Listening comprehension not improving

[SteveB]

I have been learning Spanish for a while now and i really enjoy it. I try to use many different methods to saturate my life with it as much as i can as i don't live in a Spanish speaking country (London)
My speaking has improved very well, i know a fair bit of vocabulary to express myself and ask questions, i think this is due to Michel Thomas and i have a regular language exchange via skype.
My writing and reading is better than it was due to the duolingo app, bi-lingual books and reading things online.
But.......my listening comprehension is terrible! It has improved slightly from when i started but at times i cant understand anything! I use a really helpful podcast called 'Notes in Spanish' which has helped slightly. Villa was very helpful recommending telenovelas to watch but when i watch them i often don't even understand the context.
I have a few Spanish language movies which i have watched with the subtitles on and still i don't understand them, either they aren't clear or use words i have never heard of.
I have had a few embarrassing moments when i have had to speak to someone only to speak very well but not understand a word of the reply

Anyone have any experience with this? Any tips? Its really starting to ruin my learning experience and makes me want to give up at times

HELP!