LONDON, Monday 21st June 2010: For the first time Britain’s Next Top Model is to host a live finale to find their 2010 winner. In the ultimate twist – and a first in any Next Top Model series, the judges will put the deciding vote into the hands of the viewers who will select the model they think deserves to win the top fashion prize. The winner will be decided by public telephone vote in a spectacular live 90 minute finale in October, aired exclusively on LIVING. For the first time the entire BNTM series, including the live finale, will be produced in full, glossy, pin-sharp high definition for LIVING HD.

The sixth series welcomes new host, iconic supermodel and international businesswoman Elle Macpherson, who will oversee the most extravagant finale to date alongside her new panel of judges; leading designer Julien Macdonald, Stylist of the Year Grace Woodward and top male model Charley Speed. Having previously determined who made the cut throughout the series, they now hand their decision making power to the viewing public – but not before some final feedback for the girls.

Mark Sammon, Head of Commissioning, Virgin Media Television said: “This season has already rocketed to a completely different level, thanks to Elle and her stunning new panel. And now a live final? It’s the best twist yet. LIVING’s audience never shies from telling us what they think, so I can’t think of a more discerning panel of judges to finally decide who truly deserves to be Britain’s Next Top Model.”

The competition will reach boiling point as the three girls hit the catwalk one last time. Their previous portfolios will stand them in good stead as they take to the catwalk amidst live music performances and model in their final photo shoots and challenges, but who will stand the pressure, keep their poise, win the support of the viewers and claim that top spot? Only two girls will go head to head in the final catwalk to glory, all under the scrutiny of the judging panel and an audience packed with iconic industry experts, familiar fashion faces and celebrities.

The live finale marks the conclusion of the fourteen part series (returning to LIVING from July 5th, 9pm), and is a first for Britain’s Next Top Model.

The winner will scoop the ultimate prize package – a contract with agents Models 1, a cover spread with monthly glossy Company and a campaign with Revlon, the world leader in cosmetics.

Britain’s Next Top Model is a format of America’s Next Top Model, which is produced by 10×10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions. Executive Producers are Tyra Banks, Ken Mok and Laura Fuest. The reality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. ANTM is licensed in over 140 markets and there are currently 20 local versions in production. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are sold internationally by CBS Studios International.

LONDON; Monday 14th June 2010: The MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival announces more industry luminaries to join the 35th anniversary, three day event.

This year SUNDAY gets a makeover starting with ITN’s Mark Austin, who has been given his very own chatshow. He will be joined on the sofa by some high-profile, fascinating guests and promises to delve in to their lives and get the answers to the questions that we all want to know.

Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat will share the secrets behind the continuing success of a beloved British institution, and in a special live edition of More4’s psychological talk show, Shrink Rap, Dr Pamela Connolly will interview pin-up turned reality star and entrepreneur Katie Price about living life under the media spotlight.

Finally, bringing a bit of light comic relief to the closing session of the festival and competing for your vote is The Last Laugh – a talent search for the funniest person working in TV, which will feature as the Closing Session as part of the SUNDAY lineup. We’re pairing up some of the biggest names from behind the camera and some of the funniest people behind the scenes, with the nation’s top comics. Top execs will joinin Jon Snow and Helen Veale, whilst comedian mentors include Shappi Khorshandi, Russell Kane, Sarah Millican, Mark Watson, Steve Amos, Pete Johanssen and Kevin Bridges. Judges include Jill Offman from Comedy Central.

New to the agenda is co-founder and Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions, Jimmy Mulville, who will host the Richard Dunn Memorial Interview. As a man pivotal in the creation of the critically-acclaimed BBC series Outnumbered, Have I Got News for You and Father Ted, he also knows how to turn commercial adversity into success.

Andy Harries – one of the leading independent producers in British television with success ranging from Cold Feet to Wallander, The Royle Family to The Deal – will present a frank session looking at the changing face of drama and the challenges of raising co-production finance. The session will also explore his strong relationship with writers, his tricks of the trade as well as the highs and lows of an illustrious career.

This year’s opening session will embrace the dance fever that is sweeping the nation as MGEITF stages its very own version of the Sky1, Princess and Shine TV show Got To Dance. Judges Ashley Banjo, Kimberley Wyatt and Adam Garcia invite entrants from the world of television to pull on their legwarmers and showcase their fancy footwork in this all-dancing extravaganza. From ballet to ballroom, any style and any age is welcome, from groups (maximum 15 people) to solo performances – if you’re brave enough.

The MacTaggart lecture will be given by the BBC’s Director General Mark Thompson and for the first time, the festival will host a pre-MacTaggart session, Build Your Own BBC. This session invites you to ditch and divinize key BBC areas to address its size and scope – what would you keep – and what would you lose? Jeremy Vine will chair, whilst the panel includes John Simpson CBE.

EastEnders and Coronation Street celebrate landmark anniversaries this year and each will hold a session on their successes. The Wonderful Wizards of Weatherfield: 50 Years of Coronation Street masterclass will be chaired by David Liddiment, BBC Trustee & Creative Director, and the panel includes writer and creator Tony Warren, recently-appointed Producer, Phil Collinson, actress Katherine Kelly and journalist Nancy Banks-Smith. Producers will reveal how potent plots and sizzling storylines continue to excite and engage audiences young and old. Other soaps may have evolved, but the DNA of Coronation Street remains the same: strong characters, family ties, brilliant writing and a huge injection of humour.

EastEnders at 25 discovers the secrets of writing, producing and directing one of the most successful soap operas in the world. The masterclass, chaired by Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC Three, and featuring Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning ), will explore how EastEnders skillfully tackles social taboos time and time again, helping to create defining moments of television. And find out how this year, the production pushed the boundaries even further ’simply’ by keeping a secret, and producing its first ever live episode, watched by 17 million people. BBC Controller of Drama Production, John Yorke and Executive Producer, Diederick Santer will also join the panel.

The Festival will take place from August 27 – 29 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Delegates can register for the Early Bird rate of £425.00 plus VAT until 22nd June.

LONDON, 14th June 2010: The battle of the beauties is bigger than ever as fashion’s fiercest competition, Britain’s Next Top Model, makes its long awaited return, exclusively on LIVING this July. With a new host at the helm in the shape of international modelling icon Elle Macpherson, the fourteen part series promises more glamour, more drama, and more rivalry than ever before.

Casting their critical eye over the contestant’s progress, and making and breaking dreams along the way, are a fresh panel of judges, headed up by Elle, who together contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience – acclaimed designer Julien MacDonald, the Stylist of the Year 2009 Grace Woodward and leading male model Charley Speed.

Elle’s appointment as Presenter, Judge and executive producer sees the girls mentored by the biggest in the business. An inspirational figure, Elle has made her mark on both sides of the camera lens – her cover shoots for Sports Illustrated proved legendary and saw her enviably dubbed ‘The Body’, while she has since accrued a prolific business portfolio, which includes international lingerie brand Elle Macpherson Intimates.

With a lucrative contract with agency giant Models 1 up for grabs, 25 determined and driven models in the making line up to prove they are fashion’s next big thing. But before the camera has even flashed, a surprise awaits when Elle delivers the bombshell that only 13 will make it through the Fashion Academy and into the house.

For the lucky ladies that seal their place in the line up, a flurry of challenging photo shoots and big name mentors await, not to mention a weekly obstacle they must overcome to avoid an early exit – the dreaded elimination, which sees everything from their style to their savvy fall under scrutiny.

With the style bar firmly raised, series six sees the hopefuls shipped off to an array of exotic and picture perfect locations, including Spain and Norway, to flaunt their photographic potential. Throughout their journey, they will be surrounded by top stylists, including a hair and make up team from Daniel Galvin. Photo shoots to look out for include a St Trinians inspired session, a naked chocolate theme, a Beat Bullying campaign, and a WASPS shoot for renowned photographer Terry O’Neill.

Aside from the deal with Models 1, Elle’s winning girl also earns a fabulous cover shoot with monthly magazine Company and a contract with Revlon – previous series victors have gone onto to model throughout the world at Fashion Week Events, as well as becoming the faces of commercial brands that include Sony and Swatch.

On her new role, Elle said “I am really enthusiastic and motivated to work with the team of Britain’s Next Top Model to create an authentic and exciting programme, both for the contestants and the viewers at home. We are looking forward to finding the face that can represent the next generation.”

The girls are poised for a fight to the finish, but who can combine catwalk appeal with editorial flare to gain the biggest accolade in fashion? Elle’s search for Britain’s Next Top Model is about to get underway, as the series returns exclusive to LIVING, from this July…

Taylor Herring PR: 0208 206 5151

LONDON, Monday 14th June 2010: MySpace will give one unsigned act the opportunity to open for the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, at this year’s iTunes festival as he returns with his superb new album Scream, out on June 21st.

The social networking giant will be giving one unsigned band this incredible once-in-a-lifetime chance – to play a support set for rock’s most enduring legend, Ozzy Osbourne, at the festival on the 3rd of July.

The site’s new music expert and founder of the celebrated Best of MySpace podcasts, Gill Mills, will be scouring the site for undiscovered rock talent and asking unsigned bands to enter the competition by revealing the most rock ‘n’ roll thing they have ever done. Only bands with experience trashing hotel rooms, biting the heads off bats and driving cars into swimming pools need apply!

Once Gill has pulled together a shortlist of 10 hopefuls, Ozzy will pick a winner to open for him at the event. The winner will be revealed by Ozzy in a live MySpace web chat on the 25th June.

Ozzy said: “Throughout my career I’ve felt this obligation to give up-and-coming bands a leg up in the music business. I’ve taken out bands from Motley Crue to Metallica to System of a Down and Slipknot on their first big tours. I’m looking to give a new band a huge f**king break by having them open the show.”

Renowned new music scout Gill Mills brings the freshest and most exciting new music to MySpace users through her weekly Best of MySpace podcast and her popular NME radio show. Having aired tracks on MySpace from artists including Ladyhawke, Yeasayer, White Lies and La Roux before they were discovered, her ear for new talent is undisputed.

Gill’s passion for unsigned bands continues with this latest partnership “MySpace is home to the biggest community of musicians on the web, and there are genuinely brilliant acts out there ready to rock a bigger stage and let’s face it – it doesn’t get much bigger than playing to a packed house for one of the world’s most famous rockers’.

The Festival, which takes place throughout July, will see over 60 artists take to the stage at London’s Roundhouse for 31 nights of incredible live music. Confirmed artists include; The Scissor Sisters, Paloma Faith, Pixie Lott, Goldfrapp and Faithless. The Festival takes place at the Roundhouse in Camden from the 1st to 31st July. For more information and for a chance to win this unique Ozzy Osbourne competition visit www.myspace.com/ozzyneedsyou

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

Stars of some of our best-loved TV comedy shows raised laughter as well as money at the Great British Comedy Event last night as three of Britain’s greatest comedy partnerships were honoured, in the presence of the performers - writes Karin Farnworth.

Dawn French and comic partner Jennifer Saunders (pictured) were celebrated, alongside Ian Hislop and Paul Merton of Have I Got News For You fame, and Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin of classic cult comedy Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Hosted by Alexander Armstrong, the evening featured an auction, conducted by Lord Dalmeny, of Sotheby’s, at which a rare original script of the classic movie, Life of Brian, signed by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin went under the hammer, alongside a chance to present a round of topical news quiz Have I Got News For You. Hislop and Merton attempted to outbid each other for the lot, which was eventually won by another bidder.

Also up for grabs were a walk-on role in the forthcoming Rowan Atkinson film Johnny English 2, memorabilia from Armando Iannucci’s comic nightmares The Thick of It and In the Loop and a vasectomy – for a romantic yet responsible gentleman. The auction raised over £300,000 for the School.

During the evening, stars and their guests took part in a specially commissioned quiz on the three comedy franchises, in which French & Saunders, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, and the Pythons read out the questions on themselves. Only one table – led by Rowan Atkinson and Matthew Horn – got all 12 super-tough questions right. Their prize – a case of champagne – was collected by Rebecca Front.

A further comic twist came when Lord Dalmeny declared that Peter Bazalgette, a former Vice Chairman of the NFTS Board of Governors, would give the coat off his back to support the School – and proceeded to auction it off to the tune of £3000.

Students working at the event were thrilled to meet their comedy heroes. “I truly appreciate all these wonderful comedy legends giving up their time and money to help all of us to realise our own film and TV dreams,” said one.

LONDON, Tuesday 8th June 2010: Today Fredericks, the UK’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer, have announced Rhossili Bay in South Wales as the winner of the Cadbury Flake 99 Great British Beach Awards, a celebration of our nation’s best and most treasured seasides.

Competition was fierce, but the British public made up their minds; securing a massive 47% of the votes, Rhossili was the clear winner, followed by Tresco in the Isles of Scilly (19%) and Blackpool and Margate (both on 10%).

Defying stiff competition from resorts packed to the gills with everything from rollercoasters to candy floss, Rhossili represents a more idyllic beach holiday. Bearing the might of the Atlantic swells, shipwrecks dot the bay which now play host to great surf for boarders. It also has the most essential of ingredients; three miles of golden sands expanding into the horizon.

The poll, fronted by TV personality Jeff Brazier, attracted over 7,700 votes across a three week period.

The winner was one of 24 shortlisted beaches from eight regions across the UK, nominated by panelists including David Else Lead Author of Lonely Planet, Frank Barrett Travel Editor of the Mail on Sunday and wildlife expert and TV presenter Bill Oddie.

Already hailed by The Independent as the “British supermodel of beaches” and listed in The Sunday Times 25 Best Beaches in the World, Rhossili has been described by poets such as Dylan Thomas for its beauty. Cosseted by challenging limestone cliffs, the rocky landscape belies the peaceful and idyllic Bay lying below; a curving beach backed with sand dunes. There are two tidal islands called Worm’s Head and Burry Holms, both only accessible at low tide. The Bay is also dotted with shipwrecks including the Helvetia which ran aground in 1887. Prehistoric remains belonging to Stone Age and Iron Age man can also be found behind the beach on Rhossili Down. The Bay is famed for having some of the country’s most stunning sunsets, and it’s no surprise that The National Trust maintains a visitor centre at Rhossili. The Bay is located on the Gower Peninsula – the first beauty spot in the UK to receive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status back in 1956. Gower hugely contributes to the tourism economy in Swansea Bay. In 2008/2009 tourism generated over £300million for the local economy.

Frank Barrett, Travel Editor of The Mail on Sunday says: “The Gower Coast is arguably the finest seaside place anywhere in the world – Rhossili is perfection within perfection: a long wide flat beach washed by glorious waves.”

David Taylor, Deputy Managing Director of Fredericks Dairies comments: “It’s fantastic to see the great British public getting behind the campaign with over 7,700 votes cast. It just goes to show how treasured our beaches are and congratulations to Rhossili Bay for coming out on top. ”

Cllr Richard Lewis, Lord Mayor of Swansea and a Ward Member for Gower, said: “The views at Rhossili are among the best in the world and this award is the latest in a long line of accolades for the beauty spot.”

Notes to Editors:

Fredericks Dairies is a business forged by pioneers – the company developed the Mars Bar Ice Cream in 1988, reinvented the iconic Cadbury Flake 99 in 1999 and created the World’s first wobbly lolly in 2007 with Jelly Babies. In 2008 the company was named the Most Innovative Ice Cream Company in the World and received The Grocer award for the Top Launch in Ice Cream.

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

BBC Worldwide – the commercial arm of the BBC have hired consumer agency Taylor Herring to oversee media relations for a series of Doctor Who brand campaigns throughout 2010 and 2011.

Taylor Herring were appointed following a competitive pitch process and the wide ranging brief will see the agency working across several key projects including the launch of the very first Doctor Who Live Arena Tour in October and November of this year.

The new stage show, based upon the BBC’s smash-hit, award-winning series Doctor Who, promises to deliver a spectacular audio/visual experience featuring live music, special effects and appearances from the show’s most popular monsters.

Taking in nine cities and 25 dates, Doctor Who Live kicks off in London at Wembley Arena on 8th October, and will visit Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Cardiff and Liverpool, culminating in Belfast on the 7th November.

Taylor Herring will also be working on a retained basis with BBC Worldwide to promote other key Doctor Who brand activity throughout 2010 and 2011.

Taylor Herring won Specialist Consultancy of The Year at the 2006 PR Week Awards and Best Consumer Campaign at the CIPR Awards 2007. The agency was short listed for seven major awards in 2010 including PR Week Awards (Silver) Promax Awards – Best Broadcast campaign (Gold), Event Awards – PR Stunt of the Year (Gold).

For further information please contact: James Herring or Peter Mountstevens  0208 206 5151

Nine New Clubs To Launch

LONDON, Wednesday 2nd June 2010: Comedy giant Jongleurs today announced that it is investing a further £2m into its comedy and entertainment offering in 2010, with plans to launch nine new clubs nationwide later this year.

Jongleurs investment arrives at a time the UK is enjoying a comedy boom with arena tours selling out and stand up comedy DVD sales toppling Hollywood blockbusters at Christmas.

The new launch, a franchise agreement with Momo Leisure Ltd, will see new clubs open in Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle to add to an already successful Nottingham launch in April.

The Nottingham site has re-established comedy back in the heart of the City to great customer reaction. Shows are already extremely busy with customers saying how delighted they are that the Jongleurs brand is back. The new look Jongleurs is quickly developing a reputation for great service, good food and of course a first class comedy experience.

Momo Leisure was founded in 2009 by David Elphick, Head of Training at Poppleston Allen and Jez King, a former Regent Inns Executive and Divisional MD at Laurel. The pair has put together a strong management team who are very experienced in the comedy market.

Further expansion plans are already underway with Novus Leisure Ltd, which opened the flagship joint venture at Sway in Covent Garden on 15th May 2010, with plans to open new clubs in Portsmouth, Croydon, Glasgow and Leeds.

Jongluers@Sway has been selling out a new premium comedy offering, Jongleurs Posh, a £40 ticket that includes a three course dinner, four stand up acts and table service, suggesting that comedy is one of the most recession-proof of all industries.

John Davy, Jongleurs co-owner, said “Jongleurs is synonymous with great comedy and a fantastic all round night out and this fresh investment will help bring our unique offering to even more customers and new audiences. The appetite for a complete comedy and entertainment experience is stronger than ever and we are experiencing unprecedented demand from corporate and larger group bookings in particular who are looking for an entertainment one-stop-shop.”

Maria Kempinska, Jongleurs founder and co-owner, said “For 27 years Jongleurs has been a driving force in British stand up comedy, innovating the comedy experience in terms of acts, environment and approach. It seems people want to laugh and be entertained in times of recession and Jongleurs is focussed on meeting that need.”

By the end of 2010 there will be eleven Jongleurs clubs around the UK in total, with plans to continue to roll out in 2011.

Press Contact: Taylor Herring PR 0208 206 5151

London 27th May 2010: An extraordinarily rare original script of the classic movie, Life of Brian, signed by John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin will be going up for auction at the Great British Comedy Event on Tuesday 8th June.

In addition to the exclusive Monty Python script, attendees will have the opportunity to bid for a number of other unique lots, including the chance to sit in the famous Have I Got News for You hosts chair and present a round of HIGNFY with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, plus a vasectomy for one romantic yet responsible gentleman!

The Great British Comedy Event will be celebrating three of Britain’s greatest comedy franchises in the presence of their stars; Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, Ian Hislop and Paul Merton of Have I Got News For You, Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin of Monty Python. In addition, the evening will feature performances from the celebrated artists.

The star studded Great British Movie Event, which took place in 2008, raised over £400,000 for the National Film and Television School and attracted a host of famous faces such as Daniel Craig, Hugh Grant, Robbie Coltrane, Honor Blackman, Anne Robinson, Rowan Atkinson and Alan Rickman, to name but a few.

Daniel Craig and Hugh Grant used their charms on Barbara Broccoli as she won a kiss from the stars for the bargain price of £19,000. Craig and Grant also fought for a selection of Harry Potter memorabilia, which Daniel Craig eventually won for £18,000 at the 2008 event.

Hosted by Alexander Armstrong, this years Great British Comedy Event in support of the National Film and Television School will also feature a main auction conducted by Lord Dalmeny of Sotheby’s. All funds raised at the auction will support the National Film and Television School’s capital development plans, the curriculum and scholarships for students at the school.

Tim Bevan of Working Title, Barbara Broccoli, Michael Hamlyn, producer of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Simon Oakes of Hammer Films and Tim Hincks of Endemol are just a few of the other guests set to attend this year’s event. Only people who attend the Great British Comedy Event will be able to bid for the auction.

The Great British Comedy Event will take place on Tuesday 8th June from 7pm at Old Billingsgate. To book a table please email gala@nfts.co.uk

For more information please contact Laura McTurk at Taylor Herring on 0208 206 5151