Scaffolding Down

Passersby look on in horror after a scaffolding collapses onto Islington Park Street, North London earlier today. One eye witness said; Its remarkably that no one was hurt, because it had only narrowly missed a car carrying a young child moments before it came crashing down. 26 June 2014

Red or Black?

Bricklayer Nathan Hageman emerged sensationally last night to take the top prize in Simon Cowell’s new entertainment show Red or Black?

The 31 year old looked to be in complete shock as he corrected predicted red would be the winning colour of his game, saying ‘is this for real’ as he was being congratulated by presenters Ant and Dick, and family.

The lucky winner beat 1,000 other constants in this new prime time TV show to pair off in the final against 2009 Big Brother contestant Angel MacKenzie.

The show, which saw Leona Lewis performed, is a big risk for Mr. Cowell, and is rumoured to be one of the most expensive productions to date. Leaving some to wonder if by having a winner on the first show will ensure more viewers for the remaining shows.

Red or Black? Continues tonight on ITV1 at 18.45

Remaining shows:
5 September, 20:00-21:00
7 September, 20:00-21:00
8 September, 20:00-21:00
9 September, 20:00-21:00
10 September, 19:00-20:00

(Red or Black? ITV1)

Sky announces increased support for Britain’s creative industries

In a move similar to Channel 4, Sky announces this week that it intends to contribute more in the development of British productions. I think this is a move in the right direction for the satellite broadcasting giant. Who have had a lot of success with titles such as ‘Mad Dogs’ and ‘Flying Monsters 3D'.

Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch says “Sky has announced plans to significantly increase its support for Britain's creative industries as it continues to broaden the range of programmes enjoyed by customers. Speaking at an event organised by the leading independent think tank, Reform, Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch said the company intended to increase further its investment in commissioning and producing home-grown programmes. This announcement follows on from recent on-screen successes such as dramas Mad Dogs and Thorne, the BAFTA-winning factual documentary Flying Monsters 3D , comedies such as Little Crackers and arts programming such as Lucrezia Borgia , the world's first live opera in 3D, and In Confidence.

Reflecting its increasing focus on high-quality British commissions across drama, comedy, factual, entertainment and the arts, Sky now spends £380 million a year on the origination and production of British programming, making it one of the largest investors in UK content. This figure includes investment by Sky in commissioning programmes from the UK's independent production sector as well as Sky's own in-house productions in arts, entertainment, news and sport. It excludes investment in sports rights, overseas programme acquisitions and partner channels.” (Source: Sky press release)

Bafta TV Awards

Sherlock has taken two prizes at the Bafta TV Awards ceremony in London, including best drama series.

Martin Freeman, who plays Watson in the latest screen version of the stories, was named best supporting actor.

But star Benedict Cumberbatch and Doctor Who's Matt Smith were beaten to best actor by Daniel Rigby for his portrayal of a young Eric Morecambe.

The audience award, chosen by the public, was won by ITV2 reality show The Only Way Is Essex.

The programme saw off five other nominees including Downton Abbey, Sherlock and Channel 4 hit My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. ‘Source BBC News’

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2011 Bafta TV Awards. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was ITV2 reality show The Only Way Is Essex winning the audience award over formable contenders Downton Abbey, The Killing, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, Sherlock and Miranda, something no one would have guessed.

Other notable winners were Any Human Heart for best drama serial. Best continuing drama went to Eastenders and best factual series was ‘Welcome to Lagos’.

Flying Monsters 3D won the best specialist factual award over Alan Bennett and the Habit of Art (The Making Of), Human Planet and Pompeii: Life and Death in a Roman Town. In the documentary category, Between Life and Death came up trump over The Dancing Boys of Afghanistan, Pink Saris and Scenes From a Teenage Killing.

For me another surprise of the evening was Hugh’s Fish Fight winning over Come Dine With Me in the features category.

Zimbawe’s Forgotten Children, deservingly won the current affairs award over Kids in Care, Lost Girls of South Africa and Secret Iraq. It was a good night for Formula One as well, as the Formula 1 – The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix beat of rivals 6 Nations – England v Wales, FA Cup Final: Chelsea v Portsmouth and Wimbledon 2010 for the top spot.

Continuing with surprises, The Cube saw off The X Factor to win the best entertainment programme. Other nominees in that category, were The Graham Norton Show and Have I got News For You.