‘Downton Abbey’ writer says the movie will have ‘a larger scale’

The long-rumoured Downton Abbey movie is set to begin filming next year. Speaking at BBC America’s BAFTA Party in West Hollywood, the show’s creator Julian Fellowes said: “I think it will be fun to get everyone together, and move it to a larger scale because you have got more money to spend.” Production on the big screen version of … >

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Maggie Smith has signed up for ‘Downton Abbey’ movie

It looks like the long-rumoured Downton Abbey movie is actually happening! Dame Maggie Smith has reportedly signed on to appear in a big screen version of the period drama as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham. Speaking at BBC America’s BAFTA Party in West Hollywood, actor Michael Fox told DailyMail.com: “[Maggie Smith] elevates it to something else, because she is such … >

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Cast announced for BBC One’s Barbara Windsor life story drama ‘Babs’

BBC One has revealed the cast for EastEnders writer Tony Jordan’s new one-off film about the life of Barbara Windsor. The 90-minute drama “will tell the heart-warming story of Barbara Windsor, the Cockney kid with a dazzling smile and talent to match.” Jaime Winstone and Samantha Spiro will play Barbara Windsor alongside two child actors. Dame Barbara Windsor will also be … >

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‘Our Girl’ Season 3 confirmed for 2017

The BBC has ordered a third season of Our Girl. The army drama returned to BBC One last month and Season 2 concluded on Wednesday night. Buy Season 2 on DVD on Amazon here. Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan, who replaced original lead Lacey Turner, will return as Georgie Lane in Season 3 next year, the BBC has confirmed. Keegan … >

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Title revealed for ‘Doctor Who’ Christmas special

The title has been announced for this year’s Doctor Who Christmas episode. 2016’s festive special began filming in Cardiff last month and features the return of Matt Lucas as Nardole alongside Canadian actor Justin Chatwin (Shameless, American Gothic) as a “superhero character.” Written by showrunner Steven Moffat, the episode is reportedly titled ‘The Return of Doctor Mysterio’. Doctor Who is known as Doctor … >

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‘Victoria’ exec promises ‘crises, scandals and challenges’ in Season 2

The writer of ITV’s Victoria has revealed that the young Queen will face a “very modern dilemma” in the period drama’s second season. ITV announced the commission of Season 2 last month, confirming that Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) and Tom Hughes (The Game) will return as as the young Queen and Prince Albert. The eight-part first season launched in … >

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‘River’ writer returns to BBC One with divorce lawyers drama ‘The Split’

BBC One has announced the commission of The Split, a new original drama series from the executive producer of Broadchurch. Created by BAFTA Award-winning writer Abi Morgan (River, The Hour), The Split will examine the fast-paced circuit of high-powered female divorce lawyers through the lens of three sisters – Hannah and Nina, leading divorce and family law lawyers working for rival firms, … >

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Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd to star in ‘The Missing’ writers’ ITV drama ‘Liar’

ITV has ordered a new “compelling emotional thriller” from the creators of The Missing and One of Us. Liar is the first ITV commission for BAFTA- and Golden Globe-nominated producers and screenwriters Harry and Jack Williams. The six-part series will star Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey) and Ioan Gruffudd (Hornblower). The Williams brothers commented: “This story deals with highly emotional and important subject … >

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Anna Friel and more join BBC One’s new Jimmy McGovern drama ‘Broken’

Filming has commenced on The Street writer Jimmy McGovern’s new primetime drama series for BBC One. The six-part drama series was announced earlier this year and is described as a “State of the Nation piece.” Sean Bean will lead the cast of Broken as Father Michael Kerrigan, a Catholic priest presiding over a Northern urban parish. The Game … >

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BBC One’s ‘Les Misérables’ will do ‘real justice to Victor Hugo at last’

BBC One’s upcoming Les Misérables series will apparently be a more “faithful” adaptation than the musical. The makers of this year’s acclaimed War and Peace series will adapt Victor Hugo’s a 19th century classic over six one-hour episodes. BBC One’s Les Misérables “will bring to life a vast and unforgettable cast of characters and tell the story of … >

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