Continuity Booth - Television News and Nostalgia » Reality T.V

Richard Wilson brings out his inner Victor Meldrew

Alan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:22:35 +0000

Victor Meldrew was the main character in One Foot In The Grave and in today’s automated world you could imagine him having a really hard time. You could picture a scene from the show were he would be struggling with an automated checkout, being outraged that you could do everything without the need for interaction with another human being.

It was not so surprising then to hear this sort of rant from the man who brought the character to life. Richard Wilson is that actor, and he was recently on television venting his rage at a world that has become so automated that it seems to cause us just additional stress.

In the interview he was stating how we wasted enormous amounts of energy and time as well as money on automated services that do nothing to benefit us and actually make our lives more difficult.

He says that all of the technology is just so corporations can save a large amount of money and not actually improve the customer situation. He even went on to describe voice automation systems that you get over the telephone as being racist, and this brought a nice amount of humour to his ranting.

He went on that he was stuck with tickets for Johnny English when he wanted to book tickets for another film simply because the machine couldn’t understand his Scottish accent. He also stated his frustration at how companies are making themselves do less work, as consumer are having to do more for them, just so they can save money.

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Kelly Rowland speaks out about the vulnerability of X Factor contestants

Alan — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:26:49 +0000

Kelly Rowland, a judge on the X Factor has recently commented that the vulnerability that Misha B showed on-screen last week is what saved us from elimination. It was for this reason that Amelia Lily and Craig Colton found themselves singing to remain in the competition.

Misha managed to save herself from elimination by singing and emotional rendition of I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston. Before this performance she was regarded as the strong favourite to leave the show, however after her singing the judges, as well as the public, wanted her to remain in the X Factor.

Her crying on the television show in the middle of a performance has been seen by some fans as emotional manipulation and they are accusing her of using her personal issues to get votes. Kelly Rowland herself, who is responsible for mentoring the singer, has also cried on the television show when discussing her own problems.

Ms Rowland commented about the situation, “Her vulnerability was very magnetic, she allowed herself to open up on the show and this is something that the viewers as well as the judges can really connect with.” These comments were seen as controversial by some fans of the show is Ms Rowland has previously said the contestant should only be judged on their singing skill and nothing else.

Misha commented, “I’m so grateful to have been saved by the public from the bottom two. This show has been a rollercoaster for me and the points I feel more vulnerable than at others. When I went to perform I had no intention of crying, it just happened in the moment.”

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X-Factor, its all about the money

Alan — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 07:27:45 +0000

It seems that this season the X-Factor is more intent on earning Ad revenue rather than actually finding a good artist. The latest episode saw very few real contenders and more focused on people making a fool of themselves. The judges were as entertaining as ever and even Gary seemed slightly less boring than he was last week.

Johnny Robinson was first out on the stage and he managed to produce some notes that viewers will never want to hear again. The judges called him, ‘unique’ and this he certainly was, just not in a remotely good way. He sung, or attempted to sing, Etta James’s song, At Last. Despite his voice the judges take pity on him, and surprisingly, let him through.

Although this show might be lacking any talent it is not lacking in excitement. While one hopeful was on stage her boyfriend rushes on and asks her to marry him, despite her musical performance being less than adequate the judges let her pass – which seems to make her happier than her boyfriend proposing.

Derry Mensah actually brought some talent to the show in the evening, with his high pitched rendition of Usher. He was clearly quite taken with Kelly Rowland and made no effort to hide this. Fortunately for him, his apparent infatuation with the judge came across as rather adorable, rather than just creepy. The judges all let him pass with a four out of four rating.

Contender Craig Colton, looks like the kind of guy who would be sent off within moments by all judges. Despite his failing to look anything like a singer he has the voice of one. His voice is filled with anguish and really brought alive his choice of song. Despite earlier doubts the judges were clearly swayed when they heard his voice and let him through with all four of them approving.

After several dismal performances, it seems that when man-band The Keys perform, they are actually gifted singers. More likely it is just that after hearing the screeching of the previous singers that any average band would sound incredible. Gary however, sings there praises, describing them as, ‘incredible.’ The other judges might not be so keen as Gary, but they do let the band through.

Misha Bryan was a young contestant who came on with a sob story that has become rather typical for today’s contenders. Sometime the stories are so much a part of the performance that they over shadow the actual singing. Bryan however, does not milk her story too much and goes on to give an excellent cover of Respect by Aretha Franklin. Kelly is particularly impressed and gives her a standing ovation – something that much of the rest of the audience join in with.

Viewers might be frustrated at the production of this season of the show as not enough screen time is being given to people who can actually sing. The production team knows what people want to see and it’s not just people who can sing well.

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Real death on TV sparks controversy

Alan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 06:30:17 +0000

Showing the death of a real person on TV will always generate a certain amount of viewer and critical controversy. Last month was no exception as the BBC’s Inside the Human Body broadcast the last moments of the life of an 84 year old that suffered from cancer.

It was done again this week ahead of the airing tonight of Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die. The latter is where the celebrated author witnesses an assisted death in Switzerland at the Dignitas clinic. Both programmes ask whether or not the TV camera has a role of legitimacy in the most private moments and whether turning death into everyday fodder for prime time consumption cheapens it.

In both cases the answer could be a resounding yes and no. Inside the Human Body wanted to demystify death by showing it in an un-sensational manner as an evitable part of the great phenomenon we call life. Pratchett’s documentary does and shows something entirely different. By taking an ethical dilemma, the right to die, and bring the consequences of it right to the home and your living room.

It is doubtful many people who watched a preview would recognize the views that were put forth through anti-euthanasia campaigners saying it glorifies suicide. The movie was almost too sad to watch. Without the television you can sort of imagine Dignitas as a place that people come to that are terrified of suffering a painful death or simply who are fed up with life can go and get help to die.

Whatever one things of Pratchett’s views, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and wants the UK to change existing laws on assisted death. This is a valiant piece of television and sometimes the shocking that goes on in our world, does have a place, and an important one on our screens.

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Ben Fogle wants to buy his reality TV island

Alan — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:49:02 +0000

Ben Fogle has purchased the remote island of Taransay where he first began his television career, setting himself another new challenge. In the Outer Hebrides, the Castaway Island has been up for sale for at least £2 million but the star of the show is worried that the wrong hands may get it.

He says he owes his entire career to the island. His plan it to protect the natural environment of Taransay and it thinking about a marine sanctuary and wildlife reserve. He is not interested in the island as a trophy he wants to first save it and then preserve. When aired 11 years ago, the BBC’s Castaway was one of the first shows of reality.

Fogle roamed the rugged isle with his dog Inca and became a household name and he said he returned last year for the 10^th anniversary in August and he said the island was in need of some TLC and a bunch of work. The presenter he had spoken to the present owner who said it was quite difficult for the island to remain cost-effective.

From Wednesday he has been seeking advice from potential backers and friends when he found out about the sale that comprises two islands with a peninsula connecting them and is a 3,445 Hebridean wilderness. He said he had two days to try and work things out and finally has now to do it. He has been promised cash from people around the world and is putting together a team of experts to help him.

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The Only Way Is Essex’s Bafta snobbery

Alan — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:30:28 +0000

The snobbery that has surrounded the show’s Bafta win has been criticized by The Only Way Is Essex’s former producer. The ITV2 programme said Daran Little continued on from the Big Brother naturally and the format for scripted reality was here to stay. The viewer’s choice category of the Bafta was won by TOWIE as it is affectionately known by fans.

But Little said he was surprised with the snobbery. There is not a problem with viewers showing their appreciation by voting for it since many want to see the lives of ordinary people in order to laugh at the stupidity and shout catchphrases. Sounds like the next Big Brother evolution.

It is the same as filming famed starved talentless twenty-something’s in a big home but instead in their natural environment. The producer picked up a Bafta for writing the The Road To Coronation Street and said it may be hard to imagine in 50 years life without the structured reality show. After the first series he left The Only Way Is Essex to produce E4 show Made In Chelsea the follows the lives of London Kings Road socialites.

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Eurovision Song Contest is big TV hit, honest

Alan — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:05:14 +0000

In the UK, according to the first estimates, close to nine million watched Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest, with the peak of the viewing audience reaching over 12.5m viewers close to the end of the show that was won by Azerbaijan. The average for the three hour show was 9.5m.

The figure was up by over 4 million compared to last year’s figure of 5.5m viewers when the UK entrant, Josh Dubovie came in last. The entrants Blue, a boy band and the Jedward of Ireland generated a larger and more interested UK viewership.

Blue finished in 11^th Jedward, identical twins that received fame from the show The X Factor, brought Ireland home in eighth place. Second place went to Italy, represented by Raphael Gualazzi and Eric Saade, representing Sweden was third.

This year’s entrant Blue received a score of 100 which was quite respectable compared to only 10 and a last place finish from Dubovie at last year’s event. At one point in the contest the UK received high votes and were leading the table, prompting the host to quickly say to take a picture. Finishing in tenth place one ahead of the UK, was last year’s winner representing Germany, Lena Mayer-Landrut.

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Britain’s Got Talent betting begins

Alan — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:59:47 +0000

Dancing dog act 40/1 to get the nod

With all the usual excitement and fanfare Britain’s Got Talent begins its fifth domination of our TVs on Saturday and it seems that Boylesports.com are coming up with their ideas as to what kind of act could take this years crown and are offering 7/4 that a solo singing act will take the crown in 2011.

A dance group is priced at 5/2 to follow in the footsteps of Diversity (2009), one of the most successful previous winners.

The talent show will see a new judging panel this year which includes comedian Michael McIntyre. Boylesports go 16/1 that he will ensure a fellow comedy act reigns supreme and after receiving rave reviews from Ant & Dec in auditions, a dog act is 40/1 to win.

“Although there are so many great dance acts out there, a solo singer would bring something special to the show.” said Nicola McGeady, Boylesports PR Spokesperson.

Britain’s Got Talent Specials

Type Of Winner
Solo Singer 7/4
Dance Group 5/2
Group Singing Act 5/1
Solo Dancer 7/1
Instrumental Act Only 12/1
Comedian 16/1
Sports Act 18/1
Stunt Act 20/1
Drag Act 25/1
Theatre Act 33/1
Puppet Act 33/1
Dancing Dog Act 40/1
Juggling Act 66/1
Barman Act 66/1

Gender Of Winner
Male Act Only 5/6
Female Act Only 5/6
Mixed Act 13/1

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Ant and Dec rescued after balloon crash

Alan — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 01:50:20 +0000

A plasterer from Kent has told how of how he rescued Ant and Dec after their hot air balloon crashed to earth with thump after running out of fuel. 42 year old Jim O’Cock said that he and work colleagues rushed to where the basket had landed to rescue the passengers, but wasn’t aware of who they were at the time.

The TV double act had been filming an opening sequence for the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent when the mishap occurred in the skies over Maidstone. Jim says that for a few terrifying moments he thought he was witnessing a tragedy as the balloon dropped from the sky. It apparently bounced a few times after hitting the ground before landing in a hedge.

Jim and his colleagues rushed over from the building site where they were working and pulled the canopy to stop it getting further entangled. He said he couldn’t resist saying that it was nice of them to drop in. A Geordie voice then replied that there was ‘always one comedian’, and he got the shock of his life when the pair climbed out.

The grateful pair chatted with their rescuers for a while and Jim said they were a lovely couple of lads, really down to earth. He said that he told Ant he looked very pale, but his reply was unrepeatable. He also said that he wasn’t tempted to tell them to shout their famous catchphrase ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’.

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Aubrey O’Day and Krystal Bronson sauna pushing reality TV too far

Alan — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:21:40 +0000

A jump into a sauna with nothing on but your makeup, with your roommate, is the typical way to end the down, but is a great way to try and boost ratings if you are a TV reality star and have a hot female friend that is willing to share the steamy sauna and a kiss.

That is exactly what Aubrey O’Day and her rommie Krystal Bronson did as they invited the cameras into the intimate sauna session

Space was at a premium with the camera crew and the two women that stripped off and hopped in the cabin but by intertwining their legs it was obvious that they did not mind getting up close and cuddled in front of the cameras.

The show All About Aubrey is about the reality star and this scene show how she used her feet to hide Krystal’s intimacy and they took a photo together embracing in order to remember the experience they shared.

Audrey drank a glass of white wine, disregarding the heat while Crystal opted for a red tipple with Aubrey saying that with a hot roommate and a sauna, who needs men.

The heat quickly got the ladies skin sweating and perspiration was noticeable on both and if that was not enough they decided to share a kiss to end the scene.

P. Diddy’s MTV show Making the Band 3 in 2008 is where Aubrey first became known and famous when she joined girl groups Danity Kane. After she was dumped by the group her attempts to make a solo career have are being documented in the new reality TV show.

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