Coco was a tear-jerking hit when it was released in the cinema, but to really nail the songs, you're going to have to practice. The story follows the fortunes of a 12-year-old boy, Miguel, as he is accidentally transported to the land of the dead and his plight to find his his great great grandfather, famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz. But he soon discovers that everything that is dead (and living) may not be quite as he first thought... Here are all the details for Disney Pixar's home entertainment release of this Oscar-winning instant classic. Is Coco available on DVD and Blu-Ray in the UK? Coco is available as both one disc and three disc special editions It can be ordered here. Is Coco available on Blu-Ray? A 3D Blu-Ray version of Coco will also be released on 21st May in the UK. It can be pre-ordered here. Is Coco available on iTunes? Yep, you can order here. Is Coco on NOW TV? Yes, you can watch it here Is Coco available on Amazon Prime? Yep, you can pre-order it here.
Star Trek's original series was misogynist says Kate Mulgrew - but she would still appear in Picard
The captain of the USS Voyager says there's more work to be done
Kate Mulgrew represented a giant leap for Star Trek when she took command of the USS Voyager in 1995. As the first woman to play a lead captain in the franchise, she knew what she represented. “Without question, playing the first female captain came with huge responsibility,” she told RadioTimes.com. (Read the full interview here.) “Not just to further these extraordinary ideas, given wings by Gene Roddenberry, but to do so with an intention and intelligence that would extend itself, in particular, to the women in my audience.” Speaking about the 50 year legacy of the Moon landing for her documentary The Space Race, now available on Audible, she noted that many women had entered the sciences after watching Voyager. She paid tribute to Gene Roddenberry, creator of the franchise, for his inclusive vision of the future. “Watching Catherine Janeway captain a starship empowered them in a way that nothing else could at that time. We’re talking about the 90’s in Hollywood. What they put on television is a harbinger of things to come.” “You are talking about a visionary, and his name was Gene Roddenberry. He foresaw what others could not see.” Nevertheless, we have not reached utopia yet. Mulgrew says she was not surprised by certain misogynist reactions to Star Trek Discovery, the newest, female-led series. “Did you watch the original series? It was extremely misogynist. That’s what it was for years and Picard followed that to a certain extent. Roddenberry himself was that way. We are simply going to have to change this sensibility, this ideology, and we are, but it’s like moving granite. It takes a long time. We are not a society that has endorsed females as equals to males on television.” Nevertheless, Mulgrew did not rule out a return to the franchise in Picard, which stars Patrick Stewart and picks up the story after the events of Voyager, when Janeway had been promoted to Admiral. “I might go back and talk to them, passionately, about the way, the truth and the light.” The Space Race is available now on Audible. Read the full interview with Kate Mulgrew here
Star Trek's Kate Mulgrew on the Moon landing and misogyny in space
The captain of the USS Voyager has charted a new course to the Moon
Depending on your age, the USS Voyager is as much of an icon as the Saturn V rocket. And for some, Captain Kathryn Janeway is a trailblazer in the same way as Neil Armstrong or Sally Ride. Now famous herself for being the first female captain to lead a Star Trek series, Kate Mulgrew has vivid memories of watching the Moon landing when she was young. “I remember the drama,” she told RadioTimes.com. “Television was not watched in my house growing up, so I knew the circumstances must have been absolutely extraordinary for my father to allow us to gather around it. “At that age what you are most thrilled about is that the adults seemed to be quiet and stunned. The conversation that ensued had a kind of electricity about it. My father was a political person and my mother was an intellectual and between the two of them it was 'how will we do this going forward, how will we fund exploration in space?'” These questions are at the centre of documentary series The Space Race, now available on Audible. It charts the Cold War contest between Russia and America and space travel's future, with Mulgrew providing the narration. When dealing with a subject full of historic speeches (“we choose to go to the Moon,” “that’s one small step for man,” “we came in peace for all mankind”) all delivered with the solemnity of a chisel cleaving marble, remembering that feeling of awe helped Mulgrew capture the right tone. Plus, years of delivering technobabble on Voyager helped with some of the technical jargon. “I was lost in the Delta Quadrant, not landing on the Moon,” says Mulgrew, “but I remember [Star Trek producer] Rick Berman saying to me once that the ‘Captain’ voice was Shakespearean in quality: we had to handle the language and show great authority in so doing. It was acting at a very high level!” That striving, inspirational tone drove the Apollo programme, and the era as a whole. The Moon landing was 50 years ago this weekend, but sometimes it feels even longer. President Donald Trump has promised American astronauts will return to the lunar surface within five years, but to Mulgrew, he’s no Jack Kennedy. “Now we have this clown Donald Trump, who has no vision whatsoever, so our space imagination has been blunted for the time being. I don’t think he has any intention [of returning to the Moon]: he’s not educated, he’s inept, and there is nothing of self-gain in space for Donald Trump, nothing promotional for him.” The spirit of technological achievement and cultural progress that inspired Apollo also lead to the creation of Star Trek. The first episode of the series – billed as “our galaxy-trotting future” in the Radio Times – aired the same week as the Moon landing. “Well now you are talking about a visionary, and his name was Gene Roddenberry. He foresaw what others could not see. The fact that Star Trek emerged at the same time is no accident. Roddenberry came into his own at exactly the time we recognised the value and possibility of material space travel.” Mulgrew herself represented a giant leap for the franchise when she took the helm of Voyager in 1995. Much as Star Trek has inspired generations of scientists and astronauts since its launch in 1969, Mulgrew saw it as her responsibility to inspire young women watching. “Without question, playing the first female captain came with huge responsibility. Not just to further these extraordinary ideas, given wings by Gene Roddenberry, but to do so with an intention and intelligence that would extend itself, in particular, to the women in my audience.” The Space Race itself begins with an imagined scene of the next, all-female crew of a lunar module touching down on the surface. They probably grew up watching Captain Janeway. “Hilary Clinton invited me to the Whitehouse at the end of my first season to speak to women in science,” Mulgrew says, noting that woman from all over the world have sought her out to thank her. “They came out of school, MIT, Harvard, Yale, and instead of going into research, sitting in the office, they said they wanted to go into the field – they wanted to go up! Watching Catherine Janeway captain a starship empowered them in a way that nothing else could at that time. We’re talking about the 90’s in Hollywood. What they put on television is a harbinger of things to come.” Of course, Hollywood in the 90s was not utopia. The path to true equality, or Star Trek’s Federation, is a series of small steps. Mulgrew is now equally well known for her starring role in Orange Is the New Black and has previously complained about gendered issues on the set of Voyager, including endless fussing with her character’s hairdo. “You will be aware of the ‘me too’ movement. You will be aware of all the problems of being a woman. Being a woman means you get to be attacked and subjugated and sublimated by men and all of the rest of it. It’s going to take years to correct this, and it’s going to mean we are going to go to another extreme, which is unfortunate. We don’t want to lose our sense of humour, but I’m afraid it’s going to be rather austere.” Meanwhile, the future of Star Trek seems secure, with a host of new streaming shows in the offing. Discovery, the most recent series, is female-led and has a diverse cast. It has divided fans, with some claiming a misogynist edge to the vitriol. Does Mulgrew find that surprising, given the show’s history of tolerance and acceptance? “I don’t think you should be surprised by that,” she says. “Did you watch the original series? It was extremely misogynist. That’s what it was for years and Picard followed that to a certain extent. Roddenberry himself was that way. We are simply going to have to change this sensibility, this ideology, and we are, but it’s like moving granite. It takes a long time. We are not a society that has endorsed females as equals to males on television.” With that in mind, would she return to Star Trek, perhaps in the new series Picard starring Patrick Stewart? “I might go back and talk to them, passionately, about the way, the truth and the light.” The Space Race is available now on Audible. Kate Mulgrew is currently filming Mr Mercedes, a serial killer drama based on Stephen King’s Bill Hodges trilogy
Who is the best Top Gear presenter of all time?
From James May to Chris Harris, Jeremy Clarkson to Angela Rippon, who's top of the gear?
Top Gear loves a pointless competition: train vs car, car vs other car, or presenter vs presenter. The BBC2 show has had a garage full of presenters since it started in 1977, from Angela Rippon to Chris Evans, Tiff Needell to Quentin Wilson or, of course, the trinity of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe. The best TV shows airing in 2019 Netflix release dates 2019 Listen to the RadioTimes.com Podcast now: subscribe on iTunes/subscribe on Google Podcasts With the new line-up of Paddy McGuinness, Andrew Flintoff and Chris Harris now off the starting line, it's time to ask: who is in pole position? Who is top of Top Gear? Top Gear is shown on BBC2 on Sundays at 8pm starting on Sunday 16th June
Jeremy Clarkson voted best Top Gear presenter of all time
Almost 5,000 votes were cast by RadioTimes.com users for hosts from the show's 40 year history
Top Gear loves nothing more than a pointless, over-ambitious competition, and there has been no competition more ambitious than RadioTimes.com’s Best Top Gear Presenter Ever poll. With 33 competitors drawn from the show’s 42 year old history, almost 5,000 votes were cast to crown the winner. “I’m overwhelmed,” said Jeremy Clarkson, overcome with emotion. “This is literally the 27th thing I’ve won, and it’s always special, but this is a particularly special moment.” Top Gear began in 1977 and has seen everyone from Angela Rippon to Julia Bradbury get behind the wheel. Clarkson himself joined in 1988 and was responsible for relaunching the show with an entirely new format in 2002. “I fear I may have won it by one vote, and that one vote was mine,” admits Clarkson, who had campaigned on social media for the title. He knew he was up against stiff competition. “Presumably Frank Page was second? I thought he would win it, frankly, that’s why I voted for myself, because I was worried about Frank. Him or Chris Goffey…or Angela Rippon…or Noel Edmonds…” Clarkson needn’t have worried as, out of almost 5,000 responses, he won almost three quarters of the vote. James May came in second with 9% (“well he’s used to that”) with fellow Grand Tour co-host Richard Hammond trailing in third with 5%. Andy Wilman, Clarkson’s longtime collaborator and producer of both Top Gear and the Grand Tour, received a single vote for his work presenting on ‘Old Top Gear’. “He did two very funny items on Top Gear,” remembers Clarkson, “one where he appeared naked!” That’s not to say that the ‘Clarkson, Hammond and May’ era dominated utterly. Chris Harris – the lone survivor from the otherwise disastrous Chris Evans reboot – placed fifth, while racing legend Tiff Needell (now of Fifth Gear) came in sixth. New boys Matt LeBlanc, Paddy McGuiness and Andrew Flintoff also placed in the top 10, as did classic Top Gear stars Vicki-Butler-Henderson and Quentin Wilson. The wide range of talent is a testament to the motoring show’s enduring legacy, as Clarkson remembers: “My first year on Top Gear I earned £180. It clearly wasn’t the money I was getting into it for, it was the kudos of being in the upper echelons of motor journalism. All I thought was rather than being told I could get the new Mercedes in February, I would be able to get it next week. Fantastic!” And although he has now left Top Gear for the Grand Tour on Amazon, does he see his old show having a bright future? “Well let’s wait and see. After 26 series you can judge whether it’s been a success or not. It was reborn in 2002 and just became about three clowns in cars driving along and laughing at each other. I’m not sure whether that’s a format that can be copied, but time will tell.” For now, he is just happy with his title of RadioTimes.com Best Top Gear Presenter Ever, surely the peak of a glittering career. “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted – all of the things Djokovic said at Wimbledon is broadly speaking how I feel now, that same level of emotion and achievement, all of that combined for this incredible clickbait award. I have absolutely no idea [why people like me], it’s just marvellous to be such incredible clickbait for RadioTimes.com.” “You should run ‘Best Grand Tour Presenter’ next and see who gets that.” RadioTimes.com Best Top Gear Presenter Ever – Top 10: Jeremy Clarkson (1988-15) – 74% James May (1999, 2003-15) – 9% Richard Hammond (2002-15) – 5% Chris Harris (2016-present) – 3% Tiff Needell (1987-01) – 2% Matt LeBlanc (2016-19) – 1% Paddy McGuinness (2019-present) – 1% Andrew Flintoff (2019-present) – 1% Vicki Butler-Henderson (1997-01) – 1% Quentin Wilson (1991-01) – 1%
Love Island first look: one couple are on the way out just as another arrive
Prepare to meet Francesca and Chris...eventually
Love Island is nothing if not a study of human relationships in microcosm. Which is why tonight’s episode – teased in a ‘First Look’ video on the official Love Island app – features the entire community coming together to decide which couples are allowed to continue to explore their budding romance, and which are banished from their homes and forbidden from loving forever. And perhaps cast adrift in the ocean, although they never show that part. It’s a situation we can all relate to…provided you're a character in a Shirley Jackson story. “Lucy and George, and Amy and Curtis, you are still vulnerable,” goes the text. “One more couple will be dumped tonight, the other couple will remain in the villa. Which couple stays and which couple is dumped will be decided by your favourite islanders.” Meet the 2019 Love Island cast Where is Love Island filmed, and where is the villa? Listen to the RadioTimes.com Podcast now: subscribe on iTunes / subscribe on Google Podcasts Cue whispered palace intrigue: “You’re best friends with Curtis, but we need to think about both couples.” “Obviously Curtis and Amy, they can’t really be in the same place together, it’s awkward.” “I feel like they’ve had their chance, I don’t feel like George has had the opportunity.” (Has someone been spying on the editors? George Rains has been almost invisible on the programme so far.) Amid all of the machinations, there are reminders that these are real people with real attachments. “If George leaves,” says a crestfallen Ovie, head in his hands. “I’m basically by myself.” Also, the islanders were warned by text of the approach of newcomers Francesca Allen and Chris Taylor, with lots of scuttlebutt about how this would shake things up. (“Should Belle be worried?”) Luckily for them, Francesca and Chris apparently decided to walk all the way to Spain, as the teaser features a ludicrously long sequence of them stomping up drive ways, down halls and around corners, all in slow motion. At this rate, they should arrive just in time for global warming to swallow the villa whole. Or they'll appear on tonight’s episode, whatever comes first. Love Island is on 9pm tonight, ITV2
Racing commentator John McCririck dies aged 79
The ostentatious broadcaster was a fixture at the track
John McCririck has died at the age of 79, his family has announced. Known as much for his ostentatious dress sense as his ebullient delivery, McCririck was a mainstay of racing coverage across ITV and Channel 4. In a tribute on Twitter, Racing Post called him “one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.” A well-known figure even outside of the world of punditry and ponies, McCririck’s personality lended itself well to appearances on reality programmes such as Celebrity Big Brother and Wife Swap. However, he was not without controversy. After being left out of the Channel 4 racing presenter team in 2012, McCririck claimed ageism. An employment tribunal later found against him, declaring that “all the evidence is that Mr McCririck's pantomime persona, as demonstrated on the celebrity television appearances and his persona when appearing on Channel 4 Racing, together with his self-described bigoted and male chauvinist views, were clearly unpalatable to a wider potential audience.” In a statement confirming his death, his family paid tribute to “his flamboyant broadcasting style from the heart of the betting ring [that] proved extremely popular with racing fans and beyond.” They noted that his interest in the sport and betting “began at Harrow where he was the school bookie. On leaving he worked for an illegal street bookmaker then legally on-course where he learned the art of tic-tac, clerking bets and making a book.” The statement confirmed that McCririck passed away at a London hospital on Friday 5th July, aged 79. He is survived by Jenny, his wife of 48 years.
Date of BBC1 Conservative leadership debate confirmed
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt will face off with Andrew Neil on 12th July
The two candidates for our next Prime Minister will make their appeals to a BBC1 audience at 7pm on Friday 12th July, in a series of interviews presided over by Andrew Neil. The programme will not be a head-to-head debate in the traditional sense. Instead, The Andrew Neil Interviews: Jeremy Hunt & Boris Johnson will feature two consecutive half hour interviews with the candidates. How to watch the Conservative party leadership debates on TV The formats of the various debates have been a point of contention, with Johnson previously refusing to take part in a planned Sky News debate, leading to its cancellation. Members of the Conservative party are currently voting, with the results of the final ballot set to be announced the week beginning 22nd July. Announcing the Interviews programme Fran Unsworth, Director of BBC News, said: “Andrew Neil is one of the best political interviewers on television. “He’ll be questioning the two candidates on behalf of audiences up and down the country, including the Conservative Party members who are voting for their next leader. Their decision will, of course, affect all of us, so we think it’s strongly in the public interest that we put the two candidates and their policy ambitions to the test.” The Andrew Neil Interviews: Jeremy Hunt & Boris Johnson will be broadcast 7pm, Friday 12th July on BBC 1
How much does each BBC TV and radio channel cost to run?
From BBC 1 to Radio 6 Music, here's what your money goes towards
The Licence Fee, and how the BBC uses the money it receives from its audience every year, can be a contentious issue. Yet how many of us actually know what our favourite programming costs to produce? Today saw the release of the Corporation's annual report, which lays out in detail how its budget is divided between channels and radio stations. As expected, the main channels receive the lion's share, with the content budget for BBC 1 (£1,106 million) and BBC 2 (£381 million) consuming the bulk of the £1,678 million spent on its television output. While an eyebrow-raising sum – especially on the day it was revealed that the proportion of stars receiving more than £150,000 per year has increased – the BBC calculates that it only costs 7p for each hour BBC 1 is used. Further down the line, children's programming carries a comparatively high cost (£62 million for CBBC, £30 million on CBeebies) while the BBC News Channel clocks in at £44 million. The Corporation's various radio services are a relative bargain, with £304 million spent in total. Radio 4, with its mix of news and entertainment, costs the most at £96 million. Zoe Ball, Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz broke into the previously exclusively-male list of top earning presenters this year, reflecting the importance of star-power to the corporation. Ball (who earned £370,000) took over from Chris Evans (£1.25 m) on the Radio 2 Breakfast show (station budget: £50 million). With the BBC putting more of its content out exclusively on the internet, BBC Online's budget ballooned from £182 million in 2017/18 to £214 million. Nevertheless, the reach of online channel BBC Three remained consistent, with the corporation estimating 8% of its target age-group (16-34 year olds) tuned in. By comparison, BBC1 is calculated to reach 66.7% of the entire UK population. On an individual basis, your monthly licence fee (£12.54 per household) is spent as follows: Television: £6.92 Radio: £2.17 BBC World Service: £1.24 Other services and production costs: £0.80 BBC Online: £1.08 Licence fee collection and other costs: £0.33
Why is Boris Johnson not taking part in Channel 4's Conservative leadership debate?
The frontrunner claims the event would be "cacophonous"
Viewers of Channel 4’s Conservative leadership debate may notice a significant absence: Boris Johnson. The frontrunner declined to take part in proceedings, which he claimed would be “cacophonous.” “I think it is important that we have a sensible grown-up debate,” he told the BBC’s World at One. “My own observation is that in the past when you’ve had loads of candidates, it can be slightly cacophonous and I think the public have had quite a lot of blue on blue action frankly over the last three years.” How to watch the Conservative Party leadership debates on TV The best TV shows airing in 2019 RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox Who are the other Conservative Party leadership candidates? Alongside Boris the other remaining candidates are Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid and Rory Stewart. They have all signalled their intention to attend Britain's Next PM: The C4 Debate which will be moderated by Krishnan Guru-Murthy (Sunday 16th June, 6.30pm Channel 4) and features floating voters putting questions to the candidates. Who is leading the race to become the next Tory party leader? Johnson came out of the first round of voting on Thursday 13th June with a commanding lead – winning 114 votes from Conservative MPs, with his closest rivals Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove at 43 and 37 votes respectively – and thus has everything to lose from appearing with his competitors. His rivals signed a joint statement on Thursday night, calling the contest a “critical moment for our country and our party.” "This leadership contest provides an important opportunity to debate, to shape and to define the ideas which will underpin those competing visions. That is why we are committed to taking part in the Channel 4 televised debates this Sunday and the BBC programme next Tuesday." What happens if Boris Johnson refuses to take part in the Channel 4 debate? Channel 4 previously threatened to ‘empty chair’ Johnson if he did not show up (leaving an empty lectern in his place to highlight his absence). Will Boris Johnson take part in any of the leadership debates? Johnson has agreed to at least one debate. The former Mayor of London will appear on a BBC debate on Tuesday 18th June. Our Next Prime Minister, hosted by Emily Maitlis, will take place at 8pm, only two hours after the second round of voting has eliminated any candidate with fewer than 33 votes. More voting rounds will be held until 20th June or only two candidates remain. Hustings start on 22nd June, when voting is opened to the wider Conservative party membership. Sky News has announced plans to screen a debate between the two finalists. The winner of the Tory leadership election will become the United Kingdom’s next Prime Minister, but Johnson is not the first prospective Prime Minister to demur. Theresa May, who will vacate Number 10 for whoever wins the contest, refused to take part in televised debates prior to the 2017 general election. Britain’s Next PM – The C4 Debate is on Sunday 16th June at 6:30pm
Radio 2's Bob Harris to take break due to illness
The presenter of The Country Show suffered an aortic dissection
Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris will be taking a break from broadcasting due to an illness. The Country Show with Bob Harris presenter suffered an aortic dissection while out walking ten days ago. In a statement, Harris credited his love of walking for saving his life. "For the past few years I have been walking an average of five miles a day," he said. "I am convinced that the level of fitness I have achieved during that time helped save my life." "I was an incredibly scary moment and I am massively indebted to the ambulance crew who attended so promptly, the Intensive Care team and the consultants at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and to my wife Trudie and my wonderful family who have rallied round me with huge love and support." Harris is not sure when he will return, but promised to be back on Radio 2 "as soon as possible." Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 said: "On behalf of everyone at Radio 2 and our millions of listeners, we wish Bob a very speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Wogan House when he's ready." The Country Show with Bob Harris is broadcast each Thursday evening at 9pm on Radio 2. Paul Sexton will present the programme on Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th June, with deputy presenters filling in on further shows.
Is the monster in Doctor Who's New Year episode a giant HOAX?
We've got a bone to pick with this promo picture
This New Year’s Day will bring the mother of all hangovers for the Doctor, as she battles a mysterious new villain in a much-anticipated special episode. But who is this monster, and what clues can we glean from this promo picture of Doc and the gang looking at some bones? Here’s what we know. According to the official synopsis, New Year will see “a terrifying evil…stirring from across the centuries of Earth’s history.” But which centuries? Well, if you look closely enough, you will see a book of Anglo Saxon history. If you’ve been watching Doctor Who for a while, you know how it loves to adapt old myths and legends. As such, your mind has probably immediately gone to Grendel, the monster in the ancient story Beowulf, who eventually had his arm ripped out of the socket by the titular hero. And you know what? We’re no experts, but we’re not seeing an arm bone on that table. Luckily, we know an expert: freelance bioarchaeologist Anna Davies-Barrett. Anna has both has the coolest job title in history, and is the better half of RadioTimes.com writer Thomas Ling. What does she think of the bones? Could they be the remains of the Horror of Heorot? “Coming from someone who looks at a lot of bones every day, those aren’t real bones.” Ah. “They look like plastic. They're fake.” Hmm. So it seems our mysterious bones are less likely to be from ancient times than Poundworld. What gives it away? “They’re kind of shiny, you can see little bits of chipping where the paint’s flaking off to reveal the plastic underneath. Fake ones start to look worn, and to the trained eye, you can spot it immediately.” OK. OK, we can work with that. The Doctor Who staff are smart cookies, so this must be deliberate. Perhaps the bones are supposed to be fake. The reference to ‘across the centuries’ might be a hint that this is a patchwork hoax, a low-rent Piltdown Man assembled for some mysterious and nefarious purpose, leading humanity to... “Ethically they wouldn’t be allowed to use real human remains [on television],” Davies–Barrett continues. “There are very strict guidelines on owning and storing human remains.” Right, so, basically, they're fake because fake bones are standard on screen. They look like they’ve been knocking around a cupboard for a few years, because they have. Real science apparently doesn't care about our fan theories. Despite most television shows these days featuring a charnel house of skeletons and decaying bodies, you are unlikely ever to see a real human bone on screen. This is why, whenever you go to see Hamlet, the skull of Yorick is likely to be plastic. (With a few exceptions, of course.) Once you start noticing the use of fake bones, it's hard to stop. For most people, Blade Runner 2049 is not a laugh-a-minute film, but then you’ve never seen it with a group of forensic archaeologists. “They just don’t lay out [the bones] correctly,” Davies-Barrett says with a chuckle. “So in a forensic TV programme, you expect them to do it in a forensic way, and it’s always completely wrong. It’s just funny, because we do it every day. I’m not doing forensics, but even still I would still lay out the skeleton exactly as it should be anatomically. It just completely takes you out of the moment.” So either the next big Doctor Who monster is Grendel, scourge of Scandinavia; or it’s a transtemporal, archaeological hoax; or everything you see on television is a lie. Or, possibly, you've just learned an interesting fact about the use of bones on screen, which isn't so bad, is it? Don’t get too upset. We’re only ribbing you. This article was originally published on 30 November 2018
Strictly Come Dancing 2018: semi final songs and dance list revealed
It's been a long road (albeit one that twirls around and around in tight circles like a Spirograph) but our Strictly couples are almost at the finish line. Here's the music they will be facing in this week's semi-final. Ashley and Pasha Paso Doble – Spectrum (Say My Name) by Florence + the Machine View oEmbed on the source website American Smooth – Ain't that a Kick in the Head by Dean Martin View oEmbed on the source website Lauren and AJ Samba – Rock the Boat by the Hues Corporation View oEmbed on the source website Tango – Nutbush City Limits by Tina Turner View oEmbed on the source website Stacey and Kevin Charleston – Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue by Spike Jones View oEmbed on the source website Viennese Waltz – You're My World by Cilla Black View oEmbed on the source website Faye and Giovanni Samba – I Go To Rio by Pablo Cruise View oEmbed on the source website Argentine Tango – La Cumparsita by Machiko Ozawa View oEmbed on the source website Joe and Dianne Argentine Tango – Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds View oEmbed on the source website Viennese Waltz – This Year's Love by David Gray View oEmbed on the source website Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 7:05pm on BBC1 Sign up to the RadioTimes.com email newsletter
Fiona Bruce announced as new Question Time presenter
David Dimbleby's replacement steps into the big Q
BBC News presenter Fiona Bruce will replace David Dimbleby as the host of Question Time, the BBC has announced. A regular face on the News at 10 since 1999, she has also presented Antiques Roadshow for 11 years. It is understood Bruce will continue to front these other shows even after taking over Question Time when the new series returns on the 10th January 2019. “It is an honour to be asked to take on one of the great political programmes of the BBC," she said in a press release, "particularly at a time of such historic change for the UK and tumult at Westminster. " She also had warm words for her predecessor, David Dimbleby, who has presented the show for 25 years. “For many years Question Time has been presented by one of my television heroes so I am thrilled and not a little daunted to be stepping into his shoes. But it is a programme I have watched for as long as I can remember and have long wanted to be part of. I can’t wait to get started.” Question Time, in which members of the public grill politicians, began under Robin Day in 1979. Fiona Bruce will be the first woman to present the show in its history.
Peter Jackson still wants to direct Doctor Who
Come on, universe, let's make this happen
Fans of Doctor Who are no stranger to alternate realities. In some parallel universe, Christopher Eccleston came back for the 50th anniversary. In another, the Daleks were robot spiders made with 1990s CGI. And in another timeline, not so different from ours, Peter Jackson directed an episode of Doctor Who. Jackson is a big fan – he owns a couple of Daleks and appeared in the spoof Five(ish) Doctors over the 50th anniversary – and at one point talks were so advanced, he even produced a comedy skit teasing his involvement. However, the Lord of the Rings director never found a space in his calendar – he’s been a bit busy directing the likes of Mortal Engines (in cinemas 8th December). But despite a change in showrunner and Doctor, Jackson is still open to the idea. “I haven’t had to chance because I’ve been so busy on these films,” he recently told Yahoo. “I just have to get invited, and asked, and if we can figure it out, I would love to do a Doctor Who.” Again, he has been very busy. “I haven’t actually seen the new Doctor yet,” he admitted, but offered up some of Mortal Engine’s mobile cities by way of apology. “We’ve got a few spare giant moving cities we could throw into the mix. We could offer that up to help the BBC budget!”
Who is X Factor 2018 judge Louis Tomlinson?
The One Direction star returns to the show that made his name as the "new Louis" on the ITV judging panel
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field might be husband and wife, and Simon Cowell might be the daddy of X Factor, but new judge Louis Tomlinson is truly part of The X Factor family. Here's everything you need to know about the fresh-faced judge, who's joined the panel for the 2018 series. The best X Factor 2018 auditions Who is new X Factor judge Ayda Field? View oEmbed on the source website Who is X Factor judge Louis Tomlinson? Name: Louis Tomlinson Age: 26 Twitter: @louis_tomlinson Instagram: louist91 Best known as: One of the boys in boyband One Direction. View oEmbed on the source website X Factor viewers might just recognise Louis Tomlinson. Born on Christmas Eve 1991, he made his start in showbusiness as an extra on the drama Fat Friends, as well as small roles in ITV dramas and Waterloo Road. Oh, also, in 2010 he placed third as part of the boyband One Direction, who went on to world conquering fame. After 1D dissolved, there followed the standard solo projects, but perhaps the most significant move was when he filled in as a judge on The X Factor in 2015. Now he's the 'new Louis' on The X Factor 2018 line-up, with Tomlinson hoping his perspective as both a musician and former contestant will help him in the no-doubt vicious battle with Robbie Williams and Robbie Williams' wife Ayda. View oEmbed on the source website Simon Cowell recently marked eight years since the One Direction bandmates first auditioned, showing Tomlinson his and his bandmates' original application forms. Judging by the video, Tomlinson wasn't too impressed with his headshot... View oEmbed on the source website Tomlinson is also a keen footballer player, a league or two ahead of your standard Sunday kick-about. After a charity game he was offered a development spot with Doncaster Rovers. He made his debut in the reserve team in 2013, and in 2014 moved to become joint owner of the club – although the deal later fell through. His personal life has been covered in excruciating detail in the tabloids. Perhaps most notably, in 2016 he had a baby with former stylist Briana Jungwirth. Tragically, his mother Johannah Poulston passed away later that year at the age of 43.
First Outlander season 4 trailer suggests shock character return
Listen closely to the end of the trailer. Could it be?
The first trailer for Outlander season four is a mix of New Worlds and old faces... or at least, voices. Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) are on the verge of the Revolutionary War in North Carolina, while in the 20th century their daughter Bree (Sophie Skelton) is preparing to travel back to meet them. And it's in this later period that the trailer's big shock occurs – just before she steps through the stones, a voice can be heard saying "sometimes life takes unexpected turns." View oEmbed on the source website That voice? None other than Tobias Menzies. View oEmbed on the source website As fans know, both of Menzies' characters have already died, but that certainly seems to be Frank Randall giving his adopted daughter advice. Outlander season 4: Tobias Menzies could make a surprise comeback as Frank Randall First look at Tobias Menzies playing Prince Philip in The Crown series three Even more shocking, the appearance of Randall is a departure from Diana Gabaldon's fourth book, The Drums of Autumn. And to top it all off, Menzies is now playing Prince Philip in The Crown, making his cameo here completely unexpected. Outlander producer Maril Davis however has hinted that Menzies could make an Outlander return, but that was before he was cast as Prince Philip. “You might see Frank come to our shores again,” Davis said. “In the books, there’s often flashbacks of Claire’s relationship and there are moments of Frank and Brianna’s relationship that we didn’t get to see. We love Tobias and I know not everyone is team Frank, but he’s so much fun to play with. “So yes, we might see him again.” Given that we're dealing with a show stuffed with time travel and flashbacks, it's certainly plausible that Frank could return in some way. But how? We'll have to wait until 4th November to find out what's really going on... Outlander season 4 is coming to the UK soon on Amazon Prime Video This article was originally published on 11 September 2018
Celebrity Big Brother winner Ryan Thomas thought 'police would call' after Roxanne punch row
The 2018 winner said it was time to move on from the CBB controversy: "I think she's been punished enough"
Celebrity Big Brother 2018 winner Ryan Thomas has spoken of his fears he "would be getting a call from the police" after the furore over his 'punch' of Roxanne Pallett. "I felt I was going to be getting a call from the police for doing something untowards to a woman," he told host Emma Willis after winning, "and that's not me." The controversy was the defining moment in a Channel 5 series marked by absences. First, porn star and thorn in President Trump's side Stormy Daniels did not appear on the show. Roxanne Pallett quits Celebrity Big Brother 2018 following ‘punching’ row Roxanne Pallett’s “intense” Celebrity Big Brother interview with Emma Willis was just what viewers wanted View oEmbed on the source website Then Thomas, like Ali, became famous for a punch he never threw – or at least didn't throw seriously. After some apparently playful mock sparring with Pallett, the actress became increasingly uneasy, later leaving the show. Talking to Willis, Thomas described himself as a "scared little boy" in the face of the escalating situation. "As it unravelled, as it became bigger and bigger, the thing that scared me the most was when Ben [Jardine] told me she couldn't stay in the room with me because she was scared. That rang alarm bells and then the game became real life for me." Thomas was given a warning by the producers, but the incident sparked a backlash online, and Thomas referred obliquely to such issues in his winner's interview. "We all know how something like that can stick on a man," he said. "I was glad we had 24-hour surveillance on us, because the point was proven." The public, seized by righteous fury, swiftly turned Pallett into a hate figure (she later apologised for the incident). Twitter reaction to Thomas's win was predictable... View oEmbed on the source website ...while some appealed for calm. View oEmbed on the source website Thomas said it was time to move on from the sorry saga, saying that Roxanne had been "punished enough" and that he was ready to forgive her. "If she wants forgiveness and it makes her feel better then I would rather give her that, because I think she's been punished enough by the public and people around her."
The reviews are in for the new Halloween sequel - and they're frighteningly good
The first Halloween is a classic. It introduced us to Michael Myers, one of films' most beloved serial murderers, and his beleaguered sister Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. The numerous sequels are less well remembered, going off on mystical tangents about Michael and Laurie's backstory or, in the case of Halloween III: Season of the Witch, not featuring the pair at all. Instead it told a story about haunted masks made from chunks of Stonehenge that melted onto kids' faces. The fact that Halloween III is one of the better remembered sequels shows how bad things got. The upcoming Halloween sequel – which is called simply Halloween because it's 2018 and filmmakers can't be bothered coming up with subtitles any more – ignores all previous sequels, and looks like it's getting back to the spirit of the original. It premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, with critics and fans screaming about it like Michael is stabbing them repeatedly with a potato peeler. Warning: some tweets contain swearing View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Note: 'The Shape' was how Michael was credited in the original. View oEmbed on the source website Yes, there is fan service... View oEmbed on the source website ...but mostly it's a spiritual return to form, rather than a series of in-jokes... View oEmbed on the source website ...even if it's not perfect. View oEmbed on the source website Look out for our own review nearer the time. Halloween will be released in the UK on 19th October, just in time for All Saints' Day.
Christopher Eccleston is back as Doctor Who for fans' wedding video
Well, they did need something old and blue. But when two Doctor Who fans were getting hitched, they probably didn't expect an appearance by the Doctor himself. Not that he was entirely happy about it. “That’s just typical," whinged Christopher Eccleston, back in character as the Doctor. "You fall in love, you get married, you’re really happy, and me, the Doctor, who’s saved the universe god knows how many times, doesn’t get an invite." "Doesn’t. Get. An invite. Typical of you apes, isn’t it?” View oEmbed on the source website Daww, he's a softie really. The surprise message for Liam and Blaine – or ‘Blame’ as the Doctor rechristens them – is a touching reminder that even if Eccleston left the series under contentious circumstances, he has always made time for the fans. Just try to listen to the last line without blubbing. “My two hearts are beating as one for you today. Congratulations on your wedding day, and I won’t be there in the blue box, but I will be there in spirit.”
How do I get tickets to St Petersburg Ballet's Swan Lake?
Swan Lake is one of the most beloved ballets in history – almost everyone can hum a few bars from Tchaikovsky's score, or sketch out the story (prince, queen, magician, curse, black swan, white swan, tragedy). Thus a production by one of the foremost companies in the world will be something to see. The St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is bringing Swan Lake to London for just seven nights in August. Here's everything you need to know to get tickets. Where is the St Petersburg Ballet production of Swan Lake playing in the UK? At the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane. What dates is it playing? There are only seven performances, from 22-26 August. Who is in the cast? Led by prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is famous the world over for its skill and lavish productions. Where else have they been? This production of Swan Lake has already visited Spain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, USA, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, China, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. It was previously staged in London in 2015. How do I get tickets? You can buy tickets here.
How do I get tickets for the Track Cycling World Cup?
Velodromes might be round, but for professional cyclists, they're a long road to glory. If you want to catch the biggest stars of cycling, from world champions to Olympians, you should make your way to London this December. The Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup is coming to the former Olympic Park in the capital this year, as the athletes compete for points at Tokyo 2020. We've got all the details if you want to be a part of it. When is the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup? The event runs from the 14th - 16th December 2018. Where is it taking place? At the Lee Valley VeloPark in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. How do I get tickets? You can buy tickets for each date here. Friday 14th December – 11.00 Friday 14th December – 19.00 Saturday 15th December – 11.30 Sunday 16th December – 09.00 View oEmbed on the source website
How do I get tickets to Dinosaurs in the Wild?
The thunder lizards of the past live again at Dinosaurs in the Wild. Using a mixture of puppets, robots and 3D films, accompanied by live actors, children can walk through a prehistoric landscape populated by Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus and the even-bigger Alamosaurus, learning real science along the way. It's an unforgettable trip back in time, and if you want tickets, here are all the relevant details. View oEmbed on the source website Where does it take place? Dinosaurs in the Wild takes place on the Greenwich Peninsula in London. Is it suitable for young children? The website advises it's suitable for ages 5 and up, but be aware that flashing lights, loud noises and big scary dinosaurs feature prominently. How long does it last? The average running time is 70 minutes, but it is advised to allow at least 90 minutes to enter and exit the building. Where can I buy tickets? You can buy tickets here. View oEmbed on the source website
Where can I buy tickets to The Big Feastival?
Food and music goes together like rock and roll. Taking place on Alex James's farm (the Blur bassist also hosts his own cheese hub) the Big Feastival feeds your ears, stomach and heart. From Basement Jaxx to Raymond Blanc, Paloma Faith to Andi Oliver, The Big Feastival combines the best food with the best music to make a fun festival for the whole family. Here's everything you need to know. When does The Big Feastival take place? Between the 24th - 26th August 2018. Where does it take place? On Alex James's Farm in the Cotswolds, near Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6UJ What is the line-up? You can see the announced musicians here, and the attending chefs here. Where can I buy day tickets? Friday Saturday Sunday Can I buy camping tickets? Yes. You can buy camping tickets, rent pre-pitched tents, or even draw up in your camper van! View oEmbed on the source website
How to stream and watch Black Panther, plus how to buy the DVD, Blu-ray
Black Panther is a world conquering phenomenon. The story of King T'Challa and the afrofuturist wonderland of Wakanda has redefined the meaning of blockbuster, taking over $1 billion at the box office and stunning critics. Wakanda is now the most important place in the Marvel universe, and a sequel is already in the works. Anyone wanting to spend more time with T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), Killmonger (Michael B Jordon) and Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) will be anxiously waiting for the home release. View oEmbed on the source website When is Black Panther released on Blu-Ray and DVD in the UK? The UK release date hasn't been announced yet, but you can pre-order both the single disc and two disc special edition here. Will Black Panther be available in 3D and 4K Ultra HD? Yes, both 3D and 4K versions will be available. View oEmbed on the source website When is Black Panther available to download from iTunes? Again, no release date as yet, but you can pre-order it here. How do I buy the soundtrack? You can catch the official Black Panther soundtrack already, featuring tracks from SZA, Kendrick and the Weeknd. It's great.
When is The Last Jedi out on DVD, Blu-ray and available to stream and download?
One of the boldest chapters in Star Wars history arrives in your home
For a 40 year old series, The Last Jedi proved that Star Wars still has the potential to surprise. From jaw-dropping twists to tragic ends, some fans thought it strayed too far from the formula, but no-one accused it of being boring. The home release is looking pretty special too, stuffed with special features and deleted scenes. Want to see Tom Hardy doing a Southern accent while dressed up as a Stormtrooper? No? Too late, it's in there! Here's how, when and where you can watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi at home. When is The Last Jedi released on DVD and Blu-Ray in the UK? The Last Jedi will be released in both a two disc and three disc special editions on 9th April in the UK. It can be pre-ordered here. Will The Last Jedi be released in 3D on Blu-Ray? A 3D Blu-Ray version of Star Wars will also be released on 9th April in the UK. It can be pre-ordered here. View oEmbed on the source website When will The Last Jedi be available to download from iTunes? The release date has yet to be announced, but you can pre-order here. When will The Last Jedi be available to stream from Amazon Prime? Again, you will be able to buy it from the 9th April, and you can pre-order it here.
When is Justice League out on DVD, Blu-ray and available to stream and download?
DC's mightiest heroes might have disappointed critics at the box office, but the extra features and deleted scenes of a home release might save the day. After all, you've got Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, backed up by Henry Cavill's Superman and Ben Affleck's Batman, in costume and fighting an alien invasion in the form of Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). Plus there's the debut of new faces Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and (Jason Momoa). The film is not lacking in fire power. Even behind the scenes you've got the combined efforts of Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon. The point is that this gang of heroes deserves a second shot. If you're holding out for a hero, here's how to pre-order Justice League in the UK. View oEmbed on the source website When is Justice League released on Blu-Ray and DVD in the UK? It will be available on 26th March. You can pre-order both the single disc and two disc special edition here. Will Justice League be available in 3D? Yes, a 3D version will be available on the same day. View oEmbed on the source website When is Justice League available to download from iTunes? It's already available here. How do I buy the soundtrack? You can catch the official soundtrack from Danny Elfman and Junkie XL here.
When is The Shape of Water out on DVD, Blu-ray and available to stream and download?
The Shape of Water was the unexpected critical darling of the 90th Academy Awards, taking home Best Picture and Best Director for Guillermo del Toro. The touching, romantic riff on the Creature from the Black Lagoon, starring Sally Hawkins as a mute cleaner in a secret government laboratory, Doug Jones as the amphibian creature with whom she falls in love and Michael Shannon as the corrupt military official who comes between them. The movie's success means the home release is more anticipated than ever. Here are all the details you need. View oEmbed on the source website When is The Shape of Water released on Blu-Ray and DVD in the UK? It will be released on 5th June 2018 in the UK. You can pre-order both the single disc and two disc special edition here. Will The Shape of Water be available in 4K Ultra HD? Yes, a 4K version will be available. When is The Shape of Water available to download from iTunes? No release date as yet, but you can pre-order it here. How do I buy the soundtrack? You can catch the official, Oscar winning soundtrack for The Shape of Water from Alexandre Desplat here.
How do I get tickets to Dara O'Briain: Voice of Reason?
It's not exactly hard to see Dara O'Briain. From Mock the Week to Robot Wars, Go 8 Bit to Live at the Apollo, the comedian is rarely off our screens. But now he's doing his best to visit you in person, with a massive tour across the UK and Ireland. If you want to come see Voice of Reason in a theatre near you, we have all the details you need. View oEmbed on the source website What cities is Dara O'Briain: Voice of Reason visiting? Upcoming tour dates include Aberdeen, Newcastle, Ipswich, Derry, Southend, Watford, Oxford, buxton, Hull, Basingstoke, Saint Helier, Leeds, Leicester, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Cheltenham, Preston, Glasgow, Hay, Nottingham, Leeds, Dublin, Telford, Belfast, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Brighton, Swansea, London, Cardiff, Canterbury, Edinburgh, Southampton, Coventry and Salford. Can I buy Voice of Reason on DVD? Not yet, but his previous tour Crowd Tickler is available here. View oEmbed on the source website Where can I buy tickets to Dara O'Briain: Voice of Reason? You can buy tickets to all tour dates here.
Silent Witness viewers in tears after emotional hug between Jack and Nikki
Fans are still waiting for the romance to blossom
Silent Witness had viewers in tears after a particularly emotional scene involving Jack (David Caves) and Nikki (Emilia Fox). The will they/won't they couple have many fans pining to see them get together. *Spoilers for Silent Witness series 21 to follow* The two have endured a fractured working relationship since Nikki's harrowing ordeal last season, when she was buried alive while the team were in Mexico. However, they appeared to put that to rest last night, sharing a massive hug after Jack learned about her post traumatic stress disorder. Silent Witness episode 4 recap: how did Nikki and the team identify the blackmailer and hacker? Meet the cast of Silent Witness The scene sparked a deep emotional reaction from fans: View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website And while both seem otherwise occupied with their own relationships, the hug added fuel to speculation the two are destined to be together: View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website View oEmbed on the source website Silent Witness airs Mondays and Tuesdays on BBC1