While US critics seem ready to send TV personality Anne Robinson to the walk of shame, the original Brit version of The Weakest Link will battle it out with rival quizzer Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? this May for best entertainment series at the annual Bafta awards. The shows will compete for the top prize against So Graham Norton and Have I Got News For You.
Just acquitted of racism after making off-the-cuff remarks about Wales, Anne has faced more flak in the States. New York’s Daily News hailed her show, which debuted Stateside Monday night, as suspenseful and challenging, but others haven’t been nearly so kind. Cross-town rival tabloid the Post called Anne a “real horror show”, implying that without her the show might have a shot at success; The New York Times was quick to agree.
One British export does seem poised for Bafta success. Oscar winner Dame Judi Dench has been nominated for her turn in The Last Of The Blonde Bombshells, a role for which she’s already received a Golden Globe.
Reigning soap champ EastEnders faces off against Coronation Street,Hollyoaks and Emmerdale for the title. And Castaway’s Ben Fogle and his fellow islanders square off against Nasty Nick and the roommates from Big Brother in the innovation category.
The awards will be handed out on May 13 in London and will air on the BBC. The venerable network picked up 41 of the 77 nominations, including all four in the best single drama category.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
