Modern mayhem

Martin Short (Lou in sitcom Mulaney, 2014-2015) stars as marketing guru Merv Schechter, who Phil asks in episode 3 (16 November) to help daughter Haley (Sarah Hyland) with her promotions business. Nathan Fillion (Richard Castle in action series Castle, 2009-2016) will play recurring weatherman character Rainor Shine from episode 4 (23 November) – Rainor is Phil’s favourite TV personality.

RUMOUR HAS IT…

Season 8 has been a tricky one for the show’s network bosses, who’ve had to deal with two big rumours. Firstly that this would be the final season – the actors’ contracts are up for renewal and there was reported drama behind the scenes in 2012, the last time there were contract talks. While that’s been pushed aside until the season ends, there was also talk that troubled star Ariel Winter (Alex) would be leaving. Exec producer Steve Levitan has put that one to bed, saying that “Ariel’s a crucial part of our show. While she is starting to attend classes this year at UCLA, she will continue to be a part of Modern Family’s coming season”.