Spy Story tracks and dissects the conflict between Putin and his many enemies, hearing the stories of those who have opposed him. Russian politician Vladimir Kara-Murza suffered two near-fatal poisonings in Moscow, which he believes were “retribution for my political activity in the Russian opposition”. He comments, “Vladimir Putin’s background is the Soviet KGB, one of the most repressive organisations in the history of humanity. He’s doing what he was taught to do. Manipulate, lie, recruit, repress.”

We hear from Marina Litvinenko, wife of Alexander Litvinenko, a former officer of the Russian FSB secret service who stood up to Putin and winds up dead on British soil. His final photo made worldwide front pages. Marina explains, “I was so against take a picture of him. But, Sasha said, ‘No, Marina. We should do this because people need to see what they did to me”.

We see how Putin’s presidency becomes his life, as he distances himself from his wife, who he eventually divorces, he begins promoting a hyper masculine image of himself in a series of TV stunts, and ensures he is surrounded by his former KGB colleagues in office.

As president, Putin set about ‘making Russia great again’ and repositioning it on the world stage. He has outlasted three American presidents and four British prime ministers. His political playbook is admired and imitated by leaders ranging from Donald Trump to Rodrigo Duterte to Mohammed Bin Salman to Boris Johnson, making him arguably the most influential leader of his time. But he is also accused of purveying fake news, interfering in elections and ruthlessly silencing his opponents. Putin and the Russian government have vehemently denied suggestions of corruption and accusations of foul play, as Putin says, ‘This spy story, as we say, is not worth five kopecks. Or even five pounds for that matter.’

As Putin makes himself the most formidable president Russia has ever seen, the question is will he truly ever be able to step away from power?

Putin: A Russian Spy Story starts Monday 23rd March, 9pm on Channel 4

Tuesday 10 March 2020

REVIEW: Finding Joy - Series One - Starring Amy Huberman


Review by Jon Donnis
As you will know we are currently running a competition for Finding Joy, (I hope you have entered) and the very good people at Acorn Media sent the series for me to review. Now usually it's a risk asking me to review something I am also running a competition on, as I am brutally honest, as I am sure most of you will know if you follow me on Twitter (@JonnOnTV), but Finding Joy is something a bit special.

From almost the first scene of the first episode, you will know that you are going to love this show, and how will you know that, well there is a super cute dog, a.k.a. "Canine Aidan" (Voiced by Peter McDonald – Dublin Murders) and you can hear his thoughts, and that is brilliant. Who doesn't love a talking (thinking?) dog? Each episode starts and ends pretty much with Canine Aidan.

The story is an engaging one, Joy, played by the wonderful Amy Huberman is a journalist turned vlogger (Video Blogger for all you boomers), she has split up with her boyfriend Human Aiden (Played by Lochlann O'Mearáin) and we are following her life after this major event. We get the odd flashback that slowly fills us in on parts of her life. But rest assured this is a comedy, although there are some sad moments.

From episode Two she is joined by new flatmate Amelia, (Played by the hilarious Aisling Bea) and that's when the show really hits it's stride.

Comedy shows really are some of the hardest shows to get right, and Finding Joy just seems to hit the nail on the head from the opening scene. I watched all 6 episodes in one go, that is how much I liked it, and my only complaint is that there was only 6. Luckily series two is being filmed as we speak, and will be released later in the year.

I really cant recommend Finding Joy enough, absolutely loved it.

9/10.

By Jon Donnis


Finding Joy is out on DVD on 16th March.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

Monday 9 March 2020

Competition: Win Baghdad Central on DVD


Baghdad Central  is out on DVD on 16th March.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis
Chaos rules on the streets of occupied Baghdad, where soldiers and secrets run unchecked amidst the aftermath of war. Baghdad Central is a gripping new adaptation of the novel by Elliott Colla, created by BAFTA nominated writer Steven Butchard (The Last Kingdom). The six-part crime thriller airs this February on Channel 4, and comes to DVD and digital from Acorn Media International on 16 March 2020.

November 2003, Saddam Hussein has gone into hiding. The US-led invasion has left no one in charge and there is no effective rule of law. During the war, ex-policeman Muhsin al-Khafaji (Waleed Zuaiter – Altered Carbon) lost everything, and is battling to keep himself and his sick daughter Mrouj (July Namir – Homeland) safe. But when he discovers that his estranged older daughter Sawsan (Leem Lubani - Omar) is missing, his desperate search leads him to uncover the dangerous hidden life she had been leading…

Khafaji is recruited by British officer Frank Temple (Bertie Carvel – Doctor Foster) to help rebuild the local police force alongside the abrasive American Military Police Captain John Parodi (Corey Stoll – House of Cards), so he agrees to collaborate with the occupying forces, risking everything to find out what happened to his daughter. Khafaji turns to his daughter’s enigmatic professor, Zubeida Rashid (Clara Khoury – Homeland)…but whose side is she on?

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 23-03-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Competition: Win Finding Joy on DVD


Finding Joy is out on DVD on 16th March.

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis
Amy Huberman (Cold Feet, Striking Out) writes and stars alongside Aisling Bea (This Way Up, Living with Yourself) and Jenny Rainsford (Fleabag) in a new, hilarious six-part comedy series Finding Joy, that  follows the trials and tribulations of a journalist turned accidental superstar vlogger. Finding Joy arrives on DVD 16 March 2020 courtesy of Acorn Media International following its UK premiere on UKTV’s W Channel.

Joy (Huberman) may have just broken up with her long-term boyfriend, Aidan (Lochlann O'Mearáin – Vikings), and her best friend Trish (Hannah James-Scott – Crumble) is busy having a baby, but she’s totally fine…no matter what her dog, Canine Aidan (Peter McDonald – Dublin Murders), thinks.

Joy is perfectly happy with her secluded and orderly life as a back-room news editor. That is until her quiet life is turned upside down as she is summoned to step into the position of the media corporation’s sexy and adventurous lifestyle guru and Ireland’s most beloved vlogger, Flora the Happy Hunter (Laura Whitmore – Love Island presenter). Joy is catapulted headlong into the unknown and unwelcome world of social media stardom.

Forced to share her fears, feelings, and wardrobe malfunctions with the world, maybe the vlogosphere can help Joy solve the problems plaguing her personal life: tackling breaking boundaries through full-contact wrestling and ex-boyfriend induced insanity through hot yoga – what could go wrong?

With straight-talking manager Charlene (Rainsford) and quirky new roommate Amelia (Bea) at her side, Joy pushes herself outside of her comfort zone, all in the name of learning about the crazy, uncomfortable and new-age methods people use to find – well joy.

Buy from Amazon by clicking here (Opens in a new window)

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED


Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 23-03-20
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

Friday 6 March 2020

The Steph Show to be filmed at Leeds Dock


Channel 4’s new daytime show, The Steph Show, is to be filmed at Leeds Dock.

The daily programme, presented by Steph McGovern, will be broadcast live from the Leeds waterfront.

Set to launch this Spring at the heart of Channel 4’s daytime schedule, the show will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and feature a mix of entertainment, lifestyle and light current affairs with a variety of guests from the worlds of showbiz, politics and beyond.

Steph McGovern said: “We’ve chosen a brilliant location for our studio in Leeds. We’ve got a lush view over the canal and we’ll be able to have a good nosey at all the people out and about round the Docks. Given it’s a live show who knows what might happen! I’m really chuffed, it’s a cracking spot and I can’t wait to welcome my guests to the studio, not to mention the studio audience and viewers at home. Not long to go now!”

Thursday 5 March 2020

Kate & Koji - brand new sitcom for ITV.


ITV
Wed 18 Mar 2020
8.00pm - 8.30pm

Kate & Koji is a brand new sitcom for ITV.

Respected stage and screen actress Brenda Blethyn will take on the title role of Kate in this new comedy with British television, theatre and film actor Jimmy Akingbola taking on the role of Koji.

Kate & Koji centres around a working-class woman who runs an old-fashioned café in a seaside town and who develops a strong, if sometimes volatile, friendship with an asylum-seeking African doctor.

Although from very different worlds, Kate and Koji are similar in ways which they do not recognise, including a dogged determination to never back down!

Blake Harrison and Barbara Flynn will also star in Kate & Koji, Blake plays Kate's nephew 'Medium' and Barbara plays Councillor Bone, Kate's lifelong arch enemy.

Wednesday 4 March 2020

Ferne McCann: First Time Mum returns to ITVBe in 2020


ITVBe today announced that following the success of the last four series, Ferne McCann: First Time Mum will return to ITVBe this spring, followed by another series in the autumn.

Due to air this spring, the 4 x 60” series will see Ferne once again offer another look at her extraordinary life with daughter Sunday, as she juggles motherhood with a career in the spotlight.

This series Ferne and Sunday embark on one of their biggest adventures yet, as they make the move to a brand new home. Ferne also continues her search for love, but could she have finally found her happily-ever after?

Phil Mount, Creative Director at Potato said “There is never a dull moment when we’re following Ferne and Sunday, and this series is no exception! We’re excited to show the viewers what they have been up to since we last saw them.”

Ferne McCann: First Time Mum is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios. Executive producers are Michael Kelpie, Phil Mount and Kevin Lane.

Ferne McCann: First Time Mum has been commissioned for ITVBe by Paul Mortimer, Director of Digital Channels and Amanda Stavri, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment.

The Real Housewives of Cheshire are back for series 11 of the hit ITVBe show


The Real Housewives of Cheshire are back for series 11 of the hit ITVBe show with even more fun, frolics and fabulousness. Launching this spring, the 10x60’ series will be followed by the Reunion show in the summer.

Dawn Ward, Ester Dohnalová, Hanna Kinsella, Rachel Lugo, Seema Malhotra and Tanya Bardsley will all return to our screens for series 11. They will be joined by beloved housewife Lauren Simon, who is also set to come back and Christine McGuiness who returns as a guest. But how will the ladies fare when another housewife is brought into the fold?

New addition, Nicole Sealey is famous in Cheshire for her no-nonsense attitude. Business woman, mother and self-proclaimed ‘ball-buster’, Nicole isn’t your typical Cheshire Housewife. Originally from London, she is a recent addition to the affluent golden triangle, after she moved to Wilmslow five years ago with her husband, Joe, son of Manchester United legend Les Sealey. Together with her husband, Nicole owns a personal training company, NEON PT and gym. She also runs her own railway recruitment company. In addition to these businesses, the couple have recently put in a bid to takeover Macclesfield Town Football club. If they are successful, Nicole will become the third woman in the UK to own a football club.

Nicole Sealey commented:
“Since moving to Cheshire five years ago with my family, I’ve come across many of The Real Housewives, but joining the show is a brilliant opportunity to get to know all of them better. I’m proud to join such an amazing and powerful group of women. I can’t wait to get started!”

The new series picks up with life as busy as ever at Warford Hall. As Dawn and the Ward family start to plan for Darby’s wedding, it’s time for Ester to move out as she starts to question her place in Cheshire and where her future lies. Newlywed Hanna starts to consider how becoming a mother might impact on her perfect life with Martin, whilst Rachel starts to explore the dating scene. Seema and Tanya also look to expand their businesses – but will Tanya’s new crystal venture stimulate the excitement she hopes for? And how will Lauren settle back in?