For further information:
Louise Zayed
Senior Press Officer
Tel: +353 1 419 3428
louise.zayed@tv3.ie
Kevin Shore
Press Officer
Tel: +353 1 419 3387
kevin.shore@virginmedia.ie
publicity@tv3.ie
TV3 GROUP RELEASE
IMMEDIATE: Friday 27th December 2013
The X Factor, Coronation Street, Christmas Toys and GAA on 3 are ratings winners for TV3 in 2013.
TV3 is set to continue this success in the New Year with new shows including Keith Barry: Brain Hacker, The Lie, Pressure Point, Things We Love And Hate, Off Their Rockers, Broadchurch, Algorithim, Fact or Fancy, Mind Your Own Business, Save your money, Doctor In The House and popular returning programmes The Great Irish Bake Off Series 2, Animal A&E, 24 Hours to Kill and Dancing on Ice.
Also new on 3e in 2014 comes Magaluf Weekender and returning shows The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, American Dad and American Idol.
TV3 today announces the ratings winners for 2013 which include The X Factor, Coronation Street, Christmas Toys and GAA on 3.
Throughout the year, The X Factor continuously pulled in viewers with the highest rating episode being watched by 506, 200 people. The most successful rating episode of Coronation Street saw 629,000 viewers tune in as long standing character Sunita Alahan met a grisly end in the Rovers Return fire. Another ratings winner was Christmas Toys, a first look at what was at the top of children’s wish lists. 352,900 people tuned in to the Christmas special presented by Ireland AM’s Alan Hughes.
It was also a successful year for sport on TV3 with 442,800 tuning in to see Mayo beat Donegal in the All Ireland Senior Football Quarter Final and 422,400 viewers watching Real Madrid knock Manchester United out of the UEFA Champions League.
TV3 is looking forward to another year of high ratings with a host of new programmes including Keith Barry: Brain Hacker, The Lie, Pressure Point, Things We Love And Hate, Off Their Rockers, Broadchurch, Algorithim, Fact or Fancy, Mind Your Own Business, Save your money, Doctor In The House and popular returning programmes The Great Irish Bake Off Series 2, Animal A&E, 24 Hours to Kill and Dancing on Ice.
In mid- January, world renowned mentalist Keith Barry will be taking to our screens for a brand new TV3 production Keith Barry: Brain Hacker. Keith will take the audience on a theatrical rollercoaster ride, where they will participate in astounding feats based around mind control, including hypnosis and remote viewing.
The Lie presented by Jonathan McCrea will also air in spring on TV3. The brand new exhilarating quiz show gives contestants the chance to win €10,000, all they have to do is spot the lie.
Following on from the roaring success of The Great Irish Bake Off, the ultimate baking battle is back for a second series. Animal A&E will also return to TV3 in the New Year for its fifth series where presenter Andrea Hayes will give a heart-warming, although sometimes heart-breaking, insight into animals, their owners and the people who look after their welfare.
Dancing on Ice will be back on our screen on Sunday 5th January for its ninth and final season. Producers are already putting plans into action and lining up celebrities to make their final season one to remember. With an all-star mix of finalists and show favourites from the past eight series, the final series is sure to go out with bang.
On Monday 6th of January, the compelling series 24 Hours to Kill will return for a fourth season, to examine a selection of Ireland’s most shocking murders, which in turn produced some of the most recognised murder trials since the founding of the State.
Other upcoming TV3 and 3e shows and ones to note for 2014 include Algorithim, Fact or Fancy, Mind Your Own Business, Save your money, Doctor In The House, This Island, The Park, Cork, Ireland’s Mega-port, Ireland By Night, Irish Lives, Wentworth, Tales of Irish Castles, National Television Awards, King of the Travellers, Magaluf Weekender, The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, American Dad and American Idol.
(See Notes to Editor for a whole host of upcoming shows on TV3 and 3e in 2014)
ENDS
For further information
Ciara Byrne
Press Officer
01 419 3329
087 319 9732
Sharon McHugh
Head of Press & Publicity
087 922 4143
publicity@tv3.ie
www.tv3.ie
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NOTES TO EDITOR
TV3 Highlights for 2014
24 Hours to Kill
The compelling series 24 Hours to Kill returns for a fourth season, examining a selection of Ireland’s most shocking murders, which in turn produced some of the most recognised murder trials since the founding of the State. In 24 Hours to Kill we rewind the clock to relive the hours leading up to some of Ireland’s most brutal killings, which devastated families and shocked the Irish public to the core. We retrace the steps of the killers and the movements of the innocent victims, as we reveal how jealousy, desire, revenge and hatred pushed them into committing such sinister murders. Some of the convicted murderers investigated this season include Gary McCrea, David Bourke and Private Sean Courtney.
Dancing On Ice
Dancing on Ice will return to TV3 in January 2014 for its final season. Producers are already putting plans into action and lining up celebrities to make their final season one to remember. Mentors Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have decided that in this, the thirtieth anniversary of the Bolero and their resulting Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo, it seemed a fitting time to say farewell. Get ready for more of your favourite celebrities performing sensational skating routines, with top choreography and lots of surprises. It promises to be the biggest and best series to date as Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley return to host the action.
Animal A&E
Animal A&E returns for its fifth successful series. This is a heart-warming, although sometimes heart-breaking, insight into animals, their owners and the people who look after their welfare. Andrea Hayes and the team will travel across the country reporting on animal welfare issues, meeting local vets and their patients, while following the ISPCA inspectors as they investigate cases of cruelty and neglect.
Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a British television crime drama which centres on the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a British seaside town. Leading the investigation are two detectives – the strong yet compassionate local Detective Sergeant, Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman), and the by-the-book Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant), Ellie’s newly appointed boss. By circumstance they are partnered to solve the murder, keeping the newspapers from derailing the investigation and trying to prevent the crime from impacting tourism at the beach where the boy was murdered. The murder brings a media frenzy, which threatens to tear the community apart.
Celebrity Tipping Point
Ben Shephard invites a host of well-known stars to take part in the celebrity edition of the quiz show, in which contestants answer questions to win turns on an arcade-style machine. Dropping tokens down a choice of four chutes, they hope to knock piles of them off a moving shelf - and the more they collect, the better their chances of collecting the £20,000 prize for their selected charity.
Off Their Rockers
Proving that age really is nothing but a number, Off Their Rockers is a hidden camera series that sees senior citizens turn the tables on unsuspecting members of the public with a host of funny and unexpected pranks. A band of fearless seniors roam the streets causing mayhem with their irreverent behaviour, brazenly funny sketches and saucy pranks. Featuring an ensemble cast of gregarious golden oldies, ranging from 67 to 84 years old, our Rockers are determined to have a blast as they grow old disgracefully in this feel good new series. With a fresh and edgy look, there's nothing old-fashioned about this series.
Things We Love And Hate
There's no middle ground with certain topics of Irish popular culture. Either you think it’s wonderful and amazing or you break out into a rage of irritation at the thought of it! Either way, Ireland’s up and coming comedians, along with members of the public examine all the things we, as a nation, love, hate and of course, love to hate! The show discusses topics of interest that are bound to get people into a state of hysterics. Things We Love And Hate is sure to stir the pot and split the sides, while bringing back nostalgic memories of Ireland in ‘the good old days’! With stand-up performances and anecdotes from comedians Andrew Stanley, Niamh Marron, Gar Murran, Jarlath Regan, Willie White, Colum McDonnell, Damian Clark and Eric Lalor, it is sure to spark a few conversations and laughs!
Keith Barry: Brain Hacker
Keith Barry: Brain Hacker reveals more than ever about his inner most thoughts. Prepare to be amazed by the world renowned mentalist’s new production – an intelligent and inspirational show, which attempts to break into the minds of the audience with truly astonishing results. Keith will take the audience on a theatrical rollercoaster ride, where they will participate in astounding feats based around mind control, including hypnosis and remote viewing. Brain Hacker promises to leave both the audience and viewers at home in amazement and disbelief.
Skint
Skint tells the provocative and revealing stories of people who are in long-term unemployment, have never worked, or are growing up without any expectation of working. At its height Scunthorpe's steelworks employed 27,000 people. It now employs a sixth of that number. With work in the town still hard to find, the people featured in this series are thrown back on their own resources. Told with energy, humour and boldness, the series offers an insight into their lives, highlighting social issues such as youth unemployment, crime, welfare dependency, truancy and addiction; but with the characters also revealing their ingenuity, resilience, community support and love and pride of family. Skint gets behind the headlines as people who are often maligned for their lifestyle offer their own story and show the real impact of worklessness.
Through The Keyhole
Remake of the infamous panel show from the 90's. Hosted by comic hero Keith Lemon in front of a studio audience and a weekly panel of three celebrities. As with the original show, Keith is let loose around the homes of the rich and famous - the panel must guest who owns the house showcased.
The Lie
The Lie is a brand new exhilarating game show that gives contestants the chance to win big money; all they have to do is survive a nail-biting series of rounds, risking an increasing amount of cash on their ability to spot the lie. In each round they are faced with a series of statements in a chosen category, from pop culture to current affairs. There will always be one lie but as they get closer to the jackpot, the number of true statements and inevitably the number of pitfalls increase. The anticipation levels rise as the rounds go by, with the lies becoming more difficult to spot. Join our contestants as they battle it out for nine rounds of competition in the quest to win a top prize of €10,000. It all comes down to one simple question – can you spot the lie?
Pressure Point
A brand new daily quiz show where five contestants undergo the pressure of three fast-paced general knowledge rounds. Over the course of the programme the five players compete to force each other into the pressure zone and ultimately out of the game.
Competitors must get their answers correct in order to attack the opposition. The tension mounts as the rounds go by, with the winner staying on to the next show, all in the hope of potentially winning big by the end of the week.
Algorithm
Is an innovative new game show that harnesses the power of "big data" to answer a burning question in the 21st century: is it possible for a computer to know your family better than you do? Each week, families appear in studio to prove how well they know each other -- the better they do, the more cash they win. But if they make one mistake, their fate lies in the hands of the Algorithm which is fuelled by the answers of millions of people at home. It's a classic "man vs. machine" showdown as we learn whether people can truly be reduced to 0s and 1s.
Fact or Fancy
It’s a case of the eternal battle of beauty versus brains in this brand new dating show.
Fact or Fancy challenges one girl to find her ideal date from the studio audience over three rounds of questions, accompanied with plenty of surprises and lots of banter. Not being able to see her suitors, she will face the inevitable question as she is asked to choose which boy is best for her based upon ‘Fact or Fancy’? Will true love shine and is beauty more than skin deep?
Mind Your Own Business
Businessman and entrepreneur John McGuire anchors this series which finds individuals who have recently been made redundant and who want to convert their severance pay into a new start. John is adamant that people need far less money than they think they do to start a successful business. Using his experience and knowledge, John mentors these fledging business people as they take their first steps towards controlling their destiny. Bravery and hard work coupled with his help and advice, can make any new enterprise not only survive but also thrive.
Save Your Money
Save Your Money is a new style of consumer show for the Irish market. The show will drill down to the serious issues affecting the community. The core aim of the show is to provide solutions on how best to spend your money, while bringing a positive and more light-hearted approach to the consumer show territory.
Our studio panel of expert presenters will each week take on one cost saving challenge. Over the course of the programme our experts set upon their adventures, reconvening in studio to tell the tale, while exploring the issues that affect the Irish consumer the most along the way.
Doctor In The House
Doctor In The House visits a number of households across the country, promising to revolutionise their family lifestyle. In this six-part series about preventive medicine, our Doctors will spend a week monitoring and testing a household, identifying risk factors and possible health problems for the individuals. Each group will be given a prognosis and then the household will have eight weeks to work together, to modify their behaviour before being re-tested. The results of which will show if a household can really break the habits of a lifetime. The expert team includes – Niall Moyna, Dublin City University Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance and member of the Centre for Preventive Medicine; Dr. Nina Byrnes, author of Your Health Matters, who has a special interest in preventive health and lifestyle medicine; and TV3’s Ireland AM resident doctor, Sinead Beirne.
This Island
This Island delivers a great insight into the people, places and beautiful surroundings of our coastline. We discover the great relationships people have with our shores as they reveal how their lives are dominated by the sea and ocean that surrounds our 5,631km perimeter. We will be looking at the wildlife that lives off the coast, with a focus on the businesses and townspeople that thrive from it. Truly stunning aerial views of our landscape and unique stories from remarkable people make This Island a real journey through proud and panoramic beauty.
The Park
A four-part documentary series. Killarney National Park is Ireland’s oldest, largest and most diverse national park, and a living archive of some of our most precious scenery, plants and wildlife. Following a year in the life of Killarney National Park, viewers will get an unprecedented insight into one of the last wild places in Ireland. The Park captures rare action footage of wildlife - on land, in the air, under water - focusing in particular on endangered species that have found a haven within the park. This is set to be a truly stunning television experience for the viewer.
Cork, Ireland’s Mega-port
10 million tonnes of shipping passes through the port of Cork each year, with giant cruise ships, roll on roll off ferries, massive container ships, the Irish Navy, and ocean going yachts, all to be managed by the teams of pilots, security, stevedores and shipping agents, the port of Cork is a 24/7 operation for 365 days of the year, it is one of Ireland’s greatest success stories, and vital to the country’s economy. This fast paced fly on the wall series goes behind the scenes with a cast of colourful characters, who over the series will become familiar faces on our screens, as they deal with demanding cruise ship passengers, wayward yachtsmen, drug smugglers and millions of tonnes of foreign goods, welcome to Cork, Ireland’s Mega-port.
Ireland By Night
This fly on the wall documentary highlights the task in hand of working through the night while the majority of people sleep soundly. Ireland By Night explores the night-shift workers as they go about their respective duties. Observe as the newspaper editorial and production teams handle the pressure of getting the publication ready to be delivered across the country; or see the challenges that face security firms as we get a truthful view into their world.
Whether it’s a milkman racing to deliver produce or the road recovery service rescuing stranded owners and their vehicles, there’s plenty of action occurring after dark. While these people may lead ordinary lives, employed in ordinary jobs, their journey through the night-shift can be somewhat extra-ordinary.
Irish Lives
Irish Lives delves into the lives of real Irish people with real stories to tell from their own personal experiences. This series of one-off character-driven documentaries aims to portray different people’s scenarios as they overcome contrasting hurdles, whether it be striving for greater independence or fighting for a greater sense of belonging. With an open and honest look into people’s lives, this series will endeavour to highlight awareness, understanding and ultimately to stress the importance of respect in our society.
Wentworth
Amazingly powerful, dynamic and confronting, the hugely successful Australian drama Wentworth is a modern adaptation of the iconic Prisoner: Cell Block H series, which pushed the boundaries more than three decades ago. Set in the Wentworth Correctional Centre, each episode explores an individual character’s back story, providing an insight into what makes them tick and the circumstances that led them to Wentworth. At the centre of it all is Bea Smith (Danielle Cormack), a suburban wife and mother that finds herself behind bars there. But who was Bea Smith before prison and how did a wife and mother from the suburbs become Wentworth’s inmate leader without rival?
Tales of Irish Castles
Tales of Irish Castles is a six-part series documenting Ireland’s most historically significant structures. Presented by Simon Delaney, the series will take the audience on a journey throughout the island of Ireland, where more castles were built than in the rest of the British Isles combined. Starting in the 11th century, Tales of Irish Castles documents these magnificent stone structures and the stories contained within their walls, bringing them to life through specially shot re-enactments, archive footage and contributions from Ireland’s leading historians, archaeologists, castle owners and dwellers.
The Great Irish Bake Off – Series 2
Twelve passionate home bakers are set to take part in a 'bake off', which will test every aspect of their skills, as they battle it out to be crowned the Great Irish Bake Off's Best Amateur Baker. Presenter Anna Nolan returns in the Spring to showcase the rising talent. Expert judges - top selling cookery writer and baker Biddy White Lennon and executive pastry chef at The Merrion Hotel Paul Kelly will be there to judge the bake off, emphasising the importance of including the Irish aspect of baking, from soda breads to all types of scones. It’s whisks at the ready this autumn, as TV3 celebrates the cream of Irish baking!
King of the Travellers (Movie)
A premiere for Irish TV and exclusive to TV3 – this much hyped film is part funded also by TV3, supporting home-grown production. It stars Love/Hate’s Peter Coonan.
3e Highlights for 2014
Graham Norton 2013-2014 (Series 15)
Comic-genius Graham Norton returns to play host to a staggering list of celebrities and fellow comics. Graham presents the show focusing on the people, trends, stories and aspects of celebrity culture that interest him the most, featuring trademark Norton comedy monologues, hilarious interviews on the orange couch and musical performances from the latest chart toppers. With the likes of Elton John, Colin Farrell, Arcade Fire and Lady Gaga already guests on the show this season, we’re certainly looking forward to seeing what Graham has in store for 2014.
The Big Bang Theory (Series 4)
Regarding the opposite sex, they’re on a steep learning curve. In every other sense, they’re geniuses! Join physicists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper as they ponder black holes, chemical deviations, girls, and other mysteries of the universe. As the fourth season of The Big Bang Theory kicks off, Howard uses a robotic arm for his own pleasure, while Penny assists Sheldon with his first date!
Family Guy
“Lucky there’s a Family Guy!” The Griffins continue their animated presence on TV3 this autumn, where the surreal adventures of Peter and family are sure to keep us entertained. Peter and his wife Lois have three kids – the youngest being Stewie, a sadistic baby obsessed with nuclear physics and world domination. Chris, like his father, is obese, has a low IQ and a serious lack of common sense. Meg (voice of Mila Kunis) desperately tries to be noticed by her family, but is always coldly forgotten. Their talking dog Brian keeps baby Stewie in check, while Peter is off gallivanting with his best buddies Glen Quagmire, Cleveland Brown and Joe Swanson.
American Dad!
American Dad! follows the escapades of Stan Smith, an extreme right-wing CIA agent dealing with family life and keeping America safe, all in the most irrational ways possible. Stan’s wife, Francine has an unquestionable talent for turning a blind eye to Stan’s brashness; his 18-year-old daughter Hayley has him wrapped around her finger, while 14-year-old son, the nerdy Steve, seems to be on the constant verge of puberty but can’t quite make sense of the opposite sex. Roger, the family pet alien often gets involved, but resents the fact that he’s not allowed to leave the house.
Magaluf Weekender
Magaluf Weekender follows the goings-on at the infamous holiday resort of Magaluf in Mallorca. What do young tourists really get up to when they are away from their family homes? Each week, the series follows a different group of revellers aged 18 to 24 as they check in to the Lively Hotel ready to embark on a long weekend of partying. It focuses on four resort reps - Jamie-Leigh, Imogen, Brett and Jordan - as they do their best to ensure that the holidaymakers have as much outrageous fun as possible, whilst enjoying the experience for themselves!
American Idol (Series 13)
It’s round thirteen for American Idol and after all of the drama surrounding who would make up the judging panel, the show is ready to get back to business: finding music’s next superstar. The new-look panel will consist of country music star Keith Urban, superstar pop-diva Jennifer Lopez and newcomer - American singer, conductor and pianist Harry Connick Jr. Get ready for the action as auditions roll through Salt Lake City, Omaha, Detroit, Atlanta, Boston, Austin and San Francisco.
Virgin Media Television launches its Spring TV Schedule
Monday 23rd, 17:13pm
The World TV Premiere of ?Cardboard Gangsters?, Brand New Christmas Specials and Family Movie Fav
Wednesday 13th, 15:52pm
TV3 announces presentation team and panel for its coverage of the NatWest Six Nations 2018
Tuesday 12th, 16:49pm
?Quote Devil Insurance? Renews Sponsorship of Virgin Media Television Weather
Monday 15th, 17:15pm
TV3 Group to rebrand as Virgin Media Television
Thursday 28th, 13:10pm
Virgin Media and TV3 secure rights to all UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches
Tuesday 15th, 11:12am