News

Guy Ritchie To Receive Honorary Award At Red Sea Film Festival

Guy Ritchie is to receive an Honorary Award at this year’s Red Sea Film Festival. During the Festival (Dec 1—10), Ritchie will also take part in an ‘In Conversation’ event where he will talk through his cinematic career. Mohammed Al Turki, CEO of the RedSeaIFF, said: “Guy Ritchie is a pioneering director and unique storyteller. Over the last 20 years, he has created a huge variety of unforgettable characters featuring original and intricate plots on the big screen. We are delighted to honor his extraordinary talents at the Festival and look forward to welcoming him to Jeddah this December.”

Danny Dyer To Lead New Thriller ‘Heat’

Channel 5, Network 10, and Fremantle Australia have partnered on Heat (4 x 60’), a new action thriller to be filmed in Australia and starring Danny Dyer. Fremantle will distribute the series internationally. Production on the series starts this month.

Paramount-owned British network Channel 5, Australia’s Network 10 and Fremantle are looking to a post-Neighbours future and working on a primetime thriller from Neighbours exec Jason Herbison, starring Stay Close actor Jo Joyner.

Filming will get underway shortly in Australia on four-parter Riptide, which will follow Alison (Joyner), whose life is plunged into despair when her new Australian husband vanishes after a morning surf. It quickly becomes obvious there is more to the story than meets the eye as she sets out to investigate his disappearance.

Joyner will play the lead and Herbison created the show. He was an exec on Channel 5/Network 10 miniseries Lie With Me and Neighbours, the soap produced by Fremantle for Channel 5 and Network 10’s (and streamer 10 Peach) that is about to end after three-and-a-half decades, as the UK network pushes further into original drama such as Riptide.

Joining Joyner is Ciarán Griffiths and Australian actors David Berry, Peter O’Brien, Ally Fowler (Wentworth), Pia Miranda, rising stars Benny Turland, Asher Yasbincek and Yazeed Dahar, and newcomers Benjamin Samaddar and Sonya Suares.

“Lie With Me proved incredibly popular with our viewers and I’m looking forward to expanding our drama slate even further, working hand in hand with our production partners Fremantle Australia and Network 10,” said Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment, Unscripted, Channel 5 & Paramount+.

Paramount+ has unveiled its U.K.-commissioned factual slate ahead of the streaming platform’s U.K. and Ireland launch on June 22.

“Our mission is to make Paramount+ the leading destination for unmissable television in collaboration with the U.K.’s storytelling talent,” said Ben Frow, Paramount’s chief content officer for the U.K. “These new commissions will join an abundance of original content on the service, as well as the pick of Paramount’s vast catalogue to create a compelling offering for viewers in the U.K. and Ireland.”

The new titles include:

“Hot Yachts” from Curve Media

A six-episode series set in South Florida taking viewers into the world of luxury yachts as a team of attractive and hard-partying yacht brokers seek to outdo each other. “Get ready for big characters, insane parties, huge deals and the ultimate Instagram lifestyle in this brand-new reality series,” reads the logline.

The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies has been renewed for a Christmas special and a third series.

A total of 12 episodes will be shown on Channel 5 in the New Year, following the Rspca's attempts to rescue dogs that are being neglected or abused.

The Christmas special will see dogs who were rescued during series two revisited, as Davies throws them a festive party and looks back on stories featured during the programme.

The second series of the show presented by the comedian and dog lover peaked with 1.7 million viewers.

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, said "Alan Davies adds great warmth to this wonderful series which is both heart-breaking and uplifting at the same time.

"I'm delighted Channel 5's viewers loved it so much that we can bring it back and continue to get the people of Britain behind the good work of rescuing and rehoming dogs."

The Rspca receives...

Al Murray will narrate a new three-part series about Marston's Brewery.

The Pub Landlord will be the voice of the series which airs in September on Channel 5.

Produced by Shine TV, the show follows the men of women of Marston's Brewery, which is described as the world's largest brewer of cask ale.

Providing a look at the entire organisation, it will shed light on the hop growers, brewers and bottlers, as well as the people who work in the pubs.

Shine TV executive producer Lorna-Dawn Creanor describes the cast as a mix of "entertaining and charismatic characters", views shared by Channel 5 entertainment commissioning editor Greg Barnett.

"The men and women we follow in this new series do everything they do out of passion for the perfect pint," Barnett explains.

"There's a terrific mix of characters, stories, facts and fun and I very much hope viewers develop a taste for it.

Channel 5 has revealed that it has moved new dating show Stand By Your Man tonight to give viewers an alternative to the World Cup.

The series, fronted by Brian McFadden and Laura Jackson, kicked off last week at 10pm, but will move to 11.30pm tonight (June 20) for people who aren't fans of the football.

Brian McFadden on Stand By Your Man: 'There's a lot of boobage on show'

"The only people who shouldn't be watching Stand By Your Man are fans of Ecuador or Honduras!" McFadden told Digital Spy.

Meanwhile, Channel 5's commissioning editor of entertainment, daytime and soaps Greg Barnett described Stand By Your Man as a "great show".

"As with all Channel 5 content, it has entertainment at its heart," he said. "If you're not a football fan, then Channel 5 is where you should be!"

The news means that the Big Brother eviction and Bit on the Side...

Channel 5 has confirmed that it will make no more programmes about the Eddie Stobart trucking company.

Four-part series Eddie Stobart's Excellent Adventures, which kicks off tonight (May 23), will bid a "fond farewell" to the lorries.

The show will look at viewers' favourite drivers from Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers and examine their best journeys.

The Eddie Stobart shows were well-received by Channel 5 viewers, with over 6m people tuning in to watch the last series.

"These special programmes have been a big part of Channel 5's schedule over recent years," Channel 5's commissioning editor of entertainment, daytime and soaps Greg Barnett said.

"It's always sad to say goodbye to something you love very dearly. These specially created episodes are a fitting end for what has been a high impact series on the channel."

Eddie Stobart's Excellent Adventures will begin tonight (May 23) at 8pm on Channel 5.

Brian McFadden has signed up to present Channel 5's new dating show Stand by Your Man.

The programme, which will be co-hosted by Laura Jackson, sees four male contestants attempting to win a date with one of 40 women from the studio audience.

McFadden and Jackson will mingle with the contestants and the audience to find out more information about them, while the men will take part in a series of fun challenges in an attempt to influence the women.

At the end of the frivolities, the women must stand in their favourite man's line - and the man with the most women choosing him will then get to pick one of them to take out on a date.

McFadden said that he is "over the moon" to host the show, adding: "Dating should be a fun and exciting experience and I'm looking forward to creating some compatible matches - fingers crossed!

Channel 5 has ordered a brand new dating show.

The series, which has a working title of The Dating Show but is reportedly known at the studios as Stand By Your Man, appears similar to ITV's hit Saturday night show Take Me Out.

According to Broadcast, the studio-based show - which has a "nightclub feel" - sees the female studio audience collectively deciding which of a number of male contestants is their favourite.

The lucky man then gets to pick one of the women to go on a date with.

Channel 5's entertainment, daytime and soaps commissioner Greg Barnett said that he is "very excited" about the show, adding: "It highlights precisely how your opinion of a person can change with every new piece of information you learn about them.

"It's witty and entertaining and I hope viewers will love playing along at home."

The series is due to film in March and April in Manchester,...

Channel 5 has announced new weight-related shows as part of its autumn 2013 programming.

The channel's 'Supersize Season' will consist of six new documentaries, exploring various issues surrounding weight.

Saving Britain's Biggest Man will follow 70-stone Keith Martin as he is mentored by one of the country's top obesity-treatment teams in an attempt to lose 30 stone and achieve his ultimate ambition to take his dog for a walk.

The season will also delve into the controversial topic of 'gainers' in 60 Stone Wannabes, which investigates a group of self-proclaimed 'super-sized big beautiful women', who are determined to become as large as possible.

Too Fat To Fly sees contributors recall embarrassing and motivational tales that inspired them to lose weight, including getting stuck in a waterslide and being cut out of a theme park ride.

Many of the programmes will also focus on the dark side of dieting and surgery, with My Gastric Band...

Channel 5 has ordered new documentary series Animal Maternity.

The programme promises to offer "a unique insight into the world of animal birth".

Dens, pens and keepers will be rigged with mini cameras so viewers can witness the raising of young animals from first steps to first feeds, from some of the biggest babies in the animal kingdom to the smallest.

The series will also cover high-drama animal births, including an urgent caesarean section, an antelope experiencing a traumatic birth and the live births of a wide range of creatures including a zebra, snow leopard, elephant and white rhino.

"This fascinating series will offer the viewer the unique chance to witness first-hand the births of some extraordinary animals they wouldn't otherwise get the chance to see," said Greg Barnett, Channel 5's Commissioning Editor for Entertainment, Daytime and Soaps.

"At the same time these programmes also underline the serious threat some of...

Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, The Only Way Is Essex star James 'Arg' Argent and '80s TV chef Rustie Lee are among the stars signed up for Channel 5's new reality show Celebrity Super Spa.

The series will feature the stars being trained by 'Salon Supremo' and Liverpool icon Herbert Howe.

Howe, who has 50 years of experience in the beauty industry, will set the celebs challenges and judge their performances.

Shameless actor Jody Latham, chef John Burton Race and Most Haunted's Yvette Fielding will also be among the celebs learning the art of vajazzles, back, sack and crack waxes, fish pedicures, tattooing and vampire facials.

The Voice of Ireland host Eoghan McDermott and Laura Jackson (Freshly Squeezed) will host the new series.

Greg Barnett, Channel 5's commissioning editor for entertainment, daytime and soaps, said: "I'm taking great delight in imagining how our celebrities are going to cope with tattooing,...

Channel 5 has released the details of new reality show Celebrity Super Spa.

The show, which will air later this year, centres on six celebrities who will be plucking, preening and pampering members of the public.

Liverpool salon supremo Herbert Howe, who has 50 years of experience in the world of hair and beauty, will train and tutor the celebs in his home city.

All the celebrities will have to perform popular modern procedures such as vajazzles, back, sack and crack waxes, fish pedicures, tattooing and even vampire facials.

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor: entertainment, daytime and soaps, said: "I'm taking great delight in imagining how our celebrities are going to cope with tattooing, not to mention the body piercing. Would you let an ex-soap star near your nether regions?"

Sumi Connock, creative director of entertainment for ITV Studios, said: "Liverpool is such a fun and vibrant city, which makes it the perfect location for Celebrity Super Spa.

Fiona Phillips will host this year's Tesco Mum of the Year Awards, which for the first time ever will be broadcast on Channel 5.

The awards, which are now in their eighth year, take place at London's Savoy on March 3.

Since 2006, Tesco has given out the awards to inspirational mums around the UK.

This year's winners will include Anna Kennedy, who remortgaged her home to set up a school for autistic children, Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall and local Gloucestershire pre-school campaigner Mireille Williams.

There will also be a 'Celebrity Mum of the Year' award at the event.

"I am delighted to be bringing such an inspiring and emotionally-charged event to Channel 5," said Channel 5's entertainment, daytime and soaps commissioner Greg Barnett.

"On a day when we celebrate mums, we'll be championing some of Britain's best."

Tasha Gladman, Tesco brand communications director, said: "Many mums are unsung heroines and the Tesco Mum...

Channel 5 bosses have expressed delight after their Australian soaps Home and Away and Neighbours took home both of the daytime prizes at the Inside Soap Awards 2011 last night. As announced yesterday evening, Home and Away beat off competition from Neighbours and Doctors to be named 'Best Daytime Soap' at the event in Camden, London. Meanwhile, Neighbours favourite Ryan Moloney (Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi) triumphed over castmate Jackie Woodburne, Home and Away actress Esther Anderson and Doctors actor Matthew Chambers in the 'Best Daytime Star' category. Greg Barnett - Channel 5's commissioning editor for entertainment, daytime and soaps - said today: "We're absolutely delighted Home and Away, in its 24th year, has received this accolade from UK viewers. "The series has (more)...

Channel 5 is still accepting entrants for its Home and Away 'Bay Reporter' search, which gives UK fans the chance to launch a TV presenting career and go behind-the-scenes at the long-running soap. The contest, which was first announced last month, is hunting for an aspiring TV host who will fly out to Sydney, Australia with a Channel 5 film crew and front two fanzine programmes about the Summer Bay drama. Station bosses are pleased following a number of impressive entries so far, but as the deadline for submissions is still a week away, the competition remains wide open and it could be you! Greg Barnett, Channel 5's commissioning editor of entertainment, daytime and soaps, told Digital Spy today: "I've been hugely impressed by the (more)...

Channel 5 has today announced a new competition surrounding its Australian soap Home and Away, which will give members of the public the chance to launch a TV presenting career and go behind the scenes at the long-running series. The contest, titled 'Home and Away: Bay Reporter', will search for an aspiring TV host who will fly out to Sydney, Australia with a Channel 5 film crew and present two fanzine programmes about the Summer Bay drama. Any UK resident aged 18 or over can apply for the lucrative opportunity and the lucky winner will get the chance to meet the cast, conduct star interviews, explore the sets and visit Palm Beach, where most of the serial's location scenes are filmed. Greg Barnett, Channel 5's commissioning editor of entertainment, daytime and soaps, commented: "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Home and Away is (more)...

Channel 5 has today announced a new competition surrounding its Australian soap Home and Away, which will give members of the public the chance to launch a TV presenting career and go behind the scenes at the long-running series. The contest, titled 'Home and Away: Bay Reporter', will search for an aspiring TV host who will fly out to Sydney, Australia with a Channel 5 film crew and present two fanzine programmes about the Summer Bay drama. Any UK resident aged 18 or over can apply for the lucrative opportunity and the lucky winner will get the chance to meet the cast, conduct star interviews, explore the sets and visit Palm Beach, where most of the serial's location scenes are filmed. Greg Barnett, Channel 5's commissioning editor of entertainment, daytime and soaps, commented: "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Home and Away is (more)...