´óÏó´«Ã½

For ages after I told my friends that I was writing a series for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three, everyone would ask the same few questions: 'Who's in it? Can I come and be an extra? When will it be on?' And the question they asked above all - 'Are you going to be in it?'

It's a sensible question I guess. Most of them knew me as a stand up comedian and comedy performer as much as they did a writer, so of course they assumed I'd be in it. Truth be told, it wasn't until they started asking that I even really thought about it. I'd just been writing the thing and putting words in these character's mouths. I hadn't really thought about who would actually be saying them, let alone if one of them should be me. And was it even that easy? Just because I was the writer didn't mean I could just go - I want to play so and so - and that would be that.

I'd toured in plays and stuff, and worked my whole life as a performer... but I hadn't really done it in a few years and I don't really want to end up the guy surrounded by really amazing actors, screwing up his own script. Personally, I like to have someone else to blame.

But the question kept getting asked and I started to think, yeah, maybe I should do something. I even knew the part I should/could play. Martin the Policeman (I wont tell you his surname because it's a joke in the show - let's just say this. His surname is awesome).


So then, one rainy day over a coffee in the production office I decided to 'put it out there' and I mentioned it to the producer. Bless him, he just smiled and said - 'Good. I think you should'.

He however wasn't the only one to convince. The Execs and more importantly the director had to give me the okay. Iain (the director) did something I love him for. He asked me to audition. And so he bloody should. He didn't really know me at that stage and although he knew I could write, when it came to acting, I might well have been a plank of wood.

Now, when I say he made me audition, he made me audition. I think Iain hoped I'd be good (mostly because he didn't want to have a very awkward conversation if I wasn't), but he made me audition properly, in front of him, the producer, the casting director AND then sent the tape to the Execs for approval. And so he should. It's not fair to anyone otherwise. You can't just point at a character you made up and go 'That's me that is.'

Lucky for me everyone laughed and nodded, I took Iain's direction and I got the part. I won't name names but I know a few actor/writers who wanted to be in their own shows who haven't been so lucky. Ouch.

So, how was it? I had the time of my life on set. I was just giddy. Being there, acting in something that fell out of my head was such an amazing experience.

How was it for the director? A nightmare I think. Turns out, I'm a giggler. I think I make it through 3 out of 5 takes. Hey, if you want a great outtakes reel, I'm your man. You want to film the show you're supposed to... yeah, that might take a while.

I've filmed TV stuff before and I have never been like that. Never had that problem. And I blame a few things.

1. The silliness of the whole thing. I was acting in a show I had written. That's enough to turn anyone into a giddy child.
2. I 100% blame Will Mellor, Naomi Bentley, Rufus Wright and Georgia Moffett.

They're all hilarious, tell the dirtiest stories and really make filming fun. The only difference between them and me (that day) was they could just turn it on and off when needed. I can normally do that... I've done it on countless acting jobs... just not the set for my own show apparently. At one point I had to walk off set and have a bit of a word with myself. I really didn't know what was happening to me.

Actually I did... because every time you looked up I could see the joy in Mellor's eyes that he was making me go wrong. I know for a fact that this was his plan all along. He's told me as much. 'Oh Adrian.' He'd said. 'I'm going to enjoy trying to put you off all day!' I laughed it off and told him if he did I would kill his character off for series two. It didn't seem to stop him. He's a devil that one.

But I think we got through it. I'm still in the show, didn't hit the cutting room floor.

Am I any good in it? Well, that's for you to decide. If you think not - well I'd blame Mellor and Co. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.*

*That's of course not true. I really do only have myself to blame.

Adrian Poynton is the writer and creator of new comedy series White Van Man. You can watch him play Martin the policeman in tonight's episode at 10.30pm.

Watch previous episodes of White Van Man

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And so, it is now my turn to be the next Junior Doctor to type a few words about myself.
Everyone's first day at work is somewhat daunting. One wants to make a good impression, but without being over-keen (mentioning no names) or under-prepared (ditto): it is very important to fit in. However, try fitting in when you've brought a camera crew with you. Those two extra people - one with a large lens and one with what looks like a large fluffy sock on a stick (the sound person) - represent 1.4 million pair of eyes watching your every move - and those of your colleagues. No matter how much you want to fit in, no matter how hard you try, it's going to get you noticed by your colleagues.


I wouldn't have had the nerve to take part in this project as an F1 doctor (in the first foundation year as a newly qualified doctor), I was a bundle of nerves. I started out on nightshift as the only F1 to look after all the surgical patients in one hospital. My first patient crashed. I had to enlist help from medical, surgical and anaesthetics colleagues. It was enough of a baptism of fire without being asked to reflect on what I was doing by the sock-on-a-stick-person. I admire Adam, Katherine and Lucy for having the guts to do it from day one. I'd have run a mile and, as Lucy will tell you, I never - ever - run.

So what, in the end, made me sign up to the project? Well, there were two reasons. Firstly, I found out that Katherine had signed up to the project (I knew her from my time at Cambridge). This meant that, technically, I probably couldn't avoid the crews even if I dived Rambo-style into the sluice every time they passed. But secondly, I felt that my journey into and through medicine was an interesting one to tell. It was a big and happy journey. As big and happy as... um... Jon.

My career route has wobbled along meandering between science (researching neuropsychology and behavioural genetics), teaching (lecturing students, teaching children) acting and wine-merchanting (it's a long but very happy story). I loved science. I loved teaching, I loved personal interaction. I even enjoyed management. But finding a career that encompassed all of these was hard. Until I went to the doctor. (I should point out that I mean "encompassed all these... except wine". My GP wasn't hitting the Rioja at work.)

Fast-track medical training, for people who already have a degree, has opened up a world that otherwise people could not afford, in either time or money. It has allowed people like me to make a decision in their twenties that most people make a decade earlier. It's a lot of hard work (and fun) doing a five year degree in three and a half, but very fulfilling.

So after graduating from Cambridge (twice) I find myself in Newcastle - back home - with the opportunity to show the sort of doctors we older Juniors are. So how did I cope with the cameras? Truth be told, I didn't notice them most of the time. The man with the lens was - in my head - a consultant. The sock-on-a-stick was a member of my family. And I behaved at work as if they were watching me. Because now, they are.


As filming went on, I developed more surgical skills on the plastic surgery unit and came to a decision about my future. I believe reality TV buffs call this "A Journey". Within 16 months of starting work as an F1, doctors have to decide what they want to be when they grow up - a GP? A Radiologist? A Pathologist? A Surgeon?

16 months' experience in four different placements and you have to decide which areas of practice you never want to deal with again. It is not long and a weighty decision. My 'journey' was working out whether I wanted to end up as a children's surgeon or a children's medic and I now have my life planned out for the next 8 years. As to what that decision is, you'll have to watch and find out.

Watch Keir in the final episode of Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands at 9pm tomorrow.

• Read Andy's blog post about taking part in the programme
• Find out what inspired Lucy to become a Doctor
• Watch previous episode of Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands

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Being a mentor on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three programme Working Girls was an awesome experience, although I hadn't banked on it being so tough, both emotionally and physically. Running my digital design agency couldn't stop during this period, so I was effectively doing two jobs. I got involved with this programme as my personal experience leads me to believe that when faced with tough challenges it is possible, with the right support, to achieve things you never believed possible.

When I first started my company at 36, I had two things that I definitely didn't want to do. I never wanted to stand up and talk to an audience, and I hated flying. Fast forward to today and we have a company with offices around the globe, and I give talks on social media around the world!


While I work on average 12-hour days, 7 days a week, I also know that I am personally capable of being lazy, so I just don't give myself the opportunity to go down that route!

I achieved what I did because I had to: with two young children and a mortgage, when I launched my company it was sink or swim time. The first occasion I had to talk on a stage in front of 200 people I was nearly sick, but the confidence it gave me was immeasurable. As a result of these experiences, I thought it would be fascinating to meet someone who in her own words "didn't really care about anything", and try to show her that there are things to care about.

When I sat down with Leanne at the start of the show to discuss her role at my company, I explained that she may not enjoy every aspect of the job but I was going to push her out of her comfort zone to find out what made her tick. Thankfully, Leanne signed up to this challenge and I was both delighted and proud of the results.

Young people are increasingly getting a lot of bad press, but this experience reinforced my belief that it is possible to motivate people to roll up their sleeves and get off their backside to achieve job satisfaction.

I hope the audience takes a positive message from the show. Leanne went from a meagre existence, living in a squat and eating out of bins, to an environment that I hope has helped her grow as a person. She also got the chance to taste the rewards that come with success, as we invited her to Paris with us to thank her for all of her hard work.

Working with Leanne was a truly great experience. She turned out to be a fantastic advocate for employing young women, in that she's tough, sharp and highly intelligent. All she needed was the confidence to believe in herself, and my role was simply to show her that she already had the natural flair and ability to become a great business leader.

Margaret Manning is an award-winning businesswoman and CEO of Reading Room. You can see how she and Leanne got on in the final episode of Working Girls at 9pm on Thursday 24 March.

• Find out more about Working Girls
• Read a previous Working Girls mentor blog
• ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 1 Advice: Work

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Okay, so this feels weird. After four years work, a silly amount of writing and god knows how many litres of tea, White Van Man is going to be shown on the TV. It doesn't exactly seem real and I'm still not totally convinced it's actually going to happen... and here's why: I had two dreams as a child.

1. To write a TV comedy series and
2. To write an episode of Doctor Who.

Apparently, I've just done 50% of that. Yikes.


It turns out, the idea and all the characters for the show had been in my head for years, I just hadn't realised it at first.

The show, really, is about two things:

1. Me and my Dad
2. The place I grew up (Lichfield in Staffordshire).

My Dad (who just so happens to be called Tony and has a little white moustache - just like the Dad in the show) is from a very different generation of people than me. He grew up in a working class household, didn't do great at school and started working at a very early age. He did a lot of manual labour jobs like building, plumbing, painting people's houses etc. You know, the sort of jobs that make you want to say 'Grrrrr' a lot.

Me on the other hand, I'm a numpty who spends half his time prancing around on stage trying to make people laugh and the other half sitting in front of a computer, having delusions of being some grand storyteller.

I mean, my Dad single-handedly built the extension on my Mum and Dad's house, whereas I got in a huff this morning because we were out of green tea. We're very different people.

One day I started to wonder what it would be like if my Dad couldn't do any of that stuff anymore. Would I have to step up? And boom! Just like that, the idea for White Van Man was born. I'd sort of been living it for years.

Although let's be honest, that 'boom' could well have been the result of me trying to rewire a plug. We may never know.

I also suddenly realised, I'd grown up living in the setting for the show too.

I grew up in the Midlands, but it doesn't matter if you grew up in the north or the south or wherever, so much of the experiences people seem to have of their hometowns are surprisingly universal. That's why I made up a town name for the show.

To me Maplebury is Lichfield. I know to Will Mellor, it's Stockport. I hope for you, it's where you grew up. Believe me; you might even meet some characters in the show you already know from home. You might even see yourself in there. In which case, if you do - sorry.

That's been the real joy creating this show. Everyone who has read it has seemed to get it. They all just seemed to understand the world because they had, in someway, grown up in it.

That's the main reason Will always claims he wanted to do the show. His Dad is actually a handyman and he just knew what the show was about. I'd just (to quote ) turned it up to 11. I think we've got some very, very funny (and tender) results.

And that's why it feels strange to be finally putting it out there for everyone to watch. Within four years it went from being some stuff in my head, to being some stuff on a page, to seeing Clive Mantle (who plays Tony) wandering around set with a little white moustache. It still doesn't really seem real.

Maybe that's because it comes from a very personal place. I hope you recognise it.

Now if we could just get Steven Moffat (head writer and executive producer of Doctor Who) to give me a call, I might be able to retire by the time I'm 33.

Adrian Poynton is the writer and creator of new comedy series White Van Man which starts at 10.30pm on Tuesday.

Watch more clips and see photos from White Van Man

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We're delirious with excitement here at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three HQ, as today we can announce the news that all Being Human fans have been waiting for. Yes, the excellent Being Human will be back for another series! Woohoo!

Last night's series finale was watched by 1.1 million of you and the next series will see the cast coming to terms with the fallout from last night's climax. (If you haven't seen it yet, you can watch it online now.) The cast will be returning to Barry Island and there'll be some new characters too, as Creator and Executive Producer Toby Whitehouse confirmed:

"We were overwhelmed by the response to series three, and so we're absolutely thrilled that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ have given us this opportunity to continue our show into a fourth year. We've got another intense and epic story lined up for you, with some new faces and old, and even more horror and mayhem and mugs of tea. I can't wait to get started."

That's all the clues we've got for now but keep checking the Being Human blog for up-to-date news about the show.

If you missed any of series 3, don't worry you can still catch up on previous episodes now on the website. And don't forget the online drama Becoming Human will get its first showing on telly this Sunday at 9pm.

• More about Becoming Human
• Being Human website

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You asked. They answered.

Natalie (who plays Donna) and Luke (who plays Tim) took time out from filming the new series of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps to reply to the questions you sent in via, and the blog.



Don't forget, there's another chance to watch series 8 of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps at 11.30pm on Friday nights.

The new series will be on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three in late Spring.

• Catch up with series 8

Add your comment.

Hello all! My name is Andy and I am from Hong Kong. I am one of the seven doctors who took part in the series Junior Doctors - Your Life in Their Hands and I would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone a bit about me.

I was 14 when I came to the UK. I attended a boarding school near York called Ampleforth College. This school played (and still plays) a significant part in my life. It gave me confidence which is later reflected in my personal and professional life.

Being the son of a lawyer I have always had a natural affinity towards the legal field. However, soon after entering sixth-form I discovered that my father had wanted to be a doctor when he was my age but his health denied him the opportunity. This became the reason for me to wear the white coat.

My time in the medical school was not straight forward. I had doubts - Do I really want to be a doctor? Did I come into medicine for the wrong reasons? Should I change course and go back to law... I questioned myself over and over again, but eventually came up with a simple conclusion. I will finish what I started, I always had.

Being F1 (in the first foundation year as a newly qualified doctor) was a culture shock - I had responsibilities (real ones). I could no longer just decide not to go in because I did not want to get out of bed. Patients were actually ill, and I had to do something. My knowledge was being tested and tested, and I had to remain composed and look confident in the face of adversity. I do not believe in panic, it helps nobody.

It was an awkward feeling in the beginning when patients called me Dr Kong, it made me feel twenty years older and generally uncomfortable.

F2 (the second Foundation year) is better, generally because I am no longer the ward monkey and there is some experience behind me. Starting in the children's ward was scary though, as I was so accustomed to seeing adult patients who would readily give me the information I ask for whereas with children I have to learn how to do my job while playing games with them. Simple procedures like taking blood become more difficult and heartbreaking when it is done on a child. It also takes some good skills to comfort anxious parents when their children are sick. Death and dying are even more unbearable. Saying that, it is not all doom and gloom. Often we see children coming to us drastically ill, but after a bit of intervention, they leave laughing and bouncing. The wonderful smiles from the children and their relieved parents are what motivate me to go to work everyday.

I signed up to do this documentary as I would like to show the world what being a junior doctor is really like, to remind the public that we are just ordinary human beings and we have a life outside work just like everyone else. The filming was tiring and time-consuming, I frequently had to walk through a door three times so the crew could catch the shots from different angles. They were outside my door before I got out of bed and still in our house when we went to sleep. They were very nice people though.

Anyway, enough said about me. I hope you enjoy the show.

Andy Kong features in Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands tonight at 9pm.

• Watch previous episodes of Junior Doctors
• Read Junior Doctor Lucy's blog about why she went into medicine

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The Being Human universe expanded recently with the launch of the hottest new online drama since, well, ever... Becoming Human.

Becoming Human is a murder mystery set in a normal college. However, three of the pupils who go there are anything but.

• Adam is a vampire last seen in Being Human episode two. His lines are cheesy and his pulling ability is rubbish.
• Christa is a feisty werewolf who's secretly terrified of anyone finding out her condition.
• And Matt... well Matt's a ghost, having recently been murdered. Drowned in a toilet, to be precise. I know, it's embarrassing.

Together the trio must track down Matt's murderer and bring him to justice. You can see them in action in brand new episodes at 10pm every Sunday straight after Being Human on red button and on the Becoming Human blog.

Plus there are new clues every day, including pictures, mobile phone vids, diary entries and more, all created by characters themselves. This means you can play detective and follow their theories as each new piece of evidence crops up.

We caught up with Alex Kalymnios, the amazing director of the Becoming Human episodes, to hear her take on this unusual and, quite frankly, bloody awesome new drama.

What makes the characters special?

The characters in Becoming Human feel quite fresh and unique compared to the usual teenagers seen on our TV screens, not just because of the supernatural element but because their problems are very much rooted in truth.

Matt, the 'ghost' was invisible to the world even before he was dead - a friendless loner. Christa, the werewolf, is really just a girl at that awkward period of her life as her body is changing and she is just trying to figure out who she really is. Adam's vampire bloodthirst could be seen as a comparison to being a horny teenager, yet to lose his virginity (!). So the teenage world and our characters' issues are genuine and relevant but of course slightly heightened given their supernatural abilities. This is why I think it makes our characters special as they are believable yet intriguing - they are ordinary kids with extraordinary abilities and so very enjoyable to watch!

The main trio are all teenagers... how does that make Becoming Human different from it's established cousin, Being Human?

Becoming Human could be seen as aimed at a slighter younger audience however, I think the characters are so funny and genuine I hope they have a universal appeal to all Being Human viewers. In fact Adam is a 46-year-old in a teenager's body so a lot of his references are from his era that I suspect older audiences are more likely to appreciate!

Ultimately, Becoming Human is an extension of the Being Human world and although it has quite a similar tone in it's humour and the rules of the supernatural world, I feel the character's worlds and therefore their problems are quite different - mainly due to the fact our trio are all still stuck at school!

What appealed to you about directing Becoming Human?

I loved the idea of creating the Becoming Human teen world - something that felt slightly nostalgic, atmospheric yet epic. I wanted to approach the murder mystery with a modern 'film noir' feel to it, reminiscent of films such as 'Brick'. I wanted the school to be its own character and to portray how the school world is in fact our characters' entire universe - as this is the only world they know at the moment. I loved this idea of the three characters lost in the vastness of school life and also feeling slightly trapped and contained by being there. For example, a lot of the scenes are set and confined to the detention room at school - so it had very much a 'Breakfast Club' feel to it - with the idea of these outcast kids all stuck together in a room. Over the course of our episodes we see our trio come together to solve Matt's murder and ultimately becoming great friends by the end.

What were your main aims when directing the episodes?

My main aim was to create a series that was cinematic, funny and memorable. I wanted each of the three characters to feel iconic and for their own unique style to feel timeless and slightly underground. I also wanted to create a cool soundtrack to their world and therefore tried to find interesting and less commercial tracks to help further create this mysterious world.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when shooting Becoming Human?

I think probably the biggest challenge was filming in a real working school during term time! We had to work around the school's working hours (for example - quickly film a scene in the corridor before all the kids rush out in-between classes!). Luckily, the school was very accommodating and helpful which is how it all came together so well - but it was definitely a challenge to have on a film shoot!

Which episode/moment is your favourite and why?

I love all of them! But I guess if I really had to choose- I really enjoyed filming the haunting scene in episode 2! I love anything supernatural - so it was fun to play with things flying around the home economics room! I also love the opening sequence of episode 5, Matt's confession - it still gives me goosebumps when I watch it now.

Alex Kalymnios is Director of Becoming Human and Barry Pilling is online editor of Being Human.

You can watch new Becoming Human episodes online every Sunday night after the latest instalment of Being Human at 9pm.

• Watch episodes of Becoming Human
• Find out the latest Being Human news on the blog
• Catch up with Being Human episodes

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Amazingly, there are some women who believe that unemployment is a lifestyle choice. Can they be inspired to stop relying on benefits for a fulfilling future in the workplace? That's the task facing successful businesswomen in the new series Working Girls, as they try to motivate women with a non-existent work ethic.

But be prepared, it's a bumpy ride as the attitudes of the young women put their mentor's patience to the test. I caught up with one of the businesswomen taking part, Sandy Verdon, the Creative Director for fashion company Hobbs, to ask her why she wanted to get involved.

I am extremely passionate about the industry that I have been fortunate to work in for the past 20 years and felt that by instilling a work ethic in someone like Zara, viewers would also be enthused and it would ignite their passion for this amazing business.

What were you hoping the young women would get out of it?

A sense of self worth and motivation and the joys of achievement through teamwork that the girls could take with them into whatever career field they chose to go into. It was quite obvious early on that we would not convert Zara into the fashion industry. However, I hoped that the experience she had with the business would give her more confidence.

Did you enjoy the experience of filming the programme?


Filming for eight days in a row was intense, although I am very used to working at the weekends! We had a few really key projects to deliver during the period. Our Spring Summer 2011 advertising campaign shoot was taking place together with the opening and launch event for our new store, it would always have been a stressful time but the filming added an extra dimension of pressure.

Were there any surprises or things that shocked you?

I was quite shocked that Zara's CV consisted of her name doodled on a ripped out piece of A4 notebook with a few words jotted down!

How did you feel that your advice was received?

Zara was quite reluctant, shy and bolshy to start with which was difficult for my teams to manage as they are all extremely motivated. Zara was never going to become a fashionista overnight but I feel the journey she went on was valuable and we connected a little over creativity where Zara showed some talent. At the launch party, which was her last task, I was impressed with her tenacity to get the job done. I hope she goes on to achieve her goals and dreams for the future whatever these may be.

What did you learn from making the programme?

Patience is a virtue.

What are you hoping that viewers will take away from watching the programme?

A sense of excitement in the fashion business and an idea that there are a plethora of careers out in the fashion business from hair and make up stylists, photographers to design researchers and events production.

Sandy Verdon is Creative Director for Hobbs. You can see how Sandy and Zara got on in episode 2 of Working Girls next Thursday 10th March. Working Girls starts tonight at 9pm.

• Find out more about Working Girls
• ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 1 Advice: Work

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Filming of Series 9 of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps is in its final stages. But before the cast go off and take a well earned break, we want to give you the chance to ask them some questions.

Natalie Casey, who plays Donna and Luke Gell, who plays pub landlord Tim, are standing by to share their secrets and let you know what really goes on down The Archers pub.

Maybe you want to know how similar Natalie is to her character Donna. Or ask what Luke gets up to in his spare time. Or find out what it's been like on set without Sheridan and Kathyrn.

All you have to do is add your question here on the blog by midnight on Sunday 6th March. We'll then film their replies and post a video of their responses here on the blog next week. If you prefer you can send us your question via our or .

And if you want ideas for what to ask Natalie and Luke - get inspiration from the last series. There's another chance to watch series 8 of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps at 11.30pm on Friday nights.

The new series will be on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three in late Spring.

Add your question.

• Catch up with series 8

Up for a laugh? Well you're gonna love this! Comedian David Walliams (Come Fly with Me, Little Britain) will be hosting a non-stop, belly-aching 24 hours of comedy for Comic Relief.

24 Hour Panel People will see David switching between the roles of team captain, panellist and host across the day for a whole heap of different panel shows. You can watch 24 Hour Panel People streamed live on the Red Nose Day website from midday this Saturday 5th March. Why not get people to sponsor you to watch the full 24 hours?

We'll also be showing the best bits on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three every weeknight in the run up to Red Nose Day on Friday 18th March. Check the schedule for details nearer the time. Make sure you don't miss ´óÏó´«Ã½ Three favourite Russell Tovey (Being Human, Him & Her) in the bamboozle-based quiz Call My Bluff. He'll also be appearing in QI along with Sue Perkins, Sean Lock and host Stephen Fry.

There'll be all time classics shows, including The Generation Game, Blankety Blank, Through The Keyhole, They Think It's All Over, Room 101, Give Us A Clue and Whose Line Is It Anyway - alongside current favourites such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

To find out more and for fundraising ideas visit the Red Nose Day website.