TV Review: Susan Boyle, An Unlikely Superstar (ITV1)

SHE toddled onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage looking every inch a slightly dotty aunt, and told an audience of cynics that she had never been kissed, liked Elaine Paige, and would quite like to be a star.

Here we go again, thought the millions watching at home. They braced themselves for what was to follow, expecting another BGT novelty act with a voice that could persuade wallpaper to let go of the wall.

And then she sang. Remember the look on judge Amanda Holden’s face? Her mouth drops open with sheer shock and admiration as Susan Boyle let rip with a sound of pure and perfect brilliance.

Boyle has been part of our lives ever since, one of the biggest and most unlikely success stories of our time.

But apart from the fact that she’s conquered the world and had her eyebrows done, what do we really know about her?

That’s a question this documentary seeks to answer.

Susan Boyle: An Unlikely Superstar offers a revealing insight into the life of the woman who achieved worldwide acclaim through BGT.

This documentary promises an intimate portrait of Boyle, aiming to discover the real woman behind the singing sensation who took the world by storm.

Award-winning My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding director Osca Humphreys, was given three months’ unprecedented access to Boyle, following her at a pivotal point in her life, forging a trusting relationship and asking questions she’s never been asked before.

Cameras follow her around the world from China to New York while charting her life, from her local Scottish community to working on her new album in the recording studio. She’s seen discussing her latest album Someone To Watch Over Me with her boss and mentor Simon Cowell.

Boyle herself talks about fame, childhood bullying, fear of losing success, remaining in her childhood council home, loneliness, adoring fans and her ideal man.

SURELY it’s surely just a matter of time before Micky Flanagan follows in the footsteps of John Bishop and lands his own show. After all, he’s been one of the most ubiquitous comedians of the year, having appeared in every major British comedy show of recent months.

You may have seen him in 8 Out Of 10 Cats (twice); Mock the Week (five times since June); Shooting Stars, and four episodes of My Favourite Joke.

Now he’s back hosting the first of a new run of the popular stand-up show Live at the Apollo from London’s Hammersmith Apollo. He introduces to the stage two special guests – one of the hottest new comic talents from UK comedy scene Seann Walsh, plus Irish funnyman, Jason Byrne.

Upcoming participants include Sean Lock, Ed Byrne, Jason Manford, Tom Stade, Fresh Meat’s Jack Whitehall, Josh Widdicombe, Shappi Khorsandi, Russell Kane, Alan Carr, Andi Osho, Andy Parsons and Milton Jones.

TAMARA Ecclestone is gorgeous, bright, heir to a fortune and her dad can get you track-side at Formula One. But she doesn’t feel like she’s getting a fair deal from the press, and now wants to change the public perception of her as a spoilt party girl.

“There are so many misconceptions about me. People constantly assume the worst in you and just think that you’re like a pointless, really spoilt, probably quite stupid, vacuous, empty human being...”

In Tamara Ecclestone: Billion Dollar Girl she tries to persuade us she’s none of those by taking five of her dogs to Harrods for a pampering session, which includes nail-painting and a blueberry facial.

Still, Tamara is serious about launching a new haircare range, although a discussion about the products with a shopping channel is threatened by a spot on her chin.