Kath

Vera so totally deserved what was coming to her! A really good three parter. For once - the oh so over-used slo-mo worked. And you're right - the woman that played Vera was excellent. I thought her and the policeman were the best. I still prefer the film ending (but in that both Lombard - who isn't really Lombard and Vera are actually innocent of any crimes).

I prefer the film/play ending. My favourite version of this is the 1945 Barry Fitzgerald/Louis Hayward version - I loved the touches of humour in it (which this TV adaptation lacks somewhat). Still good to watch though. I really want there to be a new TV adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution.

In all my 50+ years on the planet - I'm pleased to say that I have never watched any Queen's Christmas Day messages! Is this a record?

Have you read or seen 'Witness for the Prosecution'? Her best by far! But this one is pretty much near perfect! Really looking forward to it.

Watching National Lampoon's right now! For about the 50th time! Fabulous every time.

Merry Festive Greetings to one and all! Kath xxxx

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all have a fab one! XXXXXX

I have to agree with that. I'd been to The Ultimate Tour, The Beautiful World Tour (my favourite), The Circus Tour and The Progress Tour. I have to say - I'd long gone off Gary before Progress came along and I had vowed after 2010 never to waste another penny on TT (besides - I thought the Progress album was a pile of pants) however when The Progress Tour was announced - on impulse I bought a couple of tickets mainly to see Robbie and to get a taste of what all the fuss was about (without sitting through an entire two hours of Robbie alone). I have to say that I really did enjoy the Robbie bit - although I went to the loo when he sang Angels - what can I say - I just HATE that song (and parts of the five of them together - it was good to see Robbie join in with the cheesy 'Pray' routine (and seeming to enjoy himself). I was disappointed with the Take That (foursome) bit - and it just seemed that they (the four of them) rushed through that bit and didn't put any heart into it (no fault of Rob as he wasn't there) - it just seemed like they couldn't wait to get that bit out of the way so they could get to the five-some bit. It seemed like they were in awe of Robbie and just couldn't wait to be with him! I think that tour was a mistake for both Take That AND Robbie. Too disjointed and not a 'whole' experience (as the other tours had been) to be enjoyed. I particularly disliked The Progress Tour because I had smuggled two cans of Bacardi & Coke inside my jacket - and one of the cans split so I was soggy for most of the night! And besides - Om wasn't a patch on the elephant from The Circus!

I think pride would stop him from joining even if he was asked. Also - when he joined for The Progress Tour I think it was to get his mojo back (for which I believe he was thankful to the lads) and also for the British fans who wanted it to happen. I think if he wanted to do a residency in the States - he'd want to do it under his own steam rather than as a member of a 40-something boy-band. I have to say - although I think it'll be a success (and I think they'll have been paid something up-front anyway so they'll win whether it is a hit with the public or not - I do find it a rather ludicrous thing for them to do. They are a British phenomenon - a fantastically successful phenomenon - but intrinsically a British one. Although it may go down well with ex-pats and Brit/European tourists who will make their way over to the States - I really do wonder if there would be enough US fans who would make up the audience enough to say - YES - they've broken the States (albeit in a cabaret/theatre sort of setting). Yes I know that they have some US fans who have been waiting desperately for the lads to do shows over there for a long time - but the States is so massive - it may as well be 50 different countries rather than 50 territories. I'm wondering how many people from 49 States in a country nearly 10 million square kilometres in size would congregate at any one time to a show (or shows) in Nevada. It may be of course that the lads know that they'll be playing largely to British fans who happen to be in the States at the time ... which leads me back to a reason why I doubt Robbie would be part of it - why would he? When he can play to huge numbers of non-British fans in their own countries (albeit he hasn't done it in the States - but as I've said - I think if he can't do it under his own steam - I doubt he'd want to do it as part of a boy-band). I can't remember if it was Dylandog that said it - but I think this is a bad move (financially I think it'll be fab for them) but creatively - no. And by the way - after a few listens to Hey Boy - I think most of you have been a bit harsh - it isn't that bad (and the vid was fun) and I'd rather listen to that than Adele's offering of Hello any day of the week. At least they tried something different again - and they're to be admired for going for something risky rather than an oh-so-safe ballad. I still can't stand Gary Barlow though so I haven't suddenly become a fan again - I think I'm at the point now though that I can be objective about the music.

I seriously doubt it! :lol:

Maybe the Vegas thing will be good for the FN venture. I honestly can't see it doing Mark and Howard any good in the long run (other that a short fix of HUGE money). And I'm sure any of us would do the same.

I think they covered that particular song because it was a song that no-one would expect Take That to cover. I do believe - at the time - they got mainly positive comments. I think they all did well on it - but especially Mark.

For an American audience (or any audience not familiar with the whole story of Take That) I'd agree with you. But if they do that - and presumably keep Howard's leads minimal too, add to that that the naff dance routines will have to go .... what you're basically left with is a showcase for Gary as a solo singer with two friends for back-up. Maybe it'll work with Mark and Howard as backing for him (for morale as much as anything else - because the last time Gary tried to showcase his talents in front of Clive Davis - he fell flat on his arse - I must admit - it made a great chapter in his book). Totally disagree with you on Mark's part of EDILYLAL - that song needs ANGST when its sung - not sung like a slightly speeded up ballad. Mark has loads of angst when he sings.

Dylan the other thing I find that could be a problem (possibly a HUGE problem) is the whole 'Boy Band' thing. These are men who are now into their forties - and I think a lot of Americans may think - what are these guys doing - none of them are playing instruments - they're prancing around (I'll admit a lot of the songs are good) but it could still be seen as prancing about. I know I think their routine for Pray was (and still is) quite endearing, and a lot of their set pieces (seen as a whole, multi-cast affair) are truly spectacular - I'm thinking the 'It Only Takes a Minute' from the reunion tour (this was the performance that made me take note of Take That - but then again - the sexiness of Jason Orange in particular in that performance was worth of extra note), the 'Making of a Boy Band' from TBW tour was fantastic - full of quirky moves and done with a massive sense of fun. I feel though that these are intrinsically 'British' things that only their British fans (and some Europeans) get due to them growing up with the boys. I know this is going to see me being slaughtered here (OK - that's an exaggeration - perhaps a bit of chiding) for having a go at Gary - but I sense a little bit of a vanity project here.

He must be doing a gig for St Peter and the big fella if he's touring in 2917 Elizabeth! :lol: I agree about Jason - he'll never return ... not sure about Robbie - although you're probably right about that as well. They've been hired as a threesome though - so whoever hired them is going on seeing them on the strength of being a threesome. BTW - I wasn't talking about ex-pats living in the US Elisabeth - I was thinking more in the line of tourists to the Silver City.

Las Vegas has more Brits/Europeans in it than US folk so I can see this being quite profitable for them. I can't see it gaining them many new US fans though (apart from the ones who are already fans). I have to say - as much as I like Mark's voice (given the right songs - I'm thinking songs like Shine, What You Believe In, Up All Night, Hold Up a Light - even his part in Take That's cover of the Kaiser Chiefs' Every Day I Love You Less and Less) I do know his voice is an acquired taste (my husband for one thinks he's got an awful voice - no matter what he sings) and I wonder how it would go down with audiences not used to it. As I say - I think the shows they do will be a success - there are already people booking their holidays in Vegas 2017 just so they can fit a TT show in. I agree with Dylandog though - I'm not sure it will be a full residency (it may become one depending on its initial success).

I love Mary! I do find the scenes she's in with Dev are the most touching though. He isn't one of the world's best actors - but Mary brings out the best in him.

I don't think you get the British 'Chase' in the US Biggie! You do have your own version and the Chaser we faced was the same Chaser as in your show - Mark Labett. If I'm ever over in the States Biggie - I'll give you my autograph! On to buzzier news - I cannot wait until April 5th, 2016 when I get to see JEFF!!!!! He was absolutely fabulous on TRVP. Not sure if anyone saw it - but not only will Jeff be joined by Richard Tandy from the original ELO line-up - but Take That's musicians will be providing the back up for the shows. So glad - I have rather warm feelings for Milton McDonald!!! Edit - oops! So excited there I put April LAST year!!!! Buffoon!

Say You'll Be There is my FAVOURITE Spice Girls song!!! What's wrong with you all? :o Out of that four Viva Forever would be my favourite for the chop!

I think she's been consistently good entertainment (and appeared to be a hugely liked person within the camp) and for a long time I wanted her to win. Just lately though - I thought Ferne really started to come through strong (and I found her equally endearing). I would have preferred the final two to be Vicky and Ferne but at the end of the day - one of the two I wanted to win DID win. I have found this series to be a bit underwhelming though. I think I'd now prefer a totally non-celebrity version called 'I'm Not A Celebrity - Please Keep Me In Here!'

Can't believe that!

It has to be Ferne. I think whoever does the eating task deserves it more than anyone else. I wonder what Hadley would say about the cruelty of it though - given Beetlegate!

Dom was entertaining though. Tony was just boring. He wouldn't have been in it for as long as he was if it wasn't for Lady C giving him a reason to be there. Same for Bannatyne. When Lady C went (annoying at times as she was) she cut off their air supply.

If they're so certain of these ISIS strongholds - why haven't they bombed them before? There's no planned strategy to target ISIS solely - to me - its just going to be a random bombing of innocent people and spreading the cancer at the same time.

His father would be SO proud of him!