The Inner City Weekender

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 2012 THE INNER CITY WEEKENDER

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16 ENTERTAINMENT

W ell wasn’t Australia a buzz with ‘Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War’ on Sunday night. ‘Howzat!’ hit a

high of 2.1 million in the ratings making it the number one rated local drama so far this year. Many viewers were loving the fact Packer was portrayed exceptionally well, almost Gold Logie award-winning worthy, and that classic footage was intertwined throughout the movie, making it that more authentic. Catch the second exciting instalment again this Sunday at 8.30pm. [Pictured]

Channel Ten show ‘Everybody Dance Now’ is on its fi nal legs. The ratings for the highly promoted dance show have been disastrous and I’m hearing Ten could very soon shift it to digital channel ELEVEN to die a slow death. The show, hosted by Sarah Murdoch and featuring American sensations Jason Derulo and Kelly Rowland, has already seen a number of timeslot changes and format fi x-ups in its very fi rst week.

Last Sunday the show reached a lowly 385,000 viewers across the country – even SBS beat it in its timeslot.

The rumours have been around for months but it’s now been confi rmed ‘MasterChef Australia’ is on the move from Sydney to Melbourne for its fi fth season. Ten Chief Programming Offi cer, David Mott, said: “This is an exciting move for MasterChef Australia’s viewers and sponsors. The Melbourne Showgrounds offers an exciting opportunity to create a new environment for ‘MasterChef Australia’, with a new kitchen, new challenges and new locations in Victoria’s acclaimed food and wine regions”. It’s understood the NSW Government are shattered with the news as many local production jobs will now be lost to Victorians.

‘The Biggest Loser Australia’ fi nally has the green light to return to screens in 2013. Applications are now open for season eight of the weight-loss program, which will see the return of the ‘Biggest Loser: Families’ concept. The offi cial website says: “Whatever your age, size and story, if you are part of a family of two or more, whether a mother, father, daughter or son and you want to take on a life-changing challenge, then ‘The Biggest Loser’ wants you”. Applications close September 21.

In a massive blow for women’s sport in Australia, the ABC will cut the coverage for the WNBL (basketball) and W-League (soccer) for its upcoming seasons. The ABC will now broadcast the two sports back-to-back in a one-hour highlights package, instead of broadcasting live games or full match replays. I must say this is a

terrible move and women’s sport in this country should be given better coverage. If Channel Nine and Fox Sports can spend $1 billion on television rights to broadcast the NRL, surely the ABC or another network can at least offer fans something better than a one-hour highlights show. Let’s hope with enough support they will wake up to themselves.

Nicki Minaj is the latest celebrity to be touted to judge the next season of ‘American Idol’. If true, Nicki will join already confi rmed judge Mariah Carey on the panel for its 2013 season. Sources are saying the deal is all but done and just a few loose ends need to be taken care of.

Lastly, Channel Seven have given an date for new musical-drama ‘Smash’ to be aired. The show will premiere August 28 at 9.30pm.

CHATTER ON THE BOX With Nathan Taylor