Tag: tv

Benidorm Star Brings Valentine’s Comedy To Billingham

By on 10th February 2016in Entertainment

A Durham-based TV star is set to spread some love and laughter this Valentine’s Day, as she takes to the stage in Billingham for her live comedy show…

Crissy Rock, who plays Janey York in the hit ITV series Benidorm, is promising to lift the spirits of those attending her show by offering a rose for those who wake up without a Valentine’s card or love message.

The comedienne said: “It’s always a sad day to wake up and realise the postman has forgotten your address, and to know your mantle piece is going to look bare for another twelve months. I should know – I’ve been there before!

“I‘m looking forward to sharing some laughter on Sunday afternoon at the Swan in Billingham, and will bring with me some red roses for anyone in the audience needing a lift with a bit of romance in their life. They can dream!”  joked the former I’m A Celebrity contestant.

The comedienne was recently featured in TV documentary Celebrity Botched Up Bodies. Surgeons repaired damage that she had previously endured from two unsuccessful procedures. One left her with a scarred chin and lopsided face, while the other involved years of expensive dental work after cancer treatment left her with no teeth.

“Everything is really good for me now, and I‘m really looking forward to having some fun on Teesside this weekend. The people always enjoy a giggle around here!

“It’ll be fun doing my show in the afternoon on such a special day. Sunday afternoons were once the highlight of the week around this region, but in recent years with so many cutbacks in live entertainment, they are virtually non existent these days.

Tickets for Crissy Rock: Live at the Swan on Sunday February 14th (4-7pm) are priced at £6, and are available by calling 01642 553 157.

Atlantean: Behind The TV License

By on 10th February 2016in Have Your Say

Long time In & Around contributor Atlantean takes a moment to reflect on the TV license…

I don’t suppose many of us think much about TV licensing, especially since 77% of us pay by direct debit.

I own a small house which will be sold shortly, but which has been used for storage for several years. Although it’s furnished and has two old computers (both incapable of receiving television programmes), it hasn’t had a TV licence since 1995, when I bought it. Nevertheless, when clearing out the post the other week, I came across several letters from TV licensing. There were 22 in all, which in postage alone cost them over £13. 

I usually chuck them away, occasionally sending a reply in to state there is no TV on the premises. Still, I was interested in why they would send 22 letters when I had made clear on many occasions that there was no TV on the premises.

Instead of stating that ‘court papers were being prepared’, why not just send a chap round to check and settle the matter once and for all? Apparently 3.9m visits were made by enforcement officers, so why didn’t one put a note through the door? Obviously you can’t get them to come by appointment in case you just shipped the telly next door for a few hours, but this deluge of paper backed up by no action didn’t seem very effective.

Meanwhile, 95% of some 31m properties are correctly licensed, and 4,119,530 free licences for the over 75s are in force. An interesting statistic is that in County Durham there are 13 households still watching black and white television – even though BBC2 Colour transmissions started in 1968 – and 9,356 across the rest of the nation. Further, the analogue signal was progressively turned off three years ago, and we all now receive a digital signal.

So what on earth are these people watching?

Even if their old black and white televisions still worked, there isn’t a signal for them to receive! If they are only listening to radio, no licence is required, as the radio licence (which started in 1922) had been phased out in the same month as decimalisation in February 1971.

The normal colour licence is £145.50, but the B/W one is only £49. 26p a day extra would give them the right to full colour viewing… and a signal.

If you have a black and white licence, I would love to know what you use it for. I would invite you to send me an email at atlantean247@yahoo.co.uk, but you probably don’t have a computer either, so please contact me via the editor.

Meanwhile, if you want to have a B/W licence, you won’t be able to buy it on the website, as it’s only available over the phone on 0300 790 6165. I think I’ll ring them and ask…

The monthly fee works out at £12.13 per month, of which £7.27 goes on television, £1.94 on radio, plus a further 73p on World Service and 73p more on other services, plus 61p on online services. The actual fee collection by Capita, PayPoint and others costs 85p. These figures are for 2014/5, so the BBC’s comprehensive internet service currently costs less than the charge to collect the licence fee. Interestingly, the postal address for TV Licensing is in our area, at Greenbank Road in Darlington DL98 1TL. I wonder what goes on there – perhaps I ought to find out!

Rent A Cop Episode Seven: Twitter Turns On Francis

By on 11th December 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Episode seven of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

Well… we enjoyed it.

Francis has been up to his usual shenanigans in this week’s episode, taking charge of event security at Middlesbrough’s balloon festival, and on the hunt for a mischievous fish burglar. It’s a fine display of professionalism and dedication, especially considering he spends the latter half of the show with his arm in a sling.

Meanwhile, and despite having lost his job last week, Pembow is still out on the hunt for new business, doing his best to give away free promotional Sparta Security stickers. Admittedly, his efforts were largely unsuccessful, but fair play to the lad for his determination. A phone conversation between him and Francis reveals that he finally moves on and finds himself new emplyment in industrial cleaning.

Best of luck to him! But will we see him again?

Following Pembow’s dismissal, Francis is forced to pull together a band of local security experts to run operations. A selection of Darlington’s finest attend Sparta interviews, but sadly none quite make the cut.

 

As usual, the episode is packed full of laughs and – of course – Francis’ now famous one-liners, but the tides of opinion seem to be changing over on social media.

On Twitter, comments have been less-than encouraging…

Still, it can’t be all bad, as Francis is now such a huge TV star that he even has his own parody account. You can follow it here: @FrancisJonesNOT.

There’s just one episode left in the series, but with news of a Christmas special on the way, there should be plenty of Francis left to go around. The question is… will he catch the nuisance bikers before the series is out? We really, really hope so…

If you missed episode seven, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

To read our write-ups on previous episodes, click here.

What do you think of Rent A Cop and Sparta Security? Well-intentioned and genius, or ridiculous and embarrassing? Leave your comments below!

Thousands Flock To Metrocentre For Star-Studded Christmas Lights Switch-On

By on 20th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Thousands gathered to watch some of TV’s top stars light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres…

Families from across the North East headed to Gateshead’s intu Metrocentre at the weekend to watch X Factor favourite Lola Saunders, and Gogglebox family the Moffatts press the button which signals the start of the festive season at the centre.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014 and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

She was joined underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square, by Metro Radio’s breakfast team, Steve and Karen, as well as Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

The celebrities were joined by intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, the centre’s Metrognomes, and Santa himself.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola and the Moffatts attracted possibly our biggest Christmas crowd ever, and the atmosphere in the centre was absolutely amazing.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime, and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

For more information visit www.intumetrocentre.co.uk/Whats-on/Christmas.

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Rent A Cop Episode Four: Francis Confirms Feelings Towards Broccoli

By on 20th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV

Episode four of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

 

We were hoping that this week’s Rent A Cop headline might have been ‘Francis Makes Spectacular Arrest’, but sadly ’twas not to be.

A criminal was – sort of – caught, in the form of a rogue lock gluer, but Francis wasn’t really there, so…

Perhaps the most notable thing to come out of this week’s episode is the importance of broccoli in a healthy, balanced diet. According to Francis, “That’s the key. Broccoli. It’s awesome.”

For further information on broccoli, click here.

Perhaps the star of the show was Dave Ovens. Granted, his walkie-talkie competency leaves much to be desired, but the way he stared down the lock culprit as he walked away was like the physical embodiment of justice itself.

 

Twitter has once again had much to say, though not all of it positive.

https://twitter.com/Hea1y/status/667501996195344384

Harsh.

If you missed the fourth episode, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

Check out our thoughts on episode one, two and three.

In other news, please be aware of the unidentified man currently on the loose in Darlington. If your locks have been recklessly glued, you can call Sparta Security on 0800 0234480.

What do you think? Is broccoli the next big thing? Do we eat enough of it? Leave a comment below!

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Rent A Cop Episode Three: Audience Question Show’s Authenticity

By on 13th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV, Local Biz, What's New?

Episode three of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

 

Half 10 on a Thursday night is quickly becoming our favourite time of the week.

Episode three of Rent A Cop aired last night, and this week’s episode has seen Francis and the Sparta team reaching out to Darlington’s LGBT community. Political correctness is thrown swiftly out the window around three minutes in, when a gay couple – victims of a break-in – are jokingly asked “is this the first time your back door’s been knocked in?”

Francis goes on to battle with his instincts during a trip to Leeds, tasked with protecting a coach-load of drag queens on a night out. “I’ve got to keep telling myself, ‘it’s a man! It’s a man, Francis…”

We’re also shown another side to Sparta apprentice Pembow, who seems to be struggling with staying focused on the job at hand… and staying away from the booze. It’s admirable of Francis to give him the benefit of the doubt, but will Pembow’s employment survive until the end of the series?

 

Meanwhile, over on social media, audience reactions look as though they might be shifting away from being favourable. The burning question on everyone’s mind seems to be… is this for real!?

Apparently Francis’ exploits in this week’s episode have been enough to convince many people that Rent A Cop is all just one big joke. Personally, we’re with @leanneram88 on this one…

Yep, it’s real.

If you missed the third episode, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

Check out our thoughts on episode one and two.

What do you think? Is Sparta Security for real? Is it scripted? Is it a joke?

Leave a comment below!

Gogglebox and X Factor Stars Heading To Metrocentre For Christmas

By on 12th November 2015in Entertainment, Events, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Top TV stars are set to light up one of the UK’s largest shopping centres in their native North East…

X Factor favourite Lola Saunders will be joined by Gogglebox family the Moffatts to switch on the Christmas lights at intu Metrocentre on Sunday November 15th.

Former fishmonger Lola, from East Boldon, made it through to the live finals of the X Factor in 2014, and has since performed live across the UK, as well as recording tracks with legendary producers such as Artful Dodger.

Sitting on their sofa alongside Lola underneath intu Metrocentre’s Tree of Light in Town Square will be Mark, Betty and Scarlett Moffatt, from Bishop Auckland, whose straight-talking has made them one of the most popular households on Channel 4’s Gogglebox.

Intu Metrocentre’s Head of Fun, Mac Toal, and his deputy, Myah Rose Wilson, will also be in attendance, with entertainment starting at 2pm and the official light switch on at 4pm.

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at intu Metrocentre, said: “Lola Saunders and the Moffatt family are some of the North East’s most recent and most popular famous faces, and we’re absolutely delighted to have them joining us for the Christmas light switch on.”

intu Metrocentre’s Christmas light switch on forms part of a packed programme of seasonal events, which also includes Santa’s grotto, a pantomime and extended opening hours until January 3rd, as well as raising funds for Text Santa.

Click here for more information.

Rent A Cop Episode Two: “No Sid The Sexist”

By on 5th November 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV, Local Biz, What's New?

Episode two of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

 

The week following episode one of BBC’s Rent A Cop has seen a few questionable headlines surrounding Sparta Security frontman Francis Jones, but despite accusations of sexism and bringing embarrassment upon Darlo, he’s stuck by his guns.

“Francis Jones is helping people in this town,” he’s been quoted as saying (in the third person), “and I’d like to take a look at their lives and see what rainbows and sunshine they’re bringing to Darlington.”

But regardless of his good intentions, opinions likely won’t have changed following this week’s episode.

Episode two saw the Sparta team continuing their war against a group of bikers, but as yet they haven’t been caught. It may only be a matter of time though, as Francis’ specialist covert techniques (such as turning his shirt inside out) will ensure they’ve got the upper hand.

We were also given a fly-on-the-wall glimpse of Francis’ love life, which will have done little to combat the shouts of sexism. He’s quick to cop a feel early on date night.

Jokes aside, though, the company’s approach to taking on apprentices with criminal pasts is certainly admirable. They seem genuinely hopeful for latest recruit Pembow, whose past involves thieving and a spell in prison. Love him or hate him, Francis is clearly keen to do his bit to better society, and we wish him the best of luck in that endeavour.

 

Once again, viewers took to Twitter to share their own thoughts.

If you missed the second episode, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

Check out our thoughts on episode one here.

What did you think of ‘Rent A Cop’? Is Francis’ work questionable, or is a well-intentioned, loveable character?

Leave a comment below! We want to hear what you have to say.

Rent A Cop Episode One: First Reactions

By on 30th October 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV, Have Your Say, Local Biz, What's New?

Episode one of ‘Rent A Cop’ just aired. What do we think?

 

Well, nobody can argue that the first episode wasn’t… interesting.

‘Rent A Cop’ follows Francis Jones, front-man of Darlington-based private security firm Sparta Security, and his team of professionals in their battle to rid the streets of crime. With a cast of visionaries and eccentrics, it certainly made for an entertaining half hour.

Click here to watch the trailer.

To begin with, it’s difficult not to be mildly inspired by Jones. A born-again Christian (though not a ‘religious nut job’, he assures us), he’s built an impressive business in a short space of time, and there are plenty of folks in Darlo who are only too happy to purchase the firm’s services.

But when the fly-on-the-wall documentary reveals such titbits of information as his ‘investment’ in silicone breasts for his secretary, it’s also difficult not to raise your eyebrows.

 

Despite a long list of easily quotable one-liners (“You want ice cream, you go to Tom & Jerry”), some of the best laughs are to be had over on Twitter, where viewers have been quick to share their reactions.

Jones has previously stated that ‘Rent A Cop’ could make or break the business, and with another seven episodes yet to air, it’ll be interesting to see whether a few more Darlo residents will be signing up for Spartacus’ help.

If you missed the first episode, it’s now available on BBC iPlayer.

What did you think of ‘Rent A Cop’? Does Francis’ work inspire you, or does it cast a negative light on Darlington?

Leave a comment below! We want to hear what you have to say.

Darlington Security Firm Documentary Airs Tonight

By on 29th October 2015in Entertainment, Film & TV, Local Biz, What's New?, What's On?

Self-styled Spartan Warrior Francis Jones stars in the BBC Three documentary ‘Rent A Cop’ tonight…

Having been followed by BBC cameras throughout the year, Darlington-based security firm Sparta Security will tonight be featured in the first episode of their eight-part series.

Titled ‘Rent A Cop’, the observational documentary follows frontman Francis Jones and his team on their mission to clean up the streets of Darlo. The security firm is never far from controversy, however, having been frequently accused of vigilantism.

Watch the trailer:

Francis, a devout Christian, set up the company after giving up work as a doorman and in nightclubs and pubs, where – he once said – he could never resist a fight or a pretty girl.

He’s now committed to making a positive difference in his local community – whether it’s through fighting crime, providing apprenticeships or giving the homeless a place to stay.

Episode one airs tonight at 10:30. Don’t miss it!

Want to find out more about Sparta Security? Visit their website here, or follow them on Facebook.

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