TV
TV
Steven Moffat thinks Twitter is the "worst possible form of audience research".
The 53-year-old writer and producer of the BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' has claimed the social media platform is not necessarily reflective of audience views.
Steven - who left Twitter in 2012 - said: "I think Twitter is a useful tool for promoting a show, but I think it is the worst possible form of audience research, it really is.
"That is not a typical audience member talking. It might be interesting, it might be witty, it might be clever, it might be insightful, but it's now what they're all saying."
Steven said it's important not to mistake "Twitter's reaction for the audience's reaction".
He said: "They are not the same thing. They're not even supposed to be the same thing.
"People on Twitter are having fun, they're making gags ... it's like overhearing a pub conversation, when you're at a pub do you tell the truth, or do you try and get attention?"
This comes shortly after Steven admitted criticism of 'Doctor Who' gets him down.
He said recently: "I suppose, being honest - because we're all human and fragile - some of the blows do land. I remember, not long ago, feeling a bit grim, about some vicious remarks. Stupidly and childishly, I'd let them get to me."
Steven Moffat blasts Twitter critics
Steven Moffat thinks Twitter is the "worst possible form of audience research".
The 53-year-old writer and producer of the BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' has claimed the social media platform is not necessarily reflective of audience views.
Steven - who left Twitter in 2012 - said: "I think Twitter is a useful tool for promoting a show, but I think it is the worst possible form of audience research, it really is.
"That is not a typical audience member talking. It might be interesting, it might be witty, it might be clever, it might be insightful, but it's now what they're all saying."
Steven said it's important not to mistake "Twitter's reaction for the audience's reaction".
He said: "They are not the same thing. They're not even supposed to be the same thing.
"People on Twitter are having fun, they're making gags ... it's like overhearing a pub conversation, when you're at a pub do you tell the truth, or do you try and get attention?"
This comes shortly after Steven admitted criticism of 'Doctor Who' gets him down.
He said recently: "I suppose, being honest - because we're all human and fragile - some of the blows do land. I remember, not long ago, feeling a bit grim, about some vicious remarks. Stupidly and childishly, I'd let them get to me."
TV
'Doctor Who' will return to TV screens with a "new hunger for adventure".
The ninth series of the iconic sci-fi programme will see Peter Capaldi reprise the role of the Time Lord and he's given fans of the show an idea as to what they can expect from the much-anticipated new season.
He shared: "Soaring through all of time and space, series nine sees the Doctor throw himself into life with a new hunger for adventure.
"The Cosmos is there for the taking, thrilling, epic and enticing, and his to play in.
"But he's almost reckless in his abandon. It's almost like he's running from something, something that if it ever catches him will turn his life upside down."
Meanwhile, Peter recently revealed he is desperate for Jenna Coleman to stay in 'Doctor Who'.
The actress plays his on-screen companion Clara Oswald and is often linked with a move away from the show - but Peter, 57, is eager for her to stick around.
He said: "Jenna continues to deliver a complex and funny performance that marks her out as one of the best companions ever.
"Will these be her last shows? I hope not."
Doctor Who will return with ‘new hunger for adventure’
'Doctor Who' will return to TV screens with a "new hunger for adventure".
The ninth series of the iconic sci-fi programme will see Peter Capaldi reprise the role of the Time Lord and he's given fans of the show an idea as to what they can expect from the much-anticipated new season.
He shared: "Soaring through all of time and space, series nine sees the Doctor throw himself into life with a new hunger for adventure.
"The Cosmos is there for the taking, thrilling, epic and enticing, and his to play in.
"But he's almost reckless in his abandon. It's almost like he's running from something, something that if it ever catches him will turn his life upside down."
Meanwhile, Peter recently revealed he is desperate for Jenna Coleman to stay in 'Doctor Who'.
The actress plays his on-screen companion Clara Oswald and is often linked with a move away from the show - but Peter, 57, is eager for her to stick around.
He said: "Jenna continues to deliver a complex and funny performance that marks her out as one of the best companions ever.
"Will these be her last shows? I hope not."
TV
Kate Mulgrew wants to appear in 'Call the Midwife'.
The 'Orange is the New Black' star - who plays Russian prisoner Red - has admitted she is a huge fan of the period drama and is keen to secure a role as a clumsy nun.
She revealed: "You know what I'd love to do? I'd love to do 'Call the Midwife'. I LOVE 'Call the Midwife'. I want you to put it out there, I want to play the Irish nun who comes in and wreaks havoc. (sic)"
However, the 60-year-old actress won't be quitting her role in 'OITNB' anytime soon to jump ship to another show, despite the fact she is forbidden from talking about plots in the show's fourth season, which she is currently shooting.
She said: "The unexpected awaits as it always does at the pen of Jenji Kohan [show writer], who is brilliant. So, just when you think you're on top, something slips. There'll be a trap door effect. But I'm not going to give you spoilers because we were warned that we'd be beheaded if we do that."
And while she has become more well-known recently thanks to the Netflix series, many people know her from her seven years as Captain Janeway in 'Star Trek: Voyager', although this isn't a character she's keen to bring back.
She confessed in the Summer 2015 issue of Gay Times magazine: "I think for the moment I would leave it alone, it may percolate again, in my imagination and in my mind, because I'll tell you without hesitation that those seven years were very defining - but there was a considerable amount of darkness in those seven years. Offset, of course, by the light. Offset very much by the good, the privilege of playing that part, but it was a challenging period in my life."
Kate Mulgrew wants Call the Midwife role
Kate Mulgrew wants to appear in 'Call the Midwife'.
The 'Orange is the New Black' star - who plays Russian prisoner Red - has admitted she is a huge fan of the period drama and is keen to secure a role as a clumsy nun.
She revealed: "You know what I'd love to do? I'd love to do 'Call the Midwife'. I LOVE 'Call the Midwife'. I want you to put it out there, I want to play the Irish nun who comes in and wreaks havoc. (sic)"
However, the 60-year-old actress won't be quitting her role in 'OITNB' anytime soon to jump ship to another show, despite the fact she is forbidden from talking about plots in the show's fourth season, which she is currently shooting.
She said: "The unexpected awaits as it always does at the pen of Jenji Kohan [show writer], who is brilliant. So, just when you think you're on top, something slips. There'll be a trap door effect. But I'm not going to give you spoilers because we were warned that we'd be beheaded if we do that."
And while she has become more well-known recently thanks to the Netflix series, many people know her from her seven years as Captain Janeway in 'Star Trek: Voyager', although this isn't a character she's keen to bring back.
She confessed in the Summer 2015 issue of Gay Times magazine: "I think for the moment I would leave it alone, it may percolate again, in my imagination and in my mind, because I'll tell you without hesitation that those seven years were very defining - but there was a considerable amount of darkness in those seven years. Offset, of course, by the light. Offset very much by the good, the privilege of playing that part, but it was a challenging period in my life."
TV
Eva Price is set to fall for Shayne Ward's character in 'Coronation Street'.
The character - played by Catherine Tyldesley - will return to the cobbles later this year and will fall head-over-heels for Aidan Connor, who will be played by the singer.
The actress, who is engaged to Tom Pitford, originally left the show earlier this year while pregnant with her son Alfie and pals think she'll be a particular fan of the upcoming storyline, having been a huge fan of Shayne when he won 'The X Factor' in 2005.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Like thousands of young girls she fell for Shayne and because he is a Manchester lad and she is a Manchester girl she loved him to bits.
"It will be an amazing dream come true for her to be pitched alongside him as a pair of lovers in 'Corrie'."
And although they will be focusing on their steamy storyline, friends have teased the 31-year-old mezzo-soprano singer may even ask Shayne to collaborate with her.
Another friend said: "She adored him and his singing and dreamt of doing a duet with him."
Meanwhile, Shayne, 30, recently revealed he was surprised by how big his role as a distant cousin of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) is.
He said: "I am looking forward to August when my first scene is aired. I'm going to focus on this role and bring Aidan to life.
"I am going to work hard, especially with the role I have been given and the storylines, which are much bigger than I expected."
Eva Price to fall for Shayne Ward’s Coronation Street character
Eva Price is set to fall for Shayne Ward's character in 'Coronation Street'.
The character - played by Catherine Tyldesley - will return to the cobbles later this year and will fall head-over-heels for Aidan Connor, who will be played by the singer.
The actress, who is engaged to Tom Pitford, originally left the show earlier this year while pregnant with her son Alfie and pals think she'll be a particular fan of the upcoming storyline, having been a huge fan of Shayne when he won 'The X Factor' in 2005.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Like thousands of young girls she fell for Shayne and because he is a Manchester lad and she is a Manchester girl she loved him to bits.
"It will be an amazing dream come true for her to be pitched alongside him as a pair of lovers in 'Corrie'."
And although they will be focusing on their steamy storyline, friends have teased the 31-year-old mezzo-soprano singer may even ask Shayne to collaborate with her.
Another friend said: "She adored him and his singing and dreamt of doing a duet with him."
Meanwhile, Shayne, 30, recently revealed he was surprised by how big his role as a distant cousin of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) is.
He said: "I am looking forward to August when my first scene is aired. I'm going to focus on this role and bring Aidan to life.
"I am going to work hard, especially with the role I have been given and the storylines, which are much bigger than I expected."
TV
Billie Faiers, Ollie Locke, Andy Jordan and Jasmin Walia have starred in a music video to celebrate National Pina Colada Day.
The 'The Only Way Is Essex' stars and 'Made In Chelsea' favourites have teamed up with Malibu Rum to mark the occasion on July 7 and star in the short clip entitled #DoYouLikePinaColadas, set to the 70s Rupert Holmes hit 'Escape' alongside 'MIC' cast mates Stephanie Pratt, Caggie Dunlop, Ashley James, Emily Weller, Sophie Hermann and former 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Casey Batchelor.
The video for the track - which centres on a love-seeking couple - has been reimagined for the social media age, with an innovative, crowd-sourced clip compiled of selfies, GIFs and snaps from fans along with the famous faces.
Ollie Locke tweeted, that he was "Living the dream" by taking part in Malibu's Best Summer Ever campaign and can be seen holding an "...if you like Pina Coladas..." speech bubble in the music vid.
Blonde beauty Billie can also be seen mixing herself one of the sweet summery cocktails which are being offered free over July 10 and 11 in over 800 bars across the country.
All Malibu fans have to do is visit www.pinacoladaday.co.uk to find their nearest one and redeem their tropical drink.
Jo Alexander, Marketing Manager for Malibu, said: "We want to bring National Pina Colada Day to everyone. We're all about sharing the summer spirit and getting people involved. Taking a much loved classic like 'Escape' and adding a Malibu twist means a whole new generation won't be able to get the song out of their heads!"
To view the video head to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wjFgNzw1MI
TOWIE’s Billie Faiers celebrates National Pina Colada Day
Billie Faiers, Ollie Locke, Andy Jordan and Jasmin Walia have starred in a music video to celebrate National Pina Colada Day.
The 'The Only Way Is Essex' stars and 'Made In Chelsea' favourites have teamed up with Malibu Rum to mark the occasion on July 7 and star in the short clip entitled #DoYouLikePinaColadas, set to the 70s Rupert Holmes hit 'Escape' alongside 'MIC' cast mates Stephanie Pratt, Caggie Dunlop, Ashley James, Emily Weller, Sophie Hermann and former 'Celebrity Big Brother' star Casey Batchelor.
The video for the track - which centres on a love-seeking couple - has been reimagined for the social media age, with an innovative, crowd-sourced clip compiled of selfies, GIFs and snaps from fans along with the famous faces.
Ollie Locke tweeted, that he was "Living the dream" by taking part in Malibu's Best Summer Ever campaign and can be seen holding an "...if you like Pina Coladas..." speech bubble in the music vid.
Blonde beauty Billie can also be seen mixing herself one of the sweet summery cocktails which are being offered free over July 10 and 11 in over 800 bars across the country.
All Malibu fans have to do is visit www.pinacoladaday.co.uk to find their nearest one and redeem their tropical drink.
Jo Alexander, Marketing Manager for Malibu, said: "We want to bring National Pina Colada Day to everyone. We're all about sharing the summer spirit and getting people involved. Taking a much loved classic like 'Escape' and adding a Malibu twist means a whole new generation won't be able to get the song out of their heads!"
To view the video head to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wjFgNzw1MI
TV
More 'X Factor' auditions have been cancelled following the death of Simon Cowell's mother.
According to an email sent to ticket holders planning to attend the event on Tuesday July 14, the auditions will no longer go ahead due to "bereavement" after show boss Simon, 55, lost his mum, Julie, last week.
Company Applause Store, which offers free tickets to UK TV shows has messaged fans informing them of the cancellation but ensured them that other scheduled audition dates will still go ahead.
It read: "We are so sorry but it has just been confirmed to us that both recordings of The X Factor Auditions in London on TUESDAY 14th JULY have been cancelled due to a bereavement.
"The rest of the Auditions are still going ahead.
"Please make a request now for a different available date/time and get PRIORITY TICKETS!
"We really apologise for obvious inconvenience this must be causing you, but the situation is entirely out of our control. We thank you for your understanding."
The ITV series eventually kicked off with auditions in Manchester yesterday (08.07.15) after they were postponed on Monday (06.07.15).
A spokesperson previously said: "They were due to start tomorrow and carry on into Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow's have been cancelled and we have not made any decisions beyond that."
Meanwhile, a show insider has revealed the news has upset everyone connected to the singing competition.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Everyone at 'X Factor' is devastated for Simon and there was no suggestion that filming would go ahead."
Following Julie's death, the Cowell family issued a statement saying they were "heartbroken" by the news.
It reads: "Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was.
"We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace."
London X Factor auditions cancelled
More 'X Factor' auditions have been cancelled following the death of Simon Cowell's mother.
According to an email sent to ticket holders planning to attend the event on Tuesday July 14, the auditions will no longer go ahead due to "bereavement" after show boss Simon, 55, lost his mum, Julie, last week.
Company Applause Store, which offers free tickets to UK TV shows has messaged fans informing them of the cancellation but ensured them that other scheduled audition dates will still go ahead.
It read: "We are so sorry but it has just been confirmed to us that both recordings of The X Factor Auditions in London on TUESDAY 14th JULY have been cancelled due to a bereavement.
"The rest of the Auditions are still going ahead.
"Please make a request now for a different available date/time and get PRIORITY TICKETS!
"We really apologise for obvious inconvenience this must be causing you, but the situation is entirely out of our control. We thank you for your understanding."
The ITV series eventually kicked off with auditions in Manchester yesterday (08.07.15) after they were postponed on Monday (06.07.15).
A spokesperson previously said: "They were due to start tomorrow and carry on into Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow's have been cancelled and we have not made any decisions beyond that."
Meanwhile, a show insider has revealed the news has upset everyone connected to the singing competition.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Everyone at 'X Factor' is devastated for Simon and there was no suggestion that filming would go ahead."
Following Julie's death, the Cowell family issued a statement saying they were "heartbroken" by the news.
It reads: "Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was.
"We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace."
TV
Ferne McCann has sparked speculation she's entering 'Love Island'.
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star - who broke up with her long-term boyfriend Charlie Sims earlier this year - has taken to Twitter to reveal she's flying out to Majorca, Spain, for the ITV2 show.
Ferne shared: "Flying to the Island of Love bring on @LoveIsland bumped into this lil spice @jess_impiazzi (sic)".
The news comes after the 24-year-old beauty revealed she would love to go on 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here' and wouldn't walk early like her 'TOWIE' co-star and friend Gemma Collins did in the last series.
Speaking to the Radio Times online, she said: "I would love to do the jungle. That would be right up my street. I see myself as a bit of a 'Jungle Jane'.
"It's not a competition, but I'd definitely see it as a challenge going into the jungle and such an amazing experience that you'd never get to experience again. I wouldn't leave. She was not in the right place - and I'm not getting into it - but no, I wouldn't walk that's for sure."
Meanwhile, former 'Celebrity Love Island' contestant Paul Danan is also returning to the island tonight (09.07.15).
When he starred in the show in 2006, the former 'Hollyoaks' actor was set up with model Sophie Anderton, fought with fellow 'Hollyoaks' actor Lee Ottoway and was escorted off set by security for getting too drunk.
Ferne McCann heading into Love Island
Ferne McCann has sparked speculation she's entering 'Love Island'.
The 'Only Way Is Essex' star - who broke up with her long-term boyfriend Charlie Sims earlier this year - has taken to Twitter to reveal she's flying out to Majorca, Spain, for the ITV2 show.
Ferne shared: "Flying to the Island of Love bring on @LoveIsland bumped into this lil spice @jess_impiazzi (sic)".
The news comes after the 24-year-old beauty revealed she would love to go on 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here' and wouldn't walk early like her 'TOWIE' co-star and friend Gemma Collins did in the last series.
Speaking to the Radio Times online, she said: "I would love to do the jungle. That would be right up my street. I see myself as a bit of a 'Jungle Jane'.
"It's not a competition, but I'd definitely see it as a challenge going into the jungle and such an amazing experience that you'd never get to experience again. I wouldn't leave. She was not in the right place - and I'm not getting into it - but no, I wouldn't walk that's for sure."
Meanwhile, former 'Celebrity Love Island' contestant Paul Danan is also returning to the island tonight (09.07.15).
When he starred in the show in 2006, the former 'Hollyoaks' actor was set up with model Sophie Anderton, fought with fellow 'Hollyoaks' actor Lee Ottoway and was escorted off set by security for getting too drunk.
TV
Sarah Harding finds it "difficult" playing her 'Coronation Street' character.
The former Girls Aloud member - who recently began filming as new character Joni Preston - admitted she couldn't help but crack up in fits of giggles when she recorded an explosive argument with her co-star Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow - the ex-wife of her character's husband Robert Peston.
Speaking about their on-screen row, she told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It gets a little bit physical. It's funny because as soon as the scene cut we just cracked up laughing. It was difficult being angry because you'd just want to laugh."
The 33-year-old star - who will hit screens in the coming months - previously revealed she "wangled" her way into the ITV soap after meeting the show's boss Stuart Blackburn.
And after impressing producers with her four-episode cameo, the singer - who revealed her debut solo single 'Threads' earlier this week - has since been invited back to shoot for a longer period once she has released some more music.
She previously said: "I went there (to the set) late last year for 'Good Morning Britain', and they could see straight away that I was a fan. They gave me a grand tour and I got chatting to the casting and publicity people. They asked, 'Can you act?' and I said 'I have been known to!'
"When they told me they occasionally have bit-parts, I said, 'Well, if anything comes up that you feel might be suitable ... ' I wangled myself a bit-part and my mum is so jealous. It turns out they've given me more episodes to film after my music."
Sarah Harding can’t stop laughing during filming Corrie scenes
Sarah Harding finds it "difficult" playing her 'Coronation Street' character.
The former Girls Aloud member - who recently began filming as new character Joni Preston - admitted she couldn't help but crack up in fits of giggles when she recorded an explosive argument with her co-star Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow - the ex-wife of her character's husband Robert Peston.
Speaking about their on-screen row, she told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It gets a little bit physical. It's funny because as soon as the scene cut we just cracked up laughing. It was difficult being angry because you'd just want to laugh."
The 33-year-old star - who will hit screens in the coming months - previously revealed she "wangled" her way into the ITV soap after meeting the show's boss Stuart Blackburn.
And after impressing producers with her four-episode cameo, the singer - who revealed her debut solo single 'Threads' earlier this week - has since been invited back to shoot for a longer period once she has released some more music.
She previously said: "I went there (to the set) late last year for 'Good Morning Britain', and they could see straight away that I was a fan. They gave me a grand tour and I got chatting to the casting and publicity people. They asked, 'Can you act?' and I said 'I have been known to!'
"When they told me they occasionally have bit-parts, I said, 'Well, if anything comes up that you feel might be suitable ... ' I wangled myself a bit-part and my mum is so jealous. It turns out they've given me more episodes to film after my music."
TV
Simon Cowell has dedicated the upcoming series of 'The X Factor' to his late mother.
The grieving music boss - who lost his 89-year-old mother Julie just three days ago - kicked off auditions for the singing competition in Manchester on Wednesday (08.07.15), where he received a standing ovation from the crowd and told them he would be judging the contestants "in memory" of his mum.
He said: "You all know I had something happen in my personal life this week. Well this was my mum's favourite show so I am doing it in memory of her."
Auditions were originally scheduled to begin on Monday (06.07.15) but were postponed for two days as a result of the 55-year-old music mogul's loss, and he took to Twitter before filming began to thank fans for their support.
He wrote: "My family lost someone very special on Sunday. My Mum.
'I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the kind messages received. Thank you. X (sic)."
Meanwhile, the opening day of auditions showed new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora assume their roles for the first time, with Nick saying he was "super excited" the show was kicking off near to his childhood home in Manchester.
Fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini added: "We're so pleased Simon's here. We've got two fabulous new judges, it's so exciting."
Simon Cowell dedicates X Factor to late mum
Simon Cowell has dedicated the upcoming series of 'The X Factor' to his late mother.
The grieving music boss - who lost his 89-year-old mother Julie just three days ago - kicked off auditions for the singing competition in Manchester on Wednesday (08.07.15), where he received a standing ovation from the crowd and told them he would be judging the contestants "in memory" of his mum.
He said: "You all know I had something happen in my personal life this week. Well this was my mum's favourite show so I am doing it in memory of her."
Auditions were originally scheduled to begin on Monday (06.07.15) but were postponed for two days as a result of the 55-year-old music mogul's loss, and he took to Twitter before filming began to thank fans for their support.
He wrote: "My family lost someone very special on Sunday. My Mum.
'I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the kind messages received. Thank you. X (sic)."
Meanwhile, the opening day of auditions showed new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora assume their roles for the first time, with Nick saying he was "super excited" the show was kicking off near to his childhood home in Manchester.
Fellow judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini added: "We're so pleased Simon's here. We've got two fabulous new judges, it's so exciting."