The Friday News Roundup: The "I Hate Storms" Edition
Sadly, my home internet is still a victim of this whole storm situation, so if content is a bit lighter than normal around here this weekend, bear with me for a bit. (And thanks in advance!)
Anyway, onward! Click through for some of the latest bits and bobs from the world of British entertainment, including goodies on Sherlock, Downton Abbey, Primeval, Elementary, Doctor Who, The Inbetweeners, The Hollow Crown, Broadchurch and more!
Merlin stars Colin Morgan and Katie McGrath take part in a Titanic-era fashion-themed photo shoot for The Lady magazine.
The Baker Street Babes podcast interviews Sherlock star Louise Brealey.
Sherlock’s Louise Brealey also did a web chat last week with the Radio Times. You can read the transcript here.
Lara Pulver – who played Sherlock’s Irene Adler – has apparently been inundated with offers to do various productions involving nude scenes thanks to her scene in A Scandal in Belgravia.
Because I like to stalk any and all news surrounding Benedict Cumberbatch, I found out that one of the Star Trek writers has eliminated a lot of characters that he will not be playing in the sequel. Seriously, just tell us already! (And in case you want it, another piece on the impact Cumberbatch’s villain will have on the franchise.)
In other Cumberbatch news, I suppose he’s now officially “made it” in America – he’ll be doing a guest spot on The Simpsons.
New clothing line launched for female Doctor Who fans. Some of them are really cute.
Nice piece from People about Downton Abbey’s new Mrs. Bates, Joanna Froggatt.
From the “I Can’t Believe This is An Actual Contest” files, Torchwood star John Barrowman has been voted “Rear of the Year.” Well, okay then.
More Barrowman news – Apparently this is real: something called John Barrowman’s Dallas has been commissioned, a two-part series in which the star goes behind the scenes of the new Dallas reboot.
Niall Matter talks about his role in Primeval: New World.
Popular comedy series Outnumbered has been recommissioned for a fifth series and a Christmas special.
The band Muse is doing an official single for the London Summer Olympics, called “Survival.”
David Tennant has signed on for a new eight-part ensemble drama called Broadchurch from ITV.
How Jaffa Cakes Are Made. (I did not know this, and there’s a factory somewhere full of Jaffa Cakes – obviously I want to go there.).
First promotional poster for CBS’ Sherlock Holmes adaptation Elementary. Nice scarf there, Jonny Lee.
Elementary will also be doing a panel at next week's San Diego Comic Con, complete with a world premiere pilot screening. (I’ll be at Comic Con myself, so keep an eye out for a full report!)
A nifty looking set of Olympic rings has been added to London’s Tower Bridge in preparation for the start of the Summer Games.
Former ER (and current Falling Skies) star Noah Wylie wants a role on Doctor Who. In other Who guest casting tidbits, the sci-fi series has apparently tapped Call the Midwife star Jessica Raine for a role.
ITV is apparently gearing up to cancel The X Factor.
Sad news: James Grout, who played Chief Superintendent Strange in the Inspector Lewis mysteries, has passed away at age 84.
Details are starting to emerge surrounding the episode that Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss will be writing for Series 7 of Doctor Who.
Dame Diana Rigg and her daughter Rachael Stirling will both have guest roles in Series 7 of Doctor Who. Some behind-the-scenes filming photos from Dame Diana’s episode have also surfaced online These photos have also revealed the return of a character we saw last season.
Doctor Who will also be having a panel at this year’s San Diego Comic Con with Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Steven Moffat. (See also: above note re: me being at Comic Con. You know I’ll be going to this panel!)
Britain’s new YouView internet TV service has officially launched.
Dan Stevens says that the storyline information surrounding Downton Abbey Series 3 is kept so secret that the stars have to be careful what they say around their families.
Speaking of Downton Abbey, apparently the series has sparked a new fashion for vintage clothing pieces among consumers.
George Entwhistle has been named the next Director General of the BBC. I know very little about him, other than his name is kind of amazing, but I do know that he’s been at the head of the team that’s been commissioning TV content for the last few years, so he’s got fairly decent taste at least.
Matt Smith, Martin Clunes and Benedict Cumberbatch will all be competing against each other at this year’s TV Choice Awards.
This is apparently legit: French director Gautier Cazenave is set to bring us Sherlock Holmes vs. Frankenstein. I kind of don’t even know what to say.
Stephen Mangan reveals that he’s “bitterly upset” about the BBC’s decision to cancel Dirk Gently.
It’s apparently not enough that MTV is remaking The Inbetweeners, now there’s a US version of The Inbetweeners Movie in the works.
The Telegraph takes us on a visit to the set of the BBC’s latest Shakespearian effort The Hollow Crown. (BTW, this is set to air on PBS stations next year.)
