Exclusive: Popular Channel 4 panel show 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown appears to be the latest to have been hit by the network’s slowdown.
Deadline is told that Channel 4 has been sitting on the current series since it was delivered last year and there are no plans to record a new series this year.
“We have already shot episodes which are ready to air,” said a spokeswoman. “To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.”
Channel 4 wasn’t able to say when the new episodes will be shot.
Produced by Would I Like To You? maker Zeppotron, Cats Does Countdown is a Jimmy Carr-hosted mash-up of comedy panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats and daytime quiz Countdown. It has been a ratings success, is one of Channel 4’s longest running unscripted shows and has aired more than 150 episodes over the past 12 years.
The series features...
Deadline is told that Channel 4 has been sitting on the current series since it was delivered last year and there are no plans to record a new series this year.
“We have already shot episodes which are ready to air,” said a spokeswoman. “To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission.”
Channel 4 wasn’t able to say when the new episodes will be shot.
Produced by Would I Like To You? maker Zeppotron, Cats Does Countdown is a Jimmy Carr-hosted mash-up of comedy panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats and daytime quiz Countdown. It has been a ratings success, is one of Channel 4’s longest running unscripted shows and has aired more than 150 episodes over the past 12 years.
The series features...
- 5/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sitcom Things You Should Have Done is heading to BBC Three, and here’s the trailer for the new show.
Sadly, new comedy on television is becoming rarer and rarer, as budgets tighten and production companies become ever more risk averse. Currently, Mrs Brown’s Boys and Not Going Out stand as the only two studio audience sitcoms still on the air, and even then, Not Going Out has not yet officially been recommissioned.
BBC Three has long been a champion of new comedy, from Sean Lock’s wonderful 15 Storeys High to Gavin And Stacey, Him & Her and Back To Life.
Now, it is home to new sitcom Things You Should Have Done. According to the BBC Media Centre, the synopsis reads as follows:
Self-confessed stay-at-home-daughter, Chi (Lucia Keskin), is suddenly forced to fend for herself when her parents die. Chi will inherit the house on condition she completes...
Sadly, new comedy on television is becoming rarer and rarer, as budgets tighten and production companies become ever more risk averse. Currently, Mrs Brown’s Boys and Not Going Out stand as the only two studio audience sitcoms still on the air, and even then, Not Going Out has not yet officially been recommissioned.
BBC Three has long been a champion of new comedy, from Sean Lock’s wonderful 15 Storeys High to Gavin And Stacey, Him & Her and Back To Life.
Now, it is home to new sitcom Things You Should Have Done. According to the BBC Media Centre, the synopsis reads as follows:
Self-confessed stay-at-home-daughter, Chi (Lucia Keskin), is suddenly forced to fend for herself when her parents die. Chi will inherit the house on condition she completes...
- 2/22/2024
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Kelly Ripa has opened up about the “strange experiences” she faced during her early years working with ABC.
The 52-year-old Live! talk show host first joined the network in 2001, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford as the late Regis Philbin’s co-host on Live with Regis and Kelly.
Following Philbin’s 2011 exit, Ripa’s since been the show’s mainstay. However, she has claimed that there have been difficulties over the years.
Describing some periods as “very tough”, Ripa spoke with Variety about the rocky years she endured behind the scenes of the show, including the negotiations she had just to land her own backstage office space.
“It was the strangest experience I’ve ever had in my life. I was told that I couldn’t have an office,” she said. “It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, especially because there were empty offices that I could have easily occupied.
The 52-year-old Live! talk show host first joined the network in 2001, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford as the late Regis Philbin’s co-host on Live with Regis and Kelly.
Following Philbin’s 2011 exit, Ripa’s since been the show’s mainstay. However, she has claimed that there have been difficulties over the years.
Describing some periods as “very tough”, Ripa spoke with Variety about the rocky years she endured behind the scenes of the show, including the negotiations she had just to land her own backstage office space.
“It was the strangest experience I’ve ever had in my life. I was told that I couldn’t have an office,” she said. “It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, especially because there were empty offices that I could have easily occupied.
- 3/28/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
In his time on Good Morning Britain, Richard Madeley has had no shortage of memorable moments.
A co-anchor on the programme since 2017, the presenter often appears alongside Susanna Reid as they discuss pressing topics of the day.
Whether it’s through interactions with guests, or by offering his personal take on a story, Madeley is known to audiences for expressing himself in an unfiltered manner.
Viewers are quick to share their thoughts on Madeley’s most eyebrow-raising moments on social media.
Here is a rundown of his most controversial moments so far.
Comparing climate activists to paedophiles
Madeley’s most recent moment of controversy took place on 28 March during a conversation about the decision of a group of Britain’s top lawyers to refuse to prosecute climate activists.
“If these people, these barristers and lawyers, have announced they will not prosecute – they simply won’t even get started in a...
A co-anchor on the programme since 2017, the presenter often appears alongside Susanna Reid as they discuss pressing topics of the day.
Whether it’s through interactions with guests, or by offering his personal take on a story, Madeley is known to audiences for expressing himself in an unfiltered manner.
Viewers are quick to share their thoughts on Madeley’s most eyebrow-raising moments on social media.
Here is a rundown of his most controversial moments so far.
Comparing climate activists to paedophiles
Madeley’s most recent moment of controversy took place on 28 March during a conversation about the decision of a group of Britain’s top lawyers to refuse to prosecute climate activists.
“If these people, these barristers and lawyers, have announced they will not prosecute – they simply won’t even get started in a...
- 3/28/2023
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - TV
Bill Bailey has shared a touching tribute to Sean Lock.
The comedian posted a throwback photo of the pair out on a country walk 19 months after Lock died of cancer.
Bailey captioned the photo on Twitter: “Some days I still can’t quite believe he’s gone. Today is one of those days.”
He capped the post: “Miss you Sean old pal.”
Bailey participated in a charity walk one year after Lock’s death, raising more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support alongside Lee Mack and Lock’s family.
Last year, Bailey said that Lock was still cracking jokes in his final days. “Even in his last few days, we were still having a laugh, still joking, still coming up with ideas,” he said.
“We had great conversations. I brought in my guitar and sang him his favourite Johnny Cash songs.”
The comedian was best known for being a team...
The comedian posted a throwback photo of the pair out on a country walk 19 months after Lock died of cancer.
Bailey captioned the photo on Twitter: “Some days I still can’t quite believe he’s gone. Today is one of those days.”
He capped the post: “Miss you Sean old pal.”
Bailey participated in a charity walk one year after Lock’s death, raising more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support alongside Lee Mack and Lock’s family.
Last year, Bailey said that Lock was still cracking jokes in his final days. “Even in his last few days, we were still having a laugh, still joking, still coming up with ideas,” he said.
“We had great conversations. I brought in my guitar and sang him his favourite Johnny Cash songs.”
The comedian was best known for being a team...
- 3/28/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Richard Madeley has been widely criticised after comparing climate protesters to paedophiles on Good Morning Britain.
During Tuesday (28 March) morning’s episode of the ITV show, Madeley and co-host Susanna Reid discussed recent news that a group of Britain’s top lawyers have stated that they will refuse to prosecute climate activists.
Madeley suggested that there would be a “complete collapse” of the criminal justice system if “barristers and lawyers” are not prosecuting activists.
“It doesn’t work, because they have to be completely impartial,” he said.
“If these people, these barristers and lawyers, have announced they will not prosecute – they simply won’t even get started in a court of law – someone who has glued themselves to the road as part of a Just Stop Oil protest, are they still happy to defend, say, a paedophile?” Madeley asked.
The clip was shared on social media, with one viewer comparing...
During Tuesday (28 March) morning’s episode of the ITV show, Madeley and co-host Susanna Reid discussed recent news that a group of Britain’s top lawyers have stated that they will refuse to prosecute climate activists.
Madeley suggested that there would be a “complete collapse” of the criminal justice system if “barristers and lawyers” are not prosecuting activists.
“It doesn’t work, because they have to be completely impartial,” he said.
“If these people, these barristers and lawyers, have announced they will not prosecute – they simply won’t even get started in a court of law – someone who has glued themselves to the road as part of a Just Stop Oil protest, are they still happy to defend, say, a paedophile?” Madeley asked.
The clip was shared on social media, with one viewer comparing...
- 3/28/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Last month, Mock The Week was cancelled after 17 years on air. The satirical comedy was only one of a flurry of modern panel shows featuring teams of comedians, spawning from the format used in Have I Got News For You that emerged during the nineties and noughties. Taking cues from long-running Hignfy which hit TV screens in 1990, popular series such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks and the anarchic, absurd Shooting Stars were followed by the likes of Qi, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You?, Celebrity Juice and, of course, Mock The Week. But with ratings plummeting and cancellations abounding, is it high time the genre called it a day?
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
These shows were initially a great way to finish off your evening after a long hard day at school or work, just like a late night chat show helps to wind our American friends down after the watershed.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
These shows were initially a great way to finish off your evening after a long hard day at school or work, just like a late night chat show helps to wind our American friends down after the watershed.
- 9/1/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
British television stars are preparing for the biggest night on the calendar, with one title a firm favourite going into this evening’s BAFTA TV Awards.
Channel 4’s drama It’s a Sin, a drama about a group of young people facing the Aids crisis of the 1980s, is the firm frontrunner with 11 nominations including five acting nods.
See the full list of BAFTA TV Awards nominations below
The mini-series, created by former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, became Channel 4’s most successful ever drama when it was broadcast last year. Davies is also recognised in the Best Writer category this evening.
The international category is strong, with two global hits Succession (HBO) and Squid Game (Netflix) up against Call My Agent! and Lupin (both Netflix), Mare of Easttown (HBO) and The Underground Railroad (Amazon).
Other nominees include Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession), while Boiling...
Channel 4’s drama It’s a Sin, a drama about a group of young people facing the Aids crisis of the 1980s, is the firm frontrunner with 11 nominations including five acting nods.
See the full list of BAFTA TV Awards nominations below
The mini-series, created by former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, became Channel 4’s most successful ever drama when it was broadcast last year. Davies is also recognised in the Best Writer category this evening.
The international category is strong, with two global hits Succession (HBO) and Squid Game (Netflix) up against Call My Agent! and Lupin (both Netflix), Mare of Easttown (HBO) and The Underground Railroad (Amazon).
Other nominees include Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown) and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession), while Boiling...
- 5/8/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Russell T. Davies’ Channel 4 series “It’s a Sin” led the field at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards and the British Academy Television Craft Awards with 11 nominations, while Will Sharpe’s Sky show “Landscapers” followed with seven. Both shows stream in the U.S. on HBO Max.
Nominations for “It’s A Sin” include for Director: Fiction, Editing Fiction, Make-up & Hair Design, Scripted Casting, Writer Drama, Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Mini-Series and Supporting Actor, while “Landscapers” scored in the Director: Fiction, Editing Fiction, Original Music, Photography & Lighting Fiction, Production Design, Leading Actor and Mini-Series categories.
The international category nominees feature a roster of global heavy hitters including “Call My Agent!,” “Lupin,” “Succession,” “Squid Game,” “Mare of Easttown” and “The Underground Railroad.”
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will take place on Apr. 24 and the Television Awards on May 8.
British Academy Television Awards Nominees
Comedy Entertainment Program
“The Graham Norton Show” – Graham Norton,...
Nominations for “It’s A Sin” include for Director: Fiction, Editing Fiction, Make-up & Hair Design, Scripted Casting, Writer Drama, Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Mini-Series and Supporting Actor, while “Landscapers” scored in the Director: Fiction, Editing Fiction, Original Music, Photography & Lighting Fiction, Production Design, Leading Actor and Mini-Series categories.
The international category nominees feature a roster of global heavy hitters including “Call My Agent!,” “Lupin,” “Succession,” “Squid Game,” “Mare of Easttown” and “The Underground Railroad.”
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will take place on Apr. 24 and the Television Awards on May 8.
British Academy Television Awards Nominees
Comedy Entertainment Program
“The Graham Norton Show” – Graham Norton,...
- 3/30/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
5 June 1956 – 22 September 2021
The actor, who worked with the Notting Hill director on 2019’s Blackbird, recalls a warm and egoless man who always knew how to get the best out of his cast
Sean Lock remembered by Bill BaileyRead the Observer’s obituaries of 2021 in full
Being a director was so secondary to who Roger was as a man in the world. He was just such a grounding, warm, extraordinary presence. I say this with affection, but some directors make it known that they’ve just walked into the room. Roger wasn’t like that. He didn’t need to be needed. He didn’t have an ego. He just wanted to be part of a team – creating little families, little families of people working together.
I had known Roger for a long time before we worked together on a film – Blackbird, in 2019. We’d worked together once before, in 2005, on an American Express commercial.
The actor, who worked with the Notting Hill director on 2019’s Blackbird, recalls a warm and egoless man who always knew how to get the best out of his cast
Sean Lock remembered by Bill BaileyRead the Observer’s obituaries of 2021 in full
Being a director was so secondary to who Roger was as a man in the world. He was just such a grounding, warm, extraordinary presence. I say this with affection, but some directors make it known that they’ve just walked into the room. Roger wasn’t like that. He didn’t need to be needed. He didn’t have an ego. He just wanted to be part of a team – creating little families, little families of people working together.
I had known Roger for a long time before we worked together on a film – Blackbird, in 2019. We’d worked together once before, in 2005, on an American Express commercial.
- 12/12/2021
- by Guardian Staff
- The Guardian - Film News
Hello International Insiders. Tom Grater here with the week’s biggest international headlines, from Nicole Kidman’s Hong Kong shopping trip to an Indian animation milestone. To get this sent to your inbox every Friday, sign up here.
Afghanistan Evacuation
Chaos in Kabul: Disturbing scenes in Afghanistan this week after a swift Taliban takeover of capital city Kabul caught western governments off-guard and caused panic among international personnel and local residents. Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi hit the headlines on Monday when she released a desperate plea to the international filmmaking community, warning that the new regime would suppress art and that the Taliban had “massacred our people”. Video footage from Kabul airport was particularly troubling, with people so desperate to leave the country they were seen clinging to airplane wheels as they took off from the tarmac. On Tuesday, U.S. and UK troops helped secure the airport which meant...
Afghanistan Evacuation
Chaos in Kabul: Disturbing scenes in Afghanistan this week after a swift Taliban takeover of capital city Kabul caught western governments off-guard and caused panic among international personnel and local residents. Afghan filmmaker Sahraa Karimi hit the headlines on Monday when she released a desperate plea to the international filmmaking community, warning that the new regime would suppress art and that the Taliban had “massacred our people”. Video footage from Kabul airport was particularly troubling, with people so desperate to leave the country they were seen clinging to airplane wheels as they took off from the tarmac. On Tuesday, U.S. and UK troops helped secure the airport which meant...
- 8/20/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Sean Lock, the widely admired British comedian who was a regular on comedy panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Qi, has died. He was 58.
His agent told the BBC that Lock died on Wednesday at his home from cancer.
Known for his deadpan and dry delivery, Lock was a popular figure on television and in comedy circles. A host of comedians in the U.K., Australia and elsewhere, including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry, Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill and Jon Richardson, have taken to social media to pay tribute to Lock ...
His agent told the BBC that Lock died on Wednesday at his home from cancer.
Known for his deadpan and dry delivery, Lock was a popular figure on television and in comedy circles. A host of comedians in the U.K., Australia and elsewhere, including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry, Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill and Jon Richardson, have taken to social media to pay tribute to Lock ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sean Lock, the widely admired British comedian who was a regular on comedy panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and Qi, has died. He was 58.
His agent told the BBC that Lock died Wednesday at his home from cancer.
Known for his deadpan and dry delivery, Lock was a popular figure on television and in comedy circles. A host of comedians in the U.K., Australia and elsewhere, including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry, Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill and Jon Richardson, have taken to social media to pay tribute to Lock who ...
His agent told the BBC that Lock died Wednesday at his home from cancer.
Known for his deadpan and dry delivery, Lock was a popular figure on television and in comedy circles. A host of comedians in the U.K., Australia and elsewhere, including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Fry, Bill Bailey, Lee Mack, Eddie Izzard, Harry Hill and Jon Richardson, have taken to social media to pay tribute to Lock who ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sean Lock, the English comedian known for “8 Out of 10 Cats” — a comedy panel show on which he was a team captain and participant in a spin-off — and “15 Storeys High,” has died at 58. Per Wednesday reports out of the U.K., he died of cancer.
He was a highly regarded comedian and his death triggered a series of tributes online.
“8 Out of 10 Cats” host Jimmy Carr led the way, writing, “Brutal news about Sean Lock today. I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now – laughing & crying. I’ll miss him so much.”
Comedian Ricky Gervais also memorialized Lock, tweeting, “Such sad news. Rip the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man.”
“I wish I had the words to describe the exceptional man that was Sean Lock. But today I don’t, and I think...
He was a highly regarded comedian and his death triggered a series of tributes online.
“8 Out of 10 Cats” host Jimmy Carr led the way, writing, “Brutal news about Sean Lock today. I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now – laughing & crying. I’ll miss him so much.”
Comedian Ricky Gervais also memorialized Lock, tweeting, “Such sad news. Rip the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man.”
“I wish I had the words to describe the exceptional man that was Sean Lock. But today I don’t, and I think...
- 8/18/2021
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
Sean Lock, the UK TV personality known for his deadpan style and appearances on panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, has died at the age of 58.
Lock had been battling cancer for some time and died at home surrounded by his family, his agent confirmed to the Guardian.
Breaking into TV in the early 1990s with a role on Rob Newman and David Baddiel’s Newman And Baddiel In Pieces, Lock had various behind and in front of the camera roles on the small screen. He also had his own BBC Radio 4 show 15 Minutes of Misery, which later became the TV series 15 Storeys High, which he wrote and acted in.
In the 2000s he was nominated for the Perrier Comedy Award and won Best Live Comic at the British Comedy Awards. He then became a regular on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You and Qi,...
Lock had been battling cancer for some time and died at home surrounded by his family, his agent confirmed to the Guardian.
Breaking into TV in the early 1990s with a role on Rob Newman and David Baddiel’s Newman And Baddiel In Pieces, Lock had various behind and in front of the camera roles on the small screen. He also had his own BBC Radio 4 show 15 Minutes of Misery, which later became the TV series 15 Storeys High, which he wrote and acted in.
In the 2000s he was nominated for the Perrier Comedy Award and won Best Live Comic at the British Comedy Awards. He then became a regular on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You and Qi,...
- 8/18/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Award-winning comedian Sean Lock has died from cancer, his agents confirmed on Wednesday. He was 58 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family,” reads a statement from Lock’s agency, Off The Kerb Productions. “Sean was one of Britain’s finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.”
“Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time.”
In recent years, Lock was best known for leading a team on U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s comedy show “8 Out of 10 Cats,” hosted by Jimmy Carr.
“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family,” reads a statement from Lock’s agency, Off The Kerb Productions. “Sean was one of Britain’s finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.”
“Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time.”
In recent years, Lock was best known for leading a team on U.K. broadcaster Channel 4’s comedy show “8 Out of 10 Cats,” hosted by Jimmy Carr.
- 8/18/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Author: Linda Marric
Some of stand-up comedy’s most famous faces from both sides of the Atlantic sit down to talk about their profession in Paul Toogood and Lloyd Stanton’s newest documentary feature Dying Laughing. Household names such as Chris Rock, Amy Schumer and even the late great Garry Shandling talk honestly about what makes comedians tick, and offers firsthand anecdotes about “bombing”, being heckled by drunks and “killing” it on stage.
Toogood and Stanton use a talking-heads formate to entice their contributors to tell some of the most harrowing experiences of their careers. Made technically on a shoestring and with more than 50 comics taking part, the film manages to be compelling as well as raise some laughs, but fails to completely convince due to its overcrowded nature.
With whole sections devoted to the relationship between a comic and his or her audience, there are some laugh-out-loud as well as more serious moments.
Some of stand-up comedy’s most famous faces from both sides of the Atlantic sit down to talk about their profession in Paul Toogood and Lloyd Stanton’s newest documentary feature Dying Laughing. Household names such as Chris Rock, Amy Schumer and even the late great Garry Shandling talk honestly about what makes comedians tick, and offers firsthand anecdotes about “bombing”, being heckled by drunks and “killing” it on stage.
Toogood and Stanton use a talking-heads formate to entice their contributors to tell some of the most harrowing experiences of their careers. Made technically on a shoestring and with more than 50 comics taking part, the film manages to be compelling as well as raise some laughs, but fails to completely convince due to its overcrowded nature.
With whole sections devoted to the relationship between a comic and his or her audience, there are some laugh-out-loud as well as more serious moments.
- 6/14/2017
- by Linda Marric
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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As season 2 of Netflix's martial arts epic Marco Polo arrives on Netflix, we chatted to Kublai Khan himself, Benedict Wong...
In addition to playing the world-straddling leader Kublai Khan in Netflix's big, expensive period action series, Marco Polo, Benedict Wong has carved out a niche in quality UK sci-fi films. He followed Danny Boyle's Sunshine with Duncan Jones' Moon, worked twice with Ridley Scott in The Martian and Prometheus, and recently came aboard Alex Garland's next picture, Annihilation. Before that comes to cinemas, he'll be seen alongside the UK's other acting Benedict in Marvel's Doctor Strange.
Many, of course, will fondly remember Wong as Errol, the optimistic innocent to Sean Lock's cynical misanthropist Vince in cult BBC comedy series 15 Storeys High, or even for a one-time appearance in The It Crowd.
We chatted to him about playing the would-be CEO of the world in Marco Polo,...
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As season 2 of Netflix's martial arts epic Marco Polo arrives on Netflix, we chatted to Kublai Khan himself, Benedict Wong...
In addition to playing the world-straddling leader Kublai Khan in Netflix's big, expensive period action series, Marco Polo, Benedict Wong has carved out a niche in quality UK sci-fi films. He followed Danny Boyle's Sunshine with Duncan Jones' Moon, worked twice with Ridley Scott in The Martian and Prometheus, and recently came aboard Alex Garland's next picture, Annihilation. Before that comes to cinemas, he'll be seen alongside the UK's other acting Benedict in Marvel's Doctor Strange.
Many, of course, will fondly remember Wong as Errol, the optimistic innocent to Sean Lock's cynical misanthropist Vince in cult BBC comedy series 15 Storeys High, or even for a one-time appearance in The It Crowd.
We chatted to him about playing the would-be CEO of the world in Marco Polo,...
- 6/29/2016
- Den of Geek
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Dara O Briain chats to us about tough gigs, writing books, touring, and comedy...
Dara O Briain's latest stand-up show, Crowd Tickler, makes it onto DVD this week, having already enjoyed a digital release. It's an excellent show, and a week or two back - just as the UK leg of his tour was drawing to a close - we got the chance to speak with the man himself about it. Here's how it went...
I caught a really good Ed Byrne gig the other week. And what impressed me about it most is that it's a long time since I've seen a comedian have to battle uphill for a good hour and a half against as dead a crowd as I've seen in a long time.
Really?
Yeah. A Tuesday night in a place you have to drive to. Not a very giving crowd.
Do...
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Dara O Briain chats to us about tough gigs, writing books, touring, and comedy...
Dara O Briain's latest stand-up show, Crowd Tickler, makes it onto DVD this week, having already enjoyed a digital release. It's an excellent show, and a week or two back - just as the UK leg of his tour was drawing to a close - we got the chance to speak with the man himself about it. Here's how it went...
I caught a really good Ed Byrne gig the other week. And what impressed me about it most is that it's a long time since I've seen a comedian have to battle uphill for a good hour and a half against as dead a crowd as I've seen in a long time.
Really?
Yeah. A Tuesday night in a place you have to drive to. Not a very giving crowd.
Do...
- 11/24/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown will return for a new series in May and, yep, Joey Essex will be back.
Host Jimmy Carr will be back on the show alongside team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson and Countdown stars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent.
Once again, Dent will be joined in Dictionary Corner by a host of celebrities including Johnny Vegas, Joe Lycett and Nina Conti. And then there's Joey Essex - who won't be in Dictionary Corner this time, but will be helping out Riley with the letters and numbers. So that's going to go well.
The former Towie star previously appeared on the show in September, when he vowed that he could handle the Countdown clock because he's "a good counter" and strangely got confused about whether or not he was on Countdown.
Meanwhile, Lee Mack, Kathy Burke, Rhod Gilbert, Sara Pascoe and Kevin Bridges are among...
Host Jimmy Carr will be back on the show alongside team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson and Countdown stars Rachel Riley and Susie Dent.
Once again, Dent will be joined in Dictionary Corner by a host of celebrities including Johnny Vegas, Joe Lycett and Nina Conti. And then there's Joey Essex - who won't be in Dictionary Corner this time, but will be helping out Riley with the letters and numbers. So that's going to go well.
The former Towie star previously appeared on the show in September, when he vowed that he could handle the Countdown clock because he's "a good counter" and strangely got confused about whether or not he was on Countdown.
Meanwhile, Lee Mack, Kathy Burke, Rhod Gilbert, Sara Pascoe and Kevin Bridges are among...
- 4/22/2015
- Digital Spy
The first stars have been announced for Channel 4's Comedy Gala Live 2015.
Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Jack Dee are among the comedians who will appear at the charity event, which returns to London's O2 arena for a sixth year on Friday, May 15.
Aisling Bea, Jason Byrne, Jon Richardson, Josh Widdicombe, Katherine Ryan, Kevin Bridges and Michael McIntyre have also been confirmed for this year's show.
Paul Chowdhry, Rich Hall, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Sean Lock , Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi and Warwick Davis complete the first line-up announcement, with more acts to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The Comedy Gala will be recorded and aired as a two-hour special on Channel 4 later this year. This year's show is dedicated to the event's founder, talent agent Addison Cresswell, who passed away in December 2013.
The annual event is held to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Tim Johnson,...
Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr and Jack Dee are among the comedians who will appear at the charity event, which returns to London's O2 arena for a sixth year on Friday, May 15.
Aisling Bea, Jason Byrne, Jon Richardson, Josh Widdicombe, Katherine Ryan, Kevin Bridges and Michael McIntyre have also been confirmed for this year's show.
Paul Chowdhry, Rich Hall, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Sean Lock , Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi and Warwick Davis complete the first line-up announcement, with more acts to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The Comedy Gala will be recorded and aired as a two-hour special on Channel 4 later this year. This year's show is dedicated to the event's founder, talent agent Addison Cresswell, who passed away in December 2013.
The annual event is held to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Tim Johnson,...
- 3/2/2015
- Digital Spy
Would I Lie To You? has been commissioned for a ninth series.
Rob Brydon will continue to host the BBC comedy panel show, with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack also returning.
The new episodes will feature guests such as Sir Roger Moore, Alex Brooker, Judy Murray, Tinchy Stryder, Richard Osman, Clare Balding, Nick Grimshaw, Gabby Logan, Moira Stuart, Sean Lock, Greg Davies and Richard Hammond.
The ten-part series will also include a compilation instalment and a Christmas episode.
The show recently won Best Panel Show at the British Comedy Awards.
Would I Lie To You?'s David Mitchell is to star on Wednesday's (February 25) The Great Comic Relief Bake Off alongside Sarah Brown, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil.
Watch a clip from the most recent series of Would I Lie To You? below:...
Rob Brydon will continue to host the BBC comedy panel show, with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack also returning.
The new episodes will feature guests such as Sir Roger Moore, Alex Brooker, Judy Murray, Tinchy Stryder, Richard Osman, Clare Balding, Nick Grimshaw, Gabby Logan, Moira Stuart, Sean Lock, Greg Davies and Richard Hammond.
The ten-part series will also include a compilation instalment and a Christmas episode.
The show recently won Best Panel Show at the British Comedy Awards.
Would I Lie To You?'s David Mitchell is to star on Wednesday's (February 25) The Great Comic Relief Bake Off alongside Sarah Brown, Michael Sheen and Jameela Jamil.
Watch a clip from the most recent series of Would I Lie To You? below:...
- 2/24/2015
- Digital Spy
Eight out of Ten Cats Does Countdown: Channel 4, 9pm
Jimmy Carr hosts a Christmas edition of the mix-matched panel show's version of the words-and-numbers quiz.
Team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by guests including Kathy Burke, Alex Horne and David Mitchell, plus Countdown's in-house maths maverick Rachel Riley and lexical expert Susie Dent.
Al Murray's Great British Spy Movies: BBC Four, 9pm
Al casts a (golden)eye over great British spy movies past and present.
He also recalls some of the screen's most famous spies, such as Harry Palmer, George Smiley and the one and only James Bond. Contributors include former MI5 chief Stella Rimington.
Made in Chelsea: E4, 9pm
In this reunion special, Rick Edwards is joined by the Chelsea residents to discuss the dramas, hook-ups and break-ups of the past series.
Expect fireworks as viewers find out the latest news on the series' biggest relationships.
Jimmy Carr hosts a Christmas edition of the mix-matched panel show's version of the words-and-numbers quiz.
Team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by guests including Kathy Burke, Alex Horne and David Mitchell, plus Countdown's in-house maths maverick Rachel Riley and lexical expert Susie Dent.
Al Murray's Great British Spy Movies: BBC Four, 9pm
Al casts a (golden)eye over great British spy movies past and present.
He also recalls some of the screen's most famous spies, such as Harry Palmer, George Smiley and the one and only James Bond. Contributors include former MI5 chief Stella Rimington.
Made in Chelsea: E4, 9pm
In this reunion special, Rick Edwards is joined by the Chelsea residents to discuss the dramas, hook-ups and break-ups of the past series.
Expect fireworks as viewers find out the latest news on the series' biggest relationships.
- 12/29/2014
- Digital Spy
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is to return for a Christmas special this December, before a new series kicks off shortly afterwards.
Host Jimmy Carr and team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will be back for the new series, which sees the classic Channel 4 letters and numbers quiz taken over by comedy panel hit 8 Out of 10 Cats.
Countdown's resident lexicographer Susie Dent will be in Dictionary Corner with a new special guest each week, while mathematician Rachel Riley will be back at the numbers board with comedian Joe Wilkinson.
The new series will see a number of special guests join the team captains, including David Mitchell, Jack Whitehall, Johnny Vegas, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Reginald D Hunter, Aisling Bea, David Baddiel and Alex Horne & the Horne Section.
The show was recently nominated at the British Comedy Awards 2014 for Best Comedy Panel Programme and Best Comedy Moment of 2014. Team...
Host Jimmy Carr and team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will be back for the new series, which sees the classic Channel 4 letters and numbers quiz taken over by comedy panel hit 8 Out of 10 Cats.
Countdown's resident lexicographer Susie Dent will be in Dictionary Corner with a new special guest each week, while mathematician Rachel Riley will be back at the numbers board with comedian Joe Wilkinson.
The new series will see a number of special guests join the team captains, including David Mitchell, Jack Whitehall, Johnny Vegas, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Reginald D Hunter, Aisling Bea, David Baddiel and Alex Horne & the Horne Section.
The show was recently nominated at the British Comedy Awards 2014 for Best Comedy Panel Programme and Best Comedy Moment of 2014. Team...
- 11/25/2014
- Digital Spy
We asked Den Of Geek’s writers to recommend brilliant comedy shows that deserve to have more of a fuss made about them. Here they are...
Banging a drum about stuff we love is more or less our remit on Den Of Geek - hence what many readers have started referring to as the ‘inexplicably regular' appearance of Statham, squirrels and Harold Bishop from Neighbours on these pages.
To that end then, we asked our writers which comedy shows (past and present, UK or otherwise, on TV, radio, or online…) deserved more praise, and here are the ones they chose. You might already like them too, or you might discover something new to dig out and enjoy. That’s the fun of it.
Please note that this list isn’t ranked in any order, nor is it exhaustive. It’s compiled from the opinions of a group of different people,...
Banging a drum about stuff we love is more or less our remit on Den Of Geek - hence what many readers have started referring to as the ‘inexplicably regular' appearance of Statham, squirrels and Harold Bishop from Neighbours on these pages.
To that end then, we asked our writers which comedy shows (past and present, UK or otherwise, on TV, radio, or online…) deserved more praise, and here are the ones they chose. You might already like them too, or you might discover something new to dig out and enjoy. That’s the fun of it.
Please note that this list isn’t ranked in any order, nor is it exhaustive. It’s compiled from the opinions of a group of different people,...
- 11/13/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
The British Comedy Awards 2014 nominations have been revealed.
Matt Berry's Toast of London is up for six awards, while Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse's Harry and Paul's Story of the Twos has four nominations.
Berry himself has three nominations, including Best TV Comedy Actor and new category Best Internet Comedy Short.
The BBC's Would I Lie to You? receives four nominations, as team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack find themselves both up for Best Male TV Comic.
Berry, Enfield and Whitehouse are up against The Wrong Mans' Mathew Baynton in the Best TV Comedy Actor category, while Alan Carr will need to defend his Best Comedy Entertainment Personality title from Graham Norton, Ant & Dec and Adam Hills.
This year's ceremony has introduced two new categories - Best Internet Comedy Short and Best Comedy Moment of 2014. Best Comedy Film and Best International Comedy Programme have also made a return to the line-up,...
Matt Berry's Toast of London is up for six awards, while Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse's Harry and Paul's Story of the Twos has four nominations.
Berry himself has three nominations, including Best TV Comedy Actor and new category Best Internet Comedy Short.
The BBC's Would I Lie to You? receives four nominations, as team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack find themselves both up for Best Male TV Comic.
Berry, Enfield and Whitehouse are up against The Wrong Mans' Mathew Baynton in the Best TV Comedy Actor category, while Alan Carr will need to defend his Best Comedy Entertainment Personality title from Graham Norton, Ant & Dec and Adam Hills.
This year's ceremony has introduced two new categories - Best Internet Comedy Short and Best Comedy Moment of 2014. Best Comedy Film and Best International Comedy Programme have also made a return to the line-up,...
- 11/10/2014
- Digital Spy
The 2014 Wimbledon men's final attracted a peak audience of 9.86 million (54.3%) on Sunday, according to overnight figures.
Novak Djokovic's victory over Roger Federer scored an average 5.89m (38.6%) from 1.45pm on BBC One. This is down from last year's peak ratings of over 17m for Andy Murray's win.
Countryfile achieved the best average ratings with 6.72m (34.8%) at 7pm. Casualty brought in 5.12m (24.7%), while one-off Jimmy McGovern drama Common was seen by 4.39m (21.4%) at 9pm.
On BBC Two, the British Grand Prix attracted an average score of 2.82m (22.6%) at 12pm. The Quest for Bannockburn continued with 1.26m (6.1%) at 8.15pm, followed by A Cabbie Abroad with 1.38m (6.5%) at 9.15pm.
On ITV, Despicable Me entertained 2.00m (10.1%) at 7pm (333,000/1.6% on +1), followed by The Nation's Favourite Motown Song with 2.13m (10.3%) at 9pm (190k/1.2%).
Channel 4's broadcast of Johnny English Reborn amused 1.44m (6.9%) at 8pm (441k/2.3%). Sean Lock's live show gathered 633k (3.7%) at 10pm...
Novak Djokovic's victory over Roger Federer scored an average 5.89m (38.6%) from 1.45pm on BBC One. This is down from last year's peak ratings of over 17m for Andy Murray's win.
Countryfile achieved the best average ratings with 6.72m (34.8%) at 7pm. Casualty brought in 5.12m (24.7%), while one-off Jimmy McGovern drama Common was seen by 4.39m (21.4%) at 9pm.
On BBC Two, the British Grand Prix attracted an average score of 2.82m (22.6%) at 12pm. The Quest for Bannockburn continued with 1.26m (6.1%) at 8.15pm, followed by A Cabbie Abroad with 1.38m (6.5%) at 9.15pm.
On ITV, Despicable Me entertained 2.00m (10.1%) at 7pm (333,000/1.6% on +1), followed by The Nation's Favourite Motown Song with 2.13m (10.3%) at 9pm (190k/1.2%).
Channel 4's broadcast of Johnny English Reborn amused 1.44m (6.9%) at 8pm (441k/2.3%). Sean Lock's live show gathered 633k (3.7%) at 10pm...
- 7/7/2014
- Digital Spy
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown will be back on Channel 4 this summer.
Jimmy Carr will return to host the quiz show mash-up when it returns in June, while Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will also be back as rival team captains.
Countdown word whizz Susie Dent will also return, along with mathematician Rachel Riley and her supposed assistant, comedian Joe Wilkinson.
Channel 4's entertainment commissioning editor Madeleine Knight said: "Every series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is more ambitious with an amazing lineup of star guests. Countdown is a compelling game but also a brilliant comedy vehicle which is always a treat to watch."
Guests taking part in the six new episodes include Jonathan Ross, Bill Bailey, Freddie Flintoff, Jo Brand, Jason Manford, Vic Reeves, Claudia Winkleman, Josh Widdicombe and Stephen Mangan.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown was initially ordered on a one-off basis as part of Channel 4's Mash-Up night,...
Jimmy Carr will return to host the quiz show mash-up when it returns in June, while Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will also be back as rival team captains.
Countdown word whizz Susie Dent will also return, along with mathematician Rachel Riley and her supposed assistant, comedian Joe Wilkinson.
Channel 4's entertainment commissioning editor Madeleine Knight said: "Every series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is more ambitious with an amazing lineup of star guests. Countdown is a compelling game but also a brilliant comedy vehicle which is always a treat to watch."
Guests taking part in the six new episodes include Jonathan Ross, Bill Bailey, Freddie Flintoff, Jo Brand, Jason Manford, Vic Reeves, Claudia Winkleman, Josh Widdicombe and Stephen Mangan.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown was initially ordered on a one-off basis as part of Channel 4's Mash-Up night,...
- 5/14/2014
- Digital Spy
Channel 4's Comedy Gala will return to The O2 in London on Friday, May 16.
Chatty Man host Alan Carr will be joined by stars including Jonathan Ross, John Bishop, Adam Hills and Jack Dee at this year's charity event - the fifth fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
Splash! judge Jo Brand, Michael McIntyre, Jason Byrne, Seann Walsh, Jon Richardson and Jason Manford have also been confirmed.
Lee Evans, Josh Widdicombe, Kevin Bridges, Sean Lock and Paul Chowdhry complete the first lineup announcement, with many more acts to follow.
Funds raised from this year's Comedy Gala will be devoted to a brand new operating theatre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"Around one in three inpatients at Great Ormond Street Hospital will have surgery at some point during their stay, so it's vital for us to have modern, world class surgical facilities," said Tim Johnson, chief executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
Chatty Man host Alan Carr will be joined by stars including Jonathan Ross, John Bishop, Adam Hills and Jack Dee at this year's charity event - the fifth fundraiser for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
Splash! judge Jo Brand, Michael McIntyre, Jason Byrne, Seann Walsh, Jon Richardson and Jason Manford have also been confirmed.
Lee Evans, Josh Widdicombe, Kevin Bridges, Sean Lock and Paul Chowdhry complete the first lineup announcement, with many more acts to follow.
Funds raised from this year's Comedy Gala will be devoted to a brand new operating theatre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
"Around one in three inpatients at Great Ormond Street Hospital will have surgery at some point during their stay, so it's vital for us to have modern, world class surgical facilities," said Tim Johnson, chief executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.
- 2/24/2014
- Digital Spy
Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch: Channel 5, 9pm
Emma Willis invites a fresh group of famous faces to move in together and have their every word recorded and scrutinised by the public. The house has been given a glamorous makeover, and with rumours of Dappy and Katie Hopkins heading into the house, how will they all cope?
8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Channel 4, 9pm
Jimmy Carr returns as host for another mash-up of the topical comedy quiz and the words-and-numbers classic. Team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by guests from the world of comedy and entertainment for what promises to be a hilarious show.
James May's Toy Stories - The Motorcycle Diary: BBC Two, 9pm
The Top Gear presenter sets out to build a motorbike and sidecar completely out of Meccano and then complete a lap of the Isle of Man's Tt circuit. A total...
Emma Willis invites a fresh group of famous faces to move in together and have their every word recorded and scrutinised by the public. The house has been given a glamorous makeover, and with rumours of Dappy and Katie Hopkins heading into the house, how will they all cope?
8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown: Channel 4, 9pm
Jimmy Carr returns as host for another mash-up of the topical comedy quiz and the words-and-numbers classic. Team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson are joined by guests from the world of comedy and entertainment for what promises to be a hilarious show.
James May's Toy Stories - The Motorcycle Diary: BBC Two, 9pm
The Top Gear presenter sets out to build a motorbike and sidecar completely out of Meccano and then complete a lap of the Isle of Man's Tt circuit. A total...
- 1/3/2014
- Digital Spy
8 Out of 10 Cats has been renewed for a 17th series by Channel 4.
The comedy panel show will return in 2014 with nine episodes and two compilation specials.
A new six-episode series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has also been commissioned by the channel.
Jimmy Carr will return as host, alongside team captains Jon Richardson and Sean Lock.
Production company Zeppotron will co-produce the Countdown spinoff with ITV studios, with Susie Dent returning to Dictionary Corner and Rachel Riley providing the letters and numbers.
Zeppotron's Ruth Phillips said: "It's great that 8 Out of 10 Cats is returning for a 17th series. Not only are our show regulars on sparkling form, but we'll also, as ever, have the opportunity to feature some of the new rising stars of the comedy world on the show.
"We're also delighted that 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is back for another series, hopefully cementing its place...
The comedy panel show will return in 2014 with nine episodes and two compilation specials.
A new six-episode series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has also been commissioned by the channel.
Jimmy Carr will return as host, alongside team captains Jon Richardson and Sean Lock.
Production company Zeppotron will co-produce the Countdown spinoff with ITV studios, with Susie Dent returning to Dictionary Corner and Rachel Riley providing the letters and numbers.
Zeppotron's Ruth Phillips said: "It's great that 8 Out of 10 Cats is returning for a 17th series. Not only are our show regulars on sparkling form, but we'll also, as ever, have the opportunity to feature some of the new rising stars of the comedy world on the show.
"We're also delighted that 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is back for another series, hopefully cementing its place...
- 12/17/2013
- Digital Spy
The name Sean Lock: Purple Van Man is very fitting. I saw him do an interview about the release and he said that what he was aiming for was to be the “white van man” of comedy, only where a white van man believes he knows everything, the Purple Van Man doesn’t really know anything, he just goes through life in a gormless way. Without meaning it in a negative way, that is exactly what I see in Sean Lock’s act.
With Lock’s comedy he tends to create a character that is to all intents and purposes quite mediocre, not very smart but in his own way amusing. Lock doesn’t create a cerebral story full of drama only to lead up to the punch line, his style is to give surreal observations on things that happen in life. This makes his comedy easily accessible to...
With Lock’s comedy he tends to create a character that is to all intents and purposes quite mediocre, not very smart but in his own way amusing. Lock doesn’t create a cerebral story full of drama only to lead up to the punch line, his style is to give surreal observations on things that happen in life. This makes his comedy easily accessible to...
- 11/29/2013
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
The HeyUGuys Interview: Comedian Sean Lock Discusses Purple Van Man, his Latest Live Show out on DVD
With his latest live tour, Purple Van Man, currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray, comedian Sean Lock discussed his new show with us, while also declaring his desire to return to the sitcom – a decade since he created, and then starred in, 15 Storeys High.
Lock – who remains on tour, playing the very final dates of the sold-out, critically acclaimed show that is now available to purchase, spoke to us about drunk horses, dead frogs, and why he believes he’s always getting better with age. He also confirms his desire to return to sitcoms, why he avoids broadsheet reviews – and argues why The Producers is the greatest comedy film ever made.
I’ll start by asking about the title… Why Purple Van Man?
You always try to think of some title which doesn’t bind you too heavily to a subject or sound too deliberately kooky. I just thought the...
Lock – who remains on tour, playing the very final dates of the sold-out, critically acclaimed show that is now available to purchase, spoke to us about drunk horses, dead frogs, and why he believes he’s always getting better with age. He also confirms his desire to return to sitcoms, why he avoids broadsheet reviews – and argues why The Producers is the greatest comedy film ever made.
I’ll start by asking about the title… Why Purple Van Man?
You always try to think of some title which doesn’t bind you too heavily to a subject or sound too deliberately kooky. I just thought the...
- 11/25/2013
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Purple Van Man is the highly acclaimed new stand-up show from Sean Lock, the man with the most fertile comic mind in Britain. We all know what white van man thinks about the world we live in but its time to hear a different voice, purple van man’s voice. Filled with gags, opinions, deft observations and some silly voices, this is Sean Lock doing what he does best, spouting inspired jibber jabber as he crosses the country in his purple van.
He will make you laugh like a drunken horse.
Purple Van Man was recorded for DVD at the Hammersmith Apollo on Saturday 28th September with a release date of 18th November 2013. This will be Sean’s third live stand up DVD following on from Lockipedia and Sean Lock Live. A box set of his first two DVDs is available from Universal Pictures.
To celebrate the release of the DVD,...
He will make you laugh like a drunken horse.
Purple Van Man was recorded for DVD at the Hammersmith Apollo on Saturday 28th September with a release date of 18th November 2013. This will be Sean’s third live stand up DVD following on from Lockipedia and Sean Lock Live. A box set of his first two DVDs is available from Universal Pictures.
To celebrate the release of the DVD,...
- 11/25/2013
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
We’ve all got that cousin we don’t know very well. The kind you see once or twice a year, make small talk, ask how work is going, meet their kids you can’t remember the names of, and then go on your way, knowing six months are to pass before you have to go through it all again. Well, in regards to keeping up appearances, these cousins all need Christmas presents, and knowing what to buy somebody you don’t know very well, isn’t the easiest of tasks.
However that task has just been made far more accomplishable, as next week – which we’ve decided to extravagantly call the ‘ultimate week of comedy’ – marks the release of an incredible 10 stand up comedians’ live DVDs and Blu-rays, all hitting our (mostly virtual) shelves on November 18th, and where better to begin your festive shopping than with comedy? So,...
However that task has just been made far more accomplishable, as next week – which we’ve decided to extravagantly call the ‘ultimate week of comedy’ – marks the release of an incredible 10 stand up comedians’ live DVDs and Blu-rays, all hitting our (mostly virtual) shelves on November 18th, and where better to begin your festive shopping than with comedy? So,...
- 11/15/2013
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
BBC One's hugely popular Live at the Apollo returns for a new series next month, and Eddie Izzard and Jack Whitehall are among the comedians headlining the shows.
The BAFTA-nominated series features different hosts performing for 3,500 fans at the Hammersmith Apollo, alongside two special guests.
Izzard will top the bill in the first episode and will be joined by Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah.
Later in the series, Whitehall, Sean Lock, Last Leg presenter Adam Hills and Nina Conti will all perform.
The lineup in full for the new series of Live at the Apollo:
Episode 1 - Host Eddie Izzard with special guests Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah
Episode 2 - Host Jack Dee with special guests Seann Walsh and Milton Jones
Episode 3 - Host Sean Lock with special guests Romesh Ranaganathan and Marcus Brigstocke
Episode 4 - Host Adam Hills with special guests Andi Osho and Terry Alderton
Episode 5 -...
The BAFTA-nominated series features different hosts performing for 3,500 fans at the Hammersmith Apollo, alongside two special guests.
Izzard will top the bill in the first episode and will be joined by Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah.
Later in the series, Whitehall, Sean Lock, Last Leg presenter Adam Hills and Nina Conti will all perform.
The lineup in full for the new series of Live at the Apollo:
Episode 1 - Host Eddie Izzard with special guests Josh Widdicombe and Trevor Noah
Episode 2 - Host Jack Dee with special guests Seann Walsh and Milton Jones
Episode 3 - Host Sean Lock with special guests Romesh Ranaganathan and Marcus Brigstocke
Episode 4 - Host Adam Hills with special guests Andi Osho and Terry Alderton
Episode 5 -...
- 10/24/2013
- Digital Spy
The Us comedian slams Two and a Half Men's Chuck Lorre for nabbing her gags, Jennifer Saunders slags off the BBC and Johnny Vegas interviews himself
This week's comedy news
It's a powderkeg issue in the world of comedy – and Roseanne Barr has gone off like a rocket this week, accusing Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre of thieving jokes. On Friday, Barr used Twitter (what else?) to berate Lorre and the show's star, Ashton Kutcher, who cracked a gag on the show similar to one Barr performed in 2006. The joke is about old age and the menopause: "I'd imagine that you're wet in the places you used to be dry," said Kutcher's character, "and dry in the places you used to be wet." This prompted a volley of online abuse from Barr. "Comics," began one: "Begin Watching Chuck Lorre'S Shows 2 See If He Steals Your...
This week's comedy news
It's a powderkeg issue in the world of comedy – and Roseanne Barr has gone off like a rocket this week, accusing Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre of thieving jokes. On Friday, Barr used Twitter (what else?) to berate Lorre and the show's star, Ashton Kutcher, who cracked a gag on the show similar to one Barr performed in 2006. The joke is about old age and the menopause: "I'd imagine that you're wet in the places you used to be dry," said Kutcher's character, "and dry in the places you used to be wet." This prompted a volley of online abuse from Barr. "Comics," began one: "Begin Watching Chuck Lorre'S Shows 2 See If He Steals Your...
- 10/8/2013
- by Brian Logan
- The Guardian - Film News
Miley Cyrus makes a highly anticipated appearance on Alan Carr's Chatty Man tonight, spilling the truth about her recent controversial MTV VMAs performance and partying in Amsterdam.
Digital Spy has two preview clips from this evening's episode of the chatshow, which features the popstar being particularly open and frank about her recent headline-grabbing antics.
Watch Miley Cyrus talking about the VMAs foam finger:
Watch Miley Cyrus talking about her recent antics in Amsterdam:
Alan Carr's Chatty Man airs tonight (September 13) at 10pm on Channel 4.
This evening's episode will also feature interviews with comedian Sean Lock and Great British Bake Off hosts Mel & Sue.
Digital Spy has two preview clips from this evening's episode of the chatshow, which features the popstar being particularly open and frank about her recent headline-grabbing antics.
Watch Miley Cyrus talking about the VMAs foam finger:
Watch Miley Cyrus talking about her recent antics in Amsterdam:
Alan Carr's Chatty Man airs tonight (September 13) at 10pm on Channel 4.
This evening's episode will also feature interviews with comedian Sean Lock and Great British Bake Off hosts Mel & Sue.
- 9/13/2013
- Digital Spy
Channel 4 has released a clip from tomorrow night's episode of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (August 2).
Comedian Nick Helm will appear in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, whom he serenades with a tune in the clip.
Rhod Gilbert and Miles Jupp will feature as special guests in the second episode of the series on Friday, along with regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson.
Joe Wilkinson will also provide help with the letters and numbers with Countdown star Rachel Riley.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown airs on Friday, August 2 at 9pm on Channel 4, with Jimmy Carr as host.
Danny Dyer appeared in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent on last week's premiere episode.
Comedian Nick Helm will appear in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent, whom he serenades with a tune in the clip.
Rhod Gilbert and Miles Jupp will feature as special guests in the second episode of the series on Friday, along with regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson.
Joe Wilkinson will also provide help with the letters and numbers with Countdown star Rachel Riley.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown airs on Friday, August 2 at 9pm on Channel 4, with Jimmy Carr as host.
Danny Dyer appeared in Dictionary Corner with Susie Dent on last week's premiere episode.
- 8/1/2013
- Digital Spy
The creator of E4's hit sitcom Phoneshop Phil Bowker has spoken to Digital Spy about the secret of his show's success, his contempt for Twitter critics and why he feels sorry for Ben Elton.
Have you got any free phones off the back of Phoneshop?
"I haven't actually. I should complain. I'm like everybody else. I just want a simple phone. I've got an iPhone, but I don't even know if I want one with text on. Do you know what I mean?
"People can get hold of you all the time with texts, emails and photos. I'm fed up with it. I just want a phone to be a phone. I don't need to be able to play f**king Angry Birds on the way into work.
"You get the train in to London on a morning and it's full of grown men playing video games. Mate, read a book!
Have you got any free phones off the back of Phoneshop?
"I haven't actually. I should complain. I'm like everybody else. I just want a simple phone. I've got an iPhone, but I don't even know if I want one with text on. Do you know what I mean?
"People can get hold of you all the time with texts, emails and photos. I'm fed up with it. I just want a phone to be a phone. I don't need to be able to play f**king Angry Birds on the way into work.
"You get the train in to London on a morning and it's full of grown men playing video games. Mate, read a book!
- 7/25/2013
- Digital Spy
The first picture of Danny Dyer in Countdown's Dictionary Corner has been released by Channel 4.
Dyer will join Dictionary Corner regular Susie Dent as part of the 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown special this weekend.
8 Out of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr and team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the daytime quiz's words and numbers games in the comedy TV mash-up.
Joining the team captains are comics Jason Manford and Rhod Gilbert.
Countdown's Rachel Riley will be helped on the numbers and letters challenges by stand-up Joe Wilkinson.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown starts on Friday (July 26) at 9pm on Channel 4.
Dyer will join Dictionary Corner regular Susie Dent as part of the 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown special this weekend.
8 Out of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr and team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the daytime quiz's words and numbers games in the comedy TV mash-up.
Joining the team captains are comics Jason Manford and Rhod Gilbert.
Countdown's Rachel Riley will be helped on the numbers and letters challenges by stand-up Joe Wilkinson.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown starts on Friday (July 26) at 9pm on Channel 4.
- 7/25/2013
- Digital Spy
Danny Dyer will appear in the first episode of the upcoming new series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
The British actor will sit alongside Susie Dent in Countdown's dictionary corner for the comedy quiz.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown was commissioned for a full six-episode series yesterday (July 9), having first aired as part of a 'mash-up' project in 2012.
The series will launch on Channel 4 on the week of July 20, with Rhod Gilbert and Jason Manford also appearing in the first episode.
Jimmy Carr will host the mash-up comedy quiz, while regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the words and numbers game.
Further guests and contributors are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Watch Danny Dyer talk to Digital Spy earlier this year below:...
The British actor will sit alongside Susie Dent in Countdown's dictionary corner for the comedy quiz.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown was commissioned for a full six-episode series yesterday (July 9), having first aired as part of a 'mash-up' project in 2012.
The series will launch on Channel 4 on the week of July 20, with Rhod Gilbert and Jason Manford also appearing in the first episode.
Jimmy Carr will host the mash-up comedy quiz, while regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the words and numbers game.
Further guests and contributors are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Watch Danny Dyer talk to Digital Spy earlier this year below:...
- 7/10/2013
- Digital Spy
Channel 4 has commissioned a full series of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Jimmy Carr will host the mash-up comedy quiz, while regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the words and numbers game.
Sarah Millican, Jason Manford, Jack Dee and Rhod Gilbert will be among the celebrity guests for the summer programme.
Countdown's dictionary corner specialist Susie Dent will appear with a different guest each episode.
Mathematician Rachel Riley will also take part in her usual Countdown role, along with her assistant Joe Wilkinson.
The 8 Out of 10 Cats 'mash-up' specials previously aired on Channel 4 in January 2012.
Entertainment Commissioning Editor Madeleine Knight said: "Originally commissioned as part of the Channel 4 Mash Up night, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has proved it deserves a run of its own.
"This combination of two of Channel 4's favourite shows brings together the best of both. It's a treat.
Jimmy Carr will host the mash-up comedy quiz, while regular team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson will take on the words and numbers game.
Sarah Millican, Jason Manford, Jack Dee and Rhod Gilbert will be among the celebrity guests for the summer programme.
Countdown's dictionary corner specialist Susie Dent will appear with a different guest each episode.
Mathematician Rachel Riley will also take part in her usual Countdown role, along with her assistant Joe Wilkinson.
The 8 Out of 10 Cats 'mash-up' specials previously aired on Channel 4 in January 2012.
Entertainment Commissioning Editor Madeleine Knight said: "Originally commissioned as part of the Channel 4 Mash Up night, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown has proved it deserves a run of its own.
"This combination of two of Channel 4's favourite shows brings together the best of both. It's a treat.
- 7/9/2013
- Digital Spy
In the Jonathan Levine film Warm Bodies, Hoult plays R, a young man with poor communication skills, posture, and facial pigmentation. He’s also a zombie, living in an airplane, with no direction in life. One day while scourging for food he meets living being Julie, who sparks something within him that sets him on a course of feeling progressively human.
Nicholas Hoult broke out with his role in About A Boy opposite Hugh Grant, and went on to appear in films like A Single Man and X-Men: First Class. He is going to lead Jack the Giant Killer when that comes out next month, and is co-starring in Mad Max: Fury Road opposite Tom Hardy.
Teresa Palmer has previously appeared in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Take Me Home Tonight, and I Am Number Four. She has a part in the new Terrence Malick film Knight of Cups, which is...
Nicholas Hoult broke out with his role in About A Boy opposite Hugh Grant, and went on to appear in films like A Single Man and X-Men: First Class. He is going to lead Jack the Giant Killer when that comes out next month, and is co-starring in Mad Max: Fury Road opposite Tom Hardy.
Teresa Palmer has previously appeared in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Take Me Home Tonight, and I Am Number Four. She has a part in the new Terrence Malick film Knight of Cups, which is...
- 2/1/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
There was plenty to howl about at last night's comedy awards. But while Olivia Colman and Cuckoo missed out, there were well-deserved gongs for The Thick of It, Hunderby and Reeves and Mortimer
There is no justice. That is what a lot of nominated comedians who missed out on a British comedy award last night will be thinking today, despite painting on obligatory smiles at the unusually well-behaved ceremony in London. But actually there is some justice after all. The nearest the painfully unfunny Keith Lemon/Leigh Francis got to taking home an award was when he leapt onstage and attempted to snatch somebody else's mantelpiece-bound slab from the rostrum.
Olivia Colman fans might have good reason to feel that justice took the night off. The 57 judges, drawn from journalism, TV production and performers, shortlisted Colman against herself for best comedy actress in Rev and Twenty Twelve, only for her to go home empty-handed.
There is no justice. That is what a lot of nominated comedians who missed out on a British comedy award last night will be thinking today, despite painting on obligatory smiles at the unusually well-behaved ceremony in London. But actually there is some justice after all. The nearest the painfully unfunny Keith Lemon/Leigh Francis got to taking home an award was when he leapt onstage and attempted to snatch somebody else's mantelpiece-bound slab from the rostrum.
Olivia Colman fans might have good reason to feel that justice took the night off. The 57 judges, drawn from journalism, TV production and performers, shortlisted Colman against herself for best comedy actress in Rev and Twenty Twelve, only for her to go home empty-handed.
- 12/13/2012
- by Bruce Dessau
- The Guardian - Film News
8 Out of 10 Cats returns to Channel 4 tonight and the show's team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson target The X Factor on this evening's episode. Richardson ridicules the show's new boyband, Union J, while Lock complains about the contestants' claims that the programme is life-changing.
"The contestants say, 'This is a life-changing experience'. Haven't you seen the show? Even if you win, by February nobody knows who you are. At best, it's a gap year from Argos," says Lock. Meanwhile, Richardson brands (more)...
"The contestants say, 'This is a life-changing experience'. Haven't you seen the show? Even if you win, by February nobody knows who you are. At best, it's a gap year from Argos," says Lock. Meanwhile, Richardson brands (more)...
- 10/8/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Channel 4 is to air a second edition of 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. The comedy panel show previously merged with the popular daytime quiz as part of Channel 4's Mash Up in January. Jimmy Carr will again host the special episode, with team captains Sean Lock and Jon Richardson facing off in a rematch. Irish stand-up comic David O'Doherty will join Countdown regular Susie Dent in Dictionary Corner, while Rachel Riley will receive "a little help" from comedian Joe Wilkinson on numbers and letters. The new 8 Out of 10 Cats Does (more)...
- 8/6/2012
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
Tim Minchin and Sean Lock have been announced for this year's V Festival. The comedians will play the Glee Club Comedy Tent lineup on August 18 and 19 at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire. Lock said: "I'm very excited about playing V Festival, as I'm convinced it will be the first rain-free festival we've had all summer... Looking forward to it immensely." Other artists (more)...
- 7/19/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Jimmy Carr's 8 Out of 10 Cats hounding was seen by 2.5 million viewers on Channel 4 last night, according to the latest overnight data. Host Carr, who recently hit the headlines for tax avoidance, boosted the panel show to 2.18m (11.1%) and 360k (2.8%) on +1 - rising 1.2m week-on-week. Featuring a bizarre political outcry from Louie Spence as well as jokes aimed at Carr from regular guests Sean Lock and Jon Richardson, the rating is 8 Out of 10 Cats's best since 2010. The Million Pound Drop Live, which preceded 8 Out of 10 Cats, attracted 1.36m (5.9%) from 8.30pm (+1: 125k), pipping Channel 5's Big Brother eviction, which had 1.31m (5.6%) and 102k (0.5%) on timeshift. Big Brother's (more)...
- 6/23/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Jimmy Carr was roundly mocked over his involvement in a tax avoidance scheme on this week's 8 out of 10 Cats. The comic recently hit the headlines after it was revealed that he puts £3.3 million each year into an offshore tax shelter, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister David Cameron. Carr, who hosts Channel 4's 8 out of 10 Cats, was the subject of a number of jokes at the latest taping of the topical panel show on Thursday (June 21). Team captain Sean Lock said: "We all like to put a bit of money away for a rainy day, don't we? But I think you're more prepared than Noah." Lock went on to ask the presenter if, when he discussed his financial affairs with his accountant, there was "a thick pane of glass between the two of [them]". "Did he have on a sort of boiler suit-type uniform? And a sort of brutal (more)...
- 6/22/2012
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
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