THEGAYUK

Category: TV

  • Julian Clary Reaches 7000 Signatures To Take Over Top Gear

    Julian Clary has thrown his hat into the ring in consideration for the role of the new presenter of BBC’s flagship programme Top Gear.

    With the news that Jeremy Clarkson has been dropped by the BBC following his suspension from Top Gear due to a ‘fracas’, the conversation turns to who might be JC’s replacement and what better than another JC – Julian Clary. Julian Clary has already secured over 7000 signatures on a petition to take over the presenting job.

    The petition set by Robert Claxton-Ingham has attracted nearly 7500 signatures and has suggested that Clary is up for the challenge.

    However, a BBC insider told THEGAYUK that former Big Breakfast star and now Radio 2 presenter Chris Evan’s is hotly anticipated to take over the role now that Clarkson has been removed but questioned whether the presenter could ‘cut it’.

  • HBO Cancels Gay Drama Looking

    HBO has just announced that it has cancelled the TV series ‘LOOKING’ after just two seasons and this summer it will wrap up the storylines with a one hour special.

    In a statement issued today a spokesman said, “after two years of following Patrick and his tight-knit group of friends as they explored San Francisco in search of live and lasting relationships, HBO will present the final chapter of their journey as a ‘special’’’. They added, “we look forward to sharing this adventure with the shows loyal fans.”

    HBO have claimed that Looking had never been a strong ratings performer, but executives were very impressed with the buzz the show had created on social media and it’s growing band of viewers that sadly started to fall off in the second season.

    Created by Michael Lannan and executive produced by Andrew Haigh (director of Weekend), Looking stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J.Alvarez and Murray Bartlett who explore the fun and sometimes overwhelming options available to a new generation of gay men in San Francisco. It also co-stars Lauren Weedman, Raul Catillo and Russell Tovey

     

  • EastEnders To Make History By Introducing a Trans Character

    Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer of Eastenders, revealed at National Student Pride this afternoon that he is set to create a trans character for the iconic British soap.

    (more…)

  • Hunks Of Daytime On ITV

    Ah, daytime TV – a guilty pleasure in TheGayUK office. It occurred to us that the day time team on ITV, is particularly hot.

    Men of daytime, we salute you, from Phillip Schofield to Judge Rinder, these are our top Hunks of Daytime TV on ITV.

    Philip Schofield, ITV, This Morning

    The original silver fox, many will know Phillip from his original stint on Going Live, however, he’s now firmly embedded in the daytime schedule at ITV, one of their enduring and successful hosts.

    Jessie Pavelka, ITV Good Morning Britain

    He’s fronted numerous health magazines and apparently smokes cigars (well according to Wikipedia). He’s a trained fitness expert and specialises in extreme weight loss. Here in the UK he also fronts the popular programme: Obese: A year to save my life, on Sky 1. He is married to actress Sitara Hewitt.

    Ben Shephard, ITV, Good Morning Britain and Tipping Point

    Forty-four-old Ben Shephard is the current presenter of Tipping Point on ITV Daytime. His career in television started in 1998 when he began hosting the Channel 4 spin-off show, The Bigger Breakfast along with Melanie Sykes and Dermot O’Leary. He’s married to Annie Perks and the couple have two children, Jack and Sam.

    Robert Rinder, ITV, Judge Rinder

    Robert Rinder has been making waves with his daytime jewel, Judge Rinder. Benedict Cumberbatch married him to his husband in 2013. His first series had 20 episodes; it was so successful that ITV ordered 50 more.

    Sean Fletcher, ITV, Good Morning Britain

    40-year-old Sean is an American-British journalist and grew up in Essex and Zimbabwe. although he was born in New York. In 2014 he became a celebrity ambassador for the UK charity, Balls To Cancer. He learnt to speak Welsh because his wife is from Wales.

    Jeremy Kyle, ITV, The Jeremy Kyle Show

    There can’t be anyone in the UK who doesn’t know the name, Jeremy Kyle. 49-year old Kyle was born in Reading and is married to Carla Germaine. He has 4 children. He started his career as a radio presenter for Orchard FM in Taunton, before being signed by Kent’s Invicta FM in 1996.

    Vernon Kay, ITV, 1000 Heartbeats

    40-year-old Kay is famous for his presenting of All Star Family Fortunes, Beat the Star and Tom Daley’s Splash!. One of his first TV gigs was Fully Booked for BBC one followed by a five-year stint with T4 on Channel 4.

    Jeff Brazier, ITV, This Morning

    Born in 1979, Jeff was former partner to Jade Goody and is the father to their two children Bobby and Freddie. He made his television debut in Channel 4’s reality show Shipwrecked. Jeff’s father was Stephen Faldo, who was the skipper of the Thames pleasure boat Marchioness, which sank in 1989 after being hit by a dredger. He was killed along with 50 other passengers.

    Matt Johnson, ITV, This Morning

    32-year-old Welsh-born Matt Johnson is currently dating Ashley Robert former singer with The Pussycat Dolls. His TV career begun in 2009 when he joined ITV Wales.

    Phil Vickery, ITV, This Morning

    Married to Fern Britton, Phi, 53, is a noted celebrity chef, who has written 14 books, including the enticingly named Cooking Naked, which was released in 2007.

  • Fans Shocked By Brutal Storyline In Channel 4’s Gay Series, Cucumber

    Fans Shocked By Brutal Storyline In Channel 4’s Gay Series, Cucumber

    Fans of Russell T. Davies’s new drama on Channel 4, were shocked last night at the brutal murder of one of its lead characters.

    Cyril Nri
    CREDIT: Ben Blackall / Channel 4

    During last night’s episode of Cucumber, Lance, played by Cyril Nri was dealt a lethal blow that kills him in one of the most shocking homophobic attacks ever shown on TV.

    Viewers of the episode were clearly distressed as they took to twitter to share their thoughts. Many had a sleepless night because of the hard-hitting storyline. Nri, the actor who played Lance said,

    “I feel utterly privileged to have anything to do with this episode.”

    https://twitter.com/OwenJones84/status/571111423578902529?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

     

     

     

  • Top 10 Campest Moments From The Brit Awards

    Ah, the Brits, of the last bastion of drunken, ego driven, campery that hits our small screens every year, oh well that and the Oscars…

    Scores of people have won and gone, but it’s the camp moments of this event that keep has tuned in every year. If only to see if Geri Halliwell will be involved. We delved into the annals of Brits history to find its campest moments. The aforementioned Halliwell has three of the campest moments alone. We also have Sharon O, Kylie and Adele’s middle finger…

    10. Bjork: I am grateful: grapefruit
    Grapefruits are one of the campest fruit we know. Seriously, okay maybe a pineapple is a little gayer, but Grapefruit reminds us of Louie Spence, Bright, zesty but bitter.

    9. Geri Halliwell does Jessica rabbit
    First on the list of Halliwell’s moments is her Jessica Rabbit moment. Geri knows how to steal the show. Bring back Geri we say.

    8. Michael Jackson’s “Christ-like figure”
    Never one to be ignored Michael Jackson showed the world what it would look like if he was a god. Too much for Jarvis Cocker who stormed the stage and waggled his bum. Yes, we said Waggled and we own it.

    7. Lady Gaga
    Pretty much anything Gaga does is high campery.

    6. Kylie Mashup
    Queen Kylie mashed up her glorious gay hits into one hot homo-song-soup. All rather marvellous. And looking incredible. How does she do it? (Sneaky side eye)

    5. Sharon Osbourne
    Queen of vamp, you know where you are with Mrs O. Never one to mince her words, she asked Kelly “What have they come as?” about a rather dishevelled looking Artic Monkeys and called Vic Reeves a p*** head bastard.

    4. Geri Halliwell Union Jack
    Probably one of the most iconic looks of The Brits of all time. A look that would launch a thousand Drag Queens into existence. Let’s face it; Geri is the goddess of Drag. And who knew, that her sister, out of t-towels, made the dress. Dirty dishes.

    3. Adele’s Middle Finger
    If anyone can flip the bird at millions of viewers at home it’s Adele. Newly crowned as a gay icon, by the listeners of a now defunct Gaydar Radio, Adele couldn’t get two words in edgewise but had time to stick her fingers up…. Oooo errr. We do like a double entendre.

    2. Sam Fox & Mick Fleetwood 1989
    Everything about Sam and Mick’s hosting was camp, in a tragedy way. We demand, neigh, need this to happen every year. Those awkward silences, those soft mumblings, the knowing looks, it’s like us when we’re on a date when we’ve been Roofied. Don’t worry it’s usually us who packs the Rohypnol.

    1. Geri Halliwell, Bag It Up
    Geri Halliwell made the world her gyno in 1997 when she sang from the middle of her legs. Usually it’s suggested that you sing from the diaphragm, but no Spicey logic dictates the vay vay is the place.

  • EastEnders: Top 10 Gayest Moments Of EastEnders

    To celebrate the fact that Eastenders has been one of the beacons of LGBT storylines, we’ve decided to discover the gayest moments of the landmark soap, which has been at the forefront of gay storylines.

    In date order….

    10) Underage At The Time 1987

    In 1987 Colin Russel (Michael Cashman) And Barry Clark (Gary Hailes) labelled by the Sun, as “two yuppie poofters” were the first gay couple on EastEnders. Their first kiss received a record number of complaints, even more than a Celebrity Big Brother with Perez… At the time, the age of sexual consent for gay people was 21. The police were more concerned with the pairs’ relationship rather than a break-in at their home. Barry ends his relationship when the police tell his parents.

    9) Dot Starts AIDS Rumours 1988

    9) Dot Cotton (June Brown) spreads rumours that Colin has AIDS when she discovers Colin and Barry share the same bed. This was at the height of the AIDS epidemic and the storyline help frame the nation’s discussion towards the issue. Her rumours cause some of Walford to shun Colin. Despite this, Dot and Colin forge a strong relationship.

    8) The Most Watched Gay Kiss 1989


    Colin and Guido Smith (Nicholas Donovan), had a cheeky snog in 1989 in front of an audience of 17-million viewers – the world’s most watched gay kiss in a soap.

    7) When The Curious Guy And The Bi Guy Get It Together 1996

    Tony Hills (Mark Homer) And Simon Raymond (Andrew Lynford), Tony was a bit of bisexual lothario, having numerous relationships with men and women, most notably with Tiffany (Martine McCutcheon) – however after confiding with Simon, her brother, that he was confused about his sexuality, the pair get together. Tony and Simon drew some criticism for not being “gay” enough. Their first kissed caused controversy in the UK. Seeing a pattern here?

    First Civil Partnership 2005

     Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and Syed Masood (Marc Elliott) caused near hysteria with Daily Mail readers with their pre-watershed romantic moments. Hurrah we say. They were the first gay couple to celebrate a civil partnership.

    5) Curious Steven Beale 2008

    4) Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) A confused Steven tries to get together with Stacey, however, can’t, forcing him to question his sexuality, leading to kissing Christian Clarke. Speaking about the kiss, Aaron, who identifies as straight said it was a ‘cracking scene.’

    4) Youngest Coming Out 2011

    A 15-year-old Ben Mitchell(Joshua Pascoe) tells Christian Clarke that he gay, being the youngest character to come out on EastEnders.

    3) When Johnny Kissed Gary 2013


    3) When Johnny Carter (Sam Strike) and bisexual Danny Pennant (Gary Lucy) shared a kiss the BBC received just two complaints, however, comments on social media weren’t so kind.

    2) When Johnny Came Out 2014


    Johnny Carter coming out to his pa, Mick Carter was a landmark moment for EastEnders, so well judged and superbly acted – it brought a tear to our eye.

    1) The death of Paul Coker

    Beaten in a tragic anti-gay attack, Ben Mitchell’s boyfriend dies in hospital. Many people took to social media to say how important the storyline was to highlighting violence against LGBT people.

  • Australia To Enter 60th Eurovision Competition

    Although its many thousands of miles away from Europe, Australia will be allowed to participate in this year’s Eurovision competition.

    For the first time in its 60 years, Eurovision will allow Australia to enter the competition – and will a free pass to the final in Vienna, Austria, meaning that it will not have to go through the various heat stages.

    Organisers of Eurovision, the theme for which this year is “Building Bridges”, decided to offer a place to Australia after Jessica Mauboy performed as the interval act at one of heats in last year’s competition. It now has until 16th March to decide whom it’s going to send; already reports of Dame Edna Everage have been put forward to represent the Australian entry.

    Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), said, “It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move.

    “It’s our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!”

    Michael Ebeid, managing director of broadcaster SBS which airs the competition in Australia, said, “We are very excited to have secured this historic opportunity for Australia to be represented on the world’s biggest stage at the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest and are honoured that the European Broadcasting Union has supported us to achieve this ambition.

    “SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years and we have seen how Australians’ love of the song contest has grown during those years.”

    If Australia wins the competition the show will remain in Europe.

  • Benidorm will be back for 8th series

    ITV’s award winning comedy Benidorm has been re-commissioned for an eighth series and will film on location in Spain later this year.

    Series 7 which is currently airing on ITV has featured the welcome return of Johnny Vegas and Elsie Kelly as The Oracle (aka Geoff Maltby) and Noreen Maltby. The series has also seen the return of Solana Group CEO Crystal Hennessy-Vass played by Dame Joan Collins.

    The show’s creator Derren Litten will pen all 7 episodes of the new series, which will introduce a brand new family to the Solana.

    Elaine Bedell, ITV’s Director of Comedy & Entertainment says “Benidorm continues its enduring appeal with ITV viewers, and we look forward to discovering what creator Derren Litten has in store for the new holiday season at the Solana resort”.

    Saskia Schuster, ITV’s Comedy Commissioner says “We are absolutely thrilled our audience continues to enjoy the antics of the Solana staff and its holidaymakers. The new series of Benidorm will be introducing a brand new family to our viewers”.

    Derren Litten, Pete Thornton and Sophie Clarke Jervoise will serve as Executive Producers for the new series.

  • Kavana Out Of Big Brother

    Kavana is out of the Big Brother house, becoming the 6th celebrity to be evicted.

    The “I Can Make You Feel Good” singer, Kavana was the 6th celebrity be to evicted from the Big Brother house, narrowly missing out the opportunity to be in Friday’s live final. Speaking to Emma in his exit interview the openly gay singer said that he ‘knew he was going today.’ His exit along with Perez Hilton’s in tonight’s show leaves, Michelle Visage, Katie Hopkins, Katie Price, Keith Chegwin and Calum Best to win the show.

    Calling the house a ‘lunatic asylum’ Kavana looked relieved to be out of the house. He also joked with the audience about his drinking, which is why he now has a lovely paunch. In his time in the house drinking did get the better of him, which led to him declaring that Keith Chegwin was an enemy.

    During his time on the Big Reunion, Kavana had an explosive row with Adam Rickett, speaking about his outburst to TheGayUK Kavana said, “What they didn’t show on that particular day is that I had received some pretty bad news, my mum is poorly with Alzheimer’s. I had a very weak moment. I just hit the bottle, obviously, it was right in the middle of rehearsals and on camera.

    “My mum’s in a care home. It’s pretty tough because I can’t call her because it confuses her. So I’ve gone from speaking to my mum everyday to just not speaking to her – maybe once a month, because it gets her very confused. She doesn’t understand who I am. It’s kind of hard, but it is what it is. When I do see her I make sure we have quality time.

    “I have a tendency to self-sabotage, if something good is about to happen a part of me tries to sabotage it.”

  • MICHELLE VISAGE: Perez Cut Me With Representation Comment

    Following her confrontation with Perez Hilton yesterday Michelle Visage has spoken about how Perez Hilton ‘wounded’ her.

    Speaking to to Big Brother in the diary room, Michelle Visage tells Big Brother that Perez “said something to me last night to hurt me personally, to cut me…he was just trying to be mean and he wouldn’t own it. That was a mean thing to say to me because, and I’ll explain, he had nothing to gain from saying that. The only thing he could gain from that was wounding me. Of course, I’m not going to allow it to…” She goes on to talk about the work she does and maintains that she is part of the community adding, “Don’t fuc*ing tell me I’m not because I’m not a gay woman! That’s bullsh*t. He meant to hurt me. That’s really what it comes down to. That’s not a good person.”

    Yesterday In a heated exchange between Perez and the entire house, he slams Michelle telling her that she does not represent him.

    During Big Brother’s Bit On Side, journalist and Buzzfeed LGBT editor Patrick Strudwick said that Perez was a stain on the gay community after drawing a parallel between his ostracisation from the group and being “diagnosed with AIDS in the early 80s”