Tuesday 31st January
This weekend, I went to a children's party.
It proved to be pretty Unforgettable - reminding me of a time I had otherwise committed to the backwaters of my mind.
Let me set the scene - a local sports centre, tiny trestles laid with festive animal tableware, bouncy castle billowing in the corner. I was suddenly three years old again.
I hadn't really been one to remember my childhood birthdays, but suddenly they all flashed before my eyes - dancing with Ronald McDonald at a fast-food lunch, princess parties at the ice rink - all prompted by the reference points of a new tiny person's happy times.
And that's how Carrie can see the whole world all the time - which is what is so compelling about Unforgettable. Because while the rest of us have only a hazy recollection of the past, she can use her knowledge of everything that's gone before to help others.
Unforgettable is at 9pm tonight.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living
Monday 30th January
It's ANTM vs BINTM.
Today, I am lucky enough to be on the very first day of shooting for the brand new series of BINTM. I will not be revealing any details about my visit, but just know that I will not be gracing the catwalk or pulling any poses for the camera. You'd need to track me down on Facebook to witness my rubber-faced gurning - it's not a pretty sight.
So, this makes today a face-off between my day with the UK's potential Next Top Models and a night in watching the American All-Stars. Which got me pondering, just what is the difference between our home-grown talent and the best the US has to offer?
First off, what makes a true Brit beauty? Think of some of our biggest exports over time - the quirky likes of Twiggy and Kate Moss. Not perfect of tooth, or glamazonic in height, yet these were era-defining lookers all over the world. They changed the face of fashion for their age.
American exports over time, however, have tended more towards perfection - Jerry Hall, all sweeping golden hair and legs that go on for miles, Cindy Crawford, a mould of perfection that Michelangelo would have been proud of, and the Top Model herself, Tyra Banks - every inch the queen of sass, style and disarming smize.
That's not to say there haven't been crossovers - Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon are as goddess-like as anything Uncle Sam has ever produced, and New York hipsters like Leigh Lezark are attempting to put the quirk into the US fashion scene.
Let's face it, though, we Brits will probably never be quite as tall, as golden, or as symmetrical of smile. But we definitely got the personality and the charm in the trade-off. And that's way more disarming in the long run.
America's Next Top Model: All-Stars is at 9pm tonight. You'll have to wait a little while for BINTM, but it'll be worth every second you're counting down, believe me…
TTFN.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living
Friday 27th - Sunday 29th January
Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday…
Yup, some Rebecca Black true-say right there - because we really should get down on Fridays…
Let's face it, though, by Friday the only thing we really want to get down with is a bowl of special chow mein and a DVD. But that's why Sky Living is here, with back-to-back catch-up episodes of Criminal Minds to prepare you for next week's return of the latest series.
There's also some Bones and CSI to keep you occupied once you've got into the analytical frame of mind, and a bit of Bigger Than Cheryl, in case you need a break and fancy smugly stuffing your face while others attempt to slim into spandex.
Cruel, but fun…
Have a great weekend!
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living
Thursday 26th January
This isn’t the most informative What To Watch blog ever….
Because I am just too crazy excited about the news that Rihanna is joining the channel! We can be new girls together - friends at last.
It's going to be hard to wait to see what she and new BFF Nicola Roberts have in store for us with their brand new fashion format - but if you’re a dab hand with the sewing machine, then you need to sign up to see if you can battle it out to become a superstar designer for pop royalty.
Sadly, the only customisation my clothes ever get is when I spill a drink down my front of a morning. And, while the dip-dye look might have been all the rage in 2011, I reckon it's doubtful that 'tea-stain' will be the look du jour for 2012.
Now if you like pop, and you like creating a look, then my what-to-watch prescription for tonight will have to be Bigger Than Cheryl - Rihanna's line-up is next week.
Now, all that's left is for me to 'Take A Bow'.
Guffaw.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living
Wednesday 25th January
I have a confession to make…
I, Emily Phillips, Shows Editor of your beloved Sky Living Online, am Bigger Than Cheryl Cole.
Indeed, I am also bigger than Britney, Gaga, Beyonce and probably even Beth Ditto (if you take my height into account).
But looking at tonight's Bigger Than… line-up, I had to smize just a little to myself, because it seems that for this particular segment of the contest, as long as you are up for bearing (quite a bit of) flesh through a range of sheer cut-out-panelled outfits, you don't even need to be brunette (or should I say a deep chestnut red) to think you're as smoking hot as Ms Cole...
At least one contestant in the Lady Gaga round admitted openly that while she was physically very different to the queen of kook pop, everyone told her she had the same eyes as Gaga.
So, it seems this little round-up must have at least one feature similar to the nation's Geordie princess. I'm placing my bet on each and every girl having a similar penchant for the barbed-wire tattoo look.
They gotta fight, fight, fight, fight, fight for this contract…
Enjoy.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living
Tuesday 24th January
I've been here a week so, hopefully, you're not sick of my bleatings yet.
Because I'm still very excited at the prospect of all the lovely shows we've got in store for you in the coming months, not to mention the stuff we're already showing you to get you through the dark nights before that much-needed January payday.
If, like me, the dreaded winter blues are making you just a little bit absent-minded, you can live vicariously through Carrie's memory bank in Unforgettable at 9pm, which you can catch a sneak preview of here.
And if you feel like your brain is feeling a little more up to scratch in a couple of weeks, you should be ready to take on some Criminal Minds, returning from the boring mid-season hiatus on Friday 3rd February.
But, of course, if absorbing mindpower through your telly box still leaves you feeling a bit forgetful, you can make sure you don't miss Criminal Minds, or any of your favourite shows, ever again by checking out the Never Miss service.
Don't we look after you?
Right, I’m off to rest my brain...
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Monday 23rd January
So it's All-Stars night…
I'm quite fast and loose with my America's Next Top Model watching. I will happily watch various seasons all at once, and dip in and out dependent on my mood. Which is why the All-Stars concept is so perfect for me.
It brings all of my standout favourites together - those who made every past episode eminently rewatchable, who made me want to scream at the screen, or cry tears of joy when Tyra handed them their headshot at the end.
These are my girls, who I make believe are my mates (don't worry, I do have real-life 3D gal pals too!), and get involved in the bitching without risking hurt feelings or even leaving the comfort of my sofa.
ANTM: All-Stars Episode 3 is on tonight at 9pm.
Emily Phillips – Shows Editor
Sky Living Onine
Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd January
It's been a long week, hasn't it?
But a fun one at that - even in the freezing January rain! However, I am now long overdue a duvet day, so this weekend I fully intend to curl up in my PJs and catch up on all the shows I just couldn't fit in to the busy week.
The trouble is, I know as soon as I settle in on Saturday for some back-to-back Biggest Loser at 2pm, America's Next Top Model: All-Stars at 3pm and Bigger Than Britney at 4pm, I'll end up all body-conscious, with an itch to get down to the gym myself.
Luckily, Sky Living Online's very own Karli had an exclusive chat with Bigger Than…'s super-trainer Danni Levy this week, which is certain to give me a much-needed push to pull on the Lycra for an early evening run.
That said, I'm still not entirely sure that those healthy intentions will stretch to me ditching a Saturday night chicken tikka masala in favour of a Britney-inspired tofu and strawberry salad. I'll keep that as a treat for Monday…
Have a great weekend!
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Thursday 19th January
Guess I'd better get jumping some Bones…
My predecessor Karen is a big fan of Bones. And I know, as she hands over telly heaven to me, the one angel she’ll be missing most will be David Boreanaz. So in order to do justice to this fine memory, I have some catching up to do, because, I confess, I have never quite dedicated much time to the show.
This does mean that (for the moment) I won't be ruining your viewing pleasure with advance spoilers, but it also means I'll be doing some serious hard graft studying the contours of David's (admittedly rather dreamy) face, along with getting to know the other Deschanel girl a little better... So this week, I'm starting as I mean to go on by catching up every weeknight at 11pm.
Now that's the kind of homework I can get involved in, so expect an update next week with my dead-serious anthropological findings, not to mention FBI-worthy character profiling to make even the affable Agent Seeley weep.
Otherwise, I know you'll have a bone to pick with me.
And I don't want that, now!
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Wednesday 18th January
There was a time when every girl's dream was to be like Britney.
Single-handedly revolutionising our relationship with the humble school uniform, she was the all-American dream - equal measures of wide-eyed girl-next-door innocence, and sultry teen-siren knowing. Boys wanted to be with her, but more importantly, us girls wanted to be her. Even if it meant wearing a red PVC onesie with hideous clumpy flatforms, or even coordinating ourselves with our childhood sweethearts in his 'n' hers triple-denim ensembles. She was a style icon.
Fast-forward a decade, and a few emotional (and, ahem, style) blips along the way, and she's back on form - knocking out killer tunes, in even more lethal catsuits. In fact you might say that 30 never looked so dirty. Hell, even candy-coated diva Christina Aguilera no longer poses a threat to her regained pop throne these days - even if she does have Moves Like Jagger.
So how better to celebrate her return to form than by throwing a few pretenders to the crown into the mix in tonight's Bigger Than Britney at 9pm? We'll definitely all be paying close attention to how close they get to that famous washboard stomach by the end of the show.
I’m sure they’re going to be abs-olutely fabulous.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Tuesday 17th January
Well hello, Sky Living!
Here's hoping I can follow on with suitable aplomb from yesterday's news of Karen's departure for Babyland, by bringing you daily doses of my excitement at all the shows I will now be looking after…
And as I do my best to remember all the wisdom being imparted to me in my handover (not to mention everyone's names), I'll be taking some handy hints from Carrie in the second instalment of our brand new series Unforgettable, at 9pm, on how to commit those all-important details to the old brainbox. Keeping them in there might take a little more work. But judging by her perfectly preened look in this sneak peek, she doesn't endorse wearing earmuffs to keep the information firmly tucked away…
Alongside my nail-biting first-week-in-the-job mental workout - and much like the rest of the world this January - I'll also be ploughing a concerted amount of energy into giving my body a much-needed shake down. So who better to look to for a dash of shape-up inspiration, and push us through that mid-month hump, than our Biggest Losers at 8pm? They may have only really scratched the surface on their makeover journey, but it gives me hope that maybe I'll be ready to pour my curves into an Awards-worthy frock by Valentine's Day.
I can but dream…
Catch you tomorrow.
Emily Phillips
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Monday 16th January
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today.
For this may well be my last Sky Living Shows blog for a while, sniff. Yes, I'm off on maternity leave.
I'll be leaving the good ship Shows in the very capable hands of our new Shows Editor, Emily Phillips, and will then be filling my soon-to-be sleepless nights with plenty of Sky Living TV programmes.
Naturally, my departure means I'm extra-thrilled that Model Mondays are back as I’ll be able to start each week with a dose of Tyra madness at 9pm. Tonight's episode is no exception, as the all-stars get a makeover - take a look at our spoiler video to find out more - and get to meet guest judge Ashlee Simpson as well. Find out why we feel she's qualified to join the Top Model judging panel in our picture gallery of her life over time.
But ANTM is not the only thing that will be keeping me entertained while I find my feet as a first-time mum. Thankfully, the bods at Sky Living HD have come up with a plethora of fantastic shows that will all help to keep me sane over the next few months. Returning from their season breaks over the coming weeks we have Criminal Minds, The Secret Circle, Ringer, Grey's Anatomy and Bones. Precise start dates are still TBC but I assure you, you won't have to wait long - and you can always set up a handy never miss reminder to ensure you don’t miss a minute when they return.
There are also some cracking brand new series to look forward to, including the second series of Bedlam, brand new wedding series Battle Of The Brides, and Sky Living’s superb foray into dating - The Love Machine - hosted by Stacey Solomon and Chris Moyles.
Emily and the rest of the team will keep you informed with all the latest gossip, pictures and videos from all these shows and more as soon as they hit your TV screens.
So, for now, I bid you a fond farewell - happy viewing, everyone.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th January
Are you superstitious?
If so, then Friday the 13th may well see you locking your doors and staying inside. In my world, this self-imposed hibernation would also include the wearing of a onesie and the polishing off of that last box of Christmas chocs. The ones I swore I'd throw away but somehow didn't manage to.
Self-imposed hibernation would also, of course, involve a serious amont of TV watching. On the Friday itself I'll make sure I feel safe and secure by snuggling up with some of the greatest forces in crime fighting, courtesy of a classic episode of Criminal Minds at 9pm, followed by a brand new episode of CSI at 10pm.
On Saturday, my line-up will include a trio of shows that really should encourage me to step away from the chocolates once and for all. Prepare to get motivated as we bring you Supersize Kids On A Diet at 7pm, another chance to watch episode two of The Biggest Loser USA at 8pm, and Fat Families at 9pm.
Then, on Sunday, I'll be settling down to enjoy a second view of two of my favourite shows from the current Sky Living schedule. If you missed Bigger Than Lady Gaga on Wednesday evening, or if you just want to watch it all over again, then be sure to tune in at 8pm. Or if the America's Next Top Model All-Stars cycle has got you so excited you could scream, we're giving you a second chance to watch the first episode at 9pm. We've also got all the pictures from this week's show as well - take a flick through our gallery and see if you agree with the judges' opinions. Oh, and if you haven't seen it already, one word of warning - Nigel Barker has hair!
And on that bombshell, I leave you for what I hope will be a glorious weekend.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Thursday 12th January
Thursday used to be the new Friday.
A night for hitting the town and not worrying about the hangover because the weekend was so close you could almost touch it.
Ah, I remember the days - and then January rocked around.
January is a month for detoxing, saving money and staying in on a Thursday night. It might be a little bit boring, but it is good for you, and it gives you a great chance to catch up on some of the fantastic new programming that has been showing on Sky Living HD this week.
We're starting with a second chance to watch Season 10 of The Biggest Loser USA at 8pm - check out our video clip. Then, at 10pm, there's another chance to see the pilot episode of our brand new crime drama, Unforgettable, starring Poppy Montgomery - here's a sneak preview.
So, you see, staying in really isn't so bad.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Wednesday 11th January
Last week, we brought you Beyonce.
This week, the gang behind Sky Living HD's brand new series Bigger Than… have turned their attention in the direction of another celeb.
We're talking Lady Gaga, people. And you may struggle to keep your poker face intact when you meet some of the ladies hoping to win that lucrative lookalike contract.
It seems these Lady Gaga wannabes simply weren't born this way, and if they want to look like their idol, they're gonna have to put in some serious hard graft. From non-stop dance routines and exercise regimes to extreme fad diets, our girls will stop at nothing to look like their heroine - but will the battle to be reborn prove too gaga for some?
Take a look at our preview clip for a taste of what's in store and read more about our contenders Louise, Heather and Erin. You can also find out how you too can get Gaga's look with our exclusive video.
But who from tonight's show do think is most likely to go Gaga? And who should just write it off as a bad romance? Join the debate on Twitter this evening using #BiggerThan to have your say about the show that has everyone talking.
Bigger Than… Lady Gaga is on Sky Living HD this evening at 9pm.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Tuesday 10th January
Have you ever wished for a better memory?
I know I have many, many moments when my memory fails me, most notably when people ask my age (which is most definitely 30-something, as opposed to a specific number) or when struggling to pinpoint what show I recognise that actor from, or the lyrics to the chorus of a song that I've already started loudly singing along to. But I'm not sure I'd like to be able to remember everything.
Would you?
This little ponder brings me to our brand new crime drama, Unforgettable, which starts this evening at 9pm on Sky Living HD.
It stars the gorgeous Poppy Montgomery, of Without A Trace fame (to save you trying to remember what she's been in before…), and Dylan Thomas (from Nip/Tuck, in case you were wondering).
Poppy plays Carrie Wells, a former detective who has a rare condition called hyperthymesia, which means she remembers everything. Handy when trying to solve crimes, frustrating when trying to move on from the past - which is kind of the premise of the show.
To celebrate the start of this brand new series, take a look at not one, not two, but three exclusive preview clips to find out more.
We also spoke to Marilu Henner, who actually has hyperthymesia in real life and who acted as a consultant for the show. Read our interviews with both Marilu and Poppy and then tune in this evening for the first thrilling episode.
Now, if I could just remember where I put the remote control…
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Monday 9th January
Model Mondays are back, people.
Thank the goddess of smize, Tyra Banks, because our usual Monday fix of Top Model madness returns to Sky Living at 9pm this evening. Can I get a hallelujah?
Yes, if you've missed worshipping at the altar of fierce then worry no more. Because not only is ANTM back with a brand new series, but cycle 17 promises to be bigger and better than ever.
It's the much-anticipated All-Stars season, and Ms Banks has scoured the previous 16 cycles (count 'em) to invite 14 of your favourite contestants back for one last chance at winning the Top Model title. These girls know what they're letting themselves in for, and they're determined not to be pipped to the post twice in a row.
To whet your appetite, check out our video promo - we've also got a little preview clip for you too, it's just too good.
Check out the models who'll be returning in our gallery. Then, prepare to witness Andre Leon Talley in action as he banishes all dreckitude while Tyra and her two angels, Mr Jay and Miss J, are joined by a cast of celebrity guest judges that include none other than Nicki Minaj, Ashlee Simpson, Tyson Beckford and La Toya Jackson.
Praise be, indeed.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th January
Week one, done.
This week may have only been four days long but if, like me, you're gagging to get back to the sofa for a couple of days then fear not - the weekend is here.
With brand new season seven of Criminal Minds still on its festive break, we're showing episodes 24 and 25 from season four on Friday at 7pm and 9pm. It's part of our campaign to bring you all your favourite episodes of crime dramas CSI and Criminal Minds every weeknight from 6pm. Take a look at our promo to find out more. Seriously, if you're a crime fan we really are spoiling you.
But we're also continuing with our mission to bring you plenty of guilty-pleasure TV too, and brand new series Bigger Than... has certainly ticked my 'I just can’t help but love it' TV indulgence box. In case you missed the first episode (how could you?) there's a second chance to enjoy it at 8pm this evening. Take a peek at our preview clip for a taste of what's in store.
And at 10pm we also have a brand new episode from season 11 of CSI for you. Don't say we never give you anything…
On Saturday, we have four back-to-back episodes of Nothing To Declare to keep you entertained from 5pm, and on Sunday 28 Days starring Sandra Bullock is showing at 10pm.
Plenty to keep you snuggled up and cosy over the first official January hibernation weekend.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Thursday 5th January
So, what's on Sky Living HD tonight?
We've got a couple of classic episodes of Criminal Minds to keep you entertained this evening, as the reruns from series four continue at 7pm and 9pm.
Sandwiched in-between at 8pm (no pun intended) we have another chance for you to watch the latest episode from The Biggest Loser USA.
Brand new season 10 has just started on Sky Living HD. If you missed Tuesday's premiere episode, then tonight is your chance to get up to date with this inspirational TV show.
Now, are you already struggling to stick to the old New Year's resolutions? 'Accidentally' sneaking a spoonful of sugar back into your tea? Already feeling like life is too short to skip dessert? Well, this programme will whip your willpower back in to shape in no time.
Here's a little clip from the first episode, and if that's not enoug, we also caught up with one of the trainers from The Biggest Loser Australia, who put Sky Living Online's very own Katie Blake through her paces not so long ago. Take a look at our video to see how Katie got on.
We think she deserves a choccy biscuit after that workout - no, wait, what are we saying? Step away from the biscuit tin!
Oh dear, well, we can always start again tomorrow…
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Wednesday 4th January
New year = new TV addiction.
As we hark back to some of our highlights of 2011, we're also seeing the New Year in with a bang, courtesy of a brand new series that I know is going to have me glued to my sofa over the coming weeks.
After all, it's not as if January presents much in the way of distraction from the old remote control.
So stay warm and cosy - I will, and my hibernation will be completed with a dose of brand new series Bigger Than... which starts tonight at 9pm on Sky Living HD.
The premise of the show is pure genius, as women try to emulate their favourite stars in the hope of winning a lucrative contract with a lookalike agency. The snag: it's not just about having the same hair, make-up, clothes and attitude - it's also about following diets and exercise regimes inspired by the celebs themselves. Yes, if you want to look like Beyonce, you have to live like her as well - whether that means low-calorie diets or eight hours (yes, eight) of continuous dancing each day. My thighs hurt just thinking about that one.
Take a look at our video spoiler to find out more, and meet Latoya, Liane and Destiny, the ladies who are taking part in tonight's episode, entitled Bigger Than… Beyonce. Plus, you can find out how to get the look with our handy step-by-step make-up guide, shop for some Sasha Fierce-inspired fashion and check out some Beyonce-inspired exercise moves as well. Ouch. I think I'll leave those to the experts!
But which bootylicious hopeful do you think should run the world? Have your say on Facebook or tweet @SkyLivingOnline #BiggerThan to have your say on this brand new TV show.
I know how I'll be spending Wednesday evenings from now on…
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor – Sky Living Online
Tuesday 3rd January
Happy New Year!
We hope you're all feeling refreshed and fabulous after the festive break and ready to take on 2012 - we know we are!
And we're starting tonight with a brand new series that will leave you feeling empowered, motivated and ready to do - well - almost anything.
The show in question? It's The Biggest Loser USA, which is back for an incredible tenth series. If you've missed this monster of a weight-loss show then get ready to be amazed, because the willpower and determination displayed by the contestants on this programme is nothing short of inspirational.
Determined to beat the bulge, the contestants are led through a series of gruelling challenges by a team of experts - and these guys mean business, just look at our preview.
Each week at the crucial weigh-in, a contestant is eliminated until eventually one is crowned The Biggest Loser.
It really is the only show on TV where you win by losing. And if you're in need of some motivation to dust down your gym shoes or step away from that Snickers bar - or you just enjoy amazing tales of human triumph - then this is the show for you.
The Biggest Loser USA Season 10 starts tonight at 8pm on Sky Living HD.
Meanwhile, we've come up with a few New Year Resolutions of our own for the stars of our other Sky Living TV shows (we're sure they'll thank us later) - do you agree?
And what will your resolution be for 2012? Let us know via our Facebook page or on Twitter @SkyLivingOnline.
Karen Cowell
Shows Editor - Sky Living Online
