Thank You Will & Grace

It is quite a big statement to say that one show can make a difference, but I have no hesitation to say that 'Will & Grace' did. It was the first show ever to have 2 lead characters that were gay. It showcased a gay man very differently than what had previously been seen. Homosexuals were often absent from mainstream shows or shown in a very stereotypical manner, 'Will & Grace' managed to avoid all stereotypes (or instead choosing to mock them) whilst still remaining true. The reason I am talking about 'Will & Grace' is because it is 15 years to the day from the airing of the first episode. Eight years, 83 Emmy nominations and 16 wins, 27 Golden Globe nominations, 17 Screen Actor's Guild nominations and 7 wins and millions of laughs later it came to an end.

It quickly became one of my favourite shows as I love a good american sitcom. The whole 'gay' aspect was completely lost on me at a younger age as I didn't really notice it. For me it was like a more grown up version of 'Friends'. I can still watch re-runs everyday and still laugh at it. My favourite character will always be Karen. She was a rich stuck up bitch with a heart when it mattered. Even though I do have a favourite, I don't hate any character that have ever been on the show. Will, Grace, Jack and Rosario made this show epic aswell.

Even though 'Friends' started the trend for guest stars, it was 'Will & Grace' that stepped it up a notch. They had Madonna, Cher, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Douglas, Matt Damon and Janet Jackson to name a few.The best guest star they ever had will always be Molly Shannon in my eyes, Val was an amazing and crazy character and I always look forward to her episodes.

I will always be thankful for this show as it showed in an honest way that been gay was okay. They were the first show to show a man-on-man kiss. They were the first show to have a gay couple adoption. They were the first show to show a gay man as a man. Yes, Jack was a flamboyant character and was quite over the top, but Will equalled him out - he was a normal guy, who just happened to be gay.

The one thing I will always hate about 'Will & Grace' is how it ended. It shot forward 18 years in to the future. It showed that Will and Grace didn't speak for the entire time. So the request for a reunion episode is pointless. Unless of course they wait for another 10 years so the actors can catch up to the characters.

This show was one of a kind and it will never be replicated. I own every single episode on DVD (some even twice) and when I finish a run of 'Friends' I reach straight for the 'Will & Grace' boxset. I can quote this show perfectly and often do. The only thing that sucks is that the show never really took off in England. A lot of people are aware of it but not a lot have seen it. I blame E4 for not buying the rights, instead letting a cable channel (LivingTV) buy it.

I heard a rumour a few years back that a Broadway version of the show, mainly focused on Karen, was been produced. I call dibs on front row centre.

The Craigy's Will & Grace Edition

Favourite Main Character - Karen

Favourite Secondary Character - Rosario/Beverly Lesley

Favourite Guest Character - Val

Favourite Episode - 'Bed, Bath and Beyond'

Favourite Cameo - Cher

Favourite Season - 4 and 5 ( A Tie)

Favourite Love Interest - Leo

Favourite Dramatic Moment - Will & Grace argument over insemination 'I asked for one month ...'

Favourite Musical Moment - Jack and Karen 'Unforgettable'

Favourite WTF Moment - Jack has a son

Who Doesn't Love A Good Song And A Dance?

I really enjoy award shows, but the thing is I couldn't care less about the awards. Its the performances I love. The artists go all out and put on a 5 minute spectacle. The MTV Video Music Awards are showing on Monday and I am more than excited. With performances from Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus to look forward to. So I thought I would have a gander at some of my favourite past performances.

The best ones in my eyes are the ones that shock. With Lady Gaga on the roster we are almost guaranteed a few surprises. I am basing this on her record - once coming out dressed as her male alter-ego and another time where she appeared to kill her self on stage. Britney Spears doesn't come up short when it comes to the shocks. She has been known to dance with a python, strip off whilst singing a Rolling Stone's song and of course the kiss heard around the world with Madonna (everyone seems to forget Madge did the dirty with Christina Aguilera aswell). Justin Timberlake's face was my favourite bit from that entire performance.

Then there are the performance where artists take the opportunity to show what they got. Beyonce singing 'Love On Top' stopped me in my tracks - I think I even held my breath so I could listen with all I had. Eminem performing with Rihanna was also special - he will always be my favourite rapper. Also Eminem's debut performance with a hundred dopple-ganger's was something special.

Monday can not come soon enough. I am rather excited. I can't wait to see the red carpet. Most importantly you know the performances are going to be epic. Gaga and Perry are both using this opportunity to sing their new songs for the first time. Yay.

Check below to remind yourself of some special performances.

Fingers crossed no one jumps on stage to interrupt an acceptance speech (looking at you Kanye!)

And the winner is ...

Horror will always be my first choice for movie night. Popcorn, a beverage and a murder - perfect night in. However, to confuse anyone who is trying to work out my personality through my taste, let me throw a spanner in the works. I will always watch a film that has some competitive element to it (aslong as it isn't a team sport - with the one exception of A League of Their Own, Madonna, Gina and Rosie - enough said). If you want me to watch a film just tell me there are choirs competing and I am there. I will also watch spelling bees, beauty pageants and cheer leaders who are willing to bring it.

There is a lot to be said for these type of movies, one of them been what you learn. Here are a few rules I learnt :

1. If you are called the underdog at any point you are more than likely going to win.
2. If you come from a rough background you are more than likely going to win.
3. If you come from a privileged background you might win; but will later die in a parade on the back of a swan.
4. If you cheat you will not win but you will learn a lesson.
5. Always change the routine from the year before, the last leader was wrong.
6. If you look a little bit weird there is a good chance you have a hidden talent.
7. Someone in your team/group will quit, but don't worry they will be back seconds before the show.
8. Look for the weird, indie, edgy guy - he will be the love of your life.
9. The leader will think they are the best, they are wrong - prove them wrong.
10. Your parents won't support you, but they will still come to the show and cry when they realise they were wrong.