'Homeland' episode two grabs 2.4m on Channel 4, up 100k week-on-week

'Homeland' episode two grabs 2.4m on Channel 4, up 100k week-on-week

Channel 4's second episode of US drama Homeland picked up extra viewers last night, according to early overnight data.

The Showtime thriller, starring Damian Lewis and Claire Danes, took 2.05m (7.8%) in the 9pm hour and a further 314k (1.6%) on Channel 4 +1.

Bucking the trend against Channel 4's recent US imports, the ratings were exactly 100k higher than last week.

Sister channel E4's 10pm showing of Desperate Housewives managed a decent 637k (3.3%), then 161k (1.6%) caught up an hour later.

The Only Way Is Essex triumphed with 1.04m (5.1%) and 125k (1.1%) on +1, while a repeat of Friday's Benidorm amused 879k (3.3%) at 9pm (+1: 165k/0.9%), and movie The Mummy Returns grabbed 701k (2.2%) from 6.30pm (+1: 176k/0.7%).

BBC Three's Being Human lagged behind with 680k (2.6%), and Sky1's Got to Dance had 548k (2.3%) from 6pm.

Back on the terrestrials, Dancing on Ice's performance show benefited from a shorter running time, drawing 7.35m (27.8%) from 7pm (+1: 260k/0.9%).

Without Call the Midwife as competition, Wild at Heart's ratings recovered to 6.2m (22.6%) at 8.30pm (+1: 239k/1%), before 5.75m (22.1%) tuned in for Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off at 9.30pm (+1: 260k/1.6%), and That Sunday Night Show logged 2.25m (10.9%)

BBC One's Upstairs Downstairs fell to 5.85m (22.4%) from 9.05pm, prior to which Countryfile (7.35pm) interested 6.4m (23.5%) and Antiques Roadshow (8.20pm) pulled in 6.36m (22.7%).

Meanwhile, Top Gear was easily BBC Two's most-watched programme with 5.17m (18.8%) at 8pm. Swimming with Crocodiles (2.16m/8.2%) and Match of the Day 2 (2.45m/13.8%) followed with respectable audiences.

For Channel 5, Cowboy Builders (626k/2.2%) and The Outlaw of Josey Wales (746k/3.8%) both underperformed.

Elsewhere, The Hotel welcomed 1.22m (4.3%) to Channel 4 at 8pm (+1: 191k/0.7%), while late-night film Law Abiding Citizen also performed well with 1.49m (10.4%) and 289k (3.9%) on timeshift.

Overall, ITV1 just overtook BBC One in primetime with 22.4% (+1: 0.9%) against 22.2%. BBC Two finished in third place with 10.9%, way ahead of Channel 4's 5.4% (+1: 0.7%).

Surprisingly, ITV2 edged into fifth place with 3.3% (+1: 0.7%), beating Channel 5's 3.1%.

'True Blood' showrunner Alan Ball to step down after fifth season

'True Blood' showrunner Alan Ball to step down after fifth season

True Blood showrunner Alan Ball is to step down from his full-time role at the end of the show's fifth season, it has been confirmed.

Ball, who has a contract with showrunners HBO, will stay with the supernatural drama if it is picked up for a sixth season, but in a supervisory role as he steps up work on new crime drama Banshee for HBO's sister network Cinemax.

A statement from HBO read: "When we extended our overall deal with Alan Ball in July 2011, we always intended that if we proceeded to True Blood's sixth season that Alan would take a supervisory role on the series and not be the day-to-day showrunner.

"If we proceed to season six, the show will remain in the very capable hands of the talented team of writers and producers who have been with the show for a number of years.

"Alan will remain available as executive producer to consult and advise on True Blood and he will be free to develop new shows for both HBO and Cinemax.

"Banshee, on which Alan serves as executive producer, is the first in-house series for Cinemax and is expected to begin production this spring."

Ball added: "True Blood has been, and will continue to be, a highlight of not only my career but my life.

"Because of the fantastic cast, writers, producers and crew, with whom I have been lucky enough to work these past five years, I know I could step back and the show will continue to thrive as I look forward to new and exciting ventures."

Ball had previously hinted that he was considering leaving the show after its fifth season, stating: "I don't know if I have any left in me after that. We'll see."

'Doctor Who' writer Toby Whithouse: 'I know about the new companion'

'Doctor Who' writer Toby Whithouse: 'I know about the new companion'

Doctor Who writer Toby Whithouse has dropped hints about the next series.

The sci-fi drama's seventh run will see Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) depart, with a new companion replacing the pair.

Whithouse, who is expected to write the third episode, told The Hollywood Reporter that he is aware of "some plans for the new companion".

"In terms of the series as a whole.... there are quite a few things I know," he teased. "The one downside of working on Doctor Who is that you know what's coming up."

The Being Human creator agreed that it was time for Matt Smith's Doctor to get a new assistant, adding that the show's companions "have a natural shelf life".

"I know a bit about the new companion, [but] I don't know who they cast," he explained. "Even if I did, if I told you [showrunner] Steven Moffat would come out here and punch me in the neck.

"Steven is one of the cleverest, most inventive people I've ever met in my life, and so you know it is in very safe hands with him. If he makes decisions, the chances are it's for the best - it's the best thing for the show."

The new series of Doctor Who began filming last week in Wales, with Sherlock star Rupert Graves, Harry Potter actor David Bradley and The Fast Show's Mark Williams all cast in guest roles.

The series will return to BBC One in the autumn.

James Spader Quits 'The Office'

James Spader Quits 'The Office'

James Spader is taking early retirement from "The Office."

The former "Boston Legal" star is leaving the NBC sitcom after he completes the current eighth season of the series, which was his first with the show, the network confirms to TheWrap.

Spader played new Dunder Mifflin/Sabre CEO Robert California. He replaced outgoing manager Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, after appearing at the end of the series' seventh season. He then quickly earned a promotion to CEO.

According to "The Office" executive producer Paul Lieberstein, the departure is in keeping with Spader's plans for the show.

"James always wanted this to be a one-year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television," Lieberstein said. "He's been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I'm grateful for that."

Lieberstein's statement notwithstanding, the current season of "The Office" has been marked by dwindling ratings, with the show hitting a series low of a 2.2 rating/6 share in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic with its Feb. 17 episode. (The show's ratings improved slightly for its most recent episode Thursday, climbing 13 percent in the demo.)

The network does not yet have specific plans for Spader's replacement.

Ade Edmondson blasts soaps for "unpleasant" characters

Ade Edmondson blasts soaps for "unpleasant" characters

Ade Edmondson has slammed soaps for their "unpleasant" portrayal of British people.

The Young Ones legend described the UK serials as "selfish" and "aggressive".

The 55-year-old told Reader's Digest: "Can someone tell me what's wrong with a bit of feel-good telly?

"Haven't we got enough selfish, aggressive programmes? The soaps are full of unpleasant people.

"If you watched an average week of British TV, you'd come away thinking we're a nation of murderous, drink-driving, egotistical con-artists.

"I'm sorry, but this country's not like that. The vast majority of us are decent, funny and friendly."

'Downton Abbey' casts Cara Theobald, Lucille Sharp as maids

'Downton Abbey' casts Cara Theobald, Lucille Sharp as maids

Downton Abbey has cast two new actors for its third series.

Cara Theobald will play a new kitchen maid called Ivy in the Carnival Films period drama, while it has also been confirmed that Lucille Sharp has joined as lady's maid Miss Reid.

Last week, it was revealed that Matt Milne, the star of War Horse, had signed up to play a footman named Alfred.

In January, Oscar-nominated actress Shirley MacLaine was brought in to portray Martha Levinson, the mother of Lady Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern). Sharp's Miss Reid is to serve as Martha Levinson's maid in the Julian Fellowes-penned piece.

Downton Abbey is expected to return with a new series on ITV later this year.

Only Way Is Essex Lauren Goodger, Jessica Wright take spat to Twitter

Only Way Is Essex Lauren Goodger, Jessica Wright take spat to Twitter

Only Way Is Essex stars Lauren Goodger and Jessica Wright have seemingly exchanged insults on Twitter.

During last night's episode of the ITV2 reality show, the pair refused to accept responsibility over their previous arguments.

Wright tweeted: "Haha still cannot belieeeve some people are that deluded to think they can twist and lie about something so much! Wow! Manipulative & weird"

Meanwhile, Goodger wrote: "Not seen the show yet,but actually shocked when uknown some1 so long n there that sly 2lie n play victim!Life 2 short best of without them x

"U can only try so much n be nice bigger person!sometimes u got take step bk n look at the bigger picture n ignore n move on!they want drama!"

Goodger was engaged to Jessica's brother Mark Wright, who last year quit TOWIE to appear on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

The Only Way Is Essex continues this Wednesday at 10pm on ITV2.

TV Tonight 28th of February 2012

TV Tonight 28th of February 2012

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing.

    112 - på liv och död S05E20: "Del 20 av 36"
    19 Kids and Counting S06E05: "Music With the Duggars"
    19 Kids and Counting S06E04: "The Duggar Twist"
    Alex Polizzi - The Fixer S01E05: "Props & Frocks"
    American Experience S24E05: "The Amish"
    American Idol S11E14: "400th Episode Special: Semifinalist Boys Perform"
    Ano Natsu de Matteru S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Another S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Antiques Road Trip S04E12: "Series 4, Episode 12"
    Arctic Air S01E08: "The Professional"
    Balls Of Steel Australia S02E05: "Season 2, Episode 5"
    Big Fat Gypsy Weddings S02E03: "School of Hard Knocks"
    Bleach (JP) S16E20: "Revival! Substitute Shinigami･Ichigo Kurosaki!"
    Body Of Proof S02E16: "Home Invasion"
    Bondi Vet S04E05: "Season 4, Episode 5"
    Campus PD S04E09: "A house party with a loud rock band draws complaints"
    Chopped S10E10: "TBA"
    Cleverdicks S01E02: "Episode 2"
    Coach Trip S09E22: "Series 9, Day 22"
    Come Dine With Me S18E38: "Series 18, Series 32"
    Conan S02E57: "Betty White, Young Jeezy featuring Ne-Yo"
    Cougar Town S03E03: "Lover's Touch"
    Dance Moms S02E08: "The Runaway Mom"
    Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E171: "Episode 1851"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E61: "Series 8, Episode 61"
    Doctors S13E208: "Entente Cordiale"
    EastEnders S28E35: "February 28, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E49: "February 28, 2012"
    Frontline (US) S30E09: "Inside Japan's Nuclear Meltdown"
    General Hospital (US) S49E231: "#12505"
    Geordie Shore S02E05: "Season 2, Episode 5"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E127: "Season 22, Episode 127"
    Gokujo S01E07: "Episode 7"
    Got to Dance S03E57: "Series 3, Episode 57"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E22: "Malmö - Anders"
    Holby City S14E20: "Fight the Good Fight"
    Hollyoaks S18E42: "February 28, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E27: "Episode 5462"
    Horizon S50E08: "The Truth About Exercise"
    Hotel cæsar S28E159: "Season 28, Episode 159"
    House Hunters S48E41: "Passing the 100 Point Test in Portland, OR"
    House Hunters International S25E44
    House of Anubis S02E72: "House of Hijack"
    House of Anubis S02E71: "House of Forgeries"
    Ink Master S01E07: "TBA"
    Jane By Design S01E09: "The Getaway"
    Jeopardy! S28E117: "Show #6322"
    Jersey Couture S02E07: "TBA"
    Jersey Couture S02E08: "TBA"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E214: "Mat Kearney"
    Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? S02E06: "TBA"
    Junior Doctors – Your Life In Their Hands S02E06: "Series 2, Episode 6"
    Justified S03E07: "The Man Behind the Curtain"
    Key & Peele S01E05: "Season 1, Episode 5"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E22: "Werner Herzog, the Two, fun."
    Last Man Standing S01E19: "Ding Dong Ditch"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E230
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E36: "Nathan Lane, Estelle"
    Let's Stay Together S02E08: "Season 2, Episode 8"
    Level Up S01E08: "Sole Provider"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E131
    My First Place S21E11
    Natsume Yūjin-Chō S04E09: "The Moon-Splitting Festival"
    NCIS S09E17: "Need to Know"
    NCIS: Los Angeles S03E17: "Blye, K. part II"
    Neighbours S28E37: "Episode 6347"
    Packed To The Rafters S04E19: "Leap of Faith"
    Parenthood (2010) S03E18: "My Brother's Wedding"
    Pointless S06E12: "Series 6, Episode 12"
    Prisoners' Wives S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Property Virgins S11E08: "Love At First Site"
    Ringer S01E15: "P.s. You're An Idiot"
    River City S10E25: "Episode 769"
    Shameless S09E09: "Series 9, Episode 9"
    Southland S04E07: "Fallout"
    Supersize vs Superskinny S05E01: "Series 5, Episode 1"
    Switched at Birth S01E19: "Write A Lonely Soldier"
    Tabatha Takes Over S04E07: "H Design: Minneapolis, MN"
    Teen Mom 2 S02E5006: "Finale Special - Check Up With Dr. Drew Part 2"
    The 7pm Project S04E41: "Season 4, Episode 41"
    The Amazing World of Gumball S01E34: "The Meddler"
    The Biggest Loser S13E09: "Season 13, Episode 9"
    The Biggest Loser (2009) S03E08: "Series 3, Episode 8"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E240: "Ep. #6270"
    The Chase (2009) S05E21: "Series 5, Episode 21"
    The Colbert Report S08E29: "Ross Eisenbrey"
    The Daily Show S17E65: "Stephen Merchant"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E110: "Kate Walsh"
    The Exit List S01E07: "Episode 7"
    The Game S05E07: "Matchmaker, Matchmaker...Mind Your Business!"
    The Indian Doctor S02E02: "Immunity"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E117: "February 28, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E37
    The Murdoch Mysteries (2008) S05E01: "Season 5, Episode 1"
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E04: "Who's Laughing Now"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E32: "Season 1, Episode 32"
    The River S01E05: "Peaches"
    The Rosie Show S01E72: "TBA"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E251
    The View S15E115
    The Young and the Restless S39E238: "Ep. #9853"
    Thuis S17E132: "Season 17, Episode 132"
    Timothy Spall: All at Sea S01E02: "Stags By The Sea"
    Top Gear (US) S02E11: "Dangerous Cars"
    Top Shot S04E03: "Shotgun Showdown"
    Tosh.0 S04E05: "Season 4, Episode 5"
    Unforgettable S01E17: "Blind Alleys"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E36: "TBA"
    White Collar S03E16: "Judgment Day"

'Being Human' star Michael Socha hints at Mark Gatiss role

'Being Human' star Michael Socha hints at Mark Gatiss role

Being Human actor Michael Socha has dropped hints about Mark Gatiss's guest role.

Sherlock star and co-creator Gatiss will play the vampire Mr Snow in a forthcoming episode of the supernatural drama.

"He's one of my favourite guest stars," Socha, who plays werewolf Tom, told Entertainment Weekly.

"He really, actually, genuinely scared me when I was doing scenes with him. He's incredible."

ocha also admitted that he had been nervous about joining Being Human full-time, following the departure of original stars Russell Tovey, Aidan Turner and Sinead Keenan.

"At first, I was quite nervous," he confessed. "Being Human has got such a massive group of fans - a very hardcore, loyal group of fans. I thought that they had the potential to lose all of them.

"But I think now that people have actually watched the show, they've gotten themselves back into it and trust us nearly, if not as much, as the previous cast."

Being Human continues on Sundays at 9pm on BBC Three. In the US, the new series airs on Saturdays at 9/8c on BBC America.

'Maury' Spinoff Talk Show 'Trisha' Clears 80% of Country

'Maury' Spinoff Talk Show 'Trisha' Clears 80% of Country

Congratulations, "Maury" -- you're the father of a new talk show, and it's growing into quite the robust offspring indeed.

"Trisha," an upcoming talk show featuring "Maury" guest host and "conflict expert" Trisha Goddard, has been cleared in more than 80 percent of the country, an area that includes 27 of the nation's top 30 markets, NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution said Monday.

Read more: CBS' New Daytime Talk Stars on Scientology, Sexuality

The show has been sold to station groups that include Sinclair, CBS, Hearst, Weigel, Belo, Capitol, Cox, Fox, Granite, Lin and Sunbeam.

"Trisha" will feature Goddard helping "everyday people and their families navigate the tough issues they are struggling to overcome," according to NBCUniversal. Goddard will employ a "no-excuses mentality" to "teach people how to move forward and push through life’s obstacles" -- in other words, expect a lot of televised brow-beating in the guise of tough love.

“I am looking forward to sharing my unique female perspective as a wife and a mother, my life-experiences and professional training to connect with the daytime viewers,” Goddard said of the show.

Longtime "Maury" executive producer Paul Faulhaber will executive produce the new venture, and retain his duties at its progenitor.

"Trisha" will premiere in fall 2012, joining a crowded field to new talk-show entries that will include offerings from Katie Couric, Jeff Probst, Ricki Lake and others.

Eva Longoria rules out 'Desperate Housewives' movie

Eva Longoria rules out 'Desperate Housewives' movie

Eva Longoria has revealed that she does not want to star in a Desperate Housewives movie.

The long-running ABC drama will come to an end after its current eighth season.

However, Longoria told E! Online that she would not like to reprise her role as Gaby on the big screen.

"I'm not open to a movie, no," she said. "I wouldn't even pay money to go to a movie when I could see these characters and these girls in my own home. It would be nice to close this chapter."

Longoria also revealed that she wants the Desperate Housewives finale to be "a little open-ended", explaining: "We want the audience to be able to hope and wish for whatever they want for the characters."

Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry has also previously ruled out a movie, saying in reference to Sex and the City: "I'm just never sending these girls to Dubai, that's all I'm saying."

Desperate Housewives airs on Sundays on ABC in the US and on E4 in the UK.

Ratings: Oscars on Par With Last Year; 'Amazing Race' and 'Apprentice' Tumble

Ratings: Oscars on Par With Last Year; 'Amazing Race' and 'Apprentice' Tumble

So how did the 84th Annual Academy Awards do on Sunday night with the return of Billy Crystal?

It depends who you ask -- but it appears that this year's Oscars pretty much performed at the same level as last year.

While final numbers will be released later Monday, according to household metered market ratings, Sunday night's show grew slightly over last year's James Franco/Anne Hathaway-hosted ceremony, posting a 25.5 rating/38 share -- a four-percent increase over last year's 24.5/37.

However, according to fast affiliate ratings, which are highly subject to revision due to the nature of live programming, the Oscars were down four percent compared to last year's telecast with a 10.2 rating/23 share in the adults 18-49 demographic with 34.4 million total viewers.

The ceremony was preceded by red carpet coverage from 7 to 8:30, which posted a 4.8/14 in the demo and 19 million total viewers in the first half-hour, a 6.2/16 and 23.6 million total viewers in the second half-hour, and an 8.1/20 in the demo and 30.1 million total viewers in the third half-hour, according to fast affiliate numbers.

Overall, the Oscars coverage gave the network an easy win for the night with an average 8.8/21 in the demo and 30.5 million total viewers -- again, per the fast affiliate measure.

CBS came in second for the night in ratings and total viewership, with an average 1.4/3 in the demo and 6.2 million total viewers. The network's sole original programming of the night, "The Amazing Race" at 8, was down 25 percent from last week's season premiere with a 2.1/5 in the demo and 7.6 million total viewers.

NBC, which tied for third with Fox in the demo with an average 1.3/3 in the demo but took a decisive third place in total viewers with an average 4.4 million, aired "Celebrity Apprentice" at 9. It was down 31 percent from last week's season premiere with a 1.8/4 in the demo -- a series low -- and 5 million total viewers. The network ran repeats for the remainder of the evening.

Nicole Scherzinger on 'X Factor' USA axe: 'I scared Simon Cowell'

Nicole Scherzinger on 'X Factor' USA axe: 'I scared Simon Cowell'

Axed X Factor USA judge Nicole Scherzinger has claimed that Simon Cowell was "afraid" of her.

The 'Try With Me' singer, who confirmed her departure from the Fox show last month, said that Cowell had underestimated her intelligence.

"I know I'm not ditzy like Daffy Duck," she told Vibe. "If I seem that way, maybe it's just me being coy. Simon's just afraid of me."

On what will be missing from The X Factor after her departure, Scherzinger said: "I think the biggest thing I have for me is my heart, as cheesy as that sounds.

"I cared so much about the contestants and wanted to make sure we bring out the best in them."

Scherzinger's fellow judge Paula Abdul also announced her exit in January, as did X Factor host Steve Jones.

Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, LeAnn Rimes and Katy Perry have all been tipped to join the panel for season two.

'Strictly': Ola Jordan volunteers to replace Alesha Dixon

'Strictly': Ola Jordan volunteers to replace Alesha Dixon

Ola Jordan has thrown her hat into the ring as a possible new Strictly Come Dancing judge.

The pro dancer has put herself forward to replace Alesha Dixon on the panel when the show returns to BBC One later this year.

"I would like to see me replacing Alesha. I would be a good judge," Jordan told The Sun.

"It has to be someone interesting and I think they are looking for a girl, so here I am! I've done six series, I'm a dancer and I've won it.

"I hope they choose someone to do with dancing because much as I liked Alesha, she didn't say anything interesting to me as a professional dancer."

Jordan won Strictly in 2009 with sports presenter Chris Hollins. Her other professional partners have included Paul Daniels, Andrew Castle and footballer Robbie Savage.

The Polish-born dancer is married to fellow Strictly star James Jordan.

Alesha Dixon departed Strictly in January after landing a deal with Simon Cowell to judge Britain's Got Talent. The BBC is expected to announce her replacement in the summer.

'Waking The Dead' to return for Christmas special?

'Waking The Dead' to return for Christmas special?

Waking The Dead could return for a Christmas special, one of the show's stars has claimed.

Wil Johnson told The Sun that there have been discussions about reviving the crime drama, which was cancelled after nine series.

"There is talk of doing a Christmas special," Johnson said. "I wouldn't be surprised if we do - there's such a demand for it.

"I miss being on the set because it was a quality show to work on. A great cast, great guest artists who came in and wonderful directors - that's rare."

A source warned that it could be difficult to get the cast together as some of the stars have begun work on new projects, but added: "A Christmas special would thrill fans and could lead to another series."

Following the axe of Waking The Dead, the show's star Tara Fitzgerald appeared in spinoff The Body Farm. However, the programme was recently cancelled after one series.