TRAILER: The Idol - Starring Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp

 

A new teaser trailer for the Sky exclusive series, The Idol, has been released. Set to premiere in June exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW, the series is co-created by Sam Levinson (Euphoria), Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim. It stars Lily-Rose Depp and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye and will make its debut at the Festival de Cannes.

The series follows Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), a pop star whose last tour was derailed by a nervous breakdown. Determined to reclaim her status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America, she is reignited by Tedros (Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a troubled past. As Jocelyn's passion for her music and career are reignited, she embarks on a romantic awakening that could lead her to new heights or the depths of her soul. Tune in to find out in The Idol.

Cast includes Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Lily-Rose Depp, Troye Sivan. Also starring Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria.

TRAILER: Juan Carlos: Downfall of The King

Sky Original's latest documentary series, Juan Carlos: Downfall of The King, will be premiering on 21st May 2023 on Sky Documentaries and NOW. The four-part series explores the rise and fall of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I and has been selected to compete at Canneseries.

Once celebrated around the world for his modern, progressive, and democratic values, King Juan Carlos I was a Spanish hero for many years. He transformed Spain from a dictatorship to a parliamentary monarchy, earning international respect and becoming the most popular Spanish ruler in history. He had a loyal Queen, a loving family, friends in high places, and faithful subjects.

So, how did this revered monarch experience such a dramatic downfall that led to his forced abdication in 2014 and eventual exile in 2020? Juan Carlos: Downfall of The King delves into this intriguing and shocking story, uncovering the events that led to the once-respected King's downfall.

This compelling, investigate documentary features exclusive interviews with close friends, palace insiders, journalists and supporters of Juan Carlos, along with his former lover, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein.

Documented and brought together on screen for the first time, a varied collective of high-profile figures including former secret service agent José Manuel Villarejo, biographer Jaime Peñafiel, ex-bank president, Mario Conde and close confidant of Juan Carlos, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein’s ex-husband, Philip Adkins share their eyewitness accounts of this remarkable period in modern Spanish history.

Juan Carlos: Downfall of The King sets out on an international hunt across London, Monaco, Geneva, Abu Dhabi and New York to find out how Juan Carlos came to his enormous fortune and asks long standing questions around his financial affairs, lucrative connections and his alleged involvement in global corruption cases.

This new Sky Original documentary explores how a fateful hunting trip to Botswana revealed the King’s secret love affair with his companion, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, and set off a series of events that shook the Spanish monarchy to its core and caused the House of Cards to fall in the most dramatic way. Then there’s the intriguing question of why Juan Carlos  transferred the sum of 65 milllion euros to Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein's account shortly before the end of his reign.

Juan Carlos: Downfall of a King will be available on 21st May on Sky Documentaries and Now.

Cooking With The Stars - Series 3 Casting

Emma Willis and Tom Allen return as hosts for a six-part cooking competition airing this summer on ITV1 and ITVX. Produced by South Shore and co-funded by Marks & Spencer, the show will feature eight celebrities who are paired with professional chefs in a bid to transform their cooking skills from amateur to expert in a matter of weeks.

The celebrity line-up includes BAFTA award-winning actor Jason Watkins, boxing legend Chris Eubank, actress Joanna Page, Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon, singer and TV personality Peter Andre, Busted's Matt Willis, Steps' Claire Richards, and Love Island star Indiyah Polack. Each celebrity will be guided by their Chef Mentor in a series of intense Cooking Battles, with the loser of each battle facing a Cook Off where they must create a dish they've never seen before.

Judged blindly by all the chefs, the losing celebrity risks being sent home by their own Chef Mentor. Who will handle the pressure and emerge as the culinary champion of this exciting cooking competition? Tune in to find out.

The professional chefs taking part in the challenge this year are British chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager (partnered with Peter Andre), chef director Jack Stein (partnered with Chris Eubank), Michelin Starred French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli (partnered with Samia Longchambon), Scottish chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE (partnered with Claire Richards), Michelin Starred executive chef Michael Caines MBE (partnered with Joanna Page), restaurateur and cookery author Shelina Permalloo (partnered with Matt Willis), chef & restaurateur April Jackson (partnered with Jason Watkins) and award-winning chef Ellis Barrie (partnered with Indiyah Polack).

Emma Willis said: "Filming Cooking With The Stars is always a highlight for me as not only do Tom and I have lots of fun but we also get to try some phenomenal food. We have a great cast this season, who will no doubt be feeling the pressure as they head into the kitchen. We've seen blood, sweat and tears on previous series and I'm sure this series will be no exception!"

Tom Allen said: "A whole lot of great food, celebs reaching boiling point plus Emma Willis and me holding court - sounds like my dream party. I am so excited to be bringing back to your screens the glitziest competitive cooking show in the world!"

Alan Carr's Changing Ends

Co-written by BAFTA award-winning Alan Carr and Scottish BAFTA & RTS award-winning Simon Carlyle (known for Two Doors Down), Changing Ends is a TV series based on Alan's experiences growing up in Northampton during the 1980s as the son of a fourth division football manager. The series features Alan playing himself in the present day, while up-and-coming actor Oliver Savell (from Belfast) portrays a younger version of Alan. Additionally, Shaun Dooley and Nancy Sullivan have been cast to play Alan's parents, Graham and Christine, with Taylor Fay taking on the role of his younger brother, Gary.

Changing Ends streaming on ITVX from 1^st June

Acorn TV May 2023 Highlights

Series 5 Binge Premieres Monday, 1st May 2023

BALTHAZAR SERIES 5

UK PREMIERE

ACORN TV EXCLUSIVE

"Sexy French crime drama with a charming Parisian lead" – The Times

Tomer Sisley returns as the suave, smart and somewhat strange titular forensic pathologist in this Acorn TV fan favourite.  Series 5 opens with Balthazar wanted by the French police and on the run.  With his team suspended and his brother and nemesis Alexendre nowhere to be found, it's not long before an especially diabolical killer emerges and forces Balthazar out of hiding. (French-language)

Miniseries Binge Premieres Monday, 15th May 2023

ROSAMUNDE PILCHER'S THE OTHER WIFE

ACORN TV EXCLUSIVE

Rebecca Kendall, a beautiful ex-ballerina, has it all – a stunning house, two wonderful daughters, and a handsome, loving husband, Richard. Richard's time is divided between England and Canada. When Richard is killed in a plane crash, Rebecca slowly learns the full extent of her husband's lies and deceit. Battling with her grief, she discovers that not only has Richard left her family penniless, but he also has a second family on the other side of the Atlantic, a wife Natalie and five-year-old son Jared. When the two women meet, they discover that they have more in common than they could have imagined. Based on the work of Rosamunde Pilcher, the miniseries stars Rupert Everett and John Hannah.

 

Full Series Binge Monday, 22nd May 2023

HALIFAX: RETRIBUTION

ACORN TV EXCLUSIVE

With a serial killer terrorising the city, Jane Halifax returns to the field to help police track down the murderer. Twenty years ago, Jane was working as a police forensic psychiatrist, uncovering the truth behind the most diabolical criminal minds but since then she's been enjoying life as a university professor, in a stable relationship with her musician partner Ben, and as a loving stepmother to his daughter Zoe. Despite her misgivings, she's lured her back to the job she left behind as the case suddenly gets very personal.

 

Miniseries Binge Premieres Monday, 29th May 2023

ROSAMUNDE PILCHER'S WINTER SOLSTICE

ACORN TV EXCLUSIVE

Elfrida Phipps (Sinead Cusack) has recently lost her husband. Moving into a new cottage, she begins to make friends with her neighbours, the Blundell family. Joined by her niece Carrie (Sophie Schütt) Elfrida seems to be putting her life back in order, a process that is interrupted when a tragic accident befalls the Blundells. As they all retreat to a Scottish estate for Christmas to get over their grief, a chance acquaintance from Carrie's past and a sense of belonging that the friends thought they had lost forever leads to the best Christmas of their lives. Based on the novel by Rosamunde Pilcher. Also starring Peter Ustinov, Jean Simmons and Geraldine Chaplin.

 

TRAILER: I'm A Celebrity...South Africa

Transmission: Mon 24 Apr 2023

Get ready for a thrilling new series - I'm A Celebrity...South Africa! Featuring some of the most unforgettable campmates from the hit show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, the new season will take place in the stunning location of South Africa.

While there are plenty of exciting celebrities set to take part, viewers will have to tune in to discover who they are and when they'll be entering camp. These campmates have already faced the challenges of the Australian jungle, but South Africa presents an even tougher test that will push them to their limits like never before. With bigger and more difficult challenges, as well as a harsh and unforgiving environment, it's sure to be a thrilling ride.

This time around, there will be no public vote - the celebrities will be competing against each other to become the first ever 'I'm A Celebrity Legend'. Don't miss this exciting new chapter in the I'm A Celebrity franchise!

Below are the names of the celebrities entering camp in the launch episode:

Boxing Champion – Amir Khan

Diversity Dancer & DJ – Jordan Banjo

Former Coronation Street Star – Helen Flanagan

TV Presenter – Carol Vorderman

Olympic Athlete – Fatima Whitbread

Former Royal Butler – Paul Burrell

Ex-England Cricketer – Phil Tufnell

Supermodel – Janice Dickinson

Music Legend – Shaun Ryder

Whilst nodding back to the Australian jungle, I'm A Celebrity...South Africa is a uniquely different series so viewers can look forward to lots of unexpected twists and turns.

Episode 1: Monday 24 April: 9pm - 10.30pm

Episode 2: Tuesday 25 April: 9pm - 10.15pm

Episode 3: Wednesday 26 April: 9pm - 10pm

Episode 4: Thursday 27 April: 9pm - 10.15pm

Episode 5: Friday 28 April: 9pm - 10pm

Oti Mabuse Q&A - Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show

Oti Mabuse is set to host an exciting new show on Saturdays, bringing her unique blend of celebrity interviews, mouth-watering meal ideas, and infectious weekend energy to your screen.

The show will premiere on Saturday, April 15, 2023, and will continue to air on Saturday mornings on both ITV1 and ITVX, kicking off your weekend in the best possible way.

Oti Mabuse Q&A

How does it feel to have your own lifestyle show on Saturday mornings?

It feels amazing. The show is about positivity, it's about starting people on a good note so they can enjoy their day and have a good weekend. For me, to be trusted with that feels incredible.

What can viewers expect from the series?

It's going to be a lot of fun. There's going to be a lot of laughter. I want people to feel like they learned something or they discovered something new. I would love for people to be able to engage with the show and say the things they're learning and what they have done to feel a part of the family. We're going to eat and learn about international food; we're going to do some international dances. It's going to cover a whole lot of things in 45 minutes.

Is there a particular star you'd love to have on the show with you?

Golda Rosheuvel is the one that I would really love to have on the show. I'd love to do it dressed in a princess dress. I'd want the entire show dressed like we are royal and we eat royal food and we do royal dances. I would literally turn the whole set upside down for her.

What do you think makes a great interviewer?

Someone who actually listens when you're talking and can engage and be fun. For me, one of the most brilliant interviewers is Graham Norton - he's hilarious, he's very witty and ad-libs in between your answers but he always gives you time as well to speak. That is someone I enjoyed being interviewed by.

What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday?

I would wake up on a Saturday morning and I'd either work out or go teach a class then I would have lunch, and work again as I teach on Saturdays. I'd go visit friends then we'd let the night take us to a random place and you will not see it on social media! We'd go out or for a drink or a games night, I love playing games with my friends. Or we'll sit at home, chat and do hair! Doing my hair on a Saturday is a thing because it's so therapeutic.

Is this show something you've always wanted to do?

It really is. I think shows like this sound showbiz but it's not showbiz - it's you talking to people at home and being in their homes every weekend. I've done so many primetime shows which are big showbiz shows but this is something else - it's calm, fun and you're communicating with people on a one-to-one level. It's completely different and I love working with people and connecting with people. It's always been a goal of mine and a big wish.

Do you think interviewing people on your podcast prepared for this upcoming project?

100%. I've got an inquisitive mind and I'm really interested in all thing's podcasts, movies, tours, art and theatre - I've got that interest. I love people coming on and talking about the things that they love the most - that really inspires me. The podcast was based on inspiration and the things that make people who they are. Asking people questions and really being present for their answers and really feeling their emotions in the moment, that's always been something I've been able to do but also loved to do. This is going to be people coming in on a Saturday wanting to have a good time - we're going to eat; we're going to move and have a good time.

If you could go back and give one bit of advice to your younger self what would that be?

Always listen to your gut. Don't listen to people - people have fears and their own worries. I would not have wasted as much time waiting because people would say 'Not now. You're too young. You're not the right person.' The moment I thought I'd listen to that inner voice, clearly it's something that has guided me as I've been able to do the things that I've done but I wish I had done that when I was 13 or 14 - I'd be a singer or in musical theatre but now I can't sing!

You've had a fantastic career. Is there anything in particular on your professional bucket list?

For me, I would love to work in the factual world and do more documentaries. Not a travel log as such but stories like DNA Journey where you go around and talk to people and hear their stories and learn something and find out something that you've never known. If I could have a documentary that does that, that would be the absolute dream.

Do you have any favourite shows you're watching at the moment on ITVX?

Riches is great, I love it - I finished it in a day. The OC is something that I'm watching right now - I'm having a bit of a take me back in time moment. I love watching stuff on catch-up that I haven't watched. If I'm out on Saturdays then I'll always watch Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway on catch-up - it's literally one of my favourite shows on earth, it is the happiest show on earth! I've also been watching Nolly by Russell T Davies which is great and obviously Dancing on Ice!

Q&A with Laura Whitmore - Laura Whitmore’s Breakfast Show

Laura is set to inject some sunshine into your Sunday mornings with her new chat show. In her new studio, which feels like a home away from home, she will be joined by celebrity guests for a lively conversation and feature some new music to lift your spirits on a Sunday.

The show premieres on Sunday, April 16, 2023, and will continue to air on Sunday mornings on both ITV1 and ITVX.

Q&A with Laura Whitmore

How does it feel to have your own lifestyle show on Sunday mornings?

I can't even think of a word to describe how I feel but it's kind of a dream to be honest and an honour as well. It's something to have fun with as well, it's a great slot and a great team that I get to work with. It's going to be a very fun show.

Is this something you've always wanted to do?

Big time! There are many things that I want to do and I'm blessed that I've had the opportunity to do them but this is definitely one on the bucket list. It's strange to talk about something that you haven't started yet - we've been talking about it and had meetings about it but because we haven't started it yet, there's definitely a feeling of 'Is this still happening?'

What can viewers expect from the series?

It's definitely personality-led. It's going to be a mixture of chat, a variety of artists and it's one of those shows that I like to watch on the weekend. It's possibly a bit more relaxed than a weekday show. We've got a mixture of guests; I'm always pushing for a bit of music on the show somehow so we'll have that in there as well. There will be banter, there will be some issues that we'll talk about. We've had a lot of scope to play around with it, things might evolve over the weeks. Everyone's been so lovely about working on it and being open to new ideas and trying new things. I just want to have fun and not overthink it too much. It's TV to make you feel good but also interviews and chats that you'll be able to relate to and see people that you aspire to.

Is there a particular star you'd love to have on the show with you?

One of my biggest inspirations is Drew Barrymore - I'm a huge fan. I love her and I love her show that she does. I'm very lucky that I met her briefly a few years ago. I'm yet to interview her but I'd love to interview her because she interviews lots of people now too. She's so lovely and the span of her career and also, she just seems like a laugh!

Is there a standout interview that you've done over the years?

I guess I'm really lucky because of the type of the shows I've worked on, such a range of shows, I've interviewed a lot of musicians which is such a dream - everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Britney Spears. The first interview I ever did was with Coldplay! There are things like that which are 'pinch me' moments. But then when I was doing radio, one of the first people I interviewed was Mary Robinson who is the first female president of Ireland. She did my radio show and for me she's such a huge inspiration as a woman and coming from my background. So, it's quite a wide-range and it's difficult to pick one but I'm very lucky.

Do you still get starstruck when meeting famous faces and interviewing them?

I'm constantly being starstruck. I'm even starstruck by people I know quite well and you're just trying to pretend you're not and be low key about it. It never goes away and you hope it never does.

What is your favourite way to spend a Sunday?

For the last few years, I've worked every Sunday. I've done my radio show, I've just come off a four-month stint on the West End where I had two shows on a Sunday, Love Island Aftersun was on Sunday. For me, Sunday is work! All of my friends are like 'Let's go to the pub. Let's have a roast.' I haven't done that for years!

If you could go back and give one bit of advice to your younger self what would that be?

Don't listen to me and do what you want to do! I'd almost not take advice from my older self because I think you need to live through the experiences.

Do you have anything on your professional bucket list?

I have many - the bucket list is long! I feel really blessed that I've had so many opportunities already within this industry. Sometimes things come up that you don't expect and you think it's something you've always wanted to do and other things you strive for too. There're definitely other things in this space and as you evolve and grow, you want to try. Even now, one of the things on my bucket list was to do documentaries and I've got a documentary series coming up with ITV later in the year. It's exciting and terrifying!

Do you have any favourite shows you're watching at the moment on ITVX?

I love the ITV dramas - I'm a boxset person. I've just watched A Spy Among Friends with Guy Pearce. I love Marcella which Anna Friel was in. I like everything from reality to drama to documentaries. I'm really excited about watching A Year on Planet Earth too. What I love about ITVX is there is such a wide range of shows - I love a lot of the dramas but I like delving into the reality side as well.

Malpractice - Coming to ITV

Niamh Algar stars as Dr. Lucinda Edwards, a tough and intelligent doctor who we meet during a traumatic shift that culminates in the tragic death of a patient due to an opioid overdose, Edith Owusu. Despite the reassurances of her supervisor, Dr. Leo Harris, portrayed by James Purefoy, Edith's grieving father, played by Brian Bovell, demands an inquiry into Lucinda's conduct on the fateful night.

Leading the investigation are Lucinda's former colleague, Dr. George Adjei, played by Jordan Kouamé, and Dr. Norma Callahan, portrayed by Helen Behan. While George believes the patient's death was an inevitable tragedy, Norma suspects Lucinda of questionable behaviour and decisions leading up to the incident.

As the inquiry puts Lucinda under increasing pressure, her relationship with her husband Tom, portrayed by Lorne MacFadyen, begins to crumble, and her confident demeanour as a professional begins to falter. The question arises: what is Lucinda hiding?

The World’s Most Expensive Trainers - Jermaine Jenas

Jermaine Jenas, a former Premier League footballer turned presenter and pundit, has a love for trainers that he openly admits. Throughout his football career and beyond, he has amassed an impressive collection of sports shoes.

In a fascinating documentary produced by BriteSpark East, a part of Argonon, for Channel 4, Jenas explores the growing obsession with sports shoes across the UK and around the world. The World's Most Expensive Trainers (1x60') takes viewers on a journey as JJ meets fellow trainer enthusiasts across the country, including a new generation of teenage entrepreneurs who have turned their passion for sneakers into a lucrative business.

Viewers will witness how these entrepreneurs buy and sell the most sought-after pairs of trainers, utilizing the latest technologies to be the first in line for limited edition releases. JJ also tags along with a young seller as he hunts down in-demand shoes on the high street and hustles to make a massive profit from resales.

Throughout the documentary, Jenas talks about his own love for sneakers, sharing stories about his personal collection and how his childhood inspired his passion for trainers. He also travels to New York to explore the heart and history of sneaker culture, where he discovers that even Sotheby's, the prestigious auction house, now trades in trainers.

As the ultimate goal, Jermaine sets his sights on acquiring a rare pair of Nike Air Jordans, famously worn by the legendary Michael Jordan, which could potentially be worth over $2m, making them the world's most expensive trainers.

Jermaine Jenas said: "What can I say, I love trainers. They do something to me and transport me back to a moment in time. Whether it be that first pair of Air Max 95s I ever owned or a classic pair of Dunks. I've built a collection over the years and have an appreciation for each pair. I'm fascinated by the world of trainers and the hustlers that run the game."

Dani Dyer: Is This Anxiety?

Dani Dyer gained popularity in 2018 after winning Love Island. In January 2021, she welcomed her son, Santiago, but her struggles with anxiety worsened due to the pressures and isolation of motherhood.

Now pregnant with twins, Dani is the subject of an emotionally charged documentary titled Dani Dyer: Is This Anxiety? (1x60'), produced by Summer Films for E4. The film follows her as she candidly discusses her own anxieties, explores why so many new mothers experience the same feelings, and questions why this issue is not talked about more often.

Throughout the documentary, Dani opens up about her personal challenges during her first pregnancy, including the difficulties of dealing with the loneliness that often comes with being a new mother. She also shares how the expectation to be a "good mom" has had a negative impact on her mental health, as well as that of other mothers.

To gain insight into the rise of anxiety among young mothers, Dani reaches out to other moms through her social media channels. This leads to her connecting with a diverse group of mothers who have been affected by anxiety in various ways.

On her film, Dani Dyer said: "Anxiety is a topic that everyone's heard about, but we still don't openly talk about our experiences. It can affect anyone, but as a young mum, it can be overwhelming at a time that's already challenging and daunting. I'm really excited to be working with E4 and Summer Films to explore this topic, remove the stigma associated with mental health and meet other mums in the UK who have struggled with the pressures of what a supposed 'good mum' looks like."

Dani Dyer: Is This Anxiety? will air on E4 and All 4 soon.

Production on Season Two of House of the Dragon

Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom is now in full swing with the production of the second season of the Sky exclusive drama series, House of the Dragon, which has also released a sneak peek image.

The series, based on George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," is set 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones" and follows the story of House Targaryen.

Ryan Condal, Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer, says: "House of the Dragon has returned. We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera. All your favourite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can't wait to share what we have in store."

Cast for season 2 includes Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans. Additional returning cast includes Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, and Matthew Needham.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, an upcoming original drama by Sky and Peacock, will feature Harvey Keitel as part of its cast.

Academy Award nominee Harvey Keitel (The Irishman, Youth) to play lead role as the modern-day Lale Sokolov in the Sky and Peacock television adaptation of the globally bestselling novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris, produced by Synchronicity Films in association with Sky Studios.

The heart-wrenching true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov serves as the inspiration for The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Jonah Hauer-King portrays Lale, who, upon his arrival at Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1942, becomes a tattooist and is tasked with marking identification numbers on his fellow prisoners' arms. It is while tattooing Gita (Anna Próchniak) that Lale falls in love with her at first sight, and their courageous tale of love and survival begins. Despite being under constant watch from a volatile SS officer named Baretzki (Jonas Nay), Lale and Gita remain determined to keep each other alive.

Fast forward about six decades later, and Lale (now played by Harvey Keitel) meets Heather Morris (Melanie Lynskey), an aspiring writer. Despite being recently widowed, Lale finds the strength to share his story with the world. As he recounts his past to Heather, the octogenarian Lale must confront the ghosts of his traumatic youth and relive his memories of falling in love in the most unimaginable of places.

Harvey Keitel says about The Tattooist of Auschwitz: "The love story in this project, in the face of the horror, gives testimony to the spirit and the goodness of people."

Further cast joining the series include Tallulah Haddon (Kiss Me First, The Last Duel) as Hanna, Mili Eshet (Beyond the Mountains, Hills) as Ivana, Yali Topol Margalith in her first screen role as Cilka, Phénix Brossard (Little Joe, Benjamin) as Leon, Ilan Galkoff (Good Omens, Hilda) as Aaron, and Marcel Sabat (Tenet, The Windermere Children) as Tomas.

TRAILER: The Essex Murders - Sky Documentaries

 

This compelling trilogy delves into the infamous multiple homicide that occurred 26 years ago on a secluded country lane - the assassination of the so-called Essex Boys, which has since inspired numerous gangster movies, literature, and rampant online speculation.

For the first time, the series takes viewers beyond the sensationalized headlines, embarking on a journey that traces the roots of organized crime from the heart of the 1990s rave scene to its shadowy underworld.

Featuring a remarkable array of characters, including underworld kingpins, law enforcement officials, and contemporary investigators who unearth startling new evidence, The Essex Murders exposes the unresolved questions surrounding the case and challenges the legitimacy of the men convicted for the crime.

The Essex Murders, available on Sky Documentaries from 15th April. 

COMPETITION: Win Finding Joy - Series 2 on DVD

Finding Joy - Series 2 DVD released on 17th April

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

Synopsis: 

IRISH SUPERSTAR Amy Huberman (Cold Feet, Striking Out, Harry Wild) returns with her uproarious comedy series Finding Joy, which she both pens and stars in as a journalist turned accidental social media influencer. Following the side-splitting first series, Finding Joy Series 2 will be available on DVD and digital on 17 April 2023, courtesy of Acorn Media International. The Series 1 & 2 DVD Box Set will also be available on the same date, providing plenty of comedy capers just in time for some Easter entertainment.

 

Joy (Huberman) is back with a bang in Finding Joy Series 2. Encouraged by her stint as an internet sensation, she has started her own video channel and is leaning into her newfound fame. Hoping to make it big as an online influencer, Joy soon realises that attracting subscribers and sponsors is harder than it seems...

 

From getting in touch with her teenage self, babysitting for bestie Olivia, tracing her roots, and dealing with romantic interests, both wanted and unwanted, old and new, Joy is committed to living life to the fullest. But amidst the constant pressure of producing enjoyable content, the glossy lifestyle she desperately wants quickly loses its shine.

The first series introduces us to Joy ­– a young journalist who is perfectly happy with her ordinary and orderly life, that is until she’s dumped by her boyfriend Aidan (Lochlann O'Mearáin – Vikings). As if things couldn’t get any worse, her world is completely turned upside down when she’s summoned to step into the position of the media corporation's sexy and adventurous lifestyle guru and Ireland's most beloved vlogger, Flora the Happy Hunter (Laura Whitmore - Love Island presenter). All the while her judgemental dog, also called Aidan (Peter McDonald – Dublin Murders), gives us his own take on his owner’s life.

Thrust into the limelight; Joy is catapulted headlong into the unknown and unwelcome world of social media stardom...  With straight-talking manager Charlene (Jenny Rainsford – Fleabag) and quirky new roommate Amelia (Aisling Bea – This Way Up, Living with Yourself) at her side, Joy pushes herself outside of her comfort zone, all in the name of learning about the crazy, uncomfortable and new-age methods people use to find – well, joy.  

With a refreshingly real, flawed, relatable and undeniably loveable lead, you’ll certainly be Finding Joy in this delightfully entertaining and downright hilarious sitcom.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/41gZ4Kz

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 24-04-23
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.

COMPETITION: Win Harry Wild Series One DVD

Harry Wild Series One DVD released on 17th April

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

Synopsis: 

MEET HARRY WILD ­ in a delightfully charming, effortlessly engaging, refreshingly modern murder mystery series. The inimitable Emmy® and Golden Globe-winning® actress Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) plays the eponymous lead – a literature professor turned sleuth – and also co-executive produced the must-see crime caper.

 

When retired literature professor Harriet – AKA Harry Wild (Seymour) – becomes the victim of a mugging, it inadvertently triggers a chain of events that leads to a completely new lease of life. Shaken by the crime, she reluctantly agrees to recover at the home of her son, Charlie (Kevin Ryan – Guilt, Copper), a senior police detective in the Dublin police, and his wife, Orla (Amy Huberman – Finding Joy).

In need of something to relieve the boredom, Harry stumbles on some murder investigation case files belonging to her son and starts to read with interest. When she offers her take on the crime, her unwanted help is immediately rebuffed by Charlie… so, Harry decides to find the killer herself.

Turning amateur sleuth, she dives headlong into the case and by chance, she crosses paths again with her mugger – Fergus Reid (Rohan Nedd – Whitstable Pearl). But instead of turning him in, Harry sees great potential in the troubled teen and enlists him as her sidekick. Despite their differences, Harry and Fergus quickly become a dynamic crime-busting team, solving new mysteries at every turn.

With a dazzling lead, quirky cases, light-hearted humour and joyful characters, Harry Wild is the sleuthing sensation we’ve been waiting for. 

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3murEt9

For your chance to win just answer the question below.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 24-04-23
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.

The Hunt for Raoul Moat - Coming to ITV

Lee Ingleby stars in The Hunt For Raoul Moat, a drama produced by World Productions and written by Kevin Sampson, the screenwriter behind Anne. The series sheds light on the human tragedies that resulted from Britain's biggest manhunt and is told through the perspectives of those involved in bringing a violent killer to justice. The drama highlights the innocent victims of Moat's crimes, including Christopher Brown, Samantha Stobbart, and PC David Rathband. It also showcases the bravery of police officers who put themselves in harm's way to catch Moat and a local journalist who aimed to reveal Moat's real story amidst sensationalist media reporting and social media instigation.

Lee Ingleby (Criminal UK, The A Word, Inspector George Gently) plays Neil Adamson, a senior Northumbria Police Officer leading the race against time to apprehend Moat, Sonya Cassidy (The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Last Kingdom, Lodge 49) as local journalist Diane Barnwell, Vineeta Rishi (Vera, Collateral, Three Girls) as Nisha Roberts, Sally Messham (Artemis Fowl, Doc Martin, Our Ladies) as Samantha Stobbart, Matt Stokoe (Cursed, Jamestown, Bodyguard) as Raoul Moat and Josef Davis (Young Wallander, Chernobyl, Silent Witness) as Christopher Brown.

ITV has given the green light for a second series of the BAFTA-nominated comedy show The Dry, to be produced by ITVX.

ITV has revealed today that the BAFTA-nominated comedy-drama The Dry will return for a second season, commissioned by ITVX. The upcoming series will be produced by Element Pictures in collaboration with Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland and ITV Studios, and in partnership with RTÉ.

Nancy Harris, an award-winning playwright and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter for Dates, and acclaimed director Paddy Breathnach, known for Viva and Rosie, will reunite for the new season, which will stream exclusively on ITVX next year. The first season was released for free on the streaming service last month.

Roisin Gallagher will reprise her role as Shiv Sheridan, a recovering alcoholic, alongside the regular cast members from the first season. Further details on the cast will be announced in due course.

The second season will pick up seven months after the first series and follow the Sheridans in their new daily lives. On the surface, it appears that the family is doing well: Shiv has been sober for six months and is financially stable, Ant has retained his job at the estate agency and is in a relationship with Max, and Caroline is enjoying her freedom by dating people on Tinder. But is everything truly as it seems? Is it normal for three adults to continue living with their parents? And are they genuinely content with their new way of life, or have they just found a new way to live in denial?

Shiv is determined to stay sober and eliminate all toxic influences from her life permanently. However, what if the most significant danger to her stability is closer to home? Giving up alcohol is one thing, but what if she has to give up her family to maintain her sobriety?

PopMaster quiz returns with Ken Bruce hosting new series for More4

PopMaster is an all-consuming quiz that has captivated music enthusiasts nationwide for a quarter-century. Fans of the trivia game regularly pause their daily activities to compete against each other, testing their knowledge of music and artists from different eras.

Now, the legendary DJ Ken Bruce is bringing the beloved radio quiz to television for the first time. Produced by 12 Yard Productions, an ITV Studios owned indie, the new six-part series will air on More4.

In PopMaster, two contestants face off against each other in a game consisting of ten questions that cover popular music from the 1950s to the present day. Each question carries a point value of three, except for the third, sixth, and ninth questions, which are bonus questions worth six points. These bonus questions are based on a cryptic topic selected by the player at the start of the quiz. A total of 39 points can be earned.

The questions cover a wide range of musical genres and require players to identify artists based on song titles or clips, as well as correctly guess the year certain songs became hits. It's not uncommon for players to be just "one year out" on their guesses.

After both players have answered 10 questions, the winning contestant goes on to play 'Three-in-Ten', in which they have ten seconds to name three UK Singles Chart hits for one particular artist or group.

The new televised PopMaster will honour the much loved music quiz with a few surprises thrown in. Players will compete to impress with their music knowledge, with each episode winner advancing to the grand final, where only one can be crowned overall champion.

Ken Bruce said: "After all these years we are finally bring PopMaster to the telly where we'll be challenging music lovers from around the country to not only recall a range of facts and stats about chart toppers and beyond over the decades, but to do so under the glare of studio lights and with the added pressure of television cameras. I can't wait to get started - and find out whether I might have a face for TV after all!"

News: It's all guns blazing on LEGEND this April

Saddle up for a weekend of wild-west adventures on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of April, headed up by the Channel premiere of Roger Corman's directorial debut feature FIVE GUNS WEST. Other highlights include THE GAMBLER, the first in a series of five American Westerns starring Kenny Rogers, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan's early-life depiction of THE LEGEND OF BUTCH AND SUNDANCE, True Grit sequel TRUE GRIT: A FURTHER ADVENTURE, starring Warren Oates, and the 1977 movie LAST OF THE MOHICANS, based on the novel The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper.

Full film details in transmission order:

Saturdays & Sundays from Sat 8 April – WESTERN WEEKEND

Sat 8 April @ 13:00 – FIVE GUNS WEST *Channel Premiere

Five outlaws are promised a pardon if they'll take on a mission for the Confederacy. They arrive at a desert stagecoach station to await a gold shipment they plan to rob, but the men begin to fight among themselves. Set during the American Civil War, this gritty Western is directed by Roger Corman, his first feature film as director.

Sat 8 April @ 14:35 – TRUE GRIT: A FURTHER ADVENTURE (1978)

Whiskey-swigging, one-eyed Rooster Cogburn (Warren Oates) and his young

friend, Mattie Ross (Lisa Pelikan) find themselves without funds on a trek west. Cogburn is enlisted by the local mine owners to catch robbers who have been stealing gold shipments. Can he save the day?

Sat 8 April @ 16:30 – THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1977)

An American scout and a Mohican Indian form a special bond as they accompany two women to Fort William Henry in this classic saga of the French and Indian War. Based on James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans

Sat 8 April @ 18:30 – SIRINGO (1996)

An action packed western starring Brad Johnson as U.S. Deputy Marshall, Charlie Siringo. One of the few lawmen in the Old West, Siringo sets out to bring justice to a land of outlaws after a gang leader kills an Indian War Chief in cold blood.

Sun 9 April @ 13:00 – AN EYE FOR AN EYE (1966)

Talion (Robert Lancing) is on the trail of Ike Slant (Slim Pickens) and his gang, responsible for the murder of his wife and child. He teams up with a young bounty hunter and prepares for a final showdown.

Sun 9 April @ 14:50 – THE LEGEND OF BUTCH AND CASSIDY (2006)

David Rogers and Ryan Browning star as the infamous sharpshooters who, when they're not holding up money trains, are riding for their lives from ex-bandit Charlie Durango (Blake Gibbons) and his Pinkerton Posse. Packed with shoot-outs, train robberies and damsels in distress, this is a fresh look at the early tears of the Wild West's most daring desperados.

Sun 9 April @ 16:35 – ANGEL AND THE BAD MAN (2009)

A criminal is nursed back to health by a kind and religious woman. When he is healed he must choose between his old life and the new one she has shown him. This is a remake of the classic John Wayne movie of the same name.

Sun 9 April @ 18:25 – THE GAMBLER (1980)

Brady Hawkes (Kenny Rogers), known as 'The Gambler', receives a letter from his son asking for help. This sends Brady to the rescue. Along the way Brady meets up with Billy Montana, a young man who thinks he knows everything about playing cards. Brady is about to teach him a few lessons.

 

TV: Sky 148 / Virgin 149 / Freeview 41 / Freesat 137

BBC comedy Ghosts creators announce series 5 will be the last

The fifth season of the popular TV series, Ghosts, has completed its filming, and it has been officially declared as the final installment. The creators of the successful program have concluded that it's appropriate to bid farewell to the residents of Button House and concentrate on fresh ventures after producing five seasons.

The Ghosts team announced: "After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace. We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can't wait to share it with you all later this year. We could never have imagined the reception the show has enjoyed, or the fun we have had making it, and we would like to thank our amazing cast and crew as well as everyone at BBC Comedy, BBC One and Monumental Television for their tireless support, but most of all we'd like to thank everyone who watches. Mathew, Martha, Simon, Jim, Laurence and Ben"

In the upcoming fifth series Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe) begin exploring other means of making ends meet and contemplate a new chapter that could have a huge effect on the Ghosts' (after) lives.