TONIGHT

Award-winning BBC comedy thriller Black Ops returns to BBC One tonight with Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun reprising their roles alongside Tom Stourton and Nigel Havers

The critically acclaimed BBC comedy thriller, Black Ops, is set to return for a second series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The first season of the show drew an impressive audience of 2.3 million viewers for its premiere episode, averaging 1.6 million across the entire series.

Gbemisola Ikumelo will be back in her role as Dom, with Hammed Animashaun reprising his character Kay, and Akemnji Ndifornyen returning as gang boss Tevin. This season also boasts a star-studded guest cast including Tom Stourton (Barbie, Poor Things), Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire, Coronation Street), Annette Badland (Heartstopper, Ted Lasso), Ed Speleers (Star Trek: Picard, You), and Cathy Tyson (Help, Death in Paradise).

When asked about her decision to return for the second series, Gbemisola said: “Honestly, I think the love from the audience. Series one felt really, really special, and got a lot of love and recognition. How could you not want to do it again?”.

In response to whether she anticipated such an overwhelming response from viewers, Gbemisola, who also co-created and wrote the series, admitted: “Absolutely not. You always want to be able to put something out there, and if you’re proud of it, then great, and move on. But it was really lovely to hear how much love people had for this show.”

The upcoming season will see Dom and Kay working for MI5, but their roles are far from glamorous. As the synopsis teases: “They may be in the world of espionage, but their jobs are decidedly unglamorous – not everyone can be James Bond, someone has to do the admin.”

“All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work. Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”

Speaking about what’s in store for series two, Gbemisola hinted: “It’s going to be a bigger, louder, crazier show. I’m actually quite shocked about the things we’ve been able to achieve in this series, so I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences respond to the things that I’m excited about.”

The second series launches on Thursday, January 8, available on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer from 9:30pm, reports the Express.

The opening episode’s synopsis reveals: “Dom and Kay are back and working at MI5, but they’re struggling to find their feet in the world of intelligence. Dom, ambitious and eager to prove herself, is frustrated to be stuck carrying out menial work in the archives, while Kay misses his former role as a PCSO, and the direct impact he had on the community. Dom takes a big gamble to impress a senior agent, with dangerous consequences for her and Kay.”

The series consists of eight half-hour episodes, airing weekly on Thursday evenings in the same time slot.

BBC viewers will see the beloved comedy series return to screens on Thursday night with some very familiar faves joining the cast.

Laughter is set to fill BBC screens this evening (January 8) as the second series of a popular comedy returns.

This follows hot on the heels of a new comedy featuring Dawn French and Mark Heap, which debuted on Wednesday night.

Black Ops, which originally launched in 2023, is making its comeback as viewers will see Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun return as Dom and Kay.

The first series followed two East London police community support officers who unexpectedly found themselves working undercover.

Tasked with penetrating a criminal gang led by boss Tevin (Akemnji Ndifornyen), audiences were treated to a hilarious journey as the pair attempted to stay under the radar whilst Tevin grew increasingly suspicious, reports Wales Online.

Now, the cast reunite for a fresh series, which will feature appearances from Death in Paradise’s Cathy Tyson and Coronation Street’s Nigel Havers.

Discussing his return as Tevin, Akemnji revealed: “Series one was so nice, of course, we had to go and do it twice! Hugely excited to be going bigger, better and blacker for series two.

“Whatever is next for Dom, Kay – and of course Tevin – one thing is for certain, two things are for sure: it’s going to be a wild and thrilling comedy ride! Seatbelts, please!”

A synopsis for the second series reveals it begins with Dom and Kay working for MI5. Despite operating in the secretive world of espionage, their roles in the organisation are far from glamorous as they’re confined to administrative duties.

However, the situation shifts as an overview states: “All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work.

“Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”

The series has received glowing reviews from viewers in the past, with one person commenting: “I find UK shows so much more my level of humour and cadence.. This show is excellent.”

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“The chemistry between the two main characters is spot on. It’s smart and funny and drama all at the same time. That’s hard to pull off. It’s a great storyline.”

Another viewer added: “Thought this was hilarious. The two main characters are a blast. And the series’ plot was twisting and gripping enough to also provided enough suspense to make me keep watching to the end. Loved it.”

Black Ops is available to watch on BBC One from 9:30pm

SAN ANTONIO — LeBron James will miss the game against the San Antonio Spurs with right sciatica and left foot arthritis, the Lakers announced Wednesday.

James has starred for the Lakers (23-11) during their three-game winning streak, averaging 29 points in victories against the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. He’s paired effortlessly with Luka Doncic as the duo scored 30 points each in Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans. But after missing 14 games to start the season because of sciatica, the 41-year-old James recognized he might not be able to play a second game in as many nights.

“His foot typically the day after a game is sore so that’s the primary thing,” coach JJ Redick said before the game. “… We’re hoping that he gets to the point where he can play in back-to-backs with his body, but this stretch and this month, it’s going to be tough to say that.”

James will miss his 17th game this season, putting him right on the edge of continuing his streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA honors. Players have to appear in 65 games to remain eligible for postseason awards. The Lakers are beginning a busy January that ends with their longest road trip of the year: the eight-game Grammy trip.

The Lakers are also without Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (calf) and Adou Thiero (knee). Hachimura participated in a workout with G League affiliate South Bay Lakers in L.A. on Wednesday as he progresses back to the court.

Guard Gabe Vincent (back) will be available for Wednesday’s game while on a restriction of about 18 minutes, Redick said.

It was the film that helped to launch the career of a Hollywood legend and was a star-studded fantasy movie loved by fans and critics – and is now being shown on ITV tonight.

Kevin Costner took the lead role of Iowa farmer, Ray, in the smash hit Field of Dreams. Joining him as some of the legends on the ghostly baseball film are Ray Liotta and Shoeless Joe Jackson, James Earl Jones as Terence Mann, Burt Lancaster in his final role as Doc Archibald Graham and Amy Madigan as Annie.

Released in 1989 and directed by Phil Aiden Robinson, Field of Dreams was based on the novel, Shoeless Joe by WP Kinsella. As well as being commercially successful, Field of Dreams was also loved by critics. At the time one wrote: “A work so smartly written, so beautifully filmed, so perfectly acted, that it does the almost impossible trick of turning sentimentality into true emotion.”

The film was nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score. Today, Field of Dreams holds an impressive 88 percent approval rating on movie review aggregator website, Rotten Tomatoes. One review says: “This is a story about passion, not just for baseball, but also a passion to do something with our one precious life even if people think it’s crazy.”

Another wrote: “It’s hard to imagine a cynicism so hardened that it won’t crumble at the sight of a lush green baseball field nestled into an Iowa cornfield and at this movie’s final inspiring scene of youth and innocence recaptured.” While a third added: “Too idiosyncratic and witty merely to wallow in sentimentality, Field Of Dreams will surely stand as a classic update of what made Old Hollywood so magical. It’s still a wonderful life.”

The film also holds a special place in the heart of fans. One wrote: “This film is pure magic! I have seen this movie probably a hundred times in my life.. I’ve just finished watching it again tonight and I still get the same feeling I got the first time I saw it.” Another said: “One of the greatest films ever made. Men, get ready to cry. My favorite movies are ones that elicit an emotional response. “If you build it, he will come.”

Meanwhile a third added: “This is still probably my favorite movie of all time after seeing it over 30 years ago. A lesson in the value of having faith and valuing family along with paying a homage to baseball when it truly was Americas pastime, it is sentimental nonsense in the best way, as Ray says to Terrence Mann when returning back to Iowa to after picking up Moonlight Graham, “It’s Perfect!””

Field of Dreams is airing on ITV4 at 6.50pm on Sunday, January 4.

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‘This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile’

A modern rom-com that harkens back to an 80s’ classic while featuring a pair of A-list stars is on British telly tonight (Sunday).

Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, The Lost City was released in 2022 to generally positive reviews, earning back almost three times its budget.

Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a former archaeology researcher who writes romance-adventure novels. She reluctantly agrees to go on a book tour with a cover model for her fictitious hero, played by Tatum, but both find themselves embarking on an adventure, searching for a lost city that hides a priceless treasure.

The movie also features Brad Pitt in a rare supporting role, while Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe plays against type as an egotistical, eccentric billionaire who acts as the film’s ultimate baddie.

The Lost City has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says that while “The Lost City doesn’t sparkle quite as brightly as some classic treasure-hunting capers such as Romancing the Stone, its stars’ screwball chemistry makes this movie well worth romancing.”

One critic wrote: “The Lost City is every bit the romantic adventure we didn’t know we needed and then some. It’s fun and hilarious, and its on-the-nose praise of the romance genre is something we’ll never tire of exploring.”

Another was more circumspect, writing: “Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum get blindsided by a wonky and aimless script better suited for the balls-to-the-wall performances of its side characters.”

Movie fans were also divided on the film, which has some big supporters but more than a few who were left unimpressed. One wrote: “Enough laughs to make it enjoyable. All the actors did great in it. Sandra Bullock is really good at doing clumsy slapstick.”

A second stated: “It was such a funny treat. All the cast and crew were amazing. It had the whole theatre laughing. I’d definitely recommend watching this film.”

A third said: “Very enjoyable adventure-romance-comedy movie. I loved it. Highly recommend!”

However, some thought it paled in comparison to the classics: “This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile… It’s fun enough to be a passable time-waster, but it’s not compelling or unique enough to leave a lasting impression.”

Another wrote: “Clicked play immediately upon seeing the cast – found myself extremely disappointed that such great actors would partake in such an overplayed, cheesy plot. Paying attention was a chore.”

The Lost City airs on E4 tonight (Sunday, January 4) at 9pm.

‘This toe-tapping film celebrates the transformative power of music and individuality’

One of the most popular family films of the 21st Century, featuring a standout performance from Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars, is on ITV tonight (Saturday).

The electric Jack Black takes centre stage in Richard Linklater’s School of Rock, which was a huge surprise smash in 2003 and has gone on to become a stone-cold classic.

Black plays struggling rock guitarist Dewey Finn, who is fired from his band and ends up posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After witnessing the musical talent of the students, Dewey forms a band to compete in the upcoming Battle of the Bands, seeking revenge on his old band and the winnings to pay his rent.

However, Dewey’s unique teaching style begins to ignite a passion in his pupils, and they, in turn, start to inspire him. Featuring some amazing performances from the young cast (which includes iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove), School of Rock also boasts a killer soundtrack and great supporting performances from the likes of Joan Cusack and Sarah Silverman.

School of Rock received a big thumbs-up from critics. It has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says: “Black’s exuberant, gleeful performance turns School of Rock into a hilarious, rocking good time.” Legendary critic Roger Ebert wrote that the film “proves you can make a family film that’s alive and well acted and smart and perceptive and funny – and that rocks.”

It has gone on to make many ‘best of’ lists since, with Looper ranking it number 41 on its 2024 run down of the ’50 Best PG-13 Movies of All Time’, writing “as a feel-good movie for the whole family, its powerful messaging of championing creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of passion leaves viewers of all ages with a sense of joy and optimism after every viewing.”

It was also a huge smash at the box office, too, and earned almost four times its budget to become the highest-grossing music-themed comedy of all time, until it was overtaken in 2015 by Pitch Perfect 2.

Cinema fans have been enjoying School of Rock again and again ever since, with one writing: “School of Rock is about nothing but pure joy and constant smiling. I expected a goofy and funny movie, but this is so much more fun and amazing than I expected.”

Another enthused: “A classic movie that delivers everything it promises. A timeless quirky/funny movie with great lessons hidden in its development, suitable for all ages and young audiences. A beautiful way to spend your time.”

A third said: “School of Rock is an electrifying musical masterpiece that strikes a chord with its exceptional cast, infectious energy, and empowering message. This toe-tapping film celebrates the transformative power of music and individuality, leaving audiences inspired and wanting more. Rock on!”

Despite rumours of a sequel that never happened, the film did spawn a hit stage musical and a television series that ran for three seasons.

School of Rock airs on ITV2 tonight (Saturday, January 2) at 6.45pm.

The film, based on a true story, is based on a daring mission to the moon

We all know the story of the first moon landing when Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on its surface but almost as dramatic is the story of three astronauts who almost lost their lives on the USA’s third attempt to stand on the surface.

The Apollo 13 mission in 1969 saw Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise take off from earth on course for the moon. However, the mission almost ended in disaster and this 1995 blockbuster directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks and Lovell, Kevin Bacon as Swigert and Bill Paxton as Haise is being shown on ITV tonight.

After an unexpected explosion in space, NASA is running out of time to find a way to bring the three astronauts back to earth safely. The film was a huge commercial success when it was released, going on to become the third most successful film of 1995, behind Die Hard With A Vengance and Toy Story, which also starred Hanks.

Apollo 13 also went on to be nominated for nine Academy Awards and picked up two Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing. It was also five BAFTAs and four Golden Globes.

It won over critics with an impressive 94 percent approval rating on the movie review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes. One critic described to film as Ron Howard’s “finest work”. They added: “In his finest directorial work, Ron Howard embraces everything that the astronauts of Apollo 13 aspired to be and ended up as. Unforgettable.”

Another said: “Director Ron Howard, who has built a career on easygoing, reassuring movies from Night Shift to The Paper, finally achieves true drama.” A third added: “For Apollo 13, the 1970 space mission, everything went wrong. But for Apollo 13, the movie, everything goes right. Director Ron Howard, who has a history of blowing hot and cold, is so far into his hot mode in this movie that he’s dang near on fire.”

Fans also couldn’t get enough of the movie. One wrote: “A phenomenal epic odyssey of the daring odds of the Apollo 13 crew trying to return back home against all odds after their space shuttle malfunctions. The cast is great, with Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, and Ed Harris all giving great performances.”

Another added: “Brilliant masterpiece!! It’s very gripping from start to finish!” While a third said: “All-time classic. An American masterpiece.”

Apollo 13 is on ITV4 at 6.35pm on Boxing Day, December 26.

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BBC One’s new Christmas drama Stuffed has been branded “iconic” by fans

A hidden treasure of a comedy on the BBC, hailed as “brilliant” by viewers, is set to air tonight.

Stuffed, starring Guz Khan and Morgana Robinson, is a comedy-drama that follows a family embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland.

Khan portrays Arslan Farooqi, who, after receiving an unexpected £8,000 Christmas bonus at work, decides to take his multi-faith family on this festive adventure.

Joined by his wife Hannah (played by Robinson), his two daughters, and brother-in-law Jamie, they trade Coventry for the enchantment of Christmas in Lapland.

However, their holiday soon descends into chaos when Arslan discovers that his bonus was given in error and needs to be returned, reports Wales Online.

The BBC’s synopsis teases: “Things go downhill fast when Arslan finds out the bonus was a mistake, and to make matters worse, they have already spent every penny of it.

“What ensues is one man’s quest to salvage a Christmas he doesn’t believe in, while ideally not losing his job, his family, and everything he has ever worked for. And surprise, surprise, it doesn’t go too smoothly.”

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The film can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and will also be broadcast on BBC One tonight at 9pm.

One enthusiastic fan recommended: “If you’ve not watched it yet, try Stuffed on the iPlayer. Brilliant new addition to the Christmas film list. Guz Khan is brilliant.”

Another viewer gushed: “Absolutely loved Stuffed on BBC iPlayer with my fav man @GuzKhanOfficial, him and Morgana are a dream team working together.”

Another viewer chimed in: “Loved it, hope some more will follow!” while a fourth echoed: “We need a regular series for this! Loved it made me laugh throughout.”

One enthusiastic fan declared: “This is iconic on tv I didn’t know what to watch during the Christmas holidays, same old home alone and polar express but this… is perhaps the best drama I’ve seen.”

Guz had previously shared his apprehensions about Stuffed’s release with The Guardian, saying: “You never know when you make something. I never thought we’d ever be in this kind of slot. There’s lots of things that come along with doing a Christmas special.”

He continued: “A lot of the work I get asked to do is like: ‘Come in and do your thing.’ I just did season two of The Gentlemen, and it was such a fun week. There’s no rules. You can go absolutely crazy.

“But this was a little bit different. You have to follow some guidelines. And so it was a really good challenge for me. Where I’d usually express myself with dialogue, I had to try and get the same feeling with an expression.”

Stuffed airs on BBC One tonight at 9pm and is available to watch on iPlayer.