Chris Chibnall and Jodie Whittaker to leave Doctor Who in a trio of Specials

Chris Chibnall and Jodie Whittaker to leave Doctor Who in a trio of Specials, culminating in an epic blockbuster Special to air in autumn 2022 as part of the BBC's Centenary celebrations.

Having been in charge of the TARDIS since filming for the Thirteenth Doctor began in 2017, Showrunner Chris Chibnall and the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, have confirmed they will be moving on from the most famous police box on Earth - and the universe.

With a six-part Event Serial announced for the autumn, and two Specials already planned for 2022, BBC One has now asked for an additional final feature-length adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor, to form a trio of Specials for 2022, before the Doctor regenerates once more.

After taking the helm of the show, Chris Chibnall made the groundbreaking decision to cast Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor. He also brought in 'the fam' of Tosin Cole (Ryan), Mandip Gill (Yaz) and Bradley Walsh (Graham), and cast the acclaimed Sacha Dhawan as the latest incarnation of The Master, plus Jo Martin as the mysterious Fugitive Doctor, adding new characters, layers and twists to the mythology of the show.

Episodes such as Rosa, Demons Of The Punjab and Spyfall have thrilled audiences across the globe, garnering critical acclaim and award recognition, including two Bafta Must See Moment nominations, along with multiple National Television Award, BAFTA Cymru, TV Choice, Screen Nation, Hugo, Saturn. and Critics Choice nominations.

Under Chris' tenure, the series has been awarded the Visionary Awards TV Show Of The Year, the Canadian Rockie Award from the BANFF Television Festival for best sci-fi and genre series, while Mandip Gill and Vinay Patel were recognised with wins from the Eastern Eye Awards.

The 2020 series won Best Science Fiction Show voted for by readers at Radio Times.com, beating out competition from The Mandalorian, Lucifer and The Boys, as well as winning both Best Moment and Most Incredible Twist from the Digital Spy Reader Awards 2020, for Fugitive Of The Judoon and Ascension Of The Cybermen. In 2019, the entire current cast and crew were awarded Honorary Doctorates by Sheffield Hallam University for their work on the show.

As the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker stepped aboard the TARDIS to begin filming in 2017. As the first woman to play the iconic role, Jodie has thrilled audiences with her portrayal of the Time Lord, winning the hearts of Doctor Who fans across the globe. Jodie's multi-layered, warm, funny and inspiring depiction of the Doctor not only created a first in Doctor Who history, but in 2020, Jodie was voted Second Most Popular Doctor of all time, coming within a whisker of her friend David Tennant, in a poll of more than 50,000 fans for Radio Times.

Chris Chibnall says: "Jodie and I made a 'three series and out' pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast. So now our shift is done, and we're handing back the TARDIS keys.

"Jodie's magnificent, iconic Doctor has exceeded all our high expectations. She's been the gold standard leading actor, shouldering the responsibility of being the first female Doctor with style, strength, warmth, generosity and humour. She captured the public imagination and continues to inspire adoration around the world, as well as from everyone on the production. I can't imagine working with a more inspiring Doctor - so I'm not going to!

"For me, leading this exceptional team has been unrivalled creative fun, and one of the great joys of my career. I'm so proud of the people we've worked with and the stories we've told. To finish our time on the show with an additional Special, after the pandemic changed and challenged our production plans, is a lovely bonus. It's great that the climax of the Thirteenth Doctor's story will be at the heart(s) of the BBC's centenary celebrations.

"I wish our successors - whoever the BBC and BBC Studios choose - as much fun as we've had. They're in for a treat!"

Jodie Whittaker adds: "In 2017 I opened my glorious gift box of size 13 shoes. I could not have guessed the brilliant adventures, worlds and wonders I was to see in them. My heart is so full of love for this show, for the team who make it, for the fans who watch it and for what it has brought to my life. And I cannot thank Chris enough for entrusting me with his incredible stories.

"We knew that we wanted to ride this wave side by side, and pass on the baton together. So here we are, weeks away from wrapping on the best job I have ever had. I don't think I'll ever be able to express what this role has given me. I will carry the Doctor and the lessons I've learnt forever.

"I know change can be scary and none of us know what's out there. That's why we keep looking. Travel Hopefully. The Universe will surprise you. Constantly."

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, says: "Over the last four years Chris and Jodie have made Doctor Who history and their time on the show is indelibly marked on our memories. From Rosa Parks to Ascension of the Cybermen, Chris and Jodie have given Doctor Who some of its most life-affirming and tear-jerking moments to date and we are beyond excited to see what they have in store for us in the new series this autumn.

"Jodie's final adventure to mark the BBC's Centenary in 2022 is set to be a Doctor Who Special to remember. I'd like to thank them both for their incredible work on the show."

BBC One announces Billie Eilish: Up Close

BBC One have announced Billie Eilish: Up Close, featuring the 21st century music phenomenon in conversation with BBC Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo. Billie will also be making her debut in Radio 1's Live Lounge performing new music and an incredible cover.

In just three years, Billie Eilish has gone from recording music in her bedroom to becoming one of the biggest music stars in the world. At just 19 years old she has already amassed countless accolades and awards, as well as making history with her second Record Of The Year Grammy win in March of this year.

In this 45-minute entertainment special filmed in Billie's home town of Los Angeles, Clara will talk to Billie about her latest album Happier Than Ever (out Friday 30 July), her extraordinary rise to fame, looking back at her remarkable success, the effect it has had on her life and her role as an inspiration for young people all over the world.

Billie Eilish: Up Close will broadcast on BBC One on Saturday 31 July at 10.30pm BST and will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer. It is produced by So Television, the Executive Producers are Graham Stuart and Andy Rowe and it is directed by James Merryman. It was commissioned by Jan Younghusband, Commissioning Editor for BBC Music.

This brand-new film will be accompanied by Radio 1 Live Lounge: Billie Eilish Special which will see Billie make her debut for the world-famous Radio 1 Live Lounge to perform a selection of tracks. This will be available to watch on Radio 1's iPlayer channel from Saturday 31 July 11.15pm BST.

The performance will also be played in Radio 1's Live Lounge show, hosted by Clara Amfo, on Thursday 5 August at 12pm BST which will include an exclusive cover that will be broadcast for the first time.

BBC heads Back In Time For Birmingham

Commissioned to coincide with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, the series will be presented by BBC Asian Network's Noreen Khan, alongside social historian Yasmin Khan, and offers a celebratory look at the city and the vital contributions made by arrivals from the Indian sub-continent over the last 75 years. Today nearly 250,000 Brummies, more than a quarter of the city's population, have Pakistani, Indian or Bangladeshi heritage.

Starting in the 1950s when immigration from the Indian subcontinent began in earnest, the family will fast forward through five decades of rapid change, exploring every facet of British Asian family life. They'll take on the jobs of their predecessors, living where they lived, cooking what they ate, learning what they were taught at school and facing the same difficulties (how do you produce authentic home cooking when there's only swedes at the greengrocers and no-one sells chilli?).

They'll also devote their spare time to the same activities that were previously enjoyed - from celebrating Pakistan thrashing England at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, gawping open-eyed at what passed for 70s entertainment in the form of Mind your Language and bunking school for a 90s daytime bhangra rave complete with glow sticks.

Presenter Noreen Khan says: "I'm genuinely so excited to be a part of this incredible series! Taking viewers on an insightful, emotional journey over 5 decades of the South Asian story will be fascinating. Can't wait for everyone to watch this!"

Nasfim Haque, BBC Commissioning Editor, says: "I'm really looking forward to telling the story of Birmingham through the eyes of the British Asians who have made the city the vibrant and exciting place it is."

Casting and first look image revealed on James Graham’s compelling new BBC One drama Sherwood

David Morrissey leads an all-star ensemble in a six-part series also starring Joanne Froggatt, Robert Glenister, Alun Armstrong, Lesley Manville, Adeel Akhtar, Claire Rushbrook, Kevin Doyle, Lorraine Ashbourne, Phillip Jackson, Perry Fitzpatrick, Adam Hugill & Stephen Tompkinson

Casting has been announced and the first pictures from set revealed, as filming gets underway on James Graham's new BBC One drama, Sherwood.

Inspired in part by real events and set in the Nottinghamshire mining village where Graham grew up, at the heart of Sherwood lie two shocking and unexpected killings that shatter an already fractured community and spark a massive manhunt. As suspicion and antipathy build - both between lifelong neighbours and towards the police forces who descend on the town - the tragic killings threaten to inflame historic divisions sparked during the miners' strike three decades before.

Sherwood is at once a compelling, contemporary crime drama that explores for the first time the controversial deployment of so-called 'spycops' around Britain, and a distinctly human story of a community forced to re-examine the terrible events of decades ago, for which it still bears the scars.

It is also a powerfully resonant and timely examination of the frayed social and political fabric of modern day, post-Brexit Britain. From the often ignored former 'red wall' towns and communities, whose lives and futures can be reduced to political footballs and endless discourse from the commentariat, to entrenched anxiety that can define the relationship between marginalised communities and the police force, to the evolving role and uncertain future of protest itself, Sherwood explores and exposes some of the most urgent fractures and discords threaded through modern British society.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian St Clair (David Morrissey - Red Riding, Britannia, The Missing, State Of Play, The Walking Dead), is a lifer in the Nottinghamshire constabulary, having risen through the ranks. Canny and a good judge of character, he is a formidable and empathetic detective with an impressive track record to prove it. When he is tasked with finding the link between these two killings, he is forced to reunite with DI Kevin Salisbury, an old rival from the Metropolitan Police, whose return to the town threatens heightens the already febrile tensions running through the community.

Detective Inspector Kevin Salisbury (Robert Glenister - Hustle, Spooks, Law & Order UK) has little desire to return to Ashfield. There are too many reminders of what happened in 1984, and he's unlikely to get the warmest of welcomes from the local police force nor the local community. But he has orders to follow, and he's determined to prove that he stands for honour and integrity.

Gary Jackson (Alun Armstrong - Breeders, Year Of The Rabbit, Frontier, New Tricks) is a committed NUM member and one of the few miners from Ashfield on the picket line in the 80s. He won't let anyone forget it, even decades later, which sets him at odds with his neighbours. His wife, Julie Jackson (Lesley Manville - Phantom Thread, Harlots, Mum, Save Me Too, and recently confirmed to take over the role of Princess Margaret in The Crown for series five), estranged from her sister Cathy over their divided loyalties during the miners' strike, is as stubborn as her husband, but fiercely proud of the warm household she has created for her family.

Mickey Sparrow (Philip Jackson - Brassed Off, Raised By Wolves, My Week with Marilyn, Poirot) is an entrepreneur, proud of his portfolio which includes an axe throwing range and taxi firm. However, as much of the town suspects, most of his income comes from other, less-legal means. So, when suspicion points to the Sparrow family, Mickey's empire comes under threat. Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne - Bridgerton, The Crown, I Hate Suzie, Alma's Not Normal, Unforgotten) is the matriarch. Forthright and fearless she will do whatever it takes to protect her family. When everything and everyone she holds dear comes under threat, it becomes apparent just how far Daphne will go for them, including her son, Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick - Line Of Duty, This Is England 90, Man Like Mobeen).

Cathy Rowley (Claire Rushbrook - Genius: Einstein, Don't Forget The Driver, Enola Holmes, Home Fires and Ali and Ava) has always lived slightly in her sister's shadow. The miners' strike tore the pair apart when Cathy fell in love with UDM working miner Fred Rowley (Kevin Doyle - Downton Abbey, Happy Valley, Scott & Bailey), a quiet and reserved man. Her relationship with her introverted and deeply private stepson Scott (Adam Hugill - The Watch, 1917) is also strained. But when tragedy strikes close to home, Cathy is forced to reckon with the woman she has become, and the dark secrets that have been hidden behind closed doors.

Andy Fisher (Adeel Akhtar - Murdered By My Father, Sweet Tooth, Utopia) is a delicate and shy man who lost his wife years ago and has struggled to cope with that loss, ever since. He leans on his son Neel (Bally Gill - Wanderlust, Romeo & Juliet, NW) for emotional support, and though Neel is much obliging, Andy feels like he's losing his son to his son's fiancée Sarah (Joanne Froggatt - Downton Abbey, Liar, Angela Black), who struggles to hide how uncomfortable she is in her soon-to-be father-in-law's company.

And it's not just the arrival of the Met police which stirs up old memories. With the reappearance in the town of Yorkshireman and staunch NUM member Warnock (Stephen Tompkinson - The Split, Brassed Off, DCI Banks) new seeds of suspicion surrounding the events from 1984 are sown when he alludes to activity of the Met Police's undercover police unit during the strikes.

James Graham has written all six parts and will be an executive producer on the series. Lewis Arnold (Time, Des) is lead director and executive producer, and the producer is Rebecca Hodgson (The Irregulars, Deep Water). Juliette Howell, Tessa Ross and Harriet Spencer are executive producers for House Productions and Ben Irving will executive produce for BBC. Sherwood was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, and Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama. BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally.

BAFTA Award-Winning, The Great House Giveaway returns to Channel 4 with New Hosting Talent, Tayo Oguntonade

Following a hugely successful first series, which earned Welsh indie, Chwarel, a BAFTA Award in the Daytime category, The Great House Giveaway is back and welcomes a new presenter, Tayo Oguntonade, it was announced today (TUES).

As a result of Channel 4's Black to Front project, property expert Tayo permanently joins the hosting team alongside returning presenter Simon O'Brien (Find It, Fix It, Flog It; Lost and Found), and S4C's presenter Carys Davies (S4C's Ar Werth/For Sale).

In this game-changing property format, which partners with finance experts Together, The Great House Giveaway sees two people, who have never met and have never owned a home, given a lump sum to buy a property at auction. The pair then have six months to revive the property into a habitable and desirable home with the aim to split any profits. If they don't sell – the house goes back to auction.

Five episodes are set to air in September as part of the project, where we'll see experienced Mortgage Broker, Property Expert, and Investor, Tayo, on hand to offer advice and handy tips to our DIY hopefuls.

Tayo Oguntonade said: "helping to get people on the property ladder has been a passion of mine for a long time, one of which I've been doing throughout my career. I am so excited to be joining The Great House Giveaway team and getting to share my advice with not only the renovation new-comers on the show but also the viewers at home!"

Hollyoaks commence filming Channel 4-commissioned special hour-long episode, directed by Patrick Robinson

Hollyoaks commence filming Channel 4-commissioned special hour-long episode, directed by Patrick Robinson to air on Friday 10 September

'Overstanding other people's cultures, I believe, is one giant step towards an inclusive society and drama is one of the best tools to do that.' – Patrick Robinson

'Once cultural differences are understood, this can often dissipate hatred, racism or bigotry simply, by telling truthful stories we can all relate to.' – Kelle Bryan

Filming has commenced on an hour-long special that will play a pivotal part in Channel 4's Black to Front, the ground-breaking diversity project culminating in a special day of content on Friday September 10th. Across the day Channel 4 will broadcast programming fronted by Black talent and featuring Black contributors, to champion Black voices and stories, and the incredible Black talent that make, shape and star in British TV.

Planned over a year, and working with numerous production partners, Black to Front is part of Channel 4's on-going commitment to improve Black representation on and off screen. From breakfast right through to late night, some of Channel 4's most iconic shows will have Black talent at the forefront, offering viewers a new perspective of much-loved programmes.

Hollyoaks will air a special episode - written by Hollyoaks core team writer Thabo Mhlatshwa - anchored around the pivotal Black Deveraux family and joined by characters past, present and future, played by Black and of Black heritage talent.

It will be directed by Patrick Robinson, whom fans of continuing drama will know from his early acting career playing consultant Martin 'Ash' Ashford in Casualty for a number of years. He first began directing in 1998 on the short film, Monument, also playing the lead character. This will be his first major directorial debut for a continuing drama.

Patrick said: "I'm very excited to be directing this hour long special of Hollyoaks, featuring characters who share my background and heritage.

"Overstanding other people's cultures, I believe is one giant step towards an inclusive society and Drama is one of the best tools to do that. Music, Dance and Art also play a vital part in giving greater insight basically because we feel it…Heart, body and soul.

"Love is the theme of the episode, which I hope we can all relate to. And my litmus test for any good work? Did I feel…"

COMPETITION: Win Hudson & Rex: Season 1 on DVD

Hudson & Rex Season 1 - Released on DVD from 9th August

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

Synopsis: 

Own the action-packed, hit television series Hudson & Rex, and meet this loveable crime-fighting duo in their very first season…

Detective Charlie Hudson (John Reardon, Van Helsing, Continuum), a cunning Major Crimes detective for the St. John’s Police Department, teams up with an unusual partner, Rex, a former-K9 German Shepherd whose heightened senses keep Charlie hot on the trail of his suspects. Together, they investigate puzzling crimes, from a kidnapping which reveals a much larger conspiracy at play, to an art theft murder which runs deep into the world of high society. With Charlie’s deft detective work and Rex’s keen canine senses, this crime-fighting pair is unstoppable.

Providing plenty of action and excitement for the whole family, Hudson & Rex became the highest-rated original scripted series for Canadian television network Citytv and is shown in more than 100 territories worldwide. 

Dazzler Media presents Hudson & Rex: Season One on DVD and Download-to-Own from 9th August

Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rzJ9GO

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 16-08-21
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.

Post Mortem: No One Dies in Skarnes - Official Trailer

 

Today, Netflix released the trailer for the new Norwegian vampire drama comedy Post Mortem: No One Dies in Skarnes. The series will premiere globally on Netflix on August 25.

Post Mortem: No One Dies in Skarnes is directed by internationally acclaimed Harald Zwart and written by up-and-coming writer Petter Holmsen. 

The show begins when Live Hallangen is declared dead. Hours later she suddenly wakes up on the forensic table. A dark, insatiable hunger has awoken in her. Meanwhile, her brother Odd tries to keep the family driven funeral home afloat, but the stagnant death rate in the small Norwegian town of Skarnes makes it impossible. Live has to learn to control her new dangerous nature and decide if she is willing to sacrifice people’s lives for her own survival, which ironically goes hand in hand with the survival of the family business. 

The cast of Post Mortem: No One Dies in Skarnes includes Kathrine Thorborg Johansen (Live), Elias Holmsen Sørensen (Odd), Andrée Sørum (Reinert), Kim Fairchild (Judith), Sarah Khorami (Rose) and Terje Strømdahl (Arvid). 

First-look images released and further casting announced for BBC One’s Rules Of The Game

Alison Steadman, Rakhee Thakrar and Susan Wokoma to star alongside Maxine Peake

BBC One has today released a gallery of images from new drama series Rules Of The Game, produced by The Forge (Roadkill, National Treasure) and has also announced further casting.

Rules Of The Game is a gripping four-part thriller about sexual politics in the modern workplace, starring Maxine Peake (Three Girls, Silk) as Sam, a hard-headed manager at a family-run business in the North West. However, when Sam arrives at work one day to find a dead body in the office reception she is forced to reckon with not only murky behaviour in the present, but murderous secrets from the past as well.

Rakhee Thakrar (Sex Education, Four Weddings And A Funeral [TV] ) plays Maya, a new HR Director who tries to shake up the old-fashioned lad culture, and begins investigating historic cases of misconduct. Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacy, Life) plays Anita, a member of the board and the cold, hardened widower of narcissistic company founder Harry. Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes, Truth Seekers) plays DI Eve Preston, an immensely driven, thick-skinned, no-nonsense detective who is investigating a case centred around the company.

Further cast includes Kieran Bew (Warrior), Ben Batt (Scott & Bailey), Callie Cooke (The Stranger), Katherine Pearce (Three Girls) and Zoë Tapper (Liar).

Maxine Peake says: "What a glorious cast. Working alongside my fellow sisters each day, with their commitment and understanding towards Ruth Fowler's script about sexual politics in the workplace, with Jennifer Sheridan directing, has reminded me once again why we need to keep fighting for more women to have a voice in the filmmaking process."

Rakhee Thakrar says: "It's been pure joy working with this cast, who all bring such authenticity, heart and humour to any scene. Maxine Peake in particular has been an absolute highlight as our lead."

Rules Of The Game is written by Ruth Fowler with George Faber and Mark Pybus as Executive Producers for The Forge, and Lucy Richer and Ayela Butt for the BBC. Jennifer Sheridan will direct all four episodes and the producer is Simon Meyers. All3Media International is handling international distribution.

Filming has completed in the North West of England. Rules Of The Game will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2022.

Interview with Mo Gilligan – The Lateish Show: Series 2 Friday 23rd July, 10PM

Since The Lateish Show's debut in July 2019, you've won BAFTA and RTS Awards, joined the judging panel on The Masked Singer and Dancer, written a book, presented a series from home, fronted a documentary, announced your There's Mo To Life tour, filmed Celebrity Gogglebox with Babatundé Aléshé and we've been through a pandemic. So not busy at all then?

A lot has happened in my life since we were last doing this show really! It was quite weird because just after we finished recording the last episode of Lateish series one, we announced the Netflix Momentum special and the new tour, then pandemic hit. It's so good to finally be back doing my own show!  I love getting involved in every part of it, being back in the studio with the team – and we're back bigger than ever now for Series 2!

It's been two years since the first series of The Lateish Show aired. How are the nerves? Or are you raring to go?

I am raring to go man! I've been waiting, like we all have, but the fact I'm now able to have The Lateish Show back with an audience… I'm counting down the days! I can't wait to get back into the studio and show everyone what's we've been working on.  

Do you see The Lateish Show as being an antidote to the news?

Not really to the news – I see Lateish as a bit of escapism. I've always wanted to make a show where, regardless of what's going on in the world, you get to switch off for a bit and watch something which is a bit silly, a bit fun, puts you in a good mood and sets you up for the weekend.

What can we expect from the new series?

We're coming back BIG! We've got some big new gameshow items which I think people are going to love. Everyone's favourite rave game Nursery Grimes is back with added surprises. We've got some insanely good guest appearances as well. With this show, I always love to have guests that come from so many different worlds. I mean last series we had Steve Coogan on with Jessie J and Tyson Fury, David Schwimmer on with Jada Pinkett Smith! And of course we'll have amazing prizes – that's the thing I really love, being able to give some really brilliant prizes away to the Great British Public.

You had some amazing guests in the first series – David Schwimmer, Riz Ahmed, Kelis, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tyson Fury. How do you top that? Who's on the wish list?

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson would be high up on the wish list, he was a childhood hero. I'd love to see Adele do Nursery Grimes – she'd be dope! If those guys are free man, I'm all here for it!

You've had some time on your hands to make the games even more bonkers. How mad have you gone this time round?

We always try to keep the games as simple and as silly as possible, because what we really want is everyone to play along at home. It's like Nursery Grimes – that's something you can really play at home with the whole family! I can't wait for everyone to see the new games we're launching this series as well.

Do we get to find out what some of your characters have been up to during the pandemic?

Oh yeah, most definitely. Some of my most prominent comedy characters will be making a big return and it's really great to have them back in ways viewers have never seen before.

It's always been a priority to you to make the series interactive, and ensure the audience are just as important as the guests. Will we see more of that in this series? I believe you're going out on the streets too.

Yes, for a big Series 2 first, we are taking ourselves outside the studio and heading all over the country. The viewing audience will have a chance to win some great prizes, but we'll also be rocking up on people's doorsteps unannounced, giving them some chances to win too. People have been inside their houses for the last 18 months, so it just makes sense to go to them now!

Are you looking forward to being back on stage this year?

Yeah man! I love performing on stage, doing my stand up, so I can't wait to be back on tour with There's Mo to Life later this year. If there's ever a time to do comedy, where people really want to come out, this is it. The cool thing with a comedy tour is just being able to bring joy to people's lives for about an hour and 20 mins. A lot of us comics feel the same – it's bought a lot of us together and we're all saying, 'have you been back on stage yet?.  I was talking to Joel Dommett recently and he was saying the same thing!

How did it feel hearing your name read out as the BAFTA Award winner?

Ah man, it was incredible. It was one of those moments that I'll always remember. At first I just said to people I'm just really happy to be nominated and as we got closer, I thought oh maybe I can win this…? When my name got read out, it was just amazing.  As it was for Entertainment Performance, I felt like it was for everyone who helped out with the show, came to the show, participated in the show, told a friend about it – it was their BAFTA a little bit. As much as I won it, a lot of other people won it with me and for me – it just felt really special, because some people have been part of this journey from the start of my comedy journey. It was a very special moment.

Where do you keep your trophy?

Actually ironically, I keep it right next to the TV! It feels quite fitting that sometimes when I'm watching TV I just sneak it a few glances…

You and fellow stand-up Babatundé Aleshe have become firm favourites on Celebrity Gogglebox. What have been the best and worst shows you've had to watch?

We had to watch Dr Pimple Popper and oh my god, it's so horrible. Why would you even make the show?! It's absolutely disgusting and now every time I get a spot, I think I better pop it now just in case it turns into a growth! They also put horror films on as they know me and Babatundé will always scream at them and the viewers love that! I get so engrossed in horrors too even though I hate them. It's been so lovely doing it with Babatundé, he's been a good friend of mine for a number of years and will be supporting me on tour later this year, so it was a no brainer to do Gogglebox with him. We have a real laugh.

We also saw you front your own documentary, Black British and Funny, last year on Channel 4. What was it like being able to assemble so many legends of Black British comedy in one place?

It was an honour and something I've wanted to do since first becoming a comic. Trying to do a documentary with these icons that I grew up watching was amazing, and the public responded so beautifully. My goal in making it was that if anyone in future needs to research or understand what Black British comedy was about, this is your starting point. I wanted people to be educated on where it started, and I'm so pleased it was so well received. A lot of the big comedy names featured in the Doc will also be appearing at my O2 Arena show this December!

You were on The Masked Singer & Dancer with fellow chat show host Jonathan Ross. Did you ask him for any tips? Or did he ask you for any?

Jonathan is one of my favourite people in entertainment. He has the best stories. I've never asked him for tips, but he's been in the business since before I was born, and his stories are like sitting down with your dad and asking things like 'so what was it like when you got to meet Prince?' He loves a name drop. He told me he'd did a show a few years ago in Monaco and I was like 'Nice! Who was performing?' and he just replies with 'Well I was performing, and Stevie Wonder.' I'd love to get him on the Lateish show, he's always a really good laugh.

If you could go back five years and speak to the Mo Gilligan who was working in retail and doing homemade sketches on Instagram, what would you tell him?

It's hard because I wouldn't want to tell him anything. The Mo Gilligan that was working in retail was grinding to get to this point, so I wouldn't want to tell him anything that would throw him off course. Maybe just trust the process. Working in retail has helped me so much because the level of hard work you put into those 12 hour shifts is the same when you're on stage and you want to entertain people and make sure everyone's happy.

Do you think that Mo Gilligan would believe where you are today?

There's a bit of me that says yes and a bit that says no. I think he could have seen it happen but not this quickly. A lot has happened in the last four or five years where I look back and I'm like oh my god, I've done that, and that, and that... Sometimes I do pinch myself when looking through my camera roll and thinking oh wow, I remember doing that, that was awesome. I've been lucky enough to travel the world and go to places I never thought I'd get to. There's still so much I want to try and accomplish though!

My Life Is Murder Starring Lucy Lawless - Out on DVD 16 August 2021

Award-winning Lucy Lawless, best known as Xena: Warrior Princess, now takes the lead in one of Australia’s most popular crime dramas: My Life is Murder. Now the first series of this entertaining show is set for its UK DVD release from Acorn Media International and is also streaming from today on Acorn TV.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/3wUft8d

Lucy Lawless (Parks and Recreation) is retired cop Alexa Crowe, but her ex-boss (Bernard Curry – Once Upon a Time) is persistently on her case to help with cold cases and rookie police data-analyst (Ebony Vagulans) is hassling Alexa to be her mentor… so her detective days may not be over just yet. 

When she’s asked to investigate the case of a woman who had fallen from the 19th floor apartment of a male escort called Dylan Giroux, she’s desperate to know did she fall, or was she pushed? It doesn’t take long for Alexa to be back in the game, putting her crime-solving nous to good use as an intrepid private investigator.

Tenacious and unapologetic, Alexa brings her dry wit and brash style as she contends with a suspicious death at a competitive culinary school, a murder in an exclusive cycling club, a locked-room mystery, and more.

Danny John-Jules to return for first ever Death In Paradise Christmas Special for BBC One

Fans of Death In Paradise are in for a Caribbean Christmas treat this December with BBC One commissioning its first ever feature length episode. Concluding the tenth anniversary celebrations, the festive 90-minute special, which stretches from a grey damp drizzly London all the way to the warm sparkling beauty of idyllic Saint Marie, will see the return of Danny John-Jules as charismatic Officer Dwayne Myers, for this celebratory episode.

Also joining the regular cast (Ralf Little, Joséphine Jobert, Tahj Miles, Don Warrington and Elizabeth Bourgine) for this one-off sunny special are Mathew Baynton (Ghosts), Juliet Stevenson (Riviera), Stanley Townsend (Informer), Jocelyn Jee Esien (Jack & The Beanstalk: After Ever After), Anthony Calf (Poldark), Tessa Bonham Jones (The Trial of Christine Keeler), Elizabeth Tan (Emily in Paris) and Tariq Jordan (Law and Order: UK).

As Florence (Joséphine Jobert) leaves the island to spend Christmas with her family, the team welcome Dwayne (Danny John-Jules) with open arms to help solve a murder case. Dwayne comes to realise he's not only met Officer Marlon Pryce (Tahj Miles) before, but he once arrested him! How will the team of old and new faces come together to unravel this murderous crime?

Meanwhile, after vexed fans were left hanging in suspense after the cliff-hanger ending of series ten earlier this year, will they finally discover whether Neville told Florence about his feelings for her? Viewers have watched Neville and Florence's relationship develop over the course of series ten and all will be revealed in the Christmas special with more surprises to come in series eleven.

Danny John-Jules says: "It's always a pleasure going back to the Caribbean. And after four years away, fitting back into the fold should be seamless as I know all the new leading cast members already. I look forward to bringing Dwayne and this tenth anniversary special script to life."

Executive Producer for Red Planet Pictures Tim Key says: "We've been talking about a Death In Paradise Christmas episode for years so we're beyond excited to be finally making one and to be working with Danny again. We can't think of a better place to spend Christmas than in Saint Marie - it's still part of our tenth anniversary year after all!"

Tommy Bulfin, Commissioning Editor, BBC Drama says: "We're so excited to be spending our first ever Christmas in Saint Marie. We are delighted that Death In Paradise will be bringing the sunshine to the festive schedule on BBC One."

Death In Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for BBC One made with the support of the region of Guadeloupe and internationally distributed by BBC Studios. The feature length episode is written by James Hall, produced by Candida Julian-Jones, directed by Ben Kellett and will air on BBC One this December. Death In Paradise series eleven will air in January 2022 and series twelve has previously been announced.

All series of Death In Paradise are available on BBC iPlayer.

Channel 4 announces cast for animated Christmas special ‘Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby’ from Eagle Eye Drama

Channel 4 has announced a trio of top stars to head up their high-profile Christmas 2021 animated special Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby produced by Eagle Eye Drama, the production company recently launched by the team behind global drama brand Walter Presents, in association with Narrativia, the independent production company, launched in 2012 by one of Britain's most illustrious and well-loved authors, Sir Terry Pratchett.

Terry Pratchett's The Abominable Snow Baby, based on one of legendary author Sir Terry's best-selling short stories tells the story of a quintessentially English town which is thrown into disarray by a huge snowfall and the dramatic appearance of a 14-feet tall Abominable Snow Baby. Shunned and feared by the local townsfolk, Snow Baby is rescued by an 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.

Screen legend and comedy icon Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Mamma Mia, Paddington) will star as the voice of fearless 'Granny', whilst Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down, Ella Enchanted, Hannibal, Downton Abbey 2) will take on the role of her courageous grandson 'Albert' with narration from 'Homeland' star David Harewood (Homeland, Supergirl, Blood Diamond)

Les Dawson: The Lost Tapes

 

Wed 21 Jul 2021

9.00pm - 10.00pm

ITV

Les Dawson was a comedy icon famed for his legendary gurn and piano bum notes and hilarious characters. Unearthing unique previously unseen family footage and clips, we reveal a very different side to his very public persona and discover the real Les away from the spotlight, family man and comedian. 

This year would have been Les' 90th birthday. Teaming up with well-known fans including Mrs Brown's Brendan O Carroll, Jason Manford, Omid Djalili, John Thomson, and lifelong friends including Ruth Madoc and Gloria Hunniford as well as Les' wife and daughter, we also uncover never-before-seen material revealing surprises not just to his friends, but his family too.

Four new professional dancers announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2021

Four new world-class professional dancers will be joining the line up for Strictly Come Dancing when the multi-award-winning series returns this autumn to BBC One, as the nation's favourite dance show once again brings glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to Saturday and Sunday nights.

The dazzling new dancers stepping into the Strictly ballroom hail from all across the globe: South Africa, Ukraine, Poland and the United Kingdom. They are: World Junior Latin American Champion 2010 and former Dancing With The Stars Ireland professional Kai Widdrington; six-time Latin and Ballroom National Champion in Italy and former Let's Dance Germany professional Nikita Kuzmin; reigning South African Latin Champion Cameron Lombard; and Polish Open Latin Champion 2014 and winner of BBC One's The Greatest Dancer 2020, Jowita Przystal.

They join the professional dancers already revealed for the upcoming series: Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, and Oti Mabuse.

Kai Widdrington says: "This is my childhood dream come true. Watching Strictly from the very first series as a young boy from Southampton and now 18 years later, to be a professional dancer on the show is the most amazing feeling and the biggest accomplishment of my career. I can't wait to step onto the Strictly floor and experience the exciting times that lie ahead."

Nikita Kuzmin says: "I've always been amazed by the magic Strictly Come Dancing brings. No matter what country I have found myself living in, I've never missed a chance to watch it. And joining it as a professional dancer is my big chance to make some magic on the most famous dance floor. I can't wait to give it my all!"

Cameron Lombard says: "Thank you Strictly Come Dancing for this life-changing opportunity. Not only is this a dream come true but a challenge I am accepting with both hands. I am excited beyond imagination and looking forward to leaving my mark on the dance floor!"

Jowita Przystal says: "This is my biggest dream come true. No words can describe how I feel right now. I'm still pinching myself to check if this is real but I am beyond excited to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family and I can't wait to give all of my heart and soul on that dance floor!"

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 19th series this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

New Professional Dancers Biographies

Jowita Przystal

Twenty six year-old Jowita started ballroom dancing at the age of 12 and is a Polish Open Latin Champion. In 2015 she ended her competitive Ballroom and Latin career to join the cast of touring dance company Burn The Floor, where she stayed for four years before moving to the UK in 2019. Under the mentorship of Strictly Champion, Oti Mabuse, she won the BBC's The Greatest Dancer in 2020, and the prize of performing on Strictly Come Dancing.

Kai Widdrington

Kai, 25, was all set to follow in his dads footsteps by becoming a professional footballer, but aged nine decided to take up dancing instead. By the time he was 14 he became the World Junior Latin-American champion. As well as competing, Kai appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2012 aged 16 and made it to the final. Kai has been a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland since its first series in 2017. He finished twice as runner-up on the show in 2018 and 2020.

Nikita Kuzmin

Nikita, 23, was born in Ukraine and lived there until he was nine years old when his family moved to Italy to support his sister's dancing career. He started dancing aged four after initially wanting to do karate like his hero Jackie Chan. During his nine years in Italy, Nikita became six-times Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom. In 2020 Nikita was a professional dancer on Let's Dance, Germany's version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Cameron Lombard

Reigning South African Latin Champion Cameron Lombard, 20, has won eighteen national titles across Ballroom and Latin during his dance career. He started competing aged 6, and within a year he was already winning local and regional competitions. In 2012 he was a finalist on South Africa's Got Talent and in 2019 he represented South Africa at the World Championships.

BBC Two commissions When Ruby Met... a reflection on some of the most impactful celebrity interviews of the 1990s

In the early 1990s Ruby Wax smashed out of the TV studio and rewrote the rule book on the celebrity chat show. In this three-part series, for BBC Two and iPlayer, When Ruby Met... Ruby will look back at some of these seminal encounters

Across the three episodes, Ruby will reflect not only on who she interviewed, but also her unique and refreshing interviewing style and reveal how she obtained such extraordinary access to such world-famous stars.

Before social media and reality television and with the cameras always turned on, she interviewed some of the most famous - and infamous - people in the world, including Grace Jones, Pamela Anderson, Roseanne Barr, Evander Holyfield, Carrie Fisher, Imelda Marcos, OJ Simpson, Sharon Stone, Tom Hanks, Madonna, the Spice Girls and one particularly memorable encounter with a future US President and his new girlfriend - a Mr. Donald Trump and Melania.

But how did Ruby secure such an unrivalled guest list, which reads like a who's who of 90s stardom, and get them to play along in such a revealing, unguarded, and at times jaw-dropping way?

Over 25 years have since passed, and not only have the shows never been repeated but Ruby has never watched herself back. After leaving her television career behind Ruby went on to attain a degree from Oxford. With the benefit of this academic achievement and the passage of time, Ruby provides thoughtful, insightful and always humorous analysis of both herself and her subjects and what it meant to be a global superstar in an age before 24/7 online access and a world of controlling media and image consultants.

Ruby says: "I haven't watched these shows in 25 years - why didn't anyone tell me I was that cute?"

Epic new entertainment attraction I’m A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge

An epic new adventure awaits this summer as TV favourite, I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, brings the ultimate jungle encounter to Manchester with the £multi-million I'm A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge.

Opening Friday 30th July at Quayside, MediaCityUK (formally known as The Lowry Shopping Centre), the hotly anticipated indoor entertainment attraction will take Campmates into the heart of the jungle to navigate a series of fun-filled physical challenges, inspired by the blockbuster ITV show.

Featuring Main Camp, the Throne and Winners Bridge, the action-packed experience will put Campmates' nerve and agility to the test as they race against the clock in a bid to collect stars and be crowned King or Queen of the jungle!

Scale The Ascent, an 8.1m vertical rock climb, reach dizzy heights racing across the suspended Treetop Trail, scramble nets, balance on beams and swing round the Jungle Run, take a leap of faith on Get a Grip and glide through the trees on a Zipline, all as part of timed trials.

Whilst there's no critters to be seen, Campmates could find themselves taking on Kiosk Kev and a multiple-choice Dingo Dollar Challenge, if the iconic telephone boxes start to ring out and, there's ample picture opportunities for guests to take home a memento - up to 5 digital images of which are included in every admission ticket.

James Penfold, Controller of Partnerships for ITV Global Entertainment said: "I'm a Celebrity... Jungle Challenge is a one of a kind, multi-sensory adrenalin adventure - bringing together the heart and soul of the hugely celebrated series, and ITV's expertise in curating fantastic, memorable live brand experiences for guests and families across the world."

Appointed operators, Continuum Attractions' CEO Juliana Delaney comments: "We're really looking forward to opening the doors on the Jungle Challenge; it will be a totally new and utterly amazing action-packed physical challenge for friends and family to enjoy together this summer."

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK adds: "The arrival of this incredible attraction will bring a real sense of excitement and fun for all the family to MediaCityUK. ITV is already an important part of our community with the presence of the iconic Coronation Street studios and the 'I'm a Celebrity... Jungle Challenge' brings the ITV experience even closer to the public, in a unique immersive way."

I'm A Celebrity… Jungle Challenge will also feature Europe's first ever ceiling-mounted Spyrider; a high-speed track which will whiz above the jungle canopy in just 18 seconds*.

More of the attraction will be unveiled during a streamed broadcast which will take place on the I'm a Celebrity official Twitter account @imacelebrity throughout the day this Sunday. For the first time ever, former celebrity Campmates Andy Whyment (Coronation Street), AJ Pritchard (Ex-Strictly Come Dancing) and Fatima Whitbread (Olympian) will go against members of the public as they take on some of the challenges live.

Let's get ready to jungle! Gather together family, friends and colleagues to enjoy hours of wholesome fun in the most incredibly crafted jungle-themed setting from this summer. Register online now at www.imacelebrityjunglechallenge.co.uk to access 24 hour priority booking from 8am on Tuesday 20th July. Tickets will go on general sale from 8am on Wednesday 21st July with sessions priced at £27.50 per child and £30 per adult.

Register now for priority booking from Tuesday 20 July at www.imacelebrityjunglechallenge.co.uk  

BBC Two announces Chris Packham: The Walk That Made Me

Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham embarks on a deeply personal and emotional journey through his often challenging past as he walks in the beautiful Hampshire countryside that he says shaped and probably saved his life.

Wandering along the River Itchen and Itchen Navigation, Chris explores the importance of natural surroundings when it comes to wellbeing. His walk stirs up powerful and difficult memories of living with undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome as he was growing up.

He recalls travelling this very stretch with his father and playing in the fields with his beloved kestrel. With honesty and openness, Chris describes how nature saved him from isolation and pain.

Walking with a hand-held 360-degree camera, he heads north, starting a few miles outside Southampton and ending up at Winchester Cathedral. Following the path of one the oldest waterways in the country, he meets those who live, work and play in the area.

With his characteristic wit and encyclopaedic knowledge, he discusses the joy that the water brings to wild swimmers, observes local enthusiasts as they maintain centuries-old farming practices by flooding a local meadow, and speaks to residents and other walkers along the way.

He offers thoughts on mental health that he hopes will help others and describes the life-saving and life-changing qualities of 'natural health', including his childhood walk, and time spent with his precious poodle companions.

This is the TV naturalist as you've never seen him before as he travels in his own distant footsteps, along the route where he forged his lifelong wonder of nature.

On his journey Chris reflects on how walking continues to help improve his mental health, saying: "Those meadows were my playground. Where I came to skip and run, and search and learn, and escape and survive. Those meadows shaped and probably saved my life.

"Walking every day is now central to my mental health regime. And the reason why I talk about this stuff is because I still fear that out there somewhere there will be teenagers all over the UK, people in their early 20s with Asperger's or something similar, stuck in their bedrooms and they will be really, really unhappy. Having been there, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. It does get better, the more of your life you can control, the better it gets."

Aisling O'Connor, Head of TV Commissioning BBC England, says: "Our walking programmes have delivered a timely and inspiring treat for audiences during the past year, and in this charming and emotional film Chris takes us through some of Hampshire's most beautiful countryside. He also reveals intimate thoughts about growing up in this part of the world, and addresses important points on the subject of mental health.

"Working with Chris, the producers have created a gentle, sensory and immersive experience for viewers. They use new technology to offer a different perspective, with stunning visual images of landscapes and a rich soundtrack."

Watch on BBC Two at 8pm on 28 July, and on BBC iPlayer.

Channel 4 invites viewers’ feedback in new series Complaints Welcome

Channel 4 has commissioned Rumpus Media to make Complaints Welcome (w/t), a new comedy entertainment series putting viewers' opinions at the heart of the show.

Comedians Tom Allen, Jessica Knappett and Munya Chawawa, will join forces to assemble a "Complaints Committee" of viewers with plenty to say about the television shows getting the nation talking each week. From daytime to documentaries, preschool to politics – no genre of TV is off-limits.

Munya Chawawa (in his first prime time series on Channel 4), Jessica Knappett (Taskmaster, The Inbetweeners Movie) and Tom Allen (Bake Off: The Professionals, Quizness) will be joined in the studio each week by guests from the world of telly as they playfully dissect the week's televisual complaints, looking for resolutions, and ultimately deciding whether the viewers' feedback will be upheld or rejected. The show will feature sketches, stunts and studio discussion covering all aspects of TV.

Tom Allen comments: "Jess, Munya and I will be putting TV on trial. If you've got an opinion on anything from the corsets in Bridgerton to a frown about Countdown, we want to hear from you. Complaints Welcome will be standing by to review the reviews viewing viewers viewed."

Complaints Welcome will air later this year on Channel 4.

Scenes from a Marriage - First Look

 

Sky launched the official teaser trailer for upcoming drama series Scenes from a Marriage. The limited series is confirmed to air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in 2021.

Adapted from Ingmar Bergman’s 1973 Swedish classic, and starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, Scenes from a Marriage re-examines the show’s iconic depiction of love, hatred, desire, monogamy, marriage, and divorce through the lens of a contemporary American couple.

Never Mind the Buzzcocks is back and coming exclusively to Sky and NOW with Greg Davies as host

Never Mind the Buzzcocks, the iconic pop culture panel show, is returning exclusively to Sky and NOW as a Sky Original.

Sky today announces the commission of a new series of the legendary Never Mind the Buzzcocks. The renowned music themed comedy show will return to our screens as an 8 x 45' series, plus a one-off Christmas special, with brand new host Greg Davies (Taskmaster, Man Down). The Sky Original will air this autumn on Sky and streaming service NOW and is produced by Talkback (a Fremantle label), the production company behind all previous series of Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Returning to the show, Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh, The Great British Bake Off) will be a team captain opposite Daisy May Cooper (This Country), with Jamali Maddix (Hate Thy Neighbour) featuring as a regular guest. Each week they will be joined by a roster of top music and comedy stars to compete against each other. Viewers can expect the unpredictability of the original series, with some of the best known and loved rounds remaining, alongside some new surprises thrown in along the way.

Greg Davies said: "I have always loved Never Mind the Buzzcocks and am thrilled to be the new host on Sky. We have brilliant comedic talent on the team and plenty of exciting musical guests will be joining us. All that being said, I'm so sure that no one reads these press quotes in their entirety that I'm going to finish by listing types of bread: rye, sourdough, sliced white. Oh, and cob."

ITV commissions Undercover Big Boss

ITV has commissioned a brand new series of the global hit Undercover Boss, the Emmy award-winning format from Studio Lambert, which will see a new group of chief execs and company bosses swap their power suits for overalls and go in disguise to work on their very own shop floors, to see what really goes on behind closed doors.

The series has been supersized and rebooted for ITV and is more timely than ever, as Britain reopens following three devastating lockdowns and UK firms face their greatest challenge, a battle to survive. With the gap between multi-millionaire bosses and their struggling workers wider than ever, there will be big emotion, big rewards and some big shocks in store as the bosses get their hands dirty.

The four-part series will see bosses from Pickfords, Bristol Street Motors, Wyldecrest Parks, and Euro Foods Group roll up their sleeves and join workers on the bottom rung of the ladder and live a life they had long left behind.

Pickfords has a 400-year history and is the UK's largest removals company but Covid's had a big impact on the way they do business. Bristol Street Motors are one of the biggest car dealerships in the UK, but how are they recovering from a nationwide decline in car sales? Meanwhile due to recent travel restrictions, Caravan parks and staycations are thriving, but is business booming for Wyldecrest Parks, the largest Residential Park and Holiday Home operator in the UK? And how has lockdown impacted Euro Foods Group, as suppliers of the nation's beloved Indian takeaways? The series will reveal what's really going on behind the doors of big British businesses.

Emotions will run high as the company owners see their businesses through the eyes of their employees, experiencing the raw reality of what their workers face every day. At the end of their week at the coalface, what changes will they make?

Yorkshire Firefighters on the frontline in new BBC Two documentary series

This unique four-part series takes us onto the frontline with the men and women keeping their communities safe during the pandemic. It's a rare chance to go behind the scenes with this inspirational band of West Yorkshire firefighters.

Filmed using the latest technology, viewers will be brought closer than ever before to real-life emergencies, seeing inside burning buildings and getting to the heart of the action.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has 900 firefighters with a diverse range of personnel dedicated to serving a population of more than two million people - often in remote, highly dangerous and life-threatening situations.

Each episode shows the men and women behind the visors as they help communities during last winter, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

From bringing under control one of the biggest fires seen in Bradford in decades, to helping vulnerable people at home, expect drama, jeopardy, hair-raising moments and firefighters working day and night to be the best at what they do - with plenty of Yorkshire warmth and humour along the way too.

Jimmy Carr to host new Channel 4 comedy gameshow I Literally Just Told You created by Richard Bacon

Channel 4 has commissioned a new primetime comedy gameshow, I Literally Just Told You created by Richard Bacon and produced by Expectation.

It's the only gameshow in history where the contestants are given every answer with the questions written, literally, as the show is happening. You just need to pay attention to everything that's going on.

With each correct answer adding more cash to their prize pot, can the competitors keep their focus and remember the things they've seen and heard just minutes before?

In the dramatic finale, the remaining two contestants set each other questions. It's a chaotic battle of wits.

This is the latest format from creator Richard Bacon, who executive produces the series alongside Adam Hutchinson for Expectation. It's Bacon's third format to go to series this year following This is MY House (BBC One) and The Hustler (ABC). 

Commenting on the show, Richard Bacon said: "I Literally Just Told You just feels like a natural Channel 4 show, who are a perfect fit for this, and it's irreverent nature takes me back to my Big Breakfast days. I had this hunch that most people's short-term memory is so bad you could just give contestants AND the audience all the answers in a game show, and they'd still get most of them wrong. It's great to have Jimmy Carr as the host, who will bring his trademark wit and flair to the show and I can't wait for audiences to see it."

Jimmy Carr added: "I Literally Just Told You is the best pitch for a TV show I've ever heard. All the best ideas sound crazy when you first hear them, but I genuinely believe this idea will stay crazy for years. And most importantly, I like the title, which makes it sound like I'm properly annoyed with you just for asking me what it's called."

Coming soon

Schmigadoon! – First Look - Apple TV+

Go behind the scenes with the creators and the cast of Schmigadoon! Watch Schmigadoon! July 16, only on Apple TV+

A parody of iconic musicals, Schmigadoon! is a new musical comedy series executive produced by Lorne Michaels and starring Emmy Award nominee Cecily Strong and Emmy Award winner Keegan-Michael Key as a couple on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship when they discover a magical town in which everyone is living in a studio musical from the 1940s. They then discover that they can’t leave until they find “true love.” The cast also includes Broadway and TV veterans including Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Fred Armisen, Jaime Camil, Jane Krakowski, and Ann Harada.

Paddy McGuinness revealed as new host of BBC One’s A Question Of Sport.

The BBC has today confirmed that TV presenter Paddy McGuinness will be the new host of BBC One's long-running sports quiz A Question Of Sport. McGuinness will be joined by new team Captains - sporting pundits Sam Quek and Ugo Monye.

McGuinness, who has become a firm favourite with UK and international audiences hosting motoring entertainment juggernaut Top Gear, also hosts popular BBC One Saturday night gameshows I Can See Your Voice and Catchpoint. He started his television career playing Paddy the doorman in That Peter Kay Thing which led to the massive spin off series Phoenix Nights followed by hosting duties on hit dating format Take Me Out. McGuinness annually participates as a player in the Soccer Aid charity football event for UNICEF.

Quek is a former international hockey player who won over 120 caps at the highest level and took home an Olympic gold in Rio as part of the victorious Great Britain team of 2016. Since retiring Quek has become a versatile sports presenter hosting the flagship 606 football show for Radio 5Live, NFL coverage on the BBC plus a variety of other sports including rugby union and horse racing for other broadcasters. She's also been a finalist in both I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity MasterChef.

Monye is a former international rugby union player who was the leading try scorer for the British & Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa. He starred for club and country from 2002 until his retirement in 2015, helping Harlequins to trophy success both domestically and in Europe. Since hanging up his boots Monye has become a well-respected rugby pundit for BT Sport and for ITV's coverage of the 6 Nations tournament and he also presents the BBC's weekly rugby podcast. His work with BBC Radio 5Live is now branching out to cover other sports

Alex Scott and Ross Kemp to host new BBC Daytime Quiz formats made in Scotland

BBC Daytime has today confirmed that Alex Scott and Ross Kemp will each host new Quiz formats in the afternoons on BBC One. The Tournament and The Bridge Of Lies were commissioned by the BBC Daytime & Early Peak commissioning team as part of a Quiz initiative to find new quiz formats made in Scotland.

Alex Scott will host The Tournament, which will air later this autumn, whilst Ross Kemp will be at the helm on The Bridge Of Lies, which will broadcast in Spring 2022.

The Tournament (25x45) brings all the drama and tension of the sporting arena to BBC Daytime as eight contestants compete in a series of fast-paced quiz battles in an attempt to eliminate their opponents from the day's game and walk away with a cash prize.

Alex Scott says: "To be hosting this new BBC quiz show is exciting and I can't wait to get started. The Tournament promises all the drama and tension of a penalty shootout; it's a show where favourites can be knocked out of the competition and underdogs can come back from the brink of defeat to claim victory. I'm sure it'll be a firm favourite with quiz fans and new viewers alike."

The Bridge Of Lies (25x45) promises both high drama and stakes that will keep the contestants on their toes and their eyes on the prize as they risk losing it all with each step they take.

It will see teams of contestants compete for cash by crossing a bridge made up of stepping stones across the studio floor. Each stepping stone has a different option, and the players must try to get from A to B by stepping on the truths and avoiding the lies in order to cross the floor safely, or risk falling off the bridge and out of the game.

Ross Kemp says: "It's fair to say I've found myself in some dangerous situations in recent years, so I reckon I'm well-prepared for the jeopardy of The Bridge Of Lies! This is something a little different for me, and after a challenging year, we're all crying out for a fun new show to kick back and enjoy. I'm delighted to be working with STV Studios again and can't wait to be back on BBC One in 2022, having a giggle with all the contestants and helping them win some cash in the process. Bring it on!"

BBC One annouces Joe Wicks: Mental Health, My Family And Me

BBC Factual announces Joe Wicks: Mental Health, My Family And Me (w/t), a 1x60' documentary for BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Mindhouse Productions, Executive Produced by Louis Theroux and Shona Thompson.

In the course of one remarkable year, Joe Wicks has gone from being an Insta-famous health & fitness guru to a full-blown national treasure, drawing millions to his online PE sessions during lockdown and winning the country over with his energy, charm and optimism.

But behind this positivity is a poignant personal story: Joe was brought up by parents who struggled with their mental health. His mother suffered from acute OCD and his father battled heroin addiction. In this intimate and emotionally powerful film Joe will revisit his childhood and have frank discussions with his family and friends, revealing how his experiences motivated him to keep healthy.

Joe says: "I've spent a lot of time helping people improve their physical health, but as a child that grew up in a home with parents that struggled with their mental health, I know that this is just as important, especially given what's happened over the last year.

"I'm passionate about exploring it and I want to use my own experience to connect and help families today who are in similar situations to the one I was in. I also want to share the message that exercise can be a really powerful tool in helping to boost our mental health."

Louis Theroux, Executive Producer, says: "I was one of the hundreds of thousands of people who flocked to Joe's online work-outs on that first day of PE With Joe back in March 2020. I'm a true believer in Joe's mission of improving your mental wellbeing through exercise and it is a complete thrill and privilege to be able to spread the word further in this documentary, while also showing a side of the nation's favourite PE teacher they have never seen before. This is a dream project for me."

Baddiel and Skinner join Adam, Alex and Josh for a 90-minute Euro 2020 special of The Last Leg this Friday

After 55 years of hurt, could football finally be coming home?

Last Leg of the Euros with Baddiel and Skinner, a 90 minute extended episode of the multi award-winning The Last Leg, will probe that very question this Friday at 10pm. Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker will be joined live in the studio by none other than the Three Lions comedic heroes David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and legendary band The Lightning Seeds as they count down to the must see event of the year – the England v Italy Euro 2020 final.

With our enduring love affair for unofficial national anthem, Three Lions at an all-time high, the team will celebrate its 25th anniversary and ask whether Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds might need to pen a new song come Monday morning…

Comedian Tom Allen, former Tory Party co-chairwoman Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and some surprise guests will also join the gang for an epic night of footballing fun, acerbic wit, unmatched satirical insight – and quite possibly, a monumental end of the show musical performance.

As ever, the hashtag #isitok will also play a key role in the night's proceedings.

Last Leg of the Euros with Baddiel & Skinner

Friday 9th July at 10pm on Channel 4

The Love Trap - Hosted by Joel Dommett - Coming to Channel 4

Channel 4 has commissioned The Love Trap, an entertaining gameshow from Great Scott Media, the indie launched by the executive producers behind Too Hot To Handle, Leon Wilson and Ed Sleeman.

In the modern world of dating, it's harder than ever before to know who to trust. Now this brand-new reality-gameshow hybrid ingeniously subverts familiar dating show tropes in order to explore just how good we all are at spotting a genuine connection.

Comedian and presenter Joel Dommett presides over The Love Trap, as twelve women do all they can over a series of dates to win the affection of one single man. In a twist, only half of the women want to win our bachelor's heart, the other half want to stay in the game to be one step closer to winning a big cash prize. Successfully enticing our single man means they also avoid the elimination at the end of each episode when one suspected love trap will be dumped, quite literally, through the trap door.

 

Joel Dommett said "Super proud to announce I'll be presenting the new series, Love Trap on Channel 4! I love lying, love, and trap doors so it's all I've ever wanted. It's genuinely a huge idea and I'm excited that they have trusted me at the helm."