BBC Unveils Cast for Two Weeks in August, a Sun-Soaked Drama with a Dark Twist

Damien Molony (Image: Nick James), Jessica Raine (Image: Pip), Nicholas Pinnock (Image: Joseph Sinclair), Antonia Thomas (Image: Manfred Baumann), Hugh Skinner (Image: Rankin) and Leila Farzad (Image: Pip Bourdillon) - Images courtesy of BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has confirmed the cast for Two Weeks in August, an eight-part drama for BBC One and BBC iPlayer that follows a group of friends reuniting for a summer holiday. Written and created by Catherine Shepherd (Sally4Ever, The Shrink Next Door), the series is produced by Various Artists Limited (I May Destroy You, Such Brave Girls), with filming now underway in Malta.

The story centres on Zoe, played by Jessica Raine (The Devil's Hour, Patrick Melrose), who hopes a holiday with family and old friends will be the reset she desperately needs. Alongside her is Damien Molony (Bergerac, Brassic) as her husband Dan, Nicholas Pinnock (For Life, The Book of Clarence) as old friend Solomon, and Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor, Still Up) as his new wife Jess. The group is completed by Leila Farzad (Kaos, I Hate Suzie) and Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, Fleabag) as their former university friends Nat and Jacob.

Additional cast includes Dolly Wells (Dracula), Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer), Dylan Brady (Mary & George), Maria Almeida (The Strays), Khalil Gharbia (The Lost Boys), Florence Banks (The New Look), Sonny Poon Tip (Industry), Cassius Hackforth (Doctor Who), and introducing Eliza and Anthony Lambon as Zoe's children Eve and Theo, along with Joe Dixon as Solomon and Jess' son Henry.

Set in Greece, the story takes a sharp turn when an innocent kiss unravels deep-seated tensions. What begins as a dream holiday soon turns into something much darker, as long-buried emotions, betrayals, and unexpected dangers leave the group questioning everything. As paradise shifts into turmoil, they soon find themselves trapped on the island, forced to confront both their pasts and an uncertain future.

Jessica Raine says: "Catherine's scripts reeled me in from the first page. Epic and nuanced. Funny and tragic. I'm honoured to be playing Zoe in this simply brilliant story."

Executive producers Roberto Troni and Kat Reynolds from Various Artists Limited, along with Shepherd, added: "Individually, these actors have such range and brilliance in everything they do. We feel so lucky to have them with us in the Med as they are dynamite together."

BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt says: "There is no better cast to bring Two Weeks in August to life. You might not want to find yourselves on holiday with this group of characters, but watching their reunion unfold across eight sun-soaked episodes will be irresistible."

The series' lead director is Tom George (This Country, Sherwood), who will direct episodes 1-4, while Matthew Moore (The Great, Colin from Accounts) will direct episodes 5-8. The show is being filmed in Malta and Gozo with the help of local production company Pellikola.

Netflix Unveils the Official Trailer for The Eternaut

Image: Netflix Press

By Jon Donnis

Netflix has released the official trailer for The Eternaut, the long-awaited screen adaptation of Argentina's most legendary sci-fi graphic novel. Based on Héctor G. Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López's 1957 classic, the series brings the apocalyptic vision to life with a scale of production never before seen in Argentina.

Set in Buenos Aires, The Eternaut follows Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) and his friends as they struggle to survive after a mysterious snowfall wipes out most of the city's population. As they navigate the dangers of this new world, they uncover an even greater threat—a hostile force invading Earth. With no way to survive alone, they must band together to fight for humanity's future.

Directed and created by Bruno Stagnaro, who co-wrote the script with Ariel Staltari, the series is a faithful yet modern reimagining of the original story, capturing the spirit and political undertones of Oesterheld's work. The cast also features Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra, and Marcelo Subiotto, among others.

Bringing The Eternaut to the screen has been an immense undertaking. The production involved two years of development, nearly five months of pre-production, and a gruelling 148-day shoot across more than 50 real-world locations and 30 virtual sets. With over 500 prosthetic masks created and nearly 3,000 actors—including extras—participating in the project, the series promises to deliver a visual spectacle on a scale rarely seen in Latin American television.

With its blend of survival horror, political allegory, and large-scale action, The Eternaut is poised to introduce a new global audience to one of Argentina's most influential works of science fiction. The series will premiere exclusively on Netflix, with a six-episode first season.

BBC’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr Renewed for Two More Series, With Exciting New Prize

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC One's hit design competition Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr has been renewed for two more series, as the show continues to captivate audiences with its mix of creativity, high-pressure challenges, and stunning makeovers. Produced by DSP, a Banijay UK company, the upcoming series will once again see ten aspiring interior designers battling it out for a career-changing opportunity. But this time, the stakes are even higher, with the winner securing an exclusive collaboration with John Lewis to create their very own homeware collection.

Alan Carr returns as host, guiding the contestants through eight weeks of intense competition as they showcase their design skills in a variety of commercial and residential spaces. Judge Michelle Ogundehin, former editor of Elle Decoration, is back to assess their work, pushing them to refine their vision and execute stunning transformations under tight deadlines. With its mix of creativity, practical problem-solving, and real-world design challenges, the series has grown into one of the UK's most popular design shows, inspiring both professionals and home decorators alike.

Casting is now open for series seven, with filming set to take place in summer 2025. The search is on for ten talented and passionate designers eager to take their skills to the next level and compete for the life-changing prize. Applications are open until 13th April 2025 via the BBC Shows and Tours website.

Speaking about the renewal, Alan Carr said: "To get your show recommissioned is always a lovely thing, but to get it recommissioned twice is really special. Interior Design Masters just keeps going from strength to strength, and it's such a wonderful feeling knowing that it will be entertaining and inspiring the UK for the next two years. Whether it makes you giggle on the sofa or motivates you to grab a paintbrush and give your home a refresh, we hope it puts a smile on your face."

BBC commissioning editor Patrick McMahon added: "It's a joy to welcome Alan, Michelle, and the immensely talented Interior Design Masters back. Once again, viewers are in for a treat, with more jaw-dropping transformations, clever design hacks, and a truly life-changing prize for the winner."

The latest prize marks a significant evolution for the show, offering a real commercial opportunity for the winning designer. Michelle Ogundehin shared her excitement about the John Lewis collaboration, calling it "an incredible opportunity" for the series six winner. She added, "I cannot wait to see their designs in stores across the UK!"

Donna Clark, Managing Director of DSP, expressed pride in the show's growing success, saying, "Interior Design Masters continues to build in both numbers and ambition year on year. I'm absolutely delighted to get a further two-series commission and give the next generation of talented contestants the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary design skills."

Executive producer Susanne Rock echoed the enthusiasm, highlighting the impact of this year's prize: "We couldn't be more delighted that this year's winner will have the chance to collaborate with John Lewis. It is a huge prize for our ten brilliant designers to work towards. The locations and challenges are more iconic than ever, and we can't wait to see how they rise to the occasion."

John Lewis' Director of Home, Jason Wilary-Attew, also spoke about the partnership, saying, "We're very excited to reveal our creative partnership with Interior Design Masters. This collaboration champions fresh talent, and we can't wait to showcase the winner's vision and bring their designs to homes nationwide."

With two more series confirmed, Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr continues to cement its place as a must-watch for design lovers. From dazzling makeovers to tense eliminations, the upcoming seasons promise to deliver more unforgettable moments, while giving one talented designer the chance to leave a lasting mark on the industry.

ITV Announces An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has announced An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, a new primetime concert special celebrating the legendary singer-songwriter and the acclaimed multi-award-winning artist. The show will feature live performances, candid conversations, and an exclusive look at their upcoming collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels?, hosted by Dan Levy. The special will air on Saturday 19th April on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.

Filmed at The London Palladium on 26th March, the event will see Elton John and Brandi Carlile perform songs from their new album alongside their individual greatest hits. Fans can expect unique renditions of some of their most beloved tracks, both as solos and duets. Between performances, the two artists will sit down for an intimate discussion, reflecting on their 20-year friendship, their musical journeys, and the making of their album. Hosted by close friend Dan Levy, this conversation will include behind-the-scenes footage from the recording process, offering a rare glimpse into their creative collaboration. The evening will also feature heartfelt tributes from those closest to them, celebrating their impact on music and culture.

Produced by Fulwell Entertainment, An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile is executive produced by Ben Winston, Gabe Turner, and Sally Wood. ITV's Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, expressed her excitement for the special, following the success of An Evening with Dua Lipa and Katy Perry: Night of a Lifetime. Gabe Turner added that working with Elton John and Brandi Carlile has been a thrilling experience, promising a memorable night for audiences. Who Believes in Angels? will be released on 4th April via Island EMI Records.

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Gemma Arterton to Lead ITV’s New Espionage Thriller Secret Service

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

Gemma Arterton has been announced as the lead in ITV's upcoming espionage thriller Secret Service, based on the novel by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby. Produced by Potboiler Productions, the five-part drama follows MI6 officer Kate Henderson, played by Arterton, who uncovers evidence suggesting a senior UK politician may be a Russian asset. As she races to uncover the truth, Kate must balance the dangers of espionage with the complexities of her personal life. The series will explore themes of political intrigue and Russian interference in British affairs, making it a timely and gripping addition to ITV's 2026 slate.

The series boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, and Khalid Abdalla. Directed by Oscar-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire, The Theory of Everything), the show reunites him with Bradby after their previous collaboration on Shadow Dancer. Co-written by Bradby and Jemma Kennedy (The Buccaneers), the series will be filmed on location in London and Malta. Polly Hill, ITV's Director of Drama, has commissioned the project, with international distribution handled by All3Media International.

Produced by Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood, Secret Service promises a tense and high-stakes story, reflecting real-world geopolitical tensions. James Marsh will direct the first three episodes, while Farren Blackburn (Gangs of London, A Discovery of Witches) will take on the final two. With a mix of political intrigue, espionage, and suspense, Secret Service is shaping up to be one of ITV's most exciting upcoming dramas.

Channel 4’s Undercover Education Puts Industry Professionals to the Test in a Prank Show with Purpose

Image: Channel 4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has announced Undercover Education, a new branded entertainment series launching in 2025 in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE) and MG OMD. Hosted by television presenter and author Konnie Huq, the show takes an unconventional approach to highlighting the skills required for further education teaching. In this "prank show with purpose," industry professionals from construction, motor mechanics, and catering unknowingly take on the role of teachers. Paired with an "intern" who is actually an undercover further education teacher, they are fed conversation prompts through an earpiece by students and Huq to test their patience, creativity, and ability to mentor others. The show aims to reveal how hands-on industry experience can translate into a teaching career, encouraging more professionals to consider stepping into the classroom.

The series, produced by Zandland, will be available across Channel 4's YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and streaming platforms. Konnie Huq described the experience as both fun and insightful, saying, "It was great to work with the participants in these three fields to see their knowledge and the power of mentorship, whilst of course having a lot of fun coming up with the conversations and pranks carried out by the undercover interns." Channel 4's Rupinder Downie called the show "engaging, surprising, and heartwarming," while Digital Commissioning Executive Stephen Parnell highlighted its potential to introduce new talent and inspire viewers. Executive Producer Josh Reynolds described the series as a "unique social experiment" that blends entertainment with a meaningful message about the value of further education.

Romance and Rural Chaos Collide in "How’s She Cuttin’?"

Image: Nice One Productions

By Jon Donnis

BBC One Northern Ireland is set to bring a fresh take on romantic comedy with How's She Cuttin'?, a lively and affectionate look at life in the farming community. The series follows the well-intentioned but hopelessly chaotic Claire (Claire Corrigan), who is on a mission to marry the farmer of her dreams.

After being thrown out of the local cattle mart for a little too much flirting, Claire sets her sights on a handsome stranger (Adam Gillian). The only problem? He's an American lawyer who has just inherited a farm – and he wants nothing to do with it. Determined to stop him from selling up and returning to New York, Claire enlists the help of her best friend Nora (Emer Maguire), a canteen worker with dreams of escaping to the Big Apple herself.

Together, the pair set out on a mission to change the American's mind, leading to plenty of mischief, matchmaking mishaps, and even the help of an unexpected wingman – a chicken named Chuck Norris.

Claire Corrigan, creator and star, describes the series as a love letter to the quirks and charm of rural life. "How's She Cuttin'? is an affectionate and witty look at the farming community, a nod to the country folk, and to the characters we are all familiar with in our daily lives. Our Irish humour is full of mischief, and bringing that to life has been a dream. I can't wait for the audience to enjoy it, love it, and yearn for more."

Produced by Nice One Productions, How's She Cuttin'? airs on Friday 28 March at 10.40pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Northern Ireland. The cast includes Jo Donnelly, Brendan Quinn, and Adam Gillian as the reluctant city boy caught up in Claire's whirlwind of schemes.