Welcome back Cat! Miss Deeley leads the British television personalities taking part in US Royal Wedding coverage

By Andrea Magrath


Royal correspondent: Cat Deeley on location at Buckingham Palace today, where she is reporting for CNN on the Royal wedding


She's one of a select few who have made the leap across the pond to find success on U.S. television.

But Cat Deeley is proudly back on home turf to star in American coverage of the Royal Wedding this week.

The So You Think You Can Dance presenter looked in her element as she ran around the media area across from Buckingham Palace today in a summery outfit of cream blouse and leather shorts.


Cat, 34, is fronting the CNN coverage of the Royal nuptials alongside Piers Morgan, who was also spotted filming a live cross to the US network today.

While Piers sweated it out in a suit, Cat made the most of the spring weather in her shorts and blouse ensemble.

While she tweeted that her co-host seemed a little unsure of her choice of wardrobe, Piers appeared to enjoy the view. He wrote on his own Twitter page: 'Just seen my #CNN royal wedding co-anchor @catdeeley in an almost criminally short pair of leather hotpants. Quite perked up the afternoon.'

Fun work: The So You Think You Can Dance presenter shares a laugh with the CNN crew


Miss Deeley appeared on the Ellen show last week where she said: 'It's kind of exciting. But there's a bit of me that's absolutely terrified.

'There'll be more than 750 million people watching and it slightly makes me want to vomit slightly into my own mouth.

'I'm very nervous about it. But I think it's going to be good!'

Sharon Osbourne is another big name Brit reporting from London for American audiences. She is fronting coverage for CBS show The Insider with actress Jane Seymour.

Let's get serious: The 34-year-old got to work in front of the media centre erected opposite the Palace


Sharon, who went to the same hair salon as Princess Diana says: 'I am so excited to be part of the family to help bring [viewers] the biggest story on both sides of the pond since Princess Diana said 'I do!'

Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman star Seymour appears to be relishing her new role as a royal reporter. She said: 'I was able to speak to Prince William's private secretary.

'I asked "what would Prince William and Catherine want us to know about them?" And he said their personal friends were all told to not talk to anyone, but let [him] have a think.

All going well: Cat's CNN co-host Piers Morgan gives a thumbs up before preparing to go on air today

International interest: Sharon Osbourne is covering the event for CBS with Jane Seymour

'About two days later I got this wonderful e-mail with four names and the invitation to talk to them about various things.

'I just thought, wouldn't it be great to actually [cover] this with someone and do it properly and actually get the inside scoop!'

Sharon's daughter Kelly will also be involved in coverage from LA, presenting a special edition of the E! channel's Fashion Police.

Entertainment network E! have hired X Factor host Dermot O'Leary to assist with their coverage alongside regular anchor Giuliana Rancic for E! News.

The Brits aren't the only ones excitedly preparing for the big day.
Stars of major American news networks have been landing in London this week.

CBS News anchor Katie Couric is in town, and excitedly tweeted a picture of her wearing her wedding fascinator this week.

Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters will be leading the ABC network coverage.

Hats off to you: American news anchor Katie Couric excitedly tweeted this picture of her wedding fascinator

Media centre: International networks are cramming into the specially erected stands opposite Buckingham Palace


source:dailymail

Ellie's Palace date: William and Kate invite Ellie Goulding to serenade them at reception

By Sara Nathan


By Royal appointment: Ellie Goulding, 24, is to perform at the Royal Wedding after-dinner party


Prince William and Kate Middleton have asked a rising British star to perform at their wedding reception – and will be serenaded by her touching version of Elton John’s hit Your Song.

Pretty blonde Ellie Goulding, 24, was shocked to receive a personal invitation from the soon-to-be-Royal newlyweds to perform at Buckingham Palace at the after-dinner party, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The talented singer, who won the BBC Sound of 2010 poll and was also awarded the Critics Choice Award at the 2010 BRIT Awards, will be the only singer to perform at the reception.


And last night, a source said Miss Goulding had been chosen by the Royal couple as they were both ‘big fans’ of her music and had bought her debut album Lights, which topped the charts following its release in March 2010.

The insider told the Mail: ‘Ellie was knocked off her feet when she received the invitation to perform for Prince William and Kate – and was so hugely honoured when they said they were both big fans of her music.

‘She still can’t quite believe that she will perform for the Royal newlyweds, all the young Royal guests and their friends, it hasn’t sunk in yet.’

Fans: William and Kate, pictured leaving a wedding rehearsal tonight, invited the singer to serenade them with her cover of Elton John's Your Song


The petite star’s hits have included singles Starry Eyed, Guns And Horses, and The Writer, which peaked at numbers 4, 26, and 19 respectively.

But it was her beautiful version of Sir Elton John’s 1970 hit Your Song that helped her gain wider recognition as it was chosen for the John Lewis Christmas advertising campaign.

The cover became Miss Goulding's highest-charting single to date, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Miss Goulding’s appearance is in keeping with the theme of the evening, a dinner/dance for 300 of Prince Wiliam and Kate’s closest friends and family.

Rumours have circulated that the couple were also keen to have Beyonce and Jay-Z perform.

Chart topper: The Starry Eyed singer's touching version of the classic song helped her gain wider recognition as it was chosen for the John Lewis Christmas advertising campaign


The Mail told how William has insisted he wants the party to be different ‘from the formal champagne and canapé reception being thrown by the Queen immediately after the wedding.’

Miss Goulding is set to serenade the newlyweds with her version of Your Song, a song written by Sir Elton John, a close friend of William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Far from Prince William’s gilded childhood and his fiancee’s middle-class upbringing, Miss Goulding was brought up in Hereford in a council house that she said was filled with ‘moth-eaten, flea-ridden furniture with holes in it was handed down from my nana’.

And in somewhat of an understatement, Miss Goulding revealed: ‘I didn’t have the best childhood.’

The odds were most definitely stacked against her making it in the cut-throat music industry after her father walked out on her family when she was just five, leaving her mother, a supermarket check-out worker, to bring up four children single-handedly.

Miss Goulding has talked of about her hatred for her stepfather and told how she witnessed some traumatic scenes growing up, including visits from bailiffs who repossessed the TV as she sat watching it with her brother and sisters.

Speculation: Rumours have circulated that the couple were also keen to have Beyonce and Jay-Z perform


The singer said last year: ‘There was me, my older sister, my younger sister and my brother living with my mum and stepdad. I shared a room with my sisters in this tiny little council house.

‘We didn't have much money and my stepdad was horrible. He wasn't strict and he wasn't drunk, he just wasn't very intelligent.

‘He had no brains at all. He was a lorry driver with a tattoo of a bulldog smoking a spliff. The other tattoo he had was a snake with a dagger through it.’

Her mother has since re-married and Miss Goulding said: ‘I don't know why my mum was with him, to be honest.

‘I think it was because he was willing to take on four kids. But they never got on. She was with him for about 15 years.

‘It was horrible. I was desperate to get out so I got really stuck in at school and tried my best to get a great education.’

The singer left home at 16 and then funded herself through university, adding: ‘I never remember having a plan. All I could think about was how I was going to afford to get into college or where I was going to stay because I hated being at home.

I didn't really have time to think about anything in the future. I didn't think about a career or anything.

After studying two years of a three-year drama degree, she left the University Of Kent, Canterbury, to focus on her up-and-coming pop career.

Her determination and hard work finally landed her a big break when she was signed to Polydor Records in 2009. Even before that she had a publishing deal and wrote songs for singer including X Factor finalist Diana Vickers.

But of course as soon as she became famous, Miss Goulding’s father John resurfaced, calling to wish her well.

And she said: "He was in a band that almost got signed when he was young and I wonder if that's partly to do with the call.’

Miss Goulding is happily in a relationship with up-and-coming Radio One DJ Greg James and added: ‘I think a lot of people would be closed about such a weird childhood but I just want other girls and boys in my situation to know they can do something and they can break away from it like I did.’


source:dailymail

Flower power! Glee star Lea Michele looks blooming gorgeous in aqua blue dress while filming in New York

By Daily Mail Reporter


Spring in her step: Lea looked stunning in a bright turquoise dress, ivory kitten heels and a matching bag


Her character Rachel Berry is widely derided on Glee for her poor taste in fashion.

But today, there was clearly nothing lacking in the style stakes for Lea Michele, who plays the wannabe singer.

While filming a scene in New York, Lea looked stunning in a turquoise short-sleeved dress and ivory kitten heels.


She held a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers after filming a scene with Cory Monteith, who plays her on-off boyfriend Finn.

Cory also dressed up for the scene, looking dapper in a smart suit and tie.

However, the difference in the stars' heights meant that diminutive Lea had to stand on a box while filming.

Glee star Lea Michele looks blooming gorgeous in aqua blue dress while filming in New York

Box of tricks: Diminutive Lea had to stand on a box for a scene in which co-star Corey Monteith hands her the bouquet


However, the 23-year-old actress is clearly enjoying herself in the Big Apple tweeting:

'Good morning! This city is so beautiful... Ready for another great day... :) Just had so much fun filming!! Filming in NYC is simply wonderful.'

Meanwhile, her co-star Cory was excited about the musical 'mash up' the cast were performing.

Fragrant: Corey hides his face behind the multi-coloured spring blooms as the stars film in the New York sunshine

Happy couple: The pair smile as they stroll through New York


'In all seriousness, the New York mashup we are doing today will probably make your head explode. So awesome,' he wrote on his Twitter page.

Later on, Lea changed outfits for more scenes with the rest of the cast.

She wore a short blue skirt, long sleeved cream jumper, rust coloured tights and yellow shoes as she filmed alongside cast members Mark Salling, Dianna Agron and Ashley Fink.

The cast have been filming over the past couple of days in the Big Apple, and are expected to remain for a week and a half to shoot scenes for the season finale.

Blooming marvellous: Both Lea and Cory have tweeted about how much they are enjoying filming in the city


Quick change: Lea Michele later changed into a blue skirt, long sleeved cream top, rust coloured tights and yellow shoes for scenes in Central Park with the rest of the cast


source:dailymail

The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and fiance Jay Cutler arrive back from Mexico after getting engaged on romantic break

By Daily Mail Reporter


Wedded bliss here we come: Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler arrived back in Los Angeles today after getting engaged over the weekend in Mexico


Kristin Cavallari arrived back from her romantic Mexico break today with Jay Cutler after the pair got engaged this weekend.

The reality TV star, who was proposed to by the NFL star Cutler during their getaway, looked casual in short shorts and a white vest top as she strolled through Los Angeles LAX Airport.

She kept any sign of an engagement ring hidden underneath a long sleeved black cardigan.

Toned and tanned: The Hills reality star looked relaxed in a casual ensemble of short shorts and a white vest top


Celebrity website People.com reported that sources close to the former star of The Hills confirmed the happy news.

An insider said: 'He surprised her with a quick trip to Cabo to ask her to marry him.'

There is no news yet on a date for the nuptials.

Kristin, who first rose to fame on MTV reality show Laguna Beach.


Happy news: Cavallari and NFL star Cutler have been dating since last autumn


The 24-year-old first started dating Cutler last autumn and has had previous relationships with Brody Jenner, a fellow co-star on The Hills.

Recently she told People magazine about how happy she was being in a relationship with Cutler.

'I'm in love... and it's been great,' she said earlier this year.


source:dailymail

Willow Smith finally raises a smile on Sasha Obama's face at White House Easter party

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Picture of misery: Nine-year-old Sasha, centre, looks less than amused as her parents read out Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to a young audience at the White House. Her sister Malia, 12, does a much better job


Willow's mother and Michelle Obama cheered her on at event

One thing was clear for the President today - his daughter's far more interested in watching a pop star perform that letting him read her bedtime stories.

Nine-year-old Sasha Obama looked the picture of misery as she listened to Barack read out a story at the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll.

But she cheered up remarkably once her father's story was over, dancing and smiling as Will Smith's daughter, Willow, performed in a concert later in the afternoon.


What a transformation! Sasha looked much happier once Willow Smith, right, took to the stage for a concert


While her elder sister Malia managed to summon at least a hint of interest, Sasha seemed thoroughly bored by the whole affair, propping her head up with her hand as she struggled to stay awake.

But Sasha was much happier when 10-year-old Willow Smith proved to be quite the consummate as she performed to a packed crowd at the White House.

The singer delighted crowds who assembled on the lawn at the U.S. President's residence for the annual Easter party, complete with games, storytelling and a visit from the Easter Bunny.


Whip it! Willow Smith, the daughter of actor Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, performs her hit song Whip My Hair at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington today


Support: Her mother Jada and the U.S. President's wife Michelle Obama cheered her on from the packed crowd, which assembled on the famous South Lawn


Get me out of here: Sasha, left, looks distinctly unimpressed by her parents' storytelling, while elder sister Malia, 12, looks to the family's dog Bo to keep her entertained



Cheer up dear: Sasha manages a brief smile when Bo joins in the storytelling at the White House Easter Egg Roll


Mrs Obama said it was 'pretty amazing' that a record 30,000 were expected to attend. All 50 states and Washington, D.C., were represented, according to the White House.

'We are so excited about this year's Easter egg roll,' she said. 'The theme is "Get Up and Go!" because, as you know, I'm a big proponent of getting up and going, making sure we're moving and eating healthy, and this Easter egg roll reflects all of that.'

The event began at 7.30am and ran all day. Tickets were allocated to five groups, each of 6,000 people, who were allowed to spend two hours on the South Lawn.

Mrs Obama has travelled around the country stressing healthy eating and exercise as part of a nationwide campaign against childhood obesity.


Nice work, sis: Willow was also supported by her 12-year-old brother Jaden


On a roll: Children take part in the annual event on the South Lawn of the White House


Doting parents: Actor Will Smith and Jada flick peace signs to the cameras as he leave the White House after their daughter Willow's soundcheck yesterday


source: dailymail

'A British singer convicted of assault': How hot favourite for U.S. X Factor Cheryl Cole is being introduced to America

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


'A Brit singer convicted of assault': An influential U.S. blogger doesn't seem overly impressed with Cheryl Cole


She’s hardly known over in the states and Jennifer Lopez only just seemed to be aware of what she does so it’s fair to say that Cheryl Cole has certainly got her work cut out in cracking America.

But now an influential U.S. blogger has described England’s sweetheart as ‘a Brit singer convicted of assault’ and referred to her as ‘this Cole woman’ - not the best introduction she could have hope for.

In an interview with music mogul and X Factor supremo Simon Cowell, Nikki Finke, editor of Deadline Hollywood has revealed that Cheryl is a ‘shoo-in’ for the U.S. version of the show alongside Paula Abdul – but she isn’t holding back on the fact she isn’t convinced by the Geordie singer.


And Finke's opinion matters - not only has she set up Deadline.com before selling it in 2009 for a reported $14million while still remaining as editor-in-chief, but she also writes for L.A. Weekly and is renowned for her strong views.

Finke writes that none of the contestants auditioning for the American version of the show will ‘have a clue about Cole’.

Strong support: Cowell has told Finke that Cheryl is a very special person and said he always wanted Paula to be on the show


The blogger also details Cheryl’s ‘rough’ history including her conviction for assault and subsequent community service.

However the interview does clearly show Simon’s strong support for the pop princess he gushes about Cheryl to Nikki.

Speaking about when he initially hired Cheryl for the British version of the show Cowell told Finke: ‘I’d only met her literally once when I offered her the job on X Factor.

Final lineup: LA Reid will join Cowell on the judging panel while Nicole Scherzinger, who was at one stage tipped to be a judge, will host the show


'I thought she was bright, cute, knew what she was talking about, ambitious. And you meet someone special a few times in your life.. And this girl is special.’

He also quashes rumours, widely reported, that Fox wasn’t convinced by Cheryl.

Cowell said: ‘Mike Darnell and Peter Rice will tell you they wanted her all the time.’

‘They absolutely fell in love with her. In a way, the deal, it was almost conditional on Cheryl having the gig. They were desperate for her.’

And Cowell also reveals he has wanted Paula Abdul all along he said: ‘I've always wanted Paula. Always been very vocal about that. I missed her the second she left the show.’

Deals haven’t been finalised for Cheryl and for Paula- and the only officially confirmed judge being LA Reid- but the final four is quiet clear, Cowell, Cole, Abdul and Reid, with Nicole Scherzinger as host.

But for Finke the lineup doesn't impress and she ponders: ‘Will Cowell with this panel that's more of a "ZZZZZZ Factor" than The X Factor?’

And while she isn't particularly complementary about former Popstars contestant Cheryl, perhaps her most scathing comments are reserved for Cowell himself.

She concludes: 'Cowell wants himself to be the only celebrated celebrity on his new show.'



source:dailymail

The TOWIE gang get set for the Royal Wedding, but insist: 'Mark and Lauren's will be bigger!'

By Daily Mail Reporter


Street party: The Only Way Is Essex stars get ready for the Royal Wedding with a patriotic street party


They are BAFTA nominees and some of the most talked-about people in the country but, alas, the cast of The Only Way Is Essex have not been invited to the Royal Wedding.

The reality stars aren't concerned about the snub though, as they insist that the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton will pale in comparison to those of their own betrothed couple, Mark Wright and Lauren Goodger.

Even so, the Essex gang will be celebrating on Friday and have thrown a patriotic street party in preparation.


Decked out in blue, red and white, the cast including Amy Childs, Sam Faiers and Joey Essex have posed for a new! magazine photoshoot and each give their opinion on the upcoming wedding.

Lauren, whose engagement party on last week's episode made quite an impression with arrivals on horseback and her in a dazzling white gown, declares: 'Me and Kate are in competition.'

Co-star Lydia Bright adds: 'Mark and Lauren's wedding will be bigger.'

Battles of the brides: Lauren Goodger insists her wedding to Mark Wright will be 'bigger' than Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials

Where is the carriage? Groom-to-be Mark arrived at his engagement party with best friend James 'Arg' Argent on horseback

Cast members asked during their engagement party how the on/off couple plan to top their extravagant bash, but Lauren replied confidently, 'Oh it is going to be a million times bigger!'

Sam Faiers and Jessica Wright hold a candle for future King, with glamour model turned boutique owner Sam admitting to new! that she 'fancies' Prince William, Jessica adding: 'I'd choose Wills over Harry!'

But others aren't keeping up with the wedding that has gripped the nation.

Joey Essex, who has quickly become a fan favourite for his dim-witted nuances, appears a bit confused by all the fuss, asking 'What wedding?'

While Sam and her sister Billie told Mail Online last week that they would love to dress Kate Middleton, co-star Amy Childs has also weighed in with her style opinion. 'Kate should wear pink,' she says.

Lucy and Harry are also riveted by Miss Middleton's wedding gown.

The fashion worker echoed the thoughts of most of the world, saying 'I want to see the dress.'

'Kate better bring the glam': The super-styled cast (pictured filming yesterday) have high expectations for the wedding fashions, with Amy Childs saying she thinks 'Kate should wear pink'


Harry has high expectations. 'Kate better bring the glam,' he warns.

But while the girls are enraptured with the romance and glamour, James 'Arg' Argent is more focused on the party side of things.

'Let's get drunk,' is his eloquent opinion.

Read the full story on this week's new! magazine, on sale today.



source:dailymail

Glee's Lea Michele lights up Times Square in a technicolour coat

By Daily Mail Reporter


I've arrived! Lea Michele films scenes for Glee in a colourful outfit in the middle of Times Square New York today


Lea Michele found a sure fire way to stand out from the crowd as she filmed in New York's Times Square today.

The 24-year-old donned a vibrant multi-coloured striped coat with red tights, yellow shoes and a cream beret hat to shoot scenes for the hit show.

The actress threw her arms in the air with a delight while cameras rolled on the first ever episode of the show to be filmed in the Big Apple.


While the exact plot details surrounding the New York visit remain under wraps, Lea is thrilled at the chance to film on the East Coast.

'Now it’s time to get movin because my dream of shooting Glee in NYC is finally coming true! Hope u r ready NYC…Miss Rachel Berry is here!!' she tweeted before the shoot.

She was joined on location by co-stars Cory Monteith, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Heather Morris, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling and Ashley Fink.

Glee-full: Lea wore a vibrant outfit as she excitedly performed scenes on the location set

Singing in the street: Lea was joined by the rest of the Glee cast as they shot a musical number in the middle of Times Square


The girls were spotted filming a musical number which involved dancing their way down a huge flight of stairs in the middle of Times Square.

The boys were spotted watching from behind the scenes.

Lea recently revealed quite how close she is with her female cast mates admitting they even have a regular girlie night that they call the 'First Wives Club.'

In an interview with Marie Claire Michele says: 'It started a year and a half ago.

She's got the moves: Heather Morris strikes a pose while Lea Michele and Jenna Ushkowitz giggle


'The girls would get a bottle of red wine and stay a few hours after work to hang out and catch up in my trailer.

'Now we do it whenever we want.

'Occasionally we'll let one of the boys in and it's so funny to hear them talk about it. They're like: "Have you been to First Wives Club?"

'''I've been once... did they let you in? They let me in last week but they wouldn't let me in this week".'

Lunch break: The cast enjoyed sandwiches on the steps in between takes

Bright sight: Dianna Agron donned an orange trench while Chris Colfer rocked a purple shirt and fur hat for the shoot


'We also hang out a lot together off the set - I'm with Dianna, Amber and Jenna [Ushkowitz who plays Tina Cohen-Chang] nearly every day.'

Michele also admits to having a good relationship with her male cast mates, revealing that she teases Cory Monteith - who plays Finn Hudson - about the day he dropped her on set.

She says: 'In the Rocky Horror episode I had a scene where I fainted and Cory would catch me.

'We did it 600 times, but on one take he forgot to catch me and I hit the deck, hard.
'I will never let him live that one down - the day he dropped me.'

Lazy boys: Cory Monteith and Mark Salling had a more relaxed appearance than the girls

All together: Lea Michele, Diana Agron, Jenna Ushkowitz, Heather Morris and Ashley Fink danced their way down a flight of stairs as they filmed the musical number


source:dailymail

New Doctor Who episode billed as scariest yet sees ratings FALL by 1.5m (And Britain's Got Talent is also on the slide)

By Simon Cable


Losing out to the weather? The latest episode of Dr Who starring Matt Smith (right), Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill, attracted a smaller audience than last year's series opener


It was billed as one of the scariest Doctor Who episodes ever. But when the series returned on Saturday, the Time Lord found himself facing an unexpected enemy – the sunshine.

The first episode was watched by an average of 6.4million viewers, according to overnight figures, down by almost 1.5million on the equivalent episode last year.

With many choosing to make the most of the good weather, it meant it was the lowest-rating series opener since the much-loved drama was revived on Easter weekend in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston in the lead role.


However Saturday’s episode, The Impossible Astronaut – which pitted Matt Smith’s Doctor against creepy new alien menace the Silence – still drew an impressive 36.7 per cent of the available audience, with figures peaking at seven million.

And when ‘time shift’ figures for those who recorded the show to watch later are added in, the final figure is expected to be much higher.

When Doctor Who returned to television screens in 2005 after a 16-year absence the opening show attracted a peak audience of 10.5million. The following year, 9.8million tuned in to see David Tennant’s debut as the Time Lord.

The BBC pointed out that low audience figures were recorded across all channels this weekend because of the weather and the bank holiday.

The same fate befell Britain’s Got Talent, which recorded yet another drop in audience figures on Saturday night.

ITV had hoped the show would see a ratings recovery after the series opener last week pulled in 10.9million, a drop of 1.3million from the first show of last year’s series.

However, it recorded a peak of 10.6million and an average audience of just 9million – 900,000 less than last week’s average audience.

Fans say the show has been weakened by Simon Cowell’s absence. He has pulled out as a judge during the audition rounds to focus on the launch of The X Factor in the U.S., but will return for next month’s live shows. Former judge Piers Morgan has also quit.

Doctor Who returned to television screens in 2005 after a sixteen year absence. The opening show of the series attracted a peak audience of 10.5million. The following year, 9.8million fans tuned in to see David Tennant’s debut as The Timelord.

In 2010, eight million watched Matt Smith’s debut, while an almost identical audience was recorded for last year’s Easter Saturday episode.

Scariest yet: Saturday's episode saw the doctor travel to Utah, where he witnessed a gruesome murder


This weekend’s episode was the first time in seven years that ratings had fallen below eight million.

Saturday’s episode began with a dedication to the memory of the late Doctor Who actress Elisabeth Sladen who died of cancer this week at the age of 63.

Ahead of broadcast, the show’s head writer and producer Steven Moffat said the first two episodes of the new series – which feature a mystery alien species known as the Silents – is the scariest opener to any Doctor Who series yet.

He said: ‘The Doctor’s darkest hour is coming. Shows like Doctor Who should have big colourful, memorable moments that make you go, “What the hell?” Well, this is one of them.’

However, fans were not wholly impressed. Eunice Ann Green wrote on the BBC Points of View messageboard: ‘Doctor Who was one of the best programmes and as a family never missed watching no matter where we are or what we are doing.

‘But tonight we lost all interest and feel the cast and stories have had an injustice served upon them. Please bring it back to how and what it should be - that is a great British programme loved by all, not just sci-fi fans.’

Matt Smith replaced David Tennant last year and at 26, he became the youngest actor to be given the role since it began in 1963.

There was a mixed reception for last year’s series, the first overseen by Moffat, with ratings down year on year.

The new series will feature guest appearances from Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, David Walliams, James Corden, Lily Cole and the voice of Michael Sheen.

The series will be split into two, with seven episodes running until June before it returns with another six episodes in the autumn.

New line-up: New judges Michael McIntyre (left) and David Hasselhoff (right) joined Amanda Holden for the latest series


At the end of Saturday night’s programme, a tribute to Elisabeth Sladen - who starred opposite Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker as the Doctor’s assistant between 1973 and 1976 - was screened on CBBC.

Doctor Who was not the only show to suffer from the fine bank holiday weather this weekend.

Britain’s Got Talent recorded yet another drop in audience figures on Saturday night.

ITV had hoped that this week’s auditions show would see a ratings recovery after the series opener pulled in 10.9million – a drop of 1.3million from the first show of last year’s series.

However, it recorded a peak of 10.6million and an average audience of just nine million – 900,000 less than last week’s average audience.

It is also the lowest viewing figures for the show since 2007.

Gone but not forgotten: Piers Morgan (left) and Simon Cowell both quit the show to pursue careers in the U.S.


It is a blow for ITV, with fans already claiming the long-running show has been weakened since Simon Cowell’s absence.

However, the broadcaster pointed out that television viewing figures were reduced across the board over the holiday period and said that the show still pulled in a 44 per cent share of the audience.

The music mogul has pulled out as a judge during the audition rounds to focus on the launch of his U.S. X Factor series. He will return for next month’s live shows.

Former judge Piers Morgan has also quit. The pair have been replaced by comedian Michael McIntyre and actor David Hasselhoff, who sit alongside Amanda Holden.

Saturday’s show featured 21-year-old former model Pippa Langhorne singing a version of Pie Jesu with her puppy Buddy.

Big break: Singer Pippa Langhorne impressed the judges


Impressionist Les Gibson also impressed the judges after mimicking hosts Ant and Dec, while 92-year-old Ted Hall performed a duet with his 21-year-old granddaughter Grace Bower.

Fans took to social networking sites to complain about Cowell’s absence. Axel Yachef wrote: ‘I hate Simon Cowell but his presence is massively missing from the show.’

Another calling themselves Brooksyonair added: ‘BGT really missing Simon Cowell! Like all 3 judges but they just don’t work together.’



source:dailymail