THE TRAITORS, MR BATES VS THE POST OFFICE AND MORE AT EDINBURGH TV FEST

By K Monroe 

THE Traitors, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and Late Night Lovett are just some of the shows up for an award at Screen Scotland’s The Edinburgh TV Festival (ETF), the UK’s leading television industry event. 

The annual event in August which brings a host of big names from behind the scenes and front of camera to Edinburgh has announced the shortlist for its prestigious TV Awards, which are supported by Cast & Crew.  

Despite an unbelievably challenging year for many, the television industry has proven to be an impactful force for good for both viewers and society at large, setting the news agenda with the likes of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, creating water-cooler moments with entertainment series like The Traitors, and providing escapism and laughs with programmes like Late Night Lycett. The TV Awards list of nominees reflects the creativity, innovation, passion and resilience of this community, with the UK’s traditional broadcasters dominating the shortlist.  

Double BAFTA Award winning British television personality, chef and musician Zuhair Hassan, otherwise known as Big Zuu, will take the helm as 2024 Jury President, overseeing the voting via juries made up of industry names. Since Big Zuu’s Big Eats launched on UKTV in 2020, he has become a household name and has gone on to host Big Zuu’s Breakfast Show on ITV and Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours on ITV. Most recently Zuu fronted BBC Two documentary Big Zuu Goes to Mecca, he has also acted in UKTV’s Sneakerhead, hosted the 1Xtra Residency, released a cookbook and launched his own podcast, Feast is Feast. Zuu is a co-founder of Big Productions, an entertainment label specialising in factual and music content with the goal of nurturing and developing diverse talent in the industry.  

Big Zuu said: “It is an honour to be asked to chair the Jury for this year’s TV Awards. Between the pandemic, the strikes and the recession, it has been a really challenging couple of years for our industry. The talent on display in this shortlist is a timely reminder of how valuable our sector is, so I am really excited to be a part of this year’s process.” 

The shortlist for this year’s Awards is packed full of the best acting and producing talent in the television industry from across the UK and internationally. With a broad range of broadcasters and streamers nominated, the BBC leads the shortlist with 23 nominations across the broadcaster and individual talent categories. Channel 4amassed 19 nominations and ITV 10, with global streamers Apple TV+ and Disney+ securing 6 nominations each.

The Edinburgh TV Awards will be held at the EICC on Thursday 22nd August

NATHAN EVANS GOES HITCHHIKING IN GLENCOE FOR LATEST VIDEO

Wellerman hitmaker and multi-platinum British breakthrough singer-songwriter Nathan Evans went climbing in Glencoe for his brand new video. 

Nathan released the official video for latest single, “Told You So” via Polydor; the same single that Zoe Ball, OJ Borg and Sara Cox on BBC Radio 2 have championed since its inception. 

The official video opens with Nathan standing on the side of the road in Glen Coe hitchhiking across various idyllic locations across Scotland in a bid to get home. 

Nathan eventually reaches his hometown of Airdrie, assembling a cast of his genuine family and friends to whom he performs an intimate gig. The new video marks Evans’ arrival: a transition from TikTok to international pop-stardom and is available to watch  [HERE]. 

 

To celebrate the release of the video, Nathan says: “Thank you, guys, so much on all the support so far with Told You So It has been so overwhelming but also absolutely amazing. Some of the locations in the new music video are beautiful. We spent nearly a full day down by Loch Lomond and a place called Arrochar, and the footage just looks amazing. Loch Lomond is always beautiful. We also went back to my roots and spent a good day filming in Airdrie to get a good sense of home in there too, it looks outstanding. I cannot wait for you all to see the new video! Personally, I love it and hope you all love it just as much as I do!”

 

The release of his new video for the single that went onto chart in the Top 10 of the Music Moves Europe Talent charts follows the global success of “Wellerman”, the biggest selling domestic single of 2021 in the UK so far and first Scottish artist to have a debut #1 since 2007. Leading a new cultural movement of sea shanties, Nathan went onto to score a #1 in 10 countries including the UK while clocking up well over a staggering half a billion streams, quickly becoming the biggest Global hit from a British artist in 2021. It caught the attention of Brian May and Andrew Lloyd Webber with appearances around the globe on the likes of Good Morning America, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, The BRITs and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

 

In high demand, Nathan is set to play his first festival appearance on the main stage in front of 60,000 people at TRNSMT in Glasgow on 11 September where he will be in good company alongside NME Award winner Liam Gallagher and fellow Scots Primal Scream. Pre Covid he was performing to 60 people! He will later embark on a U.K. and Ireland wide tour which kicks off on 1 December in Dublin with dates scheduled throughout the U.K. including Manchester, London, and his home city of Glasgow with 13 dates also across Europe into 2022. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.livenation.co.uk/. See below for Nathan Evans’ full live schedule.

On his upcoming lives shows, Nathan says: “Can’t believe I can actually say that I’m going on tour! Not just a UK tour but also a European tour, that’s mind blowing to me, still can’t believe it! Can’t wait to eventually meet everyone who has supported me on this amazing journey and put some faces to names, it’s going to be amazing!”

2021 UK & IRELAND TOUR DATES
 
11 September 2021                         Glasgow, U.K.                         TRNSMT
 
01 December 2021                           Dublin, Ireland                            Academy 2
06 December 2021                           Manchester, U.K.                       The Deaf Institute
08 December 2021                           London, U.K.                               Colours
09 December 2021                           Milton Keynes, U.K.                    Unit Nine
12 December 2021                           Glasgow, U.K.                              King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
13 December 2021                           Edinburgh, U.K.                           The Caves
14 December 2021                           Glasgow, U.K.                              King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
16 December 2021                           Aberdeen, U.K.                            The Tunnels
19 December 2021                           Coventry, U.K.                              Rialto Plaza

LINE OF DUTY STARS TIPPED FOR STRICTLY

Vicky McClure 4/9 From 11/10 To Take Part In Strictly Come Dancing

The rumour mill is in full swing as to which famous faces will be signing up to take part in the 19^th series of Strictly Come Dancing and Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure is the latest name being well backed.

The actress could be swapping her police uniform for the sequins as she is being eyed up for the celebrity dance contest which will air later this year. McClure played Detective Inspector Kate Fleming in the hugely popular Line Of Duty and Strictly bosses are reportedly eager to snare one of the starring cast for the dancefloor to compete for the glitterball.

BoyleSports chalked up potential contenders this week with Vicky McClure introduced as a 11/10shot, but those odds were quickly snapped up as the 37-year-old is now just 4/9 to take part, with colleague Gregory Piper, who played villain PC Ryan Pilkington, at 3/1. 

 

Other names in the mix include Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford who is one of the favourites to be involved at 1/5, and ex-House of Commons Speaker John Bercow who is rated a 2/1 shot. 

 

Sarah Kinsella, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented: “The build-up to the next series of Strictly Come Dancing is already starting to gather pace and following the success of Line Of Duty, it would be no surprise to see its stars approached. Vicky McClure is a likely candidate now 4/9 from 11/10 to compete for the glitterball while Good Morning Britain presenter Alex Beresford is one of the firm early favourites to be hitting the dancefloor.”

END

Strictly Come Dancing ~ To Be A Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2021

1-5                               Alex Beresford

1-3                               Mark Feehily

1-3                               Tomasz Scafernaker

4-9                               Vicky McClure

1-2                               Stacey Solomon

4-6                               Joe Wicks

11-8                             Laura Tobin

2                                  Ralf Little

9-4                               Shalom Brune-Franklin

3                                  Gregory Piper

3                                  Tom Malone Jr

10                                Peter Ebdon 

10                                Carrie Symonds

BGT CHAMPION JAI MCDOWALL UNDERWENT GRUELLING CIRCUS TRAINING AHEAD OF SHOW

JAI McDowall proved to be the Greatest Showman when he appeared on BGT The Champions at the weekend. 

And now we can reveal that the Ayrshire born singer underwent special training at the circus to build his confidence ahead of the show. 

As well as having knives thrown at him, and limboing under fire, Jai also took part in Zippos Globe of Death where he stood while two 125cc scrambler bikes circled his head. 

He said: “I was very nervous the first time I took part in BGT and the judges even remarked that my knees were knocking together as I performed. This time round I wanted to make sure that I’d be confident so I got some extra special training at the circus. 

He laughed: “I figured that nothing would be worse than staring death in the face.”

Jai wowed the audience with a moving performance of I’ll Never Love Again during the weekend’s talent contest and even received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell. 

Simon apologised to the Scots star for writing him off eight years ago after he won the show and proclaimed: “So, 2011. I remember my issue at the time was I was struggling to find out where you fit into the market," Simon told Jai. 

"The fact that I never gave you support during or after the show and you have the guts to come back and prove a point to me: you've grown in stature and in confidence and that was an amazing performance.

"I owe you an apology for not giving you the support you needed at the time, but I also respect the fact you've come back and made me look like an idiot and you look fantastic.

"I could not be more thrilled so here's the standing ovation I should have given you."

Jai has been inundated with calls since the show and was even approached by Hollywood producers to star in a big movie. 

A spokesperson for the star said: "Jai is in talks about lots of future projects and there is s lot of interest in him taking on some acting roles, He has also received a request from Susan Boyleto join him on tour this March."

HOW LAUREL AND HARDY HELPED ALEX FERGUSON AND HIS SCOTTISH TEAM

Scotland boss Alex McLeish reckons Laurel and Hardy have a lot to do with the success of the old Aberdeen team managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Radio Clyde’s Ewen Cameron who was at the premiere with me earlier this week at the Showcase cinema in Baillieston revealed that Alex got a part in the film as an extra after he bumped into director Jon S Baird at an airport.

Now Eck, as he’s affectionately known, has revealed he has a supporting role in the film (in the background reading a paper as seen here) and added: “Ronald Villiers eat your heart out. I was in the Laurel and Hardy fab club for many years when I was younger. In fact going back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s days we’d meet for pre match meals before the team talk and watch a twenty minute Laurel and Hardy film before it. The whole squad was glued to it. Going back maybe it was the secret of our success.”

Alex joined the club with Andy Gray of City Lights and panto game and got a Sons of The Desert monthly magazine every month.”

The film is a real corker and I’d recommend it highly to anyone young or old,  whether you’re an avid fan of the duo or not. 

Stan and Ollies story is a Brokeback Mountain style narrative where the relationship between the two men is told through their adventure. 

Scots will be delighted to see the Hollywood legends on their tour of the U.K. including the old Empire Theatre in Glasgow. The film is in full colour and it’s incredible to see how much of the clever comedy has lasted through the years. 

Special mention must go to Scottish born Ross Owen who advised on the film and helped to make Steve Coogan and John C Reillys characters come to life. It’s really one of those films you need to watch more than once. 

Meantime ... Stan Laurel’s mother’s grave is about to become the centre of attention in 2019 - and his great granddaughter is planning a visit to Scotland to ensure his memory is kept alive.

Ross Owen who advised on the film told me at the Showcase in Baillieston that he’s  been in regular touch with Cassidy Cook - Stan’s great granddaughter.

He told me: “Stans first ever stage performance was in Glasgow at the Panoptican and he used to live here when he was fifteen or sixteen. His mother Madge died when he was in Scotland and she’s buried in Cathcart cemetery and been there for years but they don’t have a headstone and it’s a bit unkempt. I was telling Cassidy this two weeks ago and she’s going to come over and we are going to put a headstone up and she’s going to do this properly. She’s coming to visit the Panopticon this year.”

And...STILL Game’s Jane McCarrie, Sanjeev Kohli and Gavin Mitchell turned out to the Scottish premiere of Stan and Ollie - and ended up crying.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end of the brilliant movie about the comedy legends.
It’s really a must watch and the physical comedy is timeless.
All three of the actors were huge fans of the talents. Jane who used to be a drama teacher said she has always loved the duo and even used to teach her students about them in secondary. She said: “In first year the first thing I would make the kids do would be to watch Laurel and Hardy. Most of them had never heard of them and would go ‘Oh no black and white films’. By the end of term they were all converted to big Laurel and Hardy Films.”

GLASGOW PIZZA RESTAURANT WINS AWARD FROM ITALIAN GOVERNMENT

Scots Italian restaurant ORO has been named as one of the top seventy restaurants with pizzeria in the world by the Italian Government.
The stylish South side restaurant at 85 Kilmarnock Road is owned by Glasgow restaurateur Domenico Crolla. 

The name means Gold in Italian and it’s particularly fitting now that Domenico and his wife have been awarded a gold True Italian Taste award by the authorities in Rome. 

Domenico who has hit the headlines around the globe with his pizza portraits and use of gold leaf in his cooking, always planned to set the gold standard in Scots Italian food and he’s thrilled to make the list alongside some of the world’s top Michelin starred restaurants. 

Domenico who has just returned to Scotland after picking up his award at a prestigious ceremony in Rome’s three Star Michelin restaurant Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria over the weekend said: “We are now officially recognised by the authority and ministers of economic development in Italy and are in the top seventy pizzeria restaurants in the world out of an incredible 32 countries.  I’d like to thank all our customers, staff and chefs. Without them we wouldn’t have made it.”

Restauranteurs from as far afield as New York to Tokyo, from Dubai to Oslo were presented with their prize by Italian TV presenter Fabrizio Nonis while Michelin  Three-Star Chef Heinz Beck prepared the winners meal.

Domenico said: "Gold plays a large part in our interior design and of course we use some gold leaf in pizza toppings and other dishes but the name choice is more because our food is to a gold standard.”

The difference is our ingredients. Our chefs are brilliant but I do the buying of ingredients like the chicken and veal so I can guarantee the quality of our meat and that it's additive free.
ORO is my baby and I eat here, and my children and family eat here. If it's good for my family it's good for your family.  That's the definition of a family restaurant."

HOT WATERBOYS CHAT ADDICTION ON VISIT TO GLAGOW FOR MUSIC AWARDS

WHOLE Of The Moon hitmakers The Waterboys should change their name to the hot water boys after revealing that they’ve swapped sex drugs and rock and roll for the humble teabag.

In one of the whackiest interviews yet , Grammy nominated keyboard player Brother Paul Brown who picked up a Scottish Music Award last night raved about his tea habit and how he now brings up to thirty different types of tea with him to different gigs.
For his overnight trip to Scotland he revealed he brought nine varieties of tea as well as six cups which he insisted on drinking out of during the ceremony.
Brother Paul, who flew in from Nashville, and spent part of his night looking for a kettle backstage said: “I’m not even sure what day it is but I’m ok with that. I’ve got my tea. It’s a tea from Tokyo and I brought another tea that the love of my life gave me and that’s for right after the Awards performance. It’s from the Gotland islands.
“Smell it - You could roll it. I bring all the teas I’ve collected from all around the world.”
Brother Paul who rates Glasgow’s own Willow Tea Room tea amongst the finest, added: “If I even do a recording session before I start I bring all my teas in. I have over thirty different teas and for this trip I brought nine. I’ve got a tea clip and it just fits over the bag. It’s so much cleaner than the filter.
The eccentric musician who bid £600 for wedding cake vouchers from Special Days Cakes at the glitzy event in the city’s Fruitmarket added: “This cup goes all over the world with me and this is a Klimt, a Gustav Klimt. I have six cups that travel with me here and it’s the one thing that keeps me settled on the road.”

THREE YEAR OLD SCOOPS TROPHIES AT SCOTTISH COMEDY AWARDS

THE tiny winner of Best Actress for the Scottish Comedy Awards was unable to attend the stylish bash last night - because she was tucked up in bed.

Three year old Isla Nelson from Glasgow also won Best Online Comedy for News At Two with her dad Mark m at the fourth annual event in Edinburgh's Le Monde hotel.
The night which also gave an award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy to Richard Gadd, and an Outstanding Achievement in Comedy Award to Steven Dick, writer of Have I Got News For You saw a host of names from the world of comedy and entertainment turn out for an evening of laughter.

The legendary Funny Farm Collective from 1988 consisting of comedians Fred MacAulay, Bruce Morton, Parrot, Libby MacArthur, Stu Who and David Cosgrove got back together to collect a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event which saw
Bay City Roller Stuart Woody Wood, Lottery winner Jane Park, and Scottish Big Brother finalist Andrew Cruickshanks who just got out the house receive a light roasting in the audience.
Scotland Tonight's Rona Dougall, X Factors Caitlyn Vanbeck, and comedy duo The Dolls also had a laugh and joke during the ceremony.
Other winners on the night included Scottish mindreader Colin Cloud who recently wowed Mel B on Americas Got Talent by telling her what she had for dinner, and Neil 'Wee Man' Bratchpiece who won an award for best writer.
Still Game won Best TV show while BBC's Breaking The News and Des Clarke won best radio show and best radio comedian consecutively
More than 170 nominations were received from across the Scottish comedy industry in January and subsequently whittled down by a panel of 10 comedians to be judged by those those in the industry.
Other guest attendees on the night included Scots boyband Monroe, and actor Perry Benson and the cast of Irvine Welsh's new Edinburgh play Performers.
Alan Anderson organiser of the night said: “2016 was a stand out year for Scottish Comedy. Richard Gadd being the first Scot in 29 years to win the Edinburgh Comedy Award was without doubt the highlight. There is a great pool of talent on the stand up circuit with the likes of Susie McCabe and Scott Agnew finally reaching the potential we have all predicted. On the radio, BBC’s Breaking The News has also given a break to several excellent Scottish comedians and writers proving that we can do satire better than London. However it’s on the small screen that Scotland is experiencing a vintage period thanks to the brilliant UK wide response to Scottish shows such as Two Doors Down, Scot Squad and Still Game… not to mention the juggernaut that is Frankie Boyle."
Panel prizes:

Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
Richard Gadd - Winner of 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award. First Scottish winner since Arnold Brown in 1987.

Outstanding Contribution
Steven Dick - writer for many many high profile comedy shows including Have I got News For You.

Lifetime Achievement
The Funny Farm Collective aka Fred MacAulay, Bruce Morton, Parrot, Libby MacArthur, Stu Who and David Cosgrove

--------


voted for awards


Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Headliner
Susie McCabe

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Compere
Billy Kirkwood

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Newcomer
Donald Alexander

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Solo Festival / Tour Show
Scott Agnew – I’ve Snapped My Banjo String, Let’s Just Talk

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Improv / Variety / Sketch
Colin Cloud

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Actress
Isla Nelson

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Actor
Chris Forbes

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best TV Comedian
Frankie Boyle

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Radio Comedian
Des Clarke


Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best TV Show
Still Game

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Radio Show
Breaking The News

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Online Comedy
News at Two

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Writer
Neil Bratchpiece

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Event
Vladimir McTavish Birthday Roast

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Comedy Club (large)
Monkey Barrel, Edinburgh

Scottish Comedy Awards 2017
Best Comedy Club (small)
Yesbar!, Glasgow

STILL GAME GETS NEW TITLES AND MUSIC

STILL Game producers got together with the world-renowned BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to make the new title music for the show.
And they engaged the services of BAFTA award-winning TV & film composer Ben Foster.
Recorded last week at the City Halls in Glasgow, home to the BBC SSO, Foster arranged and orchestrated the new titles, re-recording the Frank Chacksfield song ‘Cuban Boy’.


The track has long been associated with the Still Game series since its debut in 2002, originally using a version by The Cuban Boys.
The new title music was conducted by BAFTA award-winning British composer, Ben Foster whose TV and film credits include Doctor Who Live, Torchwood, Prometheus and The Grey, amongst others.


The iconic opening titles of Still Game which see evergreen pensioner pals Jack Jarvis and Victor McDade (Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill) age through the years, have also been reshot for the new much-anticipated seventh series.
The new titles remain faithful to the original style seeing Jack and Victor through the ages from schoolboys, to teens and adults in the 60s, 70s, 80s to the present day.



Jacqueline Sinclair, Producer, said: “Jack and Victor may not have aged and the original titles have been fabulous for 14 years but as the whole series is getting a polish, we really needed to make the titles sparkle for HD widescreen televisions too. The re-recording of the title music has been the icing on the cake and it really did bring a tear to my eye to hear it being performed live!”


Joan Morrison, Orchestra and Events Manager for the BBC SSO, added: “We are thrilled to be a part of the new series of Still Game and had great fun recording the soundtrack. The orchestra plays a vital role in contributing to programmes across the BBC, entertaining and enlightening audiences throughout Scotland, the UK and beyond.”
After a nine year hiatus, Still Game returns to BBC One on Friday October 7.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

SCOTTISH BAR AND PUB AWARDS - THE WINNERS GO BRAZILIAN

A drinks serving robot and Brazilian dancing girls helped Scotland’s bars and pubs celebrate in style at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.
The gongs were out in force as Scotland 's longest running licensed trade awards celebrated its twenty first anniversary last night (Tuesday August 16) into the Wee small hours with more than five hundred guests from the trade at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel.


Leith born businessman Kevin Doyle, owner of Edinburgh's Dome, who has over £100 million invested in the licensed trade, picked up the Flow Entrepreneur of the Year award while bars and pubs from around Scotland picked up the accolades, and received a bespoke Glencairn Crystal Trophy.

Joyce Arbuckle, director of sales at The Kingsmill in Inverness picked up the accolade Benromach Award for Success, while Glasgow’s Pot Still scooped the Wee Dram Whisky Bar of The Year.



Six other Glasgow establishments won awards too: Blue Dog's Matthew Ronald and Chris Ryder stealing Disaronno Cocktail Bar of the Year while Bar Bloc+ in Glasgow won Kopparberg Independent Bar of the Year and The Atlantic took the honours of The Wee Guide Best New Bar and Restaurant.

The Ben Nevis in Glasgow was highly commended in The Dram Dog Friendly category.

Loren MacGregor of The Busby Hotel in Glasgow was given the title of Mixxit Bar Apprentice of the Year while Boclair House in Bearsden, owned by Manorview, received the Glencairn Crystal award for Best New Venue.



Rose Woolen and Lewis Jenning of Manorview Hotel and Leisure Group, based in Howwood were also presented with the Bright Signals Social Media Award on the night.

Ayrshire bars also received recognition on the night with Stewarton's The Mill House picking up the BII Customer Service Award and Seamill Hydro in West Kilbride winning the Inverarity Wine By The Glass Award.

And Lanarkshire's Lisini Pub Co was awarded The Family Run Business of the year with Harry Hood, Lisa Wishart and the Lisini team collecting their trophy.

In Dundee, Gallery 48 took the title of Caledonian Brewery Innovative Business of the Year and nearby Kirriemuir bar The Airlie Arms was rewarded with the Tennent's Quality Award.

Speedwell, Old Anchor and The Royal Arch publican brothers Jeff and Jonathan Stewart from Dundee received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Sunday Mail Pub of the Year award also went to Broughty Ferry pub The Anchor and a delighted Jeff Stewart and his team collected their unique mirror prize.

Balquhidder business Mhor 84 celebrated winning Critic's Choice Gastro Pub of the Year and David Taylor and Jemma Anderson of The Wheel Inn in Scone received the Diageo Award for Social Responsibility and Community.

Lochgilphead venue Lord Of The Isles also barked with joy at receiving DRAM Dog Friendly Bar of the Year.

Molson Coors Craft Beer Bar of the Year went to Edinburgh bar Ox 184 and Isle of Arran Distillers awarded Island Bar of the Year to MacGochans of Mull.

Edinburgh cocktail bar Badger & Co was also highly commended in the Disaronno Cocktail Bar of the Year Category.


Four industry personalities were also inducted into the Scottish Licensed Trade HALL OF FAME - David Brown, Kathleen Hood, Alasdair Moore and Caroline Wright.

Said Awards organiser, Susan Young, “It was our 21st anniversary and we certainly managed to celebrate. The winners were voted for by customers and people in the trade, and each and every one deserved their accolades. Congratulations to them all.”



- Posted from Scotland with love - theshowbizlion.com

MARC ALMOND SLAMS HATERS AFTER BOWIE GIG

MARC Almond has hit back at the haters who claim he 'murdered Bowie' after he performed two of the legend's songs at the BBC Proms.
The Soft Cell singer who bumped into theshowbizlion.com at Rewind festival in Perthshire's  Scone  Palace just last weekend, defended himself after some claimed he sang out of tune and forgot his words on David Bowie's Starman and Life On Mars.
He said: "Well if you're given two untouchable iconic classics to sing with totally new arrangements, you have to expect the flak. Stumbling over one word due to sound and nerves in LOM becomes forgetting all the words and singing COMPLETELY out of tune! Love Twitter."
He added: "I'd rather listen to Musical experts than some musically ignorant obsessed Bowie Fan and people who just have a problem with me period."
"Apparently I'm not a true Bowie fan and have no respect for him or his songs and let down the whole event. Oh please Give me strength.
That's why Tony Visconti Bowies friend and Producer asks me to sing at his Bowie shows."
The unusual versions of the songs he sang were arranged by Scottish Album of The Year winner Anna Meredith.

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

TEN MUSIC TALENTS COMPETE FOR THE TITLE AT SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CHVRCHES, Emma Pollock, Lau, Young Fathers and FFS are just some of the artists who have made the top ten for Scottish Album of The Year (SAY)
The shortlist for Scotland's big music award was revealed last night at The BBC Quay Sessions during an exclusive live broadcast and the winner will be announced on Wednesday June 29 at a Paisley Town Hall ceremony to tie in with the Paisley bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
Previous SAY nominees Fatherson performed alongside last year's award winner Kathryn Joseph before this year’s shortlisted albums were announced live on air by host Vic Galloway. Amongst the shortlist this year are a number international collaborations: Ghanaian and South African performers and producers, LA based glam/art rock icons Sparks (who teamed up with Franz Ferdinand) and a project with 70s disco ensemble Sister Sledge.
Producer Graeme Clark also known as The Revenge, and ex Beta Band member Steve Mason all also made it onto the shortlist while FFS were the winner of the public vote.
The overall winner will pick up a £20,000 first prize while nine shortlisted titles will receive £1,000 each.
Run by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), previous SAY Award winners are Kathryn Joseph (2015), Young Fathers (2014), RM Hubbert (2013) and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat (2012).

The full SAY Award 2016 shortlist:

ANNA MEREDITH - VARMINTS

AUNTIE FLO - THEORY OF FLO

C. DUNCAN - ARCHITECT

EMMA POLLOCK - IN SEARCH OF HARPERFIELD

FFS - FFS

LAU - THE BELL THAT NEVER RANG

STEVE MASON - MEET THE HUMANS
THE REVENGE

YOUNG FATHERS - WHITE MEN ARE BLACK MEN TOO

CHVRCHES - EVERY OPEN EYE















- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

ELAINE C SMITH, BERNARD PONSONBY, AND THE SOCIAL AMONG WINNERS AT SCOTS' TV AWARDS

COMEDIAN and actress Elaine C Smith, STV's Bernard Ponsonby, BBC's The Social, Stonemouth and Burnistoun were amongst the winners at The Royal Television Society Scotland Awards.
The glitzy ceremony took place at Glasgow's Oran Mor this evening and was hosted by Catriona Shearer and Sanjeev Kohli.
Elaine C Smith was named On Screen Personality of the Year for STV series Burdz Eye View, which followed the actress and comedian as she performed her one women show in holiday destinations across Scotland, while STV’s Bernard Ponsonby picked up the Television Journalist of the Year Award for the second year running.
In the remaining News and Current Affairs Categories, STV News at Six – Central won the Best News Programme Award, while BBC Scotland Investigates: The Dog Factory received the Best Current Affairs Award.
The BBC Scotland Drama and Slate North produced Stonemouth, based on Iain Banks's best-selling novel, received the Drama Award; Burnistoun’s Big Night, produced by The Comedy Unit and Bold Yin, won in the Comedy Award category; and CBBC series Eve, produced by Leopard Drama, picked up the trophy for Children’s Programme.
In the factual categories, Channel 4 series Supershoppers won for Best Factual Entertainment and Features while The TV That Made Me, produced for BBC One, picked up the gong for Best Daytime.
The RTS Scotland Award, which is given at the discretion of the Awards committee, was presented to The Beechgrove Garden presenter, Jim McColl, and the Tern TV production team, to celebrate 1000 episodes of the long-running series, which has been on air since 1978.

Here's the full list of Winners with the commendations they received:



Best Daytime

The TV That Made Me Raise The Roof Productions for BBC One

“… a triumph in how to fuse archive with engaging conversation and comment. Brian Connelly is perfectly cast and brings a real warmth to the show. This programme stands out as being both fresh and innovative.”


Nominees:
Antiques Road Trip STV Productions for BBC One

Countryside 999 BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One



Best Factual Entertainment and Features
Supershoppers Firecrest Films for Channel 4

“… engaging blend of journalism, consumer issues and entertainment makes for an informative and humorous watch. The production values and direction are first class and there’s a fresh feel to this ambitious and enlightening programme.”



Nominees:
Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It Raise The Roof Productions for Channel 4

Trust Me, I'm A Doctor BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC Two



Best History Programme

Scotland's War at Sea BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Two Scotland

“… an engrossing film… superbly put together with highly effective use of archive and impressively constructed sequences. An important story, brilliantly well told.”



Nominees:
Quintinshill: Britain’s Deadliest Rail Disaster Finestripe Productions for BBC Scotland
The Day They Dropped The Bomb Finestripe Productions for ITV


Best Documentary and Specialist Factual
Earth's Natural Wonders: Living on the Edge BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC One

“... a film of real scale and ambition, wonderfully shot and cleverly weaving human and environmental stories. It was beautifully put together and contained many memorable sequences.”



Nominees:
Britain's Benefit Tenants IWC Media for Channel 4

Transplant Tales Matchlight for BBC Scotland



Best Arts Programme

Handmade BBC Scotland Arts Production for BBC Four

“… compelling, engrossing, riveting television.”



Nominees:
Blood and Glitter: 70 Years of the Citizens Theatre BBC Scotland Factual Arts for BBC Scotland/BBC Four

Dance to Freedom IWC Media for BBC Two


Best Drama

Stonemouth BBC Scotland Drama / Slate North for BBC One Scotland / BBC Two

“…Excellent and witty writing, excellent direction with fantastic ensemble and individual performances.”



Nominees:
River City BBC Scotland Drama for BBC One Scotland

The Gamechangers BBC Scotland Science Production for BBC Two



News and Current Affairs: Best News Programme
STV News at Six - Central STV News for STV

“This programme was praised for its confidence, integrity and authority across a wide range of stories, the quality of its presenters and reporters and overall its clear and comfortable connection with viewers.”


Nominees:
Carmichael Trial STV Glasgow for STV

Reporting Scotland BBC Scotland News & Current Affairs for BBC Scotland



News and Current Affairs: Best Current Affairs

BBC Scotland Investigates: The Dog Factory BBC Scotland Investigates for BBC Scotland

“… a first class example of investigative journalism, the reporter showing considerable courage in putting herself in danger through covert filming and without being intimidated by the scale and nature of organised crime that was being exposed.”



Nominees:
BBC Scotland Investigates: Catch Me If You Can BBC Scotland Investigates for BBC Scotland

Scotland What Next? STV News - Central for STV

Sport: Best Sport Programme
Jim Baxter purpleTV for BBC ALBA

“… imaginative, entertaining and a good story, well told.”



Nominees:
Sportscene at 40 BBC Sport Scotland for BBC Scotland

Tartan Pride purpleTV for BBC ALBA


Sport: Best Live Event

BT Sport SPFL Sunset + Vine for BT Sport

“… an important match, from a challenging location, with good guest pundits. The presenter did a fine job of getting the balance right between reflecting the match, and following up the shocking post-match violence, while the pitch side reporter did great work in securing a revealing interview with the victim.”



Nominee:
Sportscene Live: The Scottish League Cup Semi-Final, Celtic v Rangers BBC Sport Scotland for BBC Scotland



Best Comedy
Burnistoun’s Big Night The Comedy Unit and Bold Yin for BBC Scotland

“… was the winner for its sheer inventiveness, innovative structure and treats for devoted fans and new viewers alike.”



Nominees:
Only An Excuse? 2015 The Comedy Unit for BBC Scotland

Radges BBC Comedy Production Scotland for BBC Three



Best Children's Programme
Eve Leopard Drama for CBBC

“… an ambitious, contemporary drama with really high production values. The special effects were really well done and the storytelling was imaginative and absorbing.”



Nominees:
Down on the Farm BBC Scotland for CBeebies

Officially Amazing Lion Television Scotland for CBBC



Best Short Form Content
A little piece of Luxembourg everywhere… Playdead for Vimeo

“… eye opening and compelling. The piece brought the facts and figures to life for what could potentially be a dull subject. The graphics were slick and informative.”



Nominees:
STV Edinburgh Launch Promo STV for STV
Wildless Playdead for Online



Best Animation and VFX
Trauma and the Brain Media Co-op for Vimeo

“A great animation that has been well executed. The illustrated technique and style delivered information while setting the correct tone for the film. It really felt like you were learning something while watching it.”



Nominees:
Britain Beneath Your Feet Playdead for BBC Scotland
The Secret Life of Midges ISO for BBC Scotland for BBC One



Student Television Award

Dipper from the Water of Leith Krzysztof Kubik, University of Edinburgh

“Enjoyable, refreshing and unusual. Absorbing. Beautifully done.”



Nominees:
Starfish Louise Dawson, Dayna Baptie and Fergus Thom, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

The Armadillo and the Earwig Ben Cresswell, Edinburgh College of Art



On Screen Personality of the Year

Elaine C Smith - Burdz Eye View Solus Productions / RPM Arts for STV

“A presenter who brought their own character and personality to the screen, with a real ability to connect with the subject in a warm, funny and emotional way.”



Nominees:
Emma Baker - Border Life ITV Border for ITV

Lachlan Goudie - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Scotland / BBC Four



Television Journalist of the Year

Bernard Ponsonby - STV News STV

“… at the top of his game, just as at home presenting big ticket set piece programming or providing analysis and explanation on a day to day basis… a commanding on screen presence able to control and unsettle politicians whilst simultaneously maintaining a close connection to viewers.”



Nominees:
Mark Daly - BBC Scotland Investigates BBC Scotland

Peter MacMahon - ITV ITV Border



Television Director of the Year

Jack Cocker - Imagine - Richard Flanagan: Life After Death BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One

“Jack’s vision for how to combine the most beguiling of subjects in Richard Flanagan, with strong visual storytelling was nothing short of perfection… Character-driven, visual storytelling at its absolute best.”



Nominees:
Morag Tinto - Imagine - Antony Gormley: Being Human BBC Scotland Factual for BBC One

Brian Welsh - The Rat Pack Zeppotron for BBC iPlayer



Professional Excellence (Craft): Best Camera

Fraser Rice - Phil Cunningham’s Pipe Dream BBC Scotland Entertainment & Events for BBC Two Scotland

“Fraser Rice’s use of natural light and his poetic and sensitive use of camera in response to the subject was effective and refreshingly original.”



Nominees:
Brian Jobson - River City BBC Scotland Drama for BBC One Scotland

Steve Lawes - Stonemouth BBC Scotland Drama/ Slate North for BBC One Scotland / BBC Two



Professional Excellence (Craft): Best Sound
John Cobban / 422tv - Eve Leopard Drama for CBBC

“...the dialogue. the music and effects were creatively recorded, assembled and imaginatively blended together to create an outstanding result that never overtook the content, but throughout the program added tension and sensitivity to all scenes.”



Nominees:
Paul Flitcroft - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland Factual for BBC Scotland / BBC Four

Paul Wilson - Air Ambulance ER and Planet Oil Digital Design Studio for Sky / BBC



Professional Excellence (Craft) - Post Production: Best Editing
Joe Speirs - Quintinshill: Britain’s Deadliest Rail Disaster Finestripe Productions for BBC Scotland

“A story edited with real flair and with excellent pacing. The transitions between the very well done dramatic reconstructions and the documentary were seamless.”



Nominees:
David Arthur - Imagine - Richard Flanagan: Life After Death BBC Scotland Factual Arts for BBC Scotland / BBC Four

Vilte Vaitkute - Wee Govan Pipers and The Golden Road Media Co-op for MG Alba



Professional Excellence (Craft) - Post Production: Best Graphics and Titling
ISO - The Story of Scottish Art BBC Scotland for BBC Two

“Nice concept beautifully executed… Visually stunning and technically proficient…”



Nominees:
Funktion Design - Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas Raise The Roof Productions for Channel 4
ISO - I Survived A Zombie Apocalypse Tiger Aspect for BBC Three


Best Digital Innovation Award

Anthony Browne, Louise Thornton, Muslim Alim - BBC The Social BBC Scotland Social Media for BBC Scotland

“To be commended for its risk taking and its wholehearted embrace of new technologies to engage with an audience television increasingly finds hard to connect with.”



Nominees:
Anthony Browne, Paul McFadyen, Gillian McNeil - T in the Park BBC Scotland Social Media for BBC Scotland

Vicky Lee - STV News Online Video STV News for STV



The RTS Scotland Award

Jim McColl and the Tern TV production team – The Beechgrove Garden 1000th Episode

“For nearly four decades, Jim McColl has led Scotland’s longest running and best loved TV gardening series, The Beechgrove Garden.



Jim, I’m sure won’t mind me saying, was 80 last year and has spent half of those 80 years with BBC Scotland and Beechgrove, teaching Scotland to garden.



Jim began his broadcasting career in the 70s on Radio Scotland, he’s loved by viewers, gardeners and production teams. He is a natural, a one off. An object lesson in being at ease with the camera. He connects with his audience, drawing them in with his mixture of authority, passion, humility and humour. We trust him. If Jim tells you it’s time to plant your tatties then it just is.



Jim is our nation’s most respected & favourite TV gardener.



And Jim’s a generous team player. His co presenters on the programme, Carole Baxter, George Anderson and Chris Beardshaw, are all horticulturalists, experts who learn to present.



Beechgrove’s early hallmarks remain; its relevance to the Scottish climate, showing best practice in an accessible way, its willingness to show and learn from failures, to encourage us to get hands dirty and above all to never take itself too seriously.



These enduring qualities, have endeared Jim and the programme, to us over the decades.



Tern’s programme production team have kept the format fresh and the production true to its roots. They reach the milestone of 1000 episodes this year.



Horticultural broadcasting legend Jim McColl and the production team of Tern television for the 1000th Episode of Beechgrove Garden, are the recipients of the RTS Scotland Award 2016.”










- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST BAR IN SCOTLAND?

VOTE, vote and vote...for your favourite PUB or BAR.

It's not just politicians that are looking for votes...pubs and bars across Scotland are too.

Do you know of a hot shot whisky bar or an exciting craft beer pub, a quirky gastro pub or a cool pub that's dog friendly?

If so, the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards want to have your vote!

The Oscars of the licensed trade give out gongs to the best of the best in the Scottish licensed trade and entries are open to pubs and bars from right across Scotland.

Initially set up 21 years ago to recognise excellence in the Scottish licensed trade, the awards underwent a revamp last year which saw the name change to the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

The awards are backed by the biggest names in the drinks industry including the BII, Caledonian Brewery, Diageo, Disaronno, Gordon & Macphail, Inverarity Morton, Isle of Arran Distillers, Kopparberg, Mixxit, Molson Coors and Tennent's, as well as Glencairn Crystal, Bright Signals, Flow Training, A Wee Dram, and The Sunday Mail.

The swish award ceremony will be held at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel on August 16 and will have a Brazilian theme in honour of the Rio Olympics.

Organiser Susan Young can't wait to receive more entries from bars, pubs and punters who think their locals come come top of the tipples.

She said: “For 21 years we have been rewarding excellence in the Scottish licensed trade, and as of last year, we have opened up the voting so that it's not just people in the industry who can vote, but pub customers who can also vote for their favourite pubs.

She continued: “The event now has a significant online presence and is being promoted in the DRAM as well on social media. To date the response has been great. Last year over a three month period more than 1,000 nominations were received, the highest entry for the awards since its inception. But already this year, only a fortnight in, more than 250 votes have been received. So it looks like it will be a bumper year for votes."

If you would like to enter your favourite pub or bar go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com
You'll be able to see all the categories and can register your vote.
The closing date for nominations is May 31 2016.

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com

CALVIN GETS THUMBS UP FROM SELENA

CALVIN Harris has another admirer in the form of Selena Gomez.
The singer has admitted she thinks the Dumfries born hit maker is 'wonderful'.
The 23-year-old singer hung out with close friend Taylor Swift and her DJ man at the iHeartRadio Music Awards last weekend and said: "He's great, honestly, he's such a wonderful guy."
Hands to Myself singer Selena also told Entertainment Tonight that social networking can cause issues.
She explained: "I'm very lucky that I have the platform I have, but on social media, as much as it's a blessing and it's fun, it can really tear people down.
"I always hope the people I'm involved with, and who support me, can just kind of spread love within that. It's hard."

- From Scotland with love from theshowbizlion.com