Growing up, almost everyone has had at least one phase where they wished they were royalty. The thought of wearing a crown and having loads of money can be appealing, but in reality, it might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Kate Middleton has learned the hard way that the public expects a lot of its royals, and it’s led one expert to refer to the family as a “prison of gold.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton with Prince George Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in 2022 | Jonathan Brady/Pool/Getty Images Royal expert says the family is being treated like ‘public property’ amid privacy issues
Over the last few months, the royal family’s resilience has been tested as members of the family have attempted to gain privacy for medical issues. King Charles announced in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Around that same time,...
Prince William and Kate Middleton with Prince George Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis in 2022 | Jonathan Brady/Pool/Getty Images Royal expert says the family is being treated like ‘public property’ amid privacy issues
Over the last few months, the royal family’s resilience has been tested as members of the family have attempted to gain privacy for medical issues. King Charles announced in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Around that same time,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Julia Mullaney
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
British writer Martin Amis, the author of the book “The Zone of Interest,” has died at 73. News of his death comes just one day after the big-screen adaptation of his 2014 novel premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews.
The New York Times reports that Amis died of esophageal cancer, as confirmed by his wife, the writer Isabel Fonseca. He died at the family’s home in Lake Worth, Florida.
Amis published 15 novels over the course of his career, a number of which were adapted for screen. “Under the Skin” director Jonathan Glazer’s treatment of Amis’ chilling Nazi drama “The Zone of Interest” is one of the buzziest premieres to come out of Cannes so far.
The film follows the family of a high-ranking SS officer that lives next door to Auschwitz concentration camp. In a review that labelled “The Zone of Interest” as “chilling and profound,” Variety...
The New York Times reports that Amis died of esophageal cancer, as confirmed by his wife, the writer Isabel Fonseca. He died at the family’s home in Lake Worth, Florida.
Amis published 15 novels over the course of his career, a number of which were adapted for screen. “Under the Skin” director Jonathan Glazer’s treatment of Amis’ chilling Nazi drama “The Zone of Interest” is one of the buzziest premieres to come out of Cannes so far.
The film follows the family of a high-ranking SS officer that lives next door to Auschwitz concentration camp. In a review that labelled “The Zone of Interest” as “chilling and profound,” Variety...
- 5/20/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Queen Elizabeth II lived a remarkable life – but not everyone knows she made time to watch TV too.
The Royal Family announced that the Queen died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday (8 September), aged 96.
In the wake of her death, fans are remembering the Queen’s rather eclectic taste in television.
According to reports, the Queen received selected shows from the BBC, who would occasionally add in unrequested items they thought she may enjoy.
Other reports have suggested that she once asked that a Doctor Who DVD box set be sent to Balmoral, and that she told actor Peter Sallis that she loved Last of the Summer Wine.
She also visited the set of EastEnders in 2001.
It would seem that even royals aren’t above a hate-watch either, as she is said to have once commented on police procedural series The Bill: “I don’t like The Bill but I just can’t help watching it.
The Royal Family announced that the Queen died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday (8 September), aged 96.
In the wake of her death, fans are remembering the Queen’s rather eclectic taste in television.
According to reports, the Queen received selected shows from the BBC, who would occasionally add in unrequested items they thought she may enjoy.
Other reports have suggested that she once asked that a Doctor Who DVD box set be sent to Balmoral, and that she told actor Peter Sallis that she loved Last of the Summer Wine.
She also visited the set of EastEnders in 2001.
It would seem that even royals aren’t above a hate-watch either, as she is said to have once commented on police procedural series The Bill: “I don’t like The Bill but I just can’t help watching it.
- 9/9/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Succession boss Jesse Armstrong has said that there’s going to be a very definite moment when the story of Logan Roy and his rotten cabal is over and HBO is taking its lead from its creator.
HBO and HBO Max Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys said a decision as to whether the upcoming fourth season of the power battle drama would be its last hasn’t been made yet.
“That’s something that we would take Jesse’s lead on. I think he wanted to go into the writers’ room – they’re breaking the fourth season now – and go in with all options open. We’ll hear from him whatever he decides… that’s a decision that I think is best made by him.”
Armstrong told The New Statesman that the Brian Cox-fronted series “can’t go on too long”.
Similarly, writer Georgia Pritchett told The Times that...
HBO and HBO Max Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys said a decision as to whether the upcoming fourth season of the power battle drama would be its last hasn’t been made yet.
“That’s something that we would take Jesse’s lead on. I think he wanted to go into the writers’ room – they’re breaking the fourth season now – and go in with all options open. We’ll hear from him whatever he decides… that’s a decision that I think is best made by him.”
Armstrong told The New Statesman that the Brian Cox-fronted series “can’t go on too long”.
Similarly, writer Georgia Pritchett told The Times that...
- 2/16/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Rik Mayall wasn’t just a comedy genius, he was at the fundamental core of British comedy from the 80s’ until his untimely death. ‘Al Pacino: The Movies Behind The Man’ author and broadcaster, Mark Searby sheds light into the creative work of the man in his new book ‘Rik Mayall: Comedy Genius’.
With a career born from frustrations, opinions and political strains of the working class in the 1980s, Mayall and a motley crew of young fresh talent led the uprising of alternative comedy. Taking a lead from Punk music, they took no prisoners. It was politically incorrect, anarchic and stuck two fingers up to the establishment and furthermore, it stood for something. In its new form, Mayall and his compadres had made comedy into a vessel to speak freely and represent the feelings of a fresh, passionate and raw new generation, something that has since been remixed...
With a career born from frustrations, opinions and political strains of the working class in the 1980s, Mayall and a motley crew of young fresh talent led the uprising of alternative comedy. Taking a lead from Punk music, they took no prisoners. It was politically incorrect, anarchic and stuck two fingers up to the establishment and furthermore, it stood for something. In its new form, Mayall and his compadres had made comedy into a vessel to speak freely and represent the feelings of a fresh, passionate and raw new generation, something that has since been remixed...
- 11/12/2019
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Kayti Burt Jun 20, 2019
A teen factory worker, talking goat, android, and giant set off across a fractured America in this post-apocalyptic road trip.
This post is sponsored by Flatiron Books. All opinions expressed in this post are based on the writer's personal views.
In the past decade, our popular culture has become increasingly interested in post-apocalyptic stories—perhaps because, as writer Laurie Penny theorized in The New Statesman way back in 2014, it can increasingly feel like we are all living in a dystopia on the verge of collapse. Fka USA, out today from Flatiron Books, is the latest in a line of pop culture stories trying to get the post-apocalypse dystopia right, which is another way of saying it is the latest in a line of pop culture stories trying to get now right.
Fka USA, written by Reed King (a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author and...
A teen factory worker, talking goat, android, and giant set off across a fractured America in this post-apocalyptic road trip.
This post is sponsored by Flatiron Books. All opinions expressed in this post are based on the writer's personal views.
In the past decade, our popular culture has become increasingly interested in post-apocalyptic stories—perhaps because, as writer Laurie Penny theorized in The New Statesman way back in 2014, it can increasingly feel like we are all living in a dystopia on the verge of collapse. Fka USA, out today from Flatiron Books, is the latest in a line of pop culture stories trying to get the post-apocalypse dystopia right, which is another way of saying it is the latest in a line of pop culture stories trying to get now right.
Fka USA, written by Reed King (a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author and...
- 6/18/2019
- Den of Geek
Longtime writing partners Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (Birds Of A Feather) are developing a new version of classic British comedy The New Statesman. The original starred the late Rik Mayall as pompous politician Alan B'Stard, and ran on ITV from 1987-1992. A satire of the Conservative government, the show won the Best Comedy Series BAFTA in 1991. Marks and Gran's LocomoTV is working with Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn's Corona TV to develop The B'Stard Legacy which…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline TV
Longtime writing partners Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (Birds Of A Feather) are developing a new version of classic British comedy The New Statesman. The original starred the late Rik Mayall as pompous politician Alan B'Stard, and ran on ITV from 1987-1992. A satire of the Conservative government, the show won the Best Comedy Series BAFTA in 1991. Marks and Gran's LocomoTV is working with Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn's Corona TV to develop The B'Stard Legacy which…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline
Comedian David Adkins, better known by his stage name Sinbad, has starred in many films in the 90s, including “Necessary Roughness,” “Houseguest” and even the Kenan & Kel vehicle “Good Burger.” But one movie he didn’t star in is “Shazaam,” about an incompetent genie who grants wishes to two children. However, that hasn’t stopped hundreds of people online from claiming that the film is real, believing that they saw it sometime in the 90s.
Read More: Sundance Review: ‘Dr. Strangelove’ Meets Christopher Guest in Moon Conspiracy Tale ‘Operation Avalanche’
The New Statesman reports that the community of “Shazaam” truthers has proliferated on Reddit, specifically under the subreddit r/MandelaEffect. The Mandela Effect is a “theory that a large group of people with the same false memory used to live in a parallel universe,” deriving from the idea that many people believe Nelson Mandela died while in prison. On this subreddit,...
Read More: Sundance Review: ‘Dr. Strangelove’ Meets Christopher Guest in Moon Conspiracy Tale ‘Operation Avalanche’
The New Statesman reports that the community of “Shazaam” truthers has proliferated on Reddit, specifically under the subreddit r/MandelaEffect. The Mandela Effect is a “theory that a large group of people with the same false memory used to live in a parallel universe,” deriving from the idea that many people believe Nelson Mandela died while in prison. On this subreddit,...
- 12/23/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Remember Kinvig, Clone, Not With A Bang? These are the UK sci-fi sitcoms you’re unlikely to see on comedy best-of lists…
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
With E4 sci-fi comedy commissions, Tripped and Aliens, and in-development Channel 4 projects, Space Ark and Graham Linehan/Adam Buxton collaboration The Cloud, in the works, a new crop of sci-fi sitcom could be making its way to UK TV.
Making funny sci-fi on a small-screen budget is tough enough without the additional pressure of having to attract viewers more traditionally down-to-earth in their sitcom tastes. Sci-fi sets and effects can be seen as prohibitively expensive by comedy commissioners (which is perhaps why the best UK sci-fi sitcoms of recent years has been on BBC Radio), and the genre’s niche status doesn’t scream mainstream hit. Over the years, one or two stand-outs have managed to straddle the sci-fi and comedy TV worlds, but plenty more have stumbled in the attempt.
- 7/23/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
The BBC’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell isn't a silly, childish, Harry Potter rip-off. So why do people keep saying it is?
As described in a 1974 essay by author Ursula K. Le Guin, Americans are afraid of it, the French haven’t had it for centuries, Germans have a good deal of it, and the English “have it, and love it, and do it better than anyone else”.
That thing? A literary tradition of adult fantasy. Our national bookshelf (with thanks to Ireland, Scotland and Wales for the lend of Swift, Stoker, Lewis, Stevenson and more) is packed with the stuff, from epics to folklore, the Gothic and the satirists to the Romantics, Victorian moralists and Edwardian golden agers, to Tolkien and the twentieth-century conjurers, all the way up to today’s imaginative tale-spinners.
Such an august library should speak for itself. With all that precedence, you’d think the...
As described in a 1974 essay by author Ursula K. Le Guin, Americans are afraid of it, the French haven’t had it for centuries, Germans have a good deal of it, and the English “have it, and love it, and do it better than anyone else”.
That thing? A literary tradition of adult fantasy. Our national bookshelf (with thanks to Ireland, Scotland and Wales for the lend of Swift, Stoker, Lewis, Stevenson and more) is packed with the stuff, from epics to folklore, the Gothic and the satirists to the Romantics, Victorian moralists and Edwardian golden agers, to Tolkien and the twentieth-century conjurers, all the way up to today’s imaginative tale-spinners.
Such an august library should speak for itself. With all that precedence, you’d think the...
- 5/27/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
As Britain digests the results of its General Election, a look back at some of the most memorable prime ministers from TV and the movies reveals a bunch only marginally more disconcerting than some of the real-life options.
Operating on a scale from complete idiocy through to full-blown murderous villainy, were they actually on the ballot paper, you'd probably do well to think twice before putting an X in their box. But you can be sure of one terrifying thought - someone out there would.
So who would you vote for, given the choice between the real prime minister and 8 of TV and film's most memorable premiers? Find out more about our fictional candidates below...
1. Baldrick in Blackadder: Back and Forth
Baldrick became an MP in a rotten borough during the opening episode of Blackadder the Third, mainly thanks to the help of a campaign partner who's especially keen to...
Operating on a scale from complete idiocy through to full-blown murderous villainy, were they actually on the ballot paper, you'd probably do well to think twice before putting an X in their box. But you can be sure of one terrifying thought - someone out there would.
So who would you vote for, given the choice between the real prime minister and 8 of TV and film's most memorable premiers? Find out more about our fictional candidates below...
1. Baldrick in Blackadder: Back and Forth
Baldrick became an MP in a rotten borough during the opening episode of Blackadder the Third, mainly thanks to the help of a campaign partner who's especially keen to...
- 5/8/2015
- Digital Spy
As Britain digests the results of its General Election, a look back at some of the most memorable prime ministers from TV and the movies reveals a bunch only marginally more disconcerting than some of the real-life options.
Operating on a scale from complete idiocy through to full-blown murderous villainy, were they actually on the ballot paper, you'd probably do well to think twice before putting an X in their box. But you can be sure of one terrifying thought - someone out there would.
So who would you vote for, given the choice between the real prime minister and 8 of TV and film's most memorable premiers? Find out more about our fictional candidates below...
1. Baldrick in Blackadder: Back and Forth
Baldrick became an MP in a rotten borough during the opening episode of Blackadder the Third, mainly thanks to the help of a campaign partner who's especially keen to...
Operating on a scale from complete idiocy through to full-blown murderous villainy, were they actually on the ballot paper, you'd probably do well to think twice before putting an X in their box. But you can be sure of one terrifying thought - someone out there would.
So who would you vote for, given the choice between the real prime minister and 8 of TV and film's most memorable premiers? Find out more about our fictional candidates below...
1. Baldrick in Blackadder: Back and Forth
Baldrick became an MP in a rotten borough during the opening episode of Blackadder the Third, mainly thanks to the help of a campaign partner who's especially keen to...
- 5/8/2015
- Digital Spy
This day has been an emotional rollercoaster.
The facts and details of the Christmas episode have been kept strictly secret, and for good reason. Rumors flew that Jenna Coleman was leaving the series just as the new season was a-borning, and her go-to answer for the events of the special was “If you know if I’m staying with the series, it’ll ruin the ending”. A spectacularly surprising cameo, a hilarious guest star, and a plot that keeps unfolding like a fried onion makes for a ripping yarn for the holiday. But for most of the year, we were never sure or not if this was to be Clara’s…
Last Christmas
By Steven Moffat
Directed by Paul Wilmshurst
Clara and The Doctor team up again after Santa crashes on her roof. You heard me – Sweet Papa Chrimbo himself appears atop Clara’s home, and before any sense can be made of that,...
The facts and details of the Christmas episode have been kept strictly secret, and for good reason. Rumors flew that Jenna Coleman was leaving the series just as the new season was a-borning, and her go-to answer for the events of the special was “If you know if I’m staying with the series, it’ll ruin the ending”. A spectacularly surprising cameo, a hilarious guest star, and a plot that keeps unfolding like a fried onion makes for a ripping yarn for the holiday. But for most of the year, we were never sure or not if this was to be Clara’s…
Last Christmas
By Steven Moffat
Directed by Paul Wilmshurst
Clara and The Doctor team up again after Santa crashes on her roof. You heard me – Sweet Papa Chrimbo himself appears atop Clara’s home, and before any sense can be made of that,...
- 12/26/2014
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
Confirming recently circulating rumors, the BBC announced today that Nick Frost will guest-star in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special.
Nick comments: “I’m so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas special, I’m such a fan of the show. The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream “No spoilers!” Every day on set I’ve had to silence my internal fan boy squeals!”
Nick’s frequent partner in crime Simon Pegg appeared in the Eccleston adventure The Long Game as the Editor of Satellite Five, and servant of the Mighty Jagrafess of the Editor-in-Chief, the Holy Hadrojassic Maxarodenfoe (And yes, I used cut and paste, there’s none of us perfect). Other members of the Pegg / Frost / Edgar Wright repertory company who have appeared on the series include Michael Smiley in...
Nick comments: “I’m so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas special, I’m such a fan of the show. The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream “No spoilers!” Every day on set I’ve had to silence my internal fan boy squeals!”
Nick’s frequent partner in crime Simon Pegg appeared in the Eccleston adventure The Long Game as the Editor of Satellite Five, and servant of the Mighty Jagrafess of the Editor-in-Chief, the Holy Hadrojassic Maxarodenfoe (And yes, I used cut and paste, there’s none of us perfect). Other members of the Pegg / Frost / Edgar Wright repertory company who have appeared on the series include Michael Smiley in...
- 9/19/2014
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
The Only Way Is Essex returned with over 800,000 viewers on Sunday evening, according to overnight figures.
The Marbs special entertained 801k (4.8%) at 10pm on ITV2 (119k/1.2% on +1), while Educating Joey Essex brought in 426k (1.9%) at 9pm.
On BBC One, Countryfile topped the ratings overall with 5.1m (26.8%) at 7.30pm, followed by Antiques Roadshow with 4.9m (22.8%) at 8.15pm.
Casualty's latest episode was seen by 4.2m (19.5%) at 9.15pm, while World Cup coverage of USA vs Portugal scored 3.1m (34.4%) at 10.30pm.
BBC Two's F1 coverage attracted 2.4m (12.2%) at 7.30pm, followed by A Cabbie Abroad with 1.5m (6.8%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Catchphrase puzzled 2.5m (15.7%) at 6.30pm (159k/0.8%). The World Cup match between South Korea and Algeria gathered 3.5m (16.9%) at 7.30pm. A repeat of Rik Mayall's The New Statesman amused 899k (6.0%) at 10.30pm.
Channel 4's Born in the Wild intrigued 785k (3.8%) at 8pm (174k/0.8%). The Fargo finale attracted 1.2m (5.4%) at 9pm (126k/0.8%).
On Channel 5, Bikini Body?...
The Marbs special entertained 801k (4.8%) at 10pm on ITV2 (119k/1.2% on +1), while Educating Joey Essex brought in 426k (1.9%) at 9pm.
On BBC One, Countryfile topped the ratings overall with 5.1m (26.8%) at 7.30pm, followed by Antiques Roadshow with 4.9m (22.8%) at 8.15pm.
Casualty's latest episode was seen by 4.2m (19.5%) at 9.15pm, while World Cup coverage of USA vs Portugal scored 3.1m (34.4%) at 10.30pm.
BBC Two's F1 coverage attracted 2.4m (12.2%) at 7.30pm, followed by A Cabbie Abroad with 1.5m (6.8%) at 9pm.
On ITV, Catchphrase puzzled 2.5m (15.7%) at 6.30pm (159k/0.8%). The World Cup match between South Korea and Algeria gathered 3.5m (16.9%) at 7.30pm. A repeat of Rik Mayall's The New Statesman amused 899k (6.0%) at 10.30pm.
Channel 4's Born in the Wild intrigued 785k (3.8%) at 8pm (174k/0.8%). The Fargo finale attracted 1.2m (5.4%) at 9pm (126k/0.8%).
On Channel 5, Bikini Body?...
- 6/23/2014
- Digital Spy
Fargo: Channel 4, 9pm
It's the last in the season of the critically acclaimed Us drama, and Lester (Martin Freeman) is once again trying to manipulate everyone around him, having already framed his own brother for the murders of his wife and Chief Thurman.
Meanwhile, dogged deputy Molly (Allison Tolman) takes the lead, Gus (Colin Hanks) pursues a hunch and killer Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) finds a new target. Whose life will he turn upside down now?
The New Statesman: ITV, 10.30pm
Just in case you missed the first episode of the Rik Mayall classic, ITV is repeating it tonight.
Newly elected MP Alan B'Stard (Mayall) has won the largest majority in parliament after sabotaging his rivals. However, the police chief constable has evidence of the scheming politician's misdeeds and starts blackmailing him. Also starring Michael Troughton, Marsha Fitzalan and John Woodvine.
Educating Joey Essex: Football Fever:...
It's the last in the season of the critically acclaimed Us drama, and Lester (Martin Freeman) is once again trying to manipulate everyone around him, having already framed his own brother for the murders of his wife and Chief Thurman.
Meanwhile, dogged deputy Molly (Allison Tolman) takes the lead, Gus (Colin Hanks) pursues a hunch and killer Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) finds a new target. Whose life will he turn upside down now?
The New Statesman: ITV, 10.30pm
Just in case you missed the first episode of the Rik Mayall classic, ITV is repeating it tonight.
Newly elected MP Alan B'Stard (Mayall) has won the largest majority in parliament after sabotaging his rivals. However, the police chief constable has evidence of the scheming politician's misdeeds and starts blackmailing him. Also starring Michael Troughton, Marsha Fitzalan and John Woodvine.
Educating Joey Essex: Football Fever:...
- 6/22/2014
- Digital Spy
One of the funniest U.K. actor/comedians ever has passed on at the age of 56. I'll always cherish his madcap punk comic antics on the early '80s cult classic television show The Young Ones and his peerless performances on Blackadder, The New Statesman, Bottom, et al. For you youngsters out there not familiar with his work, check out these clips from The Young Ones above. Rave on, Mr. Rik Mayall!
- 6/10/2014
- by Dusty Wright
- www.culturecatch.com
There's something horribly grim about stalking somebody's social media accounts after they've died, but it is fitting of the late Rik Mayall that a glance at what might have been a brief foray into the world of Twitter should provide much amusement.
Assuming it was actually his, Mayall's journey into Twitter lasted a single tweet back in 2010 and it was suitably brash, uncompromising, sweary and laugh-out-loud funny. Exactly like the man who so many TV viewers had grown to love over the last 30 years.
Opening my very own Twitter to stop another bastard from doing it. So fuck off & don't expect to hear from me any time soon. Love Rik x
— Rik Mayall (@rikmayall) April 13, 2010
Mayall grew up in Harlow, Essex, but it was as a drama student at Manchester University where his career began as he forged a long-standing friendship and comedy double act with Ade Edmondson. The duo...
Assuming it was actually his, Mayall's journey into Twitter lasted a single tweet back in 2010 and it was suitably brash, uncompromising, sweary and laugh-out-loud funny. Exactly like the man who so many TV viewers had grown to love over the last 30 years.
Opening my very own Twitter to stop another bastard from doing it. So fuck off & don't expect to hear from me any time soon. Love Rik x
— Rik Mayall (@rikmayall) April 13, 2010
Mayall grew up in Harlow, Essex, but it was as a drama student at Manchester University where his career began as he forged a long-standing friendship and comedy double act with Ade Edmondson. The duo...
- 6/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Producer John Lloyd has described the late Rik Mayall as a "proper actor".
The 56-year-old - who passed away in London earlier today (June 9) - worked with Lloyd while starring as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Lloyd said that Mayall "had such charisma, and to see him live on stage was an amazing experience".
Best known for his roles in The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman, Mayall enjoyed a long and successful career in comedy.
His long-term comedy partner Ade Edmondson paid tribute following the news of his death, saying that he feels "privileged" to have known him.
A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but a Scotland Yard spokesman said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Rik Mayall - a life in pictures:...
The 56-year-old - who passed away in London earlier today (June 9) - worked with Lloyd while starring as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Lloyd said that Mayall "had such charisma, and to see him live on stage was an amazing experience".
Best known for his roles in The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman, Mayall enjoyed a long and successful career in comedy.
His long-term comedy partner Ade Edmondson paid tribute following the news of his death, saying that he feels "privileged" to have known him.
A cause of death has yet to be confirmed, but a Scotland Yard spokesman said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Rik Mayall - a life in pictures:...
- 6/9/2014
- Digital Spy
If you're a child of the 90s, then you're probably familiar with Rik Mayall. However, you may not know the British comedian by name because he's usually referred to by the title of his most famous entry into American cinema, Drop Dead Fred. The comedian brought to life the wacky titular imaginary friend in the 1991 comedy that starred Phoebe Cates, and was a staple of many a childhood. Sadly, ABC News reports that the comedy star died suddenly today at his London home at age 56. Mayall wasn't sick and mysteriously died, his family unaware of what happened to him, but there isn't any foul play suspected now. Read on! While Mayall may only be known for Drop Dead Fred in the Us, he was a much bigger name in the United Kingdom. He starred on the British sitcomi "The Young Ones" and also starred in other series from across the pond like "The New Statesman,...
- 6/9/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman star Rik Mayall has died. The British comedian and actor was 56. He passed away at home in London today, although the cause of death is as-yet unknown. The BBC reports that the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be suspicious. The Essex-born Mayall was a pioneer of alternative comedy in Britain in the 1980s. He was best known to TV audiences for such sitcoms as The Young Ones, the classic 1982-1984 BBC series in which he starred as a would-be anarchist. He co-created that show along with Blackadder‘s Ben […]...
- 6/9/2014
- Deadline
The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman star Rik Mayall has died. The British comedian and actor was 56. He passed away at home in London today, although the cause of death is as-yet unknown. The BBC reports that the Metropolitan Police said it was not believed to be suspicious. The Essex-born Mayall was a pioneer of alternative comedy in Britain in the 1980s. He was best known to TV audiences for such sitcoms as The Young Ones, the classic 1982-1984 BBC series in which he starred as a would-be anarchist. He co-created that show along with Blackadder‘s Ben Elton. Mayall also starred in the series with Adrian Edmonson, his longtime collaborative partner. The pair, who met at university, formed The Comic Strip in 1982. A group of alternative British comedians, it included Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Together, they created spoof series The Comic Strip Presents on Channel 4.
- 6/9/2014
- by NANCY TARTAGLIONE, International Editor
- Deadline TV
I feel sorry for you, you zeros, you nobodies. What's going to live on after you die? Nothing, that's what!
This house will become a shrine! And punks and skins and Rastas will all gather round and all hold their hands in sorrow for their fallen leader! And all the grown-ups will say, 'But why are the kids crying?' And the kids will say, 'Haven't you heard? Rick is dead! The People's Poet is dead!'
And then one particularly sensitive and articulate teenager will say, 'Why kids, do you understand nothing? How can Rick be dead when we still have his poems?'.
Rik Mayall as Rick in The Young Ones
Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
As tributes pour in from the world of entertainment, Digital Spy pays homage to Rik in a way we hope that a man with an autobiography called Bigger than...
This house will become a shrine! And punks and skins and Rastas will all gather round and all hold their hands in sorrow for their fallen leader! And all the grown-ups will say, 'But why are the kids crying?' And the kids will say, 'Haven't you heard? Rick is dead! The People's Poet is dead!'
And then one particularly sensitive and articulate teenager will say, 'Why kids, do you understand nothing? How can Rick be dead when we still have his poems?'.
Rik Mayall as Rick in The Young Ones
Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
As tributes pour in from the world of entertainment, Digital Spy pays homage to Rik in a way we hope that a man with an autobiography called Bigger than...
- 6/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Rik Mayall, who played would-be anarchist Rick on the 1980s British sitcom “The Young Ones,” died Monday, according to media reports. He was 56. The BBC reports that Mayall died at his London home. No cause of death was given, though TMZ reports that foul play is not suspected. See photos: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2014 Mayall, whose other television roles included “Blackadder,” “The New Statesman” and “Bottom,” was married with three children. Mayall's management team has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment. On the big screen, Mayall starred opposite Phoebe Cates in the 1991 comedy “Drop Dead Fred,” as well.
- 6/9/2014
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
London -- British comedian and actor Rik Mayall -- a cult comedy hero to a generation after his turn as poetry-writing anarchist Rick in The Young Ones ignited a long TV career -- died Monday at the age of 56, his management company Brunskill said. Brunskill said it would issue a further statement later. Photos: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2014 Mayall starred in The Young Ones alongside his friend Adrian Edmondson before the duo went on to write and star in sitcom Bottom. Mayall also appeared in shows including Blackadder and The New Statesman. On the big screen, Mayall had roles in
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- 6/9/2014
- by Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
The comic actor, who passed away on Monday morning (June 9), was best-known for his roles in hit shows like The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman.
He also had scene-stealing guest spots throughout his career - including his notable appearance as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder - and headed up hit 1991 movie Drop Dead Fred.
Ade Edmondson on Rik Mayall death: 'I feel privileged to have known him'
Rik Mayall's 5 best roles: From Young One Rick to Drop Dead Fred
Below, Digital Spy rounds up just some of the reactions from the world of entertainment to Mayall's passing.
British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died. Our heart goes out to his friends and family at this sad time, may he Rip. #ElstreeLove
— Elstree Studios (@ElstreeStudios) June 9, 2014
Something about Rik pic.twitter.com/MeE7DaUoLt
— Greg Davies (@gdavies) June 9, 2014
Crossing the Atlantic with wifi.
The comic actor, who passed away on Monday morning (June 9), was best-known for his roles in hit shows like The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman.
He also had scene-stealing guest spots throughout his career - including his notable appearance as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder - and headed up hit 1991 movie Drop Dead Fred.
Ade Edmondson on Rik Mayall death: 'I feel privileged to have known him'
Rik Mayall's 5 best roles: From Young One Rick to Drop Dead Fred
Below, Digital Spy rounds up just some of the reactions from the world of entertainment to Mayall's passing.
British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died. Our heart goes out to his friends and family at this sad time, may he Rip. #ElstreeLove
— Elstree Studios (@ElstreeStudios) June 9, 2014
Something about Rik pic.twitter.com/MeE7DaUoLt
— Greg Davies (@gdavies) June 9, 2014
Crossing the Atlantic with wifi.
- 6/9/2014
- Digital Spy
British comedy legend Rik Mayall has died at just 56. A spokesman for his management company confirmed that Mayall passed away this morning. Mayall is survived by his wife and three children.
The actor and comedian is best remembered for his small screen roles such as the obnoxious poetry-writing anarchist Rick in cult sitcom "The Young Ones," the sex-crazed arrogant Lord Flashheart in several versions of "Blackadder," the sociopathic right-wing back bencher Alan Beresford B'Stard in "The New Statesman," and the perverted Richie in "Bottom". Other TV credits include "Jonathan Creek" and "Filthy Rich & Catflap"
Mayall also appeared in several films, most famously as the title character in "Drop Dead Fred". He also appeared in "Carry On Columbus," "Guest House Paradiso," "The Wind in the Willows," "Shock Treatment," "Errors of the Human Body" and even a tiny role in "An American Werewolf in London".
Mayall was left seriously ill after a...
The actor and comedian is best remembered for his small screen roles such as the obnoxious poetry-writing anarchist Rick in cult sitcom "The Young Ones," the sex-crazed arrogant Lord Flashheart in several versions of "Blackadder," the sociopathic right-wing back bencher Alan Beresford B'Stard in "The New Statesman," and the perverted Richie in "Bottom". Other TV credits include "Jonathan Creek" and "Filthy Rich & Catflap"
Mayall also appeared in several films, most famously as the title character in "Drop Dead Fred". He also appeared in "Carry On Columbus," "Guest House Paradiso," "The Wind in the Willows," "Shock Treatment," "Errors of the Human Body" and even a tiny role in "An American Werewolf in London".
Mayall was left seriously ill after a...
- 6/9/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Rik Mayall, who played the pompous, poetry-spouting anarchist Rick on the early Eighties U.K. cult comedy The Young Ones, has died, according to a statement his manager shared with the BBC. He was 56. The cause and circumstances of Mayall's death have not yet been revealed.
Last-Laugh Tracks: The 40 Best Cult TV Comedies Ever
In addition to The Young Ones, Mayall appeared on the U.K. sitcoms Blackadder, The New Statesman and a show with his Young Ones costar Adrian Edmondson, Bottom. His best-known movie role was playing opposite...
Last-Laugh Tracks: The 40 Best Cult TV Comedies Ever
In addition to The Young Ones, Mayall appeared on the U.K. sitcoms Blackadder, The New Statesman and a show with his Young Ones costar Adrian Edmondson, Bottom. His best-known movie role was playing opposite...
- 6/9/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Where to begin? His Lord Flashheart was the nemesis of Blackadder, his Vogon-class poetry was the yin to fellow Young One Vyvyan’s flatulent yang, he drank at The Slaughtered Lamb, caused chaos as a Dangerous Brother and was a lynch pin of the ‘comedy as the new rock’n’roll’ boom of the early 1980s. The news that Rik Mayall has died at the stupidly young age of 56 caught everyone by surprise and now Twitter is a flood of tributes to a genuine comedy genius.
To many of us here in the UK he was a stalwart of the very best television comedy. His partnership with Ade Edmonson spawned numerous nasty and subversive offspring and playgrounds rang to the lewd quoting of Bottom, The Young Ones, The New Statesman and so on. His Alan B’Stard is still a fierce political animal with an endless stream of politicians unable to avoid his leering shadow.
To many of us here in the UK he was a stalwart of the very best television comedy. His partnership with Ade Edmonson spawned numerous nasty and subversive offspring and playgrounds rang to the lewd quoting of Bottom, The Young Ones, The New Statesman and so on. His Alan B’Stard is still a fierce political animal with an endless stream of politicians unable to avoid his leering shadow.
- 6/9/2014
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
BBC
Sad news has just broken via the BBC that Rik Mayall, beloved British comic actor, known for his irreverent, often outrageous style has died, according to his manager.
There are no details concerning the cause of death yet, but Mayall was only 56 years old.
Mayall will be most fondly for his performance in seminal British comedy The Young Ones, which cemented him and his fellow players as the cutting edge of the alternative comedy movement, as well as the creation of memorable grotesques like Alan B-Stard in The New Statesman and Richie opposite long-term collaborator Adrian Edmonson ingloriously obnoxious cult sitcom Bottom. He also rightly stole every scene in Blackadder as anti-hero Lord Flashheart.
In film terms, Mayall starred in Drop Dead Fred as a grotesque imaginary friend opposite Phoebe Cates, and was unjustly cut from the Harry Potter franchise when Peeves the Poltergeist was deemed surplus to requirements.
Sad news has just broken via the BBC that Rik Mayall, beloved British comic actor, known for his irreverent, often outrageous style has died, according to his manager.
There are no details concerning the cause of death yet, but Mayall was only 56 years old.
Mayall will be most fondly for his performance in seminal British comedy The Young Ones, which cemented him and his fellow players as the cutting edge of the alternative comedy movement, as well as the creation of memorable grotesques like Alan B-Stard in The New Statesman and Richie opposite long-term collaborator Adrian Edmonson ingloriously obnoxious cult sitcom Bottom. He also rightly stole every scene in Blackadder as anti-hero Lord Flashheart.
In film terms, Mayall starred in Drop Dead Fred as a grotesque imaginary friend opposite Phoebe Cates, and was unjustly cut from the Harry Potter franchise when Peeves the Poltergeist was deemed surplus to requirements.
- 6/9/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Terrible news: Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
News
Horrible, horrible news. Comedian, actor and writer Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
The news has been confirmed by a spokesman for his management company, to the Press Association.
Mayall sprung to fame for many of us through The Young Ones. But heck: there's so much that he did. Bottom. Drop Dead Fred. The New Statesman. More recently, his work in Jonathan Creek. And his scene stealing Lord Flashheart in Blackadder too - one of many roles that's going to be enjoyed for many decades to come. Just watch this for proof.
One of the most gifted comedy actors of his generation - and legitimately a unique one - Mayall is survived by his wife and three children.
Mayall's death is a terrible loss, and a shocking one at such a young age. Our thoughts are with...
News
Horrible, horrible news. Comedian, actor and writer Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
The news has been confirmed by a spokesman for his management company, to the Press Association.
Mayall sprung to fame for many of us through The Young Ones. But heck: there's so much that he did. Bottom. Drop Dead Fred. The New Statesman. More recently, his work in Jonathan Creek. And his scene stealing Lord Flashheart in Blackadder too - one of many roles that's going to be enjoyed for many decades to come. Just watch this for proof.
One of the most gifted comedy actors of his generation - and legitimately a unique one - Mayall is survived by his wife and three children.
Mayall's death is a terrible loss, and a shocking one at such a young age. Our thoughts are with...
- 6/9/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.
The British comedy icon - best known for his roles in The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman - passed away today (June 9), his management company has confirmed.
A statement from Mayall's management, Brunskill, said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.
"We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time."
A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were called by London Ambulance Service to a house in Barnes, south-west London at around 1.20pm, where "a man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene". He added that the death is not believed to be suspicious.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman also stated that they had been called to the house at 12.07pm.
Mayall began his career on stage in the late 1970s with long-term comedy partner Adrian Edmondson,...
The British comedy icon - best known for his roles in The Young Ones, Bottom and The New Statesman - passed away today (June 9), his management company has confirmed.
A statement from Mayall's management, Brunskill, said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.
"We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time."
A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were called by London Ambulance Service to a house in Barnes, south-west London at around 1.20pm, where "a man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene". He added that the death is not believed to be suspicious.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman also stated that they had been called to the house at 12.07pm.
Mayall began his career on stage in the late 1970s with long-term comedy partner Adrian Edmondson,...
- 6/9/2014
- Digital Spy
After 25 years, Jeremy Paxman is quitting BBC Two's Newsnight.
No longer will we see politicians quaking in their boots, producers being slammed live on TV and awkward chats with rappers.
To mark the end of an era from quite possibly Britain's greatest news broadcaster of the last two decades, Digital Spy has rounded up just some of the classic moments of Paxo on Newsnight.
1. Paxman/Rascal
Possibly the sign of things to come in terms of Newsnight incorporating surprising guests and skits (see Cookie Monster and 'Thriller'). Paxman took part in a rather bizarre interview with Dizzee Rascal following Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008. When asking Dizzee he believed in political parties in Britain, the rapper replied: "Yeah, they exist, I believe in them. But I don't know if I care," adding: "If you believe, you can achieve, innit." The awkward silences after Dizzee's points are also classic.
No longer will we see politicians quaking in their boots, producers being slammed live on TV and awkward chats with rappers.
To mark the end of an era from quite possibly Britain's greatest news broadcaster of the last two decades, Digital Spy has rounded up just some of the classic moments of Paxo on Newsnight.
1. Paxman/Rascal
Possibly the sign of things to come in terms of Newsnight incorporating surprising guests and skits (see Cookie Monster and 'Thriller'). Paxman took part in a rather bizarre interview with Dizzee Rascal following Barack Obama's presidential victory in 2008. When asking Dizzee he believed in political parties in Britain, the rapper replied: "Yeah, they exist, I believe in them. But I don't know if I care," adding: "If you believe, you can achieve, innit." The awkward silences after Dizzee's points are also classic.
- 5/1/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC
It’s easy to see why a 2010 poll named Mark Kermode as the nation’s most trusted film reviewer. As chief film critic for The Observer, co-presenter of The Culture Show and contributor for the BBC’s Newsnight Review, Kermode has secured himself a privileged place at the heart of British media.
But it is his co-presenting role on Radio 5 Live’s weekly film show that has garnered the outspoken critic his biggest audience. Described by The New Statesman as ‘the best movie programme available in any medium’ and known to fans simply as ‘wittertainment’ (a joyous portmanteau of wittering and entertainment), Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review offers listeners unguarded, divisive and – more often than not – humorous reviews of the latest cinematic releases.
As well as constant catty exchanges with fellow host Simon Mayo – a relationship often compared to that of an old married couple – the programme has...
It’s easy to see why a 2010 poll named Mark Kermode as the nation’s most trusted film reviewer. As chief film critic for The Observer, co-presenter of The Culture Show and contributor for the BBC’s Newsnight Review, Kermode has secured himself a privileged place at the heart of British media.
But it is his co-presenting role on Radio 5 Live’s weekly film show that has garnered the outspoken critic his biggest audience. Described by The New Statesman as ‘the best movie programme available in any medium’ and known to fans simply as ‘wittertainment’ (a joyous portmanteau of wittering and entertainment), Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review offers listeners unguarded, divisive and – more often than not – humorous reviews of the latest cinematic releases.
As well as constant catty exchanges with fellow host Simon Mayo – a relationship often compared to that of an old married couple – the programme has...
- 3/25/2014
- by Terry Hearn
- Obsessed with Film
Today is the centennial of the infamous Beat era writer William S Burroughs and I've been thinking about him lately due to Philip Seymour Hoffman's death via heroin (why is it that I always start stringing the celebrity junkies together when they die? Is it because there are so damn tragic many of them?) but mostly because I was really gripped by Ben Foster's portrayal of him in Kill Your Darlings, a problematic movie about guys that weren't nearly as palatable in real life (despite the movie being about murder) that had a great moment here and there. Of course the movie wasn't really about Burroughs but about Lucien Carr's (Dane Dehaan) murder of his lover (Michael C Hall). From time to time I have wondered why we've had no straight up biopic about Burroughs (Keifer Sutherland is the only other actor I can think of that's played...
- 2/5/2014
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Russell Brand has labelled David Cameron and George Osborne "filthy, dirty, posh w**kers".
Speaking on Alan Carr's Chatty Man talk show, the comic criticised the government for being "mean and tight".
"If you're always cutting benefits and being horrible, it's because you don't know how to f**k properly," he told Carr.
"I think if your job is to look after the country and you don't care about the people who need it most, you're out of order, and you're a filthy, dirty, posh w**ker."
Brand went on to say that Cameron's privileged upbringing means he is unable to relate to general society.
"It's alright if you go to Eton and then you're in the House of Parliament. It's alright for them to say, 'Oh don't worry about gay rights, don't worry about poor people', because it's not part of their lives, but it's part of our lives.
Speaking on Alan Carr's Chatty Man talk show, the comic criticised the government for being "mean and tight".
"If you're always cutting benefits and being horrible, it's because you don't know how to f**k properly," he told Carr.
"I think if your job is to look after the country and you don't care about the people who need it most, you're out of order, and you're a filthy, dirty, posh w**ker."
Brand went on to say that Cameron's privileged upbringing means he is unable to relate to general society.
"It's alright if you go to Eton and then you're in the House of Parliament. It's alright for them to say, 'Oh don't worry about gay rights, don't worry about poor people', because it's not part of their lives, but it's part of our lives.
- 11/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Revolution is a word bandied about often, arguably too often. In times of disconnect and discontent, people look for answers, relying on the strength of their ideals to carry them past status quo fear-mongering through to actual change. Two weeks ago, Russell Brand raised a vague call to revolutionary arms while promoting his guest-editing gig for The New Statesman’s revolution-themed issue. Both the TV spot and that issue received derision for Brand's uncertain, though grandiose, terms. Similarly, this week marks the second anniversary of the Occupy movement, which has become a pratfall of an uprising (as seen on The Onion). The danger in both (and many more examples, due to the atavism of higher idealism, which you can check out at your local library) is that we have become desensitized to the word revolution: its immediacy, its call to act, the need of it as a check to the balance of "democracy.
- 11/8/2013
- by Diana Drumm
- The Playlist
You say you want a revolution? Well, Russell Brand knows it — and he’s leading the cause.
Fans of Brand know that in addition to being a stand-up comedian, actor, and Katy Perry ex-husband, he’s a passionate advocate against various societal ills, particularly drug abuse and income inequality.
It was that Brand who showed up to a BBC interview last night with journalist Jeremy Paxman (the two have memorably talked before). Brand was on the program because he guest-edited The New Statesman’s revolution-themed issue, and in the on-camera interview, Brand expanded on his printed op-ed about the change...
Fans of Brand know that in addition to being a stand-up comedian, actor, and Katy Perry ex-husband, he’s a passionate advocate against various societal ills, particularly drug abuse and income inequality.
It was that Brand who showed up to a BBC interview last night with journalist Jeremy Paxman (the two have memorably talked before). Brand was on the program because he guest-edited The New Statesman’s revolution-themed issue, and in the on-camera interview, Brand expanded on his printed op-ed about the change...
- 10/24/2013
- by Erin Strecker
- EW.com - PopWatch
You say you want a revolution? Well, Russell Brand knows it — and he’s leading the cause.
Fans of Brand know that in addition to being a stand-up comedian, actor, and Katy Perry ex-husband, he’s a passionate advocate against various societal ills, particularly drug abuse and income inequality.
It was that Brand who showed up to a BBC interview last night with journalist Jeremy Paxman (the two have memorably talked before). Brand was on the program because he guest-edited The New Statesman’s revolution-themed issue, and in the on-camera interview, Brand expanded on his printed op-ed about the change...
Fans of Brand know that in addition to being a stand-up comedian, actor, and Katy Perry ex-husband, he’s a passionate advocate against various societal ills, particularly drug abuse and income inequality.
It was that Brand who showed up to a BBC interview last night with journalist Jeremy Paxman (the two have memorably talked before). Brand was on the program because he guest-edited The New Statesman’s revolution-themed issue, and in the on-camera interview, Brand expanded on his printed op-ed about the change...
- 10/24/2013
- by Erin Strecker
- EW.com - PopWatch
Buckle up, parliament, you're in for a revolutionary ride. Russell Brand will be guest-editing the Oct. 24 edition of British political magazine The New Statesman, featuring a cover by Shepard Fairey, essays by the likes of Alec Baldwin and Noel Gallagher and surely the verbose comedian's rapier wit. His issue will center around the theme of revolution, according to the mag. "I am honored to be editing an issue of the New Statesman," Brand said in a statement. "My first act is to edit the name of the magazine to the Nude Statesman, which will allay fears that this populist move will descend into puerility." And if anyone's concerned that Brand's...
- 10/16/2013
- E! Online
Three weeks left to go and the competition is starting to get intense, so if you can’t stand the heat stay out of the, er, boardroom. This week the remaining candidates are tasked with creating their own “ready meal”, from selecting the ingredients to creating the packaging, marketing and finally presenting it to industry experts. You know, the usual. After being thwarted at every turn in his attempts to be Pm Alex finally has his chance when Lord Sugar categorically singles him out and says “Done deal!” Nobody dares argue with that. On Evolve Luisa shies away from the job, obviously still smarting from the criticism she took last week, and it’s between Neil and Francesca, so Luisa has the deciding vote. Well, we all know how that’s going to go, don’t we? Still, the fact that Francesca admits she “knows nothing about food” does not help her case.
- 6/28/2013
- by Deryck O'Byrne
- Obsessed with Film
Deanna Durbin ‘saves’ Universal (photo: Deanna Durbin in Three Smart Girls) [See previous post: "Deanna Durbin: Remembering One of Hollywood's Top Stars."] During the Great Depression most Hollywood studios were in dire financial straits, until, as the story goes, one (or more) lucky star(s) made them once again solvent. Mae West is credited for "saving" Paramount; Shirley Temple "saved" Fox; the Busby Berkeley, Ruby Keeler, and Dick Powell combo "saved" Warner Bros.; and the curious mix of King Kong, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers "saved" Rko. So, did Deanna Durbin truly save Universal from bankruptcy? Well, Charles Rogers’ investment company came to the financial rescue of Universal in 1936, but the success of Durbin’s movies surely helped the new management get the studio back on its feet. For instance, according to author David Shipman, Three Smart Girls cost $300,000 — its budget doubled after studio bosses realized they had a hit in their hands — and earned Universal a hefty $2m. (An unspecified...
- 5/4/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The entertainment industry loves a good scandal. If it’s not The National Enquirer pissing its knickers over Jennifer Anniston’s love life, it’s The Washington Post Social wondering just exactly how long it will take before Macaulay Culkin dies of heroin. Perez Hilton, TMZ and the rest of the celebrity gossip gutter press deal in sensationalism, pumping non-stories full of half-truths and hyperbole until they’ve got their share of page hits. The gaming press is no different.
This week, Gearbox Software lead designer John Hemingway found himself in hot internet water after referring to Borderlands 2’s easiest difficulty setting as “girlfriend mode.” Allegedly, the Gearbox team use the phrase as a nickname for the game’s “Best Friends Forever” setting, a veritable novice mode that makes shooting and stat-building much simpler. It’s a great idea, bridging the gap between videogames and the control-pad illiterate masses, poorly...
This week, Gearbox Software lead designer John Hemingway found himself in hot internet water after referring to Borderlands 2’s easiest difficulty setting as “girlfriend mode.” Allegedly, the Gearbox team use the phrase as a nickname for the game’s “Best Friends Forever” setting, a veritable novice mode that makes shooting and stat-building much simpler. It’s a great idea, bridging the gap between videogames and the control-pad illiterate masses, poorly...
- 8/20/2012
- by Edward Smith
- Obsessed with Film
Ryan Gosling reportedly saved an ambling British journalist from being hit by a New York City taxi Tuesday night.
Laurie Penny-- a reporter for The New Statesman, The Independent, The Guardian, Al-Jazeera, and The Nation-- tweeted that she began to cross 6th Avenue while looking the other way (because Brits drive on the left side of the road) when Ryan 'Hey Girl' Gosling screamed, "Hey, watch out!" and grabbed her before she could be hit by an oncoming taxi.
Penny was able to confirm Baby Goose's identity when a woman next to her said, "you lucky bitch."
Of course, this is not the first time Gosling has been a "Real Hero" in New York. Since moving to the city this past summer, he also broke up a fight on St. Mark's Place between two men while wearing a tank top (watch video here).
We're reaching out to Penny to...
Laurie Penny-- a reporter for The New Statesman, The Independent, The Guardian, Al-Jazeera, and The Nation-- tweeted that she began to cross 6th Avenue while looking the other way (because Brits drive on the left side of the road) when Ryan 'Hey Girl' Gosling screamed, "Hey, watch out!" and grabbed her before she could be hit by an oncoming taxi.
Penny was able to confirm Baby Goose's identity when a woman next to her said, "you lucky bitch."
Of course, this is not the first time Gosling has been a "Real Hero" in New York. Since moving to the city this past summer, he also broke up a fight on St. Mark's Place between two men while wearing a tank top (watch video here).
We're reaching out to Penny to...
- 4/4/2012
- by Christopher Mathias
- Huffington Post
Yes Prime Minister.
Marc Dubonnet
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.
When you consider the fact that the BBC is a publicly funded organization it is perhaps not surprising that politicians have been a regular feature of both satires and drama shows in the UK. Some depictions of these political figures have been sympathetic but many have been less than flattering. For better or worse, the following individuals are 10 of the Best British TV politicians.
1. James Hacker (Paul Eddington) in Yes Minister. Jim Hacker must rank as one of Britian’s best loved and weakest prime ministers. All too often his decisions were made for him by the sinister Sir Humphrey Appleby. Fans didn’t mind much since the original show spawned a sequel, a radio version and most recently a stage play.
Marc Dubonnet
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.
When you consider the fact that the BBC is a publicly funded organization it is perhaps not surprising that politicians have been a regular feature of both satires and drama shows in the UK. Some depictions of these political figures have been sympathetic but many have been less than flattering. For better or worse, the following individuals are 10 of the Best British TV politicians.
1. James Hacker (Paul Eddington) in Yes Minister. Jim Hacker must rank as one of Britian’s best loved and weakest prime ministers. All too often his decisions were made for him by the sinister Sir Humphrey Appleby. Fans didn’t mind much since the original show spawned a sequel, a radio version and most recently a stage play.
- 1/18/2012
- by admin
Read the star's full written statement to the inquiry detailing incidents of press intrusion and alleged phone hacking
The Leveson Inquiry
Witness Statement for Part 1, Module 1
_____________________________________
Witness statement of Hugh Grant
_____________________________________
I, Hugh Grant, c/o Collyer Bristow Llp, 4 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4Df will say as follows:
Documents referred to
1.
I make this statement in connection with my role as a Core Participant in the Leveson Inquiry.
2.
Save where the contrary appears, I make this witness statement from facts within my own knowledge and belief and which I believe to be true. There is now produced and shown to me marked "HG1" a small paginated bundle of documents. Where I refer to page numbers in this statement, I am referring to pages in "HG1".
Introduction
3.
I'd like, if I may, to make this statement wearing four hats. First as a normal person who used occasionally to buy and read popular newspapers.
The Leveson Inquiry
Witness Statement for Part 1, Module 1
_____________________________________
Witness statement of Hugh Grant
_____________________________________
I, Hugh Grant, c/o Collyer Bristow Llp, 4 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4Df will say as follows:
Documents referred to
1.
I make this statement in connection with my role as a Core Participant in the Leveson Inquiry.
2.
Save where the contrary appears, I make this witness statement from facts within my own knowledge and belief and which I believe to be true. There is now produced and shown to me marked "HG1" a small paginated bundle of documents. Where I refer to page numbers in this statement, I am referring to pages in "HG1".
Introduction
3.
I'd like, if I may, to make this statement wearing four hats. First as a normal person who used occasionally to buy and read popular newspapers.
- 11/23/2011
- The Guardian - Film News
Magazine's editor says he is delighted at signing up 'first-rate' campaigning journalist
Jemima Khan is leaving the Independent to join the New Statesman as associate editor.
She will write and commission and will also work on what the magazine calls "specially curated issues".
Khan's decision comes within weeks of the Indy amending her status. She was appointed as the paper's associate editor in June by the former editor, Simon Kelner.
But the incoming editor, Chris Blackhurst, reduced her role to that of contributing editor, with a reduced pay arrangement.
He was warm about her talents, and her great range of contacts, but she has written little for the paper of late.
The New Statesman's editor, Jason Cowley, is clearly very pleased with his acquisition, saying: "I'm delighted that Jemima is joining us and that I have tempted her away from the Independent.
"She is a first-rate journalist who has...
Jemima Khan is leaving the Independent to join the New Statesman as associate editor.
She will write and commission and will also work on what the magazine calls "specially curated issues".
Khan's decision comes within weeks of the Indy amending her status. She was appointed as the paper's associate editor in June by the former editor, Simon Kelner.
But the incoming editor, Chris Blackhurst, reduced her role to that of contributing editor, with a reduced pay arrangement.
He was warm about her talents, and her great range of contacts, but she has written little for the paper of late.
The New Statesman's editor, Jason Cowley, is clearly very pleased with his acquisition, saying: "I'm delighted that Jemima is joining us and that I have tempted her away from the Independent.
"She is a first-rate journalist who has...
- 10/17/2011
- by Roy Greenslade
- The Guardian - Film News
Bravo to Hugh Grant for not only being righteous, but articulate and smart in his crusade against the Murdoch tabloid News of the World and its egregious bugging practices. After ex-News of the World contributor Paul McMullan boasted to Grant that he had been bugged, along with many others, Grant went by his pub in Dover and bugged him, got the tabloid writer to repeat many of the same things, and wrote it up for The New Statesman. In the newscast below, Grant more than holds his own with McMullan. More details here.
- 7/9/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Once the famous just fronted charity appeals. Now an increasing number are putting their weight behind political causes. Leo Benedictus investigates the rise of the celebrity activist
These are early days, of course, but it is possible Hugh Grant has changed the world. It was only at the last minute that his former partner, Jemima Khan, recruited him to write for The New Statesman, but now his article turning the tables on the phone hackers has created a sensation around the world, crashing the magazine's website, and being tweeted nearly 10,000 times.
What Grant did was not, in itself, extraordinary. Following a chance encounter with Paul McMullan, a former News of the World journalist and self-confessed phone-hacker, the actor arranged to visit him again in the pub he now owns. What McMullan did not realise was that Grant, himself a victim of the phone-hackers, planned to record their conversation secretly. Though mildly brave,...
These are early days, of course, but it is possible Hugh Grant has changed the world. It was only at the last minute that his former partner, Jemima Khan, recruited him to write for The New Statesman, but now his article turning the tables on the phone hackers has created a sensation around the world, crashing the magazine's website, and being tweeted nearly 10,000 times.
What Grant did was not, in itself, extraordinary. Following a chance encounter with Paul McMullan, a former News of the World journalist and self-confessed phone-hacker, the actor arranged to visit him again in the pub he now owns. What McMullan did not realise was that Grant, himself a victim of the phone-hackers, planned to record their conversation secretly. Though mildly brave,...
- 4/18/2011
- by Leo Benedictus, Josie Long
- The Guardian - Film News
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