Miss Austen: A Captivating Drama of Sisterly Devotion and Literary Mystery

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced the much-anticipated launch of Miss Austen, set to debut on Sunday 2 February 2025. All episodes will be available from 6am on BBC iPlayer, with weekly broadcasts on BBC One beginning that evening. Adapted from Gill Hornby's best-selling novel, this four-part drama, produced by Bonnie Productions for MASTERPIECE in association with the BBC, wrapped production last year across the home counties.

Miss Austen, penned for television by BAFTA-winning writer Andrea Gibb, reimagines the intriguing story behind Cassandra Austen's decision to burn her sister Jane's letters. The series transforms this literary mystery into a poignant, witty, and moving exploration of sisterly devotion, painting Cassandra as a character as compelling as any in Austen's novels.

The newly released trailer offers a first look at Keeley Hawes in the role of Cassandra Austen. The story begins in 1830, long after Jane's death, as Cassandra visits Isabella, the niece of her late fiancé. While ostensibly there to assist Isabella, who is facing the loss of her home, Cassandra has a hidden agenda: to recover private letters she fears could tarnish Jane's legacy. As she discovers the letters, flashbacks reveal Cassandra and Jane's lives as young women, portrayed by Synnøve Karlsen and Patsy Ferran. The trailer hints at themes of romantic entanglements, deep friendships, and the heartbreaks that influenced both sisters' lives and Jane's celebrated works.

The series boasts a stellar cast including Rose Leslie, Phyllis Logan, Max Irons, Alfred Enoch, Jessica Hynes, Mirren Mack, Kevin McNally, Calam Lynch, and Liv Hill. Directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Aisling Walsh, Miss Austen promises an intimate and richly atmospheric portrayal of the Austen sisters' bond.

Marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, Miss Austen launches on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 2 February, and will air in the US on MASTERPIECE on PBS from 4 May. This captivating drama is set to become a must-watch for fans of Austen and literary history alike.

Sky Announces Exclusive Documentary Hill Following the Life of F1 Champion Damon Hill

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky have announced the upcoming release of the Sky Exclusive documentary film Hill, which will air on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW later this year. The 90-minute feature offers a deep and personal insight into the life of Damon Hill, the Formula 1 World Champion, as he recounts his journey to success despite the loss of his father, Graham Hill, a racing legend in his own right. With intimate interviews featuring Damon and his family, the film explores the challenges he faced in following his father's iconic footsteps and his ultimate triumph in claiming the championship title.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Formula 1, the film delves into pivotal moments of Damon Hill's career. It recounts his intense rivalry with Michael Schumacher, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport, and his emotional struggle with the tragic death of Ayrton Senna, his team-mate who lost his life during a race at the age of just 34. This documentary promises to reveal the raw and emotional side of life as a top-tier racing driver.

Simon Lazenby, producer of Hill and a familiar face as an F1 presenter on Sky Sports, shared how the idea for the documentary came to life. Reflecting on a conversation in a Montreal airport in 2018 after the Canadian Grand Prix, he recalled Damon mentioning his own story as a compelling one worthy of telling. Seven years in the making, Lazenby described the project as a labour of love and credited director Alex Holmes and editor Cinzia Baldessari with beautifully crafting the film into an extraordinary narrative that audiences will find captivating.

Damon Hill, reflecting on the process of revisiting his life and career for the film, noted the emotional toll of reliving his journey, describing it as exhausting yet ultimately rewarding. He expressed his hope that his story would inspire viewers, whether as an example of determination or as a cautionary tale. Hill's unconventional route to the championship, marked by personal and professional hurdles, is sure to resonate with fans of the sport and beyond.

Alex Wright, Acquisitions Manager at Sky, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the film to audiences in the UK and Ireland, celebrating Damon Hill as a British motorsport icon and emphasising the appeal of this powerful and exciting story. Directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes, whose previous work includes Maiden and The Rig, the film is produced by Simon Lazenby and Victoria Barrell of Sylver Entertainment, alongside Cora Palfrey and Luc Roeg of Independent Entertainment.

Hill is a unique family story set within the high-octane world of Formula 1. Damon Hill's remarkable journey to becoming a world champion, against all odds and in the shadow of his legendary father, is one of resilience, loss, and ultimate success. Sky acquired the rights to the documentary from Signature Entertainment, and it is set to premiere later this year.

Zara McDermott Explores Young Brits’ Fascination with Thailand in New BBC Three Documentary

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Three is set to delve into the allure of Thailand for young British travelers in Zara McDermott: Thailand (working title), a compelling new documentary series produced by South Shore Productions.

The three-part series will see Zara McDermott journey across Thailand, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the infamous party islands, uncovering why this destination has become a rite of passage for hundreds of thousands of young Brits. With unprecedented access and a dynamic cast of characters, the series will not only celebrate the dreamlike allure of Thailand's nightlife and stunning beaches but also explore what happens when those dreams go awry.

Zara, who has built a reputation for tackling tough social issues in her critically acclaimed BBC documentaries, is excited to uncover the multifaceted reasons that draw so many young people to Thailand. She says, "There's clearly a fascination with the nightlife, parties, and stunning beaches—but there seems to be other intriguing reasons people are going to Thailand and staying."

The series follows the success of Zara's previous documentaries, which resonate strongly with BBC Three's core 16-34 audience. Recent hits, such as Ibiza: Secrets of the Party Island and The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok, ranked among BBC Three's top-performing titles in 2024.

Executive Producer Naomi Templeton shares, "We're thrilled to be working with Zara. She will offer a new perspective on the many reasons thousands of young Brits are drawn to explore Thailand every year."

Clare Sillery, BBC's Head of Commissioning for Documentaries, adds, "Zara has an eye-level connection with BBC Three's audience and a keen ability to highlight the stories that matter to them. We're delighted to collaborate with her again on this exploration of a destination that holds a unique appeal for young travelers."

Zara McDermott: Thailand (3 x 45') is produced for BBC Three and iPlayer by South Shore Productions. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content, BBC Three. Fran Baker serves as Commissioning Editor for the BBC, with Andrew Mackenzie, Melanie Leach, and Naomi Templeton as Executive Producers for South Shore.

The series promises an insightful look at both the excitement and challenges faced by young travelers in this iconic destination.

Alan Carr’s Picture Slam Set to Return for a Thrilling Third Series

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC One's hit quiz show Alan Carr's Picture Slam is back for a third series, promising more fast-paced family fun. After a hugely successful 2024 run, which averaged an impressive 3.2 million viewers and peaked at 4.1 million, the show is set to film new episodes this spring at Pacific Quay in Glasgow, with Alan Carr returning as the charismatic host.

The addictive format challenges contestants to identify as many pictures as possible in a race against the clock, with the ultimate goal of winning the £10,000 jackpot. First airing in 2023, the programme quickly became the BBC's biggest Entertainment launch of the year and the second-largest new Entertainment launch across the market, cementing its place as a Saturday night favourite.

Alan Carr, thrilled to be back, shared his excitement: "I am beyond excited that Picture Slam is back for a series 3. This show is an absolute joy to be part of, irreverent, silly, but most importantly fun! And you never know, you might even learn something! Here's to slamming more pictures!"

Executive producers Toby Stevens and Ben Shephard praised Carr's hosting prowess, noting his ability to inject humour and warmth into the high-energy quiz format. Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, echoed their sentiments, calling Carr "one of the best hosts on TV" and highlighting the universal appeal of the game that keeps families entertained and engaged.

With filming set to commence this spring and applications open until 21 February, fans can anticipate more laugh-out-loud moments and thrilling gameplay when the new series airs later this year. Further broadcast details will be revealed soon, ensuring anticipation remains high for Picture Slam's triumphant return.

EastEnders Marks 40th Anniversary with Live Episode and Explosive Twists

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The beloved British soap EastEnders is set to celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary in spectacular fashion, featuring a groundbreaking live episode where viewers will decide a key storyline's outcome. Broadcasting live from the BBC Elstree Centre this February, the week promises to be an unforgettable blend of nostalgia, drama, and innovation.

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has hinted at a week filled with game-changing twists that will redefine life in Albert Square. One of the most talked-about moments is the interactive live episode, where fans will vote on whether Denise Fox reconciles with her estranged husband Jack or chooses secret lover Ravi Gulati. This interactive element marks a first in EastEnders history, offering fans a direct role in shaping Walford's future.

Adding to the excitement, Ross Kemp will reprise his iconic role as Grant Mitchell, a character deeply entrenched in the show's history. With brother Phil facing struggles, estranged friend Nigel back in town, and ex-wife Sharon entangled in family drama, Grant's return is set to be nothing short of explosive. Kemp's involvement will also extend to a special retrospective, EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, where he will revisit some of the soap's most groundbreaking moments, from the first televised gay kiss to Kat Slater's harrowing abuse storyline.

The anniversary week will also unravel the mystery of Cindy Beale's Christmas Day attacker, a storyline that has left fans on edge. With Cindy left for dead in the Square Gardens and numerous enemies in her path, the revelation of the culprit promises to be a shocking highlight of the celebratory episodes.

Special appearances from EastEnders stalwarts Adam Woodyatt, Gillian Taylforth, and Letitia Dean will pay homage to the show's rich legacy, while legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement will join the festivities, revisiting their iconic roles.

As EastEnders prepares to mark four decades of drama, passion, and unforgettable moments, this landmark celebration is set to capture the hearts of fans old and new.

Bloodhounds Season 2: The Fight Continues with New Challenges and a Ruthless Villain

Image: Netflix Press

By Jon Donnis

The highly anticipated Bloodhounds Season 2 is officially on its way, bringing back the electrifying boxing duo of Gun-woo and Woo-jin with a brand-new challenge and a formidable villain. Following the massive success of its first season, which ranked in the Top 10 across 83 countries after its release in June 2023, the series is set to deliver another adrenaline-fueled saga that fans worldwide have been waiting for.

This season sees Woo Do-hwan reprising his role as Gun-woo, the embodiment of boxing's righteous spirit. Known for his performances in Mr. Plankton and The King: Eternal Monarch, Woo Do-hwan captures the essence of a hero who fights for justice. Lee Sang-yi, of My Demon and No Gain No Love, returns as Woo-jin, Gun-woo's fearless and loyal friend, ready to stand beside him in the face of danger. Together, the pair must confront the dark and treacherous world of an underground boxing league.

Stepping into the role of antagonist is Jung Ji-hoon, making his villainous debut as Baek-jeong, a cunning and ruthless figure who uses his power to manipulate fighters for his gain. Known for his work in Take 1 and Red Swan, Jung Ji-hoon brings a fresh intensity to the series as he draws Gun-woo and Woo-jin into his shadowy domain.

Directed and written by Kim Joo-hwan, the new season is a collaboration between Studio N, Seven O Six, and Ghost Studio, and remains faithful to the spirit of Jeong Chan's popular webtoon. Fans can expect the same dynamic storytelling and intense action sequences that made the first season a global sensation, with a fresh narrative that raises the stakes even higher.

As the fearless duo steps back into the ring to dismantle another sinister operation, Bloodhounds Season 2 promises to deliver all the thrills, camaraderie, and high-octane action that made the series a standout. Prepare for an unforgettable fight when the series returns, exclusively on Netflix.

Jamie Oliver Tackles Dyslexia in Powerful Channel 4 Documentary

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Jamie Oliver is set to explore the pressing issue of dyslexia in the UK's education system in a compelling new documentary for Channel 4. As one of Britain's most recognisable figures with dyslexia, Jamie will use his platform to shine a light on the challenges faced by the 870,000 children across the country who struggle within a system ill-equipped to meet their needs. This hour-long programme promises to be both a call to action and a beacon of hope for change.

Despite his own struggles at school, leaving with only two GCSEs, Jamie has become a testament to the idea that success can look different for everyone. He credits the culinary world for giving him the opportunity to thrive, but acknowledges that many children aren't as fortunate. For those without a clear passion or pathway, the lack of support can lead to disengagement and limited opportunities later in life.

The documentary will see Jamie meeting with teachers, parents, charities, and children to uncover the real impact of the current education system on those with dyslexia. By listening to their stories, he hopes to show how reforms could create a more inclusive system that values diverse ways of thinking. Alongside this, Jamie will take his findings directly to the Government, campaigning for the updates needed to give every child a fair chance to succeed.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Jamie stated, "It's no secret I struggled at school, but I was one of the lucky ones. I knew I wanted to be a chef, so I had somewhere to go, catering school, where I could thrive. The kitchen genuinely saved me. But not everyone is as lucky as me – what happens to those who don't know where to go? We can't leave kids' futures up to luck. We need the education system to update, so everyone has the best possible chance in life."

Tim Hancock, Channel 4's commissioning editor, praised Jamie's ability to bring attention to social issues, saying, "There's surely no more powerful or effective campaigner in the UK than Jamie, and now he's turning his expertise to a subject extremely close to his heart, and in dire need of his help. I'm thrilled that Channel 4 is following him back on the campaign trail, using his reputation to influence the social issues he thinks are most important in the country right now."

This impactful documentary, commissioned by Channel 4's Tim Hancock and produced by Jamie Oliver Productions, will be helmed by director Jane Mingay. With executive producer Samantha Beddoes and assistant producer Julia Whitehouse on board, the programme aims to provide both insight and solutions, giving a voice to those who have long been overlooked.