KFC television advert named most offensive of all time

A television advert for fast food chain KFC featuring call centre workers scoffing chicken while singing is the most complained-about advert in British history, according to a report by the UK's advertising regulator.

Marking its 50th anniversary, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has issued a report revealing that it has dealt with a total 431,000 complaints about advertising over the past five decades.

The ASA also published a list of the most complained-about UK campaigns of all time, headed by KFC's 2005 ad, which generated a record 1,671 complaints.

Despite parents objecting that the ad could encourage bad manners among children, the ASA ruled that it was unlikely to undermine parental authority.

Other entrants on the list included Paddy Power's 2010 commercial showing a cat being kicked into a tree by a blind footballer, which attracted 1,313 complaints, along with the UK's first abortion service advice advert (1,088 complaints) and an Opium perfume poster that featured model Sophie Dahl wearing noting but a pair of high heels and jewellery as she reclined on a fur rug (948 complaints).

"Our top ten most complained-about ads of all time certainly reveal what gets the public talking, but even more important is the less glamorous day to day action we take to protect consumers from misleading advertising," said ASA chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury.

"Our commitment for the next 50 years will be the same as for the last: to keep UK ads legal, decent, honest and truthful. We're up for the task."

Culture minister Ed Vaizey added: "I congratulate the Advertising Standards Authority as it celebrates its 50th year as the UK's advertising watchdog.

"The advertising industry in the UK is world renowned for its creativity and innovation, but also for abiding by the rules that are designed to protect consumers. As an effective and well respected regulator, the ASA plays a crucial role in enabling responsible advertising to flourish."

The all time most complained-about ads top ten in full:

1. KFC (2005): Call centre workers singing while eating chicken - 1,671 complaints (not upheld)
2. Auction World (2004): Shopping channel - 1,360 complaints (referred to Ofcom)
3. Paddy Power (2010): Cat being kicked into tree by blind footballer - 1,313 complaints (not upheld)
4. The Christian Party (2009): Poster saying 'there definitely is a god' annoys atheists - 1,204 complaints (not upheld)
5. British Safety Council (1995): Condom advert featuring the Pope - 1,192 complaints (upheld)
6. Marie Stopes International (2010): Britain's first TV ad offering advice on sexual health - 1,088 complaints (not upheld)
7. Volkswagen (2008): Showed engineer fighting different versions of himself - 1,070 complaints (partially upheld)
8. Yves St Laurent Beaute (2000): Model Sophie Dahl reclines in the nude - 948 complaints (upheld)
9. Department of Energy and Climate Change (2010): TV and press campaign about climate change - 939 complaints (upheld in part)
10. Barnardo's (2008): TV ads about domestic child abuse - 840 complaints (not upheld)

Also today, the ASA said that in 2011, "we experienced a record year in terms of our workload".

An advertising campaign for Phones 4U, featuring a demonic, ghost-like girl, attracted the most complaints last year.

The campaign, which ran in September and October, took inspiration from classic Japanese horror movie The Ring, as the girl stalked a woman in an underground car park.

Shown on various TV channels and also by Channel 4's 4oD service, the ad attracted 659 complaints to the ASA.

Despite various objections that the ads were "offensive, irresponsible, unduly distressing and inappropriately scheduled at a time when children might see them", the ASA cleared the campaign in December 2011.

In second place on the list was a Littlewoods Christmas television ad, which racked up 585 complaints for seemingly suggesting that Santa Claus did not bring people's presents.

Even though parents complained about the ad being shown when children could be watching, the ASA was again unmoved and cleared the campaign.

Phones 4U got the dubious honour of having two more ads in the complaints list, including an Easter press campaign featuring a cartoon image of Jesus winking and offering customers "miraculous deals" on mobile phones.

Almost 100 complaints were submitted against the ads, which were duly banned by the ASA. The third campaign involved TV ads featuring a strange, zombie-like character in various household scenarios, but the ASA opted to dismiss the 79 complaints against it.

'The Voice' UK Max Milner dismisses John Lydon 'humiliation' comments

Former The Voice UK contestant Max Milner has responded to John Lydon's claim that TV talent shows humiliate contestants, saying that he "felt [at] home" on the BBC format.

Lydon has been quoted as saying that shows like The Voice and The X Factor have a "painful tone of... smirking at who gets voted off" and are "utterly corrupting".

Speaking to Digital Spy, Milner rejected the punk icon's suggestion and said that, aside from some questionable editing in the Battle Rounds, he had not felt taken advantage of by The Voice.

"I never felt humiliated, no," he said. "I think I came across as slightly cocky in the Battle Rounds, which I'm really not. But that's the way it was edited and it's done now.

"And then we got into the live rounds, so I could only be me. I think maybe they can [humiliate], but in my experience, absolutely not. I almost felt [at] home."

Milner, who was voted out in The Voice semi-final this weekend, agreed that his "amazing" fellow contestant Bo Bruce and their mentor Danny O'Donoghue were a big part of why he enjoyed the experience.

"[Danny] just believed in me, which is just so beautiful and so lovely," he said. "I owe everything to him, I really do. I look up to him so much, and that's not just because he's 6ft 4.

"You can see from somebody's body language and how they speak to you whether they actually like you, and I feel like he really does. I could just chill with him, and I have chilled with him in the pub. I'd like to think that he'd be happy in my company, as happy as I am in his."

However, the 21-year-old from London admitted that he was somewhat disappointed that he could not sing original songs on The Voice.

"I wanna get my music out there because I feel like I'm almost destined to sing my own words," he explained. "Obviously I haven't been able to do that on The Voice, it's all been covers.

"I suppose I was [disappointed] to an extent. I can understand that some people are instantly on board by hearing the song choice, but I would have loved to show my sound and really get that across. But hopefully that's not a pipe dream and I can do that now."

Jon Stewart Calls Out Republicans, NFL on 'Socialism'

Jon Stewart responded to Fox News president Roger Ailes' contention that Stewart once called himself a socialist by pointing out that some of the country's most popular policies are socialist, too.

And so is the National Football League.

Stewart defended himself -- and President Obama, who Republicans often denounce as a socialist -- just before a visit by first lady Michelle Obama to Monday's "Daily Show."

Stewart didn't contest that he may have told Ailes, in a bar, that he was something of a socialist while in Philadelphia for the 2000 Republican National Convention. He remembered it a bit differently than Ailes probably does, however: As an "Eyes Wide Shut"-style masked orgy.

Stewart then played a "Larry King Live" interview in which he said he did indeed have some socialist beliefs. But then pointed out that some conservative luminaries as Mitt Romney -- a supporter of Social Security -- and Sarah Palin -- a supporter of Medicare -- harbored some socialist ideas, too.

But the biggest socialists of all? That close-knit, secretive group many Americans reverently follow, even dressing up in their unforms watching their broadcasts on Sunday and Monday nights.

TV Predictions for 2011-12: What We Got Right and Oh-So Wrong

We were right about NBC ending up in third-place this season, and about ABC playing it too safe. We were also right that "2 Broke Girls" and "Person of Interest" would be at least modest hits for CBS. And that "The New Girl" would be a bigger hit for Fox than "Terra Nova."

But we went too far when we said "New Girl" could also be more successful than "X Factor," with which it went neck-and-neck in the ratings. We were completely wrong to say the now-canceled "Ringer" could become the CW's biggest hit. And we underestimated viewers' interest in fairy tales.

Also read: NBC Beats ABC to 3rd in Ratings; 'Sunday Night Football' Ousts 'Idol' as Top Show

We made lots of predictions about the 2011-12 TV season before it started. And now that it's wound down, it's time to hold ourselves accountable. (If you want to read our full prediction stories from September, here they are for Fox, the CW, NBC, CBS and ABC.)

Here's our network-by-network rundown of what we thought would happen, and what actually did.

FOX

In our first prediction story, we said "Terra Nova" and "X Factor" couldn't live up to their hype. And they didn't. "Terra Nova" was canceled, and "X Factor" fired half its judging panel and brought in Britney Spears and Demi Lovato for its second season, airing this fall.

"X Factor" failed to top "American Idol" in the ratings, as Simon Cowell said he hoped it would. Instead, NBC's "Sunday Night Football" toppled "Idol" after eight seasons of "Idol" dominance, and NBC's singing competition "The Voice" has been in a close race with "Idol" for number two. (Final numbers for the season are not yet available for the shows.)

We predicted "The New Girl" could be a bigger hit than "Terra Nova" or "X Factor," and we were right about the first part. "New Girl" and "X Factor" ended up very close in the ratings: The Wednesday "X Factor" averaged a 4.4 in the 18-49 demographic most important to advertisers, and the Thursday edition a 4.2. "The New Girl" averaged a 4.2 rating.

Also: We were wrong to say the animated "Allen Gregory" looked likely to succeed based on the star power of Jonah Hill. It's canceled. We were iffy on "I Hate My Teenage Daughter," and so was Fox. It's gone.

NBC

We got some specifics wrong – we were much too generous about the prospects of the fast-canceled "Free Agents" and "The Playboy Club" – but we generally got NBC right.

We said the network didn't appear to have any new breakout hits – and it didn't – but still had a good shot at breaking into third place in the key demo. (We even headlined the story "How NBC Can Break Into 3rd Without Breakout Hits.")

How did NBC do it? Pretty much just as we said it would: On the strength of "Sunday Night Football," and by using the Super Bowl to launch the second season of the hit "The Voice." ("Sunday Night Football" and "The Voice" were NBC's biggest ratings earners.) NBC had the biggest gains this season of any network, percentage-wise, in both the demo and total viewers.

We were also overly pessimistic about "Grimm," which turned out to be a success in an unenviable Friday time slot. We're sorry.

THE CW

We were very wrong to have written in September that the Sarah Michelle Gellar drama "Ringer" could "easily" become "the CW's biggest hit."

We were also wrong to say it could help the network gain traction beyond the 18-34 demographic it has targeted in its first five years.

In fact, CW ratings were down 22 percent this past season in the 18-49 demographic most important to advertisers and 15 percent in total viewers. (Click on chart, left, to enlarge)

No other network was hit as hard as the fifth-place CW.

We had low expectations for "Hart of Dixie," the only new show from this season that the CW has renewed for the next one.

And we were wrong to predict the now-canceled "Secret Circle" looked likely to survive. We said we could go either way on the reality show "H8R," and the CW went the negative way, quickly pulling it.

CBS

As we predicted, "2 Broke Girls" and "Person of Interest" both did well for CBS. Not that it was a tough prediction: CBS said the shows were their highest-testing pilots of the season.

"2 Broke Girls" did especially well: It and "X Factor" are the highest-rated new shows of the past season.

We were right that the canceled "Unforgettable" wouldn't live up to its name, and overly optimistic about the now-canceled "How to Be a Gentleman" and "A Gifted Man." 

We said CBS was taking a gamble by recasting "Two and a Half Men" to continue without Charlie Sheen, but noted that the only other option was cancellation. The show continued to thrive -- even though "Big Bang Theory" replaced it as CBS top-rated comedy -- and "Men" gave a great boost to "2 Broke Girls." In the fall, "Girls" will anchor Monday nights for CBS, while "Bang" and "Men" will team up on Thursdays.

ABC

We said ABC was playing it "safe – too safe" with a mix of shows featuring "hot women [and] dumb dudes." We would submit that we were right.

ABC lost third-place to NBC as it canceled two of those "hot women" shows, a humorless "Charlie's Angels" reboot and an adrift "Pan Am."

We were right to recognize the fairly successful "Revenge" as a "potential breakout." The Tim Allen vehicle "Last Man Standing," which we also called a potential breakout, merely survived. Its second season will air on Fridays in the fall.

We said "Once Upon a Time" seemed "too complicated" to be a hit, underestimating the public's interest in fairy tales, as we did with "Grimm." Oops.

We overestimated "Suburgatory," meanwhile, by calling it ABC's "best chance for a hit." In fact, "Once Upon a Time" was easily ABC's biggest new show, followed by "Revenge." "Suburgatory" scored strong enough ratings to come back for a second season, but our expectations were too high.

'Mrs Brown's Boys' to be made into movie?

BBC One sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys is to be made into a feature film.

However, series star and creator Brendan O'Carroll is yet to begin work on a script, according to The Sun.

"I haven't written it yet," confirmed the comic. "That's what success does, they give you money and say 'Whatever you think'. So I've taken the money!"

Mrs Brown's Boys was recently named best 'Situation Comedy' at the 2012 BAFTA Television Awards, beating off competition from Fresh Meat, Friday Night Dinner and Rev.

The series, which first aired in January 2011, started life as a radio show on Irish station RTÉ 2fm.

A second run of TV episodes came to an end on February 4 this year, with a third series to air on BBC One in late 2012.

DJ Fresh: 'I'd be a judge on Simon Cowell's new DJ show'

DJ Fresh has revealed that he would appear on Simon Cowell's new DJ show.

The music mogul's Syco production company has teamed up with Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's Overbrook Entertainment to search for the "world's greatest DJs".

Asked if he would be a judge on the show if approached, DJ Fresh told Digital Spy: "Yeah, if it meant I could carry across the scepticism of where I'm from - which is something they probably need.

"If I didn't really think about it my answer would probably be no, but the more I've thought about it I think I would have a different perspective than the other people on the panel."

Speaking about whether a respected DJ could come out of a talent show, the star added: "I think everybody assumes the answer to that is no, but I think the one thing X Factor has really highlighted is the way music promotion is changing.

"It's becoming more about people interacting with something they think they should want. Although you can be sceptical about The X Factor and the people that come out of it, ultimately it's the public who determines who's popular and who wins."

He added: "I think it will be interesting and I'm sure there will be plenty of talented people who come through it. Because dance music is an important part of British culture, it's great that it's getting that kind of spotlight."

DJ Fresh has teamed up with Dizzee Rascal for his new single 'The Power', which is available to download from June 3.

'The Only Way Is Essex' Marbella special airdate announced

The Only Way Is Essex Marbella special has been given an airdate.

The summer edition of the reality show, which will see cast members travel to the Spanish holiday destination, will air on ITV2 on Wednesday, June 13 at 10pm.

Titled The Only Way Is Marbs, the episode has been promoted as the "sexiest" ever in five series of TOWIE.

"Those who have been chosen to go to Marbella can't wait," a source said of the special. "The girls have pledged it will [have] lots of bikinis and bare flesh on show.

"There will be a lot of boozy partying and cameras will follow them 24/7 for a week."

However, Lauren Goodger is not expected to make an appearance, as she was suspended from TOWIE over a row with producers when the episode was planned.

The beautician has since been invited back onto the show and has featured in later episodes of series five, which concluded last Sunday (May 27).

Jade Goody cancer documentary to air on Sky Living

Sky Living has announced a one-off documentary in tribute to Jade Goody.

Jade's Legacy: The Fight Goes On will focus on the battle against cervical cancer in memory of the late Big Brother star, who died from the disease in 2009.

The documentary will show how the number of women taking smear tests has fallen sharply in the past two years, despite an initial rise shortly after the death of Goody in 2009.

Jane Johnson, director of Sky Living said of the programme: "It is saddening to see that the cervical cancer statistics have gone up again since Jade's death.

"After breast cancer, it's the second most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. We hope this moving documentary will continue Jade's legacy and help raise awareness once again of this cruel disease."

Jade's Legacy: The Fight Goes On is directed by Cat Lawson. It will air on the channel on Thursday, June 7.

Last year it was claimed that Goody's phone was hacked by journalists during her cancer battle in 2009.

'Hatfields & McCoys' Earns Record 13.9M Total Viewers for History

The first installment of History's "Hatfields & McCoys" had 13.9 million total viewers, setting a new record for non-sports, ad-supported cable programs.

The first installment of the miniseries, starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as the patriarchs of the infamously feuding families, beat the previous scripted ad-supported basic cable record set in 2001 by TNT's "Crossfire Trail," which had 12.5 million total viewers. A CNN election night telecast in 2008 drew 13.2 million total viewers.

The first "Hatfields& McCoys" installment had 4.8 million viewers in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, and 17 million total viewers watched it in either its premiere or encore airing.

The strong viewership represents a big success for the channel after it abandoned plans to air "The Kennedys" among complaints from the family's supporters.

“With all the success we have had at History, we felt strongly for some time that we should own historical drama, and in true History fashion, we have done it, with – pardon the pun – guns ablazin!," said Nancy Dubuc, president and general manager of the network.

'Made in Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh wants to move on from co-star row

Millie Mackintosh has said that she wants to move on from her spat with Made in Chelsea co-star Rosie Fortescue and Victoria Baker-Harber.

The trio had a falling-out on screen at a spa weekend organised by Mackintosh when Fortescue and Baker-Harber turned up.

Mackintosh's boyfriend Professor Green tweeted insults directed at Baker-Harber when the show was aired on E4.

"I just want to move on," the make-up artist told Closer.

"Stephen [Manderson, Professor Green] stuck up for me on Twitter because he's a caring and protective boyfriend, but I don't want to involve myself in drama like that."

Of her rivalry with Fortescue, who had apparently got together with Mackintosh's ex Hugo Taylor while they were still together, Mackintosh added: "Hugo intervened and made me and Rosie sit down to air our issues.

"It's hard because we have mutual friends, so we agreed to be civil. But we're not friends anymore."

Asked about filming her break-up scenes with Taylor for the reality show, she said: "I felt like I wanted to quit.

"I had to allow the cameras there, when all I wanted to do was run and hide. That's why I'm so protective of my privacy with Stephen. I want it to just be about me and him."

TV Tonight 30th of May 2012

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

    24 Hours in A&E S02E03: "Series 2, Episode 3"
    America's Next Top Model S18E13: "America's Next Top Model Is…"
    American Digger S01E11: "Spoils of War"
    Arga snickaren S07E09: "Glenn och Maria"
    Around the World In 80 Plates S01E04: "In and Out of Africa"
    Auction Hunters S03E12: "Mr. Haff Goes to Washington"
    Australia's Got Talent S06E13: "Semi-Finals 4"
    Baggage Battles S01E07: "Scotland"
    BBQ Pitmasters S03E01: "Try, Try, Tri-Tip Again"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E88: "Del 88"
    Blockbusters (2012) S01E13: "Series 1, Show 13"
    Chelsea Lately S06E90
    Days of our Lives S47E143: "Ep. #11853"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E250: "Episode 1930"
    DIY SOS S23E05: "The Big Build - Dudley"
    Doctors S14E40: "Redemption"
    Dogs in the City S01E01: "I Speak Dog"
    Emergency Bikers S04E03: "Series 4, Episode 3"
    Emmerdale S41E128: "May 30, 2012"
    Fake Britain S03E08: "Series 3, Episode 8"
    FBI: Criminal Pursuit S03E13: "Trap, Kill, Repeat"
    General Hospital (US) S50E42: "#12570"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E193: "Season 22, Episode 193"
    Great British Menu S07E38: "The Olympic Feast - 38"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E63: "Norrköping - Johan"
    Happily Divorced S02E11: "Cesar's Wife"
    Hatfields & McCoys S01E03: "Part 3 of 3"
    Hollyoaks S18E108: "May 30, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E93: "Episode 5528"
    Hot In Cleveland S03E23: "When You Open a Door"
    Hotel cæsar S29E23: "Season 29, Episode 23"
    House Hunters S48E107
    House Hunters International S25E110: "Back Home to Puerto Rico"
    I Almost Got Away with It S05E08: "Got to Prey on Tourists"
    Jeopardy! S28E183: "Show #6388"
    Jormungand S01E08: "TBA"
    Laid S02E05: "Episode 205"
    Lewis S06E03: "Fearful Symmetry"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E196
    Locked Up Abroad S06E06: "Cocaine Mule Mom"
    Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna S01E09: "TBA"
    Masterchef Australia S04E22: "Offsite Challenge: Leftovers"
    Melissa & Joey S02E02: "If You Can’t Stand the Heat"
    Melissa & Joey S02E01: "I Can Manage"
    Neighbours S28E103: "Episode 6413"
    Offspring S03E07: "Season 3, Episode 7"
    Peter Andre: My Life S02E07: "Series 2, Episode 7"
    Pointless S06E56: "Series 6, Episode 56"
    Randy Jackson Presents: America's Best Dance Crew S07E08
    Recorder to Randoseru S02E09: "Episode 9"
    Restaurant: Impossible S03E12: "Pollard's Bar-B-Que"
    RPA S18E01: "Season 18, Episode 1"
    Salatut elämät S14E173: "Sebastian huojuu taas kanjonin reunalla"
    So You Think You Can Dance S09E02: "Los Angeles Auditions"
    Springwatch S09E03: "Series 9, Episode 3"
    The Amazing Race Australia S03E01: "Sydney to the Philippines"
    The Amazing Race Norway S01E13: "Season 1, Episode 13"
    The Apprentice (UK) S08E12: "Affordable Luxury"
    The Apprentice: You're Fired! S07E11: "Series 7, Episode 11"
    The Block S05E40: "Scotty's Workshop Challenge"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E48: "Ep. #6332"
    The Chase (2009) S05E82: "Series 5, Episode 82"
    The Colbert Report S08E67: "Alan Alda"
    The Daily Show S17E105: "Dan Rather"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E171: "Vanessa Williams, Sarah Hyland"
    The GC S01E05: "Season 1, Episode 5"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E181: "May 30, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E91: "Howie Mandel"
    The Listener S03E01: "Season 3, Episode 1"
    The Only Way Is Essex S05E10: "Series 5, Episode 10"
    The Project S04E128: "Season 4, Episode 128"
    The Real Housewives of Vancouver S01E10: "Sour Grapes"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E86: "Season 1, Episode 86"
    The Soup S09E21: "May 30"
    The View S15E171: "Carmen Wong Ulrich, Rebecca Ferguson"
    The Young and the Restless S40E47: "Ep. #9916"
    Thuis S17E198: "Season 17, Episode 198"
    Toddlers and Tiaras S05E13: "Mississippi Sweet Pea Pageant"
    Total Blackout (US) S01E08: "Jump Around"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E90: "Steve Guttenberg & Joey Lawrence"

DirecTV's EVP of Content Strategy to Step Down; Ex-AT&T Exec to Replace Him

DirecTV's executive vice president of content strategy and development Derek Chang is stepping down from his position, and will be replaced by ex-AT&T executive Dan York, the company said Tuesday.

Chang, who had been with DirecTV for more than six years, will depart at the end of the year. York, who formerly served as president of content and advertising sales for AT&T, will step in to begin the transition in early July, under the title of executive vice president of programming and chief content officer.

Also read: DirecTV, Tribune Reach Agreement to Restore Stations

In his new position, Chang will initially be responsible for DirecTV's programming and content rights, eventually overseeing content and Root Sports, the company's group of regional sports networks, as Chang is phased out.

"We understand Derek's desire to take his career in a different direction but I personally appreciate his advice and guidance during my own entry into the industry and his willingness to work with me on a thoughtful transition over the course of this year," DirecTV chairman, president and CEO Mike White -- to whom York will report -- said of Chang.

White added that York brings "brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to DirecTV," noting his help in creating AT&T's U-verse video platform.

Prior to his run at AT&T, York worked as head of programming and development for In Demand Networks, and had a 12-year stint at HBO.

'Jonathan Creek' to return for Christmas special?

Jonathan Creek will reportedly return to BBC One this Christmas.

A one-off episode of the Alan Davies detective series has been commissioned for the channel's festive line-up, according to The British Comedy Guide.

"It's definitely going ahead, and everyone here is very grateful to David Renwick for bringing back such a loved character for such an important time of year," a BBC insider said.

"We're very excited to see Jonathan back on screen with a new mystery to unravel."

Davies plays magician trick deviser Creek in the crime series, who helps solve cases which are seemingly impossible to crack.

Caroline Quentin starred as Creek's sidekick for three series from 1997-99, and was later replaced by Julia Sawalha.

Sheridan Smith portrayed sceptic Joey Ross for the 2009 and 2010 Jonathan Creek specials.

The insider added that Smith's character has been included for a return, but that the actress has yet to officially confirm her involvement.

Filming for the special is scheduled for September.

Ratings: 'America's Got Talent' and NBC Tops in Memorial Day Slump

With Memorial Day cutting into viewership Monday, "America's Got Talent" was the top-rated show and pushed NBC to an overall win, according to preliminary numbers.

NBC averaged a 1.9 rating/5 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 6.2 million total viewers. "America's  Got Talent" at 8 slipped 16 percent from last week's rating but was the night's best-rated and most-watched program with an average 2.7/8 and 10 million total viewers. "American Ninja Warrior" the following hour was down 17 percent with a 2.0/5, and took 5.7 million total viewers. A "Grimm" repeat followed.

ABC was second in total viewers with an average 1.9/5 and 5.2 million total viewers. "The Bachelorette" at 8 took a 25 percent tumble for a 1.8/5, and attracted 5.7 million total viewers. A "Castle" repeat followed.

CBS shared third place in ratings with Univision, averaging a 1.2/3, and took third place in total viewers with an average 5 million. The network ran repeats throughout the night.

Univision took fourth place in total viewers with an average 3 million.

Fox, which ran repeats throughout the night, took fifth place in ratings and total viewers with an average 0.8/2 and 2.4 million.

Jessie J: 'I thought BBC made a mistake asking me to do The Voice'

Jessie J has said that she initally thought the BBC may have made a mistake asking her to be a coach on The Voice UK.

The singer told Grazia that she feared she was not famous enough for the panel of the reality talent show.

"I thought the BBC was making a mistake asking me to do it in the first place," Jessie J admitted.

"I kept saying, 'People might not know who I am!'."

She added of this weekend's final: "It's been an honour to be part of a TV show that celebrates the voice. It will be a massive night for the artists, coaches and crew."

Of claims that she has acted like a diva, Jessie J said: "There isn't anything flash in my dressing room. No champagne. No yoga mats or anything. That was meant to be one of my diva demands.

"I did ask for a scented candle. I don't think it's too much to ask for a nice, relaxing smell in the room. I also asked for a lava lamp."

She continued: "When I was a kid, they used to have a room at Great Ormond Street Hospital where you'd go and chill out. It was full of lava lamps and water lamps and since then it's always been a way to help me wind down. I never got one, and that's okay.

"But is there anything wrong with asking for what you know is good for you? Does that make you a diva, a pain? Or does it make you someone who knows what they want?"

Jaguar's Mixed Emotions About 'Mad Men'

Jeez, what does an advertising company have to do to make Jaguar happy?

On Sunday's "Mad Men," the ad firm Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce pulled out all the stops to win the luxury automaker's business -- even enlisting Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) to sleep with a sleazy Jaguar dealer. The company finally won Jaguar over with the tagline, "At last, something beautiful you can truly own."

But now that its fictional employee has gotten his jollies, the real-life Jaguar is feeling a bit icky.

"Loved the pitch, didn't love the process," Jaguar cheekily tweeted in response to the episode. "We applaud Peggy leaving SCDP."

The latter part of the tweet referred to Peggy Olson, the copywriter who decided to leave the ad firm after yet another dismissive outburst from mentor Don Draper. The realization that Holloway had earned a 5 percent partnership by playing by the old boys' rules only validated her decision to walk out the door.

As an aside, your humble correspondent didn't particularly like the pitch or the process. The pitch is wordy. And the process felt rushed and sloppy. Joan seems like the last person to sleep with someone she doesn't want to for material gain, the show's but-her-fridge-is-broken foreshadowing aside.

"Mad Men" is still beautiful, but this wasn't a storyline I could truly buy.

Anthony Bourdain Joins CNN for New Show

Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain will join CNN as the host of a new weekend show that will cover trends from the rise of celebrity chefs and the rise of fast food chains to the popularity of vegetarianism and veganism, the network said.

Bourdain will appear exclusively on CNN once the as-of-yet unnamed show begins early next year, leaving his Travel Channel series, "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations."

“Examining the world through the prism of Tony’s unique expertise and passions continues CNN’s long-standing commitment to international reporting and to promoting global understanding," said Mark Whitaker, CNN's worldwide executive vice president and managing editor.

The show comes as CNN struggles for more viewership after earlier this month posting its lowest-rated week in primetime in 20 years.

The addition of Bourdain brings a popular personality and a splash of lifestyle news to CNN's typically serious coverage. CNN said it would be a "further step in broadening and distinguishing CNN’s weekend programming from its traditional weekday news coverage."

The show will air on Sundays in primetime on CNN and will examine cultures around the world.

It will be produced by Zero Point Zero Production, which has worked with Bourdain for more than a decade on shows including "No Reservations."

“I’m really looking forward to coming over to CNN. I think the world is going to get a whole lot bigger for me,” said Bourdain. “I hope that old fans and new ones will be excited about what’s coming down the road.”

My top 25 of picked up fall 2012 shows

Here is my own personal top 25 of picked up shows for this fall. At the moment it only has the American major network pick ups in it, but I added Defiance as number 25 because I think it will be huge. 

List in no particular order:

666 Park Avenue (ABC)
An innocent Midwestern couple (Dave Annable and Rachael Taylor) get hired as resident managers of an Upper East Side apartment building in New York, with the owner played by Lost's Terry O'Quinn. Unbeknownst to them, the residents have all made deals with the Devil to have their desires fulfilled. David Wilcox will adapt Gabrielle Pierce's book series and executive-produce, alongside Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo. Vanessa Williams, Mercedes Masohn, Helena Mattsson and Robert Buckley will also star. Erik Palladino will guest-star.

1600 Penn (NBC)
What happens when you're the most ordinary family in the world, but your father is the President of the United States (Bill Pullman)? Book of Mormon's Josh Gad will star, write and executive-produce with Modern Family's Jason Winer. Martha MacIsaac, Jenna Elfman, Amara Miller, Benjamin Stockham and Andre Holland will also star.

Animal Practice (NBC)
An office-based comedy featuring a House-like veterinarian (Weeds' Justin Kirk) who loves the animals but hates their owners. Executive-produced by Hangover Part II writer Scot Armstrong. Tyler Labine, Amy Huberman and Bobby Lee will also star.

Arrow (CW)
Hung's Stephen Amell stars as DC superhero Green Arrow in this modern retelling of the legendary archer's adventures. Brothers & Sisters' Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim will executive-produce with The Vampire Diaries' Andrew Kreisberg. Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, David Ramsey, Paul Blackthorne, Jamey Sheridan, Colin Donnell and Susanna Thompson will also star. Colin Salmon will recur.

Beauty and the Beast (CW)
Loosely based on the 1987 CBS series about an ADA and a noble man-beast who make a connection, the updated love story — with Smallville's Kristin Kreuk as the Beauty and Jay Ryan as the Beast — includes a procedural twist. Felicity's Jennifer Levin and Brothers & Sisters' Sherri Cooper will write and executive-produce. Austin Basis, Nicole Gale Anderson, Max Brown, Brian White and Nina Lisandrello will also star.

The Carrie Diaries (CW)
Based on the novel by Candace Bushnell, a younger Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb) steps into the limelight as she comes of age in the '80s, asking her first questions about love, sex, friendship and family while exploring the worlds of high school and Manhattan. Bushnell will executive-produce alongside Gossip Girl duo Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, Len Goldstein and Sex and the City writer Amy Harris. Stefania Owen, Austin Butler, Matt Letscher, Brendan Dooling, Freema Agyeman, Katie Findlay, Chloe Bridges and Ellen Wong will also star.

Crossbones
From Luther creator Neil Cross, this drama is set in 1715 on the Bahamian island of New Providence, where the notorious pirate Blackbeard leads a nation of thieves and outlaws. To regain control, a trained undercover assassin named Tom Lowe is sent to take down Blackbeard, but Lowe soon becomes an admirer of the swashbuckler's, charisma, intelligence and political ideals. Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald (Gladiator, Men In Black) will executive-produce along with Three Rivers' Ted Gold and Cross.

Cult
After a rash of disappearances and a likely murder, an inquisitive, young female production assistant (Melrose Place reboot star Jessica Lucas) on a wildly popular television show called Cult joins a journalist blogger (Matt Davis) in investigating the rabid fans of the series who might be re-creating crimes seen on the program in real life. Rockne O'Bannon will write and executive-produce alongside Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage and Len Goldstein. Robert Knepper and Alona Tal will also star.

Do No Harm (NBC)
A brilliant neurosurgeon (Steven Pasquale) wrestles with his dangerous alter-ego that threatens to wreak havoc on his personal and professional life. The Event's David Schulner will write and executive-produce with Samantha Who?'s Peter Traugott. Alana de la Garza, Phylicia Rashad, Michael Esper, Mousa Kraish and Ruta Gedmintas will also star.

Elementary (CBS)
A modern take on the cases of Sherlock Holmes in which Sherlock (Eli Stone's Jonny Lee Miller) is a recovering addict and consultant for the NYPD. Lucy Liu will portray his Watson. Robert Doherty (Medium) will write and executive-produce with Justified duo Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly. Aidan Quinn will also star.

Emily Owens, M.D. (CW)
Glad to leave her nerdy past behind for a fresh start in the adult professional world, a newly minted doctor (Mamie Gummer) discovers that, sadly and comically, life at the hospital where she works is no different than high school. Gilmore Girls' Jennie Snyder Urman will write and executive-produce with Pushing Daisies' Dan Jinks. Justin Hartley, Michael Rady, Jack Coleman, Necar Zadegan, Aja Naomi King and Kelly McCreary will star.

The Family Tools (ABC)
A man (Worst Week's Kyle Bornheimer) puts his dreams on hold in order to take over the family handyman business from his father (The Closer's J.K. Simmons). Bobby Bowman (My Name is Earl) will write and executive-produce alongside Mark Gordon and Andrea Shay. Leah Remini, Edi Gathegi, Danielle Nicolet and Johnny Pemberton will also star.

The Following (Fox)
An edge-of-your-seat thriller about the complex relationship between diabolical serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) and the damaged FBI profiler, Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon), who once took him down. After Joe escapes, Hardy is reactivated and discovers that he is no longer just hunting one man, but a massive cult of serial killers created and manipulated during Carroll's time in prison. Kevin Williamson will write and executive-produce. Natalie Zea, Nico Tortorella, Jeananne Goossen, Shawn Ashmore, Adan Canto, Billy Brown, Kyle Catlett and Valorie Curry will also star.

Friend Me (CBS)
Twentysomething best friends (Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Nicholas Braun) move to Los Angeles to begin their exciting new lives working at Groupon. Raising Hope's Alan Kirschenbaum and Ajay Sahgal will executive-produce with Kim and Eric Tannenbaum (Two and a Half Men). Parvesh Cheena, Dan Ahdoot and Tim Robinson will also star. Liz Holtan will guest-star.

Infamous (NBC)
An opulent soap in which a female detective (Meagan Good) returns to the wealthy family in which she grew up — only she's undercover as the maid's daughter — to solve the murder of the notorious heiress who was once her closest friend. Mercy's Liz Heldens will write and executive-produce. Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Neil Jackson, Laz Alonso, Ella Rae Peck and Katherine LaNasa will also star.

The Job (CBS)
This reality series from Survivor creator Mark Burnett and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire's Michael Davies will pit applicants against each other in an attempt to land their dream job. Lisa Ling will host.

Last Resort (ABC)
A renegade crew of a nuclear submarine, led by Men of a Certain Age's Andre Braugher, go on the run after defying an order to fire nuclear missiles. They find sanctuary at a NATO base where they declare themselves the world's smallest nuclear nation. The Shield's Shawn Ryan will executive-produce the pilot, which he wrote with Karl Gajdusek (Dead Like Me). Autumn Reeser, Scott Speedman, Daisy Betts, Sahr Ngaujau, Dichen Lachman, Jessy Schram, Robert Patrick, Camille de Pazzis and Dan Lissing will also star.

The Mindy Project (Fox)
The Office's Mindy Kaling stars as a young Bridget Jones-type OB/GYN trying to navigate both her personal and professional life. Kaling will write and executive-produce with Office producer

The New Normal (NBC)
A gay couple — Book of Mormon's Andrew Rannells and The Hangover's Justin Bartha — try to start a family with the help of a surrogate (Georgia King). Along with fellow Glee producer Ali Adler, Ryan Murphy will co-write and executive-produce the project. Ellen Barkin and Bebe Wood will also star. Nene Leakes and Jayson Blair will recur.

Partners (CBS)
The personal story of two lifelong friends and business partners — one straight (David Krumholtz) and one gay (Michael Urie) — whose friendship has lasted longer than any of their romantic relationships. When one decides to propose to his girlfriend (Sophia Bush), the other's neurotic attempts to be supportive nearly result in a breakup. Will & Grace duo David Kohan and Max Mutchnick will executive-produce. Brandon Routh and Tracy Vilar will also star. Molly Shannon will guest-star.

Red Widow (ABC)
The widow (Radha Mitchell) of an assassinated criminal is forced to adopt her husband's role in a crime syndicate in order to protect her family. Dexter's Melissa Rosenberg will write, based on the Dutch format, and executive-produce alongside The Office's Howard Klein. Lee Tergesen, Rade Sherbedzija, Wil Traval, Luke Goss, Suleka Mathew, Jaime Ray Newman, Sterling Beaumon, Jacob Salvati, Erin Moriarty and Mido Hamada will also star. Anson Mount will guest-star.

Revolution (NBC)
A high-octane action drama that follows a group of characters struggling to survive and reunite with loved ones in a world where all forms of energy have mysteriously ceased to exist. Supernatural's Eric Kripke will write and executive-produce with J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk. Giancarlo Esposito, Billy Burke, David Lyons, Tim Guinee, Graham Rogers, Tracy Spiridakos, Andrea Roth, JD Pardo, Zak Orth and Anna Lise Philips will star.

Save Me (NBC)
Anne Heche stars as a woman who starts to believe that she is channeling God after she has an accident. Heche will also serve as a producer on the project. John Scott Shepherd, Neal Moritz, Vivian Cannon and Scott Winant executive-produce. Alexandra Breckenridge, Heather Burns, Madison Davenport, Lamman Rucker and Michael Landes will also star.

Zero Hour (ABC)
A skeptics magazine editor (Anthony Edwards) gets pulled into one of the most compelling conspiracies in human history. Prison Break's Paul Scheuring wrote the pilot and executive-produces with Lorenzo DiBonaventura and Dan McDermott. Scott Michael Foster, Addison Timlin, Jacinda Barrett, Michael Nyqvist and Carmen Ejogo will star.

Defiance (SyFy)
The series is set in the near future, where aliens known collectively as Votans have come to Earth seeking a new home after their solar system was destroyed. However, when they reached Earth they discovered that despite a prolonged negotiation with the government on Earth they were not welcome. Defiance is an upcoming American science fiction television series which is being developed for television by Rockne S. O'Bannon. The series is being produced in colloaboration with Trion Worlds who are producing a Defiance MMO video game which will be connected to the series. Defiance stars Grant Bowler as Jeb Nolan, the local lawman in a refugee camp known as Defiance. The series will be broadcast in the United States on the cable channel Syfy, and is being produced by Universal Cable Productions

'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' adverts to be investigated

The UK advertising watchdog has confirmed that it intends to investigate a controversial ad campaign for Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy Weddings.

The campaign, using the slogan "Bigger. Fatter. Gypsier." over images of Gypsy boys and girls, triggered 372 complaints and a protest at Channel 4's London headquarters.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) had initially said that it would not probe the adverts as they were 'in keeping' with the tone and content of the hit series.

In a judgement earlier in the year, the ASA said that the ads "might not be to everyone's taste", but they were unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence.

However, the ASA has now changed its position following a request by the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain.

The regulator took the recommendation of its independent review council that its original judgement was "flawed" and a formal investigation was required.

In a statement, the ASA said: "In their evaluation, the council noted that it had made its original decision without the benefit of knowing that the Irish Traveller Movement of Britain had complained and that this was a material fact to which they should have had regard."

Yvonne MacNamara, the director of the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain, said that the decision marks a "great victory" for travellers and gypsies, which "may prove a turning point as to how travellers and gypsies are portrayed in the media".

"Channel 4 has made a fortune out of their documentaries, which many travellers and gypsies believe have invaded and misrepresented their lives," she said.

"We hope this decision may herald an end to the negative caricaturing of travellers and gypsies in the wider media."

Channel 4 and Honda UK, the sponsor of documentaries on Channel 4, each said: 'We will await the outcome of the investigation'."

'Room at the Top': BBC Four drama to air following legal dispute

BBC Four's adaptation of Room at the Top will finally be broadcast after a legal dispute was resolved.

The two-part drama - based on the 1957 novel by John Braine - was pulled from the channel's schedule last year due to a copyright wrangle between Braine's estate and producers Remus Films.

The dispute has now been resolved and Room at the Top will air "in the near future", BBC News reports.

The original novel - which was also adapted into an Oscar-winning 1959 film - follows the working class Joe Lampton, who leaves his village with aspirations to become part of high society.

BBC Four's version stars Matthew McNulty (Misfits) as Lampton and also includes Maxine Peake (Silk) and Jenna-Louise Coleman (Doctor Who) in its cast.

In a statement, production company Great Meadow Productions said: "The producer of the TV adaptation of Room At The Top, Great Meadow Productions, is pleased to announce that the issue of copyright between Remus Films and the Estate of John Braine, represented by David Higham Associates, has been resolved. The TV adaptation will be broadcast on BBC Four in the near future."

'Revenge' kicks off with 750,000 viewers on E4

The series premiere of Revenge pulled in decent numbers for E4 last night (May 29), managing almost 750k, according to overnight data.

The popular US drama took 613k (2.8%) on E4 and an additional 135k (0.8%) on timeshift.

It also boosted Made in Chelsea's numbers - the reality show improved to 635k (3.6%) from 10pm and 143k (1.5%) on +1 and helped E4 top the multichannels overall.

On the terrestrials, Chatsworth drew 3.78m (17.2%) on BBC One in the 9pm hour but was narrowly beaten live by ITV1's 56 Up, which had 3.85m (17.5%) as well as a further 243k (1.4%) on timeshift.

Spencer Matthews and Oliver Proudlock at a point to point seen on 'Made In Chelsea', shown on E4

Earlier on BBC One, Panorama was watched by 3.5m (15.7%). An average of 3.16m (15%) saw The Queen and I on ITV1 (+1: 105k/0.5%).

BBC Two showed Springwatch (2.22m/10.2%), Afghanistan: The Great Game (1.03m/4.7%) and Sounds of the '70s (621k/3.2%).

Dispatches drew 834k on Channel 4 from 8pm (+1: 122k/0.6%) before Gok Cooks Chinese served 947k (4.2%) from 8.30pm (+1: 157k/0.7%). The Secret Millionaire had 1.56m (7.1%) from 9pm (+1: 189k/1.1%).

The Walking Dead continued with 815k for Channel 5, with The Gadget Show: World Tour and Robson's Extreme Fishing Challenge taking 686k (3.2%) and 1.02m (4.6%) respectively.

Overall, ITV1 secured primetime victory with 21.8% (+1: 0.7%), beating BBC One's 20.4%. BBC Two came third with 6.4% ahead of Channel 4's 4.8% (+1: 0.7%) and Channel 5's 3.9% (+1: 0.2%).

Clarice Starling Series in Development at Lifetime

NBC is looking at Hannibal Lecter's early years in its upcoming drama "Hannibal," and now Lifetime is developing a drama that will shed light on Lecter's "Silence of the Lambs" foe, FBI agent Clarice Starling.

"Clarice" will follow Starling as she begins her career after graduating from the FBI academy, TV Guide reports. Jodie Foster won a best actress Oscar for portraying the young agent.

Lifetime reps did not immediately respond to TheWrap's request for comment.

MGM will produce "Clarice," which Lifetime is developing just as NBC prepares "Hannibal," a drama that will focus on the relationship between Hannibal Lecter -- a role that earned a best actor Oscar for Anthony Hopkins in "Silence of the Lambs" -- and FBI criminal profiler Will Graham.

Hugh Dancy will play Graham in "Hannibal," which was created by "Heroes"/"Pushing Daisies"/"Wonderfalls" producer Bryan Fuller, who's also producing NBC's remake of "The Munsters."

Lecter and Graham first appeared in author Thomas Harris' 1981 novel "Red Dragon," while Starling originated in the 1988 sequel "Silence of the Lambs."

Lifetime, which has been adding more original programming to its lineup with the Jennifer Love Hewitt series "The Client List" and continuing seasons of "Drop Dead Diva," "Project Runway" and "Army Wives," is also focusing on star-packed made-for-TV movies.

Lindsay Lohan begins filming next month on the network's Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton biopic "Liz & Dick." Queen Latifah, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott and Alfre Woodard are starring in Lifetime's "Steel Magnolias" remake. And Mary J. Blige will star in "Parallel Lives," a movie about the lives of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widows of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Flirty Rita Ora impresses London crowds at 'X Factor' auditions

Rita Ora impressed the crowds with a feisty and flirtatious performance at today's X Factor auditions.

The popstar guest judged at London's O2 today and was given plenty of support from fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos, who told the crowds that Ora has "years of experience" in the business, even if she has only just reached the top of the charts.

Ora - who wore a white dress and jacket at today's auditions - won huge cheers from the O2 audience, who warmed to her confident and witty approach on the judging panel.

The West London singer flirted with a number of the male acts throughout the day, telling one singer: "I think you're really good looking, so it's a yes from me!" She also teased several other male acts, describing them as "cute" and giving one lucky lad a hug.

An X Factor fan told Digital Spy: "Rita fitted in brilliantly on the panel and was a natural.

"She had great chemistry with Gary and Louis and she was feisty enough to keep up with Tulisa."

The 'RIP' singer became the third guest judge of the series, following stints from Leona Lewis and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Ora is believed to be in the running to get the X Factor job full-time alongside Halliwell.

'The Voice' UK kids spinoff could air on BBC

The Voice creator John De Mol has revealed that he is planning talks with the BBC about a 'Kids' spinoff of the talent show.

A Voice Kids series has aired in the show's original country Holland and according to De Mol it was a huge success.

"There was a big emotional reaction from the parents of the children talking part, more so than on any other talent show," De Mol told The Guardian.

He claimed that there is a "fair chance" the series, which would feature acts aged 8-14, would air in the UK.

De Mol, who also helped create Big Brother, has sold the Voice format to over 50 countries around the world. The TV producer claimed that he is a fan of the UK's panel of coaches, but admitted that like in other regions, the live show format may need tweaking for upcoming series.

The Voice UK started strongly in the ratings, beating Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent regularly when the shows' schedules overlapped. However, during the live shows, The Voice's ratings have slipped significantly and reached a new low of 4.49m viewers last weekend.

Tashie Jackson's sex tape boyfriend for Big Brother 2012?

The boyfriend of former Big Brother housemate Tashie Jackson could join the line up of housemates for the new series.

Tashie Jackson appeared on the first Channel 5 Big Brother last year, with a sex tape quickly hitting the internet after she entered the house.

Speaking to us ahead of the launch of Big Brother next month, BB host Brian Dowling revealed that not only had he watched it, but that the boyfriend that appeared in the tape had auditioned for the show this year!

Brian gossiped: “I think her boyfriend from the sex tape auditioned for the show!”

Ad Brian let slip that he and the whole of the BB team watched her sex tape!

Speaking about the video, Brian said: “She was like a magician because it just disappeared!

“I watched it, it was so weird watching her have sex knowing she was in the house. How can someone so small take something so big and make it disappear? We watched down at the show!”

'Awake' creator on axe: 'We won't get picked up by another network'

Awake creator Kyle Killen has claimed that the series is unlikely to be revived.

Killen told Entertainment Weekly that he does not expect another network to pick up the Jason Isaacs drama after it was axed by NBC.

"It'd be difficult given the ratings that we had to justify [a pick-up by another network]," he suggested.

The showrunner instead encouraged fans to campaign for Isaacs to receive awards recognition for his performance.

"The incredible support and enthusiasm from fans - if they wanted to use that energy for something - I would say it's better spent trying to see that Jason is recognised," he said. "That's a better campaign to wage."

Killen - who also created short-lived Fox drama Lone Star - added that he may have been "cavalier" in thinking Awake could work on network television.

"It feels like there's becoming two very distinct camps," he argued. "So I think if I show up on network again, I would bring a more network-specific idea.

"If I have ideas that feel like they belong on cable, then I think at this point, I'll probably start to take them to cable."

Gillian Anderson series 'The Fall' eyed by BBC America

BBC America is reportedly eyeing the upcoming drama series The Fall.

The series, starring X-Files actress Gillian Anderson, focuses on a serial killer on the loose in Belfast and the female detective superintendent in charge of the investigation.

According to TV Wise, BBC America is considering adding the upcoming series to its 'Dramaville' block later this year, which in the past has included shows like Luther and The Hour.

While no deals have been made to pick up the series yet, sources say that the network is very close to signing a deal for the five-part drama.

The Fall also stars Once Upon a Time actor Jamie Dornan, ex-Hollyoaks star Gerard McCarthy, Holby City's Niamh McGrady, and Emmy-winning Good Wife actress Archie Panjabi.

Hollyoaks actors Emmett Scanlan and Karen Hassan have also signed on to star.

The Fall debuts this winter on BBC Two in the UK.

Celebrity Big Brother 2012: Emma Willis doesn't want Nadine Coyle in the house!

Big Brother presenter Emma Willis has said she doesn’t want to see Nadine Coyle in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Speaking to us ahead of the new series next month, Emma hit out at A-list stars in the house.

She said: “With people like Nadine and your Lindsay Lohans, they’re so media trained that you’re never going to get anything from them.

“People go, ‘Oh My God, Nadine’s going in, we’re going to find out all about Girls Aloud’, but you’re not. ”

Slightly ranting, Emma went on: “She’s not going to do that, she’s still a part of it, you don’t s**t where you eat, do you?”

She added: “Sorry… please don’t quote that. Put a muzzle on me!”

In our chat, which featured rather a lot of swearing and strong opinions from the uber BB fan, Emma said that the casting of Celebrity Big Brother shouldn’t focus on huge stars.

“I say this every time, but you’re not going to get A-listers on board because they don’t need to do it,” Emma told us. “It’s not about how famous someone is, it’s their personality.

“Nadine Coyle, realistically, what are we going to get from her as a housmate? She may be real famous, but we need content.”

'Homeland' star Damian Lewis: 'I don't mind playing unlikeable roles'

Homeland star Damian Lewis has insisted that he enjoys playing the conflicted Nicholas Brody.

The actor told TVLine that he is happy for his performance to have provoked a mixed reaction.

"I don't mind playing unlikeable roles," he explained. "I've done it before. One of the things you should seek to achieve as an actor is that your character is understood somehow.

"I've had people come up to me and say, 'You're a guy who is going to blow up the vice president, you're lying to your wife and you just generally scare the hell out of us, because you are unpredictable and unknown - and yet we oddly kind of liked you'."

The actor added that it is the viewer's "choice" to decide whether or not Brody's actions can be justified.

"Some people will... choose to not like you, and that's fine," he said. "But... we were at great pains to find motivations for him, and [the writers] successfully did that.

"In the 17th century, when actors were given a play, 'the argument' was the word for the script, and I approach characters like that. I put forward my side of the argument."

Homeland exec Howard Gordon recently revealed that Brody's daughter Dana (Morgan Saylor) will grow suspicious of her father in the show's second season.

"She's processed a lot," said Gordon. "We don't quite know what she thinks of that last call she made to him, so we'll find out!"

Homeland will return to Showtime in the US on September 30. Channel 4 has picked up the rights to air season two in the UK, with a late 2012 broadcast planned.

'Dirk Gently' axed by BBC Four, confirms star Stephen Mangan

Stephen Mangan has revealed that the BBC has axed Dirk Gently.

The comedy drama - based on the Douglas Adams novels - began with a pilot episode in 2010, with three hour-long episodes following in March this year.

However, Mangan - who played the title role - revealed on Twitter that the show will not return to BBC Four.

He wrote: "It gives me no pleasure whatsoever to report that the BBC have decided not to make any more Dirk Gently."

The Dirk Gently pilot episode attracted 1.1m in December 2010, but the third and final episode saw just 592,000 viewers tune in.

Darren Boyd, Helen Baxendale, Jason Watkins and Lisa Jackson also appeared in the series alongside Mangan, while Howard Overman (Misfits) adapted Adams's books for television.

In 2011, Mangan admitted that he would be "heartbroken" if BBC Four ever cancelled Dirk Gently.

"If they axe [the series], I'll go round there and smash the place up with my bare hands," he joked.

Emily VanCamp on 'Revenge' season two: 'I want more flashbacks'

Revenge star Emily VanCamp has revealed that she wants more flashbacks in season two.

The actress told E! Online that she is keen to delve into her character Emily's past in future episodes.

"I love the flashbacks," admitted VanCamp. "I like seeing where [Emily] went in that eight years that she was training and finding out more about her past."

The 26-year-old also suggested that she is eager for the mysterious 'white-haired man' to return in a second season.

"I would love to see more of the white-haired man - I think he is such an awesome villain for the show," she said.

Revenge - which also stars Madeleine Stowe and Gabriel Mann - was picked up for a second season by ABC earlier this month.

Big Brother 2012 housemates to include couples?

Brian Dowling has revealed that Big Brother 2012 may feature couples as housemates.

The BB host spoke to us earlier this month about the upcoming series, and gossiped on plans about the housemates.

As well as confirming they had all been chosen three weeks ago, Brian revealed: “The housemates will be varied in age, this year for sure they’re mixing up the age groups.

“I heard something about maybe couples going in, but people don’t know they’re couples… I’m not sure how that works!

“That would be amazing, and they had to pretend they weren’t couples, and had to get off with other people!”

But Brian also admitted that he didn’t want the series to get too rude and too focused on sex.

He said: “I don’t like it when it gets too rude, when Denise [Welch] was in the jacuzzi with her tits out, I thought that was funny, I didn’t think that was rude.

“But I don’t like it when, like Jay and Louise had that sex den. I don’t like it if it gets too rude.”

TV Tonight 29th of May 2012

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

    16 & Pregnant S04E12: "Kristina"
    20/20 S34E45
    48 Hours Mystery S25E30: "Murder in the O.C."
    Allerslechtste Chauffeur Van Nederland, De S02E07
    America's Got Talent S07E06: "St. Louis Auditions"
    Amish: Out of Order S01E07: "Change of Faith"
    Ancient X-Files S02E05: "Holy Shroud"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E87: "Del 87"
    Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms S01E03: "Season 1, Episode 3"
    Blockbusters (2012) S01E12: "Series 1, Show 12"
    Britain Unzipped S01E05: "Series 1, Episode 5"
    Chasing Classic Cars S05E10: "Amelia Island: Get Some, Give Some"
    Chelsea Lately S06E89
    Chopped S12E01: "Grilltastic!"
    Cougar Town S03E15: "Your World"
    Cougar Town S03E14: "My Life"
    Dance Moms: Miami S01E08: "Move Over, I'm the Star"
    Dangerous Flights S01E04: "Fear Factor"
    Dating In The Dark Australia S02E08: "Season 2, Episode 8"
    Days of our Lives S47E142: "Ep. #11852"
    Deadliest Catch S08E08: "The Aftermath"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E249: "Episode 1929"
    Design Star S07E01
    Diagnosis Live From the Clinic S02E03: "Series 2, Episode 3"
    Doctors S14E39: "Smash the System"
    EastEnders S28E87: "May 29, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E127: "May 29, 2012"
    Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S02E19
    Fake Britain S03E07: "Series 3, Episode 7"
    Frontline (US) S30E14: "Fast Times at West Philly High"
    General Hospital (US) S50E41: "#12569"
    Giuliana & Bill S05E09: "What Happens in Cabo..."
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E192: "Season 22, Episode 192"
    Good Game S08E16: "Season 8, Episode 16"
    Great British Menu S07E37: "The Olympic Feast - 37"
    Haiyore! Nyaruko-san S01E08: "TBA"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E62: "Norrköping - Agneta"
    Hardcore Pawn S05E23: "Cash Money Moron"
    Hatfields & McCoys S01E02: "Part 2 of 3"
    Hidden Talent S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Hit & Miss S01E02: "Episode 2"
    Holby City S14E33: "Kids' Stuff"
    Hollyoaks S18E107: "May 29, 2012"
    Hollywood Treasure S02E02: "Chamber of Secrets"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E92: "Episode 5527"
    Hotel cæsar S29E22: "Season 29, Episode 22"
    House Hunters S48E106: "Mainlanders Settle Down in Maui"
    House Hunters International S25E109: "Sizing up the Parisian Suburbs"
    Jeopardy! S28E182: "Show #6387"
    Killer Trials: Judgment Day S01E26: "The Beast of Bastille"
    Kuba Wojewódzki S18E13: "Schejbal i Hardkorowy Koksu"
    Let's Stay Together S02E21: "Creepers"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E195
    Luna, el misterio de Calenda S01E08: "El Odio"
    Masterchef Australia S04E21: "Immunity Challenge: Shaun Presland"
    Million Dollar Rooms S02E06
    Mysteries at the Museum S03E10
    Naruto SD: Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden S01E09
    Neighbours S28E102: "Episode 6412"
    No Kitchen Required S01E09: "Belize"
    Packed To The Rafters S05E07: "The Great Escape"
    Pointless S06E55: "Series 6, Episode 55"
    Pregnant in Heels S02E03: "When Baby Robots Attack"
    Queen's Blade: Rurou no Senshi S03E09: "Episode 9"
    River City S10E38: "Episode 782"
    Salatut elämät S14E172: "Ismolle ja Ossille koittaa duomiopäivä"
    Savage U S01E09: "UC Irvine"
    Silk S02E03: "Series 2, Episode 3"
    Springwatch S09E02: "Series 9, Episode 2"
    Teen Mom S05E00: "Catching Up With the Girls of Teen Mom"
    The Apprentice (UK) S08E11: "The Final Five"
    The Block S05E39: "Day 39"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E47: "Ep. #6331"
    The Catalina S01E01: "Spring Breakdown"
    The Chase (2009) S05E81: "Series 5, Episode 81"
    The Colbert Report S08E66: "Charlize Theron"
    The Daily Show S17E104: "Michelle Obama"
    The Devils Ride S01E04: "Bad Blood"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E169: ""Bring Me Back My Hot, Sexy Spouse""
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E170
    The Game S05E20: "Move Trick, Get Out The Way"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E180: "May 29, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E90
    The Project S04E127: "Season 4, Episode 127"
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E16
    The View S15E170: "Michelle Obama"
    The Young and the Restless S40E46: "Ep. #9915"
    Tosh.0 S04E11: "Smell Yo Dick Girl Web Redemption"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E89:
    What Not To Wear (US) S09E16: "Live"
    Workaholics S03E01: "The Business Trip"

BBC mystery 'Mayday' like 'The Killing', says Sam Spruell

Mayday star Sam Spruell has likened the forthcoming BBC drama to The Killing.

The actor will appear alongside stars including Sophie Okonedo, Peter Firth and Aidan Gillen in the series, which focuses on the disappearance of a young girl from an idyllic community.

Speaking to Digital Spy about the project, Spruell explained: "It's great because [in] this quaint village suddenly the facade comes down and the monsters are shown. I think it could be really exciting.

"On the face of it, it's like a Midsomer Murders, but I'd say it's much more The Killing. You get to kind of meet a whole range of people and work out how they are connected to the crime that is taking place. You see all their personal situations and the difficulties they are facing."

However, Spruell was not prepared to suggest that Mayday will become as popular as the Danish format.

"It'd be stupid and arrogant to say it's going to be as big as The Killing is," he noted. "I think The Killing is brilliant. If we can get anywhere near that, it'll be wonderful. That's a tall ask. We're gonna try, dammit!"

Spruell is currently starring in movie Snow White and the Huntsman, which also features Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth.

The fairytale film is released in the UK and US on July 1.

eOne Confirms Talks To Purchase Alliance

Entertainment One confirmed today that the distributor has held negotiations about purchasing Alliance Films, as Deadline reported last week from the Cannes Film Festival. Both companies had remained publicly mum about the negotiations but eOne said today it wanted to comment because of market speculation, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. Both companies are Canadian-based. Alliance is owned by Goldman Sachs. “The board confirms it has held discussions with the shareholders of Alliance Films but there can be no certainty this will lead to a transaction,” eOne said in statement. “The company would only undertake such a transaction on acceptable terms, and on the basis that the directors believe it would be financially and strategically value enhancing for the company and its shareholders.” If a deal were to come to pass, eEon said it would finance the transaction with a combination of debt and equity.

The statement about Alliance came as eOne reported earnings for last fiscal year. The company said profit before taxes increased 103% to $37 million with revenue up 7% to $809 million. Much of the revenue was from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, to which it owns Canadian rights. Purchasing Alliance would give eOne Canadian rights to 11,000 titles including The Hunger Games. Alliance also owns 50% of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV franchise, which Goldman doesn’t intend to include in the deal.

Misty May-Treanor Wants Back on 'Dancing With the Stars'

No one should question the competitive fire burning within Olympic volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor, even when it comes to "Dancing With the Stars."

The beach volleyball champion wants another shot at the ABC dance competition. She was on the show in 2008, but her hopes of winning were spiked when she was forced out of the competition with an Achilles tendon injury suffered in rehearsal.

May-Treanor asked fans on her Facebook page to campaign for her to perform next season, when the show will bring back stars from previous seasons.

"I would love to finish what I wasn't able to when I was on the show the last time," she posted.

No word on when the decision will be made by ABC. The months of speculation about who will be back is part of the hype machine surrounding the show.

Before doing any Lindy Hopping however, May-Treanor will compete in London with partner Kerri Walsh. It will be the duo's third Olympics, after winning gold medals in Athens and Beijing.

Alistair McGowan: 'Roy Hodgson, Gary Neville perfect for new show'

Alistair McGowan has teased some of his sporting impressions for his new ITV show.

The comedian will begin hosting a new series of You Cannot Be Serious! this weekend, which includes topical impersonations of sportsmen and women, along with various other celebrities.

McGowan described new England manager Roy Hodgson and one of his assistants Gary Neville as "gifts" for the new series.

"Roy is a gift, he has this habit where he bounces up and down," he told Lorraine Kelly. "We're very lucky with Gary Neville, he's become his coach.

"Gary always makes me laugh because his voice hasn't quite broken yet, and he sounds like Dave in The Royle Family."

The impressionist also praised TV Burp's Harry Hill, who will act as an executive producer on the project, saying: "He has so much experience on making shows that are close to the wire."

On his eight-year hiatus from his previous impression show, he added: "Ronni [Ancona] and I did the show and we loved it. It was fatigue on my part and I wanted to do something different."

You Cannot Be Serious!, produced by Clyde Holcroft (Fantasy Football) and directed by Paul Wheeler (Have I Got News For You), premieres on Saturday, June 2 at 7.30pm on ITV1.

Robbie Williams's Soccer Aid more popular than BAFTAs on Sunday night

ITV1's four-hour coverage of Soccer Aid 2012 scored an average audience of 4.5m last night (Sunday, May 27), slightly less than its previous match.

The Robbie Williams charity football match, won by England, took 4.33m (22.9%) from 6pm and 180k on +1, peaking with 6.7m at around 9.30pm.

Meanwhile, the BAFTA TV Awards dazzled 3.53m (16.2%) on BBC One between 8pm and 10pm, down almost 2 million viewers on last year's ceremony.

The Voice UK's semi-final results show grabbed 4.68m (26.5%) at 7.15pm, prior to which 4.01m (27.2%) watched Countryfile.

Rolf Harris with the Bafta Fellowship Award at the Arqiva British Academy Television Awards 2012 at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Once Upon a Time continued steadily on Channel 5 with 1.09m (5.2%) in the 8pm junction and 107k an hour later on +1. Countdown show Britain's Funniest Comedy Characters followed the American fairytale drama with 740k (4.3%). Test cricket highlights had 847k (4.9%) at 7pm.

Meanwhile, BBC Two's factual combination of Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve (1.8m/8.5%) and Coast (1.98m/8.8%) continued to pay dividends with decent figures.

Channel 4's Come Dine with Me served up 1.09m (5.1%) from 8pm (+1: 274k), then movie The Lovely Bones appealed to 958k (5.2%) at 9pm, adding 193k on timeshift.

Overall, ITV1 topped primetime with 22.3% (+1: 0.9%), beating BBC One's 19.2%. BBC Two claimed third place with 6.9%, ahead of Channel 4's 4.9% (+1: 1.1%), and Channel 5's 4.4% (+1: 0.3%).

Elsewhere, Family Guy maintained a strong 1.26m (6.1%) and 987k (5.6%) for BBC Three, while The Only Way Is Essex logged 930k (3%) for ITV2 and 231k on +1, and Desperate Housewives attracted 597k (3.4%) to E4 (+1: 163k).

Gordon Ramsay Injured in Charity Soccer Match

Gordon Ramsay, head chef on the Fox reality show "Hell's Kitchen," had to be carried off the field after absorbing a big hit in a charity soccer match Sunday in Manchester, England.

Ramsay was given oxygen and carted off the field on a stretcher during the celebrity benefit Soccer Aid. He was taken to the hospital and released a few hours later. His spokesman released the following statement:

"Gordon was taken to hospital after injuring his back during the game. He was released after receiving treatment and although he's in pain today, there shouldn't be any long term damage."

Ramsay wasn't the only one hurting. "Anchorman" star Will Farrell had to leave the match early with leg injury.

Other U.S. celebs playing including Mike Myers, Gerard Butler, Edward Norton, Woody Harrelson and Michael Sheen. They took on an England team that included Take That's Mark Owen and JLS singers Aston Merrygold and Marvin Humes.

While he recuperates, Ramsay can take heart in the fact that it was for a good cause. The event, set up by Take That star Robbie Williams, raised more than $6.4 million for UNICEF.

TEFI Awards Handed Out in Moscow

Late on Friday, May 25, a ceremony for TEFI, Russia’s main television awards, was held at Moscow’s Novaya Opera theater.

Channel One’s entertainment show Prozhektorparrishilton, whose title plays on the name of the U.S. socialite and a title of a Soviet-era TV program, won in the best entertainment/information show category for the fourth time in a row.

REN-TV’s Noty Protesta (Notes of Protest), centered on the stories of several Russian musicians, collected the best special report award.

Sati. Neskuchnaya Klassika (Sati. Classics That’s Not Boring), aired on by the station Kultura, was awarded as the best show in the classical music category, and Channel One’s Dostoyaniye Respubliki (The Property of the Republic) won a statuette in the popular music show category.

Evolutsiya (Evolution), a series of shows broadcast on the channel Tsivilizatsiya, was announced the winner in the popular science program category.

Lev Nikolayev’s documentary on Polish author Stanislaw Lem, aired by Kultura, was awarded as the best program in the arts category. Sadly, the director died last year.

Reka Zhizni (River of Life) by Sergei Miroshnichenko, collected the best TV documentary award.

Alexander Akopov, Tatiana Belichenko, Vyacheslav Murugov and Natalia Shneiderova, the producers of the series Zakrytaya Shkola (Closed School), made by A-Media for the TV channel CTC, were awarded as the best producers.

Alexander Kott was awarded as the best TV film/series director for Krepost (Fortress), a four-episode television version of the theatrical movie Brestkaya Krepost (Brest Fortress).

The ceremony was marred by a controversy over the last-moment replacement of popular TV personality Kseniya Sobchak, who was supposed to announce a winner in one of the nominations. Some observers explained it by her recent activities in opposition mass rallies.

'EastEnders' exit for Ben Mitchell confirmed

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Ben Mitchell will be bowing out from the soap later this year.

The troubled teenager makes his departure from Walford at the end of his current storyline, which has seen him attempting to cover up his guilt in the Heather Trott murder case.

Joshua Pascoe, who plays Ben, is expected to film his final scenes in the summer.

Yesterday, it emerged that Pascoe had been arrested and bailed in connection with an alleged sex assault. However, reports suggest that it was always the plan for the 16-year-old to leave EastEnders as a natural conclusion to the Heather story.

Discussing the plotline, an EastEnders spokesperson told the Daily Star Sunday: "It will come as no surprise to the viewers of EastEnders that the character of Ben will be departing Walford when the truth finally emerges."

Meanwhile, a show insider said: "Joshua was always going to leave at the end of his current contract due to his storyline. There was no way Ben could stay on the Square long-term after killing Heather. But how it all comes out is a closely guarded secret."

Cheryl Cole: 'I never tried to manipulate Simon Cowell'

Cheryl Cole has denied suggestions that she manipulated Simon Cowell while on The X Factor.

The 'Call My Name' singer was alleged in Tom Bower's biography Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell to have "played the soulful victim" in order to get her own way with the music mogul and fellow X Factor judge.

In the book, Cowell is quoted as saying about the popstar: "She would come in dressed in her tracksuit and slippers, drop her eyes and play the soulful victim to get around me. She played me. When she walked over, I felt I was the mouse with a beautiful cat."

However, in an interview with The Observer, Cole brushed off any suggestion that she attempted to seduce Cowell, joking: "That's actually really flattering, because if I can seduce him in me tracksuit and slippers, I must have something good.

"You know, he said the same thing to my face about me manipulating him. I said, 'Simon, seriously - you've become so cynical that you think people manipulate you, but I'm not one of those people. Maybe what confuses you is that I don't play with you; you can't buy me'. And he said to me, 'When I say you manipulate, I mean it in the sincerest form of a compliment. Meaning: you're highly intelligent, and I don't even think you know you're doing it'.

"Sorry, but if I was going to do it, it wouldn't be in me tracksuit bottoms."

The 28-year-old also confirmed reports that she had been approached to write her own autobiography, adding: "I'm torn. The past ten years have been incredible - the whole of my 20s. That would be amazing to put into words, and go into my 30s with a clean slate. But then I think: I can't be bothered."

However, she dashed any ideas that she would provide any revelations about her relationship with Cowell in the book.

"I don't know if I've got 300 words to say on Simon. He might get a footnote if he's lucky," she said.

Cole was blasted by Bower earlier this month as being "not very intelligent".