2015 in British television

none April 2014 September 2020 2015 British television This is a list of events that took place in 2015 related to British television. Events January Date Event1BBC One airs the final ever episode of Miranda Hart's self-titled sitcom, Miranda. Overnight viewing figures suggest it was watched by an audience of 7.3 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30655881 Miranda fans get happy ending in finale of hit sitcom BBC BBC News 2 January 2015 4 January 2015 4 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104050343/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30655881 live 2Consolidated viewing figures reveal the comedy Mrs. Brown's Boys to have been the most watched programme on Christmas Day 2014, with an average audience of 9.69 million. However, viewing figures were lower than the previous year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30657226 BBC's Mrs Brown's Boys dominates festive viewing BBC BBC News 2 January 2015 4 January 2015 4 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104033508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30657226 live 3George Gallagher wins BBC One's Frank Sinatra: Our Way, a one-off show marking the 100th year of Sinatra's birth in which amateur performers provide their own interpretations of Ol' Blue Eyes classics.5The broadcasting regulator Ofcom clears EastEnders of breaching its regulations over a storyline involving the rape of Queen Victoria pub landlady Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright).https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30683243 EastEnders cleared of breaching Ofcom rules BBC BBC News 5 January 2015 6 January 2015 6 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150106024450/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30683243 live Waterloo Road returns for its final run, but is moved from its Wednesday evening primetime slot on BBC One to a Monday evening slot on BBC Three, where it airs at 8:00. It is then repeated on BBC One at 10:35.Kilkelly Daniel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a615903/waterloo-road-to-lose-primetime-bbc-one-slot.html#~p6ocs30oYM6WSz Waterloo Road to lose primetime BBC One slot – Waterloo Road News – Soaps Digital Spy 11 December 2014 8 March 2015 11 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141211141654/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a615903/waterloo-road-to-lose-primetime-bbc-one-slot.html#~p6ocs30oYM6WSz live 6Comedian and actor Stephen Fry confirms he is to marry his partner, Elliott Spender.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-30693048 Stephen Fry to marry partner Elliott Spencer BBC BBC News 6 January 2015 6 January 2015 29 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211129085022/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-30693048 live The couple are married two weeks later at a register office in Norfolk.Nadia Khomami https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jan/17/stephen-fry-elliott-spencer-marries-twitter Stephen Fry marries partner Elliot Spencer The Guardian 17 January 2015 13 February 20157The Top Gear Patagonia Special, which included the series' controversial trip to Argentina, was the most watched programme on BBC iPlayer over the festive period.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30707317 Top Gear in Argentina tops festive iPlayer chart BBC BBC News 7 January 2015 7 January 2015 7 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150107102011/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30707317 live It is confirmed that Gemma Atkinson will join Emmerdale as new character Carly Hope.Emily Heward http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/hollyoaks-star-gemma-atkinson-joins-8396658 Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson joins Emmerdale Trinity Mirror Manchester Evening News 7 January 2015 9 May 2015 2 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174929/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/hollyoaks-star-gemma-atkinson-joins-8396658 live 8Prime Minister David Cameron says he will not take part in planned debates ahead of this year's general election unless the Green Party is included.Patrick Wintour https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/08/david-cameron-green-party-debate-threaten David Cameron threatens to drop out of debates unless Greens invited The Guardian 8 January 2015 8 January 2015Ofcom opens a consultation on whether any of the smaller political parties should be considered as major parties ahead of the election, a status that entitles them to be allocated at least two Party Election Broadcasts. The regulator says it is minded to consider the UK Independence Party as a major party, but not the Green Party. The process will finish in February, after which Ofcom will publish its findings.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30727083 Greens are "not a major party", suggests Ofcom BBC News BBC 8 January 2015 1 June 2015 7 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150407012905/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30727083 live Nissim Mayer http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a620136/ukip-set-to-be-considered-major-party-by-ofcom-but-green-party-will-not.html#~peoDA0T8TVrQeo UKIP set to be considered major party by Ofcom but Green Party will not Digital Spy 8 January 2015 1 June 2015 10 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150510230728/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a620136/ukip-set-to-be-considered-major-party-by-ofcom-but-green-party-will-not.html#~peoDA0T8TVrQeo live 9It is reported that the BBC has submitted its news coverage of the police raid on a property belonging to Cliff Richard in July 2014 for best news story at the 2015 Royal Television Society journalism awards.https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2015/jan/09/bbc-cliff-richard-journalism-award-royal-television-society BBC puts forward Cliff Richard "scoop" for journalism award The Guardian 9 January 2015 9 January 201510Former Baywatch actor Jeremy Jackson is removed from the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother after he got drunk and pulled open fellow contestant Chloe Goodman's dressing gown the previous day.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30766963 Jeremy Jackson thrown out of Celebrity Big Brother BBC BBC News 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 12 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150112092730/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30766963 live Jackson is subsequently given a police caution for common assault over the incident.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-30775093 Celebrity Big Brother: Jeremy Jackson cautioned over Chloe Goodman assault BBC BBC News 12 January 2015 12 January 2015 12 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150112193524/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-30775093 live Comedian Dara Ó Briain confirms he is stepping down as presenter of The Apprentice: You're Fired!.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-30759649 Dara O Briain to leave Apprentice show You're Fired BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 10 January 2015 11 January 2015 12 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150112182928/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30759649 live Jack Dee is confirmed as his replacement in September.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/11/jack-dee-the-apprentice-youre-fired-bbc Jack Dee to front The Apprentice spin-off You're Fired The Guardian 11 September 2015 20 October 2015Two weeks after receiving its British television premiere, Skyfall airs again on ITV as part of its Saturday night schedule.Tony Peters http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-01-10/skyfall-the-ipcress-file-mamma-mia-films-on-tv-today Skyfall, The Ipcress File, Mamma Mia!: films on TV today Radio Times 10 January 2015 27 January 2015 13 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150113040102/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-01-10/skyfall-the-ipcress-file-mamma-mia-films-on-tv-today live 12BBC News reporter Tim Willcox issues an apology after making what he describes as a "poorly phrased" comment while talking to the daughter of a Holocaust survivor during a broadcast from the previous day's demonstrations in Paris to remember the 17 victims of the 2015 Île-de-France attacks. After the woman, who was marching with the crowd, had expressed her concern that the persecution of Jews was "back to the days of the 1930s in Europe", Willcox had replied "Many critics though of Israel's policy would suggest that the Palestinians suffer hugely at Jewish hands as well". Willcox says the question was "entirely unintentional".Jenn Selby https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/tim-willcox-apologises-to-daughter-of-holocaust-survivor-at-paris-rally-for-saying-palestinians-suffer-hugely-at-jewish-hands-as-well-9972840.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/tim-willcox-apologises-to-daughter-of-holocaust-survivor-at-paris-rally-for-saying-palestinians-suffer-hugely-at-jewish-hands-as-well-9972840.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Tim Willcox apologises to daughter of Holocaust survivor at Paris rally for saying "Palestinians suffer hugely at Jewish hands as well" Independent Print Limited The Independent 12 January 2015 31 January 2015Former Coronation Street actor Ken Morley is removed from the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother for using "unacceptable and offensive language" after Ofcom received 233 complaints about his behaviour. The decision was taken to remove him from the house after he called fellow contestant Alexander O'Neal a "negro".Jenn Selby https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ken-morley-removed-from-celebrity-big-brother-house-for-using-unacceptable-racist-language-9973071.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ken-morley-removed-from-celebrity-big-brother-house-for-using-unacceptable-racist-language-9973071.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Ken Morley removed from Celebrity Big Brother house for using "unacceptable" racist language Independent Print Limited The Independent 12 January 2015 12 January 2015ITV confirms that it is to axe its 1940s crime drama Foyle's War, the second time the series has been cancelled.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30781140 ITV brings Foyle's War to an end BBC BBC News 12 January 2015 12 January 2015 15 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150115090235/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30781140 live 14Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage, the three respective leaders of Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the UK Independence Party, have written to prime minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron to say that they will still take part in the planned pre-election televised debates even if he is not present. They will call for the various broadcasters holding the debates to include an empty podium, enabling Cameron to be included if he changes his mind.Rowena Mason https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/14/pressure-on-cameron-over-tv-debates David Cameron under growing pressure over TV debates The Guardian 14 January 2015 14 January 2015 The issue is also the subject of a heated exchange between Miliband and Cameron at the day's session of Prime Minister's Questions.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30808252 Election 2015: David Cameron and Ed Miliband in TV debate row BBC BBC News 14 January 2015 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116182245/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30808252 live Comedian Al Murray confirms his intention to stand for the Thanet South constituency at the general election, where one of his fellow candidates will be UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage. Murray will stand as his character The Pub Landlord for the Free United Kingdom Party, a version of Farage's party.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-30819779 Al Murray's Pub Landlord to stand against Nigel Farage BBC BBC News 14 January 2015 14 January 2015 16 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116160422/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-30819779 live Ballet dancer and Strictly judge Darcey Bussell is announced as co-presenter and dance expert for the Grand Final of the inaugural BBC Young Dancer competition, which will be aired live from Sadler's Wells Theatre on BBC Two in May.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/14/darcey-bussell-front-bbc-search-uk-best-young-dancer Darcey Bussell to front BBC's search for UK's best young dancer The Guardian UK 14 January 2015 15 January 201515The CBBC programme Blue Peter launches a competition to select three of its viewers to become "CBBC Intelligence Officers" who will be given a tour of Thames House, the headquarters of MI5. The visit will be filmed, marking the first time television cameras will have been allowed inside the building.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30827158 Blue Peter launches spy search for "CBBC Intelligence Officers" BBC BBC News 15 January 2015 15 January 2015 16 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116182628/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30827158 live 16A report from the House of Lords Communication Committee suggests there are "simply not enough" women in broadcasting and that more should be done to increase their number.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30835704 More women needed in news and current affairs, Lords say BBC BBC News 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116013544/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30835704 live Andy Wilman, the executive producer of Top Gear tells Broadcast magazine that the BBC has lost confidence in the programme following an "annus horribilis".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30852411 BBC "does not trust" Top Gear BBC BBC News 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150116162526/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30852411 live BBC Three announces the cancellation of its supernatural drama, In the Flesh after two series.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-30854846 In The Flesh cancelled by BBC Three after budget cuts BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 16 January 2015 16 January 2015 20 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150220002822/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30854846 live 18Soul singer Alexander O'Neal becomes the third Celebrity Big Brother contestant to leave the series and was evicted via a public vote after walking out. He had previously been reprimanded for using homophobic language towards another housemate.Roisin O'Connor https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/celebrity-big-brother-2015-alexander-oneal-leaves-the-house-9985977.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/celebrity-big-brother-2015-alexander-oneal-leaves-the-house-9985977.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Celebrity Big Brother 2015: Alexander O'Neal leaves the house Independent Print Limited The Independent 18 January 2015 18 January 2015Comedian Richard Blackwood will join the cast of EastEnders as a villain, it is announced, making his debut in February's 30th anniversary live episode.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30869332 Richard Blackwood lands role in EastEnders BBC BBC News 18 January 2015 18 January 2015 18 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150118125119/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30869332 live 19Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna walks out of an interview with Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan after criticising him for asking about a letter that Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government had sent to British mosques urging them to make greater efforts to combat Islamic extremism. Umunna had not read the letter at that stage.Kiran Moodley https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/chuka-umunna-storms-off-sky-news-9988250.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/chuka-umunna-storms-off-sky-news-9988250.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Chuka Umunna storms off Sky News Independent Print Limited The Independent 19 January 2015 19 January 2015Katie Redford, who was scheduled to play 14-year-old Bethany Platt in Coronation Street, is dropped from the series after claiming to be younger than her actual age. An ITV press release had given her age as 19, but users of the Digital Spy website discovered evidence suggesting she is 25.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30882619 Coronation Street drops 25-year-old actress who claimed to be 19 BBC BBC News 19 January 2015 19 January 2015 19 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119125004/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30882619 live The role is subsequently recast, and Lucy Fallon is announced as the actress who will play Bethany.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31036858 New actress cast as Coronation Street's Bethany Platt BBC BBC News 29 January 2015 29 January 2015 22 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181122155528/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31036858 live Anne Kirkbride, who played Coronation Streets Deirdre Barlow for 42 years, dies in a Manchester hospital following a short illness. Production of the series is suspended the following day as a mark of respect to her.Bill Gardner https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11356318/Anne-Kirkbride-who-played-Coronation-Streets-Deirdre-Barlow-dies-aged-60.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11356318/Anne-Kirkbride-who-played-Coronation-Streets-Deirdre-Barlow-dies-aged-60.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Anne Kirkbride who played Coronation Street's Deirdre Barlow dies aged 60 The Daily Telegraph 19 January 2015 19 January 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30894745 Tributes paid to Coronation Street's Deirdre, Anne Kirkbride BBC BBC News 20 January 2015 20 January 2015 20 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150120181553/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30894745 live BBC One airs the 5000th episode of EastEnders.Daniel Kilkelly http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/spoilers/a619523/linda-prepares-to-report-dean.html#~p4WQWmHUhh5BFk Linda prepares to report Dean Digital Spy 13 January 2015 21 February 2015 21 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150221204154/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/spoilers/a619523/linda-prepares-to-report-dean.html#~p4WQWmHUhh5BFk live 20In an attempt to save BBC Three from closure, the Avalon Group and Hat Trick Productions approach the BBC Trust with an offer to buy the channel.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30894987 BBC Three: TV production companies bid to buy channel BBC BBC News 20 January 2015 20 January 2015 20 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150120231415/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30894987 live 21William Roache of Coronation Street and Adam Woodyatt of EastEnders lead tributes to Anne Kirkbride at the 20th National Television Awards.Amelia Butterly https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-30927655 National Television Awards: Anne Kirkbride tributes in show BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 21 January 2015 22 January 2015 22 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150122013140/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30927655 live The television adaptation of Hilary Mantel's factual-based novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies debuts on BBC Two to much critical acclaim, but viewers quickly take to social media to complain about the poor lighting in the series.Jess Denham https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/wolf-hall-lighting-sparks-twitter-complaints-while-others-praise-atmospheric-use-of-candles-9994883.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/wolf-hall-lighting-sparks-twitter-complaints-while-others-praise-atmospheric-use-of-candles-9994883.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Wolf Hall: Lighting sparks Twitter complaints while others praise atmospheric use of candles Independent Print Limited The Independent 22 January 2015 22 January 201522Figures reveal that an episode from the third series of Sherlock from January 2014 was the most watched programme on BBC iPlayer during 2014, with an audience of 4.2 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30929280 Sherlock tops 2014 iPlayer chart BBC BBC News 22 January 2015 22 January 2015 23 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123132852/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30929280 live Ray Mears loses a £10,000 speaking gig at the forthcoming Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show after he described caravans as "hideous" and "ghastly" on a recent edition of Room 101.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30932747 Ray Mears dropped from caravan show after TV show jibes BBC BBC News 22 January 2015 22 January 2015 22 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150122135207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30932747 live 23New proposals are published by the UK's major broadcasters to include the leaders of more political parties in the forthcoming televised debates. The BBC and ITV will now host seven-way debates between the leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, UK Independence Party, the Green Party, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. Channel 4 and Sky will host head-to-head debates between David Cameron and Ed Miliband.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30955379 Election 2015: Seven-party TV debate plan announced BBC BBC News 23 January 2015 23 January 2015 23 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123141435/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30955379 live Coronation Street actress Barbara Knox (who plays Rita Sullivan in the series) is banned from driving for twelve months after pleading guilty to a drink driving charge.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-30950156 Coronation Street star Barbara Knox admits drink-drive charge BBC BBC News 23 January 2015 23 January 2015 23 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123110556/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-30950156 live The BBC announces sixteen new shows that will be exclusive to iPlayer. They include Funny Valentine, a comedy starring Bill Bailey, and rapper Tinie Tempah giving a tour of the Victoria and Albert Museum.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30950720 Bill Bailey and Tinie Tempah front iPlayer shows BBC BBC News 23 January 2015 26 January 2015 26 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150126043543/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30950720 live Interior designer Kelly Hoppen announces she is leaving Dragons' Den after two years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30947840 Kelly Hoppen quits Dragons' Den BBC BBC News 23 January 2015 24 January 2015 23 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150123110507/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30947840 live 26The BBC announces that Atlantis will not be renewed for a third series. The second part of series two is scheduled to be screened in the spring.Chi Chi Izundu https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-30980571 Atlantis is axed by the BBC after second series BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 26 January 2015 26 January 2015 26 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150126121458/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/30980571 live 27In a Radio Times interview BBC Director-General Tony Hall suggests that the rise of on demand television may render the current 9.00 pm watershed ineffective in restricting the availability of unsuitable material to underage viewers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30999378 BBC boss Tony Hall questions TV watershed and The Archers BBC BBC News 27 January 2015 27 January 2015 27 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150127172056/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30999378 live 28A BBC report recommends improvements to local and international news coverage, as well as digital content, if the broadcaster is to maintain its relevance in the modern climate.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31023561 BBC "should improve local and World Service news" BBC BBC News 28 January 2015 28 January 2015 28 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150128173342/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31023561 live 29BBC Sport signs a new three-year deal with the Premier League to air football highlights up to the end of the 2018–19 season. The agreement will see the launch of a new midweek football programme, as well as the continuation of Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 at weekends.Adam Withnall https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/premier-league-highlights-bbc-renews-football-deal-for-next-three-years-to-ensure-it-keeps-match-of-the-day-and-adds-midweek-programme-10011221.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/premier-league-highlights-bbc-renews-football-deal-for-next-three-years-to-ensure-it-keeps-match-of-the-day-and-adds-midweek-programme-10011221.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Premier League highlights: BBC renews football deal for next three years to ensure it keeps Match of the Day and adds midweek programme Independent Print Limited The Independent 29 January 2015 29 January 2015An Ofcom report on subtitling highlights the difficulties caused by voice recognition software that can fail to recognise speech patterns during live subtitling of programmes such as the news, sometimes rendering the translated text almost impossible to decipher. Examples of such goof ups include words such as "sauces" instead of "sources", and an instance when Manchester United footballer Adnan Januzaj's name was translated as Janet Jazz Jazz Jam.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31035232 Ofcom says subtitles can make live TV "unwatchable" BBC BBC News 29 January 2015 29 January 2015 29 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150129105112/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31035232 live BBC and ITV both decline a request from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party to be included in the forthcoming leadership debates because both broadcasters feel it would be impartial for only one of the Northern Ireland parties to participate.Nissim Mayer http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a625202/leaders-debates-bbc-and-itv-respond-to-dup-request.html#~peou132aRWK90k Leaders' debates: BBC and ITV respond to DUP request Digital Spy 29 January 2015 1 June 2015 6 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150506060926/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a625202/leaders-debates-bbc-and-itv-respond-to-dup-request.html#~peou132aRWK90k live February Date Event2Channel 4 announces a reduction in the number of planned episodes of its forthcoming series Immigration Street after documentary makers encountered protests while filming the series in Southampton.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31094422 Immigration Street run to be "shorter than planned" BBC BBC News 2 February 2015 2 February 2015 2 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150202143545/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31094422 live EastEnders producers announce that Denise van Outen will have a guest role in the soap later in the year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-31087899 Denise Van Outen to make guest appearance in EastEnders BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 2 February 2015 2 February 2015 5 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150205042821/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/31087899 live Global Radio, the owners of pop music channel Heart TV, are reprimanded by Ofcom after the channel played 72 seconds more than the permitted amount of advertising during one particular hour in October 2014. Global says the incident occurred when a commercial break was pushed to the end of an hour, creating too much advertising time for the following hour.http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/02/heart-tv-in-breach-for-too-many-adverts/ Heart TV in breach for too many adverts Radio Today 2 February 2015 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150203034243/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/02/heart-tv-in-breach-for-too-many-adverts/ live 3Sky Sports has signed a £15 million deal with the Open Championship to screen the event from 2017, ending 61 years of free-to-air coverage by the BBC.Owen Gibson https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/03/sky-sports-buys-open-championship-golf-bbc Sky Sports wins rights to show Open Championship live from 2017 The Guardian 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 30 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240630140344/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/03/sky-sports-buys-open-championship-golf-bbc live Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the Executive Producer of EastEnders, says he will not introduce minority characters into the series just to fulfil diversity quotas.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31108409 EastEnders: "No diversity quota" says boss BBC BBC News 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150203125012/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31108409 live Reinventing the Royals, a BBC Two documentary pulled from the 4 January schedule because of concerns over the broadcasting rights of archive footage, is rescheduled for 19 February.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31117713 BBC Royal Family documentary set to be broadcast BBC BBC News 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150203180737/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31117713 live BBC Trust chair Rona Fairhead says there is public support for the establishment of an independent body to oversee setting the level of the television license fee.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31115617 Public "support" for independent BBC licence fee body BBC BBC News 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150203190558/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31115617 live The BBC announces plans to host the Eurovision Song Contest's 60-year celebration event at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London on 31 March 2015.https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/eurovision-60 BBC One Celebrates 60 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest with special anniversary event BBC Media Centre 3 February 2015 3 February 2015 1 January 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220101025310/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/eurovision-60 live4Sky reports an increase of more than 200,000 customers in the UK and Ireland in the second half of 2014, its highest growth for nine years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31125858 Sky sees strong customer growth BBC BBC News 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150204083536/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31125858 live Ed Balls, the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, laughs off an appearance on the previous evening's edition of Newsnight in which he could not remember the surname of a senior Labour Party donor, claiming "it's an age thing".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31125998 Ed Balls red-faced after forgetting name of Labour business supporter BBC BBC News 4 February 2015 4 February 2015 21 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230421044732/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31125998 live 5Government plans to decriminalise non-payment of the television license are defeated in the House of Lords, which votes to maintain the status quo until at least 2017.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31151821 Government defeated over TV licence fee decriminalisation BBC BBC News 5 February 2015 7 February 2015 8 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150208053101/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31151821 live The Office is named the "Best programme of the last 20 years" at this year's Broadcast Awards, with BBC One being honoured "Channel of the year" and Match of the Day receiving a special recognition award.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31145276 The Office is named the best show of the past 20 years BBC BBC News 5 February 2015 7 February 2015 7 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150207084832/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31145276 live Respect Party MP George Galloway makes a controversial appearance on Question Time during which he is asked a question about the rise in antisemitism in the UK, and whether he bears some responsibility for its increase. Galloway's appearance on the show had been criticised ahead of its broadcast by several individuals and groups, including Times of Israel columnist Alex Klineberg because of Galloway's outspoken views on Israel. Galloway later claims to have been set up, and that chair David Dimbleby apologised to him privately over the tone of the question.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/06/george-galloway-accuses-bbc-over-question-time-set-up George Galloway accuses BBC over Question Time "set-up" The Guardian 6 February 2015 13 February 2015Alex Klineberg http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/george-galloway-and-the-jews-what-could-go-wrong/ George Galloway and the Jews (What Could Go Wrong?) The Times of Israel 28 January 2015 14 February 2015 14 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150214022100/http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/george-galloway-and-the-jews-what-could-go-wrong/ live 6Katie Price wins the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-31176774 Former model Katie Price wins Celebrity Big Brother final BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 6 February 2015 7 February 2015 9 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150209063126/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/31176774 live 9Joey Essex wins the second series of The Jump.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s231/the-jump/news/a627835/joey-essex-beats-mike-tindall-to-be-crowned-the-champion-of-the-jump-2015.html#~p3TeEuwcs3wlHx Joey Essex beats Mike Tindall to be crowned the champion of The Jump 2015 Hearst Magazines UK Digital Spy 9 February 2015 10 February 2015 10 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150210121927/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s231/the-jump/news/a627835/joey-essex-beats-mike-tindall-to-be-crowned-the-champion-of-the-jump-2015.html#~p3TeEuwcs3wlHx live 10It is reported that the Premier League sold the football broadcast rights from 2016 to 2019 for £5.136 billion, 71% above the 2012 round. Seven TV packages were sold, with Sky paying £4.2 billion for five of the packages, and BT £960 million for the remaining two.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31379128 Premier League in record £5.14bn TV rights deal BBC BBC News 10 February 2015 10 February 2015 10 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150210174801/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31379128 live Australia is to be allowed to compete at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest to celebrate the contest's 60th year. The Australian entry will be fast tracked to the final, and allowed to compete again in 2016 should it win, but in the event of an Australian win the contest would still be held in Europe.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31380742 Eurovision Song Contest: Australia to compete in 2015 BBC BBC News 10 February 2015 10 February 2015 2 June 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210602133056/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31380742 live 11Linda Henry (who plays Shirley Carter in EastEnders) is cleared of racially aggravated behaviour following a hearing at Bexley Magistrates.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-31425051 EastEnders' Linda Henry cleared over "racist abuse rant" BBC BBC News 11 February 2015 11 February 2015 11 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150211170702/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-31425051 live 12Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman apologises after describing on Twitter how she was "ushered" out of a south London mosque. She had, in fact, been at the wrong venue.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31443076 Channel 4 presenter Cathy Newman sorry over mosque claims BBC BBC News 12 February 2015 12 February 2015 14 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150214090025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31443076 live 13Former TV weatherman Fred Talbot is convicted of indecently assaulting two boys while he worked at a school in Greater Manchester, and remanded in custody to await sentence. He is cleared of a further eight charges.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31456840 Fred Talbot: Weatherman guilty of abusing teenage boys BBC BBC News 13 February 2015 13 February 2015 13 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150213120523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31456840 live 14Peter Sarsfield wins the first revival series of Harry Hill's Stars in Their Eyes as Frankie Valli.http://shows.stv.tv/stars-in-their-eyes/latest/310721-peter-sarsfield-wins-stars-in-their-eyes-not-live-final-as-frankie-valli/ Peter Sarsfield wins Stars in their Eyes Not Live Final as Frankie Valli STV STV News 17 February 2015 19 February 2015 20 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150220020400/http://shows.stv.tv/stars-in-their-eyes/latest/310721-peter-sarsfield-wins-stars-in-their-eyes-not-live-final-as-frankie-valli/ live 16The BBC unveils a series of new arts programmes, which will air in primetime slots. They include a new BBC Two series titled Artsnight and a one off debate, Artists Question Time, presented by Kirsty Wark, which will air on BBC Four.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31486069 BBC unveils new arts shows as part of boost to content BBC BBC News 16 February 2015 16 February 2015 16 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150216140649/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31486069 live Channel 4 News are censured by Ofcom for misleading viewers in a report about possible police corruption from March 2014, after it is revealed that interviewees who were presented as members of the public were in fact pre-selected and had ties with the broadcaster.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31495554 Channel 4 News report misled viewers, Ofcom rules BBC BBC News 16 February 2015 17 February 2015 16 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150216210502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31495554 live Channel 4 airs the docudrama UKIP: The First 100 Days, a programme imagining a 2015 election victory for the UK Independence Party, which mixes archive footage with scenes involving actors, and depicts scenes of civil unrest following the fictitious election win. By the following day it has collectively attracted more than 1,000 complaints to Ofcom and Channel 4.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31505966 Ukip drama sparks 1,000 complaints to Ofcom and Channel 4 BBC BBC News 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150217135022/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31505966 live Television presenters Ant and Dec are interviewed about politics by The Times and offer their opinion on the prospect of Ed Miliband becoming prime minister.Helen Nianias https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ant-and-dec-interviewed-about-politics-for-whatever-reason-say-theyre-not-sure-about-ed-miliband-as-prime-minister-10049663.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ant-and-dec-interviewed-about-politics-for-whatever-reason-say-theyre-not-sure-about-ed-miliband-as-prime-minister-10049663.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Ant and Dec interviewed about politics for whatever reason, say they're not sure about Ed Miliband as prime minister Independent Print Limited The Independent 16 February 2015 19 February 201517BBC One airs the first of four EastEnders episodes to feature live inserts throughout its 30th anniversary week. The editions also feature actor Himesh Patel tweeting in character as Tamwar Masood during the show's live segment, a first for British television.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31501408 EastEnders character Tamwar to live tweet this week BBC BBC News 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 18 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150218010713/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31501408 live Firefighters are called to a blaze at the set a few hours after the first of four episodes are aired, but damage is minimal and will not interrupt the show's filming schedule.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-31520459 EastEnders: Fire breaks out on Elstree set BBC BBC News 18 February 2015 18 February 2015 18 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150218115117/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-31520459 live The cause of the fire is later revealed to have been a rehearsal for a fireworks display to celebrate the anniversary.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-31588226 EastEnders anniversary: Fireworks rehearsal behind set blaze BBC BBC News 23 February 2015 23 February 2015 23 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150223123720/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-31588226 live Teletubbies creator Anne Wood expresses her dismay that the series is to be remade in a Radio Times interview.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31494290 Teletubbies creator "sad" about show's remake BBC BBC News 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150217062005/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31494290 live Campaigners against BBC plans to close BBC Three and move it online deliver a petition to the BBC Trust.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31509042 Save BBC Three petition delivered to BBC Trust BBC BBC News 17 February 2015 17 February 2015 29 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160129121259/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31509042 live 18A groundbreaking party election broadcast in which Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson is seen with her partner Jen Wilson is aired on television in Scotland.Stephen Daisley http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/analysis/310891-scottish-conservative-leader-ruth-davidson-and-partner-in-election-ad/ Scottish Tory leader introduces her same-sex partner in election ad STV STV News 19 February 2015 20 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150220204405/http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/analysis/310891-scottish-conservative-leader-ruth-davidson-and-partner-in-election-ad/ 20 February 201519EastEnders concludes the Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline by revealing her younger brother Bobby Beale as her killer live in a special flashback episode to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary.Kashmira Gander https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/lucy-beale-killer-jane-finally-revealed-as-culprit-after-yearlong-eastenders-whodunit-10057472.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/lucy-beale-killer-jane-finally-revealed-as-culprit-after-yearlong-eastenders-whodunit-10057472.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Lucy Beale killer: Bobby finally revealed as culprit after year-long EastEnders whodunit Independent Print Limited The Independent 19 February 2015 19 February 2015Gillian Taylforth makes a surprise and unannounced return to EastEnders as Kathy Beale, a role which she played from the show's inception in 1985 to 2000, despite the character having been said to have died in a car crash in South Africa in 2006.http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-19/kathy-beale-is-back-from-the-dead-as-gillian-taylforth-returns-to-eastenders EastEnders spoilers: Kathy Beale is back from the dead as Gillian Taylforth returns to the BBC1 soap in live week Radio Times 19 February 2015 5 May 2015 3 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150503125559/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-19/kathy-beale-is-back-from-the-dead-as-gillian-taylforth-returns-to-eastenders live 20BBC One airs a completely live episode of EastEnders to celebrate the show's 30th anniversary. A repeat of the first ever episode is also aired via the BBC Red Button.21Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returns for its twelfth series.23Ofcom launches an investigation into Channel 4's docudrama UKIP: The First 100 Days amid concerns it may have breached rules regarding "offensive material, misleadingness and due impartiality" after 5,000 viewers complained about the programme.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31591643 Ofcom to probe Channel 4's UKIP drama BBC BBC News 23 February 2015 24 February 2015 23 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150223153605/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31591643 live Television presenter Phillip Schofield criticises the BBC for selling its Television Centre studios, an action he describes as criminal.Simon Harris http://www.itv.com/news/london/2015-02-23/phillip-schofield-slams-criminal-selling-of-iconic-bbc-tv-centre/ Phillip Schofield slams "criminal" selling of iconic BBC TV Centre ITV ITV News 23 February 2015 4 March 2015 31 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201231012525/https://www.itv.com/news/london/2015-02-23/phillip-schofield-slams-criminal-selling-of-iconic-bbc-tv-centre live 24An independent report into events surrounding the Summer 2014 police raid on a property belonging to Cliff Richard, which was compiled by Andy Trotter, the former chief constable of British Transport Police, concludes that South Yorkshire Police should not have released "highly confidential" details of the raid to the BBC.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-31609227 Sir Cliff Richard's privacy "breached by raid details release" BBC BBC News 24 February 2015 25 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225001157/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-31609227 25 February 2015 deadBBC One announces that the crime series New Tricks will end after twelve series.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31605646 BBC One axes New Tricks detective series BBC BBC News 24 February 2015 24 February 2015 25 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225001503/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31605646 live ITV confirms Broadchurch will return for a third series.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31600496 Broadchurch stars to return for third series BBC BBC News 24 February 2015 24 February 2015 24 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150224093458/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31600496 live Immigration Street, the follow-up programme to the controversial 2014 documentary series Benefits Street, airs on Channel 4. Originally conceived as a series, after protests from local residents in Southampton where it was filmed, the planned series was reduced to a single episode.Immigration Street: Residents left "fractured" by show https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-31618263 BBC News BBC 25 February 2015 25 February 2015 25 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150225093509/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-31618263 live25Madonna falls off a stage at the BRIT Awards after a cloak she was wearing was tied too tightly.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31656354 Madonna "suffered whiplash" after Brits fall BBC BBC News 27 February 2015 27 February 2015 27 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150227083549/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31656354 live 26A report by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggests that the TV licence has no long-term future and will be replaced by a new system within fifteen years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31623659 No long-term future for BBC licence fee, MPs say BBC BBC News 26 February 2015 27 February 2015 26 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150226230247/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31623659 live A sexual assault storyline in ITV soap Emmerdale involving the characters Alicia Gallagher (Natalie Anderson) and Lachlan White (Thomas Atkinson) which aired before the 9:00pm watershed attracts 45 complaints to the regulator Ofcom.Daniel Kilkelly http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a631953/emmerdale-alicia-lachlan-sex-assault-story-sparks-ofcom-complaints.html#~p5GKwGzs8liS44 Emmerdale: Alicia, Lachlan sex assault story sparks Ofcom complaints Ditigal Spy 27 February 2015 1 March 2015 1 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150301135802/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a631953/emmerdale-alicia-lachlan-sex-assault-story-sparks-ofcom-complaints.html#~p5GKwGzs8liS44 live 28The Midlands-based soap Crossroads returns to British television screens with repeats airing on the West Midlands channel Big Centre TV, which launches at 6:00pm.Ian Westhead http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/196488-crossroads/ Big Centre TV check back into the Crossroads Motel ATV Today 23 February 2015 28 February 2015 2 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093330/http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/196488-crossroads/ dead However, as the channel goes on air, plans to repeat the series are at the centre of a disagreement over the amount of royalties paid to former Crossroads actors, with one of the programme's stars, Paul Henry (who played Benny Hawkins) threatening to take legal action over the issue.Mike Lockley http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/big-centre-tv-launch-marred-8743646 Big Centre TV launch marred by Crossroads repeats row with stars, including Benny actor Paul Henry Trinity Mirror The Sunday Mercury 28 February 2015 1 March 2015 2 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150302093536/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/big-centre-tv-launch-marred-8743646 live The BBC confirms that its Political Editor Nick Robinson will take time off while he undergoes surgery to remove a tumour from his lung, but plans to be back at work in time to cover the general election.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31676896 BBC's Nick Robinson to have tumour removed BBC BBC News 28 February 2015 1 March 2015 1 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150301032804/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31676896 live An inquiry in Rwanda recommends the country's government should initiate legal proceedings against the BBC over its 2014 This World documentary, Rwanda's Untold Story, which questioned official accounts of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31674705 Rwanda urged to take criminal action over BBC genocide film BBC BBC News 28 February 2015 1 March 2015 1 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150301022158/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-31674705 live March Date Event1EastEnders executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins tells London's Student Pride of his plans to introduce the soap's first transgender character, and that he would like a transgender actor to play the role.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-31686408 EastEnders is bringing in a transgender role BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 1 March 2015 1 March 2015 3 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150303055251/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/31686408 live 2In a speech at London's New Broadcasting House, BBC Director-General Tony Hall warns that funding cuts to the broadcaster would leave it "reduced in impact and reach" and consequently leave Britain "diminished".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31691008 Reduced BBC bad for UK, says director general Tony Hall BBC BBC News 2 March 2015 2 March 2015 2 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150302120605/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31691008 live Ofcom has launched an investigation into an item that appeared on the 3 February edition of This Morning in which the presenters discussed bondage with a sex expert.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31695866 Ofcom investigates This Morning bondage item BBC BBC News 2 March 2015 2 March 2015 2 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150302140520/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31695866 live 3Rolf Harris is stripped of his CBE following his conviction on several accounts of indecent assault last year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31711252 Disgraced entertainer Rolf Harris stripped of CBE BBC BBC News 3 March 2015 3 March 2015 3 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150303153535/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31711252 live Several BBC local radio stations are launched on Freeview, with ten of the 40 local stations in England now broadcasting on the platform. They can be found on channels 719 to 722.Roy Martin http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/03/bbc-local-radio-stations-launch-on-freeview/ BBC local radio stations launch on Freeview Radio Today 3 March 2015 4 March 2015 6 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150306171132/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/03/bbc-local-radio-stations-launch-on-freeview/ live 4An independent review concludes that the BBC has spent 29% less on stars earning over £100,000 over the last five years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31707941 BBC spends 29% less on top star pay BBC BBC News 4 March 2015 4 March 2015 4 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150304005023/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31707941 live ITV reports a rise in profits, which increased 39% to £605 million in 2014.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31725360 ITV profits rise after "strong performance" BBC BBC News 4 March 2015 4 March 2015 4 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150304075024/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31725360 live BBC Two airs the Storyville documentary India's Daughter which includes an interview with the man convicted over the 2012 Delhi gang rape.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-31744050 BBC News Indian media: Is banning Delhi rape film right? BBC 5 March 2015 5 March 2015 7 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150307165829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-31744050 live 5David Cameron is accused of "cowering" from the public as he confirms that he will only take part in one televised debate ahead of the general election, rejecting proposals for a head-to-head with Labour leader Ed Miliband.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31745808 Cameron denies "running scared" of TV election debates BBC BBC News 5 March 2015 5 March 2015 7 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150307010843/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31745808 live June Whitfield and Jan Harvey will make cameo appearances in EastEnders later in the year, it is confirmed.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31745345 BBC News June Whitfield to star in EastEnders BBC 5 March 2015 5 March 2015 5 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150305090559/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31745345 live 6The UK's major broadcasters have said they will press ahead with plans for three television debates, even though David Cameron has said he will participate in only one of them.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31771198 BBC News TV election debates will "go ahead" say broadcasters BBC 6 March 2015 6 March 2015 6 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150306160527/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31771198 live 7Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg says he will take David Cameron's place in the forthcoming television debates if Cameron is unwilling to participate.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31778343 BBC News Nick Clegg: Conservatives "arrogant" over TV debates BBC 7 March 2015 7 March 2015 7 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150307120508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31778343 live BBC One's Match of the Day Live shows Aston Villa's FA Cup quarter final match against West Bromwich Albion. The pitch is invaded by Villa fans celebrating the team's victory towards the end of the game, prompting a Football Association investigation into the incident. The game, aired at 5:15 pm, is watched by 3.90 million viewers (a 23.5% audience share).Harris Jamie http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a633905/bbc-ones-the-voice-uk-continues-saturday-lead-with-almost-7m-viewers.html#~p6znXduZsqNFJh BBC One's The Voice UK continues Saturday lead with almost 7m viewers Digital Spy 8 March 2015 10 March 2015 9 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150309121246/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a633905/bbc-ones-the-voice-uk-continues-saturday-lead-with-almost-7m-viewers.html#~p6znXduZsqNFJh live Henry Winter https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11458157/Aston-Villa-crowd-trouble-is-not-a-return-to-the-dark-ages.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11458157/Aston-Villa-crowd-trouble-is-not-a-return-to-the-dark-ages.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Aston Villa crowd trouble is not a return to the dark ages The Daily Telegraph 8 March 2015 10 March 2015 In May, the Football Association fines Aston Villa £200,000 over the incident after the club admits to "spectacular misconduct".https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/14/aston-villa-fined-fa-cup-pitch-invasion Aston Villa fined £200,000 over FA Cup quarter-final pitch invasion The Guardian 14 May 2015 20 May 2015Electro Velvet are chosen to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song "Still in Love with You".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31769776 BBC News Eurovision: Duo Electro Velvet picked for UK Eurovision entry BBC 7 March 2015 7 March 2015 2 December 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201202162556/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31769776 live 8Ed Miliband says that a future Labour government would introduce legislation to make televised debates a permanent feature of future general election campaigns, meaning politicians could not attempt to prevent them from taking place through self-interest.Toby Helm https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/07/ed-miliband-leaders-tv-debates-guarantee-law Ed Miliband: I will pass new law to guarantee TV election debates Guardian Media Group The Observer 8 March 2015 8 March 20159David Cameron says he will not change his mind about appearing in only one of the forthcoming general election debates.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31803591 BBC News David Cameron stands firm over TV election debates BBC 9 March 2015 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150310024527/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31803591 live BBC One airs the final episode of Waterloo Road. Prior to its broadcast, the Daily Record publishes an interview with Eileen Gallagher, one of the series' co-creators, who describes its axing as "a lost opportunity" for Scottish television. She argues that Scotland should have a continuing drama in the same vein as Holby City or EastEnders that would attract and nurture Scottish talent.Alexander Susannah http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a633928/waterloo-road-co-creator-brands-show-axing-a-lost-opportunity.html#~p6tC6nQtLFCAo9 Waterloo Road co-creator brands show axing "a lost opportunity" Digital Spy 9 March 2015 10 March 2015 9 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150309234716/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s24/waterloo-road/news/a633928/waterloo-road-co-creator-brands-show-axing-a-lost-opportunity.html#~p6tC6nQtLFCAo9 live 10The BBC confirms that it has suspended Jeremy Clarkson following an altercation with a producer. The broadcaster also announces that the upcoming episode of Top Gear, due to air on Sunday 15 March, will not be shown.Gordon Rayner https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11462167/Jeremy-Clarkson-suspended-from-Top-Gear.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11462167/Jeremy-Clarkson-suspended-from-Top-Gear.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Jeremy Clarkson suspended from Top Gear The Daily Telegraph 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 By the following day, a Change.org petition started by the right-wing blogger Paul Staines (Guido Fawkes) calling on the BBC to reinstate Clarkson has been signed by over 350,000 people.http://news.sky.com/story/1442567/reinstate-clarkson-petition-tops-250000 https://archive.today/20150311125536/http://news.sky.com/story/1442567/reinstate-clarkson-petition-tops-250000 dead 11 March 2015 'Reinstate Clarkson' Petition Tops 350,000 British Sky Broadcasting Sky News 11 March 2015 11 March 2015 Speaking to the Radio Times, comedian Jason Manford praises the BBC's decision to ban all-male panels on its programmes, but says they should not have publicised the move.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31800782 BBC News Jason Manford queries BBC over panel show announcement BBC 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150310010540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31800782 live Figures released by the National Audit Office indicate that the BBC's cost-cutting programme exceeded expectations in 2013–14 by making savings of £374 million, which included one-off savings such as reducing the amount of Formula One coverage.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31816721 BBC News 'One-off savings' helped BBC hit cost-cutting targets BBC 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 10 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150310155009/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31816721 live 11Television executive and Conservative peer Michael Grade warns that broadcasters are breaching impartiality rules if they stage televised debates without David Cameron being present. His comments come as the organisers of an online debate offer to move forward its planned date to the end of March to accommodate the prime minister, who has said he would participate in one debate only.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31828220 Election debates row: Broadcasters "playing politics" – Lord Grade BBC BBC News 11 March 2015 11 March 2015 11 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150311063511/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31828220 live 12Footage emerges of an upcoming Channel 4 documentary in which UKIP leader Nigel Farage says he would scrap much of the legislation that prevents race discrimination. Farage was speaking to broadcaster Trevor Phillips in the documentary titled Things We Won't Say About Race That Are True. Downing Street describes the comments as "deeply concerning".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31846453 BBC News Nigel Farage would axe "much of" race discrimination laws BBC 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 22 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150522052013/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31846453 live ITV announces it has acquired the Dutch television production company Talpa Media for £355 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31847036 BBC News ITV to buy The Voice producer for £355m BBC 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312075111/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31847036 live The BBC is to give away a million mini computers to all pupils starting secondary school in September as part of the Make it Digital scheme, an initiative to make the UK more digital.Wakefield Jane https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31834927 BBC News BBC gives children mini-computers in Make it Digital scheme BBC 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 12 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150312113515/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31834927 live 13Highlights of this year's Red Nose Day telethon include Daniel Craig appearing in a sketch as James Bond, a special edition of Little Britain featuring Stephen Hawking and a new sketch of Mr. Bean starring Rowan Atkinson.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31705883 Daniel Craig films Bond sketch for Comic Relief BBC BBC News 3 March 2015 3 March 2015 3 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150303093522/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31705883 live The telethon raises £78 million on the night, bringing the total amount of money raised by Comic Relief to £1 billion since its launch in 1985.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31874360 BBC News Comic Relief raises £1bn over 30-year existence BBC 14 March 2015 14 March 2015 17 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317121627/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31874360 live A few days later, on 18 March, it is announced that Red Nose Day will make its US television debut later in the year with a three-hour show on NBC.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31946847 BBC News Red Nose Day to make US debut this year BBC 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150318163527/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31946847 live Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts tells the Digital Spy website that the soap plans an on-screen farewell to the character Deirdre Barlow, played by Anne Kirkbride, later in the year, but are consulting with the actress's family first. Kirkbride's name will also remain on her dressing room door as a permanent tribute to her.Kilkelly Daniel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a635391/coronation-street-plans-on-screen-farewell-for-deirdre-barlow.html#~p9c8lBb5GJvdCg Coronation Street plans on-screen farewell for Deirdre Barlow Digital Spy 13 March 2015 7 April 2015 5 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150405162320/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a635391/coronation-street-plans-on-screen-farewell-for-deirdre-barlow.html#~p9c8lBb5GJvdCg live Following his guilty verdict on 13 February, former TV weatherman Fred Talbot is sentenced to five years in prison.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31874576 Fred Talbot: Ex-weatherman jailed for schoolboy abuse BBC BBC News 13 March 2015 13 March 2015 13 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150313130804/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31874576 live 16Ofcom adds the UK Independence Party to its list of major political parties, entitling them to at least two Party Election Broadcasts during the run-up to the election.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31906154 Ofcom says UKIP, but not Greens, are "major party" BBC News BBC 16 March 2015 1 June 2015 29 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529093659/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31906154 live Ofcom reprimands local channel Made in Leeds after its launch programme on 6 November 2014 included an expletive, which aired before the watershed. The material was also repeated at 8:00 am the following morning.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/16/local-tv-c-bomb-in-how-to-pull-made-in-leeds Local TV station debuts with a C-bomb in "how to pull" show The Guardian 16 March 2015 31 March 201517The Traveller Movement says it will complain to Ofcom after the BBC Trust committee ruled that the use of the word "pikey" in an episode of Top Gear that aired in February 2014 was not offensive.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/17/top-gear-bbc-trust-pikey-jeremy-clarkson Top Gear cleared by BBC Trust over use of the word "pikey" The Guardian 17 March 2015 17 March 2015BBC Two confirms that entrepreneurs Nick Jenkins, Sarah Willingham and Touker Suleyman will join Dragons' Den for series 13.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-31933804 Dragons' Den hires three new, er dragons for new series BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 17 March 2015 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150318185256/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/31933804 live The BBC confirms it has bought the rights to broadcast BT Sport's The Clare Balding Show, which will air on BBC Two.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31929710 BBC News Clare Balding chat show heads to BBC Two BBC 17 March 2015 18 March 2015 17 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317184950/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31929710 live David Cameron confirms he has accepted an offer from the major broadcasters to participate in a seven-way televised debate at the beginning of April. However, the full details of this are yet to be confirmed.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31928638 BBC News David Cameron "accepts single multi-party TV debate offer" BBC 17 March 2015 17 March 2015 17 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317174315/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31928638 live Cast members of Australian soap Neighbours hold a 30th anniversary celebration for the series in London. Channel Five airs the Neighbours 30th anniversary special the following day.Price Annie http://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/564728/Neighbours-30th-anniversary-Susan-Kennedy-Jackie-Woodburne-tattoo Jackie Woodburne clears up Susan Kennedy sleeve tattoo myth ahead of Neighbours 30th Daily Express Express Newspapers Limited 17 March 2015 23 March 2016 6 April 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160406172952/http://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/564728/Neighbours-30th-anniversary-Susan-Kennedy-Jackie-Woodburne-tattoo live 18The BBC announces it has commissioned Abused: The Untold Story, a documentary investigating the impact of child abuse on its victims, which will include an examination of the Jimmy Savile scandal.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31948094 BBC News BBC commissions Savile documentary BBC 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 18 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150318153605/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31948094 live 20A man dressed as The Stig from Top Gear hands in a million-strong petition to Downing Street calling on the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson, as footage emerges of the presenter speaking at a fundraising dinner in which he says that he expects to be fired by the broadcaster.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31981751 BBC News Jeremy Clarkson alludes to "BBC sacking" at charity event BBC 20 March 2015 20 March 2015 20 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150320113611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31981751 live Clarkson also used the event to launch a four-letter tirade against the Corporation, but later claims he was joking.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32007400 BBC News Jeremy Clarkson: BBC comments "meant in jest" BBC 22 March 2015 22 March 2015 22 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150322115026/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32007400 live 21The UK's major broadcasters say they have agreed to hold a seven-party televised leaders debate on 2 April, which will be staged by ITV and chaired by Julie Etchingham. However, there will be no head-to-head between David Cameron and Ed Miliband, with them instead taking part in separate question and answer sessions aired jointly by Sky News and Channel 4 on 26 March. A debate featuring five opposition leaders will air on BBC One on 16 April.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32001383 BBC News Election debates agreement reached BBC 21 April 2015 21 March 2015 21 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150321151137/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32001383 live 22The BBC announces that four Top Gear Live shows due to be held in Norway on 27 and 28 March will be postponed until later in the year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32013181 Top Gear Live shows postponed BBC BBC News 22 March 2015 23 March 2015 22 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150322223510/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32013181 live 23It is announced that comedian Frankie Boyle will present his own unique analysis of the general election for Frankie Boyle's Autopsy, a programme that will be available on the BBC iPlayer from 17 May. The show will be similar to one he did for the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32019679 Frankie Boyle to present general election comedy special BBC News BBC 23 March 2015 23 March 2015 24 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150324090021/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32019679 live 25BBC Director-General Tony Hall confirms that Jeremy Clarkson's contract with the Corporation will not be renewed following his "unprovoked physical attack" on a Top Gear producer.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32052736 Jeremy Clarkson dropped from Top Gear, BBC confirms BBC News BBC 25 March 2015 25 March 2015 26 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190826025051/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32052736 live Two days later it is reported that Oisin Tymon, the producer on the receiving end of Clarkson's wrath, has decided to press criminal charges against him.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32083181 Top Gear producer 'could press charges' against Jeremy Clarkson BBC News BBC 27 March 2015 27 March 2015 27 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150327105919/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32083181 live 26ITV confirms that the upcoming sixth series of Downton Abbey will be the last.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/26/downton-abbey-to-end-after-season-six Downton Abbey to end after season six The Guardian 26 March 2015 27 March 2015The first of the leaders debates sees Jeremy Paxman and Kay Burley presenting a joint Channel 4 and Sky News question and answer session with Prime Minister David Cameron and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband appearing separately.The acclaimed US crime series Breaking Bad will have its first full run on UK terrestrial television with the upcoming channel Spike set to air it when it launches later in the year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32068979 Breaking Bad to get full UK TV run BBC News BBC 26 March 2015 27 March 2015 26 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150326142055/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32068979 live 10th anniversary of the 2005 relaunch of Doctor Who.Kelly Stephen http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-03-26/happy-birthday-to-who-the-doctors-companions-stars-and-writers-send-10th-anniversary-messages Doctor Who 10th anniversary: David Tennant, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Billie Piper, Christopher Eccleston and many more wish Nu Who happy birthday Radio Times 26 March 2015 7 April 2015 7 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150407054640/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-03-26/happy-birthday-to-who-the-doctors-companions-stars-and-writers-send-10th-anniversary-messages live BBC Director-General Tony Hall signs a deal with Northern Ireland Screen which will see an increase in network spending in Northern Ireland. The agreement will also enable an extra £200,000 a year to be invested in drama development, and a £2 million annual investment in children's content.Kanter Jake http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/bbc-unveils-boost-for-ni-television-sector/5085804.article BBC unveils boost for NI television sector News Broadcast Broadcast 27 March 2015 11 April 2015 17 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150417151503/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/bbc-unveils-boost-for-ni-television-sector/5085804.article live 27After eight years of presenting The X Factor, Dermot O'Leary announces he is leaving the series.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32093238 Dermot O'Leary to leave The X Factor BBC News BBC 27 March 2015 27 March 2015 27 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150327181447/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32093238 live 28Debut on Channel 4 of Coalition, a film telling the story of how the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition government was formed in May 2010.Anoosh Chakelian http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2015/03/coalition-will-be-televised-behind-scenes-channel-4-s-drama-about-may-2010 The Coalition will be televised: behind the scenes of Channel 4's drama about May 2010 Progressive Media International New Statesman 28 March 2015 31 March 201529Police are investigating alleged death threats against BBC Director-General Tony Hall over the decision to sack Jeremy Clarkson from his Top Gear presenting role.Mark Tran https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/mar/29/top-gear-police-death-threats-bbc-boss Top Gear fracas: police investigate alleged death threats against BBC boss The Guardian 29 March 2015 29 March 2015Labour's campaign co-ordinator Lucy Powell accuses Andrew Neil of interrupting her and refusing to let her answer questions when the two clash over Labour policy on BBC One's The Sunday Politics.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-32107876 Labour's Lucy Powell clashes with presenter Andrew Neil BBC News BBC 29 March 2015 29 March 2015 29 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150329131221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32107876 live 31Norwich based channel Mustard TV apologises after presenter Helen McDermott referred to her colleague Darren Eadie as a cunt on air.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/media/11506950/Local-TV-station-aired-four-letter-word-before-watershed.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150401111347/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/media/11506950/Local-TV-station-aired-four-letter-word-before-watershed.html dead 1 April 2015 Video: Local TV station aired four-letter word before watershed The Daily Telegraph 31 March 2015 31 March 2015BBC Worldwide confirms that Jeremy Clarkson will still fulfil a number of live Top Gear shows beginning in Belfast on 22 May "so as not to disappoint fans".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32137424 Jeremy Clarkson to appear on rebranded Top Gear live shows BBC News BBC 31 March 2015 31 March 2015 31 March 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150331214142/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32137424 live April Date Event2Julie Etchingham chairs a seven-party leaders debate for ITV ahead of the election, featuring the leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, UKIP, the Greens, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. Overnight figures suggest it was watched by seven million viewers, a 31% audience share.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32173154 Leaders' debate attracts seven million viewers BBC News BBC 3 April 2015 3 April 2015 3 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150403092013/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32173154 live 3BBC One airs Eurovision's Greatest Hits, a concert celebrating 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, which is watched by an average audience of 1.89 million (9.5%).http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Concert-celebrating-60-years-Eurovision-Song/story-26276901-detail/story.html Concert celebrating 60 years of the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC1 tonight Local World Western Gazette 3 April 2015 4 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150720060800/http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Concert-celebrating-60-years-Eurovision-Song/story-26276901-detail/story.html 20 July 2015Martin Liam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a639897/eurovisions-greatest-hits-anniversary-concert-attracts-189m-on-bbc-one.html#~p8VpowSEvJ0emx Eurovision's Greatest Hits anniversary concert attracts 1.89m on BBC One Digital Spy 4 April 2015 4 April 2015 5 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150405192205/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a639897/eurovisions-greatest-hits-anniversary-concert-attracts-189m-on-bbc-one.html#~p8VpowSEvJ0emx live Vogue Williams wins the first series of ITV's reality show, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive.Harp Justin http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a639871/vogue-williams-wins-bear-grylls-mission-survive.html#~p8VnXvPyhEFvES Vogue Williams wins Bear Grylls: Mission Survive Digital Spy 3 April 2015 4 April 2015 2 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151102043515/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a639871/vogue-williams-wins-bear-grylls-mission-survive.html#~p8VnXvPyhEFvES live 4Stevie McCrorie wins the fourth series of The Voice UK, and his debut single is released at midnight.Finbow Katy http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s154/the-voice-uk/news/a639911/the-voice-uk-stevie-mccrorie-is-crowned-winner.html#~p8VvB5ArNXNedN The Voice UK: Stevie McCrorie is crowned winner Digital Spy 4 April 2015 4 April 2015 5 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150405192247/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s154/the-voice-uk/news/a639911/the-voice-uk-stevie-mccrorie-is-crowned-winner.html#~p8VvB5ArNXNedN live 7Nicola Sturgeon, Jim Murphy, Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie — the leaders of Scotland's four main political parties — take part in an STV televised debate in Edinburgh ahead of the 2015 UK general election.Chris Green James Cusick https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/scottish-leaders-tv-debate-new-vote-on-scottish-independence-could-be-on-cards-says-nicola-sturgeon-10161114.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/scottish-leaders-tv-debate-new-vote-on-scottish-independence-could-be-on-cards-says-nicola-sturgeon-10161114.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Nicola Sturgeon jeered in TV debate after suggesting Scotland will hold another referendum Independent Print Limited The Independent 8 April 2015 8 April 2015http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/316388-snp-labour-conservatives-liberal-democrats-leaders-clash-in-stv-debate/ SNP Labour Conservatives Liberal Democrats leaders clash in STV debate STV STV News 7 April 2015 8 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150412021923/http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/316388-snp-labour-conservatives-liberal-democrats-leaders-clash-in-stv-debate/ 12 April 20158BBC Scotland airs the second leaders' debate in 24 hours, this time from Aberdeen. The programme features Nicola Sturgeon of the Scottish National Party, Jim Murphy for the Scottish Labour Party, Ruth Davidson for the Scottish Conservative Party, Willie Rennie for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Patrick Harvie of the Scottish Greens and David Coburn for the UK Independence Party.Andrew Whitaker http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scots-leaders-debate-snp-plan-devo-max-vote-1-3741326 Scots leaders debate: SNP plan "devo-max" vote Johnston Press The Scotsman 9 April 2015 9 April 2015 10 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150410063654/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scots-leaders-debate-snp-plan-devo-max-vote-1-3741326 live 9An Ofcom report indicates that the 72 UK channels required to provide subtitling, audio description and signing "met or exceeded" their targets in 2014.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32234499 British TV channels meet Ofcom subtitling targets BBC News BBC 9 April 2015 9 April 2015 10 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150410041003/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32234499 live 11Britain's Got Talent returns for its ninth series.13The season five premiere of Game of Thrones airs on Sky Atlantic, giving the channel its highest viewing figures to date with an audience of 1.57 million, a 6.7% share of overall viewership.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32299006 Game of Thrones sets ratings record for Sky Atlantic BBC News BBC 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150414113609/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32299006 live Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge wins the 2014–15 series of University Challenge, beating Magdalen College, Oxford 255–105.14Sue Perkins, who presents The Great British Bake Off, announces she is taking a break from Twitter after receiving death threats following reports she was in the running to succeed Jeremy Clarkson as host of Top Gear.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32302939 Sue Perkins takes Twitter break after Top Gear "threats" BBC News BBC 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 14 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150414110515/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32302939 live 16David Dimbleby chairs an election debate featuring five opposition leaders on BBC One, featuring Ed Miliband (Labour), Nigel Farage (UKIP), Natalie Bennett (Green), Nicola Sturgeon (SNP) and Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru). Farage accuses the BBC of fielding a "left wing audience", prompting Dimbleby to state that the audience was selected by an independent polling company.Matt Dathan https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-leaders-debate-nigel-farage-attacks-the-bbc-for-fielding-a-leftwing-audience-10183516.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-leaders-debate-nigel-farage-attacks-the-bbc-for-fielding-a-leftwing-audience-10183516.html 1 May 2022 subscription live General Election leaders debate: Nigel Farage attacks the BBC for fielding a "left-wing audience" Independent Print Limited The Independent 17 April 2015 21 April 2015 The debate is watched by 4.3 million viewers, a 20.5% audience share.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32348898 BBC One election debate draws 4.3 million viewers BBC News BBC 17 April 2015 17 April 2015 17 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150417113511/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32348898 live Evan Davis chairs a Northern Ireland leaders debate with representatives from five Northern Ireland parties. They are Nigel Dodds (Democratic Unionist Party), Máirtín Ó Muilleoir (Sinn Féin), Mike Nesbitt (Ulster Unionist Party), Mark Durkan (Social Democratic and Labour Party), and David Ford (Alliance Party).Young David http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-parties-finally-get-national-tv-debate-31149732.html Northern Ireland parties finally get national TV debate Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 17 April 2015 23 April 2015 12 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151212100648/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-parties-finally-get-national-tv-debate-31149732.html live https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-northern-ireland-32344944 Election 2015: NI political parties in first TV election debate BBC News BBC 17 April 2015 23 April 2015 17 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150417062006/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-northern-ireland-32344944 live Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are confirmed as presenters for the next series of The X Factor following the departure of Dermot O'Leary.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32336308 Olly Murs and Caroline Flack to host The X Factor BBC News BBC 16 April 2015 17 April 2015 16 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150416230415/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32336308 live 17 Paula Tilbrook, who has played Betty Eagleton in Emmerdale for 21 years, announces her retirement.Kilkelly Daniel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a642403/emmerdale-star-paula-tilbrook-to-leave-betty-eagleton-role.html#~pa6N4q2EYGqA5A Emmerdale star Paula Tilbrook to leave Betty Eagleton role Digital Spy 17 April 2015 10 June 2015 23 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150623131057/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a642403/emmerdale-star-paula-tilbrook-to-leave-betty-eagleton-role.html#~pa6N4q2EYGqA5A live 20Ofcom clears This Morning over an item discussing bondage equipment and sex toys that appeared on the show's 3 February edition.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32379975 This Morning cleared by Ofcom over 50 Shades of Grey item BBC News BBC 20 April 2015 20 April 2015 21 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150421084711/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32379975 live Ofcom have launched an investigation into the BBC One daytime soap Doctors for use of offensive language after an edition aired on 27 February in which a character used the word "pussy" as an insult.Kilkelly Daniel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s16/doctors/news/a642901/doctors-to-be-investigated-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language.html#~pdfJ3tPM796I0G Doctors to be investigated by Ofcom over "offensive language" Digital Spy 20 April 2015 20 May 2015 19 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150519111003/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s16/doctors/news/a642901/doctors-to-be-investigated-by-ofcom-over-offensive-language.html#~pdfJ3tPM796I0G live 21It is announced that Johnny Vegas, Frank Skinner and Kim Cattrall will star in four silent comedies commissioned by Sky Arts.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32401438 Stars silent for Sky comedy season BBC News BBC 21 April 2015 21 April 2015 21 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150421203523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32401438 live 22Following an appearance on ITV's This Morning, Prime Minister David Cameron jokingly compares former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond to a pickpocket.Gosden Emily https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/11554855/David-Cameron-compares-Alex-Salmond-to-pickpocket-on-ITVs-This-Morning.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/11554855/David-Cameron-compares-Alex-Salmond-to-pickpocket-on-ITVs-This-Morning.html 12 January 2022 subscription live David Cameron compares Alex Salmond to pickpocket in off-camera remark The Daily Telegraph 22 April 2015 24 April 2015 As host Phillip Schofield introduces the next item, a demonstration by a professional pickpocket, with the words, "Up next, a man who can pinch your wallet, your watch and even your tie without you noticing"http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/318080-david-cameron-compares-alex-salmond-to-pickpocket-in-this-morning-tv-quip/ David Cameron compares Alex Salmond to pickpocket in This Morning TV quip STV STV 22 April 2015 24 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150710005201/http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/318080-david-cameron-compares-alex-salmond-to-pickpocket-in-this-morning-tv-quip/ 10 July 2015 Cameron is then heard to say, "Is that Alex Salmond?"http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/ge2015-2.1785/alex-salmond-responds-to-david-cameron-s-off-camera-quip-on-this-morning-1.867397 Alex Salmond responds to David Cameron's off-camera quip on This Morning The Courier D. C. Thomson & Co 22 April 2015 9 July 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150710170651/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/ge2015-2.1785/alex-salmond-responds-to-david-cameron-s-off-camera-quip-on-this-morning-1.867397 10 July 2015 Channel 4 announces that its entertainment channel E4 will close for the day on election day, 7 May, in order to encourage more young people to vote.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32419574 E4 will "shut down" on election day BBC News BBC 22 April 2015 22 April 2015 25 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150425004744/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32419574 live Actor Robert Downey Jr. walks out of a Channel 4 News interview after presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked him about his past troubles with drugs.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32429934 Robert Downey Jr walks out of Channel 4 interview BBC News BBC 23 April 2015 23 April 2015 24 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150424145848/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32429934 live The first television debate featuring Welsh political leaders is aired by ITV Wales. The participants are Stephen Crabb (Conservative), Owen Smith (Labour), Kirsty Williams (Liberal Democrats), Leanne Wood (Plaid Cymru), Nathan Gill (UKIP) and Pippa Bartolotti (Greens).https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-wales-32411001 Election 2015: Welsh leaders set for live TV debate BBC News BBC 22 April 2015 23 April 2015 22 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150422100648/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-wales-32411001 live 23Plans to move BBC Three online are postponed until 2016 while the BBC waits for approval from the BBC Trust.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32427973 BBC Three move 'delayed until 2016' BBC News BBC 23 April 2015 23 April 2015 18 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161118010120/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32427973 live 24Simon Wood wins the 2015 series of MasterChef.https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/apr/24/simon-wood-masterchef-winner-2015-bbc Masterchef 2015 winner announced after tense final The Guardian 24 April 2015 24 April 2015The Dora the Explorer episode "Dora's Night Light Adventure", premieres on Nick Jr. UK.26Labour leader Ed Miliband and Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson take part in a lively debate on BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show.Andy McSmith https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-roll-up-roll-up--its-the-ed-and-boris-verbal-jousting-show-10205558.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-roll-up-roll-up--its-the-ed-and-boris-verbal-jousting-show-10205558.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Ed Miliband vs Boris Johnson on the Andrew Marr Show sketch: Roll up, roll up – it's the Ed and Boris verbal jousting show Independent Print Limited The Independent 26 April 2015 3 May 2015Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes is to adapt Anthony Trollope's novel Doctor Thorne into a three-part series for ITV, with filming set to begin later in the year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32472056 Downton's Fellowes adapting Anthony Trollope novel for TV BBC News BBC 26 April 2015 26 April 2015 28 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150428215833/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32472056 live BBC One airs the series finale of Poldark, which overnight figures later indicate is watched by 5.9 million viewers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32480095 Poldark series finale watched by 5.9 million BBC News BBC 27 April 2015 27 April 2015 30 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150430012755/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32480095 live 27Claude Littner is unveiled as Nick Hewer's replacement in the boardroom for series eleven of The Apprentice.Adam Sherwin https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/apprentice-series-11-claude-littner-to-replace-nick-hewer-as-lord-sugars-aide-10207629.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/apprentice-series-11-claude-littner-to-replace-nick-hewer-as-lord-sugars-aide-10207629.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Apprentice series 11: Claude Littner to replace Nick Hewer as Lord Sugar's aide Independent Print Limited The Independent 27 April 2015 27 April 201528Marc Mallett chairs an election debate featuring representatives from the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionist Party, Social Democratic and Labour Party and the Alliance Party on UTV in Northern Ireland. The debate is also aired nationally on ITV, and viewed by an audience of 27,000.Black Rebecca http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/270000-watch-northern-ireland-election-debate-across-britain-31182981.html 270,000 watch Northern Ireland election debate across Britain Independent News and Media Belfast Telegraph 30 April 2015 30 April 2015 6 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151006131115/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/270000-watch-northern-ireland-election-debate-across-britain-31182981.html live 30BBC One airs a Question Time special featuring the three main party leaders (David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg), but appearing separately. The 90-minute programme is watched by an average audience of 4.3 million (21.1% share of total viewership), peaking at 4.9 million.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/01/bbc-question-time-leaders-special-viewers-election BBC Question Time leaders' special draws 4.3m viewers The Guardian 1 May 2015 1 May 2015 Later that evening, three separate 30-minute debates featuring Nigel Farage, Nicola Sturgeon and Leanne Wood are aired on BBC One in England, Scotland and Wales respectively.Martin Williams https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/apr/18/fronting-up-nigel-farage-set-to-face-questions-from-another-bbc-audience Fronting up: Nigel Farage set to face questions from another BBC audience The Guardian 18 April 2015 30 April 2015 May Date Event1After agreeing a deal with Endemol, Irish commercial channel TV3 announce they will broadcast Big Brother, the sixteenth series of which begins airing from 12 May.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/165818/TV3-brings-Big-Brother-back-to-Irish-screens TV3 brings Big Brother back to Irish screens TV3 Xposé TV3 1 May 2015 1 May 2015 7 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150507233505/http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/165818/TV3-brings-Big-Brother-back-to-Irish-screens live The programme had been absent from Irish TV screens since 2011 when it moved to Channel 5, which is not licensed to broadcast in the Irish Republic.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/been-missing-big-brother-since-it-went-to-channel-5-its-coming-to-irish-tv-courtesy-of-tv3-31172513.html Been missing Big Brother since it went to Channel 5? It's coming to Irish TV courtesy of TV3 Independent news and Media The Sunday Independent 26 April 2015 9 May 2015 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518195947/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/been-missing-big-brother-since-it-went-to-channel-5-its-coming-to-irish-tv-courtesy-of-tv3-31172513.html live 3Nicola Sturgeon, Jim Murphy, Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie take part in the final Scottish leaders debate, held by the BBC in Edinburgh.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32577328 Election 2015: Scottish party leaders clash on spending cuts BBC News BBC 3 May 2015 3 May 2015 3 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150503210524/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-scotland-32577328 live BBC One airs The C-Word, a dramatisation of Lisa Lynch's book about her battle with breast cancer. The film is watched by a peak audience of 4.2 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-32581073 The C-Word: Film will be "lasting legacy" for family BBC News BBC 4 May 2015 4 May 2015 6 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150506000256/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-32581073 live 5It is reported that Ofcom is investigating Top Gear for its use of the word "pikey" in an episode broadcast in February 2014, the matter having previously been dismissed by the BBC Trust.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32590963 Top Gear investigated by Ofcom over Pike's Peak pun BBC News BBC 5 May 2015 5 May 2015 5 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505115014/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32590963 live On the same day, Ofcom clears ITV of breaching its regulations after receiving 151 complaints about the tone of language used by US rapper Kanye West during the 2015 BRIT Awards because ITV had muted the most offensive words used.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32590125 ITV cleared over Kanye West's Brit Awards performance BBC News BBC 5 May 2015 5 May 2015 5 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505211447/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32590125 live BBC One Northern Ireland airs a leaders debate featuring leaders from Northern Ireland's main political parties.https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/bbc-northern-ireland-election-2015-coverage Northern Ireland unveils plans for General Election coverage BBC Media Centre BBC 2 April 2015 24 April 2015 21 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150421040553/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/bbc-northern-ireland-election-2015-coverage live 7More4 airs a live performance of James Graham's play, The Vote, which is set in a London polling station, and staged at the Donmar Warehouse.https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/may/07/election-2015-al-murray-special-the-vote-shark-watchdog Thursday's best TV The Guardian 7 May 2015 7 May 2015BBC Sport NI announce their coverage of the 2015 North West 200 motorcycle race to be held later this month, which will air on radio and television across Northern Ireland, as well as online.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/32627393 BBC Sport North West 200: BBC Sport NI gears up for big biking event BBC 7 May 2015 9 May 20157–8The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky News provide coverage of the results of the 2015 general election,Ben Travis https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/election-night-tv-should-you-watch-the-bbc-itv-or-channel-4s-coverage-10231516.html Election night TV: should you watch the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, or Sky's coverage? London Evening Standard 7 May 2015 7 May 2015 9 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150509215250/http://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/election-night-tv-should-you-watch-the-bbc-itv-or-channel-4s-coverage-10231516.html live which sees the Conservatives secure a slim majority.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32633099 Election results: Conservatives win majority BBC News BBC 8 May 2015 9 May 2015 29 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150729125603/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32633099 live Overnight viewing figures indicate the BBC's coverage, which saw David Dimbleby presenting his last election programme, to have been watched by 6.35 million. Channel 4's Alternative Election Night was seen by 1.9 million, while ITV's coverage, presented by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham, was watched by 1.45 million viewers. An audience of 356,000 tuned into Sky News in the first hour to watch coverage presented by Adam Boulton.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32654708 Channel 4 election coverage beats ITV in ratings BBC News BBC 8 May 2015 8 May 2015 8 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150508105144/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32654708 live The BBC's election coverage sees Dimbleby apparently losing his patience when, at 4:01am, he is heard to utter "for God's sake" as the programme returns to the studio following a short break.Jenn Selby https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/general-election-2015-david-dimbleby-randomly-shouts-for-gods-sake-live-during-the-bbcs-rolling-coverage-10234639.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/general-election-2015-david-dimbleby-randomly-shouts-for-gods-sake-live-during-the-bbcs-rolling-coverage-10234639.html 1 May 2022 subscription live General Election 2015: David Dimbleby randomly shouts 'For God's Sake' live during the BBC's rolling coverage Independent News and Media The Independent 8 May 2015 9 May 2015Greatrex Jonny http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/david-dimbleby-oh-gods-sake-9210275 David Dimbleby in "oh for gods sake" blooper – Twitter reacts instantly Trinity Mirror Birmingham Mail 8 May 2015 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150509150722/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/david-dimbleby-oh-gods-sake-9210275 live 8An election special of BBC One's Question Time airs, featuring a panel discussing the fallout from the election. Panellists are Paddy Ashdown, Alastair Campbell, Francis Maude, Julia Hartley-Brewer and John Swinney.Gerard O'Donovan https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11593003/question-time-election-special-review.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11593003/question-time-election-special-review.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Question Time Election Special, review: "David Dimbleby, tireless as ever" The Daily Telegraph 8 May 2015 9 May 2015 Question Time is followed by an election special of Have I Got News for You presented by Jo Brand, with Romesh Ranganathan and Jon Snow joining regular panellists Paul Merton and Ian Hislop. Filming took place on the morning of 8 May, against the backdrop of unfolding events, something that requires a runner to twice dash on stage to inform the panel of breaking news events—the resignations of Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband as the respective leaders of the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party.Isabel Mohan https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11592955/Have-I-Got-News-For-You-review.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11592955/Have-I-Got-News-For-You-review.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Have I Got Election News for You, review: "a welcome reminder of the ridiculousness of politics" The Daily Telegraph 8 May 2015 9 May 2015 The Question Time Election Special is seen by 3.16 million (15.4%), while Have I Got Election News for You is the most watched programme of the evening, with an average audience of 4.49 million (21.9%).Martin Liam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a646496/have-i-got-election-news-for-you-tops-fridays-ratings-with-449-million.html#~pcdMQijfofytSr Have I Got Election News for You tops Friday's ratings with 4.49 million Digital Spy 9 May 2015 9 May 2015 10 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150510181645/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a646496/have-i-got-election-news-for-you-tops-fridays-ratings-with-449-million.html#~pcdMQijfofytSr live 9Contemporary dancer Connor Scott wins the inaugural BBC Young Dancer competition, broadcast live on BBC Two.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32680433 BBC Young Dancer: Connor Scott named as first winner BBC News BBC 9 May 2015 10 May 2015 13 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150513054945/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32680433 live 10Broadcaster Clive James is honoured at the 2015 British Academy Television Awards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32654937 Clive James honoured at Bafta TV awards BBC News BBC 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 13 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150513103747/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32654937 live 11John Whittingdale is appointed as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in a post-general election Cabinet reshuffle, replacing Sajid Javid.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32690777 John Whittingdale becomes UK culture secretary BBC News BBC 11 May 2015 12 May 2015 11 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150511143540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32690777 live The BBC unveils its coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, which begins in Canada on 6 June, and will be available through television, radio, and online through the BBC Sport website. It will be the first time the BBC has provided full coverage of the Women's World Cup.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32628063 BBC Sport Fifa Women's World Cup 2015: BBC reveals coverage plans BBC 11 May 2015 13 June 2015 13 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150613102822/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32628063 live Responding to a suggestion from Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne that British television should be more like television in the United States, the BBC head of drama, Ben Stephenson, warns that the Corporation's drama department is "at tipping point" because of cuts that have been made at the BBC, and calls for the licence fee to be increased.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/12/bbc-drama-department-at-tipping-point-says-corporation-executive BBC drama department at "tipping point", says corporation executive The Guardian 12 May 2015 12 May 201512Cleveland Police are to view footage from the second series of Channel 4's Benefits Street after the programme, which began its second run the previous evening, allegedly showed scenes of criminal activity and drug misuse.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-32702435 New Benefits Street series "assessed" by Cleveland Police BBC News BBC 12 May 2015 13 May 2015Prince Charles's press secretary, Kristina Kyriacou, intervenes when Channel 4 News reporter Michael Crick tries to question the Prince ahead of the release of the Black spider letters he sent to ministers of the Blair government a decade ago. Crick approaches the Prince as he steps from a car on a visit to a Marks & Spencer store, but is blocked by Kyriacou, who then seizes his microphone, tearing off the foam windshield, which she throws to the ground. She then gives the reporter a smile as she disappears into the shop.Jessica Elgot https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/13/prince-charles-john-crick-channel-4-kristina-kyriacou Prince Charles's media adviser body-blocks Michael Crick The Guardian 13 May 2015 20 May 2015Shayne Ward, winner of the second series of The X Factor, is to join Coronation Street as the character Aidan Connor after signing a one-year contract.Jack Shepherd https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/coronation-street-shayne-ward-set-to-star-in-soap-it-is-an-absolute-dream-come-true-10244481.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/coronation-street-shayne-ward-set-to-star-in-soap-it-is-an-absolute-dream-come-true-10244481.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Coronation Street: X Factor winner Shayne Ward lands role in long-running soap Independent Print Limited The Independent 12 May 2015 22 May 201513The BBC confirms that its international subscription-based version of the iPlayer will close on 26 June.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32718259 BBC Global iPlayer to close in June BBC News BBC 13 May 2015 13 May 2015 13 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150513112034/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32718259 live 14BBC Assistant Political Editor Norman Smith accidentally uses the word "cunt" during a live broadcast while reporting on an article in The Times in which UKIP campaign chief Patrick O'Flynn expressed his concern that Nigel Farage is turning the party into a "personality cult".https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11605231/BBC-reporter-turns-airways-blue-after-stumbling-over-Ukips-personality-cult.html https://web.archive.org/web/20150516222334/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11605231/BBC-reporter-turns-airways-blue-after-stumbling-over-Ukips-personality-cult.html dead 16 May 2015 BBC reporter turns airwaves blue The Daily Telegraph 14 May 2015 19 May 2015https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/14/bbc-reporter-c-word-in-nigel-farage-ukip BBC reporter uses C-word in Nigel Farage report The Guardian 14 May 2015 19 May 2015Members of BECTU stage a 24-hour strike at ITV, causing some disruption to programming. Filming on Coronation Street and Emmerdale is delayed, while the day's edition of Loose Women is pre-recorded. Filming of Have I Got News for You, which is recorded at ITV's London studios, is also delayed. ITV Chief Executive Adam Crozier uses the occasion to launch an attack on the BBC, which he feels should come under the full control of Ofcom.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/14/itv-chief-pay-strike-bbc-adam-crozier ITV chief takes tough stance over strike and criticises BBC regulation The Guardian 14 May 2015 20 May 2015 In July, members of BECTU, the NUJ and Unite vote to accept an improved pay offer of 2.2%.Kevin Rawlinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/07/itv-staff-settle-pay-dispute-after-industrial-action-hit-programmes?CMP=ema_546 ITV staff settle pay dispute after industrial action hits programmes The Guardian 7 July 2015 8 July 201515ITV are announced as the broadcaster that will provide coverage of the official celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday in 2016.Gordon Rayner https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11608290/BBC-misses-out-on-showing-Queens-90th-birthday-celebrations-after-Jubilee-criticism.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11608290/BBC-misses-out-on-showing-Queens-90th-birthday-celebrations-after-Jubilee-criticism.html 12 January 2022 subscription live BBC misses out on showing Queen's 90th birthday celebrations after Jubilee criticism The Daily Telegraph 15 May 2015 22 May 201516Anne Kirkbride is posthumously honoured at the British Soap Awards with a special award for outstanding achievement, which is presented at the ceremony to her husband by former colleague William Roache.Dex Robert http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/soap-awards-tributes-paid-anne-9271094 Soap Awards: Tributes paid to Anne Kirkbride Trinity Mirror Manchester Evening News 16 May 2015 19 May 2015 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518212109/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/soap-awards-tributes-paid-anne-9271094 live https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32771731 British Soap Awards pay tribute to Kirkbride BBC News BBC 17 May 2015 19 May 2015 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407115720/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32771731 live BBC One airs the feature length finale of Atlantis, which is watched by an average audience of 2.5 million (14% of overall viewer share).Lee Ben http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a647841/uk-tv-ratings-atlantis-finale-averages-25-million-viewers-on-bbc-one.html#~pdg17ZGBgZ0z6P UK TV ratings: Atlantis finale averages 2.5 million viewers on BBC One Digital Spy 17 May 2015 20 May 2015 20 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520000553/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a647841/uk-tv-ratings-atlantis-finale-averages-25-million-viewers-on-bbc-one.html#~pdg17ZGBgZ0z6P live 17BBC Two begins airing The Detectives, a three-part documentary series following investigators at Greater Manchester Police's sex crimes unit. The series, aired over three consecutive nights, focuses on the investigation into historical sex crimes committed by disc jockey Ray Teret, and his subsequent trial and conviction for those offences.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/12/police-investigation-of-dj-sex-offender-ray-teret-shown-in-bbc2-documentary Police investigation of DJ sex offender Ray Teret shown in BBC2 documentary John Plunkett 11 May 2015 21 September 2017 The Guardian18Ofcom clears Channel 4's drama-documentary UKIP: The First 100 Days of breaching its regulations following an investigation. The film had attracted in excess of 6,000 complaints, many of them as part of an orchestrated campaign from the far-right Britain First movement.Kevin Rawlinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/18/ukip-docudrama-complaints-channel-4-nigel-farage Ukip docudrama cleared after more than 6,000 complaints The Guardian 18 May 2015 19 May 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32782282 'Impartial' UKIP drama cleared by Ofcom BBC News BBC 18 May 2015 19 May 2015 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518113608/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32782282 live Ofcom launches an investigation into ITV's Good Morning Britain for potential impartiality over an interview its presenters Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard did with Nigel Farage on 1 May. The pair asked Farage about his chances of being elected as MP for South Thanet, but did not reflect the positions of other candidates standing in the constituency.Rigby Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a647948/ofcom-to-investigate-good-morning-britain-over-nigel-farage-interview.html#~pd9ACXkXTuZyFp Ofcom to investigate Good Morning Britain over Nigel Farage interview Digital Spy 18 May 2015 19 May 2015 20 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520221729/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a647948/ofcom-to-investigate-good-morning-britain-over-nigel-farage-interview.html?#~pd9ACXkXTuZyFp live The regulatory body also launches an investigation into an edition of The Paul O'Grady Show aired in April during which presenter Paul O'Grady was seen inhaling helium, an activity that can be dangerous since helium gas cuts off the oxygen supply to the brain.Fletcher Harry http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a648114/paul-ogrady-under-investigation-by-ofcom-for-inhaling-helium-on-itv-teatime-show.html#~pd9JFBb3SqP72y Paul O'Grady under investigation by Ofcom for inhaling helium on ITV teatime show Digital Spy 18 May 2015 19 May 2015 21 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521034704/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a648114/paul-ogrady-under-investigation-by-ofcom-for-inhaling-helium-on-itv-teatime-show.html#~pd9JFBb3SqP72y live Kashmira Gander https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-paul-ogrady-show-under-investigation-after-presenter-inhales-helium-10259682.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-paul-ogrady-show-under-investigation-after-presenter-inhales-helium-10259682.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Paul O'Grady show under investigation after presenter inhales helium Independent Print Limited The Independent 19 May 2015 19 May 201519BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans announces that Jeremy Clarkson will be a guest on the 21 May edition of his breakfast show, where the pair will discuss Clarkson's departure from Top Gear. The interview is Clarkson's first since leaving the programme.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/167350/Jeremy-Clarkson-to-give-BBC-interview-to-Chris-Evans Jeremy Clarkson to give BBC interview to Chris Evans TV3 Xposé TV3 19 May 2015 19 May 2015 20 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150520144800/http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/167350/Jeremy-Clarkson-to-give-BBC-interview-to-Chris-Evans live During his subsequent appearance on the show, Clarkson describes the reason for his sacking from Top Gear as being "my own silly fault".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32819280 Jeremy Clarkson: "Top Gear exit was my own silly fault" BBC News BBC 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 21 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150521080514/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32819280 live 21ITV airs the 2015 British Soap Awards, which is watched by 3.9 million viewers.Kilkelly Daniel http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a648759/uk-tv-ratings-british-soap-awards-dip-to-39m-on-thursday.html#~pdImE0VkZ5yPC1 UK TV ratings: British Soap Awards dip to 3.9m on Thursday Digital Spy 22 May 2015 25 May 2015 25 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150525014712/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a648759/uk-tv-ratings-british-soap-awards-dip-to-39m-on-thursday.html#~pdImE0VkZ5yPC1 live ITV's scheduling, and some of its editing of the ceremony's content, draws criticism from EastEnders producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who feels that ITV did not play fairly by airing an hour-long episode of Emmerdale head-to-head with EastEnders before showing coverage of the event.Davies Megan http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a648922/eastenders-producer-criticises-itv-for-british-soap-awards-editing.html#~pdIjA3zfZMi0wb EastEnders producer criticises ITV for British Soap Awards editing Digital Spy 23 May 2015 25 May 2015 24 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524235935/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a648922/eastenders-producer-criticises-itv-for-british-soap-awards-editing.html#~pdIjA3zfZMi0wb live 23Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw wins the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest with "Heroes". Australia's Guy Sebastian achieves fifth place with "Tonight Again", while the UK's entry, Electro Velvet's "Still in Love with You" finishes 24th out of 27.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32850671 Eurovision Song Contest: Sweden's Mans Zelmerlow wins BBC News BBC 24 May 2015 24 May 2015 23 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523231747/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32850671 live 26The BBC announces that its music panel quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks is to end after 18 years and 28 series.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32889471 Never Mind The Buzzcocks to end after 18 years BBC News BBC 26 May 2015 26 May 2015 26 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150526214303/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32889471 live 27Comedian Miranda Hart tells BBC News that reports she would be hosting a rebooted series of The Generation Game were "massively blown out of order in the press" after she held an informal discussion with the BBC about the viability of making a modern version of the show. The Generation Game will not be returning to television any time in the near future.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0527/704231-miranda-hart-plays-down-generation-game-rumours/ Miranda Hart plays down Generation Game rumours RTÉ Ten RTÉ 27 May 2015 27 May 2015 27 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150527231927/http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2015/0527/704231-miranda-hart-plays-down-generation-game-rumours/ live 28Big Brother contestant Aaron Frew has been removed from the series for inappropriate behaviour after flashing at a fellow housemate the previous evening, it is confirmed.Wightman Catriona http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s149/big-brother/news/a649763/big-brother-aaron-frew-removed-from-the-house-for-inappropriate-behaviour-flashing-joel.html#~pe0OqrneejstS9 Big Brother: Aaron Frew removed from the house for "inappropriate behaviour", flashing Joel Digital Spy 28 May 2015 28 May 2015http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/168258/Aaron-Frew-speaks-out-about-Big-Brother-exit Aaron Frew speaks out about Big Brother exit TV3 Xposé TV3 29 May 2015 29 May 2015 29 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529155448/http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/168258/Aaron-Frew-speaks-out-about-Big-Brother-exit live The BBC Trust rejects complaints that the number plate chosen for the Top Gear Patagonia Special aired over Christmas 2014 was deliberately chosen to make reference to the Falklands War.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32914817 Top Gear car plate complaints rejected by BBC Trust BBC News BBC 28 May 2015 28 May 2015 29 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150529113832/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32914817 live The BBC is accused of making a Hunger Games style reality show after the announcement of Britain's Hardest Grafter, a five-part BBC Two series that will see 25 of Britain's lowest-paid workers competing against each other for a cash prize of £15,000, the equivalent to a year's living wage salary. The BBC defends the series, claiming it is a "serious social experiment".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/28/bbc-defends-reality-show-involving-poor-dubbed-hunger-games?CMP=ema_546 BBC defends reality show involving poor, dubbed "Hunger Games" The Guardian 28 May 2015 31 May 2015 By 1 June a petition to stop the programme has been signed by 24,000 people.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32956969 Petition grows against BBC's Britain's Hardest Grafter show BBC News BBC 1 June 2015 1 June 2015 6 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150706001349/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32956969 live BBC One airs the Panorama documentary Britain's Secret Terror Deals, which alleges that British security forces were involved in dozens of murders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32887445 UK agents "worked with NI paramilitary killers" BBC News BBC 28 May 2015 28 May 2015 24 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181124023847/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32887445 live ITV hires former BBC Panorama editor Tom Giles as its new head of current affairs, replacing Ian Squires, who announced he would be leaving the position after 20 years following the recent general election.John Plunkett Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/28/itv-hires-ex-bbc-panorama-editor-current-affairs?CMP=ema_546 ITV hires ex-BBC Panorama editor to head current affairs The Guardian 28 May 2015 31 May 201529Dan Taylor-Watt, the head of BBC iPlayer, posts a blog on the BBC website defending the popularity of the service after figures showed a decline in its viewership in recent months. Taylor-Watt stresses that iPlayer is more popular in the winter.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/29/bbc-iplayer-boss-defensive-after-third-monthly-fall-in-viewers BBC iPlayer boss defensive after third monthly fall in viewers The Guardian 29 May 2015 31 May 201530BBC One airs the 2015 FA Cup Final, which sees Arsenal score a 4–0 victory over Aston Villa. Overnight figures suggest the coverage to have been watched by 7.5 million viewers.Lee Ben http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a650179/uk-tv-ratings-arsenals-fa-cup-triumph-watched-by-75-million-on-bbc-one.html#~peh8yzW0sr8oSr UK TV ratings: Arsenal's FA Cup triumph watched by 7.5 million on BBC One Digital Spy 31 May 2015 31 May 2015 1 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150601093129/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a650179/uk-tv-ratings-arsenals-fa-cup-triumph-watched-by-75-million-on-bbc-one.html#~peh8yzW0sr8oSr live 31Dancing dog act Jules O'Dwyer & Matisse win the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent.Finbow Katy http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s107/britains-got-talent/news/a650212/jules-odwyer-and-matisse-the-dog-win-britains-got-talent-2015.html#~peiQAX9lmIAbEh Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse the dog win Britain's Got Talent 2015 Digital Spy 31 May 2015 31 May 2015 1 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150601113757/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s107/britains-got-talent/news/a650212/jules-odwyer-and-matisse-the-dog-win-britains-got-talent-2015.html#~peiQAX9lmIAbEh live The win is quickly mired in controversy, however, when it emerges that Matisse was substituted with a stunt dog, Chase, for a high-wire act because Matisse is scared of heights, a fact not made clear to the public. Amid a subsequent public backlash, the show's producers say they should have made it clearer a different dog was being used, while Ofcom considers an investigation into whether phone voters were misled.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/jun/01/britains-got-talent-producers-sorry-for-switched-dogs-in-final?CMP=ema_546 Britain's Got Talent producers sorry for switched dogs in final The Guardian 1 June 2015 2 June 2015 June Date Event1Ofcom says it will take no further action against BT Sport after rugby commentator Simon Ward described players as "rug munchers" during the 2015 European Rugby Challenge Cup match between Newcastle Falcons and Newport Gwent Dragons. Ward issued an on-air apology for his use of the phrase after being unaware that it can be used as a derogatory term for lesbians.Rigby Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a650326/bt-sport-wont-face-action-from-ofcom-over-rug-munchers-comment.html#~peomc6FicxUlzM BT Sport won't face action from Ofcom over "rug munchers" comment Digital Spy 1 June 2015 1 June 2015 2 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150602015635/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a650326/bt-sport-wont-face-action-from-ofcom-over-rug-munchers-comment.html#~peomc6FicxUlzM live Outside Source and Business Live make their debut on the BBC News Channel after being launched on BBC World News in February 2014 and March 2015 respectively.2Director of BBC News James Harding rejects claims from politicians that the BBC's general election coverage was biased.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32975253 BBC News boss denies political bias BBC News BBC 2 June 2015 2 June 2015 2 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150602231244/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32975253 live The comments prompt media mogul Rupert Murdoch to claim that Harding, a former editor of The Times, is "going native".Ben Quinn https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/03/rupert-murdoch-accuses-ex-times-editor-james-harding-bbc-leftwing-bias?CMP=ema_546 Rupert Murdoch says ex-Times editor has "gone native" over BBC comments The Guardian 3 June 2015 4 June 20153The BBC launches an internal investigation after international news outlets wrongly reported that Queen Elizabeth II had been hospitalised following a rogue tweet sent by one of its reporters during an obituary rehearsal.Jessica Elgot John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/03/queens-health-bbc-tweet-global-news-alert?CMP=ema_546 Rogue BBC tweet sparks global news alert about Queen's health The Guardian 3 June 2015 4 June 20155While a guest on the day's edition of The Daily Politics, founder of the @CoolEdMiliband Twitter account, Richard Biggs, is forced to apologise after saying that "Ed Miliband's too good for this fucking country to be honest".http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/05/ed-miliband-is-too-fg-good-for-this-country-says-guy-live-on-bbc-daily-politics_n_7518220.html Ed Miliband Is 'Too Good For This F*****g Country,' Says Guy Live on BBC Daily Politics Huffington Post 5 June 2015 6 January 2016 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080133/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/05/ed-miliband-is-too-fg-good-for-this-country-says-guy-live-on-bbc-daily-politics_n_7518220.html live Mock the Week reaches its 10th anniversary.Eames Tom http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a649720/mock-the-week-to-celebrate-10th-birthday-with-14th-series.html#~pe0KgtxcXh7QSM Mock the Week to celebrate 10th birthday with 14th series Digital Spy 28 May 2015 28 May 2015 19 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150619060757/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a649720/mock-the-week-to-celebrate-10th-birthday-with-14th-series.html#~pe0KgtxcXh7QSM dead 6The BBC's coverage of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup begins with the opening match between China and Canada.Magowan Alistair https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33019625 BBC Sport Women's World Cup 2015: One billion TV viewers expected BBC 6 June 2015 13 June 2015 13 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150613100305/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33019625 live World News Today is included in the weekend schedule of the BBC News Channel, airing at 9:00pm. 8Daniel Radcliffe and Lena Headey are among 750 signatories from the world of film and television to put their name to a petition urging the BBC Trust to reverse its decision to turn BBC Three into an online only service.Neil Midgley https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/08/save-bbc3-petition-daniel-radcliffe-lena-headey?CMP=ema_546 BBC stars and comics among hundreds calling on broadcaster to save BBC3 The Guardian 8 June 2015 10 June 20159BT Sport announces that it will introduce charges for viewers to watch top-flight European football from August. It has also recruited Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard to its presenting team.Juliette Garside https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/09/bt-sport-to-charge-for-top-flight-european-football-from-august?CMP=ema_546 BT Sport to charge for top-flight European football from August The Guardian 9 June 2015 10 June 2015Speaking to the Radio Times, former Blue Peter presenter Yvette Fielding criticises the BBC's decision to move the show from BBC One to the CBBC Channel because "[It] deserves to be on mainstream television".John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/jun/09/yvette-fielding-blue-peter-bbc1?CMP=ema_546 Yvette Fielding slams decision to axe Blue Peter from BBC1 The Guardian 9 June 2015 10 June 201510Clare Balding is to replace John Inverdale as presenter of the BBC's Wimbledon highlights show during coverage of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. The programme will also be renamed Wimbledon 2Day.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33077205 John Inverdale loses BBC Wimbledon highlights role BBC News BBC 10 June 2015 10 June 2015 10 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150610103519/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33077205 live Following its launch the new format is quickly panned by both critics and viewers who are critical of the amount of studio banter between Balding and her guests compared to actual tennis coverage.Esther Addley https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jul/01/bbcs-new-wimbledon-highlights-show-mauled-by-critics-and-viewers?CMP=ema_546 BBC's new Wimbledon highlights show mauled by critics and viewers The Guardian 1 July 2015 1 July 2015 As a result of the show's ongoing unpopularity the format is changed for the second week of the Wimbledon fortnight, with a move of venue, while the live audience is ditched.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33410692 BBC bows to pressure over Wimbledon 2Day show complaints BBC News BBC 6 July 2015 6 July 2015 6 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150706112005/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33410692 live Ofcom says that 1,162 people have so far complained about an interview Sky News presenter Kay Burley did on 3 June with the chief executive of Alton Towers following a roller-coaster accident at the theme park. Burley pressed Nick Varney to confirm whether one of the people injured in the crash had lost a leg. In addition to the Ofcom complaints, 27,000 have signed a change.org petition calling for the regulator to launch an investigation into the matter.Mark Sweney John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/10/kay-burley-interview-with-alton-towers-chief-gets-more-than-1100-complaints?CMP=ema_546 Kay Burley interview with Alton Towers chief gets more than 1,100 complaints The Guardian 10 June 2015 11 June 201512Channel 4 airs a one-off edition of Chris Evans's chat show TFI Friday to celebrate its 20th anniversary, which is watched by 3.7 million viewers.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/15/chris-evans-tfi-friday-channel-4-bbc-radio-2 Chris Evans backs TFI Friday return after 3.7m watch special The Guardian 15 June 2015 23 June 2015 Following the programme's success, the channel announces on 23 June that it has commissioned a full series of eight episodes.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33241298 TFI Friday: Channel 4 commissions eight more shows BBC News BBC 23 June 2015 23 June 2015 23 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150623112727/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33241298 live 13Lenny Henry and Benedict Cumberbatch are among those from the world of entertainment to be recognised in the 2015 Birthday Honours; Henry receiving a knighthood and Cumberbatch a CBE.Gordon Rayner https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/honours-list/11671979/Queens-Birthday-Honours-Van-Morrison-knighted.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/honours-list/11671979/Queens-Birthday-Honours-Van-Morrison-knighted.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Queen's Birthday Honours: Van Morrison knighted The Daily Telegraph 13 June 2015 13 June 201514Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby warns of "enemies" who wish to diminish the BBC, and urges against any cuts to the licence fee as the time approaches for the renewal of the BBC's Charter.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/14/jonathan-dimbleby-warns-of-powerful-vested-interests-attacking-bbc-licence-fee?CMP=ema_546 Jonathan Dimbleby warns of "powerful vested interests" attacking BBC licence fee The Guardian 14 June 2015 15 June 201515Ofcom says it will not launch an investigation into Kay Burley's Sky News interview with the boss of Alton Towers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33134458 Ofcom clears Kay Burley over "aggressive" Alton Towers interview BBC News BBC 15 June 2015 15 June 2015 18 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150618015047/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33134458 live However, the regulator says it will look into whether viewers of Britain's Got Talent were misled over the stunt dog incident.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33132359 Ofcom to investigate Britain's Got Talent over "stunt" dog BBC News BBC 15 June 2015 15 June 2015 15 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150615191229/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33132359 live Ofcom also criticises Piers Morgan for laughing during his interview with French climber Alain Robert after the latter repeatedly used the F-word, but says it will take no further action over the incident because co-presenter Susanna Reid quickly apologised, and ITV edited the offensive language out of the segment for its timeshift channel and the online content available through ITV Player. A pre-election interview with UKIP leader Nigel Farage in which he was asked about his chances of winning a parliamentary seat is also deemed to have not breached the rules.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/15/piers-morgan-good-morning-britain-swearing Piers Morgan criticised for laughing as Good Morning Britain guest swore on air The Guardian 15 June 2015 22 August 2015Sky Atlantic airs the season five finale of Game of Thrones. Overnight figures suggest it to have been watched by 1.7 million viewers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33147571 Game of Thrones finale seen by 1.7 million viewers BBC News BBC 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150616233911/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33147571 live 16The BBC announce that Chris Evans will become the new presenter of Top Gear,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33158464 Chris Evans to be new Top Gear presenter BBC News BBC 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150616221431/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33158464 live while the final edition of the programme to feature Jeremy Clarkson is confirmed to air on 28 June.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33153633 Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson's final episode scheduled BBC News BBC 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150616223309/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33153633 live The following day Evans confirms that a female co-presenter will join him on the show,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33162666 Chris Evans confirms Top Gear will have a female co-host BBC News BBC 17 June 2015 17 June 2015 17 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150617083500/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33162666 live but BBC Two Controller Kim Shillinglaw plays down the idea, saying there will be "no gender diktats" over the line-up of the presenting team.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33180779 Top Gear co-host may not be a woman, says BBC Two boss BBC News BBC 18 June 2015 20 June 2015 19 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150619102405/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33180779 live Producers of The X Factor announce that Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw will join the judging panel for the twelfth series, replacing Mel B and Louis Walsh.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33132895 X Factor: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora sign up as judges BBC News BBC 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150616080533/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33132895 live Stuart Heritage https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/jun/16/why-rita-ora-and-nick-grimshaw-joining-x-factor-is-bad-bad-news Why Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw joining X Factor is bad, bad news The Guardian 16 June 2015 16 June 2015 It is also confirmed that Ora will be leaving The Voice UK to take up her X Factor role.Aoife Kelly http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/confirmed-nick-grimshaw-and-rita-ora-will-join-the-x-factor-31305104.html Confirmed: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora will join The X Factor Independent News and Media The Irish Independent 16 June 2015 21 June 2015 21 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150621180449/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/confirmed-nick-grimshaw-and-rita-ora-will-join-the-x-factor-31305104.html live After four years of airing the British Comedy Awards, Channel 4 announces that it has dropped the ceremony from its schedule in order to focus on other projects.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/16/channel-4-drops-british-comedy-awards-jonathan-ross?CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 drops British Comedy Awards The Guardian 16 June 2015 17 June 2015US broadcaster AMC Networks announce plans to launch in the UK on the YouView platform.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/16/breaking-bad-broadcaster-launch-uk-amc-networks?CMP=ema_546 Breaking Bad broadcaster to launch in UK this year The Guardian 16 May 2015 17 May 201517BBC Two airs the first in a series of televised debates ahead of the 2015 Labour Party leadership election which sees the potential candidates hoping to succeed Ed Miliband go head-to-head in front of a studio audience.Gilbert Simon http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/labour-leadership-debate-broadcast-live-9471868 Labour leadership debate to be broadcast live from Nuneaton tonight on BBC2 Trinity Mirror Coventry Telegraph 17 June 2015 17 June 2015 17 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150617213800/http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/labour-leadership-debate-broadcast-live-9471868 live 18Jesse Norman is appointed as Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, replacing John Whittingdale, who became Culture Secretary following the general election.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/18/jesse-norman-new-chairman-culture-media-sport-select-committee?CMP=ema_546 Jesse Norman new chairman of culture, media and sport select committee The Guardian 18 June 2015 20 June 2015Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom are revealed as the new presenters of ITV2's The Xtra Factor, replacing Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, who have taken over presenting of The X Factor.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33183678 Rochelle Humes to present X Factor spin-off BBC News BBC 18 June 2015 20 June 2015 19 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150619102350/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33183678 live 19Jeremy Clarkson tells The Sun the BBC offered him a new contract to return to Top Gear shortly before Chris Evans was announced as the show's new presenter, but that he rejected the idea because there would have been too much interference from executives. Responding to the claims the BBC says that Clarkson was not offered a chance to return to his former presenting role.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/19/top-gear-jeremy-clarkson-claims-bbc-offered-him-comeback?CMP=ema_546 Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson claims BBC offered him comeback The Guardian 19 June 2015 20 June 201521BBC Director-General Tony Hall tells BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show that he believes the licence fee has probably a decade left before it is reformed.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33215141 10 years left of licence fee BBC News BBC 21 June 2015 21 June 2015 21 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150621115316/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33215141 live The comments are made after BBC Political Correspondent Nick Robinson claims that Prime Minister David Cameron told journalists on a campaign bus during the general election that he would "close down" the BBC.Jane Martinson Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/21/nick-robinson-cameron-threatened-close-down-bbc-election-bus Nick Robinson: Cameron threatened to close down BBC on election bus The Guardian 21 June 2015 21 June 201523Vice Media announces it has agreed a deal with Unilever to launch Broadly, a new TV channel aimed at women.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/23/vice-unilever-team-up-launch-female-focused-channel-broadly?CMP=ema_546 Vice and Unilever team up for launch of female-focused channel The Guardian 23 June 2015 23 June 201525Ofcom have received over 1,000 complaints from viewers about an edition of Big Brother from the previous day in which contestant Helen Wood compared her fellow housemate Brian Belo to a rapist and murderer. Belo left the show following the incident, while Wood and another housemate received a formal warning from the programme's producers.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33269343 Big Brother draws 1,100 complaints BBC News BBC 25 June 2015 25 June 2015 25 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150625120508/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33269343 live Wood subsequently expresses regret over her comments.Lee Ben http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s149/big-brother/news/a655381/big-brothers-helen-wood-i-was-wrong-to-call-brian-a-rapist-but-he-has-anger-issues.html#~pgVJqwBJ1NZjUV Big Brother's Helen Wood: "I was wrong to call Brian a rapist, but he has anger issues" Digital Spy 28 June 2015 28 June 2015 30 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150630111742/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s149/big-brother/news/a655381/big-brothers-helen-wood-i-was-wrong-to-call-brian-a-rapist-but-he-has-anger-issues.html#~pgVJqwBJ1NZjUV live Ofcom decides in July that the incident does not warrant an investigation because the episode was broadcast after 9:00pm, and as Channel 5 had broadcast appropriate warnings about the programme before it was aired.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33509099 Big Brother cleared by Ofcom despite 2000 complaints BBC News BBC 13 July 2015 13 July 2015 13 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150713123523/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33509099 live After the Women's World Cup proves popular with viewers, and having increased BBC Three's viewership, the BBC switches coverage of England's 27 June quarter final match against Canada to BBC One.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/25/england-world-cup-quarter-final-match-canada-switches-bbc1?CMP=ema_546 England World Cup quarter-final match against Canada switches to BBC1 The Guardian 25 June 2015 25 June 2015ITV News political editor Tom Bradby is appointed as the main anchor for News at Ten, replacing Mark Austin who will move back to the ITV Evening News. News at Ten is returning to its single-presenter format from the autumn, with Julie Etchingham and Rageh Omaar presenting in Bradby's absence.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/25/tom-bradby-main-presenter-itv-news-at-ten?CMP=ema_546 Tom Bradby to become main presenter of ITV's News at Ten The Guardian 25 June 2015 26 June 201527Rapper Kanye West's appearance at Glastonbury 2015 is aired by BBC Two as part of the BBC's coverage of the event. By 29 June, West's use of bad language during the performance has prompted 44 complaints to Ofcom.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/29/kanye-west-glastonbury-performance-complaints-swearing-bbc?CMP=ema_546 Kanye West's Glastonbury performance: more than 40 complain over swearing The Guardian 29 June 2015 30 June 201528BBC Two airs the final edition of Top Gear to be presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, a 75-minute compilation of footage shot before the trio quit the show. After its broadcast Clarkson says that he is "so sad and sorry it's ended like this".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/33304225 Jeremy Clarkson "so sorry" after his last Top Gear BBC News BBC 28 June 2015 28 June 2015 28 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150628123533/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/33304225 live 29The BBC is reviewing its use of the term "Islamic State" when reporting news items about the Islamic extremist group that has established a self-declared caliphate in the Middle East, after receiving a letter signed by 120 MPs, and supported by Prime Minister David Cameron, expressing concern that media use of the term legitimises the group. The letter calls on media outlets to adopt the name Daesh instead, a term used by media in other countries such as Turkey and France.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/29/bbc-to-review-use-of-islamic-state-after-mps-protest-against-term?CMP=ema_546 BBC to review use of "Islamic State" after MPs protest against term The Guardian 29 June 2015 30 June 2015 However, BBC Director-General Tony Hall subsequently rejects calls for the BBC to adopt the use of Daesh—an Arabic term meaning "one who sows discord"—since he feels it would not be impartial and create the impression of having support for the group's opponents. Instead he says the BBC will use terms such as "Islamic State group".Dominic Smith https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/02/bbc-rejects-mps-calls-to-refer-to-islamic-state-as-daesh?CMP=ema_546 BBC rejects MPs' calls to refer to Islamic State as Daesh The Guardian 2 July 2015 2 July 2015Eurosport and its parent channel Discovery are awarded the European broadcast rights for the Olympic Games beginning in 2018 following a €1.3 billion (£922 million) deal with the International Olympic Committee. The deal applies from 2022 in the UK, where 200 hours of Olympic coverage must be provided free-to-air.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33311902 Eurosport wins Olympic TV rights for Europe BBC News BBC 29 June 2015 30 June 2015 9 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150709153945/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33311902 live Ofcom rejects 300 viewer complaints about the outfits worn by Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon during the 2015 final of Britain's Got Talent. Viewers had complained that the dresses were too revealing for a programme aired before the 9.00 pm watershed, but Ofcom rules the clothing was appropriate, and there is no need for an investigation into the matter.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/29/britains-got-talent-amanda-holden-alesha-dixon-revealing-dresses-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 BGT cleared over Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon's revealing dresses The Guardian 29 June 2015 30 June 201530The BBC Trust provisionally approves plans to move BBC Three online from January 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33328907 BBC Three online move approved by BBC Trust BBC News BBC 30 June 2015 30 June 2015 3 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150703194321/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33328907 live At the same time the Trust also recommends rejecting plans for a BBC One timeshift channel because it "fails the public value test and should be rejected".Jeffery Morgan http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a655712/bbc-trust-recommends-that-bbc-one-1-proposal-be-rejected.html#~phcJ17dWdwApms BBC Trust recommends that BBC One +1 proposal be rejected Digital Spy 30 June 2015 1 July 2015 1 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150701101219/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a655712/bbc-trust-recommends-that-bbc-one-1-proposal-be-rejected.html#~phcJ17dWdwApms live The announcement of BBC Three's potential fate prompts Jimmy Mulville and Jon Thoday—who offered £100 million to save the channel—to urge John Whittingdale to review the decision and link it with negotiations for the Corporation's charter renewal. Mulville and Thoday also threaten to invoke a judicial review if BBC Three's closure is confirmed.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/03/bbc3-producers-call-on-culture-secretary-to-launch-review-into-closure?CMP=ema_546 BBC3: producers call on culture secretary to launch review into closure The Guardian 3 July 2015 6 July 2015 July Date Event1Ofcom introduces changes to the way phone-in competitions and votes on television and radio shows are advertised in an attempt to make them easier to understand.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32489287 Ofcom cracks down on hidden charges in TV phone ins BBC News BBC 27 April 2015 27 April 2015 29 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150429130351/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32489287 live BBC One airs England's semi-final Women's World Cup clash with Japan, which sees England exiting the contest. Overnight figures suggest it was watched by 1.7 million viewers.Rigby Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a656121/uk-tv-ratings-englands-world-cup-exit-seen-by-17m-on-bbc-one.html#~phjLN3CIPuSpa9 UK TV ratings: England's World Cup exit seen by 1.7m on BBC One Digital Spy 2 July 2015 2 July 20152The BBC announce 1,000 job cuts to make savings because of a shortfall of income brought in from the licence fee.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33363225 BBC to cut more than 1,000 jobs BBC News BBC 2 July 2015 2 July 20154BBC Three airs the third place play-off between England and Germany. Overnight figures suggest it was watched by 1.4 million viewers.Lee Ben http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a656567/uk-tv-ratings-womens-world-cup-draws-14-million-on-bbc-three.html#~phBwRr0yEQHDBL UK TV ratings: Women's World Cup draws 1.4 million on BBC Three Digital Spy 5 July 2015 5 July 20155A block of auditions for the next series of The X Factor that were scheduled to begin in Manchester are cancelled following the death of Simon Cowell's mother.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-33405289 X Factor auditions are cancelled after the death of Simon Cowell's mother BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 6 July 2015 6 July 2015 Auditions for Monday 6 July and Tuesday 7 July do not go ahead, but resume on Wednesday 8 July.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-33421622 X Factor auditions in Manchester to start on Wednesday BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 7 July 2015 7 July 2015The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final between the United States and Japan is aired on BBC Two.Delgado Kasia http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-07-03/bbc3-to-show-england-v-germany-womens-world-cup-play-off Women's World Cup: Where can I watch England v Germany? BBC3 Radio Times 3 July 2015 6 July 2015 The coverage is watched by an audience of 500,000.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33422820 Women's World Cup breaks TV records BBC News BBC 7 July 2015 7 July 20156BBC Three announces a season of programmes focusing on people with disabilities. The Defying the Label season begins on 20 July, and will feature fifteen programmes including drama, documentaries, current affairs programmes and a comedy panel game show.Rigby Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a656661/bbc-threes-defying-the-label-season-to-examine-life-with-disability.html#~phERe4z05BIlU7 BBC Three's Defying the Label season to examine life with disability Digital Spy 6 July 2015 6 July 2015Following reports that appeared in the previous day's Sunday newspapers, Culture Secretary John Whittingdale confirms that the BBC will fund free TV licences for people over the age of 75 from 2018, the cost having previously been covered by the Treasury. Plans to introduce a legal requirement for a licence in order to view the BBC iPlayer service will also be brought forward.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33414693 BBC to fund over-75s' TV licences BBC News BBC 6 July 2015 6 July 20157It is reported that former television presenter Michael Barrymore has launched legal proceedings against Essex Police over his arrest following the 2001 death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead in the swimming pool of Barrymore's house.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-33430373 Michael Barrymore sues Essex Police over damaged career BBC News BBC 7 July 2015 7 July 20158The Advertising Standards Authority clears an advertising campaign for L'Oréal moisturising cream that featured Helen Mirren following claims her appearance had been digitally altered.Dugald Baird https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/08/loreals-helen-mirren-ads-cleared-over-airbrushing-claim?CMP=ema_546 L'Oréal's Helen Mirren adverts cleared over airbrushing claim The Guardian 8 July 2015 8 July 2015Coronation Street residents learn of the death of Deirdre Barlow (played by Anne Kirkbride) in an episode that sees her friend Bev Unwin (Susie Blake) breaking the news of Deirdre's passing to her on screen husband Ken Barlow (William Roache). Deirdre was written out of the series following the death of Kirkbride earlier this year.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33439032 Deirdre Barlow "killed off" in Coronation Street BBC News BBC 8 July 2015 8 July 20159Nick Robinson is to step down from the role of BBC News's political editor in order to succeed James Naughtie as presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He will also report on news and current affairs for radio and television.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33466774 Nick Robinson leaves BBC political editor role BBC News BBC 9 July 2015 9 July 2015The BBC and ITV secure a joint deal to air the Six Nations Championship for five years from 2016, an agreement that retains the competition as a free-to-air event.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/33369443 BBC Sport Six Nations: BBC & ITV to share broadcast rights from 2016 BBC 9 July 2015 9 July 2015Ben Rumsby https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/sixnations/11728825/BBC-lose-rights-to-Englands-Six-Nations-home-games-for-six-years-to-ITV-as-a-result-of-sharing-deal.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/sixnations/11728825/BBC-lose-rights-to-Englands-Six-Nations-home-games-for-six-years-to-ITV-as-a-result-of-sharing-deal.html 12 January 2022 subscription live New Six Nations TV deal a body blow to BBC which loses rights to show two-thirds of England matches for six years The Daily Telegraph 9 July 2015 9 July 201512John Whittingdale announces the establishment of an eight-person advisory board to carry out a fundamental review of the BBC ahead of its charter renewal. Figures sitting on the board include Dawn Airey, the former Chief Executive of Channel 5, and former Ofcom chair Colette Bowe.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33496925 Expert panel set up for review of BBC BBC News BBC 12 July 2015 12 July 201513ITV airs two episodes of Coronation Street covering the funeral of Deirdre Barlow. Overnight figures suggest the episodes were watched by an average of 7.6 million viewers, peaking at 7.9 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33520188 Coronation Street: Millions say goodbye to Deirdre Barlow BBC News BBC 14 July 2015 19 July 201515A host of high-profile figures in the world of entertainment, including JK Rowling, Chris Evans and Daniel Craig, have written to David Cameron, The Daily Telegraph reports, warning him against major cuts to the BBC and expressing their concern that a diminished BBC would lead to a diminished Britain.Kevin Rawlinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/15/chris-evans-daniel-craig-david-cameron-bbc-jk-rowling?CMP=ema_546 JK Rowling, Chris Evans and other stars tell David Cameron: don't diminish BBC The Guardian 15 July 2015 19 July 201516The Government publishes its green paper on the future of the BBC. In the wake of its publication, Shadow Culture Secretary Chris Bryant calls for an investigation into whether sources at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport leaked details of the document's content to the media after several suggestions made in the green paper were reported in the press prior to its publication.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/17/bbc-green-paper-chris-bryant-calls-for-inquiry-into-possible-leaks-to-media BBC green paper: Chris Bryant calls for inquiry into possible leaks to media The Guardian 17 July 2015 19 July 2015Ofcom rejects BT's request for an investigation into the pay-TV market, but says its digital communications review will look at how easy Pay-TV customers are able to switch providers, as well as the effect the inclusion of sport in subscription packages has on competition.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/16/bts-plea-for-full-scale-investigation-into-pay-tv-market-rejected-by-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 BT's plea for full-scale investigation into pay-TV market rejected by Ofcom The Guardian 16 July 2015 19 July 2015Chloe Wilburn wins the sixteenth series of Big Brother.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-33562575 Only woman finalist, Chloe Wilburn from Doncaster, wins Big Brother BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 17 July 2015 19 July 2015http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/tv-news/172757/Massive-numbers-tune-in-to-Big-Brother-Final-on-TV3 Massive numbers tune in to Big Brother Final on TV3 TV3 Xposé TV3 17 July 2015 19 July 201520Rain during the first two days of the 2015 Open Championship requires the contest to be extended for an extra day, and BBC One to schedule an extra day of coverage at the eleventh hour.http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/bbc-defends-monday-open-coverage-687310.html BBC defends Monday Open coverage Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 20 July 2015 21 July 201521Ofcom reveals that it has received 48 complaints about an episode of EastEnders that featured an intimate scene between two gay characters at a funeral home. The episode, aired on 17 July, featured Ben Mitchell (played by Harry Reid) and Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) embracing semi-naked next to an open coffin.Paul Revoir https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/21/bbc-defends-eastenders-gay-scene-in-funeral-parlour-as-nearly-50-complain BBC defends EastEnders gay scene in funeral parlour as nearly 50 complain The Guardian 21 July 2015 21 July 2015The BBC announces The Hunt, a major new nature series exploring the relationship between predator and prey, which will be presented by David Attenborough.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33607834 Attenborough to narrate BBC series on predators and prey BBC News BBC 21 July 2015 21 July 201522The BBC Trust launches a public consultation about the Corporation's future.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33619848 BBC Trust launches public consultation on the future of the BBC – BBC News Bbc.co.uk 2015-07-28A report from GlobalWebIndex estimates that as many as 60 million viewers outside the UK are using proxy internet servers to access BBC iPlayer. Content on iPlayer is viewable to UK internet users only, but can be seen elsewhere by using a proxy server to mask the viewer's actual locationhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33620341 BBC iPlayer 'watched by more than 60m outside the UK for free' BBC News BBC 22 July 2015 28 July 2015Laura Kuenssberg is named the BBC's new Political Editor, replacing Nick Robinson.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33628087 BBC names Laura Kuenssberg as political editor BBC News BBC 22 July 2015 22 July 201524Kimberly Wyatt wins the 2015 series of Celebrity MasterChef.Doug Bolton https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/celebrity-masterchef-2015-pussycat-dolls-singer-kimberly-wyatt-crowned-winner-10415155.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/celebrity-masterchef-2015-pussycat-dolls-singer-kimberly-wyatt-crowned-winner-10415155.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Kimberly Wyatt beats Rylan Clark and Sam Nixon to win Celebrity Masterchef 2015 Independent Print Limited The Independent 24 July 2015 22 August 201528ITV have reported a 25% increase in pre-tax profits for the first half of 2015, despite a 4% decrease in viewing figures over the same period.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/28/itv-profits-up-25-despite-continuing-decline-in-ratings?CMP=ema_546 ITV profits up 25% despite continuing decline in ratings The Guardian 28 July 2015 22 August 2015Speaking to the Radio Times ahead of the launch of her new panel show, If Katie Hopkins Ruled the World, former The Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins says that she is in favour of introducing euthanasia vans because there are "far too many old people".https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/28/katie-hopkins-euthanasia-vans-old-people-sun?CMP=ema_546 Katie Hopkins proposes euthanasia vans as UK has "far too many old people" The Guardian 28 July 2015 22 August 2015Good Morning Britain presenters Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway are forced to apologise to viewers after guest Helen Mirren describes how it "pissed with rain non-stop" during a camping trip while being interviewed by the pair.https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2015/jul/28/helen-mirren-good-morning-britain Helen Mirren fails to mind her Ps and Qs on Good Morning Britain The Guardian 28 July 2015 22 August 201529Sky reports an annual profit of £11.3 billion for 2014–15, and have also reached 12 million customers in the UK and Ireland for the first time in the company's history.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/29/sky-profits-rise-customers-germany-italy?CMP=ema_546 Sky profits rise as it passes 12 million UK and Ireland customers The Guardian 29 July 2015 17 August 2015Meirion Jones, the former head of investigations at Newsnight claims that he and other journalists who tried to expose Jimmy Savile were forced out of the Corporation, an allegation rejected by the BBC.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/29/bbc-savile-expose-newsnight-meirion-jones?CMP=ema_546 BBC forced out team behind Savile exposé, says ex-Newsnight journalist The Guardian 29 July 2015 22 August 2015Ofcom has fined the Zee Network's Hindi language Lamhe Channel £25,000 over misleading advice given by a doctor on the programme Yoga for You about treating cancer and hernias.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/29/hindi-tv-channel-fined-cancer-cure-claims-yoga-show-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 Hindi TV channel fined £25,000 over cancer cure claims on yoga show The Guardian 29 July 2015 22 August 201530Amazon Prime announce a deal with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May that will see them present a Top Gear-style show for Amazon Instant Video. The programme will be produced by former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman, and begin airing in 2016.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/jul/30/top-gears-clarkson-hammond-and-may-to-make-new-show-for-amazon?CMP=ema_546 Top Gear's Clarkson, Hammond and May to make new show for Amazon The Guardian 30 July 2015 22 August 2015 The news comes as Chris Evans signs former Big Breakfast producer Lisa Clark as Top Gears executive producer, replacing Wilman for the relaunched version.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/30/top-gear-chris-evans-lisa-clark-bbc-jenson-button?CMP=ema_546 Top Gear's Chris Evans signs up former Big Breakfast producer The Guardian 30 July 2015 22 August 201531International telecommunications giant Liberty Global increases its stake in ITV from 6.4% to 9.9%, but says that it has no intention of taking over the commercial broadcaster.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jul/31/liberty-global-itv-stake-takeover-virgin-media?CMP=ema_546 Liberty Global increases ITV stake to 9.9% but denies takeover plan The Guardian 31 July 2015 22 August 2015 August Date Event1BBC One airs the 2015 FA Women's Cup Final, the first FA Women's Cup Final to be held at Wembley. The match sees Chelsea beat Notts County 1–0.Laura Fell http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Chelsea-win-Women-s-FA-Cup-Final-make-history/story-27530267-detail/story.html Chelsea win Women's FA Cup Final to make history at Wembley Local World Gloucestershire Echo 2 August 2015 14 May 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150821015039/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Chelsea-win-Women-s-FA-Cup-Final-make-history/story-27530267-detail/story.html 21 August 20152The death is announced of singer and television presenter Cilla Black, who is believed to have died from natural causes at her home in Spain.James Meikle https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/aug/02/cilla-black-tributes-liverpool-cinderella-pour-in?CMP=ema_546 Tributes to Cilla Black, 'Liverpool's Cinderella', pour in The Guardian 2 August 2015 22 August 2015 The following day ITV announce that it will air an updated version of its 2013 documentary The One and Only Cilla Black, as well as repeating the 2014 biopic Cilla that starred Sheridan Smith as Black. The documentary will air on 4 August, while Cilla will air over three consecutive nights beginning on 4 August.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/03/cilla-black-tribute-to-air-on-itv?CMP=ema_546 Cilla Black tribute to air on ITV The Guardian 3 August 2015 22 August 2015BT Sport apologises after some viewers were unable to access its coverage of the 2015 FA Community Shield via online streaming or through its sports app because of high demand.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/02/bt-sport-community-shield-online-app-community-shield?CMP=ema_546 BT Sport red-faced after problems hit Community Shield online and app The Guardian 2 August 2015 22 August 20154An autopsy has determined that Cilla Black died from a stroke during a fall at her Spanish home, her family confirms.Ashifa Kassam Jessica Elgot https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/aug/04/cilla-black-died-of-a-stroke-after-falling-at-spanish-villa-sons-confirm Cilla Black died of a stroke after falling at Spanish villa, sons confirm The Guardian 4 August 2015 22 August 2015 A subsequent inquest held in her home town of Liverpool on 14 August records a verdict of accidental death.https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/aug/14/cilla-black-head-injury-accidental-death-inquest Cilla Black died from head injury after fall, inquest finds The Guardian 14 August 2015 22 August 2015The BBC announces that its Saturday night game show, Prized Apart, has been axed after one series because of disappointing ratings.Dugald Baird https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/04/bbc-emma-willis-prized-apart-axed BBC's Emma Willis gameshow Prized Apart axed after one series The Guardian 4 August 2015 22 August 20155Sky announces that it will air Alex Gibney's documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief on Sky Atlantic at 9:00pm on 21 September. Previous plans to show the film, which alleges abusive practices at the Church of Scientology's US headquarters, were shelved by Sky amid legal concerns as the film will be viewable in Northern Ireland, which is not subject to the Defamation Act 2013.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/05/scientology-documentary-clear-sky-uk-us-hbo?CMP=ema_546 Scientology documentary Going Clear gets go-ahead to air on Sky in UK The Guardian 5 August 2015 22 August 2015The BBC is forced to deny claims made in a Daily Mail article that its creative director, Alan Yentob, attempted to influence a Newsnight report into the troubled children's charity Kids Company, of which he is chairman, hours before it was broadcast.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/05/bbc-denies-alan-yentob-influenced-newsnight-kids-company-report?CMP=ema_546 BBC denies Alan Yentob influenced Newsnight's Kids Company report The Guardian 5 August 2015 22 August 2015Sky Sports confirms it has signed a three-year deal with Spain's La Liga to retain the rights to show matches from the Spanish league.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/05/sky-sports-la-liga-three-seasons-bt?CMP=ema_546 Sky Sports to continue showing La Liga for another three seasons The Guardian 5 August 2015 22 August 2015Rachel Corp, the current head of home news at ITV is appointed editor of ITV News London, replacing Alex Chandler.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/05/itv-news-appoints-rachel-corp-as-london-editor?CMP=ema_546 ITV News appoints Rachel Corp as London editor The Guardian 5 August 2015 22 August 2015Reece Shearsmith and Rufus Hound are among those to be making guest appearances in the ninth series of Doctor Who, which returns on Saturday 19 September.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/05/league-of-gentlemen-reece-shearsmith-doctor-who?CMP=ema_546 League of Gentlemen's Reece Shearsmith to appear in Doctor Who The Guardian 5 August 2015 22 August 20156Ofcom launches an investigation into complaints that Sky has been ignoring requests from its customers who wish to cancel their contracts.Damien Gayle https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/06/ofcom-investigates-sky-complaints-ignored-cancellation-requests?CMP=ema_546 Ofcom investigates Sky over complaints of ignored cancellation requests The Guardian 6 August 2015 22 August 2015The BBC announces plans for a docudrama about the death of Mark Duggan that will seek to challenge the media portrayal of him as a gangster.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/06/bbc-to-make-drama-documentary-about-the-mark-duggan-shooting?CMP=ema_546 BBC to make drama documentary about the Mark Duggan shooting The Guardian 6 August 2015 22 August 2015The BBC's Songs of Praise is to feature a segment recorded in a migrant camp in Calais, it is reported.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/07/songs-of-praise-to-be-broadcast-from-calais-migrant-camp?CMP=ema_546 Songs of Praise to feature makeshift church in Calais migrant camp The Guardian 7 August 2015 22 August 2015Alan Yentob is interviewed by Channel 4 Newss Matt Frei, where he is questioned about financial mismanagement at Kids Company and whether he attempted to influence a Newsnight report about the charity. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing, and later apologises for becoming emotional.Sandra Laville https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/07/pressure-alan-yentob-kids-company-loses-cool-on-channel-4-news?CMP=ema_546 Pressure on Alan Yentob over Kids Company shows as he loses cool on TV The Guardian 7 August 2015 22 August 2015 7The compilation album The Very Best of Cilla Black reaches No. 14 in the UK Albums Chart following her recent death, giving the singer and television presenter her highest album chart position since 1968.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/07/cilla-black-album-lands-in-uk-top-20?CMP=ema_546 Cilla Black album lands in UK top 20 The Guardian 7 August 2015 22 August 2015 The BBC announces it has commissioned The Living and the Dead, a six-part supernatural drama set in the Victorian era West Country and starring Colin Morgan and Charlotte Spencer.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/07/poldark-producer-bbc-supernatural-drama-the-living-and-the-dead?CMP=ema_546 Poldark producer returns to West Country for BBC supernatural drama The Guardian 7 August 2015 22 August 201511The BBC announces it has commissioned a new motoring game show, The Getaway Car, presented by Dermot O'Leary and featuring Top Gears The Stig.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/11/top-gear-stig-bbc-dermot-oleary-the-getaway-car?CMP=ema_546 Top Gear's The Stig to drive in BBC gameshow fronted by Dermot O'Leary The Guardian 11 August 2015 22 August 2015ITV announces it has axed the afternoon chat show Mel and Sue after one series because of poor ratings.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/11/great-british-bake-off-itv-chatshow-mel-and-sue?CMP=ema_546 Great British Bake Off duo Mel and Sue's ITV chatshow axed The Guardian 11 August 2015 22 August 2015ITV announces that it has bought a share in the YouTube venture Channel Mum.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/11/itv-buys-share-of-youtube-network-channel-mum?CMP=ema_546 ITV buys share of YouTube network Channel Mum The Guardian 11 August 2015 22 August 201512Comedy Central UK have signed a new deal with Warner Bros TV to continue showing repeats of Friends until 2019. To celebrate the announcement, Comedy Central announces a week-long "FriendsFest" to be staged in London's Brick Lane.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/12/friends-repeats-comedy-central-uk?CMP=ema_546 Friends repeats to stay on Comedy Central in UK after new deal The Guardian 12 August 2015 22 August 2015Senior Church of England figures defend the BBC's decision to record an episode of Songs of Praise in a Calais migrant camp after the Daily Express and The Sun carried articles criticising it as a waste of licence fee payers' money.Jessica Elgot https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/12/church-england-defends-songs-of-praise-filmed-calais-migrant-camp?CMP=ema_546 Church of England defends Songs of Praise filmed in Calais migrant camp The Guardian 12 August 2015 22 August 201513Channel 4 announces that it has taken a minority stake in Whisper Films, a sports production company owned by Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/13/channel-4-jake-humphrey-david-coulthard-whisper-films Channel 4 buys stake in Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard firm The Guardian 13 August 2015 9 October 201514Singers Paloma Faith and Boy George will join the coaching panel on the fifth series of The Voice UK, replacing Rita Ora and Tom Jones. The announcement comes a day after Jones claimed he had been axed from the series without consultation.Alasdair Glennie https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/14/tom-jones-losing-spot-the-voice-boy-george?CMP=ema_546 Tom Jones heads for green, green grass of home after losing spot on The Voice The Guardian 14 August 2015 22 August 201517Ofcom rules that Britain's Got Talent misled viewers after a second dog was used in the act that won the series 2015 final. ITV have offered to refund viewers who voted for the act, or to donate the cost of any calls to charity.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33957710 BGT misled viewers over winning dog act, Ofcom rules BBC News BBC 17 August 2015 22 August 2015 However, the regulator clears EastEnders of breaching its regulations over a scene involving an embrace between two semi-naked gay characters in a funeral parlour.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/17/eastenders-funeral-parlour-gay-embrace-cleared-by-tv-watchdog?CMP=ema_546 EastEnders funeral parlour gay embrace cleared by TV watchdog The Guardian 17 August 2015 22 August 2015 Ofcom also announces that it will launch an investigation into an edition of Ian King Live aired by Sky News on 30 July after presenter Ian King was heard to use the word "The F Word" when his microphone lead fell out during an interview.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/17/ian-kings-f-word-incident-on-sky-news-to-be-investigated-by-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 Ian King's F-word incident on Sky News to be investigated by Ofcom The Guardian 17 August 2015 22 August 201518Ofcom rules that BBC World News and CNN International broke UK broadcasting rules regarding sponsorship and funded content after airing programmes funded by foreign governments, charities and other organisations. Viewers were unaware of the origin of the content that was broadcast between 2008 and 2011.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33971919 News channels broke sponsorship rules, Ofcom says BBC News BBC 18 August 2015 22 August 201519The Royal Television Society (RTS) announces the launch of an Awards for Northern Ireland, with the first ceremony due to be held to coincide with the Belfast Media Festival, which takes place annually in November.http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/08/19/RTS-launches-Programme-Awards-for-Northern-Ireland-43283 RTS launches Programme Awards for Northern Ireland UTV UTV 19 August 2015 7 September 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151014081620/http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/2015/08/19/RTS-launches-Programme-Awards-for-Northern-Ireland-43283 14 October 2015 20The funeral of Cilla Black takes place at St Mary's Church, Woolton in Liverpool.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33991635 Cilla Black funeral: Fans and stars say farewell in Liverpool BBC News BBC 20 August 2015 22 August 2015Mark Lawson https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/aug/20/ta-ra-cilla-black-liverpool-on-tv-funeral Ta-ra to Cilla Black: it had to be in Liverpool, it had to be on TV The Guardian 20 August 2015 22 August 2015 The following day her Very Best of compilation reaches number one in the UK Albums Chart, becoming the first album by the singer to top the charts.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34014756 Cilla lands number one album day after funeral BBC News BBC 21 August 2015 22 August 201523The Met Office confirms it has lost the contract to provide weather forecasts for the BBC. A new forecaster will be announced later in 2015 and take over in 2016, although the on air presenting team is not expected to change, and Met Office severe weather warnings will continue to be used by BBC Weather.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34031785 Met Office loses BBC weather forecasting contract BBC News BBC 23 August 2015 23 August 2015Reports in the Belfast Telegraph and other Irish newspapers suggest that the UK-based ITV plc will make a takeover bid for Northern Ireland-based UTV Media.Roy Greenslade https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/aug/23/itv-to-acquire-northern-irelands-channel-utv-say-reports ITV to acquire Northern Ireland's channel, UTV, say reports The Guardian 23 August 2015 7 September 2015 UTV confirms the following day that it is in "ongoing" talks with ITV to sell the television arm of its business.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/aug/24/utv-shares-itv-talksport UTV shares rise as it confirms ITV talks The Guardian 24 August 2015 7 September 201527BBC One is named channel of the year at the Edinburgh Television Festival annual awards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34083812 BBC One wins channel of the year at Edinburgh TV awards BBC News BBC 28 August 2015 29 August 2015Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appears at the Edinburgh International Television Festival and calls for a greatly enhanced BBC presence in Scotland, including the creation of a BBC Scotland TV channel, as well as a second English language radio station alongside BBC Radio Scotland.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-34070202 Nicola Sturgeon calls for greatly enhanced BBC Scotland BBC News BBC 27 August 2015 27 September 2015 Writer and satirist Armando Iannucci delivers the Festival's annual MacTaggart Lecture and delivers a passionate defence of the BBC.https://news.sky.com/story/armando-iannucci-delivers-mactaggart-lecture-10348277 Armando Iannucci Delivers MacTaggart Lecture Sky News 28 August 2015 28 June 202428American glamour model Tila Tequila is ejected from the sixteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother on the series' second day of transmission after pictures emerged of her posing in front of Auschwitz concentration camp dressed in a Nazi uniform.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34093252 Tila Tequila thrown out of Celebrity Big Brother BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 29 August 2015 29 August 2015 September Date Event2BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull confirms his intention to leave the programme after fifteen years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34126389 Bill Turnbull is to leave BBC Breakfast BBC News BBC 2 September 2015 27 September 2015ITV issues an apology after viewers complained about a poll conducted by the daytime chat show Loose Women asking whether rape was ever a woman's fault.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34126393 ITV apologises over Loose Women rape poll BBC News BBC 2 September 2015 27 September 2015Tracey, the often seen but silent Queen Vic barmaid played by Jane Slaughter, is to finally have a speaking role in a major EastEnders storyline later this month, it is revealed. Tracey will be heard on screen when she is contacted by her friend, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), who was believed to have been killed in a car crash in 2006.Hogan Michael http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a666480/10-fast-facts-about-eastenders-legendary-silent-barmaid-tracey.html#~pnw1TrIJHuBvww 10 fast facts about EastEnders' legendary silent barmaid Tracey Digital Spy 2 September 2015 27 September 20153Sky 1 announces it has commissioned Bring the Noise, a music themed panel game show in a similar vein to the now defunct BBC Two series Never Mind the Buzzcocks. The programme will be presented by Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs, with Nicole Scherzinger and Tinie Tempah as team captains.Goodacre Kate http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a666692/is-this-the-new-buzzcocks-ricky-wilson-to-host-bring-the-noise-sky-1s-new-music-panel-show.html#~pnvZPQpFOS1P8u Is this the new Buzzcocks? Ricky Wilson to host Bring the Noise, Sky 1's new music panel show Digital Spy 3 September 2015 27 September 20155As Strictly Come Dancing returns for its thirteenth series, Eggheads panellist CJ de Mooi claims he was rejected from becoming a contestant in the programme after asking for a same-sex dance partner.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34163458 Gay star claims Strictly rejected him because he wanted same-sex partner BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 5 September 2015 2015-09-276Neil Hunt, the chief product officer with Netflix tells the Digital Spy website that the streaming service rejected the idea of signing up the former presenters of Top Gear because "it wasn't worth the money".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34167864 Netflix: Top Gear trio "not worth the money" BBC News BBC 6 September 2015 27 September 20157BBC Director-General Tony Hall sets out the coming decade's plans for the Corporation that include collaborating with its commercial rivals, allowing rival broadcasters to take advantage of iPlayer, and new services for Russia and North Korea. However, he stresses that the strategy is not "expansionist".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/07/open-bbc-tony-hall-iplayer-russia-north-korea Open BBC will display "excellence without arrogance", says Tony Hall The Guardian 7 September 2015 27 September 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34168310 BBC pledges to become "open platform" for creativity BBC News BBC 7 September 2015 27 September 2015Police have charged businessman Doug Richard, one of the original Dragons' Den panellists, with three counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.Boyle Danny Doug Richard: Ex-Dragon's Den star and Government adviser charged with child sex attacks https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11848774/Dragons-Den-star-Doug-Richard-charged-with-child-sex-attacks.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11848774/Dragons-Den-star-Doug-Richard-charged-with-child-sex-attacks.html 12 January 2022 subscription live The Daily Telegraph 7 September 2015 7 September 2015https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-34177048 Ex-Dragons' Den star Doug Richard charged with child sex offences BBC News BBC 7 September 2015 27 September 2015 He is convicted of the charges in January 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35437118 Ex-Dragons' Den star convicted of child sex offences BBC News BBC 29 January 2016 29 January 2016Maxine Peake will play Rebekah Brooks in a new Comic Strip film that re-imagines the News International phone hacking scandal as a 1970s Watergate-style controversy. Provisionally titled The Comic Strip Presents ... The Red Top!, the 75-minute film will be aired on Gold.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/07/maxine-peake-russell-tovey-comic-phone-hacking-red-top Maxine Peake and Russell Tovey to star in Comic Strip's phone-hacking comedy The Guardian 7 September 2015 27 September 2015The Countryside Alliance have called on the BBC to sack presenter Chris Packham after he criticised leading conservation groups for sitting on the fence over fox hunting, badger culling and the plight of hen harriers in a recent article published by BBC Wildlife magazine.John Vidal https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/07/countryside-alliance-bbc-sack-chris-packham?CMP=ema_546 Countryside Alliance urges BBC to sack Chris Packham in conservation row The Guardian 7 September 2015 27 September 20159The CBBC Channel airs a 60-minute programme celebrating thirty years of The Broom Cupboard, the studio from which CBBC continuity programming was broadcast. The programme features past CBBC presenters, including Andi Peters, Phillip Schofield, Zoë Ball and Edd the Duck.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34196932 CBBC presenters past and present celebrate 30th anniversary BBC News BBC 9 September 2015 27 September 201510Sky and BT have secured a three-year extension to their deal with the Scottish Premier League, enabling them to show at least thirty games per season from Scotland until 2020.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/10/sky-and-bt-extend-scottish-premier-league-deal-until-2020?CMP=ema_546 Sky and BT extend Scottish Premier League deal until 2020 The Guardian 10 September 2015 27 September 2015The BBC announces that Anne Robinson will step down as presenter of Watchdog after fifteen years to present a new factual series for BBC One.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/10/anne-robinson-to-leave-bbc-watchdog?CMP=ema_546 Anne Robinson to leave BBC's Watchdog after 15 years The Guardian 10 September 2015 27 September 201512As part of its Saturday night schedule ITV airs United 93, a film about events aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on 11 September 2001, which is followed by the game show Jackpot247. Presenter Emma Lee introduces the programme as follows: "Thank you so much for coming in for an emergency landing with us tonight. Brace yourselves, it's going to be good. Hope you enjoyed the movie there on ITV. Now though, it is time for you to sit tight and enjoy our games." Her comments provoke an immediate negative reaction on social media, with people commenting that they were in poor taste given the nature of the preceding film. Lee issues an on-air apology after being made aware of the situation, and claims she had not known of the film's content. Jackpot247 subsequently launches an investigation into the matter.Laura Proto https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/itv-presenter-being-investigated-after-insensitive-911-joke-a2948001.html ITV presenter being investigated after "insensitive" 9/11 joke London Evening Standard 15 September 2015 27 September 2015Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/15/itv-apologises-after-gaming-show-presenter-makes-joke-about-911-drama?CMP=ema_546 ITV gaming show apologises as presenter makes joke after 9/11 drama The Guardian 15 September 2015 27 September 201514Ofcom has launched an investigation into Fighting Terror with Torture, an edition of BBC One's Panorama aired on 3 August that showed graphic reconstructions of CIA interrogation methods that have been condemned as torture. They included scenes of a reporter locked inside a blackout box, walling and waterboarding.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/14/panorama-featuring-graphic-torture-reconstructions-to-be-investigated?CMP=ema_546 Panorama featuring graphic torture reconstructions to be investigated The Guardian 14 September 2015 27 September 2015Michael Dugher is appointed as Shadow Culture Secretary, replacing Chris Bryant.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/14/michael-dugher-replaces-chris-bryant-as-shadow-culture-secretary Michael Dugher replaces Chris Bryant as shadow culture secretary The Guardian 12 September 2015 27 September 201515BBC Director-General Tony Hall tells the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that there are no plans to close CBBC or CBeebies.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34258873 CBeebies and CBBC to stay, says Tony Hall BBC News BBC 15 September 2015 27 September 2015Speaking to the Radio Times, comedian Graham Norton criticises The X Factor for having "lost its credibility".https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/15/the-x-factor-has-lost-its-credibility-says-graham-norton?CMP=ema_546 The X Factor has "lost its credibility", says Graham Norton The Guardian 15 September 2015 27 September 201516The Daily Mirror reports that Jenna Coleman will leave her Doctor Who role as Clara Oswald in the upcoming series, and is lined up for a major role as Queen Victoria in an ITV drama about the monarch.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34266847 Jenna Coleman "leaving" Doctor Who – BBC News Bbc.co.uk 2015-09-27 Two days later Coleman confirms that she has filmed her final scenes for Doctor Who, telling BBC Radio 1 "I have left the Tardis – it's happened".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34288721 Jenna Coleman quits Doctor Who to play Queen Victoria BBC News BBC 18 September 2015 27 September 2015Tim Wonnacott's future as a presenter of BBC One's Bargain Hunt is unclear following reports of a "bust up" with producers. While the BBC has confirmed that stand-in presenters will be used to record the remainder of the current series of Bargain Hunt they have not commented on the situation with Wonnacott.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34267821 Tim Wonnacott: Bargain Hunt future unclear after reported "bust-up" BBC News BBC 16 September 2015 27 September 2015 Wonnacott announces on 25 November that he is stepping down from the role as Bargain Hunt presenter after twelve years.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34923440 Tim Wonnacott steps down from Bargain Hunt BBC News BBC 25 November 2015 29 November 2015In a speech addressing the issue of competition between the BBC and its commercial rivals, Culture Secretary John Whittingdale suggests that BBC One could be forced to move its Ten O'Clock News bulletin to prevent a clash with ITV's News at Ten. Whittingdale also criticises BBC One for failing to include enough distinctive programming in its schedule.Jane Martinson John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/16/bbc-could-be-forced-to-change-time-of-10pm-news-programme?CMP=ema_546 BBC could be forced to change time of 10pm news programme The Guardian 16 September 2015 27 September 2015 The following week it is reported that the BBC is considering extending the 10:00pm bulletin by ten minutes as part of a shake-up of the BBC One evening schedule.John Plunkett Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/23/bbc-news-at-ten-may-be-given-longer-slot?CMP=ema_546 BBC News at Ten may be given longer slot The Guardian 23 September 2015 27 September 2015 17During an appearance on BBC One's Question Time newly appointed Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell apologises for a 2003 speech in which he called for members of the IRA to be honoured for the bombings that brought the British government "to the negotiating table" during the peace process, and for a joke he made in 2010 about wishing he could go back in time to assassinate Margaret Thatcher.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/18/john-mcdonnell-apologises-for-ira-comment-labour John McDonnell apologises "from the bottom of my heart" for IRA comment The Guardian 18 September 2015 19 September 2015Brendan Cole wins the first series of Flockstars with sheepdog partner Hoggy.Shennan Paddy http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-opinion/nation-grieves-flockstars-over-10086561 A nation grieves – Flockstars is all over Trinity Mirror Liverpool Echo 18 September 2015 6 January 201618Jeremy Clarkson is confirmed as a guest presenter for Have I Got News for You when the series returns on 2 October.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34294275 Jeremy Clarkson to make BBC return hosting Have I Got News For You BBC News BBC 18 September 2015 27 September 2015 The episode, which sees Clarkson's first BBC appearance since he was sacked from Top Gear earlier in the year, attracts an audience of 4.46 million viewers (a 20.8% share).https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/02/jeremy-clarkson-bbc-have-i-got-news-for-you-top-gear Jeremy Clarkson made butt of jokes on BBC's Have I Got News For You The Guardian 2 October 2015 3 October 2015Hegarty Tasha http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a671799/uk-tv-ratings-jeremy-clarksons-have-i-got-news-for-you-appearance-pulls-in-446-million.html#~pq4f9ywCNhNz2A UK TV ratings: Jeremy Clarkson's Have I Got News for You appearance pulls in 4.46 million Digital Spy 3 October 2015 3 October 2015The BBC announce plans to launch a subscription based video streaming service in the United States.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-34289852 BBC planning Netflix-style service for US BBC News BBC 18 September 2015 27 September 2015ITV begins airing coverage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.Rogers Gareth http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rugby-world-cup-2015-what-10088717 Rugby World Cup 2015: What annoyed fans more? The ITV coverage or the constant TMO referrals? Trinity Mirror The Western Mail 18 September 2015 27 September 2015 The opening match between England and Fiji is watched by an average audience of 7.8 million, making the game the most watched sporting event of 2015 at the time of its transmission.Owen Gibson https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/19/england-fiji-rugby-world-cup-tv-ratings?CMP=ema_546 England v Fiji Rugby World Cup opener tops sport's TV ratings for 2015 The Guardian 19 September 2015 27 September 2015A special edition of Deal or No Deal to celebrate the game show's tenth anniversary sees presenter Noel Edmonds play the game for the first time; he raises £26,000 for Children's Hospice.Fletcher Harry http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a669364/noel-edmonds-turns-contestant-on-deal-or-no-deal-and-wins-gbp26000-for-charity.html#~preh0ZthxFg68O Noel Edmonds turns contestant on Deal or No Deal and wins £26,000 for charity Digital Spy 18 September 2015 15 October 2015UTV launches a new version of its UTV Player, allowing viewers to stream live content for the first time.http://www.u.tv/Press/2015/09/18/UTV-launches-free-live-streaming-ahead-of-the-Rugby-World-Cup-45238 UTV launches free live streaming ahead of the Rugby World Cup UTV UTV 18 September 2015 4 November 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081600/http://www.u.tv/Press/2015/09/18/UTV-launches-free-live-streaming-ahead-of-the-Rugby-World-Cup-45238 4 March 2016 19The Magician's Apprentice, the opening episode of the ninth series of Doctor Who, airs on BBC One. Overnight figures suggest it was watched by an average of 4.6 million viewers (a 22% audience share), a figure 2 million fewer than the opening episode of the eighth series in 2014.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/21/doctor-who-ratings-for-bbc Doctor Who exterminated by X Factor in 10-year low for season opener The Guardian 21 September 2015 27 September 201521Ofcom finds Fox News in breach of its regulations over comments made by presenter Steve Emerson in January, when he claimed that Birmingham was a "no go zone" for non-Muslims.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34317107 Fox News in Ofcom breach for Birmingham "Muslim only" claim BBC News BBC 21 September 2015 27 September 2015A caller to Channel 5's The Wright Stuff is reprimanded for his choice of language and taken off air after making reference to Piggate, a scandal involving allegations about Prime Minister David Cameron, during a debate about the possibility of Labour MPs unhappy with the election of Jeremy Corbyn as the party's new leader defecting to the Liberal Democrats.Christopher Hooton https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/a-caller-just-brought-up-piggate-on-the-wright-stuff-10510800.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/a-caller-just-brought-up-piggate-on-the-wright-stuff-10510800.html 1 May 2022 subscription live A caller just brought up #piggate on The Wright Stuff Independent Print Limited The Independent 21 September 2015 5 November 201522This date marks the 60th anniversary of the launch of ITV.http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/itv-60-celebrating-anniversary-britains-longest-running-commercial-tv-channel-photos-1520710 ITV at 60: Celebrating the anniversary of Britain's longest-running commercial TV channel International Business Times 22 September 2015 27 September 2015An edition of Big Brother's Bit on the Side is taken off air ten minutes ahead of schedule after a fight between two of the guests. Former housemate Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace is seen to apparently throw champagne at current series contestant Farrah Abraham.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34334560 Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side taken off air after row between guests BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 23 September 2015 27 September 2015 The incident subsequently becomes the subject of a police investigation following reports that actress Vicki Michelle was injured during the fracas.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/23/police-investigate-celebrity-big-brother-spin-off-show-brawl Police investigate Celebrity Big Brother spin-off show brawl The Guardian 23 September 2015 27 September 2015 Abraham, and fellow contestant Janice Dickinson, are later cautioned by police for involvement in the incident in which Michelle was hurt.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34378386 Farrah Abraham and Janice Dickinson cautioned over CBB row BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 28 September 2015 28 September 201523ITV airs an hour-long live episode of Coronation Street as part of the channel's 60th anniversary celebrations. Viewers are also given the chance to view the episode as it would be seen by the film crew with a special online stream from cameras positioned around the set.http://www.irishexaminer.com/examviral/celeb-life/coronation-street-fans-are-about-to-get-a-crew-view-during-the-live-episode-of-the-soap-355104.html Coronation Street fans are about to get a crew view during the live episode of the soap Landmark Media Investments The Irish Examiner 21 September 2015 27 September 201524The government is forced to reaffirm its position that no decision has been made on the future of Channel 4 after a senior official was photographed in possession of a document that sets out plans for the privatisation of the publicly funded commercial broadcaster.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/24/government-considering-channel-4-privatisation-document-slip-up-reveals?CMP=ema_546 Government may privatise Channel 4, document reveals The Guardian 24 September 2015 27 September 2015James Hill wins the sixteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother.Fletcher Harry http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s150/celebrity-big-brother/news/a670346/james-hill-is-named-the-winner-of-celebrity-big-brother-as-austin-armacost-is-runner-up.html#~ppjUA7MXWfV2Qt James Hill is named the winner of Celebrity Big Brother, as Austin Armacost is runner-up Digital Spy 24 September 2015 27 September 201526England's first round Rugby World Cup match against Wales, which sees England dramatically beaten by their Home Nations rival, draws a peak audience of 11.6 million, a 49% audience share, and the largest viewership for a rugby match aired by ITV since the 2007 Final. On average the game was seen by 8.3 million (a 38% audience share).Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/28/england-v-wales-rugby-world-cup-tv-audience-ratings?CMP=ema_546 England v Wales draws biggest TV rugby audience in eight years The Guardian 28 September 2015 29 September 201528Lord Burns will step down as chairman of Channel 4 on 27 January 2016, it is announced. Ofcom had recommended he remain in the post for another year while the government decides the broadcaster's future, and his departure has fuelled speculation that Channel 4 will be privatised since it was an option not favoured by him.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/28/channel-4-chairman-to-step-down-ministers-reject-offer-to-stay-on-terry-burns?CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 chairman to step down as ministers consider privatisation plans The Guardian 28 September 2015 29 September 2015Ofcom takes the unusual step of launching an investigation into a programme that received no viewer complaints. The matter concerns an edition of Channel 4's Dispatches that aired on 23 February 2015 and concerned a "cash for access" sting involving former Foreign Secretaries Jack Straw and Malcolm Rifkind, both of whom were cleared of wrongdoing following an Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority investigation.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/28/channel-4-dispatches-rifkind-and-straw-sting-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 Channel 4's Dispatches to be investigated over Rifkind and Straw sting The Guardian 28 September 2015 29 September 201529Speaking to the Radio Times, BBC One controller Charlotte Moore says she would not rule out the idea of a female taking the lead role in Doctor Who.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/29/doctor-who-lead-role-could-be-taken-by-woman-says-bbc1-chief?CMP=ema_546 Doctor Who lead role could be taken by woman, says BBC1 chief The Guardian 29 September 2015 29 September 2015At 9:00pm, Channel 4 revamps its presentation for a fifth time. The refreshed look ditches the '4' logo, with it now only seen in print advertising and on the DOG on the HD channel.https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-refreshes-iconic-main-channel-brand Channel 4 Channel 4 refreshes iconic main channel brand 10 November 2023 30 September 201530The BBC announces that it is to relinquish its live coverage of the Open Championship a year earlier than planned. From 2016 Sky will carry live footage of the competition while the BBC will air highlights. The BBC's radio and online coverage will continue to be live, however.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/34399912 BBC Sport The Open: BBC to end live television coverage one year early BBC 30 September 2015 30 September 2015The BBC announces its "biggest song search ever" to find the UK's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. The final decision will be taken by a professional panel and, for the first time since 2010, the public.https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/uk-esc-entry BBC unveils biggest song search ever for UK entry for Eurovision 2016 BBC Media Centre BBC 30 September 2015 20 September 2015 October Date Event1Launch of YourTV on Freeview and YouView, Fox UK's first free-to-air channel and which is targeted at women.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/03/fox-uk-to-launch-free-to-air-channel-yourtv?CMP=ema_546 Fox UK to launch free-to-air channel YourTV The Guardian 3 September 2015 27 September 2015Morning Has Broken, a comedy by Julia Davis and starring David Schwimmer as a US radio presenter brought in to revitalise a failing breakfast show is among programmes commissioned by Channel 4 for 2016, the broadcaster has announced.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/01/ex-friends-actor-david-schwimmer-lands-channel-4-sitcom-spot?CMP=ema_546 Ex-Friends actor David Schwimmer lands Channel 4 sitcom spot The Guardian 1 October 2015 1 October 2015Speaking at Big Think 2015, an event held in London by TV marketing body Thinkbox, comedian Lenny Henry says that television has taken "baby steps" towards improving the representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic people, but questioned whether the policy of having quotas of different groups of people was the right way forward.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/30/lenny-henry-tv-industry-diversity?CMP=ema_546 Lenny Henry: TV industry has taken "baby steps" on diversity The Guardian 1 October 2015 1 October 2015Author Patrick Ness will make his screenwriting debut with Class, a Doctor Who spin-off aimed at teenagers, which will air on BBC Three in 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34415344 Doctor Who spin-off for teens announced BBC News BBC 1 October 2015 1 October 20152Supermarket retailer Waitrose launches its The Warmest Season advertising campaign featuring a remastered version of A Rather Blustery Day, the signature tune from Disney's 1968 film Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/01/waitrose-winnie-the-autumn-tv-ad?CMP=ema_546 Waitrose chooses Winnie the Pooh song for autumn TV ad The Guardian 1 October 2015 1 October 20153In their third Rugby World Cup qualifier, England are defeated 33–13 by Australia. The match, aired by ITV, is seen by an average of 8 million viewers (a 36.8% share of the audience), peaking at 11 million (48.8%).Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/05/england-rugby-world-cup-defeat-pulls-in-more-than-10m-viewers?CMP=ema_546 England Rugby World Cup defeat pulls in more than 10m viewers The Guardian 5 October 2015 6 October 20154The BBC admits that a volcanic eruption shown on the first episode of BBC Two's Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise was actually footage from two different volcanoes taken four years apart.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34437703 BBC "should have told" viewers of doctored volcano video BBC News BBC 4 October 2015 4 October 2015Following several days of speculation, it is reported that the BBC economics editor Robert Peston is to move to ITV to become their political editor. He will also present a Sunday morning political programme to rival The Andrew Marr Show.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/04/robert-peston-leave-bbc-itv-political-editor?CMP=ema_546 Robert Peston to leave BBC for ITV The Guardian 4 October 2015 6 October 2015 Peston's move to ITV is confirmed by Peston himself three days later; his Sunday morning show will be titled Peston on Sunday.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34442595 Robert Peston leaves BBC for ITV role BBC News BBC 7 October 2015 7 October 20156BBC One airs a long-awaited Panorama investigation into allegations of the existence of a Westminster-based paedophile ring. The programme attracts criticism from the Metropolitan Police, which say it could jeopardise their investigation into the allegations.Josh Halliday https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/oct/06/sex-abuse-claim-against-leon-brittan-began-as-joke-bbc-report?CMP=ema_546 Panorama report: sex abuse claim against Leon Brittan "began as joke" The Guardian 6 October 2015 7 October 2015The Advertising Standards Authority bans a television commercial for a Clairol hair colouring product featuring Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks because of its "exaggerated capability of the product".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/07/tv-ad-clairol-hair-dye-banned-misleading?CMP=ema_546 TV ad for Clairol hair dye banned for being misleading The Guardian 7 October 2015 7 October 20157Nadiya Hussain wins the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off.Esther Addley https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/oct/07/great-british-bake-off-sweet-victory-for-peoples-favourite-nadiya-hussain?CMP=ema_546 Great British Bake Off: sweet victory for people's favourite Nadiya Hussain The Guardian 7 October 2015 8 October 2015Channel 5's The Wright Stuff becomes the victim of a Twitter hoax after a fake account invites viewers to phone in to a discussion on the show that poses the question "Are people that take selfies more likely to join ISIS?"Louise Ridley http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/10/07/the-wright-stuff-hoax-fake-twitter-isis-selfies_n_8255796.html World Falls For Blatant "The Wright Stuff" Hoax Asking For Calls About ISIS The Huffington Post 7 October 2015 5 November 20158Channel 4 announces an investment in Spelthorn Community Television, a new TV production company to be launched by Sacha Baron Cohen.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/08/channel-4-stake-sacha-baron-cohen-tv-production-company?CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 takes stake in Sacha Baron Cohen's TV production company The Guardian 8 October 2015 9 October 20159Bruce Forsyth has been forced to pull out of presenting the BBC variety show Bruce's Hall of Fame following a fall at home. Doctors have told him to rest for a week; the show will be presented instead by Alexander Armstrong, who was originally lined up to appear as a guest.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34483311 Bruce Forsyth pulls out of variety show after home fall BBC News BBC 9 October 2015 9 October 2015Hegarty Tasha http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a673006/the-show-must-go-on-stars-rehearse-for-sir-bruce-forsyths-variety-show.html#~pqJIM5HZQRsQ74 The show must go on: Stars rehearse for Sir Bruce Forsyth's variety show Digital Spy 10 October 2015 10 October 2015EastEnders announces the introduction of the soap's first transgender character, who will be played by a transgender actor. Riley Carter Millington will join the cast as Kyle by the end of the year.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/09/eastenders-casts-transgender-actor-to-play-trans-character?CMP=ema_546 EastEnders casts transgender actor to play trans character The Guardian 9 October 2015 9 October 2015 The announcement is swiftly followed by the news that trans actor Annie Wallace will join Hollyoaks to play a trans teacher.Harp Justin http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s13/hollyoaks/news/a672995/annie-wallace-is-joining-the-cast-of-hollyoaks-as-a-trans-teacher.html#~pqJFzGLj4ZDZs5 Annie Wallace is joining the cast of Hollyoaks as a trans teacher Digital Spy 9 October 2015 10 October 2015The BBC warns that it may have to axe EastEnders if government reforms went ahead requiring that it would only make a programme if it could not be made by a commercial rival.Hegarty Tasha http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a672870/bbc-warns-eastenders-could-be-axed-if-conservative-reforms-are-implemented.html#~pqErq8TGuoyYZC BBC warns EastEnders could be axed if Conservative reforms are implemented Digital Spy 9 October 2015 9 October 201512Former Apprentice star Margaret Mountford is announced as chair of the 2016 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34503870 Apprentice star Margaret Mountford to chair Baileys prize BBC News BBC 12 October 2015 12 October 2015X Factor contestant Tom Bleasby withdraws from the twelfth series of the talent contest "due to personal reasons".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34511176 Tom Bleasby pulls out of X Factor BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 12 October 2015 12 October 2015 He is replaced by Mason Noise, a singer who had previously been voted off the show after getting into a heated argument with Simon Cowell over air time.Warner Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a673796/x-factor-nick-grimshaw-confirms-mason-noise-will-replace-tom-bleasby.html#~prjINoMA0DfdfZ X Factor: Nick Grimshaw confirms Mason Noise will replace Tom Bleasby Digital Spy 15 October 2015 16 October 2015Waitrose chief executive Mark Price will replace Lord Burns as interim chair of Channel 4 when Burns steps down from the role at the end of January 2016; Price's appointment will be on a temporary basis while another chair is found.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/12/waitrose-chief-mark-price-lined-up-interim-chair-channel-4-lord-burns Waitrose chief Mark Price lined up as interim chair of Channel 4 The Guardian 12 October 2015 14 October 2015ITV News at Ten is relaunched with Tom Bradby as its main anchor. The first edition attracts an audience of 1.3 million, compared to 4.1 million who tune in to the BBC Ten O'Clock News.https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2015/oct/13/new-look-news-at-ten-divides-opinion New look News at Ten divides opinion and bothers clock-watchers The Guardian 13 October 2015 5 November 201513ITV confirms that Piers Morgan will join Good Morning Britain as a regular member of the presenting team, joining Susanna Reid to present the programme three days a week.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34514686 Piers Morgan to co-present Good Morning Britain BBC News BBC 13 October 2015 14 October 2015Danny Cohen confirms he will step down as the BBC's Director of Television after eight years with the Corporation.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34514707 BBC's director of television Danny Cohen stands down BBC News BBC 13 October 2015 14 October 201514Stephen Fry announces he will step down as presenter of QI at the end of Series M; he will be succeeded by Sandi Toksvig, who will become the first female host of a mainstream comedy panel show on British television.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34528586 Stephen Fry steps down as QI host BBC News BBC 14 October 2015 14 October 2015The BBC denies a Daily Mirror story that it has axed The Voice UK, and says that it has put in a bid to air a further two series of the talent show.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34525686 BBC bids to keep The Voice for two more years BBC News BBC 14 October 2015 14 October 201515Pensioner Ann Crawford becomes the eighth person to win the £250,000 prize on Deal or No Deal, but almost loses the prize because of a mistake. Having won the prize she is offered the chance to swap her box with Box 23, which can (for example) double, half or null the winning amount, and inadvertently accepts the offer by answering "deal no" rather than "no deal". She is then given a second opportunity by the Banker to accept or decline the offer due to the confusion of her reply; Box 23 is opened to reveal she would have won nothing, which is one of the five potential outcomes.Warner Sam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a673901/deal-or-no-deal-crowns-eighth-gbp250000-winner-but-she-almost-loses-it-all.html#~prdYV00AHyeOUm Deal or No Deal crowns eighth £250,000 winner – but she almost loses it all Digital Spy 15 October 2015 15 October 2015Manchester City Council's planning committee votes to give developers Allied London the go ahead to demolish the former Coronation Street set in Manchester. Campaigners had hoped to preserve the street.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-34548938 Coronation Street's former set to make way for development BBC News BBC 16 October 2015 16 October 2015During an edition of BBC One's Question Time, an audience member berates Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd about government plans to cut child tax credits for working families, highlighting concerns about the proposals and forcing the government to defend its position.Ben Quinn Frances Perraudin https://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/oct/16/david-cameron-spokesman-respond-question-time-tax-credits-complaint Cameron responds to Question Time tax credits complaint The Guardian 16 October 2015 16 October 201516The High Court orders ITV2 to pay £4 million to Neville Hendricks, producer of Peter Andre's The Next Chapter after it severed ties with Hendricks' production company over allegations of threats made to Andre.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34552651 ITV2 to pay £4m damages to Andre producer BBC News BBC 16 October 2015 16 October 2015TFI Friday returns for its first full series since 2000.Fletcher Harry http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a674162/tfi-friday-is-back-heres-what-twitter-thought-as-chris-evans-take-that-and-u2-got-ready-for-the-weekend.html#~prjM3rkkkzFYMT TFI Friday is back: Here's what Twitter thought as Chris Evans, Take That and U2 got ready for the weekend Digital Spy 16 October 2015 16 October 2015 Overnight figures indicate it was seen by a peak audience of 2.15 million.Martin Liam http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a674218/uk-tv-ratings-tfi-friday-return-peaks-with-215-million-on-channel-4.html UK TV Ratings: TFI Friday return peaks with 2.15 million on Channel 4 Digital Spy 17 October 2015 17 October 201517ITV announces that comedian David Morgan has joined the presenting line-up of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now!, replacing Rob Beckett.Sandwell Ian http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s100/im-a-celebrity/news/a674214/comedian-david-morgan-replaces-rob-beckett-on-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here-now.html#~prtDs1Wp1R4cH0 Comedian David Morgan replaces Rob Beckett on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now! Digital Spy 17 October 2015 18 October 201518ITV airs a 30-second advert containing material from Adele's much awaited forthcoming third album as part of a commercial break during an edition of The X Factor.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34567653 Adele "teases new material in TV advert" BBC News BBC 18 October 2015 18 October 2015 The singer confirms on 22 October that her new album, 25 will be released on 20 November, with the lead single, "Hello" released on 23 October.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34606780 Adele reveals the release date for her third studio album, 25, and new single BBC Newsbeat BBC 22 October 2015 22 October 201519The Institute for War and Peace Reporting confirms the death of former BBC journalist Jacky Sutton, who was serving as its acting Iraq director. Sutton, who was on her way to the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, was discovered hanged at Istanbul's Atatürk Airport after missing a connecting flight from London on 17 October. The circumstances of her death are unclear.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34567210 Briton dies at Istanbul airport, employer confirms BBC News BBC 19 October 2015 20 October 2015ITV agrees a £100 million deal with UTV Media plc to buy its television assets. UTV Media will rebrand its remaining assets at a later date, but ITV says it has no plans to rebrand UTV as ITV Northern Ireland.John Campbell https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34508529 UTV Media agrees sale of TV stations to ITV for £100m BBC News BBC 19 October 2015 19 October 201522BBC Newslines coverage of the death of the former First Minister of Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley is named Best News Programme at the Irish Film and Television Awards.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34596868 BBC Newsline named "Best News Programme" at Irish Film and Television Awards BBC News BBC 23 October 2015 4 November 201523Scottish Conservative Party leader Ruth Davidson becomes the first female Scottish politician to appear as a panellist on Have I Got News for You.Steven Brocklehurst https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-34591298 Have they got news for Ruth Davidson? BBC News BBC 23 October 2015 23 October 201524Sky Movies Greats is temporarily renamed Sky Movies Harry Potter as the channel begins a nine-day run of the Harry Potter film series.Nissim Mayer http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a672434/harry-potter-is-getting-his-own-channel-for-a-9-day-movie-marathon.html#~pqz8ZlE7wDGskR Harry Potter is getting his own channel for a 9-day movie marathon Digital Spy 7 October 2015 8 October 2015 The films will also be available through Sky's on demand service for the next year as Sky celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of the release of the film version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.Jess Denham https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/harry-potter-tv-channel-announced-by-sky-movies-a6686171.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/harry-potter-tv-channel-announced-by-sky-movies-a6686171.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Harry Potter TV channel announced by Sky Movies Independent Print Limited The Independent 8 October 2015 8 October 201525It is confirmed that The Abominable Bride, a one-off episode of BBC One's Sherlock to be aired on New Year's Day 2016, will also be simulcast in 100 cinemas around the UK, as well as on the PBS network in the United States.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34631799 Sherlock: New episode set for cinema simulcast BBC News BBC 25 October 2015 25 October 2015ITV debuts Jekyll & Hyde, an adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, at 6:30pm. By the following day the first episode has attracted 500 complaints because of its scenes of graphic violence, which include a man being bludgeoned to death within the first minute, and would normally not be seen before 9.00 pm. In response ITV says it has no plans to move the rest of the series to a post-watershed slot, but will begin airing it half an hour later from 1 November. The series also comes with a warning that some scenes may be unsuitable for some viewers.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/26/itv-jekyll-and-hyde-complaints-ofcom?CMP=ema_546 ITV refuses to reschedule Jekyll and Hyde despite more than 500 complaints The Guardian 26 October 2015 27 October 201526The BBC have commissioned The A Word, a six-part drama series about a family struggling to cope when the youngest son is diagnosed with autism, and based on Pilpelim Tsehubim, a series that aired on Israeli television in 2010. The series will star Christopher Eccleston.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/26/bbc-drama-the-a-word-christopher-eccleston-autism?CMP=ema_546 BBC drama The A Word starring Christopher Eccleston to tackle autism The Guardian 26 October 2015 27 October 2015David Tennant and Catherine Tate will reprise their roles as the Tenth Doctor and travelling companion Donna Noble for three Doctor Who audio dramas, it is reported.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/26/david-tennant-doctor-who-audio-dramas-catherine-tate?CMP=ema_546 David Tennant to return to Doctor Who for three new audio dramas The Guardian 26 October 2015 27 October 201527Announcement of Adele at the BBC, a one-hour special presented by Graham Norton in which he will talk to Adele about her new album. The show will be recorded before a live audience on 2 November and transmitted later on BBC One.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34638507 Adele to film BBC One special with Graham Norton BBC News BBC 27 October 2015 27 October 2015 The airdate is subsequently confirmed as 20 November, coinciding with the release of her album, 25.https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2015/46/adele-at-the-bbc?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_press_office&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=corporate Adele at the BBC BBC Media Centre BBC 3 November 2015 3 November 2015 By 19 November, the BBC has sold the programme to broadcasters in thirteen countries, including Norway and New Zealand.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/19/bbc-sells-adele-show-global-audience?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC sells Adele show to global audience The Guardian 19 November 2015 29 November 2015The BBC are in talks with a German broadcaster to produce a German version of Citizen Khan, it is reported, with the series centred around a Turkish immigrant family.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/27/bbc-citizen-khan-in-germany?CMP=ema_546 BBC's Citizen Khan set to be remade in Germany The Guardian 27 October 2015 27 October 201528It is reported that police have used counter-terrorism laws to seize a laptop belonging to Newsnight journalist Secunder Kermani after he is understood to have been in communication with a man in Syria claiming to be a member of Islamic State, and who has featured in Newsnight reports.Ben Quinn https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/oct/28/uk-police-terrorism-act-newsnight-journalist-secunder-kermani-laptop Newsnight journalist's laptop seized by UK police under Terrorism Act The Guardian 28 October 2015 29 October 201529Prosecutors in Argentina order a judge to reopen an investigation into the Top Gear Patagonia Special amid allegations that a car's number plates were illegally switched to intentionally make reference to the Falklands conflict.Uki Goñi Mark Tran https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/29/argentinian-court-orders-jeremy-clarkson-criminal-case-reopened?CMP=ema_546 Jeremy Clarkson: Argentinian court orders Top Gear case to be reopened The Guardian 30 October 2015 3 November 2015An item described as "a world-famous piece owned by a sporting institution" has become the most expensive object to be valued by BBC One's Antiques Roadshow during filming in Harrogate, it is reported. Details of the item, valued at over £1 million, will be revealed when the show is aired in Spring 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-34659885 Antiques Roadshow finds programme's "most valuable" item BBC News BBC 29 October 2015 29 October 2015After receiving 459 complaints from viewers, Ofcom announces it will launch an investigation into ITV horror series Jekyll & Hyde to determine whether it has been appropriately scheduled.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34667011 Jekyll and Hyde "scary" probe launched – BBC News Bbc.co.uk 2014-11-24 2015-10-29Barbara Windsor apologises after telling a Sky News journalist that anyone who doesn't want to wear a poppy can "sod off for all I care". She was speaking at the launch of this year's British Legion Poppy Appeal, and had been asked if she had anything to say to people who refuse to wear a poppy. Windsor had not realised she was speaking on live television.Chris Mandle https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/barbara-windsor-apologises-for-saying-people-who-dont-wear-a-poppy-can-sod-off-during-live-a6713721.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/barbara-windsor-apologises-for-saying-people-who-dont-wear-a-poppy-can-sod-off-during-live-a6713721.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Barbara Windsor apologises for saying people who don't wear a poppy can "sod off" during live television interview Independent Print Limited The Independent 29 October 2015 7 November 201531ITV airs the 2015 Rugby World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/rugby-world-cup-2015-final-new-zealand-vs-australia-where-watch-live-preview-team-news-1526541 Rugby World Cup 2015 final: New Zealand vs Australia: Where to watch live, preview and team news IBT Media International Business Times 31 October 2015 4 November 2015 The contest is won by New Zealand, who beat Australia 34–17.Paul Rees https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/31/new-zealand-australia-rugby-world-cup-final-match-report New Zealand retain Rugby World Cup with ruthless display against Australia Guardian Media Group The Observer 31 October 2015 4 November 2015Channel 5 series The Saturday Show debuts, presented by Matt Barbet and Gaby Roslin; guests include Ashley Walters, Nina Wadia and Mark Dolan. November Date Event2BBC Two debuts Simply Nigella, the first cookery programme to be presented by Nigella Lawson since her personal life was the subject of a high-profile court case. The programme, aired at 8:30pm, attracts 2.3 million viewers (a 10.8% audience share), but proves to be to the detriment of the quiz show Only Connect, which was moved forward an hour from its usual slot to make way for Lawson's new show. Having attracted an audience of 2.3 million for its 26 October edition, Only Connects new timeslot sees it garner a viewership of 1.7 million, a drop of 600,000. The show will return to its usual time once Simply Nigella has finished.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/03/nigella-lawson-bbc-only-connect?CMP=ema_546 Nigella Lawson's BBC return draws 2.3m viewers – but baffles Only Connect fans The Guardian 3 November 2015 4 November 2015 The first episode of Simply Nigella also becomes the subject of a social media storm after viewers are shown how to make avocado on toast, with many feeling the recipe is too easy.http://www.9news.com.au/world/2015/11/04/09/58/avocado-gate-nigella-lawson-recipe-causes-twitter-storm 'Avocado-gate': Nigella Lawson recipe causes Twitter storm Nine Network Nine News 4 November 2015 6 November 2015 3BBC One confirms it has commissioned a television adaptation of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34711492 His Dark Materials set to become BBC One drama series BBC News BBC 3 November 2015 3 November 2015ITV confirms that its detective drama series, Lewis will end after the current series because the lead actors, Kevin Whately (who plays DI Robbie Lewis) and Laurence Fox (DS James Hathaway) have decided to retire from the roles.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34709048 ITV drama Lewis to end after 10 years BBC News BBC 3 November 2015 3 November 2015Louis Theroux is to make a follow-up to his 2000 When Louis Met... documentary about Jimmy Savile in which he will seek to "understand the truth more fully" about Savile's activities.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34709583 Louis Theroux to make new Jimmy Savile film BBC News BBC 3 November 2015 3 November 20154A commercial for the BMW 3 series that featured a car being driven at high speed along a coastal road is banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for encouraging dangerous driving.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/04/bmw-ad-banned-3-series?CMP=ema_546 BMW ad banned for encouraging irresponsible driving The Guardian 4 November 2015 4 November 2015ITV executives have accused their BBC rivals of "arrogance" after BBC Ten O'Clock News anchor Huw Edwards posted a comment on Facebook mocking the revamped ITV News at Ten and its presenter, Tom Bradby for losing viewers.Jane Martinson Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/04/itv-bbc-news-at-ten-huw-edwards-tom-bradby?CMP=ema_546 ITV executives criticise "arrogant" BBC as News at Ten row escalates The Guardian 4 November 2015 5 November 2015 In a subsequent Sunday Times article responding to Edwards' comments Bradby accuses the BBC of behaving like Imperial Rome and wanting to put their commercial rivals out of business.Caroline Davies https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/08/itn-tom-bradby-bbc-huw-edwards-news-at-ten?CMP=ema_546 ITN's Tom Bradby hits back at Huw Edwards in "battle of the bongs" The Guardian 8 November 2015 29 November 2015 At its annual general meeting in London BSkyB announces the appointment of 21st Century Fox Chief Financial Officer John Nallen as a non-executive director, prompting shareholders to raise concerns about the number of Fox executives appointed to the Sky Board.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/04/sky-investors-fox-board-21st-century-fox-john-nallen?CMP=ema_546 Sky investors challenge appointment of another Fox board member The Guardian 4 November 2015 5 November 2015Prime Minister David Cameron refuses to rule out the prospect of privatisation options for Channel 4 after being asked about the issue at Prime Minister's Questions.Rowena Mason https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/04/channel-4-private-investment-option-david-cameron?CMP=ema_546 Private investment among options for Channel 4, David Cameron confirms The Guardian 4 November 2015 5 November 20155Launch of BBC Store, an online video on demand service allowing internet users to buy content from the BBC archives. The service is launched with 70,000 hours worth of programming, including episodes of Doctor Who and Dad's Army, with plans to add more content over time.Kevin Rawlinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/05/bbc-gives-fans-of-classic-shows-chance-to-buy-and-download-episodes-doctor-who-dads-army?CMP=ema_546 BBC Store offers chance to buy and download episodes of classic shows The Guardian 5 November 2015 5 November 2015BBC One's The One Show previews a snippet of Adele performing her new single "Hello" on the forthcoming television special Adele at the BBC.Nick Barnes http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/showbiz/look-adele-at-the-bbc-preview-hear-her-sing-hello-live-for-the-first-time/ Adele performs Hello in "Adele at the BBC" preview UnrealityTV 5 November 2015 5 November 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151106212714/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/showbiz/look-adele-at-the-bbc-preview-hear-her-sing-hello-live-for-the-first-time/ 6 November 2015Sian Williams is to leave the BBC after three decades to become a presenter on Five News, replacing Emma Crosby.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/05/sian-williams-bbc-channel-5-news Sian Williams leaves BBC to front Channel 5 News Media The Guardian 5 November 2015 5 November 2015The inaugural Royal Television Society Northern Ireland Programme Awards are presented at The Mac in Belfast, with BBC Northern Ireland scooping five of the awards for Spotlight, Road, On The Air, Brave New World – New Zealand and Line of Duty.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-34742001 BBC Northern Ireland claims five Royal Television Society NI awards BBC News BBC 5 November 2015 6 November 20157The BBC confirms that The Voice UK has been "poached by another broadcaster", meaning that the fifth series of the singing contest, scheduled to begin in January 2016, will be the last to air on BBC One.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34756063 The Voice UK "to leave the BBC" after fifth series BBC News BBC 7 November 2015 7 November 2015A technical glitch delays the evening's National Lottery draw, meaning it cannot be aired live. Instead the draw takes place an hour later than scheduled in front of an independent adjudicator.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34758616 National Lottery live Lotto draw hit by technical problem BBC News BBC 7 November 2015 8 November 20158Outgoing Channel 4 chairman Lord Burns criticises government plans to privatise the broadcaster as of "little financial benefit", and questions Culture Secretary John Whittingdale's handling of the job.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/08/channel-4-sell-off-little-financial-benefit-chairman-lord-burns?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 sell-off would have little financial benefit, says chairman The Guardian 8 November 2015 29 November 201510NBC Universal announce plans to reduce their London output, as well as closing their operations in Paris and Tokyo. The resulting cuts will see CNBC Europe's London programming reduced by a third to four hours a day, with content coming from the CNBC channel in the US.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/10/cnbc-to-cut-london-live-tv-news-to-focus-on-digital-expansion?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 CNBC to cut London live TV news to focus on digital expansion The Guardian 10 November 2015 29 November 2015 Ofcom decides not to launch an investigation into an edition of Strictly Come Dancing from October in which judge Bruno Tonioli used the phrase "the bull's bollocks" to describe Jay McGuinness's dance performance, because presenter Tess Daly had quickly apologised for the remark and the show's live element. Ofcom had received nineteen complaints following the incident.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/10/strictly-come-dancing-escapes-inquiry-over-judges-pre-watershed-swearing?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Strictly Come Dancing escapes inquiry over judge's pre-watershed swearing The Guardian 10 November 2015 29 November 2015George Alagiah presents the BBC News at Six for the first time since announcing his treatment for colorectal cancer has ended. It is his first broadcast since April 2014, and he ends the bulletin by telling the viewers "It's good to be back with you".Heather Saul https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/bbc-newsreader-george-alagiah-returns-to-screens-after-recovering-from-bowel-cancer-a6729611.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/bbc-newsreader-george-alagiah-returns-to-screens-after-recovering-from-bowel-cancer-a6729611.html 1 May 2022 subscription live BBC newsreader George Alagiah returns to screens after recovering from bowel cancer Independent Print Limited The Independent 11 November 2015 29 November 201511The IWA Wales Media Audit 2015 warns that Wales is facing a media market failure because BBC Wales and ITV Wales have cut back local programming in the country.Maggie Brown https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/11/welsh-media-iwa-report-bbc-itv?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Welsh media face "market failure", says report The Guardian 11 November 2015 29 November 2015Mel Giedroyc is confirmed as one of several famous names who will appear in a television adaptation of The Sound of Music for ITV over Christmas.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/12/great-british-bake-off-presenter-set-for-tv-sound-of-music-role?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Great British Bake Off star Mel Giedroyc set for Sound of Music TV role The Guardian 12 November 2015 29 November 2015 The live three-hour ITV version is broadcast on 20 December.Price Karen http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/how-sound-music-live-work-10628569 How will The Sound of Music Live work? Trinity Mirror Western Mail 20 December 2015 6 January 201612Sky extend their UK and Ireland deal with US television network HBO to cover customers in Germany, Austria and Italy.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/12/sky-extends-hbo-deal-within-europe?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Sky extends HBO deal within Europe The Guardian 12 November 2015 29 November 201513UK news outlets begin providing live coverage from Paris after the city is hit by a series of terrorist attacks. Viewing figures released on 16 November indicate that over the days following the attacks the BBC's coverage of events received the larger audience share, while an extended evening bulletin of ITV News on 14 November is seen by slightly more viewers than its BBC rival airing at the same time, with ITV receiving 4.3 million viewers compared to the BBC's 4.2 million.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/16/itv-news-bulletin-gets-more-viewers-than-bbc-for-paris-attacks-coverage?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 More viewers turned to ITV than BBC for Paris news on Saturday night The Guardian 16 November 2015 29 November 2015Children in Need 2015 airs on BBC One, with Terry Wogan absent from the role as its presenter for the first time since its launch in 1980. Instead Dermot O'Leary steps in at the last minute after Wogan is advised to pull out following a back operation.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34803750 Dermot O'Leary replaces Sir Terry Wogan on Children in Need BBC News BBC 13 November 2015 16 November 2015 By the following day the telethon has raised over £37 million, beating the 2014 amount of £32.6 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34819138 Children in Need: "Record-breaking" £37m raised by show BBC News BBC 14 November 2015 16 November 2015The Guardian reports that the BBC is under pressure from its Scottish executives to commission a flagship Scottish Six news programme to help address growing complaints about its weak coverage of Scottish affairs.Severin Carrell https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/13/bbc-scotland-bosses-lobby-for-scottish-six-news-programme?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC Scotland bosses lobby for "Scottish Six" news programme The Guardian 13 November 2015 29 November 2015Eurosport introduces its largest rebranding since its launch in 1989 in order to change its image as a second-tier sports channel. Changes include a new logo and strapline.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/12/eurosport-rebrand-discovery-olympics?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Eurosport drops "ring of stars" from logo in dramatic rebrand The Guardian 12 November 2015 29 November 201515ITV postpones an episode of Jekyll & Hyde in the wake of the 13 November terrorist attacks on Paris because part of the storyline features a gunfight.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34828889 Paris attacks: ITV pulls Jekyll And Hyde episode BBC News BBC 15 November 2015 16 November 2015An edition of ITV News aired at 10:55pm shows Tom Bradby interviewing patrons of a Paris café when rumours of a fresh terrorist attack spark a stampede. The edition is seen by 4.3 million viewers.I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! returns for its fifteenth series.16Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham warns that news and current affairs output, as well as groundbreaking drama, would suffer under privatisation as the broadcaster would most likely be sold to a private equity firm that would asset strip before selling it on.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/16/channel-4-sale-jeopardise-news-output-chief-executive-david-abraham?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 sale would jeopardise news output, says chief executive The Guardian 16 November 2015 29 November 201517ITV have offered its staff a 3% pay rise from 2016 after a better than expected performance.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/17/itv-offers-3-pay-rise-to-staff-after-boost-in-profits-and-ad-revenue?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 ITV offers 3% pay rise to staff after boost in profits and ad revenue The Guardian 17 November 2015 29 November 201518The BBC announces details of £150 million of spending cuts, which will include £12 million of cuts in comedy, entertainment and factual programming, a £3 million cut to news services, and £12 million worth of savings in online spending. The BBC Red Button is also expected to be scrapped.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/18/bbc-entertainment-comedy-tv-the-voice?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC to cut entertainment and comedy but plans new Saturday night shows The Guardian 18 November 2015 29 November 2015The Advertising Standards Authority have banned a number of television and newspaper ads for BT Sport as misleading.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/18/advertising-standards-authority-bans-set-misleading-bt-sport-adverts?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Advertising Standards Authority bans set of "misleading" BT Sport adverts The Guardian 18 November 2015 29 November 2015Sky unveils Sky Q, a new premium set-top box with touch screen technology that will allow viewers to access web streamed content.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/18/sky-q-launches-new-set-top-box-netflix-apple?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Sky launches new set-top box to take on Netflix and Apple The Guardian 18 November 2015 29 November 201519Sarah Smith is appointed as the BBC's first Scotland editor, and will take up the role in early 2016.Severin Carrell https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/19/bbc-appoints-sarah-smith-as-first-ever-scotland-editor?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC appoints Sarah Smith as first ever Scotland editor The Guardian 19 November 2015 29 November 2015Ella Henderson and Sigma are confirmed as the opening act for the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award ceremony, which will be held at Belfast's SSE Arena on 20 December.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34872501 Ella Henderson and Sigma to open BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015 BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 19 November 2015 19 November 2015ITV confirms that filming will soon begin on a new eight-part series of its comedy drama, Cold Feet, which will air in 2016.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34869447 Cold Feet making return to TV screens BBC News BBC 19 November 2015 19 November 2015Channel 5 confirms that episodes of Neighbours will air on the same day as they are broadcast in Australia from January 2016, ending the current time lag of several weeks.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34868786 Neighbours to air on same day in UK as Australia BBC News BBC 19 November 2015 19 November 2015The Bastard Executioner, a mediaeval drama filmed in Wales for US TV channel FX, is cancelled after its first series because of low ratings.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-34865976 The Bastard Executioner: Welsh-made US TV drama cancelled BBC News BBC 19 November 2015 19 November 2015This Week presenter Andrew Neil uses the opening monologue of his programme to launch a two-minute verbal attack against Islamic State for the terrorist attacks on Paris, describing the group as "Islamist scumbags" and "a bunch of loser jihadists [who] slaughtered a bunch of innocents in Paris to prove the future belongs to them, rather than a civilisation like France". Neil's words quickly win him praise from fellow journalists, including LBC's Iain Dale and The Daily Telegraphs Dan Hodges.Hughes Laura https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12006996/Andrew-Neil-denounces-Paris-terrorists-as-Islamist-scumbags.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151120174620/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12006996/Andrew-Neil-denounces-Paris-terrorists-as-Islamist-scumbags.html dead 20 November 2015 Andrew Neil denounces Paris terrorists as "Islamist scumbags" The Daily Telegraph 20 November 2015 29 November 2015Heather Saul https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/andrew-neil-delivers-best-opening-address-ever-to-jihadist-losers-about-futility-of-isis-terror-a6741496.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/andrew-neil-delivers-best-opening-address-ever-to-jihadist-losers-about-futility-of-isis-terror-a6741496.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Andrew Neil delivers "best opening message ever" to "jihadist losers" about futility of Isis terror attacks Independent Print Limited The Independent 21 November 2015 29 November 201520The British Film Institute reports the discovery of what it believes to be the first interracial kiss to appear on British television. The scene appears in a live drama produced for ITV in June 1962 titled You in Your Small Corner.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34869452 First interracial kiss on British TV rediscovered BBC News BBC 20 November 2015 29 November 2015ITV confirms that Spencer Matthews has quit the fifteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! after arriving on the show as a late contestant.Emma Powell https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/im-a-celebrity-2015-spencer-matthews-quits-the-jungle-on-medical-grounds-a3119916.html I'm A Celebrity 2015: Spencer Matthews quits the jungle on "medical grounds" – before he even joined the main camp London Evening Standard 20 November 2015 29 November 2015 Matthews later confirms that he left the programme because he was taking steroids in preparation for a charity boxing match, and had not withdrawn off them properly before taking part in the series.Chi Chi Izundu https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-34892442 Spencer Matthews apologises for steroid medication use BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 29 November 2015Adele at the BBC airs on BBC One, attracting 4.54 million viewers (a 19.8% audience share).Warner Sam http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a774818/uk-tv-ratings-im-a-celebrity-attracts-7-million-viewers-on-friday-night/ UK TV Ratings: I'm a Celebrity attracts 7 million viewers on Friday night Digital Spy 21 November 2015 29 November 201523ITV confirms it will air The Voice UK and The Voice Kids from 2017.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34901727 The Voice: ITV confirms three-year deal and The Voice Kids from 2017 BBC News BBC 23 November 2015 29 November 2015Comedy Central is rapped by Ofcom for airing trailers for Inside Amy Schumer and South Park that featured explicit language before the 9.00 pm watershed.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/23/comedy-central-inside-amy-schumer-south-park-trailers-banned?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Comedy Central's Inside Amy Schumer and South Park trailers banned The Guardian 23 November 2015 29 November 2015Ofcom decides not to investigate the Doctor Who episode The Zygon Inversion which showed a doppelgänger of the character Clara Oswald (played by Jenna Coleman) shooting down a plane, and was aired a week after the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268. Complaints were received from 31 viewers that the episode was inappropriate in the aftermath of the crash, but Ofcom concludes that "the science fiction nature of Doctor Who and the storyline created a sufficient distinction from recent events".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/23/doctor-who-cleared-by-ofcom-airliner-the-zygon-inversion?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Doctor Who cleared over "insensitive" airliner scene despite 31 complaints The Guardian 23 November 2015 28 November 201524Matt Lucas and Greg Davies are confirmed as guest stars in the 2015 Doctor Who Christmas Special.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34910646 Doctor Who: Matt Lucas and Greg Davies join Christmas special BBC News BBC 24 November 2015 29 November 201525Ofcom launches an investigation following an appearance by comedian Jimmy Carr on BBC One's The One Show on 4 November during which he made a joke about dwarves.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/jimmy-carr-dwarf-joke-on-bbc1-show-faces-investigation?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Jimmy Carr dwarf joke on BBC1 show faces investigation The Guardian 25 November 2015 29 November 201526The BBC Trust approves proposals to close BBC Three, making it an online service from February 2016, but on the proviso that its programmes are aired on BBC One and BBC Two.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34932688 BBC Three to move online from February BBC News BBC 26 November 2015 29 November 2015 Plans are also approved to extend the broadcasting hours of the CBBC channel from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, with the Trust suggesting parents unhappy with the decision should use the off button.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/26/bbc-tells-parents-unhappy-cbbc-late-finish-off-button?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC Trust tells parents unhappy at CBBC's late finish: "there is an off button" The Guardian 26 November 2015 29 November 201527Kirsty Young announces she will step down as presenter of BBC One's Crimewatch, fronting her last episode in December.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/27/kirsty-young-to-step-down-as-bbc-crimewatch-presenter?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Kirsty Young to step down as BBC Crimewatch presenter The Guardian 27 November 2015 29 November 201529Broadcaster Chris Evans confirms that Top Gear will return to BBC Two on Sunday 8 May 2016 and that filming is already under way, but no details are given about his co-presenters.https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/nov/29/top-gear-returns-to-bbc-on-8-may?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Top Gear returns to BBC on 8 May The Guardian 29 November 2015 12 December 201530Acting BBC Director of Television Mark Linsey says that 90% of BBC One's prime time Christmas output will be original programming this year, despite the need to save £1.6 billion.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/30/bbc1-primetime-to-feature-fewer-repeats-over-christmas?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC1 primetime to feature fewer repeats over Christmas Media The Guardian 30 November 2015 12 December 2015ITV News confirms that it has appointed current Newsnight political editor Allegra Stratton as its UK national editor, replacing Rohit Kachroo. Kachroo will take up the newly created role of security editor for ITV News.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/30/itv-allegra-stratton-national-editor-newsnight-rohit-kacharoo ITV News appoints Allegra Stratton as national editor The Guardian 30 November 2015 12 December 2015 December Date Event1BBC Trust chair Rona Fairhead expresses her concern that the will of licence fee payers is being "drowned out" in the charter renewal debate, and warns that it risks turning the BBC into a "perpetual plaything of the political classes".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/01/bbc-trust-chair-pledges-intelligent-reform-as-part-of-new-royal-charter?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC Trust chair pledges "intelligent reform" as part of new royal charter The Guardian 1 December 2015 12 December 2015 On the same day Dame Colette Bowe, the former chair of Ofcom, warns that the regulator is not the right body to replace the BBC Trust, as the BBC needs more than a regulator to hold it to account.Jasper Jackson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/01/ofcom-body-replace-bbc-trust-regulator-collette-bowe?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Ofcom isn't right body to replace BBC Trust, says regulator's former chair The Guardian 1 December 2015 12 December 2015BBC One launches its 2015 Christmas campaign at 7:30pm, featuring animations of ten of its biggest stars, including Peter Capaldi and Graham Norton, as well as a cartoon "Sprout Boy". Capaldi also narrates the story of the "Sprout Boy", who embarks on a journey to find friendship at Christmas.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/01/bbc1-launches-christmas-campaign-with-3d-all-star-cast?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC1 launches Christmas campaign with 3D all-star cast The Guardian 1 December 2015 12 December 20152Labour MP David Lammy files a complaint with the BBC over the lack of diversity in the make up of Question Time panels, after research indicated that 61% of editions aired over the last five years have featured an all-white panel.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/02/david-lammy-complaint-question-time-lack-ethnic-diversity?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 David Lammy says 60% of Question Time panels are all-white The Guardian 2 December 2015 12 December 2015Channel 4 News confirms that it has turned down an interview with Prince Charles after being asked to agree to the terms of a fifteen-page contract of restrictions and limitations about the questions which could be asked, a document that it has described as "draconian".Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/02/channel-4-news-cancels-prince-charles-interview-draconian-demands?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Channel 4 News cancels Prince Charles interview due to "draconian" demands The Guardian 2 December 2015 12 December 2015Scotland's Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, accuses the BBC of misrepresenting the amount of direct spending on Scottish content, and calls for BBC Scotland to have a more representative share of the licence fee.Severin Carrell https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/02/scottish-ministers-bbc-spending-scottish-output-100m?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC under pressure to triple spending on Scottish output to £100m The Guardian 2 December 2015 12 December 2015The BBC announce Bake Off: Creme de la Creme, a Great British Bake Off spin-off for BBC Two which will feature professional pastry chefs, will begin in 2016.Bake Off: Creme de la CremeSky 1 announces a deal with Renegade Pictures to air two series of Don't Tell the Bride, which has previously aired on BBC Three.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/02/dont-tell-the-bride-sky-bbc3-?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Don't Tell the Bride hooks up with Sky after BBC3 breakup The Guardian 2 December 2015 12 December 20153Alan Yentob resigns from his position as Creative Director at the BBC in the wake of the controversy surrounding his role as chairman of collapsed charity Kids Company. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34993979 BBC's Alan Yentob resigns BBC News BBC 3 December 2015 3 December 2015The BBC appoints Kamal Ahmed as its economics editor, replacing Robert Peston.Jasper Jackson and Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/03/kamal-ahmed-to-replace-robert-peston-as-bbc-economics-editor?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 Kamal Ahmed to replace Robert Peston as BBC economics editor The Guardian 3 December 2015 12 December 20154ITV apologises after footage of chef Ainsley Harriott is incorrectly featured during a news item about the knighthood of Lenny Henry. ITV News claim the mistake was due to "an error in the production process".https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35009530 ITV apologises for Sir Lenny Henry gaffe BBC BBC News 4 December 20156Geordie Shores Vicky Pattison wins the fifteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-35023084 Vicky Pattison wins I'm A Celebrity 2015, beats George Shelley BBC BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat 6 December 2015 12 December 20157The BBC apologises to former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis following a subtitling gaffe on Match of the Day that linked him with Hezbollah. After Ellis was seen in the crowd at a match against Everton on 21 November, commentator Steve Wilson remarked "Great to see Doug Ellis here in his Villa scarf", but his words were translated as "Great to see Doug Ellis here with Hezbollah" by the voice recognition software used to produce subtitles.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/07/bbc-apologise-doug-ellis-aston-villa-hezbollah BBC apologises after subtitler links Aston Villa's Doug Ellis with Hezbollah The Guardian 7 December 2015 6 January 201650,000 people have signed an online petition calling for boxer Tyson Fury to be removed from the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award shortlift following recent comments he made about women, abortion and homosexuality.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/07/tyson-fury-spoty-criticism Tyson Fury dismisses Spoty criticism and defends Ennis-Hill comments The Guardian 7 December 2015 6 January 2016 Athlete Greg Rutherford, who is also included on the shortlist, pulls out of the event in response to the comments, but later says that he will take part in the ceremony.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35049148 Greg Rutherford to attend BBC Sports Personality show despite Tyson Fury row BBC News BBC 9 December 2015 6 January 20168Art teacher Matthew Wilcock wins the first series of The Great Pottery Throw Down.http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Art-teacher-wins-BBC-s-Great-Pottery-Throw/story-28326496-detail/story.html Art teacher wins BBC's Great Pottery Throw Down Western Morning News 9 December 2015 6 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162140/http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Art-teacher-wins-BBC-s-Great-Pottery-Throw/story-28326496-detail/story.html 22 December 2015 dead 10BBC Northern Ireland journalist Andy West says that he has been suspended by the broadcaster after an online post about the Tyson Fury controversy in which he said he was "ashamed" to work for the BBC "when it lacks bravery to admit it is making a mistake".https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/12043871/BBC-reporter-suspended-over-criticism-of-Tyson-Furys-SPotY-nomination.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/12043871/BBC-reporter-suspended-over-criticism-of-Tyson-Furys-SPotY-nomination.html 12 January 2022 subscription live BBC reporter "suspended" over criticism of Tyson Fury's SPOTY nomination The Daily Telegraph 10 December 2015 6 January 201611Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron and former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls are revealed to be among celebrities who have signed up for the Great Sport Relief Bake Off, which will air in 2016.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/11/samantha-cameron-and-ed-balls-to-mix-it-up-in-great-british-bake-off-special Samantha Cameron and Ed Balls to mix it up in Great British Bake Off special The Guardian 11 December 2015 12 December 201513Louisa Johnson wins the twelfth series of The X Factor in a final which includes performances from Coldplay, Adele and One Direction.Nicholas Rotherham https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-35089329 X Factor final: Louisa Johnson wins 2015 contest BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat BBC 14 December 2015 6 January 2016 The final is seen by an average 8.4 million viewers, an increase from the 5.1 million who saw the show's penultimate episode on 12 December—the second lowest in its history. Ratings for this year's final are also lower than the 9.1 million who watched the 2014 final.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35091198 X Factor ratings recover with 8.4m for final results show BBC News BBC 14 December 2015 6 January 2016Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/14/x-factor-final-louisa-johnson-reggie-n-bollie?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 X Factor final draws second-lowest audience in its 11-year history The Guardian 14 December 2015 6 January 2016 Her single, "Forever Young" debuts at number nine in the UK Singles Chart, the lowest debut entry for an X Factor winner.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35136381 X Factor: Louisa Johnson records lowest chart entry for winner BBC News BBC 18 December 2015 6 January 201616As a petition to have boxer Tyson Fury removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist attracts 130,000 signatures, BBC Director-General Tony Hall tells the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that the decision to include him was down to his "sporting prowess", and was taken by an independent panel.Jane Martinson https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/16/bbc-forced-defend-tyson-fury-spoty-nomination BBC rejects calls to remove Tyson Fury from Sports Personality shortlist The Guardian 16 December 2015 6 January 2016https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35115416 Sports Personality of the Year: BBC defends Tyson Fury's inclusion BBC News BBC 16 December 2015 6 January 2016Following the concluding episode of the first series of BBC One police drama Cuffs, cast members, including Amanda Abbington (who plays DS Jo Moffat) break the news that the series has been cancelled.http://www.tv3.ie/xpose/article/entertainment-news/187655/Amanda-Abbingtons-show-Cuffs-cancelled Amanda Abbington's show Cuffs cancelled TV3 Xposé TV3 17 December 2015 6 January 2016http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-12-17/cuffs-is-cancelled-amanda-abbington-and-the-cast-are-gutted Cuffs is cancelled, Amanda Abbington and the cast are "gutted" Radio Times 17 December 2015 17 December 201519New Zealand rugby player Dan Carter is named 2015 BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/35106794 19 December 2015 BBC BBC Sport Sports Personality of the Year: Dan Carter wins 2015 Overseas award 19 December 2015Jay McGuinness and dance partner Aliona Vilani win the thirteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35136848 Strictly Come Dancing winner crowned BBC News BBC 19 December 2015 6 January 2016 The final is watched by an average audience of 11 million, an increase on the 10.2 million who saw the 2014 final.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35144818 Strictly Come Dancing final draws 11 million viewers BBC News BBC 20 December 2015 6 January 2016 Three days after lifting the coveted glitterball trophy Vilani announces she is leaving the show, saying that she had always intended the 2015 series of Strictly to be her last.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35160087 Strictly Come Dancing winner Aliona Vilani quits BBC show BBC News BBC 22 December 2015 6 January 201620Simon Schama, Mary Beard and David Olusoga are unveiled as presenters of Civilisation, a major ten-part documentary series for BBC Two about the history of art that is expected to air in late 2017.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35145299 Simon Schama and Mary Beard to present major BBC art series BBC News BBC 20 December 2015 6 January 2016Andy Murray, who helped to secure the 2015 Davis Cup for Britain, is named this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year, winning the award for the second time.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/35130585 Andy Murray wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year award BBC Sport BBC 20 December 2015 6 January 2016 Rugby League star Kevin Sinfield is second in the public vote to choose the winner, with athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill coming third. Controversial boxer Tyson Fury finishes in fourth place, just 7,000 votes behind Ennis-Hill. Appearing on stage at Belfast's SSE Arena Fury apologises for recent comments he has made, saying that it was "all a bit tongue-in-cheek" and that he had not meant to offend anybody, winning him applause from the audience.James Orr https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing/bbc-spoty-2015-controversial-tyson-fury-finishes-just-7000-votes-behind-third-placed-jessica-ennis-a6780986.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151221020344/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing/bbc-spoty-2015-controversial-tyson-fury-finishes-just-7000-votes-behind-third-placed-jessica-ennis-a6780986.html dead 21 December 2015 SPOTY 2015: Tyson Fury finishes fourth with 7,000 fewer votes than third-placed Jessica Ennis-Hill Independent Print Limited The Independent 20 December 2015 6 January 2016 Prior to the ceremony a small group of protesters had gathered outside the venue.Henry McDonald https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/20/bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-ceremony-picketed-by-gay-rights-and-feminist-groups?subid=15276612&CMP=ema_546 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony picketed by gay rights and feminist groups The Guardian 20 January 2015 6 January 2016Joseph Valente wins the eleventh series of The Apprentice.http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-12-20/joseph-valente-wins-the-apprentice-2015-i-never-had-any-doubts Joseph Valente wins The Apprentice 2015 admitting he was 100% sure he'd get Lord Sugar's investment for his Prime Time Plumbing business Radio Times 20 December 2015 6 January 2016 However, due to a late running schedule after Sports Personality of the Year overruns, the identity of the winner is revealed online ten minutes before the end of the final when it is tweeted by the Radio Times social media team.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/the-apprentice/12060887/the-apprentice-2015-final-live-joseph-vana-winner.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/the-apprentice/12060887/the-apprentice-2015-final-live-joseph-vana-winner.html 12 January 2022 subscription live The Apprentice 2015 Final: Joseph Valente wins, plus five other things we learned The Daily Telegraph 20 December 2015 6 January 201621As part of cost-cutting measures the BBC announces that it is "reluctantly" ending its contract to provide Formula One coverage three years early. Channel 4 will take on Formula One coverage from the 2016 season.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35149963 BBC to end Formula 1 television contract early BBC News BBC 21 December 2015 6 January 2016Following a review of the rules governing Party Political Broadcasts, the BBC announces that the UK Independence Party will be awarded three annual broadcasts outside election time, but that the Green Party will get none.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/dec/21/bbc-ukip-party-broadcasts-greens-nigel-farage BBC to give Ukip three party broadcasts a year – but Greens will get none The Guardian 21 December 2015 6 January 201623BBC One has commissioned a weekday spin-off of Countryfile following the programme's success in the Sunday evening schedules. Countryfile Diaries will air in spring 2016, although a presenting team is yet to be announced.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35167209 BBC One's Countryfile gets spin-off daytime show BBC News BBC 23 December 2015 6 January 201624John Cleese has reprised the character Basil Fawlty for a Specsavers commercial, it is reported.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35175405 John Cleese revives Basil Fawlty for TV advert BBC News BBC 24 January 2015 6 January 2016Mark Stinchcombe wins the eighth series of MasterChef: The Professionals.http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/news/a778200/mark-stinchcombe-wins-masterchef-the-professionals/ Who won MasterChef: The Professionals? Digital Spy 24 December 2015 31 December 201726Overnight viewing figures indicate the Queen's Speech, broadcast jointly by BBC One and ITV, to be the most watched programme on Christmas Day, with a combined audience of 7.2 million. The Downton Abbey Christmas Special aired by ITV, and finale of the series, was the most watched programme on a single channel, with an audience of 6.6 million.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35167041 Downton Abbey beats EastEnders in Christmas ratings battle BBC News BBC 26 December 2015 6 January 201627The Bay City Rollers are announced as the headline act for BBC Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35185647 Bay City Rollers headline BBC Hogmanay BBC News BBC 27 December 2015 6 January 201630Barbara Windsor and Idris Elba are among those from the world of television to be honoured in the 2016 New Year Honours—Windsor becoming a Dame and Elba receiving an OBE.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35197898 Dame Barbara Windsor leads arts and entertainment honours BBC News BBC 30 December 2015 6 January 2016 Most watched television of this year The entire series of Call the Midwife was successful in the ratings this year, with all eight episodes from its fourth series reaching the Top 20 most watched programmes watched in 2015. Successful drama broadcasts on BBC One continued with EastEnders Live Week surrounding the Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline. The Voice UK also enjoyed its most successful series ever, with the first six episodes reaching the Top 50. Top 50 most-watched television broadcasts Rank Show Number of viewersin millions Date Network Brief description 1 The Great British Bake Off 15.16 7 October BBC One The final of the sixth series, which sees Nadiya Hussain crowned the winner. 2 12.78 30 September The semi-final of the sixth series, featuring the exit of Flora Shedden & Nadiya Hussain was crowned Star Baker for the 3rd Time. 3 12.67 26 August The fourth episode of the sixth series which focused around baking desserts. It saw the exit of Sandy Docherty while Ian Cumming was crowned Star Baker for the 3rd time. 4 12.63 2 September The fifth episode of the sixth series which focused on "alternative ingredients" for the first time in this series. This week, eventual winner Nadiya Jamir Hussain ended Ian Cumming's reign as star baker by winning that week's episode. Ugnė Bubnaityte was eliminated. 5 12.58 16 September The seventh episode of the sixth series, looking at "Victorian baking". Eventual finalist Tamal Ray was star baker for the first time, whilst the reigning star baker, Mat Riley, was eliminated. 6 Strictly Come Dancing 12.55 19 December The final of the thirteenth series, which was won by The Wanted singer Jay McGuinness and Aliona Vilani, beating EastEnders actress Kellie Bright and Coronation Street actress Georgia May Foote. Ellie Goulding also performed. 7 Britain's Got Talent 12.51 31 May ITV The two and a half-hour-long final of the 2015 series, where 12 acts competed for £250,000 and a place at the Royal Variety Performance. It was won by Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse, a dog act. 8 The Great British Bake Off 12.37 19 August BBC One The third episode of the sixth series focusing on judge Paul Hollywood's specialism, bread. Paul Jagger Created a stunning Lion Bread but was piped to Star Baker by Ian Cumming who won it for the 2nd time, Following two disappointing weeks in the competition, Dorret Conway was eliminated from the competition. 9 Strictly Come Dancing 12.31 19 December The first episode of the final week of the thirteenth series of the show. Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton achieved two perfect scores for their Tango and Showdance. 10 The Great British Bake Off 12.26 9 September The sixth episode of the sixth series that revolved around pastry. Laddish fireman Mat Riley was star baker for his only time, whilst Alvin Magallanes left the competition. 11 Strictly Come Dancing 11.98 5 December The quarter final which had a "musicals" theme. Jay McGuinness and Aliona Vilani finished at the top of the leaderboard after dancing a rumba to "Falling Slowly" from Once. 12 11.86 21 November The annual live show broadcast from the Blackpool Tower. Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice finished at the top of the leaderboard after dancing an American Smooth to Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". 13 The Great British Bake Off 11.84 12 August The second episode of the sixth series that featured challenges on biscuits. Star baker from the first episode, Marie Campbell, crashed out of the competition following a disappointing performance in this episode while Ian Cumming won his 1st Star Baker Title. 14 Strictly Come Dancing 11.76 14 November The live show of the eighth week of the thirteenth series. Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Perice achieved the highest score of the series so far (39 points) after dancing a Charleston to "Hot Honey Rag" from Chicago. 15 The Great British Bake Off 11.73 5 August The premiere of the sixth series. This episode looked at judge Mary Berry's specialism, cakes, Marie Campbell was crowned the 1st Star Baker of the series & Stu Henshall was Eliminated. 16 Strictly Come Dancing 11.62 28 November The tenth week of the thirteenth series. It featured the show's first "Quickstep-a-thon", which was won by Helen George and Aljaz Skorjanec. She finished at the top of the leaderboard having scored 39 points for her Viennese Waltz to Etta James' "At Last". 17 EastEnders 11.60 19 February The second of two episodes broadcast this evening. This episode is set entirely on the night of Lucy Beale's murder. The murderer is revealed to be Lucy's brother, Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington). In addition, it's revealed that Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) and Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood) were in a secret relationship, and it was Vincent who gave her a gun. 18 New Year's Eve Fireworks 11.51 31 December BBC One / BBC News The television broadcast of the annual fireworks display in Westminster overlooking the River Thames. 19 Britain's Got Talent 11.44 25 April ITV The third episode of the ninth series, which featured singing-group Revelation Avenue, who were sent straight through to the semi-finals when judge Amanda Holden pressed the golden buzzer, and Hypnodog, which was supposedly a hypnotic dog. 20 Strictly Come Dancing 11.43 13 December BBC One The semi-final results show. It featured the final dance-off of the series, between Katie Derham and Anita Rani. Rani was eliminated following the judge's vote. By Derham winning the dance-off, it marked the first time her partner Anton du Beke reached the show's final, having competed in all thirteen series, but never successfully reaching the final. Kylie Minogue also performed. 21 EastEnders 11.36 19 February An hour-long special celebrating the show's 30th anniversary. It featured the wedding reception of Ian Beale and Jane Beale, Dot Branning being arrested for the death of her son Nick Cotton, Dean Wicks attempting to burn down The Queen Victoria Pub before Mick Carter pins him down on the floor unconscious, the birth of Kim Fox's daughter Pearl and the shock return of Kathy Beale, who was believed to be dead. The cliffhanger of the episode saw Ian accuse Jane of murdering Lucy Beale, demanding an explanation of what happened on the night of her murder (this led to the flashback episode later on in the evening). 22 The Great British Bake Off 11.35 23 September The quarter-final of the sixth series, looking at Pâtisserie, Nadiya Hussain won her 2nd Star Baker Title & fan favourite Paul Jagger was booted out of the competition. 23 Strictly Come Dancing 11.31 22 November The results show of the ninth week of thirteenth series. It featured the controversial dance-off between Jamelia and Peter Andre, where Andre went through. Anastacia and Take That also performed. 24 Britain's Got Talent 11.28 2 May ITV The fourth episode of the audition stage of the competition. 25 Call the Midwife 11.27 15 February BBC One The fifth episode of the fourth series, featuring the return of Nurse Cynthia Miller, now as Sister Mary Cynthia (Bryony Hannah). 26 Britain's Got Talent 11.19 9 May ITV The fifth episode of the audition stage which featured Entity Allstars (eventual finalists) who were sent straight to the semi-finals by judge Alesha Dixon who pressed her golden buzzer for them. 27 Strictly Come Dancing 11.10 6 December BBC One The results show of "Musicals Week". It featured the elimination of favourite Helen George, who up to this point had scored the most points with the judges. Josh Groban also performed. 28 Britain's Got Talent 11.09 16 May ITV The sixth episode of the audition stage which controversially featured Lorraine Bowen getting through to the semi-finals after judge David Walliams pressed his golden buzzer for her. 29 Call the Midwife 11.07 1 February BBC One The third episode of the fourth series, featuring guest star Richard Fleeshman in his first role on UK television since 2010. 30 Strictly Come Dancing 11.00 15 November The eighth week's result show, which featured the elimination of Jeremy Vine. Years & Years and Brandon Flowers also performed. 31 Call the Midwife 10.98 25 January The second episode of the fourth series, featuring the debut of new regular character, Phyllis Cane (Linda Bassett). 32 Strictly Come Dancing 10.97 12 December The semi-final live show. Kellie Bright topped the judge's leaderboard. =33 EastEnders 10.96 20 February A 30-minute live episode which acted as the conclusion to the show's 30th anniversary celebrations and their Live Week. Jane Beale reveals to Ian Beale, Peter Beale and Cindy Williams that her adoptive son Bobby Beale killed Lucy Beale, as well as explaining that he doesn't know he killed her and that the family agrees to keep it a secret. It also features Linda Carter proposing to Mick Carter following her rape ordeal with Dean Wicks four months earlier.Strictly Come Dancing 10.96 17 October The live show of "Movie Week". Jay McGuinness achieved the first '10' of the series from judge Bruno Tonioli after dancing a Jive to "You Never Can Tell" and "Misirlou" from Pulp Fiction.I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! 15 November ITV The premiere of the fifteenth series which saw the entrance of ten celebrities into the camp. 36 Strictly Come Dancing 10.95 29 November BBC One The results show of the tenth week. Peter Andre was eliminated after being up against Kellie Bright in the dance off. 37 Strictly Come Dancing 10.93 31 October The episode of the show's annual "Halloween Week". Georgia May Foote finished at the top of the judge's leaderboard following her Tango to "Ghostbusters". 38 Call the Midwife 10.92 8 February The fourth episode of the fourth series, featuring fan-favourite Trixie (Helen George) breaking off her engagement to Tom Hereward (Jack Ashton). 39 Strictly Come Dancing 10.91 8 November The results show from the seventh week, which saw Carol Kirkwood being eliminated after facing Kellie Bright in the dance-off. Seal also performed. 40 Britain's Got Talent 10.89This is 7-day data as there is no 28-day data available. 18 April ITV The second episode of the series, featuring eventual finalist Jamie Raven and hosts Ant & Dec's golden buzzer act, Boyband. =41 Broadchurch 10.86 5 January The debut of the second series of the drama, starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman. Features the debut of new cast members James D'Arcy, Eve Myles, Charlotte Rampling, Meera Syal and Academy Award nominated Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as well the revelation that Joe Miller (Matthew Gravelle) will plead not-guilty for Danny Latimer's murder, despite the previous series seeing him confess.Strictly Come Dancing 7 November BBC One The seventh week of the thirteenth series. Peter Andre finished at the top of the leaderboard following his Charleston to Basement Jaxx's "Do Your Thing". 43 Downton Abbey 10.78 25 December ITV The final ever episode of the multi award-winning show, tying up all of the drama's storylines. It centres around the engagement and wedding of Lady Edith Crawley (Laura Carmichael) and Herbert Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton). On the wedding day, Anna Bates (Joanne Froggatt) goes into labour, giving birth to a son. Charles Carson (Jim Carter) accepts that his Parkinson's disease is preventing him from fulfilling his duty to the family, and so, upon Robert Crawley's (Hugh Bonneville) suggestion, takes a position that allows him to overlook the house and its running, whilst Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier) is made Butler. Isobel (Penelope Wilton) gets engaged to Lord Merton (Douglas Reith), Joseph Moseley (Kevin Doyle) and Phyllis Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) accept they are in love with each other and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) and Violet (Maggie Smith) reconcile, with Violet accepting that Cora now has the prime position of the family. Furthermore, Lady Rose MacClare (Lily James) returns. 44 Britain's Got Talent 10.72 11 April ITV The premiere of the ninth series. =45 Call the Midwife 10.64 8 March BBC One The final episode of the fourth series, the episode features Trixie (Helen George) admitting that she is an alcoholic, the return of Chummy (Miranda Hart) and the wedding of Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi) and Violet Gee (Annabelle Apsion).I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! 6 December ITV The final of the fifteenth series. After completing their last bush-tucker trials, Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattinson became Queen of the Jungle, beating Union J band member George Shelley and The Only Way is Essex star Ferne McCann to win. 47 Downton Abbey 10.63 8 November ITV The final episode of the sixth series. Thomas Barrow (Rob James-Collier attempts to commit suicide, but is saved. An angry and spiteful Mary (Michelle Dockery) reveals to Bertie that his fiancée, Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael), is the mother to Marigold, a little girl taken in by the family. Bertie leaves Edith, and Edith angrily berates her sister, with intent to finally rid her out of her life. Mary, after being persuaded by Violet (Maggie Smith), marries Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode). =48 Call the Midwife 10.57 1 March BBC One Featuring guest star Una Stubbs, this episode features the first baby mix-up since the show's inception. It also features Fred Buckle (Cliff Parisi) proposing to Violet Gee (Annabelle Apsion).Doctor Foster 7 October The final episode of the first series. Gemma (Suranne Jones) reveals to Kate's (Jodie Comer) family that she has been having an affair with her husband, Simon (Bertie Carvel). When Simon refuses to leave the family home, Gemma seemingly appears to abduct her son and kill him. She does this to show Simon what the grief was like for her when she found out about the affair, and when it is revealed that her son is alive, but knows all the details about his affair, he hits her and bangs her head against a glass door. Simon later has a restraining order put against him seeing his wife, and attempts to continue his relationship with Kate. 50 Call the Midwife 10.55 18 January The first episode of the fourth series, which features the arrival of new character Barbara Gilbert (Charlotte Ritchie) and the temporary departure of Chummy Noakes (Miranda Hart). Notes Debuts BBC Date Debut Channel1 January Roald Dahl's Esio Trot BBC One3 January Frank Sinatra: Our WayTerry Ramsey https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11321696/Frank-Sinatra-Our-Way-review.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11321696/Frank-Sinatra-Our-Way-review.html 12 January 2022 subscription live Frank Sinatra: Our Way, Ol Blue Eyes, review The Daily Telegraph 4 January 2015 6 January 2016 5 January Eve CBBC 6 January Six Puppies and Ushttp://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a557145/bbc-two-announces-meet-the-puppies-documentary-series.html BBC Two announces Meet the Puppies documentary series Digital Spy 12 March 2014 10 January 2015http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commissioning/bbc2-to-meet-the-puppies/5068534.article BBC2 to Meet the Puppies 10 January 2015 BBC Two 8 January Crimshttp://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/crims/episodes/ Crims British Comedy Guide 10 January 2015 BBC Three 10 January Now You See It BBC One 20 January Excluded: Kicked Out of School BBC Three 21 January Wolf Hall BBC Two 22 January Bangkok Airport BBC Three26 January South Side Story EastEnders: Back to Ourshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30950717 Barbara Windsor and Pam St Clement set for EastEnders anniversary reunion BBC BBC News 23 January 2015 24 January 2015 BBC iPlayer 29 January Eat Well for Less? BBC One2 February The Great Antiques Map of Britain BBC Two A Cook Abroad 3 February Inside The Commons 4 February Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 9 February Teacup Travels CBeebies Asylum BBC Four 10 February The Gift BBC One 14 February How We Got to Now BBC Two15 February The Casual Vacancyhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31486077 Casual Vacancy beats Indian Summers in TV drama ratings BBC BBC News 16 February 2015 17 February 2015 BBC One I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse BBC Three22 February The Big Painting Challenge BBC OneMeet the UkippersJonathan Owen https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-farage-praises-his-activists-as-bbc-airs-racist-slurs-10062000.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/general-election-2015-farage-praises-his-activists-as-bbc-airs-racist-slurs-10062000.html 1 May 2022 subscription live General Election 2015: Farage praises his activists as BBC airs racist slurs Independent Print Limited The Independent 22 February 2015 22 February 2015 BBC Two 23 February The Twirlywoos CBeebies 25 February The People's Strictly for Comic Relief BBC One1 March Pompidou BBC Two Let's Play Darts for Comic Relief 5 March Banished 8 March Poldark BBC One 10 March Nurse BBC Two 11 March In and Out of the Kitchen BBC Four16 March The Edge BBC One Kew on a Plate BBC Two17 March Back in Time for Dinner Ordinary Lies BBC One18 March Britain's Got the Builders In BBC Two The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop BBC One 22 March Caribbean with Simon Reeve BBC Two 30 March The Ark BBC One 3 April The Clare Balding Show BBC Two 7 April Victoria Derbyshire 10 April Sex and the Church 12 April Tatau BBC Three 13 April Jack Dee's Election Helpdesk BBC Two20 April Decimate BBC One Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial BBC Two 28 April 24 Hours in the Past BBC One 29 April Peter Kay's Car Share 30 April The Game BBC Twohttps://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/the-game-casting-announcement.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130901235355/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/the-game-casting-announcement.html dead 1 September 2013 Impressive cast convene for Toby Whithouse's new BBC One spy thriller, The Game BBC 30 August 20133 May The C Wordhttps://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/sheridan-smiths-c-word-brother-real-5631731 Sheridan Smith's C Word: Brother of real life heroine Lisa Lynch says he hopes it will save lives Myall Steve 3 May 2015 Daily Mirror 3 May 2015 BBC One BBC Four Goes Slow BBC Four 6 May Murder in SuccessvilleWightman Catriona http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a644903/has-dermot-oleary-swapped-the-x-factor-for-the-police.html#~pblV7lneBEPIPm Has Dermot O'Leary swapped The X Factor for the police? Digital Spy 30 April 2015 30 April 2015 BBC Three 7 May Shark BBC One11 May Hetty Feather CBBC Beat the Brain BBC Two Great Chelsea Garden ChallengeHegarty Tasha http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a642639/bbc-two-commissions-great-chelsea-garden-challenge-competition.html BBC Two commissions Great Chelsea Garden Challenge competition Digital Spy 18 April 2015 18 April 2015 15 May Mary Berry's Absolute Favourites 17 May Jonathan Strange & Mr NorrellMcEwan Cameron K http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/recaps/a647889/jonathan-strange--mr-norrell-review-nothing-less-than-a-television-triumph.html#~pdeDF2uL3zPijB Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell review: Nothing less than a television triumph Digital Spy 18 May 2015 20 May 2015 BBC One The DetectivesJohn Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/12/police-investigation-of-dj-sex-offender-ray-teret-shown-in-bbc2-documentary Police investigation of DJ sex offender Ray Teret shown in BBC2 documentary The Guardian 12 May 2015 20 May 2015 BBC Two 21 May So Awkward CBBC 25 May The BoxLee Ben http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a646727/james-martin-to-host-new-bbc-one-cooking-show-the-box.html#~pcuScRiV9P4MvS James Martin to host new BBC One cooking show The Box Digital Spy 12 May 2015 12 May 2015 BBC One 27 May SunTraphttp://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/tv/suntrap/ SunTrap – BBC1 Sitcom – British Comedy Guide Comedy.co.uk 18 April 2015 30 May The John Bishop Show 1 June Nigel Slater: Eating Together 8 June Family Finders The Met: Policing London Japan: Earth's Enchanted Islands BBC Two 10 June The Interceptor BBC One 8 June Stonemouth BBC Two 13 June Prized Aparthttp://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a616000/emma-willis-reggie-yates-to-host-new-bbc-saturday-night-show-prized-apart.html#~oY9u5l3YiNvktV Emma Willis, Reggie Yates to host new BBC Saturday night show Prized Apart Digital Spy 11 December 2014 10 January 2015 BBC One 2 July Britain Beneath Your Feet http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Surprising-facts-Britain/story-26759088-detail/story.html Top surprising facts about Britain Local World Western Daily Press 27 June 2015 30 June 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150630060932/http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Surprising-facts-Britain/story-26759088-detail/story.html 30 June 2015 5 July A Song for JennyAdam Sherwin https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/a-song-for-jenny-how-a-vicars-grief-and-anger-inspired-a-bbc-drama-on-the-77-bombings-10300346.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/a-song-for-jenny-how-a-vicars-grief-and-anger-inspired-a-bbc-drama-on-the-77-bombings-10300346.html 1 May 2022 subscription live A Song For Jenny: How a vicar's grief and anger inspired a BBC drama on the 7/7 bombings Independent Print Limited The Independent 5 June 2015 30 June 2015 12 July The Outcast 13 July Right on the Money: Live 14 July Hive Mindshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/proginfo/2015/28/hiveminds https://web.archive.org/web/20150708004412/http://www.bbc.co.uk/corporate2/mediacentre/proginfo/2015/28/hiveminds dead 8 July 2015 BBC – Hive Minds – Media Centre BBC Online 4 July 2015 BBC Four 15 July Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners BBC Two 19 July The Javone Prince Show 20 July Council House Crackdown BBC One The Housing Enforcers Britain at the Bookies 25 July 5-Star Family ReunionFinbow Katy http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a648394/nick-knowles-reconnects-long-lost-family-members-in-new-bbc-one-saturday-night-gameshow.html#~pdeybVs2u0HrBp Nick Knowles reconnects long lost family members in new BBC One Saturday night gameshow Digital Spy 20 May 2015 20 May 2015 26 July Partners in Crime 27 July Life in Squares BBC Two 30 July Atlantic: The Wildest Ocean on Earth 3 August The TV That Made Me BBC One 7 August Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul BBC Two 11 August The Totally Senseless Gameshow BBC Three 16 August Country Strife: Abz Love on the Farm BBC Two 17 August The Scandalous Lady W 19 August Britain's Spending Secrets BBC One Top CoppersFletcher Harry http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a631410/kayvan-novak-and-john-kearns-join-bbc-three-police-comedy-top-coppers.html#~p5jdxhZHoqclps Kayvan Novak and John Kearns join BBC Three police comedy Top Coppers Digital Spy 25 February 2015 12 March 2015 BBC Three 20 August Building the Ancient City BBC Two 23 August Big Blue Live BBC One25 August Secrets of China BBC Three Fried 30 August Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week BBC Two31 August Terry and Mason's Great Food Trip This Wild Life Danny and the Human Zoo BBC One Treasures of the Indus BBC Four1 September Hairy Bikers' Northern Exposure BBC Two India: Nature's Wonderland 2 September Kolkata with Sue Perkins BBC One The Ascent of Woman BBC Two3 September Cradle to Grave Boy Meets Girl World's Weirdest Events 6 September Lady Chatterley's Lover BBC One7 September Money for Nothing Messy Goes to Okido CBeebies 9 September Doctor Foster BBC One 13 September An Inspector Calls 14 September All Change at Longleat Countdown to Life: The Extraordinary Making of You BBC Two Six Degrees of SeparationWightman Catriona http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a643278/professor-brian-cox-to-host-new-bbc-two-panel-show-six-degrees.hmtl Professor Brian Cox to host new BBC Two panel show Six Degrees Digital Spy 21 April 2015 22 April 2015 15 September The Gamechangers 20 September The Go-Between BBC One21 September Best Bakes Ever BBC Two In Case You Missed It 22 September The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone 25 September Patagonia: Earth's Secret Paradise 27 September Cider with Rosie BBC One28 September Thief Trackers KKK: The Fight for White Supremacy BBC Three30 September The Face of