How Blake's 7 was massively ahead of its time when it first aired – and why it fits perfectly in the modern TV landscape
Decades before TV embraced anti-heroes, moral grey areas and brutal endings, Blake’s 7 was already rewriting the rules.
When Blake’s 7 launched on BBC One in 1978, it barely resembled the sleek, prestige science fiction audiences now expect. The budget was tight, the sets sometimes wobbled and the production constraints were obvious. Yet nearly 50 years later, the series looks less like a curiosity of its era and more like a quietly revolutionary text – one that anticipated where television drama, and science fiction in particular, would eventually go. With a reboot now in development, Blake’s 7 is returning to a TV landscape it helped to shape – and its renewed relevance has little to do with nostalgia. Instead, it lies in how boldly the show embraced anti-heroes, moral ambiguity and brutal consequences at a time when genre television still preferred comforting certainty. Creator Terry Nation – also the inventor of that great Doctor Who menace, the Daleks – once described Blake's 7 as "The Dirty Dozen in space", and that framing proved crucial. This was never a story about noble explorers or spotless rebels. Series protagonist Roj Blake (Gareth Thomas) begins as an idealistic freedom fighter opposing a totalitarian Federation, but the series steadily dismantles his moral authority. As his obsession deepens, Blake becomes reckless and absolutist, responsible for civilian deaths the show refused to excuse. Rather than improving, he deteriorates – an extraordinary narrative choice for late 1970s BBC drama. Even more radical was Blake's second Kerr Avon (Paul Darrow), who remains one of the most uncompromising anti-heroes science fiction television has ever produced. Brilliant, sarcastic and emotionally detached, Avon regularly questions whether doing the "right thing" is worth the cost. Sometimes he decides it isn’t. Crucially, Blake’s 7 never rushed to redeem him. Avon is allowed to be selfish, cowardly and cruel, punctuated by moments of reluctant heroism. Decades before Tony Soprano or Walter White, audiences were being asked to follow – and occasionally root for – someone morally corrosive at the heart of the story. The rebellion itself offered no moral refuge. Unlike later space operas that romanticise resistance, Blake’s 7 presents insurgency as chaotic, under-resourced and frequently self-defeating. The crew betray one another, abandon causes for personal reasons and argue over whether the Federation is even worth fighting. Victories are often temporary, reinforcing the idea that power structures do not collapse neatly. This bleak worldview extended to its villains. Servalan (Jacqueline Pearce), the Federation’s most memorable antagonist, was politically intelligent, sexually confident and ruthlessly adaptable. She often outmanoeuvred the heroes rather than being defeated outright, surviving through charm and strategy rather than brute force. In an era of simplistic sci-fi antagonists, Servalan felt alarmingly modern. Perhaps most infamous were the show’s deaths. From early departee Olag Gan (David Jackson) to eventually its title character, Blake’s 7 killed characters suddenly, unfairly and permanently. Major figures could be eliminated mid-story, without ceremony or catharsis, and the narrative moved on regardless. This culminated in the now-legendary final episode, which ended in a brutal shootout and an ambiguous massacre that offered no reassurance that sacrifice would be rewarded or that the 'right side' would win. These choices proved hugely influential. While not all later creators have cited Blake’s 7 directly, its DNA can be felt in series that embraced ensemble casts of compromised characters and long-term moral consequences, from Babylon 5 – whose creator J Michael Straczynski has acknowledged loving the show’s tone – to Deep Space Nine, Farscape, Firefly and The Expanse. All share echoes of Blake’s 7’s central ideas: rebellion without romance, heroes without purity, and victories that come at devastating cost. That lineage is now being acknowledged by the people bringing Blake’s 7 back. Director Peter Hoar – one of the creative minds behind the revival – has spoken about how the original series succeeded not because of money, but because "it meant something". Reflecting on its modest resources, he noted that audiences were willing to "compartmentalise and enjoy the ride knowing that the sets wobbled". Hoar has also directly compared Blake’s 7 to Andor, arguing that the Star Wars spin-off succeeded "because of the integrity, wit and sophistication" of its storytelling, rather than spectacle. It’s a telling comparison. Andor’s focus on moral compromise, political oppression and the personal cost of resistance feels less like a modern invention than a continuation of ideas Blake’s 7 was exploring decades earlier. In today’s TV landscape – shaped by serialised storytelling, anti-heroes and moral grey zones – Blake’s 7 no longer feels ahead of its time. It feels perfectly at home. What once seemed bleak and confrontational has become the language of modern prestige drama. 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.
Best-selling author Harlan Coben is Guest Editor of the Radio Times: What to Watch app
Harlan Coben shares his must-watch thrillers and Netflix guide, exclusively on the Radio Times app.
To kick off the New Year in thrilling fashion, Radio Times is delighted to welcome internationally best-selling author Harlan Coben as Guest Editor of our What to Watch app this week – and he’s bringing plenty of suspense with him. Born and raised in New Jersey, Coben is one of the most successful crime writers in the world, with more than 25 novels to his name and sales exceeding 80 million copies globally. Renowned for his page-turning plots, emotional depth and jaw-dropping twists, he has become a master of the modern thriller – both on the page and on screen. Over the past decade, his work has found an enormous new audience through television, thanks to a prolific partnership with Netflix. His stories have been adapted into a string of hit international dramas, filmed across the UK, Europe and the US, and consistently landing in the streamer’s global Top 10. The latest adaptation, Run Away, is now available to stream, adding yet another gripping chapter to the ever-growing 'Harlan Coben universe'. As our app's Guest Editor, Coben has curated his Top 10 thrillers from TV and film, shining a spotlight on the shows and movies that have inspired, influenced and entertained him the most. From nerve-shredding mysteries to emotionally resonant dramas, his selections reveal what truly separates a good thriller from a great one. Alongside this, he also provides a definitive guide to all 12 Netflix series that bear his name, making it easier than ever to decide where to start – or what to binge next. When asked what he looks for in a standout thriller, Coben is clear that shock value alone isn’t enough. "I want to be surprised," he explains. "I want to be entertained. I want to be moved. I want something that’s going to stir my heart." For him, the perfect twist isn’t just unexpected – it has to mean something. "A twist that surprises you is not enough," he says. "The twist has to generate something inside of you and move you." You can explore Harlan Coben’s full Guest Edit, including his Top 10 thrillers and complete Netflix guide, exclusively on the Radio Times: What to Watch app. Download now to dive deeper into the shows, films and stories that will keep you guessing long after the credits roll. Read more: Best series to watch on Netflix right now Harlan Coben reveals which British acting legend he wants to work with again 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.
Death in Paradise cast explain how "great loss" of "irreplaceable" Selwyn will impact the series
Don Gilet and Shantol Jackson reveal Selwyn Patterson’s exit leaves an “emotional hole” in Saint Marie.
The departure of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson at the end of season 14 of Death in Paradise left fans reeling – and it turns out the characters on-screen are feeling that loss just as keenly. After decades of service to Saint Marie, Selwyn (played by Don Warrington) chose not to return to his role as commissioner following his reinstatement, instead opting to take time for himself after what has been an intensely turbulent chapter in his life. While the door has been left firmly open for a possible return, his absence will be keenly felt when the show continues. Speaking about the impact of Selwyn’s exit, current lead Don Gilet, who plays DI Mervin Wilson, explained just how pivotal the commissioner was to the team – and particularly to Mervin. "You see how it impacts the characters, thinking that somebody who has employed them and has been there seemingly forever suddenly goes, 'well, I'm off, I don't want to do this anymore'," Gilet said. He continued: "Selwyn has been the only one that really gets Mervin from a paternal perspective. He's the only one that he’s shared his demons and fears with and he’s always a step ahead. "It’s certainly a great loss, that feeling that the person who you can always go to isn’t going to be there anymore. It’s left an emotional hole in the team and it’s going to be interesting for audiences to see how they survive without him." Selwyn’s quiet authority and wry wisdom have been a constant presence on the show since its very first episode, making his departure one of the most significant changes the series has ever faced. And it’s not just Mervin who will struggle to adapt. DS Naomi Thomas actor Shantol Jackson echoed those sentiments, describing the commissioner as far more than a boss to the Honoré Police Department. "Whenever someone leaves, like the previous Inspector, we just have to get on with things, but it’s obviously not the same," she said. "The town itself misses the Commissioner and his energy. There’s certainly a sense of loss – the Commissioner had become more than just a boss to us. "He was like a friend, sometimes like an uncle, and sometimes even like a father. That wisdom he offered is irreplaceable – he’s left a gap that cannot be filled." Viewers last saw Selwyn depart Saint Marie after encouraging Mervin to reconnect with his brother and sharing a touching farewell with Catherine Bordey – one that very deliberately stopped short of finality. With Warrington recently reprising the role in the Beyond Paradise Christmas special, hope remains that Selwyn may yet return in some capacity. His absence will be keenly felt when Death in Paradise returns for its 2025 Christmas special, which sees Mervin and the team faced with a baffling locked-room mystery after a stranger is found dead in a Caribbean villa pool – with the murder weapon somehow sealed in a drawer thousands of miles away in Swindon. Alongside Gilet, Jackson, Ginny Holder, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah and Élizabeth Bourgine, the special will also feature guest stars including Josie Lawrence, Kate Ashfield, and Pearl Mackie. Death in Paradise's 2025 Christmas special airs tonight (Sunday 28th December) at 8.30pm on BBC One. Watch a trailer for the latest season below. View Green Video on the source website Read more: Death in Paradise's Don Warrington says fans are "right to worry" about Selwyn following major decision Death in Paradise's Don Gilet responds to character criticism: 'I don't have to defend Mervin' Add Death in Paradise to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Mark Gatiss reveals Joanna Lumley was "so game" to transform for Ghost Story role
Lumley plays the monstrous Mrs. Stone in BBC Two's The Room in the Tower.
*This article contains spoilers for A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower* The latest in BBC Two's Ghost Story for Christmas strand is The Room in the Tower – based on EF Benson's short story of a man haunted by a recurring nightmare. In this eerie adaptation, Tobias Menzies’s Roger Winstanley is plagued by recurring visions of a grand country house and a sinister presence concealed within its tower. As the story unfolds, Roger eventually sees his nightmares become a terrifying reality as he is transported to the house – now a hospital – after being injured in an air raid, where Mrs. Stone (Joanna Lumley), a figure who has haunted his dreams, is waiting... The tale draws to a chilling close as Mrs. Stone – no longer the refined figure of Roger's dreams, but a monstrous revenant – bears down on her helpless victim. Speaking at a screening of The Room in the Tower at the BFI Southbank, writer/director Mark Gatiss revealed that it took four hours to transform screen legend Lumley into Mrs. Stone's unsettling final form. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/room-tower-lumley-9da8779.jpg" width="4000" height="2667" alt="A camera operator adjusts a mounted film camera on a slider as a seated Joanna Lumley in period black mourning dress and veil waits in character, with other costumed performers standing nearby on an outdoor set for The Room in the Tower." title="540147,TITLE:A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower" /> "She did it for tuppence ha'penny, like everybody, and she was so game," Gatiss said of Lumley joining the project. "I mean, four hours of wonderful make-up... she's just fantastic. She just said yes straight away. It's a tiny part, but it's all about her – it's all about Mrs. Stone." Gatiss also spoke about the future of the Ghost Story for Christmas series, reiterating that "every year it's a struggle to try and find the money" to fund new instalments. When an audience member asked how devotees could show their support and help secure future instalments, he added: "I say this absolutely wholeheartedly – support the BBC. "Everything's become conflated with BBC News – the BBC is an extraordinary, gestalt creature... always has been. It's full of flaws, but my God, the relentless attempts to kill it...It could easily happen – and it's not just for this, it's for everything it has always represented to all of us, and how cheap it is for what we get. It's extraordinary." Read more: Bookish season 2 gets major update from Mark Gatiss as fans eagerly await show's return Mark Gatiss reveals how latest Ghost Story for Christmas reminded him of a Doctor Who classic A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower airs on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24th December) at 10pm on BBC Two. Add 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 Fantasy 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.
Beloved sci-fi series set to return to Netflix with all 10 seasons after 3 years away
All 10 seasons of Stargate SG-1 are set to land on Netflix in the UK and US in 2026.
Classic sci-fi series Stargate SG-1, which originally aired between 1997 and 2007, is heading back to Netflix, several years after it was last available on the platform. All 10 seasons of the long-running show will arrive on Netflix in the US and select international territories from Monday 15th February 2026, with the UK confirmed as one of the regions included in the new licensing deal. Stargate SG-1 serves as a continuation of the 1994 movie Stargate, which introduced the idea of an ancient alien portal capable of transporting humans to distant planets. Set roughly a year after the film’s events, the series follows Colonel Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), who leads a team through the Stargate on missions to other worlds. He is joined by archaeologist Dr Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), astrophysicist Major Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping) and Teal’c (Christopher Judge), a former enemy who defects to Earth after rebelling against the parasitic Goa'uld. Watch a clip from Stargate SG-1 below. View Green Video on the source website As the series progressed, its success led to spin-off shows including Stargate Atlantis, set in the lost city of Atlantis in a distant galaxy, and Stargate Universe, following events aboard an ancient starship. A pair of TV films, The Ark of Truth and Continuum, later brought SG-1’s storylines to a close. Stargate SG-1 previously streamed on Netflix in the US, before being removed in December 2022. Read more: How to watch Stargate in order The news also comes as the Stargate saga looks to the future, with a new reboot currently in development for Prime Video, led by franchise veteran Martin Gero. "Twenty years ago, my first real job in television was as a Story Editor on Stargate Atlantis," Gero said upon the revival's announcement in November. "I spent five years at the franchise working across all three series, Stargate taught me everything about making television – it’s written into my DNA." He added: "I’m beyond thrilled that Amazon MGM Studios has entrusted me with guiding this incredible franchise into its next phase. "For those who’ve kept the gate active through conventions, rewatches, and unwavering faith — this one’s for you. And for those that are new to our world – I promise you’re in for something extraordinary." Add Stargate SG1 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. 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.
Merlin co-creator addresses divisive ending – and possibility of a reboot
Jake Michie has reflected on an alternative ending for the BBC fantasy series and whether a modern-day revamp might have worked.
Thirteen years after popular BBC fantasy drama Merlin aired its final instalment, series co-creator Jake Michie has addressed the show's ending, acknowledging that the concluding scenes "did not meet the expectations" of some fans. Two-part finale The Diamond of the Day – co-written by Michie and Julian Jones – was originally broadcast on the 22nd and 24th December 2012. The final scenes surprised some viewers by eschewing a traditional happy ending, instead seeing Arthur (Bradley James) perish following a battle with Mordred (Alexander Vlahos). The series closed with Merlin (Colin Morgan) now inhabiting the present day, awaiting the time when Arthur would rise again. "I see how that did not meet the expectations of some people who wanted a certain kind of ending," said Michie, in a new interview for Merlin fan podcast Ladies of the Lake. "So a certain kind of ending would have been Arthur doesn't die... the proscription of magic has ended, Merlin’s secret is out in the open and that’s all fine and Merlin and Arthur carry on bickering away in a sort of glowing Camelot where all the foes have been vanquished and all the goals have been achieved and destinies have been negotiated and outsmarted." Michie defended the decision to forgo this type of climax in favour of a more ambiguous ending, explaining that it's "quite fraught [...] when you write something that’s simultaneously a fiction that [also] has to honour certain kinds of expectations to do with the myth and legend". "How far can you stray from those moments, and in a sense, how do you want to leave it?" he posed. Merlin – which Michie co-created with Jones, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy – ran for five seasons between 2008 and 2012, following the adventures of the young wizard and scoring a dedicated fanbase during its run. Quizzed on whether there was ever any potential for the series to run longer, Michie replied: "I think if Merlin were to continue, it would have had to reboot itself. "At the end of the final episode, Merlin does appear in the modern day, which is a very nice idea. I really liked the idea of Merlin being eternal and that Arthur would come again and Merlin would be there to help him, that Merlin would save the day again in another time and place." He added: "There were conversations down the line, should we do that? Should we have Merlin in another time and place?" This idea of a modern-day Merlin – quite different from the previous five years set in a mythical, ancient Camelot – would eventually be dropped, however, for fear that fans were too attached to the previous version of the show and its characters. "The trouble with that is we and the audience have become pretty wedded to Colin and Bradley," Michie said. "If Colin popped up as Merlin in another timeline surrounded by new characters, you could do it but I think the success of the show was those characters and those actors in the time and place that they were in." You can listen to Jake Michie's full interview in the next episode of the Ladies of the Lake podcast, dropping on 24th December. Read more: Merlin co-creator reveals his one regret after 17 years Add Merlin 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 Fantasy 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.
How to watch Avatar: Fire and Ash – is it streaming?
James Cameron’s long-awaited return to Pandora has finally arrived – but can you watch it from home yet?
It’s been 16 years since James Cameron first changed the blockbuster landscape with Avatar, and just three since he followed it up with The Way of Water. Now, the saga has entered a darker, more volatile chapter with Avatar: Fire and Ash. Released in UK cinemas earlier this month, the third instalment in the Avatar franchise expands the mythology of Pandora even further, introducing the Ash People – a Na’vi clan shaped by fire, volcanic landscapes and a far more confrontational worldview. As expected, Fire and Ash has been one of the biggest cinema events of 2025, dominating the global box office in the run-up to Christmas and prompting renewed debate about whether Cameron can keep audiences invested across a planned five-film saga. If you’re wondering when – or if – you can watch the film from the comfort of your sofa, here’s everything you need to know. How to watch Avatar: Fire and Ash in the UK – is it streaming? At the time of writing, Avatar: Fire and Ash is not yet available to stream in the UK. The film is currently playing exclusively in cinemas nationwide, including standard screenings, IMAX and other premium large formats – which Cameron has once again encouraged audiences to prioritise. Based on the release pattern of Avatar: The Way of Water, it’s expected that Fire and Ash will arrive on digital platforms to purchase first, followed by streaming at a later date. When it does become available to stream, the most likely home for the film is Disney+, given that the Avatar franchise is now part of the Disney stable. However, no official streaming date has yet been confirmed. Can you rent or buy Avatar: Fire and Ash digitally? Not just yet. Avatar: Fire and Ash is not currently available to rent or buy digitally on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV or Google Play in the UK. A digital release is widely expected in early 2026, with premium video-on-demand likely to arrive first, followed by standard rental and purchase options. Is Avatar: Fire and Ash still in cinemas? Yes – and in a big way. The film was released in UK cinemas on Friday 19th December 2025, and is expected to remain on big screens well into the new year thanks to a strong box office performance and limited blockbuster competition in January. If you’ve been holding out to see it on the largest screen possible, now is still very much the time. Will Avatar: Fire and Ash be released on DVD and Blu-ray? A physical media release has not yet been announced, but a DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release is highly likely in 2026. Previous Avatar films received extensive home-entertainment editions, complete with behind-the-scenes features and technical deep dives – something Cameron fans will no doubt be hoping for again. Avatar: Fire and Ash trailer View Green Video on the source website If you’re still undecided about heading to the cinema, the official trailer offers a striking glimpse of the film’s new environments, clans and escalating conflict – with fire and ash replacing the oceans and rainforests of previous instalments. Avatar: Fire and Ash is out now in cinemas. 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.
Mark Gatiss reveals which Ghost Story for Christmas he wants to do next – as he calls for "extraordinary" BBC to be saved
Gatiss says the BBC is "full of flaws" but argues we must "support" the broadcaster amidst "relentless attempts to kill it."
The Room in the Tower is the eighth Ghost Story for Christmas from the pen of Mark Gatiss, continuing a tradition originated in the 1970s by director/producer Lawrence Gordon Clark. Gatiss first visited the format in 2013 with The Tractate Middoth, with regular annual instalments then following since 2018 – but he has warned that the future of the franchise is not secure with the BBC's Royal Charter expiring at the end of 2027 and a government consultation underway to shape the broadcaster's future. "This is a tiny slot, which thank God BBC Arts still keep going, it's basically an extinct form, a one-off TV play," Gatiss said at a screening of The Room in the Tower at the BFI Southbank. "To me, it's about persisting – and every year it's a struggle to try and find the money. It's brilliant that the BBC is still really behind it." Asked by an audience member how fans of the Ghost Story for Christmas strand could support it and help guarantee further instalments, Gatiss added: "I say this absolutely wholeheartedly – support the BBC. Everything's become conflated with BBC News – the BBC is an extraordinary, gestalt creature... always has been. It's full of flaws, but my God, the relentless attempts to kill it... It could easily happen – and it's not just for this, it's for everything it has always represented to all of us, and how cheap it is for what we get. It's extraordinary." The Room in the Tower is based on the EF Benson short story and follows a man (Tobias Menzies) haunted by a recurring dream of a country estate and a malevolent force that lurks in the tower. "I've always wanted to do this story, it was one of the first ones I read, and it absolutely made my hair stand on end when I was a kid," Gatiss said. "It was top of my list for a long time." Though Benson's original was published in 1912, the television adaptation shifts the story forward to 1944, inventing a new framing device wherein Roger (Menzies) recounts his anxieties to a stranger (Nancy Carroll) he meets while sheltering from an air raid during the Blitz. "The war and the immediate aftermath I find very interesting," said Gatiss, noting how his detective series Bookish is set in the same period. "I love the Tube – and I thought, 'What if I set the framing device there, during the Blitz?' "Of course, in the story, it's an unnamed narrator who's narrating in the first person, so he needs to be telling the story to someone, so it sort of all came together." If we do get another Ghost Story for Christmas in 2026, Gatiss already has a number of different terrifying tales in mind to adapt. "I always wanted to do [MR James short story] Casting the Runes, but it's an epic – it's an hour, or 90 minutes. "Negotium Perambulans – that's a great one, [EF] Benson again. Green Tea [by Irish author J Sheridan Le Fanu], I often come back to... there's loads." Read more: Mark Gatiss says his unmade Doctor Who story starring David Tennant could still be released Joanna Lumley confirmed for Mark Gatiss's annual Christmas Ghost Story with new first look Bookish season 2 gets major update from Mark Gatiss – here's how soon we can expect it to return A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower airs on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24th December) at 10pm on BBC Two. Add 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 Fantasy 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.
Mark Gatiss reveals how latest Ghost Story for Christmas reminded him of a Doctor Who classic
The "smoke and mirrors" employed on The Room in the Tower put Gatiss in mind of a 1968 Patrick Troughton serial.
The latest in the Ghost Story for Christmas strand from writer/director Mark Gatiss is The Room in the Tower, based on EF Benson's short story of a man haunted by a recurring nightmare. In the unsettling adaptation, Roger Winstanley (Tobias Menzies) is plagued by visions of a country estate and a malevolent force that lurks in the tower. The half-hour drama was filmed entirely on location at Cobham Hall in Kent, an English country house also previously featured in the 2008 film Wild Child starring Emma Roberts and the CBBC series Hetty Feather. "It was an amazing location," Gatiss said at a screening of The Room in the Tower at the BFI Southbank. "Actually, we looked at it before, for Lot No. 249 [2023's Ghost Story for Christmas], and it wasn't right – and then it just popped up again." Though we see Roger in his recurring dream repeatedly advance up the tower via a striking spiral staircase before arriving in the titular room, this journey was actually stitched together using different, discrete parts of Cobham Hall. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/room-tower-staircase-384c035.jpg" width="4285" height="2857" alt="Top-down view of Roger (played by Tobias Menzies) in a dark suit standing partway down a narrow spiral staircase, gripping the wooden handrail and looking up, framed by stark white walls and curving concrete steps, in BBC Two's The Room in the Tower." title="540162,TITLE:A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower" /> "It's got four towers, all of which are unsafe, so the staircase is an entirely different part of the building, and the room itself is actually on the ground floor [...] so it's all smoke and mirrors," Gatiss explained. Although Benson’s short story was first published in 1912, the TV adaptation relocates the action to 1944, introducing an entirely new framing device. Here, Roger voices his fears to a stranger, played by Nancy Carroll, after the two take refuge together during an air raid. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/room-tower-gatiss-menzies-8af1827.jpg" width="4285" height="2857" alt="Behind-the-scenes shot from The Room in the Tower in a tiled Underground air-raid shelter set, with two suited men – Mark Gatiss and Tobias Menzies – seated side by side studying papers under dim lights, surrounded by period coats, chairs and evacuees during a Blitz scene." title="540152,TITLE:A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower" /> "The war and the immediate aftermath I find very interesting," said Gatiss, noting how his detective series Bookish is set in the same period. "I love the Tube – and I thought, 'What if I set the framing device there, during the Blitz?' "Of course, in the story, it's an unnamed narrator who's narrating in the first person, so he needs to be telling the story to someone, so it sort of all came together. "The tube is the basement [of Cobham Hall] – it's just like The Web of Fear, isn't it?" As with The Room in the Tower, classic 1968 Doctor Who serial The Web of Fear recreated the London Underground elsewhere – in that instance, when plans to film on the real Tube fell through, designer David Myerscough-Jones built facsimile tunnels at the BBC's studios. Speaking to Radio Times last year to promote his 2024 Ghost Story for Christmas, Gatiss addressed a potential return to Doctor Who, having written and appeared in multiple episodes between 2005 and 2017. "No one's asked me!" he revealed. "I had a wonderful run, I did nine stories and [origins drama] An Adventure in Space and Time, which is a culmination of everything I love about Doctor Who. "But the last thing I did... I was in Peter Capaldi's last story, a regeneration story, with David Bradley, the actor I cast as the First Doctor, and I was playing the Brigadier's grandfather and I remember thinking, 'This is maybe where I should step off because it's not going to get any better than this.'" Read more: Mark Gatiss says his unmade Doctor Who story starring David Tennant could still be released A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower airs on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24th December) at 10pm on BBC Two. Add 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 Fantasy 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.
Heated Rivalry gets UK release date confirmed as broadcaster revealed for steamy romance series
Adapted from Rachel Reid’s much-loved Game Changers novels, the long-awaited series arrives in the UK this January.
Heated Rivalry, one of the most hotly-anticipated romantic dramas in recent years, will launch in the UK and Ireland early next year. The series will debut on Friday 10th January, airing on Sky and streaming service NOW. The series is adapted from Rachel Reid’s critically acclaimed Game Changers books and has already built a fiercely loyal global fanbase online. At the heart of the drama are rival ice hockey players Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, defined by a long-standing rivalry on the ice. Off it, however, they share a secret relationship that begins as a casual fling and slowly deepens over the course of eight years. View oEmbed on the source website As their careers advance, the pair struggle to reconcile their growing feelings with public scrutiny and the pressures of elite sport. The official synopsis reads: "Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there is room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile and as powerful as real love." The cast also includes François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Sophie Nélisse and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Heated Rivalry was originally developed for Canadian streaming service Crave by award-winning writer, director and producer Jacob Tierney. In the US, it became Crave's most-watched original series to date and has earned positive reviews from critics, particularly for the lead actors' performances and chemistry. Six books in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series have been published since 2018, with Heated Rivalry adapting the first two books in the series. With a devoted fandom ready to tune in and a sizzling reputation already secured online, Heated Rivalry arrives on Sky with serious hype behind it. Read more: Why everyone's talking about Heated Rivalry Heated Rivalry launches on Sky and streaming service NOW on Friday 10th January. Add the series to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025.
The future of the BBC is up for debate – and Radio Times wants your views
As the BBC faces a defining moment in its history, Radio Times is asking readers to have their say on the broadcaster’s role, relevance and funding.
The UK Government has launched a formal review of the BBC's Royal Charter, which is the legal framework that allows the broadcaster to exist and sets out its mission, public purposes and governance. The current Charter expires on 31st December 2027, making this a pivotal moment for the future of the BBC and the wider UK creative sector. The Government’s consultation invites both the public and the media industry to help shape what the BBC will look like for the next decade and beyond. At the heart of the review is a Green Paper published by the UK Government – a formal consultation document to set out ideas and options before any decisions are made, not a statement of final policy – which acknowledges the BBC’s "unique value" as the UK’s national broadcaster and its central role in the media ecosystem. The paper commits to "future-proofing" the BBC and ensuring it is sustainably funded for the long term. The BBC has welcomed this approach and will now analyse the proposals in detail before submitting a full response. The BBC argues that the new Charter must protect a universal public service broadcaster that serves everyone, not just certain audiences. It says the Charter should guarantee three core principles: independence from political interference, long-term financial sustainability, and the ability to respond quickly to changing audience needs. Central to this is the question of funding, with the BBC accepting that reform is needed to reflect cost-of-living pressures while still delivering value and fairness for audiences. Finally, the BBC is urging the public to take part in the Government’s consultation, stressing that the BBC ultimately belongs to its audiences. With the process now ongoing, Radio Times wants to hear your thoughts on the future of the BBC – how you think it should be funded, what role it should play in public life and how it can best serve audiences in the years to come. A message from Shem Law, editor of Radio Times magazine The BBC stands at a crossroads. As RT Editor, I'm acutely aware that decisions made in the coming months could reshape the corporation, its size, the breadth of its services and, crucially, how it is funded. Since our last Radio Times BBC Survey in 2015, the media landscape has changed dramatically. Streaming platforms have multiplied, audiences have fragmented and public trust in institutions is being tested as never before. The BBC’s place in national life is being debated in Parliament, in living rooms and on social feeds. We believe your voice should be central to that debate. So, we're asking you to tell us plainly: Do you still trust the BBC? Does it have a future? What do you love about it, what could it do better? Are there services you couldn’t live without? Which programmes justify the licence fee, and which feel out of step? Most importantly, how should the BBC be paid for in future – through the licence fee, general taxation, via subscription, or using a new model entirely? Please email us at feedback@radiotimes.com with BBC VIEWS in the subject line. Your insights will inform our coverage and help shape the conversation about the BBC’s future. 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. Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025.
EastEnders favourite who exited after 11 years won't rule out a surprise return – or joining a rival soap
James Bye has hinted at a surprise EastEnders return after Martin Fowler’s dramatic death – and says he would be “a fool to say no” to a rival soap.
Former EastEnders star James Bye has revealed he would be open to a surprise return to Albert Square following the dramatic death of Martin Fowler earlier this year. Fans were left devastated in February when Martin was killed off during the explosion at The Queen Vic as part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, bringing an end to Bye’s 11-year run on the show. With EastEnders recently confirming the upcoming surprise returns of deceased characters Pat Butcher and Barry Evans as part of a dementia storyline involving Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), Bye revealed he would consider appearing again – if the storyline felt right. "I think, just for the fans, I would," he told The Sun on behalf of Betway. "I know how important that character was to the fans. “"f ever I was given the opportunity and it made sense for the plot, or if it was just a bit of fun, yeah, I would. Obviously I would always want to honour that character and the fan base it has." He added that the timing felt fitting, as he is currently starring in the stage thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story, which is touring the UK through 2026. After addressing the possibility of a return, Bye also confirmed he would not rule out joining a rival soap in the future, saying: "If the other soaps are anything like EastEnders was, then I’d be a fool to say no." In the aftermath of Martin’s death, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) ultimately found life in Albert Square too painful to continue. Struggling under the weight of her grief, Stacey made the heartbreaking decision to leave Walford with her family, admitting she could no longer walk past The Vic or the market without being reminded of Martin. However, the fan-favourite character won't be gone forever, with star Turner previously confirming that she will be "coming back" to the BBC soap at a later date. Read more: EastEnders 2025 Christmas schedule confirmed by BBC - including festive episode timings EastEnders confirms British comedy legend cast in 2026 storyline for Linda Carter EastEnders director reveals "eye-opening" experience crafting special Nigel Bates episode EastEnders 2025 Christmas preview: Four major returns as Max Branning bombshells implode in a face-off with Cindy Beale Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders 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 Soaps 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.
The Handmaid’s Tale sequel The Testaments confirms release window as first-look at spin-off is revealed
First-look images see Ann Dowd returning as the fearsome Aunt Lydia.
Hulu has confirmed that The Handmaid’s Tale follow-up series The Testaments will premiere in April, with first-look images from the show unveiled at CCXP25 in Brazil. Based on Margaret Atwood’s award-winning novel of the same name, The Testaments is set years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale and returns viewers to the dystopian theocracy of Gilead. The new series sees Ann Dowd reprise her iconic role as Aunt Lydia, alongside an ensemble cast led by One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti as Agnes, Lucy Halliday as Daisy, Rowan Blanchard as Shunammite and Mattea Conforti as Becka. The cast also includes Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana and Birva Pandya. The sequel series follows Aunt Lydia, Agnes and Daisy, whose lives become intertwined as they rebel against Gilead. As of now, there is no confirmed UK broadcaster or streaming platform for The Testaments – though because the series is a Hulu original in the US, the strong expectation is that it will stream on Disney Plus in the UK, similar to The Handmaid's Tale. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/testaments-62aac54.jpg" width="1920" height="954" alt="Bronze statue of a robed woman on a pedestal adorned with fruit and offerings in a grand, sunlit hall, while Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) stands beside it looking up." title="Bronze statue of a robed woman on a pedestal adorned with fruit and offerings in a grand, sunlit hall, while Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) stands beside it looking up." /> The Handmaid's Tale's star Samira Wiley previously told RadioTimes.com she will "absolutely not" return for The Testaments. "I've been a part of that show for so long, been talking about trauma for so long, been having conversations about how the show that I'm on is parallel to what's happening globally, in my country, and it's something that I'm actually not interested in anymore," she said. "Margaret Atwood is amazing, and I'm very happy that that's a part of my legacy. But moving forward, I just want to tell a different kind of story. I do think that there's still so much value in telling that story, but as an actor, when it comes to my body, when it comes to all of those things that I take home from set, it's something that I feel like I've paid my dues on." The Testaments has been developed for television by Bruce Miller, who serves as showrunner and executive producer. Read more: The Handmaid's Tale star's "terrifying" horror film now has a new UK streaming home Add The Handmaid's Tale to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Boys season 5 trailer confirms release date and teases Supernatural reunion
The Boys will return with a bang as Prime Video confirms a two-episode premiere for its brutal final run – and fans won’t have long to wait to see how it all ends.
The Boys season 5 will launch with a two-episode premiere, with Prime Video finally announcing the premiere date. The final season of the comic book adaptation will kick off on Wednesday 8th April 2026, with weekly episodes following until the series finale on Wednesday 20th May 2026. The release date was revealed alongside a new trailer for the show’s fifth season, which debuted at the CCXP fan convention in Brazil over the weekend. The footage also offers fans their first look at Jared Padalecki’s mystery role, staging a Supernatural reunion with Jensen Ackles, who returns as Soldier Boy. Padalecki is briefly seen in a tracksuit, closely followed by Ackles’s character, though further details of his role remain under wraps. View oEmbed on the source website Another Supernatural alum, Misha Collins, is also confirmed for season 5 – though he does not appear in the new trailer – with Supernatural creator Eric Kripke also serving as showrunner on The Boys. An official synopsis reveals a grim outlook for the core team following season 4. Hughie (Jack Quaid), Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) and Frenchie (Tomer Capone) are now imprisoned in a so-called "Freedom Camp", while Homelander (Antony Starr) rules unchallenged. "It’s Homelander’s world, completely subject to his erratic, egomaniacal whims" the synopsis reads. Meanwhile, Butcher (Karl Urban) resurfaces with a bold plan involving the Godolkin virus. "He sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change the world and everyone in it," the synopsis concludes. The final season will also continue directly from the events of the second season of spin-off Gen V. At the end of Gen V season 2, Polarity (Sean Patrick Thomas) warned Marie (Jaz Sinclair) and her friends that Vought would be coming for them, forcing the group to go on the run. Shortly afterwards, they were confronted by Annie January/Starlight (Erin Moriarty), who revealed she was leading a growing resistance against Homelander and invited them to join. A-Train (Jessie T Usher) then appeared and confirmed he, too, was part of the rebellion – strongly hinting that the Godolkin students will play a key role in The Boys season 5. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, showrunner Eric Kripke explained how the concluding episodes of the spin-off's second season were designed to set up the final season of The Boys. "The goal was really just to kind of set the chessboard for season 5," he said, describing a "growing resistance led by Annie" that now includes both A-Train and the Gen V gang. He added that season 5 takes place several months after the Gen V finale – and teased that things have gone "not well" for the resistance in the meantime. While fans have speculated about a potential Marie versus Homelander showdown, Kripke suggested the conflict will be broader than a single rivalry, insisting that this will not all come down to "Marie versus Homelander". Read more: Gen V boss Eric Kripke reveals his one regret over jaw-dropping season 2 Cipher twist Gen V stunt coordinator reveals some stunts were too extreme to do – even for The Boys The Boys season 5 premieres on Prime Video on 8th April 2026. Add The Boys and Gen V 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 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.
Doctor Who boss says plans for 2026 Christmas special left BBC bosses "with jaws agape"
The next episode is still a year away, but Russell T Davies has already teased a jaw-dropping special as the Whoniverse expands.
We've still got a little over a year to wait, but it sounds as though the return of Doctor Who to our screens will be worth the anticipation. It was announced in late October that the sci-fi series would next air at Christmas 2026, with a one-off special written by showrunner Russell T Davies. In a recent update, Davies told RadioTimes.com that he was yet to officially begin work on the script, having been kept busy with spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea and upcoming Channel 4 drama Tip Toe. In a new interview with BBC Newsbeat, Davies reiterated that the Doctor Who production team haven't "started work" on the special yet, quipping, "I know what happens, but I better write it down soon in case I get run over by a bus." He did, however, confirmed that plot details have been shared with BBC bosses – and apparently what's to come left them "with jaws agape, loving it". Davies also recently shared a few cryptic clues with Doctor Who Magazine, writing in his latest column that the Christmas 2026 episode will feature the words "Bafflers" "Winternox" and "village". The last season of Doctor Who ended on a surprising twist, bringing Ncuti Gatwa’s time as the Doctor to a dramatic close. In the closing moments, the Doctor began to regenerate, only for the new incarnation to be revealed as a shock returning face: Billie Piper. Her brief appearance left fans stunned and set the Whoniverse buzzing with speculation about what comes next... Before we reach that next chapter, however, viewers won’t have long to wait for more adventures in this expanded universe, with new spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea beginning tomorrow (Sunday, 7th December) on BBC One and iPlayer. The five-part series shifts the focus away from the Doctor and onto UNIT and an escalating global crisis as an ancient race from the oceans resurfaces, threatening humanity with open conflict. With Russell Tovey leading the cast and Russell T Davies once again at the helm, the series is expected to blend large-scale sci-fi spectacle with grounded human drama – and early buzz suggests it will have plenty of links back to the main show to reward long-time fans. Read more: Classic Doctor Who box set first look sees the Fifth Doctor and Tegan Jovanka reunite Doctor Who star hints Kate Lethbridge-Stewart might not survive The War Between the Land and the Sea Doctor Who spin-off confirms alternative pop music icon for soundtrack as release date revealed Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. 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.
EastEnders confirms British comedy legend cast in 2026 storyline for Linda Carter
Bea is a "unpredictable, nuanced and complex character" who shares a history with Linda.
Linda Carter is set to come face-to-face with a figure from her past in an upcoming EastEnders storyline – with a familiar face from the world of comedy joining the cast of the BBC soap. Ronni Ancona will play the character of Bea, an old acquaintance who reunites with Linda (Kellie Bright) at their high school reunion – but it soon becomes apparent that the former schoolmates "have different accounts" of their shared history. Bea soon finds herself "in the heart of the drama" when she settles into life in Walford – and while little is known about her backstory, we're promised she'll "leave a lasting impression" on the residents of Albert Square. One of Britain’s most celebrated impressionists and character comedians, Ancona is best known for starring in BAFTA-winning BBC series The Big Impression, which she fronted alongside Alistair McGowan in the early 2000s, mimicking EastEnders' legends Peggy Mitchell, Sharon Watts and Kat Slater. She has also delivered dramatic performances in the likes of Skins (2009-2010) and Last Tango in Halifax (2012). <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/eastenders-ronni-ancona-f1e5227.jpg" width="2856" height="4284" alt="Ronni Ancona as Bea in EastEnders, wearing a beige fur-trimmed coat and leopard-print top stands outside Walford East Station, staring ahead with a shocked, tense expression." title="Ronni Ancona as Bea in EastEnders, wearing a beige fur-trimmed coat and leopard-print top stands outside Walford East Station, staring ahead with a shocked, tense expression." /> On joining the cast of EastEnders, Ancona said: "I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea. I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life." EastEnders' Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: "I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Ronni Ancona to EastEnders playing the character of Bea. Bea’s character is mysterious, and we’re thrilled to have an esteemed actress and comedian like Ronni playing her." Ancona has already started filming on EastEnders, with her first scenes as Bea set to air in the New Year. Linda is currently off our screens, with Kellie Bright taking a break from EastEnders as her character enjoys a lengthy cruise, but will first reappear in an episode scheduled to air on Monday, 15th December. Read more: EastEnders 2025 Christmas schedule confirmed by BBC - including festive episode timings EastEnders reveals Anthony Trueman's disturbing secret as Zoe Slater falls into his trap in BBC iPlayer release EastEnders director reveals "eye-opening" experience crafting special Nigel Bates episode – and his incredible resilience to land the job EastEnders airs shock passion for Zoe Slater following intriguing tormenter twist in BBC iPlayer release EastEnders 2025 Christmas preview: Four major returns as Max Branning bombshells implode in a face-off with Cindy Beale Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders 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 Soaps 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’s Anton brands “brilliant” performance one of the best “in the history” of the entire series
One pair stunned the Strictly Come Dancing judges with their Charleston, earning a perfect 40.
Anton Du Beke declared Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin’s latest Strictly Come Dancing routine one of the greatest dances the show has ever seen after their sensational performance in the latest live episode. The pair took to the floor with a high-energy Charleston to Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat from Guys and Dolls, delivering a routine packed with precision and show-stopping theatrical flair that brought the studio audience to its feet. Anton delivered one of his most effusive speeches of the series so far, telling the couple: "This was so brilliant. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this. We say this a lot over the years, 'Oh, I’ve never seen a dance better' – [but] it would be very difficult to find a dance better than this, ever, in the history of Strictly Come Dancing. So brilliant. “My only disappointment about the whole thing is I can’t give you 25 [points].” Craig Revel Horwood, usually the toughest judge to impress, was equally glowing in his assessment, praising the technical brilliance of the routine. "The timing and execution was flawless," he said, before adding that the performance was "an absolute sensation". Even Craig could only jokingly criticise the dance as being "too clean" and "too neat". <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/strictly-amber-nikita-e8aaba8.jpg" width="1453" height="968" alt="Amber Davies in a sparkling sleeveless dress clasps her hands to her face in surprise as Nikita Kuzmin in a striped shirt, tie and suspenders beams beside her on the Strictly Come Dancing set, with retro theatre-style lights glowing behind them." title="strictly-amber-nikita" /> Motsi Mabuse struggled to contain her excitement as she shared her verdict with the couple. "I have never, ever seen anything like that. One word: perfection. That’s it," she said, drawing huge cheers from the audience. Shirley Ballas also joined the chorus of praise, singling Love Island's Amber out for her star quality. Calling the routine "absolutely fantastic", she added that Amber was "an absolute star, in every sense of the word". The overwhelming reaction from the panel was reflected in the scores, with Amber and Nikita awarded a perfect 40 – a maximum 10 from each of the four judges. This was the second week in a row that the pair earned a perfect score and topped the Strictly leaderboard, with last week's Jive to Proud Mary by Tina Turner earning a similarly rapturous reception from the judges. With the competition entering a crucial stage, Amber and Nikita will now be hoping to maintain their momentum in the final weeks as the race for the Glitterball trophy intensifies. Read more: Strictly’s Neil interrupts judges’ comments – and earns a cheeky put-down from Motsi Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday, 7th December at 7:45pm. 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.
Classic Doctor Who box set first look sees the Fifth Doctor and Tegan Jovanka reunite at site of beloved Dalek story
Destination: Daleks is written by Pete McTighe and also sees the return of another old face in a crowd-pleasing moment for fans.
Doctor Who has delivered a thrilling excursion into its own past to mark the upcoming release of The Collection: Season 21 Blu-ray set, with faces from the series' history returning. A new short adventure – Destination: Daleks, penned by The War Between the Land and the Sea co-writer Pete McTighe – has Peter Davison reprising his role as the Fifth Doctor, alongside companion Tegan, played once again by Janet Fielding. The pair arrive by TARDIS at Butler's Wharf on the south shore of the River Thames, London, the site of 1984 serial Resurrection of the Daleks – Tegan's final story as a regular companion. Discovering a slain soldier in possession of a data beacon, the pair are surprised to receive a desperate message from another old friend – Turlough, portrayed by Mark Strickson. Turlough was last seen in 1984's Planet of Fire, opting to leave the Doctor and Tegan behind to return to his homeworld of Trion – but now we learn that Trion has been invaded by an unknown aggressor. Turlough makes a distressed plea for the Doctor's help, only for the invaders of Trion to reveal themselves as... the Daleks! You can watch the full trailer for Doctor Who: The Collection: Season 21 set below – including the Destination: Daleks short. View oEmbed on the source website Alongside the newly-revealed Destination: Daleks short, Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 21 Blu-ray set will also feature a range of exclusive bonus material. Several stories receive updated special effects, including The Awakening, Frontios, Resurrection of the Daleks and The Caves of Androzani, while Warriors of the Deep is presented in a full Special Edition, featuring a four-part re-edit, newly-created visual effects and a 5.1 surround sound mix. New surround sound mixes are also included for The Awakening and The Caves of Androzani. Fans can also enjoy behind-the-scenes features exploring the making of Resurrection of the Daleks and The Twin Dilemma, a brand new audio commentary on The Awakening, as well as an In Conversation feature with Janet Fielding, Mark Strickson and Matthew Waterhouse, hosted by Matthew Sweet. Returning favourites include Behind the Sofa, which sees an extensive panel of past Doctors, companions and guest stars revisiting the season, and another competitive instalment of The Doctor Who Escape Room. Elsewhere, Look Who’s Boating reunites Peter Davison and Janet Fielding for a Thames-side adventure, while 48 Hours with Fielding follows Toby Hadoke spending time with the Tegan actress. The box set also includes Tales of the TARDIS (a 2023 re-edit of Earthshock), The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot with new commentary, HD photo galleries, info text, PDF archives and a selection of previously released DVD extras. With Destination: Daleks offering a brand-new coda to this era, The Collection: Season 21 is shaping up to be an essential addition for long-time fans and collectors. Doctor Who: The Collection: Season 21 set is currently scheduled for release on 16th March, 2026 and is available for pre-order now. 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.
22 actors who were almost James Bond – and why they missed out on playing 007
From scrapped deals to missed auditions, these are the stars who came within touching distance of playing cinema's most famous secret agent.
From near-misses and quiet refusals to last-minute studio interventions, the history of James Bond is filled with tantalising 'what might have have beens'. For every actor who officially picked up the Walther PPK, there were several others who were seriously considered, actively courted or even provisionally cast – only to slip through the net. Some walked away on their own terms; others were edged out by shifting studio priorities or returning incumbents. Across more than six decades of filmmaking, these almost-Bonds form a fascinating parallel history to the official 007 lineage. A-list movie stars, rising talents and future screen icons all found themselves in the frame at different moments, each representing a radically different version of the world’s most famous spy that never quite made it to the screen. We begin in the 1960s, when Bond was still a cinematic gamble rather than a global institution – and when the search for the perfect 007 was far wider, more experimental and, in hindsight, full of surprising near-decisions. Read more: How to choose the next James Bond, with casting boss Debbie McWilliams The 1960s In 1959 – three years before Dr. No would arrive in cinemas – Ian Fleming made efforts to bring Bond to the screen, pushing for Richard Burton to play 007 in a film he hoped would be directed by Alfred Hitchcock, with Fleming also eying author and screenwriter Eric Ambler to write the script. Cary Grant – hot off North by Northwest – was reportedly considered for the lead in Dr No ahead of Sean Connery, though a formal offer was never made, supposedly due to Grant's unwillingness to sign up for a multi-picture deal. By 1967, with Connery having fronted five Bond films, the hunt was on for a replacement – and before George Lazenby booked the part, Terence Stamp claimed to have been courted, though the late screen icon suggested in 2013 that he never received a follow-up call after an initial meeting. The 1970s Lazenby famously walked away from playing Bond after a single outing in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service – and according to Adam West (best known for the 1960s Batman television series) he was one of the actors in the running to replace him, telling Digital Spy in 2014 that he turned down the role because he felt 007 "should be an Englishman". Burt Reynolds claimed to have also declined an offer for the same reason: "I think I could have done it well," he told The Guardian in 2015. "In my stupidity, I said, 'An American can’t play James Bond, it has to be an Englishman – Bond, James Bond. Nah, I can’t do it.' Oops. Yeah, I could have done it." Michael Gambon also suggested that he was one of a number of actors who met with Bond producer Albert R Broccoli in the wake of Lazenby's departure, though he was never actually offered the part. In the event, Connery would return one more time – for 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood recounted to the LA Times in 2010 how he was approached about playing the part next, but rejected it on the grounds that it was "Sean's deal" and it "didn't feel right [...] to be doing it". Perhaps the most interesting not-quite-Bond in the 1970s was John Gavin – best known for his role in Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), the Los Angeles-born actor actually signed a deal to play Bond, with Broccoli writing in his 1998 autobiography that Gavin had the "stamp and the style" of a British secret agent, impressing with his action chops in a screen-test. But before filming began on Diamonds Are Forever, United Artists president and CEO David Picker intervened, insisting that Connery be lured back instead. Gavin was released from his contract without ever shooting a single scene as Bond. The 1980s <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/mel-gibson-lethal-weapon-991990f.jpg" width="5442" height="3722" alt="Close-up of a Mel Gibson with shaggy brown hair in a red shirt and dark jacket, looking tensely to the side in bright daylight." title="Close-up of a Mel Gibson with shaggy brown hair in a red shirt and dark jacket, looking tensely to the side in bright daylight." /> There were echoes of the John Gavin situation when James Brolin auditioned for 007 and was, according to the Westworld actor, "hired" by Albert R Broccoli. Brolin told People earlier this year that with Roger Moore "out" after completing 1981's For Your Eyes Only, he had begin stunt training and even landed an apartment to stay in while filming 1983's Octopussy, only to find himself ousted – having never officially signed a contract – when Moore "decided to do one more". Sam Neill also tried out for Bond in the late 1980s, though he ultimately lost out to Timothy Dalton. Neill's account, related to CinemaBlend in 2022, was that he auditioned "with extreme reluctance" having been pushed into it by his agent – though director John Glen later described the Jurassic Park actor's screen-test for 1987's The Living Daylights as "excellent", Neill himself called the process "mortifying", adding: "Luckily, I never heard from them again." Mel Gibson was also, according to Broccoli's autobiography, being pushed as a Bond contender by Jerry Weintraub, the chairman of MGM/UA Communications, who suggested hiring the Lethal Weapon star on a two-picture deal. This never came to pass, though Gibson himself has stated that he was at least approached, telling JoBlo he "did think about it" but "turned it down". The 1990s <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/liam-neeson-1da01db.jpg" width="4961" height="3307" alt="Portrait of Liam Neeson with light stubble and swept-back brown hair, wearing a tan jacket over a blue shirt, looking directly at the camera against a dark brick wall background." title="Portrait of Liam Neeson with light stubble and swept-back brown hair, wearing a tan jacket over a blue shirt, looking directly at the camera against a dark brick wall background." /> Long before he reinvented himself as an actor star with 2008's Taken, Liam Neeson claims to have been "heavily courted" to play James Bond – he turned it down, according to a 2014 interview with the Hull Daily Mail, at the behest of his wife-to-be Natasha Richardson: "[She] said, 'If you play James Bond we’re not getting married' – and I had to take that on board because I did want to marry her." Ralph Fiennes – later, of course, to take up the mantle of MI6 chief M – was also in contention for 1995's GoldenEye, meeting with producer Broccoli, though it "didn't lead to anything" and Pierce Brosnan would instead become the fifth official big-screen 007. "I think I would’ve been a terrible Bond, actually," Fiennes told The Telegraph in 2014. "I think I’m happier playing M." The 2000s The list of actors who are known to have screen-tested for Bond – or have spoken about being approached – in the last 25 years is extensive. Hugh Jackman suggested in a 2018 interview with The Howard Stern Show that producers were "interested" in having him play Bond, though with the caveat that he believed they were "canvassing six or seven people" – already attached to the X-Men film franchise, a busy Jackman opted not to pursue 007. Among those to have been in the running for 2006's Casino Royale alongside Daniel Craig were: Dominic West (who confirmed to The Telegraph in 2005 that he'd auditioned), Homeland actor Rupert Friend (who screen-tested, but later told Far Out Magazine that, still in his early twenties, he was "too young" and didn't "have any of the hard knocks — emotionally, psychologically, physically — that a great Bond should have"), and Avatar's Sam Worthington (reportedly a finalist alongside Craig, though he later told Variety that he didn't feel "debonair" enough to play the part). Karl Urban and Antony Starr – later co-stars on The Boys – were also both in contention for the film, with Urban having an early meetings with producers but not being able to progress to a final screen-test due to filming commitments. Starr did audition, though in an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he compared the experience to "throwing a baitless hook into a very large pond, knowing you’re not gonna catch the fish." The late Julian McMahon told Digital Spy in 2018 that he was "surprised" to be considered for Casino Royale, while The Beast in Me's Matthew Rhys recalled a "terrifying" audition for the film in a 2023 conversation with The Times, his attempts at humour (including suggesting he'd differentiate his Bond by sporting an eye-patch and a limp) reportedly going down poorly with producers. Henry Cavill – a name long part of the Bond casting rumour mill – did in fact come close to landing the part in 2005, with Casino Royale director Martin Campbell later telling The Express that the Man of Steel star delivered a "tremendous" audition, but was ultimately felt, at just 22, to be "too young" to play the part. Cavill was still fielding questions about Bond as recently as last year – and he did play Napoleon Solo, a secret agent part-devised by Ian Fleming, in the 2015 film version of The Man from UNCLE. 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.
Doctor Who star hints Kate Lethbridge-Stewart might not survive The War Between the Land and the Sea
Jemma Redgrave is back in action in The War Between the Land and the Sea.
Whovians considering skipping the upcoming spinoff series The War Between the Land and the Sea may have to think again following the latest tease from a major fan favourite Doctor Who star. In the Doctor’s absence, UNIT’s Commander-in-Chief Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) steps up to try to halt an impending attack from the Sea Devils in this five-part standalone story. Likened to Independence Day, The War Between the Land and the Sea explores a growing conflict between humanity and the ocean dwellers, who are enraged by the state of the sea due to the pollution and the climate crisis. To try and avert the looming international conflict, Lethbridge-Stewart and her team - in particular, low-level UNIT operative and unlikely ambassador Barclay Pierre-DuPont (Russell Tovey) - attempt to reason with the Classic era villains. But will everyone make it out alive? Star Jemma Redgrave isn’t so sure, as she exclusively told RadioTimes.com: “If she survives this series, I don't know where she can go next…” The Doctor Who star continued: “But I've had a most extraordinary time and journey with this character and through different series of Doctor Who and now through this series.” “And every time I get the call, it feels like another gift. Long may it last.” Writer Pete McTighe added: “The character of Kate Lethbridge-Stewart... I think if you're a huge fan of Doctor Who and you know that legacy character and you love that character like I do, I think you'll be very surprised about the journey that she goes on through the show. Her character arc, in particular for Doctor Who fans, is probably the most surprising.” The fan favourite character was first portrayed by Beverley Cressman back in 1995, before Jemma Redgrave debuted in the reintroduced role in the 2012 episode "The Power of Three". She’ll also be joined by fellow UNIT colleagues Colonel Christofer Ibrahim (Alexander Devrient) and Scientific Advisor Shirley Anne Bingham (Ruth Madeley), along with General Austin Pierce, with Colin McFarlane reprising his role from Torchwood: Children of Earth. We have no idea what the Doctor - and any of their many companions - would do without the help of the illustrious UNIT leader, (her double-bluff against the Zygons remains a real highlight) so we’ll be crossing our fingers that she makes it through the events of the upcoming miniseries! Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea 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 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.
The War Between the Land and the Sea writer promises Easter Eggs for fans of classic Doctor Who
Fans of the Whoniverse will no doubt be keeping their eyes peeled for any familiar faces and nods to the wider Doctor Who franchise when spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea debuts on the BBC next week. The Earth-based drama explores an impending conflict between mankind and returning foes the Sea Devils, as the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) are forced to step up in the Doctor’s absence. The series features the return of a whole host of characters, including Jemma Redgrave, Alexander Devrient and Ruth Madeley reprising their UNIT roles, along with Colin McFarlane returning as General Austin Pierce from Torchwood: Children of Earth. And with the focus on the Sea Devils - who were last seen clashing with Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor in the 2022 special Legend of the Sea Devils - fans are finally set to discover more about this formidable but somewhat mysterious foe. When asked about ties to the wider Doctor Who universe, writer Pete McTighe revealed: “There are absolutely Easter eggs to be seen – if you get the pause button ready, you'll be seeing plenty of stuff.” <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/541153-8570b41.jpg" width="5197" height="3465" alt="Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. He is in front of an orange, firey background on the left and she is in front of a blue, sea background on the right. Their hands are touching in the middle." title="541153" /> “What's great about the Sea Devils as a civilisation is we didn't really know much about them before,” Davies explains. “Essentially, they were monsters on a beach in Portsmouth, or in Sea Base, we didn't really delve into their culture and their society, and that's what we're able to do a lot more of here.” And it looks like Whovians will finally get a glimpse at their home world. “We spend a lot more time with them, we actually go to their world in episode 3, which is incredible,” he continues. “You get to see how they live and their environment and all the different species, so that's been a huge amount of fun to expand the backstory.” First debuting in the 1972 serial The Sea Devils alongside Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor, the species has certainly had quite the makeover since its original appearance. They’ve dwelled in the Earth’s oceans for millions of years, but upon awakening to find that mankind has polluted the seas, they soon take action. Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features, and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea 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 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.
Doctor Who boss reveals how new spin-off is linked to Torchwood: Children of Earth
There's one big link between the two spin-offs.
As Doctor Who fans prepare to dive head-first into a brand new spin-off with the forthcoming five-part series The War Between the Land and the Sea, the show’s creator and franchise stalwart – has opened up about any further Whoniverse connections. The mini series features UNIT (Unified Intelligence Taskforce) commander-in-chief Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Colonel Christofer Ibrahim (Alexander Devrient) and newcomer Barclay (Russell Tovey), as they attempt to halt the growing international crisis between mankind and the Doctor’s old enemy, The Sea Devils. Along with spotlighting the iconic ancient foes – who first faced off against Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor back in 1972 – the new chapter has direct links to early noughties spin-off Torchwood, particularly its third season, Children of Earth, most prominently, the return of Colin McFarlane's General Austin Pierce. When asked about potential ties, showrunner and writer Russell T Davies exclusively told RadioTimes.com: “I think you’ll have fun if you watch this and Children of Earth together, because they’re both about alien species – or otherworldly species – encountering the human race in an ambassadorial context.” Eagle-eyed Torchwood fans will undoubtedly want to move this to the top of their watchlist, as Davies confirmed: “We use a lot of the same sets as we used in Children of Earth… you’ll see a lot of the same staircases appear, a lot of the same corridors… It’s in the same world.” In one of the spin-off show’s darkest arcs, the hugely popular third instalment saw the alien race known as 456 return to Earth, demanding the British government hand over 10 per cent of the world's children – or they would destroy the human race. As a result, the government ordered the assassination of all Torchwood members in an attempt to cover up their past involvement with the aliens dating back to 1965, with disastrous consequences for the covert team. The upcoming UNIT-centric spin-off features a similarly tense showdown between mankind and another species, with Davies noting: “It is how I think we would approach an alien species, as ambassadors, for formal talks, so [it’s a] very different show, very different things happening, but I hope someone splices together the scenes that take place in the same corridors.” We can’t wait to see the inevitable fan edit of the crossover when The War Between the Land and the Sea splash-lands on our screens this December! Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features, and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea 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 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.
Doctor Who boss reveals future of new spin-off – and promises "powerful" credits scene
"Stay tuned for the very end, keep watching.”
As Doctor Who fans count down the days to spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea, the show’s creator and stars have shared an intriguing new teaser about the five-part BBC drama. Billed as a miniseries launching on BBC One and iPlayer, the upcoming UNIT-centric (Unified Intelligence Taskforce) show – starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave – will feature a “powerful” end-credits scene that is sure to excite Whovians. Asked whether The War Between the Land and the Sea is strictly a standalone series, showrunner and writer Russell T Davies exclusively told RadioTimes.com: "It's a complete story – it absolutely ends... and I will say, stay tuned for the very end, keep watching.” While the Doctor Who stalwart is keeping quiet on the exact specifics, he confirmed that fans should temper their expectations regarding a potential cameo from the Time Lord, clarifying: “That doesn't mean... that sounds like the Doctor appears – that's not what happens! But within the story, the credits start to roll... keep watching!” As we await the next slice of timey-wimey adventure following that huge Billie Piper-shaped cliffhanger ahead of the 2026 Christmas special, it’s encouraging to see the BBC continue to expand the franchise with another spin-off, joining beloved shows Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Class. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/541153-8570b41.jpg" width="5197" height="3465" alt="Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. He is in front of an orange, firey background on the left and she is in front of a blue, sea background on the right. Their hands are touching in the middle." title="541153" /> With a powerful geopolitical eco-thriller plot spotlighting the effects of pollution and the climate crisis within the iconic Sea Devils’ (aka Homo Aqua) realm, fans can look forward to a compelling drama set within the beloved universe and driven by a star-studded cast. The relationship between Tovey’s UNIT worker Barclay and Mbatha-Raw’s Sea Devil, Salt, is set to form the emotional core of the series – with the pair “changing each other forever”. And Davies is certainly full of praise for the performances, teasing: “It's one of the most powerful endings within the most amazing performance from one of this cast you'll ever see.” We’re sold! Star Mbatha-Raw also opened up about her experience on the show, telling RadioTimes.com “it's been an amazing journey”. When asked about the future of the spin-off, the Loki star added: “I think this particular chapter of the story feels fully-formed as its own thing, but there's a whole world out there under the sea, so who knows what Russell has in mind?” Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea 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 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.
Doctor Who 2026 Christmas special gets fresh update from Russell T Davies after BBC confirms future
There's a long wait ahead for the festive special – but Davies knows exactly what will happen in it.
As the upcoming Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea swiftly approaches, Russell T Davies has shared a fresh update on the 2026 Christmas special. The BBC recently confirmed that, while the deal with Disney is now over, the Doctor will return next Christmas for a festive special written by the showrunner. Asked whether he's started writing the special, Davies exclusively told RadioTimes.com: "Not at the moment because I'm busy on [The War Between the Land and the Sea]. I'm also shooting a show in Manchester, so next year my plate clears and we'll get to work on that." While he's keeping quiet on the details of the special, Davies also confirmed he's got the plot all worked out, saying: "I know exactly what happens in it, don't worry about that." Thankfully, we've got a new offering in the Whoniverse to tide us over until then, with spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea coming our way on 7th December. The five-part series is set to follow everyman Barclay (played by Russell Tovey), who is unexpectedly drawn into efforts to prevent a world-threatening conflict as iconic Who monsters the Sea Devils return. Along the way, he'll forge an unlikely connection with Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Salt, with the pair changing each other forever. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/541153-8570b41.jpg" width="5197" height="3465" alt="Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt in The War Between the Land and the Sea. He is in front of an orange, firey background on the left and she is in front of a blue, sea background on the right. Their hands are touching in the middle." title="541153" /> Davies previously opened up to Radio Times about how the series is set to tackle the climate crisis, explaining: "I think every writer in the world is thinking, how do you write about the climate crisis? We’re already in a climate war. This just dramatises it. "When they first approached me about coming back to Doctor Who in 2021, this was the first bit of my pitch," he added. "I had this idea separately first. "But weirdly, it needs the Doctor Who setting. If I just go and pitch this cold, saying, ‘There is a race of creatures that live in the sea…' They’d say, 'Really? You sure?' The pre-existence of the Sea Devils takes all the problems out of it." Meanwhile, Tovey previously offered some insight on his character at the Edinburgh TV Festival, saying: "It's this narrative of this guy who, basically... he's someone who works in the offices and books people's taxis, but by some series of events, he ends up becoming a very important figure in the world, and having to understand that role and what that entails. "And, in true Doctor Who [fashion, he's] saving the planet. It was just a total joy to play this everyman who's the sort of guy that's drifted into his late 30s, early 40s and, unbeknownst to him, just thought, 'This is what life was going to be.' "I love that. Hopefully, it's inspiring and people feel like it's not over, that things can shift any moment. I'm really proud of it, and I'm terrified of it and excited by it – all of those things. But working on it was brilliant, and the scripts were fab." Stay tuned for more about The War Between the Land and the Sea, including news, interviews, features, and more. The War Between the Land and the Sea is coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7th December. Add The War Between the Land and the Sea 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.
David Tennant confirmed to join Downton Abbey favourite for third season of hit BBC anthology drama
Tennant will front the upcoming season of Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA-winning drama Time, now set in a young offenders institution.
Jimmy McGovern’s acclaimed series Time is to return for a third chapter – with David Tennant set as the new lead. The first season of the prison drama aired in 2021 and starred Sean Bean as mild-mannered prisoner Mark Cobden, with Stephen Graham as his conflicted prison officer Eric McNally, while a 2023 follow-up set in a women's facility was fronted by Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, and Bella Ramsey. The latest entry will be set in a young offenders' institution and will "explore the impact of locking up teenagers and the effects on those who look after them". Tennant will play Prison Officer Bailey, while Siobhan Finneran of Downton Abbey and Happy Valley fame will reprise her role of prison chaplain Marie-Louise, a constant across the previous two seasons. The official synopsis reads: "Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes within the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much "Meanwhile, two teenage young offenders, Peter and James, struggle through the terrifying first weeks and months of their incarceration. Can James ever face his broken parents after an unforgivable act of violence and will Peter tell the truth about the death of an innocent man, or does family loyalty mean more? An unlikely friendship between them looks to shift the trajectory of their futures, but in an increasingly unstable environment, is change ever possible?" McGovern said: "Siobhan Finneran is back! And we've got a wonderful leading man in David Tennant. And a brilliant director in Paul Whittington. I think it's going to be wonderful." The new season of Time has been written by McGovern (Unforgivable, Cracker, The Street) and Samuel Bailey, a playwright best known for his work Shook, also set in a young offenders institution. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: "Jimmy McGovern is a master at creating brave, thought-provoking dramas that deeply resonate with BBC viewers, so we are thrilled to be back for a third run of Time. With David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran leading the cast, Samuel Bailey co-writing, Paul Whittington directing and the team at BBC Studios Fiction producing, we are all set for another powerful and memorable piece of work from Jimmy." Read more: BBC One’s Time was written with Sean Bean and Stephen Graham in mind Jodie Whittaker almost missed out on Time role: ‘It was very upsetting’ Spanning three hour-long episodes, the third season of Time will be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and is co-produced by BritBox for North America. Time seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with both having earned strong reviews from critics and the debut season winning two BAFTAs: Best Mini-Series and Best Actor for Sean Bean. Add Time 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who classic The Sea Devils to get "blockbuster" revamp ahead of new spin-off
The Sea Devils return in a newly re-cut classic — just in time for their modern comeback.
Doctor Who fans are in for a treat next month, with the BBC set to unveil a newly re-edited version of 1972 classic The Sea Devils — just hours before the iconic monsters return in brand-new spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea. The feature-length cut will arrive on BBC iPlayer from 6am and air on BBC Four at 7pm on Sunday 7th December, with the beloved Jon Pertwee adventure reworked into a single 90-minute special. And it’s all perfectly timed: the Sea Devils will be back in action in their new spin-off at 8:30pm that same night on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The fresh edit condenses the original six episodes into a blockbuster-style presentation, complete with updated sound design by Mark Ayres. It also weaves together Malcolm Clarke’s pioneering 1972 score with new music created by Lorne Balfe for The War Between the Land and the Sea, forming a sonic bridge between the classic era and the modern Whoniverse. Originally written by Malcolm Hulke and directed by Michael E Briant, The Sea Devils stars Jon Pertwee during his 1970–1974 run as the Doctor, alongside Katy Manning as Jo Grant. The story also features Roger Delgado as the Master, who at the time had already cemented himself as one of the franchise’s most iconic villains. Showrunner Russell T Davies teased what’s to come, saying: "52 years after they first rose from the depths, it’s Sea Devil night across the BBC! A great idea never dies, and viewers young and old can now heed the warning: watch the seas!" The re-edited special will lead directly into a double bill of The War Between the Land and the Sea, which explores the monsters’ long-awaited return and marks their most significant screen presence in decades. View oEmbed on the source website The War Between the Land and the Sea – starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave – will mark the official end of Disney's deal to co-produce and distribute Doctor Who and its spin-offs. Doctor Who itself will then return for a Christmas special in 2026, written by Russell T Davies – with fans expecting a resolution to the huge cliffhanger that saw Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerate into a character played by Billie Piper. Read more: Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea releases epic teaser Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea gives new name for classic monster: "It's racist to say Sea Devil" 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.
Joanna Lumley recalls becoming The New Avengers favourite Purdey as classic series arrives in new format
The vintage spy series is now available newly restored as a box set packed with bonus features.
Dame Joanna Lumley reflects on her star-making role as Purdey in a clip from The New Avengers' Blu-ray release, shared exclusively with RadioTimes.com. The segment, part of a brand-new featurette titled Becoming Purdey, forms part of the bonus material included in StudioCanal's new 10-disc box set, The New Avengers: Series 1 & 2 (4K Edition), available to buy now. In the exclusive footage, Lumley reflects on stepping into the shoes of the chic and formidable agent Purdey and how the series would go on to shape her future career. Originally broadcast between 1976 and 1977 on ITV, The New Avengers served as a follow-up to the hugely popular 1960s spy series The Avengers. The Avengers – known for its inventive plots, playful tone and bold visual flair – aired between 1961 and 1969 and was led by Patrick Macnee as the debonair agent John Steed, previously paired with a succession of sharp, capable partners, most famously Emma Peel (Dame Diana Rigg). The New Avengers introduced a new trio of crime-fighters: the returning Steed, the poised and martial-arts-skilled Purdey (Lumley), and newcomer Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt). Together, they took on plots involving everything from resurrected Nazis to rogue robots, blending espionage, wit and high-octane action. Airing 26 episodes across two seasons, the sequel was developed by original series producers Albert Fennell and Brian Clemens, with Clemens's son Samuel directing the Becoming Purdey featurette. Read more: Charlie Higson, Paul Whitehouse turned down chance to revive The Avengers The new box set marks the first time the full 26-episode run has been restored in 4K. Fans will also find hours of bonus material, including new introductions and commentaries from cast and crew, archive interviews, a 64-page booklet, a 32-page comic book and the new featurette The Impact of The New Avengers: Reinvented for a New Era. 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.
Yellowstone favourite stars in first look at new Welsh drama about "unspeakable crime"
Kelly Reilly stars in Sky’s chilling Welsh crime drama Under Salt Marsh – and the first trailer is here.
Sky has released the first teaser trailer and a batch of new images for Under Salt Marsh, a haunting new Welsh-set crime drama starring Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly. The Sky Original series follows former detective Jackie Ellis (Reilly), who has swapped policing for teaching after a devastating case shattered her career and family life. But when a violent storm hits the fictional coastal town of Morfa Halen, Jackie makes a discovery that forces her to confront the past – and an “unspeakable crime” buried within the community. Rafe Spall (Trying, Life of Pi) also stars as Jackie’s estranged former partner, Detective Eric Bull. The pair are reluctantly reunited as the investigation reopens, exposing old wounds and long-buried secrets before the incoming storm wipes away the evidence for good. Created, written and directed by Claire Oakley, the six-part drama promises a brooding mix of mystery and emotion, exploring grief, guilt and the corrosive effects of secrecy in a close-knit town. The cast also features Jonathan Pryce (The Crown), Naomi Yang (Chimerica), Dinita Gohil (Treason), Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters), Kimberley Nixon (Queenie) and Harry Lawtey (Industry), with Mark Stanley, Dino Fetscher, Lizzie Annis, Rhodri Meilir and Julian Lewis Jones rounding out the ensemble. Series lead Reilly is best known to audiences for her role as the sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal Beth Dutton in Paramount’s hit western Yellowstone, where she starred opposite Kevin Costner. Reilly and Cole Hauser are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles as Beth and Rip Wheeler in a follow-up series currently titled The Dutton Ranch. Under Salt Marsh will air on Sky and streaming service NOW in 2026. 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.
Why might the new Mummy sequel be about to ignore one film in the franchise?
Brendan Fraser’s long-awaited Mummy comeback might rewrite the franchise’s history – by quietly skipping over its least-loved adventure.
Universal’s beloved Mummy franchise looks set to rise from its sarcophagus once more. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz – who fronted the hit adventure films at the turn of the millennium – are reportedly in talks to return for a new sequel directed by Ready or Not and Scream duo Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett). According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new project will reunite Fraser’s roguish explorer Rick O’Connell with Weisz’s bookish but brave Evelyn Carnahan, nearly three decades after the pair first awakened the ancient high priest Imhotep in 1999’s The Mummy. Producers from the original trilogy are also on board – but there’s one intriguing twist: industry whispers suggest the film might ignore the events of 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. So why might the third entry in the existing Mummy series be erased from canon? To understand the speculation, let’s first take a quick journey back to where it all began. What happened in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns? Stephen Sommers's 1999 blockbuster The Mummy injected old-school adventure into Universal’s classic monster catalogue, mixing Indiana Jones-style derring-do with supernatural thrills. Set in 1920s Egypt, it followed soldier-of-fortune Rick O’Connell (Fraser), spirited librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz) and her bumbling brother Jonathan (John Hannah) as they stumble upon the lost city of Hamunaptra – and accidentally resurrect the cursed high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). Cue plagues, scarab beetles, sandstorms with faces, and plenty of witty banter amid the chaos. The film became a global hit, grossing over $422m and turning Fraser into a bona-fide leading man. Its success led to 2001’s The Mummy Returns, a bigger, brasher sequel set a decade later. Now married with an eight-year-old son, Alex, Rick and Evie once again battle Imhotep – this time resurrected by cultists hoping to harness the power of the Scorpion King (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, in his film debut). While the sequel leaned more heavily into CGI spectacle, it preserved the pulpy, romantic energy that defined the first adventure. Together, The Mummy and The Mummy Returns became a cornerstone of early-2000s blockbuster nostalgia. What happened in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor? Released in 2008 and directed by Rob Cohen, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor marked a sharp departure from the formula. Swapping the sands of Egypt for the mountains of China, the film introduced Jet Li as the villainous Dragon Emperor – an ancient warlord cursed into terracotta form. When Rick and Evie’s now-adult son Alex (Luke Ford) awakens him, the family must reunite to stop the Emperor’s army from conquering the world. Why might the new Mummy sequel ignore Tomb of the Dragon Emperor? The 2008 film was a dramatic departure from its predecessors – swapping Egypt for China, mummies for terracotta warriors, and the franchise’s pulpy romantic tone for a more generic adventure feel. It also suffered from another major shift: Rachel Weisz declined to return as Evelyn, reportedly due to script concerns and the long overseas shoot, and was replaced by Maria Bello – a recast that disrupted the chemistry fans loved between Weisz and Brendan Fraser. While the film still earned solid box office returns, it’s widely regarded as the weakest of the trilogy, with poorer reviews and less fan affection. Ignoring it would let the new Mummy sequel streamline the story, return to the tone and mythology of the first two adventures, and reunite the original leads without awkward narrative baggage, effectively giving The Mummy franchise the chance to rediscover its original magic. In an age of legacy sequels like Top Gun: Maverick and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, audiences have shown they’ll reward respectful revivals that capture the old magic. A Mummy film that honours its first two adventures while quietly brushing aside the missteps of the third fits that pattern perfectly. The first three films in The Mummy franchise are currently available to stream on Sky Movies and NOW. 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.
Watch Harlan Coben's new thriller Run Away before it hits Netflix – exclusive preview and cast Q&A
Get an exclusive first look at Harlan Coben’s gripping new Netflix series Run Away – with a special preview screening and Q&A featuring James Nesbitt, Ruth Jones and the creator himself.
Harlan Coben fans, your next obsession is almost here – and Radio Times readers have the chance to see it first. We’re offering an exclusive opportunity to catch Run Away, Netflix’s gripping new limited series, before it officially launches on New Year’s Day – with a special preview screening and cast Q&A at London’s BFI Southbank. Taking place on Monday 1st December 2025 at 6:20pm, An Evening With Radio Times – Run Away will showcase the first episode of this thrilling new adaptation, followed by a live Q&A with stars James Nesbitt (The Missing, Cold Feet) and Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella), alongside writer Danny Brocklehurst and creator Harlan Coben himself. Tickets go on sale to Radio Times readers from Thursday 6th November 2025 at 12 noon, priced at £22 (£19 concessions), with BFI Members receiving £2.50 off. To book, visit bfi.org.uk/run-away and use the promocode RADIOTIMES. Based on Coben’s 2019 bestselling novel, Run Away stars James Nesbitt as Simon Greene, a man whose seemingly perfect life unravels when his eldest daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange) disappears. When Simon finally tracks her down, he’s drawn into a shocking chain of events that exposes a dark underworld of addiction, violence and long-buried family secrets. Joining Nesbitt are Ruth Jones as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft and Minnie Driver as Simon’s wife Ingrid, alongside Alfred Enoch, Lucian Msamati, Jon Pointing, and Adrian Greensmith. The drama is directed by Nimer Rashed and produced by Quay Street Productions for Netflix, with Coben serving as executive producer through his company Final Twist Productions. "Run Away is about family – about what we will do to keep it intact, what secrets we keep within it, and what secrets we keep as a family," Coben told Netflix’s Tudum. "Every time you walk past a house, there’s a whole universe that goes on behind that door – and none of us have a clue what it is." Filmed in Manchester and across northwest England, Run Away will debut on Netflix on 1st January 2026, kicking off the year with Coben’s trademark mix of mystery, emotion and high-stakes twists. Why not get ahead of the crowd and see it before everyone else? 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.