Gladiators came back with a bang to British TV screens on Saturday, making light work of ITV’s The Masked Singer.
In the latest line of UK TV reboots, the series in which members of the public take on the gladiators in challenges was watched by more than 6M viewers with a 38% share, comfortably becoming the BBC’s most-watched new show of the year and topping the weekend ratings chart.
Helmed by Bradley Walsh and son Barney, the hour-long show that aired from 5.50 p.m. GMT (9.50 a.m. Pt) peaked with 6.3M and comfortably beat ITV’s The Masked Singer, which is now into its fifth season and was watched by 3.7M from 7 p.m. GMT.
The rating would have been particularly frustrating for ITV as Gladiators aired on that channel for eight years and 13 seasons in the 1990s, making icons of its gladiators. It was briefly restarted by Sky One...
In the latest line of UK TV reboots, the series in which members of the public take on the gladiators in challenges was watched by more than 6M viewers with a 38% share, comfortably becoming the BBC’s most-watched new show of the year and topping the weekend ratings chart.
Helmed by Bradley Walsh and son Barney, the hour-long show that aired from 5.50 p.m. GMT (9.50 a.m. Pt) peaked with 6.3M and comfortably beat ITV’s The Masked Singer, which is now into its fifth season and was watched by 3.7M from 7 p.m. GMT.
The rating would have been particularly frustrating for ITV as Gladiators aired on that channel for eight years and 13 seasons in the 1990s, making icons of its gladiators. It was briefly restarted by Sky One...
- 1/15/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Holly Willoughby is ready to make her comeback on ITV’s Dancing On Ice after enduring a difficult 2023.
ITV has confirmed that Willoughby will present the next season of its celebrity ice skating competition series, with Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip Schofield as co-host.
Commenting on Willoughby’s return to Dancing on Ice, Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said: “Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”
Willoughby has been on a break from presenting duties since October after a man was charged with a plot to kidnap and murder the British television star. Gavin Plumb denies the charges.
The alleged threat followed a storm over Schofield’s relationship with a young co-worker on This Morning, as well as questions about an...
ITV has confirmed that Willoughby will present the next season of its celebrity ice skating competition series, with Stephen Mulhern replacing Phillip Schofield as co-host.
Commenting on Willoughby’s return to Dancing on Ice, Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said: “Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”
Willoughby has been on a break from presenting duties since October after a man was charged with a plot to kidnap and murder the British television star. Gavin Plumb denies the charges.
The alleged threat followed a storm over Schofield’s relationship with a young co-worker on This Morning, as well as questions about an...
- 12/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Unscripted TV veteran James Lessell has launched the UK’s latest indie production outfit.
The former Naked Head of Factual Entertainment has created The End TV, and has drafted in fellow British production veterans Ed Booth and Justin Bradley-Lennon to work at the production house. Lessell exited Fremantle’s The Rap Game UK producer Naked in June to launch the biz.
The End will focus on producing TV shows and branded content in the UK and abroad. Lessell is MD and founder, while Booth is Creative Director and Bradley-Lennox is Series Director. We hear development deal discussions are underway with larger players.
Lessell has worked in unscripted TV for 25 years, producing shows such as The X Factor, Dancing on Ice, The Only Way is Essex, Celebs Go Dating and Big Brother. He was most recently fact-ent chief at Naked and before that worked at The Masked Singer UK maker Bandicoot TV.
The former Naked Head of Factual Entertainment has created The End TV, and has drafted in fellow British production veterans Ed Booth and Justin Bradley-Lennon to work at the production house. Lessell exited Fremantle’s The Rap Game UK producer Naked in June to launch the biz.
The End will focus on producing TV shows and branded content in the UK and abroad. Lessell is MD and founder, while Booth is Creative Director and Bradley-Lennox is Series Director. We hear development deal discussions are underway with larger players.
Lessell has worked in unscripted TV for 25 years, producing shows such as The X Factor, Dancing on Ice, The Only Way is Essex, Celebs Go Dating and Big Brother. He was most recently fact-ent chief at Naked and before that worked at The Masked Singer UK maker Bandicoot TV.
- 11/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Embattled ITV anchor Phillip Schofield – who dramatically quit the network last Saturday after admitting to an affair with a young employee on his show – has said he “did not” groom the Pa in his first interview about the scandal.
Schofield, who spent two decades as the lead anchor on ITV’s daytime show “This Morning,” maintains that the relationship didn’t begin until the young man (whom Variety has agreed not to name at his request) was legally an adult. The man first began working on ITV show “This Morning” as an intern at the age of 19 (reportedly securing the internship with Schofield’s assistance) and was hired as a runner/Pa the following year.
Asked directly about claims he groomed the Pa, who reportedly first met Schofield when he was just 15 years old, the anchor replied: “I did not. I did not. I mean there are accusations of all sorts of things.
Schofield, who spent two decades as the lead anchor on ITV’s daytime show “This Morning,” maintains that the relationship didn’t begin until the young man (whom Variety has agreed not to name at his request) was legally an adult. The man first began working on ITV show “This Morning” as an intern at the age of 19 (reportedly securing the internship with Schofield’s assistance) and was hired as a runner/Pa the following year.
Asked directly about claims he groomed the Pa, who reportedly first met Schofield when he was just 15 years old, the anchor replied: “I did not. I did not. I mean there are accusations of all sorts of things.
- 6/1/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
As U.K. network ITV launches an external review into the circumstances surrounding “This Morning” anchor Phillip Schofield’s “unwise but not illegal” relationship with a young employee, many are wondering how the long-time host – a staple of British daytime television – went from ITV golden boy to Tellyland exile in a matter of weeks.
It’s a storyline that could have been ripped from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s Apple TV+ hit “The Morning Show.” An older male anchor handpicks a glamorous, younger and – according to unkind whispers – malleable blonde to be his co-host after falling out with her predecessor.
Fifteen years later the young blonde (reportedly) turns on him, ousting him from the show following a string of scandals that were beginning to taint her brand. But her victory may be short-lived as the married male anchor drops the bombshell that he had an affair with a young...
It’s a storyline that could have been ripped from Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s Apple TV+ hit “The Morning Show.” An older male anchor handpicks a glamorous, younger and – according to unkind whispers – malleable blonde to be his co-host after falling out with her predecessor.
Fifteen years later the young blonde (reportedly) turns on him, ousting him from the show following a string of scandals that were beginning to taint her brand. But her victory may be short-lived as the married male anchor drops the bombshell that he had an affair with a young...
- 5/31/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
ITV is standing by one of its most popular anchors after he controversially stepped down from daytime show “This Morning” on Saturday.
ITV’s head of entertainment Kevin Lygo confirmed the network is working with Phillip Schofield on a new prime time series as well as the British Soap Awards, which Schofield is set to host next month and is broadcast by ITV.
In a statement, Lygo said: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades’ worth of absolutely terrific television on the ‘This Morning’ sofa. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with the British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.”
Schofield, who has worked on “This Morning” since 2002, confirmed he would be quitting the show on Saturday after rumors intensified over the past few weeks that...
ITV’s head of entertainment Kevin Lygo confirmed the network is working with Phillip Schofield on a new prime time series as well as the British Soap Awards, which Schofield is set to host next month and is broadcast by ITV.
In a statement, Lygo said: “Phillip is hands down one of the best broadcasters of his generation and we thank him for his two decades’ worth of absolutely terrific television on the ‘This Morning’ sofa. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Phillip starting with the British Soap Awards in June and a brand new peak time series to come.”
Schofield, who has worked on “This Morning” since 2002, confirmed he would be quitting the show on Saturday after rumors intensified over the past few weeks that...
- 5/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“This Morning” anchors Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield – the U.K.’s answer to Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest – have gone their separate ways in a shock split.
Schofield announced on Saturday he would be stepping down from the show. In his statement he implied the decision had not entirely been his.
“I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on ‘This Morning,’” he said in a post on Instagram. “But recently, ‘This Morning’ itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.”
“So I have agreed to step down from ‘This Morning’ with immediate effect in the hope that the show...
Schofield announced on Saturday he would be stepping down from the show. In his statement he implied the decision had not entirely been his.
“I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on ‘This Morning,’” he said in a post on Instagram. “But recently, ‘This Morning’ itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.”
“So I have agreed to step down from ‘This Morning’ with immediate effect in the hope that the show...
- 5/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
I’m a Celebrity is returning for a new All Stars edition, set in South Africa.
Premiering on ITV in April, I’m a Celebrity... South Africa sees a number of prominent past contestants return to the series for another set of challenges.
Phil Tufnell, Carol Vorderman and Shaun Ryder are among the faces to be competing in the series.
ITV has claimed that the new locale will provide “bigger” and “tougher” challenges in a “harsher and more unforgiving” environment.
Also among the names announced to compete was dancer Jordan Banjo.
Here’s a brief breakdown of Banjo’s life and career, as well as what he’s said about appearing on I’m a Celebrity for the second time...
Banjo, 30, is best known as part of the street dance group Diversity, who won Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009.
He featured on the 16th season of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!...
Premiering on ITV in April, I’m a Celebrity... South Africa sees a number of prominent past contestants return to the series for another set of challenges.
Phil Tufnell, Carol Vorderman and Shaun Ryder are among the faces to be competing in the series.
ITV has claimed that the new locale will provide “bigger” and “tougher” challenges in a “harsher and more unforgiving” environment.
Also among the names announced to compete was dancer Jordan Banjo.
Here’s a brief breakdown of Banjo’s life and career, as well as what he’s said about appearing on I’m a Celebrity for the second time...
Banjo, 30, is best known as part of the street dance group Diversity, who won Britain’s Got Talent back in 2009.
He featured on the 16th season of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!...
- 4/19/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Dancing on Ice presenter Phillip Schofield addressed Joey Essex’s “awkward” kiss attempt with Vanessa Bauer during the show.
Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned to present Sunday night’s (19 February) episode of the figure skating competition.
During the episode, Essex and his professional partner Bauer performed a routine to the High School Musical hit “Breaking Free” for Movie Week.
The Only Way is Essex star dressed as Zac Efron’s Troy, while Bauer played the part of Vanessa Hudgens’s Gabriella.
At the end of the performance, however, Essex appeared to try to kiss Bauer live on TV with the professional skater pulling away from him.
Viewers at home noted the “uncomfortable” moment, stating that it had them “cringing” .
“How awkward. He tried to kiss her,” said one person. “She pulled away lol.”
Another added: “Joey attempting to kiss Vanessa was very cringe.”
Vanessa rejecting Joey's kiss just then was...
Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned to present Sunday night’s (19 February) episode of the figure skating competition.
During the episode, Essex and his professional partner Bauer performed a routine to the High School Musical hit “Breaking Free” for Movie Week.
The Only Way is Essex star dressed as Zac Efron’s Troy, while Bauer played the part of Vanessa Hudgens’s Gabriella.
At the end of the performance, however, Essex appeared to try to kiss Bauer live on TV with the professional skater pulling away from him.
Viewers at home noted the “uncomfortable” moment, stating that it had them “cringing” .
“How awkward. He tried to kiss her,” said one person. “She pulled away lol.”
Another added: “Joey attempting to kiss Vanessa was very cringe.”
Vanessa rejecting Joey's kiss just then was...
- 2/20/2023
- by Annabel Nugent
- The Independent - TV
The Masked Singer is back on our screens, turning the nation into at-home detectives as they try to figure out who this year’s celebrity contestants are.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
The singing competition series, in which celebrities compete anonymously behind giant anthropomorphic costumes, returned on New Year’s Day, with the first group of contestants all performing.
Among the group was Phoenix, who was shown in their Vt standing within a grand castle and explaining in a posh accent that “I am rather hot, aren’t I?”
“Fire” by Kasabian then played as Phoenix said that they had risen from the ashes and been “born anew” and “reincarnated”.
They also said that they were good with “mysteries” and “following a trail”, while Phoenix was shown inspecting foot prints with a magnifying glass.
Phoenix’s first performance was a jazz version of “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk. While performing, they sang with an American accent.
- 2/4/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Holly Willoughby fell prey to an unexpected on-air prank by This Morning co-presenter Phillip Schofield.
Schofield’s stunt caused Willoughby to walk off set in humourous admonishment, while viewers claim to have heard the host use explicit language in her immediate reaction.
The incident took place during Thursday’s (26 January) episode of the popular ITV morning show, when the presenters discussed M Night Shyamalan’s new horror film, Knock at the Cabin.
Introducing the next segment, which featured interviews with castmembers Rupert Grint and Ben Aldridge, Schofield suddenly yelled out mid-sentence, causing Willoughby to react in shock.
While Willoughby cannot be heard clearly swearing, she makes a sound that closely resembles the start of an “F-bomb”, and then immediately covers her mouth with her hand.
“I haven’t done that for a while,” Schofield said, as his co-star looked around in shock. “It’s perfect.”
Willoughby was then seen walking...
Schofield’s stunt caused Willoughby to walk off set in humourous admonishment, while viewers claim to have heard the host use explicit language in her immediate reaction.
The incident took place during Thursday’s (26 January) episode of the popular ITV morning show, when the presenters discussed M Night Shyamalan’s new horror film, Knock at the Cabin.
Introducing the next segment, which featured interviews with castmembers Rupert Grint and Ben Aldridge, Schofield suddenly yelled out mid-sentence, causing Willoughby to react in shock.
While Willoughby cannot be heard clearly swearing, she makes a sound that closely resembles the start of an “F-bomb”, and then immediately covers her mouth with her hand.
“I haven’t done that for a while,” Schofield said, as his co-star looked around in shock. “It’s perfect.”
Willoughby was then seen walking...
- 1/27/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Freddie Flintoff is reportedly putting his TV career “on hold” following his horrific car crash in December on the set of Top Gear.
Last month, the cricketer-turned-presenter was airlifted to hospital after crashing while filming a car review at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, home of the Top Gear test track.
Now, new reports have claimed that Flintoff – real name Andrew – is lying low professionally after his family “begged” him to stop work while he recovered from the accident.
The Sun reports that the former England player, who shares four children with wife Rachael, has come to terms with the fact that he “could have been killed” in the accident and needs months off to recover.
“The full extent of his injuries will surprise many people, as the details of what happened have yet to fully emerge,” a source told the publication.
“He is putting his career on hold until he is...
Last month, the cricketer-turned-presenter was airlifted to hospital after crashing while filming a car review at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, home of the Top Gear test track.
Now, new reports have claimed that Flintoff – real name Andrew – is lying low professionally after his family “begged” him to stop work while he recovered from the accident.
The Sun reports that the former England player, who shares four children with wife Rachael, has come to terms with the fact that he “could have been killed” in the accident and needs months off to recover.
“The full extent of his injuries will surprise many people, as the details of what happened have yet to fully emerge,” a source told the publication.
“He is putting his career on hold until he is...
- 1/27/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Ekin-Su will perform as a singing nun on the next episode of Dancing on Ice, after her previous performance was criticised by some for supposedly being “too sexy”.
Last year’s Love Island champion is competing in the current season of ITV1’s ice dancing competition alongside her professional partner Brendyn Hatfield.
She began the season with a bang by skating to the Britney Spears hit, “Toxic”, and recreating her infamous terrace crawling moment from her time in the Love Island villa.
However, it seemed as if some viewers weren’t amused with her performance. Ekin-Su landed in the bottom two after a public vote, and the episode garnered 112 Ofcom complaints about her outfit, a skin-coloured bodysuit with silver details, and her routine.
Ahead of Sunday’s episode (29 January), the reality star and former Turkish soap actor reflected on her last time on the ice and revealed that she’ll...
Last year’s Love Island champion is competing in the current season of ITV1’s ice dancing competition alongside her professional partner Brendyn Hatfield.
She began the season with a bang by skating to the Britney Spears hit, “Toxic”, and recreating her infamous terrace crawling moment from her time in the Love Island villa.
However, it seemed as if some viewers weren’t amused with her performance. Ekin-Su landed in the bottom two after a public vote, and the episode garnered 112 Ofcom complaints about her outfit, a skin-coloured bodysuit with silver details, and her routine.
Ahead of Sunday’s episode (29 January), the reality star and former Turkish soap actor reflected on her last time on the ice and revealed that she’ll...
- 1/27/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
A motorcyclist who died after crashing with a car driven by Kem Cetinay was in a “head-on collision” with the Love Island star’s vehicle, an inquest has heard.
Thomas Griggs, 28, died from his injuries 40 minutes after the crash at Shepherds Hill in Romford, on 4 August, East London Coroner’s Court was told.
Cetinay, who won season three of Love Island in 2017, stopped his car at the scene and was not arrested. He has been helping officers with their inquiries as police investigate the circumstances of the incident.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple injuries and blunt-force trauma, coroner Graeme Irvine said.
“It is said the motor vehicle, that was a car, was travelling westbound and the motorcycle was travelling eastbound,” Irvine told the court.
“It is said this was a head-on collision between the two vehicles.”
The coroner added that a “suspect” had been identified by police.
Thomas Griggs, 28, died from his injuries 40 minutes after the crash at Shepherds Hill in Romford, on 4 August, East London Coroner’s Court was told.
Cetinay, who won season three of Love Island in 2017, stopped his car at the scene and was not arrested. He has been helping officers with their inquiries as police investigate the circumstances of the incident.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be multiple injuries and blunt-force trauma, coroner Graeme Irvine said.
“It is said the motor vehicle, that was a car, was travelling westbound and the motorcycle was travelling eastbound,” Irvine told the court.
“It is said this was a head-on collision between the two vehicles.”
The coroner added that a “suspect” had been identified by police.
- 8/20/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Nominations
Nominations have been revealed for the Virgin Media Must-See Moment, the only award that is voted for by the public at the BAFTA TV Awards. The nominees include ITV 1’s “An Audience With Adele” – Adele’s surprised by the teacher who changed her life; ITV 1’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – Ant and Dec dig at Downing Street’s lockdown parties; Channel 4’s “It’s A Sin” – Colin’s devastating AIDS diagnosis; BBC Three’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. – ‘UK Hun?’ – Bimini’s verse; Netflix’s “Squid Game” – Red Light, Green Light game; and BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” – Rose and Giovanni’s silent dance to ‘Symphony’.
Members of the public can vote for their Must-See Moment online here and will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to attend the 2022 Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards. Nominations for the...
Nominations have been revealed for the Virgin Media Must-See Moment, the only award that is voted for by the public at the BAFTA TV Awards. The nominees include ITV 1’s “An Audience With Adele” – Adele’s surprised by the teacher who changed her life; ITV 1’s “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! – Ant and Dec dig at Downing Street’s lockdown parties; Channel 4’s “It’s A Sin” – Colin’s devastating AIDS diagnosis; BBC Three’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. – ‘UK Hun?’ – Bimini’s verse; Netflix’s “Squid Game” – Red Light, Green Light game; and BBC One’s “Strictly Come Dancing” – Rose and Giovanni’s silent dance to ‘Symphony’.
Members of the public can vote for their Must-See Moment online here and will be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to attend the 2022 Virgin Media BAFTA TV Awards. Nominations for the...
- 3/23/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Appointment
Lifted Entertainment, the ITV Studios label behind “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” “Dancing on Ice and “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” has promoted Richard Cowles to managing director, following the appointment of previous MD Angela Jain as ITV Studios’ first director of unscripted in the U.K.
Cowles joined Lifted in 2012 as creative director, overseeing I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” led on the relaunch of “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway” after a five-year hiatus and also led on the development of global hit “Love Island.” He was elevated to director of unscripted in 2019, during which time the label secured a commission with ITV for Simon Cowell’s “Walk The Line.”
Applications are now open for the new season of “Love Island,” which will be filmed in a villa in Mallorca.
Meanwhile, “The Emily Atack Show,” produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey,...
Lifted Entertainment, the ITV Studios label behind “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” “Dancing on Ice and “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” has promoted Richard Cowles to managing director, following the appointment of previous MD Angela Jain as ITV Studios’ first director of unscripted in the U.K.
Cowles joined Lifted in 2012 as creative director, overseeing I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” led on the relaunch of “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway” after a five-year hiatus and also led on the development of global hit “Love Island.” He was elevated to director of unscripted in 2019, during which time the label secured a commission with ITV for Simon Cowell’s “Walk The Line.”
Applications are now open for the new season of “Love Island,” which will be filmed in a villa in Mallorca.
Meanwhile, “The Emily Atack Show,” produced by Universal International Studios’ Monkey,...
- 2/2/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV Studios Entertainment has rebranded as Lifted Entertainment, and Syco Entertainment’s Lee McNicholas is joining as creative director, north.
ITV Studios Entertainment is the label behind blockbuster shows “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” “Love Island,” “Dancing On Ice,” “The Voice,” “Countdown,” “University Challenge” and “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.”
Similarly, Simon Cowell’s Syco is behind hit brands “The X Factor” and the Got Talent franchise. McNicholas spent a decade there as creative director and executive producer.
Lifted has been commissioned to produce “Secret Gameshow,” a new primetime pilot for U.K. broadcaster ITV hosted by comedian and “The Masked Singer” host Joel Dommett. The show is a spin on the hidden camera format, in which celebrities compete for bragging rights as they take on hidden camera stunts to fool unsuspecting members of the public into helping them.
At Lifted, McNicholas will create and...
ITV Studios Entertainment is the label behind blockbuster shows “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!,” “Love Island,” “Dancing On Ice,” “The Voice,” “Countdown,” “University Challenge” and “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.”
Similarly, Simon Cowell’s Syco is behind hit brands “The X Factor” and the Got Talent franchise. McNicholas spent a decade there as creative director and executive producer.
Lifted has been commissioned to produce “Secret Gameshow,” a new primetime pilot for U.K. broadcaster ITV hosted by comedian and “The Masked Singer” host Joel Dommett. The show is a spin on the hidden camera format, in which celebrities compete for bragging rights as they take on hidden camera stunts to fool unsuspecting members of the public into helping them.
At Lifted, McNicholas will create and...
- 3/15/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Channel 5 is revisiting classic UK lifestyle show You Are What You Eat and giving it a contemporary twist by installing presenter Trisha Goddard as host.
The original show broadcast on Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007, with presenter Gillian McKeith helping people improve their diets by, among other things, displaying their weekly intake of food on a table and testing their feces.
Producer Cpl Production will revive these infamous format points for Channel 5, as Goddard teams with Dr Amir Khan (GPs: Behind Closed Doors) and other experts to help people turn their lives around.
Goddard is back on UK screens after a stint in the U.S., where she hosted NBCUniversal syndicated talk show Trisha Goddard. She starred in ITV’s Dancing On Ice last year, and is reportedly in talks to launch a new ITV chat show.
Commenting on the revival of You Are What You Eat, she said:...
The original show broadcast on Channel 4 between 2004 and 2007, with presenter Gillian McKeith helping people improve their diets by, among other things, displaying their weekly intake of food on a table and testing their feces.
Producer Cpl Production will revive these infamous format points for Channel 5, as Goddard teams with Dr Amir Khan (GPs: Behind Closed Doors) and other experts to help people turn their lives around.
Goddard is back on UK screens after a stint in the U.S., where she hosted NBCUniversal syndicated talk show Trisha Goddard. She starred in ITV’s Dancing On Ice last year, and is reportedly in talks to launch a new ITV chat show.
Commenting on the revival of You Are What You Eat, she said:...
- 3/5/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor John Barrowman, who portrayed Captain Jack Harkness on Torchwood, has set off a Twitter frenzy with a post depicting a visit to a show landmark in Cardiff, Wales.
Barrowman posted a selfie in front of a shrine to the show’s Ianto Jones, who was Capt. Jack’s lover on the show and tragically died in his arms in a mini-series episode, Children of Earth.
On Friday, Barrowman paid an incognito visit to the impromptu shrine set up to honor the Ianto character in Cardiff, a site near where the series was filmed. The shrine is still very popular with fans 11 years after the television series death.
Torchwood, a Doctor Who spin-off that aired on BBC America in the states, was an investigative unit based in Cardiff that battled extra-terrestrial threats. It ended its run in 2011.
Barrowman recently reprised his Capt. Jack role with a guest appearance on a...
Barrowman posted a selfie in front of a shrine to the show’s Ianto Jones, who was Capt. Jack’s lover on the show and tragically died in his arms in a mini-series episode, Children of Earth.
On Friday, Barrowman paid an incognito visit to the impromptu shrine set up to honor the Ianto character in Cardiff, a site near where the series was filmed. The shrine is still very popular with fans 11 years after the television series death.
Torchwood, a Doctor Who spin-off that aired on BBC America in the states, was an investigative unit based in Cardiff that battled extra-terrestrial threats. It ended its run in 2011.
Barrowman recently reprised his Capt. Jack role with a guest appearance on a...
- 1/16/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. public service broadcaster ITV has upped current director of creative diversity Ade Rawcliffe to the position of group director of diversity and inclusion.
Rawcliffe will report to the group CEO, Carolyn McCall, and will be a member of the management board. With this appointment, ITV becomes the first Financial Times Stock Exchange (Ftse) 100 company with a dedicated diversity director on its executive board.
Rawcliffe’s role will be to develop and grow ITV’s diversity and inclusion strategy to deliver its diversity acceleration plan that include on and off-screen aims of supporting those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and also disability and social mobility amelioration targets.
ITV’s diversity acceleration plan that was announced in July had five components – increasing diversity on ITV’s management board and senior leadership teams; commissioning to ensure ITV better represents contemporary British life on screen within the next 12 months; improving...
Rawcliffe will report to the group CEO, Carolyn McCall, and will be a member of the management board. With this appointment, ITV becomes the first Financial Times Stock Exchange (Ftse) 100 company with a dedicated diversity director on its executive board.
Rawcliffe’s role will be to develop and grow ITV’s diversity and inclusion strategy to deliver its diversity acceleration plan that include on and off-screen aims of supporting those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and also disability and social mobility amelioration targets.
ITV’s diversity acceleration plan that was announced in July had five components – increasing diversity on ITV’s management board and senior leadership teams; commissioning to ensure ITV better represents contemporary British life on screen within the next 12 months; improving...
- 8/13/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Fox has dropped its first teaser trailer for physical competition format Ultimate Tag and has set its premiere launch for May 20.
The show, which launches at 9 pm, was also designed for a summer run, and with all episodes in the can, it is one of the few non-scripted shows that hasn’t been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ultimate Tag is hosted by NFL players J.J., T.J. and Derek Watt and is based on a classic playground game.
The high-octane series follows competitors who must vault, dodge, tumble and dive their way through several different three-dimensional courses. All the while, the contestants will be chased by resident Taggers.
It is the...
The show, which launches at 9 pm, was also designed for a summer run, and with all episodes in the can, it is one of the few non-scripted shows that hasn’t been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ultimate Tag is hosted by NFL players J.J., T.J. and Derek Watt and is based on a classic playground game.
The high-octane series follows competitors who must vault, dodge, tumble and dive their way through several different three-dimensional courses. All the while, the contestants will be chased by resident Taggers.
It is the...
- 4/1/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran U.K. presenter Phillip Schofield announced that he is gay on Friday morning, writing in his Instagram story that, “Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud.”
Schofield (pictured above with longtime “This Morning” co-host Holly Willoughby) has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years and the couple has two daughters together.
“You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing – and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years,” he wrote. “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.
Also Read: Angelina Jolie to Executive Produce 'BBC My World' Program to Help Kids Identify Fake News
“My inner conflict contrasts with an...
Schofield (pictured above with longtime “This Morning” co-host Holly Willoughby) has been married to wife Stephanie Lowe for 27 years and the couple has two daughters together.
“You never know what’s going on in someone’s seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing – and so you won’t know what has been consuming me for the last few years,” he wrote. “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay.
Also Read: Angelina Jolie to Executive Produce 'BBC My World' Program to Help Kids Identify Fake News
“My inner conflict contrasts with an...
- 2/7/2020
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Phillip Schofield, one of the UK’s best-known television presenters, has revealed that he is gay.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the married father of two daughters said questions about his sexuality had been “consuming him” for years. “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay,” he said.
Schofield, who presents tentpole ITV shows This Morning and Dancing On Ice, said on Friday that he has endured some “very dark moments” but has come to the conclusion that “being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud.” He added: “Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.”
He added that he has enjoyed support from his This Morning co-presenter Holly Willoughby, “who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the married father of two daughters said questions about his sexuality had been “consuming him” for years. “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay,” he said.
Schofield, who presents tentpole ITV shows This Morning and Dancing On Ice, said on Friday that he has endured some “very dark moments” but has come to the conclusion that “being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud.” He added: “Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family.”
He added that he has enjoyed support from his This Morning co-presenter Holly Willoughby, “who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
- 2/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
His Dark Materials, the BBC and HBO’s ambitious retelling of Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights novel, came to a close in the UK with just over 4M viewers, as the season struggled to maintain the audience highs of early episodes.
The final installment of Bad Wolf’s drama, starring Ruth Wilson, James Mcavoy and Dafne Keen, was watched by 4.1M viewers across the 8Pm hour on BBC One, according to Barb figures provided by overnights.tv.
This was marginally above last week’s season-low audience of 4M viewers, but the drama was beaten for some of the hour by ITV entertainment show Dancing On Ice, which averaged 4M from 7Pm to 9Pm.
His Dark Materials‘ finale audience was 43%, or 3.1M viewers below the debut episode, which was watched by 7.2M viewers in November. This made it the biggest new drama launch on British TV in more than five years.
The final installment of Bad Wolf’s drama, starring Ruth Wilson, James Mcavoy and Dafne Keen, was watched by 4.1M viewers across the 8Pm hour on BBC One, according to Barb figures provided by overnights.tv.
This was marginally above last week’s season-low audience of 4M viewers, but the drama was beaten for some of the hour by ITV entertainment show Dancing On Ice, which averaged 4M from 7Pm to 9Pm.
His Dark Materials‘ finale audience was 43%, or 3.1M viewers below the debut episode, which was watched by 7.2M viewers in November. This made it the biggest new drama launch on British TV in more than five years.
- 12/23/2019
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Honourees include ‘Dirty God’ actress Vicky Knight and ‘Saint Maud’ writer-director Rose Glass.
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
- 10/30/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Honourees include ‘Dirty God’ actress Vicky Knight and ‘Saint Maud’ writer-director Rose Glass.
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
Bafta has named 20 promising stars of the film, TV and games industries as its Breakthough Brits of 2019.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with Netflix, will see honourees celebrated at a special event in London on November 17.
Those selected are:
● Abubakar Salim - Actor (Raised By Wolves)
● Chance Perdomo - Actor (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)
● Chris Cox - Art Director (Ordain)
● Coco Jackson - Producer (Dancing On Ice)
● Daniel Dewsbury - Director (The Mighty Redcar)
● Gemma Langford - Writer / Indie Games Studio Manager (Overcooked 2)
● Jen Kenwood - Producer...
- 10/30/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
NFL players J.J., T.J. and Derek Watt are to front a physical competition format based on a classic playground game for Fox.
The broadcaster has ordered Ultimate Tag from Znak & Co, the production company run by Masterchef exec producer Natalka Znak.
The high-octane series, based on the playground game where players must chase each other in order to tag the other one, will launch on the network in 2020. It is the latest on-screen portrayal of the game following the theatrical success of New Line Cinema’s Tag, which starred Ed Helms, John Hamm and Jeremy Renner and was based on a Wall Street Journal article about a group of guys that have played a game of tag since they were young.
It is hosted by the Watt brothers; J.J. plays for the Houston Texans and has been AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year a number...
The broadcaster has ordered Ultimate Tag from Znak & Co, the production company run by Masterchef exec producer Natalka Znak.
The high-octane series, based on the playground game where players must chase each other in order to tag the other one, will launch on the network in 2020. It is the latest on-screen portrayal of the game following the theatrical success of New Line Cinema’s Tag, which starred Ed Helms, John Hamm and Jeremy Renner and was based on a Wall Street Journal article about a group of guys that have played a game of tag since they were young.
It is hosted by the Watt brothers; J.J. plays for the Houston Texans and has been AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year a number...
- 5/13/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The cancellation of Duck Dynasty and American Grit has hit ITV America’s bottom line with the U.S. production division of the British broadcaster suffering a 21% fall in revenue over the last twelve months.
ITV America reported a drop in revenue from £310M ($412M) for 2017 to £245M in the twelve months to the end of December 2018. This crept up slightly to £255M when adjusted for “unfavourable foreign exchange impact”.
Duck Dynasty, produced by ITV-owned Gurney Productions ran for 11 seasons and 130 episodes on A&E but ended in March 2017, while John Cena-fronted competition series American Grit, which was produced by Leftfield Pictures, ran for two seasons on Fox and ended in August 2017.
The company also blamed a reduction in the volume of episodes of Pawn Stars and the fact that it delivered two seasons of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen in 2017 and no series in 2018, although earlier this...
ITV America reported a drop in revenue from £310M ($412M) for 2017 to £245M in the twelve months to the end of December 2018. This crept up slightly to £255M when adjusted for “unfavourable foreign exchange impact”.
Duck Dynasty, produced by ITV-owned Gurney Productions ran for 11 seasons and 130 episodes on A&E but ended in March 2017, while John Cena-fronted competition series American Grit, which was produced by Leftfield Pictures, ran for two seasons on Fox and ended in August 2017.
The company also blamed a reduction in the volume of episodes of Pawn Stars and the fact that it delivered two seasons of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen in 2017 and no series in 2018, although earlier this...
- 2/27/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When ITV CEO Carolyn McCall unveiled her strategy refresh late last year, content was one of three key pillars. That put ITV Studios firmly in the spotlight, and its boss, Julian Bellamy, is the exec tasked with delivering growth across the production business.
International expansion is in the cards, but on the home front, ITV Studios is coming off a banner year. As Bellamy speaks to Variety at ITV’s new digs in London’s Holborn district, where the company moved after vacating its previous home on the banks of the Thames, ratings figures have just landed.
Five shows made by production companies that are part of the ITV Studios stable – “Bodyguard,” “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here,” “Vera,” “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” and long-running soap “Coronation Street” – were among the top 10 most-watched shows in the U.K. in 2018.
The list doesn’t include sun-and-fun reality program “Love Island,...
International expansion is in the cards, but on the home front, ITV Studios is coming off a banner year. As Bellamy speaks to Variety at ITV’s new digs in London’s Holborn district, where the company moved after vacating its previous home on the banks of the Thames, ratings figures have just landed.
Five shows made by production companies that are part of the ITV Studios stable – “Bodyguard,” “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here,” “Vera,” “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” and long-running soap “Coronation Street” – were among the top 10 most-watched shows in the U.K. in 2018.
The list doesn’t include sun-and-fun reality program “Love Island,...
- 1/11/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
ITV, Britain’s biggest commercial broadcaster, saw revenues rise 5% year-on-year during its first quarter under the stewardship of new chief executive Carolyn McCall, the company reported Thursday. The company saw total external revenues for Q1 2018 hit £772 million ($1.04 billion), up from £734 million ($993.6 million) in the same period last year.
“We have started the year well both on and off screen, driven by 11% growth in ITV Studios revenue and 41% growth in online revenue,” said McCall (pictured), who took over as CEO of ITV in January, succeeding Adam Crozier.
“While the economic environment remains uncertain, online advertising continues to grow strongly,” McCall said. “We expect ITV total advertising to be up 2% over the first half, but profits will reflect the timing of the World Cup [soccer tournament]. Over the full year we are on track to deliver double-digit growth in online revenue and good organic revenue growth in ITV Studios.” Total advertising was up 3% in...
“We have started the year well both on and off screen, driven by 11% growth in ITV Studios revenue and 41% growth in online revenue,” said McCall (pictured), who took over as CEO of ITV in January, succeeding Adam Crozier.
“While the economic environment remains uncertain, online advertising continues to grow strongly,” McCall said. “We expect ITV total advertising to be up 2% over the first half, but profits will reflect the timing of the World Cup [soccer tournament]. Over the full year we are on track to deliver double-digit growth in online revenue and good organic revenue growth in ITV Studios.” Total advertising was up 3% in...
- 5/10/2018
- by Robert Mitchell
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Animation’s Peter Rabbit this weekend crossed $200M at the international box office. The bunny has collected $204.2M worth of eggs in his basket at offshore turnstiles with $114.6M domestic for $318.8M worldwide. The Will Gluck-directed take on Beatrix Potter’s classic character still has Korea and Japan on deck next month.
The family film is led by the UK with $55.7M, followed by China ($26.4M), Australia ($19.1M), Germany ($11.6M) and Russia ($9.6M).
Peter started shaking his tail in February when the movie released to a $25M domestic bow. It was former Sony executive Doug Belgrad’s first release under his 2.0 Entertainment production label.
In mid-March, Sony opened the movie in the UK ahead of Easter and was able to nicely tee it up for that holiday and play beyond. It recently became Sony’s biggest non-Bond movie ever in the market.
A beloved property in the UK,...
The family film is led by the UK with $55.7M, followed by China ($26.4M), Australia ($19.1M), Germany ($11.6M) and Russia ($9.6M).
Peter started shaking his tail in February when the movie released to a $25M domestic bow. It was former Sony executive Doug Belgrad’s first release under his 2.0 Entertainment production label.
In mid-March, Sony opened the movie in the UK ahead of Easter and was able to nicely tee it up for that holiday and play beyond. It recently became Sony’s biggest non-Bond movie ever in the market.
A beloved property in the UK,...
- 4/29/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The rise of dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble has meant that fewer people are getting together on the dancefloor. However, British broadcaster Channel 4 is looking to reverse this with a new La La Land-influenced entertainment format produced by All3Media-backed indie Second Star. The broadcaster has commissioned Flirty Dancing (w/t), a five-part series that offers a new twist on two genres, dating and dancing. The format will see Dancing On Ice judge and Britain's Got…...
- 3/27/2018
- Deadline TV
Double digit growth at ITV Studios helped the British commercial broadcaster offset falling advertising revenue as recently installed Chief Executive Carolyn McCall revealed plans for a “strategy refresh”. The production business, which produces series such as Dancing On Ice, Victoria and Love Island grew 13% over the full year to the end of December 2017, taking in £1.58B (Us$2.2B). This helped total revenue at ITV grow to £3.13B. The advertising numbers across ITV's…...
- 2/28/2018
- Deadline TV
British broadcaster ITV is bringing back rebooted reality series Dancing on Ice for another season and hopes that the success of the format can lead to a deal in the U.S. The ITV Studios-produced series, which follows celebrities in a series of skating challenges is averaging nearly 8M viewers over its first three episodes in a Sunday night slot. It is now bringing back the show, which is presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby alongside skaters Torvill and…...
- 1/25/2018
- Deadline TV
Bashar Al Issa, a bankrupt Middle Eastern entrepreneur and Aoife Madden, an unemployed Irish actress join up to make feature films. Their first movie will have an almost unheard-of budget for a British film of £20m. But there’s a problem – the money never actually comes in. Undeterred, Bashar and Aoife submit £8m of production accounts to the British taxman and claim £2.5m in film tax breaks. The authorities smell a rat. They investigate, arrest, and charge the producers, and then bail them.
While out on bail, the producers decide to prove their innocence by actually making a film. They hire Paul Knight, a former nightclub bouncer, now a self-made film director, whose credits are some unreleased and unfinished films uploaded to Youtube, to make their movie for just a £100,000. The title: “A Landscape of Lies.” Paul Knight recruits an unusual cast that include one of the presenters of ITV’s daytime show Loose Women,...
While out on bail, the producers decide to prove their innocence by actually making a film. They hire Paul Knight, a former nightclub bouncer, now a self-made film director, whose credits are some unreleased and unfinished films uploaded to Youtube, to make their movie for just a £100,000. The title: “A Landscape of Lies.” Paul Knight recruits an unusual cast that include one of the presenters of ITV’s daytime show Loose Women,...
- 1/12/2016
- by Stuart Wright
- Nerdly
Christine Bleakley is set to get married to Frank Lampard in an intimate ceremony in London five days before Christmas. The former 'Dancing On Ice' presenter and her footballer beau, who got engaged in 2011, are finally set to become husband and wife on Sunday December 20 when they exchange vows in front of their close friends and family. A source said: ''Christine and Frank have had the date set for a while but have been trying to keep it under wraps. They want it to be an intimate affair and have only invited close friends and family. They haven't...
- 12/10/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Christine Bleakley is set to get married to Frank Lampard in an intimate ceremony in London five days before Christmas. The former 'Dancing On Ice' presenter and her footballer beau, who got engaged in 2011, are finally set to become husband and wife on Sunday December 20 when they exchange vows in front of their close friends and family. A source said: ''Christine and Frank have had the date set for a while but have been trying to keep it under wraps. They want it to be an intimate affair and have only invited close friends and family. They haven't...
- 12/8/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Samia Ghadie's mum keeps accidentally calling her son by her fiance's name. The 'Coronation Street' actress has revealed her mum Patsy thinks her newborn son Yves looks so much like his father Sylvain Longchambon that she keeps getting their names mixed up. Asked what her mum thought when she saw Yves for the first time, Samia said: ''She adores him, but she keeps calling him Sylvain by mistake because she thinks he looks so much like his dad!'' Former 'Dancing on Ice' star Sylvain's mother also flew over from France shortly after the birth and the couple have praised her for helping them...
- 10/23/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Remember when The Only Way is Essex was all about sporting the very best Vajazzle in Brentwood, Amy Child's cousin constantly saying "shuuuuut up", and that impenetrable love triangle between Mark Wright, Lauren Goodger and Lucy Mecklenburgh?
As the glam-tastic reality TV show celebrates its fifth anniversary, here's what happened to the original cast members:
Mark Wright
Muscle-bound Mark Wright was mostly muddled over whether he wanted to go out with childhood sweetheart Lauren Goodger or Essex rival Lucy Mecklenburg in the debut series of Towie.
He swaggered out of the show and into the night in series 3, never to be seen again... Until he was eating buffalo balls in the jungle a month later for his successful stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! - leaving as runner-up to winner McFly bassist Dougie Poynter.
Stints as a TV presenter (Take Me Out spin-off The Gossip...
As the glam-tastic reality TV show celebrates its fifth anniversary, here's what happened to the original cast members:
Mark Wright
Muscle-bound Mark Wright was mostly muddled over whether he wanted to go out with childhood sweetheart Lauren Goodger or Essex rival Lucy Mecklenburg in the debut series of Towie.
He swaggered out of the show and into the night in series 3, never to be seen again... Until he was eating buffalo balls in the jungle a month later for his successful stint on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! - leaving as runner-up to winner McFly bassist Dougie Poynter.
Stints as a TV presenter (Take Me Out spin-off The Gossip...
- 10/10/2015
- Digital Spy
Oh dear: there's trouble in Strictly Come Dancing paradise. Judge Craig Revel Horwood has been stirring the pot by suggesting that pro Kristina Rihanoff was "gutted" to be paired with Daniel O'Donnell, while another report suggested that Oti Mabuse thought her celeb Anthony Ogogo was an "arsehole" before they started working together (Anthony's insisted that's not true).
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
- 10/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Holly birthday, Happyoaks! Sorry, let's try that again. Happy birthday, Hollyoaks! That's better.
It's often written off as the runt of the soap litter, but we're rather affectionate towards Hollyoaks. Surprisingly, it's not only survived but is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this autumn. It now boasts 50 regulars and a faster pace than any other soap, but can you believe that Hollyoaks once focused on the adventures of only seven main characters?
Launching on Channel 4 in October 1995 with just one episode per week, Hollyoaks gradually earned a place in viewers' hearts as it followed the tangled lives and torrid loves of Kurt, Jambo, Louise, Maddie, Natasha, Dawn and Tony. So where are Chester's magnificent seven now?
Jeremy Edwards (Kurt)
Ex-model Jeremy Edwards' character Kurt Benson was Hollyoaks' original king of cool, known for his love of his motorbikes, music and the local ladies. Kurt eventually settled...
It's often written off as the runt of the soap litter, but we're rather affectionate towards Hollyoaks. Surprisingly, it's not only survived but is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this autumn. It now boasts 50 regulars and a faster pace than any other soap, but can you believe that Hollyoaks once focused on the adventures of only seven main characters?
Launching on Channel 4 in October 1995 with just one episode per week, Hollyoaks gradually earned a place in viewers' hearts as it followed the tangled lives and torrid loves of Kurt, Jambo, Louise, Maddie, Natasha, Dawn and Tony. So where are Chester's magnificent seven now?
Jeremy Edwards (Kurt)
Ex-model Jeremy Edwards' character Kurt Benson was Hollyoaks' original king of cool, known for his love of his motorbikes, music and the local ladies. Kurt eventually settled...
- 9/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Big Brother is just around the corner - we have an eye, a theme and a launch date! But while we're excited about that, it also means Celebrity Big Brother is drawing ever closer, so our thoughts naturally turned to who might be heading into the house this summer.
We've already heard that we're in for a UK vs Us theme this series, but that's nothing without housemates, so we've rounded up the rumours - from the likely to the... not at all likely. Read on to see who might be popping in...
Janice Dickinson
Who? "The world's first supermodel", Janice used to be a very outspoken judge on America's Next Top Model. She's been on I'm a Celebrity, and also hit the headlines recently after alleging that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her.
The rumour: Janice has been rumoured to be going into the house for ages now, with some...
We've already heard that we're in for a UK vs Us theme this series, but that's nothing without housemates, so we've rounded up the rumours - from the likely to the... not at all likely. Read on to see who might be popping in...
Janice Dickinson
Who? "The world's first supermodel", Janice used to be a very outspoken judge on America's Next Top Model. She's been on I'm a Celebrity, and also hit the headlines recently after alleging that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her.
The rumour: Janice has been rumoured to be going into the house for ages now, with some...
- 8/6/2015
- Digital Spy
Network Ten has appointed Hilary Innes as a senior member of the executive production team.
Innes will report to chief programming officer, Beverley McGarvey.
She was most recently head of entertainment at ITV Studios Australia..
Innes has also previously the roles of head of entertainment at Nine Network, executive producer at Nine Network and executive producer/Series producer at Seven Network.
McGarvey said she was delighted Innes had agreed to join Ten.
.Ten is the fastest growing commercial network in Australia this year . thanks to hit shows such as MasterChef Australia, I.m A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!, Family Feud, The Project, The Living Room, The Bachelor Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Shark Tank and Gogglebox . and the time is right to add to our very talented Executive Production team," she said.
.Hilary is one of the best in the business and has been responsible for some...
Innes will report to chief programming officer, Beverley McGarvey.
She was most recently head of entertainment at ITV Studios Australia..
Innes has also previously the roles of head of entertainment at Nine Network, executive producer at Nine Network and executive producer/Series producer at Seven Network.
McGarvey said she was delighted Innes had agreed to join Ten.
.Ten is the fastest growing commercial network in Australia this year . thanks to hit shows such as MasterChef Australia, I.m A Celebrity. Get Me Out Of Here!, Family Feud, The Project, The Living Room, The Bachelor Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Shark Tank and Gogglebox . and the time is right to add to our very talented Executive Production team," she said.
.Hilary is one of the best in the business and has been responsible for some...
- 8/2/2015
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Duncan James enjoys ''freaking everybody out'' when he's in drag. The 37-year-old star is set to play drag queen Tick in the UK tour of the play 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' and he's revealed he loves video-calling his family and friends when he's had his over the top make-up done. He said: ''I've never actually had anybody do that level of drag make-up ... Apart from [former 'Dancing on Ice' judge] Mr. Jason Gardiner did it on me once for a birthday party but we won't talk about that. ''It's so crazy because you don't actually know what you're going to...
- 7/16/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Duncan James enjoys ''freaking everybody out'' when he's in drag. The 37-year-old star is set to play drag queen Tick in the UK tour of the play 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' and he's revealed he loves video-calling his family and friends when he's had his over the top make-up done. He said: ''I've never actually had anybody do that level of drag make-up ... Apart from [former 'Dancing on Ice' judge] Mr. Jason Gardiner did it on me once for a birthday party but we won't talk about that. ''It's so crazy because you don't actually know what you're going to...
- 7/15/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Andrea McLean has insisted that she won't be the next Loose Women panelist to join Celebrity Big Brother.
Nadia Sawalha, Coleen Nolan, Carol McGiffin and Denise Welch have all appeared on recent series of the reality show, but McLean thinks Channel 5 producers "wouldn't get their money's worth" with her.
She told Digital Spy at the press night for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in London: "I've said no all along. For one, I'd be so boring that they wouldn't get their money's worth.
"I've got no idea if anyone is doing it!" she added, when asked if any of her fellow panelists have been approached about the upcoming run.
Meanwhile, McLean said that she has no intention of signing up to any talent competitions this year as she wants to enjoy her summer without being injured, as she was last year while preparing for BBC One's Tumble.
Nadia Sawalha, Coleen Nolan, Carol McGiffin and Denise Welch have all appeared on recent series of the reality show, but McLean thinks Channel 5 producers "wouldn't get their money's worth" with her.
She told Digital Spy at the press night for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in London: "I've said no all along. For one, I'd be so boring that they wouldn't get their money's worth.
"I've got no idea if anyone is doing it!" she added, when asked if any of her fellow panelists have been approached about the upcoming run.
Meanwhile, McLean said that she has no intention of signing up to any talent competitions this year as she wants to enjoy her summer without being injured, as she was last year while preparing for BBC One's Tumble.
- 7/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Michelle Heaton has thrown her Strictly Come Dancing hat in the ring by saying she would love to appear this series.
The former Liberty X singer has been rumoured for a spot on this year's Strictly lineup - an idea which she is fully behind.
"I think it's every girl's dream to do a show that makes you feel really glamorous and special and the last few years have been really rough so it'd be really nice to feel womanly again and do something positive and learn a craft," she told Lorraine Kelly this morning (June 29) on ITV.
Heaton underwent a preventative double mastectomy in 2012 and then a full hysterectomy last year after discovering she carried the mutated BRCA2 gene.
Her former bandmate Jessica Taylor previously took part in spinoff Strictly Ice Dancing in 2005, before coming fourth in ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2009.
Last week, Emmerdale's Isabel Hodgins also...
The former Liberty X singer has been rumoured for a spot on this year's Strictly lineup - an idea which she is fully behind.
"I think it's every girl's dream to do a show that makes you feel really glamorous and special and the last few years have been really rough so it'd be really nice to feel womanly again and do something positive and learn a craft," she told Lorraine Kelly this morning (June 29) on ITV.
Heaton underwent a preventative double mastectomy in 2012 and then a full hysterectomy last year after discovering she carried the mutated BRCA2 gene.
Her former bandmate Jessica Taylor previously took part in spinoff Strictly Ice Dancing in 2005, before coming fourth in ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2009.
Last week, Emmerdale's Isabel Hodgins also...
- 6/29/2015
- Digital Spy
Remember the first ever Love Island with its seemingly clueless single celebrities constantly bickering on a tumultuous and stormy (literally and metaphorically) Fijian island?
Even the show's co-hosts Kelly Brook and Patrick Kielty were baying for one another's blood when Kielty decided to declare during one live show that Brook had previously dated contestant Paul Danan.
Other memorable highlights included Abi Titmuss becoming more and more enraged as Fran Cosgrave repeatedly referred to her as Vanessa Feltz, swiftly followed by a tipsy and uncouth Rebecca Loos letting rip.
The series aired almost exactly a decade ago, so we found ourselves wondering - whatever happened to eventual winner Jayne Middlemiss? And the Love Island love god that was Lee Sharpe?
As the new non-celebrity series currently enjoys its ITV2 revival, we find out what the 12 star contestants have gone on to do since their 2005 stint below:
Jayne Middlemiss
Love Island winner...
Even the show's co-hosts Kelly Brook and Patrick Kielty were baying for one another's blood when Kielty decided to declare during one live show that Brook had previously dated contestant Paul Danan.
Other memorable highlights included Abi Titmuss becoming more and more enraged as Fran Cosgrave repeatedly referred to her as Vanessa Feltz, swiftly followed by a tipsy and uncouth Rebecca Loos letting rip.
The series aired almost exactly a decade ago, so we found ourselves wondering - whatever happened to eventual winner Jayne Middlemiss? And the Love Island love god that was Lee Sharpe?
As the new non-celebrity series currently enjoys its ITV2 revival, we find out what the 12 star contestants have gone on to do since their 2005 stint below:
Jayne Middlemiss
Love Island winner...
- 6/10/2015
- Digital Spy
The Goonies celebrates its 30th birthday today, and even after all these years we still adore this '80s classic.
Rumours have been swirling for some time about a Goonies 2 (make it happen, Hollywood!) with all the original cast returning, so with this in mind we take a trip down memory lane to find out what the stars of the cult classic are doing now.
Sean Astin
Sean Astin played the slightly dorky yet bright, braces-clad Mikey - who attempts to leads his fellow adventurers to One-Eyed Willy's hidden fortune upon his discovery of an old treasure map.
The 44-year-old actor has continued to enjoy movie success with his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Astin also played Lynn McGill in hit Fox TV series 24, provides the voice of Raphael in Nickelodeon's TV version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), and recently appeared in Guillermo del Toro...
Rumours have been swirling for some time about a Goonies 2 (make it happen, Hollywood!) with all the original cast returning, so with this in mind we take a trip down memory lane to find out what the stars of the cult classic are doing now.
Sean Astin
Sean Astin played the slightly dorky yet bright, braces-clad Mikey - who attempts to leads his fellow adventurers to One-Eyed Willy's hidden fortune upon his discovery of an old treasure map.
The 44-year-old actor has continued to enjoy movie success with his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Astin also played Lynn McGill in hit Fox TV series 24, provides the voice of Raphael in Nickelodeon's TV version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012), and recently appeared in Guillermo del Toro...
- 6/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Sylvain Longchambon wants to name he and Samia Ghadie's baby Steve. The former 'Dancing on Ice' professional has revealed if the baby he and the 'Coronation Street' actress have turns out to be a boy he wants to name him Steve because he thinks it's ''unusual''. He said: ''If it's a boy I want to call him Steve. I had a school friend with that name. It was really unusual and he could run really fast which was cool.'' However, Samia confessed she was less than impressed with her fiance's choice of name. She added: ''It's ridiculous! When I'm giving birth I will probably...
- 5/31/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
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