Meghna Amin

Dr Xand van Tulleken paid tribute to Kevin Keegan on The One Show, describing the former England manager and footballer as an “absolute legend.” The programme also featured tributes from artist Adebanji Alade, who said Keegan’s book inspired his artistic career, and actor Robson Green, who recalled Keegan’s importance to Newcastle and Liverpool supporters. Memorial events at Newcastle’s St James’ Park were scheduled to include a minute’s applause, special warm-up shirts and black armbands.

The BBC has released a first-look image of Edward Bluemel as Hercule Poirot in the upcoming six-part series Hercule. Bluemel, 33, is the youngest actor to play the detective and has received praise from fellow actor Richard Armitage and some fans, while others complain that he appears too young, attractive and unlike David Suchet’s traditionally portrayed Poirot. The series will explore Poirot’s early life, his friendship with Captain Hastings and encounters with James Japp while adapting three Agatha Christie stories.

A repeat episode of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun follows engaged couple Mandy and Mick as they search for a permanent home on Spain’s Costa Blanca. With a budget of £230,000 plus £10,000 flexibility, they seek a detached villa with a pool, outdoor space and at least two bedrooms. Mandy becomes tearful after being impressed by one property, while presenter Ben Hillman helps the couple assess their options as they prepare for retirement and a new life abroad.

Ralf Little returns to television screens as BBC repeats a season 11 episode of Death in Paradise featuring his character, DI Neville Parker. Little played the lead detective from seasons 9 to 13 before leaving in 2024, with Don Gilet taking over from 2025. The episode follows the murder of a reggae rap artist and includes a personal connection to the crime for Marlon. Little said his departure was planned so Neville’s story could receive a satisfying conclusion, ending with the character leaving the island with DS Florence Cassell.

A repeat episode of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun followed Helen and Kevin’s search for a holiday home in Roquetas de Mar, Spain. After viewing five properties, they offered £290,000 for an apartment listed at about £330,000, citing the cost of planned renovations. The sellers countered at just under £321,500, but rejected the couple’s final £300,000 offer. Viewers criticised the buyers for making what they considered an unrealistically low and cheeky offer.

Marc Warren and Maimie McCoy have expressed hopes that Van der Valk will return after its fourth series. Warren said the latest installment felt larger, more expensive and emotionally connected, while McCoy felt the show had developed a stronger identity. The series, an ITV reboot based on Nicolas Freeling’s novels, has attracted international funding and has historically delivered strong viewing figures; its future will depend on how well the new episodes are received.

John Hannah and Carolina Becquer discuss the escalating storyline of Channel 5’s crime drama Benidorm Is Murder. The series follows former detective Dennis and crime enthusiast Rosa as they solve murders in Benidorm, while local police inspectors remain skeptical of their methods. Hannah and Becquer tease darker developments, deeper exploration of their characters’ pasts, and serious consequences as Dennis’s former life resurfaces.

The fourth season of ITV’s Van der Valk returned with Marc Warren reprising his role as Piet Van der Valk, prompting viewers to comment on how youthful he appears at age 59 and to praise his continued appeal. Writer Chris Murray described the season as the show’s strongest yet, while Warren highlighted larger-scale episodes featuring explosions, stunts, a crime-family whistle-blower, witness protection and the detective’s reunion with an old flame. The series is available on ITVX.

Craig Revel Horwood says he has no plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing, describing the programme as a major part of his life and the best Saturday job. He also paid an emotional tribute to former judge Len Goodman, who died in 2023. His comments come as the BBC dance competition undergoes significant changes, including the departures of presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the arrival of Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe in new roles, and the introduction of five professional dancers. Former professional James Jordan has separately called for changes to the judging panel and urged judges to be more direct and technically critical.

A guest on Antiques Roadshow became emotional after jewelry expert Susan Rumfitt assessed her family diamond brooch, inherited from her grandmother. Dating from the 1930s Art Deco period, the brooch was estimated to contain roughly 14 carats of diamonds and valued at around £20,000, far above the guest's expectations. She said the valuation took her breath away but vowed to continue wearing the heirloom.

The fourth series of ITV’s Van der Valk returns with Marc Warren reprising the lead role alongside Maimie McCoy, Azan Ahmed, Darrell D’Silva and Emma Fielding. The season follows three homicide investigations involving a whistle-blower from a crime family, environmental campaigners and a missing pop star, and a medical breakthrough. The cast describe a closer-knit team and a larger, more explosive production, which airs Sundays at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The children of Titanic survivor Sidney Daniels appeared on Antiques Roadshow with a letter their father carried in his uniform pocket while escaping the sinking ship. Daniels, who worked as an 18-year-old plate washer, helped passengers reach lifeboats before jumping into the sea and surviving on an overturned raft. Expert Hilary Kay valued the water-damaged letter at around £10,000, but the family refused to sell it and said they intended to donate it to a museum.

Countryfile presenter Anita Rani visited Orford Ness in Suffolk, a former secret military testing site, during a BBC road-trip programme. A guide named Bill showed her a small nuclear bomb used to test whether bomb mechanisms were stable during flight. Rani was shocked to learn that it had roughly half the destructive impact of the Hiroshima bomb and reflected on growing up during the Cold War before touching the weapon.

Jon Kay experienced two humorous interruptions while reporting live from Downing Street for BBC Breakfast ahead of Andy Burnham’s first address as Prime Minister. A road sweeper and an unexpected handshake from a passer-by prompted lighthearted reactions that viewers praised as authentic and entertaining. Kay later shared the moments on social media, drawing further positive responses. The broadcast continued with extended scheduling as the BBC prepared for coverage of the day’s political developments.

Jamie Bigg, known as Giant on Gladiators, publicly supported Tom Stoltman after the BBC announced Stoltman as his replacement on the show. Stoltman, a three‑time World’s Strongest Man, expressed excitement about joining the series, while Bigg reiterated his belief that he was dropped due to his relationship with an OnlyFans model. He described being given an ultimatum regarding the relationship and said his dismissal remained unclear. Bigg emphasised the distinction between his public persona and private life, while Gladiators prepares to return to BBC One later in the year.

Oti Mabuse confirmed she intends to return for a second season of her travel series with Reverend Richard Coles as the pair prepare to debut Oti and Richard's South African Odyssey on More4. The dancer joked about future destinations and said she would bring her family along while fans expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series.

Reuben Owen receives strong fan support after posting affectionate photos and a tribute to his girlfriend Jess following the end of filming for Life in the Dales. The couple, who have been together since October 2024, share a farming background and speak warmly about their relationship and family approval. They discuss hopes to eventually move in together and find a farm that suits both their work and future plans.

Anne Hegerty clarifies that she does not own her Governess outfit from The Chase while discussing experiences filming the new spin‑off The Chase Around The World. She and fellow Chasers describe being recognised on location during production, with crews trying to avoid revealing filming sites. Bradley Walsh highlights the emotional moments and dynamic of the competition as contestants travel across European cities to continue playing for the grand prize.

Gracie McGonigal reflects on her secretive and rewarding experience filming Bridgerton’s fourth season and praises her co-stars while remaining noncommittal about returning for season five. The upcoming season, set for 2027, will center on Francesca and Michaela’s queer love story, which the cast and showrunner Jess Brownell describe as groundbreaking for a period drama. Netflix continues to develop the series as actors express excitement about its evolving narratives.

Two cast members of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales reflect on past family losses during the series’ final episode, focusing on Jess’ memories of her late grandfather and Dave’s experience losing his father as a teenager. Their conversations highlight the emotional connections to their family farm, the multigenerational legacy of Brough Castle Farm, and their continued commitment to farming life as depicted in the Channel 5 series.

The action-thriller Peppermint, starring Jennifer Garner and John Ortiz, airs on Film4 at 9pm. The film follows a mother who becomes a vigilante after her family is murdered, and has received strong praise from viewers who call it underrated, emotional, and better than Mission Impossible. Garner describes the physically demanding role as highly engaging and rewarding.

Fans expressed disappointment as Reuben Owen announced the season finale of Life in the Dales, which follows his farming work in North Yorkshire alongside friends and family. Viewers urged the team to produce another series, praising the show’s emotional moments and the cast’s openness about personal struggles. Support poured in for Sonny and Capper after they discussed mental health challenges and helped raise funds for a related charity, with donations surpassing £4,000.

Isa Guha returns to BBC’s Wimbledon coverage alongside Clare Balding, reflecting on her admiration for former host Sue Barker. Born in Buckinghamshire to Indian parents, she excelled academically while becoming a history‑making England cricketer and the world’s top‑ranked bowler in 2009. Since retiring in 2012, she has built a broadcasting career across major networks. She married musician Richard Thomas in 2018, crediting his support during her mother’s illness and death, and highlighting their close relationship.

A couple featured on A Place in the Sun secured a property in Mazarron, Spain, well below their £90,000 budget after being impressed by a two‑bedroom apartment priced at £61,500. Guided by host Ben Hillman, they made an initial lower offer before accepting a counteroffer of £59,211. Viewers reacted positively to the couple’s successful purchase and their “cheeky” negotiation.

Spectators at Wimbledon expressed alarm after Jannik Sinner suffered a fall during his first‑round match against Miomir Kecmanović, with viewers noticing what appeared to be blood seeping through his shoe. Despite the incident, Sinner continued playing without signs of impaired movement. BBC commentators questioned whether the stain was blood or ointment as discussion spread across social media. The world number one, defending his 2025 title, finished the match while fans speculated about the severity of the injury.