25:10 - "Close" (to 26:00): 90k (2.8%) * better share than the channel achieved in the 11:00 hour and between 12:30 and 13:30 * do they play good music?
Maybe people falling asleep and forgetting to switch off their BARB "I'm watching the TV" button.:D
I really don't understand how Oldham v Everton was their number one choice, above Man City v Leeds and Man Utd v Reading, even with Reading having to get through a replay. Arsenal v Blackburn didn't even get a televised slot - I struggle to see how ITV opted for Huddersfield (or Leicester) v Wigan over that.
Reading beat Sheffield Utd 4-0. There was no replay.
The picks were made that way because if you pick certain matches such as Man City vs Leeds, it can only be played at lunchtime because of policing issues. Equally Man City & Man Utd cannot play at home on the same days for policing reasons. The only games that could get played in the prime early evening slots were the ones itv chose.
Indeed. And, Let's Dance is a harmless bit of fun too. That's why both shows are successful.
However, would Splash! be the success it apparently is with stronger opposition? We'll never know!
Or if it didn't have Tom Daley in his trunks:D The Female and Gay viewers might turn off.
Splash I thought was terrible. Not exciting one bit
The hosts were good but the panel of Judges terrible (Jo flipping Unfunny brand)
Let's Dance is a little different. it's a bit of fun for Charity
which I kind of enjoy because it's tacky but fun Saturday TV.
Next week I gather Lets dance and Takeaway will clash?
for me ITV will win because I loved Saturday night takeaway and it's Ant & Dec at their best and away from hosting this Reality rubbish. Better suited to them imo.
Reading beat Sheffield Utd 4-0. There was no replay.
The picks were made that way because if you pick certain matches such as Man City vs Leeds, it can only be played at lunchtime because of policing issues. Equally Man City & Man Utd cannot play at home on the same days for policing reasons. The only games that could get played in the prime early evening slots were the ones itv chose.
My mistake on the replay. Even taking everything into account Man Utd v Reading and Man City v Leeds were viable options for ITV - Man City v Leeds could have played at anytime today and Man Utd v Reading would have probably played last night rather than Monday.
Anyhow, that decision is done and moving forward ITV now get 1st and 3rd pick at the Quarter Final stage (rather than 1st/4th). I suspect should Man Utd beat Reading on Monday they'll be first pick against either Chelsea or Middlesborough - though tougher to call if there is an upset.
Strange that the BBC are already advertising Shetland and Prisoners' Wives but not Mayday when that will be airing first.
Also surprised at how big a push Prisoners' Wives is getting, it won't be starting for another three weeks and it's already been advertising for a week. If I remember correctly, while it rated respectably, it wasn't a hit. Could it see a Luther-like boost? That didn't rate so well in it's first series but the BBC pushed it in it's second series and was rewarded for the effort.
Strange that the BBC are already advertising Shetland and Prisoners' Wives but not Mayday when that will be airing first.
Also surprised at how big a push Prisoners' Wives is getting, it won't be starting for another three weeks and it's already been advertising for a week. If I remember correctly, while it rated respectably, it wasn't a hit.
But it got great reviews. I guess they feel it deserves to be a bigger hit than it currently is. There's been a few BBC dramas that have started off slowly but got bigger - Death in Paradise the most recent example, and Luther. Maybe Prisoners Wives will be next. Shetland looks really good too.
My mistake on the replay. Even taking everything into account Man Utd v Reading and Man City v Leeds were viable options for ITV - Man City v Leeds could have played at anytime today and Man Utd v Reading would have probably played last night rather than Monday.
The decisions were further complicated by the Chelsea replay which could have gone to ET and penalties and the need for the QF draw to be at a set time
But it got great reviews. I guess they feel it deserves to be a bigger hit than it currently is. There's been a few BBC dramas that have started off slowly but got bigger - Death in Paradise the most recent example, and Luther. Maybe Prisoners Wives will be next. Shetland looks really good too.
I enjoyed it, so I'm glad they're getting behind it, just didn't expect them to that's all. I edited my post to mention Luther before I saw your reply, hopefully it can do the same.
Strange that the BBC are already advertising Shetland and Prisoners' Wives but not Mayday when that will be airing first.
Also surprised at how big a push Prisoners' Wives is getting, it won't be starting for another three weeks and it's already been advertising for a week. If I remember correctly, while it rated respectably, it wasn't a hit. Could it see a Luther-like boost? That didn't rate so well in it's first series but the BBC pushed it in it's second series and was rewarded for the effort.
Prisoners' Wives was excellent. It did rate alright, but I felt it deserved much bigger figures as it was high quality. I'm hoping the promotional push it's getting pays off.
ITV (exc +1 unless otherwise stated)
06:00 - CITV: 103k (2.6%)
09:25 - ITV News: 223k (3.1%)
09:30- The Jeremy Kyle Show USA: 286k (3.8%)
10:20 -The Jeremy Kyle Show USA: 246k (3.3%)
11:20 - Saturday Cookbook (r): 267k (3.5%)
12:20 - ITV News, Regional News: 327k (4.0%)
12:25 - Murder, She Wrote (r): 410k (4.8%)
13:25 - My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham (r): 301k (3.2%)
14:30 - Dinner Date (r): 487k (4.9%)
15:30 - The Chase: Celebrity Special (r): 1.19m (10.5%) exc +1 / 1.37m (12.1%) inc +1 * starring Edwina Currie, Rachel Riley, Keith Duffy, Mark Churnock
Maybe ITV should do what Channel 4 do with Come Dine With Me and repeat 5 episodes of The Chase back to back. Well ahead of the rest of their daytime in audience share.
Channel 4 (exc +1 unless otherwise stated)
06:10 - The Hoobs (r): 7k (0.5%)
06:35 - The Hoobs (r): 5k (0.3%)
07:05 - Will and Grace (r): 29k (1.15%)
07:30 - Football Short: Kingsmeadow (r): 54k (1.4%)
08:00 - The Morning Line: 162k (2.9%)
08:55 - Everyone Loves Raymond (r) 164k (2.3%)
09:25 - Everyone Loves Raymond (r): 191k (2.6%)
09:55 - Frasier (r): 196k (2.6%)
10:25 - Frasier (r): 219k (3.0%)
10:55 - The Big Bang Theory (r): 261k (3.4%)
11:20 - The Big Bang Theory (r): 258k (3.4%)
11:50 - The Simpsons (r): 366k (4.7%)
12:20 - The Simpsons (r): 356k (4.25%)
12:45 - The Secret Millionaire - Ireland (r): 262k (3.0%)
13:50 - LIVE Racing: 515k (5.1%) * peak: 659k (6.7%) at 15:00 (the 14:55 at Haydock Park)
16:10 - Come Dine with Me (r): 352k (2.9%)
16:45 - Come Dine with Me (r): 706k (5.2%)
17:15 - Come Dine with Me (r): 870k (5.6%)
17:45 - Come Dine with Me (r): 1.09m (6.1%)
18:20 - Come Dine with Me (r): 1.19m (5.9%)
18:50 - Channel 4 News: 734k (3.5%)
19:10 - 4thought.tv: 492k (2.3%)
19:15 - FILM: Porridge (1979): 879k (4.0%) exc +1 / 1.04m (4.7%) inc +1
21:00 - World Without End: 954k (4.65%) exc +1 / 1.05m (4.7%) inc +1
22:55 - FILM: AVPR: Aliens vs Predator Requiem (2007): 366k (3.7%)
24:50 - FILM: Get Rich or Die Trying (2005) (to 26:00): 203k (5.7%)
I take it prisoners wives wil be tuesday evenings again or will it perhaps get a promotion to sunday evening. Its only four parts this year
A strong season of drama so far. Ben stephenson knows what he is doing be a shame if they did move him and danny cohen they have been the most successful bbc team in years.
Maybe ITV should do what Channel 4 do with Come Dine With Me and repeat 5 episodes of The Chase back to back. Well ahead of the rest of their daytime in audience share.
Well who really wants to watch clapped out episodes of Murder She Wrote? I wonder if when Border Television closed down, they found all the episodes in the basement as this old junk seemed to crop up all the time in the nineties if you lived north of Kendal. It was crap then and is crap now. Don't be surprised if other Border daytime entertainment for elderly masochists like A Country Practice, Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and Highway To Heaven appears on Saturday lunchtimes. At least it's cheap.
I take it prisoners wives wil be tuesday evenings again or will it perhaps get a promotion to sunday evening. Its only four parts this year
A strong season of drama so far. Ben stephenson knows what he is doing be a shame if they did move him and danny cohen they have been the most successful bbc team in years.
I liked Prisoners Wives and for all ratings weren't that good first time round, the drama was excellent and it deserved another series. I reckon another prison show could do well tomorrow night.
Channel 5(exc +1; nothing over 100k on +1)
06:00 - Milkshake! (r): 169k (3.8%)
10:00 - Power Rangers: Samurai (r): 210k (2.8%)
10:35 - Batman: the Brave and the Bold: 225k (3.0%)
11:10 - Britain's Strangest Pets (r): 264k (3.5%)
12:05 - Dangerous Drivers' School (r): 341k (4.1%)
13:10 - FILM: Black Widow (2007): 475k (5.1%)
14:50 - FILM: A River Runs Through It (1992): 506k (4.4%)
17:10 - 5 News Weekend: 503k (3.5%)
17:15 - FILM: Columbo: Prescription Murder (1968): 616k (3.35%)
19:10 - CSI: NY (r): 550k (2.5%)
19:55 - NCIS (r): 951k (4.25%)
20:55 - NCIS (r): 895k (4.0%)
21:50 - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: 928k (4.8%)
22:50 - Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 782k (6.0%)
23:45 - True Crimes: the First 72 Hours (r): 375k (4.2%)
25:15 - SuperCasino (to 26:00): 21k (0.5%)
Thanks for these. Channel 5 didn't have a bad day, in fact the day was pretty solid. Their daytime films really hold up well both on weekdays and on the weekends, and some of them are good too.
23:45 True Crimes - Looks like a good figure for that timeslot.
Is it just me or does everyday day seem like Channel 5 is slowly closing in on Channel 4?
Channel 4 has very little to offer, that's why. They seem to veer from elderly skewing shows like Countdown to teen shows like Hollyoaks and leave everyone else out. Also they seem to flog CDWM to death, Shameless feels like it's been on longer than the Vietnam War, DOND is tanking yet they seem scared to offend Noel Edmonds by cutting it back, and only a 16 year old could appreciate the wooden acting in Hollyoaks. Channel 5 at least has a varied schedule where you get news, Aussie soaps, documentaries and decent imports.
I'm quite pleased to see Lets Dance do well. Personally, it's not for me. They clearly put a lot of effort into the production (maybe a bit much at points!) but the actual dancing just bores me in most cases and the judges seem pretty redundant. But at least it's a big UK created and produced entertainment show.
That being said, I hope Takeaway beats it next week. Even though it's actually an old format, it's something different for Saturdays at the moment. It's not a talent show, it's not celeb based, there are no judges. And Ant & Dec remain the only seriously good light ent presenters we have (although perhaps because others aren't really getting opportunities to develop).
Ideally, they'll both do well and Takeaway would get 7m and Lets Dance would get 6.5m. But I suspect both will be a good bit lower.
Pads out the evening schedule doesn't it. They really only had one prime time show last night, Take Me Out, as Jonathan Ross really should be late night. In fact they only had three programmes all day. No idea where the budget goes these days.... Oh yeah, Simon Cowell:rolleyes:
They spent a lot more early this year than last - Splash! instead of The Talent Show Story. They're just in a gap at the moment because they've got a certain number of episodes of Takeaway then BGT and those dates are pretty much locked in. Next year Splash! will get an extended commission to take it through to Takeaway.
BGT/XF put in so much more than they take out as well. Without them ITV's entertainment budget (for non Cowell shows) would be far lower. In addition to Splash! they briefed for a bigger piece in the spring summer (presumably post BGT). I think the strategy is to spend less and less on the fringes and plough money into the big centre piece shows.
I'm not sure that's the answer to the programme's problems seeing as how it soared to its dizzying heights in the ratings after she left.:rolleyes:
I think she'll be back and it wouldn't be a bad thing. Yes, she had got tired by series 4. But it's worth remembering that the show did launch with 4.9m and by the time she left at the end of 2007 the ratings were up to 11.7m.
At this point if they can get the kind of ratings they had when she left they'd be very pleased. She's tried and tested and she knows the game plus she's . Most importantly, she's not a hot young female popstar. Because whether it's Tulisa or Rita Ora or whoever, they're just going to be compared to Cheryl Cole. That's just a dead end now, IMO. Unless they can actually get Cheryl herself. Same goes for Cowell. They don't need someone who's just going to end up being too similar but inferior (Barlow).
I'm quite pleased to see Lets Dance do well. Personally, it's not for me. They clearly put a lot of effort into the production (maybe a bit much at points!) but the actual dancing just bores me in most cases and the judges seem pretty redundant. But at least it's a big UK created and produced entertainment show.
IIRC the last series of Takeaway was celeb heavy; going by the trailer it appears as though they're going back to basics - I just hope that is the case.
I think she'll be back and it wouldn't be a bad thing. Yes, she had got tired by series 4. But it's worth remembering that the show did launch with 4.9m and by the time she left at the end of 2007 the ratings were up to 11.7m.
At this point if they can get the kind of ratings they had when she left they'd be very pleased. She's tried and tested and she knows the game plus she's . Most importantly, she's not a hot young female popstar. Because whether it's Tulisa or Rita Ora or whoever, they're just going to be compared to Cheryl Cole. That's just a dead end now, IMO. Unless they can actually get Cheryl herself. Same goes for Cowell. They don't need someone who's just going to end up being too similar but inferior (Barlow).
Plus she's a cert to work well with Louis who's been a spare part since Simon left. I can see her getting on with Nicole as well so the panel should be more upbeat than the last three series (I think the series 7 panel was getting tired by the end to be honest - Simon and Cheryl believed their own hype). Simon's seat is the big issue, to be honest; Gary never effectively replaced him. Melanie Brown could work considering how she plays the 'bad judge' in the Australian version - they'd just have to accept the 3-1 gender imbalance in the panel.
Comments
Maybe people falling asleep and forgetting to switch off their BARB "I'm watching the TV" button.:D
Reading beat Sheffield Utd 4-0. There was no replay.
The picks were made that way because if you pick certain matches such as Man City vs Leeds, it can only be played at lunchtime because of policing issues. Equally Man City & Man Utd cannot play at home on the same days for policing reasons. The only games that could get played in the prime early evening slots were the ones itv chose.
Or it could better then a BBC News simulcast
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s103/the-x-factor/news/a459338/sharon-osbourne-fuels-x-factor-return-rumours.html
I'm not sure that's the answer to the programme's problems seeing as how it soared to its dizzying heights in the ratings after she left.:rolleyes:
Splash I thought was terrible. Not exciting one bit
The hosts were good but the panel of Judges terrible (Jo flipping Unfunny brand)
Let's Dance is a little different. it's a bit of fun for Charity
which I kind of enjoy because it's tacky but fun Saturday TV.
Next week I gather Lets dance and Takeaway will clash?
for me ITV will win because I loved Saturday night takeaway and it's Ant & Dec at their best and away from hosting this Reality rubbish. Better suited to them imo.
Anyhow, that decision is done and moving forward ITV now get 1st and 3rd pick at the Quarter Final stage (rather than 1st/4th). I suspect should Man Utd beat Reading on Monday they'll be first pick against either Chelsea or Middlesborough - though tougher to call if there is an upset.
Also surprised at how big a push Prisoners' Wives is getting, it won't be starting for another three weeks and it's already been advertising for a week. If I remember correctly, while it rated respectably, it wasn't a hit. Could it see a Luther-like boost? That didn't rate so well in it's first series but the BBC pushed it in it's second series and was rewarded for the effort.
But it got great reviews. I guess they feel it deserves to be a bigger hit than it currently is. There's been a few BBC dramas that have started off slowly but got bigger - Death in Paradise the most recent example, and Luther. Maybe Prisoners Wives will be next. Shetland looks really good too.
The decisions were further complicated by the Chelsea replay which could have gone to ET and penalties and the need for the QF draw to be at a set time
I enjoyed it, so I'm glad they're getting behind it, just didn't expect them to that's all. I edited my post to mention Luther before I saw your reply, hopefully it can do the same.
06:00 - CITV: 103k (2.6%)
09:25 - ITV News: 223k (3.1%)
09:30- The Jeremy Kyle Show USA: 286k (3.8%)
10:20 -The Jeremy Kyle Show USA: 246k (3.3%)
11:20 - Saturday Cookbook (r): 267k (3.5%)
12:20 - ITV News, Regional News: 327k (4.0%)
12:25 - Murder, She Wrote (r): 410k (4.8%)
13:25 - My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham (r): 301k (3.2%)
14:30 - Dinner Date (r): 487k (4.9%)
15:30 - The Chase: Celebrity Special (r): 1.19m (10.5%) exc +1 / 1.37m (12.1%) inc +1
* starring Edwina Currie, Rachel Riley, Keith Duffy, Mark Churnock
16:30 - You've Been Framed (r): 1.19m (9.1%) exc +1 / 1.29m (9.9%) inc +1
17:00 - Regional News: 1.77m (12.6%)
17:15 - ITV News: 2.54m (16.8%)
17:30 - FA Cup Live: Oldham v Everton: 3.25m (16.3%) exc +1 / 3.30m (16.5%) inc +1
* estimated match average*: 3.59m (17.5%) exc +1 / 3.65m (17.8%) inc +1
* peak: 4.04m (18.3%) exc +1 / 4.17m (18.9%) inc +1 at 19:50
20:10 - Take Me Out: 3.78m (16.7%) exc +1 / 4.01m (17.7%) inc +1
21:20 - The Jonathan Ross Show: 2.84m (13.3%) exc +1 / 3.16m (14.8%) inc +1
22:25 - ITV News: 2.00m (10.9%)
22:40 - FA Cup Highlights: 1.80m (13.2%) exc +1 / 1.88m (13.8%) inc +1
23:50 - The Big Sports Quiz: Boys v Girls (r): 531k (7.2%)
24:40 - Jackpot247 (to 26:00): 77k (2.0%)
* based on 18:00-18:45, 19:05-19:55
Prisoners' Wives was excellent. It did rate alright, but I felt it deserved much bigger figures as it was high quality. I'm hoping the promotional push it's getting pays off.
Maybe ITV should do what Channel 4 do with Come Dine With Me and repeat 5 episodes of The Chase back to back. Well ahead of the rest of their daytime in audience share.
06:10 - The Hoobs (r): 7k (0.5%)
06:35 - The Hoobs (r): 5k (0.3%)
07:05 - Will and Grace (r): 29k (1.15%)
07:30 - Football Short: Kingsmeadow (r): 54k (1.4%)
08:00 - The Morning Line: 162k (2.9%)
08:55 - Everyone Loves Raymond (r) 164k (2.3%)
09:25 - Everyone Loves Raymond (r): 191k (2.6%)
09:55 - Frasier (r): 196k (2.6%)
10:25 - Frasier (r): 219k (3.0%)
10:55 - The Big Bang Theory (r): 261k (3.4%)
11:20 - The Big Bang Theory (r): 258k (3.4%)
11:50 - The Simpsons (r): 366k (4.7%)
12:20 - The Simpsons (r): 356k (4.25%)
12:45 - The Secret Millionaire - Ireland (r): 262k (3.0%)
13:50 - LIVE Racing: 515k (5.1%)
* peak: 659k (6.7%) at 15:00 (the 14:55 at Haydock Park)
16:10 - Come Dine with Me (r): 352k (2.9%)
16:45 - Come Dine with Me (r): 706k (5.2%)
17:15 - Come Dine with Me (r): 870k (5.6%)
17:45 - Come Dine with Me (r): 1.09m (6.1%)
18:20 - Come Dine with Me (r): 1.19m (5.9%)
18:50 - Channel 4 News: 734k (3.5%)
19:10 - 4thought.tv: 492k (2.3%)
19:15 - FILM: Porridge (1979): 879k (4.0%) exc +1 / 1.04m (4.7%) inc +1
21:00 - World Without End: 954k (4.65%) exc +1 / 1.05m (4.7%) inc +1
22:55 - FILM: AVPR: Aliens vs Predator Requiem (2007): 366k (3.7%)
24:50 - FILM: Get Rich or Die Trying (2005) (to 26:00): 203k (5.7%)
A strong season of drama so far. Ben stephenson knows what he is doing be a shame if they did move him and danny cohen they have been the most successful bbc team in years.
Well who really wants to watch clapped out episodes of Murder She Wrote? I wonder if when Border Television closed down, they found all the episodes in the basement as this old junk seemed to crop up all the time in the nineties if you lived north of Kendal. It was crap then and is crap now. Don't be surprised if other Border daytime entertainment for elderly masochists like A Country Practice, Dr Quinn Medicine Woman and Highway To Heaven appears on Saturday lunchtimes. At least it's cheap.
06:00 - Milkshake! (r): 169k (3.8%)
10:00 - Power Rangers: Samurai (r): 210k (2.8%)
10:35 - Batman: the Brave and the Bold: 225k (3.0%)
11:10 - Britain's Strangest Pets (r): 264k (3.5%)
12:05 - Dangerous Drivers' School (r): 341k (4.1%)
13:10 - FILM: Black Widow (2007): 475k (5.1%)
14:50 - FILM: A River Runs Through It (1992): 506k (4.4%)
17:10 - 5 News Weekend: 503k (3.5%)
17:15 - FILM: Columbo: Prescription Murder (1968): 616k (3.35%)
19:10 - CSI: NY (r): 550k (2.5%)
19:55 - NCIS (r): 951k (4.25%)
20:55 - NCIS (r): 895k (4.0%)
21:50 - Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: 928k (4.8%)
22:50 - Law & Order: Criminal Intent: 782k (6.0%)
23:45 - True Crimes: the First 72 Hours (r): 375k (4.2%)
25:15 - SuperCasino (to 26:00): 21k (0.5%)
I liked Prisoners Wives and for all ratings weren't that good first time round, the drama was excellent and it deserved another series. I reckon another prison show could do well tomorrow night.
BBC One - 21.7%
BBC Two - 4.4% (BBC HD: 0.2%)
ITV - 10.9% (inc +1: 11.5%)
Channel 4 - 4.2% (inc +1: 5.1%) (4Seven: 0.45%)
Channel 5 - 3.9% (inc +1: 4.3%)
Others: 54.9% (exc +1s for ITV/C4/C5: 53.0%)
* ITV2: 3.2% inc +1
* ITV3: 4.2% inc +1
Primetime shares:
BBC One - 25.4%
BBC Two - 4.8% (BBC HD: 0.1%)
ITV - 15.0% (inc +1: 15.9%)
Channel 4 - 4.2% (inc +1: 4.8%) (4Seven: 0.24%)
Channel 5 - 4.0% (inc +1: 4.2%)
Others: 46.6% (exc +1s for ITV/C4/C5: 44.9%)
* ITV2: 2.4% inc +1
* ITV3: 5.2% inc +1
I still like Murder, She Wrote
Yet again Criminal Intent's share rose this week. Good to see.
SVU going steady too, although the share dropped slightly.
Those NCIS repeats seem to be becoming traditional Saturday night viewing on 5 which isn't a bad thing looking at those figures.
Hope Person Of Interest continues to rise tonight.
Thanks for these. Channel 5 didn't have a bad day, in fact the day was pretty solid. Their daytime films really hold up well both on weekdays and on the weekends, and some of them are good too.
23:45 True Crimes - Looks like a good figure for that timeslot.
Is it just me or does everyday day seem like Channel 5 is slowly closing in on Channel 4?
Channel 4 has very little to offer, that's why. They seem to veer from elderly skewing shows like Countdown to teen shows like Hollyoaks and leave everyone else out. Also they seem to flog CDWM to death, Shameless feels like it's been on longer than the Vietnam War, DOND is tanking yet they seem scared to offend Noel Edmonds by cutting it back, and only a 16 year old could appreciate the wooden acting in Hollyoaks. Channel 5 at least has a varied schedule where you get news, Aussie soaps, documentaries and decent imports.
That being said, I hope Takeaway beats it next week. Even though it's actually an old format, it's something different for Saturdays at the moment. It's not a talent show, it's not celeb based, there are no judges. And Ant & Dec remain the only seriously good light ent presenters we have (although perhaps because others aren't really getting opportunities to develop).
Ideally, they'll both do well and Takeaway would get 7m and Lets Dance would get 6.5m. But I suspect both will be a good bit lower.
They spent a lot more early this year than last - Splash! instead of The Talent Show Story. They're just in a gap at the moment because they've got a certain number of episodes of Takeaway then BGT and those dates are pretty much locked in. Next year Splash! will get an extended commission to take it through to Takeaway.
BGT/XF put in so much more than they take out as well. Without them ITV's entertainment budget (for non Cowell shows) would be far lower. In addition to Splash! they briefed for a bigger piece in the spring summer (presumably post BGT). I think the strategy is to spend less and less on the fringes and plough money into the big centre piece shows.
I think she'll be back and it wouldn't be a bad thing. Yes, she had got tired by series 4. But it's worth remembering that the show did launch with 4.9m and by the time she left at the end of 2007 the ratings were up to 11.7m.
At this point if they can get the kind of ratings they had when she left they'd be very pleased. She's tried and tested and she knows the game plus she's . Most importantly, she's not a hot young female popstar. Because whether it's Tulisa or Rita Ora or whoever, they're just going to be compared to Cheryl Cole. That's just a dead end now, IMO. Unless they can actually get Cheryl herself. Same goes for Cowell. They don't need someone who's just going to end up being too similar but inferior (Barlow).
IIRC the last series of Takeaway was celeb heavy; going by the trailer it appears as though they're going back to basics - I just hope that is the case.
Plus she's a cert to work well with Louis who's been a spare part since Simon left. I can see her getting on with Nicole as well so the panel should be more upbeat than the last three series (I think the series 7 panel was getting tired by the end to be honest - Simon and Cheryl believed their own hype). Simon's seat is the big issue, to be honest; Gary never effectively replaced him. Melanie Brown could work considering how she plays the 'bad judge' in the Australian version - they'd just have to accept the 3-1 gender imbalance in the panel.