Category Archive: News

ITV World Cup Own Goal

Adrian Chiles

IT was one of those moments where you can’t quite believe what is happening.

The nation sat down last night to watch England’s first match in the 2010 World Cup against the USA.

In pubs, clubs, living rooms, kitchens and back gardens across the land.

Some, like me, were watching ITV1’s coverage on their HD channel.

Four minutes into the game, the picture suddenly switched to an ad for one of the sponsors of ITV’s World Cup coverage.

Cutting back to the football as England captain Steven Gerrard was embraced by team mates after scoring a goal an estimated 1.5 million out of 15 million viewers missed.

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The Saint: Dougray Scott

Dougray Scott in Father and Son

HE stars tonight – and the next three nights – in Father and Son.

One of the best dramas you’ll see on ITV1 this year.

I met up with Dougray Scott on the banks of the Thames in London at the end of April to talk about his role as reformed gangster Michael O’Connor.

Having also spoken to him at BAFTA last year for Day of the Triffids.

You can read more about Father and Son in my MEN feature here.

We also chatted about the future, including Dougray’s reported involvement in a revival of ITV’s classic 1960s series The Saint.

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Worried About The Boy

Douglas Booth as Boy George

“DON’T lean on the pillar. It’s not real,” warns producer Matthew Bird.

Set visits are often surreal affairs, whether in a studio or out on location.

The mix of reality and make-believe can be striking when you’re standing behind the cameras.

As witnessed yet again back in February when I travelled to Salford to interview the cast of new BBC2 drama Worried About The Boy.

The one-off film – screened this Sunday – tells the story of the young Boy George from school days to Top Of The Pops.

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Five Daughters

Juliet Aubrey and Jaime Winstone as Maire and Anneli Alderton

A car turns a corner…

Five Daughters (BBC1, Sunday, 9pm) is an exceptional drama.

The three one hour films are screened over consecutive nights and are worth every minute of the time you will invest watching them.

They tell the true stories of the five young women murdered in Ipswich by Steve Wright in 2006.

All five bodies being discovered over the space of 10 shocking days.

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The Prisoner: BFI Transcript

Jim Caviezel as Six

THE return of an old friend tonight, re-invented for the 21st century.

ITV1’s new version of 1960s’ cult classic The Prisoner may not attract a massive audience, despite its primetime slot.

But having seen the first episode three times, as well as later episodes, I’d recommend that if it seems like something for you – watch, and try and stick with it.

I was lucky enought to discuss The Prisoner 2010 over afternoon tea with Sir Ian McKellen, who plays Two.

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Britain’s Got Talent: The Press Launch

Piers, Amanda and Simon
YOU can rest easy. Britain has still got talent.

There was no repeat of last year’s dramatic SuBo moment at today’s London launch for series four of Britain’s Got Talent.

When 12 months ago a cinema full of cynical media folk suddenly fell silent before a few tears were shed.

No hankies were required this morning, although it was a close run thing.

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Alan Davies: “Terrible Climate Of Fear”

Alan Davies as Jonathan Creek in The Judas Tree

YOU can count on QI and Jonathan Creek star Alan Davies to give an honest opinion.

When he’s not winding people up on Twitter.

Last month I took part in small round table interviews in London with Alan, co-star Sheridan Smith and writer David Renwick.

Ahead of the new Jonathan Creek film – The Judas Tree – which is screened on BBC1 at 8pm on Easter Sunday.

Where he spoke about “the terrible climate of fear” in British TV today.

As well as his TV pay cut and reductions in drama budgets.

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Wonders Of The Solar System

Prof Brian Cox

SPELLBINDING is the word used to describe a TV series destined to live long in the memory.

If you’ve yet to catch up with Wonders Of The Solar System, now is the time to put that right.

It’s presented by a former long-haired keyboard player in DARE and D:Ream.

The latter of Labour election anthem Things Can Only Get Better fame.

By the time Tony Blair was walking into No 10 for the first time as prime minister, Oldham-born Brian was already Dr Brian.

With a first class honours degree in physics from the University of Manchester.

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