I don’t want the Olympics to end!

I think it could be medically diagnosed as an addiction… I can’t get enough of the Olympics.

I’ve been watching it when I wake up, at work, on the internet, listening to headlines on my drive to and from work and then watching Games Today when I get home. I thought it was just a phase. I thought by the end of the swimming I’d be bored. But I just couldn’t get enough.

There have been weepy moments -and I don’t really cry. Becky Adlington’s golds got me going, as did Aaron Cook’s disappointment in the taekwondo. The men’s coxless four was dramatic and thrilling – definitely one of the highlights.

I’ve been confused – um, the cycling points race baffles me, as does the fact that in taekwondo it is legitimate TO KICK SOMEONE IN THE HEAD!

Music Maestro!

Last night’s telly – Maestro, BB2 9pm

“Oooh another one of those programmes where C-list celebrities take up a new sport/hobby, hoorah!” was not my initial reaction to BBC2’s Maestro. Yet, as much as I try to pretend I don’t watch such lowbrow fare as Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice or The Games, I do and I love it. Oh dear. I start off sceptical and aloof, but seem to find myself glued to the TV every Saturday, to see if someone’s sequins fall off their dress or if Gareth Gates gouges out his partner’s eye whilst attempting a triple axle.

This time with Maestro, there was no such initial scepticism. Maybe it was the line-up of celebs, who seemed to be genuinely interested in music, not just trying to revamp a wilting career. Or perhaps it’s because I found myself warming very quickly to the celebs and their orchestra.

There was the usual ‘hopeless-from-the-start’ character in the shape of Peter Snow, but here’s there’s no Strictly-style sympathy vote so the orchestra dropped him. Bradley Walsh played the clown, but was sympathetic and surprisingly musical. Plus he has one of the most infectious laughs I’ve ever heard, making most scenes with him in lots of fun. Goldie was the ‘rough diamond’, showing great flair and enthusiasm. Sue Perkins was her dry, witty self (boosted in my affections following Supersizers) who was only really floored when she had to take some praise. Katie Derham is the terribly nice Head Girl figure, who has been set up for a fall by being naturally good. Jane Asher shows early promise although has a frozen-on face. David Soul has an uber-fan for a mentor but seems to be doing well. And Alex James has been told to assert himself on the orchestra, so wears a cracking suit. I like him.

Heroes Series 2 SFX

Just wondering, what has happened to the special effects budget for the second series of Heroes?

It’s currently on BBC2 and compared to the first series which was pretty slick (to the untrained eye), this series so far has been pretty ropey. In episode three ”Kindred”, the bluescreen shots were so obvious that it was embarrassing.

It seems all the budget has been blown of Claire’s storyline as the most convincing bits of effects so far have been any time she’s on screen trying to maim herself. They normally look pretty good.

But the flying shots were sketchy, the Japan backdrop looked like a 1970s film and ‘Cork, Ireland’ looks like a car park.

Don’t even get me started on those terrible fake Irish accents. They sound like eejits.

Gavin and Stacey back on BBC Three

Hoorah for the return of Gavin and Stacey! I loved the first series and since moving to Cardiff have even been on mini pilgrimages to Barry to have an explore (a much under-rated place I might have you know – lovely tea shops). I’ve just caught up on the first two episodes on the BBC iplayer and they don’t disappoint.

So far the opening double bill is even funnier than the first series. The characters are settled in and with every new piece of information about each one, they become even better. Scene-stealer has to be Nessa – a brilliant part and Ruth Jones is fantastic. “Then I found out some things about Pete Townsend I didn’t like. All I say is, where’s the book?” Something I myself have been wondering, but didn’t think anyone would have the balls to say on the BBC! I love the references to her dark sexual background and her many famous conquests. I’m not sure I’d be so matter-of-fact if I’d had an affair with Richard Madeley… Best Nessa line was the bit about Hear’say (probably lost on anyone not aged 20-50) – as with many of the cultural references, but that doesn’t bother me. I’d love to really know what Noel is up to now…

Although Gavin and Stacey are the title characters, it’s really an ensemble piece and everyone in the cast is perfect. Mathew Horne and Joanna Page are really endearing as the loved-up couple and not at all nauseating. Alison Steadman is hilarious and Rob Brydon is just a genius. They seem to bounce well off each other and I don’t know how they don’t all giggle the whole way through recording as I had so many laugh-out-loud moments.

It’s really well put together with a sharp eye for the hilarity in the everyday. Suburban Essex and Barry Island juxtapose nicely and the clash of the families is done very lovingly. It’s not just out for cheap one-off laughs but is developing the characters and becoming even funnier as they do so. Ruth Jones and James Corden have created a gem and if you haven’t already watched it, give it a go.

Eighties Overkill

I’ve watched the first couple of episodes of Ashes to Ashes and despite my best efforts it’s just not sitting right with me. I really want to like it – as much as I loved Life on Mars but it’s just not that good.

The first episode had lashings of style and humorous moments, but just not much plot or excitement. But fair enough, they needed to set it all up and if the casualty was that this episode was a general preamble then that’s just about ok. However, the second episode wasn’t much better.

I think the problem comes from the difference in the surroundings of the two central characters – LOM’s Sam Tyler and ATA Alex Drake. Drake’s problem is that her complacent acceptance of her surroundings and ’seen it all before’ attitude becomes quickly wearing on the viewer. Sam Tyler was a loveable central character because of his confusion and disorientation. His vulnerability made the viewer protective of him, whereas the confidence of Drake makes her less so. A more vulnerable side is being brought in with snippets of her childhood, however it still seems she’s just intent on enjoying her subconscious by dressing up and drinking wine.

Badger-eating man and other gruesome tales

Last night’s telly – Wednesday 23^rd January

I watched the last series of Torchwood with a gaggle of female friends and we’d squeal over the gorey bits and coo and gossip over the sexy bits. Alas my harem of tv watchers aren’t with me for this series but I’m sure we’d be doubly pleased at what the new series has dished up so far. Yes it is silly and yes, John Barrowman’s constant melodramatic posturing is off-putting but that doesn’t stop Torchwood being a great sci-fi romp.