Exclusive: BAFTA-nominated Friday Night Dinner director Steve Bendelack is helming a comedy movie about an ageing rock band who reunites.
Bill & Ben Productions and Night Tide Films are combining on Heavenly Waters, which will shoot in Greece later this year.
Heavenly Waters tells the story of a rock band who, after an acrimonious split in the 1970s, agree to come together in Greece to scatter the ashes of their biggest fan, but things don’t go according to plan.
The pic is the writing debut of producer Kim Leggatt and actor David Schaal.
Bendelack is a two-time BAFTA nominee who was nominated in 2012 for Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner. He has also helmed a wealth of iconic British comedies including Spitting Image, Little Britain, The Royle Family and Mr Bean’s Holiday.
Heavenly Waters reunites Leggatt with producers Ben Timlett and Bill Jones.
Bill & Ben Productions and Night Tide Films are combining on Heavenly Waters, which will shoot in Greece later this year.
Heavenly Waters tells the story of a rock band who, after an acrimonious split in the 1970s, agree to come together in Greece to scatter the ashes of their biggest fan, but things don’t go according to plan.
The pic is the writing debut of producer Kim Leggatt and actor David Schaal.
Bendelack is a two-time BAFTA nominee who was nominated in 2012 for Channel 4’s Friday Night Dinner. He has also helmed a wealth of iconic British comedies including Spitting Image, Little Britain, The Royle Family and Mr Bean’s Holiday.
Heavenly Waters reunites Leggatt with producers Ben Timlett and Bill Jones.
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
British actor-comedian Ewen MacIntosh, known for the role of Big Keith in the popular sitcom series The Office (UK), has passed away at the age of 50. The news of his demise has stirred a wave of tributes from fans and colleagues, including his co-star Ricky Gervais, who portrayed the lead role as David Brent in the British sitcom.
Ewen MacIntosh passed away at 50
Known for starring in several British comedies, such as Miranda and Little Britain, Ewen MacIntosh reportedly battled two years of persistent ill health before his passing at the age of 50.
The Office Star Ewen MacIntosh Passes Away at 50
Known for portraying the scotch egg-loving accountant aspiring to become a DJ, Ewen MacIntosh has sadly passed away at the age of 50. The news of his passing was released by his management company, Just Right Management, on Wednesday with a statement saying,
The Office star Ewen Macintosh
SUGGESTEDEwen Macintosh,...
Ewen MacIntosh passed away at 50
Known for starring in several British comedies, such as Miranda and Little Britain, Ewen MacIntosh reportedly battled two years of persistent ill health before his passing at the age of 50.
The Office Star Ewen MacIntosh Passes Away at 50
Known for portraying the scotch egg-loving accountant aspiring to become a DJ, Ewen MacIntosh has sadly passed away at the age of 50. The news of his passing was released by his management company, Just Right Management, on Wednesday with a statement saying,
The Office star Ewen Macintosh
SUGGESTEDEwen Macintosh,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Ewen Macintosh is widely cherished as both an actor and comedian within the vibrant tapestry of Hollywood. With each performance, he effortlessly wove humor into the fabric of his characters, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his viewers.
Yet, amidst the joy he brought, a veil of sorrow now descends upon his fans as the entertainment world has lost a true gem.
Ewen Macintosh
The Office star Ewen Macintosh has passed away, at the age of 50, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many. In the wake of this heartbreaking news, industry insiders and fans alike have come together to pay tribute to Macintosh’s remarkable legacy.
Across various social media platforms, heartfelt messages and fond memories pour in, honoring the profound impact he made on the world of entertainment.
Remembering The Iconic Big Keith from The Office
The Office star Ewen Macintosh
Ewen Macintosh is celebrated...
Yet, amidst the joy he brought, a veil of sorrow now descends upon his fans as the entertainment world has lost a true gem.
Ewen Macintosh
The Office star Ewen Macintosh has passed away, at the age of 50, leaving a profound void in the hearts of many. In the wake of this heartbreaking news, industry insiders and fans alike have come together to pay tribute to Macintosh’s remarkable legacy.
Across various social media platforms, heartfelt messages and fond memories pour in, honoring the profound impact he made on the world of entertainment.
Remembering The Iconic Big Keith from The Office
The Office star Ewen Macintosh
Ewen Macintosh is celebrated...
- 2/21/2024
- by Pritha
- FandomWire
Ewen MacIntosh, the British character best known for his scene-stealing work as Keith on the original U.K. version of "The Office," has passed away at the age of 50. His cause of death remains unknown, but the BBC reports that he died at the Willow Green Care Home in Darlington. In a statement, MacIntosh's friend Ed Scott praised those who cared for him before his death:
"Thanks to the incredible care and love provided by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him when he brought a smile to their days."
MacIntosh was not a household name, but comedy fans, and especially those who are familiar with the original incarnation of "The Office," surely remember Keith. A dull, slow-speaking, Scotch egg-devouring weirdo with a passion for DJ-ing, Keith embodied what the series did so well -- he genuinely felt like a very real, and very awful...
"Thanks to the incredible care and love provided by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him when he brought a smile to their days."
MacIntosh was not a household name, but comedy fans, and especially those who are familiar with the original incarnation of "The Office," surely remember Keith. A dull, slow-speaking, Scotch egg-devouring weirdo with a passion for DJ-ing, Keith embodied what the series did so well -- he genuinely felt like a very real, and very awful...
- 2/21/2024
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Ewen MacIntosh, the British comedian who played the accountant “Big Keith” on the original U.K. version of The Office, has died at the age of 50.
The BBC reports that MacIntosh died at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington, England; no cause of death was provided.
The Office co-creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant both took to social media to pay tribute to MacIntosh, who played the monotone, scotch egg-eating accountant so well that they turned what was a bit part into a beloved character.
“I’m so very sad...
The BBC reports that MacIntosh died at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington, England; no cause of death was provided.
The Office co-creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant both took to social media to pay tribute to MacIntosh, who played the monotone, scotch egg-eating accountant so well that they turned what was a bit part into a beloved character.
“I’m so very sad...
- 2/21/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Ewen MacIntosh, the Welsh actor who played the accounts department’s Keith Bishop in Ricky Gervais‘ original BBC comedy The Office, has died at the age of 50.
The news was confirmed by Gervais himself in a post on X. “Extremely sad news,” he wrote Wednesday. “The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. Rip.”
More from TVLineRobin Windsor, Strictly Come Dancing Star, Dead at 44Carl Weathers Super Bowl Spot Adds Tribute in Wake of Actor's Death - WATCHCountry Music Star Toby Keith Dead at 62
A...
The news was confirmed by Gervais himself in a post on X. “Extremely sad news,” he wrote Wednesday. “The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. Rip.”
More from TVLineRobin Windsor, Strictly Come Dancing Star, Dead at 44Carl Weathers Super Bowl Spot Adds Tribute in Wake of Actor's Death - WATCHCountry Music Star Toby Keith Dead at 62
A...
- 2/21/2024
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Ewen MacIntosh, the Welsh actor and comedian best known for his role as Keith Bishop from the accounting office in the British version of The Office, has died at the age of 50.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
“The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away,” show creator Ricky Gervais wrote on X. “An absolute original. Rip.”
The actor played accountant Keith Bishop in The Office and later reunited with Gervais on Netflix series After Life. MacIntosh also had roles in such U.K. comedies as Miranda and Little Britain.
His deadpan performances in The Office quickly made MacIntosh’s Keith an audience favorite. In one popular scene with Martin Freeman, the accountant takes a large bite out of a Scotch egg while his opposite talks about performing a sexual act on himself.
MacIntosh also appeared in movies.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
“The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away,” show creator Ricky Gervais wrote on X. “An absolute original. Rip.”
The actor played accountant Keith Bishop in The Office and later reunited with Gervais on Netflix series After Life. MacIntosh also had roles in such U.K. comedies as Miranda and Little Britain.
His deadpan performances in The Office quickly made MacIntosh’s Keith an audience favorite. In one popular scene with Martin Freeman, the accountant takes a large bite out of a Scotch egg while his opposite talks about performing a sexual act on himself.
MacIntosh also appeared in movies.
- 2/21/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for playing Keith Bishop in Ricky Gervais’ original U.K. series of “The Office,” has died. He was 50.
“It is with a heavy heart I can confirm the very sad news of our client Ewen’s passing,” his management company said in a statement to Variety. “Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and possessed such a kind heart. He touched the lives of all who came into contact with him. Ewen suffered from ill health these past two years and passed peacefully on the 19th February from undisclosed causes. His family are heartened by and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen but would appreciate the privacy for them to grieve at this very difficult time.”
Born in Wales, MacIntosh appeared in various shows on stage and screen, including “Little Britain” and...
“It is with a heavy heart I can confirm the very sad news of our client Ewen’s passing,” his management company said in a statement to Variety. “Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and possessed such a kind heart. He touched the lives of all who came into contact with him. Ewen suffered from ill health these past two years and passed peacefully on the 19th February from undisclosed causes. His family are heartened by and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen but would appreciate the privacy for them to grieve at this very difficult time.”
Born in Wales, MacIntosh appeared in various shows on stage and screen, including “Little Britain” and...
- 2/21/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Action for AIDS, Gayhealth.sg and director Leon Cheo are happy to announce that the Emmy®-nominated short form series is back for a third season on Dec 7, 2023 with the six episodes released weekly on www.youtube.com/gayhealth. The finale episode goes live on Jan 11, 2024. The series' third season explores how community can support but also be destructive.
Synopsis
“People Like Us: Season 3” continues exploring the lives of Joel, Ridzwan, Rai and Isaac, as they seek love, happiness and acceptance as gay Singaporeans. Post-‘honeymoon' phase, Rai and Haniff face challenges as a serodiscordant couple. Joel and Ridzwan find their own ways to deal with their grief. Meanwhile, Isaac falls deeper into his substance addiction. Will it be happily ever after?
Show Background
Co-developed with Action for AIDS Singapore, season two of “People Like Us” was nominated for Best Short Form Series at the 2020 International Emmy® Awards. The first...
Synopsis
“People Like Us: Season 3” continues exploring the lives of Joel, Ridzwan, Rai and Isaac, as they seek love, happiness and acceptance as gay Singaporeans. Post-‘honeymoon' phase, Rai and Haniff face challenges as a serodiscordant couple. Joel and Ridzwan find their own ways to deal with their grief. Meanwhile, Isaac falls deeper into his substance addiction. Will it be happily ever after?
Show Background
Co-developed with Action for AIDS Singapore, season two of “People Like Us” was nominated for Best Short Form Series at the 2020 International Emmy® Awards. The first...
- 1/10/2024
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Little Britain, David Walliams and Matt Lucas’ anarchic noughties sketch show, is causing trouble again.
Research by UK media regulator Ofcom found that viewers were shocked that an “explicitly racist” scene from the BBC comedy was available to stream on iPlayer.
Ofcom, via polling company Ipsos, showed 115 people the Little Britain sketch as part of a study into audience expectations on potentially offensive content across linear TV and streaming services.
The scene involved Linda Flint, a university counselor played by Walliams, describing student Kenneth Lao as having “yellowish skin, slight smell of soy sauce … the ching-chong China man.”
First broadcast in 2004, the sketch featured in episode two of Little’s Britain‘s second season and is currently available to view on iPlayer.
“Participants viewed this content as explicitly racist and outdated and felt that society had moved on,” the Ofcom study said. “This content was not considered acceptable for linear...
Research by UK media regulator Ofcom found that viewers were shocked that an “explicitly racist” scene from the BBC comedy was available to stream on iPlayer.
Ofcom, via polling company Ipsos, showed 115 people the Little Britain sketch as part of a study into audience expectations on potentially offensive content across linear TV and streaming services.
The scene involved Linda Flint, a university counselor played by Walliams, describing student Kenneth Lao as having “yellowish skin, slight smell of soy sauce … the ching-chong China man.”
First broadcast in 2004, the sketch featured in episode two of Little’s Britain‘s second season and is currently available to view on iPlayer.
“Participants viewed this content as explicitly racist and outdated and felt that society had moved on,” the Ofcom study said. “This content was not considered acceptable for linear...
- 10/31/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
David Walliams is suing Britain’s Got Talent maker Fremantle, according to reports.
According to the BBC, the former judge on the ITV talent show has filed in London’s High Court an action listed as dealing with data protection against Fremantle label Thames.
Walliams was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for 10 years until 2022 but last year a Guardian investigation found that he had made disrespectful comments about two contestants, which were leaked on a transcript. He was heard making explicit remarks about contestants during the recording of an episode of the talent show in January 2020. Thames said at the time they regarded Walliams’ comments as private, but that his use of language was “inappropriate.”
Walliams, a household British comedian who created Little Britain, said at the time: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for in 2020. These were private...
According to the BBC, the former judge on the ITV talent show has filed in London’s High Court an action listed as dealing with data protection against Fremantle label Thames.
Walliams was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for 10 years until 2022 but last year a Guardian investigation found that he had made disrespectful comments about two contestants, which were leaked on a transcript. He was heard making explicit remarks about contestants during the recording of an episode of the talent show in January 2020. Thames said at the time they regarded Walliams’ comments as private, but that his use of language was “inappropriate.”
Walliams, a household British comedian who created Little Britain, said at the time: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for in 2020. These were private...
- 9/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
You’ve seen Women Talking, welcome to Women Swearing: Wicked Little Letters, Thea Sharrock’s fantastically funny feature puts Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman together in the filthiest pairing since Derek met Clive in the late 1970s. Set in 1920, it’s based on a story that, per the credits, is “more true than you’d think”, which, when you get to the end of it, is quite a claim. Think what a hip, modern and actually funny Carry On spoof of Call the Midwife might look like, scripted by the Coen brothers, shot with a little visual nod to Wes Anderson, and dictated by a screenwriter with Tourette Syndrome.
Throw in a bit of St. Trinian’s moral anarchy (Launder and Gilliatt version only) and you have the runaway British comedy of the year, a sometimes cry-laughing four-letter smackdown that might well benefit from the awards-season envelope currently being pushed...
Throw in a bit of St. Trinian’s moral anarchy (Launder and Gilliatt version only) and you have the runaway British comedy of the year, a sometimes cry-laughing four-letter smackdown that might well benefit from the awards-season envelope currently being pushed...
- 9/10/2023
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for Wonka, hitting cinemas on December 15.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” “Gravity,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Paddington,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s The Witches”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined...
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” “Gravity,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Paddington,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s The Witches”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined...
- 7/11/2023
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Last week, we learned that Paramount Pictures’ horror Western project with the brilliant title Organ Trail (inspired by the real life Oregon Trail, a wagon route that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon back in the 1800s) had earned an R rating for “strong violence, language and some sexual references.” Now a trailer for the film has arrived online – and this trailer reveals the surprising news that Organ Trail is getting a limited theatrical release on April 14th. That’s right, this movie is going to start playing on the big screen tomorrow! You can take a look at the trailer in the embed above.
Michael Patrick Jann (Drop Dead Gorgeous) directed Organ Trail from a screenplay by Meg Turner. The story centers on a young Abigale Archer, friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s, fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession,...
Michael Patrick Jann (Drop Dead Gorgeous) directed Organ Trail from a screenplay by Meg Turner. The story centers on a young Abigale Archer, friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s, fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession,...
- 4/13/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Last year, we heard the awesome news that Paramount Pictures had given the greenlight to a horror Western project with the brilliant title Organ Trail (inspired by the real life Oregon Trail, a wagon route that connected the Missouri River to valleys in Oregon back in the 1800s). The film has since made its way through production, and while we still don’t know when exactly Paramount intends to release Organ Trail, it has taken an important step toward its release: it has secured a rating from the Motion Picture Association. Organ Trail has earned an R rating for “strong violence, language and some sexual references.”
Michael Patrick Jann (Drop Dead Gorgeous) directed Organ Trail from a screenplay by Meg Turner. The story centers on a young Abigale Archer, friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s, fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession,...
Michael Patrick Jann (Drop Dead Gorgeous) directed Organ Trail from a screenplay by Meg Turner. The story centers on a young Abigale Archer, friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s, fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Matt Lucas is serving up the truth behind his short-lived “Great British Bake Off” hosting gig.
The comedian admitted during the “Deeney Talks” podcast that he viewed the reality competition series as a “pandemic job.” Lucas announced he was parting ways with the beloved Channel 4 show in December 2022 after hosting for three seasons alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
“I’d never seen the show beforehand and I was not a baker,” Lucas said. “They were just looking for a new host and it came at a time where I had been living in L.A. for seven years and I had just sold my house there and I was thinking about coming back and spending more time with my family and friends.”
The “Bridesmaids” actor continued, “I was told they were interested in me but I said I had never seen it so...
The comedian admitted during the “Deeney Talks” podcast that he viewed the reality competition series as a “pandemic job.” Lucas announced he was parting ways with the beloved Channel 4 show in December 2022 after hosting for three seasons alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood.
“I’d never seen the show beforehand and I was not a baker,” Lucas said. “They were just looking for a new host and it came at a time where I had been living in L.A. for seven years and I had just sold my house there and I was thinking about coming back and spending more time with my family and friends.”
The “Bridesmaids” actor continued, “I was told they were interested in me but I said I had never seen it so...
- 2/23/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Matt Lucas has made a surprising admission about The Great British Bake Off, months after quitting the show.
The comedian, 48, joined the Channel 4 baking competition in 2020 as a host alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. He announced he was stepping down in December.
Speaking in a new interview on the Deeney Talks podcast about his decision to step back from Bake Off, which he referred to as a “pandemic job”, Lucas admitted that he had “never seen the show” before he was approached to star on it.
“I’d never seen the show beforehand and I was not a baker,” he said.
“They were just looking for a new host and it came at a time where I had been living in LA for seven years and I had just sold my house there and I was thinking about coming back and spending more...
The comedian, 48, joined the Channel 4 baking competition in 2020 as a host alongside presenter Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. He announced he was stepping down in December.
Speaking in a new interview on the Deeney Talks podcast about his decision to step back from Bake Off, which he referred to as a “pandemic job”, Lucas admitted that he had “never seen the show” before he was approached to star on it.
“I’d never seen the show beforehand and I was not a baker,” he said.
“They were just looking for a new host and it came at a time where I had been living in LA for seven years and I had just sold my house there and I was thinking about coming back and spending more...
- 2/23/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
Exclusive: Roadside Attractions has snapped up North American rights to the comedy My Happy Ending, toplined by four-time Golden Globe nominee Andie MacDowell (Maid).
The film directed by Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon will be released exclusively in theaters nationwide on February 24 — contending on its opening weekend with Uni’s Cocaine Bear, Shout! Studios’ sci-fi dramedy Linoleum, Warner Bros.’ animated title Mummies and Lionsgate’s Jesus Revolution, among other titles.
My Happy Ending follows a famous actor (MacDowell) who goes incognito to seek treatment for a medical issue. While at the hospital, she meets three unique and remarkable women — an aging rocker, a young mother, and a forever-single, retired schoolteacher. Together, they help her face adversity with humor and camaraderie while coaching her for the most challenging role she has ever played…herself.
Rona Tamir adapted the screenplay for the Israeli/UK co-production, based on the acclaimed Israeli play Sof Tov...
The film directed by Tal Granit and Sharon Maymon will be released exclusively in theaters nationwide on February 24 — contending on its opening weekend with Uni’s Cocaine Bear, Shout! Studios’ sci-fi dramedy Linoleum, Warner Bros.’ animated title Mummies and Lionsgate’s Jesus Revolution, among other titles.
My Happy Ending follows a famous actor (MacDowell) who goes incognito to seek treatment for a medical issue. While at the hospital, she meets three unique and remarkable women — an aging rocker, a young mother, and a forever-single, retired schoolteacher. Together, they help her face adversity with humor and camaraderie while coaching her for the most challenging role she has ever played…herself.
Rona Tamir adapted the screenplay for the Israeli/UK co-production, based on the acclaimed Israeli play Sof Tov...
- 1/31/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Matt Lucas has revealed that he quitThe Great British Bake Off so that he could make a new sketch show with David Walliams.
In December, the comedian announced he was stepping down from presenting the Channel 4 baking competition after three years fronting it alongside Noel Fielding.
Speaking on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 this morning (26 January), Lucas said: “Me and David Walliams have started writing together again. We just thought it was time, so we quit our jobs and decided to do that.
“I mean I still do Fantasy Football League, obviously. We just started last week.”
He said that they have already decided what the concept of the new series is, explaining: “It will be a show with us playing lots of characters. But we have to write the treatment for it and we have to go and pitch it and see if anyone wants to make it.
In December, the comedian announced he was stepping down from presenting the Channel 4 baking competition after three years fronting it alongside Noel Fielding.
Speaking on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 this morning (26 January), Lucas said: “Me and David Walliams have started writing together again. We just thought it was time, so we quit our jobs and decided to do that.
“I mean I still do Fantasy Football League, obviously. We just started last week.”
He said that they have already decided what the concept of the new series is, explaining: “It will be a show with us playing lots of characters. But we have to write the treatment for it and we have to go and pitch it and see if anyone wants to make it.
- 1/26/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
There are a million reasons to love Anthony Head, from his time as the librarian/watcher Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to King Uther Pendragon in "Merlin," to the Prime Minister in "Little Britain." If you're on the younger side, though, you might have missed another wildly popular project that Head did, both in the U.K. and later in the U.S. It wasn't a film or a TV show. It was a series of coffee commercials.
Gather 'round, children, as I explain TV commercials. We had to watch them. We had no choice and no way to fast forward. That means that when a commercial came along with two insanely attractive people (Head and Sharon Maughan) who flirt over a borrowed container of coffee, we were riveted. This wasn't some idiot yelling about low prices on stereos or preternaturally adult children giving the thumbs up over a plastic toy.
Gather 'round, children, as I explain TV commercials. We had to watch them. We had no choice and no way to fast forward. That means that when a commercial came along with two insanely attractive people (Head and Sharon Maughan) who flirt over a borrowed container of coffee, we were riveted. This wasn't some idiot yelling about low prices on stereos or preternaturally adult children giving the thumbs up over a plastic toy.
- 1/10/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Ruth Madoc, star of sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, has died, aged 79.
The news was confirmed by her agent days after the actor went to hospital for surgery following a fall earlier this week.
Phil Belfield, from talent agency Belfield & Ward Ltd, said: “It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much loved client Ruth Madoc.”
He hailed Madoc as “one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many”, and described her as a “real legend of the British entertainment scene”.
Madoc was best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the BBC comedy sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, for which she received a BAFTA TV award nomination for Best Light Entertainment Performance.
She appeared in the show, which was set in the fictional 50s-type holiday camp Maplins, from 1980 to 1988. More recently, she appeared in the Matt Lucas and David Walliams sitcom Little Britain, playing the mother...
The news was confirmed by her agent days after the actor went to hospital for surgery following a fall earlier this week.
Phil Belfield, from talent agency Belfield & Ward Ltd, said: “It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much loved client Ruth Madoc.”
He hailed Madoc as “one of a kind and a unique talent loved by many”, and described her as a “real legend of the British entertainment scene”.
Madoc was best known for playing Gladys Pugh in the BBC comedy sitcom Hi-de-Hi!, for which she received a BAFTA TV award nomination for Best Light Entertainment Performance.
She appeared in the show, which was set in the fictional 50s-type holiday camp Maplins, from 1980 to 1988. More recently, she appeared in the Matt Lucas and David Walliams sitcom Little Britain, playing the mother...
- 12/10/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Matt Lucas is leaving The Great British Bake Off.
The presenter and Little Britain star announced his departure from the Channel 4 competition series on Tuesday (6 December) on Twitter.
Lucas said it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
Joining fans, the Bake Off judges were quick to respond to Lucas’ statement, with judge Paul Hollywood writing: “You will be missed @RealMattLucas, good luck with everything you’ve got planned … you’ve been awesome.”
Fellow judge Prue Leith tweeted: “I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.”
Meanwhile, many fans expressed their disappointment at Lucas’ departure, with one writing that he and co-presenter Noel Fielding had been “on fire this last season”.
Ugh!!! We’re going to miss you. Noel and yourself were on fire this last season.
— Clay Bartlett (@BartlettClay) December 6, 2022
“Noooo!
The presenter and Little Britain star announced his departure from the Channel 4 competition series on Tuesday (6 December) on Twitter.
Lucas said it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
Joining fans, the Bake Off judges were quick to respond to Lucas’ statement, with judge Paul Hollywood writing: “You will be missed @RealMattLucas, good luck with everything you’ve got planned … you’ve been awesome.”
Fellow judge Prue Leith tweeted: “I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.”
Meanwhile, many fans expressed their disappointment at Lucas’ departure, with one writing that he and co-presenter Noel Fielding had been “on fire this last season”.
Ugh!!! We’re going to miss you. Noel and yourself were on fire this last season.
— Clay Bartlett (@BartlettClay) December 6, 2022
“Noooo!
- 12/7/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Click here to read the full article.
Matt Lucas is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three seasons as co-host.
The comedian announced his departure via social media Tuesday, explaining that it was tough for him to balance his various projects, including his Sky series Fantasy Football League. Lucas joined the kitchen competition series, known in the U.S. as The Great British Baking Show, for season 11, alongside continuing co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
“After three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else,” Lucas wrote, in part. “I wish whomever takes over all the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already known who won!”
In a statement posted to its official Twitter account, the show’s team said, “We’ve loved having Matt Lucas brighten up our Tent for the last three years,...
Matt Lucas is leaving The Great British Bake Off after three seasons as co-host.
The comedian announced his departure via social media Tuesday, explaining that it was tough for him to balance his various projects, including his Sky series Fantasy Football League. Lucas joined the kitchen competition series, known in the U.S. as The Great British Baking Show, for season 11, alongside continuing co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.
“After three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else,” Lucas wrote, in part. “I wish whomever takes over all the very best and I can’t wait to tune into the next series without already known who won!”
In a statement posted to its official Twitter account, the show’s team said, “We’ve loved having Matt Lucas brighten up our Tent for the last three years,...
- 12/7/2022
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matt Lucas is stepping away from “The Great British Bake Off” after co-hosting for three years, citing a busy schedule that includes his talk show, “Fantasy Football League.”
“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,” Lucas posted on social media Tuesday.
“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent. I wish whoever takes over all the very best and I can’t wait to tune...
“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,” Lucas posted on social media Tuesday.
“I would like to give my warmest thanks and gratitude to everyone at Love Productions and Channel 4 and Noelipops, Paul, Dame Prue, the crew and, of course, the wonderful bakers for welcoming me into the tent. I wish whoever takes over all the very best and I can’t wait to tune...
- 12/6/2022
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
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
All things crust come to an end.
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas is leaving as co-host of “The Great British Bake Off” after three seasons on the show, citing scheduling conflicts with his new series “Fantasy Football League” for Sky.
“It’s become clear to me that I can’t present both ‘Fantasy Football League’ and ‘Bake Off’ alongside all my other projects,” Lucas said in a statement posted to Twitter. “So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.”
Lucas began co-hosting “Bake Off” (which airs on Netflix as “The Great British Baking Show” in the U.S.) for the 11th season, replacing co-host Sandi Toksvig. He worked alongside co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and in the first two of those seasons, it was under severe Covid restrictions that required the production to remain sequestered together in a Covid bubble.
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas is leaving as co-host of “The Great British Bake Off” after three seasons on the show, citing scheduling conflicts with his new series “Fantasy Football League” for Sky.
“It’s become clear to me that I can’t present both ‘Fantasy Football League’ and ‘Bake Off’ alongside all my other projects,” Lucas said in a statement posted to Twitter. “So, after three series and 51 episodes, I am cheerfully passing the baguette on to someone else.”
Lucas began co-hosting “Bake Off” (which airs on Netflix as “The Great British Baking Show” in the U.S.) for the 11th season, replacing co-host Sandi Toksvig. He worked alongside co-host Noel Fielding and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and in the first two of those seasons, it was under severe Covid restrictions that required the production to remain sequestered together in a Covid bubble.
- 12/6/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
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
Matt Lucas is leaving The Great British Bake Off.
The presenter and Little Britain star announced his departure from the Channel 4 competition series on Tuesday (6 December) on Twitter.
Lucas said it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
Joining fans, the Bake Off judges were quick to respond to Lucas’ statement, with judge Paul Hollywood writing: “You will be missed @RealMattLucas, good luck with everything you’ve got planned … you’ve been awesome.”
Fellow judge Prue Leith tweeted: “I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.”
Meanwhile, many fans expressed their disappointment at Lucas’ departure, with one writing that he and co-presenter Noel Fielding had been “on fire this last season”.
Ugh!!! We’re going to miss you. Noel and yourself were on fire this last season.
— Clay Bartlett (@BartlettClay) December 6, 2022
“Noooo!
The presenter and Little Britain star announced his departure from the Channel 4 competition series on Tuesday (6 December) on Twitter.
Lucas said it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
Joining fans, the Bake Off judges were quick to respond to Lucas’ statement, with judge Paul Hollywood writing: “You will be missed @RealMattLucas, good luck with everything you’ve got planned … you’ve been awesome.”
Fellow judge Prue Leith tweeted: “I have absolutely loved working with you @RealMattLucas. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and fun to the tent.”
Meanwhile, many fans expressed their disappointment at Lucas’ departure, with one writing that he and co-presenter Noel Fielding had been “on fire this last season”.
Ugh!!! We’re going to miss you. Noel and yourself were on fire this last season.
— Clay Bartlett (@BartlettClay) December 6, 2022
“Noooo!
- 12/6/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
Matt Lucas has announced that he is leaving The Great British Bake Off.
The comedian and Little Britain star served as a presenter on the Channel 4 series – known in the US as The Great British Baking Show – for three years.
Lucas issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday (6 December) evening announcing the news, revealing that it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
“Farewell Bake Off!” he wrote. “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.”
Lucas’s replacement has yet to be announced by Channel 4 or the series’ producers.
The comedian and Little Britain star served as a presenter on the Channel 4 series – known in the US as The Great British Baking Show – for three years.
Lucas issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday (6 December) evening announcing the news, revealing that it “became clear” he was no longer able to host the series alongside his other projects.
“Farewell Bake Off!” he wrote. “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.”
Lucas’s replacement has yet to be announced by Channel 4 or the series’ producers.
- 12/6/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
David Walliams has admitted to making sexually explicit remarks about a Britain’s Got Talent contestant.
The Little Britain comedian and children’s book author, who is a judge on the ITV series, apparently made the offensive comments during an audition show in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
Walliams’s remarks were picked up by microphones placed on the desks by producers in order to pick up the conversations between judges after each audition.
One moment caught by the audio, which was in a transcript obtained by The Guardian, allegedly hears Walliams, 51, describe a woman as being like “the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don’t”.
He is said to then add: “I know, she’s just like: ‘Oh, f*** off!’ I was saying, she thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t. It’s the last thing on your mind,...
The Little Britain comedian and children’s book author, who is a judge on the ITV series, apparently made the offensive comments during an audition show in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
Walliams’s remarks were picked up by microphones placed on the desks by producers in order to pick up the conversations between judges after each audition.
One moment caught by the audio, which was in a transcript obtained by The Guardian, allegedly hears Walliams, 51, describe a woman as being like “the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don’t”.
He is said to then add: “I know, she’s just like: ‘Oh, f*** off!’ I was saying, she thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t. It’s the last thing on your mind,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
“Britain’s Got Talent” judge David Walliams has been accused of making “sexually explicit” and “derogatory” remarks about the show’s contestants.
According to The Guardian newspaper, which claims to have reviewed leaked transcripts from three episodes of the show, Walliams called one contestant a “cunt” and said of a different, female contestant “She thinks you want to fuck her, but you don’t,” adding she had given him a “boner” before it “shrivelled up inside my body.”
Comedian and author Walliams, who is best known as the co-creator of “Little Britain” with Matt Lucas, is said to have made the remarks to his fellow judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon during auditions for the talent show in London in January 2020. The remarks were picked up by the judges’ microphones and, according to The Guardian, were “understood to have been made for potential broadcast in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ or other spin-off shows,...
According to The Guardian newspaper, which claims to have reviewed leaked transcripts from three episodes of the show, Walliams called one contestant a “cunt” and said of a different, female contestant “She thinks you want to fuck her, but you don’t,” adding she had given him a “boner” before it “shrivelled up inside my body.”
Comedian and author Walliams, who is best known as the co-creator of “Little Britain” with Matt Lucas, is said to have made the remarks to his fellow judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon during auditions for the talent show in London in January 2020. The remarks were picked up by the judges’ microphones and, according to The Guardian, were “understood to have been made for potential broadcast in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ or other spin-off shows,...
- 11/10/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
David Walliams has admitted to making sexually explicit remarks about a Britain’s Got Talent contestant.
The Little Britain comedian and children’s book author, who is a judge on the ITV series, apparently made the offensive comments during an audition show in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
Walliams’s remarks were picked up by microphones placed on the desks by producers in order to pick up the conversations between judges after each audition.
One moment caught by the audio, which was in a transcript obtained by The Guardian, allegedly hears Walliams, 51, describe a woman as being like “the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don’t”.
He is said to then add: “I know, she’s just like: ‘Oh, f*** off!’ I was saying, she thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t. It’s the last thing on your mind,...
The Little Britain comedian and children’s book author, who is a judge on the ITV series, apparently made the offensive comments during an audition show in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
Walliams’s remarks were picked up by microphones placed on the desks by producers in order to pick up the conversations between judges after each audition.
One moment caught by the audio, which was in a transcript obtained by The Guardian, allegedly hears Walliams, 51, describe a woman as being like “the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don’t”.
He is said to then add: “I know, she’s just like: ‘Oh, f*** off!’ I was saying, she thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t. It’s the last thing on your mind,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Starting November 9, acclaimed actress Imelda Staunton provides the head that will wear “The Crown,” which marks the Emmy-winning series’ fifth season. Staunton inherits the role of the late Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy (Seasons 1 and 2) and Olivia Colman (Seasons 3 and 4), both of whom won Best Actress Emmys for their performances. Given Staunton’s award-winning work in film and on the stage, there’s little reason to believe that she won’t keep the streak going.
With dramatic events still rocking the real-life royal family, audiences are intrigued how this will impact the series’ fictionalized royals. But there is little doubt that, as the Queen, Staunton will keep calm and carry on. To prepare for her debut season, let’s look back at the Top 10 Imelda Staunton movies ranked. Scroll through our photo gallery above or click here for direct access.
See‘The Crown’ Season 5 trailer: Diana reaches her breaking...
With dramatic events still rocking the real-life royal family, audiences are intrigued how this will impact the series’ fictionalized royals. But there is little doubt that, as the Queen, Staunton will keep calm and carry on. To prepare for her debut season, let’s look back at the Top 10 Imelda Staunton movies ranked. Scroll through our photo gallery above or click here for direct access.
See‘The Crown’ Season 5 trailer: Diana reaches her breaking...
- 10/28/2022
- by Tom O'Brien
- Gold Derby
Starting November 9, acclaimed actress Imelda Staunton provides the head that will wear “The Crown,” which marks the Emmy-winning series’ fifth season. Staunton inherits the role of the late Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy (Seasons 1 and 2) and Olivia Colman (Seasons 3 and 4), both of whom won Best Actress Emmys for their performances. Given Staunton’s award-winning work in film and on the stage, there’s little reason to believe that she won’t keep the streak going.
With dramatic events still rocking the real-life royal family, audiences are intrigued how this will impact the series’ fictionalized royals. But there is little doubt that, as the Queen, Staunton will keep calm and carry on. To prepare for her debut season, let’s look back at the Top 10 Imelda Staunton movies ranked.
British television audiences know Staunton from her guest starring roles on such shows as “The Singing Detective,” “Little Britain” and “Doctor Who.
With dramatic events still rocking the real-life royal family, audiences are intrigued how this will impact the series’ fictionalized royals. But there is little doubt that, as the Queen, Staunton will keep calm and carry on. To prepare for her debut season, let’s look back at the Top 10 Imelda Staunton movies ranked.
British television audiences know Staunton from her guest starring roles on such shows as “The Singing Detective,” “Little Britain” and “Doctor Who.
- 10/27/2022
- by Tom O'Brien, Marcus James Dixon and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Half of the British comedy duo Little Britain with Matt Lucas.
Walliams swam the English Channel in 2006 to raise more than £1 million for Sport Relief. In November of that year those efforts won him the Pride of Britain Award for “Most Influential Public Figure”.
In July of 2006 he became Patron of Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Charities & foundations supported
David Walliams has supported the following charities:
Camden Music TrustCardiac Risk in the YoungCAREComic ReliefCystic Fibrosis FoundationCystic Fibrosis TrustDramatic NeedMines Advisory GroupNot On Our WatchSmall Steps ProjectSport ReliefWildlife Warriors Worldwide Read more about David Walliams's charity work and events. Related articles Crikey! Irwin Featured On Stamp For CharityStars Gather For Cystic Fibrosis BenefitDavid Walliams Splashes Out For CharityMatt Lucas Applauds Arsenal's Charity EffortsElton's AIDS Bash Attracts Stars
Are you organizing an event which celebrities will attend? Tell us about it so we can spread the word!
Copyright © 2022 Look To The Stars.
Walliams swam the English Channel in 2006 to raise more than £1 million for Sport Relief. In November of that year those efforts won him the Pride of Britain Award for “Most Influential Public Figure”.
In July of 2006 he became Patron of Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Charities & foundations supported
David Walliams has supported the following charities:
Camden Music TrustCardiac Risk in the YoungCAREComic ReliefCystic Fibrosis FoundationCystic Fibrosis TrustDramatic NeedMines Advisory GroupNot On Our WatchSmall Steps ProjectSport ReliefWildlife Warriors Worldwide Read more about David Walliams's charity work and events. Related articles Crikey! Irwin Featured On Stamp For CharityStars Gather For Cystic Fibrosis BenefitDavid Walliams Splashes Out For CharityMatt Lucas Applauds Arsenal's Charity EffortsElton's AIDS Bash Attracts Stars
Are you organizing an event which celebrities will attend? Tell us about it so we can spread the word!
Copyright © 2022 Look To The Stars.
- 10/27/2022
- Look to the Stars
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed Charlie Perkins as head of comedy, reporting into chief content officer Ian Katz. Former head of comedy Fiona McDermott left Channel 4 in March to join Apple TV+.
Perkins will manage a team comprising newly promoted commissioning editor Laura Riseam and commissioning executive Joe Hullait. She will also oversee the appointment of a new senior commissioning editor. Channel 4 commissioning editor Jack Bayles is leaving the broadcaster to join “I May Destroy You” producer Various Artists Limited as head of comedy.
Perkins, who will take up the role at Channel 4 later this year, joins from Blink Industries where she was head of comedy. She began her career working on shows such as “Little Britain,” “French & Saunders,” “Benidorm” and “Mock the Week,” moving on to become a producer at alternative comedy venue The Invisible Dot, BBC Radio Comedy and Cave Bear Productions. In 2013, Perkins founded The Paddock comedy collective,...
Perkins will manage a team comprising newly promoted commissioning editor Laura Riseam and commissioning executive Joe Hullait. She will also oversee the appointment of a new senior commissioning editor. Channel 4 commissioning editor Jack Bayles is leaving the broadcaster to join “I May Destroy You” producer Various Artists Limited as head of comedy.
Perkins, who will take up the role at Channel 4 later this year, joins from Blink Industries where she was head of comedy. She began her career working on shows such as “Little Britain,” “French & Saunders,” “Benidorm” and “Mock the Week,” moving on to become a producer at alternative comedy venue The Invisible Dot, BBC Radio Comedy and Cave Bear Productions. In 2013, Perkins founded The Paddock comedy collective,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4 Hires Charlie Perkins As Head Of Comedy
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has hired Charlies Perkins as its new head of comedy, replacing Fiona McDermott, who recently left to join Apple TV+ after delivering series such as Derry Girls, We Are Lady Parts and Big Boys. The hire brings to an end a lengthy search for McDermott’s successor. Perkins will report directly to Chief Content Officer Ian Katz and will manage a team comprising newly promoted Commissioning Editor Laura Riseam and Commissioning Executive Joe Hullait. She will also oversee the appointment of a Senior Commissioning Editor, and Deadline understands several candidates have been approached. Perkins arrives from London-based Blink Industries, which is behind the upcoming series Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared for Channel 4. Perkins began her career on shows such as Little Britain, French & Saunders, Benidorm and Mock the Week, moving on to become a producer at alternative comedy venue The Invisible Dot,...
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has hired Charlies Perkins as its new head of comedy, replacing Fiona McDermott, who recently left to join Apple TV+ after delivering series such as Derry Girls, We Are Lady Parts and Big Boys. The hire brings to an end a lengthy search for McDermott’s successor. Perkins will report directly to Chief Content Officer Ian Katz and will manage a team comprising newly promoted Commissioning Editor Laura Riseam and Commissioning Executive Joe Hullait. She will also oversee the appointment of a Senior Commissioning Editor, and Deadline understands several candidates have been approached. Perkins arrives from London-based Blink Industries, which is behind the upcoming series Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared for Channel 4. Perkins began her career on shows such as Little Britain, French & Saunders, Benidorm and Mock the Week, moving on to become a producer at alternative comedy venue The Invisible Dot,...
- 6/27/2022
- by Jesse Whittock and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
101 Films Intl., the U.K.-based sales division of Amcomri Entertainment, has boarded worldwide sales for comedy sci-fi fantasy film “This Is the Night Mail.”
Written by Joanne Reay (“MindGamers”), “This Is the Night Mail” stars a plethora of well-known talent including Stephen Fry (“Bright Young Things”), Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Matt Lucas (“Little Britain”).
Andrew Goth (“MindGamers”) and Reay have directed the film, which is finishing post and will be available in the second quarter.
The Night Mail is a delivery service with a difference. You’ll be working with the dead.
Goth said: “Joanne’s script is truly original. Refreshingly unformulaic. You never know what’s coming next. Makes you laugh out loud – then cover your eyes – all while hoping for more.”
Eoghan Burke, VP of international sales at 101 Films Intl., added: “This is a marvellous comic movie with a really unique fantasy premise. The British talent involved is off the scale.
Written by Joanne Reay (“MindGamers”), “This Is the Night Mail” stars a plethora of well-known talent including Stephen Fry (“Bright Young Things”), Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”) and Matt Lucas (“Little Britain”).
Andrew Goth (“MindGamers”) and Reay have directed the film, which is finishing post and will be available in the second quarter.
The Night Mail is a delivery service with a difference. You’ll be working with the dead.
Goth said: “Joanne’s script is truly original. Refreshingly unformulaic. You never know what’s coming next. Makes you laugh out loud – then cover your eyes – all while hoping for more.”
Eoghan Burke, VP of international sales at 101 Films Intl., added: “This is a marvellous comic movie with a really unique fantasy premise. The British talent involved is off the scale.
- 5/24/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Michael Patrick Jann has been tapped to direct the Western horror film Organ Trail for Paramount Pictures, with Olivia Applegate (Love and Death), Clé Bennett (The Man in the High Castle), Zoé De Grand Maison (Riverdale), Nicholas Logan (Dopesick), Sam Trammell (True Blood) and Jessica Frances Dukes (Ozark) signing on to star.
The film written by Meg Turner finds a young Abigale Archer friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s—fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession, her family’s horse, from a gang of bloodthirsty bandits. Jann will produce alongside David Codron.
Jann is a writer, director and producer who began his career as a member of the sketch comedy group The State, then co-creating the MTV show of the same name. He served as an executive producer and director for the series Reno 911!, also exec producing Flight of the Conchords...
The film written by Meg Turner finds a young Abigale Archer friendless and alone in a brutal Montana winter during the 1870s—fighting for survival and to retrieve her one earthly possession, her family’s horse, from a gang of bloodthirsty bandits. Jann will produce alongside David Codron.
Jann is a writer, director and producer who began his career as a member of the sketch comedy group The State, then co-creating the MTV show of the same name. He served as an executive producer and director for the series Reno 911!, also exec producing Flight of the Conchords...
- 3/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Last weeks episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK will go down as one of the most memorable in episodes of Drag Race her-story! It started with all the queens been sent home and forced to quarantine for 7 months which was crazy; we had the return and second elimination of the international cabaret sensation Joe Black; and saw the premiere of one of the most annoyingly catchy songs to ever come for drag race. “U K Hun” by the United Kingdolls has been on loop for me since last week and made it to the #1 downloaded song on iTunes! We technically saw two eliminations last week as Veronica Green tested positive for the virus and so was unable to return to filming but was offered a free pass to next years competition. I recently discovered a video of Veronica Green singing on the BBC singing show “All Together Now...
- 2/19/2021
- by Rhys Payne
- Nerdly
The temperature in the tent reached fever pitch this season, and it wasn’t just chocolate mirror glazes that melted in the heat.
Every season of “Great British Baking Show” (or “The Great British Bake Off” to folks across the pond) has included controversial eliminations, baking disasters and emotional highs, but season 11 was a tiered cake of controversy with cultural insensitivity and severe online trolling as its top two layers, and the pandemic as its genoise base.
At times “Bake Off” can be the most therapeutic show on television (who doesn’t enjoy a triumphant amateur placing the final spun sugar nest atop their beautiful creation), but it can also be the most stressful. The Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing lockdown meant that viewers on both sides of the Atlantic needed “Bake Off” more than ever. However, perhaps it was too much to expect Channel 4 and studio Love Productions to...
Every season of “Great British Baking Show” (or “The Great British Bake Off” to folks across the pond) has included controversial eliminations, baking disasters and emotional highs, but season 11 was a tiered cake of controversy with cultural insensitivity and severe online trolling as its top two layers, and the pandemic as its genoise base.
At times “Bake Off” can be the most therapeutic show on television (who doesn’t enjoy a triumphant amateur placing the final spun sugar nest atop their beautiful creation), but it can also be the most stressful. The Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing lockdown meant that viewers on both sides of the Atlantic needed “Bake Off” more than ever. However, perhaps it was too much to expect Channel 4 and studio Love Productions to...
- 12/1/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Since social distancing practices began early in the year, 2020 has seen people go to great lengths to keep themselves entertained. For some that meant clearing out a Netflix queue that has been accumulating titles since “The Sopranos,” Season 4, Disc 3 was perpetually checked out at their local Blockbuster. Others stumbled forth like zombies, finding life disincentivized without professional sports to dull the pain. And then there were the bakers.
God bless the bakers, every one, and that herd mentality that drove them all into the kitchen to bake loaf after loaf of bread, leaving flour and yeast in short supply.
The point is, when people were faced with trying times, they sought distraction. They wanted comfort.
And they’re in luck because the most delectable slice of pop culture comfort food has returned, as Netflix airs the latest season of “The Great British Baking Show,” which is currently the best distraction...
God bless the bakers, every one, and that herd mentality that drove them all into the kitchen to bake loaf after loaf of bread, leaving flour and yeast in short supply.
The point is, when people were faced with trying times, they sought distraction. They wanted comfort.
And they’re in luck because the most delectable slice of pop culture comfort food has returned, as Netflix airs the latest season of “The Great British Baking Show,” which is currently the best distraction...
- 10/7/2020
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Jodie Whittaker, David Walliams, Liz Carr and Ruth Jones are the participants in the latest iteration of long-running BBC genealogy show “Who Do You Think You Are?” that returns in October.
Produced by Warner Bros Television Production U.K.’s Wall to Wall Media, the two-time BAFTA-winning format follows U.K. celebrities who unravel their family histories. This edition, down to four parts from the usual eight, features actors.
Jodie Whittaker (“Doctor Who”) learns the reality behind a family myth surrounding her great uncle’s sacrifice in WWI while unearthing some uncomfortable truths about her great-great grandfather in Yorkshire. David Walliams (“Little Britain”) uncovers a relative’s traumatic experience during WWI and learns that entertaining runs in the family.
“Silent Witness” actor and activist Liz Carr investigates an ancestor’s role in an attempted murder, while “Gavin and Stacey” co-creator and star Ruth Jones unearths a family connection to the...
Produced by Warner Bros Television Production U.K.’s Wall to Wall Media, the two-time BAFTA-winning format follows U.K. celebrities who unravel their family histories. This edition, down to four parts from the usual eight, features actors.
Jodie Whittaker (“Doctor Who”) learns the reality behind a family myth surrounding her great uncle’s sacrifice in WWI while unearthing some uncomfortable truths about her great-great grandfather in Yorkshire. David Walliams (“Little Britain”) uncovers a relative’s traumatic experience during WWI and learns that entertaining runs in the family.
“Silent Witness” actor and activist Liz Carr investigates an ancestor’s role in an attempted murder, while “Gavin and Stacey” co-creator and star Ruth Jones unearths a family connection to the...
- 9/23/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Idris Elba weighed in on the removal of old movies and TV shows deemed racist or sexist, saying he’d opt for keeping the shows but with warnings or even a ratings system.
“I’m very much a believer in freedom of speech,” Elba said in an interview with Radio Times magazine. “But the thing about freedom of speech is that it’s not suitable for everybody. That’s why we have a rating system: We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18, X…I don’t know anything about X, by the way.”
Elba’s comments come as his The Long Run comedy returns to UK’s Sky One for a third series. As in the U.S., streamers in Britain including BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox have recently pulled old episodes deemed racist, often for depictions of blackface, including Little Britain, Come Fly with Me,...
“I’m very much a believer in freedom of speech,” Elba said in an interview with Radio Times magazine. “But the thing about freedom of speech is that it’s not suitable for everybody. That’s why we have a rating system: We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18, X…I don’t know anything about X, by the way.”
Elba’s comments come as his The Long Run comedy returns to UK’s Sky One for a third series. As in the U.S., streamers in Britain including BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox have recently pulled old episodes deemed racist, often for depictions of blackface, including Little Britain, Come Fly with Me,...
- 7/16/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
British star Idris Elba advocated that racism in film and TV shows should be no different from sexism, with a rating system to warn viewers of racist viewpoints.
“That’s why we have a rating system: We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18,” said Elba to the Radio Times. “To mock the truth, you have to know the truth. But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it – wait a second, I think viewers should know that people made shows like this.”
He continued: “Out of respect for the time and the movement, commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time – fair enough and good for you. But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.”
Elba’s comments came after several shows removed episodes,...
“That’s why we have a rating system: We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18,” said Elba to the Radio Times. “To mock the truth, you have to know the truth. But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it – wait a second, I think viewers should know that people made shows like this.”
He continued: “Out of respect for the time and the movement, commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time – fair enough and good for you. But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they’re getting into.”
Elba’s comments came after several shows removed episodes,...
- 7/15/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
Stop me when you’ve heard this one before: a baseline functional workplace full of well-meaning misfits gets a jolt from a hotheaded new guy, hijinks ensue, lather, rinse, repeat. When using such a formula that’s served dozens of sitcoms well over the years, it’s down to a show’s execution to make itself more compelling than the basics of its premise. “Intelligence,” created by British comic actor Nick Mohammed, occasionally finds moments of intrigue, but is more often content to plug along in its lane.
Even the much higher stakes environment in which “Intelligence” takes place — a windowless cybercrime unit in a London suburb — doesn’t especially up the urgency. Joseph (Mohammed) is a B-minus lackey scraping by under the watchful eye of his fearsome boss, Christine (Sylvestra Le Touzel), while nursing a small crush on their extraordinarily cool in-house hacker, Tuva (Gana Bayarsaikhan). Rounding out their...
Even the much higher stakes environment in which “Intelligence” takes place — a windowless cybercrime unit in a London suburb — doesn’t especially up the urgency. Joseph (Mohammed) is a B-minus lackey scraping by under the watchful eye of his fearsome boss, Christine (Sylvestra Le Touzel), while nursing a small crush on their extraordinarily cool in-house hacker, Tuva (Gana Bayarsaikhan). Rounding out their...
- 7/10/2020
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Comcast’s European broadcaster Sky has taken full control of Love Productions, the producer behind Channel 4 hit The Great British Bake Off.
Sky took a 70.41% stake in Love Productions in 2014, and now the pay-tv operator has acquired the remaining 29.59% of shares in the Richard McKerrow-founded outfit, as it continues to build its production empire.
Jane Millichip, Sky Studios’ chief commercial officer, said: “Love Productions is a world-class production company that has continued to create popular, thought-provoking and award-winning factual and factual entertainment shows since Sky first invested in 2014.
“We are proud that Love Productions is now a wholly-owned Sky Studios company and we look forward to continuing to work with Richard and the team as we build on their continued success.”
The deal was done in February, according to Love’s 2019 earnings, and followed both Sky and the producer’s directors receiving significantly increased dividends from the Bake Off business.
Sky took a 70.41% stake in Love Productions in 2014, and now the pay-tv operator has acquired the remaining 29.59% of shares in the Richard McKerrow-founded outfit, as it continues to build its production empire.
Jane Millichip, Sky Studios’ chief commercial officer, said: “Love Productions is a world-class production company that has continued to create popular, thought-provoking and award-winning factual and factual entertainment shows since Sky first invested in 2014.
“We are proud that Love Productions is now a wholly-owned Sky Studios company and we look forward to continuing to work with Richard and the team as we build on their continued success.”
The deal was done in February, according to Love’s 2019 earnings, and followed both Sky and the producer’s directors receiving significantly increased dividends from the Bake Off business.
- 7/7/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The BBC’s streaming service iPlayer has started adding new warnings to certain shows that people may find offensive following the controversy over blackface performances in comedy.
Archive comedies, including The League Of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh, now feature a little “i” logo, which carries a warning that they reflect attitudes of their time.
Here’s the full quote: “The Mighty Boosh is a classic comedy which reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time. Some viewers may find this content offensive.”
Furthermore, when watching iPlayer through Sky, viewers are greeted with the same message and have to click “ok” before the show begins to stream.
The warning was not present on The League Of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh last month and comes after the shows were scrubbed by Netflix for featuring white actors in black makeup.
The BBC, Netflix and others also removed Little Britain...
Archive comedies, including The League Of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh, now feature a little “i” logo, which carries a warning that they reflect attitudes of their time.
Here’s the full quote: “The Mighty Boosh is a classic comedy which reflects the broadcast standards, language and attitudes of its time. Some viewers may find this content offensive.”
Furthermore, when watching iPlayer through Sky, viewers are greeted with the same message and have to click “ok” before the show begins to stream.
The warning was not present on The League Of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh last month and comes after the shows were scrubbed by Netflix for featuring white actors in black makeup.
The BBC, Netflix and others also removed Little Britain...
- 7/1/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Golden Girls is the latest sitcom to have an episode pulled from a streaming service due to a scene depicting blackface.
Hulu has pulled “Mixed Blessings” (Season 3, Episode 23), which sees Dorothy’s son Michael planning to marry an older Black woman named Lorraine. Bea Arthur’s character worries about the nuptials due to the age difference, while Lorraine’s family disapproves of their daughter marrying a white man, and attempts are made on both sides to call the whole thing off. Lorraine’s family arrives just as Rose (Betty White) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan) are trying a new mud facial treatment,...
Hulu has pulled “Mixed Blessings” (Season 3, Episode 23), which sees Dorothy’s son Michael planning to marry an older Black woman named Lorraine. Bea Arthur’s character worries about the nuptials due to the age difference, while Lorraine’s family disapproves of their daughter marrying a white man, and attempts are made on both sides to call the whole thing off. Lorraine’s family arrives just as Rose (Betty White) and Blanche (Rue McClanahan) are trying a new mud facial treatment,...
- 6/28/2020
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
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