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Wednesday 28 April 2021

Keeley Hawes & Max Beesley set to star in Sky Original drama The Midwich Cuckoos

Sky announced today casting news for Sky Original drama The Midwich Cuckoos, a dark, disturbing modern-day reimagining of John Wyndham's classic science fiction novel of the same name. BAFTA-nominated Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, It's A Sin), and Max Beesley (The Outsider, Suits) are set to lead the line-up alongside Aisling Loftus (A Discovery of Witches), Ukweli Roach (Blindspot), Synnøve Karlsen (Last Night In Soho, Clique), Lara Rossi (Robin Hood), Lewis Reeves (I May Destroy You), Rebekah Staton (Raised by Wolves) and Anneika Rose (Line of Duty).

The Midwich Cuckoos is set to begin production in London in May and has been adapted for the screen by Emmy award-nominated writer David Farr (The Night Manager, Hanna). The eight-part series is produced by Route 24 (backed by ITV Studios) and Snowed-In Productions, in association with Sky Studios. The modern-day adaptation is set to air on Sky and streaming service NOW in 2022.

Midwich, a small English commuter town, is liberal and aspirational, populated by nuclear families and affluent high streets. A place where nothing much happens – and for a very good reason.

That is until the twilight hours of a summer's day when a sleepy corner of Midwich is plunged into panic. People pass out on their feet without warning, without reason. Anyone who tries to enter meets the same fate. And nobody can understand why. When the mysterious blackout is lifted, life for those affected returns to apparent normality - except every woman of child-bearing age inside the zone has suddenly and inexplicably fallen pregnant.

As news spreads and tensions simmer, it is up to gifted psychotherapist Dr Susannah Zellaby (Hawes) to help support those affected through the emotional wilderness. Susannah's own daughter, Cassie (Karlsen), has fallen pregnant and harbours deep concerns about who, or what, is behind this phenomenon.

Local officer DCI Paul Kirby (Beesley) is tasked with maintaining order but unbeknownst to them all, a terrifying force is building in the comfortable streets of Midwich. These children – potential parasites - flourish under the very love and care that their families give them. Who are these children? And what do they want?

The Midwich Cuckoos is an unnerving fable for our turbulent times, a thrilling, strange and at times horrifying journey into parenthood, which lays bare any parent's worst fear: that the thing most precious to us – a child – might desire our destruction.

Keeley Hawes, lead actor in The Midwich Cuckoos said "I'm absolutely delighted to be working with Sky and the brilliant Ruth Kenley-Letts on David Farr's superb adaptation of The Midwich Cuckoos. I'm very much looking forward to working with the hugely talented Max Beesley and the amazing cast and I can't wait to enter the strange and unsettling world of Midwich!"


ITV commissions new entertainment series Cooking With The Stars

ITV, has commissioned South Shore to deliver a six-part brand-new entertainment cooking competition called Cooking With The Stars. The series, transmitting this summer on ITV and the ITV Hub, will feature eight celebrities, each paired with an accomplished chef who will mentor, teach and take them from passionate amateur to restaurant level chefs.

TV Presenter Emma Willis and comedian Tom Allen are set to host the series where the celebrities will be cooking up a storm week by week in a bid to outdo their rivals.

Trained by their professional chef partner they'll prepare and present their dishes for judgement. Their mentor chefs then become judges, rating the other celebrity cooks, with the bottom two at risk of leaving the competition. Should they end up in the bottom two the celebrities will be fighting for their place in the contest on their own, with no help from their teacher, as they each present a dish in the hope of saving their spot. This eliminator round is decided by a blind testing from the chefs – unaware of whose food they're passing judgement over the greatest supporter could swiftly and unwittingly become the worst critic and vote for their protégé to leave the competition.

Emma Willis said: "I absolutely love cooking so I can't wait to see the celebrities in the kitchen showing what they have or haven't learnt. What a brilliant opportunity to be trained by some of the best chefs in the business and I'm hoping I can pick up a few tips too. I know it's going to be a lot of fun hosting with the brilliant Tom Allen so I can't wait to get started."

Tom Allen said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be working with Emma and an amazing team of chefs and celebrities. I have a feeling everyone's going to be put through their paces but we're going to have a lot of fun along the way!"

Channel 4 confirms high-octane thriller Before We Die to air from May

Lesley Sharp leads the cast as DI Hannah Laing in new Channel 4 drama, Before We Die.

Channel 4 today unveils a first-look of award-winning actress, Lesley Sharp (Scott & Bailey, Three Girls, Bob & Rose), in the headline role of its new, high-octane thriller, Before We Die.

Coming to Channel 4 screens next month, the six-part series stars Lesley as Hannah Laing, a senior Police detective who is forced to make a terrible decision as her son, Christian – played by Patrick Gibson (The OA & Tolkien) – goes off the rails. With their relationship seemingly beyond repair, Hannah gets a chance at redemption when Christian becomes caught up in the investigation into the brutal murder of one of Hannah's colleagues and their paths cross again in unexpected circumstances.

Offering the sharpest possible contrast to Hannah's dysfunctional relationship with her son, the tight-knit Mimica family left Croatia for Bristol and now run a successful restaurant, where Christian works. But under the guidance of the ruthless eldest son, Davor, they are ambitious to expand their criminal activities, which risks stretching family bonds to breaking point.  

Set in Bristol, this 6 x 60-minute crime-thriller also stars leading Croatian actor Toni Gojanović – star of HBO Europe's recent hit series, Success – as Davor Mimica, and Vincent Regan (Troy, 300, Wallander) as Billy Murdoch, a non-conformist and rather shadowy investigator, who is seconded to Hannah's unit to advise on Eastern European drug gangs.


Channel 4 commissions animated Christmas special based on Terry Pratchett’s The Abominable Snow Baby from Eagle Eye Drama

Channel 4 has commissioned Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby for December 2021. Produced by Eagle Eye Drama, the production company recently launched by the team behind global drama brand Walter Presents, in association with Narrativia, Sir Terry's independent production company, the animated Christmas special is based on a short story from his bestselling book of Christmas tales (Father Christmas' Fake Beard).

The magic of Terry Pratchett, the legendary national treasure and maverick British author who sold over 100 million books worldwide, comes to life in this half-hour programme. The Abominable Snow Baby tells the story of a quintessentially English town which is thrown into disarray by a huge snowfall and the dramatic appearance of a 14-foot tall Abominable Snow Baby.

Shunned and feared by the local townsfolk, Snow Baby is rescued by the indomitable Granny who along with grandson Albert, welcomes him into her home, showering her new pet with love and affection, changing the town's perception and helping the community overcome their initial prejudices.

Commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Drama Caroline Hollick and Commissioning Editor Gwawr Lloyd, the programme is supported by a grant from the BFI's Young Audiences Content Fund, and will be directed by Massimo Fenati and Executive Produced by Tess Cuming, with Eagle Eye Drama's Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino overseeing the project as joint Creative Directors and with Rob Wilkins as Executive Producer for Narrativia.

Created with traditional hand-drawn animation techniques to capture the timeless nature of Terry Pratchett's story, The Abominable Snow Baby is part of a long and established tradition of Channel 4's animated Christmas specials such as The Snowman, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and last year's Quentin Blake's Clown.

Rob Wilkins, Managing Director of Narrativia and Manager of Sir Terry Pratchett's Estate said:
In his lifetime, Terry wrote over seventy books, which have been translated into 41 languages. He started his career as a writer of short stories for young people, who remained his favourite audience. The Abominable Snow Baby showcases Terry's firmly held belief in not judging people on appearances, his reverence for the elderly, and his very genuine love of Christmas. Narrativia is delighted to see Terry's work brought to life by the talented team at Eagle Eye Drama, in the fiftieth year of Terry Pratchett being a published author.


Monday 26 April 2021

Josh Hartnett to star in new Sky Original limited series, The Fear Index

Photographer: Sarah Dunn

Sky have announced that internationally renowned actor Josh Hartnett (Penny Dreadful) is to star in the taut new Sky Original thriller The Fear Index based on the best-selling novel by Robert Harris. Adapted by Paul Andrew Williams and Caroline Bartleet, and directed by David Caffrey (The Alienist, Peaky Blinders), the fast-paced four-part limited series also sees Hartnett joined by Leila Farzad (I Hate Suzie, Innocent), Arsher Ali (The Ritual, Informer) and Grégory Montel (Call My Agent). Produced by Left Bank Pictures in association with Sky Studios, The Fear Index will begin filming this month in Hungary and will air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW later this year.

Hartnett, also known for his role as Ethan Chandler in the much-lauded Sky Original series Penny Dreadful, will star as Dr Alex Hoffman, a computer scientist and genius who is ready to make a killing. Alongside his Hedge Fund business partner and best friend, Hugo (Ali), he's launching VIXAL-4 to investors - an AI-driven system that exploits fear in the financial markets and operates at lightning speed to make big returns. The promise is billions, the rich are ready to get richer... but this is not the day Alex and Hugo had planned on. What follows is a fast-paced journey through the worst 24 hours of Alex's life - cutting across reality, memory and paranoid fantasy, forcing him to question everything he sees with his own eyes.

In the pulse of Geneva's financial district, Alex's sanity is shaken after he is viciously attacked at his home by a man who knows all of his security codes. After more unexplained occurrences, Alex becomes convinced he's being framed. But as secrets surface from his past, will anyone believe that he isn't just losing his mind? Detective Leclerc (Montel), assigned to the case, struggles to work this former CERN scientist out, Hoffman's talented artist wife, Gabby (Farzad) might just be losing patience this time, whilst Hugo's only concern is the billion-dollar business on the line. Invention can be lonely, and in a modern world of AI, capitalism and technological breakthroughs, Dr Alex Hoffman might have to learn the hard way that it's not always easy to foresee how destruction evolves from creation.


The Fear Index will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK and Ireland.

Katherine Ryan announced as the host of ITV2’s new dating game show Ready to Mingle

ITV2 today announced that comedian Katherine Ryan will host brand-new dating game show 'Ready to Mingle' - a 19 x 60" series made by Potato, part of ITV Studios.

Arriving on the channel this autumn, Katherine will preside over the series which follows a single girl in the search for her perfect partner, as twelve male suitors compete for her affections and the chance to win a big money prize.

But in a mischievous twist, not all the boys are single, with a number of them being guided by their partners in pursuit of the prize. Taking up residence in a luxurious house, the single girl will get to know all the boys through activities, games and dates, eliminating each boy one-by-one until her 'dream man' remains.

Which boy will be left standing? Can she suss out who is the real deal? They may not all be single, but they're all Ready to Mingle.

Katherine Ryan said: "I am so excited to be a part of this new dating game show. How could I say no? It's like nothing we've seen before but still with all the drama and dating dilemmas we love to see, and I'll be there front row as it all unfolds!"

Ready to Mingle will air on ITV2 and ITV Hub this autumn. ITV Studios will handle international distribution.

ITV2 announces recommission for The Cabins

ITV2's dating show The Cabins will return for a second series in 2022, after its first series launch became the ITV Hub's most popular entertainment show.

Produced by 12 Yard, part of ITV Studios, and based on an original Dutch format, Let Love Rule, The Cabins saw a cast of singletons ditching the dating rule book and deleting their dating apps in an attempt to find true love.

Moving into the intimate surroundings of The Cabins, the singletons then have 24 hours to decide whether they would like to spend more time together – or call it a day and walk away.

Packed with first ever dates, awkward silences, cooking disasters, karaoke and heartfelt confessions, the first series saw love blossom between Charlotte and Sarah, the first couple to stay for four days and leave as an official 'Cabins couple', hot tubs and body painting with Robyn and Mamudo's fast-paced rollercoaster of a relationship, while axe throwing and tandem bike rides didn't equal passion, it created a heart-warming friendship for Liam and Andras.

The Cabins launched with a consolidated viewing (excluding non-TV viewing) of 0.8 million, with 43% of its viewers amongst 16-34 viewers, making the show the most watched amongst the demographic across digital channels. Following its debut, The programme was The ITV Hub's most popular entertainment show, generating 400,000 streams and more than 800,000 consumption hours.

Paul Mortimer, ITV Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, said "The Cabins proved to be a great success amongst our target young audience, and we're hoping cupid's arrow can find its way back to the lodge when we debut our second series on ITV2 and ITV Hub in 2022."

Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan take the roles of Anne and John Darwin in ITV’s The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe

Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan take the roles of Anne and John Darwin in ITV's The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, written by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang and produced by award winning producers, Story Films

Renowned actors, Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan, will play Anne and John Darwin in the extraordinary and compelling ITV drama, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.

The real life story of how John Darwin, played by BIFA nominee Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan, Sherlock Holmes, Happy Go Lucky) faked his own death to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy is written by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang.

Commented Chris Lang:

"I am beyond delighted to be working with two of the finest actors of their generation. I have admired them both from afar for many years (not in a creepy way though) and cannot wait to see them bring Anne and John Darwin to life."

The drama will focus on how Anne Darwin, played by BAFTA-winner Monica Dolan (Appropriate Adult, W1A, A Very English Scandal),  became complicit in her husband's deception as she started to convince the world, their family and friends, the police and insurance companies, that he had gone missing in 2002 whilst canoeing off the coast of Seaton Carew in Cleveland, where the couple owned two large houses with panoramic views of the sea.

The deception was to take its toll on Anne who lied to their sons, Mark and Anthony, for five years whilst her husband, in the early days of the fraud, secretly lived in a bedsit next door to the home he shared with Anne.

Devastated by the loss of their father, neither son had an inkling their parents were capable of such treachery. Anne and John Darwin eventually decided to leave Seaton Carew and move to Panama City to start a new life together before their secret was exposed by the discovery of an infamous photo of them posing in a Panama real estate office in July 2006.

At her trial Anne Darwin pleaded not guilty, arguing that she had been coerced into the plot by her husband, but the jury didn't believe her. She and her husband were both jailed for more than 6 years.

The four-part drama commences filming in the North East this month  and is produced by Story Films, the company founded by three times BAFTA-winner David Nath (The Murder Detectives, My Name is Lizzie) and fellow award-winning director Peter Beard. Susie Liggat (Giri/Haji) also executive produces, with Alison Sterling (The Windermere Children) producing.

They will be joined by the celebrated screenwriter of Unforgotten and Innocent Chris Lang (The Hookup Plan, Dark Heart, A Mother's Son) who also executive produces the four part series.  BAFTA winning director, Richard Laxton, (Honour, Mrs Wilson, Mum) directs each of the four episodes.

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe is based upon the unpublished manuscript written by journalist David Leigh who was the first journalist to track down Anne as she was on the verge of setting up a new life in Panama.

Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan will be joined in the cast by Mark Stanley (White House Farm) and Karl Pilkington (Sick of It, Derek).

Commented Eddie Marsan:

"I'm so thrilled to be working with Chris Lang, one of our greatest writers and to get the chance to work with Monica Dolan. The story of how and why John Darwin faked his own death to defraud insurance companies is fascinating, and if it weren't fact, you'd think it unbelievable. I can't pretend to understand what was going on in his head when he made those choices, but I'm going to do my absolute best to portray him, and I can't wait to get started."

Commented Monica Dolan:

"The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe tells the story of surely the most outrageous fraud of modern times - and my favourite kind of drama is when the outrageous comes from the prosaic. As breath-taking as their managing to pull this deception off in the first place, is how spectacularly the couple wrecked it for themselves as soon as they had got away with it."

Sunday 25 April 2021

Competition: Win Keeping Faith - Series 3 on DVD


Keeping Faith - Series 3 is released on DVD 3rd of May

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis: 
It’s 18 months since we last saw life in Abercorran and Faith and Evan’s divorce and custody battle goes from bad to worse. Refusing to let go, Evan is insanely jealous of Faith’s burgeoning love affair with Steve Baldini and fearful that they intend to start a new life together. 

Meanwhile, Faith and Cerys have established a new law firm and take on the case of 14-year-old Osian Taylor, who is suffering from an aggressive brain tumour that his doctors have declared too advanced to operate on. While dealing with the trauma her imminent divorce is inflicting on her daughters as well as all the pressures of work, Faith faces an even bigger and far more terrifying problem when her long-estranged mother, Rose, reappears. Navigating increasingly impossible dilemmas and for once not able to give all those she loves what they need, Faith heads towards a final confrontation which will transform her life for ever. Features English language and English subtitles

Also the Series 1-3 DVD Boxset is also released on 3rd of May, check that out at https://amzn.to/3tSyM19

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/2QvA1EX

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 10-05-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Friday 23 April 2021

Sky announces production on the second series of Sky Original Devils is under way

Sky have announced that production of the second series of Sky Original international financial thriller Devils, is under way in Rome. First look images released today show the two protagonists, played by Alessandro Borghi and Patrick Dempsey as they reprise their roles as Massimo Ruggero and Dominic Morgan. Filming for the second series will continue in Rome and London.


Devils is a thrilling story of power set in the world of global finance produced by Sky Italia and Lux Vide in collaboration with Sky Studios, Orange Studio and OCS. Distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios, the first series has sold in more than 160 territories.

Based on the bestseller "The Devils" by Guido Maria Brera (published by Rizzoli) and told through fictional characters and fragments of reality, the series tells the story of the silent but devastating war affecting the Western world over the last decade. An underground war fought with the most powerful of weapons: finance.


Four years have passed since Massimo Ruggero managed to thwart Dominic Morgan's plan against the Euro, but he paid a high price: Sofia's death. Massimo, now NYL bank's new CEO, has appointed a group of Chinese investors to the board who are waging a silent war against the United States to rule over the tech sector. Acquisition after acquisition, Massimo will discover a pattern where the data of millions of people is collected, used and fought over by the two sides. Becoming NYL's strongest opponent is Massimo's old mentor: Dominic Morgan. Progressively Massimo becomes aware of this silent battle, but it will be in 2020 when the global pandemic hits that this war will come into the light and Massimo will finally have to choose which side to take.

Alongside the two leading actors, Alessandro Borghi playing Massimo Ruggero, who has been appointed CEO of the New York-London Investment Bank at the end of the first season, and Patrick Dempsey as Dominic Morgan, one of the most influential men in the world of finance, there is Malachi Kirby (The Race, Roots), Pia Mechler (Everything Is Wonderful), Paul Chowdhry (Live at the Apollo, Swinging with the Finkels) and Harry Michell (Yesterday, The English Game), playing the Pirates, Massimo Ruggero's most loyal team of traders, and Lars Mikkelsen (The Killing, Sherlock, House of Cards) as Robert Duval, the founder of Subterranea currently in jail.


Joining the wider international cast for the second series are Li Jun Li (Damages, Minority Report, Wu Assassins) playing Wu Zhi, NYL new head of trading; Joel de la Fuente (Law & Order, The Man in the High Castle) as Li Wei Cheng, Chinese investor member of the board of directors of the NYL; and Clara Rosanger (The rain, Il concorso) as Nadya Wojcik., Dominic's brilliant new protegee.

The eight episode second series will be directed by Nick Hurran (Sherlock, Doctor Who, Fortitude, Altered Carbon) and Jan Maria Michelini (I Medici, DOC- Nelle tue mani). The writers include Frank Spotnitz, James Dormer, Naomi Gibney and Caroline Henry.

In the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany and Austria, the series will launch on Sky Atlantic. In the UK, Ireland and Italy, it will also be available on streaming service NOW, as well as Sky Ticket devices in Germany, Sky X in Austria and Sky Show in Switzerland. International sales for Devils will be handled by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.


Apocalypse Wow lands on ITV2

From Tuesday's Child, the creators and producers of LEGO Masters, Killer Camp and The Hit List comes an epic and hilarious new physical game show arriving on ITV2 and the ITV Hub this summer.

Set in a "Torture Dome", an outrageous secret underground club, part-BDSM dungeon, part Fight Club, Apocalypse Wow is hosted by AJ Odudu alongside Hey Tracey's Donna Preston who assumes the role of 'The Mistress'.

Every episode a Clan of five celebrities enter the dome to take on The Mistress's terrifying Superhuman 'Bosses' such as Master Enormo (one of the world's strongest men), The Horn Hunter (a back-flipping parkour master), Hot Slippy Jesus (the UK's no.1 gravy wrestler), The Mermaid (a mermaid) and more. The Clan must unite in a bid to defeat these extraordinary opponents taking them on in a series of ludicrous and entertaining physical challenges. Alone the celebrities would be demolished, but together they stand the chance of overcoming a series of crazed contenders to win the day and take home a load of cash for charity.

Each episode the weakest celebrity must be banished in a hilariously unique way and a new famous face will enter the Torture Dome to join the Clan.

Leading her fellow celebrities through the depravity of the Dome, 'Chief of the Clan' TV favourite Scarlett Moffatt will be joined by:

Drag royalty The Vivienne
Love Island's Chris Hughes
Reality TV star Sam Thompson
TV presenter Karim Zeroual
Comedian Kemah Bob
Pussycat Dolls' Kimberly Wyatt
Reality TV star Jessica Wright
Ibiza Weekender's Jordan Davies
Comedian Darren Harriott
TOWIE favourite Bobby Norris


AJ Odudu said: "I am absolutely buzzing to be hosting ITV2's new show, 'Apocalypse Wow' – it's bonkers, but brilliant. It's full of humour, challenges and all our favourite celebrities! It's going to be a really fun addition to the TV schedule this summer, so come join us – it's quite a ride!"

Donna Preston said: "I've always wanted to have ownership over these celebrities and have them as my servants and with this role, the Mistress, I can do just that. The role of the Mistress is feisty and fun. This show is an absolute belter, it's bizarre and bonkers, and I love it and hope you do too! So darlings, come on board the love train to... Apocalypse Wow."

Scarlett Moffatt, said: "It's hard to put into words how bizarre and crazy Apocalypse Wow is! The pressure was well and truly on for me as I led the celebs into battle. I had the most fun making the series and it's unlike anything I've ever seen on TV before so I'm super excited for everyone to see it. Trust me when I say, you're not going to want to miss this!"

Paul Mortimer, ITV's Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions, said: "I cannot wait for ITV2 viewers to be captivated by the sheer craziness that is Apocalypse Wow; truly an outrageous and entertaining watch. Our famous faces are in for the wildest of rides but how will they fare as they go up against the most outlandish of opponents to win money for charity?"

Steph Harris, Tuesday's Child's Creative Director, said: "After a year of confinement, Apocalypse Wow is the festival of depravity and circus of silliness we've all been craving. It will be a visual feast of utter madness and unrelenting humiliation of some brave celebs."

Apocalypse Wow has been commissioned by ITV's Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment for ITV. The series is produced by Tuesday's Child. Executive Producer is Steph Harris. Series Producer is Ben Wilson.

Apocalypse Wow will air on ITV2 and ITV Hub this summer.

Wednesday 21 April 2021

First Look Clip - We Are Lady Parts

The first-look clip released for Nida Manzoor's anarchic, joyful and irreverent music comedy We Are Lady Parts

 We Are Lady Parts is an exuberant music comedy following a Muslim female punk band – called Lady Parts – who are on a mission to find a lead guitarist and maybe, just maybe, get a proper gig.

 The series is written, created and directed by Manzoor, who has drawn on her own experiences and taken inspiration from the rich and diverse cultural collectives and artists in London; and boasts an exciting ensemble cast of new British acting talent and stars Anjana Vasan ("Amina Hussain"), Sarah Kameela Impey ("Saira"), Juliette Motamed ("Ayesha"), Faith Omole ("Bisma"), Lucie Shorthouse ("Momtaz"), Zaqi Ismail ("Ahsan") and Aiysha Hart ("Noor").

Tuesday 20 April 2021

Shaun Evans and Roger Allam return for eighth series of Endeavour

Shaun Evans and Roger Allam make a welcome return to Oxford to film the eighth series of the critically-acclaimed detective drama Endeavour

Filming has begun on the eighth series of critically-acclaimed detective drama, Endeavour, with lead actor Shaun Evans directing the first of the three new films.

Shaun Evans reprises his role as DS Endeavour Morse, alongside Roger Allam as DCI Fred Thursday for a new set of compelling cases written and created by Russell Lewis.

Filmed on location in Oxford the strong ensemble cast reunited with Shaun and Roger includes Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones) who returns as CS Reginald Bright, Sean Rigby (Gunpowder) as DS Jim Strange, James Bradshaw (Close to The Enemy) as Dr Max DeBryn, Abigail Thaw (I Want My Wife Back) as Dorothea Frazil, Caroline O'Neill (Last Tango In Halifax) as Win Thursday and Sara Vickers (Watchmen) as Joan Thursday.

Opening the series in 1971, a death threat to Oxford Wanderers' star striker Jack Swift places Endeavour (Shaun Evans) and his team at the heart of the glitz and glamour of 1970s football, exposing the true cost of success and celebrity, and with it, a deep-rooted division that is soon reflected much closer to home.  

Series seven of Endeavour averaged 6.1m viewers across all devices across its three episodes. This rose to 6.8m when we include viewing up to 28 days. The series has had 2.3 million programme streams on ITV Hub since it launched back in Feb 2020.

Commented series creator, writer and executive producer Russell Lewis:

""After our longest suspension, all at #TeamEndeavour are delighted to have been returned to duty.  If anything, the delay has made us all determined to make Series 8 everything it can be.  Happily, it looks as if our timeline has endured the hiatus and that we will still be delivering our vision of 1971, albeit through an Endeavour glass darkly, exactly half a century on.  Social distancing and strict insurance regulation with its bubbles and cohorts mean that backroom boys like me and the other execs haven't been able to get out to set as usual, but all the same we're very fortunate to be back in business at all and count our blessings daily. It's truly lovely to be back telling new stories with Oxford's Finest. I hope the audience finds they've been worth the wait."

Gemma Whelan takes the lead role in ITV crime thriller, The Tower

Gemma Whelan takes the lead role in ITV crime thriller, The Tower, written by Patrick Harbinson and produced by Windhover Films and Mammoth Screen

Gemma Whelan will star in the lead role of Detective Sergeant Sarah Collins in ITV's three-part series The Tower, adapted by Homeland writer and executive producer Patrick Harbinson.

The Tower is based on Post Mortem, the first in Kate London's Metropolitan series of novels featuring Sarah Collins and rookie cop Lizzie Griffiths.

Harbinson (Fearless, 24, ER) will executive produce alongside Mammoth Screen's founder and CEO Damien Timmer (The Serpent, Endeavour) and Karen Thrussell (Poldark, And Then There Were None).

Gemma is most recognised for her role in Game of Thrones and her portrayal of Karen Matthews in The Moorside. Her other recent credits include White House Farm for ITV, Emma, and Killing Eve. Gemma is currently shooting Gentleman Jack.

The Tower has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Polly Hill, who will oversee the three-part drama for the channel and is produced by Windhover Films and Mammoth Screen in association with ITV Studios.

Kate London is a former Met Police Officer who finished her career working as part of a Major Investigation Team on the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Paul Testar (The Serpent) is producer, Sherie Myers (I May Destroy You) is co-producer, and Jim Loach (Save Me Too) is director.
 
In The Tower's breath-taking opening sequence, a veteran beat cop and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a tower block in south-east London. Left alive on the roof are a five-year-old boy and rookie police officer Lizzie Adama. Within hours, Lizzie has disappeared, and Detective Sergeant Sarah Collins is charged with leading the investigation. She not only has to track down Lizzie before she comes to serious harm, but also to uncover the truth behind the grisly deaths. What chain of events took two police officers and two children to the roof of that tower block - why did two of them die? Why did two of them survive?

The antagonistic relationship between the experienced Sergeant Sarah Collins and the novice cop Lizzie Adama is at the heart of London's novels and The Tower.  What happened on the roof of the tower is the mystery that Sarah must uncover. When it's finally revealed, the truth will cast its shadow over Sarah and Lizzie's relationship and their lives.  

Monday 19 April 2021

COMPETITION: Win Deutschland '89 on DVD


Deutschland '89 is released on DVD 25th of April

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 3 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis: 
Following the unparalleled success of Deutschland ’83 and ‘86, which critics hailed as the start of a golden age for German TV, comes the hugely anticipated third instalment of the gripping series, Deutschland ’89. Alongside programmes like the much-lauded Babylon Berlin, a fourth series of which is in the making, the timing is perfect for the next instalment of this cool, super stylish thriller. It is set to arrive on digital from 24 April and on DVD on 26 April 2021 from Acorn Media International alongside a stunning Deutschland ’83, ’86 & ’89 Complete DVD Box Set.

Deutschland ’89 takes us to the era-defining fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 and the return of superspy Martin Rauch (Jonas Nay ­– Line of Separation) who must deal with the consequences it brings. The peaceful revolution has thrown his world into turmoil. He and his fellow agents at the HVA (East German Foreign Intelligence) are reeling. Their government has collapsed, their organisation is in chaos and their futures are uncertain, at best. How to play the next hand? Join Big Brother at the KGB? Go West and work for an enemy agency? Use international contacts to begin a new career? Or run off to paradise with hoarded gold? Our heroes need to reinvent themselves in the face of a new world order.

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/3x8Y4tK

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 03-05-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Friday 16 April 2021

Channel 4 commissions Secret Spenders from South Shore

The  4x30  series will be presented by Anita Rani.  It will surprise families across the UK who are secretly spending too much money and, whilst they're away from home, will send in a team of experts to transform their finances.

From Amazon addicts to take-away junkies, thousands of us wonder where our money has gone at the end of each month. In Secret Spenders we'll secretly film the spending habits of four families. Is Mum's Zara addiction to blame or should the finger be firmly pointed at Dad's fixation with football? After gathering evidence of the families spending habits Anita will stage an intervention, taking them out of their home and confronting them with our findings.

While they're away a team of financial experts will go through every detail of their lives to give them a full financial makeover. From downsizing the gas guzzling car to renegotiating their Sky subscriptions, the Secret Spenders team will leave no stone unturned in their quest to save our families hard earned cash. 24 hours later how much money could they save and will they agree to make the changes they need?

In addition to the families stories Secret Spenders will also feature topical VT's giving consumer advice about the best deals available in the market that week alongside money saving tips and practical ways of cutting costs.

Adam Vandermark, Channel 4 commissioner, News and Current Affairs said:  "How many of us regularly wonder where has the money gone? And who at home is spending too much? This exciting format will not just expose the secret spenders, but look forensically at how we all can get better deals. At a time when many families finances are under pressure, this series is perfectly timed to help everyone save more than they thought possible."

Melanie Leach, Executive Producer, South Shore added: "From daily Deliveroo to on the hour Amazon arrivals, the explosion in home delivery has made it even easier to lose track of the family finances. This timely series, packed full of money saving advice, will show us how to make the most of our hard earned cash.

Tuesday 13 April 2021

Sky Sports reveals talent line-up for The Hundred

With 100 days to go until the launch of The Hundred on 21st July, Sky Sports has today revealed a star-studded talent line up to complement the existing cricket team.

Sky regulars such as Nasser Hussain, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Rob Key, Ian Ward, David Lloyd, Nick Knight, Mike Atherton and Mark Butcher will be joined by cricketing stars from around the world including Dinesh Karthik, Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen, Tammy Beaumont, Daren Sammy, Mel Jones, Wasim Akram, Lydia Greenway and Kumar Sangakkara alongside presenters Andrew Flintoff, Kass Naidoo, Zainab Abbas and Jacqueline Shepherd.

Bringing you the best build-up, live action and post-match analysis, the Sky Sports team will offer viewers sensational coverage of The Hundred tournament, with all the action, drama and entertainment live from cricket grounds across the UK.

Fans will be able to tune in to all 68 games live on Sky Sports' dedicated channel Sky Sports The Hundred as well as on Sky Sports Mix. All women's matches and a significant number of men's games will be streamed live on the Sky Cricket YouTube channel.

Director of Sky Sports Cricket Bryan Henderson said: "We are so excited to help launch this fantastic new tournament this summer. It's going to be an incredible standard of cricket played at some of the best grounds in the world and everyone's invited. Hopefully the competition will inspire many girls and boys to pick up a bat and ball. We've put together an amazing line up of presenters and commentators; there's a completely fresh graphics look and some exciting new broadcast technology. We very much hope you enjoy the coverage."

The Hundred is an action-packed, unmissable, new 100-ball cricket tournament created by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and set to kick off on 21st July 2021. By simplifying the format and creating a new never-before-seen type of cricket, The Hundred's aim is to open up the game to everyone, everywhere, with the winning combination of world-class sport and entertainment.

The Hundred will offer equal prize money for the men's and women's tournament and will be the first major UK team sporting competition in history to launch with a standalone women's fixture.

Aside from the two opening games, the women's and men's teams will play back-to-back on the same day, same venue with the ambition to elevate women's cricket through The Hundred.

Domina - New Trailer released ahead of 14 May launch

Sky today released the official trailer and art for brand new Sky original, Domina, and confirms the series will debut on 14 May on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW.

The epic historical drama series brings to life the power struggles of Ancient Rome from a different perspective; that of the women. It follows the life and extraordinary rise of Livia Drusilla, who overcame adversity to become the most powerful woman in the world.

Kasia Smutniak plays Livia Drusilla, with the young Livia played by Nadia Parkes (The Spanish Princess).  They are supported by an international stellar cast including Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) playing Livius, Livia's father, and Colette Tchantcho (The Witcher) as Antigone, Livia's best friend, ex-slave and closest ally.

The ensemble cast also includes Matthew McNulty, Christine Bottomley, Ben Batt, Enzo Cilenti, Claire Forlani and Alex Lanipekun. Isabella Rossellini makes an appearance as Balbina, an early enemy of Livia.

Domina is produced by Fifty Fathoms (Fortitude), Tiger Aspect and Sky Studios, with Cattleya providing executive production services. The series is created and written by Simon Burke with acclaimed Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy as lead director.


ITV announce compelling new crime drama, Redemption

Acclaimed actress Paula Malcomson (The Hunger Games trilogy, Ray Donovan, Deadwood) will take the lead role in Redemption, a six part drama jointly commissioned by ITV and Virgin Media Television, Ireland in association with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.

Filmed in Ireland, Redemption will be produced by leading independent production company, Tall Story Pictures, part of ITV Studios and producers of successful returning ITV drama The Bay. The project is being co-produced by Metropolitan Films, one of Ireland's leading film and television production companies.

Created by Sean Cook (The Last Ship, The Code, Holby City) and executive produced by Tall Story Pictures' Creative Director Catherine Oldfield (The Bay, Sticks and Stones, Trauma) and Executive Producer Patrick Schweitzer (Bancroft, Save Me, SSGB), the drama introduces plain speaking, no nonsense DI Colette Cunningham, whose fearless approach to policing has earned her the respect of her Merseyside Police Serious Crime Squad colleagues.

Career driven and dedicated, Colette is unflappable and an absolute force of nature. Until she takes a call from Garda Sergeant Luke Byrne in Dublin.  The body of a young woman has been found and Colette is listed as the next of kin.

The name of the victim means nothing to Colette so she continues to efficiently go about her day job.  Persisting with his enquiry, the young officer calls again and begins to describe the young woman rendering Colette speechless.  She takes the next ferry to Dublin to identify the body of her missing daughter, Kate.

She's experienced this exact situation a million times, but never from this side.  Kate left home 20 years ago aged 16, and clearly didn't want to be found.

Always a police woman and with 30 years of experience kicking in, Colette has some searching questions.   But is she prepared for what she finds?

With her life turned upside down, and grief consuming her every thought, Colette resolves to stay in Ireland to work for the Garda.  But what will she unearth about the events leading up to Kate's death, and the life that her daughter chose to build for herself?  Consumed by feelings she may have failed Kate in life, Colette is determined to do right by her now.

Monday 12 April 2021

Emily Watson and Denise Gough get 'Too Close' in the enthralling psychological drama - starts tonight on ITV


Emily Watson and Denise Gough get 'Too Close' in the enthralling psychological drama - starts tonight on ITV

Psychological thriller starring Emily Watson as dedicated forensic psychiatrist, Emma Robertson, who is assigned to work with Connie Mortensen, a wife and mother accused of a despicable crime. Her assessment of the ‘yummy mummy monster’s’ sanity will determine whether Connie faces life in jail, life in a secure psychiatric hospital, or the chance of rehabilitation and release.

Emma hopes that the high-profile case will make her career, but her sessions with Connie quickly become a complex psychological game of cat and mouse with confusing sexual undercurrents.  Connie has a searing insight into Emma’s insecurities and brutally exploits them. 

It isn’t clear whether she is hoping to manipulate Emma to gain her freedom, or simply toying with Emma for her own entertainment, as she probes into Emma’s own dark past. 

Emma gradually starts to understand what drove Connie to her crime, but it also seems that she may be getting too close to a woman who is beyond redemption - can Emma see to it that justice is done without destroying herself in the process?

Too Close is about a powerful – but dangerous – closeness between two women.

Episode 1

Connie Mortensen commits a terrible, unimaginable, crime. 

Forensic Psychiatrist, Emma Robertson, is having a sneaky cigarette in her child’s bedroom, when her husband, Si, calls. She lies about her whereabouts and tells him she’s been asked to take on the Mortensen case. Connie is now being held in a secure psychiatric unit awaiting trial, and Emma’s been tasked with assessing her state of mind on the night of her offence. During their first session, however, Connie claims to have no memory of that night; instead, she mocks Emma and begins probing into her personal life.

During their second session, Emma digs into Connie’s relationship with friend and neighbour, Ness Jones, discovering how they first met. In turn, Connie needles Emma about her sex life with Si, suggesting that her marriage is devoid of passion. On her way home, Emma obsesses over Connie’s words, and attempts to prove Connie wrong. 

During their next session, Emma unearths an obsessive element to Connie and Ness’s relationship, but Connie also senses that Emma is grieving deeply. When Connie is confronted with indisputable photographic evidence of the consequences of her crime by her solicitor, she reacts violently, and Emma is the one caught in the firing line. 

Yet during a dinner party with Si’s sister, Hattie Robertson, and other guests, a drunk Emma is surprised to find herself protecting Connie against their vitriol. Si and Emma’s resulting strained communication makes it clear that Connie’s case is painfully close to home for them.

For her next session with Connie, Emma turns up hungover from the dinner party. She asks Connie about her husband, Karl Mortensen, and we see Connie in the midst of busy domestic life with Karl and their children, Annie and Josh. It transpires that Connie is on antidepressants and Karl reveals to her that he’s unhappy too.

Connie and Ness go on a daytrip, and when their car breaks down, they find themselves taking a romantic walk where they get stoned and almost kiss. Are they going to begin an affair? 

Back in the therapy session, Emma is severely hungover, and Connie is able to take advantage of her unprofessional state. As Emma leaves the unit, she passes some visitors for Connie, revealing that the affair isn’t quite as we might have suspected. 

 

Saturday 10 April 2021

The Circle reveals its winner

Channel 4's reality game The Circle concluded with "Felix" aka 30-year-old military police officer Natalya from Surrey being crowned winner of The Circle.

Across the series the players rate each other from their favourite to least favourite player. In the final vote of the series, finalists Andy, Manrika, Syed (Hashu), Felix (Natalya) and Tom (Pippa + Joey) rated on who they thought most deserved to win The Circle. In tonight's show, host Emma Willis announced Felix (Natalya) as the highest rated player in the final vote and winner of The Circle.

Responding to her win, Natalya said in the studio: "I must play a good man!"

Asked about her strategy for playing Felix, Natalya told Emma: "If I was me, I would have been gone. I had to be the perfect man. What I see everyday at work is what I created"

Natalya joined the game in Episode 5, playing as 29-year-old soldier Felix. During the series Felix was twice voted influencer, avoided a double-blocking twist and at one point finished last in the ratings, but his loyal bond with "official Circle girlfriend" Manrika and firm friendships with players Andy and Dorothy (Scott) helped to see him through to the final week of the game.

The final vote resulted in a tie for first place, with Felix (Natalya) and 24-year-old content creator Manrika from Birmingham both being rated equally. The tie was broken by Felix having been the recipient of the most 1st place votes.

Third place went to 34-year-old company director Andy from Solihull; fourth place to Syed, played by 28-year-old content creator Hashu from Birmingham; and fifth place went to Tom, played by 26-year-old entrepreneur Joey from London and 26-year-old paralegal Pippa from Manchester.

Friday 9 April 2021

ITV confirms brand new series Starstruck

Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert, Jason Manford and Beverley Knight join the panel on ITV's brand new entertainment show with Olly Murs confirmed as host.

Award winning singer and actress Sheridan Smith, Queen frontman Adam Lambert, comedian Jason Manford and the UK's leading soulstress and musical theatre star Beverley Knight join the panel on Starstruck, with Olly Murs confirmed as the host of this exciting new format.

Starstruck will see ordinary members of the public with an exceptional talent team up to transform into some of the world's biggest music icons from Amy Winehouse to Ariana Grande, Lionel Richie to Lady Gaga, Marvin Gaye to Michael Buble, and many more in between.  

Created by Remarkable Television (a Banijay UK company) for ITV and ITV Hub, this 6 x 75 mins and 1 x 90 min series sees four teams of three battle it out each week to win the vote of our expert judging panel and virtual audience for a coveted place in the final and to be in with the chance of winning a whopping £50,000.  

Leaving their day jobs behind, members of the public will be transformed into their most beloved music star for one night only. But they won't be on stage alone. Instead, they'll be teaming up as trios who all share the same love of a music icon to give the performance of a lifetime. With an expert glam team to oversee their extraordinary transformation, impressive staging and a spectacular sound and light show, our singing stars will be getting the complete 'superstar experience'.

Each episode will culminate in an exciting finale which sees the winning trio compete against each other for a place in the grand final and the chance to walk away with that life- changing sum of cash.  

This brand-new series will see the Great British public get the unique chance to shed their normal persona and become a global superstar. So, who will have what it takes to wow the judges and leave them Starstruck?  

Olly Murs said: "I'm really excited to be hosting a big Saturday Night show like Starstruck. It ticks all the boxes; it's about feel good, family fun which is something we all need right now. The performances should keep us well entertained and I can't wait to see whether anyone wants to be transformed into me for the night!"

Beverley Knight said: "Every show we get to witness ordinary people emulate extraordinary icons on a huge scale and I'm so here for it!  I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing those spectacular transformations and being a cheerleader for every contestant".

Sheridan Smith said: 'Growing up, I always loved watching Saturday night TV with my family so I'm thrilled to be joining Starstruck.  Creating Cilla Black for TV, I know first-hand how much goes into becoming an iconic music star, so I can't wait to see what some of the contestants do with our modern music acts and true icons. And with everything else that's going on at the moment, this is just the type of show we can all enjoy together!'

Adam Lambert said: "I am so excited to be involved in Starstruck. I loved the idea from the moment I heard about it, and it's going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to watch people transform into their idols! After the year everyone has been through, let's come together through creativity and music and have a good time!"

Jason Manford said: "After years of being on stage, judged every night, it's my turn to sit and do the judging! I adore talented people, so I'm very proud to be part of a show that's going to let them show off. They're ticking off a super entertaining bucket list moment and we get to be part of it."

ITV commissions a third series of detective drama McDonald & Dodds, starring Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia

ITV has commissioned a third series of popular, contemporary detective drama  McDonald & Dodds, produced by leading independent production company, Mammoth Screen.

Starring Tala Gouveia (Cold Feet) as DCI McDonald and BAFTA award winning actor Jason Watkins (Des, The Crown) as DS Dodds, the third series will comprise of three new murder mysteries for the pair to solve. The first two films of series two achieved consolidated ratings of 6.7m.

Jason Watkins commented about the new run: "I'm delighted to be returning to Bath for the third series of McDonald & Dodds. Tala and I are so thrilled to be in a partnership which the audience seem to have affection for. It's gratifying that we've been able to bring a little sunshine in these difficult times. I look forward to filming in the beautiful city of Bath and to Dodds solving more puzzles with Lauren McDonald. I'm bracing myself for more chips in butter!"

Tala Gouveia added: "I can't wait to start filming again and to see what adventures writer Robert Murphy takes us on next! It's always a pleasure to work with Jason and our wonderful casts. Bring on series three!"

Damien Timmer (The Serpent, Endeavour), CEO of Mammoth Screen, commented: "We're delighted to be returning to Bath for more ingenious crime mysteries with DCI McDonald and DS Dodds - working with Tala Gouveia, Jason Watkins and showrunner Robert Murphy is a proper pleasure!"

Creator Robert Murphy (Vera, Shetland, DCI Banks) added: "It's a real privilege to for me to return to Bath to re-engage with the world of McDonald & Dodds and our other regular characters. I'm delighted to be cooking up more mystery puzzles as well as exploring the deepening and fun relationship between our two leads."

Tuesday 6 April 2021

Ben Aldridge stars in ITV’s four-part crime drama, The Long Call

Ben Aldridge stars in ITV's The Long Call, a four-part crime drama adapted by Kelly Jones and produced by Silverprint Pictures

Our Girl and Fleabag actor Ben Aldridge is set to take the leading role as DI Matthew Venn in ITV's new adaptation, The Long Call, produced by ITV Studios label, Silverprint Pictures and co-produced with BritBox North America.

The evocative and gripping four-part event drama is inspired by the best-selling novel of the same title from award-winning writer Ann Cleeves, creator of the iconic Vera and Shetland series. Des and Baptiste screenwriter, Kelly Jones, will write all four episodes in her first solo series.

Ben will be joined by Juliet Stevenson playing Matthew Venn's mother, Dorothy and Martin Shaw as the spiritual Brethren leader Dennis.

Anita Dobson, Neil Morrissey, Pearl Mackie, Dylan Edwards, Sarah Gordy, Amit Shah and Alan Williams also add their talents to the illustrious cast.

Commented novelist Ann Cleeves:

"I can't think of anyone who could play Matthew Venn better than Ben Aldridge.  He will bring an authenticity and commitment to the role.  I always hoped that the actor chosen would come from Devon, where the books are set, and he does.  

Ben was the actor who read the audio book even before the TV show was commissioned.  I love his pared-back, restrained narration.  He's worked on the novel as well as the script, and so he understands the character in depth.  No author could wish for more."

The character-led, atmospheric crime drama is driven by the intriguing and flawed protagonist, Detective Inspector Matthew Venn, who has returned to live in a small community in North Devon with his husband, Jonathan.  It's a place Matthew walked away from 20 years ago, after being rejected by his family.

Commented Ben Aldridge:

""I'm delighted to be playing Matthew Venn, a brilliantly unorthodox detective who audiences will see solving a gripping and intricate case, whilst simultaneously surmounting a deeper, more personal mystery within himself. It's a poignant and complex journey of self-discovery and sexual and religious identity, which navigates the tension between pride and shame, and I feel privileged to be bringing it to ITV viewers in The Long Call."

We first meet the reserved, but intense Matthew Venn outside the local church as his father's funeral takes place. Sadly, the day Matthew turned his back on the strict evangelical community in which he grew up, he lost his family too.  

Now he's back, not just to mourn his father at a distance, but to take charge of his first major murder.  A body has been found on the beach near to Matthew's new home: a man with the tattoo of an albatross on his neck, has been stabbed to death.

Through Venn and his team's investigation, we are introduced to a wonderfully rich ensemble of characters, in a compelling crime story which captures the stark beauty of the North Devon coastline, and a community where murder and intrigue bubble beneath the surface.

Written and adapted by Kelly Jones (Baptiste, Des, Call The Midwife) with Silverprint Pictures' Creative Director Kate Bartlett (Flesh and Blood, Shetland, Dark Heart) executive producing the series. Angie Daniell (Vigil, Alex Rider, Clique) will produce the series with Lee Haven Jones (Dr Who, Shetland, The Bay) directing each of the four episodes.

Filming begins this month and will take place in Bristol and the beautiful North Devon coast.

Star Trek Picard - Season 2 Teaser Trailer - Q Returns!

 

Star Trek Picard will see the return of an ominous character in season two.

The villain Q will be featured in the upcoming sophomore season, with John de Lancie reprising the role in the franchise.

He'll be back to face titular Jean-Luc Picard - played by Patrick Stewart.



(Video is geo-locked to the US unfortunately)

Monday 5 April 2021

Marvel Studios' Loki - Official Trailer - Stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant



Loki’s time has come. Watch the brand-new trailer for "Loki," and start streaming the Marvel Studios Original Series June 11 on Disney+.

In Marvel Studios’ “Loki,” the mercurial villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.” Kate Herron directs and Michael Waldron is head writer. Debuts on Disney+ in June 11, 2021.

Stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant


COMPETITION: Win A Discovery of Witches Season 2 Blu-Ray



A Discovery of Witches Season 2 is released on DVD & Bluray on 12th of April

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and a copy on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis: 
The brand new second season of A Discovery of Witches sees Diana and Matthew hiding in time, now 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. In the present day, however, their enemies have not forgotten them.

Based on Shadow of the Night, the second book in author Deborah Harkness’ best-selling All Souls trilogy, A Discover of Witches is back for an unmissable, fantasy-filled and thrilling new season.

Dazzler Media presents A Discovery of Witches: Season Two on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital from 12th April

Also available as part of A Discovery of Witches: Season One & Two boxset on Blu-ray & DVD from 12th April

Buy From Amazon at
https://amzn.to/39ESbKD

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 19-04-21
2. No alternative prize is available
3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.
4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.
5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Saturday 3 April 2021

Nick Mohammed and David Schwimmer return in hit comedy Intelligence 2 from 8 June on Sky One

Sky confirms returning comedy Intelligence 2 will air from 8 June on Sky One and streaming service NOW with all episodes available.

At the end of the first series of Intelligence, we saw NSA agent Jerry Bernstein (David Schwimmer) narrowly avoid being extradited back to the States to face charges of treason. Indebted to his boss Christine (Sylvestra Le Touzel) for stepping in to protect him at the last minute - albeit with ulterior motives - we start series 2 with Jerry on the back foot. However when it's revealed that the Russians have got their hands on a cyberweapon that Jerry was instrumental in developing, his intel suddenly becomes vital to national, if not international, security. Facing some demons from his past along the way, by the end of episode 1 he is firmly back in his alpha male comfort zone and heralded a hero.

Meanwhile Joseph (Nick Mohammed) has romance on the cards since sparking up an online friendship with Charlotte from the GCHQ offices in Bude. Romance blossoms and not even Jerry's meddling nor Christine's ban on cross-departmental relationships can get in the way.

As the series progresses, however, it soon becomes clear that while the initial cyber attack has been thwarted, the Russians are able to mutate the cyberweapon and Jerry's personal security comes under serious threat…

Created, written and executive produced by Nick Mohammed, Intelligence is a production by Expectation TV in association with Sky Studios. Executive producers also include Nerys Evans and Morwenna Gordon for Expectation TV. Commissioned by Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios and Zai Bennett, MD of Content for Sky UK. Intelligence 2 will be distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.

Intelligence series one is available on Sky on demand and streaming service NOW.

Friday 2 April 2021

Mare Of Easttown - Trailer - Sky Atlantic


Mare of Easttown will air weekly from Monday 19 April on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW.  

Academy Award®- winning actress Kate Winslet executive produces and stars in this mysterious seven-part crime drama following small-town Pennsylvania detective Mare Sheehan (Winslet) as she investigates a local murder at a time when her own life is crumbling around her.

Mare of Easttown is an exploration into the dark side of a close community and an authentic examination of how family and past tragedies can define our present. It also stars Julianne Nicholson (The Outsider) as Lori Ross, Mare’s best friend since childhood; three-time Emmy®-winner Jean Smart (Watchmen) as Helen, Mare's mother; Angourie Rice (Black Mirror) as Siobhan Sheehan, Mare’s teenaged daughter; Evan Peters (American Horror Story) as Detective Colin Zabel, the county detective called in to assist with Mare's investigation; Guy Pearce (Mildred Pierce) as Richard Ryan, a local creative writing professor;  Cailee Spaeny (Devs) as Erin McMenamin, an isolated teen living with her volatile father; David Denman (Outcast) as Frank Sheehan, Mare’s ex-husband; John Douglas Thompson (Let Them All Talk) as Chief Carter, Mare's boss at the Easttown Police Department; Patrick Murney (Seven Seconds) as Kenny McMenamin, Erin's father; James McArdle (Ammonite) as Deacon Mark Burton; Sosie Bacon (Here and Now) as Carrie Layden, Drew’s mother and Kevin’s ex-girlfriend; Joe Tippett (Rise) as John Ross, Lori's husband and high school sweetheart; and Neal Huff (The Wire) as Mare’s cousin, Father Dan Hastings.

Winslet also acts as executive producer for the series alongside creator and writer Brad Ingelsby (The Way Back), with all episodes directed by Craig Zobel (The Leftovers). 

Mare of Easttown will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday 19 April.