Catherine Tate returning to our screens with new show on plight of the British Bulldog
AFTER virtually vanishing from our screens in the past four years, CATHERINE TATE is set for a TV comeback.
But this time the comedy star is tackling a serious subject in a special BBC1 documentary looking at the plight of the British bulldog.
Animal-lover Catherine will host the show after the British Veterinary Association launched a campaign to raise awareness of the health problems that can affect “squashed-faced” dogs.
A TV insider said: “It’s obviously a very different type of show to the ones we’re used to seeing Catherine in, but it’s a subject close to her heart.
“This will show viewers a totally different side to her.”
Experts say the rise in popularity of bulldogs has boosted breeding rates — prompting health woes in the dogs such as skin disorders, eye ulcers and breathing difficulties.
Catherine will be investigating if enough is being done to tackle the problems.
The comic is known for The Catherine Tate Show of comedy sketches, which ran from 2004 to 2007.
She then joined Doctor Who as Donna Noble, a companion to DAVID TENNANT’s Time Lord in 2006.
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After this she joined the cast of the US version of The Office in 2011.
Her last major outing in the UK saw her star opposite DAVID WALLIAMS and PHILIP GLENISTER on flop BBC sitcom Big School, which was axed in 2014 after just two series.
Let’s hope her new direction ensures she’s back on TVs long-term.
READ MORE FROM DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
CHRISTINE McGUINNESS has it all wrapped up after landing a role on The Real Housewives of Cheshire. The model wore a fur-lined coat like those favoured by the ITVBe show’s stars, on the freezing streets, top. She recently put hubby PADDY out in the cold after he was seen with NICOLE APPLETON, but looks to have warmed to him again.
Geri has it down to a tea
ALL Together Now’s ten finalists will be hoping to win the £50,000 prize tomorrow – but I can reveal there’s a secret bonus for the champion.
The pop icon, who leads “The 100” singing judges beside host ROB BECKETT, will invite the champion to her home for a get-together.
It has been such a closely guarded secret that the finalists are yet to find out.
A TV source revealed: “Geri has loved every minute of this series and got to know many of the contestants well.
"She wanted to add a personal touch to the prize and is planning on extending the invite as soon as the winner is confirmed.”
The new show has proved a hit for the Beeb by pulling in more than four million viewers and insiders are optimistic it will return for a second series.
Having a Spice Girl on TV is always a recipe for a hit.
Must watch
WHAT? Cruising with JANE McDONALD, 9pm, Channel 5.
WHY? In the last leg of her epic journey, Jane sails the Mississippi then visits Graceland, a shrine to former owner ELVIS, and tops it off with a sing-along.
Bosses won't kill Cath
SHE has been one of Coronation Street’s most popular stars, so it is no wonder soap bosses are refusing to kill off CATHERINE TYLDESLEY’s character Eva Price.
The actress is set to quit the show this summer in search of new roles – and I can reveal that her dramatic final episode will see Eva give birth on a bathroom floor and hand over her baby girl to Toyah Battersby, to register as her own.
A TV insider said: “Producers wanted to give Catherine the option to come back, once she’s had the chance to pursue other acting jobs.
“She was keen to do some serious dramas but working for the soap has always been a dream job for her. The decision to leave wasn’t easy, so knowing Eva might storm the cobbles of Weatherfield again definitely suits Catherine.”
Biz Bit
HOLLYOAKS fans should look out for up-and- coming singer AMELIA GETHING. She will be in two episodes of the C4 soap and counts CARA DELEVINGNE and ARIANA GRANDE among her influences.
SOAPBOX
In EMMERDALE, Robert hears Victoria reveal her struggles as she tries to look after Rebecca. Priya cracks under the pressure of childcare and Pollard and Faith make an embarrassing discovery.
IN CORONATION STREET Zeedan takes advantage of a sympathetic Leanne, and Craig fights his anxiety over Bethany’s situation.
Elsewhere, Eileen sends Geraldine packing, Rana confesses to Kate that her marriage is a sham and Toyah gets to the bottom of Peter’s troubles.
In EASTENDERS, the Carters’ situation gets worse as they are left worrying about the repercussions of their actions.
Meanwhile, Kim prepares to learn the truth about her and Denise.