Nicola Methven

ADHD UK chief executive Henry Shelford has urged Channel 4 viewers and the charity’s members to complain to Ofcom about The Great ADHD Myth?, calling it sensationalist, one-sided and medically misleading. He argues that the documentary’s six-week experiment involving one child who stopped ADHD medication failed to reflect evidence that medication benefits many patients, and says the programme wrongly frames ADHD as a social construct rather than a recognised neurodevelopmental condition. The documentary’s presenter, Dr Max Pemberton, argues that rising diagnoses warrant questioning whether ADHD is the best explanation for people’s difficulties and whether modern life contributes to them. Channel 4 defended the programme as part of its remit to challenge conventional thinking and stimulate public debate.

The Voice UK is expected to replace Emma Willis with an all-female presenting team of Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon for its 15th series next year. Dixon is expected to host the performances while Solomon handles backstage contestant coverage, following their well-received chemistry on Britain’s Got Talent. Willis will present the upcoming series before moving to BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher are also expected to leave the coaching panel, with rapper Aitch likely to replace them, while Sir Tom Jones, Will.i.am and Kelly Rowland are expected to remain.

Denise Welch received an affectionate farewell from her Loose Women co-stars after announcing her departure to pursue acting opportunities. The contrasting lack of public support for Nadia Sawalha, who says she was bullied off the programme because of her pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist views, has prompted criticism from her husband Mark Adderley and sister Dina. Nadia says she intends to sue ITV, while critics accuse her of promoting conspiracies about Israel and Jewish people.

The One Show revisits the story of Rosie King, who appeared on the programme in 2016 to discuss living with autism and Tourette syndrome and her ambition to become a writer. Inspired by her story, Tom Hanks sent her a vintage typewriter and a personal letter encouraging her to write. Rosie says the gesture gave her confidence and validation, and she went on to earn a first-class literature degree and work as a writer and voice actor on the CBeebies series Pablo. She continues to treasure the typewriter and hopes her writing will help other young people feel less isolated.

Actress Lucy Davis has disclosed that she was diagnosed 18 months ago with incurable stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her spine, right hip and ribs, and said she is not afraid of death. She urged people not to ignore unusual symptoms, explained that severe pain sometimes requires her to use a wheelchair, and said humour and being treated normally remain important to her. Davis intends to continue her animal-rights campaigning and acting for as long as she is able, while reflecting on her career in The Office and other television and film productions.

Nicola Methven argues that annual complaints about the Strictly Come Dancing celebrity line-up are misplaced. She says the show's demanding four-month production schedule makes it less attractive to the biggest stars than shorter formats such as Celebrity Traitors, but maintains that unfamiliar contestants can quickly become audience favourites. Examples including George Clarke and Hamza Yassin show how viewers often grow attached to contestants once the competition begins.

Grantchester producers considered killing off Robson Green’s Detective Geordie Keating several times before deciding that the series finale needed hope and joy. Keating survives being shot, retires from the police and passes his hat and investigative role to Larry Peters, played by Bradley Hall, who will continue solving cases with Reverend Alphy Kottaram. The eleventh series will be the ITV drama’s last, with additional storylines involving Alphy’s crisis of faith and a murder connected to Cathy Keating and Mrs C’s fashion boutique.

The BBC has released first-look images from Call the Midwife: Sisters in Arms, a three-part Christmas prequel set in Poplar in September 1939 as war begins. Helena Wilson plays the younger Sister Julienne, while Julie Hesmondhalgh portrays Sister Alice; other young versions of familiar characters are also introduced. The storyline follows the nuns and medical workers of Nonnatus House through wartime hardship, including the evacuation of children, the Blitz, underground births and the lack of modern medical resources. Jenny Agutter will narrate the series, which is expected to lead to a full run, while plans are also under way for a 1970s feature film and a sixteenth season of the original show.

Andy Wilman rejects claims that Jeremy Clarkson was paid by Amazon to endorse The Grand Tour’s new presenters. Wilman says Clarkson first watched the trio—Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland—before agreeing to support them, and argues that Clarkson would not publicly praise people he did not genuinely rate. Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will make a cameo in the first episode of the new six-part series, which launches on Prime Video on September 4. The former hosts have stepped away from the show and no longer hold a financial stake after their production company was wound up in 2024.

The BBC has announced the cast for Hercule, a new adaptation exploring Hercule Poirot’s early career and arrival in Britain from Belgium. Edward Bluemel will play Poirot, with James Nesbitt, Tamsin Greig, James D’Arcy, Jack Gleeson, Phil Dunning and Mawaan Rizwan also appearing. The first of three planned six-part series will be produced by Mammoth Screen, filmed in Liverpool and broadcast next year. Its specific Christie stories have not yet been disclosed, although The Mysterious Affair at Styles is widely expected to be included.

Alan Carr has rejected claims that he bought £3.2 million Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders to turn it into a luxury hotel, stressing that it is his permanent home. He plans to host community events there and open part of its grounds for a limited glamping season, with stays costing £140–£160 per night. Carr is also balancing the move with a busy television schedule, including projects for Amazon Prime, Disney, ITV, the BBC and Channel 4. His former West Sussex home, listed for £2.5 million, has had £275,000 removed from its asking price as he waits to sell it and fund further work on the castle.

Tony Livesey is leaving BBC Radio 5 Live after 16 years, ending his presenting role nearly two months after a Panorama investigation examined allegations about his former Daily Sport boss, David Sullivan. The BBC praised Livesey’s broadcasting career and said he had chosen to leave. Livesey had stepped back from his late-night show in June while management considered issues raised by the programme. The investigation included allegations from seven women against Sullivan, which he categorically denies, and examined Livesey’s alleged role in introducing one woman to Sullivan and his connection to a controversial newspaper feature. Livesey denied involvement in the alleged scenario and said the feature described in his 1998 book was not his idea, claiming parts of the book had been fictionalised.

A new BBC promotional film led by Romesh Ranganathan reimagines John Cleese’s 1986 campaign, featuring 90 BBC stars to highlight the corporation’s public value ahead of charter renewal discussions as licence fee sales decline. The video showcases the BBC’s cultural impact, entertainment output, charity contributions and economic benefits, with appearances from figures such as Louis Theroux, David Attenborough and Sir David Jason. BBC executive Kerrie Bright says the campaign aims to remind audiences of the organisation’s broad contributions, including £6.7 billion to the UK economy and support for nearly 80,000 jobs.

PETA urges the BBC to make the 16th Doctor in the upcoming Doctor Who reboot a vegan, arguing that the character’s history of compassion aligns naturally with a plant‑based lifestyle. Vice President Elisa Allen highlights animal welfare, environmental benefits and the appeal to younger audiences as reasons for the shift. The article reviews past portrayals of the Doctor’s eating habits and notes previous vegetarian themes in the series. It also updates on production changes, including the scrapped 2026 Christmas special and BBC Studios’ intention to compete to continue producing the show.

BBC presenter salaries have risen despite a significant drop in licence fee payers, prompting criticism as popular programmes are cut for cost savings. While top salaries have been reduced compared with previous years, several leading presenters still received notable increases. BBC executives argue pay has decreased overall and must remain competitive, but concerns persist as hundreds of thousands opt out of the licence fee. Proposals to extend funding requirements to major streaming platforms are floated as a potential solution, though their feasibility is uncertain.

Diane Morgan describes the physical and emotional challenges of portraying a robot carer in the upcoming BBC1 comedy Ann Droid, including developing an eye ulcer from unblinking contact lenses. The series explores themes of loneliness, ageing and technology, with Sue Johnston’s performance adding emotional depth. Inspired by Japan’s use of care robots, the show follows an elderly widow who bonds with her robotic assistant. Training for a Heimlich manoeuvre scene inadvertently helped save two real lives. Ann Droid premieres on BBC1 on Friday at 9.30pm.

Coronation Street’s production team voiced support for Manchester United’s proposed £2bn stadium, which will be built near the show’s set and is expected to cause minimal disruption to filming. The redevelopment forms part of the Trafford Wharfside regeneration, adding transport improvements, thousands of jobs and new homes, and a major economic boost. Manchester United executives said the project preserves the club’s heritage while creating a modern stadium district, though some fans object to abandoning the Old Trafford name.

Toby Jones confirms his late father’s belief in their Indian heritage after tracing his ancestry on the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, discovering mixed‑race roots through his great‑great‑great grandmother. His research leads him from Stoke‑on‑Trent to India, uncovering family military history, personal tragedies and a DNA result showing 1% Indian ancestry. Jones describes the findings as moving and thrilling, expressing pride in validating his father’s long‑held conviction and enthusiasm for sharing the discovery with his own children.

Zara McDermott is set to join the next series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off after moving past the distress caused by her mistreatment on Strictly Come Dancing. The show, already filmed and airing next spring, raises funds for Stand Up To Cancer. McDermott, an enthusiastic baker, was chosen for her strong appeal and existing interest in the craft. Her participation is influenced by personal family experiences with cancer as well as support from her partner Louis Tomlinson, whose mother died from leukaemia. The article revisits the Strictly scandal involving Graziano di Prima, whose behaviour led to his dismissal and subsequent reforms to training oversight. Channel 4 will confirm the full celebrity lineup in due course.

Chris Packham presents Evolution, a new BBC science series tracing 4 billion years of life by focusing on five key species representing major evolutionary traits. The programme echoes the scope of David Attenborough’s Life on Earth while using a more modern narrative style aimed at engaging contemporary audiences. Packham describes memorable filming experiences, including diving among dolphins and witnessing a baby ostrich hatch, and emphasises the series’ commitment to scientific accuracy and reduced carbon footprint. The production teams worked largely from single locations, and Packham highlights his excitement in learning from experts and conveying that knowledge to viewers. Evolution airs on BBC2 on 13 July.

Sky’s £1.6bn purchase of ITV’s media and entertainment division is expected to leave existing ITV programming and free‑to‑air access unchanged while giving the combined company greater scale to compete with global streaming rivals. The deal, awaiting Ofcom approval, is presented as a way to secure ITV’s future, with commitments to maintain channels, regional news services, and original primetime programming. Increased investment could expand sports and drama output, with no major changes anticipated before ITV’s free‑to‑air obligation ends in 2034.

Shaun Wallace says he would not hold back against any contestant on The Chase, even his mother, stressing his commitment to winning and professionalism. He acknowledges weaknesses in areas such as The Simpsons but emphasises that all quizzers make mistakes. Anne Hegerty agrees with his competitive approach while admitting occasional guilt. Both appear in the new ITV spin‑off The Chase Across the World, filmed in various international locations, and note their strong working relationship. Wallace plans to continue his legal career alongside the show in case its future changes.

Gary Stevenson promotes a proposed 2% annual wealth tax on individuals with more than £10 million in assets, arguing it would curb extreme wealth concentration and generate £24 billion annually for public services. Supporters highlight the low effective tax rates of the richest and cite broad public backing for the idea. Critics, including billionaire Bassim Haidar, warn the policy would drive wealthy individuals out of the UK, while others such as Julia Davies express willingness to contribute more. The Channel 4 programme examines the contrasting views and the growing economic divide in Britain.

Emma Rigby discusses portraying Tracie Andrews in a new Channel 5 drama about the 1996 murder of Lee Harvey, expressing a desire to confront Andrews on camera to uncover her current account of events. Rigby describes Andrews as chilling and remorseless, noting that preparing for the role involved extensive research including documentaries and a book by Harvey’s mother. The drama explores Andrews’ fabricated road‑rage story, her craving for attention, and the contradictions that exposed her guilt. Now living under a new identity after serving 14 years in prison, Andrews maintains her actions were in self‑defence. Rigby hopes the demanding role will lead to further challenging acting opportunities.

BBC’s decision to cancel Winterwatch as part of budget cuts drew criticism from viewers and presenter Michaela Strachan, who highlighted its value in connecting audiences with nature. Fans argued the show offers vital insight into wildlife, especially for those unable to experience the outdoors. The move follows earlier cuts to Autumnwatch, leaving only Springwatch remaining and replacing Winterwatch with a cheaper visualised podcast. Critics questioned the BBC’s priorities, contrasting the cancellation with the continued existence of Mrs Brown’s Boys, and warned the decision could further undermine public support for the licence fee.

ITV has rested Weekend Kitchen for 2026 amid budget cuts and following John Torode’s dismissal from MasterChef over substantiated allegations of racist language, though he continues to appear on This Morning and remains supported by ITV. The show’s future beyond this year is undecided, with insiders noting that resting weekend formats is not unusual. Lisa Faulkner has recently undergone successful treatment for early‑stage breast cancer and urged others to attend routine screenings. ITV plans to test new Sunday formats, including a new run of Ainsley Harriott’s Fantastic Flavours, while Torode and Faulkner continue producing cooking content on YouTube.

Paul Flack died at age 55 in Norwich, six years after his sister Caroline Flack’s suicide. Police are treating the death as unexplained, with a provisional postmortem indicating cardiac arrest due to hanging and an inquest set for October. The article recounts Caroline Flack’s career, her death amid legal and media pressures, and her mother Christine’s criticism of police and prosecutors for pursuing charges against her daughter. It also notes the family’s grief and public tributes, along with previous findings that the Metropolitan Police lacked documentation for appealing a CPS caution recommendation.

Multiple women recount sexual assaults by Rolf Harris across several decades, revealing a pattern of predatory behaviour enabled by those around him and overlooked by authorities. Survivors describe being attacked as teenagers in settings ranging from TV shoots to holidays and theatre tours, while a police investigation highlights missed opportunities to stop him earlier. A new documentary details the breadth of his abuse and the long‑term harm inflicted on victims, who say his public prominence and institutional inaction allowed his behaviour to continue unchecked.

Ricky Gervais previewed highly provocative material from his upcoming stand‑up tour Legend, testing jokes on sensitive topics including Jimmy Savile, suicide, religion and Adolf Hitler. He described the show as his most personal yet and said he feels freer to push boundaries. The tour will run internationally before being filmed for Netflix, and he plans to donate part of the proceeds to animal charities.

Sue Johnston says she needs help decluttering her home and hopes the BBC will create a celebrity version of Sort Your Life Out so Stacey Solomon can assist. She reflects on struggles with hoarding, her family life, and her upcoming role in the BBC sitcom Ann Droid. She also looks back on the success of The Royle Family and how its popularity surprised the cast.

Producers of the ITV drama Grantchester are considering spin‑off ideas as the series approaches its final season in 2027. Writer and executive producer Daisy Coulam said discussions include potential shows focused on characters such as Larry and Miss Scott or CeCe’s, the boutique created by Mrs Chapman and Kathy. Cast members were reportedly enthusiastic about continuing, but scheduling issues prevented an additional Christmas special. Filming has wrapped in the village of Grantchester, with the final episodes airing first in the US. All three actors who have played the show’s vicars attended the wrap celebration, marking the end of the drama’s 11‑year run.

James Cartwright says the Coronation Street storyline revealing Theo Silverton’s killer will surprise viewers and praises the dramatic and moral direction of the plot. He reflects on portraying a same‑sex domestic abuse victim’s partner and notes the positive impact the storyline has had for viewers. The episode will reveal the killer through flashbacks during a tense dinner gathering featuring key characters, continuing a narrative that highlights abuse, morality, and character justice.

The BBC’s planned cost-cutting measures have triggered a wave of public suggestions about which programmes should be dropped, many of which are dismissed as unrealistic or ill‑informed. Popular and profitable shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders, The Archers and MasterChef are highlighted as essential to the broadcaster’s appeal and revenue. Criticism is directed at extreme proposals including cutting sports rights, adding advertising or eliminating niche services. Commentary also targets individuals who evade paying the licence fee, arguing their actions contribute to the BBC’s financial challenges. The piece concludes that maintaining the licence fee is crucial to preserving the broad range of BBC programming.

Survey results show Channel 4’s drama Dirty Business significantly shifted viewer attitudes toward the UK sewage crisis, with most calling for stronger government action and many vowing to avoid swimming in UK waters. The programme reduced trust in water companies, increased public interest in water‑quality news, and motivated some viewers to contact their MPs. Based on real events, the drama highlighted sewage dumping, victim stories, whistleblower testimony and corporate misconduct, prompting Channel 4 to cite its social impact and purpose-driven remit.

The BBC will release a three-part Call the Midwife prequel, Sisters in Arms, set in 1939 and narrated by Jenny Agutter as an older Sister Julienne. The drama introduces younger versions of key characters, with new cast members including Amy Booth-Steel, Helen Schlesinger and Helena Wilson. Julie Hesmondhalgh joins as Sister Alice alongside several new nurses. The series explores the Nonnatus House community during the hardships of wartime London, focusing on themes of resilience, medical struggle and female solidarity. Filming has begun in Surrey, with a full-length series planned for next year, alongside developments for a Call the Midwife film and a 16th series of the main show.

Joe Marler joins the new series of Celebrity Gogglebox alongside comedian Maisie Adam following his growing TV career after retiring from rugby. The pair were matched at his request, with Adam highlighting their fun dynamic while filming. Marler’s past appearance on The Celebrity Traitors is recalled, along with his increasing presence on various entertainment shows. The latest Celebrity Gogglebox series features a mix of new and returning participants and continues its Friday broadcast on Channel 4.

Tina Daheley is leaving the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show after seven years, coinciding with Sara Cox’s upcoming takeover of the programme on 6 July. Ellie Brennan will remain as travel presenter and join Cox’s new team. Daheley cited years of early-morning shifts as her reason for stepping down but will continue to appear on Radio 2 and on BBC One. Temporary host Gary Davies and others will cover various roles until a permanent Drive presenter is appointed.

Disney has renewed the drama series Rivals for a third season after strong audience response to its second run. Showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins confirmed the next instalment will draw from the wider Rutshire Chronicles following author Jilly Cooper’s death, with returning cast members including David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell. The series remains Disney’s biggest original premiere in the UK and Ireland, and executives promise more high‑stakes drama, shifting alliances and new romantic developments as production moves forward.

Roger Cook, the pioneering investigative journalist known for confrontational reporting on The Cook Report and other programmes, has died at 83 after a short illness. His career spanned five decades, during which he exposed criminal wrongdoing, endured numerous physical attacks, and received 12 death threats. Cook’s methods often involved doorstepping suspects after covert filming, leading to multiple prosecutions and legal reforms. Tributes highlighted his influence on investigative journalism, with ITV praising his impact and dedication. He is survived by his wife Frances and daughter Belinda.

A BBC investigation reveals extensive exploitation of women by third‑party managers operating on OnlyFans, including coercion, threats, violence, and potential human trafficking. Content creators report being pressured into more explicit material, locked out of their accounts, and having earnings diverted. Victims describe severe intimidation, including physical attacks. Legal experts and anti‑slavery advocates warn that the scale of abuse suggests systemic failures and that OnlyFans may face future legal action. Politicians call for urgent regulation and parliamentary scrutiny, while OnlyFans denies responsibility for third‑party managers and asserts compliance with safety regulations.