TV
TV
Louis Theroux is to make a new documentary about Jimmy Savile.
The 45-year-old filmmaker is shooting a follow-up to his 2000 programme 'When Louis Met Jimmy', for which he spent a significant amount of time with the now late 'Top of the Pops' presenter and was given unprecedented access to his home life.
Since Savile's passing at the age of 84 in 2011, hundreds of women have come forward to claim he sexually abused them when they were children, while other victims claim they were subjected to assaults as adults.
Theroux will now seek to "understand the truth" about Savile by speaking to those he abused and the people who knew him and worked with him for the BBC project to understand how he used his celebrity status to carry out his crimes and deceive the British public for decades.
Speaking about the new documentary, BBC Two controller Kim Shillinglaw said: "BBC Two should be part of the national conversation and this challenging subject matter is the kind I want to see on the channel. Louis Theroux is one of the country's most talented filmmakers and I am very pleased that he is revisiting this important - and deeply personal - subject for us, asking difficult questions about the life of Jimmy Savile and those around him and exploring the impact his crimes had on his victims."
In his original documentary, Theroux openly asked Savile about the rumours surrounding his personal life and enquired if it was the reason the former 'Jim'll Fix It' host had stated he hated children.
Savile replied: "It's easier for me, as a single man, to say 'I don't like children,' because that puts a lot of salacious tabloid people off the hunt."
Theroux then enquired if he said it to stop people pursuing the notion he could be a paedophile, Savile said: "How do they know whether I am or not?"
Savile also showed Throux 'the shrine' he had in his home to his late mother, whom he referred to as "The Duchess", having kept her bedroom exactly as it was after she died, even continuing to clean her clothes.
After spending three months filming with Savile in 1999 and 2000, Theroux and the DJ remained friends for a number of years and the investigative journalist would even occasionally stay at his home.
In the wake of the Savile scandal - sparked by 2012 ITV documentary 'Exposure: The Other Side of Jimmy Savile - Theroux has admitted he felt a burden of responsibility for failing to unmask his dark side.
Speaking on the comedian Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre podcast, he said: "I feel a sense of responsibility. I think none of us wants to believe that someone we know is a sex offender. I knew when I was making it there was his sexual side that I had not fully understood."
Louis Theroux to make new Jimmy Savile documentary
Louis Theroux is to make a new documentary about Jimmy Savile.
The 45-year-old filmmaker is shooting a follow-up to his 2000 programme 'When Louis Met Jimmy', for which he spent a significant amount of time with the now late 'Top of the Pops' presenter and was given unprecedented access to his home life.
Since Savile's passing at the age of 84 in 2011, hundreds of women have come forward to claim he sexually abused them when they were children, while other victims claim they were subjected to assaults as adults.
Theroux will now seek to "understand the truth" about Savile by speaking to those he abused and the people who knew him and worked with him for the BBC project to understand how he used his celebrity status to carry out his crimes and deceive the British public for decades.
Speaking about the new documentary, BBC Two controller Kim Shillinglaw said: "BBC Two should be part of the national conversation and this challenging subject matter is the kind I want to see on the channel. Louis Theroux is one of the country's most talented filmmakers and I am very pleased that he is revisiting this important - and deeply personal - subject for us, asking difficult questions about the life of Jimmy Savile and those around him and exploring the impact his crimes had on his victims."
In his original documentary, Theroux openly asked Savile about the rumours surrounding his personal life and enquired if it was the reason the former 'Jim'll Fix It' host had stated he hated children.
Savile replied: "It's easier for me, as a single man, to say 'I don't like children,' because that puts a lot of salacious tabloid people off the hunt."
Theroux then enquired if he said it to stop people pursuing the notion he could be a paedophile, Savile said: "How do they know whether I am or not?"
Savile also showed Throux 'the shrine' he had in his home to his late mother, whom he referred to as "The Duchess", having kept her bedroom exactly as it was after she died, even continuing to clean her clothes.
After spending three months filming with Savile in 1999 and 2000, Theroux and the DJ remained friends for a number of years and the investigative journalist would even occasionally stay at his home.
In the wake of the Savile scandal - sparked by 2012 ITV documentary 'Exposure: The Other Side of Jimmy Savile - Theroux has admitted he felt a burden of responsibility for failing to unmask his dark side.
Speaking on the comedian Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre podcast, he said: "I feel a sense of responsibility. I think none of us wants to believe that someone we know is a sex offender. I knew when I was making it there was his sexual side that I had not fully understood."
TV
Take That are to perform their new single on 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The band - comprised of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen - are to play 'Hey Boy' in the world famous ballroom, which has become synonymous with the BBC show.
The band said: "Looking forward to seeing everyone when we perform on Strictly's annual special at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
"We love playing Strictly and the Blackpool crowd are always up for a big night out!"
The programme's annual pilgrimage to Blackpool is being staged over the weekend of November 21, by which point the competition will have been whittled down to eight remaining couples.
Looking forward to the glitzy occasion, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am thrilled that 'Strictly' is returning to Blackpool once again this year, our yearly trip there is one of my highlights of the series.
"The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is simply one of the most stunning ballrooms in the world and there is a real magic to the place.
"Not only is it stunning but the unique sprung dance floor provides an extra challenge for our celebrities as well. I cannot wait to get back there!"
Take That to perform on Strictly Come Dancing in Blackpool
Take That are to perform their new single on 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
The band - comprised of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen - are to play 'Hey Boy' in the world famous ballroom, which has become synonymous with the BBC show.
The band said: "Looking forward to seeing everyone when we perform on Strictly's annual special at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
"We love playing Strictly and the Blackpool crowd are always up for a big night out!"
The programme's annual pilgrimage to Blackpool is being staged over the weekend of November 21, by which point the competition will have been whittled down to eight remaining couples.
Looking forward to the glitzy occasion, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am thrilled that 'Strictly' is returning to Blackpool once again this year, our yearly trip there is one of my highlights of the series.
"The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is simply one of the most stunning ballrooms in the world and there is a real magic to the place.
"Not only is it stunning but the unique sprung dance floor provides an extra challenge for our celebrities as well. I cannot wait to get back there!"
TV
Dame Joan Collins has turned down a "massive offer" to take part in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
The 82-year-old actress has revealed she was once handed a huge deal to join the Australian jungle but decided to politely decline because reality TV is not her "cup of tea."
Speaking to reporters at the signing of her new book, 'The St. Tropez Lonely Hearts Club' in London, she said: "I was offered a massive amount of money about three years ago, and I kindly turned them down. It's not my cup of tea. It's just not me."
The new series of the popular ITV show is set to kick off on November 15 featuring a star-studded line-up.
Former 'Geordie Shore' star Vicky Pattison, rapper 50 Cent, 'Weakest Link' host Anne Robinson and 'X Factor' alum James Arthur are all set to come face-to-face with creepy crawlies, tuck into rice and beans and share their beds with some of the most dangerous animals in the world.
However, not everyone is willing to venture into unknown territory, as 'X Factor' veteran Louis Walsh reportedly turned down a £500,000 offer to appear on the show.
Meanwhile, loveable comedy duo Ant and Dec are also back on board to host as they put the celebrities through their paces, force them to come face up to their fears and provide them with some much needed encouragement.
Dame Joan Collins turns down I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Dame Joan Collins has turned down a "massive offer" to take part in 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'
The 82-year-old actress has revealed she was once handed a huge deal to join the Australian jungle but decided to politely decline because reality TV is not her "cup of tea."
Speaking to reporters at the signing of her new book, 'The St. Tropez Lonely Hearts Club' in London, she said: "I was offered a massive amount of money about three years ago, and I kindly turned them down. It's not my cup of tea. It's just not me."
The new series of the popular ITV show is set to kick off on November 15 featuring a star-studded line-up.
Former 'Geordie Shore' star Vicky Pattison, rapper 50 Cent, 'Weakest Link' host Anne Robinson and 'X Factor' alum James Arthur are all set to come face-to-face with creepy crawlies, tuck into rice and beans and share their beds with some of the most dangerous animals in the world.
However, not everyone is willing to venture into unknown territory, as 'X Factor' veteran Louis Walsh reportedly turned down a £500,000 offer to appear on the show.
Meanwhile, loveable comedy duo Ant and Dec are also back on board to host as they put the celebrities through their paces, force them to come face up to their fears and provide them with some much needed encouragement.
TV
Jeremy Vine wants to recreate Peter Andre's 'Mysterious Girl' video on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ is in good shape thanks to gruelling rehearsals with professional partner Karen Clifton and a joke remark from the professional inspired the production team to suggest he mimic his rival's famous topless promo - and he would love to do it.
He said: "As a joke, Karen recently said that I had better abs than Peter Andre but it was taken seriously - to the point where the production makers started thinking I should remake the 'Mysterious Girl' video. It would be amazing."
Jeremy has become this year's unlikely sex symbol, but he admits he isn't feeling particularly hunky.
Asked about being a sex symbol, he said: "If that's happening, then it's incredible. I don't necessarily feel it at the moment because every joint in my body is aching."
And the presenter is stunned to still be in the competition.
He told heat magazine: "I was the favourite to go out first, so every single week is more and more exciting.
"I guess it is a bit surprising, but I think people can see how hard we're working every week.
"Karen and I have had lots of crisis meetings on what we need to do to improve - we're on it."
Jeremy Vine to recreate Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl
Jeremy Vine wants to recreate Peter Andre's 'Mysterious Girl' video on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
The BBC Radio 2 DJ is in good shape thanks to gruelling rehearsals with professional partner Karen Clifton and a joke remark from the professional inspired the production team to suggest he mimic his rival's famous topless promo - and he would love to do it.
He said: "As a joke, Karen recently said that I had better abs than Peter Andre but it was taken seriously - to the point where the production makers started thinking I should remake the 'Mysterious Girl' video. It would be amazing."
Jeremy has become this year's unlikely sex symbol, but he admits he isn't feeling particularly hunky.
Asked about being a sex symbol, he said: "If that's happening, then it's incredible. I don't necessarily feel it at the moment because every joint in my body is aching."
And the presenter is stunned to still be in the competition.
He told heat magazine: "I was the favourite to go out first, so every single week is more and more exciting.
"I guess it is a bit surprising, but I think people can see how hard we're working every week.
"Karen and I have had lots of crisis meetings on what we need to do to improve - we're on it."
TV
Lauren Murray has received death threats.
The 'X Factor' hopeful admits she and her fellow finalists have been shocked by the extreme messages they have received on social media.
She said: "People can be so mean on Twitter, they forget that we're all just normal people.
"A few of us have even had death threats. And we've had people send pictures of themselves cutting our names into their arms. It's horrible!"
But Lauren is doing her best to block out the nastiness.
She added: "I just try to tune it out.
"I've got a lot of lovely messages from fans too, so I just have to focus on that.
"[Rita Ora] told me not to listen to any of the negativity and focus all my energies on the competition."
And Lauren also revealed a sex ban has been imposed on the contestants by show bosses.
She told Closer magazine: "There is no one in the house I like. I'm single but I have no time for romance.
"You have to stay focused in this competition and not get distracted.
"There's even been a sex ban put on the house so that's a no go.
"I'm really close to the boys, but it's just friendship."
The X Factor: Lauren Murray receives death threats
Lauren Murray has received death threats.
The 'X Factor' hopeful admits she and her fellow finalists have been shocked by the extreme messages they have received on social media.
She said: "People can be so mean on Twitter, they forget that we're all just normal people.
"A few of us have even had death threats. And we've had people send pictures of themselves cutting our names into their arms. It's horrible!"
But Lauren is doing her best to block out the nastiness.
She added: "I just try to tune it out.
"I've got a lot of lovely messages from fans too, so I just have to focus on that.
"[Rita Ora] told me not to listen to any of the negativity and focus all my energies on the competition."
And Lauren also revealed a sex ban has been imposed on the contestants by show bosses.
She told Closer magazine: "There is no one in the house I like. I'm single but I have no time for romance.
"You have to stay focused in this competition and not get distracted.
"There's even been a sex ban put on the house so that's a no go.
"I'm really close to the boys, but it's just friendship."
TV
Simon Cowell thinks there are five acts on 'The X Factor' that could go on to sell "a lot of records".
The 56-year-old music mogul has confessed he's already spotted a handful of contestants he believes will be successful recording artists following their time on the show.
Speaking at the Music Industry Trusts Awards at London's Grosvenor Hotel last night (02.11.15), he said: "Most importantly I've seen three, four, five artists that could not only win, but will go on to sell records, a lot of records."
And the tough-talking judge - who has discovered successful artists including One Direction, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs on the talent show - revealed his mind is never far away from business when he was asked to comment on former 'X Factor' winner Ben Haenow's progress in the charts.
Simon - who also gushed that his own special "talent" was making his son Eric with partner Lauren Silverman - added: "The album is number one on pre-sale, so I'm happy. (But) I think the record came out a week too early."
Elsewhere, the music-mogul insisted he's not afraid to shake up the show's format if it becomes "shambolic" again.
Asked if he's planning to make changes after the new Judges' Houses failed to impress, he added: "Of course, that's my job [but I also need to] focus on what we need to do, which is make the contestants better. I think some of them could look a bit better but I'm not going to say who. But that's part of the fun of making the show every week."
Simon Cowell predicts X Factor success
Simon Cowell thinks there are five acts on 'The X Factor' that could go on to sell "a lot of records".
The 56-year-old music mogul has confessed he's already spotted a handful of contestants he believes will be successful recording artists following their time on the show.
Speaking at the Music Industry Trusts Awards at London's Grosvenor Hotel last night (02.11.15), he said: "Most importantly I've seen three, four, five artists that could not only win, but will go on to sell records, a lot of records."
And the tough-talking judge - who has discovered successful artists including One Direction, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs on the talent show - revealed his mind is never far away from business when he was asked to comment on former 'X Factor' winner Ben Haenow's progress in the charts.
Simon - who also gushed that his own special "talent" was making his son Eric with partner Lauren Silverman - added: "The album is number one on pre-sale, so I'm happy. (But) I think the record came out a week too early."
Elsewhere, the music-mogul insisted he's not afraid to shake up the show's format if it becomes "shambolic" again.
Asked if he's planning to make changes after the new Judges' Houses failed to impress, he added: "Of course, that's my job [but I also need to] focus on what we need to do, which is make the contestants better. I think some of them could look a bit better but I'm not going to say who. But that's part of the fun of making the show every week."
TV
'Doctor Who' fans are to get a chance to say goodbye to Jenna Coleman before she leaves the show at the Doctor Who Festival.
The 29-year-old actress will make her final journey in the TARDIS as Clara Oswald in this series of the BBC sci-fi show and now she has been announced as the latest special guest at the fan event - which will be held at London's ExCel between November 13 and November 15.
Jenna will be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday at the event and it will be the last chance for fans to get to see her in the official Doctor Who universe before her departure after four years in the role.
'Doctor Who' writer Mark Gatiss has also been confirmed to be attending each day of the event, and will be joining the team from Millennium FX each day in its theatre show to show guests how they create and build many of the monsters on 'Doctor Who' and talking about the aliens featured in Series 9.
Peter Capaldi - who plays the Doctor - and showrunner Steven Moffat will also be attending the 'Doctor Who Festival' and have promised to give away some backstage "secrets".
Other confirmed attendees include Michelle Gomez, who plays villainous Time Lady Missy, and Ingrid Oliver - who portrays fan favourite character Osgood.
Tickets are available from www.doctorwhofestival.com, and start at £30 for children and £65 for adults.
Fans can say goodbye to Jenna Coleman at the Doctor Who Festival
'Doctor Who' fans are to get a chance to say goodbye to Jenna Coleman before she leaves the show at the Doctor Who Festival.
The 29-year-old actress will make her final journey in the TARDIS as Clara Oswald in this series of the BBC sci-fi show and now she has been announced as the latest special guest at the fan event - which will be held at London's ExCel between November 13 and November 15.
Jenna will be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday at the event and it will be the last chance for fans to get to see her in the official Doctor Who universe before her departure after four years in the role.
'Doctor Who' writer Mark Gatiss has also been confirmed to be attending each day of the event, and will be joining the team from Millennium FX each day in its theatre show to show guests how they create and build many of the monsters on 'Doctor Who' and talking about the aliens featured in Series 9.
Peter Capaldi - who plays the Doctor - and showrunner Steven Moffat will also be attending the 'Doctor Who Festival' and have promised to give away some backstage "secrets".
Other confirmed attendees include Michelle Gomez, who plays villainous Time Lady Missy, and Ingrid Oliver - who portrays fan favourite character Osgood.
Tickets are available from www.doctorwhofestival.com, and start at £30 for children and £65 for adults.
TV
'Doctor Foster' is to return for a second series.
BBC One has announced Suranne Jones will be reprising the role of Dr. Gemma Foster as they've decided to commission the Drama Republic production for a second series following the huge success of the first instalment, which saw Gemma come to terms with her husband's infidelity.
Suranne said: "After discussions with Drama Republic and the wonderful [writer and creator] Mike Bartlett I am thrilled to announce we will all be reunited to tell Gemma's next chapter, and I can't wait for the audience who invested in these characters to find out what explosive twists and turns Mike has in store. Now we can look into what happens to a woman after divorce, when deceit and revenge have taken their toll. What a gift of a part and a dream to work with Mike again!"
The epic conclusion to the first series saw Gemma finally confess she knew all about her husband Simon's (Bertie Carvel) two-year affair with Kate, who was pregnant with his child, and keep her home and son after demanding a divorce.
Speaking about his excitement for the next series, Mike shared: "I've been astounded by the response to 'Doctor Foster'. So I'm thrilled that alongside Drama Republic and the phenomenal Suranne Jones, we're now going to tell the next chapter in Gemma's story. Her life in Parminster may look better on the surface, but as she will discover to her cost, every action has its consequences eventually. No one comes through hell unscathed."
Drama Republic's executive producer Roanna Benn added that the second instalment will also leave people questioning their moral values.
She said: "We are so happy to have the opportunity to bring this extraordinary team together again to continue Gemma's story. Mike is keen to keep interrogating what is the right and wrong way to behave in the most surprising and exhilarating way possible, and the BBC have given us their full support which is fantastic."
Doctor Foster returning for second series
'Doctor Foster' is to return for a second series.
BBC One has announced Suranne Jones will be reprising the role of Dr. Gemma Foster as they've decided to commission the Drama Republic production for a second series following the huge success of the first instalment, which saw Gemma come to terms with her husband's infidelity.
Suranne said: "After discussions with Drama Republic and the wonderful [writer and creator] Mike Bartlett I am thrilled to announce we will all be reunited to tell Gemma's next chapter, and I can't wait for the audience who invested in these characters to find out what explosive twists and turns Mike has in store. Now we can look into what happens to a woman after divorce, when deceit and revenge have taken their toll. What a gift of a part and a dream to work with Mike again!"
The epic conclusion to the first series saw Gemma finally confess she knew all about her husband Simon's (Bertie Carvel) two-year affair with Kate, who was pregnant with his child, and keep her home and son after demanding a divorce.
Speaking about his excitement for the next series, Mike shared: "I've been astounded by the response to 'Doctor Foster'. So I'm thrilled that alongside Drama Republic and the phenomenal Suranne Jones, we're now going to tell the next chapter in Gemma's story. Her life in Parminster may look better on the surface, but as she will discover to her cost, every action has its consequences eventually. No one comes through hell unscathed."
Drama Republic's executive producer Roanna Benn added that the second instalment will also leave people questioning their moral values.
She said: "We are so happy to have the opportunity to bring this extraordinary team together again to continue Gemma's story. Mike is keen to keep interrogating what is the right and wrong way to behave in the most surprising and exhilarating way possible, and the BBC have given us their full support which is fantastic."
TV
Lily James has confirmed she's returning to 'Downton Abbey' for the Christmas special.
The 26-year-old actress - who plays Lady Rose Aldridge in the period drama - has revealed her character is set to return for the last ever episode after being absent from the sixth and final series.
She said: "It was amazing going back after a break. You are just totally re-inspired by the wonder of it, that grand house against grey skies and all the friends you haven't seen in so long."
Lady Rose - who is the great-niece of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) - left the hit show during the 2014 Christmas special after leaving England for New York with her new husband Atticus Aldridge.
Lily - who has since gone on to star in 'Cinderella' - told Harper's Bazaar magazine: "I have such happy, positive memories and a sense of accomplishment about being on the show.
"I don't know if I'd be sitting here if it weren't for 'Downton'. It would have all been very different."
Lily's confession comes after Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) teased that Lady Rose might be expecting a baby when she returns.
Speaking in a previous episode of 'Downton', she said: "I think she could be pregnant."
The sixth and final series of 'Downton Abbey' concludes on Sunday November 8 at 9pm on ITV before returning for the Christmas special.
Lily James confirms Downton Abbey return
Lily James has confirmed she's returning to 'Downton Abbey' for the Christmas special.
The 26-year-old actress - who plays Lady Rose Aldridge in the period drama - has revealed her character is set to return for the last ever episode after being absent from the sixth and final series.
She said: "It was amazing going back after a break. You are just totally re-inspired by the wonder of it, that grand house against grey skies and all the friends you haven't seen in so long."
Lady Rose - who is the great-niece of Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham (Dame Maggie Smith) - left the hit show during the 2014 Christmas special after leaving England for New York with her new husband Atticus Aldridge.
Lily - who has since gone on to star in 'Cinderella' - told Harper's Bazaar magazine: "I have such happy, positive memories and a sense of accomplishment about being on the show.
"I don't know if I'd be sitting here if it weren't for 'Downton'. It would have all been very different."
Lily's confession comes after Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery) teased that Lady Rose might be expecting a baby when she returns.
Speaking in a previous episode of 'Downton', she said: "I think she could be pregnant."
The sixth and final series of 'Downton Abbey' concludes on Sunday November 8 at 9pm on ITV before returning for the Christmas special.