It's game on for the Newton family.
Assuming she doesn't get booted from Dancing with the Stars anytime soon, Patti Newton will soon find herself competing with hubby Bert.
Nine is returning new episodes of 20 to 1 in its favoured 7:30pm Tuesday timeslot from October 30.
The scheduling puts the Nine show head to head with Seven's series, which this season features Patti Newton.
20 to 1 will replace Surprise, Surprise Gotcha which ends next week.
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The last spin of the Montecito's roulette wheel will turn on Wednesday Oct 31 at 8:30pm.
Seven is halting Las Vegas at Season 4 at episode 14, "The Burning Bedouin" in Sydney and 13 "Pharoah Nuff" in Melbourne.
Figures for the series have been regularly disappointing in the tough Wednesday slot. Last night the series only attracted 614,000 viewers against TEN's 1.56m viewers for House and the ABC's audiences for Spicks and Specks (1.39m) and The Chaser (1.5m) and Nine's Cold Case (1m). But Seven's move has been planned for some time.
It follows further changes to upcoming Wednesdays with Prison Break taking an enforced break.
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The ABC has appointed producer Amanda Duthie as its new Head of ABC TV's Arts, Entertainment & Comedy.
Duthie has been Executive Producer of At the Movies, The New Inventors, First Tuesday Book Club, Painting Australia, jtv, and Spy Shop, and documentaries including Girl in a Mirror, 900 Neighbours, and Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn which airs tonight at 8:30pm.
The ABC's Kim Dalton said, "She will bring this experience along with her energy, creativity and excellent relationships with the independent production community to what is a key position within ABC TV."
Press Release:
Amanda Duthie has today been appointed the new Head of ABC TV's Arts, Entertainment & Comedy.
Amanda has for the last four years been a Commissioning Editor and an Executive Producer for Arts, Entertainment & Comedy. She will take on her new role from Tuesday October 23 and will report to Courtney Gibson, in her newly-appointed role as Executive Head of Content Creation.
During the last four years Amanda has been responsible for a broad range of highly successful ABC TV programs including At the Movies, The New Inventors, First Tuesday Book Club, Painting Australia, jtv, and Spy Shop, as well as documentaries such as Girl in a Mirror, 900 Neighbours, and Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn.
Prior to her time at ABC TV, Amanda spent two years as the Senior Project Manager at the NSW Film and Television Office, managing the development of television programming including drama, animation, documentary series, and children's TV series. She also worked on an array of feature films and short features.
Amanda was Series Producer of Eat Carpet and Alchemy at SBS, as well as Series Associate Producer on ABC TV's Robert Hughes' Beyond the Fatal Shore, a major 6 x 1 hour co-production between ABC TV/BBC/ PBS.
Kim Dalton, Director of Television said he was delighted to be able to appoint Amanda to this position.
"Amanda has been responsible over the last few years for developing and executive producing a broad range of very successful programs for ABC TV. She will bring this experience along with her energy, creativity and excellent relationships with the independent production community to what is a key position within ABC TV," he said.
Amanda Duthie said "I am totally thrilled to be leading an incredibly strong department and coming on board during a bumper season of arts, entertainment and comedy production for ABC TV."
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Networks are already starting to map out their programme highlights for summer and ABC is first off the rank with some enticing goodies!
The broadcaster will screen a number of specials and comedies that feature some well-known ABC favourites including Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumely, Matt Lucas, the Choir of Hard Knocks, John Clarke and Adam Spencer.
The Choir of Hard Knocks will appear in concert at the Sydney Opera House, which for some of the members includes their first flight on a plane. Dawn French will feature in two comedies, one a 2-part Vicar of Dibley special made in 2006, and the new series penned by comic partner Jennifer Saunders, Jam and Jerusalem. The series about a ladies' guild in Clatterford St. Mary also stars an unrecognisable Joanna Lumley.
An all-star cast including Matt Lucas, Imelda Staunton, and Bob Hoskins team up for The Wind in the Willows. The ABC will also screen the acclaimed BBC drama The Line of Beauty and premiere the Australian-made film Hunt Angels starring Ben Mendelsohn.
ABC SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
THE CHOIR OF HARD KNOCKS – OPERA HOUSE SPECIAL - Sunday 25 November, 7.30pm
The 50 members of the Choir of Hard Knocks have been invited by the Sydney Opera House to perform in the Concert Hall. For most of the Choir, it will be their first time on a plane, and their first visit to Sydney . Taking such a disparate group on the road is a risky venture, and this time the stakes are even higher. But the Choir and their organisers are determined to make it a performance of a lifetime. An ABC TV Production, based on an original concept licensed from FremantleMedia Australia .
MONARCHY - Tuesday 27 November, 9.30pm
The history of the English monarchy, in all its bloody glory, is ripped from the dusty annals and brought dramatically to life by David Starkey - the man credited with making history top-rating entertainment. His epic journey through 1500 years of British rule continues, this time travelling from the War of the Roses and the birth of the Tudors, through to the Civil War and the New Model Army’s charismatic leader, Oliver Cromwell. Starkey reveals the lust, greed, desire and emotion of England’s past kings and queens as they battle for the crown. With teen pregnancies, hired hit men, scheming mothers-in-law, warring siblings and more, it features more drama than even Hollywood could dream up. This five-episode series is a Channel 4 production.
WORDS FROM THE CITY - Friday 7 December, 10.30pm
They rap about everything from social trends and political rage, to what they did with their mates last weekend and what their grandparents taught them. Their stage ranges across parks and laneways to festivals and nightclubs – they are the voice of our young generation and their language of choice is hip hop. Filmed across one long hot summer, amidst sold-out concerts, impromptu freestyles, beachside festivals and more, JTV presents Words From The City an exploration of Australian hip hop through the candid observation of some of the nation’s most compelling MCs, including the Hilltop Hoods, Downsyde, Layla, Koolism, Wire MC and Maya Jupiter. A Film Camp Production in association with ABC TV’s jtv, AFC, Adelaide Film Festival, Madman and Film Victoria.
THE VICAR OF DIBLEY - Wednesday 12 December, 8.30pm
Simply divine comedy! Dawn French returns in this two-part special as the loveable Geraldine Granger, vicar of the rural village of Dibley . She’s fed up with townies buying weekend cottages in the village, and goes around to confront the latest of them, only to discover he might just be the man of her dreams. Could charming handsome Harry be her Mr Right? Or is he Mr How Wrong You Could Be? When Harry asks her to marry him, Geraldine can’t say ‘yes’ quick enough. Naturally however, things don’t go quite to plan - especially when the parish council decide to organise the wedding for her! Written by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Blackadder and Mr Bean). A Tiger Aspect production for BBC.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS - Sunday 23 December, 7.30pm
Based upon the much-loved novel by Kenneth Grahame, this lavish new adaptation features a star-studded cast, including Matt Lucas (Little Britain), Bob Hoskins (Mrs Henderson Presents), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen) and Anna Maxwell Martin (Bleak House). It's springtime and Mole sets out to explore the world. His curiosity leads him to the beautiful riverbank where he meets Ratty, a laid back water rat. Rat introduces him to the exuberant Toad, a wealthy creature with a penchant for extravagant hobbies. But when Toad’s obsession with the motor car gets out-of-hand, Rat and Mole must find a way to help their friend, with assistance from the wise but forbidding Badger, who lives deep in the Wild Wood. A Box TV production for BBC.
JAM AND JERUSALEM - Friday 28 December, 8pm
Britain’s best-loved women in comedy come together in a new series written by the absolutely fabulous Jennifer Saunders. As the local nurse, Sal Vine is at the heart of community life in the village of Clatterford St. Mary . She is self-assured and determined to steer clear of the world of knitting and cake-baking inhabited by the local Women’s Guild. But when her husband dies suddenly of a heart attack and she finds herself out of a job and alone, life at the Guild starts to look attractive. Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, Sue Johnston (The Royle Family) and Sally Phillips (Smack the Pony) star in this six-part series.
DAGG SEA SCROLLS - Sunday 30 December, 7.30pm
John Clarke is a satirist, actor, writer and director, whom Australians have taken to heart since he arrived in 1977 from New Zealand . But where did John come from and why is he held in such high esteem across the Tasman? This wonderful retrospective charts the life of John Clarke and his alter ego, Fred Dagg. When the singlet-wearing, gum-booted farmer made his first appearance on New Zealand television in 1973, no-one quite knew what to make of him. But they soon fell in love with Fred and his unique take on life – so much so he went on to become a national icon. A Roderick Willows and Huntaway Films production.
SLEEK GEEKS – Thursday 3 January, 8pm
An enticing mix of science and humour, Sleek Geeks sees Australia ’s coolest science nerds - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and maths whiz, Adam Spencer - set out to answer some of the perplexing scientific mysteries we encounter every day. Tackling such themes as Time, Mind Games and Senses, their mission is to reveal the surprising science that lies hidden in our homes, offices and backyards. Over six weeks, Dr Karl and Adam give moments of deep thought to some of the most bizarre ideas imaginable. This is science with a quirky twist. Developed and produced by Cordell Jigsaw Productions in association with ABC TV.
THE LINE OF BEAUTY - Sunday 13 January, 8.30pm
A story of love, class, sex and money in the materialistic 1980s, The Line Of Beauty crawls deep under the skin of Margaret Thatcher’s Britain . Framed by the general elections of 1983 and 1987, it spans four extraordinary years of tragedy and change seen through the eyes and experiences of a young, gay Oxford graduate. Nick Guest, a young man of modest means, is invited to stay with the wealthy Feddens at their home in west London and discovers them to be a family of dysfunction and glamour in equal measure. His journey into the heart of the beautiful and seductive world of the social elite bristles with emotion, drama and social commentary. A richly textured, coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of a ruthless decade, the three-part series was written by Andrew Davies (Bleak House), based on the Man Booker Prize-winning novel by Alan Hollinghurst. A BBC production.
HUNT ANGELS - Monday 4 February, 8.30pm
They were the Bonnie and Clyde of the Australian film industry - Rupert Kathner and Alma Brooks were partners in crime…. the crime of making movies. At a time when Hollywood studio executives controlled the movie screens around Australia and the police had extraordinary censorship powers, few local filmmakers could get a cinema release. But Rupert was determined to get his films shown and Alma helped him achieve his dream. Based on the true story of one of Australia ’s original and authentic voices in cinema, Ben Mendelsohn, Victoria Hill and Eloise Oxer star in this stunning, AFI award-winning documentary. Produced in association with ABC TV. Written and directed by Alex Morgan. Produced by Sue Maslin.
SBS Summer Schedule
SUN
7.30 Who Do You Think You Are?
8.30 Science Docs
9.30 Movie
MON
7.30 Mythbusters / Top Gear
8.30 South Park rpt
9.00 Drawn Together
9.30 News
10.00 Shameless / Skins
TUE
7.30 Docs
8.30 Cutting Edge
9.30 News
10.00 Hot Docs
WED
7.30 Food Safari
8.00 Real Top Guns
8.30 Docs
9.30 News
10.00 Newstopia / Movies
THU
7.30 Inspector Rex rpt
8.30 East West 101
9.30 News
10.00 Movie Show
10.10 Movie
FRI
7.30 Diamond Road
8.30 Two men in a Trench
9.30 News
10.00 XY Docs
SAT
7.30 Top Gear rpt
8.30 Long Way Round
9.20 Rockwiz
10.15 Movie
As more Summer Programming is announced, this section will update.
Kindly link to this website when sourcing or posting in messageboards, thanks!
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Nine has confirmed it will air the Debate between Howard and Rudd this Sunday night, even though Rudd is yet to agree to it.
Unofficially the Press Club-hosted affair will be moderated by Sky News' David Speers with a 5 member journalist panel. The panel is expected to comprise 1 representative each from the ABC, Fairfax, News Ltd and 2 commercial networks.
The Debate is expected to be broadcast and produced by the ABC, with a feed taken by 60 Minutes and Sky News. Nine's packaging, ironically 100 minutes long rather than 60, will be screened commercial free with comment from Ray Martin and Laurie Oakes.
UPDATED: The Worm is confirmed to return, after producer John Westacott affirms wanting it included. It will also give Nine an edge over the other broadcasters. But will there be a copyright stoush before Sunday?
The Nine Network will present the first televised great debate between Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd in a special 90-minute edition of 60 Minutes live this Sunday, October 21 at 7.30pm.
Nine’s commercial-free coverage of the debate will be hosted by Ray Martin, and feature questioning of the leaders by a panel of five senior political correspondents and journalists representing television, radio and print media.
It will be followed immediately by an analysis of the debate and the exclusive verdict of Nine’s “Worm” – the computer-generated verdict of 90 uncommitted voters who will judge the debate live in-studio at Nine.
Nine Network Director of News and Current Affairs, John Westacott, said: “Nine remains committed to the live telecast of the election debate, which has become a national broadcasting tradition at the Network.”
Nine’s commitment to keeping viewers informed – right up until Australia votes on Saturday, November 24 – will extend across the Network’s news and current affairs programs, with National Nine News and TODAY delivering the latest news on the federal election each day.
Following A Current Affair’s interviews with Prime Minister Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd on Monday night, ACA will continue to present interviews and stories that will help voters make their choice.
A Current Affair is also giving viewers the chance to have their say via a poll that will run throughout the six-week election campaign. To vote for John Howard as their preferred choice viewers can call 1902 555 201. To vote for Kevin Rudd, viewers can call 1902 555 202. Viewers can also SMS their choice by sending ‘A’ for John Howard or ‘B’ for Kevin Rudd to 199 55 200.
Voters will also be kept informed of all the major political news each week leading up to the federal poll on Nine’s flagship programs, SUNDAY and 60 Minutes.
In the week before the election a series of Nightline specials will screen at 10.30pm, including up-to-the-minute political news, a daily questionnaire to gauge voters’ opinions and a straw poll on election topics.
Election Watch
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Ellen de Generes opened her show in tears this week, unable to control her emotions over a family pet which was returned to animal welfare, and taken away from some kids.
What the?
It's quite a performance by de Generes who weeps openly on air, unable to kick off the show with her usual zest.
De Generes and partner Portia de Rossi adopted the pooch, named Iggy, but realised she was unable to keep the pet. So she found another family to care for it. But this breached an agreement with the animal rescue agency (sheesh) who took the mutt away as a result.
"I thought I did a good thing. I tried to find a loving home for the dog because I couldn't keep it."
"I feel totally responsible for it and I'm so sorry. I'm begging them to give that dog back to that family," she said. "It's not their fault. It's my fault. I shouldn't have given the dog away. Just please give the dog back to those little girls."
Only in America
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This week's Chaser controversy (!) centres around the Eulogy Song that Andrew Hansen performed last night.
Press and radio are already pointing the nasty finger accusing the team of tasteless humour.
In the song, Hansen sang about celebrities who were elevated after death.
It was quite a roll call: Steve Irwin, Princess Diana, Stan Zemanek, Peter Brock, Kerry Packer, Don Bradman....as he reached the name Belinda Emmett the song (deliberately) ended abruptly.
The chorus of the song had the line,"Even wankers turn into top blokes after death."
UPDATED: Even Kevin Rudd and John Howard have weighed into the debate. Rudd called the spot "absolutely disgusting" and Howard "totally distasteful and despicable."
Sources: Herald-Sun,
The Age
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Australian viewers are about to get a rude lesson in the downside to 'fast-tracking.'
All three commercial networks have made a fuss about airing episodes almost immediately after their American screenings. House, Life, My Name is Earl, Bionic Woman, Heroes are all aired here almost all within the week of their US release. Viva Laughlin will air just days after its US premiere later today and Damages isn't too far behind. Even Foxtel is screening K-Ville while its still hot off the press. After years of delayed episodes, viewers are enjoying their favourite shows fresh and brand spanking new.
But it's not all so rosy. Next week's episode of Prison Break will be followed a week later by a Wednesday episode of Criminal Minds.
A common practice amongst American scheduling sees episodes frequently interrupted. The Australian tradition of continuous, regular episodes is actually something of a luxury. Up until now, it was also not much of a problem. But that's before this year's trend of rushing dramas to air, which Seven has coined as 'fasttracking.'
Prison Break's American / Australian schedule is as follows.
Ep Title / US airdate / Aus airdate
1. Orientacion / Sept 17 / Sept 26
2. Fire Water / Sept 24 / Oct 3
3. Call Waiting / Oct 1 / Oct 10
4. Good Fences / Oct 8 / Oct 17
US No ep Oct 15
5. Interference Oct 22 / Oct 24
US No ep Oct 29
6. Photo Finish Nov 5 / Oct 31 Criminal Minds
TEN's House similarly had this week off in the US, which will result in TEN "catching up" and playing next week's episode just one day after it has aired in the US.
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