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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan updated fans on a short-eared owl's next - which was first shown last week. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest" and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, opened up about an off-screen row with Chris, 64. Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Michaela said in an interview with The Times: 'He has all the facts, whereas I love the stories surrounding a particular nest. "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Springwatch viewers furiously slam show as they demand bosses warn them before grisly scenes
SPRINGWATCH viewers have slammed the show and demanded bosses warn them before grisly scenes. next - which was first shown last week. Advertisement 4 Countryfile featued an update on a short-eared owl's nest Credit: BBC 4 Viewers have demanded a warning before grisly scenes Credit: BBC 4 Chris and Michaela revealed the developments to viewers Credit: BBC However, the BBC show faced viewer backlash following scenes of one animal's demise. Chris explained: "There were six youngsters in the nest " and added: "Last night there were only two left in the nest ." The other four had spread out in a bid to avoid capture by predators. Meanwhile, Michaela admitted the team was "really surprised" upon telling viewers how one chick ate its sibling. Advertisement Read more on Springwatch This occurred after "nights of hunger" and the younger chick became "weak and defenceless". Viewers were horrified by the disturbing scenes and soon shared their reactions on social media. One wrote: "Baby owl eating its sibling alive ffs. Give us a 5-minute warning next time." Another penned: "Ffs that was didn't die and get eaten, it was pulled apart alive poor thing." Advertisement Most read in News TV A third chimed in: "Oh no, the owl chick eating its sibling whilst still alive. Horrible." While a fourth commented: "Oh my was grim, poor baby." Michaela Strachan looks worlds away from Springwatch as she celebrates family wedding Earlier this year, Michaela, 59, Admitting they are sometimes opposites in their presenting styles, Advertisement "Last year I had to really fight my corner — a buzzard pecked its sibling to death and chucked it out of the nest onto the ground. "Chris and the team wanted to put a camera on all the beasts that were eating it. Everything you need to know about Springwatch Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom It's presented by Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two The show's popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022 Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011 "He was saying, 'It's really interesting.' I said, 'Yes, but it's a step too far. Our audience has invested in that little chick, we don't need to see it now being decimated with a slow-mo camera.' "In the end we didn't have room for the footage." Advertisement Michaela added: "You've got to keep it a little bit positive.' Springwatch airs on BBC Two and iPlayer. 4 Fans shared their horrified reactions on social media Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I had to ring him,' says June Rodgers after warning husband over character Birdie's ‘reputation' in Mrs Brown's Boys
STAGE legend June Rodgers has revealed she had to warn her husband she was playing a woman with babies by seven different fellas in Mrs Brown's Boys. The Advertisement 4 June Rodgers has revealed she had to warn her husband about her new role Credit: Journalist Collects 4 She plays the best pal and neighbour of Agnes Brown, Birdie Flanagan, in the show's first mini-series since 2013 Credit: BBC 4 She said she 'had to ring my husband Peter to let him know what his wife was doing on TV' June will star in all four episodes as However, June admits she got a shock when Mrs Brown's Boys star June told The Irish Sun: 'Birdie has a reputation in that she had seven While June's character Birdie faced some opposition on screen from fellow neighbour Winnie McGoogan, jealous of her growing friendship with their mutual pal Agnes, off screen June said the cast of Mrs Brown couldn't have been more welcoming. Advertisement READ MORE ON MRS BROWN'S BOYS June told us: 'We had an EastEnders actress in the cast and when we finished filming, she said she wished she was coming into this every day. Mrs Brown's set is such fun and there's a great atmosphere. 'Much of that is down to Brendan. He is holding it all together and has such a huge responsibility on his shoulders. But Brendan never loses it and always keeps the ball rolling.' While critics of the show have called for it to be culled after ratings slumped for the Christmas specials, June claims Mrs Brown is in rude health. She told us: 'I only wish those critics could see the reaction of the audiences in Glasgow while we were filming. They absolutely love it. Advertisement Most read in News TV 'They would be queuing outside the 'You'd have 350 in the audience and another 300 people in the viewing room howling with laughter.' Mrs Brown's Boys star insists racist joke at Christmas special filming 'was a good thing' for the BBC because it 'raised awareness' Another fan of Mrs Brown turned up unexpectedly during the filming to say hello, country superstar Daniel O'Donnell. June said: 'You don't expect to meet Advertisement June revealed she is hanging up her mic on her live Christmas show which she's been doing for over two decades. However, fans will be able to enjoy June over the festive period as Brendan has booked her for his two Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials. June said: 'In my own show, I have 20 people working with me and it's stressful. But on Mrs Brown's Boys, I just relax and only have to think about myself. I was heading for a bus pass — and instead I'm on the BBC.' 4 Brendan has booked June for his two Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas specials Credit: BBC Advertisement
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
On the Box: ‘Pride and Prejudice' at 30 – does the BBC's beloved 1995 series still sparkle?
The two most famous big-screen versions are the 1940 film with Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet and Laurence Olivier as Fitzwilliam Darcy, and the 2005 one with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. But when it comes to bringing Austen's most popular novel to television, the BBC just can't keep its hands off it. It was first adapted in 1938, and again in 1949, 1952 and 1958. These four versions are considered lost productions. The BBC had another shot at it in 1967, and yet another in 1980. But the best-remembered, most critically acclaimed and most enduringly popular BBC adaptation of all is the six-part 1995 one with Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth and Colin Firth as Darcy. To mark the series' 30th anniversary, and the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth, BBC4 is reshowing it this week with three episodes on Wednesday, June 4, at 10.15pm and the remaining three at 11.15pm the following night. STUFFY Up to that point, British TV's period literary dramas tended to be staid, stuffy, stagey productions, heavy on reverence for the source material and light on visual flair or innovation. They were shot mainly on videotape in a studio, with a clunky transition to film inserts for the outdoor scenes. Pride and Prejudice changed all that – and indeed changed the way period dramas were made from then on. Producer Sue Birtwistle insisted the series be shot on 16mm film – an expensive undertaking that pushed the budget, shouldered between the BBC and America's A&E Network, up to a million pounds an episode. Screenwriter Andrew Davies, who shared Birtwistle's love of the novel, wanted this version to be a more modern interpretation and to have something the previous ones lacked: a real sense of the attraction/tension between the smart, free-spirited Elizabeth and the seemingly haughty, emotionally reserved Darcy. In other words, he wanted to make it sexy as well as romantic. He certainly succeeded in his aim. A famous scene in episode 5, when Elizabeth comes upon Darcy as he emerges from a swim in a lake, his soaking wet shirt clinging to his torso, became Pride and Prejudice's most iconic moment, despite being an addition by Davies that had no equivalent in the novel. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more To say the series was a success is a chronic understatement. It was a cultural phenomenon. Between 10 and 11 million viewers in the UK watched it on Sunday nights, with a further 3.7 million tuning in in the US, where it was shown on A&E in double-episodes over three consecutive nights. Even before the final episode had aired, the double-cassette video of the series had sold 100,000 copies, unprecedented at the time. There were hundreds of articles about it and a shower of awards nominations on both sides of the Atlantic, including a best actress Bafta win for Ehle. The American-born actress chose not to capitalise on her newfound fame and instead returned to the theatre with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Firth, who was nominated for a Bafta, but lost to Robbie Coltrane in Cracker, became an international star almost overnight, as well as a reluctant sex symbol (due to that wet shirt). Thirty years on, how does Pride and Prejudice measure up against today's TV dramas? The answer is extremely favourably. It's briskly paced and the satire of money and class distinction has a nice, sharp edge to it. The chemistry between Ehle and Firth still jumps off the screen (the pair were a real-life couple for a year) and is the main reason it remains so watchable. Not everything stands up to 21st-century scrutiny, though. Alison Steadman, as Elizabeth's status-obsessed mother, is so gratingly far over the top, she appears to have wandered in from a film called Carry on Jane Austen. As the bitchy, snobby Caroline Bingley, Anna Chancellor goes full-on panto villain, alternating between sneering and wearing the sour expression of someone who's accidentally taken a bite out of a lemon. The series should probably be TV's last word on the novel. It isn't, of course. Netflix is making a new version with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden.
The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Death Valley: does it deserve a welcome in the hillsides?
** I can imagine the pitch meeting only too well. 'So, what do you have for us?' 'A murder mystery.' 'Sounds quirky. Always risky, quirky, when dealing with death. Unless it's Only Murders in the Building, that's genius. Is it like Only Murders in the Building?' 'Well, the central character is a retired actor who used to play a detective on TV, and he solves cases with a kooky young woman Detective Sergeant, so it is a bit like Only Murders.' 'Kooky. That's as bad as quirky. Where's it set?' 'Vale of Glamorgan, hence Death Valley. Plenty of local actors involved, including Steffan Rhodri, aka Dave Coaches from Gavin and Stacey, and Gwen from Gavin and Stacey plays the mum of the young woman DS.' 'Gavin and Stacey, eh? That's more promising, but I still think it would be more at home in a sleepy afternoon slot rather than Sunday evening. So sorry, it's a no.' 'Did I mention we've got Timothy Spall, bona fide national treasure, lined up to play the retired telly detective?' 'Talk about burying the lead, mate! We'll have six episodes and don't stint on the scenery.' Given the series' reliance on Spall, the first episode takes too long to introduce his character. Police have been called to the home of a property developer who appears to have shot himself. As forensics officers gather evidence, there's a telly on in the background showing old re-runs of Caesar, starring John Chapel (Spall) as the crime-cracking supremo with a literary bent. Turns out Chapel lives in the village, and the officer in charge of the shooting investigation, DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), is his number one fan. But Chapel is a recluse and doesn't want to help. Then he does want to help, but now Mallowan has cooled on the idea of having a civilian involved. In short, a monumental amount of faffing goes on before we can get down to business, by which time the Janie character has become seriously annoying. It is a pity because under other circumstances, Kirstie Allsopp-lookalike Keyworth would be a likeable sort. And perhaps the gentle humour would land better. Are jokes about star signs still a thing? Spall is incapable of a duff performance, and his delightfully hammy Chapel/Caesar is reason enough to keep watching. But national treasure or not, the national patience has its limits. With the full series on iPlayer now, the better news for writer Paul Doolan is that Death Valley settles down and starts to grow on you, and a couple of starry guest appearances liven things up no end. This, however, was a patchy start. One of the highlights of the weekend (apart from the Bob Servant night on BBC4 on Saturday), was the documentary Liza: a Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. The 101-minute film lived up to its title, with the standout turn Mia Farrow passing judgment on all who had crossed Minnelli's path, for good and ill. A portrait of Farrow next, please.
