Amazing Grace

 

 

Grace Spin-Off; American network NBC is reportedly filming a pilot episode for a spin-off from Will and Grace, it’s long running comedy series. The spin-off would focus on the characters of Karen and Jack, both of whom were popular characters in the series. According to reports Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally have both signed up to film the pilot and should it prove successful a full series could follow next year.

Will and Grace ran for eight seasons between 1998 till 2006 on NBC and was shown, in the UK, on Channel Four. Over its highly successful run, which included a live episode, the series won 16 Emmy Awards and was nominated for a staggering 83!

Very Lost In Austen; ITV DVD have caused a mini outrage among the fans of their recent drama, Lost In Austen. The company have as one indignant fan commented: “Edited out one of the best scenes.”

While some producers seen DVD releases as not all that important, for fans its their way of enjoying the show over and over again

The edits seem to have been made for cost and rights issues. “I’d bought this for my wife but I’ll be sending it back” said one RoobarbDVD forum member while another commented: “I’ll be sticking with me off-airs.” Cuts to the show – indicated by small text on the back of the DVD sleeve – include the entire Downtown song performance, the debate after it and also an edit to the ringtone on a phone – which in the ITV transmission was a version of the BBC theme tune to Pride and Prejudice.

More Crime For Ross; Mainstay ex-Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross is to return to BBC One with a brand new series. The show, The Truth About Crime, will see the 61-year-old look into how crime can be prevented.

The show will also examine different types of crime and how the various institutions respond to offences. Ross, who was axed from Crimewatch last year after 23-years as host, said on his new series:

“I can promise the series will throw up a lot of surprises. It’ll challenge everything, from how much crime there is and who does it, through to the purpose of the police and the courts and the millions spent on rehabilitation – and I’m pretty sure we’ll show a host of new solutions.”

Nuclear BBC; After over 30 years the BBC have finally released a script written by the government and the public service broadcaster which was to be transmitted in the event of a nuclear attack in the UK.

The script includes such gems as: “This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons. Communications have been severely disrupted, and the number of casualties and the extent of the damage are not yet known... …By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourselves to greater danger. If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water, without accommodation and without protection.” It was previously revealed that the BBC had stockpiled entertainment programmes to boost public morale in the event of a war while ITV stockpiled cash.

Ratings; The weekend ratings saw 4.2 million animal lovers tune into the launch of BBC One’s nightly wildlife series Big Cat Live, Strictly Come Dancing reached an impressive 8.4 million while talent show X Factor picked up 9.5 million. The last instalment of Tess of the D’Urbervilles attracted 5.6 million to the drama. The HBO production, Little Britain USA pulled in 4.7 million for its first airing on Friday.

And it didn’t get any better last night for Five Unbreakable – presented by explorer Benedict Allen – managed only 900,000 for the 9pm hour, while the fourth edition of Amazon with Bruce Parry reached 2.5 million in the same slot over on BBC2.

We end with the hair raising news – well wig for some – that Gary Rhodes is the latest star to flounce out of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. Back to the kitchen for Gary.