Tianna Corbin

Channel 5 is preparing Life Support, a five-part documentary-style medical drama filmed at Royal Stoke University Hospital. The series will follow patients, families, nurses and clinicians across multiple departments and weeks of treatment, using serialised storytelling, cliffhangers, personal messages and reflections rather than the conventional commentary-and-interview format. Commissioning editor Guy Davies says the programme aims to bring the intensity of scripted hospital dramas such as The Pitt into factual television. An air date has not yet been announced.

Ken Bruce said he knew it was time to leave BBC Radio 2 after realising he had become a veteran broadcaster and no longer wanted to be treated as “the old bloke in the corner being made fun of.” After more than four decades at the BBC, including over 30 years hosting the mid-morning Radio 2 show, he left in 2023 for Greatest Hits Radio. Bruce reflected positively on his BBC career during Good Morning Britain, thanked listeners and colleagues in his final sign-off, and later took his PopMaster quiz to Channel 4 in a television format.

The One Show is marking its 20th anniversary with a week of special programmes, but viewers have been surprised to learn that Nadia Sawalha and Adrian Chiles were the BBC programme’s original presenters in 2006. Sawalha fronted the initial four-week trial before Myleene Klass took over, followed by Christine Lampard and later Alex Jones, who has now presented the show for 16 years. Anniversary broadcasts will feature celebrity guests, reunions and stories revisiting memorable moments from across the UK.

Fans are speculating that a beloved Casualty character could die in the show’s 40th-anniversary double bill after an extended trailer depicts a major explosion at St James’ Hospital. The footage shows civilians and staff injured, Dylan Keogh dealing with personal tragedy, and Stevie and Flynn fighting for survival. Viewers particularly fear for Charlie Fairhead and Indie, while the episodes are presented as a large-scale rescue story marking a new chapter for the BBC medical drama. The specials will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 5 September 2026.

Good Morning Britain correspondent Ashna Hurynag has confirmed that she will return to the ITV breakfast programme the following week after taking time away following her live coverage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s reported wedding in New York. Regular presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls are also on their summer break and are expected to return on September 1. The update follows recent attention on the programme, including Robert Jenrick’s reported “waste of time” remark after an interview with Reid and Balls.

Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan has discussed his prostate cancer treatment after being diagnosed in 2019. He chose focal therapy, a less invasive ultrasound-based treatment, instead of a prostatectomy, and said he was “lucky” to have access to it. Prostate Cancer UK says availability currently depends on where patients live, with about 1,000 people able to receive the treatment. The government has pledged up to £2.8 million to establish additional centres and expand access nationwide.

Alex Jones has reflected emotionally on being the longest-serving presenter of BBC’s The One Show, saying she is proud to have remained on a programme she loves for 16 years. As The One Show approaches its 20th anniversary, Jones praised its ability to remain relevant despite changes in television viewing and trends, while Roman Kemp described presenting it as a privilege and a responsibility. Anniversary celebrations will include live broadcasts, celebrity guests, reunions and revisits to memorable stories, culminating in an extended special on 14 August.

The BBC Welsh crime drama The Pact follows four brewery workers who conceal their involvement in their boss’s death, triggering police investigations and blackmail. The six-part series stars Gabrielle Creevy, Laura Fraser, Julie Hesmondhalgh and others, was filmed across Wales, and returned for a second series in 2024 with a new storyline and characters. Viewers have strongly praised its acting, writing, twists and scenery, and the programme is available on BBC iPlayer.

Alan Carr will join ITV’s The Masked Singer as the leader of a new rival detective team called the Wild Cards, competing against the existing panel—Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan, Maya Jama and Jonathan Ross, newly branded the Legends. Joel Dommett will return as presenter, while Carr described the role as a dream come true. Produced by Bandicoot Scotland, the programme reportedly attracted more than 12 million viewers in the current year and is due to return in 2027.

Sophie Willan has replaced Sara Pascoe as presenter of The Great British Sewing Bee and has been warmly received by viewers. Speaking on The One Show, Willan described judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young as an entertaining double act who even perform karaoke together. Grant praised Willan for presenting the series while pregnant. The episode also saw contestant Angie leave the competition, while the next instalment will focus on Mexico’s fashion and textile traditions.

Actors India Amarteifio and Ruth Madeley discussed the BBC psychological thriller The Rapture on The One Show. Amarteifio praised her stay on a working farm near Cowbridge and said she wanted to return to Wales, while both actresses described filming winter scenes in shorts and vests to portray a heatwave. Adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel, the five-part drama follows a forensic psychologist and a teenager accused of killing her mother who claims to possess psychic powers; it is available on BBC iPlayer.

The Durrells, ITV's period drama based on Gerald Durrell's memoir My Family and Other Animals, follows Louisa Durrell and her four children as they relocate from England to 1930s Corfu and adapt to life with limited money, no electricity and a language barrier. The series ran from 2016 to 2019, later receiving a documentary follow-up, and has attracted strong praise for its warmth, setting, characters and production. It is currently available to stream on Disney+.

Fiona Bruce described becoming tearful while presenting an upcoming episode of Fake or Fortune after hearing the emotional story behind a painting. She also recalled visiting her childhood home during filming and discovering that her childhood signature was still written on an attic door. Bruce and Philip Mould are presenting the show's 14th series, which continues on BBC One.

Bradley Walsh will step aside from hosting the BBC revival of Blankety Blank in 2026 because of scheduling conflicts, including a tour with The Prat Pack and other projects. He said he has loved the show and may return in 2027. The programme’s revival began after a successful 2020 Christmas special that attracted 5.3 million viewers, and its fifth series aired in April.

Ed Balls spoke emotionally on Good Morning Britain about his mother’s dementia while interviewing Gary, a man whose dementia symptoms ease when he listens to music. Balls shared how singing similarly helps his mother, Carolyn, who has lived in a specialist care home for several years and whose condition inspired his BBC Two documentary. He recalled the family’s difficulty deciding to move her into care, describing the guilt and stress leading up to the decision. Gary’s story, shared alongside his wife Natasha, highlighted the positive impact of music on dementia symptoms.

Viewers responded emotionally to the debut of the BBC comedy Ann Droid, praising its blend of humor and emotional depth along with standout performances from Sue Johnston and Diane Morgan. The episode follows a widower who receives an AI eldercare robot, leading to awkward early interactions that develop into a touching connection. Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting strong writing and acting, and the series is available on BBC iPlayer.

Danny John-Jules appears in the new BBC comedy Ann Droid, which follows a widower adapting to an AI eldercare robot. He plays Brian, an eccentric longtime taxi driver who features in the show's second episode. The article highlights the series’ themes and notes John-Jules’ long history with Death in Paradise, including his return for the 2024 Christmas special.

Channel 4 has begun production on Army of Shadows, a new six-part World War II drama inspired by the 1969 film and Joseph Kessel’s novel. Filming is taking place across several major cities and features a cast including Kit Harington, Alex Hassell, Lisa Gunning, Paddy Considine and America Ferrera. Created by Ronan Bennett, the series explores the rise of resistance in an occupied Britain and focuses on the moral and personal costs of defiance. Channel 4 leadership praised the project’s relevance and scale, confirming that broadcast details will be announced later.

The BBC crime drama Death in Paradise returns to BBC One with a rerun of a 2022 episode from series 11, despite production being underway for a new sixteenth series. The featured episode stars Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker alongside the main ensemble cast. The show continues to receive strong praise from viewers, who highlight its characters, storytelling and performances. New episodes are currently being filmed in the Caribbean, and the series remains available on BBC iPlayer.

Richard Coles reunites with Oti Mabuse for a new More4 series following their travels across South Africa, where he humorously recalled being pushed into dancing during filming. The four-part programme promises music, humour and friendship, prompting enthusiastic reactions from fans.

Actor Shaquille Ali-Yebuah shared a behind-the-scenes video from the filming of Death in Paradise’s sixteenth series, showing him and co-stars warmly interacting with enthusiastic fans who travelled internationally to visit the set. The post expressed appreciation for the global fan base and hinted that the new season will arrive soon, prompting supportive and affectionate comments from viewers.

Carol Vorderman detailed her recovery from a concussion suffered after tripping over a tree root and losing consciousness, requiring hospital treatment and follow-up care at Bristol Royal Infirmary. Persistent dizziness led her to a concussion clinic where therapy, including the Epley Technique, resolved most symptoms. She reported significant improvement and received supportive messages from followers.

Actor Jason Done joins Emmerdale as new villain Steve, described as a major acquisition for the ITV soap due to his extensive experience in series such as Coronation Street and Waterloo Road. Insiders suggest his character will have a surprising connection to the village. The article also details Bradley Riches’ reaction to colleague Chris Coghill’s return as Kev Townsend, a development he had known about privately. Emmerdale continues to expand its storylines with returning and newly cast actors.