News Brief

Miami Herald: William Morris Agency's Raul Mateu speaks on telenovas in the US: "They tried to launch a whole network on it. Part of it is I don't think they're doing it right. It was being done by a bunch of American producers who weren't doing the genre very well. A true telenovela needs to run Monday through Friday. I think in today's day and age, where more and more people are watching less TV, to get people to really tune in to an American language [show] Monday through Friday is very difficult. I think daytime could work very well. I think there's networks such as Lifetime where novelas could probably really work well. If I was running a network, I would try it. But I would try to do it the right way."

Las Vegas Review: Despite a stint on THE BOLD AND THE BEAULTIFUL, former-IDOL Constantine Maroulis was calling bingo numbers last month at an Indian casino in Wisconsin.

Sydney Morning Herald: UGLY BETTY is returning to her roots and Colombians aren't sure they like the idea. ABC's hit satire of "telenovelas" has just begun to air throughout Latin America. In the country that gave birth to YO SOY BETTY LA FEA, the telenovela on which UGLY BETTY, which screened here on Seven last year, is based, many people see the US show as a pale imitation and an outright counterfeit of the original.

Press Association: Several soap veterans are celebrating after LONGFORD won a Golden Globe for Best Mini-Series at the weekend. Ex-CORRIE star Lee Boardman, best remembered as drug lord Jez Quigley, played a talk show host in the acclaimed drama about the tireless British campaigner, Lord Longford. Since leaving the Street in 2000, Boardman has gone on to star in HOLBY CITY, two series of Rome, and the BBC series DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. The Golden Globe-winning drama also featured Kate Miles. She played Beth in EASTENDERS; was DI Nikki Acott in CASUALTY and portrayed Clare Williams in DOCTORS.

Digital Spy: HOLLYOAKS actress Jennifer Metcalfe has broken up with Liverpool footballer Jermaine Pennant. The pair have reportedly split because they both want to focus on their careers. A spokesperson for Pennant confirmed the news. A source told the Mirror: "Jermaine is gutted. He was in love. They were practically living together but want to focus on their careers."

Soap Opera Network: Nielsen ratings for the week of December 31 - January 4.