ITV axe final episode of McDonald & Dodds to avoid new drama Grace clashing with BBC’s Line Of Duty
FANS of whodunnit? drama McDonald & Dodds may tune in for Sunday’s series finale and wonder: “Where is it?!”
ITV have decided not to air the show this weekend because they want to use the prime slot to start new cop show, Grace, starring Life on Mars actor John Simm.
They’re keen to give their big show a fighting chance of gaining an audience rather than start the series on the same day – March 21 – as the long-awaited return of BBC1’s blockbuster drama, Line of Duty.
Ironically, McDonald & Dodds is fronted by the brilliant Jason Watkins, who was one of LOD’s greatest stars.
ITV say the disappearing final act will air later in the year.
Kate’s Goon for it
WHEN Mikel Arteta inevitably gets the sack for leading Arsenal to a mid- table finish this season, Kate Garraway should definitely be in the running to take over.
The Good Morning Britain presenter stepped out looking like former Gooners boss Arsene Wenger in one of his trademark sleeping bag coats that we saw the Frenchman wear for more than two decades.
The likeable TV host was spotted pulling a suitcase behind her as she turned up for work in London yesterday.
I can only assume it’s got a fold-up tactics board in it.
Jen's secret
AB FAB star Jennifer Saunders says the secret to finding lasting happiness with hubby Ade Edmondson and comedy partner Dawn French is dodging confrontation.
Talking in the new edition of Radio Times, she said: “We are masters of keep it in, get over it, move on.”
Rob out to beat pal Tom
ROB Beckett had better up his game if he wants to avoid Paul Hollywood’s wrath on The Great Celebrity Bake Off tonight.
The comic still remembers his dad’s bad reaction after he tried baking at school.
Rob said: “I made vol au vents when I was about 12.
“My dad said, ‘They’re f***ing disgusting.’ He spat it out and I’ve not baked since.”
Rob is competing against Alexandra Burke, Daisy Ridley and Tom Allen on the Channel 4 show, which is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
And he wants to beat fellow comedian Tom because they went to the same school.
Rob said: “He’s got it all to lose – he’s on Bake Off: Extra Slice, he does Bake Off: The Professionals, so he should know what he’s doing.
“It’ll just be funny if I’m better than him, won’t it?
“But I don’t want that to lead to me replacing him on those shows. I think that would do real, long-lasting damage to our friendship.”
Jamie has new part toupee
JAMIE Laing thrilled Strictly Come Dancing audiences with his street dancing and a cameo as Hercules – complete with a curly blond wig.
So he’s the perfect choice to front the Beeb’s latest dance show, I Like The Way You Move.
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The Made In Chelsea star, who made it through to the Strictly final last year, will co-host the new BBC Three eight-parter, which doubles up as a dating show.
Jamie said: “Just when everyone thought they were safe from seeing me dancing again – I miss Hercules! – here I am already returning to the dancefloor for the BBC.
“I can’t wait to meet the single contestants – and hopefully I’ll be able to give them some good tips from what I learned on Strictly to get a new hot date.”
Presumably one tip is to avoid wearing dodgy wigs.
Meg takes to the kitchen
MEGAN McKenna is the latest wannabe cook to sign up for Celebrity MasterChef.
The singer, who found fame on Towie, will take part in the BBC1 show alongside Katie Price and Dion Dublin.
Megan will whip up gluten and wheat-free dishes on the show, as she has coeliac disease.
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