BBC’s adaption of Howards End fails to impress viewers as almost three million switch off before show’s end
THE 1992 film adaptation of Howards End scooped three Oscars including one for Brit star EMMA THOMPSON.
But I wouldn’t advise the cast of Sunday night’s BBC version to free up space on their awards shelf just yet.
The Beeb’s adaptation of the 1910 E.M. FORSTER novel — starring MATTHEW MacFADYEN and HAYLEY ATWELL— failed to impress viewers, with almost three million switching off by the end of it.
The hour-long drama opened with 7.8million tuning in following Blue Planet II but ratings sank to just over five million by the end of the show.
A TV source said: “It’s bad news for the BBC. They hoped this would be a big hit with viewers and could become the next Downton Abbey.
But audiences struggled to get to grips with the slow-moving plot which stuck out in comparison to recent hit dramas such as Doctor Foster and Liar.”
And no amount of sweeping countryside shots or big-name bookings could sweeten the period drama for viewers.
Taking to social media, some branded the show “boring” and “disappointing”.
Earlier this month, Hayley revealed pal Emma Thompson had warned her off viewing the film version.
She said: “Emma has been a mentor to me for a number of years.
"She said to me, ‘Don’t watch my version, you should never do that — read some physics books instead’.”
After Sunday night’s snoozefest, I’d have chosen the books.
READ ON FOR MORE OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Craig in warning to Burke
I’M used to CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD delivering scathing criticism on Strictly – but his half-term report on the contestants still makes for shocking reading.
The show’s very own Mr Nasty has warned that ALEXANDRA BURKE has to win over viewers if she’s to avoid suffering the same fate as ASTON MERRYGOLD, who left the contest last week.
Craig said: “She’s a frontrunner for the final – but so was Aston. So she needs to make sure the public is behind her in order to get that far.
“Alex could stumble at the next hurdle.
“If you’d asked me a couple of weeks ago who would be in the final I’d have said, without a shadow of a doubt, Aston, Alexandra and Debbie.
“But we’ve already seen just how quickly things can change. All bets are off.”
And Craig doesn’t hold back when it comes Alexandra’s rival, MOLLIE KING.
The SATURDAYS singer was in the bottom two against Aston, and needs to “pull her socks up” as she’s lagging behind.
He added: “She can look awkward and wooden sometimes. I feel like she’s holding something back.
“I thought at the beginning that she’d be one to watch.”
Craig also gave his verdict on new head judge SHIRLEY BALLAS, and said those who listen have got better.
He said: “Shirley has been an excellent addition to the judging panel and is always very constructive in her advice.”
I think she’s been ace.
SOAPBOX
IN EMMERDALE Paddy somehow manages to not notice Rhona’s developing feelings for him, despite spending an entire afternoon helping her.
But she is equally oblivious to his low-profile relationship with Chas.
Meanwhile, Robert is touched by the Whites’ faith in him and pledges to prove himself worthy of their respect.
In EASTENDERS, Ben reels from his parents’ revelation as Kathy tries to explain why she has never told him before.
But all Ben wants is to do is confront Willmott-Brown.
Elsewhere, Gethin’s confession to Sonia didn’t go as well as hoped and Carmel goes the extra mile to make amends with Stacey.
It's a Merry X-mas
EVERYONE always goes on about the “magical” John Lewis festive adverts.
But this year I think only one commercial has the X Factor – because it includes four acts from the talent show.
The ad for clothing firm Peacocks starts with JEDWARD opening the door to carol singers fronted by WAGNER, SAM BAILEY and HONEY G.
The trio then come in for a party before they all leave on a flying sleigh, left.
It won’t help the reality stars’ recording careers, but it’s great that they don’t take themselves too seriously.
Plus they won’t be short of socks to give out as a Christmas presents this year.
JESS & DOM UP THE ISLE
ITV2 won’t be the only channel with a group of babes and hunks sharing a villa in a hot location next summer.
Two of its Love Island stars, JESSICA SHEARS and DOMINIC LEVER, will be getting hitched in one to rival the Spanish shag pad.
The couple have already booked a 30-person venue in Mykonos, Greece. Winner KEM CETINAY, finalist OLIVIA ATTWOOD and Geordie Shore’s SAM GOWLAND are all expected to attend.
Speaking at the ITV Gala in London, Jess said: “We can’t invite everyone [from Love Island]. That would take up the whole 30 people.”
Manchester-born Dom popped the question in September. The couple will be the first pair to get hitched after the revamped hit series.
Their big day will be filmed for a Newlyweds-style show.
These two don’t hang about.
Oh no it hasn't!
CHRISTMAS television has become so predictable – and the BBC is not doing much to change that.
Last year it showed the comedy Peter Pan Goes Wrong during the festive period . . . and this year it is following suit.
The Beeb will screen A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, a spoof of a hapless drama society trying to stage a live TV version of the Dickens novel.
It might as well start working out which book will go wrong in 2018 now.
MUST WATCH
WHAT? Saying Goodbye, BBC1, 10.45pm.
WHY? Young people talk about the pain of losing a parent and coping with illness in this documentary narrated by HELENA BONHAM CARTER as part of Children In Need.
