IF you are a fan of Sam, Gene and co, there is only one book you need for Christmas.
Life On Mars: The Official Companion Volume Two.
It’s as essential as a bacon bap while reversing a Cortina at speed.
Published earlier this month, the arresting companion is written by Guy Adams and designed by Lee Thompson
There’s also some added fun from Nicola Bourne, who runs the equally essential fansite by the name of The Railway Arms.
Having enjoyed Volume One so much, I sought out the follow up in my local Waterstones and even paid full price – £16.99.
But as I’m sure you are aware, it can be purchased for less online.
Thought you knew everything there is to know about Life On Mars?
Think again, sunshine.
This labour of love includes creator Matthew Graham revealing how John Simm almost ended up in a Cyberman suit, chased by Gene Hunt dressed as Jon Pertwee.
Author: ianwylie
TICKETS this way for the Chatsworth Express.
The Gallaghers return on New Year’s Day for a new expanded series of 16 episodes.
David Threlfall says fans shouldn’t worry about any dilution of their anarchic favourite.
One of the aims in doubling the number of episodes was to make the series even better than before.
The opening episode poses the question: “What is the point of Frank Gallagher?”
Later in the series, Frank wins the Lottery.
Or so residents of the Chatsworth Estate believe when they see it on the local news.
And is estranged wife Monica (Anabelle Apsion) set to make Frank a father-of-nine?
CORONATION Street’s new bookies have already made their mark.
The arrival of father and son Harry and Dan Mason opens yet another new era for the bookmakers’ shop across the way from the Rovers.
I’ve often wondered if it’s Weatherfield’s answer to the Bermuda Triangle.
People go in to place a bet and then we don’t see the inside again, or those punters in the background, until years later.
But it must be mainly still in business, with a life of its own unseen by viewers.
How else, for example, would Streetcars co-owner Lloyd (Craig Charles) have run up a £400 debt?
Actors Jack Ellis and Matthew Crompton follow in a long line of Corrie bookies at the “Turf Accountant”.
Their first scenes brought back memories of one of the more recent incumbents – at least one who was visible on screen.
Step forward Eric the bookie, played by Tony Slattery.
YOUNGER viewers know her as returning MI5 officer Connie James.
Those with longer memories will recall that Spooks star Gemma Jones was once loved by millions for playing a very different character.
Her career has included roles in Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, Trial and Retribution, Sense and Sensibility and Bridget Jones’ Diary.
But she’s best remembered as cockney sparrow Louisa Leyton, later Louisa Trotter, in classic BBC1 Saturday night drama The Duchess of Duke Street.
Two series were screened in 1976 and 1977, with a total of 31 episodes.
Gemma starred as the scullery maid with ambitions to be the world’s greatest cook.
The drama, set in London between 1900 and 1925, was loosely based on the life of celebrated cook Rosa Lewis.
Like Louisa, she ended up running a posh hotel in Mayfair.
The Duchess of Duke Street was created by John Hawkesworth, who had previously worked on Upstairs Downstairs.
YOU’ll need the tissues handy for the last two episodes of Cranford.
Not us blokes, of course. We never blub, do we?
Well, aside from the unfortunate incident at the 1982 press screening for ET, when the cinema lights went up just a few seconds into the closing credits.
No, I’m thinking of those viewers who possess a more delicate countenance and may be prone to a nervous eclipse, as they say in Cranford.
Or as a surprised Mr Carter comments this Sunday: “Lady!”
Philip Glenister fans will be pleased to know that Lady Ludlow’s estate manager has several important scenes in the final two episodes.
Astride his horse, Mr Carter this week shows young Harry (Alex Etel) the site being prepared for the incoming Manchester railway.
“This is how it begins. A mark on a map, a double line of tape,” he says.
“Those are just surveyors. As the railway comes closer, it will devour every acre in its path.”
AN interview with Amanda Holden is never dull.
She’s still as open, funny and occasionally indiscreet as the first time I met her in 1999 at the launch of a new series called The Grimleys.
All of which does her credit after what she’s been through at the hands of certain sections of the press.
This week Amanda gave a behind the scenes glimpse from this year’s Royal Variety Performance – and her thoughts on Simon Cowell’s teeth (pictured).
THE name’s Fry. Stephen Fry.
He picked up a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards last night.
And earlier this week Stephen revealed how he’s lost weight, with a little help from James Bond.
A group of us hacks were in a room in London, with Stephen on screen via a live satellite link to Miami.
The actor, presenter, writer and comedy star is in America filming a new BBC documentary series in which he will visit all 50 states.
During the course of a very entertaining 45-minute interview he talked about a wide range of subjects.
That included plans to spend Christmas with House star Hugh Laurie and his family.
Stephen and Hugh are, of course, very old friends.
“It’s brilliant that he’s had this success and I’m, obviously, very proud,” remarked the ever-generous Mr Fry.
HERMIONE Norris was looking well when I met up with her earlier this week.
If you’re a Spooks fan and haven’t yet watched last night’s BBC1 episode, stop reading now.
On the day we spoke, a certain tabloid newspaper had published a screen grab of spy Ros Myers – dead in her coffin, the victim of a lethal injection.
Which was rather strange for those of us who had already seen preview DVDs of Hermione’s departure from the series.
As you’ll know if you watched last night – or last week on BBC3 – Adam (Rupert Penry-Jones) switched syringes.
Ros appeared dead, with no pulse, thanks to a synthetic nerve agent called TTX2, which simulates death.
I imagine you can achieve the same sort of effect by watching too much daytime TV.
HERE’S the first officially released pic of new BBC1 drama Ashes To Ashes.
It shows Keeley Hawes as DI Alex Drake and Philip Glenister as DCI Gene Hunt – both sitting on the bonnet of his Audi Quattro.
The “behind the scenes” photo was taken during a break from rehearsals on set.
It was released this morning as part of BBC1’s Winter / Spring 2008 launch, although many other unofficial pics have already appeared.
As regular readers will know, my Ashes To Ashes interviews are embargoed until nearer transmission.
So, at present, I’m unable to say any more.
But it’s not too long now before the new series bursts on to the screen.
For the moment, here’s today’s latest BBC release:
“Gene Hunt is back, bigger and brasher than ever before – but he’s no longer the self-styled ‘Sheriff of Manchester’.
A blowfish driving a sports car.
It’s certainly one way to grab an audience’s attention at the start of a second series of Torchwood.
John Barrowman (Captain Jack) and other cast members turned up for a London screening of the opening episode this morning.
Aside from a big scary fish, it also features James Marsters as Captain John.
He starred as punk-goth vampire Spike in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Creator Russell T Davies was also there today to talk about Torchwood’s arrival on BBC2 next month.
The opener has its fair share of violence, including a fight scene between former partners Jack and John (pictured).
There’s also some full on lip action between the two characters.
Life of Wylie 