Scott Mills confirmed to have left BBC Radio 2 following personal conduct allegations
The news was confirmed to BBC staff this morning.
Broadcaster Scott Mills has been sacked by the BBC following allegations over his 'personal conduct', and will no longer be hosting the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show. As reported by The Mirror, the radio DJ was taken off air last week while the BBC assessed the information. A spokesperson for the BBC said: "While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC." Mills rose to prominence presenting the Scott Mills show on BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2022, before making the move to BBC Radio 2. He took over Zoe Ball's Radio 2 breakfast show show earlier this year, moving from his afternoon show slot on the station. In an internal note to staff, Lorna Clarke, director of music at the BBC, said: "I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. "Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity. "Of course, it will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners too. I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I’m able to. While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything further now." Mills is also a prominent figure in the Eurovision circuit, having been a commentator for the semi-finals over the years, although details on the BBC's presenting line-up for the contest this year is yet to be confirmed. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
MOBO Awards 2026 winners: Full list of winners and nominees from Olivia Dean to Stephen Graham
It was a big night of musical celebration.
The 2026 MOBO Awards have crowned its winners at this year's ceremony, celebrating the very best of Black music and culture in the UK and beyond. Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean won big at the ceremony, while actor Stephen Graham took home an award for his performance in Adolescence. The ceremony also recognised outstanding cultural contributions across television and film, with several highly-lauded programmes and movies nominated. The annual event was held at Manchester's Co-op Live, with Olivia Dean, Aitch and Myles Smith just some of the stars who performed across the night. Here is the full list of nominees and winners at the MOBO Awards 2026. MOBO Awards 2026 winners: Full list of winners and nominees Best male act in association with Prostate Cancer UK Central Cee Elmiene Jim Legxacy - WINNER Nemzzz Odeal Skepta Best female act in association with Got2b Flo Kwn Little Simz Olivia Dean - WINNER Pinkpantheress Sasha Keable Album of the year in association with Amazon Music Central Cee – Can’t Rush Greatness Ezra Collective – Dance, No Ones Watching Flo – Access All Areas Kojey Radical – Don’t Look Down Little Simz – Lotus Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving - WINNER Song of the year AJ Tracey feat Jorja Smith – crush Donae’o feat Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir – nights like this Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax – victory lap Jim Legxacy & Dave – 3x Kwn – do what I say Myles Smith – nice to meet you Olivia Dean – man I need - WINNER Pinkpantheress – illegal Raye – where is my husband! Tim Duzit – kat slater Best newcomer Dc3 - WINNER Esdeekid Finessekid Jim Legxacy Kwn Namesbliss Nia Smith Sekou Skye Newman Yt Video of the year in association with Vevo Pozer – shanghigh noon (Directed By Bas Haselager) Fka Twigs – eusexua (Directed By Jordan Hemingway) Jim Legxacy – father (Directed By Lauzza) Little Simz – flood feat Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly (Directed By Salomon Ligthelm) Raye – where is my husband! (Directed By The Reids) - WINNER Skepta & Fred Again – back 2 back (Directed By Domamanic And Skepta) Best R&B/soul act Elmiene Flo - WINNER Kwn Odeal Olivia Dean Sasha Keable Best alternative music act Alt Blk Era Blood Orange Hak Baker Michael Kiwanuka Nova Twins - WINNER Rachel Chinouriri Best grime act supported by Trench Chip - WINNER Jayahadadream Kasst 8 Ruff Sqwad Scorcher Wiley Best hip hop act Aitch Asco Catch Central Cee - WINNER D-block Europe Kojey Radical Little Simz Loyle Carner Wretch 32 Youngs Teflon Best drill act 36 Booter Bee Chy Cartier Esdeekid K-trap Leostaytrill Nemzzz Pozer Twin S - WINNER Wohdee Best international act Ayra Starr - WINNER Cardi B Clipse Gunna Kehlani Leon Thomas Mariah The Scientist Moliy Tyla Vybz Kartel Best media personality Bemi Orojuogun (Bus Aunty) Dj Ag In My Opinion Melissa Holdbrook-akposoe (Melissa’s Wardrobe) Nadia Jae Niko Omilana - WINNER Pk Humble Remi Burgz Uche Natori Winners Talking Best performance in a TV show/film Aaron Pierre – Mufasa: The Lion King Ashley Thomas – Hostage Ashley Walters – Adolescence Cynthia Erivo – Wicked Damson Idris – F1 Dayo Koleosho – EastEnders Lennie James – Mr Loverman Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths Stephen Graham – Adolescence - WINNER Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners Best African music act Adekunle Gold (Nigeria) Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Davido (Nigeria) Joshua Baraka (Uganda) Moliy (Ghana) Rema (Nigeria) Shallipopi (Nigeria) Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Tyla (South Africa) Wizkid (Nigeria) - WINNER Best Caribbean music act Ayetian Lila Iké Masicka Shenseea Vybz Kartel - WINNER Yung Bredda Best jazz act Cktrl Ego Ella May Ezra Collective - WINNER Kokoroko Nubya Garcia Yazmin Lacey Best electronic/dance act supported by Bema & Mixmag Fka Twigs Jazzy Kilimanjaro Pinkpantheress Salute Sherelle - WINNER Best gospel act supported by Premier Gospel Annatoria Dc3 - WINNER Faith Child Imrhan Sondae Still Shadey Best producer Inflo Jae Miles Clinton James P2j Sammy Soso Zach Nahome Lifetime achievement Slick Rick - WINNER Global songwriter award Pharrell Williams - WINNER Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Paul McCartney debuts brand new single on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Merseyside
The Beatles icon says the new song is about John Lennon and growing up in Liverpool.
Sir Paul McCartney has premiered his brand new single Days We Left Behind, marking his first musical release in six years. The new song debuted on Radio Merseyside today (26 March), meaning the people of Merseyside, where McCartney and the Beatles famously came from, heard the song before anyone else. Meanwhile, on The Afternoon Show with Trevor Nelson on BBC Radio 2, the Beatles icon also announced that the track is from a brand new studio album entitled The Boys of Dungeon Lane. The station exclusively broadcast a voice message from McCartney as he opened up about the inspiration for the new song, saying the lyrics were about the past – namely of growing up in Liverpool – and of John Lennon. "So this next song is very much a memory song for me," McCartney said. "I was doing an interview yesterday and I was thinking, well, songwriters, and writers in general, what else can you draw on, besides the past? I mean, you can do the present, but still a lot of the past in that. "So, anyway, this is the past. You know, it's just a lot of memories of Liverpool for me, and that involves a little bit in the middle about John, Forthlin Road, which is the street I used to live in." He continued: "I used to live in a place called Speke which is, you know, working class. It's only looking back on it, you think, yeah, we didn't have much at all. "But you know, as they always say, it didn't matter, because all the people were so great and you didn't notice you didn't have much." Listen to Days We Left Behind by Paul McCartney: View oEmbed on the source website McCartney found global fame in the Beatles, with whom he released 12 studio albums between 1963 and 1970. He'll soon be seen on the big screen... in a manner of speaking, as Hamnet star Paul Mescal will be playing McCartney in Sam Mendes's new Beatles films, alongside Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan and Joseph Quinn as the other members of the Fab Four. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The MOBO Awards are returning for another spectacular night, celebrating the very best of Black music and culture from the past year. But this year is particularly special, as 2026 marks 30 years of the MOBO Organisation and on the night, audiences can expect an unforgettable night of electrifying performances, powerful tributes and culture-shaping moments. Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO Group said: "As MOBO enters its 30th year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of talent we have championed over the past three decades. Time and again, artists have taken the recognition of a MOBO Award and transformed it into fuel for lasting success. "This year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in. Their voices matter — not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future. From sharp, socially conscious lyricism to boundary-pushing creativity that defies genre, this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities." So when do all the celebrations begin? Read on to find out more about the MOBO Awards 2026. When are the MOBO Awards 2026? The MOBO Awards 2026 are taking place on Thursday 26 March at Manchester's Co-op Live. How to watch the MOBO Awards 2026 In a major change from its usual YouTube stream, the show will be live streamed via Amazon Music UK's official Twitch account from 8pm, following a collaboration with the streamer. On Friday 27 March, an Access all Areas programme will be available to watch on BBC One and iPlayer at 11:25pm. In the hour-long special, DJ Target takes viewers behind-the-scenes on the night, with performances, interviews and exclusive content. Who is hosting the MOBO Awards 2026? American rapper Eve and broadcaster Eddie Kadi are the hosts for this year's MOBO Awards, with this marking the second consecutive year for Kadi. He said in a statement: "To be back for the second year in a row co-hosting the MOBO Awards is an honour, especially for its 30th anniversary. For three decades, MOBO has celebrated Black music excellence from all different genres. Expect the unexpected with performances and surprise appearances. It’s a big year and I’m so proud to be part of this legendary show." While Eve commented: "I’m so excited to be co-hosting the MOBO Awards in this big 30th anniversary year. Even though our journeys started around the same time across the Atlantic from each other, we have our shared love for music and the culture, and in making sure we continue to have spaces that celebrate talent and share our stories. Manchester, I hope you’re ready because we have an amazing night planned for you." Who is performing at the MOBO Awards 2026? The MOBOs have a true eclectic mix of performances lined up, including Shenseea, Estelle, Slick Rick, Aitch, Myles Smith, Wiley and D Double E. But that isn't all! Scorcher, Nolay, Chip, DJ Target, Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage are also all confirmed to perform. Who are the nominees at this year's MOBO Awards? Little Simz, Olivia Dean, rising stars kwn and Jim Legxacy are this year's nominated artists, with four nominations each. EastEnders’ Dayo Koleosho is among the TV and film stars up for an award, with the actor shortlisted in the best performance in a TV show/film category. You can read the full list of nominees here. The MOBO Awards 2026 airs on Thursday 26 March at 8pm on Amazon Music UK's Twitch account. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Join our editors Shem Law and Caroline Frost every Friday, for a lively chat about all the latest hits and misses.
Searching for something worth watching? We’ve all been there… Sat in front of the television, flicking through channels, getting increasingly frustrated – there’s so much on, but nothing to watch. The Radio Times Podcast has you covered. Every Friday, TV critics Caroline Frost and Shem Law serve up a weekly dose of TV wisdom, streaming gold and unfiltered opinions – all packed into one bitesize episode. No more asking: what's on TV? Or, what can I watch tonight? Stay in the know about the latest must-see series, wild plot twists, surprise gems and glorious flops – all debated, dissected and served with a side of wit. From all things terrestrial to what’s on the streaming sites – they cover the top picks across the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky to NOW, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix and Apple TV. Whether you’re craving your next costume drama, investigating the latest true crime documentary or in need of a new nail-biting thriller – we’ve taken the guesswork out of what’s actually worth watching. Bite-sized and binge-worthy New episodes drop every Friday, so you can stay in the know about the latest releases across TV and streaming. Short enough to squeeze into your work commute or lunch time walk, every episode is packed with enough entertainment insight to instantly upgrade your evening viewing. Where to listen Listen to the latest episode every Friday or catch up on previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Acast. Make sure to follow our Radio Times Podcast channel so you never miss an episode. Browse our available episodes here! Arty Crime Drama - Friday 24 October Lazarus, love triangles and a touch of Julia Roberts - Friday 17 October Caroline Frost is joined by guest host Gareth McLean for a fresh round-up of the week's best TV. On the list: Lazarus lands on Prime Video, while a reboot of The Forstye Saga comes to Channel 5 bringing period drama back to the forefront. They also spotlight Leonard and Hungry Paul one BBC Two, a gentle, character-led story full of quiet charm. In Frost bite, Caroline turns her attention to Celebrity Traitors, and Gareth rounds things off with a nostalgic archive pickL Moonlighting, available on STV Player. View oEmbed on the source website Sally Wainright's comeback and Hamza's wild adventure - Friday 10 October Caroline and Shem deliver another week of standout TV picks. This time, they dive into the anticipated debut of Celebrity Traitors on BBC1 - does star power add to the drama? Alongside the bold new series Riot Women. They explore Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles, uncovering the UK's natural wonders, and The Iris Affair on Sky Atlantic, a glossy new drama packed with intrigue. In this week's Frost bite, Caroline debates whether familiar faces in The Diplomat bring serious West Wing nostalgia, and Shem rounds things off with a thoughtful archive pick: The Great Philosopher's on BBC2. View oEmbed on the source website New Alan Partridge and Suranne Jones is everywhere - Friday 3 October Caroline and Shem are back with their weekly rundown of the best TV on the box - kicking off with the anticipated Celebrity Traitors which starts this Wednesday on BBC1. Caroline’s first recommendation How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) on BBC1 – is it a comedic hit? Shem’s pick is new drama Frauds on ITV1 starring Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker, a Thelma and Louise style tale of two con artists. Next on the watch list is the new romcom Film Club on BBC3, created by and starring Aimee Lou Wood. In this week’s Frostbite Caroline discusses ‘Worlds Apart’ bringing contestants of different ages and walks of life together. Lastly Shem dives into the archive with his pick, Robert Redford Night on BBC4. View oEmbed on the source website Blue Lights and Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue - Friday 26 September Caroline Frost and Shem Law have watched the good, the bad, and everything in between - so you don’t have to. Caroline begins with Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue on BBC One, Anthony Horowitz’s modern-day Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. Shem follows with Strictly Come Dancing, fresh from its launch show - but will this year’s celebrity lineup dazzle or disappoint? Caroline also spotlights the BAFTA-winning Blue Lights on BBC One, the tense drama following rookie police officers as they learn the ropes on the streets of Belfast. Shem rounds things off with his archive choice, Banned Music Night on BBC Two, starting with Banned in the 80s: Moments That Shook Music, revisiting the songs that once shocked and stirred the nation. View oEmbed on the source website Slow Horses and Strictly Return - Friday 19 September Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with the week’s top TV picks. Caroline starts with The Hack on ITV1, a gripping drama about the notorious phone hacking scandal starring David Tennant and Toby Jones. Shem’s choice is the eagerly awaited return of Slow Horses on Apple TV+, as the shambolic MI5 team dive into another action-packed mission. Caroline also highlights the glittering return of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One - but can the show steer clear of controversy and keep its sparkle? In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline looks at Amazon Prime Video’s number one hit The Summer I Turned Pretty, asking why so many older viewers are hooked on teen dramas. Shem rounds off with his archive pick, the classic BBC Four documentary series Arena. View oEmbed on the source website Rob and Rylan Return and Twiggy Doc - Friday 12 September Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with the week’s best TV to add to your list. First up is Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India on BBC Two, full of the duo’s usual antics - but is Caroline convinced it’s worth the watch? Shem’s pick is Twiggy on BBC Two, Sadie Frost’s documentary exploring the life and legacy of the 60s and 70s fashion icon. Caroline also highlights Michael Palin in Venezuela on Channel 5, capturing both the country’s breathtaking landscapes and its political struggles. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: why is public service broadcasting still so vital when streaming dominates our screens? Shem wraps up with his archive choice, Fawlty Towers: The Play on U&Gold, bringing the beloved sitcom to the stage. View oEmbed on the source website Only Murders in the Building and Freddie Flintoff's Ultimate Test - Friday 5 September This week, Caroline Frost is joined by Gareth McClean for another round of must-watch TV. Caroline’s first pick is Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams: Ultimate Test on BBC One, which sees the former cricketer heading to deprived areas to work with local teens, showing that anyone can play sport - no matter their background. Gareth’s choice is Only Murders in the Building on Disney+, back for its fifth season with Martin Short, Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and some new guest stars. Caroline also spotlights the third series of The Newsreader on BBC Two, continuing its sharp look inside a 1980s Australian newsroom. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: how can a TV show truly end on a high? Gareth rounds things off with his archive pick, tracing the evolution of Robin Wright’s career—from Forrest Gump to House of Cards. View oEmbed on the source website I Fought The Law and Educating Yorkshire Returns - Friday 29 August As Shem says, life’s too short for boring television - so he and Caroline have done the hard work for you. Caroline’s first pick is I Fought the Law on ITV1, with Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming, the mother who fought to overturn the 800-year-old double jeopardy law to secure justice for her daughter. Shem chooses I Am Martin Parr on BBC Four, a documentary on the photographer’s satirical eye, alongside Martin Parr: Think of England. Caroline also highlights Educating Yorkshire on Channel 4, revisiting much-loved teacher Mr Burton - now head at the same school. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks why we should pay closer attention to The Apprentice and its controversial contestants, before Shem rounds off with his archive pick: Arena – The Peter Sellers Story on BBC Four. View oEmbed on the source website Thursday Murder Club and 1066 Drama - Friday 22 August Caroline Frost and Shem Law return with another week of must-watch TV. Caroline begins with the long-awaited Netflix adaptation of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, directed by Steven Spielberg and boasting a star-studded cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie. Shem’s pick is BBC One’s King and Conqueror, charting the rivalry between William the Conqueror and Harold II in the lead-up to the Battle of Hastings - but will historians approve of its accuracy? Caroline also highlights The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox on Disney+, exploring the story of a woman wrongfully imprisoned for murder. In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline asks: when it comes to real-life legal dramas, who do they really serve? Shem rounds off with his archive picks on BBC Four - Battlefield Britain and The Mysteries of the Bayeux Tapestry - digging into the true story behind 1066. View oEmbed on the source website Life After Lineker for MoTD - Friday 15 August Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with the week’s top TV picks to add to your watchlist. Caroline kicks off with a new Netflix political thriller starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, while Shem turns to Match of the Day, returning to BBC One with a fresh lineup of presenters stepping into Gary Lineker’s shoes. Caroline’s next highlight is Confessions of a Brain Surgeon on BBC Two, a fascinating look at the highs and lows of the profession. In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline asks: why Americans can't get enough of us Brits - as long as it’s their version - with the recent release of Lena Dunham’s Too Much and My Oxford Year. Shem closes the episode with his archive pick, Jasper Carrott Night on BBC Four, celebrating the comedian’s life and career highlights. View oEmbed on the source website Led Zeppelin Doc and Ridley - Friday 8 August Fresh from his holiday, Shem Law rejoins Caroline Frost for another week of standout TV chat. Caroline kicks things off with Ridley on ITV1, starring Adrian Dunbar as a seasoned detective inspector navigating crime in the heart of Lancashire. Shem’s pick is the Antiques Roadshow VJ Day Special on BBC One, uncovering objects that evoke poignant memories of a too-often forgotten chapter of the war. They also spotlight Becoming Led Zeppelin on Now - a brand new documentary tracing the band’s beginnings and their role in creating a whole new genre of music. In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline ponders whether future archives will lose their allure when today’s celebrities share so much - is there any mystery left to uncover? Shem closes the episode with his archive choice, Shooting the Past from 1999 on BBC Four, a drama set in the fascinating world of picture libraries. View oEmbed on the source website Wednesday and Annika - Friday 1 August Caroline Frost is joined once again by journalist Gareth McClean for another week of sharp TV insight. Caroline kicks things off with Annika, the black comedy crime drama back for a second series filled with twists, turns, set in the Scottish highlands. Gareth’s pick is the Netflix hit Wednesday, with Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Joanna Lumley all returning to Nevermore Academy for season two. Caroline also turns to MasterChef—with both presenters recently caught up in controversy, how will the BBC handle it, and will audiences keep tuning in? In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline asks: when a show moves from TV to YouTube, what do we gain and what do we lose? Looking at the journey of Spitting Image—from prime-time satire to its new, regulation-free life online. Gareth wraps up with his archive choice, The Newsreader, the 80s-set Australian drama charting the professional and personal lives of news anchors Helen and Dale. View oEmbed on the source website The Gone and Bonnie Blue Documentary - Friday 25 July While Shem takes a well-earned holiday, Caroline Frost is joined by her esteemed journalist colleague Gareth McClean for a week of sharp and savvy TV chat. Caroline kicks things off with The Gone on BBC Two, the slow-burn crime drama returning for a gripping second series. Gareth’s pick is Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army, a revealing documentary exposing the dark truths behind a corrupt and scandal-ridden religious movement. Caroline also delves into the controversial Bonnie Blue documentary—does it serve genuine public interest, or is Channel 4 simply pandering to male fantasies under the guise of tackling a social issue? In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: from Gregg Wallace to Christian Horner, when the mighty fall, what happens to the show they front? Gareth rounds off the episode with his archive choice—Star Trek: Enterprise, revisiting the early 2000s chapter of the iconic sci-fi saga. View oEmbed on the source website Karen Pirie Series 2 and New Keeley Hawes Thriller - Friday 18 July Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another episode of the Radio Times Podcast, serving up the week’s standout TV. Caroline starts with series 2 of the hit crime drama Karen Pirie, starring Lauren Lyle as the short, sharp, detective inspector. Shem’s choice is The Narrow Road to the Deep North, an adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s prize-winning novel, following the harrowing experiences of prisoners of war in Burma, with Jacob Elordi in the lead. Caroline also spotlights The Assassin on Prime Video, pairing Keeley Hawes with Freddie Highmore in a tense new thriller. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: from Miss Marple to Superman, how do we decide who gets to be “the definitive version”? Shem closes the episode with his archive pick—Helen Mirren Night on BBC Four, celebrating the career of one of Britain’s finest actors. View oEmbed on the source website Bookish and Shark Reality Show - Friday 11 July RT editor Shem joins Caroline Frost for another week of top-tier TV talk. Caroline kicks things off with Bookish, a cosy crime drama starring Mark Gatiss—but does it pack enough punch to stand out? Shem dives into Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, ITV’s new star-studded adventure that sees famous faces head to a tropical island to confront their fear of sharks. The pair also get into the return of Channel 4’s most-watched scripted drama ever, The Couple Next Door, back with another racy storyline packed with twists and turns. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks whether new BBC drama Mix Tape can capture the charm of a good old-fashioned playlist for a new generation. Shem wraps things up with his archive pick - heading back to 1985 once again with Miss Marple. View oEmbed on the source website Oasis and Live Aid at 40 - Friday 4 July Caroline Frost is joined this week by Preview Editor Frances Taylor and David Brown for another round of smart, snappy TV talk. First up, Caroline dives into Live Aid at 40: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took On the World, a three-part documentary looking back at the generation-defining music event and its global impact. Frances brings us Too Much, Lena Dunham’s new anti-romcom inspired by her own life - bold, marmite, and already stirring debate. Is it worth the fuss? David’s pick is Supersonic, a deep dive into the chaotic rise of Oasis, as Noel and Liam gear up for their reunion tour. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks why we don’t show enough love to the right female players at Wimbledon. With Serena Williams in focus, has public attitude towards women’s sport finally shifted? David rounds things off with his archive pick: Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple from the 1980s. View oEmbed on the source website Glastonbury and Wimbledon - Friday 27th June Caroline Frost and Shem Law have been busy watching the good, the bad and everything in between - so you don't have to. This week, Caroline teases her upcoming magazine interview with comedy great Steve Coogan. She then dives into one of the TV events of the summer: Glastonbury on the BBC, packed with headline acts including Radio Times cover star Rod Stewart in that coveted legends slot. Shem serves up another quintessentially British TV highlight with Wimbledon—who’s set to shine on Centre Court this year? Also in the mix: Hill on Sky Documentaries, a moving deep-dive into the life and career of Formula 1 champ Damon Hill. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks the big question—can you really call yourself part of the TV nation if you’re just not that into sport? Shem wraps up with a nostalgic kick: The Big Match Revisited, reliving football’s golden years. View oEmbed on the source website The Bear and Squid Game - Friday 20 June Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another round of smart TV talk. This week: Caroline heads to Tasmania with her pick Survivors, a moody Aussie mystery now streaming on Netflix, while Shem dives into the opulent world of The Gilded Age—but does this Upper East Side period drama earn its place in your watchlist? Caroline also spotlights two big returns: the final, much-anticipated chapter of Squid Game on Netflix, and Disney+’s kitchen heatwave The Bear, with Jeremy Allen White back in the apron. In Frost Bite, Caroline questions the burden of beauty - do handsome men have it harder on screen? Finally Shem winds the clock back to the 60s and 70s with gritty archive drama Z-Cars. View oEmbed on the source website Outrageous and Noel Edmonds in New Zealand - Friday 13 June Caroline Frost and Shem Law serve up another week of sharp TV and culture chat. This episode: the latest from the French Open, breaking down Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s performances on the clay courts. Caroline’s top pick is the provocative Outrageous, delving into the scandalous lives of the Mitford Sisters, while Shem praises Amol Rajan’s interviewing skills in his sit-down with tennis legend Martina Navratilova. They also spotlight America’s Veterans: The War Within, a powerful exploration of the hidden struggles faced by those serving in the US forces. In Frost Bite, Caroline and Shem debate the baffling news of Noel Edmonds embarking on a Kiwi adventure—what’s that all about? Shem rounds things off with a nostalgic trip to the archives, revisiting Charlie Drake’s classic comedy, Drake’s Progress. View oEmbed on the source website The Gold Season 2 and Jamie Oliver Dyslexia Doc - Friday 6 June Podcast hosts Caroline Frost and Shem Law return with another lively mix of TV, culture, and conversation. This week: Ncuti Gatwa’s Tardis exit and the new Doctor regeneration—what’s next for the iconic sci-fi saga? Caroline’s buzzing about the return of Gold’s gripping Brinks-Mat robbery drama in series 2, while Shem champions Jamie Oliver’s campaign for better dyslexia support in schools. They also pay tribute to presenter Alan Yentob with a look back at his influential music and arts shows, alongside Shem’s personal memories. In Frost Bite, Caroline and Shem debate whether ITV’s cut to its daytime schedule is a misstep, and Shem takes us back to 1974 with Alison Steadman’s powerful performance in Second City Firsts: Girl. View oEmbed on the source website Springsteen and Succession’s Successor – Friday 30 May Podcast hosts Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another round of sharp TV talk. This week: Timothy Spall shines in Death Valley, Bruce Springsteen’s UK legacy takes centre stage in the documentary When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain, and Succession creator Jesse Amstrong drops a new one-off feature film, Mountainhead – but does it measure up? In Frost Bite, Caroline dives into the psychedelic haze of Nine Perfect Strangers, while Shem rewinds to the timeless 1995 classic, Pride and Prejudice. View oEmbed on the source website Write to the Radio Times Podcast and let us know your thoughts at: podcast@radiotimes.com If you're looking for something to watch, check out our TV Guide. The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door.
Tributes pour in for Dame Jenni Murray, BBC Radio presenter and former host of Woman's Hour, after she dies aged 75
Tributes have been paid to beloved broadcaster, Dame Jenni Murray, who has died at the age of 75. Murray had been the host of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour for over 30 years, having joined the programme in 1987 before her departure in 2020, making her its longest-serving presenter. BBC director-general Tim Davie led the tributes, describing Murray as "a broadcasting icon" who "created a safe space for her audiences thanks to her warmth, intelligence and courage". "We shall all miss her terribly," he said in a statement. "Her legacy endures in the countless conversations she started, the many issues she championed and the lives she touched." Mohit Bakaya, controller at BBC Radio 4 and director of BBC speech audio, echoed Davie's sentiments, describing Murray as "a formidable voice in British broadcasting who was warm, fearless and beloved by listeners". Bakaya added: "During her decades at Woman’s Hour, she helped shape the national conversation with intelligence, rigour and a remarkable ability to connect with audiences. Jenni leaves an indelible legacy on generations of listeners. We are profoundly grateful for her outstanding contribution to Radio 4, and she will be deeply missed." Mark Urban, a columnist for The Sunday Times, shared on X: "Very sorry to see that Jenni Murray has died - as a trainee producer I was dispatched to BBC Southampton in 1984 and worked with her in the newsroom. "She was whip smart, always cut through the BS, and her journalism was guided by empathy." View oEmbed on the source website Former Labour Party deputy leader Baroness Harriet Harman also paid tribute to the broadcaster, writing on X: "Impossible to overstate the importance of Jenni Murray to the movement of women that changed our politics, economy & our society; that changed our lives. She was the broadcasting wing of the women’s movement. We all owe her. RIP." View oEmbed on the source website Talent management firm Knight Ayton described Murray as a "true professional and a pioneer", with a spokesperson for the firm saying (via Sky News): "We are very sad to learn of the death of Dame Jenni Murray. We started representing Jenni in 2020 as she was leaving Woman's Hour after a long career at Radio 4. "True to her spirit of fun, she surprised many by taking part in ITV's The Real Full Monty to great acclaim the same year. The announcement of her participation made front page news. Her reason for taking part was simple. To encourage more women to check for breast cancer. "Last year she returned to the BBC to present a series for Radio 3, Jenni Murray's Women Composers. We loved working with Jenni, a true professional and pioneer. "She interviewed every prime minister of the last 30 years, she was as comfortable with high-powered politicians as with the grieving parents of Madeleine McCann, and the first Hollywood star she encountered was Bette Davis. "The late foreign correspondent Charles Wheeler described Jenni as having 'the most beautiful voice on the radio - ever'."
Zeb Soanes reveals why his stroke at age of 44 pushed him to star in play about Alec Guinness
After a stroke in 2021, Classic FM’s Zeb Soanes has got his dream job — playing 33 roles in a show about Sir Alec Guinness.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. On the first night of the revival of Mark Burgess’s play Two Halves of Guinness, Zeb Soanes sat backstage in his dressing room, preparing to spend the next two hours telling the life story of one of the 20th-century’s great theatrical knights, Sir Alec Guinness. Surrounded by good luck messages from friends and family, Soanes made sure to read one small card in particular: a rare reply to a fan, more than 30 years old, from the man himself. Soanes has one of the country’s most distinctive and beloved radio voices. For 25 years a BBC TV continuity announcer turned Radio 4 newsreader, with forays into The News Quiz, the Shipping Forecast and presenting the Proms on television, he now has the primetime evening slot presenting on Classic FM. But as a trained actor who gave up a job in repertory theatre for the lure of the BBC – “broadcasting was a diversion that somehow lasted for half my life” – Soanes grew up on a diet of classic British films, including all the Ealing comedies, and quickly marked Guinness as his favourite: “Other actors like Olivier used to project their personality outward, while I always felt that Guinness was quieter, inviting us in.” Aged 17, Soanes was even moved to write a letter to his idol, being careful to avoid any mention of Star Wars, which had famously become something of an (albeit lucrative) albatross for the versatile star. A week later, an envelope arrived at Soanes’s home in Suffolk, with a message short but sweet and eternally inspiring – “Good luck with your career.” Now here we are, with Soanes in the title role of Two Halves of Guinness, a witty, intimate one-man exploration of Guinness’s life, sharing his reflections on a dazzling career on stage and screen and the luminaries he encountered along the way. While Guinness famously opted to play all eight members of the D’Ascoyne family in 1949 caper Kind Hearts and Coronets, on stage Soanes delivers 33 characters in total – from Sir John Gielgud to Peter O’Toole and even Dame Edith Evans. His power of mimicry was the bane of his colleagues: at the BBC, Soanes delighted in buzzing through to producers in the voices of colleagues Peter Donaldson and Brian Perkins. He’s had plenty of time to warm up. Soanes first went to see a production of Two Halves 15 years ago, when he realised he was too young for the part. This despite having a voice much older than his years: “Whenever guests visit the studio, they always seem surprised I don’t have a white beard and pipe.” Much later, two things happened. In 2021, aged 44, he had a stroke in his London home. In the 10 minutes he sat waiting for an ambulance, Soanes felt “both an immense wave of gratitude for everything in my life, but also a sense of things left undone”, and one of them was this play. Secondly, he realised that 2025 would mark the 25th anniversary of Guinness’s death, and that he’d come of age himself to take on the role. In 2022, he left the BBC to helm his own show at Classic FM. He says now: “Both are about storytelling, but my BBC job required following a script. It’s lovely being able to express myself fully, and to do other things besides.” Such things have included taking up the role of Chancellor for the University of Suffolk, and campaigning for a statue of Benjamin Britten to be erected in Lowestoft, the composer’s childhood home. Does Soanes ever worry, like his idol, of the work drying up? He laughs. “I have what we’d call a portfolio career, and I love the variety of it all. This play has been a proper labour of love, and I never stop appreciating the fact I’m out there on stage, telling the story I’ve always wanted to tell.” Two Halves of Guinness is currently touring the UK – tickets are available now The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Wheel of Time and Young Sherlock favourite confirms new role in "gritty, visceral and darkly funny" take on historical icon
The new audio drama is “a bold, unexpected re-telling of Dick Turpin unlike anything you’ve heard before", producer Lizzie Worsdell teased.
The Wheel of Time star Dónal Finn is set to play the leading role in a new audio drama about the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin. Titled Turpin, the new audio series - which is being billed as a "gritty, visceral and darkly funny take on the legend" - is coming courtesy of Big Finish Productions this summer. Finn, who’s currently starring in Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock series on Prime Video, will star as the titular robber who abandons his stable life as a butcher to become a violent outlaw. The audio drama has been written by award-winning screenwriters Mat Braddy and Darren Rapier, and directed by Ken Bentley alongside Braddy and Rapier. Alongside Finn, the voice cast also features Jemima Rooper (Geek Girl, Atlantis) as Turpin’s sharp-witted wife Betty, and Greg Wise (Sense and Sensibility, The Buccaneers) as Captain Tom King, an elegant thief. Harry Myers also stars as the dogged lawman Mason, while Richard Goulding will voice James Smith, Turpin’s law-abiding former friend. The official synopsis for the audio drama reads: "Impatient butcher Richard Turpin wants his share of the emerging wealth of the new United Kingdom." It continues: "After poaching for easy profits, he finds himself on the run and falls in with the vicious Gregory Gang. As his comrades are sent to the gallows, Turpin evades the hangman and becomes the country’s most wanted man." Producer Lizzie Worsdell teased "a bold, unexpected re-telling of Dick Turpin unlike anything you’ve heard before." Writer and director Darren Rapier added: "Ever since discovering the real-life story of Richard Turpin, of which there are many factual accounts and reports of the time, I’ve been keen on telling this story – rather than the dashing highwayman cliché. When I discovered Mat was keen on doing the same, we started talking about creating something together." He continued: "The true story has more in common with the Kray twins than Robin Hood, and this is something we were eager to get across. Audio has allowed us to tell this epic tale in a fast and chaotic fashion. We like to describe it as a period action drama." Further cast and story details will be revealed at a later date. Read more: Farewell, Liza Tarbuck – our Saturdays evenings have lost their light Keira Knightley transforms into iconic Harry Potter character in first clip of new audiobook Volume one, titled Essex Pistols, is due for release in July 2026, while volume two, titled Damned & Delivered, is due for release in August. The complete series is available to pre-order now. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC tipped to fill Glastonbury void this year with charity tribute concert to David Bowie 10 years after death
A televised tribute concert to the late David Bowie is reportedly in the works to mark the 10th anniversary of his death. A production company are booking acts for the concert, which are said to include the "world's greatest young artists", according to a report by The Mirror. A source claimed: "Organisers want the event to be seen as a thank you to David Bowie and a celebration of his continued influence among today's artists." It has been reported the BBC will televise this concert, aiming to "fill the void" left by Glastonbury's fallow year, though when approached by Radio Times, the BBC declined to comment. Radio Times understands plans for the BBC's music over the summer will be confirmed in due course. According to The Mirror, it is thought that all proceeds from the gig will go to various musical charities, including Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff and Robbins, a music therapy charity. David Bowie died in 2016 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Across his extraordinary career, Bowie released 25 albums, with his last live performance at a New York charity concert in 2006. A tribute concert at such a large scale hasn't been attempted before, though a smaller celebration of his life and music took place at Carnegie Hall in 2026. Read more: Remembering genius David Bowie and how he heralded 2016 - a year of exponential loss in showbiz history From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke: David Bowie albums in order Glastonbury is missing from this year's BBC schedules as the festival takes a break to "give the land a rest" and allow it to regrow. Though Emily Eavis has big plans for 2027 and beyond, previously telling Cosmopolitan: "I've just booked my first headliner for 2028. 2028! That’s how far ahead we are at the moment." Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Farewell, Liza Tarbuck – our Saturdays evenings have lost their light
After the announcement that Liza Tarbuck is stepping down from her Saturday evening Radio 2 show, we pay tribute to her incomparable style.
If the murmuration, mohomes, Top Bird Trumpingtons and “Pauline!” mean nothing to you, then you’ve obviously never tuned in to Radio 2 at 6pm on a Saturday evening for two hours of the most joyous, slightly bonkers show on the airwaves. Now, sadly, you will never have that experience, as the host of that gem in the BBC’s crown, the incomparable Liza Tarbuck, has said that after some time off, she will not be returning to the show as she’d “like her weekend back”. This isn’t supposed to be an obituary, but you can bet that for her thousands of ardent listeners – aka the murmuration – a little light went out when they heard that their Saturday evening lodestar was disappearing. Before the news of her departure broke, and while it seemed she was only on a sabbatical, a colleague commented that there would be “uproar” if Radio 2 got rid of Liza. As it is, there will be plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth. For since she took up residence in 2012, up until what would turn out to be her final show on 17 January this year, she grew a devout community of followers all too willing to share their silly family sayings, elderly relatives’ confused malapropisms, tales of stupidity and woe, and most importantly, what they’re cooking for dinner and where they have parked the motorhome (mohome) for the night. The more outrageous of these tales could induce one of the most delightful sounds on the radio, as Liza struggled to hold it together while dissolving into a fit of giggles at the sheer madness of it all. Her approach often followed the Mel Brooks adage, “Stubbing your toe on the sidewalk is a tragedy; falling into an open sewer and dying is comedy,” with the more terrible the listener in the story’s personal anguish, the more guffaws it could elicit. Yet none of it was done with spite or malice; there was a genuine mutual feeling of love for her family of listeners – for beyond the mentions of “dad” and “Pauline!”, it was those who wrote in, took part in the weekly fancy dress ice skating, or simply listened in for an uplifting, eclectic playlist that could range from a 1920s New Orleans jazz side to Bruno Mars, who became a strange, widespread family. A bit like a murmuration when you come to think about it. On the morning after the announcement, one member of that flock was quick to share their admittedly bittersweet appreciation, writing to Radio Times, "The quirkiest, funniest, most eagerly anticipated show: Liza Tarbuck on a Saturday evening, whether we were in our caravan or not, the most eclectic, brilliant, funniest show on that station with a choice of music second to none. Yet, suddenly, it is no more." Posting on Instagram about her departure, Liza returned the compliment: “We made 2 hrs of radio feel like a private members club, that's the stuff of dreams. Thousands of people enjoyed each other's company like great friends... Thank you for letting me in, it's been a privilege.” Writing in Radio Times in 2022, to mark the show’s tenth anniversary, under the heading, Chaos by Appointment, Liza pinned the success of the show squarely on those on-air friends, “That longevity is all thanks to our marvellous listeners and their stories. We get the most messages of any show on the station (about 50 texts and emails per minute) so there’s a lot to wade through. “Basically, we’re after a good laugh. I’m enjoying our running thread about things dropping on people’s heads. There was an email the other week from a guy who had a squirrel fall out of a tree and land on his head. In the ensuing panic, a load of school kids pointed and laughed. Perfect.” As chaotic as the show may have seemed, leading many to suspect that Liza was either suffering from some kind of menopausal meltdown or had one or two glasses too many of “lady petrol” beforehand, it was a carefully constructed two hours – despite Liza always seeming surprised when the ice skating music played in – in which she wore her music knowledge lightly (though she would arrive at the studio early to check that the correct versions of everything on the playlist were cued up) and was more likely to introduce an oldie with what would now be considered questionable lyrics with a cheery, “Listen to this idiot!” She was surely the only BBC presenter who could get away with something like that, and in the announcement of Liza’s departure, Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2 – on FM, DAB and on your smart trousers – said: “Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world. She was beloved by everyone at the station and all her listeners, and the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her.” We can but wish... But as Liza skates off into the distance, wearing a gold lamé jumpsuit festooned with chaffinches, a silver-tipped feather boa and a Carmen Miranda fruit-and-nut hat made specially for the occasion, all that remains is to name her in six words or less: Shine on you crazy diamond.
The Pussycat Dolls confirm reunion as a trio for all-new single and world tour
The new single is the group’s first since 2020’s React.
The Pussycat Dolls have announced they are reuniting as a trio to release their first new music in seven years and for a world tour. The group – now comprising Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt – released Club Song on Thursday (12 March). Though there were six members of the original Pussycat Dolls, Jessica Sutta, Carmit Bachar, and Melody Thornton won’t be taking part. Club Song is the group’s first single since 2020’s React. It has been co-written by Scherzinger and Mike Sabath, who's best known for his work with pop stars including Lizzo and Raye. It will be followed by a series of live shows on the 53-date PCD Forever tour, which will begin in North America in June before moving to Europe and the UK, including a show at the O2 Arena in London. Listen to Club Song here: View oEmbed on the source website The group had announced a reunion in 2019 with plans to tour in 2020, but this was derailed by the Covid pandemic. The Pussycat Dolls burst onto the music scene in 2005 with Don’t Cha and released three top 10 albums during the 2000s. Since leaving the group, Scherzinger has enjoyed plenty of career success, serving as a judge on The X Factor over a number of years. She also won the Olivier Award for best actress in a musical for her performance in the 2023 revival of Sunset Boulevard on the West End, and went on to win a Tony award for best actress in the US the following year in a Broadway transfer of the production. Meanwhile, Roberts and Wyatt have both starred in numerous reality TV shows since performing in The Pussycat Dolls, while Roberts is also a presenter on Heart Radio. Fans in the UK and Europe can sign up for early access to tickets for the tour at pcdforever.com by 16 March, while tickets will become available 20 March. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
If the murmuration, mohomes, Top Bird Trumpingtons and “Pauline!” mean nothing to you, then you’ve obviously never tuned in to Radio 2 at 6pm on a Saturday evening for two hours of the most joyous, slightly bonkers show on the airwaves. Now, sadly, you will never have that experience, as the host of that gem in the BBC’s crown, the incomparable Liza Tarbuck, has said that after some time off, she will not be returning to the show as she’d “like her weekend back”. This isn’t supposed to be an obituary, but you can bet that for her thousands of ardent listeners – aka the murmuration – a little light went out when they heard that their Saturday evening lodestar was disappearing. Before the news of her departure broke, and while it seemed she was only on a sabbatical, a colleague commented that there would be “uproar” if Radio 2 got rid of Liza. As it is, there will be plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth. For since she took up residence in 2012, up until what would turn out to be her final show on 17 January this year, she grew a devout community of followers all too willing to share their silly family sayings, elderly relatives’ confused malapropisms, tales of stupidity and woe, and most importantly, what they’re cooking for dinner and where they have parked the motorhome (mohome) for the night. The more outrageous of these tales could induce one of the most delightful sounds on the radio, as Liza struggled to hold it together while dissolving into a fit of giggles at the sheer madness of it all. Her approach often followed the Mel Brooks adage, “Stubbing your toe on the sidewalk is a tragedy; falling into an open sewer and dying is comedy,” with the more terrible the listener in the story’s personal anguish, the more guffaws it could elicit. Yet none of it was done with spite or malice; there was a genuine mutual feeling of love for her family of listeners – for beyond the mentions of “dad” and “Pauline!”, it was those who wrote in, took part in the weekly fancy dress ice skating, or simply listened in for an uplifting, eclectic playlist that could range from a 1920s New Orleans jazz side to Bruno Mars, who became a strange, widespread family. A bit like a murmuration when you come to think about it. On the morning after the announcement, one member of that flock was quick to share their admittedly bittersweet appreciation, writing to Radio Times, "The quirkiest, funniest, most eagerly anticipated show: Liza Tarbuck on a Saturday evening, whether we were in our caravan or not, the most eclectic, brilliant, funniest show on that station with a choice of music second to none. Yet, suddenly, it is no more." Posting on Instagram about her departure, Liza returned the compliment: “We made 2 hrs of radio feel like a private members club, that's the stuff of dreams. Thousands of people enjoyed each other's company like great friends... Thank you for letting me in, it's been a privilege.” Writing in Radio Times in 2022, to mark the show’s tenth anniversary, under the heading, Chaos by Appointment, Liza pinned the success of the show squarely on those on-air friends, “That longevity is all thanks to our marvellous listeners and their stories. We get the most messages of any show on the station (about 50 texts and emails per minute) so there’s a lot to wade through. “Basically, we’re after a good laugh. I’m enjoying our running thread about things dropping on people’s heads. There was an email the other week from a guy who had a squirrel fall out of a tree and land on his head. In the ensuing panic, a load of school kids pointed and laughed. Perfect.” As chaotic as the show may have seemed, leading many to suspect that Liza was either suffering from some kind of menopausal meltdown or had one or two glasses too many of “lady petrol” beforehand, it was a carefully constructed two hours – despite Liza always seeming surprised when the ice skating music played in – in which she wore her music knowledge lightly (though she was fastidious about the playlist, arriving at the studio early to check that the correct versions of all the songs were cued up) and was more likely to introduce an oldie with what would now be considered questionable lyrics with a cheery, “Listen to this idiot!” She was surely the only BBC presenter who could get away with something like that, and in the announcement of Liza’s departure, Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2 – on FM, DAB and on your smart trousers – said: “Every Saturday evening, Liza created a truly magical, fantastical world. She was beloved by everyone at the station and all her listeners, and the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her.” We can but wish... But as Liza skates off into the distance, wearing a gold lamé jumpsuit festooned with chaffinches, a silver-tipped feather boa and a Carmen Miranda fruit-and-nut hat made specially for the occasion, all that remains is to name her in six words or less: Shine on you crazy diamond. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 2 star and comedy legend confirms exit from radio show after 14 years
"It's been a privilege," Tarbuck said of the role.
Liza Tarbuck has announced she is stepping down from her Saturday evening BBC Radio 2 show after 14 years. The 61-year-old broadcaster, who has presented the 6pm to 8pm show every Saturday evening since 2012, said she is quitting the programme as she’d like her weekends back. Shaun Keaveny, host of The Rock Show, will present the slot until the end of March, but the BBC said they will announce "further plans" in due course. Posting on Instagram, Tarbuck said: "We made 2 hrs of radio feel like a private members club, that's the stuff of dreams. Thousands of people enjoyed each other's company like great friends... Thank you for letting me in, it's been a privilege." Commenting on the post, Keaveny wrote: "Liza, you stand among the greats. You're my hero shoulder to shoulder with Terry, Steve, all that lot. "You did it best. I'm keeping my battered bowler hat under the table in case you grace us with another round of radio brilliance. All my love xxx." Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas praised Tarbuck for creating "a truly magical, fantastical world" every Saturday evening. She continued: "She was beloved by everyone at the station and all her listeners, and the door at Radio 2 will always be open for her. Liza will be hugely missed and we wish her the very best of luck for the future." Tarbuck, who is the daughter of comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, got her first big break on TV in 1987 when she landed a role in comedy series Watching. She went on to appear in the first of the six Victoria Wood-penned anthology comedy plays Mens Sana in Thingummy Doodah in 1989, and also guest-starred in Extras, the Ricky Gervais comedy. Later, she appeared as Mrs Jellyby in the BBC One adaptation of Bleak House (2005). Tarbuck also co-hosted The Big Breakfast in 1998 alongside JohnnyVaughn, before stepping down from the Channel 4 show after a year in the role. More recently, she has appeared in Channel 4's comedy-drama The Change and BBC Two comedy series Upstart Crow. Read more: Emma Willis to host new BBC Radio 2 programme as Zoe Ball steps down Ant and Dec announce two exciting new projects in "natural next step" Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend line-up: Full list of confirmed stars for festival
Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson and Lola Young have joined the line-up.
More big names have been added to the line-up for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. The annual musical festival will return to Herrington Country Park for three days of music from Friday 22 May-Sunday 24 May. The first wave of names were announced last week, with music legend Fatboy Slim set to headline the opening night. Other acts on the line-up for Friday include Sonny Fodera, Danny Howard and Ewan McVicar. The schedule for Saturday was then announced, with the likes of Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson and Lola Young set to perform on the main stage on Saturday. They'll be joined by Nothing But Thieves, Skye Newman and Ellie Goulding. Now, the line-up for Sunday has been announced, with the likes of Olivia Dean, CMAT and Niall Horan joining the bill. Dean has had a huge 2026 so far following the release of her The Art of Loving album, which saw her become the first solo British female to simultaneously claim the Number One album and Number One single spots on the UK Official Charts since Adele in 2021. The singer was also a big winner at the Brit Awards 2026, bagging awards for artist of the year, pop act, song of the year for her Sam Fender duet Rein Me In, and album of the year for The Art of Loving. CMAT, meanwhile, released her third album, Euro-Country, last year to critical acclaim, while Niall Horan recently revealed that he’s finished his new album and shared snippets of the new music. Tickets for the Friday Dance Party went on sale on Friday, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday will go on sale at 5pm on Wednesday (11 March), with ticket allocation being geographically weighted, as in previous years. But who else is set to perform at the festival this year? Read on for all the names confirmed as part of the line-up so far. BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 line-up: Full list of confirmed stars for festival Friday 22 May Radio 1 Main Stage Fatboy Slim Clementine Douglas FISHER Sonny Fodera MK Radio 1 New Music Stage Ahadadream B2B Arthi horsegiirL LP Rhythm Ewan McVicar NOTION Marlon Hoffstadt BBC Introducing Stage Jaguar Max Jones Anisha Kumar Mia Lily Niamh Ellie Scougall Sorley Saturday 23 May <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/09/Lola-Young-f79c440.jpg" width="1200" height="826" alt="Singer Lola Young with long dark hair featuring blonde streaks performs passionately on stage, holding a microphone in one hand and raising the other. She is wearing a light green jacket and have decorative facial piercings and star-shaped adornments near her eyes." title="Lola Young" /> Radio 1 Main Stage Charlie Hedges Dean McCullough Ellie Goulding Jeremiah Asiamah Lola Young Louis Tomlinson Maia Beth Melvin Odoom Nat O'Leary Nothing But Thieves Rickie Haywood-Williams Skye Newman Vicky Hawkesworth Zara Larsson Radio 1 New Music Stage Erin LeCount Florence Road James Blake Mitski MUNA Rachel Chinouriri Sarah Story Wasia Project BBC Introducing Stage Bella Barbe BombayMami Heidi Curtis LeoStayTrill Aaron Rowe Tom A Smith Swindled Sunday 24 May Radio 1 Main Stage Charlie Hedges CMAT Dean McCullough Dermot Kennedy Jeremiah Asiamah Kehlani Maia Beth Melvin Odoom Myles Smith Nat O’Leary Niall Horan Olivia Dean Rickie Haywood-Williams Vicky Hawkesworth Radio 1 New Music Stage Alessi Rose Ezra Collective FLO Holly Humberstone Jack Saunders Jorja Smith (Party Set) Maisie Peters Odeal BBC Introducing Stage Able Jack DC3 Finn Forster Imogen and the Knife RUBII Venus Grrrls Wohdee Read more: Sean Bean confirmed for very surprising video podcast series – and why he's "perfect role model" for it What is Harry Styles's We Belong Together? Clues to new project explained Stunning drama based on true story starring Derek Jacobi and Frances Barber wins Radio Times award Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
John Tusa talks interviewing legends in their 90s for new podcast: "In the last 18 months we lost 5 people"
Podcasting newcomer Sir John Tusa says his former show Newsnight is an "empty shell".
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. “We had to move fast. In the last 18 months we lost five people. And who knows how much longer I will be here?” So says Sir John Tusa about his new podcast, The Best Is Yet to Come. It’s a comment that someone might make about the high turnover of managers at Premier League football clubs, but Tusa is talking about something far more inevitable, the march of time – although his guests, and indeed Tusa himself, have managed to evade it for a very long time. For The Best Is Yet to Come is all about great survivors – people who have reached their 90s. Some of his first choices didn’t make it. The Times’s former Washington correspondent Fred Emery, who covered Watergate, and the BBC’s veteran India expert Mark Tully died before recording. But talking to people in their 90s turns out to be a far from gloomy exercise. Listening in to Tusa recording his podcast with architect Nick Thompson – a creator of fine theatre spaces, including Sheffield’s Crucible – is an hour of entertaining conversation full of rich anecdotes and humour. It’s also an hour of listening to a masterclass in journalism. Tusa, who turned 90 on 2 March (the podcast’s launch date), has lost none of the curiosity, attentive listening and charm that made him so compelling as a founding presenter of Newsnight and a Radio 4 interviewer of people in the arts. He was prompted to create the podcast, he says, after thinking about the extraordinary lives of people he knows in their 90s. His guests include Lord Michael Heseltine, historian Lady Antonia Fraser, economist and happiness guru Sir Richard Layard and novelist Dame Penelope Lively. “These are people who aren’t just existing. They’re finding life can still be exciting. Why stop until you have to?” He admits, though, that living so long can be hard when people you have known all your life die, such as his wife Ann and their friends from university. But he doesn’t focus on death on the podcast, he says, because he doesn’t feel that he himself has much illuminating to say about it. He sums up his feelings with mention of a Bible reading he gave at a grandchild’s wedding: “Love is strong as death, passion [sic] as fierce as the grave.” “I was reading it for the bride and groom but for myself, too, and my relationship with Ann, who died four years ago.” There is one major reason why he thought this new podcast could make engrossing listening: “If you’ve lived through, as we have, the Second World War, the Cold War, possibility of nuclear annihilation, huge economic crash, the arrival of the internet, social media and now AI, well, what an incredible journey.” For him, the most fascinating time as a journalist was during the Cold War. “There was the real prospect of fighting,” he says, “so that had to be analysed and addressed. But because of Marxism-Leninism, there was a constant intellectual argument. Putin’s a gangster. You can’t argue with a gangster. But with the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe under Com- munism, there was an argument to be had with them about what they were doing and their way of life.” What was happening in Eastern Europe was also personal. He was born in Czechoslovakia in 1936, coming to the UK with his parents three years later. After reading history at Cambridge, he joined the BBC External Services at Bush House, then worked across the corporation and in 1986 became managing director of the World Service. He left the BBC in 1993, critical of the managerial style of the then director-general, John Birt. And although he has lived almost all his life in Britain, he still feels an intimate connection with his native country. “I am British, and my education is British, but then I can have this substratum of being Czech, and I feel I am European. Recently I was flying into Vienna and I looked down at the Danube, winding its way through the fields. I felt incredibly European.” He found Britain’s departure from the EU deeply upsetting. “It’s an economic disaster but it’s an emotional issue, too, for me, distressing, saying no to Europe for no good reason.” His view of the BBC, though, is more upbeat, despite uncertainty over funding and charter renewal, greater competition from umpteen streaming companies, the threatened President Trump libel case over Panorama and the subsequent resignation of director-general Tim Davie. “I don’t fear for the BBC’s future, because its roots in society are so strong. When push comes to shove, people will say, ‘Do I want the BBC to continue? Yes.’” The BBC, says Tusa, has to remind itself and the audiences that its remit is making good programmes: “From that, everything flows.” He is more despondent about BBC Two’s Newsnight, in his day an hour-long mix of reporting, one-on-one interviews and discussions, and now cut to 30 minutes of political talking heads. It is, he says, “an empty shell”. Not that he blames the people making it, but instead points the finger at management. “The failure to say, ‘Let’s now think of something different,’ does seem to me to be an internal failure.” He remains an avid listener to radio, tuning in to Today, Woman’s Hour and The World at One – programmes, he says, that stay refreshed with their changing cast of presenters. Broadcasting has also changed, from what he calls the “disciplined broadcasting” of his day, when there was a more formal format, to a more casual one. As to podcasts, he looks sheepish when I ask him to name his favourites; he hasn’t caught the podcasting bug yet. But as well as the company guiding his hand, he has an expert tutor advising him – his godson, Rory Stewart, host of one of the biggest podcasts of all, The Rest Is Politics, who interviews Tusa for the first of his series. The Best Is Yet to Come is, he says, a highly personal venture. “Let’s call it my selfish pleasure. But I hope it will be a shared pleasure, too.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Keira Knightley transforms into iconic Harry Potter character in first clip of new audiobook
Knightley plays Dolores Umbridge in the Full-Cast Audio Edition of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
As the Full-Cast Audio Editions of the Harry Potter books continue to be released on Audible, Radio Times has got an exclusive clip from the next instalment – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The clip features Keira Knightley, who in this instalment will be taking on the role of Dolores Umbridge for the first time. She is heard giving her first address to the Hogwarts staff and students, with Cush Jumbo also featuring in the clip, as she continues to serve as the narrator of the audio dramas. You can listen to the clip right below. Audible · Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Full-Cast Audio Edition) Excerpt The Harry Potter Full-Cast Audio Editions first started releasing in November 2025, with a new instalment debuting on Audible each month. The fifth novel will be released tomorrow (Tuesday 10 March), while the sixth and seventh will be released on Tuesday 14 April and Tuesday 12 May. Also featuring in the cast for The Order of the Phoenix are Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter, Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley, Nina Barker-Francis as Hermione Granger, Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall and Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort. Meanwhile, James McAvoy plays Alastor ‘Mad Eye’ Moody, Kit Harington plays Gilderoy Lockhart, Ruth Wilson plays Bellatrix Lestrange, Simon Pegg plays Arthur Weasley, Leo Woodall plays Bill Weasley, Ambika Mod plays Nymphadora Tonks, Alex Hassell plays Lucius Malfoy and David Holmes plays Stan Shunpike. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”. In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”. Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. Back in October 2025, after her casting in the audio drama was announced, Knightley was asked in an interview with Decider whether she was aware that some fans had called for a boycott of Harry Potter, considering Rowling's views. Knightley said at the time: "I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry. You know, I think we’re all living in a period of time right now where we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we? And we’ve all got very different opinions. I hope that we can all find respect." Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The Full-Cast Audio Edition is available on Tuesday 10 March. Read our list of the best audiobooks on Audible to listen to right now. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stunning drama based on true story starring Derek Jacobi and Frances Barber wins Radio Times award
The stars played two giant figures of 20th century life in the radio drama voted the best this year by Radio Times readers.
On Sunday 1 March at the BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House, London, the inaugural Radio Times Readers’ Drama Award was presented at the BBC Audio Drama Awards ceremony. The Radio Times award was one of three external awards presented on the night, alongside the Imison and Tinniswood Awards, run by the Society of Authors and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, for the best original script by a writer new to audio drama and for best original script, respectively. Radio Times has been around since almost when the first radio drama was aired in the UK, but we missed Phyllis Twigg’s The Truth about Father Christmas 1922 play for children by several months. Ever since RT has been championing a form that remains beloved by our readers. This year, we decided to give them the chance to tell us what they really like with the Radio Times Readers' Drama Award. From a list of 30 dramas drawn up by a panel of our esteemed critics, which ranged from pacy podcast series to theatrical single dramas, readers could vote online for their favourite. Here’s what they picked as their winner… A play that imagines the meeting between two diametrically opposed giants of 20th century life, played by two giants of the acting profession, its witty and thought-provoking approach to a little-known historical event clearly struck a chord. The winner of the inaugural Radio Times Readers' Drama Award is When Maggie Met Larry by Tim Walker, directed by Richard Clifford for Catherine Bailey Productions. Tim Walker says of winning the award: "My heartfelt thanks to the readers of Radio Times for choosing my play When Maggie Met Larry – focusing on the real-life acting class that Laurence Olivier gave to Margaret Thatcher in the 1970s – as the winner of the magazine's inaugural drama award." As a seasoned, award-winning journalist for The Daily Telegraph and The Observer, Walker knows it’s never a solo effort to get a story out in the world, "Any writer who thinks a drama wins solely on account of him or herself is at best delusional and at worst egomaniacal, so it goes without saying this is as much an honour for Sir Derek Jacobi — Olivier in the drama — and Frances Barber, who essayed Thatcher. "Take a bow, too, Richard Clifford, the director; Catherine Bailey, the producer; Leon Chambers, who presided over the technical side; and the great [theatre director and producer] Michael Grandage, who saw the play's potential and brought us all together." He says of Grandage’s pivotal role in the genesis of the play, "Ages ago, over a dinner, I told Michael the story of Olivier giving an acting lesson to Thatcher and he said, 'There's a bloody good play in that – you've got to write it,' and, with great skill, diplomacy and patience, he got us all together to make it happen." When Maggie Met Larry was up for two more awards, the Imison Award for first-time writers of audio drama, and best actor for Sir Derek Jacobi. Unfortunately it took neither so the Radio Times win was all the sweeter for Walker and producer Catherine Bailey, as Walker explains, "We never in a million years thought we had a chance in the Radio Times award since it was such a large and distinguished field – it felt like the Grand National and I couldn't see us even getting over Becher's Brook – so we were absolutely in shock it was announced. Long may this award continue to raise the bar in audio drama." We also need to acknowledge the success of a strong runner-up in the voting, Chicken Burger N Chips by Corey Bovell based on his moving one-man stage play, a coming-of-age story set in south London and starring Gamba Cole and produced by Bernard P Achampong for Unedited Productions. Its depiction of the gritty reality of life for young Black men on the streets of Lewisham stands in contrast to the often rarefied circles enjoyed by Margaret Thatcher and Sir Laurence Olivier in our winner and goes some way to show the range of what can be found in the best audio drama. To echo Tim Walker, long may the medium continue to entertain, surprise, amuse and shock us. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026 confirms world-famous British DJ to headline Friday slot
Other names on the bill so far include Sonny Fodera, Danny Howard and Ewan McVicar.
The first acts to perform at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 have been revealed, with music legend Fatboy Slim set to headline the opening night. Radio 1’s flagship live musical festival will return to Herrington Country Park for three days of music from Friday 22 May – Sunday 24 May, marking its first appearance on Wearside in 21 years. Other acts on the line-up for 22 May include Sonny Fodera, Danny Howard and Ewan McVicar. The Friday line-up in alphabetical order is as follows: Ahadadream B2B Arthi Arielle Free Charlie Hedges Clementine Douglas Danny Howard Ewan McVicar Fatboy Slim FISHER horsegiirL LP Rhythm Marlon Hoffstadt MK NOTION Sarah Story Tickets for the Friday Dance Party, which are for over 18s only, go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 March, and cost £34.50. As with previous Big Weekends, ticket allocation is geographically weighted, with 30 per cent of tickets reserved for Sunderland residents, 60 per cent of tickets reserved for the wider North East, and 10 per cent available to the rest of the UK. The star-studded line-ups for the Saturday and Sunday are due to be announced on Monday (9 March) on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James, with tickets for both days set to go on sale at 5pm on Wednesday. BBC Radio 1 will provide live coverage from the festival site across the weekend, with performances available live and on demand across BBC Sounds and Radio 1’s iPlayer channel. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BRIT Awards 2026 winners: Full list of winners as Olivia Dean and Sam Fender take home gongs
The BRIT Awards 2026 ceremony finally arrived after weeks of exciting performance announcements and highly-anticipated nominations. The ceremony was hosted by Jack Whitehall, and featured a flurry of performances from the likes of Harry Styles, Olivia Dean and Mark Ronson. Ronson, who won the outstanding contribution to music award, performed a career-spanning medley, in which he was joined by Dua Lipa and Ghostface Killah with Serge Pizzorno and Amy Winehouse's band, with a special tribute made to the late star. It was certainly a big night for Olivia Dean, who won four awards, including artist of the year, album of the year and pop act. Other winners included Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, Rosalía, Noel Gallagher and Lola Young. Here are all the artists who took home awards at the BRIT Awards 2026. BRIT Awards 2026 winners: Full list of winners Artist of the year Dave Fred again.. JADE Lily Allen Little Simz Lola Young Olivia Dean - WINNER PinkPantheress Sam Fender Self Esteem Group of the year The Last Dinner Party Pulp Sleep Token Wet Leg Wolf Alice - WINNER Album of the year Dave - The Boy Who Played The Harp Lily Allen - West End Girl Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving - WINNER Sam Fender - People Watching Wolf Alice - The Clearing Song of the year Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas - Blessings Chrystal & Notion - The Days (Notion Remix) Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande) - Defying Gravity Ed Sheeran - Azizam Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax - Victory Lap Lewis Capaldi - Survive Lola Young - Messy Myles Smith - Nice To Meet You Olivia Dean - Man I Need Raye - Where Is My Husband! Sam Fender (with Olivia Dean) - Rein Me In - WINNER Skye Newman - Family Matters International artist of the year Bad Bunny Chappell Roan CMAT Doechii Lady Gaga Rosalía - WINNER Sabrina Carpenter Sombr Taylor Swift Tyler, The Creator International group of the year Geese - WINNER Haim Huntr/x, Ejae / Audrey Nuna/ Rei Ami Tame Impala Turnstile International song of the year Alex Warren - Ordinary Chappell Roan - Pink Pony Club Disco Lines & Tinashe - No Broke Boys Gigi Perez - Sailor Song Gracie Abrams - That's So True Huntr/x, Ejae / Audrey Nuna/ Rei Ami - Golden Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars - Die with a Smile Ravyn Lenae - Love Me Not Rosé & Bruno Mars - APT - WINNER Sabrina Carpenter - Manchild Sombr - Undressed Taylor Swift - The Fate of Ophelia Breakthrough artist Barry Can't Swim EsDeeKid Jim Legxacy Lola Young - WINNER Skye Newman Critics' Choice Jacob Alon - WINNER Rose Gray Sienna Spiro Best alternative / rock act Blood Orange Lola Young Sam Fender - WINNER Wet Leg Wolf Alice Best pop act Jade Lily Allen Lola Young Olivia Dean - WINNER Raye Best hip-hop / rap / grime act Central Cee Dave - WINNER Jim Legxacy Little Simz Loyle Carner Best R&B act Jim Legxacy Kwn Mabel Sasha Keable Sault - WINNER Best dance act Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas FKA twigs Fred again..Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax - WINNER PinkPantheress Sammy Virji Producer of the year PinkPantheress - WINNER Songwriter of the year Noel Gallagher - WINNER The BRIT Awards took place on Saturday 28 February 2026. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jack Whitehall talks presenting the BRITs and who wanted to be introduced as "the biggest rock star on the planet"
The comedian on crying over Take That, smuggling surprise jokes into the BRIT Awards – and becoming a Hollywood star.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. What’s the view from your sofa? It’s now a television that has Peppa Pig or Bluey on all the time on rotation in a kitchen/living area that is just absolute carnage because we have a toddler [two-year-old Elsie]. Dolls and toys are strewn hither and thither. It’s like watching television in a brightly coloured, sensory overloading war zone. What have you been enjoying watching amid the carnage recently? I’m away from my family [filming The Fifth Wheel and launching The ‘Burbs in Los Angeles] so last night I binge-watched the Netflix documentary Take That, which I really enjoyed. On my own, in America, tired and jetlagged, I was getting rather glassy-eyed about Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams falling out. It’s still raw, it still hurts. Who controls the remote control at home in London? My fiancée [model Roxy Horner]. I start a lot of series with her and then get pulled away for work and travel. I’ve seen one episode of [Apple TV’s] Pluribus and the first four episodes of The Traitors. It’s quite a contentious issue in our house – she has absolutely no patience and just goes behind my back and finishes all of these series. When did you realise that leaning into your poshness was comedy gold? For the first few years, I used the fact that I was young as my USP. A few comedians pointed out that eventually that well would run dry. Until that point, I’d been trying to hide the fact that I was posh, but I don’t think I was fooling anyone. Then I decided it could be a funny thing to send up. So I just became closer to my authentic self – and then probably pushed it even further the other way. You recently played a baddie in the Amazon Prime thriller Malice. Was it a challenge to land a dramatic role – and play such a dodgy character? It was a bit of a journey to get there, and definitely something I had aspirations to do. That’s why I’ve tried to be a bit more selective in the amount of entertainment stuff that I do in the UK, just because I’ve done so much of it. You’ve also worked on several shows with your dad Michael. How did that impact your relationship? The key to any good double act is chemistry, and we had that inbuilt because we’re father and son. As he became the star of the show, I really enjoyed giving him the space to shine, and I loved that he had a second lease of life professionally and so many people enjoyed him on screen. It was great to spend that amount of time with a parent later on in life – more than most people in their 20s would get to do. I was very blessed that I had that opportunity to bond with him. This is your sixth time hosting the BRIT Awards. Why is it such an appealing repeat gig? I do a lot of other things – acting, other types of presenting and stand-up – but there’s something about the high-stakes, high-wire act of going on stage and trying to MC live television that gets your heart racing in a way nothing else does. Does your script have to be approved? It’s ITV, so there are some Ts&Cs, but they’re quite good. They let me say pretty much everything I want to. It’s normally the artists’ publicists that are more on it and try to apply censorship. But my tactic is to do a fake script in the rehearsal so none of them hear it until it’s too late. Have you had any comments excised by overzealous music industry people? Yeah, Jared Leto wanted me to introduce him as “the biggest rock star on the planet”. I didn’t want to do that, so wrote some jokes at his expense. Then, either he or his team went over to the autocue and tried to change it during the show. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Comedian Slim on his Guide to Life: "I know how to navigate myself in this industry, that's why I've been in it for so long"
Comedian Slim sits down with Pass the Mic to chat about his brand new BBC Radio 4 show and how he's seen the industry evolve over the years.
It's not often that people sit down and look back on their entire life for the purpose of bringing about laughter, but that's exactly what comedian Slim has done for his latest venture for BBC Radio 4. His new six-part series, Slim's Guide to Life, is just another string to his impressive career bow, having been the first Black British comedian to sell out the London Palladium with a solo show and now widely celebrated as the Godfather of the Black British comedy scene. Having performed to audiences all around the globe, Slim now reflects on his life and career in his trademark comedic way, telling stories about being a teenage father to working as a London bus driver. Chatting to Radio Times for Pass the Mic, he admits that he's "happy and excited with anticipation to see it all come together, to see the final result". He remarks: "It's a nice experience because you're evaluating your life. I think we do it as humans every 10 years anyway. Every 10 years from 30, you look back on the decade before and think, 'How have I done? Have I advanced? Am I any further? My dreams, have they come true?' So, it was nice to go back, especially the early years." But how has it been penning a script based all around your life for a brand new radio audience? As Slim explains below, it's been a cathartic experience and is also an opportunity to expand his fanbase further in an industry that he has grown confident in navigating over his years of experience. How did you go about crafting Slim's Guide to Life – what was the writing process like? I had material that was written anyway but I had to go and write for the first few decades, as I realised I didn't really have any material. All my material's after 20 years old so that was nice revisiting that, sitting down and writing that on top of stuff I already had. I enjoyed happily sitting down and doing the project. Was it cathartic to revisit those early years of your life? Absolutely. We're adults now... I had a happy childhood so it was nice to go back and revisit. Your memory jogs with certain events that you'd totally forgotten about and then when you're sitting down and thinking about it, it's like, 'Oh yeah!' I enjoyed doing it. How was it working with a script editor for this radio project? I'd sit down and write down the material, then we'd go over it and just trim the fat. It was nice because me being a stand-up comic, I work on stages. I haven't got as much restrictions as radio has. We had to tailor it and trim the fat but it was good. I can imagine it's a different mindset to the improv and stand-up routines you're used to delivering. Was it more of a stationary environment doing it for radio? Well, we actually filmed in front of a live audience so it's not canned laughter. We done that at Up the Creek Comedy Club. Doing it in front of an audience was different for me. I had to read out my script and because it's for radio, there's certain visual aspects that, when I'm on stage, you would see if you were watching me live. Now you're listening on the radio, I've got to make sure that everything translates over to the airwaves. On the whole, it wasn't too much of a problem. It was different for me but it was no problem. You're celebrated as the Godfather of Black British comedy – how did you go about crafting the series to be both insightful about your career and funny? My life's always had these little funny moments from young. There's a lot of stuff that – although people know who I am – they wouldn't know about me, especially my younger years. For me, it was a great experience just going back and evaluating that 50 years of my life. A lot of people don't really do that – that's auditing half a century. It was exciting to do and I feel like the people out there, the listeners, will enjoy the final production. There's likely to be a different fanbase for radio, with some listeners maybe not aware of your work till now. How does that feel to possibly have a new legion of fans? Absolutely love that, it'll keep me in business longer. If you can keep getting new fans along the way, you'll usually stay in business longer, so I welcome all the fans and the people who love my kind of comedy. Across your remarkable 20-year career, you've seen a lot of trends and people coming and going. How do you think the comedy industry has evolved over the years, in terms of representation and Black British talent specifically? Now we've got social media and the internet, that is the way that most of the young comics are coming through, rather than finding a little pub with a little comedy night going on upstairs. That used to be the original way. Now, people are posting up their own stuff and coming through that way. Comedy has evolved. We've got more social media influencers coming through and making a career in comedy. I do believe that we've evolved, definitely, in the last 10 years. For the better? Yeah, I'd say so. At the end of the day, there's people that might not be able to make it out to a theatre or a venue but they can stay at home and have a laugh. I do believe that the comedy scene has changed a lot – there's also a lot of comics that, after Covid, didn't come back. It's always changing, no industry stays the same and it evolves in some kind of way. As an older or more mature comic, I just try and move with the times and not be left behind. Social media lowers the barrier to entry in the industry, which is a good thing – do you think that is a major positive in terms of the range of stories and comics we're seeing in the scene at the moment? Absolutely! Everybody's got a different sense of humour – what one person thinks is funny, another doesn't. So what you do need is an array of comics who can cater to everybody's needs. You may have the quirky comic, the dark humour comic. Do you think there's still more that needs to be done to nurture diverse talent in British comedy or is it somewhere you've seen vast improvements? There are improvements, I don't want to bang on like we've not seen any form of Black people on TV – but there's still gatekeepers to this industry, definitely. I don't know how the TV industry works out who they choose to work on, uplift and promote. At the end of the day, I don't overthink that. The comics I've seen that overthink it, they upset themselves and now you're at work with a bad energy. I might as well work a 9-5, this was supposed to be a love that they paid for! I know the pitfalls and I know how to navigate myself in this industry, that's why I've been in it for so long. There could be better representation, especially on national TV but look, people are now using social media, YouTube and stuff like that. They're kind of skipping the middle man as it is now and making their money. I think the industry is losing out really or they come way after the person's already established. You were the first Black British comedian to sell out the London Palladium with a solo show – how do you reflect on that time in your life and that achievement now? It was a major achievement but it's on to the next one, you're only as good as your last show. I savoured the moment, I really did, but then I just moved on. Obviously, people who have known me and watched me rise, for them to see me at such a grand venue – it's a very well-known historical building. People can watch me grow from a little place in Brockley to a big, world renowned venue in the West End. I think the pride, that's what I felt a lot from people. I do feel the pride and the love from my fans. For me, it was a chance to go upmarket a bit and just to show that a venue like the Palladium, I deserve to be in there. I knew that I was going to bring a top-tier show to a top-tier venue with top-tier people in it and it was a great night. It will be unforgettable but what's the next big one I've got? On to the next one! What are you hoping that people get from Slim's Guide to Life? That deep down, I'm just a normal, regular guy that's grown up like everybody else and has made it good for himself. Same struggle as everybody else, single parent household, siblings that you fight with, friends – it's just my life. I'm hoping they'll get a lot of laughs out of it but that they'll be able to resonate with a lot of stuff that is in there as well. Slim's Guide to Life premieres on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 18 February at 11pm. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Love Island icon Chloe Burrows talks dream interviews in exciting new KISS Breakfast role - and talks best friend Millie's All Stars journey
Ever since she burst onto screens via an interesting voice note on Love Island in 2021, Chloe Burrows has remained a frequent face across television and the audio waves, and she isn't showing signs of slowing down. Earlier this year Burrows, alongside Tyler West, took over the reins from Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely on KISS Breakfast, and it's been something Burrows has been working towards ever since she stepped out of the villa. "This has been a four year stint, so I actually started demoing radio straight after Love Island. I was very bad," she told Radio Times. "So I took a break and then I always, always, always wanted to do radio, more specifically KISS, hence why I have done so much with them over the years because I would not let them leave me alone." Burrows, who also hosts her own podcast, explained she was always first to ask whenever KISS had something going, having worked with them on a red carpet for the BRIT Awards as well as their Haunted House Party. But as for the actual breakfast show, Burrows says it has been "months" in the making, with her and West often "pretending to do breakfast shows" before getting the gig. Burrows and West kicked off their show at the start of the month and have already done some impressive interviews, from Halle Berry to Margot Robbie, but there is a long list forming of dream guests the presenter would love on the show. "I think I would love Amelia Dimoldenberg because I think everything she touches, I think she's incredible," Burrows told Radio Times. "Maya Jama, obviously, because who doesn't love Maya Jama? I would also love Snooki (Nicole Polizzi) or JWoww (Jennifer Lynn Farley) from Jersey Shore. "I think they would be iconic. Any Kardashian, obviously. I love Ru Paul as well, like there are so many people that I think are amazing." View Green Video on the source website Soon, our conversation turns to Love Island. Millie Court, Chloe's best friend whom she met on the show in 2021, is currently back in the villa on All Stars and is incredibly loved up with American bombshell Zac Woodworth, and Chloe has been (and will continue to be) rooting for her as we approach the final. "I know I am bias, but she has been really, really lovely," Chloe told Radio Times. "I think she's just looked after literally everyone in there, like she's really just the nicest, loveliest person with the best heart." As for Zac, he "seems nice enough" but Chloe jokes that she'll "get back" to us on that one once she meets him. "Of course we aren't familiar and she looks really, really happy with Zac," she added. "So yes, I'm definitely room for them to win." Since she appeared on Love Island, Chloe has launched a podcast, worked with Channel 4.0 and has appeared on other reality shows including Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, with each venture helping to shape her into the presenter she is today. " I've been so fortunate with the opportunities I've been given, so I've got the documentaries, which definitely helped me think as a viewer, like what did they wanna take from it," she told Radio Times. She continued: "With my podcast, I'm really selfish and when I have a guest on, I just wanna hear what I wanna hear, hoping that translates to the listener. But [it's] definitely [helped me] learn what radio's about. So I think it's the documentary definitely helped me with that. "SAS has not helped me here, funnily enough, Celebs Go Dating taught me how to celebrate on Friday after finishing a week but I think all the work with Channel 4.0 has made me realise that everything can be a joke on radio. As long as it's not serious on the news, but everything is funny. I'm just hoping subconsciously I've taken loads of these skills to be honest." KISS Breakfast with Tyler West and Chloe Burrows is on KISS, weekdays from 6am to 10am. Check out more of our audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why Carry On icon Kenneth Williams's legacy in British entertainment continues to endure
Radio presenter and dedicated Williams fan Wes Butters spoke to Radio Times about the legendary performer.
Say the name Kenneth Williams and immediately you’re reminded of a rubber face, elongated vowels, a camp persona and a master of comic timing, as demonstrated in the Carry On films and radio programmes that are still popular today. But for radio presenter and dedicated Williams fan Wes Butters, the comic luminary remains much more than a "cartoon character". Butters says, "He transcended all age groups, all levels of society, all BBC networks." In a book, a radio documentary and now a film to be released later this year, Butters has been at pains to stress the star’s qualities as a person, something Williams would have appreciated, having often referred to the supposed ignominy of the creative artist required to perform low comedy. When Butters was planning a celebration of Williams’s centenary – a whole day of programmes on Radio 4 Extra this Saturday to mark exactly 100 years since Williams’s birth on 22 February 1926 – he had the same aim, to remind us of his idol’s dedication and versatility. Featured highlights include The Streets of London (1980) in which Williams proudly showed off his neighbourhood to Johnny Morris and Percy Edwards, and panel show The Law Game (1988), one of his last appearances. For Butters, this recording is bittersweet: "He’s so buoyant, at his best just months before he died." Butters, 46, was still a boy when Williams died. "He was ubiquitous in my childhood," Butters recalls of a time when Williams’s cross-generational appeal extended to frequent storytelling duties on Jackanory. "Everything about him was amusing to me," says the presenter, who was confused when he read the star’s celebrated Diaries, posthumously revealing a much darker side. "I couldn’t reconcile that happy joyous character with the man who would not allow himself to feel joy." One night in 2005, Butters bought a photo on eBay reportedly once owned by Williams. Butters contacted the seller, Williams’s godson Robert Chidell, who said he was selling everything, a collection his longtime fan was happy to scoop up in its entirety. Later, Butters was sitting with his memorabilia when Williams’s diaries fell open at a page on which the actor wondered what would become of his possessions after his death. "It’s not just serendipitous, it’s spooky," Butters says. "I feel at times as though his hand has guided me." Whether he was indulging in dirty postcard humour, a poetry recital or, surprisingly, Bible readings, Williams "drew you in". He was one of BBC Radio’s biggest stars, greatly loved for three comedy series – Hancock’s Half Hour, Just a Minute and Round the Horne — that have retained their popularity. Meanwhile, Williams’s chat show anecdotes enjoy repeated airings, and the Carry On films remain a perennial TV treat. More than half a century later, why does Williams’s unique contribution to British entertainment endure? "Because there was nobody like him," Butters offers. "He wasn’t trying to be anybody else." Williams died relatively young at 62; where could his career otherwise have taken him? "I like to think that he would have become a serious character actor," Butters says. But he also wonders whether that would have made Williams content: "The laughter was so important to him." The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. The Versatile Voice of Kenneth Williams: A Centenary Celebration is on Sunday from 6am on Radio 4 Extra. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Archers favourites star in 75th anniversary photoshoot and talk THAT dramatic George whodunnit reveal
Radio Times heads to Ambridge to take a deep dive into the latest plot twist.
This article originally appeared in Radio Times magazine. It began in 2024 when Alice Carter, an intermittently recovering alcoholic from the prosperous Aldridge family, fell asleep drunk in the passenger seat of her car. Her nephew-in-law George Grundy, a farmworker’s son, couldn’t resist offering to drive her home (it was a flash car). But Alice half-woke and clawed drunkenly for the door: it made George swerve and knock another car, bearing Mick, Joy and Fallon, from the bridge into the River Am. George dived in for a heroic rescue but afterwards panicked and moved the blotto Alice into the driver’s seat. Fallon lost the baby she didn’t know she was expecting, and everyone’s trauma rolled on for weeks. Alice was riven by guilt, though she couldn’t remember driving. George finally admitted the truth: when his grandparents Neil and Susan reported it, he got sent to prison for eight months. On release, he found most of Ambridge pretty unforgiving. Jobless and barred from the Bull, he ranted at all of them on New Year’s Eve. Following a conversation with the now saintly, forgiving Alice however, he resolved to put the past behind him and make good. Hollie Chapman, who plays Alice, explains, “The tables turned, and when she went from being the drunk to someone giving George wise advice, the scene felt really emotional, and I nearly lost it.” Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Angus Stobie who voices George and joined Chapman on RT’s photoshoot to mark the dramatic storyline for the soap’s 75th anniversary, agrees that something changed in the characters’ dynamic. “I think George is slightly in awe of Alice and how she handled the whole situation. He also then means to change, family is at the centre of it all, and he wants to work and give back and provide.” But as George walked to his parents’ house in the dark that night, someone followed him, whacked him on the head with a wine bottle and left him for dead. Thankfully George recovered, and for weeks listeners heard characters suspecting one another of the attempted murder: Jolene the landlady; Fallon the pub cook and her policeman lover; George’s sister Keira; Alice’s dad Brian; Joy and her boyfriend Mick; and Amber’s roughneck father. Now we learn it was actually – shock! – Alice’s illegitimate half-brother Ruairi, who aspires to take over the family farm. Will Brian, in his 80s with angina, continue to pretend it was him to save his son? Will Ruairi confess? Will George lose his rag again? We asked Chapman, Stobie and some of the other actors who play these key figures how they feel about the dramatic revelation and what it means for the future of their characters in Ambridge. "There are a lot of ways this could play out. Not necessarily criminal justice, but village justice – the people themselves might deal with it!" Chapman reveals. She wasn't the first to learn of the latest Ambridge twist - that honour was bestowed on Brian star Charles Collingwood. "I was let in on the secret about Ruairi before everybody else, and sworn to secrecy," he explains. "Everyone was saying it would be me who did it. But really! Brian could barely lift a bottle – except up to his lips! I loved the great scene with George, when Brian decides to cover for Ruairi. And then the one with Ruairi! "Alice is Brian’s favourite child, he adores her. But remember, he has daughters and a stepdaughter and always longed for a son. Ruairi is the apple of his eye." He continues: "Back in the 1980s, they nearly wrote out the Aldridges for being a happy, wealthy family with no problems. But then they gave Brian a romantic wandering eye and the affair with Siobhan, from which Ruairi was born. Crises are an actor’s dream: the hard scenes to play are the ones where you’re walking across a field of not-quite-ripe oilseed rape." Arthur Hughes, who has voiced Ruairi since 2018, says that keeping the plot's outcome a secret what somewhat akin to the Beeb's reality TV show hit The Traitors. "It was very exciting, the clandestine nature of the whodunnit. I was taken aside in November and told it was my character, when The Celebrity Traitors was at its height. "I had to be careful in the studio not to give it away. Luckily, there was an ordinary plot to focus on, about wanting the farm…" Sunny Ormonde, better known to listeners as Ruairi's step-aunt Lillian Bellamy, adds: "Would she agree to protect Ruairi? Interesting one. She might, you know! Blood is thicker than water, though he’s just her step-nephew-in-law." Read more: The Archers confirmed for live 75th anniversary tour as fans can celebrate beloved radio drama Bridge Farm to be brought to life at new RHS show to celebrate The Archers' 75th anniversary Read our interviews with George, Ruairi, Alice, Brian and Lilian – or the actors who play them – in tomorrow's edition of Radio Times – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Reading is central to being human – and yet, it’s hard to miss the signs of decline
Children's appetite for reading is in alarming freefall, says historian Dominic Sandbrook.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Few days have shaped our cultural lives more than the one in 1439 when German inventor Johannes Gutenberg loaded up his new press, inked the movable type, operated the mechanism, hung up the sheet – and gazed at the first page of printed text ever produced in Europe. Ever since that moment, our imaginative lives have been shaped by the printed word. Generations have read for instruction, for enlightenment and, above all, for pleasure. Our minds are inhabited by fictional characters, from Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet and Charles Dickens’s Ebenezer Scrooge to modern-day heroes such as Harry Potter and James Bond. It’s impossible to imagine Englishness without the plays of William Shakespeare, Scottishness without the novels of Sir Walter Scott, Frenchness without the melodrama of Victor Hugo, Russia without the epics of Leo Tolstoy. Reading is central to being human. And yet, it’s hard to miss the signs of decline. Surveys show that children’s appetite for reading is in free-fall: fewer than one in five British youngsters between eight and 18 read every day, with the decline sharpest among teenage boys. View oEmbed on the source website Another recent survey found that half of all adults don’t read books for pleasure at all, with many turning to the bright lights of social media instead. Some critics warn we’re heading into a dark age of post-literacy. Does this matter? Perhaps not. After all, tens of billions of people have lived and died without reading a word. When Gutenberg invented his printing press, probably one out of ten people in England could read. When the pioneers of the novel, such as Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson, were writing in the mid-18th century, many people thought fiction was a dangerous innovation, corrupting the minds of its largely female audience. And as late as 1813, when Austen published Pride and Prejudice, almost half of all men and perhaps two-thirds of women were illiterate. Who are we to judge their cultural lives as threadbare or hollow? But as tempting as it is to play devil’s advocate, I don’t really find this argument convincing. If I were to purge my imagination of all the wonderful characters I’ve met through books, then my inner life would be a sad and empty place. Fiction, in particular, opens windows into glorious new galaxies, every new book the equivalent of a parallel world in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. You meet new people, have extraordinary experiences and, crucially, get a taste of what it might be like to be somebody else. For a precious moment, you escape the confines of your own head, and imagine yourself a boy wizard at Hogwarts, a sailor in the South Seas, a slave in antebellum America. No other art form does this with such intimacy. No other medium gives you such a sense of empathy. Lose the love of fiction, and I think we’ll have lost something truly precious. Given the distractions of screens and social media, can we turn the decline around? I think we can. Not by emphasising that reading’s good for you; that makes it sound like a macrobiotic yogurt. But by emphasising how fun it is. The people, the stories, the triumphs and tragedies, the unsolvable mysteries and brave new worlds. That’s what my friend Tabitha Syrett and I will be celebrating every week in our new podcast The Book Club, kicking off with Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights before plunging into works like Kazuo Ishiguro’s sci-fi chiller Never Let Me Go, Donna Tartt’s blackly funny The Secret History and George Orwell’s prophetic Nineteen Eighty-Four – and many more. So many characters, so many adventures and, yes, so much fun! The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. The Book Club is available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Has The Archers cheated listeners with George Grundy reveal?
The identity of the Ambridge resident who attacked George Grundy came as a shock to most fans.
So we now know who lamped poor George Grundy (played by Angus Stobie) with a bottle of well-oaked Chardonnay on New Year’s Eve as he walked to make amends with his mother, Emma (Emerald O'Hanrahan). But I doubt whether any Ambridge addict who placed a bet on whodunnit is now sitting pretty after their hunch paid off. None of the main suspects who were in the frame turned out to be guilty – from one of Marky’s henchmen getting even for George grassing him up in prison to the improbable notion it was George’s younger half-sister Keira, fed up with the disruption he caused in the family. Add in the long list of others with potential motives, including Brad (Taylor Uttley), Jazzer (Ryan Kelly), Fallon (Joanna Van Kampen), Harrison (James Cartwright), Mick (Martin Barrass), Chris (Wilf Scolding), Lilian (Sunny Ormonde), Brian (Charles Collingwood) and Amber’s dad, and the scripts were a masterclass in misdirection. Yet when it was revealed in last Friday’s episode that it was Brian’s beloved son Ruairi (Arthur Hughes) who had done the dastardly deed, listeners couldn’t help but be surprised. Not that there’s no logic behind Ruairi being the attacker. He is the half-brother of Alice (Hollie Chapman) after all, and she almost went to prison after George placed her – blind drunk – at the wheel of her car, following the crash back in 2024 that saw Mick, Joy (Jackie Lye) and Fallon career off the road and into the icy waters of the Am. Fallon lost her unborn child after the crash and the guilt almost overwhelmed the hoodwinked Alice, who couldn’t remember what happened that fateful night, and saw her turning back to her old, destructive friend, the bottle. So it’s feasible that Ruairi has harboured a long-simmering grudge against George and that on a drunken New Year’s Eve in the Bull at which he saw George square up to his elderly father Brian, whose angina seems to strike whenever he gets het up or over-exerts himself, he would grab one of the bottles of fancy wine that he hadn’t already polished off and in a mist of alcoholic rage, followed George out of the pub, saw him talking to the saintly Alice, and further incensed stalked behind him on the bridal path and whacked him. It’s admittedly a neat bit of plotting that the rash actions of a volatile, impetuous young man prove to be the rough justice handed out to another volatile, impetuous young man whose rash actions in panicking and putting Alice in the frame for the crash – when he could have easily explained what happened and used his heroism in saving Mick, Joy and Fallon as mitigating evidence – started all the trouble and upheaval in the village in the first place. However, the problem I have is that the writers appear to have ignored one of the golden rules of crime writing, namely that the reader (or listener in this case) should always be able to work out whodunnit, or as American critic, editor and bestselling author SS Van Dine put it in his 1928 “Twenty Rules for Writing Detective Stories” – the reader must have equal opportunity with the detective for solving the mystery. All clues must be plainly stated and described. Since the New Year’s Eve episode I don’t think listeners have had many clues plainly stated that could lay the blame at Ruairi’s door. Yes, we heard him reacting angrily when a contrite George visited the Aldridges in an attempt to apologise for what he did to Alice and move on with his life. Only the most perceptive listeners would think he lost his cool because the prospect of George being accepted as a decent albeit troubled human being by his family, would mean that his violence against him was even more heinous. It just seemed like volatile, entitled Ruairi acting out again. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. And one would have to have an eidetic memory to have noticed that Ruairi, Kate and Adam sunk their freebie bottle of swanky vino early in the evening on NYE, thus making Ruairi drunk and giving him a ready-made weapon in the form of an empty bottle with a fancy label. Writer and director Dave Payne, who came up with the idea for the whole storyline, told The Archers Podcast that when he first took it to the editor he was told to come up with a list of suspects and, walking away, instantly had a list of 20 possibles. It feels as if we were presented with the 19 others as potential suspects, but the real one was hidden from view. Hiding behind his father again, right up to the last. Read more: The Archers confirmed for live 75th anniversary tour as fans can celebrate beloved radio drama Bridge Farm to be brought to life at new RHS show to celebrate The Archers' 75th anniversary However, having said all that, placing Ruairi in the frame has served up the prospect of a juicy story in which Brian tries to protect the son-who-can do-no-wrong, to the extent of facing prison time, while George could use his recording of Brian confessing to the crime to leverage an easier ride for himself in a village that has been unforgiving in its approach to rehabilitation for ex-cons who have done their time. Or will Ruairi come clean and be sent to jail, and come out a hardened criminal with even more of a grudge against George? More for Ambridge fans to obsess over and we have to be at least thankful that it wasn’t a Murder on the Orient-Express scenario, with the whole village having had a hand in meting out rough justice to George. Read our interviews with George, Ruairi, Alice, Brian and Lilian – or the actors who play them – in tomorrow's edition of Radio Times – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Rick Astley takes poignant look back on his career, Bond songs and future hopes: "I'm just getting more emotional as I get older"
Performing is "still the most special thing".
There are a few candidates to be the nicest guy in music, but Rick Astley is surely up there. The Lancashire-born singer-songwriter is a quintessential voice of the 1980s, and the immortality of his biggest song Never Gonna Give You Up will forever guarantee him a place in the annals of pop history. Following years of hiatus, Astley returned for the 21st century with a renewed sparkle, killer vocals and still one fantastic head of hair, winning legions of new fans. Whether it's taking Glastonbury by storm or heading out on acclaimed tours and still producing new records, Astley is now a confirmed national sweetheart. Now, Astley has sat down for an emotional instalment of Dermot O'Leary's Reel Stories, looking back at footage of his career, and it left him feeling sentimental. Speaking with Radio Times for the release of Reel Stories and ahead of his much-anticipated 2026 live tour in the UK and Ireland, Astley discussed his career, aspirations for the future, and, of course, what he's watching on TV. So, Rick, you took part in Dermot O'Leary's Reel Stories. Have you managed to see it yet? "I was there on the day! I don't know whether I want to see it again. It was a really enjoyable thing to do, but it was a bit emotional as well. And I think that didn't completely catch me by surprise. Have you seen George Clooney's new movie [Jay Kelly]? Some similarities with that, where someone plonks you down in a cinema and then just goes like, 'These are some of the best bits of your life.' "So it was pretty emotional. I think I'm more emotional about the last few years than I was when I was young, to be honest; when it was all kind of kicking off. Because it's a long time, for one thing, and my memories of it are pretty strong in certain ways, but they're also probably filtered for the good and the bad. So, whereas the most recent stuff is kind of a bit easier to relate to, I'm just getting more emotional as I get older. It's as simple as that." Do you think that's also because you appreciate those experiences more now? When you're younger, lots of things just happen to you, and it's very fast-paced, and you kind of don't really take stock... "You don't. And I also don't know if this might be a bit heavy...[you] kind of just get a lot closer to death every year. And you think, 'OK, well, you better start digging into some of these moments', and I've been doing that. Most of my friends are of a certain age – around my age, a bit older – and you're just kind of beginning to think, 'OK, well, for one, this may be the last time we ever do X.' And now, every time I do it, this time, I'm 100 per cent involved. "Because when you're young, you just do, and so you should, for God's sake. I've always said music is a young person's game anyway, and I still think it is. It's vitally important that the new artists come through and kind of push the older ones aside, me included, and go, 'This is where it's at.' "But as you get older, you do learn to appreciate those moments where you were in it, and you were right in the heat of the fire and all of that. And you think about some of the things that have happened in the last 10 years, which have been sort of unbelievable, and you would never have dreamt could have come round again. I've just hung on a bit tighter and gone, 'Yeah, I can appreciate what that actually is.'" I was going to say, I think it's great how strong your voice still is. Like, really strong voice. Really good hair! Not a lot of of men can say that. What do you think that is – just sheer luck? "I think it's luck. I mean, I never got into doing drugs. I love a glass of wine. I love a couple of beers, but I've never been, a big drinker generally. Well, certain nights I am, but I'm not one of those people who's out on the road, five of us in the bar at 2am, and we're going to be dragged out by a tour manager. "The first proper tour I went on, you suddenly realise you can't do this and do the partying thing as well, not if you're the singer. The bass player and drummer can get away with it, but if you're the singer, forget it, because you just can't sing the day after properly. I've been at a certain festival where a certain artist didn't come and play, and then two days later, you realise, well, that's because they were up at four o'clock in the morning in some club in wherever. "I've been kind of responsible about it, which sounds a bit un-rock 'n' roll and boring, but it's like, believe me, when you're about to go on stage, the last thing you want to be thinking is, why did I cane it last night?'" Another thing people have always really liked about you is that you've not shunned the fact you had such an iconic song quite early in your career – when some people would get really funny about it. Has your relationship with Never Gonna Give You Up changed at all over the years? "It probably has, to be honest. When I was 27, I closed the lid and went, 'Yeah, probably don't have to sing that ever again. That's OK if I don't sing that song ever again'. Not in a kind of like, 'I hate it' way, I don't mean that. I just sang it a lot. "I mean, I was so lucky to have that song, and as the decades have gone by, that's become more apparent. But even at the time, I was thinking, 'Well, it's amazing we've got that song, but it would also be amazing if we could ever get past it.' And I realised after a few years, you're never going to do that. That's the biggest song you're ever going to have. Because it was just a monster out of a cave. I mean, it just came roaring out, and it was a bit of a phenomenon. "I would kind of chase that song around the world. I've said this before, I've been to places that I never thought I'd ever go in my whole life. You go, 'Oh, I get it. I'm already famous. Yeah, famous here. I haven't set foot in the place. I've not spoken to one journalist yet, and I'm already famous. I'm walking through the airport, and people are going, 'Oh!' That's a weird thing to digest at the age of 21." In light of your success in recent years following your hiatus, are there any remaining dreams or aspirations that you've got? "I've done a bunch of swing shows in the last few years. I just really like doing it. I've got a great group of people who do it with me, but it's just a gorgeous thing to do. It's really good fun. And when I think about certain places in the world that I've been to do my everyday gigs, I've kind of thought, 'Oh my God, this would be amazing to do a swing thing here, it's on a lake, for God's sake!' "Listen, loads of people do it. And I think there's a reason for that. When you stand in front of a big band or even an orchestra and sing some of those songs that our generation of parents loved and grew up with, and have now just become part of the super music, they genuinely believe that was their music. So as a kid, my dad sang those songs around the house. And I know them all because of my dad, not because of Frank Sinatra, really. I know them because of my dad. "And I think someone like RAYE, who has that in her locker, the whole orchestral thing, and it's kind of glamorous, you know? I'm like, 'Wow, that is amazing!' Because she's young, she's in the white heat of her career, but she can press that button quite strongly, and it's like, 'Oh, my god, she could have been around in the '50s!' That's what's beautiful about the way she does certain things. She kind of transcends the age of it, because she's in a moment of her own. Whereas when you see an old bugger like me doing it, it's like, well, it's just an old guy singing songs his dad likes! It's a different thing." If she did an album of old classic standards, would you feature, if you could? "She's got a few people knocking on her door, I think! I'll definitely go to the gig, I'll tell you that." RAYE is one of the favourites to sing a Bond song. Would you do a Bond song if you could? "I think most people would do it, to be honest. I think it's big boots to fill. There's been some amazing ones over the years. I think the Sam Smith one was great as well. I think the Billie Eilish one was great, obviously. Adele's one was really good. "Adele's one, for some reason, a friend of mine, we were on a road trip across America, we weren't even working, we just did it for a laugh, and it was on the radio all the time, and for some reason, he started singing 'A trifle and apple crumble' instead of Skyfall. So now, whenever that song comes on, all I can sing is, 'A trifle and an apple crumble.' I'm like, 'Steve, for God's sake. Why did you do that? Because I love that song (laughs).' "I think they've always been really good at marrying that thing together, that the song has all the atmosphere of Bond. I don't think they've ever really screwed that up yet. So I think anyone would do it, to be honest, but I think there's probably about 1,000 people in front of me to get that job, and that's OK, that's all right." You've got your own live tour coming up in 2026. How are you feeling about going back on the road? "I'm still getting a genuine buzz about it, and I feel there is no substitute for that. Hit records are amazing, and the only reason I'm getting to talk to you today is that I had that record in 1987, but in terms of the reward of it, you hang around all day in a pretty crappy dressing room most of the time, doing nothing, eating something you don't really want to eat, because it's like, 'Well, I can't have dinner, so I'm just going to eat a little bit of this.' And after all that nonsense to just go on stage and the moment that the lights go down, you go, 'Oh yeah, I remember now. I get it now.' It's still the most special thing." On the subject of film, music biopics are all the rage right now. Have you ever thought about someone playing you, if that were ever to happen? "I mean, in my twenties or whatever, even though he's a bit older than that, it's Jack Lowden from Slow Horses. I saw him actually in a play some months ago. He was incredible in it – really, really amazing. And I like him on screen, but it needs someone with a bit of Celtic in them, because of my hair and all this. And he's got great hair, so obviously it's all about the hair. And he's a handsome devil as well. So, what can you do? You've got to punch up, haven't you?" Finally, Rick, as we are Radio Times, what TV shows could you never give up, which have never let you down, and which could you never desert? "I'd say Match of the Day. "I think back in the day, Top of the Pops was exactly what it should have been. It was a bit preposterous doing it, but as a viewer, it was amazing. It was exactly what it needed to be. It was short and punchy and like, 'This is what's happening right now in the UK pop chart.' "Slow Horses has been pretty exceptional. Every now and again, a TV show gives the world of movies a bit of a kicking, and it says, 'Are you guys watching?' Some of the best acting and directing and all the rest of it. And, obviously, the budgets are up there now for a lot of those shows, so they look great, and they're directed really well. "I think that has been amazing. That's never really been one where I've watched an episode and gone (grimaces). I've really loved that show. Gary Oldman, obviously, is just incredible. But the whole cast is fantastic in it." This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Dermot O'Leary's Reel Stories with Rick Astley is available now on BBC iPlayer. Tickets for Rick Astley's The Reflection Tour are now available. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Young James Bond series based on beloved novels confirmed to launch later this year - as casting call announced
Big Finish has announced Young Bond, a new full-cast audio drama series exploring the teenage years of 007.
Big Finish Productions has announced a brand-new audio drama range inspired by the early years of one of fiction’s most famous spies. In partnership with Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, the UK audio drama producer has unveiled Young Bond, a new series of full-cast audio dramas exploring the teenage years of James Bond – long before the tuxedos, martinis and licence to kill. The range will launch in September 2026, beginning with an adaptation of SilverFin, the first novel in the Young Bond book series. Originally published in 2005, SilverFin introduced readers to Bond as a 13-year-old schoolboy at Eton, uncovering a mystery during a holiday in Scotland. The new audio version will retell that story across 16 half-hour episodes. Author Charlie Higson, who wrote the original Young Bond novels, is consulting on the audio series. "I'm very excited that my Young Bond books will be given fresh life as fully dramatised audio adventures," said Higson. "As we eagerly anticipate the new film, James Bond returns in audio, hopefully introducing him to a new generation." Jason Haigh-Ellery, chairman of Big Finish Productions, said: "I first came across James Bond at the age of eight at a re-release double-bill of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Diamonds are Forever at my local cinema on a wet Saturday afternoon. I was probably too young to be there, but the bored usher didn’t seem to care, and I was instantly swept up into the magic of these phenomenal movies and the glamorous, adventurous, and exciting world of James Bond. "Eager to discover more, I found that my father had all the books and devoured them. How I would have loved to have had a Young Bond series to read – and now listen to – when I was a boy. Fifty years later I am delighted and honoured that Ian Fleming Publications has entrusted these stories with Big Finish to tell. Let the adventures begin!" Amanda Douglas, managing director, Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, said: "At Ian Fleming Publications, we’re incredibly excited to be entering the world of multi-voice audio drama, giving the next generation the chance to experience Young Bond in an immersive way, whilst also inviting original readers to rediscover the stories in a whole new way." Read more: James Bond: 007 First Light is "like a hand fitting into a glove" after making Hitman, explains developer James Bond writer Steven Knight teases his take on the iconic character, as he’s having "a fantastic time" writing the new movie The Young Bond audio dramas will be released as download-to-own titles and collector’s edition CD box sets, available exclusively via bigfinish.com and ianflemingshop.com. Alongside the announcement, Big Finish has also issued a casting call to agents for the two lead roles, signalling that the search is on for the voices who will bring teenage Bond and his co-lead Wilder Lawless to life. Further casting news is expected at a later date. Fans eager for updates can sign up for "mission briefings" and first-look information via youngbondadventures.com, with more launch details promised in due course. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Britney Spears sells the rights to her entire music catalogue
The deal includes the rights to iconic hits such as ...Baby One More Time and Toxic.
Britney Spears has reportedly sold the rights to her entire music catalogue. The pop star is said to have sold her music rights to independent publisher Primary Wave on 30th December, TMZ reported on Tuesday, citing new legal documents. The deal includes the rights to iconic hits such as ...Baby One More Time, Toxic, Oops!... I Did It Again, (You Drive Me) Crazy, Womanizer, I’m a Slave 4 U, I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman, Lucky and more. The exact amount that Spears sold her music rights for are currently unknown, but the publication said it was a “landmark deal”. High-profile artists such as Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Bruce Springsteen and Shakira have also sold their catalogues in recent years in lucrative deals. In 2023, Bieber sold his share of the rights to his music to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for a reported $200m (£162m), while Springsteen sold his entire song catalogue to Sony in 2021 for $500m (£375m). Spears is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Since her debut in 1999, the singer has released nine studio albums, many of which have gone on to achieve multi-platinum status. View oEmbed on the source website But her status as global pop icon for nearly two decades led to intense scrutiny of her personal life and struggles. The star spent nearly 14 years under a conservatorship before a judge ordered its dissolution in November 2021. In her 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, Spears wrote about how the conservatorship shaped her life, from decisions about her finances and career, to personal matters such as diet and birth control, and claimed it “stripped me of my womanhood, made me into a child”. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
5 everyday household items that are toxic for you – from dishwasher tablets to air fresheners
Scientist and broadcaster Mark Miodownik reveals the toxins that lurk in our homes.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Modern technology has allowed us to create homes of unparalleled comfort and convenience, but in doing so we have unwittingly exposed ourselves to invisible dangers through some of the products we buy. These dangers originate from the chemicals created by talented scientists trying to solve human problems and deliver miracle materials, some of which have been shown to be dangerous to human health and the biodiversity of the planet. Here are five everyday household items to look out for: Dishwasher tablets Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are chemicals with carbon–fluorine bonds, which give them properties such as non-stick, water-proofing and stain resistance in products like cookware, clothing, packaging and even dishwasher tablets. They gain these properties because the carbon-fluorine bonds are so strong that they do not chemically react with almost anything. But they are so stable and inert it’s hard to get rid of them as there are few micro-organisms that can break them down – hence why they are called forever chemicals. Their prevalence means they end up in our food and water. Evidence is mounting that as the concentration in our organs increases, they can cause illnesses and even cancers. Plastic food containers Plastics are wonderful and versatile materials. In the form of packaging they make food last longer and so prevent food waste and reduce prices. However, during the manufacturing of plastics, additives are added to give them strength and durability. Many of these chemicals have been shown to have a detrimental impact on human health. These include Bisphenol A (BPA), which interferes with the body’s hormones, affecting reproductive and metabolic systems. BPA acts like the hormone oestrogen, affecting the immune system – it’s also been linked to many other disorders. The EU has now banned BPA in all food-contact plastics, but in the UK it has only been banned for use in babies’ bottles. Avoid heating up food in plastic containers containing BPAs to reduce their ability to leach into the food. Synthetic clothing Another emerging problem with plastics is their ability to fragment and form tiny particles called microplastics. These fragments are often invisibly small and go unnoticed. They find their way into our food, drinks and even the air we breathe. One of the biggest sources of these particles are car tyres. The microplastics are produced as the tyres wear and are then washed into rivers and nearby land. The smallest ones are so light they become airborne and we breathe them in. Other major sources are synthetic clothing, paints and packaging. It’s not yet clear how they affect human health, although experiments show that they create an inflammatory response in cells and tissues. Evidence is growing that they are accumulating in our bodies as well as nature, affecting the health of everything from plants to fish. Air fresheners Many very useful products in the home are manufactured using volatile organic substances (VOCs). These are carbon-based substances like solvents that have low boiling points so in a warm environment like a home, they become gases and are part of the air you breathe. Since many VOCs are toxic, there can be a significant health impact, especially for people with respiratory conditions. Long exposure to VOCs can come from cleaning products, paints, personal care products, carpets and furniture. Many VOCs, such as solvents and air fresheners, smell nice but are often dangerous, nonetheless. Pet flea treatments The active chemicals responsible for killing fleas on cats, dogs and other pets are insecticides such as fipronil and imidacloprid. They work by attacking the nervous system of the parasites. They are powerful and indiscriminate and can kill a variety of pollinators, invertebrates and aquatic life. They are banned for use in agriculture in the UK, but are still used in “spot-on” treatments. Studies show that these chemicals are quickly spread around the home by pets, including on to their owners. The health risks are not well researched but there is evidence they are linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. If washed into rivers their impact on biodiversity is dramatic. Mark Miodownik presents Toxic! on Monday 16 February at 11am on Radio 4. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Audio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.