Hugh Bonneville & Elizabeth McGovern – Life B.D.A. (Before Downton Abbey) and Happy 3rd Birthday to us!
Proving once and for all that there was, indeed, life Before Downton Abbey for both Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern, we ran across this 2008 British comedy series, Freezing, thanks to JT, a long-time Tellyspotting reader. Unfortunately, there were only 3 episodes ever produced. Sounding a bit like a 21st century Downton Abbey, Freezing starred Elizabeth McGovern as an American actress with Hugh Bonneville as her British book publishing husband. Previously successful, they are now both struggling to find jobs. Their old friend Leon (Tom Hollander), a somewhat un-hinged talent agent, seems more interested in promoting the latest teenage reality TV star rather than helping them out.
In addition to Hollander (Rev), the ensemble cast was amazing with Ben Miles (Coupling, Lark Rise to Candleford), Richard E. Grant (Posh Nosh, Withnail and I) and Tim McInnerny (Blackadder). Equally as impressive behind the camera, Freezing was directed by Simon Curtis, the real-life spouse of Elizabeth McGovern, who also recently directed My Week with Marilyn and brilliantly written by James Wood (Rev)
Happy 3rd Anniversary, Tellyspotting!
On a slightly more personal note, today marks the three-year anniversary and/or birthday of Tellyspotting. It was October 1, 2009 that we decided the world needed as much British comedy and/or drama knowledge as the law allows in their lives and set out to provide you with non-stop witty banter to use to the fullest degree to amaze your friends at parties. Hopefully, we have done that at some point over the last three years. Of course, with the likes of Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Spooks and the rest of the greatest television produced on the planet at our disposal, it’s been pretty easy task. It sounds cliché to say, but we would not be here without each and every reader, commenter and devotee of British television that has come our way and contributed to this effort over the past three years. So, thank you. It seems like only yesterday that we started this little experiment. Hope you have enjoyed reading and discovering the world of British television as much as we have had writing about it. Here’s to another three years and beyond and that you’ll come along with us for the ride. Cheers.
Thanks to little 11 yr-old Tellyspotting reader, Sybil, for making us a birthday cake. While the concept of using powdered sugar to spell out ‘Happy 3rd, Tellyspotting’ using a hand-cut stencil proved rather challenging, it’s definitely the thought that counts. Thanks, Sybil.
