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Denise Van Outen Hosts New Five Show
Denise Van Outen is to be one of the hosts of Channel 5's new celebrity magazine spin-off show, OK! TV.
Former Big Breakfast presenter Van Outen, who had a short stint co-hosting the Capital Radio breakfast show, will present OK! TV with Matt Johnson, a presenter on ITV1's This Morning.
A replacement for Channel 5's Live From Studio Five, the programme promises a mix of "big name interviews, gossip and celebrity banter" which will "ensure no showbiz stone is left unturned".
The show will be produced by Sky News and air between 18:30 and 19:00. It will launch on February 14 as part of a relaunch of the channel which will see new on-air branding and a new-look for 5 News, presented by new signing Emma Crosby.
Van Outen said: "I have a huge appetite for all things showbiz so this show is right up my street."
Stephen Fry Cancels Japan Visit
Stephen Fry has dropped plans to film in Japan for a new BBC series following a furore caused by his panel show QI.
The broadcaster and wit was due to visit the country for his forthcoming series Planet Word about language.
But the backlash created by a light-hearted discussion of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki – which led to a BBC apology – has meant the planned trip has now been shelved.
The BBC said “the strength of feeling” in the country led to the change of plan.
The controversy blew up over an edition of the Fry-hosted QI in which panellists discussed the case of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, who survived both of the bombs which were dropped three days apart in 1945.
Stars of the show – including Alan Davies and Bill Bailey – discussed how they were amazed the train network was still functioning after the attack.
But it led to a complaint from the Japanese embassy in London, accusing the programme of making light of the tragedies. The daughter of Yamaguchi – who was 93 when he died last year – also spoke out.
Fry had made it known he wished to clear the air during his visit.
Fry is currently in Singapore as work on the project continues.
A BBC spokeswoman said today: “Due to the strength of feeling in Japan at this time, we have decided to alter the filming schedule and itinerary of Planet Word.”
Roland Kelts, a half-Japanese author who had been due to work on the parts of the production due to be filmed in the country, suggested the reaction to the QI comments had been over the top.
“In video footage, one can easily see, if one speaks and understands English fluently, that the hosts are tiptoeing around the obvious offence, trying to strike a balance between humour and respect.”
He added: “In this age of instantaneous visual language, all subtlety was lost, especially on reactionary right-wing Japanese folks keen to kick up a fight.”
New BBC Comedy
Filming has begun on Sugartown, a prime-time three-part comedy drama series for BBC One revolving around a small seaside hamlet in the north of England which once enjoyed a heyday as the "stick-of-rock" capital of Britain.
The series is the story of Burr's rock factory – owner Jason Burr (Shaun Dooley) is fighting to stay afloat as the community's last main employer. But then his brother Max (Tom Ellis), the prodigal son returns with big plans for Sugartown's re-development. However Max isn't interested in buckets and spades; he wants frappucino's, boutique hotels and hip bars.
A fan of tradition, the tight-knit community don't want this and soon enough battle lines are drawn. With the good people of Sugartown under siege, a new dance school run by unpredictable newcomer Carmen, hints at a way to revive the town's fortunes while maintaining their proud traditions.
Sugartown is created and written by Jodi Reynolds and Sally Dexter and features a high-profile ensemble cast including Sue Johnston, Shaun Dooley, Tom Ellis, Miranda Raison and Philip Jackson.
Sky Living Director Announced
Jane Johnson, associate and Saturday editor of The Sun, has been appointed to the new role of director of female-focused channel Sky Living.
In her role, Johnson will have responsibility for Sky Living both on and off-screen, as well as its spin off channels Sky Livingit and Sky Living Loves.
Formerly known as Living TV, the channel was rebranded Sky Living after it was bought by BSkyB as part of a £160 million deal to buy Virgin Media Television last year.
The channel will soon begin broadcasting its first original drama, which is called Bedlam and stars Will Young.
Sophie Turner Laing, Sky’s managing director of entertainment, news and broadcast operations, said: “We are delighted that Jane’s extraordinary experience and insight in connecting with female audiences will shape the next chapter in Sky Living’s development. Sky Living is an amazing brand that’s grown and evolved for almost two decades, but a combination of a refreshed brand, extra on-screen investment and Jane’s ability to tap into and help shape the female agenda will only serve to make it even more dynamic and engaging.”
Alan Titchmarsh Signs ITV Deal
Alan Titchmarsh has signed a deal with ITV that will see him host a programme to rival Gardeners' World.
The two-year contract will make gardening expert Titchmarsh one of TV's top earners.
The new programme will go head-to-head with the BBC One gardening show on Fridays.
The Yorkshireman will also present four more series of The Alan Titchmarsh Show, his popular daytime programme, and several peaktime shows.
He said: "My greatest commitment has always been to people at home who want reliable information put over in a clear manner.
"And the opportunity to offer a trustworthy brand is a challenge I am determined to fulfil."
Alison Sharman, ITV Director of Factual and Daytime, said: “Whether as a broadcaster, writer, or horticulturalist, Alan Titchmarsh is a hugely popular and talented figure in so many fields. His daytime show and documentary work has had huge appeal with the ITV audience and I’m delighted that we have agreed such an exciting new deal which further develops our relationship with Alan over the coming years.”
waveguide.co.uk
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