TVSquad

While there are several other channels in Britain, the BBC has a virtual monopoly on television on the basis on its brand name alone. That can be seen with the amount of investment in its fall schedule. In England, the BBC is synonymous with television. While other U.K. channels are suffering from the recession, the BBC One, their primary channel, seems to be plowing ahead.

Upcoming projects include a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma (and nobody does period pieces like that better than the BBC), Strictly Come Dancing (their version of Dancing With The Stars), and the latest installment in the Doctor Who franchise, The Waters of Mars. A film called Small Island is also in the works.

I make no secret of my love of British television. I can only hope that some of this quality fare makes it to the states shortly after it's U.K. debut so I can enjoy it (and perhaps somehow convince my cable company to carry BBC America).

The former Duchess of York and Weight Watchers spokeswoman Sarah Ferguson has publicly stated her love of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, the American version of Brit hit Strictly Come Dancing. In response, producer Conrad Green has offered the affable redhead a place in next season's line-up. Green has said that Fergie would add a "touch of class to the proceedings" and suggested that a romance might spark between the ex-royal and her dancing partner. Sounds like wishful thinking to me. A British accent does not "class" make except maybe on American television so, alright, she might "class" the joint up.

The implication of the announcement is that Fergie has accepted the invite, but royal watchers shouldn't get excited just yet. The word isn't official, and Fergie has a heavy schedule of waving politely and counting meal points.