TV & Showbiz

People keen to tackle their phobias wanted for new Channel 4 show

Sorry for those if you who have a fear of heights and obviously aren't keen on the image we went for...

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 31st July 2023

Do you have a phobia that’s impacting your life?

Do you squeal at a tiny spider or shiver at the thought of getting into a lift? Or perhaps you hide around the corner when balloons are being blown up at a birthday party, or shut your eyes tightly when a needle appears in the doctor’s office?

Whatever it may be, now is the time to finally face your fear, as there’s a brand-new TV show on the horizon that’s giving Brits the opportunity to get rid of their phobias for good and potentially change their lives for the better.

Channel 4 is currently casting for the upcoming documentary series — the name is yet to be announced — which will follow contestants with severe phobias as they embark on undergoing a groundbreaking new psychological treatment based on extensive research.

channel 4 phobia show
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
most common phobias in the UK
Credit: Dev Leigh via Unsplash
People keen to tackle their phobias wanted for new Channel 4 show.

As reported by The Hoot, to take part, you just have to be living in the UK, over the age of 18 and have a phobia you’d like to cure.

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Even were considering applying to be honest — and, yes, it’s clowns.

A description for the new series: “Do you suffer from an overwhelming phobia? Is your phobia stopping you from seeing friends and family, or living life to the full? Are you ready to try and beat it?

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“Whether it’s spiders, heights, snakes, cockroaches, open water, balloons, needles, elevators, or something else, a new Channel 4 documentary will follow people as they try a groundbreaking psychological therapy based on cutting-edge research.”

Feeling brave enough then? If this sounds like a show you’d be keen to take part in, then you can apply by filling out a short questionnaire HERE.

There’s a lot of TV stuff going on around Manchester at the minute too, as a local cafe in Bury has recently been chosen as the set for a new Netflix show.

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Bury coffee and vinyl shop transformed into juice bar for Netflix filming

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – Erik Karits (via Unsplash)

TV & Showbiz

Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32. Credit: Instagram, RuPaul's Drag Race

Tributes are flooding in for The Vivienne, drag artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, after their sudden death at the age of just 32.

The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died at the weekend, their public relations representative shared with an emotional tribute.

As well as winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne also finished in third place in Dancing On Ice in 2023.

They’d also recently added West End star to their impressive CV, with a role as The Child Catcher in the touring theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which comes to Manchester in March.

Tributes are now flooding in for the star, who is being described as ‘a beacon’ with an ‘immense talent’.

Announcing the new of their death, Simon Jones PR wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

“James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.

“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32. Credit: BBC
Tributes pour in after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne dies aged 32. Credit: BBC

In a later tribute to The Vivienne, Simon added: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.

“From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing.

“No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning.

“In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news.

“RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and producer Michelle Visage said: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.

“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.

“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.

“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”

Danny Beard is among those paying tribute to The Vivienne. Credit: Instagram, Danny Beard
Danny Beard is among those paying tribute to The Vivienne. Credit: Instagram, Danny Beard

Fellow RuPaul star Danny Beard wrote: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us. Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy.

“She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your tits off!

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“Her love for creating characters wasn’t just what we all saw on TV or on stage! When you’re with Viv she’s creating them all the time! Always doing a bit, or a voice, and it made for the best fucking time. HOWLING!

“There’s a piece missing now. See ya girl!!”

The BBC said in a statement: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race official account shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.

“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”

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Featured image: BBC

TV & Showbiz

Gavin and Stacey Christmas special on course to break UK TV viewing figures record

Danny Jones Danny Jones Gavin and Stacey Christmas special breaks record for UK TV viewing figures

Gavin and Stacey is set to break yet another TV record as this year’s Christmas special and definitive series finale has become one of the UK’s most-watched scripted shows ever.

The iconic British comedy returned after a long hiatus to finally conclude the series with its first new episode in five years.

Delighting die-hard fans and comedy fans in general all over the country, millions tuned in to watch the last-ever Gavin and Stacey chapter – over 19 million, in fact.

With 12.3m watching the finale on Christmas Day alone and even more in the week following, the tally has now reached approximately 19.3m and counting.

Not only did this smash their own previous record of more than 18m set by the last Christmas special back in 2019 but it is well on course to cruise past the 20m mark when the official seven-day viewing figures are released, which is standard practice for assessing final ratings and viewing figures in the UK.

Almost a quarter of the viewers who helped achieve the feat were aged 16-34 as well, making it the largest young audience ever, according to the BBC.

The emotional reunion of the beloved cast looks set to see them surpass Coronation Street‘s record of 19.4m set in 2003 and could even see them beat the legendary British sitcom, Only Fools & Horses, which saw 21.3m viewers gather around the box for their 2001 Christmas day episode.

So, although the BBC states that it is the “most-watched scripted show across all broadcasters and streamers since current records began in 2002”, it still technically has a little way to go in order to match/surpass the biggest-ever tally.

That being said, when factoring in the stats from all live views and digital streams, the final numbers should see them over the line.

Regardless of whatever seven or indeed 28-day figure they end up on, co-creators, writers and stars James Corden and Ruth Jones have been blown away by the success of the one-off comeback.

Writing by way of recognition and as a thank you to the fans, they said: “We are completely overwhelmed by the audience response to our show and to these astonishing viewing figures.

“Gavin & Stacey really does belong to the audience and we are beyond thrilled that so many people enjoyed watching it this Christmas. A huge thank you to Charlotte Moore and the BBC for backing us these past 17 years.”

The ratings and overall reaction to the show have also been overwhelmingly positive, with millions tearing up over the long-awaited storyline – even if some of those watching pointed out one little problem…

Viewers find just ONE flaw with ‘perfect’ Gavin and Stacey finale
It got five stars pretty much across the board.

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Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, went on to add: “The numbers are truly outstanding, unprecedented even! It’s the show the entire nation has been talking about over the last week so it’s no surprise that it’s not only smashed its own record but has become the UK’s biggest scripted show.

“Ruth and James’ creation is a true homegrown success story, and their finale is a comedy masterpiece. It’s made us laugh and cry together in a way that only Gavin & Stacey can.”

The final viewership for the 2024 special will be published on Monday, 6 January and take into account viewings across all platforms up to Thursday, 2 Jan – they already look destined for another entry in the history books.

What did you make of the finale – did it live up to the hype and, more importantly, where does it rank in terms of the best British Christmas TV specials of all time?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — BBC

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