2003 in British television

none April 2013 August 2024 2003 British television This is a list of British television-related events from 2003. Events January 1 January – The Studio closes after nearly two years on the air.Dan Milmo https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/dec/18/broadcasting1 NTL/Vivendi movie channel closes The Guardian 18 December 2002 10 June 2012 2 January – BBC One airs Dot's Story, an EastEnders spin-off. It tells the story of Dot Branning's experiences as a wartime evacuee.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/PICK+OF+THE+BOX%3B+Martin+cops+a+new+role.-a096007651 Pick of the Box; Martin cops a new role Daily Record 2 February 2003 26 April 2014 3 January – CITV celebrates its twentieth birthday with the CITV Birthday Bash. CITV 20th Birthday Bash (2003) – FULL EPISODE YouTube 30 April 2016 18 March 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie3CrZ1qyoU 4 January – ITV1 airs the first live edition of Blind Date, on which presenter Cilla Black announces she is quitting the show after 18 years. She later tells ITV bosses the programme should be shelved because of falling ratings which have dropped from 17 million at its peak to 4 million.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jan/06/broadcasting Ditch Blind Date, urges Cilla The Guardian 6 January 2003 29 May 2014 6 January Scottish and Grampian adopt the ITV celebrity idents package, introduced on 28 October 2002, albeit with their own logos attached and with idents featuring a lot more Scottish personalities alongside those of ITV1. Thomas & Friends makes a comeback on free-for-air television after a ten year absence, now airing Monday through Friday on CiTV. 11 January Girls Aloud singer and former Popstars: The Rivals contestant Cheryl Tweedy is involved in an altercation with a nightclub toilet attendant, Sophie Amogbokpa, in The Drink nightclub in Guildford. She is subsequently charged with racially aggravated assault after allegedly calling Amogbokpa a "jigaboo"13 January 2003 https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2651617.stm Girls Aloud star 'not a racist' BBC News 29 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090228003920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2651617.stm 28 February 2009 live and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3243309.stm Singer Tweedy 'sorry' for assault BBC 5 November 2003 2 May 2014 Debut of Channel 4's The Salon, a fly-on-the-wall series documenting events in a purpose-built beauty salon in London.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Open+for+business%3B+The+Salon+Ch4,+9.00pm.-a096347787 Open for business; The Salon Ch4, 9.00pm Daily Record 11 January 2003 26 April 2014 The series airs for three months, before returning for a second run in October. It finishes in March 2004. Steven Spielberg's science-fiction miniseries Taken debuts on BBC Two.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/6d24d42b9f9e4408b8961851fcf29e58 https://web.archive.org/web/20200902024312/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/6d24d42b9f9e4408b8961851fcf29e58 dead 2 September 2020 Taken – BBC Two – 11 January 2003 BBC Genome Project 10 March 2019 13 January ITV1 soap Crossroads is relaunched under the stewardship of producer Yvon Grace and with a decidedly camp feel. However, Grace is criticised by fans for her ambivalence towards unresolved storylines from the 2001–2002 run.http://www.crossroadsnetwork.co.uk/society/story.htm Crossroads Story – 1964 to 2003 30 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090521085259/http://www.crossroadsnetwork.co.uk/society/story.htm 21 May 2009 dead Tracy Shaw makes her final appearance on Coronation Street as her character Maxine Peacock is brutally murdered by serial killer Richard Hillman. 15 January – Launch of Ftn and UK Bright Ideas. 28 January – Los Angeles-based police drama Boomtown debuts on Five. 31 January – The Campaign Week website reports that TBWA have used characters from the 1970s children's television show Hector's House for an ad campaign relaunching Virgin One bank account as The One account. The campaign has been created on behalf of the Royal Bank of Scotland which bought the name from Virgin and AMP in July 2001.http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/169590/ Hector's House relaunches The One Campaign Live 31 January 2003 4 May 2015 February 1 February Postman Pat returns to CBeebies with a new series 6 years after the last series aired. The first episode is titled "Postman Pat and the Greendale Rocket": in the episode, The children set off on a school outing to the old Greendale Station and are very excited when they discover Greendale's old forgotten steam train, the Greendale Rocket. Everyone volunteers to get the station refurbished and back to operational condition. Pat and Ted try to get the engine working again with a new friend Ajay and his family. BBC News airs coverage of The Space Shuttle Columbia explosion 3 February The Martin Bashir documentary Living with Michael Jackson is broadcast on ITV1. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2723435.stm Jackson defended over TV interview BBC News 4 February 2003 24 April 2009 The revelations of Jackson's controversial personal life in the programme is one of the many factors that leads to his trial for child molestation.https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MichaelJackson/story?id=564171 Financial Trouble for Michael Jackson? ABC News United States 9 March 2005 20 May 2014 Launch of Channel U. 4 February – Channel 4 News airs an interview conducted by veteran politician Tony Benn with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/2726831.stm Full text of Benn interview with Saddam BBC 4 February 2003 15 March 2014 6 February – Prime Minister Tony Blair appears on BBC Two's Newsnight with Jeremy Paxman and a live audience where he is questioned about the Iraq crisis. Blair is taken aback when Paxman asks him about his Christian faith and whether he and US President George W. Bush have prayed together.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/2732979.stm Transcript of Blair's Iraq interview BBC 6 February 2003 2 May 2014https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27225422 BBC News Paxman's most memorable Newsnight encounters 30 April 2014 2 May 2014 8 February – Phil Mitchell is to leave EastEnders later this year as Steve McFadden takes a break from the show.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2739361.stm BBC News Phil to quit EastEnders 8 February 2003 4 July 2020 9 February – After a long delay, BBC Choice is replaced by BBC Three. The opening night is simulcast on BBC Two.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-26452235 BBC News BBC Three: From digital first to online only 5 March 2014 5 March 2014 9–10 February – ITV1 screens the controversial two-part drama The Second Coming, set around the return to Earth of Jesus Christ in modern-day Manchester.review10Deans, Jason (10 February 2003). Six million attend ITV's Second Coming. Retrieved 30 May 2009.review11Gibson, Owen (11 February) 2003. Viewers lose faith in Second Coming. Retrieved 30 May 2009. 10 February – During an interview on ITV's This Morning, Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees brands Graham Norton as scum after the comedian made a joke about the singer's late brother, Maurice on his Channel 4 chat show, V Graham Norton the day after his death.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2745333.stm Entertainment | Bee Gee brands comic 'scum' BBC News 10 February 2003 15 June 2014 12 February – In the weeks leading up to the Iraq War, the BBC screens a series of programmes examining the case for and against war. The centrepiece of this is Iraq Day: The Case For and Against War, a 90-minute programme on BBC One on that day. Presented by Peter Snow, the programme analyses the possible implications of a war in the Middle East and attempts to gauge public opinion on the subject with a viewers poll. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2692411.stm BBC to host Iraq war debate BBC News 24 January 2003 29 March 2009 20 February – The 2003 BRIT Awards are held at London's Earls Court. Two of the acts, Ms. Dynamite and Coldplay, use their awards acceptance speeches to criticise plans for US-led military action in Iraq.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2781653.stm Entertainment | Brits winners attack war plans BBC 21 February 2003 25 April 2015 22 February – After an absence of six years, After Dark returns to television.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/01_january/28/after_dark.shtml BBC Press Office After Dark 28 January 2003 28 April 2015 24 February 19.4 million watch Coronation Street as Richard Hillman confesses to the murder of Maxine Peacock.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2796201.stm Street drama hits ratings high BBC 25 February 2003 20 May 2014 the highest rated show of the year.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3372245.stm ITV1's Street heads 2003 ratings BBC 7 January 2004 20 May 2014 Mersey Television boss Phil Redmond criticises broadcasting watchdogs for forcing television to "dumb down" after the Independent Television Commission rules that episodes of Brookside that aired in November 2002 showing an armed siege had breached broadcasting regulations and were inappropriate for a pre-watershed audience.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2795587.stm Brookside creator criticises watchdogs BBC 24 February 2003 31 March 2014 26 February BBC Two airs a special edition of TOTP2 featuring live performances from US rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2d9bff1e0748476080e649caa07b9c82 https://web.archive.org/web/20181031053515/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2d9bff1e0748476080e649caa07b9c82 dead 31 October 2018 TOTP2 – BBC Two England – 26 February 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 30 October 2018 ITV police drama series The Bill introduces a new theme tune and opening titles. March 3 March – Five airs Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See, the "rebuttal video" issued in response to the Martin Bashir documentary Living with Michael Jackson. Having previously been aired on Sky One, this airing of the programme is watched by 2.4 million viewers, enjoying a 9.8% audience share.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2801745.stm Jackson reply draws 2.4m viewers BBC 4 March 2003 22 June 2014 5 March – BBC One airs Mandela: The Living Legend, a two-part documentary series whose film crew had six months of unprecedented access to Nelson Mandela.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/f8d5e396412a4fe5811c9f6eb74f2e70 https://web.archive.org/web/20181125074720/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/f8d5e396412a4fe5811c9f6eb74f2e70 dead 25 November 2018 Mandela – the Living Legend – BBC One London – 5 March 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 25 November 2018 The second part airs on 12 March.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a46f7d541a7d43db972e67d5d49f96f7 https://web.archive.org/web/20181125075656/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a46f7d541a7d43db972e67d5d49f96f7 dead 25 November 2018 Mandela – the Living Legend – BBC One London – 12 March 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 25 November 2018 7 March Singer George Michael makes his first appearance on BBC One's Top of the Pops in 17 years, with a cover of Don McLean's protest song The Grave, but runs into conflict with the show's producers for an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt worn by some members of his band.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2828485.stm Michael accuses BBC in war row BBC 7 March 2003 26 December 2016 EastEnders announces the casting of a new family, the Ferreiras who will be the first Asian family to join the soap for a decade. They will move to Albert Square in the Summer.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2829985.stm New EastEnders family announced BBC 7 March 2003 17 June 2014 8 March – Debut of ITV1's Reborn in the USA, a reality show in which ten British pop acts of the 1980s and 1990s tour the United States in the hope of reviving their careers. Those participating in the series include Sonia Evans, Leee John, Michelle Gayle and Tony Hadley. The show has already prompted controversy after Mark Shaw of Then Jericho decided to quit the series shortly before it went on air.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2821039.stm Singer quits 'has-beens' TV show BBC 5 March 2003 6 April 2014 9 March Teletext's often surreal and acerbic games magazine, Digitiser is published for the final time after ten years on air. The magazine is replaced the following day by GameCentral which features less of the humour favoured by its predecessor. The 1982 American horror slasher film Friday the 13th Part III makes its UK television debut on ITV1 as part of the channel's Sunday night lineup. 10 March – Channel 4 is reprimanded by the Independent Television Commission for showing a documentary in which a Chinese artist appeared to eat a stillborn baby which the watchdog felt demonstrated a "lack of respect for human dignity". Graham Norton is also criticised for his joke about the late Maurice Gibb.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2837211.stm 'Baby-eating' show censured BBC 10 March 2003 15 June 2014 11 March – The BBC ends the deal with Sky Digital under which BBC channels are carried exclusively by Sky, meaning that satellite viewers will be able to watch BBC content without a viewing card. The changes will take effect from 30 May.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2843069.stm BBC ends Sky digital deal BBC 12 March 2003 21 April 2014 12 March ITV announces that Cat Deeley will take over as presenter of the junior version of Stars in Their Eyes because regular host Matthew Kelly will be busy touring as part of a stage production when the series is scheduled to be recorded.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2842441.stm Deeley takes Kelly's Stars role BBC 12 March 2003 9 April 2014 The climax to the Richard Hillman plot in Coronation Street is aired in which the serial killer attempts to kill himself and his wife Gail Platt and her children by driving their people carrier into the local canal. The conclusion marks the exit of the actor Brian Capron, who played Richard, from the soap. 13 March – Dog Breath, an advertisement for Wrigley's X-cite gum, becomes the most complained-about television advert in British history.Cozens Claire Wrigley's ad draws record complaints https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/mar/13/advertising2 The Guardian 21 February 2026 13 March 2003 It is withdrawn four days later after over 700 complaints.Dogbreath ad is withdrawn http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2857537.stm BBC News 21 February 2026 17 March 2003 14 March – Highlights of BBC One's 2003 Comic Relief fundraiser include Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, the Red Nose Special and Rowan Atkinson and Lenny Henry in the spoof documentary Lying to Michael Jackson.http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2003-03-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20141019131902/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2003-03-14 dead 19 October 2014 BBC One London – 14 March 2003 BBC Genome Project 12 November 2016 19 March Procter & Gamble announces it is ending its Daz Doorstep Challenge advertising campaign after ten years, feeling it is "old fashioned". It will be replaced with the soap-opera style campaign Cleaner Close.Claire Cozens https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/mar/19/advertising Daz slams door on 'old-fashioned' ads The Guardian 19 March 2003 3 March 2014Solley Sam http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/174498/daz-winds-ten-years-doorstep-challenge Daz winds up ten years of 'doorstep challenge' Marketing Magazine 20 March 2003 3 March 2014 BBC Three airs American Psycho, Mary Harron's black comedy based on the novel of the same name by Brett Easton Ellis.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c8663d762d324fada88d01c30b111857 https://web.archive.org/web/20181011014052/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c8663d762d324fada88d01c30b111857 dead 11 October 2018 American Psycho – BBC Three – 19 March 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 10 October 2018 20 March As the 2003 invasion of Iraq begins, many broadcasters adjust their regular schedules to provide up to date coverage of unfolding events. BBC One's news programmes are all slightly extended in length in addition to blanket coverage on BBC News 24 across each day. One day earlier, ITV moves its main evening bulletin forward by an hour to 9pm, anchored by Trevor McDonald live from nearby Kuwait, and abandons its usual overnight schedule to provide a through the night simulcast of the ITV News Channel during the war. George McGhee is appointed as Controller of BBC Programme Acquisition and will take up the position from early April.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/03_march/20/george_mcghee.shtml BBC Press Office George McGhee appointed Controller, Programme Acquisition 20 March 2003 28 April 2015 22 March – ITN journalist Terry Lloyd is killed while covering the events of the Iraq War after he and his team of two cameramen and an interpreter are caught in a crossfire during fighting near the Shatt Al Basra Bridge in Basra.Cameraman's fate remains unsolved https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5408076.stm 29 March 2009 BBC News 4 October 2006 between US and Iraqi forces. His body and that of his Lebanese interpreter, Hussein Osman, are recovered and it is later discovered they were both shot by United States forces.Lloyd shot dead by US troops, inquest told https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/oct/06/iraq.broadcasting 29 March 2009 Leigh Holmwood The Guardian London 6 October 2006 23 March – The Truth, the season nine finale of The X-Files and the last episode in the series original run, makes its terrestrial television debut on BBC Two.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/ef566d062a2643a99eaadb8b02a379ab https://web.archive.org/web/20190719161900/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/ef566d062a2643a99eaadb8b02a379ab dead 19 July 2019 The X-Files – BBC Two – 23 March 2003 BBC Genome Project 19 July 2019 26 March – BBC defence correspondent Paul Adams criticises BBC News coverage of the Iraq war in a memo to bosses, describing the coverage as painting an untruthful picture.Jason Deans https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/mar/26/bbc.Iraqandthemedia BBC man criticises 'war bias' The Guardian 26 March 2003 28 April 2015 28 March – Debut of Extraordinary People on Five, each programme follows the lives of people with a rare medical condition and/or an unusual ability, many of these people do activities previously thought impossible for people in their condition. 30 March – Channel 4 News reporter Gaby Rado is found dead in Iraq, having apparently fallen from the roof of the Abu Sanaa hotel in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah. His death is believed to be unconnected to the ongoing military campaign in that country.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2900379.stm Channel 4 reporter dies in Iraq BBC 30 March 2003 6 April 2014 31 March Birkbeck, University of London wins the 2002–03 series of University Challenge, beating Cranfield University 180–155. Carlton Cinema goes off the air and is the last Carlton channel to close.http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/otherchannels/carlton_select.html Carlton Select TVARK 28 April 2015 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190346/http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/otherchannels/carlton_select.html 3 March 2016 April 5 April – BBC Two launches The Big Read, a nationwide search for Britain's favourite book. The project is designed to encourage the nation to read, while people will be asked to vote for their favourite novel.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/03_march/14/big_read.shtml BBC Press Office The Big Read 14 March 2003 23 May 2014https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/03_march/19/bbc2_springsum.shtml BBC Press Office BBC TWO Spring / Summer season 2003 19 March 2003 23 May 2014 7 April Children's program Balamory returns for its second series on CBeebies, with Julie Wilson Nimmo, Buki Akib, Miles Jupp, Juliet Cadzow, Andrew Agnew, Rodd Christensen, Mary Riggans and Kim Tserkezie all reprising their roles. In the first episode called "The Lost Letter", Spencer finds out Miss Hoolie didn't get the invitation to a surprise party for herself, so he asks PC Plum to look for the invitation before the party. Following a trial at Southwark Crown Court lasting seven weeks, the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? contestant Charles Ingram, his wife Diana and Tecwen Whittock are convicted by a majority verdict of "procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception". The Ingrams are each given 18-month prison sentences suspended for two years, each are fined £15,000 and each ordered to pay £10,000 towards prosecution costs. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2896743.stm Cheating to win £1m BBC News 7 April 2003 29 March 2009 This is later increased to a joint £65,000 fine, but following another hearing in 2004 this is reduced to £30,00 due to them having financial difficulties. Charles Ingram is declared bankrupt in December 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/4080191.stm Game show cheat Ingram bankrupt BBC 8 December 2004 14 April 2018 Their quiz deception later becomes the subject of Quiz, a 2017 play written by James Graham,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43700097 Millionaire cough scandal: 'The most British crime of all time' BBC News 12 April 2018 14 April 2018 which is then subsequently turned into a three-part mini-serial on television in 2020. Granada Television announces that Jonathan Wilkes is to replace Lisa Riley as host of You've Been Framed!. 8 April – Teenage singer Charlotte Church will guest present an edition of Have I Got News for You when the programme returns for a new series, the BBC confirms. At 17, she will become the youngest person to present the show. Other guest presenters in the forthcoming series which begins on 25 April, will include Martin Clunes and William Hague.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/04_april/08/hignfy_charlottechurch.shtml Press Office – Charlotte Church to present Have I Got News For You BBC 29 October 2014 13 January 2018Ian Hislop https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/hignfy-hosts Have I Got News For You celebrates 10 years of guest hosts – Media Centre BBC 13 January 2018 10 April – Channel 5's Milkshake! debuts hit Australian kids series Hi-5 that proved to be a huge success. Naomi Wilkinson speaks to presenter Nathan Foley to ask the viewers' questions. 14 April The children's series Boohbah debuts on CITV. Debut of 99 Things to do Before You Die on Five in which four people (Syirin Said, Steve Jones, Alexandra Aitken and Rob Deering) take on challenges from around the world. The series continues with a compilation of the best moments on 2 June and it was later repeated on Sky Travel until 2005. 20 April – Sky One airs the 300th episode of The Simpsons.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a10956/sky-one-celebrates-300th-simpsons.html#~oErFsCVHTdTkQX Sky One celebrates 300th 'Simpsons' – TV News Digital Spy 20 April 2003 19 May 2014 21 April – Channel 4 airs the 1000th episode of Hollyoaks.Double trouble; Hollyoaks clocks up its 1,000th episode this week, but co-stars Elize du Toit and Laila Rouass reveal that being a soap babe is no guarantee of a happy love life. In fact, they reckon it makes men run a mile. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Double+trouble%3b+Hollyoaks+clocks+up+its+1%2c000th+episode+this+week%2c...-a0100286362 17 September 2011 Daily Mirror 19 April 2003 26 April – Former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley wins ITV1's Reborn in the USA.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2979525.stm Hadley wins Reborn contest BBC 27 April 2003 6 April 2014 27 April – After more than 23 years on the air, the final edition of soap opera Take the High Road is broadcast by STV. 29 April – The BBC rejects viewer complaints that its documentary, The Virgin Mary which was aired shortly before Christmas 2002 had tried to undermine religious beliefs. Complaints about a gay kiss in Casualty that aired in January are also rejected.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2985375.stm Virgin Mary complaints rejected BBC 29 April 2003 23 August 2015 May 1 May – The Heroes Channel and The Games Channel both launch on VTV Cable. 2 May – The BBC announces that the character of Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) will return to EastEnders later this year, 14 years after departing in an episode where the character was believed to have died as a result of being shot. They also announce that the 2000 Olympic Games would be re shown.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2997627.stm Dirty Den returns to EastEnders BBC 2 May 2003 26 April 2014 10 May The 2003 British Soap Awards, aired by ITV1 on 14 May, are presented in London by Des O'Connor and Melanie Sykes, during which actor Dean Sullivan is presented with a Special Achievement Award for his role as Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3017361.stm Street sweeps soap awards BBC 10 May 2003 26 April 2014Rachel Murphy http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Interview%3A+Dean+Sullivan+-+Dean's+soap+sorrow%3B+Dean+Sullivan+reveals...-a0103881582 Interview: Dean Sullivan – Dean's soap sorrow; Dean Sullivan reveals why the end of Brookside in November will be like losing an old friend The Mirror 21 June 2003 26 April 2014 In a press interview held after the event, Sullivan urges Channel 4 not to axe Brookside, saying it "would be mad" to do so. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Brookie+boys+who+shone+at+soap+awards+show%3B+TONIGHT+the+nation...-a0101743730 The Brookie boys who shone at soap awards show Liverpool Echo Rachael Tinniswood 14 May 2003 26 April 2014 BBC Two airs the network television premiere of Luc Besson's 1999 French epic film version of Joan of Arc, starring Milla Jovovich, John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway, Dustin Hoffman and Tchéky Karyo. 11 May – The Observer reports that the BBC is to cut back on the number of self-promotional trailers following complaints from viewers and rival broadcasters. The newspaper also reports that the broadcasting of an ad for the BBC's digital service which featured the character of Fizz from the Tweenies pulling off her face to reveal June Brown as Dot Cotton from EastEnders had to be put back to a later time slot because some viewers complained it was giving their children nightmares.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/may/11/bbc.broadcasting BBC to cut its back-patting trailers after viewers find them a turn-off Thorpe Vanessa 11 May 2003 The Guardian London 21 August 2014 12 May – Former cricketer Phil Tufnell wins the second series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3019455.stm Millions see Tufnell crowned BBC 12 May 2003 23 April 2014 13 May Docudrama The Day Britain Stopped airs on BBC Two. It is based on a fictional disaster on 19 December 2003, in which a train strike is the first in a chain of events that lead to a meltdown of the country's transport system ending with a plane collision. A teaser trailer for that year's Rugby World Cup is shown on ITV1, The tournament would start on 10 October. 14 May Five have acquired the UK terrestrial television rights to the American supernatural drama Angel after Channel 4 dropped the programme from its schedule. The series makes its debut on Five on 2 June. BBC Two re-airs the 2000 Olympic Games. 15 May – Kevin Kennedy is to leave Coronation Street in the Autumn after playing Curly Watts for 20 years, it is reported. The character will be involved in a dramatic storyline about police brutality and the door will be left open for him to return at a later date.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3032045.stm Curly leaves the Street BBC 15 May 2003 24 July 2014 17 May – Following a public vote to find the UK's favourite book, the BBC's The Big Read reveals the top 100 in a special programme on BBC Two while BBC One airs the 2003 FA Cup Final.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/04_april/16/big_read_top100.shtml BBC Press Office The Big Read top 100 16 April 2003 23 May 2014https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/05_may/17/big_read.shtml BBC Press Office The Big Read Top 100 17 May 2003 23 May 2014 18 May – Five airs the network television premiere of Brian Levant's 2000 prehistoric comedy prequel film The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, starring Mark Addy, Stephen Baldwin, Kristen Johnston, Jane Krakowski, Thomas Gibson, Alan Cumming and Joan Collins. 19 May – Bollywood actor Dalip Tahil who will play the head of the Ferreira family in EastEnders, speaks out against criticism from British Asian actors who said the part should have gone to a UK-based actor.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3040829.stm Indian actor hits back in soap row BBC 19 May 2003 17 June 2014 20 May Steve Anderson, ITV's controller of news, announces plans to move News at Ten because the programme is losing out on viewers in the 10pm slot where it goes head-to-head with the BBC Ten O'Clock News.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3042919.stm ITV prepares to move news BBC 20 May 2003 28 April 2014 During what is meant to be a commercial break, Friendly TV accidentally broadcasts a conversation between members of its News Hound team who make allegations about aspects of Nicole Kidman's private life.Lewis Smith Victor Reality behind naff TV http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Victor+Lewis-Smith's+column%3A+Reality+behind+naff+TV%3B+HE+NEEDS+A...-a0102237096 The Mirror MGN ltd. 24 May 2003 5 March 2014 21 May – Five announces a new chat show which it hopes will rival ITV1's This Morning. The Terry and Gaby Show, presented by Terry Wogan and Gaby Roslin will debut on 2 June.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chat+show+has+gift+of+the+Gaby.-a0102136757 Chat show has gift of the Gaby Daily Record 22 May 2003 8 May 2014 22 May – Prompted by their manager, four members of the pop group S Club storm out of an interview on BBC Three's Liquid News when presenter Claudia Winkleman asks them about their earnings.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2930974.stm S Club walk out on interview BBC 23 May 2003 20 May 2014 23 May – ITV1, Channel 4, Five and other channels air an advert of Barclays with Samuel L. Jackson taking on "Money Moving Smoothly" and features a close-up shot of Rachel Stevens' legs walking on the pavement. 24 May – Jemini, the UK's entry for the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest receives Britain's worst Eurovision result after failing to attract a single point.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2935874.stm UK act hits Eurovision low BBC 25 May 2003 3 June 2012 The contest, staged in Riga, is won by Turkey's Sertab Erener with Everyway That I Can. 29 May – Toons & Tunes is rebranded as POP. 30 May – ITV1 broadcasts the final episode of Crossroads after the series was axed due to declining ratings. The finale sees hotel boss Angel Sampson, played by Jane Asher, waking up to find she is a supermarket checkout girl and that her tenure as boss of the Crossroads Hotel was all a dream. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2943502.stm Crossroads 'was all a dream' BBC News 30 May 2003 27 April 2009 31 May Laura Jenkins, performing as Connie Francis wins the second junior series of Stars in Their Eyes.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Starry-eyedLaura+wins.-a0102676338 Starry-eyed Laura wins Liverpool Echo 2 June 2003 27 April 2014 Cilla Black presents the final edition of Blind Date, having announced her intention to quit the long-running game show in January.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2949692.stm Cilla bows out of Blind Date BBC 31 May 2003 29 May 2014 A change in the show's format is one of the factors in her decision to leave the show.Bushby Helen https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2949842.stm Cilla's Blind Date success story BBC 30 May 2003 29 May 2014 June 3 June – The Ferreiras make their EastEnders debut, becoming the first Asian family to join the soap since 1993 when Sanjay and Gita Kapoor arrived on screen.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2958910.stm Asian family enters Albert Square BBC 3 June 2003 17 June 2014 4 June – It is reported that former Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker suffered a fractured ankle in a skydiving accident the previous weekend while filming a new series, Drop the Celebrity for ITV1.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jun/04/1 Media Guardian Briefing: June 4 The Guardian 4 June 2003 28 April 2015 5 June – ITV1 airs the final episode of Night and Day.Claire Cozens https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jun/06/overnights TV ratings: June 5 The Guardian 6 June 2003 18 June 2014 9 June – The Muslim Council of Britain has complained about a recent episode of Spooks that featured a mosque at which people are taught to be suicide bombers after Birmingham's Central Mosque was defaced following the episode's transmission. The BBC says it has received no evidence that the incident is linked to the programme.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2975478.stm TV 'Muslim plot' sparks complaints BBC 9 June 2003 5 April 2014 10 June – Bruce Forsyth is confirmed as the host of the final episode of the latest series of Have I Got News for You. Since adopting its guest presenter format late last year, the series has enjoyed a ratings boost, meaning the BBC has put plans to find a permanent replacement for Angus Deayton on hold.Jason Deans Chris Tryhorn https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jun/10/broadcasting.bbc Forsyth boost for BBC news quiz The Guardian 10 June 2003 15 June 2014 The episode presented by Forsyth famously includes him playing a game of Play Your Iraqi Cards Right, a twist on the format of the game show presented by him, but using a pack of Iraqi playing cards instead of a traditional deck.Mark Lawson https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/aug/18/didnt-he-do-well-how-bruce-forsyth-made-saturday-nights-swing Didn't he do well: how Bruce Forsyth made Saturday nights swing | Television & radio The Guardian 18 August 2017 13 January 2018 11 June The shopping channel Price-drop.tv is launched. Channel 4 announces that its long-running soap Brookside will end in November.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2982768.stm Brookside is finally axed BBC 11 June 2003 31 March 2014 12 June A storyline involving the Coronation Street character Todd Grimshaw who rejected a place at Oxford University because his girlfriend said she would not follow him there, is criticised by the Sutton Trust, an organisation that encourages children from poorer backgrounds to apply to top universities. The Trust says it is disappointed as the storyline sends out the wrong message to children watching the soap. The issue also highlights the small number of soap characters who attend university.Harrison Angela https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/2984434.stm Soap storyline gets a black mark BBC 12 June 2003 31 March 2014 Sky1 airs the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3043697.stm Buffy's final slaying BBC 21 May 2003 19 July 2019 BBC Two airs the episode on 18 December.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c9669a61b425492db8fbf2329998d353 https://web.archive.org/web/20190719163408/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/c9669a61b425492db8fbf2329998d353 dead 19 July 2019 Buffy the Vampire Slayer – BBC Two – 18 December 2003 BBC Genome Project 19 July 2019 17 June – BBC Two airs a special edition of TOTP2 dedicated to the record producer Mickie Most who died on 30 May.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/1ce143c840e24f918366ece15c197c70 https://web.archive.org/web/20181031053036/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/1ce143c840e24f918366ece15c197c70 dead 31 October 2018 TOTP2 – BBC Two England – 17 June 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 30 October 2018 19 June – Actress Laura Sadler who plays Sandy Harper in Holby City, dies in hospital after she fell from a block of flats in west London a few days earlier. She sustained extensive head injuries as a result of the fall and had not regained consciousness. A subsequent inquest held at West London Coroner's Court records a verdict of accidental death.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3080766.stm Sadler death 'ruled accidental' BBC 4 September 2003 19 May 2014 20 June – The final edition of Play Your Cards Right is broadcast on ITV with Bruce Forsyth as presenter which in turn also marks the end of the final series of the game show to air on ITV. It has returned for one-off specials, presented by Ant & Dec on 15 October 2005 and Vernon Kay on 26 May 2007 as part of the series Gameshow Marathon.http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Play_Your_Cards_Right Play Your Cards Right UK Game Shows 18 August 2017 22 June – ITV1 announces that it has axed the long-running Saturday night game show Blind Date.Wilkes Neil http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a11265/itv-gives-blind-date-the-axe/ ITV gives 'Blind Date' the axe Digital Spy 22 June 2003 13 January 2018 25 June Channel 4 Director of Television Tim Gardam announces he will step down from the job after five years, departing at the end of the year.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3021918.stm Channel 4 boss steps down BBC 26 June 2003 22 June 2014 A viewer complaint about an edition of Channel 4's V Graham Norton in which Dustin Hoffman told a joke which included a taboo word is upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Commission. ITV's Tonight is also censured after airing an interview with a pregnant teenager which was perceived to have been of an exploitative nature because her predicament had largely come about because of a lack of knowledge.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3019222.stm Norton rapped for Hoffman joke BBC 25 June 2003 15 June 2014 28 June ITV1 records one of its worst ever Saturday night audiences when coverage of the 2003 Wimbledon Championships is extended on BBC One.http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/itv-axes-judgement-day/1122512.article ITV axes Judgement Day Broadcast 14 July 2003 18 June 2014https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3033066.stm Henman blamed for ITV slump BBC 30 June 2003 18 June 2014 The game show Judgement Day premieres on ITV1, hosted by Brian Conley. It is cancelled after two episodes due to very low ratings. 29 June – ITV1's holiday series Wish You Were Here...? airs for the last time. June – Grampian Television's Aberdeen headquarters move to new smaller studios in the city's Tullos area. July 2 July – Lawyers representing Michael Barrymore who was dropped by London Weekend Television in September 2002 confirm he will take legal action against the broadcaster for an unpaid salary. He has largely been absent from television since news concerning the death of a man during a party at his property broke in 2001, although a series of My Kind of Music aired in February 2002.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3037792.stm Barrymore sues for TV wages BBC 2 July 2003 2 May 2014 4 July – The mid-afternoon regional news bulletin is moved from BBC Two to BBC One. 7 July – Mastermind returns to television for its first full series since 1997 with John Humphrys taking over the role of quizmaster.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jul/08/overnights TV ratings: July 7 The Guardian 8 July 2003 13 April 2017Morrison James https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/ive-started-so-ill-finish-why-is-your-mastermind-subject-so-daft-94958.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/ive-started-so-ill-finish-why-is-your-mastermind-subject-so-daft-94958.html 1 May 2022 subscription I've started, so I'll finish: why is your 'Mastermind' subject so daft? The Independent 5 July 2003 13 April 2017 8 July – The Independent Television Commission rejects complaints from the relatives of a victim of Dr. Harold Shipman that ITV's 2002 film about the serial killer was factually inaccurate. The Commission finds that although artistic licence was taken in some scenes, these had been "sympathetically presented" and were therefore not detrimental to the victim's family.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3055558.stm Shipman TV complaints rejected BBC 8 July 2003 5 April 2014 9 July – ITV1 drops two recently launched programmes from its primetime schedule because of poor ratings. The game show Judgement Day and comedy series Fortysomething, starring Hugh Laurie will air elsewhere in the schedule.Methven Nicola http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ITV+axe+two+top+slot+flops.-a0105039960 ITV axe two top slot flops The Mirror 10 July 2003 18 June 2014 16 July – BBC One airs the final edition of Tomorrow's World.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/3bbaa7f998a34942bbe7c64ca0b2214b https://web.archive.org/web/20181123023337/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/3bbaa7f998a34942bbe7c64ca0b2214b dead 23 November 2018 Tomorrow's World Roadshows 2003 – BBC One London – 16 July 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 22 November 2018 It will be fifteen years later in 2018 before a new edition of the programme is broadcast.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/nov/03/bbc-to-reboot-tomorrows-world-for-one-off-live-special BBC to reboot Tomorrow's World for one-off live special The Guardian 3 November 2018 22 November 2018 17 July The Communications Act 2003 receives Royal Assent. https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/2003/jul/17/royal-assent House of Lords Debate: 17 July 2003: Royal Assent Hansard: HL Deb 17 July 2003 vol 651 c965 17 July 2003 5 April 2014 In its final annual report, the Broadcasting Standards Commission reveals that an episode of the BBC spy drama Spooks in which a character's head is pushed into a vat of boiling oil was the most complained about television programme during the past year.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3073921.stm Spy show draws record complaints BBC 17 July 2003 5 April 2014 Trevor Hyett steps down as editor of Five's The Terry and Gaby Show to work on other projects. His post will be taken over by the show's producer, James Winter. The programme has struggled in the ratings since its launch, but Five which has commissioned 200 editions of the series, says it will not cancel the show.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3074377.stm Wogan TV show editor quits BBC 17 July 2003 8 May 2014 18 July – Sky News reporter James Forlong resigns following allegations a story shown in March involving the Iraq conflict was faked.Jason Deans https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/jul/18/iraqandthemedia.tvnews Sky News reporter quits over bogus Iraq story | MediaGuardian The Guardian 18 July 2003 6 April 2014 20 July – The BBC confirms that Dr David Kelly, found dead from a suspected suicide two days ago, was the main source for a controversial report that sparked a deep rift with the government.https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/20/newsid_3798000/3798761.stm BBC On This Day BBC admits Kelly was 'main source' 20 July 2003 6 April 2014 25 July Lord Currie is named as the first chairman of Ofcom.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2150739.stm Peer named media watchdog chief BBC 25 July 2002 5 April 2014 Cameron Stout wins the fourth series of Big Brother.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3093737.stm Cameron wins Big Brother 4 BBC 25 July 2003 2 April 2014 28 July – Tabloid television station L!VE TV is relaunched on Sky Digital.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3102195.stm Live TV revived for Sky viewers BBC 28 July 2003 19 May 2014 August 8 August – The BBC regains the broadcasting rights to show Premier League Football highlights from ITV after signing a three-year deal with them. The deal will take effect from the start of the 2004–05 season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3134163.stm BBC Sport Premiership back on the BBC 8 August 2003 21 April 2014 10 August – Channel 4 airs the British terrestrial television premiere of Straw Dogs. 18 August – In an interview with Radio Times, presenter Noel Edmonds says that he is partly responsible for the decline in the standards of British television after his BBC One show, Noel's House Party, went downhill after budget cuts.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3160859.stm Edmonds admits part in TV decline BBC 18 August 2003 15 June 2014 21 August – ITV announces that its Saturday morning children's entertainment series SMTV Live will end after five years because of falling ratings and will be replaced by a new series in early 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3170041.stm SM:tv dropped by ITV BBC 21 August 2003 20 May 2014 27 August – The BBC defends its decision to spend £10 million on the broadcast rights for the first Harry Potter film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, saying that its rivals were unprepared to invest in family viewing at Christmas. The film is part of a ten film package agreed with Warner Bros.Born Matt https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1439859/BBC-defends-10m-for-Harry-Potter.html BBC defends £10m for Harry Potter The Daily Telegraph 27 August 2003 26 May 2014 28 August – ITV ceases transmission of the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street due to the regional afternoon slot which the show occupied becoming networked. 29 August Research by Human Capital indicate that Saturday night television is now the least watched evening of television in the UK, with Monday nights being the most popular.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3190783.stm Saturday night TV least popular BBC 29 August 2003 15 June 2014 Today marks the 20th anniversary of the first episode of the long-running game show Blockbusters. 31 August – Light-hearted horticultural crime drama Rosemary & Thyme begins airing on ITV featuring Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris as gardening sleuths. September 1 September – The ITV celebrity idents package were updated with new sets and celebrities, featuring more pronounced blues and yellows, and removing the backstage feel. Even after this month, both Scottish and Grampian still kept use the celebrity idents filmed in 2002, while UTV had their own landscape idents two months later. However, the celebrity idents of Scottish and Grampian aired until the renaming of STV in 2006, making them the last ITV franchises to still air the 2002 ITV1 idents. 2 September Laura Sadler's final scenes as Holby City nurse Sandy Harper are screened on the BBC One drama. Her character's exit from the series, devised by her mother and the show's producers, sees her secretly leaving the hospital for Australia after winning the lottery.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3200311.stm Holby bids farewell to Sadler BBC 3 September 2003 19 May 2014 At Home with the Eubanks debuts on Five. ITV1 airs the British terrestrial television premiere of Mission to Mars. 8 September – CNX is shut down and is replaced by Toonami. 13 September – The Smash Hits Chart Show returns to television. Previously on Five, the weekly 30-minute show makes its debut on Channel 4 as part of the T4 strand. 15 September Channel 4 moves long-running game show Countdown from 4:15pm to 3:15pm, leading to questions being asked in Parliament and the launch of petitions to have it rescheduled back to its old slot.http://index579f.html/?page_id=1217 2003 : Off The Telly 23 January 2019May 2020 InternetArchiveBot yes BBC One moves the 4th episode of sitcom Trevor's World of Sport from Friday evening just after the 9:00pm watershed to Monday night after the 10:00pm news at short notice, leading to a public expression of displeasure by the show's creator, Andy Hamilton. 18 September – Peter Amory makes his final appearance as Chris Tate in Emmerdale after 14 years. 19 September – Channel 4 confirms that its breakfast show RI:SE will end in December; it is being axed because of low ratings.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3123474.stm Channel 4 axes breakfast show BBC 19 September 2003 20 May 2014 21 September – BBC One airs Perfectly Frank, an EastEnders spin-off episode featuring the character Frank Butcher establishing a nightclub in Somerset.McMullen Marion http://www.thefreelibrary.com/WEEKEND%3A+WEEKEND+TV%3A+SUNDAY+TV.-a0107990822 Weekend: Weekend TV: Sunday TV Coventry Evening Telegraph 20 September 2003 20 May 2014http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Box%3A+Being+Frank.-a0107992155 The Box: Being Frank Sunday Mercury 21 September 2003 20 May 2014Shelley Jim http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHELLEY+VISION%3A+To+be+Perfectly+Frank,+it+stank.-a0108027635 To be Perfectly Frank, it stank The Mirror 23 September 2003 20 May 2014 25 September – The Daily Telegraph newspaper is the first to announce the return of the popular sci-fi drama series Doctor Who after a 14-year break. It returns to television in March 2005. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1442528/Doctor-Who-ready-to-come-out-of-the-Tardis-for-Saturday-TV-series.html Doctor Who ready to come out of the Tardis for Saturday TV series The Daily Telegraph Tom Leonard 25 September 2003 3 July 2009 London 27 September – EastEnders is aired for the last time on BBC America. The programme is being axed because of poor ratings that are losing the channel most of its viewers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3149876.stm EastEnders switched off in US BBC 29 September 2003 17 July 2014 29 September – Den Watts makes his return to EastEnders in an episode watched by 16 million viewers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3151484.stm Sixteen million watch Den's return BBC 30 September 2003 2 May 2014 Also today, EastEnders wins best soap at the Inside Soap Awards. October 2 October – ITV is given permission by the Independent Television Commission to move its 10pm news bulletin to 10:30pm. Since returning in 2001, News at Ten has aired on at least three nights a week, but analysts have noted that not having a fixed time for a weekday news bulletin is unsettling for viewers and advertisers. The ITC feels a regular news bulletin at 10:30pm will be in viewers interests.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3159350.stm ITV gets news move go-ahead BBC 2 October 2003 28 April 2014 4 October – Alex Parks wins the second series of Fame Academy.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/10_october/04/academy_winner.shtml BBC Press Office Fame Academy winner 4 October 2003 4 April 2014 5 October Coronation Street shows its first gay kiss.Osborn Michael https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3161268.stm Gay life finally hits Corrie's cobbles BBC 5 October 2003 31 March 2014 Psychological illusionist Derren Brown controversially plays Russian roulette live on Channel 4, though with a slight delay allegedly in case the stunt went wrong. The stunt is later revealed to have been a hoax.Magician defends gun stunt fake http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/08/handgun.stunt/ CNN 8 October 2003 30 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090607140832/http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/08/handgun.stunt/ 7 June 2009 live 6 October – After BBC America axed EastEnders due to "abysmal ratings", almost 9,000 people have signed a petition calling on the channel to reinstate the show, BBC News reports.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3167048.stm Protest grows over EastEnders axe BBC 6 October 2003 17 July 2014 7 October – The UK Government announced that the Carlton and Granada merger was agreed, which would be finalized as ITV plc in next year.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3170796.stm ITV merger gets the go-ahead BBC 7 October 2003 14 February 2026 8 October – Delivering the Bafta Annual Lecture, ITV's head of programming, Nigel Pickard says that he is prepared to "bite the bullet" and drop poorly performing programmes and ageing presenters from its schedule, stating that "the days when you can tuck something into a little corner of peak against Panorama and hope it grows an audience" have gone.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3176818.stm ITV boss warns of programme axe BBC 9 October 2003 18 June 2014 10 October Just over a year after returning to EastEnders, Sid Owen who plays Ricky Butcher in the soap, is to leave again, it is announced.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3179884.stm Ricky dropped by EastEnders again BBC 10 October 2003 26 May 2015 ITV begins to air live coverage of the 2003 Rugby World Cup with the opening game, in which Australia plays Argentina at Stadium Australia in Sydney. 15 October BBC One airs the 2000 horror thriller Cherry Falls, starring Brittany Murphy and Michael Biehn.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2cf20fcc2e264808a93604ba69dba4fa https://web.archive.org/web/20181014165014/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2cf20fcc2e264808a93604ba69dba4fa dead 14 October 2018 Cherry Falls – BBC One London – 15 October 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 14 October 2018 BBC Two airs the documentary When Michael Portillo Became a Single Mum in which former Defence Secretary Michael Portillo assumes the mantle of Merseyside single mother Jenny Miner for a week.http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/06f6f778dffd4e3a8c43f9dd0488bd3f https://web.archive.org/web/20180113040155/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/06f6f778dffd4e3a8c43f9dd0488bd3f dead 13 January 2018 When Michael Portillo Became a Single Mum – BBC Two England – 15 October 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 13 January 2018http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/oldott/www.offthetelly.co.uk/indexd8dc.html?p=4585 When Michael Portillo Became a Single Mum Off The Telly 13 January 2018 Plans are announced for the DVD release of Brookside: Unfinished Business, a film that will continue storylines from Channel 4's Brookside which ends on 4 November. The DVD will be released two weeks later.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3193390.stm Brookside set for DVD comeback BBC 15 October 2003 31 March 2014 ITV1 airs the network premiere of the 2000 American romantic musical comedy-drama film Coyote Ugly. 18 October – The UK's top 21 favourite books are revealed by the BBC's The Big Read. Celebrity advocates will put their case for each of the books over the coming weeks before the winner is decided.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3203642.stm UK's top 21 books uncovered BBC 19 October 2003 23 May 2014 20 October – Cheryl Tweedy is found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after claiming self-defence during her trial, but cleared of racially aggravated assault.20 October 2003 https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/3207822.stm Singer Tweedy guilty of assault BBC News 29 March 2009 She is sentenced to 120 hours of community service and ordered to pay her victim £500 in compensation, as well as £3,000 prosecution costs.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/3207822.stm Singer Tweedy guilty of assault 20 October 2003 BBC News 29 March 2009 22 October Longtime broadcaster on the BBC and ITN and latterly news anchor on Sky News, Bob Friend announces his retirement.http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/node/24238 Sky News's Friend retires after 50 years Press Gazette 22 October 2003 18 June 2014 dead https://archive.today/20140618155428/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/node/24238 18 June 2014 ITV1 airs the network television premiere of X-Men. 29 October – BBC Two airs a special edition of TOTP2 featuring performances by Sheryl Crow which includes her new single "The First Cut Is the Deepest".https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a58cab4e776741f4ad7228e47caab729 https://web.archive.org/web/20181031053642/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/a58cab4e776741f4ad7228e47caab729 dead 31 October 2018 TOTP2 – BBC Two England – 29 October 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 30 October 2018 30 October ITV1 screens a special live episode of The Bill to mark the show's 20th year on the air.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3227753.stm The Bill prepares for live birthday BBC 30 October 2003 22 February 2014 The Broadcasting Standards Commission upholds 30 viewer complaints about comedian Jonathan Ross's use of the F-word during the live broadcast of Red Nose Day 2003. Although the word was used at 10:30pm, after the watershed, the Commission felt it was likely children would still be watching.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3226011.stm Ross rapped for Red Nose swearing BBC 30 October 2003 3 May 2014 November 3 November Andy Page wins the 2003 series of Mastermind.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2003/11_november/04/mastermind_winner2003.shtml Mastermind champion 2003 BBC Press Office 4 November 2003 13 April 2017 The Independent Television Commission rejects 21 viewer complaints about the first gay kiss to be featured in Coronation Street.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3238111.stm Street gay kiss complaints rejected BBC 3 November 2003 31 March 2014 Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks begins airing five nights a week. 4 November – Channel 4 airs the final episode of Brookside, ending a run of 21 years.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3238427.stm Brookside bows out after 21 years BBC 5 November 2003 22 February 2014 The episode is watched by two million viewers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3243589.stm Two million watch Brookside's end BBC 5 November 2003 2 February 2014 6 November – ITV confirms GMTV's Jenni Falconer as the main presenter of its new holiday series, How to Holiday. The programme, a replacement for Wish You Were Here...? will begin in early 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3248105.stm Falconer lands ITV travel show BBC 6 November 2003 24 May 2014 10 November – The short-lived quiz show 19 Keys debuts on Five. 11 November – The BBC current affairs series Panorama, launched in 1953, becomes the first UK television show to reach its 50th anniversary on the air.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/panorama/50th_birthday/default.stm Panorama 50th Birthday BBC 11 November 2003 21 June 2014 12 November The BBC issues a statement in response to a newspaper report that actor Dalip Tahil faces being axed from EastEnders due to not having the correct work permit. The report in the previous Sunday's edition of The People had suggested that after Tahil joined the show from appearing in stage musical Bombay Dreams, neither he nor the BBC obtained proper authorisation from the Home Office to make the switch of employment legal.http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2003/nov/68648.htm Dalip Tahil in UK row Mid Day 13 November 2003 21 June 2014 The BBC says "We are considering any potential problems with a view to resolving them as soon as possible." UK Gold 2 is relaunched as UKG2, a channel aimed at the 16–34 audience demographic.Wilkes Neil http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a12139/uk-gold-2-ditched-for-uk-g2.html#~oLfjJzHeiwZ0ss 'UK Gold 2' ditched.. for 'UK G2' Digital Spy 28 October 2003 27 July 2014 13 November – The British television premiere of Paul Verhoeven's 2000 science-fiction thriller Hollow Man airs on Five, starring Kevin Bacon and Elisabeth Shue. 14 November – The Office of Fair Trading gives Carlton and Granada the go-ahead to merge after the two companies agreed to adopt a new advertising sales system for ITV and to protect the interests of the smaller companies in the network, including SMG plc and Ulster Television.Dan Milmo https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/15/itv.politicsandthemedia Carlton-Granada merger clears last hurdle The Guardian 15 November 2003 28 April 2014 15 November – The United Kingdom enters the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest (staged in Copenhagen) with "My Song for the World" performed by 10-year-old Tom Morley. 16 November Charles II: The Power and the Passion debuts on BBC One. BBC Three airs the spoof documentary Sex, Lies and Michael Aspel which "unmasks" the mild mannered television presenter Michael Aspel as an international womaniser who fathered several children through a string of affairs.http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/sex-lies--aspel---2461377 Sex, Lies & Aspel – with Baywatch babe Pamela Western Mail 13 November 2003 26 December 2016http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/0306cb4bdf9a4a3c9607daf393d37259 https://web.archive.org/web/20161127030500/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/0306cb4bdf9a4a3c9607daf393d37259 dead 27 November 2016 Sex, Lies and Michael Aspel – BBC Three – 16 November 2003 BBC Genome Project 26 December 2016 20 November – UTV replaces its network-inspired idents with a series of landscape films of Northern Ireland, in the form of a panorama shot as the camera revolved around a location.UTV Today: 2003–05 Scenery Idents (Old Soundtrack) https://web.archive.org/web/20090106182232/http://www.utvtoday.co.uk/idents/0305_1.html 6 January 2009 . Retrieved 4 January 2009. 21 November – BBC Three Controller Stuart Murphy confirms that the channel's entertainment news programme Liquid News will end in April 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3268565.stm Liquid News show axed in shake-up BBC 21 November 2003 20 May 2014 22 November – ITV's coverage of the Final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup in which England beat Australia 20–17 and win the competition is watched by more than 10 million viewers, a record figure for Saturday morning television.Paul Kelso https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/24/mondaymediasection.rugbyworldcup2003 ITV's coverage of rugby World Cup pays off The Guardian 24 November 2003 19 May 2014 End of year figures produced by BARB place it as the ninth most watched television programme of the year with 12.3 million viewers. 23 November – The 40th anniversary of the first broadcast of Doctor Who, the iconic sci-fi series would return to television in March 2005. 27 November – The BBC unveils a revamped version of its news channel in an attempt to make it appear more dynamic to viewers. Changes include a new studio set and redesigned branding and graphics. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3240232.stm BBC News 24's revamp is launched BBC News 27 November 2003 29 March 2009 28 November Some of the BBC's radio and television services, including BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC News 24, are blacked out by a power cut and a fire alert. Top of the Pops is relaunched in the face of declining ratings with a new set and theme tune.Youngs Ian https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3234576.stm Top of the Pops' all new gamble BBC 28 November 2003 21 June 2014 29 November – Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman is deluged with unwanted phone calls after fellow judge Simon Cowell gives out his mobile phone number during an edition of ITV2's Pop Idol Extra. Cowell says he did it because Waterman revealed his home address on the previous weekend's show.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Number's+up+for+Cowell's+revenge.-a0110708540 Number's up for Cowell's revenge Coventry Evening Telegraph 1 December 2003 28 June 2014 December 1 December – The BBC's commercial rivals express concerns after Coca-Cola signs a deal with The Official UK Chart Company that will allow it to be mentioned on Top of the Pops and The Radio 1 Chart Show.Chris Tryhorn https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/dec/01/broadcasting.marketingandpr1 Critics attack Coke chart deal The Guardian 1 December 2003 15 March 2014 5 December – The third series of US spy drama 24 will not air on BBC Two after negotiations between Fox and the BBC end without a deal being reached.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3293845.stm No third series of 24 on BBC Two BBC 5 December 2003 19 April 2014 6 December Simon Cowell makes a public apology to his fellow Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman after giving out his mobile phone number during an edition of ITV2's Pop Idol Extra the previous weekend.Wilkes Neil http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s98/pop-idol/news/a12611/cowell-apologises-to-waterman.html#~oIeX4Uypg3EiKU Cowell apologises to Waterman Digital Spy 6 December 2003 28 June 2014 Westlife's version of the Barry Manilow classic "Mandy" is voted the 2003 Record of the Year by ITV viewers, giving the Irish boyband their third win.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2003/1208/400580-westlife/ Record of the Year for Westlife's Mandy RTÉ Ten Raidió Teilifís Éireann 8 December 2003 27 May 2014 8 December – BBC News 24 is relaunched with a new set and titles, as well as a new Breaking News sting. Networked news on BBC One and Two remains with the same titles though the set has been redesigned in a similar style to that of the new News 24. The relaunch had been scheduled for the previous Monday (1 December), but was delayed due to a power failure the week before which had disrupted work on the new set.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/power-fault-at-bbc-puts-television-and-radio-news-off-air-737324.html Power fault at BBC puts television and radio news off air The Independent Lia Hervey 29 November 2003 10 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100924234734/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/power-fault-at-bbc-puts-television-and-radio-news-off-air-737324.html 24 September 2010 dead London https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3245864.stm Power cut interrupts BBC services BBC News 28 November 2003 10 June 2009 13 December – J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy wins the BBC's The Big Read after receiving 23% of the vote.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3317081.stm Rings triumphs in Big Read vote BBC 14 December 2003 23 May 2014 14 December – Jonny Wilkinson, whose last minute drop-goal clinched the 2003 Rugby World Cup for England, is named as this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year, becoming the 50th person to be presented with the award.Stephen Bierley https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/dec/15/comment.stephenbierley Jonny the drop-kick wins it for rugby The Guardian 15 December 2003 7 November 2015 15 December Comedian Graham Norton has signed an exclusive deal with the BBC where he will help to develop ideas for Saturday night entertainment. He will join them in April 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3321569.stm Norton signs exclusive BBC deal BBC 15 December 2003 15 June 2014 Five airs a semi-fictional drama Hear the Silence, based on the MMR vaccine controversy which started when Andrew Wakefield published a paper claiming a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism. 16 December After hearing that EastEnders actor Dalip Tahil who plays Dan Ferreira in the soap, faces deportation after his appeal to work in the UK was rejected by the Home Office, MP Keith Vaz raises the matter with Home Secretary David Blunkett who says he will look into the situation.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3325933.stm Blunkett ponders EastEnders case BBC 16 December 2003 17 June 2014 However, an attempt by Tahil to make a retrospective application for a work permit is turned down and he is forced to leave the serieshttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3757384.stm EastEnders star fights acting ban BBC 19 October 2004 17 June 2014 though eventually allowed to remain in the UK.http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article.php/television/861 Indian actor Dalip Tahil wins right to work in UK Asians in Media 18 March 2005 21 June 2014 16 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120216045339/http://www.asiansinmedia.org/news/article.php/television/861 usurped BBC Two airs a special two-act edition of TOTP2 featuring performances from Fleetwood Mac and James Brown.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d314d673c7544979b2d11881e0d3e08b https://web.archive.org/web/20181031053530/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/d314d673c7544979b2d11881e0d3e08b dead 31 October 2018 TOTP2 – BBC Two England – 16 December 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 30 October 2018 17 December BBC Scotland will not pursue the idea of a Scottish Six news programme following a major review of output which indicates a majority of viewers are satisfied with the status quo.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3327793.stm 'Scottish Six' idea dropped BBC 17 December 2003 4 May 2012 Sky One signs a deal with Fox to broadcast the third series of 24.Jason Deans https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/dec/17/broadcasting.bbc1 Sky One grabs third series of 24 The Guardian 17 December 2003 19 April 2014 19 December The final edition of RI:SE is aired on Channel 4. It will be replaced by series such as Friends and The Salon in its early morning slot.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3333325.stm Channel 4's Rise falls for good BBC 19 December 2003 20 May 2014 The final episode of the long-running game show Fifteen to One with William G. Stewart as host is aired on Channel 4.http://www.ukgameshows.com/ukgs/Weaver's_Week_2003-12-13 Weaver's Week 2003-12-13 UKGameshows 13 December 2003 19 July 2015 The programme is revived a decade later presented by Sandi Toksvig.https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41359461 Toksvig tribute to 'lovely' 15 to 1 host 22 September 2017 8 November 2019 The Day Britain Stopped is shown again on BBC Two. 20 December – Michelle McManus wins the second and final series of Pop Idol.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3337385.stm Michelle captures Pop Idol crown BBC 21 December 2003 31 March 2014 Her debut single, "All This Time" reaches number one in the UK Singles Chart in January 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3387000/3387617.stm CBBC Newsround | MUSIC | Pop Idol Michelle is number one BBC News 11 January 2004 13 January 2018 25 December BBC One airs the network premiere of The Tigger Movie. "Sleepless in Peckham", the final episode of Only Fools and Horses, is aired on BBC One. Preliminary figures released two days later indicate it is watched by 15.5 million viewers.http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/fj8k/only-fools-and-horses--sleepless-in-peckham Only Fools and Horses: Sleepless in Peckham Radio Times 20 May 2014https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3351375.stm Fools and Horses 'top Christmas show' BBC 27 December 2003 20 May 2014 26 December Celebrity Mastermind returns for a full series on BBC Two.http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/814f89a0da3648c6a467288f7ae83db6 https://web.archive.org/web/20170414084416/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/814f89a0da3648c6a467288f7ae83db6 dead 14 April 2017 Celebrity Mastermind – BBC Two England – 26 December 2003 BBC Genome Project 13 April 2017 Debut of That Was the Week We Watched on BBC Two, narrated by actor Simon Pegg and showing six nights a week, except on New Year's Eve about looking back to past television shows in the Radio Times and TVTimes schedules from the years 1967, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1982 and 1986. The series continues on 1 January 2004. ITV1 airs the network premiere of the 2000 Christmas film The Grinch, starring Jim Carrey and Josh Ryan Evans. 27 December – The final edition of SMTV Live airs on ITV1. The programme is cancelled due to a decline in the number of viewers.Wilkes Neil 21 August 2003 'SM:tv Live' axed after five years http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a11585/smtv-live-axed-after-five-years/ 22 December 2020 Digital Spy 29 December Launch of the Office of Communications known as Ofcom. The watchdog which formally inherits the duties that had previously been the responsibility of five different regulators.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3354093.stm 'Super-regulator' Ofcom launches BBC 29 December 2003 5 April 2014 Ofcom replaces the Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission, Radio Authority, Office of Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Agency.Oakes Keily https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3325775.stm Ofcom takes the reins BBC 29 December 2003 5 April 2014 BBC One airs the Network Premiere of the 2000 adventure film Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/eab168db3fe645ab9826fcc919332e27 https://web.archive.org/web/20181014204250/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/eab168db3fe645ab9826fcc919332e27 dead 14 October 2018 Cast Away – BBC One London – 29 December 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 14 October 2018 31 December New Year's Eve highlights on BBC One include the films Anna and the King and Air Force One.http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2003-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141018005938/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2003-12-31 dead 18 October 2014 BBC One London – 31 December 2003 BBC Genome Project 12 November 2016 EastEnders screens a lesbian kiss between two of its characters, Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and Kelly Taylor (Brooke Kinsella) who share the intimate moment after surviving a minibus crash in the Scottish Highlands.Dyke Peter http://www.thefreelibrary.com/EASTENDERS'+LESBIAN+KISS%3B+E20+EXCLUSIVE+Zoe+%26+Kelly's+New+Year...-a0111680456 Zoe & Kelly's New Year shocker The People 28 December 2003 28 July 2014Page Cara http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ENDERS+IN+FIRST+LESBIAN+CLINCH%3b+Soap's+sexy+New+Year.-a0111486382 Enders in first lesbian clinch; Soap's sexy New Year Daily Record 22 December 2003 28 July 2014Cox Emma http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ZOE+AND+KELLY%3A+THE+KISS.-a0111675484 Zoe and Kelly: the kiss Sunday Mirror 28 December 2003 28 July 2014 BBC Two airs a special edition of TOTP2 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Top of the Pops and featuring performances from the show's four decade history.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2ff8d7841ee340f5b421ba51926dbb6c https://web.archive.org/web/20181031053645/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/2ff8d7841ee340f5b421ba51926dbb6c dead 31 October 2018 TOTP2 Special – BBC Two England – 31 December 2003 – BBC Genome BBC 30 October 2018 On ITV1, Martin Kemp stars in The Brides in the Bath, a film about George Joseph Smith.Lavery Mark A Role to Die For http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/a-role-to-die-for-1-2258539 22 August 2017 Yorkshire Evening Post 31 December 2003 18 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150618102116/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/a-role-to-die-for-1-2258539 dead Debuts BBC (One/Two/Three/Four/CBBC/CBeebies/News 24) 6 January – Kerching! (2003–2006) 7 January – Little Robots (2003–2005) Red Cap (2003–2004) 8 January – Politics Show (2003–2011) Daily Politics (2003–2018) 9 January – Trust (2003) 11 January – Taken (2002) 12 January – This Week (2003–2019) 19 January – The Lost Prince (2003) 4 February – Posh Nosh (2003) 9 February – Burn It (2003) Monkey Dust (2003–2004) 10 February – Swiss Toni (2003–2004) 17 March – My Dad's the Prime Minister (2003–2004) 26 March – Rehab (2003) 27 March – New Tricks (2003–2015) 28 March – The Other Boleyn Girl (2003) 29 March – The Murder Game (2003) 15 April – Grease Monkeys (2003–2004) 17 April – Servants (2003) 28 April – Murphy's Law (2003–2007) 9 May – Cambridge Spies (2003) 12 May – Early Doors (2003–2004) 18 May – State of Play (2003) 31 May – Strange (2003) 4 June – Boo! (2003–2006) 9 June – Comedy Connections (2003–2008) 23 June – Spine Chillers (2003) 21 July – The Adventures of Marco & Gina (2003) 15 August – Trevor's World of Sport (2003) Eyes Down (2003–2004) 23 August – Death in Holy Orders (2003) 1 September – Sergeant Stripes (2003–2004) 8 September – Grass (2003) 9 September – The Crouches (2003–2005) 11 September – Canterbury Tales (2003) QI (2003–present) 16 September – Little Britain (2003–2007) The Key (2003) 27 September – Byron (2003) 29 September – Wide-Eye (2003–2004) 4 October – Eroica (2003) 10 November – Absolute Power (2003–2005) 11 November – Rich Hall's Fishing Show (2003) 16 November – Charles II: The Power and the Passion (2003) 16 December – The Private Life of Samuel Pepys (2003) 26 December – That Was the Week We Watched (2003) ITV (including ITV1 & ITV2) 1 January – Pollyanna (2003) 2 January – Serious & Organised (2003) 4 January – Yoko! Jakamoko! Toto! (2003–2005) 11 January – Miffy and Friends (2003–2007) 12 January – Sons and Lovers (2003) 19 January – Diggin' It (2003–2005) The Royal (2003–2011) 26 January – State of Mind (2003) 7 February – The Last Detective (2003–2007) 9 February – The Second Coming (2003) 12 February – Without You (2003) 16 February – The Commander (2003–2008) 23 March – Hardware (2003–2004) William and Mary (2003–2005) 1 April – Girls in Love (2003–2005) 11 April – Lucky Jim (2003) 14 April – Danielle Cable: Eyewitness (2003) 16 April – Watermelon (2003) 3 May – MIT: Murder Investigation Team (2003–2005) 18 May – Blue Murder (2003–2009) 29 June – Fortysomething (2003) 26 June – PointlessBlog (2003–2007) 25 August – Alibi (2003) 31 August – Broken Morning (2003) Rosemary & Thyme (2003–2007) 1 September – Invader Zim (2001–2002) 4 September – Sweet Medicine (2003) 22 September – Too Good to Be True (2003) 28 September – Boudica (2003) 29 September – Family (2003) 5 October – Sparkling Cyanide (2003) 10 October – P.O.W. (2003) 11 October – Creature Comforts (2003–2006) 12 October – Henry VIII (2003) 25 October – Single (2003) 29 October – Gifted (2003) 3 November – Our New Life in Everwood (2002–2006) 15 November – Junior Eurovision Song Contest (2003–2005) 17 November – Between the Sheets (2003) 21 December – Promoted To Glory (2003) 28 December – The Mayor of Casterbridge (2003) 31 December – The Brides in the Bath (2003) Unknown – Meg and Mog (2003–2004) Channel 4 12 January – The Salon (2003–2004) 14 January – Buried (2003) 6 February – 20 Things to Do Before You're 30 (2003) 3 April – The Real Casanova (2003) 8 April – 40 (2003) 21 May – How Clean Is Your House? (2003–2009) 20 August – Coming Up (TV series) (Anthology for short films) (2003–2013) 13 September – The Smash Hits Chart Show (2003–2004) 19 September — Peep Show (2003–2015) Born to Be Different (2003 – present) 5 December – The Illustrated Mum (2003) Five 28 January – Boomtown (2002–2003) 28 March – Extraordinary People (2003–2012) 10 April – Hi-5 (2003–2009, UK broadcast) 14 April – 99 Things to do Before You Die (2002–2003) 2 September – At Home with the Eubanks (2003) 27 October – MechaNickhttps://www.c21media.net/news/five-lines-up-impossibles-mechanick-1/ Five lines up Impossible's MechaNick Softies 10 November – 19 Keys (2003) 15 December – Hear the Silence (2003) Sky 16 February – Mile High (2003–2005) 26 July – Road Wars (2003–2010) Unknown – Life with Bonnie (2002–2004) Cartoon Network UK 10 February – ¡Mucha Lucha! (2002–2005) 7 April – Ozzy & Drix (2002–2004) 1 September – Codename: Kids Next Door (2002–2007) 10 November – Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005) Boomerang UK 7 April – What's New Scooby Doo (7 April 2003 – 21 July 2006) Baby Looney Tunes (2003–2005) Toonami UK 3 November – Teen Titans (TV series) (2003–2006) Disney Channel UK 6 January – Fillmore! (2003–2004) 20 October – Lilo & Stitch: The Series (20 October 2003 – 29 July 2006) Pop/Pop Plus Undated The Berenstain Bears (2002–2003) Tracey McBean (2001–2006) Channels New channels DateChannel15 JanuaryFtnUK Bright Ideas3 FebruaryChannel U9 FebruaryBBC Three1 SeptemberParamount Comedy 28 SeptemberToonamiPop Plus16 DecemberVH2 Defunct channels List of former TV channels in the United Kingdom#2003 DateChannel1 JanuaryThe StudioJanuaryThe Racing Channel9 FebruaryBBC Choice31 MarchCarlton Cinema8 SeptemberCNX Rebranded channels DateOld NameNew Name29 May Toons and TunesPop31 October Sky Movies Premier/Max/CinemaSky Movies 1, Sky Movies 2, Sky Movies 3, Sky Movies 4, Sky Movies 5, Sky Movies 6, Sky Movies 7, Sky Movies 8, Sky Movies 9, Sky Cinema 1, Sky Cinema 2 Television shows Changes of network affiliation Show Moved from Moved to Robot Wars BBC TwoFive BeybladeCartoon Network Thomas & FriendsNick Jr.ITV1 The Flintstones BBC One What About Mimi? Sky One Don't Try This at HomeITV1 Challenge Pippi Longstocking Channel 4 What's New, Scooby-Doo? Boomerang CBBC on BBC One Returning this year after a break of one year or longer 22 February – After Dark returns to British television on BBC Four (last on Channel 4 in 1997) 16 October – Superstars returns to BBC One (1973–1985, 2003–2005) Continuing television shows 1920s BBC Wimbledon (1927–1939, 1946–2019, 2021–present) 1930s Trooping the Colour (1937–1939, 1946–2019, 2023–present) The Boat Race (1938–1939, 1946–2019, 2021–present) 1950s Andy Pandy (1950–1970, 2002–2005) Panorama (1953–present) What the Papers Say (1956–2008)What the Papers Say in pictures https://www.theguardian.com/media/gallery/2008/may/29/what.the.papers.say The Guardian London 2 April 2022 29 May 2008 The Sky at Night (1957–present) Blue Peter (1958–present) Grandstand (1958–2007) 1960s Coronation Street (1960–present) Songs of Praise (1961–present) Top of the Pops (1964–2006) Match of the Day (1964–present) Call My Bluff (1965–2005) The Money Programme (1966–2010) 1970s Emmerdale (1972–present) Newsround (1972–present) Last of the Summer Wine (1973–2010) Arena (1975–present) One Man and His Dog (1976–present) Top Gear (1977–2001, 2002–present) Grange Hill (1978–2008) Ski Sunday (1978–present) Antiques Roadshow (1979–present) Question Time (1979–present) 1980s Children in Need (1980–present) Postman Pat (1981–present) Timewatch (1982–present) Countdown (1982–present) The Bill (1984–2010) Channel 4 Racing (1984–2016) Thomas & Friends (1984–present) EastEnders (1985–present) Comic Relief (1985–present) Casualty (1986–present) ChuckleVision (1987–2009) This Morning (1988–present) 1990s Stars in Their Eyes (1990–2006, 2015) Heartbeat (1992–2010) Breakfast with Frost (1993–2005) Animal Hospital (1994–2004) Room 101 (1994–2007, 2012–2018) Time Team (1994–2013) The National Lottery Draws (1994–2017) Top of the Pops 2 (1994–present) Silent Witness (1996–present) Y Clwb Rygbi, Wales (1997–present) Dream Team (1997–2007) Family Affairs (1997–2005) Midsomer Murders (1997–present) Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (1998–2014) Bob the Builder (1998–present) British Soap Awards (1999–2019, 2022–present) Holby City (1999–2022)Holby City – an oral history by the show's stars and creators https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/holby-city/a35594857/holby-city-an-oral-history-by-the-shows-stars-and-creators/ Digital Spy 4 April 2022 29 March 2022 My Parents Are Aliens (1999–2006)Rodger James My Parents Are Aliens cast reunite after 17 years as fans left emotional https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/parents-aliens-cast-reunite-after-26543597 BirminghamLive 25 March 2023 23 March 2023 2000s Doctors (2000–present) Big Brother (2000–2018) The Weakest Link (2000–2012, 2017) The Kumars (2001–2006, 2014) Popworld (2001–2007) Real Crime (2001–2011) UK Top 40 (2002–2005) Dick and Dom in da Bungalow (2002–2006) Harry Hill's TV Burp (2002–2012) I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (2002–present) Spooks (2002–2011) Angelina Ballerina (2002–2005) Mr. Bean: the Animated Series (2002–2004) River City (2002–2026) Ending this year Crossroads (1964–1988, 2001–2003) Wish You Were Here...? (1974–2003, 2008) Play Your Cards Right (1980–1987, 1994–1999, 2002–2003) Take the High Road (1980–2003) Only Fools and Horses (1981–1996, 2001–2003, 2014) Brookside (1982–2003) James the Cat (1984–1992, 1998–2003) Blind Date (1985–2003, 2017–2019) Fifteen to One (1988–2003, 2013–2019) Get Your Own Back (1991–2003) 999 (1992–2003) Barbara (1995–2003) Cold Feet (1998–2003, 2016–present) Diggit (1998–2003) SMTV Live (1998–2003) Mopatop's Shop (1999–2003) Smack the Pony (1999–2003) The Tribe (1999–2003) At Home with the Braithwaites (2000–2003) Clocking Off (2000–2003) The Hoobs (2001–2003) Pop Idol (2001–2003) Ky's Bommerang (2001–2003) Night and Day (2001–2003) The Goal Rush (2001–2003) The Office (2001–2003) RI:SE (2002–2003) Captain Abercromby (2002–2003) Fame Academy (2002–2003) Russian Roulette (2002–2003) Rich Hall's Fishing Show (2003) Too Good to Be True (2003) Births 30 April – Emily Carey, actress and model 18 July – Lucy Hutchinson, actress 25 September – Alexander Aze, actor Deaths Date Name Age Cinematic Credibility1 JanuaryCyril Shaps79actor (Doctor Who)8 JanuaryRon Goodwin77theme tune composer9 JanuaryPeter Tinniswood https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2643233.stm Novelist Tinniswood dies BBC News 9 January 2003 22 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090414093509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/2643233.stm 14 April 2009 live66radio and TV comedy scriptwriter, and author13 JanuaryElisabeth Crofthttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/elisabeth-croft-602063.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/elisabeth-croft-602063.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Elisabeth Croft The Independent 18 January 2003 17 June 2011 August 2021 medicmedic95actor (Edith Tatum in ATV soap Crossroads)7 FebruaryStephen Whittaker55actor and television director21 FebruaryBarry Bucknell91television presenter11 MarchKevin LaffanDennis Barker https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/mar/20/broadcasting.guardianobituaries Obituary: Kevin Laffan The Guardian 20 March 2003 9 August 201980writer and author (creator of Emmerdale)15 MarchThora Hirdhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2853893.stm Actress Dame Thora Hird dies BBC 15 March 2003 20 December 201591actress (Edie Pegden in Last of the Summer Wine)22 MarchTerry Lloyd50news reporter, killed during Iraq War skirmish30 MarchGaby Rado48news reporter, killed during Iraq War16 AprilDanny O'Dea91actor (Eli Duckett in Last of the Summer Wine)22 AprilBerkeley Smith84television broadcaster12 MayJeremy Sandford72television scriptwriter24 MayRachel Kempson92actress (Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill, The Jewel in the Crown)30 MayJohn Roberts75historian and television presenter (The Triumph of the West)7 JuneTony McAuley63television producer15 JunePhilip Stone79actor (Coronation Street, The Rat Catchers, Justice)19 JuneLaura Sadler https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3001562.stm Holby City star Laura Sadler dies BBC News 20 June 2003 11 April 200922actress (Sandy Harper in Holby City)1 JulyGeorge Roper69comedian (The Comedians)9 JulyValerie Gearon69actress2 AugustDon Estelle70actor (It Ain't Half Hot Mum)6 AugustLarry Taylor85actor10 AugustConstance Chapman91actor12 AugustJackie Hamilton66comedian (The Comedians)24 AugustZena Walker69actress (The Adventures of Robin Hood)Kent Walton https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/sep/08/broadcasting.guardianobituaries Kent Walton Obituary The Guardian 8 September 2003 18 April 2009 London Philip Purser86television sports commentator and presenter2 SeptemberPeter West83BBC sports commentator4 SeptemberBen Aris66actor (Hi-de-Hi!, To the Manor Born)11 SeptemberStuart GollandAnthony Hayward https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/stuart-golland-37243.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/stuart-golland-37243.html 1 May 2022 subscription Obituary: Stuart Golland The Independent London 9 October 2003 9 August 201958actor (George Ward in Heartbeat)23 SeptemberSarah Parkinsonhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3137446.stm Comic Paul Merton's wife dies BBC 24 September 2003 25 April 201541producer and writer of radio and television programmes30 SeptemberJohn Hawkesworth82television producer and scriptwriter10 OctoberJulia Trevelyan Oman73television set designer23 OctoberTony CapstickMartin Wainwright https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/oct/27/broadcasting.artsobituaries Obituary: Tony Capstick The Guardian 27 October 2003 25 April 201559comedian and actor8 NovemberBob Granthttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3283503.stm Entertainment | On the Buses TV star found dead BBC News 19 November 2003 3 April 201671actor (Jack Harper in On the Buses)11 NovemberRobert Brown82actor (The Newcomers)Don Taylor67television director19 NovemberGillian Barge63actress20 NovemberRobert Addie43actor (Robin of Sherwood)23 NovemberPatricia Burke83actress (The Adventures of Robin Hood)26 NovemberGordon Reid64actor22 DecemberRose HillAnthony Hayward https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/rose-hill-37725.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/rose-hill-37725.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Rose Hill The Independent London 1 January 2004 3 March 201689actress (Madame Fanny La Fan in 'Allo 'Allo!)27 DecemberAlan Bates69actor (An Englishman Abroad)29 DecemberBob Monkhouse https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3353445.stm Comedian Bob Monkhouse dies BBC News 29 December 2003 11 April 200975comedian and entertainer (The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, The $64,000 Question, The Big Breakfast, Monkhouse's Memory Masters, Wipeout) See also 2003 in British music 2003 in British radio 2003 in the United Kingdom List of British films of 2003 References External links List of 2003 British television series at IMDb 2003