The Life of Wylie Move
No CommentsThe Life of Wylie blog has moved to www.lifeofwylie.com
You can also follow me – @ianwylie – on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ianwylie
And Finally…For Now
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Update: The Life of Wylie blog has moved to www.lifeofwylie.com
THE Life of Wylie is taking a short break.
Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong.
I’m incredibly grateful to the hundreds of thousands of you who read this blog.
I check the stats every day and am amazed at how many people are kind enough to stop by.
From all four corners of the world.
Also taking the time and trouble to post comments.
Spooks: Friends Reunited
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“WHAT are you going to do to me?”
Spooks series eight begins just minutes after that series seven finale cliffhanger.
A handcuffed Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) is in a helicopter, having been kidnapped by FSB agent Viktor Sarkisian.
There are a number of shocks in episode one, not least in the closing minutes.
Those of us lucky enough to receive preview copies have been asked not to reveal certain things.
Regular readers will know that, in any event, I wouldn’t want to spoil the hard work of the writers, cast, crew and production team.
Maxine Peake: Actor Cruelty
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IT’S the moment TV directors love.
The screen splits into four but there can only be one award winner.
Which leaves three other people having to hide their disappointment.
Maxine Peake was refreshingly honest about the whole charade when I met up with her recently.
She was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award back in April.
For “Actress” to be specific – the British Academy is far too posh to place “Best” in front of it.
In the event, Salford-based Maxine, nominated for her role in Hancock and Joan, lost out to Poppy Shakespeare star Anna Maxwell Martin.
Maxine said: “When you don’t win, you go, ‘It’s all politics anyway, who cares?’
Enid: Helena Bonham Carter
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FANS of Harry Potter star Helena Bonham Carter waited patiently on the pavement outside BAFTA in London last night.
Inside a lucky few hundred of us were treated to the world premiere of the brilliant new BBC4 drama Enid.
Followed by an on-stage Q&A with Helena and the production team.
The one-off 90-minute drama about the life of Enid Blyton is superb.
As is Helena’s extraordinary portrayal of the author who brought us Noddy, The Famous Five and so much more.
Still selling eight million copies of her works every year – over 40 years after her death.
The BBC attracts plenty of critics.
But not many broadcasters in the world can bring us TV films like this of such astonishing quality.
Strictly Craig Steps Out
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“LIFE changes, doesn’t it?”
I had another good chat with Coronation Street star Craig Kelly yesterday ahead of his Strictly competitive debut tonight.
We touched on his forthcoming departure from the cobbles, but mainly talked about his “incredible” Strictly experience.
I’ve posted today’s Pg 9 MEN feature online here.
So assuming you’ve read that main interview first, here are a few extras from our conversation which were edged off the main dancefloor.
That ballet class yesterday with Darcey Bussell:
“She’s so lovely. She taught us lots of stretches and help with nerves. It was just a really nice hour and a half. I enjoyed it very much.”
Nerves ahead of his first competitive dance tonight:
Ashes To Ashes: Daniel Mays
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YOU may have last seen him as Anna Friel’s on-off plumber boyfriend in The Street.
Now the always excellent Daniel Mays is to star in the third and final series of Ashes To Ashes.
With promotion at last for Det Sgt Ray Carling (Dean Andrews).
Filming began earlier this month.
(Thanks to eagle-eyed reader Gaelle in France for spotting the “DI” Ray Carling reference, which I’m told is not a typo)
With the in-production release below arriving a few minutes ago:
London, September 2009: It’s time to get your shoulder pads out of storage, start crimping your hair and get into the 80s mood for the very last time.
The award-winning BBC One drama, Ashes to Ashes, is back as filming begins on the eagerly awaited final series.
The highly-anticipated finale sees Philip Glenister and Keeley Hawes reprise their roles as that most un-PC of policeman, DCI Gene Hunt and his sassy partner DI Alex Drake, along with Dean Andrews as DI Ray Carling, Marshall Lancaster as DC Chris Skelton and Montserrat Lombard as WPC Sharon ‘Shaz’ Granger.
Midsomer Murders: Fire Up The Escort
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JOHN Nettles appears inspired by the spirit of Gene Hunt in tomorrow night’s new Midsomer Murders film.
Without the aid of Tom Tom, Det Chief Insp Tom Barnaby navigates a speeding rally car en route to solving the latest murder mystery.
But not before ending up flat out after a highly entertaining cycling stunt on his front drive.
Written by Michael Russell, The Glitch will delight fans of Midsomer’s beautiful countryside.
It’s the 70th episode, with the next series – 13 – now in production ahead of John’s last filming day in 2010 after his decision to retire from the role.
His replacement is due to be announced next month.
But, as has been said many times before, John Nettles will be a very hard act to follow.
“Oh yes, what a genius,” exclaims Barnaby after fixing the chain on watching wife Joyce’s (Jane Wymark) bicycle.
Merlin: Mackenzie Crook And Extras
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THERE was plenty of laughter at the recent Merlin round table interview.
Ahead of the start of the second BBC1 series tomorrow night.
Colin Morgan (Merlin), Bradley James (Arthur), Angel Coulby (Gwen), Katie McGrath (Morgana) and Richard Wilson (Gaius) were there.
With Anthony Head (King Uther) arriving just as it finished – but taking part in a later audience Q&A.
Merlin fans will no doubt already have read this week’s feature here.
And the blog here.
But they appear to have an insatiable appetite for news of the show.
So with that in mind, here are some extracts from the round table which didn’t make it into the feature.
Criminal Justice: Maxine And Matthew
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“DID anyone ask why..?”
Prepare to clear your diary for a special TV event.
Peter Moffat’s BAFTA award-winning Criminal Justice returns to BBC1 next month for five consecutive nights.
I saw episode one last night in a West End cinema.
Having interviewed leading lady Maxine Peake last week in a restaurant just around the corner.
She stars as Juliet Miller, the troubled wife of top QC Joe Miller, played by Matthew Macfadyen.
Both give gripping performances as the first hour slowly unfolds.
