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BBC Releases
Christmas Day EastEnders Picture
The BBC has released a still picture form the Christmas Day
edition of EastEnders when actress Pam St Clement leaves the soap after 25
years.
St Clement has played Pat Evans - formerly Butcher - since 1986, a year
after the BBC One soap launched.
While her decision to leave the soap was revealed in July, the manner of her
departure has been kept a closely guarded secret.
Three different endings have been shot to keep viewers guessing.
Pat's departure is likely to be a finite one. Among the
rumoured causes of death are a heart attack, a house fire and terminal
cancer.
December
22
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Justin Lee
Collins In Court
Justin Lee Collins has appeared in court and denied harassing
an ex-girlfriend.
The Friday Night Project star appeared before magistrates in St Albans,
Hertfordshire, over allegations that he caused Anna Larke 'fear of
violence'.
The 37-year-old, who is in the West End show Rock Of Ages, attended the
court carrying a Reiss shopping bag, wearing jeans, running trainers and a
grey knee-length coat with a checked shirt and tie underneath.
Chair of the magistrates' bench, Doreen Clapper, read out the charge against
him, saying: "It is alleged that between January 2011 and July 2011 you
caused Anna Larke to fear that violence would be used against her by your
course of action which you knew or ought to have known would cause fear of
violence to her on each occasion that you made threats of violence towards
her."
Standing next to his solicitor, the Bristolian comic said: "Not guilty."
Collins elected a crown court trial.
He was bailed on the condition that he would not contact Ms Larke, or three
of her relatives, and ordered to attend the court again for a committal
hearing on February 17 next year.
When the charges were initially bought against him, a spokeswoman for the
star said: "He is shocked and upset by the allegations.
"He is unable to comment on the circumstances and the events to which the
charge relates because of the proceedings, but he is confident that he will
prove his innocence."
He refused to comment as he left court.
December
22
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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Pundit Apologises For Racial Remark
Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen has apologised after
describing black players as "coloured" during Wednesday's programme.
He was discussing racism rows involving Luis Suarez and John Terry and his
comments led to criticism on Twitter.
"I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused. This was never my
intention and I deeply regret the use of the word," said the 56-year-old.
The ex-Liverpool defender is nearing 20 years as a panellist on the
programme.
December
22
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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BBC Local
Radio Cuts Criticised
Cuts to BBC local radio may jeopardise emergency broadcasts
during the event of a civil crisis, the Local Government Association has
warned.
The LGA said proposals to share more programming and stop some medium wave
services would threaten advice messages during emergencies like flooding.
It said the BBC was underestimating the "risks to people's safety" as
communities relied on it in a crisis.
The BBC said local radio would continue to have a key role in an emergency.
The corporation wants to axe medium wave output in areas where alternative
FM services are available.
The LGA, which represents more than 350 local authorities in Wales and
England, said the FM frequency often broadcast "cracking static" rather than
clear sound.
Its culture board chairman Chris White said: "Local radio plays a key role
in how councils manage an emergency and the BBC regularly sits on resilience
planning panels along with police and fire authorities.
"Time and time again these arrangements have proven invaluable to local
communities, from updates about school closures, heavy snowfall, road
accidents and flooding, to bulletins about more unforeseen emergencies such
as train crashes or dangerous criminals on the loose.
"People rely on councils for the latest information in many circumstances,
and in turn we rely on local radio."
He said the LGA was concerned that the BBC was "underestimating the serious
implications and risks to people's safety".
White added: "Its proposed contingencies barely sound adequate on paper and
in the reality of an emergency could well be found wanting.
"Residents may end up with confused broadcasts from inexperienced
journalists reporting on places they know nothing about, while others with
no medium wave service could be left entirely in the dark. Both are
unacceptable."
A BBC spokeswoman said: "BBC local radio will continue to be local in times
of crisis or emergency, that will not change.
"The proposal is to end medium wave transmissions, except for stations where
listeners depend on medium wave as an alternative to FM.
"We will consider carefully submissions from those areas that can show they
would be disadvantaged by the withdrawal of medium wave.
"The BBC Trust is consulting on these proposals and no decision has as yet
been made."
December
22
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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David Walliams
Set For BGT
David Walliams is close to signing a contract for Britain's
Got Talent, it has been reported.
The Little Britain funnyman is set to sign on as a panellist on the ITV1
talent series in a deal estimated to be worth around £300,000, with show
boss Simon Cowell also rumoured to return alongside current judge Amanda
Holden.
Meanwhile, when Amanda Holden, who is currently pregnant with her second
child, goes on maternity leave, she is expected to be replaced by former
EastEnders actress Samantha Womack.
The last series of BGT saw Amanda, Michael McIntyre and David Hasslehoff sit
on the judging panel, but the comedian left to concentrate on his upcoming
tour, while the former Baywatch star was axed from the show.
Hasslehoff recently said: "I have nothing but fond feelings for Simon Cowell
and the team. But it's a hell of a job. During those audition rounds you're
working 10am to 10pm.
"You're in the car, travelling all over Britain, watching 80 acts a day and
people whistling through their nose. Don't get me wrong, I loved every
minute, but after a while you feel like you're going crazy.
"I kind of beat them to the punch in the end. Although I was being told: 'We
love you, we want you back,' they left it so late until they confirmed it
that I'd booked other work."
December
22
2011 - waveguide.co.uk
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