Join wildlife adventurer Steve Backshall on an exhilarating journey into the world of “Killer Crocs” in the upcoming episode airing on Channel 5 at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, February 20th. In Season 1, Episode 2, Steve ventures into the Reserve in search of monster crocodiles, determined to uncover their secrets.
In this installment, Steve encounters Henry, a formidable five-meter-long crocodile, as he delves deeper into the Reserve. With each encounter, Steve inches closer to his ultimate goal of finding the elusive monster croc he’s been seeking.
Viewers can expect thrilling encounters, heart-pounding moments, and captivating insights into the behavior and habitat of these ancient predators. As Steve navigates the rugged terrain and murky waters of the Reserve, the tension mounts as he inches closer to his elusive target.
Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-fueled adventure of “Killer Crocs With Steve Backshall.” Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, February 20th,...
In this installment, Steve encounters Henry, a formidable five-meter-long crocodile, as he delves deeper into the Reserve. With each encounter, Steve inches closer to his ultimate goal of finding the elusive monster croc he’s been seeking.
Viewers can expect thrilling encounters, heart-pounding moments, and captivating insights into the behavior and habitat of these ancient predators. As Steve navigates the rugged terrain and murky waters of the Reserve, the tension mounts as he inches closer to his elusive target.
Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-fueled adventure of “Killer Crocs With Steve Backshall.” Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Tuesday, February 20th,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure with “Killer Crocs With Steve Backshall” premiering on Channel 5 at 9:00 Pm on Monday, February 19th, 2024. In Season 1 Episode 1, viewers are in for an up-close and personal encounter with some of nature’s most formidable predators as Steve Backshall embarks on a mission to uncover the truth about legendary monster crocs.
After delving into what makes crocs so deadly, Steve sets his sights on the protected Ndumo Game Reserve in South Africa. Known for its high concentration of crocs, this reserve provides the perfect setting for Steve to observe these powerful creatures in their natural habitat.
As Steve ventures deep into the heart of the reserve, viewers will be captivated by his daring exploration and breathtaking encounters with these fearsome reptiles. With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Steve sheds light on the behavior, biology, and conservation of crocs, offering viewers a unique insight into their world.
After delving into what makes crocs so deadly, Steve sets his sights on the protected Ndumo Game Reserve in South Africa. Known for its high concentration of crocs, this reserve provides the perfect setting for Steve to observe these powerful creatures in their natural habitat.
As Steve ventures deep into the heart of the reserve, viewers will be captivated by his daring exploration and breathtaking encounters with these fearsome reptiles. With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Steve sheds light on the behavior, biology, and conservation of crocs, offering viewers a unique insight into their world.
- 2/13/2024
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
The line-up for Taskmaster series 17 has been revealed, with The League Of Gentleman’s Steve Pemberton among the large names. More within:
Now that we’ve had the joy of both the Taskmaster New Year Treat – with Deborah Meaden, Kojey Radical, Lenny Rush, Steve Backshall and the third Champion of Champions – with Sarah Kendall, Dara O’Briain, Sophie Duker, Morgana Robinson and Kiell Smith Bynoe, who stood in for Mae Martin – we now look forward to the seventeenth series.
The line up for the new series is as follows, according to the British Comedy Guide:
Joanne McNally, John Robins, Sophie Willan, Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed and The League Of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton.
And it doesn’t stop there. Not only can you buy Taskmaster clothing, books, a board game via the official store, a few weeks ago, it was announced that the show was being turned into a VR...
Now that we’ve had the joy of both the Taskmaster New Year Treat – with Deborah Meaden, Kojey Radical, Lenny Rush, Steve Backshall and the third Champion of Champions – with Sarah Kendall, Dara O’Briain, Sophie Duker, Morgana Robinson and Kiell Smith Bynoe, who stood in for Mae Martin – we now look forward to the seventeenth series.
The line up for the new series is as follows, according to the British Comedy Guide:
Joanne McNally, John Robins, Sophie Willan, Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed and The League Of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton.
And it doesn’t stop there. Not only can you buy Taskmaster clothing, books, a board game via the official store, a few weeks ago, it was announced that the show was being turned into a VR...
- 1/15/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Taskmaster: Champions Of Champions 3 airs on the 14th January, Channel 4 has confirmed. More details here:
Now that we’ve had the joy of the Taskmaster New Year Treat with Deborah Meaden, Kojey Radical, Lenny Rush, Steve Backshall and Zoe Ball, we now look to the future, and we’re back at the time where a very special head-to-head occurs between previous winners.
As Taskmaster aired more and more series, Alex Horne and company began making Champion Of Champions specials after the fifth series.
The past Champion Of Champions winners were Josh Widdicombe and Richard Herring.
Taking part in the Champion Of Champions 3 are Sarah Kendall, Morgana Robinson, Sophie Duker and Dara Ó Briain. Series 15 winner Mae Martin was unavailable at the time of filming, so runner-up Kiell Smith-Bynoe took their place.
With Taskmaster commissioned all the way into 2026, there’s a very real possibility of there being a Champion...
Now that we’ve had the joy of the Taskmaster New Year Treat with Deborah Meaden, Kojey Radical, Lenny Rush, Steve Backshall and Zoe Ball, we now look to the future, and we’re back at the time where a very special head-to-head occurs between previous winners.
As Taskmaster aired more and more series, Alex Horne and company began making Champion Of Champions specials after the fifth series.
The past Champion Of Champions winners were Josh Widdicombe and Richard Herring.
Taking part in the Champion Of Champions 3 are Sarah Kendall, Morgana Robinson, Sophie Duker and Dara Ó Briain. Series 15 winner Mae Martin was unavailable at the time of filming, so runner-up Kiell Smith-Bynoe took their place.
With Taskmaster commissioned all the way into 2026, there’s a very real possibility of there being a Champion...
- 1/3/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Paramount’s Channel 5 is headed to South Africa in search of hippos and crocodiles.
The UK terrestrial network has ordered a pair of series from Sky Studios-owned factual specialist True to Nature presented by British naturalist Steve Backshall. Croc Watch and Hippo Watch will both run to two hour-long episodes, and Fremantle has picked up international sales rights.
This marks one of the most ambitious natural history bets for Channel 5. Across the two series, the programs will journey into the heart of South Africa to access the lives of crocodiles and hippos, revealing remarkable secrets and showcasing the beauty of their natural habitats.
Backshall, whose True to Nature-produced series Whale with Steve Backshall premiered on Sky Nature in the UK earlier this month, will reveal the mysteries of their survival by exploring their daily habits, hunting techniques and parenting instincts, and the intricate dynamics of the wild that enable them to thrive.
The UK terrestrial network has ordered a pair of series from Sky Studios-owned factual specialist True to Nature presented by British naturalist Steve Backshall. Croc Watch and Hippo Watch will both run to two hour-long episodes, and Fremantle has picked up international sales rights.
This marks one of the most ambitious natural history bets for Channel 5. Across the two series, the programs will journey into the heart of South Africa to access the lives of crocodiles and hippos, revealing remarkable secrets and showcasing the beauty of their natural habitats.
Backshall, whose True to Nature-produced series Whale with Steve Backshall premiered on Sky Nature in the UK earlier this month, will reveal the mysteries of their survival by exploring their daily habits, hunting techniques and parenting instincts, and the intricate dynamics of the wild that enable them to thrive.
- 12/10/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Whale with Steve Backshall, the latest high-end natural history series out of the UK is racking up international sales, as the Sky Nature show’s executive producer Wendy Darke talked up the importance of distribution and tax credits in getting such programs made.
The ABC in Australia and France’s Ushuaia are the latest to board the blue-chip natural history series from Wendy Darke’s indie True to Nature ahead of its debut on Sky Nature in the UK on December 3.
The series follows conservationist and wildlife expert Backshall as he attempts to challenge preconceptions around the endangered animals. Free-diving in the ocean, he attempts to get the audience closer to the than ever before to whales and dolphins, and showcase rarely-seen behaviours from the little-understood mammals.
Fremantle sells globally after launching it at the London TV Screenings earlier this year, and unveiled deals with the BBC in the Mena region,...
The ABC in Australia and France’s Ushuaia are the latest to board the blue-chip natural history series from Wendy Darke’s indie True to Nature ahead of its debut on Sky Nature in the UK on December 3.
The series follows conservationist and wildlife expert Backshall as he attempts to challenge preconceptions around the endangered animals. Free-diving in the ocean, he attempts to get the audience closer to the than ever before to whales and dolphins, and showcase rarely-seen behaviours from the little-understood mammals.
Fremantle sells globally after launching it at the London TV Screenings earlier this year, and unveiled deals with the BBC in the Mena region,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Thank goodness for Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, our annual dose of daft mayhem to lift us out of both our Nye hangover and the ‘Christmas is officially over’ doldrums. And to soften the blow of Taskmaster’s particularly funny series 16 ending, they’ve just announced who Taskmaster’s New Year Treat class of 2024 will be.
It’s a quirky but eminently promising line-up: Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball, wildlife expert Steve Backshall, multiple-mobo-nominated musician Kojey Radical and award-winning actor and future star of Doctor Who series 14, Lenny Rush.
Let’s learn a bit more about them:
Kojey Radical
Despite still being pretty early in his career, musician, spoken word poet and mixed media visual artist Kojey Radical has already been nominated for a ton of awards, including MOBOs, Ivor Novellos and a Brit. It’s easy to see why – his music covers...
It’s a quirky but eminently promising line-up: Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, TV and radio presenter Zoe Ball, wildlife expert Steve Backshall, multiple-mobo-nominated musician Kojey Radical and award-winning actor and future star of Doctor Who series 14, Lenny Rush.
Let’s learn a bit more about them:
Kojey Radical
Despite still being pretty early in his career, musician, spoken word poet and mixed media visual artist Kojey Radical has already been nominated for a ton of awards, including MOBOs, Ivor Novellos and a Brit. It’s easy to see why – his music covers...
- 11/23/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
On Sunday, 1 October 2023, at 9:30 Am, Channel 4 presents “Sunday Brunch,” a talk show featuring notable guests and musical performances. In this upcoming episode, viewers can look forward to engaging discussions and live music.
Gareth Malone, a well-known figure, will be on the show to talk about his upcoming tour. Myleene Klass, famous for her work in entertainment, discusses her new series on Sky Arts. Additionally, the episode will feature Don Letts, Beverley Knight, and Steve Backshall as guests, providing insight into their respective endeavors.
To top it off, viewers can enjoy live music from Zak Abel, adding a musical element to the show’s entertainment lineup.
Tune in to Channel 4 at 9:30 Am on Sunday, 1 October 2023, for a relaxed morning chat with interesting guests and some musical delight on “Sunday Brunch.”
Release Date & Time: 9:30 Am Sunday 1 October 2023 on Channel 4
Sunday Brunch Cast – Main Cast...
Gareth Malone, a well-known figure, will be on the show to talk about his upcoming tour. Myleene Klass, famous for her work in entertainment, discusses her new series on Sky Arts. Additionally, the episode will feature Don Letts, Beverley Knight, and Steve Backshall as guests, providing insight into their respective endeavors.
To top it off, viewers can enjoy live music from Zak Abel, adding a musical element to the show’s entertainment lineup.
Tune in to Channel 4 at 9:30 Am on Sunday, 1 October 2023, for a relaxed morning chat with interesting guests and some musical delight on “Sunday Brunch.”
Release Date & Time: 9:30 Am Sunday 1 October 2023 on Channel 4
Sunday Brunch Cast – Main Cast...
- 9/25/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
‘The Madigan Chronicles’ Optioned By Particle6
Mystical book series The Madigan Chronicles is to be turned into a TV series by UK indie Particle6 Productions. Particle6 has acquired the rights to Marieke Lexmond’s six-book series, which includes the likes of The Dagger, The Magical Tarot Deck and The Wand. The books tell the story of three generations of headstrong witches and their struggle to work together to keep a centuries-old promise and stop a dark witch from claiming a powerful elemental object. While a pilot is being penned for The Dagger, Particle6 is taking a unique approach to the deal by seeking to drive further demand for the IP by creating viral TikTok videos and by developing Magical Spell necklaces, which will be promoted via social media. “Particle6 is big on testing and analytics, and we always work hard to identify the right audience for every project,” said Eline van der Velden,...
Mystical book series The Madigan Chronicles is to be turned into a TV series by UK indie Particle6 Productions. Particle6 has acquired the rights to Marieke Lexmond’s six-book series, which includes the likes of The Dagger, The Magical Tarot Deck and The Wand. The books tell the story of three generations of headstrong witches and their struggle to work together to keep a centuries-old promise and stop a dark witch from claiming a powerful elemental object. While a pilot is being penned for The Dagger, Particle6 is taking a unique approach to the deal by seeking to drive further demand for the IP by creating viral TikTok videos and by developing Magical Spell necklaces, which will be promoted via social media. “Particle6 is big on testing and analytics, and we always work hard to identify the right audience for every project,” said Eline van der Velden,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla (Rcu), has announced the start of construction on the first phase of its ambitious new film and TV studio complex.
The first phase will encompass approximately 330,000 square feet and is scheduled to be up and running for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The complex will feature two soundstages, production support buildings, workshops, a pyro/sfx building, catering facility and admin building plus a 70,000 square feet backlot and a sound recording studio.
The complex will also be near 12 square kilometres of dedicated outdoor shooting locations that showcase the landscape and ancient heritage sites of AlUla.
Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to two mountain ranges, three volcanoes and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra.
The area is at the heart of the country’s efforts to attract local and international productions to shoot in the region,...
The first phase will encompass approximately 330,000 square feet and is scheduled to be up and running for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The complex will feature two soundstages, production support buildings, workshops, a pyro/sfx building, catering facility and admin building plus a 70,000 square feet backlot and a sound recording studio.
The complex will also be near 12 square kilometres of dedicated outdoor shooting locations that showcase the landscape and ancient heritage sites of AlUla.
Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to two mountain ranges, three volcanoes and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Hegra.
The area is at the heart of the country’s efforts to attract local and international productions to shoot in the region,...
- 12/5/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Children’s TV bosses from all over the world met at Mip Junior last night to discuss major challenges and seek co-production alliances, as the BBC’s Patricia Hidalgo tells Deadline a commercial strategy is the best way to safeguard kids programing.
The group of around 20 people who run children’s public broadcasting channels from the likes of Australia, France, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia talked about the immense challenges faced from wealthy competitors, according to BBC Children’s & Education Chief Hidalgo, as inflation pushes up costs and under-18s’ attention turns elsewhere.
“These issues are impacting all public broadcasters globally,” former Turner Media Emea kids chief Hidalgo told Deadline. “We are currently playing this game of being between two chairs with one foot on each, trying to keep audiences while moving them from the old linear way onto streaming platforms.”
The meeting was also used to help forge co-pro alliances...
The group of around 20 people who run children’s public broadcasting channels from the likes of Australia, France, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia talked about the immense challenges faced from wealthy competitors, according to BBC Children’s & Education Chief Hidalgo, as inflation pushes up costs and under-18s’ attention turns elsewhere.
“These issues are impacting all public broadcasters globally,” former Turner Media Emea kids chief Hidalgo told Deadline. “We are currently playing this game of being between two chairs with one foot on each, trying to keep audiences while moving them from the old linear way onto streaming platforms.”
The meeting was also used to help forge co-pro alliances...
- 10/17/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky has greenlit documentaries on England World Cup winner Geoff Hurst, serial killer Fred West and music producer Phil Spector. Scroll down for the full slate below.
The shows come on a seven-strong slate at the Edinburgh Television Festival, which also includes Whales with Steve Backshall, a follow-up to the nature presenter’s Shark series, along with Secret World of Sound [working title] about animal behavior.
Intrusion: Stasi Fc uses personal testimony from survivors and an extensive archive to tell the compelling story of how The Stasi, East Germany’s secret service, abused football to destabilize the last oasis of free speech in the country, meanwhile. Finally, The Good Fight Club will follow a dynamic, young team of mixed martial arts fighters from South East London in training.
The slate, which is led by Matthew Lorenzo Productions’ Hurst: The First and Only, telling off the life of the man who scored a...
The shows come on a seven-strong slate at the Edinburgh Television Festival, which also includes Whales with Steve Backshall, a follow-up to the nature presenter’s Shark series, along with Secret World of Sound [working title] about animal behavior.
Intrusion: Stasi Fc uses personal testimony from survivors and an extensive archive to tell the compelling story of how The Stasi, East Germany’s secret service, abused football to destabilize the last oasis of free speech in the country, meanwhile. Finally, The Good Fight Club will follow a dynamic, young team of mixed martial arts fighters from South East London in training.
The slate, which is led by Matthew Lorenzo Productions’ Hurst: The First and Only, telling off the life of the man who scored a...
- 8/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC Factual department has unveiled a vast slate including a natural history series following four animal families over four years and shows commemorating the 40th anniversaries of the Falklands War and AIDS crisis.
At an event yesterday in London, Fiona Campbell, Acting Head of Factual, Arts and Classical Music, unveiled Kingdom, which will follow leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and lions and was described as “one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken” by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit (Nhu).
Filmed in Zambia, the show is a co-production with BBC America and is similar in scope to 2019’s Dynasties, which followed five royal families of the animal kingdom.
“With more time in the field than any previous Nhu production, never has a BBC landmark followed a group of characters so intensely over such a long period or spent so much time embedded in a single habitat,” said the BBC.
At an event yesterday in London, Fiona Campbell, Acting Head of Factual, Arts and Classical Music, unveiled Kingdom, which will follow leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and lions and was described as “one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken” by the BBC Studios Natural History Unit (Nhu).
Filmed in Zambia, the show is a co-production with BBC America and is similar in scope to 2019’s Dynasties, which followed five royal families of the animal kingdom.
“With more time in the field than any previous Nhu production, never has a BBC landmark followed a group of characters so intensely over such a long period or spent so much time embedded in a single habitat,” said the BBC.
- 3/3/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian Streamer ITsART Launches In 26 European Countries ITsART, a streaming platform for Italian culture, launched yesterday in 26 European countries. Supported by the Italian Ministry of Culture, ITsART aims to enhance the reach of Italian artistic and cultural heritage globally. Already available in Italy and the UK, and now in EU markets including France, Germany, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and more, the service will offer more than 1,250 live and on-demand events and shows, ranging from virtual monuments and museum tours, to opera, pop music, dance, theater and movies. The streamer has also agreed a partnership deal with Cinecittà, whereby the Italian studio will provide exclusive access to its Archivio Storico Luce which will soon feature new original documentaries, exhibitions, and podcasts that will become available in 2022. Channel 4 To Air UK Rugby Super League For First Time Rugby’s Super League will air on UK free-to-air TV for the first time...
- 11/24/2021
- by Max Goldbart and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
A quarter of all government-insured productions have claimed against the £500m Covid scheme since its launch in October.
A quarter of all government-insured film and TV productions have claimed against the UK’s £500m Covid scheme since its launch in October, according to the chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Speaking exclusively to Screen’s sister publication Broadcast, Sunak revealed the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has backed 160 titles in just four months, protecting almost 20,000 jobs and generating £680m of economic activity.
Sunak, who described the TV and film sector as “a national treasure and a significant driver of our economy”, said:...
A quarter of all government-insured film and TV productions have claimed against the UK’s £500m Covid scheme since its launch in October, according to the chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Speaking exclusively to Screen’s sister publication Broadcast, Sunak revealed the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme has backed 160 titles in just four months, protecting almost 20,000 jobs and generating £680m of economic activity.
Sunak, who described the TV and film sector as “a national treasure and a significant driver of our economy”, said:...
- 2/2/2021
- by Chris Curtis Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Sky has unveiled a slate of nine documentaries that will populate the Comcast-owned broadcaster’s new UK channels: Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature.
The channels launch on May 27 and will be the beneficiaries of a £30M ($37M) a year factual content funding boost that has now converted into commissions on Professor Stephen Hawking, Mike Tyson, Steve McQueen and Manchester United.
Below is the slate in full:
Hawking (Sky Documentaries)
BAFTA-winning Atlantic Productions will open up Hawking’s private family archive to reveal the late professor’s human side in a 90-minute documentary. It is made in association with Sky Studios.
Tyson Bruno (Sky Documentaries)
Endemol Shine UK’s Workerbee, in association with Sky Studios, will chart the rivalry between Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno, as well as reuniting the boxers.
McQueen: The Lost Movie (Sky Documentaries)
The 90-minute documentary tells the story of a movie McQueen started production on in the mid-1960s,...
The channels launch on May 27 and will be the beneficiaries of a £30M ($37M) a year factual content funding boost that has now converted into commissions on Professor Stephen Hawking, Mike Tyson, Steve McQueen and Manchester United.
Below is the slate in full:
Hawking (Sky Documentaries)
BAFTA-winning Atlantic Productions will open up Hawking’s private family archive to reveal the late professor’s human side in a 90-minute documentary. It is made in association with Sky Studios.
Tyson Bruno (Sky Documentaries)
Endemol Shine UK’s Workerbee, in association with Sky Studios, will chart the rivalry between Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno, as well as reuniting the boxers.
McQueen: The Lost Movie (Sky Documentaries)
The 90-minute documentary tells the story of a movie McQueen started production on in the mid-1960s,...
- 5/21/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Steve Backshall is a British TV presenter who is best known for his work in nature documentaries. He has worked for the BBC as well as National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Here are ten things about him that you may not know. 1. He Was Raised On A Smallholding In Bagshot He was raised by his parents on a smallholding, where the family took care of a number of rescue animals. A smallholding is a small farm where people grow crops that they primarily use to feed their own families. His parents both worked for British Airways and so
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Steve Backshall...
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Steve Backshall...
- 3/19/2020
- by Aiden Mason
- TVovermind.com
British broadcast network UKTV claimed a 4% rise in viewing last year, fueled by a spate of original programming and rapid growth for its on-demand service UKTV Play.
The 4% figure refers to an increase in “Share of Commercial Impacts,” a metric broadcasters employ to quantify viewing in the digital era for their advertisers, where one “impact” is one advert viewed by one person once.
UKTV’s slate of originals accounted for seven of its top 10 shows last year. On-demand service UKTV Play was the broadcaster’s fastest-growing brand, with year-on-year views up 43%, and more than three million users registered by year’s end. The company also expanded commercial revenue opportunities with UKTV Ventures, a multi-million-pound airtime for equity investment fund, which reached its first full year of operations in 2019.
The UKTV channels group was originally a joint venture between Scripps and BBC Studios, the British pubcaster’s commercial arm. After Discovery...
The 4% figure refers to an increase in “Share of Commercial Impacts,” a metric broadcasters employ to quantify viewing in the digital era for their advertisers, where one “impact” is one advert viewed by one person once.
UKTV’s slate of originals accounted for seven of its top 10 shows last year. On-demand service UKTV Play was the broadcaster’s fastest-growing brand, with year-on-year views up 43%, and more than three million users registered by year’s end. The company also expanded commercial revenue opportunities with UKTV Ventures, a multi-million-pound airtime for equity investment fund, which reached its first full year of operations in 2019.
The UKTV channels group was originally a joint venture between Scripps and BBC Studios, the British pubcaster’s commercial arm. After Discovery...
- 1/21/2020
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Freeform’s “Grown-ish” hints at a potential pregnancy in Season 3, and Netflix releases the official trailer for Michelle Wolf’s new comedy special.
Dates
“Call the Midwife” will return to PBS for a holiday special on Dec. 25. The series follows nurses, midwives and nuns who visit poor, expectant mothers.
Paramount Network’s new scripted dramedy “68 Whiskey” premieres Jan. 15. As a follow-up to “Yellowstone” with Kevin Costner, “68 Whiskey” follows Army medics stationed in Afghanistan. The series stars Sam Keeley, Jeremy Tardy, Gage Golightly, Cristina Rodlo, Beth Riesgraf, Lamont Thompson, Nicholas Coombe and Derek Theler. Watch a preview below:
PBS’ “Expedition With Steve Backshall” premieres Jan. 15. The new 10-episode documentary series follows naturalist Steve Backshall as he adventures into undiscovered territory and endures extreme physical challenges. Watch a preview below:
Netflix announced the eight-episode second season of “Sex Education” will launch Jan. 17. Created by Laurie Nunn,...
Dates
“Call the Midwife” will return to PBS for a holiday special on Dec. 25. The series follows nurses, midwives and nuns who visit poor, expectant mothers.
Paramount Network’s new scripted dramedy “68 Whiskey” premieres Jan. 15. As a follow-up to “Yellowstone” with Kevin Costner, “68 Whiskey” follows Army medics stationed in Afghanistan. The series stars Sam Keeley, Jeremy Tardy, Gage Golightly, Cristina Rodlo, Beth Riesgraf, Lamont Thompson, Nicholas Coombe and Derek Theler. Watch a preview below:
PBS’ “Expedition With Steve Backshall” premieres Jan. 15. The new 10-episode documentary series follows naturalist Steve Backshall as he adventures into undiscovered territory and endures extreme physical challenges. Watch a preview below:
Netflix announced the eight-episode second season of “Sex Education” will launch Jan. 17. Created by Laurie Nunn,...
- 11/25/2019
- by LaTesha Harris
- Variety Film + TV
PBS has picked up British adventure series Expedition with Steve Backshall and European crime drama Vienna Blood. The U.S. public broadcaster has struck deals with Fremantle and Red Arrow International for the shows. Expedition with Steve Backshall is a ten-part series, launching on January 15, that follows adventurer Backshall and his team as they venture into undiscovered worlds. It includes the first descent of a white-water river in the Himalayas, trekking through unexplored jungle in South America and climbing mountains in the deserts of the Middle East. The show, which has been sold into over 140 territories around the world, was originally commissioned by the BBC and UKTV and is produced by True to Nature. Vienna Blood is a six-part crime series written by Sherlock writer Steve Thompson and based on Frank Tallis’ Liebermann novels. Produced by Red Arrow-backed Endor Productions and Mr Film for Germany’s Zdf and Austria’s Orf,...
- 11/25/2019
- by Peter White and Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky’s recently formed content division Sky Studios has acquired a 24.9% stake in natural history producer True to Nature.
The Bristol-based producer was formed in 2016 by Wendy Darke, former boss of the BBC’s world-renowned Natural History Unit. Its commissions include “Planet of Volcanoes” for PBS, Zdf and Arte, as well as several featuring presenter and explorer Steve Backshall including “Undiscovered Worlds with Steve Backshall” on the BBC.
Comcast-owned Sky has set out to double the amount of original programming it makes. The True to Nature deal marks the first investment by Sky Studios in a production business. Sky Vision is expected to distribute new True to Nature programming internationally.
“The content coming out of True to Nature has blown us away,” said Gary Davey, CEO, Sky Studios. “Viewers have never been more interested in the natural world than they are today and all of us at Sky Studios...
The Bristol-based producer was formed in 2016 by Wendy Darke, former boss of the BBC’s world-renowned Natural History Unit. Its commissions include “Planet of Volcanoes” for PBS, Zdf and Arte, as well as several featuring presenter and explorer Steve Backshall including “Undiscovered Worlds with Steve Backshall” on the BBC.
Comcast-owned Sky has set out to double the amount of original programming it makes. The True to Nature deal marks the first investment by Sky Studios in a production business. Sky Vision is expected to distribute new True to Nature programming internationally.
“The content coming out of True to Nature has blown us away,” said Gary Davey, CEO, Sky Studios. “Viewers have never been more interested in the natural world than they are today and all of us at Sky Studios...
- 8/7/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Alesha Dixon, Martin Clunes OBE, Deborah Meaden, Anneka Rice, Susan George, Virginia McKenna OBE, Brian Blessed OBE, Fiona Shaw Cbe, Steve Backshall and Lucy Watson have written to EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella urging him to support a proposal by African nations to protect the imperiled giraffe.
The species has declined by up to 40 percent in the past 30 years. The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in Colombo, Sri Lanka starting in late May, but it has little chance of success without the support of the EU voting bloc.
In an open letter co-signed by the Born Free Foundation, Humane Society International, the International Fund For Animal Welfare, Pro Wildlife, Animal Defenders International, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Biological Diversity, Animal Welfare Institute, and Avaaz, the stars urge the EU Commission...
The species has declined by up to 40 percent in the past 30 years. The proposal will be discussed at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) in Colombo, Sri Lanka starting in late May, but it has little chance of success without the support of the EU voting bloc.
In an open letter co-signed by the Born Free Foundation, Humane Society International, the International Fund For Animal Welfare, Pro Wildlife, Animal Defenders International, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Biological Diversity, Animal Welfare Institute, and Avaaz, the stars urge the EU Commission...
- 3/27/2019
- Look to the Stars
Darren Childs, the CEO of British multichannel broadcaster UKTV, has decided to step down from the role he has held for eight years. The company’s board made the announcement today, saying Childs will remain in the job until July 2 while new leadership options are explored for the next phase of UKTV’s growth. The broadcaster is jointly held in a 50/50 split by BBC Studios and Discovery and there has been speculation about its future with the BBC alternately said paired with ITV and Channel4 on a buyout for the mix of 10 free-to-air and pay channels. The Guardian today says the BBC board is meeting next week and is expected to Ok a deal to take control of most of UKTV on its own which would involve a one-time payment of as much as £250M and sweeteners.
UKTV’s portfolio of brands includes Dave, Drama, Gold and Really. During Childs’ eight years at the helm,...
UKTV’s portfolio of brands includes Dave, Drama, Gold and Really. During Childs’ eight years at the helm,...
- 2/7/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has taken global rights to Enslaved, a six-part documentary series hosted by Samuel L. Jackson.
The series will chart the horror of slavery through underwater archaeology. Created by doc outfit Associated, the series is being timed to coincide with the 400-year anniversary since the first African was brought to the New World as a slave.
Journalist Simcha Jacobovici (The Naked Archaeologist) will helm the series which will retrace the harrowing sea voyage that brought millions of Africans, over hundreds of years, to a life of slavery. The doc and its host Jackson, who is a licensed diver, will go in search of the sunken slave ships that went down with their human cargo. The actor’s own ancestors came from Gabon in West Africa.
“For me, this is much more than a TV series,” said Jackson “For me, Enslaved is an attempt to give...
The series will chart the horror of slavery through underwater archaeology. Created by doc outfit Associated, the series is being timed to coincide with the 400-year anniversary since the first African was brought to the New World as a slave.
Journalist Simcha Jacobovici (The Naked Archaeologist) will helm the series which will retrace the harrowing sea voyage that brought millions of Africans, over hundreds of years, to a life of slavery. The doc and its host Jackson, who is a licensed diver, will go in search of the sunken slave ships that went down with their human cargo. The actor’s own ancestors came from Gabon in West Africa.
“For me, this is much more than a TV series,” said Jackson “For me, Enslaved is an attempt to give...
- 10/15/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC is heading back under the sea with Blue Planet Live – a spin-off of the hugely successfully Sir David Attenborough-fronted blue-chip wildlife series.
The British public broadcaster is to launch it as a stripped four-part TV event, revisiting the wildlife and the stories of Blue Planet II, which was a huge ratings success last year with some 62% of the UK population watching it. The series also aired on BBC America and a number of AMC Networks’ channels in 2017.
The show will air in March 2019 and will be broadcast live from the East Coast of the U.S., the Bahamas and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It will look at marine animals that breed and feed at this time of year, bringing the audience closer than ever before to different species of turtles, sharks and whales and will also be exploring the last oceanic frontier ‘The Deep’ live for the first time on television.
The British public broadcaster is to launch it as a stripped four-part TV event, revisiting the wildlife and the stories of Blue Planet II, which was a huge ratings success last year with some 62% of the UK population watching it. The series also aired on BBC America and a number of AMC Networks’ channels in 2017.
The show will air in March 2019 and will be broadcast live from the East Coast of the U.S., the Bahamas and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It will look at marine animals that breed and feed at this time of year, bringing the audience closer than ever before to different species of turtles, sharks and whales and will also be exploring the last oceanic frontier ‘The Deep’ live for the first time on television.
- 10/11/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
International TV business models are changing… the BBC has partnered with digital broadcaster UKTV to co-fund a Planet Earth-style documentary series produced by the former head of the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
BBC Two and UKTV’s Dave are partnering on Expedition with Steve Backshall, produced by Wendy Darke’s production company True to Nature. FremantleMedia International has taken international rights.
The adventure series will follow Backshall as he travels on a white-water river in the Himalayas, trekking through unexplored jungles in South America and climbing mountains in the deserts of the Middle East.
BBC Two will air the first four episodes of the series in 2019, while Dave will premiere the next six episodes exclusively later in the year, followed by its own versions of the BBC’s episodes.
Backshall said, “If you think our planet was explored long ago, think again. There are still dark and forgotten...
BBC Two and UKTV’s Dave are partnering on Expedition with Steve Backshall, produced by Wendy Darke’s production company True to Nature. FremantleMedia International has taken international rights.
The adventure series will follow Backshall as he travels on a white-water river in the Himalayas, trekking through unexplored jungles in South America and climbing mountains in the deserts of the Middle East.
BBC Two will air the first four episodes of the series in 2019, while Dave will premiere the next six episodes exclusively later in the year, followed by its own versions of the BBC’s episodes.
Backshall said, “If you think our planet was explored long ago, think again. There are still dark and forgotten...
- 5/14/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Oh dear: there's trouble in Strictly Come Dancing paradise. Judge Craig Revel Horwood has been stirring the pot by suggesting that pro Kristina Rihanoff was "gutted" to be paired with Daniel O'Donnell, while another report suggested that Oti Mabuse thought her celeb Anthony Ogogo was an "arsehole" before they started working together (Anthony's insisted that's not true).
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
But both of those duos could have had it a lot worse, as these six disastrous partnerships from the past prove:
1. Lynda Bellingham & Darren Bennett (series seven, 2009)
How far did they get? Finished in 13th place
What's the problem? We didn't know it at the time, but Lynda's widower Michael Pattemore revealed in his book My Lynda that she didn't get on with her partner Darren - because he was a "miserable git" who wanted to dance solidly with No Fun Allowed. "Even when they went for a cup of coffee afterwards, she...
- 10/2/2015
- Digital Spy
BBC One is going to be bringing whales, dolphins and seals into our living rooms with its huge new television event Big Blue Live.
The three-part series - which will be hosted by Matt Baker, Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - will be broadcast live from Monterey Bay in California, a location home to a huge variety of wildlife.
The BBC explained that the show will follow what happens when animals such as blue whales, humpback whales, elephant seals, dolphins, sea otters and great white sharks gather off the coast of the Bay. Many of them make tough journeys to reach it, but will there be enough food for them when they arrive?
Fearnley-Whittingstall is also expected to focus on how the animals have flourished after hunting was stopped along the Californian coast.
Baker and Bonnin will host the series live from Monterey Bay Aquarium, getting up close...
The three-part series - which will be hosted by Matt Baker, Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - will be broadcast live from Monterey Bay in California, a location home to a huge variety of wildlife.
The BBC explained that the show will follow what happens when animals such as blue whales, humpback whales, elephant seals, dolphins, sea otters and great white sharks gather off the coast of the Bay. Many of them make tough journeys to reach it, but will there be enough food for them when they arrive?
Fearnley-Whittingstall is also expected to focus on how the animals have flourished after hunting was stopped along the Californian coast.
Baker and Bonnin will host the series live from Monterey Bay Aquarium, getting up close...
- 5/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Ola Jordan has spoken about her plans to return to Strictly Come Dancing.
The dancer injured her right knee while training for Channel 4's The Jump last year, and feared that she might never dance again.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Ola said that her physiotherapist and doctor have assured her she will be fit enough for the new series of Strictly if she continues to make progress.
"I would love to go back to Strictly but obviously as dancers we don't find out until later in the year," she said.
"I would love to be ready and I would love to be able to do the show again. My physio, my doctors said I would be 100% ready for that.
On her injury, Ola said: "I was devastated. Obviously first thing in my head was, 'Am I going to dance again?', and yes I will. It's just going to take time unfortunately.
The dancer injured her right knee while training for Channel 4's The Jump last year, and feared that she might never dance again.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Ola said that her physiotherapist and doctor have assured her she will be fit enough for the new series of Strictly if she continues to make progress.
"I would love to go back to Strictly but obviously as dancers we don't find out until later in the year," she said.
"I would love to be ready and I would love to be able to do the show again. My physio, my doctors said I would be 100% ready for that.
On her injury, Ola said: "I was devastated. Obviously first thing in my head was, 'Am I going to dance again?', and yes I will. It's just going to take time unfortunately.
- 2/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Davina McCall is one of the latest celebrities to sign up for Comic Relief's Danceathon.
The six-hour "dance frenzy" will be held on March 8 at Wembley Arena to raise money for Red Nose Day and McCall - a frequent Comic Relief collaborator - has now signed up to hit the floor.
She has been joined by Strictly Come Dancing stars Caroline Flack and Steve Backshall along with the show's professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Ian Waite, Janette Manrara, Natalie Lowe and Robin Windsor.
DJs Gemma Cairney, Edith Bowman and Sara Cox are also among the cast along with Kirstie Allsopp and Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan.
The danceathon is expected to be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and celebrities who have already signed up include Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and Got to Dance's Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt.
Over 2000 fundraisers will take part at...
The six-hour "dance frenzy" will be held on March 8 at Wembley Arena to raise money for Red Nose Day and McCall - a frequent Comic Relief collaborator - has now signed up to hit the floor.
She has been joined by Strictly Come Dancing stars Caroline Flack and Steve Backshall along with the show's professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Ian Waite, Janette Manrara, Natalie Lowe and Robin Windsor.
DJs Gemma Cairney, Edith Bowman and Sara Cox are also among the cast along with Kirstie Allsopp and Paralympian and presenter Ade Adepitan.
The danceathon is expected to be hosted by Claudia Winkleman and celebrities who have already signed up include Arlene Phillips, Chelsee Healey, Rachel Riley, Rufus Hound, Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and Got to Dance's Adam Garcia and Kimberly Wyatt.
Over 2000 fundraisers will take part at...
- 2/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Over the last decade, BBC One and ITV have fought it out on Saturday nights over the autumn and winter period with the two biggest shows on UK television.
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing and ITV's X Factor were in their 12th and 11th series respectively this year, and the rivalry continues to be fierce. But how did they fare in the ratings each week?
Digital Spy has collected the shows' ratings for each episode as a guide to how they performed in 2014.
Note: The ratings provided are the overnight scores as originally reported by Digital Spy, rather than the consolidated figures. The shows were also not always up against each other in the same timeslot.
Saturday, August 30
The X Factor (Auditions 1): 9.03 million (40.9%) and 465,000 (2.2%) on +1
Sunday, August 31
The X Factor (Auditions 2): 7.55m (32.2%) and 643k (2.9%)
Saturday, September 6
The X Factor (Auditions 3): 8.43m (39.4%) and 481k (2.4%)
Sunday, September 7
Strictly Come Dancing...
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing and ITV's X Factor were in their 12th and 11th series respectively this year, and the rivalry continues to be fierce. But how did they fare in the ratings each week?
Digital Spy has collected the shows' ratings for each episode as a guide to how they performed in 2014.
Note: The ratings provided are the overnight scores as originally reported by Digital Spy, rather than the consolidated figures. The shows were also not always up against each other in the same timeslot.
Saturday, August 30
The X Factor (Auditions 1): 9.03 million (40.9%) and 465,000 (2.2%) on +1
Sunday, August 31
The X Factor (Auditions 2): 7.55m (32.2%) and 643k (2.9%)
Saturday, September 6
The X Factor (Auditions 3): 8.43m (39.4%) and 481k (2.4%)
Sunday, September 7
Strictly Come Dancing...
- 12/22/2014
- Digital Spy
Ola Jordan has been forced to pull out of Channel 4's The Jump.
The Strictly Come Dancing star suffered an injury during training for the second series of the winter sports show.
The 32-year-old is believed to have hurt her leg and hips during an accident at The Snow Centre's indoor slope in Hemel Hempstead.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 confirmed: "Unfortunately Ola can no longer take part in The Jump due to injury."
It is unclear whether the injuries will affect her future dancing career, although it is thought that she will be unable to perform in any further Strictly professional dances this series.
The Jump will return to Channel 4 early next year with Davina McCall back on board as presenter.
Joey Essex, Louie Spence, Stacey Solomon and Ashley Roberts have all been confirmed for the lineup.
Watch Ola Jordan and Steve Backshall perform on Strictly Come Dancing...
The Strictly Come Dancing star suffered an injury during training for the second series of the winter sports show.
The 32-year-old is believed to have hurt her leg and hips during an accident at The Snow Centre's indoor slope in Hemel Hempstead.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 confirmed: "Unfortunately Ola can no longer take part in The Jump due to injury."
It is unclear whether the injuries will affect her future dancing career, although it is thought that she will be unable to perform in any further Strictly professional dances this series.
The Jump will return to Channel 4 early next year with Davina McCall back on board as presenter.
Joey Essex, Louie Spence, Stacey Solomon and Ashley Roberts have all been confirmed for the lineup.
Watch Ola Jordan and Steve Backshall perform on Strictly Come Dancing...
- 12/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Sunetra Sarker and her partner Brendan Cole became the ninth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on tonight's show (November 30).
Appearing in the dance off against Mark Wright and Karen Hauer, all four judges agreed that it was the Casualty actress's time to exit the competition. But did they make the right choice?
Digital Spy readers agreed with last week's outcome, which saw Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan leave the competition.
77.44% agreed that Backshall should have exited the show, while 22.56% felt that another celebrity should have been eliminated instead.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, December 6 at 7pm on BBC One.
Appearing in the dance off against Mark Wright and Karen Hauer, all four judges agreed that it was the Casualty actress's time to exit the competition. But did they make the right choice?
Digital Spy readers agreed with last week's outcome, which saw Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan leave the competition.
77.44% agreed that Backshall should have exited the show, while 22.56% felt that another celebrity should have been eliminated instead.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, December 6 at 7pm on BBC One.
- 11/30/2014
- Digital Spy
We've reached Week 10 of this year's Strictly Come Dancing and the competition is getting very fierce! Last week saw us wave goodbye to Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan, leaving just seven couples to battle it out for the coveted glitterball trophy.
This week marks Around The World Week, with each couple's dance themed to a different country. As a result, we can expect performances inspired by countries from Austria to the USA.
But who will triumph and who will be branded a dance disaster? Join us live from 7pm to watch all the action unfold on BBC One!
20:14And that's it from us for tonight! The results of tonight's show will be announced tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One, so tune in then to find out which couples will find themselves in the dance-off. Who should be next to leave the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
This week marks Around The World Week, with each couple's dance themed to a different country. As a result, we can expect performances inspired by countries from Austria to the USA.
But who will triumph and who will be branded a dance disaster? Join us live from 7pm to watch all the action unfold on BBC One!
20:14And that's it from us for tonight! The results of tonight's show will be announced tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One, so tune in then to find out which couples will find themselves in the dance-off. Who should be next to leave the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
- 11/29/2014
- Digital Spy
We've reached Week 10 of this year's Strictly Come Dancing and the competition is getting very fierce! Last week saw us wave goodbye to Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan, leaving just seven couples to battle it out for the coveted glitterball trophy.
This week marks Around The World Week, with each couple's dance themed to a different country. As a result, we can expect performances inspired by countries from Austria to the USA.
But who will triumph and who will be branded a dance disaster? Join us live from 7pm to watch all the action unfold on BBC One!
20:14And that's it from us for tonight! The results of tonight's show will be announced tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One, so tune in then to find out which couples will find themselves in the dance-off. Who should be next to leave the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
This week marks Around The World Week, with each couple's dance themed to a different country. As a result, we can expect performances inspired by countries from Austria to the USA.
But who will triumph and who will be branded a dance disaster? Join us live from 7pm to watch all the action unfold on BBC One!
20:14And that's it from us for tonight! The results of tonight's show will be announced tomorrow at 7.15pm on BBC One, so tune in then to find out which couples will find themselves in the dance-off. Who should be next to leave the show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below!
- 11/29/2014
- Digital Spy
Steve Backshall would've chosen Anton du Beke as his 'Strictly Come Dancing' partner. The 'Deadly 60' host was voted off the BBC One celebrity dance contest on Sunday (23.11.14) after he and partner Ola Jordan lost the dance off to 'Casualty' actress Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole and he's now revealed he would've liked to have danced with Anton - who was paired with Judy Murray earlier in the competition - if he'd been given the choice. He said: ''You don't get a choice. I probably would have chosen Anton because he was the only person I knew.'' The 41-year-old presenter claims he...
- 11/25/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Steve Backshall has left 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The television presenter danced the jive with Ola Jordan but lost out in the dance-off to Sunetra Sarker and her partner, Brendan Cole, who danced the waltz. Speaking of his time on the show, Steve said: ''To all my fellow contestants, the absolute highlight is seeing these people, who have become really good friends of mine - it has blown my mind seeing Mark [Wright] blossom from nothing into a superstar, seeing Jake [Wood]'s salsa, Sunetra's american smooth, Judy [Murray]'s foxtrot ... ''I am just absolutely bursting with pride at everything you all achieved and I...
- 11/23/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Steve Backshall was the eighth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing tonight (November 23), after the judges decided it was time for him to exit the competition.
Backshall and professional partner Ola Jordan found themselves in the dance-off alongside Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole, but do you agree that the right pair went home?
Digital Spy readers agreed with the decision to send home tennis coach Judy Murray in last week's (November 16) show.
89.69% of readers thought it was the right time to send home Murray, while only 10.31% thought she should have stayed in the competition longer.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, November 29 at 7pm on BBC One.
Backshall and professional partner Ola Jordan found themselves in the dance-off alongside Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole, but do you agree that the right pair went home?
Digital Spy readers agreed with the decision to send home tennis coach Judy Murray in last week's (November 16) show.
89.69% of readers thought it was the right time to send home Murray, while only 10.31% thought she should have stayed in the competition longer.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, November 29 at 7pm on BBC One.
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Steve Backshall and professional dance partner Ola Jordan have become the eighth couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair found themselves in the dance-off alongside Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole.
Backshall's Jive with Jordan earned the pair 23 points during last night's show (November 22), while Sarker's Waltz earned 30 points.
After the dance-off, Craig Revel Horwood decided to save Sarker, while Darcey Bussell sided with Backshall.
Bruno Tonioli saved Sarker, and head judge Len Goodman had the deciding vote and saved Sarker.
On leaving the competition Backshall said: "I don't think you can underestimate the achievement to take someone who was quite as bad as I was and get them to week nine!
"I am bursting with pride with what everyone has achieved."
The night also saw two musical performances from Barry Manilow, who sang 'Copacabana' and 'What a Wonderful World'.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday...
The pair found themselves in the dance-off alongside Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole.
Backshall's Jive with Jordan earned the pair 23 points during last night's show (November 22), while Sarker's Waltz earned 30 points.
After the dance-off, Craig Revel Horwood decided to save Sarker, while Darcey Bussell sided with Backshall.
Bruno Tonioli saved Sarker, and head judge Len Goodman had the deciding vote and saved Sarker.
On leaving the competition Backshall said: "I don't think you can underestimate the achievement to take someone who was quite as bad as I was and get them to week nine!
"I am bursting with pride with what everyone has achieved."
The night also saw two musical performances from Barry Manilow, who sang 'Copacabana' and 'What a Wonderful World'.
Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday...
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers have voted Jake Wood as their favourite Strictly performer in last night's (November 22) show.
The EastEnders star secured 34.64% of votes for his Samba with Janette Manrara. The dance also placed Wood in joint first place on the leaderboard with 38 points.
This is the second time Wood has held first place in the Digital Spy reader poll.
Pixie Lott takes second place in both the poll and Strictly leaderboard. Her Charleston with Trent Whiddon received 16.01% of reader votes and scored 37 points on the night.
Frankie Bridge joined Wood in first place on the leaderboard for her Viennese Waltz with Kevin Clifton, which also placed her third in the DS reader vote with 15.84%.
Caroline Flack's American Smooth with Pasha Kovalev scored 33 points and fourth place on the Strictly leaderboard. It also secured 15.79% of Digital Spy votes, leaving her in fourth position.
Simon Webbe came fifth in the poll...
The EastEnders star secured 34.64% of votes for his Samba with Janette Manrara. The dance also placed Wood in joint first place on the leaderboard with 38 points.
This is the second time Wood has held first place in the Digital Spy reader poll.
Pixie Lott takes second place in both the poll and Strictly leaderboard. Her Charleston with Trent Whiddon received 16.01% of reader votes and scored 37 points on the night.
Frankie Bridge joined Wood in first place on the leaderboard for her Viennese Waltz with Kevin Clifton, which also placed her third in the DS reader vote with 15.84%.
Caroline Flack's American Smooth with Pasha Kovalev scored 33 points and fourth place on the Strictly leaderboard. It also secured 15.79% of Digital Spy votes, leaving her in fourth position.
Simon Webbe came fifth in the poll...
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole has said that pressures of the show "can tell on some couples".
The dancer, who is partnered with actress Sunetra Sarker for this series, added that they had not experienced any tension between them.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others, Cole said: "It's a funny one this show, because it's a very intense relationship that you're thrust into with no option.
"There are no choices. It was like Sunetra was just given me whether she liked it or not. And she has to make every situation work. But under the pressure, it can tell on some couples.
"Luckily, it hasn't really got to us and we just crack on and get the job done that we need to do and hopefully support each other as much as we can."
There have been rumours on the show that Steve Backshall was being bullied by partner...
The dancer, who is partnered with actress Sunetra Sarker for this series, added that they had not experienced any tension between them.
Speaking to Digital Spy and others, Cole said: "It's a funny one this show, because it's a very intense relationship that you're thrust into with no option.
"There are no choices. It was like Sunetra was just given me whether she liked it or not. And she has to make every situation work. But under the pressure, it can tell on some couples.
"Luckily, it hasn't really got to us and we just crack on and get the job done that we need to do and hopefully support each other as much as we can."
There have been rumours on the show that Steve Backshall was being bullied by partner...
- 11/23/2014
- Digital Spy
1. Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan's Jive: 4-7-6-6 (23)
Len: "I was surprised how well you did it, you were under pressure this week."
Bruno: "You tackled that jive like a charging quarterback."
2. Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev's American Smooth: 7-8-9-9 (33)
Craig: "It was really, really good. Classy"
Darcey: "You were very brave. It was a very accomplished performance."
3. Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon's Charleston: 9-9-9-10 (37)
Craig: "You danced that with absolute precision...I really am dumbfounded."
Len: "You came out and just went for it – well done!"
4. Mark Wright and Karen Hauer's Tango: 8-8-8-8 (32)
Darcey: "I really like what you did with that. The strong, serious Mark suits you."
Bruno: "I have to say it was very strong, a proper Tango."
5. Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton's Viennese Waltz: 9-9-10-10 (38)
Len: "I loved the detail...you are one pussycat...
Len: "I was surprised how well you did it, you were under pressure this week."
Bruno: "You tackled that jive like a charging quarterback."
2. Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev's American Smooth: 7-8-9-9 (33)
Craig: "It was really, really good. Classy"
Darcey: "You were very brave. It was a very accomplished performance."
3. Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon's Charleston: 9-9-9-10 (37)
Craig: "You danced that with absolute precision...I really am dumbfounded."
Len: "You came out and just went for it – well done!"
4. Mark Wright and Karen Hauer's Tango: 8-8-8-8 (32)
Darcey: "I really like what you did with that. The strong, serious Mark suits you."
Bruno: "I have to say it was very strong, a proper Tango."
5. Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton's Viennese Waltz: 9-9-10-10 (38)
Len: "I loved the detail...you are one pussycat...
- 11/22/2014
- Digital Spy
She's gone! Judy Murray and Anton du Beke sailed out of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom last week – and what's more, we're not even in Blackpool any more. Still, the competition is really heating up now, since we're in week nine, so we should be in for some treats tonight.
And, of course, Claudia Winkleman is back to host with Tess Daly (bye, Zoe!) So join us from 7pm when Strictly begins on BBC One, as we bring you all the action from the evening's events...
20:14But that's that from us! What did you think of tonight's show? We had a good time, but hit the comments below to let us know who you loved and loathed. We're getting Barry Manilow tomorrow night - screw the results, we'll be tuning in just for that. Thanks for joining us - keep dancing!
20:13Sure, it's a voting package we're seeing now,...
And, of course, Claudia Winkleman is back to host with Tess Daly (bye, Zoe!) So join us from 7pm when Strictly begins on BBC One, as we bring you all the action from the evening's events...
20:14But that's that from us! What did you think of tonight's show? We had a good time, but hit the comments below to let us know who you loved and loathed. We're getting Barry Manilow tomorrow night - screw the results, we'll be tuning in just for that. Thanks for joining us - keep dancing!
20:13Sure, it's a voting package we're seeing now,...
- 11/22/2014
- Digital Spy
She's gone! Judy Murray and Anton du Beke sailed out of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom last week – and what's more, we're not even in Blackpool any more. Still, the competition is really heating up now, since we're in week nine, so we should be in for some treats tonight.
And, of course, Claudia Winkleman is back to host with Tess Daly (bye, Zoe!) So join us from 7pm when Strictly begins on BBC One, as we bring you all the action from the evening's events...
20:14But that's that from us! What did you think of tonight's show? We had a good time, but hit the comments below to let us know who you loved and loathed. We're getting Barry Manilow tomorrow night - screw the results, we'll be tuning in just for that. Thanks for joining us - keep dancing!
20:13Sure, it's a voting package we're seeing now,...
And, of course, Claudia Winkleman is back to host with Tess Daly (bye, Zoe!) So join us from 7pm when Strictly begins on BBC One, as we bring you all the action from the evening's events...
20:14But that's that from us! What did you think of tonight's show? We had a good time, but hit the comments below to let us know who you loved and loathed. We're getting Barry Manilow tomorrow night - screw the results, we'll be tuning in just for that. Thanks for joining us - keep dancing!
20:13Sure, it's a voting package we're seeing now,...
- 11/22/2014
- Digital Spy
Steve Backshall has left 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The television presenter danced the jive with Ola Jordan but lost out in the dance-off to Sunetra Sarker and her partner, Brendan Cole, who danced the waltz. Speaking of his time on the show, Steve said: ''To all my fellow contestants, the absolute highlight is seeing these people, who have become really good friends of mine - it has blown my mind seeing Mark [Wright] blossom from nothing into a superstar, seeing Jake [Wood]'s salsa, Sunetra's american smooth, Judy [Murray]'s foxtrot ... ''I am just absolutely bursting with pride at everything you all achieved and I...
- 11/21/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Steve Backshall reportedly ''can't wait'' for his stint on 'Strictly Come Dancing' to come to an end. The 41-year-old TV presenter is said to be tired of trying to impress his professional dance partner Ola Jordan and is desperate to return to his job hosting wildlife show 'Deadly 60'. A source revealed: ''Steve has been telling people he can't wait to get back to the day job, he really isn't enjoying himself and has been really troubled by the show process. ''He has spent years tackling wild animals but Ola is one tough cookie he cannot crack.'' Steve - who has remained at...
- 11/20/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
After the spectacle of Blackpool Week, it's time for the remaining eight dancers to head back to the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor, with another couple set to leave this weekend.
With little more than half of them remaining, it's never been more important for the celebrities to impress on Saturday night. So read on to find out what your favourite celeb will be dancing - and what song they'll be doing it to...
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: American Smooth
Song: 'Mack the Knife' - Robbie Williams
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Song: 'What's New Pussycat?' - Tom Jones
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Samba
Song: 'Macarena' - Los Del Rio
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Love Runs Out' - OneRepublic
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon
Dance: Charleston
Song: 'Sparkling Diamonds' - Moulin Rouge
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff
Dance: Salsa
Song: 'Let's Hear...
With little more than half of them remaining, it's never been more important for the celebrities to impress on Saturday night. So read on to find out what your favourite celeb will be dancing - and what song they'll be doing it to...
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: American Smooth
Song: 'Mack the Knife' - Robbie Williams
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Song: 'What's New Pussycat?' - Tom Jones
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: Samba
Song: 'Macarena' - Los Del Rio
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer
Dance: Tango
Song: 'Love Runs Out' - OneRepublic
Pixie Lott & Trent Whiddon
Dance: Charleston
Song: 'Sparkling Diamonds' - Moulin Rouge
Simon Webbe & Kristina Rihanoff
Dance: Salsa
Song: 'Let's Hear...
- 11/19/2014
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers have voted Simon Webbe as the strongest dancer in Strictly Come Dancing's Blackpool Week.
Webbe and professional partner Kristina Rihanoff received 29.18% of votes for their Argentine Tango, which placed them joint top of the leaderboard with 38 points.
Over 3,000 DS readers took part in this week's poll. It is the first time he has been voted as favourite, while he has previously finished bottom in the reader poll twice during the competition.
Last week's poll topper Pixie Lott came in second place with 16.80% of votes for her 38-point-scoring Paso Doble. Her dance with Trent Whiddon placed her top of the leaderboard with Webbe.
EastEnders star Jake Wood received 15.25% of DS support, placing him third with readers. His American Smooth with Janette Manrara scored 36 points and put him joint fifth on the Strictly leaderboard.
Caroline Flack's Jive with Pasha Kovalev scored 37 points on the night and earned 13.97% of Digital Spy votes.
Webbe and professional partner Kristina Rihanoff received 29.18% of votes for their Argentine Tango, which placed them joint top of the leaderboard with 38 points.
Over 3,000 DS readers took part in this week's poll. It is the first time he has been voted as favourite, while he has previously finished bottom in the reader poll twice during the competition.
Last week's poll topper Pixie Lott came in second place with 16.80% of votes for her 38-point-scoring Paso Doble. Her dance with Trent Whiddon placed her top of the leaderboard with Webbe.
EastEnders star Jake Wood received 15.25% of DS support, placing him third with readers. His American Smooth with Janette Manrara scored 36 points and put him joint fifth on the Strictly leaderboard.
Caroline Flack's Jive with Pasha Kovalev scored 37 points on the night and earned 13.97% of Digital Spy votes.
- 11/16/2014
- Digital Spy
1. Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton's Quickstep: 8-9-10-10 (37)
Len: "I thought that was your best dance."
Bruno: You flew across that dance floor...what have you got behind you - rockets?!"
2. Jake Wood and Janette Manrara's American Smooth: 9-9-9-9 (36)
Darcey: "I loved that Fred Astaire moment...you are back on top."
Bruno: "The original smooth criminal!"
3. Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole's Samba: 6-8-8-8 (30)
Craig: "It was all too loose, it was all over the shop. I thought you were struggling with this one."
Darcey: "It was a vibrant, flamboyant performance. There is a weakness in the ankles."
4. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff's Argentine Tango: 8-10-10-10 (38)
Craig: "I'm in two minds. It was a little bit stiff in places, and you have hands like ice-cream scoops darling...I did love it!"
Darcey: "Oh my God! Wow! I mean, the man is meant...
Len: "I thought that was your best dance."
Bruno: You flew across that dance floor...what have you got behind you - rockets?!"
2. Jake Wood and Janette Manrara's American Smooth: 9-9-9-9 (36)
Darcey: "I loved that Fred Astaire moment...you are back on top."
Bruno: "The original smooth criminal!"
3. Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole's Samba: 6-8-8-8 (30)
Craig: "It was all too loose, it was all over the shop. I thought you were struggling with this one."
Darcey: "It was a vibrant, flamboyant performance. There is a weakness in the ankles."
4. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff's Argentine Tango: 8-10-10-10 (38)
Craig: "I'm in two minds. It was a little bit stiff in places, and you have hands like ice-cream scoops darling...I did love it!"
Darcey: "Oh my God! Wow! I mean, the man is meant...
- 11/15/2014
- Digital Spy
It's one of the biggest nights in the Strictly Come Dancing calendar on Saturday - it's only blooming Blackpool Week! Of course, the nine remaining celebrities will be thrilled to have made it to the Tower Ballroom but that doesn't mean they'll be happy to go out now! It could all hinge on the songs and dances our stars have, and we've now got the list of what they'll all be attempting. So read on to find out what your favourite celeb will be dancing - and what song they'll be doing it to...
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Jive
Song: 'Crocodile Rock' - Elton John
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'A Town Called Malice' - The Jam
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: American Smooth
Song: 'Feeling Good'
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Song: 'Let's Go Fly a Kite' from Mary Poppins
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer...
Caroline Flack & Pasha Kovalev
Dance: Jive
Song: 'Crocodile Rock' - Elton John
Frankie Bridge & Kevin Clifton
Dance: Quickstep
Song: 'A Town Called Malice' - The Jam
Jake Wood & Janette Manrara
Dance: American Smooth
Song: 'Feeling Good'
Judy Murray & Anton du Beke
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Song: 'Let's Go Fly a Kite' from Mary Poppins
Mark Wright & Karen Hauer...
- 11/12/2014
- Digital Spy
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