Olivia Wheeler

An Antiques Roadshow episode filmed at Portchester Castle featured a Victoria Cross awarded to Sergeant Ockendon for heroism during the Battle of Passchendaele. Expert Mark Smith said it was the first Victoria Cross to appear on the programme and valued the medal and related items at between £250,000 and £300,000. The owners, who inherited them from the guest’s wife’s grandfather, were stunned and said the medals would be kept in a bank safety deposit box.

John Craven announced the launch of the 2026 Countryfile Photographic Competition, themed Signs of the Seasons, during a Countryfile broadcast. Twelve selected images will feature in the 2027 Countryfile calendar in aid of BBC Children in Need, with viewers choosing the overall winner, who will receive a £1,000 photography equipment gift card. Viewers reacted humorously and positively on social media to the early arrival of the competition announcement.

A 2002 adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, featuring Kris Marshall, is newly available on ITV and has drawn renewed praise from viewers who describe it as a masterpiece with standout performances and strong production quality. The drama’s cast includes Hans Matheson, Keira Knightley and the late Sam Neill, whose recent death adds poignancy to the series’ return. The show continues to attract acclaim for its cinematography, emotional impact and compelling portrayals.

Emma Willis is reportedly leaving The Voice UK after 12 years to focus on her new role co‑hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. Maya Jama is said to be in talks to take over the ITV presenting role, though she is also considering opportunities in the US. ITV stated that talent discussions for the next series are ongoing. The Strictly team expressed excitement about their new hosting roles following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

A new BBC cosy crime drama, The Hairdresser Mysteries, debuts with all six episodes available on iPlayer and weekly broadcasts on BBC One. Created by Jim Cartwright and produced by Will Trotter alongside Oliver Kent and Alex Coffey, the series follows hairdresser Lily Petal, played by Sally Phillips, who becomes an amateur detective in a northern market town. Featuring a cast including Charlotte Jordan, Sunetra Sarker, Ben Castle-Gibb, Clive Rowe and Guy Henry, the show blends mystery, humour, and musical elements and is positioned as an appealing option for fans of Father Brown and Sister Boniface Mysteries.

BBC Breakfast presenters’ salaries for 2025–26 show Naga Munchetty as the highest earner among the team, followed by Jon Kay, Rachel Burden, Sally Nugent and Charlie Stayt. The figures, drawn from the BBC’s annual report, outline year‑on‑year changes, with some presenters seeing slight increases and others small reductions. The list includes only those paid directly by the BBC through licence fee revenue, excluding those paid via independent production companies or BBC Studios.

Upcoming Emmerdale episodes show Charity Dingle devastated when prosecutors drop the case against Dr Todd after her report of sexual assault and blackmail. Mack Boyd and Vanessa Woodfield begin investigating past complaints, drawing Jacob Sugden into efforts to expose the doctor. Charity later encounters Helen, another victim, whose response hints at potential evidence that could strengthen the case. Nicole Evans appears as newcomer Helen.

Speculation grows among viewers that newcomer Serena Sugden may secretly be a journalist after her persistent questioning about past crimes involving John Sugden and Nate Robinson causes suspicion in the village. Fans highlight her probing behaviour and apparent hidden motives, while producers hint that the character will play a major role in dramatic future storylines. Actor Casey Al‑Shaqsy expresses enthusiasm about joining the long‑running ITV soap.

Ruth Madeley uncovered that her grandmother Beatrice had been adopted, leading to revelations about her biological great‑grandmother Adelaide Osborne, who gave birth in a workhouse hospital. Interviews and historical research traced Adelaide’s life and her close connection to Ruth’s adoptive great‑grandmother. Additional family links were revealed through people who knew Adelaide personally, providing photos and memories. The episode concluded with Madeley honouring both great‑grandmothers’ graves, prompting strong emotional reactions from viewers who praised the programme’s storytelling and genealogical work.

Kate O’Flynn, known for her role in Widow’s Bay, appears in a repeat broadcast of Death in Paradise series 11 as Izzy, the sister of lead character Neville Parker. Viewers quickly recognised her from her recent work, though the character is unlikely to return following Neville’s exit from the series in 2024. Don Gilet has since taken over as the show’s lead, expressing enthusiasm about joining the long-running BBC drama.

Casey Al-Shaqsy, who plays Serena Sugden in Emmerdale, has drawn attention both for her character’s mysterious behaviour in the soap and for sharing her recent weight loss on Instagram. The actress, new to television, previously built a strong West End career with roles in major productions including Hamilton and Wicked. She expressed excitement about joining the long-running ITV series and hinted at deeper layers to her character as upcoming drama unfolds.

Viewers praise Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators as a light‑hearted and engaging detective drama comparable to Midsomer Murders and Death in Paradise, highlighting strong cast chemistry, scenic settings, and witty storytelling. Many fans describe it as an underrated gem in the BBC daytime schedule and express hope that the series will be renewed.

The BBC’s upcoming detective series The Hairdresser Mysteries will premiere on 17 July on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The six-part drama follows Lily Petal, a high-end hairdresser who relocates to a village where she becomes involved in solving local mysteries. The cast includes Sally Phillips, Charlotte Jordan, Ben Castle-Gibb, Sunetra Sarker, Guy Henry, and Wendi Peters, with the show created by writer Jim Cartwright and produced by Mill Bay Media.

BBC confirms that following the finale of Two Weeks In August, the Saturday 9pm slot will temporarily be filled by BBC News followed by MOTD Live: FIFA World Cup 2026. The drama, created by Catherine Shepherd and starring Jessica Raine and Damien Molony, ended with an episode set amid a wildfire on a Greek island. The series earned strong praise and an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, with viewers applauding its cast, storytelling and character depth. It remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Serena Sugden’s arrival in Emmerdale raises concerns as she questions villagers about her murderous cousin John, prompting growing suspicion from Moira Dingle. Upcoming episodes suggest Serena becomes entangled in a traumatic situation that casts doubt on her true intentions. Producers hint that her storyline will place her at the center of major conflicts involving prominent village characters.

Mack Boyd confronts Dr Todd after learning she sexually assaulted Charity Dingle, leading to a heated exchange and threats that Todd later reports to police. A flashforward shows Todd dead, prompting speculation about Mack’s involvement. Upcoming episodes depict Mack struggling with Charity’s past deceit, while Kev Townsend urges him to avoid rash actions as tensions escalate around Todd’s fate.

Sky Arts is bringing back Tea With Judi Dench for a second episode featuring Ian McKellen, following strong audience praise for the original instalment with Kenneth Branagh. The programme will explore the pair’s careers, personal experiences and reflections, while early reactions highlight viewers’ enthusiasm for the series and Dench’s engaging style.

The film Challengers, starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist, is available on BBC iPlayer for a limited time. The 2024 sports and romance drama follows a long‑running love triangle between three tennis players and has received strong critical acclaim, including an 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and multiple award nominations. Viewers praise its direction, performances, cinematography and tension, urging audiences to watch before it leaves the platform.

Coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is causing Emmerdale to be removed from its usual 8pm ITV slot, with the Brazil v Japan match displacing the programme. Updated broadcast times are provided for the week, and upcoming Emmerdale storylines include Charity confronting blackmail by Caitlin Todd, Mack seeking retribution against Dr Todd over assault allegations, and tensions escalating within the village as multiple characters face emotional turmoil and looming danger.