"What A Wonderful World" with David Attenborough

Hilarious British Animal Voiceovers (Walk on the Wild Side)

Walk on the Wild Side is a comedy sketch show produced by the BBC for BBC One. The first series aired in 2009 and series two aired in 2010.

The series features hilarious British voiceovers (from a group of very talented comedians!) added to BBC Natural History footage.

Here's a clip from the programme:

BBC Caves in to Carter Ruck Threats Over Trafigura Film

Via Iain Dale's Diary: BBC Caves in to Carter Ruck Threats Over Trafigura Film Carter-Ruck have succeeded in persuading the BBC to remove all reference to the Trafigura story from its website, according to the New Statesman. Newsnight. Trafigura. Law firm Carter-Ruck. Private Eye. Toxic waste. Twitter. And I repeat the same request as Iain Dale asked: Could I encourage every single UK blogger to embed this video in their blogs too?

Strictly Come Dancing: Week 12 in 60 Seconds!

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Strictly Come Dancing 2009 CELEBS REVEALED

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You have until 6th September to apply for Strictly Come Dancing audience tickets at http://shows.external.bbc.co.uk/help/shows/Strictlycomedancing

'Pudsey Bear' refused a passport

'Pudsey Bear' in passport fight A woman who has changed her identity to that of BBC Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear is fighting to get a passport issued under her new name. The dental receptionist, 37, from Denbighshire was told by officials her new name was "frivolous" and could also bring her problems at border controls. She said her two daughters called her "Mummy Bear" and she was Mrs Bear on her driving licence and bank cards. She has approached her MP Chris Ruane, who said he will raise the matter. (link via BBC News) For those of you don't know, Pudsey Bear (a yellow bear with a red spotted bandage) is the popular mascot and Children in Need's official logo. BBC - Children in Need is a registered charity that donates money towards projects helping disadvantaged children in the UK. When I first read this news, I thought how ridiculous for her to change her name to 'Pudsey Bear' and to expect a passport in her new name, and then to get her MP involved when I think MPs must have more important matters to contend with. However, after thinking about it more, she has legally changed her name so it should be accepted. I think she should be given a passport in her legal name (even if it does seem like a silly name). What do you think?

Parents complain about disabled host on tv show for children

I am very surprised and saddened to read that some parents have complained to the BBC about a presenter with a disability on the programme, CBeebies: How do you explain a missing hand to a child? Parents have complained that a children's TV presenter with one hand is prompting awkward questions from young children. (link via BBC News Magazine) I seriously doubt any children are frightened or bothered at all by the sight of the presenter's disability. I bet most children don't even notice her disability! And if they did, they might be curious and ask about it which would be a perfect opportunity to talk about how some people have disabilities and about how everyone is different. I think that the parents who complained are only showing their own insecurities and ignorance about disabled people. And sadly they are probably passing on their biased attitudes to their children which perpetuates the same insecurities and negative attitudes toward disabled people. What do you think? If you have young children, do you think they would be disturbed or scared by the sight of a presenter with a disability?

Being Human - BBC Three

What a fantastic series, Being Human has turned out to be! I love dark humour and this show is bursting with it. If you have never seen it and wonder what it's all about, I can tell you it's like a British version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer only it isn't just vampires that are in it. The show revolves around three young people sharing a house in Bristol; a vampire, a werewolf and a ghost. I know it sounds ridiculous especially if you don't like that sort of stuff (particularly the horror genre) but believe me it's a very well made series with wonderful actors and brilliant writing. There is never a dull moment. It's very funny and very entertaining. It has the perfect blend of drama and humour. There's the vampire, Mitchell who is trying to give up blood; loveable but neurotic George the werewolf; and Annie the confused, insecure ghost. And then there are the villains - they are as nasty and evil as you can get. The series is rather like a twisted and dark pantomime. Tonight's episode was the best yet. I think the characters are so funny and yet so poignant too as they struggle with each new predicament they get into. I have a feeling this series will soon become a cult hit - if it isn't one already. BBC - Being Human Homepage Being Human - wikipedia page

Another BBC scandal: backlash over sacking Carol Thatcher

It's ironic that just as Jonathan Ross has recently returned to British television - after being suspended for three months because of his vulgar, lewd remarks that were left on an answering machine for an elderly man and then were broadcast on a BBC radio programme - another BBC scandal is being reported in the news. This time, it's about a remark by Carol Thatcher that was made in private and yet the BBC decided to sack her from The One Show. I certainly don't defend Carol's racist remark - describing a black tennis player as a "golliwog" - but I do think that since she said it in private, the BBC does not have the right to fire her. Indeed, it seems very hypocritical of the BBC to make such a harsh judgement about what was said in private considering the "Sachsgate" affair when Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross said much worse on a radio programme that was broadcast! Following that incident, the BBC bowed down to overwhelming public anger and eventually suspended Ross for three months but very controversially, the BBC didn't choose to sack him (Brand simply quit). This latest incident is again leading to a lot of public anger aimed at the BBC as thousands complain to BBC for dropping Carol Thatcher in race row. (link via guardian.co.uk) There is also a BRING BACK CAROL THATCHER Petition I think that since Carol Thatcher's remarks were made in private, the BBC had no right to sack her. A private conversation is exactly that. Is the BBC now becoming Big Brother? And isn't it strange that Carol Thatcher can be sacked over her remark that was made in private and yet Jonathan Ross and other so-called comedians and presenters on the BBC are allowed to swear and make vulgar, disgusting jokes and lewd comments on BBC programmes? What do you think? related posts from my blog: The big story in Britain: BBC and the "Sachsgate" scandal Jonathan Ross returns with jokey apology

Jonathan Ross returns with jokey apology

I watched Jonathan Ross last night on the return of his chat show, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross on BBC One and waited to hear his apology for his part in the digusting Sachsgate scandal. He started out by saying "So, where were we?" followed by a guffaw on his part and loud laughter from the audience. And then after making his so-called apology, he couldn't resist adding a vulgar comment afterwards by saying,"...speaking of enormous cock-ups..." and pausing while the audience laughed. Ha ha, very funny. Not. Then he said, "It's going to be a gradual change, obviously. Please welcome my band, Four Puffs and a Piano." I don't think his apology wss sincere and in my opinion, he didn't seem at all remorseful about his subsequent 12-week suspension. The first guest was stand-up comedian, Lee Evans. Next was Stephen Fry, who I adore. I was fascinated by the facts that Stephen relayed about the wildlife in New Zealand, especially the birds there. Stephen just recently returned from New Zealand where he was filming part of a BBC documentary series looking at the progress of some of the world's most endangered species. Tom Cruise was a guest on the show too (his first time on the show) and besides talking about his new movie Valkyrie, Jonathan Ross got into a conversation with Tom about breaking wind. This is typical of Mr. Ross and his kind of humour. When will the man grow up? The show finished with a performance by Franz Ferdinand, the Scottish rock band. In my opinion, Jonathan Ross hasn't learned his lesson during his suspension. In fact, I don't think he's changed at all. His light-hearted and jokey apology proved that. If you watched the show last night, what did you think of his apology? Did you think it was sincere enough (I didn't) and did you think he has learned his lesson about his vulgar behavior (again, I don't). related post from my blog: The big story in Britain: BBC and the "Sachsgate" scandal

New Doctor Who: Matt Smith

I'm not really a fan of Doctor Who but I'm sort of coming round to the series, mostly because my husband and sons love the show. Tonight the name of the actor to play the new Doctor Who was revealed on a BBC special. I can't believe I actually watched it. Matt Smith is to be the 11th Doctor. So now we know. The funny thing is though that he won't take over the role until October 2010. I do think all the hype surrounding this news is quite funny. Apparently, while the special, Doctor Who Confidential – The Eleventh Doctor, was broadcast on BBC1, the programme was also being simultaneously cast on giant screens in city centres all over Britain. Unbelievable! I can't decide if it's funny or sad that this is what makes the news in Britain. I suppose I would be a bit more understanding about all the fuss if I was a die-hard fan like so many people are. Matt Smith interview (video via BBC) Are you a fan of Doctor Who? Are you pleased with the actor chosen to play the 11th Doctor?

Strictly Come Dancing: Tom Chambers dances to victory

Well, that was certainly an exciting final show wasn't it? I bet Tom Chambers is pinching himself in disbelief! He only made it to the final because the producers decided to allow all three semi-finalists - Tom Chambers, Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon - to proceed, after noticing a problem with the telephone voting system that would have made it impossible for the public to save him last week. After Lisa was eliminated from the competition, my husband predicted that Tom would win. His view was that a lot of the voting public watch soap operas like Holby City, the show that Tom Chambers stars in so all his fans would vote for Tom instead of Rachel. I think that might have been part of it. I admit that I was hoping that Rachel Stevens or Lisa Snowdon would win but after watching Tom and Camilla's brilliant show dance*, I was quite pleased to see Tom win. I love Strictly Come Dancing! I'm sad that the current series is finished now but I'm looking forward to watching the Strictly Come Dancing special on BBC1 at 7:00 PM on Christmas Day. Am I a SCD addict or what? What did you think of the final? Were you pleasantly surprised at the result or disappointed? *Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup's Showdance:

Strictly Come Dancing: semi-final fiasco

Did you watch Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night? I was looking forward to watching the three remaining couples dance but also a bit nervous about finding out which couple would be leaving. They all danced beautifully and then the moment of truth but instead ... the shock announcement from the presenter Tess Daly that ALL three celebrity contestants will be in next week’s final! Apparently, the BBC realized the scoring system wouldn't work because Tom Chambers received such low marks from the judges that he could not have been saved from the dance-off. When the problem was noticed, the producers of the show decided that all three contestants – actor Tom Chambers, model Lisa Snowdon and singer Rachel Stevens – should go through to the final next week. This latest controversy about a BBC programme has produced hundreds of complaints, especially when viewers were told they will not be refunded for their votes cast during the programme (all votes will be rolled over). Considering how popular the show Strictly Come Dancing is and the recent controversy involving John Sergeant plus a number of phone-in scandals with other BBC shows, it seems unbelievable that the BBC is still unable to avoid situations such as this. What a fiasco! What did you think of the dancing? My personal favourite is Rachel Stevens. What are your thoughts about the decision to allow all three contestants to go through to the final next week? Did you vote (I didn't) and if you did, are you annoyed that you won't get your money back? Do you still like the show or are you planning to stop watching it now? Personally, I think it's a shame this problem occurred but it won't put me off watching the show.

Public anger over John Sergeant leaving Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing: BBC message board closed as fans revolt over John Sergeant The BBC is facing one of the biggest revolts in its history over John Sergeant's decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing with 170,000 messages on its website. The number of comments posted on the website is unprecedented. It outstrips comments left following controversies such as the Baby P child cruelty case, the Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand phone call fiasco and even the terror attacks of 7/7. I can't believe how this light entertainment television show is taking on such huge importance. It's absurd! I wish people could get this worked up over more serious issues. It would seem that a huge segment of the British population has gone slightly mad and lost any sense of priorities. All this outrage over a celebrity who voluntarily quit! It's quite scary to think this has become such a huge story and it has snowballed into such a brouhaha. What next? Well, there is this incredible news: A cabinet minister has called for the judges of Strictly Come Dancing to be sacked following John Sergeant's decision to quit the BBC One show. It seems like this story is going to grow and grow. What a mess. I love "Strictly Come Dancing" but all this fuss is beginning to spoil the fun aspect of the show, at least for me. Thoughts?

Main BBC channels go live online!

Main BBC channels go live on net The live simulcast for both channels will be available from 27 November. If viewers miss any programmes they will be available for up to a week on the BBC iPlayer. This is good news but it also means people will no longer be able to avoid paying the licence fee by watching repeat TV shows on their computer.

Strictly Come Dancing and John Sergeant

New rules for Strictly Come Dancing New rules for Strictly Come Dancing will mean a contestant who finishes bottom of the judges’ leader board for three weeks in a row will be automatically ejected without participating in a dance-off. The "three strikes and you’re out" plan has emerged following John Sergeant’s success on the BBC show. The 64-year-old political journalist has been repeatedly been saved by the public vote despite being panned by the judges The new rules will be adopted for the next series in a bid to prevent a repeat performance. This is great news! It won't affect the current series though and at the time of this news, it looked like John Sergeant might be voted through all the way to the final dance-off but then the shock news came that John Sergeant has pulled out of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing because winning would have been "a joke too far", he has said. Even though I think John Sergeant should have been voted off weeks ago, I think it's a shame that he is going to pull out. It's not his fault that he was voted through each week by the public, and I'm sure he felt uncomfortable about all the kerfuffle. At least the new rules will prevent this sort of thing happening in the next series. I love watching the dancing and even though John Sergeant was amusing to watch, in my opinion it's silly that the public kept voting to keep him in the competition. I can see why the rules are being changed. It's a fun tv show for entertainment but it's also supposed to be a dance competition. The public will still have their vote. It just means that if a celebrity gets the lowest points on the judges' leader board for three weeks in a row that he will be automatically ejected without participating in a dance-off. It seems fair, IMHO. It means the judges aren't being undermined. The celebrity still gets a fair chance in the competition. What are your thoughts about the new rules? Do you think it was right for John Sergeant to quit?

Stephen Fry in America - part 6: Review

Stephen Fry in America 6/6 - Pacific (Sunday 16 November 9:00pm - 10:00pm BBC1) This series is about Stephen Fry visiting all fifty states of the USA, via a black London taxi. Tonight's episode is the final episode in this six part series, with Stephen exploring the states along the Pacific Coast, and then up to Alaska and lastly over to Hawaii. Stephen began with a cable car ride in San Francisco, California, and he visited Chinatown, one of the oldest and best established Chinatowns in America. After that, Stephen met up with Apple designer, Jony Ive. Still in California, Stephen met the sheriff of Mendocino County and got instructions in firing a handgun. He got to join in a drug bust (after being kitted out in a bulletproof vest) and watched as two suspects were arrested and led away from a farm where cannabis plants are cultivated. In Oregon, Stephen went rafting on the Rogue River. In Seattle, Washington, Stephen visited the Seattle Aquarium, and he said goodbye to his London taxi. Next, he flew to Anchorage, Alaska from Seattle. From Anchorage, he flew in a small plane to Kodiak. After visiting Kodiak, Stephen flew to Barrow (the northenmost town in the USA) where he met up with an Eskimo called Henry, who is a whaling captain. Finally, the last state in Stephen's journey was Hawaii (the southermost part of the USA). On the North shore, Stephen swam with sharks - well actually he was in a metal cage lowered into the water and surrounded by sharks, but very impressive none the less. On Big Island, Stephen visited Keck Observatory and then he went on a helicopter ride over the lava fields of Kilauea. Stephen said he could feel the heat up in the helicopter. And his visit to Hawaii was the end of the series. I thought this episode certanly showed a stark contrast in climate and lifestyle between Alaska and Hawaii. I'm going to miss watching this series. I looked forward to a visit to the USA every Sunday. All in all, it was a good series although there were bits that could have been left out or shortened (such as the visit to the brothel in part 5) and a lot more that could have been included. Over all though I think it probably gave a good view of the USA to the British audience. What are your thoughts about the last episode and about the whole series? Did the series alter your views about the USA in any way? related links from my blog: Stephen Fry in America - part 1: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 2: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 3: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 4: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 5: Review

Strictly Come Dancing: world's most popular TV show

Strictly Come Dancing is world's most viewed programme The show, which sees celebrities take to the floor alongside professional dancers, has emerged as an unlikely hit across the globe with the BBC selling the format to 38 countries. (link via telegraph.co.uk) I admit that I am a big fan of the show so I'm not at all surprised that it's so popular world wide. It's one of the few shows on TV that I look forward to watching. I love watching the dancing, of course, but also it's fun to listen to the comments from the judges; Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood. The judges - and the very talented professional dancers - have become celebrities in their own right, which adds to the enjoyment of the show. I also admire the presenter Bruce Forsyth ("Nice to see you, to see you..." "Nice!") who at age 80 is still going strong and keeps the show (broadcast live) moving along smoothly. I even enjoy his corny jokes! The show has grown bigger every year - from just eight couples in Series 1 (May 2004) to 16 couples at the start of the present series. They have also expanded it into two shows, the main show on Saturday evening and the results show on Sunday evening. I do think it's rather silly though how they all pretend the results show is filmed on Sunday in spite of the BBC admitting that both shows are in fact filmed on Saturday! Did you watch the last show? What did you think of the result? I will admit that I was disappointed that yet again the British public voted to keep John Sergeant in the competition even though he is obviously the worst celebrity dancer in the current series. Yes, he's cute and sweet and probably a very nice man but this isn't supposed to be a popularity contest. It's supposed to be a dance competition.

"Strictly Come Dancing" still has the important feel-good factor that makes it worth watching though so I still love the show despite the fact that the public vote doesn't always produce the result I'm hoping for. I think that adds to the fun, not knowing how it will end.

By the way did you know that Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli commute between Hollywood and London to judge both the American and British versions of the show?

Strictly Come Dancing Home Page

Stephen Fry in America - part 5: Review

Stephen Fry in America 5/6 - True West (Sunday 9 November 9:00pm - 10:00pm BBC1) This series is about Stephen Fry visiting all fifty states of the USA, via a black London taxi. Tonight's episode, part 5, is about the "True West" and started out with Stephen in a hot air balloon ride over a canyon in New Mexico, followed by a visit to an "earthship" (an ec0-friendly house). The walls of the house are constructed from old, used tires, and everything about the house is designed to be self-sufficient. Very impressive, it is too. Next, Stephen visited Los Alamos National Laboratory , where the first atom bomb was made. In Utah, Stephen visited Monument Valley, part of the Navajo Indian Reservation, where he had a basket weaving lesson and was invited to a barbecue with the Navajo. Stephen enjoyed a trip on a very luxurious houseboat (it includes a jacuzzi, which Stephen used) on Lake Powell, Utah. The lake is man-made and has 1900 miles of shoreline. Stephen flew in a WW2 B17 bomber from Phoenix to Tucson, Arizona to see where older military aircraft are retired - "moth-balled, sealed up for the time being" - and parked in formation at Tucson's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the home of the United States government's Boneyard. At the Old Tucson Studio, Stephen took part in a wild west shoot-out scene. He was "shot" and did a death scene, which he played for laughs. In Las Vegas, Nevada, Stephen played a 'spy game' (a team-building exercise involving a fake kidnapping and solving the "crime" by following clues around the city) and he also visited a photographic shoot involving Mormon boys posing for a Mormon missionary calendar. He discussed the Mormon religion with one of the young men. He also visited a brothel just outside Reno, Nevada (the only state where prostitution is legal) and then headed for Lake Tahoe which straddles Nevada and California. He finished this episode with his arrival at the seaside of the Pacific Ocean in California. I have to say that I wasn't particularly impressed with this part of the series. I thought he spent too much time with the silly Spy Game in Las Vegas and the visit to the brothel. What did you think of tonight's episode? related links from my blog: Stephen Fry in America - part 1: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 2: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 3: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 4: Review

Stephen Fry in America - part 4: Review

Stephen Fry in America 4/6 - Mountains and Plains (Sunday 2 November 9:00pm - 10:00pm BBC1) This series is about Stephen Fry visiting all fifty states of the USA, via his black London taxi. Tonight's show was another whirlwind journey where Stephen visits ten states, from the border dividing Montana and Canada in the north to the border dividing Texas and Mexico in the south. Stephen started with a visit to the border control headquarters in Montana where he strolled the border with an officer from the National Border Patrol and he stood straddling the 49th parallel (sometimes used as a nickname for the entire Canada-U.S. border) so that he was in the USA and Canada at the same time. He met up with a geologist working in Glacier National Park and they discussed global warming. After that, Stephen met up with Ted Turner on his Montana ranch and inspected his herd of buffalo (bison). Stephen mentioned that Ted Turner owns nearly 20% of the bison in the USA. Idaho was next. And a very brief visit it was too. Stephen just stood underneath a sign marking the continental divide and explained what that meant by pouring water to demonstrate (water drains into the Atlantic on one side and into the Pacific on the other) and right after that he was in Wyoming. He met up with a couple who have had particularly close encounters with wolves - they have lost six dogs killed by wolves. Stephen also was pulled on a sled by a team of huskies in Wyoming. In Bismarck, North Dakota, he visited a German diner and ate a deep fried hamburger. In South Dakota, he saw Mount Rushmore and obviously wasn't very impressed - "just a little bit silly" - and even less so with the new work in progress "just down the road" of Crazy Horse. Stephen visited the Lakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota and visited the site of the notorious massacre at Wounded Knee. He also met with Russell Means, an acitivist for the rights of American Indians. He went trucking in Nebraska and visited a truckers shop. In Kansas, Stephen went down a decomissioned missile bunker. The facility was active during the Cuban missile crisis. He chatted with a family that make the underground location, their home. He rode on a ski lift in Aspen, Colorado, and viewed the scenery from a restaurant on the mountain top. Stephen watched "mutton busting" (little kids riding sheep) at a rodeo in Oklahoma which I thought was interesting. I've been to rodeos and never seen that before. He also visted the home of the largest charity in the world, the Salvation Army, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In Houston, Texas, Stephen spoke at a fund raising dinner. He finished this part of the series with a visit to the border along the Rio Grande between Texas and Mexico with the Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas, which was sad. It showed how desperate Mexicans try to enter the USA and it was disturbing to see two Mexicans chased back into Mexico and to see one caught, and arrested. At least the show finished on a high note (literally) with three Mexicans who are US citizens, serenading a pleased looking Stephen Fry. related links from my blog: Stephen Fry in America - part 1: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 2: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 3: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 5: Review Stephen Fry in America - part 6: Review Stephen Fry talks about his new TV series (video) Stephen Fry on the road in the USA