Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson are back - but who's joining them as the hit BBC drama returns for a third season? And where have we left the characters?
Here is your guide to all the cast and characters of The Fall series three. Paul Spector (played by Jamie Dornan) Yes, he’s alive. But only just. The new series finds Jamie Dornan’s serial killer clinging to life after being gunned down by jealous loyalist James Tyler at the close of series two. Jamie Dornan’s handsome psychopath is an unusual representation of a serial killer. Not the monstrous outcast we’ve been conditioned to expect, on the surface Spector is gentle and intelligent, working as a grief counsellor and a caring father to his two young children. But as we’ve come to learn over the course of this series, beneath that charming veneer lurks a vicious, calculating killer. One who meticulously plans his attacks on successful young women and has played a grisly game of cat and mouse with Stella that may finally come to a head this series. The first episode of series three sees Spector trapped in some sort of internal purgatory as he drives through a dark tunnel in his beat-up Volvo, racing toward a bright light (not the most subtle metaphor, it has to be said). Back in the world of the living, a team of medics engage in a blood soaked battle to keep him alive so he can finally face justice for his crimes. Where have I seen Jamie Dornan before? As well as Spector, Jamie plays another charismatic man with a dark secret in the form of billionaire Christian Grey in E. L. James adaptation Fifty Shades of Grey, a role he will reprise in its two sequels. He'll crop up next month in The Siege of Jadotville on Netflix before starring in The 9th Life of Louis Drax. Stella Gibson (played by Gillian Anderson) Icy, uncompromising, Gillian Anderson’s implacable detective arrived in Belfast charged with conducting a cold-eyed review of a murder investigation – only to become increasingly obsessed with the man-hunt for the elusive killer. After two series of dedicating every atom to tracking down Dornan’s smooth psychopath, Stella finally had the chance to face the smirking monster – only for the opportunity for closure to be ripped away by that fateful shooting in the woods. In the new series, Stella is under mounting pressure to close the case as the powers that be start to question her handling of the case. She also has to face some uncomfortable questions about her close attachment and affinity to Spector. “Why did you run to him?” DS Tom Anderson challenges her in the first episode. “You sounded anguished?” Will this be the series where Stella finally gets her man? Where do I know Gillian Anderson from? Gillian's had a career spanning more than two decades - take your pick from The X-Files, Hannibal, War and Peace, and Great Expectations. She'll be seen as modern god Media in a TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. Jim Burns (played by John Lynch) Stella’s boss in the PSNI who somehow always manages to make a difficult situation worse despite the best of intentions. He had an affair with Stella several years previously and, despite being married, clearly continues to hold a torch for her, culminating in his clumsy, drunken attempt to force himself on her last series. After spending much of series two trying to extricate himself from a corruption scandal, Burns is once again scrambling to keep his job when he’s summoned to see the top brass to explain just how a notorious serial killer ended up bleeding out at a crime scene when he was supposed to be in police custody. He manages to buy himself and Stella some time by promising he can “manage” his irrepressible colleague. Good luck with that, Jim. Where do I know him from? John most recently appeared in BBC1's One of Us, and has also cropped up in Merlin, Shetland and Silent Witness. Sally Ann Spector (played by Branagh Waugh) It’s been a tough time for Sally Ann Spector. Initially unaware of her husband’s dark side, she inadvertently becomes embroiled in his crimes without realising. She even covers for Spector when the police first come calling, believing at the time that he is having an affair with their 15-year-old babysitter. It’s little wonder she’s taken her two children off to a remote farm to stay with her parents. Now pregnant with their third child and horrifyingly aware of her husband’s true nature, Sally faces an uphill task to convince the police and those around her that she had no part in his crimes. Even more worrying, her daughter Olivia is becoming increasingly curious about her daddy's absence and starts snooping through her laptop to find the truth. Where do I know Branagh from? She played Cheryl Brady on Hollyoaks for five years and will appear in horror series Channel Zero next year. Katie Benedetto (played by Aisling Franciosi) Aisling's impressionable teenager started out innocently enough. A 15-year-old schoolgirl and gifted musician who develops a little crush on the husband of the family she babysits for. Fast forward three series and Katie couldn’t be more different. Now firmly ensnared in Spector’s life, she’s been left tied up in his hotel hotel room, broken into a house wearing a shirt which bares his mugshot, and disposed of evidence implicating him in the murders. That particular tangle with the law has left the Katie trapped with her mum under house arrest at the start of the new series. But when she learns of the attack on Spector she hatches a plan to break her bail and visit him in hospital. Where do I know Aisling Franciosi from? Since being cast in The Fall, Aisling has appeared in Vera, Legends and Game of Thrones, where she cameoed as Lyanna Stark (aka Jon Snow’s mum!) DS Tom Anderson (played by Colin Morgan) Joining the investigation in series two, Colin Morgan’s handsome detective is invited to join Stella’s team after impressing her with his police skills (not to mention his undeniable good looks). Groomed to look like Spector’s mirror image by Stella, Tom is tasked with arresting and interviewing Spector to become his friend. This strategy becomes even more uncomfortable when he embarks on a quick fling with Stella. The first episode of series three finds Tom in a much darker place. Having been caught in the crossfire during Spector’s shooting, he suffers severe nerve damage to his arm and is left waiting to learn if he will ever be allowed to return to policing again. Where do I know Colin Morgan from? He played the title role in BBC’s family drama Merlin, of course, and has also appeared in Humans and The Living and the Dead. Dr Joe O'Donnell (played by Richard Coyle) A new addition for series three, Richard Coyle's charming doctor is tasked with overseeing Spector’s treatment when he is rushed to hospital at the start of episode one. But saving the life of a serial killer presents far more challenges than just blood transfusions and inserting breathing tubes. With some of the medics on his team reluctant to save a man with such scant disregard for human life, it falls to Joe to rally his team to do their duty so that Spector can live to face justice. Where do I know Richard Coyle from? He's best known for playing Jeff in two series of Coupling, and has also appeared in Crossbones, Covert Affairs, and Strange. Coyle is also currently starring in Amazon's period fashion drama The Collection. Nurse Kiera Sheridan (played by Aisling Bea) A smart, successful, independent woman with dark hair? Nurse Kiera may want to keep her wits about her when caring for the unconscious Spector in his hospital bed. Where do I know her from? A successful actress, comedian and writer, Aisling has appeared in Trollied, the Edinburgh Fringe, and numerous panel shows, including 8 out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You. Dr Larson (played by Krister Henriksson) Another new addition to series three, we know little about Krister Henriksson's character Dr Larson – but the actor who plays him will be extremely recognisable to a certain audience... For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Where have I seen Krister before? The Swedish crime drama legend played the original Wallander for almost a decade, the Swedish TV series shown on BBC4. Creator and director Alan Cubitt says he wasn't cast because of his Scandi crime associations – although he was still nervous when Henriksson walked on set. "I was surprised how nervous I was when he first came on set but I was aware that this was an actor who had worked with Ingmar Bergman on a number of occasions, very experienced and a highly regarded stage actor," Cubitt said. "In fact he was a dream to work with, a lovely, special man. He has the qualities that I’m always looking for in The Fall, an understated emotional intelligence, and the capacity to subtly express great depth of feeling through the eyes, a humanity, and vulnerability."
Who is Oliver Nohl-Oser? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
Honesty is the best policy for this wannabe James Bond
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Oliver Nohl-Oser Age: 33 Occupation: Co- owner, The Cumbrian Sausage Company Lives: Wiltshire Follow on Twitter: @olivernohloser He says: “Sometimes I feel like James Bond when I’m in my suit.” View oEmbed on the source website Profile: Founder of a sausage manufacturer which supplies supermarkets both in the UK and internationally, Oliver believes his greatest business skills lie in his marketing ability and his powers of persuasion. When it comes to winning, he regards honesty as the best policy but says he won’t be befriending other candidates as he wants to focus on the prize. Still, even if he doesn't triumph he's picked up a great new nickname from Lord Sugar – Porkos, which his own company has been quick to pick up on... View oEmbed on the source website Personality: You might think a man who owns a sausage factory but compares himself to James Bond would be a classic Apprentice wide boy but based on our first encounters with Oliver he actually seems rather sweet and unassuming (presumably he gets a genuine childlike thrill from dressing up in a suit). He does have a temper, he warns, but generally is "just a jolly good laugh". Hope everyone excited for tonight!? #TheApprentice #epic pic.twitter.com/D3Jt0PN2PN — Oliver Nohl-Oser (@olivernohloser) October 20, 2016 In the second task he was accused of not contributing, so he takes a more central role in this week's episode. But can his experience in the sausage industry really translate to sweet-selling success?
Who is Paul Sullivan? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
The "self-proclaimed charmer" insists he's not here to make up the numbers
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Paul Sullivan Age: 38 Occupation: Owner, Marketing Agency Lives: Chigwell, Essex Follow on Twitter @Modedaweb He says: “I'll play the team when I need to be part of the team, but I'm here to win; I'm not here to make up the numbers.” View oEmbed on the source website Paul is the owner and director of a marketing company specialising in finance, technology, construction and property. He is a self-proclaimed charmer but doesn’t think he needs a ‘USP’ to win; consistency and sincerity will put him ahead. View oEmbed on the source website After project managing Team Titans in week one and leading them to victory, Paul thinks he's on a hot streak - and no matter what happens, we can tell he always has a potential sideline as a professional punner.
Who is Sofiane Khelfa? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
"I’m like a chameleon. I adapt to anything, anywhere, anytime” – meet the businessman hoping to impress Lord Sugar
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Sofiane Khelfa Age: 32 Occupation: Senior Sales Executive, Technology Lives: Essex Follow on Twitter @sofiane_khelfa He says: “The best survivors in the world are the people who adapt, and I’m the best at adapting. I’m like a chameleon. I adapt to anything, anywhere, anytime.” View oEmbed on the source website Sofiane left his home country of Algeria aged 19, deciding to come to England with his French passport (he was born in France) to find a better life, somewhat inspired by his love of UK football teams. Leaving his family behind, he arrived in England and taught himself English, and hasn't looked back since. Sofiane works in a high-end retail store, negotiating technology sales with high profile clients. He says he has the ability to adapt, deliver and build lasting relations with people in business, but his friends would say that he can sometimes be overzealous. He believes when he gets down to business, his skills and personality will shine through.
Who is Courtney Wood? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
This Essex lad think his cutthroat tactics will help him reach the top
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Courtney Wood Age: 29 Occupation: Owner, Novelty Gift Company Lives: EssexFollow on Twitter @courters_wood He says: “How would I describe myself in one sentence? I'll give you one word: awesome.” View oEmbed on the source website Designing novelty gifts for national and international retailer, Courtney describes himself as fun with a positive attitude and believes his confidence is one of his strongest attributes. He says he is not one to sit back and plans to assert his authority in the process. He thinks his cutthroat tactics will help him reach the top. However, over the weeks Courtney has struggled with pitching and public interaction – will he be able to excite the interviewers with his design ideas, or will they be bored to tears?
Who is Frances Bishop? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
The "pocket-rocket" believes her feisty personality will impress Lord Sugar
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Frances Bishop Age: 25 Occupation: Owner, Children's Clothing Company Lives: Doncaster She says: “I’m a pocket rocket. I’m quite fiery and live by the rule ‘kill them with kindness’.” View oEmbed on the source website Frances is the owner of a children’s clothing boutique and describes herself as talkative with a feisty personality, which she believes is what has got her so far in the business world. She wants to impress Lord Sugar with her strong positive outlook. Notably, in her time on The Apprentice Frances has been on the losing side the most often of the remaining candidates – however, when project managing she has triumphed. Can her business plan break her losing streak, or will she fall foul of Claude Littner and the other interviewers?
Who is Jessica Cunningham? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
"There is no competition if you're already winning,” says the fashionista and PR guru
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Jessica Cunningham Age: 29 Occupation: Online Fashion Entrepreneur Lives: Derbyshire Follow on Twitter: @TheProdigalFox She says: “A motto I live by is: there is no competition if you're already winning.” View oEmbed on the source website Not content with running her own online fashion company, Jessica is also the Operations Director for a PR and marketing agency. She believes her positive helpful attitude will propel her through the tasks, and says she wants to get close to the other candidates to find out how they operate, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and attempt to use them to her advantage. Despite apparently being a very capable business person, Jessica is definitely up for "a laugh". She describes herself as a female Jim Carrey, and throughout the process her unconventional business style and sense of humour has divided viewers and her fellow candidates. Sure, she's great at pitching and a real one-off – but can her business plan for a new clothing business impress Lord Sugar and his interviewers?
Who is Grainne McCoy? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
The makeup artist is hungry to earn her first million
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Grainne McCoy Age: 31 Occupation: Owner, Makeup Studio Lives: Northern Ireland Follow on Twitter @grainnemccoy_ She says: “I need guidance and a little bit of mentoring to help me make that first million.” View oEmbed on the source website Grainne works throughout the country on projects from film sets to fashion shows. She says her hunger and passion push her to succeed and she puts maximum effort into everything she does. She is confident that her self-belief and strong-mindedness will see her through the tasks. Over the course of The Apprentice process, Grainne's organisation, pragmatism and level-headedness have been praised, but recent weeks have seen her more out of her depth. Can she turn things around in the interview process, or will Lord Sugar's interviewers tear her ambitious business plan to shreds?
Who is Alana Spencer? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
The baking businesswoman will stop at nothing to get what she wants
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Alana Spencer Age: 24 Occupation: Owner, Cake Company Lives: Ceredigion, Wales Follow on Twitter @Alana_Spencer She says: “I am incredibly hard working, driven, and I'll stop at nothing to get what I want.” View oEmbed on the source website Describing herself as determined, creative and charming, Alana started her first business, a chocolate company, at age 17 before moving on to selling cakes. She believes she is an adaptable businesswoman who will not shy away from any task Lord Sugar sets. Early in the process Alana struggled with the pressure, and now believes she has come out the other end stronger. But will she be able to convince Lord Sugar's interviewers that she's up to the task of becoming Lord Sugar's business partner?
Who is Dillon St Paul? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
The Irish charmer hopes telling a few little white lies will help him come out on top
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Dillon St Paul Age: 37 Occupation: Art Director, Fashion Magazine Lives: Dublin, IrelandFollow on Twitter @DillonStPaul He says: “Sometimes batting the eyelashes can get you a lot in business. Hence, the mascara comes in handy – so they can see those lashes.” View oEmbed on the source website Profile: "Super-creative" Dillon describes himself as talented, kind and very funny. He intends to be 'Machiavellian' about tasks and says he will tell white lies if he needs to. Apprentice candidate Dillon St Paul is actually an Irish reality TV star Personality: As his name and occupation might suggest, Dillon is groomed to within an inch of his life, with tinted eyebrows and a beard shaped with a laser-guided trimmer. We can't wait to see Lord Sugar's reaction when he tries batting those mascaraed eyelashes at him...
Who is Trishna Thakrar? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
Can the former football star score a win with Lord Sugar?
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Trishna Thakrar Age: 28 Occupation: Recruitment Agent, IT Lives: London Follow on Twitter @TrishSpurs She says: “My only tactic is to be myself; this alone will make sure I win.” View oEmbed on the source website Trishna used to play football semi-professionally, and says her friends would describe her as engaging and funny. She believes her best business skill lies in her charm, but suspects her sensitivity could be her downfall as, if you cross her, she will not hold back. As the weeks have gone on Trishna has proven capable in certain tasks, but has clashed with other candidates (particularly Jessica Cunningham), and often cited her frustration with how her fellow contestants acted. Only time (and this week's task) will tell if she can put her differences with the other candidates aside to achieve great success.
Who is Mukai Noiri? The Apprentice 2016 candidate guide
“I feel sorry for Lord Sugar because previous applicants have been weak,” says the "charming" marketing manager
The Apprentice 2016 contestants: Mukai Noiri Age: 35 Occupation: Digital Marketing Manager, Fashion Lives: London He says: “I feel sorry for Lord Sugar because previous applicants have been weak.” View oEmbed on the source website Mukai has lived in over six countries across three continents and recently gave up his position as a senior communications manager to focus on his business idea. He believes his charm is one of his strongest qualities, though he is a straight talker which he thinks some people might perceive as being insensitive. Unfortunately, after a disastrous tenure as PM in the second task (which saw neither team declared the winner), Mukai is in Lord Sugar's bad books already. Can he turn things around and go further in the process? The Apprentice 2016: meet the candidates
From Philip Glenister to Karla Crome meet the women and men starring in ITV's gripping new crime drama
The past proves hard to escape and family ties are broken when DS Nancy Devlin (Karla Crome) finds herself at the centre of a murder investigation in ITV’s gripping crime thriller The Level. When a clandestine meeting ends in murder, Nancy risks having her dark secret exposed. Nursing a bullet wound and desperate to cover her tracks, she's forced to tread a very dangerous line when she returns home to Brighton to head up the murder investigation. Joined by Philip Glenister, Downton's Rob James-Collier, Laura Haddock, EastEnders star Lindsey Coulson, Amanda Burton and Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), Crome leads a cast full of promising talent. Here’s your who’s who guide… Karla Crome Who does she play? DS Nancy Devlin, a good cop with a dark secret whose link to drug trafficker Frank Le Saux risks being exposed when she’s asked to investigate a murder. Where do I recognise her from? Karla Crome is most recognisable as tough-cookie-with-x-ray-vision Jess in later series of Misfits. She's also won rave reviews for BBC drama Murder and starred in Hit & Miss, Under the Dome, Prisoner's Wives and most recently as Layla in Sky1's You, Me and the Apocalypse. Philip Glenister Who does he play? Frank Le Saux, shady owner of a haulage firm which acts as a front for a drug trafficking ring. Where do I recognise him from? Glenister’s career has spanned three decades and is packed full of recognisable projects. Take your pick from Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Mad Dogs and Outcast... In his early years, the actor made appearances in Vanity Fair, Roger Roger, Clocking Off and Hornblower, going on to grace screens in State of Play, Cranford and Calendar Girls. More recently he's made appearances in David Walliams' BBC1 comedy Big School, From There to Here and C4 series For the Love of Cars. Noel Clarke Who does he play? DS Gunner Martin, a moody detective who has suspicions about Nancy’s intentions in the investigation. Where do I recognise him from? Noel Clarke is a prolific writer-director of feature films, including Sam Peel trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and 2016's Brotherhood, and picked up the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2009. On TV, he’s appeared in Chasing Shadows, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and, of course, as companion Mickey (boyfriend of Billie Piper's Rose Tyler) in Doctor Who between 2005-2010. Laura Haddock Who does she play? Hayley Svreck, Frank’s daughter, who starts asking questions about her father’s business when she returns to Brighton. Where do I recognise her from? Mostly big summer blockbusters like The Inbetweeners Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain America: The First Avenger. Haddock also starred as Lucrezia Donati in Da Vinci’s Demons, as well as appearing in Ripper Street, The Musketeers and Luther. Lindsey Coulson Who does she play? DCI Michelle Newman, head of the murder investigation who has her eagle-eyes trained on Nancy’s suspect decision-making. Where do I recognise her from? Lindsey Coulson is best known for playing Carol Jackson in EastEnders. Her other TV credits include Clocking Off, New Tricks, The Street, Murder Investigation Team and The Stepfather (alongside her The Level co-star Philip Glenister). Amanda Burton Who does she play? Cherie Le Saux, Frank’s enigmatic wife who may know more about his shady business dealings than she lets on. Where do I recognise her from? Amanda Burton began her TV career playing Heather Huntingdon in Brookside and has since had long-running stints in both Silent Witness (playing Professor Sam Ryan) and Waterloo Road (as headteacher Karen Fisher). Rob James-Collier Who does he play? Kevin O'Dowd, Nancy's co-worker and on-again-off-again love interest whose arrival in Brighton further complicates the investigation. Where do I recognise him from? Rob James-Collier is best known for playing devious butler Thomas Barrow in every series of Downton Abbey which came to an end last Christmas. He also had a two-year stint as Liam Connor in Coronation Street. Kelly Harrison Who does she play? Delia Bradley, a single mother of two children who once had an affair with Frank, a secret he is keen to keep hidden from his family. Where do I recognise her from? Kelly played Nikki Marshall on Casualty until 2004 and has also starred in Nina and the Neurons, Happy Valley and Safe House. Ruth Madeley Who does she play? Julie, Nancy’s colleague at Brighton CID who assists with the investigation. Where do I recognise her from? Born with a spine defect, Ruth was nominated for a BAFTA earlier this year for her work in BBC3 TV movie Don’t Take My Baby. She has also cropped up in Fresh Meat and Half Moon Investigations. Gary Lewis Who does he play? Gil Devlin, Nancy’s ex-cop father who forces his way back into her life when she returns to Brighton. Where do I recognise him from? Gary Lewis has enjoyed a long acting career and is best known to many for playing the father to Billy Elliot in the 2000 smash hit. In recent years he has appeared on TV screens in One of Us, Outlander andSilent Witness. Suzanne Packer Who does she play? Teresa Devlin, Nancy’s mother who is staying in a psychiatric hospital during the first episode. Where do I recognise her from? Suzanne Packer has had decade-long stints in both Casualty and Brookside (as Tess Bateman and Josie Johnson, respectively), and recently appeared in the fifth series of Stella. Lorne MacFadyen Who does he play? Darryl Quinn, the Le Saux’s family driver who helps to comfort Hayley when the murder investigation begins to take its toll on her. Where do I recognise him from? Lorne Macfadyen's biggest role to date was as Phil Wilkinson in series two of Grantchester. He’s also appeared in Shetland and a number of short films. Jane Hazlegrove Who does she play? Gail Vincent, a detective with Brighton CID who is assigned to the murder investigation Where do I recognise her from? You’ll probably remember her from her ten-year stint as Dixie on Casualty, but she’s also appeared in everything from The Bill to Heartbeat. The Level is on Fridays at 9pm on ITV
What time is X Factor Judges' Houses on TV on Sunday night?
Nicole gets on a jet ski, Louis parties in Ibiza and Robbie Williams is back as the remaining acts jet off to glamorous locations around the world
It’s Judges’ Houses time again this week as The X Factor draws tantalizingly closer to the live shows. History tells us anything goes as the remaining contestants battle for a place in their mentors’ final three. We’ve seen all sorts in previous years. Chico leaping into a swimming pool – microphone in hand – after singing Livin’ la Vida Loca for Sharon Osborne. Sinitta walking through Simon’s patio door wearing a fine selection of foliage. And a grown man by the name of Rylan Clark bawling into a cushion as Nicole Scherzinger told him he was going to be on her team. So what do we have in store this year? Here’s a sneak peek at the action… Wildcards Before everyone sets off to their destinations, there’s the small matter of this year’s Wildcard picks. Every year each judge nominates one act for one of their fellow judges who they feel missed out on a coveted place at Judges’ Houses. Louis nominates the Girls Wildcard, Nicole nominates the Overs Wildcard, Sharon nominates the Groups Wildcard and the Boys Wildcard is nominated by Simon, making it seven acts in each category and 28 in total. But will your favourite act make it through? Nicole takes her boys out on the water Having landed the Boys group, it’s safe to say Nicole is feeling pretty confident about her chances of victory this year. “I think that I might have the winner of X Factor 2016 right here,” she tells her chosen seven as they reconvene at her favourite spot in the South of France. She’s so confident, in fact, that she decides to take her boys out on the water for a spot of Jet Skiing and water sports before the serious business of singing and performing starts. Louis parties in Ibiza with the groups Louis Walsh takes his groups to a party at the legendary Ibiza Rocks to give them some much-needed R&R. He even drafts in Craig David to offer them a few words of encouragement before their final performances. Craig's surprise appearance certainly has the desired effect on Ottavio and Bradley – "He’s so inspirational… and he’s very hot." Focus, Ottavio! Naturally, it’s not long before Louis joins the revelers on the dance floor. Let’s hope he’s in a fit enough state to actually judge the performances come the morning. Robbie’s back! Honey G may have caused some controversy after being drafted in to replace Ivy Grace Paredes, but all eyes will be on Robbie Williams when he returns to The X Factor to help Sharon whittle down the Overs to her final three. Yes, it’s the big question: will he do another Sinitta? Remember 2011? That glorious year when Robbie shocked everyone (mainly Gary Barlow) by appearing at the judge’s house wearing a foliage bikini in the style of Cowell’s long-term pal Sinitta? Want to see if he wears another eye-popping outfit (oh, and who makes it through to the live shows)? You’ll have to tune in to find out… So, what time is X Factor on TV? See all of that and more from 7.30pm this Sunday 2nd October on ITV.
Daisy Ridley, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench board Murder on the Orient Express
Michelle Pfeiffer, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi and Michael Pena will also star in Kenneth Branagh's take on the Agatha Christie classic
It's full steam ahead on Kenneth Branagh's Murder on the Orient Express as Johnny Depp, Judi Dench and Daisy Ridley have climbed aboard the Agatha Christie adaptation. Michelle Pfeiffer, Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi and Michael Pena will also join the star-studded cast for the film, which features Branagh himself as Hercule Poirot. Just in case you're not up to date on your Agatha Christie, the story acts as an introduction to the Belgian detective and centres around – yep, you guessed it – a murder aboard the famous train. Poirot must solve the case while being surrounded by duplicitous passengers. Depp will play Ratchett, the man whose murder sets the plot in motion, with Jacobi as his valet Masterman, while Dench is onboard as Russian Princess Dragomiroff. Ridley, who plays mysterious force-wielder Rey in the new Star Wars trilogy, is set to appear as governess Mary Debenham. Pfeiffer will play the role of Mrs Harriet Hubbard, a glamorous passenger who's deemed a suspect, while Pena and Bateman will play Marquez and Bouc respectively. Further additions to the cast include Leslie Odom Jr as Dr Arbuthnot and Lucy Boynton as Countess Andrenyi. Shooting for Murder on the Orient Express is expected to begin in November, with locations including London and Malta. Green Lantern writer Michael Green penned the screenplay. Murder on the Orient Express is set for release on 22nd November 2017
The honeymoon’s over as Victoria and Albert fight for their place in the royal household
After a rather stormy build-up to last week’s lavish nuptials, we wish we could say Victoria and Albert will forever remain in blissful happiness - but with only three more episodes left to go (until series two arrives next year, that is) life only seems to be getting more complicated for the newlyweds. We still can’t get that mesmerising theme tune out of our heads, by the way. Albert makes a bold move to secure his position Lord Sewell may have departed (we’re still not quite over that, by the way), but there are still challenges ahead for Albert as he struggles to find a role in his new household – a matter made only worse when the Duke of Sussex publicly humiliates him by refusing to let him take precedence at dinner. Feeling worthless, Albert hatches his own idea about how to make himself valuable and decides to open the anti-slavery convention and nervously prepares his speech. Victoria plays the game of thrones While a dejected Albert hopes that an heir might garner more respect (a typically male response, that), Victoria is determined to use all her cunning to outmanoeuvre Sussex and give Albert the esteem he deserves. The servants have got their priorities right Below stairs, the servants are doing exactly what we’d be doing in their position – gossiping relentlessly over when to expect the first royal baby. Meanwhile, Miss Skerrett faces a dilemma when the only person who can save her cousin and small child from imminent death is the person she trusts the least – Francatelli. So what time is it on? See Victoria tonight at 9pm on ITV
Ross Poldark now knows he’s going to be a father, but life still isn’t getting any easier for the tricorne-hatted hero
Ross Poldark and Demelza were forced to sell off all their worldly possessions to keep the family afloat last week, and it looks like life isn’t getting any easier for the couple as the Cornish drama continues. How will Ross save his family's business? Having finally learnt the news of Demelza’s pregnancy, Ross is more determined than ever to open a new mine free of the delightfully ghastly George's influence. But with his money woes continuing to mount, Ross is forced to strike a risky deal with a local smuggler in order to get what he needs. Can Dwight save the town from a mysterious malady? We haven’t seen too much of Dr Dwight Enys this series – apart from his eager attempts to catch the eye of Caroline Penvenen – but this week sees Ross’ handsome friend come to the fore as he seeks to diagnose an epidemic and receives money from an unknown benefactor. Is it Miss Penvenen or does the dashing doctor have another secret admirer? What time is Poldark on TV tonight? All the brooding action kicks off over on BBC1 at 9pm
What time is X Factor's Six Chair Challenge on TV tonight?
Hopes are dashed, tears are shed and tantrums are thrown, but who will survive and earn a place in the coveted Judges' Houses as the Six Chair Challenge continues?
Just when you thought The X Factor was becoming an altogether gentler family affair, it's time to return to the musical colosseum for the merciless Six Chair Challenge. They had contestants running at a wall to physically fight it out for lines in a song last weekend, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise, really. It’s the first time this year’s crop of singers will face a live audience, and if previous years are anything to go by, they'd better steel themselves before facing one of TV’s most unforgiving crowds. They even broke our Cheryl once, pet. So, who's set to compete in the Overs and Groups categories as the Six Chair Challenge continues this Sunday? Read on to find out. So, what time is The X Factor on TV this Sunday? The X Factor Six Chair Challenge continues at 7pm on ITV Which acts are singing tonight? Tonight it's the turn of the Overs and the Groups. Meet the Overs acts competing in the Six Chair Challenge Meet the Groups competing in the Six Chair Challenge Watch out for... Irina Dedyuk Among those hoping to impress mentor Sharon Osbourne and make it through to the all-important Judges’ Houses stage is big-voiced singer Irina Dedyuk – and she holds nothing back as she performs Jessie J’s Mama Knows Best. Not content with merely relying on her powerful vocals to make an big impression, Irina first tries to woo her mentor by dedicating her song to Sharon, “the mama of the X Factor”. Then, before she’s even finished the first verse, she pulls off her show-stopping move – whipping off her skirt to reveal a smaller skirt underneath. The move certainly catches Simon’s eye but was it enough to get Sharon on her side and send her through to the next round?
Everything you need to know to dance the Waltz like a Strictly star
Here's our top tips for performing a wonderful Waltz
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight, and with the sparkling competition set to dominate our weekends from now until Christmas, we decided it was time we learnt a little more about all things ballroom dancing. Don’t know your Rumba from your Paso Doble, or your Waltz from your Jive? Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about the dances this year’s celebrities will be performing… What is the Waltz? Not just for the ballroom, the Waltz evolved from folk dances in Austria and Germany in the mid-18th Century. It proved to be incredibly popular in Vienna, so much so it even has it’s own unique spin on the dance, the Viennese Waltz. How do you do it? This dizzying dance is performed in triple time by a couple who turn rhythmically round and round as they progress around the dance floor. Waltz are intended to be graceful and elegant as the dancers glide effortlessly around the ballroom in long, flowing movements. If you want to dance along at home, this how-to-guide gives you are say rundown of the basic steps. View oEmbed on the source website What is the best Waltz we've seen on Strictly? Eventual winners Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Škorjanec put the judges in a spin with this dance to Des’ree’s Kissing You, earning the pair a perfect score of 40 in the series 11 final. View oEmbed on the source website Which stars are dancing the Waltz this week? Daisy and Aljaz – dancing to Unforgettable by Nat King Cole Ed and Katya – dancing to Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis Presley Lesley and Anton – dancing to What’ll I do by Alison Krauss Naga and Pasha – dancing to Run to You by Whitney Houston
How to dance the Cha-cha-cha like a Strictly star
Everything you need to know to perform a charming dance
Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight, and with the sparkling competition set to dominate our weekends from now until Christmas, we decided it was time we learnt a little more about all things ballroom dancing. Don’t know your Rumba from your Paso Doble, or your Waltz from your Jive? Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about the dances this year’s celebrities will be performing… What is the Cha-cha-cha? Named for the distinctive shuffling sound of the dancers feet, the Cha-cha-cha is of Cuban origin, where it was first danced to the music of the same name by composer Enrique Jorrin. How do you do it? A lively, sassy, groovy dance, the Cha-cha-cha is all about small steps and swaying hip movements, performed to a Latin American rhythm. It’s a partnership dance, which means the leader controls the flow of the dance, guiding the follower who tries to match the leader's movements and timing. If you want to dance along at home, this how-to-guide will give you an easy run-down of the Cha-cha-cha steps. View oEmbed on the source website What's the best Cha-cha-cha we've seen on Strictly? Eventual winner (and future judge) Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler drove the judges wild in series 5 with this saucy number set to Beyonce's Crazy in Love, earning a near-perfect score of 38. View oEmbed on the source website Which stars are dancing the Cha-cha-cha tonight? Anastacia and Brendan - dancing to Lady Marmalade by Christina Aguilera, Mya, Lil’ Kim and Pink! Claudia and AJ - dancing to What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction Danny and Oti - dancing to Cake by the Ocean by DNCE Judge Rinder and Oksana - dancing to Mercy by Duffy Laura and Giovanni - dancing to Venus by Shocking Blue Melvin and Janette - dancing to Loco in Acapulco by the Four Tops
DCI Barnaby is getting a new companion in Midsomer Murders as Sykes the dog retires
The detective has a new puppy to replace his beloved pooch, who retired at the end of the last series
There are big changes ahead for the Barnaby household when Midsomer Murders returns for a new series next year. DCI Barnaby and his wife Sarah will welcome a new rescue puppy called Paddy into their home when series 19 of the ITV drama kicks off. Paddy replaces Barnaby's former canine companion Sykes, who hung up his lead and retired at the end of the last series after five years on the show. Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI Barnaby, said: “I will miss working with Sykes for many reasons. He is the consummate professional and like most actors will do anything for a sausage. "I am happy he likes the retirement bed we bought him and that he will spend more time sleeping than working. Paddy our new boy has fitted in perfectly and filled the very large doggy shoes of Sykes." The 13-year-old Jack Russell cross appeared in 29 episodes during his time on the long-running ITV drama but is now taking a well-earned rest with a new foster family, according to a statement from ITV. Executive producer Jo Wright said: "When we were filming last year's series our dog trainer, Gill Raddings called me and said it was time to retire Sykes from Midsomer at the end of the year. "We were all very sad and made sure he had a lovely last day with a present of a retirement dog bed given to him by Neil (Dudgeon) and Gwilym (Lee). "We have a new very young dog, Paddy, this year found for us by Gill but you will have to watch in the New Year to see how the story line plays out." For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. A veteran of both the big and small screen, Sykes got his start in show business after he was rescued by stunt dog specialist Gill Raddings while roaming as a stray. He went on to appear in such Hollywood blockbusters as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Sykes also starred alongside Peter Kay for John Smith's Dog Show advert in 2010. View oEmbed on the source website Raddings said: "Sykes has had a marvellous time filming Midsomer Murders for the past five years but he is enjoying taking life easy now.‎" Filming is already underway for series 19 of Midsomer Murders, but you'll have to wait until 2017 to find out how Paddy gets on with his new family.
With the news that the Queen of Cakes is leaving The Great British Bake Off, here's what we'll miss most about her
Unless you been living under a rock cake, you'll know that Mary Berry has quit the Great British Bake Off "out of loyalty" to the BBC. The 81-year-old judge has shown solidarity with hosts Mel and Sue (but NOT fellow judge Paul Hollywood) in leaving Bake Off ahead of its controversial move to Channel 4. This really is the end of an era in British telly. Over the course of seven series the Queen of Cakes has twinkled her way into the nation's hearts with her gentle put downs, plentiful use of cheeky innuendos and sheer, honest class... Here are just a few of our favourite Mary Berry Bake Off moments... When she joined the nation in tears after Nadiya won The finale of series six saw peoples' favourite Nadiya take the coveted title, and when the brilliantly emotional baker was crowned champion even Mary couldn't help but shed a tear of joy – after helping Nadiya to dry her own tears, of course. View oEmbed on the source website The fondant death stare (That's fondant death stare, not fondant Death Star, which would definitely not be out of the question on Bake Off...) Poor Enwezor. After blithely announcing he was using (horror of baking horrors) shop-bought fondant for his Space Adventure Moon biscuit sculpture, he found himself on the receiving end of the patented 'Mary Berry death stare'. "This isn't shop-bought fondant, is it? Tell me this isn't shop-bought fondant. Oh dear." That was the last we saw of Enwezor. View oEmbed on the source website That time she was introduced to the baking potential of hemp Mary has been presented with many unusual ingredients in her time as a bake off judge, but none of those occasions have quite the frisson of the time when the Queen of Cakes was confronted with a Yorkshire Loaf containing hemp. Naturally, the whole tent was blushing when Howard showed-off the controversial bake and thoroughly stumped Mary. View oEmbed on the source website When she accidentally let slip who was leaving Mary appeared on Chris Evan's Radio 2 show last year to promote the latest instalment of series six. Unfortunately, she got a little bit confused about her timings (more than one Bake Off contestant has done the same down the years) and accidentally let slip that Marie would be leaving before the episode had even aired. The awkward slip-up caused mayhem on social media, but of course we all forgave her. Eventually. http://players.brightcove.net/4221396001/60716998-ff67-4298-8bd7-2162e15a858d_default/index.html?videoId=4430724704001 The innuendos. All the innuendos The Great British Bake Off is almost as well known for its innuendos as it is for its cakey magic. And our Bez is definitely the best in the business when it comes to making innocent baking terms sound a little bit naughty. "I'll eat a bit of carpet." "It's all in the wrist action." "Oh no, you've got some irregular-shaped balls." Any of these could've been our favourite, but in the end there could only be one... View oEmbed on the source website Her love of boozy bakes After Sue revealed that "Bez" enjoys a tequila tipple when out clubbing in Ibiza, we probably shouldn't have been surprised that Luis Troyano's cocktail doughnuts from series 5 went down such a treat with the octogenarian. The booze-spiked dessert might have confused the Bake Off judge at first, but after one slurp through that yellow straw she couldn't help but show her delight in yet another classic Mary Berry reaction. View oEmbed on the source website Cheers Mary!
Michael Gambon joins the cast of ITV's Fearless
The Harry Potter star joins Helen McCrory, John Bishop and Robin Weigert in the legal conspiracy thriller
Sir Michael Gambon will star alongside Helen McCrory in ITV’s new legal conspiracy thriller Fearless. Gambon will play a Cambridge University professor in the new drama created by Homeland writer Patrick Harbinson. Fearless follows McCrory’s dedicated solicitor Emma Banville as she works tirelessly to free a man she thinks was wrongly convicted of killing a schoolgirl in East Anglia. However, as her investigation digs deeper, she begins to sense powerful forces, in the police and the intelligence services at home and abroad, who want to stop her uncovering the truth. Executive Producer Damien Timmer said of the casting: "Michael Gambon is a legend, one of the UK's finest actors, and it's a real thrill for us that he will be joining the brilliant Helen McCrory in Fearless. “The range and depth of the cast that director Pete Travis has assembled is testament to Patrick Harbinson's wonderful scripts, following Emma Banville as she risks everything in her quest for the truth." The six-part series also stars comedian John Bishop, Emmy nominee Robin Weigert (Jessica Jones), Jonathan Forbes (Catastrophe), Wunmi Mosaku (Dancing on the Edge) and Marcella’s Jamie Bamber. Christine Bottomley (In the Club), Rebecca Collard (Ordinary Lives), Emma Hamilton (Mr Selfridge), Kika Markham (Secret State), Jack Shepherd (The Politician's Husband), Sam Swainsbury (Mum) and Happy Valley's Rick Warden will also appear. Fearless is produced by Mammoth Screen, the same team behind ITV’s regal drama Victoria, hit BBC1 drama Poldark and Endeavour. Fearless comes to ITV in 2017