Olivia Wheeler

Welsh survival expert and television presenter Andrew Price, 51, from Swansea, is the first Welsh contestant in Alone: World Championship. He competed in isolation in Canada's Arctic Circle for a share of a $500,000 prize alongside nine survivalists from seven countries. Price said he hopes the series will challenge stereotypical perceptions of Wales and increase the programme's UK and international following. He also discussed how outdoor survival and bushcraft activities support mental health, and how he managed his own wellbeing during the demanding experience.

Jamie Bamber will return as Archie Hughes in the fifth series of BBC’s Beyond Paradise, despite joining EastEnders as Ned Roper. The BBC confirmed his return to Digital Spy as filming began, meaning viewers can expect more of Archie’s on-off romance with Esther Williams. In EastEnders, Bamber will join a new Hawkins family storyline alongside Patricia Potter, Felix Uff, Marian McLoughlin and Anna Constable.

The One Show presenters Alex Jones and Clara Amfo became emotional after nine-year-old Oliver, who raised more than £16,500 for The Brain Tumour Charity by running nine marathons, was surprised by Spider-Man: Brand New Day stars Zendaya, Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon. The stars invited Oliver and his family to the film’s London premiere, prompting praise from viewers and renewed appeals for nominations to the programme’s One Big Thank You feature.

Chris McCausland, the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing winner, has praised his friend Josh Widdicombe ahead of Widdicombe's debut as part of the BBC show's new presenting team. McCausland said Widdicombe's warmth and humour would suit the programme and argued that his distinct style would avoid direct comparisons with former presenter Claudia Winkleman. Widdicombe will host the 2026 series alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe, following the departures of Tess Daly and Winkleman. The new celebrity cast is being announced ahead of the series launch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.

The 2002 adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, featuring Kris Marshall, Keira Knightley, Hans Matheson and Sam Neill, is now available to stream on ITV and ITVX. The series, based on Boris Pasternak’s novel and directed by Giacomo Campiotti, holds a 78% Rotten Tomatoes rating and has received significant praise from viewers for its performances, cinematography and overall production quality. Interest in the drama has renewed following the recent death of Sam Neill at age 78 due to pneumonia.

The BBC’s annual report lists the salaries of BBC Breakfast’s principal presenters earning over £178,000, with Naga Munchetty leading at £360,000–£364,999 following a small annual increase. Jon Kay’s earnings fall to £225,000–£229,999, while Rachel Burden’s and Sally Nugent’s salaries also show minor adjustments. Charlie Stayt’s pay remains unchanged at £190,000–£194,999. The report covers only licence fee–funded roles and excludes those paid through independent companies or BBC Studios.

Kevin Maguire’s claim on Good Morning Britain that Reform UK was using Ann Widdecombe’s murder to divert attention from scrutiny over a £5 million donation prompted strong criticism from viewers and discomfort from host Susanna Reid. Nigel Farage’s visit to Widdecombe’s home and his remarks on party email reviews were discussed amid an ongoing by-election. Audience responses on social media condemned Maguire’s comments as inappropriate and insensitive.

Ruth Madeley uncovers that her grandmother Beatrice was adopted and that her biological great‑grandmother was Adelaide Osborne, who gave birth in a workhouse hospital. Additional research links Adelaide to Madeley’s father’s childhood, revealing she was a familiar figure in the family’s life. Further interviews provide insight into Adelaide’s character and history, culminating in an emotional visit to the graves of both her biological and adoptive great‑grandmothers. Viewers respond positively, praising the episode’s emotional impact and genealogical detail.

Fans recognised Kate O'Flynn in a repeat of Death in Paradise series 11, where she appeared as Neville Parker’s sister Izzy. The article notes O'Flynn’s notable roles, including in Widow’s Bay, and highlights viewer reactions. Neville’s character has since left the show, with Don Gilet becoming the new lead. Death in Paradise continues to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Viewers are praising the BBC series Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators as a standout cosy crime drama comparable to Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise and Midsomer Murders. Fans highlight its light-hearted tone, strong cast chemistry, scenic settings and witty writing, describing it as an overlooked gem in the daytime schedule and calling for its renewal.

Charlotte Jordan and Sally Phillips discuss their upcoming BBC cosy crime drama The Hairdresser Mysteries, written by Jim Cartwright and set to premiere on 17 July. The series follows a high-end hairdresser who moves to a village and becomes entwined in local secrets, using her intuition to solve mysteries. Cast members highlight the show’s uplifting tone, comedic elements, and feel-good intentions, with hopes it will provide Sunday night comfort for viewers.

The BBC announced that the new detective drama The Hairdresser Mysteries will debut on BBC iPlayer early on 17 July and air on BBC One that afternoon. Created by Jim Cartwright and led by Sally Phillips, the six‑episode series follows village hairdresser Lily Petal as she uncovers local secrets and solves mysteries. The ensemble cast includes Charlotte Jordan, Ben Castle‑Gibb, Sunetra Sarker, Guy Henry, Clive Rowe and Wendi Peters, with producers expressing enthusiasm for the show’s character‑driven storytelling.