Bryan Cranston, Ellen DeGeneres and More to Get Stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Bryan Cranston and Ellen DeGeneres are among the stars to be honored on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2013, reports Access Hollywood.

The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad reveal Comic-Con plans

In addition to Cranston and DeGeneres, the other actors set to be immortalized on Hollywood Boulevard are Javier Bardem, Simon Baker, Katey Sagal, Matthew Perry, Jane Lynch and Olympia Dukakis. Performers Penn & Teller, makeup artist Rick Baker, filmmaker Ron Howard, radio personalities Steve Harvey and "Shotgun" Tom Kelly will also be honored along with musicians New Kids on the Block, Janis Joplin, Usher, Thalia, Luther Vandross and Jane's Addiction.

CSI's Marg Helgenberger and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the 24 new inductees in a press

Upfronts Wrap: Network Sales Are Flat, and That's Not So Bad

Television's biggest selling season for ads has ended for the Big 5 networks with neither a bang nor a whimper: Cursed to coincide with disappointing economic news, their upfronts sales roughly equaled last year's take of $9.2 billion.

While cable is in the midst of its upfront sales, the networks finished last week. CBS, ABC and NBC earned slightly more than they did last year, according to people familiar with the sales. Fox and the CW were essentially flat.

Still, steady sales may feel like good news considering their backdrop: Networks had to sell their fall shows amid rampant economic uncertainty -- and with General Motors, a major advertiser, aggressively haggling over prices.

"I don't think there's anything abnormal about this year," said Brad Adgate, senior vice president of research at Horizon Media Inc. "It's just kind of business as usual."

To which the networks might say: Whew.

Cable networks are expected to out-earn the networks -- as they did last year -- when they complete their sales in the next two weeks.

"I don't foresee broadcast networks ever taking back the crown from cable," said Michael Parent, senior vice president of national broadcast for the media firm TargetCast.

Even if networks didn't beat last year's total sales, they also didn't slump back to the 2010 numbers, when the pull of recession limited sales to $8.5 billion. Staying even is an accomplishment, given the background static.

CBS, the most-watched network overall, led with $2.7 billion, up from last year's $2.6 billion.

ABC was up to $2.5 billion, up from $2.4 billion the year before.

Fox, the top-rated network in the advertiser coveted 18-49 demographic, sold $1.9 billion to $2 billion, compared to about $2.1 billion last year. It has fewer ads to sell because its primetime is two hours instead of CBS, ABC, NBC's three.

NBC came in at about $1.8 billion, up from $1.7 billion the year before, partly on the strength of its hit singing competition "The Voice."

The CW, the newest and lowest-rated network, earned about $420 million, on par with last year. It has two hours of primetime programming Monday through Friday.

Top-rated Spanish station Univision, which often beats one or more of the networks on a given night, is still in the midst of its upfront sales. It has sold more than half of its available ad space and is ahead of last year's pace.

Advertisers set prices based on CPMs, the cost of reaching 1,000 people. All of the English-networks had CPM increases of 6 to 9 percent, despite pressure from GM to limit increases. The company spent spending about $1.1 billion on TV advertising in 2011, making it the third-largest U.S. TV advertiser after Procter & Gamble and AT&T, according to AdAge.

Adding to that pressure was a May jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that found that only 69,000 jobs were added for the month, the weakest growth in a year. Unemployment ticked up for the first time since last June, hitting 8.2 percent.

The situation was even more bleak for countries that use the euro: Their collective unemployment rate hit its highest level on record, 11 percent. That doesn't directly affect U.S. TV viewers, but does infect the global economy.

New 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional announced

Karen Hauer has been announced as the latest professional to join the ranks of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The Venezuelan dancer has been brought in to replace Katya Virshilas, who was axed by the BBC last week.

RTE reports that the 30-year-old is looking forward to being a part of the series, quoting her as saying: "If I could dance how I feel about joining Strictly then you'd be able to see how excited I am!"

Hauer is a former World Mambo Champion and has previously worked alongside Jennifer Lopez.

Three years ago, she auditioned for US reality series So You Think You Can Dance?, but was eliminated after the first few weeks.

BBC controller of entertainment Katie Taylor said of Haeur: "We're thrilled to have such a fresh and talented professional join us, and I can't wait to see what she will bring to the ballroom this autumn."

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year with another new face on the judging panel, with ex-ballerina Darcey Bussell replacing Alesha Dixon.

'Jersey Shore' Snooki: 'Being pregnant is really scary'

Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has admitted that she's found being pregnant quite "scary".

Speaking to The Huffington Post, Snooki stressed that she knows creating a new life with fiancé Jionni LaValle is an incredible responsibility.

"Being able to produce another human is just so beyond crazy and scary that it's just weird that you can produce another human," she said. "It's just mind-blowing how you can create a person."

Snooki went to say that she is nervous to film a new season of Jersey Shore while also expecting her first child.

"I really don't know my involvement yet with the show or where I'm going to be living 'cause, you know, obviously I want to be very careful," she said. "Because I'm pregnant, I want to be healthy. So it's just gonna be a different experience for me this summer."

Snooki previously vowed that she will not drink alcohol while pregnant out of fear that her baby would be born with "three legs".

It was reported earlier this month that Jersey Shore could end after its upcoming sixth season.

GMC TV Green-Lights Two Original Series

GMC TV, America's favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today that it has green-lit two GMC World Premiere Series, "The Bulloch Family Ranch" and "I Forgive You."

"The Bulloch Family Ranch"

Meet Julie and Rusty Bulloch, a fun-loving, working class couple that devotes their time and resources to help others. Julie and Rusty are the proud "parents" of 25 kids they have taken in to save from the streets and broken families, providing them with a home and love that helps them to flourish. One is now a New York Jet running back. It's the Blind Side X 25.

From Peacepoint Entertainment Group (Les Tomlin, executive producer; "FANatica") and Cry Baby Media (Danny Passman, executive producer; "The Whitest Kids U Know," "Hook, Line and Dinner"). GMC has ordered seven one-hour episodes. Production begins this month in central Florida.

"I Forgive You"

An emotional and uplifting one-hour documentary series that provides people the opportunity to forgive someone who has hurt them or a loved one physically or emotionally. The goal of the series is to facilitate healing and overcome hatred, anger and revenge.

From Arnold Shapiro Productions (Arnold Shapiro, executive producer; "Rescue 911," "Beyond Scared Straight") and Bayonne Entertainment (Rob Lee, executive producer; "Millionaire Matchmaker," "America's Best Dance Crew"). GMC has ordered a one-hour special and intends to turn it into a series.

"The Bulloch Family Ranch" and "I Forgive You" were part of GMC's recently announced, first-ever original reality series development slate, consisting of 13 new series from some of the television industry's leading production companies. The network expects to green-light additional series in the near future.

Brad Siegel, GMC's vice chairman, said, "The launch of our GMC World Premiere Series strategy is an exciting next step in our vastly expanded original programming initiative, which already includes monthly GMC World Premiere Movies and GMC World Premiere Plays. Our original series will offer a welcome and much needed alternative to the often sensationalistic, exploitive and negative reality genre, delivering on GMC's brand promise of Uplifting Entertainment by focusing on good people doing good things. 'The Bulloch Family Ranch' and 'I Forgive You' will be emblematic of this approach, providing positive , emotionally compelling real-life stories."

Development Update: the 24th of June

BITS & PIECES (Disney) - Dove Cameron, Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Benjamin King have all been cast in the comedy pilot, which will showcase the bits and pieces of a family's funniest moments using quick, dynamic storylines that unfold through a series of short comedic vignettes. Cameron will play the family's "opinionated, image-conscious 16-year-old daughter" Alana with King presumably as high school basketball coach Pete, her new step-father and Zuehlsdorff as his daughter Crystal. Andy Fickman is helming the multi-camera project from a script John D. Beck and Ron Hart. Betsy Sullenger also serves as an executive producer alongside the trio. (Deadline.com)

LITTLE ESTHER (MTV, New!) - Comedian Esther Povitsky is set to topline a potential reality series at the cable channel set in the L.A. comedy scene and revolving around her relationships with her (mostly male) young standup comedian friends. Production on a pilot is currently underway. Rico Martinez, Stone & Company Entertainment's Scott A. Stone and Oasis Media Group's John Mass are the executive producers of the project, with Lee Kernis and Brian Stern of Brillstein Entertainment Partners serving as consulting producers. (Deadline.com)

WENDELL & VINNIE (Nickelodeon) - Haley Strode has joined the cast of the comedy pilot, about man-child Vinnie (Jerry Trainor) and his precocious 12-year-old nephew, Wendell (Buddy Handleson). She'll play Vinnie's newly divorced and relocated neighbor Taryn, who develops a bond with the uncle-nephew duo. Jay Kogen penned the half-hour and is executive producing alongside Aaron Kaplan. (Variety.com)

VIKINGS (History) - Newcomer George Blagden is the first to be cast in the cable channel's first scripted series, which chronicles "the extraordinary and ferocious world of the mighty Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times." He'll play Athelstan, "an Anglo-Saxon monk captured by Ragnar on his first raid on England." Production is set to begin this summer in Dublin on the 10-episode drama with Alan Gasmer, John Weber, Michael Hirst, Morgan O'Sullivan and Sherry Marsh among the executive producers. (Deadline.com)

ANIMAL PRACTICE (NBC) - Gail Lerner ("Happy Endings") have been tapped to serve as showrunner of the recently ordered comedy, about George Coleman (Justin Kirk), a veterinarian who loves animals but usually hates their owners. There she'll supervise co-creators Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka as well as executive produce alongside American Work's Scot Armstrong and Ravi Nandan and co-directors Joe and Anthony Russo for Universal Television. The Peacock plans to recast the female lead on the recently ordered comedy, about George Coleman (Justin Kirk), a veterinarian who loves animals but usually hates their owners. Amy Huberman originated the role - George's ex-girlfriend Dorothy who returns to his life as the new Director of the Rutledge Animal Hospital... with a fianceé in tow - in the pilot. "Thanks so much for all the lovely well wishes about the pilot guys! But I was only contracted for the pilot and I won't be doing the series," the actress wrote on her Twitter feed. Tyler Labine, Bobby Lee and Betsy Sodaro also star in the Universal Television-based half-hour, from co-creators Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka and co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo. (Deadline.com)

FAME WHORE/UNTITLED JOHN SCOTT SHEPHERD PROJECT (Showtime/USA, New!) - John Scott Shepherd (NBC's "Save Me") has booked a pair of projects on the cable side. First up is the half-hour comedy "Fame Whore" at Showtime, about "our national obsession with being seen, validated, and adored by strangers, illustrated by a backup singer's determined quest." Shepherd is executive producing alongside Kim and Eric Tannenbaum of CBS Television Studios and John Legend and Mike Jackson of Get Lifted Film Co. Then there's an untitled hour at USA, details of which weren't given. Rich Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz of Prospect Park are executive producing alongside Shepherd. (Variety.com)

HEARTSICK (FX, New!) - Chelsea Cain's best-selling book series is being developed as a drama at the cable channel. Feature writer Mikko Alanne ("5 Days of War") has been tapped to pen the hour, about "beautiful therapist-turned-series killer Gretchen Lowell and her relationship with damaged Portland detective Archie Sheridan." Media Talent Group's Geyer Kosinski is also on board to executive produce alongside Alanne. (Deadline.com)

THE KEYS (ABC Family) - Jonny Umansky and Zach Hyatt have booked a potential drama at the network about "a young woman unraveling the secrets of an exclusive and mysterious resort off the coast of Florida." RelativityREAL's Tom Forman and Blondie Girl Productions' Ashley Tisdale and Jessica Rhoades also serve as executive producers. (Deadline.com)

Ashton Kutcher Suing California for $1.4M Over DMV Reality Show

Frustrated with the DMV? So is Ashton Kutcher.

The actor-producer is suing the California Department of Motor Vehicles for at least $1.44 million, saying it backed out of a planned reality series about the day-to-day drama and comedy at DMV offices.

Kutcher's Katalyst Productions and a Soda and Pop, Inc., sued the department Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. In their complaint, they allege that the DMV committed to a "docu-series" in 2010. It was to "capture the variously humorous, emotional, dramatic, moving, humanizing and entertaining situations that arise on a daily basis at DMV's more than 170 offices across the state of California," the lawsuit said.

DMV agreed to open up its offices for filming at least four half-hour episodes, and its agreement with Katalyst left open the possibility of up to six seasons, according to the plaintiffs. Katalyst made a deal to produce at least the first four half-hour episodes of the show for TruTV.

But DMV backed out, according to the suit, saying it no longer considered the project to be in its "best interest." Although Katalyst has offered to change the initial agreement, the lawsuit says, the DMV remain uninterested.

Katalyst says it has spent "hundreds of thousands of dollars" developing the series, and is seeking at least $1.44 million in damages.

MTV Brings Back 'Daria,' 'Laguna Beach,' 'The Hills' for Summer

MTV will air every episode of "The Hills," selected episodes of "Daria" and the first two seasons of "Laguna Hills" on weekday mornings over the next six weeks, the network said Wednesday.

The 9-to-noon airings -- dubbed "Retro Mania" -- will feature guest stars hosting and providing commentary. Stephen Colletti will handle "Laguna Beach" while Audrina Patridge, Lo Bosworth, Stephanie Pratt and MTV's Layla Kayleigh will weigh in on "The Hills." Nikki Glaser and Sara Schaefer, hosts of the upcoming "Nikki & Sara Show," will provide "Daria" commentary.

The revival of "Beavis and Butt-Head" sparked hope among some fans that its spinoff, "Daria," might be revived as well. The show about an acerbic, bespectacled teen with zero tolerance for trendiness aired for five seasons, beginning in 1997. For now, she's only back in repeats.

MTV is also promoting the re-airings with the hashtag #RetroMTV.

Here's the schedule:

June 25 – June 29

"Laguna Beach" (Seasons 1 and 2)

July 2 – July 27

"The Hills" (Seasons 1 – 6)

July 30 – August 3

"Daria" (Selection of MTV’s favorite episodes from the series)

Coleen Nolan signs up for Celebrity Big Brother?

Coleen Nolan has reportedly signed up for Celebrity Big Brother.

Nolan, who quit This Morning's Hub strand last week after two years, is said to have agreed a six-figure deal to join the Channel 5 series.

An insider told The Sun: "Coleen gives good chat and that's what we're really looking for on the show.

"She also appeals to women so she's a great booking for the show."

Nolan left ITV's Loose Women last summer after 11 years. Her former co-star Denise Welch won the last series of Celebrity Big Brother in January.

Nolan, 47, revealed on Twitter after her departure from This Morning that she has various new projects in the pipeline, writing: "Well guys it's been 2 lovely years in the Hub, but today I say goodbye!! (sic).

"I've had a blast! Thanks to all of you for letting me be your voice. Happy to say I've got some really exciting things coming up, so I will be seeing you all again!!"

Former Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear, journalist Samantha Brick, model Jakki Degg and Justin Bieber's dad Jeremy are among the names linked to the tenth series of Celebrity Big Brother, which hits screens after the regular series this autumn.

Big Brother announces nomination rule change

Big Brother has announced that housemates will no longer be allowed to discuss nominations.

Contestants were gathered in the living area as the twist was revealed by Big Brother.

Jersey farm girl Lauren Carre and porn star Benedict Garrett were nominated for Friday's eviction earlier this week.

So far, Luke Anderson has expressed his anger at the results, claiming Arron Lowe should have been nominated.

From this evening, any housemate caught talking about nominations is likely to be punished harshly by Big Brother.

Big Brother continues daily at 10pm on Channel 5.

TV Tonight 24th of June 2012

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

    Acayip Hikayeler S01E11: "Mobydick / Mobydick"
    American Ninja Warrior S04E17: "Southeast Regional Qualifying Round Part 2 (of 2)"
    American Ninja Warrior S04E16: "Southeast Regional Qualifying Round Part 1 (of 2)"
    Antiques Roadshow S34E28: "Birmingham University (2)"
    Aqua Teen Hunger Force S09E01: "The Iron Will"
    Army Wives S06E14: "Fatal Reaction"
    Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes S02E09: "Nightmare in Red"
    BBQ Pitmasters S03E05: "Doctors, Divas and 2 Worthless Nuts"
    Big Brother (UK) S14E21: "BB 13, Episode 21"
    Big Brother's Bit on the Side S05E20: "Series 5, Show 20"
    Bridezillas S09E03: "Jeanine & Callie"
    Call of the Wildman S02E06: "Hell Hog"
    Cardfight!! Vanguard S02E12: "Challenger on the Snowfield"
    Continuum S01E05: "A Test of Time"
    Cupcake Wars S06E07: "Hollywood Black Film Festival"
    Dateline NBC S21E57: "SU2140"
    Drop Dead Diva S04E04: "Winning Ugly"
    Emmerdale S41E145: "June 24, 2012"
    Euro 2012 S01E33: "Highlights"
    Falling Skies S02E03: "Compass"
    Fast Food Mania S01E05: "Extreme Menu Items"
    Formula 1 S04E20: "European Grand Prix Highlights"
    Formula 1 S04E19: "European Grand Prix"
    Gator Boys S01E08: "Alligator Face-Off"
    Good Luck Charlie S03E08: "Special Delivery, Part 2"
    Good Luck Charlie S03E07: "Special Delivery, Part 1"
    Hunter X Hunter Remake S01E36: "A Big Debt x And x A Small Kick"
    Ice Road Truckers S06E04: "No Way Out"
    Jerseylicious S04E17: "Bosom Buddies"
    Keeping Up with the Kardashians S07E06: "The Dominican Republic, Part One"
    Kidou Senshi Gundam Age S01E37: "The Vagan's World"
    Longmire S01E04: "The Cancer"
    Mark Wright's Hollywood Nights S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Masterchef Australia S04E43: "Sunday - Week 8"
    Match of The Day S47E78: "Euro 2012 - Quarter Final"
    Mega Dens S02E11: "Colorful Basement Surprise"
    Mob Wives: Chicago S01E03: "You Can't Handle the Truce"
    Moretsu Uchuu Kaizoku S01E25: "The Pirate`s Council Begins"
    Mrs. Eastwood & Company S01E06: "TBA"
    My First Place S22E12: "Baby On the Way and A New House"
    Nazo no Kanojo X S01E12: "Episode 12"
    Nightmare Next Door S02E14: "Writing on the Wall"
    On The Case With Paula Zahn S06E04: "Over The Edge"
    One Piece (JP) S06E37: "Episode 37"
    Oprah's Next Chapter S01E25: "The Kardashians (Part 2)"
    Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle S02E12: "Minotaur`s Lure"
    Points Of View S39E09: "June 24, 2012"
    Preamar S01E08: "Season 1, Episode 8"
    Quiz Me Quick S01E09: "De Wraak van Coroma"
    Saint Seiya Omega S01E13: "Seiya's Message! To you, I entrust Athena!"
    Sand Masters S02E12: "Machine Gun Mayhem"
    Sister Wives S03E12: "Post-Show"
    Sister Wives S03E11: "Leaving the Nest"
    Snapped S09E12: "Marni Yang"
    Starlings S01E07: "Episode 7"
    Taboo S09E02: "Strange Behavior"
    Tasogare Otome x Amnesia S01E12: "Dusk Maiden"
    The Block S05E61: "Room Reveal"
    The Glades S03E04: "The Naked Truth"
    The Great Escape S01E01: "Season 1, Episode 1"
    The Newsroom (2012) S01E01: "We Just Decided To"
    The Next Food Network Star S08E07: "Meet the Press-ure"
    The Project S04E149: "Season 4, Episode 149"
    The Real Housewives of New Jersey S04E09: "TBA"
    Toriko S02E12: "Episode 12"
    Tough Love S04E10: "The Finale"
    True Blood S05E03: "Whatever I Am, You Made Me"
    Uchuu Kyoudai S01E13: "Episode 13"
    Ultimate Spider-Man S01E11: "Venomous"
    Unique Eats S05E03: "Global"
    Watch What Happens: Live S07E06: "TBA"
    Winx Club S05E15: "The New Witch in Town"
    Winx Club S05E16: "A Virtual Hideout"

'Silk' to return for third series on BBC One

The BBC has recommissioned Silk for a third series, it has been announced.

Starring Rupert Penry-Jones and Maxine Peake, the legal drama - following the lives of barristers - recently wrapped its second run on BBC One.

Creator Peter Moffat said in a statement: "It's a joy to write for Maxine Peake and this group of actors. I feel very privileged and lucky. Can't wait to get going.

"Lots of big ideas about cases, characters, relationships, politics as well as a great deal of unfinished business from this current series."

Moffat added: "It's usually a good sign as a writer when your anxiety about a new series is not what to say but how to fit everything in.

"The big challenge for all of us is keeping what is very obviously a highly intelligent and focused audience entertained and engaged."

New episodes of Silk have been performing excellently in the ratings for BBC One despite airing during hot weather and clashing with popular international football.

The show, which began last February, also stars Neil Stuke and Nina Sosanya.

'2 Broke Girls,' 'Mike & Molly' Land Off-Network Deals

CBS' hit sitcoms "2 Broke Girls" and "Mike & Molly" have landed off-network deals, with "2 Broke Girls" airing on CBS Television Stations and Wiegel Stations, and TBS, and "Mike & Molly" also going to CBS Television Stations and Wiegel.

"2 Broke Girls" will begin airing on TBS in 2015, while the CBS/Wiegel premieres of "Mike & Molly" and "2 Broke Girls" are scheduled for Fall 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Both series are from Warner Bros. Television.

The CBS Television Stations/Wiegel Stations deal calls for the series to air on CBS stations in 13 major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Boston, and on Wiegel's Chicago and Milwaukee stations.

“We are thrilled to be in the sitcom business with the CBS Television Stations,” Ken Werner, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, said of the pact. “What a unique opportunity to be able to acquire two A-level sitcoms that will debut in consecutive years, having run on the same night on the number one broadcast network. CBS saw the power of such a purchase and pursued it.”

The TBS deal will add "2 Broke Girls" -- which, in the 2011-2012 season, was the year's top new series in the advertiser-friendly 18-49 demographic as well as total viewers -- to a growing comedy lineup that now includes the fellow CBS hit "The Big Bang Theory" and "Cougar Town," which it picked up from ABC earlier this year, as well as "Men at Work" and "Tyler Perry's for Better or Worse."

"When '2 Broke Girls' premiered last fall, it immediately found its audience and appeared to us to be a perfect fit for TBS," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. "We believe '2 Broke Girls' is poised to enjoy a long, successful run, and we look forward to adding it to the TBS line-up."

Two Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide At Beverly Hilton

A man and a woman were found dead at the Beverly Hilton hotel in an apparent murder-suicide, according to reports citing the Beverly Hills Police Department and spokesman Lt. Mark Rosen.

The police responded to a report of a shooting late Friday night and found the "elderly" duo dead as a result of gunshot wounds.

The police have not released the names of the victims and will not do so until their families have been notified. The Daytime Emmy Awards are set to take place at the hotel Saturday evening, but it remains unclear if there is any connection between the two.

It was just four months ago that Whitney Houston was found dead in her bathtub at the same hotel on the eve of the Grammy Awards. She was set to attend Clive Davis' pre-Grammys party.

The Daytime Emmys, which honor the best in soap operas and daytime talk shows, air on HLN at 8 p.m.

Music Industry's Crackdown on Illegal Downloaders Gets a Boost From Supreme Court

The music industry's attack on illegal music downloaders just got a big boost from the Supreme Court.

The court on Monday declined to review a $675,000 jury award against Boston University  student Joel Tenenbaum, who downloaded a mere 30 songs.

Tenenbaum had hoped to challenge the constitutionality of a 2009 jury award and the copyright law provisions at issue in the case.

The plaintiffs in the case were Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Bros. Records, Arista Records LLC, Atlantic Recording Corp. and UMG Recordings.

The court’s refusal to intervene lets stand a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals' 1st Circuit Court in Boston last year, which agreed that Tenebaum’s illegal downloads were “willful,” meaning that they were  punishable by awards ranging from $750 to $150,000 per incident, under U.S. copyright law.

The RIAA's comment was short and sweet: “We’re pleased with this decision,” it said in a statement.

“The broader message sent by the litigation generally is people are not anonymous when they steal music online and they can be sued,” Jennifer Pariser, RIAA senior vice president, litigation, told TheWrap.

Pariser also told TheWrap that RIAA is not currently pursuing a litigation campaign against illegal downloaders but is instead working with Internet service providers who put subscribers on notice “when they’re illegally downloading music.“

Tenenbaum told TheWrap he would continue to fight. “The case is back in the hands of the district court to determine the final penalty,” he told TheWrap in an email. “Regardless, nearly any amount of damages I am forced to pay will bankrupt me or be an obligation I will have to share with my family.”

Charles Nesson, a Harvard Law School professor who has been representing Tenenbaum, told TheWrap that his client could now go back to the district court and seek a reduction in the fine from the presiding judge.

“They [the Supreme Court justices] are sending us down a rat hole,” Nesson told TheWrap.

The 2007 lawsuit originally stemmed from a litigation campaign launched by the Recording Industry Association of America, in behalf of major record companies, to crack down on illegal file sharing.

Tenenbuam declined to settle with RIAA, arguing in part that individuals who don’t profit commercially from the file sharing shouldn’t be hammered with the full weight of the law. But in its 2009 award, the jury in the case disagreed.

“We reject all of Tenenbaum’s arguments,” added the Boston appeals court in its 2011 decision, adding that Sony and the other plaintiffs in case had presented evidence that Tenenbaum had illegally downloaded and distributed “thousands of copyrighted materials.”

Jimmy Carr's '10 O'Clock Live' to return for third series?

10 O'Clock Live is reportedly set to return for a third series.

Channel 4's weekly topical comedy show is close to being recommissioned along with its usual presenters Charlie Brooker, Jimmy Carr, Lauren Laverne and David Mitchell, according to Broadcast Now.

"The weekly live comedy is on the brink of being commissioned with discussions with all the major talent taking place," the website reports.

"Charlie Brooker, David Mitchell, Lauren Laverne and Jimmy Carr are all understood to be returning to the show."

The second series of the show aired in February to April for a reduced 10-episode run on Wednesday evenings.

The show saw a number of changes from its first series, and managed to secure an increase of 883,000 to 997,000 viewers an episode.

Further alterations to the format of the show may be installed for the third series, says the report.

"Changes to the format are still being ironed out and it is not clear whether the third series will feature the same number of episodes as previous series," the site claims.

Carr has recently made the news due to revelations about his tax avoidance practices.

Prime Minister David Cameron has described Carr's tax dealings as "morally wrong".

Armando Iannucci: 'Thick of It coalition party are The Inbetweeners'

Armando Iannucci has said that the existence of a coalition government provides a "great" backdrop for the upcoming series of The Thick of It.

As previously announced, the fourth series of the political satire will feature the former opposition sharing power with a third party.

"Nicola and Malcolm are in opposition now," Iannucci told ShortList.

"Peter Mannion and his coterie are in government, but Mannion now has to share an office with the third party.

"And there's a storyline that runs throughout the whole series now, rather just for the individual half-hour episodes."

He added of introducing a coalition government into the show: "It's great, just trying to put people working in the office together who don't really have the same views.

"And also a smaller party desperately trying to show that they've managed to get something through, and being foiled, was a really great dynamic.

"Within the coalition, this third party we have are known colloquially as 'The Inbetweeners'."

Big Brother Arron must be kind to retrieve confiscated hairdryers

Arron Lowe has annoyed housemates after his tampering with the hairdryers led to Big Brother confiscating them.

However, Big Brother has allowed Arron the opportunity to retrieve the hairdryers for his disgruntled fellow contestants.

To win the tasks, Arron has been asked to perform three acts of kindness on three housemates for 15 minutes each.

Firstly, he has been challenged to advise Caroline on how she can improve her appearance.

Then he must give porn star Benedict suggestions on dealing with his potential eviction tonight.

Finally, Arron has to choose one housemate to whom he must give a full body massage.

Big Brother continues tonight at 10pm on Channel 5.

Jimmy Carr's tax shame sends '8 Out of 10 Cats' ratings flying

Jimmy Carr's 8 Out of 10 Cats hounding was seen by 2.5 million viewers on Channel 4 last night, according to the latest overnight data.

Host Carr, who recently hit the headlines for tax avoidance, boosted the panel show to 2.18m (11.1%) and 360k (2.8%) on +1 - rising 1.2m week-on-week.

Featuring a bizarre political outcry from Louie Spence as well as jokes aimed at Carr from regular guests Sean Lock and Jon Richardson, the rating is 8 Out of 10 Cats's best since 2010.

The Million Pound Drop Live, which preceded 8 Out of 10 Cats, attracted 1.36m (5.9%) from 8.30pm (+1: 125k), pipping Channel 5's Big Brother eviction, which had 1.31m (5.6%) and 102k (0.5%) on timeshift.

Big Brother's Bit on the Side logged 735k (3.8%) at 10pm, beating BBC Two's Episodes, which amused 641k (3.2%).

Gardeners' World was BBC Two's most-watched programme with 2.19m (9.8%) at 8.30pm.

Coverage of Euro 2012's second quarter-final match - Germany v Greece - averaged 7.24m (31.9%) for ITV1 between 7.20pm and 10pm.

Over on BBC One, The Graham Norton Show entertained 3.74m (22.7%) at 10.35pm, prior to which 2.61m (11.4%) watched Would I Lie To You? an hour earlier.

Overall, ITV1 dominated primetime with 26.1% (+1: 0.3%), beating BBC One's 19.2%. Channel 4 claimed third place with 5.8% (+1: 0.7%), just ahead of BBC Two's 5.5%. Channel 5 finished last with 4% (+1: 0.2%).

WME Adds Joe Brauner, Agent for Norah Jones and Amos Lee

Music agent Joe Brauner has joined WME from CAA.

Brauner represents Norah Jones and Amos Lee, both of whom he will bring to WME for North America.

Jones just released her fifth album, "Little Broken Hearts," which debuted secon on the Billboard charts. She has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.

Lee's fourth album, "Mission Bell," debuted in the top spot last year. He just recorded a song with the Zac Brown Band for their upcoming album. He is working on a new album.

Nas, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi Headline Rock the Bells Hip-Hop Festival

Kid Cudi, Nas and Wiz Khalifa (pictured) are just a few of the hip-hop heavyweights headlining the 2012 “Rock the Bells Festival,” Guerilla Union and Boost Mobile announced on Wednesday.

The annual touring festival series always boasts many of the top artists from the world of rap and hip-hop, and this year’s installment will kick off in San Bernadino August 18 and 19. That means it has expanded into a two-day festival.

Missy Elliot, who has been battling Graves’ disease, will also make an “exclusive North American festival performance” with longtime collaborator Timbaland. Elliot has not released on album since 2005's "The Cookbook," but TImbaland her long-awaited follow-up, "Block Party," would come out in June.

One of the tour’s regular highlights is a reunion of some kind, which in years past has brought together A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde.

This year, the Cleveland-born Bone Thugz-N-Harmony will take the stage for their 20th reunion. Many artists at Rock the Bells perform their iconic albums in entirety, which Bone Thugz will do with “E. 1999 Eternal.”

Other top artists performing include Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube and A$AP Rocky. Method Man, Redman and Salt-N-Pepa will satisfy any 90s hip-hop mavens.