His Dark Materials and Help writer Jack Thorne has been recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Writing at tonight’s 29th Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards (WGGBAs), with Russell T Davies, Emerald Fennell and Armando Iannucci also taking home gongs.
The prolific Thorne, who delivered this year’s Edinburgh Television Festival MacTaggart lecture, was presented with the prestigious trophy by His Dark Materials exec and Bad Wolf Co-Founder Jane Tranter, following a two-decades-long career in which he has penned some of the UK’s most critically-acclaimed hits including This is England, Shameless and The Virtues.
“I think all writers would say that being given something from other writers is the greatest honor,” said Thorne. “I don’t think I’ve really contributed anything much in this strange career, and writing is a really strange job, but I’m grateful, and slightly anxious, to now have this award to live up to.
The prolific Thorne, who delivered this year’s Edinburgh Television Festival MacTaggart lecture, was presented with the prestigious trophy by His Dark Materials exec and Bad Wolf Co-Founder Jane Tranter, following a two-decades-long career in which he has penned some of the UK’s most critically-acclaimed hits including This is England, Shameless and The Virtues.
“I think all writers would say that being given something from other writers is the greatest honor,” said Thorne. “I don’t think I’ve really contributed anything much in this strange career, and writing is a really strange job, but I’m grateful, and slightly anxious, to now have this award to live up to.
- 2/14/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
“I’ve got another family in Telford that I’ve never spoken about,” announces comedian and writer Holly Walsh on a Zoom press call. “Luckily, by writing this, it’s tax deductible.”
She’s joking of course. Since writing a sitcom pilot about two step-sisters who only discover each other’s existence after their dad’s death, Walsh keeps being asked if the premise is autobiographical. It isn’t, but The Other One is inspired by a true story she heard about a man with two families who gave his kids the same name to avoid confusion or being sprung. “I thought that’s such a brilliant story.”
Walsh and her writing partner Pippa Brown turned it into a six-episode sitcom about uptight, high-achieving Cathy (The Windsors and Ellie & Natasia‘s Ellie White) and freewheeling, fun-seeking Cat (Catastrophe and Misfits’ Lauren Socha). Half-sisters just five days apart in age, they...
She’s joking of course. Since writing a sitcom pilot about two step-sisters who only discover each other’s existence after their dad’s death, Walsh keeps being asked if the premise is autobiographical. It isn’t, but The Other One is inspired by a true story she heard about a man with two families who gave his kids the same name to avoid confusion or being sprung. “I thought that’s such a brilliant story.”
Walsh and her writing partner Pippa Brown turned it into a six-episode sitcom about uptight, high-achieving Cathy (The Windsors and Ellie & Natasia‘s Ellie White) and freewheeling, fun-seeking Cat (Catastrophe and Misfits’ Lauren Socha). Half-sisters just five days apart in age, they...
- 6/5/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Alan Rickman's personal letters have revealed the late actor had frustration over his iconic role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. Rickman passed away in Jan. 2016 at the age of 69 after battling cancer. Following his heartbreaking death, Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson shared tributes to their beloved co-star. Now, two years after his passing, a collection of Rickman's personal items have been put up for auction at the Aba Rare Book Fair in London. The collection, which has been released by Neil Pearson Rare Books, includes Rickman's scripts, photographs, letters and personal diaries. Among the items in the collection is a letter from Harry Potter...
- 5/29/2018
- E! Online
It’s nearly impossible to imagine the Harry Potter film franchise without Alan Rickman, but the man who brought Professor Severus Snape to life on the screen wasn’t always pleased with how his character was handled, according to a collection of letters that were released for auction by Neil Pearson Rare Books.
Included in the archive of 38 boxes filled with correspondences, photos, fan mail, film scripts and entries from diaries belonging to Rickman, was a note from producer David Heyman thanking the late actor for his work on the second movie in the Harry Potter franchise, 2002’s The Chamber of Secrets.
Included in the archive of 38 boxes filled with correspondences, photos, fan mail, film scripts and entries from diaries belonging to Rickman, was a note from producer David Heyman thanking the late actor for his work on the second movie in the Harry Potter franchise, 2002’s The Chamber of Secrets.
- 5/29/2018
- by Stephanie Petit
- PEOPLE.com
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
ITV has hit a mighty milestone - first launched on September 22, 1955, the home of The X Factor, Downton Abbey and more is 60 years old today.
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
In its six decades, ITV has produced some of the biggest, best and most memorable TV shows in British broadcasting history.
But while everyone else is talking up Gladiators, Coronation Street and Blind Date, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate a few of the channel's less celebrated gems.
1. The Krypton Factor (1977-1995)
"Television's Toughest Quiz!" boomed the announcer back when the show launched in 1977. And even almost forty years later, nothing has quite matched Granada's brutal search for a UK superperson since.
Resembling a cross between a byzantine parlour game and a Soviet-era punishment for shoplifting, each week saw four more contestants subjected to a variety of cruel and unusual tests – from terrifying memory tests to landing a Boeing 747 (albeit on a simulator).
But worst of all?...
- 9/22/2015
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road: BBC One, 8pm
Tonight marks the beginning of the end for Waterloo Road as it starts its final season with new cast members Neil Pearson and Nicola Stephenson joining as the new headmaster, Vaughn Fitzgerald, and his partner, Allie Westbrook, the new art teacher.
The first episode of the series introduces both Vaughn and Allie and their raucous home life as they set out to help students at the famous comprehensive - as well dealing with returning cast members' issues as the new term starts.
The Apprentice: BBC One, 9pm
The tenth series of The Apprentice kicked off last night, introducing us to the twenty new candidates - and bidding farewell to the Boardroom's first victim.
Tonight's episode sees the teams tasked with designing and pitching a new piece of wearable tech, testing their abilities in fashion, technology and presenting in front of major retailers.
Sleepy Hollow: Universal,...
Tonight marks the beginning of the end for Waterloo Road as it starts its final season with new cast members Neil Pearson and Nicola Stephenson joining as the new headmaster, Vaughn Fitzgerald, and his partner, Allie Westbrook, the new art teacher.
The first episode of the series introduces both Vaughn and Allie and their raucous home life as they set out to help students at the famous comprehensive - as well dealing with returning cast members' issues as the new term starts.
The Apprentice: BBC One, 9pm
The tenth series of The Apprentice kicked off last night, introducing us to the twenty new candidates - and bidding farewell to the Boardroom's first victim.
Tonight's episode sees the teams tasked with designing and pitching a new piece of wearable tech, testing their abilities in fashion, technology and presenting in front of major retailers.
Sleepy Hollow: Universal,...
- 10/15/2014
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road's upcoming season has been previewed in a new trailer.
The trailer teases the arrival of Drop the Dead Donkey actor Neil Pearson as new headteacher Vaughan Fitzgerald.
Nicola Stephenson has also joined the cast as new art teacher Allie, who is the partner of Vaughan.
It was announced in April that Waterloo Road would be coming to an end after its tenth series, but bosses promised to send the show out "on a high".
The cast and crew filmed the show's final scenes in Greenock, Scotland on August 22.
Waterloo Road returns to BBC One on October 15 at 8pm.
The trailer teases the arrival of Drop the Dead Donkey actor Neil Pearson as new headteacher Vaughan Fitzgerald.
Nicola Stephenson has also joined the cast as new art teacher Allie, who is the partner of Vaughan.
It was announced in April that Waterloo Road would be coming to an end after its tenth series, but bosses promised to send the show out "on a high".
The cast and crew filmed the show's final scenes in Greenock, Scotland on August 22.
Waterloo Road returns to BBC One on October 15 at 8pm.
- 10/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road will return on Wednesday, October 15, it has been confirmed.
The first of ten new one-hour episodes will air at 8pm, with ten final episodes scheduled to air in 2015.
The new episode will feature the introduction of new head teacher Vaughan Fitzgerald, who is played by Drop the Dead Donkey actor Neil Pearson.
Nicola Stephenson has also joined the cast as new art teacher Allie, who is the partner of Vaughan.
It was announced in April that Waterloo Road would be coming to an end after its tenth series, but bosses promised to send the show out "on a high".
The cast and crew filmed the show's final scenes in Greenock, Scotland on August 22.
The first of ten new one-hour episodes will air at 8pm, with ten final episodes scheduled to air in 2015.
The new episode will feature the introduction of new head teacher Vaughan Fitzgerald, who is played by Drop the Dead Donkey actor Neil Pearson.
Nicola Stephenson has also joined the cast as new art teacher Allie, who is the partner of Vaughan.
It was announced in April that Waterloo Road would be coming to an end after its tenth series, but bosses promised to send the show out "on a high".
The cast and crew filmed the show's final scenes in Greenock, Scotland on August 22.
- 10/1/2014
- Digital Spy
Two lost Peter Sellers films from 1957 have been found in a skip in London.
Dearth of a Salesman and Insomnia Is Good for You were thought to be lost when they were found by Southend-on-Sea resident Robert Farrow when he was cleaning out a now-defunct Park Lane Films property.
"As the building manager it was my job to oversee that each floor of the property was properly cleared prior to refurbishment back in 1996," Farrow said.
"I spotted 21 film cans in a skip outside the office block and thought they would be good for storing my Super 8 collection in. I took them home, put them in a cupboard and pretty much forgot about them."
He continued: "During a recent clear-out I found them again and decided to see what the tins contained - it was then I realised they were two Sellers films including the negatives, titles, show prints, outtakes and the master print.
Dearth of a Salesman and Insomnia Is Good for You were thought to be lost when they were found by Southend-on-Sea resident Robert Farrow when he was cleaning out a now-defunct Park Lane Films property.
"As the building manager it was my job to oversee that each floor of the property was properly cleared prior to refurbishment back in 1996," Farrow said.
"I spotted 21 film cans in a skip outside the office block and thought they would be good for storing my Super 8 collection in. I took them home, put them in a cupboard and pretty much forgot about them."
He continued: "During a recent clear-out I found them again and decided to see what the tins contained - it was then I realised they were two Sellers films including the negatives, titles, show prints, outtakes and the master print.
- 12/11/2013
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road will have a new head teacher in series ten, it has been revealed.
Neil Pearson, who is to star as incoming teacher Vaughn Fitzgerald in the next series of the continuing BBC One drama, will play the new head next year.
The news was revealed online after a fan visited the set in Greenock, Scotland. Pictures showing filming for the tenth series, due to air in 2014, were posted on Inverclyde Now and show the school's sign on a wall outside.
Closer inspection reveals that the sign says "Head Teacher: Vaughn Fitzgerald".
Last month, it was revealed that the 54-year-old Drop the Dead Donkey actor and actress Nicola Stephenson had been signed up by Waterloo Road bosses as two new teachers, Fitzgerald and Allie Westbrook.
Speaking about joining Waterloo Road in a BBC press release, Pearson commented: "Waterloo Road has a long and successful history, an impressive list of alumni,...
Neil Pearson, who is to star as incoming teacher Vaughn Fitzgerald in the next series of the continuing BBC One drama, will play the new head next year.
The news was revealed online after a fan visited the set in Greenock, Scotland. Pictures showing filming for the tenth series, due to air in 2014, were posted on Inverclyde Now and show the school's sign on a wall outside.
Closer inspection reveals that the sign says "Head Teacher: Vaughn Fitzgerald".
Last month, it was revealed that the 54-year-old Drop the Dead Donkey actor and actress Nicola Stephenson had been signed up by Waterloo Road bosses as two new teachers, Fitzgerald and Allie Westbrook.
Speaking about joining Waterloo Road in a BBC press release, Pearson commented: "Waterloo Road has a long and successful history, an impressive list of alumni,...
- 10/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Script for fourth episode of 1955 show catalogued along with those for and by the likes of Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers
When Tony Hancock failed to turn up for three episodes of his radio show in 1955, producers simply replaced him with Harry Secombe as if nothing had happened. The fourth episode followed Hancock and Sid James as they travelled to Swansea to thank him – where they found him singing down a coalmine.
The recorded episode was wiped and continues to be lost, but the script – along with a host of others – has now emerged. They have been catalogued by the actor turned rare books dealer, Neil Pearson.
It is a true treasure trove, featuring scripts by and for comedy stars such as Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Frankie Howerd and Kenneth Williams. "It is a rather extraordinary and rather moving collection of material that reminds us of how we used to...
When Tony Hancock failed to turn up for three episodes of his radio show in 1955, producers simply replaced him with Harry Secombe as if nothing had happened. The fourth episode followed Hancock and Sid James as they travelled to Swansea to thank him – where they found him singing down a coalmine.
The recorded episode was wiped and continues to be lost, but the script – along with a host of others – has now emerged. They have been catalogued by the actor turned rare books dealer, Neil Pearson.
It is a true treasure trove, featuring scripts by and for comedy stars such as Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Frankie Howerd and Kenneth Williams. "It is a rather extraordinary and rather moving collection of material that reminds us of how we used to...
- 12/3/2012
- by Mark Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
The Office star Lucy Davis and Primeval's Hannah Spearritt are among the guest stars for series two of Death in Paradise. The BBC One comedy-drama - which returns in early 2013 - stars Ben Miller as Di Richard Poole, a stuffy English detective who is relocated to an idyllic Caribbean island. Davis, Spearritt and Gavin & Stacey's Mathew Horne will all appear in the second series, alongside James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley), Lucien Laviscount (Waterloo Road), Neil Pearson (Drop the Dead Donkey), Ralf Little (The Royle Family) and Shaun Parkes (Human Traffic). "It's great to be working with such a fantastic cast against the beautiful backdrop of Guadeloupe," said Davis. "Being filmed on location really offers a sense of authenticity and adds to the (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
James Nesbitt in Monroe co. ITV
B Van Heusen
After what seems like an eternity, Monroe is set to return to ITV on 1 October. The second season of the hit medical drama will consist of six hour-long episodes. James Nesbitt resumes his role as the brilliant but unpredictable title character while Neil Pearson (Bridget Jones’ Diary) plays one of the newcomers who’ll have to deal with Monroe’s erratic behavior inside and outside the operating room.
The new season is set precisely 18 months after the concluding episode of season one. In the first episode, we learn that Monroe’s best friend, Shepherd (Tom Riley) is now living with Monroe’s arch-enemy Bremner (Sarah Parish). To complicate matters further, the unlikely duo have a new born baby to contend with. Monroe’s own love life is still in disarray despite his latest failed attempts to patch things up with his estranged wife.
B Van Heusen
After what seems like an eternity, Monroe is set to return to ITV on 1 October. The second season of the hit medical drama will consist of six hour-long episodes. James Nesbitt resumes his role as the brilliant but unpredictable title character while Neil Pearson (Bridget Jones’ Diary) plays one of the newcomers who’ll have to deal with Monroe’s erratic behavior inside and outside the operating room.
The new season is set precisely 18 months after the concluding episode of season one. In the first episode, we learn that Monroe’s best friend, Shepherd (Tom Riley) is now living with Monroe’s arch-enemy Bremner (Sarah Parish). To complicate matters further, the unlikely duo have a new born baby to contend with. Monroe’s own love life is still in disarray despite his latest failed attempts to patch things up with his estranged wife.
- 9/20/2012
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Tracy-Ann Oberman has signed up for a role in the second series of ITV1's medical drama Monroe. The show, which stars James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish, was renewed by the broadcaster last July. Oberman has now signed up to play the new nurse specialist Lizzie Clapham, who looks after the patients' emotional care. Drop the Dead Donkey star Neil Pearson has also joined the cast as head of Clinical Services and Monroe's manager Alistair Gillespie, while Five Daughters actress Lisa Millet will play "acerbic" nurse Jill McHeath. The new series of Monroe is expected to pick up 18 months after the first, with Monroe facing challenges from his ex-wife and son. Bremner and Shepherd (Tom Riley) are dealing with an "unplanned development" which could affect their careers and their relationship, (more)...
- 1/17/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
It was reported last month that ahead of his Olympic duties next year Danny Boyle had signed on to direct on heist-gone-up-the-swanny thriller Trance with recent X-Men alumni James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender taking up leading roles. The film is a remake of Joe Ahearne’s 2001 TV movie starring Neil Pearson, Susannah Harker and Philip Davis about a robbery, a fortune and amnesia.
It appears that this casting isn’t to be as Twitch have provided an interesting update on the film, claiming that Fassbender is out of the project due to scheduling difficulties. Currently ensconced in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus as a golden blonde rent-boy of sorts (so he says, slight spoilers etc) the next film Fassbender has going on is Good Vibrations with Robert Sheenan and Steve Coogan, and it is either this film or his time with Scott that is preventing him joining Danny Boyle if the rumours is true.
It appears that this casting isn’t to be as Twitch have provided an interesting update on the film, claiming that Fassbender is out of the project due to scheduling difficulties. Currently ensconced in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus as a golden blonde rent-boy of sorts (so he says, slight spoilers etc) the next film Fassbender has going on is Good Vibrations with Robert Sheenan and Steve Coogan, and it is either this film or his time with Scott that is preventing him joining Danny Boyle if the rumours is true.
- 7/4/2011
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Pirates of the Caribbean star Keira Knightley has made her West End debut in the adaptation of The Misanthrope. The 24-year-old was supported by boyfriend Rupert Friend as well as other celebrity friends as she made her debut at The Comedy Theatre in London. Those who turned out to watch the show included Charles Dance, Jonathan Pryce, Neil Pearson, Emilia Fox and Rosamund Pike. Knightley plays the role of Jennifer in the play, an ambitious American film star who catches the eye of a British playwright, played by Damian Lewis. Tickets have already sold out for the show and more have had to be issued. The play will run until March 13 next year.
- 12/18/2009
- by Sophie Eager
- Monsters and Critics
Trevor Cooper (Richard Noakes), Sam Cox (Jellaby), Lucy Griffiths (Chloë Coverly), Tom Hodgkins (Captain Brice), Hugh Mitchell (Augustus/Gus Coverly) and George Potts (Ezra Chater), today join the previously announced Samantha Bond (Hannah Jarvis), Nancy Carroll (Lady Croom), Jessie Cave (Thomasina Coverly), Neil Pearson (Bernard Nightingale), Dan Stevens (Septimus Hodge) and Ed Stoppard (Valentine Coverly) as rehearsals begin for David Leveaux's new production of Tom Stoppard's multi award-winning play Arcadia.
- 5/30/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
David Leveaux will direct a cast including Samantha Bond, Nancy Carroll, Jessie Cave, Neil Pearson, Dan Stevens and Ed Stoppard in a new production of Tom Stoppard's multi award-winning play Arcadia. Previewing at the Duke of York's Theatre from 27 May, with press night on 11 June, Arcadia is currently booking until 12 September 2009. Set designs are by Hildegard Bechtler, costume design is by Amy Roberts, lighting is by Paul Anderson and sound is by Simon Baker. Arcadia will be presented in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions, Robert G. Bartner and Roger Berlind.
- 3/20/2009
- BroadwayWorld.com
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