Vanessa Williams on '666 Park Avenue': "I love a good thriller"

Vanessa Williams has joked that she is often spooked by her new series 666 Park Avenue.

In an interview with Parade, Williams said that 666 Park Avenue reminds her of classic horror films from her youth.

"I love a good thriller," the actress revealed. "I grew up in the '70s, which were the heyday of iconic supernatural films like The Omen and The Exorcist."

Williams also disclosed that she has experienced paranormal activity in her own life.

"My house in New York was built in 1905, and there's certainly been unexplained things that have made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, like lights going on and off," she recalled.

Williams stars in 666 Park Avenue with Rachael Taylor, Dave Annable, Robert Buckley and Terry O'Quinn.

'Walking Dead' exec: 'Series almost aired on NBC, HBO'

The Walking Dead's Greg Nicotero has revealed that both NBC and HBO were interested in airing the series.

The zombie drama recently pulled in record ratings for cable network AMC, with 10.9m viewers tuning in for the third season premiere.

"Thank goodness we wound up at AMC - they totally get this show," Nicotero - who also serves as the show's chief make-up effects artist - told The Huffington Post.

Nicotero claimed that neither broadcast network NBC nor cable channel HBO would commit to a Walking Dead series if the levels of violence and gore were not toned down.

"Right from the beginning, [AMC has] been completely trusting and supportive of what we've been trying to do with this series," he said.

The Walking Dead star Laurie Holden (Andrea) recently suggested that the show's new episodes will contain even more violent zombie action.

"I do have to say that in the first two episodes [of season three], I think we killed more... than we did in seasons one and two combined," said the actress.

Keith Lemon wants Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue on 'Celebrity Juice'

Keith Lemon has revealed that he wants Cheryl Cole or Dannii Minogue to join Celebrity Juice.

The comedian would like either of the former X Factor judges to join as a new team captain when Fearne Cotton leaves on maternity, The Sun reports.

Cotton announced her pregnancy in August and will take a break from the ITV2 show during the next series.

Lemon, whose real name is Leigh Francis, said: "Fearne's having a break from the next series, about a year I think, and there are a few names touting around to replace her.

"Cheryl Cole would be great but I don't think that will happen. And Dannii Minogue would be good."

However, it wasn't just the former X Factor judges who Lemon revealed as potential replacements.

"Nicole Scherzinger would be great, too, but I don't want to jinx it. I know Kimberley Walsh though – and Davina McCall. We'll have to see. But I would like Cheryl Cole and Gary Barlow on the show."

Lemon continued to say that he is a fan of the ITV talent show and hopes Ella Henderson takes this year's title.

"I love The X Factor, though. I throw my pyjamas on and watch it. Ella is the best. If she doesn't win, I'll chop my c**k off and throw it away."

Strictly Come Dancing quicksteps away from X Factor on Saturday night

Strictly Come Dancing broke an even greater distance away from The X Factor in the Saturday night ratings, early overnight data reveals.

A Hollywood-themed edition of the ballroom dancing show pulled in a hefty 9.91m and 44.2% audience share between 6.30pm and 8.30pm - an identical viewing figure but a superior audience share to last week.

BBC One's veteran reality show, the night's most-watched broadcast for a third week on the trot, peaked with a huge 11.3m (47.8%) at 8pm.

The X Factor's peak of 9.3m was lower than Strictly's average audience, widening further the margin by which the ITV show lost to Strictly last week, its biggest loss since 2006.

Club Classics week drew an average of 8.21m (34.8%) between 8.15pm and 10.30pm, adding 366k (1.8%) on ITV1 +1. The Xtra Factor followed on ITV2 with 600k (3.5%).

However, many will catch today's ITV1 and ITV2 repeats of the live performance show ahead of tonight's results show, which beat Strictly's last Sunday.

Catering well again for non-X Factor fans, BBC One logged strong ratings for Merlin (5.51m/22.9%) and respectable figures for Casualty (4.1m/17.1%), while 4.22m (22.4%) watched a new series of Pointless Celebrities kick off from 5.40pm.

Match of the Day scored 3.67m (25.6%) from 10.30pm, beating ITV1's Jonathan Ross, who attracted 2.54m (15%) and 131k (1.3%) on timeshift. You've Been Framed (2.39m/13.1%) aired at 6pm (+1: 134k/0.7%), Fool Britannia (2.08m/9.9%) was scheduled at 6.30pm, and Take Me Out entertained 3.1m (13.4%) from 7pm (+1: 210k/0.9%).

Elsewhere, BAFTA-winning political satire The Thick of It aired on BBC Two with a series low of 862k (4.1%) from 9.45pm, prior to which QI XL amused 1.31m (5.4%).

Meanwhile, Channel 4's movie The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 anchored its schedule with 1.03m (5%) from 9.15pm (+1: 364k/2.5%), and 780k (3.3%) caught Channel 5's showing of The Devil's Brigade.

Overall, BBC One overtook ITV1 in an historic Saturday primetime victory, with 28.9% versus 24.9% (+1: 1.1%). Way behind in third place, BBC Two had 4.6%, ahead of Channel 4's 3.5% (+1: 0.6%), and Channel 5's 3.4% (+1: 0.1%).

Jimmy Savile: Newsnight exposé dropped following 'pressure' from above

The BBC dropped a Newsnight investigation into whether Jimmy Savile was a paedophile following "pressure" from senior managers at the corporation, a documentary will claim this evening.

The hour-long Panorama programme entitled Jimmy Savile - What the BBC Knew, due to air tonight, features newly disclosed emails and interviews, which will raise fresh questions over the role of BBC bosses in the decision to drop the Newsnight exposé of Savile.

The BBC and Newsnight editor Peter Rippon have always maintained that the investigation was dropped purely for editorial reasons as the team had found "insufficient evidence" to substantiate the report.

Rippon has maintained that there was not interference from above in his decision.

But Panorama will claim that Rippon told colleagues that he could not broadcast the film "if the bosses aren't happy".

The programme will also allege that George Entwistle, at the time the director of BBC Vision, was told he "might have to change the Christmas schedules" if the Newsnight film went ahead as it would clash with tribute programmes to Savile.

Entwistle, now the BBC director general, has always maintained that he played no part in the decision to drop the Newsnight film.

Liz MacKean, a Newsnight reporter, told Panorama that Rippon had given the go-ahead for the film to be shown, but had an "abrupt change" of heart and appeared be "under pressure" from above.

"All I can say is that it was an abrupt change in tone from, you know, one day 'excellent, let's prepare to get this thing on air' to 'hold on'," she told the programme.

She added: "I was very unhappy the story didn't run because I felt we'd spoken to people who collectively deserved to be heard and they weren't heard and I thought that was a failing... I felt very much that I'd let them down."

MacKean also expressed concern over the way in which the decision to drop the report has since been portrayed by the BBC.

The BBC has said the report was about Surrey Police's investigation of the Savile claims, but MacKean says the team were actually attempting to expose the sexual abuse allegations against the TV star.

Speaking to Panorama, she said: "Ever since the decision was taken to shelve our story I've not been happy with the public statements made by the BBC. I think they're very misleading about the nature of the investigation we were doing.

"The story we were investigating was very clear cut. It was about Jimmy Savile being a paedophile and using his status as a charity fundraiser and television presenter to get access to places where there were vulnerable teenage girls he could abuse."

Meirion Jones, the Newsnight producer behind the investigation that was dropped last December, told Panorama that he had warned Rippon that the BBC was at risk of being accused of a cover-up.

In an email sent to Rippon on December 7, 2011, Jones wrote: "I was sure the story would come out one way or another and... the BBC would be accused of a cover-up."

The BBC says that it will not comment while its own investigation into the decision to drop the investigation is conducted.

But last night, the BBC also denied a report in the Daily Mail that Rippon had quit as Newsnight chief.

A BBC spokesman said: "Newsnight editor Peter Rippon has not resigned."

Former Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It host Savile died in October 2011, aged 84. But after allegations of sexual abuse against young girls by him were aired in an ITV documentary on October 3, the police launched a formal criminal enquiry, called Operation Yewtree.

Officers are now pursuing in excess of 400 lines of enquiry and have identified over 200 potential victims over a 40-year period.

There have also been questions over the BBC's handling of the scandal, after it emerged that the Newsnight report was axed by the BBC last December. In the same month, tribute programmes to the late Savile were aired by the corporation.

Tomorrow (October 23), new BBC boss Entwistle will appear before MPs on Commons culture, media and sport select committee to answer some tough questions about the BBC and Savile.

He has also launched two investigations. Former High Court judge Dame Janet Smith will examine the culture of the BBC during the years that Savile worked there.

The other investigation, led by ex-Sky News boss Nick Pollard, will look at the decision to drop the Newsnight report.

Responding to Panorama's report, a BBC spokesman said: "The BBC has confirmed it has launched an independent review led by former head of Sky News, Nick Pollard, which will cover these questions. It would not be appropriate to comment further until this has been concluded."

Panorama: Jimmy Savile - What the BBC Knew will air on BBC One tonight (October 22) at 10.35pm.

Development Update: The 22nd of October

BEST MAN (FOX, New!) - Paul Ruehl ("The Hard Times of RJ Berger") has scored a script commitment from the network for a new comedy about "a longtime, successful bachelor who finds himself guiding his best friend's wife through the realities of single life after her husband runs off and leaves them both." Sunswept Entertainment's Karen Rosenfelt, Alex Maggioni and Ken Blancato also serve as executive producers on the project, which is set up at 20th Century Fox Television. (Deadline.com)

DETECTIVES, THE (ABC, New!) - Manny Coto ("Dexter") has sold a new drama to the Alphabet about "a female internal affairs investigator who is tasked with rebuilding the LAPD's special detective unit after she spearheads the probe into a corruption scandal that ultimately brings the department to its knees." Said effort is set up at Sony Pictures Television with Coto writing and executive producing alongside Lynda Obst ("Hot in Cleveland") and her self-titled banner. (THR.com)

DIRTY GIRLS (ABC, New!) - Gillian Telling's book, subtitled "The Naked Truth about Our Guilty Secrets," is being developed as a single-camera comedy at the Alphabet. Screenwriter Moe Jelline ("You Again") will pen the adaptation, about "a group of female friends who reveal the dirty truth about the secret lives of women." Mark Gordon and Andrea Shay will likewise executive produce via their ABC Studios-based The Mark Gordon Co. (Deadline.com)

FINDING LOVE (Lifetime, New!) - Jennifer Love Hewitt is developing a small screen take on her 2010 book "The Day I Shot Cupid," in which she offers tips on romance in a comical and honest way based on her own dating experiences. Matt Hastings ("Alphas") is set to the pen the hour for Universal Cable Productions with Hewitt executive producing via her Fedora Films banner ("The Client List"). (Deadline.com)

FOSTERS, THE (ABC Family) - Jake T. Austin, Cierra Ramirez, Hayden Byerly and Danny Nucci have all been cast in the drama pilot, which tells the story of Stef (Teri Polo) and Lena Foster (Sherri Saum), a mixed race couple who are raising a biological son, Brandon (David Lambert), along with several adopted children - most recently Callie (Maia Mitchell), a troubled teen with an abusive past. Nucci will play Mike, "Stef's handsome ex-husband and Brandon's biological father, a cop who requests to partner up with Stef after her regular partner leaves the department"; with Byerly as "Callie's 13-year-old brother, whom she is determined to rescue from his abusive foster home." Ramirez and Austin then will play the Fosters' fraternal twins, Marianna and Jesus, "a smart-as-a-whip straight-A student" and "a charming, hyperkinetic kid who's on Ritalin," respectively. Timothy Busfield is directing the Jennifer Lopez-produced hour from a script by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige. (Deadline.com, THR.com)

HOUSE CALLS (The CW, New!) - Sascha Penn (NBC's "Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives") and Jerry Bruckheimer Television are set to re-team for a new drama at the netlet "set in Boston and follows three idiosyncratic young doctors who've set up a 24-hour house call business." Warner Bros. Television is behind the hour with Penn, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman serving as executive producers and KristieAnne Reed as a co-executive producer. (Deadline.com)

LEGENDS (TNT) - "The Mummy" star Brendan Fraser has been tapped for the lead role on the drama pilot, about a deep-cover operative named Martin Odum, who has an uncanny ability to transform himself into a different person for each job. Fox 21 is behind the hour, which is based on a book by master spy novelist Robert Littell. Howard Gordon, Jeffrey Nachmanoff, Alexander Cary and Jonathan Levin are among the executive producers while David Semel is set to direct. (Deadline.com)

NIGHTCRAWLER (CBS, New!) - Neal Baer ("A Gifted Man") has sold a new drama to the Eye about "a disgraced homicide detective who gets a second chance when he begins working with a murder victim's daughter with a genetic disorder that prevents her from going out in the sun." CBS Television Studios is behind the hour with Baer writing and executive producing. (Variety.com)

REV (ABC, New!) - Bob Daily ("Desperate Housewives") is developing a domestic take on Tom Hollander and James Wood's U.K. comedy, about "a priest from a small rural parish who becomes the vicar of an inner-city London church." ABC Studios is behind the half-hour, which will center on "an Episcopal priest who leaves a small rural parish in Wisconsin to take over a failing inner-city church in a racially diverse, economically-challenged Chicago neighborhood." Kenton Allen and Matthew Justice of Big Talk Productions will also serve as executive producers with Hollander and Wood consulting. (Deadline.com)

TOWN & GOWN (NBC, New!) - Tom Garrigus ("The Glades") has landed a potential drama at the Peacock about "a recently defeated senator and former football star who returns to take the reins as President of his alma mater, a midwestern state university, only to have one of the best and brightest students go missing, revealing the complex relationship between the large university and small town." 20th Century Fox Television is behind the hour with Sunswept Entertainment's Karen Rosenfelt, Alex Maggioni and Ken Blancato. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED GAYTON BROTHERS PROJECT (NBC, New!) - "Hell on Wheels" creators Joe and Tony Gayton have sold a new drama to the Peacock about Kyle Jones, "a recent college grad who can't find a job and who finds himself forced to courier cash for criminals." Marty Adelstein, Shawn Levy and Becky Clements of 21 Laps/Adelstein Productions as well as Brian Volk-Weiss, Matt Ochacher and Michael Pelmont of New Wave Entertainment are on board to executive produce alongside the Gaytons for 20th Century Fox Television. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED GOOR & SCHUR PROJECT (FOX) - "Saturday Night Live" alum Andy Samberg is set to star in the comedy pilot, about "a diverse group of detectives in a precinct at the very edge of New York City." He'll play the lead detective in the single-camera project, which comes from co-creators Dan Goor and Michael Schur, as well as serve as a producer for Universal Television. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED STEVE COOGAN/SIMON NYE PROJECT (CBS, New!) - British comedy mainstays Steve Coogan ("I'm Alan Partridge") and Simon Nye ("Men Behaving Badly") are set to team for a potential half-hour at the Eye about "three dads with children from the same mother." Said pair will write and executive produce for CBS Television Studios alongside Michael Rotenberg. (Variety.com)

BIG EASY, THE (CBS, New!) - Joshua Harto and Liz W. Garcia ("Memphis Beat") have landed a new drama at the Eye "centered on the complex life and cases of Jack Lyons, a hard-living trumpet player and paranormal investigator in New Orleans with a dark personal tie to his work." They'll write and executive produce alongside Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly for the CBS Television Studios-based Timberman-Beverly Productions. (Deadline.com)

DARKNESS FALLS (CBS, New!) - "Criminal Minds" executive producers Erica Messer and Janine Sherman Barrois are set to team for a new drama at the Eye "described as a character procedural that will explore the complex dynamic of an FBI psychologist and a homicide specialist as they journey into small communities around the country to solve the darkest, most twisted single murders." Mark Gordon and Nicholas Pepper of The Mark Gordon Co. will likewise executive produce for ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios. (Deadline.com)

SCARLATTI (FOX, New!) - Marjorie David ("90210") has booked a potential drama at the network about "a multi-generational dynasty struggling for control of their billion-dollar fashion empire." Ken Mok ("America's Next Top Model") is also on board to executive produce the hour, which is set up at 20th Century Fox Television. (Deadline.com)

SPINSTERS (NBC, New!) - Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein ("Cougar Town") have sold a new single-camera comedy to the Peacock about "three modern-day spinsters and the one guy who might be able to help them." Said duo will write and executive produce via their overall deal with ABC Studios alongside The Mark Gordon Co.'s Mark Gordon and Andrea Shay. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED CRAIG ROBINSON PROJECT (NBC, New!) - Craig Robinson ("The Office") is set to topline a potential comedy at the Peacock about "a talented musician (Robinson) with rough edges who adjusts to his new life as a music teacher in a big-city middle school, where he encounters teacher politics and the temptations of single moms." Owen Ellickson is penning the Universal Television-based project and will executive produce alongside Greg Daniels and Tracy Katsky of Deedle-Dee Productions and Howard Klein and Mark Schulman of 3 Arts Entertainment. Robinson will also receive a producer credit. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED TOM HERTZ PROJECT (CBS, New!) - "Rules of Engagement" creator Tom Hertz has snagged a put pilot order from the Eye for a multi-camera comedy about "a young couple that meets and moves in together very quickly and then has to navigate their very different ways of looking at life." The semi-autobiographical project is based at Sony Pictures Television with Happy Madison's Doug Robinson executive producing alongside writer Hertz. (Deadline.com)

'X Factor': Robbie Williams tweets support for Rylan Clark

Robbie Williams has pledged his support to X Factor contestant Rylan Clark.

Yesterday afternoon (October 20), the 'Candy' singer - who is currently in Europe promoting his forthcoming album Take The Crown - tweeted "TEAM RYLAN ALL THE WAY".

"VOTE RYLAN," he added in a short blog on his official website.

Williams's support for Clark will likely annoy his bandmate and X Factor judge Gary Barlow, who has frequently voiced his dislike of the Essex-born contestant.

Over the last two shows, Barlow has watched as Melanie Masson and Carolynne Poole from his over 28s category were sent home, while Clark remained in the competition.

He has described Clark's performances as "embarrassing" and told the other panellists they should be ashamed of having put him through to the live stages.

It has even been reported that Barlow has told his remaining hopefuls, Kye Sones and wildcard act Christopher Maloney, to stay away from the 23-year-old after branding him a bad influence with a "bad attitude".

Last night, the remaining contestants performed songs that came under the theme 'Club Classics'. Clark sang a mash-up of Jennifer Lopez's 'On the Floor', Groove Armada's 'I See You Baby' and Rihanna's 'Please Don't Stop the Music', which Barlow said was the worst performance of the night.

'X Factor': Simon Cowell snubs Gary Barlow for Nicole Scherzinger?

Simon Cowell has reportedly been snubbing Gary Barlow during the X Factor live shows.

The creator of the ITV1 show, who still serves as executive producer on the UK series, now considers Nicole Scherzinger as head judge following her successful stint on the show, The Sun reports.

Cowell is said to be "constantly calling" the former Pussycat Doll with "flattering" comments, hinting that she will be invited back for next year's show.

"Simon's irritation with Gary is well known. He's given him the Over 25s - two of whom have been binned," a source told the paper.

"And he's been refusing to call Gary. Instead he's been buttering up Nicole on the phone - saying her comments are best and don't sound scripted like Gary's."

It was previously reported that Mel B - currently a judge on X Factor Australia - would replace Scherzinger next year.

Back in April, it was claimed in Cowell's biography that he wanted to sack Barlow as he was "too scripted" and "a bit stiff".

'Walking Dead' Dissection: Robert Kirkman Talks Hershel's Fate and Future

The exec producer breaks down the events in "Sick," which revealed what happened after Hershel's leg amputation as well as Rick continue to punish Lori over her role in Shane's death.

After Rick brutally chopped off his leg in an attempt to spare Hershel from turning into a walker, the fate of the elder Greene was revealed in the second episode of The Walking Dead's third season.

While Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Beth (Emily Kinney) both had different responses to their father's potential fate -- the elder Greene sister told her unconscious dad that it was OK to let go -- Hershel (Scott Wilson) not only woke up but did so without turning into a zombie as the group was prepared to see. The move -- at least for now -- proves that the amputation may have done the trick to stop the transition from living to walker after a zombie bite.

Elsewhere, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) continues to hold Shane's death over Lori's (Sarah Wayne Callies) head after she tells him to do what's best for the group when dealing with the five prisoners who've been waiting more than 300 days behind bars for a rescue from the apocalypse.

We caught up with executive producer Robert Kirkman, who created the comics on which the AMC drama is based, to break down what Hershel's survival means for the group and why, after two episodes, the long-awaited Governor (David Morrissey) has yet to make an appearance.

Reporter: Lori tells Rick she has no malice after he kills Shane. How long will Rick continue to use Shane over her head?
Robert Kirkman: That's something that's going to be hard for him to get over. It's not just something that he can sweep under the rug. Rick learning to deal with that is a key aspect of this season. Learning to forgive is something that's very difficult for him in the face of all of these other lessons that he's learned and all these other changes to his own personality that he's experienced. It's odd that there's that one little thing hanging over his head. Learning how he deals with that and what he does moving forward is going to be a pretty interesting plot point. 

Someone's watching Carol (Melissa McBride) at the end of the episode. Is that safe to assume that it's the Governor or someone from his camp? What are they looking for?
There's definitely someone watching. Who that ends up being remains to be seen.

We've yet to see David Morrissey in the first two episodes. What was behind the decision to wait to bring him in?
People know that he's coming and that's something that's going to cause quite a bit of tension as viewers watch the episodes: When is he appearing, when is this going to happen? We've had a lot of fun teasing that and delaying that reveal but I will say we're not going to be torturing people for too long. The Governor steps onto the stage pretty quickly this season. I think it'll happen sooner than you think.

Hershel wakes up -- and doesn't turn into a walker. Is it safe to say that his amputation prevented that?
Things are looking pretty good for Hershel. He's definitely a pretty smart guy who's on top of things and will be paying attention to himself and being responsible. I'm pretty optimistic but to be honest, you just have to keep watching! (Laughs.)

In the comics, a bite -- even with an amputation to prevent it -- typically leads to a transition to a walker. Are you guys going the other way or could this potentially be a slow-moving transition?
It makes Hershel more of a burden on Rick. How that will play out remains to be seen. But it dramatically alters this character and puts him in a different light and to a certain extent, will change the stories we're telling with him. This is something that we'll be dealing with a lot moving forward. It will play into how things happen at the prison and what we do with him.

How will Hershel's disability test Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Maggie?
It's definitely something that is going to inform their relationship to a certain extent. Glenn and Maggie are the main sense of hope. That these two people finding each other and falling in love cuts through the darkness. Now that Hershel is this burden on the overall group, it'll be an element of tension possibly in their relationship and could shake things up a little bit moving forward.

What does Hershel's amputation mean for his daughters, Maggie and Beth?
It will make the prison that much more important because they are somewhat less mobile due to Hershel's affliction and to a certain extent, that will make him somewhat weaker and less effective. It'll do some interesting things with his relationship with Glenn that we'll see moving forward. Even though it's something seemingly small in the grand scheme of things, his leg amputation will have ramifications throughout the entire cast that will lead to some different things you might not be expecting.

Carl (Chandler Riggs) goes off on his own, kills two walkers and comes back with some much-needed medical supplies yet still gets the third degree from Lori. It's a big moment for Carl that she takes away from him. How will that affect him?
The fact that he does this extremely important thing that's done and handled and isn't this big event we spend a lot of time on just shows how easily he's stepped into this child soldier role and how capable he is. We'll see a lot more of that evolution this season.

It's a nice way of getting back at the "Where's Carl?!" meme that popped up in the offseason.
Exactly! (Laughs.)

'Homeland's' Portrayal of Beirut Prompts Lebanon to Consider Lawsuit

Authorities are unhappy that the city is depicted as swarming with militiamen and that the show is actually shot in Israel.

Lebanese authorities are unhappy with the way their country is portrayed in Homeland and are looking into what legal action they might be able to take against Showtime's Emmy-winning drama, the Associated Press reported.

Some Beirutis are reportedly angry because their city is depicted in the series as swarming with militiamen, which they say is misleading. Lebanese Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud told The Associated Press that authorities are mulling their legal options.

"The information minister is studying media laws to see what can be done," he said.

In particular, one scene he pointed to features snipers on top of rooftops as the world's No. 1 jihadi arrives for a meeting with top Hezbollah commanders. Hamra Street in West Beirut is portrayed as a hotbed of violence, but it is actually a lively neighborhood packed with cafes, book shops and pubs.

Additionally, the scene was actually shot in Israel, and many Beiruitis see that country as the enemy.

"It showed Hamra Street with militia roaming in it. This does not reflect reality," he said. "It was not filmed in Beirut and does not portray the real image of Beirut."

Homeland, based on the Israeli series Prisoners of War, is about a U.S Marine named Nick Brody (Damian Lewis) who was a POW for years in the Middle East. The federal government and the public see Brody as a war hero, but a CIA operative (Claire Danes) believes he was turned by the enemy and is now a threat to the U.S.

Homeland won four Emmys at last month's ceremony, including best drama, best actress for Danes, best actor for Lewis and best writing for series co-creators Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon.

Several Lebanese interviewed by the AP said they have never heard of the show, but a 60-year-old Lebanese housewife said Israel should never stand in for Lebanon.

"It is very insulting," she said. "Israel destroyed our country. Israel invaded and occupied our country."

However, one college student said he didn't see it as a problem since Lebanese often play Israeli characters in Lebanese soap operas.

Meanwhile, Eytan Schwartz, a spokesman for Tel Aviv's mayor, said the Lebanese should, if anything, be pleased at the TV show's choice for a stand-in.

"If I were Lebanese, with all due respect, I'd be very flattered that a city, and a world heritage site, thanks to its incredible architecture, and residents who were named among the top 10 most beautiful people in the world (ranked by Traveler's Digest magazine in 2012) could pass as Lebanese," he said.

To the average viewer, the Beirut scenes may appear authentic. But to the discerning viewer, hints of Israel are everywhere: cars with blurred yellow Israeli license plates, red-and-white curbs that designate no-parking zones, an Israeli-style traffic circle, and a well-known minaret and clock tower in Jaffa.

In one rooftop scene, parts of the Tel Aviv skyline, with hotels lining the Mediterranean and the iconic "Shalom Tower" skyscraper, can be seen in the distance.

Despite its immense popularity, Homeland does not appear to have reached Hezbollah's radar.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Hezbollah spokesman Ibrahim al-Moussawi told the AP when asked about the show. "This is the first I'm hearing about it."

Still, he described Abboud's plan to sue the producers as "a good step" and said Hezbollah will probably study the issue and put out a statement if needed.

Lebanon's leading LBC TV carried a report on the controversy Thursday, saying the show disparages Arabs and that its setting in Israel is "a double insult."

But Ariel Kolitz, a Tel Aviv businessman who was a childhood friend of Gideon Raff, the Israeli co-creator of Homeland, said it wasn't as if the production team had the option of shooting in Beirut, where Raff and other Israelis involved are not permitted to visit and where they could be in danger.

"It's a lot simpler to shoot here," he said. "That's it."

'Doctor Who', Chris Moyles drive BBC iPlayer record

Doctor Who's return for the new series helped power BBC iPlayer to yet more record figures last month, while Chris Moyles's final Radio 1 Breakfast show also proved popular.

A record 199 million requests were submitted to BBC iPlayer in September, with average daily requests reaching the highest ever level, at 6m a day.

Television again provided the vast majority of requests, but radio grew by 8% over September to deliver its highest ever monthly requests, at 50m.

This came ahead of the launch of BBC iPlayer Radio, the new home for all BBC radio content online.

The first episode of Doctor Who series seven delivered the highest number of TV requests for a single programme, at 2.2m.

Doctor Who also dominated the top four spots, including episode two racking up 1.77m requests, episode four taking 1.35m and episode three pulling 1.34m.

New comedy Citizen Khan completed the top five, with episode two of the show attracting an impressive 1m requests.

On radio, the final episode of The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 topped the list, with 427,000 requests, followed by coverage of Andy Murray's win in the US Open Final, which pulled in 274,000 requests.

The latest BBC iPlayer data also shows that mobile and tablet accounted for over a fifth of iPlayer requests in September (21%). This was only just behind TV platform operators such as Virgin Media (+22%), but ahead of games consoles (+16%).

'Arrow' star Stephen Amell: "I wasn't aware of Green Arrow as a kid"

Arrow star Stephen Amell has admitted that he was not a fan of the original DC comics.

However, the actor - who plays Oliver Queen in the new CW drama - insisted that he was "aware of the genre" as a young boy.

"I wasn't aware of Green Arrow as a kid," Amell told SFX. "I loved Superman growing up. I saw a couple of those movies in the theatre, and I watched Superman II 8,000 times."

Amell explained that he has learnt a lot about comics since being cast on Arrow, which debuted to an impressive 4.1m viewers in the US earlier this month.

"I'm a big fan of the genre, but most importantly I respect how passionate the fan base is," he said. "And I'm excited to interact with them more than I already have been."

Arrow airs on Wednesday nights at 8/7c on The CW and will debut on Sky1 in the UK on October 22.

'Two and a Half Men' Miley Cyrus episode scores big ratings for CBS

CBS scored an easy ratings win on Thursday in both the 18-49 demographic and in total viewers.

The Big Bang Theory - which saw Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) return from space - climbed 4% from last week to top the night overall with a 4.8 rating and 15.73 million viewers.

Miley Cyrus's guest spot in Two and a Half Men helped give the show a 14% increase to 4.0 (13.60m) at 8.30pm.

Person of Interest dipped 7% from last week, but still scored a decent 2.8 (13.93m) at 9pm. Elementary also dropped 8% to 2.3 (10.91m) at 10pm.

ABC's Last Resort climbed 6% to 1.7 (7.06m) at 8pm, while Grey's Anatomy fell 12% to 3.4 (9.69m) at 9pm. Scandal was slightly lower than last week with 1.9 (6.17m) at 10pm.

Fox's Major League Baseball play-off coverage attracted a 1.6 rating (6.04m) from 8-11pm.

NBC's 30 Rock dipped slightly to 1.2 (3.04m) at 8pm, with Up All Night climbing a big 25% from its last original to 1.3 (2.99m) at 8.30pm.

The Office slid to a series low of just 2.0 (4.27m) at 9pm. Parks and Recreation also fell to a series low of just 1.6 (3.46m) at 9.30pm. Rock Centre dropped 10% to 0.9 (3.47m) at 10pm.

The CW's Vampire Diaries dropped 25% from last week to 1.2 (2.74m) at 8pm, while Beauty and the Beast plummeted 42% to 0.7 (2m) at 9pm.

JLS: 'MK1 need to stick together'

JLS have advised MK1 to "stick together" after their elimination from The X Factor.

Asked on The Xtra Factor about the group, Aston Merrygold described it as the "start for them".

He continued: "They have to move on and go 'what's next?'"

Marvin Humes added: "Someone's got to go, every week it's difficult to pinpoint the reason why... maybe they didn't connect with people at home."

Asked if the duo have a future in the music business, Humes said: "Yeah, I think they have. They were a band before they came into the show and they obviously had that solid unit and I enjoy watching them, I'm actually gutted they left. Hopefully they'll stick it out and keep going."

JLS found themselves in the bottom two when they competed in The X Factor before going on to claim second place in 2008.

The group admitted that it is a "horrible place to be" but advised Kye Sones, who was saved ahead of MK1, to "put it behind him".

Hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs then pushed the 'Beat Again' group to choose their favourite act this year.

James Arthur received praise from Merrygold, Oritsé Williams and JB Gill, while Humes chose Jahmene Douglas as his favourite contestant.

Williams praised Arthur for his "passionate" and seemingly "unrehearsed" performances.

The group performed their new single 'Hottest Girl in the World' on tonight's (October 21) results show and will release their fourth album Evolution on November 5.

'X Factor' security guard arrested for 'manhandling fans'

An X Factor security guard has been arrested after an incident involving fans outside the Corinthia Hotel on Friday night (October 19).

The unnamed guard is reported to have manhandled and verbally abused fans while trying to control crowds, the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred when fans tried to meet contestants such as Jahmene Douglas and Jade Ellis when they returned from rehearsals. The crowd was said to have tried to get into the hotel to talk to the contestants.

The security guard in question was photographed attempting to stop two teenage girls from entering the hotel, and is alleged to have shouted 'f**king c***s' at the crowd.

A spokesperson for The X Factor confirmed reports of the arrest, but denied that there was any verbal abuse directed towards fans.

"A member of the team was arrested but no charges were brought and he was let off with a caution", he said.

"Young fans were present but it was a photographer who called the police and complained about abusive language, not one of the fans," he added.

This is the latest controversy surrounding The X Factor and the Corinthia Hotel. Last week, contestants Lucy Spraggan and Rylan Clark were removed from the premises after their drunken behaviour outside the hotel.

'Star Trek': Patrick Stewart, William Shatner attend London convention

Sir Patrick Stewart and William Shatner have appeared at the first official Star Trek convention in over ten years.

All five captains from the sci-fi franchise's TV shows were in attendance at the 'Destination Star Trek' event at London's ExCel centre this weekend.

Four of the five Star Trek captains (left to right) William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew, Avery Brooks and Scott Bakula at Destination Star Trek at the ExCel Centre in London.

The convention broke the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of fans dressed as Star Trek characters, as well as hosting the UK's first Klingon wedding.

Scott Bakula, Avery Brooks and Kate Mulgrew appeared for a Q&A session with fans on stage with Shatner and Stewart, marking only the second time they have all appeared together.

"I did a documentary called The Captains and I learnt to love every one of them," Shatner told BBC News.

"I would presume getting together is a problem because we live in divergent areas of the world."

Star Trek fans made history by breaking the record for the most people dressed in Star Trek costume and will be officially verified by Guinness World Records.

Patrick Stewart had earlier missed out on the group's official press photoshoot, but later appeared on stage in front of fans who had paid £95 ($152) each to be there. VIP tickets for the event sold for £3,000 ($4,800) each.

Torchwood star John Barrowman hosted the convention, with fans getting the chance to pose their own questions to the actors.

Each captain revealed that they believed in alien life, while Stewart joked that he would add a Twitter account to the captain's chair.

TV Tonight 22nd of October 2012

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

    112 - på liv och död S06E29: "Del 29 av 36"
    8 out of 10 cats S14E03: "TBA"
    90210 S05E03: "It's All Fun and Games"
    999: What's Your Emergency? S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Adventure Time with Finn and Jake S04E26: "The Lich"
    All on the Line S03E07: "Ina Soltani
    All Stars: RuPaul's Drag Race S01E01: "It Takes Two (Pilot)"
    Alphas S02E13: "God's Eye"
    American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior S04E08: "TBA"
    Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations S08E16: "Off the Charts"
    Antiques Road Trip S05E16: "Series 5, Episode 16"
    Are We There Yet? S03E26: "The Big Loan Episode"
    Asbjørn Brekke Show S01E07: "Season 1, Episode 7"
    Attack Of The Show! S09E11: "Season 9, Episode 11"
    Basketball Wives LA S02E07: "Season 2, Episode 7"
    Big Brother (AU) S09E62: "Live Nomination 10"
    Boer Zkt. Vrouw S08E08: "Season 8, Episode 8"
    Bomb Hunters S01E09: "Episode 9"
    Brille S02E03: "Season 2, Episode 3"
    Can Of Worms S02E10: "Season 2, Episode 10"
    Canadian Pickers S03E08: "Drive to Win"
    Chelsea Lately S06E166
    Chitose Get You!! S01E17: "Dining"
    Chrissy & Mr. Jones S01E05: "Pack Your Bags"
    Clan S01E08: "Season 1, Episode 8"
    Classic Car Rescue S01E05: "Cadillac"
    Come Dine With Me S20E23: "Series 20, Episode 21"
    Conan S02E156: "Aziz Ansari, Chuck Lorre, Kendrick Lamar"
    Coronation Street S53E207: "Mon Oct 22, 2012 [Episode 1]"
    Coronation Street S53E208: "Mon Oct 22, 2012 [Episode 2]"
    Crimi Clowns S01E04: "Season 1, Episode 4"
    Dancing With the Stars (US) S15E09: "Season 15, Episode 9"
    Daybreak S03E36: "October 22, 2012"
    Days of our Lives S47E234: "Ep. #11944"
    De slimste mens ter wereld S10E21: "Season 10, Episode 21"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S08E61: "Episode 2054"
    Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives S15E10: "All Family, All the Time"
    Dispatches S26E21: "Do You Know Your Partner's Past?"
    Doctors S14E115: "Seconds Away"
    EastEnders S28E167: "October 22, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E249: "October 22, 2012"
    Farmen S08E07: "Season 8, Episode 7"
    Fast N' Loud S01E14: "Hot Rod Recharged"
    Fifth Gear S21E08: "Series 21, Episode 8"
    Figure It Out S05E06: "Featuring Max Schneider"
    Food Unwrapped S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Gary: Tank Commander S03E05: "Achtung Charlie"
    General Hospital (US) S50E143: "#12671"
    Gossip Girl S06E03: "Dirty Rotten Scandals"
    Halv åtta hos mig S09E37: "Malmö - Kicki"
    Have I Got a Bit More News for You S44E02: "Series 44, Episode 2"
    Helicopter Heroes S06E16: "Series 6, Episode 16"
    Hoarders S06E06: "Manuel & Carla"
    Hollyoaks S18E211: "October 22, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E196: "Episode 5631"
    Hotel cæsar S29E69: "Season 29, Episode 69"
    House Crashers S07E04: "Josh Crashes Blog Cabin 2012"
    House Hunters S50E86
    House Hunters International S34E82
    Intervention S13E10: "Cher"
    Isabel S01E07: "La Reina Muerta"
    Ixion Saga DT S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Kami-sama Hajimemashita S01E04: "Episode 4"
    Kickin' It S02E18: "Sole-Brothers"
    La que se avecina S06E04
    Lab Rats (2012) S01E18: "Mission Invisible"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E352
    Late Show with David Letterman S20E23: "Tom Hanks, Tony Bennett"
    Lekarze S01E08: "Season 1, Episode 8"
    Little England S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    Live with Kelly and Michael S30E31
    Loose Women S17E36: "Series 17, Show 36"
    Made in Chelsea S04E02: "Series 4, Episode 2"
    Manneke Paul S01E11: "Season 1, Episode 11"
    Monday Night Football S43E12: "Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears"
    Money From Strangers S02E01: "TBA"
    Monroe S02E04: "Series 2, Episode 4"
    Neighbours S28E206: "Episode 6516"
    Never Mind the Buzzcocks (UK) S26E05: "Lee Mack"
    New Tricks S09E09: "Glasgow UCOS"
    Nigelissima S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Oh Oh Europa S01E41: "Season 1, Episode 41"
    Only Connect S06E09: "Draughtsmen v Numerists"
    Pair of Kings S03E14: "Inconvenient Tooth"
    Panorama S60E40: "Jimmy Savile - What the BBC Knew"
    Panorama S60E39: "Gambling Nation"
    Pointless S07E39: "Series 7, Episode 39"
    Regular Show S04E05: "Pie Contest"
    Richard Hammond's Crash Course S02E01: "Stuntman"
    Ridiculousness S02E18: "TJ Lavin"
    Salatut elämät S15E36: "Eliaksen audio visualisoituu"
    Searching for Finland's Top Model S05E08: "Season 5, Episode 8"
    Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two S09E11: "Series 9, Episode 11"
    Superjail! S03E04: "Stickydischarge"
    Switch (UK) S01E02: "Episode 2"
    Switched at Birth S01E30: "Street Noises Invade the House"
    The Bad Girls Club S09E14: "Reunion (1)"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E149: "Ep. #6433"
    The Chase (2009) S05E120: "Series 5, Episode 114"
    The Chew S02E31: "Episode 269"
    The Colbert Report S08E132: "Donald Sadoway"
    The Daily Show S17E170: "D.L. Hughley"
    The Dr. Phil Show S11E35: "Two Amandas"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S10E30: "Jessica Lange, Beth Behrs, Hunter Hayes"
    The Great British Bake Off S03E11: "Masterclass"
    The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange S01E16
    The Inbetweeners (US) S01E10: "Reading Gives You Wings"
    The Jeff Probst Show S01E31: "Episode 31"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S08E36: "October 22, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E161
    The Project S04E252: "Season 4, Episode 252"
    The Real Housewives of New York City S05E21: "Lost Footage"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S20E168
    The View S16E35: "Madeline Stowe, Alanis Morissette"
    The Voice (US) S03E14: "The Battles Continue"
    The X Factor (AU) S04E24: "Season 4, Live Finals 6"
    The Young and the Restless S40E148: "Ep. #10017"
    TI & Tiny: The Family Hustle S02E09: "TBA"
    To Catch a Smuggler S01E03: "Hidden Heroin"
    University Challenge (1994) S19E13
    Vegas Strip S03E02: "Season 3, Episode 2"
    Vegas Strip S03E01: "Season 3, Episode 1"
    Watch What Happens: Live S08E32: "Dreama Walker and Jamie Lynn Sigler"
    Wereld draait door, De S08E36: "Season 8, Episode 36"
    Wolfblood S01E13: "Episode 13"
    WWE Raw S20E43: "Episode 1013"
    X Factor Romania S02E06: "Season 2, Episode 6"
    Интерны S07E13: "Season 7, Episode 13"

'Shark Tank' climbs to series high, 'Nikita' premiere low on Friday

ABC and Fox tied Friday's ratings in the coveted 18-49 demographic, while CBS topped the night with total viewers.

The alphabet network's Shark Tank rose to a new series high rating of 2.0 (7.04m) at 8pm. Primetime: What Would You Do? climbed to a season high of 1.6 (4.93m) at 9pm, while 20/20 was even with 1.4 (5.42m) at 10pm.

Fox's coverage of the Major League Baseball play-offs scored a preliminary rating of 1.7 (6.36m) at 8-10pm.

CBS's CSI:NY dropped 14% from last week to just 1.2 (9.12m) at 9pm, while Blue Bloods fell 7% to 1.3. It was, however, the most-watched show of the night with 10.02m viewers at 10pm.

NBC's Grimm dropped 13% to 1.4 (4.87m) at 9pm, with Dateline levelling at 1.3 (5m) at 10pm.

The CW's America's Next Top Model rose 20% from its last original episode on October 5 to 0.6 (1.47m) at 8pm.

The season premiere of Nikita could only achieve an all-time series low of just 0.3 (0.95m) at 9pm, 50% lower than its previous opener and 25% down on its season finale in May.

Jennifer Esposito blasts CBS for temporary departure on 'Blue Bloods'

Jennifer Esposito has fired back at CBS after getting cut from the police drama Blue Bloods.

Esposito portrays Detective Jackie Curatola, Danny Reagan's (Donnie Wahlberg) partner, on the show, which also stars Tom Selleck and Bridget Moynahan.

CBS told Deadline in a statement: "Jennifer has informed us that she is only available to work on a very limited part-time schedule. As a result, she's unable to perform the demands of her role and we regretfully had to put her character on a leave of absence."

After CBS released the news, Esposito, who is battling with coeliac disease, blasted at the network for its "shameful behaviour".

"CBS PUT me on unpaid leave and has blocked me from working anywhere else after my doctor said you needed a reduced schedule due to Celiac," the actress posted on Twitter. "CBS didn't listen to my doc and I collapsed on set. Which everyone saw!

"After a week off, my doc said I could return to work but CBS implied that I was NOT truly ill and this was a scheme to get a raise! It's been almost two months without bringing me back to work + keeping Me from working anywhere else!... Absolutely shameful behaviour."

While Esposito has filmed her last episode for the time being, which will be aired on Friday, November 2, CBS stated that it hopes "that she will be able to return at some point in the future".

The network has cast guest stars to play Reagan's temporary partner, including Megan Ketch.

Pamela Anderson 'in advanced Dancing on Ice talks'

Pamela Anderson is hoping to join the cast of Dancing on Ice, it has been reported.

The model and former Baywatch star has become a reality TV mainstay in recent years, appearing on Dancing with the Stars and four international editions of Big Brother.

"Pammy will bring a bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour to the show, which we'll all need come the winter," a show insider told The Sun. "She's no stranger to dancing in front of viewers after her stints in America."

Anderson finished in sixth place on Dancing with the Stars' tenth cycle in spring 2010, and was recently eliminated first from its all-star edition, which is currently underway on ABC.

She also took part in an Argentinian reality ballroom dancing show called Bailando por un Sueño last year.

Anderson recently made her fourth appearance on a Big Brother show with a brief stint on VIP Brother, Bulgaria's counterpart to Celebrity Big Brother.

She has also appeared on Big Brother Australia and India's Bigg Boss, and made a four-day guest appearance on Channel 5's first series of Big Brother in September 2011.

Louis Walsh: 'Simon Cowell knows Union J are threat to One Direction'

Louis Walsh has implied that Simon Cowell does not want Union J to win this year's X Factor.

The judge has said that he thinks Cowell believes the boyband pose a "threat" to the success of One Direction, according to the Daily Star.

"He knows Union J are a threat to One Direction, so he's not going to say much about them," Walsh is quoted as saying.

Cowell mentored One Direction to third place in the 2010 series, and the group have since gone on to achieve worldwide success. However, Walsh added that there is room for more than one successful boyband in the charts.

"There's always room for a new boyband if they are good enough and they work hard," he explained.

Walsh was also quick to add that his other boyband in this year's competition should also be taken seriously, saying: "I think we have got two great boybands. It's not just Union J, District 3 have come back into the race too."

District3 fell into the bottom two in the second week of the competition, but were praised by the judges this weekend for their performance of Madcon's 'Beggin'' and Chris Brown's 'Turn Up The Music'.

Union J meanwhile had to cancel a meet and greet last week, after it was feared that safety could be compromised due to the number of fans that turned up.

Walsh also added that Cowell is a big fan of three contestants so far.

"I know he watched the very first show and I know he loves Ella [Henderson]. He couldn't believe Jahmene [Douglas]. I told him he was amazing and he said, 'I agree with you, Jahmene's got great potential'. And there was also James Arthur. They were his three," he said.

A source close to Cowell said: "Simon will work extremely hard for any bands he signs to his label."

Cowell left the UK version of the show in 2010 to work solely on The X Factor USA, which airs on Fox in the US and on ITV2 in the UK.

Dish Network Pays $700M, Settles Disputes with AMC and Cablevison

Cablevision and AMC Networks announced Sunday that they have settled their legal dispute with Dish Networks over Voom HD, an indirect subsidiary of AMC Networks.

The companies have also agreed on a long-term agreement for Dish to carry the AMC Networks AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv. AMC's cable networks -- including the flagship channel which carries "Walking Dead" and "Mad Men" -- have been blacked out on Dish systems since July as a result of a contract dispute.

Dish resumed broadcast of the AMC channel on Sunday on channel 131.

“We are glad to have settled the case and reestablished our long-term relationshipswith AMC Networks and Cablevision,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of programming at Dish. “This multi-year deal delivers a fair value for both parties and includes digital expansion opportunities for AMC Networks’ programming.”

Other AMC Networks programming, including Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC, will return to Dish  Nov. 1. The Madison Square Garden Company’s music-oriented Fuse channel will begin broadcast Nov. 1, as well.

Dish will pay a settlement of $700 million to Cablevision and AMC Networks, $80 million of which will go for the purchase of Cablevision's multichannel video and distribution licenses in 45 U.S. metropolitan areas.

“We are glad to partner again with DISH Network and are delighted to bring back our popular channels and programming to their customers," Josh Sapan, president and CEO, AMC Networks, said in a statement:

Earlier this year, Dish announced that it would stop carrying AMC's networks when AMC's contract ran out at the end of June. Dish claimed that it was dropping the networks because the viewership didn't justify the cost of running the networks.

AMC countered that Dish was dropping the AMC networks in retaliation for a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed against Dish by Voom HD, an indirect subsidiary of AMC Networks.

Voom HD, a former Cablevision unit, sued Dish in 2008, saying the satellite TV distributor violated a 15-year deal to carry HD programming and should pay $2.4 billion in damages. The trial has been unfolding in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan since Sept. 28.

Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen was scheduled to testify Wednesday in the case. Cablevision founder and Chairman Charles Dolan and Sapan testified earlier.

'Sunday Night Football' Bumps 'American Idol' as Costliest Ad Buy, Ad Age Says

"Sunday Night Football" bumped "American Idol" as the top-rated show last season, so it's no surprise that a new study says it has also replaced the Fox singing show as TV's most expensive ad buy.

This the first time in five years that "Idol" has not commanded the highest price for a 30-second ad in Ad Age's study. "Sunday Night Football" charges $550,000 per 30-second spot versus $500,000 for Idol, according to Ad Age. (See graphic.)

Last year, "Sunday Night Football" shared the top spot with "Idol."

In calculating this year's list, Ad Age took average commercial ad rates for each show into account. Special programming such as the Olympics, bowl games and awards shows were not taken into consideration.

The good news for "American Idol" is that, while it no longer sits at the top of the heap, it occupies two spots in the Top 5, with the Wednesday broadcast taking the No. 2 position and its Thursday broadcast hanging in at No. 5.

The Top 5 is rounded out by the ABC comedy "Modern Family" in third place and Fox's comedy "New Girl" in fourth place. (Of Ad Age's Top 10, seven of the positions are held by comedies.)