BIG BROTHER is back with a TIMEBOMB!

It's nearly summer. No, not because of the lighter evenings or the sunny days (apart from this morning!) but because Big Brother is almost upon us! 

Emma and Rylan introduced this year's theme as Timebomb...with the BB Twitter page stating that 'Time may be your friend... Or enemy'. But what does it mean?

The new 30-second trail - click to watch it here! - states that the world is awash with 'time based disturbances' while Emma promises that 'Days will turn into nights, time will stop, rewind and tasks will get turned on their heads'...

Big Brother has been, in my opinion, at its best, in a long while, since Emma was put at the helm. But that doesn't go without dramas, and over the last couple of series', B producers have had to step in to remove housemates (civilian and celebrity, alike) for various reasons, from race rows to sexism.
But this year, with a new creative director in Denis O'Connor, who was previously the shows executive producer, an 'upbeat, glamorous, thrilling and mischievous' new series has been promised.

And with Channel 5 having signed its best Big Brother for at least another three years, the show is sure to go from strength to strength?

I've always enjoyed the debates BB gets going in us, as viewers. You never meet two people who have the same favourite and least favourite housemates, and it's interesting to see people's differing opinions on the actions of the housemates.

Last year was a proving point, as Helen Wood went into the house as someone who we all thought would be brash, loud and horrid. But to be fair to her, she won... And even under her brash, loud (albeit sometimes horrid!) behavior, she turned peoples opinions with her honesty and friendship loyalties - which seem to have continued out of the house.
Did you see coverage of the 'Steverly' wedding? I can't believe last years house couple made it down the aisle... It must have been love and it's nice to see them prove people wrong about a showmance. However... Helen wasn't shy in shaming ex-housemates, Mark and Jale... But that's someone else's story!

Are you looking forward to this year's Big Brother: Timebomb?

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Ordinary Lies ends on a high

I've enjoyed BBC1's six-part series, Ordinary Lies, so much so that I felt genuine sadness whilst watching the last episode last night. 

Danny Brocklehurst has created a great, gritty drama here and along with Kay Mellor, it was beautifully written.

The final installment saw Beth and Mike finally confess they were in love, after starting an affair. I clapped inside as the two decided that they would make a go of their relationship, even if Mike had to leave his wife, and possibly lose his job as manager of JS Motors. 

But - fate had other ideas, and Beth's missing husband returned, 19 months after going missing. Spanner in works? Indeed... 

There were some nice twists through Beth and Mike's story, and even now, we don't know what decisions were made. 

Did Beth give her hubby, Dave, another chance despite not feeling the same about him? Or did Mike decide to stay loyal to his wife, after his father-in-law's threat?

I'm glad there are unanswered questions - it means that there's a possibility for a second series, which Jason Manford hinted to this morning on his Facebook account. Yay! 

Jo Joyner gave a stunning performance, as always. She's so good at the emotive, gritty scenes but also oozes comedic values too. As one of my favourite actresses (have I mentioned that before?!) I always really enjoy watching Jo, whether it's as Tanya Branning, Beth Corben, or any other role she may play.

The episode also took a look back to previous storylines. Michelle Keegan's character, Tracey, revealed that Viv was getting a transfer to a UK prison, after their drug smuggling mission went very wrong, in her friends favour. Will Tracey get Viv's friendship back, and who will be found guilty of what?

We also saw Grace, who fell into bed with Jason Manford's character, Marty, decide to find a man of her own, online dating. Grace had a crush on Marty, which grew when he told the whopper of a lie that his wife had died, way back in episode one. But when the truth came out - Marty and his wife patched their marriage up, leaving Grace feeling cold... But has she really got over him?

Kathy, played by Sally Lindsey, also cheated on her husband, Ralf, as he was unable to satisfy her needs in the bedroom. But will her marriage really fully recover, due to Ralf's inability to have sex? Then there's also Rick, who had an affair with Mike's fifteen-year-old daughter, and did a runner when he was found out. Rick and Ruby seemingly had feelings for each other, but he soon left the teen heartbroken. Will Rick be found and arrested? And how did Ruby, however mature she might have seemed, get over their relationship, even though she's still only a child?

I can see so many more stories to come out of this series...

Viv being unable to forgive Tracey, who could also find herself behind bars. Mike's daughter, Ruby, discovering she's expecting Rick's child at just fifteen, Marty and Grace beginning a full-time affair, even after all the lies he's told and Beth and Mike's forbidden romance continuing in non-other than dramatic fashion, are just a few. 

So many questions, so many fantastic actors all under one Car Sales roof! 

Hurry up and return, Ordinary Lies! 

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It's Official! Olly & Caroline DO have The X Factor

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack have been named as the new hosts of The X Factor, replacing Dermot O'Leary.

It's been speculated that the two would be likely to take over, with them both showing interest, as long as they did it together. Aww.
In fact, the duo pals are making X Factor history, as the first presenting pair to host the show.

After hosting The Xtra Factor together, for two years, from 2011, Caroline and Olly both departed, leaving new host Sarah-Jane at the helm.

I think this is the perfect option for Simon Cowell and The X Factor, and Olly and Caroline clearly can't wait to get going:
“I'm incredibly excited and proud to be returning to The X Factor alongside Caroline. I love the show and it kick-started my career in music which has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I already have the best job in the world and it's about to get better - I can't wait to get started and be part of finding some amazing new talent!” said Olly.

While Caroline joined in the excitement:
"I'm beyond excited about presenting The X Factor with Olly. To have the privilege of doing this with someone who makes me laugh out loud is a massive bonus! I'm also incredibly lucky to have the best tips and support from my showbiz big brother Dermot. I'm not sure how I can live up to his long term residency but I know I can't let him down!"

The big boss, Simon Cowell, also commented on his decision:

“I am absolutely delighted Caroline and Olly are both returning to The X Factor. When they were on Xtra together, they were a brilliant double act. Since then, Caroline’s gone from strength to strength – and Olly has become one of Britain’s biggest stars. So now I’m looking forward to them fronting the main show."

Are you pleased that Olly and Caroline will be fronting everyone's favourite singing competition?

And I imagine the only thing left to wonder now, is whether Louis, Cheryl and Mel B will also be returning this year, too... Hurry up, and reveal all, Simon!

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Do Olly & Caroline have The X Factor?

Let's be fair, we know Olly does! It's where his music career began, and I'm one of his biggest fans. Olly not only has great music, but he's a performer and he entices me each time I see him sing.
He then became co-host of The Xtra Factor, with Caroline Flack, and proved that singing isn't the only bow on his arrow - he's a natural, fun and talented presenter, too.

As for Caroline, I've always liked her pairing with Olly, they have great chemistry and you can see their friendship seep out on camera. While Caroline took part on Strictly Come Dancing, we saw her personality shine even more.

Since the two left their Xtra Factor positions the year before last, in my opinion the show wasn't the same.
This is no criticism to Sarah-Jane Crawford, who took over from them, but I think their shoes were too big to fill by anyone straight away.

Sarah-Jane is Caroline and Olly's Xtra Factor replacement

When Dermot revealed a few weeks ago that he has chosen not to return as host of The X Factor this year, it got the rumour mill churning and Olly and Caroline's names were being spat out the most. Olly has said that he would only do it if his partner-in-shorts were by his side.

But yesterday, Olly confirmed that there HAVE been talks:

"I haven't got it yet. We've spoken about it in the papers but nothing's been finalised or nothing's been signed. We've had had a few discussions, that's about it really. Me and Caroline have obviously spoken about the idea of it, but like I say, it's just an idea at the moment, nothing's been finalised.
Me and Caroline we were never interested in taking Dermot's job, it was only, you know, Simon's idea of potentially having me and Caroline do it.
I would never want to take Dermot's job because I love him so much and I wouldn't want to be compared to someone as good as him."

I think this would be a great move. Dermot was the host when Olly was on the show and it would be a full circle. 

I also think that having Caroline and Olly at the helm will also empower Sarah-Jane and The Xtra Factor. 

Who do you want as new X Factor hosts?

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EASTENDERS - First Look at newbie Karin...

When the gorgeous EastEnders people announced that Denise Van Outen would be joining in a guest role, stirring up trouble and strife, particularly for the men of Walford, my initial thought was 'it's gonna be Max!' It had to be, right?

And right I was...

From this little spoiler photo, from tonight's episode, we see Denise's character, Karin Smart, passionately embracing Albert Square's resident Don Lothario himself...

Of course, Karin isn't in Walford to see Max, because, at first she's an 'acquaintance' of Phil Mitchell. The 'K' we've seen calling him since he's return home is Karin and not Kathy - she'll be back later! - but how does Ms Smart know Mr Mitchell?

Well after striking a business deal with Max, Karin soon falls for his charms and they end up in the above situation! But Max should watch out because Karin is not all she seems. 

My instincts say she's been sent by Phil to honey business-trap Max in a ploy to get the beloved Arches back in Mitchell hands. Phil knows Max can't seem to ignore a beautiful woman, so has he fallen into the trap?

Having said that, those EastEnders bosses have been very good at springing surprises on us of late (cough cough Kathy Beale!) so Phil may have more of a motive behind Karin's appearance than meets the eye. 

I also can't see a certain Sharon Mitchell being too happy about this mystery blonde her husband seems to have acquired during his time away from the Square. 

Watch out though Sharon, because whatever happens, I'm sure Karin has nothing on Kathy, when she finally returns home! 

See Karin's arrival tonight at 7.30pm on BBC1. 

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BGT: Ones to look out for...

Last Saturday Ant and Dec waved goodbye in the last of the series of Saturday Night Takeaway, but they certainly aren't going to be off our screens for long, as they're back this Saturday night - along with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and HIS Simon, Simon Cowell.

Yep, the new series of Britain's Got Talent is returning, and the contestants are all hoping for a place in one of the live semi-finals, with five of the best acts already being sent straight through to the final, after receiving the Golden Buzzer treatment.
Just like last year, each judge, and Ant and Dec, each have one opportunity to hit the Golden Buzzer - and Ant and Dec have already said that they hit theirs during the very first audition!

Britain's Got More Talent, and my fave, Stephen Mulhern, is also back for another year, going behind the scenes and putting David Walliams in very silly positions, I'm sure!

As we get ready for the new series, where Ant and Dec have already promised that "We have got a dog that hypnotises people, a little girl who does martial arts with a samurai sword – not the kind of things you see every day!” I also have the inside scoop about a few of the acts to definitely keep your eye out for:

Imogen and Millie (the dog)

How cute is Millie! 

Since Ashleigh and Pudsey won the hearts of the Britain’s Got Talent judges and the audience in 2012, there have been so many wanting to show off how talented their pets are. Imogen brought her dog Millie along to show the judges her tricks and talents, which included riding a scooter. I imagine Simon's heart melted first! 

Bonetics 

Junior is a 17 year old dancer and student from Essex. He takes inspiration from many types of performance including contortionists, circus performers and yoga. The judges’ feedback was mixed yet they were all mesmerised by his act. David told him ‘you should be very proud’. I wonder what we'll all think?

Ysgol Choir

A 160 piece (yes, 160 piece!) choir from Wales have a wide age range of between 8-69. They wowed the judges with the culmination of their powerful vocals, prompting David to describe their performance as ‘being welcomed into heaven’.

Billy and Emily England

Billy and Emily are roller skating siblings from Birmingham. They are the 6th generation of performers in their family, including their mother who was a trapeze artist and father who was a wire walker. Alesha described their act as fearless and Simon claimed he’d ‘never seen an act like it’ in his life. Sounds good!

Narinder Dhani

42 year old Narinder is a self-taught instrumental comb player from London. The judges were all up on their feet during his musical medley performance. Narinder was even joined on stage by Ant and Dec who played alongside him. I wonder if they got ready to rhumble?!

Lisa Sampson

Lisa Sampson owns 150 hula hoops. She is self-taught and has recently started teaching hula hooping at her village hall in Sussex. Since learning to hula hoop Lisa has broken various objects in her house including lights, mirrors and a TV unit. Simon describing her ‘human slinky’ trick as ‘Fantastic!’ I love a hula hoop, me!

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