Directors Notes is delighted to present the inaugural edition of the WeAreDn Awards, a celebration of the best films from Dn’s 2023 official submissions. Taking place from 6:30pm on the 25th of April at Whirled Cinema London, the Dn team have selected 22 films over 8 categories – Drama, Comedy, Music, Documentary, Animation, Buckle Up, British & Student – for our industry jury members to vote on. We welcome all nominees, cast, crew, friends and film lovers to join us as we screen the winning films and present the WeAreDn Awards followed by celebratory networking drinks.
Our Jury
Ella Glendining is a BAFTA-nominated writer and director. Is There Anybody Out There? premiered at Sundance 2023, and has won the Silver Horn for the director of a film on social issues at Krakow Film Festival 2023, the prestigious Fipresci International Film Critics Prize, and the Bring the Change award at Biografilm Festival 2023. In 2024 Ella was nominated for...
Our Jury
Ella Glendining is a BAFTA-nominated writer and director. Is There Anybody Out There? premiered at Sundance 2023, and has won the Silver Horn for the director of a film on social issues at Krakow Film Festival 2023, the prestigious Fipresci International Film Critics Prize, and the Bring the Change award at Biografilm Festival 2023. In 2024 Ella was nominated for...
- 3/14/2024
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
Kevin Macdonald Helming Klitschko Doc For Sky
Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald is helming a Vitali Klitschko documentary feature for Sky. Produced by Docsville Studios and Sky Studios, Klitschko: The Fight of his Life (working title) will gain access to the former heavyweight boxing world champion along with his brother Wladimir, who together dominated the sport for more than a decade. Now the longest serving Mayor of Kyiv, the feature-length doc charts Vitali’s journey from the ring to political office, ultimately leading the defence of the capital when it was attacked by Russian forces in February 2022. Macdonald, who won an Oscar for One Day in September, recently struck deals with Plan B and Banijay. The Klitschko feature is on a slate preceding Sky’s Up next event in London tonight that also includes Ibiza Narcos, a follow-up to Liverpool and Dublin Narcos, along with Black Widow, which follows the decade-long police...
Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald is helming a Vitali Klitschko documentary feature for Sky. Produced by Docsville Studios and Sky Studios, Klitschko: The Fight of his Life (working title) will gain access to the former heavyweight boxing world champion along with his brother Wladimir, who together dominated the sport for more than a decade. Now the longest serving Mayor of Kyiv, the feature-length doc charts Vitali’s journey from the ring to political office, ultimately leading the defence of the capital when it was attacked by Russian forces in February 2022. Macdonald, who won an Oscar for One Day in September, recently struck deals with Plan B and Banijay. The Klitschko feature is on a slate preceding Sky’s Up next event in London tonight that also includes Ibiza Narcos, a follow-up to Liverpool and Dublin Narcos, along with Black Widow, which follows the decade-long police...
- 2/22/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
George Kay looks conflicted. Speaking to Deadline before the resolution of the writers strike, the British WGA member had put down his pen on an Amazon Studios movie project and ducked a U.S. publicity round for his Apple TV+ series Hijack. But it’s fair to say that the strikes coincided with Kay having a serious moment.
Not unlike the protagonist in Hijack, Idris Elba’s brooding professional negotiator Sam Nelson, Kay has spent years maneuvering his way between three complex projects for Apple, Netflix and ITV/Sundance—only for them all to launch within four months of each other.
Just like Nelson’s character in Hijack—“He gets brought in, by big companies…when it all kicks off,” Nelson’s wife explains to a police officer in the show—Kay’s the man you bring in when you want to deliver a character-led thriller that will keep viewers hooked over several episodes.
Not unlike the protagonist in Hijack, Idris Elba’s brooding professional negotiator Sam Nelson, Kay has spent years maneuvering his way between three complex projects for Apple, Netflix and ITV/Sundance—only for them all to launch within four months of each other.
Just like Nelson’s character in Hijack—“He gets brought in, by big companies…when it all kicks off,” Nelson’s wife explains to a police officer in the show—Kay’s the man you bring in when you want to deliver a character-led thriller that will keep viewers hooked over several episodes.
- 10/17/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
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
Among the wreckage of an old burnt out car, a blood-soaked mattress is lamentably gotten rid of in Gareth Malone’s hauntingly touching dramatic short Fly-Tipping. Malone, who made the film as part of his Filmmaking Ma at the University of the West of Scotland, quietly immerses the audience in his characters’ struggles with minimal dialogue as he allows the grey scapes and tones of the film to speak for themselves. As Fly-Tipping progresses it’s hard not to battle with intense feelings of empathy, dislike, pity and anger for both of its protagonists but the focus is immovably drawn to Margo, played by Sky Sinclair, who Malone realised was the heart of his film early on in development. Malone wrote the film as a way of exploring his own debates on parenthood and that struggle shines through the emotional tumult depicted within. As Fly-Tipping sets out on the start of its festival journey,...
- 8/31/2023
- by Sarah Smith
- Directors Notes
Military Wives Photo: Lionsgate Military Wives, 9pm, Film4, Tuesday, June 6
Peter Cattaneo's feel-good film is based on one of the singing groups Gareth Malone founded in his hit BBC series The Choir - although Malone is wisely kept out of this picture. Instead the focus is firmly on a group of women on an Army base, who are grappling with fears about their husbands, who are on a dangerous tour of duty in Afghanistan. Structured largely around the relationship that develops between the posh colonel's wife (Kristen Scott-Thomas) and the more working class sergeant's wife Lisa (Sharon Horgan), the choir they set up to improve morale contains all the initial dischord you might expect. The plot might follow a familiar tune but Scott-Thomas, in particular, helps the emotional beats land solidly.
Hell Or High Water, 11.05pm, BBC4, Thursday, June 8
Heist meets western in David Mackenzie's Texan take on the genre that sees brothers,...
Peter Cattaneo's feel-good film is based on one of the singing groups Gareth Malone founded in his hit BBC series The Choir - although Malone is wisely kept out of this picture. Instead the focus is firmly on a group of women on an Army base, who are grappling with fears about their husbands, who are on a dangerous tour of duty in Afghanistan. Structured largely around the relationship that develops between the posh colonel's wife (Kristen Scott-Thomas) and the more working class sergeant's wife Lisa (Sharon Horgan), the choir they set up to improve morale contains all the initial dischord you might expect. The plot might follow a familiar tune but Scott-Thomas, in particular, helps the emotional beats land solidly.
Hell Or High Water, 11.05pm, BBC4, Thursday, June 8
Heist meets western in David Mackenzie's Texan take on the genre that sees brothers,...
- 6/5/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
King Charles III’s historic Coronation on May 6 starts at 10 a.m. BST in the UK at 5 a.m. Et/2 a.m. Pt in the U.S. Every major British and American network will have live coverage of the event, which you can watch live in the player embedded below.
The Itinerary
The first Coronation for seven decades will see Charles and Queen Consort Camilla take a King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. There will then be a service during which the official Coronation will take place, beginning around 10:20 a.m. GMT (2:20 a.m. Pt)
King Charles III will be officially crowned, and his wife Camilla will become Queen Camilla during the ceremony. King Charles technically became King upon his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September, but the Coronation — the first in the UK since 1953 — will make it official. Camilla has been Queen...
The Itinerary
The first Coronation for seven decades will see Charles and Queen Consort Camilla take a King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. There will then be a service during which the official Coronation will take place, beginning around 10:20 a.m. GMT (2:20 a.m. Pt)
King Charles III will be officially crowned, and his wife Camilla will become Queen Camilla during the ceremony. King Charles technically became King upon his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September, but the Coronation — the first in the UK since 1953 — will make it official. Camilla has been Queen...
- 5/6/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Lee Mack poked fun at Prince Edward during his opening monologue at the Royal Variety Performance.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
- 12/21/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Lee Mack poked fun at Prince Edward during his opening monologue at the Royal Variety Performance.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
The stand-up comic hosted the annual celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, which was broadcast on Tuesday (20 December) and attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
In his opening speech, Mack welcomed the audience to the show, before addressing Edward, who is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth II’s children.
“I’ve got three kids,” he told the audience. “The youngest is the naughtiest. It’s always the youngest that’s the trickiest, isn’t it?
“No disrespect,” he added, while the camera cut to a laughing Edward and wife Sophie Windsor.
“There goes the knighthood,” Mack added. “Wouldn’t work for me, anyway. Sir Lee – just sounds like I’m in a bad mood.”
The 2022 Royal Variety Performance is the first to be held since the death of the Queen in September.
- 12/21/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The line-up for the 2022 Royal Variety Performance has been announced, with the annual event set to take place within days.
The event, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will be the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
As ever, the event is being held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides aid to those in the world of entertainment.
Previous years have seen artists including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and James Blunt take to the stage before the royals.
While Alan Carr has hosted proceedings for the last two years, hosting duties will this time be transferred to Not Going Out star Lee Mack.
Here’s what else we know about the event...
When is the Royal Variety Performance?
This year’s event is taking place on 1 December.
However, it will not air on TV until later in the month. The show will be shown on ITV1,...
The event, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will be the first since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September.
As ever, the event is being held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, which provides aid to those in the world of entertainment.
Previous years have seen artists including Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga and James Blunt take to the stage before the royals.
While Alan Carr has hosted proceedings for the last two years, hosting duties will this time be transferred to Not Going Out star Lee Mack.
Here’s what else we know about the event...
When is the Royal Variety Performance?
This year’s event is taking place on 1 December.
However, it will not air on TV until later in the month. The show will be shown on ITV1,...
- 11/27/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Military Wives centers on a group of women from different backgrounds whose partners are away serving in Afghanistan. Faced with their loved ones’ absences, they come together to form the very first military wives choir, helping each other through some of life’s most difficult moments, and quickly find themselves on an international stage. Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) directs Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan in this feel-good crowd-pleaser inspired by true events.
Inspired by the popularity of the Military Wives Choirs, the new film Military Wives is loosely based on the real story of a small of group of women who banded together and sparked a worldwide movement that now serves more than 2,300 people across the U.K. and in British military bases abroad.
Producer Rory Aitken, co-founder of 42, was introduced to the phenomenon through choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone’s popular BBC television series “The Choir: Military Wives,...
Inspired by the popularity of the Military Wives Choirs, the new film Military Wives is loosely based on the real story of a small of group of women who banded together and sparked a worldwide movement that now serves more than 2,300 people across the U.K. and in British military bases abroad.
Producer Rory Aitken, co-founder of 42, was introduced to the phenomenon through choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone’s popular BBC television series “The Choir: Military Wives,...
- 5/19/2020
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Inspired by Military Wives, company president Nicola Pearcey first set the group up in November.
Starting with a song could be an easy way to improve mental health in the office. That’s the lesson from Lionsgate UK, which has started its own company choir, inspired by the on-screen camaraderie in its film Military Wives.
Nicola Pearcey, president of Lionsgate UK, has sung in choirs personally, and got the idea of a company choir as they started working on Military Wives (which launches in UK cinemas today).
She got the thumbs-up from Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa and the choir...
Starting with a song could be an easy way to improve mental health in the office. That’s the lesson from Lionsgate UK, which has started its own company choir, inspired by the on-screen camaraderie in its film Military Wives.
Nicola Pearcey, president of Lionsgate UK, has sung in choirs personally, and got the idea of a company choir as they started working on Military Wives (which launches in UK cinemas today).
She got the thumbs-up from Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa and the choir...
- 3/6/2020
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan saddled with a by-the-numbers script in a well-meaning but hackneyed Brit flick
A military wives choir film without Gareth Malone? Isn’t that like The Witches of Eastwick without Jack Nicholson? Here is a fantasy-realist dramedy version of The Choir: Military Wives – the 2011 special edition of the BBC documentary series about empowering local communities through singing. It went out over three episodes, and brought together wives from five UK barracks, whose partners were away in Afghanistan, culminating in a moving performance at the Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This movie imagines a choir of military wives who miraculously achieve the same thing without the intensive professional help. Malone’s directorial/confessional role is fictionally devolved to two of the wives in charge: posh uptight Kate (Kristin Scott Thomas) and laidback but cynical Lisa (Sharon Horgan), who quarrel a lot about...
A military wives choir film without Gareth Malone? Isn’t that like The Witches of Eastwick without Jack Nicholson? Here is a fantasy-realist dramedy version of The Choir: Military Wives – the 2011 special edition of the BBC documentary series about empowering local communities through singing. It went out over three episodes, and brought together wives from five UK barracks, whose partners were away in Afghanistan, culminating in a moving performance at the Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This movie imagines a choir of military wives who miraculously achieve the same thing without the intensive professional help. Malone’s directorial/confessional role is fictionally devolved to two of the wives in charge: posh uptight Kate (Kristin Scott Thomas) and laidback but cynical Lisa (Sharon Horgan), who quarrel a lot about...
- 3/5/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Military Wives‘ title and film poster suggests ‘entry only to female viewers in the barracks’ and chick flick territory – no men permitted. True, it does champion solidarity, companionship and ultimately respect among a group of mismatched women with the British Army in common. However, Military Wives is also from director Peter Cattaneo who delighted mixed-gender audiences with hearty social commentary The Full Monty in 1997. Much like that film, the gender of the protagonists is actually rendered inconsequential against the film’s more urgent topics of class, community and overcoming adversity. Cattaneo certainly knows how to orchestrate his screen misfits into a collective force for goodwill and joy as a result.
Loosely based on the true story of the formation of a military wives’ choir by choirmaster Gareth Malone, where Cattaneo’s account is initially patchy in its delivery, the credit for picking up the slack goes to its brilliant leads.
Loosely based on the true story of the formation of a military wives’ choir by choirmaster Gareth Malone, where Cattaneo’s account is initially patchy in its delivery, the credit for picking up the slack goes to its brilliant leads.
- 2/25/2020
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Simon Brew Jan 25, 2018
Bristol City Football Club and The Choir's Gareth Malone were both recruited for Aardman's latest movie...
You can’t accuse the folks at Aardman of doing things the easy way. For its incoming animated treat, Early Man, it required some football chants and crowd noises for one or two sequences in the movie. The economical option was to do some digital work, and mix things together in the edit suite.
Yet if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. And thus, when I sat through the credits of Early Man, I noted a couple of additions. One was a thanks to Gareth Malone, he of The Choir and many other projects. The other noted the ground of Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate.
I put the sums together and asked Nick Park, director of the film, about Malone’s involvement. And he...
Bristol City Football Club and The Choir's Gareth Malone were both recruited for Aardman's latest movie...
You can’t accuse the folks at Aardman of doing things the easy way. For its incoming animated treat, Early Man, it required some football chants and crowd noises for one or two sequences in the movie. The economical option was to do some digital work, and mix things together in the edit suite.
Yet if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. And thus, when I sat through the credits of Early Man, I noted a couple of additions. One was a thanks to Gareth Malone, he of The Choir and many other projects. The other noted the ground of Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate.
I put the sums together and asked Nick Park, director of the film, about Malone’s involvement. And he...
- 1/25/2018
- Den of Geek
Prince Harry was treated to a group serenade on Tuesday - and then propositioned for a peck. "Can I give you a kiss, sir?" asked a smiling woman as he made a trip to northwest England to promote youth sports. Harry diplomatically turned down the offer, giving her a handshake instead. Upon his arrival, a group of women waited patiently at the gates of a youth sports charity and sung their own unique version of the Andy Williams song, "I Can't Take My Eyes off You." Well Prince Harry did come out but what did he think of the singing?...
- 7/5/2016
- by Simon Perry, @SPerryPeoplemag
- PEOPLE.com
The second-ever Invictus Games began on Sunday night, with the help of friendly foes Prince Harry and Michelle Obama. The British royal and Flotus helped kick off the multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel at Walt Disney World's Espn Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. While addressing ceremony attendees and competitors, the prince said that he felt like he was "at home" while looking at the faces of fellow servicemen and women. "I learned about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie that only military service can teach you," he said. "I joined the army...
- 5/9/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble and Simon Perry
- PEOPLE.com
Think Simon Cowell is cruel and calculating? Well, he's Gareth Malone compared to Steven Stelfox - the reptilian music rep in Kill Your Friends, a tar-black satire of the 1990s pop business. Which makes the fact he's played by the angelic face of Nicholas Hoult - who urinates on people (James Corden, no less) as an ice breaker - all the more startling.
But that's largely down to the subject matter. Former A&R man John Niven penned this daring and dynamic comedy from his own hit novel about his time in the biz - and has somehow managed to instil it with even more piss and bile on the big screen. What Niven doesn't do, however, is convey the same fear and desperation that sends Stelfox into his homicidal spiral of despair.
That burden, luckily, falls on leading man Hoult's shoulders, as he keeps you hanging on his every word.
But that's largely down to the subject matter. Former A&R man John Niven penned this daring and dynamic comedy from his own hit novel about his time in the biz - and has somehow managed to instil it with even more piss and bile on the big screen. What Niven doesn't do, however, is convey the same fear and desperation that sends Stelfox into his homicidal spiral of despair.
That burden, luckily, falls on leading man Hoult's shoulders, as he keeps you hanging on his every word.
- 10/30/2015
- Digital Spy
UK TV ratings round-up - data supplied by Barb
Channel 4's cult comedy Catastrophe returned for its second series with an average overnight audience of 780,000 (4.8%) at 10pm on Tuesday night.
This is higher than its launch overnight audience of 680k back in January. Earlier on Channel 4, 24 Hours in A&E brought in 1.71m (8.2%) at 9pm (323k/2.2% on +1).
ITV's Lewis topped Tuesday overall outside soaps despite dropping around 400k viewers from last week, attracting 3.34m (16.0%) at 9pm (258k/1.8%).
BBC One's River dipped by 300k to 2.50m (12.0%) at 9pm. In the same timeslot, Gareth Malone's Naked Choir was seen by 2.10m (10.0%) on BBC Two.
On Channel 5, Dog Rescuers appealed to 1.42m (7.2%) at 8pm, followed by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford's new show How the Other Half Lives with 1.38m (6.6%) at 9pm (158k/1.1%).
BBC Three's Suicide and Me with Professor Green interested 477k (3.0%) at 9pm, after Don't...
Channel 4's cult comedy Catastrophe returned for its second series with an average overnight audience of 780,000 (4.8%) at 10pm on Tuesday night.
This is higher than its launch overnight audience of 680k back in January. Earlier on Channel 4, 24 Hours in A&E brought in 1.71m (8.2%) at 9pm (323k/2.2% on +1).
ITV's Lewis topped Tuesday overall outside soaps despite dropping around 400k viewers from last week, attracting 3.34m (16.0%) at 9pm (258k/1.8%).
BBC One's River dipped by 300k to 2.50m (12.0%) at 9pm. In the same timeslot, Gareth Malone's Naked Choir was seen by 2.10m (10.0%) on BBC Two.
On Channel 5, Dog Rescuers appealed to 1.42m (7.2%) at 8pm, followed by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford's new show How the Other Half Lives with 1.38m (6.6%) at 9pm (158k/1.1%).
BBC Three's Suicide and Me with Professor Green interested 477k (3.0%) at 9pm, after Don't...
- 10/28/2015
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone hasn't held back in his criticism of Russell Crowe's performance in Les Misérables.
The choirmaster, who fronts The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, told Alan Carr on Chatty Man that Crowe shouldn't have gone for the part of Javert in the first place.
"Not one of the standout performances, was it?" he said. "I think it is all about context. Why, if you were somebody that doesn't sing, would you put yourself up for a role like that?
"So many people put themselves up for karaoke and choose the wrong songs. If you are in any way connected with singing and somebody goes for one of the Whitneys - you see them on X Factor every week - everyone just goes, 'Oh no'.
"Russell Crowe should have known better. Somebody should have told him. I would have told him. Reality check."
Alan Carr: Chatty Man airs on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm.
The choirmaster, who fronts The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, told Alan Carr on Chatty Man that Crowe shouldn't have gone for the part of Javert in the first place.
"Not one of the standout performances, was it?" he said. "I think it is all about context. Why, if you were somebody that doesn't sing, would you put yourself up for a role like that?
"So many people put themselves up for karaoke and choose the wrong songs. If you are in any way connected with singing and somebody goes for one of the Whitneys - you see them on X Factor every week - everyone just goes, 'Oh no'.
"Russell Crowe should have known better. Somebody should have told him. I would have told him. Reality check."
Alan Carr: Chatty Man airs on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm.
- 10/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone hasn't held back in his criticism of Russell Crowe's performance in Les Misérables.
The choirmaster, who fronts The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, told Alan Carr on Chatty Man that Crowe shouldn't have gone for the part of Javert in the first place.
"Not one of the standout performances, was it?" he said. "I think it is all about context. Why, if you were somebody that doesn't sing, would you put yourself up for a role like that?
"So many people put themselves up for karaoke and choose the wrong songs. If you are in any way connected with singing and somebody goes for one of the Whitneys - you see them on X Factor every week - everyone just goes, 'Oh no'.
"Russell Crowe should have known better. Somebody should have told him. I would have told him. Reality check."
Alan Carr: Chatty Man airs on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm.
The choirmaster, who fronts The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, told Alan Carr on Chatty Man that Crowe shouldn't have gone for the part of Javert in the first place.
"Not one of the standout performances, was it?" he said. "I think it is all about context. Why, if you were somebody that doesn't sing, would you put yourself up for a role like that?
"So many people put themselves up for karaoke and choose the wrong songs. If you are in any way connected with singing and somebody goes for one of the Whitneys - you see them on X Factor every week - everyone just goes, 'Oh no'.
"Russell Crowe should have known better. Somebody should have told him. I would have told him. Reality check."
Alan Carr: Chatty Man airs on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm.
- 10/2/2015
- Digital Spy
UK TV ratings roundup - data supplied by Barb
Celebrity Big Brother's latest double eviction proved more popular than last Tuesday's elimination, overnight data shows.
Jenna Jameson and Janice Dickinson's departure brought in an average 1.57 million (7.6%) at 9pm (168,000/1.2% on +1), which is up by around 100k from last week.
Later, 450k (5.8%) were shocked to see Bit on the Side briefly taken off air due to a brawl between its guests at 11pm.
Earlier, The Yorkshire Vet appealed to 1.11m (5.6%) at 8pm, while The Hotel Inspector Returns was seen by 618k (4.3%) at 10pm.
On BBC One, New Tricks topped the night overall with 5.10m (24.8%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's Hairy Bikers: Northern Exposure gathered 2.28m (11.4%) at 8pm, followed by Gareth Malone's new series The Naked Choir with 2.30m (11.2%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners was seen by 1.26m (6.3%) at 8pm (167k/0.8%), while Educating Cardiff continued with...
Celebrity Big Brother's latest double eviction proved more popular than last Tuesday's elimination, overnight data shows.
Jenna Jameson and Janice Dickinson's departure brought in an average 1.57 million (7.6%) at 9pm (168,000/1.2% on +1), which is up by around 100k from last week.
Later, 450k (5.8%) were shocked to see Bit on the Side briefly taken off air due to a brawl between its guests at 11pm.
Earlier, The Yorkshire Vet appealed to 1.11m (5.6%) at 8pm, while The Hotel Inspector Returns was seen by 618k (4.3%) at 10pm.
On BBC One, New Tricks topped the night overall with 5.10m (24.8%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's Hairy Bikers: Northern Exposure gathered 2.28m (11.4%) at 8pm, followed by Gareth Malone's new series The Naked Choir with 2.30m (11.2%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners was seen by 1.26m (6.3%) at 8pm (167k/0.8%), while Educating Cardiff continued with...
- 9/23/2015
- Digital Spy
From the live grand finale of Celebrity Big Brother to Strictly Come Dancing's first live show of 2015, here are Digital Spy's top TV picks over the next seven days.
Monday: Girls Can Code, 9pm on BBC Three
In a bid to inspire more girls to take up computer coding, this BBC Three two-part series combines the science of Tomorrow's World with the competitive chaos of The Apprentice. Five young women more accustomed to selfie snapping than website servers take on the male-dominated digital world.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Alice Levine (best known for Big Brother's Bit on the Side) hosts as the girls attempt to pitch their prototypes to the UK tech industry. No doubt leaving us viewers feeling old, but engrossed.
Tuesday: The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, 9pm on BBC Two
He's already formed singing groups out of military wives, random celebrities and kids, and now he's looking...
Monday: Girls Can Code, 9pm on BBC Three
In a bid to inspire more girls to take up computer coding, this BBC Three two-part series combines the science of Tomorrow's World with the competitive chaos of The Apprentice. Five young women more accustomed to selfie snapping than website servers take on the male-dominated digital world.
BBC Radio 1 presenter Alice Levine (best known for Big Brother's Bit on the Side) hosts as the girls attempt to pitch their prototypes to the UK tech industry. No doubt leaving us viewers feeling old, but engrossed.
Tuesday: The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone, 9pm on BBC Two
He's already formed singing groups out of military wives, random celebrities and kids, and now he's looking...
- 9/20/2015
- Digital Spy
UKTV ratings roundup - data supplied by Barb
Channel 4 look like they could be onto a winner with new series Hunted, as it attracted an overnight average audience of 1.73 million (8.9%) at 9pm, with a further 192,000 (1.3%) on +1.
Earlier, Location, Location, Location appealed to 1.49m (7.7%) at 8pm (263k/1.3% on +1), while First Dates made 1.13m (7.9%) feel awkward at 10pm (103k/1.3%).
On BBC One, Eat Well for Less intrigued 3.55m (18.5%) at 8pm, while Gareth Malone's Who Do You Think You Are? topped the night outside soaps with 3.90m (19.9%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's World's Weirdest Events fascinated 1.47m (7.6%) at 8pm, followed by Peter Kay's Cradle to Grave with 1.83m (9.2%) at 9pm and Boy Meets Girl with 1.09m (5.7%) at 9.30pm. Mock the Week amused 1.15m (7.0%) at 10pm.
On ITV, Flockstars brought in 1.65m (8.7%) at 8.30pm, while Stephen Fry in Central America interested 1.82m (9.3%) at 9pm (169k/1.1%).
Channel 5's Last Secrets of 9/11 documentary...
Channel 4 look like they could be onto a winner with new series Hunted, as it attracted an overnight average audience of 1.73 million (8.9%) at 9pm, with a further 192,000 (1.3%) on +1.
Earlier, Location, Location, Location appealed to 1.49m (7.7%) at 8pm (263k/1.3% on +1), while First Dates made 1.13m (7.9%) feel awkward at 10pm (103k/1.3%).
On BBC One, Eat Well for Less intrigued 3.55m (18.5%) at 8pm, while Gareth Malone's Who Do You Think You Are? topped the night outside soaps with 3.90m (19.9%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's World's Weirdest Events fascinated 1.47m (7.6%) at 8pm, followed by Peter Kay's Cradle to Grave with 1.83m (9.2%) at 9pm and Boy Meets Girl with 1.09m (5.7%) at 9.30pm. Mock the Week amused 1.15m (7.0%) at 10pm.
On ITV, Flockstars brought in 1.65m (8.7%) at 8.30pm, while Stephen Fry in Central America interested 1.82m (9.3%) at 9pm (169k/1.1%).
Channel 5's Last Secrets of 9/11 documentary...
- 9/11/2015
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone is about to bring The Naked Choir to BBC Two.
The channel announced today that the show will see Malone launch a competition to find the best a cappella choir in the country.
"Singing a cappella is the ultimate test of any choir," Malone said. "Only once you've stripped away all those musical crutches that a backing track offers - it's possible to truly see, and test, the group's quality."
The Naked Choir is expected to cover a wide variety of genres, with choirs and singing groups from gospel, barbershop, hip hop, doo wop and more all encouraged to enter.
But Malone explained that while musicianship and technical ability are important, he will also be looking for funny and astonishing performances that could turn groups into viral stars.
Eight groups will eventually compete in the show, which will focus on their preparations for performances at famous venues.
A...
The channel announced today that the show will see Malone launch a competition to find the best a cappella choir in the country.
"Singing a cappella is the ultimate test of any choir," Malone said. "Only once you've stripped away all those musical crutches that a backing track offers - it's possible to truly see, and test, the group's quality."
The Naked Choir is expected to cover a wide variety of genres, with choirs and singing groups from gospel, barbershop, hip hop, doo wop and more all encouraged to enter.
But Malone explained that while musicianship and technical ability are important, he will also be looking for funny and astonishing performances that could turn groups into viral stars.
Eight groups will eventually compete in the show, which will focus on their preparations for performances at famous venues.
A...
- 4/21/2015
- Digital Spy
John Craven will present the new BBC Two game show Beat the Brain.
Beat the Brain, which will air in the BBC's daytime programming block, tests the way its contestants think by pitting teams of four in challenges that involve different centres of the brain.
Contestants will be given logical problems, visual puzzles and memory challenges, rather than trivia questions.
The series comes from Objective Productions and Over The Top Productions.
Nigel Hall of Over The Top Productions announced the series, saying: "I am really excited to be working with the legend that is John Craven, who has starred in so many landmark TV shows in his career.
"We were absolutely thrilled he chose Beat the Brain to be his next TV project. These brain games are addictive and we are confident that this will be a show that the whole family can enjoy together."
Beat the Brain is scheduled...
Beat the Brain, which will air in the BBC's daytime programming block, tests the way its contestants think by pitting teams of four in challenges that involve different centres of the brain.
Contestants will be given logical problems, visual puzzles and memory challenges, rather than trivia questions.
The series comes from Objective Productions and Over The Top Productions.
Nigel Hall of Over The Top Productions announced the series, saying: "I am really excited to be working with the legend that is John Craven, who has starred in so many landmark TV shows in his career.
"We were absolutely thrilled he chose Beat the Brain to be his next TV project. These brain games are addictive and we are confident that this will be a show that the whole family can enjoy together."
Beat the Brain is scheduled...
- 1/21/2015
- Digital Spy
To call Mel & Sue a "brand new chat show" is a cheeky move from ITV.
It might be new in name, but that's just about it. We've seen the presenters, format and even guests in the new show, which aired for the first time today (January 12), all here before.
In the late '90s, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins fronted Light Lunch on Channel 4. It featured cooking, celebrity guests (including Jennifer Saunders), questions from the studio audience and haphazard presenting.
Mel & Sue wasn't a million miles away. It was all about cooking, celebrity guests (including Jennifer Saunders), questions from the studio audience and haphazard presenting.
Commissioned on the back of their reinvigorated success from The Great British Bake Off, the fact they were revisiting old ground was something that wasn't lost on the pair.
As they discussed Celebrity Big Brother in their introduction, they quipped the Channel 5 show was...
It might be new in name, but that's just about it. We've seen the presenters, format and even guests in the new show, which aired for the first time today (January 12), all here before.
In the late '90s, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins fronted Light Lunch on Channel 4. It featured cooking, celebrity guests (including Jennifer Saunders), questions from the studio audience and haphazard presenting.
Mel & Sue wasn't a million miles away. It was all about cooking, celebrity guests (including Jennifer Saunders), questions from the studio audience and haphazard presenting.
Commissioned on the back of their reinvigorated success from The Great British Bake Off, the fact they were revisiting old ground was something that wasn't lost on the pair.
As they discussed Celebrity Big Brother in their introduction, they quipped the Channel 5 show was...
- 1/12/2015
- Digital Spy
Mel & Sue: ITV, 4pm
Following their Bake Off-fuelled resurgence, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are returning to daytime TV with a new live chatshow.
Jennifer Saunders and Gareth Malone are their first guest stars, while the show also - of course - incorporates a cooking element, with a chef serving up tasty dishes for all to share.
Broadchurch: ITV, 9pm
The crime drama that has the whole nation gripped continues, as the shock waves from last episode's stunning events reverberate through Broadchurch.
Tonight, Paul (Arthur Darvill) continues his secret meetings, while Hardy (David Tennant) must face a figure from his past as the Sandbrook case continues to haunt him.
Celebrity Big Brother: Channel 5, 9pm
Following recent events, you won't want to miss a single second of Celebrity Big Brother - in what promises to be the most dramatic series yet.
Emma Willis and Rylan Clark will also host...
Following their Bake Off-fuelled resurgence, Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are returning to daytime TV with a new live chatshow.
Jennifer Saunders and Gareth Malone are their first guest stars, while the show also - of course - incorporates a cooking element, with a chef serving up tasty dishes for all to share.
Broadchurch: ITV, 9pm
The crime drama that has the whole nation gripped continues, as the shock waves from last episode's stunning events reverberate through Broadchurch.
Tonight, Paul (Arthur Darvill) continues his secret meetings, while Hardy (David Tennant) must face a figure from his past as the Sandbrook case continues to haunt him.
Celebrity Big Brother: Channel 5, 9pm
Following recent events, you won't want to miss a single second of Celebrity Big Brother - in what promises to be the most dramatic series yet.
Emma Willis and Rylan Clark will also host...
- 1/12/2015
- Digital Spy
BBC Television has unveiled new details of its line-up for 2014.
The late Rik Mayall will be remembered in tribute Lord of Misrule, narrated by Simon Callow and featuring contributions from Michael Palin, Simon Pegg and more.
Michael McIntyre will host his Very Christmassy Christmas Show, while John Bishop's Christmas Show will also return for another year.
Festive editions of popular quiz shows Would I Lie To You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Qi, Mock The Week, Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity Mastermind have also been confirmed.
In addition to joining Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond for a two-part Top Gear special, James May will also host a new episode of Toy Stories and Gareth Malone is back with The Choir: New Military Wives.
Miranda, Mrs Brown's Boys: 14 Christmas TV highlights from the BBC
Danny Cohen, Director of Television, said: "This year's Christmas line-up on BBC Television is one of our best ever.
The late Rik Mayall will be remembered in tribute Lord of Misrule, narrated by Simon Callow and featuring contributions from Michael Palin, Simon Pegg and more.
Michael McIntyre will host his Very Christmassy Christmas Show, while John Bishop's Christmas Show will also return for another year.
Festive editions of popular quiz shows Would I Lie To You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Qi, Mock The Week, Pointless Celebrities and Celebrity Mastermind have also been confirmed.
In addition to joining Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond for a two-part Top Gear special, James May will also host a new episode of Toy Stories and Gareth Malone is back with The Choir: New Military Wives.
Miranda, Mrs Brown's Boys: 14 Christmas TV highlights from the BBC
Danny Cohen, Director of Television, said: "This year's Christmas line-up on BBC Television is one of our best ever.
- 11/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Children in Need: BBC One, 7:30pm
This year's extravaganza features an exclusive BBC-themed Tom and Jerry cartoon, a ghostly EastEnders special with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), and the hotly-anticipated reunion of pop legends S Club 7.
Hosted as ever by national treasure Sir Terry Wogan, as well as turns by Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Nick Grimshaw and The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes, the show also features Gareth Malone's All Star Choir singing official Children in Need single 'Wake Me Up'.
Marvel's Agents of Shield: Channel 4, 8pm
Action-packed Us drama following the adventures of a skilled team of agents from a global law enforcement organisation as they investigate super-human individuals and unusual events.
Phil Coulson and his team race against Hydra to get to Donnie Gill, a dangerous individual living in Morocco who is gifted with the ability to freeze objects, while Simmons is caught in the crossfire.
This year's extravaganza features an exclusive BBC-themed Tom and Jerry cartoon, a ghostly EastEnders special with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), and the hotly-anticipated reunion of pop legends S Club 7.
Hosted as ever by national treasure Sir Terry Wogan, as well as turns by Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Nick Grimshaw and The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes, the show also features Gareth Malone's All Star Choir singing official Children in Need single 'Wake Me Up'.
Marvel's Agents of Shield: Channel 4, 8pm
Action-packed Us drama following the adventures of a skilled team of agents from a global law enforcement organisation as they investigate super-human individuals and unusual events.
Phil Coulson and his team race against Hydra to get to Donnie Gill, a dangerous individual living in Morocco who is gifted with the ability to freeze objects, while Simmons is caught in the crossfire.
- 11/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Grantchester topped the night outside soaps for its finale episode, overnight data reveals.
James Norton's ITV drama dipped by around 100,000 viewers from last week to 4.61 million (20.6%) at 9pm, with an added 305k (2.0%) on +1. Countrywise appealed to 3.05m (13.3%) at 8pm (112k/0.5%).
On BBC One, Inside Out brought in 3.54m (16.5%) at 7.30pm, while Panorama gathered 2.18m (9.5%) at 8.30pm.
Gareth Malone's All-Star Choir rose by around 100k to 3.85m (17.2%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's University Challenge puzzled 2.54m (11.1%) at 8pm, followed by Only Connect with 2.06m (9.0%) at 8.30pm. Intruders continued with 448k (2.0%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, How Rich Are You? intrigued 1.19m (5.2%) at 8pm (276k/1.2%), while 24 Hours in Police Custody continued with 1.69m (7.5%) at 9pm (331k/2.2%). 8 Out of 10 Cats tickled 870k (5.6%) at 10pm (203k/2.6%).
Channel 5's Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle fascinated 786k (3.4%) at 8pm, followed by the latest Gotham with 1.43m (6.4%) at 9pm and Under the Dome with 663k (4.1%) at 10pm.
James Norton's ITV drama dipped by around 100,000 viewers from last week to 4.61 million (20.6%) at 9pm, with an added 305k (2.0%) on +1. Countrywise appealed to 3.05m (13.3%) at 8pm (112k/0.5%).
On BBC One, Inside Out brought in 3.54m (16.5%) at 7.30pm, while Panorama gathered 2.18m (9.5%) at 8.30pm.
Gareth Malone's All-Star Choir rose by around 100k to 3.85m (17.2%) at 9pm.
BBC Two's University Challenge puzzled 2.54m (11.1%) at 8pm, followed by Only Connect with 2.06m (9.0%) at 8.30pm. Intruders continued with 448k (2.0%) at 9pm.
On Channel 4, How Rich Are You? intrigued 1.19m (5.2%) at 8pm (276k/1.2%), while 24 Hours in Police Custody continued with 1.69m (7.5%) at 9pm (331k/2.2%). 8 Out of 10 Cats tickled 870k (5.6%) at 10pm (203k/2.6%).
Channel 5's Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle fascinated 786k (3.4%) at 8pm, followed by the latest Gotham with 1.43m (6.4%) at 9pm and Under the Dome with 663k (4.1%) at 10pm.
- 11/11/2014
- Digital Spy
One Direction are set to perform a new song live from EastEnders' Albert Square bridge for this year's BBC Children in Need Appeal show.
The group will sing new track 'Night Changes' for the first time on television, as well as their current single 'Steal My Girl', which they performed on The X Factor last night.
The performance on the bridge will see the band serenading the audience below from the top of the iconic Walford location.
One Direction said of the performance: "We are thrilled to be performing on BBC Children in Need again this year. It's a charity that we hold very close to our hearts and we are really excited about our special performance in the iconic EastEnders Albert Square."
Also performing on the Children in Need show will be Donny Osmond, Rixton, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle, Boyzone and the reunited S Club 7.
The group will sing new track 'Night Changes' for the first time on television, as well as their current single 'Steal My Girl', which they performed on The X Factor last night.
The performance on the bridge will see the band serenading the audience below from the top of the iconic Walford location.
One Direction said of the performance: "We are thrilled to be performing on BBC Children in Need again this year. It's a charity that we hold very close to our hearts and we are really excited about our special performance in the iconic EastEnders Albert Square."
Also performing on the Children in Need show will be Donny Osmond, Rixton, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle, Boyzone and the reunited S Club 7.
- 11/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone's new BBC One series was the second most-watched show on Monday outside soaps, overnight data reveals.
All-Star Choir opened with an average 3.77 million (16.6%) at 9pm. Earlier, new drama The Passing Bells appealed to 3.67m (18.0%) at 7pm, while Panorama intrigued 1.80m (7.8%) at 8.30pm.
On BBC Two, University Challenge quizzed 2.72m (12.0%) at 8pm, followed by Only Connect with 2.12m (9.3%) at 8.30pm. Intruders continued with 430k (1.9%) at 9pm.
ITV's Countrywise interested 2.90m (12.7%) at 8pm (129,000/0.6% on +1), while Grantchester topped the night with 4.76m (21.0%) at 9pm (320k/2.0%).
On Channel 4, Dispatches brought in 1.00m (4.4%) at 8pm (170k/0.7%), followed by How To Sell Your Home with 1.11m (4.8%) at 8.30pm (98k/0.4%). Make Leicester British launched with 1.11m (5.3%) at 9pm (172k/1.3%).
Channel 5's Twin Towers: Missing Evidence fascinated 979k (4.3%) at 8pm (192k/0.8%), followed by the latest Gotham with 1.33m (5.8%) at 9pm (139k/0.9%) and Under the Dome with 729k (4.5%) at 10pm.
BBC Three's Hotel of Mum...
All-Star Choir opened with an average 3.77 million (16.6%) at 9pm. Earlier, new drama The Passing Bells appealed to 3.67m (18.0%) at 7pm, while Panorama intrigued 1.80m (7.8%) at 8.30pm.
On BBC Two, University Challenge quizzed 2.72m (12.0%) at 8pm, followed by Only Connect with 2.12m (9.3%) at 8.30pm. Intruders continued with 430k (1.9%) at 9pm.
ITV's Countrywise interested 2.90m (12.7%) at 8pm (129,000/0.6% on +1), while Grantchester topped the night with 4.76m (21.0%) at 9pm (320k/2.0%).
On Channel 4, Dispatches brought in 1.00m (4.4%) at 8pm (170k/0.7%), followed by How To Sell Your Home with 1.11m (4.8%) at 8.30pm (98k/0.4%). Make Leicester British launched with 1.11m (5.3%) at 9pm (172k/1.3%).
Channel 5's Twin Towers: Missing Evidence fascinated 979k (4.3%) at 8pm (192k/0.8%), followed by the latest Gotham with 1.33m (5.8%) at 9pm (139k/0.9%) and Under the Dome with 729k (4.5%) at 10pm.
BBC Three's Hotel of Mum...
- 11/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Tom and Jerry are returning to the BBC as part of this year's Children in Need.
A specially-made cartoon featuring the duo will form part of the night, which will be broadcast live from EastEnders's Albert Square on Friday, November 14 with famous stars and performances throughout.
Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by new Children in Need presenter, The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes.
An exclusive EastEnders sketch will see a character visited by ghosts from their past as many old faces return to the Square.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will make a return to Strictly Come Dancing, with four young ballroom champions taking to the dancefloor in teams with professional dancers.
Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir will perform the official charity single on the night as well.
Other musicians taking to the stage will include One Direction, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle and Boyzone.
A specially-made cartoon featuring the duo will form part of the night, which will be broadcast live from EastEnders's Albert Square on Friday, November 14 with famous stars and performances throughout.
Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by new Children in Need presenter, The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes.
An exclusive EastEnders sketch will see a character visited by ghosts from their past as many old faces return to the Square.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will make a return to Strictly Come Dancing, with four young ballroom champions taking to the dancefloor in teams with professional dancers.
Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir will perform the official charity single on the night as well.
Other musicians taking to the stage will include One Direction, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle and Boyzone.
- 10/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Tom and Jerry are returning to the BBC as part of this year's Children in Need.
A specially-made cartoon featuring the duo will form part of the night, which will be broadcast live from EastEnders's Albert Square on Friday, November 14 with famous stars and performances throughout.
Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by new Children in Need presenter, The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes.
An exclusive EastEnders sketch will see a character visited by ghosts from their past as many old faces return to the Square.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will make a return to Strictly Come Dancing, with four young ballroom champions taking to the dancefloor in teams with professional dancers.
Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir will perform the official charity single on the night as well.
Other musicians taking to the stage will include One Direction, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle and Boyzone.
A specially-made cartoon featuring the duo will form part of the night, which will be broadcast live from EastEnders's Albert Square on Friday, November 14 with famous stars and performances throughout.
Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Nick Grimshaw will be joined by new Children in Need presenter, The Saturdays' Rochelle Humes.
An exclusive EastEnders sketch will see a character visited by ghosts from their past as many old faces return to the Square.
Sir Bruce Forsyth will make a return to Strictly Come Dancing, with four young ballroom champions taking to the dancefloor in teams with professional dancers.
Gareth Malone and his All-Star Choir will perform the official charity single on the night as well.
Other musicians taking to the stage will include One Direction, Cheryl, The Script, Susan Boyle and Boyzone.
- 10/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Talk about a killer kickoff! To celebrate the launch of BBC Music (and to raise money for charity), many musicians from around the globe banded together to cover The Beach Boys' 1966 hit "God Only Knows." Backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, performers included Alison Balsom, Martin James Bartlett, Nicola Benedetti, Jake Bugg, Eliza Carthy, Coldplay, Jamie Cullum, Danielle de Niese, Jaz Dhami, Paloma Faith, Florence + the Machine, Dave Grohl, Jools Holland, Chrissie Hynde, Elton John, Lauren Laverne, Lorde, Zane Lowe, Baaba Maal, Gareth Malone, Brian May, Kylie Minogue, One Direction, Emeli Sandé, Sam Smith, Tees Valley Youth Choir, Pharrell Williams, Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder. "All of the...
- 10/8/2014
- E! Online
"God Only Knows" is a perfect song. That's just science, people. The BBC commissioned a star-studded version of the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson classic. Watch the video, we'll talk about it after. Here are all the music superstars that appeared in this clip: Wilson, Elton John, One Direction, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Jake Bugg, Lorde, Emeli Sandé, Chris Martin, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith, Florence Welch, Chrissie Hynde, Brian May, Dave Grohl, Alison Balsom, Martin James Bartlett, Danielle de Niese, Nicola Benedetti, Eliza Carthy, Baaba Maal, Jamie Cullum, Jaz Dhami, plus BBC's Zane Lowe, Lauren Laverne, Katie Derham, Gareth Malone and Jools Holland, joined by the Tees Valley Youth Choir and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Here's what Wilson said about its creation: "All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “I’m just honoured that God Only Knows was chosen.
- 10/8/2014
- by Katie Hasty
- Hitfix
Sir Elton John, One Direction and Pharrell Williams are among the 27 artists who have united to perform a reworking of the Beach Boys' 1966 classic 'God Only Knows'.
Launching BBC Music, the ensemble - dubbed The Impossible Orchestra - were revealed in a unique broadcasting moment at 8pm when all of the BBC's television, radio and online networks premiered the track.
BBC Music: 6 things we learned about the Beeb's new strategy
Beach Boys star Brian Wilson, who composed and produced the track, heads the group, and is joined by: popular music stars Sir Elton John, One Direction, Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Jake Bugg, Lorde, Emeli Sandé, Chris Martin, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith and Florence Welch; rock musicians Chrissie Hynde, Brian May and Dave Grohl; classical musicians Alison Balsom, Martin James Bartlett, Danielle de Niese and Nicola Benedetti; folk performer Eliza Carthy; Senegalese singer Baaba Maal; jazz...
Launching BBC Music, the ensemble - dubbed The Impossible Orchestra - were revealed in a unique broadcasting moment at 8pm when all of the BBC's television, radio and online networks premiered the track.
BBC Music: 6 things we learned about the Beeb's new strategy
Beach Boys star Brian Wilson, who composed and produced the track, heads the group, and is joined by: popular music stars Sir Elton John, One Direction, Pharrell Williams, Stevie Wonder, Jake Bugg, Lorde, Emeli Sandé, Chris Martin, Kylie Minogue, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith and Florence Welch; rock musicians Chrissie Hynde, Brian May and Dave Grohl; classical musicians Alison Balsom, Martin James Bartlett, Danielle de Niese and Nicola Benedetti; folk performer Eliza Carthy; Senegalese singer Baaba Maal; jazz...
- 10/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone will put together an all-star choir to perform the 2014 BBC Children in Need single.
Malone is bringing together a group of celebrities with untrained voices for All-Star Choir, a two-part reality programme airing in the run-up to Children in Need.
Taking part will be Craig Revel Horwood, Jo Brand, Linda Robson, Mel Giedroyc, DJ Alice Levine and John Craven.
Also performing will be Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman, Fabrice Muamba, Radzi Chinyanganya and Maggie 'The Machine' Alphonsi.
The choir began their first rehearsal session on Wednesday (September 24), in preparation of performing live on BBC Children in Need on November 14.
Malone said: "I'm honoured to be asked to help create the 2014 official BBC Children in Need single. It's daunting to think of the list of artists who have sung for Children in Need in the past - now it's our turn.
"The task is enormous -...
Malone is bringing together a group of celebrities with untrained voices for All-Star Choir, a two-part reality programme airing in the run-up to Children in Need.
Taking part will be Craig Revel Horwood, Jo Brand, Linda Robson, Mel Giedroyc, DJ Alice Levine and John Craven.
Also performing will be Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman, Fabrice Muamba, Radzi Chinyanganya and Maggie 'The Machine' Alphonsi.
The choir began their first rehearsal session on Wednesday (September 24), in preparation of performing live on BBC Children in Need on November 14.
Malone said: "I'm honoured to be asked to help create the 2014 official BBC Children in Need single. It's daunting to think of the list of artists who have sung for Children in Need in the past - now it's our turn.
"The task is enormous -...
- 9/24/2014
- Digital Spy
USA Network has finally set a new premiere date for reality series “It Takes a Choir.” The series will premiere on Friday, Oct. 24 at 11 p.m. Eight all-new episodes will run through December 12. The series was originally slated to premiere last November, but the network pulled it from the schedule in a last minute decision. Also read: USA Pulls ‘It Takes a Choir’ at 11th Hour, Moves It to 2014 The series stars Gareth Malone, the star of BBC's documentary series “The Choir,” as he brings music to Americans in desperate need of the community, confidence and communication skills choral music can.
- 9/6/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
The BBC has unveiled its plans to mark the centenary of World War I this year, airing a wide range of documentaries, drama and arts to recognise the impact of the conflict.
"This summer is the moment to explain and reflect on how the war started and to examine its lasting effects," the BBC's Adrian Van Klaveren said. "It's a time of national commemoration as we remember those who died and so the BBC will be there to share events and unite people in their acts of memorial." Read on to find out what the BBC has arranged...
Commemoration
World War One Commemoration (August 4)
The major events in the UK and across Europe to mark Britain's declaration of war will be covered by Huw Edwards in London and Sophie Raworth in Belgium. The service of commemoration for the Commonwealth in Glasgow will be covered, along with the memorial in Belgium's...
"This summer is the moment to explain and reflect on how the war started and to examine its lasting effects," the BBC's Adrian Van Klaveren said. "It's a time of national commemoration as we remember those who died and so the BBC will be there to share events and unite people in their acts of memorial." Read on to find out what the BBC has arranged...
Commemoration
World War One Commemoration (August 4)
The major events in the UK and across Europe to mark Britain's declaration of war will be covered by Huw Edwards in London and Sophie Raworth in Belgium. The service of commemoration for the Commonwealth in Glasgow will be covered, along with the memorial in Belgium's...
- 6/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Katy B and The Vamps will be among the acts involved in Cbbc's The Big Performance this year.
The show is returning to Cbbc for a third series later this summer, and will see The Choir's Gareth Malone challenging six of the UK's most talented children to produce a performance that marks the centenary of the First World War.
Pixie Lott, Conor Maynard and Eliza Doolittle will also help the 11 to 13-year-olds with writing and performing a song that celebrates the memory of their ancestors, ahead of the finale on August 4.
Melissa Hardinge, executive producer for Cbbc, said: 'We are delighted that Gareth Malone is back on Cbbc, inspiring a new group of children with this extraordinary songwriting challenge for the World War One anniversary.
"We hope that the series will encourage our young audience to trace their own family histories, and understand the importance of the international commemoration...
The show is returning to Cbbc for a third series later this summer, and will see The Choir's Gareth Malone challenging six of the UK's most talented children to produce a performance that marks the centenary of the First World War.
Pixie Lott, Conor Maynard and Eliza Doolittle will also help the 11 to 13-year-olds with writing and performing a song that celebrates the memory of their ancestors, ahead of the finale on August 4.
Melissa Hardinge, executive producer for Cbbc, said: 'We are delighted that Gareth Malone is back on Cbbc, inspiring a new group of children with this extraordinary songwriting challenge for the World War One anniversary.
"We hope that the series will encourage our young audience to trace their own family histories, and understand the importance of the international commemoration...
- 6/12/2014
- Digital Spy
Gareth Malone has admitted that he would be tempted by a role as a judge on The X Factor.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other reporters backstage at the Royal Variety Performance - which will air tonight on ITV - Malone revealed that he is a big fan of the show.
"I love X Factor, I suppose because it's singing," he said. "I enjoy it, it's fun. It's so entertaining - it's so kind of shiny floor slick. Sam Bailey to win!"
However, Malone explained that he would be in two minds about taking on a judging role, saying: "Part of me thinks that would be really fun. From the musical point of view, actually getting in and saying, 'No, it should be like this' would be fun. But I don't know - I think I've got other fish to fry at the moment."
Malone also suggested that his choir...
Speaking to Digital Spy and other reporters backstage at the Royal Variety Performance - which will air tonight on ITV - Malone revealed that he is a big fan of the show.
"I love X Factor, I suppose because it's singing," he said. "I enjoy it, it's fun. It's so entertaining - it's so kind of shiny floor slick. Sam Bailey to win!"
However, Malone explained that he would be in two minds about taking on a judging role, saying: "Part of me thinks that would be really fun. From the musical point of view, actually getting in and saying, 'No, it should be like this' would be fun. But I don't know - I think I've got other fish to fry at the moment."
Malone also suggested that his choir...
- 12/9/2013
- Digital Spy
Bonfire night is approaching, but it's not just the fifth of November you have to remember this week - there's some blinkin' good telly on every evening, and as ever we at Tube Talk have picked out the cream of the crop just for you. Read on for the full rundown...
MasterChef: The Professionals: Monday (November 4) at 8.30pm / The Choir: Sing While You Work: Monday at 9pm on BBC Two
It's a one-two punch of refined reality shows this Monday, with MasterChef: The Professionals and The Choir returning to BBC Two to remind us that Joe Public can be more entertaining than a media-trained orange Essexian or a louche brute from Chelsea.
MasterChef sees silver-haired face-puller extraordinaire Michel Roux Jr and his formidable sous-chef Monica (as far as we're concerned she doesn't have a surname. She's like Cher) re-team with Gregg Wallace to put more career cooks through their paces,...
MasterChef: The Professionals: Monday (November 4) at 8.30pm / The Choir: Sing While You Work: Monday at 9pm on BBC Two
It's a one-two punch of refined reality shows this Monday, with MasterChef: The Professionals and The Choir returning to BBC Two to remind us that Joe Public can be more entertaining than a media-trained orange Essexian or a louche brute from Chelsea.
MasterChef sees silver-haired face-puller extraordinaire Michel Roux Jr and his formidable sous-chef Monica (as far as we're concerned she doesn't have a surname. She's like Cher) re-team with Gregg Wallace to put more career cooks through their paces,...
- 11/3/2013
- Digital Spy
In an eleventh hour decision, USA Network has decided to pull new musical reality series, “It Takes a Choir,” from its fall premiere on Saturday to sometime in 2014. The decision was made on Friday in an effort to give the show based on the hit UK series a better time slot than the Saturday at 11 p.m. slot it was previously placed in. It is considering a “Modern Family” lead-in for the series, since its syndication of the ABC comedy is rating high for USA. Also read: ‘It Takes a Choir’s’ Gareth Malone: ‘American Idol-Type’ Shows Create ‘Negative Associations With Singing’ Currently,...
- 11/1/2013
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Through his many hit series in the U.K. and his new USA Network show, “It Takes a Choir,” Gareth Malone hopes to counteract some of the negative views on singing created by TV talent competitions. “Just getting that message into the mainstream is sometimes quite hard,” Malone told TheWrap, “especially if there a lot of quite negative associations with singing, like the auditions, ‘American Idol’ and all those sorts of things, the expectation is – unless you are a brilliant pop star singer than you aren’t good enough. This is a different kind of show.” Like on his U.
- 11/1/2013
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
On TV this Friday: Blue Bloods goes undercover, Hawaii Five-0 celebrates a (belated) Halloween, Haven has a crush, NBC (Hearts) Vampires and more. As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.
Related | The Carrie Diaries Video: Samantha Is Hot and Bothered — and Nude (Naturally)!
8 pm Last Man Standing (ABC) | Mike’s neighbors, the Larabees, suspect that he is behind the disappearance of their matriarch’s school board campaign posters.
8 pm NBC News Special: Why We (Heart) Vampires (NBC) | Tamron Hall (Today) hosts this special, featuring interviews from vamp portrayers including...
Related | The Carrie Diaries Video: Samantha Is Hot and Bothered — and Nude (Naturally)!
8 pm Last Man Standing (ABC) | Mike’s neighbors, the Larabees, suspect that he is behind the disappearance of their matriarch’s school board campaign posters.
8 pm NBC News Special: Why We (Heart) Vampires (NBC) | Tamron Hall (Today) hosts this special, featuring interviews from vamp portrayers including...
- 11/1/2013
- by Misha Solomon
- TVLine.com
It Takes a Choir premieres Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11/10pm Ct on USA Network. “I think there’s a raw power when you hear a group of people singing as one,” says British choirmaster Gareth Malone. “And if you’re in the same room as them, then it’s absolutely thrilling.” He should know. A lifelong music devotee, Malone earned national fame in his homeland — and a much-deserved BAFTA award — for the BBC series The Choir, which chronicled the dapper director transforming downtrodden Brits through the power of communal song. Now Malone has taken his mission stateside in USA Network’s uplifting […]
The post It Takes A Choir: Gareth Malone heals wounded hearts through song on USA Network appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post It Takes A Choir: Gareth Malone heals wounded hearts through song on USA Network appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 10/26/2013
- by Lori Acken
- ChannelGuideMag
USA has set fall premiere dates for two of its drama series and an unscripted show. Plus, "Psych" fans will get an early Christmas present.
Season 5 of "White Collar" is set to premiere Thursday, Oct. 17, picking up after Peter's (Tim DeKay) arrest on murder charges. It will be joined that night by the final six episodes of "Covert Affairs'" fourth season.
The cable channel will also take another swing at reality TV with "It Takes a Choir," based on the British series "The Choir" and featuring its star, choir director Gareth Malone. It premieres Sunday, Nov. 3.
Finally, "Psych: The Musical" will air as a two-hour special on Dec. 15. Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) have to hunt down an escaped (and insane) playwright, played by Anthony Rapp of "Rent."
Check the debut dates for all your favorite shows on Zap2it's fall premiere calendar.
Season 5 of "White Collar" is set to premiere Thursday, Oct. 17, picking up after Peter's (Tim DeKay) arrest on murder charges. It will be joined that night by the final six episodes of "Covert Affairs'" fourth season.
The cable channel will also take another swing at reality TV with "It Takes a Choir," based on the British series "The Choir" and featuring its star, choir director Gareth Malone. It premieres Sunday, Nov. 3.
Finally, "Psych: The Musical" will air as a two-hour special on Dec. 15. Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) have to hunt down an escaped (and insane) playwright, played by Anthony Rapp of "Rent."
Check the debut dates for all your favorite shows on Zap2it's fall premiere calendar.
- 8/15/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
USA Network unveiled its fall premiere calendar on Thursday, and it features return dates for White Collar and Covert Affairs, as well as the off-network launch of Modern Family.
White Collar‘s fifth season will kick off Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9/8c, leading into the return of Covert Affairs at 10/9c (unspooling its final six Season 4 episodes).
Related | Cable Renewal Scorecard: What’s Cancelled? What’s Coming Back? What’s on the Bubble?
Modern Family reruns, meanwhile, will make their USA debut on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 8/7c and will air five nights a week.
Holiday-themed reality series It Takes a Choir...
White Collar‘s fifth season will kick off Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9/8c, leading into the return of Covert Affairs at 10/9c (unspooling its final six Season 4 episodes).
Related | Cable Renewal Scorecard: What’s Cancelled? What’s Coming Back? What’s on the Bubble?
Modern Family reruns, meanwhile, will make their USA debut on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 8/7c and will air five nights a week.
Holiday-themed reality series It Takes a Choir...
- 8/15/2013
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
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