National Movie Awards axed by ITV, to screen on different channel

National Movie Awards axed by ITV, to screen on different channel

The National Movie Awards has been scrapped by ITV after screening the event since 2007.

Event producer Indigo has however insisted that the ceremony will still go ahead, airing in October this year on a different channel.

Last year's presenter Christine Bleakley, who is locked into an exclusive contract with ITV, will also be replaced.

James Nesbitt hosted in 2008 and 2010, while Alexander Armstrong fronted the first ever show.

Of ITV's decision to cut the Movie Awards, a source told The Sun: "As awards bashes go, last year's National Movie Awards was an absolute stinker."

"It was essentially a big long series of trailers," the insider added. "It's no surprise ITV has axed it as it was utterly embarrassing for them."

The 2011 ceremony, which saw the likes of Johnny Depp and Colin Firth win prizes, attracted only 2.4m viewers in the overnights.

Olly Murs to return for 'Soccer Aid' 2012

Olly Murs to return for 'Soccer Aid' 2012

Olly Murs has confirmed that he is taking part in Soccer Aid 2012.

The 'Heart Skips a Beat' singer, who appeared in the last UNICEF TV charity match in 2010, announced his inclusion in Robbie Williams's celebrity England team on Twitter.

The Xtra Factor presenter wrote: "Have been confirmed I'm doing SOCCER AID 2012 again!! Buzzing!! Good times!!! Zidane & Figo watch out!! This year its ENGLAND's YEAR!!!"

Hollywood star Michael Sheen, Marvin Humes and Aston Merrygold from JLS, Gordon Ramsay, DJ Jamie Theakston and footballers Teddy Sheringham and Edwin van der Sar have already signed up to the project.

England will be seeking revenge in the contest, after the Rest of the World claimed its first ever tournament victory in 2010.

Soccer Aid will commence on Sunday, March 27, airing live for the duration on ITV1.

Katy Perry to perform on Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012

Katy Perry to perform on Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2012

Katy Perry has been confirmed to perform at the upcoming 25th annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards later this month.

The 'Part of Me' singer will take the stage to perform the single at the March 31 ceremony, held at the University of Southern California (USC)'s Galen Centre in Los Angeles.

"Katy Perry has doubly earned her position as kid favourite - through her music, of course - but also for revelling in an outrageous sliming on the show two years ago," said president of Original Programming and Development at Nickelodeon Marjorie Cohn in a statement.

"She works hard and plays hard, and that's what makes her performance on the KCAs one to look forward to."

Perry, who was recently announced as the guest performer on this weekend's Let's Dance for Sport Relief grand final in the UK, has been nominated in the 'Favourite Song' category for her track 'Firework'.

She also received nods in 'Favourite Female Singer' and 'Favourite Voice in an Animated Movie' categories for her role in The Smurfs.

The 25th annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards will be hosted by Will Smith and will also include a performance by boyband One Direction.

'The X Factor' USA: Britney Spears wants one-year exit clause?

'The X Factor' USA: Britney Spears wants one-year exit clause?

Britney Spears has reportedly requested a one-year "out clause" to judge The X Factor USA.

The 'Criminal' singer was rumoured to have refused a $10 million (£6.4 million) offer to join the judging panel on the Fox talent competition, after reaching the final stages of contract talks.

Spears is said to have wanted at least a $20 million (£12.8 million) payout to join The X Factor USA. However, Hollywood Life has since claimed that she may yet sign up for the series if she is offered the chance to leave after the first year should she not wish to continue.

"Money is not an issue for the show. As of now, they are looking to pay her $12 to $15 million (£7.7 to £9.6 million) for the first season, with a drastic price hike for a second year based on ratings performance," a source told the publication.

"[Executive producer] Simon Cowell wants at least a two-year commitment, and Britney wants an out clause if she doesn't want to continue after one year of service."

The X Factor producers have been attempting to locate new talent for the judging panel following the axing of Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul after the show's first season.

The second season of The X Factor USA begins in September on Fox. Auditions are underway now, with further details available at www.thexfactorusa.com.

'Desperate Housewives' and other Shows Finale Date Announced

'Desperate Housewives' and other Shows Finale Date Announced

"Desperate Housewives" fans said goodbye to character Mike Delfino on Sunday night -- and now they know when they'll be saying goodbye to the series altogether.

Also read: "Desperate Housewives" Writer: Marc Cherry Was Wrestling With Firing Decision After "Wallop"

The ABC nighttime soap will end its eight-season run on May 13, the network announced Monday. "Desperate Housewives" will draw to a conclusion with a two-hour "finale event" that the network promises will be "splashy." (Could it possibly be any other way?)

The network also announced the May finale dates for the 2011-12 season for numerous shows, including "Last Man Standing," "Dancing With the Stars" and "Modern Family."

Read the list of May finale dates below.

Tuesday, May 1
"Last Man Standing" 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 6
"GCB" 10 p.m.

Monday, May 7
"Castle" 10 p.m.

Sunday, May 13
"Once Upon a Time" 8 p.m.
"Desperate Housewives" 10 p.m.

Tuesday, May 15
"Cougar Town" 8 p.m.
"Private Practice" 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 16
"Suburgatory" 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 14
"Missing" 8 p.m.
"Grey's Anatomy" 9 p.m.
"Scandal" 10 p.m.

Friday, May 18
"Shark Tank" 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 20
"America's Funniest Home Videos" 7 p.m.

Monday, May 21
"Dancing With the Stars" (Performance Show) 8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 22
"Dancing With the Stars" (Results Show) 9 p.m.

Wednesday, May 23
"The Middle" 8 p.m.
"Modern Family" 9 p.m.
"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" 9:30 p.m.
"Revenge" 10 p.m.

RuPaul Declares "Bring Back... My Girls!" as Logo Greenlights "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race"

RuPaul Declares "Bring Back... My Girls!" as Logo Greenlights "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race"

Queens from Previous Seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Compete in New Series for the Franchise

Fans to Pick One of the Returning Contestants with Online Voting that Begins Today NEW YORK, NY, March 12, 2012 - Over four seasons, "RuPaul's Drag Race" has blossomed into a worldwide, cultural phenomenon that's made superstars of its former drag competitors. International appearances, national glossy magazine photo shoots, stints on the runways of New York Fashion Week and buzzed about music releases are just a few of the accomplishments of former "dragtestants." One thing is for certain, fans can't get enough of these gals and Logo's responding to the demand with an all-new offering for the "RuPaul's Drag Race" franchise. "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race" is set to serve up a new twist on the mega-hit "RuPaul's Drag Race" as it pits queens from previous seasons in a wig-to-wig drag battle royale. "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race" has been greenlit for six, one-hour episodes and is slated to premiere this fall on Logo.

Also, for "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race," fans will take a part in casting the show. While the top secret cast for "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race" won't be announced for a few months, fans will decide which of the former queens will earn one of the coveted spots on the show. Starting today, fans can go to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AllStarsRuPaulsDragRace/app_177914495580579), review all 46 previous contestants and vote for their favorite. The winning queen who'll join the "All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race" cast will be announced on NewNowNext.com. An excited RuPaul exclaimed, "'RuPaul's Drag Race' is a show that not only champions talent and artistry, but it's also launched a new generation of entertainers that are working throughout America seven nights a week! Drag has come out of the closet, and it's not going back!"

The fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" is currently in full swing on Monday nights at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Logo. RuPaul, the world's most famous drag queen, has pushed the boundaries of popular culture on an international level and continues to make history this season with "RuPaul's Drag Race," the first reality television show featuring drag queens. Each week RuPaul decides who will "shante! stay!" or "sashay away" with a new batch of the nation's hottest, most glamorous drag queens. In the end, only one contestant will have what it takes to win the coveted title of "America's Next Drag Superstar," and a prize package that includes a headlining spot on Logo's Drag Race Tour, featuring ABSOLUT(R) Vodka, cocktails perfected, a one-of-a-kind trip courtesy of AlandChuck.travel, a lifetime supply of NYX Cosmetics and a cash prize of $100,000.

"All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race" is produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles and Chris McKim serving as Executive Producers. Brent Zacky and Pamela Post are Executive Producers for Logo.

"Homeland" and "Dexter" Return to Showtime on Sunday, September 30th

"Homeland" and "Dexter" Return to Showtime on Sunday, September 30th

SHOWTIME has put together a powerful one-two punch on Sundays this fall with the premieres of its top-rated drama series' DEXTER and HOMELAND. On Sunday, September 30th, DEXTER will make its seventh season premiere at 9:00 PM ET/PT, followed by the highly-anticipated second season of the Golden Globe(R)-winning drama series HOMELAND at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The announcement was made today by David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.

HOMELAND ranks as the network's highest-rated freshman drama series ever, and was recently awarded the Golden Globe for Best Television Drama, as well as being named one of AFI's Top Ten Television Programs of 2011. The series averaged 4.4 million weekly viewers across platforms in its first season, and its season one finale was the highest-rated finale for a freshman series in SHOWTIME history, with five million viewers across platforms. The network's No. 1 rated series, DEXTER averaged 5.5 million weekly viewers across platforms in its sixth season, its highest rated ever. Both series will begin production this spring. HOMELAND will shoot on location in Israel and in North Carolina, and DEXTER will continue to shoot in Los Angeles.

Exclusive: TBS to Launch New Comedy "Men at Work" on Thursday, May 24 at 10:00/9:00c

Exclusive: TBS to Launch New Comedy "Men at Work" on Thursday, May 24 at 10:00/9:00c

TBS will get an early start on its summer lineup with the premiere of its new comedy "Men at Work" on Thursday, May 24, network sources have confirmed to the site exclusively.

Back-to-back episodes will premiere that night at 10:00/9:00c while repeats of "The Big Bang Theory" will bookend its regular 10:00/9:00c broadcasts at 9:30/8:30c and 10:30/9:30c in subsequent weeks.

The multi-camera project, created by Breckin Meyer, follows the misadventures of four buddies - played by Adam Busch, Danny Masterson, James Lesure and Michael Cassidy - who work together at a magazine.

The cable channel gave the series at 10-episode order in January. Two other originals - fellow multi-camera effort "Sullivan and Son" and dramedy "The Wedding Band" - are also due this summer.

'Friday Night Dinner' returning for autumn series, Christmas special

'Friday Night Dinner' returning for autumn series, Christmas special

Friday Night Dinner has been confirmed to return for a six-part series later this year and a Christmas special.

A second run of the Channel 4 sitcom - which stars Tamsin Greig, Simon Bird, Mark Heap, Paul Ritter and Tom Rosenthal - has begun filming in North London and is scheduled to air in the autumn.

The forthcoming series will introduce Martin's (Ritter) mother, known as 'horrible grandma', and see both Adam (Bird) and Jonny (Rosenthal) start new romances.

"Having spent the past eight months in almost solitary confinement as I wrote the show, I'm so excited to be out the house again among living human beings," producer Robert Popper quipped.

"Friday Night Dinner was such a thrill to make last year, and I'm chomping at the bit to start again. And by 'chomping at the bit', I mean I am actually wearing a horse's harness right now, which I am chewing manically, in excitement."

Channel 4 Comedy commissioning editor Nerys Evans said: "We're delighted we're going to spend some more Friday nights with the Goodmans, we can't wait to find out if Adam has had any luck with the' Females' yet, and if Dad's cooled down enough to start wearing a shirt at dinner. After such a confident and funny first series we can't wait to see more."

Friday Night Dinner's inaugural series picked up four nominations at the British Comedy Awards and was shortlisted for the 'Best Situation Comedy' prize at the National Television Awards.

An American remake, adapted by The Office writer Greg Daniels, was picked up by NBC in January.

Sunday's Broadcast Ratings: "GCB" Climbs in Second Week for ABC

Sunday's Broadcast Ratings: "GCB" Climbs in Second Week for ABC

Here are the highlights of the 17 ad-sustained programs that aired in primetime on the broadcast networks last night:

ABC (7.79 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.3, #1) claimed top honors on Sunday with its mix of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (6.49 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 1.3, #14), "Once Upon a Time" (9.12 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.8, #T1) - a series low, "Desperate Housewives" (8.29 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 2.5, #4) and week two of "GCB" (7.25 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 2.3, #T5).

CBS (10.08 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.1, #2) however was the most-watched network with new episodes of "60 Minutes" (10.26 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T12), "The Amazing Race 20" (9.71 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.8, #T1), "The Good Wife" (9.82 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.7, #11) - a series low - and "CSI: Miami" (10.54 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.1, #8).

Next up was FOX (4.26 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 2.0, #3) with an encore of "The Simpsons" (2.80 million viewers, #17; adults 18-49: 1.2, #15) followed by new episodes of "The Cleveland Show" (3.32 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 1.6, #T12), "The Simpsons" (4.96 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 2.3, #T5), the return of "Bob's Burgers" (4.03 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 1.9, #10) and fresh installments of "Family Guy" (5.82 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 2.8, #T1) and "American Dad" (4.64 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 2.2, #7).

And finally, NBC (6.60 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 1.5, #4) closed out the evening with its mix of "Dateline NBC" (4.71 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 0.9, #17), the return of "Harry's Law" (8.87 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 1.1, #16) - tied for its series low - and "The Celebrity Apprentice" (6.41 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.0, #9).

Here are the highlights of the 17 ad-sustained programs that aired in primetime on the broadcast networks one year ago (3/13/11):

CBS (10.79 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.5, #1) pulled off a rare adults 18-49 win on Sunday with its mix of "60 Minutes" (10.26 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T10), "The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business" (9.42 million viewers, #5; adults 18-49: 2.6, #5), "Undercover Boss" (11.72 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 2.9, #1) and "CSI: Miami" (11.77 million viewers, #1; adults 18-49: 2.7, #T2).

NBC (6.43 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.0, #2) then took home the silver with a new "Dateline NBC" (5.55 million viewers, #8; adults 18-49: 1.1, #15) followed by week two of "America's Next Great Restaurant" (4.18 million viewers, #13; adults 18-49: 1.4, #12) and "The Celebrity Apprentice" (7.99 million viewers, #6; adults 18-49: 2.7, #T2).

Next up was FOX (4.03 million viewers, #4; adults 18-49: 1.9, #3) with repeats of "The Simpsons" (2.27 million viewers, #17; adults 18-49: 0.9, #16) and "American Dad" (2.64 million viewers, #16; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T13) followed by new episodes of "The Simpsons" (5.45 million viewers, #9; adults 18-49: 2.5, #T6) and "Bob's Burgers" (4.06 million viewers, #14; adults 18-49: 2.0, #9), a repeat of "Family Guy" (4.99 million viewers, #10; adults 18-49: 2.5, #T6) and a new "The Cleveland Show" (4.75 million viewers, #12; adults 18-49: 2.5, #T6).

And finally, new episodes of "America's Funniest Home Videos" (7.40 million viewers, #7; adults 18-49: 1.7, #T10) and "Secret Millionaire" (11.27 million viewers, #3; adults 18-49: 2.7, #T2) led into repeats of "Desperate Housewives" (4.92 million viewers, #11; adults 18-49: 1.2, #T13) and "Brothers & Sisters" (3.19 million viewers, #15; adults 18-49: 0.8, #17) on ABC (6.70 million viewers, #2; adults 18-49: 1.6, #4).

Week-to-week changes (adults 18-49): CSI: Miami (12.50%), The Cleveland Show (8.70%), Undercover Boss (7.40%), 60 Minutes (0.00%), The Celebrity Apprentice (0.00%), The Amazing Race 17 (-3.70%), America's Funniest Home Videos (-5.60%), The Simpsons (-10.70%), America's Next Great Restaurant (-12.50%), Bob's Burgers (-13.00%), Secret Millionaire (-18.20%), Dateline NBC (-21.40%).

'Wild at Heart' series climax dents 'Upstairs, Downstairs' in ratings

'Wild at Heart' series climax dents 'Upstairs, Downstairs' in ratings

Wild at Heart's series seven finale attracted a total of nearly 6.6 million last night (Sunday), overnight data indicates.

The South Africa-based family drama, starring Stephen Tompkinson and Jill Halfpenny, attracted 6.38m (23%) to ITV1 between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, and a further 187k (0.8%) on +1.

ITV's long-running show, which is rumoured to be facing the axe due to falling ratings, hasn't hit an audience of over 6.6m since January.

Wild at Heart suffered its biggest dip last month when scheduled mid-series against BBC juggernauts Call the Midwife and Sherlock.

Affected by the half-hour clash, Upstairs, Downstairs slumped to 4.77m (17.9%) on BBC One in the 9pm hour, its lowest audience so far.

Dependable duo Countryfile (6.31m/25.6%) and Antiques Roadshow (6.28m/22.3%) held up well against Dancing on Ice, which delivered 7.22m (27.4%) to ITV1 from 7.15pm (+1: 255k/0.9%).

At 9.30pm, 6.14m (23.4%) returned for The Skate Off as Chemmy Alcott was voted out. Adding the 162k (1%) watching on ITV1 +1, the results show saw a 300k week-on-week increase.

A 6.40pm repeat of Harry Hill's TV Burp was caught by 3.68m (17%) and 174k (0.6%) on +1.

Elsewhere, Top Gear bowed out with 5.05m (17.9%) for BBC Two at 8pm, then 2.78m (10.5%) stayed on the channel for Orbit at 9pm, and a solid night's work was capped by Match of the Day 2's 3.21m (18.1%) at 10pm.

Meanwhile, Homeland's incredible resilience continued, drawing 2.01m (7.6%) at 9pm (+1: 271k/1.5%). A Time Team special could only muster 894k (3.2%) an hour earlier, adding 226k (0.9%) on Channel 4 +1.

Early evening film Men in Black II grabbed Channel 5's best audience of the night, with 1.6m (7%) from 6.20pm (+1: 135k/0.5%), after which 695k (2.5%) watched Big Body Squad at 8pm. 9pm movie Layercake took 1.01m (4.6%).

Overall, ITV1 retained its lead in primetime with 21.2% (+1: 0.8%), ahead of BBC One's 20.6%, BBC Two's 11.9%, Channel 5's 4.7% (+1: 0.3%) and Channel 4's 4.5% (+1: 0.8%).

On the multichannels, BBC Three's latest Being Human claimed 783k (2.9%), Desperate Housewives fetched 646k (2.4%), and a repeat of ITV's Benidorm on ITV2 amused 569k (2.1%) and 188k (1%) on timeshift.

More4's screening of Crufts 2012 entertained 661k (2.6%) dog lovers

'Red or Black?' second series confirmed: Potential £3.5 million winner

'Red or Black?' second series confirmed: Potential £3.5 million winner

Simon Cowell's gameshow Red or Black? has been given a second series by ITV1, despite heavy criticism from critics and disappointing ratings for last year's high-profile launch.

Ant & Dec will return as the hosts of the new run, which will feature a number of format tweaks from the 2011 series.

The new series will feature a reduced prize fund of only £500,000, half of last year's £1 million prize, for the winning contestant.

However, if there is no winner, the prize will be rolled over until the following week's episode. This means there could be a potential prize fund of £3.5 million at the end of the series if there are no winners before that point. Also, Red or Black? will now air weekly rather than stripped across seven days.

The ending of the show will be the same as last year, with one contestant allowed the chance to go all or nothing for the prize fund.

Ant & Dec said about the show's return: "Red or Back? is an extravaganza of a show, it's the most nerve-wracking thing to work on but hugely exciting with so much at stake for the contestants. We're really excited to be going again with the new series."

The first series launched with big ratings, peaking at 8.1 million with the launch episode, but the show shed numbers quickly across the rest of the week.

As well as being savaged by TV critics, Red or Black? also faced controversy after it was revealed that the winner of the £1 million prize in the first show, Nathan Hageman, has served time for attacking an ex-girlfriend.

ITV's director of television Peter Fincham said: "We have developed Red or Black? and built on what we did with the first series. The scale of the challenges will still be huge but this time around, contestants will have more control over their own destinies as they are able to use their skill and judgement in an attempt to win big money prizes."

Simon Cowell added: "One of the things I love most about this show is that it's exciting, unpredictable, scary, and a bit nuts all in one. I'm delighted it's back and am excited about the possibility of rollover winnings and some even bigger games."

Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum to perform at 2012 ACM Awards

Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum to perform at 2012 ACM Awards

Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum are to perform at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards.

'Vocal Group Of The Year' nominees The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts and Chris Young will also take to the ACMs stage in Las Vegas on April 1.

Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and Shelton's wife Miranda Lambert are among the previously announced performers.

Chesney leads this year's nominees with nine nods in total, with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum also receiving recognition in multiple categories.

The Voice coach Shelton will not only sing at the ACM Awards, but he will also host the ceremony alongside Reba McEntire for the second year in a row.

The 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Las Vegas airs on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8/7c on CBS.

'Fashion Star' - Meet designers Oscar Fierro, Ronnie Escalante

'Fashion Star' - Meet designers Oscar Fierro, Ronnie Escalante

Oscar Fierro is originally from El Salvador, but currently lives in Texas. The 37-year-old owns four assisted-living facilities and several clothing lines. He thinks he'll be quickly labelled as a "diva" on the show but jokes: "I want people to know I'm not a full time bitch, I only do it part time!"

Ronnie Escalante grew up in the Philippines, where he would read his mum's fashion magazines and sketch his own designs in his school notebooks. Moving to the US when he was 17, he later enrolled at fashion school in San Francisco and won an internship at Chado Ralph Rucci in New York City.

Peter Andre: 'I'd be up for Take Me Out'

Peter Andre: 'I'd be up for Take Me Out'

Peter Andre has said that he would be interested in making an appearance on a celebrity edition of Take Me Out.

Show host Paddy McGuinness last month restated previous hopes to get Andre and BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles on the planned special.

"I don't really know much about this but I think I'd actually be up for it," Andre is quoted by Now as saying.

"It sounds like a laugh. Anything involving Moylesy is always fun."

McGuinness has also said that he hopes JLS star Aston Merrygold joins the lineup of the Take Me Out celebrity special.

The presenter told: "It's not so much a celebrity special as a charity special.

"The idea is we get single girls to bid to come on the show. So they'll pledge X amount of pounds to charity which gets them on the show.

"Then we'll have male single celebrities coming down the lift and whichever girl is picked goes off on a fantastic date with this celebrity."

Mel C, Jason Donovan to judge 'Jesus Christ Superstar' contest

Mel C, Jason Donovan to judge 'Jesus Christ Superstar' contest

Melanie C and Jason Donovan have been announced as judges for part of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar talent search.

The former Spice Girls singer and the musical theatre star will assist Lloyd Webber at callbacks for the ITV show, which begin today (March 12) and are due to continue for three days.

The trio will whittle down the remaining hopefuls to a final 40 and continue to judge them at a subsequent "intensive training" session.

The panel for the Superstar live shows will be announced at a later date.

Speaking about the contest last week, Lloyd Webber declared that the audition stages have been "extraordinary".

"We had a boy from New Zealand, a boy from Israel, we had somebody coming in from Lithuania," he teased. "We've had 3,000 people in to audition for the role. We've even had a few girls... [and] one girl who's very, very good."

The 63-year-old also said that the eventual winner of Superstar will have to possess "enormous charisma".

"He has to be a genuine, genuine rock tenor," he explained. "Really, think Freddie Mercury, I mean that's the kind of range we're talking about.

"Whoever plays this role will be opening at the O2, and there are going to be big stars alongside. It's not just going to be any old casting."

Andy Samberg, Greg Davies for BBC Three sitcom 'Cuckoo'

Andy Samberg, Greg Davies for BBC Three sitcom 'Cuckoo'

Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg and The Inbetweeners star Greg Davies are to star in a new BBC Three sitcom.

Cuckoo will star Samberg as an idle young man who marries a British girl, according to The Independent.

The character will come into conflict with his new wife's overprotective father, played by stand-up comic and actor Davies.

In addition to his Saturday Night Live work, Samberg has appeared in such films as 2007's Hot Rod and 2009's I Love You, Man. He is also a member of musical comedy troupe The Lonely Island.

Davies - best known for playing Mr Gilbert on The Inbetweeners - frequently appears as a panellist on the BBC's Mock The Week and previously starred in BBC Three series We Are Klang.

It was announced last year that stand-up comic Jack Whitehall will appear in new BBC Three comedy Bad Education.

The Fresh Meat star will play Alfie, who is described as "the worst teacher ever to grace the British education system".

BBC Three controller Zai Bennett described the two shows as "where I want BBC Three comedy to be".

"I can't overstate the importance of comedy," he said. "If you get comedy right it can define your channel."

Tom Jones takes swipe at Simon Cowell reality show 'freaks'

Tom Jones takes swipe at Simon Cowell reality show 'freaks'

Welsh pop icon Tom Jones has hit out at Simon Cowell's talent shows for mocking contestants and promoting "freaks".

Jones, who is a coach on BBC One's new singing reality series The Voice UK, also sniped at the focus on "pictures rather than the quality of sound" on rival TV series such as The X Factor.

Explaining the differences between Cowell's ITV1 series and The Voice UK, Jones said: "This is the BBC. It's a fine institution. We don't have any freaks on our shows. No, no, there won't be any freaks."

The 'Sex Bomb' singer continued: "When I was asked to do this show, I wanted to know all the details. I wanted to know who the judges were, who the production team were and who the band were... because sometimes on television, they are more interested in pictures rather than the quality of sound. That was a big thing for me and this show has that."

Hitting back at critics who have argued that image and style are as important for popstars as vocal talent, Jones said: "The first thing that you have to have is the basic talent. People ask me if it was about my looks when I started or the way I did things on stage, but to get my records played they had to like my voice.

"They hear your voice before they know what you look like and you put something forward. That's what attracted me to this show. Getting back to hearing someone's voice first."

The Voice UK, which also stars Jessie J, will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue, launches on Saturday, March 24 on BBC One.

Kristin Chenoweth on 'GCB': We're Having, Not Making, Fun

Kristin Chenoweth on 'GCB': We're Having, Not Making, Fun

Kristin Chenoweth stars in ABC's soapy new dramedy "GCB" -- based on a book called "Good Christian Bitches" -- and says she's a Christian, but doesn't find the title offensive.

"There's a difference between making fun of something and having fun with something," she told NPR's Jackie Lyden. "And we do the latter."

Chenoweth calls herself "a God person" and speaks often about her faith, but she insists she's not judgmental.

"It's not my job to decide whether someone is 'a sinner' for doing something or being something or saying something. My grandma said, 'Oh, Kris, I read the Bible like I eat fish. I eat the meat that serves me well, but I don't choke on a bone.' I loved that, and I've never forgotten it."

The winner of an Emmy ("Pushing Daisies") and Tony ("You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown") recently announced the dates for her first-ever world tour. Chenoweth will perform tunes from her recently released country album, "Some Lessons Learned," as well as an array of Broadway favorites, including tunes from "Wicked," "Promises, Promises," and "Glee."

Chenowith said that Dolly Parton has been an inspiration.

"This is a woman who has sacrificed and worked her butt off and worked hard to own her own music and not sold it — which is so smart," she said.

Chenowith won't compare herself with Parton but said she likes the way she country icon has handled herself.

"I'm trying to learn, as I'm in my 40s, to embrace what I've been able to achieve and be proud of it. And I know there's roles that I will want to play before I die, but I'm still just taking one day at a time."

TV Tonight 13th of March 2012

TV Tonight 13th of March 2012

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

    112 - på liv och död S05E26: "Del 26 av 36"
    19 Kids and Counting S06E07: "Swerve & Serve"
    90210 S04E18: "Blood Is Thicker Than Mud"
    Ano Natsu de Matteru S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Another S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Antiques Road Trip S04E22: "Series 4, Episode 22"
    Arctic Air S01E10: "Drop in for Lunch"
    Balls Of Steel Australia S02E07: "Season 2, Episode 7"
    Battleground S01E05: "TBA"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E21: "Del 21"
    Big Fat Gypsy Weddings S02E05: "Reputation Is Everything"
    Bleach (JP) S16E22: "Desperate Struggle!? Byakuya's Troubled Memories"
    Body Of Proof S02E17: "Identity"
    Bondi Vet S04E07: "Season 4, Episode 7"
    Breaking In S02E02: "Who's The Boss"
    Chelsea Lately S06E50: "Josh Gad, Mo Mandel, Loni Love, Gary Valentine"
    Chelsea Lately S06E42: "Josh Gad, Mo Mandel, Loni Love, Gary Valentine"
    Chopped S11E05: "Plenty of Fish"
    Cleverdicks S01E12: "Episode 12"
    Come Dine With Me S18E50: "Series 18, Series 42"
    Comic Relief Does Glee Club! S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    Cougar Town S03E05: "A One Story Town"
    Dance Academy S02E02: "Dream Life"
    Dance Moms S02E10: "Miami Heat Wave"
    Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Days of our Lives S47E87: "Ep. #11797"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E183: "Episode 1863"
    Den sista dokusåpan S01E02: "Season 1, Episode 2"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E71: "Series 8, Episode 71"
    Doctors S13E218: "Cut Off - Part One"
    Doomsday Preppers S01E07: "Into the Spider Hole"
    EastEnders S28E43: "March 13, 2012"
    Éden Hotel S02E06: "Season 2, Episode 6"
    Emmerdale S41E61: "March 13, 2012"
    Fashion Star S01E01: "Pilot"
    Four In A Bed S04E02: "Series 4, Episode 2"
    General Hospital (US) S49E241: "#12515"
    Geordie Shore S02E07: "Season 2, Episode 7"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E137: "Season 22, Episode 137"
    Gokujo S01E09: "Episode 9"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E30: "Stockholm - Anna"
    Holby City S14E22: "The Ties That Bind"
    Hollyoaks S18E52: "March 13, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E37: "Episode 5472"
    Horizon S50E10: "Out of Control?"
    Hotel cæsar S28E167: "Season 28, Episode 167"
    House Hunters S48E51: "Picky Buyers in a Seattle Suburb"
    House Hunters International S25E54: "Modern living in Central Rome"
    I Hate My Teenage Daughter S01E06: "Teenage Date Night"
    Jeopardy! S28E127: "Show #6332"
    Jersey Couture S02E11: "A Hard Sell"
    Jersey Couture S02E10: "Jersey Brides"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E218: "Will Ferrell, Ellie Kemper, Allen Stone"
    Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? S02E08: "Crossing the Line"
    Justified S03E09: "Loose Ends"
    Key & Peele S01E07: "Season 1, Episode 7"
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E40
    Let's Stay Together S02E10: "2 Fast 2 furious"
    Level Up S01E09: "Max Squared"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E141
    Masterchef (UK) S16E14: "Series 16, Episode 14"
    My First Place S21E13: "Stiff Competition in Pittsburgh"
    My Ride Rules S02E03: "Beauties Meet Beasts"
    Natsume Yūjin-Chō S04E11: "Episode 11"
    Neighbours S28E47: "Episode 6357"
    New Girl S01E16: "Control"
    Packed To The Rafters S04E21: "Sleepwalking"
    Pointless S06E22: "Series 6, Episode 22"
    Property Virgins S11E10: "Bachelor Pad"
    Raising Hope S02E17: "Spanks Butt, No Spanks"
    Revealed S02E02: "The Great Falklands Gamble"
    Ringer S01E17: "What We Have Is Worth The Pain"
    River City S10E27: "Episode 771"
    Shameless S09E11: "Series 9, Episode 11"
    Southland S04E09: "Risk"
    Storage Wars: Texas S02E03: "Puffy in the Sky With Diamonds"
    Storage Wars: Texas S02E04: "If I Were a Tibettin' Man"
    Supersize vs Superskinny S05E03: "Hugh McIntosh / Lynsey Bate"
    Switched at Birth S01E21: "The Sleep Of Reason Produces Monsters"
    Tabatha Takes Over S04E09: "Barkingham Palace: West Hollywood, CA"
    The Amazing World of Gumball S01E36: "The Fight"
    The Biggest Loser S13E11: "Season 13, Episode 11"
    The Biggest Loser (2009) S03E09: "Series 3, Episode 9"
    The Biggest Loser (AU) S07E30: "Season 7, Episode 30"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E249: "Ep. #6279"
    The Chase (2009) S05E31: "Series 5, Episode 31"
    The Colbert Report S08E37: "Andrew Bird"
    The Daily Show S17E73: "Will Ferrell"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E120
    The Game S05E09: "Season 5, Episode 9"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E127: "March 13, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E47
    The Murdoch Mysteries (2008) S05E03: "Evil Eye of Egypt"
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E06: "The Party's Over"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E42: "Season 1, Episode 42"
    The River S01E07: "The Experiment"
    The Rosie Show S01E82: "Lance Bass, Ralphie May"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E256
    The View S15E125: "Adrien Brody, Jeremy Jordan"
    The Young and the Restless S39E248: "Ep. #9863"
    Thuis S17E142: "Season 17, Episode 142"
    Timothy Spall: All at Sea S01E04: "The Last Splash"
    Top Gear (US) S02E13: "Supercars"
    Top Shot S04E05: "Swing Into Action"
    Tosh.0 S04E07: "Season 4, Episode 7"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E46

Barry Diller on Aereo's Battle with Broadcasters: Let's Rumble

Barry Diller on Aereo's Battle with Broadcasters: Let's Rumble

Barry Diller isn't shrinking from his battle with broadcasters over Aereo, his new streaming device that allows anyone to watch and record TV shows on the Internet via a dime-sized antenna.

"It's going to be a great fight," Diller told a panel at the SXSW Film Festival Sunday. The service is scheduled to go live in New York on Thursday.

Roughly two weeks ago in New York, the company was slapped with a pair of lawsuits by NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS and Univision that charged copyright violation.

Aereo works by picking up broadcast signals over clusters of tiny antennas and sending them via the internet to users' mobile devices, computers or tablets for $12 a month.

"This is not some evil thing," said Diller at SXSW. "This is absolutely predictable. Media companies have hegemony over it (broadcast TV) and they want to protect it."

The networks insist that because Aereo is setting itself up as a direct competitor, it needs their consent to stream their programming.

"No amount of technological gimmickry by Aereo -- or claims that it is simply providing a set of sophisticated "rabbit ears" -- changes the fundamental principle of copyright laws that those who wish to retransmit Plaintiffs' broadcasts may do so only with Plaintiffs authority," a suit filed by Fox, PBS and Univision reads.

In a statement, CBS, ABC and NBC were even more direct.

"This service is based on the illegal use of our content. Beyond that, we believe the complaint speaks for itself," the networks said.

Diller, the chairman of IAC//InterActive Corp. which is among Aereo's backers, said he believes that the law is on his side because broadcasting was established to be licensed with no one in the middle.

"So long as you have an address, you have a right to public broadcasting," said Diller.

He said he met with a group of broadcasters in N.Y. to discuss the issue of retransmission fees.

"I said to the broadcasters, 'One thing that might happen is you'll get more audience,'" said Diller. "They said, 'That's fine. Now pay us retransmission money.' I said, 'When you get Radio Shack to pay you some slice of their profit when they sell an Aereo, we'll pay you anything you like, but we're not transmitting anything.'"

The two suits were filed  in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and asks for injunctive relief and damages.

NBC, YouTube Partner for London Olympics Video

NBC, YouTube Partner for London Olympics Video

YouTube and NBC are teaming up to offer videos from this summer's London Olympics.

The technology and promotional partnership will see YouTube provide the video player for NBCOlympics.com throughout the London Games.

As part of the agreement, YouTube will promote NBCOlympics.com on its home page and direct visitors to live and highlight videos of the London Games. On NBC-Olympics.com, visitors will view highlights and live events on a video player that is provided by YouTube and features the company’s black, red and white logo.

MSN provided the video player for the 2008 and 2010 Olympics.

Terms of the deal weren't announced, but it is thought that YouTube will provide the video platform in exchange for the benefit of being associated with the Olympics, according to a report in Sports Business Daily.

NBC not only find a home for the huge number of live video streams it will provide during the 17 days of the Games. but also will benefit from having Olympic content promoted on YouTube’s heavily trafficked --and young trending — web site.

NBC hopes many of the U.S. visitors to YouTube’s site will click on Olympics videos that take them to NBCOlympics.com.

NBC Sports Chairman Mark Lazarus said that all events will be broadcast live online or on TV. During the Beijing Games, NBC offered more than 2,200 hours of live video coverage.

Carol Vorderman: 'I still miss Countdown co-star Richard Whiteley'

Carol Vorderman: 'I still miss Countdown co-star Richard Whiteley'

Carol Vorderman has said that the death of her former Countdown colleague Richard Whiteley "still hurts very much".

The Loose Women host starred alongside Whiteley on the Channel 4 gameshow from its 1982 premiere until his death in 2005.

"It still hurts very much. We worked together for 23 years," she said during filming of Piers Morgan's Life Stories. "It was a total and utter joy to be with him. It was special, we loved each other - though not in that way."

Declaring that Countdown "wasn't the same after Richard died", Vorderman admitted that she could somewhat understand why producers "wanted [her] out" in time for its 2009 revamp.

"It was six months before my contract was due to end and I knew there were budget cuts," she recalled. "I said I'd take a third, or a half, but the new bosses had decided they wanted a fresh face. They gave me 48 hours to make the decision - why?"

On Whiteley's successors Des Lynam and Des O'Connor, she said: "[They] were wonderful but maybe I couldn't make the same chemistry. Maybe the bosses were right.

"It upsets me they've not invited me back for guest appearances. They had their 5,000th episode and I wasn't asked.

"I wish it well. I'd go back if they invited me. It's the 30th year of Channel 4 next year. Countdown was the first show and I was the first woman."

Vorderman added that her Countdown role has in the past brought with it a fair amount of unwanted attention.

"I have had stalkers over the years," she said. "The police deal with it but it is very scary."

"One man kept turning up where we filmed Countdown in Leeds, which was scary. It was sad as he'd been sectioned and thought I was talking to him through the TV."

Vorderman's episode of Piers Morgan's Life Stories will air later this year.

Alex Reid, Chantelle Houghton 'can't plan wedding due to Katie Price'

Alex Reid, Chantelle Houghton 'can't plan wedding due to Katie Price'

Alex Reid has revealed that he is unable to set the date of his wedding to Chantelle Houghton as he is still married to Katie Price.

The Celebrity Big Brother winners became engaged last October and confirmed the following month that they are expecting a baby girl together.

Speaking to Now, Reid said that Houghton is hoping to tie the knot before the end of 2012, but their plans have been put on hold as his divorce from Price has not been finalised since their January 2011 split.

"We need to book a venue soon if [Chantelle] wants it this year," he told Now. "You see, it's a bit difficult because I'm still married. It's pants."

Houghton, meanwhile, said she is content to wait until 2013 so that she can have a winter-themed wedding.

"We've got so much to do anyway. It will probably be next year," the reality star said. "I do like the idea of a winter wonderland."

Houghton declared this week that she would love to have "a big family" with Reid.

Gary Barlow forced to quit 'X Factor' over Diamond Jubilee duties?

Gary Barlow forced to quit 'X Factor' over Diamond Jubilee duties?

Gary Barlow could be forced to quit The X Factor over his commitment to the Queen's Diamond Jubillee celebrations.

The Take That star, who confirmed last month that he is in talks to return to the panel, is writing a song with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrating the anniversary of Elizabeth II's coronation, touring the Commonwealth for a special documentary, and organising a Buckingham Palace concert to take place on June 4.

Barlow's royal duties are set to clash with the audition stages of this year's X Factor, and although Simon Cowell is said to be attempting to work out an appropriate schedule, it has been suggested that the singer may have to give up his seat.

"Gary wants to go back and Simon wants him but he has got a lot on this summer, namely the Jubilee concert which is taking up a lot of his time," a source told The People.

"This and other projects he is working on mean that unless the audition schedule changes, Gary won't be an X Factor judge for this year's show, which will be a huge blow for Simon.

"He loved the X Factor line-up last year and he hopes that he will be able to keep it the same. It is going to take a lot of juggling around though."

Gordon Ramsay Sues Over Shark Fishing, Hair Transplant Emails

Gordon Ramsay Sues Over Shark Fishing, Hair Transplant Emails

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is suing publicist and former News of the World editor Phil Hall, alleging that he sold private information gleaned from hacked emails to a British newspaper last year.

Ramsay suit is seeking damages for breach of privacy from Hall, who is now chief executive of the PR firm PHA media. Ramsay claims Hall got the information from the chef's former business partner and father-in-law, Christopher Hutcheson.

It came out in a legal battle last year between Hutcheson and Ramsay that Hutcheson unlawfully accessed Ramsay's emails. The dispute was settled with Ramsay buying him out earlier this year.

Ramsay's lawyers are claiming that Hall conspired with Hutcheson to publish personal information about the chef while the dispute with the chef was ongoing. Hall's lawyers said that the public relations man did not know that any emails had been unlawfully intercepted.

The information Ramsay claims was sold by Hall to the Daily Mail concerned a shark-fishing trip attended by the chef shortly before he appeared in a TV program deploring the trade, the high court was told.

The court heard that Hall also leaked information to the press about Ramsay's hair transplant, according to the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper.

'The Voice' will beat 'BGT', says Danny O'Donoghue

'The Voice' will beat 'BGT', says Danny O'Donoghue

The Voice coach Danny O'Donoghue has insisted that the new show needn't worry about competition.

The singing contest will premiere on March 24, the same day as established rival Britain's Got Talent.

Sir Tom Jones, Jessie J and will.i.am join the Script singer on The Voice, which begins with the blind audition stage. This involves the judges having their backs turned to the performer so that their decisions are based purely on voice.

"The quality of everything is as good as it can be. No expense has been spared, from the set to all the production. I'm so confident, happy and excited about The Voice I don't think we need to worry about what other shows are doing," O'Donoghue told the Daily Star Sunday.

"The BBC have done a great job of picking a team of perfect professionals who are well trained in what they do.

"The Script are hugely successful and I've made a career of singing so I think I deserve to be there. The quality of talent on the show is just unbelievable. Everybody who is on it can sing, there are no novelty acts."

Corrie killer shock, 'Enders death, E'dale fire, 'Oaks slap

Corrie killer shock, 'Enders death, E'dale fire, 'Oaks slap

Coronation Street's Sally Webster finds herself in danger later this month after she discovers the identity of Frank Foster's killer.

Sally (Sally Dynevor) uncovers the truth after attending Frank's funeral, where Anne, Carla, Maria and Michelle are among those who gather for the service.

Later, when Sally stumbles upon evidence which points to the guilty party, Frank's killer is backed into a corner and finally reveals the truth.

Taking in the full horror of the crime, Sally fears for her safety and tries to run.

However, as the killer makes a dramatic bid for freedom, Sally ends up lying unconscious. Will she be okay?