British Comedian Behind BBC Shows Criticized Over Alleged “Antisemitic” Death Threat To Female Comic
British comedian Dane Baptiste, a regular on TV and creator of two BBC shows, has been criticized for allegedly posting an “antisemitic” death threat about a female comic.
Prominent members of the British comedy community rounded on Baptiste after he was accused of publishing a now-deleted Instagram post in which he told an unidentified female comedian he would “sit in prison while your family sit at the cemetery.” The full post is below.
The UK’s Community Security Trust, a charity that examines incidences of anti-Jewish hate, has been notified about Baptiste’s message, which began: “A quick note to the Zionist comedian stalking my family’s page.”
Deadline understands that the matter has been reported to the police.
Baptiste wrote: “I want you to sit down with your husband and kids and imagine what their lives will be without you, b/c north london is a quick trip to...
Prominent members of the British comedy community rounded on Baptiste after he was accused of publishing a now-deleted Instagram post in which he told an unidentified female comedian he would “sit in prison while your family sit at the cemetery.” The full post is below.
The UK’s Community Security Trust, a charity that examines incidences of anti-Jewish hate, has been notified about Baptiste’s message, which began: “A quick note to the Zionist comedian stalking my family’s page.”
Deadline understands that the matter has been reported to the police.
Baptiste wrote: “I want you to sit down with your husband and kids and imagine what their lives will be without you, b/c north london is a quick trip to...
- 5/2/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Wootton’s eponymous Gb News show and King Charles III’s coronation attracted the most complaints from U.K. viewers in 2023 according to Ofcom.
The U.K. media regulator has unveiled its list of the most complained about shows this year. Unsurprisingly, most of them were current affairs-related.
A September episode of Wootton’s show, “Dan Wootton Tonight,” topped the list with 8,867 complaints after the anchor and his guest, actor Laurence Fox, made what Ofcom called “misogynistic comments” about a female journalist. Ofcom is currently investigating the complaints.
Meanwhile it was “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh’s comments during the king’s coronation back in May that attracted the second highest number of objections, with Ofcom receiving 8,421 complaints. Andoh, a guest commentator on ITV’s broadcast of the ceremony, remarked that the Buckingham Palace balcony was “terribly white” as King Charles and his family appeared to wave to the crowds.
The U.K. media regulator has unveiled its list of the most complained about shows this year. Unsurprisingly, most of them were current affairs-related.
A September episode of Wootton’s show, “Dan Wootton Tonight,” topped the list with 8,867 complaints after the anchor and his guest, actor Laurence Fox, made what Ofcom called “misogynistic comments” about a female journalist. Ofcom is currently investigating the complaints.
Meanwhile it was “Bridgerton” star Adjoa Andoh’s comments during the king’s coronation back in May that attracted the second highest number of objections, with Ofcom receiving 8,421 complaints. Andoh, a guest commentator on ITV’s broadcast of the ceremony, remarked that the Buckingham Palace balcony was “terribly white” as King Charles and his family appeared to wave to the crowds.
- 12/20/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 9:25 Pm on BBC One, “Blankety Blank” Season 3, Episode 5 is set to air.
Hosted by Bradley Walsh, this episode features a panel of well-known personalities, including Fred Sirieix, Laura Whitmore, Eddie Kadi, Josh Widdicombe, Vanessa Feltz, and Scarlett Moffatt. Together, they will attempt to fill in the missing blanks in a fun and entertaining game show. The goal is to win prizes for some lucky contestants by providing the most amusing and fitting answers. “Blankety Blank” promises laughter and surprises, making it a perfect choice for a Saturday night of entertainment.
Don’t miss the fun as these celebrities test their wit and creativity while helping contestants win exciting prizes.
Release Date & Time: 9:25 Pm Saturday 21 October 2023 on BBC One
Blankety Blank Cast – Season 3 Episode 5 Main Cast Bradley Walsh...
Hosted by Bradley Walsh, this episode features a panel of well-known personalities, including Fred Sirieix, Laura Whitmore, Eddie Kadi, Josh Widdicombe, Vanessa Feltz, and Scarlett Moffatt. Together, they will attempt to fill in the missing blanks in a fun and entertaining game show. The goal is to win prizes for some lucky contestants by providing the most amusing and fitting answers. “Blankety Blank” promises laughter and surprises, making it a perfect choice for a Saturday night of entertainment.
Don’t miss the fun as these celebrities test their wit and creativity while helping contestants win exciting prizes.
Release Date & Time: 9:25 Pm Saturday 21 October 2023 on BBC One
Blankety Blank Cast – Season 3 Episode 5 Main Cast Bradley Walsh...
- 10/15/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
After moving to the United States in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have tried to carve out their niche away from the royal family. However, that goal has not come without its challenges. The couple spent three years speaking negatively toward the House of Windsor before declaring they were done discussing the royal family. This led one royal commentator to believe that the couple’s “honeymoon in America” is over.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala at the Hilton Midtown in New York on December 6, 2022 | Angela Weiss/Getty Images Has Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s American dream turned into a nightmare? A royal commentator weighs in
Royal commentator Duncan Larscombe speculates that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life in America may not have unfolded as expected. The couple’s American dream may have become something other than expected.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award Gala at the Hilton Midtown in New York on December 6, 2022 | Angela Weiss/Getty Images Has Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s American dream turned into a nightmare? A royal commentator weighs in
Royal commentator Duncan Larscombe speculates that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life in America may not have unfolded as expected. The couple’s American dream may have become something other than expected.
- 7/26/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dermot O’Leary has shared what fans have dubbed a “disappointing” response to the backlash over This Morning‘s segment on singing along at musicals.
On Wednesday’s (5 April) episode of the ITV morning show (5 March), O’Leary participated in a discussion about the subject alongside co-host Alison Hammond and guest Vanessa Feltz, after it was announced that Palace Theatre had asked audiences not to sing along during a production of The Bodyguard.
In a clip that went viral on social media, O’Leary could be seen laughing as Hammond said she would no longer go to see the show due to the new rule.
All three were strongly criticised by the theatre community. Days later, a “riot” broke out among audience members at The Bodyguard, which ended the performance and saw police called.
Both Hammond and O’Leary shared statements about the matter on Sunday (9 April), with the former apologising...
On Wednesday’s (5 April) episode of the ITV morning show (5 March), O’Leary participated in a discussion about the subject alongside co-host Alison Hammond and guest Vanessa Feltz, after it was announced that Palace Theatre had asked audiences not to sing along during a production of The Bodyguard.
In a clip that went viral on social media, O’Leary could be seen laughing as Hammond said she would no longer go to see the show due to the new rule.
All three were strongly criticised by the theatre community. Days later, a “riot” broke out among audience members at The Bodyguard, which ended the performance and saw police called.
Both Hammond and O’Leary shared statements about the matter on Sunday (9 April), with the former apologising...
- 4/10/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Alison Hammond has apologised for “making light” of theatre audiences singing along at musicals after police were called to a disrupted production of The Bodyguard in Manchester.
On This Morning last Wednesday (5 March), Hammond, her co-host Dermot O’Leary and guest Vanessa Feltz discussed news that the Palace Theatre had asked audiences not to sing along with the touring production of the musical due to “anti-social behaviour”.
“I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated, I’m not even going to go to that show now,” Hammond said, with Feltz asking: “Isn’t the whole point of going to a musical you know, that you sing along to all the bits you know and when you don’t know the words you just make them up?”
However, behaviour at the Palace Theatre reached new levels on Friday (7 March) night after a “riot” broke out among audience members at The Bodyguard,...
On This Morning last Wednesday (5 March), Hammond, her co-host Dermot O’Leary and guest Vanessa Feltz discussed news that the Palace Theatre had asked audiences not to sing along with the touring production of the musical due to “anti-social behaviour”.
“I can’t believe it. I’d be devastated, I’m not even going to go to that show now,” Hammond said, with Feltz asking: “Isn’t the whole point of going to a musical you know, that you sing along to all the bits you know and when you don’t know the words you just make them up?”
However, behaviour at the Palace Theatre reached new levels on Friday (7 March) night after a “riot” broke out among audience members at The Bodyguard,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Gary Lineker has been a major topic of discussion for days, following his tweet in response to Suella Braverman’s immigration bill.
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz has hit out at the BBC over its alleged handling of Ken Bruce’s departure from Radio 2.
Legendary broadcaster Bruce, who has been at the station since 1984, announced his departure from presenting the mid-morning show in January, with his last show due to take place at the end of March.
However, in February, Bruce said that he would actually be finishing on the show the following Friday (3 March), with the presenter claiming that “the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier”.
In a new interview, Feltz – who herself left the BBC last year after nearly 20 years – branded the alleged circumstances surrounding Bruce’s exit “bewildering”.
“After this incredibly long and amazingly distinguished career, to oust Ken Bruce two or three weeks before he was expecting to go and before his contract had actually played itself out, I thought that was incredibly discourteous and disrespectful and unnecessary,...
Legendary broadcaster Bruce, who has been at the station since 1984, announced his departure from presenting the mid-morning show in January, with his last show due to take place at the end of March.
However, in February, Bruce said that he would actually be finishing on the show the following Friday (3 March), with the presenter claiming that “the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier”.
In a new interview, Feltz – who herself left the BBC last year after nearly 20 years – branded the alleged circumstances surrounding Bruce’s exit “bewildering”.
“After this incredibly long and amazingly distinguished career, to oust Ken Bruce two or three weeks before he was expecting to go and before his contract had actually played itself out, I thought that was incredibly discourteous and disrespectful and unnecessary,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
It’s a sad day for Radio 2 listeners. Today, Ken Bruce is leaving the mid-morning slot he’s occupied for three decades. Never a showy broadcaster – like Terry Wogan before him, he identifies as a shy man – the 72-year-old Scot was an avuncular anchor in the day. To hear that he had decided to leave came as a shock. The mood curdled when it transpired Radio 2 bosses had refused to let him work out his contract, insisting he get his slippers out from under the desk by lunchtime today.
“It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme. “But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining [on my contract], it seems a shame.” He pointed out that he’d stuck to an old-school work ethic that meant that “over the last 46 years, I haven...
“It’s entirely within the BBC’s right to ask me to step away a little early,” he told Radio 4’s Today programme. “But for the sake of 17 days, which was all that was remaining [on my contract], it seems a shame.” He pointed out that he’d stuck to an old-school work ethic that meant that “over the last 46 years, I haven...
- 3/3/2023
- by Helen Brown
- The Independent - TV
Paul O’Grady has expressed his “disappointment” with BBC Radio 2, saying “it’s not what it was”.
The broadcaster’s comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving the station after 45 years to go to Greatest Hits Radio.
InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of “ageism”.
Now, O’Grady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, has explained the motivation behind his decision.
“I was disappointed, because I’m a great believer in continuity,” he told Metro.co.uk, adding: “If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners don’t know when you’re back on.”
He continued: “Radio 2 has changed; it’s not what it was. They’re trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn’t make sense because you’ve got Radio 1.
The broadcaster’s comments come after the news that veteran DJ Ken Bruce was leaving the station after 45 years to go to Greatest Hits Radio.
InJanuary, when Bruce announced his departure, former Radio 2 DJ Vanessa feltz accused the BBC of “ageism”.
Now, O’Grady, who left Radio 2 in 2021 after being asked to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett, has explained the motivation behind his decision.
“I was disappointed, because I’m a great believer in continuity,” he told Metro.co.uk, adding: “If you go off for 13 weeks and somebody else comes on, the listeners don’t know when you’re back on.”
He continued: “Radio 2 has changed; it’s not what it was. They’re trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn’t make sense because you’ve got Radio 1.
- 2/28/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A couple has marked Valentine’s Day in unforgettable fashion by getting engaged live on This Morning.
The soon-to-be-newlyweds appeared on Tuesday’s edition (14 February) of the ITV daytime programme in a special segment, dedicated to romance.
Dan had arranged to publicly ask his partner Ellen to marry him with the This Morning producers ahead of time.
Unbeknownst to Ellen, secret cameras were placed inside a London café where they were having breakfast.
Then, at a crucial moment, fellow customers revealed the words “will you marry me?” under their shirts, as Dan dropped to his knee.
“Since the day I met you Ellen, you make me happy, so happy every day,” Dan began his speech, before referring to their child.
“You’re the perfect mum to Arthur, and I just want to spend the rest of my life with you – which is why I want to ask you to marry me.
The soon-to-be-newlyweds appeared on Tuesday’s edition (14 February) of the ITV daytime programme in a special segment, dedicated to romance.
Dan had arranged to publicly ask his partner Ellen to marry him with the This Morning producers ahead of time.
Unbeknownst to Ellen, secret cameras were placed inside a London café where they were having breakfast.
Then, at a crucial moment, fellow customers revealed the words “will you marry me?” under their shirts, as Dan dropped to his knee.
“Since the day I met you Ellen, you make me happy, so happy every day,” Dan began his speech, before referring to their child.
“You’re the perfect mum to Arthur, and I just want to spend the rest of my life with you – which is why I want to ask you to marry me.
- 2/14/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz has said she “had to end” her relastionship with Ben Ofoedu after receiving a “terrible shock”.
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
- 2/12/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Katherine Ryan has called out Leonardo DiCaprio amid rumours he’s dating a 19-year-old.
The comedian, who created and starred in Netflix series The Duchess, was responding to claims the actor is dating Israeli model Eden Polani.
Neither DiCaprio nor Polani have confirmed if they are in a relationship, and The Independent has contacted DiCaprio’s representative for comment. Meanwhile, a source told People: “Leo and Eden just so happened to have been seated next to each other at the party, and were hanging in the same group.
But the rumours have caused social media users to draw attention to the fact that their age gap is the same one shared by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Pascal’s teenage co-star in The Last of Us.
Ryan hit out at DiCaprio over the rumours, joking that his dating habits – which have seen him criticised for never publicly dating a woman...
The comedian, who created and starred in Netflix series The Duchess, was responding to claims the actor is dating Israeli model Eden Polani.
Neither DiCaprio nor Polani have confirmed if they are in a relationship, and The Independent has contacted DiCaprio’s representative for comment. Meanwhile, a source told People: “Leo and Eden just so happened to have been seated next to each other at the party, and were hanging in the same group.
But the rumours have caused social media users to draw attention to the fact that their age gap is the same one shared by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Pascal’s teenage co-star in The Last of Us.
Ryan hit out at DiCaprio over the rumours, joking that his dating habits – which have seen him criticised for never publicly dating a woman...
- 2/10/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Martin Lewis has reacted after being shown his first ever appearance on This Morning on his 20th anniversary.
He also praised ITV for “supporting consumerism television”, and accused the BBC of relegating the broadcast of similar shows “in the middle of a cost of living crisis”.
“I know we shouldn’t say things like this,” he said, before thanking ITV for giving him an opportunity to share his expertise. “Quite right,” Willoughby replied.
A BBC spokesperson told The Independent in reposne: “Consumer affairs programming appears across the BBC and Watchdog is watched by millions as part of The One Show.
“Our cost of living campaign ‘Tackling It Together’ is running across all BBC platforms at all times of the day, delivering value for all.”
Money savings expert Lewis, 50, has appeared on the ITV daytime show every week since 2003 and, to celebrate the ocassion, hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby showed...
He also praised ITV for “supporting consumerism television”, and accused the BBC of relegating the broadcast of similar shows “in the middle of a cost of living crisis”.
“I know we shouldn’t say things like this,” he said, before thanking ITV for giving him an opportunity to share his expertise. “Quite right,” Willoughby replied.
A BBC spokesperson told The Independent in reposne: “Consumer affairs programming appears across the BBC and Watchdog is watched by millions as part of The One Show.
“Our cost of living campaign ‘Tackling It Together’ is running across all BBC platforms at all times of the day, delivering value for all.”
Money savings expert Lewis, 50, has appeared on the ITV daytime show every week since 2003 and, to celebrate the ocassion, hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby showed...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Katherine Ryan has called out Leonardo DiCaprio amid rumours he’s dating a 19-year-old.
The comedian, who created and starred in Netflix series The Duchess, was responding to claims the actor is dating Israeli model Eden Polani.
Neither DiCaprio nor Polani have confirmed if they are in a relationship, and The Independent has contacted DiCaprio’s representative for comment. Meanwhile, a source told People: “Leo and Eden just so happened to have been seated next to each other at the party, and were hanging in the same group.
But the rumours have caused social media users to draw attention to the fact that their age gap is the same one shared by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Pascal’s teenage co-star in The Last of Us.
Ryan hit out at DiCaprio over the rumours, joking that his dating habits – which have seen him criticised for never publicly dating a woman...
The comedian, who created and starred in Netflix series The Duchess, was responding to claims the actor is dating Israeli model Eden Polani.
Neither DiCaprio nor Polani have confirmed if they are in a relationship, and The Independent has contacted DiCaprio’s representative for comment. Meanwhile, a source told People: “Leo and Eden just so happened to have been seated next to each other at the party, and were hanging in the same group.
But the rumours have caused social media users to draw attention to the fact that their age gap is the same one shared by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Pascal’s teenage co-star in The Last of Us.
Ryan hit out at DiCaprio over the rumours, joking that his dating habits – which have seen him criticised for never publicly dating a woman...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz has said she “had to end” her relastionship with Ben Ofoedu after receiving a “terrible shock”.
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Comedian and actor Kieran Hodgson’s video of his hilarious Happy Valley impressions has gone viral.
Hodgson, who recently co-wrote and starred in Channel 4’s Prince Andrew: The Musical, shared a video online in which he recaps the third and final series of the hit BBC show. Hodgson speaks in character as the Happy Valley stars.
During the video, he imitates Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine Cawood and her sister Clare, played by Siobhan Finneran.
He also delivers impressions of Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) and his teenage son Ryan (Rhys Connah).
Other moments see Hodgson take on Susan Lynch’s Alison Garrs, Conn O’Neil’s performance of Clare’s boyfriend Neil, and the Pe teacher Mr Hepworth (Mark Stanley).
Hodgson shared the video on Twitter, writing: “A little treat for fans of #HappyValley Bad TV Impressions.”
Viewers have disagreed with his assessment, however, and are commending him for his efforts.
Hodgson, who recently co-wrote and starred in Channel 4’s Prince Andrew: The Musical, shared a video online in which he recaps the third and final series of the hit BBC show. Hodgson speaks in character as the Happy Valley stars.
During the video, he imitates Sarah Lancashire’s Catherine Cawood and her sister Clare, played by Siobhan Finneran.
He also delivers impressions of Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) and his teenage son Ryan (Rhys Connah).
Other moments see Hodgson take on Susan Lynch’s Alison Garrs, Conn O’Neil’s performance of Clare’s boyfriend Neil, and the Pe teacher Mr Hepworth (Mark Stanley).
Hodgson shared the video on Twitter, writing: “A little treat for fans of #HappyValley Bad TV Impressions.”
Viewers have disagreed with his assessment, however, and are commending him for his efforts.
- 2/9/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Madonna fans are defending the singer from “nasty” reactions to “close-ups” of her face at the Grammys.
The “Papa Don’t Preach” singer was invited to the ceremony on Sunday (5 February) to introduce a performance by Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
Following her appearance, many on social media commented on her look, saying the singer’s face was “covered in plastic surgery”.
The vitriol against her was so strong that Madonna herself responded in a post, stating: “Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech, which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim, many people chose to only talk about close-up photos of me taken with a long lens camera by a press photographer that would distort anyone’s face.”
During the ceremony, German pop singer Petras became the first transgender woman to win Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
On Instagram, Madonna accused...
The “Papa Don’t Preach” singer was invited to the ceremony on Sunday (5 February) to introduce a performance by Sam Smith and Kim Petras.
Following her appearance, many on social media commented on her look, saying the singer’s face was “covered in plastic surgery”.
The vitriol against her was so strong that Madonna herself responded in a post, stating: “Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech, which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim, many people chose to only talk about close-up photos of me taken with a long lens camera by a press photographer that would distort anyone’s face.”
During the ceremony, German pop singer Petras became the first transgender woman to win Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
On Instagram, Madonna accused...
- 2/8/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - Music
It all began with six men in a van. On the 26 November 1983, half a dozen armed men broke into the Brink’s-Mat depot near London’s Heathrow Airport, where they were expecting to find a million pounds worth of foreign currency.
Instead, they stumbled upon gold bullion worth £26m.
At the time, it was the largest robbery in world history and changed British policing forever.
The case is being dramatised in a new BBC One drama, starring Hugh Bonneville, Jack Lowden, Dominic Cooper, Charlotte Spencer, and Tom Cullen.
Here’s what we know about it…
What happened on 26 November?
At first, it just seemed like “a typical Old Kent Road armed robbery”, in the words of detectives at the time.
The gang, some carrying guns, surprised security staff as they started their Saturday shift between 6.30am and 8.15am at the warehouse.
They gained entry from one of the security guards,...
Instead, they stumbled upon gold bullion worth £26m.
At the time, it was the largest robbery in world history and changed British policing forever.
The case is being dramatised in a new BBC One drama, starring Hugh Bonneville, Jack Lowden, Dominic Cooper, Charlotte Spencer, and Tom Cullen.
Here’s what we know about it…
What happened on 26 November?
At first, it just seemed like “a typical Old Kent Road armed robbery”, in the words of detectives at the time.
The gang, some carrying guns, surprised security staff as they started their Saturday shift between 6.30am and 8.15am at the warehouse.
They gained entry from one of the security guards,...
- 2/8/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz has said she “had to end” her relastionship with Ben Ofoedu after receiving a “terrible shock”.
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
The broadcaster appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (8 February) where she directly addressed her split from the Phats & Small singer, which she announced via Instagram on Sunday (5 February).
In the video, Feltz explained her three-week absence from social media, stating: “I honestly didn’t now what to say to you on Instagram. And so I just wanted to say obviously I feel incredibly sad and I’m pretty disappointed and shocked and all those horrible things, but also full of resolve.”
On This Morning, Feltz said she feels “terribly humiliated” following the split.
The broadcaster has not confirmed the reason for the split, but told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield that she “had to end” the relationship. The pair were together for 16 years.
“I think I’m feeling like anyone else...
- 2/8/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Ben Shapiro has been ridiculed for his complaints about the lack of zombies in The Last of Us’s third episode.
HBO’s hit drama series – adapted from the popular video game of the same name – follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they make the brutal trek across a post-apocalyptic America.
In episode three of its first season, titled “Long, Long Time”, the focus shifts to a tender love story between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Barlett). Viewers later find out their greater connection to Joel and the overall plot.
The episode has been hailed by fans for its heartwarming depiction of same-sex love, which The Independent’s Louis Chilton found to be particularly groundbreaking for the genre.
However, conservative pundit Shapiro took issue with the plotline, complaining on Facebook that “the entire episode has no zombies” and “no real threat”.
“It is about two gay...
HBO’s hit drama series – adapted from the popular video game of the same name – follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they make the brutal trek across a post-apocalyptic America.
In episode three of its first season, titled “Long, Long Time”, the focus shifts to a tender love story between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Barlett). Viewers later find out their greater connection to Joel and the overall plot.
The episode has been hailed by fans for its heartwarming depiction of same-sex love, which The Independent’s Louis Chilton found to be particularly groundbreaking for the genre.
However, conservative pundit Shapiro took issue with the plotline, complaining on Facebook that “the entire episode has no zombies” and “no real threat”.
“It is about two gay...
- 2/7/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Nadine Dorries, a polarizing former culture secretary for Britain, is set to host a new Friday night talk show on conservative channel TalkTV.
Debuting on Feb. 3, Dorries, who is still a member of parliament (MP), will kick off her show with an exclusive one-on-one interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson, who resigned last July after a string of scandals.
Dorries was an ardent supporter of Johnson’s, and stuck by his side when most of the Pm’s former ministers had condemned his actions around “partygate” — a series of parties held at Downing Street during Britain’s lockdowns.
The weekly, hour-long show will be called “Friday Night with Nadine,” and is billed as an “irreverent look at the week’s news and a lively mix of topical chat with guests from the world of politics, culture and sport.”
Dorries’ time as culture secretary was fraught with a series of gaffes.
Debuting on Feb. 3, Dorries, who is still a member of parliament (MP), will kick off her show with an exclusive one-on-one interview with former prime minister Boris Johnson, who resigned last July after a string of scandals.
Dorries was an ardent supporter of Johnson’s, and stuck by his side when most of the Pm’s former ministers had condemned his actions around “partygate” — a series of parties held at Downing Street during Britain’s lockdowns.
The weekly, hour-long show will be called “Friday Night with Nadine,” and is billed as an “irreverent look at the week’s news and a lively mix of topical chat with guests from the world of politics, culture and sport.”
Dorries’ time as culture secretary was fraught with a series of gaffes.
- 1/27/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Rob Brydon’s tongue-in-cheek reaction to Ken Bruce quitting BBC Radio 2 after 31 years has been getting attention from fans on Twitter.
On Tuesday (17 January), the veteran radio host announced that he had decided to step away from the corporation, where he has been employed for 45 years.
Bruce has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show on BBC Radio 2 since 1990, and became one of the best-loved presenters, in part thanks to PopMaster, a game that tests listeners’ music knowledge.
He will join radio station Greatest Hits in April, and has confirmed he will bring PopMaster with him to his new job.
Comedian Brydon, who has stood in for Bruce many times on his radio show and once even impersonated him for an entire two-and-a-half hours on air, paid tribute to Bruce’s tenure with a humorous tweet.
“Devastated to hear @RealKenBruce has decided to leave @BBCRadio2,” he wrote. “I...
On Tuesday (17 January), the veteran radio host announced that he had decided to step away from the corporation, where he has been employed for 45 years.
Bruce has hosted the 9:30am to 12pm weekday show on BBC Radio 2 since 1990, and became one of the best-loved presenters, in part thanks to PopMaster, a game that tests listeners’ music knowledge.
He will join radio station Greatest Hits in April, and has confirmed he will bring PopMaster with him to his new job.
Comedian Brydon, who has stood in for Bruce many times on his radio show and once even impersonated him for an entire two-and-a-half hours on air, paid tribute to Bruce’s tenure with a humorous tweet.
“Devastated to hear @RealKenBruce has decided to leave @BBCRadio2,” he wrote. “I...
- 1/20/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Finn Wolfhard has responded to Millie Bobby Brown’s brutal claim about his kissing techique.
The 20-year-old actor, who plays Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, was reminded of his co-star’s lie detector test answer, in which she was asked about old comments she once made about their romantic scenes.
Brown previously said of Wolfhard: “His kissing sucks.” And when Vanity Fair asked her: “Is Finn just a lousy kisser?” she replied, without missing a beat: “He is.”
The lie detector test deemed her answer to be true.
She was then asked “So he hasn’t gotten better?” to which Brown stated: “Not with me, no.” Again, the lie detector stated she was telling the truth.
When it was pointed out that Wolfhard would find out what she said, Brown, 18, did not seem to mind, stating: “That’s Ok.”
Sure enough, in an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show set...
The 20-year-old actor, who plays Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things, was reminded of his co-star’s lie detector test answer, in which she was asked about old comments she once made about their romantic scenes.
Brown previously said of Wolfhard: “His kissing sucks.” And when Vanity Fair asked her: “Is Finn just a lousy kisser?” she replied, without missing a beat: “He is.”
The lie detector test deemed her answer to be true.
She was then asked “So he hasn’t gotten better?” to which Brown stated: “Not with me, no.” Again, the lie detector stated she was telling the truth.
When it was pointed out that Wolfhard would find out what she said, Brown, 18, did not seem to mind, stating: “That’s Ok.”
Sure enough, in an episode of The Drew Barrymore Show set...
- 1/18/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz has accused the BBC of “ageism” folowing Ken Bruce’s announcement he is leaving Radio 2.
The broadcaster, who previously hosted a show for the station, discussed the DJ’s decision to leave the corporation on This Morning.
After host Phillip Schofield asked her why she thinks Bruce, 71, jumped ship after 45 years working at the station, she said: “I can’t speak for him but I imagine that it’s a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC.”
Feltz, 60, claimed that older presenters are “not valued in the same way”, adding: “The music isn’t as appealing ‘cause they’ve changed it to appeal to a younger crowd they’re so desperate to get.”
When asked if she felt she was not valued due to her age, Feltz replied: “Yes, I did.”
Feltz then highlighted other names to have left the channel in recent years.
“Think...
The broadcaster, who previously hosted a show for the station, discussed the DJ’s decision to leave the corporation on This Morning.
After host Phillip Schofield asked her why she thinks Bruce, 71, jumped ship after 45 years working at the station, she said: “I can’t speak for him but I imagine that it’s a feeling of some sense of ageism at the BBC.”
Feltz, 60, claimed that older presenters are “not valued in the same way”, adding: “The music isn’t as appealing ‘cause they’ve changed it to appeal to a younger crowd they’re so desperate to get.”
When asked if she felt she was not valued due to her age, Feltz replied: “Yes, I did.”
Feltz then highlighted other names to have left the channel in recent years.
“Think...
- 1/18/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
The BBC will say farewell to two more high-profile presenters with the departure of Fi Glover and Jane Garvey.
The pair, who have presented the popular BBC Sounds podcast Fortunately podcast since 2017 will host a new live afternoon show four times a week as well as a podcast for Times Radio.
Glover and Garvey are the latest of a string of high-profile star presenters to leave the BBC. Vanessa Feltz recently joined TalkTV, while news presenters Emily Maitlis and Andrew Marr were recruited by Global.
Glover and Garvey’s show will launch on October 10, with details of the podcast to be released soon. Their BBC podcast will continue until the end of the year.
In a statement, Garvey said: “I’ve had a brilliant time working for the BBC. Now I’m delighted to be joining the award-winning team at Times Radio. We can’t wait to get started on...
The pair, who have presented the popular BBC Sounds podcast Fortunately podcast since 2017 will host a new live afternoon show four times a week as well as a podcast for Times Radio.
Glover and Garvey are the latest of a string of high-profile star presenters to leave the BBC. Vanessa Feltz recently joined TalkTV, while news presenters Emily Maitlis and Andrew Marr were recruited by Global.
Glover and Garvey’s show will launch on October 10, with details of the podcast to be released soon. Their BBC podcast will continue until the end of the year.
In a statement, Garvey said: “I’ve had a brilliant time working for the BBC. Now I’m delighted to be joining the award-winning team at Times Radio. We can’t wait to get started on...
- 9/25/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Married at First Sight UK returned to our screens in its seventh season on 29 August, with 17 hopeful singletons betting on love as they tie the knot with complete strangers.
Based on the Danish series of the same name, the reality TV series matches couples based on scientific and sociological factors, with participants meeting their future spouses for the first time on their wedding day.
At this point, the couples have now been through their wedding days and honeymoons and are settling into married life. You can read more here about the 2022 couples.
One contestant in particular, Whitney Hughes, has already garnered a lot of fan backlash for her behaviour and treatment of her partner, Duka Cav, who moved to England from Yugoslavia at age 10.
So, who is Whitney Hughes and why are fans unhappy with her? Below is everything we know about the 31-year-old legal personal assistant from St Albans.
Based on the Danish series of the same name, the reality TV series matches couples based on scientific and sociological factors, with participants meeting their future spouses for the first time on their wedding day.
At this point, the couples have now been through their wedding days and honeymoons and are settling into married life. You can read more here about the 2022 couples.
One contestant in particular, Whitney Hughes, has already garnered a lot of fan backlash for her behaviour and treatment of her partner, Duka Cav, who moved to England from Yugoslavia at age 10.
So, who is Whitney Hughes and why are fans unhappy with her? Below is everything we know about the 31-year-old legal personal assistant from St Albans.
- 9/15/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Vanessa Feltz and royal biographer Angela Levin had a heated discussion over Meghan Markle during an interview on TalkTV on Monday (12 September).
Levin, who has written biographies for Prince Harry and Camilla, Queen Consort, was being interviewed on Feltz’s TalkTV show when the debate took place.
In a discussion about the reunion of the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) Levin said that she didn’t think “Meghan was fit to be in the royal family because she hates it”.
Feltz questioned Levin over the comments and her historic criticism of Markle, saying: “Do you feel you have been responsible for fuelling a kind of anti-Meghan faction that has been spiteful and targeting and possibly fanciful as well?”
“Quite a lot of what’s been said about her has been manufactured anyway,” she added.
Levin was quick to deny the allegations,...
Levin, who has written biographies for Prince Harry and Camilla, Queen Consort, was being interviewed on Feltz’s TalkTV show when the debate took place.
In a discussion about the reunion of the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) Levin said that she didn’t think “Meghan was fit to be in the royal family because she hates it”.
Feltz questioned Levin over the comments and her historic criticism of Markle, saying: “Do you feel you have been responsible for fuelling a kind of anti-Meghan faction that has been spiteful and targeting and possibly fanciful as well?”
“Quite a lot of what’s been said about her has been manufactured anyway,” she added.
Levin was quick to deny the allegations,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
The BBC has published a list of its highest-earning TV and radio stars, revealing that sports presenter Gary Lineker remains the UK broadcaster’s most valuable piece of talent.
Match Of The Day presenter Lineker held the top spot for a third year, despite his salary falling £400,000 from £1.75M in 2020 to £1.36 million in the year to March 2021, according to the BBC’s annual report published on Tuesday.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball was the highest-earning female star, taking home £1.13M — though this figure only partially reflects a 28% pay cut she volunteered for last year. Ball, who hosts Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show, now earns £980,000 a year.
Other well-remunerated stars include BBC News anchor Hugh Edwards and Lauren Laverne, who hosts Radio 4’s iconic show Desert Island Discs. See below for the BBC’s top 10 best-paid stars:
Gary Lineker: £1,360,000- £1,364,999 Zoe Ball: £1,130,000-£1,134,999 Steve Wright: £465,000-£469,999 Huw Edwards...
Match Of The Day presenter Lineker held the top spot for a third year, despite his salary falling £400,000 from £1.75M in 2020 to £1.36 million in the year to March 2021, according to the BBC’s annual report published on Tuesday.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball was the highest-earning female star, taking home £1.13M — though this figure only partially reflects a 28% pay cut she volunteered for last year. Ball, who hosts Radio 2’s flagship breakfast show, now earns £980,000 a year.
Other well-remunerated stars include BBC News anchor Hugh Edwards and Lauren Laverne, who hosts Radio 4’s iconic show Desert Island Discs. See below for the BBC’s top 10 best-paid stars:
Gary Lineker: £1,360,000- £1,364,999 Zoe Ball: £1,130,000-£1,134,999 Steve Wright: £465,000-£469,999 Huw Edwards...
- 7/6/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Kane Brown, Cindy Humphrey, Jessica-Jane Stafford, Vanessa Feltz, Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka | Written by Simon Battensby, Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka | Directed by Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka
I love it when a director you clocked onto a little while back as someone with potential, someone that you should be keeping an eye on, not only drops his latest film but has taken a complete left turn genre-wise, turning his hand to romantic comedy, and smashed it out the park. The director in question is Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka and last time out he brought us The Living Dead which did pretty well on the festival circuit and I personally sung its praises as a low-budget Brit horror comedy that was daring to dream.
When I saw Nwaka was moving down a more romantic road I wasn’t sure what to expect from him, or the finished film, if I’m honest. All too often...
I love it when a director you clocked onto a little while back as someone with potential, someone that you should be keeping an eye on, not only drops his latest film but has taken a complete left turn genre-wise, turning his hand to romantic comedy, and smashed it out the park. The director in question is Fredi ‘Kruga’ Nwaka and last time out he brought us The Living Dead which did pretty well on the festival circuit and I personally sung its praises as a low-budget Brit horror comedy that was daring to dream.
When I saw Nwaka was moving down a more romantic road I wasn’t sure what to expect from him, or the finished film, if I’m honest. All too often...
- 1/28/2021
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
The BBC published its annual financials today, revealing its top earning presenters and executives.
Sports personality Gary Lineker leads the way again but has agreed to take a £400,000 pay cut as part of signing a new five-year deal with the broadcaster, also announced today. Lineker earned £1.75M ($2.25M) in 2018-2019 but the cut will see him land in line with Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball as the org continues to try and reduce its gender pay gap.
Here are the BBC’s top earners for 2019/20:
1. Gary Lineker – £1.75M
2. Zoe Ball – £1.36M
3. Graham Norton – £725,000
4. Steve Wright – £475,000
5. Huw Edwards – £465,000
6. Fiona Bruce – £450,000
7. Vanessa Feltz – £405,000
8. Lauren Laverne – £395,000
9. Alan Shearer – £390,000
10. Stephen Nolan – £390,000
As part of its annual report, the broadcaster also discloses all executive salaries above £150,000. Previous director general Tony Hall earned a base salary of £450,000 in 18-19, while new Dg Tim Davie’s salary was £400,000 in his previous role as CEO of BBC Studios,...
Sports personality Gary Lineker leads the way again but has agreed to take a £400,000 pay cut as part of signing a new five-year deal with the broadcaster, also announced today. Lineker earned £1.75M ($2.25M) in 2018-2019 but the cut will see him land in line with Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball as the org continues to try and reduce its gender pay gap.
Here are the BBC’s top earners for 2019/20:
1. Gary Lineker – £1.75M
2. Zoe Ball – £1.36M
3. Graham Norton – £725,000
4. Steve Wright – £475,000
5. Huw Edwards – £465,000
6. Fiona Bruce – £450,000
7. Vanessa Feltz – £405,000
8. Lauren Laverne – £395,000
9. Alan Shearer – £390,000
10. Stephen Nolan – £390,000
As part of its annual report, the broadcaster also discloses all executive salaries above £150,000. Previous director general Tony Hall earned a base salary of £450,000 in 18-19, while new Dg Tim Davie’s salary was £400,000 in his previous role as CEO of BBC Studios,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC Studios has won its first fully-funded commission in China – a six-part factual series about tea. The production division of the British public broadcaster is making One Cup, A Thousand Stories for China Mobile’s digital content subsidiary Migu.
It comes 24 hours after BBC Studios won its first commission from Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi – the Natural History Unit is making Fierce Queens (w/t), explorung phenomenal female animals, for the short-form service.
One Cup, A Thousand Stories will tell the story of tea and its impact on China and other civilisations around the world. It will look at tea on a scale never attempted before, journeying across the beautiful and varied landscapes of China to explore its many teas, the people who have built a life around it and the culture it has created. It will reveal how tea has influenced Chinese lifestyles and rituals, including food and concepts of...
It comes 24 hours after BBC Studios won its first commission from Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi – the Natural History Unit is making Fierce Queens (w/t), explorung phenomenal female animals, for the short-form service.
One Cup, A Thousand Stories will tell the story of tea and its impact on China and other civilisations around the world. It will look at tea on a scale never attempted before, journeying across the beautiful and varied landscapes of China to explore its many teas, the people who have built a life around it and the culture it has created. It will reveal how tea has influenced Chinese lifestyles and rituals, including food and concepts of...
- 7/2/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
There are three women in the BBC’s roster of top-earning talent for the first time. Radio presenter Zoe Ball tops the list, earning up to £374,999. The U.K. pubcaster said there was “rapid and real change” in the gender split of its top-earners since it was first required by government to publish figures in 2016/17.
Ball’s earnings still paled in comparison to overall top-earners such as sports presenter Gary Lineker who raked in £1.75 million ($2.2 million), and TV and radio presenter Chris Evans with £1.25 million ($1.6 million).
Ball featured in the top 10 alongside “Strictly Come Dancing” presenter Claudia Winkleman, on £374,999 (but ranked lower than Ball because the latter has not been in her current role for a full year). Winkleman was the highest female earner last year, but not previously in the top 10. Radio presenter Vanessa Feltz also made the list, with earnings of £359,999.
The women figure toward the bottom of...
Ball’s earnings still paled in comparison to overall top-earners such as sports presenter Gary Lineker who raked in £1.75 million ($2.2 million), and TV and radio presenter Chris Evans with £1.25 million ($1.6 million).
Ball featured in the top 10 alongside “Strictly Come Dancing” presenter Claudia Winkleman, on £374,999 (but ranked lower than Ball because the latter has not been in her current role for a full year). Winkleman was the highest female earner last year, but not previously in the top 10. Radio presenter Vanessa Feltz also made the list, with earnings of £359,999.
The women figure toward the bottom of...
- 7/2/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC said the gender split among its top-earning talent is narrowing as top on-air male talent take pay cuts. The announcement Wednesday followed an outcry over salary figures last year that revealed a chasm between top on-air men and women at the British pubcaster.
The Beeb is aiming for a 50-50 split in the proportion of top earners by end-2020. It said Wednesday the gap now stands at 60-40 in favor of men, down from 75-25 two years ago. There were, however, still only two women among the top 20 on-air earners: TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, and radio broadcaster Vanessa Feltz.
The BBC revealed last week that it had closed the gender pay gap across the Corporation, which employs 20,000 people. The talent pay figures released Wednesday apply only to on-air staff whose salaries are funded by the BBC license fee and exceed £150,000. They do not take into account the high...
The Beeb is aiming for a 50-50 split in the proportion of top earners by end-2020. It said Wednesday the gap now stands at 60-40 in favor of men, down from 75-25 two years ago. There were, however, still only two women among the top 20 on-air earners: TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, and radio broadcaster Vanessa Feltz.
The BBC revealed last week that it had closed the gender pay gap across the Corporation, which employs 20,000 people. The talent pay figures released Wednesday apply only to on-air staff whose salaries are funded by the BBC license fee and exceed £150,000. They do not take into account the high...
- 7/11/2018
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The Sunday Times of London has fired columnist Kevin Myers following outrage over an article he wrote for the publication’s Irish edition, suggesting BBC presenters Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz were well paid because they are Jewish. Myers article, which had he framed as an attack on the push to close the pay gap at the BBC, was in response to an open letter from the BBC's female stars which urged a quick end to gender pay disparities at the company following an…...
- 7/30/2017
- Deadline TV
Simon Amstell's iPlayer exclusive, Carnage, is worth seeking out. Here's our review...
TV
Carnage is a 70-minute sci-fi vegan comedy, a description which its creator Simon Amstell admits “makes it sound awful”.
It is certainly an experimental commission for the BBC. Amstell - known for sad-com Grandma’s House and causing more than one celebrity walkout on Popworld and Never Mind The Buzzcocks – was asked if he had any ideas weird enough to be an iPlayer exclusive. This mockumentary is what he came up with.
In the year 2067, a group of young people picnic on vegan foods in an idyllic landscape. The idea that anyone ever ate meat is as horrifying as genocide to them, so the film sets out to help the youth of the late 21st century forgive the older generations.
It is important to say at this point, before you tut and go back to eating your sausage and eggs,...
TV
Carnage is a 70-minute sci-fi vegan comedy, a description which its creator Simon Amstell admits “makes it sound awful”.
It is certainly an experimental commission for the BBC. Amstell - known for sad-com Grandma’s House and causing more than one celebrity walkout on Popworld and Never Mind The Buzzcocks – was asked if he had any ideas weird enough to be an iPlayer exclusive. This mockumentary is what he came up with.
In the year 2067, a group of young people picnic on vegan foods in an idyllic landscape. The idea that anyone ever ate meat is as horrifying as genocide to them, so the film sets out to help the youth of the late 21st century forgive the older generations.
It is important to say at this point, before you tut and go back to eating your sausage and eggs,...
- 3/19/2017
- Den of Geek
The critically acclaimed five star West End production, Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical, opened to a packed house last night at London’s Phoenix Theatre Amongst the audience were familiar faces including Omid Djalili,Naughty boy, Madhu & Sulaiman from Signature, Anita Anand, Nihal, Adil Ray, Vanessa Feltz, Graham Norton, Juliet Stevenson, Lily Collins, Indira Verma and Manish Bhasin.
Adapted by Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges from the 2002 smash hit film of the same name, Bend it Like Beckham: The Musical follows Jess, a talented young football player torn between following in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham, or living up to family expectations of university, career and marriage.
Scored by Howard Goodall (Love Story, The Hired Man) with the collaboration of pioneer of the British Bhangra sound, composer and performer Kuljit Bhamra and lyrics by Charles Hart (Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Love Never Dies...
Adapted by Gurinder Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges from the 2002 smash hit film of the same name, Bend it Like Beckham: The Musical follows Jess, a talented young football player torn between following in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham, or living up to family expectations of university, career and marriage.
Scored by Howard Goodall (Love Story, The Hired Man) with the collaboration of pioneer of the British Bhangra sound, composer and performer Kuljit Bhamra and lyrics by Charles Hart (Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Love Never Dies...
- 6/29/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
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
Clip and archive-based programmes are ten-a-penny these days, but have you ever wanted to know what Linford Christie's TV guilty pleasure is?
Well, now's your chance - a new BBC One daytime show has been commissioned that will see celebrities taking a nostalgic look back at their favourite TV shows.
Hosted by Brian Conley, TV That Made Me will see famous guests including former Olympic 100m champion Christie talking about their TV obsessions, family favourites, guilty pleasures and biggest influences.
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood and poet Pam Ayres are among those taking part, along with Rory McGrath, Gok Wan, Sandi Toksvig, Jo Wood, Vanessa Feltz and Eamonn Holmes.
Raise the Roof Productions, who previously worked on Len Goodman's Holiday of My Lifetime, will make the 20-episode series.
BBC daytime and early peak commissioner Jo Street said: "We were blown away by the success of...
Well, now's your chance - a new BBC One daytime show has been commissioned that will see celebrities taking a nostalgic look back at their favourite TV shows.
Hosted by Brian Conley, TV That Made Me will see famous guests including former Olympic 100m champion Christie talking about their TV obsessions, family favourites, guilty pleasures and biggest influences.
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood and poet Pam Ayres are among those taking part, along with Rory McGrath, Gok Wan, Sandi Toksvig, Jo Wood, Vanessa Feltz and Eamonn Holmes.
Raise the Roof Productions, who previously worked on Len Goodman's Holiday of My Lifetime, will make the 20-episode series.
BBC daytime and early peak commissioner Jo Street said: "We were blown away by the success of...
- 4/21/2015
- Digital Spy
We're not quite sure we're ready for this. We've only just recovered from Helen Wood's Big Brother win, but that's old news now - because 14 famous faces made their way into the Celebrity Big Brother house tonight! But who are they? Read on for everything you need to know about the bungalow's brand new residents...
Angelique 'Frenchy' Morgan
So who is she? Angelique is a model, exotic dancer and, er, 'adult film star'.
What do I need to know? Angelique is nicknamed Frenchy, presumably because she was raised in Paris. She's probably the star who'll get the most 'who?' comments, but if you want to know your stuff, she landed appearances on the Howard Stern Show after being on Playboy TV. Since then, she's been on reality shows Rock of Love, Charm School and I Love Money - oh, and some of you might be pretending you...
Angelique 'Frenchy' Morgan
So who is she? Angelique is a model, exotic dancer and, er, 'adult film star'.
What do I need to know? Angelique is nicknamed Frenchy, presumably because she was raised in Paris. She's probably the star who'll get the most 'who?' comments, but if you want to know your stuff, she landed appearances on the Howard Stern Show after being on Playboy TV. Since then, she's been on reality shows Rock of Love, Charm School and I Love Money - oh, and some of you might be pretending you...
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Ah. So here we are again.
The Big Brother house has been Hoovered, the Diary Room has had a lick of paint and Emma Willis has bought a new frock.
Tonight, a whole new bunch of desperate fame-hungry celebrities will be waving their way down the aisle and over to the slidey doors of doom as they enter this series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul Daniels? Maybe. White Dee? Possibly. Someone we've literally never heard of from a soap? Definitely.
Tune into Channel 5 from 9pm with Digital Spy, as we watch the CBB circus roll into town...
23:13Thanks for joining Digital Spy, and remember - don't have nightmares. G'night!
23:13So, did you recognise all of the housemates? Most of them? Three of them? None of them? We have to admit, it doesn't look great. But the main thing is, there's potential. And who knows what the next four weeks will hold.
The Big Brother house has been Hoovered, the Diary Room has had a lick of paint and Emma Willis has bought a new frock.
Tonight, a whole new bunch of desperate fame-hungry celebrities will be waving their way down the aisle and over to the slidey doors of doom as they enter this series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul Daniels? Maybe. White Dee? Possibly. Someone we've literally never heard of from a soap? Definitely.
Tune into Channel 5 from 9pm with Digital Spy, as we watch the CBB circus roll into town...
23:13Thanks for joining Digital Spy, and remember - don't have nightmares. G'night!
23:13So, did you recognise all of the housemates? Most of them? Three of them? None of them? We have to admit, it doesn't look great. But the main thing is, there's potential. And who knows what the next four weeks will hold.
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Ah. So here we are again.
The Big Brother house has been Hoovered, the Diary Room has had a lick of paint and Emma Willis has bought a new frock.
Tonight, a whole new bunch of desperate fame-hungry celebrities will be waving their way down the aisle and over to the slidey doors of doom as they enter this series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul Daniels? Maybe. White Dee? Possibly. Someone we've literally never heard of from a soap? Definitely.
Tune into Channel 5 from 9pm with Digital Spy, as we watch the CBB circus roll into town...
23:13Thanks for joining Digital Spy, and remember - don't have nightmares. G'night!
23:13So, did you recognise all of the housemates? Most of them? Three of them? None of them? We have to admit, it doesn't look great. But the main thing is, there's potential. And who knows what the next four weeks will hold.
The Big Brother house has been Hoovered, the Diary Room has had a lick of paint and Emma Willis has bought a new frock.
Tonight, a whole new bunch of desperate fame-hungry celebrities will be waving their way down the aisle and over to the slidey doors of doom as they enter this series of Celebrity Big Brother.
Paul Daniels? Maybe. White Dee? Possibly. Someone we've literally never heard of from a soap? Definitely.
Tune into Channel 5 from 9pm with Digital Spy, as we watch the CBB circus roll into town...
23:13Thanks for joining Digital Spy, and remember - don't have nightmares. G'night!
23:13So, did you recognise all of the housemates? Most of them? Three of them? None of them? We have to admit, it doesn't look great. But the main thing is, there's potential. And who knows what the next four weeks will hold.
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee in the hot tub with Gary Busey; Helen Flanagan weeping relentlessly in the Diary Room; and David McIntosh parading around in Those short shorts.... the possibilities for this series of Celebrity Big Brother are endless.
So, as we eagerly await for the mystery(ish) celebrity guests to enter the famous house in Elstree, we've decided to reminisce with our favourite ever star contestants below:
1. Jackie Stallone
"Yeah, Jackie," were the only two words uttered from the side of Jackie's heavily siliconed mouth as she entered the house, draped in fur and dripping in jewels. Her entrance soon became one of the most memorable moments from the entire series.
It was part-Jackie's presence, part-Jackie's face that really shocked Brigitte Nielsen back on the show in 2005 when her former mother-in-law entered the house on day five.
Fellow housemates had to refer to Jackie as the Queen Mother,...
So, as we eagerly await for the mystery(ish) celebrity guests to enter the famous house in Elstree, we've decided to reminisce with our favourite ever star contestants below:
1. Jackie Stallone
"Yeah, Jackie," were the only two words uttered from the side of Jackie's heavily siliconed mouth as she entered the house, draped in fur and dripping in jewels. Her entrance soon became one of the most memorable moments from the entire series.
It was part-Jackie's presence, part-Jackie's face that really shocked Brigitte Nielsen back on the show in 2005 when her former mother-in-law entered the house on day five.
Fellow housemates had to refer to Jackie as the Queen Mother,...
- 8/18/2014
- Digital Spy
The lineup for this year's Pointless Celebrities series has been announced by BBC One.
Beginning with an August 9 comedy special, the upcoming series will feature different themes each week.
Four teams of two from the world of music, TV, soaps, sport, food and drink, journalism, radio and theatre will compete for charity in weekly specials to air on Saturday evenings on BBC One.
The first show pits Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson from Birds of a Feather against Ronni Ancona and Phil Cornwell, Su Pollard and Ruth Madoc, and Josh Widdicombe and his partner Sara Pascoe.
Standout teams from the series include Stefan Dennis and fellow Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, who will square off against Ray Quinn and Louis Emerick from Brookside.
Antony Costa from Blue will team with 5ive's Scott Robinson in the music special, while TV stars Louie Spence and Carol McGiffin will face off against the likes...
Beginning with an August 9 comedy special, the upcoming series will feature different themes each week.
Four teams of two from the world of music, TV, soaps, sport, food and drink, journalism, radio and theatre will compete for charity in weekly specials to air on Saturday evenings on BBC One.
The first show pits Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson from Birds of a Feather against Ronni Ancona and Phil Cornwell, Su Pollard and Ruth Madoc, and Josh Widdicombe and his partner Sara Pascoe.
Standout teams from the series include Stefan Dennis and fellow Neighbours star Rebekah Elmaloglou, who will square off against Ray Quinn and Louis Emerick from Brookside.
Antony Costa from Blue will team with 5ive's Scott Robinson in the music special, while TV stars Louie Spence and Carol McGiffin will face off against the likes...
- 7/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Vanessa Feltz would love to see Judy Murray on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 52-year-old star - who competed on the BBC ballroom dancing competition last year - hopes speculation that tennis ace Andy Murray's mother will appear on the new series is true as she thinks Judy would be great viewing. She told Closer magazine: ''She's a woman with an eye for an attractive gentleman and is not averse to tweeting saucy comments about the objects of her lust so, if the 'Strictly' bosses pair her with a hot professional, there's no doubt the chemistry would explode. ''After my stint on the show...
- 7/4/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Tamara has delivered a damning verdict on a number of her fellow housemates after her first day in the Big Brother house.
The 24-year-old head-hunter from London told Big Brother that she finds the other girls in the house "boring".
Rooney, rapping and war reporting: Past lives of the Big Brother stars
How to be on Big Brother by Amy Childs, Casey Batchelor & Vanessa Feltz
"I haven't really spoken to the American one," she said in a trip to the diary room.
"Kimberly," prompted Big Brother.
"Or the other one…" added Tamara.
"Danielle," corrected Big Brother.
Tamara laughed: "I'm sure they're lovely girls, but on first impressions they don't stand out to me or interest me. I find them a bit monotonous, a bit boring, a bit 'I'm a model'… boring."
One housemate who has caught Tamara's attention is self-proclaimed Essex boy Winston.
"Winston is fit!" She said. "There's no denying that Winston's fit.
The 24-year-old head-hunter from London told Big Brother that she finds the other girls in the house "boring".
Rooney, rapping and war reporting: Past lives of the Big Brother stars
How to be on Big Brother by Amy Childs, Casey Batchelor & Vanessa Feltz
"I haven't really spoken to the American one," she said in a trip to the diary room.
"Kimberly," prompted Big Brother.
"Or the other one…" added Tamara.
"Danielle," corrected Big Brother.
Tamara laughed: "I'm sure they're lovely girls, but on first impressions they don't stand out to me or interest me. I find them a bit monotonous, a bit boring, a bit 'I'm a model'… boring."
One housemate who has caught Tamara's attention is self-proclaimed Essex boy Winston.
"Winston is fit!" She said. "There's no denying that Winston's fit.
- 6/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Big Brother is just a few hours away now, and those new housemates must be feeling pretty nervous. But they join plenty of people who've been there and have the T-shirt... like Celebrity Big Brother stars Amy Childs, Casey Batchelor and Vanessa Feltz. Who better to give the newbies a few tips? Read on for their top ten tips on how to be a housemate...
Big Brother: Digital Spy has a sneaky tour around the house
Big Brother: The house gets a futuristic makeover - all the pictures
1. Be prepared for big twists.
"I can't wait to watch it," Amy said. "I was with Rylan last week and he told me all about it. There's loads of twists to it as well, so I think it will be a major house... Honestly you have got to watch it, there are a lot of big twists in there."
2. Don't be scared of arguments.
Big Brother: Digital Spy has a sneaky tour around the house
Big Brother: The house gets a futuristic makeover - all the pictures
1. Be prepared for big twists.
"I can't wait to watch it," Amy said. "I was with Rylan last week and he told me all about it. There's loads of twists to it as well, so I think it will be a major house... Honestly you have got to watch it, there are a lot of big twists in there."
2. Don't be scared of arguments.
- 6/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Big Brother is just a few hours away now, and those new housemates must be feeling pretty nervous. But they join plenty of people who've been there and have the T-shirt... like Celebrity Big Brother stars Amy Childs, Casey Batchelor and Vanessa Feltz. Who better to give the newbies a few tips? Read on for their top ten tips on how to be a housemate...
Big Brother: Digital Spy has a sneaky tour around the house
Big Brother: The house gets a futuristic makeover - all the pictures
1. Be prepared for big twists.
"I can't wait to watch it," Amy said. "I was with Rylan last week and he told me all about it. There's loads of twists to it as well, so I think it will be a major house... Honestly you have got to watch it, there are a lot of big twists in there."
2. Don't be scared of arguments.
Big Brother: Digital Spy has a sneaky tour around the house
Big Brother: The house gets a futuristic makeover - all the pictures
1. Be prepared for big twists.
"I can't wait to watch it," Amy said. "I was with Rylan last week and he told me all about it. There's loads of twists to it as well, so I think it will be a major house... Honestly you have got to watch it, there are a lot of big twists in there."
2. Don't be scared of arguments.
- 6/5/2014
- Digital Spy
We're feeling a little bereft. The Big Reunion has come to an end - though at least it was with a bang! The show went out in style with the much-trailed Hammersmith gig and now it's time to pack up our trouser skirts, heart glitter and gel pens and get back to our adult lives (well, as adult as we get anyway.) But at least the last hurrah was a good'un - here's what we noticed from the last episode of The Big Reunion's second series...
1. Kian Egan has a filthy mouth.
"Hear'Say, kiss my arse." Kian. We expected better from a former Westlife member from Westlife.
2. Andi Peters' voiceover just got even more ridiculous.
It started reasonably enough, with talk of clutching crocheted Adam Rickitt dolls to our bosoms, which we related to, obviously. Then it just got silly: "Jade is wearing a hat." Then it got...
1. Kian Egan has a filthy mouth.
"Hear'Say, kiss my arse." Kian. We expected better from a former Westlife member from Westlife.
2. Andi Peters' voiceover just got even more ridiculous.
It started reasonably enough, with talk of clutching crocheted Adam Rickitt dolls to our bosoms, which we related to, obviously. Then it just got silly: "Jade is wearing a hat." Then it got...
- 3/27/2014
- Digital Spy
David Hasselhoff and former Westlife star Brian McFadden are among the stars taking part in the sixth series of All Star Mr & Mrs.
The ITV show, hosted by Phillip Schofield, sees famous faces attempting to answer questions about their significant others to win up to £30,000 for charity.
Among the other celebrities taking part in the quiz are comedian Johnny Vegas, McFly member Danny Jones and golfer and Strictly contestant Tony Jacklin.
Vanessa Feltz will also attempt to win some money for charity on the show, as will Nigel Havers, Coronation Street star Debbie Rush and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'s Matthew Wright.
Emmerdale actor Liam Fox and rugby star Ben Cohen are two of the other famous faces who have signed up to be grilled by Schofield.
Each couple taking part in the show wins at least £5,000 for charity, with the winning couple given the chance...
The ITV show, hosted by Phillip Schofield, sees famous faces attempting to answer questions about their significant others to win up to £30,000 for charity.
Among the other celebrities taking part in the quiz are comedian Johnny Vegas, McFly member Danny Jones and golfer and Strictly contestant Tony Jacklin.
Vanessa Feltz will also attempt to win some money for charity on the show, as will Nigel Havers, Coronation Street star Debbie Rush and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'s Matthew Wright.
Emmerdale actor Liam Fox and rugby star Ben Cohen are two of the other famous faces who have signed up to be grilled by Schofield.
Each couple taking part in the show wins at least £5,000 for charity, with the winning couple given the chance...
- 2/24/2014
- Digital Spy
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