Upstairs Downstairs to return for second series

Upstairs Downstairs to return for second series

Welcome news for we vintage costume drama fans as the B.B.C. announces a "second" series of the new Upstairs Downstairs (I say "second" because the first was really a three-part special rather than a whole series - unless 3 episodes constitutes a series nowadays?).

A full-blown run of new episodes was always on the cards provided the first 3 performed well and with apparently very healthy audience figures this looks to have been achieved, so we have been amply rewarded!

Now with this, a second series of Downton Abbey on the horizon and the likes of Land Girls, Mad Men and the forthcoming (hopefully, if a terrestrial channel picks it up quick-smart) Boardwalk Empire we look like being spoilt for choice when it comes to televisual offerings. 2011-12 has the makings of a vintage year for TV, in more ways than one!

Dame Judi Dench takes trip to dentist in full period costume

Dame Judi Dench takes trip to dentist in full period costume

Usually more used to wearing a totally different sort of crown, here we have Dame Judi Dench, national treasure and a jolly fine actress, making an emergency trip to the dentist whilst wearing, one presumes, a bustle and a bonnet amongst other things. How I would have liked to have been in that waiting room! I'm having trouble imagining how she got into the dentist's chair wearing all that paraphernalia! A little light-hearted story; the perfect tonic after the recent spate of serious (yet inspiring) war recollections.