Top shows for 2013

The Christmas holidays have given me time to catch up on Britain’s favourite pastime, television. I have watched everything from comedy to period drama, and if you are looking to fill the hours with viewing pleasure, make sure you check out my following picks:

1. Death in Paradise - the second series of the hit comedy-drama kicks off today, with Ben Miller returning to Guadeloupe as bumbling police officer Richard Poole. With Jamelia and Stephanie Beacham all guest starring this season, the 8-part series offers a light-hearted but comical outlook on the world of crime on a small Caribbean island (Tuesdays at 9pm, BBC One)

2. Africa with David Attenborough - this series has to be one of the best documentaries I have ever watched. With stunning cinematography catching the most outrageous yet real-life images of Rhino’s flirting and Giraffe’s duelling, this new series from everyone’s favourite nature presenter is a must-watch (Wednesdays at 9pm, BBC One)

3. Modern Family - although a new series is not yet showing, fans of My Family, Malcolm in the Middle or In with the Flynns will love this American series. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, showcasing three different families and their ordinary lives, with humorous results. The gorgeous Sofia Vergara also appears, so you could just watch it for her (Sky 1)

4. Restless - a fantastic two-part series I managed to catch over Christmas, the BBC’s adaptation of the classic William Boyd book was fantastic, with enough drama and suspense to fill the 3 hours of screen time. With a stellar cast of acting greats including Hayley Atwell and Michael Gambon, fans of espionage and crime will love this series (BBC iPlayer, or available on DVD soon)

5. Ripper Street - this new series, based in the grimy streets of 19^th century London, is not only gruesome but also fantastically shot. The first episode kicked off with more drama, blood and gore then an episode of Holby City. Based loosely on the events after Jack the Ripper, the series is bound to excite and shock viewers nationwide (Sundays at 9pm, BBC One)

6. Mr Selfridge - forget Downton, ITV have launched a new period drama, this time marking the opening of Selfridges, one of Oxford Street’s most iconic department stores. With a strong cast and gorgeous sets, the series has been applauded by the critics, and makes a change from the usual reality tv-crap on ITV (Sundays at 9pm, ITV One)

7. Miranda - perhaps the funniest female comic in the UK, Miranda has returned with arguably her best series ever. Half way in to the series and I’m still falling off the sofa in hysterics at the very funny antics of Miranda Hart, who just warms the whole living room with her easy-going, no-nonsense comedy. (Mondays at 9pm, BBC One)

8. Winners & Losers - the second series of this fantastic Australian series has just finished on ITV 2, but you can still catch up online and on ITV Player. The finale of series 2 ended with an explosion, a revelation, a hostage and a suicide attempt; it’s crazy what happens in Oz right! (ITV 2/ ITV Player)

And a few not to watch:

9. Splash! With Tom Daley - I didn’t realise ITV could scrape the barrel any lower, but it seems they can. The latest reality tv concept see’s celebrities (or rather, has-beens or nobodies) learn how to dive in front of the camera, with help from diver Tom Daley. I don’t know what irritates me the most; the fact ITV just won’t stop with the same-old boring celebrity-reality tv concept, or the fact that Tom Daley is so desperate for attention I now have to see him on my TV every week. Please ITV, send Splash! too the deepest, darkest depths.

10. Celebrity Big Brother - it is a shame that Channel Five seem so persistent on broadcasting Big Brother 52 weeks of the year, because the channel is actually improving across the board. Trisha Goddard is back, their documentaries and lifestyle programmes are actually interesting and the imports from the US are pretty good. But sadly this is all ruined by Celebrity Big Brother/ Big Brother. The only programme that actually has celebrities on it is Strictly Come Dancing, and thank god that is only on once a year. So please Channel 5, ditch the show and focus on your other attributes.

　

100 year anniversary of the sinking of Titanic: my dedication

100 years ago last weekend, a moment in history was chronicled for the death of over 1,500 people. RMS Titanic, the White Star Line ship hailed as 'Unsinkable' sunk to the murky depths of the Atlantic on the 15th April 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the early hours of the morning. It left a legacy for the shipping industry, and touching the hearts of mankind across the globe.

It's a story which, 100 years on, is not forgotten. All the various, glamorous TV and film productions, the sparkling new museums and galleries and the hundreds of tales of those on board the ship have collectively helped to inform the world of the tragedy and the disaster.

Yet it amazes me that people are so sick and tired of the Titanic. To a degree I suppose, the story has been used time and time again for the benefit of TV and movie productions. The much-hyped Titanic series on ITV was a case of this, which despite using the tales of love portrayed so fantastically in the 1997 James Cameron film, failed to deliver anything remotely significant or compelling to the public, suggesting fans of the Titanic do tire of the publicity and narrativization of the tragedy.

But let's not forget what really happened. It's not about a love story, it's about a legacy. A ship carrying people of all classes and all races, an epitome of the past that shocked onlookers at the time. Even today, with tragedies such as the recent Costa Concordia, the shock and pain of disasters at sea still strikes a chord with audiences across the globe.

So despite the numerous marketing and advertising opportunities, let us not forget the real story of the Titanic. I hope, that in another 100 years, it will still lie on the bed of the Atlantic, and will still retain the shock and devastation that it has carried over the last 100 years.

If you watch anything, this fantastic clip from National Geographic uses CGI to re-imagine how the Titanic sank. Pretty impressive.

This post is a dedication to the tragedy of what happened on the 15th April 1912. A dedication to the lives lost, the families who suffered and to the legacy of RMS Titanic.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Ten TV shows you should be watching

It's fair to say, I am a bit of a telly addict. Despite a heavy schedule of study, work and more study, I think it is fundamental to relax in front of my favourite shows after a hard days graft, and the list below is no exception. Featuring a mix of drama, comedy, reality tv and soaps, I hope these ten shows will interest you in watching them too.

1. Winners and Losers (ITV 2 - Tuesdays at 10pm) - This Australian series is one of the best things to come out of Australia since Holly Valance. Following the demise of soaps such as Neighbours and Home & Away, this series follows a group of four women who have won the lottery, and showing the ups and downs of having it all. Funny, sophisticated and glamorous, a great series with similarities drawn to shows such as Mistresses and Desperate Housewives.
2. The Voice (BBC 1 - starts 24th March) - The most talked about singing contest over the last year, international versions have been praised by the critics, and now it's coming to the UK. Featuring a line-up of mentors including Jessie J, Tom Jones and Will.I.Am, this costly show is hotly anticipated to dominate prime time Saturday nights, going up against rival ITV. A must watch if you hated X Factor last year.

3. The Apprentice (BBC1 - starts 21st March) - Sir Alan, Nick and Karen return next week for the brand new series of The Apprentice. With new candidates, new tasks and a new prize, the reality show should prove to be more popular then ever, hosted by the nation's most menacing, and most respected businessman.
4. Frost on Interviews (BBC4 - Tuesdays at 9pm) - This excellent new series featuring respected journalist and presenter Sir David Frost looks up-close at the role of the interviewer. Interesting, educational and inspiring, this show - featuring interviews with guests such as Michael Parkinson - uncovers the true grit of the natural interviewer.

5. Watchdog (BBC1 - starts tonight at 8pm) - The consumer programme, back again for another new series, is a favourite with the nation, as it promises to inform the audience of all the latest dodgy deals, high prices and rogue traders. Oh and 'the queen of mean' Anne Robinson presents, what else could you ask for in a programme.
6. Benidorm (ITV1 - Fridays at 9pm) - It pains me to admit that I am hooked on this series, but it really is pure comedy gold featuring the worst stereotypes of the British working class. Cringe or cry with laughter, the new series provides just as many laughs as the previous, award winning series. So grab your fake tan and Speedos, and settle down in front of the box.

7. New Girl (Channel 4 - Fridays at 8:30pm) - One of the most talked about shows to cross the pond from the States, this funny, warm-hearted show features the kooky, gorgeous Zooey Deschanel as Jess, a teacher living with her three male flat mates. It's easy to watch and enjoy.
8. White Van Man (BBC3 - Thursdays at 9:30pm) Another easy-to-watch programme, featuring the likeable Will Mellor, this second series of the comedy series follows the life of a builder, who drives a white van. Pretty self-explanatory, it's appealing with its simple plot line and comic situations.

9. Britain's Got Talent (ITV1 - starts 24th March) The talent show series returns, along with Simon Cowell, whose absence last year saw the series fail to attract as much media attention as it had done previously. With the likes of Alesha Dixon and David Walliams added to the judging panel, the refreshed look promises to be bigger and better as it competes against The Voice. Which will you watch?
10. Eastenders (BBC 1) Ok, nothing interesting has happened on screen for ages, but off screen, exciting plans are in-store for the soap. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has left the programme, to much delight from disgruntled viewers, and old stalwart Sharon Watts will be returning later in the year. I'm hoping a new producer will re-ignite the show, which has seen viewers turn off over the last few years.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

NTA Awards: And the award goes to...

Soap stars, reality TV veterans and TV personalities descended onto the 02 Arena last night for one of televisions prestigious events; the National Television Awards. The NTA’s see some of Britain’s greatest small screen stars – and many others we would rather forget – gather together to celebrate the previous year’s best TV moments.

But who are the real winners at the NTA’s? It seems that, behind the cleavage, fake tan and ball gowns is an award show that simply does not add up. If the awards last night taught me anything, it is that either the British television in this country has gone downhill, or the people who vote for these programmes are morons.

But first, there were a few winners that deserved to win. As much as it pains me to say it, Coronation Street deserved to win Most Popular Serial Drama. Finally stealing the crown from Eastenders, it seemed bittersweet for the Manchester based soap opera, who poignantly dedicated the gong to the late Betty Driver. Although I am a firm fan of Eastenders, the last year has been disastrous for the soap. Losing iconic cast members – Lacey Turner, Barbara Windsor, Pam St.Clement  - and storylines which leave viewers confused and often angry. Wins for Outnumbered and Celebrity Juice were probably earned fair and square to. And although I have not watched it, judging by the popularity of the show, Downton Abbey also deserved its award for Most Popular Drama.

But besides this, it was a night of shock and surprise, and not in a good way. Because in nearly every other category, the award was given to the wrong person, and left me confused and bewildered at the winners. Now these might be my own opinion, and yes I am slightly biased towards the BBC, but I am sure you will agree with me on some of the awards.  

For one, it was dominated by ITV programmes. A coincidence perhaps? The show was hosted by an ITV presenter, screened on ITV and the awards were presented by many ITV stars. So naturally, the awards would go to them?

Well, it is voted by the British public. A few months ago, I was sent an email – again, glistening with familiar ITV faces – and voted for who I thought deserved an award. Yet none of the people I voted for won a single award.

But anyway, it is not about whom I wanted to win; it is more about who the audience wanted to win. But looking at the nomination list, and comparing it to the actual winners, it just does not seem to add up. Despite numerous controversies last year matched by falling viewing figures, The X Factor won the Best Reality Programme gong, despite Strictly Come Dancing dominating its ITV rival. Most Popular Factual Programming – if you can call it Factual – went to This Morning, another key ITV show. Awards also went to Katherine Kelly of Corrie and I’m A Celebrity, although the latter thankfully fought off TOWIE to win, so there is some hope for the future of British Television.

Or is there? Because more ITV figureheads picked up other key awards, with three awards being solely chosen by the NTA’s, and not the audience. The Landmark Achievement Award went to comic and new BGT judge David Walliams, presumably because he has just made the landmark achievement of becoming another fool to step into the jaws of Simon Cowell. Jonathan Ross won the Special Recognition Award – celebrating his 25 years on air, minus the three months for which he was suspended. And surprise surprise, a third award went to X Factor protégé Gary Barlow, who won the Outstanding Contribution Award. Yes, the musician who contributed superbly to the X Factor this year, which saw over 3 million viewers switch off.

And at the top of the ITV award cabinet, perched next to the ten other dusty figurines, stands the Most Popular Entertainment Presenter, which went to – yep you guessed it – Ant & Dec, for the eleventh consecutive year in a row. Despite the duo presenting three shows last year which all caused controversy in the media (Britain’s Got Talent, Red or Black, I’m a Celeb), they still manage to cling on to their precious gong; even admitting they find the whole thing hilarious. Change the record already Britain, why can't these two goons be moved to Room 101? Seemed desperate enough that host Dermot O’Leary was telling his Twitter followers to vote for the pair. The fact that the host of the show is also up for an award seems wrong anyway.

What it comes down to is an award show dogged by controversy, rigged by a broadcaster who longs for approval from the British public. Although some of the awards were rightly deserved, questions remain on the others. And with only 6 million viewers watching the event, nearly half of the audience in previous years, is anyone really taking the awards seriously? Apart from the immature teens and Jeremy Kyle mums who love to vote for this kind of rubbish.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Jonathan Dimbleby

Apologies for the late blog post - the Jourknow has, as ever, been busy writing articles and voicing his opinions, as well as drinking a few to many tipples at the local grazing ground last night!

However, he is proud to be able to introduce his new Friday feature: Friend for Friday. Each Friday the Jourknow will post an interview with a new "friend". With celebrities, sportsman, politicians, community heroes and the general public all lined-up, the feature promises to be a firm-favourite by readers.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce my first friend of the week, the respected broadcaster and journalist Jonathan Dimbleby. After studying his father in my recent history studies, it seems rather fitting to share this with you. The interview was taken just under a year ago.

A renowned political and current affairs broadcaster and presenter who has chaired Any Questions? every Friday evening since 1987, along with fronting political coverage for ITV and the BBC. We caught up on his views of Britain, the young and his family.

Tuition fees, university cuts and student riots were a big part of tonight’s debate; what are your feelings on the future for students in our current society?
It is terrible. The young people of Britain, if not the world, are our future! It is an outrage for students that they are the ones who will have to sort out our country's problems in the future. Whether it is the environment, economic mess or over-consumption it is my generation's fault - yet the younger generation’s problem. I worry what the future will hold for my young daughter (1 year of age) in 20 or so years time. It does not help that times are uncertain, even if cuts to university tuition fees are certain.

Do you think that the young are misrepresented then?
Oh yes, almost certainly. Whether the media blame them for binge drinking or the rising gang culture kids and teenagers are part of, they're always in the press for something negative. Yet it is this country that is taking the lives and happiness away from children, and with cuts to higher education it is not hard to realise that the problem for children is only going to get worse.

What would you suggest needs to happen in order for teenagers and kids to get a ‘better deal’ in society?
Well, a change in values is definitely needed. We need to stop looking at the negatives and think positive. Children are our future and therefore we should protect and nourish them. Although the higher education cuts are inevitable, along with cuts to child benefit, there is a future for children if we act now. The glass is half-full for kids, let us not make it empty for them!

Speaking of children and family, yours is very important to you. Do they take an interest in your work, or even in politics?
Yes, I am very proud of my family. I have four kids, the eldest being 38 and the youngest being 1! Obviously, the youngest has no idea what ‘Daddy’ does, however my youngest son (3 years) listens to the radio and says ‘Daddy’ every time he hears me, which is a delight to hear. My eldest son has also followed a similar family route to me, being part of media and television production.

The Dimbleby family have made a big presence in the political world - particularly your father Richard and brother David.
Yes, they have. Its family tradition I guess! My father Richard was one of the first political reporters and news presenters on television and, of course, my brother has and still does present various political shows for the BBC.

Mentioning your brother David, you both present similar shows (David Dimbleby anchors Question Time on the BBC); one on the radio and one on TV. Is there, would you say, healthy competition or an edge of competitiveness between you two?
(Laughs) Well, no, there isn’t. At one time, I was heading the ITV coverage of the General Election (2005) and my brother was the face of the BBC’s coverage. The media consistently covered our so-called competitiveness, suggesting we were ‘brothers at war’. However, it was all false. It was more fighting between the institutions rather than us. After the evening broadcast, we would meet up and have a drink and laugh about the constant headlines - but the tabloids never picked up on this!

Finally, you have hosted Any Questions since 1987; is there a favourite location and panellist that you remember from over the years?
Gosh, that is a tricky question. I mean, there are so many locations and panellists that it would be hard for me to pick out my favourite one. To be perfectly honest, my favourite panellists are those who speak their mind. The three traits, you could call it, for my perfect panellist is someone who is original, thoughtful and lively. That way they not only entertain audience, but the listeners and me too!

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins

Picture Courtesy of bbc.co.uk/radio4