Former The Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc opened up about past moments of jealousy in a candid insight into her friendship with a co-star
GBBO hosts Mel and Sue with Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry
The Great British Bake Off returns for its 17th series, with hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding at the helm alongside judges Paul Hollywood and Nigella Lawson, who makes her debut on the show. Before the programme moved to Channel 4, presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins fronted the series for six years.
The gig was one of many the pair took on together during their long-running friendship, which Mel has now revealed hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The broadcaster said their relationship has gone through “phases”, with periods when they’re inseparable and other times when they’ve been “off” with each other.
Speaking on the Dig It podcast with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, Mel explained that she and Sue are currently in one of their closer spells, chatting and seeing each other frequently. At the time of recording, the pair were also preparing to reunite at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
“There’s a real friendship there, you’ve known each other for ages and you know you’ve got each other’s backs and I think that is such a lovely thing,” she shared. Though keen not to be “disingenuous”, Mel admitted there had been moments of jealousy.
“There’s been times over the last 39 years or whatever that I’ve known Sue, I’m sure that we’ve had moments of a little bit of jealously and, sort of, off with each other but, you know, at base you’ve got each other and it’s everything,” she shared.
“It really is everything and the older I get the more I realise that you have to cling to the real proper quality.”
Mel and Sue released a statement in 2016 when the show left the BBC, saying they were “very shocked and saddened” by the news. In the statement at the time, they praised the BBC for helping shape the programme’s tone and for growing its audience from two million to nearly 15 million.
They also confirmed they were “not going with the dough”, while wishing the future bakers well.
After their departure, the hosting role passed to Sandi Toksvig, who left in 2020, and Noel Fielding, who now presents the show alongside Alison Hammond.
The current judging panel consists of Paul Hollywood, who has been part of the programme since it began, and Nigella Lawson, who makes her debut after stepping into Prue Leith’s shoes.
The new series returns tonight, with 12 amateur bakers entering the tent in the hope of impressing the judges and being crowned this year’s champion.
Away from Bake Off, Mel and Sue have also returned to screens with their Saturday night gameshow Win Win with Postcode Lottery.
Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016, but one contestant shared what she’s really like once the cameras stop filming
Mel Giedroyc worked on The Great British Bake Off from seven years
Mel Giedroyc showed her true personality to contestants when cameras weren’t rolling during filing of The Great British Bake Off. Mel Giedroyc hosted The Great British Bake Off for seven years between from 2010 to 2016 and left the show when it moved from the BBC to Channel 4, famously stating they were “not going with the dough”.
Over her time on the show she met dozens of contestants and hundreds of filming and production crews – with one show member lifting the lid on what she was like once the cameras stop rolling. Former contestant Howard Middleton, a graphic designer from Sheffield who left on week six of series four the show.
He shared one moment where he believes Mel showed her true colours once the cameras were not rolling in the tent.
Speaking to Smooth Spins Casino, former GBBO contestant Howard Middleton said: “They [Mel and Sue Perkins] were so funny. They were lovely. I remember there was one occasion where Mel came up and asked whether I wanted a cup of tea.
“And there were no cameras or anything like that. She actually asked one of the runners to get one for me; she didn’t make it herself, but it was just that consideration and warmth, which was very genuine.”
Nigella Lawson replaces Prue Leith for 2026 Great British Bake Off
Earlier this year, Prue Leith 86-year-old announced it was the ‘right time’ to leave The Great British Bake Off after nine years on the show. However, in her place, viewers will welcome Nigella Lawson to the tent as the 66-year-old will be judging this year’s contestants alongside Paul.
Sharing his thoughts on the newcomer, Paul told Radio Times how each person he’s worked alongside has varied from one another.
He remarked that Mary Berry was different from Prue and Prue was different to Nigella before adding ‘Nigella is different to Mary’. Admitting how each of them brought their ‘own character’ to the programme, he highlighted that Nigella is a ‘very warm’ person, especially to the contestants taking part in the competition.
However, Paul commented that he’s the ‘constant’ as he remains the ‘constructively critical’ judge. Although people are welcoming a new face to the tent, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding are returning as hosts once again.
Channel 4 viewers were treated to a glimpse of Nigella in the iconic tent during a brief teaser clip revealing the show’s return date. She walked towards the camera in a purple jumpsuit before playfully pretending to tuck into the lens as though it was a sweet treat.
When it was announced that Nigella was joining the Channel 4 show, she had nothing but excitement. Nigella commented: “I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now!
“Of course, it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.
“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it.
“I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”
Football fans were shown a “constant bombardment” of advertisements promoting junk food and drinks during matches at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Bristol and University of Oxford created an AI tool to analyse ads which were visible to television viewers during live play in the tournament’s 104 matches, mostly displayed on pitchside advertising boards and around stadiums in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
They found that logos and products for brands that produce junk food and drinks – defined by the UK government as being high in fat, salt or sugar – were displayed 65,722 times in total.
And the study also found that those adverts were visible for 28.1 hours’ time across the tournament, or just over 16% of the total time that matches were being played.
The ads were all shown on the international feed of matches during play – meaning they were visible to every viewer in every country broadcasting matches – and do not include ads shown during pre-match coverage, half-time commercial breaks, or the controversial in-match hydration breaks.
The model used by the researchers estimated that there were an average of 576 visible ads for junk food and drink shown during each individual match.
Coca-Cola had the highest number (21,893), followed by McDonald’s (13,915), Powerade (12,777), and Lay’s – the crisps manufacturer known as Walkers in the UK – (12,087).
All four brands are official partners of world football governing body Fifa, with the Powerade energy drink owned by the Coca-Cola company.
In response to the findings, Fifa argued that the vast majority of its revenue is put back into football, including on projects promoting health and wellbeing in which thousands of people participate.
A Fifa spokesperson said: “Fifa works with a broad, global portfolio of partners, all of which are subject to its governance and compliance frameworks.
“Fifa’s social impact campaigns, including Be Active, delivered messages of unity, inclusion, health and friendship to audiences on an unprecedented scale throughout the World Cup”.
BBC Sport also contacted Coca Cola, McDonald’s and PepsiCo – which owns Lay’s – but did not receive a reply.
Miranda Hart has explained why she decided to sign up to Celebrity Traitors, which comes after years out of the spotlight as she dealt with a series of health struggles
Miranda Hart is making her television comeback with Celebrity Traitors(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative)
Miranda Hart has explained why she decided to sign up to Celebrity Traitors following her “long term ill health issues.” The comedienne, 53, is best known for fronting her eponymous sitcom in the late 2000s but took a break from the spotlight after becoming increasingly unwell.
The TV star previously told how she had suffered a “tick-borne illness” while living in the USA as a teenager. At one point, she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, before eventually being diagnosed with Lyme Disease in 2020.
She said: “My decision making in life generally, and certainly work, is follow the joy. I haven’t done much TV work for a long time, having only recently come out of long-term ill health issues and when I was offered this, my whole body sort of relaxed, I smiled, and I just wanted to jump about like a schoolgirl with joy.
“It’s just fun. It’s outdoors, it’s games. All the stuff I love. It’s play basically. And I’m passionate about encouraging people to play more generally, and this game is that in spades.
“It’s a brilliant television show – the only flaw in taking part is that as a fan of the show it will be less fun to watch it with myself in it!”
Despite her new lease of life, the former Call the Midwife star, who secretly got married in late 2024, is still living with elements of her illness and is struggling to a point but has been able to manage her symptoms and insisted she felt well enough to join Claudia Winkleman’s hit BBC game show.
She added: “I’m still living with elements of ME, and that brings fatigue and pain to manage, but I have come to a point where I feel well enough to step out, and that’s also partly why I’m doing this.
“The joy of mucking about on television again will hopefully outweigh some of the challenges. And I think it will be challenging on my body, so it’ll be interesting, and it’ll take some courage as this is a big next step.
“When you live with a chronic illness, it’s invisible, so people don’t know that you’re sitting there in pain. But then it reminds you that everybody’s got their thing. So, I’m also really looking forward to making friends and looking after each other and hopefully they can carry me up a hill or whatever we’re going to have to do!”
Miranda, who will appear alongside the likes of Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Love Island host Maya Jama, even teased that there could be a nod to her sitcom past.
She added: “When someone said on Instagram, “Oh, I hope you gallop in the castle,” I foolishly replied, Right, I now take that as a dare.” So that was idiotic of me.
“I will have to at some point gallop down a corridor. I’ll gallop when no one’s watching…or who would be the best person to encourage to gallop?
“I don’t know. I mean, Kenny probably doesn’t even know who I am. So, if I could get him to gallop…I could get a new generation galloping.”
“By the time I present my final show in March 2027, I will have spent 46 wonderful years with BBC Wales. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Continuing, Roy said: “Radio has changed enormously over the years. Wales has changed too. But one thing has remained constant and that’s the privilege of being welcomed into your homes and lives.
Roy has been a BBC broadcaster since the early 80sCredit: ShutterstockThe star penned an emotional statement to his listeners revealing he was retiringCredit: Alamy
“The signs that retirement was approaching may have included my growing suspicion that ‘apps‘ were invented purely to confuse me. The odd hiccup in health has sent signals too.
“But the truth is I’ve simply reached a point where it feels right to begin a new chapter.
“After all, November will mark 84 of my years of yore. Apparently, 63 is the sweet spot or happiest age to retire so I’ve added a few furlongs to that.”
Roy ended by saying: “But for now, I simply want to say a heartfelt thanks to you all. It’s been an honour.”
Before finding fame on the airwaves in the early 80s, Roy was a teacher, but he left to pursue his passion for radio.
The presenter was an instant hit, and over the years hosted a number of different shows for BBC Radio Wales.
Simon Reeve’s popular BBC series Wilderness makes an epic return to screens as the star recounts his deadly encounters
Simon Reeve shares insights into the dangers he encountered(Image: ITV)
Presenter Simon Reeve has shared some of his near-death experiences while filming his new BBC series.
For his brand new series, Wilderness with Simon Reeve, the host returns to screens with four new expeditions to some of the world’s wildest and most remote places.
From trekking deep into Papua New Guinea’s jungle-clad mountains and diving with sharks in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, to exploring Canada’s Yukon and crossing almost 3,000 miles of Mongolia by 4WD, horse and on foot, these journeys promise to be bigger, wilder and more ambitious than ever.
With such major expeditions throughout the series, Simon has shared insight into disasters that almost cost him his life. Sharing his thoughts with the BBC, the 54-year-old was asked to elaborate on his near-disasters, which he revealed he had “several”.
Explaining the hair-raising moments, he said: “In Papua New Guinea, I had a makeshift bamboo chair in our camp. It looked pretty sturdy, right up until the moment it collapsed beneath me and a sharpened length of bamboo speared straight through the side of my t-shirt. It missed me. But it was close. Definitely a near-disaster.”
He also shared insight into a terrifying moment in Canada. He continued: “Even supposedly safe Canada was tricky.
“After getting up in the night to film the Northern Lights, I was half-asleep, freezing cold and fumbling with the stove in my tent.
“A burning log tipped onto the bone-dry mossy floor and suddenly there was a trail of fire heading towards my bed. In a bit of a panic, I kicked the log out through the tent flap and then extinguished the remaining flames with the nearest available liquid: a bottle of what I’ll call ‘Trucker’s Tango’ beside my camp bed. Thankfully I have a very poor sense of smell.”
The star also said: Then there was Bear Cave Mountain in the Yukon. Every night-time trip to the outside loo involved thoughts about what if I slip on the ice in my long johns, knock myself out and become breakfast for a wolf or a grizzly? It was one of the most remote places I’ve ever been.
“We were about 100 miles, as the crow flies, from the nearest other humans. It was like being in the middle of an ocean – except the ocean had bears.”
Wilderness with Simon Reeve will consist of four episodes which are 60 minutes each. The series is produced for BBC Two and iPlayer by The Garden, part of ITV Studios and co-produced by The Open University. The series has been written and presented by Simon Reeve.
Wilderness with Simon Reeve airs Saturday at 7:45pm on BBC Two.
BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent was left baffled as her co-star disappeared live on air while presenting
BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent was left baffled as her co-star disappeared live on air while presenting (Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast suffered a live on-air blunder during Monday’s show.
The latest installment saw hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay on the red sofa, where they delivered the latest news, including the death of show regular and Normandy veteran Ken Hay, who survived capture just weeks after D-Day and spent years educating children about the war. He died aged 101.
As usual with BBC Breakfast, the hosts heard from weather presenter, Matt Taylor, who gave a forecast update to viewers at home.
However, on Monday’s broadcast, Matt’s feed suddenly cut out, as he disappeared live on air and it left a blank screen on air, reading: “Weather presenter editing playlist…”
Host, Sally, 55, said: “Oh, where’s he gone? Just in time. We kept a hold of him there” to which Jon, 56, added: “He’s gone, finished for shift!”
Poking fun at the technical blunder, Sally quipped: “Need another 50p in the metre!” while Jon added: “Let’s get the news, travel and weather where you are. Hopefully they’re there!”
It comes as veteran weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood, left the BBC show earlier this year after more than 25 years presenting. The BBC favourite announced her decision to step down earlier this year on the programme, revealing she wishes to dedicate more time to her husband Steve.
When Carol announced her departure at the time, she became emotional whilst discussing the difficult choice with Jon and Sally. At the time, she expressed: “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job.
“I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years.
“But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in on my zimmer frame, going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”.
Discussing her future plans post-departure, Carol disclosed she’ll be dedicating more time to her husband Steve.
She continued: “We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re like ships that pass in the night, so I’m so looking forward to doing that.
“I’ve still got my books, I’ve got a few other bits and pieces. I want to travel as well.”
BBC Breakfast continues at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The broadcaster has been accused of ‘classic overkill’ after it removed 11 sketches from the comedy duo’s BAFTA-winning television show amid concerns of racism and racial stereotyping
Rachel Vickers-Price UK and World News Reporter and Rachel Vickers-Price
03:01, 21 Sep 2026Updated 03:01, 21 Sep 2026
Removed material included scenes featuring war re-enactors in blackface, a joke about Jimmy Savile and a sketch about a contestant on a makeover show wearing a burka(Image: Channel 4)
The BBC has removed several sketches from That Mitchell and Webb Look on iPlayer after deciding some of the comedy show’s material “no longer works today”.
To celebrate the sketch comedy programme’s 20th anniversary, the national broadcaster added four seasons of the smash-hit show onto iPlayer for fans to enjoy – but with a few notable omissions.
A total of 11 sketches have been edited out amid fears of racism and ethnic stereotyping.
“That Mitchell and Webb Look has been made available on BBC iPlayer,” the British broadcaster said in a statement. “This is a 20-year-old sketch show; in consultation with the programme makers, we have included the ones that still work today and not the ones that don’t.”
As per The Times, material removed from the programme included scenes featuring war re-enactors in blackface, a joke about Jimmy Savile, and an indigenous tribe living in a garden centre.
One now-deleted sketch sees Mitchell play a woman in a burka in a scene sending up reality TV programming.
The sketch then cuts to the pair – as themselves – discussing whether or not the sketch itself is actually offensive.
“I’m not sure we quite know what we’re trying to say,” Webb suggests, asking: “Aren’t we just taking the piss out of people’s sincerely held beliefs?”
Mitchell says: “I think you can worry too much about this kind of thing. I mean, what’s offensive to one person is just good, clean fun to another.”
He then pulls off the burqa to reveal he is wearing blackface underneath.
Comedian Dom Joly told The Times: “I totally get it if the BBC is putting out something really racist, which is laughing at and encouraging other people to feel that it’s OK to do that.”
He dubbed the decision to cut the scenes as “classic BBC overkill” and an act of “hysterical censorship”.
“But it’s so clear that Mitchell and Webb are not doing that. Their intent was not to be racist.”
As a possible alternative solution, broadcasters could put trigger warnings on older programmes if they believed they were necessary, he told The Times.
A smash-hit in its day, the three-season skit show began in 2003, starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas, who also wrote the gags.
But it was later pulled from the BBC’s Player in 2020 due to its offensive content, such as the use of blackface, homophobic jokes, and ablesit humour. The series did return to iPlayer in late 2022, but in an edited format, complete with removed scenes and a trigger warning for audiences.
BBC Radio 2 legend Bob Harris has shared a new health update amid his cancer battleCredit: whisperingbob/ InstagramBob presented The Country Show from April 1999 to April 2026Credit: Instagram/whisperingbob
Bob’s Instagram followers flocked to share their reactions to his newsCredit: whisperingbob/ InstagramLast month, Bob shared an update saying the cancer was “taking more of a hold”Credit: instagram
“I was speaking this morning with my oncologist, the amazing Costi and we are going to continue with my cancer treatment.
“We’re getting back under control, I was a little bit worried a short time ago, but everything is getting back under control now.
“I can see the pathway of my life ahead of me opening up again.”
At this point, Bob revealed he also had a second piece of news to share, but would reveal it on Tuesday at 10am.
One person commented: “Excellent news Bob!!!!”
Another added: “Excellent news Bob, everyone is 100% backing you for your recovery.”
It comes after Bob shared a devastating health update on his cancer battle last month, as he revealed the disease is “taking more of a hold.”
He said: “It has been a while since I last posted a health update and I want to let you know how I’m getting on, because there have been some changes with my cancer diagnosis.
“As regular followers will know, earlier this year I was forced to step back from BBC Radio 2 to concentrate on treatment and rest.
“I have been missing my programmes so much, but this space has given me a most beautiful summer here at home, enjoying a most precious commodity… TIME.“
Bob continued: “I feel very blessed to have been able to spend lovely moments with family and friends (some of which I’ve posted here on Instagram) in the glorious summer sunshine, but during this time my cancer has been getting more of a hold.
“I still feel well but I am now at the start of an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy which we are confident will keep things at bay. I should know the outcome quite soon.”
BBC The Split spin-off The Split Up is here and it features a number of exciting guest stars.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
21:22, 20 Sep 2026
BBC The Split Up stars Sir Lenny Henry in its first episode. (Image: BBC)
Two British comedy icons are taking on rather less cheerful roles in BBC drama The Split Up.
Sir Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks play a couple whose marriage is falling apart in the Manchester-set spin-off from The Split.
Their characters’ divorce puts them at the heart of a high-profile case for the Kishan family’s law firm.
Comic Relief co-founder Henry appears in the opening minutes as Alex Edwards, an old friend of the Kishans.
Meanwhile, Absolutely Fabulous, Little Voice and Trollied stra Jane Horrocks features later on in the debut episode as his wife Tash Edwards.
Alex decides to end their marriage after photographs emerge suggesting Tash has been having an affair with “someone half your age”, reports Wales Online.
Speaking to lawyer Aria Kishan (played by Ritu Arya), a devastated Alex looks back on the start of their relationship: “We met when I was 19. Working in a chippy.
“I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going. And then she turned up and just made sense of it all.”
The role also brings Henry into a drama alongside his life-long friend Sanjeev Bhaskar, who plays Aria’s father, Dhruv. Henry previously appeared in Bhaskar’s sitcom The Kumars at No 42.
Bhaskar was full of praise for his friend’s performance when he told Digital Spy: “I saw Lenny last week actually and I told him how brilliant I thought he was in it and I think he was quite surprised at his own performance.
“I think it’s a testament to the writing and to the directing to get that out of him.”
Henry and Horrocks are not the only recognisable names joining the cast either with The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil also set to feature as Nisha Mantri.
Away from Alex and Tash’s marital troubles, the six-part series follows Aria as she prepares to take over the family firm while planning her wedding.
Her mother died six months earlier, and Dhruv, the founder of Kishan Law, is beginning to doubt whether his daughter is ready for the responsibility.
In addition, the return of a former flame adds another complication to Aria’s life.
The Split Up is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Sanjeev Bhaskar joins Nicola Walker’s The Split spin-off The Split Up but could he reunite with his former Unforgotten co-star?
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
18:15, 20 Sep 2026
Sanjeev Bhaskar plays Dhruv Kishan in BBC The Split Up. (Image: BBC)
Sanjeev Bhaskar is heading up BBC’s next big legal drama tonight with fans keen to know all there is about his personal life.
The Split Up debuts tonight, Sunday, September 20, at 9pm, on BBC One, delving into the Kishan family’s life as Manchester’s elite law firm.
Founder of Kishan Law is father-of-three Dhruv Kishan who is having doubts about leaving his business in his daughter’s hands following the death of her mother.
With The Split fans gearing up to tune into its BBC spin-off, here’s everything there is to know about leading man Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Inside The Split Up star Sanjeev Bhaskar’s life
Early life
Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar was born in Ealing in 1963 after his parents fled their home during the 1947 partition of India and moved to the UK.
He studied business with marketing at Hatfield Polytechnic and worked in marketing before getting into the entertainment industry in his early 30s.
Sanjeev got his breakthrough with the musical comedy double act Secret Asians with Nitin Sawhney which led to the BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me.
Sanjeev Bhaskar’s famous wife
The Split Up star Sanjeev Bhaskar is married to actress and comedian Dame Meera Syal who he met on Goodness Gracious Me which she co-created
They once again starred opposite each other in the sitcom The Kumars at No 42 where she played the grandmother of Sanjeev’s character, despite being younger than him.
The pair got married in 2005 and Sanjeev became the step-father to Meera’s daughter Milli from another relationship before welcoming son Shaan later that year.
In 2023, Meera received the BAFTA Fellowship award for her outstanding contributions to TV and film and was made a Dame last year for her services to drama, literature and charity.
In an interview with The Times, Sanjeev shared that he was “super proud” of his wife’s achievements.
Unforgotten season 7 update
Sanjeev will reprise his role as DI Sunny Khan in the seventh season of ITV ’s Unforgotten, now starring alongside Sinead Keenan as DCI Jess James.
Filming for the latest series began in January 2026 and recent reports have suggested that shooting is now complete, although an official return date hasn’t been confirmed.
Sanjeev is starring in BBC The Split Up, the spin-off of The Split which starred his former Unforgotten co-star Nicola Walker.
Speaking of his hopes that there could one day be an onscreen reunion to Radio Times, Sanjeev said: “Emotionally, it would be like some sort of cosmic miracle. I wouldn’t mind it at all.”
Sanjeev Bhaskar net worth
It has been widely reported that Sanjeev Bhaskar has a net worth of around £2 million.
This brings into consideration his almost 30-year career in the entertainment industry as an actor, writer and comedian.
He continues to be a major star in the ITV hit drama Unforgotten and has a star-studded comedy film on the way called The Entertainment System Is Down.
The feature is expected to star major names including Keanu Reeves, Samantha Morton, Kirsten Dunst, Tobias Menzies and Connor Swindells.
The Split Up debuts tonight, Sunday, September 20, at 9pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
ITV’s new drama The Blame starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth tackles misogyny that can be found in the UK police force
Michelle Keegan stars as Di Emma Craine in ITV’s The Blame(Image: ITV)
Deeply offensive messages sent by serving police officers in a group chat are the basis of a storyline featured in ITV‘s gripping new drama starring Michelle Keegan.
Six-part series The Blame, based on the 2023 book of the same name by Charlotte Langley, starts off when the body of a young woman is found in a small town where DI Crane (Michelle Keegan) and DI Radley (Douglas Booth) work.
The duo team up to uncover what happened to a teenage figure skater, Sophie Madsen, and discover “a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups and a moral compromise”.
The show tackles misogyny that can be found in the UK police force, and the official synopsis confirms that Keegan’s DI Crane “must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team”.
It also depicts actual text messages from the real-life Metropolitan Police group chat scandals, in which multiple investigations exposed deep-rooted and systemic racism, homophobia, and sexism, dismissed as “banter”, poisoning the country’s top police force.
Speaking about The Blame at ITV Showcase 2026 earlier this year, actor Douglas Booth explained: “There was a Panorama about the Charing Cross WhatsApp messages and texts that are completely sickening, and that was a bit of a basis and model for this group chat to let this toxic behavior spread and rot the department.”
He added: “Every single character in this show is trying to be a good person and nearly all of them are touched by some sort of institutional failure and hold some form of moral injury.”
An official investigation was launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which exposed the highly damaging revelations involving officers based at London’s Charing Cross Police Station who shared deeply offensive, racist, misogynistic, and homophobic messages on WhatsApp and Facebook.
First exposed globally in a landmark February 2022 report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the scandal triggered widespread public outrage and directly contributed to the resignation of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.
The IOPC’s Operation Hotton uncovered a toxic culture within the station’s impact team between 2016 and 2018, which officers routinely dismissed as “banter”.
The watchdog noted a pervasive culture of bullying where good officers were too intimidated to challenge or report their peers. The initial 2022 report led to multiple fast-track misconduct hearings, resulting in several officers being sacked, forced to resign, or barred from policing.
Secret filming aired during BBC’s Panorama Undercover in the Police revealed evidence of racism, misogyny and officers revelling in the use of force at Charing Cross.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said at the time: “Enquiries were immediately launched by our Directorate of Professional Standards into allegations of criminality and misconduct by officers and staff based at Charing Cross Police Station.The behaviour as reported is disgraceful and rapid steps to secure evidence and protect the public have also been taken.
“In addition, we are scrutinising more widely the leadership and culture within these teams, led by Professional Standards and senior leaders, to root out any further failings. The leadership of these teams failed to create the right culture that identified warning signs or generated confidence in junior colleagues to report. This is one of the reasons we are taking such assertive exceptional action.
“The Met’s leadership has been very clear that it will not tolerate behaviour that fails to meet the organisation’s standards of professionalism and integrity.”
The Blame airs Sunday, September 20 on ITV1 at 9pm
Strictly Come Dancing has finally confirmed which professional dancer each celebrity will be taking to the dancefloor each week, following weeks of speculation
19:59, 19 Sep 2026Updated 22:20, 19 Sep 2026
Strictly threw a major spanner in the works for the celebrities this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
It was all cha-cha changes at Strictly Come Dancing as the celebrity and pro dancer partnerships were finally revealed amid a big show shake-up.
This year, though, there was a twist. While the celebrities often find out who their professional partner is ahead of the series, they actually found out while recording the launch episode. They each rehearsed with a dancer in the lead-up, but this didn’t mean they were paired with the professional for the rest of the series. Instead, they rotated partners throughout the day.
Dani Dyer said the twist had “thrown a spanner in the works” after she danced with Nikita Kuzmin during their training day, before the pros rotated once again.
EastEnders favourite Lacey Turner has former champ Vito Coppola as her teacher. Lacey said she felt “amazing” after being paired with Vito, and the Italian dancer added that he was “very, very happy” before saying he would cook for Lacey.
Dame Sarah Storey has been paired with Julian Caillon. She told Josh and Johannes that she was excited to be working with Julian. Meanwhile, returning star Dani Dyer, who had to leave the 2025 series early following an injury to her ankle before the live shows began, is back dancing with Nikita Kuzmin.
“I’m so happy, I can sleep now, I’m over the moon,” Dani said about making history. Nikita said he had “tears of joy” hearing the audience react to the news that he had been paired with Dani again. The reality star said she was hoping to make it to week one of the live shows after having to withdraw last year.
Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters has teamed up with show veteran Aljaž Škorjanec. “I’m absolutely thrilled, on the very first day when we had to dance with everyone, you put me in a practise hold, I said it’s like steering a tractor,” Melanie said of dancing with Aljaž. The dancer said that the twist was one of the “funnest” experiences on the dancefloor.
Actress Jaime Winstone has been partnered with Carlos Gu. Speaking of working with reigning champ Carlos, Jaime said: “I’m so excited, I feel like we match energies. I’m super ecstatic.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips is with American dancer Alexis Warr. Shaun said of wanting to excel on the show: “I like to enter things and be as good as possible, the pros are the margin, and that’s what I’m aiming for.” Alexis thinks that Shaun is already at a professional level.
House of the Dragon star Bethany Antonia is part of this year’s same-sex pairing with Nancy Xu. The actress credited Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, who danced as a same-sex couple on the show, with playing a huge part in her coming-out journey. She said she was incredibly excited to follow and lead with a woman.
Reflecting on working with Nancy, Bethany said that the pair instantly bonded when they first met. Bethany later explained that she was a “perfectionist” and Nancy had been “amazing” at reassuring her. “My nanny’s name was Nancy, and she passed away at the start of the year,” Bethany said, adding that it was “special” to be dancing with the star.
Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker will be working with one of the show’s five newbies, Mark Karmalita. “I’m so happy, and I get to be your first partner on Strictly,” the Olympian told Mark.
She added: “That’s sort of amazing.” Mark said: “I’m going to try and be fun, caring and supportive,” he said of his teaching skills. The sports star went on to reveal she’s keen to learn the rumba – and score a perfect 40 for the dance!
Songstress Delta Goodrem is dancing with Kai Widdington. The singer said she was “honoured” to dance with “incredible dancer” Kai.
Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb and Jowita Pryzstal will dance together. Speaking of dancing with Jowita, Lawrence said that fans will have to “stand by” to see more excitement from him. “Now we’re into hard work mode, what a feeling, what a rush,” he joked. Jowita said she was “so nervous” before being paired with Lawrence.
Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser, Chris Appleton, is dancing alongside show legend Amy Dowden. Chris said he was overjoyed to dance with Amy. “Over excited, I’m that little kid that used to watch this show on a Saturday night,” he said. Amy, however, said that her hair would get bigger every week if Chris were her partner.
Love Island winner Cach Mercer with Maddie Ingoldsby. The reality star said he was “pleased” to have Maddie, adding that she was “strict but cheeky” and that she’s able to cut the “banter”.
But Maddie said she was a “little bit strict” depending on the day. Cach’s family have also vowed to provide honest feedback, which is making him “doubt himself even more”. “This is a whole different playing field,” he said.
Football interviewer and former air traffic controller John Nellis is partnered with Katya Jones. The pro star revealed that John “messed up” in the lead-up to being partnered with the social media star. John later explained that he had “worked out” that he was dancing with Katya.
The ‘Dogfather’ Graeme Hall has been partnered with Lauren Oakley. “Tonight, I got four tens getting you, I’ve always wanted Lauren,” he told his professional star. He explained that his pals told him he would be “really lucky” to get Lauren as a partner. And the dancer believes that Graeme is a “dark horse” and will put his “all” into the show. However, she will have to “put a lead on him.”
Big Brother and Hits Radio presenterWill Best is dancing alongside show regular Dianne Buswell. Speaking about getting Dianne as a partner, Will said that when he “gets down it’s difficult to get back up again”.
He added: “I’m already a winner, I feel like a champion already just getting her. We’ve been having so much fun training. We finish each other’s sentences.” Dianne added that they were the “perfect pairing”.
Ahead of the first episode, Emma Willis revealed her nerves over the new show starting. Speaking on her BBC Radio 2 show, she said: “It feels like a very long lead-up to this, but also very quick.”
Talking about being a part of the Strictly experience, Emma added: “It’s very strange having that peek behind the curtain – I mean this in a positive way – it’s a beast of a show. It’s just fantastic. It is so exciting, me and Josh and Jojo are looking forward to it so much…
“I’m excited but nervous. I’m going to turn my phone off and disappear for a few days.” Joining her on the radio show – her last for a while as Ellie Taylor will be manning the fort until Strictly is finished – was one of the show’s judges Anton Du Beke. He told her: “I love it as much now as I did when I first walked in.
“It’s only Craig [Revel Horwood] and I left from the very first show – and that fills me with great pride.” Speaking about the five new professional dancers, Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark, he said: “What I love though, there’s no place I’d rather be is in the rehearsal studio with dancers, it’s the most brilliant place.
“These five are as giddy – they can’t believe their fortune.” Giving his verdict on the celebrity line-up, Anton and Emma were discussing British cycler and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, before he began pitching for his own knighthood.
“Love it when we have a Dame or a Sir,” Anton said. “We don’t have enough of them – we need more of them. If they make me a Sir, then we can just cover that base every year, straight away. I’ve been around long enough to be a Sir. Surely a knighthood should come my way at some stage? Can we start a petition?”
John Bishop Wisdom of the Crowd mades its debut over the weekend and some BBC viewers were left turning off the gameshow
22:55, 19 Sep 2026Updated 22:56, 19 Sep 2026
Wisdom of the Crowd made its debut on BBC One over the weekend(Image: BBC)
BBC’s Wisdom of the Crowd has left fans divided after just one episode.
The new gameshow, hosted by comedian John Bishop, kicked off on Saturday (September 19) night and is inspired by a remarkable scientific discovery.
Over 100 years ago, a scientist called Francis Galton visited a farmers’ fair where a competition was being held to guess the weight of an ox. Over 800 people entered and the person with the best guess won the ox.
The scientist looked at all the guesses and what he saw blew his mind: The average guess of everyone put together was so accurate that it was even better than the best individual guess.
He called his discovery The Wisdom of the Crowd and the theory transformed the worlds of politics, economics and philosophy and now this science is about to be put to its use as a new big-money Saturday night game show.
In each show, individual contestants get three chances to beat the Wisdom of the Crowd. The whole studio is asked a question and if the contestant’s guess is better than the average guess of the Crowd then they win £10,000.
If the Crowd win, then the contestant gets another chance. If the contestant doesn’t manage to beat the Crowd on their third attempt, they’re out of the game and leave with nothing.
The £10,000 is then put in the CROWD FUND and, at the end of the show, everything left in that CROWD FUND will be shared equally by the Crowd which gives the contestants in a dilemma.
Before they’re knocked out, they can give in, forfeit the £10,000 and take a seat in the Crowd in the hope of taking a smaller share of the winnings at the end of the show.
The first episode left viewers watching at home divided with some switching off in minutes. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “#WisdomOfTheCrowd I gave up after 20 minutes generally I thought it was boring @BBCOne.”
Another added: “This show’s all over the place, I completely lost the thread of what was happening #WisdomOfTheCrowd.” A third person said: “lasted 3 minutes and changed channels. Pish with a capital P #wisdomofthecrowd.”
However, some viewers enjoyed the programme with someone else writing: “Think #WisdomOfTheCrowd is great. Biggest compliment that it feels like an established show already. Fun & playable.” Another agreed: “I will say that #WisdomOfTheCrowd feels like its been on for years. Loving it.”
Speaking to the BBC about the new show, John previously said: “I like the idea of doing a Saturday night show that all the family can watch. Since I started in television, the landscape has changed quite a bit but one of the things that remains constant is that if you’re ever going to get the family together, it’s on a Saturday night and the format of Wisdom attracted me as an opportunity to do that.
“A lot of the questions took me by surprise because you’re always going to get random answers. If you say to people how many mobile phones does the average person have, you’re always going to get someone say something daft at either end.
“But what struck me was when you’ve got a group of people together how unified the answers were. I think that says that as a nation, we’ve got more in common with each other than we think. We all think in a certain parameter.”
Wisdom Of The Crowd continurs on Saturday, September 26 at 8.45pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC One
Coleen and Wayne as you’ve never seen them before, as they star in their new Disney+ reality series The Real Rooneys
17:16, 17 Sep 2026Updated 17:18, 17 Sep 2026
Coleen and Wayne Rooney are keeping things real in their latest show
It’s a Premier League makeover for Wayne Rooney, who is embracing his latest position of reality TV star.
Together with wife Coleen and their four boys, Wayne lets the cameras in to the family’s £20million Cheshire mansion to witness the highs and lows of their chaotic family life. “This is a side of us you’ve never seen before,” promises Coleen. Mrs Rooney appears to be spot on. The former number 10 is seen quaffing champagne in a snowsuit, cuddling up to Mickey Mouse and trying to keep up with his growing sons playing football in the garden.
But it’s not all fizz and frolics, Wayne is also filmed being given the hairdryer treatment by Coleen in scenes that could make Sir Alex Ferguson wince. Coleen tells her husband that he’s ruined a family holiday and storms out of shot as the cameras follow them on a beach, leaving Wayne alone and subdued on a sun-lounger contemplating his actions. “The dog house manual? I’m on the third book,” Wazza quips, safely out of Coleen’s ear.
When he’s not receiving instructions on the shopping list or juggling the school run, Wayne is also seen embracing a career pivot to the BBC Sport punditry team. The former England star was a surprise hit at this year’s FIFA World Cup. His no-nonsense commentary and blunt put-downs were a winner with viewers, especially after branding the multi-million pound half-time show ‘crap.’ “I’ll do my job, entertaining the country,” Wayne smirks to the camera, turning on the charm in one of his first TV confessionals.
A summer at the BBC may have signalled a new showbizzy Wayne, but in his new reality series he dives right in.
In the new Disney+ series, Wayne, 40, shares the spotlight with Coleen, 40, and sons Kai, 16, Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight.
Reflecting on their incredible turn of fortunes, after meeting as teenagers on a council estate in Liverpool, Coleen says: “This house is everything I’ve dreamed of, the only problem is we’ve got to share it with our four boys.”
Klay is seen being interviewed by an off-camera producer who asks: “Who’s more famous, mum or dad?” He replies: “My dad. My mum is only known because of my dad.” Wayne also confirms the couple will not have any more children, saying: “No chance, I’ll have the snip.” Coleen references her court case against fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy and her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as she works on developing a collection with Primark and filming a TV advert alongside actor Danny Dyer. She says: “Since the court case and then the jungle, it’s opened up a lot of doors.” Wayne is also seen in his natural habitat, revelling in having a kick around with eldest son Kai, who is a forward for Manchester United’s youth academy.
Later in the trailer, Wayne holds Coleen up in his arms as they recreate the Dirty Dancing lift.
“It feels like we’re on the edge of a new life,” the mum says in a voiceover.
Wayne also appears to be fully in the grips of a new look. The footballer appears to have undergone a glossy glow-up to match his new on-screen ‘fun dad’ persona.
Ditching his beard for some rugged manscaping, the ex England captain appears noticeably more primped and preened for the small screen. Growing out his salt and pepper hair, Wayne is happy to show off his locks after his many famous hair transplants over the years.
He underwent his first back in 2011, “I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result,” he previously said.
This year Wayne also revealed he had gone under the knife to have nose surgery to correct long-term breathing difficulties from breaking his nose twice during his playing career
Ready for his close-ups, the former striker is also smiling a little more brightly – sporting some straighter white teeth.
They are the latest footballing family to join the race to become Britain’s next reality star. They follow The Vardys on ITV and the Owens after Michael and his family also let the cameras in for Prime Video with Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy set to follow suit in the new year.
The Real Rooneys will launch on September 24 on Disney+.
BBC Radio 5 Live brings you more Premier League commentaries than anywhere else this season, with 209 live matches.
You can listen to selected commentaries, plus updates from around the grounds, on BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport app and website and via your smart speaker.
BBC Sounds is the place to find every 5 Live Premier League commentary this season, with more ways to listen via the app than ever before.
Sports Extra 2 and Sports Extra 3 are new radio streams available only on BBC Sounds, offering you the chance to discover more coverage from the Premier League and listen to your team live.
The Football Fix collection now brings you every 5 Live Premier League commentary in one place, plus build-up, reaction, and all the BBC’s football podcasts. Find it here and on the BBC Sounds homepage throughout the season.
Vigil aired its explosive finale on Monday night as series three came to an end
22:52, 14 Sep 2026Updated 22:57, 14 Sep 2026
Vigil aired its explosive finale on Monday night as series three came to an end (Image: BBC / World Productions / Mark Mainz)
Vigil viewers were all quick to make the same demand on Monday as series three came to an end.
The hit BBC detective drama sees Suranne Jones as DCI Amy Silva and Rose Leslie as DI Kirsten Longacre. Series three has seen the murder of a British citizen in the Arctic, leading to DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre investigating the case.
It wasn’t long until Amy looked into a possible conspiracy on Scottish soil while Kirsten came up against uncooperative Russian inhabitants, who claimed foul play and obstructed her at every turn. As expected with Vigil, soon many twists came about, including the discovery of a missing person…
After five episodes full of suspense, Monday night saw the series finale as Amy and Kirsten returned to Scotland, only for danger to follow them there.
Meanwhile, Amy found herself on the wrong side of the law, and Kirsten put herself in danger to keep Amy safe and to get to the truth while under immense political pressure and personal jeopardy. The duo were faced with the hardest choice of their careers yet…
After Sir Ian Downing was arrested and politician Gordon Laity, Shen Jia was finally safe and able to share her research with the world. However, it was heartbreaking news for Amy as she faced severe action for refusing to hand Shen Jia over to the authorities.
Speaking to her boss, Amy asked: “Are you going to arrest me now?” to which he responded: “No, I don’t think there’ll be an appetite to bring charges… provided…”
With Amy answering: “Provided I resign?” to which her boss emotionally confirmed her question, saying he doesn’t like the idea but he doesn’t want to see her in prison either.
Amy then declared: “It’s been a privilege to work with you, sir” as she shook his hand. Meanwhile, emotional partner Kirsten said: “A wise colleague of mine once told me to never make this job personal” to which Amy insisted she has no regrets before walking off hand-in-hand with Kirsten.
Following the finale, viewers were quick to take to Twitter, now X, to share their thoughts, demanding a series four. One person said: “brilliant series enjoyed every episode more please #Vigil.”
A different account wrote: “End of the series. A fantastic series! #Vigil” while another fan put: “#vigil What a brilliant series.”
Elsewhere, another show watcher commented: “Vigil with the wildly talented Suranne Jones is a terrific tension filled mystery. The gripping drama, Line of Duty meets 24 with a hint of Chain Reaction, is f***in awesome. Support includes Rose Leslie as Detective Inspector Kirsten Longacre. Season 4? #Vigil.”
Will there be a Vigil season 4?
Only recently, creator Tom Edge teased whether viewers could see the duo return for a fourth series. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, the writer said: “Regrettably, the world remains complicated and finds new ways to evolve towards instability, danger and the rest. So I don’t think we would ever find ourselves short of stories.”
He added: “I think certainly this time around, we put the show in a place where we feel that this arc across three seasons has been settled.
“I think we will see how it goes. But one of the pleasures of the show is it doesn’t feel like it is a show that has to return on an annual ticking clock basis. So I think we can leave it open, but certainly for this season, it felt like it was the culmination of a bunch of questions that we’ve asked across three seasons. I was happy to take it to that point.”
The Channel 4 series launched on Sunday, September 13, with six celebrities taking on a new challenge. They include Lucy Beaumont, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Richard Herring, Paul Merson, Layton Williams, and Denise Van Outen.
With little to no pottery experience, they braved the pottery studio, hoping to impress judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller to earn a place in the grand final and be crowned winner. But unlike the original format, the celebrity edition has no weekly elimination rounds.
Channel 4 had earlier teased: “Viewers can expect a few wonky edges, and some cracking clay creations as each celebrity grows in confidence and ability. But who will be holding their breath, waiting to see if their muddy masterpieces emerge from the kiln intact, who will reduce Keith to tears with their creative ceramics, and who will crack under the pressure as the competition gets more competitive over the weeks?”
After being announced as presenter, Liza previously shared: “I knew I’d enjoy Keith and Rich’s company and I did. People flourish around emotionally intelligent people, and the boy’s encouragement and kindness really promoted a growth in our newbie potters that was a pleasure to witness. I absolutely loved being there.”
Viewers have now declared their support for the former BBC Radio 2 presenter, who announced her radio show exit earlier this year, saying that after 36 years, it was “time to go”. Demanding to see more of her on their screens, one fan wrote: “Liza Tarbuck is such a natural presenter, yet television companies consistently use the same faces. Liza is a great addition to #potterythrowdown.”
Another said: “LOVING Liza Tarbuck on #PotteryThrowdown Always loved her on Radio2.. but she is PERFECT for this! What a signing @Channel4.” Someone else wrote: “Never watched Celeb Pottery Throw Down before… It’s brilliant, loving Denise, Layton, Lucy, Richard, and Liza Tarbuck presenting is brilliant… she always is, why doesn’t she get more TV time?”
“More Liza Tarbuck on the telly box please!” one viewer added, as another said: “I’d love to see more of Liza Tarbuck – she’s absolutely hilarious! Make her the permanent presenter for #potterythrowdown.”
Another wrote: “Liza + Pottery Throwdown is a dream come true! But seeing the skill level they’re all starting this, I feel this is going to be an emotional journey of a series.” Yet another echoed: “@PotteryThrow great to see Liza on the TV again, funny lady, love her.”
Meanwhile, Liza spoke about working with judges Keith and Rich in an interview with The Guardian ahead of the new series airing. “Keith is fabulous,” she said. “A really good laugh. But trust me, Rich is the one slyly holding it all together.
“They’re both open-hearted and emotionally intelligent, which is a lovely quality in men of a certain age. That makes it a safe space and brings people’s barriers down. Celebrities aside – what a horrible label – they’re just humans. Keith said to me early on: ‘Just watch the clay work as therapy,’ and it really did.”
After being announced as the presenter of the series, Liza was flooded with support from fans. One person said: “Yay, so excited to see Liza Tarbuck!!”
Another said, “Yay, Lisa Tarbuck,” while a third added, “So excited to see this … and Lisa Tarbuck.” Someone else wrote: “Never watched this before… Liza Tarbuck appears- I’M IN!”
The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down is available to watch on Channel 4.
Experienced host Emma Willis knows what to expect in some ways and just wants to bring ‘joy’ to Strictly viewers in the same way Tess and Claudia did
Strictly has a new trio hosting the show this year with Emma joined by professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe.(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Defiant Emma Willis says she knows the new Strictly Come Dancing series will bring her and the other new hosts lots of abuse and criticism – but she won’t engage with it. Emma, former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe, 39, and comedian Josh Widdicombe, 43, will take over later this month from long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year.
Emma is used to comparisons with other hosts having fronted Big Brother after Davina McCall and Brian Dowling. But she vowed to ignore the haters and just wants to try to enjoy the experience. She said: “I’m ready for the comparisons. I am ready for the negative opinions that can come with these things. Those things I don’t engage with or read, and there are always positives as well.
“At the end of the day, I feel like it’s really simple, right? We we work in this industry, and we’ve been given the opportunity to work on a phenomenal show that is really well loved by the public and also by ourselves. We we aren’t reinventing the wheel, and we’re not rocket scientists.
“We’re working on an entertainment show about dancing that is meant to hopefully bring joy to everybody watching it. So hopefully we can be a small part of that joy and have a really lovely time doing it.”
She added: “There’s obviously a kind of fear that comes with it because of the enormity of it, and you have nerves about being good enough to kind of do the job and step into the role.”
The trio were a surprise choice to make up the presenting team and they admitted they were also a bit shocked to be picked. They gave the impression they were unsure if they were in pole position to get the jobs, saying their final audition was the “very last of the callbacks on a Friday afternoon”. They had also been told it would be a pair presenting and so Josh presumed it was “two weirdos against each other” and he was being pitched head-to-head with Johannes, only to end up working with him and more established host Emma.
Comedian Josh also said that while they would not “reinvent the show”, they would “be ourselves and our personalities will be there”. He added on taking the job: “It’s like you only get one opportunity at this career. We’re incredibly blessed that we’ve got where we are in our careers, and just why not?”
Johannes was initially nervous but after speaking with his agent was more confident. “If anybody was afforded this opportunity amongst my peers[dancers], any one of them would jump at it.”
Emma turned 50 in March, but rather than seeing that milestone as a time to reflect or slow down, is arguably enjoying her most successful stage of her career. She said: “I think maybe there’s more of a reframe needs to be had around 50 and as you’re getting older, you should slow down or change or maybe not do as much. I feel more invigorated at 50, I’m more like I’m more sure of myself. I know what I want to do. I’m not going to apologise for myself and my successes like I’ve done for the last 25 years.
“I’m not about to step down and slow down for anything. So I say, bring it on. You know, life is short. So take these opportunities when they they come your way, because at some point they’ll stop.”
* Strictly Come Dancing will return on Sunday September 19 to BBC One and iPlayer.
Stephen McGann has opened-up about his character, Dr. Turner, being played by a new actor for the drama’s prequel
Call the Midwife wraps up in emotional finale
Call the Midwife legend Stephen McGann has claimed he “cannot see” the resemblance as a new actor steps into the role of Dr. Turner.
The 12th season of the much-loved BBC period drama, based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, concluded earlier this year with a heartbreaking finale. The death of Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt) left viewers devastated, while the future of Nonnatus House remained uncertain due to advances in the NHS.
Before the show returns with season 16, a prequel titled Sisters in Arms is set to air this festive season. The three-part mini-series will be set during the London Blitz and follow familiar characters in the early stages of their careers, including Dr. Patrick Turner.
The adored GP first arrived in Poplar during the debut episode of Call the Midwife, which aired in 2012, and has since remained a favourite among fans. The character will appear in the prequel, with This Town actor Ben Rose portraying a young Patrick Turner.
Speaking about Sisters in Arms, Stephen, 63, has offered a playful glimpse into his marriage with the show’s creator, Heidi Thomas, who thinks Ben Rose is the spitting image of her husband. “I think he’s the image of Steve,” Heidi told Radio Times. “Steve can’t see any resemblance, so the audience are going to have to draw their own conclusions.”
Stephen was quick to chime in: “Do you know what happened? I’m in my house, and when the final casting was confirmed, my good lady wife and my son were conferring, going, ‘Oh, he looks like Dad, doesn’t he? Doesn’t he look like Dad?'”
Heidi laughed: “He does, he does, but you can’t see it, can you, love?” Stephen then confirmed: “I can’t see it at all.”
Stephen and Heidi first crossed paths in 1988 and exchanged vows two years later, when they were both 27. They spent their honeymoon in Tuscany before settling down in a quaint cottage in rural Essex, before moving to Cambridge. The couple share one son, Dominic. As per Stephen’s memoir, A History of My Family in Seven Maladies, he first encountered Heidi when he auditioned for her new play at the Liverpool Playhouse.
What is Sisters in Arms about?
Call the Midwife will turn back the clock to World War II as bombs rain down in Poplar, East London, at a time when the National Health Service was non-existent. Set in 1939, it will see three familiar nuns in the early stages of their careers.
According to the BBC’s synopsis: “In September 1939, Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar.
“Together with Sister Alice, and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies and those in need. But there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state. Then war is declared – and life gets even harder.”
It adds: “While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble. But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive.”
Created, written, and executive produced by Heidi Thomas, Sisters in Arms welcomes a new cast, including Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper star Julie Hesmondhalgh as Sister Alice.
Theatre star Helena Wilson is taking on the role of a young Sister Julienne, though the original actress, Jenny Agutter, will be narrating the miniseries. Ami Metcalf, who played Lynette in the first Christmas special, is returning as Betty Buckle, the first wife of Fred Buckle, now played by Ciaran Bowling. Ben Rose also takes on the role of Dr. Turner.
The BBC has confirmed that Sisters in Arms will air on BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas, though the exact days and times are yet to be confirmed.
Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
JEREMY Clarkson has backed an Instagram influencer to take over Gardener’s World following Monty Don’s shock exit.
Don announced his departure earlier this week after 23 years on the show.
Monty Don announced his leaving earlier this weekCredit: BBCClarkson has spoken out about the departure, making an unusual suggested replacementCredit: Alamy
Writing in his column for The Times, Jeremy has called upon the BBC to carefully consider who will be Don’s replacement.
The former Top Gear presenter reflected on the gardening show tenderly, calling it a “pixelated comfort food”.
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However, Jeremy made a surprising suggestion as to who could fill Don’s shoes.
He said: “So, for the new host, might I recommend that the producers trawl the staff in the nation’s garden centres for candidates. Or check out a girl called Chloe from Blooms & Greens on Instagram.”
Chloe has amassed nearly 700,000 followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/@bloomsandgreensbychloeHer content varies from gardening to bouquet creatingCredit: instagram/@bloomsandgreensbychloe
Chloe, who boasts 672,000 followers online, is famed for her gardening videos.
She offers short snippets of her tending to her organic vegetable garden or floral bouquet creations.
And it seems Jeremy is not the only fan, with one of her videos racking up 2.3million views.
He said: “This is a show that’s watched by a certain type of people. And it should be presented and written and produced by that sort of person.”
He likened her to Don himself, but 50 years his junior, Irish, and a woman.
Speaking of his own gardening skills, Jeremy confessed to being less garden-native than the beloved host.
He called himself “the only person in human history ever to kill a spider plant.”
And that was not his only planting frustration he reflected on – one time he bought a Baobab tree seed from Morocco.
The same seed refused to grow until he passed it onto his gardener, Shaun, where it is now thriving under his care.
Jeremy also delved into the time he planted 50 Christmas trees, only for 47 of them to grow too tall to be of any use.
He said: “But despite this ineptitude, I do watchGardeners’ Worldand that’s why I was sad this week to hear that after 23 years, Monty isleaving the show.”
With the BBC likely currently having conversations about Don’s replacement, Jeremy weighed in with his concerns on the topic.
He said: “I have the most horrible feeling that whoever gets the gig will not be the sort of person who wears corduroy.”
He suggested, if not Chloe, then producers try garden centres to find a host.
Jeremy added: “What they need to remember is that Gardeners’ World is a show about gardening, for sure, but it’s also a state of mind.”
An AI researcher who quit Anthropic told the BBC that people working on the technology are “genuinely frightened” about the speed of its advancements and what it could mean for humanity.
Jacob Coxon spoke with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on Saturday about his viral resignation post where he raised concerns about out-of-control artificial intelligence.
“I believe that if we don’t slow down at the current rate of progress, there is a strong chance that we could all die in the immediate future,” he said.
His resignation comes amid growing safety concerns in the industry, including from his former boss, head of Anthropic Dario Amodei, who in an essay on Saturday argued for development to slow down.
However some industry figures say the dangers are being overblown, possibly to build hype around the two biggest AI companies ahead of their potential stock market debut or to prompt regulation which would slow their competitors.
Coxon, a 27-year-old from Britain whose research focuses on training AI models, said AI leaders including Elon Musk and OpenAI’s Sam Altman have shared similar concerns to Amodei.
“They’ve all made statements about the necessity of being careful of the potential for AI takeover. They’ve all talked about this. AI takeover implies human extinction,” Coxon said.
The hardest question to answer, according to Coxon, is what that would look like.
“Any kind of concrete scenario you can lay out ends up sounding like science fiction,” Coxon said, but notes that advancements which have already happened would have sounded like fiction in the past.
A potential scenario could involve AI agents hacking into medical laboratories to “autonomously produce deadly viruses”, Coxon said. Another example he listed could be AI hacking into “critical infrastructure that the world runs on”.
“They did it autonomously, without any human encouragement. They chose to go on this hacking spree. It was the combination of things getting faster and things also getting scarier,” Coxon said.
Coxon said this scenario could be realistic in six months to a year.
Anthropic and OpenAI are reportedly preparing for potentially record-setting initial public offerings. Industry figures have suggested comments about the perils and power of AI may be designed to generate hype. Other critics say Anthropic has been trying to trigger a regulatory push to block competition, leaving it and OpenAI with a duopoly.
Coxon’s views have also been questioned by the CEO of the AI platform Hugging Face, Clement Delangue.
“Sorry, but asking Jacob about AI extinction risk is like asking your AC guy about climate change,” he wrote on X. “Not saying it’s necessarily uninteresting or wrong per se but let’s keep things in perspective.”
After Amodei’s essay on Saturday, however, Delangue offered to help be a part of the potential solutions proposed by the Anthropic boss.
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang also discussed Coxon’s comments before a crowd at a conference hosted by the investment bank Goldman Sachs last week, multiple people in the group told the BBC. They said he dismissed them as untrue.
Huang has previously said the notion that AI “is going to be the end of humanity” is “complete nonsense”.
And while he may have a business interest in an AI boom – Nvidia builds chips that power AI systems – his comments reflect a growing backlash in Silicon Valley to the existential warnings from current and former staffers.
