The Friday News Roundup: Downton Abbey Finale Weekend Edition
But, for now, it's only Friday, which means it's officially News Roundup time, where I attempt to link you all to all things fun and noteworthy from the world of British entertainment news this week. Click through lots of Downton Abbey goodiesas well as tidbits from Upstairs Downstairs, Doctor Who, the BAFTAs, Parade's End, Being Human, EastEnders, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and lots more.
So, let's just jump right on in, shall we?
NPR does a feature on anachronisms in Downton Abbey. This sort of thing doesn’t really bother me, but perhaps I am an outlier? Another piece on the same topic has some further examples.
Nice interview with Downton’s Lady Grantham, Elizabeth McGovern.
How to plan your own Downton-themed trip to Britain.
Apparently men are also big fans of Downton, but for different reasons than women.
Downton Abbey and How PBS Got Cool.
Stars Sophie McShera, Alan Leech, Laura Carmichael and Leslie Nicol tease Downton Abbey Series 3 at the Elle Style Awards.
Hilariously ridiculous – Mob Wives’ Big Ang reenacts Downton Abbey.
Amazing all around – Downton Abbey paper dolls you can print out and dress up.
First ever British advert for dogs (Really??) reaches TV screens.
The 2012 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs!) were held this weekend – big winners include The Artist and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Find a full list of winners here.
Or, if you just want to watch Colin Firth continue to prove that he is basically everyone’s dream man – here’s a clip of him rescuing Meryl Streep’s shoe, which fell off during her walk to the podium to claim her BAFTA for The Iron Lady.
Details emerge on the upcoming Doctor Who/Star Trek comic crossover.
Continued speculation about former characters who may reappear in Series 7 of Doctor Who.
Karen Gillan talks about giving up her seat in the TARDIS next season.
Great feature from the Telegraph on the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a strange mix of our two cultures – the next season (I feel like we must be on 29 by this point?) of America’s Next Top Model will be called “British Invasion” and feature former contestants from Britain’s Next Top Model competing alongside new American competitors.
Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch is set to star in a new Rumpole adaptation (Rumpole and the Man of God) for Radio 4.
A Valentine’s Day poll that I’d certainly agree with – Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealy win a Radio Times survey asking users to choose their ideal Valentine dates. The Sherlock stars edged out Doctor Who’s David Tennant and Billie Piper for the top slots.
Cumberbatch’s former Frankenstein co-star Jonny Lee Miller is set to play Sherlock Holmes in CBS’ new modern day Holmes pilot Elementary. (Watch this space for more on this – there’s a post in the works on this whole American remake business once I can sort out all my feelings on this issue.)
Q&A with Upstairs Downstairs star Neil Jackson, who talks about Series 2.
Interesting blog from the Guardian about whether Upstairs Downstairs will be superior to Downton Abbey.
The Tudors’ Sarah Bolger was cast in Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rimes; new pilot, Gilded Lillies, which is intended as America’s answer to Downton Abbey.
Alex Kingston talks about her new character and Series 2 of Upstairs Downstairs.
Rumor has it that UK network ITV says that it’s not going to allow Apple to call its upcoming TV system an iTV.
First image of Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall from upcoming HBO miniseries Parade’s End.
Interesting feature from the Montreal Gazette about Misfits, including some chatter about that rumored American remake.
The BBC announces plans for 3D coverage of the London Olympics.
Countdown host Nick Hewer says that Eastenders is too violent and urges producers to tone down the aggression on the soap.
Q&A with Being Human star Michael Socha about the new season.
Gypsies in London are protesting the new series of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, complaining about the new advertising campaign for the series and the tagline of “Bigger. Fatter. Gypsier.”
Lee Mead, who won the talent show Any Dream Will Do, is set to appear in the new series of Bedlam. Um…allrighty then.
