Blog Posts - INFORMING BRITAIN by @AndyGibsonTV

BBC RELEASE FIRST-LOOK IMAGES OF A BRAND NEW WALFORD AS EASTENDERS MOVES HOUSE | EASTENDERS

11/1/2022

First look images of the new Albert Square, and the iconic Queen Victoria Pub, have been released as filming starts on the new EastEnders set today (Tuesday 11 January 2022).

The new set replaces the former Albert Square which - having been built in 1984 with an intention to be used for two years – is no longer fit for purpose.

The investment in the BBC's longest-running TV serial drama and wider BBC Elstree Centre enables improved HD for our audiences and enhanced filming options.

EastEnders production are now able to explore new areas on screen and writers, producers and directors have greater freedom to drive further creativity.

EastEnders will have a new Executive Producer later this year as Jon Sen steps down, Chris Clenshaw will take the reins. What perfect time to unveil a new studio going forward.

EastEnders continues on BBC One.

BBC RELEASE BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS OF SUSAN BOYLE ON RIVER CITY | RIVER CITY

6/12/2021

River City fans were treated to a special appearance from Britain's Got Talent finalist, Susan Boyle.

A frantic Suzie Fraser (Juliet Cadzow) was stunned in tonight's episode when celebrity guest Susan Boyle arrived to model for a charity calendar.

Susan Boyle superfan Duncan Campbell-Baxter (John Bett) followed Susan to Sheildinch where he came face-to-face with someone from his past - Scarlett O'Hara (Sally Howitt).

BBC Scotland have released special behind-the-scenes photos of Susan Boyle, on-set, from her time at River City for her loyal fans and supporters to enjoy.

She can be seen with Stephen Purdon (who portrays Bob O'Hara), Scott Fletcher (who portrays Angus Lindsay), Juliet Cadzow (who portrays Suzie Fraser), Frank Gallagher (who portrays Lenny Murdoch) and an array of River City's production crew.

Susan Boyle proved to be a hit with viewers of BBC Scotland's Serial Drama.

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Lovely to see Susan Boyle on River City tonight and looking so well
— Izzy □□□□□□□ (@IzzyEP77) December 6, 2021

Great seeing @SusanBoyle in @BBCRiverCity
— Matthew Peberdy (@MattyPeb) December 6, 2021

An encore presentation of this episode airs Tuesday 07 December 2021 - at 19:00 - on BBC One (Scotland).

River City is a BBC Studios production for BBC Scotland and BBC One.

Next week in River City, Ellie faces the reality of her IVF journey, and Caitlin has a choice to make - hold on to their feud, or be there to support her sister. Meanwhile, Kim struggles to see how they will all fit into the flat with a new baby, when some chilling news puts the future of their family in jeopardy. Lenny and Karen work together to mend his fractured relationship with Jessie and, as Stevie puts Sam first, Scarlett's past catches up with her.

River City returns Monday 13 December 2021 - at 22:00 - on BBC Scotland.

VIOLET DROPS A BOMBSHELL ON RAINIE IN EPISODE DOOF DOOF | EASTENDERS SPOILERS

15/11/2021

Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) arrived at 53A Turpin Road to take Violet "Vi" Highway (Gwen Taylor) out for the day. Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) was enthusiastic for his grandmother to spend a lunch-date with Patrick. Making a joke at Patrick's expense, Violet said she's "doing her bit for the oldies".

As Violet put her coat on, Stuart playfully/cheekily pressed for answers on where Patrick was taking his grandmother. Patick suggested they were going up west but Violet was getting somewhat flustered with Stuart's questioning. Rainie Highway (Tanya Franks) got in on the teasing and told Patrick she wants Violet back in one piece.

When Stuart & Rainie left the room, Patrick turned to Violet and suggested she should think about telling them about what they were up to. Violet couldn't bring herself to tell Stuart the reason she & Patrick are going out was to try and track down the son she gave up for adoption many years ago. Trying to maintain reason, Patick told Violet that Stuart & Rainie will find out sooner or later but Violet would rather wait to cross that bridge when she gets to it.

At an Adoption Agency, Violet poured her heart out to a representative called Harriet (Alison Dowling) in hope she can help. Violet gave her son away 35 years ago when she was in her 50's.

Furthermore, Violet told Harriet that she hopes to explain everything to the child she gave away all those years ago.

The meeting progressed further and Violet revealed to Harriet the birthdate of Christopher - the boy she gave away - as Saturday 11 January 1986.

When asked about Christopher's birth-father, Violet was dismissive. Then hoped his adopted parents kept his name as Christopher.

More than jumping the gun, Violet expected to speak to Christopher there and then but Harriet told her to be more cautious and manage her expectations.

Harriet told Violet the first move would be to see if Christopher has been in-touch with the agency to register his vito. If he did register his vito then that means he won't want to be contacted. This upsetted Violet. It got worse for Violet when Harriet explained if Christopher hadn't registered his vito then it might take a number of months before he could be located.

Giving his support, Patrick asked Harriet if there was any possibility of speeding up the process but Harriet was firm and reiterated the process takes time.

Harriet went into further details and said Christopher might have died or other upsetting information may come to light. Violet was shaken at the thoughts.

Harriet suggested to Violet to be absolutely sure it's what she wants to do.

Arriving back on The Square, Rainie & Stuart spot Violet & Patrick exiting a black cab thinking they had just come back from having lunch "up west".

Speaking amongst Bridge Street Market, Violet started to argue with Patrick because she was frustrated at how the appointment earlier in the day went. Rainie clocked Patrick storming off so went to confront him about it a little later when he was at The Queen Vic having a drink.

Asking many questions, Rainie tried to get the truth out of Patrick but he kept his counsel. However when Rainie said she would keep on digging for answers, Patrick opened up a little saying Violet received some bad news and it isn't his place to say.

Back at home, Rainie sees Violet crying and tells her what Patrick said in The Queen Vic earlier. Violet told Rainie that Patrick had no right to mention anything.

Weakened with emotion, it wasn't long before Violet dropped the bombshell on Rainie - telling her everything about Christopher as episode 6,377 aired its Doof Doof.

EastEnders continues tomorrow, at 19:40, on BBC One.

EVE HOSTS A SUKI SHOWDOWN AND IT COSTS THE SLATERS A HOME? | EASTENDERS SPOILERS

15/11/2021

Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) returned to 31 Albert Square, exhausted, after spending time with Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) at a nearby Children's medical facility. The worried mother revealed Tommy has broken his ankle as well as damaged the sprain further.

Visibly, Kat was annoyed with Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) who were sympathetic towards Tommy's condition however, Kat still blames the two women for the predicament Tommy is in.

Trying to make things right, Jean suggested they throw Tommy a massive "Get Well Soon" party when he is discharged but Kat firmly told Jean that no amount of cake or ice cream will make up for the fact Tommy's *footballing career might be over.

When Kat left to go and sort something over at Phil's house, Stacey told Jean she was up half the night looking for somewhere to live since Suki Kaur Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) wants The Slaters out of her property. Not only that, Stacey is worried when her Probation Officer starts sniffing around, she might end up back in prison because Jean sent Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) - Stacey's wife - away.

Later, Stacy headed over to 5 Albert Square to speak with Kheerat Panesar (Jaz Deol) and immediately started to flirt. Stacey told Kheerat she would like to resolve all the bad blood between The Slaters & The Panesars and hopes Kheerat could talk to Suki about the eviction, putting in a good word for the troubled family.

Kheerat told Stacey he would love to help but his hands are tied. Stacey then told Kheerat she was wanting to get some stability back in her kids' lives. Feeling generous, Kheerat soon gave in and told Stacey he would have a word with Suki.

It's clear there's still some sexual tension between Stacey & Kheerat.

Taking a phone call from Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), Stacey let herself out of The Panesars' flat and rushed off to the cafe where she came face-to-face with an intoxicated Eve who was having a go at Suki.

Trying to calm the situation down, Stacey attempted to get Eve back home but Suki reminded her that it won't be The Slaters' home but Eve let the alcohol get the better (or worse) of her and told Suki that her children would probably rather die than have a mother like her. Suki then told Stacey that Eve was a liability.

Suki left the cafe then Stacey turned to Eve asking what she was playing at also wondering where she had been. Eve was too drunk to give any coherent answers.

Back at 31 Albert Square after sorting a minor - off-screen - incident, Kat was apologised to by Jean for Tommy's injuries but coming round Kat realised Tommy would probably have got injured eventually because of his obsession with playing football.

The front door goes again and in comes Stacey with Eve in toe. As Eve plunked herself on the sofa, Stacey asked Kat & Jean for help in sobering Eve up because the Probation Officer would be arriving soon.

Being plied with water, Eve is told to wise up by Stacey because if Probation senses anything wrong then it's likely she & Eve will be back serving time at Her Majesty's pleasure. Jean looked rather disgusted with the situation.

It was a busy day for the front door at 31 Albert Square because when Eve tried to sober up, drinking water in the kitchen, the doorbell rang. As Stacey answered the bell, she pleaded with Jean to maintain a cover story.

Stacey left the kitchen to answer the door then Eve told Jean she had brought too much trouble into her life and to go right ahead to tell the Probation Officer everything.

In comes the Probation Officer and upstands Eve who turns to throw up into the kitchen sink.

Jean gave Eve a chance and made up a story about how her Chicken Surprise meal may have needed longer to cook in the oven - suggesting Eve was suffering from suspected food poisoning.

It was thanks to Jean the liaison with Eve's Probation Officer went smoothly. And episodes of Garden Rescue. The Probation Officer assessed that married life is good for Eve then left them to it.

Just when you think 31 Albert Square's front door saw enough action for one episode, EastEnders managed to squeeze in one more use before the Doof Doof. In comes Suki (with Kheerat) who Eve believes is there for round 2.

Kheerat stood up to Eve, Stacey & Jean and said he didn't appreciate Suki being insulted in public by Stacey's drunk wife.

Trying to defuse the situation, Stacey told Suki that Eve was sorry but Eve said she wasn't. Furthermore, Eve went on to brand Suki a bully and she doesn't like bullies.

Attempting to get the upper hand over The Slaters, Suki pointed out she saw Eve's Probation Officer leave and she might want to tell her about Eve going AWOL. Jean stepped in and said Eve had been there all the time.

Suki immediately pointed out that with Eve living there, The Slaters had broken the tenancy agreement and wanted the whole lot out by the end of the week. Jean said they have until Christmas but Suki explained "not anymore".

EastEnders continues tomorrow, at 19:40, on BBC One.

FIONA WADE SPEAKS OF "TERRIFYING" MAIZE MAZE AHEAD OF TONIGHT'S SUPER SOAP WEEK DOUBLE DUNTER | EMMERDALE

21/10/2021

Last night's episode saw Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) follow Andrea Tate (Anna Nightingale) into The Maize Maze.

Wanting to silence Andrea after she witnessed Meena hold lifeless Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) under the water, things are not looking good for Andrea. But, as events heat up in the maze, it's not only Andrea who finds herself in danger.

ITV insiders have been working their magic to sneakily reveal what's going down in tonight's showstopping episodes.

As Priya heads into the maze, fire takes over.

The trapped survivalists will find there's no way out.

Fiona Wade took time out of filming and spoke to an ITV representative about this exciting week's filming.

Fiona Wade, said:

"Filming the fire scenes in the maze was extremely exciting & equally terrifying at moments. It's an amazing experience to be a part of such a wonderful week that's full of so much drama and action. There were moments in the maze where the fire surrounding us was so hot I had to stop a couple of times. It's incredibly exciting though to be able to have done a few of our own stunts along with the incredibly brave stunt actors that were with us every step of the way. Priya, Andrea and Meena are all in the Maze so it's definitely going to be edge of your seat watching to see who gets out in time!"

In tonight's episodes, viewers will see Meena playing more of her sick games.

Also, with Priya entering The Maize Maze, she, Ellis Chapman (Aaron Anthony), Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle), David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden), Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), Dr. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker), Ben Tucker (Simon Lennon) & Rev. Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) will be amongst those fighting for their lives as Super Soap Week 2021 takes a deadly turn for at least one Emmerdale fan favourite.

Viewers will be left wondering if the tragic end for the Emmerdale fan favourite will be contained to The Maize Maze because elsewhere, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb), Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) & Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) are across woodland in treacherous grouds where, given Emmerdale's history of forest-related incidents, anything could happen to either one or more of that foursome.

Is the sheer unpredictability of Super Soap Week seeing The Maize Maze be nothing more than a red herring with the fatality be elsewhere in the woods?

ITV revealed a fan favourite main character will meet his or her demise during Super Soap Week 2021 and reports have confirmed another favourite character will be arrested in subsequent episodes following the dramatic climax in one of Emmerdale's most thrilling weeks to date.

Emmerdale's Super Soap Week continues tonight, at 19:00 and 20:00, on ITV/STV with Dawn Harrison and Samantha Doland De Vaux taking up the story.

MATTHEW WOLFENDEN AND ISABEL HODGINS SPEAK OF "NERVE-WRACKING" SUPER SOAP WEEK STUNT | EMMERDALE

18/10/2021

Super Soap Week 2021 began last night with a showstopper of a kickoff from Emmerdale last night.

The episode saw a perilous rope bridge above a canyon collapse where Dr. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) and Rev. Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) fall from a great height from a 60-foot-high suspended rope bridge into the menacing waters below.

In tonight's nail-biting episode, David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) and Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) will also find themselves in the freezing waters when their lives hang in the balance.

Matthew Wolfenden explained to an ITV Insider how scared he was during the filming.

Matthew Wolfenden, said:

"I'm not great with heights. When we had to do the bridge stuff, Isabel was just absolutely amazing. We were on wires so there was no way we could fall but when your 60 foot above the water and you're clinging onto a broken bridge, it's absolutely terrifying. I was pretty nervous about the bridge but it all flipped with the water stuff as Izzy wasn’t too confident in the water and I love being in the water. It's funny because our characters were so opposite to us. Victoria was supposed to be scared of heights and David is trying to help her but in reality, it was the other way round. I was petrified and Izzy took it all in her stride. The bridge was so high though. Even the stunt guys commented on how high it was. I was pretending that I was a lot more confident than I was. Hopefully, I passed it off. Isabel on the other hand was fine. She was loving it. She was letting go and hanging off the rope she was on. It was pretty nerve-wracking for me."

Isabel spoke to ITV, for their own exclusive, about Super Soap Week.

Isabel Hodgins, said:

"I'm at ease with heights so I don't understand how if you know you’re clipped on to a harness you can be scared of falling. Matthew on the other hand is not okay with heights so he did really well considering. Victoria was obviously supposed to be the scared one and David was supposed to be the confident one. That wasn’t the case in real life."

Super Soap Week 2021 continues tonight, at 19:00, on ITV/STV with Emmerdale.

REBECCA SARKER PRAISES "WONDERFUL STUNT TEAM" IN SUPER SOAP WEEK SHOWSTOPPER | EMMERDALE

18/10/2021

Last night's intense Emmerdale episode saw a perilous rope bridge above a canyon collapse as Super Soap Week 2021 began.

Viewers saw Dr. Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) and Rev. Charles Anderson (Kevin Maturin) fall from a great height from this suspended rope bridge into the menacing waters below.

Rebecca & Kevin spoke to ITV on the mammoth bridge stunt.

Kevin Mathurin, said:

"We were so high up, about 60 foot above the water. When the VFX are in it will look like the rope bridge is suspended between two cliffs but in reality, one side was attached to a crane. It didn't look inviting at all but the way they constructed and designed it, it looked fantastic. I looked at it and thought, this is my job, amazing! Rebecca was so comfortable walking across the bridge and I was holding on for dear life like a mug."

VFX is the technical term for Visual Effects.

ITV gave themselves the exclusive and caught up with Rebecca Sarker.

Rebecca Sarker, said:

"The bridge stunt was not only a feat of imaginative prowess but also of technical excellence. So complex was the set up of the bridge - it took 3 hours each time to reset it- that we as actors felt a certain pressure to do the shot justice. It was a good pressure though, one that made you want to bring your A-game to the field. We had a wonderful stunt team managing any concerns we had so felt totally safe and secure. Having said that, your heart can't fail to miss a beat or two when you’re suspended with no safety harness on a Tarzan-like rope bridge with a 60 foot drop below into a water-filled quarry."

Super Soap Week continues tonight, at 19:00, on ITV/STV with Emmerdale.

CHAS LOOKS FORWARD AFTER WOOLPACK BREAK IN | EMMERDALE

27/9/2021

Since Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) staged a break-in at The Woolpack, the fictional pub has been out of alcohol supplies.

In tonight's trip to the Yorkshire Dales, Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) happily told Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) that a new supply had arrived and was looking forward to getting back to normal.

Emmerdale continues, weekdays, on ITV/STV.

DAWN IMPLICATES GABBY THOMAS IN PACT PLANS WITH JAMIE? | EMMERDALE

27/9/2021

In tonight's visit to the Yorkshire Dales.

Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) was given a shock when she asked Paddy Dingle (Dominic Brunt) where Jamie Tate (Alexander Lincoln) was because the Veterinary Surgery had a sign on the door saying "closed for personal reasons".

Initially, Paddy didn't know how to tell Dawn the news but having no choice after being put on the spot, Paddy said "Jamie's dead" then explained about the accident.

Visibly, Dawn was shocked and couldn't believe her ears.

Over in The Woolpack, Dawn had a drink with her dad, Will Taylor (Dean Andrews), who explained that "Kim is in bits over there".

Fully believing she was at fault, Dawn told Will that she and Jamie had a massive arguement just before he crashed the car.

Continuing with her version of events, Dawn explained to Will about how she knew about the pact Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) and Jamie made. The pact about if Jamie were to marry Gabby then he would manage to get half of whatever Kim Tate (Claire King) had. The pact was to get into Kim's good books.

With Will being one of Kim's Estate Managers, will he forward this information to Kim in due course?

WIll may have told Dawn that he won't tell anybody about anything but it could only a matter of time before he lets it slip.

Emmerdale continues, weekdays, on ITV/STV.

POLICE GIVE HOME FARM AN UPDATE AFTER JAMIE'S APPARENT DEATH | EMMERDALE

27/9/2021

In tonight's visit to the Yorkshire Dales, news of last week's freak accident has hit Home Farm as Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) worries her unborn child will grow up not knowing his or her father because Jamie Tate (Alexander Lincoln) drove into a lake after being distracted by his mobile phone.

Gabby wasn't holding up much optimisim and having complete disbelief that Jamie has died, but Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) did her best to keep the mum-to-be remaining positive.

Arriving mid-conversation, Kim Tate (Claire King) didn't appear all too bothered about Jamie's disappearance/death but gave Gabby a warning to remain strong for her grandchild.

Soon an officer from Hotten Police arrived at Home Farm to give an update on all things Jamie Tate.

Asking DS Rogers (Matthew Flynn) if Jamie had been found, Gabby and Kim were given the bad news that there was no sign of the missing man as of yet. Furthermore, DS Rogers confirmed a Police Diving Unit resumed searching of the lake earlier that morning. Kim is convinced Jamie is on dry land but DS Rogers said the lake is rather deep and an eye witness confirmed they saw Jamie Tate drive off the ledge into the lake.

Still lingering around after having a conversation with Gabby, Lydia blurted out that it was Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) who saw Jamie go off the road. Lydia soon realised she shouldn't have said anything but it was too late, Kim was more than irked to learn Chas was the other driver.

Wondering what could have caused the crash, Kim asked DS Rogers for some thoughts. He told Kim, Gabby (& Lydia) that there was a number of reasons Jamie could have ran off the road but believes it may have been a mobile phone call so Hotten Police will be checking Jamie's mobile phone records. Again, DS Rogers did reiterate that enquiries are ongoing.

As DS Rogers left, Kim became more concerned but was convinced Jamie is compltely fine - until Lydia hinted that it might be best she "faced facts".

Emmerdale continues, weekdays, on ITV/STV.