drama

The crime drama from Death in Paradise’s creator has returned to screens with its third season and viewers were delighted

The beloved mystery drama, The Marlow Murder Club, made its comeback to our TV screens with the eagerly awaited third series and viewers have declared the opening instalment “brilliant”.

Adapted from the novels by Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood, the programme unfolds in the charming Buckinghamshire town of Marlow.

Where retired archaeologist and amateur detective Judith Potts (Samantha Bond) joins forces with dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin) and vicar’s wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) to crack a series of captivating crimes.

Every series has featured an array of famous faces, with the likes of Peter Davison (The Gold, Gentleman Jack), Tony Gardner (The Larkins, Last Tango in Halifax) as well as the comedy icon Harry Enfield making a guest appearance in the newest series, reports Hello.

In season three, Judith, Suzie and Becks confront a new batch of baffling mysteries, assisted by Marlow Police’s senior detective, Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew).

The synopsis reads: “From the sudden death of the town’s beloved mayor – the nicest man in Marlow – to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance.

“The team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community.

“They’ll also be called to action at a university reunion in an eerie manor house where, in a surprising twist, Becks finds herself amongst the suspects. Could this case threaten our amateur sleuths’ roles as civilian advisors?”

This gripping drama represents cosy crime at its finest. With absorbing mysteries, ingenious plot twists and abundant charm, it’s hardly surprising that The Marlow Murder Club has become such a firm favourite with audiences.

Sharing their reaction on social media, fans have praised the programme’s much-anticipated third run as “brilliant”.

One viewer posted on X: “Last night’s #MarlowMurderClub series 3 premiere was off to a great start, brilliant stuff from Samantha bond, Cara Horgan, Jo Martin, Natalie Dew.”

Whilst another commented: “So pleased this is back on. I love it.” A third audience member commended the show as a “brilliant crime drama,” whilst another applauded the “beautiful scenery and laugh out loud moments”.

Meanwhile, the programme has garnered favourable reviews from television critics, with The Times likening the drama to “the TV equivalent of a garden wallow listening to birdsong whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea,” in its three-star assessment.

Awarding four stars, the Daily Mail praised the show as “cosy crime at its snuggest and most comforting”.

All six episodes of The Marlow Murder Club Season 3 are now available to stream on U and Channel 4.

The popular crime drama first aired back in 2021 and has featured the likes of Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey.

The wait is almost over as the BBC has confirmed a third series of Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA-winning hit drama, Time, is coming back.

With filming set to begin in Belfast, the broadcaster has announced viewers can expect to see David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran in the upcoming instalment.

This week, the broadcaster shared further casting as Vinette Robinson, Jo Joyner, Daniel Ryan, Warren Brown, Louis McCartney, Ollie McNulty and Chukwubuikem Molokwu will star in the third series.

BBC viewers will also welcome the likes of Ethaniel Davy, Victor Zhao, Paul Smith Junior, Finn Kearns and Jack Barnes.

Set in a Young Offenders Institution, the third series of Time will explore the impact of locking up teenagers and the impact on those who look after them.

A synopsis reads: “Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes within the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis.

“Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?

“Meanwhile, two teenage young offenders, Peter and James, struggle through the terrifying first weeks and months of their incarceration.

“Can James ever face his broken parents after an unforgivable act of violence and will Peter tell the truth about the death of an innocent man, or does family loyalty mean more? An unlikely friendship between them looks to shift the trajectory of their futures, but in an increasingly unstable environment, is change ever possible?”

Sharing an image of the new cast members joining the show in Instagram, it wasn’t long before people commented on the post, sharing their excitement.

One person said: “Fantastic news.” Another wrote: “Can’t wait! Congrats on the casting, amazing announcements.”

Someone else shared: “ANOTHER SEASON OF TIME?!? I’m ready to get my heart absolutely broken yet again.” As one fan added: “A good line-up of actors and actresses.”

Another commented: “Can’t wait for this also great casting!” While someone else added: “Can’t wait for this, Siobhan smashed the first 2 series.”

Time series one and two are available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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Period dramas are more popular than ever thanks to the likes of Bridgerton and Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights.

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice universe is far from just Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as a new BBC adaptation is ready to air.

Netflix fans are curious to see how the iconic novel written by author Dolly Alderton will take shape this year but there’s an alternative with a twist on BBC One in the meantime.

Based on the best-selling 2020 novel of the same name, The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow is finally being brought to life in the shape of a 10-episode period drama.

But rather than telling the love story of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, the BBC series will be told from the perspective of Mary Bennet, the “seemingly unremarkable” middle sister of the Bennet family.

She may be considered the “overlooked middle sister” of Pride and Prejudice but, in this series, Mary Bennet will stand in the spotlight for the first time.

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Debuting with a double bill tonight, Sunday, March 15, at 8pm on BBC One, The Other Bennet Sister “follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters’ shadows in search of her own identity and purpose, finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way.

“Her journey will see her leave her family home in Meryton for the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love, and reinvention.”

Bringing the 19th Century Regency drama to life are an abundance of familiar faces, led by none other than Call the Midwife actress Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet.

She is joined by stars including Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones as Mrs Bennet, The Capture actress Indira Varma as Mrs Gardiner and Saltburn actor Richard E Grant as Mr Bennet, just to name a few.

Despite not yet airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, The Other Bennet has already won itself a legion of fans thanks to Hadlow’s hit book.

Taking to Goodreads, a fan described it as “Beautifully written, moving and plausible, and very much in the spirit of Austen.”

Another echoed: “I would think that Austen herself wrote this book if I didn’t know better.

“Hadlow completely nails Austen’s witty, sharp sense of humor and elegant turns of phrase.”

“I absolutely love this – it’s a lovely, powerful and sweet book and I just adored it”, a third said.

While fourth added: “This is a fantastic re-telling of a classic novel and its characters, reforming our view of Mary Bennet, and elevating her into a heroine in her own right.”

The Other Bennet Sister premieres tonight, Sunday, March 15, at 8pm on BBC One.

Gary Wilmot reprised his role as journalist Anton Busette in the latest episode of Death in Paradise

Popular series Death in Paradise has announced the return of a familiar face, much to viewers’ delight.

The 15th series of the enduring detective drama is currently broadcasting on BBC One, with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his colleagues solving more puzzling deaths on Saint Marie.

After following Mervin, Naomi (portrayed by Shantol Jackson) and Selwyn’s (Don Warrington) escapades in Antigua, the penultimate episode shifted back to Saint Marie, with the protagonist grappling with his abduction and revelations about his brother.

Mervin swiftly resumed his duties following the murder of the island newspaper’s agony aunt, Hortense LeRoux (Anna Savva). At the start of the episode, the Commissioner and Mayor Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine) attended Hortense’s leaving celebration. Tragically, the occasion ended in disaster when Hortense was poisoned the next day, whilst reading her final advice column, reports the Express.

Audiences also recognised a returning character at the gathering, with journalist Anton Busette (Gary Wilmot) making a notable appearance. This marks Anton’s second stint on the programme.

Fans will recall that he created considerable controversy earlier in the series through his attempts to undermine the police force and damage the Commissioner’s reputation. The character swiftly emerged as a suspect during Friday’s (March 13) instalment, given he was the former spouse of the murdered agony aunt.

Expressing her views on Anton, Mayor Bordey remarked: “Men like him [are] hungry lions, looking at you like you’re a tasty steak at a buffet.”

Despite his character’s shortcomings, Death in Paradise enthusiasts were thrilled to witness British legend Gary Wilmot reprising his role, with numerous viewers expressing their delight on social media. “Ooh! Gary Wilmot back on #DeathinParadise!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), whilst another contributed a string of celebratory emojis.

A third commented: “Keep thinking about how my dad has played football with Gary Wilmot and seeing him as Anton is so weird,” whilst another fan voiced apprehension about Gary’s character, stating: “I’m sensing bad vibes from Gary Wilmot’s character.”

Later in the episode, Mervin and Naomi persuaded Mayor Bordey to operate covertly and extract information from Anton, with the journalist promptly divulging some of his secrets.

Disclosing that Hortense’s daughter, Esme (Emma McDonald), wasn’t her biological offspring, Anton revealed: “She took her from Paris when she was a baby. Her mother wasn’t able to take care of her, a drug addict I believe… Hortense couldn’t have children.”

Anton went on to reveal that Hortense relocated to Saint Marie and falsified Esme’s birth certificate to make it appear as though she was her biological daughter. However, the atmosphere quickly changed when Anton discovered he was being recorded, with the journalist cautioning Mervin: “This won’t be the last you hear of me, I’ll be calling your Commissioner.” Was Anton responsible for his ex-wife’s death?

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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ITV has shared images from its upcoming true crime series about convicted sex offender John Worboys

Broadcaster ITV has released a first look at its new true crime drama Believe Me.

Filmed in Cardiff, the four-part series tells the story of John Worboys – who was dubbed the ‘black cab rapist’ after preying on women under the cover of being a licensed taxi-cab driver.

He was convicted in 2009 for crimes including sexual assault and drugging with intent against 12 women.

His modus operandi was to claim that he’d had a win at a casino or on the lottery, then offer women he’d picked up in his cab after a night out a glass of champagne, which he’d laced with drugs, and which rendered his victims unconscious.

ITV said the drama “tells the story of how the victims of one of the most prolific sex attackers in British history were failed by the system”.

The series focuses on the ordeal of Sarah (played by Peaky Blinders‘ Aimée-Ffion Edwards) and Laila (played by Raised By Wolves’ Aasiya Shah), who reported sexual assaults by Worboys (Daniel Mays), and how their allegations were not thoroughly investigated.

Sarah and Laila – both pseudonyms – joined forces with solicitor Harriet Wistrich, played by Philippa Dunne and barrister Phillippa Kaufmann QC, played by Rachael Stirling, to sue the Metropolitan Police under the Human Rights Act for their failure to properly conduct investigations into their allegations of sexual assault, leading to their being subjected to degrading treatment and contributing to their distress.

They won, and when the Met appealed that judgment to the Supreme Court, they won again.

As these women fought to have their cases heard, looming in the background was Worboys’ first parole hearing. Eight years after he was convicted for his crimes, his victims had to fight again to keep him behind bars.

Sarah, Laila, Harriet and Phillippa were joined by Carrie Symonds (played by Industry’s Miriam Petche), a senior figure in the Conservative Party press team. She put her career on the line to spearhead a huge media and political campaign pushing for an unprecedented judicial review of the Parole Board’s decision. The campaign, with Sarah, Laila and Carrie at the forefront, was successful, and Worboys’ parole was quashed.

Sarah, whose identity has been protected, said: “Believe Me is about the courage of every woman who came forward to help put John Worboys behind bars.

“What happened to me changed my life, but in many ways the hardest part was not being believed for so many years. Without the people who stood by me, Worboys would have been freed and continued to pose a huge risk to women. Seeking justice shouldn’t mean more trauma. We shouldn’t have to fight to be believed or feel like we’re the ones on trial. The shame never belongs to the survivor.”

Believe Me will air on ITV

If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, http://www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Ella Bruccoleri looks unrecognisable from her days at Nonnatus House as she takes on the leading role in new BBC period drama

Call the Midwife star Ella Bruccoleri has landed the leading role in new BBC period drama The Other Bennet Sister.

The 10-episode series, which is based on Janice Hadlow’s novel of the same name, follows the “overlooked” character of Mary Bennet, played by Ella, who looks unrecognisable from her days at Nonnatus House, where she featured as Sister Frances until 2022.

The series begins at Longbourn, where the Bennet family’s five unmarried daughters navigate the rigid expectations of Regency society.

“Her journey sees her leave her family home for the soirées of Regency London and the peaks and vales of the Lake District, all in search of independence, self-love, and reinvention,” the synopsis says.

“The series follows Mary as she steps out of her sisters’ shadows in search of her own identity and purpose, finding herself in the middle of an epic love story along the way,” it goes on.

Fans don’t have long to wait for the show to drop as it had since been confirmed that it will premiere on BBC One at 8pm on Sunday ( March 15) and all episodes will be available to stream on iPlayer.

Speaking to the BBC about her new role, Ella explained: “Mary’s not your typical period drama heroine.

“She lives in a world where, particularly for women, appearance is everything, and she doesn’t understand that value system at all.

“Instead, she turns to literature that offers a different viewpoint. Her favourite book is Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women, because it argues that women shouldn’t have to be beautiful — they should be intelligent and pious.”

Giving fans further insight on her character, she added: “Mary Bennet has been written off by many members of her family, and as a result she’s written herself off too. When we meet her at the beginning of the series, she’s living with her family in a small village and has never really left that world.

“These are the only people she knows, and she understands herself through the values they impose on her. We know these characters from Pride and Prejudice, but it’s fascinating to see the impact they have on someone like Mary.”

Giving her thoughts on the new adaptation, the star said: “When I read Jane Austen, I’m always struck by how witty it is so witty, with humour in every line.

“Sarah Quintrell really brings that into the scripts, and Janice Hadlow’s book does the same. The novel is very different in style from Austen, but it feels like a genuine extension of Pride and Prejudice.

“Sarah’s scripts tread the line between comedy and drama better than anything I’ve ever read. It feels like a tragicomedy – it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s also not afraid to delve into emotionally weighty material. That feels very true to Jane Austen.”

The Other Bennet Sister debuts on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday (March 15) at 8pm

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A Woman of Substance is premiering tonight on Channel 4 starring Vera legend Brenda Blethyn and Outlander star Jessica Reynolds.

A Woman of Substance draws from author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel, widely regarded as amongst the best-selling books ever published.

Channel 4 unveils its fresh adaptation of A Woman of Substance tonight, Wednesday, March 11, featuring actress Brenda Blethyn in her debut role following the conclusion of ITV drama Vera.

Adapted from the identically titled novel, A Woman of Substance follows housemaid Emma Harte as she challenges societal conventions to establish a worldwide business empire.

Spanning dual timelines, the eight-episode series chronicles Emma’s (portrayed by Jessica Reynolds) ascent from her formative hardships through to the present day, where she (Brenda Blethyn) confronts fresh, unforeseen challenges.

Where was A Woman of Substance filmed?

Captured during spring 2025, sequences depicting young Emma in the early 1900s were shot throughout Yorkshire, with the Grade I-listed Georgian residence Broughton Hall serving as Fairley Hall.

Broughton Hall previously featured as a filming venue in Channel 4’s original 1984 adaptation of A Woman of Substance.

Broughton Hall is the 16th Century manor house situated at the centre of the 3,000 acre Broughton Sanctuary estate.

Whilst the property remains unchanged, it’s now encompassed by the sanctuary, housing the Avalon Wellbeing Centre and offering holiday accommodation available for guest bookings.

Production teams were additionally observed at Ilkley Moor, Barnsley Town Hall and at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in Doncaster.

Speaking about the use of Brodsworth Hall in the series, a representative from English Heritage said: “Last year we were pleased to welcome a production company, filming scenes for an adaption of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance.

“Filming took place within our Servants’ Wing, Laburnam Arch and Target House/Range and we are extremely excited and proud to see Brodsworth on the small screen!”.

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Reynolds, who portrays the younger version of Emma Harte, shared her experiences of filming in Yorkshire with Country and Town House.

She said: ‘I know the crew worry about wind and rain, but I just love being able to have nature around me and working off the elements.

“I feel much less self-conscious, and freer.

“Some of the locations were just breathtaking and those are the images that stick in my mind today when I think back to filming; Yorkshire is just stunning.

“Those are some of Emma’s happiest moments too, when she’s so connected to the land – it’s a beautiful thing.”

Meanwhile, the contemporary scenes featuring Vera legend Blethyn, which are supposed to be set in New York, were actually filmed in Liverpool.

This isn’t the first time Liverpool has served as a stand-in for New York in film production, with major films including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and 2022’s The Batman also shot in the UK city.

A Woman of Substance premieres on Wednesday, March 11, at 9pm on Channel 4.