TV
TV
'Cucumber' will not return for a second series, writer Russell T. Davies has revealed.
The highly-anticipated gay TV drama begins on Channel 4 this week and stars Vincent Franklin as middle-aged homosexual man Henry who is confused about the direction his life is going in.
Russell insists the eight-episode programme has a conclusion which would make it impossible to bring Henry back, but the two spin-off shows, 'Banana' and 'Tofu', could keep going after their initial run.
When asked if 'Cucumber' will come back to screens, he said: "No - 'Cucumber' comes to an end. It has a beginning, middle and an end ... Part of us is dying to continue. I went into this saying it would be one year only for the whole thing - then you make it and you think, 'Oh, it'd be nice to make some more of those,' and you're tempted back.
"But we're talking about Banana because it's an anthology series and I've loved discovering new writers and new directors with it, so that could continue."
Openly gay Russell caused controversy with his 1999 TV series 'Queer As Folk' which followed the lives of three homosexual men living in Manchester.
When he created the show, the 51-year-old producer-and-screenwriter agonised over how he was portraying the LGBT community but he didn't feel the same pressure when writing 'Cucumber' - which also stars Julie Hesmondhalgh and Cyril Nri - because British society has moved on so much.
In an interview with website DigitalSpy, he said: "I don't worry about representation so much, I just want to write stories about gay people. I think 'Queer as Folk' was in many ways the first big gay series and so it did feel like new territory and it did feel like it was needed. There are a lot more gay characters on television now but there's still not that many ... It's hard, I think about representation if I'm sitting in a Channel 4 boardroom. When I'm actually sitting writing it, I don't think about it at all."
No second series for Cucumber
'Cucumber' will not return for a second series, writer Russell T. Davies has revealed.
The highly-anticipated gay TV drama begins on Channel 4 this week and stars Vincent Franklin as middle-aged homosexual man Henry who is confused about the direction his life is going in.
Russell insists the eight-episode programme has a conclusion which would make it impossible to bring Henry back, but the two spin-off shows, 'Banana' and 'Tofu', could keep going after their initial run.
When asked if 'Cucumber' will come back to screens, he said: "No - 'Cucumber' comes to an end. It has a beginning, middle and an end ... Part of us is dying to continue. I went into this saying it would be one year only for the whole thing - then you make it and you think, 'Oh, it'd be nice to make some more of those,' and you're tempted back.
"But we're talking about Banana because it's an anthology series and I've loved discovering new writers and new directors with it, so that could continue."
Openly gay Russell caused controversy with his 1999 TV series 'Queer As Folk' which followed the lives of three homosexual men living in Manchester.
When he created the show, the 51-year-old producer-and-screenwriter agonised over how he was portraying the LGBT community but he didn't feel the same pressure when writing 'Cucumber' - which also stars Julie Hesmondhalgh and Cyril Nri - because British society has moved on so much.
In an interview with website DigitalSpy, he said: "I don't worry about representation so much, I just want to write stories about gay people. I think 'Queer as Folk' was in many ways the first big gay series and so it did feel like new territory and it did feel like it was needed. There are a lot more gay characters on television now but there's still not that many ... It's hard, I think about representation if I'm sitting in a Channel 4 boardroom. When I'm actually sitting writing it, I don't think about it at all."
TV
'Luther' is being remade for America.
The BBC One crime drama starring Idris Elba has been a huge hit in the UK and now Fox have announced it will be re-worked for an American audience by the creator of the original British series Neil Cross.
A pilot episode has already been commissioned by the network and will feature a new actor in Idris' role of Chief Inspector John Luther.
However, Idris will be involved in the project, acting as an executive producer on set.
In a statement, Fox has described their interpretation of the cop show as being about a "near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions".
As well as 'Luther', Fox has also announced pilot episodes for new shows 'Rosewood', '48 Hours 'Til Monday' and 'Frankenstein'.
'Frankenstein' is based on the ideas in Mary Shelley's gothic horror story about a man brought to life by scientists, but it will be in a modern setting.
It will focus on retired and morally bankrupt police officer Ray Pritchard who is given a second chance at life after being brought back from the dead, younger and stronger and it has been described as a "grounded" sci-fi series.
'Frankenstein' is written by 'Crisis' creator Rand Ravich and Howard Gordon - whose previous work includes 'The X-Files' and 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer'.
Luther to be remade for US
'Luther' is being remade for America.
The BBC One crime drama starring Idris Elba has been a huge hit in the UK and now Fox have announced it will be re-worked for an American audience by the creator of the original British series Neil Cross.
A pilot episode has already been commissioned by the network and will feature a new actor in Idris' role of Chief Inspector John Luther.
However, Idris will be involved in the project, acting as an executive producer on set.
In a statement, Fox has described their interpretation of the cop show as being about a "near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions".
As well as 'Luther', Fox has also announced pilot episodes for new shows 'Rosewood', '48 Hours 'Til Monday' and 'Frankenstein'.
'Frankenstein' is based on the ideas in Mary Shelley's gothic horror story about a man brought to life by scientists, but it will be in a modern setting.
It will focus on retired and morally bankrupt police officer Ray Pritchard who is given a second chance at life after being brought back from the dead, younger and stronger and it has been described as a "grounded" sci-fi series.
'Frankenstein' is written by 'Crisis' creator Rand Ravich and Howard Gordon - whose previous work includes 'The X-Files' and 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer'.
TV
'Emmerdale' star Emma Atkins is pregnant.
The actress' character in the soap, Charity Macey, was sent to prison in Tuesday's episode (20.01.15), and it has now been revealed the star is taking a break from the show because she is eight months pregnant.
A source said: "She's been hiding her baby news from everyone outside of the show."
Although she has escaped punishment several times before, the show insider said producers of the ITV programme decided to write the two-year jail sentence for insurance fraud into scripts in order for the 39-year-old actress to take maternity leave.
The source continued: "No one has guessed she's pregnant so didn't see Charity's prison sentence coming. Everyone assumed she would get away with it like she has so many times in the past.
"But the fact that Emma is pregnant gave the writers a perfect opportunity to finally punish Charity. She's going to be rotting in jail for at least a year."
However, Emma - who is expecting the child with her businessman partner, Tom - was determined to stay in the soap for as long as possible before giving birth, and was three months pregnant when she filmed harrowing scenes in which her on-screen husband Declan (Jason Merrells) attacked her, leaving viewers wondering whether she was going to survive.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Emma was never going to slow down and the fact she's been at the forefront of the show shows what a true professional she is."
Emmerdale’s Emma Atkins pregnant
'Emmerdale' star Emma Atkins is pregnant.
The actress' character in the soap, Charity Macey, was sent to prison in Tuesday's episode (20.01.15), and it has now been revealed the star is taking a break from the show because she is eight months pregnant.
A source said: "She's been hiding her baby news from everyone outside of the show."
Although she has escaped punishment several times before, the show insider said producers of the ITV programme decided to write the two-year jail sentence for insurance fraud into scripts in order for the 39-year-old actress to take maternity leave.
The source continued: "No one has guessed she's pregnant so didn't see Charity's prison sentence coming. Everyone assumed she would get away with it like she has so many times in the past.
"But the fact that Emma is pregnant gave the writers a perfect opportunity to finally punish Charity. She's going to be rotting in jail for at least a year."
However, Emma - who is expecting the child with her businessman partner, Tom - was determined to stay in the soap for as long as possible before giving birth, and was three months pregnant when she filmed harrowing scenes in which her on-screen husband Declan (Jason Merrells) attacked her, leaving viewers wondering whether she was going to survive.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Emma was never going to slow down and the fact she's been at the forefront of the show shows what a true professional she is."
TV
William Roache and Beverley Callard were with Anne Kirkbride when she died.
The 'Coronation Street' stars joined the actress' husband David Beckett at her hospital bedside to say a final goodbye before she passed away aged 60 on Monday (19.01.15).
A source told The Sun newspaper: "They were there at the end to say goodbye. Anne wasn't awake to see them and died peacefully in her sleep."
William - who plays Anne's on-screen husband Ken Barlow - insisted saying goodbye to his friend was "beautiful" not "hard" but he is struggling with knowing he won't see her again.
He said: "Saying goodbye was something I wanted to do, because I knew what was happening - that wasn't hard, that was beautiful - it was the whole thought of her not being around anymore that is the hard thing."
And Beverley - who plays Liz McDonald - said her "darling friend" passed away in a "room filled with love".
She tweeted: "My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest!"
Anne is believed to have rejected chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, causing the disease to spread to her brain.
However, the late actress' family have yet to comment on her cause of death, with a statement simply sharing that her husband David has been left "heartbroken" by the loss.
William Roache and Beverley Callard were at Anne Kirkbride’s bedside
William Roache and Beverley Callard were with Anne Kirkbride when she died.
The 'Coronation Street' stars joined the actress' husband David Beckett at her hospital bedside to say a final goodbye before she passed away aged 60 on Monday (19.01.15).
A source told The Sun newspaper: "They were there at the end to say goodbye. Anne wasn't awake to see them and died peacefully in her sleep."
William - who plays Anne's on-screen husband Ken Barlow - insisted saying goodbye to his friend was "beautiful" not "hard" but he is struggling with knowing he won't see her again.
He said: "Saying goodbye was something I wanted to do, because I knew what was happening - that wasn't hard, that was beautiful - it was the whole thought of her not being around anymore that is the hard thing."
And Beverley - who plays Liz McDonald - said her "darling friend" passed away in a "room filled with love".
She tweeted: "My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest!"
Anne is believed to have rejected chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, causing the disease to spread to her brain.
However, the late actress' family have yet to comment on her cause of death, with a statement simply sharing that her husband David has been left "heartbroken" by the loss.
TV
Helen Worth will miss being hugged by Anne Kirkbride.
The actress, who plays Gail Platt in 'Coronation Street', has praised her late co-star, saying she was constantly professional but always had a hug for the other stars of the ITV soap, in which she played Deirdre Barlow for over 40 years..
Speaking about Anne - who passed away on Monday (21.01.15) after a short illness - Helen said: "She came in, she did the job, she was Deirdre, she knew what she was doing, from a child, from a young girl she came in and ... Forty odd years, she was extraordinary, every day more and more and I will remember the hugs personally, good times and bad times she used to hug everybody and I will miss those very much indeed."
After filming for the popular drama was halted yesterday (20.01.15) in tribute to the star, the 64-year-old actress admitted she is glad to be back with the cast today (21.01.15) to share memories of Anne.
She told ITV's 'Good Morning Britain': "I personally am grateful to be back today amongst the cast where we can just talk about Annie and remember the wonderful, loveable person that she was. She truly was the most loveable of people and she had a hug for everybody!"
Other stars to have recalled their fond memories of the actress include Johnny Briggs who formerly played Deirdre's love interest Mike Baldwin on the soap.
He told the Bristol Post newspaper: "My daughter phoned me to tell me the news and I didn't want to believe it. She was so young.
"I remember her well because I did a lot of my best scenes with her. She was a gorgeous lady."
Actresses who have played Anne's on-screen daughter, Tracy Barlow - of which there have been four - also celebrated the star.
Dawn Acton - who was hired to play the character aged 11 said she feels "shocked" by the news and spoke of the "huge influence" she had on her life.
She said: "I am shocked and gutted that she's gone. She was such a huge influence on my life.
"Annie looked after me on camera and off. She always got on with the kids -- nothing was too much trouble for her."
Kate Ford, who currently portrays her daughter on the show, added she was a close friend as well as a colleague.
She told The Sun newspaper: "She had the biggest, warmest heart and a startling and refreshing openness.
"There was never any pretence with her -- she was just Annie.
"She was always there for me as a shoulder to cry on in my life whenever things were tough.
"She was amazing on set. Fun when cameras weren't rolling and word perfect when they were. I loved her so much."
Coronation Street stars honour ‘extraordinary’ Anne Kirkbride
Helen Worth will miss being hugged by Anne Kirkbride.
The actress, who plays Gail Platt in 'Coronation Street', has praised her late co-star, saying she was constantly professional but always had a hug for the other stars of the ITV soap, in which she played Deirdre Barlow for over 40 years..
Speaking about Anne - who passed away on Monday (21.01.15) after a short illness - Helen said: "She came in, she did the job, she was Deirdre, she knew what she was doing, from a child, from a young girl she came in and ... Forty odd years, she was extraordinary, every day more and more and I will remember the hugs personally, good times and bad times she used to hug everybody and I will miss those very much indeed."
After filming for the popular drama was halted yesterday (20.01.15) in tribute to the star, the 64-year-old actress admitted she is glad to be back with the cast today (21.01.15) to share memories of Anne.
She told ITV's 'Good Morning Britain': "I personally am grateful to be back today amongst the cast where we can just talk about Annie and remember the wonderful, loveable person that she was. She truly was the most loveable of people and she had a hug for everybody!"
Other stars to have recalled their fond memories of the actress include Johnny Briggs who formerly played Deirdre's love interest Mike Baldwin on the soap.
He told the Bristol Post newspaper: "My daughter phoned me to tell me the news and I didn't want to believe it. She was so young.
"I remember her well because I did a lot of my best scenes with her. She was a gorgeous lady."
Actresses who have played Anne's on-screen daughter, Tracy Barlow - of which there have been four - also celebrated the star.
Dawn Acton - who was hired to play the character aged 11 said she feels "shocked" by the news and spoke of the "huge influence" she had on her life.
She said: "I am shocked and gutted that she's gone. She was such a huge influence on my life.
"Annie looked after me on camera and off. She always got on with the kids -- nothing was too much trouble for her."
Kate Ford, who currently portrays her daughter on the show, added she was a close friend as well as a colleague.
She told The Sun newspaper: "She had the biggest, warmest heart and a startling and refreshing openness.
"There was never any pretence with her -- she was just Annie.
"She was always there for me as a shoulder to cry on in my life whenever things were tough.
"She was amazing on set. Fun when cameras weren't rolling and word perfect when they were. I loved her so much."
TV
Sarah-Jane Crawford has reportedly had an emergency operation.
The 'Xtra Factor' host will miss the National Television Awards this evening (21.01.15) after going under the knife to have a potentially dangerous lump removed from her womb.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Sarah's feeling really low after the op, it was a real shock.
"She didn't know quite how serious it was and has been putting it off for weeks due to her workload. But after doctors check it out she needed emergency surgery.
"If she didn't treat it the lump could become very dangerous and potentially affect her fertility.
"Since the op she's spent most of her time watching snooker and Netflix."
The 33-year-old presenter's health scare comes less than a year after she discovered a lump in her breast.
However, after having the lump removed surgeons found that it was benign while the lump in her womb is said to have been a large fibroid causing considerable pain.
Speaking of her cancer scare last year, Sarah said previously: "I was petrified. They told me I should have it removed.
"I am now in a high-risk category [for breast cancer] so I have to get checked out once a year."
Sarah-Jane Crawford had emergency operation
Sarah-Jane Crawford has reportedly had an emergency operation.
The 'Xtra Factor' host will miss the National Television Awards this evening (21.01.15) after going under the knife to have a potentially dangerous lump removed from her womb.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Sarah's feeling really low after the op, it was a real shock.
"She didn't know quite how serious it was and has been putting it off for weeks due to her workload. But after doctors check it out she needed emergency surgery.
"If she didn't treat it the lump could become very dangerous and potentially affect her fertility.
"Since the op she's spent most of her time watching snooker and Netflix."
The 33-year-old presenter's health scare comes less than a year after she discovered a lump in her breast.
However, after having the lump removed surgeons found that it was benign while the lump in her womb is said to have been a large fibroid causing considerable pain.
Speaking of her cancer scare last year, Sarah said previously: "I was petrified. They told me I should have it removed.
"I am now in a high-risk category [for breast cancer] so I have to get checked out once a year."
TV
A clue as to who killed Lucy Beale on 'EastEnders' is to be revealed at the National Television Awards tonight (21.01.15).
Lucy, who was played by actress Hetti Bywater, was murdered in one of the BBC One soap's biggest whodunit plot lines last year and it's now been revealed that a "major clue" will be given out live on air before the killer is finally unveiled next month.
'EastEnders' producers are keeping the clue under lock and key until half way through the show when BBC security will bring the secret on stage and reveal one of the biggest hints in the murder mystery yet.
Characters including Max Branning (Jake Wood) - who was having an affair with Lucy when she was killed - his daughters Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald) and even Lucy's step-mum Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) are all in the frame to be unveiled as her killer during EastEnders' 30th anniversary week of live episodes in February.
However, those hoping to piece together the clues and figure it out for themselves before the big reveal will have to tune into the NTAs, which are broadcast live from The O2 in London at 7.30pm on ITV and hosted by 'The X Factor' presenter Dermot O'Leary.
Lucy Beale murderer clue to be revealed at National Television Awards
A clue as to who killed Lucy Beale on 'EastEnders' is to be revealed at the National Television Awards tonight (21.01.15).
Lucy, who was played by actress Hetti Bywater, was murdered in one of the BBC One soap's biggest whodunit plot lines last year and it's now been revealed that a "major clue" will be given out live on air before the killer is finally unveiled next month.
'EastEnders' producers are keeping the clue under lock and key until half way through the show when BBC security will bring the secret on stage and reveal one of the biggest hints in the murder mystery yet.
Characters including Max Branning (Jake Wood) - who was having an affair with Lucy when she was killed - his daughters Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald) and even Lucy's step-mum Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) are all in the frame to be unveiled as her killer during EastEnders' 30th anniversary week of live episodes in February.
However, those hoping to piece together the clues and figure it out for themselves before the big reveal will have to tune into the NTAs, which are broadcast live from The O2 in London at 7.30pm on ITV and hosted by 'The X Factor' presenter Dermot O'Leary.
TV
Lucy Mecklenburgh misses not being part of the 'The Only Way Is Essex'.
The brunette beauty quit the reality TV show in December 2013 after growing weary of her love life constantly being played out on screen.
Lucy - who walked away after more drama with her ex-fiancé Mario Falcone - still watches 'TOWIE' and although part of her is sad she's not part of the programme any more she's adamant she won't be returning.
She said: "I left over a year ago now and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved 'TOWIE' and I do miss it but I'm really into doing my fitness business now ... I do miss it, it was great fun and I love watching it.
"It's Lydia Bright's birthday next week we're all going out, I keep in touch with them all."
Lucy - who recently released her fitness book 'Be Body Beautiful: My Guide To A Happy, Healthy New You' - is now dating Olympic gymnast Louis Smith but she insists their relationship began after she appeared on TV show 'Tumble' on which he was a judge.
Speaking about her new beau on 'Lorraine', she said: "He's a really lovely guy, we met there (on 'Tumble') but nothing happened on the show but do you know what, I regret that, I maybe might have got higher scores!"
When host Lorraine Kelly joked the couple would make beautiful babies, Lucy laughed: "Woah not just yet!"
After appearing on 'TOWIE' and 'Tumble', Lucy is thinking about her next TV project and is up for hitting the dancefloor on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
She said: "A lot of them scare me but I just wanted to get through 'Tumble' alive ... I wouldn't rule them out but there are a few that look quite scary. I love watching 'Strictly...' so that would be nice."
On going in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, she added: "I think I'd be a little bit bored, I quite like doing things."
Lucy Mecklenburgh misses TOWIE
Lucy Mecklenburgh misses not being part of the 'The Only Way Is Essex'.
The brunette beauty quit the reality TV show in December 2013 after growing weary of her love life constantly being played out on screen.
Lucy - who walked away after more drama with her ex-fiancé Mario Falcone - still watches 'TOWIE' and although part of her is sad she's not part of the programme any more she's adamant she won't be returning.
She said: "I left over a year ago now and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved 'TOWIE' and I do miss it but I'm really into doing my fitness business now ... I do miss it, it was great fun and I love watching it.
"It's Lydia Bright's birthday next week we're all going out, I keep in touch with them all."
Lucy - who recently released her fitness book 'Be Body Beautiful: My Guide To A Happy, Healthy New You' - is now dating Olympic gymnast Louis Smith but she insists their relationship began after she appeared on TV show 'Tumble' on which he was a judge.
Speaking about her new beau on 'Lorraine', she said: "He's a really lovely guy, we met there (on 'Tumble') but nothing happened on the show but do you know what, I regret that, I maybe might have got higher scores!"
When host Lorraine Kelly joked the couple would make beautiful babies, Lucy laughed: "Woah not just yet!"
After appearing on 'TOWIE' and 'Tumble', Lucy is thinking about her next TV project and is up for hitting the dancefloor on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
She said: "A lot of them scare me but I just wanted to get through 'Tumble' alive ... I wouldn't rule them out but there are a few that look quite scary. I love watching 'Strictly...' so that would be nice."
On going in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, she added: "I think I'd be a little bit bored, I quite like doing things."
TV
Anne Kirkbride will be honoured at the National Television Awards tonight (21.01.15).
The 'Coronation Street' actress, loved for playing Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap, sadly passed away following a short illness on Monday (19.01.15) and will be honoured at the annual ceremony at The O2 arena in London this evening.
Anne's on-screen husband William Roache (Ken Barlow) is expected to lead a tribute to the beloved star and reminisce on his memories of her, while other long-term co-stars including Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) will also be in attendance.
The audience will be encouraged to show their appreciation for Anne's contribution to the soap by applauding at the event, which will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm, The Sun newspaper reports.
Anne - who was just 60 years old - is believed to have rejected chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, causing the disease to spread to her brain.
However, the late actress' family have yet to comment on her cause of death, with a statement simply sharing that her husband David Beckett has been left "heartbroken" by the loss.
Anne Kirkbride to be honoured at National Television Awards
Anne Kirkbride will be honoured at the National Television Awards tonight (21.01.15).
The 'Coronation Street' actress, loved for playing Deirdre Barlow in the ITV soap, sadly passed away following a short illness on Monday (19.01.15) and will be honoured at the annual ceremony at The O2 arena in London this evening.
Anne's on-screen husband William Roache (Ken Barlow) is expected to lead a tribute to the beloved star and reminisce on his memories of her, while other long-term co-stars including Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner) will also be in attendance.
The audience will be encouraged to show their appreciation for Anne's contribution to the soap by applauding at the event, which will be broadcast on ITV at 7.30pm, The Sun newspaper reports.
Anne - who was just 60 years old - is believed to have rejected chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, causing the disease to spread to her brain.
However, the late actress' family have yet to comment on her cause of death, with a statement simply sharing that her husband David Beckett has been left "heartbroken" by the loss.