News

Ok, so the actor Anthony Perkins is best known for his legendary role as Norman Bates in Hitchcock’s Psycho and its sequels… but that part is not the sum total of this superb actor’s career. That’s not to say he didn’t trade on his status as cinema’s seminal psycho, and starred in plenty of chiller thrillers, instantly lending them Batesian cachet… for example Edge of Sanity, a delirious conflation of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic horror novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Jack the Ripper’s real-life reign of terror over Victorian London, where Perkins plays the unhinged lead role with aplomb. To celebrate the release of Edge of Sanity on Blu-ray from Arrow Video, here’s a round-up of some of Perkins’ finest non-Bates roles…

Pretty Poison (1968)

In this wonderful cult classic black comedy thriller, Perkins plays Dennis Pitt,...

Anthony Perkins in Edge Of Sanity (1989) will be available on Special Edition Blu-ray June 21st from Arrow Video

Anthony Perkins builds upon his legendary status as cinema’s seminal psycho in Edge of Sanity, a delirious conflation of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic horror novella ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ and Jack the Ripper’s real-life reign of terror over Victorian London.

When his experiments into a powerful new anaesthetic go hideously awry, respected physician Dr Jekyll (Perkins) takes off into the night, casting aside the shackles of upper-class propriety as he disappears into the shadowy decadent demimonde of Whitechapel in pursuit of sensual pleasures under the guise of ‘Mr Hyde’. As his wife Elisabeth (Glynis Barber) passes her time in charitable work, rehabilitating the district’s fallen women, Hyde is drawn into an escalating cycle of lust and murder that seems to know no bounds.

Produced...

and the lede: British actor Jill Gascoine, known for starring in 1980s TV drama “The Gentle Touch,” has died after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 83.

Gascoine played Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes in ITV’s “The Gentle Touch,” the first British police drama with a woman in the main role.

She continued playing the character in spin-off “C.A.T.S. Eyes,” and also starred in “The Onedin Line” in the 1970s.

She was married to actor Alfred Molina. After moving to Los Angeles with Molina in the 1990s, she went on to become a novelist.

Her son Adam Gascoine confirmed her death on Facebook Wednesday, writing: “She suffered from Alzheimer’s for 10 years, so today was a thankful release. The family is all well, and relieved that she’s not suffering any more.”

He said there would not be a memorial “for a good while due to the current climate,...

By Mark Cerulli

Growing up, I remember listening to the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by the gifted actor, E.G. Marshall. But as the plethora of new media choices came online over the years, I had thought that kind of pure audio entertainment had gone the way of the RCA Selectavision Video Disc… The delightful Passport to Oblivion 2-disc set from Spiteful Puppet proved me wrong and is a welcome return to adventure for the ears and mind.

The production, based on James Leasor’s 1964 best-seller (filmed as Where the Spies Are in 1966) stars ex-007 George Lazenby as Dr. Jason Love, a reluctant spy lured back into service to make a seemingly routine rendezvous for MI6 – a rendezvous that turns out to be anything But routine. Love is no high-flying secret agent, but a comfortably retired doctor in rural England.

The story unfolds with a highly skilled cast including Glynis Barber,...

Britannia star Hugo Speer and Trust Me’s Sharon Small are to lead the cast for U.S. Svod service Acorn’s first straight-to-series commission.

The pair are joined by Casualty and EastEnders actor Bailey Patrick and newcomer Tori Allen-Martin in the five-part drama, which will tell the story of a team of top murder detectives and will be shot like a documentary. Each episode will feature a different murder in addition to a serialized story involving the lead detective’s missing wife.

Speer, who has also starred in ITV’s Marcella and BBC’s The Musketeers, stars as Detective Inspector David Bradford, who comes back to work after his wife goes missing and there are still no significant leads on her case. Small plays ambitious Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole, who has been running the murder team in David’s absence and is frustrated by David’s approach to their investigations.

By Tim Greaves

Numerous actors have occupied the role of Sherlock Holmes over the decades, some more suited to the shoes of author Arthur Conan Doyle's famous consulting detective than others. One of the finest portrayals is that by Ian Richardson. Yet, sadly, his is also one that is often overlooked, not leastways because he played the character just twice (in a pair of 1983 films made for television), but also because his light was to be quickly eclipsed a year later by the arrival on TV screens of Jeremy Brett, whose interpretation of Holmes is considered by many to be the definitive one.

Sy Weintraub – who produced several Tarzan movies throughout the 60s and was executive producer on the popular long-running Ron Ely TV series –teamed up with Otto Plaschkes (whose producer credits include Georgie Girl and The Holcroft Covenant) with the intention of making several Holmes adventures headlining Richardson.

BBC

Despite the many fan attempts to fuse them together, Blake’s 7 and Doctor Who are set in two entirely different fictional universes. Behind the scenes, though, the two shows hold much in common.

As one might expect, they share writers such as Terry Nation, Robert Holmes and Chris Boucher, incidental music from Dudley Simpson and special effects genius Matt Irvine. Starting his career as a production assistant on Doctor Who, David Maloney went on to produce Blake’s 7 and direct episodes of both programmes.

At times even the props and scenery came in useful between shows. The eagle-eyed will spot Federation helmets in the Peter Davison story Frontios.

Famously Colin Baker, the Sixth Doctor, played the evil Bayban The Butcher in City at the Edge of the World but with Doctor Who running for so many years longer, and with such a massive range of spin off plays in its trail,...

Katie Brayben plays the title role of Carole King, with Alan Morrissey as King's husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, Lorna Want as song-writer Cynthia Weil, Ian McIntosh as song-writer Barry Mann, Glynis Barber as Genie Klein, King's mother, and Gary Trainor as music publisher and producer Don Kirshner in the West End production of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Below, check out photos of Tom Cruise with the cast after last night's preview...

Stepping Out's Glynis Barber and Michael Brandon are to perform a backwards swan dive on tomorrow's show.

The Dempsey & Makepeace duo, who are currently taking part in the ITV celebrity dance show, will be attempting to successfully pull off the routine during their live performance.

The couple were photographed in rehearsals, and are apparently both feeling "very nervous" about the difficult routine.

However, choreographer Sisco Gomez has told the pair that they must put all their trust in the dancers catching them to be able to perform the move otherwise it will go wrong.

Tomorrow, the couple with the lowest combined score from the judges and the public will be going home.

Stepping Out airs tomorrow at 6.30pm on ITV.

Stepping Out star Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to join Strictly Come Dancing because he wanted to dance with his wife Jackie.

The former Changing Rooms star said that he is often asked why he has never appeared on the BBC dancing series.

He told Pa: "So many people have always asked me for years and years why I've never done Strictly and I've never said yes to Strictly - because I don't want to dance with anyone else... crazy!

"For goodness' sake, why would I want to spend ten weeks learning to dance when actually the woman that I've been married to for the last 25 years very patiently has been waiting for me to rumba her?"

Brian McFadden, Denise Welch, Oritsé Williams, Carl Froch and Glynis Barber also feature on the lineup for the new ITV series.

The new show is hosted by Davina McCall and Mel B,...

Michael Brandon and Glynis Barber have banned cameramen from filming in their home. The pair - who have been married since 1989 - have joined five other couples on the new TV show 'Stepping Out' as they battle it out to master a new dance genre each week, but unlike their co-stars they've refused to be shadowed. Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Glynis said: ''I have never done this kind of show before so I didn't know why they needed so much material. They came to every rehearsal and they were in the car. ''Then they came with us to dinner with...

Mel B has reportedly signed up to be a judge on ITV's new dance show Stepping Out.

The Spice Girl has agreed a six-figure deal to join the Strictly Come Dancing rival and will finalise her contract in the next few days, according to The Sun.

The series, hosted by Davina McCall, sees six celebrities team up with their real-life partners to master a different genre of dance each week.

Mel B, who had been linked to a role on The X Factor after impressing bosses with a guest stint, will fly between the UK and Us during the show's five-week run to fulfil her commitments as a judge on America's Got Talent.

The rest of the judging panel is yet to be decided, but will include other celebrities, as well as dance experts and guest judges that change weekly.

Stepping Out will launch on August 31, the same night The X Factor...

Carl Froch and Denise Welch are to appear on 'Stepping Out'. The 36-year-old boxing champion and the 'Loose Women' star have been snapped up for the new ITV dancing show alongside their real-life partners, Rachael Cordingley and Lincoln Townley, as they battle it out to master a new dance genre each week. Singer Brian McFadden and his wife Vogue Williams, Jls star Ortisé Williams and his girlfriend A.J Azari, interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his wife Jackie Llewelyn, and acting duo Glynis Barber and her husband Michael Brandon will also join the series. Davina McCall has been hand-picked by bosses to be...

Davina McCall has been revealed as the host of a new ITV show that will rival the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Stepping Out will see six celebrities team up with their real-life partners to master a different genre of dance for each week's show.

Former Westlife star Brian McFadden and wife Vogue Williams will compete in the programme, alongside Loose Women's Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley - who she married in Portugal last month.

EastEnders actress Glynis Barber and her husband Michael Brandon, boxer Carl Froch and his girlfriend Rachael Cordingley, and interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and his wife Jackie will also take part.

Jls singer Oritsé Williams and his girlfriend A.J Azari complete the celebrity lineup.

McCall - who also fronts Sky1's Got to Dance - said of her new hosting role: "I'm beyond excited to be hosting Stepping Out, I love dancing and I'm a nosey parker.

Stars: Charlie Bewley, Clive Standen, James Cosmo, Elliot Cowan, Glynis Barber, Ivan Kaye, Michael Jibson, Guy Flanagan | Written by Matthew Read | Directed by Farren Blackburn

I think it’s fair to say I don’t get on well with many of today’s historical movies and shows. I’m not a fan of Starz’s Spartacus series or the Game of Thrones TV adaptation; and the recent Viking flick Valhalla Rising bored me to tears… Pathfinder, Beowulf, The 13th Warrior, Centurion, The Eagle? No, no, no, no and hell no! So the prospect of watching viking flick Hammer of the Gods – to be honest – filled me with dread. Even more so given it’s a UK movie that, as far as I’m aware, doesn’t have an official UK release date as yet (bar it’s screening at Frightfest on August 24th) – a sign which usually doesn’t bode well for a British production.

ITV has unveiled a first-look promo for the new series of Law & Order: UK.

Casualty's Georgia Taylor and Peep Show's Paterson Joseph join the crime drama for its seventh run.

Taylor is cast as crown prosecutor Kate Barker, while Joseph will play Di Wes Leyton.

Bradley Walsh, Paul Nicholls, Peter Davison and Dominic Rowan all reprise their roles in the new episodes.

Series seven - which features guest stars Patrick Baladi, Ramon Tikaram and Glynis Barber - opens with a two-parter from writer Emilia di Girolamo, exploring the aftermath of a devastating train crash.

Law & Order: UK returns to ITV on Sunday, July 14 at 9pm on ITV.

> Paul Nicholls quits Law & Order UK after two series...

From the press release:

Are you ready for a spine-chilling global avalanche of Indian zombies, Israeli oldboys, vengeance-crazed Vikings, Swedish mesmerists, Irish telekinesis, Argentine undead, Aussie bone-crushers, murderous Mormons and Chilean assassins?

Film4 FrightFest 2013, returning for its 4teenth year, has unveiled its biggest line-up in history. From Thurs 22 August to Monday 26 August, the UK’s leading event for genre fans will be at the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Square to present 51 films on three screens. Empire 1 will house the main event while the Discovery strands will play in Empires 2 & 4. The new FrightFest Xtra strand, also in Screen 2, will allow fans to catch up with sold-out performances of the most popular attractions.

This year there are eleven countries representing five continents with a record-breaking thirty-three UK or European premieres and ten world premieres.

The world premieres include our opening night attraction The Dead 2: India from the Ford Brothers,...

Next year will see us returning to the world of Viking epics, with the release of Farren Blackburn and Vertigo Films’ Hammer of the Gods.

We saw the first teaser poster for the film released last week, promising a bloody and violent new entry into the genre, with a straight-to-the-point logline, ‘Everyone Has to Die,’ and now the first trailer has debuted over at IGN, giving us our first good look at the film.

“Set in Viking Britain in 871 Ad, Hammer of the Gods is a visceral, intense tale set in a world whose only language is violence. A young Viking warrior, Steinar (Charlie Bewley), is sent by his father the king on a quest to find his estranged brother, who was banished from the kingdom many years before. Steinar’s epic journey across terrifyingly hostile territory gradually sees him emerge as the man his father wants him to be...

Vertigo Films will be returning us to the world of Viking epics next year with Hammer of the Gods, and with the release of the teaser poster, it promises to be a bloody and brutal quest.

A promo was recently screened at the American Film Market, and has been acquired for Us distribution by Magnet Releasing, so we can look forward to its release next year on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Set in Viking Britain in 871 Ad, Hammer of the Gods is a visceral, intense tale set in a world whose only language is violence. A young Viking warrior, Steinar (Charlie Bewley), is sent by his father the king on a quest to find his estranged brother, who was banished from the kingdom many years before. Steinar’s epic journey across terrifyingly hostile territory gradually sees him emerge as the man his father wants him to be – the ruthless...

Glynis Barber has reflected on her "amazing" time at EastEnders, admitting that it was the most challenging job of her career. The actress appeared in the role of Glenda Mitchell from January 2010 until March 2011, when her character left Walford after alienating almost everyone around her. Barber told the Norwich Evening News: "That was amazing being there, being on the Square and being part of all the action. I have worked very hard in my life but I have never, ever worked as hard as I did on EastEnders. "People don't realise but that timetable is brutal. You work every day - you are literally (more)...

EastEnders star Rita Simons has revealed that she is excited to see where the soap's team take her character's new relationship with Michael Moon. The actress's alter ego Roxy Mitchell has been dating Michael (Steve John Shepherd) for a few weeks, unaware of the darker side that he showed in his encounters with her troubled sister Ronnie before she went to jail. Roxy's new romance has begun following the loss of other characters that she was connected to on the Square, including dad Archie (Larry Lamb) and mum Glenda (Glynis Barber). Ronnie, played by Samantha Womack, is also due to leave Walford later this year. Speaking to Digital Spy about where the cast departures leave Roxy's character, Simons commented: "Well, luckily we've had the arrival of Michael Moon, who Roxy is now with, and I'm loving working with Steve John (more)...

EastEnders star Linda Henry has praised her character Shirley Carter's relationship with Phil Mitchell, describing the pair as a "strong" couple. The duo's partnership is due to hit a big obstacle in the coming days when Shirley learns of Phil's (Steve McFadden) affair with Glenda (Glynis Barber), leaving fans to wonder whether she will still go ahead with her plans to marry him. Offering her take on their romance, Henry told Inside Soap: "Phil and Shirley are definitely a perfect match - they work well together. Shirley really stood by Phil and pulled him back from the brink of his drug addiction, when he hit rock bottom. The fact that they could get past that means they have a strong relationship. (more)...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has revealed that viewers can expect "sad and emotional" scenes as her character Glenda Mitchell departs Walford in next week's episodes. Glenda - who first appeared on Albert Square more than a year ago - makes her exit from the BBC soap after her daughters Ronnie (Samantha Womack) and Roxy (Rita Simons) both turn against her in a forthcoming storyline. Roxy is the first to reject her mother after she becomes convinced that Glenda was the schemer behind the theft of her money - falling for the lies of her cousin Phil, who was the real culprit. Meanwhile, Ronnie has her own reasons to want Glenda away from Walford when she begins to suspect that the feisty blonde knows the truth about her baby secret. Discussing her exit script, Barber commented: "I felt sorry for Glenda because at the end of the day she's (more)...

Glynis Barber has confirmed that her EastEnders character Glenda Mitchell will be leaving Albert Square next month. Writing on her official website, the star revealed that Glenda is about to find herself increasingly isolated in Walford - prompting her to leave the area behind. Glenda first appeared on screens in January 2010 and has been at the centre of many dramas in the past year, as her schemes and secrets have caused a stir among the Mitchells. Speaking of her EastEnders departure, Barber told her online fans: "2010 was a busy and exciting year for me playing Glenda (more)...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has admitted that her character Glenda Mitchell is "devastated" when daughter Roxy turns against her in a forthcoming storyline. As revealed at the weekend, the pair team up against Phil (Steve McFadden) in next week's episodes - determined to get Roxy's money back by stealing from the safe in his house. However, when Phil catches the duo in the act and an argument follows over Roxy's missing cash, the Albert Square hardman protests his innocence and insists that Glenda was the thief. Later, when a stash of money is found in Glenda's wardrobe, Roxy (Rita Simons) believes her cousin's (more)...

EastEnders hardman Phil Mitchell will suffer a heart attack in a dramatic new storyline, reports have revealed. The show regular - played by Steve McFadden - will collapse at Walford nightclub R&R in the New Year as his health takes a sudden turn for the worse. According to The Mirror, a further twist will see Phil taunted and "left for dead" by his long-time nemesis Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), who witnesses his shock medical scare. The surprise turn of events comes after Phil discovers Ian's affair with Albert Square temptress Glenda (Glynis Barber) and demands cash in return for his silence - while continuing (more)...

EastEnders star Thomas Law has admitted that he will be surprised if his character Peter Beale is the mystery attacker who targets Glenda Mitchell in a new storyline. In tonight's episode of the BBC soap, Glenda is pushed down the stairs by an unknown assailant at her flat - shortly after she has insulted many of the Square's residents at a family gathering. As Glenda (Glynis Barber) has been having an affair with Peter's father Ian, the teenager is among the list of suspects who have reason to do harm to the feisty blonde - and fans will soon see him leave Walford after (more)...

Glynis Barber has revealed that she believes her EastEnders character Glenda Mitchell is falling for Albert Square hardman Phil as her current storyline continues. In recent weeks, fans have seen Glenda enjoy a secret relationship with Phil while also seeing his long-time nemesis Ian Beale. Speaking on This Morning today, Barber explained why Glenda has found herself entangled with both men. Asked whether Phil's "alpha male" status is appealing to Glenda, the actress replied: "Exactly - and he's a bad boy. So I think she quite calculatingly decided that he was going to be her man, but she does fall (more)...

The shopping season starts early if you have a gamer who is also a horror fan on your chopping list. On Tuesday, Namco will release the much anticipated Splatterhouse on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. If you have been following Uncle Creepy on Twitter, you've heard him gush about this game. According to him ... there are lots of things gushing in this title.

If you're not much of a gamer, there aren't many horror goodies to get excited about this week. Unless you're down for an Asylum created CGI whale competing with your turkey (pun intended), along with a couple of other creatures. Rounding up the list is a British import and a cool looking indie offering that looks to make you shed some plasma.

Splatterhouse (Video Game) on Xbox 360 & Playstation 3

By Namco

Follow Rick and his mystical Terror Mask as he unmercifully tears, cuts and beats his way...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has revealed that she doesn't like her character Glenda Mitchell. The actress, who joined the BBC One soap in January, admitted that she wouldn't trust Glenda as a friend because she is only interested in men. She told Inside Soap: "As Carol said on screen, Glenda's not a woman's woman - she's more of a man's woman. I don't really take to people like that, to be perfectly honest. "I get on very well with women, and I'm (more)...

Glynis Barber has admitted that she would like her EastEnders character Glenda Mitchell to set flatmate Carol Jackson on a more mischievous path in a forthcoming storyline. Carol (Lindsey Coulson) moved in with her work colleague last month following the tragic death of her son Billie, which caused her to consider suicide at her lowest ebb. Speaking to Inside Soap, Barber commented: "I love the friendship between Glenda and Carol and adore Lindsey Coulson - she's a great person and a wonderful (more)...

EastEnders' Ian Beale is to enjoy a saucy smooch with Glenda Mitchell. The Walford weasel - played by Adam Woodyatt - will be pursued by the middle-aged singleton after her hunt for a toyboy goes wrong, and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) knocks the hopeful temptress back. Glynis Barber - who plays Glenda in the BBC One soap - explained: ''Everyone is up for grabs. She sees Carol (Lindsey Coulson) with her young hunk, Connor (Arinze Kene), and it prompts her to go on her man hunt! She gets all dressed up, but doesn't get very far. Connor thinks she's a bit sad. ''So she ..

EastEnders star Lindsey Coulson has predicted that moving in with Glenda Mitchell could prove to be a turning point for her grief-stricken character Carol Jackson. In next week's episodes of the BBC soap, Carol starts staying with Glenda (Glynis Barber) after deciding that her current home holds too many unhappy memories following her son Billie's death. Carol's decision to seek support from Glenda comes after her brother Max (Jake Wood) insists that she cannot move back in with him. Speaking to Inside Soap, Coulson commented: "Carol (more)...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has revealed that she never intentionally played her character Glenda Mitchell as a "baddy". The actress told Inside Soap that she tries her best to give a genuine performance, often resulting in her character being portrayed as a devious person. She said: "Viewers say to me, 'Oh she's an absolute bitch,' before telling me how much they love her. What's funny is that I've never played Glenda as a baddy. But the more genuine I try to make her, the (more)...

'EastEnders' Ronnie Mitchell is horrified to learn her mother knew she was being abused by her father. A row between the club owner's aunt Peggy (Barbara Windsor) and mum Glenda (Glynis Barber) leads the Walford matriarch to misunderstand a comment made by Glenda about the abuse Ronnie (Samantha Womack) suffered at the hands of her dad when she was younger. Glynis explained: ''Peggy misinterprets what Glenda says, and jumps to the conclusion she knew about Ronnie's abuse all along. ''Glenda backtracks and says she really meant to say something else, but Peggy doesn't believe her. After that, Glenda is terrified she will say something ..

EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor has filmed her final scene for the soap after almost 16 years in the part of Peggy Mitchell. The 72-year-old performed in the role for the last time yesterday (Friday), bringing her long history with the Albert Square serial to a close. After completing her final scene, the actress hugged fellow cast members Samantha Womack (Ronnie), Rita Simons (Roxy) and Glynis Barber (Glenda) and gave a speech which reflected on her time with the programme. Speaking of Windsor's exit, Womack commented: "There was a line in a script, 'You have always been like a mother to me', and that summed it up perfectly for me. Barbara took myself and Rita under her wing from the day we started and it's a wrench to let her go. We will miss her dearly and we will definitely stay in touch - she won't be able to get rid of us!

EastEnders star Samantha Womack has revealed that Ronnie Mitchell will open up about her torment at the hands of father Archie (Larry Lamb) Speaking to What's On TV, the actress said that Glenda (Glynis Barber), Peggy (Barbara Windsor) and Jack (Scott Maslen) will overhear her emotional outburst to sister Roxy. She explained: "She tells Roxy (Rita Simons) what Archie did to her. She tells her that he raped her one night when she was 13. "What she doesn't realise is Glenda and Peggy have brought Jack back to the flat. She turns around and sees them... and (more)...

Glynis Barber has admitted that she would have liked the opportunity to work with Larry Lamb on EastEnders. The actress never shared any scenes with her screen ex-husband as his villainous alter ego Archie Mitchell was killed off before her character Glenda arrived on Albert Square. Speaking to Inside Soap, Barber revealed: "I was introduced to Larry Lamb at the British Soap Awards. It was the first time I'd ever met him, so I kept saying, 'Larry, I'm your wife!'. I think he must have thought I was demented - I'm not sure he knew who I was! "I would've loved to have worked (more)...

EastEnders actress Rita Simons has teased about the mystery surrounding her new screen brother Danny Mitchell, tipping him as "one to watch" in the coming months. During last night's edition of the Walford soap, Mitchell sisters Ronnie and Roxy were stunned by the arrival of their secret brother Danny (Liam Bergin) at their father Archie's wake. Unbeknown to the pair, their mother Glenda (Glynis Barber) fled the family home carrying Archie's unborn child. Since her disappearance, however, Glenda failed to inform her husband or daughters of Danny's existence. Speaking of the character's arrival, 32-year-old Roxy actress Rita Simons told Digital Spy: "It's brilliant! We've been saying it for ages that there's a long lost brother who'll (more)...

EastEnders actress Glynis Barber has teased about the future of her Walford character in the BBC soap. The 54-year-old, who plays Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell's mother Glenda, arrived in Albert Square at the beginning of the month in the hope of inheriting a substantial amount of money in her ex-husband Archie's will. However, on discovering that she and Archie were divorced on the grounds of desertion, Glenda fled the area after revealing to Ronnie (Samantha Womack) that she and her sister Roxy (Rita Simons) have a secret brother. Next week, Danny Mitchell - played by soap newcomer Liam Bergin - arrives on the day of his father's funeral and after confirming his identity to the rest of the Mitchell clan, Glenda leaves them playing happy families. Of her short stint with the BBC soap, Barber told Digital Spy: "I came in and did nine episodes. I think (more)...

EastEnders newcomer Liam Bergin has revealed that his character Danny Mitchell will be shrouded in mystery when he arrives in Walford next week. Producers announced on Boxing Day that they had cast Bergin in the role of Danny, who is the secret son of deceased villain Archie. Danny's decision to seek out his family in Albert Square follows the recent arrival of his mother Glenda, played by Glynis Barber. Speaking to Digital Spy about his character's secretive ways, Bergin explained: "Danny tells the rest of the Mitchells that he's not in contact with his mum but he actually is. Peggy finds out that he's stayed in contact and doesn't like it at (more)...

Rita Simons has praised EastEnders' producers for their decision to adopt a slow-burn approach to Roxy Mitchell's storylines. The actress joined the soap with screen sister Samantha Womack (Ronnie) in 2007, but fans have only just seen the pair's mother Glenda - played by Glynis Barber - for the first time. Show bosses also waited before introducing their sinister father Archie, who was murdered in the Queen Vic on Christmas Day. Speaking to Digital Spy about how events have played out, Simons commented: "What's been great for Sam and I is that we got to do a good couple of years finding ourselves as characters. Then our dad was brought in and now our mum. A lot of people turn up in Walford and have to play out their family history there and then, but we've been lucky to have been able to find out all about our family before...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has admitted that her part in the soap felt like it was "meant to be". The actress was cast in the role of Walford newcomer Glenda Mitchell in October after original choice Jill Gascoine pulled out following one day of filming. Speaking about her appointment in an interview with Digital Spy, Barber revealed: "I didn't even know about the part originally! I knew nothing of it. I think they originally cast Jill because she's of a similar age to Barbara [Windsor] and on screen, they're sisters-in-law, so it made total sense. "The fact that they then cast me was a sign of the complete desperation to get someone quickly! To be perfectly honest, though, I think it worked out really well." Discussing her resemblance to screen daughter (more)...

EastEnders star Glynis Barber has revealed that she is not expecting her character to be unveiled as the killer of Archie Mitchell. Villainous Archie, played by Larry Lamb, was murdered by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day, sparking a new whodunnit storyline for the Walford soap. Meanwhile, Barber's alter ego Glenda, who is Archie's ex-wife, will be at the centre of a new twist on the programme next week when she arrives in Albert Square unexpectedly. Speaking to Digital Spy about whether Glenda could have been around to kill Archie days earlier, Barber explained: "You just never know what they're going to spring on you! Nobody knows yet - even the perpetrator doesn't know. "When we were filming, (more)...

EastEnders newcomer Glynis Barber has revealed that her character Glenda Mitchell will be "tough" but "vulnerable". The actress, who was cast in the role two months ago, will be seen on screen for the first time next week as Glenda arrives in Albert Square unexpectedly. Glenda is the ex-wife of villain Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb), who was killed off in mysterious circumstances in the Walford soap's Christmas Day episode. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy, Barber described Glenda as a "meaty character" and a "fantastic part". On why Glenda's marriage fell apart, she continued: "When she lived with Archie, he was very controlling of her. Even though she lived (more)...

EastEnders actress Rita Simons has praised her new co-star Glynis Barber. The 32-year-old, who plays barmaid Roxy Mitchell on the BBC One soap, confirmed that she has enjoyed getting to know the drama's latest recruit in recent weeks. Former Dempsey & Makepeace cast member Barber landed the part of Glenda Mitchell last month. Glenda is the ex-wife of sinister Archie (Larry Lamb) and mother of Roxy and Ronnie (Samantha Womack). In an interview with Inside Soap, Simons explained: "It's amazing how much (more)...

Jill Gascoine has stepped down from the role of EastEnders' Glenda Mitchell, forcing the soap's bosses to recast the character just days after the initial announcement. With such tight filming schedules, the series was forced to hire a replacement, opting for 53-year-old ex-Dempsey and Makepeace actress Glynis Barber. Earlier this week, producers revealed that 72-year-old Gascoine - star of The Gentle Touch and C.A.T.S. Eyes - had signed to play the role of Archie Mitchell's (Larry Lamb) estranged wife Glenda. However, during her first day on set, Gascoine took the decision to withdraw from her filming commitments as she felt that she "lacked the right experience to film such a big continuing drama". Speaking of her conclusion to step down, Gascoine said: "I was so looking forward (more)...

It’s still Thursday for another couple of hours where I am, so it’s time to remake an 80s classic TV show or movie with an all-new cast. This week: Blake’s 7, the 1978-1981 BBC science fiction show. A revival has been rumored for years, but as right now, there’s nothing definite in the pipeline. (Don’t miss the BBC’s cult-tv subsite devoted to the show.) The original cast included: Roj Blake: Gareth Thomas Kerr Avon: Paul Darrow Jenna Stannis: Sally Knyvette Vila Restal: Michael Keating Cally: Jan Chappell Olag Ga: David Jackson Del Tarrant: Steven Pacey Dayna Mellanby: Josette Simon Soolin: Glynis Barber Orac: Peter Tuddenham Servalan: Jacqueline Pearce Space Commander Travis: Brian Croucher/Stephen Greif My dream cast for an update: Roj Blake: Paul McGann Kerr Avon: Christopher Eccleston Jenna Stannis: Kate Winslet Vila Restal: John Simm Cally: Cate Blanchett Olag Gan: Philip Glenister...

"Deja Vu" is one of Henry Jaglom's more accessible and least self-indulgent efforts, but that doesn't make it any more tolerable.

The tale of two people who meet and discover that they have an all-consuming love for each other, the film is a hyper-romantic exercise that audiences will find touching or cloying, depending on their degree of cynicism.

With characters who say things like "Jump into life" and "Take it easy, take some herbs", the movie at least it has the benefit of not starring the filmmaker himself.

Jaglom's wife, Victoria Foyt, co-wrote the screenplay and stars as Dana, an American traveling abroad while preparing to join her fiance Alex Michael Brandon) in London. In Jerusalem, she meets a mysterious older woman (Aviva Marks) who tells her an involved story about a long-lost love. When the woman leaves her antique ruby pin behind, Dana attempts to return it by leaving it at the Paris jewelry shop where it was purchased many years earlier.

Traveling through Dover, Dana then has an unsettling encounter with an artist, Sean (Stephen Dillane), to whom she feels an instant, definitive attraction. He returns the sentiment and, after much kissing and talk about destiny and the inevitability of love, the pair reluctantly part. They meet again at the London country home where Dana and Alex are staying when Sean suddenly appears by coincidence. It turns out that he's married to Claire (Glynis Barber), a hard-talking set designer.

Among other characters who figure prominently are Dana and Alex's hosts (played by Noel Harrison and Anna Massey) and a free-spirited woman, Skelly (Vanessa Redgrave, looking luminous), whose passionate advice to Dana to cast caution to the wind gives her the courage to follow her heart.

"Deja Vu", more plot-driven than Jaglom's usual talkathons, harkens back to the romanticism of '40s era weepies such as "Brief Encounter", with supernatural overtones. It features an extensive array of period songs on the soundtrack, from Sinatra to repeated renditions of "The White Cliffs of Dover", which figures prominently in the story and is filled with endless philosophical ruminations about the meaning of love and destiny.

There are times when one can't help but get caught up in the film's romantic sweep, with certain scenes capturing a passionate intensity not often found in today's hard-edged cinema. But the effect is repeatedly undercut by the pretentious, stilted dialogue, which defies even the best efforts by the skilled cast.

DEJA VU

Rainbow Releasing

A Rainbow Film Company

and Revere Entertainment presentation

Director-editor: Henry Jaglom

Screenplay: Henry Jaglom, Victoria Foyt

Producer: John Goldstone

Co-producer: Judith Wolinsky

Director of photography: Hanania Baer

Original music: Gaili Schoen

Color/stereo

Cast:

Sean: Stephen Dillane

Dana: Victoria Foyt

Skelly: Vanessa Redgrave

Claire: Glynis Barber

Alex: Michael Brandon

John: Noel Harrison

Konstantine: Vernon Dobtcheff

Running time -- 116 minutes

No MPAA rating...