James Corden and Ruth Jones have written a final episode for Gavin And Stacey – a special Christmas edition.
A report earlier this year suggested that a Gavin And Stacey Christmas special was in the works, which Ruth Jones later denied. However, the BBC has now confirmed that Corden and Jones have written a Christmas special, which will also be the final episode.
No details about plot or cast have been revealed, but the series regulars, including Corden as Smithy, Jones as Nessa, Steadman as Pam, Brydon as Uncle Bryn, Davis as Dawn, Mathew Horne as Gavin, Joanna Page as Stacey, Melanie Walters as Gwen, Larry Lamb as Mick and Adrian Scarborough as Pete, are expected to return.
When Ruth Jones and James Corden brought Gavin And Stacey back for a Christmas special five years ago, around 18 million people tuned in. In modern TV terms, that’s an astonishing achievement.
It...
A report earlier this year suggested that a Gavin And Stacey Christmas special was in the works, which Ruth Jones later denied. However, the BBC has now confirmed that Corden and Jones have written a Christmas special, which will also be the final episode.
No details about plot or cast have been revealed, but the series regulars, including Corden as Smithy, Jones as Nessa, Steadman as Pam, Brydon as Uncle Bryn, Davis as Dawn, Mathew Horne as Gavin, Joanna Page as Stacey, Melanie Walters as Gwen, Larry Lamb as Mick and Adrian Scarborough as Pete, are expected to return.
When Ruth Jones and James Corden brought Gavin And Stacey back for a Christmas special five years ago, around 18 million people tuned in. In modern TV terms, that’s an astonishing achievement.
It...
- 5/3/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Production is reportedly about to begin on a Christmas special of Gavin And Stacey, with Ruth Jones and James Corden said to be making a return.
When Ruth Jones and James Corden brought Gavin and Stacey back for a Christmas special five years ago, around 18 million people tuned in. In modern TV terms, that’s an astonishing achievement.
According to Deadline, pre-production work is now underway on a new Christmas special, once again written by co-writers and stars James Corden and Ruth Jones. The majority of the main cast, which includes Corden as Smithy, Jones as Nessa, Alison Steadman as Pam, Rob Brydon as Uncle Bryn, Davis as Dawn, Mathew Horne as Gavin, Joanna Page as Stacey, Melanie Walters as Gwen, Larry Lamb as Mick and Adrian Scarborough as Pete, are expected to return.
It’s an auspicious place to be for a sitcom that started with little fanfare on...
When Ruth Jones and James Corden brought Gavin and Stacey back for a Christmas special five years ago, around 18 million people tuned in. In modern TV terms, that’s an astonishing achievement.
According to Deadline, pre-production work is now underway on a new Christmas special, once again written by co-writers and stars James Corden and Ruth Jones. The majority of the main cast, which includes Corden as Smithy, Jones as Nessa, Alison Steadman as Pam, Rob Brydon as Uncle Bryn, Davis as Dawn, Mathew Horne as Gavin, Joanna Page as Stacey, Melanie Walters as Gwen, Larry Lamb as Mick and Adrian Scarborough as Pete, are expected to return.
It’s an auspicious place to be for a sitcom that started with little fanfare on...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
The Syndicate producer Rollem is developing short film Youthless into a TV series as one of its first projects since the passing of founder Kay Mellor.
The Yorkshire, UK-based indie has optioned rights to Jordon Scott Kennedy’s script and is working it up for television.
The series will precede events featured in the short and is being built as a returning drama series, though no broadcaster is attached yet. The short explores ‘adultification’ from the point of view of kids growing up on a forgotten council estate in rural West Yorkshire. Envisaged as a black and white trilogy following Jud Donlan’s life over three summer holidays before entering the adult world, Rollem claims “Never has childhood been represented so unflinchingly.”
The “brutally honest” show is based on Scott Kennedy’s own experiences growing up on the Dewsbury Moor Estate.
Season one will be set in the summer of...
The Yorkshire, UK-based indie has optioned rights to Jordon Scott Kennedy’s script and is working it up for television.
The series will precede events featured in the short and is being built as a returning drama series, though no broadcaster is attached yet. The short explores ‘adultification’ from the point of view of kids growing up on a forgotten council estate in rural West Yorkshire. Envisaged as a black and white trilogy following Jud Donlan’s life over three summer holidays before entering the adult world, Rollem claims “Never has childhood been represented so unflinchingly.”
The “brutally honest” show is based on Scott Kennedy’s own experiences growing up on the Dewsbury Moor Estate.
Season one will be set in the summer of...
- 11/1/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Tennis Coverage
Coverage of the iconic Wimbledon tennis tournament has led to record-breaking numbers for U.K. broadcaster BBC. There were 54.3 million streams of the BBC’s coverage on streamer iPlayer and BBC Sport online during the two-week long competition – up from 53.8 million in 2022. On BBC One, there was a peak audience of 11.3 million to watch Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in five sets in the men’s singles finals, the highest since the U.K.’s Andy Murray won in 2016. The match was also streamed live 4.1 million times on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online, an increase of 58% from 2022.
During the women’s singles final, where Czech player Markéta Vondroušová triumphed over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, there was a peak audience of 4.5 million on BBC One – an increase from 2022’s 3.1 million. The match was streamed 1.3 million times on BBC iPlayer, an 85% increase from 2022. Across the tournament,...
Coverage of the iconic Wimbledon tennis tournament has led to record-breaking numbers for U.K. broadcaster BBC. There were 54.3 million streams of the BBC’s coverage on streamer iPlayer and BBC Sport online during the two-week long competition – up from 53.8 million in 2022. On BBC One, there was a peak audience of 11.3 million to watch Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in five sets in the men’s singles finals, the highest since the U.K.’s Andy Murray won in 2016. The match was also streamed live 4.1 million times on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online, an increase of 58% from 2022.
During the women’s singles final, where Czech player Markéta Vondroušová triumphed over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, there was a peak audience of 4.5 million on BBC One – an increase from 2022’s 3.1 million. The match was streamed 1.3 million times on BBC iPlayer, an 85% increase from 2022. Across the tournament,...
- 7/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
British YouTube star Joe Sugg is launching a production company backed by BBC Studios to develop entertainment and factual entertainment formats.
Final Straw Productions will make shows for people of all ages and has already struck a development, production and distribution deal with the BBC’s commercial arm, which has worked with Sugg in the past. As part of the deal, Sugg will be joined by BBC Studios’ Top Gear and Celebrity Big Painting Challenge exec Sacha Grimsditch, who becomes Development Executive and will help Sugg set up the firm.
Sugg already runs a talent agency, Margravine Talent Agency.
He is a British YouTube sensation, with 7.5M followers and a major presence on Instagram and TikTok. In 2018, he achieved mainstream status by coming second in BBC One entertainment format Strictly Come Dancing, watched by millions of viewers each week. He has also written a graphic novel series and recently moved into acting,...
Final Straw Productions will make shows for people of all ages and has already struck a development, production and distribution deal with the BBC’s commercial arm, which has worked with Sugg in the past. As part of the deal, Sugg will be joined by BBC Studios’ Top Gear and Celebrity Big Painting Challenge exec Sacha Grimsditch, who becomes Development Executive and will help Sugg set up the firm.
Sugg already runs a talent agency, Margravine Talent Agency.
He is a British YouTube sensation, with 7.5M followers and a major presence on Instagram and TikTok. In 2018, he achieved mainstream status by coming second in BBC One entertainment format Strictly Come Dancing, watched by millions of viewers each week. He has also written a graphic novel series and recently moved into acting,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Her credits included Band Of Gold, Fat Friends and The Syndicate.
Kay Mellor, one of the pre-eminent UK TV dramatists of her generation, has died suddenly aged 71.
The creator of Band Of Gold, Fat Friends, The Syndicate and In the Club was the driving force behind Leeds-based Rollem Productions.
A spokeswoman for the indie said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022.
“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the...
Kay Mellor, one of the pre-eminent UK TV dramatists of her generation, has died suddenly aged 71.
The creator of Band Of Gold, Fat Friends, The Syndicate and In the Club was the driving force behind Leeds-based Rollem Productions.
A spokeswoman for the indie said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022.
“We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the...
- 5/17/2022
- by Chris Curtis Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Kay Mellor, the writer of British dramas such as The Syndicate and Band of Gold, has passed away. She was 71.
Her production company, Rollem Productions, released a statement confirming the news, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022. We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends.
Mellor was considered British TV writing royalty, and had hits with the BBC series The Syndicate, which was remade for ABC as Lucky 7 in 2013; and ITV dramas Girlfriends and Band of Gold. She also wrote Fat Friends, which was among the first shows to star James Corden.
The industry reacted with shock and compassion this morning, with many taking to social media to post tributes. One producer who worked...
Her production company, Rollem Productions, released a statement confirming the news, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely and sudden passing of our beloved friend, mentor and colleague Kay Mellor on Sunday 15 May 2022. We have lost a phenomenal talent and a true luminary. We ask that you please respect the privacy of the family and friends.
Mellor was considered British TV writing royalty, and had hits with the BBC series The Syndicate, which was remade for ABC as Lucky 7 in 2013; and ITV dramas Girlfriends and Band of Gold. She also wrote Fat Friends, which was among the first shows to star James Corden.
The industry reacted with shock and compassion this morning, with many taking to social media to post tributes. One producer who worked...
- 5/17/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Miramax and Amazon melodrama “Uncle Frank,” and Channel 4 and HBO Max’s AIDS-themed series “It’s a Sin” dominated awards at the 60th annual Monte-Carlo TV Festival.
Set in the early 1970s in North Carolina, “Uncle Frank” won best film, best creator and best actor for Paul Bettany who stars as a gay man forced to confront the Southern family to whom he’s stayed closeted.
“It’s a Sin,” a British series created by Russell T Davies (“Years After Years”), won best series and best actress for Lydia West. The series was produced by Red Production Company for Channel 4 and HBO Max, in association with All3media International.
Finland’s “Piece of My Heart,” a musical romantic series with Malin Akerman, took home the Jury Special Prize. The News awards were given to “ITV News: Inside the US Capitol” for best news coverage; “The Diagnosis: Covid-19” for best news documentary; “Citoyen Nobel” for best documentary.
Set in the early 1970s in North Carolina, “Uncle Frank” won best film, best creator and best actor for Paul Bettany who stars as a gay man forced to confront the Southern family to whom he’s stayed closeted.
“It’s a Sin,” a British series created by Russell T Davies (“Years After Years”), won best series and best actress for Lydia West. The series was produced by Red Production Company for Channel 4 and HBO Max, in association with All3media International.
Finland’s “Piece of My Heart,” a musical romantic series with Malin Akerman, took home the Jury Special Prize. The News awards were given to “ITV News: Inside the US Capitol” for best news coverage; “The Diagnosis: Covid-19” for best news documentary; “Citoyen Nobel” for best documentary.
- 6/28/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Darren Star, who received the honorary Golden Nymph during the opening ceremony of the 60th Monte-Carlo Television Festival, talked about his career debut and discussed what’s next with “Emily in Paris” and his next show with Netflix, “Uncoupled.”
“Uncoupled,” which Star is doing in partnership with Jeffrey Richman (“Modern Family”), is about a newly single gay man who has to navigate the dating scene as a man in his 40s after his husband of 17 years walks out on him.
Star suggested the single-camera comedy isn’t being created as a niche show, but rather a series with a broad appeal that’s about the “very universal experience” of “being in a relationship that ends very subtly and abruptly after so many years.”
“It’s about a couple that happens to be gay, but that’s really about the universality of relationships, and I think it will hopefully be a very modern,...
“Uncoupled,” which Star is doing in partnership with Jeffrey Richman (“Modern Family”), is about a newly single gay man who has to navigate the dating scene as a man in his 40s after his husband of 17 years walks out on him.
Star suggested the single-camera comedy isn’t being created as a niche show, but rather a series with a broad appeal that’s about the “very universal experience” of “being in a relationship that ends very subtly and abruptly after so many years.”
“It’s about a couple that happens to be gay, but that’s really about the universality of relationships, and I think it will hopefully be a very modern,...
- 6/20/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
To hear numerous distribution executives tell it, the international TV program sales market has successfully adapted to online dealmaking. Despite being unable to meet buyers in person over the past 12 months at markets including this month’s MipTV, most distributors say business has been good.
“We’re still getting the same prices for our shows, and buyers still want quality programs,” says Sarah Tong, director of sales at Hat Trick Intl., whose slate includes feature doc “Janis and Lucy,” about a chimp raised as a human, that has pre-sold to HBO Max for the U.S.
Meanwhile, Nicky Davies Williams, CEO of Dcd Rights, which reps dramas “My Life Is Murder” and “Frankie Drake Mysteries,” points in particular to the “enormous increase in demand” from both SVOD and AVOD services.
Both buyers and sellers pivoted quickly to platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams as lockdowns first hit in 2020. Now,...
“We’re still getting the same prices for our shows, and buyers still want quality programs,” says Sarah Tong, director of sales at Hat Trick Intl., whose slate includes feature doc “Janis and Lucy,” about a chimp raised as a human, that has pre-sold to HBO Max for the U.S.
Meanwhile, Nicky Davies Williams, CEO of Dcd Rights, which reps dramas “My Life Is Murder” and “Frankie Drake Mysteries,” points in particular to the “enormous increase in demand” from both SVOD and AVOD services.
Both buyers and sellers pivoted quickly to platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams as lockdowns first hit in 2020. Now,...
- 4/12/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has decided to cancel its 2021 awards, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The guild’s chair Lisa Holdsworth said the industries its members work within face an “existential threat,” and the guild needed to focus on protecting their rights.
The red-carpet, gala event was due to take place at London’s Royal College of Physicians in January in a special ceremony to mark their 60th anniversary.
Holdsworth said: “Our awards happen because of two things: the generous support of our loyal sponsors, and the same collective strength our union is founded on. Wggb members, all working writers, volunteer their time and energy to sit on juries, shortlist entries, and pull endless strings behind the scenes to make the event the glittering success it is every year.”
“This year, those same members are working tirelessly to protect writers’ rights in industries which are facing an unprecedented,...
The red-carpet, gala event was due to take place at London’s Royal College of Physicians in January in a special ceremony to mark their 60th anniversary.
Holdsworth said: “Our awards happen because of two things: the generous support of our loyal sponsors, and the same collective strength our union is founded on. Wggb members, all working writers, volunteer their time and energy to sit on juries, shortlist entries, and pull endless strings behind the scenes to make the event the glittering success it is every year.”
“This year, those same members are working tirelessly to protect writers’ rights in industries which are facing an unprecedented,...
- 5/20/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC and BritBox North America are bringing back Kay Mellor’s lottery drama The Syndicate, which was briefly remade by ABC, five years after its last season.
The British public broadcaster and the U.S. streamer have ordered a fourth season, set between Leeds and Las Vegas, of the drama, whose third season aired in 2015.
The stand-alone series, which is written by Mellor, is set in a dog kennel, after the first season was set in a supermarket in Leeds, the second in a hospital in Bradford and the third in a stately home in Scarborough.
It will air on BBC One in the UK with BritBox, a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, airing it exclusively in the U.S and Canada. It is produced by Mellor’s Rollem Productions.
The new season follows the staff of the Woodvale Kennels, who are devastated to realise they may...
The British public broadcaster and the U.S. streamer have ordered a fourth season, set between Leeds and Las Vegas, of the drama, whose third season aired in 2015.
The stand-alone series, which is written by Mellor, is set in a dog kennel, after the first season was set in a supermarket in Leeds, the second in a hospital in Bradford and the third in a stately home in Scarborough.
It will air on BBC One in the UK with BritBox, a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, airing it exclusively in the U.S and Canada. It is produced by Mellor’s Rollem Productions.
The new season follows the staff of the Woodvale Kennels, who are devastated to realise they may...
- 2/5/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
1968: Dark Shadows' Angelique appeared to Barnabas in a dream.
1986: Santa Barbara's Pearl remembered his name under hypnosis.
2002: Passions' Sheridan came face to face with Luis.
2008: As the World Turns' Luke and Noah shared a kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On Dark Shadows, Angelique Bouchard Collins (Lara Parker) appeared to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) in a dream and told him that he could not escape her or her revenge. She warned him to beware of dreams, as that is the way...
1986: Santa Barbara's Pearl remembered his name under hypnosis.
2002: Passions' Sheridan came face to face with Luis.
2008: As the World Turns' Luke and Noah shared a kiss."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On Dark Shadows, Angelique Bouchard Collins (Lara Parker) appeared to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) in a dream and told him that he could not escape her or her revenge. She warned him to beware of dreams, as that is the way...
- 4/23/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
British broadcasters are going back to drama basics as they line up a swathe of lower budget scripted series to counter the multi-billion spend of the global SVODs.
Broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are preparing for a drama future where the likes of Netflix, which spends around $6.5M per episode of The Crown, for instance, and Amazon, which is expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on its adaptation of Lord of the Rings, are looking to take all global rights to projects.
Over the last few years, British networks have taken advantage of digital co-pro funds with shows such as C4 and Amazon’s Electric Dreams and BBC and Netflix’s Troy costing millions. But, these funds are soon expected to dry up, with the likes of Sister Pictures founder Jane Featherstone saying “the honeymoon is over”, leading domestic broadcasters to find new...
Broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are preparing for a drama future where the likes of Netflix, which spends around $6.5M per episode of The Crown, for instance, and Amazon, which is expected to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on its adaptation of Lord of the Rings, are looking to take all global rights to projects.
Over the last few years, British networks have taken advantage of digital co-pro funds with shows such as C4 and Amazon’s Electric Dreams and BBC and Netflix’s Troy costing millions. But, these funds are soon expected to dry up, with the likes of Sister Pictures founder Jane Featherstone saying “the honeymoon is over”, leading domestic broadcasters to find new...
- 8/31/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
North American Svod service Acorn is developing a biopic of irreverent British comedian Benny Hill. The digital platform is working up a 2 x 90-minute series about the comic, best known for his wild slapstick shenanigans, with Midsomer Murders writer Caleb Ranson.
Lonely Boy: The Benny Hill Story will follow Hill’s life from the mid-1930s through his tragic death in the 1990s and will explore his early career as well as his rise to fame and tragic decline in the late 80s. It will follow the journey of a cripplingly insecure young boy with a desire to make people laugh, through the dying last days of variety as well as the double-standards of the tabloid press.
The series is produced by British production company Free@Last, which produces Ashley Jensen-fronted Agatha Raisin, which became Acorn TV’s first sole commission. It is being written by Ranson and Hilary Bonner,...
Lonely Boy: The Benny Hill Story will follow Hill’s life from the mid-1930s through his tragic death in the 1990s and will explore his early career as well as his rise to fame and tragic decline in the late 80s. It will follow the journey of a cripplingly insecure young boy with a desire to make people laugh, through the dying last days of variety as well as the double-standards of the tabloid press.
The series is produced by British production company Free@Last, which produces Ashley Jensen-fronted Agatha Raisin, which became Acorn TV’s first sole commission. It is being written by Ranson and Hilary Bonner,...
- 5/31/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A report commissioned by the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has found a wide gap between male and female writers working across film and TV — with no significant improvement over a period of 10 years. Among the findings, 16% of all working film screenwriters in the UK are female while 14% of primetime TV drama is predominantly written by women.
The report, titled “Gender Inequality and Screenwriters,” gathered data from over 30 sources and examined the decade from 2005-2015. Figures reveal “the serious lack of authentic female voices and their opportunity to tell their stories.” More than half of respondents to a survey of Wggb members conducted by the authors of the report suggested they had seen evidence of discrimination over the course of their careers.
The findings have spurred the Equality Writes campaign which calls on the industry to effect positive change. Short-term goals include program-level TV equality monitoring data to be released...
The report, titled “Gender Inequality and Screenwriters,” gathered data from over 30 sources and examined the decade from 2005-2015. Figures reveal “the serious lack of authentic female voices and their opportunity to tell their stories.” More than half of respondents to a survey of Wggb members conducted by the authors of the report suggested they had seen evidence of discrimination over the course of their careers.
The findings have spurred the Equality Writes campaign which calls on the industry to effect positive change. Short-term goals include program-level TV equality monitoring data to be released...
- 5/23/2018
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
1968: Dark Shadows' Angelique appeared to Barnabas in a dream.
1986: Santa Barbara's Pearl remembered his name under hypnosis.
2002: Passions' Sheridan came face to face with Luis.
2008: As the World Turns' Luke and Noah shared a kiss."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On Dark Shadows, Angelique Bouchard Collins (Lara Parker) appeared to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) in a dream and told him that he...
1986: Santa Barbara's Pearl remembered his name under hypnosis.
2002: Passions' Sheridan came face to face with Luis.
2008: As the World Turns' Luke and Noah shared a kiss."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On Dark Shadows, Angelique Bouchard Collins (Lara Parker) appeared to Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) in a dream and told him that he...
- 4/25/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Rob Leane Kirsten Howard Mar 6, 2018
Wondering what to watch? Here’s our rundown of 2018’s new British dramas...
As we surge into 2018, the impressive amount of top-quality dramas emanating from our home-grown channels is showing no signs of decreasing.
See related Luke Cage: making a star of a lesser-known character Jessica Jones season 2: episode titles and fantastic pulp covers released Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Daredevil season 3: Vincent D’Onofrio teases Fisk's evolution The Punisher season 2 adds Supergirl's Floriana Lima
There are plentiful programmes you’ll want to watch and/or record for later, as Britain’s best broadcasters battle it out for your attention and affections. Here, then, is a big long list of shows to look forward to in 2018...
The Innocents
Guy Pearce stars as a mysterious character currently only known as 'Halvorson' in Netflix's new 8-part supernatural teen...
Wondering what to watch? Here’s our rundown of 2018’s new British dramas...
As we surge into 2018, the impressive amount of top-quality dramas emanating from our home-grown channels is showing no signs of decreasing.
See related Luke Cage: making a star of a lesser-known character Jessica Jones season 2: episode titles and fantastic pulp covers released Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Daredevil season 3: Vincent D’Onofrio teases Fisk's evolution The Punisher season 2 adds Supergirl's Floriana Lima
There are plentiful programmes you’ll want to watch and/or record for later, as Britain’s best broadcasters battle it out for your attention and affections. Here, then, is a big long list of shows to look forward to in 2018...
The Innocents
Guy Pearce stars as a mysterious character currently only known as 'Halvorson' in Netflix's new 8-part supernatural teen...
- 12/31/2017
- Den of Geek
The Oscar-nominated actor is about to star in both TV comedy-drama Girlfriends, and alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Stronger, a film about the Boston Marathon bombing. She talks about working with Weinstein and why she’d love to return to SNL
‘I’m not known as a commercial babe,” says Miranda Richardson, matter-of-factly. “But actually I thought, well, why the hell not do this for a minute, and see if I can hack it?” Richardson is talking about her upcoming primetime ITV comedy-drama Girlfriends, the latest from Kay Mellor, which follows three lifelong friends as they navigate their 50s together. But we’re also here to talk about Stronger, a weighty real-life drama about Jeff Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who lost his legs in the Boston Marathon bombings. Richardson is a tour de force as Jeff’s mother, Patty, a meddling, needy drunk who struggles to let go of her son.
‘I’m not known as a commercial babe,” says Miranda Richardson, matter-of-factly. “But actually I thought, well, why the hell not do this for a minute, and see if I can hack it?” Richardson is talking about her upcoming primetime ITV comedy-drama Girlfriends, the latest from Kay Mellor, which follows three lifelong friends as they navigate their 50s together. But we’re also here to talk about Stronger, a weighty real-life drama about Jeff Bauman (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who lost his legs in the Boston Marathon bombings. Richardson is a tour de force as Jeff’s mother, Patty, a meddling, needy drunk who struggles to let go of her son.
- 12/8/2017
- by Rebecca Nicholson
- The Guardian - Film News
Mark Harrison Oct 24, 2017
As Doctor Who series 11 adds a trio of soap opera stars to its cast. And it makes sense...
What do Mandip Gill, Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh have in common? Other than the fact that they're all joining Jodie Whittaker's Doctor as part of the regular cast of Doctor Who's next series, they've all acted in soap operas. Even 12 years since the show was revived by a former Coronation Street writer, that still makes some fans nervous.
Whatever your thoughts on Corrie, EastEnders and other serial dramas (to give them their proper name – the nickname comes from an outdated observation about soap companies sponsoring many of them), they're the best, most relevant training ground for young actors in British television. It's also more relevant to the experience of working on Doctor Who than you might necessarily expect.
We won't go so far as Doctor Who...
As Doctor Who series 11 adds a trio of soap opera stars to its cast. And it makes sense...
What do Mandip Gill, Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh have in common? Other than the fact that they're all joining Jodie Whittaker's Doctor as part of the regular cast of Doctor Who's next series, they've all acted in soap operas. Even 12 years since the show was revived by a former Coronation Street writer, that still makes some fans nervous.
Whatever your thoughts on Corrie, EastEnders and other serial dramas (to give them their proper name – the nickname comes from an outdated observation about soap companies sponsoring many of them), they're the best, most relevant training ground for young actors in British television. It's also more relevant to the experience of working on Doctor Who than you might necessarily expect.
We won't go so far as Doctor Who...
- 10/23/2017
- Den of Geek
As filming begins on new ITV drama Girlfriends, written by The Syndicate's Kay Mellor, the supporting cast has been set to join leads Miranda Richardson, Zoe Wanamaker and Downton Abbey's Phyllis Logan. From Rollem Productions, the contemporary six-part series follows three friends struggling with the responsibilities that come with being a modern woman of a certain age. Acorn Media Enterprises is the North American partner. Among the new cast are the Harry Potter series…...
- 7/3/2017
- Deadline TV
As filming begins on new ITV drama Girlfriends, written by The Syndicate's Kay Mellor, the supporting cast has been set to join leads Miranda Richardson, Zoe Wanamaker and Downton Abbey's Phyllis Logan. From Rollem Productions, the contemporary six-part series follows three friends struggling with the responsibilities that come with being a modern woman of a certain age. Acorn Media Enterprises is the North American partner. Among the new cast are the Harry Potter series…...
- 7/3/2017
- Deadline
Shooting starts next month on new ITV drama Girlfriends, written by The Syndicate‘s Kay Mellor. Rollem Productions is producing with Miranda Richardson, Zoë Wanamaker and Downton Abbey‘s Phyllis Logan leading the cast. Acorn Media Enterprises has also boarded as the North American partner in a deal negotiated by All3Media which is handling international distribution. The contemporary story follows three friends struggling with the responsibilities that come with being a…...
- 5/11/2017
- Deadline TV
BBC drama boss Wenger orders over 25 hours of drama.
Russell T Davies, Stephen Poliakoff and Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas have penned dramas for Piers Wenger’s inaugural slate, reports Broadcast.
The BBC drama boss unveiled over 25 hours of new drama commissions across BBC1 and BBC2 at an event co-hosted by director general Tony Hall.
The nine series, seven for BBC1, one for BBC2 and one for BBC3, join recently announced Wenger commissions including Kudos’ Gunpowder and The Forge’s Carey Mulligan-fronted crime drama Collateral.
BBC1
Doctor Who writer Davies has written A Very English Scandal, a 3 x 60-minute series directed by Stephen Frears.
Based on the book A Very English Scandal: Sex, Lies and a Murder Plot at the Heart of the Establishment by John Preston, it follows the true story of Liberal party leader Jeremy Thorpe’s conspiracy to kill his ex-lover Norman Scott.
Commissioned by Wenger and BBC director of content Moore, it...
Russell T Davies, Stephen Poliakoff and Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas have penned dramas for Piers Wenger’s inaugural slate, reports Broadcast.
The BBC drama boss unveiled over 25 hours of new drama commissions across BBC1 and BBC2 at an event co-hosted by director general Tony Hall.
The nine series, seven for BBC1, one for BBC2 and one for BBC3, join recently announced Wenger commissions including Kudos’ Gunpowder and The Forge’s Carey Mulligan-fronted crime drama Collateral.
BBC1
Doctor Who writer Davies has written A Very English Scandal, a 3 x 60-minute series directed by Stephen Frears.
Based on the book A Very English Scandal: Sex, Lies and a Murder Plot at the Heart of the Establishment by John Preston, it follows the true story of Liberal party leader Jeremy Thorpe’s conspiracy to kill his ex-lover Norman Scott.
Commissioned by Wenger and BBC director of content Moore, it...
- 5/5/2017
- ScreenDaily
Acorn Media Enterprises has boarded its latest UK drama series as the North American co-production partner on BBC One’s Love, Lies & Records. The Acorn TV Original is written by Kay Mellor (The Syndicate) and stars Catastrophe and Ugly Betty‘s Ashley Jensen who also led Acorn’s first original series, Agatha Raisin. A six-part series, Love, Lies & Records is produced by Rollem Productions for BBC One. Shooting starts next month on the drama that follows Town Hall Registrar…...
- 2/23/2017
- Deadline TV
Alex Westthorp Sep 19, 2016
We revisit Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, The Chronicles Of Narnia and a few lesser-known UK children's TV series...
Read our look-back at UK kids' fantasy dramas 1980 - 1984 here.
By 1985 British TV's children's drama had really hit its stride, achieving "a balanced diet of programmes" as Edward Barnes, the head of the BBC children's department observed. The late 80s, arguably, saw a new golden age for spooky and magical kids drama. Excellent production values, improved significantly by well-honed special effects work using Quantel, Paintbox and Harry, and moreover some interesting casting - often of very talented newcomers - produced some of the most memorable dramas of the era.
The second half of the decade saw the BBC riding high on the back of the success of their state-of-the-art adaptation of John Masefield's Box Of Delights. Meanwhile, anthology series Dramarama was going from strength to strength on ITV.
We revisit Tom's Midnight Garden, Moondial, The Chronicles Of Narnia and a few lesser-known UK children's TV series...
Read our look-back at UK kids' fantasy dramas 1980 - 1984 here.
By 1985 British TV's children's drama had really hit its stride, achieving "a balanced diet of programmes" as Edward Barnes, the head of the BBC children's department observed. The late 80s, arguably, saw a new golden age for spooky and magical kids drama. Excellent production values, improved significantly by well-honed special effects work using Quantel, Paintbox and Harry, and moreover some interesting casting - often of very talented newcomers - produced some of the most memorable dramas of the era.
The second half of the decade saw the BBC riding high on the back of the success of their state-of-the-art adaptation of John Masefield's Box Of Delights. Meanwhile, anthology series Dramarama was going from strength to strength on ITV.
- 8/16/2016
- Den of Geek
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We speak to Samantha Morton about Sky Atlantic's crime drama The Last Panthers and politicised, groundbreaking television...
Samantha Morton has built an impressive career in television and film. She is currently starring in Sky Atlantic’s The Last Panthers, a multilingual, multinational drama in which she plays Naomi Franckom, an insurance loss-adjuster on the trail of an organised gang of diamond thieves. We spoke to her about transnational crime, the scars of war and deadlifting sixty kilograms.
I want to talk to you about your character Naomi. Her background is clearly very significant to the whole theme of the show but it’s not really fully explored until later on in the series, so how did you approach the task of sketching in her history?
I think it was about getting her, I found her. That was a combination of discussions with Johan [Renck, who directed all six episodes], Peter [Carlton, producer] and Jack Thorne...
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We speak to Samantha Morton about Sky Atlantic's crime drama The Last Panthers and politicised, groundbreaking television...
Samantha Morton has built an impressive career in television and film. She is currently starring in Sky Atlantic’s The Last Panthers, a multilingual, multinational drama in which she plays Naomi Franckom, an insurance loss-adjuster on the trail of an organised gang of diamond thieves. We spoke to her about transnational crime, the scars of war and deadlifting sixty kilograms.
I want to talk to you about your character Naomi. Her background is clearly very significant to the whole theme of the show but it’s not really fully explored until later on in the series, so how did you approach the task of sketching in her history?
I think it was about getting her, I found her. That was a combination of discussions with Johan [Renck, who directed all six episodes], Peter [Carlton, producer] and Jack Thorne...
- 12/10/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
The Syndicate: BBC One, 9pm
Kay Mellor's drama starring Lenny Henry draws to a close tonight.
As Hazelwood Manor awaits its grand opening, more details come to light about Amy's disappearance - and Dawn is shocked to discover Spencer was the last person to see her alive.
Virgin Atlantic: Up in the Air: ITV, 9pm
New documentary series featuring an all access behind-the-scenes look at Virgin Atlantic.
The opening episode follows the Crawley base as they prepare to celebrate the airline's 30th birthday. 58-year-old Katie hopes she can become the newest member of the cabin crew.
Crossing Lines: Alibi, 9pm
Originally only available via Amazon Instant Video, the global crime series - starring William Fichtner and Donald Sunderland - premieres in the UK tonight.
The show follows an elite police unit who tackle international crime over Europe. This week, they're on the hunt for a serial...
Kay Mellor's drama starring Lenny Henry draws to a close tonight.
As Hazelwood Manor awaits its grand opening, more details come to light about Amy's disappearance - and Dawn is shocked to discover Spencer was the last person to see her alive.
Virgin Atlantic: Up in the Air: ITV, 9pm
New documentary series featuring an all access behind-the-scenes look at Virgin Atlantic.
The opening episode follows the Crawley base as they prepare to celebrate the airline's 30th birthday. 58-year-old Katie hopes she can become the newest member of the cabin crew.
Crossing Lines: Alibi, 9pm
Originally only available via Amazon Instant Video, the global crime series - starring William Fichtner and Donald Sunderland - premieres in the UK tonight.
The show follows an elite police unit who tackle international crime over Europe. This week, they're on the hunt for a serial...
- 7/7/2015
- Digital Spy
The Syndicate: BBC One, 9pm
Season three of Kay Mellor's The Syndicate kicks off with a new cast, including Lenny Henry as the gardener at a Scarborough manor house.
The staff at Hazelwood Manor find their lives turned upside down when they win the lottery, making them wealthier than the family they work for.
The Middle: Comedy Central, 9pm
Returning from its mid-season break, Us comedy sitcom The Middle continues in an episode all about romance.
As Valentine's Day looms, Brick (Atticus Shaffer) finds out his girlfriend wants to kiss him on the special day, whilst Axl (Charlie McDermott) is having a crisis of his own, being unable to connect with his significant other.
Brotherhood: Comedy Central, 9:30pm
Straight after The Middle, stay on Comedy Central to catch the series launch of new comedy Brotherhood.
When their mum suddenly dies, brothers Dan (Ben Ashenden) and Toby...
Season three of Kay Mellor's The Syndicate kicks off with a new cast, including Lenny Henry as the gardener at a Scarborough manor house.
The staff at Hazelwood Manor find their lives turned upside down when they win the lottery, making them wealthier than the family they work for.
The Middle: Comedy Central, 9pm
Returning from its mid-season break, Us comedy sitcom The Middle continues in an episode all about romance.
As Valentine's Day looms, Brick (Atticus Shaffer) finds out his girlfriend wants to kiss him on the special day, whilst Axl (Charlie McDermott) is having a crisis of his own, being unable to connect with his significant other.
Brotherhood: Comedy Central, 9:30pm
Straight after The Middle, stay on Comedy Central to catch the series launch of new comedy Brotherhood.
When their mum suddenly dies, brothers Dan (Ben Ashenden) and Toby...
- 6/2/2015
- Digital Spy
"From the moment I read The Syndicate scripts, I knew that it was a job that I had to get."
Richard Rankin was so eager to land a part in the third series of Kay Mellor's anthology drama series, he turned down other acting jobs before he'd even booked his role as Sean.
"Even though it wasn't even set in stone that I was going to be doing it, I was so of passionate about doing it, because I instantly fell in love with the scripts and Kay's writing."
Mellor herself was apparently just as keen to land Rankin, tailoring the part of groomsman / odd-job man Sean to the actor - changing the character from a Northerner to a Scot.
In the new six-part series, Sean is one of the few remaining employees of a Lord and Lady Hazelwood, working to maintain the once-magnificent Hazelwood Manor - now fallen into disrepair.
Richard Rankin was so eager to land a part in the third series of Kay Mellor's anthology drama series, he turned down other acting jobs before he'd even booked his role as Sean.
"Even though it wasn't even set in stone that I was going to be doing it, I was so of passionate about doing it, because I instantly fell in love with the scripts and Kay's writing."
Mellor herself was apparently just as keen to land Rankin, tailoring the part of groomsman / odd-job man Sean to the actor - changing the character from a Northerner to a Scot.
In the new six-part series, Sean is one of the few remaining employees of a Lord and Lady Hazelwood, working to maintain the once-magnificent Hazelwood Manor - now fallen into disrepair.
- 6/1/2015
- Digital Spy
This spring, the third series of the critically acclaimed, hugely popular BBC drama "The Syndicate," from BAFTA award winning writer Kay Mellor OBE, returns to BBC One. And this time around, Lenny Henry is coming along for the ride, along with Anthony Andrews and Elizabeth Berrington. The trio will headline the new series. The story, courtesy of the BBC: It's 2015 and the once impressive Hazelwood Manor, which overlooks all of Scarborough and is the family home of the Hazelwoods, has now fallen into disrepair. Lord Hazelwood (Anthony Andrews) is fading fast, but Lady Hazelwood (Alice Krige), his second wife, seems more concerned with maintaining the lifestyle she's become...
- 5/4/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Lenny Henry will star in the third series of The Syndicate.
Anthony Andrews and Elizabeth Berrington will also appear in Kay Mellor's series that follows a lottery syndicate group.
The Syndicate will be set in Hazelwood Manor, a once-impressive stately home that is slowly decaying.
Owned by Lord Hazelwood (Andrews), Hazelwood's second wife (Alice Krige) and stepson (Sam Phillips) seem intent on keeping their lavish lifestyle whatever the cost.
The home's five members of staff form a lottery syndicate, headed by gardener Godfrey (Henry), and manage to scoop the £14 million jackpot.
But tragedy strikes when cleaner Dawn's (Berrington) daughter goes missing on the night of the win, and the search raises suspicions to who took her.
The Syndicate also features Cara Theobold as housekeeper Sarah, and Melanie Hill as cook Julie.
Richard Rankin will appear as handyman Sean.
The first series of The Syndicate focused on five supermarket workers,...
Anthony Andrews and Elizabeth Berrington will also appear in Kay Mellor's series that follows a lottery syndicate group.
The Syndicate will be set in Hazelwood Manor, a once-impressive stately home that is slowly decaying.
Owned by Lord Hazelwood (Andrews), Hazelwood's second wife (Alice Krige) and stepson (Sam Phillips) seem intent on keeping their lavish lifestyle whatever the cost.
The home's five members of staff form a lottery syndicate, headed by gardener Godfrey (Henry), and manage to scoop the £14 million jackpot.
But tragedy strikes when cleaner Dawn's (Berrington) daughter goes missing on the night of the win, and the search raises suspicions to who took her.
The Syndicate also features Cara Theobold as housekeeper Sarah, and Melanie Hill as cook Julie.
Richard Rankin will appear as handyman Sean.
The first series of The Syndicate focused on five supermarket workers,...
- 10/20/2014
- Digital Spy
The X Factor: Cheryl Looks Back: ITV2, 8pm
ITV continues trailing The X Factor's epic comeback with a retrospective special, chronicling Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's dramatic journey with the series.
The returning judge relives her personal highlights ahead of the show's 11th series launch on Saturday, August 30.
The 66th Annual Emmy Awards: Sky Living, 8.30pm
The big-hitters of Us television will be out in force for a night celebrating the best and brightest in American comedy, drama and entertainment on the small screen.
A red carpet special kicks off proceedings at 8.30pm, while the ceremony itself begins at 9pm, with stars of House of Cards, Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory and many more in attendance.
In The Club: BBC One, 9pm
Kim (Katherine Parkinson) is at the centre of the drama this week, as Kay Mellor's six-part series continues.
After splitting from Susie (Tara Fitzgerald), Kim...
ITV continues trailing The X Factor's epic comeback with a retrospective special, chronicling Cheryl Fernandez-Versini's dramatic journey with the series.
The returning judge relives her personal highlights ahead of the show's 11th series launch on Saturday, August 30.
The 66th Annual Emmy Awards: Sky Living, 8.30pm
The big-hitters of Us television will be out in force for a night celebrating the best and brightest in American comedy, drama and entertainment on the small screen.
A red carpet special kicks off proceedings at 8.30pm, while the ceremony itself begins at 9pm, with stars of House of Cards, Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory and many more in attendance.
In The Club: BBC One, 9pm
Kim (Katherine Parkinson) is at the centre of the drama this week, as Kay Mellor's six-part series continues.
After splitting from Susie (Tara Fitzgerald), Kim...
- 8/26/2014
- Digital Spy
Who is Sacha Dhawan?
Ever since his star-making role as Doctor Who's first director Waris Hussein in Mark Gatiss' brilliant drama An Adventure in Space and Time, this up-and-comer has seemingly not left our television screens.
From parts in cult series In The Flesh and Utopia to a guest stint on flashy Us drama 24, not to mention his latest gig on BBC One's In The Club, Dhawan has had quite the year.
Digital Spy spoke to Sacha about his career thus far and the range of different characters he's brought to life in some of UK television's best dramatic series.
"I was a child actor - when I was about 12, I was doing children's TV on Citv - but I was still in school," Dhawan recalls of his beginnings as an actor.
"When I left college, I decided to focus on acting full-time. I went to London,...
Ever since his star-making role as Doctor Who's first director Waris Hussein in Mark Gatiss' brilliant drama An Adventure in Space and Time, this up-and-comer has seemingly not left our television screens.
From parts in cult series In The Flesh and Utopia to a guest stint on flashy Us drama 24, not to mention his latest gig on BBC One's In The Club, Dhawan has had quite the year.
Digital Spy spoke to Sacha about his career thus far and the range of different characters he's brought to life in some of UK television's best dramatic series.
"I was a child actor - when I was about 12, I was doing children's TV on Citv - but I was still in school," Dhawan recalls of his beginnings as an actor.
"When I left college, I decided to focus on acting full-time. I went to London,...
- 8/26/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC One's new drama In the Club topped the ratings outside soaps, overnight data reveals.
The new series from Kay Mellor launched with an average of 3.98 million (19.1%) at 9pm on Tuesday night.
On BBC Two, Coast was seen by 1.57m (7.9%) at 8pm, followed by The Secret History of Our Streets with 1.57m (7.6%) at 9pm.
ITV's Love Your Garden appealed to 3.39m (17.0%) at 8pm (149,000/0.7% on +1), while Kids Behind Bars intrigued 2.75m (13.3%) at 9pm (280k/0.7%).
On Channel 4, Fill Hour House for Free interested 1.08m (5.4%) at 8pm (162k/0.8%), followed by Undercover Boss with 1.10m (5.3%) at 9pm (234k/1.4%). Utopia dipped to 273k (1.7%) at 10pm.
Channel 5's Dog Rescuers attracted 979k (5.0%) at 8pm, while CSI thrilled 1.22m (5.9%) at 9pm (186k/1.1%). Big Brother continued with 1.09m (6.5%) at 10pm.
On MTV, Geordie Shore's latest episode entertained 473k (2.9%) at 10pm.
The new series from Kay Mellor launched with an average of 3.98 million (19.1%) at 9pm on Tuesday night.
On BBC Two, Coast was seen by 1.57m (7.9%) at 8pm, followed by The Secret History of Our Streets with 1.57m (7.6%) at 9pm.
ITV's Love Your Garden appealed to 3.39m (17.0%) at 8pm (149,000/0.7% on +1), while Kids Behind Bars intrigued 2.75m (13.3%) at 9pm (280k/0.7%).
On Channel 4, Fill Hour House for Free interested 1.08m (5.4%) at 8pm (162k/0.8%), followed by Undercover Boss with 1.10m (5.3%) at 9pm (234k/1.4%). Utopia dipped to 273k (1.7%) at 10pm.
Channel 5's Dog Rescuers attracted 979k (5.0%) at 8pm, while CSI thrilled 1.22m (5.9%) at 9pm (186k/1.1%). Big Brother continued with 1.09m (6.5%) at 10pm.
On MTV, Geordie Shore's latest episode entertained 473k (2.9%) at 10pm.
- 8/6/2014
- Digital Spy
Having been fortunate enough to be invited on to the set of compelling drama Keeping Rosy, the one thing missing from the day, was Christine Bottomley, who wasn’t shooting on the day of our visit. However we then had the opportunity to speak to the talented actress on the phone a few months down the line – to discuss her work on the feature, which is released this coming Friday.
Bottomley discusses the delight in performing in a female-driven piece, telling us of her own experiences as a woman in cinema, and how the industry has changed across the past decade in that regard. She also talks about working alongside her close friend Maxine Peake, and tells us a little about her next project, In the Club.
Having been lucky enough to be on set for Keeping Rosy, I’ve spent the past few months desperately waiting to see how...
Bottomley discusses the delight in performing in a female-driven piece, telling us of her own experiences as a woman in cinema, and how the industry has changed across the past decade in that regard. She also talks about working alongside her close friend Maxine Peake, and tells us a little about her next project, In the Club.
Having been lucky enough to be on set for Keeping Rosy, I’ve spent the past few months desperately waiting to see how...
- 6/24/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Hermione Norris
Hermione Norris (Mi5), Will Mellor (Casualty) and Sacha Dhawan (Outsourced) have signed up to appear in a new BBC drama series titled The Club. The story centers around a group of expectant mothers who become acquainted when they attend meetings at a pre-natal support group. Beyond the picking baby names and decorating nurseries, the club’s members are an eclectic group with plenty of skeletons in the cupboard. The six-part drama is written by award winning writer Kay Mellor (The Syndicate). One of the characters is pregnant schoolgirl Rosie (Hannah Midgley) whose challenges are partially drawn from Mellor’s own experiences as a teen mom. The Club is expected to air during 2014.
N Conrad
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Hermione Norris (Mi5), Will Mellor (Casualty) and Sacha Dhawan (Outsourced) have signed up to appear in a new BBC drama series titled The Club. The story centers around a group of expectant mothers who become acquainted when they attend meetings at a pre-natal support group. Beyond the picking baby names and decorating nurseries, the club’s members are an eclectic group with plenty of skeletons in the cupboard. The six-part drama is written by award winning writer Kay Mellor (The Syndicate). One of the characters is pregnant schoolgirl Rosie (Hannah Midgley) whose challenges are partially drawn from Mellor’s own experiences as a teen mom. The Club is expected to air during 2014.
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter. You can also find us on Google+ by clicking here.
- 12/19/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Will Mellor and Jill Halfpenny have been cast in BBC One's upcoming drama In the Club.
Hermione Norris, Tara Fitzgerald and Katherine Parkinson are also among the cast members of the six-part series from The Syndicate's Kay Mellor.
In the Club will be centred around the birth of a new baby in a modern family, following six different couples who connect at the local Parent Craft class.
Jonathan Kerrigan, Christine Bottomley, Luke Thompson, Taj Atwal, Sacha Dhawan and Hannah Midgley have also been cast.
Kay Mellor said: "I'm really excited by the calibre of cast we've attracted; the level of talent is staggering. I feel flattered and honoured to have such amazing actors bringing my characters to life."
Norris will play businesswoman Roanna, who has two adult children and finds herself pregnant again with her young artist lover Simon (Thompson).
Diana (Halfpenny) and Rick (Mellor) are expecting a 'miracle'...
Hermione Norris, Tara Fitzgerald and Katherine Parkinson are also among the cast members of the six-part series from The Syndicate's Kay Mellor.
In the Club will be centred around the birth of a new baby in a modern family, following six different couples who connect at the local Parent Craft class.
Jonathan Kerrigan, Christine Bottomley, Luke Thompson, Taj Atwal, Sacha Dhawan and Hannah Midgley have also been cast.
Kay Mellor said: "I'm really excited by the calibre of cast we've attracted; the level of talent is staggering. I feel flattered and honoured to have such amazing actors bringing my characters to life."
Norris will play businesswoman Roanna, who has two adult children and finds herself pregnant again with her young artist lover Simon (Thompson).
Diana (Halfpenny) and Rick (Mellor) are expecting a 'miracle'...
- 12/18/2013
- Digital Spy
Diane Haithman contributes to Deadline’s TCA coverage. Producer David Zabel appeared on two TCA panels today for two new ABC series: Betrayal and Lucky 7 (based on Kay Mellor’s British series The Syndicate), about a group of working class friends who win the lottery. (The show is set in multi-ethnic Queens, NY for the American version.) Without revealing any spoilers, critics at the panels noted that in both series the pilot opens with flash-forwards to some nasty consequences for some characters. Why? Zabel described the technique as an effective way to hook viewers for episodes to come. “These are not procedurals, they are character dramas. The device teases audiences with how crazy, dramatic or elevated that things are going to become,” said Zabel, an Ep on both dramas. Seeking audience investment in characters has led to other changes from the British version: that program did only 5 episodes for...
- 8/5/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The Syndicate is to return for a third series on BBC One.
Another six episodes of Kay Mellor's lottery winners drama will air in 2015, according to Broadcast.
The first series of The Syndicate aired in 2012 and focused on five supermarket workers who strike it lucky, while series two - which debuted in March - followed six hospital workers who came up with winning numbers.
Series three will focus on the staff of a stately home and will shoot on location in Yorkshire.
"I'm delighted," said Mellor. "It's the first time I've been in a situation that I have a body of work ahead of me that will take me through the end of 2015."
The writer is also currently working on another BBC One drama; In the Club will explore the impact of a new baby on a modern family, following six very different couples who bond at the local Parent Craft class.
Another six episodes of Kay Mellor's lottery winners drama will air in 2015, according to Broadcast.
The first series of The Syndicate aired in 2012 and focused on five supermarket workers who strike it lucky, while series two - which debuted in March - followed six hospital workers who came up with winning numbers.
Series three will focus on the staff of a stately home and will shoot on location in Yorkshire.
"I'm delighted," said Mellor. "It's the first time I've been in a situation that I have a body of work ahead of me that will take me through the end of 2015."
The writer is also currently working on another BBC One drama; In the Club will explore the impact of a new baby on a modern family, following six very different couples who bond at the local Parent Craft class.
- 8/2/2013
- Digital Spy
Actor cancels UK theatre tour of A Passionate Woman in order to receive treatment
Actor Lynda Bellingham has been diagnosed with cancer, and will cancel a nationwide theatre tour to fight the disease.
The 65-year-old actor did not reveal the nature of her disease, but has pulled out of a planned revival of Kay Mellor's comedy A Passionate Woman this autumn.
The production had been due to open at the Sheffield Lyceum theatre in September, before commencing a national tour. However, while doctors advised Bellingham against taking part for the time being, co-producers Sheffield theatres, David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers hope to present it next year.
"I'm devastated not to be able to honour my commitments to the play this year," said Bellingham, "but having toured many times before, I'm aware of the sheer stamina needed, and I need to prioritise my recovery. That said, nothing's going to stop me coming back next year,...
Actor Lynda Bellingham has been diagnosed with cancer, and will cancel a nationwide theatre tour to fight the disease.
The 65-year-old actor did not reveal the nature of her disease, but has pulled out of a planned revival of Kay Mellor's comedy A Passionate Woman this autumn.
The production had been due to open at the Sheffield Lyceum theatre in September, before commencing a national tour. However, while doctors advised Bellingham against taking part for the time being, co-producers Sheffield theatres, David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers hope to present it next year.
"I'm devastated not to be able to honour my commitments to the play this year," said Bellingham, "but having toured many times before, I'm aware of the sheer stamina needed, and I need to prioritise my recovery. That said, nothing's going to stop me coming back next year,...
- 7/16/2013
- by Matt Trueman
- The Guardian - Film News
The Syndicate's Kay Mellor is to pen a new drama for BBC One.
In the Club will explore the impact of a new baby on a modern family, following six very different couples who bond at the local Parent Craft class.
"Having given birth as a teenager I know how life-changing it is," said Mellor. "Birth is the ultimate creation; it changes you and your relationships forever.
"I'm delighted to be writing for BBC One again. Both [Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning] Ben Stephenson and [BBC Head of Independent Drama] Polly Hill instinctively understand my work. They encourage and trust me to deliver; as a dramatist you couldn't ask for anything more and for that I'm eternally grateful."
Mellor's past television credits include the series Band of Gold, Fat Friends and A Passionate Woman.
Her most recent effort - BBC One drama The Syndicate - has been remade by Us network ABC as the new series Lucky 7.
In...
In the Club will explore the impact of a new baby on a modern family, following six very different couples who bond at the local Parent Craft class.
"Having given birth as a teenager I know how life-changing it is," said Mellor. "Birth is the ultimate creation; it changes you and your relationships forever.
"I'm delighted to be writing for BBC One again. Both [Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning] Ben Stephenson and [BBC Head of Independent Drama] Polly Hill instinctively understand my work. They encourage and trust me to deliver; as a dramatist you couldn't ask for anything more and for that I'm eternally grateful."
Mellor's past television credits include the series Band of Gold, Fat Friends and A Passionate Woman.
Her most recent effort - BBC One drama The Syndicate - has been remade by Us network ABC as the new series Lucky 7.
In...
- 6/18/2013
- Digital Spy
Are we all interested in ABC’s upcoming Lucky 7 just because Steven Spielberg is executive producing the show? Well, not exactly. The story sounds pretty cool, too. Especially if you play the lottery every week. Intrigued already? Hope you are, we have the first official trailer for the whole thing, head inside to check it out… In case you’re not so familiar with Lucky 7, let us first inform you that director Paul McGuigan stands behind the project which is based on the British TV show The Syndicate, created by Kay Mellor. It revolves around a group of seven gas station employees in Queens, New...
- 6/5/2013
- by Fiona
- Filmofilia
Timothy Spall in The Syndicate. BBC
Kieran Kinsella
The Syndicate Series 1
The Syndicate, Series One is the pick of Acorn Media’s late April DVD releases. The show is a fascinating character study involving the mundane staff members of a humdrum low-end British supermarket. In the normal course of events, there is nothing particularly intriguing about this group but that all changes when they win the national lottery. When millions of pounds are involved, personal relationships, work rivalries and previously undetected misdeeds suddenly become a lot more important. While the show doesn’t exactly portray the lottery as a bad thing, let’s just say that Kay Mellor’s scripts show us that every silver lining has a massive dark cloud attached to it.
The cast for The Syndicate is top notch and the biggest star among the talented ensemble is Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall. He plays the store manager Bob.
Kieran Kinsella
The Syndicate Series 1
The Syndicate, Series One is the pick of Acorn Media’s late April DVD releases. The show is a fascinating character study involving the mundane staff members of a humdrum low-end British supermarket. In the normal course of events, there is nothing particularly intriguing about this group but that all changes when they win the national lottery. When millions of pounds are involved, personal relationships, work rivalries and previously undetected misdeeds suddenly become a lot more important. While the show doesn’t exactly portray the lottery as a bad thing, let’s just say that Kay Mellor’s scripts show us that every silver lining has a massive dark cloud attached to it.
The cast for The Syndicate is top notch and the biggest star among the talented ensemble is Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall. He plays the store manager Bob.
- 4/30/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
We've got telly treats galore for you lucky people in this week's Tube Talk TV picks.
From award-winning Us shows to fantastic British drama, we've rounded up the programmes you can't possibly afford to miss this week (we're nice like that, you see).
Just before we kick off proceedings, let us get sentimental for a moment and remind you to bid farewell to the iconic heart of the BBC with a special programme, Goodbye Television Centre on Friday (March 22) at 8.30pm. It's the end of an era!
The Syndicate: Tuesday (March 19) at 9pm on BBC One
Kay Mellor's endearing drama The Syndicate returns to BBC One on Tuesday night, with a slight change of scenery from last series's Leeds supermarket to a Bradford hospital, and a new set of intriguing characters, played by the likes of Alison Steadman and Jimi Mistry .
Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, and...
From award-winning Us shows to fantastic British drama, we've rounded up the programmes you can't possibly afford to miss this week (we're nice like that, you see).
Just before we kick off proceedings, let us get sentimental for a moment and remind you to bid farewell to the iconic heart of the BBC with a special programme, Goodbye Television Centre on Friday (March 22) at 8.30pm. It's the end of an era!
The Syndicate: Tuesday (March 19) at 9pm on BBC One
Kay Mellor's endearing drama The Syndicate returns to BBC One on Tuesday night, with a slight change of scenery from last series's Leeds supermarket to a Bradford hospital, and a new set of intriguing characters, played by the likes of Alison Steadman and Jimi Mistry .
Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, and...
- 3/17/2013
- Digital Spy
The Syndicate Season Two. BBC
B Van Heusen
Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate was one of the BBC’s biggest success stories of 2012. The lottery based dramedy ruffled some feathers at Camelot but viewers loved watching the action unfold as a group of soon-to-be unemployed store clerks hit the jackpot. The second season of the show features an all new syndicate comprised of hospital workers. Like their counterparts in season one, the five victors soon learn that money isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.
Mark Addy, Natalie Gavin, Alison Steadman, Siobhan Finneran and Jimi Mistry played the quintet at the heart of the action while Mellor takes on the dual roles of writer and producer. The first of the six episodes airs on Tuesday 19 March on BBC1. Viewers stateside can catch up with season one of the show which is available between now and March 31 through Acorn Media’s streaming service.
B Van Heusen
Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate was one of the BBC’s biggest success stories of 2012. The lottery based dramedy ruffled some feathers at Camelot but viewers loved watching the action unfold as a group of soon-to-be unemployed store clerks hit the jackpot. The second season of the show features an all new syndicate comprised of hospital workers. Like their counterparts in season one, the five victors soon learn that money isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.
Mark Addy, Natalie Gavin, Alison Steadman, Siobhan Finneran and Jimi Mistry played the quintet at the heart of the action while Mellor takes on the dual roles of writer and producer. The first of the six episodes airs on Tuesday 19 March on BBC1. Viewers stateside can catch up with season one of the show which is available between now and March 31 through Acorn Media’s streaming service.
- 3/12/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Isiah Whitlock Jr. best known for his work on HBO's The Wire has been cast in a new drama pilot Lucky 7 from ABC Studios and Amblin Entertainment. Lucky 7 revolves around seven employees of a service station in Queens whose lives are changed in many unexpected ways when they win a lottery jackpot. The series will be written by David Zabel and Jason Richman who wrote Detroit 187. The new hour long series is based upon a British television drama entitled The Syndicate written by Kay Mellor. The British version had each episode centered around one character and has been re-uped for a second season. The second season however, will follow a new syndicate;...
- 2/21/2013
- by Natasha Greeves
- ShadowAndAct
BBC series The Syndicate is to be remade for Us television.
ABC has ordered a pilot for Lucky 7, based on Kay Mellor's drama, Deadline reports.
While the UK series followed a group of supermarket workers who win big on the lottery, the Us version - written by David Zabel (ER) and Jason Richman (Detroit 1-8-7) - will follow seven employees at a Queens service station who similarly strike it rich.
The remake is expected to replicate the original show's format, with each episode focusing on a different character and each season following a new group of characters.
Lucky 7 is ABC's twelfth and final drama pilot pick-up this season - the network has already commissioned remakes of UK shows Spy and Pulling, while rival channel Fox is developing Us versions of Gavin & Stacey and Linda Green.
The UK Syndicate was picked up for a second series by BBC One back in April,...
ABC has ordered a pilot for Lucky 7, based on Kay Mellor's drama, Deadline reports.
While the UK series followed a group of supermarket workers who win big on the lottery, the Us version - written by David Zabel (ER) and Jason Richman (Detroit 1-8-7) - will follow seven employees at a Queens service station who similarly strike it rich.
The remake is expected to replicate the original show's format, with each episode focusing on a different character and each season following a new group of characters.
Lucky 7 is ABC's twelfth and final drama pilot pick-up this season - the network has already commissioned remakes of UK shows Spy and Pulling, while rival channel Fox is developing Us versions of Gavin & Stacey and Linda Green.
The UK Syndicate was picked up for a second series by BBC One back in April,...
- 2/1/2013
- Digital Spy
Updated: ABC has given green light to Lucky 7, a drama pilot based on Kay Mellor’s BBC series The Syndicate, which premiered last year and has been renewed for a second season. This is ABC’s 12th and last drama pilot pickup this season. David Zabel and Jason Richman wrote the U.S. version, which is produced by ABC Studios and Amblin TV. Lucky 7 is about seven employees of a service station in Queens whose lives are changed in many unexpected ways when they win a lottery jackpot. The original series revolves around five supermarket workers who enter into a syndicate and win the lottery. (Watch a trailer below) Each episode of the series centers around a different character, and each season will follow a different group in similar circumstance. Zabel, Richman and Amblin TV’s Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey executive produce Lucky 7 alongside Mellor through her company Rollem.
- 1/31/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Los Angeles, Dec 29: Filmmaker Steven Spielberg has grabbed the rights to TV drama "The Syndicate", after watching each episode of it thrice.
The "Jaws" director is overseeing a remake of the hit series for Us network ABC after falling for it, reports thesun.co.uk.
The show's writer, Kay Mellor, said: "He told me that he and his wife were avid fans of the show and he is now having a pilot episode written for Us network ABC, based on the British version.
"He certainly knew everything about the show, which is perhaps not that surprising if he'd watched each episode three times," she added.
Kay says she thought.
The "Jaws" director is overseeing a remake of the hit series for Us network ABC after falling for it, reports thesun.co.uk.
The show's writer, Kay Mellor, said: "He told me that he and his wife were avid fans of the show and he is now having a pilot episode written for Us network ABC, based on the British version.
"He certainly knew everything about the show, which is perhaps not that surprising if he'd watched each episode three times," she added.
Kay says she thought.
- 12/29/2012
- by Meeta Kabra
- RealBollywood.com
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