Tea with Judi Dench Returns with Sir Ian McKellen as Special Guest

Image: Sky TV

By Jon Donnis

Sky has confirmed that Tea with Judi Dench will return this summer with a brand-new special featuring one of Britain's most celebrated actors, Sir Ian McKellen.

Produced by Mindhouse, the latest instalment continues the series' focus on conversation, storytelling and friendship, with Dame Judi Dench welcoming her long-time friend to her home for an intimate and revealing discussion. The pair reflect on their remarkable careers both on and off the stage, sharing memories and insights gathered across decades in the entertainment industry.

Their conversation covers a wide range of subjects, from Shakespeare and stage fright to the insecurities that can accompany a life in acting. They also look back on the huge success that came with globally recognised productions such as The Lord of the Rings and James Bond films, discussing both triumphs and setbacks while considering the importance of keeping success and failure in perspective.

Sir Ian also speaks openly about his personal life, including his experience of coming out and his involvement in the campaign against Section 28. During the discussion, he reflects on what he considers one of his greatest regrets, never having shared the truth about himself with his parents.

The return follows the success of the programme's first special, which saw Sir Kenneth Branagh join Dame Judi at her Surrey home. Their conversation, filled with stories from their careers and personal reflections, proved popular with viewers thanks to its warmth, humour and honesty.

With another candid exchange between two much-loved performers, the new special promises more thoughtful conversation, memorable stories and a celebration of friendship between two of Britain's most respected acting talents.

Save Me: Danae Skiadi Heads Into a Town Full of Secrets in New Greek Crime Thriller

Image: Viaplay 

By Jon Donnis

Nordic noir has dominated television for years, but now a new Greek thriller looks ready to drag viewers into something every bit as cold, haunting, and emotionally charged. Save Me arrives in the UK this June carrying a strong reputation after being seen on Netflix Greece, and from the sound of it, this could easily become one of the sleeper crime drama hits of the summer.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of northern Greece, the series immediately stands out thanks to its moody setting and deeply personal central mystery. Danae Skiadi stars as Nikol, a young woodcarver returning to her hometown of Komotini for her father’s memorial. It is supposed to be a difficult but brief visit home. Instead, events quickly spiral when her younger sister suddenly disappears, forcing Nikol into a desperate search for answers in a town filled with buried secrets and uneasy memories.

What makes Save Me especially intriguing is the way it blends psychological drama with classic crime thriller elements. The missing persons case soon develops into something far darker, with the possibility of a serial killer lurking beneath the surface of an otherwise quiet community. That tension between ordinary daily life and hidden horror always makes for compelling television, and this series seems determined to lean heavily into that unsettling atmosphere.

Elena Mavridou co-stars as a local detective who becomes entangled in the investigation alongside Nikol. From the early details, it sounds like both women are carrying emotional scars of their own, giving the story a strong human core beneath the suspense. Rather than simply focusing on procedural twists, the series appears more interested in trauma, guilt, corruption, and the emotional damage left behind by long hidden truths.

Visually, the setting alone could become one of the show’s biggest strengths. Northern Greece is rarely explored in international television drama, and the rugged landscapes and isolated communities sound perfect for a slow burning noir thriller. There is every chance the location itself becomes a character within the story, adding to the sense of dread and emotional isolation.

Another encouraging sign is the involvement of author Dimitris Simos, whose original novel serves as the basis for the series. Simos also acts as head screenwriter, which often helps preserve the tone and themes that made the source material popular in the first place. Fans of literary crime dramas will likely see that as a major positive going in.

With eight 45 minute episodes, Save Me also looks perfectly structured for weekly viewing. Releasing two episodes every Monday from 22 June should give audiences enough time to absorb the mystery, speculate on suspects, and slowly sink deeper into the show’s dark world rather than simply racing through it all in one sitting.

For viewers who enjoy tense European crime dramas filled with damaged characters, layered mysteries, and oppressive atmosphere, Save Me already feels like one to watch closely. Between its gripping premise, emotionally driven story, and distinctive Greek setting, this could end up being a genuinely memorable addition to the growing world of international noir television.

Available to watch on Viaplay via Prime Video

https://amzn.to/4wY2Vgs

Ambitious new BBC Series Explores the Life and World of Jesus Christ

Will the BBC portray Jesus accurately?

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has commissioned a new four-part series exploring the life of Jesus Christ, aiming to reconstruct his world using historical research, archaeological evidence, and modern production techniques. The series is intended for BBC Television and BBC iPlayer, with a planned broadcast date in 2027.

On paper, the project is framed as a serious attempt to revisit one of history’s most influential figures with fresh academic and visual tools. It will draw on Gospel accounts alongside wider historical sources, placing Jesus within the political, religious and cultural tensions of his time. The production comes from Wonderhood Studios, a company known for large-scale documentary and factual storytelling.

But the announcement also arrives at a time when trust in the BBC is no longer as straightforward as it once was. Public confidence in the broadcaster has been repeatedly questioned in recent years, with debates around bias and editorial judgement continuing to follow many of its major factual projects. That backdrop is likely to shape how this series is received, regardless of its academic intent.

The central question for some viewers will not simply be how Jesus is portrayed, but how the BBC chooses to interpret him. Can a low trust publicly funded broadcaster still be trusted to handle such a culturally and religiously sensitive subject with full neutrality? Or will modern ideological woke framing, seep into the storytelling and shape the narrative in subtle ways?

At this stage, there are no answers, only expectations and suspicion in equal measure. The series has not yet aired, and its tone, framing and balance remain unknown. Whether it becomes a respected reassessment of a pivotal historical figure or another flashpoint in debates over media bias is something that will only become clear once it reaches screens.

BBC Unveils Naturewatch as New Year-Round Wildlife Series

Image: Allan Roffey via BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced Naturewatch, a new weekly video podcast set to launch this autumn on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, bringing audiences regular coverage of British wildlife throughout the year.

Designed to keep nature lovers connected with the UK's wildlife across every season, the new programme will deliver weekly updates on major nature stories, celebrate seasonal wildlife events, explore developments in the natural world and feature expert insight. Viewers and listeners can also expect reports on remarkable animal sightings from around the country.

Alongside each video episode, BBC Sounds will offer a dedicated audio-only question and answer programme. These bonus episodes will give audiences the opportunity to submit questions about wildlife and the natural world, with the hosts providing expert responses and discussion.

Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, says: “Nature never stops - and neither should we. Every week, Naturewatch will give Springwatch fans - and all wildlife lovers - a new way to stay connected to the natural world, whether that’s on TV, iPlayer or Sounds. The BBC is committed to celebrating British nature across all our platforms, and we hope this new series will encourage audiences to fall in love with the natural world around them. By expanding the Watches brand we are making the BBC’s brilliant Natural History content even more accessible.”

Jonathan Kanagasooriam, Managing Editor, Podcast Strategy and Video, BBC Sounds, says: “Bringing Naturewatch to BBC Sounds is an exciting next step for one of the BBC’s most distinctive and valued nature brands. It gives us the opportunity to connect with audiences in the ways they increasingly want to watch and listen through our growing video podcast offer, while bringing people together around a shared love of the natural world. The bonus episodes on Sounds will create a rich, accessible space for nature fans to connect with the natural world, wherever they are.”

Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit says: 'People are passionate about British wildlife. We want to create a space for everyone to come together and share inspiring stories from the natural world in their area. This new podcast offers a chance to showcase extraordinary wildlife in an ever-changing seasonal landscape. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to build an even wider community of nature lovers.'

The new programme represents a significant expansion of the long-running Watches brand, offering continuous wildlife coverage rather than focusing on individual seasons. While further information regarding presenters, contributors and launch dates is still to be revealed, the BBC has confirmed additional announcements will be made in the coming months.

The broadcaster has also confirmed that, as part of its evolving commissioning strategy, Winterwatch will not be returning. Instead, Naturewatch will provide year-round coverage, including dedicated content throughout the winter months.

Meanwhile, fans of the flagship series can look forward to the return of Springwatch, which is scheduled to air for a three-week run in May 2027.

Banjo and Ro Return to Ulva as Grand Island Hotel Restoration Continues

Image: BBC

By Jon Donnis

The remarkable transformation of a derelict mansion on one of Scotland’s most remote islands is set to continue as Banjo Beale and his partner Ro return for a second series of Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel.

Following the success of the debut series, cameras will once again follow the couple as they continue their ambitious efforts to turn Ulva House into a boutique hotel destination. Produced by Hello Halo, the six-part series has been co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Factual Entertainment.

After relocating to the Isle of Ulva in 2025 with their dog Grampa, Banjo and Ro embraced the challenges that came with island life, limited resources and the enormous task of restoring an abandoned mansion. The new series picks up as work continues on the property, with the couple determined to push forward despite the pressures that come with such a demanding project.

Viewers can also expect some new additions to the household. Joining Banjo, Ro and Grampa is a Scottish Deerhound puppy named Cousin Jerry, while familiar faces from the local community and the team of handymen return to help keep the restoration moving.

Banjo says the new series raises the stakes even further. After exhausting their budget during the first stage of the project, he explains that creativity has become more important than ever. Alongside the ongoing work on Ulva House, the couple will be taking on even bigger plans while dealing with a growing collection of animals that includes puppies, peacocks and even a llama. He describes life on the island as unpredictable but says that is exactly what makes the experience so rewarding, promising plenty of hard work, humour and the occasional mishap along the way.

Ro offers a more cautious perspective on the latest chapter of their adventure. He jokes that most people would probably rest after renovating a crumbling mansion on a remote island, but Banjo instead decided the answer was more projects, more animals and even less money. According to Ro, every time completion feels close, Banjo appears with another ambitious idea, ensuring there is always another challenge waiting around the corner.

The series will also shine a light on the local characters who have become an important part of life on Ulva. Ro credits island ferryman Rhuri and neighbour Barry for helping keep both the project and Banjo grounded as the restoration continues.

The return of the series follows a strong response to its first outing. Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel proved particularly popular on BBC iPlayer, earning a place among the platform’s Top 10 BBC lifestyle titles of 2026. With the restoration still far from complete, the new series promises another look at the determination, creativity and community spirit required to bring the Grand Island Hotel vision to life.

Possession Teaser Released for Sky Limited Series

Image: Sky TV

By Jon Donnis

Sky has released a first look teaser for Possession, a five-part limited event series previously known as Inheritance. The supernatural thriller is created and written by Karla Crome and directed by Storm Saulter, and it brings together a cast led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jonny Lee Miller, Sheldon Shepherd and Bel Powley.

The story follows Claudia, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, an ambitious young bi-racial lawyer who travels to Jamaica to contest an inheritance claim brought by Cudjoe East, played by Sheldon Shepherd, against Oliver Connaught, played by Jonny Lee Miller, a wealthy white aristocrat. What begins as a legal dispute soon shifts when Claudia discovers the case is tied to Hope Hill, the Connaught family’s former plantation, a place that has long haunted her nightmares.

As the case develops, Claudia and Oliver are drawn deeper into the history of the estate, uncovering unsettling connections between the plantation’s brutal past and the injustices that continue to shape the present. The investigation forces both characters to confront truths that reach far beyond the courtroom.

Possession blends supernatural thriller elements with the atmosphere and energy of Jamaica, following Claudia’s journey into buried secrets and identity, while exploring how the past continues to shape the present in unexpected and disturbing ways.

Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds Return for Series Two of A Woman of Substance

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has confirmed that Brenda Blethyn and Jessica Reynolds will return for a second series of A Woman of Substance, continuing the story of Emma Harte, the housemaid-turned-business mogul at the centre of the drama. The series is produced by The Forge Entertainment, part of Banijay UK, known for titles including National Treasure, The Buccaneers and Marriage.

Blethyn and Reynolds reprise their roles in the adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s bestselling novels, which follow Emma Harte’s rise as a determined and uncompromising figure across decades of personal and professional struggle. The first series proved a major success for Channel 4 streaming, becoming its most-watched drama in five years since It’s a Sin, with an average audience of three million per episode.

The first series concluded with a significant twist, as Emma’s granddaughter and chosen heir, Paula, revealed she had secretly married into the Fairley family. The decision left the future of Emma’s legacy uncertain and reopened old tensions that have long defined the Harte and Fairley rivalry.

The new series picks up as Emma emerges from the First World War and steps into the rapidly changing world of the 1920s. Her ambition to strengthen the Harte name remains relentless, alongside her ongoing drive to see the Fairley family held accountable. Her journey is complicated further by the presence of Paul McGill, described as a charismatic and difficult romantic force in her life, as well as a series of personal losses and betrayals that test her resilience.

Alongside the 1920s storyline, the series also continues in the 1970s, where an older Emma Harte faces a new battle to reclaim control of her life’s work from Jim Fairley. The narrative spans generations, reflecting both the personal cost of ambition and the enduring weight of legacy.