The team behind Guestimators, the breakthrough podcast quiz presented by Absolute Radio’s Andy Bush, have today launched Lock It In, a full-service production studio specialising in talent-led, comedy and entertainment podcasts.
Focusing on podcasts that are inspired by the nuances of British culture, Lock It In will be working with platforms, talent and brands on everything from concepts and content strategy through to production, monetisation and promotion.
Bush, the voice of Hometime for 2.2m listeners, is an equal partner in the business alongside Will Nichols and Matt Cutler, the sports journalist behind ground-breaking documentary The Pirates vs The Premier League.
The trio launched quiz platform Guestimators in November 2023. Its twice-weekly podcast, distributed by Keep It Light Media, has featured celebrities including Mel Giedroyc, Bob Harris, Rosie Holt and Lloyd Griffith, while its loyal community of thousands plays the quiz every week.
Lock It In already have a number of...
Focusing on podcasts that are inspired by the nuances of British culture, Lock It In will be working with platforms, talent and brands on everything from concepts and content strategy through to production, monetisation and promotion.
Bush, the voice of Hometime for 2.2m listeners, is an equal partner in the business alongside Will Nichols and Matt Cutler, the sports journalist behind ground-breaking documentary The Pirates vs The Premier League.
The trio launched quiz platform Guestimators in November 2023. Its twice-weekly podcast, distributed by Keep It Light Media, has featured celebrities including Mel Giedroyc, Bob Harris, Rosie Holt and Lloyd Griffith, while its loyal community of thousands plays the quiz every week.
Lock It In already have a number of...
- 5/7/2024
- Podnews.net
In 2021, Pointless fans had to come to terms with the fact that change is the only constant in this crazy, crazy world when the show’s co-creator and co-host Richard Osman left to pursue other career opportunities such as being an incredibly successful crime novelist, and taking the main seat on his own game show Richard Osman’s House of Games.
Good for Richard Osman, it all seems to be very going well for him. But for Pointless?
Taking its cue from satirical current affairs show Have I Got News For You?, which settled on a revolving carousel of guest hosts when its regular host Angus Deayton was forced to step down instead of plumping for a permanent chair, Pointless has welcomed a series of co-hosts in the past couple of years.
First up were Sally Lindsay, Stephen Mangan, Lauren Laverne, Alex Brooker, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble. Next came Andi Oliver,...
Good for Richard Osman, it all seems to be very going well for him. But for Pointless?
Taking its cue from satirical current affairs show Have I Got News For You?, which settled on a revolving carousel of guest hosts when its regular host Angus Deayton was forced to step down instead of plumping for a permanent chair, Pointless has welcomed a series of co-hosts in the past couple of years.
First up were Sally Lindsay, Stephen Mangan, Lauren Laverne, Alex Brooker, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble. Next came Andi Oliver,...
- 1/29/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Mel Giedroyc in a musical version of one of the best British rom coms of the 2000s, Starter For Ten? Sign us up!
We here at Film Stories love a bit of theatre. Theatre based on films, even better. Give us some theatre based on films starring national treasure Mel Giedroyc and we might just explode.
Our many limbs were scattered to the winds, then, when this little tidbit entered our inbox. The Bristol Old Vic are putting on the world premiere of a new musical based on David Nicholls’ noughties classic, Starter For Ten.
Check out the synopsis, and a music video for the first song from the musical, below:
“What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University,...
We here at Film Stories love a bit of theatre. Theatre based on films, even better. Give us some theatre based on films starring national treasure Mel Giedroyc and we might just explode.
Our many limbs were scattered to the winds, then, when this little tidbit entered our inbox. The Bristol Old Vic are putting on the world premiere of a new musical based on David Nicholls’ noughties classic, Starter For Ten.
Check out the synopsis, and a music video for the first song from the musical, below:
“What is eighteen-year-old Brian Jackson’s proudest achievement to date? His A-level results. His idol? Kate Bush. His lifelong dream? To compete on legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. It’s 1985 and, leaving Southend to start his first year at Bristol University,...
- 11/23/2023
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 8:30 Pm on BBC Two, “Mary Makes It Easy” Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Weekend Wonders,” is set to premiere. In this episode, Mary Berry is joined by her longtime friend of over 20 years, Mel Giedroyc, for a camping adventure.
Mary’s mission is to inspire Mel with some tasty dishes for their camping trip. The menu includes a hearty chicken tartiflette, a quick veg ragù, and creamy raspberry parfaits.
“Mary Makes It Easy” is all about sharing simple yet delicious recipes, and in this episode, Mary and Mel embark on a culinary adventure in the great outdoors. While the show is about cooking, it’s also about friendship and the joy of making food together.
If you’re curious to see how Mary Berry makes camping cooking look easy and delightful, be sure to tune in on November 2nd at 8:30 Pm on BBC Two for “Weekend Wonders.
Mary’s mission is to inspire Mel with some tasty dishes for their camping trip. The menu includes a hearty chicken tartiflette, a quick veg ragù, and creamy raspberry parfaits.
“Mary Makes It Easy” is all about sharing simple yet delicious recipes, and in this episode, Mary and Mel embark on a culinary adventure in the great outdoors. While the show is about cooking, it’s also about friendship and the joy of making food together.
If you’re curious to see how Mary Berry makes camping cooking look easy and delightful, be sure to tune in on November 2nd at 8:30 Pm on BBC Two for “Weekend Wonders.
- 10/27/2023
- by Posts UK
- TV Everyday
What’s your favourite Taskmaster task? Did it result in a delicious failure or a triumphant win? Was it a crafty solution from a cunning mind, or a bonkers, impractical response that could only have come from the brain of John Kearns?
We asked our writers to nominate their favourites, in order (and not including Prize Tasks because that’s already been covered here), and collated the results into the Top 50 below. With 15 series proper, two Champion of Champions specials, and multiple New Year’s Treat episodes, there were approximately 89,000 tasks to choose from, hence a nice, neat 50.
If you’re at all concerned about the scientific robustness of our approach, rest assured that Google Sheets formulas were used in the creation of this list, resulting in an entirely accurate ranking order that cannot be questioned. Well alright, you can question it.
So, what are the best Taskmaster tasks of all time?...
We asked our writers to nominate their favourites, in order (and not including Prize Tasks because that’s already been covered here), and collated the results into the Top 50 below. With 15 series proper, two Champion of Champions specials, and multiple New Year’s Treat episodes, there were approximately 89,000 tasks to choose from, hence a nice, neat 50.
If you’re at all concerned about the scientific robustness of our approach, rest assured that Google Sheets formulas were used in the creation of this list, resulting in an entirely accurate ranking order that cannot be questioned. Well alright, you can question it.
So, what are the best Taskmaster tasks of all time?...
- 9/21/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
2023 has already given us series 15’s perfect line-up – a gem of a season with Jenny Eclair’s endless joy, Kiell Smith-Bynoe’s cheeky competitiveness, Mae Martin’s cool smarts, Frankie Boyle’s affable bemusement and Ivo Graham’s adorable self-loathing keeping us laughing all the way through to summer.
And there’s not long to wait now until series 16 arrives. The new run of 10 episodes is confirmed to start airing weekly on Channel 4 and Channel4.com from Thursday September 21 at 9pm. That means – interruptions notwithstanding – the series finale should arrive on Thursday November 23, which is traditionally when the next line-up is announced.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The series 16 Taskmaster line-up comes first and back in June, was confirmed as comprising Julian Clary, Lucy Beaumont, Sue Perkins, Susan Wokoma and Sam Campbell.
Let’s have a quick refresher on where we’ve seen the series 16 contestants before:...
And there’s not long to wait now until series 16 arrives. The new run of 10 episodes is confirmed to start airing weekly on Channel 4 and Channel4.com from Thursday September 21 at 9pm. That means – interruptions notwithstanding – the series finale should arrive on Thursday November 23, which is traditionally when the next line-up is announced.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The series 16 Taskmaster line-up comes first and back in June, was confirmed as comprising Julian Clary, Lucy Beaumont, Sue Perkins, Susan Wokoma and Sam Campbell.
Let’s have a quick refresher on where we’ve seen the series 16 contestants before:...
- 9/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains, well, would you call them spoilers? Anyway, those.
Taskmaster’s weekly prize task involves each contestant bringing in an item that responds to the same prompt (Most Powerful Smell/Best Chair/Most Important Document…) in the hope of winning the lot at the end of the episode. It’s the first task of every show, a chance for the comedians to land a punchline early doors, and points-wise, to bag what series 15 runner-up Ivo Graham might refer to as “a Sweet Five”.
All that time to plan the perfect response! What a boon for swots and “Be Prepared” types, you might think. Sometimes. And sometimes not. The capricious nature of the Taskmaster’s scoring logic often finds painstakingly honed prize task entries sent away with a single point while zero-thought efforts delivered with conviction sail off with the big money. And by big money, we mean framed photographs of Frankie Boyle’s children,...
Taskmaster’s weekly prize task involves each contestant bringing in an item that responds to the same prompt (Most Powerful Smell/Best Chair/Most Important Document…) in the hope of winning the lot at the end of the episode. It’s the first task of every show, a chance for the comedians to land a punchline early doors, and points-wise, to bag what series 15 runner-up Ivo Graham might refer to as “a Sweet Five”.
All that time to plan the perfect response! What a boon for swots and “Be Prepared” types, you might think. Sometimes. And sometimes not. The capricious nature of the Taskmaster’s scoring logic often finds painstakingly honed prize task entries sent away with a single point while zero-thought efforts delivered with conviction sail off with the big money. And by big money, we mean framed photographs of Frankie Boyle’s children,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
The theme of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, ‘United by Music,’ announced both the annual musical extravaganza’s all-embracing intentions and its status as a joint endeavor. With 2022 winners Ukraine unable to host in Kyiv due to the war, the U.K. – last year’s runners-up, thanks to Sam Ryder’s soaring “Space Man” – stepped in to reinstall this ever more spectacular circus (along with multiple Ukrainian creative personnel) in Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles. A declaration that this was to be the glitziest of collabs was served via a prologue that paired Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra, reworking last year’s winning entry “Stefania”, with the Princess of Wales, apparently providing piano accompaniment from within Windsor Castle. Soft power-a-go-go.
There was no President Zelenskyy address – ruled unduly political by the Eurovision mandarins, a decision that felt questionable even before Ukraine’s 2023 entry, Tvorchi’s “Heart of Steel,” implored “don’t...
There was no President Zelenskyy address – ruled unduly political by the Eurovision mandarins, a decision that felt questionable even before Ukraine’s 2023 entry, Tvorchi’s “Heart of Steel,” implored “don’t...
- 5/14/2023
- by Mike McCahill
- Variety Film + TV
Celebrating the talent behind-the-scenes the BAFTA Television Craft Awards 2023 in London honored House of the Dragon and This is Going to Hurt with each winning three trophies.
The Game of Thrones prequel won in three categories: Amanda Knight, Barrie Gower and Rosalia Culora for Make-Up & Hair Design; Alastair Sirkett, Doug Cooper, Martin Seeley, Paula Fairfield, Tim Hands and Adele Fletcher for Sound: Fiction; and Angus Bickerton, Nikeah Forde, Asa Shoul, Mike Dawson, Mpc and Pixomodo for Special, Visual & Graphic Effects.
Medical drama This is Going to Hurt also won in three categories: first-time winner Adam Kay won a BAFTA for Writer: Drama, for the series based upon his memoir as a junior doctor; Selina MacArthur, also a first-time winner, won for Editing Fiction; and Nina Gold and Martin Ware won for Scripted Casting.
The ceremony hosted by Mel Giedroyc featured celebrity guest presenters like Adil Ray, Adrian Lester, Charlene White,...
The Game of Thrones prequel won in three categories: Amanda Knight, Barrie Gower and Rosalia Culora for Make-Up & Hair Design; Alastair Sirkett, Doug Cooper, Martin Seeley, Paula Fairfield, Tim Hands and Adele Fletcher for Sound: Fiction; and Angus Bickerton, Nikeah Forde, Asa Shoul, Mike Dawson, Mpc and Pixomodo for Special, Visual & Graphic Effects.
Medical drama This is Going to Hurt also won in three categories: first-time winner Adam Kay won a BAFTA for Writer: Drama, for the series based upon his memoir as a junior doctor; Selina MacArthur, also a first-time winner, won for Editing Fiction; and Nina Gold and Martin Ware won for Scripted Casting.
The ceremony hosted by Mel Giedroyc featured celebrity guest presenters like Adil Ray, Adrian Lester, Charlene White,...
- 4/23/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
“Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon” and medical comedy-drama “This Is Going to Hurt” walked away with three awards each at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards on Sunday.
This year’s ceremony, which salutes behind-the-scenes talent, was hosted by former “Bake Off” judge Mel Giedroyc.
HBO’s “House of the Dragon” won for make-up and hair design; sound in fiction and special, visual and graphic effects.
Elsewhere, BBC’s “This is Going to Hurt” won in three categories, with prizes going to first-time winner Adam Kay for best writer in drama (Kay adapted his best-selling memoir for the TV show); Selina MacArthur, also a first-time winner, for editing in fiction; and Nina Gold and Martin Ware for scripted casting.
Winning two awards was the BBC’s “The State Funeral of Hm Queen Elizabeth II” which won for sound in factual and director for multi-camera.
BAFTA’s Emerging Talent:...
This year’s ceremony, which salutes behind-the-scenes talent, was hosted by former “Bake Off” judge Mel Giedroyc.
HBO’s “House of the Dragon” won for make-up and hair design; sound in fiction and special, visual and graphic effects.
Elsewhere, BBC’s “This is Going to Hurt” won in three categories, with prizes going to first-time winner Adam Kay for best writer in drama (Kay adapted his best-selling memoir for the TV show); Selina MacArthur, also a first-time winner, for editing in fiction; and Nina Gold and Martin Ware for scripted casting.
Winning two awards was the BBC’s “The State Funeral of Hm Queen Elizabeth II” which won for sound in factual and director for multi-camera.
BAFTA’s Emerging Talent:...
- 4/23/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Awards
Production head Alison Barnett has been unveiled as the recipient of this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Special Award in honor of her pioneering role as one of U.K. television’s first female head of productions.
Barnett, who has worked in television for forty years, is currently head of production at Kudos. She has worked on shows including “Doctor Who” and “The Rig.”
“I’m overwhelmed to receive this award from BAFTA,” said Barnett. “But mainly I’m delighted to receive it on behalf of all those unsung heroes who work in production offices throughout the television industry. This is a chance for them to be recognised today too.”
The BAFTA TV Craft Awards are set to take place on April 23 in London, with former “Great British Baking Show” presenter Mel Giedroyc hosting the ceremony.
Appointments
Katy Tallon has joined Fremantle as global sustainability manager. Her role will oversee entertainment,...
Production head Alison Barnett has been unveiled as the recipient of this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Special Award in honor of her pioneering role as one of U.K. television’s first female head of productions.
Barnett, who has worked in television for forty years, is currently head of production at Kudos. She has worked on shows including “Doctor Who” and “The Rig.”
“I’m overwhelmed to receive this award from BAFTA,” said Barnett. “But mainly I’m delighted to receive it on behalf of all those unsung heroes who work in production offices throughout the television industry. This is a chance for them to be recognised today too.”
The BAFTA TV Craft Awards are set to take place on April 23 in London, with former “Great British Baking Show” presenter Mel Giedroyc hosting the ceremony.
Appointments
Katy Tallon has joined Fremantle as global sustainability manager. Her role will oversee entertainment,...
- 4/12/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Rylan Clark will appear in a special Eurovision-themed episode of Radio 4 soap The Archers.
In an episode of the long-running radio show, Clark will stop by the fictional village of Ambridge on his way to Liverpool to judge the village’s Eurovision Variety Show.
The former X Factor star is part of this year’s Eurovision presenting team, and will be commentating on the semi-final shows alongside Scott Mills.
Clark said: “I’m looking forward to getting my wellies on and checking out what Eurovision excitement Ambridge’s residents have to offer as I pop into the iconic Archers.
“I’ve seen some drama throughout my time but nothing compares to what’s about to unfold in Ambridge.”
The episode will air on Friday 12 May, ahead of the Eurovision final in Liverpool on Saturday 13 May.
The Archers editor Jeremy Howe said: “We’re delighted to have Rylan stop over in...
In an episode of the long-running radio show, Clark will stop by the fictional village of Ambridge on his way to Liverpool to judge the village’s Eurovision Variety Show.
The former X Factor star is part of this year’s Eurovision presenting team, and will be commentating on the semi-final shows alongside Scott Mills.
Clark said: “I’m looking forward to getting my wellies on and checking out what Eurovision excitement Ambridge’s residents have to offer as I pop into the iconic Archers.
“I’ve seen some drama throughout my time but nothing compares to what’s about to unfold in Ambridge.”
The episode will air on Friday 12 May, ahead of the Eurovision final in Liverpool on Saturday 13 May.
The Archers editor Jeremy Howe said: “We’re delighted to have Rylan stop over in...
- 4/5/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The Great British Bake Off has become a beloved fan-favorite series over the past decade. Talented bakers from across the UK come together and compete in various challenges making delicious baked goods to be judged by a team of experts. The show’s hosts similarly hold a place in many fans’ hearts.
James Acaster | Lloyd Bishop/NBC ‘The Great British Bake Off’ is undergoing changes for its next season
Despite the popularity of The Great British Bake Off, its most recent season was panned by fans and critics alike. The thirteenth season, which aired in the fall of 2022, was criticized for difficult challenges and questionable choices, such as a Mexican-themed week complete with sombreros.
The Great British Bake Off executive producer Richard McKerrow reflected on season 13 in a February 2023 interview on The Media Podcast.
“I’d be the first to hold up our hands and say that I feel that...
James Acaster | Lloyd Bishop/NBC ‘The Great British Bake Off’ is undergoing changes for its next season
Despite the popularity of The Great British Bake Off, its most recent season was panned by fans and critics alike. The thirteenth season, which aired in the fall of 2022, was criticized for difficult challenges and questionable choices, such as a Mexican-themed week complete with sombreros.
The Great British Bake Off executive producer Richard McKerrow reflected on season 13 in a February 2023 interview on The Media Podcast.
“I’d be the first to hold up our hands and say that I feel that...
- 3/30/2023
- by Chris Malone
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
“Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham is set to host the Eurovision Song Contest final in May, it has been revealed.
Waddingham, who plays soccer club owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV drama, will host Eurovision alongside Graham Norton, “Britain’s Got Talent” judge Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.
Norton is the BBC’s longtime commentator of Eurovision and on the night of the Grande Finale in Liverpool will be alternating hosting duties with commentating. Mel Giedroyc will fill in in the commentary box when Norton is on stage.
Dixon started her career as a pop star in R&b group Mis-teeq before pivoting to television presenting following a stint on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Sanina is a singer and composer as well as frontwoman of rock band The Hardkiss.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the...
Waddingham, who plays soccer club owner Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV drama, will host Eurovision alongside Graham Norton, “Britain’s Got Talent” judge Alesha Dixon and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina.
Norton is the BBC’s longtime commentator of Eurovision and on the night of the Grande Finale in Liverpool will be alternating hosting duties with commentating. Mel Giedroyc will fill in in the commentary box when Norton is on stage.
Dixon started her career as a pop star in R&b group Mis-teeq before pivoting to television presenting following a stint on “Strictly Come Dancing.” Sanina is a singer and composer as well as frontwoman of rock band The Hardkiss.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the...
- 2/22/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham will present the BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest coverage later this year.
Waddingham is part of a presenting and commentary line-up including stalwarts Graham Norton and Rylan, Julia Sanina, Alesha Dixon, Timur Miroshnychenko, Sam Quek, Mel Giedroyc, Scott Mills and Claire Sweeney.
Miroshnychenko is a Ukrainian presenter, coming as the UK stepped in to host the awards that should have been in Ukraine. Ukrainian rap trio Kalush Orchestra won last year’s contest but cannot host due to the war so the UK is hosting in Liverpool as the nation came second.
Emmy winner Waddingham plays Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso and past credits include Sex Education and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage,...
Waddingham is part of a presenting and commentary line-up including stalwarts Graham Norton and Rylan, Julia Sanina, Alesha Dixon, Timur Miroshnychenko, Sam Quek, Mel Giedroyc, Scott Mills and Claire Sweeney.
Miroshnychenko is a Ukrainian presenter, coming as the UK stepped in to host the awards that should have been in Ukraine. Ukrainian rap trio Kalush Orchestra won last year’s contest but cannot host due to the war so the UK is hosting in Liverpool as the nation came second.
Emmy winner Waddingham plays Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+ comedy series Ted Lasso and past credits include Sex Education and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People.
“There’s something really special about Eurovision which is why I’ve been an avid fan for years – from the camaraderie of all the acts backstage,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s time to get our guessing on, as The Masked Singer is back for another season.
Thirteen mystery celebrities have signed up to sing in wild and wonderful disguises, while the audience try to figure out who’s behind the mask.
Like the previous seasons, Joel Dommett takes on presenting duties, while Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross make up the judging panel.
In the season’s opening episode (Sunday 1 January), Chris Kamara was revealed to be behind the Ghost costume and was the first eliminee.
Meanwhile, contestants Otter, Jellyfish, Cat and Mouse, Phoenix and Knitting progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Since they’ve already given one performance, these characters have provided the judges and viewers with the first hints as to who they really are. But who is Otter?
Who is Otter?
In the video clue package, Otter spoke to the audience from a swimming pool,...
Thirteen mystery celebrities have signed up to sing in wild and wonderful disguises, while the audience try to figure out who’s behind the mask.
Like the previous seasons, Joel Dommett takes on presenting duties, while Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross make up the judging panel.
In the season’s opening episode (Sunday 1 January), Chris Kamara was revealed to be behind the Ghost costume and was the first eliminee.
Meanwhile, contestants Otter, Jellyfish, Cat and Mouse, Phoenix and Knitting progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Since they’ve already given one performance, these characters have provided the judges and viewers with the first hints as to who they really are. But who is Otter?
Who is Otter?
In the video clue package, Otter spoke to the audience from a swimming pool,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Get out your magnifying glasses and dust off that notebook, because The Masked Singer is back to turn a nation of viewers into sofa detectives.
Helmed once again by comedian Joel Dommett, the unique competition shows 13 mystery celebrities singing familiar tunes on stage, while dressed up in a costume obscuring who they really are.
Guessing along with the in-studio audience and the viewers at home are the judges: Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross.
In the season’s first episode on New Year’s Day, Ghost was eliminated and was later revealed to be football star Chris Kamara.
Still, there’s a long season ahead, with plenty more costumes to be unmasked. Here’s a guide to the clues and guesses so far.
Who is Otter?
Otter first appeared in episode one with a passionate performance of Jimi Jamison’s “I’m Always Here” – also known as the Baywatch theme tune.
Helmed once again by comedian Joel Dommett, the unique competition shows 13 mystery celebrities singing familiar tunes on stage, while dressed up in a costume obscuring who they really are.
Guessing along with the in-studio audience and the viewers at home are the judges: Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross.
In the season’s first episode on New Year’s Day, Ghost was eliminated and was later revealed to be football star Chris Kamara.
Still, there’s a long season ahead, with plenty more costumes to be unmasked. Here’s a guide to the clues and guesses so far.
Who is Otter?
Otter first appeared in episode one with a passionate performance of Jimi Jamison’s “I’m Always Here” – also known as the Baywatch theme tune.
- 1/14/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
It’s time to get our guessing on, as The Masked Singer is back for another season.
Thirteen mystery celebrities have signed up to sing in wild and wonderful disguises, while the audience try to figure out who’s behind the mask.
Like the previous seasons, Joel Dommett takes on presenting duties, while Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross make up the judging panel.
In the season’s opening episode (Sunday 1 January), Chris Kamara was revealed to be behind the Ghost costume and was the first eliminee.
Meanwhile, contestants Otter, Jellyfish, Cat and Mouse, Phoenix and Knitting progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Since they’ve already given one performance, these characters have provided the judges and viewers with the first hints as to who they really are. But who is Otter?
Who is Otter?
In the video clue package, Otter spoke to the audience from a swimming pool,...
Thirteen mystery celebrities have signed up to sing in wild and wonderful disguises, while the audience try to figure out who’s behind the mask.
Like the previous seasons, Joel Dommett takes on presenting duties, while Mo Gilligan, Davina McCall, Rita Ora and Jonathan Ross make up the judging panel.
In the season’s opening episode (Sunday 1 January), Chris Kamara was revealed to be behind the Ghost costume and was the first eliminee.
Meanwhile, contestants Otter, Jellyfish, Cat and Mouse, Phoenix and Knitting progressed to the next stage of the competition.
Since they’ve already given one performance, these characters have provided the judges and viewers with the first hints as to who they really are. But who is Otter?
Who is Otter?
In the video clue package, Otter spoke to the audience from a swimming pool,...
- 1/14/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Sugar and flour-dusted friends, all is not well in the world of baking. Like Ian Watters' Baked Alaska sailing into the bin in 2014, a host for "The Great British Baking Show" (aka "The Great British Bake Off" in the U.K.) is leaving the tent. Matt Lucas, who has appeared alongside co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith for three seasons, is leaving the reality series.
Lucas posted the news on Twitter (via TV Line) saying:
"xxx Farewell Bake Off! It's been a delicious experience and I can't imagine a more fun way of spending my summers, but it's become clear to me that I can't present both 'Fantasy Football League' and 'Bake Off' alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else. I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone...
Lucas posted the news on Twitter (via TV Line) saying:
"xxx Farewell Bake Off! It's been a delicious experience and I can't imagine a more fun way of spending my summers, but it's become clear to me that I can't present both 'Fantasy Football League' and 'Bake Off' alongside all my other projects. So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else. I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone...
- 12/6/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
“Bake Off” is losing one of the ingredients in its recipe. Matt Lucas, who hosted the British baking competition series for three series, announced December 6 that the recently concluded 13th series will be his last.
“Farewell Bake Off!” Lucas said in a statement posted to Instagram. “It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers, but it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both ‘Fantasy Football League’ and ‘Bake Off’ alongside all my other projects. After three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing on the baguette on to someone else.”
Best known for creating the BBC sketch comedy series “Little Britain,” Lucas joined the show as co-host to Noel Fielding for its 11th series, following the departure of Sandi Toksvig. Fielding and Toksvig took over hosting duties on the famously wholesome competition series during Series...
“Farewell Bake Off!” Lucas said in a statement posted to Instagram. “It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way of spending my summers, but it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both ‘Fantasy Football League’ and ‘Bake Off’ alongside all my other projects. After three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing on the baguette on to someone else.”
Best known for creating the BBC sketch comedy series “Little Britain,” Lucas joined the show as co-host to Noel Fielding for its 11th series, following the departure of Sandi Toksvig. Fielding and Toksvig took over hosting duties on the famously wholesome competition series during Series...
- 12/6/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
The Great British Baking Show will have to cook up another new co-host: Matt Lucas, who has hosted the Netflix baking competition for the past three seasons, has announced he’s leaving the show.
“Farewell Bake Off!” Lucas wrote in a statement on Twitter. (The series is titled The Great British Bake Off in the UK.) “It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way to spend my summers, but it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So,...
“Farewell Bake Off!” Lucas wrote in a statement on Twitter. (The series is titled The Great British Bake Off in the UK.) “It’s been a delicious experience and I can’t imagine a more fun way to spend my summers, but it’s become clear to me that I can’t present both Fantasy Football League and Bake Off alongside all my other projects. So,...
- 12/6/2022
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Children in Need returned to BBC One on Friday (18 November) for another night full of entertainment to raise money for young people across the country.
During the show, Ncuti Gatwa’s new companion on Doctor Who was revealed.
Fans also enjoyed an appearance from England men’s team footballer Mason Mount and a performance from singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.
Other highlights include Romesh Ranganathan hosting a special version of the iconic quiz game show The Weakest Link, with a twist, and a group of celebrities took on Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair.
Read below for X of the biggest talking points from the night.
Doctor Who’s new companion was announced
In the build-up to the show, it was announced that Doctor Who’s next assistant would be unveiled during the broadcast.
Saving the big reveal till late on, host Mel Giedroyc conjured up a tardis using the Doctor’s...
During the show, Ncuti Gatwa’s new companion on Doctor Who was revealed.
Fans also enjoyed an appearance from England men’s team footballer Mason Mount and a performance from singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.
Other highlights include Romesh Ranganathan hosting a special version of the iconic quiz game show The Weakest Link, with a twist, and a group of celebrities took on Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair.
Read below for X of the biggest talking points from the night.
Doctor Who’s new companion was announced
In the build-up to the show, it was announced that Doctor Who’s next assistant would be unveiled during the broadcast.
Saving the big reveal till late on, host Mel Giedroyc conjured up a tardis using the Doctor’s...
- 11/19/2022
- by Ellie Harrison and Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
It’s official, Millie Gibson is the new Doctor Who companion who’ll be travelling through space and time with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in Series 14. The 18-year-old actor is best known for playing the role of series regular Kelly Neelan in ITV soap Coronation Street, and if you want to feel old, was born just one year before the sci-fi show returned to television in 2005. She’ll be playing a character called Ruby Sunday.
The announcement was made live on the BBC’s Children in Need charity fundraising show, after a host of comedy skits and real-life stories, and the ever-brilliant Mel Giedroyc performing a bespoke dance to the Doctor Who theme music (the lyrics are “zonga zonga” now. It’s official.)
As a young soap actor Gibson follows in the footsteps of Jenna Coleman, who got her start in Emmerdale before becoming Clara Oswald and kick-starting a solid dramatic career.
The announcement was made live on the BBC’s Children in Need charity fundraising show, after a host of comedy skits and real-life stories, and the ever-brilliant Mel Giedroyc performing a bespoke dance to the Doctor Who theme music (the lyrics are “zonga zonga” now. It’s official.)
As a young soap actor Gibson follows in the footsteps of Jenna Coleman, who got her start in Emmerdale before becoming Clara Oswald and kick-starting a solid dramatic career.
- 11/18/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Doctor Who’s brand new companion will be unveiled tonight during Children in Need.
The character will debut during the televised charity event, which will be broadcast on Friday (18 November).
It is currently unknown who will play the role, but whoever it is will be joining he series alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed returning star David Tennant as the Time Lord.
Tennant will return as the Doctor for three episodes in November 2023 alongside former companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney will also feature in the specials.
The return of Tennant came at the end of Jodie Whittaker’s final outing, which was broadcast last month.
Gatwa’s first Doctor Who episode will air over the Christmas period in 2023.
This year’s Children in Need, which helps to raise money to provide frontline support to children and young people across the UK, will be hosted by Ade Adepitan MBE,...
The character will debut during the televised charity event, which will be broadcast on Friday (18 November).
It is currently unknown who will play the role, but whoever it is will be joining he series alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed returning star David Tennant as the Time Lord.
Tennant will return as the Doctor for three episodes in November 2023 alongside former companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney will also feature in the specials.
The return of Tennant came at the end of Jodie Whittaker’s final outing, which was broadcast last month.
Gatwa’s first Doctor Who episode will air over the Christmas period in 2023.
This year’s Children in Need, which helps to raise money to provide frontline support to children and young people across the UK, will be hosted by Ade Adepitan MBE,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
BBC’s Children in Need is back for another year to raise money for children and young people across the UK.
The 2022 event, according to the BBC, will be “jam-packed with exclusive sketches, exciting performances, music, dance and a few Big surprises”.
During the show, Ncuti Gatwa’s new companion on Doctor Who will be unveiled.
Read below for more information about Children in Need 2022, including who’s hosting, guest performances, appeal night highlights and how to donate.
Who’s hosting and what time will it air?
This year’s show will welcome back Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott MBE as returning hosts. They will be joined by first-time host comedian Jason Manford.
Children in Need 2022 will broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford on Friday 18 November, and will be broadcast from 7-10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Guest musical performances
Viewers can expect to...
The 2022 event, according to the BBC, will be “jam-packed with exclusive sketches, exciting performances, music, dance and a few Big surprises”.
During the show, Ncuti Gatwa’s new companion on Doctor Who will be unveiled.
Read below for more information about Children in Need 2022, including who’s hosting, guest performances, appeal night highlights and how to donate.
Who’s hosting and what time will it air?
This year’s show will welcome back Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott MBE as returning hosts. They will be joined by first-time host comedian Jason Manford.
Children in Need 2022 will broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford on Friday 18 November, and will be broadcast from 7-10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Guest musical performances
Viewers can expect to...
- 11/14/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
At the beginning of every Taskmaster series, the contestants know that they can only wear one outfit for all the task filming, for continuity purposes. So what would you pick? Stepping into the unknown, with all manner of physical and mental trials and tribulations ahead, the sensible bet would be… well, something sensible.
And yet, series after series, we see contestants don the most ridiculous getup to take them through their Taskmaster journeys, including a dressing gown, a safari suit, and an Evil Knievel helmet. And series 14 is no different: three of the contestants – Munya Chawawa, Fern Brady and Dara O’Briain – are sporting particularly impressive themed jumpsuits.
The question is: does a special outfit give contestants special powers? The edge over the competition, even? Let’s crunch the numbers.
Tim Key: 1980s-style tracksuit and headband over a shirt and tie (Series 1) Series rank: fourth
Okay, so we’re off to a bad start.
And yet, series after series, we see contestants don the most ridiculous getup to take them through their Taskmaster journeys, including a dressing gown, a safari suit, and an Evil Knievel helmet. And series 14 is no different: three of the contestants – Munya Chawawa, Fern Brady and Dara O’Briain – are sporting particularly impressive themed jumpsuits.
The question is: does a special outfit give contestants special powers? The edge over the competition, even? Let’s crunch the numbers.
Tim Key: 1980s-style tracksuit and headband over a shirt and tie (Series 1) Series rank: fourth
Okay, so we’re off to a bad start.
- 10/6/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Commission
Former “The Great British Bake-Off” host Mel Giedroyc is set to present a raunchy new show for Channel 4 featuring celebrities and puppets.
In each 30-minute episode of “The Really Really Rude Puppet Show,” Giedroyc will invite a different celebrity to read some erotic fan fiction written by viewers in which the celebrity is the protagonist – Giedroyc and her guest will then act out and voice the entire story with puppets.
“This is going to be a celebration of erotic fan fiction. With puppets,” Giedroyc said in a statement. “Imagine a world where Jackie Collins meets Thunderbirds. I’m so looking forward to a trip to Love Island… via Tracy Island.”
The show has been given a six episode order for Channel 4 and All 4 by senior commissioning editor for factual entertainment Vivienne Molokwu. Banijay U.K.-owned Rdf Television will produce while Maia Liddell, head of popular factual, will...
Former “The Great British Bake-Off” host Mel Giedroyc is set to present a raunchy new show for Channel 4 featuring celebrities and puppets.
In each 30-minute episode of “The Really Really Rude Puppet Show,” Giedroyc will invite a different celebrity to read some erotic fan fiction written by viewers in which the celebrity is the protagonist – Giedroyc and her guest will then act out and voice the entire story with puppets.
“This is going to be a celebration of erotic fan fiction. With puppets,” Giedroyc said in a statement. “Imagine a world where Jackie Collins meets Thunderbirds. I’m so looking forward to a trip to Love Island… via Tracy Island.”
The show has been given a six episode order for Channel 4 and All 4 by senior commissioning editor for factual entertainment Vivienne Molokwu. Banijay U.K.-owned Rdf Television will produce while Maia Liddell, head of popular factual, will...
- 6/24/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 and Peacock’s “We Are Lady Parts” and Sky Atlantic and HBO Max’s “Landscapers” led the 2022 British Academy Television Craft Awards with three wins each.
“We Are Lady Parts,” a musical comedy about a Muslim female punk band, won writer – comedy for creator Nida Manzoor; PC Williams won for costume design and Aisha Bywaters won for scripted casting.
“Landscapers,” inspired by the story of a couple whose crime of killing her parents remained undiscovered for over a decade, won original music for Arthur Sharpe; photography and lighting; fiction for Erik Wilson; and production design for Cristina Casali, Robert Wischhusen-Hayes and Fabrice Spelta.
“It’s A Sin,” the 1980s set Channel 4 drama about five friends living in the shadow of AIDS, won director – fiction for Peter Hoar and editing: fiction for Sarah Brewerton. Kayleigh Llewellyn won writer – drama for the BBC’s “In My Skin.”
The TV Craft Special Award was presented to TripleC,...
“We Are Lady Parts,” a musical comedy about a Muslim female punk band, won writer – comedy for creator Nida Manzoor; PC Williams won for costume design and Aisha Bywaters won for scripted casting.
“Landscapers,” inspired by the story of a couple whose crime of killing her parents remained undiscovered for over a decade, won original music for Arthur Sharpe; photography and lighting; fiction for Erik Wilson; and production design for Cristina Casali, Robert Wischhusen-Hayes and Fabrice Spelta.
“It’s A Sin,” the 1980s set Channel 4 drama about five friends living in the shadow of AIDS, won director – fiction for Peter Hoar and editing: fiction for Sarah Brewerton. Kayleigh Llewellyn won writer – drama for the BBC’s “In My Skin.”
The TV Craft Special Award was presented to TripleC,...
- 4/24/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Awards
TripleC, a gateway organization that helps deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse people access the arts and media, will receive a BAFTA TV Craft Special Award during the British Academy Television Craft Awards. Actor Cherylee Houston (“Coronation Street”) founded TripleC and with a group of friends including Melissa Johns (“Grantchester”), they have built a platform for making the creative screen industry more inclusive.
Johns and Houston said: “When we set up this organization five years ago, we were just a group of disabled and non-disabled creatives coming together to see if we could make a change. I don’t think we ever knew the size of impact that that seed of an organization would have on the lives of so many deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent creatives. The recognition from BAFTA will support our drive for change and help ensure accessibility and inclusivity is high up on every agenda.”
Sara Putt,...
TripleC, a gateway organization that helps deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse people access the arts and media, will receive a BAFTA TV Craft Special Award during the British Academy Television Craft Awards. Actor Cherylee Houston (“Coronation Street”) founded TripleC and with a group of friends including Melissa Johns (“Grantchester”), they have built a platform for making the creative screen industry more inclusive.
Johns and Houston said: “When we set up this organization five years ago, we were just a group of disabled and non-disabled creatives coming together to see if we could make a change. I don’t think we ever knew the size of impact that that seed of an organization would have on the lives of so many deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent creatives. The recognition from BAFTA will support our drive for change and help ensure accessibility and inclusivity is high up on every agenda.”
Sara Putt,...
- 4/20/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Britain’s Vertigo Films And Germany’s SquareOne Productions Team For Supernatural Drag Drama ‘Vamping’ British producer Vertigo Films and Germany’s SquareOne Productions, who collaborated on the successful StreetDance film franchise, are making a supernatural drama set in Berlin’s drag community. Vamping will run to eight parts and be aimed at young adults. It will follow a vampire community in the hedonistic, nocturnal LGBTQ+ club culture of Germany’s capital city through the eyes of young British performer Everett, who wakes up after a heavy night of celebratory partying to learn he has become a vampire. Matthew Jacobs Morgan (The Rig) – named as a rising star by Deadline last year – created the show, working alongside German multi-disciplinary artist and screenwriter Sophie-Yukiko Hasters, who is a central figure in Berlin’s Qtpoc (queer and trans person of color) community. SquareOne founder Al Munteanu and Vertigo co-founder Allan Niblo are...
- 4/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Russell T Davies’ It’s a Sin has been nominated six times for the UK’s prestigious Broadcasting Press Guild (Bpg) Awards next month, with Jeremy Clarkson, Olivia Colman and Stephen Graham also picking up nods.
Leads Olly Alexander, Callum Scott Howells and Lydia West are nominated in Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for the Channel 4/HBO Max drama, with Davies recognized in Best Writer, the show itself picking up a Best Drama Series (+4 episodes) nod and the quartet of young residents of the show’s ‘Pink Palace’ competing for the Bpg Breakthrough Award alongside Starstruck’s Rose Matefeo and We Are Lady Parts’ Nida Manzoor.
It’s a Sin, which follows LGBTQ+ characters during the UK’s 1980s Aids epidemic and is produced by Red Production Company, has already been recognized at a raft of awards ceremonies.
The five-parter will compete in the Best Drama Series (+4 episodes) category...
Leads Olly Alexander, Callum Scott Howells and Lydia West are nominated in Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for the Channel 4/HBO Max drama, with Davies recognized in Best Writer, the show itself picking up a Best Drama Series (+4 episodes) nod and the quartet of young residents of the show’s ‘Pink Palace’ competing for the Bpg Breakthrough Award alongside Starstruck’s Rose Matefeo and We Are Lady Parts’ Nida Manzoor.
It’s a Sin, which follows LGBTQ+ characters during the UK’s 1980s Aids epidemic and is produced by Red Production Company, has already been recognized at a raft of awards ceremonies.
The five-parter will compete in the Best Drama Series (+4 episodes) category...
- 2/24/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Hostile Planet and Tiny World producer Plimsoll Productions is taking its Channel 4 carpentry format Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker to the U.S. as Channel 4 issues a rare double season order.
Discovery+ holds streaming rights in North America for the finished tape version of the UK show and Plimsoll will pitch the format as Handmade: Good With Wood to broadcast, premium cable and streaming platforms in the coming months. The format has been optioned in Germany and the program rights have been pre-sold into multiple territories worldwide from Australia to Canada, with Fremantle holding format production rights in more than 20 non-u.S. territories including Spain, Italy, France, Scandinavia and Israel
Hosted by Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc, the show, which Plimsoll said drew the highest audience for a Channel 4 launch in a primetime slot in more than four years, challenges woodworking enthusiasts to create ambitious builds. Located in a woodland setting,...
Discovery+ holds streaming rights in North America for the finished tape version of the UK show and Plimsoll will pitch the format as Handmade: Good With Wood to broadcast, premium cable and streaming platforms in the coming months. The format has been optioned in Germany and the program rights have been pre-sold into multiple territories worldwide from Australia to Canada, with Fremantle holding format production rights in more than 20 non-u.S. territories including Spain, Italy, France, Scandinavia and Israel
Hosted by Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc, the show, which Plimsoll said drew the highest audience for a Channel 4 launch in a primetime slot in more than four years, challenges woodworking enthusiasts to create ambitious builds. Located in a woodland setting,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Spoiler Warning: Do not read this story unless you’ve seen the “Great British Bake Off” season finale. Major spoilers are ahead.
“The Great British Bake-Off” nabbed a sizeable slice of the U.K. audience share on Tuesday evening with its final episode of the season.
At its peak, 6.9 million viewers tuned in to see the final on Channel 4, amounting to a 37% audience share, according to Overnights.TV. The average was 5.6 million viewers, which represented a 30.4% of the audience share.
During the Season 12 finale — which airs Nov. 26 in the U.S. on Netflix — star bakers Chigs Parmar, Crystelle Pereira and Giuseppe Dell’Anno battled it out for the top title with a brief of making food for a Mad Hatter’s tea party.
The final was particularly tense after Jürgen Krauss, one of the favorites to win the show, was knocked out in the semi-finals.
Bristol-based Italian Dell’Anno...
“The Great British Bake-Off” nabbed a sizeable slice of the U.K. audience share on Tuesday evening with its final episode of the season.
At its peak, 6.9 million viewers tuned in to see the final on Channel 4, amounting to a 37% audience share, according to Overnights.TV. The average was 5.6 million viewers, which represented a 30.4% of the audience share.
During the Season 12 finale — which airs Nov. 26 in the U.S. on Netflix — star bakers Chigs Parmar, Crystelle Pereira and Giuseppe Dell’Anno battled it out for the top title with a brief of making food for a Mad Hatter’s tea party.
The final was particularly tense after Jürgen Krauss, one of the favorites to win the show, was knocked out in the semi-finals.
Bristol-based Italian Dell’Anno...
- 11/24/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Great British Bake Off” is set to remain on Channel 4 for at least another three years, the broadcaster confirmed today, after it re-upped its deal with Love Productions.
The new agreement will run until 2024.
The show is one of Channel 4’s biggest hits. The 2020 “Bake Off” final attracted 11.5 million viewers, a 41.8% share of the viewing audience, while this year’s season is the biggest first run unscripted series on its streaming app All 4.
This year’s season, its twelfth, launched in September and is averaging 8.7 million viewers per episode, beaten only by the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing as the most watched unscripted show of the year.
The deal between Love Productions, a Sky Studios company, and Channel 4 also includes “Bake Off: An Extra Slice,” “Junior Bake Off,” “Bake Off: The Professionals,” “The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer” and “The Great Pottery Throw Down.
The new agreement will run until 2024.
The show is one of Channel 4’s biggest hits. The 2020 “Bake Off” final attracted 11.5 million viewers, a 41.8% share of the viewing audience, while this year’s season is the biggest first run unscripted series on its streaming app All 4.
This year’s season, its twelfth, launched in September and is averaging 8.7 million viewers per episode, beaten only by the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing as the most watched unscripted show of the year.
The deal between Love Productions, a Sky Studios company, and Channel 4 also includes “Bake Off: An Extra Slice,” “Junior Bake Off,” “Bake Off: The Professionals,” “The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer” and “The Great Pottery Throw Down.
- 11/12/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Baking is magical, the perfect blend of science and artistry, a sterling example of needing to learn the rules of the game before you can begin to break them. But even then, baking has the malleability to allow for changes to be made and substitutions to be introduced. Baking’s beauty comes in its ability to remain timeless, even as it evolves, always remaining itself no matter which of its aspects might change.
So what exactly has gone so wrong with “The Great British Baking Show”?
Since “The Great British Baking Show” née “The Great British Bake Off” first made the transatlantic trip to Stateside airwaves on PBS in 2014, Americans have been soothed by the gentle accents, light-hearted japes, and all around warm embrace of the series, dedicated to finding the best amateur bakers the United Kingdom had to offer.
“Bake Off” was nicecore before nicecore was nicecore and no...
So what exactly has gone so wrong with “The Great British Baking Show”?
Since “The Great British Baking Show” née “The Great British Bake Off” first made the transatlantic trip to Stateside airwaves on PBS in 2014, Americans have been soothed by the gentle accents, light-hearted japes, and all around warm embrace of the series, dedicated to finding the best amateur bakers the United Kingdom had to offer.
“Bake Off” was nicecore before nicecore was nicecore and no...
- 10/29/2021
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Grayson Perry, Richard Ayoade and Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc are to cycle around the UK with comedian David O’Doherty in a Banijay-owned 8 Out of 10 Cats producer Zeppotron format for Channel 4.
O’Doherty, who created and is exec producing the four-parter, will be paired with a different celebrity each week in The Ride (working title), journeying along cycling routes in Wales, Suffolk and Kent, chatting and laughing along the way with his guests.
The show is the latest for Channel 4 to be co-produced by Motion Content Group, which is partnering with it on its Contestable Pot 2022 for unscripted shows.
Well-known UK comedian O’Doherty is exec producing alongside Ruth Phillips, Peter Holmes and Martin Oxley. Sarah Lazenby and Jonny Rothery are Channel 4 commissioners and distributor Banijay Rights is representing in the international market.
Zeppotron produces the likes of long-running C4 quiz format 8 Out of 10 Cats and BBC...
O’Doherty, who created and is exec producing the four-parter, will be paired with a different celebrity each week in The Ride (working title), journeying along cycling routes in Wales, Suffolk and Kent, chatting and laughing along the way with his guests.
The show is the latest for Channel 4 to be co-produced by Motion Content Group, which is partnering with it on its Contestable Pot 2022 for unscripted shows.
Well-known UK comedian O’Doherty is exec producing alongside Ruth Phillips, Peter Holmes and Martin Oxley. Sarah Lazenby and Jonny Rothery are Channel 4 commissioners and distributor Banijay Rights is representing in the international market.
Zeppotron produces the likes of long-running C4 quiz format 8 Out of 10 Cats and BBC...
- 10/22/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery+ has picked up North American streaming rights for Hostile Planet producer Plimsoll Productions’ Handmade: Good With Wood format.
The deal was struck by Andrea Jackson’s distributor Magnify Media, which became fully owned by Plimsoll last year.
Good With Wood launches on UK network Channel 4 on Thursday as Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker and is hosted by Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, who puts talented woodworkers to the test to create the most beautiful and ambitious builds.
Fremantle acquired the format production rights earlier this year in more than 20 territories and the format has additionally been optioned in Germany, while program rights have been pre-sold to the likes of Australia and Canada.
Jackson said: “The incredible global pre-sale of Handmade: Good with Wood underscores both a significant appetite for premium unscripted content and an exciting trend to have streamers acquire UK factual series.”...
The deal was struck by Andrea Jackson’s distributor Magnify Media, which became fully owned by Plimsoll last year.
Good With Wood launches on UK network Channel 4 on Thursday as Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker and is hosted by Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc, who puts talented woodworkers to the test to create the most beautiful and ambitious builds.
Fremantle acquired the format production rights earlier this year in more than 20 territories and the format has additionally been optioned in Germany, while program rights have been pre-sold to the likes of Australia and Canada.
Jackson said: “The incredible global pre-sale of Handmade: Good with Wood underscores both a significant appetite for premium unscripted content and an exciting trend to have streamers acquire UK factual series.”...
- 10/19/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The latest season of Channel 4’s “The Great British Bake-Off” has gone down like a deflated soufflé with U.K. viewers.
Season 12 launched on Tuesday night with an audience of only 5.7 million — its lowest ratings yet since moving from BBC to Channel 4, industry outlet Broadcast reported.
It marks a dramatic decline even from last year, when the show’s season 11 finale set records for Channel 4 with an average audience of 9.2 million viewers, making it the highest-rated Channel 4 show since records began in 2002.
The latest season will air in the U.S. on Netflix on Sept. 24.
Tuesday evening’s numbers were not helped by the fact that some viewers trying to watch the episode online were met with a “technical error” on the Channel 4 streaming platform All4.
No @BritishBakeOff for me tonight! Thanks @All4 sort it out for next week or in a few hours for catch up! #Gbbo #nospoilers pic.
Season 12 launched on Tuesday night with an audience of only 5.7 million — its lowest ratings yet since moving from BBC to Channel 4, industry outlet Broadcast reported.
It marks a dramatic decline even from last year, when the show’s season 11 finale set records for Channel 4 with an average audience of 9.2 million viewers, making it the highest-rated Channel 4 show since records began in 2002.
The latest season will air in the U.S. on Netflix on Sept. 24.
Tuesday evening’s numbers were not helped by the fact that some viewers trying to watch the episode online were met with a “technical error” on the Channel 4 streaming platform All4.
No @BritishBakeOff for me tonight! Thanks @All4 sort it out for next week or in a few hours for catch up! #Gbbo #nospoilers pic.
- 9/22/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
2020 in British TV comedy brought us Maisie Williams as a kickass survivalist in a pickle, and a new parenting comedy from the hugely talented Simon Blackwell and Chris Addison starring Martin Freeman.
To add to that, there was also a fresh batch of comedians playing exaggerated versions of themselves in self-penned sitcoms, including Katherine Ryan, Mae Martin, Sara Pascoe, Kayleigh Llewellyn, Lucy Beaumont and Jon Richardson.
Here’s the skinny on all those new shows and more. Here’s what arrived in 2019, and here are the new British TV dramas that arrived in 2020.
Breeders
After their excellent 2014 relationship comedy Trying Again, Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell teamed up on a new series, this time about the trials of parenthood. Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard played parents in this ten-part half-hour comedy, a co-production between Sky in the UK and FX in the US. Watch the first trailer here.
Bumps
Available...
To add to that, there was also a fresh batch of comedians playing exaggerated versions of themselves in self-penned sitcoms, including Katherine Ryan, Mae Martin, Sara Pascoe, Kayleigh Llewellyn, Lucy Beaumont and Jon Richardson.
Here’s the skinny on all those new shows and more. Here’s what arrived in 2019, and here are the new British TV dramas that arrived in 2020.
Breeders
After their excellent 2014 relationship comedy Trying Again, Chris Addison and Simon Blackwell teamed up on a new series, this time about the trials of parenthood. Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard played parents in this ten-part half-hour comedy, a co-production between Sky in the UK and FX in the US. Watch the first trailer here.
Bumps
Available...
- 1/12/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
With Covid-19 percolating across the United States and much of the country on lockdown, there’s never been a better time to hunker down at home and partake of TV series befitting the entire family — whether that involves kids, parents or even pets. The following shows have a little something for everyone, whether it’s food (“MasterChef Junior”) acrobatic flips (“American Ninja Warrior”) or characters from the iconic and beloved “Star Wars” franchise.
“American Ninja Warrior”
(NBC)
The show’s mixture of amazing athletic feats and hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila’s infectious enthusiasm has inspired fans of all ages to construct outdoor obstacle courses, imitating their favorite Ninjas. One strength of the show is the way it showcases the stories of the competitors, allowing the viewers to form a bond that, over the years, has become a community. This season, because of the Covid protocols, “Anw” chose the...
“American Ninja Warrior”
(NBC)
The show’s mixture of amazing athletic feats and hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila’s infectious enthusiasm has inspired fans of all ages to construct outdoor obstacle courses, imitating their favorite Ninjas. One strength of the show is the way it showcases the stories of the competitors, allowing the viewers to form a bond that, over the years, has become a community. This season, because of the Covid protocols, “Anw” chose the...
- 11/25/2020
- by Shalini Dore, Carole Horst and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
On the “Great British Bake Off,” a group of amateur bakers compete against each other in a series of rounds: signature dish, technical challenge and showstopper. At the end of each episode, the judges decide on both the star baker and the contestant who will be sent home. The final is between the last three bakers still standing by their ovens. Scroll through the “Great British Bake Off” winners below to see: who came in first in each series; who placed second and third; and what were the final signature, technical and showstopper dishes of the champion.
The first four series of “The Great British Bake Off” aired on BBC Two, the next three were on BBC One, and from series eight on it has been on Channel 4. When “Gbbo” moved to Channel 4, hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc as well as judge Mary Berry decided to leave the show.
The first four series of “The Great British Bake Off” aired on BBC Two, the next three were on BBC One, and from series eight on it has been on Channel 4. When “Gbbo” moved to Channel 4, hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc as well as judge Mary Berry decided to leave the show.
- 11/25/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
On “Great British Bake Off” a group of amateur bakers compete against each other in a series of rounds: signature dish, technical challenge and showstopper. At the end of each episode, the judges decide on both the star baker and the contestant who will be sent home. The final is between the last three bakers still standing by their ovens. Scroll through the “Great British Bake Off” winners above to see: who came in first in each series; who placed second and third; and what were the final signature, technical and showstopper dishes of the champion.
The first four series of “The Great British Bake Off” aired on BBC Two, the next three were on BBC One, and from series eight on it has been on Channel 4. When “Gbbo” moved to Channel 4, hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc as well as judge Mary Berry decided to leave the show.
The first four series of “The Great British Bake Off” aired on BBC Two, the next three were on BBC One, and from series eight on it has been on Channel 4. When “Gbbo” moved to Channel 4, hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc as well as judge Mary Berry decided to leave the show.
- 9/22/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
There may not be new Outlander episodes for a while, but there’s still fresh content coming your way: A four-part thematic conversation series will launch beginning this Sunday, Aug. 23, on the Outlander Collector Facebook page in advance of the upcoming Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release, our sister site Deadline reports.
The planned installments include “Book Corner With Diana Gabaldon and Maril Davis” (on Aug. 23), featuring a tease about the upcoming ninth book; “A Taste of Outlander” (Aug. 30), in which cast members Lauren Lyle (Marsali) and John Bell (Young Ian) learn to make a historically-inspired dish of fish and chips...
The planned installments include “Book Corner With Diana Gabaldon and Maril Davis” (on Aug. 23), featuring a tease about the upcoming ninth book; “A Taste of Outlander” (Aug. 30), in which cast members Lauren Lyle (Marsali) and John Bell (Young Ian) learn to make a historically-inspired dish of fish and chips...
- 8/20/2020
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Hitmen, the scripted comedy vehicle for Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, has been renewed for a second season by Comcast-owned broadcaster Sky. NBCUniversal’s Peacock has also committed to acquiring Season 2 in the U.S. after it streamed Season 1.
Produced by Banijay’s Tiger Aspect, Hitmen is about two friends Fran (Perkins) and Jamie (Giedroyc) trying to make their way in the world with only each other to rely on. They also just happen to be assassins.
The second season, created and written by Joe Parham and Joe Markham, will see a new friend create a rift between Fran and Jamie, ultimately jeopardizing their double act.
Tiger Aspect produces in association with Sky Studios. Myfanwy Moore, Siobhan Bachman, Morwenna Gordon and Tilusha Ghelani executive produce. The commissioners are Zai Bennett, Sky UK’s managing director content, and Jon Mountague, Sky Studios’ director of comedy. NBCU Global Distribution handles international sales.
Produced by Banijay’s Tiger Aspect, Hitmen is about two friends Fran (Perkins) and Jamie (Giedroyc) trying to make their way in the world with only each other to rely on. They also just happen to be assassins.
The second season, created and written by Joe Parham and Joe Markham, will see a new friend create a rift between Fran and Jamie, ultimately jeopardizing their double act.
Tiger Aspect produces in association with Sky Studios. Myfanwy Moore, Siobhan Bachman, Morwenna Gordon and Tilusha Ghelani executive produce. The commissioners are Zai Bennett, Sky UK’s managing director content, and Jon Mountague, Sky Studios’ director of comedy. NBCU Global Distribution handles international sales.
- 8/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Mel and Sue are coming back for “Hitmen” seconds.
Their Sky series “Hitmen,” which premiered on Peacock in the U.S. earlier this month, has been renewed for a second season, Variety has learned exclusively. Season 2 is slated to premiere sometime in 2021.
In “Hitmen,” former “Great British Bake Off” hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins play Jamie and Fran, who are trying to make their way in the world with only each other to rely on. They also just happen to kill people for a living.
The show debuted in the U.K. on Sky One back in March, and Giedroyc tells Variety that plans for when and how to shoot the second outing are well under way.
“We’re very excited because series 2 has now been officially greenlit and we’re going to film, fingers crossed, in the new year, whenever it’s possible for us to do that,...
Their Sky series “Hitmen,” which premiered on Peacock in the U.S. earlier this month, has been renewed for a second season, Variety has learned exclusively. Season 2 is slated to premiere sometime in 2021.
In “Hitmen,” former “Great British Bake Off” hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins play Jamie and Fran, who are trying to make their way in the world with only each other to rely on. They also just happen to kill people for a living.
The show debuted in the U.K. on Sky One back in March, and Giedroyc tells Variety that plans for when and how to shoot the second outing are well under way.
“We’re very excited because series 2 has now been officially greenlit and we’re going to film, fingers crossed, in the new year, whenever it’s possible for us to do that,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Mel and Sue have gone from “Bake Off” to bump off.
Many viewers will recognize Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins from their pun-tastic days hosting “The Great British Baking Off,” but the duo have been in the business of pratting around on screen and stage together for over three decades.
Their latest adventure as a pair of bumbling assassins in Peacock’s “Hitmen” represents in some ways a dramatic departure from the “sweet and fluffy” halcyon days of “Bake Off.” However, fans of their infectious camaraderie needn’t worry. Perkins reassures that their trademark “pissing about” is still a key ingredient of this batter, just sub in bullets for chocolate chips.
“It was nice to do something which was so radically different from ‘Bake Off’ and to surprise people,” says Giedroyc. “You don’t often get the chance to do that in life, you get a bit pigeonholed and people just think,...
Many viewers will recognize Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins from their pun-tastic days hosting “The Great British Baking Off,” but the duo have been in the business of pratting around on screen and stage together for over three decades.
Their latest adventure as a pair of bumbling assassins in Peacock’s “Hitmen” represents in some ways a dramatic departure from the “sweet and fluffy” halcyon days of “Bake Off.” However, fans of their infectious camaraderie needn’t worry. Perkins reassures that their trademark “pissing about” is still a key ingredient of this batter, just sub in bullets for chocolate chips.
“It was nice to do something which was so radically different from ‘Bake Off’ and to surprise people,” says Giedroyc. “You don’t often get the chance to do that in life, you get a bit pigeonholed and people just think,...
- 8/6/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
The pandemic has yielded several surprise TV hits from “The Last Dance” to “Mrs. America.” But the weirdest one of all — even more than “Tiger King” — is the British comedy panel show coming to The CW this Sunday: “Taskmaster.”
In the UK, “Taskmaster” has spent the past five years becoming one of the nation’s most popular panel shows; but the pandemic has helped it grow in ways that its creators never expected or even planned. Back in November, after “Taskmaster” was picked up by a new network, the show’s YouTube channel started posting weekly reruns of the entire series for free. Four months later, with the world stuck at home, “Taskmaster” began to gain an online, international cult following through those reruns, particularly in the States.
The premise is simple enough. Five comedians are taken to an eccentric little house in West London, where they are given tasks...
In the UK, “Taskmaster” has spent the past five years becoming one of the nation’s most popular panel shows; but the pandemic has helped it grow in ways that its creators never expected or even planned. Back in November, after “Taskmaster” was picked up by a new network, the show’s YouTube channel started posting weekly reruns of the entire series for free. Four months later, with the world stuck at home, “Taskmaster” began to gain an online, international cult following through those reruns, particularly in the States.
The premise is simple enough. Five comedians are taken to an eccentric little house in West London, where they are given tasks...
- 7/30/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Caitlin Moran is kind of a big deal. A multi-award winning journalist, a highly influential feminist after her non-fiction book How To Be A Woman, and now a successful movie screenwriter as her novel How To Build A Girl Comes to the big screen. Or rather it would have, were it not for COVID19, instead the movie lands on Amazon Prime after it premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year.
How To Build A Girl is the semi-autobiographical story of Johanna Morrigan, a 16-year-old from a big family growing up in Wolverhampton in the ‘90s. With How To Be A Woman and the TV series Raised By Wolves Moran has told stories of her childhood before but this particular version is centred on her early career as a music journalist. Johanna, played with considerable charm by Beanie Feldstein, is an idealistic teenager who is close to her musician father...
How To Build A Girl is the semi-autobiographical story of Johanna Morrigan, a 16-year-old from a big family growing up in Wolverhampton in the ‘90s. With How To Be A Woman and the TV series Raised By Wolves Moran has told stories of her childhood before but this particular version is centred on her early career as a music journalist. Johanna, played with considerable charm by Beanie Feldstein, is an idealistic teenager who is close to her musician father...
- 7/24/2020
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins are together again! The beloved comedic duo, known for their work hosting The Great British Bake Off (or The Great British Baking Show as it's known to some), has reunited for an all-new Peacock show, Hitmen. The comedy series, which premieres Aug. 6 on NBCU's streaming service, follows best friends Jamie (Giedroyc) and Fran (Perkins) as they try to make the most of life while also being, you guessed it, hitmen. In fact, as seen in the exclusive trailer above, Giedroyc's Jamie still attempts to celebrate her Bff's birthday all while waiting to take out a target. "I called round, and everyone said they were busy," Jamie tells...
- 7/21/2020
- E! Online
Cairo International Film Festival, having recently confirmed that this year’s 42nd edition will be held in person in November, has opened the window for submissions to the Cairo Film Connection sidebar, part of Cairo Industry Days.
In its seven years of operation, Cairo Film Connection has helped Arab filmmakers secure funding and partnerships on more than 100 films from across the region. Last year, the event provided more than $200,000 of support between the shortlisted filmmakers.
Eligible projects must be feature length, fiction or non-fiction, from a filmmaker of Arab nationality or origin with at least one finished film on their resume, feature or short. Interested parties have until April 4 to submit via the festival’s website.
Cairo Industry Days is entering its third year in partnership with the Arab Cinema Center, which unites global industry professionals for a series of masterclasses, panels and events designed to promote and provide global networking opportunities to regional talent.
In its seven years of operation, Cairo Film Connection has helped Arab filmmakers secure funding and partnerships on more than 100 films from across the region. Last year, the event provided more than $200,000 of support between the shortlisted filmmakers.
Eligible projects must be feature length, fiction or non-fiction, from a filmmaker of Arab nationality or origin with at least one finished film on their resume, feature or short. Interested parties have until April 4 to submit via the festival’s website.
Cairo Industry Days is entering its third year in partnership with the Arab Cinema Center, which unites global industry professionals for a series of masterclasses, panels and events designed to promote and provide global networking opportunities to regional talent.
- 7/20/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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