ITV detective drama, Grace, begins filming in Brighton

ITV detective drama, Grace, begins filming in Brighton starring John Simm, Richie Campbell and Rakie Ayola, written by acclaimed screenwriter Russell Lewis, based on the bestselling novels from Peter James and co-produced by Second Act Productions, Tall Story Pictures and Vaudeville Productions.

Zoe Tapper joins Grace as Cleo Morey alongside guest actor Arthur Darvill

Three brand new Grace films, adapted from international bestselling author Peter James's award-winning novels, have commenced filming in Brighton with John Simm in the lead role of the tenacious detective.

Acclaimed screenwriter and Endeavour creator, Russell Lewis, has adapted the 3 x 120 screenplays entitled Not Dead Enough, Dead Man's Footsteps and Dead Tomorrow which are devoted to the work of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, a hard-working police officer who has given his life to the job, but walks a career tightrope, as he has the capacity to clash with his boss, ACC Vosper.

Commented John Simm about his return to Grace:

"Everyone involved with Grace is very excited to be back in Brighton bringing the next three Peter James novels to the screen. Like the first two, they've been brilliantly adapted by Russell Lewis and we can't wait to get started."

Richie Campbell and Rakie Ayola also reprise their roles as DS Glenn Branson and ACC Vosper following the success of the first film, Dead Simple, which aired on ITV in March 2021 and achieved consolidated ratings of 8.8m viewers.

Arthur Darvill (World on Fire, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Broadchurch) guest stars in the first film with Zoe Tapper (The One, Liar, Nightflyers) also joining the cast as recurring character, Cleo Morey, a mortuary technician, who takes a shine to Grace.

Co-produced by Second Act Productions, Tall Story Pictures and Vaudeville Productions, the first of the new films, Not Dead Enough, sees Grace and Branson investigating the murder of wealthy socialite and patron of local charities, Katya Bishop, wife of a prominent Brighton entrepreneur, played by Arthur Darvill, who becomes the main suspect in the investigation. The Bishops seem to have led a charmed life, until Grace digs deeper behind the respectable facade and discovers all is not what it seems. Doing so, however, places him unknowingly in grave danger.

 

In Dead Man's Footsteps, Grace leads the inquiry into the discovery of a woman's skeletal remains in an old storm drain, believed to be the wife of a failed Brighton conman, who died several years prior in a plane crash. Grace must re-trace the man's steps in the years before his death, which leads him on a murky trail through the world of Brighton's oldest crime families but it's not only on the professional front that Roy is chasing ghosts.

 

When in Dead Tomorrow a body is dredged up from the seabed of the English Channel it initially appears a burial at sea gone wrong, but a strange incision on the victim soon points to something very sinister. When two more bodies are found, news spreads like wildfire through Sussex and Grace begins to unearth that this is part of an altogether more chilling design, one which forces him to confront the question of just how far anyone would go to save the ones they love.

Kiaran Murray-Smith (Grace, Bulletproof, Silent Witness) returns to produce the series again this year with Henrik Georgsson (Tsunami, The Bridge, Marcella) directing the first film, Brian Kelly (Poldark, The Lock and Downton Abbey) directs the second film and Kate Saxon (Endeavour, Silent Witness, Casualty) will take the helm for the third title, Dead Tomorrow.

 

Mrs Brown’s Boys returns for a live Halloween special on BBC One

There's spooky going's on in the Brown household where anything can, and probably will happen.

Originally a theatre production, Mrs Brown's Boys is created, written by and stars Brendan O'Carroll as misbehaving matriarch Agnes Brown, who just can't help interfering in the lives of her family and friends. The show was first broadcast on BBC One in 2011 and has since become one of biggest comedies on tv. In summer 2016 Mrs Brown's Boys was broadcast live for the first time on BBC One.

Mrs Brown's Boys was voted best sitcom for the 21st century in a Radio Times poll and has won numerous awards, including a Bafta for best scripted comedy (2012), the Writers Guild Great Britain Award (2014) and has won an incredible five National Television Awards for the most popular comedy TV programme (2013 - 2020).

Brendan O'Carroll says: "It's a huge thrill to do another 'live' show for the BBC. It'll be so wonderful so see them nervous all over again. We will be trying our best to stick to the script, but honestly a script is just a guideline Ha ha ha!! Bring it on!"

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, BBC, says: "I'm thrilled that we are marking the 10th anniversary of the award-winning Mrs Brown's Boys coming to BBC One with this very special live broadcast. A huge thank you to Brendan and the team for keeping us all so brilliantly entertained for a decade. I can't wait to see what mischief Agnes and family have in store for us this Halloween."

Filming underway on series seven of Inside No. 9 as cast is confirmed and first look image is revealed

Principal photography is now underway on the seventh series of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's critically acclaimed and BAFTA-award winning anthology series Inside No. 9 (6 x 30), plus a first look image of the brand new series is also revealed alongside casting details.

Produced by BBC Studios Comedy Productions and broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, the new series of Inside No. 9 will feature six stand-alone stories, once again inviting viewers into Shearsmith and Pemberton's world of the extraordinary and macabre.

Headlining series seven are Daniel Mays (Line of Duty, Good Omens), Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, The OA), Sophie Okonedo (The Escape Artist, Britannia), Jessica Hynes (There She Goes, W1A), Diane Morgan (Mandy, Motherland), Daisy Haggard (Back To Life, Breeders), Annette Badland (EastEnders, Doctor Who), Siobhan Redmond (The Replacement, Unforgotten) and Ron Cook (Hot Fuzz, The Salisbury Poisonings).

Also set to feature in the upcoming series is Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton's fellow co-creator, writer and star from The League of Gentlemen, Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula).

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton say: "We hope you'll join us and another incredible cast of actors for more surprises that will make your jaws drop and spines tingle. Heads might even roll, and if not heads, definitely eyes."

Gregor Sharp, Commissioning Editor at the BBC, says: "Inside No. 9 is a crown jewel of comedy and we can't wait to see what twisted gems Reece and Steve have in store for us in the new series."

Josh Cole, Head of Comedy, BBC Studios Production, says: "It's a joy to be back in the Inside No. 9 saddle. Reece and Steve are comic masters, and their new scripts are better than ever. Which really is saying something when the last bunch won Best Comedy at the BAFTAs!"

Since its launch in 2014, Inside No. 9 has received widespread critical acclaim and has won an enviable étagère of awards, including the comedy prize at the 2016 Rose d'Or, two RTS Awards and two BAFTA TV Craft Awards (including Comedy Writing), South Bank Show and Writers' Guild awards. In addition to this, Steve Pemberton won the Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme at the 2019 BAFTA TV Awards and the series won Best Scripted Comedy at the 2021 BAFTA TV Awards.

All previous episodes of Inside No. 9 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer and series seven will premiere on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in 2022.

GamesMaster is set to make a return to E4 later this year

It's been off our screens for 23 years, but the iconic series, GamesMaster is set to make a return to E4 later this year, in partnership with Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook

In this new E4 Digital Original Commission co-produced by Barcroft TV, a Future PLC company and Alaska TV, the 3x60' series will premiere on E4's YouTube before a linear TX on E4. It is the first fully cross-platform branded entertainment deal of this type from 4Studio.

The series will see celebrities, gaming stars and super fans all take part in challenges, races and epic fights. Through virtual battles across a range of games, the competitors will try everything in their power to claim a legendary Golden Joystick Trophy. But whilst they play, they'll be watched over by the all-knowing GamesMaster, famously portrayed in the original by Sir Patrick Moore.

To introduce GamesMaster into the modern era of gaming, E4 has partnered with Oculus from Facebook to showcase Oculus Quest 2, a VR headset that will elevate the players experiences and break out of the two dimensional.

GamesMaster, a Future PLC brand, launched in January 1992 and ran for seven series. The series was the first British show dedicated to gaming and across the run, became a cultural phenomenon with names such as Ian Wright and Zoe Ball as celebrity guests and a young Simon Amstell as a hopeful contestant.

Sacha Khari, Head of Digital Commissioning at Channel 4 said: "GamesMaster was a household name back in the 90's and this new revamped version for social and E4 retains the elements that made this show so special, whilst also bringing it bang up to date, improving game quality and bringing in fresh and current names to tackle the trickiest GamesMaster challenges yet. "

All episodes will premiere on E4's YouTube, followed by a linear play on E4. Further information on the casting, including the face of the GamesMaster, will be revealed in due course.

The partnership with GamesMaster and Oculus Quest 2 from Facebook was brokered by 4Sales working with Mindshare Invention and also includes a digital ad campaign for All 4.

All Creatures Great and Small 'triumphant reboot' returns for Series Two tonight

The charming, much-loved All Creatures Great and Small, based on the hugely popular novels of James Herriot (aka James Alfred Wight OBE), returns for a second series of veterinary adventures, budding romances, and life in the sleepy town of Darrowby, Yorkshire with its rolling fields, and colourful community.

The first series captivated the nation, ranking as Channel 5’s number one British drama of all time and now the much-anticipated series two arrives. Following its run on Channel 5, it comes to DVD alongside the Complete Series 1 & 2 Box set on 22 November 2021, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

We return three months later to follow the trials and tribulations and lives and loves of the locals, surrounded by the beautiful Yorkshire dales, where farmers and vets alike savour a foaming pint at the end of a hard day’s work.

After Helen Anderson (Rachael Shenton – Hollyoaks) jilted her intended, Hugh Helton (Matthew Lewis – Harry Potter), at the altar, she, and James (Nicholas Ralph - The Most Reluctant Convert C.S. Lewis) can finally address their feelings for each other.  But it can be tricky in such a close-knit community where not everyone takes too kindly to Helen’s decision. Prompted by James’ and Helen’s affections, Siegfried (Samuel West – Darkest Hour), Tristan (Callum Woodhouse – The Durrells) and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley – Deadwater Fell) also reflect on their places in the world, meanwhile a trip back home to Glasgow forces James to choose between duty and love…

Series One begins in 1937, Britain where we meet James Herriot, a newly qualified animal surgeon who moves to a small-town in Yorkshire to begin his first job with the irritable but kind veterinarian Siegfried Farnon. Once there, he quickly discovers that treating the animals is as much about looking out for their owners: there are plenty of people and animals to care for, challenges to meet, and life-affirming lessons to learn along the way.

All Creatures Great and Small will love this soul-soothing and heart-warming family favourite.

Buy Series 1 now at https://amzn.to/3EsjeXI

Pre-order series 2 at https://amzn.to/2YYhpkN

 

Maya Jama Confirmed To Host Walk The Line

Acclaimed broadcaster Maya Jama will take the helm as presenter of brand-new show Walk The Line when the show debuts on ITV and ITV Hub later this year.

Maya joins Simon Cowell on the new format, which is co-produced and co-developed by Syco Entertainment and Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios.

Maya Jama is one of the hardest working and most exciting presenters in the industry. She set a new record as the youngest ever host of the MOBO Awards, she hosted the EE BAFTA film red carpet, ITV's Brit Awards Backstage show, Stand up to Cancer and Comic Relief. She's recently been on TV screens presenting Save Our Summer and Glow Up. She's a regular on Celebrity Juice, Celebrity Goggle Box and on the panel of ITV's award-winning show Don't Hate the Playaz. She then recently made her acting debut as Brenda in Katherine Ryan's Netflix series 'The Duchess'.

Walk The Line is a high-octane series offering music acts a chance to win a life changing prize pot of £500,000. The musical acts - be they soloists, duos, bands, or choirs - will take to the stage to perform for the nation, as well as Simon Cowell and a panel of judges to be confirmed in due course.

But to win the money, talent alone isn't enough - the contestants will need nerves of steel as they determine whether to cash out or physically Walk The Line and risk it all to stay in the competition.

Maya Jama said: "If someone said to me, describe your dream job. It would be this! I literally couldn't be more excited to be working with Syco, Lifted Entertainment and the incredible team at ITV on Walk The Line."

Incredible technology takes viewers on an emotional journey deep inside the human body

BBC Factual has commissioned a brand new 6 x 60 min series, Doctor, Can You See Me Now? (w/t) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, to be presented by Kate Garraway with Dr Guddi Singh.

Made by Remarkable Television (part of Banijay UK), this groundbreaking series uses the latest augmented reality know-how and medical imaging technology to allow patients to see inside their own bodies, to better understand their medical condition and the treatment choices available to them.

Patients with a range of common health issues from heart disease to kidney stones, endometriosis to back pain, will experience an extraordinary medical consultation made possible by cutting-edge technology.

They, and viewers, will see in thrilling visual form what is ailing them, as their condition is brought to life in a sensational and interactive way, providing insights and answers to questions which have plagued them for years. And, as they embark on their road to recovery, we will follow them every step of the way.

Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment, says: "We are delighted to be working with Dr Guddi Singh, Kate Garraway and the team at Remarkable to create the next generation of health format which will combine warmth, expertise and cutting-edge technology to provide unprecedented insight into common health conditions."

Kitty Walshe, Managing Director (Factual) Remarkable Television, adds: "We've learnt an enormous amount having reinvented other genres of television through the use of groundbreaking technology, and this series will continue our push into establishing the next generation of popular factual formats using cutting-edge technology.

"Applying it to health will allow us to see conditions we are all familiar with unpacked in such incredible 3D visuals - it is utterly thrilling and takes the genre to the next level. Patrick Furlong, Claire Hughes and the team have done a wonderful job and the series will be a fascinating watch."

Kate Garraway says: "I am thrilled to be part of this fascinating new series that uses the most incredibly advanced technology to help us get a better understanding of how our bodies function when they require urgent medical attention.

"I believe we have all become increasingly curious about our health and well-being since the start of the pandemic, including me personally. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into the fascinating, emotional and empowering journey of all our patients and for them to see what is going on inside their own bodies."

Dr Guddi Singh says: "As a medical doctor who is committed to making health care better, it's been incredibly exciting to be part of this show and to see, first-hand, the possibilities opened up by augmented reality for clinical practice.

"We so often feel as though our doctors don't get us, or that we only really understand a fraction of what we're being told in the clinic. What if augmented reality helped bridge the gap? What if it allowed doctors and patients to connect and make more of their conversations in ways that simply weren't possible before?

"At a time when health has never mattered more, I'm thrilled and privileged to be part of public service broadcasting that explores these questions with the British public."