As the nights start to draw in even earlier leading up to Christmas, TV viewers will be looking for sumptuous dramas to get lost in
Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman portrays the iconic monarch(Image: ITV)
ITVX is presently broadcasting a popular period drama featuring a British ruler that’s ideal for a comfortable binge-watch throughout the lengthy winter nights.
With darkness falling increasingly early in the run-up to Christmas, television enthusiasts will be seeking lavish dramas to lose themselves in.
Viewers need look no further than ITV’s digital streaming platform, which boasts an extensive range of celebrated programmes to select from.
Among the finest choices available this winter is the successful series Victoria, which launched in 2016 and featured Doctor Who’s Jenna Coleman as the youthful sovereign, charting her journey from defiant adolescent years through to responsible adulthood over three captivating seasons.
Whilst critics have targeted the programme’s shortage of historical precision, it’s undeniable that the series crafted by Daisy Goodwin provides tremendous entertainment that’s ready for exploration, or potentially a second viewing, reports the Express.
The Guardian’s favourable critique captured the essence: “As ever, it all hinges on Jenna Coleman’s performance as Victoria and her ability to conjure up a portrait of this queen as understanding, sympathetic, kind and decent, even under unimaginable and possibly imaginary pressures.
“It might not be elegant and it might not survive the strain of putting its plot points to the search engine test, but as diverting drama it gets the job done.”
An enthusiastic review from an IMDb viewer declared: “Rather captivating, I loved it. Every inch a Queen.
“I love [Coleman’s] portrayal of Victoria, she has some presence and a definite strength of character. Rufus Sewell I thought was exceptional as Lord Melbourne too, the complex relationship the pair had in real life was explained very well.
“The settings, costumes, and general production values were first rate, the show felt incredibly plush and lavish, I shudder to think of the budget for this series. Totally engaging, this was first rate viewing 9/10.”
Sadly, the series left many fans feeling let down when it was cancelled after just three seasons, leaving Queen Victoria’s story incomplete.
However, ITV gave a glimmer of hope in 2021, stating “there are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that’s not to say we won’t revisit the series with the production team at a later date”, hinting that a fourth season featuring an older Victoria might eventually be on the cards.
One hopeful fan penned: “This has been the most amazing series since Downton Abbey I have watched. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I felt every emotion humanly possible through watching it.
“My mother and I binge watched it together and couldn’t believe how much it draws you in from beginning to end. I am so heartbroken that it has not yet come out with a 4th season. My mother and I both are. We pray they decide to release another season.
“I plead to ITV or whoever, to please give the green light for the 4th season and then some. This is an amazing love story that NEEDS to be completed.”
There’s a glimmer of hope for the series to carry on if enough viewers rewatch the series on ITVX, so it’s time to start binge-watching.
Russell T Davies has spoken out after Disney+ ended its partnership with Doctor Who and jokingly suggested some festive titles for the upcoming Christmas special
22:00, 28 Oct 2025Updated 22:06, 28 Oct 2025
Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies has spoken out on the news regarding the sci-fi show(Image: Getty Images)
Russell T Davies has spoken out after Disney+ ended its partnership with Doctor Who. The showrunner, 62, took to social media in the hours after it was announced that his sci-fi programme would be solely produced by the BBC going forward after two years under the global streaming service.
Earlier in the day, Lindsay Salt, director of drama at the BBC, said Disney+ had been “terrific global partners and collaborators over the past two seasons”, before confirming that a Christmas special is on the way. She added: “The BBC remains fully committed to Doctor Who, which continues to be one of our most loved dramas, and we are delighted that Russell T Davies has agreed to write us another spectacular Christmas special for 2026.
“We can assure fans, the Doctor is not going anywhere, and we will be announcing plans for the next series in due course which will ensure the TARDIS remains at the heart of the BBC.”
In the hours that followed, Russell posted an image of the famous TARDIS onto his Instagram page, where he jokingly asked fans what they thought of some potential titles for the festive special. He wrote: “Here we go. Away in a Danger? Jungle Hells? Silent Night? Hark the Weeping Angels Sing? O Come All Ye…um, Nimon?”
Following the news that the show was no longer part of Disney, fans instantly flooded social media with their reactions, with many praising show bosses for the move to step away from the media corporation. One wrote: “Maybe without Disney’s sanitized grip, Doctor Who can return to its roots, weird, dark, brilliant storytelling that doesn’t need a corporate logo to feel epic.”
Another said: “Time for Doctor Who to feel British again, not branded,” whilst a third joked of the streaming service: “this app is literally screaming at us all month to end our memberships.” Another fan simply said: “Good tbh. The Disney era was kinda meh!”
At the end of the last series, viewers were shocked to see Ncuti Gatwa’s doctor seemingly regenerate into the likeness of Billie Piper, who starred as Rose Tyler alongside Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant following the programme’s initial revival in 2005. A comeback for her has not been confirmed, and some fans seem to think that Ncuti could be stepping back into the role after all.
One said: “Ncuti walking out of the Tardis on Christmas 2026 and pretending like nothing happened,” and another said: “billie is gonna go find 14 and then ‘fuse’ with him which will cause an ACTUAL regeneration and its just Ncuti again lmao.” A third agreed, writing: “I would LOVE for Ncuti Gatwa to be back!”
This festive season will be the first to not have a Doctor Who special for 20 years. The BBC said that the announcement about the 2026 Christmas episode had been prompted by Disney+ confirming that it would not be partnering on the next season of the sci-fi show – as widely anticipated – after international viewing figures proved disappointing.
In a statement yesterday, the BBC said that it remained “fully committed to the show and will announce plans for the next series in due course to ensure the Doctor’s adventures continue”.
At the end of this year, Doctor Who spin-off The War Between The Land and the Sea will air, as well as a brand-new animation series for CBeebies.
Dame Penelope Keith has spilled the secrets of The Good Life as she claimed a sequel would be ‘tedious’ and would not work
Penelope Keith spills the secrets of The Good Life
Dame Penelope Keith has revealed how she turned down the chance to star in a spin-off of The Good Life as she claimed it would be ‘tedious’ and would not work. The actress, who is now 85, became a household name in the 1970s BBC sitcom which drew audiences of up to 20 million viewers.
She starred as the snobbish social climber Margo Leadbetter who was married to the poor hen-pecked husband Jerry (played by the late Paul Eddington).
Every week fans tuned in to see her disapproving sneers as she struggled to deal with her suburban neighbours Tom and Barbara Good (portrayed by the late Richard Briers along with Felicity Kendall) who had swapped the rat race for ‘the good life’ of make-do-and-mend sustainability – trying to grow their own food and keep chickens, pigs and a goat in their garden.
The show – which ran from 1975 until 1978 – ended after four series and a TV special filmed in front of the royal family. However, soon after, the idea was raised about writing a spin-off series for her and Paul featuring just The Leadbetters.
But she explained: “People mentioned ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a Leadbetter spin-off and I said ‘No. It’s a situation comedy and the situation is strong because of the two couples’.
“Can you imagine how tedious it would have been having Margo and Jerry having their own series?”
A year after The Good Life ended, instead Penelope landed another huge BBC hit playing posh Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in To The Manor Born from 1979 to 1981. Later she appeared in sitcoms Executive Stress and Next of Kin and No Job For A Lady before embarking on a highly successful theatre career.
The Good Life ran for 30 episodes in total and its 50 th anniversary this year is being marked by a forthcoming TV special called The Good Life: Inside Out fronted by Penelope.
It reveals how, when the show first launched, the TV critics and audience were lukewarm and did not find it that funny.
Penelope even admits that the ‘green theme’ was a brave choice of plot line adding: “It was a sort of fantasy. People weren’t packing up and thinking ‘Oh there must be more to life than this daily grind.’”
One reviewer even risked causing a tense atmosphere on-set by claiming that The Leadbetters ‘stole the show’. Briers, apparently, saw the review but brushed it aside joking that he was the one with the top billing and getting all the money.
But soon viewers fell in love with both couples as The Goods struggled to deal with surviving on growing their own dinners and milking Geraldine the goat for milk in their tea.
Meanwhile posh middle class Margo would look on disdainfully at their antics which she felt brought down the neighbourhood. The plots included a touch of sauce too.
In one episode, both couples get drunk and Jerry admits to fancying Barbara and Tom tells Margo she is a good looking woman.
Penelope says about this: “There was flirting and all those sorts of things but you never felt that there was any wife swapping or anything like that. It was a very strong bond between them and I think that was again in the writing that was so clever.”
In another episode, Margo decides to add some spice to an afternoon by playing the seductress to Jerry – but he is distracted and completely blanks her, leading her to utter the immortal line ‘That’s the last time I play the tart for you, Jerry’.
Penelope loved the script and admits she is shocked that fans come up to her wanting her to say the line.
She said: “When I saw the line ‘That’s the last time I play the tart for you Jerry’ I thought ‘Wow that is a humdinger’.
“I had people coming up to me and saying ‘Will you say that line for me please?’ which I thought was most peculiar – but I said it!”
Penelope salutes the writers of the sitcom John Esmonde and Bob Larbey for creating such wonderful characters – with all their flaws – for the viewers to take to their hearts.
She points out that Tom could be quite beastly and selfish to wife Barbara but he got away with it (‘You love Richard. You adore him. You laugh at him even when he is being an absolute horror because he does with a sense of humour’.)
Barbara was cute and long-suffering but adored Tom and everyone felt nothing but sympathy for poor Jerry. However it was Margo – a Conservative-supporting, Telegraph-reading domineering social climbing wife – who got the most attention and some of the funniest lines.
Penelope explains: “Margo was the prime lady of the avenue with all the dinner parties and whatever she took part in, she had to do it perfectly and had to be top dog and sometimes she was terribly disapproving. She had no sense of humour but she was terribly kind and didn’t want to offend but she engaged mouth before brain so often.
“She had enormous warmth and adored the goods and likewise jerry but he infuriated her. There is a line where she says ‘I am the silent majority’ and she said it dead pan and that is what she felt and that is what half the country felt at the time as well.”
As its popularity grew, so did the laughs especially at the expense of Margo. Fans loved the scene where she tried to help The Goods with planting in the garden and decked in yellow oil skins and boots she slipped over and fell knee deep in mud.
Penelope recalls: “Someone actually asked me the other day – ‘Was it a mistake?’ and I said ‘No. I did five times’. I couldn’t walk for about three days afterwards because of my back and of course every time I fell over I was covered in mud and so I had to be hosed down afterwards.”
And another of her favourite scenes was when one of The Good’s pigs was in labour and Tom asked Margo to go and fetch some brandy as ‘a stimulant’.
The actress recalls: “I walked out of shot and then back into shot and asked Tom ‘Remy Martin or VSOP?’ I mean what a wonderful line. It was so witty and so funny. It is one of my favourites.”
It seems Margo also got the most attention when it came to wardrobe. Since The Goods always wore the same clothes and Jerry was always in a suit, it did not take a genius to work out where the majority of the clothes budget went.
Fans loved seeing what dress or gown Margo would be sporting during each episode. They usually came from Harrods and some were even the high end fashion label Frank Usher.
Penelope said: “There was a budget I remember and the person who got the most spent on them as far as clothes were concerned was me. I don’t think I would have worn any of those dresses but Margo loved them.
“Everybody wanted to see what Margo was going to wear next. Monday used to be my one day off but I used to spend it in Harrods occasionally Harvey Nicks looking for beautiful clothes. Silk gowns in such lovely vibrant colours.”
In the TV special, Penelope visits a replica of Margo and Jerry’s drawing room which has been painstakingly recreated by designers.
She laughs: “I remember the sofa being so low. That was alright 50 years ago but I don’t know if I can get up today.”
And she revisits the garden in Northwood in west London which was used for all of the outside filming shots for Tom and Barbara’s farm and allotment.
She comments: “What a garden! It’s all trees now but back then it was all dug up. It looks a totally different place now. Must be good soil here – all that animal excrement because we had pigs and chickens and Geraldine the goat! But we loved it here – being released into the open air was freedom after working in the studio.”
One little known secret which Penelope does uncover delving back into the archives is that when the BBC planned a special to be filmed in front of the royals called When I’m Sixty Five, they asked playwright Alan Bennett to have a cameo role in the episode as a bank manager.
However he turned them down. He told them he was too ‘worn out’ and needed a holiday having committed to making a series of plays for ITV.
Instead an actor called George Cole got the role – just weeks before he was cast as Arthur Daley in Minder. The Good Life ended in 1978 and all the main stars thought it was the right time to bow out.
Penelope confessed: “I remember saying to Paul ‘I don’t think we can do any more. I think we have squeezed this orange to the pips really’ and I know Richard felt like that and Felicity too.”
But fans expecting a finale which ended on a high with a load of laughs were in for a shock. The episode ended with burglars ransacking The Goods’ home and turning it upside down and leaving everything in tatters.
Jerry tells Tom he must now give up ‘the good life’ and go back to work – but it is Barbara who says they must carry on and not be beaten. Penelope called the episode a stroke of genius.
She added: “When we got the script for the last episode we were all amazed, but in wonder, what a brilliant way to finish. When we came to the studio we did the beginning and then they had curtains which they drew across the set and then they sprayed (paint) all over the set and then the floor manager talked to the audience but said nothing about what was going on behind the curtains.
“Then the curtain went up and the audience gasped, absolutely gasped. It was extraordinary. People were in tears at the end.”
Asked about her time on the show, she now says: “I look back on it as one of the happiest times. It was of its time at the right time.
“It was as good as it was because of everything else behind it. Everybody cared. The laughter, the joy it brought and the fact that people liked it so much and believed in it so much is reward.”
After starring in the BBC sitcom for four years, Richard Briers continued his TV career, landing a lead part in another BBC sitcom a few years later. He played the unsympathetic Martin Bryce on Ever Decreasing Circles from 1984 to 1989. His character Martin was the polar opposite of Tom from The Good Life. He died in 2013.
Felicity Kendal has enjoyed a varied career on stage and screen including on TV a starring role in the thriller Rosemary and Thyme from 2003 to 2006, to guest appearances in Doctor Who in 2008 and Pennyworth in 2019. Paul Eddington played Jerry, who worked with Tom until he and his wife decided to make this life change.
Just two years after The Good Life he took on the title role of Jim Hacker in the comedy series Yes, Minister. He starred in the series until 1984, before taking on a main role in its spin-off Yes, Prime Minister.
Paul later reunited with his co-stars from The Good Life, starring opposite Felicity in The Camomile Lawn in 1992, and then alongside Richard in the play Home in 1994. The actor sadly passed away at the age of 68 in 1995 after a cancer battle.
* The Good Life: Inside Out airs on U&Gold on Tuesday October 28 at 9pm.
PRINCE William has been seen boarding Doctor Who’s Tardis.
The future king stepped into the iconic time travel device during a studio visit – though he’s not making a surprise switch to acting or pursuing adventures through time.
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The Prince of Wales in the Dr Who Tardis during a visit to Bad Wolf Studios in CardiffCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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The royal stepped onto the set last monthCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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The future king ponders the control panelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
The Prince of Wales, 43, was a special guest at the Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff which produces the BBC sci-fi show.
Wills was given a tour around the set of the upcoming Beeb series The Other Bennet Sister by studio chief Jane Tranter – which included a look around the Tardis police phone box.
In a series of posts on The Prince and Princess of Wales X account today, the royal was seen in a video entering the famous set and posing near the control panel.
It said: “From period pieces to all of time and space, both the BAFTA bursary and @BadWolf_TV are inspiring the next generation of creative talent.”
Wills was following somewhat in his dad’s footsteps after King Charles was snapped in 2017 entering a replica Tardis during a visit to Worq co-working space for young entrepreneurs in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
The royal was introduced to trainees who have come through Bad Wolf’s Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) training initiative and built careers in TV by scheme boss Allison Dowzell.
They were recipients of The Prince William Bafta Bursary programme.
Tranter said: “It was a complete joy to show Prince William around Bad Wolf.
“We are so incredibly proud of the outreach work being done by Allison Dowzell and the team at Screen Alliance Wales, and for Prince William to help highlight the work being done at the studios means a great deal.
“He was introduced to trainees from a wide range of departments, and it was fantastic to see him take such an interest in the new generation of TV creatives.
Moment Prince William zooms around Windsor Castle grounds on e-scooter as he appears in new travel show
“We are so proud that many of the SAW trainees have gone on to be awarded Prince William Bafta bursaries, and His Royal Highness was fascinated to hear how each of the trainees was using their bursary to further their careers.”
The visit on September 10 came as part of the studios’ 10th anniversary, and came on the day William visited the Jac Lewis Foundation centre at the city’s Principality Stadium to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
During the engagement, William also met schoolchildren from St Albans RC Primary School in Tremorfa, Cardiff, during a puppetry workshop held by SAW education and training executive Sarah O’Keefe.
The puppets were used to represent characters’ daemons in the BBC series His Dark Materials and the workshop aimed to introduce children to the TV industry.
SAW has arranged 3,772 studio visits, including classroom lessons, since its inception, and created 149 paid traineeships on Welsh TV productions including Industry, Doctor Who and The Other Bennet Sister.
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Wills met with studio chiefs and traineesCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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The royal met members of Bad Wolf’s Screen Alliance Wales (SAW) training initiativeCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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He was happy to chat with trainees and other staffCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
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Ncuti Gatwa, who recently stepped down as the Doctor, and Millie Gibson as his companion Ruby SundayCredit: BBC
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King Charles enters through a door shaped in the style of Dr Who’s Tardis during his visit to Malaysia in 2017Credit: Yui Mok
The popular woodland has proven a hit with visitors, who said it “belongs on every UK travel bucket list”
Wooden bridge in Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland near Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK.(Image: Getty)
A “fairytale” woodland in the UK has been hailed as a “must-see” by visitors. Nestled in the Forest of Dean, the tranquil spot is celebrated for its “enchanting” atmosphere and has featured in a range of films, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Puzzlewood, situated in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, has been dubbed an “enchanting forest” by those who have lauded its picturesque views. While it’s a well-known treasure among locals, Puzzlewood offers a serene escape for those from further afield.
The TikTok account @adventureamore1 posted a video highlighting the beauty of the woodland. The caption read: Step into one of the UK’s most magical forests…Puzzlewood, located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is one of the most enchanting woodland experiences in England.
“Known for its twisted ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, winding pathways, and hidden bridges, this fairytale-like forest has inspired filmmakers and writers from around the world. It has been featured in blockbuster productions such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Merlin, making it a must-visit destination for film fans and nature lovers alike.
“Exploring Puzzlewood feels like walking through a real-life fantasy world. The forest is a natural labyrinth where every turn reveals something new — gnarled roots forming tunnels, shafts of sunlight streaming through the canopy, and secret paths that spark the imagination. Perfect for photographers, couples, families, and adventure seekers, Puzzlewood is one of the most unique outdoor attractions in the UK.
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“If you’re looking for magical things to do in Gloucestershire or planning a Forest of Dean day trip, Puzzlewood is an unforgettable experience that belongs on every UK travel bucket list.”
In the footage, the TikToker added: “It’s hard to believe that this isn’t even the best bit of the walk, check this out. This enchanted forest is like stepping into a real life fantasy and was even the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings’ Middle Earth. Located in Gloucestershire, this is Puzzlewood. GL1 8QB.”
The clip proved popular, amassing 84k views and over 1,600 likes, sparking a range of comments from eager viewers. One viewer commented: “I’m so lucky to live very close to here and in the Forest of Dean, such a magical place.”
A second wrote: “This place is like out of a fantasy world.” A third added: “Been twice as my sister lives near it, beautiful place love it.”
The praise continued, with one person writing: “Less than an hour away from me, it’s stunning, the little farm and play area and shop are cutesy too.” A second said: “Wow serene” and a third added: “Looks absolutely amazing.”
Puzzlewood is less than a mile south of Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Visitors are advised to head to Coleford and follow the brown tourist signs for Puzzlewood. The postcode for Puzzlewood is GL16 8QB. For those travelling by train, the nearest railway stations are Lydney, Chepstow and Gloucester, though there are no taxi ranks at Lydney and Chepstow stations. Ordering a taxi in advance is recommended.
Puzzlewood is open from 10am every day in September and October, with last entry at 4pm. In November, the woodland is only open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, from 10am, with last entry at 3pm.
Visitors are required to pay an entry fee; adults £9.90, children £8.50, children aged 2 and under are free. Adult concessions are priced at £8.90, while child concessions are £7.50.
Doctor Who star Karen Gillan is set to star in an upcoming reboot of classic 1986 fantasy film Highlander, joining Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe and other stars in the cast
Karen Gillan is set to star in a reboot of an 80s classic(Image: Getty Images)
Doctor Who star Karen Gillan has been cast in Amazon MGM’s upcoming reboot of Highlander – the 1986 fantasy classic starring Sean Connery. The reboot was announced earlier this year, with the likes of Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista and Marisa Abela joining the cast.
The original action-fantasy film starred Christopher Lambert as a swordsman in 16th century Scotland who becomes immortal after initially dying in 1536. The film also starred Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart and Celia Imrie.
In the reboot, The Witcher’s Henry Cavill will star as lead Connor MacLeod, while Russell Crowe plays his mentor, immortal warrior Ramirez.
Karen Gillan in her Doctor Who days as Amy Pond(Image: PA)
Now, Karen Gillan has been announced to take on the role of Heather, Connor’s immortal wife. Karen shared the news on Instagram today.
“My dialect coach can sit this one out… so excited to be an actual Highlander in Highlander.”
Karen is best known for playing Amy Pond alongside Matt Smith’s Doctor Who in the popular BBC sci-fi series. After leaving the breakout role after three years in 2013, Karen appeared in the Jumanji film series an the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nebula.
Last December, she welcomed her first child – a daughter named Clementine – with her American comedian husband Nick Kocher.
Christopher Lambert in the original Highlander
The Highlander reboot is set to see Karen’s Marvel co-star Dave Bautista take on the role of ruthless warrior The Kurgen. Industry’s Marisa Abela will also be playing a leading role.
Back in May, it was revealed that Karen would be returning to Doctor Who for a special episode of its behind-the-scenes show Unleashed. She’ll be joining co-star Arthur Darvill, who played Rory Williams during her stint on the show.
This week, the BBC shared a huge update on the future of Doctor Who after star Ncuti Gatwa’s sudden exit a few months back.
The BBC’s new head of content Kate Phillips squashed rumours that the show wouldn’t return if Disney did not choose to fund future series. She said at the Edinburgh TV Festival: “Rest assured Doctor Who is going nowhere.
“Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year.”
She added: “With or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC.”
Doctor Who star, Alex Kingston, got married to Jonathan Stamp back in 2015 in Rome.
She is joining the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2025, but what do we know about her spouse?
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Alex Kingston is swapping the Tardis time machine for the Tango.Credit: Getty
Who is Alex Kingston’s husband Jonathan Stamp?
Jonathan travelled the Mediterranean under a UNESCO International Arts Scholarship after he completed his master’s degree in classical studies at Oxford University, where he received a first-class honours.
He originally started as a journalist at The Economist and began a career in TV as a documentary maker, his speciality was history subjects.
The journalist started with Channel 4 and then with the BBC, where he made 20 documentaries and even won three Emmys for his work.
In 2000, he was appointed the Director of Development in the BBC’s History Department.
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In 2002, he was appointed the BBC’s Head of Archaeology.
Two years later, he left the Beeb to become a historical consultant and co-producer on Rome, a drama set in the last days of the ancient Roman Republic.
He was a historical consultant for TV projects with HBO, Showtime and Amazon, feature films with Sony and MGM Studios and console games with Ubisoft.
Since his work as a historical consultant, he has continued to work in TV and film, primarily as a graphic designer and art director.
More recently, he has written his own material for future TV projects.
This includes Ellis a period drama based on Ellis Island in 1902, and District IV, a cop show set in Caligula’s Rome.
He has also completed his first feature script, Lords of Florence, inspired by a true story about a painting competition between Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Do Alex Kingston and Jonathan Stamp have children together?
The couple do not have a child together; however, Alex Kingston has a daughter called Salome Violetta Haertel with her ex-husband, Ralph Fiennes, a fellow actor who has appeared in films like the James Bond franchise.
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Alex Kingston with her daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel ahead of her starting strictly.
What has Jonathan’s wife Alex said about her Strictly announcement?
Speaking about if she had any “signature moves” to the show’s hosts, Alex teased: “My hips don’t lie.”
Of the 97 BBC episodes still missing from the early years, there are more yet to be discovered, thanks to private collectors
More of Patrick Troughton’s episdoes as the Doctor are likely to turn up(Image: BBC)
Several more lost episodes of 1960s Doctor Who are probably owned by private collectors and will turn up at some point, an expert has revealed. At present, 97 shows starring the first two Time Lords, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton, are missing from the BBC archives.
The master tapes were believed to have been destroyed in the 1970s when it was thought no one would want to watch the black and white episodes again. But the BBC’s first archive selector, Sue Malden, said she believes some copies still exist and has made a plea for their return.
Speaking at the Recovered festival in Leicester, hosted by archive recovery project Film is Fabulous!, she added: “As far as Doctor Who goes, we do not have a statement or anything to make at the moment. We do know fairly certainly that there are episodes missing in private collections. Some members of the Film is Fabulous! team are in a considerably significant position to help on that.
Episodes starring William Hartnell, seen here with Peter Purves and Maureen O’Brien, could yet be reidscovered
“So, when the time is right, we really do hope that it will be Film is Fabulous! that manages to return at least one or two, I don’t know, of the missing episodes of Doctor Who to the BBC.”
Only eight episodes of the show were ever repeated during the 1960s, with copies being made for sales overseas. A source said: “There’s a lot of grounds for optimism that some episodes could be returned before too long. The films will be donated to De Montfort University in Leicester, and carefully restored.”
Lost episodes were as earlier returned by collectors Francis Watson, Terry Burnett and Bruce Grenville. Since the early 1980s, a trickle of copies have been sent back to the BBC, with a batch of nine shows starring Troughton being recovered in 2013 after being found in Nigeria. The most likely stories to turn up are:
Patrick Troughton in a later episode of Doctor Who, in colour(Image: No Name)
1 The Tenth Planet, episode 4, October 29, 1966 Final Hartnell show where he defeated the Cybermen for the first time.
2 The Daleks’ Master Plan, episode 4, December 4, 1965 The Daleks’ Master Plan serial was never shown outside the UK but three episodes of this 12-part epic survive.
3 Marco Polo (broadcast from 22 February – March 4, 1964) Many copies of this were sold around the world.
More adventures involving the Daleks from the 1960s could yet be found in private hands(Image: Handout)
4 The Web of Fear, episode 3 (broadcast February 17, 1968) Featuring Troughton battling the Yeti on the London Underground, other episodes were returned in 2013.
5 The Macra Terror (broadcast from March 11 – April 1, 1967) Introduced the first set of opening titles to feature Troughton’s face. Doctor and friends encounter a race of giant alien crabs.
Filming kicked off in 2024, with none other than Steven Spielberg serving as producer, and Osman has been keeping his followers informed about the latest happenings. Taking to Instagram, he reassured fans that the film would be available both in cinemas and on Netflix, addressing concerns that some might not be able to watch it.
The Thursday Murder Club(Image: Giles Keyte/Netflix)
He announced: “Some very good news for everyone who wanted to see #TheThursdayMurderClub in UK cinemas. Netflix have listened to the clamour, and the film will now have a run in UK cinemas.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the release date, cast and more.
When is The Thursday Murder Club out?
The Thursday Murder Club is set to premiere in UK cinemas on August 22.
It will then be available for streaming on Netflix from August 28, with a runtime of nearly two hours.
Who are the stars of The Thursday Murder Club?
The main four characters, Elizabeth Best, Ron Ritchie, Ibrahim Arif and Joyce Meadowcroft, will be played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.
Osman recently addressed the contentious casting of Ron, telling Empire: “You have to do something unusual and different and interesting.
“Here’s the key thing about Pierce Brosnan playing Ron: Pierce Brosnan is who Ron would choose to play Ron.”
Doctor Who legend David Tennant has also been signed up as Ian Ventham, alongside Jonathan Pryce who plays Elizabeth’s other half Stephen.
Naomi Ackie is set to portray PC Donna De Freitas, whilst Daniel Mays takes on DCI Chris Hudson and Henry Lloyd-Hughes stars as Bogdan.
Additional big names joining the production include Richard E. Grant, Tom Ellis, Geoff Bell, Paul Freeman, Sarah Niles and Ingrid Oliver.
Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie(Image: Giles Keyte/Netflix)
Is there a trailer for The Thursday Murder Club?
Viewers get a sneak peek at Cooper’s Chase, the retirement community where the central characters live.
When a killing occurs nearby, Joyce is eager for the group to get involved and crack a fresh case.
Supporters flocked to the comments section to share their enthusiasm, with one posting: “The perfect cast, I am sooooo looking forward to seeing this film, love all the books, get ready to snuggle in and be totally enthralled.”
Someone else commented: “Totally didn’t expect this book series to be adapted by Netflix, really looking forward to this. I hope it’s good. And man this cast is stacked!”.
The Thursday Murder Club will hit UK cinemas on August 22. It will subsequently become available to stream on Netflix from August 28.
The BBC’s hit children show The Broom Cupboard saw the birth of many iconic presenters – now Josie D’Arby’s career has taken a surprising turn away from the cameras
Josie D’Arby found fame on the hit BBC show
In a tiny, cramped booth nestled away in the BBC studios, a whole host of famous TV presenters kicked off their careers.
Children’s TV show The Broom Cupboard began in 1985, replacing the shaky voiceover and still slides linking CBBC shows with real-life presenters.
Despite its practical beginnings it soon became a hit in itself, with the likes of Phillip Schofield, Debbie Flint and Zoe Ball all forging their famous TV personalities on the show.
Iconic characters Edd the Duck, Otis the Aardvark and Gordon the Gopher even joined in on the fun, with letters and drawings from viewers plastered across the walls of the tiny studio room.
Many of the programme’s stars look completely different these days, with brand new careers – and Josie D’Arby is no exception.
Jodie D’Arby went on to present shows like Top of The Pops(Image: Channel 5)
After her stint in The Broom Cupboard, Josie went on to become an award-winning presenter, becoming a well-known face on the likes of Songs of Praise, Top of the Pops, Inside Out and Cardiff Singer of The World.
In 1999, the 52-year-old star from Newport, Wales, became the youngest British woman to have her own chat show, titled Josie, on Channel 5.
Josie’s media ambitions didn’t stop there and she soon pivoted to acting, where she starred as Alisha Adams in Holby City and made guest appearances in Casualty and Doctor Who.
She’s even tried her hand as a quiz show contestant, appearing on Richard Osman’s House of Games and Pointless in 2022.
More recently, Josie ditched the cameras for a career that’s worlds away from presenting. The star has been pursuing her artistic talent, even showcasing her painting in a show at the Newport Museum Art Gallery in 2023.
Josie D’Arby and fellow TV presenter Vernon Kay in 2000(Image: Daily Record)
The BBC star started to take art more seriously after winning a televised art competition, South Wales Argus reports. The painting was called Less, which Josie said was “about how little it can take to make people happy.”
“Art is for everyone and I am happy if my piece is just a tiny little reminder that public galleries can be a space and a time to press pause, and enjoy a lovely space if you’re in the city,” she explained.
Before her TV career took off, Josie was said to be in a relationship with Hollywood actor Gerard Butler – known for iconic roles in 300, Law Abiding Citizen and London Has Fallen. The pair apparently briefly dated in 2005.
Andy Crane also has a different career nowadays(Image: BBC)
And Gerard isn’t her only celebrity flame, as Josie reportedly went on a date with actor Joseph Fiennes – the brother of Harry Potter legend Ralph Fiennes – in 2006.
Josie isn’t the only Broom Cupboard presenter who took a different career path. Andy Crane, 61, has been brightening up people’s days on Greatest Hits Radio since 2019 and he looks very different from his days on the CBBC show.
He is now residing in the picturesque location of Lake District. Andy, who was born in the seaside town of Morecambe, Lancashire, presents three hours of the best songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s on Greatest Hits Radio, including The Top 10 at 10 and Midnight Music Marathon.
Before hitting the radiowaves, Andy also presented children’s show, Motormouth, for ITV on Saturdays. He also featured on What’s Up Doc? and Challenge TV.
Billie Piper was ‘revealed’ as the next Doctor when the latest series ended in May – and is set to reprise her role as Rose Tyler in a new audio drama series
22:24, 20 Jul 2025Updated 22:25, 20 Jul 2025
Billie Piper is returning to play Rose Tyler in an audio series with Christopher Ecclestone(Image: BBC)
Billie Piper has said making Doctor Who now would be ‘completely different’ to when she first appeared on the BBC show 20 years ago.
The 42-year-old joined as Rose Tyler, the companion to Christopher Eccleston, back in 2005. She remained on the show for another series in 2006 and returned for a special cameo appearance in 2010.
Though details have yet to formally be announced, it’s thought she will be the next Doctor if a new series is made. It comes after Ncuti Gatwa’s shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired in May.
If she is, Billie will make history as the second female actor ever to play the Doctor. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role. But before that, Billie is set to reunite with former Doctor Ecclestone for a new audio drama titled The Ninth Doctor Adventures.
Billie Piper is set to replace Ncuti Gatwa as the new Doctor (Image: PA)
Speaking to Doctor Who magazine, Billie reflected on their previous time working together and said: “If we just made the Doctor Who that we made 20 years ago now, it would feel slightly disingenuous, because things were so different then, even 20 years ago, to what we’re experiencing, what we’ve seen, what we’ve been exposed to since.
“God, we were so much more positive then. People have been profoundly affected by the material they see on social media. And it’s been so normalised; everyone is a lot more heavy-hearted.”
She added: “It’s not to say that we don’t have a capacity for joy, because I think we absolutely do, but to ignore where we are right now… it’s a completely different experience.”
Instead, The Ninth Doctor Adventures audio series will feature the Doctor and Rose. Set within the timeline of their original season together from 20 years ago, fans will be treated to 12 new stories.
And it might not be long before Billie is back on TV screens. Appearing to confirm she is the new Doctor, she said in a statement last month: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse, as I have some of my best memories there. So to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
Asked if she would ever make a comeback in an interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: “Yeah I would… I would come back. What’s funny is that I never feel like I’ve left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife.”
She continued: “Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it’s a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there’s always features. It’s always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it’s over, like it does with all the other jobs I’ve done.”
It’s been reported that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the TV show. A source told The Sun: “The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
“David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.
“It wouldn’t be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.”
A Cotswold plane scrappage company has been the unlikely resting place of Saddam Hussein’s stolen private jet – which is now being used in TV shows and movies, in part due to its excellent 80s interior
If you’re on the hunt for Saddam Hussein’s private jet, you might not think to look in the Cotswolds.
Yet, it’s in this picturesque part of England where you’ll find the former Iraqi dictator’s personal aircraft. Air Salvage International, a plane scrappage firm based at Cotswold Airport, has been the custodian of the VIP-equipped Boeing 727 for nearly a decade.
While most of the company’s planes are dismantled and sold off, sometimes fetching up to £10 million per jet, managing director Mark Gregory can’t bring himself to part with this particular flying machine.It’s not just its connection to Saddam (whose Iraqi Airways nicked Kuwait Airways’ entire fleet during the 1990 invasion) that makes it special, but also its retro ’80s interior.
Originally owned by the Kuwaiti Royal family, the 189-seat jet was gutted of its standard uncomfortable airplane seats and decked out with an array of kitschy furniture that could fill a retirement home. Think plush velour seats with extendable footrests, state-of-the-art JVC TVs embedded into mahogany walls, and glass vases brimming with plastic roses, all sitting next to unopened bottles of champagne.
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Saddam’s forces stole the jet(Image: Getty Images, Getty Images)
Before the Iraqi forces swooped in and commandeered the Kuwaiti fleet, Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other wealthy royals used the opulent plane for their global travels. Where there is now a patch of carpet overrun by mould, the Emir once sat on a specially built throne, using radio equipment to issue orders to his staff from 30,000 feet above.
Following the Western invasion of Iraq and Saddam’s execution, the private jet changed ownership multiple times until it was sold to Air Salvage International by Jersey-based Strong Aviation on 29 June 2016. Now at 45 years old, the aircraft’s value is virtually nil and its flying days are over – despite Mark maintaining it in full working order and taking it for a spin on the runway every ten days.
These days, it sees most action as a film set for TV programmes and films, including McDonald and Dodds, Casualty, The Lazarus Project, Hijack with Idris Elba, Star Wars, Mission: Impossible, and Doctor Who. Next time you watch a dramatic plane crash or runway scene on screen, keep an eye out for some suspiciously Gloucestershire-like countryside in the background. Or even Mark’s arms.
Mark can’t bear to give the plane up
When he’s not making money from old planes or drumming away in his office by the runway, the ponytailed scrap tycoon can be partially seen on the big screen, “piloting” the Boeing 727 in its latest cinematic adventure.
Air Salvage International first began 30 years ago. Armed with redundancy money in the early ’90s, Mark bought his first plane and spent six months breaking it down into sellable bits. More than 1,400 aircraft later, the business is thriving and employs dozens of people to cope with the growing demand from the ever-expanding aviation industry.
And there are big bucks at stake. The equivalent of a commercial jet’s MOT costs around £1 million, which is why many plane owners decide to send their ageing aircraft to Mark instead. Sometimes as much as £12 million can be salvaged from them, either in reusable parts or recyclable materials.
For the past 30 years, Mark Gregory’s Air Salvage International (ASI) has been assessing, chopping up, disassembling, and recycling planes at the private airfield, which sits two miles from Kemble in Gloucestershire
The mass murderer, the action star, and the BBC space drama have all starred, in their own way, at one of the most curious pieces of the aviation industry: the plane graveyard.
For the past 30 years, Mark Gregory’s Air Salvage International (ASI) has been assessing, chopping up, disassembling, and recycling planes at the private airfield, which sits two miles from Kemble in Gloucestershire.
Armed with redundancy money in the early ’90s, Mark bought his first plane and spent six months breaking it down into sellable bits. More than 1,400 aircraft later, the business is thriving and employs dozens of people to cope with the growing demand from the ever-expanding aviation industry.
Mark Gregory has been scrapping planes for more than 30 years
And there are big bucks at stake. The equivalent of a commercial jet’s MOT costs around £1 million, which is why many plane owners decide to send their ageing aircraft to Mark instead. Sometimes as much as £12 million can be salvaged from them, either in reusable parts or recyclable materials.
There are a few other strings to the business’s bow, Mark explained as he took me on a tour around the facility.
ASI puts on dramatic training scenarios for organisations including the SAS, helping them practise plane-related emergencies. One mock-up situation had Mark and his team crush a van with a plane fuselage, creating a tricky day out for the special forces, who also had to deal with hijackers and “injured” passengers on board.
A private jet stolen by Saddam Hussein is at the airport
The airport and its jets are also movie stars. Countless films have been shot at ASI, including The Fast and the Furious 6, World War Z, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Mission: Impossible, and Batman. You may also recognise it from small-screen appearances on The One Show, Horizon, Inside Out, Terror in the Skies, Engineering Giants, Casualty and, of course, Doctor Who.
Look closely the next time you see a dramatic plane disaster or runway scene on screen, and you might spot some suspiciously Gloucestershire countryside in the background — or even Mark’s arms.
When not making cash out of old planes or hammering away at the drum kit set up in his runway-side office, the ponytail-sporting scrap magnate can be partially seen on the silver screen, “piloting” the Boeing 727 in its latest movie escapade.
Although many of the firms that send their planes to ASI know exactly what they want back — a demand list that can stretch to 2,000 parts from a single jet — other aircraft meet less formulaic fates.
Mark can’t bear to get rid of some of the aircraft
One big chunk of fuselage ended up in the shadows of The Swarm rollercoaster at Thorpe Park. Others are sent out to aviation buffs who want to decorate their homes with various bits and pieces. Through ASI’s sister site, planestation.aero, you can buy a redundant pilot’s seat for £6,000, or small sections of fuselage with a window for £150. The money raised is spent on the staff Christmas party.
Seat pockets filled with cash-stuffed wallets also occasionally bolster the coffers, although most of these find their way back to their owners.
Another offshoot of the business is crash site investigation. Although downed planes rarely make it to ASI due to the extent of the damage, members of Mark’s team are occasionally called out to inspect the aftermath of major aviation tragedies.
A number of Boeing 747 were stored at the facility during Covid(Image: Alexander M Howe / SWNS)
Their expertise in breaking aircraft down makes them particularly useful when it comes to identifying remains and helping determine what went wrong. They were part of the investigation into the Afriqiyah Airways crash in Tripoli, Libya, in 2010, which killed 104 people.
While most of the firm’s planes get broken down and flogged off — sometimes for £10 million for a single jet — Mark Gregory can’t bear to give up certain flying machines that come his way.
One such plane is a VIP-fitted Boeing 727 that was once part of Saddam Hussein’s fleet, after he instructed Iraqi Airways to steal all of Kuwait Airways’ planes during its 1990 invasion of the country. Mark loves the historical significance of the aircraft and its classic ’80s interior.
When owned by the Kuwaiti royal family, the 189-capacity jet was stripped of its standard bum-numbing plane seats and kitted out with enough chintzy furniture to fill a retirement village. We’re talking plush velour seats with extendable footrests, cutting-edge JVC TVs built into mahogany walls, and glass vases filled with plastic roses next to still-unopened bottles of bubbly.
Before Iraqi forces swooped in and took over the Kuwaiti fleet, Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other well-heeled royals used the plush plane to jet-set. On a patch of carpet now taken over by mould spores, the Emir would sit in a specially constructed throne, using radio equipment to issue commands to his staff from 30,000 feet.
A Doctor Who showrunner has cast doubt on whether the beloved show will return for season 16 as they ‘don’t know what’s happening’ on the future of the show yet
Jessica Clarke Digital Reporter
19:10, 06 Jul 2025Updated 19:10, 06 Jul 2025
Doctor Who showrunner casts more uncertainty over future of show(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon)
As Ncuti Gatwa’s second season as The Doctor came to a close in an exciting two-part finale, a showrunner has cast more uncertainty on the future of the beloved show. The latest series saw The Doctor become trapped in a dystopian world which is controlled by the Time Lady and the future is left up in the air.
Doctor Who usually returns to the TV, no matter the amount of time between series, however, rumours about the show have cast doubt on whether it will return for season 16, as a showrunner said they ‘don’t know’ the future of the show yet.
Both the BBC and Disney will have a say in the show’s future as they made a deal which allows the show to be available on the streaming platform Disney+, making it available internationally.
As Ncuti Gatwa’s second season as The Doctor came to a close in an exciting two-part finale, a showrunner has cast more uncertainty on the future (Image: BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)
Russell T Davies for Doctor Who Magazine recently shared: “We don’t know what’s happening yet, and while everyone works that out, I’ll take a pause on this page… Hopefully, we’ll have news soon”.
Disney is labelling season 16 as season three online, with a BBC spokesperson saying: “As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air.”
Showrunner Russell T Davies has revealed to Radio Times that he already has ideas mapped out for up to three more seasons, demonstrating his strong commitment to keeping Doctor Who thriving. However, exactly when the series will return to our screens remains uncertain.
Showrunner Russell T Davies has revealed to Radio Times that he already has ideas mapped out for up to three more seasons(Image: AP)
The lack of updates about the show’s future has left fans feeling uneasy. That said, a recent announcement offered some consolation as a new children’s series is in development for CBeebies which is set within the Doctor Who universe.
Ncuti Gatwa has concluded his time as the Fifteenth Doctor after only two seasons. The exact reasons for his departure remain unclear, but he shared a statement on Instagram alongside two costars.
He said: “Three queens of the sky. Twas an experience like no other and thank God we were by eachothers side. There aren’t quite the words for how much you both mean to me but I am so grateful I got the opportunity to work, learn from and laugh with you both everyday.
The lack of updates about the show’s future has left fans feeling uneasy(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)
“You’re both just simply incredible and it has been nothing short of a blessing to share this journey with both of you. Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra will live in mine and the Whoniverse hearts forever. Also shout out to the CAPTAIN of all 15’s companions. Captain Poppy. Ultimate top dog of this season! (lil Sienna brought so much life and magic to us all on set ) I love you guys. We did it”.
Fans were sad to see him leave the iconic role as one person penned: “Best doctor since David Tennant, we wanted more time with you”, while another added: “You’ll be so missed”.
Channel 4 hit show Taskmaster has announced the comic line-up for its upcoming 20th series, with stars of Unforgotten, Doctor Who and A League of Their Own set to take part
22:00, 03 Jul 2025Updated 22:22, 03 Jul 2025
Taskmaster has announced the next comedians taking on the Channel 4 show(Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4)
Taskmaster has revealed its comedian cast for its 20th series, with ITV and BBC stars joining the upcoming line-up. Tonight’s finale of the Channel 4 show saw hosts Greg Davies and Alex Horne crown their latest winner after a nail-biting semi-final with Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Mathew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey and Stevie Martin.
Now, Channel 4 has revealed that Inside No. 9 star Reece Shearsmith and Unforgotten’s Sanjeev Bhaskar are among those taking part in the next series. They will be trying their best to impress Taskmaster Greg and faithful sidekick Alex in a bid to become the next champion.
The two TV stars will be joining stand-up comic Ania Magliano, A League of Their Own’s Maisie Adam and BBC Radio 4 star Phil Ellis in the series 20 line-up.
Ania Magliano, Maisie Adam, Phil Ellis, Reece Shearsmith and Sanjeev Bhaskar will be taking part in the next series of Taskmaster
Ania is best known for her appearances on Live at the Apollo, Off Menu, The Stand Up Sketch Show and for writing on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date. She recently took on a role in the Prime Video comedy Deep Cover alongside Bryce Dallas Howard.
Meanwhile, Maisie has appeared on Celebrity Mastermind, Outsiders, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and several series of A League of Their Own. Stand-up comic Phil hosted his own BBC Radio 4 show Phil Ellis is Trying and has appeared on The Russell Howard Hour, Drunk History UK and Roast Battle.
Reece is the star of BAFTA-winning dark comedy Inside No. 9 and has taken on roles in Good Omens, Doctor Who, Peter Kay’s Car Share and Saltburn, while Sanjeev rose to fame in sketch show Goodness Gracious Me and his sitcom The Kumars at No. 42.
Last year, Taskmaster star and creator Alex Horne was revealed to be one of Channel 4’s highest earners. According to accounts posted by his company Shakey Productions, Taskmaster earns the comedian £7.5million a year.
Earlier this week, Channel 4 quietly added the gripping crime drama The Shadow to its online catalogue, based on Melanie Raabe’s 2021 novel. In the series, Deleila Piasko stars as journalist Norah, who hopes for a fresh start in Vienna but is haunted by a prophecy that she will murder a man.
Earlier this year, Sanjeev Bhaskar opened up to The Mirror about losing out on a film role after gaining weight for the character. “The main character was a Singapore-based sleuth who was really overweight, so I got fat by eating anything and everything for an appreciable period of time,” he explained.
“But the financing on Inspector Singh Investigates fell apart, it was no longer happening, leaving me to lose a stone and a half.”
The Whoniverse is set to expand with an animated Doctor Who series on CBeebies in the future and Loose Women’s Denise Welch has addressed speculation that she could be involved
20:06, 22 Jun 2025Updated 20:07, 22 Jun 2025
The Doctor Who franchise, most recently led by Ncuti Gatwa, is set to expand with a new animated show for CBeebies(Image: BBC Studios/Lara Cornell)
A former soap star has addressed speculation that she’s being considered to voice the title role in a Doctor Who spin-off. The upcoming project is in development at the moment but no casting has been unveiled for it yet.
It was announced recently that there are plans to launch a pre-school animation series about the Doctor on CBeebies. The BBC said that the Doctor Who spin-off for a younger audience will “run independently” from the main show.
There’s been speculation about the project, with a thread on Reddit last week naming actors who could voice the Doctor. It claimed that the broadcaster’s shortlist includes Justin Fletcher, Richard E. Grant and Denise Welch.
Denise, 67 – whose acting career has included roles on shows like Coronation Street and Waterloo Road – has since addressed the speculation. She reacted to being named in the thread in a post on Instagram this afternoon.
Denise Welch has addressed speculation that she’s being considered to voice the Doctor in a Doctor Who spin-off series(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Alongside a photo showing part of the thread, she wrote in the post: “I definitely think this job should be mine.” Denise, who tagged Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies, 62, then used two thumbs up and the ‘flushed face’ emoji.
Although they don’t appear to have previously worked together, Denise and Russell are both patrons of the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester. They both took on the role in 2019, joining Tracie Bennett, who became a patron in 2016.
Loose Women panelist Denise has appeared in numerous TV shows over the course of her career, including having played Natalie Barnes on Corrie. Her other credits include Waterloo Road, Benidorm and more recently Hollyoaks.
The BBC announced the CBeebies spin-off of Doctor Who on June 12. It shared that the animated show will see the Doctor travelling through time and space, solving mysteries and problems alongside companions and other friends.
She reacted to being named amid the speculation for the upcoming CBeebies animated show in a post on Instagram earlier today(Image: Instagram/denise_welch)
In a statement issued at the time, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education, said: “Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor!” Patricia went on to describe the upcoming series as an “exciting opportunity”.
Patricia said: “This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”
The news comes just weeks after the latest series of Doctor Who concluded last month. The season finale, the Reality War, which aired on May 31, marked the departure of lead Ncuti Gatwa, who had played the Doctor since 2023.
At the end of the episode, viewers saw Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor regenerate – with Billie Piper then shown in his place – in a bid to save Poppy (played by Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps). In one reality, Poppy was the child of the Doctor and his companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu).
Billie Piper will be the next Doctor after it was revealed in the finale episode of the latest series last weekend – but she accidentally ‘shared’ the news weeks before
Billie Piper will play the 16th Time Lord in the upcoming series of Doctor Who (Image: BBC)
Actress Billie Piper appeared to let slip she was returning to Doctor Who weeks before it was revealed. The 42-year-old will become the second female Doctor in the next series. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role.
It comes after Ncuti Gatwa’s shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired on the BBC on Saturday, May 31.
Speaking in BBC Three’s Doctor Who: Unleashed to mark the 20 years since the show was revived, Billie dropped a huge hint she was returning to the show for the third time, following her original appearance as Rose Tyler from 2005 to 2006 and a cameo in 2010.
Asked if she would ever make a comeback in the interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: “Yeah I would… I would come back. What’s funny is that I never feel like I’ve left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife.”
Fans were shocked when Ncuti regenerated into Billie in the finale episode of Doctor Who(Image: PA)
She continued: “Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it’s a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there’s always features. It’s always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it’s over, like it does with all the other jobs I’ve done.”
Billie then accidentally blurted out: “So coming back is really good fun.” Quickly correcting herself, she added: “So I would do it, but I still feel like I’m in it. Just a lot older.”
Now cat is out the bag, Billie has since said it was too good of an opportunity to turn down. In a statement, she shared: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse, as I have some of my best memories there. So to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
Now it is rumoured that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the show alongside Billie 20 years after they first appeared on screen together. Though if Billie is the new Doctor, it’s unclear what role David would take on.
A source told The Sun: “The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who.
“With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. When David’s Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his ‘half’ went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa’s carried on as the Time Lord.
“It wouldn’t be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.”
David, 54, played the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and appeared in three specials returning as the 14th Doctor before handing the role over to 32-year-old Sex Education star Ncuti.
Speaking about his exit from the show after just one season, Ncuti told fans: “You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
Explaining his reasons for leaving, he added: “It’s a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time.”
However, die-hard fans think there may be another reason behind his exit. Taking to X, a fan named Mr Tardis wrote: “In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better.”
But the BBC were quick to shut down those claims. A spokesperson said: “Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.”
Just days after it was revealed that Billie Piper was returning to Doctor Who, replacing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor, another legendary name has been tipped to make a comeback
22:53, 06 Jun 2025Updated 23:03, 06 Jun 2025
Doctor Who’s Billie Piper and David Tennant could reunite(Image: PA)
Doctor Who fans may be in for another huge surprise, as another fan favourite is rumoured to return to the series for a one off episode. Fans are still recovering from the news of Billie Piper’s return – and now show legend David Tennant has now been tipped reunite with her onscreen for “one last hurrah”.
David, who played the role of the Doctor between from 2005 to 2010, is rumoured to be in talks to star in a one off special with co-star Billie. The actress previously appeared as Rose Tyler, companion to the doctor between 2005 and 2006.
The pair recently reunited for the BBC special, Doctor Who: Unleashed, 20 Years in Wales where they reflected on their time together. In a sneak preview, Billie and David gushed over how much fun they had on set. Now, it looks like they could be having even more fun – by reuniting for a special anniversary episode.
David is rumoured to star in a one off special with Billie(Image: PA)
“The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who,” a source told The Sun.
“With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.”
It’s not the first time David would be making a shock return. In November 2023, he was officially revealed as the Fourteenth Doctor before handing the role over to Ncuti Gatwa.
Recently, Doctor Who fans were left stunned when it was announced Billie Piper had replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of science-fiction series Doctor Who.
Fans were left shocked when Billie’s Doctor Who return was announced(Image: PA)
Speaking about her return, Billie said: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: “You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
“This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
“The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in and making this such a touching experience.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh has been on our television screens for over two decades, but before he made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, he had a very different career
02:42, 06 Jun 2025Updated 02:46, 06 Jun 2025
Bradley Walsh has been gracing our televisions for more than 20 years as a comedian, actor, and presenter
Bradley Walsh, the much-loved British television presenter who celebrated his 65th birthday this week, has previously hinted at “slowing down”, but with his jam-packed diary, it’s evident that day is nowhere in sight.
A familiar face on UK telly, he graces our screens with a variety of fan favourites such as ‘The Chase‘, ‘Gladiators’, ‘Blankety Blank’, and hits the road in ‘Breaking Dad’ with his son Barney Walsh.
But before becoming a television mainstay, Walsh kicked off his career joining Rolls Royce as an apprentice jet engineer and then briefly glimmered on the football pitch after being scouted by Brentford FC, until an unfortunate injury curtailed his play.
Bradley Walsh is one of the UK’s most well-known TV presenters
Starting in showbiz as a Pontins bluecoat entertainer gave Bradley his first taste of the stage life. Despite his natural fun-loving tendencies which often got him into trouble during school and previous occupations, his spirited antics eventually led to him losing this job.
Speaking to Comedy.co.uk earlier this year, Walsh reminisced: “Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a blue coat, I got sacked from being the bloke that was messing around. I thought that was the job! In the end I thought to myself, why don’t I just get paid for messing around?”.
Post-Pontins, Walsh pursued a path in comedy stating, “That was a very conscious decision. So, I’ve got myself a routine together,”. Describing his comedic style, he said, “I was a very physical comic, bit like Norman Wisdom, not so many jokes. I was a very physical comic. And that’s where it all started.”
Bradley Walsh has been gracing our televisions for more than 20 years as a comedian, actor, and presenter. His impressive acting portfolio includes stints as Danny Baldwin on ITV’s ‘Coronation Street‘, DS Ronnie Brooks in ‘Law and Order: UK’ and taking on the role of Graham O’Brien in ‘Doctor Who‘ aired on BBC One, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In 2009, Bradley took the reins as host of ITV’s quiz phenomenon ‘The Chase’, marking a strategic shift in his professional path. Walsh detailed how he snagged the opportunity to host The Chase after popping into ITV studios to enquire about presenting jobs.
While reminiscing during a conversation with the former head of daytime TV, she mentioned an upcoming quiz show concept, prompting Bradley’s feedback. Recounting their discussion, Bradley shared: “I took it away and I said ‘Yes, this can work, this will work’ and she said, ‘Okay, well we’re going to make a pilot’ and I said, ‘I’ll do it for you’ and she said, ‘Yeah, but it’s only an office run-through’ and I said, ‘I’ll do it for you, don’t worry’.”
During an appearance on the Tommy Tiernan show last year, he remembered kick-starting the pilot and devising the monikers for The Chasers. Fast forward nearly 16 years, Bradley’s enthusiasm for The Chase hasn’t waned, and he has no intention of quitting anytime soon.
In conversation with the Daily Mail, he mused about his tenure: “Until people say they’ve had enough and start switching off, I’ll do it. We’ve had such an extraordinary time together. It’s the best job in the world.”
Doctor Who aired its latest season finale on Saturday night, in which the likes of Ncuti Gatwa, Varada Sethu and Millie Gibson appeared to bid farewell to the BBC show
23:56, 04 Jun 2025Updated 23:57, 04 Jun 2025
Varada Sethu has shared a message following Doctor Who’s season finale on Saturday night(Image: BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf via AP)
Cast member Varada Sethu has now broken her silence following the season finale of Doctor Who on the weekend. The episode, which featured the departure of her co-star Ncuti Gatwa, is thought to mark her exit from the show.
Varada, 33, played companion Belinda Chandra in the latest season of the BBC show. The character made her debut in the first episode, which aired in April, and then bid farewell to the Doctor – played by Ncuti, 32 – in Saturday’s finale.
The actor has since addressed her apparent departure from Doctor Who in a lengthy post shared on Instagram today. Varada wrote about her experience as a cast member alongside various photos, including several of her and Ncuti.
She wrote in the caption: “Wow wow wow wow wow. I’m sooo late to the party (as always), but needed to take a few days to process this show, this finale and everything & everyone it has brought into my life, what it all means.
“My heart has doubled in size. I have felt so so full of gratitude and love, I still feel I haven’t found the words to express it. It has been a true gift to know a woman like Belinda, I will never forget our journey together.”
Varada Sethu (right), pictured with co-star Ncuti Gatwa (left), has issued a statement on social media following Doctor Who’s recent season finale(Image: BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)
Praising her co-stars, she continued by writing: “Thank you [Ncuti] for being my partner in crime, my beloved Doctor. You are unending, pure magic, what a privilege it’s been to bear witness to it. Mom & Dad forever. My sweet angel [Millie Gibson], thank you for your kindness, for always lifting me up, you have stolen everyone’s hearts!! I cannot wait to see what life has in store for you.”
Varada then expressed gratitude for some colleagues who worked behind-the-scenes. She wrote: “For teaching me and showing me love & support like I’ve never known before.” She added in the post this week: “Thank you to every beautiful soul involved in this madness.”
She concluded: “And of course to the beautiful fans, thank you soooo much for embracing Belinda, for all the kind words, all the joy! I think I finally understand what you meant [Russell T. Davies] when you said my life would never be the same. I feel transformed. Thank you thank you thank you.”
The post has amassed more than 16,000 likes and former colleagues reacted in the comments section. Ncuti wrote: “MOM AND DAD FOREVER. Love you endlessly.” Whilst co-star Millie said in her reply to Varada: “I LOVE YOU.”
Varada’s post comes after lead Ncuti addressed his own departure from Doctor Who. Last week’s season finale, the Reality War, on Saturday night saw his Fifteenth Doctor regenerate – showing Billie Piper in his place – in a bid to save Poppy (played by Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps), who in one reality was the child of the Doctor and Belinda.
The finale saw Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor regenerate at the end of the episode, which is also thought to mark the departure of co-stars like Varada(Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA Wire)
In a video message shared by the BBC, Ncuti said: “It’s a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals.”
Ncuti, who also reflected on the experience elsewhere in the video, released on Saturday, added: “I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time.”
And in a statement, he said: “You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.”
Ncuti said elsewhere in the statement: “The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box.”
There had been speculation over his potential departure in recent months. It came after Ncuti, who starred in two seasons of Doctor Who, reportedly revealed in an unaired moment on the Graham Norton Show in October last year that he would be “filming the third series next year”.
Amid recent speculation, just days prior to the finale’s broadcast, the BBC confirmed to the Mirror that Ncuti had not been “axed”. A spokesperson told us at the time: “Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.”
Addressing the future of the show, they added: “As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”
