BBC axes flop newspaper drama Press after it scrapes just two million viewers
IT was one of the most unrealistic representations of the newspaper industry ever created, leaving print journalists furious at their profession being smeared. And it seems BBC1 bosses were just as unimpressed by irresponsible drama Press, because they’ve axed it after just one series. The show, which aired last year, presented a warped view of […]
IT was one of the most unrealistic representations of the newspaper industry ever created, leaving print journalists furious at their profession being smeared.
And it seems BBC1 bosses were just as unimpressed by irresponsible drama Press, because they’ve axed it after just one series.
The show, which aired last year, presented a warped view of two newspapers — one broadsheet, the other a tabloid. It was a big ratings flop.
Execs had been hoping it would be a hit, given it was written by Mike Bartlett, the creator of highly-rated drama Doctor Foster.
A TV insider said: “Expectations were high as Mike is now considered to be among the premier league of television drama writers.
“Bosses were hoping that Mike might bring some of the magic that made Doctor Foster such a huge success with viewers.
“But it was felt that Press didn’t attract an audience because it was too ridiculous to be taken seriously.”
A BBC spokesman said: “To make room for new shows, we sometimes have to make difficult decisions about which dramas to recommission.
“Unfortunately Press won’t be returning.”
They added: “We’re proud of the show and look forward to Mike’s new drama ‘Life’ coming soon to BBC One.”
Press had a number of unbelievable storylines, such as one where an ambitious young reporter was ordered to “out” a deceased footballer to his grieving family.
This does not reflect modern print journalism. But perhaps it explains why the drama, starring David Suchet, Ben Chaplin and Charlotte Riley, was scraping just over two million viewers in a prime-time Thursday night slot.
The last series of Doctor Foster, starring warring couple Suranne Jones and Bertie Carvel, got triple those figures.
It shows writer Mike can do better. Well, let’s face it, he couldn’t do much worse.
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Return of the big Mac
HE looks like he’s been hitting the gym, but it’s just Michael McIntyre sporting some supersized tailoring inspired by the Seventies.
The funnyman wears the glitzy outfit as he performs Abba-roke on the new series of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show which starts this Saturday on BBC1 at 8.10pm.
He gets band member and music legend Bjorn Ulvaeus on stage for the ultimate celebration of the fab Swedish four, not to mention roping in a few members of the audience.
It looks like mighty Michael is back with Ab-bang.
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Mum in Sugar tat rap
THE mum of a candidate on The Apprentice has accused Lord Sugar of bullying her son after slagging off his tattoos.
Producers called Lewis Ellis’s mother Christine in a bid to pacify her, but she thinks the businessman’s actions were ill-judged in the wake of suicides linked to Love Island and The Jeremy Kyle Show.
It prompted Lord Sugar to tweet about how “horrific” he believed the marketing manager looked, causing a flood of hate online to Lewis.
Christine said: “Since when has body shaming and bullying been the right thing to do to get publicity? He should be ashamed.
“After the deaths of people on those shows the BBC said they would do more to be aware of the mental health and well being of the participants. What have they done here? When are they ever going to learn? Thankfully my son is strong enough to deal with this – but I worry for others taking part who are less resilient.”
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WAR Of The Worlds’ Rafe Spall didn’t read HG Wells’s novel to prepare for his role on the BBC1 drama, saying: “People who have read the book have an idea of it in their minds and you’re always going to set yourself up for a fall.”
C5 is just taking the pee
CHANNEL 5 is renowned for its zany programmes, but new show The Great British Urine Test has outdone the rest.
The 90-minute special will see medical experts take to the streets, where they persuade members of the public to pee in a pot.
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They then analyse the sample to reveal exactly what the providers have been up to, or what health issues their bodily fluid reveals.
A source said: “Tests on a person’s urine can reveal everything from illicit drug use to bad eating to a range of kidney disorders, liver conditions, diabetes, infections and pregnancy.”
This is taking things a wee bit too far if you ask me.
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