Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Digital Spy

2021-03-22T19:31:55Z

86.147.130.48:

{{short description|British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Digital Spy
| logo = Digital Spy logo (2013).svg
| website = {{URL|digitalspy.com}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = Entertainment, television and film news
| owner = [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Magazines UK]]
| editor = Matt Hill
| launch_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|1}} (as digiNEWS)
|dissolved ={{end date and age|df=yes|2021|3}}
| current_status = offline
}}

'''Digital Spy''' was a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at [[Hearst UK]]. Since its launch in 1999, 'DS' has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, films, music and show business to a global audience.

As well as breaking news, in-depth features, reviews and authoritative editorial explainers, the site also features the DS [[Internet forum|Forum]].

==History==
===digiNews (1999)===
In early January 1999, Iain Chapman launched the digiNEWS website, providing news, rumours and information on Sky's new digital satellite platform [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SkyDigital]]. At the same time, Chris Butcher launched the ONfaq website, offering similar news and information on the UK's new digital terrestrial platform [[ITV Digital|ONdigital]]. Both sites proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention from visitors eager for more news about these rapidly developing TV platforms. Very soon Chapman and Butcher discussed the idea of a merger of the two sites, to create the digiNEWS Network. [[File:Digital Spy Logo.svg|right|thumb|200px|Original Digital Spy logo used from 1999 until 2013]]On 28 February 1999, digiNEWS and ONfaq merged and were rebranded as sites of the new 'digiNEWS network'. More websites joined the network, including Chris Norris's cablenews:uk (covering NTL and TeleWest cable services), Mark Hughes' DVDNews (DVD news and reviews) and Neil Wilkes' TV:uk (TV news and gossip). While the network grew, it was still served from personal webspace from ISPs such as Freeserve, so discussions with website guru Jose Cardoso began and work started on integrating the multitude of sites into a single portal.

It was important for the new site to be easily accessible, so a .COM address was preferable but the diginews.com address was already taken. After many many emails back and forth, the name 'Digital Spy' was chosen.

===Digital Spy (2000–2011)===
The Digital Spy forums first went live on 1 March 2000, built on the UBB forum platform. The newly named 'Digital Spy' news portal went live on 19 May 2001, running on a custom-built content management system called RAMS (Remote Article Management System).

Digital Spy Limited was incorporated in late 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/04270534/filing-history|title=Companies House Incorporation for Digital Spy|publisher=Registrar of Companies|location=UK}}</ref> by Alan Jay, Neil Wilkes and Mark Hughes, with Ian Chapman, Jose Cardoso and James Welsh joining later as shareholders.

On 9 April 2008, it was announced that the website had been purchased by magazine publisher [[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]], a subsidiary of the [[Lagardère Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|title=Lagardere buys UK web portal Digitalspy.co.uk|date=9 April 2008|work=Forbes|publisher=[[Thomson Financial News]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717175742/https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|archive-date=July 17, 2008|access-date=9 April 2008}}</ref> for a "significant" sum.<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/hachette-spies-a-good-match-with-a-digital-duo-816398.html|title=Hachette spies a good match with a digital duo|date=28 April 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=29 April 2008|location=London}}</ref>

In March 2011, former [[NME|NME.com]] and [[FHM|FHM.com]] editor David Moynihan replaced Neil Wilkes as Editor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=David Moynihan to edit Digital Spy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/dec/17/david-moynihan-digital-spy |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>

===Digital Spy at Hearst (2011–present)===
[[File:Digital Spy logo.png|thumb|Digital Spy logo as used since 2013]]
On 1 August 2011, ownership of Hachette UK was sold to Hearst Magazines UK, with the Digital Spy editorial team and operations unaffected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/28/hearst-buys-elle-rights-in-lagardere-deal|title=Hearst buys Elle rights in $651m Lagardère deal|last=Rusche|first=Dominic|date=28 March 2011|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, Digital Spy won the Media Editorial Team of the Year 2013 at the British Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/british_media_awards_2013__the_winners.aspx|title=British Media Awards 2013 – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref> On 3 July 2014, Digital Spy won Consumer Website of the Year 2014 at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/aop_digital_publishing_award__the_winners_7706.aspx|title=AOP Digital Publishing Awards – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref>

In October 2015, Digital Spy moved its content management system from RAMS to Hearst's newly developed Media OS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zedo.com/hearsts-new-central-operating-system-powers-digital-company/|title=Hearst's New Central "Operating System" Powers a Digital Company - ZEDO, Inc.|date=12 April 2017|work=ZEDO, Inc.|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2015, former ''[[Heat (magazine)|Heat]]'' editor Julian Linley was appointed Editor in Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/digital-spy-ex-heat-editor-buzzfeed-mashable-julian-linley|title=Digital Spy hires ex-Heat editor in battle with BuzzFeed and Mashable|author=Mark Sweney|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In November 2016, former [[T3 (magazine)|T3]] and [[Gizmodo|Gizmodo UK]] editor Matt Hill was appointed Editor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.responsesource.com/bulletin/news/digital-spy-appoints-matt-hill-editor/|title=Digital Spy names Matt Hill as Editor - ResponseSource|work=ResponseSource|access-date=8 March 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Digital Spy was made an official partner of the [[National Television Awards]], held at [[The O2 Arena]] and broadcast live on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/national-television-awards/news/a818099/national-television-awards-ntas-2017-nominees-best-drama/|title=Game of Thrones takes on The Night Manager at the NTAs|date=3 January 2017|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year, and was shortlisted for Website of the Year and Content Team Leader of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/Events/PPADigitalAwards2017/2017-Winners|title=Digital Awards 2017 2017 Winners|website=PPA Digital Awards 2017|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, almost one million people voted in the DS Reader Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/feature/a845776/digital-spy-reader-awards-2017-results-winners/|title=Reader Awards – all your favourites of 2017 revealed!|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Digital Spy was shortlisted for International Website of the Year at the Hearst Editorial Excellence Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hearst.com/newsroom/a-letter-from-david-carey-on-hearst-magazines-editorial-excellence-awards-finalists-0|title=A Letter from David Carey on Hearst Magazines Editorial Excellence Awards Finalists|access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/en/events/ppadigitalawards2018/2017-winners |title=Digital Awards 2018 Winners |website=PPA Digital Awards 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On the 22nd March 2021 Digital Spy announced on its site that they would be closing their non entertainment related discussion forums such as Politics and General Discussion forums and only retaining Film, Entertainment and Television based ones that same week in an effort to refocus its website . No mention had been made prior to that , an announcement that upset many of its subscribed membership [https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2405661/upcoming-changes-to-digital-spy-forum/p1 Digital Spy announcement ]

==Digital Spy Awards==
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}
In 2008, the website held its first Digital Spy Soap Awards. The nominations shortlist was chosen by Digital Spy's soaps editor Kris Green. From 2014, the awards became the annual Digital Spy Reader Awards, which polls the site's readers for the best moments in various categories.<ref name="DSRA14">{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=EastEnders sweeps the board in 2014 Digital Spy Reader Awards |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a618217/eastenders-sweeps-the-board-in-2014-digital-spy-reader-awards/|date=24 December 2014 |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

===2008 winners===
{| class="wikitable"
! Award !! Winner(s)
|-
| 'Best Soap' || ''EastEnders''
|-
| 'Most Popular Actor' || [[James Sutton (actor)|James Sutton]] ([[John Paul McQueen]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Most Popular Actress' || [[Jo Joyner]] ([[Tanya Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Male' || [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Female' || [[Roxanne McKee]] ([[Louise Summers]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Newcomer' || [[Rita Simons]] ([[Roxy Mitchell]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Exit' || [[Gemma Bissix]] ([[Clare Devine]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best On-Screen Partnership' || [[Samantha Janus]] and Rita Simons ([[Ronnie Mitchell|Ronnie]] and Roxy Mitchell in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Child Actor (Under 16)' || [[Ellis Hollins]] ([[Tom Cunningham]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Villain of the Year' || [[Jack P. Shepherd]] ([[David Platt (Coronation Street)|David Platt]] in ''Coronation Street'')
|-
| 'Storyline of the Year' || John Paul and [[Craig Dean|Craig]]'s ([[Guy Burnet]]) affair (''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Single Episode' || [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Stella Crawford]]'s ([[Sophie Thompson]]) wedding (''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Pet' || [[Wellard]] (Kyte in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Serial Drama' || ''[[The Bill]]''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{Official website|http://digitalspy.com}}

{{Hearst}}

[[Category:British news websites]]
[[Category:Internet forums]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Entertainment in the United Kingdom]]

Digital Spy

2021-03-22T18:22:34Z

86.147.130.48:

{{short description|British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Digital Spy
| logo = Digital Spy logo (2013).svg
| website = {{URL|digitalspy.com}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = Entertainment, television and film news
| owner = [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Magazines UK]]
| editor = Matt Hill
| launch_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|1}} (as digiNEWS)
| Closed Down March 2021
| current_status = offline
}}

'''Digital Spy''' was a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at [[Hearst UK]]. Since its launch in 1999, 'DS' has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, films, music and show business to a global audience.

As well as breaking news, in-depth features, reviews and authoritative editorial explainers, the site also features the DS [[Internet forum|Forum]].

==History==
===digiNews (1999)===
In early January 1999, Iain Chapman launched the digiNEWS website, providing news, rumours and information on Sky's new digital satellite platform [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SkyDigital]]. At the same time, Chris Butcher launched the ONfaq website, offering similar news and information on the UK's new digital terrestrial platform [[ITV Digital|ONdigital]]. Both sites proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention from visitors eager for more news about these rapidly developing TV platforms. Very soon Chapman and Butcher discussed the idea of a merger of the two sites, to create the digiNEWS Network. [[File:Digital Spy Logo.svg|right|thumb|200px|Original Digital Spy logo used from 1999 until 2013]]On 28 February 1999, digiNEWS and ONfaq merged and were rebranded as sites of the new 'digiNEWS network'. More websites joined the network, including Chris Norris's cablenews:uk (covering NTL and TeleWest cable services), Mark Hughes' DVDNews (DVD news and reviews) and Neil Wilkes' TV:uk (TV news and gossip). While the network grew, it was still served from personal webspace from ISPs such as Freeserve, so discussions with website guru Jose Cardoso began and work started on integrating the multitude of sites into a single portal.

It was important for the new site to be easily accessible, so a .COM address was preferable but the diginews.com address was already taken. After many many emails back and forth, the name 'Digital Spy' was chosen.

===Digital Spy (2000–2011)===
The Digital Spy forums first went live on 1 March 2000, built on the UBB forum platform. The newly named 'Digital Spy' news portal went live on 19 May 2001, running on a custom-built content management system called RAMS (Remote Article Management System).

Digital Spy Limited was incorporated in late 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/04270534/filing-history|title=Companies House Incorporation for Digital Spy|publisher=Registrar of Companies|location=UK}}</ref> by Alan Jay, Neil Wilkes and Mark Hughes, with Ian Chapman, Jose Cardoso and James Welsh joining later as shareholders.

On 9 April 2008, it was announced that the website had been purchased by magazine publisher [[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]], a subsidiary of the [[Lagardère Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|title=Lagardere buys UK web portal Digitalspy.co.uk|date=9 April 2008|work=Forbes|publisher=[[Thomson Financial News]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717175742/https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|archive-date=July 17, 2008|access-date=9 April 2008}}</ref> for a "significant" sum.<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/hachette-spies-a-good-match-with-a-digital-duo-816398.html|title=Hachette spies a good match with a digital duo|date=28 April 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=29 April 2008|location=London}}</ref>

In March 2011, former [[NME|NME.com]] and [[FHM|FHM.com]] editor David Moynihan replaced Neil Wilkes as Editor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=David Moynihan to edit Digital Spy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/dec/17/david-moynihan-digital-spy |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>

===Digital Spy at Hearst (2011–present)===
[[File:Digital Spy logo.png|thumb|Digital Spy logo as used since 2013]]
On 1 August 2011, ownership of Hachette UK was sold to Hearst Magazines UK, with the Digital Spy editorial team and operations unaffected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/28/hearst-buys-elle-rights-in-lagardere-deal|title=Hearst buys Elle rights in $651m Lagardère deal|last=Rusche|first=Dominic|date=28 March 2011|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, Digital Spy won the Media Editorial Team of the Year 2013 at the British Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/british_media_awards_2013__the_winners.aspx|title=British Media Awards 2013 – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref> On 3 July 2014, Digital Spy won Consumer Website of the Year 2014 at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/aop_digital_publishing_award__the_winners_7706.aspx|title=AOP Digital Publishing Awards – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref>

In October 2015, Digital Spy moved its content management system from RAMS to Hearst's newly developed Media OS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zedo.com/hearsts-new-central-operating-system-powers-digital-company/|title=Hearst's New Central "Operating System" Powers a Digital Company - ZEDO, Inc.|date=12 April 2017|work=ZEDO, Inc.|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2015, former ''[[Heat (magazine)|Heat]]'' editor Julian Linley was appointed Editor in Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/digital-spy-ex-heat-editor-buzzfeed-mashable-julian-linley|title=Digital Spy hires ex-Heat editor in battle with BuzzFeed and Mashable|author=Mark Sweney|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In November 2016, former [[T3 (magazine)|T3]] and [[Gizmodo|Gizmodo UK]] editor Matt Hill was appointed Editor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.responsesource.com/bulletin/news/digital-spy-appoints-matt-hill-editor/|title=Digital Spy names Matt Hill as Editor - ResponseSource|work=ResponseSource|access-date=8 March 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Digital Spy was made an official partner of the [[National Television Awards]], held at [[The O2 Arena]] and broadcast live on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/national-television-awards/news/a818099/national-television-awards-ntas-2017-nominees-best-drama/|title=Game of Thrones takes on The Night Manager at the NTAs|date=3 January 2017|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year, and was shortlisted for Website of the Year and Content Team Leader of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/Events/PPADigitalAwards2017/2017-Winners|title=Digital Awards 2017 2017 Winners|website=PPA Digital Awards 2017|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, almost one million people voted in the DS Reader Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/feature/a845776/digital-spy-reader-awards-2017-results-winners/|title=Reader Awards – all your favourites of 2017 revealed!|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Digital Spy was shortlisted for International Website of the Year at the Hearst Editorial Excellence Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hearst.com/newsroom/a-letter-from-david-carey-on-hearst-magazines-editorial-excellence-awards-finalists-0|title=A Letter from David Carey on Hearst Magazines Editorial Excellence Awards Finalists|access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/en/events/ppadigitalawards2018/2017-winners |title=Digital Awards 2018 Winners |website=PPA Digital Awards 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On the 22nd March 2021 Digital Spy announced on its site that they would be closing their non entertainment related discussion forums such as Politics and General Discussion forums and only retaining Film, Entertainment and Television based ones that same week in an effort to refocus its website . No mention had been made prior to that , an announcement that upset many of its subscribed membership [https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2405661/upcoming-changes-to-digital-spy-forum/p1 Digital Spy announcement ]

==Digital Spy Awards==
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}
In 2008, the website held its first Digital Spy Soap Awards. The nominations shortlist was chosen by Digital Spy's soaps editor Kris Green. From 2014, the awards became the annual Digital Spy Reader Awards, which polls the site's readers for the best moments in various categories.<ref name="DSRA14">{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=EastEnders sweeps the board in 2014 Digital Spy Reader Awards |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a618217/eastenders-sweeps-the-board-in-2014-digital-spy-reader-awards/|date=24 December 2014 |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

===2008 winners===
{| class="wikitable"
! Award !! Winner(s)
|-
| 'Best Soap' || ''EastEnders''
|-
| 'Most Popular Actor' || [[James Sutton (actor)|James Sutton]] ([[John Paul McQueen]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Most Popular Actress' || [[Jo Joyner]] ([[Tanya Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Male' || [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Female' || [[Roxanne McKee]] ([[Louise Summers]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Newcomer' || [[Rita Simons]] ([[Roxy Mitchell]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Exit' || [[Gemma Bissix]] ([[Clare Devine]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best On-Screen Partnership' || [[Samantha Janus]] and Rita Simons ([[Ronnie Mitchell|Ronnie]] and Roxy Mitchell in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Child Actor (Under 16)' || [[Ellis Hollins]] ([[Tom Cunningham]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Villain of the Year' || [[Jack P. Shepherd]] ([[David Platt (Coronation Street)|David Platt]] in ''Coronation Street'')
|-
| 'Storyline of the Year' || John Paul and [[Craig Dean|Craig]]'s ([[Guy Burnet]]) affair (''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Single Episode' || [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Stella Crawford]]'s ([[Sophie Thompson]]) wedding (''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Pet' || [[Wellard]] (Kyte in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Serial Drama' || ''[[The Bill]]''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{Official website|http://digitalspy.com}}

{{Hearst}}

[[Category:British news websites]]
[[Category:Internet forums]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Entertainment in the United Kingdom]]

Digital Spy

2021-03-22T18:12:34Z

86.147.130.48:

{{short description|British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Digital Spy
| logo = Digital Spy logo (2013).svg
| website = {{URL|digitalspy.com}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = Entertainment, television and film news
| owner = [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Magazines UK]]
| editor = Matt Hill
| launch_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|1}} (as digiNEWS)
| Closed Down March 2021
| current_status = Online
}}

'''Digital Spy''' was a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at [[Hearst UK]]. Since its launch in 1999, 'DS' has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, films, music and show business to a global audience.

As well as breaking news, in-depth features, reviews and authoritative editorial explainers, the site also features the DS [[Internet forum|Forum]].

==History==
===digiNews (1999)===
In early January 1999, Iain Chapman launched the digiNEWS website, providing news, rumours and information on Sky's new digital satellite platform [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SkyDigital]]. At the same time, Chris Butcher launched the ONfaq website, offering similar news and information on the UK's new digital terrestrial platform [[ITV Digital|ONdigital]]. Both sites proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention from visitors eager for more news about these rapidly developing TV platforms. Very soon Chapman and Butcher discussed the idea of a merger of the two sites, to create the digiNEWS Network. [[File:Digital Spy Logo.svg|right|thumb|200px|Original Digital Spy logo used from 1999 until 2013]]On 28 February 1999, digiNEWS and ONfaq merged and were rebranded as sites of the new 'digiNEWS network'. More websites joined the network, including Chris Norris's cablenews:uk (covering NTL and TeleWest cable services), Mark Hughes' DVDNews (DVD news and reviews) and Neil Wilkes' TV:uk (TV news and gossip). While the network grew, it was still served from personal webspace from ISPs such as Freeserve, so discussions with website guru Jose Cardoso began and work started on integrating the multitude of sites into a single portal.

It was important for the new site to be easily accessible, so a .COM address was preferable but the diginews.com address was already taken. After many many emails back and forth, the name 'Digital Spy' was chosen.

===Digital Spy (2000–2011)===
The Digital Spy forums first went live on 1 March 2000, built on the UBB forum platform. The newly named 'Digital Spy' news portal went live on 19 May 2001, running on a custom-built content management system called RAMS (Remote Article Management System).

Digital Spy Limited was incorporated in late 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/04270534/filing-history|title=Companies House Incorporation for Digital Spy|publisher=Registrar of Companies|location=UK}}</ref> by Alan Jay, Neil Wilkes and Mark Hughes, with Ian Chapman, Jose Cardoso and James Welsh joining later as shareholders.

On 9 April 2008, it was announced that the website had been purchased by magazine publisher [[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]], a subsidiary of the [[Lagardère Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|title=Lagardere buys UK web portal Digitalspy.co.uk|date=9 April 2008|work=Forbes|publisher=[[Thomson Financial News]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717175742/https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|archive-date=July 17, 2008|access-date=9 April 2008}}</ref> for a "significant" sum.<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/hachette-spies-a-good-match-with-a-digital-duo-816398.html|title=Hachette spies a good match with a digital duo|date=28 April 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=29 April 2008|location=London}}</ref>

In March 2011, former [[NME|NME.com]] and [[FHM|FHM.com]] editor David Moynihan replaced Neil Wilkes as Editor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=David Moynihan to edit Digital Spy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/dec/17/david-moynihan-digital-spy |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>

===Digital Spy at Hearst (2011–present)===
[[File:Digital Spy logo.png|thumb|Digital Spy logo as used since 2013]]
On 1 August 2011, ownership of Hachette UK was sold to Hearst Magazines UK, with the Digital Spy editorial team and operations unaffected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/28/hearst-buys-elle-rights-in-lagardere-deal|title=Hearst buys Elle rights in $651m Lagardère deal|last=Rusche|first=Dominic|date=28 March 2011|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, Digital Spy won the Media Editorial Team of the Year 2013 at the British Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/british_media_awards_2013__the_winners.aspx|title=British Media Awards 2013 – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref> On 3 July 2014, Digital Spy won Consumer Website of the Year 2014 at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/aop_digital_publishing_award__the_winners_7706.aspx|title=AOP Digital Publishing Awards – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref>

In October 2015, Digital Spy moved its content management system from RAMS to Hearst's newly developed Media OS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zedo.com/hearsts-new-central-operating-system-powers-digital-company/|title=Hearst's New Central "Operating System" Powers a Digital Company - ZEDO, Inc.|date=12 April 2017|work=ZEDO, Inc.|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2015, former ''[[Heat (magazine)|Heat]]'' editor Julian Linley was appointed Editor in Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/digital-spy-ex-heat-editor-buzzfeed-mashable-julian-linley|title=Digital Spy hires ex-Heat editor in battle with BuzzFeed and Mashable|author=Mark Sweney|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In November 2016, former [[T3 (magazine)|T3]] and [[Gizmodo|Gizmodo UK]] editor Matt Hill was appointed Editor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.responsesource.com/bulletin/news/digital-spy-appoints-matt-hill-editor/|title=Digital Spy names Matt Hill as Editor - ResponseSource|work=ResponseSource|access-date=8 March 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Digital Spy was made an official partner of the [[National Television Awards]], held at [[The O2 Arena]] and broadcast live on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/national-television-awards/news/a818099/national-television-awards-ntas-2017-nominees-best-drama/|title=Game of Thrones takes on The Night Manager at the NTAs|date=3 January 2017|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year, and was shortlisted for Website of the Year and Content Team Leader of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/Events/PPADigitalAwards2017/2017-Winners|title=Digital Awards 2017 2017 Winners|website=PPA Digital Awards 2017|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, almost one million people voted in the DS Reader Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/feature/a845776/digital-spy-reader-awards-2017-results-winners/|title=Reader Awards – all your favourites of 2017 revealed!|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Digital Spy was shortlisted for International Website of the Year at the Hearst Editorial Excellence Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hearst.com/newsroom/a-letter-from-david-carey-on-hearst-magazines-editorial-excellence-awards-finalists-0|title=A Letter from David Carey on Hearst Magazines Editorial Excellence Awards Finalists|access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/en/events/ppadigitalawards2018/2017-winners |title=Digital Awards 2018 Winners |website=PPA Digital Awards 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On the 22nd March 2021 Digital Spy announced on its site that they would be closing their non entertainment related discussion forums such as Politics and General Discussion forums and only retaining Film, Entertainment and Television based ones that same week in an effort to refocus its website . No mention had been made prior to that , an announcement that upset many of its subscribed membership [https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2405661/upcoming-changes-to-digital-spy-forum/p1 Digital Spy announcement ]

==Digital Spy Awards==
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}
In 2008, the website held its first Digital Spy Soap Awards. The nominations shortlist was chosen by Digital Spy's soaps editor Kris Green. From 2014, the awards became the annual Digital Spy Reader Awards, which polls the site's readers for the best moments in various categories.<ref name="DSRA14">{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=EastEnders sweeps the board in 2014 Digital Spy Reader Awards |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a618217/eastenders-sweeps-the-board-in-2014-digital-spy-reader-awards/|date=24 December 2014 |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

===2008 winners===
{| class="wikitable"
! Award !! Winner(s)
|-
| 'Best Soap' || ''EastEnders''
|-
| 'Most Popular Actor' || [[James Sutton (actor)|James Sutton]] ([[John Paul McQueen]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Most Popular Actress' || [[Jo Joyner]] ([[Tanya Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Male' || [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Female' || [[Roxanne McKee]] ([[Louise Summers]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Newcomer' || [[Rita Simons]] ([[Roxy Mitchell]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Exit' || [[Gemma Bissix]] ([[Clare Devine]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best On-Screen Partnership' || [[Samantha Janus]] and Rita Simons ([[Ronnie Mitchell|Ronnie]] and Roxy Mitchell in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Child Actor (Under 16)' || [[Ellis Hollins]] ([[Tom Cunningham]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Villain of the Year' || [[Jack P. Shepherd]] ([[David Platt (Coronation Street)|David Platt]] in ''Coronation Street'')
|-
| 'Storyline of the Year' || John Paul and [[Craig Dean|Craig]]'s ([[Guy Burnet]]) affair (''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Single Episode' || [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Stella Crawford]]'s ([[Sophie Thompson]]) wedding (''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Pet' || [[Wellard]] (Kyte in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Serial Drama' || ''[[The Bill]]''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{Official website|http://digitalspy.com}}

{{Hearst}}

[[Category:British news websites]]
[[Category:Internet forums]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Entertainment in the United Kingdom]]

Digital Spy

2021-03-22T18:10:38Z

86.147.130.48:

{{short description|British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Digital Spy
| logo = Digital Spy logo (2013).svg
| website = {{URL|digitalspy.com}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = Entertainment, television and film news
| owner = [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Magazines UK]]
| editor = Matt Hill
| launch_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|1}} (as digiNEWS)
| Closed Down {{end date and age|df=yes|2021|1}}
| current_status = Online
}}

'''Digital Spy''' was a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at [[Hearst UK]]. Since its launch in 1999, 'DS' has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, films, music and show business to a global audience.

As well as breaking news, in-depth features, reviews and authoritative editorial explainers, the site also features the DS [[Internet forum|Forum]].

==History==
===digiNews (1999)===
In early January 1999, Iain Chapman launched the digiNEWS website, providing news, rumours and information on Sky's new digital satellite platform [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SkyDigital]]. At the same time, Chris Butcher launched the ONfaq website, offering similar news and information on the UK's new digital terrestrial platform [[ITV Digital|ONdigital]]. Both sites proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention from visitors eager for more news about these rapidly developing TV platforms. Very soon Chapman and Butcher discussed the idea of a merger of the two sites, to create the digiNEWS Network. [[File:Digital Spy Logo.svg|right|thumb|200px|Original Digital Spy logo used from 1999 until 2013]]On 28 February 1999, digiNEWS and ONfaq merged and were rebranded as sites of the new 'digiNEWS network'. More websites joined the network, including Chris Norris's cablenews:uk (covering NTL and TeleWest cable services), Mark Hughes' DVDNews (DVD news and reviews) and Neil Wilkes' TV:uk (TV news and gossip). While the network grew, it was still served from personal webspace from ISPs such as Freeserve, so discussions with website guru Jose Cardoso began and work started on integrating the multitude of sites into a single portal.

It was important for the new site to be easily accessible, so a .COM address was preferable but the diginews.com address was already taken. After many many emails back and forth, the name 'Digital Spy' was chosen.

===Digital Spy (2000–2011)===
The Digital Spy forums first went live on 1 March 2000, built on the UBB forum platform. The newly named 'Digital Spy' news portal went live on 19 May 2001, running on a custom-built content management system called RAMS (Remote Article Management System).

Digital Spy Limited was incorporated in late 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/04270534/filing-history|title=Companies House Incorporation for Digital Spy|publisher=Registrar of Companies|location=UK}}</ref> by Alan Jay, Neil Wilkes and Mark Hughes, with Ian Chapman, Jose Cardoso and James Welsh joining later as shareholders.

On 9 April 2008, it was announced that the website had been purchased by magazine publisher [[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]], a subsidiary of the [[Lagardère Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|title=Lagardere buys UK web portal Digitalspy.co.uk|date=9 April 2008|work=Forbes|publisher=[[Thomson Financial News]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717175742/https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|archive-date=July 17, 2008|access-date=9 April 2008}}</ref> for a "significant" sum.<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/hachette-spies-a-good-match-with-a-digital-duo-816398.html|title=Hachette spies a good match with a digital duo|date=28 April 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=29 April 2008|location=London}}</ref>

In March 2011, former [[NME|NME.com]] and [[FHM|FHM.com]] editor David Moynihan replaced Neil Wilkes as Editor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=David Moynihan to edit Digital Spy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/dec/17/david-moynihan-digital-spy |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>

===Digital Spy at Hearst (2011–present)===
[[File:Digital Spy logo.png|thumb|Digital Spy logo as used since 2013]]
On 1 August 2011, ownership of Hachette UK was sold to Hearst Magazines UK, with the Digital Spy editorial team and operations unaffected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/28/hearst-buys-elle-rights-in-lagardere-deal|title=Hearst buys Elle rights in $651m Lagardère deal|last=Rusche|first=Dominic|date=28 March 2011|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, Digital Spy won the Media Editorial Team of the Year 2013 at the British Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/british_media_awards_2013__the_winners.aspx|title=British Media Awards 2013 – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref> On 3 July 2014, Digital Spy won Consumer Website of the Year 2014 at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/aop_digital_publishing_award__the_winners_7706.aspx|title=AOP Digital Publishing Awards – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref>

In October 2015, Digital Spy moved its content management system from RAMS to Hearst's newly developed Media OS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zedo.com/hearsts-new-central-operating-system-powers-digital-company/|title=Hearst's New Central "Operating System" Powers a Digital Company - ZEDO, Inc.|date=12 April 2017|work=ZEDO, Inc.|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2015, former ''[[Heat (magazine)|Heat]]'' editor Julian Linley was appointed Editor in Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/digital-spy-ex-heat-editor-buzzfeed-mashable-julian-linley|title=Digital Spy hires ex-Heat editor in battle with BuzzFeed and Mashable|author=Mark Sweney|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In November 2016, former [[T3 (magazine)|T3]] and [[Gizmodo|Gizmodo UK]] editor Matt Hill was appointed Editor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.responsesource.com/bulletin/news/digital-spy-appoints-matt-hill-editor/|title=Digital Spy names Matt Hill as Editor - ResponseSource|work=ResponseSource|access-date=8 March 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Digital Spy was made an official partner of the [[National Television Awards]], held at [[The O2 Arena]] and broadcast live on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/national-television-awards/news/a818099/national-television-awards-ntas-2017-nominees-best-drama/|title=Game of Thrones takes on The Night Manager at the NTAs|date=3 January 2017|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year, and was shortlisted for Website of the Year and Content Team Leader of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/Events/PPADigitalAwards2017/2017-Winners|title=Digital Awards 2017 2017 Winners|website=PPA Digital Awards 2017|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, almost one million people voted in the DS Reader Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/feature/a845776/digital-spy-reader-awards-2017-results-winners/|title=Reader Awards – all your favourites of 2017 revealed!|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Digital Spy was shortlisted for International Website of the Year at the Hearst Editorial Excellence Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hearst.com/newsroom/a-letter-from-david-carey-on-hearst-magazines-editorial-excellence-awards-finalists-0|title=A Letter from David Carey on Hearst Magazines Editorial Excellence Awards Finalists|access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/en/events/ppadigitalawards2018/2017-winners |title=Digital Awards 2018 Winners |website=PPA Digital Awards 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On the 22nd March 2021 Digital Spy announced on its site that they would be closing their non entertainment related discussion forums such as Politics and General Discussion forums and only retaining Film, Entertainment and Television based ones that same week in an effort to refocus its website . No mention had been made prior to that , an announcement that upset many of its subscribed membership [https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2405661/upcoming-changes-to-digital-spy-forum/p1 Digital Spy announcement ]

==Digital Spy Awards==
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}
In 2008, the website held its first Digital Spy Soap Awards. The nominations shortlist was chosen by Digital Spy's soaps editor Kris Green. From 2014, the awards became the annual Digital Spy Reader Awards, which polls the site's readers for the best moments in various categories.<ref name="DSRA14">{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=EastEnders sweeps the board in 2014 Digital Spy Reader Awards |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a618217/eastenders-sweeps-the-board-in-2014-digital-spy-reader-awards/|date=24 December 2014 |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

===2008 winners===
{| class="wikitable"
! Award !! Winner(s)
|-
| 'Best Soap' || ''EastEnders''
|-
| 'Most Popular Actor' || [[James Sutton (actor)|James Sutton]] ([[John Paul McQueen]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Most Popular Actress' || [[Jo Joyner]] ([[Tanya Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Male' || [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Female' || [[Roxanne McKee]] ([[Louise Summers]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Newcomer' || [[Rita Simons]] ([[Roxy Mitchell]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Exit' || [[Gemma Bissix]] ([[Clare Devine]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best On-Screen Partnership' || [[Samantha Janus]] and Rita Simons ([[Ronnie Mitchell|Ronnie]] and Roxy Mitchell in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Child Actor (Under 16)' || [[Ellis Hollins]] ([[Tom Cunningham]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Villain of the Year' || [[Jack P. Shepherd]] ([[David Platt (Coronation Street)|David Platt]] in ''Coronation Street'')
|-
| 'Storyline of the Year' || John Paul and [[Craig Dean|Craig]]'s ([[Guy Burnet]]) affair (''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Single Episode' || [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Stella Crawford]]'s ([[Sophie Thompson]]) wedding (''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Pet' || [[Wellard]] (Kyte in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Serial Drama' || ''[[The Bill]]''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{Official website|http://digitalspy.com}}

{{Hearst}}

[[Category:British news websites]]
[[Category:Internet forums]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Entertainment in the United Kingdom]]

Digital Spy

2021-03-22T18:08:35Z

86.147.130.48:

{{short description|British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Digital Spy
| logo = Digital Spy logo (2013).svg
| website = {{URL|digitalspy.com}}
| commercial = Yes
| type = Entertainment, television and film news
| owner = [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Magazines UK]]
| editor = Matt Hill
| launch_date = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|1}} (as digiNEWS)
| current_status = Online
}}

'''Digital Spy''' was a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at [[Hearst UK]]. Since its launch in 1999, 'DS' has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, films, music and show business to a global audience.

As well as breaking news, in-depth features, reviews and authoritative editorial explainers, the site also features the DS [[Internet forum|Forum]].

==History==
===digiNews (1999)===
In early January 1999, Iain Chapman launched the digiNEWS website, providing news, rumours and information on Sky's new digital satellite platform [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SkyDigital]]. At the same time, Chris Butcher launched the ONfaq website, offering similar news and information on the UK's new digital terrestrial platform [[ITV Digital|ONdigital]]. Both sites proved to be popular, attracting a lot of attention from visitors eager for more news about these rapidly developing TV platforms. Very soon Chapman and Butcher discussed the idea of a merger of the two sites, to create the digiNEWS Network. [[File:Digital Spy Logo.svg|right|thumb|200px|Original Digital Spy logo used from 1999 until 2013]]On 28 February 1999, digiNEWS and ONfaq merged and were rebranded as sites of the new 'digiNEWS network'. More websites joined the network, including Chris Norris's cablenews:uk (covering NTL and TeleWest cable services), Mark Hughes' DVDNews (DVD news and reviews) and Neil Wilkes' TV:uk (TV news and gossip). While the network grew, it was still served from personal webspace from ISPs such as Freeserve, so discussions with website guru Jose Cardoso began and work started on integrating the multitude of sites into a single portal.

It was important for the new site to be easily accessible, so a .COM address was preferable but the diginews.com address was already taken. After many many emails back and forth, the name 'Digital Spy' was chosen.

===Digital Spy (2000–2011)===
The Digital Spy forums first went live on 1 March 2000, built on the UBB forum platform. The newly named 'Digital Spy' news portal went live on 19 May 2001, running on a custom-built content management system called RAMS (Remote Article Management System).

Digital Spy Limited was incorporated in late 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/04270534/filing-history|title=Companies House Incorporation for Digital Spy|publisher=Registrar of Companies|location=UK}}</ref> by Alan Jay, Neil Wilkes and Mark Hughes, with Ian Chapman, Jose Cardoso and James Welsh joining later as shareholders.

On 9 April 2008, it was announced that the website had been purchased by magazine publisher [[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]], a subsidiary of the [[Lagardère Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|title=Lagardere buys UK web portal Digitalspy.co.uk|date=9 April 2008|work=Forbes|publisher=[[Thomson Financial News]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717175742/https://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/04/09/afx4871332.html|archive-date=July 17, 2008|access-date=9 April 2008}}</ref> for a "significant" sum.<ref name="independent">{{cite news|last=Byrne|first=Ciar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/hachette-spies-a-good-match-with-a-digital-duo-816398.html|title=Hachette spies a good match with a digital duo|date=28 April 2008|work=[[The Independent]]|access-date=29 April 2008|location=London}}</ref>

In March 2011, former [[NME|NME.com]] and [[FHM|FHM.com]] editor David Moynihan replaced Neil Wilkes as Editor.<ref>{{cite web |last=Halliday |first=Josh |title=David Moynihan to edit Digital Spy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/dec/17/david-moynihan-digital-spy |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>

===Digital Spy at Hearst (2011–present)===
[[File:Digital Spy logo.png|thumb|Digital Spy logo as used since 2013]]
On 1 August 2011, ownership of Hachette UK was sold to Hearst Magazines UK, with the Digital Spy editorial team and operations unaffected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/mar/28/hearst-buys-elle-rights-in-lagardere-deal|title=Hearst buys Elle rights in $651m Lagardère deal|last=Rusche|first=Dominic|date=28 March 2011|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, Digital Spy won the Media Editorial Team of the Year 2013 at the British Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/british_media_awards_2013__the_winners.aspx|title=British Media Awards 2013 – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref> On 3 July 2014, Digital Spy won Consumer Website of the Year 2014 at the AOP Digital Publishing Awards.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inpublishing.co.uk/news/articles/aop_digital_publishing_award__the_winners_7706.aspx|title=AOP Digital Publishing Awards – the winners|last=InPublishing|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-gb}}</ref>

In October 2015, Digital Spy moved its content management system from RAMS to Hearst's newly developed Media OS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zedo.com/hearsts-new-central-operating-system-powers-digital-company/|title=Hearst's New Central "Operating System" Powers a Digital Company - ZEDO, Inc.|date=12 April 2017|work=ZEDO, Inc.|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

In November 2015, former ''[[Heat (magazine)|Heat]]'' editor Julian Linley was appointed Editor in Chief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/25/digital-spy-ex-heat-editor-buzzfeed-mashable-julian-linley|title=Digital Spy hires ex-Heat editor in battle with BuzzFeed and Mashable|author=Mark Sweney|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In November 2016, former [[T3 (magazine)|T3]] and [[Gizmodo|Gizmodo UK]] editor Matt Hill was appointed Editor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.responsesource.com/bulletin/news/digital-spy-appoints-matt-hill-editor/|title=Digital Spy names Matt Hill as Editor - ResponseSource|work=ResponseSource|access-date=8 March 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In January 2017, Digital Spy was made an official partner of the [[National Television Awards]], held at [[The O2 Arena]] and broadcast live on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/national-television-awards/news/a818099/national-television-awards-ntas-2017-nominees-best-drama/|title=Game of Thrones takes on The Night Manager at the NTAs|date=3 January 2017|work=Digital Spy|access-date=9 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2017, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year, and was shortlisted for Website of the Year and Content Team Leader of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/Events/PPADigitalAwards2017/2017-Winners|title=Digital Awards 2017 2017 Winners|website=PPA Digital Awards 2017|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, almost one million people voted in the DS Reader Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/feature/a845776/digital-spy-reader-awards-2017-results-winners/|title=Reader Awards – all your favourites of 2017 revealed!|date=31 December 2017|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2018, Digital Spy was shortlisted for International Website of the Year at the Hearst Editorial Excellence Awards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hearst.com/newsroom/a-letter-from-david-carey-on-hearst-magazines-editorial-excellence-awards-finalists-0|title=A Letter from David Carey on Hearst Magazines Editorial Excellence Awards Finalists|access-date=16 August 2018}}</ref>

In October 2018, Digital Spy won PPA Digital Content Team of the Year for the second year in a row.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ppa.co.uk/en/events/ppadigitalawards2018/2017-winners |title=Digital Awards 2018 Winners |website=PPA Digital Awards 2018 |access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref>

On the 22nd March 2021 Digital Spy announced on its site that they would be closing their non entertainment related discussion forums such as Politics and General Discussion forums and only retaining Film, Entertainment and Television based ones that same week in an effort to refocus its website . No mention had been made prior to that , an announcement that upset many of its subscribed membership [https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/2405661/upcoming-changes-to-digital-spy-forum/p1 Digital Spy announcement ]

==Digital Spy Awards==
{{expand section|date=January 2019}}
In 2008, the website held its first Digital Spy Soap Awards. The nominations shortlist was chosen by Digital Spy's soaps editor Kris Green. From 2014, the awards became the annual Digital Spy Reader Awards, which polls the site's readers for the best moments in various categories.<ref name="DSRA14">{{cite web |last=Kilkelly |first=Daniel |title=EastEnders sweeps the board in 2014 Digital Spy Reader Awards |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a618217/eastenders-sweeps-the-board-in-2014-digital-spy-reader-awards/|date=24 December 2014 |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=2 December 2018}}</ref>

===2008 winners===
{| class="wikitable"
! Award !! Winner(s)
|-
| 'Best Soap' || ''EastEnders''
|-
| 'Most Popular Actor' || [[James Sutton (actor)|James Sutton]] ([[John Paul McQueen]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Most Popular Actress' || [[Jo Joyner]] ([[Tanya Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Male' || [[Scott Maslen]] ([[Jack Branning]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Sexiest Female' || [[Roxanne McKee]] ([[Louise Summers]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Newcomer' || [[Rita Simons]] ([[Roxy Mitchell]] in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Exit' || [[Gemma Bissix]] ([[Clare Devine]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best On-Screen Partnership' || [[Samantha Janus]] and Rita Simons ([[Ronnie Mitchell|Ronnie]] and Roxy Mitchell in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Child Actor (Under 16)' || [[Ellis Hollins]] ([[Tom Cunningham]] in ''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Villain of the Year' || [[Jack P. Shepherd]] ([[David Platt (Coronation Street)|David Platt]] in ''Coronation Street'')
|-
| 'Storyline of the Year' || John Paul and [[Craig Dean|Craig]]'s ([[Guy Burnet]]) affair (''Hollyoaks'')
|-
| 'Best Single Episode' || [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Stella Crawford]]'s ([[Sophie Thompson]]) wedding (''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Pet' || [[Wellard]] (Kyte in ''EastEnders'')
|-
| 'Best Serial Drama' || ''[[The Bill]]''
|-
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline}}
*{{Official website|http://digitalspy.com}}

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