TV
TV
Frank Skinner was given a role in 'Doctor Who' to finally shut him up.
Mark Gatiss, one of the show's writers, has revealed the comedian - who is a lifelong fan of the BBC sci-fi drama - was given a part in the new series because he has incessantly lobbied producers for a cameo.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I'm delighted he'll be in the show. He's a very good actor and he's a huge fan.
"He must be over the moon - he's been dropping enough hints! He's the number one fan. He's the Doctor's stalker."
Frank, 57, will appear in an episode of the upcoming eighth series which will be written by 'Being Human' scribe Jamie Mathieson.
The comic previously revealed he will miss his son Buzz's second birthday in order to fulfil his dream of appearing in 'Doctor Who'.
He said: "I thought about being in 'Doctor Who' about every four-and-a-half minutes years before this happened! However, I'm afraid I've gone deep into 'bad dad' territory, because in order to be in 'Doctor Who', one of the filming days is [son] Buzz's birthday. So I'm having to miss it."
BBC has confirmed the eighth series of the show - which will see Peter Capaldi take over the role of the titular Time Lord - will begin airing in August.
Mark Gatiss: Frank Skinner dropped ‘enough hints’ for Who role
Frank Skinner was given a role in 'Doctor Who' to finally shut him up.
Mark Gatiss, one of the show's writers, has revealed the comedian - who is a lifelong fan of the BBC sci-fi drama - was given a part in the new series because he has incessantly lobbied producers for a cameo.
He told The Sun newspaper: "I'm delighted he'll be in the show. He's a very good actor and he's a huge fan.
"He must be over the moon - he's been dropping enough hints! He's the number one fan. He's the Doctor's stalker."
Frank, 57, will appear in an episode of the upcoming eighth series which will be written by 'Being Human' scribe Jamie Mathieson.
The comic previously revealed he will miss his son Buzz's second birthday in order to fulfil his dream of appearing in 'Doctor Who'.
He said: "I thought about being in 'Doctor Who' about every four-and-a-half minutes years before this happened! However, I'm afraid I've gone deep into 'bad dad' territory, because in order to be in 'Doctor Who', one of the filming days is [son] Buzz's birthday. So I'm having to miss it."
BBC has confirmed the eighth series of the show - which will see Peter Capaldi take over the role of the titular Time Lord - will begin airing in August.
TV
Paul Hollywood was shocked by Mary Berry's naughty comments in the new series of 'Great British Bake Off'.
The silver-haired fox has revealed that the sexual innuendo on the new series of the BBC baking competition is far more risqué than previous titillating phrases such as "soggy bottoms" and "stiff peaks".
Paul said: "Some of the stuff in the new series... oh my! There was one time when I had to leave the tent over something Mary Berry said. I told Mel and Sue, 'I can't stay in there, it's too much.' "
The baking pro, who judges the show with Mary, 79, also teased there will be "a scandal" that causes drama in the fifth series, but he refrained from giving away too many details.
Paul is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "I can't say what it its!"
'The Great British Bake Off' will move to BBC One later this year following its ratings success on BBC Two over the last four series.
The final of the last series, won by Frances Quinn, pulled in nine million viewers last October, besting that week's episode of ITV talent show 'The X Factor' and a high profile football game featuring Arsenal FC.
Paul Hollywood shocked by Mary Berry’s potty mouth
Paul Hollywood was shocked by Mary Berry's naughty comments in the new series of 'Great British Bake Off'.
The silver-haired fox has revealed that the sexual innuendo on the new series of the BBC baking competition is far more risqué than previous titillating phrases such as "soggy bottoms" and "stiff peaks".
Paul said: "Some of the stuff in the new series... oh my! There was one time when I had to leave the tent over something Mary Berry said. I told Mel and Sue, 'I can't stay in there, it's too much.' "
The baking pro, who judges the show with Mary, 79, also teased there will be "a scandal" that causes drama in the fifth series, but he refrained from giving away too many details.
Paul is quoted by the Daily Star newspaper as saying: "I can't say what it its!"
'The Great British Bake Off' will move to BBC One later this year following its ratings success on BBC Two over the last four series.
The final of the last series, won by Frances Quinn, pulled in nine million viewers last October, besting that week's episode of ITV talent show 'The X Factor' and a high profile football game featuring Arsenal FC.
TV
Michelle Keegan is seeing a voice coach to help her lose her northern accent.
The brunette beauty plays brassy barmaid Tina McIntyre in 'Coronation Street', who is killed off in the soap tonight (27.05.14), and she's been trying to work on her dialect to make it easier to land future roles.
She told Radio Times magazine: "I'm having more training which I'm doing for confidence. I've been playing on character for over six years and I need to refresh.
"I'm having one-to-one classes and some dialect coaching for accents.
"I've got a very strong Manchester accent and it can be easier to get a part if you're able to neutralise it."
Michelle - who is engaged to former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Mark Wright - has admitted leaving the show, which she joined in late 2007, was a massive decision.
She will be watching her last ever scenes, in which Tina meets a grisly end after falling from a balcony during a scuffle with a mystery killer, from the comfort of her dad's house.
She previously said: "That's where I watched the episode when I was first on, so I'm going to watch the last episode with him. It'll be quite emotional."
Michelle Keegan tries to lose accent
Michelle Keegan is seeing a voice coach to help her lose her northern accent.
The brunette beauty plays brassy barmaid Tina McIntyre in 'Coronation Street', who is killed off in the soap tonight (27.05.14), and she's been trying to work on her dialect to make it easier to land future roles.
She told Radio Times magazine: "I'm having more training which I'm doing for confidence. I've been playing on character for over six years and I need to refresh.
"I'm having one-to-one classes and some dialect coaching for accents.
"I've got a very strong Manchester accent and it can be easier to get a part if you're able to neutralise it."
Michelle - who is engaged to former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star Mark Wright - has admitted leaving the show, which she joined in late 2007, was a massive decision.
She will be watching her last ever scenes, in which Tina meets a grisly end after falling from a balcony during a scuffle with a mystery killer, from the comfort of her dad's house.
She previously said: "That's where I watched the episode when I was first on, so I'm going to watch the last episode with him. It'll be quite emotional."
TV
Collabro are the first act to make it through to the final of 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The five-man band, who sing songs from musical theatre, wowed the judges with their rendition of 'Bring Him Home' from the musical 'Les Misérables' on Monday night (26.05.14) and were also a big hit with viewers who voted to send them through to next month's final.
The singers were the first of seven acts who performed on last night's show to be put through and were later joined by Canadian magician Darcy Oake, who carried out an illusion which saw him disappear from a chair in the middle of the stage and return as a cameraman just metres away while in full view of the live audience.
The hunky contestant split the judges' opinions as David Walliams and Amanda Holden opted for comedy impressionist Jon Clegg while Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon chose Darcy, which meant the decision then went to the public vote, which secured his spot in the final.
Meanwhile, 'Little Britain' star David angered his fellow judge Alesha earlier in the show by quipping she had lip-synced during her pop career.
The 'Drummer Boy' singer retaliated by pouring a glass of water over his head and said: "Excuse me, you're barking up the wrong tree."
David made the comments after Alesha criticised his Golden Buzzer choice Christian Spridon, who Simon referred to as "appalling" following his flamboyant rendition of 'It's Raining Men'.
Collabro through to Britain’s Got Talent final
Collabro are the first act to make it through to the final of 'Britain's Got Talent'.
The five-man band, who sing songs from musical theatre, wowed the judges with their rendition of 'Bring Him Home' from the musical 'Les Misérables' on Monday night (26.05.14) and were also a big hit with viewers who voted to send them through to next month's final.
The singers were the first of seven acts who performed on last night's show to be put through and were later joined by Canadian magician Darcy Oake, who carried out an illusion which saw him disappear from a chair in the middle of the stage and return as a cameraman just metres away while in full view of the live audience.
The hunky contestant split the judges' opinions as David Walliams and Amanda Holden opted for comedy impressionist Jon Clegg while Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon chose Darcy, which meant the decision then went to the public vote, which secured his spot in the final.
Meanwhile, 'Little Britain' star David angered his fellow judge Alesha earlier in the show by quipping she had lip-synced during her pop career.
The 'Drummer Boy' singer retaliated by pouring a glass of water over his head and said: "Excuse me, you're barking up the wrong tree."
David made the comments after Alesha criticised his Golden Buzzer choice Christian Spridon, who Simon referred to as "appalling" following his flamboyant rendition of 'It's Raining Men'.
TV
'EastEnders' star Khali Best has been suspended for three months.
The 26-year-old actor - who plays Dexter Hartman on the BBC One soap - will take a leave of absence from the show as punishment for "bad behaviour backstage and outside of work", reports Digital Spy.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Khali Best has been suspended from 'EastEnders' for three months. We will not comment any further on this matter."
The shocking suspension comes after Khali, who joined 'EastEnders' last year, was named Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in January.
Earlier this month, Khali was involved in a road collision when he crashed his £18,000 Audi A3 car in busy rush-hour morning traffic.
The star's vehicle collided with a van as Khali tried to drive past it, according to an eyewitness.
EastEnders' young cast has been rocked by a series of suspensions this year, as Khali's punishment comes just months after Ricky Norwood - who plays Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb - was also banned from filming after a video emerged of him smoking marijuana.
The star, who was also alleged to have performed a sex act on camera, was suspended for two months "for bringing the show into disrepute".
EastEnders’ Khali Best suspended
'EastEnders' star Khali Best has been suspended for three months.
The 26-year-old actor - who plays Dexter Hartman on the BBC One soap - will take a leave of absence from the show as punishment for "bad behaviour backstage and outside of work", reports Digital Spy.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Khali Best has been suspended from 'EastEnders' for three months. We will not comment any further on this matter."
The shocking suspension comes after Khali, who joined 'EastEnders' last year, was named Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in January.
Earlier this month, Khali was involved in a road collision when he crashed his £18,000 Audi A3 car in busy rush-hour morning traffic.
The star's vehicle collided with a van as Khali tried to drive past it, according to an eyewitness.
EastEnders' young cast has been rocked by a series of suspensions this year, as Khali's punishment comes just months after Ricky Norwood - who plays Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb - was also banned from filming after a video emerged of him smoking marijuana.
The star, who was also alleged to have performed a sex act on camera, was suspended for two months "for bringing the show into disrepute".
TV
Simon Cowell upped security at the 'Britain's Got Talent' studios last night (26.05.14) after being pelted with eggs during the live final in 2013.
The TV boss was left embarrassed after violinist Natalie Holt threw eggs at him at Fountain Studios in Wembley, London, during a live performance, and Simon is making sure they'll be no surprise stunts this time around.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Getting egged was a huge wake-up call for Simon. He's realised he's a sitting duck on the show. When he was egged on live TV last year, he dealt with it incredibly well.
"But it was humiliating and he realised just how quickly an attack can happen. It might sound silly but what if he or any of the judges had been stabbed or shot?"
Simon, 54, reportedly ordered bag searches of everyone who entered the studios ahead of the first live show, including contestants, staff and the security team and he also increased the amount of staff members protecting the judges, choosing to have some guards sit in the audience wearing plain clothes.
He is also keen to make the studios a safer place as his girlfriend Lauren Silverman often brings their three-month-old son Eric to visit him.
The source added: "Simon takes everything about being a dad seriously and he'd hate to think his place of work wasn't a safe place for Eric.
"Tickets to 'Britain's Got Talent' are given away free to the show's biggest fans on a first come, first served basis.
"Anyone can come down to the set so it's important to make sure no-one has brought in any weapons, even if they are only eggs!"
Simon Cowell ups security for BGT
Simon Cowell upped security at the 'Britain's Got Talent' studios last night (26.05.14) after being pelted with eggs during the live final in 2013.
The TV boss was left embarrassed after violinist Natalie Holt threw eggs at him at Fountain Studios in Wembley, London, during a live performance, and Simon is making sure they'll be no surprise stunts this time around.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Getting egged was a huge wake-up call for Simon. He's realised he's a sitting duck on the show. When he was egged on live TV last year, he dealt with it incredibly well.
"But it was humiliating and he realised just how quickly an attack can happen. It might sound silly but what if he or any of the judges had been stabbed or shot?"
Simon, 54, reportedly ordered bag searches of everyone who entered the studios ahead of the first live show, including contestants, staff and the security team and he also increased the amount of staff members protecting the judges, choosing to have some guards sit in the audience wearing plain clothes.
He is also keen to make the studios a safer place as his girlfriend Lauren Silverman often brings their three-month-old son Eric to visit him.
The source added: "Simon takes everything about being a dad seriously and he'd hate to think his place of work wasn't a safe place for Eric.
"Tickets to 'Britain's Got Talent' are given away free to the show's biggest fans on a first come, first served basis.
"Anyone can come down to the set so it's important to make sure no-one has brought in any weapons, even if they are only eggs!"
TV
EastEnders' Bianca Butcher will have a furious showdown with Nikki Spraggan on her parents' wedding day.
The fiery Walford character - played by Patsy Palmer - will confront her former love rival about her secret kiss with Bianca's dad, David Wicks (Michael French), in January.
The showdown couldn't come at a worse time, however, as the day marks the wedding of David and Bianca's mum Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson).
Bianca shoves Nikki (Rachel Wilde) into a pile of rubbish bags and questions her father's motives, even insisting he shouldn't go through with the wedding.
Lindsey told Inside Soap magazine: "If Carol knew what's gone on between David and Nikki, she'd feel so angry about having opened up her heart to him again."
Viewers will also be left to wonder if seemingly reformed lothario David will go through with the wedding as he disappears for hours on the big day under the guise of finding something blue for Carol to wear at the wedding ceremony.
Lindsey adds: "Carol starts to think, 'Of course he's going to stand me up - this is what he does!' She's angry with herself for believing that he'd actually go through with it."
The scenes air tonight on 'EastEnders' on BBC One.
EastEnders’ Bianca in showdown with Nikki
EastEnders' Bianca Butcher will have a furious showdown with Nikki Spraggan on her parents' wedding day.
The fiery Walford character - played by Patsy Palmer - will confront her former love rival about her secret kiss with Bianca's dad, David Wicks (Michael French), in January.
The showdown couldn't come at a worse time, however, as the day marks the wedding of David and Bianca's mum Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson).
Bianca shoves Nikki (Rachel Wilde) into a pile of rubbish bags and questions her father's motives, even insisting he shouldn't go through with the wedding.
Lindsey told Inside Soap magazine: "If Carol knew what's gone on between David and Nikki, she'd feel so angry about having opened up her heart to him again."
Viewers will also be left to wonder if seemingly reformed lothario David will go through with the wedding as he disappears for hours on the big day under the guise of finding something blue for Carol to wear at the wedding ceremony.
Lindsey adds: "Carol starts to think, 'Of course he's going to stand me up - this is what he does!' She's angry with herself for believing that he'd actually go through with it."
The scenes air tonight on 'EastEnders' on BBC One.
TV
Greg James is being lined up for the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The Radio 1 DJ has always been a fan of the BBC One ballroom dancing competition and is seriously considering taking part in the show this year after turning the offer down in the past due to his broadcasting commitments.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Greg is a massive fan of 'Strictly' and is always talking about it on his radio show. He was asked to take part last year but had to say no. Now bosses have approached him again and are keen for him to say yes.
"They think he would be great -- and it doesn't hurt that he is young and good looking as well. He has a very loyal younger audience on his radio show and bosses would be thrilled if they followed Greg to 'Strictly' too."
The 28-year-old star - who split from Ellie Goulding in 2012 - is guaranteed to be a hit with the younger crowd who regularly tune in to his 4pm to 7pm weekday radio hosting slot.
Greg is likely to show off his footwork alongside stars including 'Coronation Street' actress Michelle Keegan, The Saturdays singer Frankie Sanford and tennis champion Andy Murray's mother Judy Murray on the show this autumn.
Radio 1 DJ Greg James set for Strictly Come Dancing?
Greg James is being lined up for the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The Radio 1 DJ has always been a fan of the BBC One ballroom dancing competition and is seriously considering taking part in the show this year after turning the offer down in the past due to his broadcasting commitments.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Greg is a massive fan of 'Strictly' and is always talking about it on his radio show. He was asked to take part last year but had to say no. Now bosses have approached him again and are keen for him to say yes.
"They think he would be great -- and it doesn't hurt that he is young and good looking as well. He has a very loyal younger audience on his radio show and bosses would be thrilled if they followed Greg to 'Strictly' too."
The 28-year-old star - who split from Ellie Goulding in 2012 - is guaranteed to be a hit with the younger crowd who regularly tune in to his 4pm to 7pm weekday radio hosting slot.
Greg is likely to show off his footwork alongside stars including 'Coronation Street' actress Michelle Keegan, The Saturdays singer Frankie Sanford and tennis champion Andy Murray's mother Judy Murray on the show this autumn.
TV
This year's 'Britain's Got Talent' semi-finalists have been revealed.
The lucky 45 contestants, who include 18 singers and 12 dance acts, will now perform in front of a live audience between 26 and 29 May to be in with a chance of securing a spot at the Royal Variety Performance and taking home a cash prize of £250,000.
Five acts were already guaranteed a place in the semi finals after each of the four judges and ITV talent show hosts Ant and Dec buzzed through their favourite act using the new golden buzzer during the auditions.
Simon Cowell chose young musical duo Bars and Melody, Amanda Holden favoured salsa dancing granny Paddy and Alesha Dixon plumped for girl band REAformed, while David Walliams picked Romanian singer Christian Spridon and Ant and Dec opted for comedian Toju.
Following last night's (25.05.14) nail-biting episode of the competition, other fan favourites including posh electronic violinist Lettice Rowbotham, puppeteer Patsy May and impressionist Jon Clegg were put through to the live shows.
French dance trio Yanis Marshall, Arnaud & Mehdi, Canadian magician Darcy Oake and Ukrainian dance troop Light Balance also impressed the judges enough to fight for the public vote.
Singers including 14-year-old Bailey McConnell and Ed Drewett, who has written for One Direction and Olly Murs, made it through, as did memorable dance troupes like line dancers CountryVive and Latin group Kings and Queens.
Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists revealed
This year's 'Britain's Got Talent' semi-finalists have been revealed.
The lucky 45 contestants, who include 18 singers and 12 dance acts, will now perform in front of a live audience between 26 and 29 May to be in with a chance of securing a spot at the Royal Variety Performance and taking home a cash prize of £250,000.
Five acts were already guaranteed a place in the semi finals after each of the four judges and ITV talent show hosts Ant and Dec buzzed through their favourite act using the new golden buzzer during the auditions.
Simon Cowell chose young musical duo Bars and Melody, Amanda Holden favoured salsa dancing granny Paddy and Alesha Dixon plumped for girl band REAformed, while David Walliams picked Romanian singer Christian Spridon and Ant and Dec opted for comedian Toju.
Following last night's (25.05.14) nail-biting episode of the competition, other fan favourites including posh electronic violinist Lettice Rowbotham, puppeteer Patsy May and impressionist Jon Clegg were put through to the live shows.
French dance trio Yanis Marshall, Arnaud & Mehdi, Canadian magician Darcy Oake and Ukrainian dance troop Light Balance also impressed the judges enough to fight for the public vote.
Singers including 14-year-old Bailey McConnell and Ed Drewett, who has written for One Direction and Olly Murs, made it through, as did memorable dance troupes like line dancers CountryVive and Latin group Kings and Queens.