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.

　

Review of the Week: Winners & Losers

It's rare for me to get into a TV series and watch it all the way through. Television and I have a very turbulent relationship, usually because there's nothing on of interest and I just don’t have time to watch a series all the way through.

But this year, I became totally addicted on one series in particular after catching an episode in New Zealand. But surprisingly, it wasn’t made in Britain or America, and it wasn’t shown on a prime time slot (although it should have been!) In fact it was an Australian series called Winners & Losers, and it certainly won me over!

The show focuses on four women who were friends at high school, who meet up after a period of absence to catch up on their lives, each with their own story to tell. Before they depart, promising they will stay in touch, they buy a lottery ticket which, it transpires, is the winning ticket for $8 million Australian dollars.

Sounds a bit predictable you might think? Well, yes in some ways the show is predictable. It follows the story of four women leading turbulent yet glamorous lifestyles - similar to narratives of Sex and the City and Mistresses - but with subtle humour and an easier plot line to follow. All four girls have their own storylines. Jenny, played by Melissa Bergland, plays her part beautifully as the female who hasn’t quite grown up yet. Her scenes with her family in particular are highly amusing, and it’s no surprise to find out she’s won awards already for the role.

The other female protagonists offer interesting character traits too. Bek is the loved-up, newly engaged beauty that is loved by everyone but struggles with trust issues. Sophie is the sex-driven, drug-fuelled party girl of the gang and Francis is the responsible, independent businesswoman who works hard. Their backgrounds are intriguing and as the series progresses you learn more about their lives and become more engrossed in the drama.

The title basically gives the game away where narrative is concerned. Occasionally, the group find themselves ‘winning’ (where everything is going well) and then ‘losing’ (when something goes wrong.) The storylines unravel throughout, with such issues as drugs, underage drinking, bullying, attempted murder, cancer and pregnancy all cropping up throughout the 22 episode long first series.

The series was a standout success in Australia, and has already been handed a second series, which finished filming earlier this year. The show, annoyingly, is shown on ITV2 in the UK, who originally started showing it on Tuesday nights at 10pm, then moved it to an earlier lunchtime slot on a Sunday. It’s perhaps the only thing I like to watch on ITV2, and considering the appeal it has on audiences (particularly female), I would have thought ITV2 would have given it a more prime time slot instead.

So the series is a must watch! If you don’t enjoy it for the storylines, just watch it for my new favourite game, ‘Spot the former Neighbours character’, for the show features an array of former Neighbours stars (a few of which play main characters). The Gross family are particular favourites of mine, especially mum Trish, who despite an emotional storyline later on in the series, never fails to bring humour to the show.

So if you’re looking for a refreshing, easy-to-watch comedy drama series this summer to fall in love with, why not try Winners & Losers? You’d be a loser not to!

4/5 stars

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Is Vince Cable the only honest politician in Cabinet?

I feel rather sorry for Vince Cable. Throughout the recent Leveson inquiry, Mr Cable has remained quiet. A defeated champion of the people, he was one of the first people to criticise the Murdoch's, yet was hastily condemned by ministers and the newspapers over his actions.

It was way back in late 2010 that Cable's honesty got the better of him. Only six months into his role as Business Secretary for the coalition government, the Liberal Democrat was set up by journalists from The Daily Telegraph who posed as his constituents and arranged a meeting with Mr Cable. Undercover, the journalists asked questions which Mr Cable answered openly and honestly.

One of the questions Cable answered regarded the current bid by News Corporation, founded and chaired by Rupert Murdoch, to takeover the satellite broadcaster BSkyB, for which it has a stake in. Mr Cable's role as Business Secretary means that he is in charge of takeover's, including media affairs. Offering an un-bias review into the takeover, the Business Secretary is meant to examine all the evidence for/ against the takeover, with an objective stance.

Which is where Mr Cable's views got in the way, jeopardising his objectivity. Speaking to whom he thought were his constituents, Mr Cable told the undercover journalists that he had "declared war on Mr Murdoch", and that "I think we are going to win."

The resulting furore over his comments resulted in him losing his responsibility for media affairs, with the review into the BSkyB takeover being referred to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt. There were even calls for him to be sacked from his position as Business Secretary.

Now fast-forward to April 2012 and it seems similar circumstances are occurring again, this time with Jeremy Hunt. Before the takeover was abandoned following revelations of phone hacking at News International (the owners of titles including The Sun and the now defunct News of the World), it was rumoured that Jeremy Hunt would accept the takeover. The Conservative party have always been firm friends with the Murdoch's, as the Leveson inquiry has revealed, and with Mr Hunt's strong stance against the BBC, it would seem appropriate to accept the takeover. After all, BSkyB is creating billions of pounds for the UK economy, whereas the government are pumping money into the BBC. If it wasn't for the phone hacking allegations and calls from Ofcom for the review to be delayed, he would probably have accepted the takeover.

So the revelations that Jeremy Hunt was said to have an 'improper realtionship' with News Corporation following a series of leaked emails between the Mr Hunt's adviser and a PR adviser for News Corp came at no surprise. This is the man who didn't bother sending the BSkyB bid to the Competition Commission or listen to the calls from Ofcom to abandon the bid. In fact, it wasn't until after the phone hacking scandal came to light that the bid was rejected by the government, despite many years of allegations surrounding phone hacking being public knowledge.

It's fair to say his incompetence and bias in favour of the Murdoch empire has significantly damaged his reputation, and yes calls have been made by the opposition for Mr Hunt to resign. Yet not to the same extent as when calls were made for the resignation of Mr Cable.

Now I don't tend to think that two wrongs make a right, but in this case, wasn't Vince Cable right all along? He was cornered into admitting what he really thought, which in a situation like a constituency meeting, is perfectly acceptable. It's the public's right to hear the truth, and that's exactly what Vince Cable gave them.

In fact, the Press Complaints Commission agreed. They found that the Daily Telegraph had not acted in the public interest. It later emerged that the two undercover journalist's had been links to News International. A coincidence perhaps?

Vince Cable merely told the truth. Maybe it did undermine his objectivity, but I commend him. He had the guts to speak the truth to stand up against Mr Murdoch. Fast forward to 2012, and now all the politicians are doing it.

So following an interview with Sky this weekend, where he said he feels 'vindicated by BSkyB', maybe we should be praising Mr Cable for being an honest politician. He was right all along.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Darcey Bussell joins Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC announced today that Darcey Bussell would be joining the judging panel for their hit dance show Strictly Come Dancing.

Replacing the gap left by singer-songwriter Alesha Dixon, who was poached by ITV and Simon Cowell to appear on Britain's Got Talent, rumours were rife with who was going to replace the former Strictly champ.

Hot favourite Karen Hardy, a favourite with viewers, was supposedly leading the race to fill the shoes left by Alesha. Karren, who has previously been a professional on the show and had recently been covering the show's red button coverage, certainly has the skills and dance knowledge that Ms Dixon lacked.

Other contenders included 2010 winner Kara Tointon, choreographer Karen Bruce and former professional Camilla Dallerup.

Even Arlene Phillips was suggested as a possible contender, despite the fiasco surrounding her exit from the show in 2007. The star, who was a judge on the recently axed So you think you can dance? was again, a firm favourite with fans, but was unlikely to be reconsidered by the Beeb, who were heavily criticised for sacking her in the first place.

But eventually, the role went to Darcey Bussell. The ballet star, a former principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, was hotly tipped for the role after impressing producers back in 2007, when she was a guest judge.

The 42 year-old star, world-renown for her ballet and performances, has the experience, the knowledge and the expertise on dance. A favourite with the judges, Craig Revel Horwood recently revealed that if he could pick anyone to join him on the judging panel, he would pick Darcey.

Yet, I was surprised with the reaction from some fans. It seems that despite her expertise, the fans feel she won't fit on the panel.

This seems slightly hypocritical. When Alesha Dixon replaced Arlene Phillips, fans were in uproar about the judging changes. Not only did they criticise the new judges expertise - lets be frank, she didn't have any - but they called for her to be replaced even before Alesha was given screen time.

During Alesha's three year stint, the show has seen a ratings boost, thanks to an improved set, new professional dancers and a much high calibre of celebrities. Some viewers even started to like Alesha, who it has to be said did improve each series, if only by a fraction.

So why the anger over the new signing? The fans wanted expertise and knowledge over looks and age, and they got it. The BBC delivered, but it seems some people just aren't happy.

So what if she's a ballet star? Watch some of her clips online, especially Viva la Diva - I think you'll realise how much dance knowledge she has. And for those that criticise her tv manner - give her some time will you. Yes, I admit she was boring when she did the guest stint, but that was three years ago! The Beeb obviously know what they're doing, because she went through a vigorous screen test along with Hardy and Bruce.

So please, you hypocritical bunch of old bats, stop moaning about the same old thing. I personally think she'll be FAB-U-LOUS!

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

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

Total Wipeout axed by the BBC

With budget cuts, redundancies and a massive hole in the BBC's budget after it forked out a rumoured £22m for the broadcasting rights to The Voice, it was a given that the BBC would ditch the plug on a few shows.

But today's news came at quite a shock. Yes, Total Wipeout - the gameshow which sees contestants running round an 'activity' course in sunny Argentina to win money, and make us laugh - has been axed from our screens.

The show was a massive hit for the Beeb when it launched 4 years ago, to viewing figures of over 5 million on Saturday night prime time.

But audience figures have recently fallen to a dismal 3 million, despite numerous series including several celebrity specials.

The show was originally heralded as the British answer to Takeshi's Castle, seeing the great British public - of all sizes, personalities and appearances - competing on a crash course which featured inflatables, big red balls and lots of water.

Set in Buenos Aires, the show sets different challenges, with 20 competitors being whittled down to won before won champion is crowned, winning themselves the Wipeout trophy and £10,000.

Famous challenges include 'Dizzy Dummies', 'The Sweeper' and 'The Wipeout Zone'.

Presented by Richard Hammond, and Amanda Byram, it is understood that Series 5 of the show, and the final edition of Winter Wipeout - the celebrity format - will air, before the series is taken off air.

However, it is not known whether the show will continue on another channel. Likely contenders could be digital channel Watch, which screens international editions of the programme.

Endemol, who own the rights to the show, are understood to be working with the BBC on a new saturday night format.

My thoughts:

It's sad, but it was inevitable. The thing about Wipeout is that it gets boring after a few episodes. The course is usually the same throughout the entire series, which is very dull when compared to the international versions. Richard Hammond, who presents from a studio back in England, provides a cringe-worthy narration throughout the entire show, sending viewers to sleep. Amanda Byram on the other hand, based in Argentina, does an ok job but barely shows enthusiasm. But would you blame her? The show had a good run, but it was no Takeshi's Castle. It needed to be a bit more rough around the edges. It made changes to late, and then decided to take the celebrity route. It's a shame, but no doubt it will be replaced by something a little better (not by that 101 ways to leave a gameshow please. That show was worse!)

Picture Courtesy of Wikipedia

BBC to charge viewers to use On-Demand service

A major overhaul of the TV License fee would see viewers watching their favourite programmes online be charged by the government.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will consider plans for anyone using the BBC iplayer website, to watch or listen to recorded radio and TV content, to legally have to pay the current £145.50 TV License.

Currently, anyone watching TV or Radio programmes after they have been broadcast is exempt from paying the fee. However, with the increasing use of on-demand services available through new technology, and the arrival of the BBC-backed Youview next year – the new plug-in-and-watch service that will provide Freeview, news and video on-demand – the government is keen to get rid of the grey area which encompasses the current legislature.

Talking to the Guardian, a spokesperson for the department said: “Government is aware of developing technologies and the changing viewing habits of those who watch television programmes. How the BBC is funded as these issues evolve is a matter the department will need to address in the near future."

Earlier this month, the BBC issued iplayer viewing figures for September, which showed that the service had received 153 million requests for TV and radio programmes; with TV shows such as Outnumbered and Doctor Who, along with The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show and 5 Live Sport Premier League Football coverage on radio, being the top shows for the period.

But the public and users of on-demand services today expressed their anger at the plans. Students in particular have criticised the governments, after it was revealed through recent statistics by Sixthsense, Yougov’s market intelligence platform, that show 75% of students watch 2 to 3 hours of TV Online each day (Source:thedrum.co.uk).

Lana Burgess, a History student at Royal Holloway, argued against the statistics, claiming that; “As a student I watch very little TV, so to have to pay [a TV License] to watch a few shows now and then is ridiculous.”

“Iplayer is there for us to watch after the live viewing if we want to watch it,” agreed Caroline Allen-Rogers, who studies Applied Psychology at Durham University. “We shouldn’t be charged.”

However the BBC, despite the current £200 Million loophole the current legislature entails, have insisted the current TV License is working. Talking to The Mirror, a spokesperson said: “We believe the current system works very efficiently and do not see a need to change its scope.”

The mounting pressure on the BBC comes under months of cost-cutting, and the announcement by the government that the TV License Fee will be frozen till 2017, resulting in impending redundancies and a reduction in department spending across all channels.
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In further criticism for the BBC, it was recently revealed that former footballer and Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen is paid £40,000per programme for his pundit role with the BBC, one of nine BBC stars thought to be earning over £1 Million a year.

Paddington Bear: A worthy winner of Britain's best animated character?

His blue duffle coat, accompanied by a pair of shiny red wellingtons, topped off with a black hat, has been an iconic look for over 50 years. He helped to make marmalade sandwiches popular, and it could be argued he put Peru on the map. He is of course, Paddington Bear, and he was this week crowned Britain's best animated character of all time.

Paddington Bear has long been one of my favourite bear's. Sitting alongside Winnie the Pooh, Knut and the Hair Bear Bunch, he is perhaps one of the more wiser bears in the entertainment world. Never failing to regenerate himself after - he was first brought to our screens way back in 1958 - he remains an iconic figure for Britain.

So you would expect public opinion to be in support of his latest accolade, which he won at the 9th British Animation Awards in London this week. He's featured in books, TV shows and has had many teddy bears, toys and collectibles made, yet I was shocked to find outcry from some members of the public who criticised the win.

But why? Most arguments seem to centre around the fact that although Paddington Bear is iconic, he perhaps does not have the glamour of some of the other competitors. Characters such as Super Ted, Bagpuss, The Clangers, Mr Benn, Dangermouse and Postman Pat were all nominated alongside the lovable bear. All were hits in their day, with Postman Pat still clinging on to children's TV. All popular candidates for the award, but none so worthy as the great bear himself.

The likeable thing about Paddington was that he was, well, ordinary. Apart from being a kooky character with a love of marmalade and battered suitcases, the stories were easy to follow and promoted family values. They touched on issues such as adoption and class conflict with subtlety, with the first series using stop-motion animation to keep the audiences focus on the narration. Humour was of paramount importance, and the storylines always varied, keeping the audience's interest.

The best thing about Paddington, when compared to many of the animations we have today, is that he was not commercialised into an advertising machine. Yes, you could buy your very own Paddington Bear, but you did not see his face or logo printed on nappies to bananas like you do with more modern characters. Peppa Pig may have popular appeal, but if she was not advertised everywhere, would you know her?

The British public of today want a shiny star. Over the last few decades, it has been apparent that to succeed in children's TV, you need money and you need publicity. Similar to the celebrities of the real world, the concept is the same. Which is why so many of the characters of yesterday have left our screens, headed for the history books.

Yet Paddington remains. Like a cult rock artist, he is highly regarded by our nation. Maybe it is his outfit, his name or personality that keeps him familiar with people young or old? Who knows, but whatever he has, many of the other animators are keen to find it. As the old English proverb goes, 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow', and maybe Paddington is an example of this. He will never tire, certainly not in my eyes.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia/ The Jourknow

Sian Williams leaves BBC Breakfast

It was a sad day for early morning viewers this morning, as BBC Breakfast presenter Sian Williams, after over a decade on the famous red sofa, hung up her microphone and waved goodbye to breakfast television. A competent and professional presenter, Sian has been a delight to viewers waking up in the morning, with her co-host Bill Turnball. Today, she gave her final summary in a tear-jerking show that saw her reduced to tears as she looked back on her favourite moments on the programme.

The programme, the most watched breakfast show in the UK, is relocating to Salford this year in Manchester, with a new studio and new producers. Despite criticism from the Media and the public at the move, the BBC have gone ahead with the plans, meaning Sian's fate was inevitable. Preferring to stay with her family down South, Sian decided to resign from the early morning starts.

Sian will not be disappearing altogether however. Soon to be presenting on Radio 4, along with her commitments to the Olympics and BBC News summaries, the presenter is dedicated to the BBC, telling the Daily Mail "the BBC is in my blood."

As an aspiring journalist, it is my dream, one day, to get the chance to present a news programme, and Sian's legacy has really inspired me. Her warm-hearted touch, together with her co-presenter Bill Turnball, has delighted over 2 million viewers in the country. She will be missed.

Here are her highlights: Sian Williams leaves BBC Breakfast

Picture 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

Blog of the Week: Tasha on TV

It is a necessity in the winter, if not all year round, to stay in on a weekend, curl up on the sofa and watch the latest tv shows, flicking through various channels until you find the one that is perfect for you. But it can be monotonous, frustrating and rather tiresome, to the point where you just give up and settle for a DVD.

Which is why this week's Blog of the Week is so helpful at picking the choice that is right for you. Tasha on TV offers a review of many of the UK's top reality TV formats, currently including Dancing on Ice and Let's Dance for Sport Relief, to favourites like Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn.

Natasha, who writes the blog, is a self-confessed telly-holic, with an array of knowledge ranging from the nations favourite soap operas, to the newest television dramas. Often opinionated, her posts not only inform, but entertain too. As a fellow blogger, and friend, her blog never fails to inspire me.

Accompanying her blog, is her fabulous Twitter account, where she tweets regularly, usually as she watches the programme. Boasting a following of over 1,500 - she is followed by celebrities including Phillip Schofield and many of the Strictly professional dancers - she offers a unique opportunity for television fans to catch up and communicate about their favourite shows, giving Harry Hill a run for his money!

So if you want to find out the latest on anything TV, whether it be the latest news or whether you just fancy slating the most recent episode of Dancing on Ice, Tasha on TV is for you.

 You can read her blog by following the link: Tasha on TV. You can also follow Natasha on Twitter: @tashalouise6 or @tashaontv

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

The New Zealand Diaries: No.6 - Christmas down under

If I was to pick one thing that I missed whilst in New Zealand, it would not be my family. It would not be my friends, nor my life at university. I mean, of course I missed these things, but if I was to name one thing that I really missed, it would have to be the spirit and the festivities of a Christmas in the UK.

In New Zealand, it is hard to make comparisons between there Christmas celebrations and ours back home. Yes they still celebrate it with presents, a few decorations and the annual Boxing Day sales, but that is it. Christmas in New Zealand is very plain otherwise, and I found myself pining for the traditions of the UK.

The first obvious difference was the weather. Never have I experienced a Christmas where the weather is 30c. It is the most bizarre thing, opening presents with all the windows open - forget chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It was so tiring opening presents, that we did not even open them till the afternoon, about the only traditional thing we did do that day.

My celebrations started off with a lie in, rudely interrupted by the prospect of a trek through the New Zealand bush. Sounds fun right? Well, it was I guess. We spent three hours exploring remote rainforest and rapids, clearing our path through the woodland, stopping off now and then when we found an oasis of natural spring water. Half way through, we found ourselves splashing about in white-water rapids, helplessly clinging on to rocks as we cooled off from the tiring trek. Not your usual Christmas morning!

Returning home, it was all systems go as the bird was stuffed - I point black refused having a BBQ, let the English boy have some tradition - and the veg was prepared. I guess Turkey is quite popular in New Zealand, it certainly took us a while to locate one, most of the supermarkets were sold out. After unwrapping presents, pulling crackers - festive ones I had bought over from England, they do not seem to sell them over in NZ - and eating good food, you could say tradition was restored.

But even the Turkey did not feel right. It just did not feel like Christmas. The few weeks build up before Christmas were replaced by the excitement of my holiday, so I guess you could say that I was preoccupied with my holiday then worry about the annual Christmas break. Which is exactly how I felt the Kiwi's view Christmas as; just an opportunity to get the family round, fire up the BBQ and sit back with a beer and a glass of wine. They do not really do the whole decorations thing, they are not bothered about good food and do not really care about getting up early the next day to queue for the latest bargains.

If I could use one word to say what New Zealand was missing at Christmas, I would say it was the 'commercialised' nature of Christmas (OK, maybe that is four.) I know we forget about the real meaning of Christmas, and all respect to the religious guys and girls among us, but to me it means going mad on presents, eating lots of food, watching great TV and queueing up the next day to buy lots of cheap bargains.

So forget the weather, forget the real meaning of Christmas - all I want for next Christmas, is a good old dose of commercial crap and advertising!