Originally published two years ago, we re-present our look back at Nathan Barley to mark its 10-year anniversary
10 years since Channel 4 aired Nathan Barley, Charlie Brooker's "self-facilitating media node" has gone from absurdist parody to frightening reality.
A flop when it originally aired, but a cult hit on DVD, Nathan Barley is love-it-or-hate it telly. From Brass Eye creator Chris Morris, it was edgy, raw and often hilarious.
Brimming with up-and-coming talent like Brooker (Dead Set), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh), and fellow Booshers Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade, as well as some blink-and-you'll-miss-'em cameos from Stephen Mangan (Episodes), Mat Horne (Gavin & Stacey) and Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, we think it's time Nathan Barley was given the praise it deserved.
Inspired by a mock TV show called C**t from Brooker's satirical TVGoHome website, the show follows two East Londoners: Nathan Barley (Nicholas Burns), the "self facilitating media...
10 years since Channel 4 aired Nathan Barley, Charlie Brooker's "self-facilitating media node" has gone from absurdist parody to frightening reality.
A flop when it originally aired, but a cult hit on DVD, Nathan Barley is love-it-or-hate it telly. From Brass Eye creator Chris Morris, it was edgy, raw and often hilarious.
Brimming with up-and-coming talent like Brooker (Dead Set), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh), and fellow Booshers Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade, as well as some blink-and-you'll-miss-'em cameos from Stephen Mangan (Episodes), Mat Horne (Gavin & Stacey) and Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, we think it's time Nathan Barley was given the praise it deserved.
Inspired by a mock TV show called C**t from Brooker's satirical TVGoHome website, the show follows two East Londoners: Nathan Barley (Nicholas Burns), the "self facilitating media...
- 2/11/2015
- Digital Spy
'Big Brother' was the most complained about television show of the year. The Channel 5 reality series received over 3,700 complaints, most of which were about the show's winner, Helen Wood, and how she treated the other housemates, according to figures released by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom. 'Celebrity Big Brother' - which was won by Gary Busey - received over 1,800 complaints, many of which were about the 70-year-old Hollywood actor. Some of the nation's biggest soaps - 'Coronation Street', 'Emmerdale' and 'EastEnders' - were also the subject of complaints to Ofcom. Todd Grimshaw (played by Bruno Langley) and Marcus Dent's (played by Charlie Condou)...
- 12/23/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Clare Cathcart has died, aged 48.
The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.
"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.
"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.
"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.
"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."
Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.
The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.
"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.
"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.
"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.
"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."
Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.
- 9/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Clare Cathcart has died, aged 48.
The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.
"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.
"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.
"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.
"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."
Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.
The actress, who had roles in Call the Midwife, New Tricks and Casualty, passed away yesterday (September 4) at her home in Brighton, a representative has confirmed.
"It is with huge sadness that we have to report the death of our beloved friend and client Clare Cathcart," a spokesperson said in a statement.
"Clare was brilliant, fearless and funny; a wonderful actor who we are immensely proud to have represented.
"Her credits are too vast to list in full but, to name a few, she'll be remembered for her work at the Royal Court, the RSC, the National, the Tricycle and Chichester Festival Theatre as well as innumerable appearances on screen.
"Without her razor-sharp wit and glorious laugh the world will seem a darker place. We will miss her enormously."
Cathcart rose to prominence with roles in shows including Holby City, Come Fly with Me and Doctors.
- 9/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Charlie Condou gets asked for autographs whilst using the toilet. The 41-year-old actor, who plays midwife Marcus Dent on 'Coronation Street', has revealed that fans of the soap opera often ask him for his signature at inopportune times, including trips to the loo. Charlie lamented to Attitude magazine: ''I've been asked for a picture while trying to deal with my two year old having a tantrum or trying to wolf down a sandwich in my only 10 minute break. ''I've had people interrupt me on the phone or even at the urinal - seriously.'' However, the actor doesn't act like a diva when approached...
- 7/11/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou feels it's the ''right time'' to leave 'Coronation Street'. The actor is to bow out of the soap next week when his character Marcus Dent's relationship with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) hits the rocks and Charlie feels content with his decision, as he's been involved in lots of exciting storylines during his time on the cobbles. Appearing on ITV's 'Good Morning Britain' earlier today (09.07.14), he said: ''I was in 'Corrie' for a year [initially], I left for a few years and then I went back just for three months. They asked me to stay and before I knew it,...
- 7/9/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Today’s film is the 2004 short Euston Road. The film is directed by Toa Stoppard and written by Tristram Pye, and stars Charlie Condou, Tilly Blackwood, and Paul Bettany. Bettany has made a name for himself over the course of a 20 year acting career with roles in features such as A Beautiful Mind, Dogville, The Da Vinci Code, and Margin Call. His newest feature, titled Transcendence, opened in wide release in American theatres this weekend.
****
The post Sunday Shorts: ‘Euston Road’, starring Paul Bettany appeared first on Sound On Sight.
****
The post Sunday Shorts: ‘Euston Road’, starring Paul Bettany appeared first on Sound On Sight.
- 4/20/2014
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
Samia Ghadie has ''found it tricky'' to see her character take a darker turn. The soap star plays Maria Connor in the show, and the fictional hairdresser has suffered a meltdown after catching her boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley). Asked about the change, Samia told the Daily Mirror newspaper's We Love TV magazine: ''I have found it tricky, to be honest, because Maria is usually so nice. She has always been a victim. ''But I can understand why she's had a breakdown - years ago she had a stillbirth, her husband Liam was murdered and then she got...
- 4/19/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street's' Maria Connor will be revealed as Tyrone Dobbs' mystery texter. The soap favourite, played by Alan Halsall, will fear for his safety in coming weeks as he begins receiving suspicious text messages, which he believes are from his abusive ex Kirsty Soames - who has been freed from prison - but they are in fact from an unhinged Maria (Samia Ghadie). The 'Corrie' beauty recently split from boyfriend Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) after catching him cheating with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) and turns to Tyrone for support. When Maria begins developing feelings for ex-boyfriend Tyrone, she tries to kiss him but...
- 4/7/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Charlie Condou's four-year-old daughter wants to organise his wedding to boyfriend Cameron Laux. The 41-year-old actor - who plays nurse Marcus Dent in the soap - has been with his partner for almost ten years, and following the new law permitting same-sex marriages at the weekend their baby girl Georgia is excited about playing a key role when they tie the knot. Charlie said: ''We've spoken about it for years but we're very unromantic and still haven't got it together. I don't know how or when it's going to happen -- we'll probably just go off and do it...
- 3/31/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou might return to 'Coronation Street'. The 41-year-old actor - who plays bisexual Marcus Dent - will bow out of the ITV soap this summer in a bid to spend more time with his family in London, but he hasn't ruled out reprising his role in future if his career doesn't take off. He said: ''I've got a bit more time [left]. I'm not leaving until June, so I think I'm on screen until August or something like that. They told me that nothing hideous is going to happen! ''It's a bit early for me to start meeting on things...
- 3/28/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou might return to 'Coronation Street'. The 41-year-old actor - who plays bisexual Marcus Dent - will bow out of the ITV soap this summer in a bid to spend more time with his family in London, but he hasn't ruled out reprising his role in future if his career doesn't take off. He said: ''I've got a bit more time [left]. I'm not leaving until June, so I think I'm on screen until August or something like that. They told me that nothing hideous is going to happen! ''It's a bit early for me to start meeting on things...
- 3/26/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Bruno Langley worries about being attacked with handbags. The 'Coronation Street' actor, who plays Todd Grimshaw, fears viewers will hit him while he's out and about because of Todd's mischievousness in the soap - including his affair with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou). Todd has been seducing Marcus in recent months, despite the midwife being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''I don't go out that much ... I'm waiting for a handbag to hit me over the head in Sainsbury's - I think it's going to happen soon.'' The 30-year-old actor returned to his role as Todd...
- 3/18/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Bruno Langley worries about being attacked with handbags. The 'Coronation Street' actor, who plays Todd Grimshaw, fears viewers will hit him while he's out and about because of Todd's mischievousness in the soap - including his affair with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou). Todd has been seducing Marcus in recent months, despite the midwife being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno exclusively told Bang Showbiz: ''I don't go out that much ... I'm waiting for a handbag to hit me over the head in Sainsbury's - I think it's going to happen soon.'' The 30-year-old actor returned to his role as Todd...
- 3/16/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou says Marcus Dent and Maria Connor's split was ''inevitable''. The actor has been at the centre of a sordid love triangle in 'Coronation Street' of late, cheating on his girlfriend - played by Samia Ghadie - with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), and he admits he foresaw a messy split for Marcus and Maria. Charlie exclusively told Bang Showbiz at the Tric Awards in London: ''He loves her very much, but this is soap - it's never gonna end well! When they told me about the storyline of Marcus and Maria getting together, I knew it would end in tears at...
- 3/13/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou says Marcus Dent and Maria Connor's split was ''inevitable''. The actor has been at the centre of a sordid love triangle in 'Coronation Street' of late, cheating on his girlfriend - played by Samia Ghadie - with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), and he admits he foresaw a messy split for Marcus and Maria. Charlie exclusively told Bang Showbiz at the Tric Awards in London: ''He loves her very much, but this is soap - it's never gonna end well! When they told me about the storyline of Marcus and Maria getting together, I knew it would end in tears at...
- 3/11/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' has sparked outrage over a gay kiss scene. The ITV soap featured a raunchy half-naked embrace between Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) and Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) last week, which caused around 100 viewers to complain to Ofcom because the ''sexually suggestive'' scene aired before 8pm when many children were watching. The steamy episode saw openly gay Todd finally seduce Marcus after pursuing him for weeks and the pair were shown heading into the bedroom after kissing on the sofa. While most of the complaints were about the risqué scene being broadcast before the watershed, some were more homophobic in...
- 2/27/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' star Charlie Condou quit for the sake of his children. The actor has two children Georgia, four, and two-year-old Hal with actress Catherine Kanter - via IVF treatment - and they split their time between their mother, and their father and his partner Cameron Laux. Charlie - who plays midwife Marcus Dent - has admitted hearing his daughter tell him she didn't want him to make the commute from London to Manchester for work made him decide to quit the soap. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It was just getting too difficult. Georgia is at an age now where she...
- 2/15/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw will finally seduce Marcus Dent next week. The Weatherfield resident - played by Bruno Langley - has set his sights on Marcus (Charlie Condou) in recent weeks and the midwife will find himself unable to resist Todd's advances any longer, despite being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno said: ''This was always about Todd pushing until Marcus caved in. He knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it - never mind the consequences! ''Todd is genuinely attracted to Marcus and that's all it takes. He likes the challenge and the chase, but also...
- 2/14/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' star Charlie Condou quit for the sake of his children. The actor has two children Georgia, four, and two-year-old Hal with actress Catherine Kanter - via IVF treatment - and they split their time between their mother, and their father and his partner Cameron Laux. Charlie - who plays midwife Marcus Dent - has admitted hearing his daughter tell him she didn't want him to make the commute from London to Manchester for work made him decide to quit the soap. He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It was just getting too difficult. Georgia is at an age now where she...
- 2/13/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw will finally seduce Marcus Dent next week. The Weatherfield resident - played by Bruno Langley - has set his sights on Marcus (Charlie Condou) in recent weeks and the midwife will find himself unable to resist Todd's advances any longer, despite being in a relationship with Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie). Bruno said: ''This was always about Todd pushing until Marcus caved in. He knows what he wants and won't stop until he gets it - never mind the consequences! ''Todd is genuinely attracted to Marcus and that's all it takes. He likes the challenge and the chase, but also...
- 2/12/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Benefits Street's White Dee and Katie Hopkins came face-to-face tonight (February 3) to debate the country's benefits system.
The show also featured panelists including former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, ex-Tory MP Edwina Currie and former model Annabel Giles, who previously lived on benefits as a single mother.
Hopkins said housing benefits were never set up to pay people to live "where they can't afford to live", while Currie and campaigner Jack Monroe were involved in a heated argument about food banks.
Hopkins's involvement in the debate attracted criticism on social media, with Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou saying that the show deserved "not to be taken seriously".
After watching The Benefits Shouting Match, I've taken the most important message from it - Owen Jones is fit.
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) February 3, 2014
Katie Hopkins is not a social commentator. She is a professional troll abetted by the TV producers. #BigBenefitsRow
— Tentacle Sixteen (@latentexistence) February 3, 2014
Meanwhile,...
The show also featured panelists including former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, ex-Tory MP Edwina Currie and former model Annabel Giles, who previously lived on benefits as a single mother.
Hopkins said housing benefits were never set up to pay people to live "where they can't afford to live", while Currie and campaigner Jack Monroe were involved in a heated argument about food banks.
Hopkins's involvement in the debate attracted criticism on social media, with Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou saying that the show deserved "not to be taken seriously".
After watching The Benefits Shouting Match, I've taken the most important message from it - Owen Jones is fit.
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) February 3, 2014
Katie Hopkins is not a social commentator. She is a professional troll abetted by the TV producers. #BigBenefitsRow
— Tentacle Sixteen (@latentexistence) February 3, 2014
Meanwhile,...
- 2/3/2014
- Digital Spy
Channel 4's documentary Secrets of the Living Dolls created a huge stir last night and managed to draw an impressive 2.4 million viewers for its exploration of the secretive world of 'female masking'.
With quotes as eye-opening and unforgettable as the dolls themselves ("Would you like the installed rectum?", "I added the hair to make the vagina a little bit more realistic, I used the clippings from my hair"), the doc inevitably generated a huge amount of interest on Twitter.
The documentary followed the stories of a handful of men, who mask either as a hobby or in some cases as a more serious creation of an alter ego, investing both time and money.
"They're not freaky people, they're just like you and me," was the line that the film attempted to put across to viewers. Whether Channel 4 managed to achieve that goal is doubtful as most viewers on...
With quotes as eye-opening and unforgettable as the dolls themselves ("Would you like the installed rectum?", "I added the hair to make the vagina a little bit more realistic, I used the clippings from my hair"), the doc inevitably generated a huge amount of interest on Twitter.
The documentary followed the stories of a handful of men, who mask either as a hobby or in some cases as a more serious creation of an alter ego, investing both time and money.
"They're not freaky people, they're just like you and me," was the line that the film attempted to put across to viewers. Whether Channel 4 managed to achieve that goal is doubtful as most viewers on...
- 1/7/2014
- Digital Spy
Charlie Condou has quit 'Coronation Street'. The 40-year-old actor, who plays Marcus Dent, will leave the long-running ITV soap for a second time next summer following a three-year stint but producers will leave the door open for him to return. Charlie - who first played Marcus between 2007 and 2008 and returned to the Manchester-based show in 2011 - told The Sun newspaper: ''I've had a fantastic time at 'Corrie' but feel it's time to move on. I was only meant to return for three months and ended up staying for three years. ''The producers have been really supportive and are leaving the...
- 11/27/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw returns to Weatherfield to ''wreak havoc''. The gay lawyer sets his sights on Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou) and won't let his girlfriend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) get in the way of what he wants as Bruno Langley - who is reprising his role as Todd - says his character has changed. He explained: ''Todd has his eye on Marcus and he's out to get what he wants. ''He likes a challenge and I guess he's probably one of those people who likes the drama of splitting couples up. ''It's all for his own ego and just to prove that he...
- 10/30/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Michael Le Vell will be thrown a party when he returns to 'Coronation Street'. The 48-year-old actor - who plays mechanic Kevin Webster in the ITV soap - is expected to return to work in February 2014 after being cleared of 12 counts of child sex abuse last month, and his castmates can't wait to welcome him back. Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus Dent, told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''It's brilliant to have him back, everyone's relieved that stuff is over. He has had a lot of stuff thrown at him and people saying things, but he's got through it. I think...
- 10/25/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Charlie Condou has revealed that he would strongly consider joining Dancing on Ice next year. The Coronation Street actor admitted that the experience of co-star Samia Ghadie has changed his mind about the reality show. When asked by the Radio Times whether he would compete, he said: "I think I would! Samia's been teasing me about it for ages, saying that she thinks I should do it next year. "I was thinking, 'Not a chance', but when I went to watch it live, I started to think I'd really enjoy this. "So you never know - watch this space. I think, out of all those sort of shows, it's the one I'd want to do the most." Condou, who plays Weatherfield's Marcus Dent, is the on-screen boyfriend of Ghadie (Maria Connor) on the ITV (more)...
- 1/30/2013
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has claimed that Marcus Dent would like to start a family with Maria Connor. However, the actor conceded that his alter ego is "far too sensible" to "jump into anything" with his new female lover just yet. When asked whether Marcus would want a baby with Maria, Condou told the Radio Times: "I think he'd love to, but obviously it's early days for them." Condou, who has previously backed the unexpected soap romance, revealed that fans have become "overwhelmingly positive" about the Marcus-Maria pairing, although a few remain puzzled. "I think some people are a bit confused by the relationship at times, but not nearly as confused by it as Marcus and Maria are," Condou explained. "I think that's the kind of stuff that Coronation Street does really well and (more)...
- 1/29/2013
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
River City
I really enjoyed this past week’s River City. First of all, I have to admit that Robbie and Will are growing on me as a couple. No, you won’t see me going all fangirl on them, but I like them much more than I used to. I also think that the pairing has really suited Robbie as a character and has helped to ground and mature what used to be a really flighty and sometimes annoying character. He still can be flighty and annoying, but his relationship with Will has fleshed the character out and softened his more bothersome traits.
I continue to love that River City has this gay couple in lead stories that usually isn’t about them being gay. Yes, Will’s father disapproves of his son's relationship with Robbie, but their lives and stories are much bigger than...
River City
I really enjoyed this past week’s River City. First of all, I have to admit that Robbie and Will are growing on me as a couple. No, you won’t see me going all fangirl on them, but I like them much more than I used to. I also think that the pairing has really suited Robbie as a character and has helped to ground and mature what used to be a really flighty and sometimes annoying character. He still can be flighty and annoying, but his relationship with Will has fleshed the character out and softened his more bothersome traits.
I continue to love that River City has this gay couple in lead stories that usually isn’t about them being gay. Yes, Will’s father disapproves of his son's relationship with Robbie, but their lives and stories are much bigger than...
- 1/9/2013
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has confirmed that he has signed a new contract with the soap. The actor, who plays Marcus Dent, verified a report in The Mirror which revealed that he has landed an improved two-year deal to stay in Weatherfield. Writing on Twitter this evening (January 3), Condou told fans: "Thanks for messages today, I'm obviously very pleased to have signed my new Corrie contract. Lots of stories planned." Condou made no comment on the main focus of The Mirror's report, which suggested that he and former on-screen partner Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) have fallen out. A show source told the (more)...
- 1/3/2013
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
River City
I’ve had my doubts about Will and Robbie’s relationship since the very beginning. They always seemed ill-suited for one another and I never felt they had much spark. And well, there are the incidents of domestic violence between the couple that put me against any future between them.
But this past week, with Will and Robbie getting married, I decided to put my doubts and previous impressions aside, at least for this episode and try and enjoy the story as presented in this particular episode. I found that it was a well-crafted piece of drama, well done in both writing and acting, though I do have a few issues.
I thought it was ridiculous that rather than tell Will about Edwards’ attempts to bribe him, Robbie gets stinking drunk. Clearly this only made the situation worse. Will had no idea what...
River City
I’ve had my doubts about Will and Robbie’s relationship since the very beginning. They always seemed ill-suited for one another and I never felt they had much spark. And well, there are the incidents of domestic violence between the couple that put me against any future between them.
But this past week, with Will and Robbie getting married, I decided to put my doubts and previous impressions aside, at least for this episode and try and enjoy the story as presented in this particular episode. I found that it was a well-crafted piece of drama, well done in both writing and acting, though I do have a few issues.
I thought it was ridiculous that rather than tell Will about Edwards’ attempts to bribe him, Robbie gets stinking drunk. Clearly this only made the situation worse. Will had no idea what...
- 11/14/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Coronation Street's Jason Grimshaw explodes with rage this evening (November 12) after discovering that Maria Connor has dumped him for Marcus Dent. Tonight's double bill sees Jason (Ryan Thomas) left heartbroken as Maria ends their relationship, and when she isn't exactly forthcoming about the reasons why, he can't help but feel that he isn't hearing the full story. Later, Maria (Samia Ghadie) and Marcus (Charlie Condou) resolve to keep their romance under wraps for the time being, but their plan is immediately thwarted when a shocked Sean Tully walks in on them kissing at the (more)...
- 11/12/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
Hollyoaks
I liked the idea of the guys getting together for Riley's memorial service, even if Doug and Riley’s friendship was very contrived and never really utilized that often. If I recall correctly, Riley was close friends with Ethan and Noah and Doug was the drug dealing lowlife who moved into Noah’s apartment. Doug and Riley's close bond was an off camera creation of the writer, so their supposed friendship never rang true to me. Still I enjoyed the scenes, even if they were bad manipulations of the plot at best.
But even more contrived was Ally being invited to the memorial. Ally and Riley were not friends and I don’t think they ever had much to do with each other. There was no reason for him to be there other than to stir things up with Ste, when there were other ways to accomplish that.
Hollyoaks
I liked the idea of the guys getting together for Riley's memorial service, even if Doug and Riley’s friendship was very contrived and never really utilized that often. If I recall correctly, Riley was close friends with Ethan and Noah and Doug was the drug dealing lowlife who moved into Noah’s apartment. Doug and Riley's close bond was an off camera creation of the writer, so their supposed friendship never rang true to me. Still I enjoyed the scenes, even if they were bad manipulations of the plot at best.
But even more contrived was Ally being invited to the memorial. Ally and Riley were not friends and I don’t think they ever had much to do with each other. There was no reason for him to be there other than to stir things up with Ste, when there were other ways to accomplish that.
- 11/7/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Coronation Street's Maria Connor is finally honest about her feelings for Marcus Dent this evening (November 7). Tonight's episode sees Maria (Samia Ghadie) confide in Audrey Roberts about how she is in love with Marcus, and she refuses to listen when the salon boss insists that she is getting carried away with herself. Later, Marcus (Charlie Condou) is furious when he learns that Maria has been meddling in his relationship with Aiden, who has opted not to move to London following the hairdresser's (more)...
- 11/7/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street bosses have denied claims that ten characters are facing the axe from the soap. A report in The Sun today (November 3) claims that a string of cast departures are already being planned by the show's new producer Stuart Blackburn, who takes over from current boss Phil Collinson in January. Karl Munro (John Michie), Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou), Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston), Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and newcomer Mandy Kamara (Pamela Nomvete) are among those who were tipped as five of the ten supposedly (more)...
- 11/3/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street stars Ryan Thomas and Charlie Condou have revealed that there is a "big" fight scene on the way for their characters Jason Grimshaw and Marcus Dent. Jason is heading for heartbreak later this month as his girlfriend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) breaks up with him, but his sadness turns to fury when he discovers that Marcus is the reason for their split. Marcus has always identified himself as a gay man, but has fallen for Maria and decides to make a go of things with her in upcoming episodes. His ex Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) is first to discover what is going on between the pair, and quickly spreads the word to Jason at the Rovers Return. Thomas told TV Times of Jason's reaction: "He does more than punch [Marcus], he goes a bit wild! "It's funny because in the script it was just supposed (more)...
- 11/1/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langford's Picks And Pans
Coronation Street
Every time I watch this show, I wonder if I’m just a "bad gay." There’s a lot of people who don’t like this storyline, saying it’s bad and offensive and sends the wrong message to viewers, that it’s a woman’s fantasy in that if she waits long enough she can turn that gay guy that she’s had her eye on. I suppose those are valid points and yet, I don’t see it that way at all. At least not right now.
I just think there’s lots of story left to be played out so it’s a bit too soon to see if this is a drama about a gay guy going straight (which the show says it isn’t). Now if at the end of this romance, Marcus starts sleeping his way through the...
Coronation Street
Every time I watch this show, I wonder if I’m just a "bad gay." There’s a lot of people who don’t like this storyline, saying it’s bad and offensive and sends the wrong message to viewers, that it’s a woman’s fantasy in that if she waits long enough she can turn that gay guy that she’s had her eye on. I suppose those are valid points and yet, I don’t see it that way at all. At least not right now.
I just think there’s lots of story left to be played out so it’s a bit too soon to see if this is a drama about a gay guy going straight (which the show says it isn’t). Now if at the end of this romance, Marcus starts sleeping his way through the...
- 10/31/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Charlie Condou has claimed that his character Marcus's love story with Maria has the backing of Coronation Street fans. The Weatherfield actor believes that viewers prefer the surprise heterosexual romance to Marcus's previous relationship with Sean Tully. "The response I've had on Twitter has been great," the star told the Radio Times. "It seems that the public has been willing Marcus and Maria to get together. "A lot of people seem to prefer Marcus and Maria together rather than Marcus and Sean, which is interesting and very unexpected." Digital Spy readers were split on predicting a long future for the pair in a poll conducted on the day of their first kiss. Despite being similarly unsure of where the romance may lead, Condou revealed that he hopes Marcus stays with Maria (Samia Ghadie). "I don't know - I'm (more)...
- 10/30/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street bosses have announced that Marcus Dent's parents will make an appearance in the soap over the Christmas period. Marcus (played by Charlie Condou) and his friend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie) - whose relationship has recently been complicated by a surprise kiss - will play host to Ron and Janet Dent when the pair arrive on Christmas Day. A post on the official Coronation Street website confirms that Ron will be played by Blake's 7 star Stephen Greif, who has also appeared in Birds of a Feather and Tales of the Unexpected. Marcus's mother Janet (more)...
- 10/27/2012
- by By Alison Rowley
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street fans, you have just seen gay midwife Marcus Dent and hairdresser Maria Connor share an unlikely kiss. Though both parties tried to shrug off their feelings for one another after the moment, it's clear that they share an attraction. Indeed, actors Charlie Condou and Samia Ghadie have both confirmed that the pair will commit to a shock relationship over the coming weeks. Their respective partners, (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has said that his character has benefited from his recent on-screen break-up. The Weatherfield actor told Digital Spy that Marcus Dent has become more prominent since splitting with barman Sean Tully. When asked whether he is glad to be broadening his horizons on the cobbles, Condou told Digital Spy: "Yeah, I think I am. "It's always difficult when you come into a show and you end up being with someone who is so well-established. I think in a lot of ways I suffered from that - I never felt like I was able to spread my wings. "I always felt like I was part of Sean's storyline, which was great (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Charlie Condou has expressed relief that writers have broken up his on-screen relationship with Antony Cotton. The Weatherfield actor told Digital Spy of his belief that his character Marcus Dent has become more prominent since splitting with barman Sean Tully. When asked whether he is glad the much-loved couple have gone their separate ways, Condou told Digital Spy: "Yeah, I think I am. "It's always difficult when you come into a show and you end up being with someone who is so well-established. I think in a lot of ways I suffered from that - I never felt like I was able to spread my wings. "I always felt like I was part of Sean's (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
EastEnders
I’m kind of torn about this past week’s EastEnders. On one hand, I’m enjoying this final arc for Christian and Syed and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. It’s really nice to see Christian and Syed in a solid storyline that is actually about them and their relationship. They have gotten very little of that over the past couple of years as the show has allowed them to languish on the backburner, even as they proved to be a very popular and beloved duo. The writers simply, for whatever reason, didn’t want to write for them.
And to me, this storyline shows that when the show actually gives them the material, they can be compelling. I just wish the material was a bit better because I’m not quite sure if I buy Syed’s behavior.
EastEnders
I’m kind of torn about this past week’s EastEnders. On one hand, I’m enjoying this final arc for Christian and Syed and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. It’s really nice to see Christian and Syed in a solid storyline that is actually about them and their relationship. They have gotten very little of that over the past couple of years as the show has allowed them to languish on the backburner, even as they proved to be a very popular and beloved duo. The writers simply, for whatever reason, didn’t want to write for them.
And to me, this storyline shows that when the show actually gives them the material, they can be compelling. I just wish the material was a bit better because I’m not quite sure if I buy Syed’s behavior.
- 10/3/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Charlie Condou has insisted that his Corrie character Marcus Dent remains gay despite his feelings for Maria Connor. Condou believes that Marcus, who shocks himself when he shares a kiss with a woman this Friday, could have a unique bond with best friend Maria. Exploring the aftermath in an interview with Soaplife, the actor said: "He doesn't understand why the kiss happened, but in his head because he's a gay man it must be just that they got carried away in the moment. "As time goes on, though, he begins to realise there is more there and that makes it even more confusing for him because he starts to wonder who he is." (more)...
- 10/3/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
This is the moment that Maria and Marcus's friendship takes an unexpected twist in Friday night's (October 5) Coronation Street double bill. Maria (Samia Ghadie) has had an emotional few days due to her breast cancer scare, and after getting ready for Eileen's birthday party, she admits to Marcus that the frightening experience has put everything into perspective for her. As Maria adds that Marcus (Charlie Condou) is (more)...
- 10/2/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Maria Connor relies on best friend Marcus Dent for support as she faces a breast cancer scare next month. The storyline begins as Maria (Samia Ghadie) seems distracted and short-tempered at work and with her loved ones. When Marcus (Charlie Condou) decides to tackle the matter by asking Maria what's up, she finally confides in him by revealing that she has been referred to a clinic about a lump in her breast. Maria adds that her appointment is that day, but she'd originally wanted to keep quiet about it until she knew what she was facing. Marcus immediately insists on joining Maria as she faces the doctors, so they head off secretly without telling Jason or Aidan what is going on. In the end, the tests are inconclusive and when the pair head back to the street, it's clear that Maria is terrified over what could lie...
- 9/22/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street actor Charlie Condou, who has two children with his boyfriend, says that Rupert Everett is a bit out of touch. “Rupert is a bit of a gay dinosaur. The problem with sniping gorgeously from the sidelines is that, er, one can end up sidelined." Jeez, if he'd called him fat too, he would have managed the trifecta of gay insults.
Chick-Fil-a is still anti-gay, and still supporting anti-gay groups. So I hope you got your fill of hate chicken (my day job coworkers call it that) during the 24 hours when we thought they had changed.
Grindr decided to engage on the Paris Hilton AIDS comments. It's not a way we would do it around here.
One of my favorite columns at Buzzfeed is Career Confidential, where they get the anonymous inside scoop from different jobs. This week it's from the bouncer at a gay club, who says that yes,...
Chick-Fil-a is still anti-gay, and still supporting anti-gay groups. So I hope you got your fill of hate chicken (my day job coworkers call it that) during the 24 hours when we thought they had changed.
Grindr decided to engage on the Paris Hilton AIDS comments. It's not a way we would do it around here.
One of my favorite columns at Buzzfeed is Career Confidential, where they get the anonymous inside scoop from different jobs. This week it's from the bouncer at a gay club, who says that yes,...
- 9/21/2012
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has hit back at "gay dinosaur" Rupert Everett for saying that he couldn't "think of anything worse" than having homosexual parents. Condou, who plays Marcus Dent in the ITV soap, has two children with boyfriend Cameron Laux, born to a female friend who acted as a surrogate mother. In a self-penned piece appearing in the Evening Standard titled 'Sorry, Rupert, but I'm proud to be a gay dad', Condou condemned the openly-gay actor for distancing himself from the Lgbt community by "sniping gorgeously from the sidelines". "Sometimes it must seem a little difficult to see us mortals far below," he wrote. "Anyway, Cameron and I wish to report to you from the ground. We're a gay couple who wanted to have children and saw no reason why we shouldn't because (more)...
- 9/20/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Langford’S Picks And Pans
River City
I’m sorry, but Deek needs to give it a rest where Will is concerned. If he wants to be Robbie’s friend, then he needs to be his friend which doesn’t mean trashing Will every chance he gets. And attacking Will for not getting involved with the business is unfair simply because from what I understood, Will was just giving Robbie the money to buy the salon, he had no intention of actually being involved in running the place.
Yes, Will was preoccupied with his investigation, but his telling Robbie to go to Deek, who has business experience, seems the proper thing to do to me. More and more, Deek comes off as petty and jealous. No, Will isn’t perfect, but he’s not the monster Deek makes him out to be —at least not yet. But then the writing...
River City
I’m sorry, but Deek needs to give it a rest where Will is concerned. If he wants to be Robbie’s friend, then he needs to be his friend which doesn’t mean trashing Will every chance he gets. And attacking Will for not getting involved with the business is unfair simply because from what I understood, Will was just giving Robbie the money to buy the salon, he had no intention of actually being involved in running the place.
Yes, Will was preoccupied with his investigation, but his telling Robbie to go to Deek, who has business experience, seems the proper thing to do to me. More and more, Deek comes off as petty and jealous. No, Will isn’t perfect, but he’s not the monster Deek makes him out to be —at least not yet. But then the writing...
- 8/15/2012
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Celebrities have paid tribute to Geoffrey Hughes, who lost his battle to prostate cancer last night (July 27) aged 68. The actor played Eddie Yeats in Coronation Street and went on to star as Onslow in Keeping Up Appearances, Twiggy in The Royle Family and Vernon Scripps in Heartbeat. Charlie Condou (Marcus Dent in Coronation Street): "The wonderful Geoffrey Hughes (Eddie Yates) has lost his battle with cancer. Rip and thanks for all the laughs x" Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street): "Very sad to hear the news about Geoffrey Hughes. May he R.I.P xx My thoughts are with his family & friends !!" Andrew Lancel (played Frank Foster in Coronation Street): "Rip Geoffrey Hughes. Lovely man. Lovely actor" Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre in Coronation (more)...
- 7/28/2012
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.