jaja
10-09-03, 13:23
Talent show causes Dubai 'divorce'
By Julia Wheeler
BBC correspondent, Dubai
The 12 finalists of an Arab television talent contest are to try to help resolve a row between a husband and wife in Dubai that almost led to divorce.
The Superstar programme - the Arabic equivalent of Britain's Pop Idol - broadcast by Future TV in Lebanon caused a serious rift between the couple after the wife reportedly became too fond of one of the contestants - but her husband did not share her enthusiasm.
When the couple first watched the Superstar talent show little did they expect it would put them in the spotlight.
But the row it caused has seen the Arabic media printing claims and counter-claims in their divorce case.
Dinner divorce
As millions of people across the Middle East avidly tuned in for Superstar, the woman reportedly took a fancy to one of the contestants, voting several times on the show's hotline.
When her husband came back, reports say he was angry his wife's TV habit meant his dinner had not been cooked.
Things deteriorated, with the husband allegedly smashing the television and the couple filing for divorce.
Eventually they are believed to have been reconciled, agreeing they would not switch on the television during Superstar.
Now the couple has been invited to a celebration to meet all finalists, among them the contestant who unwittingly caused all the trouble.
The Lebanese community says if they do attend, it will present them with a new television.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3093850.stm
By Julia Wheeler
BBC correspondent, Dubai
The 12 finalists of an Arab television talent contest are to try to help resolve a row between a husband and wife in Dubai that almost led to divorce.
The Superstar programme - the Arabic equivalent of Britain's Pop Idol - broadcast by Future TV in Lebanon caused a serious rift between the couple after the wife reportedly became too fond of one of the contestants - but her husband did not share her enthusiasm.
When the couple first watched the Superstar talent show little did they expect it would put them in the spotlight.
But the row it caused has seen the Arabic media printing claims and counter-claims in their divorce case.
Dinner divorce
As millions of people across the Middle East avidly tuned in for Superstar, the woman reportedly took a fancy to one of the contestants, voting several times on the show's hotline.
When her husband came back, reports say he was angry his wife's TV habit meant his dinner had not been cooked.
Things deteriorated, with the husband allegedly smashing the television and the couple filing for divorce.
Eventually they are believed to have been reconciled, agreeing they would not switch on the television during Superstar.
Now the couple has been invited to a celebration to meet all finalists, among them the contestant who unwittingly caused all the trouble.
The Lebanese community says if they do attend, it will present them with a new television.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3093850.stm