Julia Hunt

Welsh presenter Jason Mohammad is competing in the latest series of BBC Celebrity MasterChef. During the opening Cookalong Challenge, his gnocchi was criticised by judges Giorgio Locatelli and Grace Dent for being oversized, too floury and heavily peppered, although they considered it edible and tasty. Mohammad described the feedback as the “kick up the backside” he needed as he continues in the competition.

Sian and Andy decided to leave Leicestershire for Herefordshire with their three children after Sian was diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting them to bring forward long-planned plans for a countryside move. On Escape to the Country, they searched for a dream home with land and stables for two horses, space for a donkey, and enough bedrooms for the family, using a £1.25 million budget. They chose a 16-acre property in Little Dewchurch overlooking the Wye Valley, and their bid was accepted.

Prisoners of Paradise, a period romance set in 1920s Mauritius, follows Lucy, a 17-year-old British orphan played by Ellie Bamber, and Krishna, an indentured labourer played by Mehdi Dehbi, as they pursue a forbidden relationship amid colonial abuse, oppression and exploitation. Rupert Penry-Jones plays Lucy’s manipulative uncle. Inspired by Romesh Gunesekera’s novel Prisoner of Paradise and formerly titled Ambleside, the film is now available to purchase through the Sky Store.

The 2023 period drama The Boys in the Boat, directed and co-produced by George Clooney and adapted from Daniel James Brown’s bestselling book, is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. The film follows the University of Washington rowing team as it pursues Olympic success during the Great Depression and prepares for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Viewers have praised its performances, cinematography, suspense, teamwork and hopeful message, while noting that some details from the book were omitted.

Kate Garraway and Tom Swarbrick interviewed Lisa Squire, whose daughter Libby was raped and murdered in 2019. Squire described how Libby was targeted by Pawel Relowicz and called for a complete overhaul of the criminal justice system after the sentencing of Simon Levy, who was convicted of murdering two women and raping another. Garraway expressed sympathy, while the interview highlighted alleged parallels between the cases and concerns about offenders committing crimes while on bail.

Grantchester’s producers repeatedly considered killing off Robson Green’s character, DI Geordie Keating, during the show’s 11th and final series but decided the move would be too significant. The currently airing US episodes reveal that Geordie is shot, although he is expected to survive. The ITV crime drama, which began in 2014 and follows detectives and vicars solving crimes in 1950s and 1960s Cambridgeshire, will conclude after its final season.

An 81-year-old woman with dementia was verbally abused by carer Louise Harris while recovering from a brain bleed in Pontardawe. Hidden-camera footage captured Harris shouting insults and threats while reportedly under the influence of alcohol, and the recording helped police secure a three-month prison sentence. Elizabeth’s daughter Tracy said her mother has been left traumatised, suffering night terrors and flashbacks, requiring sedatives and close supervision. The footage was shown on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, where presenters Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley expressed shock.

Helen Skelton is among the presenters tipped to replace Naga Munchetty on BBC Breakfast, with Coral offering odds of 5/1. Sally Nugent is the clear favourite at 1/2, followed by Steph McGovern, Sarah Campbell, Tina Daheley, Emma Vardy, Luxmy Gopal and Victoria Derbyshire. Munchetty is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years to present 5 Live Breakfast five days a week from January.

Debbie Adlam, the mother of PC Andrew Harper, described the changing reports over whether two of her son's killers could be released early as “gut-wrenching.” Harper was killed in 2019 after being dragged behind a getaway car, and Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were sentenced to 13 years, while Henry Long received 16 years. The prisoners' potential early release, linked to efforts to reduce prison overcrowding, has prompted Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ask the justice secretary to explore ways of keeping Bowers and Cole in prison. Adlam said she remains cautiously hopeful but stressed that no solution has yet been secured.

Viewers reacted negatively to the latest episode of ITV's Amsterdam-set crime drama Van der Valk, criticizing its implausible chase, shooting and axe-related scenes and calling the ending laughable. Other fans enjoyed the show's return, its action and the greater focus on Amsterdam, while praising star Marc Warren. The series is available on ITVX.

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent reported that a wildfire near Llangynidr Reservoir in Blaenau Gwent had been declared a major incident, with high winds complicating firefighting efforts. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews, contractors and farmers had been working to contain the blaze, supported by a specialist helicopter, while smoke affected communities across the region and some roads could be closed. Nugent also reported a separate wildfire in Hampshire’s New Forest, believed to have spread from a vehicle fire, involving more than 20 crews.

Ben Miller amused The One Show presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp by joking that his acting technique consists of standing still and waiting for other actors to finish their lines. Appearing with Professor T co-star Sunetra Sarker, he discussed playing the obsessive-compulsive criminology professor and learning to play drums for the upcoming fourth series, which returns on 19 August.

The BBC has announced that former England rugby international Joe Marler will become Gladiators’ first celebrity Gladiator in the fourth series, adopting the arena name Mauler. Fans have responded enthusiastically to the casting and his Gladiator identity. Marler will appear alongside established Gladiators including Apollo, Comet and Diamond when the series returns on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.

Ricky Gervais joked on The One Show that airing a 30-second clip of his new adult animated series Alley Cats was an improvement over a previous appearance because the program could not show material from his mortality special. The series contains frequent swearing, is aimed at teenagers and older viewers, and follows cats living short, existential lives. Gervais voices the character Gus and said he wrote the roles with the cast in mind, including Tom Basden, David Earl, Kerry Godliman and Diane Morgan.

Interview with the Vampire, a popular vampire series starring Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid, is available on BBC iPlayer after three seasons. Viewers praise its psychological horror and gripping story but warn that several scenes are particularly gory, including Lestat choking Louis and Louis tearing off a character’s jaw. The series is based on Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles and follows an earlier 1994 film adaptation featuring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden became emotional while taking part in Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted, explaining that winning would represent coming full circle after her breast cancer treatment. She also spoke about her uncertainty over becoming a mother after playing with fellow dancer Neil Jones's young daughter. Dowden and Carlos Gu nevertheless plan to take risks in the competition, including attending Craig Revel Horwood's 60th birthday party. The series is raising money for Stand Up To Cancer.

Lauren Laverne returned to present The One Show with Alex Jones after the programme’s summer break, saying it was lovely to be back. She discussed her diagnosis of smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder with a low risk of developing into blood cancer. Laverne said she currently feels well, needs no treatment, and has a somewhat compromised immune system, while expressing support for providing outpatient services in shopping centres rather than traditional hospital settings.

Celebrity Hunted returned on Channel 4 with celebrities including Amy Dowden, Brian Conley, Carlos Gu and others attempting to evade specialist Hunters for 14 days. Viewers largely enjoyed the opening episode but questioned whether its helicopter pursuit was realistic or staged, citing flight plans, aircraft positioning and visible London landmarks.

Alex Jones joked that she might not make it to The One Show’s next anniversary after stumbling over the word “culminate” during a discussion with co-host Roman Kemp. Jones has presented the BBC programme since 2010, and the show is marking its 20th anniversary with a week of special episodes, reunions and celebrity guests, culminating in an extended anniversary special on August 14.

ITV will air The Rainmaker, a 10-episode legal thriller adapted from John Grisham’s 1995 novel. The series stars Milo Callaghan as newly qualified lawyer Rudy Baylor, who confronts senior attorney Leo Drummond and uncovers conspiracies surrounding a client’s son. Viewers have praised the show as suspenseful, compelling and binge-worthy. ITV1 will begin weekly broadcasts with a double bill on September 4, while the complete season will be available on ITVX the same day.

Big Finish Productions has released the third instalment of its six-part Twelfth Doctor audio series, The Beautiful and the Damned. Jon Culshaw voices the Doctor, with Gwithian Evans returning as companion Ash, while the story explores the addictive and corrosive effects of the digital world. Writer Katherine White and producer-script editor Alfie Shaw describe Ash as a wounded, genre-inspired companion whose relationship with the Doctor develops across the adventures.

The 1976 historical drama I, Claudius, starring Welsh actress Sian Phillips as Roman empress Livia alongside Derek Jacobi, John Hurt and Brian Blessed, is streaming on BBC iPlayer. The series has attracted renewed attention from viewers, who praise its performances, writing, sets and enduring quality, with many reporting that they have watched it repeatedly.

Chris Ramsey, George Clarke, AJ Odudu and Sara Pascoe have been announced for the BBC’s Gladiators: Celebrity Special. Ramsey joked that taking part at nearly 40 could leave him needing rehabilitation and physiotherapy, while the other contestants expressed enthusiasm or made humorous comments about the challenge. The celebrities will compete in events including Duel, Unleash and Powerball before the Eliminator. The special is scheduled to air on BBC One later in 2026, while the main series is set to return for a fourth run in 2027.

Naga Munchetty is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years with the programme and will begin presenting 5 Live Breakfast five days a week from January. Bookmaker Betway lists former Breakfast presenter Nina Warhurst as the 7/4 favorite to replace her, with Tina Daheley, Emma Vardy, Jon Kay and several other BBC presenters also among the contenders.

Good Morning Britain celebrated Andi Peters's 56th birthday with a large red phone-shaped chocolate cake. Viewers reacted with surprise that he had turned 56, repeatedly joking that he never ages and looks decades younger. Peters began his television career in the 1980s and was appointed by the BBC to present The Broom Cupboard in 1989.

The fifth series of the Welsh crime drama 35 Diwrnod: Parti Plu, translated as 35 Days: Hen Party, is now available on ITVX. Filmed around Wales, the series follows Beth and her fiancé Dylan as they prepare for their wedding, while using the franchise’s established structure of showing a murder at the outset and working backward through the preceding 35 days. Writer Fflur Dafydd says the new instalment places greater emphasis on the characters and their secrets, and viewers have praised its twists, red herrings and unconventional approach.

Princess and Junior Andre said they would be interested in appearing together on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, following speculation that they might join the ITV reality show. During an appearance on This Morning, both siblings confirmed they had considered the idea and would want to participate as the first brother-and-sister pairing, although they said ITV would need to approach them. Their parents, Katie Price and Peter Andre, met and fell in love while appearing on the programme in 2004.

BBC has released a first look at a special Casualty double bill marking the medical drama's 40th anniversary. The episode centres on a high-stakes major incident that throws Holby City Hospital into chaos, while Dylan leads the team through personal tragedy and Stevie and Flynn fight for survival. The anniversary event features a large ensemble cast, including William Beck, Elinor Lawless and Olly Rix, and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 5 September.

Joel Dommett has announced that he will not return to Australia to host ITV's I'm a Celebrity: Unpacked this year. After presenting the companion show since 2024, he said he plans to remain in the UK with his wife Hannah and their young children. Dommett, who first appeared on I'm a Celebrity as a contestant in 2016, joked about Ant and Dec while reflecting on his decade-long association with the programme. The main show is expected to return in November with Ant and Dec hosting.

The French World War I series The Sentinels is streaming on BBC iPlayer after being acquired by the BBC. Adapted from the graphic novels Les Sentinelles, the eight-part drama follows a badly injured soldier given a serum that grants extraordinary abilities before he joins a secret unit of enhanced soldiers. Its blend of wartime action, espionage, science fiction and steampunk elements has impressed viewers and critics, including a four-star review from The Guardian.

Eve Myles praises Katherine Kelly’s performance in the thriller series The Crow Girl, describing her work as extraordinary and breathtaking. Kelly returns the admiration, calling Myles astonishing as they portray a detective and psychotherapist hunting a murderer in an adaptation of Erik Axl Sund’s novel. The show, airing on Channel 5 with its second series on Paramount+, has received strong viewer acclaim for its gripping narrative and compelling character dynamics.

The US true‑crime series Cold Justice, featuring prosecutor Kelly Siegler investigating unsolved murders, is now available to stream for free on ITVX. The show, which has run for nine seasons and contributed to multiple arrests and convictions, is drawing strong reactions from new viewers who describe it as disturbing yet gripping and well‑constructed. Reviews highlight its emotional impact, detailed case work and respectful treatment of victims.

A buyer on BBC’s Escape to the Country struggled to choose between two Peak District properties after a mystery pick from presenter Sonali Shah exceeded his budget but offered extra space. After deliberation, he chose the first cottage, made a successful offer, and also accepted an offer on his Amsterdam home, moving him closer to relocating.

Nadiya Bychkova, who left Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the 2026 series, hinted at upcoming television projects while confirming a role as Tinkerbell in a pantomime production of Peter Pan. She said she is moving further into creative work, including choreography, producing shows and collaborating with a UK orchestra on a music‑and‑dance project. Bychkova plans to continue acting after her Netflix film 10 Dance, which received strong fan praise.

Nadiya Bychkova reflects on the supportive but intense environment behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing following confirmation of her departure after nine years. She says she is ready for a new chapter while remaining connected to the show in other ways. The programme faces major changes as several professional dancers and long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leave, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe joining as new hosts. Celebrity contestants for the 2026 series have begun to be announced, with more expected.

A new BBC adaptation of Henry James' The Portrait of a Lady will star Nell Tiger Free alongside Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Miranda Richardson in a six-part limited series currently filming in the UK, Hungary and Croatia. The drama follows Isabel Archer, a young American who inherits a fortune and becomes entangled with manipulative expatriates. Producers and BBC executives describe the production as exceptional and long overdue, with the series set to premiere on Masterpiece on PBS in North America and on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK.

A highly praised period drama, Outrageous, centered on the Mitford sisters and starring Bessie Carter and others, is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Set in the 1930s, the series follows the siblings’ unconventional and often controversial lives. Viewers have widely acclaimed the acting, storytelling and emotional depth, calling the show addictive and eagerly anticipating a second season.

The BBC released the first trailer for The Rapture, a psychological thriller filmed in Wales and adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel about a teenager who claims psychic abilities while being accused of murdering her mother. The series stars Ruth Madeley as a forensic psychologist and India Amarteifio as the teen at the center of the mystery, alongside a supporting cast including Ruth Jones and Sam Hazeldine. BBC Drama leadership and producers describe the show as a high‑stakes, character‑driven narrative incorporating themes of climate change. The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Eugenie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist, has become a standout pundit for the BBC’s 2026 tournament coverage, drawing strong viewer praise. Her profile highlights major brand partnerships, extensive global travel for professional commitments, and a notable collection of luxury handbags and jewellery. Known for her glamorous lifestyle and celebrity connections, she also maintains friendships with figures such as Jim Parsons and Drake, while her past relationship with Jack Brinkley-Cook attracted media attention.

The BBC has renewed The Lady Grace Mysteries for a second series and winter specials, continuing the adaptation of the popular children's detective novels. The new storyline will involve Grace encountering Mary, Queen of Scots while attempting to rescue Sir Francis Drake and trying to prevent conflict between rival queens. Viewers praised the first series for its humour, costumes, cinematography and performances, contributing to its strong reception on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

La Voix confirmed she will not return to Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 after previously withdrawing due to injury, saying she does not want another attempt at the show and expressing disappointment at not being chosen as a new presenter. She discussed the decision during an interview on Good Morning Britain, while new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe were confirmed for the upcoming series, which has already signed several celebrity contestants.

A psychological thriller series, Angela Black, starring Joanne Froggatt, is now available to stream on ITVX and has received strong viewer praise for its suspense, plot twists and performances. The story follows a suburban mother trapped in an abusive marriage who encounters a private investigator revealing disturbing truths about her husband. Reviews from platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb highlight the show’s tense storytelling, character development and binge-worthy appeal.

A mother recounted a traumatic birth that left her requiring 300 stitches, lifelong pain and ongoing medical issues after her son was initially pronounced dead before resuscitation. She described being dismissed by NHS staff during labour and in subsequent care, and detailed the lasting physical and psychological consequences. Her son was born with Erb's palsy after emergency procedures. Following a government announcement of the UK’s first maternity and neonatal commissioner, she called for major reforms to maternity services, arguing incremental changes are insufficient.

Viewers criticised the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage after a channel switch caused audiences to miss a key moment in the Djokovic–Wu match, prompting numerous complaints on social media about repeated channel hopping and disrupted viewing during crucial points.

Sky and NOW will release the second season of The Paper on September 10, with Domhnall Gleeson and the main cast returning alongside several new guest stars. The mockumentary, a spin‑off of the US version of The Office, follows a newspaper staff and earned strong audience acclaim after its 2025 debut. New episodes will explore Ned’s pursuit of a major story, shifts in staff dynamics and developing relationships, with fans praising the show’s humour and originality.

A cyclist who suffered catastrophic head injuries after crashing into illegally dumped waste described his survival and recovery, including weeks in a coma and loss of memory of his children. His daughter recounted the emergency response and long rehabilitation that followed. The family criticised the lack of driving-related penalties for the convicted fly-tipper and called for stricter consequences for offenders whose actions cause accidents. Colin Appleton has since undergone reconstructive surgery and reports significant improvement in his condition.

The BBC will celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Office with a special edition of Remembers featuring Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman reuniting to share memories and behind‑the‑scenes stories from the series. The programme will reflect on the show's creation, cast dynamics, and cultural impact, including anecdotes about auditions, character development, and Ricky Gervais’s on‑set behaviour, while also acknowledging the success of the American adaptation. The special will air on July 8 on BBC Two and iPlayer.

The BBC expanded the cast of its upcoming series Hamburg Days, adding Asa Butterfield as manager Brian Epstein, Christine Tremarco as Mimi Smith and Jonny Lee Miller as Jim McCartney. The drama follows The Beatles’ early years in Hamburg and draws from a book by Klaus Voormann and Astrid Kirchherr. Additional actors will portray the band members and key figures from their formative period. The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, while four separate Beatles films directed by Sam Mendes are also in development.

Robert Irwin describes Prince William as a passionate and down‑to‑earth environmentalist, praising their collaboration through the Earthshot Prize and recounting personal interactions, including a surprise FaceTime call during Irwin’s Dancing with the Stars rehearsals. Irwin expresses admiration for William’s commitment to conservation and highlights the privilege of working alongside him.

Channel 4’s documentary series Educating Yorkshire is expected to return in 2027, with reports indicating pre‑production will begin in September. The programme, which originally aired in 2013 and returned for a follow‑up last year, focuses on life at Thornhill Community Academy and its headteacher, Mr Burton. Viewers have widely praised the series for its insight into school life and its emotional storytelling, particularly the experiences of pupils and staff confronting modern educational challenges. Channel 4 has not yet confirmed the new series.

Channel 5 has commissioned Last Resort, a new drama set in a seaside village where a group of friends investigates a suspicious death the police dismiss as an accident. Featuring Jason Watkins, Tessa Peake-Jones, Caroline Quentin and other notable cast members, the series blends mystery and dark comedy as past crimes surface. Produced by Pernel Media with Peer Pressure and Studiocanal, the show promises numerous twists and is set to air in 2027.

Three crime drama series currently available on BBC iPlayer are highlighted for strong viewer reception. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder follows Pip as she becomes drawn into a new investigation despite reluctance. The Cage centres on two casino employees whose thefts place them in danger from criminals and police. Death Valley’s second series continues the partnership between John Chapel and Janie Mallowan as they tackle new cases across mid-Wales. All three shows are praised by audiences for compelling storytelling and performances.

A 2013 three-part thriller, The Escape Artist, starring David Tennant as barrister Will Burton, is now streaming on ITVX and is being praised by critics and viewers as terrifying, gripping and well‑acted. The story follows Burton after he secures the acquittal of a murder suspect who later targets his family. Fans compare the series favourably to Broadchurch and Shetland, highlighting its suspense, strong characters and powerful finale.

BBC Breakfast extended its broadcast to cover Keir Starmer’s resignation speech, resulting in Morning Live being replaced with a BBC News Special. Jon Kay informed viewers of the schedule change as Starmer confirmed he would step down as Labour leader and remain prime minister until a successor is chosen. The announcement prompted the BBC to continue news coverage through the morning, altering its usual programming schedule.

A 1962 World War II drama, The Password Is Courage, starring Dirk Bogarde, is being added to BBC iPlayer following a BBC Two broadcast. The film, based on the true story of Sergeant Major Charles Coward, has drawn comparisons to The Great Escape and continues to receive strong praise from viewers for its pacing, realism and impact. User reviews highlight it as underrated and highly enjoyable, contributing to renewed interest as it becomes available for free streaming on the BBC platform.

Jack Rooke reflects emotionally on missing the production of his acclaimed Channel 4 series Big Boys, noting the bond within the cast and the annual filming routine he grew attached to. He also discusses his stage show Good Grief, created with his grandmother and inspired by the loss of his father, emphasizing how humour and community can help people cope with grief, especially around occasions like Father's Day.

The BBC is streaming the period drama If Beale Street Could Talk, featuring Colman Domingo and Regina King in a story set in 1970s Harlem about a woman working to clear her partner of a false accusation. Adapted from James Baldwin’s novel and directed by Barry Jenkins, the film has received strong praise from viewers, who highlighted its performances, cinematography and emotional impact, calling it powerful, beautifully crafted and a masterpiece.