Sara Baalla

Emma Willis has revealed that she took part in dance rehearsals for the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing launch show, prompting surprised reactions from The One Show presenters Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp. Willis is joining the programme’s new presenting team with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, while Ellie Taylor will host the spin-off It Takes Two. The 2026 celebrity line-up includes Melanie Walters, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and several other contestants, with the main show scheduled to return to the BBC in September.

Woodworker Will Kirk faced significant challenges while restoring two mould-damaged, water-damaged chairs brought to The Repair Shop by Roger Parsons. The chairs had belonged to Roger’s twin brother Chris, who died of cancer in 2022, giving them strong sentimental value. After discovering deep staining and crumbling wood, Kirk used bleach to treat the damage. The restored chairs impressed Roger, who described the result as amazing.

Dawn Fletcher plans to flee Emmerdale with Billy and their three children after Caleb Miligan falsely told her that Joe Tate attacked Billy. With Dawn’s wedding to Joe approaching, she remains conflicted because she deeply loves him. Olivia Bromley says that learning the truth about Billy’s attack would change Dawn’s decision completely, while producer Laura Shaw has teased a major wedding week for the soap.

Casey Al-Shaqsy says Serena Sugden's connection to her cousin John Sugden has effectively been resolved after Serena used his remaining army pension funds to help his victims. Serena had concealed her close relationship with John, who was killed in the Corriedale crossover after committing crimes including Nate Robinson's death. Al-Shaqsy suggests the storyline could return because John's deception affected Serena psychologically, while also speculating that he may have been responsible for more aspects of her past. Serena is meanwhile involved in the investigation surrounding Dr Caitlin Todd's death and has connections to police officer DS Thea Ramsden.

Serena Sugden's hidden connection to DS Thea Ramsden is revealed in Emmerdale. The two women are close friends, despite Serena pretending not to know the detective while Ramsden investigates Dr Caitlin Todd's death. Serena helped Charity Dingle and Sarah Sugden make Todd's death appear to be self-defence, while Ramsden agrees to keep Serena informed and asks her to gather information on the Tate family. Actress Casey Al-Shaqsy says Serena and Ramsden's friendship will bring further trials and tribulations.

A Countryfile episode follows Cumbria farmer Georgia Hunter and her father, Frank, as they adapt their farm after a poor lambing season and falling demand from local cheesemakers. The family reduced its sheep flock from 500 to 20, expanded into goat farming, and began producing goat's milk for cheese and other products. Georgia also discusses a severe mental-health crisis and credits therapy, medical help and Young Farmers with supporting her recovery.

Ellie Taylor has been confirmed as the new presenter of BBC’s Strictly: It Takes Two, replacing departing hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East. Taylor, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, said she was thrilled to return to the programme. The new series will feature behind-the-scenes coverage from Elstree Studios, celebrity and professional discussions, and a weekly Strictly alumni panel. Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September 2026, with a newly announced celebrity line-up.

BBC viewers complained after the opening minutes of its coverage of the European Athletics Championships from Birmingham aired without sound, including during a promotional montage. Audio was restored after several minutes, but viewers criticized the technical failure on social media. The BBC was contacted for comment. The championships featured athletes from 49 nations competing for 50 gold medals, with Britain entering a 94-member team.

Irita Marriott helps Helen and her son Ben auction a collection of photographs inherited by Helen’s husband, Alan, who was living with dementia. A print initially valued at £80–£120 triggers an unexpected bidding war and sells for £12,000. Alan dies before the auction, and the family plans to use the proceeds for his care-related costs and a final tribute. The result is described as the greatest item Marriott has sold on her new Discovery+ series, The Derbyshire Auction House.

An episode of Channel 4’s Renovation Rescue follows retired artist Penny’s renovation of a new home in Shoreham-by-Sea after the sudden death of her partner Martin. Vogue Williams and Luke Mabbott help complete the work despite budget pressures, incorporating bespoke storage and practical improvements. The emotional climax comes when Martin’s treasured drawing is framed and displayed prominently, allowing Penny to remember him with pride and happiness while beginning a new chapter near her daughter and grandchildren.

Emmerdale viewers believe they spotted a continuity error when Dawn Fletcher appeared to have no visible baby bump despite supposedly being at least three months pregnant. Fans debated whether the bump was concealed by her clothing. The storyline also involves Billy Fletcher lying in a coma, Joe Tate’s arrest, and an upcoming dramatic wedding week that producer Laura Shaw says will end in tragedy.

Jean and Steve Green, a farming couple who have worked their North Yorkshire farm for 79 years, considered the possibility of selling part of their 25-acre estate after an estate agent explained it could potentially support around 200 houses and generate a seven-figure sum. Despite rising feed costs and the land’s development value, Jean said the couple would not sell because the farm is their home. The couple’s life and decision featured in Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet: At Home with the Greens.

The BBC has announced the supporting cast for Hercule, a six-part origin story of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot starring Edward Bluemel. The series, produced by Mammoth Screen, will be set in the 1920s and follow Poirot’s arrival in Britain from Belgium, his friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings, encounters with Scotland Yard’s James Japp, and an emerging nemesis. Filming is due to begin in Liverpool, with the drama scheduled to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.

Child actress Mabel Addison’s family explained the strict regulations governing her work on Emmerdale. She must obtain school permission and a local council licence, be supervised throughout filming and breaks, and comply with limits on continuous filming, daily working hours and time spent on set. The family stressed that productions must balance filming commitments with a child’s education, wellbeing and normal childhood. Addison has played Clemmie Reed since 2022, with the character now living under Dawn and Billy Fletcher’s guardianship at Home Farm.

BBC One psychological thriller The Rapture, adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel and filmed in Wales, has drawn strong criticism from viewers who called its plot clichéd, slow and implausible, particularly objecting to Bethany’s characterization and the episode’s pacing. Other viewers defended the series as compelling and praised the performances of leads Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio. The five-part drama is also available on BBC iPlayer.

The BBC is not broadcasting the 2026 Commonwealth Games for the first time since 1954 after losing the rights to TNT Sports, while talkSPORT handles radio coverage, HBO Max streams all events and Channel 5 shows highlights. Viewers complained about the lack of free terrestrial coverage, TNT Sports’ single-channel presentation and the need for multiple paid subscriptions, although others welcomed the Games’ return to Glasgow. King Charles III opened the event, which features athletes from 74 nations and territories competing for 215 gold medals.

Fans speculate that Emmerdale character Nicola King may develop a romance with Kev Barton amid growing on‑screen tension, prompting mixed reactions as rumours continue that Nicola’s husband Jimmy King will be killed off in a future storyline. Some viewers are angered by the potential replacement of Jimmy with Kev, while others welcome the idea. The article recounts Nicola’s past storylines and notes broader cast changes influenced by budget cuts at the soap.

Luca Hoyle confirmed he will return to Emmerdale as Elliot Windsor after a two‑year absence, sharing his excitement in a statement posted by the Pendleton School of Theatre. Fans welcomed the news amid reports that his on‑screen father, Jimmy King, may be written out in an upcoming storyline due to budget‑related cast cuts. Hoyle reflected positively on his studies and stage work, while speculation continues regarding Jimmy’s potential dramatic exit. Emmerdale continues to air weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX.

Matt Tebbutt apologised on Saturday Kitchen after guest Jordan North appeared to mouth a swear word when William Hanson won the food vote. The show dropped its usual food hell option, prompting mixed reactions from viewers. Audience responses to the guests were divided, with some criticising the episode’s lineup while others praised the guests and the dishes prepared by the chefs.

Vanessa Feltz delivered an emotional farewell during the final episode of her Channel 5 daytime show, which was cancelled after 18 months due to scheduling changes. Joined by guests and surprised by her daughter and grandson, she thanked viewers while many expressed sadness over the show ending. Feltz announced she will debut a new online series, At Home With Vanessa, filmed from her home.

Viewers reacted to the debut of The Chase Around the World, a new travel-based spin-off of the ITV quiz show hosted by Bradley Walsh. The premiere featured contestants racing through Rome while answering questions, drawing mixed reviews—some praising the fresh format and others preferring the original series. Contestants Ashwin and Nikita survived elimination after winning a head‑to‑head round. Walsh highlighted the appeal of filming on location in Rome and Barcelona. The series is available on ITVX.

A medical drama titled Doctor Odyssey, created by Ryan Murphy and featuring Joshua Jackson, is now available to stream for free on ITVX. The series follows a medical team aboard a luxury cruise ship and has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with viewers calling it addictive, charming, and a guilty pleasure similar to Grey’s Anatomy. Despite the fan praise, ABC cancelled the show after its first season, disappointing cast and viewers. Alternative similar shows include The Rookie, 9-1-1, Station 19, and The Good Doctor.

Viewers criticised the BBC’s World Cup semi-final coverage, objecting to an opening montage highlighting England’s past disappointments and perceiving excessive focus on Lionel Messi. Some praised the broadcast, including Dan Walker, who commended the presenting team. Additional discussion centred on Joe Hart’s defence of Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham following controversy over post-match questioning, while the BBC’s decision to broadcast from the US stadium instead of its Salford studio also drew mixed reactions.

A repeat episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip featured The Traitors contestants Harry Clark and Paul Gorton competing with experts Roo Irvine and Natasha Raskin Sharp in the Scottish Highlands. Playful rivalry unfolded as both teams revealed their purchases, leading to light‑hearted exchanges. Paul and Roo ultimately won with a smaller auction loss than Harry and Natasha, ending the episode on a humorous note.

Sophie Willan debuted as the new host of The Great British Sewing Bee, replacing Sara Pascoe and earning strong praise from viewers for her presenting style. The first episode introduced twelve contestants who completed summer-themed challenges, with fans applauding both the new format that had sewers model their own creations and the high skill level of the participants. The series continues on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.

Viewers reacted strongly to ITV’s World Cup semi-final coverage after actor Brian Cox appeared alongside regular football pundits, prompting confusion and criticism on social media. Some threatened to switch channels, while others welcomed the unexpected segment. Additional analysis from Patrick Vieira highlighted Kylian Mbappé’s abilities, comparing him favourably to Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi.

Louise Jameson’s work in the acclaimed BBC period drama Tenko is highlighted as the series experiences renewed attention while streaming for free on U. The drama, focused on women held in Japanese internment camps during World War II, is praised for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling. Created by Lavinia Warner and originally aired in the early 1980s, the series continues to receive strong viewer acclaim, with recent audience reviews describing it as exceptional, unforgettable, and one of the BBC’s finest productions.

Viewers strongly praised the BBC drama I, Jack Wright after its BBC One debut, with many binge-watching the full first season and calling it faultless and a cut above the rest. The mystery series, originally released on U&Alibi and written by Chris Lang, follows the fallout from the apparent suicide of a wealthy businessman. Fans highlighted its twists, performances, and engaging storylines, while BBC and production executives expressed enthusiasm for both current and upcoming seasons.

A British couple who bought a home in Bédar, Spain after appearing on A Place in the Sun were caught in deadly wildfires that destroyed their property and left Annette Kilgore feared dead. Her husband, Malcolm Timbrell, described becoming separated from her as flames swept through the village and expressed grief while awaiting DNA confirmation. The article recounts the couple’s search for their home on the Channel 4 programme and their plans for retirement before the disaster.

A BBC-acquired Australian miniseries, Goolagong, dramatizes the rise of tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley from her childhood in New South Wales to her Wimbledon triumphs. The three‑episode series highlights her achievements, the personal and cultural challenges she faced, and the resilience that defined her career. Viewers and critics praise the acting, storytelling, and emotional depth, calling it ideal viewing during the Wimbledon Championships and noting strong performances, especially from Lila McGuire and Marton Csokas. Now streaming free on BBC iPlayer, it has gained positive audience reactions across social platforms.

A Wimbledon match between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka was suspended due to the tournament’s 11pm curfew, but BBC Two cut live coverage earlier at 10pm, switching to a repeat of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Viewers expressed frustration over the decision and the impact of the curfew on players, while the BBC directed audiences to continue watching on iPlayer.

Louise Jameson’s role as Mary Goskirk in Emmerdale follows a series of emotional storylines involving family struggles, romance and betrayal. Her earlier career included playing Leela in Doctor Who, where she and co‑star Tom Baker initially clashed but later reconciled. Jameson also reflected on her marriage to artist Martin Bedford, which ended after seven years when the relationship began to deteriorate, though she expressed no regrets about their time together.

Presenter Isa Guha was absent from her usual BBC Wimbledon hosting duties as she covered the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s, prompting Laura Robson to step in for the day’s coverage. Robson announced Guha’s replacement on air and received widespread praise from viewers, many expressing hope she might become a permanent presenter. The article also recounts key Wimbledon match results from the day.

Fans complained that BBC commentators focused excessively on Serena Williams during her Wimbledon return match against Maya Joint, offering little praise for the Australian despite her strong performance. Viewers on social media described the coverage as biased and overly reverential, expressing frustration at repeated references to Williams’ career. Commentary details and fan reactions highlighted wider dissatisfaction with the broadcast team.

Fans speculate that newcomer Serena Sugden may be connected to Dr Caitlin Todd's past and could be seeking revenge after helping Charity Dingle process her trauma. Serena integrates into the village and bonds with relatives, while viewers note Todd’s unexpected return as tensions rise with Mackenzie Boyd. Upcoming flash-forward scenes will unveil a crime scene and the identity of a victim, setting up a major new mystery in Emmerdale.

Jamie Murray joins the BBC’s Wimbledon 2026 presenting team as a dedicated analysis expert following his retirement, offering data‑driven insights on matches. While some viewers welcome the new role, many express dissatisfaction, preferring he commentate rather than provide studio analysis. The tournament features additional new and returning on‑air talent, and marks Andrew Castle’s final year on commentary for the BBC.

Viewers voiced frustration with the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, citing limited viewing options on BBC iPlayer, unclear camera quality, and unwanted programme adverts during match changeovers. Social media complaints criticised the inability to choose courts and interruptions on red button feeds. Isa Guha opened the broadcast and paid tribute to former BBC Breakfast presenter Carol Kirkwood, noting she would be replaced by a rotating team of weather presenters for the tournament.

BBC presenter Isa Guha opened Wimbledon coverage by paying tribute to long‑time weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who will not appear this year after retiring from BBC Breakfast. Kirkwood’s weather role will be filled by a rotating group of BBC meteorologists, beginning with Matt Taylor. The tournament opens amid major player storylines, including Serena Williams’ singles return, her doubles reunion with Venus, Andy Murray’s coaching work with Jack Draper, and Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title against Jannik Sinner.

ITV is airing a repeat of Vera, bringing the popular detective series back to screens a year after Brenda Blethyn’s departure. The episode from season 13 follows Vera investigating the death of a young girl, while fan reactions continue to praise the long-running crime drama.