Monde Mwitumwa

Fans are calling for more episodes of ITV’s Van der Valk after the fourth series ended with only three installments. The finale involved the murder of a cancer-treatment scientist, a hidden discovery and a pharmaceutical billionaire. Although a fifth series has not been confirmed, leading actor Marc Warren said he would like to return if the show continues to perform well internationally and on ITV.

Brenda Blethyn says she would gladly reprise her role as DCI Vera Stanhope for a special episode if ITV revived Vera, despite ending her 14-year stint on the crime drama in early 2025. She is now appearing in a remake of A Woman of Substance. Author Ann Cleeves has completed what she describes as the twelfth and final Vera novel, but confirmed that she has not killed off the detective, leaving the character’s future open in print even though no television return has been confirmed.

Polly made the painful decision to have her elderly Belgian hare euthanised after arthritis and declining mobility left him suffering. Vet Julian Norton examined the rabbit, sedated him and administered the final injection while Polly held and comforted her pet. Norton said euthanising pets is always difficult, particularly when the owner is well known to him.

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Vito Coppola has announced his debut memoir, Love Vito, during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show. The book explores his life through food, family and his Southern Italian heritage, including how he learned to cook after leaving home at 14. Coppola also confirmed that rehearsals for the next Strictly series had begun. He previously won Celebrity MasterChef in 2024, strengthening his profile as a cook as well as a dancer.

An episode of Channel 4’s Renovation Rescue followed retired artist Penny as Vogue Williams and Luke Mabbott helped renovate her new home in Shoreham-by-Sea after the sudden death of her partner Martin from septicaemia. The emotional culmination came when Martin’s treasured drawing was framed and displayed as the centrepiece of the redesigned living room, allowing Penny to remember him with pride and happiness while marking her fresh start.

Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn, who has incurable brain cancer, made an emotional appeal on BBC Breakfast for greater funding and research into the disease. He said the Rare Cancers Bill, led by Scott Arthur MP, is a step forward but does not provide enough resources, noting that two part-time roles covering 14 rare cancers amount to only 36 days of work a year. Goodburn also urged Andy Burnham to act, saying he was advocating not only for his own life but for other patients and families across the UK. Viewers praised his courage and said the interview moved them to tears.

The History Boys, Alan Bennett’s 2006 film adaptation about students competing for places at Oxford or Cambridge, is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The film stars James Corden alongside several other prominent British actors and has received strong praise for its ensemble cast, energy and successful transition from stage to screen, making it a recommended choice for Gavin & Stacey fans.

Steve and Jean Green became emotional while recalling the decision to end their dairy operation at Stony Brough Farm in 2015, after Steve's health deteriorated. During At Home With The Greens, they described the demanding routine of milking and their continuing grief at losing a herd that had been part of the farm's history for 200 years. Their new calves now provide a fresh focus as they continue farming.

Tipping Point contestant Ellie Millar described Ben Shephard as very kind and approachable when she met him before filming. Millar, who appeared on the ITV game show in 2022, won £2,100 after choosing not to risk her winnings for the £10,000 jackpot. She also discussed the confidentiality agreement contestants sign concerning the show's outcome.

A new Channel 5 drama titled Benidorm Is Murder follows John Hannah as a former UK detective running a bar in Spain who is pulled back into solving crimes when tourists begin turning up dead. The series pairs his character with an eager barmaid, played by Carolina Bécquer, blending real-world experience with crime-TV fandom. Described by Hannah as a joyful, humorous show with emotional depth, the six-part series features a strong cast and creative team, drawing stylistic inspiration from Death in Paradise. It premieres on July 30.

Oti Mabuse, pregnant with her second child, has been advised by doctors not to dance due to complications experienced during her first premature birth. She described the restriction as emotionally challenging, particularly because dancing is an activity she enjoys with her daughter. Mabuse also discussed severe fatigue and sickness during this pregnancy, leading her to decline multiple television opportunities, including prior appearances on Loose Women.

Viewers of ITV’s new thriller The Dark reported sound problems during the first episode, saying dialogue was difficult to understand and many resorted to using subtitles. The series, starring Laura Donnelly and Helen Baxendale, follows a detective pursuing a serial killer in rural Scotland. While some praised the show’s atmosphere, others said the audio issues detracted from the experience.

Anita Rani forgot her wellies while filming Countryfile in West Mersea, causing difficulty as the tide rose and prompting a guest to carry her back to the boat. She spent the episode learning about oyster farming and research into the impact of Atlantic rock oysters on coastal ecosystems, while also reviewing past Countryfile features on coastal life.

Helen Baxendale previews ITV’s new thriller The Dark, describing it as a distinctive and unsettling drama set in rural Scotland. The series follows DI Monica Kennedy as she investigates a serial killer whose actions connect to her own past. Filmed around Glasgow and Inverclyde, the production emphasizes atmospheric landscapes and an unconventional tone. Baxendale highlights the show’s eerie setting, her character’s dark storyline and her personal ties to Scotland ahead of its premiere on ITV1 and ITVX.

ITV is removing Emmerdale and Coronation Street from its Tuesday schedule to air the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France, with both soap episodes shifted to Wednesday. The BBC will broadcast England’s semi-final match against Argentina the following day. The change comes amid reports that long-serving Emmerdale actor Jack Downham, who plays Noah Dingle, has completed filming his final scenes and is expected to exit the show after 17 years as part of broader cost-cutting measures.

Jack Downham is reported to be leaving Emmerdale after 17 years, with sources indicating he has already filmed his final scenes as part of broader cost‑cutting measures affecting the cast. ITV has not confirmed the departure, consistent with its policy of avoiding spoilers. Downham, who has appeared in more than 800 episodes as Noah Dingle, previously reflected on his experience growing up on the show and praised fellow cast members. His potential exit follows several other recent departures, including Bradley Johnson, Nick Miles and Olivia Bromley.

Steven Moffat expressed interest in reviving Sherlock, noting that many original Holmes stories remain and that the lead actors are now closer in age to the characters as written. He reflected positively on his time working on the series and highlighted its quality and impact. A return, however, appears unlikely soon, as Mark Gatiss recently stated that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are not currently interested in continuing the show.

Anita Manning is highlighted as a long‑standing and recognisable presenter on Bargain Hunt, with a career in the antiques industry spanning more than 50 years. Inspired by early auctions she attended with her father, she became one of Scotland’s first female auctioneers and later co‑founded Great Western Auctions with her daughter. She expresses ongoing passion for antiques and auctioneering, noting the company’s growth while maintaining a family‑run ethos. The piece also notes her recent shift from her trademark black bob to a short natural grey hairstyle and mentions her son living in Hong Kong.

Tom Brittney reflects on the emotional impact of learning that ITV’s long‑running drama Grantchester is ending, expressing pride in the show and sadness at its conclusion. The series, adapted from James Runcie’s novels, first aired in 2014 and will conclude after its final season featuring returning cast members including Robson Green, who describes the show's team as a family formed through years of shared work.

Ann Widdecombe’s final television appearance occurred during a visit to Jersey, where she spoke about Brexit, sovereignty and upcoming elections while addressing a Ladies Lunch Club. She defended Brexit’s benefits, criticised complaints over airport queues and reflected on her time on Strictly Come Dancing. Following her death at age 78, her management highlighted her Christian values, political engagement with Reform UK and longstanding charitable work, offering condolences to her family and friends.

Will Kirk was visibly moved during a Repair Shop episode featuring the restoration of baby shoes linked to a wartime rescue by Barbara Dennison’s father. Shoe expert Dean Westmoreland restored the fragile items, prompting an emotional reaction from Barbara and her granddaughter. The completed restoration highlighted the family’s cherished memories, leaving Kirk close to tears.

Katie Price discusses her children’s emotional revelations in a new Sky documentary, where Princess and Junior speak candidly about how her drug use and mental health struggles affected their upbringing. She reflects on being unaware of the depth of their pain during her breakdown and expresses remorse for that period. Appearing on This Morning, she says her children insisted on being completely honest in the film, which depicts her personal challenges, family impact and recovery.

An upcoming BBC documentary, Hunting the Spycammers, investigates the online networks distributing illicit footage captured by covert cameras hidden in private spaces. Presenter Jess Davies goes undercover with journalist Liam Connell to infiltrate encrypted groups where users exchange non‑consensual voyeuristic content. The film highlights readily available spycam technology and exposes individuals who record women and family members without consent. Interviews and findings underscore the growing scale of the crime and its emotional impact, while BBC commissioners emphasize the urgent need to understand how and why such exploitation occurs.

A Channel 5 documentary revisits the case of Heather Mook, who poisoned her husband John Mook with rat poison and antidepressants as part of a plan to steal £43,000 from his mother. John survived and later stated she needed professional help. The programme details her 2008 conviction, the jury’s swift guilty verdict, and the revelation that she had previously poisoned her young daughter in 1982. Prosecutors argued she used her prescription medication to incapacitate victims while committing theft. A judge deemed her dangerous and imposed an indeterminate sentence with a minimum of five years before parole eligibility.

Katy Hill, best known for presenting Blue Peter in the late 1990s, has shifted from television to a career in life coaching. After a varied broadcasting career across BBC, ITV, radio and magazines, she now works as an internationally certified success and confidence coach, sharing motivational content and running coaching programmes. Hill is married to former co-host Trey Farley, with whom she has two children, and frequently reflects positively on their long-term relationship.

Two siblings, Tegan and Kenneth, were separated as infants and unaware of each other’s existence until Tegan discovered his name in her adoption records. Seeking help from the ITV series Long Lost Family, investigators traced Kenneth after a year-long search despite his common surname. They found he lived just 10 miles from Tegan in London. Both described difficult childhoods marked by loneliness, and their reunion brought emotional relief and a sense of connection. The episode airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Canada will join the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after CBC/Radio-Canada became a member of the European Broadcasting Union, marking the first new participating nation since Australia in 2015. The decision highlights Eurovision’s expanding global reach and longstanding Canadian ties, including Céline Dion’s 1988 win. The article notes controversy around Israel’s continued participation, with Amnesty International criticising the EBU and several countries boycotting the event. Bulgaria will host the 2027 contest following Dara’s victory with Bangaranga.

Susanna Reid is absent from Good Morning Britain while working on an undisclosed special project and will return on July 6. Her last appearance coincided with breaking news as Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister. ITV hosts including Kate Garraway and Adil Ray are covering her absence, with Ray detailing several scheduled hosting dates. ITV has not revealed details of Reid’s temporary project.

An Antiques Roadshow guest learned that her father’s wartime Rolex, ordered through Switzerland while he was a prisoner of war, doubled in estimated value due to its unusual provenance. Expert Ben Wright praised the remarkable history, noting Rolex had trusted prisoners to pay after the war. While the watch would normally be valued up to £3,000, its documented backstory raised the estimate to at least £5,000.

The Teacher, a Channel 5 psychological thriller following different teachers through scandal and personal turmoil each season, continues to attract strong viewer praise. Storylines from its first three series, featuring Sheridan Smith, Kara Tointon and Victoria Hamilton, have generated demand for a fourth season, with fans highlighting its gripping twists and strong performances. All three seasons remain available to stream via Channel 5.