Olivia Williams spilled some tea about her time on Friends, and her experience was not great.
The 55-year-old actress appeared in the finale episode of the beloved sitcom’s forth season, where Ross (David Schwimmer) marries Emily (Helen Baxendale).
She has previously hinted that being a guest star on the show was not all that good for her. However, in a new interview she provided some explicit details about what went wrong.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Well, just as an example, I was taken to the studio in a shared car with a wonderful actress whose character, I think, was called ‘Old Woman’,” Olivia told the Independent.
She continued, alleging that the actress was yelled at one set: “At one point, a producer – who shall remain nameless – just yelled at her: ‘You’re not funny!’ And she didn’t come back the next day. So that was alarming.
The 55-year-old actress appeared in the finale episode of the beloved sitcom’s forth season, where Ross (David Schwimmer) marries Emily (Helen Baxendale).
She has previously hinted that being a guest star on the show was not all that good for her. However, in a new interview she provided some explicit details about what went wrong.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Well, just as an example, I was taken to the studio in a shared car with a wonderful actress whose character, I think, was called ‘Old Woman’,” Olivia told the Independent.
She continued, alleging that the actress was yelled at one set: “At one point, a producer – who shall remain nameless – just yelled at her: ‘You’re not funny!’ And she didn’t come back the next day. So that was alarming.
- 4/17/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Olivia Williams, the BAFTA-winning actress and recent SAG Awards nominee as an ensemble member for her performance as Camilla Parker Bowles on “The Crown,” has worked on the British stage in classic and new productions. But in a new interview, she points to a beloved American sitcom as an “alarming” and “harrowing” experience when compared to other gigs.
Williams appeared as a bridesmaid in the fourth season finale, in which Ross (David Schwimmer) married Emily (Helen Baxendale) in London. (You may recall some zany hijinks at some historic landmarks.) Speaking with The Independent, the actress recalled the “alarming” experience of sharing a car with an elderly actress Williams described as “distinguished” and “very good” who was later berated by a producer and told, “You’re not funny!” According to Williams, the unnamed performer was not on set the following day.
“‘Friends’ was a brand,” she continued, “and you had to fit the brand.
Williams appeared as a bridesmaid in the fourth season finale, in which Ross (David Schwimmer) married Emily (Helen Baxendale) in London. (You may recall some zany hijinks at some historic landmarks.) Speaking with The Independent, the actress recalled the “alarming” experience of sharing a car with an elderly actress Williams described as “distinguished” and “very good” who was later berated by a producer and told, “You’re not funny!” According to Williams, the unnamed performer was not on set the following day.
“‘Friends’ was a brand,” she continued, “and you had to fit the brand.
- 4/16/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Doctor Rachel Clarke and ex-junior doctors Jed Mercurio and Prasanna Puwanarajah have teamed up to make Covid drama Breathtaking, here’s the trailer.
It is perhaps no surprise that following the most tumultuous, traumatic time in our recent history, writers quickly opened Final Draft and began to try to make some sense of it all.
Jack Thorne’s astonishingly powerful film Help, which starred Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, shone a light on the brutal reality or running a care home during the pandemic.
Michael Winterbottom and Keiron Quirke aimed their anger at the political side of things, with Kenneth Branagh playing Boris Johnson in mini series This England, while writer Stephen Knight and director Doug Liman took a more lighthearted approach with comedy drama Lockdown, which saw Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor stage a diamond heist in Harrods.
Jed Mercurio is no stranger to medical dramas, drawing on his...
It is perhaps no surprise that following the most tumultuous, traumatic time in our recent history, writers quickly opened Final Draft and began to try to make some sense of it all.
Jack Thorne’s astonishingly powerful film Help, which starred Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, shone a light on the brutal reality or running a care home during the pandemic.
Michael Winterbottom and Keiron Quirke aimed their anger at the political side of things, with Kenneth Branagh playing Boris Johnson in mini series This England, while writer Stephen Knight and director Doug Liman took a more lighthearted approach with comedy drama Lockdown, which saw Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor stage a diamond heist in Harrods.
Jed Mercurio is no stranger to medical dramas, drawing on his...
- 2/8/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Two scripts from the fourth season of Friends will be auctioned off in England after an unnamed studio employee found them in the trash at London’s now-defunct Fountain Studios. The hit NBC series filmed its two-part finale, “The One With Ross’s Wedding,” partly in London in 1998 and the scripts were apparently left behind.
Amanda Butler, who is handling the sale, said the scripts should have been destroyed. “Apparently, the cast and crew were ordered to destroy their copies so the ending wouldn’t be leaked,” she said in a press release.
Amanda Butler, who is handling the sale, said the scripts should have been destroyed. “Apparently, the cast and crew were ordered to destroy their copies so the ending wouldn’t be leaked,” she said in a press release.
- 1/11/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
The character of Emily was a major hurdle for Ross and Rachel’s relationship on Friends, but she was also apparently a challenge for the producers. James Burrows, who directed numerous episodes of the hit series, wrote in his new memoir that actress Helen Baxendale and cast member David Schwimmer struggled with chemistry.
“She was nice, but not particularly funny,” Burrows wrote in Directed by James Burrows, out now. “Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand.”
He continued, “In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy,...
“She was nice, but not particularly funny,” Burrows wrote in Directed by James Burrows, out now. “Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand.”
He continued, “In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Friends director James Burrows never found Helen Baxendale, who played Ross Geller’s wife, “particularly funny,” and felt she lacked chemistry with actor David Schwimmer.
That’s one of the revelations in his memoir, Directed By James Burrows, a collection of memories from the veteran director.
Burrows hints that the ’90s sitcom nearly recast Baxendale, who played Ross’ wife, Emily.
“She was nice, but not particularly funny,” Burrows wrote of Baxendale.
Burrows believed that Baxendale and Schwimmer lacked natural on-screen chemistry compared to Ross and Rachel, Jennifer Aniston’s character.
“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand. In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry. We discovered that any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel.”
What saved Emily were the show’s tight deadlines.
“Often, you can’t recast,...
That’s one of the revelations in his memoir, Directed By James Burrows, a collection of memories from the veteran director.
Burrows hints that the ’90s sitcom nearly recast Baxendale, who played Ross’ wife, Emily.
“She was nice, but not particularly funny,” Burrows wrote of Baxendale.
Burrows believed that Baxendale and Schwimmer lacked natural on-screen chemistry compared to Ross and Rachel, Jennifer Aniston’s character.
“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand. In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry. We discovered that any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel.”
What saved Emily were the show’s tight deadlines.
“Often, you can’t recast,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
You’ve got your Casualty and Doctors – medical soaps that have been around forever and will hopefully stay around forever to reliably entertain, educate and break in the stars of tomorrow. Next, there are your factual medical shows of questionable taste – Embarrassing Bodies, 101 Things Removed From the Human Body and other fleshlump-zoo tours that’d put anybody off their dinner.
And then there are the following – quality 21st century hospital dramas, documentaries and comedies, all of which present their unique take on the world of medicine. Leave your own recommendations below.
Call the Midwife
Watch on: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK); PBS Masterpiece (US)
If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you haven’t been paying attention. There’s a popular misconception that BBC One’s long-running Sunday night drama Call the Midwife is a sickly sweet, rose-tinted, tweer-than-twee nostalgia-fest. Nuns on bicycles! Cockneys with hearts of gold!
And then there are the following – quality 21st century hospital dramas, documentaries and comedies, all of which present their unique take on the world of medicine. Leave your own recommendations below.
Call the Midwife
Watch on: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK); PBS Masterpiece (US)
If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you haven’t been paying attention. There’s a popular misconception that BBC One’s long-running Sunday night drama Call the Midwife is a sickly sweet, rose-tinted, tweer-than-twee nostalgia-fest. Nuns on bicycles! Cockneys with hearts of gold!
- 7/15/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Over 10 seasons, the hit show Friends saw more than its fair share of guest stars and recurring characters; some were more well-received than others. The six main cast members had many love interests over the years, some who barely lasted an episode and others who stayed a bit longer. Naturally, there were some characters, such as Chandler’s ex-girlfriend, Janice, who made appearances in every season of the show. Still, there was one who, although originally intended to be an important part of the sitcom, departed and was never seen again. Here is the real reason why one hated character on Friends left and never returned.
Why did ‘Friends’ fans hate Emily?
As any hardcore Friends fan knows, everyone was rooting for Ross and Rachel from the beginning. However, the two of them had only been broken up a short time when Ross met Emily Waltham, who, ironically, was the niece of Rachel’s boss.
Why did ‘Friends’ fans hate Emily?
As any hardcore Friends fan knows, everyone was rooting for Ross and Rachel from the beginning. However, the two of them had only been broken up a short time when Ross met Emily Waltham, who, ironically, was the niece of Rachel’s boss.
- 1/28/2023
- by Produced by Digital Editors
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: UK TV firm Projector Pictures has secured the rights to the trilogy of espionage thrillers written by author and journalist Charlotte Philby, the granddaughter of ‘Cambridge spy’ Kim Philby.
Projector, whose credits include upcoming Channel 5 drama The Holiday and ITV’s Kidnap and Ransom, is developing the trilogy as a returning drama series.
Part Of The Family is Philby’s debut novel and was published by Harper Collins in 2019. It was followed up by A Double Life, with the final installment in the trilogy, The Second Woman, hitting the shelves in July 2021.
The trilogy, which is linked through its themes and characters, is being adapted under the working title A Double Life. Executive producers are Projector Pictures’ Rachel Gesua (The Holiday) and Suzi McIntosh (New Tricks).
In Part Of The Family, protagonist Anna Witherall appears to have the perfect life. Married to her university boyfriend David, she has an enviable job,...
Projector, whose credits include upcoming Channel 5 drama The Holiday and ITV’s Kidnap and Ransom, is developing the trilogy as a returning drama series.
Part Of The Family is Philby’s debut novel and was published by Harper Collins in 2019. It was followed up by A Double Life, with the final installment in the trilogy, The Second Woman, hitting the shelves in July 2021.
The trilogy, which is linked through its themes and characters, is being adapted under the working title A Double Life. Executive producers are Projector Pictures’ Rachel Gesua (The Holiday) and Suzi McIntosh (New Tricks).
In Part Of The Family, protagonist Anna Witherall appears to have the perfect life. Married to her university boyfriend David, she has an enviable job,...
- 9/8/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
At this point in Helen Baxendale’s career, you’ve probably seen her in at least one thing you’ve enjoyed. Her range as an actress has allowed her to a part of a wide variety of projects and no matter the role she always rises to the occasion. Helen is known for playing several different characters, but she is probably most recognizable from being in shows like Friends and Cold Feet. Although most of her work has been in the TV world, she has also done a few movie roles over the years. Helen hasn’t had any on-screen opportunities yet in 2021,
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Helen Baxendale...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Helen Baxendale...
- 5/29/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
‘Noughts + Crosses’ Renewed For Season 2 By BBC
The BBC has renewed Mammoth Screen drama Noughts + Crosses for a second season, revisiting the alternate world of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novels. Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza return as Callum and Sephy, now desperately attempting to flee Albion in search of a new life together. Paterson Joseph, Helen Baxendale, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan, and Kiké Brimah all reprise their roles, while new cast includes Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy) and Robert Hands (Endeavour). The four-part second season will be written by Lydia Adetunji and Jerome Bucchan-Nelson, directed by Koby Adom, and produced by Sarah Lewis. Executive producers are Preethi Mavahalli, Damien Timmer, and James Gandhi for Mammoth Screen, Ben Irving for BBC One, Blackman, Lydia Adetunji, and Kibwe Tavares. The show will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios. U.S. streamer Peacock picked up the first season of Noughts + Crosses.
The BBC has renewed Mammoth Screen drama Noughts + Crosses for a second season, revisiting the alternate world of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novels. Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza return as Callum and Sephy, now desperately attempting to flee Albion in search of a new life together. Paterson Joseph, Helen Baxendale, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan, and Kiké Brimah all reprise their roles, while new cast includes Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy) and Robert Hands (Endeavour). The four-part second season will be written by Lydia Adetunji and Jerome Bucchan-Nelson, directed by Koby Adom, and produced by Sarah Lewis. Executive producers are Preethi Mavahalli, Damien Timmer, and James Gandhi for Mammoth Screen, Ben Irving for BBC One, Blackman, Lydia Adetunji, and Kibwe Tavares. The show will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios. U.S. streamer Peacock picked up the first season of Noughts + Crosses.
- 5/18/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Barbadian British author Malorie Blackman’s popular and critically acclaimed “Noughts + Crosses” series, which uses the setting of a fictional dystopia to explore racism in the present day, is coming to NBCUniversal’s recently launched streaming service, Peacock. The timely and thought-provoking six-episode drama, which is set to launch Friday, September 4, follows the love story of two star-crossed young adults who are divided by their skin color, in an alternate universe where the racial power structure is turned on its head.
In this world, Africa — or “Aprica” as it’s referred to in the novel — invaded Europe centuries ago, enslaving its people. In present-day London (known as “Albion”), slavery is an institution of the past, but Jim Crow-esque segregation laws maintain the power dynamic: A ruling class of Black “Crosses” control the country’s politics, wealth, and culture over an oppressed, impoverished underclass of white “Noughts,” who are at the brink of revolt.
In this world, Africa — or “Aprica” as it’s referred to in the novel — invaded Europe centuries ago, enslaving its people. In present-day London (known as “Albion”), slavery is an institution of the past, but Jim Crow-esque segregation laws maintain the power dynamic: A ruling class of Black “Crosses” control the country’s politics, wealth, and culture over an oppressed, impoverished underclass of white “Noughts,” who are at the brink of revolt.
- 8/25/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Peacock has acquired BBC One’s young adult drama series “Noughts and Crosses.”
Now a Peacock Original, the six-episode series, which reimages racial power structures in an alternate world, will begin streaming on Sept. 4. It originally aired on BBC One in March.
The series is adapted from the first book in British author Malorie Blackman’s Ya series. Watch the trailer, which asks “What if Africa had colonized Europe?” above.
Also Read: Harry Belafonte and Malcolm Jenkins Documentaries Lead Peacock Original Films Slate
Here is the official synopsis from Peacock:
“Noughts + Crosses imagines an alternate universe in which history happened in racial reverse. In this world, Africa – or “Aprica” – invaded Europe centuries ago, enslaving its people. In present-day London, “Albion,” slavery is an institution of the past, but Jim Crow-esque segregation laws maintain the power dynamic: a ruling class of Black “Crosses” control the country’s politics, wealth and culture over an oppressed,...
Now a Peacock Original, the six-episode series, which reimages racial power structures in an alternate world, will begin streaming on Sept. 4. It originally aired on BBC One in March.
The series is adapted from the first book in British author Malorie Blackman’s Ya series. Watch the trailer, which asks “What if Africa had colonized Europe?” above.
Also Read: Harry Belafonte and Malcolm Jenkins Documentaries Lead Peacock Original Films Slate
Here is the official synopsis from Peacock:
“Noughts + Crosses imagines an alternate universe in which history happened in racial reverse. In this world, Africa – or “Aprica” – invaded Europe centuries ago, enslaving its people. In present-day London, “Albion,” slavery is an institution of the past, but Jim Crow-esque segregation laws maintain the power dynamic: a ruling class of Black “Crosses” control the country’s politics, wealth and culture over an oppressed,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Noughts + Crosses, the BBC adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling Ya series, is coming to the U.S. after Peacock boarded the drama.
The streamer will air the six-part series as a Peacock Original from September 4.
Originally commissioned by the British public broadcaster in 2016, the drama launched in the UK in March.
From Victoria producer Mammoth Screen, Green Book producer Participant Media and Jay Z’s Roc Nation, the series follows two young people: Sephy, played by newcomer Masali Baduza, and Callum, played by Peaky Blinders’ Jack Rowan, who are divided by their colour but united by love.
Sephy is a ‘Cross’, a member of the black ruling class and daughter of a prominent politician. Callum is a ‘Nought’, a white member of the underclass. The two have been friends since early childhood but their relationship grows ever more complicated as they come of age. It’s the story of...
The streamer will air the six-part series as a Peacock Original from September 4.
Originally commissioned by the British public broadcaster in 2016, the drama launched in the UK in March.
From Victoria producer Mammoth Screen, Green Book producer Participant Media and Jay Z’s Roc Nation, the series follows two young people: Sephy, played by newcomer Masali Baduza, and Callum, played by Peaky Blinders’ Jack Rowan, who are divided by their colour but united by love.
Sephy is a ‘Cross’, a member of the black ruling class and daughter of a prominent politician. Callum is a ‘Nought’, a white member of the underclass. The two have been friends since early childhood but their relationship grows ever more complicated as they come of age. It’s the story of...
- 8/24/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peacock has acquired the BBC’s Ya drama series Noughts + Crosses, which imagines an alternate world in which Africa colonized Europe — but this new version of history still feels awfully familiar.
Based on the first novel in Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses series, the six-episode project takes place in a timeline where Africa — or “Aprica” — invaded Europe centuries ago and enslaved its people, instead of the other way around.
More from TVLineSaved by the Bell Revival: Everything to Know About the Peacock Sequel SeriesA.P. Bio Is Weirder, Wronger and [Bleep]ier in Season 3 Peacock TrailerTVLine Items: Ariana Grande Joins VMAs,...
Based on the first novel in Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses series, the six-episode project takes place in a timeline where Africa — or “Aprica” — invaded Europe centuries ago and enslaved its people, instead of the other way around.
More from TVLineSaved by the Bell Revival: Everything to Know About the Peacock Sequel SeriesA.P. Bio Is Weirder, Wronger and [Bleep]ier in Season 3 Peacock TrailerTVLine Items: Ariana Grande Joins VMAs,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Here’s a bumper crop of the weird and the British – streaming service Britbox, which is home to a wide selection of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 series including classic Doctor Who, is fortifying its sci-fi ranks. From Thursday the 20th of August, a host of new additions will be joining the classic and modern British fare, including cult series The Prisoner and the complete collection of Sapphire & Steel.
Here’s the full list of new arrivals, known collectively on BritBox as the ‘Out of this World Collection’…
The Prisoner (1967)
All 17 episodes of the television drama created by and starring Patrick McGoohan. A former British secret agent is abducted and held captive in a strange coastal village while those who captured him try to discover the truth of why he suddenly resigned from his position.
Sapphire & Steel (1979)
The complete collection featuring all six seasons and 34 episodes from the...
Here’s the full list of new arrivals, known collectively on BritBox as the ‘Out of this World Collection’…
The Prisoner (1967)
All 17 episodes of the television drama created by and starring Patrick McGoohan. A former British secret agent is abducted and held captive in a strange coastal village while those who captured him try to discover the truth of why he suddenly resigned from his position.
Sapphire & Steel (1979)
The complete collection featuring all six seasons and 34 episodes from the...
- 7/21/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
This Noughts and Crosses review contains spoilers.
Noughts + Crosses Episode 1
Every generation has its Romeo and Juliet. The fifties had Tony and Maria finger-clicking around the Upper West Side, the nineties had Leo and a young Carrie from Homeland in a pair of angel wings, and the noughties had both High School Musical’s Troy and Gabriella breaking free, and Sephy and Callum, the star-cross’d lovers of Malorie Blackman’s young adult series Noughts + Crosses.
Adapted from the first of Blackman’s five acclaimed novels, this six-part BBC series brings Sephy and Callum’s world to the screen for the first time. It’s not our world, but a version of it in which Europe’s colonisation of Africa happened in reverse. Blackman imagined a version of the UK hewn by racist segregation seven centuries after the Aprican continent invaded Albion and enslaved its people. Now, Albion is divided...
Noughts + Crosses Episode 1
Every generation has its Romeo and Juliet. The fifties had Tony and Maria finger-clicking around the Upper West Side, the nineties had Leo and a young Carrie from Homeland in a pair of angel wings, and the noughties had both High School Musical’s Troy and Gabriella breaking free, and Sephy and Callum, the star-cross’d lovers of Malorie Blackman’s young adult series Noughts + Crosses.
Adapted from the first of Blackman’s five acclaimed novels, this six-part BBC series brings Sephy and Callum’s world to the screen for the first time. It’s not our world, but a version of it in which Europe’s colonisation of Africa happened in reverse. Blackman imagined a version of the UK hewn by racist segregation seven centuries after the Aprican continent invaded Albion and enslaved its people. Now, Albion is divided...
- 3/5/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Brit musician Stormzy has joined the cast of BBC One drama Noughts + Crosses, Mammoth Screen’s adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s dystopian young adult book series currently being filmed in South Africa. The popular grime artist will play newspaper editor Kolawale, a character created for the series. Jack Rowan (Peaky Blinders) stars with newcomer Masali Baduza, Helen Baxendale, Paterson Joseph and Ian Hart. The show charts the story of first love in a dangerous, alternate world where racism divides society. Exec producers on the show include Participant and Jay-z’s Roc Nation. International distribution is handled by ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
Anthony Kimble, who recently left Cineflix Rights after five years as Svp acquisitions and co-productions North America, has formally launched new content outfit Fugitive. Kimble will be at next week’s Series Mania, where he will be repping projects including Uncanny Valley: The Truth About Thinking Machines, a six-hour hybrid event series about A.
Anthony Kimble, who recently left Cineflix Rights after five years as Svp acquisitions and co-productions North America, has formally launched new content outfit Fugitive. Kimble will be at next week’s Series Mania, where he will be repping projects including Uncanny Valley: The Truth About Thinking Machines, a six-hour hybrid event series about A.
- 3/21/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
“Noughts and Crosses” just added another musical heavy hitter with grime supremo Stormzy set to star in the adaptation of the Malorie Blackman novels for the BBC. Jay-z’s Roc Nation is already on board and will exec produce, as will Participant Media.
Stormzy has an on-screen role and will play Kolawale, a newspaper editor and character created for the series. “As a diehard fan of Malorie’s novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true,” he said.
“The first time I met Stormzy he informed me he was a huge fan of my ‘Noughts & Crosses’ series of books,” Blackman added. “I’m thrilled he will now be a part of the Noughts + Crosses TV production.”
The book and series are set in an alternate world where there is a ruling class of people of African descent and white people suffer discrimination and prejudice.
Stormzy has an on-screen role and will play Kolawale, a newspaper editor and character created for the series. “As a diehard fan of Malorie’s novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true,” he said.
“The first time I met Stormzy he informed me he was a huge fan of my ‘Noughts & Crosses’ series of books,” Blackman added. “I’m thrilled he will now be a part of the Noughts + Crosses TV production.”
The book and series are set in an alternate world where there is a ruling class of people of African descent and white people suffer discrimination and prejudice.
- 3/21/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Peaky Blinders star Jack Rowan and newcomer Masali Baduza are to lead the lineup of the BBC’s dystopian drama Noughts + Crosses.
The six-part series, which is produced by Victoria producer Mammoth Screen for BBC One, will also star Timeless’ Paterson Joseph, Wallander’s Bonnie Mbuli, Love Type D’s Kike Brimah, Cold Feet’s Helen Baxendale, The Last Kingdom’s Ian Hart, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’s Josh Dylan, Goodbye Christopher Robin’s Shaun Dingwall, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s Rakie Ayola and Jonathan Ajayi.
The adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s young adult book, the series tells the story of first love in a dangerous, alternate world where racism divides society. It is written by Toby Whithouse (Being Human), Lydia Adetunji (Riviera), Nathaniel Price (Tin Star) and Rachel De-Lahay (Kiri) and filming has begun in South Africa.
Noughts + Crosses follows two young people Sephy and Callum,...
The six-part series, which is produced by Victoria producer Mammoth Screen for BBC One, will also star Timeless’ Paterson Joseph, Wallander’s Bonnie Mbuli, Love Type D’s Kike Brimah, Cold Feet’s Helen Baxendale, The Last Kingdom’s Ian Hart, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’s Josh Dylan, Goodbye Christopher Robin’s Shaun Dingwall, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s Rakie Ayola and Jonathan Ajayi.
The adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s young adult book, the series tells the story of first love in a dangerous, alternate world where racism divides society. It is written by Toby Whithouse (Being Human), Lydia Adetunji (Riviera), Nathaniel Price (Tin Star) and Rachel De-Lahay (Kiri) and filming has begun in South Africa.
Noughts + Crosses follows two young people Sephy and Callum,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, the La Film Festival will premiere Toni Collette’s series, the Nashville Film Festival gets a new exec director, and “Heidi: Queen of the Mountain” gets a 3D version.
Film Festivals
The La Film Festival has scheduled the U.S. premiere of the first episode of Toni Collette’s “Wanderlust” for Sept. 22 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Directed by Luke Snellin, “Wanderlust” looks at how we build and maintain happy relationships and asks whether lifelong monogamy is possible – or even desirable. Collette plays a therapist trying to find a way to keep her spark alive with her husband after a cycling accident causes them to reassess their relationship.
“Wanderlust” launches on Netflix on Oct. 19 as the start of a six-episode season. Collette and members of the cast and crew will hold a conversation following the screening.
Film Festivals
The La Film Festival has scheduled the U.S. premiere of the first episode of Toni Collette’s “Wanderlust” for Sept. 22 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Directed by Luke Snellin, “Wanderlust” looks at how we build and maintain happy relationships and asks whether lifelong monogamy is possible – or even desirable. Collette plays a therapist trying to find a way to keep her spark alive with her husband after a cycling accident causes them to reassess their relationship.
“Wanderlust” launches on Netflix on Oct. 19 as the start of a six-episode season. Collette and members of the cast and crew will hold a conversation following the screening.
- 9/14/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Aldwinckle Sep 2, 2016
Our latest The Bottom Shelf DVD and Blu-ray round-up features Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D, Jaws: The Revenge and Chuck Norris...
With Shark Week arguably America’s most beloved religious festival and the unprecedented worldwide cultural impact of Anthony C. Ferrante’s acclaimed Sharknado trilogy showing no sign of letting up, who could deny the necessity of the Jaws sequels finally getting a Blu-ray release?
The immediate answer is obvious (well, anyone), though this belated look at Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D, Jaws: The Revenge and Jaws 5: The Sharkening was, for this writer at least, a nostalgic journey through a world where morbidly obese fish bear grudges, Michael Caine fights a script far deadlier than any marine predator and where lines such as “Weld that sonuvabitch” are somehow deemed passable.
Generally considered the best of the sequels, perhaps Jaws 2 holds a special place in the heart of the reader who,...
Our latest The Bottom Shelf DVD and Blu-ray round-up features Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D, Jaws: The Revenge and Chuck Norris...
With Shark Week arguably America’s most beloved religious festival and the unprecedented worldwide cultural impact of Anthony C. Ferrante’s acclaimed Sharknado trilogy showing no sign of letting up, who could deny the necessity of the Jaws sequels finally getting a Blu-ray release?
The immediate answer is obvious (well, anyone), though this belated look at Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D, Jaws: The Revenge and Jaws 5: The Sharkening was, for this writer at least, a nostalgic journey through a world where morbidly obese fish bear grudges, Michael Caine fights a script far deadlier than any marine predator and where lines such as “Weld that sonuvabitch” are somehow deemed passable.
Generally considered the best of the sequels, perhaps Jaws 2 holds a special place in the heart of the reader who,...
- 8/30/2016
- Den of Geek
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We spoke to the Line Of Duty creator about series 3, Lindsay Denton, The Caddy, Jimmy Savile, tension, thrillers and more…
Warning: contains spoilers for Line Of Duty series 3, episode 5 (Nb interview took place before the finale aired. Here's a spoiler-filled post-finale chat).
As Line Of Duty viewers might expect from the man who’s turned the police interview into an art-form, Jed Mercurio is a very measured, practiced interviewee. He gives precise, categorical answers unfurred by the usual hesitations and rambling false starts. Bring up the perception that Line Of Duty’s series two finale was hard to follow and he explains, patiently, that the most reliable evidence we have suggests otherwise. He speaks fluently in terms of suppositions, anecdotal evidence, arithmetical means and statistical outliers. When he completes a given response, he simply stops talking.
Mercurio’s voice only became heated twice in the next six thousand words.
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We spoke to the Line Of Duty creator about series 3, Lindsay Denton, The Caddy, Jimmy Savile, tension, thrillers and more…
Warning: contains spoilers for Line Of Duty series 3, episode 5 (Nb interview took place before the finale aired. Here's a spoiler-filled post-finale chat).
As Line Of Duty viewers might expect from the man who’s turned the police interview into an art-form, Jed Mercurio is a very measured, practiced interviewee. He gives precise, categorical answers unfurred by the usual hesitations and rambling false starts. Bring up the perception that Line Of Duty’s series two finale was hard to follow and he explains, patiently, that the most reliable evidence we have suggests otherwise. He speaks fluently in terms of suppositions, anecdotal evidence, arithmetical means and statistical outliers. When he completes a given response, he simply stops talking.
Mercurio’s voice only became heated twice in the next six thousand words.
- 4/28/2016
- Den of Geek
After making waves with her debut feature Dharm which bagged the National film award and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, acclaimed director Bhavna Talwar has a force to reckon with. Her next feature, a major International production, which is an adaptation of the much-loved children's Book 'Heidi' has begun its second schedule in Spain, following the UK Schedule and stars heavy weight actors such as Bill Nighy, Mark Williams and Helen Baxendale among others. While Talwar is all set to make her mark internationally, she has chosen to work with a core Indian crew, including noted cinematographer Binod Pradhan and Action director Sham Kaushal, in addition to her core creative team. "Cinema is a universal language and I know and our production company has worked closely with Shamji and Binod, it was not just about the comfort level but also the fact that they are world class talent. It's...
- 3/29/2016
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
ITV drama Cold Feet premiered in 1997 and ran for 34 episodes over the course of five seasons. While Cold Feet was not cancelled, it ended its first run in March, 2003. Now, star Fay Ripley spills the beans: ITV is bringing back the Manchester-set show with its original cast, in 2016.
Cold Feet centers on the lives and loves of three Mancunian couples. In addition to Ripley, the cast includes: Helen Baxendale, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris, John Thomson, and James Nesbitt. Baxdale's character, Rachel, was killed off in the series finale. There is no news, as of yet, if Baxdale will return to the reboot in some form. Continue for more details on Cold Feet's return to ITV. Read More…...
Cold Feet centers on the lives and loves of three Mancunian couples. In addition to Ripley, the cast includes: Helen Baxendale, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris, John Thomson, and James Nesbitt. Baxdale's character, Rachel, was killed off in the series finale. There is no news, as of yet, if Baxdale will return to the reboot in some form. Continue for more details on Cold Feet's return to ITV. Read More…...
- 11/6/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The rumours weren't greatly exaggerated - Cold Feet will return to our screens in 2016.
Fay Ripley has confirmed a new series of the ITV comedy-drama, which followed the lives of three couples going through the highs and lows of romance and friendship.
Cold Feet: Where are the cast of ITV's hit series now?
"I think we're off and away, I think we can say that," Ripley told The Mirror. "My only hesitation is that one hopes it's not going to be rubbish."
Back in August, rumours increased about a potential return for the show as stars James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris and John Thomson were thought to be in talks.
Ripley admits to having no idea where the new series will find the characters, but joked that she hopes it hasn't been written that her character has "got very thin".
"Ten years have passed, anything could have happened," she explained.
Fay Ripley has confirmed a new series of the ITV comedy-drama, which followed the lives of three couples going through the highs and lows of romance and friendship.
Cold Feet: Where are the cast of ITV's hit series now?
"I think we're off and away, I think we can say that," Ripley told The Mirror. "My only hesitation is that one hopes it's not going to be rubbish."
Back in August, rumours increased about a potential return for the show as stars James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris and John Thomson were thought to be in talks.
Ripley admits to having no idea where the new series will find the characters, but joked that she hopes it hasn't been written that her character has "got very thin".
"Ten years have passed, anything could have happened," she explained.
- 11/1/2015
- Digital Spy
Helen Baxendale's character may have died in Cold Feet, but that hasn't stopped co-star John Thomson coming up with a clever way of bringing her back.
A new series of Cold Feet has been rumoured to be in the works, with the original cast, including Thomson and James Nesbitt, back on board.
Cold Feet: Where are the cast of ITV's hit series now?
Viewers of the popular 1990s comedy drama were shocked when Rachel (Baxendale) was killed off in the final series in a car crash. However, could she come back as a sort of ghost?
"My idea for that would be, I don't know if you've seen Dexter, but his father appears in that and he's not a ghost, it's not supernatural," Thomson told Digital Spy and others.
"The beauty of Dexter's father is that he's his conscience, so he can see him and hear him, and they do it really well.
A new series of Cold Feet has been rumoured to be in the works, with the original cast, including Thomson and James Nesbitt, back on board.
Cold Feet: Where are the cast of ITV's hit series now?
Viewers of the popular 1990s comedy drama were shocked when Rachel (Baxendale) was killed off in the final series in a car crash. However, could she come back as a sort of ghost?
"My idea for that would be, I don't know if you've seen Dexter, but his father appears in that and he's not a ghost, it's not supernatural," Thomson told Digital Spy and others.
"The beauty of Dexter's father is that he's his conscience, so he can see him and hear him, and they do it really well.
- 9/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Is ITV really going to bring back Cold Feet?
That's the rumour, with the broadcaster apparently looking to plug the Downton-shaped hole in its schedule with a revival of the popular comedy-drama.
If it's true, they'll have a job bringing the cast back together - some have gone on to be huge telly and film stars, while others have stepped out of the spotlight entirely...
James Nesbitt
Nesbitt's carefree lothario Adam Williams met his match in Helen Baxendale's Rachel - the couple overcame infidelity and infertility but were denied lasting happiness when Rachel was killed in a traffic accident.
Since Cold Feet wrapped, Nesbitt has become one of British television's most in-demand leading men.
He fronted BBC One's gritty cop series Murphy's Law from 2003-07, led Steven Moffat's supernatural thriller Jekyll - also in 2007 - and played the title character in ITV's short-lived medical drama Monroe (2011-12).
Of late,...
That's the rumour, with the broadcaster apparently looking to plug the Downton-shaped hole in its schedule with a revival of the popular comedy-drama.
If it's true, they'll have a job bringing the cast back together - some have gone on to be huge telly and film stars, while others have stepped out of the spotlight entirely...
James Nesbitt
Nesbitt's carefree lothario Adam Williams met his match in Helen Baxendale's Rachel - the couple overcame infidelity and infertility but were denied lasting happiness when Rachel was killed in a traffic accident.
Since Cold Feet wrapped, Nesbitt has become one of British television's most in-demand leading men.
He fronted BBC One's gritty cop series Murphy's Law from 2003-07, led Steven Moffat's supernatural thriller Jekyll - also in 2007 - and played the title character in ITV's short-lived medical drama Monroe (2011-12).
Of late,...
- 8/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Oh. My. Gaaaaawwwwwdddddd. Paul McCartney almost guest starred on Friends. This is not a drill. Paul McCartney. From The Beatles. Almost guest starred. On Friends! This is brand new information! When the iconic sitcom's Emmy-nominated casting director Leslie Litt spoke to the Huffington Post, she revealed that she had tried extremely hard to get The Beatles musician to come on the show for a very specific role. Remember the one with the wedding in London? You know, that disastrous ceremony where Ross (David Schwimmer) said his lobster Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) name instead of his bride Emily's (Helen Baxendale) name? Yeah, Litt wanted McCartney to play Ross'...
- 5/27/2015
- E! Online
In 2012, it became BBC Three's biggest ever sitcom, and in 2015, a third series was announced - but the path to success for Cuckoo has been far from smooth.
After a first series delivered record-breaking ratings, the show lost its star (more on that later) - but it emerged rejuvenated two years on, its second run charming audiences all over again.
Cuckoo - the story of an eccentric bohemian who infiltrates a straight-laced, middle-class family - was devised by writing partnership Robin French and Kieron Quirke as a vehicle for a Us comedian.
When the project materialised, American actor and comic Andy Samberg was cast in the title role, alongside a cast which included Greg Davies as the uptight Ken and Helen Baxendale as his wife Lorna.
BBC Three was on a hot streak at the time, with the Cuckoo series premiere beating a ratings record only set the previous month...
After a first series delivered record-breaking ratings, the show lost its star (more on that later) - but it emerged rejuvenated two years on, its second run charming audiences all over again.
Cuckoo - the story of an eccentric bohemian who infiltrates a straight-laced, middle-class family - was devised by writing partnership Robin French and Kieron Quirke as a vehicle for a Us comedian.
When the project materialised, American actor and comic Andy Samberg was cast in the title role, alongside a cast which included Greg Davies as the uptight Ken and Helen Baxendale as his wife Lorna.
BBC Three was on a hot streak at the time, with the Cuckoo series premiere beating a ratings record only set the previous month...
- 5/27/2015
- Digital Spy
In 2012, it became BBC Three's biggest ever sitcom, and in 2015, a third series was announced - but the path to success for Cuckoo has been far from smooth.
After a first series delivered record-breaking ratings, the show lost its star (more on that later) - but it emerged rejuvenated two years on, its second run charming audiences all over again.
Cuckoo - the story of an eccentric bohemian who infiltrates a straight-laced, middle-class family - was originally devised by writing partnership Robin French and Kieron Quirke as a vehicle for Us comedian Rob Schneider, who was contemplating a move to the UK.
When the project finally materialised, Schneider was no longer attached - with another American actor and comic, Andy Samberg, cast in the title role, alongside a cast which included Greg Davies as the uptight Ken and Helen Baxendale as his wife Lorna.
BBC Three was on a hot streak at the time,...
After a first series delivered record-breaking ratings, the show lost its star (more on that later) - but it emerged rejuvenated two years on, its second run charming audiences all over again.
Cuckoo - the story of an eccentric bohemian who infiltrates a straight-laced, middle-class family - was originally devised by writing partnership Robin French and Kieron Quirke as a vehicle for Us comedian Rob Schneider, who was contemplating a move to the UK.
When the project finally materialised, Schneider was no longer attached - with another American actor and comic, Andy Samberg, cast in the title role, alongside a cast which included Greg Davies as the uptight Ken and Helen Baxendale as his wife Lorna.
BBC Three was on a hot streak at the time,...
- 5/27/2015
- Digital Spy
Cuckoo is coming back to BBC Three, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
The channel has ordered a third series of the sitcom, which will pick up six months after the 2014 Christmas special.
Taylor Lautner will be back as Dale, who returns - transformed - to throw more spanners in the family works.
Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tyger Drew-Honey and Esther Smith will also reprise their roles for the new episodes.
"Cuckoo is the quintessential BBC Three series - a grabby concept, world class talent and writers destined for greatness," said Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning.
BBC Three has also ordered a new sitcom - originating from its Comedy Feed initiative - called Flat TV.
Created, written by and starring Tom Rosenthal and Naz Osmanoglu, the series follows two flatmates who battle against the realities of living together by imagining their lives through the prism of television.
Whether they're fighting over...
The channel has ordered a third series of the sitcom, which will pick up six months after the 2014 Christmas special.
Taylor Lautner will be back as Dale, who returns - transformed - to throw more spanners in the family works.
Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tyger Drew-Honey and Esther Smith will also reprise their roles for the new episodes.
"Cuckoo is the quintessential BBC Three series - a grabby concept, world class talent and writers destined for greatness," said Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning.
BBC Three has also ordered a new sitcom - originating from its Comedy Feed initiative - called Flat TV.
Created, written by and starring Tom Rosenthal and Naz Osmanoglu, the series follows two flatmates who battle against the realities of living together by imagining their lives through the prism of television.
Whether they're fighting over...
- 5/15/2015
- Digital Spy
In The Club: BBC One, 9pm
There's only one of the Parentcraft gang still pregnant in the series finale of this antenatal drama, and so naturally its the turn of Vicky (Christine Bottomley) to give birth tonight. But there are physical and emotional complications as the baby's father Chris decides to drop a poorly-timed bombshell.
Elsewhere Simon (Luke Thompson) throws a surprise party for Roanna (Hermione Norris), and Rick (Will Mellor) and Diane (Jill Halfpenny) prepare to take Hope home - in the shadow of Rick's impending court hearing.
Dave Gorman's Modern Life is Goodish: Dave, 10pm
The opinionated comedian returns to the channel of the same name for a second series of thoroughly modern dilemmas. This week he contemplates the absurdity of recycling pornographic magazines, and reveals what happened when he decided to develop pictures from an old-fashioned camera.
Ray Donovan: Sky Atlantic, 10pm
On UK...
There's only one of the Parentcraft gang still pregnant in the series finale of this antenatal drama, and so naturally its the turn of Vicky (Christine Bottomley) to give birth tonight. But there are physical and emotional complications as the baby's father Chris decides to drop a poorly-timed bombshell.
Elsewhere Simon (Luke Thompson) throws a surprise party for Roanna (Hermione Norris), and Rick (Will Mellor) and Diane (Jill Halfpenny) prepare to take Hope home - in the shadow of Rick's impending court hearing.
Dave Gorman's Modern Life is Goodish: Dave, 10pm
The opinionated comedian returns to the channel of the same name for a second series of thoroughly modern dilemmas. This week he contemplates the absurdity of recycling pornographic magazines, and reveals what happened when he decided to develop pictures from an old-fashioned camera.
Ray Donovan: Sky Atlantic, 10pm
On UK...
- 9/9/2014
- Digital Spy
Stars: Andy Samberg, Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tyger Drew-Honey | Created by Robin French, Kieron Quirke
A cuckoo is a bird that lays its eggs in other bird’s nests, so in human form it’s easy to assume that the Cuckoo is another man moving into a family’s home and encroaching on the territory of the parents. In Cuckoo the BBC comedy it’s not only about the family but also an American comedian going head to head with a British one. When these comedians are Andy Samberg and Greg Davies the results are as expected, very funny.
When Ken Thompson’s (Greg Davies) daughter arrives home from holiday with a new husband he is horrified by what he comes face to face with. Cuckoo (Andy Samberg) is a new age hippy with a liking for drugs and getting naked when the urge takes him. As the two get...
A cuckoo is a bird that lays its eggs in other bird’s nests, so in human form it’s easy to assume that the Cuckoo is another man moving into a family’s home and encroaching on the territory of the parents. In Cuckoo the BBC comedy it’s not only about the family but also an American comedian going head to head with a British one. When these comedians are Andy Samberg and Greg Davies the results are as expected, very funny.
When Ken Thompson’s (Greg Davies) daughter arrives home from holiday with a new husband he is horrified by what he comes face to face with. Cuckoo (Andy Samberg) is a new age hippy with a liking for drugs and getting naked when the urge takes him. As the two get...
- 8/30/2014
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
"Chronicle" scribe Max Landis is teaming with Idw for a TV series adaptation of Douglas Adams' 1991 "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency" graphic novel and its sequel "The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul".
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" author Adams created the story of the titular holistic detective who investigates cases involving the supernatural. Dave Alpert will produce the new series.
The property was already adapted for TV by the BBC with an hour-long pilot in 2010 followed by three episodes in 2012. That version starred Stephen Mangan as Gently, Darren Boyd as Macduff and Helen Baxendale as Susan.
Source: The Live Feed...
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" author Adams created the story of the titular holistic detective who investigates cases involving the supernatural. Dave Alpert will produce the new series.
The property was already adapted for TV by the BBC with an hour-long pilot in 2010 followed by three episodes in 2012. That version starred Stephen Mangan as Gently, Darren Boyd as Macduff and Helen Baxendale as Susan.
Source: The Live Feed...
- 8/4/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Taylor Lautner has starred in a new trailer for Cuckoo.
The second series of the BBC Three comedy has the Twilight actor taking up the lead role, replacing Andy Samberg.
The 30-second clip has the strapline "Different guy. Just as cuckoo", and shows Dale (Lautner) being revealed as Cuckoo's (Samberg) son.
The comedy, which also stars Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale and Tyger Drew-Honey, will start on Thursday, August 7 at 10pm.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Drew-Honey said that Lautner was "fantastically talented" and that he did all of his own stunts.
The second series of the BBC Three comedy has the Twilight actor taking up the lead role, replacing Andy Samberg.
The 30-second clip has the strapline "Different guy. Just as cuckoo", and shows Dale (Lautner) being revealed as Cuckoo's (Samberg) son.
The comedy, which also stars Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale and Tyger Drew-Honey, will start on Thursday, August 7 at 10pm.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Drew-Honey said that Lautner was "fantastically talented" and that he did all of his own stunts.
- 7/23/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC One has revealed further casting details of upcoming five-part drama The Secrets.
Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt, World Without End's Ben Chaplin and Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox have signed up to appear in an episode written by Elinor Cook.
Each 30-minute episode of the Dominic Savage-directed drama will centre around a provocative incident told from separate viewpoints.
Cook's episode focuses on a man who is married to two women as he leads a secret double life.
Nick Payne will write two episodes of the series, starring previously announced cast members Olivia Colman, Alison Steadman and Steve Oram, while Sarah Solemani will write and star in her own instalment as a bride-to-be who discovers her fiancé was once accused of a shocking crime.
Ben Ockrent will pen an episode starring Cuckoo's Helen Baxendale, Anthony Welsh and Waterloo Road star Paige Meade, which revolves around a girl...
Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt, World Without End's Ben Chaplin and Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox have signed up to appear in an episode written by Elinor Cook.
Each 30-minute episode of the Dominic Savage-directed drama will centre around a provocative incident told from separate viewpoints.
Cook's episode focuses on a man who is married to two women as he leads a secret double life.
Nick Payne will write two episodes of the series, starring previously announced cast members Olivia Colman, Alison Steadman and Steve Oram, while Sarah Solemani will write and star in her own instalment as a bride-to-be who discovers her fiancé was once accused of a shocking crime.
Ben Ockrent will pen an episode starring Cuckoo's Helen Baxendale, Anthony Welsh and Waterloo Road star Paige Meade, which revolves around a girl...
- 3/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Andy Samberg was captured on camera running through cars in downtown Los Angeles on the set of his TV sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Andy Samberg Shoots 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'
Samberg looked like he was on a mission in a pair of gray pants, a blue and black-checkered shirt and leather jacket. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the Saturday Night Live alum plays Detective Jake Peralta. He won a Golden Globe for his performance as the law enforcement agent last month.
Possibly due to his busy schedule filming Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Samberg will no longer appear in the BBC comedy Cuckoo. He’s being replaced by Twilight star Taylor Lautner, who’ll join Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale on the show. Towards the end of the first season, Samberg’s character Cuckoo disappeared into the Himalayas.
"Cuckoo was one of BBC3's most stand-out comedies, so I'm delighted to welcome it back with the...
Andy Samberg Shoots 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'
Samberg looked like he was on a mission in a pair of gray pants, a blue and black-checkered shirt and leather jacket. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the Saturday Night Live alum plays Detective Jake Peralta. He won a Golden Globe for his performance as the law enforcement agent last month.
Possibly due to his busy schedule filming Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Samberg will no longer appear in the BBC comedy Cuckoo. He’s being replaced by Twilight star Taylor Lautner, who’ll join Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale on the show. Towards the end of the first season, Samberg’s character Cuckoo disappeared into the Himalayas.
"Cuckoo was one of BBC3's most stand-out comedies, so I'm delighted to welcome it back with the...
- 2/13/2014
- Uinterview
Making the leap from the big screen to the small screen, Taylor Lautner will star in a new BBC sitcom.
Called "Cuckoo," the "Twilight" star is replacing Andy Samberg, who appeared in the series' first season.
Speaking of the add, BBC2 controller Zai Bennett gushed, "'Cuckoo' was one of BBC3's most stand-out comedies, so I'm delighted to welcome it back with the addition of superstar Taylor Lautner joining the critically acclaimed Greg Davies and an outstanding British comedy cast for what will be one of the comedy treats of the year.
Joining him in the show will be British co-stars Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale. The big announcement comes as Taylor marks his 22nd birthday (February 11).
Called "Cuckoo," the "Twilight" star is replacing Andy Samberg, who appeared in the series' first season.
Speaking of the add, BBC2 controller Zai Bennett gushed, "'Cuckoo' was one of BBC3's most stand-out comedies, so I'm delighted to welcome it back with the addition of superstar Taylor Lautner joining the critically acclaimed Greg Davies and an outstanding British comedy cast for what will be one of the comedy treats of the year.
Joining him in the show will be British co-stars Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale. The big announcement comes as Taylor marks his 22nd birthday (February 11).
- 2/12/2014
- GossipCenter
Taylor Lautner has a new gig! The 22-year-old actor will star in the upcoming second season of the BBC comedy Cuckoo, replacing Andy Samberg in the show's lead role. According to The Guardian, the Twilight hunk will play a "mysterious young stranger who shows up in Lichfield, Staffordshire" (where the show is based). Lautner will costar with Brit actors Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale. Samberg starred in Cuckoo's first season but disappeared at the end of the season when he traveled to the Himalayas. "Cuckoo was one of BBC3's most stand-out comedies, so I'm delighted to welcome it back with the addition of superstar Taylor Lautner joining the critically acclaimed Greg...
- 2/11/2014
- E! Online
Hollywood actor and star of the Twilight franchise, Taylor Lautner is set to join the second series of BAFTA-nominated comedy Cuckoo on BBC Three.
Taylor Lautner starred as Jacob Black in the blockbuster Twilight saga. He will play a handsome and mysterious stranger in the new series of Cuckoo, who turns up in Lichfield where life in the Thompson household is only just getting back to normal after the disappearance of Cuckoo (Andy Samberg) while on walkabout in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Ken (Greg Davies) and Lorna (Helen Baxendale) are looking forward to a future without the kids under their feet. Dylan (Tyger Drew-Honey) is about to go to university and Rachel (Tamla Kari) is rebuilding her life with her new boyfriend, a nice-but-dull lawyer, Ben. Despite appearances, Cuckoo’s absence is still felt – not least by his young widow, Rachel. Everyone worries she’s lost her mojo since the tragic events in Asia.
Taylor Lautner starred as Jacob Black in the blockbuster Twilight saga. He will play a handsome and mysterious stranger in the new series of Cuckoo, who turns up in Lichfield where life in the Thompson household is only just getting back to normal after the disappearance of Cuckoo (Andy Samberg) while on walkabout in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Ken (Greg Davies) and Lorna (Helen Baxendale) are looking forward to a future without the kids under their feet. Dylan (Tyger Drew-Honey) is about to go to university and Rachel (Tamla Kari) is rebuilding her life with her new boyfriend, a nice-but-dull lawyer, Ben. Despite appearances, Cuckoo’s absence is still felt – not least by his young widow, Rachel. Everyone worries she’s lost her mojo since the tragic events in Asia.
- 2/11/2014
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Twilight star Taylor Lautner must be having a great birthday, as news just came out that he is set to join the cast of Cuckoo, a culture-clashing comedy hit that airs on the BBC.
Lautner, who turns 22 on Feb. 11, will have big (clown) shoes to fill on the show – he is replacing comedian Andy Samberg as the lead male actor.
The first season of Cuckoo starred Samberg as Cuckoo, the hippie husband and self-appointed spiritual ninja of a middle-class English girl who brings him home after a summer abroad. Her parents are unpleasantly surprised by their daughter's New Age transformation and choice of spouse,...
Lautner, who turns 22 on Feb. 11, will have big (clown) shoes to fill on the show – he is replacing comedian Andy Samberg as the lead male actor.
The first season of Cuckoo starred Samberg as Cuckoo, the hippie husband and self-appointed spiritual ninja of a middle-class English girl who brings him home after a summer abroad. Her parents are unpleasantly surprised by their daughter's New Age transformation and choice of spouse,...
- 2/11/2014
- by Melissa Locker
- People.com - TV Watch
Twilight's Taylor Lautner is the surprise replacement for Andy Samberg in BBC Three's second series of Cuckoo.
Samberg exits the show after one series, following the huge success of his Fox sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Many predicted the BBC Three comedy would end with his departure.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: 9 reasons to watch E4's hilarious new Us comedy
However, the casting of Hollywood star Lautner has revived the sitcom, which also stars Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tamla Kari and Tyger Drew-Honey.
The first series of Cuckoo won a record-breaking launch audience for BBC Three and also earned two British Comedy Award nominations.
Series two picks up with Samberg's character Cuckoo missing - presumed dead - in the Himalayas, and his young widow Rachel (Kari) is still suffering from the loss of her husband.
Lautner is cast as "a handsome and mysterious young stranger" in Lichfield, who shakes up the fragile equilibrium.
Samberg exits the show after one series, following the huge success of his Fox sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Many predicted the BBC Three comedy would end with his departure.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: 9 reasons to watch E4's hilarious new Us comedy
However, the casting of Hollywood star Lautner has revived the sitcom, which also stars Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale, Tamla Kari and Tyger Drew-Honey.
The first series of Cuckoo won a record-breaking launch audience for BBC Three and also earned two British Comedy Award nominations.
Series two picks up with Samberg's character Cuckoo missing - presumed dead - in the Himalayas, and his young widow Rachel (Kari) is still suffering from the loss of her husband.
Lautner is cast as "a handsome and mysterious young stranger" in Lichfield, who shakes up the fragile equilibrium.
- 2/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Warning: This article contains spoilers that some readers may prefer to avoid.
Digital Spy has an exclusive first-look at the return of Death in Paradise.
The BBC One detective drama is back for a third series on Tuesday, January 14 at 9pm, with Kris Marshall replacing the departing Ben Miller as series lead.
In the first episode, Miller's character Richard Poole is murdered, with Marshall's Di Humphrey Goodman arriving in the Caribbean to investigate the crime.
Marshall - plus guest stars Helen Baxendale, Sophie Thompson and Tim Dutton - talk through the murder mystery in the exclusive clip.
"Ben has been fantastic in the show and is a massive part of the reason why it's a success," Marshall told DS . "But it is a new dawn and... I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't have a chance to put my stamp on it."
Kris Marshall joins Death in Paradise...
Digital Spy has an exclusive first-look at the return of Death in Paradise.
The BBC One detective drama is back for a third series on Tuesday, January 14 at 9pm, with Kris Marshall replacing the departing Ben Miller as series lead.
In the first episode, Miller's character Richard Poole is murdered, with Marshall's Di Humphrey Goodman arriving in the Caribbean to investigate the crime.
Marshall - plus guest stars Helen Baxendale, Sophie Thompson and Tim Dutton - talk through the murder mystery in the exclusive clip.
"Ben has been fantastic in the show and is a massive part of the reason why it's a success," Marshall told DS . "But it is a new dawn and... I wouldn't have taken the job if I didn't have a chance to put my stamp on it."
Kris Marshall joins Death in Paradise...
- 1/10/2014
- Digital Spy
Curtain Poirot’s Last Case
All good things must come to an end, even Poirot – well the David Suchet version anyway. Rather fittingly, ITV rolled out the big guns for Suchet’s last dance and the cast were a veritable Who’s Who of British TV. Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax), Philip Glenister (Life on Mars), Helen Baxendale (Friends) and Shaun Dingwall (Breathless) were just some of the A-listers who came to pay homage to Britain’s favorite Belgian. Also on hand was Poirot’s old chum, Hastings (Hugh Fraser). The duo have been through plenty of trials and tribulations over the years but as the end drew near for the frail looking Poirot, Hastings was asked to be his “eye and ears” on one last detective quest.
The setting for Poirot’s Last Case was a familiar one, Styles House where the duo first met no less than 30 years ago.
All good things must come to an end, even Poirot – well the David Suchet version anyway. Rather fittingly, ITV rolled out the big guns for Suchet’s last dance and the cast were a veritable Who’s Who of British TV. Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax), Philip Glenister (Life on Mars), Helen Baxendale (Friends) and Shaun Dingwall (Breathless) were just some of the A-listers who came to pay homage to Britain’s favorite Belgian. Also on hand was Poirot’s old chum, Hastings (Hugh Fraser). The duo have been through plenty of trials and tribulations over the years but as the end drew near for the frail looking Poirot, Hastings was asked to be his “eye and ears” on one last detective quest.
The setting for Poirot’s Last Case was a familiar one, Styles House where the duo first met no less than 30 years ago.
- 11/14/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
BBC Three's Cuckoo is to be remade for Us audiences.
NBC is developing a new version of the UK series, which starred American comic Andy Samberg as the title character - a troublesome hippie.
Like the original, the Us take will focus on a suburban family who are shocked when their daughter returns from a summer abroad with Cuckoo, her eccentric new boyfriend, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Cuckoo - which also starred Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale - became BBC Three's most-watched new comedy when it launched in September 2012.
A second series of the original is believed to be in the works, though a transmission date for the new episodes is yet to be confirmed.
Robin French and Kieron Quirke - creators of the UK show - will serve as executive producers on NBC's remake, while The Simpsons writer/producer Tim Long will serve as showrunner.
> BBC Three comedy Dead Boss...
NBC is developing a new version of the UK series, which starred American comic Andy Samberg as the title character - a troublesome hippie.
Like the original, the Us take will focus on a suburban family who are shocked when their daughter returns from a summer abroad with Cuckoo, her eccentric new boyfriend, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Cuckoo - which also starred Greg Davies and Helen Baxendale - became BBC Three's most-watched new comedy when it launched in September 2012.
A second series of the original is believed to be in the works, though a transmission date for the new episodes is yet to be confirmed.
Robin French and Kieron Quirke - creators of the UK show - will serve as executive producers on NBC's remake, while The Simpsons writer/producer Tim Long will serve as showrunner.
> BBC Three comedy Dead Boss...
- 10/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Michelle Ryan will star in the upcoming third series of Death in Paradise.
The former EastEnders star will play an actress with a "dark past" in the BBC One Caribbean crime drama.
She said of her casting: "It's very exciting to be a part of this excellent series. I play an actress with a dark past and who is quite a handful.
"The action element is always appealing for me and getting to film on the gorgeous island of Guadeloupe was incredible - we had so much fun."
Doctor Who actor Peter Davison and Cold Feet star Helen Baxendale will also join the cast of the third series.
Adrian Scarborough, Hannah Tointon, Daniel Lapaine, Kathryn Drysdale and Tristan Gemmill are among the guest stars for the latest run.
Belinda Campbell, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: "We're thrilled to have another fantastic list of talented guest stars involved for...
The former EastEnders star will play an actress with a "dark past" in the BBC One Caribbean crime drama.
She said of her casting: "It's very exciting to be a part of this excellent series. I play an actress with a dark past and who is quite a handful.
"The action element is always appealing for me and getting to film on the gorgeous island of Guadeloupe was incredible - we had so much fun."
Doctor Who actor Peter Davison and Cold Feet star Helen Baxendale will also join the cast of the third series.
Adrian Scarborough, Hannah Tointon, Daniel Lapaine, Kathryn Drysdale and Tristan Gemmill are among the guest stars for the latest run.
Belinda Campbell, executive producer for Red Planet Pictures, said: "We're thrilled to have another fantastic list of talented guest stars involved for...
- 7/30/2013
- Digital Spy
George Gently
Kieran Kinsella
The utterly captivating crime drama George Gently is making its return to the U.S. with Acorn Media’s May 28 release of George Gently season 5. If you’re not familiar with the series, it is centered around a police detective from London who reluctantly relocates to the North of the country. Martin Shaw plays the dour 60s era detective while rising star Lee Ingleby plays his cocky sidekick Bacchus. It is similar to Endeavour, only darker, and reminiscent of Vera – only much better – and I actually really like Vera.
Series 5 features four stand-alone stories that cover issues ranging from child kidnappings to grizzly murders. We’re all familiar with the racial tensions that divided the U.S. in the swinging 60s but race relations were also a major talking point in the UK as the break up of the British Empire lead to an increase in immigration.
Kieran Kinsella
The utterly captivating crime drama George Gently is making its return to the U.S. with Acorn Media’s May 28 release of George Gently season 5. If you’re not familiar with the series, it is centered around a police detective from London who reluctantly relocates to the North of the country. Martin Shaw plays the dour 60s era detective while rising star Lee Ingleby plays his cocky sidekick Bacchus. It is similar to Endeavour, only darker, and reminiscent of Vera – only much better – and I actually really like Vera.
Series 5 features four stand-alone stories that cover issues ranging from child kidnappings to grizzly murders. We’re all familiar with the racial tensions that divided the U.S. in the swinging 60s but race relations were also a major talking point in the UK as the break up of the British Empire lead to an increase in immigration.
- 5/24/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Dirk Gently. BBC4
Kieran Kinsella
If reports from the UK are to be believed, BBC4 may not be around for long as it is set to become the latest victim of the BBC’s budget cuts. While many fans of British TV on the Western side of the Atlantic may have never heard of this channel, BBC4 is the home of sitcoms, documentaries and dramas as diverse as Shakespeare: The King’s Man and David Tennant’s Spies of Warsaw. The aforementioned are both being released on DVD in the U.S. during April but if you’re looking for even more from BBC4 then look no further than Acorn Media’s April 2 release of Dirk Gently.
The holistic detective Dirk Gently was one of the later and greater creations of Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). He featured in three novels – one of which Adams never finished.
Kieran Kinsella
If reports from the UK are to be believed, BBC4 may not be around for long as it is set to become the latest victim of the BBC’s budget cuts. While many fans of British TV on the Western side of the Atlantic may have never heard of this channel, BBC4 is the home of sitcoms, documentaries and dramas as diverse as Shakespeare: The King’s Man and David Tennant’s Spies of Warsaw. The aforementioned are both being released on DVD in the U.S. during April but if you’re looking for even more from BBC4 then look no further than Acorn Media’s April 2 release of Dirk Gently.
The holistic detective Dirk Gently was one of the later and greater creations of Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). He featured in three novels – one of which Adams never finished.
- 4/3/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Warning: The following will contain spoilers for the majority of the Adrian Mole books.
I don’t think it’s any kind of exaggeration to say that the Adrian Mole books shaped my adolescence. I discovered them aged thirteen after being set an essay on a book featuring a love story and being explicitly told by my English teacher that anything Star Wars-related was out of bounds. So venturing to the local library, I was handed a copy of the series’ second book The Growing Pains Of Adrian Mole. I immediately fell in love with the series, raced through all the books that had been released at that time, and frequently reread the school library’s copies during my lunch breaks and free periods in the years that followed.
I identified strongly with a neurotic character like Adrian (especially since I was the same age as him when I...
I don’t think it’s any kind of exaggeration to say that the Adrian Mole books shaped my adolescence. I discovered them aged thirteen after being set an essay on a book featuring a love story and being explicitly told by my English teacher that anything Star Wars-related was out of bounds. So venturing to the local library, I was handed a copy of the series’ second book The Growing Pains Of Adrian Mole. I immediately fell in love with the series, raced through all the books that had been released at that time, and frequently reread the school library’s copies during my lunch breaks and free periods in the years that followed.
I identified strongly with a neurotic character like Adrian (especially since I was the same age as him when I...
- 1/9/2013
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
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