UTV Presentation Thread

Good news from today's Belfast Telegraph - Julian has recovered from his recent surgery and is due back on screen on Thursday!

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/utvs-julian-simmons-back-after-bypass-16071013.html

And just been reported on u.tv:

http://img.u.tv/galleries/777/290x160/SimmonsJulian_return_03112011.jpg

"UTV viewers who've been asking where Julian Simmons disappeared to will be rewarded with a special message before Thursday night's Emmerdale, as the popular star makes his big telly return.

A stalwart of UTV for more than 20 years and undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and charismatic home-grown personalities, Julian has become a legend in his own lifetime with his cheeky off-the-wall introductions for Coronation Street.

But he's been missed by colleagues and fans alike during his four-month absence as he underwent and recovered from a quadruple heart bypass, which he says was "a life-changing experience".

Julian said: "Back to normal from tonight and thanks be to goodness! I'm delighted to be back and at last realise that the whole ordeal is over.

"Viewers have been fantastic and sent such fabulous get well messages - I'll be saying a special thank you to all of them at 7pm before Emmerdale.

"I've never felt better and can't wait to get back on screen."

And Julian will be back on screen two nights a week until December, then back up to four nights a week just in time for the big run up to Christmas."

Source: http://www.u.tv/Entertainment/UTV-favourite-Julian-back-on-screen/a4a01dbb-9e15-4fdf-990b-8a4e638f292a

Keep your eyes out for that 7.00pm junction...

Just happened to be flicking through the channels there - landed on UTV to find a movie finishing up, followed by two full ITV1 branded promos followed by a UTV ident leading into another movie. Are ITV1 trails the norm on UTV now?

Depends what time of the day it is. They are more prominent on the channel now than back in the early 2000's.

In this instance, it appears this was due to "Daybreak" broadcast hours ITV1 was claiming back they were owed following the Rugby World Cup (just like the time given back to GMTV if F1 coverage ate into their time) -so presentation goes out as ITV1 across the entire network. I believe the same thing happened on STV.

I think she's really good and natural - great to see her on last night. Has Jenny disappeared now ?

Is that a new male voice on UTV tonight ?

It's Colm McAlinden the sports presenter/reporter as far as I can tell! Not sure where Julian is tonight!

Surprised they didn't bring Aidan in on Friday night, he's always been more or less relief cover for any announcer who misses a shift for whatever reason. Did Colm give IVC a shot?

Also looks like Sarah Clarke is now off on maternity leave - thankfully, this means Tina's on UTV Live duty on Friday nights for the time being - but I'm sure this won't impact on her doing Studio 3 stuff on Saturday/Sunday nights. Also nice to see Rose and Pamela appearing on UTV more frequently this past week.

Thinking ahead to four weeks' time - with Julian's current working regime, I wonder will he do the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day shifts this year?

Sorry, this is turning into a rota thread quite rapidly...

The current UTV Player promo is VERY similar to the British Gas adverts in animation style:



...compared to the British Gas adverts:

British Gas doesn't trade in Northern Ireland, maybe they thought nobody would notice...

I'm almost certain that was originally an ITV Player ad that has been adapted by UTV.