Now Children's Hour is being repeated on Radio 4 Extra, starting on Wednesday 3rd January at 11.30pm. Although described as a "show for young people", Children's Hour is very much..not that! Extremely funny though, and very highly recommended.
Tuesday, 26 December 2017
Children's Hour
Children's Hour was a radio sketch show first broadcast in 2008, and presented by Armstrong and Miller's alter egos Craig Children and Martin Bain-Jones,
Now Children's Hour is being repeated on Radio 4 Extra, starting on Wednesday 3rd January at 11.30pm. Although described as a "show for young people", Children's Hour is very much..not that! Extremely funny though, and very highly recommended.
Now Children's Hour is being repeated on Radio 4 Extra, starting on Wednesday 3rd January at 11.30pm. Although described as a "show for young people", Children's Hour is very much..not that! Extremely funny though, and very highly recommended.
Monday, 25 December 2017
1980s Pointless Celebrities, 6th January
Pointless Celebrities on 6th January at 6.40pm is a celebration of the 1980s.
The contestants are athletes Fatima Whitbread and Robin Cousins, Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, Blue Peter presenters Mark Curry and Peter Duncan, and singers Sonia and Jaki Graham.
The contestants are athletes Fatima Whitbread and Robin Cousins, Doctor Who stars Colin Baker and Nicola Bryant, Blue Peter presenters Mark Curry and Peter Duncan, and singers Sonia and Jaki Graham.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
New Pointless is back soon!
New editions of Pointless are back again, from Tuesday 2nd January at the normal time of 5.15pm.
The shows continue with episode 26 (of 55) of series 18. Xander and Richard are in the middle of filming series 19 and 20, so hopefully there'll be more new programmes for us to see when this series ends!
The shows continue with episode 26 (of 55) of series 18. Xander and Richard are in the middle of filming series 19 and 20, so hopefully there'll be more new programmes for us to see when this series ends!
Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Radio 2 Pointless Celebrities, 30th December
There's a Radio 2 Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 30th December at 6.20pm.
Taking part are Jo Whiley and Jeremy Vine, Zoe Ball and Michael Ball, Ken Bruce and Anneka Rice, Vanessa Feltz and Craig Charles.
Taking part are Jo Whiley and Jeremy Vine, Zoe Ball and Michael Ball, Ken Bruce and Anneka Rice, Vanessa Feltz and Craig Charles.
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
New Pointless recording dates
The next tranche of recording dates for Pointless have been released, running from 22nd January to 8th March.
Recordings are back to their usual home in Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, just north of London. They're really good fun to attend, so I highly recommend applying for free tickets. See how tall Richard really is! Hear Xander swear!
Recordings are back to their usual home in Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, just north of London. They're really good fun to attend, so I highly recommend applying for free tickets. See how tall Richard really is! Hear Xander swear!
Friday, 1 December 2017
Alexander Armstrong: In A Winter Light on Sky
Following the release of his first Christmas album In A Winter Light, Alexander Armstrong will take centre stage on Sky Arts to perform his favourite festive songs.
The programme's first broadcast will be on Monday 4th December at 9pm. Repeats will follow in the days to come, so keep an eye out for them!
The programme's first broadcast will be on Monday 4th December at 9pm. Repeats will follow in the days to come, so keep an eye out for them!
New Hey Duggee... a-WOOF!
New episodes of the BAFTA-winning pre-school animation Hey Duggee, splendidly narrated by Alexander Armstrong, will be showing from Monday 4th December, at 7.40am on CBeebies.
The first of the new episodes is the Space Badge. It's winter and it's dark and too cold to play outside.What adventures will the Squirrels and Duggee get up to indoors?
The first of the new episodes is the Space Badge. It's winter and it's dark and too cold to play outside.What adventures will the Squirrels and Duggee get up to indoors?
Wednesday, 29 November 2017
Sports Personality of the Year Pointless Celebrities, 16th December
Pointless Celebrities on 16th December, at 5.40pm, celebrates the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Past SPOTY winners. Mary Peters, Paula Radcliffe, Fatima Whitbread, Jayne Torvill, Robin Cousins and Gred Rusedski are here, as well as rugby player and 2014 Team of the Year winner Maggie Alphonsi, and ex-footballer Geoff Thomas, whose charity cycling marathon won him the Helen Rollason Award in 2005.
Past SPOTY winners. Mary Peters, Paula Radcliffe, Fatima Whitbread, Jayne Torvill, Robin Cousins and Gred Rusedski are here, as well as rugby player and 2014 Team of the Year winner Maggie Alphonsi, and ex-footballer Geoff Thomas, whose charity cycling marathon won him the Helen Rollason Award in 2005.
Tuesday, 28 November 2017
Pointless Celebrities Christmas Special, 23rd December
The Pointless Celebrities Christmas special will be broadcast on Saturday 23rd December at 6.15pm. All
the contestants are from the world of music, and as befits the time of
year, the entry requirement is that they must have released a Christmas hit.
Taking part are choir master Gareth Malone and his lead soloist Samantha Stevenson, who along with the rest of the Military Wives choir, achieved a Christmas number one in 2011 with Wherever You Are. Jona Lewie, who had the perennial Christmas hit Stop The Cavalry, plays alongside Mike Batt who not only had the festive hit Wombling Merry Christmas but also co-wrote David Essex’s 1982 song A Winter’s Tale.
Jimmy Osmond and his 1972 Christmas Number 1 Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool teams up with X Factor winner Ben Haenow, who also took the Christmas number 1 spot in 2014 - and the final pair, Justin & Dan Hawkins from The Darkness, not only try to take home the Pointless Trophy but also play-out the show with their anthem Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End).
Taking part are choir master Gareth Malone and his lead soloist Samantha Stevenson, who along with the rest of the Military Wives choir, achieved a Christmas number one in 2011 with Wherever You Are. Jona Lewie, who had the perennial Christmas hit Stop The Cavalry, plays alongside Mike Batt who not only had the festive hit Wombling Merry Christmas but also co-wrote David Essex’s 1982 song A Winter’s Tale.
Jimmy Osmond and his 1972 Christmas Number 1 Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool teams up with X Factor winner Ben Haenow, who also took the Christmas number 1 spot in 2014 - and the final pair, Justin & Dan Hawkins from The Darkness, not only try to take home the Pointless Trophy but also play-out the show with their anthem Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End).
Sunday, 26 November 2017
The Real Full Monty to return?
There are reports that The Real Full Monty is set to return for a second show, with a new cast of celebrities.
The first show, earlier this year, was hosted by Alexander Armstrong and Ashley Banjo. Seven celebrities signed up for the show, including Matthew Wolfenden, Harry Judd, Wayne Sleep, and Dom Littlewood.
As well as celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic British film The Full Monty, the programme aimed to raise awareness of men's cancers, and encourage men to get tested.
Xander said before the first show:
The first show, earlier this year, was hosted by Alexander Armstrong and Ashley Banjo. Seven celebrities signed up for the show, including Matthew Wolfenden, Harry Judd, Wayne Sleep, and Dom Littlewood.
As well as celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic British film The Full Monty, the programme aimed to raise awareness of men's cancers, and encourage men to get tested.
Xander said before the first show:
We are using this film to raise awareness of men's cancer - prostate and testicular - encouraging guys to check themselves, look out for their friends, and act on symptoms if they have them.
If caught early enough, prostate cancer is nearly 100 per cent curable, but if men are not aware of the problem or ignore symptoms, the story is not such a good one, as prostate cancer kills one man an hour.
I hope that by showing these men have the balls to strip off in front of thousands of people, it might encourage otherwise reluctant men to overcome their embarrassment and get themselves checked.Yhere's no word yet who will be presenting the new show, if indeed it goes ahead. Here's hoping they stick with Xander!
Thursday, 23 November 2017
Broadcast Awards
The shortlist for the Broadcast Awards 2018 has been announced, and Alexander Armstrong has multiple interests!
DangerMouse is a contender for Best Children's Programme. Pointless is nominated as Best Daytime Programme (as is Richard Osman's House of Games). And The Real Full Monty is in the running for both Best Original Programme and Best Popular Factual Programme.
The ceremony will be held at The Grosvenor Hotel in London on 7 February 2018. We wish Xander and all his shows well!
DangerMouse is a contender for Best Children's Programme. Pointless is nominated as Best Daytime Programme (as is Richard Osman's House of Games). And The Real Full Monty is in the running for both Best Original Programme and Best Popular Factual Programme.
The ceremony will be held at The Grosvenor Hotel in London on 7 February 2018. We wish Xander and all his shows well!
Food and Drink Pointless Celebrities, 9th December
Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 9th December, at 6pm, is a Food and Drink special.
Jilly Goolden teams up with fellow wine expert Olly Smith, while cookery writer Sophie Grigson partners chef and businessman Michael Caines. Restaurant critic Fay Maschler and Taste of Britain chef Brian Turner join forces, while Cyrus Todiwala and Tony Singh - who joined forces in the show's last culinary special - are reunited for another chance to come up with unlikely correct answers for Xander's questions.
Jilly Goolden teams up with fellow wine expert Olly Smith, while cookery writer Sophie Grigson partners chef and businessman Michael Caines. Restaurant critic Fay Maschler and Taste of Britain chef Brian Turner join forces, while Cyrus Todiwala and Tony Singh - who joined forces in the show's last culinary special - are reunited for another chance to come up with unlikely correct answers for Xander's questions.
Saturday, 18 November 2017
Strictly Pointless Celebrities, 2nd December
Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 2nd December at 6.15pm is a Strictly Come Dancing special.
Series 11 partners Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brendan Cole team up once again, while series seven winner Chris Hollins joins forces with series nine contestant Russell Grant. Last year's champion pairing Aliona VIlani and Jay McGuiness are reunited, and seasoned Strictly dancer Anton du Beke steps up to the podium with his professional partner Erin Boag.
Series 11 partners Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Brendan Cole team up once again, while series seven winner Chris Hollins joins forces with series nine contestant Russell Grant. Last year's champion pairing Aliona VIlani and Jay McGuiness are reunited, and seasoned Strictly dancer Anton du Beke steps up to the podium with his professional partner Erin Boag.
Tuesday, 14 November 2017
TV Winners Pointless Celebrities, 25th November
All the contestants on Saturday 25th November's Pointless Celebrities, at 6pm, are winners of television talent shows or reality contests.
MasterChef 2015 winner Simon Wood teams up with his 2016 successor Jane Devonshire, while Lee McQueen, who won the fourth series of The Apprentice, joins forces with Yasmina Siadatan, who followed him in 2009. X Factor 2013 champion Sam Bailey throws her lot in with Pop Idol series two star Michelle McManus, and Britain's Got Talent-winning street dancer George Sampson bands together with singer and one-time Celebrity Big Brother star Jermaine Jackson.
MasterChef 2015 winner Simon Wood teams up with his 2016 successor Jane Devonshire, while Lee McQueen, who won the fourth series of The Apprentice, joins forces with Yasmina Siadatan, who followed him in 2009. X Factor 2013 champion Sam Bailey throws her lot in with Pop Idol series two star Michelle McManus, and Britain's Got Talent-winning street dancer George Sampson bands together with singer and one-time Celebrity Big Brother star Jermaine Jackson.
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Sci-fi and Fantasy Pointless Celebrities, 18th November
Stars of sci-fi and fantasy shows take part in Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 18th November at 6pm.
Hannah Waddingham - Game of Thrones' imposing Septa Unella - teams up with co-star Gemma Whelan, who plays Ironborn raider captain Yara Greyjoy. Former Harry Potter actor Jeff Rawle (Amos Diggory) throws his lot in with Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), while David Dixon and Sandra Dickinson, who starred together in the radio version of A Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, join forces. Finally, Red Dwarf's original Holly, Norman Lovett, unites with Hattie Hayridge, who played Holly after a `computer sex change'
Hannah Waddingham - Game of Thrones' imposing Septa Unella - teams up with co-star Gemma Whelan, who plays Ironborn raider captain Yara Greyjoy. Former Harry Potter actor Jeff Rawle (Amos Diggory) throws his lot in with Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), while David Dixon and Sandra Dickinson, who starred together in the radio version of A Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, join forces. Finally, Red Dwarf's original Holly, Norman Lovett, unites with Hattie Hayridge, who played Holly after a `computer sex change'
Sunday, 5 November 2017
Weak At The Top
Weak At The Top is a radio sitcom, originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2005-6. Aggressive marketing director John Weak, played by Alexander Armstrong, has no morals and little brain. He is the Marketing Director of Smokehouse PLC, a global corporation which
turns "food you wouldn't give to your dog" into snacks and other
packaged and processed items. Smokehouse's actual products are
irrelevant to John Weak, whose objects in life are to have the best car,
bed the hottest women, and be top dog.
Series 2 of Weak At The Top is being repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra, starting on Sunday 12th November at 11.30pm. One to catch up on, if you haven't heard it before.
Series 2 of Weak At The Top is being repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra, starting on Sunday 12th November at 11.30pm. One to catch up on, if you haven't heard it before.
Saturday, 4 November 2017
It's Christmas - Live!
Alexander Armstrong is one of the stars who will appear in It's Christmas - Live! for Sky One and Sky Arts, to be recorded at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday, December 7th.
Also taking part in the concert, which will get its first showing at 8pm on Saturday 23rd December on Sky One, are Chrissie Hynde, Fleur East, Holly Johnson, Jona Lewie, Marc Almond, Melanie C, Nadine Coyle, Ricky Wilson,Shakin Stevens, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Chaplin and The Vamps, plus more acts to be announced. It will be hosted by Jason Manford.
Also taking part in the concert, which will get its first showing at 8pm on Saturday 23rd December on Sky One, are Chrissie Hynde, Fleur East, Holly Johnson, Jona Lewie, Marc Almond, Melanie C, Nadine Coyle, Ricky Wilson,Shakin Stevens, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Chaplin and The Vamps, plus more acts to be announced. It will be hosted by Jason Manford.
Wednesday, 1 November 2017
Children's TV Pointless Celebrities, 11th November
Saturday 11th November's Pointless Celebrities, at 5.55pm, is a Children's TV special.
John Craven and Sarah Greene, Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood, Cerrie Burnell and Ben Faulks, and Sue Devaney and Richard Holian form the four teams.
John Craven and Sarah Greene, Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood, Cerrie Burnell and Ben Faulks, and Sue Devaney and Richard Holian form the four teams.
Thursday, 26 October 2017
Sheridan
Multi award-winning actress and singer, Sheridan Smith, will headline her very own show for the first time, on ITV.on Sunday 5th November at 9pm. The lavish one-off spectacular will be hosted by Alexander Armstrong
In a celebration of her love of music and performing, Sheridan, the star of ITV shows such as Mrs Biggs and Cilla – for which she won a BAFTA Award – showcases exclusive performances of songs from her new album as well as other musical numbers, all accompanied by a live orchestra.
In a celebration of her love of music and performing, Sheridan, the star of ITV shows such as Mrs Biggs and Cilla – for which she won a BAFTA Award – showcases exclusive performances of songs from her new album as well as other musical numbers, all accompanied by a live orchestra.
Sheridan also talks with Xander about her life and stratospheric career.
Happy anniversary, Armstrong and Miller!
Today, 26th October, is the 10th anniversary of the day in 2007 when the first episode of Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller's The Armstrong and Miller Show was broadcast. It carried on from where their 1997 to 2001 Paramount and Channel 4 sketch show left off.
Now on BBC1 in prime time, the show introduced a whole range of new recurring characters, including filthy Flanders & Swann parody Brabbins & Fyffe, Divorced Dad (who gives entirely unsuitable advice to his young son), and Pru and Miranda, who run Dandy Lions, a spectacularly inefficient vegetarian restaurant in Hampstead. These sketches invariably end with the line: "Pru, It's kicking off!, at which point their customers (and their front window) feel the full force of their pent up frustrations with each other.
But their most popular new characters were undoubtedly the WWII RAF pilots, who spoke modern-day street slang in cut-glass 1940s accents.
After their previous series ended in 2001, Xander and Ben decided to work together again on this show after having appeared together in a 2005 charity show at the Groucho Club. As Xander explained:
Now on BBC1 in prime time, the show introduced a whole range of new recurring characters, including filthy Flanders & Swann parody Brabbins & Fyffe, Divorced Dad (who gives entirely unsuitable advice to his young son), and Pru and Miranda, who run Dandy Lions, a spectacularly inefficient vegetarian restaurant in Hampstead. These sketches invariably end with the line: "Pru, It's kicking off!, at which point their customers (and their front window) feel the full force of their pent up frustrations with each other.
But their most popular new characters were undoubtedly the WWII RAF pilots, who spoke modern-day street slang in cut-glass 1940s accents.
After their previous series ended in 2001, Xander and Ben decided to work together again on this show after having appeared together in a 2005 charity show at the Groucho Club. As Xander explained:
It was the first time we had performed together for many years, and it was lovely, really good fun. Because we'd worked together so much and so intensively, we thought we'd done enough to last a lifetime. But we realised how much we missed it and how the chemistry just worked. Re-uniting suddenly seemed the sensible thing to do.Ben added
Our wives Belinda and Hannah were there to watch. They had never seen us do our act before, and they encouraged us to get back together.Since the last series of The Armstrong and Miller Show in 2010, Xander and Ben have worked together on sitcom pilot Felix & Murdo in 2011, but there have been no signs of another sketch series, possibly due to both men's busy work schedules. Maybe one day...
Pointless Celebrities, 4th November
There's an unthemed Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 4th November at 6pm.
Lucy
Porter teams up with Rob Deering, and Rachel Johnson joins forces with
her father Stanley. John Shuttleworth unites with Dave Gorman, and Carol
McGiffin throws her lot in with Charlotte Crosby.
Friday, 20 October 2017
A Very Royal Wedding
Alexander Armstrong will present A Very Royal Wedding, a feature-length documentary to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Queen's marriage to Prince Philip in November 1947.
Xander will discover how a battered post-war Britain pulled off the wedding of the century against the odds. Contributors include Joan Collins and Sheila Hancock sharing their memories of the wedding, as well as revealing insights from those who were part of the big day, such as page boy Prince Michael of Kent.
Xander will discover how a battered post-war Britain pulled off the wedding of the century against the odds. Contributors include Joan Collins and Sheila Hancock sharing their memories of the wedding, as well as revealing insights from those who were part of the big day, such as page boy Prince Michael of Kent.
This was “the people’s wedding” and
Xander will meet the ordinary people who made this such a special
occasion, including one of the seamstresses responsible for the
spectacular wedding dress.
He will also see up close
recreations of The Queen’s exquisite 3-carat diamond engagement ring,
her beautiful wedding bouquet and her show-stopping 9ft high, 500lb
wedding cake.
The film features stunning colour archive of the wedding as well as The Queen’s private home movie footage of the day.
A Very Royal Wedding will air on Monday 30th October, at 9pm on ITV.
A Very Royal Wedding will air on Monday 30th October, at 9pm on ITV.
Thursday, 19 October 2017
Soaps Pointless Celebrities, 28th October
A group of stars from the world of soaps take part in Pointless Celebrities, on Saturday 28th October at 5.45pm.
Former Coronation Street co-stars Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts) and Amanda Barrie (Alma Barlow) join forces, while `Barry from EastEnders' Shaun Williamson teams up with ex-Crossroads actor Paul Henry (Benny Hawkins). Emmerdale's Chris Bisson (Jai Sharma) partners former village resident Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor), and Hollyoaks' Gemma Merna (Carmel McQueen) reunites with her on-screen mother Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen).
Former Coronation Street co-stars Kevin Kennedy (Curly Watts) and Amanda Barrie (Alma Barlow) join forces, while `Barry from EastEnders' Shaun Williamson teams up with ex-Crossroads actor Paul Henry (Benny Hawkins). Emmerdale's Chris Bisson (Jai Sharma) partners former village resident Adele Silva (Kelly Windsor), and Hollyoaks' Gemma Merna (Carmel McQueen) reunites with her on-screen mother Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen).
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
The Imitation Game picked up for series
ITV have ordered a series of The Imitation Game, a fast-moving comedy panel show based on impressions. Team captains are Rory Bremner and Debra Stephenson, and guests will include Rob Brydon, John Thomson, Steve Coogan, and up-and-coming impressionists.
The information I've seen doesn't reveal the host's name, but the pilot was hosted by Alexander Armstrong. I was at that pilot, and he did his usual immaculate job at the helm, as well as contributing an excellent Louis Armstrong to the final sung round. The only reason I can think he wouldn't be doing the series is if he wasn't available. I hope that's not the case, and he does host. If so, ticket details in due course.
EDIT: I've now seen confirmation that Xander will be hosting. Hooray! The seven 45 minute episodes will be filmed and broadcast in 2018.
The information I've seen doesn't reveal the host's name, but the pilot was hosted by Alexander Armstrong. I was at that pilot, and he did his usual immaculate job at the helm, as well as contributing an excellent Louis Armstrong to the final sung round. The only reason I can think he wouldn't be doing the series is if he wasn't available. I hope that's not the case, and he does host. If so, ticket details in due course.
EDIT: I've now seen confirmation that Xander will be hosting. Hooray! The seven 45 minute episodes will be filmed and broadcast in 2018.
Thursday, 12 October 2017
Famous Voices Pointless Celebrities, 21st October
Pointless Celebrities on 21st October at 5.45pm features stars best known for their voices.
Brenda Longman, the voice of Sooty's panda friend Soo, teams up with Doctor Who's K-9 John Leeson, while veteran game-show announcer Peter Dickson joins forces with Siri's British male voice Jon Briggs. Hollywood trailer narrator Redd Pepper partners seasoned Big Brother commentator Marcus Bentley, and The Archers' Felicity Finch throws her lot in with co-star Emerald O'Hanrahan.
Brenda Longman, the voice of Sooty's panda friend Soo, teams up with Doctor Who's K-9 John Leeson, while veteran game-show announcer Peter Dickson joins forces with Siri's British male voice Jon Briggs. Hollywood trailer narrator Redd Pepper partners seasoned Big Brother commentator Marcus Bentley, and The Archers' Felicity Finch throws her lot in with co-star Emerald O'Hanrahan.
Tuesday, 10 October 2017
National Television Awards
Pointless and Alexander Armstrong are nominated for the National Television Awards: please give them your support!
Xander is nominated for Best Presenter, as is Richard Osman; The Real Full Monty, presented by Xander, is in the Factual Entertainment section; Pointless Celebrities in the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award category; and Pointless is nominated as best Daytime Show. There are many other worthy nominees, but please consider giving Xander and Pointless your vote.
All votes must be in by 11pm on Friday 27th October.
Xander is nominated for Best Presenter, as is Richard Osman; The Real Full Monty, presented by Xander, is in the Factual Entertainment section; Pointless Celebrities in the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award category; and Pointless is nominated as best Daytime Show. There are many other worthy nominees, but please consider giving Xander and Pointless your vote.
All votes must be in by 11pm on Friday 27th October.
Friday, 6 October 2017
Family Pointless Celebrities, 14th October
Family Pointless Celebrities is on Saturday 14th September, at 6pm.
The contestants include father-and-daughter actors Robert Lindsay and Sydney Stevenson, singing brothers Merrill and Jay Osmond, married comedians Richard Herring and Catie Wilkins, and Richard Blackwood and Sophie Mayers.
The contestants include father-and-daughter actors Robert Lindsay and Sydney Stevenson, singing brothers Merrill and Jay Osmond, married comedians Richard Herring and Catie Wilkins, and Richard Blackwood and Sophie Mayers.
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
TV Times Awards
Pointless has been nominated for Favourite Quiz in the TV Times Awards!
Please give it your vote. Warning: you have to vote in every category or your submission will be rejected.
Monday, 2 October 2017
A third series for Hey Duggee? DUGGEE HUG!
BBC Worldwide and CBeebies have announced the commission of a
third series of the BAFTA and International Emmy® award-winning
pre-school animation Hey Duggee.
Devised by the OSCAR nominated and BAFTA award-winning Studio AKA, S3 will see Duggee and The Squirrel Club return for 52 brand-new episodes, narrated by Alexander Armstrong, to entertain and light-up the imaginations of little learners across the globe.
Hey Duggee S3 is expected to transmit on CBeebies in autumn 2018 and will roll-out to other global markets following its UK transmission. Further new episodes of S2 are anticipated to air on CBeebies this autumn as well, including a Halloween Special, with more new episodes set to hit UK screens in spring 2018.
Devised by the OSCAR nominated and BAFTA award-winning Studio AKA, S3 will see Duggee and The Squirrel Club return for 52 brand-new episodes, narrated by Alexander Armstrong, to entertain and light-up the imaginations of little learners across the globe.
Hey Duggee S3 is expected to transmit on CBeebies in autumn 2018 and will roll-out to other global markets following its UK transmission. Further new episodes of S2 are anticipated to air on CBeebies this autumn as well, including a Halloween Special, with more new episodes set to hit UK screens in spring 2018.
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Arts & Culture Pointless Celebrities, 7th October
On Saturday 7th October at 5.45pm, figures from the world of Arts and Culture take part in an episode of Pointless Celebrities.
Music journalist Paul Morley joins forces with Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale, BBC arts presenter Katie Derham teams up with her editor Will Gompertz, art historian Tim Marlow forms a duo with journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, and songwriter Richard Stilgoe partners with actress and writer Meera Syal.
Music journalist Paul Morley joins forces with Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale, BBC arts presenter Katie Derham teams up with her editor Will Gompertz, art historian Tim Marlow forms a duo with journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, and songwriter Richard Stilgoe partners with actress and writer Meera Syal.
Friday, 22 September 2017
Sarah Jane Adventures revisited
The first series of Doctor Who spin-off Sarah Jane Adventures, featuring investigative journalist and old-time companion Sarah-Jane Smith (played by the late Elisabeth Sladen), began on 24th September 2007, following a one-off special on New Year's Day of that year.
The show ran for five series, during which Sarah Jane and her gang battled aliens and saved the world. As well as a group of teenagers, Alexander Armstrong was on hand as the voice of alien supercomputer Mr Smith.
CBBC will be marking the show's anniversary by showing three episodes from the first series on Sunday. 24th September from 2.10pm. Please don't dismiss SJA as a kids' show if you haven't seen it before: it's genuinely exciting.
The show ran for five series, during which Sarah Jane and her gang battled aliens and saved the world. As well as a group of teenagers, Alexander Armstrong was on hand as the voice of alien supercomputer Mr Smith.
CBBC will be marking the show's anniversary by showing three episodes from the first series on Sunday. 24th September from 2.10pm. Please don't dismiss SJA as a kids' show if you haven't seen it before: it's genuinely exciting.
Have I Got News For You
Alexander Armstrong will present Have I Got News For You for a record 30th time, on Friday 6th October at 9pm on BBC1.
Team captains are Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, as ever, and the guest panellists are James O'Brien and Roisin Conaty.
Sports Pointless Celebrities, 30th September
Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 30th September at 6pm is a Sports special.
Taking part are boxers Callum Smith and Anthony Crolla, athletes Kelly Sotherton and Ashia Hansen, snooker players Neil Robertson and Ken Doherty, and sports journalists Vicky Gomersall and Charlotte Jackson.
Taking part are boxers Callum Smith and Anthony Crolla, athletes Kelly Sotherton and Ashia Hansen, snooker players Neil Robertson and Ken Doherty, and sports journalists Vicky Gomersall and Charlotte Jackson.
Thursday, 14 September 2017
Writers Pointless Celebrities, 23rd September
Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 23rd September at 5.35pm is a Writers special.
Liz Pichon teams up with Pam Ayres, Quentin Letts joins forces with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Jill Mansell partners Jimmy McGovern and Mark Watson allies with Owen Jones.
Liz Pichon teams up with Pam Ayres, Quentin Letts joins forces with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Jill Mansell partners Jimmy McGovern and Mark Watson allies with Owen Jones.
Tuesday, 12 September 2017
Pointless tickets are now available
Free tickets for Pointless recordings are now available.
Recordings start on Monday 9th October, and tickets are currently available till Thursday 16th November. Recordings are at TV Centre in White City, London.
You can apply for free tickets here.
Recordings start on Monday 9th October, and tickets are currently available till Thursday 16th November. Recordings are at TV Centre in White City, London.
You can apply for free tickets here.
Thursday, 7 September 2017
Experts Pointless Celebrities, 16th September
A group of experts take part in a repeated Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 16th September, at 6.10pm.
The House That £100K Built presenter Kieran Long teams up with fellow architecture specialist Piers Taylor, while Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts joins forces with Selling Houses' Amanda Lamb. Fifth Gear duo Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell combine their wits, and weather forecasters John Hammond and Laura Tobin also compete.
The House That £100K Built presenter Kieran Long teams up with fellow architecture specialist Piers Taylor, while Homes Under the Hammer host Martin Roberts joins forces with Selling Houses' Amanda Lamb. Fifth Gear duo Vicki Butler-Henderson and Tiff Needell combine their wits, and weather forecasters John Hammond and Laura Tobin also compete.
Monday, 4 September 2017
BBC orders 204 more episodes of Pointless
The BBC has commissioned a further 204 episodes of Pointless, which will take it up to its 10th anniversary in 2019. The order comes as a fresh run of new episodes begins on BBC1.
Xander said:
Xander said:
I cannot tell you how much I adore hosting Pointless and I’m thrilled that the BBC commissioned us to produce over 200 more episodes. I cannot wait to meet a whole host of Pointless contenders and of course, be reunited with Richard who I’ve genuinely missed. But don’t tell him that.The new shows, 165 daytime programmes and 39 Pointless Celebrities specials, will be filmed at the newly reopened BBC TV Centre in White City. Free tickets for the recordings will be available in due course.
Alexander Armstrong on tour
Following the release of his third solo album at the end of November, Alexander Armstrong will be touring in 2018.
The dates are as follows, with tickets going on general sale on 15th September.
The dates are as follows, with tickets going on general sale on 15th September.
| 21 May | Birmingham | 22 May | Sheffield |
| 23 May | Gateshead | 25 May | Glasgow |
| 26 May | Manchester | 27 May | Liverpool |
| 29 May | Nottingham | 30 May | Southend-on-Sea |
| 31 May | London | 2 June | Cambridge |
| 3 June | Brighton | 4 June | Cardiff |
| 6 June | Bristol | 7 June | Bournemouth |
| 8 June | Oxford | 11 June | Northampton |
In A Winter Light
Alexander Armstrong has announced details of his third solo and first Christmas album, In A Winter Light.
Xander said:
Christmas music is so important to us, it’s such a central part of how we embrace the festive season, I kind of need Christmas music – you don’t just listen to it, you kind of live through it and build your Christmases on it.
What do you think Christmas would be like without any music? I mean I daresay you could possibly still find some joy in an old mince pie or something, but just imagine if you took away all the music. There’d be no carols, no Bing, no more boys of the NYPD choir, no more “it’s Chriiiiiiiiiistmaaaaaaas”, now that really would be a bleak midwinter. The truth is we haven’t got time to hang about in December so we use our favourite Christmas music to take us straight to where we want to be: right at the happy heart of every Christmas we’ve loved.
The track listing of the album, to be released on 24th November, is:
1. Angels in a Winter Light (Prologue - instrumental)
2. White Winter Hymnal
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
4. This Glorious Morrow (feat. The Choir of New College, Oxford)
5. Let it Snow (feat. trebles of The Choir of New College, Oxford)
6. I Still Believe in Christmas
7. O Holy Night (feat. trebles of The Choir of New College, Oxford)
8. Little Girl Blue (feat. Jools Holland)
9. Girl in the Dark (instrumental interlude)
10. Silent Night (feat. The Squadronaires)
11. There is no Rose
12. Winter Wonderland (feat. The Squadronaires)
13. In the Bleak Midwinter
14. Bethlehem Down
15. A Spotless Rose (feat. The Choir of New College, Oxford)
16. Angels in a Winter Light (Epilogue - instrumental)
Having spent years performing in choirs, Xander’s beloved musical heritage is on full, glorious display on In A Winter Light, recorded with the City of Prague Orchestra, abetted by the Choir of New College, Oxford, the RAF Squadronaires big band and Jools Holland. It can be pre-ordered from all usual sources.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
The Boisdale Music Awards
Nominations for the 2017 Boisdale Music Awards have been announced; Alexander Armstrong has been nominated as Best Male Singer.
The ceremony, hosted by Jools Holland, will take place on Wednesday September 13th at Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Other nominees include blues legend and veteran broadcaster Paul Jones (lifetime achievement award) Ginger Baker (Best Jazz Instrumentalist) Rebecca Ferguson (Best Jazz Singer) Imelda May (Best Female Singer), and Mike Batt (Outstanding Contribution to British Music).
Congratulations, Xander!
The ceremony, hosted by Jools Holland, will take place on Wednesday September 13th at Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Other nominees include blues legend and veteran broadcaster Paul Jones (lifetime achievement award) Ginger Baker (Best Jazz Instrumentalist) Rebecca Ferguson (Best Jazz Singer) Imelda May (Best Female Singer), and Mike Batt (Outstanding Contribution to British Music).
Congratulations, Xander!
Reality TV Pointless Celebrities
Pointless Celebrities on Saturday 9th September, at 6.10pm, is a Reality TV special.
The duos competing are former Apprentice contestants Ruth Badger and Solomon Akhtar, I'm A Celebrity 2014 survivors Carl Fogarty and Jimmy Bullard, Big Brother's first-ever winner Craig Phillips and series seven housemate Nikki Grahame, and Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Alex Mytton.
The duos competing are former Apprentice contestants Ruth Badger and Solomon Akhtar, I'm A Celebrity 2014 survivors Carl Fogarty and Jimmy Bullard, Big Brother's first-ever winner Craig Phillips and series seven housemate Nikki Grahame, and Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Alex Mytton.
Monday, 28 August 2017
Classic FM's Ultimate Chart
This year the radio station Classic FM is 25 years old. As part of their celebrations, they have published their Ultimate Chart of the 300 best-selling classical albums since 1992.
A Year Of Songs, Alexander Armstrong's debut solo album, reached number 57 in the chart. This is particularly impressive given that it was only released in 2015, and was up against albums released many years if not decades ago. Congratulations, Xander!
A Year Of Songs, Alexander Armstrong's debut solo album, reached number 57 in the chart. This is particularly impressive given that it was only released in 2015, and was up against albums released many years if not decades ago. Congratulations, Xander!
Saturday, 26 August 2017
The Full Works
Alexander Armstrong regularly presents shows on Classic FM at the weekend. In week beginning 11th September, he will additionally be at the helm of three shows in The Full Works strand, nightly at 8pm.
- On Monday 11th September the theme is Autumn in the Air, with composers including Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Holst.
- Tuesday the 12th has the theme of Alexander's A-Listers, and features Richard Strauss, Beethoven, and Mozart.
- And finally Wednesday 13th's show, themed around Durham, is centred on Jon Lord's epic Durham Concerto Also included is contemporary choral composer Will Todd.
Thursday, 24 August 2017
Comedy Pointless Celebrities, 2nd September
There's a repeated Comedy special of Pointless Celebrities on 2nd September, at 7pm.
The teams are Simon Day and Paul Chowdhry, Emily Atack and Ian Lavender, Kerry Godliman and Graeme Garden, and Steve Pemberton and Bob Mortimer.
The teams are Simon Day and Paul Chowdhry, Emily Atack and Ian Lavender, Kerry Godliman and Graeme Garden, and Steve Pemberton and Bob Mortimer.
Happy birthday to you
So, 2009. Did anything interesting happen?
Today, 24th August 2017, is the eighth anniversary of that first show's broadcast, in a quiet little BBC2 daytime backwater. More than 1200 editions later, it's one of BBC1's top shows, complete with celebrity specials shown in prime time Saturday night slots.
And with another long recording block about to start, it looks like Pointless will be with us for a long time yet. Roll on the next anniversary!
- Matt Smith was named as the new Doctor in Doctor Who, taking over from David Tennant
- Captain Chesley Sullenberger crash-landed his airliner in the Hudson River after birds disabled the engines. All passengers and crew survived
- Peter Andre and Katie Price separated
- There was an epidemic of swine flu
- The funniest joke of this year's Edinburgh Fringe, as voted by viewers of TV channel Dave. came from comedian Dan Antopolski: "Hedgehogs. Why can't they just share the hedge?"
And with another long recording block about to start, it looks like Pointless will be with us for a long time yet. Roll on the next anniversary!
Wednesday, 23 August 2017
Series 2 of Danger Mouse? Crumbs, DM!
Series 2 of the rebooted Danger Mouse (starring the voices of Alexander Armstrong as Danger Mouse himself, and Kevin Eldon as Penfold) will start on Monday 4th September, at 6pm on CBBC.
In the first episode, Colonel K goes on holiday, leaving DM in charge of the secret service and allowing Baron Greenback to strike chaos across the planet. How will Colonel D save the day this time?
In the first episode, Colonel K goes on holiday, leaving DM in charge of the secret service and allowing Baron Greenback to strike chaos across the planet. How will Colonel D save the day this time?
Tuesday, 22 August 2017
It must be autumn...
Season of mists, mellow fruitfulness... and new Pointless shows!
Series 17 continues from Monday 4th September at the usual time of 5.15pm. With another couple of hundred about to be recorded, we've plenty more to come!
Series 17 continues from Monday 4th September at the usual time of 5.15pm. With another couple of hundred about to be recorded, we've plenty more to come!
Thursday, 17 August 2017
Health & Fitness Pointless Celebrities
On Saturday 26th August at 7.20pm, BBC1 has a repeated Health & Fitness edition of Pointless Celebrities.
The contestants are 1980s TV fitness instructor Lizzie Webb and This Morning's resident doctor Chris Steele, Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins and former contestant Rosemary Conley, Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas and former Olympic athlete Katharine Merry, and Embarrassing Bodies consultants Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Pixie McKenna.
The contestants are 1980s TV fitness instructor Lizzie Webb and This Morning's resident doctor Chris Steele, Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins and former contestant Rosemary Conley, Welsh sprinter Iwan Thomas and former Olympic athlete Katharine Merry, and Embarrassing Bodies consultants Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Pixie McKenna.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)