BGT Suspends Mobile App Voting

Britain's Got Talent viewers are no longer be able to vote via the ITV1 show's mobile app following technical problems during Sunday's semi-final.

In a statement on the BGT website, ITV said congestion had prevented "many" users from purchasing or placing votes.

The difficulties "had no impact" on the vote's outcome, the broadcaster said.

But, in light of the issues, "ITV and the show's producers have decided to no longer offer mobile app voting for the remainder of the current series".

The Britain's Got Talent app - short for application - was managed by the Mobile Interactive Group (MIG).

An ITV spokesperson said: "We informed viewers during the programme that there were issues and advised that those wanting to vote should do so should using the other options available."

"Given that MIG cannot guarantee that there won't be further congestion problems for the remainder of the week, we have decided not to proceed with app voting."

ITV said all of the votes "successfully" cast using the app were "fully counted" and that viewers would still be able to register phone and mobile votes on upcoming shows.

It offered "sincere apologies" to those who experienced problems and said customers with unused votes on their app account could apply for a refund.

May 09 2012 - waveguide.co.uk

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New Doctor Who Series In Edinburgh

The first episode of the new series of Doctor Who will get its premiere at this year’s MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival in August.

The event will also include a “masterclass” on BBC drama Sherlock, featuring appearances from co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.

The three-day festival opens with a live edition of ITV2’s comedy panel show Celebrity Juice, hosted by Keith Lemon and featuring team captains Holly Willoughby and Emma Bunton.

Elisabeth Murdoch will deliver the festival’s keynote speech, the MacTaggart Lecture, while delegates will decide the Channel of the Year Awards, in which Sherlock competes for Terrestrial Programme of the Year.

The festival, now in its 37th year, celebrates TV’s biggest successes of the year and addresses the current and future issues facing the industry.

May 09 2012 - waveguide.co.uk

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William Shatner Have I Got News For You

Star Trek actor William Shatner will take the Have I Got News For You host's chair for the first time on Friday May 25 on BBC One alongside team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton and guest panellists Andy Hamilton and Charlie Brooker.

Shatner - now 81 - became a household name for his portrayal of James T Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise in the cult TV series Star Trek – 79 episodes over three years - and seven subsequent feature films.

Additional hosts and guests confirmed for the remaining shows in the current series are: Alexander Armstrong - a record-breaking 20th time in the chair - with guests comedian Reginald D Hunter and outspoken Tory MP Nadine Dorries (programme 5); BAFTA nominated actress and comedienne Kathy Burke with defeated Labour mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone and actor and comedian Joe Wilkinson (programme 6) and the much-anticipated hosting debut of Alastair Campbell with Alan Sugar's right-hand man Nick Hewer and funnyman Ross Noble as guest panellists (programme 8).

In the final programme of this series on Friday 8 June, writer, broadcaster and poker player Victoria Coren and Greg Davies, probably best known as Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners, will be joined by Kirsty Young, her 11th appearance in the host chair.

May 09 2012 - waveguide.co.uk

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C4 Commissions Ricky Gevais Series

Following the successful pilot episode which aired in April Channel 4 announced today the commission of a full series of Derek which will be written and directed by Ricky Gervais.

Derek is a bitter sweet comedy drama about a group of outsiders living on society's margins.

Derek achieved a consolidated audience of 3.2m which was Channel 4's highest rating scripted comedy in nearly two years.

Shane Allen, Channel 4 Head of Comedy said: "Ricky is a leading voice in British comedy and through Derek he captures and reflects something of the spirit of modern society. A kind-hearted character in a world which TV normally shies away from, it feels like a perfect new direction for Ricky. The pilot triggered an amazing response and Derek's story had only just begun so it's brilliant that we can explore this world and its beautifully drawn characters across a series"

Ricky Gervais said: "David Brent was an egotistical, failed musician and the most annoying man in the world. Derek is a 50 year old man with bad hair and clothes, whose best friend is a whinging bald manc twonk. Where do I get my ideas from?'

Derek will air in early 2013.

May 09 2012 - waveguide.co.uk

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