It was like Christmas in July last night for Irish and British TV viewers – literally.
ITV2 aired perennial festive movie favourite Love Actually last night – which, in case you’re the forgetful sort, was a muggy, hot-rainy summer’s evening.
People were surprised about the movie’s scheduling – aside from its Christmassy theme – because ITV2 had originally listed The Dark Knight as its Friday night movie.
However, ITV2 swapped the Oscar-winning Batman movie for the romantic comedy and explained why in a tweet from its official account:
Hi guys. Due to recent events we are screening Love Actually tonight.
The Dark Knight will be shown at a later date pic.twitter.com/n84UIzB0R3
— ITV2 (@itv2) July 15, 2016
It’s not specified but “recent events” is presumably a reference to the horrific carnage in Nice, and perhaps even the turmoil in Turkey. And indeed given the violence and terrorism-themes of that 2008 movie, this seems like a good call on behalf of the TV station.
At least one viewer didn’t quite agree, though.
Some viewers pointed out that the movie is shown in such regular rotation on TV that it might actually start warping our sense of reality:
I think we've seen Love Actually so often on the telly now that a section of society thinks Hugh Grant really was PM for a term. #truestory
— Jan Doig (@mrsdoigy) July 16, 2016
Someone better let ITV 2 know that there are other films that exist other than Love Actually, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz
— Sunny D (@Shannon_Dollard) July 15, 2016
However, most people didn’t seem to mind one bit that they’d be spending their Friday watch Hugh, Martine and Emma and their festive frolics.
Cant beat a bit of Love Actually on @itv2 at 9pm in the middle of July.
— Keith™ (@keith_D01) July 15, 2016
LOVE ACTUALLY IS ON. HAPPY FRIDAY.
— Olivia Grace (@livpurvis) July 15, 2016
If Love Actually doesn't bring you happiness what will?
— Harriet Perks (@GirliePerks) July 15, 2016
That being said, there was still some momentary confusion:
@itv2 good call but I just switched over and thought it was December
— Stephi-14 (@14steph11) July 15, 2016
It also means that, due to ITV2’s twice-a-week scheduling approach, Love Actually will be shown again this coming Thursday (July 21), again as a replacement for The Dark Knight.
But not everyone is a fan of the movie, as if we need reminding.
At least this unseasonal talk of Love Actually has led us to discover a frankly genius idea for a more up-to-date remake, given the new political situation in the UK:
Fingers crossed for a Love Actually remake with female PM and spunky young tea boy played by Danny Dyer.
— Claire McGowan (@inkstainsclaire) July 13, 2016
Would DEFINITELY watch that ^.