Government changeover...but no Eastenders!

Comment piece



Big news in Britain last night as Gordon Brown resigned as Prime Minister and handed over power to David Cameron and his coalition government. The news prompted the BBC to broadcast a live news programme to cover the occasion which brings to an end Labour's 13 years in power.

Figures show that almost 10 million viewers tuned in and watched the events unfold, a few friends I have spoken to since were amongst those watching, however they had a different reason for tuning into BBC1 last night. Was it because they wanted to see David and Samantha Cameron move in 10 Downing Street? Or the fact that David Cameron became the youngest Prime Minister since 1812? or the even the fact that it is the first coalition government since the Second World War? No, it was none of these, they watched the live broadcast because Eastenders was supposed to be on at 7:30. Throughout the programme viewers were told that Eastenders would follow the end of the live broadcast from Downing Street, did it? No it didn't! I fully appreciate this probably makes them sound ridiculously sad, but apparently when you've had a long day it is rather annoying when all you want to do is relax in front of the TV with a glass of wine or a beer. Obviously this news needed to be broadcast, but is that not what BBC News 24 and BBC Parliament are supposed to cover on their respective channels?

I feel I must point out that they were not alone in having this opinion with many viewers writing on message boards and forums about their disappointment about the cancellation. The BBC also received 738 complaints from viewers unhappy that Eastenders was cancelled and 83 complaining that Holby City was cancelled; I have been assured that they did not feel the need to pick up the phone to complain about the matter, but all the same! So what does this show us?; firstly that 655 people were more unhappy about Eastenders being cancelled than Holby City! Also that a scarily number of people are more interested in Eastenders and what will happen next with the Masood family than the future running of the country!

Luckily for all the Eastenders fans out there it has been rescheduled for tonight! If you do happen to be unlucky enough to miss it again tonight catch it on BBC iPlayer

Danny Dyer sacked after 'cut ex' comment

Actor and TV presenter Danny Dyer has been given the sack from his position as a columnist for Zoo Magazine after he told a reader who had written in to his weekly 'Ask Danny' advice column, to cut his ex-girlfriend's face so that nobody else would want her.

'Alex from Manchester' wrote into the magazine to ask the actors advice on how to get over recently splitting up with his girlfriend. In response to Alex's letter; Dyer, 32, star of Mean Machine and The Football Factory wrote: "I'd suggest going out on a rampage with the boys, getting on the booze and smashing anything that moves. Then, when some bird falls for you, you can turn the tables and break her heart. Of course, the other option is to cut your ex's face, and then no one will want her."


The comment led to a number of domestic violence charities criticising Dyer's advice as 'thoughtless'. Sandra Horley CEO of national domestic violence charity Refuge condemned Dyer's views telling The Mail Online that; "Danny Dyer's irresponsible and tasteless comments do nothing but reinforce these horrific attitudes. Shame on him."

A statement released by Zoo Magazine stated: "As an immediate result of an ongoing internal inquiry following an indefensible comment published in this week's issue, Zoo has decided to bring the Danny Dyer column to an end."

The actor himself insisted yesterday that he was 'misquoted' and was 'devastated' over the comments and the reaction they had caused. He added: "This is not the advice I would give any member of the public. I do not condone violence against women."

Dyer, is currently working on a number of films due to be released in 2010, including starring alongside Sean Bean in Age of Heroes due for release in October 2010.

Raunchy Return for Christina...

Ladies and gentlemen, Christina Aguilera is back! Having taken a three year break to focus on motherhood, Christina storms back onto the music scene with her new single.

From the moment Christina hit the music scene in 1999 her vocal ability has drawn critical acclaim winning numerous Grammy and MTV awards. However her changes of image over the years have drawn mass attention from her millions of fans and the media. Moving from the sweet, innocent member of the Mickey Mouse Club, to the pop songstress from 'Genie in a Bottle', and onto the classic jazz style of 1920s America. However, her latest reinvention has been the most extreme. Long gone is the sweet, cherub face and the glamourous 1920s diva. The new raunchy style for Christina is clear for all to see in her latest video for Not Myself Tonight the lead single on her much anticipated 2010 album, Bionic.

This song mixes an electronic beat with Aguilera's unique voice to give a song that is insanely catchy. It will definitely have you singing or at least humming along after the first listen. The video has come under scrutiny for its over sexual nature, however I for one love the new look Christina and can't wait for whatever she has in store next.

The single Not Myself Tonight is available for digital download on 9th May.


Not Myself Tonight

Christina Aguilera | MySpace Music Videos