Tuesday, June 14, 2011

UK stars who flopped in the US

Poor old Jamie Oliver. The one thing Americans like even less than healthy food is his show, apparently. According to figures released today, ‘Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution’ is struggling badly on US telly and was trounced in the ratings by a CSI repeat last week. We already know it won’t get another series. But St. Jamie’s not the only UK star to struggle across the pond. Here’s the British TV talent that couldn’t forge a special relationship with our transatlantic cousins.
Jamie Oliver / Cheryl Cole / Vernon Kay
Ant and Dec
The show:
 Wanna Bet?
What happened: The Geordie duo were apparently stunned when their first attempt at cracking America fell flat. Their show, which saw celebs make wagers on whether members of the public could compete outrageous stunts, was axed by ABC due to low ratings. This was one bet the lads lost.
What they said: “‘Wanna Bet’ is so slapdash, unoriginal and thoroughly third-rate that you almost cry out for the relative ambition of ‘Wipeout’.” - Times Herald-Record
Vernon Kay
The show:
 Skating with the Stars 
What happened: Vern’s American dream became a nightmare when his prime time outing – ‘Skating with the Stars’ - was cancelled after just one series. Only 3.4 million viewers tuned in to the finale of this ‘Dancing on Ice’-style show, with some fans complaining on internet message boards about his strong Bolton accent.  Kay will have another crack later this year with new game show ‘Million Dollar Mind Game’. 
What they said: “It’s hard to see why anyone will watch.” MSNBC
Alexa Chung
The show:
 It’s on with Alexa Chung
What happened: The ex-T4 beauty managed a couple of series fronting this yoof chat show on MTV, but the programme’s mix of random celeb chat and social media-inspired viewer participation still wasn’t a great mix. It was scrapped in 2009 and Chung’s back presenting in the UK though she’s having another bash with a US fashion show this summer.
What they said: “We're not intimately familiar with Chung's prior television hosting style, but her energy in yesterday's debut was decidedly low-key, almost bordering on reserved…” New York Mag
Matt Lucas and David Walliams
The show:
 Little Britain USA
What happened: After the phenomenal success of ‘Little Britain’, HBO snapped up the pair for a US version. The show mixed UK and American characters, but was too rude and silly for transatlantic audiences and it was axed after six episodes.  
What they said: “The show's wit seldom rises above what's scrawled on a school bathroom wall.”  Variety
Cheryl Cole
The show:
 The X Factor USA
What happened: Unless you’ve been living in a nuclear bunker for the last month, you’ll know Our Chezza was ‘dramatically’ sacked from the US talent show after only a week. The reason is still somewhat unclear – was it the accent, her lack of chemistry with Paula Abdul, or because she skipped the Grammys to eat cookies?  That really would take the biscuit.
What they said: "She may be Britain's sweetheart but nobody knows her here.” A fox source, speaking to Deadline

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