TV Weekly: News Wrap

Welcome to another TV Weekly – one of the last ever before we see some bigger and better features from ATV News.

In this edition how the fans are trying to save Yorkshire Television, Richard and Judy may spilt – makes a change from Judy popping out – and we ask, has Piers Morgan got talent? Lots of other stories too…

Viewers Try To Save YTV

Since the announcement that ITV is to close one of its best and longest running production centres – Yorkshire Television in Leeds – viewers have been outraged by the plans and some have started a campaign to save the studios. Leeds council have also pledged to support the future of the Kirkstall Road complex, with some suggesting the buildings could be turned into a major independent studio centre – the “Pinewood” of the North.

You can sign the Petition on the Government’s website HERE You can visit the Save YTV Facebook Group HERE.

Has Piers Got Talent?

In a new section we’re on the look out for any signs the former Mirror Editor – who had a penchant for making up stories – has any actual talent. He likes to dish out views on others and their abilities, but we’re yet to see any talent from the man himself.

Piers has a bad tan, a smug persona and his own low-rating chat show, but where is the talent? Spot any – get in touch.

Doubles Up

Richard Madeley has suggested that his on-screen partnership with wife Judy Finnigan could be about to come to an end. The couple, who have worked together since the early 1980s, may be going their separate ways.

Madeley and Finnigan switched last year from Channel 4 to new UKTV station, Watch. However hardly anyone has bothered to watch the couple’s new show, New Position since it hit the air. Ratings have dropped to around 8,000.

Dick and Jude first worked together on regional news programme Granada Reports before switching to network success in 1988 with daytime magazine show This Morning. They quit in 2001 to host teatime chat show Richard and Judy for Channel 4. They both have ventured into solo presenting in the past with Richard hosting game show Runway and Judy presenting ITV’s version of Watchdog, We Can Work It out.

In 1996 they tried to move into primetime on ITV with their Tonight chat show. It, just like their current Watch attempt, failed.

Five-Live Turn Off

Former Breakfast television gurner Fiona Phillips will be standing in for Simon Mayo from the 30th of March to the 3rd of April, presenting the weekday afternoon programme on BBC Radio 5 Live. I thought I better warn you, so you can tune to something else.

More Restaurant for BBC Two

Chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc is to return to BBC Two for a new series of The Restaurant. The show will see nine couples battle it out for a once in a lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him.

Executive producer, Chloe Solomon, says: “Raymond has seen his share of ups and downs but remained at the top of his profession for the last 30 years. He is driven by an incredible work ethic and is inspirational, in part because he is completely self-taught and knows that a dream is not enough; success depends on sound business sense and hard work as much as creativity.”

Jade Goody

Apparently ‘reality face’ Jade has been ill lately. I never knew that, after all since her ‘racist bully’ was exposed she’s had hardly any coverage in the press or on TV. I’d hate for the media to be two faced and suddenly start reporting on her just because she’s ill.

And Finally

Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo is to star in a one-off fact-based drama, Mrs Mandela, which brings one of the most extraordinary, if controversial, figures in recent history to the screen for the first time.

Premiering on BBC Four and airing on BBC Two in the same week, it’s a love story, a triumph and a tragedy, charting Winnie Mandela’s progression from innocent country girl to politicised fighter against apartheid, from adoring wife to revolutionary firebrand.

Richard Klein, Controller, BBC Four, says: “Winnie Mandela is one of the most controversial figures to emerge in South African politics over the past 50 years, yet for many people in Britain she remains a shadowy figure. The time is ripe for a thoughtful exploration of this larger-than-life character and with its strong track record in producing high quality biopics, BBC Four is the perfect home for the film.”

The 90-minute drama will air later in 2009.