Hugh Dennis

Iconic panel show Mock the Week is set to return to screens in 2026, four years after it was axed by the BBC, and will be broadcast on a free-to-air rival challenge

Mock the Week was axed from television four years ago, but the BBC panel show is now poised for a spectacular return next year. The satirical news commentary programme, which launched the careers of Hugh Dennis, Frankie Boyle, and Russell Howard, is scheduled to make its comeback on screens in 2026.

Initially debuting back in 2005, Mock the Week offered a comedic take on weekly news stories and quickly established itself as a broadcasting favourite. The half-hour comedy format eventually concluded in 2022 following 17 years on air, but its return has now been officially announced.

This time around, the programme will air on TLC, as the channel transitions to free-to-air broadcasting in the UK come January 2026, delivering additional scripted and unscripted programming, reports the Express.

Warner Bros. Discovery released a statement confirming the show’s revival, produced by Angst Productions, would provide the “much-loved” format with a “new look”.

Cast announcements remain pending, though supporters are eager to witness Hugh, Frankie, Russell, and fellow comedian Andy Parsons grace screens once again.

TLC operates as a television network in America, which Warner Bros. Discovery has recently chosen to introduce on Freeview in Britain, simultaneously discontinuing HGTV.

The UK debut of TLC will additionally showcase scripted programming including The Big Bang Theory and its enduring comedy-drama offshoot, Young Sheldon.

The show, which first aired in 2005, was cancelled back in 2022 with host Dara O’Briain sharing a sad statement at the time. “That’s it folks, the UK has finally run out of news,” he said.

“The storylines were getting crazier and crazier – global pandemics, divorce from Europe, novelty short-term prime ministers. It couldn’t go on.”

Earlier this year, Mock the Week star Milton Jones announced that he was ‘cancer free’ after undergoing surgery. The stand-up comic cancelled a number of dates earlier this year after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

However, he said in August that he is “in a completely different place” now. He said in a statement: “A few months ago, I had to stop my tour Ha! Milton because I needed treatment for prostate cancer. I’m glad to say I’ve had that treatment and am now cancer free!”

Milton continued to the PA News Agency: “So, many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who helped me get better – I couldn’t do their job (I tried, but apparently you have to be qualified).

“A big thank you to my family, friends, all those who helped reschedule things and the many others who have been so nice to me.

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Helen George swaps the world of showbiz for literal shark-infested waters in ITV’s new reality show, while Channel 4’s The Couple Next Door returns with a steamy new story

Call the Midwife star Helen George is just one of the celebs who’ll be coming face-to-face with one of the sea’s deadliest beasts in ITV’s new reality show Shark! Celebrty Infested Waters tonight.

Proving just how far celebrities will go to stay on the telly, this new reality format sends seven famous faces into shark-filled waters near the Bahamas. 50 years after Jaws became a phenomenon at the cinema, the likes of actor Lenny Henry, comedian Ross Noble and McFly’s Dougie Poynter have signed up for a stomach-churning sequence of dives, where they will encounter various species of shark, getting more perilous each time.

Although Countdown’s Rachel Riley is excited for the challenge, most of the celebs look like they want to fire their agents, with Call the Midwife star Helen George declaring she’s terrified of the sea, and Motherland actor Lucy Punch hilariously dismissing the apex predators as ‘savage tubes of teeth.’

There’s a sobering start to the experience, as they meet their guides, including Paul, a former Aussie serviceman who lost his hand and leg to a ten-foot bull shark in a training exercise, but now campaigns for shark conservation.

Acutely aware of the dangers they face, they prepare for their first dive, but with Helen and Lenny both struggling with traumatic childhood memories of swimming pools, just getting underwater is a challenge. Soon, they’re stepping into a cage suspended in the ocean, surrounded by bull sharks, whose every move makes them shake. And it’s only going to get scarier from here. The experts hope the celebs will go home with a new respect – and even affection – for the villains of the sea, but that feels rather optimistic at this point…

Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The Best of the Rest

Michael Mosley: Secrets Of The Superagers, Channel 4, 8pm

If throwing yourself out of a plane is the secret to a better memory, some of us would prefer to just be forgetful… In this eye-opening series, the late Dr Michael Mosley meets inspiring people, who are bucking the trends of ageing. 70-year old Dane is a keen skydiver, whose mind is impressively sharp.

Indeed, the science shows that his time at high altitude has helped promote blood flow to his brain, giving him higher cognitive function. You don’t have to be a daredevil to age well though, as Michael explores the theory that learning new things can ward off dementia. Small children’s brains expand as they pick up new skills, so a group of volunteers test the theory that mastering new hobbies simultaneously can stop your brain shrinking.

After a year of learning Spanish and taking art classes, the stunning results of this experiment will have you googling evening classes in your area.

The Couple Next Door, Channel 4, 9pm

This steamy relationship drama returns to the same posh cul de sac, but with a new couple at the heart of the story. Surgeon Charlotte (The Split’s Anabel Scholey) and anaesthetist Jacob (Nashville’s Sam Palladio) work at the same hospital, and their marriage is a happy one. That is until enigmatic new nurse Mia turns up for her first shift.

Immediately overstepping the mark with her colleagues, she makes quite the impression. Later, Charlotte is stunned when Mia moves into the house next door, and she can’t stop thinking about her. How can she afford a huge family home on her own, on a nurse’s salary, and why is she so keen to make friends with resident creep, Alan (Hugh Dennis)?

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s ex, Leo, is back on the scene, as family circumstances force him to return to the hospital. Jacob is unsettled by his return, and turns down a tantalising prospect of promotion to avoid him.

EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm

Lauren is surprised to see Oscar again. After shock revelations, she learns where he has been all this time, and begrudgingly agrees to let him stay with her. It’s a decision she may soon regret…

Lexi asks Nigel about his wedding day. Jay is saddened that Nigel is no longer in touch with Julie, and starts looking for her online. Phil warns Jay not to interfere, but he won’t listen.

Linda tells Kat that it’s time for her to sell The Vic?

Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm

Kim is blissfully unaware that Dr Crowley is planning to take her to the cleaners. But Joe knows exactly what he’s up to, and arranges to confront him.

Charity desperately wants to help Sarah and tries to persuade Vic to offer to be her surrogate. Vic seems uncomfortable, despite Charity’s pleas. Charity and Cain are on the same page as they keep all options open.

It’s a big day for Lewis as he launches his new menu at the café.

Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm

Mick is growing restless in his cell, worrying about his kids. As he forms a plan, Brody looks for Joanie and Shanice, but Joanie is at Weatherfield High for a taster day. Mick breaks out of prison and heads straight to the school, not knowing that Sally has picked Joanie up early. He follows them back to the Street, with Kit in pursuit.

Meanwhile, Kevin plays for time, telling Tyrone he’ll come clean to Abi about his health after their weekend away.

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