Niamh’s Nancy Dream is Over

One young singer’s dream of appearing as Nancy in the new West End production of Oliver! were dashed on Saturday night. 17-year-old Niamh was the eighth hopeful to leave BBC One’s I’d Do Anything after a public vote on her performance of No Doubt’s hit ‘Don’t Speak’.

Rachel and Niamh were the least popular Nancys and Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to save Rachel. All five contestants performed contemporary songs they’d chosen themselves to prove they had the charisma and technical ability to take on one of musical theatre’s most challenging roles.

Denise van Outen said that Niamh’s performance “lacked punch tonight. It was more like a teenager having a tantrum than a West End leading lady. I do worry because you look so young, Niamh, and therefore have more to prove. And I haven’t seen it and I’m now questioning whether you are more suited to the role of Bette, Nancy’s best friend, than the role of Nancy.”

Fellow judge Barry said “That was certainly gritty that I think that’s what you were aiming for there is just one problem that I see and it’s not your fault. The star of the show is not Fagin, it’s not Nancy, but Oliver Twist and a group of small boys. The fact of the matter is a question of scale you are a comparatively small person so these boys are going to look like giants clustering around you. I see that as a serious technical problem.”

After the final verdict was given, Niamh said “I’m absolutely gutted to be leaving the competition but I’ve had the most amazing two months of my whole life.”

Jessie, Jodie, Rachel and Samantha will go on to next week’s semi final as the battle goes to win this life-changing role.

An Audience Without… Jeremy Beadle

How apt that the man who dominated our screens for so many years will be remembered by an audience of show business stars from eras past and present. An Audience Without… Jeremy Beadle will take a look at the life and times of the man who took TV pranks to a different level and invented a whole new style of television. As seems to be the way in the UK, stars like Jeremy Beadle are only ever appreciated when they have passed away, possibly unaware of the real affection which the TV public had for them.

Jeremy Beadle was very private. On screen he was a funny man but could be serious when required (nobody has ever raised as much money for charity as Beadle). Tonight’s show is hosted by Chris Tarrant with a special star studded tribute to the Prince of Pranksters.

The show will include a remake of one of Beadle’s famous Game for a Laugh games and we will see the top five stunts from Beadle’s About as voted by the viewing public. It is sometimes hard to remember that Beadle’s About ran for an incredible twenty two years and became prime viewing for many families. Will we see the stunt where the aliens land in a lady’s back garden? Or the gentlemen whose car was pushed into the dock? There are so many to choose from.

Jeremy Beadle was born in 1948 and died earlier this year at the age of just 59 leaving behind a wife and children. His illness was short and unexpected and he leaves behind a whole host of memories and smiles. It seems that the man they said the public loved to hate has more fans than ever before.

Two Pints of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps

Set in the northern town of Runcorn, Two Pints of Lager And a Packet of Crisps has built up a loyal cult following since it was first broadcast back in 2001. While many compare the show to a younger version of Men Behaving Badly, Two Pints of Lager is a look into the perceived world of students and the twentysomethings of today. The shows stars Natalie Casey, Kathryn Drysdale, Ralf Little, Will Mellor and Sheridan Smith.

Two Pints of Lager revolves around the lives and loves of Johnny, Janet, Gaz and Donna with Louise adding a touch of the the unexpected and eccentric to the mix. Just when each of them thinks they have sorted out their problems, something else happens - an ex returning to the fold, wedding plans scaring one of them or some flippant comment sparking off a big argument. The beauty of the show is the fact that you know they will fall out, make up and be friends again - you just never quite know how it’s going to happen.

Like many recent comedy shows, Two Pints of Lager only seemed to receive widespread praise after the initial run had finished. Perhaps now is the time to appreciate the show a little more. For those who haven’t seen it before, you’re in for some fun. If you’re already familiar, just sit back and enjoy!

Charlie Brooker to Write Horror Show for E4

Fans of Charlie Brooker will be intrigued to hear that E4, who are commissioning new shows all over the place, have commissioned him to write their first horror series. The show’s working title is Dead Set and it is scheduled for 6 thirty minute episodes. Charlie Brooker seems pleased with the idea: “Dead Set is very different to anything I’ve done before, and I hope the end result will surprise, entertain and appal people in equal measure.”

Head of E4 Angela Jain and Commissioning Editor Shane Allen have teamed up with Sepportron Managing Director Annabel Jones to make the show. Jain commented that Brooker is “an exceptional writer”. The press release by E4 states that Yann Demange will direct. Demange’s previous credits include the wildly successful Secret Diary of a Call Girl starring Billie Piper.

Charlie Brooker has written before on the short lived cult success Nathan Barley with comedy heavyweight Chris Morris.

The show is scheduled to screen in late 2008.

Hollyoaks Teaser

Louise insists that Warren shouldn’t pay Darren the £100,000 he owes him, leaving Darren in a bit of a pickle. Darren decides that the only way to solve Jack’s financial woes is one last trip to the casino - but, predictably, this doesn’t quite come up with the required result. When Jack finds out that Darren has gambled all the money away, he is furious - what will he do now?

Louise also causes upset when she decides to flaunt her new-found freedom by having celebratory drinks in The Dog, not realising that her friends and Warren don’t really approve of her new attitude. She also accuses Frankie of damaging Evissa, so when a thug threatens Frankie in The Dog she thinks Louise and Warren sent him. And when Jack and Darren discover that Frankie wants to go to the police, they worry that their secret is about to be exposed…

Elsewhere this week, hard-nosed journalist Michaela decides to seek out some scandal and goes on the hunt for a story. The day of Jake’s trial dawns. Sasha and Fletch continue on their downward spiral. And Zoe finds out that her dad is paying her a visit - how will he react when he finds out about her older-man boyfriend?

Coronation Street Teaser

The ongoing argument between Sally and Claire over the house swap ends in potential disaster when Sally gives Claire a piece of her mind and informs her that the deal is off. Claire responds by announcing that she is going to sell the house through an agent, infuriating Sally by putting up a For Sale sign. And when two prospective buyers show up for a tour, Claire triumphantly believes that she has got one over on her enemy… but is she speaking too soon?

There’s drama elsewhere in Weatherfield when a gang of teenagers, led by Chesney’s schoolfriend, Kenzie, rampage through the Street. After breaking a window and knocking Roy to the ground, they set their sights on robbing the Kabin. With Rita and Emily out at lunch, Norris is trapped in the shop with the gang - who make their getaway just as the ladies return. What have the intruders done to poor Norris?

Also this week, Liz is determined to show everyone, particularly Harry, how committed she is to her marriage. Jack tries to convince Paul to stay and face the music. Gail worries about the newly unemployed Tina. And the Kabin robbery has far-reaching repercussions in the Street.

Emmerdale Teaser

Poor Pollard - not only does fiancee Val want all the stops pulled out for a dream wedding, but he’s also been slapped with a tax demand for £30,000. With the thought of prison more appealing than incurring Val’s wrath, Pollard is desperate to find a solution that will please his lady and the taxman. Inspired by Jo’s stories about her wedding to Andy in the decorated barn, Pollard starts planning a similarly bargainous bash - but when Diane hears about Pollard’s idea, she rightly suspects that his motivations are more penny-pinching than romantic. Will she spill the beans to Val?

Bob and Val’s marriage, meanwhile, is on shaky ground after Bob begins to suspect that his wife is hiding something. When Viv overhears him asking the private investigator about her association with Freddie, she begs him to believe that she hasn’t been unfaithful. Bob is not convinced, and interrogates Viv after hearing that she was off work on the day that a witness saw her at Freddie’s. Feeling upset and betrayed, Viv tearfully throws Bob out of the house. Happily, it seems that there is hope for the couple when Louise announces that she is Viv’s alibi - but is she telling the truth?

Elsewhere this week, Pollard’s wedding causes him yet more headaches. Jasmine accepts Diane’s offer of a job at the Woolpack, but how will it affect Miles? The feud between Carl and Matthew continues. And Zak gets himself into another fine mess when he quits his job over Belle’s school fees.

Neighbours Teaser

Paul’s ego lands him in big trouble this week after he ends up in a steamy clinch with Kirsten. In a fit of conscience, he later decides that he doesn’t want to ruin things with Rebecca and tells Kirsten that they must maintain a professional relationship. When Kirsten finds out about Paul’s other woman, she keeps quiet about their encounter - but Paul is paranoid that she is planning to expose his philandering ways and offers her cash to keep her quiet. Has he made a fatal error?

Toadie is still reeling from his disastrous wedding day and wants nothing more to do with the girl who broke his heart. However, he is forced to reconsider when Rebecca presents him with evidence that Steph is about to be implicated in the warehouse collapse. Can Toadie put his pain aside and warn Steph that trouble is on the horizon?

Also this week, Harold stuns Lou by announcing that he wants to sell up and leave Ramsay Street. An argument between the old friends swiftly ensues - culminating in Lou collapsing. And Rachel agrees to tutor Declan after hours, but is annoyed when he asks her to keep their meetings secret from Bridget.

EastEnders Teaser

Things are getting worse for Chelsea after last week’s dramatic events. Furious with Patrick for interfering, she seems to be sinking further and further into the gutter - but she’s running out of people who’ll help her claw her way out of it. And when she’s caught with drugs in her bag, it looks like she may have resigned herself to staying there…

Elsewhere, Sean is going to great lengths to persuade Roxy that he has changed his ways, but it seems as if his efforts might count for nothing as Roxy and Ronnie are secretly plotting to leave the Square. And after Ronnie lets the plan slip to Jack, Sean catches Roxy trying to make her getaway - but will he let her go?

Also this week, Jack and Tanya grow closer - but Dot warns Jack that Tanya is vulnerable at the moment. Bianca’s troubles continue at Pat’s house. And Darren plans a romantic evening.

UEFA Cup Final: Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg

The time - 19:30. The place - ITV. The event – the UEFA Cup Final: Rangers v Zenit St Petersburg!

After the build up we are finally here at the UEFA Cup Final between Glasgow Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg – but who will win? Who will hold their nerve?

Matt Smith introduces the final from the City of Manchester Stadium with commentary from Peter Drury and input from Ned Boulting and Andy Townsend. This is Rangers’ first appearance in a European Cup Final for over thirty years and the Scottish invasion of Manchester is in full flow. Authorities in the city are expecting over 100,000 fans to flock to the final even though only 13,000 Rangers fans will have tickets.

While the City Council had initially advised ticketless fans to stay away from the city, the sheer number of fans set to arrive has prompted authorities to erect a number of large screens and set up fan zones. It promises to be an exciting night, but will the underdogs pull through? Or will the slick Russian outfit take the glory?

While many are giving Rangers no chance this evening, they have a team spirit and a togetherness which few in UK football can match. They have a game plan which has seen them through over sixty games this season and left them contending for three more trophies after bagging a Cup Final win in Scotland earlier this season. On the surface it should be a straightforward win for the Russian team, backed by their multi-millionaire owner, but this is the big match and their top scorer is suspended for the final.

It is interesting to see how the challenge from SKY Sports has prompted a major improvement in ITV’s football coverage. Better camera angles, use of new technology to review the game and a better all round package is helping ITV Sport to fight back. This means a better viewing experience for the fans who will be tuning in tonight.

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