Wednesday 29 February 2012

Matt Smith on DayBreak

Matt Smith appeared on DayBreak this morning talking about the seventh series of Doctor Who and claimed that he wouldn't be leaving the show 'anytime soon'. When asked about the rumours that Benedict Cumberbatch would be joining the show as The Master, he claimed he was unaware of any such rumours and joked that Benedict was 'far too busy' being a Star Trek Villain along with his lead role in the BBC drama, Sherlock. Watch the full intervew with Matt below:

Monday 27 February 2012

Who News: Benedict Cumberbatch to play The Master for 50th Anniversary?

For many fanboys and girls it would be the dream pairing – Doctor Who and Benedict Cumberbatch.
So the rumour that the Sherlock star is to play the Time Lord’s arch enemy The Master as part of next year’s Doctor Who 50th anniversary output will raise some goosebumps.
Doctor Who insiders say Cumberbatch, 35, is being lined up for the role and is likely to take on Matt Smith’s Doctor as the show celebrates its half-century in 2013, according to The Express.
“It’s fitting that the Doctor comes face to face with his ultimate enemy, The Master, for the 50th anniversary and it’s felt Benedict is the perfect choice if schedules can work,” a source told the paper. “Fans will love the idea of the man who plays Sherlock Holmes taking on the Doctor’’.

Sunday 26 February 2012

Upstairs Downstairs - Blanche and Portia Kiss (Preview Clip)

Upstairs Downstairs - Episode 3 - A Perfect Specimen of Womanhood

When a scandalous novel is published by the beautiful Lady Portia Alersford, Blanche’s unconventional lifestyle is exposed.
The reaction both upstairs and down inside 165 Eaton Place is mixed, although Blanche remains defiant amidst the controversy. Portia offers Blanche refuge from the storm - but as both happy and sad memories from their shared past stir within her, Blanche remains conflicted. 
Downstairs, Beryl is perturbed when her household duties are swapped with Eunice’s. As the workload takes its toll on the younger maid she decides to take a stand - but her actions have far-reaching consequences that shake the very foundations of what being a servant means inside 165 Eaton Place. Luckily an old face is on hand to offer some welcome and wise words…
As Sir Hallam prepares for another round of negotiations in Germany, Lady Persie drops a bombshell of her own, swearing Sir Hallam to secrecy. But when his efforts to help his sister-in-law prove fruitless, Lady Persie takes matters into her own hands, with dangerous consequences for all concerned.

Upstairs Downstairs Episode 2 - The Love That Pays The Price

Although the first series of Upstairs Downstairs was indeed very good, it never quite had the ability to draw me in emotionally. Yes, I loved the actors and some of the characters, but the storylines didn't really grip me in a way that a top quality drama really should. However this series, the tables have turned completely upside down and I can honestly say that, so far, I have thoroughly enjoyed every single second. The characters are fantastic and the stoylines are superb. I thought last week's episode was brilliant, but tonight's episode out shone that by a mile. And after that particular preview clip, I completely cannot wait for next weeks episode and the storyline with Blanche and her secret lover. The series just gets better and better.

'What's your hearts desire?'

'I'd rather like to dance with you!'

What did you think to tonight's episode? Comment below or vote in the poll at the bottom of the page.

The Daily Mail: The lesbian bedroom scenes that would NEVER have appeared in the original Upstairs Downstairs (Contains Spoilers)

It would never have happened in the time of strait-laced Edwardian butler Mr Hudson from the original Upstairs Downstairs.
But extra-marital lesbian scenes will feature in next Sunday’s episode of the BBC show in a bid to boost ratings. Doctor Who star Alex Kingston and Silent Witness actress Emilia Fox will play female lovers who scandalise 165 Eaton Place.
The two women are shown sharing a passionate kiss, and in another scene they are in bed together.
In one erotically charged moment, Kingston’s character, the archaeologist Dr Blanche Mottershead, slowly and provocatively traces her finger down the front of Fox’s body. She tells her: ‘There is a visceral thrill when you stumble on a find, whether you roll away a stone and discover a ransacked tomb or dredge the sands and bring up the shattered cup.’
The controversial storyline is part of an attempt by the BBC to sex up the show so it can compete with its ITV costume drama rival Downton Abbey, which has so far proved a bigger ratings hit.
Kingston’s free-thinking character, who joined the series last week, has already caused ripples by questioning the established order of things in the grand London house.
But she brings social disgrace on to the household when she rekindles a past sexual relationship with the beautiful and bisexual Lady Portia Alresford, played by Fox.
Lady Portia unexpectedly comes back into Blanche’s life after an absence of almost four years. Fox’s character is now the happily married wife of an MP with three children but she is determined to bring her former lover back into her life.
Read More...



Saturday 25 February 2012

Upstairs Downstairs Episode 2 - The Love That Pays The Price (Tomorrow)

So Upstairs Downstairs series 2 continues tomorrow night on BBC1 at 9pm with episode 2 'The Love That Pays The Price'.

What is the bad news that Lady Agnes recieves? Will Blanche and Mr Amanjit put aside their differences to help the Jewish children trapped in Germany? Will Mrs Thackery really leave 165 Eaton Place for good? And can Agnes persuade Hallam to help her sister Persie escape from Germany?

You can read the episode synopsis here and watch a preview clip of the episode here.

Doctor Who Filming At Secret South Wales Beach

FILMING for the new series of Doctor Who was well under way at a secret Welsh seaside location yesterday.
Matt Smith, who plays the Time Lord, Arthur Darvill (sidekick Rory) and guest star Mark Williams were seen leaping along a windswept beach in South Wales.

Friday 24 February 2012

Upstairs Downstairs in The Lady Magazine!

In 2011, it seemed practically impossible to open a magazine or newspaper without reading paeans of praise to Downton Abbey. The drama about life in a grand country house at the turn of the last century didn’t actually do anything new, but it did do everything ‘right’. By comparison, the BBC’s 2010 revival of the old ITV period drama Upstairs Downstairs seemed rather ordinary. By no means dreadful, but just ambling, where Downton flew.
But the beautifully laid tables may have been turned. The second series of the much-loved Downton Abbey still stood head, shoulders and exquisite picture hat above the greater mass of popular television. I’ve now seen the first few episodes of Upstairs Downstairs series two, and the bar has most definitely been raised. And French polished.
A few small but telling changes have been made at 165 Eaton Place. Jean Marsh, who with Dame Eileen Atkins created the original for ITV in 1971, has unfortunately had to take a leave of absence to recover from illness. And Dame Eileen has left the show permanently, amid rumours of disagreements with writer Heidi Thomas. Despite, or perhaps because of, that adversity, Upstairs Downstairs has come back immeasurably stronger.

Read more HERE!

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Rupert Graves to appear in Who Series 7!

It has been confirmed that both Rupert Graves (Sherlock) and David Bradley (Harry Potter) will be staring in the new series of Doctor Who. Rupert Graves will be recognisable to many Who fans as Lestrade in Moffat's other show, Sherlock, and although David Bradley will be known to most as the Hogwarts caretaker, it isn't actually his first appearance in the Whoniverse as he previously stared as the voice of the Shansheeth in The Sarah Jane Adventures. 

In relation to Keelex, if you're a fan of Rupert Graves, you can see him alongside Keeley Hawes in The Blonde Bombshell (1999), Ashes to Ashes (episode 1.2) and Death at a Funeral (2007).
 
(See the 'Doctor Who News' page for more Series 7 info.)

New 'Eternity Clock' Trailer!

Emilia Fox 'Alex Kingston is a great lover!'

Emilia Fox thinks she and Alex Kingston make a “great pair of lovers”.

The ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ actress - who portrays Lady Portia Alresford in the BBC period drama - explained the duo “weren’t nervous” at all about their upcoming steamy lesbian love scene, and acting out the raunchy plot was a “wonderful” experience.

She told Closer magazine: “Alex and I make a great pair of lovers! It was wonderful - we just went for it. We weren’t nervous, because we just decided to have fun with it and it’s good to be asked to do something you’ve never done before.”

Heidi Thomas, the writer and creator of ‘Upstairs Downstairs’, has previously admitted the pair’s lesbian liaison will mean there is a “real whiff of scandal in the air” when the show returns to screens.

She said: “These are two brilliant, intellectual women who have a deeply romantic friendship in the tradition of the great Edwardian romantics, which gives each of them endless stimulation and satisfaction.

“There is a real whiff of scandal in the air. When this relationship becomes apparent in the household there are various reactions both upstairs and downstairs.

“The relationship is covert and difficult. It causes a bit of a stir when it all comes out, but Blanche finds support and sympathy from an unlikely quarter.”


Original Source - Closer Magazine

Doctor Who News Page Updated

I have updated some information on the 'Doctor Who News' page. I will continue updating the page as more news becomes available, so keep checking the page as it will be updated regularly so I will not always notify people of updates.

Upstairs Downstairs Ep2 - Preview Clip

Upstairs Downstairs Episode 2 - The Love That Pays The Price

After being told she can have no more children, Lady Agnes distracts herself by throwing a dinner party for the Kennedys.
During the evening, she catches the eye of charismatic multimillionaire Caspar Landry, a guest at the party, who is instantly won over by her kindness. Sir Hallam and Lady Agnes are thrilled when he is offered a job in America but their reverie is short lived when the horrors of Kristallnacht hit 165.
Determined to help the Jewish children trapped in Germany, Hallam works with Mr Amanjit in beginning to coordinate a rescue effort, but the sheer administrative challenge of such a heartbreaking cause is overwhelming and Mr Amanjit is forced to consider his differences with Blanche in an attempt to save the children…
After a frantic call from Lady Persie, Lady Agnes also pleads with Hallam to help her sister return safely to London. Lady Agnes, too, strives to help the refugees, persuading Caspar Landry to donate to the cause. Charmed by Lady Agnes, he obliges, and Agnes is filled with a renewed sense of confidence in her abilities.
Downstairs, Mrs Thackeray is thrilled to re-establish contact with her only nephew and when she and Mr Pritchard continue to lock horns, resigns. But Mrs Thackeray finds it tough to settle into life away from Eaton Place. Mr Pritchard, meanwhile, struggles to run the house in her absence.... 


Monday 20 February 2012

Doctor Who Series 7.

As most of you will already know, filming for Doctor Who Series 7 has begun today in Cardiff. The series is predicted to air in the Autumn and possibly continue into 2013. As usual, it will consist of 13 episodes and a Christmas Special.

CAST: So far we know that Matt Smith will play the Doctor for the whole series. We know that Amy & Rory are gue to leave at some point during the series and a new companion will join the series, although it has not yet been announced who the new companion will be. We also know that Alex Kingston will reprise her role as River Song, although it is also unknown how many episodes of the series she will appear in.  There are also rumours that various popular characters such as Jack Harkness, The Master, Craig Owens, Madam Vastra and Canton could return during the series.

MONSTERS: Producer Marcus Wilson stated that a few classic monsters from the 60's and 70's will return but that they will have 'moved on' a bit. One of the monsters rumoured to return is the Yeti, which first appeared in an episode with the second Doctor in 1967; The Abominable Snowman. They also came appeared in another episode a year later called The Web of Fear.

WRITERS: So far, Steven Moffat has been confirmed as writing five episodes for the series. Mark Gattis and John Fay have both been confirmed for one episode each.

EPISODES: Moffat has claimed that the first episode will be a bit like the movie Die Hard and teased that the title was 'Spoiler of the Spoilers'. It is yet unknown as to which episode Mark Gattis will be writing but he confirmed that he originally pitched the story idea for the episode to Moffat in late 2011. he also revealed that his episode contains the words 'Meat', 'Klaxon' and 'Vienna'.

FILMING SO FAR: Today filming has taken place inside house on Church Road in Penarth (Amy & Rory's street). Arthur Darvill and Karen Gillan were both spotted on location. Actor and Comedian Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter) was also spotted on the set and there have been various (unconfirmed) rumours that he could be playing the part of Rory's dad.

(NOTE. I will continue to keep you all up to date with information about the new series of Doctor Who, so check back for more info soon.)

Sunday 19 February 2012

Upstairs Downstairs Episode 1! (Contains Spoilers)

So Lady Agnes has just given birth to her second child Veronica, Lady Persie is snogging Lord Hallam in Germany, Johnny is gassing Lady Maud's pet monkey and Alex Kingston is being as sexy and stunning as ever. All at the same time as Britain prepares for the second World War. And that's just episode 1!

But what did YOU think to the episode? You can leave your comments by clicking the comments button below :)

Upstairs Downstars Episode 1 - A Faraway Country About Which We Know Nothing

So Upstairs Downstairs Series 2 starts tonight at 9:30pm on BBC1!

Episode Synopsis:
It is now September 1938. Sir Hallam is anxious about affairs in Germany and determines to persuade those in power that Hitler can’t be contained. But when he is met with short shrift from his superiors and sees his wife’s concern over what the possibility of another war might mean for their young family, Hallam is forced to consider whether his approach is the right one…and when he meets an unexpected face in Germany he begins to question more than his political beliefs.
Downstairs, with Rose taken ill with TB, the staff welcome spirited new maid Beryl, who catches Harry’s eye. But Beryl struggles to adjust to life in service and has greater ambitions.
Back at Eaton Place Sir Hallam’s wife Lady Agnes is extremely frail after giving birth to their second child, but returns to 165 to support her husband. After the death of Hallam’s mother, Lady Holland, the couple are playing host to Dr Blanche Mottershead, Hallam’s aunt, who continues to make herself comfortable at 165 some weeks after the funeral, much to Sir Hallam and Mr Amanjit’s dismay.
Lady Agnes, however, is grateful for the support Blanche lends in such uncertain times. But, despite Blanche’s support, Lady Agnes remains anxious about the safety of her family and her worries set off a chain of events which leads to a startling revelation about Mr Pritchard…


If you are on twitter tonight, try and tag as many tweets as possible with Keeley Hawes, Alex Kingston and #UpstairsDownstairs so we can get them trending. Remember to write Alex Kingston and Keeley Hawes FULL names (rather than just Alex & Keeley) and write them without the # as it's easier for them to trend that way :)

BUT most of all....ENJOY it. And (if like me) you are way too excited to do much today, come and chat to me on twitter (@A_KingstonFans and @KeeleyHawesFans), also come online after the show and let me know what you think to it. You can also comment on this post about your thoughts on tonight's episode. 

Saturday 18 February 2012

Keeley Hawes Daily Mirror Interview.

Floating around serenely as Lady Agnes in Upstairs Downstairs, Keeley Hawes seems every inch the privileged aristocrat.
But running around after her three kids means that real life is much less glamorous for the 36-year-old actress with the porcelain skin and the perfect vowels.
And with down-to-earth honesty, Keeley dismisses her show’s big rival, Downton Abbey, admitting she has never watched it.
She is far too busy preparing her children’s packed lunches and running baths to settle in front of the TV when it is on.
Keeley says: “We don’t watch telly on a Sunday night as we are just desperately trying to juggle our lives.
“I’ve never seen an episode of Downton Abbey. Sunday is a very big night in my house – I’ve got three kids so we are preparing for the school run.
“Once things have settled down then I’ll get the box set and watch it.
“I tend to get the box sets of things. Then when I have the flu I have a good day to watch things.”
 READ MORE HERE!

Thursday 16 February 2012

What's on TV - Alex Kingston Interview!

How would you describe your character, Blanche? 
“She is the aunt of Sir Hallam [Ed Stoppard] and the half-sister of the late Lady Maud [Eileen Atkins]. She is an adventuress and free spirit because she doesn’t toe the expected society lines. She has secrets, too, and perhaps that is why she has chosen to spend much of her life in North Africa, where she can be who she is rather than feeling constricted.”

What effect does she have on the household? 
“Initially, Hallam and Agnes want rid of her, but Agnes [Keeley Hawes] comes to rely on Blanche as a sounding board and someone to ask for advice. Agnes finds confidence, largely through Blanche’s encouragement, so Blanche takes on a sisterly role with the women of the house, but her relationship with Hallam is fractured.”

How do the servants react to her? 
“She doesn’t obey the laws of upstairs and downstairs, she treats everybody as an equal. I think the servants enjoy the way that everything is delineated though, so she is upsetting the equilibrium. I think they find her rather amusing, too, and she becomes a focal point for gossip downstairs.”

Does she have an unconventional look? 
“She is comfortable in the practical clothing she wore in North Africa. She has one pair of shoes and one pair of boots which she has ridden across the Sahara in, so she doesn’t have a large and fancy wardrobe. I feel she has mixed with the Bloomsbury set of slightly avant-garde thinkers, so there is a looseness to her and she doesn’t feel the need to be put together.”

Have you enjoyed doing something set in this time period? 
“Oh yes, setting this series just before the Second World War is clever. In 2012, our world is changing radically and that is reflected in Upstairs Downstairs, too. These characters are on the verge of something, they don’t know what is going to happen and people will identify with their fears. This is the beginning of the modern world and here is a society just clinging onto what they know, but it is going to change irrevocably.”

Were you a fan of the original series? 
“I was brought up on Upstairs Downstairs, so I was very excited. This almost feels like a completely different show, though, and the one I grew up with suddenly feels rather old-fashioned, because it has been brought up to date in terms of themes and the situations with which the characters are struggling.”

LINK

Keeley Hawes on The BBC Breakfast Show tomorrow!

Keeley Hawes will be on The BBC Breakfast Show tomorrow morning (probably around 9am).

Sunday 12 February 2012

Keeley Hawes in The Daily Mail!

Click Here to Read: LINK



Hawes Hotties! (The Daily Mail)

● Favourite Book Lord of the Flies by William Golding made me all in love with reading as a child. I can also remember My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, which made me realise that the world is a huge and amazing place and that a book can help you to travel anywhere you like using your imagination. Most recently I’ve read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. 
● Favourite Music. At the moment I’m listening to Laura Marling [right]; I’m a big fan of music that involves wailing women! I also love anything by Cat Stevens, and I’m enjoying Tired Pony too.
● Must-Have Beauty Product Lucas Papaw Ointment, which comes in a handy bright red tube that you can always find in your handbag. You can use it on chapped lips or any areas that feel dry and weathered. It’s extremely moisturising and healing.
● Fashion Icon Alexa Chung (right), but she is a bit thin. It would be great if we could have more curvy icons, but even Nigella and Dawn French are slimming down!
● Favourite Apps? My children and I are currently obsessed with Plants vs Aliens, the Moron Testand Doodle Jump.
● Saving Up For the final push in the renovation of our home, which has been going on for years now. Once it’s done the job will be complete. 
● FAVE tipple A lovely glass of chilled white wine. Perfect.

New pics of Upstairs Downstairs!



NOTE: These pictures are edits by THIS tumblr user. The real pictures are still under embargo and will be posted on the 14th Feb (Tuesday).

Saturday 11 February 2012

Keeley Hawes on The One Show!

Hopefully you all managed to see Keeley on The One Show last night, but if you didn't you can catch up on BBCiplayer. There's also some pics of Keeley looking very beautiful here:


ALSO: Well done to everyone who helped to get Keeley trending on twitter last night. There's a screenshot below of her trending :)

Monday 6 February 2012

Keeley Hawes to attend 'The Greatest Show'

The Greatest Show have confirmed that Keeley Hawes will be attending the event in May.
Click HERE for more details :)

Upstairs Downstairs Advert!

I've managed to record and upload the Upstairs Downstairs advert, so you can all watch it :)

Alex Kingston - Upstairs Downstairs Exclusive in Yours Magazine Tomorrow!

There will be an exclusive interview with Alex Kingston about her new role in Upstairs Downstairs in tomorrow's edition of Yours Magazine which is available to buy in most newsagents for £1:40 :)

Sunday 5 February 2012

Keeley Hawes on Lady Agnes (The Daily Mail)

‘I don’t think Agnes is a rebel especially, but she starts looking for a little bit of excitement.
She wants to enjoy her life a little bit more, without depending so much on Hallam for everything. She just becomes more independent.’


-The Daily Mail (Keeley Hawes on Lady Anges in S2)

Alex Kingston wins 'Best Actress' at SFX Awards!

Alex Kingston won the award for 'Best Actress' at the SFX Awards 2012.


They also won awards for Best Actor (Matt Smith), Best Tv Show and Screenwriting Excellence (Neil Gaimen).

Congratulations to all :)

Upstairs Downstairs Exclusive in Yours Magazine!

There will be an Upstairs Downstairs exclusive in 'Yours' magazine on Tuesday, with information and behind-the-scenes news on the new series.

Thanks to @Sophie141095 for this info :)

Friday 3 February 2012

Alex Kingston is Jaw-Struck (The Sun)

The former ER star, who plays a lesbian in the new series of Upstairs Downstairs, tells all on Graham Norton's chatshow on BBC1 tonight at 10.35pm.
She says: "I was jet lagged, working with comedians and I walked into a lamppost.
"It was a comedy moment, but I was so embarrassed because I thought I'd be the butt of their jokes so I pretended I was fine.
"Later that night I started to feel really woozy and I fell flat on my face. I bit through my lower lip and knocked out my front teeth. It was awful and I had to go straight to ER."
On her new role in the hit period drama — which returns to our screens this month — Alex joked: "Let's just say, she lives upstairs but goes downtown!"
And she also hinted her Doctor Who character, River Song, could return.
Alex said: "You may see her again... Upstairs Downstairs and Doctor Who don't film at the same time." 

Watch the full interview on The Graham Norton Show tonight @10:35pm on BBC1!

Thursday 2 February 2012

Pics of Alex on The Graham Norton Show tomorrow!


Upstairs Downstairs Week 1 Synopsis1

Written and created by Heidi Thomas, the hotly anticipated second series of Upstairs Downstairs returns to BBC One, starring Jean Marsh, Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard and Alex Kingston.
It is now September 1938. Sir Hallam is anxious about affairs in Germany and determines to persuade those in power that Hitler can’t be contained. But when he is met with short shrift from his superiors and sees his wife’s concern over what the possibility of another war might mean for their young family, Hallam is forced to consider whether his approach is the right one…and when he meets an unexpected face in Germany he begins to question more than his political beliefs.
Downstairs, with Rose taken ill with TB, the staff welcome spirited new maid Beryl, who catches Harry’s eye. But Beryl struggles to adjust to life in service and has greater ambitions.
Back at Eaton Place Sir Hallam’s wife Lady Agnes is extremely frail after giving birth to their second child, but returns to 165 to support her husband. After the death of Hallam’s mother, Lady Holland, the couple are playing host to Dr Blanche Mottershead, Hallam’s aunt, who continues to make herself comfortable at 165 some weeks after the funeral, much to Sir Hallam and Mr Amanjit’s dismay.
Lady Agnes, however, is grateful for the support Blanche lends in such uncertain times. But, despite Blanche’s support, Lady Agnes remains anxious about the safety of her family and her worries set off a chain of events which leads to a startling revelation about Mr Pritchard…

Alex Kingston: 'River Song could return to Doctor Who'

Alex Kingston has hinted that River Song could return to Doctor Who.

The actress, who will appear in the new series of Upstairs Downstairs, told talkshow host Graham Norton that she may resume her Who role.

"You may see her again. Who knows?" she teased. "Let's just say, Upstairs Downstairs and Doctor Who don't film at the same time."

Kingston also admitted that she had known "for a very long time" that her character was secretly the daughter of Amy Pond (Karen Gillan).

"I knew... for the whole of the last series," she confessed. "[The other actors] didn't know and they were constantly trying to get it out of me. They discovered it in that episode ['A Good Man Goes To War'] when they read the script."

Karen Gillan will exit Doctor Who alongside her on-screen husband Arthur Darvill (Rory) mid-way through the next series.

Series star Matt Smith recently indicated that he currently has "no plans to leave" the sci-fi drama.

Doctor Who will return to BBC One in late 2012. The Graham Norton Show - featuring Kingston, This Means War star Reese Witherspoon, comedian Reginald D Hunter and British indie band The Musgraves - will air on Friday at 10.35pm on BBC One.

It has already been confirmed that Alex will be returning for the 7th series of Who and starts filming really soon (see earlier posts).