MAGIC news today for fans of Merlin, which has been recommissioned for a fourth BBC1 series.
The current series is being watched by an average of over six million viewers, even though it has been pitched into direct battle with ITV1 ratings juggernaut The X Factor.
Ten new episodes will begin filming next March for screening in the UK later in 2011.
Featuring the arrival of the Knights of the Round Table.
THE 6am alarm call is never welcome on a Saturday.
But it has afforded me time to polish the silver and iron the morning newspapers.
Now, in a brief respite from my duties, I am told the Manchester Evening News – said to be favoured by Mr Crawley – has this very day published my discussion with a young lady by the name of Joanne Froggatt.
Who may also be known to some of you as Anna, the head housemaid at Downton Abbey.
“YOU have a name, a life, that were never meant to be yours.
“You’ve got no friends, no family, no past. You’re not a real person.”
Spooks series nine, episode six finds Lucas / John caught on a hook.
Reeled in by Vaughn to the point of risking everything for Maya.
And capable of shocking behaviour.
CREATOR Julian Fellowes and the cast of Downton Abbey – just recommissioned for a second series – talk about the making of the ITV1 period drama.
This Life of Wylie podcast includes contributions from Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Rob James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt and Gareth Neame.
You can download the enhanced version (with photos) below:
“THE greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quickly in the world.
“Almost as if it were nothing at all.”
Sir Harry quotes Kierkegaard in Spooks series nine, episode five.
IT begins in the Los Angeles of 1976 as Christopher Isherwood types out his autobiography.
Before taking us to Berlin in the 1930s.
Matt Smith was at BAFTA in London last night – both in person and on the big screen – for a preview of Christopher And His Kind.
ITV has released behind the scenes photos of the tram crash set to devastate lives in Coronation Street.
They include the first image of the “replica tram” after it was positioned on the cobbles, ahead of filming of the disaster aftermath this coming week.
THE stars of Coronation Street talk to me on the cobbles about the show’s 50th birthday – and the tram crash.
This 20 minute podcast includes interviews with actors Ian Puleston-Davies (Owen Armstrong), Antony Cotton (Sean Tully), Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor), Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre) and Steve Huison, who plays Eddie Windass.
Plus the sounds of Corrie’s Street party in the background.
Including Kym Marsh singing Son Of A Preacher Man.
IT’S never too late to change.
I have to admit that BBC3 documentary series Are You Fitter Than A Pensioner? would probably have passed me by.
Had I not been invited to interview some of those who flew to America to take part.
Discovering some rather inspiring transformations along the way.
So whatever age you are, perhaps you might care to check out the next episode at 8pm tonight?
In the meantime, here’s my feature running in today’s MEN.
Me? I’m off to the gym.
THE interview notes are buried somewhere in my archives.
I first met up with Nicola Walker back in the late 1990s when she starred in The Last Train and Touching Evil.
She is, of course, now best known as Ruth Evershed in Spooks.
While still finding time for stage roles, including another at the National Theatre in London this Christmas.
I spoke to Nicola again recently for the new series of Spooks.
Life of Wylie 