The vastly influential showrunner Shonda Rhimes may be American, but she knows a lot about the British way of life. You need only watch her TV blockbuster Bridgerton to prove that point.
As for Britain’s creative edge – the theme of this year’s RTS London Convention – Rhimes puts it down to a mysterious “secret sauce”.
For drama to arise, the hero’s intention must meet an obstacle, and what better obstacle than an arch-rival.
But rivalries come in all forms, from the most petty to the most fierce, and are therefore wellsprings of drama and hilarity that can be found in series of all genres.
Here are some of the greatest to have graced the small screen.
Although he assures me he’s “too old to play Tim [again]”, you can see the similarities he shares with his famous character.
He is affable and self-deprecating, joking that he thinks the real Steve Fulcher, who he plays in upcoming ITV drama A Confession, was happy for him to play him - although might have wished for “someone taller, maybe?”
With more than 80 film and TV credits to his name, Freeman has starred in everything from cult classic TV series to huge blockbuster franchises.
We take a look at some of the weirdest holiday specials, from killer snowmen to passive aggressive relatives.
Writer Charlie Brooker sets a tranquil scene in the beginning of the Black Mirror Christmas episode, before dragging viewers along a twisted story of loneliness and ostracisation.
Alfred Hitchcock was the first filmmaker to widely use them, making cameo appearances in 39 of his films.
Over the years Easter eggs have become more complex and are almost a trademark for some series such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. On the small screen they remain prolific in shows where the writers wish to give something back to their audience.
Whether it’s secret messages, inside jokes or obscure references, we’ve got a rundown of ten of the best Easter eggs from British TV.
The Royal Television Society has announced the winners of the Craft & Design Awards 2017 at a glittering ceremony in central London.
The series, based on the semi-autobiographical novels by Edward St. Aubyn, will be adapted for television by One Day and Starter for Ten author David Nicholls.
Cumberbatch, who will also serve as an executive producer on the show, stars as Melrose, a man struggling to overcome the damage inflicted growing up with an abusive father and unsupportive mother. It will track his journey from his harrowing childhood through substance abuse and to eventual recovery.
“They are both detective shows, but they could not be more different. For Sherlock we chose a character- and theme-driven way of scoring,” said Price, who was in conversation with live music producer, and former BBC and Classic FM presenter Tommy Pearson.
Price demonstrated how he and his co-composer, David Arnold – neither will reveal who writes which parts of a score – composed Sherlock’s “hero theme”, the music that accompanies Benedict Cumberbatch’s sleuth as he springs into action.
Played by Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock has been named the favourite BBC TV character by a third of TV viewers surveyed.
The research was conducted in the lead up to BBC Worldwide Showcase. Over 7000 people aged 18 to 64 from Australia, France, USA, Germany, India, Japan and Mexico were asked to take part in the survey, which identified the most popular BBC TV character and most memorable scene from BBC television.
The animated pre-school series, School of Roars, is about five young monsters as they experience school for the first time.
The five monster-lings tackle each school day with the help of their lovable teacher Miss Grizzlesniff, voiced by Kathy Burke, who guides them through monstery classes in maths, music, cookery and life.
Sarah Lancashire appears as the Headmonstress, Mrs Twirlyhorn, and Sherlock villain Andrew Scott, plays the narrator – as well as a number of other characters including Mr Marrow the cookery teacher.
