Julia Hunt

Giorgio Locatelli made his debut as a judge on the 21st series of BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef, joining Grace Dent. Viewers reacted positively to the new judging partnership and the Cookalong challenge, in which contestants prepared gnocchi alongside Locatelli. The series features celebrity heats, semifinals and a finals week, with contestants including Joe Pasquale, Jason Mohammad, Jay McGuinness, Emily Campbell, Shakira Khan and several other public figures.

My Life Is Murder has returned for a fifth series, with Lucy Lawless reprising her role as private detective Alexa Crowe. The eight new episodes feature cases involving aquariums, cheerleading squads, dolls and island getaways. Viewers have praised the Australian-New Zealand crime drama as addictive, stylish and rewatchable, while the new series is available in the UK through U&Alibi, DVD and digital releases from Acorn Media International, and streaming platforms.

Ken Bruce says PopMaster TV resumed filming smoothly after an approximately 18-month hiatus, with the returning team quickly settling back into production. The Channel 4 and Bright Entertainment quiz show, which launched in 2023 as a television spin-off of Bruce’s long-running radio format, has performed strongly, reaching 3.3 million UK viewers across its third and fourth series in 2025. Two additional series and two celebrity specials have been commissioned.

Ben Miller has discussed his role as criminology professor Jasper Tempest in the fourth series of ITV's Professor T, admitting that even he does not understand all of the show's deliberately complex crimes. Co-star Sunetra Sarker explained that the cases are designed as jigsaw puzzles, while Miller said they draw on real crimes and situations and use criminal psychology to add authenticity. The new series is due to return in the UK on August 19, with a fifth season already filmed for US release.

Stephen Merchant will guest star as arrogant snooker champion Danny Sloane in the fourth episode of series two of the BBC detective comedy Ludwig. The returning series follows David Mitchell’s puzzle creator John, who is now a crime scene consultant for the Cambridge Police Authority while continuing to investigate his missing twin James. Anna Maxwell Martin returns, with Mark Bonnar and Sian Clifford joining the cast. Ludwig’s first series drew 9.5 million viewers and received strong audience praise, while a third series has already been commissioned. Series two is scheduled to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on August 20.

Bookish, the 1940s-set crime drama created by and starring Mark Gatiss, will return to U&Alibi in August for a second series. Gatiss revealed that more secrets will be resolved while warning that Gabriel Book's marriage to his closest friend Trottie, played by Polly Walker, may begin to unravel. The first series received strong viewer praise for its writing, performances and unexpected mysteries.

The 2019 biographical film Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo as abolitionist Harriet Tubman, has been added to BBC iPlayer. The film depicts Tubman’s escape from slavery and her efforts to lead other enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad, with support from figures including William Still and Marie Buchanon. Audience reactions quoted in the article strongly praise its performances, emotional impact and portrayal of Tubman’s courage.

BBC journalist Joanna Kent described evacuating a campsite near Claouey on France's Cap Ferret Peninsula as wildfires spread through France and Spain. She said police gave residents just 30 minutes to leave, while flames, smoke and falling ash created a frightening situation for her family, including her 10-year-old son. More than 220,000 people were reported to have fled the fires.

Mark Stuckey restored a broken projector on The Repair Shop, enabling siblings Zaff and Nasari to view long‑unseen home movies of their late parents and relatives. The footage had been recorded before their family fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s regime, a period the siblings described as both joyful and traumatic. The repaired projector revealed emotional scenes of their mother, father and grandfather, providing the siblings with a renewed sense of peace and connection to their past.

Viewers of the BBC drama Blue Lights are encouraged to watch Rookie Blue, a Canadian police series now streaming on ITVX. First aired in 2010 and running for six seasons, Rookie Blue follows newly qualified officers in Toronto and has developed a strong fanbase, with many praising its engaging storytelling and binge-worthy appeal. Seasons one to three are being added to the platform alongside season four, expanding access for new audiences.

A true‑crime series newly streaming on ITVX has drawn strong emotional reactions from viewers who describe Cold Justice as raw, heartbreaking and compelling. The show follows former Harris County prosecutor Kelly Siegler and her investigative team as they revisit unsolved murder cases, with viewers praising both the program’s emotional depth and the team’s dedication to securing justice. Nine seasons have aired, and the series has contributed to multiple arrests and convictions.

Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Miranda Richardson lead a new BBC adaptation of Henry James's novel The Portrait of a Lady, featuring a cast that includes Nell Tiger Free and Jim Sturgess. The six-part drama follows Isabel Archer as she navigates newfound independence and manipulative figures in Europe. Producers and BBC executives praise the long-awaited adaptation, which will air on Masterpiece and PBS platforms in North America and on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK.

The article highlights strong audience enthusiasm for the 1930s‑set BBC drama Outrageous, which follows the unconventional Mitford sisters and is now available on BBC iPlayer. Viewers praise its acting, casting, storytelling and binge‑worthy quality, calling for a second season and recommending it especially to fans of Downton Abbey.

Jordan Banjo briefly left the Celebrity Gogglebox sofa after a disturbing scene from the horror film Weapons unsettled several cast members, with Perri Kiely reacting in shock as he stepped away. A graphic sequence involving a character played by Amy Madigan prompted the moment, which viewers later found amusing, praising the show’s entertainment value.

The BBC released the first trailer for The Rapture, a new psychological thriller based on Liz Jensen’s novel and led by Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio. The series follows a teenager convicted of murdering her mother who claims psychic abilities and seeks to prove her innocence. Set in a high‑security psychiatric hospital, the drama explores themes of belief, climate change and family estrangement. Cast and producers praised the project’s intensity and chemistry, with the series set to debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Amanda and Clive Owen reflected on their 2000 wedding during an episode of Our Farm Next Door, joking that thunder on the day might have been a sign about their future. Despite separating in 2022 after 22 years of marriage, the pair continue to work together and co‑parent their nine children. Amanda previously confirmed their split in a public statement but emphasized their ongoing collaboration and commitment to their family.

Eugenie Bouchard has gained attention at Wimbledon for her role as a BBC pundit, drawing praise from viewers while continuing to cultivate a glamorous public image. Her life away from the tournament features major brand partnerships, extensive travel for professional commitments, and a notable collection of designer handbags and jewelry. She maintains high-profile friendships with celebrities and remains a prominent figure both in tennis circles and on social media.

The BBC released a first look at the fourth series of Blue Lights, the Belfast‑set police drama widely praised by viewers and often compared favourably to Line of Duty. The new season, arriving in autumn on BBC One and iPlayer, features returning core cast members and the comeback of Richard Dormer in an episode addressing past storylines. Audience reactions highlighted the show’s emotional depth, strong performances and gripping plots, with many calling it one of the best British police dramas currently on television.

The psychological thriller Angela Black, starring Joanne Froggatt, is now available to stream on ITVX after its original 2021 broadcast. The series follows a suburban mother trapped in an abusive marriage whose life is upended by revelations from a private investigator. Viewers on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb praise the show for its suspense, strong performances and unexpected twists.

Viewers criticised the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage after a channel switch caused many to miss a key set point during Novak Djokovic’s match against Wu Yibing. Multiple fans posted frustration on social media, calling the disruption unacceptable and accusing the broadcaster of mishandling live coverage. Complaints centred on constant channel hopping and missing crucial moments, prompting calls for more consistent coverage across BBC channels and iPlayer.

Emma Willis discusses her nerves ahead of co‑hosting Strictly Come Dancing with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, expressing concern over high expectations for the new team’s chemistry. The presenters reflect on the scale of the show following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, while four celebrities are confirmed for the upcoming 2026 series.

ITV altered its usual evening lineup for Emmerdale and Coronation Street due to World Cup coverage, prompting frustration from soap fans who complained about disruptions to routine, the prioritization of football, and the lack of alternative broadcast options. Others accepted the changes or defended the importance of football for viewers' well-being.

Viewers praised the supernatural thriller Platform 7, now streaming on ITVX, highlighting its intense pacing, strong performances and engaging storyline. Adapted from Louise Doughty’s novel with a screenplay by Paula Milne, the four‑episode series follows a woman uncovering the mystery of her own death. Audience reactions describe it as gripping, haunting and exceptionally well written.