A brutal battle remembered....

IT HAS gone down as one of the most brutal and sensational boxing bouts ever, but the fight for the title would soon be forgotten, by its tragic aftermath.  16 years on, a documentary to be screened on ITV tomorrow evening will look back at the consequences of this fight, the memories of it and the everyday struggle that Gerald McClellan has in his life.

       On Saturday February 25, 1995, McClellan fought Nigel Benn for the title of WBC Super Middleweight champion.  Benn, known in his boxing days as ‘The Dark Destroyer,’ was part of a fine crop of British boxers in the mid 90s, which included Steve Collins, Chris Eubank and of course, the great Frank Bruno.  McClellan, from Illinois in America was already the WBC middleweight champion and was moving up in weight level to challenge Benn for his bout.  Up to this point, he had only lost twice in his career.  Experts in America gave Benn little hope of overcoming McClellan, whilst Nigel was dependent on the partisan crowd in Docklands, London giving him the extra incentive he needed.  Over 10,000 people attended the fight and an estimated 17 million people tuned into ITV for Big Fight Live.  This was to be a fight that no-one would forget, but the aftermath would completely overshadow the excitement of the contest.

      McClellan started strongly, seemingly wanting to finish things early.  He knocked Benn through the ropes within 35 seconds of the first round; Benn hit the television monitors and he almost needed a push from ITV boxing reporter Gary Newbon to help him recover and get back into the ring.  Somehow, he was given a slow count and allowed to continue in the fight.  In an interview with ITV in 2007, Benn recalls this moment; “I remember him hitting me, I went back and then he punched me again.  I felt my ligaments and my neck stretching out of the ring.”

      As the bout continued, the sparring got more explosive.  Both boxers were pounding each other in dramatic fashion, in a battle that was turning into an all-time classic.  Having recovered his momentum, Benn was fighting back, but McClellan responded and knocked his competitor down in the eighth round.  Surely, it was all over, but inside the minds of both, they were seriously struggling.  Nigel recounts this and wasn’t prepared to quit; “Even when he put me down in the eighth, I still had to win.  For the life I wanted to have, I had to win to secure my family’s life.” 

        McClellan had never been past the eighth round in a fight before and was starting to look more exhausted every time he returned to his corner.  At the start of the tenth, Benn knocked him down rather tamely.  McClellan looked dazed and was shaking his head.  The referee counted him out.  At the time of the stoppage, two of the point’s judges had McClellan infront, the other a draw.  On the other side of the ring, Benn celebrated his triumph, as did the entire arena rooting for the Brit.  McClellan slowly got up to his feet, looking in severe trouble.  Benn was ecstatic but also looked rather animated.  As Newbon went to interview the winner, Nigel started ranting live on TV, he did look seriously wound up, the adrenaline still burning after his victory.  Out of the corner of his eye, Newbon could spot that McClellan had slipped off his stool and was losing consciousness.  With the end of their programme looming, Newbon quickly tried to wrap his interview up and hand back to Jim Rosenthal, saying “We’re going to wrap this interview up because we’ve got a serious problem here with Gerald McClellan.”      

      Gerald McClellan had collapsed in his corner and lost consciousness.  A stretcher came into the ring and he was rushed to hospital where it was discovered that he had developed a blood clot on his brain.  He remained in a coma for 11 days, requiring emergency surgery to even survive.  It was a devastating end to a gripping contest.

      Today, Gerald McClellan uses a wheelchair to get around, although unlike another boxer who got seriously injured in the ring, Michael Watson in 1991, he still has some movement in his legs.  He is completely blind and lost around 80 per cent of his hearing.  His three sisters take care of him.  Nigel Benn was never the same fighter after this bout and lost his title in March 1996.  Two weak defeats to Steve Collins the following year prompted his retirement from the ring.  He now lives in Majorca with his family, with religion taking a strong place in his heart once his boxing career finished. 

      In February 2007, Nigel Benn met Gerald McClellan for the first time since their fight in 1995.  It was an emotional moment for Nigel, as he organised and hosted a benefit dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London to help with McClellan’s ongoing medical expenses.  A total of $175,000 was raised on the night as several pieces of memorabilia were auctioned off.  Astronomical medical bills mean that all of McClellan’s earnings as a professional boxer have gone and his family rely on donations through the Gerald McClellan Trust to help with paying for his medical bills.  The address to donate is below;      

Gerald McClellan Trust

C/O Fifth Third Bank

PO Box 120

Freeport, IL 61032

Sport is always competitive and always has been.  Sometimes, people will do anything to win, even if it against the rules.  However, there are occasions where battles sadly end in tragic circumstances.  Gerald McClellan should always be remembered as a talented prospect whose career ended in such a sad and unfair way.  Even now, sixteen years on – seasoned boxing experts will never forget this fight, or Gerald McClellan’s legacy on boxing and his battle to see him in the best care possible today.

Talkback Thames to split

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

ERA: Ending as Talkback Thames is set to split

TALKBACK Thames, one of the most prolific names in television production in recent times are to part ways as part of a major shakeup of operations at the company’s owners, Fremantle Media.  The joint-venture, responsible for many of the popular shows seen on screen today, will cease to exist from New Year’s Day next year with both companies reverting back to their original solo identities.  This is because Fremantle is aiming to broaden its programming genres and it plans to do that by launching two new production companies in the process.

     Talkback was launched in 1981 and launched the careers of many faces like Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith, becoming a major player in comedy production in the 1990s with hits like I’m Alan Partridge and They Think It’s All Over.  Thames roots go back to when it was part of the ITV network, launching in 1968 and holding the London franchise of the broadcaster on weekdays until 1992.  It’s mainstay of programmes were mainly in drama like The Sweeney, Minder and The Bill.

     After Thames was ousted out of ITV, it became an independent production company and in 1996, it was taken over by Pearson Television, predecessor to Fremantle.  Both Talkback and Thames merged to form Talkback Thames in 2003 with its current onscreen name first coming into effect two years later.

      So what happens now to both companies in this production shakeup?  Talkback will now revert to its original roots of producing comedy entertainment/panel shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks, QI and Celebrity Juice whilst Thames will now focus on just general entertainment programmes like The X-Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and All Star Family Fortunes.  They will also be responsible for producing an upcoming revival of the classic gameshow Blockbusters for digital channel Challenge.  The two new productions labels set up, will be known as Retort, which will be responsible for scripted comedy (PhoneShop and Richard Bacon’s Beer & Pizza Club) and Boundless, which will oversee production of factual shows (Grand Designs and The Apprentice.)

The change in direction has been requested by Fremantle Media UK chief executive Sara Geater, who said in a prepared statement: "This new label structure allows us to showcase the amazing talent within our business by enabling us to be even more creative and innovative to better respond to our customers' needs. We're committed to developing inspiring entertainment for broadcasters and audiences, and I believe that this structure of labels with big ambitions will ensure we better serve our customers with bespoke propositions that will deliver them the hits of the future."

      It’s certainly a bitter pill to swallow, having to say farewell to such an excellent provider of British television over the last few years.  Now though, it’s time to face up to the future and this change seems that it will give a new lease of life to Fremantle’s current programmes and it will certainly attract the attention of potential new investors.

Chiles and Bleakley's partnership goes sour

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

IT SEEMED like a match made in heaven.  When Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley left BBC’s The One Show in a massive media frenzy last year to front Daybreak, ITV’s breakfast replacement for the ailing GMTV, it looked like ITV could finally take a hold to the growing popularity of BBC’s Breakfast programme.  They were wrong.  Now, 15 months into the mockery of a project, Chiles and Bleakley have paid for their gamble, with their jobs.

     So where did it all go wrong for Daybreak?  Firstly, the chemistry that was strongly built on The One Show could never be captivated at the time of first thing in the morning.  Many experts commented that Bleakley was “too light-headed” and Chiles “too grumpy” for breakfast television.  Secondly, the way the programme has been run is seen as a total laughingstock.  At times, it looks like as if the production team hardly pay attention to the news stories, often usually focusing on the main entertainment topics and showcasing weird and sometimes stupid talents.  Do people care about seeing what bubble art or speed stacking is like just before going to work?

DEPARTED: Daybreak will no longer feature Adrian or Christine

     Not surprisingly, ratings have rapidly gone down since the show’s launch last September and last week, reached a new low of just 350,000 viewers, compared to a peak of 1.5 million who watch BBC Breakfast.  Chiles is unimpressed with the decision taken, quoted as saying; “We were assured we could go with our dignity intact.  That’s obviously not happened.  We were enjoying the show and we thought things were going well.  We didn’t want to go.”

     Now attention turns to who will take over, with production of the programme being transferred entirely to ITV Studios.  The main favourites are likely to be sports reporter Dan Lobb and showbiz correspondent Kate Garraway, being promoted to full-time presenters.  They have currently been serving as a relief presenting team to Chiles and Bleakley.  Other big names being mentioned including Natasha Kaplinsky, who has recently joined ITV News from Channel 5, Keir Simmons, who currently serves as a reporter on ITV News and Sian Williams, who is due to leave BBC Breakfast next year ahead of the programme’s relocation to the new MediaCityUK studios in Salford.  However, Eamonn Holmes has rejected the chance to rejoin the ITV breakfast franchise, by signing a new three-year deal to front Sunrise on Sky News.

    As with Chiles and Bleakley, they will now move onto concentrating on their main ITV commitments.  As well as being promised new projects, Chiles will remain the broadcaster main anchor for Champions League, FA Cup and next year’s UEFA European Championships football coverage as well as staying on as frontman of That Sunday Night Show.  Bleakley will stay on to host selected entertainment specials, as well as taking over as co-host to Phillip Schofield on the upcoming new series of Dancing On Ice, following Holly Willoughby’s decision to co-host the UK version of the popular US talent contest, The Voice on BBC.

     The pair will certainly have nothing to worry about for the future for now but surely, a failure of a show like this will decrease their already declining popularities with viewers even further.

BBC F1 - Another broadcasting chapter ends

NOT only does the 2011 FIA Formula One world championship ends this weekend, but it will also feel like the end of an association for many Grand Prix petrol heads.  Television viewing changes next year and the BBC is taking a backseat from its coverage of one of the most colourful and glamorous sports in the world.  2011 has been the final season where you will be able to watch every single Grand Prix on free-to-air television.  From next season, Sky Sports becomes the home of Formula One racing.     

     Under the controversial new deal, signed at July’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Sky subscribers will get extensive previews to races, plus live coverage of every single practice, qualifying and race event from the currently 20 scheduled events in next year’s championship.  The deal runs until 2017.  The BBC has had to scale back its coverage, due to sweeping budget cuts.  It decided to do this, despite recently renewing deals for the Six Nations and the Wimbledon tennis championships.  However, they will still screen ten live weekends next year of all sessions, plus delayed highlights of the other ten events it will not show live.  Monaco, the season finale in Brazil and the British Grand Prix will be definitely covered in the agreement by the BBC, while there is still an announcement pending over the other seven races.  Pundit teams have also yet to be revealed, although we do know that Jake Humphrey will still be fronting BBC’s coverage, whilst Martin Brundle is debating over taking over as the lead commentator for Sky Sports, or staying on as the leading anchor for the BBC.

       The BBC has a prestigious history of screening Formula One, even if that is not so much in recent times.  They began showing live coverage of the entire Grand Prix season from 1978 onwards.  ‘Grand Prix,’ became the home of F1 for 18 years, until 1996.  They showed the drama of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna's dramatic collisions in successive years at Suzuka, Nigel Mansell's spectacular tyre blowout that robbed him of the 1986 championship and Damon Hill's popular title success in 1996 which had Murray Walker literally with a lump in his throat.

    In 1997, ITV outbid the BBC to take the rights away for 12 seasons.  Although the levels of extensive coverage improved from BBC’s output, especially in the early days, its later years were seen as a massive letdown for fans.  Commercial breaks during some huge moments in events, including the embarrassing faux-pas at the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix added to the mounting frustration.  In March 2008, ITV announced their F1 exit for commercial pressures; three years before their current deal was due to expire.  The BBC took back the rights for 2009 on a new five year deal.  Formula One was coming home!

      Jake Humphrey was preferred to Steve Rider in taking over the hosting duties.  He was joined in the paddock by Eddie Jordan and newly retired David Coulthard, who have certainly added plenty to the coverage, especially Eddie’s horrific choice of shirts!  Jonathan Legard, who had previously covered F1 for BBC Radio 5 Live became lead commentator, whilst both Brundle and Ted Kravitz switched from the ITV team to the BBC crew.  Lee McKenzie, an experienced motorsport presenter from A1GP and GP2 joined Ted in reporting from the pitlane and the legendary voice of Formula One, Murray Walker, has been part of the team too, previewing, reviewing and answering burning questions from fans on a regular basis.

        The BBC era started brilliantly and in a way, they took over from where ITV left off, with a British world champion.  Jake and the team did magnificently to interview Jenson Button in a massive media scram only moments after he had clinched the championship in sensational style in Brazil.  They took coverage to a new level, with every session on the red button and all qualifying and race events on BBC One, with a prime time highlights package on freeview station BBC Three.  BBC built on this in 2010 and has also given plenty of time for analysis from the action, which has included the popular F1 Forum.  The forum lasts an hour online and on the red button after every race.  Blogs from the presenters on the BBC F1 website, Ted Kravitz’s behind the scenes report from the pitlane and features such as Classic F1 have only added to the experience. 

       There was a minor change to the team in 2011, when Legard was dropped from the team and Coulthard joined Brundle in the commentary box; Brundle moving into the lead role having been the expert provider since 1997.  TV ratings have always been very high, peaking regularly on raceday at between five and seven million viewers.  It won the BAFTA for Sport in 2011, thanks to its coverage of the season decider 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which saw Sebastian Vettel take the title in the first four way showdown ever.  Its impeccable coverage of the sensational Canadian Grand Prix this season, which lasted nearly five hours, means it, will be a favourite for more awards in 2012.

       This isn’t the end for the BBC and the F1 partnership, as they will still be giving us unbeatable coverage in 2012 and for the next five seasons afterwards, but on a more reduced scale which is a big disappointment to the normal viewer.  Money talks in this business and it is clear that BSkyB has this in abundance.  I have no doubt that Sky Sports has the ability to take F1 coverage to another level, like they have with the Premiership since 1992, but they will never get the same audience appeal that the BBC has enjoyed in the last three seasons.  Enjoy the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend everyone, as another F1 broadcasting chapter reaches a conclusion.

The X-Factor 2011 - A week no-one will forget

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THE past week’s events on The X-Factor have perhaps been more akin to an average episode of Emmerdale…

Axe Falls On Shamed Frankie

SHAMED: Frankie Cocozza's axing ends his crazy journey

THE drama first began last Tuesday when less than 48 hours after the events of the previous week’s shock double elimination were sinking in, Frankie Cocozza had been axed.  The reason was for breaking one of the show’s ‘Golden Rules.’  The exact rule that had been broken has not been named for legal reasons but it is worth stating that the show runs a strict policy in order to get the best out of the contestants.  This is why last year, they introduced a set of Golden Rules; 10 rules that must not be broken by anyone – such as no leaving the contestants house without permission and no intimate relationships with fans.  Contestants are warned that they will face disqualification from the competition if any of these rules are violated.  Tabloids have speculated that Cocozza broke rule number seven on the list – Zero Tolerance on Drug Use.  What truth it is, Frankie has blown a golden opportunity, his chances of becoming a popstar crushed.

Frankie’s Loss Is Four Acts Gain

THE simple logic could be that Frankie would be replaced by one of the eliminated acts from the previous week.  The X-Factor has a reputation for pulling tricks out of its sleeve when nobody notices and it did it again last week.  At a special press conference on Thursday afternoon, it was announced that the public would choose one of four acts to return to the competition.  The four acts in question; they were the foursome that had been unceremoniously dumped by their mentors on the first live show.  Recalled from their homes across the country; Jonjo Kerr, James Michael, 2 Shoes and Amelia Lily were back and hoping the public would get on their side.  A 48-hour phone-only vote would be used to determine who would get the ‘wildcard’ or ‘lucky loser’ place on Saturday’s show, with all profits (minus the VAT rate) being donated to the Help For Heroes charity.  In some people’s mind, it was criticised as they technically had four weeks off from the competition but these contestants never got the chance to see what the public made of them, so in a way, it’s actually a win-win situation.

Lights…Camera…No Action!

SIX acts, plus whichever one got the reprieve, were tasked to perform either a Queen or Lady Gaga song.  Everyone was now set for Saturday and when it came to 8:15pm that night…nothing!  A powercut at the BT Tower, which supplies power to the programme’s studio in Wembley, meant the set was plunged into total blackout!  Viewers were left having to watch reruns of auditions whilst everything was being hurriedly repaired to prevent severe disruption to the evening’s TV schedules.  Incensed people took to Twitter to vent their frustration and as ever with these social networking sites, crazy rumours began to fly around for the delay.  As the audition tapes continued to play, there was a possibility of the show having to be cancelled.  Still, watching the clips was perhaps better than having to sit through several minutes of staring at a blank ITV1 slide with depressing breakdown music……but the viewers were waiting, the audience was waiting, the acts were waiting and as far as ITV was concerned in this day and age, the advertisers were waiting.  So, after an enforced ad break, the gremlins were finally fixed and The X-Factor went on air, some 16 minutes behind schedule.

Better Late Than Never

FOR the first six acts of the night, no more delays, they now had to take to the stage.  Louis Walsh’s last act standing Kitty Brucknell was first but she was already feeling upset.  She wanted to perform ‘Born This Way’ but Misha B was drawn ahead of her on the week’s selection and took the song.  This left Kitty with ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.’   The vocals were better than last week but it was an underwhelming start.  Next out was Craig Colton with ‘Paparazzi.’  Potentially, it was another song which in all honesty should have sounded out of his depth.  Once again, Craig proved everyone wrong and this performance was perhaps his best to date.

It was down to the final territory in the Groups category again, but this time it was girl power left.  Little Mix has already been the surprise package of the show and they wowed yet again with a Queen/Lady Gaga mash up of ‘Telephone’ and ‘Radio Gaga.’  Louis though did feel they were becoming too one-dimensional.  It was a fair point because they have yet to sing a ballad and if they have serious intentions on winning, it’s something Tulisa has to explore sooner rather than later.  After last week’s Club Classics disaster, Janet Devlin returned to her roots with ‘Somebody to Love’ and it backfired.  The performance of the previous week seemed to have taken its toll and she looked weak and vulnerable.  Janet’s tag as favourite at the start of the competition has definitely loosened.

Whilst Janet’s stock was plummeting, rival Marcus Collins saw his continue to rise.  After last week’s show-stopper, he continued the upbeat theme in his performances with ‘Another One Bites The Dust.’  Ultimately, it was not as strong as last week, but still enough to cement his place at the top of the bookies odds.  Misha B hoped to prove Kelly Rowland that she made the right choice in giving her ‘Born This Way’ and it paid off handsomely.  We have seen better from Misha in this competition but out of all of the remaining acts left, she had the best week in terms of performance level.

Who Clinches The Lifeline?

SO NOW it was time to see who was going to get the chance to rejoin the show?  2 Shoes, Amelia, James and Jonjo had each prepared their own version of ‘Show Must Go On’ but only the act that had topped the vote would get to sing it.  With all the tension already created by the mishaps at the start of the night, STV (ITV1 in Scotland) got too carried away in excitement and accidentally posted a pre-prepared story of the result on their website.  Immediately people cried ‘FIX’ but this time, there was no case to answer as this was ‘genuine human error’ and STV honourably put their hand up straight away and apologised.  The individual who posted this though will still probably get fired!

When it came to the official result itself, there was ever only going to be one outcome from the moment the vote opened.  With a 48 per cent majority decision, Amelia Lily was back in the game!  When it came to her performance, she showed why she deserved a second chance and why Rowland should never have gotten rid of her in the first place.  Gary Barlow was certainly optimistic of her chances by saying that “the Great British public love a comeback.”

Finally…After A Chaotic Week…Another One Bites The Dust!

NO SUCH hitches were reported on Sunday night and everything ran smoothly as another act was sent home.  Marcus and Craig were deservedly sent through to sing again and Little Mix kept Tulisa in the running for another week at least.  Janet’s supporters came out in response again for their troubled star and the public were prepared to see another dose of Amelia.  It left, arguably the two best acts in singing ability; Misha B and Kitty fighting for survival in the Final Showdown.  What a sing-off it was as both acts performed like they never performed before and it was going to be very difficult for the judges to split them apart.

FITTING: Kitty left the competition in style

With Louis and Kelly predictably standing by their own acts, both Tulisa and Gary overcame their difficult decision and decided that Misha should still be in the competition on the fact that Kitty had been painted as a villain, perhaps unfairly in recent weeks, to many people.  The Next Generation of judges had teamed up to eliminate the veteran Louis who became the first judge to be ousted out of the competition, AGAIN!  For Kitty, it was the end of a long and turbulent journey, but she ended it on a high by being able to perform the chorus of ‘Born This Way,’ leaving host Dermot O’Leary petrified at the end.  It got better for Kitty, when during an emotional interview with Caroline Flack and Olly Murs on The Xtra Factor; Lady Gaga raced onto the stage and gave her a farewell hug.  It was a touching and moving moment and Kitty does have a future in showbiz, especially if she continues to be inspired by the biggest popstar in the world.

BANG: Amelia Lily is well and truly back

It is one week that The X-Factor will not forget in a hurry.  Congratulations have to go Amelia for getting her chance to impress the public.  Of course, people are saying that if she goes on to win it would be unfair on everyone else and you expect those kinds of opinions.  Let’s not forget, it wasn’t the public who chose to get rid of her in the first place.  One thing is for certain though; Amelia Lily has well and truly blown this competition wide open!

The X-Factor 2011 - The final 16

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

AFTER the ‘Jedwardgate’ scandal that marred the 2009 series followed by the shambles of last year, ITV has had to look at the badly tarnished image of their number one show, the X-Factor and change it before it reached the point of no return.

The result, The X-Factor has gone back to its roots.  A questionable choice of new judges has turned out to be very successful and with contestants who actually want to win, it’s perhaps the first time since 2008 that everyone can look forward to the live finals.

Sunday night saw the new judging panel decide the 16 acts to take part in the live finals.  Here is each act profiled with my own judgement and prediction.

MIX: Gary has a varied selection of glamour and genuine talent

BOYS – mentored by Gary Barlow

Craig Colton

Aged 22, biscuit factory worker from Liverpool

ALONG with his continuing studies, Craig has been working in a customer services assistant role at a local biscuit factory.  However he has always had aspirations to be an actor, so he enrolled in a drama course and it was there that he realised he could sing.  He has been so nervous however about this that he didn’t even bother to tell his parents that he applied to take part in the competition.

Craig says: “I’ve got to the finals, its madness.”

I say: He looks talented but does need a confidence check first.

Prediction: 11th               Odds: 14-1

Frankie Cocozza

Aged 18, unemployed from Brighton

STUDENT Frankie has already developed a reputation for being a party animal and a ladies’ man.  One weird fact is that he has the first names of every girl he has slept tattooed on his rear end!  He first took up singing at a theatre club at the age of eight, but stopped at the age of 13 until deciding to go for the big time.

Frankie says: “I’m probably the happiest person in the world right now.”

I say: Can he cope with the pressure and adapt to different styles?  He surely will get girls voting for him in droves.

Prediction: 6th                  Odds: 10-1

James Michael

Aged 20, unemployed from Cheshire

AFTER dropping out of school at 16, James decided to take up song writing instead of looking for a job.  From there, he went to college to take a course on music tech after not knowing what to do with his life in his early years.  He’s a real guitar specialist so expect to see him regularly playing the guitar on the live finals.

James says: “I’m one step closer to doing what I really want to do for the rest of my life.”

I say: He’s good but if he is to stand a chance, he can’t stick to guitar based songs every time.

Prediction: 13th               Odds: 7-1

Marcus Collins

Aged 21, hairdresser from Liverpool

A QUIET and shy young person at school, Marcus found his inner voice in musicals.  He became a huge fan of Destiny’s Child, always buying tickets for their Liverpool shows and has got all of their tour DVD’s.  Now he aims to follow in their footsteps in realising his potential and it’s worked so far.

Marcus says: “I cannot believe I’m through – I’m just a regular lad and I’ve been to LA!”

I say: Very popular, very talented.  Certainly the pick of the boys pack.

Prediction: Runner-Up  Odds: 9-1

FIRST: Tulisa will have her work cut out to produce a winner

GROUPS – mentored by Tulisa

2 Shoes

CHARLEY BIRD, aged 23, telecoms worker & LUCY TEXEIRA, aged 21, fragrance shop worker, both from Essex.

CHARLEY and Lucy first met whilst performing at various events across Essex.  They soon combined their talent together into a duo.  First considered as a laughingstock from first impressions, they have quickly proved that they really do have singing talent.  During bootcamp, it was revealed that one half of the pair was three months pregnant, so it’s a brave decision from Tulisa to put them through into the final 16.

The girls say: “What on earth are we going to wear? Will they do us fake tan and nails?”

I say: It’s nice to see some variety at times.  The jury is still out on them at the moment but one thing is for certain, to those people who say they can’t sing – SHUT UP!

Prediction: 9th                  Odds: 33-1

Nu Vibe

ASHFORD CAMPBELL, aged 19, student from Huddersfield, BRADLEY JOHNSON, aged 16, student from Liverpool, JORDAN HIGO, aged 16, student from Manchester, RICHARD MILFORD, aged 16, student from Birmingham, STEFAN ROMER, aged 19, unemployed from Hampshire

ASHFORD, Bradley, Jordan, Richard and Stefan all entered as solo acts but the strong competition in the boy’s category, combined with the initial abdominal talent in the category means they are one of three groups manufactured by the judges in the final line-up.

The boys say: “A few weeks ago, we were in college and now this.”

I say: They may lack some edge but they have strong chemistry and will certainly get a lot of teen attention.

Prediction: 3rd                  Odds: 14-1

Rhythmix

JADE THIRWALL, aged 18, student from Newcastle, JESY NELSON, aged 20, barmaid from London, LEIGH-ANNE PINNOCK, aged 19, Pizza Hut waitress from North London, PERRIE EDWARDS, aged 18, student from Newcastle

JADE, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Perrie will count themselves extremely lucky.  They were knocked out at the first stage of Bootcamp as soloists and then rejected again in separate created groups at the second stage.  However, they were another group benefiting from the lack of talent in the groups category which resulted in them merging together for judges’ houses.

The girls say: “We feel sick with excitement. We’re so glad Tulisa saw our potential.”

I say: Their judges’ houses performance proved they have so much potential.  However, I feel that the “Girlband Curse” is ready to fire again.

Prediction: 14th               Odds: 25-1

The Risk

ANDREW MERRY, aged 20, car salesman from Ayr, ASHLEY BAPTISTE, aged 22, university graduate from North London, CHARLIE HEALY, aged 25, pub singer from Coventry, DERRY MENSAH, aged 21, Burger King employee from East London,

Andrew, Ashley, Charlie and Derry are also benefits of the poor standard from the group’s category.  After the initial line-up of The Risk failed and with fellow group The Keys relying too much on lead singer Charlie, Tulisa decided to axe two members of The Risk and bring in Charlie to give the group a much needed boost ahead of the live finals.

The boys say: “It feels like the start of something special. Because we’ve all been put together it’s like an emotional rollercoaster that’s on its route to success.”

I say: On paper it looks a good combination but whether they can connect together remains to be seen.

Prediction: 10th               Odds: 20-1

OVER 25s – mentored by Louis Walsh

Johnny Robinson

Aged 45, unemployed from Harrow

BACK in 1990, Johnny took part in the very first series of Stars in their Eyes.  He impersonated his idol Boy George and he made it to the grand final.  Twenty-one years later, he is well known for his high-pitched helium vocal which certainly makes him a total laughingstock to make all the way to the last 16.  Certainly was a surprising selection for the live shows.

Johnny says: “Someone pinch me and wake me up!”

I say: Yet again, Louis has proven why he is a fool.  I hope he goes early on but this unfortunately looks like it’s going to be another Wagner.

Prediction: 7th                  Odds: 50-1

Jonjo Kerr

Aged 27, infantry soldier from Wiltshire

JONJO has devoted most of his life to protecting the country on the frontline.  In his short spare time, Jonjo has performed in school and karaoke bars.  Now he wants to crack it on the big time and he hopes that doing the show will make both his family and army colleagues proud of him.

Jonjo says: “I’m just a normal bloke and I feel extremely privileged.”

I say: Totally outspoken, great voice and always gives it 110%.  He could be the dark horse of the competition.

Prediction: 4th                  Odds: 33-1

Kitty Brucknell

Aged 26, club singer from Cheltenham

KITTY has been performing since the age of five, gradually moving up in performance standard, from summer camps to a regular slot at local nightclub.  She mainly excels in the field of A Cappella, when there are no instruments or backing track to accompany the performance.  She has already earned a negative and diva reception from the press and it’s difficult to see why as she will take no expense from living her dream.

Kitty says: “I’m so grateful to Louis for taking a risk with me.”

I say: Can perform well but her bitchy approach will be her undoing.  Exit week one, stage right, I think.

Prediction: 16th               Odds: 50-1

CHANCE: Can Sami take the second opportunity thrown to her?

Sami Brookes

Aged 31, retail assistant from Rhyl

SAMI has worked in the retail industry all her life but has always dreamed of a singing career.  She had entered several karaoke competitions and regularly performs in pubs and clubs across her hometown.  She was initially sent home by Louis, but after Chinese hopeful Goldie Cheung quit the show, Sami was given a second chance to impress.

Sami says: “I’ve conquered my nightmares because of my dreams!”

I say: The public will no doubt accept her more than Goldie but the pressure is already on her as she has had less preparation time than her fellow contestants.

Prediction: 8th                  Odds: 20-1

POWER: Kelly will be hoping for plenty of girl style from her picks

GIRLS – mentored by Kelly Rowland

Amelia Lily

Aged 16, student from Middlesbrough, Tyne and Wear

AMELIA entered the competition after being inspired by her brother Lewis, who was runner-up in the BBC show Any Dream Will Do in 2007.  She attends dance school and regularly takes part in musical theatre.  Although it was her brother that convinced her to take part, Amelia’s biggest inspiration is her own father.

Amelia says: “I’m just going to work my socks off, I really am.”

I say: For a girl of her age with such a grown-up voice, I say she’s got a good shot but is she ready for the big time?  I’m not totally won over yet.

Prediction: 5th                  Odds: 5-1

Janet Devlin

Aged 16, student from Omagh

JANET first started singing when her grandmother convinced her to take vocal lessons.  Since then, she has become very passionate about music and it means so much to her.  In fact, she has been writing songs since the age of seven and feels it more natural to sing rather than talk.  Now that’s pure dedication!

Janet says: “This is the start of being taken seriously as a musician.”

I say: Anyone who really commits their future to music early in her life deserves to go for it.  At the moment, I think Janet is the one to beat.

Prediction: Winner         Odds: 5-2

Misha Bryan

Aged 19, student from Manchester

IT WASN’T until the age of 14 until Misha decided to sing competitively.  Since then, she has compared to a way of understanding herself.  Her parents and friends have been very supportive and always listen to her rehearse.  Now Misha is determined to pay them back in the only way she knows how.

Misha says: “Dream to reality – next stop, world domination!”

I say: Has great ability.  If she can conquer other themes of song besides R&B, she’s in with a fighting chance.

Prediction: 12th               Odds: 14-1

Sophie Habibis

Aged 19, barmaid from West London

FOR a girl of her ability, Sophie has had a rough time in growing up.  Dropped out of school early and went against going to college, she instead wanted to have an active part of life.  That’s where the singing came in and she now combines it with her role as a barmaid in a local pub, along with playing at local festivals.

Sophie says: “I was expecting a no because everyone was so good.”

I say: Has totally been taken aback by going through going into the finals.  However, it will take a lot of convincing to prove to the public that she can go all the way.

Prediction: 15th               Odds: 14-1

So that is the starting line-up for this year’s live finals. Or is it?

     That’s because it has been confirmed that once again, the first live show is to be rocked by a BIG TWIST.  Of course, it won’t be known until the live show but the theories are that the wildcards are being used again (but this can’t surely happen, how can you fit 20 acts in two and a half hours?), the category mentors being swapped (that would be interesting) and the rumours of a fifth judge (which will either be Simon Cowell or Cheryl Cole rejoining the show.)

     In either case, it looks set to be an entertaining ten weeks ahead, and it all starts on Saturday at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITV1 HD. IT’S TIME…TO FACE…THE MUSIC!

Red or Black? - Car Crash Television!

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

WE ALL know that no-one in life is perfect.  Even the most successful people in television can make mistakes – take Simon Cowell for example.

     He has made his fair share of bad mistakes and decisions – “forcibly sacking” Cheryl Cole from The X-Factor USA, robbing glamorous Lucie Jones of a glittering music career by backing Jedward and hiring bumbling David Hasslehoff for Britain’s Got Talent are just of some of the errors of judgement that he had been put up against in recent times.

DOOMED: Red or Black? was a terrible idea from the start

     Nevertheless, Cowell is always in for the money and with his TV production company, produced a brand new show which aired last week on ITV.  A unique game, stripped across an entire week, in which seven people were given the opportunity to become millionaires, just by being lucky 10 times in a row.  Costing £15 million to produce, the biggest press launch in ITV’s history and a plethora of celebrities helping to decide what fate befall the contestants, Red or Black was ready to roll.  So what else possibly could go wrong?

CONTROVERSY: Nathan Hageman served time, but kept his prize

     Aired across all of last week (bar Tuesday due to England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales), things were initially looking bright, with seven million viewers tuning in to the first episode.  However, that was as good as it ever got.  After the first episode produced a millionaire, in bricklayer Nathan Hageman from Reading, it emerged that he had a criminal conviction after serving five years in prison for ABH (assault and bodily harm.)  The Sun led a nationwide campaign for ITV to strip Hageman of his cash after rules of application for the show forbids anyone from entering with a criminal record.  Three further people who were due to appear in following shows for the live studio rounds were subsequently kicked out after this revelation.  Surprisingly, Hageman was allowed to keep his prize, despite Cowell’s suggestion that it should go to either his attack victim or be donated to charity.

     Out of the remaining programmes, three more millionaires were created.  Intriguingly, no women contestant made it to the million pounds spin which led to some experts suggesting whether the show was fixed in favour of male contestants.  Challenges used in the programme were also complicated and sometimes meaningless.  I mean, since when did starting up a car decide whether you can advance in the game?  The challenges set in Wembley Arena were often impressive, especially one which featured footballers Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.  Even games held in the live studio were completely way off the scale.  Jenson Button and David Coulthard’s go-kart challenge and a “punch-the-sheet” game featuring Amir Khan and David Haye were really the only games that captured excitement.  The final game before the million pound spin, entitled “Duel,” was also dramatic as it totally proved the theory of luck needed in the game.

     Having the programme itself split into two shows each night was a big mistake as it completely sucked out the tension of the first programme.  The live studio set was a mess, looking more like a giant disused bus stop, rather than a high-class set.  The programme never had any proper introduction/opening titles at all, considering the theme used to introduce the Red or Black wheel onto the stage was very epic and would have made a great opening theme overall.

     Ultimately, the format was a total mess and newspaper critics slated it left, right and centre, with blasted comments including:-

“It’s A Knockout for morons” – Rachel Tarley, Metro

“A sausage factory of sob stories” – Kevin O’Sullivan, Daily Mirror

“The dullest show of the week” – Ken Smith, The Herald

“A spin of a wheel away from total disaster” – Jan Moir, Daily Mail

“It’s so devoid of intellect that it actually sucks nearby intelligence into its vortex.” – Jonathan Liew, the Daily Telegraph

     Viewers quickly agreed with the critics and started switching off in their droves.  Towards the end of the week, BBC One deservedly thumped Red or Black in the ratings with its standard evening schedule.  This proves that Simon Cowell can’t always create a masterclass of show and Adam Crozier, chief executive of ITV, proving once again of his inept ability of keeping full control of the broadcaster all the time.  Come back Michael Grade, all is forgiven!

SORRY: The contestants didn't get a fair crack of the wheel

     Ultimately, the innocent acts in this debacle are the contestants, for bravely deciding to put their faith into the programme, win or lose.  I felt sorry also for the programme hosts Ant & Dec.  It’s not right to blame them at all.  They did the best they could all week and people have got to remember, they didn’t bring their names forward to host the show; it was Cowell’s idea to hire the pair.  It could have been a whole lot worse of course; imagine if Adrian Chiles was employed as host?  The show would have been off the air within days!

     I think it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing an abomination of a show like this again.  Channel Five tried a similar show with Chris Evans in January, ‘Famous or Fearless.’  That was a better show than this disaster and still got axed by Richard Desmond.  Now, whether you want to point the finger at Cowell or Crozier I’m going to blame them both, they’re as bad as each other at the moment.  ITV showed off all week saying they were Terrestrial Channel of the Year?  I must have been living on Mars for the past week!  Add Red or Black to ‘Sing if You Can,’ ‘The Premiership,’ and ‘Shafted,’ in ITV’s growing portfolio of disastrous programmes. 

Four words have to sum up Red or Black? . . . ONE BIG EPIC FAILURE!!!

TV classics - Gladiators

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

IN 1989, The Samuel Goldwyn Company launched what would quickly become an American television hit, Gladiators.  It challenged ordinary members of the public to compete in a series of physical against a super-fit team of humans, known as the Gladiators.

     In Britain, London Weekend Television (LWT) began to see potential in the programme and suggested to ITV to give it a try in the UK.  They agreed and Gladiators launched to a UK audience in October 1992.  Spearheaded by ‘Nasty’ Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick, two of LWT’s most prolific show producers, the show was filmed at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena (now known today as the LG Arena.)  An initial nine-week series was commissioned and it immediately got viewers hooked on the format.  The show would eventually run for eight more years, way more than first predicted at the time.

     What captivated the Great British public to show was its entertainment and variety value.  Ulrika Jonsson and professional footballer John Fashanu became a perfect match to host the show, John Anderson was stern and popular in being referee for the events and John Sachs provided witty and down-to-point quotes as commentator for viewers watching at home.  As for the Gladiators, they would range from “hard-to-beaters” like Hunter and Shadow, to “the glamour factor” of Jet and Lightning.  However, the Gladiator that everyone wanted to get a glimpse of was Wolf.  Every week, he would always get on the wrong end of John Anderson by playing silly or just cheating for the publicity.

     The events were also well supported.  It wouldn’t be a surprise to see games such as Powerball, The Wall, Hang Tough, Gauntlet and Duel adorning the line-up each week with other games like Atlaspheres, Pyramid and Skytrack playing a support role, appearing often, but not as much as fans wanted.

     As with other shows, every series would bring in changes to freshen up the programme and outdo what it did before.  New events were brought in each series, but with the exception of Pendulum and Poleaxe, they didn’t seem to capture the imagination of their predecessors.  It was a same case for the Gladiators.  Each series would often see new gladiators come in and others leave, either due to injury or some unknown reason.  Then in 1996, a huge blow came to the show when it was alleged that Fashanu was part of a group of four ex-footballers that had agreed to take pay-offs to fix football matches.  The following police investigation meant he was forced to resign from the show and was replaced the following year by England rugby international Jeremy Guscott.

     This led to a massive change in direction for the programme.  Jeremy was extremely professional at his job but his appointment completely bombed the public who simply missed Fash.  The seventh series in 1998 brought in a raft of new features.  The rules of nearly each game were modified dramatically and the Gladiators lost their individual costume designs and with it, perhaps their dignity and form as they were often well beaten in most of the episodes.  The addition of gladiator Vulcan, who had earned a bad boy reputation from the Australian counterpart of the show, to the line-up, summed up how heavy the show had declined in later years as he made Wolf a pantomime villain throughout the series.

     From its peak of 14 million viewers in 1994, figures plummeted sharply by the close of the 1998 series, now getting under five million and even struggling to hit the weekly top 30 ranks of ITV programmes.  ITV took these failing figures to their advantage and axed the ailing show in February 1999.  LWT were livid, as they claimed that the contract was still valid for one more series.  ITV gave in but were not prepared to help fund the series.  It was left to two fellow ITV regional companies, Carlton Television and Granada Television with their jointly-owned digital venture ONdigital to step in.  This final series was cut down to just four episodes and only a handful of former champions returned to become ‘The Supreme Champion.’  The final episode was broadcast on Millennium Day 2000 and attained an impressive seven million viewers, ensuring the show went out on a high.

     Eight years later, after successful revivals of the format in both the US and Australia, Sky1 tried their hands out on the show with new presenters Ian Wright and Kirsty Gallagher, a new bunch of Gladiators, new commentator Alan Parry and new elements involving fire and water.  John Anderson did return to act as the ref though.  It didn’t have the charm of the original format however and a second series in 2009 saw Caroline Flack replace Gallagher as co-host to Wright, the return of Wolf as a coach to the Gladiators and John Coyle replacing John Anderson as ref.  Add in a new array of Gladiators to the line-up and it killed the programme, as it was axed again afterwards.

     It is with no question however that Gladiators totally changed the perception of Saturday night programming on ITV and although it didn’t quite work out on Sky1, it was nice for there to be a proper attempt at a revival.  Gladiators might be missed by everyone nowadays, but it’s popularity will also remain large.

The X-Factor - The next generation

(By Jason Wright, Entertainment Expert)

SATURDAY saw the launch of eighth series of The X-Factor and its much hyped makeover, aptly entitled “The Next Generation.”  So, how did the new judges fare on their debut?

GENERATION: Louis, Tulisa, Kelly and Gary head the new panel

     Simon Cowell had stepped down to focus on the US counterpart and had persuaded Cheryl Cole to join her on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, until we knew what happened next.  Meanwhile, Dannii Minogue hasn’t returned either, due to commitment clashes in Australia.  In their place alongside veteran Louis Walsh were Take That’s Gary Barlow, N-Dubz front girl Tulisa and American singer Kelly Rowland.  Fans were angry at these inept decisions taken by ITV and Cowell, with wild rumours of the judges being constantly booed by the audience at the live auditions.  Again, as with many rumours in the show’s past, this claim was quickly dismissed by the programme.

     Still, bosses at ITV feared a mauling in the ratings similar to Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol in the US, two shows that Cowell has quit or limited his appearance this year.  Critics initially scoffed this refresh approach, until they saw the first episode at the show’s press day.  John Plunkett, a TV columnist for The Guardian newspaper described it as, “ITV looked to fill the Cowell-shaped hole at the heart of its most popular and important programme with as much ‘vazjazzle’ as it could muster.  Some of it worked, Cowell’s replacement Gary Barlow looked a natural in his role as the show’s “Mr Nasty.”  Simon Cowell would have been proud.”

     Similar praise was also given by other media critics and when the programme aired over the weekend, so did the fans, with the general feeling of any doubts being dismissed.  The consent feeling is that recent years of The X-Factor have been heavily biased on the performance of the judges.  However this series promises to be geared more towards the contestants striving to win and it’s exactly what the viewers wanted.

     Nearly 12 million watched the first episode, slightly down on the figures of last year’s opener but still pretty impressive considering the concerns over a steep drop over the ratings.  A Digital Spy poll reported that a whopping 76 per cent had given the thumbs up for the new judging panel.

     In my own personal view, the first episode certainly turned out to be better than first predicted though I’m still not overly convinced on the performances of the new panel.  Gary Barlow is already a big plus to the show; he is brutally honest when someone isn’t talented enough and has already settled in well as head judge.  Tulisa was a nice surprise too.  She seemed to know what she was talking about; she also stood up for herself brilliantly when one of the rejected acts on this week’s show responded to the rejection by calling her a “scumbag.”  However, I already dislike Kelly Rowland; I think she is out of her depth and often or not, takes the job with over the top comments.  Maybe my opinions will change on her as the series goes on but for now, I’m certainly not impressed by her.

     No doubt the feedback from experts and the great British public will act as a massive boost of confidence to the brand new judges but this just the beginning.  They now need to keep the momentum up for a few more weeks to come, so the viewers can be convinced that the future of The X-Factor is, against all odds from a few months ago, in fact very bright after all.

TV classics - TV-AM

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THE seventies and early eighties had massive restrictions on television broadcasting hours.  For example, ITV could only broadcast between 9:25am to 1am each day, with the downtime hours being taken up by a test card with the continuous deafening tone.  That changed in 1979, the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) ruled that breakfast television should come to ITV.  The following year, several companies showed interest and in the end, a nine-year license was awarded to TV-AM.

     A purpose-built studio was used on the London borough of Camden along the banks of the Regent’s Canal.  Broadcasting was initially due to start in the summer of 1983 but was brought forward in response to the surprise announcement of a rival breakfast service from BBC.  On February 1, 1983, TV-AM took to the airwaves with “The Famous Five” consisting of Michael Parkinson, Anna Ford, Angela Rippon, Robert Kee and David Frost.  The programme was split into two separate blocks; Daybreak, ran for the first hour of the programme and concentrated on the morning’s news headlines whilst Good Morning Britain was a mixture of news along with special reports and interviews with politicians and celebrities.

     Just months into its birth and cracks immediately began to appear.  Peter Jay, the man behind the company was forced out when he refused to make any snap changes to early criticism.  Jonathan Aitken took over and fired Angela Rippon and Anna Ford, replacing them with Anne Diamond and Nick Owen.  He also axed the Daybreak strand and Good Morning Britain ran throughout the programme’s duration.  Aitken also began to target younger viewers with children input, most notably by introducing Roland Rat, a puppet with an hip attitude and would often be seen throughout the summer months.

  However, money was disappearing quickly and in 1984, TV-AM was on the verge of administration when it was purchased by a private Australian business investment.  Bruce Gyngell took over the day-to-day running of the show and built on changes that had been made by Aitken before cost-cutting measures were forced.  Gyngell decided to make weekends permanently for children’s programming, hence beginning the start of Wacaday and an array of popular cartoon series.

     In 1987, the Unions began a mass dispute with the company, beginning a long and bitter strike.  Gyngell worked extra hours to ensure that programming was affected at a minimal risk and somehow, this proved to be more popular than its normal schedule.  Months of rowing finally resulted in Gyngell firing all of the striking staff and replacing them with non-union staff.

     Come the 1990s and operating at a reduced staff rate, TV-AM was pulling in double the audience of BBC’s Breakfast News.  This was mostly down to a more dedicated and core presenting team of Mike Morris, Richard Keys and Lorraine Kelly whilst Ulrika Jonsson began her career on the station as a weather forecaster.  Under the 1990 Broadcasting Act, the ITV Breakfast Franchise went up for competition in 1991 and unlike before, cash bids were now the essence in maintaining or losing the license.  With a bid of £14 million, TV-AM were confident of success, but the license went to Sunrise Television, a consortium of LWT, The Times and Disney UK, with a higher bid of £34.5 million.  Bruce Gyngell responded by making an ill-mannered and heat of the moment comment to the press:

“I do not believe that Sunrise is a profitable company.  I predict that Sunrise will go bankrupt by 1994. It’s an extraordinary decision!”

     Eventually, TV-AM had to admit defeat and throughout 1992, they began selling off their shares in the company which included their news service being loaned out to Sky News for the year.  December 31, 1992 saw TV-AM grace the screens for the final time and was replaced the following day by GMTV, having been forced to change its name from Sunrise after Sky threatened to sue.

     In its 9 years on air, TV-AM had its fair share of ups and downs but its warm charm and rare approach to make any drastic changes to its format made it a very popular programme and the way it was forced to depart was a very sad and untimely circumstance.