WEEKEND TV...

 
   
Wow, what a televisual bonanza this weekend for all addicts of the small screen. Friday night saw the launch of this year's Strictly Come Dancing and boy did it explode onto the screen or what? Matt Baker who currently presents the BBC Countryfile programme looks like he's been dancing all his life and was phenomenal. A clear cut candidate for winning the series methinks.And then, Saturday night saw Ann Widdecombe and Anton du Beke's debut. Eyebrows were raised when Ms Widdecombe was announced as taking part in the series and many sniggered at the prospect. Watching her last night was a bit like watching a car crash unfold, however you have to admire her pluck and willingness to have a go. That's the beauty of SCD, it has a place for celebs who turn out some awesome performances, but it also has the Ann Widdecombe's who are so dismally crap, it becomes thoroughly entertaining and you can't help but will them on and congratulate their participation.  

I'm not a massive golf fan, but the Ryder Cup and possibly the British Open are the golfing  events which can normally grab my attention. The Ryder Cup of course, pits the passion of the European golfers against the skill and expertise of the Americans. This year, the tournament venue at Celtic Manor in Wales has seen a few hours lost through torrential rain which means a likely Monday extension to play. It's shaping up to an exciting finale which could go either way but it goes without saying C'MON EUROPE. 

Spurs managed a 2-1 win over Aston Villa with their new signed Rafael Van Der Vaart continuing his scoring streak. This player is making all the headlines at the moment and he looks set to be a White Hart Lance legend. Redknapp has spent what amounts to the GDP of a Switzerland in his pursuit of getting Spurs into the Champions League and has built up a great squad of players. Van Der Vaart though, is an inspired signing who looks like he will help Spurs to a top 4 finish this year. Exciting times ahead for the mighty Spurs... 
At this point, I'll try not to mention Man Utd's uninspiring 0-0 against Sunderland or that Blackpool still have to play Liverpool. Oops, I just did.

The X Factor trundles on to 'Boot Camp' stage where the dizzy excitement awaits the judges announcing their final three to warble their way through to fame and riches (to Simon Cowell). I'm on the fence about the X Factor. I find it hugely contrived, hugely exploitative and hugely dull. I watch it in passing and find myself exasperated by the wannabees desperate for fame but missing those vital ingredients of talent and work ethic. This year saw a media explosion covering the contestant Chloe Victoria who as well as singing off-key and looking like one of Amsterdam's 'Britney Schpears' blow up dolls, also has a nifty sideline as a Wakefield prostitute. Truly awful to watch and sad as well to see the British press pounce on that little nugget of information and exploit it for a couple of days at least. Well done Chloe, you got your 15 minutes of fame and no doubt an increase in your price list for handjobs. 
On the plus side for the X Factor, this year sees the entry of Rebecca Ferguson (in picture above). She's a 24 year old mother of two from Liverpool who is timid, has little self-confidence, but blimey, this girl has IT with plenty to spare. She reminds me of a cross between Billie Holiday and Audrey Hepburn. Superb and very original singing voice matched by an elegant and timeless style. This girl is one to watch and I'd be amazed if she's passed over for a recording contract in pursuit of a fast buck to be made for one of the less talented, but more 'confident' entries. Timid, shy and quiet she is, but the girl is a star. Watch this space... 

Sunday night sees the second episode of ITV's new costume drama, Downton Abbey. The first episode was a little confusing as it has to introduce all the characters and plotlines, but I stuck with it and it has all the hallmarks of shaping up to be good drama. The cast and setting makes the series very watchable and I'm looking forward to the plot unfolding. Can't help thinking though, that when it comes to costume drama, the BBC do it so much better. Perhaps it's because of the lack of adverts? Recent favourites were PRide and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and the sublime Cranford. British TV has it's critics. But, I defy anyone to not admire the BBC's (and ok, ITV's) production of great drama  series, and in particular costume dramas.  And this speaks the voice of experience of a seasoned traveller and viewer of tv in many countries. Makes you proud to be British...