Saturday, December 20, 2025

Texas progressive country pioneer Joe Ely, who collaborated with The Clash, dead at 78

Joe Ely, a central figure in Texas’ progressive country scene during the 1970s, has died aged 78.  His representative...

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BBC are reviving cult children’s show ‘Crackerjack’

‘Crackerjack’ is returning to TV.
The classic children’s show – which was a hit between 1955-1984 and featured a mix of sketches, songs and games – will be revamped for the "connected generation" and offer viewers on CBBC and BBC iPlayer an "interactive experience".
Presenting duo Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes will take the reins of the new show, which will air in its traditional Friday slot when it returns for 10 episodes in 2020.
Cheryl Taylor, Head of Content for BBC Children’s, said: "It’s the perfect vehicle for our much-loved stars Sam and Mark and promises to usher in a new era of frenetic family fun and whizzbang audience antics."
Helen Bullough, Head of Children’s In House Productions, added: "We can’t wait to introduce a new set of ‘Crackerjack’ ‘crush-a-grape’ catchphrases to a new generation of fans!
"The format has always been an amazing showcase for talent.
"And that commitment to showcasing talent is always at the heart of our wider production ambitions too, and a common theme across all of these new commissions for In House, across all the age groups we serve and from writers to on screen performers."
The show was originally presented by Eamonn Andrews and other hosts over the years uncluded Leslie Crowther, Michael Aspel, Ed Stewart and Stu Francis.
While the new show will be given a modern makeover, some of the programme’s most famous features will be retained, including the game ‘Double or Drop’ – in which young audience members are chosen to answer questions and go head-to-head to win prizes or a consolation cabbage if they get it wrong – and the ‘Crackerjack’ pencil.

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Kylie Minogue tops UK Christmas charts

Kylie Minogue has achieved her first-ever Christmas number one. The 57-year-old pop star has topped the Christmas charts in...

Guitarist Gem Archer reveals Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist was ‘amended’

The Oasis Live ’25 tour setlist went through some last‑minute trimming, leaving a few planned songs on the cutting‑room floor.

Addison Rae doesn’t want to be seen as just a ‘pop star’

Addison Rae says she doesn’t “really care about being a pop star” — she just wants to be a “star”.

Måneskin enjoying the ‘space to experiment’ before regrouping

Måneskin have every intention of getting back in the studio together, but for now, they’re relishing the chance to experiment individually.

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