Doctor Who writer recasts vampire-hunter Van Helsing as a woman for new BBC Dracula series
AS Dracula unleashes terror across Transylvania and beyond, the vampire is relentlessly hunted down by arch-nemesis Professor Abraham Van Helsing. But now the politically-correct BBC will spin the tale with a woman as his tormenter-in-chief in a new adaptation of the classic Gothic novel. The move has been led by writer Steven Moffat best known […]
AS Dracula unleashes terror across Transylvania and beyond, the vampire is relentlessly hunted down by arch-nemesis Professor Abraham Van Helsing.
But now the politically-correct BBC will spin the tale with a woman as his tormenter-in-chief in a new adaptation of the classic Gothic novel.
The move has been led by writer Steven Moffat best known for being showrunner on Doctor Who.
That series gained a reputation for being one of the Beeb’s most PC shows, giving the role of The Doctor to a woman.
A TV insider said: “This has been viewed as another attempt by the BBC to take a role usually played by a man and put a female in their place.
“But it’s also considered a big risk as Dracula has such a strong following and any tinkering can get fans up in arms.
“The role is so synonymous with the men who’ve played Van Helsing over the years — particularly Peter Cushing who tracked Christopher Lee in the Hammer Horror films.”
The new three-part Dracula, which Steven has written with Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss, should hit screens next year. Danish actor Claes Bang plays Dracula.
He’ll be joined by an extensive female cast, including Joanna Scanlan, Dolly Wells, Morfydd Clark and Lujza Richter.
It’s yet to be revealed who will be trying to kill the count — assuming the Beeb don’t ban stakes on health and safety grounds.
READ ON FOR MORE OF ANDY HALLS’ BIZARRE TV COLUMN
She’s the Kat in the hat
AFTER weeks filming thriller The Widow in the burning heat of Africa, Kate Beckinsale has clearly become very cautious every time she sees the sun.
The actress posted a picture of herself, showing off her midriff in an outfit topped with headwear big enough to cause a solar eclipse.
Alongside the photo, Kate wrote: “English people, first hint of summer, heading out to that big piece of grass behind Marks & Spencer.”
Kate’s going to have plenty of time on her hands to enjoy the warmer weather after cooling her relationship with comedian Pete Davidson.
Then there is all the attention she has been receiving after returning to TV to star in ITV’s The Widow – with the final two episodes of the drama going out tonight and tomorrow.
Hopefully they’ll be as spectacular as that hat.
Gritty Truths
KIT HARINGTON’s favourite scene with his real-life wife and Game Of Thrones co-star is the one where she DIES in battle.
It sounds less than charming, given that he and Rose Leslie also had one or two sex scenes together as Jon Snow and Ygritte. But it is a compliment on her acting skills.
Kit said: “I liked her death. I know, it sounds bizarre.
“I thought she nailed that. And it’s the first time in Thrones that slow motion was used.
“I think it’s a beautiful, cradling moment as this battle is raging in the background. It was one of those incredible shots.”
I hope she agrees, or else Kit is on the sofa tonight.
bizbit
ROB BECKETT will host new BBC1 quiz show, Head Hunters, where contestants will be challenged to shrewdly “hire” brainboxes from a talent pool who can help them answer questions from nine categories in just 90 seconds.
Emily’s Brand of flirting
NEWSNIGHT presenter Emily Maitlis is usually the no-nonsense enemy of evasive interviewees – but she was all of a fluster with one guest.
When talking to Russell Brand in 2017, she feared looking as if she had been flirting with the comic rather than grilling him.
In her new book Airhead: The Imperfect Art Of Making News, Emily says how she told him: “I have an apron on a lot of the time. It’s true. I do.
“I signal my fleeting domesticity with a range of very cool aprons.”
Then she added: “But why do I feel the need to tell him that? Here and now? Could it be that I am flirting?
“In my embarrassment, I try and draw the interview to a professional close. We talk briefly about self-harm.”
Don’t worry, Emily, you are in good company.
Russell also disarmed Newsnight’s grand inquisitor, Jeremy Paxman, when they talked on the show.
Must watch
WHAT? Not Going Out, BBC1, 9pm
WHY? Lee is stunned to learn that the twins have started sex education at school, so he vows to teach them everything he knows about the birds and the bees.
bizbit
THERE is mixed news for fans of Glee – main man Matthew Morrison says it “wouldn’t work” if there was an attempt to revive the TV show that ran from 2009 to 2015.
But The Greatest Dancer coach says it may yet make a stage show.
Soapbox
IN Eastenders Sean makes his presence known in Walford after a decade away and walks straight into an argument with Jack.
Lola struggles to cope with Ruby’s demands.
In Emmerdale Kim is delighted by a certain development, and Leyla spins another lie to David.
Coronation Street’s Toyah discovers Wayne’s stolen report in Nick’s bedroom, and Ken supports Peter as Carla’s absence takes its toll.
Nick insists someone is trying to frame him, Ken and Claudia take charge of a fragile Peter, and Tim rebels against Sally’s boot camp.
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Olympian on son’s health scare
IWAN THOMAS has faced incredible challenges on both Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls.
But nothing prepared the Team GB Olympic sprinter for the ordeal following the birth of his son – and the discovery that baby Teddy’s early ill health could have long- lasting effects.
The newborn, who arrived in December, came before his due date and had breathing difficulties.
He spent his first ten days in intensive care after contracting an infection.
Group B strep can develop into sepsis or meningitis and can leave long-term problems including loss of vision or hearing.
In an exclusive chat for Virgin Money London Marathon Iwan said: “It’s been really tough.
“We had a three-month check-up recently and we were led to believe that once it gets to three months everything would be OK.
“But unfortunately the doctors says he could still have complications in later life, and that won’t show up until he’s at least one year old. It’s a bit of a waiting game.
“He looks really healthy, he’s really responsive and he’s growing all the time. Fingers crossed, he’ll be fine.”
I wish the Thomas family all the best.
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