drama

British crime drama fans won’t want to miss this gripping murder mystery series set in Scotland

Crime drama fans will be hooked on this “addictive” series packed with twists and turns.

Shetland is a cherished British programme adapted from Ann Cleeves’ novels by David Kane. The show centres on police detectives investigating murders across the remote, tight-knit Shetland islands.

Douglas Henshall portrayed DI Jimmy Perez throughout the first seven series, before Ashley Jensen assumed the lead role as DI Ruth Calder from series eight onwards.

The murder mysteries unfold primarily on the eponymous archipelago, though certain scenes are filmed on mainland Scotland. Last month, the BBC announced that production has commenced on Shetland’s 11th series, with Ashley reprising her role as DI Calder alongside Alison O’Donnell as DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.

The upcoming instalment will shoot at various Scottish locations and across the Shetland Isles throughout the coming months, with fresh episodes scheduled to debut on BBC One and iPlayer later this year. This comes just months after series 10 wrapped up, reports the Express.

The new six-part series welcomes Christine Bottomley, Kevin Harvey, Stella Gonet, Gregor Fisher, Gavin Mitchell, John Wark, Jude Bain, Robin Weaver, Beth Marshall, Daniel Boyd, Charlene Boyd, and Helen Mackay to the cast.

Returning favourites include Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Samuel Anderson, Steven Miller, Anne Kidd, Angus Miller, Connor McCarry, and Eubha Akilade.

The forthcoming series will focus on a historical killing destined to “forever change the lives of all those connected in the present day”.

The official synopsis reveals: “When a car is pulled from the water, a grim discovery is made – crammed in the boot are the decomposed, skeletal remains of an unknown male. The team’s search to uncover the victim’s identity begins with a hunt for the vehicle’s owner – a respected, local GP who left the Isles under a cloud of troubled rumours nine years ago.

“As Calder and Tosh dig deeper into the enigmatic GP’s state-of-mind and the lives of the loved ones he left behind, the investigation takes them to dark and dangerous places in their quest for the truth.”

Before the fresh episodes arrive, viewers can delve into numerous Scottish murder cases as the first ten series of Shetland are currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Shetland has won over millions of devoted followers, ranking amongst the top five most-watched BBC drama programmes of 2025. Furthermore, it held its position as Scotland’s leading BBC drama, with numerous fans drawing comparisons to other BBC favourites including Line of Duty and Blue Lights.

When a Reddit user sought recommendations similar to Line of Duty, one fan responded: “Shetland is a fantastic show. Was a bit slow at first but really gets going quickly and is addictive.”

An IMDb reviewer commented: “Stunning, gripping, dynamic noir series. Beautiful scenery, laid back pace but still a gripping series with great characters.” Another viewer chimed in: “We just started this series and absolutely love it. It gets better as you go, we’re just now on Season 3 and can’t wait to see what’s next. Incredible actors, strong storyline. Worth the watch, just be patient as you start!”

A third enthusiast declared: “This is a superb series that never disappoints. The writing is great and well thought-out, something that is missing in most shows today. The pace is excellent. This series could go on for dozens of seasons and would still hold my interest. Add this to your must-have watch list,” while another echoed the sentiment: “Outstanding mystery series. Absolutely perfect. The characters are likeable, the stories are compelling, the cinematography is stunning.”

Shetland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The new ITV quiz show is fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack

ITV has unveiled the first look at its new reality quiz show with a surprising twist.

Fronted by Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, Nobody’s Fool has been billed as a “unique reality event packed full of drama and deception.”

In this ruthless contest, participants’ survival depends not on their actual intelligence, but on how clever their rivals perceive them to be.

Throughout the series, ten competitors from across the UK will share a purpose-built “Smart House,” taking part in a game where perception, tactics and trickery matter just as much as brainpower.

With challenges completed behind closed doors, assumptions, biases and initial impressions will prove crucial, as hasty conclusions and deliberate misdirection keep both contestants and audiences second-guessing.

The show will feature daily individual quizzes testing various forms of intelligence, with correct answers contributing to a collective prize fund.

However, in a clever twist, only the participants themselves will know their actual performance – leaving them free to share as much or as little truth as they wish with their housemates.

As the series progresses, players must identify the weakest link among them and vote them out.

Discussing the programme, Danny Dyer enthused: “this is a blinder of a game show and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Emily and I had a brilliant time making it and much like the audience at home will be, we kept guessing right until the very end.”

Emily Atack added: “It’s so exciting to be part of something this new and fresh. The chance to work with Danny again was a no brainer for me. We had such a laugh. Can’t wait for everyone to watch, it’s an absolute must see.”

Sue Murphy, Director of Factual Entertainment at ITV, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor at ITV, said: “Nobody’s Fool is an innovative reality/quiz crossover show that puts preconceptions, stereotypes and judgements to the test.”

They continued: “Danny and Emily are the perfect pairing to host this game of surprise and prejudice, that will no doubt have audiences on the edge of their seats.”

Meanwhile, Richard Cowles, MD, and Tom Gould, Director of Entertainment and Formats at Lifted Entertainment, added: “Nobody’s Fool takes a simple premise – How do you really determine how smart someone is?

He added: “Trust your preconceptions and judgement or what they tell you? – and turns that into a high stakes reality game show with up to £100k up for grabs.

“There is drama at every turn but with Danny and Emily on hosting duties, the fun and laughter is also never far away.”

Nobody’s Fool is coming to ITV soon

A new hit Netflix series is returning for its second season just over a year after its stunning debut last year

The hit show has been called “cowboy Virgin River” by fans.

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon has officially announced a release date for its eagerly awaited second season, and fans won’t have to wait much longer.

The popular Western drama launched last April and brought viewers an epic family saga unfolding on a Texas ranch, with the powerful romance between Staten Kirkland (portrayed by Josh Duhamel) and Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) taking centre stage.

The first season exposed the shocking truth surrounding the death of Staten’s son while the stoic rancher slowly grows closer to Quinn, his long-time family friend and proprietor of the local dancehall.

At the same time, charming and mysterious drifter Yancy (Jack Schumacher) arrives in town to reconnect with his long-lost grandfather and embarks on a romance of his own, only to unveil a startling secret in the jaw-dropping finale.

The programme has drawn favourable comparisons to Netflix’s other hit small-town romance, Virgin River, with some Redditors even declaring the new series is “so much better”, reports the Express.

Netflix Tudum has this week announced that the gripping drama will return on Thursday, 23rd July, with all eight episodes dropping.

Creator April Blair has disclosed that the much-anticipated follow-up will resume six months after Quinn’s decision to leave home to chase a dream job in New York.

“In that time, she didn’t speak to Staten at all,” actress Kelly disclosed. And Duhamel confirms: “He missed her. Staten has been masking that with his behaviour.

“So when he finds out Quinn is back, Staten realises that he’s made some mistakes, and he wants to make it right.”

Season two will also follow the blossoming teenage romance between high schoolers Lauren (Lizzy Greene) and Lucas (Garrett Wareing), while Yancy is likely in hot water with bartender Ellie (Marianly Tejada) following the arrival of a woman claiming to be his wife in the season finale.

“We’ve also built out the world even more this season,” showrunner Blair reveals. “Quinn’s mother, Claire – played by Patricia Clarkson, who’s an icon – comes to town, and she’s a little Postcards from the Edge meets The Notebook.

“What did she do to mess up? We find out there’s some secrets from the past.”

Alongside Clarkson, several fresh faces join the cast, including High Potential’s Steve Howey as Staten’s half-brother Levi, a rugged outdoorsman who lives off the land.

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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

Ben Robson (Vikings) and Heidi Engerman (Chicago Fire) have also signed on, with familiar faces returning including Casey W. Johnson, Tatanka Means, Justin Johnson Cortez, Kenny Miller, Philip Winchester, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Lauren Glazier, and Niko Guardado.

Netflix’s synopsis for season two states: “Season two begins six months after the events of the first season, with rancher Staten fighting to reclaim his legacy after being unseated as trustee of his family’s Double K Ranch.

“Meanwhile, musician Quinn must decide if her heart truly belongs in the small town she once tried to outrun or in the fast-paced world of New York City. Are the pair star-crossed lovers, or fated to be together? In Ransom Canyon, true love stories are messy, complicated, and always worth the wait.”

Ransom Canyon season 2 premieres Thursday, 23rd July on Netflix.

BBC fans are urging everyone to watch Half Man with Richard Gadd’s next drama hailed as “phenomenal”.

“Gruesomely compelling” Half Man has arrived and it’s already been labelled “incredible” by Baby Reindeer fans.

Richard Gadd ’s new six-part drama Half Man may have made its BBC iPlayer debut last week but many viewers have only just watched the first episode which aired on BBC One last night, Tuesday, April 28.

The gritty series follows the lives of mild-mannered Niall (played by Jamie Bell) and fierce Ruben (Richard Gadd), exploring their complicated 30-year friendship.

Described as an “explosion of violence”, Half Man kicks off with an intense moment between the men at Niall’s wedding before taking fans back to when they were teenagers.

Baby Reindeer creator Gadd not only stars in the drama but is the mastermind behind Half Man with fans loving his latest dysfunctional hit.

“If Baby Reindeer” left us in shock, I think #HalfMan even more so…the first episode was incredible!”, a fan posted on X.

A second echoed: “I’m shocked. If this is just the first episode, I don’t dare to think about what will happen in the others.”

“Gave me a heady mix of revulsion and discomfort… but in a good way?”, a third remarked.

Someone else labelled it “phenomenal”, before writing: “Can’t fault this. The writing, acting and filming are all excellent.

“I’ve only seen one episode so far but I’m totally hooked.”

A user said they were “obsessed” with Half Man and Euphoria season three, another commented, “Can’t wait to go mentally insane over this”, while a fan simply ordered: “Everyone go watch Half Man.”

Scoring 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, the six-part drama will continue to air episodes first on BBC iPlayer every Friday, followed by a BBC One release every Tuesday night.

The official synopsis for episode two reads: “1989. Niall is struggling at university when he invites Ruben to join him and his flatmates for freshers’ week

“ What begins with excitement ends in devastating consequences.”

Half Man is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

One judge claims his colleagues have adopted a “gangster mentality” in order to shut him up.

Another compared the state board accusing him of serious misconduct to “the Russian mafia.”

Judicial elections are usually sleepy affairs, subject to little political fanfare or interest. But two battles on the June ballot in Los Angeles have raised the temperature this campaign season and invited questions about the lengths members of the insular local bench will go to protect their own.

Lawyers who aspire to become judge often run for open seats. The challengers in these races, however, say they specifically targeted incumbents they believe are unfit for the office, which carries an annual salary of more than $244,000.

One of the contests could unseat 84-year-old Judge Robert Draper, who is seeking reelection despite having spent the last three years relegated to a room at the Santa Monica courthouse without a computer or caseload, which two other judges described to The Times as a “closet.”

In 2023, then-Presiding Justice Samantha Jessner said Draper was “unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a judge” due to deteriorating mental and physical health, according to a letter she sent to the state’s Commission on Judicial Performance.

Draper denied all wrongdoing in an interview with The Times, and said that although he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he remains fit for the bench. He has also been accused of sexual harassment and making improper and biased comments by the judicial commission. He is contesting those claims. A hearing that could result in his removal began Monday and is expected to last into early May.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Paul Thompson at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The other incumbent fighting to save his seat is Judge Pat Connolly, 61, a former prosecutor who has drawn support from several other sitting L.A. County judges. But his opponent, Deputy Dist. Atty. Paul Thompson, has called Connolly a “rogue judge” who needs to be replaced.

Connolly has been disciplined multiple times in his 18-year judicial tenure for improper comments toward litigants and, in one case, exhibiting bias against a defense attorney against whom he was weighing contempt charges, according to state judicial commission records.

Thompson, who gained notoriety for his role winning a rape conviction against Harvey Weinstein, purchased the rights to the domain name “patconnolly4judge.com,” which now redirects to one of the commission’s admonishments of Connolly.

“What I see is a man who repeatedly prioritizes his own goodwill over that of the community and the public he is serving … a man who has been repeatedly disciplined for prioritizing his own interests,” said Thompson, who has been endorsed by the L.A. County Democratic Party.

In a bizarre turn, the race was linked to the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Assn. dinner after conservative influencers posted a picture of a Thompson campaign sign on the Torrance lawn of the suspected gunman, Cole Tomas Allen.

Thompson lives next door to the Allen family and described the suspect’s parents as great neighbors. He said he didn’t know their son and dismissed “internet trolls” for trying to tie his campaign to political violence.

This year’s election has sparked conversations about the unwavering support incumbent judges seem to enjoy among their colleagues.

Despite the concerns about Draper’s health, a political action committee run by fellow judges gave $72,500 to his campaign, state election finance records show. The PAC gave the same amount to Connolly.

Judge Maria Lucy Armendariz, who oversees the PAC, did not return a call seeking comment.

“The PAC has some explaining to do here. Why is there this show of support for someone who is facing so many challenges?” asked Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor who now teaches at Loyola Law School. “It doesn’t reflect well on the bench.”

Deputy Dist. Atty. Tal Khan Valbuena at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Draper’s opponent is Deputy Dist. Atty. Tal Khan Valbuena, a refugee from Pakistan who works in the Hollywood mental health court. Khan Valbuena believes his lived experience as a gay Muslim who has faced bigotry will bring a compassionate perspective to a bench some complain is overrun with old-school tough-on-crime prosecutors.

But he also expressed concern about Draper’s mental decline after meeting him for lunch earlier this year.

“His honor had exemplified disorganized thought behavior, tangential thought … things I see on a day-to-day basis [in mental health court],” Khan Valbuena said, while acknowledging that he is not a doctor.

The Los Angeles County Bar Assn. issued its ratings for every judicial candidate last week. Connolly graded best among the judges in the contentious races, described as “well qualified.” Thompson and Khan Valubena were rated as “qualified.” Draper was one of only three candidates labeled “unqualified.”

In 2022, Judge Eric Taylor said he noticed a sharp change in Draper’s behavior that included sending “abusive” and “incoherent” e-mails to colleagues that contained racist and profane language, according to a letter Taylor sent to the state judicial commission.

“He has demonstrated a flagging handle on reality,” Taylor wrote.

Draper was accused of sexual harassment, making racist remarks and callous behavior all over the course of one hearing. According to the state judicial complaint and testimony at Draper’s removal hearing on Monday, the judge allegedly stroked a female lawyer’s hair after going on a tangent to a Black attorney about “Black history, Black football players, the Civil Rights Act, and the Black Lives Matter movement,” even though the case had nothing to do with those issues.

Judge Robert Draper outside the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in Los Angeles.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Later in chambers that same day, he made crude remarks to a group of female attorneys while reflecting on his time as a civil attorney, recalling how male lawyers would deride female secretaries, insisting they learn to “f— better than they could type,” according to testimony given by attorney Janice Brown at Draper’s hearing.

Brown told the review panel that Draper’s behavior left her “aghast” and “perplexed.”

Draper denied much of what was in the complaint. He says that he never touched a lawyer’s hair, and that the comments about Black culture were meant to express his pride at racial progress in America. He criticized the Commission on Judicial Performance.

“This is like the Russian mafia, it’s like Germany,” he said. “There’s no due process for any judge.”

Draper’s attorney, Ashley Posner, said his client would routinely walk up seven flights of stairs when he was assigned to the downtown Stanley Mosk courthouse and remains sharp.

“Things were set up to portray him in the worst light possible … he’s been portrayed as a bigot. He’s been portrayed as doddering and demented, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” Posner said.

In court on Monday, Posner suggested the complaint was part of a broader campaign to force Draper to retire and accused the L.A. County Superior Court’s leadership of ageism. A court spokesperson said they could not comment on personnel matters.

The race between Connolly and Thompson has also focused heavily on alleged misconduct.

Connolly’s past admonishments by the state commission include complaints that he yelled at attorneys for appearing remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The judge also told a recently acquitted defendant that he knew the man was guilty, records show.

“I don’t think it’s as much what I’ve said as how I have said it. I think that they have taken issue with the terms that I’ve used,” Connolly said, noting he has never been accused of ethical violations or moral impropriety.

L.A. County Superior Court Judge Pat Connolly at the Compton Courthouse.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A legal expert raised questions in 2023 about the propriety of Connolly seeking to disqualify a fellow judge from ruling on a petition to resentence a convicted cop killer that Connolly had prosecuted in the late 2000s. The state commission is also currently reviewing two additional complaints against Connolly, according to e-mails seen by The Times. Connolly said he couldn’t comment on either situation.

In an interview with The Times, Connolly said he was surprised by the “venom” Thompson had injected into the race.

He said he sees himself as a fair jurist with a knack for finding creative solutions to cases that balance public safety and alternatives to incarceration. In 2022, court records show, he negotiated a plea deal for an NFL player facing prison time for weapons charges, ordering him to organize sports camps for underprivileged youth.

“I’m one of those who listens to both sides, who gives both sides the opportunity to voice their positions,” he said.

Connolly enjoys the support of many sitting judges and law enforcement leaders, including former Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley and the head of the court’s criminal division, Ricardo Ocampo.

Thompson says some of Connolly’s allies on the bench have come after his supporters.

When Thompson launched his campaign, he published an endorsement from L.A. County Superior Court Judge Scott Yang on his campaign website. Within weeks, Thompson said, Yang asked him to take the endorsement down, claiming he was being pressured by other judges.

Yang, who presides over a court in the Antelope Valley, said his colleagues on the bench exhibited a “gangster mentality” when they told him to withdraw his endorsement in a judicial election, according to a text message reviewed by The Times.

“They were going to target him. They were going to run at him. They were potentially going to make false disciplinary reports around him,” Thompson said.

Connolly was not accused of being involved in the alleged harassment and declined to discuss the matter. Yang did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A court spokesperson said they had not received any reports of threats made against Yang, but a law enforcement source said Yang told them he was harassed by fellow judges over his endorsement of Thompson. The source spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals from the bench.

The conflict has generated whispers among L.A. County judges, one of whom requested anonymity due to concerns of backlash for speaking publicly. Word of the threats against Yang, the judge said, left some fearing they too could face retribution for breaking ranks.

“It’s totally concerning,” the judge said. “How different is that than the deputy gangs?”

BBC’s new crime drama starring Sheridan Smith has been a hit with viewers

BBC viewers are already hooked on the new crime drama starring Sheridan Smith.

The Cage recently made its debut onto our TV screens and a number of fans have already binge-watched all five episodes with many calling for another season.

It comes as no surprise that viewers are gripped on the show. Not only is the cast lead by BAFTA-winner Sheridan but its creator is the BAFTA-winning Tony Schumacher, who created the acclaimed police drama The Responder.

Alongside Sheridan, her co-star Michael Socha also leads the cast of the popular series, which follows two financially struggling Liverpool casino employees who end up confronting dangerous local criminals and the authorities after siphoning money from the casino safe.

Shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside, the narrative centres on Leanne (Sheridan), a single mother and casino cashier who begins siphoning cash from the safe to rescue her family home.

However, when she discovers that her boss Matty (Muchael), a gambling addict, is engaged in the same activity, both of their lives begin to unravel.

The duo forge an unexpected alliance to conceal their theft, but quickly become entangled with local gangsters and the police.

The synopsis states: “Leanne is the charismatic cashier at an inner-city casino who finds herself threatened with losing the family home and starts skimming cash from the casino safe to secure her family’s future.

“When Leanne discovers her boss Matty is doing the same thing, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.

“As Leanne’s loyalties are pulled in different directions, Matty battles with his inner demons meaning the pair will have to play every hand perfectly.”

Viewers have wasted no time sharing their reaction as one viewer said: “I just finished watching it, so good. I hope they have a season 2.”

Another wrote: “#thecage Just finished binge watching this series and loved it. Great cast especially the performance of Michael Socha.Some great music in there as well.”

A third commented: “Binged The Cage in one sitting, fantastic show! Well done all involved.” Another said: “Binged the whole series tonight. I really enjoyed it, proper good British drama and great cast/performances,”

Meanwhile another added: “Loved it!! It was so good had me on the edge of my seat.” While another called for a second season, writing: “Michael and Sheridan were absolutely phenomenal, can’t wait for series 2?”

You can stream The Cage on BBC iPlayer

This captivating period drama has had viewers binge-watching all ten episodes after just one week

A brand new period drama adaptation has arrived on BBC iPlayer, and viewers are already captivated.

The Lady Grace Mysteries is a collection of children’s detective fiction novels, originally penned by English author Patricia Finney, before Sara Volger and Jan Burchett later came aboard as co-authors.

Written in diary format, the story centres on Lady Grace Cavendish, a maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I, who sets out to unravel a series of mysteries within the royal court.

The series comprises 12 books in total, with the earliest releases regarded as the most beloved titles. These include Assassin, Betrayal, and Conspiracy – published in 2004 and 2005. The final instalment, Loot, hit shelves in 2010.

Now, audiences can immerse themselves in the 16th-century royal court as the beloved books have been brought to life in a new BBC adaptation. The “vibrant” new drama breathes excitement, humour and intrigue into Queen Elizabeth I’s court, appealing to younger viewers, as well as older fans who grew up devouring the books, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“The series introduces 14-year-old Grace Cavendish, a spirited lady-in-waiting with a sharp mind, a strong sense of justice and one enormous secret: she is the Queen’s top secret teenage spy,” reads the official synopsis for the series.

“Moving through the glittering but treacherous world of the Tudor court, Grace must juggle her official duties with undercover missions as she tackles everything from stolen crowns and mysterious hauntings to political plots and deadly traitors hiding in plain sight (Claudia Winkleman not included).

“With picture perfect palaces, sweeping gardens, secret passageways and lavish royal celebrations, The Lady Grace Mysteries brings the Elizabethan Golden Age to the screen in a way that feels both authentic and fresh. Alongside her best friends, Ellie, a fearless scullery maid, and Masou, an ambitious young actor, Grace’s world is packed with daring escapades, heartfelt friendships and relatable teenage drama, just with more ruffs, royal balls and assassination attempts.”

Sarah Muller, Head of Commissioning 7+ at the BBC, commented: “The Lady Grace Mysteries is everything we love in co-viewing a series: it’s warm, funny and full of adventure, with a brilliant young heroine at its heart.

“It blends mystery, history and big emotional stories in a way that feels fresh and exciting for today’s audience, while giving parents and grandparents something richly nostalgic and visually spectacular to enjoy too. We’re so proud of this show and can’t wait for families to discover Grace’s world together.”

Evie Coles takes on the role of Grace, with Rebecca Scott portraying Queen Elizabeth I. The cast further features Carys John, Twinkle Jaiswal, Rafael Alessandro, Georgia Farrow, and Fintan Buckard. All ten episodes of The Lady Grace Mysteries dropped on BBC iPlayer earlier this month (April 20), with viewers already devouring the entire series in one sitting.

Numerous fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one user posting on X (formerly Twitter): “The Lady Grace Mysteries are heaps of fun.”

Another chimed in: “It’s actually a kids show but I’m liking the teenage spy at the Elizabethan court. Great fun with FAB costumes. Each character has their own colour scheme, Lady Grace in greens, the Queen in orange/gold, another in purple, one in blue. NICE!”

The official CBBC Instagram account also enthused: “If you like and miss Malory Towers… we’ve got you! Brand new series, with familiar faces… #TheLadyGraceMysteries is available right now.”

The Lady Grace Mysteries is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

The actress has a brand new ‘collab’ – playing a solicitor in Jeff Pope’s hard-hitting factual drama about the horrific sex attacks of John Worboys

She’s best known for her role as smiley Anne in Amandaland – but Philippa Dunne is taking an altogether more serious role in ITV’s new true crime drama about black cab rapist John Worboys.

Believe Me tells the story of how the victims of one of the most prolific sex attackers in British history fought back after being failed by the system. And Philippa, 44, plays the solicitor who represents three of the women, who decide to sue the Metropolitan Police under the Human Rights Act for their failure to properly conduct investigations into their allegations of sexual assault.

Worboys, played by Daniel Mays, preyed on women under the cover of being a “respectable” licensed taxi-cab driver. He would target solo women to pick up, claim he’d had a win at a casino or on the lottery, then offer them a drug-laced glass of champagne to help him celebrate – which would knock them out. The women often had little or no memory of what had happened to them.

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The drama, to air on ITV next month, focuses on Sarah (Aimée-Ffion Edwards) and Laila (Aasiya Shah), who reported sexual assaults by Worboys but felt they had not been believed by the police.

Phillipa plays Harriet Wistrich who joins forces with the women and with barrister Phillippa Kaufmann QC to sue the police over the handling of their complaints, claiming it led to them being subjected to degrading treatment and contributing to their distress. Not only did they win, they won twice after the Met appealed that judgment all the way to the Supreme Court.

Irish comedy star Philippa she had not previously worked with writer Jeff Pope, whose credits include Little Boy Blue, Philomena and See No Evil. “I just did a couple of auditions over Zoom – auditioning is still a big part of any actor’s life,” she explained. “And it was the most dialogue I’ve ever had to learn in my life so I was glad it was on Zoom because I had post-it notes everywhere.”

Once she’d landed the role, she continued to write down some of her more complicated lines. “Because of how jargon-heavy all the legal stuff is, I had a lot of it written on the paper in front of me,” she laughed. “So if you see me doing this at any stage, I am literally reading my script in front of the camera.”

Worboys, 68, was first convicted on 19 offences in 2009 and has since been found guilty of further sexual assaults. His next parole hearing is due to be held in public in June.

Speaking about writing the drama Pope – who will next tackle Sarah Everard’s story for the BBC – said he chooses his subjects carefully. “The first thing is – does something get you angry?” he explained. “Or really affect you? With this one I spent six months of my life being angry as I was pulling it together. Then there’s a long process of meeting the people involved, particularly the three main survivors – not to use the word victims. We spent a lot of time with them – as a man I had to understand a lot of personal, difficult, unpleasant stuff that they were telling me. And just listening and listening.”

He said that what had surprised him the most was hearing from the many women in his life about what they’d had to put up with from men over the years. “I realised early in the process that there’s a whole world, and one half of the population really don’t know much about it and the other half live with it. Stuff like what women put up with just on a night out. Talking to my wife, my daughters-in-law, my sister and understanding what women go through in a normal day, it was such an education for me. I hope one half of the audience are going to go ‘yes, that’s what happens’ and the other half are going to go ‘what?’”

The drama will also feature Miriam Petche playing Carrie Symonds, now the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was targeted by Worboys in her youth but had a narrow escape. When he was first being considered for parole, she was working in the Conservative Party press team and put her career on the line to spearhead a campaign pushing for a judicial review of the Parole Board’s decision.

Philippa will also return as much-loved Anne in the second series of BBC1’s Amandaland from May 6. Speaking about the new run, the actress said: “Anne is still in SoHa, juggling her high-powered job while raising her kids, attending all of Darius’s soccer matches, volunteering for activities at school while also being at the beck and call of her best pal Amanda.”

Both she and Lucy Punch, who plays Amanda, have been nominated for Best Comedy Actress at the Bafta TV Awards alonside Jennifer Saunders, who appeared in the Christmas special. Amandaland – which this time has a guest role for Call the Midwife actress Pam Ferris – has also been nominated for the Best Scripted Comedy category.

Prey has finally landed on Netflix with the hit two-season ITV drama now ready to stream.

Prey season two is filled with recognisable faces from the worlds of The Witcher, Unforgotten and Emmerdale.

Eleven years have gone by since British crime thriller Prey was last airing on ITV and now fans can re-live both epic seasons which sees DS Susan Reinhart (played by Rosie Cavaliero) investigate criminal cases around Manchester.

While the first outing revolved around a police officer trying to clear his name after the murder of his family, series two sees a prison officer forced to help an inmate escape after his pregnant daughter is kidnapped.

As fans start binge-watching Prey, here’s everything there is to know about the cast of Prey season two.

Inside Prey season 2 cast

DS Susan Reinhardt – Rosie Cavaliero

DS Susan Reinhardt connects both seasons of Prey as she struggles to deal with her inner demons while investigating officers at the heart of each series.

She is brought to life by actress Rosie Cavaliero who was Marion Kelsey in ITV’s Unforgotten season two, Elizabeth Cordingley in Gentleman Jack and Edwina, Countess of Dunvale in Channel 5’s A Woman of Substance.

David Murdoch – Philip Glenister

David is a widowed prison officer whose life is turned upside down when his pregnant daughter is kidnapped and he is blackmailed into helping an inmate escape.

He is brought to life by actor Philip Glenister who is famed for starring in Life on Mars, its spin-off Ashes to Ashes, Belgravia, After the Flood and, most recently, ITV’s The Lady.

Jules Hope – MyAnna Buring

Actress MyAnna Buring will be best remembered for playing Tissaia in Netflix ’s The Witcher, but also starred in The Twilight Saga as Tanya and Unforgotten season six as Melinda Ricci.

She is behind Jules Hope, the prisoner that David is forced to help escape.

DC Richard Iddon – Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Quick-witted rookie police officer DC Richard Iddon is partnered up with DS Reinhardt to try and track down David Murdoch.

He is played by actor Nathan Stewart-Jarrett who was Curtis Donovan in E4’s Misfits and Ian in the Channel 4 series Utopia.

Lucy Murdoch – Sammy Winward

Taking on the role of David’s kidnapped pregnant daughter Lucy Murdoch is actress Sammy Winward.

She is by far best known for starring as Katie Sugden, a role she took on as a teenager, in ITV’s iconic soap Emmerdale.

She has also had smaller roles in shows such as Fearless, The Long Shadow and Brassic.

DCI Mike Ward – Ralph Ineson

Rounding off the main cast of Prey season two is actor Ralph Ineson who plays Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter franchise, Professor Krempe in Netflix’s Frankenstein and General Tarakanov in Chernobyl.

Ineson portrays DCI Mike Ward who is DS Susan Reindhardt’s superior officer.

Prey is available to watch on Netflix.

Like the milieu in which they’re set, prison movies can be terribly constricting. Often focusing on well-worn themes of masculinity, regret and redemption, they feature (and sometimes indulge) rough-hewn portrayals of tortured characters suffering through physical and emotional tumult. Inherently compelling but also a shade predictable, the genre promises a tantalizing glimpse at a terrifyingly macho world — one that most of us are fortunate not to know firsthand.

Cal McMau’s feature directorial debut hardly reinvents the formula, but it does remind audiences what remains so sturdy about the premise of an ordinary man trying to stay alive behind bars. And thanks to the latest impressive turn from rising star David Jonsson, “Wasteman” even finds a few new notes to play within a familiar stark melody.

Jonsson is Taylor, who has been serving 13 years in a U.K. prison for a drug deal that went tragically wrong, leading to an accidental death. Soft-spoken and overly accommodating, the young man mostly wants to avoid trouble, allowing himself to be bullied by cell-block thugs Paul (Alex Hassell) and Gaz (Corin Silva) while offering to cut their hair in exchange for the pills that fuel his addiction. Taylor has learned to go along to get along, existing in a zombie-like state from the perpetual high he chases.

But Taylor’s stasis is interrupted by the news that he may be granted early parole. (The overstuffed U.K. penal system needs to shed nonviolent prisoners to make room for dangerous offenders.) Longing to reconnect with his estranged teenage son Adam (Cole Martin), Taylor can see the light at the end of the tunnel — until the arrival of Dee, his new cellmate.

Played by a snarling, coiled Tom Blyth, Dee swaggers whereas Taylor shrinks. Seeing his new home as his kingdom, Dee quickly becomes the prison’s chief supplier of whatever you need — sneakers, candy, drugs — while ferociously asserting his dominance. (Early on, Dee slashes a fellow inmate’s face, recognizing him as someone who once ran with a rival crew.) Taylor adapts to the volatile situation as he always has, serving as the unthreatening beta, eventually earning Dee’s trust and friendship. Soon, Dee takes an interest in Taylor, ordering his lackeys on the outside to give Adam gifts that they claim are from his dad.

“Wasteman” introduces this odd-couple scenario and then waits for their fragile coexistence to rupture. Accustomed to being the prison’s top dogs, Paul and Gaz don’t take kindly to Dee invading their turf, resulting in an escalation of tension that puts Taylor’s parole at risk. But if much of “Wasteman” follows an expected trajectory, the film’s conception of Taylor proves thornier than anticipated.

Although probably best known for the HBO series “Industry,” Jonsson has demonstrated a dazzling range over a short period of time, including acing romantic dramas (“Rye Lane”) and dystopian thrillers (“The Long Walk”). But what unites his diverse roles is the sense of a sensitive, intelligent actor who constantly makes us wonder what he’s thinking.

Jonsson’s silences always seem to say so much and in “Wasteman” he capitalizes on his reserved demeanor and smaller frame to create a character who is much less frightening than those around him. Unlike Dee, he’s no hardened criminal, merely a guy who made one stupid mistake to financially support his child, and “Wasteman” initially encourages viewers to sympathize with this delicate soul who’s been thrown to the wolves.

Gradually, though, Jonsson complicates our feelings about Taylor. Equally desperate to be freed and to keep getting high — essentially escaping one prison while remaining in another — he slowly reveals himself to have little in the way of principles or ethics. When Paul and Gaz confront Dee, Taylor’s response is so cowardly that it’s pathetic, suggesting a spinelessness that bedeviled him long before he wound up in jail. The film presents Taylor as a kindly spirit, which turns out to be little more than calculated self-preservation.

Within the confines of a fairly conventional prison drama, McMau dissects an anonymous nobody who discovers that, both in prison and in life, there are consequences for not taking sides. Despite Dee’s savagery, Blyth portrays Taylor’s cellmate as loyal and honest — someone who believes in a personal code of conduct. The movie’s bitterest irony is that, of the two men, it’s ultimately Dee who may be more honorable.

McMau’s attempts to amplify the story’s grim authenticity occasionally fall flat. (Inspired by footage shot by actual inmates with contraband cellphones, the first-time director incorporates stagey inserts meant to re-create these intimate, graphic images.) He’s on firmer footing exploring his two leads as they square off inside this smoldering crucible. Like Jonsson, Blyth hints at a whole universe inside his character simply by the way he quietly listens and observes. As Taylor’s parole looms, the stakes grow. By the time “Wasteman” reaches its ambiguous finale, our loyalties are far from clear-cut.

Fans of The Other Bennet Sister looking for their next period drama fix should watch the BBC’s gripping sequel to Pride and Prejudice available on iPlayer

The Other Bennet Sister has made a significant impression on period drama fans but as they complete the first and only season, they’re desperately searching for another Jane Austen tale.

Within the same universe Austen crafted, they can opt to watch Death Comes to Pemberley, a narrative that begins exactly where Pride and Prejudice concluded.

Much like the 2026 series, The Other Bennet Sister, this 2013 standalone series is also a follow-on from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, penned by a different author.

It’s adapted from P.D. James’s 2011 novel, which employs the same characters and style of the original 1813 work.

Over three episodes, it pursues a murder mystery angle, featuring the characters that Austen devotees recognise and adore but in a somewhat different setting.

The Guardian said its production was “respectful” of Austen’s iconic work while managing to “stand out” and be its own “very different” entity.

Though it also shares similarities with the Pride and Prejudice adaptation, as Chatsworth House in Derbyshire served as the exterior location for Pemberley. This was the identical setting used for the estate in the 2005 film.

A viewer headed to IMDB to post their assessment of Death Comes to Pemberley, stating: “If you are like me and enjoy your Pride and Prejudice and a good murder plot, then you would love this series!”

They continued: “Elisabeth in particular is just like I would have imagined; she is the same spirited, outspoken person we know and love, while Darcy is more brooding, quiet and responsible (while I may have chosen other actors in terms of appearance, I think they portray the characters very well as reactions).”

A PopMatters critic also weighed in, writing: “Death Comes to Pemberley, a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by P.D. James, is a worthy addition to Austen’s original, and the BBC adaptation makes that case wonderfully.”

Set in 1803, the drama kicks off six years after the wedding of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, when a mysterious disappearance unsettles the entire community. Wickham and Denny quarrel before departing in a horse and carriage, and shortly afterwards, two gunshots ring out.

Upon being informed of the incident and the two men’s disappearance, Darcy dispatches a search party. They find Wickham frantically clutching Denny’s lifeless body, setting in motion the tale of how this devastating death came about.

Naturally, venturing into Austen’s world carries considerable weight, as the cherished author’s work is regarded as sacred by legions of devoted fans.

As a result, the series has faced its fair share of criticism over its depiction of certain Austen characters which have since been reimagined by other writers.

One critical IMDB reviewer wrote: “When you use well-known and loved characters from something as famous as Pride and Prejudice, they should at least stay faithful to their original characters. Which it does, mostly, but the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett was just really off.”

Anna Maxwell Martin takes on the role of Elizabeth, alongside Matthew Rhys as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jenna Coleman as Lydia Wickham and Matthew Goode as George Wickham.

For those seeking their next Austen-inspired drama, this compact three-episode series makes for an ideal binge-watch; Death Comes to Pemberley is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The movie is beloved by viewers and critics with a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes

A historical post-war film has been hailed as “one of the most beautiful movies ever made.” This film follows a young Irish woman who is torn between two worlds in the 1950s. Critics and audiences alike have praised its emotional precision and timeless appeal.

Boasting an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Brooklyn (2015) is the perfect weekend watch. It is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. However, viewers only have 19 days left to catch the film.

In the 1950s, young Irishwoman Eilis Lace (played by Saoirse Ronan) leaves her small hometown for a new life in Brooklyn, drawn by the promise of opportunity in America.

Though she initially struggles with homesickness, she gradually adapts. Eilis eventually falls in love in Brooklyn, and embraces her independence.

However, a sudden family emergency calls her back to Ireland, where she becomes entangled once again in the life she left behind.

Caught between her past and her future, Eilis must choose between two countries and the very different lives each offers.

Reviews

“In short, Brooklyn is one of the very best films of the past decade and worth looking back on,” wrote Dave Giannini for InSession Film.

Giving the film a five out of five, Don Shanahan from Film Obsessive shared: “Brooklyn is a forthright, approachable, and esteemed historical drama where the dignity and honesty soar to heavenly heights to shine on the plights of love and independence.”

Audience members also raved about this film. One said: “Beautiful story. One of the best movies. Moving.” Another added: “Beautiful classic in every sense of the word. Outstanding performances. Atmospheric joy. Don’t miss it.”

A third wrote: “It’s a masterpiece, and profoundly moving, especially if you’re an immigrant yourself. The closing is one of the most beautiful romantic scenes ever. In my opinion.”

Lastly, someone said: ” One of the most beautiful movies ever made. Colours, music, and reticence punctuate throughout. I have watched the scene in the dining room of the church 7,351,212 times.

“The man sings, the actress recognises brilliance amidst shuffles and anonymity, and then the director cuts to her chaperone listening to a radio. So god**** brilliant.”

You can now watch Brooklyn on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.

The acclaimed crime drama starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman won three BAFTAs and has a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers comparing it to ‘Shakespeare writes a detective story’

One of Britain’s most beloved drama series of all time has just landed on Netflix. This gripping crime show scooped three Baftas and has been celebrated as one of the finest productions ever to grace our television screens. The iconic 2013 series Broadchurch has finally made its way to the streaming giant.

The show is a police drama which opens with the murder of 11 year old Danny Latimer, whose body is discovered at the foot of the cliffs.

The tragedy tears apart the tight-knit Dorset community, forcing DS Ellie Miller ( Olivia Colman ) to join forces with newcomer Alec Hardy ( David Tennant ) – despite him having stolen the DI role that was rightfully hers – as they attempt to crack the heartbreaking case.

What follows is a twisting tale of betrayal, suspicion and the dark underbelly of a small coastal town. Unlike conventional cop dramas, this isn’t about high-speed car chases and gun-wielding heroes sprinting through tower blocks.

Rather, it delves into the profound flaws we all harbour, the quiet moments of anguish that accompany unimaginable grief, and the perils of public opinion.

It features one of the most stunning plot twists I’ve ever encountered – and I watch an enormous amount of television. The series is truly an extraordinary experience, with performances that are nothing short of outstanding, reports the Express.

There isn’t a single weak link in the entire cast, and despite being over a decade old, it remains as compelling as ever.

And I’m far from alone in my admiration. Broadchurch boasts a remarkable 94% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating alongside an 8.3 out of 10 on IMDB.

One viewer posted on IMDB: “This is ‘Shakespeare writes a detective story’. It was beautifully done. In no way has he [writer Chris Chibnall] broken the cardinal rule of show, don’t tell.

“Nor has he made the horrible mistake of creating any perfect character. All of them, from youngest to oldest, are wonderfully imperfect human beings.”

A second remarked: “The locations are gorgeous and so atmospheric, and the series is beautifully photographed, fluid and brooding. The music is both haunting and tragic.”

A third added: “Standing out also is the writing. It’s rare to find on television recently to have a series so intelligently written and be so layered and meaty.

“While the pacing is deliberate in places, a lot happens to keep one gripped and ensure that the tension and mystery never slips.”