DANCING ON ICE Monday, Jan 14 2008

I’ve never watched Dancing On Ice before. However, like many of these new celebrity shows, you can read between the scripting and urges behind the celebs. For instance, even before any dancing began, I picked Suzanne Shaw to win.
How could I be so sure? Well, celebs only go on such shows to revitalize their careers, and I often play a game to decide who’s the most driven. Suzanne was young enough and good looking enough to make it. But there was more than this in my decision.

Out of the three girls in the band, Hear’Say, she’s the only one out in the cold.

And I don’t mean on the ice rink. Both Kym Marsh and Myleene Klass are doing very well, thank you very much, so Suzanne’s psychology would be – bring it on!
And she nearly won, beaten only by some Hollyoaks nobody who already knew how to skate. But my tip for the winner of the series remains Suzanne. However, I’m a bit annoyed by the show.

Phillip Schofield is good.

I like him – but as a glitzy celeb presenter, he’s no Bruce Forsyth. And this is the problem. Apart from the ‘kiddy factor’ – sorry The X Factor – ITV1 fails miserably next to BBC1 on Saturday evenings.
So what do they do? Move it to Sunday. And this is impinging on hallowed territory. Sunday has been a great success for ITV because it is the cosy night. A couple of SOAPs, a Yorkshire nicey nicey drama – Heartbeat, etc – and a gentle mystery or play, it’s my favourite night on TV.
But now I fear for my Sunday nights. In their relentless pursuit of ratings, and satisfying the younger audience, I do hope ITV don’t intend placing Saturday night glitz on Sunday cosiness as a matter of course.
If so, then it is just more contempt for the older viewer – you know, the ones who watch TV most.
Idiots.

© Anthony North, January 2008

From my Diary - WE’RE SPECIALIST CRAZY

Okay, so I have a medical complaint – I don’t, so don’t panic (apart from chronic fatigue syndrome, that is). I’m speaking metaphorically. Obviously, I would want this sorted out, and I’d want the best, wouldn’t I? I’d want to know that I’m in good hands. But do I necessarily need a specialist …
… read more …

For light relief - FICTION PAGE

From twist in the tale to horror, from crime to science fiction, my Fiction Page has dozens of short short stories, each taking only a couple of minutes to read. Give it a try - and then come back for one a day.
… access here …