Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2025-10-21T08:37:26.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Down Cemetery Road star Emma Thompson is this week's Radio Times cover star
items: Mary Berry is this week's Radio Times cover star
items: The Iris Affair and unmissable autumn dramas feature in this week's Radio Times
items: Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Nick Mohammed are on this week's Celebrity Traitors special
items: Strictly 2025 stars are on this week's glittering Radio Times cover
items: Hit spy thriller Slow Horses is on this week's Radio Times cover
items: Rob Rinder & Rylan Clark and Fawlty Towers' John Cleese are this week's cover stars
items: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale stars are on this week's Radio Times cover
items: Keeley Hawes on Miss Austen: 'I wanted a change from police dramas and stories of murdered women'
items: Sisters in arms
items: This week's Radio Times is a Wimbledon and General Election special
items: Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa is this week's Radio Times cover star
items: Russell T Davies on Years and Years' diversity: "I know what it’s like to be not seen"
items: Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa on the one scene that 'pushed him out of his comfort zone'
items: Poldark series 4: behind the scenes with Aidan Turner and his beloved horse Seamus
items: "Getting to make speeches in this setting fills you with a sense of empowerment": Aidan Turner on Poldark's move to Parliament
items: From Ratburger to Grandpa's Great Escape: David Walliams reveals the secrets of his bestselling children's books
items: Addicted to glitter! Judy Murray and Jeremy Vine on returning to Strictly
items: Darcey’s dream to dance with Fred Astaire
items: Motherland's Sharon Horgan and Anna Maxwell Martin reveal the "dirty side of parenting"
items: The Great British Bake Off 2017 final: Kate reveals she only started baking two years ago
items: The Great British Bake Off 2017 final: Sophie reveals how life in the army prepared her for baking success
items: New Strictly judge Shirley Ballas reveals her biggest moments on the dancefloor
items: Meet the finalists of BBC Young Dancer 2017
items: Neil Morrissey: Men Behaving Badly would return if the public demanded it
items: Alistair and Jonny Brownlee reflect on their Olympic highs and that eventful World Series race
items: Has Glastonbury delivered on its promise to be “strong on women”?
items: Aidan Turner: How I became Ross Poldark
items: The Britain's Got Talent judges reveal what they REALLY think about each other
items: Kit Harington and Laura Carmichael on early TV success and their troubles with stage fright

Down Cemetery Road star Emma Thompson is this week's Radio Times cover star
type: item
date: 2025-10-21T08:36:47.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: TV
description: The acting icon stars in the new Apple TV series from the writer of Slow Horses.
encoded: When Dame Emma Thompson agreed to write an exclusive piece for us about her new series Down Cemetery Road, based on the novel by Mick Herron, I was thrilled. I devoured the first few episodes of the drama and requested more. (This is rare because, as we have established, I have two kids, and a watchlist as long as my to-do list and the editor is still missing – the final clue is inside this week's issue). While you expect brilliance from Emma, there are no guarantees in TV. But when her PR emailed to say she had delivered her copy and "it's absolutely excellent" my heart sank. The piece sat in my inbox for a week unopened as the dread mounted. There was no possible way that her words could live up to my expectation... I'll say no more but let you read it for yourselves. Enjoy, my work here is done! The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Also in this week's Radio Times: Vicky McClure reveals what she and her Line of Duty pals would like to do next. This Country stars Daisy May and Charlie Cooper are going on a ghost hunt - if they can put their fierce sibling rivalry to one side. Ben Stiller made a film about his famous parents - and discovered himself along the way. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add Down Cemetery Road to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama 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.

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Mary Berry is this week's Radio Times cover star
type: item
date: 2025-10-14T09:43:07.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
description: Dame Mary Berry reveals her secrets to success on screen, a happy marriage – and staying fit at 90.
encoded: Growing up with Greek parents, I spent much of my childhood begging my mum to cook what my friends ate. She's a brilliant cook but youvarlakia and pastitso... boring! What really opened my eyes to Britain's culinary delights was our Hamlyn's All Colour Cook Book. "I know how much housewives will appreciate the beautiful illustrations of every recipe in full colour," Mary Berry wrote in the introduction. My mum didn't appreciate me, aged ten, attempting Mary's lasagne and chocolate brownies, but that's when my love of cooking started. Dame Mary says: "I had one aim. To get people to cook and enjoy it as much as I did." It worked! The brownie recipe is now a favourite with my kids - after they've had their keftedes. But with our editor missing the juggle is getting exhausting - the next clue is inside this week's issue, please find him before the kids discover fish fingers... The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Also in this week's Radio Times: The Durrells and The Crown star Josh O'Connor says acting is all about conquering fear. Poldark screenwriter Debbie Horsfield presents an updated take on the 1967 Forsyte Saga. Phil Redmond created Brookside and Hollyoaks, now he's reuniting Liverpool legends Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson as Sheila and Bobby Grant. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add Mary at 90: a Lifetime of Cooking to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. 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.

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The Iris Affair and unmissable autumn dramas feature in this week's Radio Times
type: item
date: 2025-10-07T08:49:13.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: TV
description: Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood and Tamsin Greig reveal the joy behind the hottest TV this autumn, plus Tom Hollander and Niamh Algar star in a gripping new thriller.
encoded: Sally Wainwright says inside this week's issue that she prefers creating female characters as "they are emotionally more articulate and have more to contend with because of their second-class status". The menopausal women who form a punk band in her new series certainly reflect that, as do the many other brilliant women she has brought to our screens, from Scott & Bailey to Gentleman Jack. And it seems Suranne Jones learnt a thing or two starring as Bailey and Jack. Her Frauds co-star Jodie Whittaker says: "One of the great things if you're in a position like Suranne, creating your own work, is you don't just create one female character. She and Anne-Marie O'Connor have written a world of amazing female roles of all ages." With five more dramas written by and starring women coming up this autumn the ladder is down and women are climbing even higher. The view is nice up here... our editor Shem better turn up soon before I get used to it! (Another clue to his whereabouts is inside this week's issue.) The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. View Gallery on the source website Also in this week's Radio Times: Hamza Yassin sparkled on Strictly but the presenter only feels really at home in the wild, surrounded by nature. Bake Off judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood spill the beans on great cakes and bawdy bakes. Film Club creator Aimee Lou Wood and her co-stars pick their favourite movies. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add The Iris Affair to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama 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.

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Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Nick Mohammed are on this week's Celebrity Traitors special
type: item
date: 2025-09-30T08:30:56.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC
description: The star trio discuss truth, lies and the perfect poker face, plus Ed Gamble gives his verdict on each of the celebrities.
encoded: From Traitors, fraudsters and murder-steeped vicars to killer protein bars - this issue has it all! The Celebrity Traitors has finally arrived and with a line-up including Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Nick Mohammed it promises to be even better than the excellent civilian version. Does genial genius Stephen Fry have the cunning it takes to get away with murder? Meanwhile, Suranne Jones, fresh from playing a prime minister, is now a con artist; Joe Wicks has made a protein bar that might kill you, and the Rev Richard Coles has Murder before Evensong in mind... My concern for our missing editor is growing (although there's another clue to his whereabouts from Sky inside this week's issue). Luckily, as Richard Coles says, "It's darkness and it's light wherever you go." And the light in this issue is Aimee Lou Wood. Starring in her very own series, Film Club, she shines brightly enough to illuminate even the darkest turret. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Also in this week's Radio Times: In his latest film Matthew McConaughey is joined on-screen by his real-life son and his mum. Comedian Mark Steel takes a hike with Ramblings host Clare Balding. Rob Brydon travels to the southern states on a country music quest. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add The Celebrity Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. 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.

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Strictly 2025 stars are on this week's glittering Radio Times cover
type: item
date: 2025-09-23T08:59:53.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
description: Exclusive! Strictly's pros introduce their celebrity partners.
encoded: One of the best things about working on a TV magazine is getting to go behind the scenes on your favourite shows. They are always long days with a lot of waiting around, but seeing the incredible attention that goes into every detail, the stars taking off the dressing gowns concealing their costumes and then hearing "Action!" echo across the set is always thrilling. Which is why we thought you might like a peek behind the curtain, too. Laura Rutkowski has travelled across the country in the last few months visiting filming locations for a new magazine feature and YouTube series, Behind the Screens. First up, join her in Belfast on the set of the BBC's Bafta-winning Blue Lights. With exclusive access to the sets and the stars, it's a unique insight into the making of one of the best dramas on TV. Huw Fullerton also got to meet this year's Strictly couples, with the pros giving him their verdict on their celebrity partners. As you can tell, we've been busy despite the fact our editor is still MIA (next clue in this week's issue) - perhaps we need to get Blackthorn Station's finest on the case... The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. View Gallery on the source website Also in this week's Radio Times: Writer Anthony Horowitz on why he has created a thriller that's the antidote to so-called cosy crime. Imogen Poots and Brett Goldstein on their new romcom All of You. Bafta-winning writer Mawaan Rizwan reveals the inspiration for his hit comedy drama Juice. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. 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.

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Hit spy thriller Slow Horses is on this week's Radio Times cover
type: item
date: 2025-09-16T08:47:14.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: TV
description: RT goes under cover to discover who is in danger of being killed off, who has a royal fan - and who would make the best James Bond.
encoded: I don't know how he does it... There's a new Steven Knight drama starting this week, an eight-part saga that follows the fortunes of Sir Benjamin Guinness's four children after his death. It's glamorously gritty, with echoes of Peaky Blinders, which is due to return as a feature film in 2026. It's the prolific showrunner's third drama this year, with A Thousand Blows and SAS Rogue Heroes both commissioned for another run. How he has time to juggle three TV series, a cinematic sequel and seven children, I have no idea. There's also the small matter of a Bond film that he's writing. And I thought editing a weekly magazine (yes, Shem is still missing, with the next clue inside this week's issue - thanks Sky!) and two kids was a lot to manage! The sensational Slow Horses also returns this week and alongside interviews with Jackson Lamb's finest, we talk to Will Smith, another showrunner with a lot on his plate. Although sadly Smith is stepping away from his hit, revealing that writing season five while editing season three and preparing to shoot season four, was too much alongside a deadline for series six. It appears some showrunners are human, after all. Somewhat less prolific but no less brilliant is showrunner Neil Cross, the man behind Luther, who returns with The Iris Affair next month - don't miss your chance to watch the first two episodes of his exciting new thriller and see him on stage alongside stars Tom Hollander and Niamh Algar at our exclusive premiere with Sky on 6 October. For free tickets go to radiotimes.com/theirisaffairscreening. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Also in this week's Radio Times: Domhnall Gleeson on proper journalism - and working in an Office-adjacent comedy. All Creatures Great and Small's Rachel Shenton on returning to Darrowby - and winning an Oscar. Industry star Marisa Abela is breathing fresh life into Jane Austen - and would love to be Helen of Troy. Did you know you can now order a previous edition…

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Rob Rinder & Rylan Clark and Fawlty Towers' John Cleese are this week's cover stars
type: item
date: 2025-09-08T23:01:49.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Documentaries
subject: TV
description: Love, sex, art, culture and death... Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark embark on the adventure of a lifetime on a grand tour of India.
encoded: It took John Cleese and Connie Booth six weeks to write each episode of Fawlty Towers. Something that Cleese says, in this issue, would be impossible for scriptwriters today. "The financing of British comedy would never allow people to do what we did." And they haven't. Not really. With Fawlty Towers still topping polls for the best ever comedy 50 years on and the stage show selling out in the West End, there are very few comedies that have replicated its success. Not that its success has paid off. "If you want to make money in British TV," Cleese concludes, "get rid of the writers and real acting skill." Cue Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark, who talk about their grand tour of India. They proudly say there isn't a single scene in the series that is set up. No writers, no actors, but a comedy gem, nonetheless. Viewers love their banter and companionship, so perhaps it's no wonder the BBC would rather spend its money on their airfares to Delhi. They won a Bafta after all. But will we be rewatching the series in 50 years' time? At the time of going to press our editor, Shem Law, remains missing. The next clue to his whereabouts is inside this week's issue. We are starting to worry! The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. View Gallery on the source website Also in this week's Radio Times: The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln is back on British TV in a thriller where he's far from being a hero. Michael Palin is excited about his trip to Venezuela - and his ongoing friendship with John Cleese. Chris O'Dowd talks romcoms and regional identity - and why his dog is a Puffin. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add Rob and Rylan's Passage to India to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommen…

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Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale stars are on this week's Radio Times cover
type: item
date: 2025-09-02T09:00:15.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Movies
description: Julian Fellowes and his stars talk class, nepo babies, happy endings and never saying never...
encoded: It appears that the editor of Radio Times has gone missing, as part of our new partnership with Sky and Netflix. Which is inconvenient when there are issues to be planned and proofs to be read. Although... In our feature on Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, we talk to Michelle Dockery, who has played Lady Mary for 15 years and has gone from overlooked eldest daughter to managing the family estate alongside her father and is now primed to take over. Meanwhile, we interview Robin Wright, who also knows a thing or two about seizing power, having gone from First Lady of the United States in House of Cards to President following Kevin Spacey's exit from the series, holding her own as the lead of a drama in crisis. Perhaps this is the perfect issue for our editor Shem Law to go missing! There are two clues about Shem's whereabouts hidden in the magazine this week, with seven more to follow in the coming weeks. Find them all and we can hopefully track him down! The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. View Gallery on the source website Also in this week's Radio Times: Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are finally working together on screen playing a couple at war... Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas reveals the lessons that dancing has taught her. Freddie Flintoff is taking to the cricket pitch once more - with a girls' team. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Add Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Film 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.

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Keeley Hawes on Miss Austen: 'I wanted a change from police dramas and stories of murdered women'
type: item
date: 2025-02-04T00:01:24.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Interview
subject: Magazine
subject: On demand
description: Hawes and Miss Austen author Gill Hornby spoke with Radio Times magazine about the new BBC period drama.
encoded: This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Keeley, when did you take on the role of Jane Austen's sister, Cassandra, in Miss Austen? Keeley Hawes: "I was sent the script for the first episode the summer before last – I wasn’t familiar with Gill’s book – started reading and couldn’t stop. And didn’t stop. And went straight through. Then said, 'Can I have some more?' And then ordered the book. Which was all a good sign. Then I whipped through the book at the same speed. And laughed my head off. And sobbed. And then just said, 'Yes!' "It was exactly the sort of thing that I had been hoping for. For a while, I just did quite dark police dramas – lots of women being murdered. That sort of thing has been the fashion, but I have been talking to agents saying I’d love something different. Miss Austen is a love story between sisters, not about men. And it’s just magic." Gill Hornby: "It is a love story. Thank you for noticing that. I have to say, when I heard that Keeley was on board I had a little cry. Some weird old possibilities had wandered past in the preceding four years that made me think, 'Oh my God, no, please!' But the minute they said your name, I just thought, 'It’s going to happen.' Because nothing ever happens in this business. So many books get bought, but they don’t get anywhere. It just felt like a gift. And I knew you were my Cassandra." Hawes: "Well, I had to do very little. The story had just been so meticulously researched, it was like a beautiful gift being handed over. And when that happens… there’s your character." Gill, what drove you to tell the story of Cassandra in your novel? Hornby: "I’ve always been obsessed by women in history who have had their paths obstructed and have had to re-invent themselves. And that’s what those Austen girls had to do. They were both supposed to get married – probably to a churchman, like their mother – but it didn’t happen for either of them. And so they had to live by their wits. It was Cassandra’s wits, r…

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Sisters in arms
type: item
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: App
subject: App features
description: Author Gill Hornby is on a mission to restore the reputation of Cassandra Austen – derided for burning the letters of her famous sibling, Jane. Now Keeley Hawes has also taken up her cause…
encoded: Add Miss Austen to your watchlist Keeley, when did you take on the role of Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra, in Miss Austen? Keeley Hawes I was sent the script for the first episode the summer before last – I wasn’t familiar with Gill’s book – started reading and couldn’t stop. And didn’t stop. And went straight through. Then said, “Can I have some more?” And then ordered the book. Which was all a good sign. Then I whipped through the book at the same speed. And laughed my head off. And sobbed. And then just said, “Yes!” It was exactly the sort of thing that I had been hoping for. For a while, I just did quite dark police dramas – lots of women being murdered. That sort of thing has been the fashion, but I have been talking to agents saying I’d love something different. Miss Austen is a love story between sisters, not about men. And it’s just magic. View oEmbed on the source website Gill Hornby It is a love story. Thank you for noticing that. I have to say, when I heard that Keeley was on board I had a little cry. Some weird old possibilities had wandered past in the preceding four years that made me think, “Oh my God, no, please!” But the minute they said your name, I just thought, “It’s going to happen.” Because nothing ever happens in this business. So many books get bought, but they don’t get anywhere. It just felt like a gift. And I knew you were my Cassandra. KH Well, I had to do very little. The story had just been so meticulously researched, it was like a beautiful gift being handed over. And when that happens… there’s your character. Gill, what drove you to tell the story of Cassandra in your novel? GH I’ve always been obsessed by women in history who have had their paths obstructed and have had to re-invent themselves. And that’s what those Austen girls had to do. They were both supposed to get married – probably to a churchman, like their mother – but it didn’t happen for either of them. And so they had to live by their wits. It was Cassandra’s wits, reall…

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This week's Radio Times is a Wimbledon and General Election special
type: item
date: 2024-06-25T09:30:49.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Sport
subject: Tennis
subject: TV
subject: Wimbledon
description: Your guide to both of the events.
encoded: It’s bananas! There doesn’t, at first glance, appear to be much in common between an elite tennis tournament and a General Election. Men and women fighting it out on a pristine grass court, and suited politicians campaigning for votes. And yet... Both are an intense showdown that takes incredible planning, preparation, agility and stamina. Hours in the spotlight, requiring razor-sharp concentration and endurance for those participating in the battle, as well as those observing and commentating on it. Which is where the bananas come in. They’re a familiar sight on the sidelines of a tennis court, where players retreat between games to take a few bites. It’s less common knowledge that Election Night is also fuelled by the fruit. I was alerted to this fact a couple of weeks ago by Channel 4’s political editor Gary Gibbon, who told RT that all he ate while reporting on the outcome of the vote for hours on end was bananas. And he’s not alone. In our interview in this week's issue of Radio Times magazine, ITV’s Tom Bradby also says that he relies on bananas to keep him awake and alert on Election Night. Although Jeremy Vine admits that his Swingometer antics are fuelled by a less healthy snack – Haribos. Sweets are not the food of a finely-tuned athlete. Would Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have ever let one pass their lips? You can’t imagine that when the All England Club opens its gates that Tim Henman and Annabel Croft’s pick of the players will be snacking on gummy bears. But then again, I’ve always wondered what tennis players do when they throw a towel over their head before a big point. I presumed it was for a moment of silence, but perhaps we should be listening for the rustle of a sweet packet. Maybe Jeremy Vine is on to something... The Wimbledon and General Election issue of Radio Times magazine is out now – subscribe here. Also in this week's Radio Times: We chat to the anchors and experts who will be leading the election coverage …

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Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa is this week's Radio Times cover star
type: item
date: 2024-06-18T08:47:42.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: audio
subject: Glastonbury
description: The pop megastar talks to RT about ambition, passion and fulfilling her dream of headlining the Pyramid Stage. Plus, we chat to Shania Twain and Paloma Faith.
encoded: My partner recently returned from a music festival a pair of shoes lighter. Having trusted in the weather forecast he set off for the weekend with a pair of trainers and some flip-flops. The trainers didn’t survive the ankle-deep mud. I’ve always been a fair-weather festival goer and will admit to being slightly relieved when his attempts to get Glastonbury tickets inevitably result in disappointment. The one year he did get them, he went with his dad and they saw the Killers – but separately, after they lost each other in the crowd. I, meanwhile, was sitting on the sofa while my dad sent messages on the family WhatsApp group having discovered the joys of Stormzy. Since then, he’s also enjoyed performances from Billie Eilish and Lizzo – artists firmly outside his Tom Jones comfort zone. But that’s the wonder of Glastonbury. Whether you’re at Worthy Farm or at home you can enjoy the most eclectic mix of musicians. This year there are more women than men performing over the weekend for the first time ever and to celebrate we speak to Friday-night headliner Dua Lipa, who promises to turn the Pyramid Stage into a nightclub, as well as Paloma Faith and Shania Twain, who play it on Sunday afternoon. Read their interviews in this week's issue of Radio Times magazine. It almost made me sad that I won’t be there in person, but then I looked at the weather forecast... Enjoy our armchair guide to all the performances from the comfort of your sofa. The new issue of Radio Times magazine is out now – subscribe to Radio Times here. Also in this week's Radio Times: Tom Kerridge on why watching Disney+'s The Bear is a little too close to the bone Comedian Mark Steel chats about why cancer didn't stop him, dark humour and his love of towns Speaking to The Radio Times Podcast: Karen Gillan, who stars in Steven Moffat's Douglas Is Cancelled, discusses life post-Doctor Who, cancel culture, the transformative impact of the Me Too movement and media scrutiny View oEmbed on the source webs…

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Russell T Davies on Years and Years' diversity: "I know what it’s like to be not seen"
type: item
date: 2020-07-26T16:00:10.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: News
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: The Big RT Interview
description: Alexia Skinitis talks to Russell T Davies and Ruth Madeley ahead of the BAFTAs.
encoded: This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more visit The Big Interview hub. "My acting career is a total accident!” says Ruth Madeley, who starred in Russell T Davies’s 2019 drama Years and Years, which gave us a glimpse of an all too terrifying future that seems ever more real. “I wanted to be in the industry, so I studied scriptwriting. I would have loved to have grown up seeing people with disabilities on television, but I never saw myself, so I’m passionate about changing disability representation in the media. And I thought scriptwriting was the way to do that. “But the universe had other plans. I was doing a work placement at the BBC, and a producer told me about this CBBC production that needed a wheelchair user. Then a BBC3 drama called Don’t Take My Baby by Jack Thorne [for which Madeley got a BAFTA nomination] changed everything.” “Let’s be honest,” says Davies, “it wasn’t like we discovered Ruth underneath a mulberry bush. She was becoming very well known, and while her role in Years and Years was simply written as Rosie Lyons, the daughter of the family, we met her for an audition. Casting her after that was simple. “We talked through her physical life,” adds the writer, ”and what problems present themselves, and what opportunities, just in case it brought the script to life — or was stopping bringing the script to life. But nothing changed really. Nothing at all.” Madeley confirms that. “The casting process for Years and Years felt very different to anything I’d done before. I think it was more because the script didn’t change, whether Rosie, my character, was black, white, blind, deaf, a wheelchair user… “I still feel there’s much further to go regarding disability on screen, but to showcase what I can do as an actor, in a story with such a high-class cast, where my disability wasn’t even relevant, changed a lot. I sincerely hope it did, anyway.” View oEmbed on the source website It certainly changed Davies’s outlook on casting. “People call…

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Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa on the one scene that 'pushed him out of his comfort zone'
type: item
date: 2020-07-26T08:00:24.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: TV
subject: The Big RT Interview
description: Radio Times caught up with BAFTA nominee Ncuti Gatwa ahead of the big night
encoded: This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more interviews visit The Big Interview hub. I call Claire “Sex Ed Mama”! She’s our Telly Mum. And she calls us her Telly Babies. She was instrumental in bringing the cast together and creating that family atmosphere on Sex Education,” explains Ncuti Gatwa, nominated in the male performance in a comedy category at this year’s BAFTAs for his role as Eric Effiong. “Make-up are the first people the actors go to on set every day —they see you at your most vulnerable. Then they paint the character on you, they’re integral to that transformation. It’s such an intimate art form that you develop a really close relationship with your make-up artist.” And Ncuti’s transformation in Sex Education is key to his character’s development. Eric goes from being a shy, bullied, insecure teen to a confident and proud gay man during the course of the first series — emerging at his school prom looking fabulous in an outfit brought to life with glittering green eyeshadow. “When I start on a job,” explains Claire Williams, who designed the look for Eric, “I create collage mood boards for each character. Then once they’re approved by production, you take those boards and you sit with cast members, who you don’t know, and you have to sell it to them. “Ncuti was so open to all my suggestions and really wanted to take Eric’s journey as far as we could. He didn’t seem nervous about any of it and was happy to go anywhere that he needed to go for the character.” Gatwa may not have appeared nervous, but the prospect of creating such a bold look was daunting. “I had never worn make-up other than on stage — a bit of anti-shine. I remember going to Harvey Nichols and buying the entire Fenty line — it’s the brand that I got them to start using on set because it’s Rihanna’s and I like supporting black-owned businesses. View oEmbed on the source website I then went home and watched loads of YouTube tutorials and tried to learn how to do it myself beca…

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Poldark series 4: behind the scenes with Aidan Turner and his beloved horse Seamus
type: item
date: 2018-11-20T10:54:42.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Ross Poldark’s affections may flit between Demelza and Elizabeth, but Aidan Turner only has one true love on set – his trusted steed, Seamus
encoded: Everyone stand very still and stay silent,” whispers an assistant director on the set of Poldark. “You don’t want to spook the horse while Aidan’s on it...” You certainly wouldn’t! But Aidan Turner’s trusted horse, Seamus, looks hard to spook. Thirty seconds later, he breaks into a thunderous canter along the approach to Trenwith (actually Chavenage House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire), with Aidan swinging his reins from side to side encouraging him along. Between takes for the new series, Aidan casually slumps back on the horse that has starred alongside (technically, beneath) him from the first episode in 2015. “I’m so happy to be reunited with him,” he grins, patting Seamus affectionately. “I haven’t seen him since Cornwall.” Once back in position, they’re off again down the drive, pulling to an abrupt stop at the entrance to the manor house, where, just out of sight, Seamus’s owner and trainer, Mark Atkinson, is waiting to grab the reins as Poldark disappears inside. Back in the stables Aidan and Mark talk to RT about finding the perfect horse, keeping away from those Cornwall cliff edges and which cast member is the best rider on set. RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox Aidan on Seamus When I first went up to Yorkshire to choose a horse, Seamus wasn’t my favourite. Initially, I preferred a horse called Jonny Wilkinson because he’s a lot bigger and quite a goer. The two of us together made Mark quite nervous, so he persuaded me to go with Seamus. Cleverly, he said, “You look great on Jonny, but you look better on Seamus – he’s smaller, so he makes you look bigger.” I immediately switched horse! He certainly knew what to say to convince me. I’m glad he did, because Seamus is a pro. When you’re filming with a horse and putting your life into his hands, you have to trust him and I completely trust Seamus. He is so experienced – his CV is probably better than mine! He’s a big celebrity these days. Famous Seamus! Mar…

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"Getting to make speeches in this setting fills you with a sense of empowerment": Aidan Turner on Poldark's move to Parliament
type: item
date: 2018-11-06T10:22:43.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Poldark star Aidan Turner on swapping sandy Cornwall for the cobbled streets of Westminster
encoded: BBC's Poldark has been a hit for a plethora of reasons, but it's scenic setting of Cornwall has always been a draw for audiences. In it's fourth series, it's time for a change of scenery and now Ross is off to London. Radio Times spoke to the Aidan Turner who plays the titular man about the voyage up to the capital and its impact on Poldark's marriage... Where is BBC drama Poldark filmed? Poldark commissioned for a fish - and probably final - series Sign for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter View oEmbed on the source website Why does Ross go to Parliament? He realises going to London is the only way he can make change happen. Cornwall is too far away from where the decisions are made and although Ross has a lot of influence there, change doesn’t happen fast enough. People listen to him because he is this bridge between the working class and the gentry; he is well educated but he understands the plight of the working man. What was it like speaking in the House of Commons? I loved it. I have always found the political history of this period interesting. As an actor, getting to make speeches about important matters in this setting fills you with a sense of empowerment. You get an idea of what it would have been like at the time. It is surreal to be up there talking about backing William Wilberforce in his bill to abolish slavery. It makes you realise that this all happened only a little over 200 years ago. Do you admire the way Ross stands up for what he believes in? He’s a real hero, isn’t he? I’ve done my fair share of research because when you are giving these political speeches as Ross Poldark, you want to know what’s going on. It seems odd to make those speeches and have people opposing what you’re saying. You just think, how could this not be the way forward, but that is what happened. What does this new career mean for Ross’s marriage? Ross and Demelza spend weeks apart while Ross is in London. There were huge gaps during filming where Eleanor [Tomlinson] and I…

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From Ratburger to Grandpa's Great Escape: David Walliams reveals the secrets of his bestselling children's books
type: item
date: 2018-01-01T11:13:34.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Comedy
subject: News
subject: TV
description: David Walliams has two Christmas specials on TV this year – but who are the real people who inspire his weird and wonderful characters?
encoded: You’ve created a world of colourful characters and disgusting titles: where do they come from? They come out of my head! I’m often inspired by something or someone in real life; for example in Ratburger, the character of Burt is based on a Britain’s Got Talent contestant who ate live cockroaches from a paper bag. He got me thinking – if he eats live cockroaches, what else might he do? Might he turn rats into burgers? Might he sell those burgers to kids outside schools? That was the first little seed. What time is Ratburger on TV this Christmas? When is Grandpa's Great Escape on TV? What inspired David Walliams to write Billionaire Boy? Is Grandpa’s Great Escape based on your own grandpa? He was actually inspired by a news story about a guy called Bernard who escaped from an old people’s home to go to Normandy for a reunion with his Army colleagues. My real grandpa died when I was quite young. Is Raj the newsagent real? He was, but he’s moved away! He didn’t look exactly like Raj, but he was called Raj and the shop was called Raj’s News. He had a messy shop, and he was quite fun. Did your dad inspire your new book, Bad Dad? No, my dad didn’t go to prison! But I’m a single dad, and this is a story about a single dad and his son. I was trying to reflect that relationship. And at the end there’s a gay wedding. It’s interesting. I got two reviews on Amazon both saying, “Don’t let your children read this because there’s a gay wedding.” What a shame… My best friend from school is gay and I was best man at his wedding – my son was the ring-bearer. There were lots of children there, and I thought what a wonderful thing that these children will grow up without any sense of prejudice against gay people. I don’t think children reading it will be the least bit bothered. View oEmbed on the source website What stories did you read as a child? I’ve got fond memories of my dad reading me Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss. I used to love Richard Scarry’s books, Busy, Busy World and the …

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Addicted to glitter! Judy Murray and Jeremy Vine on returning to Strictly
type: item
date: 2017-12-25T09:00:39.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: Talent Shows
subject: TV
description: The former contestants can’t wait to get back on the dancefloor – just don’t mention dad dancing…
encoded: What’s it like being back on Strictly? JEREMY It’s truly magical. I told myself not to fall in love with it all again because it’s only one dance, but however much I tried to resist the glitter and sequins, I was sucked right back in. JUDY I had such a good time three years ago that when they asked me if I would do the Christmas special, it was an immediate “Yes!” Although I hadn’t danced a step since… JEREMY I don’t believe you, Judy! I’ve seen you rehearsing your charleston and you’ve definitely been practising that swivel. Joanne Clifton’s advice to the Strictly finalists – and what she makes of those Shirley Ballas quitting rumours Alexandra Burke on Strictly viewers’ reactions to her: “Twitter seems to have given people permission to be incredibly hurtful” Judy Murray reveals which of her famous sons is more likely to do Strictly JUDY When they told me I was doing the charleston, the first thing I thought was, “Great, I can wear pumps!” Because I really hate heels. Then I thought, “Oh no, it’s all about rhythm, timing and fast footwork…” As I, and the British public, found out, rhythm and timing are not concepts I’m generally familiar with. And finally I thought, “I’d better start practising that swivel!” Because last time Craig Revel Horwood said: “Not an ounce of swivel, darling.” And when it came to the scores: “Three!” JEREMY Well, it’s paid off! My dance has been identified as a quickstep by experts, but at one point I lie on the floor and spin in a circle – Karen [Clifton] says it’s our signature move. Are you better dancers second time round? JUDY I feel more confident because I know what I’m letting myself in for. I always enjoyed the training: it’s just you, your partner and a CD player. But when I was on the dancefloor, with the band, the audience, the judges, the cameras, the lights, the costumes, my brain went to mush. This time I won’t let that happen. JEREMY I’ve found that the neural pathways from my brain to my feet have been dusted off and it c…

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Darcey’s dream to dance with Fred Astaire
type: item
date: 2017-12-21T12:00:52.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Documentaries
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Darcey Bussell always longed to dance cheek to cheek with Fred Astaire – now her wish comes true…
encoded: Ballet wasn’t ever my first love,” smiles Darcey Bussell wistfully. “No, it wasn’t ballet at all. Tap dancing was always first.” In fact, as a little girl, Britain’s most famous ballerina never wanted to dance in Swan Lake or The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House – what she really dreamt about was starring alongside Fred Astaire in a Hollywood movie. “Every Sunday when I was at performing arts school I would sit down and watch one of his films,” recalls the former prima ballerina turned Strictly Come Dancing judge. “He had a magnetic force when he danced. I couldn’t take my eyes off him; it didn’t matter who he was dancing with or how good they were, I could only see him. I couldn’t believe they were blackand-white films because to me, they were so real. I just wanted to step into the screen and dance alongside him.” Strictly stats time: here’s the kindest – and cruellest – judge Alexandra Burke reveals what she REALLY thinks about the Strictly judges “I’ve felt like the luckiest girl in the world being able to dance in your arms” – Mollie pays emotional tribute to AJ after Strictly exit Having been told from a young age that she was too tall to be a successful ballerina, Bussell also looked to Astaire for inspiration. “He was this long, spindly man, but he just had such an ease and I gravitated to that. I suppose as a young kid when I was training, I always felt a little bit gangly myself, so I longed to achieve that ease. Above all, though, he was just terribly cool and I wanted to be that too. “So every class I went into I put the same amount of energy and passion into. It didn’t matter what style it was, because when you saw Fred perform, he was able to adapt. His strength was obviously tap, but he could dance to anything and I wanted to be able to do that. Everything I did at that age was leading to the idea that, if they did a dance film, I would be in it. Which is how I ended up as a ballet dancer.” Despite her huge global success, 48-year-old Bussell has n…

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Motherland's Sharon Horgan and Anna Maxwell Martin reveal the "dirty side of parenting"
type: item
date: 2017-11-07T17:11:32.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Comedy
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Writer Sharon Horgan and actor Anna Maxwell Martin talk their new BBC comedy and realistic portrayals of motherhood
encoded: Sharon, what inspired you to write Motherland? Sharon Horgan: I’ve wanted to write something about motherhood for years but hadn’t found the right route in to explore this world, the “Motherland”, which is a certain time of the day when the only people around are mothers, students or unemployed people. But then we [Horgan has written the show with Father Ted writer Graham Linehan, Helen Linehan and Holly Walsh] thought about the character of Julia – whose mother cuts her loose and suddenly leaves her without childcare. Meet the cast of Motherland What time is Motherland on TV? Anna Maxwell Martin: Julia, who I play, is – like everyone I know – trying to juggle work and home life, and the practicalities of childcare, pick-ups, drop-offs… View oEmbed on the source website How did you get the role, Anna? Anna: I just auditioned 20 times. Sharon: We actually did something together yonks ago – do you remember Free Agents? It feels weird that you auditioned and we weren’t just like, “Anna Maxwell Martin wants to do it!” Anna: I auditioned in an absolute mega-grump. I was having a bad work day. You reach a certain age and think, “I don’t want to audition any more; I don’t want to whore myself in front of these people.” Sharon: But your audition was perfect, you found a way to play Julia that we never thought about. Because you’re mainly a dramatic actress, you don’t have any of those little comedy tricks we’ve seen a million times. Anna: I do feel a bit bad now… But it got me the part. I’m not very good or very funny – just really, really, grumpy. Sharon, did you ever want to be in it? Sharon: It’s a bit 50-50 whether I’m in what I’ve written. With this it would have felt a bit weird, perhaps because in Catastrophe I’m a parent. I did regret that a bit in the edit because it works so well. The great thing about the show is – I hope – that people really relate to it. Anna: I’ve never had a response like it! Out of all the work I’ve bust my ass on; the crying I’ve done on bl…

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The Great British Bake Off 2017 final: Kate reveals she only started baking two years ago
type: item
date: 2017-10-31T12:19:01.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
description: The 29-year-old health and safety officer from Liverpool admits she’s “winged it a bit”
encoded: Why did you apply to be on The Great British Bake Off? I did it on a whim – I like a challenge, so I applied online and thought no more of it. I never dreamed I’d get a call back, let alone get on the show! When did you start baking? No one in my family really bakes, so I only started about two years ago. The first thing I baked was a Christmas cake with a lot of rum in it! I was celebrating the first Christmas in my new house and wanted to impress my family. How often do you bake now? I cook or bake every day. I have to be busy all the time and I don’t sleep much, which is probably why I have so many hobbies. Whenever I get a spare moment, I bake. It never goes to waste – demand from friends and family definitely outweighs supply! What is your kitchen like? My kitchen is relatively small but modern. I didn’t actually have a kitchen to practise in for Bake Off because I’d just ripped it out when I got the phone call! I was planning on putting in a new one myself – demolition Kate – so I had to use my parents’ kitchen. My kitchen still isn’t tiled, but I’ve got a background in construction and it’s easy when you break all the jobs down into manageable tasks. So without a kitchen how much were you able to practise for each show? Not as much as I would have liked! I winged it a bit – I don’t think I ever produced the finished showstopper until I got to the tent. Please don’t tell Paul… Are you creating your dream kitchen? Its lovely and new but it’s smaller than I’d like. I’d absolutely love a larder – it’s like a walk-in wardrobe for food! Did you get a Paul handshake? I don’t think I ever did get a handshake, but being told my caramel cake was the best cake Prue had ever tried was an amazing compliment! I don’t think it gets better than that, so I can forgo the handshake. Did Sandi succeed in finding you a boyfriend or are you living alone? I live on my own – and no comment! It was really embarrassing and cringey when Sandi put out appeals for one on the show but it …

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The Great British Bake Off 2017 final: Sophie reveals how life in the army prepared her for baking success
type: item
date: 2017-10-31T11:51:13.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
description: Plus, the finalist says she was the first actually to get a Paul Hollywood handshake this year, not Steven
encoded: Why did you apply to be on The Great British Bake Off? My boyfriend, David, started my application. He’s a chef and we love cooking together – he makes the savoury stuff and I make the desserts. When did you start baking? Only a few years ago. I started rowing at Sandhurst and then went into it full-time. But there isn’t much money in it, so I started baking my friends cakes for their birthdays. How often do you bake? I don’t have a ravenous family, so not often. What is your kitchen like? I’ve recently moved and the new kitchen is small but modern. Luckily we have a spare room so I have an enormous shelving unit full of baking tins, ingredients and equipment. How much did you practise once you found out you were going to be on the show? I was working as a ski instructor in the Alps when I found out, so not much! Did your military career prepare you for the pressure of the tent? It helped a lot. The skills required to work through a high-pressure situation are exactly the same. The only difference is no one will die if you muck up your cake… unless you muck it up really badly! Did you get a Paul handshake? I got the first Hollywood handshake on the show – on TV it was edited so it looked like Steven got the first one but it was actually me. It was a relief because I wasn’t the most experienced baker. How much were you able to practise for each showstopper? I did each showstopper one-and-a-half times. Once in part to ensure the idea worked and then once through to see if it could be done in time. Luckily I didn’t have a full-time job, I was just doing a bit of personal training during the show. Did you have to do more boot camps to burn off all the cake? I put on a lot of weight and I’m only just getting back into training to get back down to my race weight for next year’s season of track bike racing. When I injured my back rowing, I switched to cycling – l actually missed the national championship this year because of Bake Off, but the year before I was the national…

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New Strictly judge Shirley Ballas reveals her biggest moments on the dancefloor
type: item
date: 2017-09-09T09:00:23.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: Talent Shows
subject: TV
description: The ballroom veteran has been dancing since she was three years old – perfect training for putting the strict into Strictly…
encoded: “Well, I went for a screen test and I guess they recognised my talent,” says Shirley Ballas chirpily in response to being asked why the BBC chose her to be the new head judge on Strictly Come Dancing. But having been Latin American champion ten times in the USA, three times in the “British Open to the World” championships, plus European and German Latin champion, the 57-year-old clearly has the credentials. And Ballas couldn’t be happier about stepping into Len Goodman’s shoes when Strictly returns this week. “It’s becoming more real by the minute and I can’t wait,” she says. Ballas was born Shirley Rich in Leasowe on the Wirral in 1960, and started going to ballet classes at three years old. Aged seven, having been to a meeting of the Girl Guides in the local church hall, she heard music coming from one of the adjoining rooms. “The door had a little round window, so I pulled myself up and I saw a beautiful group of people cha-cha-cha-ing. I fell in love straight away. They can’t have been that good, but I thought it was like watching Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly! “I knocked on the door politely and walked in, and the gentleman told me they were starting children’s ballroom classes that Saturday, and my mum agreed that I could go. I had to walk about a mile and a half to get there, but I never missed a single class, sunshine or hail. “I’m now 57, and – except for a few months when I gave birth to my son Mark – I’ve never taken a break.” Having worked in the industry all her life, Shirley has inevitably encountered a couple of the Strictly judges already. “I’ve known Bruno Tonioli for over ten years, he’s a good friend, and I’m looking forward to all his antics! I’ve met Craig Revel Horwood several times, and I sat alongside him at my screen test, so I kind of know what to expect. Darcy Bussell and I haven’t had a chance to get to know each other yet, but I can’t wait.” As the new head judge, how does she feel about having to keep Bruno and Craig in check? “Oh, keepin…

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Meet the finalists of BBC Young Dancer 2017
type: item
date: 2017-03-24T07:40:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Here are two of the fleet-footed youngsters competing in BBC4's talented dancing competition
encoded: This Friday 24 March sees the return of the BBC Young Dancer competition, showing the very best in British dance from competitors between 16 and 21. Discover more about two of the talented performers here. Rhys Antoni Yeomans, 18 When Rhys was ten years old his mum and grandma took him to London to see the musical Billy Elliot in the West End. He’d been singing and dancing at stage school in Manchester for a couple of years, but little Rhys, who had never been to London or the theatre before, was so inspired he set his sights on being on that stage himself. Two years later he was. “Weirdly, a few weeks after I went to see Billy there was an audition to play him,” he recalls, “and my teacher at stage school told me to audition for it. I had never had any ballet or tap classes before but she just told me to go along and try. From 400 boys I got down to the last three – although at one point they asked everyone to put their tap shoes on and I was the only one who didn’t have any. “But I think they saw something in me that they could nurture – some potential. So they asked me to work on my dancing and suggested I go to a dance school in Manchester called Centre Pointe, where some of the past Billys had been. I trained there for a couple of years, with them coming back and keeping an eye on me. Two years later, when I was 12, they asked me to be in the show and I was Billy for 18 months.” Despite the role involving singing as well as various forms of dance – modern, tap and classical – it was ballet that Rhys really fell in love with and pursued once his time as Billy was up. But getting into a ballet school was harder than he ever imagined. “When Billy Elliot came out as a film all those years ago ballet was just for girls in pink fluffy tutus, but the film made a huge impact. It made ballet look strong and masculine and it became completely acceptable for boys to do it, which is great. But when it came to auditioning for ballet schools at 16, I would say there were pro…

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Neil Morrissey: Men Behaving Badly would return if the public demanded it
type: item
date: 2017-02-19T08:00:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Comedy
subject: News
subject: TV
description: The star of The Good Karma Hospital and The Night Manager reveals his love of Bake Off – and Australian Masterchef
encoded: You have just spent weeks in Sri Lanka filming The Good Karma Hospital – what did you miss most? I did get a bit fed up of having Sri Lankan curries every day, so I had pizza or a hot dog on the odd occasion. That’s terrible isn’t it? But it’s a hankering for home… I missed my missus, the dog, my bed, my own pillows, my chair… View oEmbed on the source website You’ve got a special chair? Oh yeah, I’ve got an old chair with a high back so I’m comfortable when I fall asleep in front of the TV, a lovely old Parker Knoll that’s suitable for a man of my years [54]. We bought them in Manchester a number of years ago because we love mid-century furniture and Em [Emma, his partner who’s a lawyer] had them upholstered. Cosy up on that. Big TV on. How big is big? Well, we’ve got a big, modern, open-plan lounge/ kitchen, with vaulted ceilings. It’s an ex-warehouse type place, so we’ve got quite a big sofa, big TV, kitchen’s behind us. I generally do most of the cooking. Perfect TV dinner? We try to buy local and we try to buy fresh – all of that sort of stuff. So I’ll go out hunting and come back bearing food and wine. We love a nice steak and a glass of wine. Or a couple. I love red wine. Em loves a drop of white wine, so there’s always one or the other on the go. So you’re in your chair, red wine in hand, what are you watching? We love a cookery programme while we’re eating. Bake Off has to be watched. We sometimes get into Australian MasterChef because it’s about 75 episodes. That’s half a year’s viewing, right there! And even though I was in it, The Night Manager. View oEmbed on the source website Last year you were in pretty much every good drama: The Night Manager, Line of Duty, Grantchester… Yes, I’ve done pretty well! I haven’t seen Grantchester, if I’m honest. My missus did. I think I was working at the time, but I saw The Night Manager. Awesome. Do you like watching yourself on screen? I don’t mind any more. When I’m in a scene, there’s an element I want to come acro…

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Alistair and Jonny Brownlee reflect on their Olympic highs and that eventful World Series race
type: item
date: 2016-12-17T08:00:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: News
subject: Sport
subject: TV
description: Sports Personality nominee Alistair recalls the day he helped brother Jonny across the finish line
encoded: As if winning gold and silver in the triathlon at the Rio Olympics last summer wasn’t enough to secure the Brownlees a place in the nation’s heart, a month later they went on to melt it with a display of brotherly love that had the Prime Minister, Theresa May, hailing them as national icons. When Alistair dragged his ailing younger brother Jonny across the finish line at the final of the World Series in Mexico, the video went global, prompting an outpouring of praise. Now the brothers are back in Yorkshire, sitting by the fire in their festive jumpers decorating the tree with their medals as they tell RT all about Christmas round at the Brownlees’. “We stay at our parents’ house every Christmas Eve,” says Alistair, “so we can all wake up together and open our presents.” “We don’t buy each other stuff,” adds Jonny. “But we buy our little brother Ed [aged 20] something from both of us – a BMX or a GoPro. Last year it was a toaster that also poaches eggs.” “Then we have a tradition,” continues Alistair, “of going for a Christmas Day run before dinner.” “Ed has no interest in coming with us,” says Jonny. “He says triathlons are ridiculous! He doesn’t get what the attraction is, or why people watch us. He’s studying to be a vet. He’s a world expert in sheep and chickens...” “And then after dinner we play board games,” says Alistair. “We used to be really competitive when we were younger – Monopoly pieces would always end up flying into the air... But once you’ve competed in the Olympics you realise that winning a game of Monopoly isn’t that important!” Last summer that competitiveness was more than evident. In Rio, 28-year-old Alistair made history by defending his triathlon Olympic gold, with Jonny, two years his junior, upgrading his London 2012 bronze to silver. “Our goal was to win gold and silver,” says Alistair. “We did that, which was very special. So it’s a huge relief it’s over because it’s not just the end of the year for us, it’s the end of four years.” But wh…

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Has Glastonbury delivered on its promise to be “strong on women”?
type: item
date: 2016-06-23T09:18:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: TV
subject: Glastonbury
description: This year's line-up includes Adele, Ellie Goulding, Laura Mvula, Jess Glynne and Cyndi Lauper – but has organiser Emily Eavis managed to address the gender imbalance?
encoded: When Adele takes to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury this year, she will be the second British female headliner at the festival to do so this century. The first was Florence Welch last year, but that was only by default – the singer stepped in when Foo Fighters were forced to pull out at the last minute. Out of the 91 headliners at Worthy Farm since the festival began in 1970, only 15 have included a woman. Beyond the main stage the statistics don’t get much better. Last year, some 86 per cent of the line-up was male. The gulf between the sexes was really highlighted last summer when critics reproduced copies of the festival line-up with the male musicians removed. It left enough white space to pitch a two-woman tent – and went viral. And the message certainly hit home with Emily Eavis, who organises Glastonbury alongside her father Michael. She consequently announced that this year the festival’s line-up would be “strong on women”. With Adele performing on the Saturday evening and Jess Glynne, Ellie Goulding, Laura Mvula, Wolf Alice, Róisín Murphy and Cyndi Lauper all appearing, the line-up is certainly strong, but women still only make up 29 of the 74 performers on this year’s poster (last year it was 23 out of 74). “To be fair,” says Eavis, “there’s always been a lack of balance in the music industry when it comes to opportunities for female performers, but it is slowly changing and hopefully we’re doing our bit to support the new female artists coming through. “It was brilliant to see Florence stepping up to headline last year after Dave Grohl’s accident led to Foo Fighters pulling out. It was as if she was born to that space, like she’d been ready to headline the Pyramid for ever. That was definitely one of last year’s great moments. “And Adele is the biggest artist in the world right now! I think she will make Glastonbury 2016 really special for everyone, from the tens of thousands of people in front of the stage to the millions watching and listening around t…

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Aidan Turner: How I became Ross Poldark
type: item
date: 2016-05-03T07:51:39.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: News
subject: TV
description: Accents, horseriding and scything - the actor reveals what it took to be the smash-hit period drama's leading man
encoded: Dublin born Aidan Turner really does feel he’s got the luck of the Irish. As he tells it, all the other actors were busy when the Poldark casting directors came calling. “I usually audition for things but they just sent me the scripts and the books, and asked me if I wanted to play the role,” the actor recalls. “It’s the only thing I’ve got offered in my entire life! Everybody else must have been busy… “Amy and Karen, the execs, tell a very sweet story about me being the only one they ever thought of. Amy says she was talking to Debbie and asked her to write down the names of three actors she would like to play Poldark, and Amy did the same. Apparently they could only think of one, and both had my name on their piece of paper. If you want to believe that, it’s very sweet. I don’t – and I don’t really care – I’ve got the role, signed the contract and they can’t get rid of me now!” He had three months to transform himself into the brooding romantic hero, which is “a luxury for any actor. It gave me tons of time to keep reading the books and the script,” the 32 year-old explains, “and to figure out how I see the character and mentally prepare for it, get the accent down, get in shape, have horse riding lessons…” And yet come day one on set, all that preparation went somewhat out the window. “I remember the first day so well. I was horse riding in the very first scene and thinking, ‘Jesus, if I blow this, it could all be over - I could be off! “It’s quite flattering really, thinking, ‘They believe in me and trust I can do it!’ But there’s a little bit in the back of your head worrying, ‘I hope I don’t let people down…’ But in this game you have to get over that very quickly. Self-doubt can sometimes be a good thing, but you need to keep it in check – it’s all a confidence game, really. You can’t let it beat you.” How to…be Ross “It always comes back to the script. Keep reading the script, keep reading the books, and that will inform you and what you have to do. It’s a r…

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The Britain's Got Talent judges reveal what they REALLY think about each other
type: item
date: 2016-04-09T09:00:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Entertainment
subject: News
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
description: David Walliams, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell open up about their fellow buzzer-pushers
encoded: Britain's got Talent returns to ITV this evening, with all four judges in good form as they banter their way through the audition process. But how much of that bonhomie is real? Do they actually disagree on acts, or is it all for the cameras? And how annoying DOES Simon Cowell find David Walliams? To find out, we quizzed each one on their true feelings for their fellow judges, and you can see the (often surprising) result below. Starting with... The other judges on...Alesha Dixon Simon Cowell: Alesha was supposed to be on X Factor but it didn’t work out. Then we decided to add a fourth judge on BGT and she said yes. She had what we were missing, real expertise with the dancers. She’s current and fun, and her relationship with Amanda is genuine — and they’re not afraid to go up against me and David! BUT She can get very headstrong and it’s difficult to change her mind — she occasionally walks out! And sometimes she comes on in these bizarre, crazy outfits. But she’s so good-looking, she gets away with it. David Walliams: She’s passionate and knowledgeable about music and dance, so she’s got a real strong sense of what she likes and won’t be swayed.Sometimes I want to put someone through because they’re a laugh, but she takes it very seriously — I admire that. BUT She touches me quite a lot and I find it inappropriate. She’ll suddenly grab my leg or my arm and I find it a bit uncomfortable. Amanda Holden: When I found out she was joining the panel I rang her and said, “Shall we have a coffee, because Simon is going to want us to hate each other, and it ain’t going to happen!” I didn’t mind going from being the Queen Bee to sharing. Having somebody to be vulnerable with and do girly stuff with is so nice! We put our slippers on under the desk and we don’t care what Simon says. BUT She’s too perfect! She’s got one of those faces that’s completely photogenic from every single angle. The other judges on...David Walliams Simon Cowell: He is honestly the most annoying perso…

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Kit Harington and Laura Carmichael on early TV success and their troubles with stage fright
type: item
date: 2016-04-03T12:45:00.000Z
creator: Alexia Skinitis
subject: Drama
subject: News
subject: TV
description: To celebrate the Olivier Awards, Radio Times has brought together some of the biggest stars of the screen whose passion is the stage...
encoded: When you started out, what was the dream? Kit Harington The ultimate ambition was to leave drama school and get a role as a spearcarrier at the RSC. Aged 17, I saw Ben Whishaw playing Hamlet and that was it for me, I was like, “I want to be Ben Whishaw.” So I applied to Rada… and didn’t get in. I ended up going to Central and while I was there auditioned for War Horse at the National and amazingly got the part. It was like winning the Lottery. Laura Carmichael I wanted to be a ballerina! Then at 16 I did Love’s Labour’s Lost at Winchester College, a posh boys’ school down the road from my school. They needed girls for their production, so four of us rocked up – the only girls on campus – and that was it! How important are school plays in cultivating the next acting generation? Kit There’s a push in schools to get back to basics – English, maths, science – and drama is tragically overlooked. It enables young people to break out of their shell, find confidence and a direction – it doesn’t mean they’re going to go off and be actors – but it’s a great outlet, which should have funding pumped into it, and it’s not. Laura I was really lucky at Winchester College, with an amazing teacher, Simon Taylor, who’s taught quite a few actors. Hugh Dancy was one of his protégés. Since we went to drama school, fees have gone up, which is mad! We have to be wary about what’s happened to arts funding. All the conversations about diversity should remind us that the arts have to be accessible to everyone. Were you wary of committing to on-going parts in TV dramas so early in your careers? Carmichael as Lady Edith in Downton Abbey and Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones Laura No! I didn’t have an agent after drama school and I didn’t work for two years. I was a teaching assistant. It’s just amazing how one part changes your life! It turns out Jill Trevellick, the Downton casting director, saw me at drama school and two years later found out where I was. Kit When Games of Thrones cam…

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