How does filming a sex scene actually work? A day in the life of an intimacy coordinator
An intimacy coordinator tells all about prosthetic penises, choreographing sex scenes and what you can find in an IC’s kit bag.
It's time to demystify one of the most crucial (and talked about) roles in TV and film in recent years: the intimacy coordinator. From Toni Collette and Florence Pugh to Sam Heughan and Taylor Zakhar Perez, a slew of stars have spoken out about working with professionals to plan, choreograph and ensure comfort and safety during intimate scenes on set. Opinions on the experiences of working with intimacy coordinators differ quite dramatically but, especially since the #MeToo movement, it's become commonplace to have them on hand for any production that necessitates close contact or portrayals of sex on screen. Similar to a stunt director, the intimacy coordinator is responsible for aiding in the creation of sex scenes and, most importantly, ensuring actors are comfortable and consent to what they’re being asked to do. HBO became the first network to commit to hiring intimacy coordinators when filming nudity or sexual content; since then, other leading organisations have followed suit. In a condensed period of time, the intimacy coordinator became essential to the industry – so what are the tools and tricks of the trade and how is a sex scene actually filmed? Meet intimacy coordinator Mia Schachter, who has worked on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria “I will speak to the director before I speak to the actors, to get an idea of what kind of shots they're looking for. For example, I'll see if they want to shoot full frontal topless nudity. I think ahead and ask, 'If the actor isn't comfortable with that, can you shoot from the side or from behind?' We go through options that will still achieve the same storytelling vision. "It’s really essential to pay attention to non-verbal cues. If an actor ever says, 'I don’t know how I feel about that…' I’ll offer them alternatives. What comes up a lot is that people are willing to do side nudity, excluding nipple, or they’re happy to do rear nudity. A lot of people don’t want a straight-on shot or a close-up. I’ve worked with actors who are absolutely fine with doing rear nudity, but they’re not okay with any close-ups. "When I arrive on set, I speak to the actors and go over their nudity riders with them. We choreograph the scene and block it, in a private rehearsal. The actors discuss with each other where they are comfortable being touched, and how. Then I pass on the riders to the script supervisors, who ensure that information is passed on to the editing team. "Then we shoot. I make sure the set is closed and the monitors are flagged. As we shoot, I’m there to help with any movement that needs finessing. It has happened before when, in the heat of the moment, an actor accidentally touches another actor in a way that has not previously been agreed. If that happened, we would have a conversation about whether that was crossing a line and establish if everyone is still comfortable. Or, we reshoot with additional direction, for example, 'Can you move your arm so you’re covering her pasties?' After we finish shooting, we have a closure moment – we high five or shake hands – so that we can wrap up and put away the scene. "A lot of the time when you see a penis on-screen, it's not the person's penis, it's a prosthetic penis. There's never any genital-to-genital contact. So, what you need to do when you're showing naked people rolling around with each other, is you have to give her a pubic wig (a merkin), so that she's covered completely and you have to give him a prosthetic penis, so that there's no genital touching skin." Intimacy coordinator Yehuda Duenyas reveals what’s inside his kit bag Nippies / Nippets – to cover an actor’s areola Merkins – a pubic wig, often used for period pieces or for actresses who want more coverage of their pubic area Hibue / Shibue – a strapless thong that sticks to an actor’s pelvis, which acts as a barrier that prevents genitalia from touching Vajoga – a yoga mat for genitalia, used as a genital barrier when two bodies are grinding against each other Swim Shapers – used for nipple covers or as a barrier to cover female genitalia Mints / Gum – for fresh breath Heat Pads – to keep actors warm between takes Flesh coloured underwear – to use as a modesty garment Aloe Vera gel – to soothe skin irritated by modesty garments Bright green tape – so the cameraman knows the actor’s boundaries Evian water spray and glycerine – for creating the impression of beads of sweat Penis cups – a genitalia barrier for men Exacto knife – for any makeshift barrier or modesty garment that needs to be made on set Scissors Marker Alcohol prep pads What is a nudity rider? A nudity rider is a contract clause that outlines exactly what an actor is or isn’t willing to do in scenes that involve any nudity, intimacy, simulated sex or scenes which depict sexual assault. They exist to protect and communicate an actor’s boundaries and clarify consent in order to establish a safe, professional and comfortable working environment on set. They reduce the risk of miscommunication on set when working on scenes involving portrayals of nudity, sex and intimacy. These clauses are agreed between an actor, their agent, production teams and with the assistance of intimacy coordinators, and involve conversations before filming commences. They can also be adjusted at a later date if there is anything an actor becomes uncomfortable with. A nudity rider commonly includes details on: The level of nudity an actor agrees to (e.g. topless or partial, full frontal or none) Camera angles and types of shot (e.g. close-ups vs wide, front or rear nudity) Physical contact boundaries (e.g. where on the body an actor agrees to be touched) Prosthetic or modesty garment requirements (e.g. genital coverings) Duration (how long an actor will appear naked on screen) Closed set requirements (who of the cast and crew is permitted to be present during filming of nude scenes) Nudity riders became more commonplace in the wake of the #MeToo movement. What's a typical prep day for an intimacy coordinator? 9am: Call the director – establish their vision / what the scene entails / what nudity is required. 10am: Call first actor. Establish their nudity boundaries in-depth. 11am: Call second actor. Repeat. 12pm: Email production with summaries of the actors’ conversations. 1pm: Contact wardrobe to arrange for the correct modesty garments to be ordered. 2pm: Contact make-up if actors have tattoos that need to be covered. Discuss whether the actors has pubic hair, or if pubic hair needs to be added. 3pm: Write up nudity riders. What's a typical shoot day for an intimacy coordinator? 6am: Arrive on set. 6:15am: Go over nudity riders with actors. 6:45am: Choreograph and block sex scene in a private rehearsal with a closed set (only essential cast and crew present). 8am: Shoot scene. Ensure monitors are flagged (can only be seen by essential crew and cast). Reshoot with additional direction. 6pm: End of shoot. High five to wrap up and have closure. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Peaky Blinders movie sees Tommy Shelby embrace Aunt Polly's world more than ever before
Family is at the core of the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.
For Cillian Murphy, there needed to be a really, really good reason to bring Peaky Blinders back. The Immortal Man justified its own existence for the Tommy Shelby star and executive producer by (in his opinion) matching and even improving on the cinematic and climactic ending to season 6, which saw the gangster ride off into distance. But now – next week, to be specific – he's back, along with several other familiar faces from Steven Knight's hit BBC series and a few high profile newcomers. Speaking to press including Radio Times at the BFI’s Celebrating Peaky Blinders event hosted by Edith Bowman on Friday night (26th February), Murphy opened up on getting it right for the film's resurrection of Tommy and the Peaky Blinders. "I felt a real duty to the fans, to the fan base, who, I think, made the thing that it is. "And then I really felt like, okay, if we started him in 1919, and we just come back from this first World War, how can it be as interesting, as intriguing, as as the rest of it was?" the Oscar-winner continued. "And ultimately it became clear that it was family. "All plot and everything is amazing, and Steve is a wizard at that stuff, but what became clear was that family is the core of it. It always has been throughout this whole show and that when we leaned into that strongly, it was really, really powerful." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/03/PeakyBlindersTheImmortalManFirstLooks2-05ab95a.jpg" width="8640" height="5760" alt="A man (Cillian Murphy) in a long dark overcoat and flat cap walks down a wet, dimly lit street at night, with snow falling around him and a vintage car steaming behind him near a brick wall illuminated by red light." title="Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man" /> Murphy went on to explain how Tommy's family ties are foregrounded further still in The Immortal Man; in particular, his Aunt Polly's (Helen McCrory) roots. "In this film, this is the where we see him embracing the sort of gypsy magic more than we've ever seen in the past, which was very much the world of Aunt Polly. Whereas before he would've been brought up with that and understood it, as he's gotten older, that's what he really feels is actually – forget about progress and science and all that, this stuff is where the real source of life exists. "I'm talking around it," he laughed, prompting chuckles from the crowd at the BFI as he deftly dodged spoilers. "But that becomes the sort of well – and there's an inevitability about that." Destiny, faith and free will will become key to Tommy's storyline as we delve back into the world of the Peaky Blinders upon the cinema release of The Immortal Man. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is released in cinemas 6 March. The movie will stream on Netflix from 20 March – sign up from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media. Peaky Blinders series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Cillian Murphy explains condition which finally tempted him back to Tommy Shelby for Peaky Blinders movie
The Birmingham-set gang drama is returning – this time to the big screen.
It wasn't an easy sell to get Cillian Murphy to don his cap again and take back up the mantel of Tommy Shelby, by the sounds of it. But if anyone can get it done, it's creator Steven Knight. Murphy, who first embodied the character he's become synonymous with in the BBC TV series back in 2013, was confirmed to be reprising the role last year, months before filming began on the long-rumoured movie continuation, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. "It was pretty much from like 2019-2020 we’ve been talking about this and going through different versions of the script and working it and reworking and revising it," Murphy told Deadline recently, ahead of the film's release. However, it took more than just an invitation for him to agree to come back: the Oscar-winner felt the movie needed to "justify its existence" after what he thought was a perfect ending to season 6. "For me personally, I really felt that the film needed to justify its existence because I love the ambiguity of the ending of Season 6 that Tommy rode off into the sort of bucolic English hills and it was, ‘What, where’s he gone? Will we ever see him again?’" he said. "I felt that was a satisfying ending, actually, for the TV show." Not only did the movie need good reason to exist, but it actually needed to improve on what came before if Murphy were to come on board. "If you were to make a film, it really needed to match it, and, in fact, kind of improve on it," he said. "The series is always so cinematic, but I felt like we had to open it up more." Speaking of, Peaky Blinders creator Knight thinks the movie budget is a very good reason to bring the story of the Shelby family to the big screen. One advantage, he explained, is that "you can see the car blown up, you don’t have somebody explain that a car has just been blown up. So the money makes a difference. And I do believe that the fact that it’s a feature attracts cast in a different way." The Peaky Blinders will return, by the orders of Netflix, next week, coming to cinemas on 6 March before arriving on the streamer 20 March. In addition to Murphy's return, more familiar faces including Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, Sophie Rundle as Tommy's sister Ada, and Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong will also be back. Meanwhile, there plenty of major additions to the cast, with Tim Roth, Barry Keoghan and Jay Lycurgo among those joining. Peaky Blinders is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The movie will stream on Netflix – sign up from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why everyone in TV wants an invitation to the glamorous and exclusive Radio Times Covers Party
Come behind the scenes of the prestigious party that actors, writers, directors and executives all look forward to.
The lavish Art Deco ballroom at London's esteemed Claridge's hotel is packed. No, really. Weaving your way across the floor to snag another glass of bubbly from a sharply-attired waiter means quite literally coming face-to-face with Dame Harriet Walter, rubbing shoulders with a Gladiator and taking in the fine details of The Traitors winner Stephen Libby's tailored look up close. Queen star Roger Taylor comments on how bustling it is. A scattering of glass tables play host to the milling guests' (A-list acting talent, agents, TV executives and more) champagne flues – and a few small signs politely reminding attendees not to bother stars for selfies. The request is futile. The Traitors stars are here and there isn't a person in the room who doesn't want to meet them. Glitzy as it is, the annual Radio Times Covers Party isn't just a star-studded, celebratory affair; it's also where some of the most powerful names in the world of TV connect, shaping the shows – partnerships, castings, scripts – you watch at home in the coming months and years. The fizz, the canapés, the upscale Mayfair location and the extravagantly glamorous outfits alone would be enough to cause a clamour for invitations – but in the organic flow of conversations throughout the night, there's a subtler value to be found too. Spotted: Radio Times publisher's CEO making a beeline for Fiona Hughes, Jack Butler and Stephen, freshly of Traitors fame. He quickly breaks the no photo requests rule. And you'd better believe it's invitation-only. The unenviable task of wrangling the guest list into shape is overseen by Radio Times planning editor Maria Fyfe – the backbone of an extensive team of staff who pull off this spectacular bash every year. "The guest list is a tough balancing act," says Fyfe, who for weeks leading up to tonight could be seen juggling requests from agents, talent and colleagues alike. "So much cover talent, so many great people to invite, not enough space. But it's the plus one requests that tip me over the edge and I always need a lie down in a dark room to recover." Back in the room, the ballroom itself is a grand space but not overwhelmingly large, like stepping into a preserved slide of old-world glamour but with an intimacy that makes for a curated event which doesn't feel impersonal. There are chandeliers, huge floral displays and, off to the right, a generous anteroom aptly named the Mirror Room. Plus, of course, many bars to supplement the waiting staff circulating ceaselessly through the crowd with silver trays of beverages. Glitz & glamour <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/260127RTCoversParty-201-246185a.jpg" width="3000" height="2001" alt="Five stars of Call the Midwife posing playfully in a dressing-room–style space, some wearing nurse hats and party dresses; one person sits in front while others stand behind smiling, holding drinks and a stethoscope, with privacy screens and hanging white garments in the background." title="The Radio Times Covers 2026 at Claridge's, London. Tuesday 28th January 2026." /> The women of Call the Midwife can be spied in their finery – a far cry from their Nonnatus House uniforms. Dame Mary Berry is thrilled to see them relaxing, off the clock. "It's a very glamorous, sparkling event, and I'm already completely over-awed because the Traitors and Faithfuls are here," says the BAFTA-winning Monica Dolan. "I really hope that I get to talk to them." "I've only been here 10 minutes. I've met Mark Chapman, who I'm told, looks like me. I think he looks like me, or I look like him. It depends," quips comedian and The 1% Club host Lee Mack. "And Kelly Cates. I know them anyway, but it's nice to catch up and talk about football." He's also spotted long-time Would I Lie to You? co-star David Mitchell, who is in attendance with his wife and queen of Only Connect, Victoria Coren Mitchell. "We've run out of things to say to each other, so we just sort of awkwardly nodded at each other," he jokes. Mitchell, meanwhile, dubs the night "a very swanky do". Everywhere you turn, there's a soap star. Even the majority of the EastEnders' Six showed up, dressed to the nines. It's Suki actress Balvinder Sopal's first time at a Radio Times Covers Party but she looks effortlessly comfortable as she poses for celeb photographer Ray Burmiston in the Mirror Room, where portraits of the guests are being snapped throughout the first half of the evening. EastEnders' iconic Cindy (Michelle Collins) speaks for everyone when she summarises: "Well, it's at Claridge's, so it's great fun." Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner Carlos Gu echoes that sentiment: "I mean, we're in Claridge's and with Radio Times. I think it's the best you could have in January 2026!" Slow Horses' Christopher Chung sidles past Jessie Wallace, Michael Burke can be found a few metres from Armando Iannucci – there's nowhere to turn without star-spotting. But it's certainly not just Mr Bates vs The Post Office actress Dolan who's got her eye on the prize of grabbing a few minutes with The Traitors. "I've seen all of The Traitors cast and I'm just kind of overwhelmed," Olivia Frances Brown (Coronation Street) gushes. "Especially Stephen, the winner." Darling Faithful Harriet Tyce, who fell spectacularly on her own sword, earning herself an army of fans during her all-too-short tenure on the latest series says it's lovely to be able to reunite with her fellow Traitors contestants, while Stephen, inundated with requests for pictures or nuggets of gossip from the series, admits: "This is a far cry from what I'm used to!" Influence & sway In amongst the celebrities and the cocktails, influential connections are being made. "The Covers Party is one of those nights that really matters to us," says Radio Times' deputy digital editor Helen Daly. "It brings together some of the most influential people in television for a genuine celebration of the industry – but it’s also where conversations begin that often grow into something much bigger. Ideas are shared, relationships are formed and we see the early sparks of projects that shape what we cover next." Case in point: at last year's party, a chat between Radio Times brand editor Shem Law and Aardman's Nick Park led to a handshake deal: the much-coveted Christmas issue cover would be Gromit and the equally iconic Shaun the Sheep. Park is back again this year, wearing a green sequinned bow tie we're told he made himself. Sir Lenny Henry returns to host the evening. "People like to be acknowledged," he says, after handing the cover stars of the past 12 months framed copies of those very covers. "If you're a production company or an actor or a producer or a writer, it's really nice when people say your work was good. And I think the cover says, 'Your work was good and deserves this.' "People treat [the Radio Times Covers Party] as a place to meet their heroes, hustle for work, fall in love if they love somebody. Like I'm a big fan of Victoria Coren, so David Mitchell's always standing behind me," Henry jokes. "But it's a chance to meet your heroes and the people you love watching on the telly. So it's a really great night, and it's at Claridge's, you know – what could be better?!" Among the TV execs present is Lifted Entertainment's creative director Diego Rincón, attending for the first time. "I can't believe what I've been missing out on!" he says, admiring the "buzzy and collegiate atmosphere". "Judging by the breadth of on- and off-camera talent in attendance, it's also a coveted hot ticket and a fantastic opportunity to catch up with peers and make new important connections as well." "The Covers Party is where the industry loosens its tie a little," adds deputy head of production at Lifted Entertainment, ITV Studios, Helen Houston. "It’s social, buzzy and you always leave having had at least one conversation that turns into something interesting later." Call the Midwife's Stephen McGann has a different take: the party is like a "cheese dream". "One of the particularly special things about the party is everybody just gets thrown into the same room, like a sort of psychological experiment of British television," he says. "You walk past somebody like the wonderful David Attenborough, who'll be handing out peanuts to somebody who's in EastEnders. It's like a cheese dream. It's wonderful!" The enduring power of a magazine cover "I get the Radio Times every week," says Brian & Maggie's Dame Harriet Walter, when asked how it feels to receive her RT cover, frame and all. "I'm a subscriber, and it's actually not the first time I've been on the Radio Times cover, but it was some 30, 40 years ago." The Gladiators graced a recent cover of the magazine in all their muscle-bound, Lycra-clad glory. "It is unreal, especially because the shots were so powerful, and they represent who we are as people and the show and what we represent in terms of our values: the power, the strength, the confidence, also the vulnerability in each individual," says Fire, AKA Montell Douglas, here tonight as herself, not a hint of spandex in sight. Meanwhile, TV baker extraordinaire Dame Mary Berry's framed cover will go in her office – a popular choice as Call the Midwife writer Heidi Thomas notes the same fate awaits hers. Thomas has 23 framed Radio Times covers to date and is running out of room, however. "But I'm married to Dr Turner in the show (McGann)," she says. "He's surprisingly handy with a drill and a step ladder, so I'll get him to put the next ones up for me." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/260127RTCoversParty-186-25412e2.jpg" width="3000" height="2001" alt="The Traitors stars Fiona and Stephen with Richard Arnold, chatting closely at a formal indoor event, holding champagne glasses and smiling, with other guests mingling in the softly lit background." title="The Radio Times Covers 2026 at Claridge's, London. Tuesday 28th January 2026." /> "My mum's really elderly now, and for her to see me on the cover of the Radio Times..." Dolan says. "Now I can go, 'Here you go, Mum.' But also it's really nice for her to talk about, and it makes her really proud. It's just a great honour." Carriages: 11:15pm As the evening winds down, the crowd is merry. Feet are sore from dancing (led by on-stage entertainment Alex Horne and The Horne Section) and specially ordered cars are beckoning. It's been another joyous and glittering celebration of the top TV talent and many a story will be told – some might even make it to screen. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What's it like to go to the Radio Times Covers Party?
The lavish Art Deco ballroom at London's esteemed Claridge's hotel is packed. No, really. Weaving your way across the floor to snag another glass of bubbly from a sharply-attired waiter means quite literally coming face-to-face with Dame Harriet Walter, rubbing shoulders with a Gladiator and taking in the fine details of The Traitors winner Stephen Libby's tailored look up close. Queen star Roger Taylor comments on how bustling it is. A scattering of glass tables play host to the milling guests' (A-list acting talent, agents, TV executives and more) champagne flues – and a few small signs politely reminding attendees not to bother stars for selfies. The request is futile. The Traitors stars are here and there isn't a person in the room who doesn't want to meet them. Glitzy as it is, the annual Radio Times Covers Party isn't just a star-studded, celebratory affair; it's also where some of the most powerful names in the world of TV connect, shaping the shows – partnerships, castings, scripts – you watch at home in the coming months and years. The fizz, the canapés, the upscale Mayfair location and the extravagantly glamorous outfits alone would be enough to cause a clamour for invitations – but in the organic flow of conversations throughout the night, there's a subtler value to be found too. And you'd better believe it's invitation-only. The unenviable task of wrangling the guest list into shape is overseen by RT planning editor Maria Fyfe – the backbone of an extensive team of staff who pull off this spectacular bash every year. "The guest list is a tough balancing act," says Fyfe, who for weeks leading up to tonight could be seen juggling requests from agents, talent and colleagues alike. "So much cover talent, so many great people to invite, not enough space. But it's the plus one requests that tip me over the edge and I always need a lie down in a dark room to recover." Back in the room, the ballroom itself is a grand space but not overwhelmingly large, like stepping into a preserved slide of old-world glamour but with an intimacy that makes for a curated event which doesn't feel impersonal. There are chandeliers, huge floral displays and, off to the right, a generous anteroom aptly named the Mirror Room. Plus, of course, many bars to supplement the waiting staff circulating ceaselessly through the crowd with silver trays of beverages. Glitz & glamour <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/260127RTCoversParty-201-246185a.jpg" width="3000" height="2001" alt="Five stars of Call the Midwife posing playfully in a dressing-room–style space, some wearing nurse hats and party dresses; one person sits in front while others stand behind smiling, holding drinks and a stethoscope, with privacy screens and hanging white garments in the background." title="The Radio Times Covers 2026 at Claridge's, London. Tuesday 28th January 2026." /> The women of Call the Midwife can be spied in their finery – a far cry from their Nonnatus House uniforms. Dame Mary Berry is thrilled to see them relaxing, off the clock. "It's a very glamorous, sparkling event, and I'm already completely over-awed because the Traitors and Faithfuls are here," says the BAFTA-winning Monica Dolan. "I really hope that I get to talk to them." "I've only been here 10 minutes. I've met Mark Chapman, who I'm told, looks like me. I think he looks like me, or I look like him. It depends," quips comedian and The 1% Club host Lee Mack. "And Kelly Cates. I know them anyway, but it's nice to catch up and talk about football." He's also spotted long-time Would I Lie to You? co-star David Mitchell, who is in attendance with his wife and queen of Only Connect, Victoria Coren Mitchell. "We've run out of things to say to each other, so we just sort of awkwardly nodded at each other," he jokes. Mitchell, meanwhile, dubs the night "a very swanky do". Everywhere you turn, there's a soap star. Even the majority of the EastEnders' Six showed up, dressed to the nines. It's Suki actress Balvinder Sopal's first time at a Radio Times Covers Party but she looks effortlessly comfortable as she poses for celeb photographer Ray Burmiston in the Mirror Room, where portraits of the guests are being snapped throughout the first half of the evening. EastEnders' iconic Cindy (Michelle Collins) speaks for everyone when she summarises: "Well, it's at Claridge's, so it's great fun." Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner Carlos Gu echoes that sentiment: "I mean, we're in Claridge's and with Radio Times. I think it's the best you could have in January 2026!" Slow Horses' Christopher Chung sidles past Jessie Wallace, Michael Burke can be found a few metres from Armando Iannucci – there's nowhere to turn without star-spotting. But it's certainly not just Mr Bates vs The Post Office actress Dolan who's got her eye on the prize of grabbing a few minutes with The Traitors. "I've seen all of The Traitors cast and I'm just kind of overwhelmed," Olivia Frances Brown (Coronation Street) gushes. "Especially Stephen, the winner." Darling Faithful Harriet Tyce, who fell spectacularly on her own sword, earning herself an army of fans during her all-too-short tenure on the latest series says it's lovely to be able to reunite with her fellow Traitors contestants, while Stephen, inundated with requests for pictures or nuggets of gossip from the series, admits: "This is a far cry from what I'm used to!" Influence & sway In amongst the celebrities and the cocktails, influential connections are being made. "The Covers Party is one of those nights that really matters to us," says Radio Times' deputy digital editor Helen Daly. "It brings together some of the most influential people in television for a genuine celebration of the industry – but it’s also where conversations begin that often grow into something much bigger. Ideas are shared, relationships are formed and we see the early sparks of projects that shape what we cover next." Case in point: at last year's party, a chat between Radio Times brand editor Shem Law and Aardman's Nick Park led to a handshake deal: the much-coveted Christmas issue cover would be Gromit and the equally iconic Shaun the Sheep. Park is back again this year, wearing a green sequinned bow tie we're told he made himself. Sir Lenny Henry returns to host the evening. "People like to be acknowledged," he says, after handing the cover stars of the past 12 months framed copies of those very covers. "If you're a production company or an actor or a producer or a writer, it's really nice when people say your work was good. And I think the cover says, 'Your work was good and deserves this.' "People treat [the Radio Times Covers Party] as a place to meet their heroes, hustle for work, fall in love if they love somebody. Like I'm a big fan of Victoria Coren, so David Mitchell's always standing behind me," Henry jokes. "But it's a chance to meet your heroes and the people you love watching on the telly. So it's a really great night, and it's at Claridge's, you know – what could be better?!" Among the TV execs present is Lifted Entertainment's creative director Diego Rincón, attending for the first time. "I can't believe what I've been missing out on!" he says, admiring the "buzzy and collegiate atmosphere". "Judging by the breadth of on- and off-camera talent in attendance, it's also a coveted hot ticket and a fantastic opportunity to catch up with peers and make new important connections as well." "The Covers Party is where the industry loosens its tie a little," adds deputy head of production at Lifted Entertainment, ITV Studios, Helen Houston. "It’s social, buzzy and you always leave having had at least one conversation that turns into something interesting later." Call the Midwife's Stephen McGann has a different take: the party is like a "cheese dream". "One of the particularly special things about the party is everybody just gets thrown into the same room, like a sort of psychological experiment of British television," he says. "You walk past somebody like the wonderful David Attenborough, who'll be handing out peanuts to somebody who's in EastEnders. It's like a cheese dream. It's wonderful!" The enduring power of a magazine cover "I get Radio Times every week," says Brian & Maggie's Dame Harriet Walter, when asked how it feels to receive her RT cover, frame and all. "I'm a subscriber, and it's actually not the first time I've been on the Radio Times cover, but it was some 30, 40 years ago." The Gladiators graced a recent cover of the magazine in all their muscle-bound, Lycra-clad glory. "It is unreal, especially because the shots were so powerful, and they represent who we are as people and the show and what we represent in terms of our values: the power, the strength, the confidence, also the vulnerability in each individual," says Fire, AKA Montell Douglas, here tonight as herself, not a hint of spandex in sight. Meanwhile, TV baker extraordinaire Dame Mary Berry's framed cover will go in her office – a popular choice as Call the Midwife writer Heidi Thomas notes the same fate awaits hers. Thomas has 23 framed Radio Times covers to date and is running out of room, however. "But I'm married to Dr Turner in the show (McGann)," she says. "He's surprisingly handy with a drill and a step ladder, so I'll get him to put the next ones up for me." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/260127RTCoversParty-186-25412e2.jpg" width="3000" height="2001" alt="The Traitors stars Fiona and Stephen with Richard Arnold, chatting closely at a formal indoor event, holding champagne glasses and smiling, with other guests mingling in the softly lit background." title="The Radio Times Covers 2026 at Claridge's, London. Tuesday 28th January 2026." /> "My mum's really elderly now, and for her to see me on the cover of the Radio Times..." Dolan says. "Now I can go, 'Here you go, Mum.' But also it's really nice for her to talk about, and it makes her really proud. It's just a great honour." Carriages: 11:15pm As the evening winds down, the crowd is merry. Feet are sore from dancing (led by on-stage entertainment Alex Horne and The Horne Section) and specially ordered cars are beckoning. It's been another joyous and glittering celebration of the top TV talent and many a story will be told – some might even make it to screen.
8 rules for watching TV, films and sport at home – from making second screens work to free movie nights
You've been doing TV wrong this whole time.
Time is tight and none of us have any to waste endlessly scrolling Netflix, scrutinising the TV schedule or – worse – choosing which streamer to trawl in the first place. We've reached TV and movie over-saturation and decision paralysis is rife – but we've got your back. The team of telly experts and film obsessives at Radio Times are the people to turn to if you want to know how to watch better this year, enjoying more and saving yourself countless hours in the process. So we've put together an easy-to-follow guide: 8 rules for doing TV properly in 2026, helping you stop browsing incessantly and start actually watching something great, all while cutting costs at a time when money is as tight as time. Rule 1: Plan your movie nights without paying a penny Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Years at Radio Times: 6 When looking for a film to watch at home, the sheer number of streamers on offer can make things tricky. From mainstream giants like Netflix and Prime Video to more niche, cinephile-focused options such as Mubi and BFI Player, you can soon find yourself forking out a fortune in subscription fees to cover all the bases. But what if I told you it’s actually possible to program a rich and varied film-watching schedule without paying so much as a penny? Free services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 all have a wealth of great film options, including both permanent collections and a rolling selection of gems that have recently been broadcast on linear TV. If it’s iconic older pictures or recent British gems you’re after, iPlayer is your best bet, while Channel 4’s selection might suit you more if you’re looking for a slice of genre cinema. But in truth, all of these services include interesting combinations of blockbusters, beloved classics from yesteryear, under-seen indies and a fair share of foreign-language titles. What’s not to love! What's worth watching in 2026: iPlayer has recently added some iconic trilogies – including both The Godfather and Back to the Future. Rule 2: Embrace second screens Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Years at Radio Times: 6 My top (possibly controversial) tip is that second-screen viewing isn’t always the enemy. It’s simply where we are. Rather than banning phones outright, we should learn when to embrace them. Should we be feeding our attention deficit by doomscrolling throughout a premium drama? Probably not. Is it bleak that filmmakers are reportedly being asked to repeat plot points in dialogue because viewers are distracted? Undoubtedly. But in a fractured streaming landscape, where true appointment TV is increasingly rare, there’s something heartening about the collective buzz that can still exist. That instant rush when a genuinely jaw-dropping moment lands and your WhatsApp lights up. The shared disbelief on social media. The sense that, for a second, everyone is watching the same thing. I enjoyed the finale of The Traitors regardless. But chatting with friends as it unfolded added an extra jolt of interactivity. It won’t work for everything – but used sparingly, second-screening can enhance rather than detract. What's worth watching in 2026: The promise of "Press Gang in Downing Street" from Steven Moffat – as well as a reunion with his Doctor Who colleague Jenna Coleman – means that Channel 4's upcoming Number 10 is top of my must-see drama list. Rule 3: Watch alone! Alexia Skinitis, Head of Editorial Years at Radio Times: 15 I made the mistake of introducing my two little girls to the world of Strictly last year. In theory all of us watching celebrities waltzing and tangoing around the ballroom on a Saturday evening, filled my heart with joy. In reality, they jumped, twirled and skidded across the TV whenever Dave Arch struck up his band and demanded that I watched their moves instead – while I sent apologetic messages to the man who lives in the flat below. I ended up watching it again after they’d gone to bed. With just a Chinese takeaway for company. Bliss. I also love my partner dearly, but… when we sit down to watch a new series together, there are rules. The room has to be pitch black, he doesn’t like me rustling away with a packet of chocolate digestives and apparently my phone screen in his peripheral vision ruins his viewing pleasure. I also dared to watch an episode of The Traitors while he was out one evening and we nearly ended up in couples counselling. So, my best piece of advice? Enjoy your favourite TV series all by yourself. One worth watching in 2026: Scarpetta, 11th March on Prime Video. Rule 4: Always trust a word-of-mouth hit Louise Griffin, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor Years at Radio Times: 3 The advertising industry may be worth billions, but a recommendation from a friend? That’s worth much more. The best viewing experiences I’ve ever had have been after suffering a crushing wave of FOMO so heavy it’s actually compelled my body and lifted the TV remote for me. I simply cannot be left out of the conversation and that less-than-attractive trait has led me to some of the best TV I’ve ever seen – The Traitors, Severance and Succession, to name just a few. The TV landscape has changed dramatically over the past few decades, but one thing will always stay the same – if a show is good, people will talk about it. So take those recommendations (especially the ones from your favourite listings magazine!) very seriously. They’re worth their weight in gold. One worth watching in 2026: House of the Dragon season 3 on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK. Rule 5: Watch TV like you listen to music Shem Law, Brand Editor Years at Radio Times: 25 You should watch television the way you listen to music. We don’t just listen to new releases; we return to things we’ve always loved, things that meant something to us at different points in our lives, and things that friends and family recommend. Often one piece of music leads you to another, and television should work the same way. There is an extraordinary amount of great TV made over the past 50 years, much of it I still haven’t seen, and the best part is that so much of it remains available. So don’t dismiss shows just because they aren’t shiny and new: there are gems tucked away on the streaming services, YouTube, BBC Four, and the nostalgia channels tucked away in the upper reaches of your EPG. All best sampled while getting through the week’s ironing. One day I may even finally make it to The Wire or The Sopranos, starching the odd collar as I do... One worth watching in 2026: Here is something new: Netflix's forthcoming Pride and Prejudice. Does the world need yet another version of this Austen perennial? You bet it does. Rule 6: Football exists beyond the Premier League. Watch it. Michael Potts, Sport Editor Years at Radio Times: 7 "NO FOOTBALL AT CHRISTMAS," cried social media doomgrifters. The reality? A calendar quirk meant only one Premier League match would be broadcast on Boxing Day, a traditional festival of football. They failed to acknowledge that all 72 English Football League (EFL) – Championship, League One and League Two – teams had their 36 matches televised live on Sky Sports that day. The Championship might be the best division in world football, striking a perfect balance of quality and unpredictability. Many games are incredibly watchable compared to the hyper-mechanical Premier League. Sky Sports are exclusively showing 1,000 EFL games this season compared to 215 top flight matches. By neglecting to recognise the EFL, fans are paying top dollar for a service, skimming the cream and ignoring too much goodness. One worth watching in 2026: Championship 2025/26 Rule 7: Make the TV schedule your social secretary David Hodges, Reader Services Manager Years at Radio Times: 26 TV must have the right context, not just availability. Scheduled TV gives programmes a sense of occasion – 'a live vision of the world'. Streaming is allowed, but only when it feels special and I can give proper attention to it. Endless on-demand choice without context feels wrong – TV should arrive with a frame around it. I don’t just watch something because it’s popular. The time of day, my emotional state, and the genre have to match. Horror belongs at night, news has its window (even if flexed), and comedy or drama only works when in the mood. I've created my own internal watershed and schedule. If I don’t it can end up in chaos, the choice and responsibility is too overwhelming. Scheduled television gives your viewing habits a sense of occasion and structure – like the BBC is your social secretary! One worth watching in 2026: Beef season 2 on Netflix. Rule 8: Channel-hopping is good, actually Frances Taylor, Previews Editor Years at Radio Times: 10 We should all scroll more while watching TV. I don’t mean in the way second-screen scrolling has become normalised. No, I’m talking about scrolling through the channels, and down into the bowels of the EPG. Like an archaeological dig, there’s all sorts lurking and waiting to be rediscovered. You might stumble across Steptoe and Son on That’s TV, or a 1990s episode of Top of the Pops on U&Eden. And you can’t beat a bit of Bullseye on Challenge. With streaming dominating and dictating how and what we watch, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely to find something by accident. You’ll already have heard about it, been recommended it, read about it. And while that’s great (I’m as hooked on Netflix as the next person – see below) there’s a certain magic in happening upon a curio or forgotten favourite. So every once in a while, pick up the remote as if it were a trowel and get digging – you don’t know what televisual gems you might unearth. One worth watching in 2026: Rivals was one of the most talked-about dramas of autumn 2024, and judging by these first-look images from the second series, the raunchy residents of Rutshire will be getting tongues wagging all over again this year. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who actor reprises vintage villain for unexpectedly fun charity cameo
Who had 'Karfelon android doing the Boxing Day swim' on their 2025 bingo card?
Yes, Christmas can be a time for gathering with loved ones, dozing in front of the TV and excessive quantities of roast potatoes but it's also a time of year for giving. Doctor Who actor Dean Hollingsworth did just that when he reprised a niche villain from the archives in order to raise money for charity this festive season. Hollingsworth, who played a Karfelon android in season 22's Timelash (first broadcast in 1985), is part of a big community effort to raise funds for Guernsey Cheshire Care Home – setting himself a target of £1,250. How? By painting himself blue, recreating his android costume and joining the Skipton Boxing Day Dip at Cobo Bay in Guernsey yesterday (Friday 26th December). Over 40 years after the actor made his first ever TV appearance as the distinctive android – remembered for its blue face and yellow hair – he joined crowds of swimmers dipping in the sea as part of the charity effort. An announcement about the special Doctor Who cameo appearance from Guernsey Cheshire Care Home said he felt "this would be an appropriate look for the Boxing Day swim". "In fact as he has never swum in the sea later than September and as this is his first Boxing Day swim he may not need to wear the blue make up," it said. A post following the swim said Hollingsworth had managed an impressive 12 minutes in the water as the android. "Seeing the Karfelon Android make an appearance for our 25th year added exactly the humour and spirit that makes this event so loved by our community," it said. You can see Hollingsworth braving the bitter temperatures for charity below. Fans can still donate here. Organisers told BBC News more than £12,000 had been raised for the charity at last's year's Boxing Day Dip. Rob Shepherd, chairman of the Guernsey Cheshire Home said he was "thrilled" by the continued support. "The money raised will make a lasting impact, helping us maintain the vital care we provide," he said. Hollingsworth played the android in Timelash alongside Colin Baker's Doctor. In the episode, the Sixth Doctor and Peri Brown (Nicola Bryant) arrive on the planet Karfel, which is ruled by the tyrannical and sadistic Borad. On Karfel, the Borad's strict laws are enforced by identical blue androids. As well as an appearance in Timelash, Hollingsworth also played a robot bus conductor in The Greatest Show in The Galaxy, opposite Sylvester McCoy's Doctor. His credits also include a role in Casualty and he's currently involved with the local film and theatre scene. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Radio Times' behind-the-scenes secrets and history of iconic Christmas issues - from Parliamentary approval to record-breaking sales
Everything you never knew about how the iconic Christmas Radio Times gets made.
If there's one thing that's certain in December it's this: your family will be buying the Radio Times. From the bumper two weeks of TV listings, to the iconic covers, to circling or highlighting what to watch over the break, in RT's 100-plus years, it's become synonymous with the festive season. It all started out as quite a "boring" accompaniment to the dawn of radio, brand editor Shem Law tells us of the first ever Radio Times magazines. But from humble beginnings to an office run by fax machines, a lasting relationship with Aardman's Wallace & Gromit and immense, record-breaking sales along the way, there's so much more to the story. Let us take you on a trip down memory lane as we walk you through some of the unexpected stories, near-disasters and trade secrets behind the making of the iconic Radio Times Christmas issue over the decades. Early Radio Times magazines were actually pretty boring What you'll find in the first ever Radio Times Christmas issue, Law admits, is not very exciting now. "There's lots of features about, 'Are you suffering from oscillation?'" he says, "which was a problem that you would get if you hadn't set your radio up properly. It would sort of howl every so often. "Radio was in its absolute infancy. BBC had only really started a year before, and a lot of what was in the magazine was technical stuff about how you build a radio, dials and diodes. So, when you look at an ordinary copy of Radio Times, they're very boring." But Christmas changed things. "The editor obviously decided that, for tripling the price, we'd get this lovely colour illustration, which was brilliant. And a lot of magazines followed suit and then started producing a Christmas edition in colour. It was a trend-setter even then." The first Radio Times Christmas issue is now a genuine antique The original Radio Times Christmas issue from 1923 is old enough to qualify as a genuine antique now – "102 years old, can you believe it?" It's old enough to require being treated like a museum artefact. Delicately thumbing through a copy of said original festive issue, Law notes: "It's quite fragile. So I'm being very careful." Radio Times taught Britain to ignore its relatives and gather round a device in the corner On the very first Christmas Radio Times cover, a family gathers around a radio in their living room. It was published, Law explains, just a small number of weeks after the magazine itself launched in September 1923. "Look how quickly everybody's decided what you need to be doing at Christmas is sitting around an electronic device with your entire family – and ignoring the piano in the corner and the fact that all your relatives have come round," he says. "It's quite astonishing. And I think it's a real indication that Radio Times became quite a cultural phenomena – a trend-setter in this country." Did the 1969 Christmas double issue change how Britain does Christmas forever? We might have had something to do with Christmas becoming a two-week national shutdown. Holding up the first Christmas double issue – covering a full two weeks of TV and radio over the festive period – Law reveals: "This is an absolute landmark in the history of Radio Times: 20 December to 2 January, so New Year and Christmas. Up until then, there'd been two issues "In the early '60s you still had things going on: public transport ran, there were football matches – all on Christmas Day. That all moves to Boxing Day now. But then, you know, Christmas Day wasn't as such a special day. "This issue heralded a time when the UK sort of started to shut down for two weeks," he laughs. 'And hence the modern Christmas where everything just sort of stops. It's Radio Times' fault!" So Radio Times imposed two weeks' rest on the nation? "Absolutely! And I think people embraced it hugely." Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The first multi-channel Christmas listings needed Parliamentary approval By 1991, things looked a lot glossier for the festive magazine after the bigwigs in Westminster agreed to liberalise the TV industry, introducing competition and ultimately allowing TV listings mags to list all channels. Suddenly, it was Radio Times vs TV Times. "This was the first time that you had BBC programmes alongside ITV, Channel 4, satellite programmes. It all seems quite normal now with all the streamers and what have you but it was such a big deal," says Law. "It was a huge moment. It had to be cleared by Parliament, they debated it. "Rupert Murdoch started a magazine that was going to be a listings magazine for a year-and-a-half before deregulation actually came in, thinking that it was going to happen – and they kept leaving it and leaving it. "In the end, he closed it because no one was buying it, 'cause it had no listings in it! It just said, 'You know, there's some great television on this week,' but not actually telling you when it was." While everyone at the time thought deregulation might be the death of listings magazines, Radio Times is still going strong today. "This is before my time at Radio Times," Law reflects. "I can't imagine what it must have been like, having to produce listings when the whole time had just been spent doing BBC shows. "Even today, before we create the Christmas issue, there's a lot of talk with all the schedulers from all the different broadcasters to get all that information in, in time for us to be able to print it for Christmas." Fax machines once powered the entire Christmas issue Long before TV schedules were officially confirmed via email, as they are today, we had to contend with the information vanishing – literally. "In '90, '91, I think they were probably faxed," says Law. "And fax machines – I cannot begin to tell you – were the most important machine in the office back in the '80s and '90s. "They were rubbish. And then they used to fade. If you kept [a fax] for any length of time, it was like, 'Where's that fax? I've got – oh no, there's nothing on here,'" he laughs. The Christmas Radio Times once sold over 11 million copies In 1988, the Christmas issue sold an incredible 11 million copies – something Law observes would have meant roughly one in every five people in Britain at the time bought a copy. "Absolute history," Law calls the record-breaking issue. "It was in a time in the late '80s when TV, music, you name it – everything was at its height. Magazines, physical things that you could go out and buy, were absolutely at their height." The cover – an illustration by Linda Gray of a pantomime scene, caused the Radio Times office to receive complaints from readers, however. "People thought that this was advertising a programme – and it wasn't. It was just a beautiful illustration because inside we had created a sort of fictitious pantomime with what we called the Radio Times Players. And we got various celebrities that were all over television to be various pantomime stars." But what fills today's editor Law with "dread" is the thought of the "logistics nightmare" of even having to print 11 million copies. "I mean, it takes a week to print Radio Times now," he says. "I can't imagine how long it took to print 11 million copies, even though they were being printed at about five different printing sites. "Then you've got to get those around the UK to the various shops. There were a lot more newsagents in those days, you know. It would have been a logistics nightmare." It takes a village Art director and brand editor alike have to relinquish some control at Christmas. "There are so many people involved in approving it, agreeing whether it's the right direction," Law explains. "Everybody has an opinion, as you can imagine." Christmas is a serious period at Radio Times. "This goes right up to the board level here – and you have to really sell it." Law says, as an editor, he has to truly believe in the creative choices for the all-important Christmas issue because he'll be grilled on them across the company. "You really have to believe in what you've commissioned because you've got to then take that on into rooms and talk people into understanding why you've done this, why you think this is going to sell, why you think it's important. "And that's really the only time! We tend to get left alone for the rest of the year because I'd like to think they know that we know what we're doing. "But, for me, there are a few sleepless nights [leading up to Christmas]." This year's Aardman Christmas cover was agreed almost a year in advance This year's festive celebration puts the British screen icons from Aardman front and centre once again, in a deal that was struck many months ago at the exclusive Radio Times Covers Party. "We go back to Aardman regularly because we have such a good relationship with them, with the fact that Nick Park absolutely loves the Radio Times," Law says. "We absolutely love Wallace & Gromit. And in the world of Aardman, everybody reads the Radio Times in front of their big television." Giving an insight into how the sausage gets made, he reveals discussions to have Gromit and Shaun the Sheep star on this year's Christmas cover began back in January 2025. "This is the earliest we ever came up with a Christmas cover," he says. "I can date it to 27 January this year 'cause it was at the Radio Times' glittering Covers Party in London's West End. I was talking to Aardman and they were saying, 'Well, next year we've got a Shaun the Sheep Christmas special.'" It's a match made in heaven – Radio Times and Aardman, with Wallace and Gromit creator Park even drawing preliminary sketches for this year's Christmas magazine cover. "They are absolutely brilliant when it comes to working with us," Law says. "They understand us, they get Radio Times. I love working with Nick Park. He's so enthusiastic. He gets involved – he drew all the roughs for this cover. "That's amazing! He's a man that doesn't have a lot of time and he runs a very big company and makes lots of films. So we're always eternally grateful for him to do that for us." The annual Radio Times Christmas issue is on sale now. Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service? Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The end of Friends – unearthed, unfiltered interviews with sitcom's greatest 3 leading men
Ross, Chandler, Joey and... whatever was to come next. Brutally honest, incredibly candid interviews with Friends' three leading men – unearthed.
On 6th May 2004, one of the greatest sitcoms ever aired its final ever episode: The Last One. The world's best friends – Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Ross and Rachel – headed for coffee at Central Perk one last time and we bid goodbye to the group for good. Despite much hype and speculation over the years, the Friends never did reunite for further episodes, coming together only for a reflective, funny and often heart-wrenching reunion special in 2021. But over the years Radio Times had the honour of interviewing the show's leads. Here, we take a trip down memory lane with three archive interviews with the men: David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc and Matthew Perry. Conducted in the years immediately after Friends ended, between 2005 and 2007, they bared their souls in three incredibly candid interviews, opening up on the emotional journey of going from being the three leading men of the sitcom to what came next. Their respective paths were strikingly different and their experiences wide-ranging – with shared feelings of loss and heartbreak at saying goodbye, but contrasting emotions when it came to shedding the characters they'd become synonymous with. These were the kinds of interviews you wouldn't expect from such stratospherically famous global stars. David Schwimmer Originally published in June 2005. Interview by Mark Aston. Can you explain the perennial popularity of Friends? It’s popular because of its great writing. I hope when I have kids it’ll still be funny on DVD, or whatever the new format will be in 15 years. Maybe it’ll just be a pill. Here’s episode one, just swallow! You were reputedly the “Friend” who had the biggest problem staying the course over the show’s 10 years. Is that true? Sometimes I felt imprisoned by the character and the routine because I’m naturally restless. I think all the cast hit walls; I probably hit them the most. I like new experiences and challenges, like learning new skill. The challenge of Friends was finding the challenge! Friends existed in a Manhattan where 9/11 never happened, so are you seeking edgier material? I’ve always been drawn to dark material. At university, I spent a year studying just comedy, from Neil Simon to Shakespeare, but my favourite was Joe Orton – he was so dark! In that light, doing Friends was an illogical move. I auditioned for the show when I was doing theatre in Chicago, hardly mainstream TV. Did the others typecast you as “Serious Theatre Guy”? Yeah, though they were quick to remind me that I probably took myself too seriously! You’ve just made your West End debut playing a deeply flawed womaniser in Some Girls. That’s far away from Ross. But that’s not why I took this role. It’s just a great character and a great play that says something about relationships today, and about men. You can’t watch it without having a strong response because you’re bringing along your history of relationships. You’ve voiced the character of Melman the hypochondriac giraffe in the animation Madagascar [released July 2005]. Besides being tall, why did they cast you? I guess it’s because I’m familiar with physical comedy and neuroses. And I have an angst ridden voice! Might one call your voice whiny? Some have called it whiny! Melman isn’t whiny as much as he’s scared. He’s afraid of everything, especially heights. Sacha Baron-Cohen plays the king of the lemurs. Are you a fan of his Ali G? Hell, yes! What I like is how his characters reveal our culture to ourselves – be it racism or homophobia or fear. What’s your favourite kind of comedy? Social satire, like Ali G, or South Park. Though I grew up on Monty Python. I’m told that you’re a history buff. Yes I am. OK, when was the Battle of Hastings? Oh come on! That’s not fair! I haven’t a clue. There was a book written in its honour, titled 1066 and All That. Then I’ll guess it was 1066. You should check out A Short History of Almost Everything [by Bill Bryson]. It’s a fantastic book for history buffs. There’s much we don’t know about you. That you founded the Chicago theatre company Lookingglass, or your desire to teach, for instance. Teaching’s something I’ve considered. I may wait until I’m settled with a family, but I’m very drawn to the idea of working with kids. Would you ever consider another sitcom? As in acting? That’s not exciting to me. That’s why I’m doing more stage acting. And I’ve just directed a pilot for a new sitcom called New Car Smell, which is about salesmen in a car dealership in Vegas. You also directed a couple of episodes of Joey [with ex-Friends co-star Matt Le Blanc]. What was that like? Like coming home. It was the same soundstage where we made Friends, even the same crew. The weird thing was that it felt natural. One final question: you may want professionally to bury Ross, but might we ever see him again? There was talk of an episode of Joey where one or two of us from Friends came to visit, but I never heard more about it. But I don’t rule anything out when it comes to that cast because we all like each other so much. Matt Le Blanc (May 2005) Originally published in June 2005. Interview by Benji Wilson. Before we talk about Joey, tell us how you felt about the end of Friends. For me it it was like getting a divorce from someone you're still in love with. It sucked. I feel like I grew up there, those were the people that... well, I could go on for an hour. It’s sad. You didn’t want it to end? I think it should have ended because enough people felt like it should; it was always majority rule. It was the group consensus that it was about time to end it. It was a good ten years. So did you all vote on it? I don’t want to go into exactly how we came to a decision, but... pretty much. Did you get emotional when you finished the final episode? Yes, I was crying. But Friends must have put you in a position where you didn’t need to work any more? Absolutely, I could have just retired. So what gets you out of bed? You’ve got to do something. Why choose to do a spin-off starring Joey Tribbiani rather than something new? I knew this was a sure thing – and there weren’t tons of other possibilities. There’s a long list of stars out there and it’s not like I’ve proved myself in movies. Is he a different Joey from the one we know and love? He’s the same guy, just more evolved. Well he couldn’t have been much less evolved. You’re not saying Joey’s dumb, are you? Not dumb exactly – maybe one cappuccino short of a coffee shop. There are certain things about the character that the audience loves. I didn’t want them [the writers] to tweak him too much. What was it like saying, “How you doin’?” to a whole new group of workmates? It’s not like new people coming together. The whole crew worked on Friends, 50 per cent of the writing staff were on Friends, we’re in the same studio and there’s a shorthand. It’s just a case of plugging in the new cast. As the star, how did you go about setting the tone? Our motto on Friends was: check your ego at the door, then let’s work together and try to make the funniest little show we can. I’ve tried to adopt that philosophy here. I try to remind them that if we have fun, the audience will have fun. In a way it’s nostalgic watching them grow into new characters like the six of us did on Friends. You’ve been commissioned for a second series, and Five’s bought it over here, but if we’re honest the show’s had teething troubles, hasn’t it? The initial fantastic viewing figures have dropped. Yeah. You know, it’s hard because you have a character that everyone knows mixed in with new characters, so all the relationships feel a little stilted. But I think it just takes time for the audience to welcome new characters. I know everyone’s out there gunning for me and waiting for me to fail. There’s always room for improvement, no matter what you’re doing, and we’re still finding our legs. So what things can we expect to see in the next series? I think we’ll meet more of Joey’s nine sisters. I thought Christina Ricci did a great job in the episode with Joey’s second sister. She’s very inventive. You’re married with two stepchildren and a baby of your own. How difficult is it to be a normal dad? I live a normal life, but all behind a big wall. There aren’t too many places I can go that I’m not recognised. People want to grab you like they know you and watch you eat. Did your stepkids think you were cool because you were in Friends? I don’t know if it helped that I was in Friends, but I doubt it. I think they could see their mum was smiling a lot more. They probably thought that was cool. Do you change nappies? I am up at night changing diapers. I don’t have breast milk, but Melissa can bottle it so I can feed it to Marina – but I don’t mind holding the boob for the baby. One final question: the nappy stuff sounds very ordinary and boring, but you’re a big star – tell us about the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. There’s no dirt to dig on me. There’s recently been this big thing in a tabloid about some gay sex scandal I was involved in, there was one time I’d overdosed on drugs and died, another time it said I was really into cocaine. I shrug it off now, but after the one when I was supposed to have died I called my mother. Can you imagine if my mother saw that? Matthew Perry Originally published in July 2007. Interview by Jenny Eden. After the phenomenal success of Friends, you don’t need to work again, so why do another show? Pure desperation and fear of being... No, the truthful answer is, I was a huge fan of The West Wing and A Few Good Men, so when I heard that Aaron Sorkin had written a new show and that it took place in a world that I knew something about, I wanted to read it. And by the time I’d finished reading it, I knew that I was going to try as hard as I could to be a part of it. If this were a play or a movie or an elaborate ice show, I’d have shown up in it because the writing was so good. You play Matt Albie, the chief writer on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a struggling late-night comedy sketch show. Did you by any chance ever appear on Saturday Night Live? Yes, in 1997, and it was one of the scariest weeks of my life. You never get to rehearse, and it’s just all so fast-paced. I still don’t know what floor I was working on. It’s an exciting place but I don’t know if I’d ever do it again. Isn’t making a TV show about making a TV show when television starts to eat itself? This is a very bizarre industry we exist in, where no-one expects the truth. You are being lied to all day long, and it’s somehow just all right. This is a show about the kind of people who aspire to beat that, who aspire to be better than that. And I like a world where people are taking very seriously whether it’s funnier to fall down in front of the couch or behind the couch. How hard was it to say goodbye to Chandler Bing in Friends? It was a nice feeling of accomplishment of a job well done. But afterwards, I did want to change things a bit. This guy is a comedy writer but he’s not the kind of neurotic, over-the-top-character Chandler was. I have said to directors, “If you see any Chandler, tell me to stop.” Is it a relief not to have to be the funny guy any more? It’s a relief to escape the rhythm of a sitcom like Friends, with three jokes to each page. I was never comfortable with that. If we said a joke that didn’t work, the writers would get together and fix it, but I would always start sweating and be nervous, like we’re never going to make it funny. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2017/01/GettyImages-138425601-4c0d227-e1683042079908.jpg" width="2700" height="1800" alt="FRIENDS - Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay (Photo by NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)" title="Friends" /> Are you ever tempted to throw in a gag in the new show? On every other job I’ve ever done, for better for worse, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and gone, “OK, how can we make this funnier?” But with Aaron’s writing, you have to be word-perfect. If the line is “He has not” and I say, “He hasn’t”, that’s not OK. It’s all about the rhythm of the words. That’s why you work 14- or 15-hour days, then go home and, by the time you unbutton your shirt, it’s time to go back to work. Quite different to life on a sitcom then? Friends was the closest an actor can come to having a normal life; it was basically a nine-to-five job. This is night-and-day different. I have to stock in Red Bull: my character drinks it all the time; I drink it all the time. I think I’m like most actors: given any kind of situation, I’m going to complain. If I’ve got too much time off, I’m going to be complaining that I’m not working. And if I’m working too much, I’m going to long for time off. There is no happiness. The reward is death. That's what it says on the bumper sticked of my car." Do you still see the other Friends stars? As much as I can, but it’s hard. We’re shooting this show about five feet from where I worked for ten years. It’s very bizarre. I think they should all move in here, too. One final question: having been one of the world’s six best-loved comedy actors, how hard is it to keep your ego in check? I’ve also been on the least-watched television show in the history of television and the most watched, and neither really did what I thought it would do to my life. You can’t identify yourself with the big accolades or the big, over-the-top successes. I was on a Fox show called Second Chance, which ranked 92nd out of 93 shows, and I was walking around with attitude. I was nicer when I was on the number-one show. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who left Strictly 2025? Sixth celebrity to be voted out revealed
Gladiators star Harry and drag artist La Voix found themselves in the dreaded dance off tonight.
Last night's Strictly was a feast of dancing delights, with many a high-scoring routine and a surprise best dance of the night that gave the Strictly leaderboard a shake-up. TV personality Vicky Pattison was left "shaking" when she topped the leaderboard with her incredible Tango, which received a near-perfect 39 points from the judges. She narrowly beat Amber Davies to the top spot, with Lewis Cope and Karen Carney hot on their heels in joint third place. At the other end of the leaderboard, however, were EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who performed a Couple's Choice routine to Sapphire by Ed Sheeran & Arijit Singh, and La Voix, who did a Foxtrot to Make Your Own Kind of Music by Cass Elliot. Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also failed to totally dazzle the judges, receiving a modest 30 points for his Samba to Samba by Gloria Estefan. During tonight's results show, the viewers votes were combined with the judges' scores to determine the bottom two pairs who would have to dance again for survival in the competition as we head into the second half of the season. Sadly, Harry and La Voix landed in the dance off. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/543099-55d63b3.jpg" width="4582" height="3055" alt="Two pairs of dancers stand under dramatic red stage lighting on a ballroom competition show. On the left, La Voix in a long pastel gown stands arm-in-arm with partner Aljaz Skorjanec in a pale blue suit. On the right, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in a bright, fringed dance outfit stands with partner Karen Hauer, who wears open, patterned shirt and green trousers. Both pairs look tense as they wait for results." title="La Voix and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the Strictly dance off" /> After the couples had danced again, the four judges had their say – and the decision was unanimous. The Strictly panel all voted to save La Voix, keeping the drag queen and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec on the show for another week and sending Harry and Karen Hauer home. Reflecting on his time on Strictly, Harry said: "I just want to thank Karen, genuinely, you have given me an opportunity to shine. You've understood my crazy brain. "I'm such a logical person, trying to dance and obviously doing what I do – Olympic sprinter, Gladiator – now I'm trying to be a dancer. I just want to thank you so much for the time and effort, the hard work that you've given to me." He went on to say: "Literally, this has been a dream come true. This is a celebration. It's a celebration. "I spoke to my daughter and she didn't like seeing her dad sad, and when she saw me sad last week, she was like, 'Daddy what's wrong?' and I wanted to show everyone that, no matter what happens, there's always a silver lining. "But this is an experience for me. So, thank you for this lovely gift and, at the end of the day, we carry on, we give it to them, and we continue to shine." The competition is really heating up now as we pass the halfway mark and the celebrities start to set their sights on the grand final. But who do you think will go all the way? Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6:25pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Top Gear creator on why show will never return after Freddie Flintoff crash: 'No one at the BBC will fight to bring it back'
Top Gear creator Andy Wilman didn't pull any punches when it came to hopes for the show's future.
Andy Wilman, who co-created the modern Top Gear fans know and love, reflected on the serious crashes both Richard Hammond and Freddie Flintoff suffered during their respective tenures as presenters on the hit BBC programme. In an interview to promote his new book, Mr Wilman's Motoring Adventure, Wilman highlighted the differences between the two incidents. Hammond was seriously injured after crashing a jet-powered Vampire dragster while filming for the show in 2006. He was in a coma for two weeks and suffered severe head injuries but later made a full physical recovery. Flintoff's crash in 2022 prompted the BBC to put Top Gear on permanent hiatus. The presenter was taken to hospital after he suffered facial and rib injuries in a crash at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. He has spoken out about psychological, emotional and physical effects of the life-altering crash. Flintoff later reached a financial settlement with the BBC after losing out on earnings in the wake of the incident. Now, in an interview with LADbible, Top Gear creator Wilman has said: "Richard's crash was definitely like of an era and it was massively dramatic. It was like something out of a movie… but the mood around it is ‘He survived, he lives, he's going to come in back.’ It’s pretty upbeat. It's very like 'He's coming back.'" In comparison, Wilman continued: "I think come the moment when Freddie's crash [happened], how is it different? It's a horrible crash. You know, the facial injuries for the poor man… and it lingers, he's out of action. He's out of the public eye. He's off work." While Wilman acknowledged the serious injuries and effects Hammond endured, he added: "Freddie's is like, lingeringly horrible. It's depressing and it's a s**tty crash, a three-wheeler turning over on a rock, kind of semi-destroying his face. "It knocks the stuffing out of the show and if it knocks the stuffing out of the show, which is now just another BBC show, it'll knock the stuffing out of the show full stop. "Because I don't think there's anybody in the BBC who goes, 'Right, we've got to fight for Top Gear to come back.'" Asked if he thought Top Gear would ever return to screens, Wilman said: "I don’t think it will." He added of the BBC: "I don't think there's anybody sitting in programme planning going, 'How do we get Top Gear back on air?' Nobody's doing that." Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Strictly judges warn star "don't say that" before tears over "tough" performance
Alex Kingston had an emotional week on Strictly.
The Strictly Come Dancing judges are really raising their expectations as the competition inches towards its grand finale. Actress Alex Kingston felt the sting of their criticisms this week after struggling with an extra challenging routine: the Paso Doble to Amparito Roca by Jamie Texidor. It seems the dramatic dance wasn't smooth sailing for Alex despite her partner Johannes Radebe supporting her with unwavering faith throughout the week in training. Alex admitted to finding the routine more difficult than usual because she didn't have lyrics to time her steps to. After her performance, host Tess Daly welcomed her in front of the judges, saying: "You've had such a tough week and now it's all done. Are you relieved?" "Sort of, Alex answered, seeming disappointed. "I think I could – I could give it another go, to be honest." The judges reacted, with several jokingly warning Alex "don't say that" – presumably lest she jinx herself into the dance off tomorrow night (Sunday 9th November). "It's the first time that I felt a bit of insecurity from you," Motsi Mabuse said of the performance, before Shirley Ballas said it unfortunately lacked some passion or fire. "Today you looked a little nervous," Anton Du Beke said, while Craig Revel Horwood critiqued Alex's shoulder positions and shaping, saying the routine lacked "showbiz pizzazz". The judges ultimately scored Alex a respectable 30 points for her Paso, but the Doctor Who star seemed upset when she got up to Claudia Winkleman's Clauditorium. Becoming emotional, she explained: "The thing is, I'm numerically dyslexic so I can't count and that's quite difficult." "But I don't want you to be sad because you were excellent," Claudia insisted, reaching out to comfort her. After a big group hug with her fellow Strictly contestants, the presenter added: "The thing is, you're not supposed to love every dance." "No, but I should love this dance because it's drama," a teary Alex replied. "But it's just that I'm used to dancing to lyrics. And I didn't know that I can't do that." Fingers crossed Alex manages to stay out of the dance off and will be able to bounce back strongly next week – with a song that's better suited to her. Strictly Come Dancing results show airs Sunday at 7:10pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Davina McCall announces breast cancer diagnosis: 'I'm on my journey to stop it coming back'
Davina McCall has opened up about her recent breast cancer diagnosis and surgery.
Davina McCall, 58, shared the news of her breast cancer diagnosis in an emotional video on Instagram today (Saturday 8th November), saying she discovered a lump after checking her breasts. The TV presenter explained that the lump was very small and she "got it very, very early", adding: "I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn't spread." Former Big Brother host McCall said she was "angry" when she first discovered her cancer but was now in a "much more positive place". She urged people to check their breasts, saying: "I found a lump a few weeks ago, and it came and went, but then I was working on The Masked Singer and Lorraine, the TV show Lorraine Kelly, had put signs on the back of all the doors saying, ‘check your breasts’. "And every time I went for a wee, I did that, and it was still there," she continued. "And then one morning, I saw it in the mirror and I thought, I’m going to get that looked at. “So I had a biopsy. I found out it was indeed breast cancer and I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago – and the margins, they take out a little bit extra, and they check the margins, and the margins are clear." Reassuring fans that the cancer hadn't spread, she confirmed her lymph nodes were clear and she hadn't had any removed. Going on to explain what was next, McCall said in the video: "All I’m going to do now is have five days of radiotherapy in January as kind of an insurance policy and then I am on my journey to try and stop it ever coming back." McCall thanked staff at Royal Marsden hospital in London, her family and her children, also saying a special thank you to her partner Michael Douglas. Her post received an outpouring of love and support from fans and celebrity friends, including Amanda Holden and Elizabeth Day. The official page for Lorraine shared a post on Instagram following McCall's, saying: "We're sending all our love to Davina McCall, who has revealed today that she has undergone surgery for breast cancer. Davina found her lump after seeing our Change+Check awareness sticker and thankfully caught the cancer before it had spread. "Lorraine says: "I’m so glad Davina saw our Change+Check sticker and the cancer was caught early. That’s the whole point of the campaign to raise awareness and save lives. I’m sending Davina all my love. She’s been through such a lot and she’s such a terrific woman." "Scroll right to see our awareness sticker and, as Davina says, remember to check your boobs regularly and "never ignore a niggle"." Last year, McCall had surgery to remove a benign brain tumour – a colloid cyst – which was discovered after she had a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work.
Lola Young issues health update after collapsing on stage during New York gig
Lola Young has spoken out on Instagram after being carried off stage at a festival on Saturday (27th September) night.
Messy and One Thing singer Lola Young was carried off stage at All Things Go festival in New York on Saturday night after collapsing during her performance. The incident occurred while the English pop star was singing Conceited, which is from her second studio album This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway. She later posted on her Instagram story, updating fans on her condition. "For anyone who saw my set at all things go today , i am doing okay now [sic]," she wrote. "Thank you for all your support." Prior to her collapse on stage, Young told the crowd she had "had a tricky couple of days". In a video shared on TikTok, she can be seeing saying: "Before I start this next song, I want to say I’ve had a tricky couple of days. Sometimes life can really make you feel like you can’t continue. But you know what? Today I woke up and I made the decision to come here… And sometimes life can throw you lemons, and you just gotta f***ing make lemonade." One night earlier, Young pulled out of performing at Audacy's We Can Survive concert due to a "sensitive matter", according to Billboard. Radio Times has contacted Young's representatives for comment. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jodie Whittaker looks ahead to Doctor Who future: 'I wouldn't hesitate to come back'
It's not yet known exactly what the future holds for Doctor Who.
While everything feels pretty up in the air for Doctor Who fans lately, one thing, at least, remains steadfast: Jodie Whittaker's love for the BBC sci-fi staple. As we wait for confirmation of when (and if) the series will return, Whittaker reflected on her recent reprisal of the role of Thirteen – and turned her thoughts to the future. "I was just delighted I still fitted in my costume," she said of her brief return which accompanied Ncuti Gatwa's regeneration and the end of the latest season. "The second I got to Cardiff, I felt like I was home, even though it’s a different studio, a different TARDIS. The actress, who is set to star alongside Suranne Jones in upcoming drama, Frauds, went on to look ahead to what could happen in the future, saying she'd be thrilled to return again in decades' time. "It’s just my absolute happiness, Doctor Who," she told The Times. "If someone said to me in 20 years, ‘I’ve written an episode and the Thirteenth comes back,’ I just wouldn’t hesitate. It’s absolute joy." We're still waiting on clarity on the future path for Doctor Who, but producer Jan Tranter did recently confirm that Disney, which co-produces the show alongside the BBC, does not have to decide either way on further seasons until after spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea airs next year. In somewhat relieving news for fans – who have been on tenterhooks for months now – the BBC's Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said Doctor Who is "going nowhere", telling audiences at the Edinburgh TV Festival that it will remain on the BBC "with or without Disney". Radio Times will, of course, keep you updated with all the latest updates from Doctor Who and the BBC. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Dive into our Doctor Who story guide: reviews of every episode since 1963, plus cast & crew listings, production trivia, and exclusive material from the Radio Times archive. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Richard Osman voiced concerns about Thursday Murder Club plot changes – multiple times
Some avid fans of The Thursday Murder Club books took issue when Netflix's movie adaptation was released last month and some certain changes became apparent. While it's no surprise that the film didn't adapt the first Thursday Murder Club book verbatim, plot points came under scrutiny (ahem, Bogdan). And it sounds like the author, Richard Osman, was in the same boat when he first heard about the alterations. Appearing on ITV's This Morning earlier this week, Osman was quizzed about his reaction to finding out about changes to the books when host Ben Shephard notes how protective readers are of the beloved characters. Asked if he had ever said "are you sure that's the right way to go with this" to the filmmakers, Osman replied: "I can reveal I did say that a couple of times. Yes, I did. "Ask me if [producer Steven Spielberg] listened," he quipped, adding: "They know what they're doing, they made E.T. I didn't make E.T." Osman emphasised that he had to put his faith in those adapting his source material and that the film exists alongside the books, rather than replacing them. "I've written my version of the book, and that's The Thursday Murder Club, and it's available in all good bookshops and it'll be there forever," he said. "In 100 years' time, that's my version. That's the version that comes from my heart. "I'm not gonna be the person to sit down and do an adaptation for a film because I've done it already, so you have to give it to brilliant people. "And they've got to do a two-hour version of this thing. If you wrote down everything that was in the book, it would just be Joyce wittering on for kind of four-and-a-half hours and everyone would switch off so, you have to let other people do their version of it. "They have to make choices that you wouldn't necessarily make yourself, but that's the fun of the thing." The Thursday Murder Club is available to stream on Netflix. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Strictly Come Dancing pro shrieks as judge Anton Du Beke shocks with ambitious stunt
No one was expecting that from Anton tonight!
Tonight's Strictly Come Dancing live show got the season proper off to a sparkling start full of sequins, some nerves and, of course, the obligatory booing of Craig Revel Horwood's low scoring. Among the Strictly 2025 celebs to light up the dance floor and score positively, however, was Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA Nitro. Harry's high energy Cha Cha packed a punch – and even featured an impressive push-up stunt with pro partner Karen Hauer posed on his back – and stood him in good stead on the Week One leaderboard, scoring 19 points from the judges. While Harry was emotional after completing his dance floor debut, talk soon turned to the action-packed physicality of the routine. "I could see you were a bit nervous," Head Judge Shirley Ballas noted, adding: "All in all you did a grand job." Upon his turn, Anton Du Beke enthused: "It's a whole thing!" Gesturing to the dance floor as he relived the routine in his mind, Anton didn't seem sure what to say. "Shirley come on, let's do it now!" he burst out, stepping down from his seat at the judges' desk and dropping to the floor. Anton proceeded to perform several push-ups as Karen shrieked in surprise, clearly ticked. Motsi Mabuse clutched Shirley, both howling with laughter – but then Nitro took it up a notch. "Anton, do you want a ride?" he shouted to the judge over the audience's laughter, waving Anton down on to the ballroom floor and urging him to hop up on his back to mimic the stunt he just managed to pull off with professional dancer Karen. Karen shrieked again as she held on to Anton's hands, helping him balance on Harry's back as the Gladiator effortlessly performed push-ups with the esteemed judge perched atop his back. When Harry and Karen got up to the Clauditorium after all the kerfuffle, Claudia Winkleman even admitted there had been more yelling in the studio, laughing: "We were screaming up here when you did that with Anton." Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday at 6:20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
American actor reveals he was 'hired' as James Bond in '80s – but Roger Moore changed his mind
Octopussy could have been a very different movie had Roger Moore not had a change of heart.
While who will be the next James Bond is the talk of the town in the summer of 2025 following the news Denis Villeneuve will be directing Bond 26, one Hollywood star is throwing it back a bit as he reveals he was almost cast as 007 back in the '80s. Prolific actor and director James Brolin says former Bond producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli asked him to take over the iconic role from Roger Moore after the latter decided he was done with the franchise ahead of 1983's Octopussy. Brolin recalled meeting with Broccoli, getting a flat in the UK and even beginning to work with stuntmen for the role before Moore ultimately did a U-turn. "[Moore] was out, so I flew over and I met all the people," Brolin told People. "And I got my apartment and I started working with the stuntmen and Cubby Broccoli hired me." But, having not officially signed a contract, it was swiftly over before it even began for the Marcus Welby M.D. star. "We hadn't signed any papers yet," he said. "I got back to L.A. to get my stuff because I was going to be gone for a year. And I got a call saying Roger decided to do one more, and I was out." Moore eventually returned to play Bond not just in Octopussy but also in the following film, A View to a Kill, in 1985. Brolin has over 140 TV and film credits to his name and is known for his roles in The Amityville Horror, Capricorn One and Westworld (1973). Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Ncuti Gatwa reveals whether he'd return to Doctor Who – after 'physical, emotional, mental' toll of role
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up on departing Doctor Who after a short tenure as the Doctor.
After one of the shortest TARDIS tenures in history, Ncuti Gatwa left Doctor Who at the end of last season, with his Fifteenth Doctor regenerating into none other than Billie Piper – although quite whether she will in fact be the next Doctor remains to be seen. The abrupt end to his time in the TARDIS makes him the first Doctor since Christopher Eccleston to see out fewer than three seasons. Now, during an appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Gatwa has spoken out about his reasons for leaving the BBC's sci-fi juggernaut. "Why did you walk away from Doctor Who?" Kuenssberg asked him. "Because I’m getting old and my body was tired," the actor replied. "I’ve now just started doing some ballet, so I’m making some good decisions here. "It’s the most amazing job in the world," he continued. "It’s a job that any actor would dream of. And because it’s so good, it’s strenuous, it takes a lot out of you physically, emotionally, mentally. "So, I – it was time," he added. Despite the toll – physical, mental and emotional – Gatwa hasn't ruled out popping back into the world of Doctor Who again in the future. When Kuenssberg pressed him on whether he could make another appearance in the vein of David Tennant's return, he simply replied: "Never say never." It's not the first time Gatwa has alluded to the pressures of playing the Doctor. Speaking in a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube following his exit, he said: "It was always the plan to do this amount of seasons, because it’s a role that demands a lot of you, physically and emotionally and mentally. "Actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor, unfortunately, we are mere mortals. I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life but my knees are telling me it’s time." Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ outside of the UK. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Dive into our Doctor Who story guide: reviews of every episode since 1963, plus cast & crew listings, production trivia, and exclusive material from the Radio Times archive. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Boy George hits out at streaming after Top 40 charts success of vinyl-only album
The pop star called music streaming a "waste of time".
Boy George, who is celebrating the Top 40 chart success of his latest album SE18, took aim the music streaming models at the Till The Stars Come Down National Theatre press night in London's West End this week. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times, the pop superstar said: "To be honest, streaming's a waste of time. "My most streamed track last year was The Crying Game," he continued. "I didn't even write it –nothing to do with me! People are allowed to like what they like, but please..." The Karma Chameleon star contrasted the music streaming model with that of physical media, highlighting the success of his latest album. "I just had my first Top 40 album, which is hilarious, you know, because I haven't really promoted it," he laughed. "It's vinyl-only, so you can only get it at this place called elasticStage. It's a new print-to-order vinyl service. "Usually you have to wait like six months for vinyl. So it has revolutionised how you buy vinyl records." The reggae-inspired SE18, which takes its title from the London area postcode where Boy George lived as a teenager, is out now but is only available via mail-order on CD or vinyl, with the singer taking an old-fashioned approach to its release. He recently said, during an appearing on This Morning: "My audience doesn’t seem to care about streaming. They like the product, the lyrics." You can buy SE18 on elasticStage now. Check out more of our Radio coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Sense and Sensibility's new adaptation adds The Sandman star alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones
The cast for the new adaptation of Jane Austen's novel is shaping up nicely.
Sense and Sensibility's Marianne Dashwood – famously portrayed on the big screen by Kate Winslet in the 1995 movie – will be played by Hanna and The Sandman star Esmé Creed-Miles. She will co-lead the new adaptation alongside Normal People actor Daisy Edgar-Jones, who was recently confirmed for the part of Elinor Dashwood, previously played by Emma Thompson. The remake is being directed by Georgia Oakley (Little Bird) and the script is penned by bestselling author Diana Reid. Creed-Miles announced the news of her casting on Instagram, sharing an image of herself holding the novel alongside the caption: "Gratitude beyond." A second picture showed her script alongside Edgar-Jones's. Creed-Miles is known for her role as the titular Hanna in the series adaptation and recently starred on the big screen in Kristin Stewart's directorial debut The Chronology of Water. Austen’s Sense and Sensibility has seen a fair few screen adaptations over the decades, each putting its own spin on the Dashwood sisters’ tale of heartbreak, social status and romantic missteps. The most iconic version remains Ang Lee’s 1995 film, starring Thompson and Winslet. The film boastd a starry supporting cast including Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman and scooped many awards. But long before that Oscar-winning take, penned by Thompson herself, the BBC had already made a habit of adapting Austen’s work. Its 1971 serial starred Joanna David (mother of Downton Abbey’s Emilia Fox) as Elinor and offered a more traditional interpretation. In 2008, the BBC returned to the novel with a fresh three-part miniseries from Pride and Prejudice screenwriter Andrew Davies. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who overnight ratings revealed for season finale The Reality War
**WARNING: Contains spoilers for The Reality War.**
The jam-packed Doctor Who season finale drew an impressive audience on BBC One last night. 2.2 million fans tuned in to watch would would turn out to be Ncuti Gatwa's departure from the TARDIS as the Doctor regenerated into a very familiar face in a surprising twist. It's worth noting that fans also attended screenings of the episode in cinemas all over the country – though these will not factor into the ratings. The numbers make The Reality War the second-best performing episode of the season in terms of overnight ratings. Consolidated ratings will be confirmed Tuesday 10th June. The episode came to a jaw-dropping conclusion when Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor regenerated into none other than Rose Tyler star Billie Piper. It was a historic first for Doctor Who as Gatwa's departure occurred without being previously announced by the BBC. And, of course, his successor hadn't been confirmed either. It's not been official clarified whether Piper is in fact the next Doctor – the credits simply stated "Introducing Billie Piper" – bit it looks a lot like she could be Sixteen. Watch this space. If that wasn't enough, we also got to see the surprise return of Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor, who returned at a crucial moment to help Gatwa's Doctor through his final mission. The excitement for Whovians didn't stop there either as the first trailer for spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea also debuted straight after the season 15 finale. Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ outside of the UK. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Dive into our Doctor Who story guide: reviews of every episode since 1963, plus cast & crew listings, production trivia, and exclusive material from the Radio Times archive. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Unforgotten's Nicola Walker and Blackadder star's paranormal drama is airing again on BBC Radio 4
The audio drama comes from Doctor Who director Julian Simpson.
Unforgotten favourite Nicola Walker stars alongside Blackadder and Notting Hill actor Tim McInnerny in three-part sardonically humorous paranormal audio drama Mythos. It's written and director by Julian Simpson, whose credits include episodes of Doctor Who as well as BBC Radio 4's The Lovecraft Investigations. Mythos is described as a series that looks at British folklore through a quasi-scientific prism. It centres on a secretive government agency which investigates supernatural and otherworldly threats. Walker stars as the ghost of a nun, while McInnerny plays her boss. In the first episode, her character searches for a spell book in a remote village. Mythos also stars Wicked and Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey, as well as Van der Valk's Emma Fielding and Underworld actor Steven Mackintosh. It was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 back in 2017 but the 45-minute first episode, titled Mythos, will be airing again on the station tomorrow, Sunday 1st June, at 4pm. The second episode, Glamis, airs the following Sunday (8th June) at the same time and the third, Albion, is broadcast a week later at 4pm on Sunday 15th June. Mythos starts Sunday 1st June at 4pm on BBC Radio 4.
Loretta Swit, M*A*S*H's 'Hot Lips' Houlihan, dies aged 87 – Alan Alda leads tributes
Loretta Swit, best known as M*A*S*H favourite 'Hot Lips' Houlihan, died yesterday (Friday 30th May).
Loretta Swit's death was confirmed by her representative (via BBC). The actress famously played Major Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan in the beloved sitcom M*A*S*H. Swit's representative said she likely died of natural causes but a coroner's report is pending. She was nominated for multiple Emmy's for her role in M*A*S*H, starring in nearly every episode of the show, which ran from 1972 until 1983. The M*A*S*H finale, which featured Swit's 'Hot Lips', made history as the most-watched episode of TV to date when it aired in '83, drawing a staggering 106 million viewers in the US. Swit was born Loretta Jane Szwed in Passaic, New Jersey, in 1937, going on to study drama. She starred in Off Broadway productions throughout the '60s. Her TV debut came in 1969 in an episode of Hawaii Five-O and she went on to have numerous TV and film roles, including The Bold Ones and the Mission: Impossible TV series. It was her portrayal of Margaret Houlihan in M*A*S*H, though, which brought her fame and made her a global star. Alongside her screen roles, she continued to have a career on stage. Swit was also nominated for four Golden Globes over the course of her career. M*A*S*H actor Alan Alda, who played 'Hawkeye' Pierce, led tributes to Swit with a heartfelt post on X. He wrote: "Loretta was a supremely talented actor. She deserved all her 10 Emmy nominations and her 2 wins. But more than acting her part, she created it. "She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one joke sexist stereotype into a real person -- with real feelings and ambitions. We celebrated the day the script came out listing her character not as Hot Lips, but as Margaret. Loretta made the most of her time here." View oEmbed on the source website Mike Farrell, who played Captain B.J. Hunnicutt in the hit sitcom, shared a picture of Swit on Instagram in tribute.
What happened to Teddy Magic on Britain's Got Talent? Magician pulls out during live show
Young magician Teddy Magic's performance was pulled unexpectedly during last night's live semi-final.
With not long to go before the second semi-final of Britain's Got Talent 2025, the show has confirmed which acts will be taking centre stage in a bid to get themselves a spot in the final. Last weekend (Saturday 26th April) saw the return of the live semi-finals, but it didn't go entirely to plan as magic act Teddy Magic's performance failed to make it to the stage. Hosts Ant & Dec hinted something was amiss, with Ant McPartlin announcing: "Teddy isn't quite ready backstage yet, so we'll chat to you judges." Declan Donnelly went on to say that there would be a "little change of plan" while the eight-year-old star got "himself ready and composed backstage", which some viewers took to mean Teddy was experiencing some nerves. Simon Cowell was unimpressed in his reaction, asking: "Wait, so the act's not ready?" "He's only eight years old, so back off!" Ant reprimanded him. The live show proceeded in the hopes that Teddy Magic would perform later in the show, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. After the other acts had taken to the stage, Dec confirmed Teddy wouldn't be performing that night, adding: "But we hope to see him later on in the series." What happened to Teddy Magic on Britain's Got Talent? Many fans took to social media to express their concern and disappointment that Teddy Magic hadn't been able to perform during the first live final of this year's BGT. A common theme was worry for his wellbeing, and several were left asking what exactly happened to cause the contestant to pull out during the broadcast. RadioTimes.com understands that a last-minute issue with the performance led the BGT team to postpone the act. BGT recently confirmed that Alexandra Burgio, Cheer Re Mans, Jannick Holste, John Pierce, Lil M's, Olly Pearson, Stacey Leadbeatter and Will Burns would be performing during the second semi-final. However, the team is still hoping Teddy will perform at a later semi-final – so fans should hopefully see him return to the stage. We will update you as soon as we know when Teddy will be making his comeback. The Britain's Got Talent semi-finals continues on Saturday 3rd May at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX. You can catch up on last weekend's episode on ITVX. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Death in Paradise fan spots link between Austin and spin-off Return to Paradise
Think Ben Miller is the only thing that connects the two worlds? Think again.
Ben Miller's performance in Austin has delighted fans of the actor and given those dedicated to his Death in Paradise character DI Poole something to get stuck into recently. But there's more than the actor's existence in both the 'Paraverse' and the world of Austin that links the two. Comedy drama Austin, which sees Miller playing a writer who is embroiled in a social media storm of his own making when he finds out he has an adult son following an affair with an Australian woman many years ago, features a cast member who's also prominent in Death in Paradise's Australian spin-off Return to Paradise. Tai Hara, who plays bartender Luke in Austin, also appears in Return to Paradise as lead detective Mackenzie Clarke's (Anna Samson) ex-boyfriend Glenn Strong. In Return to Paradise, DI Clarke returns to Dolphin Cove after years in London's Metropolitan Police while she waits to hear what is happening to her career in England after being accused of evidence tampering. Without a clear idea on what she will do next, she is given a chance by Philomena, the police sergeant in charge in Dolphin Cove. There she reunites with several people from her past, including Glenn, the ex she was set to marry and the two have to more forward and work together. According to WalesOnline, a fan posted in a fan group on social media having spotted the connection: "I'm watching the new Ben Miller show Austin. There is a character called Barman Luke. The character is played by Tai Hara, who also plays Glenn Strong in Paradise. Glenn is Mac's ex-fiance." Hara is also known for roles in Colin From Accounts, Home and Away and Madame Secretary. Read more: Death in Paradise season 15 confirmed with first look as filming begins Austin season 1 is available to stream on iPlayer, as is Return to Paradise. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
MrBeast speaks out on Beast Games future – season 2 casting underway
MrBeast says Prime Video's reality competition epic Beast Games could return again and again.
According to YouTube sensation MrBeast, "another 10 seasons [of Beast Games] could happen". Earlier this year, the content creator and media personality's supersized reality competition show handed out $10 million – the biggest cash prize in entertainment history – when Player 831 (Jeffrey Randall Allen) emerged victorious over his 999 fellow contestants on the Prime Video series. The show, created by MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) and inspired by Squid Game, was a huge ratings hit for Amazon's streamer, hitting 50 million it's first 25 days on the platform, making it its most-watched unscripted series ever. The figures also made Beast Games the second-biggest debut for any series on Prime Video, behind only Fallout. During a panel for Deadline’s Contenders Television: Documentary, Unscripted & Variety event, MrBeast revealed he sees a bright future ahead for Beast Games. However, he couldn't say too much. "[Co-creator Sean] Klitzner is kind of my boss in this regard, and he told me I wasn’t allowed to speak about that subject during this interview," he said. Klitzner, one of the show’s co-creators and executive producers, also dodged questions about renewal for the show but insisted there's an "unlimited amount of good ideas". "If there’s a good idea in front of us, and there’s a YouTube video that needs it, we’re going to film it for the YouTube video," he said. "Another good idea is right around the corner." MrBeast added" I’m on Year 5 of people telling me, ‘Aren’t you going to run out of ideas? Your YouTube channel is eventually going to get stale.’ But if you’re constantly innovating, adapting and actually trying to push the boundaries, there are plenty of ways you can [do it]." Beast Games is currently casting for season 2 but hasn't officially been renewed by Prime Video. He previously revealed he's "100 per cent" sure a second season will be happening, saying in an interview: "I was told not to talk about [season 2 and season 3]. I love what we did with Beast Games. I’m doing it. I loved working with Prime Video so I’m sure we’re going to do it with them. 100 per cent. There’s no way we’re not." Beast Games is available to watch on Prime Video now – you can sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jeremy Clarkson thinks Top Gear comeback is needed – but he won't return
We need Top Gear now more than ever, according to Jeremy Clarkson.
As the BBC continues to rest Top Gear indefinitely, Jeremy Clarkson has spoken out on the demand for such a programme. In a new interview, the presenter and petrolhead, who currently fronts Clarkson's Farm on Prime Video, highlighted the rapid innovation in the car industry at the moment, saying: "Cars are changing so fast and electrical cars are coming along and nobody really understands what’s a good one and what isn’t." Clarkson went on to note that, in the '50s, "motoring journalism was important because all the car companies were trying new things – different types of engines and different types of gearboxes – and you needed people to steer you through the complexity." He said that, for the past 40 years, motoring programmes were unnecessary "by and large" – but that's changed recently. "Because [when] I look at a kilowatt per hour car, I have no idea what that means," he explained to The Times. Clarkson said it would be very sad if Top Gear never returned but was quick to clarify that he wouldn't return to present a programme centred on electric vehicles, saying: "I just don’t understand or like electrical cars, so I wouldn’t be interested in doing it." The presenter exited Top Gear in 2015 when the BBC elected not to renew his contract following a "fracas" with producer Oisin Tymon, said to have occurred due to the lack of availability of hot food after a day's filming. Alongside fellow Top Gear hosts James May and Richard Hammond, he went on to present The Grand Tour on Prime Video. The Grand Tour came to an end earlier this year. The BBC made the decision to rest Top Gear "for the foreseeable future" in the wake of Freddie Flintoff's crash during filming back in 2022. Read more: Clarkson’s Farm season 4 trailer sees Jeremy struggle without Kaleb – plus a Richard Hammond cameo Jeremy Clarkson is "a bit incompetent" says Kaleb Cooper, as he talks difficult Clarkson's Farm season 4 All previous seasons of Top Gear are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Looking for something else to watch in the meantime? Check out our TV Guide or visit our dedicated Entertainment hub. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker was asked to write for Doctor Who
Two of the most popular sci-fi series collide as Charlie Brooker reveals he was invited to write for Doctor Who.
Famously satirising Star Trek with one of Black Mirror's most popular episodes, USS Callister, it's no surprise Charlie Brooker gets questions about some of the world's biggest sci-fi franchises. Following USS Callister's sequel episode in Black Mirror season 7, Brooker was quizzed by the hosts of The News Agents podcast about whether his thoughts would ever turn to writing for Star Trek. Asked if he'd like to write a new series of the iconic franchise, Brooker (Screenwipe, Cunk on Earth) said the idea was an "interesting one". Asked if he would ever like to write a new series of Star Trek, Charlie told The News Agents: "I’ve never seen the Next Generation," he replied. "I’ve only seen the original series when I was a kid." However, it transpires the writer was once invited to contribute to another sci-fi giant: Doctor Who. "I was sort of asked about Doctor Who once," he revealed, clarifying: "I wasn’t asked to run it, I was asked to write for it, and it felt a bit like the Home Office asking you to do something – like it was my national duty. "But I just didn’t have time because I was busy," he added. "So, if a big behemoth like Star Trek asked me to write for them, you’d at least take that call, wouldn’t you? You’d consider it. "But with doing Black Mirror, you’ve got control; and when you wander into somebody else’s show, you’re trying to please them." It doesn't sound like Brooker has ruled out dabbling in other sci-fi series – but, based on his comments, we wouldn't hold our breath for a Doctor Who writing credit as of yet. Read more: Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa confirmed as UK's Eurovision spokesperson You can listen to the full interview on The News Agents podcast on Global Player now. Black Mirror season 7 is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Avengers: Doomsday cast confirmed as Marvel shares dramatic unveiling
It's been a long, winding road since for the MCU since the Avengers last assembled in 2019's Endgame, but now they are regrouping to face a new threat in 2026's Avengers: Doomsday. The film, which will form part of a two-part story along with 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars, is about to start filming, and in anticipation Marvel has announced the central cast list for the film in a live stream posted to its YouTube channel. The live stream saw a camera moving through a production studio to reveal chairs for each of the cast members, including heroes who have been part of the MCU since its early days of Phase 1, like Chris Hemsworth's Thor, right through to new additions who haven't even been seen yet, like Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Fantastic Four. Perhaps most surprising though was the confirmed return of several figures from the X-Men movies, including Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier/Professor X), Ian McKellen (Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto), Alan Cumming (Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler) Rebecca Romijn (Raven Darkhölme/Mystique) and James Marsden (Scott Summers/Cyclops) – set to star alongside Channing Tatum (Remy LeBeau/Gambit) following his appearance in last year's Deadpool & Wolverine. Conspicuous by their absence were Marvel stalwarts including Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man), Benedict Cumberbatch (Stephen Strange/Dr. Strange), and Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/The Hulk). The confirmed cast list for Avengers: Doomsday is as follows: Chris Hemsworth (Thor) Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/Invisible Woman) Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier) Letitia Wright (Shuri/Black Panther) Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man) Wyatt Russell (John Walker/US Agent) Tenoch Huerta Mejia (Namor) Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow) Kelsey Grammer (Hank McCoy/Beast) Lewis Pullman (Bob/Sentry) Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres / Falcon) Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch) David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian) Winston Duke (M'Baku) Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr/Ghost) Tom Hiddleston (Loki) Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier/Professor X) Ian McKellen (Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto) Alan Cumming (Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler) Rebecca Romijn (Raven Darkhölme/Mystique) James Marsden (Scott Summers/Cyclops) Channing Tatum (Remy LeBeau/Gambit) Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic) Robert Downey Jr. (Dr. Doom) You can watch the (rather long) announcement video right here. View oEmbed on the source website Avengers: Doomsday will see Downey Jr return to the MCU to play a new character, taking on the role of the villainous Dr Doom rather than his long-time character Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Read more: Captain America: Brave New World offers up surprise cameo – confirming new character detail James Bond finally confirms progress on next movie – producers announced It will be directed by the Russo Brothers, who previously helmed four other films in the MCU: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The Russos recently spoke with RadioTimes.com about their return to Marvel, explaining what it was the drew them back to the franchise after some time away. Anthony Russo said: "We're excited to come back now, because we've been away for a bit, we're excited to sort of pick that narrative through line up again that we were carrying, and find a new way to push it forward with everything that's transpired since that point in time. "It's a challenge, but it's one that we think we finally hit on an idea that we felt really made it work... really made it worth us coming back to tell another story, so we can't talk about it in much detail, sorry, but we're excited. "If you like the work that we had done previously in the MCU, I think you should be excited for what we've got coming." Avengers: Doomsday is coming to cinemas in May 2026. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.