Friday 5 December 2008

Joe Swash is crowned King

It has just been announced that Eastenders star Joe Swash has been crowned King in this year's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here, leaving tennis champion Martina Navratilova in second place and Star Trek's George Takei in third.

Joe, who has entertained ITV viewers from start to finish, is a deserved winner after enduring his fair share of trials and tribulations in the jungle and remaining down-to-earth throughout.

This year's I'm a Celeb has once again been fantastic and I will be sad to see it come to an end, three weeks just doesn't seem long enough!

Branagh supports Welsh film-maker

BBC News have revealed that all-round actor, director and producer Kenneth Branagh is mentoring a Cardiff-based rising film-maker.

30-year-old Keri Collins was chosen for a one-year scheme for emerging talent. He was one of 25 chosen out of 500 applicants.

Branagh finds himself among other famous names set to mentor the up-and-coming film-makers, including Bourne director Paul Greengrass.

"All of the mentors are of that kind of level but some are not as well known as others because Kenneth Branagh is an actor as well," said Mr Collins.

Branagh, who has made a name for himself in films, on television and in the West End, says the scheme for rising talent is ‘important and helpful.’

Mr Collins said: "He’s going to read my screenplay and then he’s going to meet with me and give me comments and notes on how to improve the script."

BBC News writes: 'Mr Collins would like to work full time in the film industry but still has a "day job" working on graphic design at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (Uwic).'

'The Guiding Lights mentoring scheme, which is in its second year, aims to help develop the skills of aspiring talent in the film industry.'

Norton to replace Wogan

After more than 30 years spent guiding viewers through the highs and lows, panache and pizzazz of the extraordinary world of the Eurovision Song Contest, Sir Terry Wogan, the doyen of the show is bowing out of the competition.

He will leave the prestigious BBC One presenting reins in the capable hands of Eurovision fan Graham Norton.

Terry says: "I've had 35 wonderful years commentating on the Eurovision for radio and television.

"From my first, in a small music-hall in Dublin, to my last, in the huge arena in Belgrade, it has been nothing but laughter and fun. The silly songs, the spectacle, the grandiose foolishness of it all.

"I'll be sad to leave it all behind, but I'll be watching and listening, and happy to leave it in the witty hands of Graham.

"Let's hope that between him and the musical brilliance of Lloyd Webber, Royaume Uni will gather its proper share of 'Douze Points' and bring the Grand Prix home to where it belongs."

Graham says: "As a long time fan of the Eurovision this is an amazing job and a huge honour.

"Sir Terry is nothing less than legend and is an impossible act to follow but somebody must and I just couldn't say no.

"I can't wait to get to Moscow – with a combination of cheap vodka and a language barrier what could possibly go wrong?"

In the new year Graham hosts Your Country Needs You on BBC One – the UK public's chance to choose the act that will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's specially composed song in Moscow 2009.

Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, says: "Terry has enhanced viewer's enjoyment of Eurovision for many years and I would like to thank him for all of his work on the programmes.

"I am delighted that Graham Norton will now be bringing his wit to bear on this iconic music event."

Graham's association with the Eurovision title began with the Eurovision Dance Contest which he has presented for the last two years.

Courtesy of BBC Press Releases