Category Archives: TV drama

ITV Pulls Final Episode Of Viewpoint Following Noel Clarke Misconduct Allegations

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ITV has announced it has pulled the final episode of Viewpoint, after allegations of sexual misconduct were made about its leading actor, Noel Clarke.

On Thursday, The Guardian published accusations of misconduct from 20 women who know and have worked with Clarke.

Clarke has denied all of these allegations.

Following this, an ITV representative confirmed that the final episode of Viewpoint – the first four episodes of which went out earlier in the week – would not air on Friday night as planned.

David M. Benett via Getty Images

Noel Clarke in 2019

“ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints,” a spokesperson said.

“We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment. In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.” 

They added: “We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode.

“As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.”

ITV

Noel Clarke on the set of Viewpoint

The final episode of Viewpoint will be available to watch on the ITV Hub until Sunday, after which the show will be removed.

Denying the misconduct allegations levelled against him, Clarke previously said in a statement: “In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise.

“I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.” 

Bafta previously announced that it was suspending Clarke’s membership and outstanding British contribution to cinema award, which he was handed earlier this month, until further notice.

A representative said: “In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, Bafta has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.”

Sky TV has also halted production on projects featuring Clarke, including the planned fourth series of the police drama Bulletproof.

Management and production company 42 M&P said it stopped representing Clarke earlier this month.

A spokesperson said: “Noel Clarke was a client of 42M&P until April this year but the company no longer represents him.”

Clarke wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood, and directed two of them.

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Line Of Duty Series 6 Finale Trailer Reveals Answers Are ‘Definitely’ Coming And We’ve Got Goosebumps

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If you were worried the Line Of Duty finale might leave things up in the air, rest assured that answers are “definitely” coming. 

The BBC has released a new trailer for the final episode, which suggests the identity of ‘the fourth man’ – otherwise known as ‘H’ – will be revealed. 

The 30 second clip teases that “every investigation has led to this”, as it lines up key suspects DCS Patrica Carmichael, Chief Constable Philip Osborne, Superintendent Ted Hastings, DI Kate Fleming and ex-officer Marcus Thurwell. 

BBC

The identity of ‘the fourth man’ will be revealed

It also previews other dramatic events in store, including another armed face-off AC-12 have with members of the OCG as they look to secure the suspect. 

BBC

Arnott and Fleming have an armed shoot-out with OCG members

DCI Jo Davidson also faces an uncertain future, following her imprisonment in Sunday’s episode. 

The former MIT boss – who was revealed to be in league with organised crime due to her family connection to Tommy Hunter – is seen being transferred in a van with a corrupt prison officer, suggesting she could await the same fate as her birth father. Hunter was killed in series two after bent officers staged an ambush on his police convoy to stop him revealing their identities as he entered witness protection. 

BBC

Does Davidson await the same fate as her birth father, Tommy Hunter?

There is also another ominous misspelling of the word “definite”, which has been a known trait of ‘H’, and indeed of Ted Hastings…

BBC

We know that ‘H’ cannot spell “definite” 

The internet is already flooded with theories ahead of Sunday night’s finale, as many fans believe Marcus Thurwell is actually alive, after the character was found dead at his Spanish villa – and some of then claim to have the proof. 

Suspicions have also been raised about DCS Carmichael, as some viewers spotted what they believe might be a clue that confirms she’s ‘H’. 

Line Of Duty concludes on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.  

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Line Of Duty Sparks More Than 300 Complaints Over Hastings’ ‘Oddball’ Comment

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The BBC received more than 300 complaints over a scene in a recent episode of Line Of Duty, in which a character with Down’s syndrome was referred to as “the local oddball”.

In the first episode of the current series of the police drama, Superintendent Ted Hastings was heard questioning whether Terry Boyle, a disabled character, could have been involved in a murder.

During the scene, Adrian Dunbar’s character said: “[Carl]’s much more likely to be the gunman than the local oddball, that’s for sure.”

This comment was called out by many viewers at the time, particularly as the episode aired on World Down Syndrome Day, with a BBC spokesperson insisting that Hastings’ remark was not in reference to Terry Boyle’s disability.

BBC

Adrian Dunbar’s character made the remark during the series premiere last month

It’s now been reported (via Metro) that 323 complained to the BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) about the scene in question.

Responding to these complaints, a post on the ECU’s website said: “Superintendent Ted Hastings’ comments were not in reference to the character Terry Boyle’s disability – Ted Hastings had never met Terry Boyle.

“Hastings was looking only at the evidence against Boyle, namely the press cuttings of Gail Vella found in his flat.”

BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill

Tommy Jessop portrays Terry Boyle in Line Of Duty

They added: “The word ‘oddball’ means an eccentric person and has no meaning or connotation of disability and Hastings was referring to the stalker/obsessed fan theory of Gail Vella’s murder.”

Line Of Duty creator Jed Mercurio previously tweeted on the subject: “‘Oddball’ has no connotation for learning difficulties. It describes a loner, an eccentric.”

Line Of Duty continues on Sunday night at 9pm on BBC One.

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Line Of Duty: Martin Compston Has A Serious Warning About Episode 5 Of Series 6

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If you thought Line Of Duty was going to let up after the shocking developments of the last episode, think again. 

Martin Compston has issued a warning to fans about the next instalment, which suggests it’s going to be even more dramatic than the last. 

The actor, who plays DI Steve Arnott in the hit BBC cop show, has said fans will “need therapy” by the end of Sunday night. 

Martin took to Instagram to share a picture of waistcoat-lover Arnott running in full police gear, adding the caption: “Episode 5 kicks off as stores re-open and there’s a sale on waistcoats.

“In all seriousness though if you thought Ep 4 ended on a cliffhanger, you’ll need therapy by the end of Ep5 (sic).”

Spoiler pictures from the episode have suggested Arnott will be attending a raid with MIT boss DCI Joanne Davidson.

BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill

A still taken from Sunday night’s episode

Last Sunday night’s episode saw the return of some other faces from Line Of Duty’s complicated past when slimy solicitor Jimmy Lakewell was revealed to have spoken to journalist Gail Vella about police corruption prior to her murder.

Screen Grab/BBC/World Productions

DCS Carmichael also returns to Line Of Duty in episode five

Bosses have hinted she could be about to take control after Hastings was forced into retirement, following Chief Constable Philip Osborne’s plan to cut numbers in Central Police’s anti-corruption units.

Meanwhile, the show’s creator Jed Mercurio has praised the “outstanding detective work” by some of the show’s viewers after a scene featuring a previously unannounced actor was accidentally leaked.

Their character will also be making their debut during Sunday night’s episode. 

Line Of Duty continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One. 

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Prime Suspect Creator Lynda La Plante Is No Fan Of ‘Preposterous’ Line Of Duty

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Line Of Duty is undoubtedly the biggest thing on TV right now, but one person who isn’t tuning in is Prime Suspect creator Lynda La Plante. 

The telly writer has called the hit BBC drama and others like it “preposterous”. 

Lynda, who won three Baftas for her work on Prime Suspect, admitted she doesn’t watch Line Of Duty or hit ITV series Unforgotten, which stars Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar.

ANTHONY HARVEY via Getty Images

Lynda La Plante 

In an interview with The Independent, she said: “I find the dramatic licence preposterous. So I’m not interested.

“I watch a lot of true crime because for me that is far more informative.” 

However, she stated she was a fan of BBC cop drama Happy Valley, which starred Sarah Lancashire. 

Lynda’s Prime Suspect – starring Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison – first debuted in 1991, running until 2006. 

While Lynda is no fan of Line Of Duty, the show has had its second highest ratings ever for its new series. 

The opening episode has now been watched by over 13 million people – a figure only beaten by the series five finale, which saw 13.67m tune in. 

BBC

Line Of Duty stars Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar

Martin Compston, who plays DI Steve Arnott, has teased that the upcoming fourth episode is “one of the best ever” and has the potential to be considered a “classic” among fans, describing it as “the big one” on Twitter on Saturday. 

While all major spoilers are under lock and key, the BBC has shared a cryptic synopsis of the episode, which reveals there will be some “major breakthroughs” as AC-12 continue their investigation into Operation Lighthouse. 

DCI Jo Davidson, played by Kelly Macdonald, also faces “increasing pressure from all sides” while AC-12 are also stunned by the results of a forensic report from PC Farida Jatri’s house.

Line Of Duty continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.  

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Line Of Duty’s Martin Compston Promises Episode 4 Is ‘One Of The Best Ever’

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Line Of Duty star Martin Compston has teased that there is high drama ahead in the upcoming episode, revealing it is “one of the best ever”. 

The actor, who plays DI Steve Arnott, said episode four of the current series has the potential to be considered a “classic” among fans, describing it as “the big one”. 

Posting a picture of Arnott aiming a gun in a tense-looking situation, he wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning: “Tomorrow’s the big one episode 4! On paper one of the best @jed_mercurio has ever written, if we deliver what was there potential to be a classic.

“Like to give a shout out to the young team Shalom and @gregorypiper98 who give outstanding performances in the midst of the madness.”

HuffPost UK has seen the episode, and while we are not allowed to share details about what happens, we’d definitely agree with Martin’s assessment. We’ll be here to bring you all the latest analysis after the show airs on Sunday night too. 

While all major spoilers are under lock and key, the BBC has shared a cryptic synopsis of the episode, which reveals there will be some “major breakthroughs” as AC-12 continue their investigation into Operation Lighthouse. 

It reads: “DCI Jo Davidson faces increasing pressure from all sides as AC-12 make major breakthroughs in the investigation.

“Hastings acknowledges that the disciplinary action against him put Kate and Steve in a difficult position, and a forensic report from Farida’s house results in a shock for AC-12.”

BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill

DCI Jo Davidson faces increasing pressure from all sides

Last Sunday’s episode saw corrupt police officer and OCG member Ryan Pilkington make an attempt on suspect Terry Boyle’s life by derailing a police escort and causing the car to crash into a lake. 

Boyle has been framed by the OCG as the main suspect in the murder of journalist Gail Vella, who was investigating police corruption prior to her death. 

BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill

PC Ryan Pilkington caused a car crash in an attempt to murder suspect Terry Boyle

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Line Of Duty’s Thrilling New Trailer Ominously Points Finger Of Suspicion At Kate Fleming

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Line Of Duty’s long-awaited sixth series has just got a thrilling new trailer, which hints DI Kate Fleming could suspected of corruption.

The minute-long clip gives fans of the hit BBC police drama their first full look at the upcoming episodes, which are set to debut later this month. 

In one ominous scene, we see the finger of suspicion pointed at Vicky McClure’s character, as DS Steve Arnott and AC-12 newcomer DC Chloe Bishop discuss who the fourth officer in league with organised crime could be. 

BBC

DI Kate Fleming looks to be under suspicion

“Do you still believe there’s a fourth man out there?” Bishop asks. 

“Man? Or woman?” Arnott replies, before the camera cuts to shot of Fleming.

The end of series five revealed that the mysterious “H” figure was not actually a person, but a clue pointing at another high-profile police officer working with the organised crime group.  

BBC

There is a fourth officer in league with organised crime

Fans are also given the first look at the case serving at the backdrop to AC-12′s investigation into Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Davidson, who has previously been described as the “most enigmatic adversary” the team has faced so far. 

BBC

Kelly Macdonald as new AC-12 adversary DCI Davidson

She is leading the investigation into the murder of journalist Gail Vella, with AC-12 tasked with establishing whether police corruption is the reason the case has gone unsolved. 

It is then revealed Gail has previously reported on the police corruption – could this be the reason for her murder?

BBC

Journalist Gail Vella is murdered having previously reported on police corruption 

There are also dramatic scenes including road accidents, police stand offs and shootings, as well as Superintendent Ted Hastings cracking under the pressure. 

A title card then menacingly warns: “Lies cost lives.”

BBC

Hastings is seen cracking under the pressure

The new series of Line Of Duty, which was delayed from last year due to the pandemic, sees Kelly Macdonald join the cast as DCI Davidson, along with Shalom Brune-Franklin as DC Bishop. 

Adrian Dunbar, who plays Hastings, previously revealed the first episode would be a “head wreck” for viewers as the action has moved on 18 months since the last series and many things have changed. 

“The landscape has completely changed,” Adrian told The Graham Norton Show. “We are starting from a place that the audience will probably find a bit shocking at first. 

“Things and people have been moved around so the first episode is going to be one of those ‘head-wrecks’ for the audience.”

Line Of Duty returns on Sunday 21 March at 9pm on BBC One, with the new season including an additional episode, with seven instalments instead of the usual six. 

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Gillian Anderson Shares Hilarious Behind-The-Scenes Snap For Olivia Colman’s Birthday

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Neil Patrick Harris Says There’s ‘Something Sexy’ About Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles

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‘History’s A Bit Boring’ – How Netflix Created Bridgerton, The Period Drama Like No Other

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To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select ‘I agree‘, or select ‘Manage settings‘ for more information and to manage your choices. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Your Privacy Controls.

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