Interesting poll, Ali. And difficult one too.

In general, when it comes to pictures from RA, I prefer the ones where he doesn't "pose" so explicitly before the camera. On the other hand, one of my all time favourite RA pictures is from a photoshoot, namely the last one of the 2004 shoot where he's lying on the Chesterfield with his hand on his chest. (How very appropriate)That one brings me on my knees every time. The blue eyes, that look, that hand..
But it's also the only picture from that particular shoot that I think is gorgeous.
So in the end, I chose the Black and White promoshoot simply because he looks utterly, stunningly beautiful in those.

I love your polls Ali, and always look forward to new ones. Thank you as always for all the hard work you do on this wonderful site.

megs

Both great choices Megs, thanks for voting.
Ali

Happy birthday, Brochlass!! I see you have chosen that fav pic of yours of Luscious Lucas for your special day. I hope you have a really wonderful day. Remember you are not getting older; you're getting bettah!!

Ali, just to mention that Series 9 of Spooks started 17 Jan on RTE1 (late night, 12.50)
I missed the 17th transmission but got it on RTE player - even though I've seen it loads of times, I never tire of it. In fact I think the last 2 episodes should have been made into a film..

Again, thanks for all the work on the site.
Jean

Thanks Jean, I'll put it in the news.
Ali

Ali, this is the most difficult Poll yet!!!
How can a sane woman choose???? Spoiled for lovely, lovely choice!
Thanks. xxxd

I know, I can't choose at all!
I'm surprised Project magazine has taken an early lead, the beard is popular it seems.
Ali

I think it's not just the beard - it's the thinking, intriguing, manly look that has such an appeal. This photoshoot more than any other shows that besides being handsome/ravishing/you name it, RA is a Person. And thanks for what you do here, Ali :-).

I never seem to tire of watching Richard as Guy of Gisborne! Earlier this week I started re-watching my DVD's of the series. I'm already onto series 2 and enjoying it hugely! I know all the criticisms about the show but I still love it. He is so good at being bad!! Because I have watched it more than once, I can really concentrate more on his performance than everything else and some of his expressions just crack me up at times. Those expressive eyebrows work overtime in quite a few scenes!! Amazing how he can "say" so much without uttering a sound!

Hi Ali, just wanted to say many thanks for the gorgeous POD for my birthday!

Have a great day Mezz!
Ali

Hello Ali,

I can't open the link of news so I send you this message by this adress.

There's a french article on the web site "Fantasy.fr" about the interview Richard has given to MTV News. It's a summary of the interview.

Here the web link:
http://www.fantasy.fr/articles/view/19039/richard-armitage-parle-du-hobbit

Nice week-end, Véronique.

Thanks Véronique. Ali

I don't imagine RA will be doing a whole lot of TV after The Hobbit comes out because he'll be so busy making movies. I think (as I'm sure all of you do) that RA has the talent and potential to become a major, major success in his field and we're about to see his career explode. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to see more of his work and it'll be interesting to see how the rest of the world reacts when they see it. And how he'll react to that reaction. It's kind of like watching your kids go off into the world. It'll be exciting/intersting and also a little sad (as someone else said).

Karin wrote:

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought that Richard's Equity Card/Circus experience was in need of a show of it's own . All we need to hope for now is that the rest of the world (specifically American reporters who don't bother with a bit of research) learns how to pronounce his last name properly!

However glad I am for Richard, I do feel "sad" in sharing him with the world. It feels a bit like losing him. I truly hope that an open door to Hollywood does not result in him closing the door on TV work. I would love to see him do another TV series and get a weekly "dose" of Richard!

As an American and a former newspaper writer, that kind of reporting really annoys me. *sigh* As Fatima noted in another comment, we are almost certain to get more of those circus questions as US reporters start covering him.

I forgot to add factoid number 2 they will grab onto and ask during the junket:

Namely everyone here and The Armitage Army

Some reporters may not have some of the diplomacy and tact exhibited in previous interviews. I am preppring to feel annoyed when The Hobbit junket happens. If it's a Canadian outlet, I will feel REALLY annoyed. (I annoy politely as any good Canadian will do anything.)

I very much enjoyed reading this article, and am glad that he has recognised what an enormous difference this will make to Richard's career when the films are released. I can't wait to see them!

I can see from other people's comments, that the interview with MTV was also very enlightening. Unfortunately, I cannot access the site. I keep getting messages that Internet Explorer cannot open it! Anybody have any ideas how I might be able to see it?

I use Mozilla Firefox so I'm not sure, but first I'd check you have the latest version of IE (version 9) and then make sure Compatibility View is enabled from the Tools menu. If that doesn't work then I'm afraid I don't know.
Ali

I just love the way he says " I reckon". He said that in the Vicar of Dibbley shows too. I'm from SE USA and we say that a lot here.

Sloan,

I am from LA (Lower Alabama) and I also love it when Richard uses the word "reckon" . . . I have noticed it being used by some of the folks on BBCA but it's especially endearing when Richard says it. Always good to hear from another southern
RA fan!

Angie,

Somehow I don't believe Richard used the word "gotten" though, and certainly not three times. A little creative editing from the interviewer.

I'm with you Pam! I can't imagine him using the word "gotten" either! However, it was a great interview and as Angieklong so eloquently said, "not one mention of the blasted circus."!! Phew!! That was a relief!! The fact they have reduced his prosthetics is a positive move as the way he uses his face to convey emotions shouldn't be hindered in any way, to my way of thinking. I am so thrilled for him and delighted that he is finding it all such a wonderful never-to-be-forgotten experience.

Congratulations on passing the 1,000 mark Ali!! I see that today you are already at 1011! Wow!

Thanks Brochlass, on this page it's over a 1000 but there are other comments on other pages too. Keep 'em coming!
Ali

That's entirely possible, Pam. Some brash American, I suspect.

We're practially neighbors because I'm from Georgia. I noticed other folks on BBC using the term too so assumed that it originated in England. By the way, I've seen some of your videos and they're excellent.

Enjoyed it I did Ali,very much so. Richard sounds so wonderfully happy and excited so you can't help but feel happy for him. I'm sure he's eager to get started again in Feb.to continue Thorin's journey, albeit a sad ending.

As RA Frenzy said, I never thought I would be saying Richard Armitage and MTV in the same sentence . . . but what a wonderful interview with our lad! Lots of good insight into the process of getting into the character and the importance of costume and makeup in that process. So glad the decision was wisely made not to cover up too much of that incredibly expressive face. And not one mention of the blasted circus! And how wonderful to hear this is turning out to be such a fantastic experience for him all the way around. You go, Richard!

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought that Richard's Equity Card/Circus experience was in need of a show of it's own . All we need to hope for now is that the rest of the world (specifically American reporters who don't bother with a bit of research) learns how to pronounce his last name properly!

However glad I am for Richard, I do feel "sad" in sharing him with the world. It feels a bit like losing him. I truly hope that an open door to Hollywood does not result in him closing the door on TV work. I would love to see him do another TV series and get a weekly "dose" of Richard!

If he goes to television, it will the the premium cable route. The networks can't, or won't, find a good story. Cable channels like Showtime, HBO, and even AMC may lure him with the right project.

Bets on whether Strike Back season one gets on the air as a 'prequel'?

Sloan,

So you are a Georgia peach! That is good to know. And thanks for the kind words about my vids. I am really just a beginner but I have so much fun making them.

I was impressed with the MTV interviewer for not bringing it up. However get ready for Entertainment Tonight and all those shows because they will grab that factoid like a dog with a bone.

Just read Larry's very informative article, great to see that someone else has confirmed what we already believe which is that Richard's portrayal of Thorin will change his career forever. It just has too. Have to say that I didn't realise that it was Thrain fighting with Gandolph in that snippet of the trailer, so just had to go back and look at that trailer again, oh what a bore!! I am also learning to put the right name to the right dwarf, as I am sure it will be a help to me when watching the movie. My family already think I have 'totally lost the plot' where Richard is concerned, now that I am reciting all these dwarves names, they know I have - get a life Mum!! Can't wait, patience, patience, I'm sure mine will be running a bit thin as we get closer to Dec. but I know Richard's Thorin and the movie will be worth that wait!! Thanks for posting Ali.

Ali, congratulations for comment #1,000.
This is an awesome achievement.
Thanks for the daily news, updates and photos!

Thanks LadyCassia, I've actually had 3049 comments on this site to date if you include comments on all the other pages, but that includes the birthday messages too. I'm grateful to all those who leave comments, it's great to hear from you all!
Ali

I just read the article on Movie.com on the Thorin Oakenshield character. This article acknowledges Richard Armitage as a great actor and how his name will soon be a household name. I am so very happy for him and his career. Besides being absolutely gorgeous, he is also so very talented and can play any role to perfection. Here's to your success, Mr. Armitage!

From a devoted fan and admirer,

JoAnn (USA)

When it comes to Richard Armitage you can really appreciate the actors worth when a chance comes to compare his work to others. I am referring to Strike-Back 2 Project Dawn, to put it bluntly I hated it.

Richard is able to put so many layers into what could have been a cartoon hero figure action man. Yet Richard made the character of John Porter believable and the audience also wanted him to win...He is able to portray vulnerability, anger, hurt and courage with such ease that you forget the actor and love the character and you want John Porter to finally receive some justice.

Then comes Project Dawn where the acting is abysmal and nothing at all could save it. I wont be watching Strike Back 3!

The one and ONLY reason I could bring myself to watch the travesty that was Project Dawn was to see who the rotten creeps (putting it VERY mildly!!) were who sold the heroic John Porter down the river!!! Grrrrrrr Now that I know who was responsible there will be no need to watch Series 3. Was all that totally and unbelievably gratuitous sex and violence REALLY necessary?? So very off-putting and nothing whatsoever to do with the story line! Even that was hard to swallow!! Good job I had recorded it so I could skip through the worst of it then delete the whole sorry mess once I'd seen the outcome. The only thing I am thankful for is that Richard Armitage was not in it for long even though his "death" shocked and saddened me so much!!

Now we have The Hobbit to look forward to and THAT is going to knock our socks off for sure!! All the little snippets of information like the latest interview only increase our excitement at the prospect!!! At last the world will see what (or whom) we've been raving about all these years!!

watched the first two episodes, and like you was revolted..didnt even bother watching the rest...The death was a typical Sun/tabloid sensationalist storyline...

Is Richard's poetry reading available on CD???

No the BBC haven't released it on CD, so it's only available from sites like this one or on youtube. You can download and burn on to CD yourself if you have the software.
Ali

Thank you so much, Ali! You've put it all on one page. My God! How I love that velvety baritone! And when does he ever rest? As soon as he's got some free time, he hops into a studio to do some excellent reading. Darling man !

A few days ago I was thinking what could be the reason that convinced Peter to cast Richard as thorin. And suddenly I remembered that when the dwarfs were traped in spiders' net, Bilbo recognized Thorin from his nose!!!
So I came to this conclusion that other than Richard's talent it could be for his famous nose!!!

(I don't mean any offence to Richard's nose by writing this.I love his nose because it is natural and not like any other hollywoodian actors with fake nose.)

I've seen a certain resemblance to John Key, New Zealand Prime Minister. Especially nose and jaw.

That's hilarious!!! I totally forgot about that part in the novel.

I think one of these articles talked about Peter Jackson not seeing any of Richard's previous work. He was aware of Martin Freeman in Sherlock, and Aidan Turner in Being Human. As for Richard absolutely zippo and his winning part rested solely on his auditions.

That's pretty good considering the gruelling nature of the audition process.