Amol Rajan told The One Show his Celebrity Traitors exit was ‘absolutely horrible’ and said he would give Richard E. Grant less of a hard time if he could play again.
Paige Ingram and Lauren Del Fabbro Press Association Entertainment Reporter
03:04, 06 Oct 2026
Rajan branded it a “moment of utter madness”, admitting that if he had his time again he would “definitely” handle things differently(Image: BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)
Broadcaster Amol Rajan has described it as “absolutely horrible” to become the first faithful booted off the new series of Celebrity Traitors, after giving “lord of chaos” actor Richard E Grant a tough ride.
The 43 year old journalist was eliminated by the traitors — Grant and TV presenter Maya Jama — during Friday’s episode of the popular BBC spin-off reality game show.
It followed his impassioned plea alongside fellow contestant and comedian James Acaster, who had secretly been recruited as the series’ third traitor.
Appearing on The One Show to discuss his departure from the Scottish castle, he said: “It’s absolutely horrible. It was horrible at the time. Just so people know when you are on The Traitors, it is your world. It’s not like a game, you are hundreds of miles from your family, you don’t have your phone, it’s so intense, it’s a little bubble.
“So as you walk into that chapel you are absolutely terrified.”
During the opening episode, which aired on Thursday, Grant sensationally revealed to his fellow contestants that he was a traitor just minutes into the competition.
The bombshell declaration left many faithfuls, Rajan included, deeply suspicious of the actor and debating whether he was bluffing or had genuinely exposed himself.
Rajan branded it a “moment of utter madness”, admitting that if he had his time again he would “definitely” handle things differently — including going easier on the “lord of chaos” himself. He said: “The one thing I would say is lots of people were giving him a hard time and I did get quite close to being recruited as a traitor.”
He also revealed that, as a journalist, he believes he was targeted due to expectations that he would ask probing questions. Rajan added: “The thing about the celebrity version, and it’s amazing TV, it’s just fantastic television, but on the celeb version people’s reputation walk in before they do.
“So I should have known I was going to be a target but I didn’t realise Richard would go quite that mad that quickly.”
Thursday’s episode made history as the most watched debut of any series of the programme in the UK, drawing an average audience of 8.9 million viewers and peaking at 9.1 million at one point.
In the smash-hit series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, 21 celebrity contestants compete with those assigned as faithfuls attempting to root out those who have been designated as traitors, who “kill off” fellow players in the dead of night.
The celebrities are battling it out at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, with a charity cash prize of up to £100,000 up for grabs.
The Celebrity Traitors returns on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday at 8pm.
The full lineup for the new series of Celebrity Race Across the World has been revealed, and Princess and Junior Andre will be seen competing on the hit BBC show
11:43, 01 Oct 2026Updated 11:43, 01 Oct 2026
Princess and Junior Andre have joined the star-studded lineup of Celebrity Race Across the World(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Princess and Junior Andre have joined the star-studded lineup of Celebrity Race Across the World. The children of Katie Price and Peter Andre have begun to carve out their own careers in showbiz in recent years, with Princess, 19, heading up her own ITV2 reality show and Junior, 21, working as a musician.
Alongside Princess and Junior, the other pairs confirmed to be taking part are Eurovision star Sam Ryder alongside his best friend and tour manage Kaz. BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter Ella Eyre will be competing alongside her childhood friend Nana, and veteran sports broadcaster Jeff Stelling with his son Matt.
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The BBC confirmed the news with a series of photos of the pairs, and said: “Say hello to the lineup of Celebrity Race Across the World, coming soon to BBC iPlayer.
“Celebrity Race Across The World: Familiar faces, numerous countries, zero VIP treatment. Famous family & friends pairs take on a race across the world – by any means necessary.”
Princess then broke her silence about the news and wrote on Instgaram: “Finally….we are excited to announce that we are part of @raceacrosstheworld!!” Meanwhile, Space Man singer Sam also addressed the news as he wrote on social media: “see you soon bbc1“
When it comes to Princess and Junior, insiders previously claimed that that the pair had signed up. A source told The Sun of the show’s new signing: “Princess and Junior have proven themselves to be well-mannered, hardworking kids and opportunities continue to come their way. Execs were impressed with the ratings for The Princess Diaries but also how they came across.
“They’re brilliant signings for Celeb Race as they bring with them a younger audience. But bosses are also looking forward to seeing how they cope with the stripped-back style of travelling as they’re more at home in five-star hotels than a hostel.”
Last year, it was The One Show star Roman Kemp and his sister Harley Moon, the children of Martin and Shirlie Kemp, who emerged victorious from the series.
Following his win, Roman told The Mirror: “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, by far.” Bravely, Roman continued: “And doing it with no antidepressants is the hardest thing ever.
I was on the verge of a panic attack constantly.” Roman started taking sertraline, an antidepressant known as an SSRI, as a teenager, as well as dealing with suicidal thoughts from the age of 15. But it was, it’s the best thing. I think retrospectively [it’s] the best thing I have ever done because I spent ridiculous time with my sister and that’s something we never. Never did.”
Celebrity Race Across The World will air on BBC One and iPlayer soon
Childline founder and legendary broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86 after battling cancer, as her children announced in a joint statement.
BBC Breakfast paid tribute to Esther Rantzen on Thursday’s programme(Image: BBC)
The 86-year-old is best known for presenting shows such as That’s Life! and for founding Childline, as well as campaigning to legalise assisted dying in the UK. In 2023, she revealed she had joined Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying clinic, after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Sadly, her children confirmed in a joint statement that their mother had died on September 30, stating they will ‘miss her immeasurably.’ During Thursday’s (October 1) instalment of BBC Breakfast, presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt took a moment to pay tribute to the broadcaster and reflect on her career.
Naga said: “Many tributes have been made for the broadcaster and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who has died at the age of 86.”
Charlie added: “She became a household name presenting and producing the BBC programme That’s Life for more than 20 years. Our culture editor Katie Razzell looks back at her extraordinary life.”
BBC viewers were then shown a compilation of clips of Esther’s broadcasting career, including some hilarious snippets from her time on That’s Life, alongside her investigating other serious issues.
One segment saw a clip from her former co-star Adrian Mills, who said: “At the time, the three most powerful people in the country were probably, The Queen, Margaret Thatcher and Esther Rantzen, not necessarily in that order.”
Actress and comedian Miriam Margolyes added, “She just wouldn’t let anything get in the way of work. She was determined, very ambitious and somehow generous.”
A poignant moment in the tribute was a past interview with Esther herself as she commented, “I don’t expect to be remembered.
When you stop appearing on television, people assume you’ve died. My physical death, no doubt, will happen long after people have said, ‘Wasn’t she Esther Rantzen?’
One of the last campaigns Esther was fighting for was the assisted dying bill, which was rejected in Parliament on September 11.
The BBC played a clip of Esther speaking with her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, on the phone to share her thoughts on the MP’s decision.
She said: “I am sure a change in the law will come, I am deeply sad that it won’t come soon enough for many of the people who need it.”
BBC Breakfast is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 6am
Claudia Winkleman says the new series of Celebrity Traitors is so good she didn’t want to leave
Claudia is excited for fans to watch the new series of Traitors.(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Claudia Winkleman has insisted she is “too thick” to take part in the Celebrity Traitors. The TV presenter will return to screens tonight hosting the hit BBC series when a new batch of famous faces enter the Scottish castle.
Actors Michael Sheen and Richard E Grant, supermodel Jerry Hall, presenter Maya Jama and comedians Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan and James Acaster are among the line-up, alongside Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, musician James Blunt and The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey.
However, 54-year-old Claudia said she would never want to be among their number. She said: “I’m too thick. I mustn’t play it in public. I must not, thank you so much. I’m just being honest. I could have come up with a schmoozier (answer) but no.
“It’s a privilege to play that game and to be at the round table, but I think I would just be too awful at it.”
The game follows the celebrity contestants – the majority of whom are known as faithfuls – as they try to seek out the murderous traitors among them, who kill off players in the middle of the night. Asked who were her favourite players this time, Claudia refused to name names but said as a collective they kept her gripped.
She explained: “I can’t. Genuinely, all of them were tremendous. And when we do any series, I have this room with the monitors. I’m like a weirdo just applying fake tan watching. And they’re like, ‘You can go now. You can go home. You’re free.’ I’m not leaving. This one, I never left. And I slept with just my eyes on it because they are all, you love them anyway, but they are tremendous.”
In fact, Claudia has fallen in love with the Scottish castle and its surroundings so much that she is taking her family there on holiday in the Highlands this year.
Speaking at the show launch earlier this month, she said: “That’s where we’re going this Summer, me and my family. And my husband’s like, ‘You’re already there quite a lot. What’s the matter with you?’.
“It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in the world, is the truth. It is breathtaking. And we just went (for filming on civilian version) We went west and we went west – I can’t say anything else – for a mission and there was a sign that said, ‘Do beware, there are extra otters this year.’
“I was like, ‘Well, full stop’. There’s always a double rainbow, just the colours of it. And everybody is so kind and lovely to us when we’re there. So yeah, that’s where we’re going.”
Executive producer Sarah Fay added that the new line up of celebrities were cheekier than in the first series. She explained: “I can say its a very twisty turny series. I think what I would say is that the celebrities had the chance to see series one – obviously last tine they hadn’t had Celebrity before. It was new territory, but I think this time they’ve seen it. They know that they can be naughty. No one’s going to get canceled in the Traitors Castle for being naughty, so they had fun.”
The first celebrity spin-off was won by traitor Alan Carr, was a ratings hit and won a slew of awards.
Exec Sarah also said she was “chuffed” it was such a hit and hopes the second outing lives up to the past success and even ups the ante. She said: “We never take for granted that the audience is always going to come to it. So (the first series) felt a little bit like Monopoly money, it just didn’t seem real, but obviously we’re so, so chuffed.”
She continued: “But going into the series, we wanted to make sure it felt it wasn’t comparable and we could bring a new freshness to it. A new cast could bring something to it, whether that’s the dynamics of Rob and Romesh, with a celebrity duo with new twists, new turns. We’re always looking at ways to up the ante and make it feel like compelling viewing.”
She insisted fans were also likely to be left shouting at their screens with lots of cliffhanger endings to episodes.
Sarah explained: “We always have an idea before going into production what might be cliffhangers, but as I said before, we have to be so reactive because who knows what the story’s going to be. We’ve had to end before when we’ve done deadlocks last year when it was down to David[Olusoga] and Mark[Bonnar] where it was a tie.
“We never knew that that was going to happen until obviously it was happening right before our eyes. And so when we did get to the edit, we decided to end the episode there, but that could have been another cliffhanger. But I think the beauty of this game as well, because the format, every episode we’ve probably got about three options for what the cliffhanger could be because it’s so nail biting and there’s lots of tension and things going on throughout.”
* The Celebrity Traitors begins tonight (Thursday October 1) at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Despite his expressions giving the game away at all times, he still fancies being a traitor and says he has ‘no qualms’ when it comes to killing his friends
Rob reckons his expressive face will give the game away for him very quickly(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative)
Rob Beckett has confessed he is facing an uphill struggle when it comes to The Celebrity Traitors – because he is unable to hide his true feelings.
The comedian, who fronts a TV series with fellow player Romesh Ranganathan, is aiming to emulate the comedy deflection tactic used to perfection last year by winner Alan Carr.
“I think I’ll be good at deflecting with humour naturally because that’s what I’ve been trained to do,” he said. “My problem is that you know what I’m thinking by looking at my face. I think I’m in trouble, because I tell everyone everything with my expressions alone.”
Speaking before the series was filmed in May, Rob said his strategy was to make decisions in real time as the game unfolds. “Do trust your gut in the moment because you can overthink and over prepare, and then what I’ve got is panicked rehearsed lines – and that’s not just in this game. In life, the best things I’ve ever said have never been planned.”
The comic, from south London, says for him and some of the other players, the show is a full-circle moment. “I think I’ll just find the whole scenario hilarious because it’s so surreal to be around that group of people.
“Romesh, obviously everyone knows we’re such good friends, but Joe Lycett and James Acaster, I did gigs with them nearly 20 years ago, in pubs in Soho in front of eight people, and now all of a sudden we’re in this situation. So, it’s quite a reflective moment to consider this journey we’ve all gone on to now be on the biggest show on TV.
“Everyone wants to be on it, and we’re very lucky to be here, and to be here with friends and people that I’ve come through the ranks with and been able to confide in over the years. It’s quite nice to see all of us here as grown-ups.”
Dad-of-two Rob, 40, reckons he’d make a good Traitor, but is happy to leave the decision to presenter Claudia Winkleman. “I’d happily be either. Claudia and the producers are the experts in this, not me, but I’m very happy to do both, and I’ve got no qualms about killing people off.”
If he does end up as a Traitor, however, he does worry about giving him away immediately. “I could be the fastest Traitor out in history. I’ll probably just get a tap of the shoulder and get up and go: ‘You’ll never guess what just happened to me!’ and off I go. You’ll never know until you get in there.”
Rob’s hoping that his many years as a stand-up will help him to survive. “Being on stage is like being at the Round Table. You’re performing to an audience. And you’re having to say things to get them to behave in a certain way.”
Fellow player Joanne McNally reckons the six comedians who’ve signed up for this year’s show would “absolutely kill each other off” if necessary.
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Arguing that the group will happily double-cross each other for entertainment, she insisted they hadn’t spoken beforehand. “We haven’t been in cahoots at all,” Joanne insisted. “There’s been no chatting because we know that we’re more than willing to throw each other under the bus. It’s not like we’re making fake allegiances. They are professional entertainers, and they will absolutely kill each other off for the craic.”
The other comedians taking part are James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.
Asked about signing up for the series Joanne, 43, quipped that she wanted to improve her social circle, laughing: “It’s all about the celebrity WhatsApp group. And what an eclectic cast we have. Like, you couldn’t predict it. It’s like lining up all my ex-boyfriends. There’s no consistency to it at all. I love it. It’s so frantic. It kind of has a bit of everything.”
Aiming to be chosen as a Traitor, “quietly competitive” Joanne insisted she had the necessary skills. “I’m great at spotting lies. I can read body language, and I’ve dealt with a lot of snakes,” she said.
She prepared by having a makeover. “I got six packs of hair extensions put in. I have some skills but hair and makeup is not one of them.” Joanne now believes she could have what it takes to go all the way to the end. “I have this feeling I’ll either be out within seven minutes, or I’ll end up going the distance.”
Heartstopper actor Sebastian Croft, 24, is hoping to fly under the radar. “To be with a bunch of my heroes in a castle with Claudia is wonderful,” he declared. “I’m very much hoping that the fact that most of the cast don’t know me will work to my advantage.”
He has prepared by asking the universe for advice. “I went to see a lady who read my tarot, my astrology, crystals, the lot! I couldn’t possibly tell you any of it, it would ruin what’s going to happen.”
Sebastian is hoping to become a Traitor – ideally alongside actor pal Bella Ramsay. “I love Bella! Imagine us in the turret together. That would be the dream.”
YouTuber and boxer King Kenny, 29, is on a mission for justice after his pal Niko Omilana was the first to be banished in last year’s show. “I’ll be honest, after Niko went out last year, I stopped watching,” he said. “But when I heard I was going to play this year I got determined to do this for Niko and avenge him.”
The first season of The Celebrity Traitors aired on the BBC last autumn and was watched by 15million people across the series, the biggest TV audience of 2025.
– The Celebrity Traitors starts on October 1 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Jeremy Clarkson has teased a new show in the future after the success of Clarkson’s Farm as he confirms the sixth series has already been filmed
Jeremy Clarkson teases new show to rival Celebrity Traitors in the works(Image: Joe Maher, Getty Images for The NTA’s)
Jeremy Clarkson is teasing a new TV show beyond Clarkson’s farm, that could rival Celebrity Traitors.
The former Top Gear host, 66, started the Amazon Prime Series Clarkson’s Farm in 2021, showcasing the behind the scenes of running his farm Diddly Squat.
The show has been awarded two National Television Awards [NTAs] and become one of the most-watched series on the streaming programme.
The sixth series of the show has been filmed, as confirmed by Clarkson, with the star revealing he is looking forward to what is next outside of the famous series.
At the RTS Convention in London Clarkson said he is already thinking about what comes after Clarkson’s Farm in the changing TV landscape.
He said: “We’re currently thinking about what we’re going to do after Clarkson’s Farm, and it’s going to have to be something bigger – to stand out, to protect us from the onslaught from underneath.”
He told The Sun: “It has to be unbelievably ambitious, like, where people go, ‘What the f**k are you doing? That’s an incredible show!'”
He added that The Traitors is “a very good example”, as the second celebrity version is set to air on October 1.
“They get proper celebrities on that, and it’s a great show.”
He spoke with his daughter, Emily, and Loose Women’s Jane Moore about the changing dynamic of the TV world in the digital age.
He said: “Television has to get bigger, lose scheduling and get better.
Clarkson suggested that the “only” way television can “survive” would be to merge “the whole lot”.
He named the BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4, and Channel 5, and proposed a united platform called “Britfix”.
He added: “People are draining away from the industry, and it’s a huge pool of talent, and I think if we had one great big thing – Britflix, let’s call it – we could all club together and make good programmes.
“But bigger, better and fewer programmes.”
Speaking on Celebrity Traitors, the presenter said he loved the show but we wouldn’t see him sat at the round table in the future.
He said in an interview last year when asked if he would take part: “I wouldn’t in a million years. I’ve got 10 jobs already. Why would I want 11?”
He went on to discuss his former co-stars, saying: “I couldn’t see James May going on it. I could see Richard Hammond going on it, though.”
The sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm is set to land on Prime next summer, following the emotional series that focused on his recovery from a heart procedure and cancer diagnosis.
BBC The Split Up heated up in the final few moments tonight with fans having to wait until the weekend to find out how it plays out.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
22:46, 28 Sep 2026
BBC’s The Split Up hid a tribute that many fans will have missed(Image: BBC)
BBC The Split Up fans may have missed the quiet tribute that the show paid to one of its biggest stars.
Legal drama The Split Up aired its fourth episode this evening, Monday, September 28, and Aria Kishan (played by Ritu Arya) once again had her hands full both personally and professionally.
After not being able to get hold of Uncle Rick (Ramon Tikaram), Dhruv Kishan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) asked Aria and Luke (Dimitri Leonidas) to visit him at the farm he was on the brink of losing.
When they arrived, Uncle Rick insisted there was a will that confirmed the farm had been handed to him and so all three of them searched the house. It was during this hunt that the BBC drama made a cute gesture for their Split Up co-star and Unforgotten legend Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Luke returned to the living room carrying a cardboard box and told Aria and Uncle Rick: “OK there’s not much in there except old books and about 30 VHS tape recordings of Goodness Gracious Me.” Uncle Rick instantly had a big grin on his face as he simply replied: “Still cracks me up.”
Goodness Gracious Me is a 1990s comedy sketch show that ran for three years and starred former EastEnders icon Nina Wadia and The Split Up’s very own Sanjeev Bhaskar.
The award-winning sitcom also starred Bhaskar’s wife Meera Syal who was also one of the creative minds behind Goodness Gracious Me.
Prior to Luke telling everyone about the VHS tapes he found, Uncle Rick told Aria that she shouldn’t “settle” as he sensed chemistry between his niece and her colleague.
It was at her “Fox Do” with husband-to-be Neal (Danny Ashok) that he revealed he knew her father was going to make him joint manager of Kishan Law long before it was announced.
Feeling betrayed, Aria went to Luke’s flat and admitted her feelings which led to a passionate kiss but how is their love story going to play out?
The Split Up is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Ross Kemp wants to prove he’s more than just a tough guy while Richard E Grant hopes being ‘geriatric’ will excuse him from the money-making missions
Ross Kemp wants people to know he’s got a sense of humour under that tough exterior(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative)
There’s just three days to go until the new series of Celebrity Traitors hits the screens and some of its biggest stars have revealed what drove them to sign up for the hit BBC1 show.
Former EastEnders star turned documentary maker Ross Kemp says he is a huge fan of the series, and of host Claudia Winkleman, and wants to show people that there’s more to him than just playing, or being, a tough guy.
“I think if I’m able to stay or survive for a period of time, it would give people an opportunity to see that I’m not just Grant Mitchell or a man that goes around the world confronting people with guns,” he says. “I think obviously there will be people that will only know me as Grant, and then people may have seen the documentaries, which are often quite brutal. I think people probably think that I don’t have any kind of sense of humour whatsoever, which hopefully will come out.”
That said, the 62-year-old admits that being a real-life hard man might actually be his biggest asset when it comes to The Traitors. “My strength hopefully would be some of the physical challenges. I’m a qualified HSE diver, so anything with water I should be able to do. I don’t mind heights too much, I don’t mind cold weather, I’ve completed hostile environment training and I don’t mind being uncomfortable, so I should be able to make a good contribution to Missions.”
But ahead of filming, he admitted he did have a few nerves. “There’s an element of: A, I don’t have control over this; B, I don’t want to let the side down; and C, I don’t want to let my family down by making myself look an idiot.”
Unlike Ross, actor Richard E Grant is hoping to pretty much swerve the Missions altogether – using his age as an excuse. The 69-year-old says: “Jerry Hall and I are the geriatrics of the great group. So, I’m rather hoping there will be some leeway about whether we’re expected to bungee jump off the castle’s wall.”
Richard, whose wife Joan Washington died five years ago, openly admits he is desperate to be picked as a Traitor because he feels they hold all the power. “Absolutely! I would love to be a Traitor,” he laughs. “You have no control in real life over anything. Any chance for that would be welcome – and a little bit of mischief is always welcome.”
He feels he’d be good in the role because he is “definitely” better at telling lies than spotting them and believes that a competitive nature is a pre-requisite for actors. “You can’t survive the profession without being so. It’s too brutal.”
But he doesn’t think his award-winning acting skills will actually help him much. “I think it’ll make people more suspicious because they assume that you’re a natural-born liar. I’ve played so many villains that I assume people will think that I’m a bad egg.”
Whatever happens, he’s hoping his positive attitude will help him to thrive at the Round Tables. “My weakness will be trying to hide what I feel about somebody, and my strength is that I’m a glass three-quarters full person.”
Jerry, 70, says she’s “completely obsessed” with the TV game and was thrilled when she learned that pal Richard was also taking part. “Richard was my neighbour for 30 years and we did a movie together called Tooth, where we played Tooth Fairies, and it was ridiculous,” she says. “We had such a laugh, and I went on holiday with him earlier this year, just after Christmas, to Africa with some friends. And we danced all night and had so much fun! Little did we know back then that we’d both be here.”
Unlike Richard, she is embracing the Missions and believes she can contribute to the effort to win the £100,000 prize pot despite being the oldest in the game. “I am quite an active person,” she explains. “I don’t sit down much. I have a lot of animals – two dogs, a cat, three horses, eight chickens. I do a lot of gardening. I’m very, very busy, and then I babysit my three grandchildren a lot.”
And she has revealed certain secret skills that might come in useful. “I was a girls’ leg wrestling champion in my school district growing up which is very popular in Texas. I come from a very athletic family. My sister Cindy was a girls’ champion bull rider and my sister Rosie was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. We all used to train horses too and you just get bucked off all the time.”
She says the whole of her immediate family is behind her, including former husband Mick Jagger and their four grown-up kids. “I’m very competitive, as are Mick and our children. My competitive nature will always override any fear. I’m going to try to behave myself on the show. I’m going to try and be a good sport.”
She would like to be a Traitor, even though she thinks she has Faithful-style sleuthing in her genes. “All the men in my family have been law enforcement officers and in the military. My father was General Patton’s staff sergeant on all his campaigns, so I think I get my organisational skills from him. All my uncles, even my nephews, have been policemen.”
Maya Jama was advised to take part by her Masked Singer pal Jonathan Ross – the first Traitor to be outed last year – having decided she wanted to take part in something “where people get to see more of my personality”.
The Love Island host reckons: “I can be warm, but I can also be quite direct when I need to be, so maybe people won’t quite know what to expect.” Laughing that she’s “not massively” competitive, she says her gameplan is to not overthink things, reasoning: “Sometimes you actually do better when you’re relaxed.”
But she also fears her naturally jolly nature might not go down well with those playing the game in earnest. “I’m not naturally very serious, and obviously this is a very serious game. It’ll be interesting to see whether I can keep a straight face.”
Maya, 32, has prepared by watching old episodes to remember deflection techniques if she finds herself accused of being a Traitor. In reality, she’s not actually sure which role she’s aiming for. “At first, I thought I’d rather be a Faithful, but then I started thinking, if I’m doing this experience, why not go all in?”
– The Celebrity Traitors starts on Thursday 1st October at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 fans think they already have their winner of this year’s Glitterball Trophy, amid speculation over which pairing will be first from the line-up to leave
21:21, 26 Sep 2026Updated 21:24, 26 Sep 2026
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 fans think they already have their winner of this year’s Glitterball Trophy(Image: BBC)
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing think they know who will win the series already, after week one.
As all of the line-up performed routines for the fist time with their professional dance partners, there was mixed feedback from the judges. But fans were sure it was clear already who might win the show.
Not only that, other fans were convinced they had already figured out who would leave the competition first, when the vote-off airs next week. Taking to social media, fans shared their thoughts and theories, with a winner ‘sealed’.
While EastEnders actress Lacey Turner initially won people over with her fab routine, Love Island’s Dani Dyer soon became a favourite. Towards the end of the show it was content creator John Nellis who stormed to the top of the leaderboard though, with pro partner Katya Jones.
He scored four marks of eight from the judges, giving him 31 points overall. But it might not even be John who wins, as Australian actress and singer Delta Goodrem’s own performance proved popular with fans.
So much so, fans called her their winner. One fan said: “Ummm, having seen Delta smash that samba in week 1… I think she could be in contention to win it.”
Another fan agreed: “Delta, in it to win it.” A third fan posted: “QUEEN DELTA calling it now,” as another comment read: “She the one to watch for sure. A final comment said: “Delta Goodrem is the one to watch.”
“Lacey is just the most adorable woman and the audience is gonna fall in love with her. Whatever she tackles, whatever she’s given, she goes in 10 out of 10, 100 percent.
“I really hope she does well. She is gonna have a wonderful time, and she will deliver.” Meanwhile, she could have a soap rival in terms of getting the trophy.
Katie shared: “I think he was brilliant [last week]. I think everyone will love him. He’s such a lovable person. He’s so positive. He’ll give it his best go. I think he’s going to be incredible.”
Jeff added: “He’s a joy. I share a dressing room with him, and he’s just such a lovely man. We all love him and we all want him to do brilliantly, and I think he will because he’s a really dedicated human being.
“He’ll give it 110 per cent. He’s done musical theatre so he’ll know how to shake those hips.” When asked if they were backing Lawrence, Jeff quipped: “If it goes on a personality contest, Lawrence will win hands down. I don’t know about the dancing, but we’ll see.”
A guest on The Repair Shop opened up about how the precious item meant so much to her family.
21:06, 23 Sep 2026Updated 21:07, 23 Sep 2026
A guest on The Repair Shop broke down in tears (Image: BBC)
A guest on The Repair Shop broke down in tears as she opened up about her son’s health.
The BBC programme returned to screens on Wednesday, September 23, with spin-off Beyond the Barn. The series follows experts restoring precious items from guests across the country, while also discovering what happened after the special items were restored.
Wednesday’s programme saw a treasured trophy revived, as well as a coronation scrapbook brought back to life. At the start of the show, Ruth Dalton from Rochester arrived with a gardening tool.
She sought The Repair Shop team’s help, including expert Jonathan Reid, in reviving her grandfather’s gardening tool, a pair of secateurs, so her son could use them.
She explained: “I have my late grandfather’s gardening scissors. He used them all the time, and I kind of wanted to keep them as a reminder of him and his gardening.”
She continued: “His name was Stan. He was a real, real green-fingered guy. He had a massive garden. I used to love spending time with my grandad. As children, we were always up there, helping him in the garden.
“There were little steps that went up to a big lawn and different archways. He used to tell us what plants you could touch and what they did. You know, ‘Don’t touch the roses, you might get pricked by the roses,’ and that sort of thing.
“He was very encouraging and did teach us a lot, gardening was his life.” Ruth went on to reveal that she herself loved gardening, though her own garden wasn’t “at its best”.
Ruth explained how she wanted the secateurs fixed so she could tend to her own garden, which was built for her son. She said: “His name is Samuel, he’s got a condition called Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome.
“He was only the 12th person in the UK to be diagnosed, and there’s about 300 worldwide. He’s coming up to 26 years old. He can’t walk, he can’t talk, he doesn’t really understand much but he loves being outside. His demeanour changes completely when he’s out in the fresh air.”
She added: “He can’t do things on his own but he really loves doing things like when we’re weeding and stuff. If he can reach them, he’ll pull the weeds out himself. So I thought these would be perfect because they’re just about the right size for Samuel to hold.”
She went on to point out some “dreadful” issues with the scissors, including how rusty they were and how stiff they were to use, as well as the old paintwork that was flaking off.
When asked how it would feel for her son to be able to use the same pruners that her grandfather once used, Ruth broke down in tears. She said: “My grandad’s always there, and his guiding hand on Samuel’s… I do things hand-on-hand with him, I almost feel that if he could use those, it would be my grandad’s hand helping him and to get him out there doing something purposeful gives him that little bit of independence. It would be special, he’s a special boy, he deserves it.”
The Repair Shop: Beyond the Barn is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Death in Paradise has announced that a beloved detective will be returning as the BBC airs some classic repeat episodes
10:10, 19 Sep 2026Updated 10:10, 19 Sep 2026
Fans are thrilled to see Kris Marshall back on screens as DI Humphrey Goodman(Image: BBC)
Death in Paradise has confirmed that DI Humphrey Goodman will be back on screens very soon.
In an Instagram post that has sent fans into a meltdown, the popular BBC series confirmed it would air two repeat episodes featuring Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman.
Sharing a picture of Kris and his former co-star Josephine Jobert, who played DS Florence Cassell, the show’s Instagram wrote, “Time to reveal what we’re watching next Thursday! Yep, it’s the London episodes: #DeathInParadise series 6 episodes 5 and 6. Watch along with us from 7pm on 24 September on BBC iPlayer, BritBox, or on DVD!”
Fans were thrilled by the announcement, with one writing, “Humphrey was truly the best. I adore them all, but he was really the best and I’m so glad he got his own show. Kris Marshall is a great actor! Hopefully, the entire franchise, all three shows, will continue for quite a long time because they are all phenomenal!”
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Another shared, “Florence, JP, Dwayne, and Mooney/Humphrey were the best time,” while a third added, “Yessssss one of the best two parters!!”
The plot for series six episode five reads, ” DI Humphrey Goodman and his team investigate the death of a sailing boat captain who was supposedly killed by the boat’s boom. Humphrey suspects foul play, and the clues lead them to a group of suspects who quickly catch a flight back to London.”
This leads them to London, where they continue the investigation on UK soil, marking a major change of scenery for the Caribbean-set show. It also introduces Humphrey Goodman’s replacement, DI Jack Mooney, who was played by Ardal O’Hanlon.
Episode six continues the story, “Working against the clock in a chilly and unfamiliar London, the team tries to solve the case, only to find their prime suspect murdered. They must solve two interconnected murders.”
Not only will fans see the return of Humphrey and Florence, but other characters include Danny John-Jules’ Dwayne Myers and Sally Bretton’s character, Martha Lloyd.
The episodes also see the exit of Di Humphrey Goodman after he decides to stay in London to be with his love, Martha. Despite the heartbreaking exit, fans can watch Humphrey and Martha’s love story unfold in the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise.
The cast, who are currently filming the upcoming series, have been spotted in Devon and Cornwall, where the show is set.
Death in Paradise returns on Thursday at 7pm on BBC One.
EastEnders fans think they know what brings Stacey Slater back to Walford amid reports actress Lacey Turner is filming a few episodes for the BBC soap during her Strictly stint
16:45, 13 Sep 2026Updated 16:45, 13 Sep 2026
Stacey Slater is returning to EastEnders, according to new reports(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Stacey Slater is returning to EastEnders, according to new reports – and it’s very soon.
Lacey Turner is said to be reprising her role on the BBC soap, while she’s starring on Strictly Come Dancing. According to the reports, Stacey could be back in time for Christmas and the big New Year’s Day 2027 episode.
While nothing has been confirmed, it’s thought Lacey will be filming for a handful of episodes, reprising her role around October and November time. Given filming is often around six to eight weeks ahead of transmission, this could mean Stacey is back for December and New Year.
This detail has left many fans convinced they have figured out what brings Stacey back. Some think the episodes are tied into the return of her brother Sean Slater, while others wondered if this means Stacey could be the pregnant woman in Max Branning’s bed, yet to be identified.
A fan posted on social media: “Stacey only seems to be back for a few episodes which must link in with Sean returning. Lacey couldn’t have come back to film anything without it being noticed.”
Another fan said: “Great that Stacey is coming back. I did wonder at the start if it may be her in Max’s bed, but they didn’t part on good terms when she left for Brazil because of Max and Zoe.
“To be cosying up to Max again seems a bit strange. It might be to do with the Vic as she helped Kat.” A third fan said: “I think the best outcome would be if she was the pregnant woman.
“I know it’s probably Priya but that feels to obvious. I don’t really want Max to have another kid, but I’d rather he have one with Stacey than Priya.”
One fan theorised: “Streets are saying stacey is the pregnant woman in max’s bed nyd 2027.” Another said: “Stacey back around new years? How do i make sure she’s not the pregnant woman in max’s bed?”
A further post read: “Stacey is returning for a guest stint but they’ll probably have her involved with Max.” A final comment said: “Will she be the pregnant woman in his bed or will he cheat on Linda with her? Lbr it’s going to be one or the other.”
On Stacey’s apparent comeback, the source told The Sun: “Lacey has created one of the soap’s most iconic character’s in Stacey Slater. She is loved by the fans.
“So the fact that she’s agreed to return, even if it’s only for a handful of episodes, will come as a huge boost for the loyal viewers. Lacey returning for a few episodes to turn the tide. This is not a permanent return.”
They added: “It’s going to take more than Lacey returning for a few episodes to turn the tide.”
The finale of the world’s biggest classical music festival aired this evening complete with a special tribute to the late Dolly Parton
Sheridan Smith kicked off the Dolly Parton tribute(Image: BBC)
A tribute to the late Dolly Parton has left BBC viewers saying the same thing.
Last Night of the Proms: The Finale aired on the channel this evening (September 12), showing the culmination of the world’s biggest classical music festival, all beamed live from London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The second half opened with actress Sheridan Smith performing the star’s hit song 9 to 5 dressed in a suitably glittery jumpsuit with bouffant blonde hair in the style of the singer. The medley then moved to the Ward Thomas Duo singing Jolene, before Beverley Knight took to the stage with a powerful rendition of I Will Always Love You.
“Are you expecting me to speak after that?” choir master and TV personality Gareth Malone later said during a chat with the BBC Proms co-hosts, Nick Mohammed and Katie Derham.
He continued: “It was so emotional, it was beautiful, I love Dolly that was a wonderful rendition. The way the choir came up it really got me.”
Many fans at home were equally moved by the tribute, with many completely blown away by Beverly Knight’s performance in particular. “Loving the #DollyParton tribute on #LastNightOfTheProms,” said one fan. Meanwhile another remarked: “Thank goodness for Beverly Knight #lastnightoftheproms.”
“Beverley Knight. Take a bow. Brilliant performance. Fitting tribute to Dolly Parton,” one gushed. “Wow. Tribute to Dolly Parton at #LastNightoftheProms Beverley Knight knocked it out of the park.”
“Wasn’t expecting a tribute to #Dolly at #LastNightoftheProms -wonderful!” said another viewer. “Sheridan Smith can SING, good lord #lastnightoftheproms this is amazing. @DollyParton would love it! Jolene really lends itself to orchestra, doesn’t it?” added one fan.
However, one BBC viewer was less than impressed with Sheridan Smith’s vocals, venting: “Surely they could have found an actual professional singer to kick off the second half, rather than some celeb who gets drafted into west end shows to fill seats.”
Last Night of the Proms: The Finale is available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer.
One of the big changes will be that the three presenters will dance themselves in a big group number for the launch programme
20:51, 12 Sep 2026Updated 20:53, 12 Sep 2026
This time around the hosts have so much freedom, they’re even dancing(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)
When Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe step onto the Strictly dance floor as presenters for the first time, they will be doing it quite differently to their predecessors.
For a start, they are going to be dancing themselves, not something that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ever got involved in. “We have to dance in the opening show, the three of us together have some choreography,” Emma reveals, looking both excited and nervous.
Of course this will be nothing new for Jojo, who has been on the show as a professional dancer since 2018 and says he will never stop. “Can you imagine?” he laughs. “For my own mental health and well-being, I need to be shaking my tush. You’ll see me, and not only me, in the launch show — there’s going to be more dancing than you’ve ever seen.”
Sitting next to him, comedian Josh quips: “Before you ask, I need to keep shaking my tush for my mental health as well, so don’t worry about that.”
All three of then have been sent good luck messages from former hosts Claudia and Tess. “They have been in touch with all of us, sending love and congratulations and just saying enjoy it – it’s so fun,” Emma says. She is looking forward to having a go herself on the dance floor because, while Josh took part in the 2024 Christmas special (dressed as a penguin), Emma also came very close to being a contestant two years before that..
“I got really close and I went in and did a dance test. And it was JoJo who I tested with!” she explains. “It just never panned out that year – now I feel like I get to host the show, which is quite unbelievable, but also I get to have a little boogie as well.”
Her near-miss with the show, in 2022, came several years after she’d publicly declared that her Busted bassist husband Matt Willis was banned from taking part (she didn’t want him “grinding against hot women”). “We considered doing it together,” she says now. “After I was like ‘No! No!’ to him, I was like, actually, I really want to do it. So how about if we did it together?” In the end, the plan was scuppered when Matt, with whom she has three kids, landed a role in the West End show 2.22. “We said if we couldn’t do it tougher, let’s not do it.”
The trio are going to share the presenting duties quite randomly between them, rather than each having a fixed role, giving them a newfound freedom. “In the chemistry tests, we did all the different roles” dad-of-two Josh, 43, explains. “It’s not a straight swap, one for one. It’s not like you’re Tess, you’re Claud. It’s going to give it more movement – it’s a gang show.”
All three says they are going to embrace the costumes on offer – but Emma has some shock news to deliver. “I’m not a massive sequin fan, if I’m honest,” she admits. “I love it on other people but it’s just not very me.” That said, she’s not going to hold back, believing the show gives you “license to really go for it”.
Josh claims he’s going to embrace it all – including the glitter. “You don’t do Strictly unless you do Strictly, that’s my view,” he declares. “I’ve done it once and they put me in a penguin hat. I’m more than amenable. Go hard or go home.” And he adds with a laugh: “I’ll be spray tanning completely.”
He says one of the best bits about being considered the show’s wild card in the presenter stakes, was the reaction from some of his comedian pals, including James Acaster. “I would say one of the great joys of getting this job was other comedians reacting to it. It’s just been so fun. It’s great to say to them, ‘Look, Acaster, you’re always welcome to come on the show?”
His tactic on dealing with the nerves of landing one of television’s top jobs is to pop himself into a bubble – and stay there. “I’ve been worrying since my first gig in 2008 and I’m still worrying now!” he reasons. “If you weren’t feeling the pressure, you’d have to wonder what is wrong with you. I’ll just focus on doing the job. And never, ever read anything that’s written anywhere about yourself – that’s papers, the internet, toilet walls – just don’t do it.”
As a stand-up, he is brave when it comes to the rigours of performing live. “I love chaos – controlled chaos,” he says. “It’s about reacting in the moment and enjoying it. It’s much more fun for a comedian, I think. You want to feel like anything can happen.”
On his new sidekicks, Josh – who is teetotal – laughs: “I think both of them have got a twinkle in their eye for wanting things to go a little bit wrong—that’s always the most fun bit, isn’t it?”
Of course Emma, 50, has got many years of presenting experience under her belt, thanks to her roles on Big Brother, The Voice UK and The Circle. She is fully aware of the enormity of this gig, with Strictly still attracting audiences bigger than 10million on occasion. “We’re very aware that this show is hugely loved,” she says. But she’s trying not to overthink it. “At the end of the day it’s fun isn’t it? It’s dancing and it’s entertainment. We want to be a small part of something that is really loved, and hopefully keep everyone at home happy, with spirits lifted.”
She finds herself in the unusual position of going up against herself on Saturday nights this autumn, as ITV screens The Voice – which was pre-recorded nearly two years ago but rested last year – and BBC1 launches Strictly.
“I don’t really see it as going head-to-head,” she insists. “It’s not something I really thought about because I didn’t know I was going to be doing this!” Pointing out that viewers can easily watch both if they want, she says: “It’s just the way it is. We consume TV differently now don’t we? You can watch what you want when you want, so it’s great.”
Johannes, 39, comes to the job with an army of Strictly fans already. He admits that becoming a presenter was not what he was expecting, but he’s loving the new opportunity and being helped by Emma and Josh. “This was never on the cards,” he laughs. “I am leaning on them with everything I have! I’ve always thought if there was a way to stick around with the show, it would be as a judge. That’s what I saw for myself. When this came along, I was just like, they’re asking me to speak to the magic of this show. What could be so difficult about it?
“Now that I’m in it, I realise it’s a different ballgame. But I’ve found my way of sticking around. Do I have FOMO? Yes I do. But I’m happy to still be a part of it.” He says the three of them have already formed a tight bond. “It’s so lovely to be in a room with two wonderful human beings,” he says. “You just don’t want to be stuck with somebody you don’t get along with, and that has been, honestly, the cherry on the cake for me.”
The South African-born star says he’s keeping his feet on the ground. “We’re not saving lives, it’s not open-heart surgery we’re performing, it’s just a bit of dancing and it’s a bit of joy.” “It’s not open heart surgery,” Josh pipes up, as we all fall about laughing. “Apart from week 10, open heart surgery week.”
Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York City
11:51, 11 Sep 2026Updated 11:51, 11 Sep 2026
Janice struggled to hold back tears as she recalled what happened on 9/11(Image: BBC)
A woman who was inside one of the Twin Towers during 9/11 said she can still hear the “screams”.
On Tuesday, 11 September 2001, hijackers seized US passenger jets and crashed them into two New York skyscrapers, killing thousands of people. Two planes hit the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, with the second strike 17 minutes after the first.
During a pre-recorded segment on BBC Breakfast, Janice Brooks shared her account of a day that she will always remember.
“I moved to New York on the 23rd of August 2001. I arrived in New York with the dog under one arm, a suitcase under the other, ready to begin the biggest adventure of my life,” Janice began in the interview.
Janice had only been in New York for a couple of weeks before the attack. She was working for a company called Euro Brokers, with offices on the 84th floor.
Recounting her steps on that day, Janice continued, “I left home at about probably 7.30am. Was at my desk by 7:45 at the latest. There was a bit of a bang, and I saw kind of like paper and dust swirling in the air. Suddenly, a man’s voice, top of his lungs, ‘Everybody out!’”
Janice didn’t know it, but a plane had just flown into the tower next to her. New York was under attack. As people looked on in horror, Janice was making her way down the steps. She’d reached the 70th floor when the second plane hit.
“I took two steps into the staircase, and there was this almighty thud,” she said. “The lights flickered on and off. Part of the ceiling came down. I was covered with dust and dirt. A couple of the girls at the front fell down to the floor. I was kind of like jostled against the wall.
“Then suddenly there was a scream-a woman screaming, one of those horror-filled screams that kind of lives in my head. ‘I can’t see! I can’t see!’ And all her eyes were covered with blood.
“She had long dark hair, and once she shook her head, glass covered everyone. Looked down at my shirt, and I had blood all over it. And I remember just standing there and pulling my shirt, looking at my shirt, and I’ve got blood on my shirt, and I started to cry.
“One of the brokers came running up, he took me by the shoulders and said, ‘It’s not your blood. We have to keep going. We have to get out of here’. I don’t even know your name. His name was Bob.”
As she finally reached the ground floor, Janice saw for the first time what had happened to the Twin Towers. “I looked up at the buildings, and where our floor should have been, there’s a big gaping hole, and I can see bits of building falling down,” Janice shared as she began to choke back tears.
“I can see flames. I can hear this awful bang-bang sound and this awful kind of twacking sound. And I just sat down and cried. Janice battled through the crowds and made it back to her apartment. She was in shock, completely traumatised.
After a little while, there was a huge bang. The whole building had collapsed. Janice added, “There was this billowing cloud going around my windows. One by one, the windows were blacked out until I was in the apartment. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.”
Janice eventually battled her way out of her apartment and, with help from strangers’ kindness, took the subway to a friend’s house.
As people around the world mark the 25th anniversary of the attack, Janice emotionally said, ” All those years have passed, and their faces start to blur in my memory. So I do my best to hold on to them, because 2,753 people were killed in the attack on the Twin Towers.”
EastEnders have announced that Amy Mitchell will become the victim of grooming as part of a harrowing new storyline and bosses have teamed up with various charities to highlight the important issue
21:31, 10 Sep 2026Updated 21:31, 10 Sep 2026
Amy Mitchell will become the victim of grooming as part of a harrowing new storyline on EastEnders (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC STUDIOS)
The long-running BBC soap, which began in 1985, has never shied away from tackling tough topics and the latest in a long line of issue-based storylines will feature Amy, who is just weeks away from her 18th birthday, fall into an unhealthy relationship with corrupt police officer Craig Ingram.
With Amy (Ellie Dadd) having admitted responsibility for Joel’s attack, Craig gains Amy’s trust by agreeing to keep her confession a secret from the police. Unbeknownst to Amy, Craig has been suspended from public police duty following a series of complaints at work, and he uses his position of power to elicit control.
Believing Craig to be the only thing that stands between her and serious consequence for the attack on Joel, Amy is incrementally manipulated and groomed by Craig over a series of months and will eventually find herself in danger when Craig.
In upcoming scenes, Craig will create an environment where Amy believes he is the only person she can trust. Bosses of the soap have teamed up with Barnardo’s and End Violence Against Women Coalition to bring the storyline to the screen in the way they see fit.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer said: “When telling a storyline like Amy’s, we have a huge responsibility to highlight and raise awareness of the warning signs of grooming. We’re grateful to be working with Barnardo’s and End Violence Against Women to help us tell this story.”
Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s Chief Executive added: “We welcomed the opportunity to provide expert advice on this storyline – which is a powerful reminder that there is no stereotypical victim or perpetrator of grooming.
“Young people from all walks of life can be targeted and fall victim to controlling behaviour – and many are often unaware that they are being groomed. We hope this important storyline can highlight how subtle the signs of grooming can be and how it builds over time.
“To any viewers who recognise themselves in this story – who may be currently experiencing abuse or might have in the past – we hope this storyline shows you that the abuse was not your fault and we encourage you to seek support. We appreciate the writing team’s professional curiosity and determination to get this story right.”
Janaya Walker, Interim Director at End Violence Against Women Coalition added: “We’re proud to have worked with the EastEnders team on this storyline about grooming and police-perpetrated abuse, which has been delivered with sensitivity and care. On-screen portrayals like this have the power to shift attitudes and increase understanding of abuse across society.
“This storyline will help raise awareness about how those in a position of trust can abuse their power to target women and girls. We hope it can play an important role in making these experiences visible and help victims watching at home to understand that what happened to them was abuse, and to seek support.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
EXCLUSIVE EastEnders’ Denise Fox actress Diane Parish has told the Mirror how she’s been kept out of the loop with what happens in the big flashforward episode yet to air
16:55, 10 Sep 2026Updated 17:00, 10 Sep 2026
EastEnders cast members are completely in the dark about the events of the upcoming New Year’s Day episode(Image: BBC)
EastEnders cast members are completely in the dark about the events of the upcoming New Year’s Day episode.
In January, fans saw the events that were set to take place on January 1 2027, in a flashforward episode. From a kidnapping twist and a wedding day, to mystery links between characters, there were big things teased.
With it being a year into the future, not a lot was explained. Since then new twists have aired that have teased some of the events about to take place, while there’s still so much more to be explained.
In the episode, we knew that Denise was in it but she wasn’t actually shown onscreen. Now we know this is because the soap did not want to give away Denise’s cancer storyline, which is currently unfolding.
But despite new hints at what is ahead, the cast are still very much in the dark like viewers are. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Denise actress Diane Parish confessed she didn’t know anything about the looming special episode.
She said: “I absolutely have no idea what’s going to happen! I keep watching things on TV, little bits of our show and they take me by completely surprise, I have no idea what’s going on!”
Diane also spoke about her cancer storyline, calling it “challenging” and confessing she had “struggled”. Diane told us: “It’s very challenging. I think it’s the most challenging storyline I’ve done both as my character or generally as an actress, but it’s really important.
“Sometimes there have been moments I’ve struggled [emotionally]. But I’ve got the blessing of working with people I know really well, I’ve known for years, and Tameka [Empson] and Scott [Maslen] keep it light and keep it fun when we’re working.
“But there are difficult moments because you’re immersed in it. If I was doing a one-off television drama or a film I’d have finished by now, but I’ve got to play this out in real time because we’re on your television every night.”
“I see it as a story of hope, a story about family, and it’s not just an easy story.” Diane praised the storyline though, as she talked of the feedback she had had from viewers.
Diane said: “”The wave of support I’ve got from the public, it’s touched so many lives and in particular highlighting cancer of this type for black people has been really important because statistically the survival rates are lower. That’s due to a number of reasons, including access to treatment and donors, and because people don’t put themselves on the register, making it very difficult without stem cells.
“So what has happened is, people are talking about it which is no small thing, so whether or not I’m having a hard time, it’s my job.”
BBC fans saw a new face join The Great British Sewing Bee as Sophie Willan became the host of the competition alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
11:56, 09 Sep 2026Updated 11:57, 09 Sep 2026
Sophie joined the BBC show this year as the new presenter
Great British Sewing Bee fans have been thrilled with the latest addition to the BBC show.
The competition is nearing its end, as BBC viewers will see one contestant crowned Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer, along with a golden mannequin trophy. After weeks of challenges, tasks, and plenty of tears, Anna, Emma, or Beth will win this year’s Great British Sewing Bee.
Ahead of the highly anticipated final, judge Patrick Young appeared on Morning Live to speak about what viewers can expect to see. However, the conversation soon turned to the latest host to front the show, comedian and actress Sophie Willan.
Highlighting that the show is kept ‘fresh’ by bringing in new presenters, the Morning Live star asked what it’s been like with Sophie as part of the cast. Patrick replied: “We’ve had some alright presenters over the years.
“Sophie is amazing. I was a massive Alma’s Not Normal fan. Quite often, we get told who is going to be coming on, and I had to pinch myself. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I loved Alma’s Not Normal’. She’s brilliant, she’s so fun.
“Esme loves her. She just helps create the most amazing atmosphere on set. We’ve been making the show for a long time. A lot of the crew and everybody behind the scenes are the same, but it’s lovely having somebody come in and give it a little zhuzh.”
Despite the show often shaking up who fronts the programme, Patrick confirmed Sophie’s future, and it’s good news for fans. He continued: “She’s amazing, we’re filming next year already, and I love going into work with her every day.”
Elsewhere in their conversation, he spoke about the upcoming final and the pressure he feels comes with it as a judge. He told the BBC presenters it’s mainly because he wants the contestants to excel.
Patrick commented: “We’ve seen it so many times when brilliant people have got to the final, and things just haven’t quite clicked for them. You do feel a certain amount of disappointment, but luckily, this year we didn’t have that.
“We got three brilliant people, and they all brought something really special to it. So actually there is a relief when it’s done, and you’re like, ‘They really have nailed this’.”
Sadly, BBC viewers bid farewell to Heather this week as the contestant narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Although she was teary-eyed over the exit, she was proud of all she achieved.
She commented, “All the stress and sleepless nights have been beyond worth it.” Meanwhile, Beth was awarded garment of the week for her little black dress.
During the show, Patrick told her, “We absolutely loved it. It was so elevated, such beautiful use of the fabrics, and such a lovely story of you know, personalising the LBD. Well done.”
Morning Live is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 9:30am. The Great British Sewing Bee final airs Tuesday, September 15, on BBC One at 8pm.
