Black Ops Returns: Filming Begins on the Second Series of BBC’s Hit Comedy Thriller

Image: BBC/BBC Studios/James Stack

By Jon Donnis

The cameras are rolling once again as Black Ops begins filming its highly anticipated second series for BBC One and iPlayer. The multi-award-winning comedy thriller is back with Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun reprising their roles as Dom and Kay, the unlikely duo who first stumbled into undercover police work and now find themselves in the murky world of MI5. Akemnji Ndifornyen also returns as gang boss Tevin, promising more sharp humour and high-stakes chaos.

This time around, Dom and Kay are no longer just bumbling police officers. They have been recruited by MI5, but their day-to-day tasks are far from the glamorous world of international espionage. While they dream of thrilling missions, their new reality is mostly admin work and endless briefings. Everything changes when Dom crosses paths with the charismatic spy Steve, who dangles the possibility of real classified action. It is not long before the duo are drawn into a dangerous escapade that tests their instincts, their friendship, and even their love of carnival.

Series two will see an exciting lineup of guest stars joining the cast, including Tom Stourton, Nigel Havers, Annette Badland, Ed Speleers and Cathy Tyson. With its mix of action, comedy and sharp social commentary, Black Ops has quickly built a devoted fan base. The first series was a huge success, with its opening episode drawing 2.3 million viewers and an average of 1.6 million across the series.

Speaking about the new series, Gbemisola Ikumelo described returning to the show as like slipping into a favourite pair of shoes, adding that fans can expect even bigger and bolder adventures. Akemnji Ndifornyen promised that this second outing would be "bigger, better and blacker," teasing another wild and thrilling comedy ride.

With filming underway, excitement is already building for the return of Black Ops. The second series is set to air on BBC One and iPlayer later this year, bringing more fast-paced action and laugh-out-loud moments to screens across the UK.

Apple TV+ Unveils First Look at French Drama Carême

“Carême” premieres globally Wednesday, 30 April 2025 on Apple TV+.

Image: Apple TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Apple TV+ has shared a first look at Carême, an upcoming French-language drama that explores the extraordinary rise of Antonin Carême, often considered the world's first celebrity chef. Starring César Award winner Benjamin Voisin in the lead role, alongside Jérémie Renier, Lyna Khoudri and Alice Da Luz, the series is directed by Martin Bourboulon and is set to premiere globally on 30 April 2025.

Lyna Khoudri in “Carême,”

Set in the heart of Napoleonic Europe, Carême tells the story of a young man who rises from poverty in Paris to become the most sought-after chef of his time. His culinary genius draws the attention of the political elite, but his journey is far from a simple tale of ambition. As Carême navigates the upper echelons of power, he finds himself entangled in espionage, forced to serve more than just elaborate meals. Torn between revenge, love and his relentless pursuit of fame, he must decide how far he is willing to go to secure his place in history.

Jérémie Renier in “Carême,”

The series is inspired by Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef, a book by historian and actor Ian Kelly, who co-created the show with Davide Serino. With Vanessa van Zuylen and Dominique Farrugia producing, Carême was filmed on location in and around Paris, ensuring an authentic and visually rich experience. The first two episodes will debut on 30 April, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday until 11 June 2025.

Alice Da Luz in “Carême,”

Sky Sports Extends Partnership with PDC, Securing Darts Coverage Until 2030

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky Sports and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have announced a five-year partnership extension, ensuring Sky Sports remains the home of darts until 2030.  This new agreement continues a near 40-year collaboration, promising over 60 days of exclusive live coverage annually from major tournaments.  Fans can look forward to the PDC World Darts Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix, and World Cup of Darts all being broadcast on Sky Sports.

The partnership between Sky and the PDC, which began in 1993, has been instrumental in the sport's growth.  Recent viewing figures highlight this success.  The 2023/24 World Darts Championship final, contested between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, drew a record audience of over 4.8 million, with a peak of 3.71 million, Sky Sports' highest ever non-football peak.  This surge in interest continued throughout the year, with the 2024 Premier League achieving record viewing figures, and the average audience for the 2024/25 World Darts Championship increasing by 29% year-on-year.  Social media engagement has also seen substantial growth, with views on the Sky Sports Darts YouTube channel increasing significantly.

Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports, emphasised the nation's love for darts and the role of the World Championship in attracting new audiences.  He expressed excitement about continuing the partnership and innovating coverage for the next five years.  PDC Chief Executive, Matt Porter, acknowledged Sky Sports' long-term support and highlighted the sport's global growth. He stressed the importance of the partnership in delivering exciting tournaments for players, fans, and viewers.

The 2025 Premier League Darts season begins on Thursday 6 February, with all the action available live on Sky Sports and NOW.  The 17-week season runs until the end of May.

The Gold Returns: The Hunt for the Missing Brink’s-Mat Fortune Continues

Rochelle Neil and Tom Hughes

Image: BBC PR

By Jon Donnis

The gripping true-crime drama The Gold is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year for its highly anticipated second series. Inspired by the real-life events of the 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery, the critically acclaimed show delves deeper into the sprawling criminal network that emerged from one of the most infamous heists in British history.

Tom Cullen (John Palmer) and Joshua Samuels (Jerren)

The first series followed the audacious theft of £26 million worth of gold bullion from a Heathrow security depot and the police investigation that uncovered a tangled web of corruption, laundering and organised crime. While some of those involved were convicted, detectives soon realised that only half of the gold had ever been recovered. The new series will pick up where the first left off, exploring the hunt for the missing fortune and the far-reaching consequences of its disappearance.

Stephen Campbell Moore (Tony Lundy)

Returning to their roles are Hugh Bonneville as determined DCI Brian Boyce, Charlotte Spencer as dogged investigator Nicki Jennings and Emun Elliott as Tony Brightwell. They will once again lead the Metropolitan Police's most expensive and longest-running investigation, this time taking them beyond British borders into the murky world of international money laundering and organised crime. Also reprising their roles are Tom Cullen as notorious fraudster John Palmer, Stefanie Martini as his wife Marnie, and Sam Spruell as underworld figure Charlie Miller.

Joshua McGuire (Douglas Baxter)

The second series will introduce a fresh wave of characters, with new cast members including Tom Hughes, Stephen Campbell Moore, Joshua McGuire and Rochelle Neil. While their exact roles remain under wraps, their addition promises to expand the story's scope and complexity. The action will unfold across the UK and Spain, as law enforcement races to track down those responsible for hiding the missing gold and the illicit empire it helped to create.

Sam Spruell (Charlie Miller)

Neil Forsyth, the show's creator and executive producer, has promised an even more expansive and surprising continuation of the story. "The second and final part of The Gold sees the story of the Brink's-Mat robbery, and everything that stemmed from it, become even more expansive, surprising and international," he said. "It has been a real thrill for me to see the scripts brought to life so brilliantly by our director Patrick Harkins, our fantastic cast, and our hard-working crews in the UK and Spain."

Stefanie Martini (Marnie Palmer)

With its gripping storytelling, stellar cast and deep dive into the aftermath of one of Britain's most infamous crimes, The Gold series two is set to be a must-watch when it arrives later this year. In the meantime, viewers can catch up with the first series, which is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Emun Elliott (Tony Brightwell) and Charlotte Spencer (Nicki Jennings)

Tom Cullen (John Palmer)

Hugh Bonneville (Brian Boyce)

Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker Returns to Channel 4 in 2025

Image: Channel 4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Viewers will once again be transported to the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales as Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker returns for a brand-new series in 2025. The eight-part series will follow The National Trust's search for a new tenant to take on the management of a stunning 600-acre farm in Eryri, formerly known as Snowdonia.

The series will capture the journey of seven hopeful applicants as they compete for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a 15-year tenancy on the farm. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Welsh hills, the contestants will be immersed in the realities of running a working farm, with each episode seeing them face a series of hands-on tasks designed to test their farming knowledge, business acumen and environmental awareness. Under the watchful eye of The National Trust, they will need to demonstrate their ability to balance traditional farming methods with modern innovation, sustainability and tourism opportunities.

As the competition progresses, candidates will be eliminated until only two remain, each given the chance to plead their case in a final meeting with The National Trust. At stake is not just the farm itself but the chance to embrace a rural Welsh way of life, deeply rooted in heritage, culture and language.

Speaking about the return of the series, Matt Baker expressed his enthusiasm for showcasing the challenges and triumphs of farming life. "I am delighted we're back for a second series, shedding light on the tenant farming world and the challenges our farming community faces in not only producing food but also in looking after our environment," he said. "It's an incredible farm, and I hope viewers will indulge in the breathtaking landscapes and enjoy learning about Welsh hill farming traditions, culture and techniques."

The series has been commissioned by Channel 4's Deborah Dunnett, who highlighted the life-changing opportunity that awaits the winner. "Big Circus have made a beautiful series that will really change the life of one farmer as they take on the management of this glorious tenancy," she said. "We are thrilled to have worked in partnership with The National Trust to share the culture, language, history and heritage of this working Welsh farm deep in the Eryri National Park."

Gareth Collett of Big Circus Media extended his gratitude to the local Welsh community and all those involved in bringing the series to life, while The National Trust's Giles Hunt emphasised the importance of tenant farmers in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. "The National Trust hugely values its relationship with its farming tenants and works hard to collaborate on ways to achieve more nature on our land whilst maintaining important farming values," he explained. "The farm we are letting is among the most nature-rich in the Trust's Wales portfolio, and the lucky winner of the tenancy will be charged with caring for it for the public, now and over the next 15 years."

With its stunning scenery, compelling storytelling and a unique insight into the world of tenant farming, Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker promises to be an unmissable watch when it returns to Channel 4 in 2025.

COMPETITION: Win The Vanishing Triangle on DVD

The Vanishing Triangle sees India Mullen (Normal People) give a tour-de-force performance alongside Allen Leech (Downton Abbey, Bohemian Rhapsody) and Aaron Monaghan (Hidden Assets, The Banshees of Inisherin) in this nail-biting Irish thriller that follows a tenacious young reporter determined to solve a series of disappearances. 

 

The series is set for its DVD and digital release on 10 February 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its transmission on Channel 5, it is also available to stream now on Acorn TV.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on DVD.

Synopsis:

When investigative journalist Lisa Wallace (Mullen) publishes an article about her mother’s murder, she unwittingly triggers a wave of interest in the case. It’s not long before she receives a chilling letter from the unidentified killer, taunting her with pictures of a new victim. 

 

As news arrives that a young woman, Amy Reynolds, has gone missing, Lisa teams up with Detective David Burkely (Leech) to find her, travelling across Ireland in search of clues. But as more girls disappear, they soon believe they have a serial killer on their hands.  

 

Tense and captivating The Vanishing Triangle is an edge-of-the-seat thriller that is guaranteed to keep you guessing and have gripped from start to finish.  

 

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4aG0rIT

Enter now for a chance to win.

Which actor plays Lisa Wallace in The Vanishing Triangle?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 17-02-25

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.

Smart TV with Alison Hammond: A Brand-New Podcast for TV Lovers

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Alison Hammond is bringing her signature charm and energy to the world of podcasts with Smart TV with Alison Hammond, a brand-new spinoff of Rob Beckett's Smart TV. Launching on Wednesday 5 February, the podcast arrives ahead of the TV series' return later this year.

In each episode, Alison, alongside comedian and TV expert Matt Crosby, will sit down with well-known guests to explore their ideal night in front of the television. From drama to reality TV, the discussions will cover everything on the box, but Alison has the final say. Will she be up for joining them on the sofa, or will their TV choices – and even their snack selections – fall flat?

Speaking about the podcast, Alison said: "I am absolutely BUZZING to share my brand-new podcast, Smart TV! I'm teaming up with the brilliant Matt Crosby to chat all things telly, drama, reality, and everything in between! And we're kicking off in style with the legendary Richard E. Grant as our first guest. Expect laughs, gossip, and top-tier telly chat, it's going to be amazing babs!"

The series will run for 21 episodes over 10 weeks, with two episodes dropping each week. A lineup of high-profile guests includes Richard E. Grant, Olivia Attwood, Prue Leith, Kathy Burke, Richard Armitage, Oti Mabuse, Rob Beckett, and Dermot O'Leary.

With a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the latest must-watch shows, Smart TV with Alison Hammond promises plenty of laughs and debate as Alison puts each guest's choices to the test. The podcast launches on 5 February, while Rob Beckett's Smart TV returns to Sky Max and NOW next month.

The Smart TV with Alison Hammond podcast is produced by TalkBack Thames.

Episode & Full guest list:

5 February: Richard E Grant

8 February: Rob Beckett

12 February: Prue Leith

15 February: Joanne McNally

19 February: Oti Mabuse

22 February: Kathy Burke

26 February: Daniel Mays

1 March: Nick Mohammed

5 March: Josh Widdicombe

8 March: Dermot O'Leary

12 March: Gyles Brandreth

15 March: Judi Love

19 March: Richard Armitage

22 March: Alex Brooker

26 March: Rob Delaney

29 March: Clare Balding

2 April: Aisling Bea

5 April: Olivia Attwood

9 April: Emmett Scanlan

12 April: Elizabeth Day

16 April: Adam Kay