'Deal or No Deal' fans raise £6,000 for charity after Jimmy Carr loss

'Deal or No Deal' fans raise £6,000 for charity after Jimmy Carr loss

Deal or No Deal viewers have raised thousands of pounds for a hospice after Jimmy Carr won the charity just £750 on the programme's first celebrity special.

The comedian played the Channel 4 gameshow on behalf of Helen & Douglas House, which provides support for young adults with life-shortening conditions and their families.

After his episode aired on Easter Sunday, Carr took to Twitter and urged fans to make up for his loss by donating to the charity.

"Please give generously - #celebdond," he wrote. "Or as Bob Geldof would say Give us your *uckin' money..."

As followers crashed the Helen & Douglas House website in their rush to give money, he added: "Thanks to everyone who donated to Helen & Douglas House after watching me get my ass handed to me by The Banker on Deal or No Deal."

Carr returned to Twitter this afternoon (April 10) and revealed that over £6,000 had been raised so far off the back of his Celebrity Deal or No Deal stint.

The 8 out of 10 Cats host could have taken a maximum of £14,000 from his game.

Celebrity Big Brother: Model Jakki Degg 'signed up'

Celebrity Big Brother: Model Jakki Degg 'signed up'

Model and DJ Jakki Degg is reportedly one of the first celebrities to sign up for Celebrity Big Brother later this year.

Degg is being tipped to "mix things up in the house", according to the Daily Star. She has apparently been billed as "beauty and brains" by producers.

The former Page 3 girl has TV experience, appearing on and winning a Page 3 Weakest Link special and in 2004 triumphing on Celebrity 24 Hour Quiz.

Other celebs among the early housemate rumours include ex-News of the World journalist Paul McMullen, Swedish footballer Freddie Ljungberg, Bachelor star Carianne Barrow and controversial journalist and TV producer Samantha Brick.

Celebrity Big Brother returns in August for an extra series this year, following the ratings success of the Denise Welch and Frankie Cocozza outing in January.

Channel 5 also announced last week that they have reached a deal with producers Endemol to produce two more years of Celebrity and non-Celebrity Big Brother.

'Ricky Gervais Show' returning to E4 in May, to include new audio

'Ricky Gervais Show' returning to E4 in May, to include new audio

The Ricky Gervais Show will return for a third series on E4 next month.

The animated series, based on the comedian's long-running podcasts with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington will start a new run of 13 episodes in May.

The series will first return to US screens on April 20 on HBO.

Ricky Gervais revealed that the third series will also include previously unheard audio from the three stars.

He said: "Karl is not only my best friend but also my gift to the world. This is my favourite series so far and it even features some previously unheard audio."

Channel 4's Head of Comedy Shane Allen added: "A very welcome return to E4 of these comedy masters. Their flights of fancy and infectious banter are a joy as Stephen and Ricky delve into the inner workings of Karl Pilkington's oddly wired brain".

The Ricky Gervais Show is produced for Channel 4 by Media Rights Capital in association with Wildbrain Entertainment.

Karl Pilkington will appear in his first acting role in Gervais's one-off comedy Derek, which airs on Channel 4 on Thursday, April 12 at 10pm.

Gervais recently said that Pilkington's character in the show is very similar to his real-life persona.

Pilkington will soon appear in an Idiot Abroad spinoff with Warwick Davis entitled The Short Way Round, which will see the pair embark on a cycling journey together.

'The Apprentice': Nick Hewer vents anger at Team Phoenix's empty shop

'The Apprentice': Nick Hewer vents anger at Team Phoenix's empty shop

The Apprentice's Team Phoenix hit a snag in tonight's episode as they fail to stock up their shop in Lord Alan Sugar's buying and selling task.

Sugar's watchman Nick Hewer vents his anger at project manager Tom Gearing's cavalier approach to purchasing the second-hand goods needed to win the task.

Donning a pair of dark sunglasses, Hewer said: "They've only bought a few items, its nuts! They've got to fill that shop tomorrow; I don't want to be walking in to an empty shell of a shop!

"There's a difference between 'minimalism' and 'emptiness' and I think they need to really get some stuff in there."

Gearing eventually recognises the need for more stock after the shop opens, sending a sub-team across London to buy more.

"We've sold a number of items but the shop looks empty," he admitted. "The concern is, are we going to have enough stock for the rest of the day?"

The Apprentice continues tonight (Wednesday) at 9pm on BBC One.

Betty White Joins Twitter, Shows Whippersnappers How It's Done

Betty White Joins Twitter, Shows Whippersnappers How It's Done

Betty White has just raised the average age of the Twitter community considerably.

The "Golden Girls" icon, who turned 90 years young in January, launched her official Twitter account Tuesday, offering an adoring public a glimpse into the still-spry actress' fertile mind, 140 characters at a time.

The actress's maiden tweet was a typical bit of witticism (or is that White-icism?) designed to enchant and delight the masses.

Also read: Betty White Blows Off Marine Date Request

"Hello Twitter! And they said it would never happen. Oh wait, that was me," White cracked.

White's second tweet, about 45 minutes later, was more mercenary than whimsical, consisting of a plug for her geriatric hidden-camera show, "Betty White's Off Their Rockers."

"My new show 'Betty White's Off Their Rockers' airs 8 PM tomorrow on NBC... I'm new at this... ;)," White wrote.

New, and yet already so, so savvy at it, apparently...

Welcome to the Twitterverse, Ms. White. Just take a lesson from Anthony Weiner and remember that tweeting racy photos is probably not a wise idea.

Matt Lucas: 'New show not as smutty as Little Britain'

Matt Lucas: 'New show not as smutty as Little Britain'

Matt Lucas has revealed that his new BBC show is not as "rude" or "smutty" as Little Britain.

The comedian said that The Matt Lucas Awards has been made for those who disapprove of his sitcom with David Walliams - like his own mother Diana.

Lucas told The Sun: "I've got my mum in the show so I wanted to keep it clean - so the worst I can say is 'cobblers'.

"Some people said that Little Britain was a bit rude and mum was one of those who thought it was a bit smutty. So as she is in this show, I didn't want it to be so rude."

Explaining his decision to include his mother in the programme, Lucas said: "It was fun having her on. She's so unflappable and she's just retired so I thought 'Let's give her something to do'."

The Matt Lucas Awards begins tonight (April 10) at 10.35pm on BBC One.

Praising NBC's 'Bent' - And Looking for Converts

Praising NBC's 'Bent' - And Looking for Converts

I’m not Tim Tebow but I am a TV missionary. If there’s a great show out in TV land that’s not getting the love it deserves, I will preach out, my brothers and sisters.

Today’s sermon shines a light on a little sitcom called "Bent." If you’ve seen the overly simplistic promos, you’d think this was Amanda Peet playing yet another uptight chick with David Walton as the bad boy who’ll cure her lady blues, backed by a motley crew of faces you’ve seen before in the roles of “co-workers” and “family.” Cue half-hearted laughs and assorted guffaws.

While on paper, it’s that show, it’s also so not that show.

I can’t remember loving a show so quickly or trying to convert people so passionately, racing against the cancellation clock. I thought it would be just another freebie iTunes pilot, instantly forgettable and quickly deleted. It’s a six-episode mid-season replacement on NBC, for God’s sake, how good could it be?

But sometimes, TV works in mysterious ways, bringing gifts from unexpected networks. It’s not just that the actors are extremely likeable and into it, especially David Walton, Jeffrey Tambor and J.B. Smoove.

It’s not just that the writing is way better than it needs to be. Every scene has a throwaway line that you’ll want to repeat. It’s not even my inability to resist an "opposites attract" story.

It’s that magical combination of the right cast, writers and concept coming together into holy unity. The premise is Alex and her daughter Charlie, rebuilding their lives after her husband’s incarceration for insider trading.

Pete is the bummy Venice Beach contractor with a gambling addiction and a father who considered himself a thespian. There’s a crew – Clem who blurts out secrets because they’re a threat to his sobriety and Gary, nicknamed “Back Fat,” the much-abused new guy. There’s a sister called Screwsie and a doctor boyfriend, Ben, who throws out Spanish at random moments. I could go on, but there’s nothing in those sentences that can come close to expressing the loopy joyfulness of this show. Can I get an amen?

I know you’ve been burned before. You’ve loved a show only to have it snatched away by heartless TV programming execs. I feel your pain. In fact, I’m feeling your pain right now as I anticipate NBC canceling "Bent" and replacing it with the usual dreck. But that doesn’t stop me from believing. After all, this time of year is all about hope and rebirth and where is that more needed than on NBC?

HBO Renews 'Game of Thrones,' Of Course

HBO Renews 'Game of Thrones,' Of Course

You didn't need a small council to see this one coming: HBO has renewed "Game of Thrones" for a third season.

If you were worried HBO might not get all the way through its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's fantasy novels -- and really, were you? -- then worry no more. Show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will get another season, and probably many more after that, to bring their epic chronicle of life in mythical Westeros to the small screen.

The second season's premiere last week drew 3.9 million viewers, up 74 percent over the series premiere last year. It also jumped 27 percent over last season's finale, which grabbed 3 million viewers with its initial airing.

Over three airings Sunday night, "Game of Thrones" amassed 6.3 million total viewers, with the 9 p.m. premiere airing alone drawing 3.9 million viewers.

TV Tonight 11th of April 2012

TV Tonight 11th of April 2012

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

    10 O'Clock Live S02E10: "Series 2, Episode 10"
    60 Minute Makeover S09E11: "Series 9, Episode 11"
    Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight S02E10: "Season 2, Episode 10"
    America's Next Top Model S18E06: "Jessica Sutta and Nadine Coyle"
    American Digger S01E05: "Moonshine Money"
    American Idol S11E27: "7 Finalists Compete"
    American Weed S01E09: "Mile High Showdown: 4/20 or Bust"
    Animal 24:7 S08E08: "Series 8, Episode 8"
    Arga snickaren S07E02: "Therese & Carl"
    Auction Hunters S03E04: "Big Easy Money"
    Best Friends Forever S01E02: "It's Raining Friends"
    Betty White's Off Their Rockers S01E03: "Season 1, Episode 3"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E46: "Del 46"
    Chelsea Lately S06E62
    Come Dine With Me S18E75: "Series 18, Episode 63"
    Conan S02E77: "Lena Dunham"
    Couples Therapy S01E04: "TBA"
    Cowboy Traders S01E02: "Episode 2"
    Criminal Minds S07E20: "The Company"
    CSI: Crime Scene Investigation S12E20: "Altered Stakes"
    Dance Academy S02E19: "The Nationals"
    Days of our Lives S47E108: "Ep. #11818"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E208: "Episode 1888"
    Doctors S14E06: "A Little on the Side"
    Dog the Bounty Hunter S08E19: "Fight Like a Girl"
    Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 S01E01: "Pilot"
    Dumbest Stuff on Wheels S02E13: "Flameouts, Lameouts & Lightweights"
    Emmerdale S41E86: "April 11, 2012"
    Four In A Bed S03E23: "Llanerch Vineyard"
    Four Rooms S02E04: "Series 2, Episode 4"
    General Hospital (US) S50E08: "#12536"
    Ghost Hunters S09E01: "Frighternity"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E158: "Season 22, Episode 158"
    Great British Menu S07E03: "The Olympic Feast - 3"
    Happily Divorced S02E05: "Newman vs. Newman"
    Hollyoaks S18E73: "April 11, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E58: "Episode 5493"
    Horrible Histories S04E03: "Series 4, Episode 3"
    Hot In Cleveland S03E17
    Hotel cæsar S28E180: "Season 28, Episode 180"
    House Hunters S48E72: "Bigger is Better in Minneapolis"
    House Hunters International S25E75
    I Almost Got Away with It S05E01: "Got to Hide Out in Suburbia"
    Interior Therapy with Jeff Lewis S01E05: "TBA"
    Jeopardy! S28E148: "Show #6353"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E236
    Johnny Test S05E45: "TBA"
    Krew z krwi S01E01: "Season 1, Episode 1"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E39
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E251
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E55
    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit S13E17: "Justice Denied"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E161
    Match of The Day S47E49: "Season 47, Show 49"
    Million Dollar Listing: NY S01E06: "TBA"
    Modern Family S03E19: "Election Day"
    Monster Man S01E05: "Wee Boots"
    NAV S01E05: "Season 1, Episode 5"
    Neighbours S28E68: "Episode 6378"
    Nothing Personal S02E06: "TBA"
    NOVA S39E17: "Deadliest Tornadoes"
    Our Food S01E02: "North Wales"
    Peter Andre: My Life S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    Pointless S06E41: "Series 6, Episode 41"
    Psych S06E16: "Santabarbaratown"
    Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is S06E13: "Series 6, Episode 13"
    Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew S07E01
    Recorder to Randoseru S02E02: "Episode 2"
    Restaurant Stakeout S01E06: "Paint by Numbers"
    Rock Center with Brian Williams S01E23: "Season 1, Episode 23"
    Sons of Guns S03E07: "Armored and Dangerous"
    South Park S16E05: "Butterballs"
    SpongeBob SquarePants S08E24: "Squiditis"
    Suburgatory S01E18: "Down Time"
    Survivor S24E09: "Season 24, Episode 9"
    The Almighty Johnsons S02E07: "TBA"
    The Apprentice (UK) S08E04: "Junk Shops"
    The Apprentice: You're Fired! S07E04: "Series 7, Episode 4"
    The Biggest Loser (AU) S07E55: "Season 7, Episode 55"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E14: "Ep. #6298"
    The Chase (2009) S05E47: "Series 5, Episode 47"
    The Colbert Report S08E50: "Michelle Obama"
    The Daily Show S17E86: "Ricky Gervais"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E136
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E146
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E59:
    The Middle S03E20: "Get Your Business Done"
    The Project S04E86: "Season 4, Episode 86"
    The Real Housewives of Vancouver S01E03
    The Talk S02E143: "Season 2, Episode 143"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E277
    The View S15E136: "Edie Falco, Trisha Yearwood"
    The Young and the Restless S40E13: "Ep. #9882"
    Thuis S17E163: "Season 17, Episode 163"
    Top Guns S01E09: "Going the Distance"
    Ugly Americans S02E15: "The Stalking Dead"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E62: "Martha Plimpton & Theresa Caputo"
    Waterloo Road S07E28: "Series 7, Episode 28"
    Woodley S01E08: "The Wedding"
    Интерны S06E11: "Потерянный голос"

BBC Breakfast makes Northern debut

BBC Breakfast makes Northern debut

BBC Breakfast has today completed its first broadcast from Salford Quays since making the move from London.

The programme, aired daily from 6am on BBC One and the News Channel, is among a series of major shows to have relocated to the new BBC North base at MediaCityUK.

Sian Williams and sports reporter Chris Hollins opted against making the move North, but Bill Turnbull, Susanna Reid, Louise Minchin and Charlie Stayt have stayed with the programme to form the new presenting team.

Business reporter Stephanie McGovern and sports presenters Sally Nugent and Mike Bushell also continue in their current roles, while Carol Kirkwood presents the weather reports from London and other UK locations.

Reid welcomed viewers to the programme this morning from the new set at MediaCityUK, featuring the show's trademark red sofa but with a new backdrop.

Discussing a story about how much people know their neighbours, she said: "Talking of making new friends, we are very glad you have joined us for our first morning from our new studio in Salford."

Speaking to BBC News, Breakfast deputy editor Adam Bullimore said that viewers should expect to see "subtle differences" in the programme, but insisted that they are "not making a Northern Breakfast, we're just making Breakfast".

Bullimore, who oversaw today's relaunch, added: "The BBC has a job to report UK-wide and there's a commitment to bringing programmes and news from all parts of the UK, and Breakfast is part of that plan.

"The tone of voice might change a bit. But it's keeping the fundamental ingredients the same. The things that have made the programme so successful in recent years will still be there."

Alongside BBC Breakfast, the MediaCityUK base is also home to Match of the Day, Blue Peter, Football Focus and Newsround, as well as parts of Radio 5 Live.

Bullimore expressed his hope that the morning show would still be able to attract the same quality of star guests as it did in London.

"We've had some researchers booking guests in advance of the move and the indications are that we will get talent on the sofa," he said.

Despite declining to move North with Breakfast, Williams will remain with the BBC to co-present a revamped version of Saturday Live on Radio 4 from next month, as well as work on the corporation's Olympics coverage.

Ratings: NBC and 'Voice' Win Night of Many Lows

Ratings: NBC and 'Voice' Win Night of Many Lows

NBC won the Monday night ratings race on the strength of "The Voice," the night's top-rated show, despite its hitting a Monday low, according to preliminary numbers. CBS's "Two and a Half Men" and "2 Broke Girls," meanwhile, hit series lows.

Though NBC was the highest-rated network in the 18-49 demographic most important to advertisers, it was the third-most watched network in total viewers. It averaged a 3.3 rating/9 share in the demo and 8.9 million total viewers, while the most-watched network of the night, ABC, averaged a 2.4/6 and 13 million total viewers. ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" earns a large number of viewers outside the demo, and was the most-watched show in total viewers with 16.1 million.

"The Voice" from 8-10 p.m. had a 3.9/11 and 10.4 millon total viewers. Despite being the highest-rated show in the demo, it was down 5 percent from last Monday's episode and had the lowest Monday rating for the series, which aired its first Tuesday episode of the season last week. At 10, "Smash" was flat with last week in the demo, earning a 2.1/5 and 6 million total viewers.

CBS was the second-highest rated and second-most watched network, averaging a 3.1/8 and 9.5 millon total viewers, despite several lows. (It's a testament to the success of CBS's Monday lineup that its lowest-rated episodes do better than many comedies' highest-rated.) At 8, "How I Met Your Mother" tied a season-low 3.4/10, and had 8 million total viewers. At 8:30, "Two Broke Girls" tied a series-low 3.4/9 and had 8.7 million. At 9, "Men" had a 3.5/9, a series low, and 10.4 million. It was the second-highest-rated show of the night behind "The Voice" and third most-watched behind "Dancing" and "The Voice." ("The Voice" barely edged it out in total viewers.) At 9:30, "Mike & Molly" had a 3.2/8 and 9.5 million total viewers, and "Hawaii 5-0" at 10 had a 2.6/7 and 10.2 million.

ABC's "Dancing" from 8-10 had a 2.9/8 rating, making it the sixth highest-rated show in the demo despite its first-place finish in total viewers. A repeat of the new Shonda Rhimes political drama "Scandal" aired at 10.

Fox was fourth in ratings and total viewers with a 2.1/6 and 6.7 million. "Bones" at 8 had a 2.1/6 and 7.4 million, while "House" at 9 had a 2.0/5 and 6.1 million.