News Round-up

MyNetworkTV Shakeup Music to Syndicators' Ears
MyNetwork TV's shift last week from a TV network to a “programming service” has syndicators salivating. The change will leave at least six hours per week of primetime programming up for grabs, and that could be good news for program distributors, whether big studios or smaller independents.

There are plenty of shows not in syndication or on cable that could be a good option for MNT, such as Warner Bros.' NIP/TUCK or NBCU's FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

LYNN LICCARDO: Phillip's return to GL - So Far, So Good
"For me, the most memorable moment was a tiny one; while Phillip was helping Beth out of her blood-stained wedding dress she tells him their daughter, Lizzie, had a baby. His face betraying no emotion, Phillip crossed to the sideboard in silence and poured himself a stiff drink. It was a pitch-perfect moment, as has been the rest of his return thus far."

CORRIE filming to halt for memorial
Filming of CORONATION STREET is to be halted for the first time in a decade while stars are in mourning, the show confirmed today. The set will shut down tomorrow (Tuesday) for the day so that staff can attend a memorial service for Sara Roache, 58, wife of Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap. Mrs. Roache died earlier this month at the couple's home in Cheshire.

ATWT's Eileen Fulton on the Australian fires
Fulton told the L.A. Canyon News, “I feel terrible about the devastation to the lives of the people affected by the fires and especially upset if they were deliberately set. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who find themselves with little or nothing left. There is something always good out of something bad though, isn't there? I have heard from my indomitable Australia friends that they will pick themselves up, brush themselves off and re-build. That's the Aussie way. My spirit—and I hope those in Australia—were lifted on seeing that precious fireman bottle feeding the thirsty koala."

EASTENDERS newcomer's social site
EASTENDERS regulars were aghast last week when newcomer Syd (Nina Toussaint-White) made a dramatic entrance into Albert Square, but not as surprised as show bosses when they came across the actress's shocking social networking site. While Syd is set to send Bradley's (Charlie Clements) pulse racing, the actress behind the character is also something of a live wire. According to The Daily Mirror, Toussaint-White's page on a popular social networking website landed her in hot water after it listed some of her interests.

Same-sex kiss between HOUSEWIVES?
According to Celebuzz, producers at DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES have come up with a steamy way to keep viewers interested following the departure of Nicollette Sheridan - they are planning a passionate same-sex kiss between Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria Parker.

It was announced last week that Sheridan would be leaving the show in April.

Antonio Sabato, Jr. appreciates what he has
The tattooed, Italian-born Sabato is fluent in three languages, surfs, fishes, rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and cooks. But he doesn't spend much time dwelling on his assets. "I don't go, 'Hey, I'm a good-looking guy,' when I look in the mirror," he said. "I brush my teeth and make sure I don't have anything in them. I don't like seeing myself in film or pictures. But I also don't listen to negativity." His focus instead: Appreciate what you have.

Brazilian Soap Opera Spotlights India
Brazil’s top TV channel TV Globo is betting its 2009 lineup on a 200 episode telenovella CAMINHO DAS INDIAS (Path to India).

Friday the 13th dominates box office
Horror was more popular than romance this Valentine's Day weekend with the Friday the 13th opening at No. 1 in U.S. theaters, Box Office Mojo said Sunday with an estimated $42.25 million. Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring former HOME AND AWAY actress Isla Fisher, landed at No. 4 with $15.41 million.

Catherine Hickland's "Conscious Loving Radio"
The latest episode, "Emotional Vampires - Part 2," aired last night.