News

On March 19, NBC will air “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. Blake Shelton will host the special live from the iconic country music venue.

Along with Shelton, the special will feature performances from Opry members Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill, as well as a special appearance from Randy Travis. Opry “fan favorites” including Amy Grant, Eric Church, Jelly Roll and the War and Treaty will also perform, with more Opry members and guests yet to be announced.

The special will be telecast from two locations — the Grand Ole Opry House that has been home to the weekly broadcasts since 1974, and Nashville’s venerable “Mother Church,” the Ryman Auditorium, which hosted the show for decades...

It’s the year 1907 in London and Professor Patrick Moore finds himself faced with a paranormal predicament. As the head of a university department dedicated to investigating metaphysical matters, Patrick’s work studying life after death has come under threat. His colleague Nelson Ward has vanished along with a sizable donation meant for their research. Now the dean has given Patrick just three days to prove the existence of ghosts. If he fails, the whole department will be shut down.

Patrick sets out on a frenzied search for answers, exploring the rich spiritualist culture of turn-of-the-century Britain. He questions scholars and amateur enthusiasts alike, trying to piece together where Ward has gone. Guiding Patrick is medium Beatrice Shaw, who offers her unusual insights. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle lends a hand, bringing perspectives from both his paranormal pursuits and detective fiction.

Their hunt takes Patrick from the hallowed halls of...

GamesMaster was that rare breed of show that was somehow both a commercial smash hit and a cult phenomenon. For seven series, it was essential viewing for games enthusiasts and lovers of snark everywhere. All of its elements – the masterstroke casting of sardonic Scotsman Dominik Diamond as host; the sight of beloved astronomer Sir Patrick Moore’s disembodied cyborg head as the eponymous GamesMaster; the humour, the authority, the scoops, the fun, the anarchy – combined to create a show that for many was synonymous with and indivisible from the gaming industry it fed upon and reflected.

In the years since it went off air, its name has been whispered in reverent tones across online forums, and at parties where people of a certain vintage gather to trade nostalgic remembrances. Will it ever come back? Should it ever come back? Well, in 2021 GamesMaster did come back, rebooted on E4 with a...

facebook

twitter

google+

After a shaky start, Challenge TV's now-cancelled Videogame Nation grew into a pretty perfect gaming magazine TV show...

At 10.27 a.m. on the morning of Saturday 4th June 2016 gaming enthusiasts across the land screamed in a collective wail of distress as it was announced that the following week’s episode of Videogame Nation was to be its last ever.

For fans of the

UK

’s only weekly show devoted to games it was a hefty blow. Yet another television programme centred on the world of videogames was meeting its demise after 4 series and an impressive 106 episodes. The outpouring of disbelief across social media was immediate. Fans who felt that the show had finally landed on a fun, winning formula for gaming TV were doubly dismayed.

As emerged in the days following the announcement, Videogame Nation was a victim of circumstance. Challenge TV chose not to renew the...

It's game show heaven on television right now. Not only do we have all sorts of new formats making their way to screen, but some old favourites are getting a second lease of life, too - from Fifteen to One (airing daily on Channel 4) to the second series of the revived Catchphrase (Sundays on ITV.) But it got us thinking - what other game shows would we like to see return to our living rooms?

Well, we asked that very question to Fifteen to One's Sandi Toksvig and Catchphrase's Stephen Mulhern - and then had a bit of office debate about our own favourites...

You Bet! - Stephen Mulhern (Host, Catchphrase)

"This is an easy question: You Bet! It was one of my favourite TV shows and Matthew Kelly was one of my favourite presenters. I love it.

"I can give you some great examples that still amaze me to this day.

BBC

When it was announced earlier this year that BBC Three would cease broadcasting as a channel, the media response was predictable. Some of it focused on the better end of the channel’s output- including documentaries such as Our War, or comedy like Him & Her- but most of it attacked its worst excesses, in the form of lifestyle programmes like Snog Marry Avoid.

The thing about BBC Three is that it was an easy target. As a channel for young people, it was never going to have the critical admiration of its loftier sibling, BBC Four, and most of its critics were not equipped to understand the appeal of a bitchy supercomputer that gives fashion tips. That critical perception of the channel wasn’t entirely accurate, but it did make it seem like the obvious choice to shunt online.

That said, there were more than a few occasions when...

Rumours that The Sky at Night is facing the axe have provoked an angry reaction from fans.

The monthly BBC One astronomy series could be dropped following the death of its original host Sir Patrick Moore, claims The Daily Mail.

The tabloid quotes a BBC spokesman as saying: "The Sky at Night is on air until the end of the year. Plans for subsequent series are being discussed."

Moore began presenting the show in 1957, with his final episode airing in January 2013, following his death in December 2012.

Chris Lintott and Lucie Green have hosted the programme since February 2013.

A fan petition campaigning for the The Sky at Night to continue has now reached over 1,500 signatures, with the Change.org post reading: "The BBC is a Public Service Broadcasting organisation and no programme could be as well described as being a Public Service as The Sky At Night."

> Sir Patrick Moore 1923-...

I love maps. I recall last year spending an inordinate amount of time in Standfords map shop in Covent Garden last year, much of it spent staring at a map of London with the tube lines marked on in their familiar colours. What was interesting was seeing where these lines ran in real life, freed from the familiar, practical but geographically inaccurate tube map many of us are familiar with.

Given this fascination I have, I was delighted to receive Simon Garfield’s On the Map for Christmas from my beautiful and intelligent girlfriend. Garfield (pictured above) has edited Time Out and written for The Independent and The Observer. His previous book, Just My Type explored the history of fonts. On the Map is a charming and near-comprehensive study of maps and cartography that delves into the human stories behind the creation, discovery, study, trade and theft of these enticing objects.

Five Albums You Should Be Listening To Right Now: Music That's Nu2Me A new project from an ex-Handsome Fur, and an Ep called Sex. We're all in. By Patrick Moore Music That's Nu2Me was created in March of 2011 to share music that people may not hear through mainstream media. It's grown into a fun, genre-spanning collection of songs, artists, and albums. For music without limits or elitism, be sure to check back daily. 1. The 1975, Sex (2012) The 1975's new Ep, Sex, is a short but enjoyable experience, which is fitting, considering the title. Despite only having four songs and one hidden bonus track, Sex has a cohesive, complete sound to it that most full-length albums would aspire to. The 1975's dreamy, expansive songs make a great addition to your daily work playlist — let your stress drift away into a sea of ethereal guitars and [...]...

Sir Patrick Moore's home is to be turned into a public astronomy centre. The late Sky at Night presenter's home in Farthings, West Sussex will become a museum of sorts in order to inspire young astronomy enthusiasts, reports The Daily Telegraph. The broadcaster died aged 89 last week, having presented a large amount of episodes from his Farthings home. > Sir Patrick Moore 1923-2012: Tributes and reactions The home contains Moore's large collection of telescopes, xylophones and other memorabilia from his long career. "Sir Patrick always wanted to turn the house into an astronomy centre that would help inspire a new generation of stargazers," a friend said. Moore previously said of the property: (more)...

BBC One's special broadcast of The Sky at Night, in tribute to the late Sir Patrick Moore, attracted a bumper audience late last night (December 11). Some 2.11m (a 15.8% share) stayed up after 10.35pm to watch a newly-scheduled second showing of last Saturday's December edition.

> Sir Patrick Moore 1923-2012: Tributes and reactions The Sky at Night has been airing monthly since 1957, and Moore presented 704 out of 705 of the episodes. It is not yet clear whether the format will continue. Earlier on, the recently-recommissioned new romantic drama Last Tango in Halifax continued to impress with a solid 6.04m (25.4%) in the 9pm hour, prior to which Holby City and EastEnders held up well. ITV's factual offerings, in stark contrast, could only muster audiences of 1.83m (7.9%) for Inside Guinness World Records at 8pm (more)...

London – The death of astronomer and presenter of iconic British late night TV show The Sky At Night Patrick Moore gave the U.K. media an opportunity to herald the eccentric multi-hyphenate's stellar career. Moore died on Sunday at his home in Selsey, England, aged 89. His death was announced by friends and colleagues in a statement Sunday. The television show host was also the author of popular science books whose writing resume boasts an astronomy tome co-written by Queen guitarist Brian May. The BBC, which aired The Sky At Night, lead the celebratory obituaries of the

read more...

Well-known figures have taken to Twitter to share their love and respect for Sir Patrick Moore, who died today (December 9) aged 89. The astronomer and broadcaster "passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon", according to a statement released by his friends and family. Dr Brian May was at Moore's bedside and was with the Sky At Night presenter during his last hours. The Queen guitarist and close friend of Moore tweeted: "Patrick was very peaceful in his last hours. With his beloved cat Ptolemy purring on his bed. And his pals all around. A great innings." Sir Terry Pratchett, the Discworld author and friend, reminisced about his time with the broadcasting legend. "Our fondest memory will always remain eating astronomers chilli with Patrick Moore & @drbrianmay at 3am during a Perseid shower. A legend," he (more)...

Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore has died at the age of 89 after a short illness. The respected broadcaster and star gazer - who is widely regarded as being responsible for popularising astronomy during his career which spanned almost 60 years - ''passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon (09.12.12)'' at his home in Selsey, West Sussex, according to his family, after developing an infection. In an official statement, they added: ''After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home,...

British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore has died at the age of 89. A statement released this afternoon says that he “passed away peacefully at 12:25 this afternoon” at his home in Selsey, West Sussex.

Best known by some for his record breaking 50 plus years hosting of The Sky At Night for over 50 years, Sir Patrick held a dear position in the hearts of some gamers and gaming journalists thanks to his time as the GamesMaster on the Channel 4 TV show during the 90s.

He also wrote dozens of books on astronomy and his research was used by both the Us and the Russians in their space programmes.

A statement was released by his friends and staff announcing his passing:

“After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home,...

Astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore died today at the age of 89. Moore, who has hosted the BBC's The Sky At Night since it began in 1957, "passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon", his family and friends said in a statement.

[Moore in April 2012] The broadcaster died at his home in Selsey, West Sussex. The statement added: "After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home, Farthings, where he today passed on, in the company of close friends and carers and his cat Ptolemy." Moore presented the BBC programme The Sky At Night for over 50 years, becoming the longest-running host of the same television show ever. He also hosted Channel 4 show GamesMaster, the first ever UK TV programme dedicated (more)...

Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore has died at the age of 89 after a short illness. The respected broadcaster and star gazer - who is widely regarded as being responsible for popularising astronomy during his career which spanned almost 60 years - ''passed away peacefully at 12.25pm this afternoon (09.12.12)'' at his home in Selsey, West Sussex, according to his family, after developing an infection. In an official statement, they added: ''After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home,...

Sir Patrick Moore has stated that he has no plans to retire in the near future. The astronomer, who has hosted The Sky At Night on the BBC since its first episode in 1957, revealed he aims to continue doing so when he turns 90 in March 2013. "I've no plans to stop," he said at the launch of his new book Cosmic Tourist with Queen's Brian May and scientist Chris Lintott. When asked if he will start just (more)...

The Doctor is very good at saving the world, but very poor at sitting still. So when he’s stuck waiting a full year for an invasion to start, it gives a new meaning to cabin fever. The Year of the Slow Invasion, the year The Doctor got involved in Amy and Rory’s life and not the other way around. A very personal episode (featuring the entire world), rife with spoilers, so sit back, and keep your eye on the box.

The Power Of Three

by Chris Chibnall

Directed by Douglas Mackinnon

Amy and Rory have been spending more time away from The Doctor, and it seems less and less of a problem to them. But when tiny little boxes appear all over the world, it’s a mystery sure to attract their time traveling friend, which of course it does. But his arrival also attract the attention of...

Tonight on TV there’s another cracking episode of the brilliant Boardwalk Empire. Elsewhere there’s some tasty Premier League action as Liverpool host Manchester United and Sir Patrick Moore celebrates the 700th episode of The Sky At Night. Boardwalk Empire Sky Atlantic/HD: Sat 5th March, 9pm Steve Buscemi is the undoubted heart of Boardwalk Empire, the latest masterpiece to make its way across the Atlantic and onto our screens.

Asia Pulp and Paper, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas, has a Greenpeace-fueled reputation of destroying Sumatran rainforest areas. App's reputation is so tarnished that heavyweights like Staples and Office Depot have stopped stocking paper from the company. But Patrick Moore, a formerly prominent Greenpeace activist, is defending App's practices. Why?

In the 1970s, Moore was an important figure in Greenpeace Canada, where he claims to have served "in the top committee" during his entire 15-year tenure (a Greenpeace fact sheet on Moore admits that he "played a significant role in Greenpeace Canada for several years"). But Moore, who holds a PhD in ecology, tells Fast Company that his fellow directors "began to adopt positions on chemicals, biology, and complicated issues that I could not defend from my scientific background and understanding."

So in 1986, Moore left the organization. He spent some time fish-farming and joined the Forest Alliance of British Columbia...

Simon Pegg has sent a live message into space on behalf of the planet. The actor narrated the signal during Lauren Laverne's show on BBC 6 Music as part of an ongoing series from the station, which has received support from astronomer Patrick Moore. Introducing The Beatles' 1966 track 'Tomorrow Never Knows', Pegg said: "Hello friends. My name is Simon, and on behalf of the residents of Planet Earth in all their splendour and variation, it is my great privilege to extend the hand of friendship to you across the galaxy. "We live on a small blue planet, third in line away from a large yellow star in what we refer to as the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy. Please feel free to stop by any time if your technology permits." He (more)...

For 50 years Sir Patrick Moore has been the BBC’s leading authority on astronomy but it was recently been revealed that during the 1950s Moore starred in a B-movie about UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) in County Monaghan. The film “Them in the Thing”, a low budget science-fiction movie was filmed in 1954 and includes shots of flying saucers hovering over Castle Leslie, in Monaghan. The cinematic treasure was discovered by the Irish Film Institute and was the work of the late Desmond Leslie, whose family were residents in the castle for over 300 years. Leslie had a lifelong passion for extra-terrestrials and in 1953 he wrote a book entitled “Flying Saucers Have Landed”. The next year he set to work on the B-movie with help the neighboring village of Glaslough and his own son, Mark. Mark said “My dad was quite an experienced filmmaker with a high definition camera. He was pretty ambitious...

The books have sold 100m copies. Now the third vampire film gets its UK release

Age: Seven.

Appearance: Buffy, with cold showers.

Something to do with a film, isn't it? I keep seeing posters. How observant of you. Yes, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse opens across Britain on Friday.

Is it about astronomy? Script by Patrick Moore, music by Brian May, romantic lead Bernard Cribbins, perhaps bringing his telescope from Doctor Who? That's exactly it, apart from the fact that none of them have anything to with it and it's about vampires.

As in bats? Script by David Attenborough . . . As in bloodsucking demons, foul seducers of defenceless virgins. Mind you, some of these vampires are rather sweet, and the virgins won't do anything without a ring on their finger. This is "abstinence porn", according to Bitch magazine.

Reminds me of Harry Potter's mixed boarding school where no one gets pregnant. Who came up with this nonsense?...

Mosaïques Festival Of World Culture, London

World cinema festivals might be more common these days, but this one shows you the parts of the globe British festivals don't reach, ie: the French post-colonial landscape. There's quality cinema here from north and west Africa, south-east Asia and the Middle East, much of it produced with French support. Whisper With The Wind is set in Iraq, mind you, and deals with a clandestine radio messenger, while Brazil's The Famous And The Dead is a dreamy Bob Dylan-themed thriller. Closer to home there's London River, in which Brenda Blethyn and Malian actor Sotigui Kouyaté play parents brought together by the 7/7 bombings.

Ciné Lumière, SW7, Thu to 12 Jun, visit institut-francais.org.uk

Science On Film, London

Which would you rather watch, Craig Venter in a lab coat spending 10 years creating the world's first synthetic life form, or James Whale's crazed Dr Frankenstein screaming,...

Maybe it was one of those patented "perception filters," but after watching last night's excellent season premiere of Doctor Who, I'm suddenly no longer pining for David Tennant and Catherine Tate as our titular hero and his trusty companion, and instead, totally jazzed to see what Matt Smith and Karen Gillan will bring to the respective roles. It helped, of course, that "The Eleventh Hour" was a tense and funny bit of sci-fi, with the regenerated Doctor trying to hunt down an escaped, intergalactic prisoner before an armed fleet of Atraxi detonated Earth in a scorched-planet strategy to execute him.

Matt Smith becomes the first Doctor to grace the cover of a gay magazine when he features on the front of this months Gay Times.

The magazine has unprecedented coverage of the new series, with exclusive content including the first ever interview with the latest addition to the cast, Arthur Darvill. They speak with the Doctor’s assistant Karen Gillan, head writer Steven Moffat, executive producer Piers Wenger and and writers Mark Gatiss and Gareth Roberts, who reveals that Matt Smith is set to appear pretty much naked in episode eleven. Costume designer Ray Holman tells what kind of underwear the new Doctor prefers.

Matt Smith on his new role as the Doctor:

What’s gorgeous about it is that I get to sort of confess to my imagination every day. So I get to play around in a mad, imaginary world every day, which is limitless and timeless, and endless and boundless.

This may be the year that the third-dimension finally takes hold. The earnings for Avatar exceed $1.8 billion, and 3-D TVs were all the rage at CES this year. Earlier this month Espn announced plans for a 3-D channel to debut with the first World Cup match (Mexico versus South Africa) on June 11. Also this month Discovery, IMAX and Sony are collaborating on a 24-hour 3-D network, and Hewlett-Packard and Stratasys disclosed plans for a 3-D printer.

On the heels of this month's 3-D hoopla, Brian May, guitarist and songwriter for Queen, is releasing a book that contains some of the earliest stereoscopy, which is the original term for 3-D. Village Lost and Found, published in the U.S. next month by Frances Lincoln, contains 59 photos of small town life with an accompanying focusing stereoscopic viewer designed by May.

As the lead guitar for Queen, May was the picture of rock bluster,...