Watch! It's fright night on The Works

Music, film, literature, technology and photography – The Works has something for everyone this Halloween evening on RTÉ One at 8:30PM!

There'll be chat with Swedish folk sister-act First Aid Kit about the rollercoaster journey since their 2008 breakout success, and most recent album release Stay Gold. 

Author Mary Costello joins Sinéad Gleeson in conversation about her latest novel Academy Street, which has just been shortlisted for the 'Eason Novel of the Year' category in the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2014. 

Plus, interview with Mr. Turner director Mike Leigh, author and illustrator of The Lonely Beast series Chris Judge talks through adapting children's literature into a successful learning app, and there's a preview of the World Press Photo exhibition which runs at Dublin's CHQ Building up until November 15. 

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John Connors AKA Patrick talks Love/Hate

John Connors, who plays pipe-bomb maker Patrick on Love/Hate, blew audiences away with his performance in last Sunday's episode of the crime series, and he is delighted with the response so far.

The gripping fourth episode of the show, which many have touted as the best ever, saw Nidge take out a hit on Patrick. However, the hired gun Packy misses Patrick and accidentally shoots his son Brandon.

Patrick takes Packy prisoner and takes his revenge by slitting his throat, but not before delivering a chilling speech explaining the thought process behind his actions.

Connors said today of the reaction: "People are reaching out and saying it was great, it was so real and that kind of stuff, so that's nice. It made their Sunday night, so if you can make someone's Sunday night you're doing a job for them."

When asked if it freaked him out having to act out killing Packy, he replied: "It didn't freak me out, I thought it was the right thing to be done. The character had just lost a son and in the travelling community your son is like the heir to the throne. And he'd lost his son already and he was still grieving from that son and then to almost lose a son again, I don't think he was ever going to let him away with that. But, he's not a sociopath, he has a conscience.

"And taking a man's life is a big deal to him, so in that scene you see him thinking out loud and he's explaining to the other character Packy that this is why I'm going to kill you. So that's why he doesn't just blow his head off. And that's why I loved the scene, me and Stuart [Carolan] talked about it, they did it in such a real way, to make it a big deal to take someone off this earth instead of doing it coolly and putting a bullet in someone's head. To show how dark that is, to show how dark murder is."

Connors also praised the show's depiction of traveller culture, saying: "They nailed the traveller culture. There's a lot more going on than the Nidge thing, I think the last episode showed that - the situation with his son, the identity problem his son was having. I have a lot of little cousins who are half traveller, half settled and the kid who plays my son, he's my cousin and he's half traveller half settled and he has the same thing going on.

"And it's that identity thing, being made uncomfortable about being a traveller, or you're supposed to be ashamed to be a traveller. To me that's a tragedy that any kid would have to go through that, that they would have to hide their identity or change who they are. To me that really hit home, that scene, that storyline really hit home."

The actor now receives a lot more attention on the street as a result of his high-profile role.

He opened up about dealing with the fan attention, saying: "I went to a UB40 gig, and I didn't know what I was letting myself in for to be honest. When I think about it now I was pretty naïve. But I walked down the side of the Olympia, the fella took me ticket and he just looked at me [and said] "You should have worn a hat". I'd say there was four or five hundred people between me and the door, which was about 20 feet away, and it took me over an hour to get there. It's like a chain reaction, when you take one selfie, someone goes "Who's yer man taking the selfie, ah it's yer man!", and everyone's drunk so they have no self consciousness, they don't care they'll approach you, and hug you and pull your hair and the shirt was even pulled off me.

"So I thought it had ended when I got inside, and they ended up putting me in the VIP area, which is one little nice thing about being recognised, I thought. They put in me there because they thought it'd be quieter and I literally took a selfie with everyone in the VIP area. And I was trying to enjoy UB40 who were great, but I didn't get the full experience. It was a lesson well learned, I walk around with a hat now."

Connors is currently working on his next project, a feature film he has written and will star in.

He said of the project: "I'm working on something that I wrote already called Cardboard Gangsters and we nearly have all the funding, so we're going to be shooting that next summer. So that's really what I'm concentrating on.

"It's about a gang of young men who are sick of being on the dole and having no money and fascinated by gangster life and gangsterism. The only people they respect are gangsters, they have all the money and all the respect of the community , they have the power. So they get into drugs for those reasons, the glorified lifestyle, and they find themselves clashing with the main kingpin of the area. It's not done in a Love/Hate kind of way, it's smaller, set in a council estate, at street level. A social realist kind of look at it.

"I'm in it, that's the great thing about writing your own stuff, and I'm the lead! Barry Keoghan who played Wayne the cat killer last year is cast in it, Stephen Clinch who plays Noelie Hughes this season, he's cast in it, and Damien Dempsey."

Tune in to see what's in store for Patrick in the next episode of Love/Hate on Sunday November 2 at 9.30pm on RTÉ One.

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O'Driscoll, The Wire star among Late Late guests

Rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll will be among Ryan Tubridy's guests on The Late Late Show on RTÉ One at 9:35pm.

O'Driscoll will be discussing his retirement, becoming a father again soon and his recently published autobiography.

Also joining Ryan Tubridy on Friday will be Trinity-educated The Wire star Dominic West, who will be discussing his acclaimed new TV series The Affair.

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The Script and Pharrell for Croke Park

The Script today announced that they will play the biggest concert of their career to date at Croke Park on Saturday, June 20, 2015 and will be joined by none other than Pharrell Williams.

Tickets go on sale this Thursday at 9.00am from Ticketmaster and prices start at €45.00 including booking fee.

Check out our interview with The Script here:

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GOT stars sign on for season 7 with big raises

The lead actors in Game of Thrones are reported to have signed up for a potential seventh season of the hit HBO fantasy series with big raises.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the stars have just completed an extensive renegotiation of their contracts that includes an option for season seven.

The publication has revealed that HBO has granted huge raises for seasons five, six and the potential seventh season, which will make the cast members among the highest paid on cable TV.

A HBO representative declined to comment on the report.

Warning: Spoiler alert! Readers wishing to avoid spoilers should avoid reading any further, as the names mentioned strongly suggest who will survive until the seventh season.

The actors who have reportedly agreed deals include Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maisie Williams, Natalie Dormer and Sophie Turner.

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Watch! Joe Duffy reviews One Million Dubliners

Liveline presenter Joe Duffy was among the guests this week at a special screening of One Million Dubliners, the award-winning documentary about Glasnevin Cemetery, which is released in cinemas on Friday October 31. Watch his reaction after the screening.

Directed by Aoife Kelleher, One Million Dubliners is described as "a documentary like no other, touching on stories celebrating life, mourning death, examining belief, and exploring love and loss".

It received its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh in July and won Best Feature Documentary at the festival.

Read our review of One Million Dubliners here.

One Million Dubliners has been produced by Underground Films in association with RTÉ, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Shoot for the Moon with the participation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/The Irish Film Board.

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Watch! RTÉ TEN's HWCH webcast

RTÉ TEN webcast live from the Hard Working Class Heroes festival earlier in October and we're giving you a chance to catch our coverage again with live performances and interviews with Ham Sandwich, Sleep Thieves, and many, many more.

Click below to see interviews and live sets from Little xs for Eyes, Acrobat, Wild Promises and Hare Squead with Alan Corr and Nialler9.

Here's all the action from Friday's RTÉ TEN live stream.

Here's all the action from Saturday's RTÉ TEN live stream.

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Love/Hate clip: "I want to see her at the funeral"

Things are not looking too good for Siobhan in the latest clip from the next episode of Love/Hate, which airs this Sunday night on RTÉ One. Watch Pauley's sinister uncle issue a chilling warning to Nidge . . . 

Note: contains language of an adult nature.

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U2 claim they worked for IDA during recession

Bono has claimed that U2 worked for IDA Ireland during the economic downturn because the band wanted to give something back to the country that "has been so good to us and that we love".

The Industrial Development Authority was set up in 1949 to encourage foreign investment into Ireland and foster domestic economic plans.

In an interview in the new edition of Hot Press magazine which is out today, Bono also defended U2's tax arrangements, saying it was "intellectually absurd" for Irish people to criticise Irish companies for moving their tax affairs abroad when Ireland had benefited so much from its own competitive tax regime.

In the Hot Press interview, Bono said U2 had worked to bring foreign direct investment to Ireland.

"We felt what we could be useful with was trying to get more companies to come to Ireland. So we went to work for the IDA. And I do, and I still do." he said, adding that the Irish people had been "badly treated. It was a very unjust situation that the public bailed out private sector wrongdoing."

Bono said that U2's involvement in private philanthropy during the recession was a "personal and private matter" but U2 did go public about the €5 million it gave to the Music Generation fund for young people in Ireland.

In a statement, an IDA spokesman has confirmed that Bono had been working on behalf of the organisation. "Bono has worked with IDA Ireland on a number of specific projects and used his influence very positively on those occasions.

"Bono's main work is to tell the Irish story through his own connections in the investment world, something he does very well. He is among a range of people who've helped sell the Ireland story over the last few years and IDA believes his contribution will remain very important in that context."

Speaking to long-time Hot Press contributor Olaf Tyaransen, the U2 frontman also discussed U2's controversial tax arrangements.

He said that U2 moved their tax affairs to the Netherlands in 2006 as "a matter of principle".

"The principle was this: that tax competitiveness was working for the country if tax competitiveness was a government priority because it paid for more hospital beds and firemen and whatever it is, that culture was a good thing.

"You're either into it or you're not into it. Is it right or wrong? The real hypocrisy is saying 'it's fine for the country, but it's not fine for U2 to think like that'. That doesn't add up."

Bono also said Ireland had a right to tax competitiveness despite complaints from larger countries, notably the UK. "They have scale. We don't. We have to be innovative." the singer said.

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Win tickets to Soak in Dublin's Unitarian Church

Derry wunderkind Soak plays the beautiful setting of The Unitarian Church in Dublin on Saturday, November 8th and RTÉ TEN would like to send you and a friend along to see her in action. Enter here!

To be with a chance to win two tickets to the show simply send the answer to the question below to tencompetitions@rte.ie with 'Soak' in the subject line:

Where in Ireland does Soak come from?

Closing date for entries is this Tuesday, November 4th.

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Listen! Playlist of Mercury Music Prize nominees

Electro artist FKA Twigs and poet Kate Tempest lead the pack in the nominations for this year's Mercury Music Prize, which takes place tonight in London. It's an esoteric list featuring seven debuts and three jazz albums. Check out our playlist here. 

FKA Twigs, Tahliah Debrett Barnett from Gloucestershire, is 6/4 favourite to win with her debut LP1, along with London poet Tempest, who Ted Hughes Prize Tempest, and who also wowed the Kilkenny Arts Festival earlier this summer.

Tempest is 9/4 favourite to take the £25,000 prize money (and the spike in sales) for her album Everybody Down when the Mercury is awarded in a live televised broadcast from London on BBC Two tonight, October 29.

The full list of nominees is:

Anna Calvi - One Breath

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

Damon Albarn - Everyday Robots

East India Youth - Total Strife Forever

FKA twigs - LP1

Jungle - Jungle

Young Fathers - Dead

Kate Tempest - Everybody Down

GoGo Penguin - v2.0

Nick Mulvey - First Mind

Polar Bear - In Each and Every One

Royal Blood - Royal Blood

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Film Review: The Guarantee

The Irish banking bailout biopic is in cinemas from Thursday October 30. John Byrne crunches the numbers.

Based on Colin Murphy's play Guaranteed!, this film (also written by Murphy) aims to tell the story around the night the Irish Government infamously guaranteed the Irish banks and bankrupted the nation.

It's a sorry tale of politicians being played like children's putty by the big boys and bullies of Irish banking, but it's also a complex matter that would easily go over the heads of non-economist/financial types, and that's most folk, so therein lies a major problem with The Guarantee.

This film would've been up against it had it been bankrolled by Hollywood, but as an independent Irish production it faced the obvious financial and time constraints common to all film projects outside the latest franchise blockbuster.

Unfortunately, the relatively miniscule budget shows as the film seems to have been shot in a couple of rooms, a bar and a car. The cast is rather light in numbers, while some of the complexities are (un)explained away via on-screen quotes, headlines and jargon.

Best of all is David Murray, who is utterly convincing as the late Brian Lenihan Jr. You can almost feel the mental turmoil his character endured as the events around the Irish banking crisis gathered pace and the Government seemed to be placed in an impossible situation.

Peter Coonan coasts along as the obnoxious, potty-mouthed David Drumm, but also plays another role, the composite Central Banker, which led to some confusion at the screening. And as the jargon and on-screen data came and went, it felt more like an economist's screen jolly than a 'bailout-for-layfolk' sift through what happened in the lead-up to the night of September 29, 2008.

It's a brave effort at making a short film about an almost incomprehensible situation, but ultimately I came out of the cinema no wiser or more entertained than when I walked in 80 minutes earlier.

3/5

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Swift: "I'm not a serial-dating man eater"

Taylor Swift says she sends up the media's portrayal of her as an "overly emotional man eater" on her album 1989 because she felt her life was becoming "cartonnish".

Speaking to RTÉ TEN about new song Blank Space, which contains the line "I'm a nightmare dressed as a daydream", she said: "That song I actually wrote as a joke. I'd be writing from an autobiographical perspective, writing these true, confessional feelings and one day I was thinking of how the media has fictionalised my personal life to the point where it's cartoonish.

"They're written up this stereotypical profile of this overly-emotional man eater who reels them in, serial dater, jet sets around the world and then becomes clingy and desperate and crazy and she loses them but they come back but she scares them off again . . . 

Swift added: "I started thinking how complex that character sounds and show interesting she is. If I was that girl, Blank Space is the song I'd write as my mission statement on life. The song says, `I've got a long list of ex lovers who'll tell you I'm insane but I've got a blank space baby.'"

"If you laugh at yourself if's not as funny when other people laugh at you because you made the joke first." 

1989 is out now.

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Waterloo Road star teases Carol's exit

Waterloo Road star Zöe Lucker is set to depart the show in Wednesday night's episode, but it seems her character Carol will not be easily forgotten.

Warning: Spoiler Alert!

In her final scenes, Carol fakes an accident at the school in an attempt to get some compensation, but Waterloo Road's head teacher Vaughan Fitzgerald doesn't seem to be falling for her lies.

Speaking to Digital Spy about leaving the show, Lucker said: "I filmed my final episode a year ago now, but it was sad to leave."

She continued: "Apart from anything else, it was just because we'd all formed such lovely friendships while working together in Glasgow. Carol was also a character who I really enjoyed playing.

"I think it did come to its natural end, in terms of the character of Carol and where she could go."

Lucker added: "She's exhausted a lot of options just because of the way she is and the situation that she has found herself in yet again!

"Every time it looks as if she's maybe got her head above water, something comes up and she sinks again!"

When asked what fans can expect from Wednesday night's episode, Lucker said: "After all of the stuff with George and the compensation, Carol sees an opportunity to make some more money from the school. She stages an 'accident' and from there on, she's up to no good again as she's trying to get compensation money.

"I don't think Carol expects the outcome to be what it turns out to be, though! She thinks that she's definitely going to get away with it, but when you watch, you'll see what happens!"

You can watch Waterloo Road tonight, Wednesday October 29, at 8pm on BBC One.

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Croke Park set for concert announcement

Let the guessing commence! Concert promoters MCD are set to make an announcement this Friday about an upcoming concert at Croke Park.

A press invite from MCD reads: "You are cordially invited to attend a press conference this Friday, October 31 at 10:15am in Croke Park for a concert announcement. The headline act will be in attendance with Q & A and photo opportunities available."

So what's it to be - stetsons or permanent sunglasses? Start the guessing game here and now - who do you think is set to grace Croker?

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Watch! Trailer for Fox's drama Empire

Fox has released a trailer for its new music-industry themed show Empire - check it out here.

Empire tells the story of music mogul Lucious Lyon who faces major obstacles as he tries to take his record label public.

Terrence Howard plays a former street thug who finds himself in charge of Empire Entertainment after changing his ways.

Lee Daniels will direct the series which also stars Taraji P. Henson and Gabourey Sidibe.

It was recently announced that Naomi Campbell would also appear in the show.

Empire will make its US debut in January 2015 on Fox.
 

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Watch! Cumberbatch does the Beyonce strut

Just when we thought we couldn't love Benedict Cumberbatch any more that we already do, this happens.

The Sherlock star appeared on last night's Graham Norton Show alongside comedian Miranda Hart, who was demonstrating the classic "popstar walk", as perfected by Beyoncé.

She gave a quick demonstration of the Beyoncé strut, before handing over to Cumberbatch to give it a go.

Naturally, he nails it.

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Elizabeth Banks to direct TV comedy

Elizabeth Banks is set to make her TV directorial debut with a new comedy series, The Greater Good.

According to Deadline, The Hunger Games star will also be executive producer of the project written by Miss Guided creator Caroline Williams for ABC.

The Greater Good is described as "comedic X-Files" and focuses on relationships and workplaces set in the world of conspiracy theories.

Banks is set to direct her first feature film next year for the Pitch Perfect sequel.

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Look! New Love/Hate episode 4 pics

New stills from episode four of Love/Hate have been released, check them out here.

Episode four of Love/Hate airs at 9.30pm on RTÉ One on Sunday, October 26.

Siobhan (Charlie Murphy) and Dean (Ian Lloyd Anderson)

Getting up close and personal

"I've a bone to pick with you Deano."

Along comes Pauley (Johnny Ward)

Siobhan and Pauley share a kiss

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Rolling Stones play Adelaide tonight

The Rolling Stones open their deferred Australian tour in Adelaide tonight. The original dates were cancelled due to the passing of Mick Jagger's girl-friend, designer L'Wren Scott, on March 17 last.

Jagger returned to the US to organise Scott's funeral, which was attended by some of his children and grandchildren. It is understood that the postponement cost the band approximately $10 million.

A touring crew of about 130 people had already built the stage and readied the sound and lighting in Perth when news of Scott's death was announced. 

Ronnie Wood arrived in Adelaide on October 15, ahead of his fellow band members. A wildlife fanatic, he visited the famed Adelaide Zoo while preparing for the tour.

Last Saturday he was joined by the remaining three band members as the band took a walk around the renovated Adelaide Oval, where they will perform this evening. The venue has seating for over 50,000 Stones fans. The band are also scheduled to play concerts in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, the Hunter Valley and Auckland in New Zealand.

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Exclusive: Listen to Neil Young's Storytone

Neil Young releases his new orchestral album, Storytone, next Friday, October 31st and RTÉ TEN is giving you an exclusive first listen. 

Storytone has 10 new compositions recorded live in the studio with Young accompanied by a 92-piece orchestra and a choir.

The first track released from the album is Who's Gonna Stand Up?, which was originally performed at Crazy Horse shows in the UK this summer and more recently, as part of Young's solo acoustic set at Farm Aid.

This is Young's second album release of 2014. His covers album, A Letter Home, was released in April

The track-listing for Storytone is:

Plastic Flowers, Who's Gonna Stand Up?, I Want To Drive My Car, Glimmer, Say Hello To Chicago, Tumbleweed, Like You Used To Do, I'm Glad I Found You, When I Watch You Sleeping, All Those Dreams.

Pre-order Storytone here.

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RTÉ TEN TV picks for today Friday Oct 24

Amy looks for love in Enlightened (10.35pm, Sky Atlantic), there's more intrigue on The Blacklist (9.00pm, Sky Living), while Jeannie makes a big power move in House of Lies (10.00pm, Sky Atlantic).

Enlightened, 10.35pm, Sky Atlantic

The third-last episode of this brilliant comedy-drama finds Amy ecstatic when Jeff describes the info she's acquired as 'the WikiLeaks of Abaddon'. Amy then turns her attentions to pursuing Jeff romantically, but can't quite believe that the life she's always dreamed of might be falling into place. She may be right to be apprehensive though, as Tyler asks her not to do anything that might compromise his relationship with Eileen. Then Levi shows up, begging Amy for a reconciliation.

The Blacklist, 9.00pm, Sky Living

The stylish, James Spader-starring procedural continues. Disturbing events give cause for concern when a series of seemingly nonviolent people become killers. As Red and Liz investigate, it appears a dangerous social/psychological experiment may be to blame. Meanwhile, Red has a proposition for Naomi and her husband. Look out in this episode for an appearance from Pee-Wee Herman actor Paul Reubens, sporting a different look for a guest-starring role as Mr Vargas, a mysterious fixer in the underground criminal world.

House of Lies, 10.00pm, Sky Atlantic

The cynical comedy about management consultants continues as Jeannie makes a big power move at Galweather Stearn, which involves pinching a mega-bucks account from a colleague. Marty, meanwhile, is somewhat perplexed this week when Roscoe introduces him to his new crush. Doug doesn't feel ready when Sarah drops the bombshell that she wants a baby, while Clyde finally gets some job satisfaction watching Monica get her just desserts after pushing a junior analyst too far.

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Confirmed! Bono and The Edge for Late Late Show

Bono and The Edge will join Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show tonight.

Former politician Des O'Malley and comedian Kevin Bridges will also be stopping by for a chat and there will be a music from The High Hopes Choir.

U2 have been in the news a lot lately following the controversial release of their thirteenth studio album Songs of Innocence in September. The band gave away the new record for free on iTunes, causing either outrage or joy among the music service's half a billion subscribers. 

Bono also recently revealed that he has glaucoma, a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye and deteriorates over time. In some cases, it can result in blindness. The U2 frontman explained that this is why he always wears sunglasses. 

So, there is plenty for Tubridy to chat to the lads about, and of course, there's always the fact that they are the biggest rock band on the planet. 

The Late Late Show, RTÉ One, 9:35pm

If U2 do sing on the show tonight which song would you like them to perform? Let us know in the comments below. 

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The Works goes backstage at Wexford Opera Festival

RTÉ arts show The Works goes behind the scenes for a preview of the 63rd Wexford Opera Festival tonight. Also on the show, Dublin band Fight Like Apes and Man Booker shortlisted writer Deborah Levy discuss their new projects.

The 63rd Wexford Opera Festival kicked off last Wednesday and runs until Sunday November 2. Tonight on RTÉ One at 8:30pm, The Works looks behind the curtain for a preview of this year's programme, including the European premiere of Kevin Puts' Pulitzer Prize-winning Silent Night, which is about the spontaneous Christmas truce between enemy combatants during the First World War. 

The Wexford Opera House, which opened in 2008, was last night re-named The National Opera House at a ceremony marking the launch of this year's 12-day opera festival. This announcement means that Ireland will no longer be the only country in the EU not to have a national opera house.

Also on The Works this evening, Angela Dorgan chats to Dublin band Fight Like Apes, who will also unleash a track from their forthcoming album; and Sinéad Gleeson meets Man Booker shortlisted writer Deborah Levy and discusses her new release An Amorous Discourse in the Suburbs of Hell. 

Viewers also have a chance to win a trip to the Wexford Opera Festival with overnight accommodation. Keep an eye on the programme's live Twitter feed - @RTETheWorks – during the show to find out how to enter.

The Works, RTÉ One, 8:30pm

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Rowling announces new Potter story for Halloween

JK Rowling has penned a new Harry Potter story which will be released on her Pottermore site at Halloween.

The story will focus on bad 'un Dolores Umbridge and a statement on Pottermore.com reads, "Umbridge is not only one of the most malicious Potter characters, she is the only person other than Lord Voldemort to leave a permanent physical scar on Harry.

"The new exclusive J.K. Rowling content provides a rich, 1,700-word back story about Umbridge's life filled with many new details, as well as Rowling's revealing first-person thoughts and reflections about the character."

The news follows rumours that Rowling has just completed a romantic novel. However, the author was quick to shoot down the claims, saying, "There's a story in today's Mail that I was in a London bar on Monday 'celebrating' handing in a 'romantic novel' to my publisher.

"1) I haven't handed in ANY kind of novel to my publishers. I'm only half way through my current book. 2) It isn't a 'romantic' novel. And 3) (brace yourselves) I sometimes have a drink even when I haven't finished a book. Yes, that's how rock and roll I really am."

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Look! Photos from Sing Street set in Dublin

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, visited the set of Sing Street, the new film from Begin Again and Once director John Carney, in Synge Street CBS Schools, Dublin on Thursday October 23.

Set in 1980s Dublin, Carney's Sing Street is semi-autobiographical and tells the story of Cosmo, a teenager who forms a band.

It stars newcomer Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor. 

Speaking on set, Minister Humphreys said: "The Irish film and television industry has continued to grow significantly and has experienced record levels of production activity over the last few years."

She added: "I'm delighted to see a strong number of exciting Irish feature films currently in production and it was a pleasure to experience first-hand the creative Irish work and expertise being invested in Sing Street." 

Minister Humphreys with producer Anthony Bregman, director John Carney and producer Martina Niland

Minister Humphreys with lead Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and director John Carney

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Singer Alvin Stardust dies, aged 72

Singer and actor, Alvin Stardust, has died aged 72 after a short illness.

Stardust, real name Bernard Jewry, had recently been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer and died at home with his wife and family around him, his manager said.

The Pretend hitmaker became a huge star on the back of the 1970s' glam rock craze, scoring hits with tracks including My Coo Ca Choo and Jealous Mind.

Alvin Stardust, June 1984

British pop star Shane Fenton (originally named Bernard William Jewry), who was to become Alvin Stardust in 1973, pictured strumming a bass guitar in his theatre dressing room

The glam-rock star applying makeup in his private dressing-room at home

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Watch! The Fear pull prank at comedy festival

Niall Brady headed to the Vodafone Comedy Festival in search of some laughs and a few beers, but poor Neil quickly became the talking point of the night. Watch it all unfold below.

Niall's lovely fiancée, Rachel, decides to play a little trick on her husband-to-be (a huge fan of Fred Cooke) and the results are priceless.

You'll be glad to know that the couple did go on to get married and are currently on honeymoon!

You can catch The Fear, RTÉ 2 Monday, at 10.30pm.

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Watch! TEN talks #Trending with Darren Kennedy

Darren Kennedy's new RTÉ2 show #Trending kicks off tonight at 8.30pm so Sinead Brennan caught up with him to find out about the show, his style must-haves and his top tips for the party season.

#Trending will keep you up to date with the latest in fashion, pop culture, street style, celebrity trends and beauty.

Each half hour episode features insider tips and stars sharing their style secrets but most of all is a fashion series that is as much about you as it is about celebrity.

The first episode of the six-part series features Darren delving into the wardrobe of Ireland's future prince of pop James Wolf.

Tune in to #Trending at 8.30pm on RTÉ2.

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Watch! Unbreakable Mark Pollock

Motivational speaker Mark Pollock talks to us about making his new documentary, Unbreakable, with filmmaker Ross Whitaker.

Pollock became the first blind person to race to the South Pole, and now he shares his plans to fast-track a cure for paralysis with the help of the upcoming Lifestyle Sports Run in the Dark, taking place around the world on November 12.

Get involved and find out more information here.

Read Harry Guerin's Unbreakable review here.

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Watch! A brand new Love/Hate clip

Check out this brand new Love/Hate clip from Sunday's (October 26) episode. It's safe to say that Nidge has a new man in his gang.

***Spoiler Alert***

It looks like Deano may get his life spared by Nidge for now, but only if he promises to work for him, while at the same time letting Fran believe he is still his best mate.

The war between Nidge and Fran looks set to rumble on, but who will come out victorious?

Love/Hate, RTÉ One, Sunday, 9:30pm

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Watch! Cecelia Ahern talks to TEN

Cecelia Ahern talks to TEN about the movie adaptation of her novel Love, Rosie.

Love, Rosie, originally published as Where Rainbows End, is Ahern's second novel to be adapted for the big screen following the Gerard Butler-starring PS. I Love You.

Sam Claflin and Lily Collins star in Love, Rosie, which is in cinemas from Wednesday October 22.

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Noel Gallagher responds to Liam's Westlife jibe

Noel Gallagher has responded to his brother Liam's taunt that he looks like a member of Westlife by saying that he doesn't mind as long as he doesn't look like Louis Walsh.

Back in 2011, Liam told music magazine Q, "Noel said we had a year to come up with a band name and came up with Beady Eye. He had three and came up with the High Flying Turds. I don't know who dressed him but he looks like something out of Westlife."

Speaking to Jenny Greene and former Westlife member Nicky Byrne on 2fm earlier today, Noel said: "Our Liam said that? Which member of Westlife? I'm trying to remember all your little faces - as long as it's not Louis Walsh!"  

Inevitably, Noel, who releases Chasing Yesterday, the second album with High Flying Birds, next March, was also asked if constant rumours about an Oasis reunion annoy him.

"It annoys me about as much as when I'm introduced to people as Liam, which happens on a regular basis so it's just part of my life now. I just have to answer questions about it every day.

"I was a party the other night and loads of posh people were going, `Liam! How are you doing?' It's a common occurrence but there is no Oasis reunion. It's annoying when some people refer to it as `the Oasis reunion' as if it's some kind of definite thing that's going to happen. It's not on the cards."

Noel added: "It's got nothing to do with my brother. Creatively, I don't think I could take a backward step now. It's got nothing to do with Liam. Me and Liam are well beyond that now. It's not like I wouldn't do it because of our kid, we're on good terms.

"At the minute from where I sit now it's purely a creative thing. I really, really enjoy where I am with my music and where I am with my band and my thing when I take it on tour. I wouldn't be willing to give that up for anything."

However, asked if he'd rather wear a Manchester United shirt or reform Oasis, Noel said: "I'd rather reform Oasis than wear a Man Utd shirt. I wouldn't do that, not even if I was mentally disturbed." 

Noel also talked to Jenny and Nicky about his new album, why his wife no longer lets him take his guitar on holidays, more football, and what it was like watching TV for the charity celebrity edition of Channel 4's Googlebox last week.

Listen to the full interview with Noel here. 

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RTÉ TEN'S TV picks for today October 21

A new period drama series, Outlander, begins tonight (11.00pm, RTÉ 2) while The Insiders (7.00pm, RTÉ One) looks at key decisions in Irish history, beginning with the removal of the GAA's Rule 42. Levon Helm: Ain't In It for My Health can be seen at 11.30pm on Sky Arts 1, and is followed by Classic Albums, which looks at the eponymous The Band album.

Outlander

11.00pm RTÉ 2

First instalment in a new drama series of 16 episodes. Claire Randall (played by Irish actress Caitriona Balfe) is reunited with her husband Frank after returning from the battlefields of World War II. While on their second honeymoon she walks through one of the ancient stone circles and is suddenly transported to 1743 Scotland, torn by war and rogue Highland clans. Accused of being a spy, Claire is forced by circumstance to marry an outlawed Highlander, she finds herself falling in love and torn by her loyalties to two men in vastly different times. If you can suspend your belief system, this could be fun. Picture below shows Sam Heughan as Jamie and Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall. Quite steamy, one understands, their relationship. Not to be confused with mist on the mountains. 

The Insiders

7.00pm RTÉ One

New series. The inside story of the removal of the Rule 42 which prohibited soccer and rugby from GAA grounds and of how a proposal written in a county kitchen in Co Roscommon opened the way for the Queen's Visit. Insiders tells the story of the battle to remove the ban and of how the GAA did what was once unthinkable – opened the gates of Croke Park to rugby and soccer. This programme looks how a proposal written on a country kitchen table suggesting other sports be played in Croke Park eventually laid its hand gently on the peace process. How the struggle within the GAA to amend Rule 42 ultimately led to the moment when Ireland played England in rugby and God Save the Queen was sung at Croke Park. Picture shows Conor Ó Sé, the former Rugby international. Ó Sé was asked by the English Rugby Football Union to explain to the English team the significance of what was happening when Croke Park was chosen for a rugby international.

Levon Helm: Ain't In It for My Health

11.30pm Sky Arts 1

Director Jacob Hatley's intimate documentary finds the late Levon Helm at home in Woodstock, NY, as the four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member puts together his his 2007 comeback album, Dirt Farmer. His daughter, singer Amy Helm features, as does Billy Bob Thornton, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. Helm was one of nature's gentleman, from Arkansas, who sang beautifully and played drums and mandolin with The Band. Followed by Classic Albums, which looks at the eponymous The Band album.

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U2 hit lowest UK album chart placing in 30 years

U2's new album, Songs of Innocence, has debuted at Number Six in the new UK album charts - the band's first non-Number One debut placing in the UK since 1991's Achtung Baby. 

It follows the band's controversial decision to give the album away for free to half a billion iTunes users in September.

U2 have gone to Number One in the UK with all of their albums since 1983's War, with the exception of Achtung Baby which was held off the top spot by Michael Jackson's Dangerous.

Songs of Innocence also became the first U2 album not to debut at Number One in Ireland since 1987's The Joshua Tree when it was denied the top spot by Hozier last Friday. 

However, U2's latest chart positions are still impressive considering that 26 million people had already downloaded the album on iTunes before its physical release last week.

The new album has, however, hit Number One in France and, interestingly, The Netherlands. 

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Watch! Mary McEvoy chats to Robert Duvall

Mary McEvoy travelled to London to chat to Robert Duvall about his new film, The Judge. Watch the interview here.

The legendary actor chatted about his role in David Dobkin's drama, which also stars Robert Downey Jr. Click on the video link to watch interview.

Read our review of The Judge here.

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First school through to All Island Choir Final

The singers from Wesley College, Ballinteer, Dublin are the first choir through to the Grand Final of the All Island School Choir Competition on RTÉ One.

The Grand Final takes place in Titanic Belfast on Sunday November 16 and will be shown live on RTÉ One.

This Sunday, October 26, on RTÉ One at 5:20pm the Western Regional Final will take place. 

The competition is run by RTÉ in association with Co-operation Ireland.

To watch the show, visit: www.rte.ie/player

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U2's Larry Mullen in court over €11million 'loss'

U2 drummer Larry Mullen and his partner Ann Acheson claim they have lost more than €11m as a result of what they claim is a failure by their accountancy firm to advise them properly about investment funds.

The Commercial Court today refused to fast track a legal action by Mr Mullen and Ms Acheson against Gaby Smyth and Company, accountant Gaby Smyth and two other members of the firm, Jill Percival and Pat Cleary.

The court heard Ms Percival and Mr Cleary say they had nothing to do with the advice given to Mr Mullen and Ms Acheson.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern refused to admit the case to the Commercial Court because of a delay in making the application by Mr Mullen's lawyers and a lack of explanation for that delay.

Mr Mullen began the action against Gaby Smyth and Company in July 2013.

The court heard that the company acted as accountants, advisers and managers in relation to the couple's financial, taxation and investment affairs.

The court heard that Gaby Smyth and Company agreed to provide services, including the identification of investment opportunities and the provision of advice in relation to these opportunities.

Mr Mullen said it was a fundamental term of the agreements that Gaby Smyth would take all necessary and appropriate steps to protect their financial interests, having regard to Mr Mullen's conservative and low-risk approach to investing.

Mr Mullen and Ms Acheson claim Gaby Smyth and Company breached these agreements and they have suffered significant loss, damage and expense as a result.

They claim the funds were described to them as being "suitable" for them to invest in, but they say they involved a high degree of risk and were not suitable for them.

They claim they lost more than €3m in an investment in a European Hotel Fund.

They also invested and lost €500,000 in a property in Timisoara in Romania and obtained a loan for more than €4m with two other people from Ulster Bank in relation to this investment.

They claim they lost more than €4m in two further property fund investments.

U2's bass guitarist Adam Clayton took separate legal proceedings against the accountancy firm.

Mr Clayton sued Gaby Smyth and Company and Bank of Ireland private banking over alleged negligence and breach of contract arising from the misappropriation by his former personal assistant Carol Hawkins of substantial sums of money from his bank accounts.

Those proceedings were settled last year.

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Look! Sinead Kennedy's gorgeous wedding dress

Winning Streak presenter Sinead Kennedy married her boyfriend of eight years, naval officer Conor Kirwin, over the weekend. 

Family and close friends gathered at St Michael's Church in Sneem, Co. Kerry to watch the happy couple exchange their vows. 

Sinead looked stunning in a floor length gown which was draped with silver embellishments around the neckline. Conor looked dapper decked out in his navy naval uniform. 

The ceremony was followed by dinner and dancing at the intimate setting of Dromquinna Manor.

Conor popped the question last year, but the couple waited a few months before they made their happy news public knowledge. 

Before the festivities kicked off last week Sinead was spotted in Grogan's pub in Dublin. She tweeted: "Drinks and ham & toasted cheese sambos…this wedding prep stuff ain't so bad! #grogans."

While not too many details about the day have been revealed, it would appear that the bride opted for a pair of Louboutin heels as she had previously tweeted: "Thanks a mill to the lovely ladies @LouboutinWorld in @brownthomas for their help with my wedding shoes #panic."

Sinead is expected back on our screens this weekend for Winning Streak so the newlyweds will take a honeymoon at another time.

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Olly Murs apologises to Taylor Swift

Olly Murs has sent a letter to Taylor Swift to say sorry for his recent comments that seemed to mock her song-writing skills.

The Troublemaker singer has spoken out about his recent comments towards Taylor Swift and insisted he never meant to offend the US superstar.

The 30-year-old X Factor runner-up appeared to lash out at Swift for always writing songs about her former boyfriend, One Direction's Harry Styles.

Speaking on 2DayFM's breakfast show in Australia last week Murs said: "Come on [Taylor], let it go. Write something new that isn't about Harry."

However in a more recent interview with The Daily Mail Australia Murs is adamant his comments were blown of proportion. He said: "I reached out to Taylor around two days ago. I gave her a letter and said, 'I'm really sorry... It came out wrong. I'm sorry I didn't mean to make any offence.'

"It always came out that every article says Taylor writes songs and they always link it to Harry so I was just making a joke and defending my mate."

He added: "It wasn't nice what I said, but it was a joke. I didn't expect it to blow up like it did."

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879,700 tuned in to watch last night's Love/Hate

The numbers remain high for Love/Hate with an average 879,700 tuning in to watch the show last night – this means 54% of people who were watching TV in Ireland last night chose to watch Love/Hate on RTÉ One. 

***Spoiler Alert ***

While nobody was murdered in last night's episode it was still as bloody and violent as ever with three prisoners attacking Fran in his cell and Nidge's gang kidnapping Fran's loyal sidekick, Dean. 

Nidge had ordered Pottsie – Aido's brother who's serving a prison sentence – to get rid of Fran, but all did not go according to plan. 

Fran managed to overcome Pottsie and they both ended up in hospital, Pottsie definitely coming out worse. 

Meanwhile, Dean, who was ordered by Fran to find a hitman to 'whack' Nidge, was kidnapped by Elmo and Aido.  

Earlier in the episode Elmo collected a large batch of dodgy garden gnomes. After smashing them open, he buried their contents in a large hole. You can be sure it wasn't daffodils he was planting. 

Catch up on the full episode over on the RTÉ Player - www.rte.ie/player

Check out the teaser trailer for next Sunday's (October 26) episode below.

Love/Hate, RTÉ One, Sundays, 9.30pm 

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Exclusive! New lyric video from Charli XCX

Check out the brand new lyric video from Charli XCX for her track London Queen exclusively on RTÉ TEN. 

Charli XCX's new album, Sucker, will be released in January 2015 and it also features the massive singles Boom Clap and Break the Rules.

Charli has been nominated for 2 MTV EMA Awards this year - BEST NEW ACT and BEST PUSH. She will open for Katy Perry's European tour in Feb/March 2015 and the talented lady co-wrote Icona Pop's I Love It, which has sold almost 5 million singles to date.

Check out the lyric video for London Queen, exclusive to RTÉ TEN, below.

Pre-order Sucker here

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Look! Downton Abbey's Lady Mary dons Munster strip

M'lady! Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery showed her support for Munster in yesterday's European Champions Cup clash with Sale by donning the team's full strip. 

Michelle, who goes out with Corkman John Dineen and whose father, Michael Francis Dockery, hails from Athlone, plays Lady Mary Crawley in the bespoke soap and she proudly showed her allegiance to Ireland during yesterday's match, which Munster won by one point.

She certainly didn't scare the horses but what would the Dowager Countess think?  

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Brad Pitt goes to war!

Brad Pitt plays no guts, no glory WWII tank commander Don 'Wardaddy' Collier in his new movie Fury and from Legends of The Fall to Inglorious Basterds, he's always liked a good ding dong. Alan Corr looks back at Pitt's on-screen war record.

World War Z (2013)

Brad plays Gerry Lane, a former UN specialist who is caught up in a global zombie apocalypse in this shambling and deeply silly disaster flick. The CGI is slathered on as Pitt zips with immunity and impunity around the globe trying to stem the virus that has turned mankind into a bunch of dead-eyed sheep. Imagine that? Most of the audience left the cinema as stumbling, mottled-skinned husks of humanity after watching this. World War Z went through torturous re-writes and re-shoots and it really shows. Great title; naff film. Here's what TEN said. 

Inglorious Basterds (2009)

Pitt was great as gurning cartoon Nazi hunter Lt Aldo Raine Waldo in Tarantino's bad taste circus about a ragbag US Army unit of Nazi hunters. Quent got to indulge his cineaste obsessions (Michael Fassbinder plays a movie critic and the climatic inferno takes place in a beautiful Parisian picture house) and Pitt as the cigar-chomping southern gent with a vicious streak holds his own in a cast of villains and anti-heroes. Best bit: we get to see the Nazi High Command burn to death in the expensive seats while being gleefully riddled to pieces by Waldo and chums. Waldo is also pretty damn good at carving swastikas into Nazi foreheads. Result! Here's what TEN said. 

Troy (2004)

From Sue Ellen's toy boy Randy in Dallas (yup, that was his name) to eh, Troy boy in Wolfgang Petersen's unintentionally hilarious sword and sandal epic, it's been quite a trip for our Brad. Naturally, he plays legendary warrior Achilles in this bloody and lusty yarn and he gets to go full-on buffed, golden-haired uber Pitt. The cast is sure nice to look at but at nearly three hours in duration, Troy seemed to last longer than The Iliad itself and showed again that Pitt could often be the master of bad career choices, as well as romantic ones (I'll always be Team Jen, OK?). Here's what TEN said.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

Pitt played a Nazi lover (yes, A NAZI LOVER!!!) in this worthy tale of redemption which wags quickly renamed Seven Years in the Cinema. Brad is Heinrich Harrer, an egotistical Austrian mountaineer who decides to make the Reich proud by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India. Then WWII breaks out (entirely the Reich's fault, that) and Henry and his mates are thrown in a POW camp. They escape (don't worry about the plot; just look at them mountains, folks!) and Henry gets matey with the Dalai Lama and becomes all wise and sensitive and stuff. Boooring.

The Devil's Own (1997)

Not quite a war movie (well, depending on your political persuasion). Brad had his first run-in with a wonky Oirish accent (see also Snatch) in this botched and cliched US thriller which plays the American-Irish card in bloody spades. He plays Frankie McGuire, an IRA gunman who is initially welcomed into the home of Tom O'Meara, a New York cop played with an e mailed-in performance from gruff ol' Harrison Ford. Tom likes the kid (when he can understand his accent, that is) but his suspicions mount when Frankie keeps humming Wolfe Tone songs in the shower. Or something. Best bit: some of it was filmed in Inchicore which means Brad possibly popped into the Black Lion for a pint. Horray! Anyway, this was made by the great Alan J Pakula (All The President's Men, The Parallax View) but we reckon he did it to help get his long lost cousin a Green Card. 

Legends of the Fall (1994)

Initial disappointment that Pitt was not, in fact, playing Mark E Smith in this pot boiler gave way to vague enjoyment. This is another great American epic in which Brad gets to stare meaningfully across vast landscapes and get his boots muddy in the trenches in The Great War. He stars as Tristan Ludlow, one of three brothers who live with their highly-principled father in the wilderness of early 1900s Montana. It's a big canvas this and the movie spans the decade before World War I through the Prohibition era, and into the 1930s, and ends with a brief scene in the key American year of 1963. The war scenes are gory and true and the scene where Brad cuts out his own brother's heart on the battlefield so he can send it home to be buried in Montana is actually quite moving.  

Alan Corr @corralan

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RTÉ TEN TV picks for today Sunday October 19

Elmo grapples with some gnomes on Love/Hate (RTÉ One, 9.30pm), It's the last show in the run of Sunday Night at the Palladium (7.15pm, UTV & TV3), and Anne Cassin hosts the All-Island School Choir Competition (5.10pm, RTÉ One) 

Love/Hate, 9.30pm, RTÉ One

Last week's episode ranked high in the Love/Hate's terrible tradition of tension, brutal acts, and character-driven narrative. Fran came to a terrible realisation; Siobhan teetered ever closer to the edge of despair; and the glowering new boy Pauly turned even Nidge into his lackey. We'd be whacked if we told you what's happening in tonight's show but we can give you this sneak snippet - Elmo digs a rather large hole and hangs out with a lot of gnomes . . . 

Sunday Night at the Palladium, 7.15pm, UTV & TV3

The reinvented variety show bows out after what's been a bit of a mixed bag during its maiden run. Tonight's show is hosted by Rob Brydon and features a pretty strong line-up. As well as the songwriting legend that is Neil Diamond, the show also features Paloma Faith, veteran rockers Texas, as well as the cast of the long-running West End hit musical Jersey Boys. Comedy comes in the shape of Milton Jones.

Diamond geezer

All-Island School Choir Competition, 5.10pm, RTÉ One

Presented by Anne Cassin, this five-part series will celebrate and encourage the tradition of choral music in second-level schools throughout Ireland. The first regional final from St Patrick's College Chapel at NUI Maynooth features choirs from four Dublin secondary schools: Alexandra College, Milltown; Blackrock College; Loreto Abbey Secondary School, Dalkey;  Sandford Park School, Ranelagh; and Wesley College, Ballinteer.

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Susan Boyle hopes to adopt a child

Susan Boyle has revealed that she hopes to become a mum in the near future.

The 53-year-old I Dreamed A Dream singer, whose sixth album Hope is released next month, has expressed her desire to adopt a child.

Boyle told THe Sunday Mail: "I have so much love to give. I want to adopt a child who doesn't have much, who I can really give something to. It's a way of giving back for me.

"I have been considering it for a year. I love children, I always have, but I couldn't have them. I want to give a youngster what I didn't have. I know it's a long process but I've never been more keen to do it. The rules can be quite strict but let's hope."

Boyle added: "We'll have to see what social services say, but it would make me so happy.

"I know I'm single and 50-odd. People don't think I'm serious when I say it, they have a giggle at me. Let's see."

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Madonna tipped to perform at X Factor final

Madonna has provisionally agreed to perform on The X Factor final in December but only if Simon Cowell agrees to her long list of conditions.

The 56-year-old Queen of Pop has reportedly been urged by music mogul Simon Cowell to perform on the show in a bid to boost faltering ratings.

Simon Cowell's wish may come true

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: ''Madonna will have been provisionally booked because the final can be subject to change if an artist doesn't approve of the finalists - especially if they have agreed to sing with them.

''Someone like Madonna will want a lot of creative control over her appearance, but for Simon the ratings will be worth it.''

The insider added: ''She has been told that her label will be expected to pay for any stage props and backing dancers she brings with her.''

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Look! Elmo and the gnomes on Love/Hate

No, Elmo and the gnomes is not the title of a new kids TV show - it is one of the surreal moments that often pop up amid the atmosphere of terror and tension on Love/Hate. Check out some teaser pictures from tonight's episode here!

Last week's episode of the gangland drama ranked high in the Love/Hate's terrible tradition of tension, brutal acts, and character-driven narrative. 

Fran came to a terrible realisation; Siobhan teetered ever closer to the edge of despair; and glowering new boy Pauley turned even Nidge into his lackey.

We'd be whacked if we told you what's happening in tonight's show but we can give you this sneak snippet - Elmo digs a rather large hole and hangs out with a lot of gnomes . . . 

Somehow we don't think Elmo has got gardening on his mind

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Hozier breaks U2's 27-year Irish Number One run

Hozier has denied U2's new album, Songs of Innocence, the top album position in Ireland, breaking the veteran band's 27-year No 1 run of first week Irish number one albums.

In a sign of the changing of the guard, the Bray singer's self-titled debut stays at the top of the Irish charts for the fourth week leaving Songs of Innocence at No 2, the first time U2 have not debuted at No 1 in Ireland since the release of The Joshua Tree in 1987. 

In the UK, Songs of Innocence is set to debut at U2's lowest chart position for 30 years this Monday. According to the UK's Official Charts Company midweek update, U2 are set to enter the chart at number four, behind Jessie J and Ella Henderson.

All olf U2's studio albums since 1983's War have debuted at number one, except for Achtung Baby, which was outsold by Michael Jackson's Dangerous in 1991.

U2's latest chart performance is a natural reflection of the fact that they gave Songs of Innocence away for free on iTunes in September.

Hozier has had the fastest-selling album of the year in Ireland and earlier this week he also hit No 2 in the US Billboard chart and No 5 in the UK as well as top 10 positions in several other European countries.

Elsewhere in the new album and singles chart, One Direction stall at No 3 with their new single Steal My Girl, X Factor graduate Ella Henderson debuts at No 2 with her album Chapter One, and Dublin band Delorentos are at No 5 with their fifth album Night Becomes Light. 

Ireland's Top 10 albums

1 (last week) 1 (this week) Hozier – Hozier (Island)

   2 Songs of Innocence - U2 (Island)

2 3 X - Ed Sheeran (Asylum)

   4 Chapter One - Ella Henderson (Syco Music)

   5 Night Becomes Light - Delorentos (Universal Ireland)

3 6 In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith (Capitol)

6 7 Popular Problems - Leonard Cohen (Columbia)

5 8 Wanted On Voyage - George Ezra (Columbia)

4 9 No Sound Without Silence - The Script (Columbia)

   10 The West's Awake - Tommy Fleming (Beaumex)

Ireland's Top 10 singles 

1 (last week) 1 (this week) All About That Bass - Meghan Trainor (Epic)

2 2 Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran (Asylum)

   3 Steal My Girl - One Direction                (Syco Music)

4 4 Shake It Off - Taylor Swift (Big Machine)

3 5 Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (Lava/Republic)

5 6 Prayer In C - Lilly Wood & Robin Schulz (Warner Bros)

6 7 Ugly Heart - G.R.L (RCA)

7 8 Blame - Calvin Harris Feat. John Newman (Columbia)

9 9 I'm Not The Only One - Sam Smith (Capitol)

11 10 Take Me To Church - Hozier (Island)

Chart courtesy of IRMA

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Susan Sarandon joins Marilyn Monroe TV mini-series

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon has signed on to play Marilyn Monroe's mentally ill mum in Lifetime's new TV mini-series.

E! News reports that 68-year-old Sarandon will portray Gladys Mortenson in the upcoming four-hour adaptation of author J. Randy Taraborrelli's book, The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe.

Lifetime's description of the mini-series, reads: "Marilyn is both the personification of sex, whose first marriage ironically collapses because of her frigidity, and a fragile artist who seeks the approval and protection of men.  But after tumultuous marriages with Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, she realizes she has the strength to stand on her own.

"She becomes the face and voice of an era, yet wants most of all to be someone's mother and someone's little girl. She's the Marilyn you haven't seen before, the artist who, by masking the truth with an image, gives her greatest performance."

It is not yet know who will take on the role of Marilyn in the new series, which is tipped for release next year.

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No back to the future for Back to The Future

Here's some good news in our knackered entertainment world of endless reboots, remakes and, duh, `re-imaginings' - the producer and co-writer of the much-loved time travel film Back to The Future has ruled out making another instalment of the series.

Speaking to Yahoo, Bob Gale said that he's not interested in reactivating the series after being approached by studio executives with big money offers.

"We don't need the money," Gale said. "If we had serious debts, it might be different! Let's face it, we've seen a lot of sequels that are made years and year later and I don't think I can name that's any good. I don't think you can recapture it."

Gale co-wrote the Back to The Future scripts with director Robert Zemeckis and after initially rejection by several film studios, it eventually became the most successful movie of the year when it was released in 1985, taking $383 million worldwide as well as being critically acclaimed.

"We're not going to do Director's Cut or make a 3D version or change the special effects. People love them the way they are, we think they're really good. Let's not mess with it."

However, the trilogy has been made into an animated series, a theme park ride, computer games and an upcoming musical.

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RTÉ TEN's TV Picks for Today Saturday Oct 18

The Jonathan Ross Show (10.20pm ITV) returns tonight with David Attenborough,Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Mel B. Contributions also from Steve Carell and Paolo Nutini. The X Factor (8.00pm TV 3/ITV) features its second live show, and Northern Soul: Living for the Weekend can be seen at10.55pm BBC 4.

The Jonathan Ross Show

10.20pm ITV

Wossy returns for a new series, with Sir David Attenborough in the chair. That's the good news. Expect some vacuous stuff from Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (below) as she gives her first interview since getting married. The X Factor judge Mel B is also in to reminisce on a glittering career, or something. Steve Carell, star of Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin and Despicable Me should provide better copy. There's also music from guttural-voiced Glaswegian Paolo Nutini.

The X Factor

8.00pm TV3/ITV

Watch the second live show tonight, as Sarah-Jane Crawford gets all the reactions to the first live performances. Hear too from Louis Walsh, Mel B, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell as they assess the night's action. Sarah-Jane will be joined by a whole host of celebrity The X Factor fans each week. The 14 finalists left have been busy getting ready for their 80s week performance, with rehearsals, choreography, vocal coaching, filming and, gosh, interviews with the press. Puffball skirts and pixie boots are de rigeur – well, sort of - this Saturday night.

Northern Soul: Living for the Weekend

10.55pm BBC 4

The northern soul phenomenon was the most exciting underground British club movement of the 1970s. At its highpoint, thousands of disenchanted white working class youths across the north of England danced to obscure, mid-60s Motown-inspired sounds until the sun rose.This film charts northern soul's dramatic rise, fall and re-birth in clubs like Manchester's Twisted Wheel and Sheffield's Mojo. Over on Sky Arts 1, at 12.30am, incidentally, there's a chance to see Ride, Rise, Roar: David Byrne – A Live Concert Film.

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Batman vs Superman: `female Robin announced'

Hunger Games actress Jena Malone is rumoured to have landed the plum role of the much-spoken about female Robin in the forthcoming Batman Vs Superman movie.

Michigan television station WILX 10 first reported the rumour last week and speculation has been fuelled by a sighting of 29-year-old Malone on the movie's set in Detroit.

If the rumours are true, she is thought to be playing Carrie Kelley, a flame-haired alternative version of Robin and one of the various manifestations of Robin in the Batman comic books.

There has also been speculation that Malone, who also starred in Pride and Prejudice and Into The Wild, will play Batgirl in the movie.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is expected to open in early 2015 and stars Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.

The cast also includes Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons.

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On the Box - TV Preview

John Byrne's TV choices for the week ahead (Dates covered: Sat Oct 18 – Fri Oct 24)

In keeping with the weather, there's a deluge of new and returning shows so there's no need to go outside if you want to be entertained. Here goes . . .

Pick of the week

 Outlander, Tuesday , RTÉ2

This looks like a very promising love story that also combines sci-fi elements of time travel and promises to be just the right side of bonkers. While on her second honeymoon, World War II combat nurse Claire Randall, played by Irish actress Caitriona Balfe, is mysteriously transported back in time to Scotland in 1743, a pivotal point in the history of the Highlands. Thrown into the middle of the Scottish rebellion against the British army and, forced by circumstance to marry an outlawed Highlander, she finds herself falling in love and torn between her loyalties to two men in different centuries. Sounds corny, eh? Give it a go and prepare to be surprised.

Trailer Time:

Star of the week

Darren Kennedy

#TRENDING, Thursday , RTÉ2

Here's a new fashion show that boasts of being full of stylish insights and opinions. Presented by the dapper Darren Kennedy, it's filmed on location in a customised pop-up set and an urban studio in 'the heart of the city' (Dublin, I presume). The show promises insider tips on how to achieve the latest designer looks, with celebrities sharing their style secrets. This week's opener sees Darren Kennedy meeting with young fashion photographer Conor Clinch and – you've guessed it – 'internet sensation' and makeup guru, Michelle Phan.

Trailer Time:

Starting this week

Life Story, Thursday, BBC One

This is the BBC's latest landmark series from the award-winning Natural History Unit. Presented by David Attenborough, it tells the remarkable and perpetually perilous story of the journey through life. For animals there is just one goal in life – to continue their bloodline in the form of offspring. This series follows that journey through its six crucial stages: first steps, growing up, finding a home, gaining power, winning a mate and succeeding as a parent. Episode one starts at the very beginning of life, where the first hurdle is infancy. Vulnerable, naïve but determined, some young animals face their biggest challenges in the first few days of life. How a creature fares at the very start is the foundation upon which their future success depends.

Trailer Time:

The Taste of Success, Tuesday, RTÉ One

This brand new series offers one of the biggest prizes in Irish television history: €100,000 and the opportunity for the winner to get their new food product on the shelves of over 140 Lidl stores. In episode one, Catherine Fulvio showcases the best of Leinster, including wild forager Mary with her Beech Leaf Liquer, novice baker Eleanor and her gluten-free bread and Sharon's honey alternative with her Dandelion Flower Preserve. Now, where did I leave that apron?

How to Get Away with Murder, Wednesday, Universal

Created by Peter Nowalk and produced by the legend that is Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy, Scandal) this ensemble US legal drama stars Viola Davis (The Help) as Annalise Keating, a law professor at a prestigious Philadelphia university who, along with her students, becomes entangled in a murder plot. This could be another cracker, though hopefully a little less frantic than Scandal.

An Bronntanas, Thursday, TG4

A brand new five-part contemporary thriller set against the backdrop of the rugged Connemara coastline and the dramatic lives of a local lifeboat crew. Subtitled in English, so there's no excuse for missing it.

All Island School Choir Competition, Sunday, RTÉ One

Presented by Anne Cassin, this five-parter celebrates and encourages the tradition of choral music in second-level schools throughout Ireland.

Returning this week

Grey's Anatomy, Wednesday, Sky Living

It's up to season 11 of Shonda Rhimes' everlasting medical drama, beginning with a premiere episode directed by series star Kevin McKidd and featuring a guest appearance from Oscar-winner Geena Davis. Focus falls on the show's namesake in this new run, as Meredith comes to terms with best friend Cristina's departure, while dealing with Derek's impending move to Washington. She also struggles to find an escape in the usually reliable sanctuary of the operating theatre as she clashes with new doctor Maggie – who happens to be her half-sister, but Mer doesn't know that yet.

Trailer Time:

The Jonathan Ross Show, Saturday, UTV

Joining Wossy in this season-opener are the legendary broadcaster David Attenborough; Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in her first interview since getting married; The X Factor judge, Mel B; and American comedy actor, Steve Carell. There's also music from Paolo Nutini.

Drifters, Thursday, E4

The original comedy drama from writer-performer Jessica Knappett is back for a second run. Best friends Meg (Jessica Knappett), Bunny (Lydia Rose Bewley) and Laura (Lauren O'Rourke) are still trying - and largely failing - to figure out love and life in Leeds.

Hawaii Five-0, Sunday, Sky 1

Season five of the rebooted cop show gets under way and there is some very good news for fans of Jerry Ortega (Jorge Garcia  - Hurley in Lost) because the conspiracy theorist has been promoted from scene-stealing guest star to cast regular.

American Horror Story, Tuesday, FOX

After a poor third season here's hoping for a return to form. The fourth run is set in Florida in 1952, and centres around one of the few remaining freak shows at the time, as its members do anything to keep the business alive. Returning regulars include Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Denis O'Hare, Frances Conroy, Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates.

Trailer Time:

Surprise Surprise, Wednesday, UTV

Back for a new run hosted by Holly Willoughby, who will be rewarding some of the country's most deserving people with spectacular surprises. First up, global pop superstar Pharrell Williams gives an amazing young lady the surprise of a lifetime.

George Clark's Amazing Spaces, Thursday, Channel 4

The series celebrating ingenious and eccentric small builds returns. In this opener, George meets a man who bought the wreck of a €25 million private jet for a fifth of its cost and plans to transform it into the ultimate, eh, crash pad for himself and his wife.

NCIS: Los Angeles, Sunday, Sky 1

Sam and Callen have squeezed out of plenty of tight spots in their time, but this season six opener is going to take some beating. Things pick up immediately where they left off, with the duo still stuck on board a submarine rigged to blow up.

Criminal Minds, Monday, Sky Living

Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer) joins the cast at the start of this tenth season, which follows on from last time's shooting. Although Reid survived, the experience was too much for Blake, who decided to hand in her FBI badge. The action resumes with the BAU trying to recover some semblance of normality.

The Face USA, Thursday, Sky Living

Naomi Campbell is back for a second season. The super-stern, super-glam super supermodel is searching for a new face to front a campaign for a major brand and, this season, she's joined by two new coaches: Anne V and Lydia Hearst.

Ending this week

Sunday Night at the Palladium, Sunday, UTV & TV3

The reinvented variety show bows out with a finale hosted by Rob Brydon and features a strong line-up that includes Neil Diamond, Paloma Faith, Texas, and the cast of Jersey Boys. Comedy comes in the shape of Milton Jones.

Here's Neil Diamond from a few weeks ago on The Graham Norton Show:

Gomorrah, Monday, Sky Atlantic

The visceral Italian mob drama concludes in explosive fashion when war breaks out on the streets of Naples. Fearing for his life, Ciro flees to Rome with his wife and daughter as both clans barricade themselves in their apartment bunkers, entering into a lethal stalemate.

Our Girl, Sunday, BBC One

Back home from Afghanistan, difficult questions rain down on Molly Dawes. Who will live and who will die? Can she ever pick up the pieces? Brave choices beckon as she faces her biggest challenge yet, as she faces her own future.

New Tricks, Monday, BBC One

It's the fifth and final case for Tamzin Outhwaite's Sasha Miller and co. When a dug-up time capsule is found to contain a cassette tape made by murdered schoolgirl Amy Taskerland, UCOS are assigned to the case.

Dallas, Monday, TV3

After three seasons the sequel to the monster soap that was Dallas comes to an end.  Bobby puts everything on the line after a devastating family kidnapping results in him being double-crossed.

Drama of the week

The Good Wife, Thursday, RTÉ One

The best TV show of the last few years is signing-off on its fifth season (season six's already underway in its native United States) after a year that saw the sensational killing-off of Josh Charles' character, the much-loved Will Gardner. Not only did The Good Wife survive Charles' departure, it hasn't even caused the slightest dip in terms of quality. In this finale, Alicia discovers - on Zach's graduation day - that David Lee and Louis Canning are coming hard after her and her firm. Meanwhile, governor Florrick gives Diane an offer to run for State's Attorney, with his support.

Trailer Time:

Comedy of the week

The Big Bang Theory, Wednesday, RTÉ2

It's season eight of this much-loved US comedy, starring the inimitable Jim Parsons. Leonard and Amy take an unexpected road trip to Arizona to pick up Sheldon when his epic railway journey ends in chaos, Penny has an interview for a sales job at Bernadette's company, while Howard finds Stuart's increasingly friendly relationship with his mother downright weird - which is really saying something.

Here's the BBT cast talking about season:

On Demand

Ghost Whisperer, available now, Sky on Demand

She's making a return to mainstream US TV with her new role in Criminal Minds, but long before that Jennifer Love Hewitt enjoyed global success with this show, playing an antique shop owner with the ability to communicate with ghosts. You can catch all five seasons.

Trailer Time:

Documentary of the week

Schama On Rembrandt: Masterpieces Of The Late Years, Saturday, BBC Two

For art historian Simon Schama, Rembrandt is the greatest artist of all time and he describes him as "not just a painter but a psychologist of the human condition". In this new film, Simon - one of the world's leading experts on Rembrandt - explores the tragic and personal stories behind the masterpieces of his late works.

Here's Five Minutes with: Simon Schama

Film of the Week

The Adjustment Bureau, Sunday, Channel 4

It's not every day you see a film that's a blend of sci-fi and romantic thriller, but that's exactly what you get with this adaptation of a Philip K Dick story. Starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, it's the tale of an affair between a politician and a ballerina that's affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart.

Trailer Time:

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RTÉ TEN TV picks for today Friday Oct 17

The sharp-suited House of Lies (10.00pm, Sky Atlantic) returns for a third run, Tyler makes a personal breakthrough in Enlightened (10.35pm, Sky Atlantic), while Lee Mack is back with Not Going Out (9.30pm, BBC One)

Enlightened, 10.35pm, Sky Atlantic

Tyler makes a personal breakthrough in this episode. Following Amy's decision to tell Dougie what the suits at Abaddon really think of him, she and Tyler now have their boss onside. The trio conspire to wring information from Szidon's PA by asking her out for drinks, during which she reveals an unexpected interest in the painfully shy Tyler. A tentative romance begins to blossom, but Amy and Dougie are more interested in how they can use Eileen to help their cause.

House of Lies, 10.00pm, Sky Atlantic

Season three of this cutting US comedy drama begins with the aftermath of the gang's decision to go their separate ways and, so far, they're enjoying varying degrees of success. Marty has set up his own consultancy firm, Kaan & Associates, and, in this opener, jets off to China to secure the business of an organic foods CEO. Jeannie decided to stay put at Galweather Stearn, and now manages a dejected Doug. Clyde, meanwhile, works for the boss from hell.

Not Going Out, 9.30pm, BBC One

Lee Mack brings his multi award-winning peak-time sitcom back for one more run. Currently the BBC's longest running sitcom, written by and starring Lee Mack this new season continues to follow the hilariously ill-thought-out plans and mishaps of Lee, as he desperately tries to impress long-suffering landlady and object of his affection, Lucy. For starters, Lucy has her handbag stolen from under Lee's nose so he feels the need to prove his manliness - over and over and over again.

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Garth Brooks reportedly for 2 Irish gigs UPDATE

It looks like Garth Brooks is not coming to Ireland next year despite rumours to the contrary. 

Aiken Promotions have just released a statement which reads: "There are no plans for Garth Brooks to perform in Ireland next year."

Rumours had been rife earlier today that the country music star was set to announce two gigs in Ireland next summer.

The Irish Daily Star claims Brooks wants to beat U2's record for the biggest tour ever and reported that he may play a date in Dublin and a date in another Irish venue next July, at the concluding part of his current stadium tour.

The singer backed out of playing three nights at Croke Park during the summer, after Dublin City Council blocked his bid to perform five shows over five consecutive nights.

Something tells us this story is not over yet...

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It's digging time for Elmo on Sunday's Love/Hate

It's a mucky job but someone's got to do it, and it seems that someone is Love/Hate's Elmo...but why is he digging such a large hole in this Sunday's episode?

Is he just doing a spot of gardening, or is there something sinister in store?

Love/Hate, RTÉ One, Sunday, 9.35pm.

Also on Sunday, Siobhan has another clandestine meeting with Inspector Mick...

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Game of Thrones season 5 to feature flashbacks

Game of Thrones' upcoming fifth season will feature the HBO show's first ever flashback sequence.

The show has avoided using flashback sequences in its four previous seasons, but the first scene of the next season's opening episode will offer a glimpse of the past.

Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss confirmed the plans during a recent Q&A with film students in Spain.

According to a translation, the pair said: "By making the first season, we set a rule - no prophecies, dreams or flashbacks. We failed the first two and this season the third. So yes, this season will finally have flashbacks."

The cast and crew of HBO's fantasy drama are filming scenes for the fifth season in Seville and Osuna, as well locations in Northern Ireland and Croatia.

It has also been announced that Thor: The Dark World actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje will star in the upcoming season as an original character called Malko.

Game of Thrones will return to HBO and Sky Atlantic in 2015.

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Blake Lively shows off baby bump

Blake Lively looked stunning as she walked the red carpet at the God's Love We Deliver, Golden Heart Awards in New York City.

The 27-year-old actress, who is married to Ryan Reynolds, donned a floor-length flowered Michael Kors gown which proudly displayed her growing baby bump.

The former Gossip Girl star announced that the couple were expecting their first child earlier this month. 

In a recent blog post on her Preserve website Lively said: "With a new baby on the way there is so much to do! 

"But before experiencing the joy of 3am screams, seemingly impossible amounts of poop and having a favorite shirt covered in reflux… there are presents to open, onesies to dye, there is cake to serve, advice to be shared and all around celebration to be had."

Blake Lively looked stunning in this Michael Kors gown

The designer joined the actress at the event in New York

Blake chats to Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Michael Kors 

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Going to the flicks? Read our movie reviews first

The Judge ****

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton, Vincent D'Onofrio                                            Director: David Dobkin                                                              15A

High-flying lawyer Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr) returns home to Carleyville, Indiana to attend his mother's funeral. At the wake, old tensions re-ignite between Hank and his father, Joe (Robert Duvall). Joe is the district judge, a fascinating mixture of high, preening principle and cussed stubbornness, in Duvall's masterful portrayal.

Wayward as a kid, Hank disappointed the old man and left years ago, shaking the dust of Carleyville behind him. Yet he would come first in his class in Law, as he reminds his father in the middle of another blistering, stand-up row. The explosive relationship between father and son is handled with tremendous power and skill by both actors. 

Meanwhile, Hank's brother Glen (Jeremy Strong) was once a baseball ace whose career was effectively ruined in a car accident when Hank was driving. Dale is the childlike youngest brother, who spends his time making home movies. That's a neat way of showing us flashbacks to happier childhood days, to an often moving soundtrack, characterised by Bon Iver's high lonesome, layered chorale.

So, yes, this is definitely a tearjerker........

Read Paddy Kehoe's full review here

The Overnighters (Club) *****

Starring: Pastor Jay Reinke                                                 Director: Jesse Moss                                                               Club

Documentary The Overnighters is absorbing in its depiction of lives under stress in the godforsaken oil town of Williston, in the Bakken Shale region of Western North Dakota. God has indeed forsaken the place, it seems, despite the best efforts of Pastor Jay Reinke, and there is no love lost between the locals and the unemployed who are arriving in their droves. Nor, indeed, is there much love lost between Pastor Jay Reinke and the city council.

Pastor Reinke is, however, a well-intentioned man in the extreme, who just wants to love everybody. His utopian ideal fades ignominiously, however.

Everybody is stressed, beginning principally with the 1,000 people - mostly men from other states in search of work - who will sleep in Pastor Reinke's Concordia Lutheran Church over a two-year period.....

Read Paddy Kehoe's full review here

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Rugby ace Donncha O'Callaghan talks being a dad

Speaking at the launch of his new RTÉjr programme, What's Your Game?, rugby star Donncha O'Callaghan revealed that his wife, Jenny, does most of the hard work with their three daughters, Sophie, 4, Anna, 2 and Robin, 1.  

The 35-year-old Cork native said: "Jenny slags that she has four kids. Yeah, I'll be honest she dives on the grenades around our house and does the majority of the work. 

"It's good fun though. They are at a great age now where you can really enjoy playing with them. 

"It has opened my eyes to other things that I probably wasn't too sharp on. I'm nearly an expert now on kids TV and I am quite glad that RTÉjr goes off at 7 o'clock as there is no more telly and it is bed time. 

Click on the link above to watch our full interview with Donncha during which he chats about Munster's recent rugby performance, and working with Unicef. He also reveals that on What's Your Game? he is really out shined in many different sports by all the children on the show. 

What's Your Game? starts November 3 on RTÉjr.

RTÉjr's new season kicks off with a special two weeks of programming called Awesome Autumn which will have lots to look at and listen to as the evenings get darker. A mix of brand new programming will run alongside old favourites in a schedule that offers up to 34 hours of programmes for youngsters throughout Ireland every day.

RTÉjr will also introduce a new daily magazine show for pre-schoolers, Twigín, which starts in November. Set in the magical Twigín tree house with Séamus the dog, Blaithín the flower fairy and their friends Muireann, Emma and Clara. The Twigín gang will have lots of singing, acting, dancing and games as well as going on wild adventures.

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RTÉ TEN'S TV Picks for Thursday October 16

Later Live.. with Jools Holland (10.00pm BBC Two) features Sinéad O'Connor, Rumer and Adam Cohen. Design Doctors (8.30pm RTÉ One) helps  a psychiatric nurse declutter his 50 sq metre home, while the ten-part Danish crime drama series, The Bridge - already a BBC 4 hit - begins on TG 4 at 10.45pm.

Later Live.. with Jools Holland

10.00pm BBC Two

Joining Jools is Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor, who performs a couple of songs from her recent tenth full-length album I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss. Also in the studio is Sarah Joyce, a Pakistani-born British singer-songwriter aka Rumer (pictured below), performing tracks from her upcoming third studio album Into Colour. Labrinth performs tracks from his upcoming second album Take Me to the Truth. California band Rival Sons do tracks from their fourth album Great Western Valkyrie. Tonight's show also features Ibeyi who are the French/Cuban twin daughters of famed Cuban percussionist Anga Díaz (Buena Vista Social Club.) Singer songwriter Adam Cohen - son of Leonard - performs a track from his fifth album We Go Home and eighties legend Holly Johnson chats to Jools about his first new album in fifteen years.

Design Doctors

8.30pm RTÉ one

Psychiatric nurse Pat bought a house in Stoneybatter, Dublin, 23 years ago with the intention of it being a 'stepping-stone' home, but the Tralee man fell in love with the area and never wanted to leave. A keen entertainer, Pat is desperate to revamp his home so that he can start inviting his friends over, something he has stopped doing. In this 50sq metre cottage Pat knows that he needs to de-clutter.The designers look at ways to create clever storage solutions with invisible walls and fold -down dining tables.

The Bridge

10.45pm TG4

The widely-acclaimed 10-part Danish series begins, as a female body is found in the middle of the Øresund Bridge that links Sweden and Denmark.  In a macabre twist, police discover that half the body belongs to a Swedish politician and the other half to a Danish prostitute.  A bi-national team of inspectors is put together to solve the crime: laid-back Danish family man Martin, and Swedish single woman, Saga, who puts facts above empathy. The clever killer is a "moral terrorist," who lays out his agenda in messages addressed to the media and designed to show us how corrupt we have become. Indeed, the spectacular murders he stages actually do bring public opinion to his side. The lead detectives begin to suspect that it could be a personal vendetta perpetrated by someone from their own ranks.

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Watch! New Love/Hate clip: 'killed in a second'

Check out a brand new clip from this Sunday's Love/Hate in which Detective Inspector Mick Moynihan tells Siobhan that she could be "killed in a second".

***Spoiler Alert***

This Sunday Siobhan has another clandestine meeting with Inspector Mick who talks to her about love and her relationship with Pauley. 

He warns that Pauley would "kill her in a second" if he finds out that she is talking to the guards.

Check out the action below.

Love/Hate, RTÉ One, Sunday, 9.35pm 

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Watch! Irish stars In the Heart of the Sea

The teaser trailer for In the Heart of the Sea, the adventure epic which includes Irish actors Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson and Sam Keeley among its cast, has been released – watch it here.

Directed by Ron Howard and also starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Ben Whishaw and Tom Holland, the film is based on Nathaniel Philbrick's best-selling book of the same name.

It tells the true story of the Essex, a whaling ship which was attacked by a whale and became the inspiration for Herman Melville's Moby Dick.

Studio Warner Bros has said the film "reveals the encounter's harrowing aftermath, as the ship's surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive".

In the Heart of the Sea will be released on March 13, 2015.

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Win! Tickets to Shrek The Musical!

We have a fantastic prize to give away, 2 pairs of tickets to Shrek The Musical on October 22, which is a special VIP night at The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

To be in with a chance of winning, just send your answer to the following question, along with your name, address and phone number to tencompetitions@rte.ie

What is the princess' name that Shrek falls in love with?

a)      Princess Mary
b)      Princess Betty
c)      Princess Fiona

You must be available to attend the show on October 22 as this prize is non-transferrable. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Closing date is Sunday, October 19, 2014. Winners will be notified the following day. Editor's decision is final.

Shrek The Musical comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from October 21 to November 9, 2014. Check out www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie for tickets.

For a full list of RTÉ's competition rules please click here.

Speaking to RTÉ TEN ahead of his role as Shrek in the musical, Dean Chisnall, revealed that he's "so excited" to bring the show to Dublin.

He said: "I am so excited. I have so much love for this show and this character. I did it in London originally and bringing it on tour is just brilliant. It's very rare these days to bring an entire West End production on tour. It's just such an exciting thing to be part of.

"It will be our first time in Dublin. I've never been to Ireland. It's going to be a whole new experience. I hope, and we think, it's going to go big there. I'm looking forward to it."

We, of course, had to ask Dean about the process involved in becoming the green ogre.

He added: "The process is quite extraordinary. The make-up takes two hours alone. I'm in the chair at about 3.30pm to 4pm for a 7pm performance. It's a big commitment but it's worth it because no expense is spared. It's all in the detail. I can't complain. It's all part of my job and I love it."

Click below to see how Dean is transformed into Shrek!

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