TV Times - Jane Reynolds

Category Archives: TV Times

What I've been watching on TV this week

TV Times – 22nd April 2012

Written on 20/04/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60

I haven't done a TV Times post for a couple of weeks (time constraints), but had to get one in this week, so here it is:

The 70s

I was so excited to watch this show (as I was born in 1959, and this is totally 'my' era), so what a disappointment it was to see such a young presenter. How on earth could Dominic Sandbrook reminisce about the 70s: he wasn't even born until 1974?

That's like giving me a job presenting the Grand Prix. I know they're cars going round and round, but that's about it …

He's also rather patronising; smug, and gives the impression that he's almost laughing at us 'oldies'. Why, oh why BBC, did you not use a presenter who's actually in their 50s?

You've ruined what would have been a great programme. Whose bright idea was that then? One of the "Twelve-year-olds running the media these days," I suppose (to quote the wonderful Ed Reardon)? There's three more to go, but I'm not sure whether I can watch them. Grumble, grumble.

Twenty Twelve

Oh, what a show that's been. Brilliant from start to finish, and (like with The Thick of It), it's its frighteningly accurate portrayal of what we all suspect probably IS actually happening up there in the Organising Committee's Office, that makes it such uncomfortable – yet compulsive – viewing.

Hugh Bonneville is faultless as 'Head of Deliverance' Ian Fletcher, and the whole thing's a beautiful work of art – as is all great comedy. A third series will be broadcast shortly before the games in August.

I can't wait for that. It'll be the only Olympic thing I watch!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

The Matt Lucas Awards

Apparently people are watching The Voice with their backs to the screen so that they can get the same experience as the judges. If I was still watching, I'd have the sound turned down too – to drown out the screaming of the audience as soon as anyone opens their mouth to sing.

This is something I feel I want to do with The Matt Lucas Awards. A lot of TV comedy started on radio: Little Britain; Goodness, Gracious Me, Miranda and Dead Ringers are a few notable examples. Some of it works well; some of it less so. This show is a case in point

And the Winner Is was extremely funny on radio. The Matt Lucas Awards is also funny in places, but the radio version was better … because you couldn't see anyone's faces.

I can't watch comedy quiz/panel shows on TV any more, because I get too wound up at the smug, "God, I'm just so funny, aren't I?" looks on some of the (male) panelists' faces as they deliver their (often scripted) lines. It just makes me want to switch off, so I'm going to try shutting my eyes next week (although I kept them open this week as Sue Perkins was on)!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (The Matt Lucas Awards, BBC1 Tuesdays 10.35 pm)

PS

If you didn't see it first time round, DO try to watch/record the repeat of Toughest Place to be a Bin Man at 01.25 am TONIGHT (Tuesday morning) on BBC1. What an eye-opener it was, and a programme that will make you think twice the next time you feel like moaning about your job!

There's also a review of the new Series of Lip Service coming, but as I just haven't had time to write it yet!

Radio Times

I've mentioned him many times before on here, but if you still haven't heard Ed Reardon's Week, just go and hunt it down right now. It's perfect radio for grumpies everywhere!

(Ed Reardon's Week Radio 4 Tuesdays 6.30 pm)

Someone who's on many radio comedy panel shows is Henning Wehn. His first solo show Henning Knows Best started on Radio 2 on Saturday nights recently, but was moved after two weeks to the 9.30 slot on Thursday nights.

I didn't enjoy it too much (because it wasn't just him), but – to be fair – I've only listened to the first episode so far, as I didn't want to have heard his whole act (which can often happen with comedians you hear on the radio), when I went to see him live, which I did last Friday – here in Swindon.

As is typical of German efficiency; Henning gave us two hours of non-stop talking on (not surprisingly), how much better the Germans are than us at both football and in general (!), and was both very funny – and nowhere near as histrionic as I'd expected.

He's certainly got the measure of us Brits. I laughed all the way through, and would thoroughly recommend him! (Henning Knows Best Radio 2 Thursdays 9.30 pm)

Sport!

I'll keep putting this up until they change it. Why does the Daily Mail's excellent 'Saturday TV Guide' continue to list the Footie Finder by club and not day? There's 72 clubs in the league, and only a few of them will be on TV in any given week.

Listing matches by DAY makes it easy to see what's on when. Who's actually playing is largely irrelevant to most football fans, as no matter who someone supports, they'll still want to watch all the football on TV that week. Come on Daily Mail; put it back to how it USED to be please: by DAY, not team name. What's the point in that?

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TV Times – 1st April 2012

Written on 31/03/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60

I've decided not to do a full post this week. Please click on 'This Week's Complete Blog' to the right if you'd like to see why.

Britain's Got Talent

Here's the Article I wrote for Digital Journal this week on Jonathan Antoine's audition, and how he's being hailed as the new SuBo:

CLICK HERE TO READ

As I post this blog on Sunday, I haven't yet watched this week's show, but will update this post when I have.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Britain's Got Talent ITV1 Saturday nights)

Pramface

It finished on a brilliant high and was the best Episode yet. The characters all seemed to suddenly establish themselves, and there was some great writing and lovely humour.

It ended with the baby arriving early, and HOW sweet was it to see them looking so overjoyed (and how lovely was it when Jamie held the little mite in his arms with tears in his eyes)?

I predicted it would get a second Series, and it most certainly will.

Twenty Twelve

I'd also predicted a second Series for Twenty Twelve, and we had Episode one on Friday night. It was even better and more excruciatingly-embarrassing than Series one, and if you haven't seen it you need to rectify that – fast.

It's the love-child of The Office and The Thick of It, and what makes it so good is that in a week where our Politicians have plunged new depths of incompetence and ineptitude over 'Pastygate' and 'Petrolgate', the irony of watching this bunch of overpaid fools is all the sweeter.

You have to look at it like that, or you'd probably cry. Don't get me started …

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Twenty Twelve BBC2 10.00 pm Friday)

Radio Times

I can't let this pass you by. A new Series of Ed Reardon's Week starts this week. This is THE must-listen to programme for Grumpy Old Cynics everywhere, so if you think Twelve-year-olds run the media and that the world's gone mad, find your spiritual home here!

(Ed Reardon's Week Radio 4 Tuesdays 6.30 pm)

Another Series also returns on Radio 4 this week. The Unbelievable Truth is a very funny show (especially when Henning Wehn's on!), and is hosted by David Mitchell. Well worth a listen.

(The Unbelievable Truth Radio 4 Mondays 6.30 pm)

PS I'll keep putting this up until they change it. Why does the Daily Mail's excellent Saturday TV Guide continue to list theFootie Finder by club and not day? There's 72 clubs in the league, and only a few of them will be on TV in any given week.

Listing matches by DAY makes it easy to see what's on when. Who's actually playing is largely irrelevant to most football fans, as no matter who someone supports, they'll still want to watch all the football on TV that week. Come on Daily Mail; put it back to how it USED to be please!

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TV Times – 25th March 2012

Written on 23/03/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

The Apprentice

It felt like deja vu watching this week's first Episode. The usual bickering and schoolboy/girl errors were all there, but I made the mistake of only watching with one eye (and no hands), as I spent most of the hour following it on Twitter.

Only when I got to the end did I realise that I hadn't really 'watched' it at all, so had to go back and sit through it all again.

It wasn't much better second time round though. The way the girls 'attacked' that poor woman in the shop was shocking, and – so far – the only one I like is Jane, the Irish girl, and that's because she's like me.

She (to me), is the voice of reason: politely suggesting that they should maybe be checking margins (and other obvious points that don't even register on the rest of them's radars), etc.

It's fascinating how the 'sensible' one – who dares to remind the rest of them what the task is about – is the one who's then castigated, complained about and accused of not being a 'team' player (like any of them are remotely interested in team work?), and blamed for having had a 'negative attitude' when the team loses because they chose to ignore her suggestions …

I'm going to watch it properly this week!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (The Apprentice BBC1 Wednesdays 9.00 pm)

Take Me Out

We got our last glimpse of the lovely Gracie last night as she went on her date with a guy called Jit, who thought she was funny and said there was a 'spark' between them.

Since we found out last week that the show was 'fixed', I don't know whether that's true or not, but what I DO know is that Gracie was a breath of fresh air (and a rose between the rest of the 'thorns' on that show), and I just hope ITV capitalise on it and offer her some work, as she's got a lot of fans out there.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE 'FIXING' ARTICLE (Take Me Out ITV1 Saturdays)

The Voice vs BGT

From what I'd read about The Voice, I thought it was going to be good. Unfortunately, it wasn't, and I turned off after 15 minutes.

The deafeningly loud background music; the screaming and shouting the moment the singers started; the fake rivalry, and the 'will they, won't they?' button-pressing by the judges soon finished me off, and when Tom Jones said 'yes' to a lad who was clearly struggling to hold a tune, I realised that life was too short.

This could have been a great show, but they've strayed too far into the BGT/X Factor format – and not done it well. What a shame.

I turned over to take a look at Britain's Got Talent. I wasn't looking forward to it, but ended up sticking with it the whole way through. What a difference David Walliams brings to the proceedings.

You know he's going to vote for anything that you wouldn't be surprised to find in a Little Britain sketch, but – at last – Simon Cowell's got an equal, and I think Simon's actually a bit scared of him!

David Walliams is incorrigible; has little truck with Simon's 'status', and teases him mercilessly (including sexually – which you can clearly see unnerves him!). Simon's apparently insisting on a 90-second delay on the live shows because of it. That's a shame – as it'll certainly add to the entertainment value, and it says a lot about Simon – in a lot of ways …

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Britain's Got Talent ITV1 Saturday nights)

Pramface

It finally hit its stride this week and was thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Things take a while to bed-down. Pramface did, but it's found its level now, and I will now confidently predict it'll get a second Series and a re-run on BBC1/2!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

(Pramface BBC3 Thursday 9.00 pm + repeats)

Harry Hill's TV Burp

Saturday night saw the last ever (ever?), TV Burp, and I'll bet there wasn't a dry eye in the house as we said goodbye to Heather; the knitted character, Wagbo and the dancing Queen Vics. There never was a more 'sideways' look at the week's TV than this, and I'll miss it very much.

It was also nice to see Harry including a bit of 'Appropriate/Inappropriate Music in the Background', and for all you Harry fans out there: my Soapy Corners will do their best to continue to bring you the best of the week's oddities (like Whitney's Star Wars hairstyle), from Corrie, EastEnders and Emmerdale!

Radio Times

When he's not thinking about Watson and Oliver, Barry Harris is thinking Eurovision, and – in true Terry Wogan fashion – takes it all 'very seriously'. He's kindly furnished me with the latest information and clips for Eurovision Fans everywhere, including this delightful spoof report from Sweden which pokes fun at us Brits.

It's only short, so CLICK HERE for a real treat!

Barry predicts an Italian victory, edging out the Russian grannies and Sweden (Claudia Winkleman meets Kate Bush via Rihanna), but his personal favourite is Latvia (for its 'catchy tune and slightly post-modern lyric', apparently), with honourable mentions for Denmark and the Ukrainian Beyoncé.

If it's novelty acts you're after, Barry says to look no further than Austria (for their strange bottom fixation), or Turkey; drawing on their rich nautical heritage, and if you'd like a taste of any of this year's entries (Russian grannies included!), they're all here: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOS OF ALL THE SONGS

Ooh, he loves it, and if you want to hear Eurovision talk; Watson and Oliver, the Swindon Evening Advertiser crossword like you'd never imagine and SO much more, then do yourself a favour and tune in to The Big Weekender with Nick Anderson and Barry Harris. They're a little bit crazy.

(The Big Weekender Swindon 105.5 fm 5.00-7.00 pm Fridays) CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

PS I'll keep putting this up until they change it. Why, oh why does the Daily Mail's excellent Saturday TV Guide continue to list the Footie Finder by club and not day? There's 72 clubs in the league, and only a few of them will be on TV in any given week.

Listing matches by DAY makes it easy to see what's on when. Who's actually playing is largely irrelevant to most football fans, as no matter who someone supports, they'll still want to watch all the football on TV that week. Come on Daily Mail; put it back to how it USED to be please!

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TV Times – 18th March 2012

Written on 13/03/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

Upstairs Downstairs

My friend Sarah was an Extra in last Sunday's episode (11th March), and managed to make it on-screen in several shots. She's the one on the left, and looks a lot older here than she does in real life!

As for the show: I'd hoped for a better week this week, but it was all a bit flat. No sign of the lesbians again (it's as if it never happened), and far too much of Spargo. He really is a poor actor. I'll keep watching as I feel I've 'invested' my time in it now, but I'm not enjoying it!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Upstairs Downstairs, BBC1 Sunday 9.00 pm)

Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice

Well. Another week's gone by and I've still got five left to watch, but hope to catch up this week. It's gripping stuff. Check it out:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO iPLAYER

There's another Apprentice to watch this week though, isn't there? Yes, it's the return of The Apprentice with Lord Sugar on Wednesday. I had a quick look at the site the other day, and one of the candidates lists her hobbies as 'Animals'. That's it … 'animals'.

I truly wonder what's in the mind of any adult who lists the word animals in a profile of themselves. What does that mean? Oops, I'm digressing!

Take Me Out

I've waxed lyrical about Take Me Out many times on here. I love it for Paddy McGuinness's humour; its feelgood factor and the seemingly successful couplings, but I was shocked to read yesterday that it's all a sham, so when the lovely Gracie got a date last night, it wasn't the happy moment I'd waited 11 weeks for.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

I'm quite a cynical person, but I had no idea this show was fixed, and feel as if I've just found out that Father Christmas doesn't exist, so when it ended up with Gracie being the only one with her light left on (which meant she HAD to be picked), I now wonder whether it was totally engineered?

I've followed Gracie's progress each week on this post and have tweeted about it during the shows. Many people have agreed and re-tweeted me (including the show's own Twitter account!), and there's been a growing awareness in the media of the time she's spent waiting for Mr Right – or even Mr Wrong.

Gracie's been the perfect contrast to the other 29 'identikit' girls, and any man would be lucky to have her. She's pretty; witty, and clearly a lovely person. They'd (coincidentally?), given her a makeover this week, and the guy who 'picked' her said she had a twinkle in her eye and that he was happy with his date. I just wish he'd actually chosen her …

Benidorm

Are you watching Benidorm? It always had a lot of Carry On style innuendo, but this current Series is just about as blatant as you can get away with (even after the watershed), on what's – essentially – a family show, and as for the gay/camp humour … well, it's totally in your face, and I LOVE IT!

It almost ran out of steam at the end of Series 3, but reinvented itself and is now camp as Christmas and totally hilarious!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Benidorm, ITV1 Friday 9.00 pm)

Pramface

Ooh, it's not laugh-out-loud funny, and I don't know how Jamie's mother would have still been standing after all the alcohol she knocked-back at the meal, but it ticks all the boxes and I'm really enjoying it (apart from Mike – although it was better this week as he didn't have any scenes with Jamie).

Just a teensy niggle … Jamie's very well-spoken, and I just don't feel as if he would really be the son of those two parents (who I also feel have been miscast – if I'm being honest). The dad – particularly – doesn't look remotely like him, and it doesn't feel believable (unless Jamie turns out not to be his biological son at some point in the future).

It's a nice, feelgood show though, and I like it a lot.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Pramface BBC3 Thursday 9.00 pm + repeats)

Watson & Oliver

If you've missed this show, you might have been missing a treat. I'd assumed they were men, but Lorna Watson and Ingrid Oliver are two very funny women comedians whose sketch show (like all sketch shows), has some good bits and some less good bits.

They write their own material (with 'additional contributions' by several male writers), and – as a woman – a lot of it really appeals to me (is it their's or the men's I enjoy though?).

They remind me of Morecambe and Wise in places, and I'm already looking forward to seeing certain characters reappearing. The funniest part about it for me though, is that in one of the sketches, Watson's character is almost the exact double of me (apart from the blouse: I'd never wear anything as flamboyant!), and it's very weird looking at 'myself' on screen!

(That's her by the way. I haven't got a photo of myself since 2009, & my friends/family haven't send me one in time, but hopefully I'll get one for next week.)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Watson & Oliver BBC3 Mondays 10.00 pm)

Radio Times

Watson and Oliver's show is becoming a weekly topic of conversation between Barry Harris and I, and there's many a mention of it in his and Nick Anderson's Friday show.

Who'd have thought that the local paper's crossword could be such a rich comedy vein? If you like radio comedy, you really can't afford to miss The Big Weekender.

In the meantime … at the risk of repeating myself: if you like comedy, you really do not want to miss this show. It's real 'cult classic' stuff, and if they were on mainstream radio they'd have a huge following. (They do some clever – and very funny – sketches, and could probably write for Watson and Oliver!)

PS Barry's a very keen Eurovision-watcher, so-much-so that he even watched the whole of the Russian heats, and is predicting this to be a contender: Buranovskie Babushki

(The Big Weekender Swindon 105.5 fm 5.00-7.00 pm Fridays) CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

PS Not strictly TV-related, but why, oh why does the Daily Mail's excellent Saturday TV Guide continue to list the Footie Finder by club and not day? There's 72 clubs in the league, and only a few of them will be on TV in any given week.

Listing matches by DAY makes it easy to see what's on when. Who's actually playing is largely irrelevant to most football fans, as no matter who someone supports, they'll still want to watch all the football on TV that week. Come on Daily Mail; put it back to how it USED to be please!

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TV Times – 11th March 2012

Written on 09/03/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

This is the most difficult section for me to write, as unless I'm totally on top of my TV Viewing (and I'm slipping further and further behind at the moment), I can't review everything I want to, and it's also the most time-consuming of all the posts in my weekly blog!

It's a Catch 22 situation. I only have so many hours in a day, and I want to do a full TV/Radio review, but as I've been spending time pitching for (paid!) freelance work I simply haven't been able to write this section as fully as I would like, and anyone who just might be reading (particularly with a view to possibly employing me), will look at the last few weeks' posts and not really get the whole picture.

Ooh, it's a tricky one! Here's what I've managed to get you this week though:

Upstairs Downstairs

My friend Sarah is an Extra in tonight's episode (11th March), if her bit makes it on-screen, so I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for that.

I had a bit of a rant last week (just scroll down it you missed it). I'm not going to do that today, but I'd like to bet that viewing figures were up for last Sunday's Episode, although I spent half an hour looking this morning, but couldn't actually find them.

From the amount of articles I DID find while I was looking though, my contention that lesbianism SELLS appears to have been very much confirmed (again), and if you like this storyline, you'll definitely like my novel, "Just Good Friends?"

As for the show: it's ok. It doesn't 'grab' me (and I haven't warmed to any of the characters), but I'm hoping that tonight's Episode will be a good one. I'm not sure that Portia's book would have received as much publicity as that in reality. The lesbian classic, Radclyffe Hall's The Well of Loneliness caused much controversy READ MORE/WHY HERE and I'll be interested to see whether there's as much castigation and contempt poured on 'the lovers' tonight …

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Upstairs Downstairs; BBC1 Sunday 9.00 pm)

Celebrity Apprentice

I SO want to give this a proper review but I'm still woefully behind. Just trust me though and get onto iPlayer for some gripping drama, or it's on BBC1 (various times). CLICK HERE TO GO TO iPLAYER

Pramface

Three Episodes in, and I will now predict Pramface's move to BBC1 and for it to run for (at least) a second series. I'm still not liking the Mike character and I still think he was miscast. I talked to several other people this week who all said the same as me: that the actor playing the character of Mike makes the show appear too similar to The Inbetweeners.

The last Episode ended with Jamie seeing the scan of his baby, and Episode Four will hopefully be a cracker as the two sets of parents meet for the first time!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Pramface BBC3 Thursday 9.00 pm + repeats)

PS Will Take Me Out's lovely lass Gracie ever get to go to the Isle of Fernandos?

Radio Times

Nick Anderson and Barry Harris present a show called The Big Weekender, and I make no apologies for once-again urging anyone who likes comedy to listen to THE two best hours of comedy radio you'll find anywhere. Don't believe me? Have a listen for yourself.

They had a couple in for an interview this week. Nick and Barry have what you'd call an … unusual interviewing style, and I can guarantee that these two will have never experienced anything quite like it – and probably never will again!

You know when you see rabbits caught in the headlights? That's what they were like, and they were in their car and out of that car park like something you'd have seen in an old Episode of the Addams Family! Unfortunately, the guys don't record their shows, but I'm trying really hard to persuade them to, and when they finally do I'll put them straight up on this site.

In the meantime … at the risk of repeating myself: if you like comedy, you really do not want to miss this show. It's a cult classic, and if they were on mainstream radio they'd have a huge following.

I was saddened to hear that Alan Carr's hanging up his headphones and giving up his Saturday night show. If Radio 2 have got a vacancy on a Saturday night, (or Radio 4/4 Extra have a window somewhere perhaps?), I know just the guys!

(The Big Weekender Swindon 105.5 fm 5.00-7.00 pm Fridays) CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE

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TV Times – 4th March 2012

Written on 02/03/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

Upstairs Downstairs

I've watched the first two Episodes as my friend has been an Extra in it and I'd been looking-out for her (she's in it next week – if her bit makes it on-screen), but I can't say I've enjoyed it. It's all far too political for me, and – as usual – reality appears to have been disregarded in order to 'fit' the storyline (a real bugbear of mine).

The reason I'm writing about it today is that this week's Episode includes Portia's "Ratings boosting sex scenes with her lover" Blanche. (Daily Mail, 1/3). CLICK HERE TO READ

It's all over the media today (Sunday), and – once again – lipstick lesbianism is being used to 'spice up' a TV Drama, and the falling viewing figures after Episode 2 will no doubt be much improved this week. As I discuss in the 'THE BOOK' (above): lesbianism SELLS. My novel, "Just Good Friends?" was the reason why I gave up work (and am now a penurious hermit).

I didn't give up work to become a blogger. I love my blogging, but I'm desperate for my book to be recognised more and it's SO frustrating to see lesbianism being constantly used to 'sell' things yet (despite all my hard work), for there still to be so little awareness of my love story between two close friends (professional, married 'yummy mummies' Ruth and Helen), which is not only a gripping read, but would also make a cracking TV Drama! Ok. Relax Jane. Deep breaths now …

Pramface

Sorry about that. Just gets to me sometimes. Right; back to the blog!

Regular readers will know how much I love my comedy, and I always record the first Episode of any new comedy programme (usually hidden-away on BBC 3), in the hope of discovering a new gem. I've seen many a show long-before it became a big hit, so recorded Pramface in anticipation and hope.

The thing that immediately hit me was its similarity to The Inbetweeners and the (deliberate?) casting of the character Mike to be like Will (who was the reason I stopped watching it, as I found him too 'grown up' in both looks and behaviour, and his increasing smugness made me want to just poke him in the eye).

There was so much of him in the first ten minutes that it very nearly made me turn off, but I stuck with it, and by the end the show had taken a different turn – as Laura found herself pregnant by sixteen-year-old Jamie.

Jamie's beautifully played, and (apart from Mike – who I can't 'take to'), it's a great cast, and is well-acted. If you're looking for laugh-out-loud comedy then this isn't quite it, and it's not quite as 'funny' as Lead Balloon or Outnumbered (not that that's funny any more, but that's another blog!), but it's got potential, and the theme gives it scope to run and run.

It's gentle, it's written well and I reckon it'll bed-down nicely. I'm certainly looking forward to Episode 3.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE (Pramface BBC3 Thursday 9.00 pm + repeats)

I still haven't got time to do a review of Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, but as I've only managed to watch two Episodes so far, I'm sure it'll wait another week (and I might be up to date by then too)!

PS Will poor Gracie ever get to to go to the Island of Fernandos?

Radio Times

I'm still woefully behind on my radio listening too, but have finally got round to Claudia Winkleman's Celebrity Quiz Hot Gossip this week. It's finished now, but wow, she's got an amazingly quick wit – my absolute favourite sort – and if you like to marvel at how certain people are somehow able to come up with the most brilliant quips and comebacks, then you really need to listen to Swindon 105.5 fm between 5-7 on a Friday night.

Polititcal satire; current affairs, the weather – you name it, they'll have something to say about it, and if was any good at doing things with photoshopping I'd make a mock-up of Barry's idea for Dragon's Den this week: a helmet for skiers with a big red downwards-pointing arrow, so that if they get trapped in an avalanche, as long as they remain upright the arrow will instantly show the rescue team where they're located. Genius! (The Big Weekender Swindon 105.5 fm 5.00-7.00 pm Fridays)

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TV Times – 26th February 2012

Written on 25/02/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

"Where is it then?" you ask.

I'm sorry. There isn't one.

This blog takes up so much of my time. It's 5.30 pm on Sunday as I write this. I've been at it for 19 hours over the last two days, and I've STILL got to go home and take all the photos to use for my Soapy Corners, then crop; re-size and upload them.

I then have to do a final edit and write some of the SEO stuff (which I can't do until the photos are uploaded).

This will take another six hours – minimum – and if I write a TV Times post it'll add at least another three hours on top of that, so I've made an 'executive decision' not to do it this week.

I feel extremely guilty, but I don't earn any money from this blog and feel that the ever-increasing 'to do' list on my desk has to take precedence this week. I'm dying to review Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice, so if I can find a moment in the next couple of days I'll try to do it, but it'll probably have to be next week now.

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TV Times – 19th February 2012

Written on 17/02/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

I've had a few family commitments this week, so haven't watched much Television – apart from a bit of football, Come Dine With Me (ah, it was a lovely week; they had a ball!), and some re-runs of Benidorm (always guaranteed to make me laugh)!

Hang on. Hold the front page: I've just found out that Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice starts a new Season tonight. Yippee! It's one of my all-time favourite shows.

I've just looked at the names of the candidates and the only one I've heard of is Joan Rivers, but I don't care who's in it; I watch it because I just love Donald Trump … and I love Ivanka Trump too.

There'll be a review here next week, so do have a watch if you want to keep up with it with me.

(Celebrity Apprentice Series 2 Ep 1 BBC1 Sunday 11.35 pm, then various times/days from there)

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE LAST SERIES + NEW SERIES EPISODES

What Else?

Upstairs Downstairs returns this week. I haven't watched it since Mrs Bridges and Mr 'Udson's days, but will check it out (partly because one of my friends is an extra on it and I'll be looking out for her!).

I'm so glad I gave up MasterChef, especially when I read on Friday that they're 'helping' one of the chefs by giving him more than one chance. CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY

Like I said: this show has long forgotten what it's meant to be about, and is now simply another reality TV Show with a bit of food thrown in. John Torode and Greg Wallace have got so carried away with their own self-importance that it simply wasn't good for my health to keep watching it!

Don't forget ITV's Take Me Out. It's such feel-good, family fun, and Paddy McGuinness's hosting is brilliant and often hilarious (especially if you like your one-liners). I want to start a campaign to get Gracie picked though. She's SO lovely and SO funny, but the guys always pick the tall, long-legged glamorous ones, and she's the only one in glasses too (which I'm sure goes against her).

That and Harry Hill's TV Burp: what a great slice of Saturday night entertainment! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TAKE ME OUT WEBSITE

Radio Times

Yippee. There's a new Series of Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show starting this week. If you haven't heard it, you've missed an absolute treat. He's a mardy, old, 'Hardly-ever-has-been' from Doncaster who gets even the simplest sentence wrong – with hilarious consquences.

It's such a clever show, and if you like it go straight off and get the CDs. Trust me: you won't be disappointed!

(Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show Radio 4 Tuesdays 6.30 pm)

I'll be on the Radio twice this week:

Thursday 11.30-12.00 am with Jane's Big Blog Soap Spot on Alastair Greener's Big Show, and then

Friday 4.00-5.00 pm, co-presenting the TGI Friday show with Paul Dawkins. Both can be found on Swindon 105.5 FM: 'Daring to be different'. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SITE

PS Just spotted there's a new series of Benidorm starting on Friday. I knew it was coming, but not when. If you love your one-liners, you won't want to miss this! I'll be reviewing it next week. (Benidorm ITV1 Friday 9.00 pm)

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TV Times – 12th February 2012

Written on 11/02/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

I haven't watched much TV this week (apart from the Soaps and a couple of re-runs of Benidorm), as I've had a lot of other commitments on my time, unfortunately, so apologies for a 'condensed' TV Times this week.

If you like your one-liners and a bit of real 'feel-good' entertainment, you really can't do better than ITV1's Saturday night family dating show Take Me Out.

I know I keep banging-on about it, but (despite what you might think), it really does tick all the boxes, and Paddy McGuinness is spot-on as the Host. Try it and see for yourself. Go on, you know you want to!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TAKE ME OUT WEBSITE

Radio Times

I listened to Episode one of Jason Byrne's Father Figure. Er, not the best thing he's ever done. Some well-dodgy accents there. Hopefully this week's will be better …

Last Friday's Big Weekender show with Nick Anderson and Barry Harris on Swindon 105.5 FM was a gem, so I make no apology for telling you about it again. If you like biting wit; satire; social comment, blokey banter and (often risque!) comedy stetches/characters, then THIS is the show for you.

Nick and Barry are very clever guys and both possess that enviable gift of always being able to think of exactly the right thing to say at exactly the right time, which makes for compulsive and hilarious listening!

They're wasted on local radio, and their show is better than many of the 'comedy' shows I've heard on Radio 4/4Extra, so if you like things like Steve Wright; Clive Anderson and Radcliffe & Maconie-type humour, then you'll love The Big Weekender, Fridays 5.00-7.00 pm on Swindon 105.5 FM (it's online).

PS I'll be on the wireless three times myself this week:

Wednesday 11-12 am on the Girls About Town show

Thursday 11.30-12.00 am with Jane's Big Blog Soap Spot on Alastair Greener's Big Show, and

Friday 4.00-5.00 pm co-presenting the TGI Friday show with Paul Dawkins.

All on Swindon 105.5 FM. 'Daring to be different'. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SITE

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TV Times – 5th February 2012

Written on 03/02/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

It's been a good TV week for me as there's been hardly anything on that I've wanted to watch, apart from the Soaps and Take Me Out (* see below) - which is just funny, feel-good TV!

The Fixer

Ah, this was such a lovely show! It started off like just another 'I can fix your business for you' show – and that's what it was – but it was so sweet to see this mother and two daughters go from failure to success and totally transform their ailing wedding business in Kettering.

The shop looked so beautiful at the end and they were so friendly that if I were to ever need a wedding dress (yeah, like that'll ever happen, and I've actually only ever even been to one wedding in my whole life!), I'd definitely go there to buy it.

If you (or anyone you know) might be thinking of getting married at any point, then do catch this on iPlayer – or just watch it for the hell of it (and to see Alex Polizzi looking amazing in her red dress)!

(Alex Polizzi: The Fixer – BBC2 Tuesdays 9.00 pm)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO iPLAYER

Protecting Our Children

The other thing I recorded (and almost switched off after the first 2 minutes) was Protecting Our Children. I'm so glad I didn't, as it was riveting.

This week's Episode followed a couple who were providing such poor care for their 4-year-old son that I was both shocked and angry, but as it went on it showed that they did love their son in some way, but were simply incapable of looking after him (or maybe just too lazy?).

I felt so frustrated at the social workers' often seeming-inefficiency, but I also felt desperately sorry for them as I think they probably just wanted to pick the little lad up and run but were simply strangled by red tape. I couldn't do that job for all the money in the world.

You felt it was only going one way – and one way only, but the ending was a real surprise, and I had such a different feeling after the last two minutes than I did after the first two. Thought-provoking stuff and WELL WORTH checking-out if you're snowed-in this weekend.

(Protecting Our Children BBC2 Mondays 9.00 pm) CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE/iPLAYER

Other TV

Didn't watch MasterChef this week. I've got enough stress as it is without that lot winding me up. I feel so much better for not watching it. If they get rid of India Fisher; get John and Greg to remember it's a food show – not THEIR show – and turn the music down, let me know and I'll start watching it again! (I'll watch the one with Michel Roux though!)

Toughest Place to be a Bin Man followed Wilbur; an East London Bin Man as he travelled to Jakarta in Indonesia to look at the life of Imam and his family. Imam works six days a week for a pittance doing back-breaking refuse collection single-handedly (including clearing open drains with his bare hands – and with bare feet), then at night his whole family has to sift through rubbish to find the tiniest of items for recycling in order to survive.

Wilbur was shocked and moved by what he saw – and you will be too. Check it out on iPlayer. You'll never complain about your job again … CLICK HERE TO GO TO SITE/WATCH EPISODE

* The end of Saturday's Episode (4th Feb), was a cracker. The last guy on was so 'up' himself that it was cringeworthy, and he SO put his foot in it with the girls that Paddy and the whole audience were squirming with embarrassment, and as for the poor girl he ended up with … welll, you've just GOT to check it out AND watch next week to see what happened! CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EPISODE

PS Harry Hill's TV Burp is back too. If you like that, you might like my Soapy Corners too, as they take a sideways look at the week in Soapland and pick up on the bits you might have missed!

Radio Times

Nothing new this week that's taken my fancy, except Father Figure, a new Comedy Series starring Jason Byrne, which started on Saturday 4th 10.00 pm on Radio 2. I'll be checking that one out, for sure.

Last Friday saw the long-awaited return of Nick Anderson and Barry Harris to The Big Weekender show on little Swindon 105.5 FM.

If you like biting wit, satire, social comment, blokey banter and (often risque!) comedy stetches/characters, then THIS is the show for you. Nick and Barry are very clever guys and both possess that enviable gift of always being able to think of exactly the right thing to say at exactly the right time, which makes for compulsive and hilarious listening!

They're wasted on local radio, and their show is better than many of the 'comedy' shows I've heard on Radio 4/4Extra, so if you like comedy then you have to listen to The Big Weekender, Fridays 5.00-7.00 pm on Swindon 105.5 FM (it's online you know)!

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TV Times – 29th January 2012

Written on 28/01/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

MasterChef

"Hey Jane. Where's this week's MasterChef moan?" you'll be thinking. (Ok, you probably won't!) There isn't one actually … because I didn't bother watching it.

Yes. I made an executive decision not to put myself through it any more, as I was so cross with it last week. It was SO dumbed-down (and appeared to be more about John and Greg's egos than the food), and I can live without it, frankly. So there!

In fact, I've watched very little TV this week apart from the Soaps, although I did half-watch the National Television Awards on Wednesday night (I recorded it and whizzed through the adverts etc!).

It was great to see Alan Carr win the Award for Best Talk Show (I'd been listening to him doing stand-up in 4 at the Store (from 2002), on my iPod that very afternoon and – boy, he's come on a lot!), and for ITV's This Morning to win Best Factual Programme. Phil and Holly were still a little 'tired and emotional' next morning!

I record it every day and zap through it at night, but the bit I never miss is Sharon Marshall's Soap Gossip spot (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays). She's such a funny woman, and her quips and banter are a joy to listen to, so if you like a grin, tune in!

I listened to to an interesting debate on the Girls About Town Radio show this week (11.00-12.00 Wednesdays), on Swindon 105.5 fm (which I occasionally co-present), on why ITV's Take Me Out doesn't have a bunch of lads hoping to get a date with one girl.

The upshot was that the team thought most men would keep their lights on, simply because a) they'd want to go to the resort and b) no young lad would turn down the chance of a date with a girl … any girl.

They then collared a couple of guys (who were installing a security system in the building), and dragged them into the Studio to give their opinions. They actually disagreed with the girls (surprisingly), and said that if they felt there wasn't a connection, they wouldn't pick them.

Two rare men, or do we women give them less credit/respect than they deserve? Either way; I don't see them making a men's version of it anytime soon, so that probably sums it up, but it's such a funny; entertaining and feelgood show that I'm just glad it's on – no matter who's on it!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TAKE ME OUT WEBSITE

Not much to grab me this week, although there's a new Series with Alex Polizzi starting on Tuesday, where she goes in and tries to do a 'Mary Portas' on failing businesses, by the sound of it. I'll check it out and review it here next week.

(Alex Polizzi, The Fixer. Episode 1 BBC2 Tuesday 8.00 pm)

PS I had to laugh at this photo of an '18 carrot necklace' on this week's Come Dine With Me!

Radio Times

Nothing new this week that I haven't already mentioned, except for Everyone Quite Likes Justin (with Justin Moorhouse), which is starting a Series repeat on Radio 4 at 6.30 pm this Wednesday night. It's got some good gags, and is a very pleasant half hour's entertainment.

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TV Times – 22nd January 2012

Written on 20/01/2012 by Jane in The Complete Blog, TV Times

(If you're outside the UK, here's a link to be able to watch UK TV programmes: bit.ly/oVMz60)

MasterChef

Oh dear. I almost enjoyed – no, I DID enjoy MasterChef the Professionals, but what on earth have we seen this week? (Brown shoes Greg?)

MasterChef has finally changed from a programme for people who liked food to just another reality TV Show. John Torode and Greg Wallace clearly now think of themselves as the 'stars' of that show (as opposed to JUDGES), and I found it all very embarrassing.

"But I want my curry sauce that's in your pot," John wailed like a spoilt brat to one contestant; shouted "Whoop, whoop," to another, and the final straw came when he literally 'roared' at one of them. Even Greg gave him a sideways look. What the hell was THAT all about?

Combined with the return of India Fisher's grating narration (although, to be fair, she isn't dropping her voice down at the end of every sentence as much*, but she just sounds so dull); the deafening, overly-dramatic music and the stupid desk that the candidates now have to walk to, have just-about tipped me over the edge with this show.

I could only cope by recording it with subtitles, then watching with the sound on mute and Fast-Forwarding past the 'walking up and down' bits and the Restaurant Kitchen bits. (You know they're ALWAYS going to get it right after a couple of goes, don't you?) Even the subtitles had spelling/grammatical errors, so the whole thing was hardly a pleasant viewing experience for me.

When is this horrible trend for slopping a dollop of mush and dragging it across a plate with a spoon going to stop? It looks like something a baby or a dog might have done, and as for the plate on the right … well, it's just silly.

I despair. Will I watch this week? I really am in two minds you know (which is a shame), but I'm guessing I'll probably just wait until Michel Roux returns: a proper professional.

PS If you watch EastEnders, check out this tiny video of Shelina. In the space of a few seconds her face goes through so many emotions, it's like watching a scene with the lovely Tanya! IMG_3163

PPS We had 'What he calls' a Potato and chive risotto, and a Tempura squid with basil and cantaloupe caviar. The risotto didn't have any rice in it, and basil and cantaloupe aren't caviar. Stop being so pretentious and just call things what they ARE as it's confusing for people (especially in Restaurants).

PPPS Why don't Supermarkets sell fresh chervil? I had spaghetti with prawns and fresh tomato sauce with chervil in Sydney and it was a revelation. I've only been able to get it once in Wiltshire, and that was by ordering it from a specialist herb grower near Marlborough.

PPPPS They've still got the candidates travelling to the Restaurant kitchens in their whites. Not very hygienic, is it?

(* One of my biggest dreams is that once – even just once – she might actually raise her voice instead of dropping-it down like a robot at the end of every sentence on her numerous Radio 2 trails. Alas, I wait in vain … ) MasterChef BBC 1 Tuesday-Thursday 9.00)

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE MASTERCHEF WEBSITE

Did you see Episode 1 of Desperate Housewives this week? Laugh? It had some brilliant comedy moments, and even if you don't normally watch it, check it out if you like a grin! It's repeated at 10.00 on Sunday night on E4, and on catchup.

Radio Times

I'm really behind on my radio listening, but Alan Carr's hilarious show on Radio 2's back (6.00-8.00 Saturday nights), and the same stuff I mentioned last week is all on again this week too + a re-run of Sir Jimmy Young at 90 is on Wednesday night on at 10.00 (also on Radio 2). That was a lovely show and well-worth listening to if (like me), you're old enough to remember the great man!

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