VIRGIN MEDIA TV DOES KARAOKE ON DEMAND!

Yeah, so us Virgin TV users might not have Sky Atlantic but I'll tell you what we do have... Karaoke On Demand!

The track selection ranges from show tunes, chart hits and karaoke classics like New York, New York and I Will Survive, to hip hop, soul, R&B, rock, indie and brand new pop tracks from acts including Hurts and Owl City, as well as kids songs and film soundtracks.  Helpfully (?) it gives you the key at the start of each track and check out the excruciatingly twee background videos too. 

I came across this option by chance and it seems not many of the other Virgin users I know were aware of it either so I hope this is good news for at least some of you.

You can choose your aural posion via genre or browse the whole menu.  Personally, I've never done karaoke but being able to practice in the privacy of my own home might just change that...

To access: From your Virgin Media TV remote (which you can also use as a microphone, hairbrush style), press the Home button, select On Demand & Catch Up TV, then Music On Demand et, voila! Karaoke.

NB: PLEASE check if you have to pay to use this service before running up any massive bills!! :)  It says it's currently free if you have an XL package but best to be on the safe side. Phew.

DIVA ON DEMAND: ANOTHER CHANCE TO CATCH VALENTINO DOC

Great news for anyone who missed this 2010 BBC documentary about the legendary Italian designer and couturier, Valentino - Valentino: The Last Emperor is now available for a limited time on BBC iPlayer as part of the Storyville season.

The film crew follow the designer, who turns 80 next year, across the globe tracking his every move, documenting two of his collections, his spectacular 45th anniversary exhibition and celebrations, but it is his personal relationships which give the most insight into this notoriously guarded man.

Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino's saintly patient partner of over 50 years and the honorary President of the Valentino house, talks openly about both their personal and business relationships.  This is a man who has clearly taken on a hugely stressful supportive role, absorbing any anxieties on behalf of his partner so that he can truly shine.

It is fascinating to see the human, playful side of Valentino's character in their interactions as well as in his encounters with respected peer, Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld - not to mention his beloved dogs.  How cute??  I think they deserve their own show.

Despite its 90 minute run time - mostly involving the many takeovers and edgy business dealings of the company which lead to his retirement in January 2008 - I could easily have watched an entire series on Valentino alone.  It is just so warm and gripping for anyone with an interest in people watching regardless of their love of fashion.

From backroom seamstress tantrums and sneak peeks into the designer's many homes, to flashbacks from his career throughout the decades and some of the most exquisite gowns for both catwalk and from his archive worn by clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, I just didn't want this delicious, humorous, diva-packed documentary to end.  Must see TV.

Click here for more images or to watch the show visit BBC iPlayer - available until 14th July.