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Friday 29 January 2021

Netflix Today Confirmed Original French Series 'Lupin' Will Return Summer 2021

Netflix Today Confirmed Original French Series 'Lupin' Will Return Summer 2021

The series, a worldwide phenomenon, led by Omar Sy, which has been Number 1 in Netflix's Top 10 across more than ten countries, will return in Summer 2021. The 5 new episodes are directed by Ludovic Bernard (The Climb) and Hugo Gélin (Love at second sight).

Cast: Omar Sy, Hervé Pierre, Nicole Garcia, Clotilde Hesme, Ludivine Sagnier, Antoine Gouy, Shirine Boutella,Soufiane Guerrab.
Created by George Kay in collaboration with François Uzan.
Directed by Ludovic Bernard (episodes 6 &7), Hugo Gélin (episodes 8,9 & 10)
Produced by Gaumont Télévision (Isabelle Degeorges, Nathan Franck)
The second part will be composed of 5 episodes

Emmy®-nominated comedy drama Ramy is coming to Channel 4

Channel 4 has acquired the critically acclaimed dramedy Ramy (10x30') from Lionsgate Television, with season one launching on Friday 5th February on Channel 4 and episodes then available on All 4.

Golden Globe® winner and comedian Ramy Youssef (Mr Robot) stars in the titular role as a millennial Egyptian American on a spiritual journey, caught between the two cultures of his politically divided New Jersey neighbourhood.

Squeezed between a Muslim community that thinks life is a moral test and a generation that thinks life has no consequences, Ramy explores what it's like to be a first-generation Muslim immigrant in modern America; juggling work, dating and faith - often at the same time.

Created by Ramy Youssef, Ari Katcher (The Carmichael Show) and Ryan Welch (On the Count of Three), the series also stars Mohammed Amer (Crashing) as Mo, Ramy's friend who owns a diner, Hiam Abbass (Blade Runner) as Ramy's mother Maysa Hassan, Amr Waked (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) as his father Farouk Hassan, Dave Merheje (Criminal: Become Vengeance) as Ahmed, another of Ramy's friends who happens to be a doctor and May Calamawy (The Brave) as Ramy's grad student sister Dena Hassan who's frustrated that her actions and behaviour are still restricted by her overprotective parents.

The Celebrity bakers return to the tent for Stand Up To Cancer

The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer returns to Channel 4 this spring. Across five new episodes twenty famous faces, from the worlds of entertainment, sport, music and film, will roll up their sleeves and switch on their mixers to do their bit in the fight against cancer.

The stars lining their baking tins in the Bake Off tent are BAFTA winning and Golden Globe nominated actor James McAvoy, actress Daisy Ridley, double Olympic Champion, Dame Kelly Holmes, actor and comedian John Bishop, documentary maker and author Stacey Dooley, comedian and presenter Tom Allen, comedian, author, screenwriter and television presenter David Baddiel, Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, internet celebrity KSI,TV presenter and Paralympian Ade Adepitan MBE, author and broadcaster Philippa Perry, broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, comedian Rob Beckett, singer-songwriter Alexandra Burke, TV personality Anneka Rice, actor Reece Shearsmith, musician Dizzee Rascal, multi-platinum selling artist, Anne-Marie, singer-songwriter Nadine Coyle and comedian, writer, presenter and actress Katherine Ryan

Each episode will see four celebrities battle it out over three challenges – the Signature, the Technical and the Showstopper – showing off their baking prowess in a bid to be awarded the coveted Star Baker apron.

In the Bake Off tent Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood will skilfully and  meticulously judge each bake whilst host Matt Lucas is on hand, keeping time and spirits up.  

The series is in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 that brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving research.  Since its launch in the UK in 2012, the RTS award-winning and BAFTA nominated Stand Up To Cancer has raised over £62 million t funding 55 clinical trials and projects involving 11,000 cancer patients across the country.

Tuesday 26 January 2021

Intergalactic – Premieres in spring 2021 on Sky One

 

Written by award-winning showrunner, Julie Gearey (Prisoners’ Wives, Cuffs, Secret Diary of a Call Girl), Intergalactic tells the story of fearless young cop and galactic pilot, Ash Harper (Savannah Steyn), who has her glittering career ripped away from her after being wrongly convicted of a treasonous crime and exiled to a distant prison colony. But on the way there, Ash’s fellow convicts stage a mutiny and seize control of their prison transfer ship. With the flight crew dead, mob leader Tula Quik (Sharon Duncan-Brewster), is intent on reaching the free world – Arcadia – with her gang; and Ash is the only pilot who can get them there. Ash is forced to join them on the run towards a distant galaxy and an uncertain future. From the fringes of outer space to the depths of human emotion, Intergalactic is a drama set in space, but with its feet firmly on the ground. This high-octane drama also stars Eleanor Tomlinson, Thomas Turgoose, Natasha O’Keeffe, Oliver Coopersmith, Imogen Daines, new comer Diany Samba-Bandza, Parminder Nagra and Craig Parkinson.

Intergalactic was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content at Sky and Cameron Roach, Sky’s Director of Drama at Sky Studios. Paul Gilbert and Serena Thompson are the executive producers for Sky Studios. The series is executive produced by showrunner Julie Gearey, director Kieron Hawkes (Fortitude, Power, Strike), Iona Vrolyk for Tiger Aspect Productions and Frith Tiplady for Moonage Pictures. Will Gould and Matthew Read for Moonage Pictures and Richard Foster and Tony Moulsdale for Motion Content Group are also executive producers. The series producer is Nick Pitt (Black Mirror, Misfits).

Monday 25 January 2021

Shark with Steve Backshall – Premieres in autumn 2021 on Sky Nature

 

This revelatory series celebrates the wonder of sharks and dispels the myth that they are just cold-blooded killers. Steve Backshall, a naturalist and shark expert, gets us closer to sharks, to encounter a diverse and incredible family of over 400 different types. Teaming up with world-leading scientists, Steve will make stunning discoveries, revealing glow in the dark sharks, sharks that walk on land and ancient sharks over 400 years old.

Now more than ever this incredible family needs our help. Every hour we lose over 11,000 sharks to overfishing, shark finning and habitat destruction. Steve will confront the uncomfortable truths and join shark advocates across the globe to help turn the tide for sharks. Coming eye to eye with this feared yet misunderstood predator, Steve will reveal sharks in a brand-new light.

Shark with Steve Backshall is a Sky Original documentary commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s Managing Director of Content and Poppy Dixon, Director of Documentaries and Factual. Produced by True to Nature and Sky Studios, NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of the series.

Bloods - Trailer - – All episodes available on March 10 2021 on Sky One and NOW TV


BAFTA-nominated Samson Kayo and Golden Globe-nominated Jane Horrocks star in six-part Sky Original comedy series Bloods as paramedic partners in the South London ambulance service. When tough-acting loner Maleek is paired with over-friendly divorcee Wendy, their partnership looks dead on arrival. But pretty soon they’re giving each other life support. An ensemble comedy starring Lucy Punch, Julian Barrett, Adrian Scarborough, Kevin Garry, Sam Campbell and Aasiya Shah. With heart-warming characters, set within the fast-paced, never-ending rush of 999 call outs, Bloods charts Maleek and Wendy’s struggle to gain the respect of their fellow paramedics.

Bloods is being made for Sky by Roughcut TV and was commissioned by Jon Mountague, Sky Studios’ Director of Comedy and Tilusha Ghelani Commissioning editor for Sky Studios. Created by Samson Kayo and Nathan Byron the show is written by Nathan Byron and Paul Doolan (Trollied) and produced by Seb Barwell (Stath Lets Flats). The executive producers for Roughcut are Ash Atalla (The Office, The IT Crowd) and Alex Smith (Trollied). Bloods will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.

Bloods – All episodes available on March 10 2021 on Sky One and NOW TV

Temple 2 - First Look Trailer Sky One


Temple 2 – Premieres in autumn 2021 on Sky One and NOW TV

Temple is back and this time, Daniel is in even deeper trouble. In the first season, he just about kept the plates in the air as he looked after his wife, Beth, in an illicit clinic underneath Temple tube station. But now everything comes crashing down as Beth wakes from her coma and demands answers. Eve wants to know why her parents have been lying to her, Lee joins forces with a charismatic activist and Anna is desperate to make something positive out of the situation, even if that means luring patients to the bunker for some illegal trials. Mark Strong, Carice van Houten, Daniel Mays, Catherine McCormack, Lily Newmark, Ryan McKen and Tobi King Bakare return and are joined by new faces as the story continues in dramatic and unexpected ways.

Amongst the new arrivals are dubious and deeply unpredictable underworld fixer Gubby, played by BAFTA-winner Rhys Ifans and his poetic but frequently inebriated medical assistant, Dermot, played by Michael Smiley. Also joining are BIFA-winner Ruthxjiah Bellenea , Mandeep Dhillon, Jamie Michie, Will Keen and Bafta winner Gbemisola Ikumelo.

Temple series two was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s Managing Director of Content and Cameron Roach, Sky’s Director of Drama with Gabriel Silver as the executive producer for Sky Studios. The series is produced by Hera Pictures with executive producers Liza Marshall and Mark Strong. International distribution is being led by NBCUniversal Global Distribution.


Bruno v Tyson | First Look Trailer | Sky Documentaries

 

Bruno v Tyson– Premieres on February 26 2021 on Sky Documentaries and NOW TV

From Oscar and BAFTA winning film-maker Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland) and Benjamin Hirsch (Idris Elba: No Limits, Idris Elba: Fighter), Bruno v Tyson profiles the staggering highs and lows of one of sport’s most iconic rivalries. The compelling film explores what happened when Britain’s gentle giant, Frank Bruno, came up against America’s ‘baddest man on the planet’ Mike Tyson.

A complex battle between friend and foe, America and Britain, Bruno v Tyson charts the rivalry and subsequent reunion that came to define one of boxing’s most iconic clashes, and the fascinating ways that Frank Bruno and Mike Tyson’s lives were to remain connected beyond the ring.


Brassic 3 - First Look Trailer - Sky One

 

Sky’s biggest original comedy returns. In the last season of Brassic, fans were left with a cliff-hanger: What did Erin (Michelle Keegan) whisper to Vinnie (Joe Gilgun)? Join them and the rest of the gang - Tommo, Dylan, JJ, Ashley, Carol, Cardi, Sugar and Farmer Jim - as they continue to celebrate the chaos with more misadventures and schemes.

Thrilling, funny and specially extended to eight episodes, the new season sees the friends thrown deeper and deeper into trouble. With pressure building from the Police and crime boss Mr. McCann, Vinnie is forced to ruthlessly take no prisoners in his bid to escape. Bigger, bolder and more bonkers than ever, it’s a hectic world of bulls, snakes, kidnappings, betrayal, and this time, a full-size horse... It’s classic Brassic!

Brassic 3 is being made for Sky by Calamity Films and was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s Managing Director of Content and Jon Mountague, Sky Studios’ Director of Comedy. The executive producers are David Livingston for Calamity Films, alongside Joe Gilgun and Danny Brocklehurst.

Starring Michelle Keegan & Joseph Gilgun

Sunday 24 January 2021

Kenneth Branagh to play U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Sky Original drama This Sceptred Isle

Sky today announced the commission of a major new limited series, This Sceptred Isle. The Sky Original drama which will air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW TV will be produced by Fremantle, Richard Brown's Passenger and Michael Winterbottom's Revolution Films. BAFTA and Emmy award-winning actor Kenneth Branagh will play U.K. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. The five-part drama will chart the events surrounding the U.K. Prime Minister, the government, and the country in the face of the first wave of the global pandemic.

This Sceptred Isle will tell the tale of some of the most devastating events to ever befall the United Kingdom, and of a Prime Minister leading in these unprecedented times. The drama will trace the impact on Britain from this once in a generation pandemic, and the response of scientists, nurses, and doctors as they worked tirelessly and heroically to contain and overcome the virus. It is based on the first-hand testimony of people from all walks of life; from Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health, The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and from hospitals and care homes across the country.

Michael Winterbottom has co-written the series with Kieron Quirke, and will direct all five episodes. He will also Executive Produce alongside Richard Brown (Passenger). Melissa Parmenter (Revolution Films) will produce alongside Josh Hyams and Anthony Wilcox. Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times, is acting as a consultant on the series. This Sceptred Isle is the first project to emerge from a multi-year first look deal for scripted drama series struck by Fremantle and Passenger with Revolution Films.

Winterbottom has a track record of making factual based dramas including the award-winning films Welcome to Sarajevo, A Mighty Heart, 24 Hour Party People and The Road to Guantanamo.

Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway returns February 2021

Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returns February 2021

The multi award-winning Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway returns live to ITV this February for the happiest ninety minutes of the week.

Here is an exclusive first look at the new on air promo that will premiere on screen from tomorrow night.

Wednesday 20 January 2021

Further cast announcement for ITV’s McDonald & Dodds


Saira Choudhry, Rosie Day, Nitin Ganatra, Nicholas Goh, Siobhan Hewlett, Sarah Parish and Rhashan Stone join the cast for the third and final film of series two of ITV's McDonald & Dodds

Saira Choudhry, Rosie Day, Nitin Ganatra, Nicholas Goh, Siobhan Hewlett, Sarah Parish and Rhashan Stone joined the cast for the third film of series two of ITV's McDonald & Dodds, alongside leading actors Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia.

Filming has now finished on the contemporary detective drama series, produced by leading independent production company, Mammoth Screen, an ITV Studios company, and is due to air next month on ITV. 

The new series sees Tala Gouveia (Cold Feet) and BAFTA award winning actor Jason Watkins (The Lost Honour Of Christopher Jefferies, Des) reprise their roles as the smart and ambitious DCI McDonald and the humble, and quietly brilliant, DS Dodds in three new murder mysteries. They are joined in the third film by guest cast members Saira Choudhry (No Offence), Rosie Day (Outlander), Nitin Ganatra (EastEnders), Nicholas Goh (Skyfall), Siobhan Hewlett (Sherlock), Sarah Parish (Bancroft) and Rhashan Stone (Finding Alice).

Returning cast includes James Murray as Chief Superintendent Houseman, Jack Riddiford as DC Darren Craig with Lily Sacofsky joining as DC Milena Pachiorkowski.

Set in picturesque Bath, the series pairs feisty DCI McDonald, who has recently transferred from London's Met Police, with the unassuming DS Dodds, who has been happy in the background for most of his working life. To McDonald's surprise they form an unexpectedly effective crime solving partnership.

The third film tells the story of a social media influencer Rose Boleyn (Rosie Day) who elects to have plastic surgery at a clinic run by soon to be divorced couple Al (Rhashan Stone) and Mariel (Sarah Parish). After tragedy strikes, McDonald & Dodds are brought in to investigate the clinic and its staff. Nitin Ganatra plays anesthetist Dr Dan McCartney, Saira Choudhry is clinic receptionist Alliyah, Nicholas Goh and Siobhan Hewlett play theatre nurses Jian Yang and Penny Haggard. 


Date of 2021 NTAs announced


Britain's most popular TV awards show, the NTAs, have today announced the show will be rescheduled to take place live on Thursday 9th September 2021 from The O2 London.

Exec Producer Kim Turberville said:

"The NTAs will return to The O2 London in September to mark the UK's best, boldest and most beloved TV shows with a surprise-packed event – and we look forward to seeing you on the night for a celebration like no other."

The NTAs is unique as the only UK TV awards ceremony where all the winners are chosen exclusively by the public via a huge nationwide poll and the results are revealed live on the night!

Expect exciting new categories, high octane drama, special guest performances and a night when some much-needed glitz and glamour returns to our screens!

Tickets are on sale now at nationaltvawards.com and existing tickets will of course be honoured for the new date.

Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson to present Reality News on E4



We know it's almost impossible to keep up with all the gossip and drama from the world of reality TV. But fear not, TOWIE's Pete Wicks and Made in Chelsea's Sam Thompson have the perfect solution – and it's launching this month!

Following the hugely popular Instagram series, of the same name, the 12 x 15" series will build on its triumphant success across the breadth of E4's digital and linear platforms. Pete & Sam's Reality News will launch on Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram and All 4 from Monday 25th January 2021 and will also air on E4 at 11pm each week.

Across each episode, the self-described z-listers will anchor the news service providing you with all the essential information - including high and lows, rows and reconciliations from the hottest reality TV shows.

The duo will bring their unique charm and honest opinions to some of the most laugh out loud and outrageous stories making the headlines. The boys will also be joined by celebrity guests, conduct some juicy interviews and give a platform to up and coming comedians and presenters.

Sam Thompson commented, "It's a dream come true, who would have thought I not only get to work with my best mate Pete, but thanks to Channel 4 we get to bring the best reality news to the masses!"

Pete Wicks commented, "Can't quite believe it, I give us four weeks before we're taken off air..."

Tuesday 19 January 2021

The Bay Series 2 - 20 January 2021

Watch the entire new series of The Bay on the ITV Hub from 20 January 2021.

ITV
Wed 20 Jan 2021
9.00pm - 10.00pm

Series overview

After dealing with the repercussions of her actions from last year, DC Lisa Armstrong is given the opportunity to step up when asked to assist a murder investigation in Morecambe.

Episode 1

After dealing with the repercussions of her actions from last year, DC Lisa Armstrong is given the opportunity to prove herself when asked to assist a murder investigation in Morecambe. Tensions remain high as Lisa struggles to do her job whilst following the orders of her previously lower ranking colleague, Med. As the team try to uncover why the victim was targeted, Lisa and her kids are unknowingly stalked by a mysterious figure who has returned with an agenda.

Full cast list
           
DC Lisa Armstrong - Morven Christie
DI Tony Manning - Daniel Ryan
Stephen Marshbrook - Stephen Tompkinson
Bill Bradwell - James Cosmo
Andy Warren - Joe Absolom
Penny Armstrong - Lindsey Coulson
Abbie Armstrong - Imogen King
Lyn Chee - Wendy Kweh
Ds Alexander Stewart - Simon Manyonda
Frank Mercer - Owen Mcdonnell
DS Med Kharim - Taheen Modak
Rob Armstrong - Art Parkinson
Mark Bradwell - Steven Robertson
Stella Bradwell - Sunetra Sarker
Rose Marshbrook - Sharon Small
Ellen Manning - Kerrie Taylor
Oliver Marshbrook - Leo Ashton
Cass Hammond - Kelcie Atkinson
Delivery Man - Aleksandar Mikic
Mrs Ollerenshaw - Angela Bain
DC Eddie Martin - Thomas Law

Secret Safari: Into The Wild

Starts Tuesday 26 January at 8 pm on Channel 4

Kenya's breath-taking conservancy, Ol Pejeta is one of the last remaining untamed places on Earth, and it's the setting for this brand-new six-part series taking you on an intimate journey into the lives of an incredible cast of 13,000 wild animal characters. For the first time, their stories are told through the eyes of those who know them best – a team of dedicated rangers who live and work side by side with the animals they help protect.


With unprecedented access to both this extraordinary landscape and the animal characters that live there, we reveal the epic scale, the huge emotional investment and the genuine physical danger that staff here experience as they work to protect some of the world's rarest and most beautiful creatures.  

Narrated by ANDREW SCOTT, each episode explores animal stories of birth, life and death – told through the sometimes funny and always moving and powerful testimony of the rangers and staff who know the animals best. The journey starts here...

Actor Glen Wallace to soon be hitting the cobblestones in Coronation Street and the long awaited third season of Marcella

This January Glen Wallace will be taking over our TV screens in two hit series - ITV's award-winning drama Marcella, as well as ticking another top British soap off his list and hitting the cobblestones of Coronation Street.
 
Glen will be appearing in Coronation Street from 29th January as Lucas, a business associate of Carla's who finds himself embroiled in her personal problems too...!
 
From the BAFTA nominated The Secret, to his British Soap Award nominated performance as Malachy Fisher in Hollyoaks, Northern Irish actor Glen Wallace has also appeared in Wire in the Blood, Casualty and Eastenders.


Marcella is set to return to ITV on Tuesday, January 26 at 9pm.

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.

Saturday 16 January 2021

Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters set to return in fourth installment of Sky Original Bulletproof

Noel Clarke and Ashley Walters will very soon reprise their roles as Aaron Pike and Ronnie Bishop in the Bulletproof franchise as Sky announces its commission for a fourth, 8x60' series to air on Sky One and TV streaming service NOW TV.

After two hugely successful series of the Sky Original, and with the upcoming special third instalment Bulletproof: South Africa hitting screens on 20th January, 9pm, Sky One, audiences will again be reunited with their favourite cop duo. Bishop and Pike are set to be implicated in a grisly murder, leaving their jobs, lives and families hanging in the balance. The pair must use every ounce of skill and tenacity to bring down the most untouchable villain they've ever faced.

Shooting is scheduled for later this year in and around London.

Noel Clarke said:"We are ecstatic that Bulletproof has been commissioned for yet another season. It is a testament to the hard-working cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes making it all happen. We work hard to bring you something entertaining and heartfelt and we hope you enjoy it when it returns!"

Ashley Walters said: "I am so pleased we can continue the journey of Bishop and Pike. This show has stood the test of time because of the heart we put into it. We really appreciate the support we have had from all that have watched. See you again soon."

Produced by British independent, Vertigo Films, Bulletproof is a hugely successful Sky Original show, becoming one of the highest rating titles on Sky One since launching in 2018.

Coronation Street welcomes new character Ronnie Bailey to Weatherfield

Life is about to get a lot more complicated for the Bailey family as the newest member of the clan arrives in Weatherfield.

Ronnie, Ed's brother, will be played by Vinta Morgan and will walk on to the famous Corrie cobbles next month, first appearing on our screens on Friday 19th February.

Pulling onto the street in his flash sports car, Ronnie is greeted by a thrilled Ed and Michael who take him for a drink in the Rovers. But as the brothers reminisce about the old times, Aggie is clearly on edge and later admits to Grace that she can't relax around Ronnie as he has a habit of leading Ed astray.

Her concerns mount when Ed reveals that Ronnie is looking to move to the area but the reason for his hasty relocation is still shrouded in mystery. With the Baileys still coming to terms with Michael and Grace's baby announcement Ronnie's entrance has come at the worst possible moment for Aggie in particular.

London living Ronnie is the wayward uncle who can be slightly ruthless but irrepressibly charming. At 51, he is single and missing his family. He's done well for himself over the years and as an entrepreneur and investor has a keen eye for business with Lady Luck always on his side where money is concerned.

And with no sign of a woman in his life the ladies of Weatherfield better watch out, it won't be long before this charmer turns his attention to romance.

Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod says: "Ronnie Bailey is a massive injection of chaos, energy and humour. He is a Jack the Lad that will tip their current cosy existence on it's head and set many cats among many pigeons, up and down the street, much to Ed's exasperation.

In comes Ronnie with a hand grenade with the pin already out and we are all wondering when he is going to drop it and as you can predict on a show like ours he will drop it when it will do maximum damage. It's an exciting time in the Bailey household."

Actor Vinta Morgan whose recent credits include Unforgotten, Ted Lasso and Grace Under Pressure, said of getting the role of Ronnie: "It's so great to be joining Coronation Street. I grew up watching it, I know the characters, I've lived the stories and now, to play my part on the street, I can only say I'm blessed.

In my household it has always been a firm favourite and I'm so thrilled to be joining as this enigmatic character."

Channel 4 announce Friday Night Dinner Night (w/t)

At 10pm on Friday the 25th February 2011, the great British nation found themselves face to face with a hairy topless man chomping his way through a 'lovely bit of squirrel'; an overly-excitable woman desperate for her 'Bobble' to meet a nice 'female'; two boys called 'Pissface' and 'Pusface' who enjoyed poisoning each other with saltwater - and a certain neighbour who was terrified of his own dog... Friday nights were never the same again.

Six series and 37 episodes later, Friday Night Dinner has grown to become one of the biggest, best-loved sitcoms in the UK. Viewers of all ages have loved the series for its relatability, warmth, laugh-out-loud silliness, and ridiculously quotable lines. Friday Night Dinner is a show that unites families - one they can all sit down to watch together. The show's a true phenomenon, spawning thousands of memes, and hundreds of tattoos - yup, including that guy who got 'lovely bit of squirrel' on his arse!  

And now - for the show's 10th anniversary - we bring you an entire night dedicated to the silliest, saltiest, squirrelest family on TV…

Friday Night Dinner Night includes a brand new 90 minute celebratory documentary 'You Look Nice: The True Story of Friday Night Dinner' (w/t) a behind the scenes look at every aspect of the show - from its humble beginnings as a 5 minute pilot, shot in creator Robert Popper's parent's house (where his actual dad walked into the middle of a scene to announce, 'I'm going out now to buy some bin liners')- to its glorious, tear-inducing series six finale, some 925 screen minutes later.

The documentary will  delve into just why the show has touched so many hearts, including interviews with main cast - Tamsin Greig (Mum), Paul Ritter (Dad), Simon Bird (Adam), Tom Rosenthal (Jonny) - plus, of course, oddball neighbour, Mark Heap (Jim)
We'll also get to hear from some of the supporting  cast, including Tracy-Ann Oberman (Auntie Val), Rosie Cavaliero (The Other Jackie), Harry Landis (Mr Morris), Matthew Holness (Chris Parker), Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Nick). As well as meeting fans of the series, including Claudia Winkleman, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Lou Sanders, David Baddiel, Nihal Arthanayake and Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Friday Night Dinner Night will feature exclusive behind the scenes footage, insights and anecdotes from the cast and crew on making the series, interviews with Friday Night Dinner superfans and outtakes which have never been broadcast on British television until now.

The documentary will then be followed by the nation's Top 3 favourite Friday Night Dinner episodes - as voted by the British public - and played back-to back on Channel 4.

A first look at the new series of Dead Pixels

The new instalment has arrived! Dead Pixels from the BAFTA award-winning writer Jon Brown returns to E4 on 26 Jan at 10pm. Every episode will also be available on All 4.

Dead Pixels series two sees the arrival of a new instalment of Kingdom Scrolls for our gaming fanatics. But their excitement is quickly quashed when they discover that the game, they love so much has been commercialised and overrun by a younger generation of players.

Meg starts to wonder whether it's time for her to grow up and move on, Usman goes to increasing extremes to hide his gaming from his wife and Nicky falls for a girl online who he invites to come and stay.

Which definitely doesn't cause any issues between him and Meg, because they definitely don't have feelings for each other.

Loki (TV series) Trailer - Starring Tom Hiddleston & Owen Wilson

 

Loki is an upcoming American television series created by MichaeWaldron for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise.

The series takes place after the events of the film #Avengers: Endgame (2019), in which an alternate version of Loki created a new timeline. Loki is produced by Marvel Studios, with Waldron serving as head writer and Kate Herron directing for the first season.

Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Loki from the film series. Owen Wilson, Sophia DiMartino, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Sasha Lane, and Wunmi Mosaku also star.

Loki is scheduled to premiere in May 2021, and its first season will consist of six episodes. It will be part of Phase Four of the MCU. A second season is in development.

Synopsis

Loki is brought to the mysterious Time Variance Authority organization after stealing the Tesseract during the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), and travels through time altering human history using it, ending up trapped in his own crime thriller.

Tuesday 12 January 2021

Judy Murray explores the making of legendary female athletes in new ten-part documentary series Driving Force

Exploring the making of ten legendary female athletes and the influences behind their success, Driving Force will premiere on Sky Documentaries on Monday 25th January at 20:00.

Led by Judy Murray OBE, the docuseries takes a look at a generation of stars changing sports equality for women and follows their incredible journeys. Among the athletes and contributors featured are Nicola Adams, Victoria Pendleton, Dina Asher Smith, Billie Jean King and Christine Ohuruogu.

In each of the intimate conversations with Judy Murray, the women share details of their personal and professional lives and the staggering highs and lows of professional sport. The series explores physical training extremes, sexism and discrimination, coaching and the importance of mental health, alongside Judy Murray's own exploration into what makes these athletes tick.

Monday 11 January 2021

Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse becomes Sky’s biggest rated Christmas Show ever

Sky original, Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse, launched on Sky One with a 7 day cumulative audience of 3.12m, making it the biggest rating show of the Christmas period for Sky ever.

Sky One's festive schedule proved a hit with viewers, with Jack and the Beanstalk: After Ever After drawing in a cumulative audience of 1.77m to date which is up on the previous year's Cinderella: After Ever After and other shows such as A League of Their Own Christmas Special bringing in a strong audience of 1.6m.
Viewers also tuned into content on Sky Arts and Sky Comedy, as both channels reported their best ratings ever across New Year's Eve and New Year's Day respectively.
According to BARB data, 2020 is Sky's best Christmas ever (since 2002), as the Christmas Eve-Boxing Day period was up +29% YoY across the Sky Entertainment channels.

Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse, is inspired by the true story of when a six-year old Roald Dahl set off on a big adventure to meet his favourite author, Beatrix Potter. It's a magical story of what can happen when you are brave enough to follow your dreams… The one-off Sky original has been described as "a beguiling Christmas treat" and "a charming festive story" by critics.

Critical Acclaim for Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse

"A truly heart-warming tale" Daily Telegraph
"A charming festive story" Daily Mail Weekend
***** - Mail On Sunday
"A beguiling Christmas treat" Daily Telegraph
"One of the very best things on this Christmas" The Times
"Moving and magical" The Times
"A must watch" Spectator Life
Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse is available on Sky On Demand and streaming service NOW TV.

The Chase off to a great start in the US

ITV Studios' #1 quiz show The Chase launched in the US on ABC and immediately attracted audience's attention. With more 6.2 million viewers, the show brought in a 0.9 rating point in the key demographic and was the winner in the time slot of the younger demographic (18-34). Fair to say: The Chase is on in the United States, featuring the well-known quizzers from fellow game show Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter and hosted by The View's Sara Haines.

The Chase US is locally produced by ITV America's ITV Entertainment. Three contestants compete against a "quiz genius" (the Chaser), facing a number of general knowledge questions, followed by a one-on-one with a Chaser. In the final round the contestants work together, fighting to win a cash prize.

The Chase first appeared on UK screens – where it is produced by ITV Studios label Potato – in 2009. Since then, it has gone on to be commissioned in 15 territories including Australia, Denmark, Germany and Spain.

Friday 8 January 2021

Britain's Got Talent - postponement

An ITV spokesperson said:

"The filming for the 15th series of Britain's Got Talent has been postponed from its proposed record dates in late January.

"With the announcement of the latest Government health guidelines and with our priority of safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in our programmes we, together with the production teams at Thames and Syco, have taken the decision to move the record and broadcast of the forthcoming series.

"We will confirm revised dates in due course."

Background

Whilst most productions are able to continue filming due to the extensive industry wide and company Covid protocols that are in place, in this case hundreds of people are involved in the making of the audition shows which last for ten days with up to 20 auditions a day. Acts travel from all over the country and indeed the globe and it isn't viable to have all those people moving around and travelling to London to film.

BGT is known for its diversity of talent with big dance groups, wonderful choirs and lavish orchestras at its heart and it has become clear that not only is it not possible to film auditions with these types of acts in a secure way but also that they are not able to adequately rehearse and preparely safely.  Safety has to come first and the impact that this would have not only on the production of the show but also creatively meant that the recording of the audition shows can't go ahead as planned.

Thursday 7 January 2021

A Discovery of Witches Season 2 Preview


The second series of A Discovery of Witches sees Matthew and Diana hiding in time in the fascinating and treacherous world of Elizabethan London. Here they must find a powerful witch to help Diana master her magic and search for the elusive Book of Life. Enemies are everywhere, the threat to witches is growing, and Matthew and Diana’s romance faces a barrage of new threats – from within as much as without. Diana’s unleashed magic takes a dark and frightening turn, while Matthew struggles to re-inhabit the dangerous life he led over four centuries ago. They must overcome deep personal fears and jealousies, baring their darkest secrets to one another if they are to stay alive, stay together and find a way back to the present day.

Back in the present, their reappearance is keenly anticipated. Diana’s beloved aunts, Sarah and Em, must take shelter with notorious witch hunter Ysabeau de Clermont at her ancestral home, Sept-Tours. Meanwhile, in Oxford, Marcus and Miriam take on Matthew’s mantle to protect daemons Nathaniel and Sophie, whose pregnancy is advancing. If news that her baby is a witch reaches their enemies on the Congregation, the consequences could be catastrophic. And Gerbert and Knox are determined to hunt down every clue they can as to Matthew and Diana’s disappearance, and the secrets their allies are keeping from them. Danger is closing in on all sides, not least in the form of a vicious foe from Matthew’s past, one whom no one expected to see again.

The show was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content, Sky UK and Ireland, and Cameron Roach, Director of Drama, Sky Studios. Kara Manley is the executive producer for Sky. Made by Bad Wolf, A Discovery of Witches has been adapted for screen by Pete McTighe (Doctor Who) and Susie Conklin (The Musketeers), who are also executive producers. The co-founders of Bad Wolf, Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, and Lachlan MacKinnon are executive producers along with Deborah Harkness and Farren Blackburn.

Farren Blackburn (The Innocents), Philippa Langdale (Harlots) and Jonathan Teplitzky (The Railway Man) are the directors. Filming took place in South Wales and on location in Oxford and Venice.

Tuesday 5 January 2021

How to Lose Weight Well: Interview with Presenters Dr Helen Lawal and Dr Javid Abdelmoneim

How to Lose Weight Well returns to Channel 4 tonight at 8pm. In this series, Dr Helen Lawal and Dr Javid Abdelmoneim ask members of the public to road test some of the most hyped-up and written about diets on the market today. Dieters are divided into three categories; CRASHERS on short term diets, SHAPE SHIFTERS on four-week programmes and LIFE CHANGERS on six-week diet programmes that might change their lives for good.

For anyone who hasn't seen the series before, how would you describe How to Lose Weight Well?

Dr Helen Lawal: HTLWW is a feel-good show that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to lose weight and be healthier! In the show, our brave and motivated dieters road test a variety of different diets and Javid and I as presenters explore and test out new and emerging weight loss strategies.

Dr Javid Abdelmoneim: We ask members of the public to road test some of the most hyped-up and written about diets on the market today. Dieters are divided into three categories; CRASHERS on short term diets, SHAPE SHIFTERS on four-week programmes and LIFE CHANGERS on six-week diet programmes that might change their lives for good. It's a fast-moving watch that sees pairs of friends/relatives/colleagues each take on a diet in each category. This provides some fun competition!

 
When you are deciding on what diet to give to the contributors do you consider their existing lifestyle or is it just a random selection?

Helen: Their existing lifestyle is considered, including their job, eating habits, cravings and their previous dieting successes and failures! These are just some of the factors that are important when approaching weight loss.


Dieting is quite a difficult thing to do – why do you think people tend to lose interest with diets over time?

Javid: Diet vs eating for life. I think many 'diets' ask people to change their normal eating habits in a way that is not sustainable. For short term weight loss that might be fine but over time you need to learn how to eat for life. That's a different ball game.

Helen: Losing weight is not easy and that's because habits are hard to break, that includes eating habits. Often the dieting approach encourages deprivation and this can be difficult to maintain in the long-term and it's easy to slip back in to old habits.  That's why it's so important to consider lifestyle factors and address these too, including sleep, work, exercise, stress and alcohol.

Javid: Also, there are times in your life when you are motivated by different things. One might be motivated to lose weight for one's wedding but this motivation disappears after the big day and bad habits creep back in. If you're like me then it's hard! I love eating so much but I also know that I have type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure in my family, so I have to stay on top of my waist size in order to keep those at bay. That's generally enough motivation for me…and the next beach holiday of course (whenever that may be). I say, find your motivation and grab hold of it in front of you everyday.


What are the most common mistakes people make when dieting?

Helen: Weight loss is not just about numbers, it's about health and feeling good about yourself! Three common mistakes people make are: Failing to address their relationship with food; Not setting realistic long term weight loss goals; and failing to appreciate that sleep, stress and exercise all have an impact on weight loss.
Javid: Making changes that are drastic and not suited to long term changes is a general mistake people make. Going hard and fast initially can be very motivating if you lose weight quickly but the food you're taking in needs to be something you can stick to for the rest of your life once you achieve your weight goals.

 
What are some ways dieting and exercise can fit more easily into people's lives?

Helen: Creating lots of small, easy habits and routines that fit in to your life and make you feel good is the best approach to take!

Plan your meals for the week ahead and then do the food shop based on this plan- it takes the decisions out of it when you come home from work and are tired and hungry and don't know what to eat, so you are less likely to make poor food choices if you have options you have already planned and prepared.

Whenever you can, batch cook twice the amount and keep the extra in the fridge or freezer- that way, you always have a back-up and it saves loads of time.

Stock up on frozen and tinned vegetables. They are nutritious, despite common misconceptions and still count towards your 5-a-day. They can often be cheaper and are so quick and easy as they don't require any prep! My freezer faves are: spinach, peas, carrots, peppers, raspberries and strawberries! My store cupboard faves are kidney beans, lentils, tinned tomatoes and sweetcorn! And a couple of portions to a curry, stew, omelette or to accompany a meal and you'll have clocked your 5-a-day before you know it!

Exercise is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Make exercise part of your life, e,g  make your commute active, walking meeting at work, meeting friends and doing something physically active, spending your down time with family in the park, outdoors etc And remember even just 10 mins of brisk walking has health benefits. The health benefits of walking are massively underestimated! If it makes you feel warm, breath faster and raises your heart rate you're on to a winner. With exercise, the key is to find something you enjoy that fits in to your lifestyle and gives you that endorphin boost so that you keep going back for more!

Javid: I think enjoyment and ease are key. Whatever you choose to eat and however you choose to exercise you'll stick to it if you enjoy it more and it feels less of a chore. BUT there are some easy tricks. For example, I never take the lift or escalator, always the stairs. I generally "drink zero" - it's empty calories to have sugary drinks, which includes juices and smoothies. How many times a week would you sit down and eat 2 bananas, 3 oranges, half an avocado, 10 blueberries and an apple all at once washed down with half a pint of coconut water? The sugar in fruit smoothies gives me the heebie jeebies! If you must, then try making it more veg based.


Diets are often talked about in terms of "looking good" and "feeling good" but both things are seemingly subjective. As doctors, what do you think is the healthy way of looking at dieting goals?

Helen: People diet for different reasons and everyone's dieting journey is unique. It's fine to have goals that are linked to how you look and feel, but it's also important to think in the long term. Often excess weight creeps on very gradually over a number of years so its important to have a long-term approach and focus on the health benefits.  If you are overweight or obese, losing weight and bringing your BMI down in to the normal range can reduce your risk of a number of health problems including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even certain cancers. Exercise can complement dietary changes nicely by giving you confidence and helping you to feel and look good.

Javid: For me, the highest dieting goal is to achieve a sustainable state. In other words, changes that will stay with you for life. Ideally you would work to get down to a healthy waist size and then tweak your intake so that you stay there with no effort. It's about eating for life rather than dieting per se. You will feel good if you enjoy your food and keep you weight and waist size at a healthy level.


Were there any particularly extraordinary treatments you saw this series?

Helen: I got to test out some pretty whacky approaches to portion control!

Javid: I investigated the future of personalised diets and took a look at biohacking. I have to say both impressed me with the potential for all of us when it comes to nutrition and exercise. Keep your eyes peeled!


Do you have a bitesize tip for losing weight well?

Javid: Make changes that are sustainable. This means the food you eat should be enjoyable. Personally, I cook for myself so that I know there are no hidden ingredients but of course eat out often. It's about balance. Also balancing what you intake with what you burn. I exercise almost daily. Not only is it necessary for health, it helps achieve weight goals and is a great meditation for me.

Helen: I can break it down into seven steps.

*Set a long term goal
*Identify what your motivations are- pick a few that really matter to you
*Break your goal down in to smaller action steps
*To lose weight you have to be in a calorie deficit – get support with this if you need to
*Support and accountability are important, whether it's a weight loss group, an app, a health coach, your GP or a nutritionist. It's okay to need help.
*Think about addressing your stress levels and improving the quality and quantity of your sleep.
*Keep your alcohol consumption within the 14 units a week and switch to lower calorie alcohol options when you can.
 

2020 has obviously been an extraordinary year with the coronavirus pandemic. Have both of you have been working through the pandemic?

Javid: It has indeed. I increased my work in A&E during the first wave to full-time when it was needed and continue now at my usual 50% time. As I write, the second peak is hitting London severely and I expect I shall increase my shifts again as needed. This year has needed flexibility and endurance from all NHS staff. We get on with it as best we can.

Helen: Although I'm an NHS GP, I haven't worked clinically in 2020 and that's because I became a first time Mum in January! I've been on maternity leave – our baby has definitely been a shining light for us during what's been a strange year. He was 9 weeks old when the first national lockdown began. At times I've felt guilty about not being at work to support the tremendous efforts of my colleagues, but have felt immensely proud of the NHS. I'm looking forward to returning to my role as Lifestyle Medicine Lead for OneMedical Group in January supporting the delivery of the vaccine, and helping patients to get their health and wellbeing back on track after a very challenging year.

 
How do you switch off from work?

Javid: Do other work! The TV work I do is a bit of change for me. You know what they say - "a change is as good as a rest". I also work for a medical charity from which I get real enjoyment and fulfilment. To switch off completely and recharge I exercise, I garden, I take long walks in silence - basically do anything solitary

Helen: I love gardening, walks in the Yorkshire countryside, yoga and high intensity exercise classes! Working in TV as a doctor alongside my NHS work has helped me strike a good balance and I always feel so refreshed and excited to return to my clinical work in the NHS after some days away on location filming.

The Art of Political Murder - coming to Sky Documentaries on 12 January

Based on Francisco Goldman's book of the same name and executive-produced by Academy Award winners George Clooney and Grant Heslov, The Art of Political Murder will premiere on Sky Documentaries on Tuesday 12 January at 21.00.

The film tells the story of the 1998 murder of Guatemalan human rights activist, Bishop Juan Gerardi - a murder that stunned a country ravaged by decades of political violence. Bishop Gerardi was found dead in his home just two days after presenting a damning report blaming the atrocities of the civil war on the Guatemalan military. In the murky world of post-war Guatemala, we follow the team of young investigators as they take on the case and begin to unravel a web of conspiracy and corruption, entangling the highest levels of government in their pursuit of the truth.

The Art of Political Murder is directed by Paul Taylor, produced by Teddy Leifer and Regina K. Scully and executive-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov.

Monday 4 January 2021

Beat The Chasers off to a stellar start in the Netherlands and UK

ITV PRESS RELEASE:

ITV Studios' hit quiz show Beat The Chasers launched last night in the Netherlands and despite very heavy competition, it definitely drew attention in the prime time slot on RTL 4. The first episode, locally titled Beat The Champions, was watched by more than 1 million viewers, scoring an impressive 15.5% market share in the key demo (25-54), outperforming the slot average by 16.5%. These strong numbers prove that the Dutch viewers are hooked! Beat The Champions is produced by ITV Studios Netherlands.

Where the Dutch viewers have only just been introduced to the hit format, in the UK the second season kicked off that same Sunday night. Watched by more than 4 million viewers, the thrilling show scored a market share of 22,6% in the key demo. These stellar ratings foreshadow another successful season for Beat The Chasers in the UK, keeping the British viewers on the tip of their chair each night this week.

Beat The Chasers is created by Potato, part of ITV Studios and is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

About Beat The Chasers

In Beat The Chasers, quiz enthusiasts will have the ultimate chance to compete solo against a team of five super quizzers, each with a wealth of general knowledge. Each contestant goes head-to-head against the quizzers trying to win the big cash prize. The question is… is it possible to beat the best quizzers in the country - all by yourself?