James Graham’s double-OIivier Award winning play Dear England is hitting TV screens and the prolific creator is thinking about whether any former soccer players could make the cut.
Speaking to Deadline outside last night’s prestigious London theater awards, Graham floated the likes of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and former England goalkeeper David Seaman as potentials, although no approaches have been made. Watch the full clip below.
“It’s a drama first and foremost so of course we need good actors but [the question of having real soccer players in it is] a good question,” said Graham. “Do we get the real Gary Lineker? Do we get the real David Seaman? It’s a good question as [the show] should have that sense of fun and playfulness as well.”
Earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright featured in Daniel Kaluuya’s Netflix directorial debut The Kitchen, while footballers such as Vinnie Jones and Eric Cantona...
Speaking to Deadline outside last night’s prestigious London theater awards, Graham floated the likes of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and former England goalkeeper David Seaman as potentials, although no approaches have been made. Watch the full clip below.
“It’s a drama first and foremost so of course we need good actors but [the question of having real soccer players in it is] a good question,” said Graham. “Do we get the real Gary Lineker? Do we get the real David Seaman? It’s a good question as [the show] should have that sense of fun and playfulness as well.”
Earlier this year, Match of the Day pundit Ian Wright featured in Daniel Kaluuya’s Netflix directorial debut The Kitchen, while footballers such as Vinnie Jones and Eric Cantona...
- 4/15/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The boss of Gary Lineker’s podcast company has described making a show in the U.S. as “the holy grail.”
Tony Pastor, who launched Goalhanger Podcasts with the Match of the Day host and BBC exec Jack Davenport four years ago, said the company is pondering how to forge a podcast “directed at an American audience, because it is such a big and mature market.”
“[The U.S. is] probably something like 25 times the size of the UK podcast market,” Pastor told journalists at a Broadcasting Press Guild event today alongside Lineker. “People in America drive a lot and there is a lot of podcast listening, so we would love to make something over there.”
Repped by WME, Goalhanger produces some of the biggest podcasts in the UK including the Rest is History, Rest is Politics and the Lineker-hosted Rest is Football.
The former has a solid listener base in the U.S.
Tony Pastor, who launched Goalhanger Podcasts with the Match of the Day host and BBC exec Jack Davenport four years ago, said the company is pondering how to forge a podcast “directed at an American audience, because it is such a big and mature market.”
“[The U.S. is] probably something like 25 times the size of the UK podcast market,” Pastor told journalists at a Broadcasting Press Guild event today alongside Lineker. “People in America drive a lot and there is a lot of podcast listening, so we would love to make something over there.”
Repped by WME, Goalhanger produces some of the biggest podcasts in the UK including the Rest is History, Rest is Politics and the Lineker-hosted Rest is Football.
The former has a solid listener base in the U.S.
- 2/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Lineker, host of popular BBC soccer highlights show “Match of the Day,” said Tuesday he didn’t feel constrained at the broadcaster when it came to expressing his point of view, despite the BBC’s social media guidelines.
Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, Lineker – who has attracted criticism for some of his Tweets on politics – said: “I don’t think I’m constrained. I think I’ve Tweeted now like I’ve always done: i.e. sensibly. I know the guidelines inside out, and the new guidelines actually allow you more freedom to Tweet. We’re allowed opinions on stuff.”
He added: “We know what it’s like with the BBC… that people will say we are biased this way or biased that way. But the truth is there are thousands of people who work there. It is an institution that has to try to be neutral...
Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch, Lineker – who has attracted criticism for some of his Tweets on politics – said: “I don’t think I’m constrained. I think I’ve Tweeted now like I’ve always done: i.e. sensibly. I know the guidelines inside out, and the new guidelines actually allow you more freedom to Tweet. We’re allowed opinions on stuff.”
He added: “We know what it’s like with the BBC… that people will say we are biased this way or biased that way. But the truth is there are thousands of people who work there. It is an institution that has to try to be neutral...
- 2/6/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Lineker, the Match of the Day host whose solitary tweet led to dozens of fellow BBC presenters and staffers downing tools for a weekend last year, has said he barely uses X (formerly Twitter) anymore as it has become “increasingly toxic.”
The former England international soccer player, who has generated plenty of recent headlines due to his social media use, told a gathering of journalists that changes to Elon Musk’s platform including subscribers being given blue ticks if they pay a fee has led him to virtually quit X due to his mental health. He described himself as being in a “purdah” period on the platform – the term for when political parties’ communications are restricted in the run-up to a general election – and said this has “nothing to do with the BBC.”
“Obviously [Twitter has] always been a bit of a cesspit but it’s just become increasingly toxic,” Lineker...
The former England international soccer player, who has generated plenty of recent headlines due to his social media use, told a gathering of journalists that changes to Elon Musk’s platform including subscribers being given blue ticks if they pay a fee has led him to virtually quit X due to his mental health. He described himself as being in a “purdah” period on the platform – the term for when political parties’ communications are restricted in the run-up to a general election – and said this has “nothing to do with the BBC.”
“Obviously [Twitter has] always been a bit of a cesspit but it’s just become increasingly toxic,” Lineker...
- 2/6/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has been plunged into crisis after its highest paid anchor has been accused of breaching the broadcaster’s impartiality rules for the second time in less than a year.
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
Variety understands that BBC director general Tim Davie and head of content Charlotte Moore “dropped everything” on Monday to have an urgent meeting about “Match of the Day” host Gary Lineker’s retweet of a post urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban Israel from football tournaments.
A BBC spokesperson denied that Davie and Moore had cleared their schedules to discuss the bubbling controversy and declined to confirm whether they had met.
“The Palestinian Football Association calls on @iocmedia, @FIFAcom and all regional and int’l sports bodies to take an urgent stance on Israel’s grave violations of human rights and subject it to legal accountability measures,” read the tweet, which was originally posted by the...
- 1/17/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
John McEnroe is part of BBC's Wimbledon coverage every year, and his earnings for his work have been made public.
The BBC has broadcast Wimbledon on UK television screens for more than 80 years. That brings an expectation and pressure to have some of the biggest names in the studio and commentary box.
McEnroe, who created headlines a few weeks ago for an argument he had with Travis Scott, certainly fits that category. He won seven Grand Slam titles, and his often fiery on-court outbursts brought much attention to tennis.
The 64-year-old also uses a distinctive style when he is in the commentary box. He combines forthright and honest appraisals of the matches he is watching with a more easygoing and self-deprecating sense of humor compared to his playing career.
McEnroe's comments during Grand Slam matches often divide fans and generate attention on social media. And it is now clear...
The BBC has broadcast Wimbledon on UK television screens for more than 80 years. That brings an expectation and pressure to have some of the biggest names in the studio and commentary box.
McEnroe, who created headlines a few weeks ago for an argument he had with Travis Scott, certainly fits that category. He won seven Grand Slam titles, and his often fiery on-court outbursts brought much attention to tennis.
The 64-year-old also uses a distinctive style when he is in the commentary box. He combines forthright and honest appraisals of the matches he is watching with a more easygoing and self-deprecating sense of humor compared to his playing career.
McEnroe's comments during Grand Slam matches often divide fans and generate attention on social media. And it is now clear...
- 1/2/2024
- Tennis Infinity
The BBC’s incoming chairman has yet to step foot on the corporation’s premises, but he has already waded into his first scandal.
Samir Shah, a long-time UK media executive, gave an unequivocal verdict on the latest social media posts of Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
Lineker signed a letter calling on the government to create a “fair new plan for refugees,” prompting an outcry among Conservative lawmakers, who said he was jeopardizing the BBC’s impartiality.
Lineker bit back at the comments in quote tweets to Jonathan Gullis MP and Grant Shapps,...
Samir Shah, a long-time UK media executive, gave an unequivocal verdict on the latest social media posts of Gary Lineker, the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
Shah said Lineker’s posts on Twitter (now X) this week mocking Conservative politicians appeared to break new social media rules put in place in September.
“I would imagine the BBC is now looking into that and considering its response,” Shah told Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee in a hearing that precedes his formal appointment.
Lineker signed a letter calling on the government to create a “fair new plan for refugees,” prompting an outcry among Conservative lawmakers, who said he was jeopardizing the BBC’s impartiality.
Lineker bit back at the comments in quote tweets to Jonathan Gullis MP and Grant Shapps,...
- 12/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Premier League juggernaut keeps rolling after the English football competition sold UK television rights for 2025 and beyond in a reported £6.7B ($8.5B) auction.
Comcast-owned Sky maintained its stranglehold on rights to the Premier League, securing four of five packages of live games. Warner Bros. Discovery-backed TNT netted the other package of rights.
The auction left no room for Amazon Prime Video despite speculation in the British press that the U.S. streaming giant would bid to show more Premier League games after entering the market in 2019.
The new deals commence in the 2025/26 season and run for four years. The packages cover a minimum of 215 live matches per season, which will include more than 140 matches played at weekends.
BBC Sport has been awarded highlights rights for all 380 Premier League matches each season, meaning its flagship show Match of the Day will continue until 2029 at least.
Premier League CEO...
Comcast-owned Sky maintained its stranglehold on rights to the Premier League, securing four of five packages of live games. Warner Bros. Discovery-backed TNT netted the other package of rights.
The auction left no room for Amazon Prime Video despite speculation in the British press that the U.S. streaming giant would bid to show more Premier League games after entering the market in 2019.
The new deals commence in the 2025/26 season and run for four years. The packages cover a minimum of 215 live matches per season, which will include more than 140 matches played at weekends.
BBC Sport has been awarded highlights rights for all 380 Premier League matches each season, meaning its flagship show Match of the Day will continue until 2029 at least.
Premier League CEO...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Carol Vorderman has become the first presenter to leave a BBC role over its new social media guidelines.
The presenter, who is a frequent political poster on X/Twitter, revealed she is leaving her Saturday morning radio show on BBC Radio Wales after five years after — aptly with a social media post.
“The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However despite my show being lighthearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines apply to all and any content that I post all year round,” she wrote.
“since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social medial, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil [the UK] finds itself in.
The presenter, who is a frequent political poster on X/Twitter, revealed she is leaving her Saturday morning radio show on BBC Radio Wales after five years after — aptly with a social media post.
“The BBC recently introduced new social media guidelines which I respect. However despite my show being lighthearted with no political content, it was explained to me that as it is a weekly show in my name, the new guidelines apply to all and any content that I post all year round,” she wrote.
“since those non-negotiable changes to my radio contract were made, I’ve ultimately found that I’m not prepared to lose my voice on social medial, change who I am, or lose the ability to express the strong beliefs I hold about the political turmoil [the UK] finds itself in.
- 11/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC host Carol Vorderman has claimed she has been sacked by the broadcaster over her public criticism of the U.K. government.
On Wednesday afternoon local time Vorderman published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming management at BBC Wales had “decided I must leave” because she had breached the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines with her social media posts.
Vorderman, who rose to fame on Channel 4 gameshow “Countdown,” has presented an entertainment show on BBC Radio Wales for five years. She has been outspoken in her criticism of the U.K. Government, in particular of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on social media and in interviews.
BBC director general Tim Davie has been an ardent champion of impartiality at the broadcaster although it is a philosophy that is applied patchily across the corporation’s many employees and freelancers. Last month the BBC introduced new social media guidelines following controversy over sports anchor Gary Lineker,...
On Wednesday afternoon local time Vorderman published a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, claiming management at BBC Wales had “decided I must leave” because she had breached the broadcaster’s impartiality guidelines with her social media posts.
Vorderman, who rose to fame on Channel 4 gameshow “Countdown,” has presented an entertainment show on BBC Radio Wales for five years. She has been outspoken in her criticism of the U.K. Government, in particular of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on social media and in interviews.
BBC director general Tim Davie has been an ardent champion of impartiality at the broadcaster although it is a philosophy that is applied patchily across the corporation’s many employees and freelancers. Last month the BBC introduced new social media guidelines following controversy over sports anchor Gary Lineker,...
- 11/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Star BBC presenters such as Gary Lineker should avoid overt “political campaigning,” according to new rules recommended in an independent report for the UK’s public broadcaster.
As we tipped yesterday, the results of former ITN boss John Hardie’s report into how BBC presenters, stars and journalists should use social media have been unveiled today.
Among the key recommendations are a set of guidelines for “flagship-brand presenters” such as Match of the Day host Lineker and The Apprentice‘s Alan Sugar. Those included would come from “an evolving list at its discretion by the BBC” and would be expected to pay “particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality” due to their profiles.
While presenters should be allowed to enjoy freedom of expression on social media, they should not be involved in “party political campaigning, support for or attacks on political parties, individual politicians, governments or activist organisations,” the report states.
As we tipped yesterday, the results of former ITN boss John Hardie’s report into how BBC presenters, stars and journalists should use social media have been unveiled today.
Among the key recommendations are a set of guidelines for “flagship-brand presenters” such as Match of the Day host Lineker and The Apprentice‘s Alan Sugar. Those included would come from “an evolving list at its discretion by the BBC” and would be expected to pay “particular responsibility to respect the BBC’s impartiality” due to their profiles.
While presenters should be allowed to enjoy freedom of expression on social media, they should not be involved in “party political campaigning, support for or attacks on political parties, individual politicians, governments or activist organisations,” the report states.
- 9/28/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Months after controversy erupted around a political tweet by star soccer player turned sports pundit Gary Lineker, the BBC has published revised social media guidelines for its presenters.
Post that controversy, the BBC commissioned a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the corporation’s guidance covering “individual use of social media” in relation to those working as on-air freelancers outside of news, current affairs and factual journalism – in other words, someone like Lineker.
Informed by Hardie’s Review, the BBC has updated its social media guidance for staff and freelancers, which was first published three years ago in 2020. There are now specific guidance for those presenting the so-called ‘Flagship Programs.’
The guidance states that those working in news and current affairs across all divisions and factual journalism production, along with all senior leaders, have a particular responsibility to uphold the BBC’s impartiality through their actions...
Post that controversy, the BBC commissioned a review by former TV executive John Hardie, which looked at the corporation’s guidance covering “individual use of social media” in relation to those working as on-air freelancers outside of news, current affairs and factual journalism – in other words, someone like Lineker.
Informed by Hardie’s Review, the BBC has updated its social media guidance for staff and freelancers, which was first published three years ago in 2020. There are now specific guidance for those presenting the so-called ‘Flagship Programs.’
The guidance states that those working in news and current affairs across all divisions and factual journalism production, along with all senior leaders, have a particular responsibility to uphold the BBC’s impartiality through their actions...
- 9/28/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The BBC is preparing to set out new rules that will govern what its biggest stars can post on social media after a debacle over a Gary Lineker tweet earlier this year.
BBC insiders said the results of an independent review by former ITN CEO John Hardie could be published as early as Thursday. The BBC declined to comment on the timing of an announcement but did not deny that it was imminent.
It is not clear if the BBC will publish Hardie’s findings in full alongside changes to social media guidance. The last time the BBC ordered a social media review in 2020, the broadcaster did not make public the conclusions of Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive.
Hardie was drafted in to clarify how the BBC’s social media rules should apply to freelance presenters as the broadcaster attempts to uphold strict standards on impartiality. BBC...
BBC insiders said the results of an independent review by former ITN CEO John Hardie could be published as early as Thursday. The BBC declined to comment on the timing of an announcement but did not deny that it was imminent.
It is not clear if the BBC will publish Hardie’s findings in full alongside changes to social media guidance. The last time the BBC ordered a social media review in 2020, the broadcaster did not make public the conclusions of Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive.
Hardie was drafted in to clarify how the BBC’s social media rules should apply to freelance presenters as the broadcaster attempts to uphold strict standards on impartiality. BBC...
- 9/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has revealed that the amount paid to its biggest stars has surged to a six-year high, as Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker topped the talent pay table once again.
The BBC’s annual report revealed that salaries for presenters earning more than £150,000 totaled £23.4M in the 12 months to the end of March 2023.
This was a 15% increase compared with last year’s pay of £20.2M and was at its highest level since 2017, when the BBC spent £28.6M on its best-known presenters.
Lineker topped the ranking for the sixth consecutive year, with his salary remaining stable at £1.35M. Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was the best-paid female presenter, pocketing as much as £985,000.
In a year in which he anchored coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Huw Edwards had a pay rise of at least £25,000. He took home a minimum of £435,000 in the year to March.
Total talent pay,...
The BBC’s annual report revealed that salaries for presenters earning more than £150,000 totaled £23.4M in the 12 months to the end of March 2023.
This was a 15% increase compared with last year’s pay of £20.2M and was at its highest level since 2017, when the BBC spent £28.6M on its best-known presenters.
Lineker topped the ranking for the sixth consecutive year, with his salary remaining stable at £1.35M. Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was the best-paid female presenter, pocketing as much as £985,000.
In a year in which he anchored coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Huw Edwards had a pay rise of at least £25,000. He took home a minimum of £435,000 in the year to March.
Total talent pay,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Director General Tim Davie was in contact with a senior government official on the day he suspended Gary Lineker, raising questions about whether he was pressured to punish the presenter for breaking impartiality rules.
Documents obtained by Deadline reveal that Davie was in dialogue with Polly Payne, Director General of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms), on March 10. Emails between the BBC and the Dcms show that Payne and Davie’s conversations were unscheduled.
The papers cast fresh light on the biggest crisis of Davie’s tenure after he suspended Match of the Day host Lineker for tweeting that government asylum policy had echoes of Nazi Germany. Lineker was swiftly reinstated three days later following a weekend of chaos, in which his colleagues effectively went on strike and BBC sports coverage fell off air.
The revelation that Davie spoke to the Dcms has raised eyebrows among BBC staff,...
Documents obtained by Deadline reveal that Davie was in dialogue with Polly Payne, Director General of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Dcms), on March 10. Emails between the BBC and the Dcms show that Payne and Davie’s conversations were unscheduled.
The papers cast fresh light on the biggest crisis of Davie’s tenure after he suspended Match of the Day host Lineker for tweeting that government asylum policy had echoes of Nazi Germany. Lineker was swiftly reinstated three days later following a weekend of chaos, in which his colleagues effectively went on strike and BBC sports coverage fell off air.
The revelation that Davie spoke to the Dcms has raised eyebrows among BBC staff,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK’s new Culture Secretary has accused the BBC of being biased, but failed to provide a single example of where the broadcaster has broken its commitment to impartiality.
Appearing before British Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Lucy Frazer was questioned in detail for the first time on the media brief she inherited in February.
Asked by Conservative lawmaker Simon Jupp if the BBC is biased, she said: “The BBC is, on occasion, biased.” Pressed for an example, she said: “I’m not going to give any specific examples of bias.”
She added: “It is really important that the BBC takes its responsibility, in terms of editorial standards and impartiality, very seriously. We should ensure that the BBC, as a public service broadcaster … which is meant to be there to provide impartial news to the public, fulfills that duty. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get that right.
Appearing before British Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Lucy Frazer was questioned in detail for the first time on the media brief she inherited in February.
Asked by Conservative lawmaker Simon Jupp if the BBC is biased, she said: “The BBC is, on occasion, biased.” Pressed for an example, she said: “I’m not going to give any specific examples of bias.”
She added: “It is really important that the BBC takes its responsibility, in terms of editorial standards and impartiality, very seriously. We should ensure that the BBC, as a public service broadcaster … which is meant to be there to provide impartial news to the public, fulfills that duty. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get that right.
- 6/6/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard Sharp’s resignation as BBC Chairman over a Boris Johnson loan scandal has stoked division at the British broadcaster as thoughts turn to finding his successor.
The former Goldman Sachs banker will step down at the end of June after he failed to properly declare his role in facilitating Johnson’s £800,000 ($1M) loan guarantee as ministers went about installing him on the BBC board.
Barrister Adam Heppinstall concluded Sharp’s actions gave rise to a “perceived conflict of interest,” though he stopped short of concluding that the BBC Chairman sort to curry favor by involving himself in the Prime Minister’s private financial affairs.
Sharp has dug in for months since the story was first reported by The Sunday Times and maintained today that his failure to be fully transparent about Johnson’s loan was “inadvertent and not material.”
BBC employees were angry about The Sunday Times story when it broke in January,...
The former Goldman Sachs banker will step down at the end of June after he failed to properly declare his role in facilitating Johnson’s £800,000 ($1M) loan guarantee as ministers went about installing him on the BBC board.
Barrister Adam Heppinstall concluded Sharp’s actions gave rise to a “perceived conflict of interest,” though he stopped short of concluding that the BBC Chairman sort to curry favor by involving himself in the Prime Minister’s private financial affairs.
Sharp has dug in for months since the story was first reported by The Sunday Times and maintained today that his failure to be fully transparent about Johnson’s loan was “inadvertent and not material.”
BBC employees were angry about The Sunday Times story when it broke in January,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC’s under-fire chairman Richard Sharp has resigned following a report that said he breached appointment rules by not fully discovering his role in a loan given to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Sharp had faced months of pressure to quit and created a serious headache for the broadcaster after it emerged that, prior to his appointment, he had helped Johnson — who was involved in his selection process — access to a loan facility reportedly worth around $1 million. This story would gather steam following the BBC’s handling of the impartiality row over Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, when major question marks over the government influence over the BBC were raised, particularly surrounding Sharp, a former banker who had worked with current prime minister Rishi Sunak at Goldman Sachs and previously donated more than £400,000 ($486,000) to the Conservative Party.
The chairman’s resignation comes a month after the former...
Sharp had faced months of pressure to quit and created a serious headache for the broadcaster after it emerged that, prior to his appointment, he had helped Johnson — who was involved in his selection process — access to a loan facility reportedly worth around $1 million. This story would gather steam following the BBC’s handling of the impartiality row over Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, when major question marks over the government influence over the BBC were raised, particularly surrounding Sharp, a former banker who had worked with current prime minister Rishi Sunak at Goldman Sachs and previously donated more than £400,000 ($486,000) to the Conservative Party.
The chairman’s resignation comes a month after the former...
- 4/28/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
[This story contains spoilers for “The Strings That Bind Us,” episode seven of Ted Lasso’s third season.]
Ted Lasso is a comedy, obviously, and occasionally a tearjerker, but it’s also something of a fantasy — a world where not only an American football coach initially hired as a revenge play can stick on for three seasons at the top levels of English football, but also one whose characters are almost always trying to become better people.
That’s part of what makes the show so appealing, and also what makes for such a jolt in the times when the real world shoulders its way into the story. “The Strings That Bind Us” had a big dose of that, but the episode (which clocked in at nearly an hour after last week’s 62-minute outing) still left room to bring home its core belief that people working together is the best way forward, on or off a field of play.
The on- and off-pitch stories for AFC Richmond...
Ted Lasso is a comedy, obviously, and occasionally a tearjerker, but it’s also something of a fantasy — a world where not only an American football coach initially hired as a revenge play can stick on for three seasons at the top levels of English football, but also one whose characters are almost always trying to become better people.
That’s part of what makes the show so appealing, and also what makes for such a jolt in the times when the real world shoulders its way into the story. “The Strings That Bind Us” had a big dose of that, but the episode (which clocked in at nearly an hour after last week’s 62-minute outing) still left room to bring home its core belief that people working together is the best way forward, on or off a field of play.
The on- and off-pitch stories for AFC Richmond...
- 4/26/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC has reportedly issued letters gauging interest for voluntary redundancy to its top presenting stars, sending shockwaves through the corporation.
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Alongside a picture of him and his mother drinking champagne, he wrote: “Reality check. A standard Hr exercise by @BBCNews (one of many over the years) is just that.
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Alongside a picture of him and his mother drinking champagne, he wrote: “Reality check. A standard Hr exercise by @BBCNews (one of many over the years) is just that.
- 4/17/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has reportedly issued letters gauging interest for voluntary redundancy to its top presenting stars, sending shockwaves through the corporation.
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Nick Robinson said on Twitter: “First newspapers call for cut to licence fee. Then same papers report shock at redundancies, closures or repeats. Later papers say...
The move is thought to be part of a cost-saving mission by the corporation, which includes reducing spending in its news division.
On Saturday night (15 April), the Mail reported that the BBC’s interim managing editor of news and current affairs, Philippa Busby, has written to all its senior TV and radio presenters asking them to consider voluntary redundancy.
The publication reported that Huw Edwards, Clive Myrie and Sophie Raworth were among those to receive letters. The Independent has contacted their representatives for comment.
On Twitter, Edwards said the move was a “standard invitation to consider applying for voluntary redundancy” and “nothing more”.
Nick Robinson said on Twitter: “First newspapers call for cut to licence fee. Then same papers report shock at redundancies, closures or repeats. Later papers say...
- 4/16/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Mystery surrounds the fate of the blue Twitter tick of the UK’s most high-profile footballer turned TV presenter, Gary Lineker.
A fan first spotted that Lineker’s blue tick had gone missing on Saturday – this despite Lineker being one of the country’s most celebrated tweeters, with 8.9million followers hanging on his every word from football commentary to opinions on immigration policy.
It was the latter that caused a huge stir three weeks ago when Lineker’s employer, the BBC, decided he had crossed the line on the impartiality required of its staff, and suspended him from his football highlights show Match of the Day.
When dozens of BBC Sports staff both on and off screen boycotted their shows in support of Lineker, Match of the Day had to be repackaged with no faces in the studio, and the weekend sports coverage schedule was thrown into chaos. Lineker was reinstated the following week.
A fan first spotted that Lineker’s blue tick had gone missing on Saturday – this despite Lineker being one of the country’s most celebrated tweeters, with 8.9million followers hanging on his every word from football commentary to opinions on immigration policy.
It was the latter that caused a huge stir three weeks ago when Lineker’s employer, the BBC, decided he had crossed the line on the impartiality required of its staff, and suspended him from his football highlights show Match of the Day.
When dozens of BBC Sports staff both on and off screen boycotted their shows in support of Lineker, Match of the Day had to be repackaged with no faces in the studio, and the weekend sports coverage schedule was thrown into chaos. Lineker was reinstated the following week.
- 4/9/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC has appointed former CEO and editor-in-chief of ITN and executive VP at Walt Disney, John Hardie, to review how its social media guidance applies to freelancers.
The review, which was announced by BBC director general Tim Davie earlier this month, will start immediately and will be completed by the summer and any changes to the BBC’s social media guidance will then be published.
In early March, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.” Lineker, a former star soccer player and presenter on the “Match of the Day” soccer show. was suspended by the BBC and then reinstated, raising questions about presenters’ acceptable use of social media.
Hardie has also served as the chair of the Royal Television Society.
The review, which was announced by BBC director general Tim Davie earlier this month, will start immediately and will be completed by the summer and any changes to the BBC’s social media guidance will then be published.
In early March, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.” Lineker, a former star soccer player and presenter on the “Match of the Day” soccer show. was suspended by the BBC and then reinstated, raising questions about presenters’ acceptable use of social media.
Hardie has also served as the chair of the Royal Television Society.
- 3/31/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has launched its review into social media guidance in the wake of the Gary Lineker scandal, with former ITN CEO John Hardie set to oversee it.
The review, which was announced by BBC Director-General Tim Davie earlier this month, will start immediately and finish over the summer.
Hardie, a former CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the ITV News, Channel 4 News and Channel 5 News operator, will examine:
Which freelancers are covered by the guidance? What impartiality requirements should apply to freelancers, if any? If so, how should they be defined? Are all freelancers covered by the same requirements?
The review will take into account “social media use of those working in the on-air freelance community outside News, Current Affairs and Factual journalism,” said its terms of reference. Hardie will consult the freelance community, BBC staff and trade unions while considering wider market and audience research.
Once published, changes...
The review, which was announced by BBC Director-General Tim Davie earlier this month, will start immediately and finish over the summer.
Hardie, a former CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the ITV News, Channel 4 News and Channel 5 News operator, will examine:
Which freelancers are covered by the guidance? What impartiality requirements should apply to freelancers, if any? If so, how should they be defined? Are all freelancers covered by the same requirements?
The review will take into account “social media use of those working in the on-air freelance community outside News, Current Affairs and Factual journalism,” said its terms of reference. Hardie will consult the freelance community, BBC staff and trade unions while considering wider market and audience research.
Once published, changes...
- 3/31/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC’s appointment of Chair Richard Sharp “should not stand” and the process was “fatally flawed,” according to former Director General John Birt.
The embattled Sharp, who is awaiting the result of a government inquiry into his appointment, was described by Birt as “a person of obvious weight and consequence but an unsuitable candidate in one vital respect.”
“I don’t think the appointment should stand,” Birt told the UK’s influential Dcms Committee (Dcmsc) this afternoon. “This isn’t about political connections because governments of all kinds have appointed BBC Chairs who enjoy their confidence. But having known every BBC Chair for decades, governments have tended to have a good record for appointing people with an independent cast of mind, who will protect the BBC’s independence.”
Deadline revealed last week that the BBC had raised concerns about the way the government was going about appointing its new...
The embattled Sharp, who is awaiting the result of a government inquiry into his appointment, was described by Birt as “a person of obvious weight and consequence but an unsuitable candidate in one vital respect.”
“I don’t think the appointment should stand,” Birt told the UK’s influential Dcms Committee (Dcmsc) this afternoon. “This isn’t about political connections because governments of all kinds have appointed BBC Chairs who enjoy their confidence. But having known every BBC Chair for decades, governments have tended to have a good record for appointing people with an independent cast of mind, who will protect the BBC’s independence.”
Deadline revealed last week that the BBC had raised concerns about the way the government was going about appointing its new...
- 3/28/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
When it was announced yesterday that Frankie Boyle’s BBC series New World Order had been cancelled, the comedian’s reaction was frank but restrained. “Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose,” he told fans on Twitter, many of whom had followed his superb topical panel show devotedly for the five years it was on the air. Boyle didn’t elaborate on what he meant by the words “current climate”, but it doesn’t take too many imaginative leaps to hazard a guess. New World Order was one of the few shows on TV that was sincerely and unapologetically left-wing. And politically speaking, the BBC is in the midst of a full-fledged climate crisis.
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...
- 3/24/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
Frankie Boyle has reacted to the news that the BBC has cancelled his comedy series New World Order.
The Scottish comedian has hosted the programme for six series, the first season of which arrived in 2017 on BBC Two.
In the satirical show, Boyle dicusses two current affair issues, usually related to politics, alongside guests that have included Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp and Katherine Ryan.
However, the BBC has decided to end the series, with a spokesperson stating: “We would like to thank Frankie Boyle and all those involved for six great series of New World Order.”
The corporation made it clear that they are not severing ties with Boyle, adding: “We look forward to seeing what he does next on the BBC.”
Boyle responded to the news on social media, telling his followers: “Ah well, there’s to be no more New World Order on the BBC. Not surprising in the current climate,...
The Scottish comedian has hosted the programme for six series, the first season of which arrived in 2017 on BBC Two.
In the satirical show, Boyle dicusses two current affair issues, usually related to politics, alongside guests that have included Sara Pascoe, Miles Jupp and Katherine Ryan.
However, the BBC has decided to end the series, with a spokesperson stating: “We would like to thank Frankie Boyle and all those involved for six great series of New World Order.”
The corporation made it clear that they are not severing ties with Boyle, adding: “We look forward to seeing what he does next on the BBC.”
Boyle responded to the news on social media, telling his followers: “Ah well, there’s to be no more New World Order on the BBC. Not surprising in the current climate,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Joe Lycett has opened up about his penchant for high-profile PR stunts, explaining that he feels “pressure” from his mental health to stop doing them.
In recent years, the comedian has built a reputation for orchestrating news-worthy stunts.
The most notorious of these was his ultimatum to David Beckham last year in which he threatened to shred £10,000 in cash unless the ex-footballer renounced his World Cup ambassador contract with Qatar over the country’s LGBT+ human rights abuses.
After Beckham neglected to respond, Lycett posted a video of himself shredding what appeared to be the cash – only to later reveal that he had in fact donated the money to LGBT+ charities.
Speaking to Radio Times in a new interview, Lycett said: “It’s much easier for me, actually, if I’m not trending and I’m not in the paper because I live a much happier, quieter life. And so if anything,...
In recent years, the comedian has built a reputation for orchestrating news-worthy stunts.
The most notorious of these was his ultimatum to David Beckham last year in which he threatened to shred £10,000 in cash unless the ex-footballer renounced his World Cup ambassador contract with Qatar over the country’s LGBT+ human rights abuses.
After Beckham neglected to respond, Lycett posted a video of himself shredding what appeared to be the cash – only to later reveal that he had in fact donated the money to LGBT+ charities.
Speaking to Radio Times in a new interview, Lycett said: “It’s much easier for me, actually, if I’m not trending and I’m not in the paper because I live a much happier, quieter life. And so if anything,...
- 3/19/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
One week after the BBC’s schedule of sport was severely disrupted with a boycott by staff in support of anchorman Gary Lineker, both the host and fellow pundits were all back on screen this weekend.
Lineker didn’t take his usual position as host of Match of the Day on Saturday evening, but stand-in presenter Mark Chapman was quick to tell viewers this was an arrangement that had been scheduled “weeks ago.”
Meanwhile, Lineker was in action at lunchtime, introducing BBC coverage of the Fa Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley. His fellow pundit Alan Shearer addressed the issue that took them all off the previous weekend.
“I just need to clear up and wanted to say how upset we were that all the audiences who missed out on last weekend,” Shearer said. “It was a really difficult situation for everyone concerned and through no fault of their own,...
Lineker didn’t take his usual position as host of Match of the Day on Saturday evening, but stand-in presenter Mark Chapman was quick to tell viewers this was an arrangement that had been scheduled “weeks ago.”
Meanwhile, Lineker was in action at lunchtime, introducing BBC coverage of the Fa Cup quarter-final between Manchester City and Burnley. His fellow pundit Alan Shearer addressed the issue that took them all off the previous weekend.
“I just need to clear up and wanted to say how upset we were that all the audiences who missed out on last weekend,” Shearer said. “It was a really difficult situation for everyone concerned and through no fault of their own,...
- 3/19/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Good afternoon Insiders, here we are again and it’s Max Goldbart helming a busy week’s newsletter. Scroll down for the biggest news and analysis from team Deadline International, and sign up to the newsletter here.
British Broadcasting Crisis
Multiple fronts: I have been covering the BBC in depth for more than five years and never have I known it to be battling crises on so many fronts. Not content with the Gary Lineker row dominating front pages for days, the corporation has also found itself in hot water this week over local news strikes, Question Time host Fiona Bruce‘s remarks about Boris Johnson’s father, and accusations of “top-down toxicity” from its century-old choir, which is being axed. Struggling to keep track? Insider has done the legwork for you.
Lineker 1 – 0 BBC: First he was benched, then his actions were forcing the BBC into a lengthy and time-intensive...
British Broadcasting Crisis
Multiple fronts: I have been covering the BBC in depth for more than five years and never have I known it to be battling crises on so many fronts. Not content with the Gary Lineker row dominating front pages for days, the corporation has also found itself in hot water this week over local news strikes, Question Time host Fiona Bruce‘s remarks about Boris Johnson’s father, and accusations of “top-down toxicity” from its century-old choir, which is being axed. Struggling to keep track? Insider has done the legwork for you.
Lineker 1 – 0 BBC: First he was benched, then his actions were forcing the BBC into a lengthy and time-intensive...
- 3/17/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
All eyes have been trained on Gary Lineker’s Twitter account since the Match of the Day host struck a deal with BBC management to return to work this weekend, and he has not disappointed.
In amongst numerous tweets about football, Lineker has slammed a Conservative MP for “outrageous and dangerously provocative” accusations against him and retweeted a video of former Prime Minister Theresa May’s criticism of the government’s proposed immigration bill. Scroll down for both.
Lineker responded angrily to a Conservative MP, Jonathan Gullis, who claimed during a Channel 4 News interview that the former England footballer had called people in the North of England “racist bigots and Nazis.”
The clip and a screenshot was widely shared on Twitter and Lineker quote-tweeted one of these screenshots with the remark: “No he hasn’t and never would. This is outrageous and dangerously provocative.”
Lineker was stood down by...
In amongst numerous tweets about football, Lineker has slammed a Conservative MP for “outrageous and dangerously provocative” accusations against him and retweeted a video of former Prime Minister Theresa May’s criticism of the government’s proposed immigration bill. Scroll down for both.
Lineker responded angrily to a Conservative MP, Jonathan Gullis, who claimed during a Channel 4 News interview that the former England footballer had called people in the North of England “racist bigots and Nazis.”
The clip and a screenshot was widely shared on Twitter and Lineker quote-tweeted one of these screenshots with the remark: “No he hasn’t and never would. This is outrageous and dangerously provocative.”
Lineker was stood down by...
- 3/15/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Few in the U.S. had likely heard of Gary Lineker when, over the weekend, he brought the BBC, one of the U.K.’s best-known and most-respected institutions worldwide, to what has been described in the media as a “crisis like no other.”
Over the course of five chaotic days and countless headlines, triggered by a tweet from Lineker — a former soccer star and, as host of the BBC’s flagship soccer show Match of the Day since 1999, one of the U.K.’s most recognizable and beloved television personalities — the British public service broadcaster became embroiled in a major public spat over its impartiality and the influence the government may or may not have on its operations, one that looks likely to reverberate for some time.
The situation erupted March 7, when the U.K.’s interior minister, Home Secretary Suella Braverman, unveiled the government’s hugely controversial new legislation...
Over the course of five chaotic days and countless headlines, triggered by a tweet from Lineker — a former soccer star and, as host of the BBC’s flagship soccer show Match of the Day since 1999, one of the U.K.’s most recognizable and beloved television personalities — the British public service broadcaster became embroiled in a major public spat over its impartiality and the influence the government may or may not have on its operations, one that looks likely to reverberate for some time.
The situation erupted March 7, when the U.K.’s interior minister, Home Secretary Suella Braverman, unveiled the government’s hugely controversial new legislation...
- 3/14/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
James Acaster has responded to rumours that he will replace Matt Lucas as the new host of The Great British Bake Off.
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
- 3/14/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Exclusive: The BBC failed to fully heed advice in 2020 that could have helped the broadcaster avoid a weekend of carnage over a single tweet from Gary Lineker, its highest-paid presenter.
A review of the BBC’s social media guidelines three years ago recommended that it specifically examine rules for freelance presenters such as Lineker, who hosts the popular Premier League highlights program Match of the Day.
The revelation is likely to raise further questions about BBC Director-General Tim Davie’s handling of the Lineker saga, given he admitted today that there are “grey areas” in its guidance for freelancers. Lineker earns £1.35M ($1.62M) a year from the BBC in addition to other work, including running WME-backed podcast producer Goalhanger.
Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive and emeritus professor of journalism at Cardiff University, was engaged in 2020 to help draw up new social media rules for BBC journalists.
Sources said...
A review of the BBC’s social media guidelines three years ago recommended that it specifically examine rules for freelance presenters such as Lineker, who hosts the popular Premier League highlights program Match of the Day.
The revelation is likely to raise further questions about BBC Director-General Tim Davie’s handling of the Lineker saga, given he admitted today that there are “grey areas” in its guidance for freelancers. Lineker earns £1.35M ($1.62M) a year from the BBC in addition to other work, including running WME-backed podcast producer Goalhanger.
Richard Sambrook, a former BBC News executive and emeritus professor of journalism at Cardiff University, was engaged in 2020 to help draw up new social media rules for BBC journalists.
Sources said...
- 3/13/2023
- by Jake Kanter and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
James Acaster has responded to rumours that he will replace Matt Lucas as the new host of The Great British Bake Off.
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
- 3/13/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
James Acaster has responded to rumours that he will replace Matt Lucas as the new host of The Great British Bake Off.
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
Following the announcement in December that the Little Britain star is stepping down from the baking competition series, many fans had begun to speculate who would replace him, with Acaster among the rumoured frontrunners.
Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday (11 March) alongside Prue Leith, stand-up comedian Acaster – who made a memorable appearance on the Stand Up to Cancer celebrity edition in 2019 – addressed his rumoured involvement.
“No-one’s spoken to me about it and rightly so,” he said.
“It was traumatic what happened to me in that tent. I think if I was one of the hosts, I’d be constantly having flashbacks and full meltdowns and I don’t think that’s very relaxing for the contestants.”
Asked about his time on the show, Acaster said...
- 3/13/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Gary Lineker has been a major topic of discussion for days, following his tweet in response to Suella Braverman’s immigration bill.
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
Last week, the government announced a new policy to halt small boat crossings. It will result in the deportation of asylum seekers who arrive via boat to Rwanda or another “safe third country” without hearing their asylum claim.
Reacting to the news, Lineker expressed his distaste for the decision and responded to someone who pushed back on his view on Twitter.
He wrote: “There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
“This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s, and I’m out of order?”
After questions were raised about whether the football pundit had broken BBC’s impartiality rules with his social media use,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Football commentator Gary Lineker is set to return to hosting duties on the BBC after being pulled off air due to comments about the U.K.’s refugee policy that were deemed to have breached the broadcaster’s impartiality policy.
In a statement on Monday morning, the BBC revealed that it will conduct a review of its social media guidance “with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs,” which is the category for star talent such as Lineker. In the meantime, the host will return to the BBC in time for the weekend’s Fa Cup coverage.
The “Match of the Day” presenter said in a comment: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
Last week, Lineker — the BBC’s highest paid star, who earns around £1.35 million ($1.62 million...
In a statement on Monday morning, the BBC revealed that it will conduct a review of its social media guidance “with a particular focus on how it applies to freelancers outside news and current affairs,” which is the category for star talent such as Lineker. In the meantime, the host will return to the BBC in time for the weekend’s Fa Cup coverage.
The “Match of the Day” presenter said in a comment: “I am glad that we have found a way forward. I support this review and look forward to getting back on air.”
Last week, Lineker — the BBC’s highest paid star, who earns around £1.35 million ($1.62 million...
- 3/13/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Gary Lineker, the highest-paid TV host at the BBC, has been reinstated. Last week, the U.K. public broadcaster pulled him from presenting soccer show Match of the Day after he criticized the British government’s refugee and asylum policy on Twitter.
The BBC — which had been under severe pressure since the situation erupted — announced Monday that he would return as Match of the Day host, adding that it would launch an independent review on its existing social media guidance.
Lineker, a former soccer star and popular personality, remained off-air during negotiations about how he can use his social media presence without breaking the public broadcaster’s journalistic impartiality code. With many other pundits and hosts showing their solidarity with Lineker and refusing to appear for BBC work, the broadcaster’s weekend sports programming ended up in disarray.
The situation, which dominated news reports in the U.K., also shone...
The BBC — which had been under severe pressure since the situation erupted — announced Monday that he would return as Match of the Day host, adding that it would launch an independent review on its existing social media guidance.
Lineker, a former soccer star and popular personality, remained off-air during negotiations about how he can use his social media presence without breaking the public broadcaster’s journalistic impartiality code. With many other pundits and hosts showing their solidarity with Lineker and refusing to appear for BBC work, the broadcaster’s weekend sports programming ended up in disarray.
The situation, which dominated news reports in the U.K., also shone...
- 3/13/2023
- by Georg Szalai and Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The BBC has reached a deal with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker following crisis talks, paving the way for Lineker to return to air.
The corporation will independently review the social media guidelines relating to presenters such as Lineker, and the former England footballer has agreed to return this weekend to the show he has been hosting for almost a quarter of a century. He will host coverage of the Fa Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, followed by Match of the Day, after a weekend of intense disruption.
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this,” BBC director general Tim Davie said Monday. “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
The corporation will independently review the social media guidelines relating to presenters such as Lineker, and the former England footballer has agreed to return this weekend to the show he has been hosting for almost a quarter of a century. He will host coverage of the Fa Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, followed by Match of the Day, after a weekend of intense disruption.
“Everyone recognises this has been a difficult period for staff, contributors, presenters and, most importantly, our audiences. I apologise for this,” BBC director general Tim Davie said Monday. “The potential confusion caused by the grey areas of the BBC’s social media guidance that was introduced in 2020 is recognised. I want to get matters resolved and our sport content back on air.
- 3/13/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Saturday Night Live has come under fire for using “offensive” stereotypes about Irish people in a sketch featuring impersonations of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Saturday’s (11 March) episode was hosted by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega and began with a cold open sketch set on the Oscars red carpet.
In the sketch, presenters Mario Lopez and “Maria Menounos or Kit Hoover” (Marcello Hernandez and Heidi Gardner) are interviewing celebrities ahead of the awards show, which takes place on Sunday (12 March).
“I’m told that we have the stars of The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson,” Gardner says, with Mikey Day and Molly Kearny then appearing as the pair of Irish actors.
“How do you guys like your chances tonight?” Gardner asks them, with the comedians replying in extremely thick, hard-to-understand accents.
“Wow, and they haven’t even started drinking yet!” Hernandez responds as Lopez.
The clip was...
Saturday’s (11 March) episode was hosted by Wednesday star Jenna Ortega and began with a cold open sketch set on the Oscars red carpet.
In the sketch, presenters Mario Lopez and “Maria Menounos or Kit Hoover” (Marcello Hernandez and Heidi Gardner) are interviewing celebrities ahead of the awards show, which takes place on Sunday (12 March).
“I’m told that we have the stars of The Banshees of Inisherin, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson,” Gardner says, with Mikey Day and Molly Kearny then appearing as the pair of Irish actors.
“How do you guys like your chances tonight?” Gardner asks them, with the comedians replying in extremely thick, hard-to-understand accents.
“Wow, and they haven’t even started drinking yet!” Hernandez responds as Lopez.
The clip was...
- 3/12/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Rapper Costa Titch has died aged 28 after “collapsing on stage” at a music festival.
The South African musician – full name Costa Tsobanoglou – was performing as part of the Ultra South Africa festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday (11 March).
According to reports, Tsobanoglou collapsed on stage during his performance, with his family confirming on Instagram that he died soon after.
“Death has tragically knocked at our door robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson Constantinos Tsobanoglou who South Africa had come to love and idolise under his stage name Costa Titch,” their statement read.
“It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time.”
They continued: “We are thankful for the emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth. As a family, we are faced with a difficult time as we try and...
The South African musician – full name Costa Tsobanoglou – was performing as part of the Ultra South Africa festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday (11 March).
According to reports, Tsobanoglou collapsed on stage during his performance, with his family confirming on Instagram that he died soon after.
“Death has tragically knocked at our door robbing us of our beloved son, brother and grandson Constantinos Tsobanoglou who South Africa had come to love and idolise under his stage name Costa Titch,” their statement read.
“It is with deep pain that we find ourselves having to acknowledge his passing at this time.”
They continued: “We are thankful for the emergency responders and all those present in his last hours on this earth. As a family, we are faced with a difficult time as we try and...
- 3/12/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Music
Jane Fonda confirms comment about ‘murdering’ over anti-abortion laws was a ‘obviously made in jest’
Jane Fonda has clarified that comments made on The View about “murdering” over anti-abortion laws were “obviously made in jest”.
On Friday (10 March), Fonda appeared on the US daytime talk show with her Grace and Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin.
The pair were asked about the recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, amid news that Walgreens are now refusing to sell abortion medication in 21 states.
Discussing ways that people could fight back against the laws, which Tomlin described as “pretty terrifically awful”, Fonda said: “Well, I’ve thought of murder” and pulled a face.
Presenter Joy Behar told viewers that the 85-year-old was joking, but the comments quickly went viral online as Republicans criticised Fonda’s comments.
In a statement shared with Fox News, Fonda clarified that the comment was a joke.
“While women’s reproductive rights are a very serious issue and extremely important to me, my...
On Friday (10 March), Fonda appeared on the US daytime talk show with her Grace and Frankie co-star Lily Tomlin.
The pair were asked about the recent overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, amid news that Walgreens are now refusing to sell abortion medication in 21 states.
Discussing ways that people could fight back against the laws, which Tomlin described as “pretty terrifically awful”, Fonda said: “Well, I’ve thought of murder” and pulled a face.
Presenter Joy Behar told viewers that the 85-year-old was joking, but the comments quickly went viral online as Republicans criticised Fonda’s comments.
In a statement shared with Fox News, Fonda clarified that the comment was a joke.
“While women’s reproductive rights are a very serious issue and extremely important to me, my...
- 3/12/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
The UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has found his meeting with French premier Emmanuel Macron this weekend totally overshadowed in the British media. On Saturday evening, Sunak’s office released a statement from the Pm, saying:
“Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a talented presenter. I hope that the current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved in a timely manner, but it is rightly a matter for them, not the government.”
This came after BBC chief Tim Davie’s apology to audiences during a weekend of disruption to the sports coverage schedule on both TV and radio.
Last night’s BBC flagship sports show Match of the Day was aired without any presenter, pundits, match commentary or even its legendary theme tune, and was reduced to a 20-minute highlights reel of the day’s matches.
Sunday’s sports programmes on both TV and radio are expected to similarly impacted.
“Gary Lineker was a great footballer and is a talented presenter. I hope that the current situation between Gary Lineker and the BBC can be resolved in a timely manner, but it is rightly a matter for them, not the government.”
This came after BBC chief Tim Davie’s apology to audiences during a weekend of disruption to the sports coverage schedule on both TV and radio.
Last night’s BBC flagship sports show Match of the Day was aired without any presenter, pundits, match commentary or even its legendary theme tune, and was reduced to a 20-minute highlights reel of the day’s matches.
Sunday’s sports programmes on both TV and radio are expected to similarly impacted.
- 3/12/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Jenna Ortega paid homage to her horror movie roots while making her Saturday Night Live debut.
The 20-year-old Wednesday star hosted Saturday’s (11 March) episode of the sketch show, during which she appeared in a sketch based on the horror film The Exorcism.
In it, a family calls for a priest to visit their daughter (Ortega) in the middle of the night, after she has been possessed by the devil.
Writhing in her bed, Ortega speaks in a distorted voice as she tells the priest that he’s going to “rot in hell”.
However, the family are then interrupted by their neighbour, teacher Mrs Shaw (Ego Nwodim) who has come by to complain about the noise and ends up helping out with the exorcism.
“I’m getting my sleep tonight,” she tells the screaming Ortega. “You don’t scare me sweetie… Use your words.”
When Ortega starts levitating, Nwodim comments: “Where is she going?...
The 20-year-old Wednesday star hosted Saturday’s (11 March) episode of the sketch show, during which she appeared in a sketch based on the horror film The Exorcism.
In it, a family calls for a priest to visit their daughter (Ortega) in the middle of the night, after she has been possessed by the devil.
Writhing in her bed, Ortega speaks in a distorted voice as she tells the priest that he’s going to “rot in hell”.
However, the family are then interrupted by their neighbour, teacher Mrs Shaw (Ego Nwodim) who has come by to complain about the noise and ends up helping out with the exorcism.
“I’m getting my sleep tonight,” she tells the screaming Ortega. “You don’t scare me sweetie… Use your words.”
When Ortega starts levitating, Nwodim comments: “Where is she going?...
- 3/12/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
An unprecedented Match of the Day without presenters, pundits or commentators was watched by 500,000 more people last night than the previous week.
An average 2.6M viewers tuned in for the somewhat-bizarre 20 minute-long highlights show that comes with the BBC mired in one of its biggest crises of the past generation. Match of the Day, which airs for most of the year, tends to average around 2M viewers. Last night’s show hit its highest audience for four months.
A peak audience of almost 3M and share of nearly a quarter (23.5%) of people watching TV at the time tuned in for last night’s Match of the Day, which aired without presenters, pundits or commentators after host Gary Lineker was stood down by the BBC due to a breach of impartiality rules.
His fellow pundits refused to join him in solidarity following the controversy surrouding a tweet comparing the government’s...
An average 2.6M viewers tuned in for the somewhat-bizarre 20 minute-long highlights show that comes with the BBC mired in one of its biggest crises of the past generation. Match of the Day, which airs for most of the year, tends to average around 2M viewers. Last night’s show hit its highest audience for four months.
A peak audience of almost 3M and share of nearly a quarter (23.5%) of people watching TV at the time tuned in for last night’s Match of the Day, which aired without presenters, pundits or commentators after host Gary Lineker was stood down by the BBC due to a breach of impartiality rules.
His fellow pundits refused to join him in solidarity following the controversy surrouding a tweet comparing the government’s...
- 3/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BBC director general Tim Davie has apologized over the ongoing fracas around star soccer player turned sports pundit Gary Lineker, but will not resign.
Last Tuesday, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
Lineker is a star presenter on the BBC’s “Match of the Day” soccer program.
Lineker’s tweet raised government hackles and on Friday, the BBC suspended him, saying: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting ‘Match of the Day’ until we’ve got an agreed and clear...
Last Tuesday, Lineker, commenting on the U.K. government’s controversial Illegal Migration Bill, tweeted, describing it as an “immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s.”
Lineker is a star presenter on the BBC’s “Match of the Day” soccer program.
Lineker’s tweet raised government hackles and on Friday, the BBC suspended him, saying: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines. The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting ‘Match of the Day’ until we’ve got an agreed and clear...
- 3/12/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Director General Tim Davie has apologized to audiences for the disruption caused to the organization’s sports programming but said he won’t resign following the unprecedented talent walkout over the Gary Lineker row.
“I’m sorry audiences have been affected, and they haven’t got the programming,” Davie said in an interview with BBC News in Washington DC, where he is, somewhat ironically, speaking to journalists about impartial news.
“As a keen sports fan, I know to miss programming is a real blow, and I’m sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
When quizzed if he had considered resigning following the dispute, Davie confirmed that he would not be leaving the organization but said he is currently in “listening mode” with the aim of resolving issues on all sides.
“I want to make sure that going forward,...
“I’m sorry audiences have been affected, and they haven’t got the programming,” Davie said in an interview with BBC News in Washington DC, where he is, somewhat ironically, speaking to journalists about impartial news.
“As a keen sports fan, I know to miss programming is a real blow, and I’m sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air.”
When quizzed if he had considered resigning following the dispute, Davie confirmed that he would not be leaving the organization but said he is currently in “listening mode” with the aim of resolving issues on all sides.
“I want to make sure that going forward,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Vanessa Feltz has hit out at the BBC over its alleged handling of Ken Bruce’s departure from Radio 2.
Legendary broadcaster Bruce, who has been at the station since 1984, announced his departure from presenting the mid-morning show in January, with his last show due to take place at the end of March.
However, in February, Bruce said that he would actually be finishing on the show the following Friday (3 March), with the presenter claiming that “the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier”.
In a new interview, Feltz – who herself left the BBC last year after nearly 20 years – branded the alleged circumstances surrounding Bruce’s exit “bewildering”.
“After this incredibly long and amazingly distinguished career, to oust Ken Bruce two or three weeks before he was expecting to go and before his contract had actually played itself out, I thought that was incredibly discourteous and disrespectful and unnecessary,...
Legendary broadcaster Bruce, who has been at the station since 1984, announced his departure from presenting the mid-morning show in January, with his last show due to take place at the end of March.
However, in February, Bruce said that he would actually be finishing on the show the following Friday (3 March), with the presenter claiming that “the BBC has decided it wants me to leave earlier”.
In a new interview, Feltz – who herself left the BBC last year after nearly 20 years – branded the alleged circumstances surrounding Bruce’s exit “bewildering”.
“After this incredibly long and amazingly distinguished career, to oust Ken Bruce two or three weeks before he was expecting to go and before his contract had actually played itself out, I thought that was incredibly discourteous and disrespectful and unnecessary,...
- 3/11/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Piers Morgan has shared messages of support for Gary Lineker after the BBC announced that the presenter would be “stepping back” from hosting Match of the Day.
The former England striker is at the centre of a public debate about impartiality at the BBC, after he compared a video unveiling the government’s asylum policy to rhetoric used in Germany in the 1930s.
On Friday (10 March), the BBC said that Lineker would not continue presenting Motd until an “agreed and clear position” on his social media use had been reached.
This led to his co-hosts Alan Shearer and Ian Wright pulling out of presenting the show on Saturday (11 March) in “solidarity”. Micah Richards, Jermaine Jenas and Alex Scott also ruled themselves out of appearing on the show, meaning it will go ahead without any presenters.
You can follow The Independent’s live blog for updates.
On Saturday (11 March), Morgan spoke...
The former England striker is at the centre of a public debate about impartiality at the BBC, after he compared a video unveiling the government’s asylum policy to rhetoric used in Germany in the 1930s.
On Friday (10 March), the BBC said that Lineker would not continue presenting Motd until an “agreed and clear position” on his social media use had been reached.
This led to his co-hosts Alan Shearer and Ian Wright pulling out of presenting the show on Saturday (11 March) in “solidarity”. Micah Richards, Jermaine Jenas and Alex Scott also ruled themselves out of appearing on the show, meaning it will go ahead without any presenters.
You can follow The Independent’s live blog for updates.
On Saturday (11 March), Morgan spoke...
- 3/11/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
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