February 9, 2010

Midsomer Murders: Neil Dudgeon

Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby


SO now we know.

Life of Riley star Neil Dudgeon is to take over from John Nettles in Midsomer Murders.

Yorkshire-born Neil, 49, will begin filming this summer after ITV bosses gave the go-ahead to a 14th series. Keep reading →

January 26, 2010

Shameless: The Naked Truth

Pauline McLynn as Libby Croker

VISITS to TV sets follow their own book of rules.

Filming schedules will often overrun or change.

Putting at risk the interview you may have travelled hundreds of miles to secure. Keep reading →

January 25, 2010

Midsomer Murders: Rik Mayall

What's the rush? John Nettles (Barnaby) and Jason Hughes (Jones)


STILL no news on who will replace John Nettles in Midsomer Murders.

Though we shouldn’t have too long to wait – presuming ITV gives the go ahead to a 14th series.

A new leading actor is ready and waiting. Keep reading →

January 17, 2010

New Ways To Make Journalism Pay

Guido Fawkes


THE rain lashing down from grey skies outside the window seemed fitting.

Fifth floor, National Union of Journalists HQ in London. Saturday January 16 2010. 10:08am.

Time to start the New Ways To Make Journalism Pay conference.

Are there any? Keep reading →

January 15, 2010

Being Human: Aidan and Lenora

Aidan Turner as Mitchell


THE vampire, the werewolf and the ghost were watched by 1.4m viewers when they returned for a second BBC3 series last Sunday.

Aidan Turner (vampire Mitchell), Russell Tovey (werewolf George) and Lenora Crichlow (ghost Annie) are back for more this weekend.

Mitchell encounters an old friend, George and Nina (Sinead Keenan) are still trying to make their relationship work and Annie asks Saul out on a date.

Saul being played by former Spooks star Alex Lanipekun, whose MI5 character Ben Kaplan met a particularly bloody end. Keep reading →

January 13, 2010

Married Single Other: Miranda Raison

Miranda Raison as Jo in Spooks


FORMER Spooks star Miranda Raison looked stunning at the launch of her new TV series in London today.

Married Single Other is a six-part romantic comedy drama due on ITV1 soon.

Telling the story of three couples and also starring Ralf Little, Lucy Davis, Shaun Dooley, Amanda Abbington and Dean Lennox Kelly.

Miranda plays single model Abbey, with a very different look to MI5’s Jo Portman (pictured above).

For one thing she has long hair. And for another, she wears dresses. Keep reading →

January 12, 2010

Survivors: Julie Graham

The cast of Survivors 2010


FOR the few survivors, every day is a fight for life.

So begins the second series of BBC1’s hit drama tonight.

Along with a glimpse of Chucklevision, Greg (Paterson Joseph) on the brink of death and a collapsing hospital.

I interviewed the cast, writer and production team of Survivors again in October. Keep reading →

January 8, 2010

Being Human: Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey as George


OUTSIDE excited fans were lining up in the freezing cold.

Inside Russell Tovey and the other stars of Being Human spoke about the new series of BBC3’s supernatural hit.

Among other things. Keep reading →

December 29, 2009

Day Of The Triffids Extras

Dougray Scott (Bill) and Joely Richardson (Jo)


SO what did you make of The Day Of The Triffids part one last night?

“We filmed in some amazing locations,” said Dougray Scott, who plays Dr Bill Masen.

Earlier this year, I took part in round table interviews with Dougray and Eddie Izzard (Torrence).

During which Dougray gave his opinion on why this story, first published in 1951, still captures our imagination.

And Eddie spoke about his very first visit to Pinewood Studios, where part of this drama was filmed. Keep reading →

December 23, 2009

Cranford Christmas Extras

Have a very happy Cranford Christmas


WILL Miss Matty find romance in the second of two new Cranford films?

“She deserves a bit of happiness,” I suggested to Dame Judi Dench – the woman who plays her.

“You reckon,” replied Judi, with that trademark twinkle in her eye.

“Well quite. And about bloody time. Poor old Miss Matty.

“She starts to have a really nice time. Wait ‘til Cranford 3,” she laughed. Keep reading →