Alan Tudyk in 'Dollhouse'

‘Firefly’ and ‘Dollhouse’ alum Alan Tudyk is reportedly joining NBC’s reboot of ‘Rockford Files.’

Centred on Jim Rockford, a private investigator who investigates dangerous, quirky and unpredictable cases, the 1970s reboot is written by ‘House’ creator David Shore with Steve Carell as executive producer.

Tudyk will play LAPD sergeant Dennis Becker.

This follows the annoucement of Dermot Mulroney joining the cast as Jim Rockford.

Source: The Ausiello Files

Ana Ortiz, America Ferrera, Becki Newton and Ashley Jensen on the set of 'Ugly Betty'.

‘Ugly Betty’ is gearing up for its series finale, which airs on April 14 in the US.

According to Entertainment Weekly, producers have already started recruiting former cast members for guest appearances before the series concludes.

Ashley Jensen — who is currently starring on the CBS comedy ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ — will reprise her role as Betty’s BFF Christina in episode 18, in which Betty heads overseas to cover London Fashion Week for Daniel.

Also set to return is Betty’s former flame Gio, played by Freddy Rodriguez. The last we saw of Gio was back in the Season 3 opener, following the love birds’ whirlwind tour of Rome. Things turned sour for the couple when Betty decided she just wanted to be friends. Could Gio perhaps be returning to rekindle his love with Betty?

Finally, Christopher Gorham, who played Betty’s former lover Henry — is also believed to be in negations to return. Nothing has been confirmed yet, so it may be a case of the unknown until an actual episode airs.

Another cast mate who we’d love to see return before the series ends is Rebecca Romijn, who played Daniel’s transgender brother Alex, turned sister Alexis. She fled the country with her long lost son DJ, following her escape from prosecution for the attempted murder of surrogate Christina/Wilhelmina’s unborn child.

Check out some more snaps from Ashley Jensen’s return on ‘Ugly Betty’ below.

In case you were wondering, the cast didn’t actually fly to London to film the episode. Instead, several New York locations were redressed to represent the British capital. The episode is currently schedule to air on March 31 in the US.

Ashley Jensen films a scene for her return to 'Ugly Betty', set to air March 31 on ABC.

Ashley Jensen on the set of 'Ugly Betty'.

Source: EW.com

Debra Messing

Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing is set to make her return to network television, with starring role in ABC’s upcoming comedy pilot ‘Wright vs. Wrong’.

The single-camera comedy centres on Evelyn Wright (Messing), a driven conservative pundit who tries to maintain her public persona despite facing her own vulnerabilities.

The ‘Will & Grace’ star will serve as an executive producer on the project, which is based at Sony Pictures Television and Tantamount Productions.

‘Wrong’ was written by actress-writer Stephnie Weir (‘Mad TV’), who will also serve as an executive producer along side Tantamount’s Mitch Hurwitz, Eric Tannenbaum and Kim Tannenbaum.

Andy Fickman (‘Aliens in America’, ‘She the Man’) is set to direct.

Following her eight-year run on the hit NBC sitcom ‘Will & Grace’, Messing starred in the cable dramedy series ‘The Starter Wife’ on USA Network. The original six-part miniseries was filmed in Australia, with the Gold Coast standing in for Malibu, California.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman is headed to television, to star in HBO’s horseracing drama pilot ‘Luck’, from feature film writer/producer Michael Mann (‘Public Enemies’, ‘Ali’) and David Milch (‘Deadwood’, ‘NYPD Blue’).

Described as a provocative look at the worlds of horseracing, ‘Luck’ follows Hoffman’s character, a tough but intelligent gambler, who’s done everything from bookmaking and money laundering to casino operations.

Following his release from prison, he teams up with Gus Economou (Dennis Farina), his former chauffeur and “brawn”, and Turo Escalante (John Ortiz), a successful trainer with a sordid reputation, to craft a complex plan involving the racetrack.

The pilot was penned by Milch, with Mann set to direct. Both will serve as executive producers alongside Carolyn Strauss and Henry Bronchtein (‘The Sopranos)’.

Production on the pilot is expected to take place over the next few months in Los Angeles.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Gillian Zinser

Tomboy surfer chick Ivy Sullivan has been promoted to a regular on the soap drama ‘90210’.

Ivy who recently joined the cast to create a love triangle between Liam (Matt Lander) and Naomi (Anna-Lynne McCord) has worked well with the boys and her extended stay will allow the writers to delve deeper into this intriguing storyline.

The recently renewed show returns in March on The CW after a long hiatus.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris has been confirmed for a guest-starring role on 20th Century Fox TV’s musical comedy ‘Glee’.

Harris is no newcomer to the musical genre. The 36-year old appeared on Broadway in 2001 as Tobais Ragg in ‘Sweeny Todd’, as Emcee in ‘Cabaret’ in 2003 and starred in Joss Whedon’s Emmy Award-winning musical web series, ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog’ on 2008.

Details of Harris’ role have yet to be released, but the Emmy nominated actor has only confirmed for the one episode.

Early reports linked Harris to director Joss Whedon’s upcoming episode of ‘Glee’, but that has yet to be confirmed.

‘Glee’ returns in April on FOX and Network Ten.

Source: TVGuide.com

David Anders

TV Guide.com has confirmed that David Anders will be joining the cast of  The CW’s ‘The Vampire Diaries’.

The 28-year old, who previously had recurring roles on ‘Alias’ and ‘Heroes’, will play Jonathan Gilbert, Elena and Jeremy’s uncle.

Anders will make his first appearance in The CW’s April 15th episode and will recur throughout the remainder of the season.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ episode 14 “Fool Me Once” airs 8.30pm tonight on GO!

Source: TV Guide.com

Maggie Q

Maggie Q is rumoured to join the cast of The CW’s new sci-fi project ‘Nikita’ as one of the main characters, most likely Nikita.

If successful she will hold one of the highest-profile series role for an Asian actress. Born as Margaret Quigley, Maggie Q, a Hong Kong action movie star featured in Hollywood blockbusters ‘Mission: Impossible III’ and ‘Live Free or Die Hard.’

Creator, Craig Silverstein claims he wrote the lead as ‘beautiful and exotic’ so if Maggie’s looks and funky name isn’t enough what is?

So another year and The CW already has the buzziest show around Hollywood, shame this doesn’t translate into good ratings.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Poppy Montgomery

Australia’s Poppy Montgomery has landed a role in the upcoming ABC pilot ‘True Blue’.

The drama revolves around six former best friends who rose through the ranks at the San Francisco Police Department. As the group reunite to solve the murder of one of their own, past rivalries and old flames are reignited.

Montgomery will play the hard-working Katherine Miller, the department’s only female police captain, who struggles to balance her demanding career and complicated personal life following a divorce.

Before landing her seven-year gig on CBS’ ‘Without a Trace’, Montgomery rose to fame following her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in the made-for-television movie ‘Blonde’.

Source: TV Guide

Media Release

Brian McFadden joins the judging panel on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’

Channel Seven today confirmed singing sensation Brian McFadden will join the judging panel on the new season of Australia’s Got Talent.

Brian will sit alongside fellow judges Dannii Minogue and Kyle Sandilands as they search for Australia’s next big superstar. Grant Denyer will return to host the fourth series.

“I am beyond excited to be joining Channel 7 and Australia’s Got Talent – I have always been a massive fan of the show and am looking forward to sitting alongside my respected friends and peers Dannii and Kyle.”

Beginning his music career with the Irish boyband Westlife – selling more than 50 million albums around the globe – Brian is now an established solo artist, with two albums – Irish Son and Set In Stone. His anticipated third album will be released in April.

Last year, the UK version of ‘Got Talent gave birth to international success story Susan Boyle while at home, winner Mark Vincent established himself as Australia’s youngest opera virtuoso at just 15 years of age with a top-selling album on the ARIA charts.

The competition in Australia’s Got Talent is open to everyone from solo acts and group performances to comedians and dance troupes – and there is no age limit. Auditions around the country have just wrapped, and there has been an incredible amount of talent on display. It promises to be the biggest series yet.

Australia’s Got Talent is coming soon to Channel Seven.

Source: Seven Network

Jennifer Finnigan, Patrick Flueger and Rose Rollins

Jennifer Finnigan (‘Close to Home’) is set to star opposite Joanna Garcia (‘Privileged’) in ABC’s untitled Shana Goldberg-Meehan sitcom.

The multicamera comedy, from Warner Bros. Television, revolves around two sisters who are at different stages of their relationships. Finnigan’s character, who is in a happy, long-term relationship but unwed and Garcia’s character, who gets pregnant and winds up marrying her boyfriend.

Meanwhile, Patrick Flueger (‘The 4400′) has landed a role on ABC’s ‘Scoundrels’ opposite Virginia Madsen. The project is based on the New Zealand dramedy ‘Outrageous Fortune’.

Flueger will play twin brothers Logan, the only honest member of the family who is about to graduate from law school, and Cal, the not-so-smart future criminal.

Finally, Rose Rollins (‘The L Word’) joins Warner Bros. Television’s ‘Chase’, which centers on a high-priority fugitive-apprehension team in South Texas.

The project will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer for NBC.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim won’t be leaving the island after all. The ‘Lost’ star has landed a role in CBS’ upcoming ‘Hawaii Five-O’ remake.

Kim will play Detective Chin Ho Kelly, made famous by Kam Fong in the original series.

The leading role of Detective Steve McGarrett has yet be cast, however Australia’s Alex O’Loughlin (‘Moonlight’, ‘Three Rivers’) is still believed to be in talks.

‘Hawaii Five-O’ is being developed by ‘Fringe’ co-creators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. Peter Lenkov (‘CSI: NY’) will serve as showrunner.

Production on the pilot will take place at the Hawaii Film Studio in Oahu, the same stages where ‘Lost’ shoots.

‘Lost’ airs 8.30pm Wednesdays on 7TWO.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Laura Prepon, Bret Harrison and Michael Kelly

Laura Prepon (‘October Road’, ‘That ’70s Show’) is set to star opposite Danny Wallace (‘The IT Crowd’) in ABC’s ‘Awkward Situations’ pilot.

The comedy centres on Wallace, who stars as himself following his move to the States, only to discover that his everyday behaviour clashes with American values. Pepron will play his wife Meg, who works in a smoothie shop with a former fling, played by Matt Letscher.

Meanwhile, ‘Reaper’ star Bret Harrison has landed the lead in an untitled CBS pilot from Adam Goldberg (‘Aliens in America’, ‘Fanboys’).

The single-camera comedy, which will be directed by Seth Gordon, revolves around twentysomething geniuses (one played by Harrison) who crack computer security systems

Finally, ‘The Sopranos’ alum Michael Kelly has joined CBS’ upcoming ‘Criminal Minds’ spin-off.

Kelly will play a member of an outside FBI profiling team, lead by Cooper (Forest Whitaker).

The backdoor pilot will air later this season as an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Michelle Trachtenberg and Connor Paolo

According to TV Guide, Georgina Sparks is set to ruffle some more feathers on The CW’s ‘Gossip Girl’.

‘Mercy’ full-timer, Michelle Trachtenberg, will be dropping by the Upper-East Side in the show’s upcoming season finale.

Meanwhile, Connor Paolo who plays Eric van der Woodsen on “Gossip Girl’ will be guest starring on the March 3 episode of Trachtenberg’s ‘Mercy’.

Paolo, will play a patient whose emitted to Mercy Hospital after setting off a pipe bomb on a bus. Things worsen for him when the father of a bus passenger pulls a gun on him whilst being treated.

‘Gossip Girl’ airs 10.30pm Thursdays on GO!. ‘Mercy’ returns 9.30pm Wednesday, February 17 on 7TWO.

Source: TV Guide

Media Release

KYLE SANDILANDS RETURNS TO TELEVISION

Kyle Sandlilands

Kyle Sandilands will have a new television home in 2010 – joining Channel Seven as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.

Sandilands will bring his unique, no-nonsense style to the fourth season of Seven’s nationwide talent search.

Currently host of Sydney’s top-rating Kyle and Jackie O breakfast radio program on 2DAYFM and heard around Australia through the Austereo Network, Sandilands made his mark on our TV screens as a judge on four seasons of Australian Idol.

“I am thrilled to be joining Channel Seven – so Australia, you think you’ve got talent – I am going to be the new judge of that,” Sandilands said today.
“Singers, dancers, comedians – if you have an act worth watching or think you have what it takes to be a star – we want you. I have always been a massive fan of the show and can’t wait to get behind the desk of Australia’s only free-for-all talent show.”

Last year, the UK version of ‘Got Talent gave birth to international success story Susan Boyle while at home, winner Mark Vincent established himself as Australia’s youngest opera virtuoso at just 15 years of age with a top-selling album on the ARIA charts.

The competition in Australia’s Got Talent is open to everyone from solo acts and group performances to comedians and dance troupes – and there is no age limit. Now, this season’s recruits will have Sandilands on hand to tell them if they’ve ‘got talent’.

Auditions begin this weekend in Sydney and will travel around the country over the next month on the lookout for Australia’s next big superstar. Full details on the auditions are available at yahoo7.com.au/talent.

Australia’s Got Talent is coming soon to Channel Seven. Further announcements regarding the upcoming season will follow in the coming weeks.

Source: Seven Network

Emma Booth in Nine's upcoming series 'Underbelly: The Golden Mile'.

Screentime, the producers of ‘Underbelly’, will adapt Tim Winton’s highly acclaimed award-winning novel ‘Cloudstreet’ into a six-hour miniseries for Foxtel’s Showcase.

The novel chronicles the lives of two working class Australian families living together, over a period of twenty years — from 1943 – 1963.

Joining the cast of the upcoming miniseries is Essie Davis (‘Australia’, ‘The Matrix Revolutions’) as Dolly Pickles, Stephen Curry (‘:30 Seconds’, ‘The King’) as Sam Pickles and Emma Booth (‘Underbelly: The Golden Mile’) as their daughter Rose.

Geoff Morrell (‘Bed of Roses’, ‘Sea Patrol’) will play Lester Lamb and Kerry Fox (‘Bright Star’) as his wife Oriel Lamb.

Todd Lasance (‘Home and Away’) joins the cast as Quick and recent NIDA graduate Hugo Johnstone-Burt rounds out the cast in the crucial role of Fish.

Tim Winton and Ellen Fontana co-wrote the six-part series, which will be directed by Matthew Saville (‘Tangle’, ‘East of Everything’, ‘The King’).

Brenda Pam (‘Underbelly’) will produce, along side executive producers Greg Haddrick (‘Underbelly’), Kim Vecera (‘Tangle’) and Des Monaghan (‘Underbelly’).

Production on the miniseries will commence in Western Australia on Monday. ‘Cloudstreet’ is expected to air in 2011 on Showcase.

Source: The Australian

Forest Whitaker

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is believed to be in final negotiations to headline a potential ‘Criminal Minds’ spinoff.

The project, which is current in development at CBS, would be a back-door pilot episode of ‘Criminal Minds’, following a new group of criminal profilers who work outside the FBI bureaucracy.

The episode could air as early as March.

Whitaker would play Cooper, the squad leader, who’s described as dynamic, mysterious, charming and a father figure to the rest of the team. He is a former star profiler in the Behavioral Unit who has been off the radar for the past eight years.

‘Criminal Minds’ executive producer Chris Mundy penned the spinoff episode, based on a story by him and executive producer/showrunner Ed Bernero. Richard Shepard who’s previously directed an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ and also the pilot for ‘Ugly Betty’ is set to direct the upcoming episode.

ABC Studios, The Mark Gordon Company and CBS Studios will produced the episode, and series, should it be given the green light next season.

Whitaker will receive a producing credit as part of the deal.

The new season of ‘Criminal Minds’ begins 8.30pm Wednesday, February 3 on Seven.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Alex O'Loughlin

According to Entertainment Weekly, Australia’s Alex O’Loughlin is the front runner to star in CBS’ revamped ‘Hawaii 5-O’ pilot.

The network have been looking to find a new project for O’Loughlin, after ‘Three Rivers’ was cancelled due to low ratings late last year.

“We love him,” said CBS president Nina Tassler during a press tour last week. “[We] want him to stay around a long time.”

‘Hawaii 5-O’ will mark O’Loughlin’s third drama project with the network, which began with the short lived vampire series ‘Moonlight’ in 2007.

‘Fringe’ co-creators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will write and produce the upcoming pilot, which will shoot on location in Oahu in the coming months.

The original series of ‘Hawaii 5-O’ ran for 12 seasons on CBS from the late 60’s. It starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, a Hawaii State Police detective who answered only to the governor.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Oliva Newton John

According to Entertainment Weekly, ‘Glee’ show-runner and executive producer Ryan Murphy has tapped some big names for the show’s back 9 episodes, including Australia’s own Olivia Newton-John.

“We got Olivia [Newton-John],” says Murphy. “She’s going to come on and do ‘Physical’ with Jane Lynch.”

But Newton-John isn’t the only big name dropping by William McKinley High. Jennifer Lopez has also express interested in making a guest spot on the Golden Globe award winning comedy.

“I’m going to meet with her,” says Murphy.

Although he adds that he doesn’t want to do too much stunt casting on the show. “I think the [musical] numbers are already so extravagant. — If I do Jennifer, I would want her to be, like, a lunch lady.”

‘Glee’ fans should also keep an eye out for a special Madonna episode when the series returns in April. Episode 15 is going to be “huge”.

“We’re shooting it now. It’s got like 10 numbers in it, and the production value is very big. We adore her and worship her, so when I’m directing, I’m always like, ‘Do it for Madonna’.” says Murphy.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

HAVE YOU GOT THE TALENT TO BE AUSTRALIA’S NEXT SUPERSTAR?

Australia’s favourite entertainment program, Australia’s Got Talent, is back bigger and even better in 2010.

Auditions are underway for this exciting series. With the incredible international success of the UK’s Susan Boyle, and at home our own Mark Vincent, the winner of this series will have the world at their feet.

Solo acts, group performances, comedians, dance troupes; our doors are open to anyone who feels they have a special talent.

Here are the details of our open auditions:

SYDNEY
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2010
The Tea House
Royal Randwick Race Course
Off Alison Rd
Randwick NSW 2031
Registration: 8.00am – 3.00pm

BRISBANE
Tuesday 9th February 2010
University of Queensland Union
Level 2, Union Complex (Building 22)
Union Rd St Lucia QLD 4072
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

ADELAIDE
Thursday 11th February 2010
Ridley Centre
Adelaide Showgrounds
Goodwood Rd
Wayville SA 5034
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

MELBOURNE
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February 2010
The Forum Melbourne
154 Flinders St
(Corner Russell & Flinders Streets)
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Registration: 8.00am – 3.00pm

PERTH
Tuesday 16th February 2010
Regal Theatre
474 Hay St
Subiaco WA 6008
Registration: 11.00am – 6.00pm

If you are unable to make one of our open auditions, you can still apply to be on the show by completing the application form and sending it in with a DVD of your performance to:

Australia’s Got Talent
Po Box 901
Crows Nest NSW 1585

DVD entries must be received no later than Friday 26th February 2010.

For more information contact us at gottalent@fremantlemedia.com.au

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE OPEN AUDITIONS

• Remember to bring your music – and it must be on CD
• Bring everything you need for your audition such as instruments, shoes, costume etc
• You will have less than 3 minutes to audition to make sure you choose the best part of your act, and have your music cued and ready to go
• Due to time restrictions, you may be stopped during your audition
• Unfortunately there may be a lot of waiting around, so you may want to bring a book or magazine
• If your act has any special requirements such as fire, animals or dangerous stunts, please make us aware of this upon arrival
• Do not post registration and release forms, please bring them with you and make sure they are completed before you arrive

Click to download application form.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

J.J. Abrams has found his female lead for ‘Undercovers’, British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Mbatha-Raw will play Samantha Bloom, a former CIA agent who’s drawn back into the field along with her husband and fellow agent Steven (Boris Kodjoe).

While having appeared on several hit UK dramas including ‘Spooks’ and ‘Doctor Who’, Mbatha-Raw is new to US television scene.

Her casting in ‘Undercovers’ follows the trend with other J.J. Abrams produced projects. The writer/director/producer is know for casting relatively unknown female leads in his projects, including Keri Russell in ‘Felicity’, Jennifer Garner in ‘Alias’, Evangeline Lilly in ‘Lost’ and Australian actress Anna Torv in ‘Fringe’.

‘Undercovers’, was co-written by Abrams and fellow ‘Felicity’ writer Josh Reims.

Abrams also will direct the pilot, marking the first directorial television project since the $10 million 2-hour ‘Lost’ pilot in 2004.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Harold Perrineau and Cynthia Watros

Executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof have confirmed that Harold Perrineau and Cynthia Watros will return to ‘Lost’ for the shows sixth and final season.

Cuse and Lindelof made the surprise announcement at ABC’s winter TV preview on Tuesday.

Fans of the show have been longing for some resolution over Watros’ character, Libby, since she was shot dead by Michael (Perrineau) at the end of Season 2.

“So finally your Libby questions will be answered,” said Cuse. “No, they will not,” joked Lindelof.

Michael briefly returned in Season 4, but has been MIA and thus believed to be dead, since the freighter explosion at the end of the season.

Perrineau and Watros join similarly (believed to be) deceased characters, Juliet ( Elizabeth Mitchell), Boone (Ian Somerhalder), Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) and Helen (Katey Sagal), for the final season, returning Tuesday, February 2 on ABC.

The series is set to return soon on 7TWO.

Source: TV Guide

Melinda Clarke

According to Entertainment Weekly, Melinda Clarke, better know by her former ‘OC’ counterpart Julie Cooper, is set to join the cast of the ‘The Vampire Dairies’.

The scene stealer has been tapped to play Kelly Donovan, Matt’s absentee mother — who apart from being irresponsible is also a bit of an alcoholic. Perfect fit right?

Clarke is currently signed on for at least 3 episodes, with her first appearance slated for March on The CW.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ airs 8.30pm Mondays on GO!

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Boris Kodjoe

Earlier this week Gerald McRaney joined the cast of J.J. Abrams’ NBC spy project ‘Undercovers’. Today the pilot has found a its leading man, Boris Kodjoe (‘Surrogates’).

‘Undercovers’, which has been described as a mix between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’, follows husband and wife Steven (Kodjoe) and Samantha Bloom, who work together as CIA operatives.

McRaney will play the couple’s boss and agency liaison. The role of Samantha has yet to be cast.

Abrams is said to be considering directing the pilot through his company Bad Robot and Warner Bros. Television. Abrams co-wrote the pilot with fellow ‘Felicity’ and ‘What About Brian’ writer/producer Josh Reims.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Gerald McRaney

Gerald McRaney has landed a role in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming spy pilot.

‘Undercovers’ has described as a mix between ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ and ‘The Bourne Identity’, which follows Samantha and Steven Bloom, a husband and wife team recruited by the CIA.

McRaney (‘Jericho’ and ‘Deadwood’) will play their boss and agency liaison.

Abrams (‘Alias’, ‘Lost’, ‘Fringe’) is said to be considering directing the pilot for Warner Bros. Television, which he co-wrote with fellow ‘Felicity’/'What About Brian’ writer Josh Reims.

‘Undercovers’ is being developed by Bad Robot Productions/WBTV for NBC.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Idina Menzel in 'Wicked'

She may not be a household name but broadway star Idina Menzel is set to join the ‘Glee’ Cast.

THR reports Menzel will be cast as Vocal Adrenaline’s glee club coach, pipping her against McKinley High’s Will Scheuster.

Menzel who won a Tony Award for her role on ‘Wicked,’ is looking to appear in the final nine episodes of the season.

This is the second third broadway star to join ‘Glee’ following the addition of Jonathan Groff, who worked with Lea Michele in the Broadway production ‘Spring Awakening.’  Groff will appear in a five to six episode arc as the lead vocalist of Vocal Adrenaline.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Grant Bowler

Grant Bowler (‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Lost’ and ‘Outrageous Fortune’), who’s the new Alan Dale on US television, has joined the cast of HBO’s ‘True Blood’.

Bowler, who played Wolfgang West on ‘Outrageous Fortune’, will play Coot — the menacing werewolf ringleader of a biker gang.

He joins fellow Kiwi Anna Paquin, in the third season of the hit vampire series.

Also joining the cast are Theo Alexander (‘Chuck’) and Marshall Allman (‘Prison Break’).

Alexander will play Talbot, the “intensely beautiful” vampire boyfriend of Mississippi vampire king Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare).

Allman joins the cast as a series regular, playing shapeshifter Sam Merlotte’s (Sam Trammell) long-lost younger brother.

Production on the third season of ‘True Blood’ began Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Will Arnett

Will Arnett will join his wife Amy Poehler on ‘Parks and Recreation’ next year.

The ‘Arrested Development’ star will play Chris, an MRI technician — who could become a possible love interest for Leslie Knope (Poehler).

Arnett’s casting follows Megan Mullally’s recent guest appearance on the comedy series, which similarly stars her real-life hubby Nick Offerman.

Arnett’s episode is scheduled to air early next year.

Source: TV Guide

Alyssa Milano

According to Entertainment Weekly, Alyssa Milano has signed on to guest on crime drama ‘Castle’.

The ‘Charmed’ star is set to play Kyra, a former love interest of Nathan Fillion’s title character.

The two reconnect on her wedding day, which triggers a bit of a love triangle with Beckett (Stana Katic).

The episode, titled “A Rose for Everafter,” begins production next week and will air in early next year on ABC.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley and Matthew Davis.

TVGuide.com sat down with ‘The Vampire Diaries’ new cast member Matthew Davis,  to discuss the new role.

Matthew Davis arrived on the Atlanta set of The Vampire Diaries just two days after getting the gig, leaving him no time to read the books; so playing Alaric Saltzman, an enigmatic new teacher, wasn’t that tough.

Right off the bat, Alaric takes a shine to both Jeremy and his aunt, but it will be a while before his true passion is revealed. (Hint: Alaric has something in common with Buffy.)

Davis tells TVGuide.com what Alaric is researching in Mystic Falls, when he’ll interact with Stefan and Damon and why he hopes never to be called to the special-effects office.

TVGuide.com: Are you a vampire person generally?
Matthew Davis: I’m huge into genres of all sorts, especially the darker elements.

TVGuide.com: What did they tell you about Alaric going in?
Davis: I hopped on that plane not knowing what I was getting myself into. Alaric definitely has a past, and he’s there to add a heightened sense of tension to the story line.

TVGuide.com: Is Alaric a good guy or a bad guy?
Davis: It’s not so clearly defined. He has a dark side, and I think he’s not always going to do the right thing. How that compels him remains to be seen.

TVGuide.com: Tell me about Alaric’s secret research.
Davis: It’s of the paranormal persuasion. I’m here to play the teacher; the hobbies of my research are pretty much kept secret at this point.

TVGuide.com: Will he be allied with the vampire-hunting grown-ups in any way?
Davis: I don’t think so; I think he’s more of a loner.

TVGuide.com: Does Alaric know that Stefan and Damon are vampires?
Davis: No.

TVGuide.com: How does Alaric’s arrival affect Jeremy?
Davis: I think that Alaric sees him as the troubled teen that he is. Because of Alaric’s own history and background, he reaches out and gives Jeremy the opportunity to redeem himself. Alaric clears the decks, in an academic sense, and provides a stable, understanding presence in his life. Jeremy begins to respect Alaric.

TVGuide.com: That is, until Alaric hooks up with Jeremy’s aunt, Jenna.
Davis: They’re definitely setting up that possibility at this point. There’s a scene where [Alaric and Jenna are] introduced, and there’s chemistry.

TVGuide.com: How long will he be sticking around?
Davis: Right now, I don’t really know. The joke on the set is that getting called down to the effects department to be fitted for a body mold is the kiss of death. They have to fit you for prosthetics so you can be staked in the heart or something.

TVGuide.com: Is he supernatural in any way himself?
Davis: Only in his own mind.

The Vampire Diaries is on Thursdays at 9/8c on the CW.

Source: TVGuide.com

Minnie Driver

Academy award nominated actor, Minnie Driver, is set to make a guest-star in an upcoming episode of ABC’s ‘Modern Family’.

She will play a friend and former co-worker of Claire, who she hasn’t seen in years.

Driver, 39, previously guest starred on the NBC comedy ‘Will & Grace’, as Karen’s nemesis, Lorraine Finster.

She was most recently seen in FX’s ‘The Riches’, opposite Eddie Izzard.

Benjamin Bratt, Elizabeth Banks and Edward Norton are also set to make guest appearances in upcoming episodes of ‘Modern Family’.

Driver’s episode will air in January.

Source: TV Guide

Mitch Ryan

Australian actor Mitch Ryan is joining the cast if The CW’s ‘One Tree Hill’ in a recurring role.

Ryan, who guest appeared on Seven’s ‘City Homicide’, will play Alexander, a handsome pro surfer-turned-young mogul in the show’s seventh season, currently airing in the US.

Ryan next appearance will be in the HBO/Seven’s upcoming multimillion dollar miniseries ‘The Pacific’, from executive producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

‘One Tree Hill’ airs 3pm Saturdays on Network Ten.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Media Release

PETER EVANS AND MANU FEILDEL TO JUDGE MY KITCHEN RULES

Peter Evans and Manu Feildel

Renowned executive chefs Peter Evans and Manu Feildel will be dishing out their expert advice to a new crop of culinary apprentices in My Kitchen Rules, which premieres on Channel 7 in 2010.

The My Kitchen Rules’ judges are respected, talented and successful restaurateurs and chefs who are passionate about food. With a palate for fine food, they’ll be critiquing every dish served up with a view to helping each team improve their culinary skills.

My Kitchen Rules – an original Seven production from the makers of My Restaurant Rules – will search the country to find the best home cooks who can successfully transform regular Aussie homes into instant restaurants for one pressure-cooker night.

The teams-of-two will do battle from the comfort of a home kitchen, bringing not only their enthusiasm and gusto for food, but an array of unique and local produce that Peter and Manu are excited to be tasting and exploring as they travel around the country.

Peter says, “To be honest with you I love people’s home cooking; that excites me more than restaurant meals sometimes. Y ou can taste people’ s passion when they’ re cooking for you in their own homes.”

Manu adds, “Cooking is only a part of the dinner. Designing the menu is just as important so I hope they use all the great local seasonal ingredients around them.”

The best teams will move forward to the My Kitchen Rules finals in which they’ll compete in a custom-designed restaurant space. The top two teams will battle it out as they each serve up their best three course meal to a full restaurant.

Source: Seven Network

Melissa George

Melissa George has landed a recurring role on FOX’s crime drama ‘Lie To Me’.

The former ‘Home and Away’, ‘Alias’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star will play Clara Martin, an Anna Nicole Smith-type, who will face off with Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth).

Clara Martin is the sassy wife of an older billionaire who has been murdered. After being exonerated in a high-profile murder trial, she assumes control of her husband’s empire. Lightman sees himself in her — naughty, fearless, strategic, and always game for the next adventure.

George will make her first appearance in the eleventh episode .

‘Lie To Me’ airs 9.30pm Tuesdays on Network Ten.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

James Franco

After surprising fans with the news of an upcoming stint on daytime soap ‘General Hospital’, the ‘Spider-man’ star is  now setting his sights on primetime comedy — Emmy award winning primetime comedy ‘30 Rock’ to be exact.

The Emmy nominated actor will make a guest appearance on the Tina Fey comedy as himself, as a faux love interest for Jenna (Jane Krakowski). The relationship will be engineered by their respective agents.

Tina Fey hinted at the possible storyline during the Emmys back in September, ”[Jenna gets] into a high-profile relationship with a movie star that is arranged by their agents,” said Fey.

Franco filmed his ‘30 Rock’ appearance last week.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Matt Passmore as Warwick Mobbs in 'Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities'.

Matt Passmore has landed the lead role in A&E’s recently greenlit pilot ‘Sugarloaf’.

The hourlong drama, from 20th Century Fox Television, follows ex-Chicago cop Jim Longworth (Passmore) — an observant detective with a sly sense of humor — who gets kicked off the force after being shot by his ex-captain, who wrongfully accuses him of having an affair with his wife. After receiving a payout, Longworth moves to a small Florida town and joins the state police.

The pilot was written by Clifton Campbell (‘White Collar’) and is set to be directed by Peter O’Fallon. Campbell will exec produce ‘Sugarloaf’ with Gary Randall.

Passmore was previously tied to the 20th Century Fox-produced pilot ‘Masterwork’, from ‘Prison Break’ creator Paul Scheuring, however the project wasn’t picked up for series this season.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Reiko Aylesworth and Sarah Wynter

Reiko Aylesworth and Australian actress Sarah Wynter have signed on to appear opposite Glen Close and Rose Byrne in FX’s ‘Damages’. The former ‘24’ co-stars will have recurring roles in the legal thriller’s upcoming third season.

Producers, Sony Pictures Television are keeping the season’s storyline tightly under wraps, but it is believed to centre on a financial scheme.

Wynter will play a mysterious “security specialist” helping a high-level assistant district attorney (Martin Short) unravel the scam.

Aylesworth will play the wife of new series regular Campbell Scott’s character, who is tied to the scandal.

Aylesworth and Wynter appeared together in the second season of ‘24’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Scott Foley

Scott Foley (‘The Unit’, ‘Felicity’) has signed on to appear in three episodes of Courtney Cox’s hit new comedy ‘Cougar Town’.

Foley, 37, will play a businessman being shown houses by Cox’s character Jules, who’s the resident real estate agent in ‘Cougar Town’.

ABC reps add, Jules may be showing him more than just new homes.

Foley will make his first appearance in December on ABC.

The actor had previously collaborated with ‘Cougar Town’ executive producer Bill Lawrence on fellow ABC comedy ‘Scrubs’.

Source: TV Guide

JoAnna Garcia

According to TV Guide, JoAnna Garcia (‘Privileged’, ‘Reba’) has signed on to make a guest appearance on the hit comedy series ‘How I Met Your Mother’ as yet another one of Ted’s lady friends.

Garcia will play Ted’s college pal, Maggie, the girl next door who every guy wants to marry as soon as they meet her. Unfortunately for Ted, Maggie is always in a relationship, leaving Ted waiting for his shot with her.

When he hears that she’s finally single, he jumps at the chance to see her again, hoping his “window of opportunity” has not close.

The episode, “The Window”, airs December 7 on CBS.

Garcia was most recently seen on ‘Gossip Girl’ as Nate’s (Chace Crawford) southern belle socialite Bree Buckley.

Source: TV Guide

William Atherton, new 'Lost' recruit.

Overnight on Twitter, executive producer Carlton Cuse confirmed that William Atherton will be joining the cast of ‘Lost’ for its sixth and final season.

He tweeted:

“Damon & I are die hard fans of this impeckable actor who keeps the bar high and just signed to guest star. Life is good!” later confirming, “It is William Atherton.”

The final season of ‘Lost’ returns early next year.

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow is set to guest star on ABC’s ‘Cougar Town’ during November sweeps.

Her appearance will reunite her with former ‘Friends’ co-star Courtney Cox, who leads the single-camera comedy.

“[Kudrow will] play a dermatologist that my character can’t stop going to even though the doctor is mean to me,” Cox told TV Guide.

Kudrow isn’t the only ‘Friends’ co-star who Cox has tried recruiting. The actress and producer on the show also hopes to snag Jennifer Aniston for a guest appearance further down the track.

“I’d love for her to be on the show,” said Cox. “Obviously we can’t cast her so close to Lisa’s appearance but if there’s a great part for her, I’d send it right away. She’s younger than me so she can’t play my contemporary even though she did on Friends, but I think we can find something great for her to play.”

Which other ‘Friends’ stars would you like to see appear on ‘Cougar Town’? Sound off in the comments.

Source: TV Guide Magazine

Sherri Saum

Sherri Saum is joining the cast of ‘Gossip Girl’, in a recurring role.

She will play Holland Kemble, a powerful business executive-turned-Upper East Side trophy wife, who could spell trouble for Lily (Kelly Rutherford) and Rufus Humphrey (Matthew Settle).

Saum’s most recent roles were on HBO’s ‘In Treatment’ last season and on FX’s ‘Rescue Me’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Sebastian Roché

Sebastian Roché has joined the cast of ‘Fringe’ in a recurring role, as the sci-fi series’ new villain.

Thomas Kretschmann was originally cast in the role and actually appeared in the October 8 episode, however scheduling conflicts prevented the actor from taking on the role in a recurring manner.

Roché will now take over the villainous role — a soldier from another dimension who is not quite human/not quite machine, trying to gather information for opening a stable door to the other side.

His casting on ‘Fringe’ re-teams him with television creator J.J. Abrams, who previously collaborated with the actor on the spy series ‘Alias’.

Roché most recent appearance was on The CW’s cancelled modelling series ‘The Beautiful Life’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Katee Sackhoff

Wolowitz’s mind is about to be blown.

Katee Sackhoff, best know for her role as Starbuck on ‘Battlestar Galactica’, is set to appear on the hit comedy series ‘The Big Bang Theory’.

Sackhoff will play herself in the episode set to air November 23 on CBS, in which she’ll play Wolowitz’s dream girl.

The actresses recently appeared on FX’s ‘Nip/Tuck’ and is set to join FOX’s returning drama, ‘24′, as a series regular in January.

Source: TV Guide

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell

According to Entertainment Weekly, Jerry O’Connell has signed on for a multi-episode arc on ABC’s witchy new series, ‘Eastwick’.

He will appear opposite Jamie Ray Newman, Lindsay Price and his real-life wife, Rebecca Romijn, on the ABC drama.

O’Connell will appear in the final two episodes of the series’ initial 13-episode order, as Kat’s (Jaime Ray Newman) hot new neighbour Colin. But in true ‘Eastwick’ fashion, he’s hiding a dark and mysterious magical secret.

Romijn and O’Connell have made a bit of a habit out of appearing on each other’s shows. O’Connell made a brief cameo appearance on Romijn’s ‘Ugly Betty’, after which she returned the favour appearing on O’Connell’s short-lived comedy, ‘Carpoolers’.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Media Release

New Idea TV – Season 2 Announcement

Sally Williams

Monday 19th October 2009 – Australia’s first magazine for women, New Idea, returns to air with its own television show – New Idea TV – nationally on the Seven Network and regional affiliates at 3pm from today.

Amy Sinclair, editor, New Idea comments, “New Idea TV is a powerful partnership between Pacific Magazines and Seven, the country’s leading television network, and audiences have responded well to the show’s entertaining daily format.

“New Idea TV upholds key editorial pillars of the magazine and extends our reach, offering the brand a unique, national and daily opportunity to interact with our readers,” adds Sinclair.

Executive producer of the series is Craig Walsh, also in charge of high-rating, long-running lifestyle Friday night series Better Homes & Gardens. Series producer is Robyn Wade.

Season Two will be hosted by Sally Williams. The former presenter of high-profile advertising campaign Brand Power for 9 years, Sally has extensive experience in international modelling and television roles as a presenter and actor.

The daily half-hour program brings the pages of New Idea to life, with a strong focus on food and lifestyle topics to include fashion, beauty, relationships, craft, celebrity gossip, pets, astrology and health.

New cast members for Season Two include popular vet Dr Rachele Lowe and relationships expert and psychologist Jo Lamble. New Idea Food Director Barbara Northwood appears daily with easy family meal solutions from the magazine, and ‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi will also be cooking up a storm.

Other cast members include ‘man about the house’ Tom Williams, parenting expert Holly Elsworth and Lea Wilson, who will cover beauty and fashion. New Idea team members including Travel Editor, Andrea Black and Lifestyle Editor, Chelsea Clark also join the cast.

New Idea TV is a significant initiative from SMG Red, the Seven Media Group’s integrated media division, in developing content-based communication solutions for clients. Johnson & Johnson return as a major partner in the new series, along with Sanitarium, Target and Nintendo.

Source: Seven Network

Media Release

James Tobin joins Weekend Sunrise

James Tobin

18 October 2009 – Channel Seven has announced James Tobin as the new weather presenter on Weekend Sunrise.

James joins Andrew O’Keefe, Samantha Armytage, Sharyn Ghidella and Simon Reeve on Australia’s favourite Sunday morning breakfast show.

Each weekend James will hit the road, travelling to a different part of the country to deliver the all-important weather forecast and meet the locals.

Weekend Sunrise Executive Producer Michael Pell says it was a natural fit.

“James has been part of the Sunrise team for the last 18 months in the role of entertainment reporter. Recently he filled in on Sunrise weather while Fifi Box was on holidays and proved to be outstanding. He has really found his niche.

“Joining Weekend Sunrise was the obvious next step and one of the easiest decisions we’ve made.”

As well as Weekend Sunrise, James will continue to report for both Sunrise and The Morning Show, making him one of the busiest men in morning television.
“I guess this means the end of Sunday morning sleep-ins!” James said.

“Seriously though, I’m thrilled to be part of the Weekend Sunrise team. Live TV is so unpredictable and so exciting, and when you throw Andrew and Sam into the mix, who knows what will happen. Travelling all over Australia is going to be one hell of a ride.”

James began on Weekend Sunrise today.

Source: Seven Network

Radha Mitchell

Radha Mitchell has landed the lead role in A&E’s pilot ‘The Quickening’. The project will mark the Australian actress’ first major role on a US television series.

‘Quickening’ from Fox Television Studios, centers on homicide detective Maggie Bird (Mitchell), who’s assigned to a desk job following the discovery that she suffers from a bipolar disorder.

“Her illness makes her brilliant as a detective but makes her personal life hell,” said A&E senior vice president of drama programming Tana Nugent Jamieson. “So she is teetering on and off her medications.”

Production on the pilot will begin next month in Los Angeles. The pilot was penned by ‘Nip/Tuck’ writer Jennifer Salt.

Mitchell, most recently appeared in the Bruce Willis action flick ‘Surrogates’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Kim Raver

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kim Raver has joined the cast of  the popular medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

The ‘Lipstick Jungle’ star is set to play a new surgeon on the ABC Studio’s drama in a recurring role, with her first appearance on the show scheduled for episode 9 on November 12.

Raver’s casting will reunite the actress with series creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who had cast the actress in the defunct ABC pilot ‘Inside the Box’, this past season.

Raver previously stared in FOX’s ‘24′ and ABC’s ‘The Nine’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Lauren Graham

UPDATE: It’s official!

According to several sources, Lauren Graham is in negotiations to join NBC’s midseason drama ‘Parenthood’.

The ‘Gilmore Girls’ alum will take over the role played by Maura Tierney in the pilot, who pulled out of the series following her recent diagnosis with breast cancer.

Former ‘Mad About You’ star Helen Hunt, was previously in discussions to take over the role, however a deal could not be made.

‘Parenthood’ would mark Graham’s first foray back into television following her seven year run on critically acclaimed ‘Gilmore Girls’. The actress was cast in a comedy pilot last season from ‘Will & Grace’ writer Alex Herschlag, however the project didn’t get the green light from ABC.

‘Parenthood’, developed by ‘Friday Night Lights’ creator Jason Katims, is based on Ron Howard’s 1989 movie. It revolves around four adult siblings (Peter Krause, Erika Christensen, Dax Shepard, Graham) and their parents (Bonnie Bedelia and Craig T. Nelson).

The series executive produced by Katims, Howard and Brian Grazer, was originally slated for a fall launch in the US, but was pushed to midseason following the discovery of Tierney’s illness back in July.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly