The Friday News Roundup: Another Friday the 13th Edition
But, even if it’s technically a possibly very unlucky Friday, it’s still News Roundup time! Click through for highlights from the world of British entertainment and pop culture, including tidbits from Downton Abbey, Titanic, Doc Martin, Sherlock, Poirot, Doctor Who, Planet Earth, Britain’s Got Talent and more!
This is an interesting interview with Torchwood star John Barrowman and his sister Carole E. Barrowman about their new children’s book, Hollow Earth. (Is there anything this man can’t do?)
Apparently the end of World War II in the script has made the Downton Abbey set a more unpleasant place to film during the new season. (This is sort of hilarious, really.)
Surprise, surprise: Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon wants to be on Downton Abbey. (Who doesn’t?!?)
Downton Abbey, Harry Potter voted the TV show and film fans most want to see on stage in the West End.
Danny Boyle calls Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch “one of the leading actors in the world.” And we all say as one in our Sherlock voices, “Obvious!”
Cumberbatch was also on the cover of the Radio Times this week. Just an FYI. For the good of humanity and whatnot.
The Mirror opines on why Julian Fellowes Titanic mini-series is experiencing sinking ratings in the UK.
The Los Angeles Times does a great interview with Doc Martin star Martin Clunes about his character and the making of the show. (WARNING: S5 spoilers at the very end!)
The BBC apparently wants an ad campaign for Virgin starring Tenth Doctor David Tennant suspended, because they feel it’s too similar to Doctor Who. More from the Daily Mail.
David Suchet says that he will be “gutted” to say goodbye to playing supersleuth Poirot when he finishes filming his final five adventures next year.
A new museum has opened in Southampton, meant to chart the world’s obsession with the Titanic disaster.
ITV gives up in ratings battle with the BBC – moves Britain’s Got Talent to get it out of the way of The Voice. Sorry, Simon!
Dame Eileen Aitkins says London’s West End needs to “lighten up” and put on shows with more comedy.
Torchwood star Eve Myles would apparently very much like to be on Sherlock.
Stephen Fry and Dougie Henshall are set to star in an ITV adaptation of Ian Rankin’s novel, Doors Open.
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies is lending his personal Dalek (how awesome is it that he has a personal Dalek?) back to the show for an upcoming episode.
Doctor Who is filming in New York City this week and I am dying of jealousy the pictures look really nice. Here are a few more filming shots courtesy of The Daily Mail.
Aparently [SPOILER, but I bet you can guess!] looks set to return for Doctor Who Series 7.
Departing Who Companion Karen Gillan is now officially on Twitter! So is Arthur Darvill, if you didn't know.
Late Night host Jimmy Fallon spoofs Downton Abbey with Brooke Shields.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling reveals the title of her next novel (for grown-ups): The Casual Vacancy.
Sherlock production company Hartswood Films is making a new comedy series for BBC One called Me & Mrs. Jones. Sarah Alexander (Coupling), Neil Morrissey (Men Behaving Badly), Nathaniel Parker (Inspector Lynley) and Robert Sheehan (Misfits) are all set to star.
Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens will narrate a new two-hour Planet Earth special, “The Making of Planet Earth,” on Sunday, April 22.
Sir Derek Jacobi is set to appear (briefly) on sudser Coronation Street.
Speaking of soaps, the BBC has ditched its Sunday afternoon EastEnders omnibus and moved the wrap-up program to late Friday night. Fans are predictably not happy about this.
Film star Kevin Costner tells Anderson Cooper that the late Princess Diana was interested in making The Bodyguard 2. Excuse me if I take that with a giiiiiiiaaaant grain of salt.
The Duchess of Cornwall, better known to most simply as Camilla, was given a new title by the Queen to mark the seventh anniversary of her marriage to Charles – she’s becoming a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. Some speculate that this move has revived the debate about whether or not Camilla will ever be called Queen once Charles ascends to the throne. (Personally, I doubt it, but we’ll see, I suppose.)
Mark Gatiss loved playing a vampire on Being Human, but apparently really wants to be a judge on America’s Next Top Model. (Someone start an internet petition, stat!)
We always talk about American TV remakes of British imports, but sometimes the phenomenon goes the other way: Five British Versions of American TV Shows.
The Fades fans are still livid after news of the supernatural drama’s cancellation. I'm just sad - that show was great!
