The Thursday Murder Club review: A safe and cosy whodunnit with touches of pathos
This highly anticipated adaptation of Richard Osman's best-seller is a little broad and cute – but risk has never been part of the business of cosy crime.
★★★☆☆ The Thursday Murder Club is in select cinemas and on Netflix from 28 August. Add it to your watchlist In a flash of self-awareness early on in this adaptation of Richard Osman’s best-seller The Thursday Murder Club, pensioner sleuth Joyce (Celia Imrie) is seen remarking to her cohort Elizabeth (Helen Mirren) that it feels like she’s in "one of those Sunday night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives". But the line also serves as a way of pre-empting any criticism that could be headed in the direction of this cute whodunnit about a band of amateur mystery-solvers living in a plush retirement complex. View oEmbed on the source website For what we have here is a tale that, were it to be deprived of its stellar cast, would fit snugly in the weekend schedules alongside the murderous yet somehow comforting goings-on in the likes of St Mary Mead or Midsomer. Joyce, for instance, is all about the chintz, with pastel-pink living quarters that could have been interior designed by Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter, while fellow club member Ron (Pierce Brosnan) is the cuddliest trade unionist to have ever burned charcoal in a brazier. His best pal is psychiatrist Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), a man so buttoned-up he’s become one with his bowtie and tweed. And chief clue-finder is the redoubtable Elizabeth, an ex-spook as scrubbed and stylish as Jackson Lamb is filthy and slovenly. All these main players probing the untimely death of a property developer are as exemplary as you’d expect, though Brosnan’s (London?) accent does wander more quickly than any resident in an old folks’ home ever could. But as a piece of filmmaking, The Thursday Murder Club is cleanly rather than cinematically directed by Chris Columbus, to the extent that it feels, as Joyce suggests, like its story ought to have been told across several episodes of a series rather than in a single movie. What doesn’t help matters are the names in the supporting cast, many of whom are offering variations on parts they’ve played previously on TV. So, David Tennant gives us a spin on his cad from Rivals, Jonathan Pryce is essentially a facsimile of his dementia-diagnosed former spy on Slow Horses, and Daniel Mays appears as a clone of his harassed Magpie Murders cop. But risk has never been part of the business of cosy crime, as what viewers crave in projects such as this is reassurance, along with enviably picturesque environs and the odd credible twist. Read more film reviews: The Life of Chuck review: Tom Hiddleston charms in entertaining, imaginative and non-horror Stephen King adaptation Freakier Friday review: Get set to party like it's 2003 all over again Weapons review: One of the best horror films of recent years The Naked Gun review: Liam Neeson's legacy sequel is a 90-minute hoot Fantastic Four: First Steps review — Pedro Pascal's Fab Four give Marvel a much-needed boost Here, some of the complexities of the original novel have been streamlined or dropped, a move that benefits some (Naomi Ackie’s PC Donna De Freitas) but shortchanges others (Henry Lloyd-Hughes’s Polish handyman Bogdan). However, the verdant Coopers Chase, where the gang all reside, is almost Downton-level vast (how are they all affording it?) and its green-and-pleasant scenery is surely destined to be envied by the US export market. Yet this is not quite a land of lost content, as retrieving the movie from the realm of total make believe are some touches of pathos which, although not as potent as on the page, are still affecting. These moments may be fleeting, but the odd rumination on belonging and mortality add some welcome emotional shades to what can, at times, be a broad take on the source material. Still, a couple of hours spent in the company of the key quartet is never less than comradely, and with a bookshelf full of subsequent cases just waiting to be dramatised, it's unlikely that we've seen the last of our feisty famous four.
The Thursday Murder Club review: A cute whodunnit adaptation with touches of pathos
This highly anticipated adaptation of Richard Osman's best-seller is a little broad and safe – but risk has never been part of the business of cosy crime.
In a flash of self-awareness early on in this adaptation of Richard Osman’s best-seller The Thursday Murder Club, pensioner sleuth Joyce (Celia Imrie) is seen remarking to her cohort Elizabeth (Helen Mirren) that it feels like she’s in "one of those Sunday night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives". But the line also serves as a way of pre-empting any criticism that could be headed in the direction of this cute whodunnit about a band of amateur mystery-solvers living in a plush retirement complex. For what we have here is a tale that, were it to be deprived of its stellar cast, would fit snugly in the weekend schedules alongside the murderous yet somehow comforting goings-on in the likes of St Mary Mead or Midsomer. Joyce, for instance, is all about the chintz, with pastel-pink living quarters that could have been interior designed by Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter, while fellow club member Ron (Pierce Brosnan) is the cuddliest trade unionist to have ever burned charcoal in a brazier. His best pal is psychiatrist Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), a man so buttoned-up he’s become one with his bowtie and tweed. And chief clue-finder is the redoubtable Elizabeth, an ex-spook as scrubbed and stylish as Jackson Lamb is filthy and slovenly. All these main players probing the untimely death of a property developer are as exemplary as you’d expect, though Brosnan’s (London?) accent does wander more quickly than any resident in an old folks’ home ever could. But as a piece of filmmaking, The Thursday Murder Club is cleanly rather than cinematically directed by Chris Columbus, to the extent that it feels, as Joyce suggests, like its story ought to have been told across several episodes of a series rather than in a single movie. What doesn’t help matters are the names in the supporting cast, many of whom are offering variations on parts they’ve played previously on TV. So, David Tennant gives us a spin on his cad from Rivals, Jonathan Pryce is essentially a facsimile of his dementia-diagnosed former spy on Slow Horses, and Daniel Mays appears as a clone of his harassed Magpie Murders cop. But risk has never been part of the business of cosy crime, as what viewers crave in projects such as this is reassurance, along with enviably picturesque environs and the odd credible twist. Read more: Helen Mirren talks "the team getting back together" for The Thursday Murder Club sequels The Thursday Murder Club's Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are this week's cover stars Here, some of the complexities of the original novel have been streamlined or dropped, a move that benefits some (Naomi Ackie’s PC Donna De Freitas) but shortchanges others (Henry Lloyd-Hughes’s Polish handyman Bogdan). However, the verdant Coopers Chase, where the gang all reside, is almost Downton-level vast (how are they all affording it?) and its green-and-pleasant scenery is surely destined to be envied by the US export market. Yet this is not quite a land of lost content, as retrieving the movie from the realm of total make believe are some touches of pathos which, although not as potent as on the page, are still affecting. These moments may be fleeting, but the odd rumination on belonging and mortality add some welcome emotional shades to what can, at times, be a broad take on the source material. Still, a couple of hours spent in the company of the key quartet is never less than comradely, and with a bookshelf full of subsequent cases just waiting to be dramatised, it's unlikely that we've seen the last of our feisty famous four. The Thursday Murder Club is now showing in select UK cinemas and will stream on Netflix from Thursday 28th August 2025. Discover a world of crime & mystery with Sky Essential TV for just £15 a month. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
13 must-watch crime dramas based on books – from Slow Horses to The Day of the Jackal
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Magpie Murders – available now on iPlayer Literary editor Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) receives inspiration from a famous fictional detective. Sequel Moonflower Murders is also available, while filming has just wrapped on the third and final instalment in the trilogy, Marble Hall Murders. Adapted from the novels by Anthony Horowitz Murder Most Puzzling – available now on 5 A crossword-setter (Phyllis Logan) with a secret moves to a supposedly sleepy market town and starts solving murder cases. The police, naturally, take umbrage. Adapted from A Clue for the Puzzle Lady (2000) and its sequels by Parnell Hall. The Marlow Murder Club – available now on U Upmarket Buckinghamshire is the setting for this cozy whodunnit which finds a trio of female sleuths (led by Samantha Bond) taken on as helpers to the official force. Adapted from the 2021 novel (and its sequels) by Robert Thorogood A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – available now on iPlayer/Netflix Student Pip (Emma Myers) isn’t satisfied with the verdict in the case of a missing teen and turns investigator herself. A follow-up is currently in the works. Adapted from the 2019 novel (and its sequels) by Holly Jackson Virdee – available now on BBC iPlayer Bradford detective Harry Virdee (Staz Nair) hunts a killer targeting the Asian community, just as his new wife scandalises his family. Adapted from AA Dhand’s 2018 novel City of Sinners Department Q – available now on Netflix Matthew Goode stars as an arrogant copper who’s assigned a basement office and a stack of cold case files. Think Slow Horses with detectives instead of spies. Adapted from 2007 Danish-language novel The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen Dalgliesh – available now on 5 Poet and police officer Adam Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel) lays claim to being TV’s most cerebral detective in these elegantly plotted mysteries set in the 1970s. Based on the PD James Adam Dalgliesh novels (1962-2008) The Gold – available now on BBC iPlayer Neil Forsyth’s account of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery – starring Hugh Bonneville and Jack Lowden – tracks stolen bullion across the decades. Both series available now. Forsyth and Thomas Turner’s tie-in non-fiction book The Gold: The real story behind Brink's-Mat: Britain's biggest heist was published in February 2023 The Beast Must Die – ITVX Cush Jumbo’s Frances seeks revenge on her son’s murderer in this twisted thriller. Also stars Billy Howle as detective Nigel Strangeways and Jared Harris. Adapted from the 1938 novel by Cecil Day-Lewis, under the pen name Nicholas Blake The Day of the Jackal – available now on Now Eddie Redmayne is the well-paid assassin and Lashana Lynch the intelligence operative on his tail in this classy reimagining of the classic thriller. A second series is in the works. Adapted from the 1971 Frederick Forsyth novel The Night Agent – available now on Netflix A lowly FBI agent (Gabriel Basso) on the night shift in the White House finds himself caught up in a grand conspiracy as he attempts to unmask a traitor. Adapted from the 2019 novel by Matthew Quirk Killing Eve – available now on BBC iPlayer Jodie Comer’s breakout role came as an unhinged assassin hunting a spy (Sandra Oh). A new prequel, called Honey, is currently in production. Based on the Villanelle novellas (2014-2016) by Luke Jennings Alex Rider – available now on Prime Video The teen spy (Otto Farrant) battles tech billionaires and secret assassins over three series of globe-trotting adventures. Also starring Vicky McClure and Stephen Dillane. Based on the Alex Rider books (2000-2023) by Anthony Horowitz ... and 5 more to watch soon Down Cemetery Road – coming soon to Apple TV+ Two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) team up to find a missing child. Adapted from the 2003 novel by Slow Horses’ Mick Herron. Murder Before Evensong – due in the autumn on 5 Canon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis) follows in the footsteps of Father Brown and Grantchester’s clerical crime-solvers in a 1980s murder mystery. Adapted from the 2022 novel by Richard Coles Lynley – due in the autumn on BBC1 He’s upper crust, she’s working class - together they make for a formidable pairing. Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay stars as the aristocratic DI Lynley and the maverick DS Havers. Based on Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley novels (1988-2025) Atomic – coming soon to Sky Atlantic/NOW Two friends caught in a uranium-smuggling plot vow to prevent a nuclear holocaust while evading MI6 and the CIA. Stars Alfie Allen and Shazad Latif. Inspired by the 2006 non-fiction book Atomic Bazaar by William Langewiesche Night Manager 2 – due in 2026 on BBC1 Tom Hiddleston’s sharp-suited inside man returns in a long-awaited sequel to the glossy John Le Carré story – with Hugh Laurie back as executive producer. In the meantime, the first series is available to watch on iPlayer. Based on The Night Manager (1993) by John Le Carré The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The 10 best page-to-screen adaptations to watch now
Amateur sleuths, cops and spooks lead our list of the best TV adaptations of novels. Which ones will you add to your watchlist?
With the news that Mark Gatiss is unconventionally making a novel out of his TV drama Bookish, our RT experts have chosen ten of the best TV shows that started life on the page. We start with the amateur sleuths of "cosy crime" before moving on to cop and spy dramas – and if you like TV with such a literary touch, there's more good news, as many more highly-anticipated adaptations are in the pipeline. For example, there’s Down Cemetery Road from Slow Horses author Mick Herron (on Apple TV+ later this year), the Rev Richard Coles-penned cosy-crime show Murder Before Evensong (due this autumn on 5), Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley cases (BBC1, this autumn), a nuclear-war spy drama called Atomic (coming soon on Sky) — and the small matter of The Night Manager 2, expected on the BBC in 2026…
Star Trek: Section 31 review – Beloved franchise should have stayed on terra firma
Michelle Yeoh reprises her iconic role as Philippa Georgiou.
Back when Michelle Yeoh first played Emperor Philippa Georgiou in TV’s Star Trek: Discovery, her schedule wasn’t as packed as it is today. Yet despite the boost to her career following an Academy Award win for 2023’s Everything Everywhere All at Once, she’s still found time to reprise the role of Georgiou in this bombastic feature-length outing, Star Trek: Section 31, which finds the ruthless one-time despot pressganged into joining a secret division of Starfleet on a race-against-time mission. Among the members of this black-ops unit are some recognisable names and races, including a shapeshifting Chameloid called Quasi (Sam Richardson), whose species was introduced back in 1991’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. And then there’s Rachel Garrett (Kacey Rohl), who as fans of the Next Generation know, will go on to captain the USS Enterprise-C. But, to be honest, these nods to the wider universe are merely surface dressing, as what we get is a noisy affair in which the optimistic ethos and iconography of Trek are mostly jettisoned in favour of a grungy aesthetic and a bog-standard sci-fi plot about a destructive weapon being put to ill use. Part of the problem is this stripping away of emblems that many associate with the series, from the pristine uniforms to the gleaming interiors of starships. Instead, the vessel on which Georgiou and her crew are travelling is described as "a garbage barge", while a sequence in which Garrett searches through a vat of trash has more a feel of Star Wars than Trek. But perhaps the more pressing issue is the focus on the institution of Section 31 itself. Its origins, for those who aren’t aware, lie in spin-off Deep Space Nine, where it was a very minor player in a series that, at times, explored the compromises the Federation had to make in pursuit of its utopian ideals. Here, however, where we find Section 31 more untethered from Starfleet, it’s difficult not to come away thinking that its existence conflicts with Gene Roddenberry’s original upbeat 1960s vision of the future. Far from reflecting Kennedy-era idealism, Section 31 feels far more like a shadowy, paranoic Nixonian creation. View oEmbed on the source website Also wrestling with their demons is Georgiou herself, who, amid her many fight scenes, fleetingly soul-searches and attempts to reconcile with her past as a tyrant ruler on a mirror universe version of Earth. But such concerns, along with a few stabs at humour by Georgiou’s ragtag crew (former EastEnders star Rob Kazinsky being the most effective here as an agent with a mechanical exoskeleton), are drowned out by the whizz-bang explosions. All too often, orange fireballs are seen screaming across the screen, but rarely are they truly spectacular. And what’s been forgotten is that Star Trek is often at its most effective in quieter moments where philosophy rather than the firing of photon torpedoes is to the fore. Rather, the obvious aim here is to make a grab for the Guardians of the Galaxy crowd, but neither the script nor the action sequences are nimble enough. With a built-in audience that’s presumably older than those which follow other fantasy franchises, it’s understandable for Trek to be feeling that, to survive, it must adapt. But the result is not as much fun as it needs to be to attract newcomers, while long-time enthusiasts may end up wishing they’d stayed on terra firma in the company of their old box sets. Star Trek: Section 31 arrives on Paramount Plus on 24th January. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call The Midwife's Peter Davison on filming under social distancing - and what to expect from Nonnatus House this Christmas
The former Doctor talks to David Brown about joining the circus for Call The Midwife, working during the pandemic, and wanting to act for as long as he can stand.
Peter Davison is not a man to let the small matter of quarantine deter him from working. This spring he was hard at it, recording Doctor Who audio adventures from a cupboard that he’s decorated to resemble a TARDIS, complete with roundels he made from cardboard boxes (pictured below). “I put a lot of effort into it because I’m a very sad person,” he says of his “moment of lockdown lunacy”. He admits that he feels most alive when acting and so jumped at the chance to emerge from his police box and run away to the circus for a festive turn as a ringmaster in this year’s seasonal Call the Midwife episode. It was filmed according to social distancing rules after restrictions were initially eased – but, at 69, did he feel as though he was risking his health? “I carry that strange British trait of thinking it’s never going to happen to me,” he reflects. “But I didn’t find it easy. It was very nice to be offered a part, and I was happy to do it, but because everyone on set was treated as though they were exuding billowing clouds of COVID-19, I didn’t get the sense of joyousness that I imagine has been there in the past.” Even those well used to life at Nonnatus House found the filming experience odd. “We’d been away so long I wasn’t sure I could remember how to do it,” admits Linda Bassett, 70, whose alter ego Nurse Phyllis Crane reveals an unexpected passion for circus life when Davison’s troupe visits Poplar. “Rehearsing in masks made it hard to tell what anyone was thinking.” The nation, though, will be relieved that the cast has managed to get the episode in the can, as Call the Midwife has now become a key part of many people’s Christmas viewing. Bassett says fans come up to her to tell her that they love Nurse Crane. “You can only react to that kind of thing with warmth, even though I am a little bit baffled as to why Nurse Crane is loved. But it’s so kind of them.” Davison, on the other hand, ought to be well used to the adoration, as a former lead of both Doctor Who and All Creatures Great and Small, both of which get Christmas specials this fortnight in their rejuvenated forms. So how does he feel to see them still in the schedules? “It’s slightly scary, but gratifying. When I heard they were remaking All Creatures, there was a tinge of, ‘How dare they?’ But I gather it’s very good.” Both are refreshingly un-actorly and direct. Bassett, for instance, questions the common misconception that Call the Midwife takes a rose-tinted view of the 1960s. “This wasn’t a sweet time – the 1950s and 60s were brutal. I went to school in that era and it was tough. And you’ll find that the people at Nonnatus aren’t often gentle. But what they are is kind. And whenever life is tough, being kind is so important.” Davison is equally frank about the travails of life in 2020. “I’m getting a bit tired of Zooming people,” he sighs. “This year has all been about protecting older, vulnerable people. But the irony is that every vulnerable person I’ve spoken to – and I’m nearly at that age myself – doesn’t want to be locked away and protected from this disease. The last years of these people’s lives are being stolen when they’d much rather be taking the risk while they’re still compos mentis. I understand that hospital numbers have to be kept at a level where it’s still possible to look after patients, but a huge miscalculation is being made somewhere.” Not that the two of them are planning on spending their own futures behind closed doors. Bassett says she has no intention of exiting a show with such “fantastic company”, while for Davison, “working is my social life, so I want to keep going for as long as I can stand up and remember lines”. And why not, when plum roles, such as the chance to play against type as Henry, the boorish husband of Alison Steadman’s Gail in Mike Bartlett’s recent BBC One drama Life, are out there for the taking? “Yes, I found my niche playing nice, charming Tristan types,” he says. “You do long for those opportunities to do something more. When Life went out, The Observer’s review effectively said, ‘Peter Davison – what a find!’ My agent said I should be recommended for a best newcomer award.” Nearly 40 years on from his first scenes in the TARDIS (the “real” one, rather than the homemade DIY variety), it doesn’t take a Doctor’s diagnosis to see that he has plenty of energy left. “I still get a real buzz when I’m doing something. But do you know, I never even thought I’d be alive at this point. I remember thinking all those years ago that in the year 2000, I’d be 49 and my life would effectively be over. And here I am, still going strong. I’m just very happy to have got this far.” This interview originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. The Call The Midwife Christmas Special airs tonight on BBC One. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide. In the US, the Call the Midwife Holiday Special 2020 airs on PBS at 9/8c on 25th December.
Doctor Who's Jo Martin says her casting as the Fugitive Doctor was "groundbreaking"
"I was a fan of Doctor Who back in the day and not seeing myself on screen as a child was tough," says the Holby City actress.
Doctor Who actress Jo Martin has called her casting as a surprise incarnation of the Time Lord "groundbreaking". Speaking to RadioTimes.com, the star also revealed that Black science-fiction fans have reached out to her following her unveiling as ‘the Fugitive Doctor’ in the most recent series of the BBC One drama. "A lot of Black geeks who love sci-fi have sent me pictures of them doing cosplay. They thank me and tell me it’s great that they now have someone to dress up as,” Martin said. “I was a fan of Doctor Who back in the day and not seeing myself on screen as a child was tough. It’s an awful thing to grow up thinking it’s wrong to be Black. So it’s fabulous that there are now characters like this who young kids can look up to." Originally introduced with the character name of Ruth Clayton, Martin was later revealed, in the episode Fugitive of the Judoon, to be a previously unseen incarnation of the Doctor – a twist that series lead Jodie Whittaker called "an extraordinary moment". Now, Martin, who also plays hospital CEO Max Gerry in medical drama Holby City, has revealed her own feelings at being cast on both shows: “What’s really special about these parts is that they’re groundbreaking. No one would expect a Black, middle-aged woman to be Doctor Who, but there we have it. "And on American medical shows, there’s a lot more black representation in terms of status. So for Holby City to have a black female CEO is an amazing thing as well. I feel honoured to be a part of both these shows and to be representing these characters. It’s great for everyone." Doctor Who is to return over the Christmas period with a new festive instalment entitled Revolution of the Daleks, while Holby City is back on Tuesday 10th November with a hard-hitting episode that’ll find Max having to manage her under-pressure workforce during the first spike of the coronavirus pandemic. Check out what else is on with our TV Guide
Why the end of The Fall was a big disappointment
"This desire to turn what should be standalone serials into long-running series needs to stop," says David Brown
Warning - the following contains plot spoilers for The Fall's final episode. From the start..! So, they let the bastard get away with it. Paul Spector, the murderer whose killing spree has fuelled The Fall, evaded the clutches of DSI Stella Gibson and remained at large to slaughter again in series two. Maybe we shouldn’t be that surprised: last month, Ben Stephenson – the controller of BBC drama – revealed that we were building “to a gripping cliffhanger” and that the Belfast-based thriller had been recommissioned. But surely the impact of The Fall would have been greater had it been given a proper conclusion and remained a five-parter? This desire to turn what should be standalone serials into long-running series needs to stop. It didn’t used to happen with shows that are now generally regarded as TV classics. There was never a need to make Closer to the Edge of Darkness or The Return of the Singing Detective, so why order another batch of episodes of The Fall? The answer, of course, is ratings (it’s been BBC2’s biggest drama series to launch in eight years), but continuing the story of a sizeable hit isn’t always the right move. Just look at the precedent set by Homeland – a tightly woven conspiracy tale for its opening run, a credulity-straining misfire in its second season. Because, let’s face it, the decision to serve up more episodes of The Fall undermined the coherence of tonight’s finale, almost to the point where the whole thing began to feel like a con. For a start, Paul’s ability to uproot his family and disappear in an instant seemed improbable. Also, Sally Ann’s decision to stay with her husband when she was under the impression that he’d had an affair with the under-aged babysitter seemed implausible – she had the girl’s number on her mobile, so why didn’t she call to get her version of events? OK, so he didn’t confess to murder, but he was still admitting to being a perv. Then there was the deus ex machina device of having one of Paul’s near-miss victims appear from nowhere to provide a photofit. And let’s not forget that Paul – when under police questioning – supplied a sample of his own handwriting, which could then have easily been checked against the letter sent to the dead woman’s dad. There were further niggles too: why, in the penultimate episode, did the guy who was eventually stabbed with the scissors not dial 999 before Paul went in for a second attack? Where did Paul’s sudden ability to spout Nietzsche come from? Why did the subplot about police corruption go nowhere? And, most importantly, why did we learn nothing about Paul’s motivation and his reasons for marrying someone who looked nothing like the type of women he was murdering? All crime dramas should have a proper pay-off. That doesn’t mean we need a tidy Agatha Christie-style solution, but there definitely needs to be some kind of resolution. The Fall made such an obvious pitch for a second series that, in the process, it forgot what it should have been trying to achieve. For a drama that preyed on our worst fears, we should have felt thrilled by this final episode. Instead, we were left cheated. If you have missed The Fall you can watch it on Amazon Prime and Netflix. This article was first published online in 2013.
BBC Breakfast's Naga Munchetty says team was supportive but "lessons to be learnt" after guideline row
David Brown talks to Naga Munchetty and BBC Breakfast producer Mark ahead of the BAFTAs.
This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more visit The Big Interview hub. For BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty, the working day begins at 5am — with an analysis of her boss’s wardrobe. “There’s always a quick appraisal of what I’m wearing,” says assistant editor Mark Grannell, to which Munchetty replies, “Yes, but it’s always complimentary! He’s very well dressed. Though he did do double-denim once and that didn’t fly with me…” One other thing with which Munchetty can find fault are the headlines, which will be debated in the hour before the show goes live at six o’clock: “Yes, I do come in and tear apart the headlines. But we disagree agreeably — what we all want is for the news to be accurate but also impactful.” What sets Breakfast apart from the other BBC bulletins is its informality. “We’re not the Today programme on television,” says Grannell. “Depending on what the main news is, we try and inject a bit of light into the shade. The interaction between the presenters is really important.” View oEmbed on the source website But there are risks in having such a relaxed atmosphere, as Munchetty discovered last year when she expressed anger at US president Donald Trump’s choice of words in telling four congresswomen to “go back home”. In September, the BBC decided that she’d breached guidelines, only for a public outcry that then led director-general Tony Hall to reverse the ruling. Her Breakfast colleague Dan Walker told Radio Times that the BBC’s defence of Munchetty should have been more robust — does she agree? “There are lessons to be learnt. The Breakfast team was very supportive at the time and, since then, I’ve had regular conversations with Tony Hall and other BBC bosses. My whole strategy was to just keep my head down because I didn’t want to be the story.” When asked whether it’s made her more circumspect about what she says on air, Munchetty insists that “it’s absolutely business as usual.” On the emotive issue, Grannell adds, “Naga’s a tough cookie, so she can look after herself. But I think the Breakfast team is very protective of her, as a colleague. And, on a human level, my sympathy was with Naga.” And how do the pair feel about the thorny issue of the licence fee? “It’s not for me to make this case,” insists Grannell. “All I’ll say is that coverage of coronavirus is a prime example of what’s so good about the BBC, right across the board.” “There’s been noise about the licence fee for decades,” says Munchetty. “But at Breakfast, we’re not ratings-driven, we’re not there to garner attention on social media. We’re there to provide a service and make sure people are informed, educated and entertained. I think a licence is worth that.” These interviews originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
Succession's Jesse Armstrong wrote a screenplay about Rupert Murdoch’s family
David Brown chats to Jesse Armstrong and Brian Cox ahead of the BAFTAs.
This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more interviews visit The Big Interview hub. Coronavirus may have halted work on the new series of Succession, but star Brian Cox has devised a neat way to incorporate the pandemic into the season-three plotlines. “Logan could be handed a mask, just look at the person giving it to him and then tell them to f*** off,” he says, down the line from upstate New York (where he rushed off to straight after the RT photoshoot, before lockdown was enforced). “That could be the COVID crisis dealt with for the whole season.” It would be in keeping for the tyrannical media mogul Logan Roy, who leads the cast in this year’s most critically acclaimed, BAFTA-nominated drama (in the international category), as well as earning Jesse Armstrong a nod for best writer: drama. But it could all have been so different for Logan. “At one point, I did think he might expire at the end of the first season or even the first episode,” reveals Armstrong. “Though this all changed before we committed ideas to paper. And once I saw Brian, I realised how big a weight he is at the centre of our solar system. He’s great to write for.” When asked previously about the inspiration for the Roys and their media empire, Waystar Royco, Armstrong has always distanced his creations from comparisons to the real-life Murdochs. But he admits now that those ties are closer than we’ve been led to believe. “They’re fictional creations who’ve come out of a ton of reading and research. I’d written a screenplay about Rupert Murdoch’s family and it never got made. And it got me interested in the similarities between all these guys — Murdoch, Robert Maxwell and Conrad Black — who are passing from their position of predominance as tech takes over. But, also, how cable news and newspapers are still shaping our political climate.” View oEmbed on the source website Two things Armstrong won’t be drawn on, though, are when the cast will be back before the cameras or how COVID-19 will actually be handled. “We’ve carried on writing during the lockdown,” he says. “And we hope to start filming in the not-too-distant future, but it’s still up in the air. As for coronavirus, there are things to think about, in terms of how we deal or don’t deal with it. But I’m not going to get into it in public.” Cox is happy to “live in a state of ignorance” until his scripts arrive, trusting the writers to keep the character as exciting as ever. “He’s a much more interesting character than, say, Donald Trump,” the actor explains. “Trump is a bad part because the man has got no dimension. He’s a nitwit. A dumbass. The man’s a congenital idiot. If someone asked me to play Trump, I’d say no. Logan Roy, on the other hand, is a great part. And it’s true what they say, the devil does get the best tunes.” These interviews originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
Gemma Chan says she sees "definite shift" in industry with colour-blind casting
David Brown catches up with Gemma Chan ahead of the BAFTAs
This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more interviews visit The Big Interview hub. When it comes to variety, 2018 will take some beating for Gemma Chan. In July, she’d finished shooting the big-budget film Captain Marvel in Hollywood and by September she was back in the UK working on a project for Channel 4 with her long-time friend Dominic Savage. “On a Marvel film, you’re just a very small cog in a huge machine. So, when the opportunity came up to work with Dominic again, I jumped at it. I’d missed being on an intimate set with a small crew,” she says. “And working with Dominic is wonderfully freeing, but terrifying as well. You don’t know what’s going to work or where it’s going to end up.” The pair first worked together on 2012’s True Love for BBC1 and had been seeking the right reunion. The result was I Am… Hannah, an intimate, semi-improvised tale about a single woman in her 30s struggling to fulfil society’s expectations, which Savage created in collaboration with her. “The pressures women face had been something I’d been talking to my girlfriends about for a while,” Chan says. “Women have far more options than they used to — there’s a chance to work and have a family, but also an expectation that you can have it all. It’s not an easy thing to make those decisions.” It’s a subject that also resonates with Savage: “My mother is a big influence on me. A lot of women from her generation weren’t able to make choices that were right for them. She grew up in poverty and didn’t have a formal education. Hannah, like all three characters in the series, gets the chance to make something else of her life. But my mum could never choose.” Chan finds the empathy Savage has for women unusual in the TV industry. “It’s not the norm to find someone who wants to shine a spotlight on women. There have been improvements over the past few years. Just think of Fleabag and I May Destroy You. But for a long time, the perception was that programmes like this were just for women.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CC5sCOcnEX1/ Chan also feels positive about other changes in the industry, such as more colour-blind casting. Has she ever auditioned for, say, a period piece rather than a contemporary drama? “I’ve been working as an actor for 13 years and there’s a definite shift in what I’m being put up for now. I recently saw The Personal History of David Copperfield [the 2019 film starring Dev Patel] and the casting was incredible. There’s a way to go, but I’m seeing definite improvement.” These interviews originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
A League of their Own's Romesh Ranganathan and Andrew Norgate reveal many professionals aren't allowed to take part
David Brown talks to Romesh Ranganathan and Andrew Norgate ahead of the BAFTAs.
This interview is part of our BAFTA 2020 special for more interviews visit The Big Interview hub. To the makers of the BAFTA-winning A League of Their Own, Andrew Norgate is the senior games producer, who dreams up all the wild tasks the panellists take on. But to Romesh Ranganathan, he’s the personification of all his worst nightmares. “It’s weird. I love him and I think he’s the very best at what he does. But I can’t help associating his face with horror. He’s my Jason or my Freddy Krueger,” says the comedian. “It’s because every time I see him, I’m going to be shown something that increases my anxiety level.” Yet despite the nerves, Ranganathan (nominated for two BAFTAs for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan and The Ranganation) always gives his all on the Sky 1 sports-based comedy panel show. And for this, Norgate is thankful. “Romesh is a godsend,” he says. “Many of the professional sports people we have on won’t do any of the games. They’re not allowed. So what Romesh brings is a fantastic willingness. Even though — and I don’t think he’ll be offended if I say this — he’s not a natural athlete.” Is Ranganathan offended? “No, because I was terrible at PE at school. I was an overweight kid who had terrible hand-eye coordination. All of my PE reports said, ‘Romesh has coped ably despite his obvious physical drawbacks.’ So I now consider myself to be a hero and an inspiration. People are looking at me and thinking, ‘There’s no way I could be as awful as him. Yet he still does it every week.’” He became a regular team captain in 2018, so surely he can’t still be scared of the physical challenges? View oEmbed on the source website “I’m still terrified every single time,” he laughs. “And there have been occasions when I’ve thought, ‘I can’t complete this.’ It’s got to the stage now where it’s about getting through this without ending my career.” Norgate, though, believes the star is being too harsh on himself. “We shoot on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So, because he’s doing those games pretty much back to back, Rom does get knocked around a lot. And the thing is, he’s getting better and better. He’s now far more athletic. Well, reasonably more athletic…” These interviews originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
Emily Maitlis reveals Palace's reaction to Prince Andrew interview: "We had plenty of engagement with them"
David Brown chats to Emily Maitlis ahead of the 2020 BAFTAs.
“I realised within minutes of sitting down that it was going to be explosive,” says Emily Maitlis, as she recalls the interview last November with Prince Andrew that has earned Newsnight a nomination in the News coverage category at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards. “First, he was tackling the subject matter head on. Secondly, the lack of apology or any real expression of regret told me that the prince still believed that his actions had broadly been the right ones. And thirdly, the level of detail was unlike anything I was expecting. It was just astonishing to be in that room listening. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.” Back at the Newsnight base at London’s Broadcasting House, the programme editor, Esme Wren, was fearing the worst as her presenter sat down across town at Buckingham Palace. “I was actually waiting for Emily to call me and say they’d pulled it or cut it short after ten minutes. At the time, I felt like a father standing outside the labour ward waiting to hear news,” she recalls. In the end, of course, it was a successful delivery — for Newsnight anyway. The interview had been a year in the planning and Maitlis is relieved that the team held out for the in-depth interview they wanted: “We could have done something shorter, easier and less comprehensive much earlier. But we sat it out until we were given the assurance that it would be the kind of interview we needed to do. I’m glad we waited and were properly prepared for it.” She and Wren had role-played what they thought might be every possible response the prince could give to the questions about his links to the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After all, Wren had told Andrew’s representatives that he would be “asked about every piece of information in the public domain that we could gather”. Yet despite the prep work, Maitlis was still apprehensive. “I was incredibly nervous. How could I not be? I remember Esme saying, ‘This interview has to be a document that people can return to in the future. It might be the only chance we get to set the record straight.’ So we kept it very close to our chests until it was done. The fear was that the more people who knew, the more likely it was that something would go wrong.” View oEmbed on the source website After Maitlis returned to the office, she and Wren sat down in the editing suite to watch the footage, an experience that left the editor “exhilarated and terrified” by what she was witnessing: “It was there that the penny dropped for me on how significant this was. We’d assumed that he’d want to show empathy to the victims or pin the blame on Jeffrey Epstein. We couldn’t understand why he hadn’t done that. We definitely thought he’d be spikier — in fact, Emily said that, in the role-playing, I’d been a lot tougher as Prince Andrew than he turned out to be in person.” Following the broadcast, judgement was passed by the public and the press, with Maitlis lauded for the calm, forensic way she took Andrew to task. Critiques of Prince Andrew, though, were rather more scathing, with his answers to the probing described by many, including former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter, as “a car crash”. The current royal PRs, however, have stayed silent on the matter — at least in public. Says Wren: “There hasn’t been any mudslinging from the palace. Of course, they feel that the interview didn’t go brilliantly, but that wasn’t through our wrongdoing. We delivered a quite exceptional piece of journalism.” “We know that the palace was happy with the interview. We had plenty of engagement with them after it went out,” reveals Maitlis. “I think their shock was not at the interview itself, but the reaction it caused in the days and weeks afterwards. Now, eight months on, it may feel like ‘a moment of television’, but we should never forgot the people at the centre of this whole story — Epstein’s accusers and what they’d been through and were, in some cases, still fighting. It was never meant to be a badge of honour — it was meant to be a chance to get to the heart of a story that had confused many people for so long.” The Newsnight special also arguably ended up giving fresh impetus to the FBI investigation into Epstein’s crimes, something that has led recently to the arrest of the prince’s friend Ghislaine Maxwell on sex trafficking charges, which she denies. Speaking about Maitlis’s skill at drawing out key information from her interviewees, Wren says, “She’s like a thoroughbred racehorse — if you give her the right preparation, she’ll outstrip everyone.” Maitlis in turn feels that Newsnight has consolidated its position as the BBC’s flagship current affairs show thanks to the focus of Wren, who was appointed editor back in February 2018: “Esme is frankly incredible. She always appears so serene on the surface, but below the surface, there’s a huge amount of work going on that I never see. My sense is that Esme knew exactly what kind of programme she believed Newsnight could be, but she’s always been hands-off enough to let us feel we were finding our own way there.” This interview originally appeared in the Radio Times magazine. For the biggest interviews and the best TV listings subscribe to Radio Times now and never miss a copy. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
4 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Vanessa has a meltdown, plus Dawn struggles with Lucas
And Mandy opens up about her past with Paul
Fans of #Vanity should brace themselves: Emmerdale’s favourite couple are about to be put through the emotional wringer when Vanessa’s drunken night out has big repercussions. And it's a big week for Dawn, who struggles with her boy, Lucas. Find out more in the latest batch of storyline spoilers covering the week of Monday 20th to Friday 24th of April 2020. Vanessa’s bender If their storyline wasn’t so traumatic, I’d be thinking that Charity and Vanessa were in the middle of some fantasy body-swap comedy. Six months ago, if I’d been asked to guess which of the pair would be featured in a widely distributed video on social media showing them getting into a row with a stranger on a boozy night out, I’d definitely have predicted it to be Charity. But Vanessa’s cancer diagnosis has understandably sent her into a tailspin, so much so that there’s now a rift between her and Charity. And it’s set to widen further on Friday when Vanessa makes a big request that leaves Charity faltering. Dawn needs help Dawn is having parenting problems – which isn’t much of a surprise seeing as that teddy bear is still declaring “I love you, Lucas” every 10 seconds. Harriet and Will ultimately suggest that Dawn ask the social worker for advice on the issues she has with Lucas. And pretty soon, Dawn is being pointed in the direction of Lucas’s foster parent Carol. But when Dawn witnesses just how well Lucas gets on with his foster family, she’s left unsure whether having custody of her son is the best option. The next day, when Billy suggests that Dawn reach out to Manpreet for some support, Dawn is left offended. But when he says supportive things about Dawn being an awesome mum, she’s left with fresh impetus to get closer to Lucas. But might Will end up throwing a spanner in the works? After hearing how Carol’s visit has upset Dawn, he takes action. But what will he end up doing? Elsewhere on Emmerdale Mandy reveals more of her history with Paul to Lydia, unaware that the man himself is now working at the scrapyard under the nose of an unsuspecting Vinny, who’s unaware that he’s toiling alongside his own dad. Plus Belle is placed in an uncomfortable position when she attends an appointment at the salon, only to realise that Andrea has been booked in at the same time… Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
6 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Whitney makes exit plans as Keegan's anger boils over
It’s another truncated week on EastEnders, with episodes airing on just Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April. But there are still big developments for Whitney who is planning an exit from Walford as her fears grow about a future behind bars, while an under-pressure Keegan is nearing breaking point. Read on for all the latest storyline spoilers... Whitney to leave? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/04/20148523-high_res-eastenders-january-march-2020-d6a3893-scaled.jpg" width="2560" height="1707" alt="WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 14/04/2020 - Programme Name: EastEnders - January - March 2020 - TX: 20/04/2020 - Episode: EastEnders - January - March - 2020 - 6107 (No. 6107) - Picture Shows: ***EMBARGOED TILL TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2020*** Whitney Dean (SHONA MCGARTY) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes" title="EastEnders - January - March - 2020 - 6107" /> Whitney is obviously petrified of going back to jail, but she needn’t be so worried. Half the Square have done time and lived to tell the tale. In fact, many of them probably feel more at home in a prison tabard than they do in regular clothes. One former inmate – Max Branning – is even popping round to tell a frit Whit about his own experiences behind bars. Mind you, Whitney does also have the added pressure of Michaela posting horrible things about her online. Michaela, if you hadn’t already noticed, is cut from the same cloth as Marion Logan in Coronation Street and Wendy Posner in Emmerdale – both blinkered, grieving mums who’ll do anything to defend their psychopathic sons. And Michaela’s smear campaign does appear to be working, with Whitney ultimately deciding to reach for her passport. You can find out on Tuesday whether anyone will be able to put a stop to her plan to leave town. Keegan lashes out The writers seem determined to see just how much misery Keegan can withstand before he completely buckles. Accused of a crime he didn’t commit and now homeless after being evicted by bailiffs, he’s currently feeling despondent, despite Tiffany berating him for his mood. On Monday, the chaos at the Taylor house proves to be too much for Keegan and he explodes with anger, only to be left mortified when Bailey witnesses his rage. But might Keegan find a sympathetic ear in Denise, who is left shocked when she discovers what’s happened to him in recent weeks? Elsewhere on EastEnders Ash seeks out Iqra and, after apologising, admits that she loves her. Following a chat with Callum, Stuart is inspired to propose to Rainie and arranges something elaborate for her. Kush continues to hide Tommy’s secret and, while dropping him off at school, asks Isaac to keep on eye on him. Plus Jean receives a gift from Daniel that leaves her feeling touched. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
6 Coronation Street spoilers for next week: Dev learns Asha's sexting secret, plus Ken's big decision
Asha’s online actions have new consequences and she's about to learn the true extent of them on Coronation Street next week. Plus, Ken has to come to a drastic realisation about his life in Stillwaters. Here's all your spoilers for Coronation Street between 20th and 24th April. Asha is in turmoil How do you keep your teenage children safe while they’re online? It’s a question a lot of parents will be asking themselves at the moment, what with their bored offspring communicating solely on devices after being physically separated from friends and peers. It’s even become a problem on the Street, which despite currently being in a virus-free bubble, has found one of its teen characters taking a big risk on FaceTime and then ruing her actions. As we’ve seen, Asha’s world has come crashing down after a video of her going topless was swiped and shared. Now, word reaches her dad Dev who first rails at and then consoles his sobbing daughter. And when Aadi later reveals that Asha’s video has made its way onto the internet, Dev decides to head to the police station – a move that leaves his daughter furious. Ken’s big decision Ken has the proof he needs to demonstrate that corrupt Charles has deposited all the payments from the Stillwaters residents into a personal bank account. But after publicly exposing his adversary, Ken finds he and Claudia have reached an impasse where their relationship is concerned. He explains that the retirement complex will never be his home, while she wants to stay put. Ken is someone who’s spent his whole adult life dreaming of new horizons, but might he be destined to head back to No 1? Geoff’s new fears Fans hoping to see Yasmeen send Geoff packing may have to wait a little longer. He’s found a pamphlet she received about domestic abuse and so decides to take a different approach by creating a divide between his wife and her best mate Cathy. When Geoff manipulates the situation so that Cathy ends up getting offended and storming off, Yasmeen looks to be getting even more isolated as Geoff warns her that she’s now lost a friend. Mystery at the Rovers Despite her pint-pulling leaving a lot to be desired, Carla agrees that she and Peter will move in to run the pub and take care of Scott, so that Jenny can accompany Johnny on his trip to France. But something mysterious is going on where Johnny and Scott are concerned, and when the pair eventually come face to face, Scott is full of assurances that there are no hard feelings about what went on in their past. As Johnny and Jenny head to the airport, there’s a definite sense that the Rovers landlord is desperate to keep a secret under wraps. Elsewhere on Coronation Street Sally and Tim ask Kevin and Abi to be the witnesses at their wedding. Kevin then offers to be best man and Tim cagily agrees – before confiding in Sally that he’s already asked his dad Geoff. Plus Gary finds Kelly in tears outside No 7 and is shocked to learn that she was turfed out of Oakhill when funds supplied by her loan-shark dad Rick stopped coming in. How will Gary feel knowing that he’s responsible for Rick having met his maker? Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Next week's Emmerdale spoilers: Belle gets fired, plus Billy faces big pressure
And will love blossom for Bob and Wendy?
Jamie gets ruthless, Bob is besotted and Malone piles on the pressure. It’s your full week of Emmerdale action previewed for the week of the 6th to 10th of April 2020. Read on to see all the drama... Billy faces pressure Corrupt cop Malone gets a shock when he finds his beloved 4x4 smouldering in a field – and it’s Billy who’s soon incurring his wrath. When Malone discovers that Cain and Billy had been keeping the 4x4 to use as leverage against him, Billy soon finds himself under arrest following a trumped-up assault claim. Malone then takes great delight in telling Billy that one of his helpers has taken a beating and is now under instruction to tell officers that Billy was responsible. What will Billy do when Malone then issues him with a surprise ultimatum? Jamie gets Belle fired Jamie is juggling the two women in his life and is far from pleased when he sees Belle attending Take a Vow’s lingerie party, where she ends up spending time with Andrea. The normally moist-eyed Jamie then ends up displaying some Tate ruthlessness when he tells Paddy that the only way to solve the vets’ financial problems is to fire Belle. When Paddy then tells Belle that she needs laying off, she comes to the realisation that Jamie is behind the decision. But you can expect Belle to be left surprised by Jamie’s reaction to her words after she engineers a showdown… Bob and Wendy get close It’s the term many workers dread hearing: team building. But Bob Hope has always been irrepressibly upbeat, so the fact that he’s organised a treasure hunt in the village for the Woolpack workers should come as little surprise. His aim is to bring Victoria and Luke together, but Mandy also has matchmaking on her mind as she encourages Bob to tell Wendy how he really feels about her. The trouble is that, just as Bob is summoning up the courage to open his heart, a passer-by swoops over and steals Wendy’s handbag. How will Wendy react to Bob’s efforts to comfort her? In other news… Paddy is still anxious about Eve and gets into a temper when Bear leaves her alone in her pram for a short time to help David. A nervy Victoria approaches Kim with a proposition. Plus Mandy insists on planning Lydia’s hen night, as well as Sam’s stag. There aren’t enough painkillers available in the whole of Yorkshire to soothe the hangovers that’ll follow. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
Next week's EastEnders spoilers: Mick and Linda's big news, plus Ian is threatened
Next week’s episodes of EastEnders (for the 6th and 7th of April) see the Carters’ plan to sell the pub being discovered, while Dotty ratchets up the pressure on a beleaguered Ian Beale. As Albert Square kicks off, can anyone find a resolution? Read on for full details of the upcoming spoilers... Mick and Linda are selling the Queen Vic There have apparently been viewer complaints about soaps still featuring scenes that place in pubs. After all, real-life landlords have been told to call last orders, at least for the time being. But we need to cut the likes of EastEnders some slack. These episodes were filmed a while ago and the BBC is trying to eke out its supply for as long as possible now that filming has been put on pause. So just think of Walford as a land of lost content, albeit one where everyone feels permanently wretched. Take Mick, for example. He’s currently looking deflated because an estate agent has called to value the Queen Vic. And a guilty-feeling Linda is soon suggesting that she no longer work behind the bar. The pair are in agreement, though, that Shirley and Tina needn’t know about their plan to sell up just yet – but news travels fast in Walford and they’re soon caught out. Next, of course, we’ll have the bidding war as to who gets ownership of the Square’s beloved boozer. My dream would be for vampy Chrissie Watts to make a surprise comeback. Dotty v Ian I like to imagine that the ghost of Nick Cotton is sitting on daughter Dotty’s shoulder, encouraging her to stir up trouble wherever she goes. She starts the week by venting her anger on Vinny and finishes it by goading and then ultimately threatening Ian. And while I’m loath to condone such bullying, it’s quite fun watching the odious Ian being driven potty by Dotty. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Next week's Coronation Street spoilers: Shock death revealed, plus Yasmeen reaches out
I’m afraid anyone wanting light relief won’t be finding much solace in Coronation Street next week (6th to 10th April 2020), what with the death of Ken’s beloved pet dog Eccles. Thankfully, Yasmeen looks to be getting the upper hand where Geoff is concerned – only for him to make another disturbing move. Read on for all the drama... Eccles dies Being a nation of animal lovers, we’re always hit hard when a beloved soap pet dies. There are some who’ve never recovered from the poisoning of Wellard in 2008, while others are still brought to tears by memories of Schmeichel’s demise in 2011. Now, Coronation Street is set to leave us traumatised once again as Emma takes Eccles for a walk, only to realise that she’s not herself. A visit to the vet then reveals that the lovable dog has an inoperable tumour. Canny Corrie fans may have twigged that something was wrong with Eccles when she was seen looking lackadaisical in Ken’s lap the other week. With the pair having forged a close bond this last decade, you can expect the Barlow family patriarch to be devastated by news of the border terrier’s death. After all, they’ve been through a lot together – Eccles even had to witness some of randy Ken’s canal-side trysts with Martha Fraser, the poor thing. What’s wrong with Oliver? After little Oliver’s lethargy became a feature of his birthday celebrations back in February, I started to suspect that the state of his health would soon be providing new drama. And so it turns out on Friday when – just as Summer is babysitting the youngster – Oliver has a fit. When Steve returns home, he’s met by a panicky Summer, who breathlessly explains the situation. All of which results in Steve scooping up his son and dashing off in search of medical help. Yasmeen reaches out to Alya When we last saw Yasmeen, her exit from her home was being barred by Geoff. But luckily on Monday she finds the courage to pick up her suitcase and stride out the door. And after arriving at the builder’s flat, Yasmeen tells Alya that she’s coming to the wedding and was right all along. But a new shiver down the spine comes for Yasmeen when she sees messages on her phone from Geoff, suggesting that he might take his own life. Dashing back to No 6, she’s horrified to find a smashed photo frame on the table together with drops of blood and no sign of Geoff. Just what has happened to the wicked abuser? Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide
Coronation Street spoilers for next week: Geoff threatens Alya, plus David's in big danger
All the big Weatherfield drama previewed
Hope you’re all getting used to the stripped-back scheduling of Coronation Street, which now airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm. Not that they’re stinting on the drama in the week ahead as there's plenty of danger in store. Read on for all the latest spoiler gossip for 30th March to 3rd April. Geoff’s all heart Might this be the start of Geoff’s downfall? I know we seem to write this whenever the next batch of spoilers are issued, but the arch manipulator is certainly going to be on the back foot this week. On Monday, we’ll see him faking some chest pains as he bids to put a halt to him and Yasmeen heading to Spain for Zeedan’s wedding. But a trumped-up medical malady isn’t enough to stop Detective Alya from digging for dirt. When she confronts the evildoer about both his fake heart scare and fictitious hotel booking, Geoff loses his temper and threatens her, only to be caught in the act by Yasmeen. Despite Geoff then assuring Yasmeen that he’d never lie to her, viewers will see that her suspicions have been aroused. When Geoff next uses his laptop, Yasmeen makes a mental note of his password and, later, when her husband is in the shower, she ends up scrolling through his emails, only to find numerous messages to the escort agency that he regularly uses. Following a showdown, Yasmeen tells Geoff that she’s now packed for Spain and is attending Zeedan’s wedding without him. But Geoff then jumps in Yasmeen’s path and menacingly tells her that she’s not going anywhere… David dices with danger Reeling from the current situation with Shona, David hits self-destruct. Wandering the streets with a drink in his hand, he finds himself confronted by a gang of muggers, who drag him into an alleyway and pull a knife on him. After fighting them off, David legs it and manages to evade the gang. But by Friday, it starts to appear as though David is now setting out to deliberately attract danger when he starts taking some unnecessary risks in his interactions with strangers. Can Gemma’s spirits be raised? Gemma receives word on Monday that Aled’s hearing aids have arrived. Fans can then expect an emotional breakthrough on Friday when, on a visit to the audiologist, Gemma and Ches’s son hears sounds for the first time. Yet despite Aled’s face lighting up as he takes in his mum and dad’s voices, Gemma still seems to be masking a secret anxiety. By the week’s end, she’s told Bernie that because Aled’s hearing has been sorted out, her mum can now leave. It’s an instruction that leaves Bernie stunned, but will she work out that her daughter is still suffering? Ken gets militant Stillwater’s newest resident is peeved – he soon realises that he’s being ripped off by Charles, following the issuing of that fine. Norris reveals this is the tip of the iceberg and that Charles is raking it in left, right and centre by coming down hard on all the residents. When Ken demands a copy of the residents’ rulebook, Charles makes out that they’re waiting for a new edition to be printed. Ken, though, wasn’t born yesterday and suggests it’s time that the residents’ chair was put up for re-election. Let battle commence! Emma’s big decision After spending the night at a mate’s, Seb returns to the flat and adamantly assures Emma that she’s the only girl for him, claiming also that he has no interest at all in Alina. But by Wednesday, Emma is insisting that Seb move out. When he refuses to pack his stuff, Emma heads off and finds a warm welcome at Steve and Tracy’s. Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
EastEnders spoilers for next week: Shocks at Dennis's funeral, plus Jags and Habiba get passionate
The leaner EastEnders output means we’re only getting two episodes again this week, with instalments airing on Monday at 8.00pm and Tuesday at 7.30pm. Key events include Dennis’s funeral service and Linda’s fall from the wagon. Read on for the full details of EastEnders between 30th March and 3rd April... Dennis’s funeral drama Sharon is laying down the law on the day of Dennis’s funeral: no Mitchell is allowed at the service. But since when did anyone in that particular soap clan play by the rules? So, it’s no surprise when first Jay arrives with flowers and then a defiant Ben turns up at the wake. It’s left to a guilty-feeling Ian to try and calm Sharon down, but no soothing words will work when a third member of the Mitchell family rocks up: Phil. Sharon then launches herself at her estranged husband and, with the situation fast spiralling out of control, Ian calls the police. But by the time officers arrive, Phil has fled back home, where he’s now contemplating taking a drink. Just as Jay tries to talk him out of it, the police turn up and Phil hares off to hide. However, when Ian later spots him in the Square, he’s left shocked by Phil’s admission… Linda succumbs to temptation Anyone who thought that the ill-fated river cruise served as a real wake-up call for Linda will be reconsidering their view on Monday. Despite the Queen Vic landlady telling husband Mick that she’s now ready to return to work full time, Linda finds her anxiety levels rising. And after finding Shirley’s bottle of vodka, she ends up pouring herself a drink. Shirl then catches her daughter in law red handed and when Mick also arrives on the scene, Linda is left with little option but to admit that she’s had a drink. In the aftermath, Linda will be seen opening up to Mick about life’s pressures – and pretty soon, the Carters are making a big decision… Passion for Jags and Habiba Habiba and Jags discuss Suki’s actions and, as the pair have a heart to heart, Habiba is touched when she’s left with the impression that Jags is talking about a friend who’s dying. Seeing Jags in a new light, the two of them end up sharing a kiss – but the morning after the night before brings with it some recrimination. Ian v Dotty Ian is still wracked with remorse and sneaks away from Dennis’s funeral to meet with Dotty, who is piling on the pressure for him to come clean. The next night though, troublesome Dotty steals a man’s wallet and, as the guy gives chase, Peter saves the day. As Ian overhears the commotion, he ends up rifling through Dotty’s bag and finds what he’s searching for – the keys to the Arches. Just what does Ian plan to do with them? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Al and Priya get passionate, plus Mandy wages war against Brenda
This is the moment when Emmerdale cuts back to three episodes per week as it tries to eke out the drama until the early summer. So, you can catch the soap each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.00pm. Here are the latest storyline spoilers to get you prepped for what lies ahead between 30th March and 3rd April. Rhona helps Moira There’s some bonding going on with Moira and Rhona opening up to each other about how difficult their lives are right now. Moira is feeling cash strapped, while Rhona is still grieving for Graham. But you can expect the situation to change when a flabbergasted Rhona reveals to Paddy, Chas and Marlon that she’s been left a large wedge of cash by Graham. The trouble is that Kim is saying that Rhona won’t get her hands on the money and makes it plain that she still holds her responsible for Graham’s untimely demise. But this doesn’t stop Rhona from telling Moira that she wants to go into business with her – but sets a condition that they must honour Graham’s legacy. Mandy gets proof In the wake of Dan’s hospitalisation, Pollard will be seen suggesting to Brenda that she dispose of any evidence relating to the incident at the café. A nervy Eric will also try to broker peace between Dan and Brenda – with the patient himself agreeing that pointing the finger of blame in Brenda’s direction won’t improve his situation. Brenda, meanwhile, is frantically trying to dispose of anything incriminatory, but is left shocked when Mandy arrives to tell her that she’ll pay for what’s happened to Dan. Later on, Mandy will be witnessed emerging from a bin behind the café clutching the evidence she needs. But what will she do next? Emmerdale breaks boundaries with new allergy storyline - and it's about time, too Will makes a rash move The Bent Cop saga rumbles on with Cain telling Will that a) he has a plan to deal with Malone and that b) he should choose where his loyalties lie. The next day, Malone approaches Will and tells him that he wants them to do a new job for him. Will then lies and insists that Cain and Billy are still on board. But when the corrupt officer departs, Will starts to have a panic attack. In a bid to try and calm Will down, Billy tells him about a 4x4 they have stashed away to use against Malone. But Will is set to leave his cohorts stunned when he steals the 4x4. Is Cain right when he says that Will has now signed their death warrants? Priya puckers up with Al He’s been a character in search of a proper plot line ever since he arrived in the village, but it now looks as though Al is being given something to do. Upcoming scenes find Priya softening to him after he opens up about his run-in with Ellis. But just as they’re about to kiss, the two of them are interrupted. The next day, Al seizes the chances to pull Priya in for a kiss, but in the aftermath, she decides that they must try to keep things professional. Feelings of lust then take over again, however, but expect that ardour to be extinguished when Jai suddenly arrives on the scene. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
5 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Charity betrays Vanessa, plus Cain is out of his depth
And has Arthur put Archie in peril again?
Shady police officer Malone will be making his presence felt on Emmerdale next week (9 to 13 March 2020) when animosity builds between him and Cain. Elsewhere Jai gets shock news, while news of Vanessa’s cancer diagnosis reaches Tracy. All these spoilers and more below... Will and Cain v Malone Has Emmerdale finally found a way to turn world-weary Will (Dean Andrews) into an interesting character? I’m reserving judgement for the moment, but his encounters with dodgy copper Malone (Mark Womack) do at least have some bite to them. Their latest meet-up has left Will with spiralling levels of stress, hence him opening up to Cain about the pressure he’s currently under. But Cain is set to underestimate Will’s enemy in the days ahead. After Cain meets Malone in a layby, he soon realises he’s made an error of judgement when he gets back to find the garage has been trashed and Moira’s bull has been murdered… Emmerdale confirms DI Malone's real identity - and it's very bad news for Cain ITV discuss plans for Emmerdale and Coronation Street should the coronavirus worsen Kim Tate in shock arrest - is she leaving Emmerdale for good? Has Arthur hurt Archie again? OK, so We Need to Talk about Arthur. And yes, the allusion to Lionel Shriver is deliberate because the soap is once again putting the youngster’s bullying of little Archie in the spotlight. A seemingly repentant Arthur may have confessed all to mum Laurel about his horrible actions, but on Thursday, Archie ends up trapped underneath a toppled cabinet. Is Laurel right to worry that her son is up to his old tricks? Despite Arthur assuring Laurel and Jai that he had nothing to do with it, Archie is quick to blame him. Expect Jai to be left floored when Laurel finally reveals to Jai about Arthur’s bruising encounters with his son. Charity tells Tracy about Vanessa’s cancer Tracy looks set to throw a surprise party for Vanessa, oblivious to the fact that she’s in pain. When Charity walks in on the ‘celebrations’, she drags Tracy outside and stuns her with the news that Vanessa has got cancer. But efforts to get the partygoers come too late as a cry of ‘surprise’ can be heard from inside. Later on, Vanessa starts to crumble when she discovers that Charity has blabbed about her diagnosis. But when Vanessa then decides to open up to her sister, Charity is left feeling side-lined and ends up venting her anger at Tracy. Is Vanessa able to go from patient to peacemaker to ease tensions? In other news… Luke asks Victoria to give their relationship another shot, while Dan and Mandy agree to go on a date together. Cathy and Heath’s vegan cake and cookies are a success in the café – but when Dan has an allergic reaction, Brenda is soon getting the blame. Plus Andrea belatedly realises that she may have to play dirty if Kim is going to reveal the truth. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 Coronation Street spoilers for next week: Geoff's shock plan, Ali leaves, plus James is outed
The doctor is out! Yes, Ali Neeson makes his exit from Coronation Street as his rivalry with Gary Windass reaches breaking point. Elsewhere, Ken is moving out of No 1, while James finds his personal life is public news. Full spoilers for 9 to 13 March 2020 below. Goodbye, Dr Ali Coronation Street has never really known what to do with Dr Ali. At one point, it looked as though he was going to become an unhinged killer. A couple of months later, he’d developed a brief addiction to painkillers instead. Now, he’s at the centre of this underpowered rivalry with Gary for the affections of Maria. No wonder that, by Friday, he’s deciding to move away. He’s probably sick of not knowing who he is from one day to the next. ITV discuss plans for Emmerdale and Coronation Street should the coronavirus outbreak worsen Coronation Street killer Clayton Hibbs' return plot revealed as Shona makes a brave decision Jade leaves Coronation Street after a shock kiss with Tyrone - has she gone for good? Ken moves out When we first met Ken Barlow in December 1960, he was already dreaming of an escape. Back then, he was a snooty student, turning his nose up at buttered bread and bottles of sauce on the teatime dining table. Little did he know, though, that it would take him over five decades to escape the very neighbourhood he looked down upon in his youth. Now, he’s packing the last of his things from No 1 and taking a last wistful look around the living room before he heads off for his new life at Still Waters. It’s already been announced by ITV that Ken and his latest girlfriend Claudia will be running into pernickety former next-door neighbour Norris once they’ve settled in at the luxurious-looking retirement village. If only Stephanie Cole had still been a member of the cast – she could have joined them for a Corrie version of Waiting for God. James is outed What begins as a celebratory week for the Bailey family quickly morphs into an anxiety-inducing one when news about James’s sexuality breaks. Monday’s double bill sees a proud Aggie collecting her Weatherfield Golden Hearts Award, but after she delivers a heartfelt speech, a reporter approaches footballer James and reveals that there are rumours about his sexuality circulating on social media. Insisting that he’s not gay, a panicked James makes a quick exit. But, back at home, he realises that Danny has inadvertently outed him online and he now fears that his career is ruined. Geoff’s drastic plan Wicked Geoff is caught out when Alya realises that he is the author of the horrible online reviews. The trouble is that when Alya confronts Geoff, Yasmeen sides with him! Later in the week, Alya’s determination to unmask her adversary intensify when she finds that there have been numerous cash withdrawals from the Speed Daal account. Geoff’s retaliatory strike then sees him to lie to Yasmeen that he’s seen a business advisor and suggests they sell up and move abroad! Gemma’s wake-up call An exhausted Gemma attends storytime at Speed Daal with the quads, but ends up falling asleep. A couple of the other mums gently take the babies from her, but Gemma will be seen being left upset when she wakes up and discovers what has happened. The stressed-out mum of four is told that she could do with some help. But Gemma doesn’t seem able to admit that she’s desperate for some assistance… Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Jay proposes, plus Gray feels desperate
Next week’s EastEnders spoilers (Monday 7 to 13 March 2020) see Jean getting increasingly suspicious of Suki, Gray lashing out and the possibility of two Walford proposals. Read on for more info… Suki found out? Plotlines in which characters fake illnesses only ever end one way: the attention-seeker gets caught out in a heated showdown. You’d have thought everyone on EastEnders, in particular, would steer clear of pretending they had cancer. Surely, Angie Watts’s classic “I’ve got six months to live” ruse is the stuff of local legend? It seems not, though, because Panesar matriarch Suki is the latest malingerer – and Jean is now determined to find out whether she’s lying about her diagnosis. EastEnders' Jay Brown for heartbreak as Lola faces a difficult decision EastEnders confirm return of Danny Hardcastle - but what does he want with Ben Mitchell? EastEnders' Chantelle Atkins in more danger as Gray erupts after huge news New pressure for Gray and Whitney Elsewhere, we have the horrible irony of Gray continuing to involve himself in Whitney’s legal battle. She, of course, stands accused of killing Leo, who subjected her to mental abuse. But lawyer Gray is also a master manipulator who regularly terrorises wife Chantelle behind closed doors when his temper frays. Viewers who fear those explosions of anger should be braced more violence now that he’s learned his firm has dropped Whit’s case. How will he react when Chantelle tells him to represent Whitney on his own? Jay proposes Jay has romance on his mind and will be seen secretly checking the engagement ring he’s planning to use in his proposal to Lola. The trouble is, Lexi catches him and Jay makes her promise to keep it a secret. The next day, Jay is practising proposals with Lexi when Lola suddenly arrives on the scene, all of which forces him to quickly come up with a cover story. Later on, an unsuspecting Lola returns home to a romantic lunch and is gobsmacked when Jay pops the question. What will be her reaction? Rainie’s dark past And Jay isn’t the only resident of the Square becoming preoccupied with the issue of marriage. Stuart is concerned about Rainie’s mood when an ex-‘client’ turns up at Cokers’, all of which results in her opening up about her history as a sex worker. Dredging up the past puts Rainie in a black mood and leaves Stuart at a loss as to how he can cheer her up. But after overhearing Jay and Lola talking, Stuart hatches a plan – to propose to Rainie… Patrick v Isaac Tensions will boil over between Patrick and Isaac during a lads’ night out – but is the paternity secret that Patrick has been keeping finally be revealed? A game of air hockey will be the catalyst for the clash, which sees Patrick receive a dressing down from the man he’s recently learned is his son. But will he retaliate by telling Isaac the truth about his family tree? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: Marlon gets angry, plus Cara asks Nate to leave with her
And Victoria's demons return to haunt her
What next for Marlon now that he's a free man? And is Nate headed for the nearest exit? All your Emmerdale spoilers for the week ahead, between Monday 2nd March and Friday 6th March 2020. Marlon’s stress levels rise When Cain gave Marlon that talking-to about toughening up in prison, I was hoping he’d emerge from his spell inside looking like Sylvester Stallone in Lock Up. The newly released Marlon isn’t quite that but there is definitely now a harder edge to him. On Monday, for instance, he’s left seething when he discovers that his angelic daughter April is being bullied at school by kids who have branded her dad a “murderer”. And the anger settings of the Woolpack chef will go from simmer to boil later in the week when he finds out that it was Charity who stole Kim’s money and then sat on evidence that could have led to him being freed from jail sooner. Emmerdale lines up more drama for Charity after Vanessa's cancer diagnosis Has Pierce Harris left Emmerdale for good? Emmerdale cast: who is leaving, returning to and joining the cast? Will Nate leave? Cara’s sole mission since arriving has been to prise son Nate away from his long-lost family. At the moment, she can barely conceal her attempt, making digs at everyone at her, with her target next week being Tracy. Nate suggests that Cara is being judgemental of Tracy in the same way as the Dingles once judged her. And Cain emphasises the point when he tells Cara that Nate should be free to make his own decision about Tracy. But what path will Nate take when Cara reveals that she’s leaving Emmerdale and wants him to accompany her? Trouble for Cain and Will Speaking of Nate, he’s also tangentially involved in a plot line unfolding elsewhere in the village. The firearm that Cain used to shoot him proves to be something of a….well, smoking gun when police reveal that they’ve discovered new forensic evidence on the weapon. But as Cain and Will anxiously discuss the matter, little do they realise that their actions are being observed by show newcomer DI Malone. Later on in the week, Will is forced to bury his unease when he’s questioned by both PC Swirling and DI Malone. Brace yourself for fresh revelations when the reason why Will fears Malone, who may well be secretly on the wrong side of the law… Victoria’s demons Will Victoria ever be able to move on from her horrendous rape ordeal? It’s the question we’ll soon be asking ourselves again when Wendy crosses a boundary by referring to herself as Harry’s “nana”. Vic tries to bury her concerns by allowing Wendy to babysit, so that she can spend some time with Luke. But when things get steamy between her and Luke, Victoria finds herself being viscerally reminded of Lee and pulls away. Is past trauma set to impact on her potential to find future happiness? In other news… Billy gets a job offer when Chas says he can work at the scrapyard to cover for Aaron. Plus Liam needs some enlightening when it comes to the offence he’s caused by buying Leyla gym membership for her birthday… Visit our dedicated Emmerale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 Coronation Street spoilers for next week: Bethany leaves, plus Sarah and Adam get married
The Platts are in the spotlight thanks to Sarah's wedding to Adam, as well as Bethany's exit from Weatherfield. But there's drama elsewhere too as Geoff continues to manipulate Yasmeen, while Jade makes a pass at Tyrone. Read on for all of your Coronation Street spoilers for the week ahead, between Monday 2nd March and Friday 6th February 2020. Wedding bells for Sarah and Adam Marriage fever has hit Weatherfield, something that I reckon is down to the fact that bride Sarah Platt and groom Adam Barlow look like they ought to be on the cover of one of those glossy magazines offering tips on how to have your dream wedding day. Amazingly, it appears that the two of them are going to get hitched without a hitch, which is more than can be said for the other residents thinking of tying the knot. Maria and Gary, for instance, have excitedly agreed on a date, but she’s currently unaware of the fact that he bumped off loan shark Rick Neelan in June of last year and buried his body in the woods. And then there’s Daniel, whose proposal to Bethany on Wednesday will be marred by him being half-cut and in possession of the ring worn by his late wife Sinead, who’s barely cold in her grave. And they say that romance is dead. Coronation Street's Sally Carman warns, "Ray's not finished yet" Bethany leaves after Daniel proposes with a "devastating" twist Nathan Graham teases Bailey family breakdown Bye-bye, Bethany Now, speaking of Bethany, it’s really beggared belief that she would have opted to stay around for so long. For the first 15 years of her life, she enjoyed an enviable, sun-kissed life in Milan. But then she rocked up here and, in no time at all, was feuding with local gangster Callum and getting sexually exploited by Nathan, before being shamed by the likes of Beth and Tracy for her admittedly ill-timed flirtations with Daniel. But then this is the path that most soap heroines seem to travel: arrive acting all carefree and bubbly, leave after being crushed and broken. So, I wish you well, Bethany. Here’s hoping you’ll be a little less cursed now that you’ve freed yourself from the shackles of the Street. And good luck to actress Lucy Fallon. It must be hard to make an impact in a screen family as well established as the Platts. But we, as viewers, never lost interest in Bethany, despite the writers often giving her far too much to cry about. Geoff pleads with Yasmeen Has there been a more disturbing sight on Corrie this year than Geoff serving up Charlotte Bronte the Chicken for Yasmeen to eat? The trouble is that a discombobulated Yasmeen doesn’t yet have the mental wherewithal to ditch her manipulative other half. Upcoming scenes will see Alya edging closer to discovering the truth when she persuades her gran that they should take a walk together after hearing that she’s been seen crying. But when Geoff returns to an empty house, he panics is reduced to tears himself. When Yasmeen comes home, she finds Geoff in an upset state and is once again persuaded to stay. When will her nightmare end? Jade misreads the signals Anyone who believed Jade’s vendetta against Fiz had come to an end needs to think again! Believing that Tyrone has the power to allow her to have increased contact with Hope, Jade calls round to see him in order to plead for more access. But an innocent Ty is blindsided when Jade’s attempts to get her own way result in her making a pass at him. Bad move, Jade. It’s not exactly a tactic that’ll endear her to an already suspicious Fiz. Nina makes plans Carla’s attempts to help Nina feel more settled on the Street look set to take an unexpected turn. Instead of joining Simon, Asha and Amy at a gig in town, Nina decides to join Roy on his night-time excursion to go bat hunting. Bonding over bats – who’d have guessed it was possible? Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 EastEnders spoilers for next week: will Whitney get bail? Keegan arrested, plus Bex leaves
All your EastEnders spoilers for the week ahead (between Monday 2nd March and Friday 6th March 2020), including the possible exit of Bex, drama in the courtroom for Whitney, plus Dotty making trouble for Ian... Can Sharon be helped? As grim as the outcome to EastEnders’s 35th anniversary week undoubtedly was, you can see why the writers decided that young Denny had to be the one to die. His demise certainly gives those left behind plenty of plot line fuel for the months ahead. We’ll have Phil and Ben rueing their revenge mission against Keanu, while Sharon mourns the loss of her firstborn as she tries to cope with the demands of a newborn. And let’s not forget Ian, who locked Denny in that cabin below decks, never guessing, of course, that within the space of 30 minutes, it’d start filling up with water. Having done such a rotten job at keeping some of his own kids alive, he now feels secretly responsible for the death of someone else’s. So I doubt Kathy’s advice on Thursday that he should be supporting Sharon will go down well. And what’s the betting that deceitful Dotty will use this voicemail message of a desperate Denny pleading with Ian to let him out of the boat to her own advantage? EastEnders airs Daniel Cook death scene as Adrian Edmondson leaves the cast Had you forgotten Lola Pearce dated Peter Beale on EastEnders? EastEnders introduces new deaf character following Ben Mitchell's boat crash horror Farewell, Bex I’m getting worried about the younger generation as they all seem to be being either written out or killed off. Louise went to Portugal, Dennis drowned, Keanu left on the Tube and now Bex is off travelling. If it carries on at this rate, it’ll be just Ian and Sharon sitting in the Vic eating pork scratchings and reminiscing about Walford Past. Mind you, I’ve perhaps been too quick to predict Bex’s exit because her passport has gone missing, just as she’s about to head out the door. It’s no surprise that it’s Sonia who’s responsible – after all, she does now have a reputation for being the household’s answer to Fagin. And when Bex confronts her mum, Sonia remains adamant that Bex is making the wrong decision. But as far as Bex’s poor life choices go, this is surely an improvement on drug abuse and writing mournful ballads like Boxed Up Broken Heart? Keegan’s arrest We’ve seen Keegan growing increasingly disillusioned with the forces of law and order in recent months after twice being targeted by racist police officers accusing him of crimes he hasn’t committed. Next week’s drama ups the ante further when Keegan and his wife Tiffany return home to find a burglar raiding their flat. After the thief barges his way out of the property, Keegan gives chase, all of which to a heated confrontation between the two men. But by the time the police have turned up on the scene, the intruder has fled and it’s Keegan who ends up being put in handcuffs. What’s Whitney’s fate? Gray’s temperament doesn’t exactly suit the tensions of a courtroom, so pity poor Whitney, who’s put her faith in the short-fused legal eagle. The chances of her returning back to the Square aren’t looking good, especially when an under-pressure Gray is tasked with proving to the judge that she isn’t a flight risk. When Chantelle starts to notice her that her husband’s stress levels are spiking, he responds by lashing out at her yet again before deciding that he’s dropping Whitney’s case. Has he doomed Whit to a future behind bars? Linda vows to stay sober The boat trip from hell has seemingly had more of an effect on Linda than a lifetime’s worth of sobriety meetings. Her promise to stay in the wagon appears to be holding, but on Thursday, Tina walks in on the Queen Vic landlady carrying her alcohol stash. Amid concerns that Linda is about to hit the bottle again, she protests that she’s merely binning the remaining bottles she’d been hiding. But will Linda be believed? Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 EastEnders spoilers for next week: Thames boat trip ends in death as BBC1 soap marks its 35th birthday
All the explosive action from the anniversary week
As anticipation builds for a dramatic week ahead, we take a look at the storyline spoilers for EastEnders's anniversary as Walford's finest take a disastrous trip down the river... Boat trip to disaster The undulating curves of the Thames have featured in the opening, aerial shot of every episode of EastEnders. And now, for the show's 35th anniversary, we're setting sail on the river itself for this much-talked-about boat party stunt. As with the recent ‘Who Killed Graham?’ mystery on Emmerdale, each of the week’s episodes will take place on the same day, but from the perspective of different characters. The cliffhangers will be the same moment of disaster, but it’s only on Friday that we’ll witness its immediate aftermath. However you may feel about this trend for narrative trickery and the stress testing of the usually naturalistic soap format (part of me thinks, “stop messing about and just tell the story!”), there are bound to be moments of high excitement. And in a neat tribute of which I heartily approve, the vessel itself is called The Smith-Holland – a nod to EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland. Bex Fowler drug storyline hints she could die in EastEnders's 35th anniversary Emma Barton calls for Honey and Billy reunion as she returns to EastEnders EastEnders 35th anniversary week: 24 characters in danger Kellie Bright reveals her 5 Walford icons Bobby in danger The bullying of Bobby Beale worsens as, following his harassment online, he's forced to defend himself after being confronted by a gang. As racial insults are hurled, Bobby tries to defend himself, Iqra and Habiba. But viewers can expect the situation to spiral out of control with Bobby left in need of emergency surgery after he gets beaten up. Ian's horror at what's happened will lead him to the party boat where he seeks out the person responsible for posting the internet insults. Later on, Denise spots a distraught Ian, who reveals what's happened to Bobby. But their conversation comes to an abrupt end when disaster strikes... Mitchell mayhem We're in danger of getting testosterone overload on Thursday as Ben goes to extreme lengths to get Callum back. Phil is also on the warpath because of what Keanu has done and takes matters into his own hands, threatening Karen in order to find her son. Will either of the Mitchells be able to stop Keanu before it's too late? And let's not forget Sharon in all of this - she ends up going into labour just as the boys are having their ultimate showdown... Mick helps Whitney We've already had one shock demise, what with Leo currently lying dead on Whitney's kitchen floor. Whit did, of course, kill her stalker in self-defence, but she's still terrified as to what the repercussions will be. In the end, she turns to Mick for help, but how will he react when learns what's happened? And how much will be prepared to risk in order to help her? Let's not forget also that there are also massive cracks in the Carters' marriage and - after spying Mick and Whit together - an already paranoid Linda finds herself spiralling even further out of control. Friday's big reveal Well, this is it: the night when we learn who dies. EastEnders began back in February 1985 with a death (Reg Cox, revealed much later to have been done in by Nick Cotton), so it seems only fitting that the grim reaper now claims another victim. But who will be the poor soul who doesn’t make it through to the weekend? We’ve recently learned that Jasmine Armfield is leaving, so surely Bex is the hot favourite to meet her maker? Mind you, the Carter family has been really prominent of late, so perhaps drunken Linda ends up inadvertently causing the demise of one of her own clan. Maybe Tina? Now, to a non-fan, I can see how this speculation may seem ghoulish. But it’s actually one of the main joys of soap: we get to experience a sneaky thrill witnessing the misfortune of others, while also being thankful that we haven’t chosen to spend our evening setting sail on an ill-fated party boat headed for catastrophe. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
5 Emmerdale spoilers for next week: who does Cain shoot? Is Vanessa's son still alive?
Plus Lucas is in danger and Rhona fears for her future
Discover all about the latest Emmerdale storylines with our spoiler guide to the week of the 17 to 21 February 2020: Shootout at Butler's Farm Thursday's crisis at Butler’s Farm sounds like the kind of drama the Cartwrights would have faced on the Ponderosa ranch in Bonanza. Rustlers are targeting livestock and Cain (who, out of the blue, has become a gun-wielding vigilante) ends up shooting someone who he spies approaching Moira in the darkness of the barn. Now, Cain has obviously assumed the shadowy figure is the person who’s been stealing the sheep, but he and Moira are set to get a surprise when they discover who’s really taken a bullet. Not that I want to sound nonchalant about this poor injured person, but I do hope that the cliffhanger scenes result in Cain and Moira being drawn back into each other’s orbit. Splitting them up was such a mistake, so I think I speak for all viewers when I ask for the pair to be reunited. Preferably before Cain morphs into the village’s answer to Charles Bronson in Death Wish. Who does Cain Dingle shoot in Emmerdale? 6 theories on the shock victim Lucas is in danger Cain isn't the only one packing heat this week - Lucas will be seen getting his hands on a gun while in the care of his mum Dawn. Thankfully Billy will be seen intervening before a shot rings out, but the drama continues when it turns out that the firearm belongs to Dawn's father Will. When Billy and Harriet confront him, Will implies that if they reveal the truth to Dawn, it could lead to her losing custody of Lucas. But will they agree to cover for him? And how will they get rid of the gun? Soap experiments: flashbacks, flash forwards, flashy camera angles - where will it all end? Is Johnny still alive? The big question Emmerdale fans were left with on Friday was: what did lawyer-turned-lunatic Pierce Harris do to Vanessa's son Johnny. Well, at the start of next week, Vanessa is still desperately concerned about her son's welfare, but is relieved when Pierce switches the baby monitor back on and she hears the sound of Johnny laughing. However, her captor then warns that if Vanessa steps out of line again he'll turn it back off. Vanessa is then left shocked by Pierce's confidence that he'll be able to convince Rhona that he's changed. But before he can tell her of his plan to win Rhona back, Pierce is distracted by a voicemail that's been left on Vanessa's phone. Who is it from and for how long with Vanessa be kept hostage? Meanwhile, Paddy is shaken to hear Rhona thinks that Pierce is out of prison and has tried to contact her. As tensions mount, Rhona shows Paddy the card she's found and it's clear that she's been left terrified by her discovery. Pierce confesses to killing Graham in Emmerdale - is Vanessa next? In other news... Despite pleas from Rhona that Charity should reconcile with Vanessa, the aggrieved pub landlady resolves to stop checking her phone for responses from the village vet. At the prison, a despairing Marlon gets an update on the status of the campaign to free him. Finally, Jai returns home early from his spell in rehab. Visit our dedicated Emmerdale page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.