Olivia Wheeler

A past Antiques Roadshow episode filmed at Portchester Castle featured a family-owned Victoria Cross awarded to Sergeant James Ockendon for his bravery at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. Expert Mark Smith called it a show first and valued the medal and associated pieces at between £250,000 and £300,000, leaving the couple stunned. The family said the medals would be kept in a bank safety deposit box rather than sold.

Ruth Madeley is starring as Dr Gabrielle Fox in the BBC psychological thriller The Rapture. The profile explores her appearance on Who Do You Think You Are?, where she learned that her grandmother Beatrice had been adopted, a secret unknown to the family. It also covers Madeley's 2024 marriage to longtime partner Joe Lawrence, their reception at Manchester's accessible 53two theatre, and her career breakthrough after work experience at the BBC. Madeley, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, says acting developed unexpectedly and has given her a strong sense of fulfilment.

Bob Mortimer explained that Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing appeals to viewers because it presents the UK’s natural beauty, unscripted conversations and the relatable friendship between its two presenters. He said the programme encourages people, particularly men, to spend substantial amounts of time with friends rather than meeting only around pubs or sporting activities. The interview was replayed on Saturday Kitchen Best Bites, available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Jamie Bamber will reprise his role as Archie Hughes in the fifth series of BBC detective drama Beyond Paradise, despite joining EastEnders as newcomer Ned Roper. The confirmation reassures fans who had feared his new soap role would end Archie's storyline, including his on-off relationship with Esther Williams. Filming for the new series has begun, with the programme expected to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Kerry Godliman is set to appear as a guest on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen alongside host Matt Tebbutt and several chefs. The profile reviews her acting career, including roles in Derek, Bad Move, After Life, Trigger Point, Our Girl and We Live in Time, and details her marriage to fellow actor Ben Abell, whom she met on a blind date and married in 2008. The couple live in South London with their children, Frank and Elsie, who is preparing to attend drama school.

Zendaya, Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon surprised nine-year-old Oliver on The One Show after he ran the equivalent of nine marathons in four months to raise more than £16,500 for The Brain Tumour Charity following his father’s diagnosis. Oliver became emotional during a video tribute from friends, family and public figures, prompting Zendaya to fight back tears. The cast then invited him to the London premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Harriet Walter appears on Who Do You Think You Are? to investigate her family history, tracing ancestors from Whitehall to Italy and Australia, including Italian aristocrat Girolamo Carindini. She also examines the wartime career of her mother, Xandra Lee, who worked in naval intelligence at the Admiralty but described her role as merely being one of thousands of cogs in the machine. Walter discovers that her mother played a significant part in the war effort without ever revealing the details to her family.

The second episode of the BBC detective series The Hairdresser Mysteries airs on Friday 24 July at 2pm, with all episodes also available on BBC iPlayer. The episode follows amateur detective Lily Petal, played by Sally Phillips, as she investigates the murder of a celebrity weather reporter whose poor reviews of local businesses may have provoked the crime. Coronation Street actor Wendi Peters joins the cast as Gloria Crudd, an ice-cream parlour owner whose past catches up with her, alongside fellow former Coronation Street star Charlotte Jordan, who plays Lily’s assistant Clary Coombs. Viewers have responded positively to the series’ cosy atmosphere, cast and West Midlands setting.

Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd Grimshaw on Coronation Street, contrasts his stable personal life with his character’s recent turbulent storyline involving abuse and an inheritance conflict. He discusses his career history and shares his interest in appearing in Death in Paradise for a warmer filming experience.

John Craven announced that the 2026 Countryfile Photographic Competition, themed Signs of the Seasons, is now open, with winning entries featured in the 2027 Countryfile calendar supporting BBC Children in Need. Viewers can submit seasonal photographs for consideration by a judging panel, with the overall winner chosen by the audience and rewarded with photographic equipment gift cards. The update generated enthusiastic responses from viewers on social media.

The article details the filming locations for the new BBC detective drama The Hairdresser Mysteries, which was shot across the West Midlands, including Worcester, Ragley Hall and Alcester. Alcester’s Church House served as the main 1970s-themed salon set, and the town doubled as the fictional Blossom Vale. BBC commissioning editor Helen Munson highlighted the corporation’s commitment to investing in West Midlands production and talent. The series is available in full on BBC iPlayer, with weekly broadcasts on BBC One.

Sam Neill’s death has renewed interest in the 2002 mini‑series Doctor Zhivago, now streaming on ITV and ITVX, where he stars alongside Keira Knightley and Hans Matheson in an adaptation praised by viewers as a powerful and emotional production. The cast and direction by Giacomo Campiotti have been highlighted as standout elements, with the series maintaining strong ratings and prompting enthusiastic fan reactions.

Casualty viewers reacted with surprise after the character Brian Carroll returned with a new actor eight years after his last appearance. The episode followed Dylan Keogh’s continued struggle with alcoholism, including a tense visit to his father, who failed to recognise him and made hurtful remarks. Concern escalated when Dylan appeared to crash his car, though he was later found unharmed and tested sober. The episode concluded with Dylan committing to AA meetings and therapy as the show continues on BBC One.

Coronation Street actor Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy Swain, is revealed to be 24 years old despite portraying an 18-year-old character. Fans were surprised by the age difference as Betsy features in a storyline about the dangers of non-fatal strangulation and stroke. Before joining the show, Martin worked at Tesco and left immediately after learning she had secured the role. She previously auditioned for smaller parts before landing the character following a two‑month process.

The BBC’s annual report reveals updated salary bands for BBC Breakfast presenters earning over £178,000. Naga Munchetty leads the programme’s earners with a slight increase to £360,000–£364,999, while Jon Kay, Rachel Burden, Sally Nugent and Charlie Stayt follow with largely unchanged or slightly reduced figures. The report outlines each presenter’s role history and additional BBC commitments, with Rachel Burden’s recent departure from Sunday broadcasts also noted.

BBC Breakfast aired a tribute to Dermot Murnaghan following his death from stage four prostate cancer, featuring a montage of his years on the programme and a remembrance interview with former co‑host Sian Williams. Williams highlighted his professionalism, warmth and determination to raise awareness about early cancer screening, noting that many men sought testing because of his advocacy. His family expressed gratitude to the medical teams who cared for him and emphasized his efforts to communicate the importance of screening despite the challenges of his illness.

Junade Khan, who recently joined Coronation Street as Idris Nazir, previously appeared as a Dothraki Bloodrider in Game of Thrones and has held roles in Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and other TV series. His family is also active in entertainment, with his wife Gem running a performing arts school and their two children working as actors. His recent storylines on Coronation Street have placed his character at the center of tension involving tenants and family issues.

Ruth Madeley uncovers that her grandmother Beatrice was adopted, leading to the revelation of biological great‑grandmother Adelaide Osborne, who had a difficult life connected to workhouses. Adelaide’s continued presence in the family and her affection for those she worked for emerge through interviews and documents, including a will leaving everything to Beatrice. Meeting relatives of Adelaide’s employer provides photos and personal memories. The episode ends with Madeley honouring both her biological and adoptive great‑grandmothers, while viewers praise the programme’s emotional impact and genealogical work.

Fans recognised guest star Kate O'Flynn during a repeat airing of a Death in Paradise episode in which she played Izzy, the sister of Ralf Little’s character Neville Parker. Known for roles including Patricia Moyer in Widow's Bay, O'Flynn appeared in three episodes of the series. The article notes Ralf Little’s 2024 departure from the show and the introduction of Don Gilet as new lead DI Mervin Wilson, who expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for joining the long-running BBC drama.

Actress Casey Al-Shaqsy, who recently joined Emmerdale as Serena Sugden, has drawn attention for her character’s mysterious behaviour and for sharing her personal weight loss on social media. She discussed changes she noticed after appearing on the show and highlighted her previous success in major West End productions. Emmerdale marks one of her first major TV roles, and she expressed excitement about joining the long-running ITV soap.

Fans praise Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators as a light‑hearted, scenic and enjoyable BBC detective series comparable to Death in Paradise and other popular British mysteries, highlighting strong cast chemistry, comedic elements and engaging plots while calling for renewal and wider promotion.

Actor Junade Khan, who plays newcomer Idris Nazir on Coronation Street, has drawn attention both for his character’s recent storylines and his family life. Married to presenter and singer Gem, the couple run PopGems Academy and have two children, both active young actors with roles in major films. The family supported Khan during his debut on the ITV soap, celebrating his first on‑screen appearance while visiting the set. The article highlights Khan’s growing presence on Coronation Street and the excitement surrounding his family’s involvement in the entertainment industry.

Charlotte Jordan and Sally Phillips discuss their upcoming BBC series The Hairdresser Mysteries, a six‑part cosy crime drama likened to The Vicar of Dibley. The show follows a high‑end hairdresser who relocates to a village where her intuition helps uncover local secrets. Cast members describe the tone as uplifting, nostalgic and comedic, with hopes it will bring viewers joy. The series premieres on 17 July on BBC One.

A new BBC detective drama, The Hairdresser Mysteries, premieres on 17 July on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Created by Jim Cartwright and led by Sally Phillips, the six‑part series follows a hairdresser who uncovers village secrets while solving local mysteries. The cast includes Charlotte Jordan, Ben Castle-Gibb, Sunetra Sarker, Guy Henry, Clive Rowe and guest star Wendi Peters. Producers describe the show as a joyful, character-rich drama positioned as an appealing follow‑up for fans of Beyond Paradise.

BBC One has replaced the concluded thriller series Two Weeks In August in its Saturday 9pm slot with BBC News and MOTD Live: FIFA World Cup 2026. The series, created by Catherine Shepherd and starring Jessica Raine, ended on 27 June and received highly positive viewer reactions and strong reviews, including an 88% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Viewers praised the cast, storytelling, and emotional depth, while noting the series’ blend of drama and Greek myth elements. Two Weeks In August remains available on BBC iPlayer.

Sky Arts has confirmed a new instalment of the programme Tea With Judi Dench, featuring Judi Dench and Ian McKellen discussing their lives and careers. The returning episode follows the success of the previous edition with Kenneth Branagh, which received enthusiastic viewer praise for its warmth and candid storytelling.

Beth Nixon, the actress portraying Megan Walsh on Coronation Street, is highlighted for her major storyline on the show and her off-screen life, including a recent dramatic hair transformation praised by co-stars. The piece outlines her background from York, her work as a skin clinic manager before landing her first television role, and her emotional reaction upon securing the part. It details her past acting experiences, including a McDonald's advert filmed in Switzerland with her actor ex-boyfriend, and notes that she previously auditioned for other Coronation Street roles before being cast as Megan. The article also references the character’s intense storyline, including a grooming case and upcoming court verdict within the show.

Ross King announced on Lorraine that he will join Will Young in the upcoming Cinderella pantomime in Plymouth, reprising his role as Buttons. The production, set for December 2026 to January 2027, is led by Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes. The segment also recapped King’s and Young’s past appearances on Strictly Come Dancing while highlighting the advance planning involved in staging the show.

BBC iPlayer is streaming the 2024 sports drama Challengers for 27 more days, prompting renewed attention due to widespread acclaim for its performances, direction and cinematography. Starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist, the film depicts a long‑running tennis‑centered love triangle and has earned strong reviews, an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and Golden Globe recognition. Viewers describe the movie as tense, innovative and emotionally gripping.

Departure, a crime‑drama series starring Archie Panjabi, is leaving Netflix on 30 June, giving viewers limited time to watch its three seasons. The show follows an aviation investigator probing the disappearance of a passenger plane and has drawn strong praise from fans for its suspense, character depth and plot twists. The series also features Kris Holden-Ried, Mark Rendall and the late Christopher Plummer in his final screen role.

Actor JJ Feild, who stars as Ed in the Channel 5‑airing Paramount+ thriller Little Disasters, is in a long‑term relationship with actress Neve Campbell. The article outlines the show’s premise, details Feild’s acting background, and highlights Campbell’s career, including her roles in Scream, The Craft, House of Cards and The Lincoln Lawyer.

Fans were surprised to learn that Coronation Street actor Ryan Prescott, who plays Ryan Connor, previously appeared in Emmerdale as Flynn Buchanan in 2011. A recent ITV Instagram feature highlighted actors who have crossed between both soaps, prompting reactions from viewers who had forgotten or never known about his earlier role. The story also previews upcoming Coronation Street scenes involving Ryan’s date with new character Jodie Ramsay and the potential tension this causes with David Platt.

Alex Jones announced that The One Show will not air on Monday due to BBC’s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the programme set to return Tuesday featuring several high-profile guests. The episode also included David Morrissey discussing strong public reactions to his Channel 4 thriller Tip Toe. The broadcast highlighted guest appearances and upcoming programming adjustments caused by the tournament’s schedule.

Isobel Steele, known for her role as Liv Dingle in Emmerdale, has adopted a new cropped bob hairstyle and shifted her career focus from acting to music since leaving the soap in 2022. Now based in London, she leads the band Little Dog Star, releasing music and performing live, including an upcoming support slot at Hoxton Hall. The article reflects on her character’s dramatic on‑screen death and shares her gratitude toward colleagues and fans.

Bradley and Barney Walsh’s series Breaking Dad ended its seventh season, leaving its Friday evening slot on ITV to be filled by a repeat episode of Alan Carr’s semi‑autobiographical comedy Changing Ends. The replacement follows the show’s strong audience reception, including high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and positive viewer feedback, and comes as Changing Ends has already been renewed for a fourth series.

Two former Coronation Street stars, Wendi Peters and Charlotte Jordan, join the cast of The Hairdresser Mysteries, a new BBC crime drama set in the 1970s. The series follows hairdresser Lily Petal, played by Sally Phillips, who becomes involved in solving village mysteries after opening a salon. Additional cast members include Ben Castle-Gibb, Sunetra Sarker, Clive Rowe, and Guy Henry. The show debuts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in July.

A new BBC crime drama, The Hairdresser Mysteries, will debut in July, featuring Sally Phillips as a hairdresser who uncovers village secrets using her intuition. Set in the 1970s, the series includes a large ensemble cast and is positioned as a cosy crime show for fans of Beyond Paradise. Producers emphasise its nostalgic tone and broad appeal, with international partners also expressing strong support for the project.

Robert Glenister features in the new season of the Welsh thriller Light in the Hall, which introduces a fresh storyline centered on long-buried tensions in a fictional community. The article highlights Glenister’s acting career and focuses on his well-known family, including his brother Philip Glenister and their late father, television director John Glenister. Philip discusses their family’s industry background and his own path into acting during a recent interview. The new series is now available on Channel 4.

A new BBC drama, The Hairdresser Mysteries, created by Jim Cartwright and led by Sally Phillips, is set to launch as a cosy crime series reminiscent of 1970s storytelling. Executive producers describe the show as colourful, charming and internationally marketable. The cast includes Charlotte Jordan, who departed roles in Coronation Street and The Archers to join the project. The six-part series will air on BBC One and iPlayer.

Angela Lonsdale’s recent appearance on Emmerdale as DS Reid has drawn attention to her past roles in major British soaps and her previous marriage to EastEnders actor Perry Fenwick. Viewers recognised her from Coronation Street, where she played police officer Emma, and her career since has included roles in several TV dramas. The article recounts her marriage and separation from Fenwick and notes fan reactions to hearing her natural accent in a recent social media clip.

Louise Redknapp discussed her music tour and family life on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, sharing that her sons are generally indifferent but quietly supportive of her career. She reflected on the challenges of modern visibility compared with the privacy of the 1990s and described becoming more confident and less affected by online criticism. She also noted how much she misses her grown sons being at home as their lives become busier.

Brenda Blethyn’s Channel 4 drama A Woman of Substance has reportedly been renewed for a second season following strong viewer demand after its unexpected ending. The adaptation of the bestselling novel received an 89% Rotten Tomatoes rating and widespread praise for its casting and storyline. TV Zone claims filming for the new season will begin in November with a planned 2027 release, though Channel 4 has not yet confirmed. Fans praised the series for its compelling plot, performances and faithfulness to the book, urging the network to continue the story.