2008 in British television

none April 2013 September 2020 2008 British television This is a list of events that took place in 2008 related to British television. Events January Date Event2 JanuaryITV announces that it will move its Sunday episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street. From the week beginning on 12 January, Coronation Street will have an additional Friday episode, while Emmerdale will air for an hour on Tuesdays. Dancing on Ice would move to a Sunday night slot. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jan/02/itv.television1 ITV drops soaps from Sunday lineup The Guardian Leigh Holmwood 2 January 2008 10 April 200911 JanuaryITV News at 10.30 is shown for the last time. News at Ten then replaces it from Mondays to Thursdays, and ITV Late News on Fridays.14 JanuaryNews at Ten returns to ITV with Sir Trevor McDonald and Julie Etchingham.Martin Nicole https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1575652/ITVs-revamped-News-at-Ten-fails-to-dent-BBC.html ITV's revamped News at Ten fails to dent BBC The Daily Telegraph 15 January 2008 28 April 2014 The programme will air four nights a week from Mondays to Thursdays, with an 11.00pm bulletin on Fridays.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jan/10/bbc.itv We won't dumb down 10 O'Clock News, says BBC Guardian Media Group The Guardian 10 January 2008 28 April 201416 JanuaryActress Leslie Ash wins a record £5 million out of court settlement from Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust after contracting a hospital acquired bug that left her partially paralysed while undergoing hospital treatment in 2004.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7192605.stm £5m hospital bug payout for Ash BBC BBC News 16 January 2008 28 June 201422 JanuaryBBC Three has its identity relaunched, showcasing new shows such as Lily Allen and Friends.23 JanuaryKonnie Huq presents her last episode of Blue Peter after over ten years, having become the longest-running female presenter and third longest-running overall in the shows' 50-year history.31 January"Pretty Baby....", a unique episode of the soap opera EastEnders is broadcast, consisting of just one character (Dot Cotton) with a single monologue in the form of a taped message to her husband. This 'one-hander' is a first in UK soap history.Nancy Banks-Smith https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/feb/01/lastnightstveastenders1 Last night's TV: EastEnders Guardian Media Group The Guardian 1 February 2008 14 June 2014All the UKTV network channels such as UKTV Gold switch to widescreen. February Date Event6 FebruaryThe BBC announces that children's drama Grange Hill is to be axed after exactly 30 years on air.Tara Conlan https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/feb/06/bbc.television BBC drops Grange Hill Guardian Media Group The Guardian 6 February 2008 25 July 20177 FebruaryIn an address to the Royal Television Society, the comedian Lenny Henry criticises the lack of ethnic diversity in the media.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7234895.stm TV is too white, Lenny Henry says BBC BBC News 8 February 2008 19 March 2014BBC One airs the debut episode of Ashes to Ashes, a spin-off series of Life on Mars.https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/6fba4c093e9f418b9de9c180d4f05260 https://web.archive.org/web/20141022144552/http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/6fba4c093e9f418b9de9c180d4f05260 dead 22 October 2014 Ashes to Ashes – BBC One London – 7 February 2008 – BBC Genome genome.ch.bbc.co.uk 22 November 20188 FebruaryAfter 22 years Neighbours is shown on BBC One for the last time.11 FebruaryAustralian soap opera Neighbours debuts in its new home on Five.12 FebruaryThe BBC Three "Blobs" are played out for the last time at 4 am. A new set of idents debuted the same day, this is the channels first ever rebrand since launching in early 2003.14 FebruaryThe Big Bang Theory debuts on Channel 4.18 FebruaryNatasha Kaplinsky makes her Five News debut as Britain's highest paid newsreader, on a reported annual salary of £1 million.John Plunkett https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/feb/05/channelfive.tvnews?guni=Article:in%20body%20link Natasha Kaplinsky gears up for Channel Five News debut The Guardian 5 February 2008 2 April 2014Carrie and David's Popshop debuts on CBeebies.20 FebruaryIt is announced that music video channel The Hits will be replaced by 4Music later in the year.25 FebruaryBBC One soap EastEnders is reprimanded by Ofcom for the level of violence in an episode aired in November 2007 which saw a gang attack on a pub. The scenes, which showed a sustained level of violence, were deemed to be inappropriate for a pre-watershed audience.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7262752.stm Ofcom raps EastEnders fight scene BBC BBC News 25 February 2008 3 May 2014The Mr. Men Show debuts on Five.27 FebruaryLaunch of the black entertainment channel BET International.28 FebruaryJames Nathan wins the 2008 series of MasterChef.Hilton Beth http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s127/masterchef/news/a90503/masterchef-2008-winner-crowned.html#~paTTnkZMYfQUW6 'MasterChef 2008' winner crowned Digital Spy 29 February 2008 25 April 2015 March Date Event3 MarchChrist Church, Oxford wins the 2007–08 series of University Challenge, beating the University of Sheffield 220–170.7 MarchThe MS Society criticises a recent The Bill plotline as "grossly irresponsible" after it featured a multiple sclerosis patient being told about a fictional treatment for the condition.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7282892.stm The Bill criticised over MS plot 7 March 2008 BBC BBC News 28 October 2009 London10 MarchA blanket ban on filming in and around Stormont Castle is lifted when the restrictions on the presence of cameras in the building are lifted, thus allowing proceedings in the Northern Ireland Assembly to be televised. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7287499.stm Assembly broadcasting ban lifted BBC BBC News 10 March 2008 15 June 2013ITV2 signs a deal with social networking site Bebo, allowing some of the channel's content to be aired free online.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7287619.stm ITV2 signs online deal with Bebo BBC BBC News 10 March 2008 14 May 201412 MarchOvernight viewing figures indicate that the debut episode of the US TV series Bionic Woman, which aired on ITV2 on 11 March was watched by 2.2 million viewers, giving the channel its largest audience to date.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7292135.stm Bionic gives ITV2 record ratings BBC BBC News 12 March 2008 14 May 201415 MarchLaunch of BBC One's I'd Do Anything, a search for actors to appear in the West End musical Oliver!. Three boys will be chosen to play Oliver Twist and an actress to play the role of Nancy.Savage Mark https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7294740.stm Doing Anything for West End fame BBC BBC News 14 March 2008 12 June 201416 MarchSuzanne Shaw and skating partner Matt Evers win the third series of Dancing on Ice.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7299751.stm Suzanne Shaw wins Dancing on Ice BBC BBC News 16 March 2008 15 June 201419 MarchBBC Four attracts its highest ever ratings after broadcasting the one-off drama The Curse of Steptoe, with 1.41 million viewers.21 MarchDirty Sexy Money makes its debut airing in the UK and proves to be a popular hit for Channel 4.22 MarchITV1 airs the Network television premiere of the 2005 musical film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.24 March(Easter Monday)BBC Four broadcasts a revived, special two-hour-long episode of the 1960s satire The Frost Report.Walton James https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3672086/Last-night-on-television-Alternative-Therapies-BBC2-The-Frost-Report-Is-Back-BBC4.html Last night on television: Alternative Therapies (BBC2) – The Frost Report Is Back (BBC4) The Daily Telegraph 25 March 2008 14 June 201426 MarchAmerican Hit Dramedy, Desperate Housewives finally makes its Fourth season debut. The show was due to start in the first two weeks of January, but this was shelved due to the WGA Strike. April Date Event1 AprilPatsy Palmer returns to EastEnders as Bianca Jackson nine years after leaving the series.15 AprilITV has decided to drop the second episode of the nine-part US supernatural drama Pushing Daisies because it only has scheduling space to show eight episodes before the start of Euro 2008. The second episode was the only one considered not crucial to the storyline, but it will be shown when the series is repeated.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7347911.stm ITV drops Pushing Daisies episode BBC BBC News 15 April 2008 24 May 201421 AprilBBC News has a major relaunch with BBC News 24 becoming BBC News and BBC World becoming BBC World News. All the news programmes on BBC One and BBC Two have also had new looks including all regional news programmes.26 AprilA report in The Sun suggests seven characters will be axed from Coronation Street over the coming months. Those leaving include five members of the Morton family, who run the street's kebab shop, and Jack Ellis and Matthew Crompton, who play father and son bookies Harry and Dan Mason.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s3/coronation-street/news/a94702/seven-coronation-street-characters-axed.html#~oHWxxIDD9kExkk Seven 'Coronation Street' characters axed Digital Spy 26 April 2008 22 June 201428 AprilFive Life is renamed to Fiver. May Date Event1 MayVH1 takes on a general entertainment focus, matching the American network, though due to the American VH1's programmes being licensed to other networks or broadcasters, it also carries content from Channel 5 and MTV. VH1 completes its transition to a general entertainment format in October 2018, though music programmes continue in non-prime timeslots.Szalai Georg Viacom's VH1 U.K. to Focus on Unscripted Shows in Repositioning miscellaneous https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-s-vh1-uk-focus-unscripted-shows-repositioning-1146803 Hollywood Reporter 25 September 20186 MayFreesat officially launches. ITV HD launches its full service.19 MayKix! was launched in the UK for the first time.20 MayIn a press release, the BBC announce that Russell T Davies is resigning as head writer and executive producer on Doctor Who following the fourth series, the 2008 Christmas special and a series of four hour-long episodes in 2009, after which he will be replaced by fellow writer Steven Moffat.22 MayScotsport airs for the last time on Scottish television. By the time it ended it was recognised as the world's longest running sports television magazine.24 MayAfter Britain's entry in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest comes last, Sir Terry Wogan suggests he may step down as the BBC's Eurovision commentator because the contest is "no longer a music contest". Andy Abraham receives 14 points for the United Kingdom with "Even If", while the contest is won by Russia's Dima Bilan with "Believe", which scores 272 points. The result is partially due to the number of former Soviet states giving Russia the maximum 12 points, prompting Wogan to tell viewers that "Russia were going to be the political winners from the beginning" and to suggest "western European participants have to decide whether they want to take part from here on in because their prospects are poor".https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7418940.stm Wogan 'may quit Eurovision role' BBC News 25 May 2008 11 May 201429 MayIt is announced that What the Papers Say, the second longest running programme on British television after Panorama, is to be axed by the BBC.30 MaySeveral newspapers report that George Galloway, MP has issued legal proceedings against The Bill for defamation after a storyline aired in November 2007 that featured a corrupt MP who smuggled antiques out of Iraq before the war, which Galloway alleges was a portrayal of him.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/may/30/independentproductioncompanies.itv George Galloway in libel complaint over The Bill storyline Kiss Jemima 30 May 2008 The Guardian 5 November 2009 Londonhttp://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2008/05/30/mp-george-galloway-to-sue-the-bill-86908-20588244/ MP George Galloway to sue The Bill Spencer Ben 30 May 2008 The Daily Record 5 November 2009 EdinburghITV airs the 5000th episode of Emmerdale.Jody Thompson https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/emmerdale---whats-been-your-311328 Emmerdale – What's been your favourite moment in the soap? Trinity Mirror Daily Mirror 2 June 2008 21 February 201531 MayJodie Prenger will play the role of Nancy in the West End musical Oliver! after winning BBC One's I'd Do Anything.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7428291.stm Jodie takes West End Nancy role BBC News 31 May 2008 12 June 2014Break dancer George Sampson wins the second series of Britain's Got Talent, netting a £100,000 prize and a chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/2060958/George-Sampson-wins-Britains-Got-Talent.html George Sampson wins Britain's Got Talent The Daily Telegraph 1 June 2008 15 June 2014 June Date Event3 JuneAll Virgin Media channels including Bravo (also Bravo 2), Living (also Living2), Challenge, Trouble and Virgin 1 switch to widescreen.4 JuneMTV UK and several other MTV Networks Europe channels are fined £255,000 by Ofcom for "widespread and persistent" breaches of the broadcasting code, including breaking the pre-watershed content ban.5 JuneThe Big Brother 9 launch night proves to be not as good as Channel 4 had hoped with the loss of around 1 million viewers who had watched the previous year's launch night6 JuneSharon Osbourne quits as a judge on the ITV series The X Factor shortly before filming is due to begin on a new series. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jun/07/itv.television?gusrc=rss&feed=media Osbourne quits X Factor days before filming The Guardian Leigh Holman 7 June 2008 14 June 20097–29 JuneEuro 2008 are held in Austria and Switzerland.9 JuneChannel 4 apologises after broadcasting an episode of The Simpsons that included the use of the word "wankers" at 6.00 pm on 15 April. The incident, blamed on an administrative error, led to 31 viewers complaining to Ofcom that such language was unacceptable at a time when children would be watching.Ben Dowell https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jun/09/channel4.ofcom The Simpsons: Channel 4 apologises for pre-watershed swearing Guardian Media Group The Guardian 9 June 2008 10 August 201410 JuneGirls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole is revealed as Sharon Osbourne's replacement as a judge on The X Factor. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7446678.stm Cheryl Cole is new X Factor judge BBC News 10 June 2008 14 June 200911 JuneLee McQueen wins the fourth series of The Apprentice.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7448834.stm McQueen named as The Apprentice BBC BBC News 12 June 2008 5 May 2014UKTV announces that, following the successful launch of Dave, it will rebrand all its channels from generic, UKTV-prefixed names to individual and separate brands.UKTV to rebrand channels Broadcast 10 July 2008 http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/multi-platform/news/uktv-to-rebrand-channels/1710309.article 7 June 2009UKTV unveils new channel brands UKTV 10 July 2008 http://uktv.co.uk/uktv/item/aid/603804 https://web.archive.org/web/20080712053401/http://uktv.co.uk/uktv/item/aid/603804 12 July 2008 13 June 200817 June Comedian Joan Rivers is asked to leave the ITV afternoon talk show Loose Women after swearing live on air. She was removed during the commercial break, and said that she didn't realise the show was going out live and thought her comments would be bleeped.https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jun/17/itv.television2 Joan Rivers thrown off Loose Women for Russell Crowe outburst The Guardian Guardian Media Group 17 June 2008 28 January 2021 Leigh Holmwood23 JuneAn EastEnders storyline involving the live burial of a character that aired over Easter is criticised as "offensive" by Ofcom. The scenes, which saw Tanya Branning getting revenge against her unfaithful husband Max by drugging and burying him, attracted 116 complaints from viewers. Ofcom says the episodes had "a seriously disturbing element to them".https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7469315.stm EastEnders burial was 'offensive' BBC BBC News 23 June 2008 3 May 2014 July Date Event5 JulyThe finale of the fourth series of Doctor Who is watched by 9.4 million viewers, this is the first time since the series' revival in 2005 that Doctor Who has the largest audience share in its timeslot.7 JulyAlex Evans wins Cycle 4 of Britain's Next Top Model.15 JulyITV Central is fined £25,000 for contempt of court after running a news story about a trial that was about to start, which included details of a defendant's previous conviction for murder.Attorney General v ITV Central Ltd 5RB, 15 July 2008A £25,000 contempt of court fine for ITV Central https://web.archive.org/web/20130615224059/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/node/41685 15 June 2013 Press Gazette, 16 July 2008More4 begins a season of Stanley Kubrick films. It is preceded by Citizen Kubrick, a documentary about the director by Jon Ronson. By way of promotion for the season, Channel 4 commissioned a 65-second promotion that included recreating the set of The Shining, complete with lookalikes of the cast and crew, the ad showing the set from Kubrick's perspective as he walks through it to take his seat in the director's chair before filming.Mark Sweney https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jul/03/channel4.kubrick Channel 4 recreates The Shining to promote its Kubrick season Guardian Media Group The Guardian 3 July 2008 17 February 201822 JulyBBC Two Controller Roly Keating is appointed as the BBC's first director of archive content. He will take up the role in the autumn.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7519123.stm New role for BBC Two controller BBC BBC News 22 July 2008 13 April 201423 JulyDes O'Connor announces that he will step down as presenter of Countdown. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7522099.stm Des O'Connor to leave Countdown BBC News 23 July 2008 18 July 2009Portland Enterprises, owners of Television X: The Fantasy Channel are fined £25,000 by Ofcom for broadcasting "highly explicit sex material" after showing an R18 rated adult film in June 2007, something that broke Ofcom rules on the broadcast of adult content.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7522025.stm Channel fined over 'explicit' sex BBC BBC News 23 July 2008 5 May 2014Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton is named as a temporary co-presenter of Richard & Judy, presenting the show alongside Richard Madeley for a few days while his wife, Judy Finnigan recovers from a knee operation.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a114456/bunton-steps-in-for-judy-finnegan.html#~oKc24g7bsbR1Tz Bunton steps in for Judy Finnegan Digital Spy 23 July 2008 16 July 2014 Bunton is succeeded by Myleene Klass, who also takes on Finnegan's role for a few days.https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/tv-film-news/richards-touch-of-klass-1656286 Richard's touch of Klass Trinity Mirror Sunday People 3 August 2008 16 July 201425 JulyCarol Vorderman announces that she will quit as host of Countdown, two days after Des O'Connor announced his intention to leave the programme. Vorderman's manager said that she did not think she could go through the process of bonding with another co-presenter. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7526290.stm Carol Vorderman quits Countdown BBC News 25 July 2008 18 July 2009Liz McClarnon wins the 2008 series of Celebrity MasterChef.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/celebrity-masterchef-liz-mcclarnon-atomic-3482133 Celebrity MasterChef: Liz McClarnon is the Atomic Kitchen queen Trinity Mirror Liverpool Echo 26 July 2008 25 April 2015 August Date Event8–24 August2008 Summer Olympics are held in China.15 AugustThe music video channel The Hits closes and is replaced by 4Music later the same day.Griff Rhys Jones announced as the new presenter of It'll Be Alright on the Night for the first time since Denis Norden's retirement from the show in 2006 after almost 30 years.22 AugustAfter seven years with Channel 4, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan present their last edition of Richard & Judy. They move to new subscription channel Watch in the Autumn.31 AugustSky One, Sky Two and Sky Three rebrands to Sky1, Sky2 and Sky3 respectively.In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live's Simon Mayo, television writer Jimmy McGovern describes the BBC as "one of the most racist institutions in England" because of the lack of ethnic people in prominent positions. The BBC responds by saying it is "actively seeking and nurturing ethnic talents both on and off the air."https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6973335.stm TV's McGovern calls BBC 'racist' BBC BBC News 31 August 2007 19 March 2014 September Date Event1 SeptemberSelina Scott is suing Five for age discrimination, it is reported, after she was considered but overlooked as a temporary replacement for Five News presenter Natasha Kaplinsky during her maternity leave.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7591940.stm Scott sues for age discrimination BBC BBC News 1 September 2008 4 June 20145 SeptemberRachel Rice wins series nine of Big Brother.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7599646.stm Big Brother win for Rachel Rice BBC BBC News 6 September 2008 2 April 20148 SeptemberA report by the Scottish Broadcasting Commission recommends that up to £75 million of public funds should be used to create a high quality Scottish television channel.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7603396.stm Scotland 'needs national channel' BBC BBC News 8 September 2008 15 February 201415 SeptemberBBC One airs the final episode of Grange Hill.Leigh Holmwood https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2008/sep/15/bbc.television1 BBC1 screens the last ever episode of the school drama today Guardian Media Group The Guardian 15 September 2008 25 July 201718 SeptemberBBC One screens its controversial documentary The Undercover Soldier that alleges instances of bullying in the British Army. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7622102.stm Army trainers suspended from role BBC BBC News 18 September 2008 25 October 2008 Sophie Hutchinson http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4781233.ece Five Army instructors suspended over bullying claims at Catterick News International The Times 19 September 2008 25 October 2008 London Russell Jenkins subscriptionSeptember 2024 medicmedic The show attracts relatively low ratings and the BBC is criticised by serving soldiers for the way the investigation was conducted. http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/3686244.Soldiers_hit_back_at_BBC_investigation_into_base/ Soldiers hit back at BBC investigation into base Northern Echo 19 September 2008 25 October 200819 SeptemberBBC Alba, a Scottish Gaelic language digital television channel, is launched through a partnership between the BBC and MG Alba.Derek Johnstone wins the first series of MasterChef: The Professionals,https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/09_september/19/masterchef_pro.shtml MasterChef: The Professionals winner revealed BBC BBC Press Office 19 September 2008 31 December 2017 and goes on to take a job at London's Le Gavroche restaurant with Michel Roux Jr. October Date Event1 OctoberBBC Four Controller Janice Hadlow is appointed Controller of BBC Two, replacing outgoing incumbent Roly Keating from November.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7646701.stm Hadlow announced as BBC Two boss BBC BBC News 1 October 2008 13 April 2014Scottish Media Group is rebranded STV Group plc. It does this because it wants to highlight its renewed focus on television. SMG reborn as STV Group The Guardian 24 June 2008 https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/jun/24/mediabusiness.television 10 January 2016 Caitlin Fitzsimmons Goodbye SMG... Hello STV Group BroadcastNow 1 October 2008 http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/10/goodbye_smg_hello_stv_group.html 2 October 2008ITV1 screens the British terrestrial television premiere of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with overnight viewing figures indicating it to have an audience of 7.2 million viewers (a 29% audience share).Leigh Holmwood https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/06/tvratings.television TV ratings – October 5: BBC1's Big Cats hunt down 4m Guardian Media Group The Guardian 6 October 2008 27 January 20186 OctoberFive has its first major rebrand since 2002.It is reported that an episode of Coronation Street, in which the character Tony Gordon made a jibe about Rangers, was changed following complaints from fans of the football club.http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2008/1006/414825-coronationstreet/ Rangers fans unhappy with Corrie comment RTÉ Ten RTÉ 6 October 2008 1 December 20137 OctoberUKTV launches a new general entertainment channel called Watch; UKTV Gold is relaunched as comedy channel G.O.L.D. (Go on Laugh Daily); and UKTV Drama is relaunched as crime drama channel Alibi.Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan begin presenting a new show Richard and Judy's New Position on Watch.10 OctoberEastEnders begins broadcasting the storyline The Secret Mitchell in which Danielle Jones (Lauren Crace) is revealed to be Ronnie Mitchell's (Samantha Janus) daughter.16 OctoberLongest-running children's television programme Blue Peter celebrates its 50th birthday.23 OctoberBBC One airs the 1000th edition of Question Time.29 OctoberDuring the live broadcast of the 2008 National Television Awards, David Tennant announces that he is quitting Doctor Who at the end of 2009.30 OctoberFollowing his involvement in The Russell Brand Show prank telephone calls row, Jonathan Ross is suspended for 12 weeks without pay from all BBC shows, including his television programmes such as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.Tara Conlan Stephen Brook https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/30/jonathan-ross-russell-brand1 Jonathan Ross suspended from BBC for 12 weeks over prank phone calls Guardian Media Group The Guardian 30 October 2008 13 November 2018 He also decides not to host the 2008 British Comedy Awards, broadcast on ITV. November Date Event2 NovemberF1 on ITV airs for the last time, presented by Steve Rider, with commentators Martin Brundle and James Allen.3 NovemberBritain's favourite singing pigs Pinky and Perky return to CBBC with a brand new television series known as The Pinky and Perky Show brought to life with CGI animation. The series is updated with various brand new characters and a few old characters which were Morton Frog and Vera Vixen (but this time as the main antagonist) and follows the brothers and their misadventures in a television studio while working as presenters of a children's TV show.4 NovemberIt is announced that an agreement has been struck for Sky's basic channels – including Sky1, Sky2, Sky3, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Sky Arts 1, Sky Arts 2, Sky Real Lives and Sky Real Lives 2 – to return to Virgin Media from 13 November 2008 until 12 June 2011. In exchange Sky will be provide continued carriage of Virgin Media Television's channels – Living, Living2, Bravo, Bravo +1, Trouble, Challenge and Virgin1 for the same period.BSkyB and Virgin Media Sign New Channel Carriage Agreements skyuser.co.uk 4 November 2008 http://www.skyuser.co.uk/skyinfo/bskyb_and_virgin_media_sign_new_channel_carriage_agreements.html 25 May 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090208233810/http://www.skyuser.co.uk/skyinfo/bskyb_and_virgin_media_sign_new_channel_carriage_agreements.html 8 February 2009 live However, Trouble closed down in April 2009 and Sky brought Virgin Media Television (later Living TV Group) two years later. Bravo, Bravo 2, Challenge Jackpot and Channel One closed down on 1 January and 1 February 2011 respectively, along with the rebrandings of Living (now Sky Living), Livingit (then Livingit, now Sky Livingit), Living Loves (now Sky Living Loves) and Challenge's new slot on Freeview on 1 February 2011, which finally ended Living TV Group and extended the agreement as a permanent deal.5 NovemberA BBC Two Newsnight special on the election of Barack Obama in which presenter Jeremy Paxman famously addresses the rapper Dizzee Rascal as "Mr Rascal".Paul Moody https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2008/nov/06/dizzee-rascal-jeremy-paxman-newsnight Paul Moody: Jeremy Paxman should have shown Dizzee Rascal more respect Guardian Media Group The Guardian 6 November 2008 10 April 2015Eliot Smith https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/08/dizzee-rascal-paxman-jeremy-bbc When Jeremy Paxman met Dizzee Rascal Guardian Media Group The Guardian 8 November 2008 10 April 20156 NovemberThe digital switchover continues when the Scottish Borders region's analogue service is switched off. People served by the Selkirk transmitter will be the first substantial area to go fully digital.12–13 NovemberITV airs Proof of Life, a two-part episode of The Bill to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. The storyline features a crossover with the German police procedural Leipzig Homicide, and is aired on both UK and German television.Stephen Armstrong https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/the-bill-meets-soko-leipzig-m3jw8k22d6t The Bill meets SOKO Leipzig The Sunday Times 2 November 2008 27 May 201913 NovemberBSkyB's basic channels such as Sky1 and Sky News return to Virgin Media TV.Debut of the six-part supernatural drama Apparitions on BBC One is about a Roman Catholic Church priest Father Jacob Myers (Martin Shaw) who examines evidence of miracles to be used in canonisation but also performs exorcisms. As he learns, Jacob's duties run deeper than just sending demons back to Hell; he later must prevent them all from escaping. The series continues on 18 December.14 NovemberChildren in Need 2008 is broadcast on BBC One, hosted by Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton. Raising £20,991,216 by the end of the broadcast.19 NovemberJournalist John Sergeant pulls out of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing contest following controversy over his participation in the show. Sergeant has been consistently supported by the public despite receiving the lowest scores from the programme's panel of judges. Announcing his decision, Sergeant says winning would be "a joke too far". The BBC says it will refund anyone who voted for Sergeant while he was taking part.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7737447.stm Sergeant quits Strictly contest BBC BBC News 20 November 2008 18 June 201420 NovemberSir Trevor McDonald presents his last News at Ten after only 11 months at helm. Mark Austin takes over as head anchor.QI broadcasts its last episode to be originally shown on BBC Two, as part of Children in Need. The series moves to BBC One during Christmas.21 NovemberIt is announced that Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling and Oxford graduate Rachel Riley will replace Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman as hosts of the next series of Countdown. Riley beat 1,000 applicants to win the role. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7675710.stm Sky host Stelling joins Countdown BBC News 21 November 2008 18 July 2009The BBC Trust criticises another incident involving Jonathan Ross and bad language. The Trust rules that a remark made by Ross on an edition of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross aired in May in which he told the actress Gwyneth Paltrow he "would fuck her" was "gratuitous and unnecessarily offensive".Tara Conlan Leigh Holmwood https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/21/russell-brand-jonathan-ross BBC Trust criticises Jonathan Ross over lewd comment to Gwyneth Paltrow Guardian Media Group The Guardian 21 November 2008 1 February 2013STV announces its intention to opt out of ITV programmes they claim are not performing well in their broadcast region. These include series such as Sharpe's Peril, Al Murray's Happy Hour, Moving Wallpaper, Benidorm and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. ITV's coverage of the FA Cup is also dropped. December Date Event3 DecemberThe new Wallace and Gromit adventure, A Matter of Loaf and Death, premieres in Australia on the ABC before airing in the UK.5 DecemberSelina Scott has reached a settlement with Five after suing the channel for age discrimination, it is reported.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7764644.stm Scott settles Five legal action BBC BBC News 5 December 2008 4 June 2014Actor Joe Swash wins the eighth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.Leigh Holmwood https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/dec/08/tvratings-television2 9.7m watch Joe Swash win I'm a Celebrity Guardian Media Group The Guardian 8 December 2008 25 April 2014It is announced that Graham Norton will take over from Terry Wogan as the presenter of the Eurovision Song Contest after Wogan, who has presented the BBC's coverage of the contest for 30 years, decided to relinquish the role.https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/12_december/05/eurovision.shtml Eurovision: Norton to replace Wogan BBC Press Office BBC 5 December 2008 11 May 201412 DecemberDes O'Connor presents his last Countdown episode after over a year of presenting and Carol Vorderman also presents her last Countdown episode after 26 years of co-presenting.13 DecemberAlexandra Burke wins the fifth series of The X Factor.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7782054.stm Alexandra crowned X Factor winner BBC BBC News 14 December 2008 25 April 201414 DecemberCyclist Chris Hoy is named as this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Owen Gibson https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/dec/15/chris-hoy-bbc-sports-personality1 Cyclist Chris Hoy wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award 2008 Guardian Media Group The Guardian 15 December 2008 6 November 201518 DecemberPresenter Fiona Phillips leaves GMTV after nearly 16 years with ITV's breakfast broadcaster.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7787587.stm Tearful GMTV goodbye for Phillips BBC BBC News 18 December 2008 27 July 201920 DecemberTom Chambers and dancing partner Camilla Dallerup win the sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing.Roya Nikkah Adam Lusher https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3870180/Tom-Chambers-beats-Rachel-Stevens-to-win-Strictly-Come-Dancing-final.html Tom Chambers beats Rachel Stevens to win Strictly Come Dancing final The Daily Telegraph 20 December 2008 25 April 201425 DecemberThe Royle Family returns for a Christmas Special, attracting an audience of 11 million. The most watched show of the day is a new Wallace and Gromit adventure, A Matter of Loaf and Death, which airs on BBC One, and is seen by 14.4 million viewers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7800091.stm Wallace and Gromit top TV ratings BBC BBC News 26 December 2008 18 June 201430 DecemberShooting Stars returns with a Christmas special and a clip show, the first new episodes since 2002 and Rab C. Nesbitt returns with a Christmas special, another new episode since 1999.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Christmas+crackers%3B+Settle+back+in+the+best+seat+in+the+house+and...-a0190924684 Christmas crackers; Settle back in the best seat in the house and check out our guide to this year's festive film and TV Western Mail 20 December 2008 18 June 201431 DecemberITV airs Elton's New Year's Eve party, a live concert by Elton John from London's O2 Arena. Channel 5 airs an evening of programming dedicated to Bruce Forsyth, including An Audience with Bruce Forsyth.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a139592/bbc-wins-new-years-eve-ratings.html#~oHxsTdrxN5veod BBC wins New Year's Eve ratings Digital Spy 4 January 2009 18 June 2014The 1968 musical film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is aired on ITV1 again. Debuts BBC One 1 January – Sense and Sensibility 5 January – Basil's Swap Shop The One and Only 8 January – Mistresses 10 January – Fairy Tales 13 January – Lark Rise to Candleford 4 February – Frankenstein's Cat 7 February – Ashes to Ashes 17 February – The Last Enemy 10 March – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 15 March – I'd Do Anything 28 March – The Passion 12 April – The Kids Are All Right 28 April – Out of the Blue 1 May – The Invisibles 30 June – Criminal Justice 5 July – Last Choir Standing 8 July – Bonekickers 30 July – Lost Land of the Jaguar 10 August – Britain From Above 26 August – Mutual Friends 11 September – The Planners Are Coming 14 September – Tess of the D'Urbervilles 18 September – The Undercover Soldier 20 September – Merlin Hole in the Wall 7 October Sunshine 12 October – Stephen Fry in America 19 October – Ian Fleming: Where Bond Began 24 October – Little Dorrit 3 November – The Pinky and Perky Show 13 November – Apparitions 23 November – Survivors 30 November – Wallander 25 December – A Matter of Loaf and Death BBC Two Date Programme10 JanuaryNever Better11 FebruaryGet Squiggling28 FebruaryEmpty4 MarchMad Men 10 March10 Days to WarWhite Girl11 MayWild China28 MayFilth: The Mary Whitehouse Story10 JulyLab Rats19 JulyHelp! Teach is Coming to Stay30 JulyHouse of Saddam12 AugustSesame Tree29 SeptemberChuggington2 OctoberBeautiful People10 OctoberThe American Future: A History22 NovemberEinstein and Eddington BBC Three Date Programme 12 FebruaryLily Allen and FriendsPhoo Action31 MarchDis/Connected8 AprilThe Wall22 JuneMeeBOX23 JuneSnog Marry Avoid?10 AugustSpooks: Code 928 AugustThe Wrong Door BBC Four Date Programme31 JanuaryArt of Spain17 March The Curse of Steptoe2 April Hughie Green, Most Sincerely12 June The Long Walk to Finchley21 AugustFossil Detectives15 SeptemberOnly Connect ITV (1/2/3/4/CITV) Date Programme9 JanuaryHonest 10 JanuaryMoving WallpaperEcho Beach12 JanuaryThank God You're Here14 JanuaryThe Palace4 MarchBike Squad5 MarchRock Rivals12 March Bionic Woman14 MarchThe Passions of Girls Aloud23 MarchHe Kills Coppers28 MarchTeenage Kicks6 AprilHeadcases20 AprilBeat the Star8 MayMidnight Man4 JuneBingo Night Live28 JuneWho Dares, Sings! 1 SeptemberThe ChildrenMy Goldfish Is Evil3 SeptemberLost in Austen18 SeptemberNo Heroics22 SeptemberA Place of Execution13 OctoberWired26 OctoberBritannia High Channel 4 Date Programme2 JanuaryThe Triple Nipple Club14 JanuaryCity of Vice18 JanuaryGordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live22 JanuarySupersize vs Superskinny1 FebruaryAlan Carr's Celebrity Ding Dong22 FebruaryNew Hero of Comedy31 MarchPoppy Shakespeare1 JuneTony Robinson's Crime and Punishment10 JulyDexter 1 AugustThe Kevin Bishop ShowTonightly24 AugustStacked25 AugustWogan's Perfect Recall17 SeptemberThe Family 30 SeptemberJamie's Ministry of FoodDawn Porter: Extreme Wife12 OctoberBritain's Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice19 NovemberThe Devil's Whore24 NovemberThe Ascent of Money Five Date Programme25 FebruaryThe Mr. Men Show13 AugustRory and Paddy's Great British Adventure5 SeptemberThe What in the World? Quiz8 OctoberPaul Merton in India E4 Date Programme3 JanuaryBig Brother: Celebrity Hijack14 FebruaryThe Big Bang Theory1 MayThe Inbetweeners27 OctoberDead Set24 NovemberHollyoaks Later Sky1 Date Programme21 JanuaryRoss Kemp in Afghanistan11 MayDon't Forget the Lyrics!31 AugustHairspray: The School Musical Watch Date Programme7 OctoberRichard and Judy's New Position Dave Date Programme27 OctoberArgumental30 OctoberBatteries Not Included FX Date Programme6 MayThe Colbert Report Other channels Date Debut Network4 FebruaryPhineas and FerbDisney Channel8 MarchiCarlyNickelodeon24 MarchChowderCartoon Network3 NovemberHi-5Cartoonito Channels New channels DateChannel1 FebruaryMTV One +117 MarchSky Sports HD 320 MarchSky Movies Premiere HD28 AprilFX HD19 MayKix!9 JulyAAP TV15 August4Music18 AugustNicktoonsters7 OctoberWatchWatch +15 NovemberCrime & Investigation Network HD1 DecemberDisney Cinemagic HD16 DecemberMTVNHD Defunct channels List of former TV channels in the United Kingdom#2008 DateChannel1 FebruaryMTV Flux15 AugustThe Hits Rebranding channels DateOld NameNew Name21 AprilBBC News 24BBC News28 AprilFive LifeFiver31 AugustSky OneSky1Sky TwoSky2Sky ThreeSky37 OctoberUKTV DramaAlibiUKTV Drama +1Alibi +1UKTV GoldG.O.L.D.UKTV Gold +1G.O.L.D. +1 Television shows Changes of network affiliation ProgrammeMoved fromMoved to American Dad! (First run rights) BBC Three FX Little Miss Jocelyn BBC Three BBC Two Gladiators ITV1 Sky One Take Your Pick Challenge Small Talk BBC One Wipeout FA Cup football and England Internationals ITV1 & Setanta Sports Neighbours Five Fireman Sam CBeebiesGet 100 BBC Two BBC One & CBBC The Weakest Link (Daytime version) BBC One Out of the Blue QI Gavin & Stacey BBC Three Torchwood BBC Two Robot Wars Challenge Bravo Postman Pat CBeebies Five It's Me or the Dog Channel 4 & More4 Sky3 & Sky Real Lives Yoko! Jakamoko! Toto! CITV CBeebies 1 1 It later moved to CITV in early 2009 for a brand newer series and then in late 2012 back to Channel 5. Returning this year after a break of one year or longer ProgrammeDate(s) of original removalOriginal channelDate(s) of returnNew channel(s) ITV News at Ten30 January 2004 ITV114 January 2008 N/A (Same channel as original) Mr. and Mrs. as All Star Mr & Mrs 2 July 1999 12 April 2008 Gladiators 1 January 2000 11 May 2008 Sky1 Superstars 2005 BBC One July 2008 Five It'll Be Alright on the Night 18 March 2006 ITV1 20 September 2008 N/A (Same channel as original) Going for Gold 9 July 1996 BBC One 13 October 2008 FiveRab C. Nesbitt18 June 1999BBC Two23 December 2008N/A (Same channel as original) Continuing television shows 1920s ProgrammeDateBBC Wimbledon1927–1939, 1946–2019, 2021–present 1930s ProgrammeDateTrooping the Colour1937–1939, 1946–2019, 2023–presentThe Boat Race1938–1939, 1946–2019, 2021–present 1950s ProgrammeDatePanorama1953–presentThe Sky at Night1957–presentBlue Peter1958–present 1960s ProgrammeDateCoronation Street1960–presentSongs of Praise1961–presentDoctor Who1963–1989, 1996, 2005–presentMatch of the Day1964–presentTop of the PopsThe Frost Report1966–1967, 2008The Money Programme1966–2010 1970s ProgrammeDateEmmerdale1972–presentNewsroundLast of the Summer Wine1973–2010Arena1975–presentOne Man and His Dog1976–presentTop Gear1977–presentSki Sunday1978–presentAntiques Roadshow1979–presentQuestion Time 1980s ProgrammeDateChildren in Need1980–presentPostman Pat1981, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2004–2008Timewatch1982–presentThe Bill1984–2010Channel 4 Racing1984–2016Thomas & Friends1984–presentEastEnders1985–presentComic ReliefCasualty1986–presentFireman Sam1987–1994, 2005–2013ChuckleVision1987–2009This Morning1988–presentRab C. Nesbitt1988–1999, 2008–2014The Simpsons1989–present 1990s ProgrammeDateHave I Got News for You1990–presentHeartbeat1992–2010A Touch of FrostThe National Lottery Draws1994–2017Top of the Pops 21994–2017Shooting Stars1995–2002, 2008–2011Hollyoaks1995–presentNever Mind the Buzzcocks1996–2015Silent Witness1996–presentArturKing of the Hill1997–2010South Park1997–presentMidsomer MurdersWho Wants to Be a Millionaire?1998–2014Bob the Builder1998–presentBremner, Bird and Fortune1999–2010 British Soap Awards 1999–2019, 2022–presentFamily Guy1999–2002, 2005–presentSpongeBob SquarePants1999–presentHolby City1999–2022Holby 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 2000s ProgrammeDateThe Weakest Link2000–2012, 2017–presentReal Crime2001–2011I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!2002–presentHarry Hill's TV Burp2002–2012Spooks2002–2011River City2002–2026Comedy Connections2003–2008New Tricks2003–2015Daily Politics2003–2018Peep Show2003–2015Politics Show2003–2011QI2003–presentThe Royal2003–2011This Week2003–2019Doc Martin2004–2022Shameless2004–2013Strictly Come Dancing2004–presentThe X Factor2004–20188 Out of 10 Cats2005–presentThe ApprenticeLove Soup2005–2008Mock the Week2005–2022More4 News2005–2009The Jeremy Kyle Show2005–2019The Andrew Marr Show2005–2021Come Dine with Me2005–presentDeal or No Deal2005–2016It's Me or the Dog 2005–2012The Apprentice: You're Fired!2006–presentDancing on Ice2006–presentHotel Babylon2006–2009Lewis2006–2015Numberjacks2006–2009Robin HoodThe Slammer2006–2015That Mitchell and Webb Look2006–2010Ugly BettyTorchwood2006–2011Waterloo Road2006–2015Star Stories2006–2008The Sarah Jane Adventures2007–2011After You've Gone2007–2008The Alan Titchmarsh Show2007–2014Jamie at Home2007–2008In the Night Garden...2007–2009Golden BallsGavin & Stacey2007–2010The Graham Norton Show2007–presentWould I Lie to You?M.I. High2007–2014The Tudors2007–2010TrappedSkins2007–2013Britain's Got Talent2007–present Ending this year Date Programme Channel(s) Debut(s)13 JanuarySense and SensibilityBBC20088 FebruaryJamie at HomeChannel 420073 MarchThe PalaceITV200821 MarchEcho Beach4 AprilThe Passions of Girls Aloud24 AprilCharlie & LolaBBC200522 MayScotsportSTV1957What the Papers SayBBC19565 JuneHolbyBlue200715 JuneHeadcasesITV200812 AugustBonekickersBBC13 AugustLost Land of the Jaguar17 AugustAll Grown Up!Nickelodeon200322 AugustRichard & JudyChannel 42001Tonightly200830 AugustLast Choir StandingBBC15 SeptemberGrange Hill1978The ChildrenITV200824 SeptemberLost in Austen30 SeptemberMutual FriendsBBC5 OctoberTess of the D'Urbervilles6 OctoberA Place of ExecutionITV8 OctoberSupernannyChannel 420049 OctoberFossil DetectivesBBC200820 OctoberAmazon21 OctoberDawn Porter: Extreme WifeChannel 427 OctoberWiredITV8 NovemberComedy ConnectionsBBC200312 NovemberThe CommanderITV10 DecemberThe Devil's WhoreChannel 4200818 DecemberApparitionsBBC20 DecemberBritannia HighITV21 DecemberNorthern Lights2004After You've GoneBBC200725 DecemberOut of the Blue2008 Deaths Date Name Age Cinematic Credibility3 JanuaryNatasha Collins31PresenterJack Aranson83Actor5 JanuaryRowan Ayers85Television producer (Late Night Line-Up, Old Grey Whistle Test, Points of View)17 JanuaryCarole Lynne89Actress, widow of Baron Delfont22 JanuaryDiane Chenery-Wickens48Television make-up artistKevin Stoney86Actor26 JanuaryJohn Ardagh79Journalist and author30 JanuaryJeremy Beadle59Presenter (Game for a Laugh, Beadle's About, Chain Letters, Beadle's Hotshots, You've Been Framed!)2 FebruaryBarry Morse89Actor (The Fugitive, Space: 1999)Edward Wilson60Actor (When the Boat Comes In) director of the National Youth Theatre19 FebruaryDavid Watkin82CinematographerEmily Perry100Actress8 MarchCarol Barnes63Former ITN newscaster16 MarchJohn Hewer86Actor19 MarchPaul Scofield20 MarchBrian Wilde80Actor (Last of the Summer Wine, Porridge)25 MarchTony Church77Actor27 MarchRonnie Letham582 AprilSir Geoffrey Cox97Founder of ITN News at Ten7 AprilMark Speight42Presenter (SMart, Scratchy & Co.)10 AprilFrancis Coleman84Canadian-born British conductor, television producer and director11 AprilWilloughby Goddard81Actor15 AprilHazel Court82Actress (The Masque of the Red Death, The Raven)24 AprilTristram Cary82Film and television composer25 AprilHumphrey Lyttelton86Jazz musician, radio broadcaster (Host of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue)1 MayBernard Archard91ActorTerry Duggan76Comedian and actor13 MayJill Adams77Actress14 MayFrith Banbury96Stage director and actor16 MayDavid Mitton69British TV animator/producer and director (Thunderbirds, Thomas & Friends, Tugs)17 MayWilfrid Mellers94Composer and authorJohn Fitzsimmons68Roman Catholic priest and broadcaster20 MayIona Banks87ActressMargot Boyd94Actress (Marjorie Antrobus on The Archers)23 MayAlan Brien83Journalist and critic24 MayRob Knox18ActorAlan Towershttps://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7419522.stm TV presenter Alan Towers dies BBC BBC News 25 May 2008 24 April 201573Journalist and television presenter (Midlands Today)30 MayChris Morgan55JournalistMike Scott75Television producer and presenter (The Time, The Place)4 JuneJonathan Routh80Co-star (Candid Camera)5 JuneAngus Calder66Historian and writer10 JuneDavid Brierly73Actor (Voice of K-9 on Doctor Who)26 JuneTony Melody85Actor2 JulyElizabeth Spriggs78Stage, television and film actress (Sense and Sensibility, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)3 JulyClive Hornby63Actor (Emmerdale) aka Jack Sugden4 JulyCharles Wheeler85Journalist and longest serving BBC foreign correspondent7 JulyHugh Mendl88Record producer14 JulyHugh Lloyd85Actor (Hancock's Half Hour)Bryan Cowgill81Executive27 JulyBob Crampsey78Sportscaster30 JulyPeter Coke95Actor and playwright (Paul Temple)Jon Miller87Television presenter6 AugustJennifer Hilary65Actress7 AugustSimon Gray71Playwright10 AugustTerence RigbyActorJohn EsmondeBritish scriptwriter (The Good Life)11 AugustBill Cotton80BBC Television executive18 AugustBob Humphrys56Sports presenter (BBC Cymru Wales), brother of John Humphrys29 AugustGeoffrey Perkins55Producer31 AugustKen Campbell66Actor8 SeptemberCelia Gregory58Actress19 SeptemberDavid Jones74Theatre and film director20 SeptemberWilliam Fox97Actor1 OctoberIan Collier87Actor and singer4 OctoberPeter Vansittart88Writer7 OctoberPeter Copley93Actor8 OctoberBob Friend70Sky News presenter11 OctoberMark ShivasFilm and television producerRuss Hamilton76Singer18 OctoberPeter Gordeno69Actor, singer and dancer20 OctoberJohn Ringham80Actor22 OctoberDavid Lloyd Meredith7425 OctoberJohn Axon4831 OctoberJohn Daly71Film producer11 NovemberJack Scott85BBC Weatherman16 NovemberReg Varney92Actor (On the Buses, The Rag Trade)25 NovemberDudley Savage88Radio presenter8 DecemberBob Spiers63Television directorOliver Postgate83Animator13 DecemberKathy Staff80Actress (Last of the Summer Wine, Crossroads)18 DecemberJack Douglas81Actor Top 10 highest viewed programmes Rank Programme Rating Channel Date 1Wallace and Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death16.15mBBC One25 December 20082The X Factor Results14.06mITV13 December 20083Britain's Got Talent: Final Result13.88mITV31 May 20084The X Factor13.77mITV13 December 20085Doctor Who13.10mBBC One25 December 20086Coronation Street13.02mITV18 January 20087Strictly Come Dancing12.97mBBC One20 December 20088Dancing on Ice12.02mITV16 March 20089Britain's Got Talent11.86mITV30 May 200810EastEnders11.73mBBC One24 March 2008 Notes A Matter of Loaf and Death is the highest viewed non-sporting event since an episode of Coronation Street in 2004 had 16.33 million. Coronation Streets audience was boosted due to the death of long running and popular character Vera Duckworth. The results shows of The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent are counted as separate programmes. See also 2008 in British music 2008 in British radio 2008 in the United Kingdom List of British films of 2008 References 30em External links List of 2008 British television series at IMDb 2008