When R.D. Wingfield was invited to write “Frost at Christmas” in 1972 by MacMillan – and then not have it published until the early 1980’s in Canada – little did we know then that Frost would become a television phenomenon spanning 18 wonderful years. Wingfield died of prostate cancer in 2007 and his final novel A Killing Frost published the following year.

First Frost by James Henry

With that in mind, James Henry (pseudonym for James Gurbutt and Henry Sutton) has authored a prequel to the Frost series and the first title (of two) is aptly called “First Frost”. Written on behalf of the R.D. Wingfield Estate it breathes new life into the colourful character and one of the great television detectives of the modern era.

Denton, 1981 – Shakin Stevens has already had two number one records with “This Ole House” and “Green Door”, Diana and Charles marry at St Paul’s Cathedral and the United States launch the first space shuttle – Detective Sergeant Frost meanwhile is struggling with his marriage and an Abba tune he can’t seem to escape!

Julie, a twelve year old girl, out shopping for a school uniform with her mother, disappears from the changing rooms while her mother (Mrs Hudson) browses the new lingerie section. In the background a stranger is watching, waiting for a chance to pounce – it takes her mother twenty minutes before she realises her daughter is missing.

Meanwhile back at Denton Division HQ (Eagle Lane)DI Allen is on a walking holiday and DI Bert Williams, just two weeks from retirement, is nowhere to be found. William Edward “Jack” Frost is the highest ranking officer at the station and Superintendent Mullet, just six months into his command, has no option but to begrudgingly hand the investigation to Frost.

With a spate of high end bank robberies, child abuse case, S&M (not to be confused with M&S!) and the political shenanigans at the station, there’s never a dull moment in “First Frost”.

First Frost is available to buy from Amazon UK & The Book Depository (Free P&P).

Jack hardly ever goes home, he spends most of his time sleeping in his clapped out car or at his desk and with a wedding anniversary fast approaching; this can’t be a good thing! The cases come thick and fast in the novel and there really is no respite, James Henry working hard to bring the sights and smells (mainly of curry) of the eighties to life.

Frost has an eye for the ladies and has somewhat of a reputation at the station despite his marriage. A slovenly detective – even at this stage, I couldn’t help but compare him to the character portrayed by David Jason. Although a much younger character to the one television audiences have known and loved for well over a decade, he comes to life in this colourful book – James Henry capturing the essence of Jack with ease.

Jack’s traits are there for all to see – he loves his curry, loves the women and is never afraid to impart his wisdom and his sexist comments are there in abundance – not to mention the chain smoking – everywhere!

“Frost suddenly pulled up right outside the old telephone exchange, recently given a new name and fancy logo: British Telecom. Right waste of taxpayers’ money. Mind the Wardens Arthur, I won’t be a minute”

With hindsight a powerful tool, James Henry adds little side comments throughout the book but it’s the British Telecom, Andy Pandy suits and building a tunnel to link the island with France with a fear of introducing Rabies that tickled me.

The characters are well written and it’s the one of Mullett that really got to me. I found myself wanting to shout at the book, ring his neck and tell him to grow a pair – he really has no clue! James Henry has done a great job with him and whether he’s trying to organise a briefing or rally his troops, his incompetence shines through!

“First Frost” has a wonderful British feel to it; the narrative flows well throughout and is set at an incredible pace. With an exclusive look into Jack’s early years, this novel will delight fans of the genre – R.D. Wingfield would approve.

Published by Transworld First Frost is available to buy from Amazon UK & The Book Depository (Free P&P).

DCI Banks: Aftermath

DCI Banks: Aftermath based on the best-selling novel by Peter Robinson.

Please be aware that this summary contains spoilers from the second episode which aired on the 4^th October, 2010 on ITV. Please stop reading if you haven’t watched the episode. Episode 1 Summary and thoughts.

So Marcus Payne has died and following an autopsy the medical examiner has declared his death as unlawful – he was killed and had no defensive marks on his hands or arms – leading to an internal disciplinary for WPC Janet Taylor. Janet admits to savagely beating Payne while he was handcuffed and changes her statement admitting guilt.

Banks soon discovers, thanks to an eye witness, that Marcus Payne had an accomplice when Leanne, the only remaining missing girl was abducted. He then sets about hunting his accomplice down with the help of his fellow officers.

Fingerprints lead to Jackie Wray (Barry Sloane) and he is hauled in for questioning and following a heated exchange Banks leaves the interrogation room. Peter Robinson, creator of DCI Banks on Amazon.

Annie Cabbot and Banks come to the realisation that Lucy Payne is the accomplice but when Banks visits Lucy in hospital he finds a confident woman who has “lawyered up”. She lays the blame on her neighbour Maggie claiming she was having an affair with her husband.

Despite promising to keep Payne’s murder in house, Annie Cabbot is sent to arrest WPC Janet Taylor following a positive toxicology report for vodka the night she was on duty.

Lucy Payne we discover was kept in a cage for the first ten years of her life, beaten, abused and systematically raped by her family. Banks forces a confession out of her; she breaks down under the pressure and is arrested for her part in the murders and under police guard taken to hospital.

Banks is promoted and told to take a month off work. Lucy Payne leads the police to where Leanne is buried but Banks can’t let things lie and emotionally confronts Payne at the scene. She breaks down yet again but this time Banks holds her tenderly.

So there we have it, the end of the two part pilot for DCI Banks. I think it’s been a positive introduction, Annie Cabbot has grown on me and the chemistry between her and Banks is there for all to see – be interesting to see where that is taken in future episodes.

Despite early criticism by some fans following the first episode, Peter Robinson is delighted with Tomkinson’s portrayal of DCI Banks – couldn’t be happier apparently.

I think they managed to fit a lot into two one hour episodes, the acting was strong and production values high – Tompkinson is just what the Vet ordered! Shot on location in Yorkshire the episode ends with Banks outside his cottage – Oh how I love that cottage!!!

If you want to read more about DCI Banks: then buy Aftermath the best-selling novel by Peter Robinson.

The X Factor aired this evening; the final 32 became the final 12 courtesy of heart-breaking decisions from Dannii, Louis, Simon and Cheryl.

On the whole I think they got it just about right. Louis really didn’t have a great deal to choose from and more or less got it right – and I’m no fan of the little Irish leprechaun!

Dannii sitting at home in Australia made a wild card decision choosing Italian born Nicolo – why on earth did you pick him Dannii? Unbelievable decision and for once I didn’t agree with her top 3. Who’s going to vote for him? He is an unlikeable diva!

I’ll gloss over Simon’s top 3 as I really don’t have much of an opinion over the groups. I’m sure they’ll do ok and the young McFly wannabees (minus the instruments) will go far.

Over the last season or two I have really come to admire Cheryl Cole but I can’t help thinking she has made a huge, yes a HUGE mistake putting Katie Waissel through at the expense of Gamu Nhengu. Who is going to vote for the diva? She’s not exactly likeable! A drama queen hell-bent on making it to the top no matter how she gets there.

I just hope that with the “big twist” next week when 4 discarded hopefuls are given a second chance, the public will vote Gamu in.

That said, I was happy with Cheryl’s other two choices and think Cher Lloyd will prove to be a quirky addition to the show. Her tonsillitis was unfortunate but she was always going to make the final 12 – you could see that following her initial performance.

Disappointed with Gamu’s omission but the show must go on.

The Final 12

Boyband FYD, newly-formed 1 Direction and girl group Belle Amie, will make up the Groups category this year. They will be mentored by Simon Cowell.

Cheryl Cole selected 17-year-old Cher Lloyd, receptionist Katie Waissel and single mum Rebecca Ferguson for her Girls category.

Decorator Matt Cardle, Italian-born Nicolo Festa and Aiden Grimshaw will be mentored by Dannii Minogue in the Boys category.

Louis Walsh’s Over 28s, will feature Tesco checkout worker Mary Byrne, Storm Lee and care worker John Adeleye.

Chilled Orange Juice

It’s been a very long week this week and I decided to take a well-earned night off from rowing in my gym and took time out to relax, read a book (Deadlock by Sean Black) and watch the very last big brother on Channel 4. Over the last few years, after being an avid Big Brother viewer I’ve been watching less and less – frustrated by an ever increasing amount of producer manipulation and the silly antics from Davina McCall.

With that in mind and the fact I’d given myself the night off I thought I had to watch at least some of the finale as it had at one time or another given me a few hours of entertainment over the years, especially Big Brother 5. I enjoyed it to a certain degree. It hadn’t changed, still contrived and predictable but in fairness the British public got it right – Brian Dowling was and is the ultimate housemate.

I woke up early this morning and I was out of the door by 7:05 am and on my way to the shops to collect a few essentials I couldn’t be bothered getting last night in the torrential rain and low level fog hanging over the mountain.

Now I’ve never been one to get sucked in to subliminal or clever marketing ploys, I am my own man. I know what I want and don’t need multi-million dollar commercials to tell me what that is. However, over the last few weeks a new Tropicana commercial has been airing, you know the one, set in the great city of San Francisco.

“Good Morning San Francisco, it’s 7am and it’s a beautiful morning”

If the Video fails to load then please visit the direct link to the Tropicana Video Here

I love my orange juice but for some reason I’ve never tried Tropicana. As I made my way past the throngs of early morning shoppers I spotted the orange juice on special offer – it was in my basket as quick as a flash and I was half way home before I had realised I was advertising fodder! Easy prey!

After settling down, I took my iPhone, energy drink and walked into the gym to do a 7k row on the concept2 rower. I usually just put the iPhone on shuffle but for a change decided on The Zac Brown band would accompany on my static journey. They were very welcome visitors and before I knew it the session had come to a satisfying end and I was walking back into the kitchen for a cool glass of water.

By the way, the soundtrack to the Tropicana commercial in the video above is “Listen to the music” by the Doobie Brothers – just in case someone’s interested! And for the record …. I thought Davina had a pretty decent night all in all, very professional.

Cheryl Cole

It was good to see Cheryl Cole back on our screens last night following her serious fight against Malaria last month. I’ve always been indifferent to Cheryl’s multiple appearances on tv and in the papers but I have to admit, over the last year or so, I’ve warmed up to the Geordie girl and would probably miss her style on X Factor if she had been forced to quit.

The X Factor Final 12 – Spoiler Here

Louis Walsh on the other hand – I wouldn’t miss at all! I’d love to see him replaced, he’s nothing more than a Leprechaun – or is that disparaging to Leprechaun’s?!!

In today’s paper “The People” it runs an exclusive report on Cheryl’s new found happiness following her split from husband Ashley, the 27-year-old insists that she has never been happier.

Cheryl’s first Official book is launched next month titled “Through My Eyes“.

She told The People: “I’ve got so much to look forward to in the next few months. I’ve never felt happier.”

Cheryl has now fully recovered from the disease that left her hospitalised. Friends said that the singer now feels ready to move on from the pain of her marriage break-up.

A source said: “Cheryl’s saying I feel like I’ve turned my life around.

“She says she’s looking at doors opening for her in her life over the next few months. She is excited about starting this whole new chapter in her life.

“It’s great to see her looking and feeling good again after all that she’s been through.

“She is talking excitedly about starting work on The X Factor again and the release of a pop single.”

They added: “But she seems particularly relieved about the way her divorce is progressing. There is no time frame here. It’s not a case of a date for the divorce to come through. That will happen when the lawyer’s letter arrives.”

I love it when papers print this stuff – not one single quote directly from Cheryl in the piece, “sources close to Cheryl” – I guess it all sells newspapers!

Derek Hough has been romantically linked to the pop star and given that Dancing with the Stars begins filming shortly he will now leave for the States to begin television commitments across the pond. It’ll be interesting to see if he tones down his relationships with his female celebrity dancers this time around.

Last night’s X Factor was rather disjointed, I never felt it got going and I am still unsure of the guest judge role following Geri Halliwell’s performance. That said, the highlight of the show for me was the performance from 18 year old Gamu Nhengu from Zimbabwe – the highlight of the Glasgow auditions.

Singing a rendition of Katrina and The Waves Simon’s reaction before the performance was indifferent “I’m intrigued to see what you’ve done with this song”. For someone of 18, she delivered a powerful and assured performance that blew the house down. It was clear the panel hadn’t expected such a performance and Cowell said afterwards

“I’m going to be honest with you; you sang actually one of my worst songs ever but you did something different with it. I really, really, really like you”

“You’ve kinda got this really cool, old school Jazz voice like the 20’s or the 30’s, but it was really talented.”

At which point the tears of joy began and the possibility that another star has been discovered on ITV dawned.

With a release date of August 30th, the Sherlock DVD or Sherlock HD (Bluray) is a must purchase for any Sherlock fan. Did you miss an episode? If so this is your chance to catch up on the best drama to hit the BBC for a number of years.

Update: Both DVD and Bluray are now available to buy

A contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure series set in present-day London. Co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Rupert Graves plays Inspector Lestrade.

John Watson: doctor, soldier, war hero, lost soul. Fresh from fighting the war in Afghanistan, a chance encounter brings him into the world of Sherlock Holmes: loner, detective, genius. A woman in pink lies murdered in an abandoned house.

The fifth victim of a seemingly motiveless killer. Inspector Lestrade is the best Scotland Yard has got. But he knows he’s nothing compared to a young man called Sherlock. Sherlock can tell a software designer by his tie, an airline pilot by his thumb. He has a unique analytical brain unlike anyone else in the world, who earns his living and staves off boredom by solving crimes. The weirder and more baffling the better…Sherlock on Bluray

The two men couldn’t be more different, but Sherlock’s inspired leaps of intellect coupled with John’s pragmatism soon forge an unbreakable alliance. Across three, 90 minute, thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly entertaining television movies, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth.

The world’s favourite detective has come out of the fog. With sparkling scripts and unforgettable performances from the two leads, this is Sherlock for a new generation. Sherlock DVD
Special Features (unconfirmed)

• 60 minute pilot episode

Commentaries:

• Episode One – Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, Sue Vertue

• Episode Three – Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss

• Format: Anamorphic, Colour, PAL, Widescreen
• Language English
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1

I’ve been a fan of gritty TV police dramas for as long as I can remember; Frost, Morse and Rebus to name but three. I have to admit, ashamedly I may add, that until this book landed I had never heard of DCI Banks – after all this is the 20^th book in the Banks series!. “Bad Boy” has put paid to all that with this the latest enthralling novel from renowned Yorkshire author Peter Robinson.

The latest news in is that ITV have commissioned a two part pilot series for Peter Robinson’s creation airing in September or October – dates to be confirmed. The ITV pilot will be based on his 2001 book called Aftermath.

Peter Robinson has come a long way since Banks’s inception in 1987 with his debut novel “Gallows View”. From the strength of his latest offering, “Bad Boy”, it’s easy to see why. I have no doubt the DCI Banks franchise will transfer to television effortlessly and with Stephen Tompkinson in the lead role, Left Bank Pictures will be assured of an extended run.

Back to “Bad Boy” – the book begins with DCI Alan Banks on holiday in America retracing the steps of the fictional Sam Spade in San Francisco. Meanwhile on the other side of the pond the team react to an illegal and armed hand gun. Juliet Doyle is a mother in crisis. A long-time friend and an old neighbour of Banks, she has the unenviable dilemma of reporting her daughter to the police. Disappointed to learn that Banks is on holiday, she places her trust in the unknown.

Banks’s daughter Tracy has fallen for the wrong boy. Her flatmate’s boyfriend is good-looking, ambitious, and surrounded by an intoxicating air of mystery. He’s also very dangerous.

As the book progresses we discover that it isn’t a simple case of whodunit (we know!) but rather how will the matter be resolved and at what cost. Will Banks save his daughter and bring to justice a new enemy and an old adversary?

Curiously and despite his main character billing, Banks plays a relatively small part in the first half of the book. His absence allows a deeper understanding of his fellow officers and their efforts to work without him. I found this approach by Robinson an inspired one. It certainly wasn’t what I had expected.

“Besides, he’s bound to have a throwaway. I suppose we could try hanging him upside down or beating it out of him, or maybe pulling his fingernails out with pliers, but that relinquishes the moral high ground pretty damn quickly, doesn’t it?” – Alan Banks

On approximately this spot, Miles Archer, partner of Sam Spade, was done in by Brigid O'Shaughnessy

Banks returns from his holiday and immediately learns that Annie Cabbot is in trouble and his daughter (Tracy/Francesca) missing, the case is a highly personal journey for the detective. The book is without doubt a gripping thriller with subtle twists, turns and well-crafted storylines.

The book isn’t rushed and yet doesn’t suffer from a lack of pace; it is an atmospheric page turner in every sense. No matter how insignificant, Robinson treats each character with due deference.

Bad Boy has it all, murder, a psychopath, romance, unrequited love and a sprinkling of violence. Robinson doesn’t delve too deeply with the horrific crime scenes encountered along the way, rather leaving it to the imagination of the reader once the scene is set.  It’s difficult to achieve a good balance but the author pulls it off with his engaging prose.

A scintillating, psychological thriller in every sense. If you haven’t picked up a Peter Robinson book before, now’s the time to start your journey with one of the best crime writers the UK has to offer. Superb read. Published by Hodder, the book is now available.

Sherlock at 221B Baker Street

Sunday sees the third (The Great Game) and final episode in the current Sherlock series, brought to you by the BBC. The Sherlock DVD which features all three episodes is out later this month.

Episode 3 Summary Here

Very little information regarding the final episode is currently available but I’ll be bringing you another episodic review following its transmission on Sunday night (BBC One and BBC HD) at 21:00. The one and only repeat planned this week is on the HD channel at 0035 in the early hours of Monday morning so don’t forget to set SKY+!

A strange clue in an empty room, a blood-soaked car, a priceless Old Master, a deranged bomber. With the clock ticking, the curtain rises on a battle of wits between Sherlock, John and the shadowy stranger who seems to know all the answers…

Will Sherlock prevail? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

Episode Reviews Available:-

A Study in Pink          Review

The Blind Banker        Review

Full Cast Listing for “The Great Game”

Benedict Cumberbatch … Sherlock Holmes

Martin Freeman…       Doctor John Watson

Rupert Graves …         DI Lestrade

Una Stubbs     …         Mrs Hudson

Loo Brealey    …         Molly Hooper (as Louise Brealey)

Zoe Telford     …         Sarah

Vinette Robinson…     Sgt Sally Donovan

Jeany Spark     …         Homeless Girl

Doug Allen     …         Joe

Haydn Gwynne…       Miss Wenceslas

John Sessions  …         Kenny Prince

David Ryall     …         Lord Huxley

Deborah Moore…        Crying Woman

Lynn Farleigh  …         Professor Cairns

Lauren Crace   …         Lucy

Rita Davies     …         Blind Lady

San Shella       …         Alan West

Caroline Trowbridge…Mrs Monkford

Di Botcher      …         Connie Prince

Matthew Needham… Bezza

Alison Lintott …         Julie

Kemal Sylvester…       Tube Guard

Stefano Braschi…        Raoul

John Lebar      …         Golem

Paul Albertson            …         Mr Ewart

Nicholas Gadd            …         Scared Man

Sherlock DVD - Order Now

It’s all about the Orient! From the very beginning, you could tell “The Blind Banker” was going to be another slick episode of Sherlock Holmes from the Oriental tea making to Watson’s troubles with the self-shopping aisle hurling abuse at the machine when faced with an annoying automated voice. The Sherlock DVD is going to be unmissable.

“Item not scanned, item not scanned, please scan item again”, Watson slightly embarrassed at his lack of shopping experience replies “can you please keep your voice down?” and to top it off when he finally manages to scan his last item of shopping  the machine has another go….

”Card not authorised please use an alternative payment method, card not authorised please use an alternative payment method” to which he quips “alright I get it” and storms out without his shopping! All the while Sherlock is back at Baker Street fending off a masked swordsman hell bent on killing the detective!

Ratings for episode 2 follow this review.

Gemma Chan

If you missed tonight’s episode then catch it while you can on the BBC iPlayer in HD.

On his return to the flat he informs Sherlock he failed to get the shopping telling him he had a row with a chip and pin machine! Haven’t we all Watson, haven’t we all!

The real story begins when Sherlock and Watson visit a high end bank in the heart of London. One of their offices has been broken into overnight and the intruder has left a calling card of yellow graffiti. Nothing appears to have been stolen. Sherlock investigates in a way only he can. Following on from “A study in Pink” Benedict Cumberbatch gives a stellar performance with his amazingly quick dialogue. How this guy remembered his lines baffles me!!

On discovering a body he calls the police and meets a new detective inspector (Dimmock) who reminds Holmes he is in charge as Lestrade is busy. No Dymock, you clearly aren’t in charge as Sherlock tells him the suicide isn’t suicide but murder. When the pair interrupts Sebastian the banker, yes I did say banker and informs him of the murder, Sebastian doesn’t believe the murder angle and storms out. Watson quipping “I thought bankers were supposed to be heartless bastards”!! Classic

When a second murder occurs, this time the victim is a freelance journalist, Holmes believes it has all the hallmarks of the same killer who appears to walk between walls and is unperturbed by locked doors. On investigating the detective pair discovers more yellow grafity in a library meant for the journalist. The cases are linked.

The Black Lotus

Even though we are only half way in to this mini-series I am enjoying Martin Freeman’s portrayal of John Watson. He doesn’t appear intimidated by Holmes and his one liners are becoming legendary. On returning from being arrested for graffiti he quips “I have to go to magistrate’s court on Tuesday – they are giving me an ASBO”!!!

The investigation continues and leads the intrepid duo to Chinatown and Soo Lin Yao’s flat (we were introduced to the beautiful actress at the beginning of the episode working at the National Antiquities Museum making a cup of Typhoo!!) who appears to be missing. More graffiti is discovered at the aforementioned Museum.

I’ve had a number of emails asking where the Museum shots were filmed. I can reveal that the internal Museum shots were actually filmed at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. The theme music to Sherlock was composed by David Arnold with Michael Price.

“Sherlock” comes alive at night, the colours are wonderful and the atmosphere and music are magnificent, full of oriental mystery. Soo Lin Yao (Gemma Chan) is at the heart of the mystery and once again comes back to the tea pots and a group called The Black Lotus.

Watson has a date with a fellow doctor (Sarah played by Zoe Telford) and Sherlock Holmes suggests visiting a travelling Chinese circus only to show up at the event to fin Sherlock tagging along! Not happy the pair have a “heated” discussion on the stairs “Sherlock I’m in the middle of a date and you want me to chase a killer when I’m trying …. To get off with Sarah” just as Sarah appears from the bathroom! Classic! Sherlock leaves an embarrassed Watson to lead his date into the performance.

While Sherlock cracks the code, Watson and Sarah are kidnapped from 221b Baker Street and just when all hope is lost …. You’ll just have to watch won’t you! Pre Order the DVD Now

The third and final episode “The Great Game” of the trilogy can be seen next Sunday.

Ratings

The overnight ratings are now in and Sherlock did well again securing 25.6% audience share with a peak of 6.7 million viewers. The figures represent a slight fall from last Sunday’s 7 million and 28.5% share.  Big Brother continues to perform poorly with just 7% share and under 2 million viewers.

Cast “The Blind Banker”

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman)

Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs)

Sarah (Zoe Telford)

Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey)

Soo Lin Yao (Gemma Chan)

Andy Galbraith (All Weaver)

Seb Wilkes (Bertie Carvel)

Eddie Van Coon (Dan Percival)

DI Dimmock (Paul Chequer)

Sherlock and Watson at the Museum

Following a highly successful opening with “A Study in Pink” Sherlock Holmes returns to the BBC this Sunday with the second of three episodes, this one called “The Blind Banker”.

FULL EPISODE REVIEW HERE

The second episode is written by Stephen Thompson and produced by Sue Vertue; Steven Moffat’s wife. Once again Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes with The Office star Martin Freeman. If you missed the first episode you can still catch it on the BBC iPlayer but hurry,  it won’t be there forever!

A mysterious cipher is being scrawled on the walls around London. The first person to see the cipher is dead within hours of reading it. Sherlock plunges into a world of codes and symbols, consulting with London’s best graffiti artists. He soon learns that the city is in the grip a gang of international smugglers, a secret society called the Black Lotus.

So what are we expecting this time around? More slick dialogue, great acting and a decent storyline? If the first episode is anything to go by then the answer to all of the above is a “hell yeah”! Sherlock has received wide acclaim and is fast becoming one of the biggest hits the BBC has had on its hands for quite some time.

As estimated 7.5 million viewers watched A study in pink which closely followed Conan Doyle’s A study in scarlet and to be frank I’m expecting an increase in viewers this time round now that word is out.

A claim by tabloid newspaper “The Sun” has given the latest indication on the popularity of the new Sherlock series to hit UK scenes. BBC one’s (and HD) modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes pulled in a reported 7.5 million viewers on Sunday for the first episode “A Study in Pink”.

Sherlock DVD - Available Now

Sherlock represents a huge ratings improvement for a Sunday night and the BBC are unlikely to lose a winning formula with the viewers who are still keen, after his invention by Doyle, to soak up anything Sherlockian!

Taking the following quote with a pinch of salt, we are talking “The Sun” here

“To say the top brass are made up by the Holmes ratings is an understatement,” a source told The Sun.

They really want to do more so the question is not really if, but how and when can we do them.”

Robert Downey Jr begins shooting Sherlock Holmes “2″ this October.

Episode 2, “The Blind Banker” airs this Sunday at the earlier time of 2030 (BBC One) and 2130 (BBC HD) witha HD repeat at 0100 Monday.

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

Sherlock Holmes is back on tv, slicker, quicker and better than ever – well he doesn’t match Basil Rathbone but Benedict Cumberbatch certainly held up the Holmes tradition in brilliance.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the series but what a brilliant 90 minutes of BBC drama. Slick, full of one liners and amazing delivery the cast fronted by Cumberbatch didn’t disappoint. The BBC have a hit on their hands and I can definitely see another series emanating from this tri factor.

As I mentioned yesterday, the first episode is loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A study in Scarlet” (if by the way you get chance to read the book, I would advise it, only one of four full length novels it is, like Holmes a masterpiece!

Watson has returned from Afghanistan and is looking for new digs. A friend of Holmes introduces the pair and the detective immediately figures out Watson’s past from a 30 second introduction – the rest as they say is history. The pair meet the following day at 221B Baker Street and we, the viewers, are introduced to “Housekeeper” Mrs Hudson played by Una Stubbs.

Tonight’s episode, A study in Pink, sees Holmes and Watson chasing a serial killer hell bent on playing a dangerous game of kamikaze suicide which has DI Lestrade (Rupert Graves) in a quandary, unsure of which direction the suicides are taking him.

Holmes has a problem with Anderson (the on-site forensic guy) – in fact I’d go as far to say that Anderson annoys the hell out of Holmes and as we see on more than one occasion the “amateur” detective has no time for the policeman! While raiding 221B Baker Street on a trumped up drugs raid Anderson talks to Holmes and the retort is simply wonderful

“Anderson don’t talk out loud you lower the IQ of the whole street”

The writing was clever but for me it was the delivery that won the day. Cumberbatch, well suited for this huge role played the part effortlessly it seemed. Quick one liners, in-depth analysis and a distain for most people he comes across led to a truly magnificent polished performance. I can’t wait for next week’s episode now!  The cabbie is played by Jeff Davis (Whitechapel).

Episode two (on at the earlier time of 2030 Sunday)is called “The Blind Banker” and involves a mysterious cipher that is being scrawled on the walls around London. The first person to see the cipher is dead within hours of reading it. Sherlock plunges into a world of codes and symbols, consulting with London’s best graffiti artists. He soon learns that the city is in the grip a gang of international smugglers, a secret society called the Black Lotus.

Cast and Crew “A Study in Pink”

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch)

Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman)

DI Lestrade (Rupert Graves)

Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs)

Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey)

Sgt Sally Donovan (Vinette Robinson)

Ella (Tanya Moodie)

Helen (Siobohan Hewlett)

Sir Jeffrey Patterson (William Scott-Masson)

Margaret Patterson (Victoria Wicks)

Gary (Sean Young)

Jimmy (James Duncan)

Political Aides (Ruth Everett & Syrus Lowe)

Beth Davenport (Katy Maw)

Reporters (Ben Green, Pradeep Jey & Imogen Slaughter)

Anderson (Jonathan Aris)

Jeff the Cabbie (Phil Davis)

Director ………………….Paul McGuigan

Producer …………………Sue Vertue

Executive Producer ….Steven Moffat

Executive Producer ….Mark Gatiss

Writer …………………….Steven Moffat

Way back in 2003 when I was in Melbourne having fun and playing tennis I, like milions of Australians, watched Guy Sebastian win the very first Australian Idol. I didn’t want to get caught up in the hype, I should have been watching neighbours, but I did. Despite his woolly afro hair (I wasn’t a fan!) at the time, I remember buying his first album “Just As I am” and was immediately hooked.

“She’s beautiful, flawlessly divine”

Guy has released five studio albums, the last in 2009 called “Like it like that” which happens to be the first single to be released from the album. The track hit number one in Australia going 3 times platinum in the process. His second single which featured American Idol star Jordin Sparks only reached number seven. Despite his appearance on Hey Hey It’s Saturday his third single unfortunately reached 51 in the Australian charts failing to go Platinum.

When he showed up for the Adelaide auditions in 2003 he sang Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in the Sky. The formalities over and despite joking about his hair, the judges were mesmerised from the moment he started singing the song. Little did we know then that he would turn into the great singer he is today. He has always had talent, that much is obvious, but to make it in the business it helps to have an adoring public willing to buy your music. Without that you have nothing. Fortunately for Guy he had a following keen to soak up almost everything he offered.

There are two stand out tracks on the album for me, “Magic” and “Perfection” (lyrics below) and it’s the latter that really struck a chord with me. Despite its cheesy lyrics the song is heartfelt and until its conclusion it took me on a wonderful ride of hope. Written for and about his wife, Guy really has capsulated his deepest feelings in a way many people fail.

We’d all like the ability to put down in words what someone means to us but most of us have to settle for putting together a cd mix and saying “here you go love” – I really mean “track 3″ and come to think of it “track 7″ says everything about you! So with that in mind when he sings Perfection it’s just that. Hope you enjoy it too! Here are the lyrics and video of Guy singing live in Penrith, NSW.

Perfection Lyrics

Peter can you gather the angels all around
i’ll need everyone to get this down
this will not be easy
cos what i’m asking for
is something we have never tried before
lets make a girl
but not just any girl
she needs to be perfect, perfect
and so beautiful
flawlessly divine
she needs to define perfection
and don’t forget the sugar
make it so she’s sweet from her head to her feet
perfection

go and get picasso he can paint her eyes
michelangelo can paint her smile
and when they’re finally finished
i want nothing less
than for all of us to stand here breathless
lets make a girl
but not just any girl
she needs to be perfect, perfect
and so beautiful
flawlessly divine
she needs to define perfection
and don’t forget the sugar
make it so she’s sweet from her head to her feet
perfection

all the angels said can we keep her
she’s so beautiful
but God said someone down there needs her
and he can’t live without her, without her
she’s beautiful
flawlessly divine
and yes she defines perfection
please don’t change a thing
it’s obvious to me that what i see is perfection
when she’s 21 she’ll change somebody’s life
when she’s 28 she’ll be his wife

The waiting is nearly over, the long awaited Sherlock mini-series will  hit our screens tomorrow on BBC One and BBC HD at 21:00. (Repeated 0030 on Monday on BBC HD) – A study in Pink Review – Did you like it ? Let me know

With the pilot scrapped and turned into a mini-series, fans of the illustrious detective are in for a treat on Sunday when Sherlock and Watson meet and strike up a partnership. Check out the trailer.

A war hero (Watson), invalided home from Afghanistan, meets a strange but charismatic genius who is looking for a flatmate; it is London, 2010, and Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes are meeting for the first time. A string of impossible suicides has Scotland Yard baffled – and only one man can help.

The first episode in the series is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, first published in 1887. Holmes and Watson meet when When Dr John Watson takes rooms in Baker Street with the amateur detective, he has no idea that he is about to enter a shadowy world of criminality and violence.

‘A Study in Scarlet‘ is a book in two halves. The first works out who the murderer is (and told by Watson in the first person), the second takes us to foreign shores and looks at how the case ended up where it did and the aftermath. Both halves have a different feel and it will be interesting to see how Moffat has managed to re-tell this story.

Did you know that Conan Doyle wrote the novel at the age of 27 in less than three weeks?

Cast and Crew for Sherlock 2010

Sherlock Holmes ……… Benedict Cumberbatch

Dr John Watson ………..Martin Freeman

DI Lestrade ………………Rupert Graves

Mrs Hudson ……………..Una Stubbs

Molly Hooper …………..Louise Brealey

Sgt Sally Donovan …….Vinette Robinson

Jeff …………………………Phil Davis

Director ………………….Paul McGuigan

Producer …………………Sue Vertue

Executive Producer ….Steven Moffat

Executive Producer ….Mark Gatiss

Writer …………………….Steven Moffat

The BBC have put together a holding page on the main website and can be found here.

Matt Passmore - stick em up sucker

Sitting back with a nice glass of white, I watched with anticipation the pilot episode of “The Glades”, a gritty yet whimsical new cop drama that had more bite than the alligators found in the Everglades. It was raining outside and the wind lashing against the shutters downstairs gave it that winter feel despite being a balmy summer’s evening.

What a wonderful surprise. The show was truly watchable, akin to a good book you just can’t put down; The Glades has a lot going for it. Matt Passmore (Underbelly and McLeod’s Daughters) plays Jim Longworth in the lead role. Forced out of Chicago, he moved to Florida with one thing in mind; golf and breaking 80! Ok I left out the bit about him chasing women and being an intelligent wise cracking cop who has the ability to solve cases to the same degree of brilliance as Gregory House in House M.D.!

The Glades, previously titled “Sugarloaf”, is brought to us courtesy of the Arts & Entertainment network (Criminal Minds and Paranormal State) and has an initial run of just eight episodes until the end of August.

Jim Longworth leads the way in The Glades

“The Glades” opens with Longworth playing golf with Carlos Sanchez, the city’s medical examiner and is a few holes away from breaking 80 for the first time when he receives a call from his partner Mike Ogletree. He tells Langworth that a couple of teenagers have discovered a dissected body in the water and asks him to investigate. Forced to leave his ball on the course, he tells the Hispanic green keepers that the ball is part of a crime scene and police tape surrounds the ball!

Passmore’s portrayal is so good that most males would want to be him, not only for his intelligence, his wise cracks but because he appears to be a good bloke! He’s a hit with the ladies and although she doesn’t want to admit it, Callie Cargill (Kiele Sanchez) has an instant connection with him and the relationship develops. It’s clear to see that Langworth is keen to pursue all avenues with the nurse and only time will tell if the pair “hook up”.

The pilot is slick and fast paced. You won’t see the twist at the end and if you did then you should get on the first place to Palm Glade and help Jim out with a case or two. This show has some serious legs if the critics agree it’s very rare to see an original cop show that stands out from the rest but we have that here with “The Glades”. Excellent effort guys, episode two here I come.

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan pose with the glitterball trophy after being crowned the 2009 winners of Strictly Come Dancing

Interesting news coming from The Mirror newspaper today: Strictly Come Dancing stars will be paid per dance and not for the entire series. Kind of like an insentive to do well I guess?

If this turns out to be true then I like it, about time some of these Z list celebrities actually put some effort into the competition. I’m fed up of seeing celebrities like Andrew Castle and Fiona Phillips turn up for a few dances and take home huge appearance fees for very little work. This is a positive move BBC, positive.

The Mirror states that the stars competing could pocket as much as £100,000 if they reach the final and as little (I’d accept £10k any day!) as £10,000 if they bow out early.

Martina Hingis apparently received £50,000 for her one dance appearance last year, great things were expected from her but her lack of popularity with the British public culled any chances of a long run.

A show source said:

“This is a way of rewarding those who do well rather than paying one big lump sum. It makes sense and will act as a healthy ­incentive.”

Ali Bastian has backed the decision to reduce the number of celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing.

“Everyone was on their knees by the end last time. It’s a lot of stress to take if your body isn’t used to it,” she told The Sun

“Knocking a couple of weeks off will be good for everyone’s sanity.”

BBC chiefs are keen to recreate the success of last year’s series, which attracted up to 13 million viewers. They will raise the weekly budget from last year’s £400,000 to attract more stars.

Contestants signed up so far include Felicity Kendal (63), the Good Life actress, and former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe. Gavin Henson is in talks with the producers and Frank Bruno is also a person of interest with the BBC!

As I mentioned last week, Bruce Forsyth is expected to come back as the main host for the BBC show although rumours are that Forsyth will not front the results show (airs on Sunday nights). Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan were crowned the 2009 winners of Strictly Come Dancing.

More news when I get it!

It usually only takes me 20 minutes of any tv premiere to know if I’m going to like a series and the remaining time wondering if the networks are going to give it a full run if I dedicate my time to it! For so long we have been burned by ratings chasing networks and I’ve had enough!!!

Haven airs on the Syfy channel in the US every Friday at 10pm and currently has a run of eight episodes that run to the end of August – let’s hope, judging on the first episode, it gets renewed next season or at the least an additional order of episodes for season 1.

From mysterious powers and mystical, mesmerising fog, the town, based in Maine is a curiosity – as are its inhabitants. This all makes for an intriguing show, full of promise and humorous one liners. People with supernatural abilities have migrated for generations because it mutes their powers, allowing them to lead normal lives.

The show introduces us to FBI agent Audrey Parker (played by Emily Rose) who is sent to Haven to capture an ex-con who has escaped from prison, killing a guard in the process. Parker soon discovers she has a murder to investigate when the ex-con is discovered dead on the beach.  Why was Parker sent to Haven? Are there ulterior motives behind the initial investigation? It certainly looks that way, someone plans to keep Parker in Haven.

Haven has a certain charm to it, that’s fairly obvious to see even after one episode and as long as ratings are good I see a long future for the series. It reminds me of the quirky shenanigans in Eureka, a town where anything and everything happens – nothing is off limits! Eureka currently airs at 9pm on Friday and together with Warehouse 13, the Syfy channel has a trio of ratings winners on its hands. Haven pulled in 2.3 million viewers compared to the 2.93 for the Warehouse 13 season 2 premiere and Eureka’s 2.5m. Not too shabby if you ask me!

The chemistry amongst the cast is obvious to see from the start and I couldn’t help smile at some of the one liners delivered not only by Parker but Duke Croker (Eric Balfour) and Nathan Wournos (Lucas Bryant).

Haven is shot on location in Halifax, Nova Scotia and its surrounding area and loosely based on Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid”. Adam Kane (Mentalist, Heroes) directed the pilot episode. So there you have it, without wishing to give too much of the plot away, why not give the new show a chance and see what paranormal events occur when you chose to visit Haven!

There’s little doubting the main attraction for most red blooded males to NBC’s ratings winner Chuck – Sarah Walker played by Yvonne Strahovski. The series has remained true to its followers and despite an on again, off again battle with NBC they decided not only to fill a 3rd season but grant the show an extension and order a fourth season! Few fans could have hoped for this result 6 months ago but boy are we pleased! Chuck Season 3 is now available on Blu-ray and of course DVD!

It means that as long as the writers see sense, Sarah Walker will remain on our screens for a little while longer! So when does Season 4 premiere? You have a little while longer to wait – 2 months infact – Chuck versus the anniversary (S4 Ep1) airs on NBC September 20th 2010.

Dolph Lundgren and Harry Dean Stanton are confirmed guest stars for the first episode.

The episode summary for the final episode of season three read “Morgan, Devon and Ellie team up to save Team Bartowski from the Ring, while Chuck’s flashes start to give him headaches, after Shaw took the governor from him.

Meanwhile, the Buy More owner Moses contacts Big Mike with an ultimatum.”

It truly was the perfect ending to a third season, it had everything from raw emotion of Chuck’s father to downright hilarity. Chuck’s relationship with Sarah is starting to develop into a series concern now that both spies are living together – the secret stsh of guns was a nice touch even though Chuck was unaware of the arsenal!

So what about the big tease at the end? Holy Chuck – Chuck’s mother!!! I can’t wait to see who actually plays Ma Bartowski – could it be wonder woman Lynda Carter? What about Jamie Lee Curtis? There are so many options out there and I for one just hope it’s a character that lends herself to the family.

And just because I can, here are a couple more images of our beloved Sarah Walker:-

Bruce Forsyth struggled last year, he struggled the year before that and will if he returns struggle again this season. He’s 82 and let’s face it, past his prime! Don’t get me wrong,  he’s an ambassador for the BBC who, with the departure of Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley need all the stars they can afford to pay.  “I won’t be doing a Christine and leave the BBC“.

There have been numerous rumours since the last finale that big changes were afoot, talks of stars being axed, format changes and a change of presenters. We are still awaiting news on the later two but we do know for a fact that some of the stalwarts of Strictly Come Dancing have been axed from the main line-up.

Brian Fortuna has announced he is leaving the show following the decision to ask Ian Waite, Matthew Cutler, Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova to move aside and dance only professional routines leaving the way clear for new dancers to partner celebrities. It’s a kick in the teeth for the dancers and looks like popularity has nothing to do with the decision. The BBC are keen to make changes and changes they will make. Fortuna does have a gig so fans do not fear, you can see him partner Ali Bastian in the West End production of “Burn The Floor”.

Fortuna said:

“I really enjoyed working on Strictly over the years – loved the fans and loved all the people I got work with – but there are changes planned for the next season so I’ve decided not to return to the show,” he said.

“Both Ali and I are looking forward to seeing all our fans at the Shaftesbury Theatre.”

The three new male dancers have been named as Artem Chigvintsev, Jared Murillo and Robin Windsor.

Forsyth has spoken out against the BBC claiming they were wrong to sack Arlene Phillips (67) and replace her with Alesha Dixon (31). I’m not a huge fan of Bruce but he is right in this instance. Dixon was way out of her comfort zone and appeared clueless for the majority of the series and relied far too heavily on Bruno for advice on what to say when judging. It is unlikely that Arelene will ever return to the show but the sooner they get judges who can actually judge the better. The News of the World ran a “should Alesha be sacked” poll on the back of poor performances.

Celebrities joined in the condemnation. Ex-contestant Esther Rantzen said of Alesha: “She lacks Arlene’s style and expertise. She played safe when awarding marks.”

And Martin Offiah, rugby-playing star of the first series of Strictly, said: “Simon Cowell was brave enough to bring Louis Walsh back on X Factor.

“The BBC should be brave enough to bring Arlene back. They need to hold their hands up and admit they made a mistake.”

Even head judge Len Goodman admitted for the first time he was “disappointed” at Arlene’s shock axing.

This year on Strictly there will be 14 celebrities vying for the title. The 14 Professional dancers partnering the celebrities are:

Artem Chigvintsev, Jared Murillo, Robin Windsor, Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Vincent Simone

Ola Jordan, Flavia Cacace, Erin Boag, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Aliona Vilani, Katya Virshilas