Adrian Dunbar, who has played Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty for years, has starred in the lead role of Alex Ridley in the ITV detective series since 2022
Adrian Dunbar has played Superintendent Ted Hastings in Line of Duty for years(Image: PA)
Popular crime drama Ridley — which stars Adrian Dunbar — has been scrapped despite top ratings, it is reported.
The ITV series sees Dunbar play the title role, a retired Detective Inspector turned police consultant and regular jazz club singer, and has drawn in viewers since 2022. Bronagh Waugh and Georgie Glen have also had regular roles across the two seasons.
But there will be no more, according to reports today. ITV has reportedly decided to shelve the programme, filmed across Lancashire and the Yorkshire Dales.
An ITV spokesman said: “There are currently no plans to return to Ridley. We’d like to extend our thanks to creator and writer Paul Matthew Thompson, executive producer Jonathan Fisher and the team at West Road Pictures for producing two successful series.”
It is a fresh blow for Dunbar, 67, following years of uncertainty around the future of Line of Duty. The actor, born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, had hinted he hoped Ridley would return. Speaking in an interview in August last year, Dunbar said: “The programme did very good numbers when it was shown in America and I know that PBS [the US’s Public Broadcasting Service], who part-financed Ridley, would like us to film another series.
“There’s definitely more to be said about Alex Ridley, his troubled life and the team of detectives with whom he works, and I would love to film more.”
But The Sun says this unlikely. The publication reports the programme had received top reviews and, since the last series ended in the autumn of last year, there had been hints it would come back.
Dunbar’s uncertainty around Line of Duty finally vanished late last year though when it was confirmed the popular police drama would return for a seventh season. In November last year, a source said: “Although this has been discussed at length since the unsatisfactory ending of series six in 2021, it’s still going to create huge excitement when the Beeb makes the announcement.
“It’s one they’ve been preparing to make for weeks, but they’ve been trying to pick the right moment, since The Celebrity Traitors has been hogging quite a lot of limelight recently.” They added: “And the BBC very much view Line Of Duty as one of the jewels in its crown that they want to deliver with some fanfare.”
Martin Compston played DS Steve Arnott in the show, which came to an end when his character and his team discovered the identity of “H”. He last year also shared details on whether viewers can expect more from the series.
THE Brit Awards have always been known for controversial moments and risky jokes – especially when you have Jack Whitehall as host.
But it seems this year’s glitzy bash may have gone too far as horrified viewers slammed ITV with complaints to Ofcom following Saturday’s ceremony.
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This year’s Brit Awards has had a slew of complaints from viewers – with host Jack Whitehall’s jokes called into questionCredit: AlamySome fans were also furious that parts of the Brits were edited out by a static noise – including Angry Ginge’s moment on stageCredit: AlamyParts of Max Bassin of Geese acceptance speech was edited out by ITV bossesCredit: Getty
At the weekend, the Brits was broadcast on ITV with a slight time delay from Manchester‘s Co-Op Arena.
Ofcom have confirmed to The Sun there were almost 150 complaints in total and the majority related to elements of the show being edited out, including acceptance speeches.
While other complaints related to jokes made by presenter Jack.
The comedian, who has hosted the Brits for five years now, is known for his close to the mark humour.
Salford native Ginge – real name Morgan Burtwistle – told the audience that he was glad that “people are realising that London is a s**thole”, which was also muted from the air.
Noel Gallagher’s acceptance speech was also censoredCredit: Reuters
After that, any insulting or risky language or jokes were taken out of the broadcast.
When Geese picked up their award for International Group, the New Yorker also suffered the static noise when the band’s drummer Max Bessin took to the stage, thanked the crowd before the award, before declaring: “Free Palestine, F**k ICE”.
Shaun Ryder and Bez also got in trouble when talking to Jack about their famously-hedonistic and drug-fuelled youth, some of which was also cut from broadcast.
Noel Gallagher also got muzzed towards the end of his appearance on stage as he was awarded Songwriter of the Year for his 35-year career with Oasis and the music that has influenced the generations since.
The comment clearly divided the audience, with cheers and boos alike, but we can confirm it was actually “Up The Blues” as a nod to football team, Manchester City.
He replied: “That’s what proper Shepherd’s Pie is-” Cutting him off, Susanna replied: “No, Shepherd’s Pie is with lamb mince. You made a cottage pie!”
Ed added: “If we did a poll of our viewers, in their lives, was Shepherd’s Pie made with beef or lamb’, 70% of people would say beef.”
Wanting to settle the debate, Good Morning Britain’s official X account asked their viewers in a poll.
They asked: “@edballs has revealed that he made a shepherd’s pie with beef mince last night, but @susannareid100, @Kevin_Maguire and Kwasi Kwarteng say Ed made a cottage pie. Help us settle the debate: Is it OK to make shepherd’s pie with beef mince?”
However, it was clear people weren’t thrilled with the question, as many flocked to comment on the topic.
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One person said: “What utter garbage for a news or even a current affairs programme.” Another reeled: “Is this even a newsworthy debate: how or what Balls cooks for dinner?”
Someone else commented: “That’s your take on world news.” As another shared: “This is taking up airtime. Wtf.”
However, some fans were thrilled to take part in the debate, as one person commented: “Morning, I’m with Ed. I don’t eat Lamb, but I’ve had many tasty Shepherds pies, made with beef.”
Later on in the show, Susanna remarked: “We are losing sleep this morning on whether a pie topped with potato and mince is a Shepherd’s Pie, if it’s made with beef mince.
“My view is that it’s clearly a cottage pie, your view is that it’s clearly a Shepherd’s Pie, despite the fact that Shepherds don’t look after cows.”
While Ed insisted that he was correct, there are some people who are a ‘bit fussy’ over what is correct.
Speaking about the poll, Susanna added: “Obviously, we’re in the middle of conflict, and there are, as we understand, more important things to talk about. But, we’re on air for three and a half hours every morning, so real life does go on, doesn’t it?
“We put a Twitter poll up, help us settle the debate: is it OK to make Shepherd’s Pie with beef mince? No, 63.4%, of course it isn’t.”
Good Morning Britain is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 6am.
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Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, who was diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer, says she is trying to “disguise what she is going through” to appear on a red carpet
21:45, 03 Mar 2026Updated 21:53, 03 Mar 2026
Corrie legend Beverley Callard has admitted her fear of red carpets has only got worse since her cancer diagnosis(Image: Instagram)
The soap legend has been keeping fans up to date regularly, but after taking some much-needed time away from social media to spend time with her husband, she returned with another candid post on Tuesday evening, where she sadly explained she is trying to “disguise” any signs of her illness as she prepares to step in front of the cameras again to promote a project.
Beverley, who has been married to Jon McEwan since 2010, said: “Hi. An update. I’ve not posted for the last couple of days because to be honest, I’m just really tired, I’m rubbish at the moment. But also, a lot of your messages have been so great and lots of them said ‘Just take a bit of time for you!’ So I’ve done that and it was good for Jon and I just to have some quiet time because, obviously, it gets to him, just as much as me.
“Anyway, today has been a good day. I’ve had more energy and I actually went and had my nails done today, which was quite nice. But I was exhausted when I came back not doing anything!
“Another thing I wanted to talk about was…I have to, hopefully, go back to work on Sunday and Monday, just for two days but it’s to do promotion for a job that I filmed last year, a few months ago and I’ve got the most worrying thing. It’s a bit of a red carpet do and anybody who knows me knows I hate those things.”
The star, who recently signed up to appear in the Irish soap Fair City and was preparing to film her first scenes when doctors informed her she had cancer, insisted that she “loves” everything about being an actress apart from the publicity side of things and admitted that her fears have got “even worse” since her diagnosis.
She said: “I love my job, I love learning lines, I love creating a character but standing posing on a red carpet is my worst nightmare. But now [it’s] even worse because I feel lopsided.
“I’ve just had to have a lady come to alter a dress that I’m thinking about wearing, and try and disguise what I’m going through at the moment so I’m even more nervous about it.
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“I know loads of people will think ‘Ooh, red carpet, and getting all dressed up…’ I prefer being dressed like this, but there you go! I’m nervous and anxious about that, and I’m trying to prepare.” Beverley
“The other thing is that I’ve got the hospital again in the morning and hopefully I will find out tomorrow if I have to have a second procedure, that’s at 9am, so I’ll know more about where I stand then but I’m sending loads of love, and thank you for the love you’re sending me.”
The update comes just days after Beverley tearfully revealed she was struggling following her surgery. The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star told her followers: “Full disclosure, it’s a week today since my operation and I woke up this morning and I put yesterday’s clothes on – which were dropped on the floor last night when I went to bed.
I I’ve not cleaned my teeth, I’ve not combed my hair. I can’t answer my phone because if somebody says a kind word to me, I just cry.”
And I’m so absolutely, absolutely rubbish today and I’ve been like that all day. I’m really tired, I keep feeling a bit queasy but I’ve no idea why. And I just thought, ‘oh well I’m not going to post anything today because I don’t want to make people feel miserable’ – but maybe you are feeling the same.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
Soap spoilers for next week tease big drama and revelations across Emmerdale, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Home and Away, with some sad news and new twists
Soap spoilers for next week tease big drama and revelations(Image: ITV)
It’s another big week fro the soaps with twists, discoveries, hints at what’s ahead and some sad news.
On Emmerdale, one character finally shares the heartbreaking news about their secret cancer diagnosis. We also see characters tempted with an affair teased, while there’s also fresh hope after recent turmoil.
As for Coronation Street, villain Megan Walsh might be rumbled as another character faces trouble. There’s also romance drama and Theo Silverton’s abusive behaviour continues.
On EastEnders fans will see a showdown between Mark Fowler Jr and Ravi Gulati after a truth is revealed. There’s also an attack, while on Hollyoaks there’s a heartbreaking diagnosis for one fan favourite. Home and Away also features the possible end of a marriage.
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EastEnders
Mark’s under pressure to get rid of the informant, Ravi, leading to them clashing. Priya ends up dropping Ravi in it, confirming to Mark that his suspicions are correct. Soon, a reckless Ravi speeds out of Walford with Mark in tow. Priya panics for Ravi’s safety, while a fight ensues at Walford Common.
Later, Priya discovers Ravi’s self-harming scars as she fears for his mental health. She tells Jack how Ravi has compromised his position as an informant, while later, Ravi breaks down in her arms.
Events see Vicki concerned for her safety, leading to a clash with her brother Mark. Ross tries to reason with him, but Mark insists he must hand over the informant, while Vicki soon asks Phil for help.
Lauren fears for her future when she learns the car lot is up for sale. After she’s rejected for a bank loan, she asks her dad Max to invest but he refuses. Oscar and Cindy jibe at Lauren but Max does a U-turn, and agrees to invest.
It’s not long until Lauren realises she and her dad have very different ideas. As Peter supports Lauren, she tries to prove herself to Max. When Mark shows interest in a car, Lauren is soon disappointed when he reveals he hasn’t got the funds for it.
When Lauren’s alone, a thug attacks her and steals the car, with Mark rushing to her aid. Phil continues to avoid visiting Nigel at the care home, leaving Lexi, Julie and Callum to go instead.
Emmerdale
As Cain struggles knowing the farm could be lost, he can barely cope as Moira thanks him for keeping everything going. Sarah forces him to tell Moira the truth before things get any worse, as Joe threatens their future.
As Sarah continues to hide Cain’s cancer diagnosis from loved ones, he’s left panicked when he finds blood in his urine. As it’s time to reveal what’s going on, Cain visits Moira in prison and tells her he has cancer, leaving her heartbroken.
Soon it’s time to tell the family and after sharing his news, Cain prepares to tell sons Kyle and Isaac. A chat with Rhona sees Graham admit he knew about Cain’s diagnosis, leading to a charged moment. When Lydia tells Kim she spotted the pair together, Kim claims it doesn’t bother her.
Soon, Graham gives Rhona an ultimatum, and as he prepares to speak his truth, Rhona has a decision to make. Meanwhile, Joe is deflated when his master plan fails to impress Kim, while Kim decides to visit Moira.
Elsewhere, Mack, Matty and Ross feel like things might have turned a corner for the farm after Vanessa confirms the TB results for the herd are promising. Also next week, Laurel confides in Nicola, Arthur rejects a job with Jai while someone is suspicious over Kerry and Jai’s closeness. Finally, Paddy awaits news on whether Bear will be discharged from the mental health unit.
Coronation Street
It’s Theo’s birthday, but he’s clearly underwhelmed by Todd’s gifts. When he invites Maria and Gary to join him and Todd at The Bistro, Todd’s late, and Theo gives him daggers. When Todd is unable to afford the bill, Theo confronts him for ruining his birthday before he loses it with him.
As Todd tidies up after the fight, avoids work while Gary spots Theo sleeping in his van. When Gary goes to the flat to get some of Theo’s things, he spots the mess and tries to get Theo to sort things out with Todd. Later, Theo agrees to talk as Todd struggles to cope.
Adam gives Jodie a lecture, leaving her seething, while soon Tracy is having a word about David the dog. When Adam suggests a holiday with Alya she’s delighted but a text message leaves her thrown.
The next day, Adam is determined to catch out Jodie, who is left fearful when she realises her act has been shared on the Weatherfield Community page. Ollie and Amy enjoy a date, until Lauren accidentally soaks Amy with some drinks.
Amy’s buzzing about her possible romance though, with another date planned only for Maggie to encourage Lauren to try and win Ollie back. When Ollie can’t keep his eyes off of Lauren, will Amy be left heartbroken? Ollie realises Maggie is behind it, but Lauren confesses her reunion hopes.
Sam is sick, leaving Leanne concerned. She confides in Megan who plays it down, while she’s soon caught flirting on her phone. Later, Megan continues to make digs at Sam, while Leanne makes a comment to Daniel about his flirty phone chat with Megan, unaware she was speaking with Will.
Soon her interest is piqued, while Sam vows he’s not afraid of Megan anymore. Steve’s avoiding Cassie after her proposal plans. When the day of his dad Jim’s funeral arrives, he invites Ben for support.
As he attends without his mum Liz or brother Andy, he’s grateful for Ben joining him, while Maggie is keen for Ben to avoid the wake as he has a hospital appointment the next morning. George is upset as he continues to receive funeral cancellations, and things get worse when Maggie tells him he’s not welcome at the pub.
Hollyoaks
Diane hides her devastating advanced stage ovarian cancer diagnosis from her family, as an unaware Tony returns home with his brother Dom in tow. Diane soon leaves Nancy and Leela speechless with the news, and soon Tony finds out the truth.
He’s determined to get a second opinion, while Nancy tells Darren what’s happening as Diane’s children remain in the dark. Dillon confides in Lucas about Donny, and Lucas reveals he’s managed to get a phone into the prison.
But during a phone call, Dillon is panicked when he hears a fight taking place and Lucas goes silent. Later, Frankie and Vicky share their concerns about Dillon’s rekindled romance. Mercedes tries to track down ‘Jake’, while Froggy has some advice for Rex.
Home and Away
Cash is feeling the pressure about Remi’s secret, while Remi wakes up after a seizure. Dana tries to help Sonny, leaving him overwhelmed and soon he snaps.
Kerrie is upset with how much time her grandson Archie is spending with Tane instead of her, so she tries to find dirt on him. Kerrie’s soon distracted by an emotional Dana, who opens up to her mum but they soon clash, with Harper soon telling Kerrie to leave.
Meanwhile Sonny faces the reality of learning to use a wheelchair, leading to some advice from John. Elsewhere, Levi is thinking about a career change, and Lacey and David prepare for Jo to be discharged from hospital. Finally, Leah announces that she’s going to leave the Bay for a while, but Justin, keen to fix their marriage, urges her to stay.
Home and Away is available to stream from 6am weekdays, with double bill episodes airing from 6pm on 5Star.Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
