Exclusive: BBC News’ search for its first royal editor has been blown wide open after the British broadcaster passed over two leading internal candidates.
The BBC has advertised the royal editor post externally for the first time, just days after it was expected to be offered to either Mark Easton, BBC News’ home editor, or royal correspondent Daniela Relph.
The prestige on-air role is likely to attract interest from high-profile external candidates, with BBC sources already speculating that Roya Nikkhah, The Sunday Times royal editor and CBS News contributor, would be the candidate to beat, should she wish to apply.
There is anger, however, that Easton and Relph have been overlooked. “The whole thing stinks,” said an insider familiar with the process. A second person added: “Daniela and Mark are very very unhappy.”
Several sources said Easton, a vastly experienced BBC journalist, was asked to complete a written test as part of his application process,...
The BBC has advertised the royal editor post externally for the first time, just days after it was expected to be offered to either Mark Easton, BBC News’ home editor, or royal correspondent Daniela Relph.
The prestige on-air role is likely to attract interest from high-profile external candidates, with BBC sources already speculating that Roya Nikkhah, The Sunday Times royal editor and CBS News contributor, would be the candidate to beat, should she wish to apply.
There is anger, however, that Easton and Relph have been overlooked. “The whole thing stinks,” said an insider familiar with the process. A second person added: “Daniela and Mark are very very unhappy.”
Several sources said Easton, a vastly experienced BBC journalist, was asked to complete a written test as part of his application process,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC News is close to crowning its first royal editor after narrowing the field of candidates down to a final two.
Deadline understands that the prestige on-air role is expected to be offered to either Mark Easton, BBC News’ home editor, or royal correspondent Daniela Relph.
The successful candidate will step into a newly-created role, but effectively replaces Nicholas Witchell, who retired as a BBC royal correspondent after 25 years.
Easton has little experience of covering the royal family, but has been home editor since 2004, overseeing major stories including the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Sources said Easton could bring a “more ballsy” approach to the BBC’s royal output, with the corporation sometimes seen as being cautious in its coverage of the royal family.
Relph has reported on the royals for more than a decade and appeared on the BBC’s News at Six bulletin on the day Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis.
Deadline understands that the prestige on-air role is expected to be offered to either Mark Easton, BBC News’ home editor, or royal correspondent Daniela Relph.
The successful candidate will step into a newly-created role, but effectively replaces Nicholas Witchell, who retired as a BBC royal correspondent after 25 years.
Easton has little experience of covering the royal family, but has been home editor since 2004, overseeing major stories including the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Sources said Easton could bring a “more ballsy” approach to the BBC’s royal output, with the corporation sometimes seen as being cautious in its coverage of the royal family.
Relph has reported on the royals for more than a decade and appeared on the BBC’s News at Six bulletin on the day Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis.
- 4/10/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Nineteen years ago, then-Prince Charles was caught on a microphone calling the BBC’s Nicholas Witchell “awful,” and saying he couldn’t stand him.
But it seems the pair have since made up, with the King sending the longtime royal correspondent a warm message, wishing him well on Witchell’s retirement from the BBC after nearly 48 years.
The Sun newspaper reports that the King’s video message, described as “generous and warm-hearted”, was played to Witchell at his retirement party last week, and included the monarch joking about the “ups and downs” experienced by the pair over the years.
Back in 2005, Witchell was one of the press pack covering the then Prince of Wales’ ski holiday with his teenage sons William and Harry, ahead of his wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles.
After the reporter had thrown a question to the royal trio, Charles whispered to his sons, not realizing he...
But it seems the pair have since made up, with the King sending the longtime royal correspondent a warm message, wishing him well on Witchell’s retirement from the BBC after nearly 48 years.
The Sun newspaper reports that the King’s video message, described as “generous and warm-hearted”, was played to Witchell at his retirement party last week, and included the monarch joking about the “ups and downs” experienced by the pair over the years.
Back in 2005, Witchell was one of the press pack covering the then Prince of Wales’ ski holiday with his teenage sons William and Harry, ahead of his wedding to Camilla Parker-Bowles.
After the reporter had thrown a question to the royal trio, Charles whispered to his sons, not realizing he...
- 4/1/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC News is gearing up to hire its first royal editor, with potential candidates emerging as the broadcaster looks to capitalize on soaring audience interest in the British monarchy.
BBC News has traditionally appointed royal correspondents, but the corporation has decided to elevate the role after Nicholas Witchell, a 25-year veteran of the beat, announced he will retire in 2024.
Insiders believe that it will be the first time in the corporation’s history it has installed a royal editor. Jean Seaton, the BBC’s official historian, was unaware of the broadcaster previously having the position.
Recruitment is expected to begin early next year, with the chosen candidate taking their place alongside household names including political editor Chris Mason and international editor Jeremy Bowen.
Speculation is already mounting over who may land the post, which will catapult a journalist into the heart of BBC coverage of key national moments including royal events and deaths.
BBC News has traditionally appointed royal correspondents, but the corporation has decided to elevate the role after Nicholas Witchell, a 25-year veteran of the beat, announced he will retire in 2024.
Insiders believe that it will be the first time in the corporation’s history it has installed a royal editor. Jean Seaton, the BBC’s official historian, was unaware of the broadcaster previously having the position.
Recruitment is expected to begin early next year, with the chosen candidate taking their place alongside household names including political editor Chris Mason and international editor Jeremy Bowen.
Speculation is already mounting over who may land the post, which will catapult a journalist into the heart of BBC coverage of key national moments including royal events and deaths.
- 12/8/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
What Prince William Once Had to Say About The ‘Work-Shy’ Criticism Prince Harry Mentioned in ‘Spare’
“Work-shy” Prince William? The now-Prince of Wales and Prince Harry both weren’t having that kind of criticism. How William responded to once being called a “reluctant royal.” Plus, why the Duke of Sussex labeled the dig as “grossly unfair” because of two things in his Spare memoir.
A journalist asked Prince William about being a ‘slightly reluctant royal’ in 2016 Prince William and Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/WireImage
Shortly before the late Queen Elizabeth II turned 90 in 2016, William, then the Duke of Cambridge, sat down for a wide-ranging interview with the BBC. The network’s royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, asked a series of questions in what became a nearly 12-minute video.
At one point, the journalist addressed William’s “work-shy” nickname. “There is an impression in some quarters that you are in some ways a slightly reluctant royal,” Witchell said.
“You will have seen—or I’m sure people...
A journalist asked Prince William about being a ‘slightly reluctant royal’ in 2016 Prince William and Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/WireImage
Shortly before the late Queen Elizabeth II turned 90 in 2016, William, then the Duke of Cambridge, sat down for a wide-ranging interview with the BBC. The network’s royal correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, asked a series of questions in what became a nearly 12-minute video.
At one point, the journalist addressed William’s “work-shy” nickname. “There is an impression in some quarters that you are in some ways a slightly reluctant royal,” Witchell said.
“You will have seen—or I’m sure people...
- 5/1/2023
- by Mandi Kerr
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
BBC journalists have fired back at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s claims regarding their 2017 engagement interview in their new Netflix docuseries.
In the third episode, of the first three that were released on Thursday, the couple claim that their engagement interview with the outlet five years ago was “orchestrated” and “rehearsed.”
“We weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want [us to],” Markle says in the episode, to which Harry adds: “We’ve never been allowed to tell our story.”
The actress didn’t clarify who “they” referred to- the royal family or the BBC.
One of BBC’s most esteemed journalists, Mishal Husain, who conducted the couple’s engagement interview, disputed Meghan and Harry’s claims, along with some of her co-workers.
Read More: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Spokesperson Responds Amid Documentary Backlash, Insists Decision To Step Down As Senior Royals Wasn’t About...
In the third episode, of the first three that were released on Thursday, the couple claim that their engagement interview with the outlet five years ago was “orchestrated” and “rehearsed.”
“We weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want [us to],” Markle says in the episode, to which Harry adds: “We’ve never been allowed to tell our story.”
The actress didn’t clarify who “they” referred to- the royal family or the BBC.
One of BBC’s most esteemed journalists, Mishal Husain, who conducted the couple’s engagement interview, disputed Meghan and Harry’s claims, along with some of her co-workers.
Read More: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Spokesperson Responds Amid Documentary Backlash, Insists Decision To Step Down As Senior Royals Wasn’t About...
- 12/9/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
BBC journalists have hit back at claims made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in their new Netflix documentary over the couple’s engagement interview.
In the new six-part docuseries, the first three episodes of which dropped on the streamer yesterday, the couple claim an interview they gave to the BBC in 2017 about their engagement was “orchestrated” and “rehearsed.” Meghan also said in the documentary: “We weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want [us to].”
She does not clarify whether “they” refers to the Royal Family or the BBC.
The BBC interview, which the couple gave shortly after their engagement was announced in 2017, was conducted by one the network’s most esteemed journalists, Mishal Husain.
Now, some of the BBC’s top journalists – including Husain – have disputed the couple’s claims, as well as their assertion the British media was out to “destroy” Meghan.
Husain, who was...
In the new six-part docuseries, the first three episodes of which dropped on the streamer yesterday, the couple claim an interview they gave to the BBC in 2017 about their engagement was “orchestrated” and “rehearsed.” Meghan also said in the documentary: “We weren’t allowed to tell our story because they didn’t want [us to].”
She does not clarify whether “they” refers to the Royal Family or the BBC.
The BBC interview, which the couple gave shortly after their engagement was announced in 2017, was conducted by one the network’s most esteemed journalists, Mishal Husain.
Now, some of the BBC’s top journalists – including Husain – have disputed the couple’s claims, as well as their assertion the British media was out to “destroy” Meghan.
Husain, who was...
- 12/9/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Alison Hammond had a surprise cameo in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix documentary, it has been revealed.
On Thursday (8 December), the first three episodes of Harry and Meghan arrived on the streaming service.
You can read the biggest talking points from the series here.
During Friday’s episode (9 December) of This Morning, presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby discussed the episodes with guests Gyles Brandreth and Carol Vorderman.
During the debate, the team said that a friend of the show had made a special appearance in the episode.
A clip was then shown from the documentary, which featured archival footage of Harry and Meghan meeting the public during their first royal walkabout as a couple.
In the background, one crowd member could be heard shouting: “Meghan, we love you!”
This Morning then showed their own footage of presenter Hammond attending the event that day and shouting out her cries of appreciation for Meghan.
On Thursday (8 December), the first three episodes of Harry and Meghan arrived on the streaming service.
You can read the biggest talking points from the series here.
During Friday’s episode (9 December) of This Morning, presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby discussed the episodes with guests Gyles Brandreth and Carol Vorderman.
During the debate, the team said that a friend of the show had made a special appearance in the episode.
A clip was then shown from the documentary, which featured archival footage of Harry and Meghan meeting the public during their first royal walkabout as a couple.
In the background, one crowd member could be heard shouting: “Meghan, we love you!”
This Morning then showed their own footage of presenter Hammond attending the event that day and shouting out her cries of appreciation for Meghan.
- 12/9/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Netflix viewers have been sharing their anger after watching the streamer’s number one documentary, Crime Scene: The Texas Killing Fields.
The series looks at how, since the early 1970s, dozens of bodies have been found on a stretch of fields about 25 miles southeast of Houston. Most of these bodies belong to young women and, despite the assistance of the FBI and local authorities, the vast majority of these cases remain unsolved.
Many viewers of the show have taken to Twitter to share their outrage at the police’s failure to bring the killer – or killers – to justice.
“Watched The Texas Killing Fields that s*** was F***Ed Up How Did They Let That Happen For So Long,” posted one person.
A second wrote: “Good lord!! Who saw Texas Killing Fields on Netflix? What the f*** was that? Why was the Pd so chill? Oh man, my heart goes out to all the parents.
The series looks at how, since the early 1970s, dozens of bodies have been found on a stretch of fields about 25 miles southeast of Houston. Most of these bodies belong to young women and, despite the assistance of the FBI and local authorities, the vast majority of these cases remain unsolved.
Many viewers of the show have taken to Twitter to share their outrage at the police’s failure to bring the killer – or killers – to justice.
“Watched The Texas Killing Fields that s*** was F***Ed Up How Did They Let That Happen For So Long,” posted one person.
A second wrote: “Good lord!! Who saw Texas Killing Fields on Netflix? What the f*** was that? Why was the Pd so chill? Oh man, my heart goes out to all the parents.
- 12/9/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
News that doctors were “concerned” about Queen Elizabeth II’s health on Thursday lunchtime threw long-planned U.K. broadcast schedules into disarray almost immediately – and the disruptions will likely continue for weeks.
The statement from Buckingham Palace, issued at 12.30pm local time, was unprecedented and experienced broadcasters immediately realized the situation was serious. U.K. Parliament had been informed about 10 minutes earlier, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and leader of the opposition Keir Starmer discreetly passed notes detailing the situation in the House of Commons.
BBC One was the first network to break programming some 10 minutes after the statement was published. An episode of “Bargain Hunt” – a long-running series which sees two teams competing to cheaply source antiques and flip them for a profit – was interrupted by BBC newsreader Joanna Gosling, who said: “Welcome to viewers on BBC One. We have had news from Buckingham Palace that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.
The statement from Buckingham Palace, issued at 12.30pm local time, was unprecedented and experienced broadcasters immediately realized the situation was serious. U.K. Parliament had been informed about 10 minutes earlier, with Prime Minister Liz Truss and leader of the opposition Keir Starmer discreetly passed notes detailing the situation in the House of Commons.
BBC One was the first network to break programming some 10 minutes after the statement was published. An episode of “Bargain Hunt” – a long-running series which sees two teams competing to cheaply source antiques and flip them for a profit – was interrupted by BBC newsreader Joanna Gosling, who said: “Welcome to viewers on BBC One. We have had news from Buckingham Palace that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.
- 9/9/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for Covid-19, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The monarch is experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” and is expecting to continue performing light duties over the course of the week, according to a statement.
The Queen is based at Windsor Castle, west of London, where it is reported a number of people have tested positive. She had also been in contact with her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, who tested positive last week, as did his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.
This is thought to be the first time the Queen has suffered with the Coronavirus, although the Prince of Wales had it previously in Spring 2020. His son, the Duke of Cambridge, also had the virus around the same time. The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said it could be taken as “absolutely certain” that the Queen is fully vaccinated, after receiving her first jab...
The monarch is experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” and is expecting to continue performing light duties over the course of the week, according to a statement.
The Queen is based at Windsor Castle, west of London, where it is reported a number of people have tested positive. She had also been in contact with her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, who tested positive last week, as did his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.
This is thought to be the first time the Queen has suffered with the Coronavirus, although the Prince of Wales had it previously in Spring 2020. His son, the Duke of Cambridge, also had the virus around the same time. The BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said it could be taken as “absolutely certain” that the Queen is fully vaccinated, after receiving her first jab...
- 2/20/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The death of a senior member of the royal family is always a huge event in British life, whatever your view on the monarchy. And nowhere is the significance of these moments perhaps better captured than on the BBC.
The public broadcaster has well-rehearsed procedures for reporting on royal deaths, and these protocols swung into action with the passing of Prince Philip. Just after midday on Friday, the BBC interrupted its usual output across TV and radio to bring audiences Buckingham Palace’s statement.
On BBC One, the UK’s most-watched television channel, an episode of daytime show Paramedics on Scene went dark. A black and white title card appeared on screen, with the words “News report.”
Presenter Martine Croxall then said: “We are interrupting our normal programs to bring you an important announcement. You’re watching BBC News from London. A short while ago, Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness,...
The public broadcaster has well-rehearsed procedures for reporting on royal deaths, and these protocols swung into action with the passing of Prince Philip. Just after midday on Friday, the BBC interrupted its usual output across TV and radio to bring audiences Buckingham Palace’s statement.
On BBC One, the UK’s most-watched television channel, an episode of daytime show Paramedics on Scene went dark. A black and white title card appeared on screen, with the words “News report.”
Presenter Martine Croxall then said: “We are interrupting our normal programs to bring you an important announcement. You’re watching BBC News from London. A short while ago, Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Queen Elizabeth has summoned the Royal Households' staff to come up with a solution amid Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as "senior" members of the royal family and split their time between the U.K. and North America, multiple outlets report. According to the BBC, citing its royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell, The Queen has been in contact with Prince Charles and Prince William. ITV News' royal editor Chris Ship also reported the teams are expected to work "at pace" with the Sussexes and governments to find "workable solutions" within days, not weeks. "The Queen has convened a meeting of all four royal households and 'tasked' them with...
- 1/9/2020
- E! Online
Prince William is the proud dad of Princess Charlotte and Prince George, and he's making sure they are at the top of his priority list. The handsome royal recently spoke with BBC and opened up about the recent criticism he faced over his lack of royal duties. William, who came under fire in February for making significantly less appearances than his grandfather, Prince Philip, last year, said that while he's eager to take on more responsibilities, he's also a family man. "I'm concentrating very much on my role as a father," he told interviewer Nicholas Witchell. "I'm a new father and I take my duties and my responsibilities to my family very seriously. I want to bring my children up as good people with the idea of service and duty to others as very important. But if I can't give my time to my children as well, I worry about their future.
- 4/22/2016
- by Caitlin Hacker
- Popsugar.com
Prince George is third in line to the British throne, but the day he learns about his destiny can wait, his dad Prince William says in a new interview. Asked if he recalls when he had an "inkling" that he wasn't from an "ordinary" family, and when he might prepare George, William told the BBC, "As far as we are concerned within our family unit, we are a normal family." "I love my children in the same way any father does, and I hope George loves me the same way any son does to his father," the royal dad shared...
- 4/20/2016
- by Simon Perry, @SPerryPeoplemag
- PEOPLE.com
Prince William is fighting back against royal flack. Fresh off his first official tour of India and Bhutan alongside his wife Duchess Kate Middleton, the 33-year-old is once again busy shutting down claims that he's "work-shy." When the BBC's Nicholas Witchell asked him to respond to allegations that he's a "slightly reluctant royal," William defended himself fiercely. "To be honest, I'm going to get plenty of criticism in my lifetime. It is not something that I completely ignore, but it's not something that I take completely to heart," he admitted. "I'm concentrating very much on my role as a father. I'm a new father and I take my duties...
- 4/20/2016
- E! Online
From the makers of Valhalla Rising comes this brutal and bloody action epic, which sees a young Norman prince take vengeance upon the evil tyrant who murdered his father! Like an almighty clash between Hammer of the Gods and Game of Thrones, this is a must-see movie for fans of swords, Saxons, and medieval savagery!
Sword of Vengeance is in cinemas and available to download 29th May before coming to DVD 1st June and we have one copy of the DVD to give away.
To win a copy of Sword of Vengeance on DVD, just answer the following question:
Sword of Vengeance comes from the makers of Valhalla Rising, but who directed that film? Was it:
a) Nicolas Winding-Refn
b) Nicholas Witchell
c) Nicolas Cage
Email your answer to NerdlyComps@gmail.com, making sure to include your name and address. You can also leave your answer on our Facebook page,...
Sword of Vengeance is in cinemas and available to download 29th May before coming to DVD 1st June and we have one copy of the DVD to give away.
To win a copy of Sword of Vengeance on DVD, just answer the following question:
Sword of Vengeance comes from the makers of Valhalla Rising, but who directed that film? Was it:
a) Nicolas Winding-Refn
b) Nicholas Witchell
c) Nicolas Cage
Email your answer to NerdlyComps@gmail.com, making sure to include your name and address. You can also leave your answer on our Facebook page,...
- 5/29/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Channel 5 will count down the Most Shocking TV Moments tonight (Monday, December 1) from 10pm.
In the 3-hour special, celebrities will recall Tom Cruise's sofa jump, Charles Ingram's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? con, Oliver Reed's drunken chat show antics and much more.
Digital Spy can reveal which shock moments have made the top ten, though you'll have to tune in tonight to find out which order they come in, and which has claimed the top spot.
Michael Jackson's performance at the 1996 Brit Awards is interrupted by a stage invasion from Pulp's Jarvis Cocker
Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff is surprised to be partnered with John Sergeant back in 2008
Diana, Princess of Wales gives a revealing interview on Panorama in November 1995
A Blind Date contestant believed to be a secretary is revealed to be a journalist writing an article for Cosmopolitan magazine
The Bee Gees...
In the 3-hour special, celebrities will recall Tom Cruise's sofa jump, Charles Ingram's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? con, Oliver Reed's drunken chat show antics and much more.
Digital Spy can reveal which shock moments have made the top ten, though you'll have to tune in tonight to find out which order they come in, and which has claimed the top spot.
Michael Jackson's performance at the 1996 Brit Awards is interrupted by a stage invasion from Pulp's Jarvis Cocker
Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff is surprised to be partnered with John Sergeant back in 2008
Diana, Princess of Wales gives a revealing interview on Panorama in November 1995
A Blind Date contestant believed to be a secretary is revealed to be a journalist writing an article for Cosmopolitan magazine
The Bee Gees...
- 12/1/2014
- Digital Spy
They didn't quite look the part but Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter brought chemistry to BBC4's final biopic
Burton and Taylor (BBC4) | iPlayer
Why Don't You Speak English? (C4) | 4oD
Notes from the Inside with James Rhodes (C4) | 4oD
Dominic West was wonderful, yes, and Helena Bonham Carter too, yes, yes, but the main thing to be said about Burton and Taylor was: what a shame. Such a shame that this phenomenal strand of BBC4 biopics ended there and then, thanks to "budget cuts". They'd done Kenneth Williams, Tony Hancock, Enid Blyton and many others, lives unwrapped with forensic writerly skill, and some magnificent acting, and, yes, a hefty salting of dramatic licence – and yet, throughout, somehow each one netted and skewered the soul of the character in question. The 20th century, in Britain, had at least another three dozen ripe characters to offer up, and now it won't happen.
Burton and Taylor (BBC4) | iPlayer
Why Don't You Speak English? (C4) | 4oD
Notes from the Inside with James Rhodes (C4) | 4oD
Dominic West was wonderful, yes, and Helena Bonham Carter too, yes, yes, but the main thing to be said about Burton and Taylor was: what a shame. Such a shame that this phenomenal strand of BBC4 biopics ended there and then, thanks to "budget cuts". They'd done Kenneth Williams, Tony Hancock, Enid Blyton and many others, lives unwrapped with forensic writerly skill, and some magnificent acting, and, yes, a hefty salting of dramatic licence – and yet, throughout, somehow each one netted and skewered the soul of the character in question. The 20th century, in Britain, had at least another three dozen ripe characters to offer up, and now it won't happen.
- 7/27/2013
- by Euan Ferguson
- The Guardian - Film News
They didn't quite look the part but Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter brought chemistry to BBC4's final biopic
Burton and Taylor (BBC4) | iPlayer
Why Don't You Speak English? (C4) | 4oD
Notes from the Inside with James Rhodes (C4) | 4oD
Dominic West was wonderful, yes, and Helena Bonham Carter too, yes, yes, but the main thing to be said about Burton and Taylor was: what a shame. Such a shame that this phenomenal strand of BBC4 biopics ended there and then, thanks to "budget cuts". They'd done Kenneth Williams, Tony Hancock, Enid Blyton and many others, lives unwrapped with forensic writerly skill, and some magnificent acting, and, yes, a hefty salting of dramatic licence – and yet, throughout, somehow each one netted and skewered the soul of the character in question. The 20th century, in Britain, had at least another three dozen ripe characters to offer up, and now it won't happen.
Burton and Taylor (BBC4) | iPlayer
Why Don't You Speak English? (C4) | 4oD
Notes from the Inside with James Rhodes (C4) | 4oD
Dominic West was wonderful, yes, and Helena Bonham Carter too, yes, yes, but the main thing to be said about Burton and Taylor was: what a shame. Such a shame that this phenomenal strand of BBC4 biopics ended there and then, thanks to "budget cuts". They'd done Kenneth Williams, Tony Hancock, Enid Blyton and many others, lives unwrapped with forensic writerly skill, and some magnificent acting, and, yes, a hefty salting of dramatic licence – and yet, throughout, somehow each one netted and skewered the soul of the character in question. The 20th century, in Britain, had at least another three dozen ripe characters to offer up, and now it won't happen.
- 7/27/2013
- by Euan Ferguson
- The Guardian - Film News
Britons think Queen Elizabeth should start taking things easier, a new poll has found. The 86-year-old British monarch should lighten up her schedule, according to 69 per cent of people polled in the survey on attitudes toward the monarchy. Seventy five per cent of respondents said they felt the queen is doing a great job 60 years into her reign while 80 per cent said they would like to see more of her grandson, Prince William, who is third in line to the throne. BBC Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell said he does not expect the queen to abdicate or give up many of her duties, despite recently being hospitalised. He said: 'Her recent brush with gastroenteritis has reminded...
- 4/2/2013
- Monsters and Critics
The actor is in Cannes – where Unlawful Killing is not being shown – to squeeze as much festival publicity as he can
"It's made from my point of view," said Keith Allen as he defended his film about Princess Diana's death, Unlawful Killing. "It's what the French call being an auteur."
Every so often a little invented scandal blows into Cannes; a harmless, or not so harmless, flurry of carefully created media noise for a film that, while nothing to do with the festival's official programme, uses Cannes to lever in credibility by association.
So it was with this new film by Allen, an actor who once appeared in Shallow Grave. It is being touted as the film you will never see in Britain – lawyers have demanded 87 cuts before it can be certificated. Some may say: lucky Britain.
When Allen uttered his "auteur" line there were titters in the grand...
"It's made from my point of view," said Keith Allen as he defended his film about Princess Diana's death, Unlawful Killing. "It's what the French call being an auteur."
Every so often a little invented scandal blows into Cannes; a harmless, or not so harmless, flurry of carefully created media noise for a film that, while nothing to do with the festival's official programme, uses Cannes to lever in credibility by association.
So it was with this new film by Allen, an actor who once appeared in Shallow Grave. It is being touted as the film you will never see in Britain – lawyers have demanded 87 cuts before it can be certificated. Some may say: lucky Britain.
When Allen uttered his "auteur" line there were titters in the grand...
- 5/13/2011
- by Charlotte Higgins
- The Guardian - Film News
British royal Prince Charles was humiliated on TV yesterday when his scathing attack on the media was picked up by microphones and broadcast to millions of open-mouthed viewers. The heir-to-the-throne attended a photo call with his two sons Prince William and Prince Harry near the ski slopes in Klosters, Switzerland, where the royal trio are currently holidaying. Growing increasingly frustrated with the awkward questions being thrown at them, Charles leaned towards his sons and launched into a whispered assault on the journalists present, saying, "These bloody people. I hate doing this." And when Charles spotted British reporter Nicholas Witchell in the crowd, his mood worsened: "I can't bear that man. I mean, he's so awful, he really is."...
- 4/1/2005
- WENN
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