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Sparks are flying and bodies are dropping in the new trailer for Season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. A year and a half after Season 3 premiered, Acorn TV's beloved cozy mystery dramedy series is coming back, and the first footage teases new cases and a romance that's quickly heating up between the titular Jean White (Sally Lindsay) and her crime-solving partner Dom Hayes (Steve Edge). As they navigate their fledgling relationship in the sunny, idyllic Sainte Victoire, they're also confronted with more danger and murders that keep them on their toes. Along with the trailer, Acorn TV also confirmed that the show will return for viewers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on the AMC streaming platform on July 7 with a two-episode premiere.

The teaser immediately opens with someone pleading for Jean's help solving a crime, until the reality sets in that nothing is quite as it seems.

It’s time for some pop culture to come crashing into an episode of Doctor Who. Anyone who knows the worldwide popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest will find themselves enjoying the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda (Varada Sethu) as they visit “The Interstellar Song Contest.” With the show’s lean into comedy, including a small role for Rylan Clark, Doctor Who embraces one of Europe’s biggest cultural exports.

Spoiler Alert !!!Spoilers for Doctor Who Season 2, the episode "The Interstellar Song Contest," and original series Doctor Who lore. Related: “That could be my goodbye”: Steven Moffat Confirms One Final Return to Doctor Who with Ncuti Gatwa’s Upcoming Christmas Special Doctor Who — “The Interstellar Song Contest” — Recap

In 2925, “the Immortal Rylan” (Rylan Clark) wakes from cryo-sleep to host the Interstellar Song Contest at Harmony Arena. As he introduces the show at Harmony Stadium, the Doctor exits the Tardis to set up the Vindicator.

Doctor Who is a show known for its numerous and exciting guest appearances. Throughout the decades-long history of the show, many famous names have had guest appearances in Doctor Who and the current run is no exception.

We have already reported on several of these guest appearances, and now, BBC has confirmed that another famous name is going to make an appearance this season.

The guest appearance will be in a special, themed episode, and we are certain that the fans will absolutely love it.

Related: Russell T Davies Explains the Connection Between Varada Sethu’s Two ‘Doctor Who’ Characters

You probably know him as the host of one of the best late-night talk shows there is, but you might also know him as the voice behind BBC’s Eurovision Song Contests. Yes, he is Graham Norton and he is going to have a guest appearance in this season of Doctor Who.

Graham Norton has entered the Tardis.

The iconic comedian and host of “The Graham Norton Show” will guest star on an upcoming episode of “Doctor Who,” the BBC revealed on Friday. What’s more, his appearance centers around the Interstellar Song Contest — a galactic version of Eurovision, the global singing competition Norton has provided commentary for since 2009.

Norton’s feature will be in the sixth episode of the season, which follows Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor and his new companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) as they find themselves at the Interstellar Song Contest, where planets from all over the universe compete for the top prize.

The episode will also feature guests including “Slow Horses” actor Freddie Fox, former “The X Factor” contestant and broadcaster Rylan, “Fleabag’s” Kadiff Kirwan, “Coronation Street” star Charlie Condou and “& Juliet” breakout Miriam Teak-Lee.

“There’s no song contest without the great man himself, and...

Renée Zellweger is the latest Oscar winner to find Only Murders in the Building.

The actress has joined Season 5 of the Hulu comedy in an undisclosed role, the streamer announced on Threads.

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Zellweger is a two-time Academy Award winner for her roles in Cold Mountain and Judy. Her TV credits include The Thing About Pam and What/If.

Actor Charlie Condou is set to appear alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor and Varada Sethu’s Belinda Chandra in the second season of Doctor Who, which starts April 12. Condou is known for roles in Coronation Street, Holby City, and Unforgotten. Here’s the Lowdown: While details of his character are under wraps, Condou expressed his excitement about […]

Coronation Street Alum Charlie Condou Joins Doctor Who...

As per The Radio Times, another cast member for Doctor Who's upcoming second season has been announced, with it confirmed that Charlie Condou will be joining the ensemble in an as-yet-unnamed role. Rising to fame in the UK thanks to his role as sonographer Marcus Dent on the hit soap opera, Coronation Street, Condou would go on to appear in the likes of Holby City, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and, perhaps most notably, as Simon in the ITV crime drama, Unforgotten.

Originally published two years ago, we re-present our look back at Nathan Barley to mark its 10-year anniversary

10 years since Channel 4 aired Nathan Barley, Charlie Brooker's "self-facilitating media node" has gone from absurdist parody to frightening reality.

A flop when it originally aired, but a cult hit on DVD, Nathan Barley is love-it-or-hate it telly. From Brass Eye creator Chris Morris, it was edgy, raw and often hilarious.

Brimming with up-and-coming talent like Brooker (Dead Set), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh), and fellow Booshers Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade, as well as some blink-and-you'll-miss-'em cameos from Stephen Mangan (Episodes), Mat Horne (Gavin & Stacey) and Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, we think it's time Nathan Barley was given the praise it deserved.

Inspired by a mock TV show called C**t from Brooker's satirical TVGoHome website, the show follows two East Londoners: Nathan Barley (Nicholas Burns), the "self facilitating media...

'Big Brother' was the most complained about television show of the year. The Channel 5 reality series received over 3,700 complaints, most of which were about the show's winner, Helen Wood, and how she treated the other housemates, according to figures released by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom. 'Celebrity Big Brother' - which was won by Gary Busey - received over 1,800 complaints, many of which were about the 70-year-old Hollywood actor. Some of the nation's biggest soaps - 'Coronation Street', 'Emmerdale' and 'EastEnders' - were also the subject of complaints to Ofcom. Todd Grimshaw (played by Bruno Langley) and Marcus Dent's (played by Charlie Condou)...

Clare Cathcart has died, aged 48.

The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.

"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.

"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.

"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."

Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.

Clare Cathcart has died, aged 48.

The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.

"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.

"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.

"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."

Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.

Charlie Condou gets asked for autographs whilst using the toilet. The 41-year-old actor, who plays midwife Marcus Dent on 'Coronation Street', has revealed that fans of the soap opera often ask him for his signature at inopportune times, including trips to the loo. Charlie lamented to Attitude magazine: ''I've been asked for a picture while trying to deal with my two year old having a tantrum or trying to wolf down a sandwich in my only 10 minute break. ''I've had people interrupt me on the phone or even at the urinal - seriously.'' However, the actor doesn't act like a diva when approached...

Charlie Condou feels it's the ''right time'' to leave 'Coronation Street'. The actor is to bow out of the soap next week when his character Marcus Dent's relationship with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) hits the rocks and Charlie feels content with his decision, as he's been involved in lots of exciting storylines during his time on the cobbles. Appearing on ITV's 'Good Morning Britain' earlier today (09.07.14), he said: ''I was in 'Corrie' for a year [initially], I left for a few years and then I went back just for three months. They asked me to stay and before I knew it,...

Today’s film is the 2004 short Euston Road. The film is directed by Toa Stoppard and written by Tristram Pye, and stars Charlie Condou, Tilly Blackwood, and Paul Bettany. Bettany has made a name for himself over the course of a 20 year acting career with roles in features such as A Beautiful Mind, Dogville, The Da Vinci Code, and Margin Call. His newest feature, titled Transcendence, opened in wide release in American theatres this weekend.

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The post Sunday Shorts: ‘Euston Road’, starring Paul Bettany appeared first on Sound On Sight.

Samia Ghadie has ''found it tricky'' to see her character take a darker turn. The soap star plays Maria Connor in the show, and the fictional hairdresser has suffered a meltdown after catching her boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley). Asked about the change, Samia told the Daily Mirror newspaper's We Love TV magazine: ''I have found it tricky, to be honest, because Maria is usually so nice. She has always been a victim. ''But I can understand why she's had a breakdown - years ago she had a stillbirth, her husband Liam was murdered and then she got...

'Coronation Street's' Maria Connor will be revealed as Tyrone Dobbs' mystery texter. The soap favourite, played by Alan Halsall, will fear for his safety in coming weeks as he begins receiving suspicious text messages, which he believes are from his abusive ex Kirsty Soames - who has been freed from prison - but they are in fact from an unhinged Maria (Samia Ghadie). The 'Corrie' beauty recently split from boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) after catching him cheating with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) and turns to Tyrone for support. When Maria begins developing feelings for ex-boyfriend Tyrone, she tries to kiss him but...

Coronation Street's Charlie Condou's four-year-old daughter wants to organise his wedding to boyfriend Cameron Laux. The 41-year-old actor - who plays nurse Marcus Dent in the soap - has been with his partner for almost ten years, and following the new law permitting same-sex marriages at the weekend their baby girl Georgia is excited about playing a key role when they tie the knot. Charlie said: ''We've spoken about it for years but we're very unromantic and still haven't got it together. I don't know how or when it's going to happen -- we'll probably just go off and do it...

Charlie Condou might return to 'Coronation Street'. The 41-year-old actor - who plays bisexual Marcus Dent - will bow out of the ITV soap this summer in a bid to spend more time with his family in London, but he hasn't ruled out reprising his role in future if his career doesn't take off. He said: ''I've got a bit more time [left]. I'm not leaving until June, so I think I'm on screen until August or something like that. They told me that nothing hideous is going to happen! ''It's a bit early for me to start meeting on things...

Charlie Condou might return to 'Coronation Street'. The 41-year-old actor - who plays bisexual Marcus Dent - will bow out of the ITV soap this summer in a bid to spend more time with his family in London, but he hasn't ruled out reprising his role in future if his career doesn't take off. He said: ''I've got a bit more time [left]. I'm not leaving until June, so I think I'm on screen until August or something like that. They told me that nothing hideous is going to happen! ''It's a bit early for me to start meeting on things...

Bruno Langley worries about being attacked with handbags. The 'Coronation Street' actor, who plays Todd Grimshaw, fears viewers will hit him while he's out and about because of Todd's mischievousness in the soap - including his affair with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou). Todd has been seducing Marcus in recent months, despite the midwife being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''I don't go out that much ... I'm waiting for a handbag to hit me over the head in Sainsbury's - I think it's going to happen soon.'' The 30-year-old actor returned to his role as Todd...

Bruno Langley worries about being attacked with handbags. The 'Coronation Street' actor, who plays Todd Grimshaw, fears viewers will hit him while he's out and about because of Todd's mischievousness in the soap - including his affair with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou). Todd has been seducing Marcus in recent months, despite the midwife being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''I don't go out that much ... I'm waiting for a handbag to hit me over the head in Sainsbury's - I think it's going to happen soon.'' The 30-year-old actor returned to his role as Todd...

Charlie Condou says Marcus Dent and Maria Connor's split was ''inevitable''. The actor has been at the centre of a sordid love triangle in 'Coronation Street' of late, cheating on his girlfriend - played by Samia Ghadie - with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), and he admits he foresaw a messy split for Marcus and Maria. Charlie exclusively told Bang Showbiz at the Tric Awards in London: ''He loves her very much, but this is soap - it's never gonna end well! When they told me about the storyline of Marcus and Maria getting together, I knew it would end in tears at...

Charlie Condou says Marcus Dent and Maria Connor's split was ''inevitable''. The actor has been at the centre of a sordid love triangle in 'Coronation Street' of late, cheating on his girlfriend - played by Samia Ghadie - with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), and he admits he foresaw a messy split for Marcus and Maria. Charlie exclusively told Bang Showbiz at the Tric Awards in London: ''He loves her very much, but this is soap - it's never gonna end well! When they told me about the storyline of Marcus and Maria getting together, I knew it would end in tears at...

'Coronation Street' has sparked outrage over a gay kiss scene. The ITV soap featured a raunchy half-naked embrace between Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) and Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) last week, which caused around 100 viewers to complain to Ofcom because the ''sexually suggestive'' scene aired before 8pm when many children were watching. The steamy episode saw openly gay Todd finally seduce Marcus after pursuing him for weeks and the pair were shown heading into the bedroom after kissing on the sofa. While most of the complaints were about the risqué scene being broadcast before the watershed, some were more homophobic in...

'Coronation Street' star Charlie Condou quit for the sake of his children. The actor has two children Georgia, four, and two-year-old Hal with actress Catherine Kanter - via IVF treatment - and they split their time between their mother, and their father and his partner Cameron Laux. Charlie - who plays midwife Marcus Dent - has admitted hearing his daughter tell him she didn't want him to make the commute from London to Manchester for work made him decide to quit the soap. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It was just getting too difficult. Georgia is at an age now where she...

'Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw will finally seduce Marcus Dent next week. The Weatherfield resident - played by Bruno Langley - has set his sights on Marcus (Charlie Condou) in recent weeks and the midwife will find himself unable to resist Todd's advances any longer, despite being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno said: ''This was always about Todd pushing until Marcus caved in. He knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it - never mind the consequences! ''Todd is genuinely attracted to Marcus and that's all it takes. He likes the challenge and the chase, but also...

'Coronation Street' star Charlie Condou quit for the sake of his children. The actor has two children Georgia, four, and two-year-old Hal with actress Catherine Kanter - via IVF treatment - and they split their time between their mother, and their father and his partner Cameron Laux. Charlie - who plays midwife Marcus Dent - has admitted hearing his daughter tell him she didn't want him to make the commute from London to Manchester for work made him decide to quit the soap. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It was just getting too difficult. Georgia is at an age now where she...

'Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw will finally seduce Marcus Dent next week. The Weatherfield resident - played by Bruno Langley - has set his sights on Marcus (Charlie Condou) in recent weeks and the midwife will find himself unable to resist Todd's advances any longer, despite being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno said: ''This was always about Todd pushing until Marcus caved in. He knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it - never mind the consequences! ''Todd is genuinely attracted to Marcus and that's all it takes. He likes the challenge and the chase, but also...

Benefits Street's White Dee and Katie Hopkins came face-to-face tonight (February 3) to debate the country's benefits system.

The show also featured panelists including former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, ex-Tory MP Edwina Currie and former model Annabel Giles, who previously lived on benefits as a single mother.

Hopkins said housing benefits were never set up to pay people to live "where they can't afford to live", while Currie and campaigner Jack Monroe were involved in a heated argument about food banks.

Hopkins's involvement in the debate attracted criticism on social media, with Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou saying that the show deserved "not to be taken seriously".

After watching The Benefits Shouting Match, I've taken the most important message from it - Owen Jones is fit.

— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) February 3, 2014

Katie Hopkins is not a social commentator. She is a professional troll abetted by the TV producers. #BigBenefitsRow

— Tentacle Sixteen (@latentexistence) February 3, 2014

Meanwhile,...

Channel 4's documentary Secrets of the Living Dolls created a huge stir last night and managed to draw an impressive 2.4 million viewers for its exploration of the secretive world of 'female masking'.

With quotes as eye-opening and unforgettable as the dolls themselves ("Would you like the installed rectum?", "I added the hair to make the vagina a little bit more realistic, I used the clippings from my hair"), the doc inevitably generated a huge amount of interest on Twitter.

The documentary followed the stories of a handful of men, who mask either as a hobby or in some cases as a more serious creation of an alter ego, investing both time and money.

"They're not freaky people, they're just like you and me," was the line that the film attempted to put across to viewers. Whether Channel 4 managed to achieve that goal is doubtful as most viewers on...

Charlie Condou has quit 'Coronation Street'. The 40-year-old actor, who plays Marcus Dent, will leave the long-running ITV soap for a second time next summer following a three-year stint but producers will leave the door open for him to return. Charlie - who first played Marcus between 2007 and 2008 and returned to the Manchester-based show in 2011 - told The Sun newspaper: ''I've had a fantastic time at 'Corrie' but feel it's time to move on. I was only meant to return for three months and ended up staying for three years. ''The producers have been really supportive and are leaving the...

Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw returns to Weatherfield to ''wreak havoc''. The gay lawyer sets his sights on Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) and won't let his girlfriend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) get in the way of what he wants as Bruno Langley - who is reprising his role as Todd - says his character has changed. He explained: ''Todd has his eye on Marcus and he's out to get what he wants. ''He likes a challenge and I guess he's probably one of those people who likes the drama of splitting couples up. ''It's all for his own ego and just to prove that he...

Michael Le Vell will be thrown a party when he returns to 'Coronation Street'. The 48-year-old actor - who plays mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap - is expected to return to work in February 2014 after being cleared of 12 counts of child sex abuse last month, and his castmates can't wait to welcome him back. Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent, told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It's brilliant to have him back, everyone's relieved that stuff is over. He has had a lot of stuff thrown at him and people saying things, but he's got through it. I think...

Charlie Condou has revealed that he would strongly consider joining Dancing on Ice next year. The Coronation Street actor admitted that the experience of co-star Samia Ghadie has changed his mind about the reality show. When asked by the Radio Times whether he would compete, he said: "I think I would! Samia's been teasing me about it for ages, saying that she thinks I should do it next year. "I was thinking, 'Not a chance', but when I went to watch it live, I started to think I'd really enjoy this. "So you never know - watch this space. I think, out of all those sort of shows, it's the one I'd want to do the most." Condou, who plays Weatherfield's Marcus Dent, is the on-screen boyfriend of Ghadie (Maria Connor) on the ITV (more)...

Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has claimed that Marcus Dent would like to start a family with Maria Connor. However, the actor conceded that his alter ego is "far too sensible" to "jump into anything" with his new female lover just yet. When asked whether Marcus would want a baby with Maria, Condou told the Radio Times: "I think he'd love to, but obviously it's early days for them." Condou, who has previously backed the unexpected soap romance, revealed that fans have become "overwhelmingly positive" about the Marcus-Maria pairing, although a few remain puzzled. "I think some people are a bit confused by the relationship at times, but not nearly as confused by it as Marcus and Maria are," Condou explained. "I think that's the kind of stuff that Coronation Street does really well and (more)...

Langford's Picks And Pans

River City

I really enjoyed this past week’s River City. First of all, I have to admit that Robbie and Will are growing on me as a couple. No, you won’t see me going all fangirl on them, but I like them much more than I used to. I also think that the pairing has really suited Robbie as a character and has helped to ground and mature what used to be a really flighty and sometimes annoying character. He still can be flighty and annoying, but his relationship with Will has fleshed the character out and softened his more bothersome traits.

I continue to love that River City has this gay couple in lead stories that usually isn’t about them being gay. Yes, Will’s father disapproves of his son's relationship with Robbie, but their lives and stories are much bigger than...

Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has confirmed that he has signed a new contract with the soap. The actor, who plays Marcus Dent, verified a report in The Mirror which revealed that he has landed an improved two-year deal to stay in Weatherfield. Writing on Twitter this evening (January 3), Condou told fans: "Thanks for messages today, I'm obviously very pleased to have signed my new Corrie contract. Lots of stories planned." Condou made no comment on the main focus of The Mirror's report, which suggested that he and former on-screen partner Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) have fallen out. A show source told the (more)...

Langford’S Picks And Pans

River City

I’ve had my doubts about Will and Robbie’s relationship since the very beginning. They always seemed ill-suited for one another and I never felt they had much spark. And well, there are the incidents of domestic violence between the couple that put me against any future between them.

But this past week, with Will and Robbie getting married, I decided to put my doubts and previous impressions aside, at least for this episode and try and enjoy the story as presented in this particular episode. I found that it was a well-crafted piece of drama, well done in both writing and acting, though I do have a few issues.

I thought it was ridiculous that rather than tell Will about Edwards’ attempts to bribe him, Robbie gets stinking drunk. Clearly this only made the situation worse. Will had no idea what...

Coronation Street's Jason Grimshaw explodes with rage this evening (November 12) after discovering that Maria Connor has dumped him for Marcus Dent. Tonight's double bill sees Jason (Ryan Thomas) left heartbroken as Maria ends their relationship, and when she isn't exactly forthcoming about the reasons why, he can't help but feel that he isn't hearing the full story. Later, Maria (Samia Ghadie) and Marcus (Charlie Condou) resolve to keep their romance under wraps for the time being, but their plan is immediately thwarted when a shocked Sean Tully walks in on them kissing at the (more)...

Langford’S Picks And Pans

Hollyoaks

I liked the idea of the guys getting together for Riley's memorial service, even if Doug and Riley’s friendship was very contrived and never really utilized that often. If I recall correctly, Riley was close friends with Ethan and Noah and Doug was the drug dealing lowlife who moved into Noah’s apartment. Doug and Riley's close bond was an off camera creation of the writer, so their supposed friendship never rang true to me. Still I enjoyed the scenes, even if they were bad manipulations of the plot at best.

But even more contrived was Ally being invited to the memorial. Ally and Riley were not friends and I don’t think they ever had much to do with each other. There was no reason for him to be there other than to stir things up with Ste, when there were other ways to accomplish that.

Coronation Street's Maria Connor is finally honest about her feelings for Marcus Dent this evening (November 7). Tonight's episode sees Maria (Samia Ghadie) confide in Audrey Roberts about how she is in love with Marcus, and she refuses to listen when the salon boss insists that she is getting carried away with herself. Later, Marcus (Charlie Condou) is furious when he learns that Maria has been meddling in his relationship with Aiden, who has opted not to move to London following the hairdresser's (more)...

Coronation Street bosses have denied claims that ten characters are facing the axe from the soap. A report in The Sun today (November 3) claims that a string of cast departures are already being planned by the show's new producer Stuart Blackburn, who takes over from current boss Phil Collinson in January. Karl Munro (John Michie), Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou), Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston), Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and newcomer Mandy Kamara (Pamela Nomvete) are among those who were tipped as five of the ten supposedly (more)...

Coronation Street stars Ryan Thomas and Charlie Condou have revealed that there is a "big" fight scene on the way for their characters Jason Grimshaw and Marcus Dent. Jason is heading for heartbreak later this month as his girlfriend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) breaks up with him, but his sadness turns to fury when he discovers that Marcus is the reason for their split. Marcus has always identified himself as a gay man, but has fallen for Maria and decides to make a go of things with her in upcoming episodes. His ex Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) is first to discover what is going on between the pair, and quickly spreads the word to Jason at the Rovers Return. Thomas told TV Times of Jason's reaction: "He does more than punch [Marcus], he goes a bit wild! "It's funny because in the script it was just supposed (more)...

Langford's Picks And Pans

Coronation Street

Every time I watch this show, I wonder if I’m just a "bad gay." There’s a lot of people who don’t like this storyline, saying it’s bad and offensive and sends the wrong message to viewers, that it’s a woman’s fantasy in that if she waits long enough she can turn that gay guy that she’s had her eye on. I suppose those are valid points and yet, I don’t see it that way at all. At least not right now.

I just think there’s lots of story left to be played out so it’s a bit too soon to see if this is a drama about a gay guy going straight (which the show says it isn’t). Now if at the end of this romance, Marcus starts sleeping his way through the...

Charlie Condou has claimed that his character Marcus's love story with Maria has the backing of Coronation Street fans. The Weatherfield actor believes that viewers prefer the surprise heterosexual romance to Marcus's previous relationship with Sean Tully. "The response I've had on Twitter has been great," the star told the Radio Times. "It seems that the public has been willing Marcus and Maria to get together. "A lot of people seem to prefer Marcus and Maria together rather than Marcus and Sean, which is interesting and very unexpected." Digital Spy readers were split on predicting a long future for the pair in a poll conducted on the day of their first kiss. Despite being similarly unsure of where the romance may lead, Condou revealed that he hopes Marcus stays with Maria (Samia Ghadie). "I don't know - I'm (more)...

Coronation Street bosses have announced that Marcus Dent's parents will make an appearance in the soap over the Christmas period. Marcus (played by Charlie Condou) and his friend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) - whose relationship has recently been complicated by a surprise kiss - will play host to Ron and Janet Dent when the pair arrive on Christmas Day. A post on the official Coronation Street website confirms that Ron will be played by Blake's 7 star Stephen Greif, who has also appeared in Birds of a Feather and Tales of the Unexpected. Marcus's mother Janet (more)...

Coronation Street fans, you have just seen gay midwife Marcus Dent and hairdresser Maria Connor share an unlikely kiss. Though both parties tried to shrug off their feelings for one another after the moment, it's clear that they share an attraction. Indeed, actors Charlie Condou and Samia Ghadie have both confirmed that the pair will commit to a shock relationship over the coming weeks. Their respective partners, (more)...

Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has said that his character has benefited from his recent on-screen break-up. The Weatherfield actor told Digital Spy that Marcus Dent has become more prominent since splitting with barman Sean Tully. When asked whether he is glad to be broadening his horizons on the cobbles, Condou told Digital Spy: "Yeah, I think I am. "It's always difficult when you come into a show and you end up being with someone who is so well-established. I think in a lot of ways I suffered from that - I never felt like I was able to spread my wings. "I always felt like I was part of Sean's storyline, which was great (more)...

Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has expressed relief that writers have broken up his on-screen relationship with Antony Cotton. The Weatherfield actor told Digital Spy of his belief that his character Marcus Dent has become more prominent since splitting with barman Sean Tully. When asked whether he is glad the much-loved couple have gone their separate ways, Condou told Digital Spy: "Yeah, I think I am. "It's always difficult when you come into a show and you end up being with someone who is so well-established. I think in a lot of ways I suffered from that - I never felt like I was able to spread my wings. "I always felt like I was part of Sean's (more)...

Langford’S Picks And Pans

EastEnders

I’m kind of torn about this past week’s EastEnders. On one hand, I’m enjoying this final arc for Christian and Syed and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. It’s really nice to see Christian and Syed in a solid storyline that is actually about them and their relationship. They have gotten very little of that over the past couple of years as the show has allowed them to languish on the backburner, even as they proved to be a very popular and beloved duo. The writers simply, for whatever reason, didn’t want to write for them.

And to me, this storyline shows that when the show actually gives them the material, they can be compelling. I just wish the material was a bit better because I’m not quite sure if I buy Syed’s behavior.