Saturday’s TV tips
Anyone who thinks there still isn’t enough Alexander Armstrong on TV is in for a treat this weekend.
Not only is he taking part in VE Day 70: A Party to Remember later this evening, and hosting this week’s Sunday Night at the Palladium, he’s also bringing us this celebrity edition of his quiz show.
The celebrity duos are teams Henry Kelly and Matthew Kelly (no relation, but they did present Game for a Laugh Together), Tom O’Connor and Jenny Powell, Nina Myskow and Gyles Brandreth and Ulrika Jonsson and Nick Hancock. As ever, Richard Osman is the man with the answers.
Strictly veterans Zoe Ball and Darcey Bussell present the first ever grand final of the BBC Young Dancer competition – and it’s such a momentous occasion, the series has moved over from BBC Four. Following the preliminary rounds, six dancers have been selected to perform in one of four categories; ballet, contemporary, hip hop and South Asian dance.
Now, to impress the very distinguished panel of judges they must perform a brand new routine created for them by a leading choreographer, a solo from their repertoire, and a duet – or if they are hip hop dancers, a battle.
The battle between Aeson and Pasiphae for Jason’s soul reaches a devastating climax as the warrior is caught by the ruthless queen’s soldiers. Jason’s friends know they must do all they can to save him before he is lost for ever, and Aeson undertakes a brave and deadly mission into Atlantis to rescue his son.
However, he is just one man, and with traitors on all sides plotting to stop him, his chances of success seem slim.
Jack Donnelly, Sarah Parish and John Hannah star in the fantasy adventure.
So far, it seems to be the four-legged contestants that have been making the biggest headlines on Britain’s Got Talent, from Princess the ’hypnodog’, to controversial talking pooch Wendy.
However, the humans have been fighting back with singer Calum Scott and dancers Boyband also tipped as potential winners.
But will any other contenders emerge in this latest audition round, as more hopefuls perform for Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, or are the canines already making plans for their £250,000 prize?
(2010) Fearless archer Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) and his friends Little John (Kevin Durand), Will Scarlet (Scott Grimes) and Allan A’Dayle (Alan Doyle) head back to England after Richard
The Lionheart (Danny Huston) is slain on the battlefield by the besieged French.
To secure safe passage home, Robin poses as slain knight Sir Robert Loxley (Douglas Hodge) and continues the ruse with the dead man’s wife, Marion (Cate Blanchett), in order that she clings onto the family estate once ruled by the now blind and decrepit, Sir Walter Loxley (Max von Sydow). Over time, Robin falls in love with Marion but any chances of an enduring romance are threatened by double-crossing Godfrey (Mark Strong).
(2011) A socially awkward fisheries expert reels in a spirited soul-mate in Lasse Hallstrom’s unabashedly feel-good confection, based on the novel by Paul Torday.
Directed with a light touch, the wrings every last drop of sentiment out of its slender premise, proving that polar opposites attract – especially if it leads to a traditional happy ending. Hallstrom is well served by his predominantly British cast.
Ewan McGregor hides his sex appeal behind grey suits and mournful eyes, while Emily Blunt is luminous as a high-flying career woman, presented with an agonising choice between two paramours. Rachael Stirling, Amr Waked and Conleth Hill also star.
It must be difficult for former sports stars hoping to start a new career in TV once their playing days are over. Not only do they have to compete with other retired athletes to become pundits and commentators, they now also have to go up against other assorted celebs if they want a place on small-screen sports quizzes.
On this week’s Play to the Whistle, the contestants who didn’t gain fame due to their sporting prowess include comedian Bob Mortimer and Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson, although there is one man with an impressive athletic CV in the shape of former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash. They’ll be joining host Holly Willoughby, team captains Frank Lampard and Bradley Walsh, and umpire Seann Walsh.
