I ain't mad at Pretty Little Liars

A few days ago The Pretty Little Liars fandom got all their answers. After 130 episodes, spread over 6 years we finally found out who took the game over from Mona, we found out who had been torturing Aria, Spencer, Hanna, Alison and Emily, and why. 'A' had a face.

That wasn't it though. In a fast paced 42 minutes we found out who killed Toby's mother, who hit Alison in the head with the rock the night she went missing, who Red Coat is, who the Black Widow is and who killed Bethany.

For me personally I was happy with the reveals, I got a lot of frustrated closure. I have seen every single episode as they were released, and some episodes would anger me so much I must have said 'I will never watch this show again' a hundred times. It seemed like we would get answers, but all we got was more questions. In the finale of season 2 it was revealed that Mona was 'A' - just for her to then tell someone else that she did everything that they asked of her - frustrating!!

**SPOILER**

Within minutes of the last episode it was revealed that Cece Drake was behind this whole thing, she stole the game from Mona and made it completely her own. Yes, there are so many plot holes and some of it doesn't make sense - but I don't care. It was wrapped up nicely and it was justified. It made total sense for me, and it wouldn't be Pretty Little Liars if we weren't left with a lot of unanswered questions. At the end of the day it keeps us talking about it, genius move by the creators. They know that we will keep watching to find answers, and they never have to answer us.

Basically if you are wondering - Cece was Charles. Charles is Alison's brother. She was sent to Radley Mental Hospital at a young because she identified as female and her father didn't approve. This lead to Cece been locked away for years - within her time at Radley she was allowed days away to attend college classes, but instead she dedicated her time to be close to her family (even dating her own brother, icky). When Cece was in Radley she befriended a girl called Bethanny. Bethanny was certifiably crazy. This is when it all got fucked up. I have just tried to write down what happened and I had to delete because I was so confused. Basically Cece thought she killed Bethanny outside of her house, turns out she struck Alison instead. She thought she killed Alison by mistake. Alison didn't die. Alison dug herself out of her own grave and ran away. Years have passed, years filled with kidnap, murder, explosions, fires, cars driven into houses and one thing that always stuck with me is when Hanna was made to eat a box of cupcakes with cartoon pig icing in public all at once.

Even though we have been given a lot of information, we haven't nearly got all the answers we need. I honestly believe the writers may have lost their way a little bit, and I don't mean to sound nasty. They had a lot of twists and turns, so many characters coming in and out, so many dead ends. There was even a supernatural element with ghosts and psychics. They snow balled the show so much, trying to keep the main question unanswered for 6 years that they created so many more. Now we have our burning question answered it doesn't make sense to a lot of people.

I really thought this Buzzfeed article was both funny and a perfect example of a PLL fandom in melt down. How could a show have 47 questions that need answers for it to make sense? 47 Questions We Still Have After The “Pretty Little Liars” Summer Of Answers.

After finding out who 'A' was, the other thing that I wanted answered was about Maya. Why Maya? What did she know? Did she even die? On this show, if you don't see a body then don't assume anything.  I would have loved Maya to be Red Coat. Instead the writers did the worst thing they could of - they made Red Coat a character we have only known for 10 episodes!! Sara! Who the fuck is Sara? And why was she not one, but two pivotal characters in the show?

I know one thing that people are struggling with is the fact that Cece is transgender, or at least it seems that way. I am not part of the community so my opinion means squat - but I don't have a problem with it. The big baddie of the show is transgender and I can understand how a lot of people would think that this would cast a bad light on the transgender community. The reason I don't think it does at all is because what it showed deep down was a troubled young woman, a woman abandoned by her family because she wanted to live her honest life. She was put in a mental institute, not dissimilar to a struggle a lot of transgender youth may have faced. However for the pure fact of entertainment Cece, a character on a TV show - not a reflection of transgendered youth, went crazy. It was a choice by the writers to create this back story, but this story was written three years ago and it has been developed. It has been announced Cece will be in the next half of season 6 and I think it will be incredibly smart of the writers to address the transgender storyline with the respect it deserves.

So all in all the last six years have been a rush, we have had drama, tragedy, comedy and romance. And after it all we have our 'A' - Cece Drake. The sneak peak of the five year jump looks insteresting, all the girls are back together after college, Alison is a married teacher with some man after her and Spencer has bangs!

My Top 10 Girl Bands - Worldwide Edition

I recently wrote my Top 10 British Girl girl bands, and I was racked with guilt that I completely discredited the music of the non British folk.  There is such a variety of girl bands out there, past and present, and I feel as lover of them all I should impart my knowledge. Plus you never know, I may introduce you to the next song you skip to when you mistakenly put your music on shuffle and regret it. I am not going to put them in a top 10 because I have picked quite a pick and mix of genres. We have country, K-Pop, rock, R'n'B, pop and hip hop to get through, so lets get going.

Destiny's Child

I fell in love with these ladies the second I heard the word 'no' repeated 3 times in rapid succession. They came out at the time that slow jams of the 90's was deteriorating and pop was coming back. They captured both the audiences and went on to sell over 60 million records. Yes, we all know the lame jokes about line up changes (they only had 3 line ups, and 6 girls in total!) but the music never lost quality. We have girl power anthems after girl power anthems. I had the honour of seeing the ladies on their final tour and they were outstanding (Michelle is seriously underappreciated). For any nay sayers out there, if it wasn't for Destiny's Child we wouldn't have Beyonce where she is now, so respect that. 

The Veronicas

I couldn't step away from Destinys Child more if I tried. We have taken a quick trip to Australia and found two beautifully talented twins by the names of Lisa and Jess Origliassio. I, for some reason, resonate with twin acts, been a twin myself I always champion other twins. However, take away whether they share a womb or not these girls are perfection. They created some of my favourite albums of all time, rocked my world twice in Manchester and basically supplied my soundtrack for last few years. They had some issues with their record label but they are back and better then ever. I'm a Veronica.

2NE1

So South Korea do things a little differently, this amazingly talented band didn't just come together by chance; they were hired and had four years training before releasing their debut song in 2009. Boy, did it pay off. They exploded on to the scene, becoming the face of K-Pop and churned out hit after hit. Yes, their songs are mainly in their native tongue but they have recorded some english versions - plus their choruses are predominantly english. However, for some reason it doesn't matter that they don't sing in english - the talent shines through and their videos are spectacular. And their fashion? Forget about it - flawless.

Pussycat Dolls

Hey! Don't argue with me here! I am fully aware this girl band was basically Nicole and her dancers - I don't care. That is what they were paid to do and god damn it they did it well! I love the Pussycat Dolls. They are pop perfection. Everyone knows the words to 'Don't cha', everyone wishes they had the flexibility of a doll and everyone should respect what they did. There is a reason they are the fourth biggest selling girl group of all time with more than 54 million albums sold from only two albums recorded. They sold more than The Supremes, En Vogue and Sugababes combined. These ladies are a guilty pleasure that actually I don't feel guilty about at all.

Pistol Annies

What happens when you combine three talented country singers? Magic, thats what. These ladies decided to join forces for two albums and they are perfect albums to say the least. Don't look any further when you want to find country goodness, great lyrics and vocals that could only be compared to the greatest. I was saddened that they decided to call it quits after only 3 singles and 2 albums. They are for sure on my bucket list for live acts I have to see. For now I will have to listen to them separately and pray to Jesus for a reunion. 

Salt-N-Pepa

First of all let me get this off my chest, I never quite understood why they completely discredited Spinderella in the title of this band, but whatever - I'm guessing her accountant isn't too mad about it. These ladies were ahead of their time, a trio of ladies in the hip-hop world was unheard of, they were true trailblazers. They rapped and sung about things that most women shied away from, they weren't afraid and they have been celebrated for it ever since. It is my dream to be able to rap 'Shoop' word for word one day. 'Whatta Man' is such an iconic song and is often sang by myself when by myself - its just one of those songs you have to belt out once in your life.

TLC

When I mentioned earlier about having a bucket list for live acts, these ladies top it. I have been a massive fan for as long as I can remember. They never got the attention they deserved over here and that really upset me, of course everyone knows 'No Scrubs' but they were so much more than that. I could sit here and list every great song they did, but I would literally be listing every song on record. They never faltered. Devastated wasn't the word when I heard of Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez's passing. It was probably the first time I had experienced a non relative death that affected me. However she left a legacy that can never be beaten, the original and the best. TLC have pledged to make one more album and I pray to all the saints that I get to go see them on tour- I need closure god damn it.

Haim

I have never felt that an album was written with me in mind more than I thought theirs was. Every song touched me in a very inappropriate way. I just fell as soon as I heard them. Then to see who was singing this music from the heavens made it even better. These beautiful sisters, who all played their own instruments, wrote their own songs and had a style every girl was envious of  had this amazing album. And I will be forever proud that us Brits made it number one!! Well deserved. I had the amazing honour of seeing these ladies live, thanks to my gorgeous friend who bought me tickets for my birthday. I wasn't expecting the emotional response that I had - when they played 'My Song 5' I didn't know what was happening, I was in a trance, yet very in the moment. That will stick with me for a while.

Danity Kane

Oh what these girls could have been. Why couldn't they put their differences away for the sake of the music. They were put together on Diddy's MTV show 'Making the Band', they recorded two number one albums (a record they set for american girl bands), released great r'n'b/pop singles and could put on a hell of a show. Their vocals were unmatched at the time. Unfortunately they just didn't get on, whether it be with their management, with Diddy or even with each other. They were going to make a comeback this year, but apparently they couldn't even sit in a recording studio without one of them clocking the other around the back of the head. We will always have what they released but I will always want more.

Fifth Harmony

These ladies have filled the hole left by The Saturdays for me. They are pop perfection. Every song they have released I have had a solo bop to. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the music of these talented women. They were formed on The X Factor US and have become the stand out stars of the show - and they didn't even win, go figure. This is just the beginning for them and I see big things. They are five normal lasses given a chance by the big guy Simon Cowell. Camilla's voice alone is one for the books, so special and unique. Listen to 'Bo$$' and lie to me that you didn't shimmy that body. 

Notable Mentions

En Vogue

The Supremes

SWV

Wilson Phillips

The Go Gos

Girls Generation

Wonder Girls

Girlicious

t.A.T.u

No Angels

Pointer Sisters

B*Witched

The Cheetah Girls

GRL

The Runaways

Those Dancing Days

... and it's hard to say goodbye, my love.

Oh, so the networks or the writers just decide to cancel shows and I am supposed to be okay with this? No sir, not today Satan, not today. These characters have been in my life longer than some friends. Jules Cobb and Rachel Barry for 6 years and my imaginary future wife Leslie Knope, 7 years. I have been with them through their up and their downs and so many musical numbers I lost count. I learnt to care about these people and whatever issues they go through; and one day someone stops putting pen to paper and I have to move on?

Some shows do shoot to the future in the final episode so possibly I would get closure, but I hate it when they do this. It is basically solidifying the fact I will never get another season, minds can't be changed. It has been years but possibly one of the greatest comedies of all time was tarnished for me with the final episode, this show is Will & Grace - how dare the writers tell us that they didn't speak for 18 years!!! Will and Grace's friendship was pure magic and created so many friendship goals, the writers were just like 'nah, lets have them broken up for the entire growth of their children just so we can get a warm 5 minute ending' - seething I was and as you can probably tell, still not over it. However, I am not here to talk about older shows, I am talking about the shows that have chosen to abandon me this year. Here are three that hit home and have left my TV shaped heart empty.

Parks and Recreation

I don't want to oversell this show, but it is quite possibly one of the best television shows ever created. If you have seen it then you love it, its that simple. I haven't met anyone who was a bit 'meh' over it. When you combine the brilliant writers, amazing behind the scenes crew and one of the best cast ensembles since 'Friends' you have television gold. This show is the perfect combination of slap stick comedy, heartwarming moments, intelligent writing and characters who you genuinely cheer for. As previously mentioned I don't like it when a show shoots forward in the finale just to wrap it up, but this one was done with a sincerity to show that it didn't feel like a quick finish - infact it gave you more questions than answers. Is Lesley the President?

Glee

Yes, I am a gleek. This show was just brilliant (except season 5, we don't talk about season 5). If you knew me  it wouldn't come to much of a shock that I enjoy a song and a dance. And this show was spilling over with them. Season 6 was really special, and a nod to the brilliance of the show in season one. It had the heartwarming underdog stories, plus the campness that we come to expect from this type of show. Highlights of the season for me would be Unique singing 'I Know Where I've Been', the cast singing 'Home' and the introduction to the 5 main new characters. If only these characters came in earlier, because no offense to the last group that joined in season 4, I cared about what happened with these. This show also did the shoot to the future thing, didn't annoy but it also didn't please me - of course Rachel won a Tony.

Cougar Town

I think some of my friends watched this show when it started, but I don't know how many stuck with it like myself - what can I say, I'm committed. As soon as this show was announced I knew I had to watch it, I mean it is Courteney Cox - the star of my favourite TV show and film franchise. For me, this show followed off from where 'Scrubs' finished. It is a beautiful mix of comedy and drama. Yes there is a funny underline to everything in this show but my days it made me cry. Talking of crying, the last episode had me balling. If you haven't seen it then sorry, but when they all lie to Jules and tell her they are leaving, and it turns out it was to fulfil her wish of hearing what people would say if she died (weird sentence, makes sense if you watched it) - I was on the floor in the fetal position, it was too much. 

These were the main three that decided to abandon me without a second thought, and for the safety of television networks around the world there better not be any more. I have a weak heart as it is, it could kill me.

Other little cuts to my TV viewing pleasure are Garfunkel and Oates, Looking, Hot in Cleveland and Melissa and Joey. I am hopeful, I am a survivor. Somehow I have managed to survive cuts before (thanks in large parts to re-runs and boxsets).

The Show That Everyone Should Be Watching! Broad City!

I have heard a bit of buzz around this show, a few blogs and vlogs I follow are just in love with this show. So of course I had a peek. I WATCHED THE ENTIRE FIRST SEASON IN ONE SITTING! I was instantly obsessed with these two women. For me, if I had to capture it in a few words it would be that it is like a more realistic 'Girls', with a lot of pot and whole lot more laughs.

Yes, there is a lot of a recreational drug use - one episode even focuses on Abbi trying to be a grown up and source her own pot dealer, but don't think this is just a stoner show. It so isn't. For me the best thing about this show is the friendship. The friendship is extreme, loving, inconveniente and special. I have close friends but my god they take it to another level, they set new friendship goals.

The show started out as a YouTube series, and the wonderful (Future Mrs Craig) Amy Poehler saw it, and ran with it. Shopped it around to a bunch of networks and found them a home at Comedy Central, I will be forever thankful. The show is still up on YouTube in 5 minute manageable bites. There is so much to say about this show that I find that I can't think of anything (you know how that happens).

I could talk about Ilana's allergy to shellfish, Abbi's determination to be a fitness instructor, the measures they go to buy Lil' Wayne ticket's, Ilana's f-buddy/dentist, Abbi's roommate's boyfriend, Ilana's immigrant gay roommate, the episode where they try and work out who pooped in the shoe, Abbi's alterego Val who is a famous lounge singer for the elderly, Abbi's reaction to medication after dental surgery, Ilana's crazy mother who buys counterfeit handbags every time she visits New York from the China Town underground, their amazing fashion, Abbie melting her lover's dildo in the dishwasher, the time Abbi danced naked to 'Edge of Glory' (and the fact Lady Gaga tweeted about it), their love for 90's hip hop ....

I just couldn't sell this show enough and I have a feeling it will be huge come award season next year. The two girls are the creators and writers for the show, Amy Poehler is the producer and I recommend it - what more could you want?!

Judging You

There are only a few reasons that we watch reality TV competitions. One being the talent, but lets face facts - we want to see someone get ripped apart by a mean judge. Yes, they are giving them a reality check and will thank them in the long run, but my days does it make good television. And we Brits do it best, just look at countless reality shows around the world and you will find a mean Brit on them. The X Factor has just reared its ugly head again here in the UK and with wide open arms we have welcomed Simon back, he is the man you want to destroy your hopes and dreams. I watch a lot of reality TV competitions from singing to modelling to cooking to SFX make up to tattoos. I have picked my favourite 10 that I feel every judge around the world should aspire to be.

Mary Berry - Great British Bake Off

With her signature phrases like 'soggy bottom' to her killer Zara bomber jackets she is the baking Queen. She is loveable and adorable but isn't afraid to pull a face and tell someone when their cake is too dense. She is everything I hope to be when I am a 79 year old woman.

Jessie J - The Voice UK

She will say until she is blue in the face that she is a mentor not a judge, however that big red button says different, she is judging someone's singing, but whatever I digress. What I love about her is honesty and her knowledge, this girl knows a thing or two about singing and she isn't afraid to let you know.

Mel B - The X Factor (UK and Australia) and America's Got Talent

As a life long Spice Girl's fan I am more than happy to still see Scary on my screen. She is a veteran of the music world so who better to judge up and comers. She is brutally honest to the point where she disregards people's feelings (they need to hear it). Also lets be honest with ourselves she is shitting all over Cheryl in this years X Factor.

Jay Alexander - America's Next Top Model
Why he was ever let go from this show I will never know or begin to understand. Thank the heavens above he is back for Cycle 21. He is the definition of fabulous and has legs that a show pony would kill for. He makes me laugh more than most and I live for his fashion and quips.

Kelly Cutrone - America's Next Top Model
Fist seen as the boss you don't want to mess with on The Hills she was quickly snapped up by Tyra to join ANTM. She was the perfect choice. Honest isn't the word for how she speaks, she has no time for people who aren't right for the job or willing to work. She made me laugh from the first episode this cycle, when asked if she was ready by Tyra she turned around and said 'I'm ready to crush some dreams' - bow down bitches.

Dannii Minogue - The X Factor (UK and Australia), Australia's Got Talent and Britain's Next Top Model
When she was revealed as a judge there were a lot of 'Why?', but she soon shut the doubters up. She is warm, loveable and bursting with personality. She is very honest and very loyal to who she supports. I fell in love with her, and if I had to pick my dream judging panel she would be rubbing shoulders with Simon again in a heartbeat.

Tyra Banks - America's Next Top Model
This show gets weirder and weirder by the cycle, but the constant that keeps this show brilliant is Miss Tyra Banks. She cares, gives great advice and isn't afraid to scream at a girl who won't shut up. It would be hard to top her yelling at Tiffany at judging to top any talent show moment for me.

Simon Cowell - The X Factor (UK and US), Pop Idol and Britain's Got Talent
Not the original but definitely the best. He is the approval I will be searching for for my entire life, even if he enjoyed a coffee I made for him I could die a happy man. I have the weirdest crush on him, his power, confidence and well pressed white shirts just do something to me.

Nicole Sherzinger - The X Factor (UK and US)
I love this woman and hate her for the exact same reasons. She is gorgeous, talented and has a loveable personality to boot - she is everything I aspire to be. When she was brought in to replace Cheryl as a judge on The X Factor US some of us may have been sceptical, however she was the perfect replacement. Love her.

Heidi Klum - Project Runway, Germany's Next Top Model and America's Got Talent
This German beauty has become the opinion on all types of talent and skill. She comes from a view of a normal person, she isn't pretending she knows the ins and outs of everything she is just giving her honest opinion and reaction - she is the model face and body of the view of the general viewing public really. Plus I love her accent, I want a kiss on the cheek with an 'Auf Wiedersehen'.

100 Moments of Glee

So here's what you missed on Glee

Glee is about to turn 100. Their 100th episode will air this week in America. I have been a fan since the beginning. As soon as I heard Rachel Berry sang 'On My Own' from Les Miserables I knew it was something special. It didn't disappoint. Never before has there been a show like this. It was musical TV programme. Music was either used to show emotion or to highlight a story. They covered everything from musicals to pop hits to rock ballads; and later on they even had original songs.

Glee is a juggernaut of a TV show. They have showcased storylines that may have once seemed taboo, they have had guest stars that will rival any American sitcom and they have broken records set by The Beatles and Elvis Presley by having over 100 songs hit the American Billboard Charts. The show has made international stars of its cast, Lea Michele now has a recording career of her very own plus plans to release a book, Chris Colfer wrote 2 books and starred in his very own self written movie and Naya Rivera has her very own recording career, magazine covers and advertisement deals. 

It would be hard to talk about Glee and not mention the darker side. July 13th of 2013 was the worst day in Glee's history. We lost an amazing actor/performer/musician with the unfair and untimely death of Cory Monteith. His work on the show will never be forgotten and his story shall be shared for decades to come. 

However we are here to celebrate the tremendous achievement of 100 episodes. And to do so I thought I would do what I do best - create a list. For me the heart of the show is the songs. So as a gift from me to you I have created a list of my favourite performances.

10. How Will I Know

9. Unpretty/I Feel Pretty

8. Songbird

7. If I Die Young

6. Rumour Has It/Someone Like You

5. Edge Of Glory/All Coming Back/Paradise by the Dashboard Lights

4. Make You Feel My Love

3. Smooth Criminal

2. Roots Before Branches

1. Don't Stop Believing

That was hard and I am sure I will wake up in a cold sweat agonising over my decisions,  for a show that has had over 600 songs it was a challenge but right now I feel happy with my choices.

Girl Talk

This could be me revealing a little something that I should probably keep to myself. It truly reveals the fact that I was born a middle aged woman. So here goes. I love American Talk Shows. I can watch them for hours. I will watch them on TV. I will watch them on the computer. I will even watch them on my phone. Its hard to explain what it is about them but I will have a go.

You may have noticed that I made a point about them being American - this was on purpose. England just cannot do the same, we have tried and we have failed. 'The View' got big in America so we created 'Loose Women' - by no stretch of the imagination is it as good. I get bored with 'Loose Women', I have yet to get bored of 'The View'. Even when they talk about politics they have my attention. I think it must be because of the way American's show passion. Don't get me wrong us Brit's can show passion, we will acknowledge it and move on - our American friends will go bat-shit-crazy about something until everyone has heard; and I love it.

There are many types of moments that I love in these talk shows. I love the drama - watch Rosie O'Donnell vs. Elizabeth Hasslebeck on YouTube (amazing). These women are not afraid to say what they feel no matter how controversial. On 'The Real' they will often call white people 'vanilla' and Asian people 'yellow' - can you imagine if that happened in England. The show would be off the air, people would call for the hosts resignation and written apologies and they would appear teary eyed in the middle pages of The Sun being all regretful and shiz. Other moments are the touching moments. The Queen, Ellen, has made me cry any more times than I think anyone else has in my life. She tells stories of people from anywhere in the country if she feels they need to be told. I have literally watched every Ellen Degeneres YouTube clip in existence - I have laughed and cried - often catching the attention of others.

So for my advise (which I seem to be increasingly comfortable doing) to England is to do your research. Watch 'The Ellen Degeneres Show', 'The Talk', 'The View', 'The Real' and 'Oprah'. Take notes. Take your time in picking a cast (don't go for the new hot reality stars!). Get a good set. Get some good stories. Get some amazing prizes. Get some RELEVANT guests, I can't stress the word 'relevant' anymore but most importantly give them a chance; if the show doesn't get record viewers in the first week just give it time.

I have even helped with the casting choice (these were off the top of my head - no doubt I will wake up in a cold sweat with more choices).

The U, S of A

So today is kind of an awkward day for us Brits as American's are celebrating their independence from us. Today across those 50 states there are BBQs, fireworks and lots of partying. It is a day American's set aside and celebrate them. We don't have anything close to this in Britain - we barely even celebrate the day of our Patron Saint (choosing to toast Ireland's St. Patrick's Day more).

I love America. I have often been the butt of jokes and told that I should just be American. I don't mind that thought at all. America has produced and created some of my favourite things in the world. Some of my favourite people are American - I am not shy in confessing my admiration for the likes of Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Sandra Bullock (plus many many more).

America is probably my main problem aswell. They invented my number 1 addiction - Coca Cola. I can tell you my Doctor is not too happy about that. I love it - people start their day with a coffee, I start my day with a can of coke. As a diabetic it probably isn't the best choice to make, but I can't stop it. I need help. My favourite alcoholic beverage is also American - the beautiful Jack Daniels. Put it with coke and you have my dream drink; it will be the drink I will request at my last supper.

As a HUGE fan of television and film I again have a lot to thank the American's for. Us Brits can not make a horror movie that will ever be in the same league as an American - there I said it, I'm not proud that I said it but it needed saying. TV is also bigger in America - everything is brighter and more dramatic. In England we have perfected the gritty, lower class, back streets stories for TV - but these aren't to everyone's taste. Especially not mine, I live in the lower class, gritty back streets, all I have to do is look out the window for that experience, TV should be an escape not a mirror on your own reality.

America also supplied me with the best holiday I have ever had. Around 6 years ago I went to the Big Apple, New York. I loved it and I didn't want to leave. Okay I was happy to leave at the time. The heat was unbearable, so bad they turned the lights off on Times Square. I would love to go back, and I am 100% sure I will go back - just maybe not in August, a cooler month will be a smarter idea.

So to wrap this up, I don't want people to get me wrong - I am 100% proud to be British, I love our quirkiness, our fashion and (unashamedly) I love the Royal Family. England has given me everything I have. As a Diabetic I will always be thankful to the NHS, as a student I will always be thankful to Student Finance and as TV lover I will always be thankful for the BBC (Doctor Who for the win).

The Most Frustrating Show On Earth

Don't get me wrong, I really like this show. I have watched every single episode and I have tried to follow every storyline (and there is a lot). Every episode leaves me with more questions, and I rarely get answers. The characters are great, the intrigue is huge and the gasps are a-plenty.

The main story of the show is 'Who is A?'. I think we were told - and it turned out to be Mona. This was genius and it totally made sense; but no - they throw a spanner in the works and we see Mona answering to a higher power. Now we are left questioning who 'Red Coat' is. I am not 100% sure what her/his involvement with the whole story is.

The show started with the disappearance of Alison, her friends Spencer, Hannah, Emily and Aria know something and this mysterious A knows something aswell - how? I still don't know. A basically controls the 4 girls lives. Then we find out there is a bunch of other people who were involved with the disappearance of Alison (the girl spun a large web of pain). If you asked me what else happens and what the story is, I couldn't honestly tell you. I am so lost. Yet I still tune in every week and I am so happy its back.

If I could request one thing, I would like the writers to get in touch with me, sit me down and explain everything to me. That would be grand, cheers.

You wanna be on top?

For anyone that lives under a rock America's Next Top Model is basically a modelling competition; and it is awesome. As a fan of fashion the photoshoots are one of my favourite parts. Some are simple and some are ridiculous; and I mean ridiculous in the best way. Tyra Banks has some weird ideas in her head. After 19 seasons and 241 episodes you have to forgive her for having to think outside the box and relate the photoshoot to something in fashion.

The 20th cycle starts this August and I am very excited for it. Once again she has changed the rules; we have had College Edition, Petite Edition, Brits Vs. Yanks, Allstars and now Boys Vs. Girls. Finally men can compete. It has taken a while, and I have to say I am a little mad because I feel too old to compete (obviously the only reason I didn't apply).

I haven't always agreed with the choices of the judges and all the winners were not approved by me. The decision that angered me the most was Allison Harvard. First of she should have won her season, then she was invited back for the Allstars cycle (yay!), and once again she came second! SECOND! I am not saying she was the best model of all the cycles, but she was different, she was unique and goddamnit she deserved to win.

I feel the show is losing its momentum a little bit and its become very formulaic, however I am not angry about this. Why fix something that isn't broken? Tyra is getting more beautiful with age, Kelly Cutrone is still on TV and we get to see more and more bitch fights. One suggestion I would give is that the country they visit half way through, you should revisit some places and stop trying to trick us into believing there is a fashion capitol in every country - there simply isn't (Cycle 17 - Crete! Seriously?).

I have watched a lot of other countries version of Top Model but America's will always be the best because it has something that they will never have - the amazing Tyra Banks.