Television

I am at the moment watching a show on Sky1 called Hairspray School Musical. Denise Van Outen has gone into a normal comprehensive school to find a cast for the school production of Hairspray. So far it has been enjoyable. And it is another 'music' related reality show. Guess I've found my niche market

...... Only Men Aloud.
It was them and Ysgol Glanaethwy in the Final. Both Welsh. Both very good. I have been supporting OMA for ages but when Ysgol Glanaethwy sang All That Jazz I was blown away. They could win with that- and I really didn't mind. I loved the arrangement, especially their use of tenor and bass. Then OMA sang'All by myself' which I thought would be a bit of let down for their final song, but right at the end...... {CJ risks his manhood by admitting this} the performance had me crying. It got me! Mwah!

This has been a fantastic show. Bravo BBC!

It is the final of Last Choir Standing tonight. I will be watching. Of course. BBC1 6pm.

I know that the plot line is one of the silliest and it was probably the biggest non-shock for everyone else.... but for me, I wasn't expecting Jase to die! I thought some of those scenes were quite touching. Billy Mitchell actually did some good acting!!!!

And can any Easty fans remind me, was Billy abused in Foster Care? I seem to remember that but I'm not sure. It would explain his attitude to that annoying kid.

I know it's not everyone's cuppa tea, but this weekend is another Most Haunted live on Living TV. Three nights trawling through the scary parts of London trying to get the willies up 'em.
So hang on to those tipping tables, get ready to duck those throw stones and join in with the rousing chorus of "Mary Loves Dick"

This was taken from Digitalspy. The celebrities have been confirmed.

Rachel Stevens and John Sergeant have been confirmed among this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup.

Male celebrities taking part in the BBC reality show include Andrew Castle, ex-soap star Phil Daniels, veteran actor Don Warrington, chef Gary Rhodes and Holby City's Tom Chambers.

The other female contestants hoping to match last year's winner Alesha Dixon will be Heather Small, Gillian Taylforth, Jessie Wallace, Jodie Kidd, Cheri Lunghi, Christine Bleakley and Lisa Snowdon.

Also taking part in the show are swimmer Mark Foster and rugby star Austin Healey.

Professional dancers Brian Fortuna, Hayley Holt and Kristina Rihanoff have joined the dance competition for its sixth series.

The show, which will be hosted as usual by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly, starts on September 20.

When asked for his prediction of a winner, Forsyth commented: "People often ask me to predict who'll win and I never do, but I've got a sixth sense about the sixth series.

"The winner will be a man... or a woman!"

So that's two from the One Show, so expect to hear loads about it on that show then!

Apparently there is a live show tonight on channel4 (11.05pm) where the housemates have to nominate face to face- plus there will be some dodgy twist relating to £50,000.

Here's hoping that Darnell doesn't win- he was rotten to Sara last night

What a shock!The ACM gospel choir are out! They were in the bottom two with Ysgol Glanaethwy. I think the judges did the right thing otherwise there would be two gospel choirs in the final- this way there is more variety in the final, but I would have rather had Revelation out (but the public voted to keep them) Thankfully my favourites (only men aloud) are still in.

This isn't new news (olds?) but I am looking forward to third series of Primeval.

A BRAND new series of Primeval is in production - with two hot new additions to its cast.
Sexy Laila Rouass, of Footballer's Wives fame, and movie star Jason Flemyng will join Hannah Spearritt, Ben Miller and Andrew-Lee Potts in an extended run of the ITV1 drama.
And fans will be pleased to know they will be spoiled with a stonking ten episodes after the show's successful second series.
Not only is the cast getting sexier and the series longer, the plots are getting wilder - and our heroes will soon have a terrifying Giganotosaurus to deal with...
Scary!

Sounds like it's gonna get bigger and better

I like watching Eastenders and tonight was no exception. The stuff with Ian Beale was hilarious. But my favourite characters are still Bradley and Stacey. IN fact Bradley had my glued to my screen tonight because of the colour of his tie.... and the fact that it kept changing colour! It started of a nice red colour. I even commented on it to my OH. But later that morning, when he was talking to Stacey over the 'ever so tasteful one and only' clothes rail on the stall, it had changed to a nice Purple colour.
A few minutes later they were having lunch- and what do you know...it was red again! Shame- I liked the Purple... but not to worry, because by the end of the day when Bradders was talking to his dad, it had changed back to Purple.
Man, even I don't change my tie that often in a day! Heehee.

For ans of classic doctor who, or even those who are new and would like to see some of the original stories. Then Sci-Fi channel has this for you

The UK Sci Fi Channel is devoting its August Bank Holiday weekend schedule to classic Doctor Who stories.
The programming between Saturday, August 23 and Monday, August 25 will focus on adventures from the fourth and fifth Doctors - Tom Baker and Peter Davison.
In addition, there will be a screening of the ill-fated 1996 TV movie starring Paul McGann and Sylvester McCoy, which attempted to relaunch the series in the United States.
The episodes, which will be shown chronologically, include renowned classics 'The Caves of Androzani' and 'The Ark In Space' - a story that Russell T. Davies has often cited as a major influence on his writing.
Fans of the Cybermen and Sontarans, monsters revived in the current incarnation of the show, can also witness their earlier adventures in 'Revenge of the Cybermen', 'Earthshock' and 'The Two Doctors'.

PS Wasn't the Two Doctors a 6th doctor story?

Has anyone seen this? A Millionaire goes undercover to a deprived area to see who could benefit from a donation from them. It's a nice idea and some good causes get some deserved funds.

Another reason I like it is this.... I can now go to a deprived area, dressed in naff clothing and tell them I'm not a millionaire. I then get treated like royalty for a week by the people that work there, and they bend over backwards to accommodate me.. It's not my fault if they think I'm loaded

Five choirs started this show.
Bath male voice choir sang some rather lack-lustre versions of 'Cant take my eyes off you' and 'wonderful world'
ACM gospel choir did the performance of the evening with their version of Stand By Me- it really did give me goosebumps. Their second song was livelier but not as good 'Put a little love in your heart.'
Revelations performed Higher love and flying without wings were ok, but not outstanding.
Ysgol Glanaethwy performed an amazing version of 'O Fortuna' which I think was the exorcist music. It was fantastic! Their second song was 'I want you back'- a rather odd choice for a choral performance.
Only Men aloud started slow away again with a nice version of 'when you say nothing at all' but ended with a great performance of bond theme/goldfinger (reminded me of my choral performance)

The sing off was down to Bath Male voice choir and Revelation again. Obviously Revelation don't have as many fans out there. But quite rightly so, Bath choir got dumped out of the competition.
Leaving us with four great choirs for next weeks semi-final.

That was my first reaction, but I was wrong. Maestro, last night at 9pm on BBC2 was much more than that.

An hour and half flew by, and I'm not the greatest classical music fan by any stretch of the imagination.

I recognised all the tunes, but didnt know them by name or composer, just from the various TV add that they were used in.

I was with Bradly Walsh when he asked, 'What does a conducter do?'

As far as I could see they did nothing but wave their arms about, and the musiciuans were looking at their music sheets so how could the conducter have any effect on what they did?

It soon became clear that the conducter was an integral part of the orchestra.

And when it came down to the vote off, they made the right choice. Peter Snow brought the orchestra to a stand still and made an up beat peice of music resemble a funeral march.

My money ois on Goldi or Jane Asher to win this.

Looking forward to the next installment.

After reading Hebburndelboy's list of Kids TV nostalgia, it got me thinking about shows I used to love as a kid. The Adventure Game was one of them. Celebrities were transported to the planet of Arg where they were subject to a series of puzzles to help them get home- including the end vortex game- a game you could survive if you have enough cheeseburgers!
And then there was Lesley Judd- who you had to rescue but inevitably turned out to be the Mole!
You had to Gronda to the Rangdo (who was a rubber plant or something)
And then there was Dogran- the little dog that you sent into the hole and you ended up playing a computer game- A maze game like on the old BBC computers.
IT took me ages to realise all the names were anagrams of Dragon!
So, Gronda Gronda everyone!

In Big Brother 2, Watching Helen and Paul was quite entertaining and endearing (But that's life as an international superstar)
Last year we had Chanelle and Ziggy and their god awful showmance. But they seemed to make quite a bit of money on the strength of their 'rekationship'.
So BB media savvy contestants must be aware that their is more earning potential for a BB couple than an individual.
This year we have Lisa and Mario- OK they were already a couple, but they are desperate for media attention- Mario even wants to film the next year of their lives and have it broadcast Osbornes style!
Rex and Nicole were also a couple (but for how long) but the only reason that Nicole has gone in their is for the earning potential from the show
Then Bex and Luke. You can't tell me that Bex really has deep feelings for Luke? But they are making quite a bit of money as a celebrity couple.
And then Dull popped out. And who was waiting for him????? Jen. And surprsie surprise, they are going to be a couple (even though she said she didn't want him and had got back with her boyfriend). Is it possible n agent has had a word in her ear?????
So that's four couples from one show. Who's next?
Sara is trying hard to couple with anyone- even Nicole
Mo is desperate but will probably have no luck- He was way too eager for that snog with Sara.
Stuart came into the house looking for Love and all he got was Dale (but they make a more realistic couple than with Jen)

Or am I being a tad cynical?

I have just watched tonights Eastenders and I must say I was more than a little moved by it. When I was younger my mum had a friend who had had a stroke and I found it difficult to understand the situation. I thought that John Bardon portrayed it effectively, especially seeing as he has had a stroke (and a second one just a few days ago). Bravo!

On Saturday the six choirs performed live. Ysgol Glanaethwy performed an edited arrangement 'Bohemian Rhapsody, which was enjoyable and showed off some good movements. Revelation performed a rather dull (or safe) version of Fields of Gold- a song I have never really liked much and this did nothing to enthuse me on it. ACM Gospel choir performed 'September'- a song which I am sure was on the 'World's Apart' album as one of those filler tracks. I wasn't blown away by it. Bath Male Voice choir song a nice version of 'Desperado' although they didn't really make it sound very desperate. Sense of Sounds performed 'Smiley Faces' a song I have never heard before and won't be upset if I don't again. It was a dull song which is ironic considering the title. The Only Men Aloud performed 'Don't rain on my parade' great performance and some good use of canes! They are my favourite group- to be honest they would be the kind of group I would pay to go and see.
THe Sunday final as down to Revelation and Sense of Sound. Revelation upped their game with a nice version of 'Lovely Day' Whereas Sense of Sound sounded defeated with a version of Gabriel.
Sense of Sound were sent packing- and on their performance- quite rightly so!

I can't believe I am plugging something from BBC4- I'm not normally intelligent enough to even say BBC4!
But I must plug this Proms show. Tonight- 7:30pm. The reason I am plugging this is because it features The Kings Singers, and they are really good!

The King's Singers return to the Proms, marking their 40th anniversary with a wide-ranging Anglo-French selection, including Poulenc's folk songs.

Tonight 7.30pm

Once again the BBC make reality TV go upmarket.
Maestro

Eight Celebrities, one top-class orchestra and the opportunity of a lifetime.

The final challenge? To conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra in front of a live audience of thousands at Proms in the Park…

Starts Tuesday BBC2 9pm.
It's not just waving your hands you know

This week was the final heat for the places for the Last Choir Standing show.
On Saturday,the ACM gospel choir got through, which is lucky for them because their third song sung on Sunday's show was shockingly bad. If they were chosen on that last performance, then they may not have made it. So that's two gospel choirs through to the finals- I hope they are different enough!
The second group to get through on Sunday were the Bath Male Voice choir- probably the only traditional sounding choir to get through to the finals. I am glad that they got through as it will give a different dimension of sound to the final heats.
Which means the other three groups; the handbag of harmonies, Open arts and Hear me now all failed to qualify. It's a shame because both the Handbags and the open arts did some fun performances. I thought the open Arts might get through. Hear me now weren't so good, especially that soloist who thinks his is Lee Mead.
Anyway, next week is the publics choice

Okay the clue is in the title, this is a big brother post, so if you don't like it don't read it!
In my opinion they have made a very silly mistake by putting Rex's girlriend in. When Maywho left, there was speculation about a replacement. I don't think there should have been a replacement housemate- perhaps they could have put in a mole to stir things up (that would have been better)
But if Rex was a winner before, this is going to ruin it for him. He appears to be a touch controlling and overprotective and if it weren't for him, she would never have been picked as a housemate. Is it fair to all of those who applied and went through the rigorous process that someone can be sent in just because they are related to an existing HM?

So it looks like we will be watching the demise of Rex (we're already tires of watching them fawn over each other). That is if there are any people left watching....

Yes, it's 40 years since the Home Guard of Warmington on Sea first came onto our screen. Now all the catch phrases are part of our culture, who can forget

You stupid boy

Dont pannick

They dont likeit up em

were doomed

would you mind awfully

my Dolly says...

So this weekend the BC plays tribute, the writers each pick their fav episode, a couple of documentaries, and the Dads Army movie, which sadly does not live up to the show.

I'm not sure why this is, but the whole feel is different, maybe it's the lack of studio laughter, maybe its because the story revolving around a German invasion is too big, but something just doesnt feel the same.

Nice to see the BBC giving it recognision though.

I didn't watch it last week, but I've got it on in the background tonight, killing time between The Tudors and BB Eviction Show.

I don't know whether to apologise for this, but...I really like it! I can't stop laughing! Things like this usually annoy me but this is great

Ubiquitous...the new fragrance from John Barrowman...

A Big Brother Post- you have been warned.
It has been a funny old week.
On Monday I got quite excited. What with the nominations pod (a great idea I thought- and Luke was so jealous that he couldn't use it) it looked like the Heavenly housemates were all set to get Dale and Luke up for eviction. A Dale v Luke head to head would have been great- A win win situation (can't stand either of them now) but there was a chance that Dale would go over Luke. I really wanted to Nail Dale to the cross. An Eviction Crucifixion!
Then the housemates decided to continue to talk Nominations outside the pod in ... a really bad code. And BB decided (a poor decision IMO) to put another 7 housemates up. So no more Dale v Luke- but with Darnell, Kat, Rachel, Rex, Mo, Maysoon and Stupid. Booooo! People were up in arms "Fix" came the call. I personally don't think it was a fix to save Luke (as if it was it would backfire anyway)
But then I got my hopes up. Nine people up? Could I smell a double eviction? A chance to ditch both Dale and Luke? Woohoo!
And then it got spoilt again. Because Maywho walked. Leaving them one housemate down and only 8 up. Chances are there won't be a double eviction... and all counts show that Luke is the hot favourite to go (still a good result though)
And so to tonight- eviction night looms. Luke is on the way out... and the Davina suggests there is going to be a 'surprise'. I hope it's not an eviction related surprise. No Davina No!
Still, we will have to wait and see......