Fans from around the world have descended upon 2017 San Diego Comic-Con to celebrate the long-awaited return of their beloved show, OUTLANDER. The STARZ hit series returns to SDCC with a bang, giving loyal viewers the ultimate fan experience beginning with a recreation of Jamie Fraser’s Print Shop, which will be the scene of the much anticipated reunion between Jamie and the love of his life, Claire! The Outlander Print Shop has already become the most popular booth on the convention floor!
Visit Jamie’s Print Shop at the Outlander booth at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con
The print shop entrance features a specially made sign from the set of Outlander…with a hidden love note to Jamie and Claire. Can you find it?
The Print Shop sign!
This is an exact replica of the sign featured on the show – specially designed by the Outlander art department.
Fans are greeted by some well cast sexy Highlanders – looking so good in a kilt, we were sure they must be Jamie’s kin!
Sexy Highlanders abound!
A variety of authentic antiques from the era are featured in Jamie’s print shop.
Authentic antiques from the era….
At Wednesday’s sneak peek preview night, Outlander fans lined up for hours to get the chance to visit Jamie’s world, amongst them the ever popular fan group, Outlander SoCal Edition, led by founder Heather Insley – who remarked on the excitement in the air for this very Outlander weekend.
Dedicated Outlander fan group, Outlander SoCal Edition, led by founder Heather Insley.
On preview night, fans already wrapped around the booth for the chance at a sneak peek of Jamie’s Print Shop!
Fans are rewarded greatly for their time with a variety of cool, limited edition collectibles such as Outlander prints, flasks, tartan bandana’s and special Outlander tees which are made to order and live printed right on the floor! Very impressive. But the most sought-after item is the “golden ticket” which grants fans admission to the cast autograph signing session on Saturday, July 22nd.
Take a look at our visit to the Outlander booth here:
There is so much for the Outlander fan to enjoy this weekend at Comic-Con. Don’t forget to line up early for the much-anticipated OUTLANDER panel in Ballroom 20. The panel will feature cast members: Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Tobias Menzies, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Executive Producers Ron D. Moore and Maril Davis and Outlander author, Diana Gabaldon! Also, try as many times as you can to get one of those magic tickets that will gain you entrance into the autograph signing session!
Thank you to STARZ PR, including Alana McGaughey and Claire Gendel, and Tiffany from STARZ marketing for including The Anglophile Channel in on such an exciting Outlander event!
The STARZ Outlander team ready to roll at 2017 SDCC
Outlander returns to STARZ on September 10th!~ Follow them on Twitter @Outlander_Starz
It was the moment Whovians around the world had been anxiously waiting for, the announcement of who would be following in Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi’s footsteps. The BBC both thrilled, and shocked, fans when they revealed that British actress, Jodie Whittaker, would be making television history by becoming the Thirteenth Time Lord and the first female ever to play the role in the show’s remarkable fifty year history.
Meet the NEW face of Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker!
Many names had been floating around and last minute rumors were beginning to spread like wildfire. Besides Whittaker, some of the names being bandied about were Kris Marshall (Love Actually), Pheobe Waller-Bridge (Broadchurch), Olivia Colman (Broadchurch), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter) and Andrew “Honey, you should see me in a crown…” Scott (Sherlock).
Honey, you should see me in a TARDIS! (Photo via Pinterest wefollowpics.com)
Personally, after listening to the rumors, I thought Marshall was the front runner and would have been a great choice as the Doctor. I pictured him as goofy Doctor, like the Sixth and Eleventh Doctors, and bringing more lightness to the show. Also, he was ginger, something The Doctor longed to be – so, it was destiny!
The Doctor has always wanted to be ginger! Kris Marshall would have filled the bill.
Many of us believed that we would all be waiting until this Christmas to finally meet the new Doctor. That’s eternity to a Whovian! Thankfully, the BBC took pity on us and posted a teaser on Twitter, but that only served to tease us even more as we screamed and held onto each other after a series of cryptic hints ended with the promise that we’ll “Meet the 13th Doctor after the Wimbledon Men’s Final”. This was posted July 14th, just two days before the news we’d all been yearning to know would be broadcast around the world!
Instead of biting their fingernails or counting the stars in the sky, fans reacted in true Doctor Who fashion by investigating the teaser in depth, creating flow charts, elaborate diagrams, and color coated bar graphs. Sure enough, many clever Whovians found clues as to the Doctor’s gender hidden within the teaser. For example, the teaser featured The Statue of Liberty (who is female), the Sahara Desert (“Sahara” – a feminine name), an iPhone (which everyone connected to Siri, who was originally voiced by a woman), and the Prime Minister’s door (the current PM is a woman). Whovians began to theorize that the next Doctor would in fact be a woman!
The “Sahara” Desert! Hint, hint!
Of course, Whovians have a Yoda-like intuition when it comes to all things Doctor Who therefore few were surprised when, on July 16, BBC creatively announced the Thirteenth Doctor in a video. In it, a person, wearing a dark hood over their head, walks through a thick forest and holds out the Tardis key in their hand. The person takes off their hood and it was revealed in 0.5 seconds that the Thirteenth Doctor will, in fact, be portrayed by a woman! Jodie Whittaker, star of the hit ITV series, Broadchurch, was the lucky actress chosen as the first female to play this iconic role in fifty-four years of Doctor Who history! The newly-minted Doctor sees her Tardis in the distance and walks towards it with a genuine smile on her face. From that moment, the Thirteenth Doctor departs on her journey to change the course of Doctor Who forever.
Welcome to the future! The NEW face of Doctor Who!
WATCH the “big reveal” HERE:
It’s A Girl! How Do We Feel?
Millions of jaws simultaneously dropped to the ground at the moment of unveiling. While this can be seen as a positive reaction, there were still variations of “shock” in the Whoniverse. Believe it or not, there had been mixed feelings with making the Doctor a woman. Some believe a female Doctor will change the show’s focus and lose its traditional adventurous feel. Others believe that Jodie Whittaker, a seasoned and talented actress, will bring a creative, multi-layered, intriguing Doctor to the table proving that, in the end, gender does not matter.
A seasoned dramatic actress, Whittaker will bring strength to The Doctor.
Twitter Explodes!
Opinions flooded social media, contrasting views immediately clashing, and battles were beginning to form. Many people don’t like change. It always takes a bit of adjusting to shift to a new Doctor – no matter the gender – especially after you have been attached to the current one for such a long time, but this was different. Like other iconic characters we’ve come to know and love: James Bond, Sherlock, Poirot etc., we all had been used to The Doctor being portrayed as a man, for over 50 years, and now fans had been thrown a curve ball and were being asked to adapt. So what was the fan reaction?
Some fans have welcomed Whittaker with open arms!
Others weren’t exactly shedding tears of joy.
In the midst of this war between Ms. Who, Mr. Who, and Gender fluid Who – Doctor Who alumni have already tweeted their congratulations and support to Whittaker with great positive energy!
13th Doctor’s Companion, Pearl Mackie (Bill), supports Jodie!
10th Doctor’s Companion, Billie Piper (Rose), was another supporter!
Current Victoria star, and companion to 11th and 12th Doctor, Jenna Coleman.
We all loved Karen Gillan as Amy, and Karen loves Jodie!
Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) is all for a female Doctor!
In short, Doctor Who alum have got each other’s backs. It’s like they’re inviting a new member to the family and I love that!
I was thrilled to get to chat with some classic Doctors: Peter Davison (5th Doctor) and Colin Baker (6th Doctor) and Sophie Alred (Companion to 7th Doctor) who gave me their thoughts on our new female Doctor:
and NO better endorsement can be given to Ms. Whittaker than the seal of approval that came from DW showrunner, Steven Moffat, and DW writer, Mark Gatiss who gave us the definitive take on the Doctor being a woman:
Much loved, outgoing Doctor, Peter Capaldi, also shared his thoughts, “Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.”
A shining endorsement from the brilliant 12th Doctor, Peter Capaldi.
A Word From The New Showrunner
As everyone knows, the Doctor’s gender isn’t the only thing changing in the Whoniverse. It was announced earlier that longtime showrunner, Steven Moffat, decided to hang up his sonic screwdriver and hand over the keys to the Tardis to Chris Chibnall, the BAFTA-winning show runner of the hugely successful ITV series, Broadchurch (of which Whittaker was the star).
The new master of the Whoniverse, Chris Chibnall.
Chibnall’s vision for the new direction of the show is something he had always planned on, “After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”
What Does Jodie Whittaker Think?
What does the woman-of-the-hour have to say about making television history? Whittaker has revealed that, “It feels completely overwhelming, as a feminist, as a woman, as an actor, as a human, as someone who wants to continually push themselves and challenge themselves, and not be boxed in by what you’re told you can’t be.”
In an interview with BBC, Whittaker was asked “What do you want to tell the fans?”She answered with, “I want to tell the fans not to be scared by my gender. Because this is a really exciting time, and Doctor Who represents everything that’s exciting about change. The fans have lived through so many changes, and this is only a new, different one, not a fearful one.”
Whittaker, a Doctor for a new generation of Whovians.
My Thoughts On The Matter
I have put much thought into the whole idea of a female Doctor long before Whittaker’s casting was announced. Here is what I believed beforehand. Word had been going around that the next Doctor might be a woman. And a female Doctor would be no surprise due to all the winks and nudges throughout season ten. In truth, I thought a female Doctor wasn’t necessary. There had already been a great amount of female representation in the series through the Doctor’s memorable and strong companions. One may argue that companions are viewed as the Doctor’s “assistants” and thus relegated to the status of “side-kick”, I beg to differ. From Martha Jones to Donna Noble to Clara Oswald, the show has shown female strength in a multitude of ways. Companions have reigned in the Doctor, confronted him, steered him toward the right decisions, and have shown great independence with the decision to leave him. Not only are these women female, they are human, too. The show proves that even a human female can be stronger and wiser than a thousands of years old alien male.
However, I’ve always remained open to the idea of a woman Doctor as well. After all, it is 2017 and women have proven that they can carry a film (Wonder Woman) or television series (Big Little Lies) to great box office or ratings success. It’s time for Doctor Who to change a bit, too, unless you want the same storylines reoccurring over and over again. Doctor regenerates, Doctor finds a normal Earth girl, Doctor travels with Earth girl, Doctor falls in love (or becomes BFFs) with Earth Girl , Doctor loses Earth girl, Doctor wallows. However, that’s getting a bit old, isn’t it? Personally, I’m ready for a little girl power to infuse this journey with strength and excitement and with Whittaker at the helm of the TARDIS, I’m sure that’s exactly what we’re going to see.
Many little boys have grown up with Doctors like David Tennant and Matt Smith as their role models, and strive to be like them. Now, little girls can look up to Whittaker’s Doctor, with the knowledge that they too can be Time Lords who save the world!
I conclude with this simple opinion (and maybe even suggestion). I respect everyone’s opinions, but I’ve seen some comments on Twitter that have really jumped to unfair conclusions. We haven’t even seen Whittaker’s first episode, so to judge so quickly and harshly is pretty unkind. This is such an amazing opportunity for her, and we should be supporting her through this next year before Capaldi officially gives her the Tardis key. Let’s give Whittaker a chance, because if you have seen the television show Broadchurch (which starred David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor), you know she is a phenomenal actress.
New Doctor Who Showrunner, Chris Chibnall comments on the announcement.
No matter what gender, as long as the actor or actress that portrays the Doctor is committed, passionate, and loyal to the character, I will always be satisfied. I am sure that Whittaker will bring all of those characteristics to the role.
Congratulations, Jodie Whittaker! Welcome to the Whoniverse! I wish you the best of luck during your stay, and I cannot wait to see you everything you bring to Doctor Who Season 11!
Allons-y!!!
A message from the 7th Doctor
Juliette Boland is a two-time Los Angeles Press Club, National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award winner and host of the Timey Wimey Fandom Show. Check out her other videos on her webpage here:Juliette’s Timey Wimey Fandom Show
Juliette is a Junior at Orange County School of the Arts. Her work can also be seen on Los Angeles Times High School Insider and Watch What Happens OCSA.
The wait is almost over for OUTLANDER fans as Starz releases the new official trailer for the highly anticipated third season of its Original Series “Outlander,” premiering on Sunday, September 10th at 8PM ET/PT. Just ahead of Outlander’s return to San Diego Comic-Con, fans are getting a closer look at new footage from the forthcoming season based on Voyager, the third of eight books in Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling Outlander series. Grab a wee dram and take a look at the trailer here:
Now, If that doesn’t stir your Sassenach heart, nothing will!
The third season of “Outlander” picks up right after Claire (Caitriona Balfe) travels through the stones to return to her life in 1948. Now pregnant with Jamie’s (Sam Heughan) child, she struggles with the fallout of her sudden reappearance and its effect on her marriage to her first husband, Frank (Tobias Menzies).
Frank is happy to see Claire, but we all know what she’s thinking! (Photo courtesy of STARZ)
Meanwhile, in the 18th century, Jamie suffers from the aftermath of his doomed last stand at the historic battle of Culloden, as well as the loss of Claire.
As the years pass, Jamie and Claire attempt to make a life apart from one another, each haunted by the memory of their lost love.
Will Frank show signs of Black Jack Randall? This photo has us running for cover. (Photo courtesy of STARZ)
The budding possibility that Claire can return to Jamie in the past breathes new hope into Claire’s heart… as well as new doubt. Separated by continents and centuries, Claire and Jamie must find their way back to each other. As always, adversity, mystery, and adventure await them on the path to reunion. And the question remains: When they find each other, will they be the same people who parted at the standing stones, all those years ago?
Diana Gabaldon’s eight-book Outlander series has sold more than 28 million copies worldwide and all the books have graced the New York Times best-sellers list. The “Outlander” series spans the genres of history, science fiction, romance and adventure in one amazing tale. The second season of “Outlander” won the Critics’ Choice Award for Most Bingeworthy Show, and four People’s Choice Awards, including Favorite TV Show.
This weekend Outlander makes its long-awaited return to San Diego Comic-Con with a new exciting Outlander booth, fun fan experiences, a full cast panel in Ballroom 20 and an up-close and personal autograph signing opportunity for their dedicated Outlander fanmily. For more information visit: https://www.comic-con.org
Grab your best Outlander costumes and see ya at the OL booth!
Ronald D. Moore, Maril Davis, Matthew B. Roberts, Toni Graphia, Anne Kenney and Andy Harries serve as executive producers of “Outlander,” which is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining & Supply Company and Left Bank Pictures in association with Sony Pictures Television.
For more information, go to the official Outlander Facebook Page and follow @Outlander_Starz on Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation with #Outlander and #STARZ.
Agatha Christie lovers will be excited to hear that the BBC has announced an incredible all-star cast for its latest thriller, Ordeal By Innocence, which begins filming in Scotland this month in a major adaptation by Sarah Phelps.
Damien Timmer, executive producer, Mammoth Screen, says: “Sarah Phelps has excelled herself with this spellbinding adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s most celebrated stories. A gloriously dark deconstruction of an apparently perfect family, we hope it delights and chills viewers when it airs!”
Joining the cast are Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson and Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode alongside, Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Pirates Of The Caribbean) and Catherine Keener (Get Out, Capote), Anthony Boyle (Harry Potter And The Cursed Child), Ed Westwick (White Gold, Gossip Girl), Luke Treadaway (Fortitude, A Street Cat Named Bob), Morven Christie (The A Word, The Replacement), Crystal Clarke (Assassin’s Creed, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens), Ella Purnell (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Churchill) and Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Black Mirror).
Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson
Matthew Goode (Photo by Jon Furniss/WireImage)
This new three-part drama reunites the dynamic team at Mammoth Screen, Executive Producers, Damien Timmer, Karen Thrussell, and producer Roopesh Parekh who were behind last December’s The Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None in December 2015, both of which were critical successes for BBC One.
Mammoth Screen’s, And Then There Were None, starring Aidan Turner.
Adapted from Christie’s 1958 novel of the same title, Ordeal By Innocence will be directed by Sandra Goldbacher (Victoria, The Hour, Me Without You) and produced by Parekh, (Poldark, And Then There Were None, The Hollow Crown).
“Ordeal By Innocence”, first published in the UK in November 1958, takes place during Christmas 1954. Wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll is murdered at her family estate Sunny Point.Her adopted son Jack Argyll, a young delinquent, is arrested for her murder. He vehemently protests his innocence.
Eighteen months later, Dr Arthur Calgary, a scientist, walks onto the velvety lawns of Sunny Point claiming to have just returned from an expedition to the Arctic. Even more extraordinary is his claim to hold the alibi that can prove Jack’s innocence. But Jack died in prison before the case could come to trial, and the Argyll family is reluctant to dig up the secrets of the past.
Rachel’s widower Leo is about to remarry his secretary Gwenda and none of Rachel’s other adopted children Mary, Mickey, Tina or Hester, nor longstanding housekeeper Kirsten, is willing to reopen that most horrendous chapter of their lives. However, the shattering implications of Calgary’s story are too big to avoid; if he is telling the truth then the wrong person was arrested for Rachel’s murder. And if Jack was not the killer, then it must have been somebody else at Sunny Point.
James Prichard, executive producer and executive chairman of Agatha Christie Limited, says: “Ordeal By Innocence was one of Christie’s personal favourites and I cannot wait to see how this outstanding cast will bring her story to life under the skillful direction of Sandra Goldbacher and the Mammoth Screen production team. To have Bill Nighy and Catherine Keener head up this all-star cast really is a testament to the depth and quality of my great grandmother’s writing.”
Ordeal by Innocence was adapted into a film in 1985, directed by Desmond Davis and starred Donald Sutherland, Faye Dunaway, Christopher Plummer and Sarah Miles.
The story was also adapted for the third season of the 2007 ITV television series Marple featuring Geraldine McEwan with significant changes to the original novel.
Ordeal By Innocence continues BBC One and Agatha Christie Limited’s unique production deal that will see ACL and Mammoth deliver seven Christie adaptations! That’s music to Agatha Christie lover’s ears!
Ordeal By Innocence is a Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited drama for BBC One. The executive producers are Phelps, Thrussell, Timmer, and Helen Ziegler for Mammoth Screen, James Prichard and Basi Akpabio for Agatha Christie Limited, Gaynor Holmes for BBC.
July begins with a remembrance to Diana, Princess of Wales who would have turned 56 on July 1st. Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the tragic news of her death nearly 20 years ago. Since then we’ve had daily reminders of her legacy in the form of her sons, The Princes William and Harry through their charitable works. We know she would be proud of the men they have become. In August, Princess Diana’s memory will be honored with a statue in front of Kensington Palace.
June was a month brimming with Anglophile activity from The Queen’s Official Birthday celebrations in London to bidding a fond farewell to a true friend of The Anglophile Channel, British Consul-General, Chris O’Connor, OBE. In this newsletter, we touch upon those events.
There are lots of exciting changes coming to TAC! In the coming months, our brand new Official Anglophile Channel Newsletter will be launched. Make sure you’re subscribed via our website or by emailing Newsletter@TheAnglophileChannel.com. We are over 20K strong on our email subscribers, 30K on FB, and 10K on YouTube and Twitter. As always, we thank you for your continued support of The Anglophile Channel. We could not do it without you!
British Consulate Bids Farewell to
Her Majesty’s Consul-General,
Chris O’Connor OBE
In June we bid a fond farewell to our good friend and longtime Anglophile Channel supporter, British Consul-General, Chris O’Connor OBE. The British Consulate has been a great friend, supporter, and partner of The Anglophile Channel since our inception.
In fact, if it weren’t for his Deputy Consul-General, Bernadette Greene, who also moved on from her post in May, introducing us to the consulate and bringing us into the ‘family fold’, we would not be where we are today.
Deputy Consul General, Bernadette Greene
It was because of Bernadette and Chris that we were able to present Richard Armitage with our first ever Favorite British Artist of the Year award and film our, now famous, series of interviews with the Hobbit star at the British Consulate facilities in Los Angeles.
From that point on, TAC enjoyed many special events and partnerships with the British Consulate, including their annual Oscar bash!
Presenting “Favorite British Artist of the Year” to Richard Armitage at the British Consulate, Los Angeles. February 2014.
We will miss both Chris O’Connor and his lovely wife, Martha, greatly. We are planning a larger tribute piece to Chris on our website. For now, we shall bid him a fond farewell with best wishes to him and his lovely family and much success in all his future endeavors.
PoldarkDish Hosts Appear on Poldark!
The moment Poldark fans have long been waiting for finally arrived in June. Another shirtless scything scene for Aidan Turner? Nope…it was the appearance of our very own PoldarkDish hosts on episode 3 of the hit BBC series, Poldark!
Last winter, the “Cornwall Cougars”, Marlise Boland and Elyse Ashton, were invited to visit the set of Poldark – which films its interiors at The Bottleyard Studios in Bristol. Along with this set visit came the opportunity to actually get fitted out in corset and costume and spend a whole day as an SA (Supporting Artist) working alongside our favorite Poldark stars, Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Farthing, Heida Reed, Gabriella Wilde, Caroline Blakiston and our new BFF Beatie Edney.
It was an exciting and memorable day that culminated in the exciting airing of their episode. Albeit, you needed a remote control ‘pause’ button to actually SEE our PoldarkDish lovelies, but see them you do – in the courtroom scenes with George Warleggan (Jack Farthing).
Many exciting moments of this visit will be shared on our website. Check out the PoldarkDish Webpage for our set-tour with Beatie Edney and interviews with Beatie, Gabriella Wilde and Caroline Blakiston.
Make sure you’re following PoldarkDish on Twitter @PoldarkDish and on Facebook @PoldarkDish to catch their upcoming “behind the scenes” special on their Journey to Poldark set-visit!
PoldarkDish was also featured on an episode of Mickey Flanagan‘s “Thinking Aloud” The popular British comedian visited TAC Studios in Los Angeles and visited with the Dish girls.
Each year our friends at Rose Tree Cottage, in Pasadena, CA, pay homage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth‘s “official” birthday with a special Queen’s Birthday Tea. This year The Anglophile Channel was honored to be invited. Everyone was dressed in their royal best with ladies donning tiaras and men on their best princely behavior.
A special afternoon tea menu was offered, which included a delicious selection of hot savory bites, alongside traditional tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade clotted cream and preserves, sweeties that included the best sticky toffee this side of the Pond, and overflowing teacups of hot English tea. Guests were treated to a live performance of a British brass band, croquet on the lawn, and a replaying of the day’s activities from London including The Queen’s Trooping the Colour Birthday Parade.
Our hosts, Edmund and Mary Fry, always do a perfect job of transporting their guests away from the hustle and bustle of our crazy lives and into a timeless setting of traditional British afternoon tea. Thank you for including The Anglophile Channel in this royally special event!
The Queen Officially Celebrates 91 Years with Trooping the Colour
On June 17th, The Queen and other members of The Royal Family attended Trooping the Colour – The Queen’s Birthday Parade. The Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years.
Over 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians come together each June in a great display of military precision, horsemanship, and fanfare to mark The Queen’s official birthday.
Before The Trooping took place, The Queen led a minute’s silence for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh observing a minute’s silence in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palce, London, for the Grenfell Tower fire disaster, ahead the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Photo credit: Hugo Burnand/Buckingham Palace/PA Wire
The streets were lined with crowds waving flags as the parade moved from Buckingham Palace and down The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade, alongside Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages.
The Queen and Prince Philip parade down The Mall in their carriage. (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Prince Harry, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge parade down the Mall in Trooping The Colour (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
The day closes with an RAF fly-past, watched by Members of the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace balcony. This is always a royal-watcher favorite as we get a full glimpse of adorable Princess Charlotte and Prince George! Every year there’s one photo that becomes one for the history books. This photo of the adorable Prince George, a bit exhausted from the day’s activities and probably ready for his nap, will surely become an iconic photo:
Last year we were lucky enough to have a prime spot on the Mall to witness The Queen’s Birthday parade up close and personal. It’s an event we’ll never forget.
Last week’s season opener of the BBC One hit series, Poldark, was a huge success, opening to great viewer numbers, and chock-full of everything we hoped for. And thank goodness we didn’t have to wait the length of a Diana Gabaldon novel, or the Outlander hiatus… for Poldark Series 3 to grace our screens.
The series opener saw a very pregnant Elizabeth (Heida Reed) taking all sorts of risks in an attempt to secure an excuse if that baby comes early. We don’t have to wait too long into the episode before we see our favorite (albeit flawed) hero, Ross (Aidan Turner), who gallops in to rescue her, although she seems more annoyed than grateful. It’s clear she still hasn’t forgotten their night of ‘passion’ and that Lina Lamont impression she gave, “No No No…Yes, Yes Yes!” She’s still pissed Ross abandoned her which left her with no other choice but to marry his arch-enemy George Warleggan (Jack Farthing)! I’d be riding myself off a cliff too…
Warleggan’s reach, in the meantime, grows even longer: he owns just about everything labeled Poldark and soon will own the whole Cornish coast as well.
Evil George Warleggan – ambition to spare!
Ross is happy, if not in denial, that his family and business seems to be in order– while Demelza just looks like she wants to plant a hoe in his forehead, that is – when she’s not snuggling up to him in bed.
The most photogenic couple on television – Dr. Dwight Enys (Luke Norris) and Caroline Penvenon (Gabriella Wilde) – are reunited for a quickie wedding. The wedding night gets interrupted when Dr. Enys is called to Elizabeth’s beside – but don’t feel too bad, they had their romp in the hay before he went off to join the regiment – which explains the lack of white lace at the wedding.
Demelza’s father dies and Elizabeth gives birth under an eerie black moon that Aunt Agatha (Caroline Blakiston) proclaims is a bad omen. Ya, think? The Nampara Poldark’s are feeling it too. Demelza looks uneasy and Ross is pacing the floor like an expected father – how will he support all these kids?
New young bloods have joined the cast in the form of Elise Chappell as Elizabeth’s cousin and Geoffrey Charles‘s new nanny, Morwenna. Harry Richardson and Tom York join as Demelza’s brothers as Drake and Sam. The Bros may have to carry the ‘hunk factor’ load after Aidan Turner professed that his shirtless days are behind him. Personally, Turner has hunk factor with or without a shirtless scything scene.
Poldark newcomers, Harry Richardson, Ellise Chappell and Tom York
Stand out performances include Gabriella Wilde (Caroline) providing tender heartfelt moments with a dying Uncle Ray. When he finally passes away you can truly feel her pain. And young, Harry Marcus, who has joined the cast as a bit older Geoffrey Charles. He’s got a great spunky delivery and carries the character in a way that you know he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with Warleggan.
Poldark returns TONIGHT on BBC One at 8pm. Check out our PoldarkDish recap before watching tonight’s episode – then join us immediately following Poldark for a new DISH!
Follow us on Twitter @PoldarkDish and @AnglophileTV
[Hollywood, CA] Calling all Potterheads! Summer is coming and do I have a great “must see” for your LA Superfan “to do” list! Did you know there is a Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit located right in our very own backyard? It’s true and I had the opportunity to visit it up close and personal!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood has created a magical tribute to everything Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts that would make J.K. Rowling proud! The exhibit features original costumes and props from the whole Harry Potter film franchise as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. For SoCal fans and visitors, this tour is the next best thing to visiting The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.
Like receiving that much sought-after letter from Hogwarts, I was so excited to get my invitation to check out the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit and learn all the behind the scenes stories of this cool collection. I had the pleasure of being led around this exhibit by my uber-knowledgeable studio tour guide, John Kourounis.
Ready to visit the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit with my UBER- knowledgable tour guide, John Kourounis!
We started where it all began at 4 Privet Drive and the Dursley’s fireplace from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone’s. The very fireplace where the storm of Hogwarts acceptance letters came hurling out, informing Harry that he had just been accepted to his new home for the next seven years, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It took everything in me NOT to grab one of those letters for my very own private collection.
So many…they wouldn’t miss ONE letter, would they? 🙂
As you get deeper into the exhibit, you get to explore the impressive concept art that eventually became the final designs used on the set – iconic sets that are now recognized by fans around the world. Noted British production designer on all eight films was Norman Stuart Craig OBE and set designer, Stephenie McMillan. Together they went on to receive four Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. They took home the BAFTA for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Incredibly talented artists created the concept art that eventually became the sets we see on the big screen. The tour explains the whole process to us and it’s fascinating!
Even more exciting was the original props (like Harry’s wand and glasses!) and costumes actually worn in the Harry Potter films. From Molly Weasley to Cedric Diggory to Voldemort – this exhibit has them all, including the original Hogwarts uniforms worn by Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger). I wanted to touch them so badly…or at least try them on! John told me that, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) visited the exhibit and got to see everything that I was seeing! Tom Felton stood under the same roof as me! Wicked!
I’m pretty sure I’d fit into one of these robes…
At the end of the Harry Potter section of this exhibit is a “Great Hall” display. All of our favorite Hogwarts professors stand in one line over-looking a small stool holding the legendary Sorting Hat. Visitors have the opportunity to get sorted into a house! So, naturally I wanted to take my turn. John placed the hat on my head, and I immediately felt as if I were being transported into the magical world of J.K. Rowling. The familiar Harry Potter theme music by John Williams, that is piped throughout the exhibit, helps put you in the mood! The hat announced that I was in Gryffindor! Whoohoo! You can see which house you’re in too, when you visit this amazing exhibit.
Get sorted into your house at the WB Studio Tour Hollywood! (Photo credit: Live For Film)
Once you get sorted into a house you bid farewell to the Harry Potter section and journey back in time to the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them exhibit.
Where or where is Eddie Redmayne? Or at least a danish from Kowalski’s!
John guided me through some of the costumes and props that were used in the film, and let me tell you, they are worth seeing. The beautiful beaded dresses and period costumes designed by Academy award winning Colleen Atwood and worn by Alison Sudol (Queenie) and Katherine Waterston (Tina) in the film, were even more impressive in person.
Academy award-winning Colleen Atwood designed an amazing collection for Fantastic Beasts.
Hot Topic recreated a Fantastic Beasts line including a version of the pink dress for Fangirls like me! And yes, I bought the whole collection! (The dress I’m wearing on this tour is from the Fantastic Beasts collection!)
Channeling my inner-Queenie in Hot Topic’s Fantastic Beasts dress at the BAFTA/LA Tea!
You can also stop by and gawk at the delicious danishes from Kowalski’s Quality Baked Goods – warning,however, they’re NOT edible!
You can even take a selfie in front of Jacob Kowalski’s bedroom! What can be better than that?
Well, maybe Newt Scamander’s famous blue coat can top it all! That’s right, you heard correctly. This exhibit holds Newt Scamander’s coat! The ACTUAL coat worn by Eddie Redmayne in the film! His costume has its own separate display, and when you walk up to it, it gives you chills! It’s almost like you’re meeting Newt Scamander in person! I half expected him to break out into Fantastic Beasts mating dance! Simply magical!
You’ll have to visit the exhibit to actually see Eddie’s coat up close an d personal! You’ll love it!
There are a lot of fantastic photo ops at this exhibit and you even have an opportunity to ride a broomstick through London!
If you’re a Potterhead, Muggle, No-Maj, Witch, or Wizard, you are invited to journey through an unforgettable experience at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. There are many other attractions as well, sure to please any Superfan, like visiting the actual set of the NBC hit series, Friends, and tour the backlot where Gilmore Girls was filmed! Since there’s not a lot of Harry Potter collectibles I don’t own – I grabbed a Luke’s Diner mug from the supercool gift shop on my way out…
It’s LUKES DINER!! Where is Luke! Bring me my coffee!!
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is the perfect place to geek out and reminisce about your favorite fandom moments! I had the most amazing time. I already want to go back! Thank you to my awesome tour guide, John Kourounis and to Carly Yates, Warner Bros. PR and Social Media Administrator, for organizing this memorable day.
You are my Hobbit…and I shall call you Hobbit! Another fun attraction on the WB Studio Tour Hollywood!
WATCH my WHOLE visit to the WB Studio Tour Hollywood here and find out how you can WIN TWO TICKETS to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! ENJOY!
Did you watch the video? Don’t forget to ENTER to WIN! The winner will receive TWO tickets to this magical exhibit!
I’ll be posting MORE in my “Timey Wimey Fandom Summer ‘MUST SEE’ List”, so check back often! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to me on YouTube and Follow me on Twitter@JulietteBoland
WIN TWO TICKETS to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! WATCH my video to learn how!
Allons-y! Tour Guide extraordinaire, John Kourounis drives me around the Warner Bros. backlot!
Thanks for watching and reading! xo, JBo
Juliette Boland is a two-time Los Angeles Press Club, National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award-winning Jr. Journalist and hosts the Timey Wimey Fandom Show. Check out her other videos on her webpage here:Juliette’s Timey Wimey Fandom Show
Wedding bells in Berkshire! The picturesque 12th-century St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire hosted the society wedding of the year on 20 May 2017 as Pippa Middleton wed James Matthews!
The heavy downpour that started minutes after the beginning of the ceremony fortunately ended a few moments before the church doors opened, allowing the newlyweds to emerge into the sunshine as husband and wife!
After exchanging their vows surrounded by family and friends, the newlyweds waved to the crowds as they drove away from the church in a Jaguar E-Type. Later in the day, guests gathered inside a sparkling glass building erected on the grounds of the Middleton family home for a glittering Scottish-themed reception.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined the bridal party as a pageboy and a bridesmaid, adding a royal dose of cuteness to Aunt Pippa’s special day!
The Duchess of Cambridge took on the role of shepherding the group of young and excitable bridesmaids and pageboys into the church ahead of her sister’s nuptials, and could even be seen quieting the adorable children before the ceremony!
A stunning gown for a radiant bride! Pippa wore a bespoke creation by British designer Giles Deacon for her special day…
Said Designer Giles Deacon: “I was thrilled to work with Pippa on her wedding dress. The dress is constructed with a cap sleeve, high neckline and features a corseted bodice with draping to the front and a heart-shaped detail at the back. The bespoke silk cotton lace was hand appliquéd to create the illusion of the dress having ‘no seams.’ The lace bodice is embroidered with pearl detailing over an organza and tulle underskirt, which has layer upon layer to enable a floor-sweeping movement. It’s a privilege to show the craftsmanship that my team produces in London and a real testament to Pippa’s support of British fashion.”
Just as Pippa carried her sister’s train into Westminster Abbey for her 2011 wedding, Catherine appeared delighted to return the favor and assist Pippa on her special day!
Best wishes to the newlyweds for a wonderful life together!
Meghan McKillop is American by birth but British at heart. Endlessly fascinated by British culture, entertainment, history, royalty, literature, and travel, she aspires to indulge her curiosity while sharing her passions and discoveries with Anglophiles everywhere.
Once Upon A Time: Should Season 6 Be Their Happy Ending?
by Juliette Boland
Once Upon A Time fans have had mixed feelings over the news that OUAT producers confirmed a season seven just as a mass exodus was happening with a majority of their leading actors. How is this series going to go on without their main stars? Do we even want it to? Should season six just be their much sought after happy ending?
Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz have created such a magical, imaginative show, one that has captured the imagination of fans around the world. From the Enchanted Forest to Neverland to Oz, OUAT fans have tuned in every Sunday to join in the adventures of their favorite fairy tale characters. But has season six had all the fans tuning in with the same enthusiasm as previous years?
Once Upon a Time TV ratings have definitely dropped in recent years, with many storylines being stretched out over an entire season. When the show started passing around the Dark One and Savior baton amongst the cast, we knew they were running out of story ideas. In recent episodes I’ve felt many choices seemed out of character for our Storybrooke friends. For example, when Hook was sent to another realm just a few moments after finally proposing to Emma then having a little quarrel with her – she wallowed for an entire episode because she thought he left her. In my opinion, I don’t feel like her character would respond that way. These two lovers have literally gone through hell together and she thought he would actually leave her after a quarrel over his killing Charming’s father…200 years ago…when he was still a villain? For me, some parts of the season are not believable. But don’t get me wrong; there have been amazing moments with Emma, especially her emotional solo in the musical episode – albeit some people thought this was their “jumping the shark” episode.
Emma finally gained the strength she always had and proved to the Black Fairy that she has what it takes to win the Final Battle!
I also cannot deny that the CaptainSwan wedding was everything we wished for!
Emma’s gown was designed to look exactly like Grace Kelly’s wedding dress when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco. I couldn’t get over how much Jennifer Morrison actually looked like Princess Grace. Fabulous job!
Another storyline that I felt happened quite fast was the whole return of Robin Hood. Just as fans were mourning Robin’s death- he returns again! Yeay! But he doesn’t stay for dinner. Boo!
Outlaw Queen fans were devastated to see Robin go, blasting the hashtag #BringRobinHoodBack all over Twitter. I, being one of those fans, actually got to interview Sean Maguire (Robin Hood) and asked him if he would ever return to OUAT…after all his lover needed him. Here’s what he told me:
The fans were incredibly happy over his return, even though it wasn’t really Robin Hood, just a different version of him. But, he came and went so quickly that we never really got our Outlaw Queen moment. His character did resolve the Evil Queen storyline, but Regina never actually got to say farewell to this version of Robin Hood. All of a sudden, it was mentioned that he went back to his realm, and I was sitting on my couch screaming, “Wait, what? Were did Robin go?!”
The majority of this season was spent with only one Charming awake at a time. It got to the point where I forgot that they were under this curse.
I feel like the writers have a closet… Let’s call it “The Closet of Forgotten Storylines”… in it we have Merida, Mulan, Maleficent, Cinderella, Emma’s red jacket, and anyone under the age of three. You never know when you’ll be shanghaied and thrown into this closet… beware of this closet… this closet does not lead to the magical land of Narnia… only to the unemployment line for the poor actors that portrayed those lost characters.
Many fans have asked what happened to some of these characters? Like the Brady Bunch dog, Tiger or Richie Cunningham’s brother, Chuck, that just disappeared after a few seasons…people in Storybrooke just vanish. I guess the writers must have reasons for shoving these characters into a tiny closet, but we – the fans – never get closure. Where do they go? Is Storybrooke really big enough to hold all of these characters?
May I also ask, what on earth is going on with Rumple and Belle? One minute they love each other, and the next minute Belle is sending Rumple over the town line. In earlier seasons, this relationship kept me on the edge of my seat, but now I am completely off the chair and on the ground counting how many tiles are on the floor. Will this Twilight series ever end?
I do, however, think Gideon (Giles Matthey), who is Rumple and Belle’s son, is a great addition to their story. Finally an element that forces Rumple and Belle to work together, their son.
This was a perfect way to bring Rumbelle back together, but is it going to last? Where will Rumbelle be in the season six finale?
Kitsis explained in an interview, “I will say the final battle will be thematic for everybody and that Rumple, as a man who is a difficult man to love, I think he will have a very difficult choice to make again. Belle and Rumple are going to be tested, and everything that they ever wanted is going to be very temptingly close for Rumple. But like everything, it comes with a price.”
But, will it be too little too late?
Many cast members have already confirmed that they are leaving the show after this season, including Emilie de Ravin, who portrays Belle. What does this mean for Rumbelle? Will they ever get a true happy ending? And what about CaptainSwan? They finally got married and their happy beginning!
Six cast members have been announced as leaving the show, while OUAT has confirmed a seventh season. Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan), who is making one cameo in the new season, Josh Dallas (Prince Charming), Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White), Emilie de Ravin (Belle), Rebecca Mader (Zelena), who posted she is not leaving by choice, and Jared S. Gilmore (Henry), who is being replaced by an older actor. But, what do the fans think?
There are many furious Oncers, but there are also hopeful ones.
In the end, I guess hope is what Once Upon a Time is all about.
“Believing in even the possibility of a happy ending is a very powerful thing!”– Mary Margaret Blanchard
There are Oncers who are incredibly glad to see Regina (Lana Parrilla), Hook (Colin O’Donoghue), and Rumple (Robert Carlyle) lead OUAT into a seventh season. But what does this mean for their characters?
I am quite interested in the paths that these characters are going to take in the upcoming season. The show is going to look completely different. Are Oncers ready for that? Hook without Emma, Regina without Henry, and Rumple without Belle.
Will they all return to being villains? Will they still be chasing the elusive ‘happy ending’? Will season seven ever measure up, or should the creators just end the story at the Final Battle? Should season six be their happy ending?
Catch The Doctor Who Season 10 Premiere at the cinemas PLUS get 25% off of Whovian merch at Hot Topic!! Doctor Who on the big screen AND shopping? Count me in!
Peter Capaldi returns as The 12th Doctor with Pearl Mackie as the NEW companion Bill Potts and the returning Nardole played by Matt Lucas.
Tickets are now on sale for BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who: Season 10 Premiere, “The Pilot”, presented by Fathom Events, playing in movie theaters nationwide for TWO NIGHTS ONLY on Monday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. local time, following BBC AMERICA’s television premiere on Saturday, April 15 at 9/8c.
Whovians around the world are sad that season 10 will be Peter Capaldi‘s last season as The 12th Doctor (say it isn’t so!), so let’s have a great turn out and show our support for this amazing actor who has brought so much depth and life to The Doctor. Season 10 promises to be an exciting final season for Capaldi, especially with the introduction of brand new companion Pearl Mackie as Bill Potts and the return Nardole played by Matt Lucas. Season 10 is also going to be the final season for DW Executive Producer/Writer, Steven Moffat who promises to deliver laughter, danger and lots of fantastic adventures.
Check out the latest Season 10 SNEAK PEEK HERE:
Whovian Perk: As a special bonus for catching Doctor Who in cinemas, audiences will also enjoy the premiere episode of the Doctor Who spinoff series Class, featuring a guest appearance by the Doctor himself and starring a super cute cast, Vivian Oparah, Sophie Hopkins, Greg Austin and Fady Elsayed.
Cast of Class: Vivian Oparah, Sophie Hopkins, Greg Austin and Fady Elsayed (Photo by: Ray Burmiston)
PLUS a never-before-seen bonus feature “Becoming the Companion”, in which fans will travel with new companion Pearl Mackie from the London stage through the doors of the TARDIS to a once-in-a-lifetime role, or as Pearl says, “the most insane thing that’s ever happened to me.” Oh to be in that TARDIS with her!!! The bonus feature includes exclusive interviews with Mackie, Capaldi, and Moffat, and is narrated by Ingrid Oliver.
Another COOL Perk: Hot Topic has teamed up with BBC and Fathom to bring you some cool discounts on Doctor Who merchandise! Attendees can bring in their ticket stub or proof of purchase to Hot Topic retail locations for 25% off Doctor Who merchandise, valid March 10 – May 6, 2017. Nobody loves shopping at Hot Topic more than me!
I have this DW backpack! I wore it out! Going to use the Hot Topic 25% off to get a new one!
More Whovian Perks: Fans who purchase tickets through Atom Tickets will receive three free Doctor Who digital comic books from Titan Comics and ComiXology, delivered to purchasing email address on event date.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets today by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
See ya at the cinema, Whovians!
Allons-y!
Juliette Boland, The Timey Wimey Fandom Show
How did 11th Doctor, Matt Smith react to Steven Moffat Leaving Doctor Who? Check it out here:
MORE Doctor Who & Other Fandom Interviews at The Timey Wimey Fandom Page:
Everyone remembers where they were when they heard the tragic news of her death nearly 20 years ago. Since then we’ve had daily reminders of her legacy in the form of her sons, The Princes William and Harry through their charitable works. We know she would be proud of the men they have become. In August, Princess Diana’s memory will be honored with a statue in front of Kensington Palace.
It was an exciting and memorable day that culminated in the exciting airing of their episode. Albeit, you needed a remote control ‘pause’ button to actually SEE our PoldarkDish lovelies, but see them you do – in the courtroom scenes with George Warleggan (Jack Farthing).
A special afternoon tea menu was offered, which included a delicious selection of hot savory bites, alongside traditional tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and homemade clotted cream and preserves, sweeties that included the best sticky toffee this side of the Pond, and overflowing teacups of hot English tea. Guests were treated to a live performance of a British brass band, croquet on the lawn, and a replaying of the day’s activities from London including The Queen’s Trooping the Colour Birthday Parade.
SPECIAL JULY BOX is Poldark themed! Through July 7th, PoldarkDish viewers get 10% discount on Poldark-theme box! 
The Anglophile Channel 