Return of The X Factor

The X Factor jumped back on to our screens this weekend with a Saturday and Sunday double bill. 

Cheryl and Mel B's relationship was fab and I can only see it getting stronger. As two powerful women, there's no need for them to compete, they both know who they are and are comfortable with that so I really don't think it'll be a catty bitch-fest this series.

Simon Cowell was back, too, of course and it's true what the backstage rumours were saying. He's more relaxed, chilled and genuinely funny. 

Louis was, just, Lou Lou. And we wouldn't expect anything else!

I felt that the calibre of contestants was very high this weekend. Especially as it was only the first two shows. Amy's return was emotional and I'm glad she did so well. Goosebump performance. 

The fact she's back - because of Cheryl - leaves me hoping that it's the Girls category that Cheryl gets. 

The woman who was once in Girl Thing, Linzi, didn't sound great and I think Cheryl and Simon were quite strong to stick to their guns and not put her through. It was nerves and the passion of wanting something so much that too over, I think, but I also have an inkling that she maybe wasn't the strongest singer in the group back in the day, anyway. 

The boys group, and the men we've seen so far in the Overs category sounded fab - especially the man who was in the Navy. He gave a highly emotional performance and I hope he does well. 

With so much talent pumped into one weekend, I'm excited to see how the series progresses. The double weekenders of X Factor are here to stay, to accommodate the room auditions, going on to the arena auditions, before Bootcamp. 

Who stood out to you this weekend? 

And did anyone go through who you would've given the boot to? 

REVIEW - Ant and Dec's Takeaway on Tour

This weekend, everyone's favourite Geordie pair popped to London - bringing with them their Takeaway on Tour. 

I was invited to the O2 to be entertained by Ant and Dec, of course, and they really did not disappoint. 

Having watched Saturday Night Takaway on the telly since, well, it began, I was a little dubios to how the boys could make it work in an arena setting. It taught me, once again, that if anyone can... They can. 

Running through the audience, to the tune of 'The Boys are Back in Town', as they were introduced, Ant and Dec both made sure that every single member of the arena were involved, in some way, and you actually felt part of the show. High fives, handshakes and a few selfies later, the lads were on stage and the size of what they were about to achieve didn't phase them in the slightest. They truly are masters of their craft. 

Our side of the arena was Team Dec, which pleased me slightly, as Dec's always been my favourite (sorry, Ant!) and we were certainly the loudest half! 

With the guest announcer being Peter Andre, and Joe Swash and Laura Whitmore popping in, too, there were laughs and jokes from the start. Almost every sketch from the telly version of the show was done in the arena, from 'bad behaviour' awards, where an unsuspecting audience member won (three!) trophies for her good bad behaviour, and 'Sing-a-Long Live', where three audience members were chosen to go on stage and take part - while we voted for the best person to win. This was the best and biggest karaoke game, probably, in the world. 

Who can say they sang karaoke with Chesney Hawkes? I can! 

Having bought my mum along as my plus 1, we were both up on our feet, dancing, singing and crying with laughter throughout. 

'Ant vs Dec' was also a big part of the show, with Ashley Roberts, of course, hosting the sketch. Part One was a back to school quiz, involving children from a local primary school and Ant showed that he's not that great Maths (I know how he feels!), while Dec proved that he wasn't up to speed with outer space. 

Part Two of Ant vs Dec was where us, the audience, played our starring role, as after the lads ran through the arena, climbing wobbly ladders to retrieve a key - red and blue boulders were released on each side of the arena. We had to help the boulders travel to the stage, and whichever team had three boulders up on stage first won. Sadly Team Dec lost. But I call sabotage as our last one ended up on Team Ant's side, and the cheeky scamps wouldn't give it back! 

At the end of the first act, River Dance entertained us, and Ant and Dec joined in... They must've been practising their Irish dancing as they were quick, bouncy and just as good as the rest of the cast! 

Twenty minutes later, the boys were back - well, Ant returned while Dec came rushing through the front of the crowd holding two pints and a packet of crisps. What followed was a sketch so simple, passing the pints and scoffing the crisps, but it was quality, old-fashioned laughs. Once again, mum and me were crying with laughter. 

After their snack break, the lads introduced The Super Computer. It was time to pick an audience member to 'Win the Ads'. Super Computer chose at random, a block, row and seat number. The lucky lady in question was taken backstage to prepare to win big! Prizes didn't disappoint, with a car, holidays, money, a TV and many more...

When the Super Computer's chosen one returned, she answered the boys' questions and managed to get six questions correct, finally deciding to gamble on a Wayne Rooney based question. As you can see from my pictures - fireworks and an Any and Dec sandwich hug - she had won!

Takeaway on Tour of course wouldn't be the same without two other special guests. Little Ant and Dec! The mini versions of the Geordie duo appeared via web-link, and we watched a VT of them interviewing Little Mix which was cute, cheeky and entertaining! 

There was also one last sketch which had us in stitches. But Ant and Dec asked the audience not to mention it on social media as they really like to keep it a surprise - so you'll have to buy the DVD when it's released to check it out! 

Ending the show, in the only way they could - in 'The End of the Show Show' - Ant and Dec gathered all of their guests together for Let's Get Ready to Rhumble... Dancing, jumping and singing, we were exhausted by home time! 

The 'End of the Show Show' wasn't quite the end, though, as for their reprise the boys returned, Morcambe and Wise style, and sang Bring Me Sunshine. With the words on the big screen, everyone joined in and it was a lovely, lovely end to an amazing show! 

If you want to sit down and be a bit of a bore then DO NOT go and see Takeaway on Tour. 

But, if you want a fun-filled evening, with lots of laughing, surprises, dancing, singing and audience participation, then do... And if you can't, then buy the DVD on its release! 

This show proved why these two lads have won the array of awards that keep their mantlepieces warm. 

Well done Ant and Dec! And thankyou for such a great weekend! 

HOLLYOAKS - Theresa breaks out of prison!

It's all about to get very exciting over in Hollyoaks - as Theresa breaks out of prison, with the help of Mercedes and Phoebe!

Theresa has been concerned for her daughter, Kathleen-Angel, recently, knowing that Sonny is doing everything he can to stop Kathleen-Angel seeing her mum.

After being visited by Phoebe and Mercedes, the trio devise an escape route for Theresa...

Managing to get herself into hospital, Theresa is found by Mercedes (posing as a Doctor!) and is wheeled out, into the outside world. They are soon caught out by Sonny, who threatens to arrest them - but sooner than you can say her name, Myra turns up (with a new blonde hair 'do!) and hits Sonny over the head!

Of course, they McQueen clan are hit by a new problem, in the form of soon-to-be-departed Carmel, who has Kathleen-Angel with her. Myra does her best to persuade Carmel that Kathleen-Angel would be better off with Theresa, telling her that Sonny is no good.

Carmel makes the decision that it should be up to Kathleen-Angel who she wants to stay with, and the toddler soon runs towards her mum.

Will Theresa make her escape with her little girl?

This all seems very far-fetched, even for Hollyoaks, but exciting none-the-less! Knowing that Theresa is making a full-time comeback, how will the escaped prisoner be able to maintain her freedom for good?

I've just had a thought...

With Carmel soon leaving, maybe she's the one who ends up behind bars instead of Theresa?

Soaps love a legal loop-hole now and again, don't they...

I'm looking forward to this!

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HOLLYOAKS - Theresa begins her fight for freedom

Theresa McQueen made a mystery phone call in last Friday's E4 First Look Hollyoaks, and tonight we see who she's relying on for help.

I thought that Theresa might have called upon her Auntie Myra - as we know that she'll soon be returning to the village - but this time Theresa is relying on her (unreliable!) mother Kathleen to help her.

Theresa needs her mums help...

Sonny Valentine promised Theresa that she would have no more to do with her daughter Kathleen-Angel, as he and Carmel were bringing her up together happily. Sonny is, of course, Kathleen-Angel's uncle, brother of Calvin, who was shot dead by Theresa when she first found out that she was pregnant with his baby. 

Knowing that she needs to fight back, as to not lose her little girl, Theresa hopes that her mum will be able to intervene. And Kathleen proves herself willing for the task, making an immediate clash with Sonny!

It was reported this weekend that Carmel McQueen would be leaving 'Oaks, as actress Gemma Merna has decided to move on to pastures new... 

How do you think Theresa makes her break from prison?

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EASTENDERS - Fire to change Kat's life

A mystery arsonist will ruin the life of Kat Slater when they set fire to the house she shares with her family.

Kat is known to be caught up in the flames, escaping with serious and life changing burns. It is not known whether Alfie, their new twin boys or son Tommy will be in the house at the time - nor Stacey, Lily or Big Mo.

Kat's life is about to change forever

Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat, will begin to wear special effects make-up to portray the burns in which she suffers. The aftermath is also said to take an emotional toll on Kat, and cause a major shift for the character.

I don't yet have any incline about who would do such a thing to the Slater house - but Stacey will have a few enemies on her return to the Square, in the form of Roxy Mitchell, for one, or is it to do with the key she asked Lauren to look after before she went into prison?
Could the arsonist be after Alfie, who we've seen try to participate in dodgy deals to make money for his family?

What do you all think?

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HOLLYOAKS - Bye Bye Carmel!

Bye Bye Carmel!

It's was a bit of a sob Sunday for Hollyoaks fans yesterday, as Gemma Merna announced that she would be leaving the soap.

That can only mean one thing... we say 'see ya' to Carmel McQueen, too. *Dries eyes*

After eight years, an upcoming story will see Carmel totter away from Hollyoaks, but how will she go?

Now, we all know that Theresa is returning to the village, havign seen her first appearance in Friday's first look on E4. How will Carmel feel about this, as we all know that she's taken Theresa's daughter, Kathleen-Angel on as her own. Will our Carm' run off with the little'un - or will Theresa go to dramatic lengths to make sure she keeps her baby?

Sonny Valentine is also a massive wrong-un, isn't he! As much as the cop seems to love Carmel, he's no stranger to seeing people off or putting them in danger...

Of course, Carmel could always just chuck on her stilettos and sashay off into the sunset to live with her sister Jacqui in Spain, or, knowing Myra is making a short comeback, Carmel could leave with her mum.

Gemma Merna told the Daily Star Sunday:

"I've had a great time being part of the show for eight years and I'm excited to push myself and explore new avenues. I've got an exciting business launch for later in the year that I'm working on. I also have some great storylines before I go."

Hollyoaks' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "The role of Carmel was never in our plan until Gemma Merna tottered into the audition room with a gold lamé handkerchief and thigh-high boots.I'd like to thank her for being a valued company member and for creating one of our most lovable characters."

Who else is going to miss our Carm'?

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EASTENDERS - While I was away...

As I've just done with Hollyoaks, I also managed to catch up with the comings and goings in Walford while I was on my Jolly's.

The main focus is still, of course, surrounding Lucy Beale's murder.

Jay is the guy on the bus in the beanie hat (which he subsequently burnt!) and was clearly going to visit Ben Mitchell. Hence, not wanting to tell anyone why he was there and where he was going. Either that, or Ben was the person on the bus in the hat, which could open up another whole can of worms - especially as the online rumour mill has already named Ben as a potential suspect!

The walls are also closing in around Ian, as the police have totally cottoned on to the fact he's hiding something. As did Phil Mitchell. Ironic really. He should be a copper, you know. Anyhow, it's obviously going to come out sooner rather than later that Ian paid Rainie for a bit of the other, especially as it's whispered that Rainie soon makes a return (blackmailing the Carter's!) and wasn't permanently gotten rid off by Phil after all! I can't wait for Ian to get found out - as sorry as you feel for his loss, and once you really start to feel as though he's a good guy who's just misunderstood - he un-redeems himself! This week it was being nasty to Patrick, who's still recovering from a stroke and getting Denise to palm him off into a care home for his own selfish reasons. Secondly, he really let Mick take the brunt of covering for him over Rainie. As nice as it is seeing Phil show Ian a friendly hand - I kind of want that Beale head shoved down a toilet again! And that's testament to Adam Woodyatt, and his talents. You laugh, cry, love and hate Ian all at once!

The Walford youngsters were centre-fold again this last week. I like Whitney and Lee's relationship, I think he's a good lad who'll be just the medicine Whit needs, with her past experience of men. Lauren and Dean on the other hand is a disaster - one, because it's embarrassing watching Dean try to make Linda jealous and two because Peter succeeded in turning Lauren off Dean, which will cause heartbreak for poor Lola. Peter is due to dump Lo' and make a move on Lauren... his first love. Will Lauren feel the same? And is Lola's anger at Jay moving away with Abi because she harbours secret feelings? If Peter gets with Lauren, and Lola then gets with Jay - it'll leave Abi all alone and, possibly, angry. Will she lash out and lead a whole new side to her being discovered? (Max + Lucy, Abi fnding out and not wanting her family life ruined once again = in Abi killing Lucy?) Just another theory - not mine - but another one none-the-less.

We also found out that Charlie Cotton IS Dot's real grandson, but works in a care home... not the police... and Nick is stalking him. Firstly, who bets that this will be the care home Denise and Ian visit for Patrick and secondly, lets count down the days til we see Nick reunited with his Ma. I reckon Charlie will end up the good guy, save Dot from ghastly Nick and have a happy ending with Ronnie Mitchell and (possibly their) baby. Well, as happy as you can be with Ronnie around!

Lastly - Stacey was back, too! Hurrah! We all know she'll be out of the nick soon, but what intrigued me was Whitney's text last night which read - 'It's me, Ryan.' Ryan being Whit's brother and Stacey's daughter Lilly's dad. Will this be another shock 'Enders comeback?

Now all we need is the return of Grant and Peggy Mitchell!

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