14 Valentine's films that won't make you want to vomit
After a romantic movie that completely sidesteps cheesiness? We've got you covered...
Agreeing on a decent film to watch can be a battle at the best of times, but on Valentine's Day it's often especially fraught. Indeed, navigating the never-ending stream of saccharine big screen offerings is no easy task, with many of the options available leaning a little too far into embarrassing cheesiness. But fortunately, there are loads of romantic movies that manage to sidestep schmaltz more or less completely – providing laughs and charm without making you want to thrown up your expensive dinner. After something that ticks those boxes, but not sure where to begin? We've outlined 14 varies options below. 1. What If Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) works his magic in this alternative rom-com about a guy called Wallace who falls head over heels for Chantry (Zoe Kazan). Only problem is she's already got a boyfriend (Rafe Spall), so Wallace has a hard time working his way out of the friend zone. It's quirky, it's witty and Adam Driver keeps the witticisms coming thick and fast. You won't even have time to feel nauseous. RT review Daniel Radcliffe headlines a cute, quintessentially indie romantic comedy that thinks it's a bit cleverer than it actually is. It's quite the opposite for the character he plays, however - a medical school dropout who's lost his faith in love after a break-up. So he takes solace in his friendship with a cartoon animator, played with familiar kookiness by Ruby Sparks star Zoe Kazan (her affectations enhanced by doodles that spring to life), but it's painfully clear that Radcliffe wants more. His main obstacle is Rafe Spall as Kazan's long-time boyfriend, who is instrumental in the film's funniest moments. Mostly, though, director Michael Dowse (Goon) relies on the witty banter between his leads to keep the formulaic action zipping along. Radcliffe isn't quite as comfortable as his co-star with this screwball approach and shrewdly tries a few Hugh Grant-style tics, making a virtue of his very British awkwardness. Ironically, the chemistry is better when the two leads are not flirting with each other. – Stella Papamichael Where to watch: Available to rent/buy 2. (500) Days of Summer View Green Video on the source website What better way to spend Valentine's than watching a movie that's all about a break-up, eh? Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon Levitt star in this beloved tale of greeting card writer and hopeless romantic Tom, who's caught totally off-guard when his girlfriend suddenly dumps him. He spends a little over an hour figuring out why their relationship went sour, while wondering if there's more to life than romance. RT review The feature-film debut of music video director Marc Webb is a flouncy romantic comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (best known for 1990s sci-fi sitcom Third Rock from the Sun) as Tom, a wannabe architect working as a greetings card writer, who falls in and out of love with Summer (Zooey Deschanel), a beautiful if mercurial woman who starts work as his boss's secretary. The film jumps backwards and forwards in time throughout our hero's 500-day infatuation with Summer, who unfortunately for Tom firmly refuses to believe in love. Gordon-Levitt's soft-hearted, love-struck performance is heartbreaking to watch - although it is played mostly for comedy - and really demonstrates how confused a man in love can get. However, Webb's offbeat direction is occasionally disjointed, giving the appearance of a movie made up of a string of short films spliced together. The idea of analysing a relationship at different points in time is certainly fresh and interesting, but the director's inability to control the pace means the end result is a bit twee. – Karen Krizanovich Where to watch: Disney+ 3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Play List Based on the novel by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, this quirky little film follows teenagers Nick (Michael Cera) and Norah (Kat Dennings) who cross paths when she asks if he'll pretend to be her boyfriend for five minutes. Nick obliges, naturally, and the pair bond as they attempt to find their favourite band's secret show and search for Norah's drunken best friend. There's moonlight, music and a little bit of magic, but not enough to make you bring your dinner back up. RT review During an eventful night in the Big Apple, bassist Nick (Michael Cera), the only heterosexual member of a gay boy band, bumps into Nora (Kat Dennings), a quirky high-school teen who's babysitting her outrageously drunk friend Caroline (Ari Graynor). All three are desperate to discover the venue for a secret gig by underground band Where's Fluffy but they're dragged off-course by a series of increasingly frantic mishaps. Nick falls for Nora, Caroline passes out then goes AWOL and Nick's bitchy ex-girlfriend (Alexis Dziena) tries to ruin the romance. More indebted to After Hours than Superbad, this late-night tour of Manhattan aims to be a smarter alternative to the usual teen movie yet fails to find the magical charm it needs to work properly. Instead it coasts leisurely by on its nicely mismatched central couple, gay-friendly supporting characters and name-checking of bands like Vampire Weekend and Band of Horses. – Jamie Russell Where to watch: Available to buy from Sky Store 4. Easy A Emma Stone takes the lead in this clever little comedy that's got an ever-so-subtle romance running through it. The feisty redhead (for this film anyway) stars as Olive, a run-of-the-mill high school teenager who decides to spice up her life by telling a lie about losing her virginity. Little does she know it'll spread like wildfire. It's not too soppy, never floppy, and jam-packed with references to your favourite 80s teen movies. RT review Emma Stone demonstrated her star charisma with this teen movie, playing one of those girls who just fades into the background at high school. So when the fibs she tells about her (actually nonexistent) sexual exploits start doing the rounds, it's no surprise that Stone is flattered by the attention. But, of course, we know that those tall tales are only going to get her into deeper trouble. What unfolds is a deft, witty and sympathetic tale of adolescent confusions that bravely references both Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and John Hughes teen pics of the 1980s - and gets away with it. There's also a stellar supporting cast that includes Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as Stone's groovy parents, and Malcolm McDowell and Lisa Kudrow as members of the school staff, and they all make the most of writer Bert V Royal's gold-standard dialogue. True, the plot almost overreaches itself, but it's still enormously funny and has surprising cross-generational appeal. – Trevor Johnston Where to watch: Available to rent or buy 5. 10 Things I Hate about You View Green Video on the source website The brilliant ensemble teen comedy (starring Heath Ledger, Julia Styles, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Larisa Oleynik) is a modern twist on Shakespeare's comedy The Taming of the Shrew. It sees Patrick Verona (Ledger) chase after Kat Stratford (Styles) who ain't at all easy to woo. "I know you can be overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever be just whelmed?" We're still not sure but this film will definitely leave you over rather than underwhelmed. RT review Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew gets updated, Clueless-style, to high-school America in this engaging romantic comedy from debut director Gil Junger. Kat (Julia Stiles) is the sulky teenager who doesn't like anybody. This causes a problem for her hormonally charged younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), who has been told by their dad that she can't date until Kat does. Heath Ledger made his Hollywood breakthrough as unfortunate lad picked to introduce Kat to the dating scene, while the rest of the cast is peppered with equally good-looking youngsters, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Premium Rush) as Bianca's sweet but nerdy admirer. Smartly paced, fun and funny, this is just as enjoyable for adults as it is for its intended teenage market. – Joanna Berry Where to watch: Disney+ 6. High Fidelity You can always rely on John Cusack to balance romance with marvellous misery. High Fidelity follows his reclusive record shop owner Rob as he recounts the tales of his last five break-ups – including the one he's in the middle of. Funny and refreshing, Stephen Frears' little gem will make the down-and-out man in your life feel like he's a hunk after all. RT review Don't fret about the fact that Stephen Frears has transposed Nick Hornby's novel from north London to downtown Chicago. This slickly scripted, knowingly played and cameo-strewn comedy stands on its merits. As the owner of a failing vinyl emporium, John Cusack combines reluctant self-awareness with genuine delusion as he attempts to reconcile the loss of girlfriend Iben Hjejle to lusty neighbour Tim Robbins by dating singer Lisa Bonet. However, it's when directly addressing the viewer or compulsively compiling "top five" lists with co-workers Jack Black and Todd Louiso that Cusack, and the picture, really come alive. – David Parkinson Where to watch: Disney+ 7. Forgetting Sarah Marshall Yet another brutal break-ups that proved surprisingly heart-warning. Forgetting Sarah Marshall sees Jason Segel's Peter getting the push from long-term TV star girlfriend Sarah, before jetting off to Hawaii to try and get over it. He meets a rather nice receptionist (Mila Kunis) on the island but the arrival of his ex and her new squeeze (Russell Brand) makes things a little more complicated. It's rude, it's crude, it's laugh out loud funny, and it's not even close to dripping in sickly sweet vom-com honey. RT review The team responsible for The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up is behind this sometimes riotous anti-romantic comedy. After musician Peter (Jason Segel) is dumped by his TV-star girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Bell), he decides to take a trip to Hawaii to get over her. But when Peter arrives, he discovers that Sarah and her new British rock star boyfriend (Russell Brand) are not only staying at the same resort, but in the very same hotel. All three leads are likeable and well cast, while the Hawaiian scenery looks great. But like producer Judd Apatow's previous films, it is somewhat overlong, with several scenes apparently included because they could be, not because they should be. As compensation, it is often laugh-out-loud funny, with a broad humour that delivers belly laughs by the barrel-load. – Dave Aldridge Where to watch: Available to rent or buy 8. When Harry Met Sally View Green Video on the source website Can men and women ever just be friends? That's the question rom-com queen Meg Ryan and the brilliant Billy Crystal try to answer in this chick flick classic. Nora Ephron's marvellous movie follows the pair as they attempt to keep things platonic across the decades. RT review Essentially concerned with the several meetings and partings of two college graduates over a decade or so, as life and love take their toll, this romantic comedy argues the question of whether men and women can ever have friendship without sex. The teaming of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal is perfect, while supporting stars Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are outstanding and add a welcome suggestion of edge. With its glitzy New York locations and beguiling soundtrack of popular standards, the movie offers a glamorised excursion into Woody Allen territory, and is a triumph of expert and irresistible escapist entertainment. The fake-orgasm-in-a-deli set piece propelled Ryan into stratospheric stardom, but there are numerous other pleasures to be found in Nora Ephron's Oscar-nominated screenplay and Rob Reiner's astute direction. – Robyn Karney Where to watch: MGM+ 9. The Princess Bride If you haven't watched this 80s cult classic already you've missed out. Adapted from the book of the same name, The Princess Bride is the superbly satirical tale of farm boy Westley and his err, Princess Bride Buttercup, as they wind up in all sorts of ridiculous situations. Mandy Patinkin's brilliant Inigo Montoya makes every single soppy kiss worth it. RT review Rob Reiner was always careful to avoid typecasting as a director, so following the warm nostalgia of Stand by Me he opted for this curious but ultimately charming fable. The film opens with Peter Falk reading the story to grandson Fred Savage (from TV's The Wonder Years), and this ironic distancing continues throughout the movie. Although the requisite monsters, giants and swordfights are present and correct for the children, Reiner also ensures there are plenty of quiet chuckles for adults. That's largely thanks to the efforts of an eclectic cast, which includes Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, This Is Spinal Tap's Christopher Guest, Mel Smith and Peter Cook. An unexpected delight for all the family. – John Ferguson Where to watch: Tubi 10. Silver Linings Playbook OK, so it's technically a "dramedy" – dramatic romantic comedy – but it nabbed enough Oscars to warrant a watch. Strictly meets decent drama as Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (in the role that made her hot property in Hollywood) play two troubled souls thrown together by their personal dilemmas and a dance competition. Not so much dirty as flirty dancing, it's a slick little flick that any girl or boy can enjoy. RT review This beguilingly offbeat love story was adapted by idiosyncratic director David O Russell (The Fighter, American Hustle) from the debut novel by Matthew Quick. Bradley Cooper gives a career-changing performance as Pat, a bipolar divorcé returning to his larger-than-life suburban Philadelphia family after a spell in a mental health clinic. After a chance meeting, he partners up with Jennifer Lawrence's fellow neurotic Tiffany (also keenly played) to train hard for a dance competition that promises to prove therapeutic for them both. An accumulative betting subplot involving real-life team the Philadelphia Eagles, driven by Pat's roguish dad (Robert De Niro, in a rare autumnal role of substance), stokes the dramatic trajectory towards the ballroom-dance-off, which is much more surprising than your standard Hollywood ending, despite certain conventions. This is a genuinely unusual, bittersweet romance that also boasts some terrific choreography. – Andrew Collins Where to watch: Available to rent or buy 11. Before Sunrise View Green Video on the source website Richard Linklater's entire Before trilogy – starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy – is always worth a watch in its entirety, but this opening instalment is the most purely romantic of the three. Hawke and Delpy are Ethan and Celine, an American man and Frenchwoman who meet on a train and decide to spend an evening together in Vienna, soon realising they seem to have a special connection. It's a delightful film with no shortage of standout moments. RT review When American slacker Ethan Hawke meets French student Julie Delpy on a train to Vienna, the romantic sparks fly as they spend one eventful night together in director Richard Linklater's exhilarating drama. Announcing his presence as a major talent after grabbing attention with Dazed and Confused, Linklater's understated use of gorgeous Viennese backgrounds, coupled with a smart, funny and touching script, make this ultra-modern romance hip yet timeless. With engaging Hawke and free-spirited Delpy delivering confident chemistry, this contemporary brief encounter is a real winner. – Alan Jones Where to watch: Available to rent or buy 12. Bringing Up Baby No list of romantic comedies would be complete without dipping into classic Hollywood, and specifically the large canon of screwball comedies. There are loads of gems from to choose from – such as The Philadelphia Story and It Happened One Night – but for pure chaotic fun, there's no looking past Howard Hawks superb 1938 gem. Legendary stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant couldn't be more perfectly matched in a film that includes everything from runaway leopards to toppling dinosaur skeletons – this is pure unfiltered joy from the first minute to the very last. RT Review Despite flopping on release, this deft comedy has rightly become one of the definitive examples of the screwball genre. Cary Grant plays nicely against type as a mild-mannered scientist, while an energetic Katharine Hepburn excels as the scatty heiress whose new pet leopard is the surprising catalyst for both riotous farce and the inevitable romance. Hepburn maintains an unusual layer of sweetness as she falls instantly in love with Grant – even while she sets about trying to sabotage her hapless paramour's marriage engagement. Howard Hawks directs with his usual zip, leading us effortlessly through every silly set piece. – Calum Baker Where to watch: BBC iPlayer 13. The Apartment Another oldie, this classic from Billy Wilder has a strong claim to be labelled the very best romcom Hollywood has ever produced. Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred McMurray, it's a film that has lost none of its emotional resonance in the 65 years since release. RT Review This classic from Billy Wilder sees Jack Lemmon's put-upon, snuffling insurance clerk CC Baxter basically offer his apartment to his superiors so that they can indulge in extramarital trysts. That he does it in return for promotions that never come makes "Buddy Boy" Baxter a sad case indeed. But Wilder cleverly veils the plot's darker side and operates the movie as a light romantic comedy. He is helped immensely by Lemmon's skilled performance, which instantly earns our sympathy, and his character's redemption comes when Shirley MacLaine's elevator girl - mistress of unscrupulous boss Fred MacMurray - gets in a fix and he comes to her aid. From such potentially edgy material Wilder and co-writer IAL Diamond sculpt an unforgettable romance that won five Oscars, including best picture, direction and screenplay. – Andrew Collins Where to watch: MGM+ 14. The Worst Person in the World View Green Video on the source website The third entry in Joachim Trier's loose Oslo trilogy, this modern gem perhaps leans more towards romantic drama – with a certain melancholy running through it – but there are enough light and comedic moments for it to qualify here. Breakout star Renate Reinsve – now an Oscar nominee for Sentimental Value – is superb in a charming film that subverts some of the tropes of the genre and includes a handful of playfully realised set pieces. It's an instant classic. RT Review If you have ever felt that life is passing you by, then this wistful and warm film from Norwegian director Joachim Trier will hit you like a ton of bricks. Set in Oslo, the story is divided into 12 chapters that trace the 20s of a woman named Julie (the radiant Renate Reinsve), who is unsure of what to do with her life and with whom who to spend it. Julie makes the kind of mistakes that would usually cast her as the villain of the piece, but thanks to Reinsve imbuing her with irresistible charisma and relatability, she is far from what the film's sarcastic title suggests. Trier, who also co-wrote the script, directs with playful verve, from a kiss that would rival any romcom's to a dinner party with magic mushrooms on the menu. It is a film that dodges genre pigeonholes, with threads of romantic comedy and coming-of-age drama weaving into one, and a mournful final act that offers a further impactful gear-change. – Max Copeman Where to watch: Mubi 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.
Who is Wes Nelson? Former Love Island contestant and musician
The former contestant made a brief return to the Love Island villa.
It's all heating up on Love Island: All Stars, with lots of recouplings and ruffled feathers. So a VIP show was much needed this week to take the edge off, as Craig David returned to the villa for a special performance. And he brought a guest with him, season 4 star Wes Nelson, to perform Wes's new single Abracadabra. His return to the villa had some fans guessing whether he was staying as a bombshell, which could cause some tension for Wes's ex Arabella Chi who is currently in a couple with Joe Garratt. So, who is Wes Nelson? When did he date Arabella Chi? And is he returning as a bombshell? Here's everything you need to know. Wes Nelson - Key Facts Age: 25 Job: Musician Instagram: @wes.nelson Wes Nelson is a singer and TV personality best known for taking part in Love Island. During his time on the show, he was in a couple with Laura Anderson, however, his head turned for Megan Barton Hanson. They left the show as a couple but split five months after filming stopped. What season of Love Island was Wes Nelson on? Wes appeared on season four of Love Island in 2018, alongside Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham, who went on to win the show. Following his stint on the show, he went on to compete on Dancing on Ice, The X Factor: Celebrity and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, as well as winning The Games. What happened between Wes Nelson and Arabella Chi? In August 2019, Wes, who was 21 at the time, and Arabella, 28, confirmed that they were in a relationship. Three months into their relationship, they moved in together and ended up spending lockdown together during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, it was announced that Wes and Arabella had split, with their six-year age gap cited as part of the reason. A source told The Sun: "It's all over. They started to grow apart and the age gap became really noticeable between them. "They want to remain civil with each other and hope to remain friends. There’s been no funny business, no cheating or anything like that, it’s just fizzled out between them." Is Wes Nelson returning to Love Island as a bombshell? It doesn't look like Wes will be returning to All-Stars as a bombshell. It looks like his return to the villa was just a one-off for his performance with Craig David. We'll update you right here if we learn any more news. Love Island: All Stars 2024 airs on ITV2 and ITVX on Weekdays and Sundays. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Georgia Steel? Love Island: All Stars 2024 contestant
When she arrived in the villa on day four, Georgia Steel quickly became one of the most memorable Love Island contestants of season 4. Her confrontation with Josh after he betrayed her in Casa Amor went down in Love Island history, as did her now-catchphrase "I'm loyal babe". Her locking lips with Jack Fowler also caused plenty of drama, but will she ruffle anymore feathers as she returns to the villa? Here's what you need to know about this member of the Love Island: All Stars 2024 line-up. Georgia Steel - key facts Age: 25 Job: Influencer From: York Season: 4 Instagram: @geesteelx Who is Georgia Steel? Georgia Steel is a 25-year-old influencer from York. She first appeared on Love Island as a 20-year-old student. What season of Love Island was Georgia Steel on? Georgia first appeared on Love Island season 4 as a bombshell. The late arrival coupled up with Josh Denzel, but was left heartbroken when he dumped her for Kaz Crossley in Casa Amor. She later coupled up with Sam Bird. Is Georgia Steel on Instagram? She is! Stay up to date with her at @geesteelx. Why did Georgia Steel decide to return for Love Island: All Stars? For Georgia, a partner is the only thing her life is missing. "I’m 25, I have a house, a cat, a nice car – I have everything in life but a boyfriend, so why not give it a go?" she said. The influencer also hopes the unique experience of being a former Islander will bring her closer to people in the villa. "I feel like going in this time it’ll be nice because we have all gone through similar experiences," she said. "I think that'll create an instant connection." View Green Video on the source website Love Island All Stars 2024 starts on Monday 15th January at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Mrs Brown's Boys family tree - how the cast and characters are related
Brendan O'Carroll's hit BBC series is a real family affair.
Mrs Brown’s Boys is a bewildering watch at the best of times – but especially when you try to determine how all the actors are related. The show’s creator Brendan O’Carroll – who also plays the titular character – might have had an easy time when casting the Brown family, given they are mostly members of his own family, but over the years this has opened the door to plenty of drama and fall-outs both behind-the-scenes and on-screen. The latest drama to put a spanner in the works is the news that Brendan's daughter Fiona O’Carroll, who plays Maria Brow, has split from her husband and co-star Martin Delany, who plays Trevor Brown, in the hit show. Speaking about the split in RTE Guide, Fiona revealed: “Myself and Martin met very young. I was 16, and I suppose he’s all I’ve ever known and we just kind of grew apart.” She added that the couple, who have four children together “wanted different things”. “There were no major fights, and nobody else was involved but it was a case of not being on the same page any longer," she added. “I think I hung on for as long as I did because when my own parents broke up, that was very public, and there was a lot of hurt involved there.” The sad news comes as the BBC One sitcom will return to our screens for not just one but two festive specials this year, although whether the show will reflect Fiona and Martin’s split remains to be seen. Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about how the cast of the hit BBC comedy related. View oEmbed on the source website How are the cast of Mrs Brown's Boys related? Agnes Brown - Brendan O'Carroll The titular mammy is the daddy of the family and father to Danny O'Carroll who plays Buster, and Fiona O'Carroll who plays Maria. His sister Eilish plays next door neighbour Winnie, his wife Jennifer plays daughter Cathy, and his real-life grandson, Jamie O'Carroll, plays Mrs Brown's grandson, Bono. His on screen daughter-in-law Betty (Amanda Woods) is his real life daughter-in-law (she's married to Danny aka Buster), while TV son Trevor (Martin Delany) is actually his son-in-law (married to Fiona O'Carroll aka Maria), and his sister-in-law plays Winnie's daughter, Sharon. Winnie McGoogan - Eilish O'Carroll Next door neighbour Winnie may be Agnes' best pal on screen but in real life she's Brendan O'Carroll's sister. Eilish is Maria (Fiona O'Carroll) and Buster's (Danny O'Carroll) real-life aunt, and Cathy aka Jennifer Gibney's sister-in-law, while her on-screen daughter Sharon, is actually Jennifer Gibney's off screen sister. She's also grand aunt to Bono Brown (Jamie Carroll). Cathy Brown - Jennifer Gibney <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2018/12/17067980-high_res-mrs-browns-boys-christmas-and-new-year-special-8de5bd5-e1638884262823.jpg" width="620" height="412" alt="WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 11/12/2018 - Programme Name: Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year Special - TX: 25/12/2018 - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: **STRICTLY EMBARGOED NOT FOR PUBLICATION BEFORE 00:01 HRS ON TUESDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2018** Winnie McGoogan (EILISH O'CARROLL), Mrs Brown (BRENDAN O’CARROLL), Cathy Brown (JENNIFER GIBNEY), Maria Brown (FIONA O'CARROLL) - (C) BBC Studios - Photographer: Alan Peebles" title="17067980-high_res-mrs-browns-boys-christmas-and-new-year-special" /> Mrs Brown's on-screen daughter is actually Brendan O'Carroll's wife, making her Buster (Danny O'Carroll) and Maria's real-life stepmother and Bono's off-screen step-grandmother. Winnie (Eilish) is her sister-in-law, Mrs Brown's son Trevor is her son-in-law by marriage, and Mark's wife Betty is her daughter-in-law by marriage. Plus Winnie's daughter, Sharon, is her real-life sister. Buster Brady - Danny O'Carroll <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2017/12/14730964-high_res-mrs-browns-boys-christmas-and-new-year-special-2017-0e32a2f-e1638884430448.jpg" width="620" height="413" alt="Programme Name: Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year Special 2017 - TX: n/a - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: *STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER 00:01HR** (L-R) Mrs Brown (BRENDAN O’CARROLL), Buster Brady (DANNY O'CARROLL), Bono Brown (JAMIE O'CARROLL), Dermot Brown (PADDY HOULIHAN) - (C) BBC Studios - Photographer: Alan Peebles (BBC, TL)" title="Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year Special 2017" /> The on-screen troublemaker is Brendan O'Carroll's real-life son, making him Maria's (Fiona O'Carroll) real-life brother, Cathy's (Jennifer Gibney) stepson, and Winnie's nephew. His wife, Amanda, plays Betty Brown, while his son, Jamie, is Bono Brown, and his real-life brother-in-law Martin Delany plays Mrs Brown's youngest son, Trevor. Oh, and his real-life best friend Paddy Houlihan plays Mrs Brown's other son, Dermot. Maria Brown – Fiona O’Carroll Mrs Brown's on-screen daughter-in-law Maria is actually Brendan's daughter, Fiona O'Carroll - or Fiona Delany to call her by her married name. That makes Jennifer Gibney (Cathy) her stepmum, Eilish O'Carroll (Winnie) her aunt and Buster (Danny O'Carroll) her brother. Little Bono Brown is actually her nephew, Jamie, while her sister-in-law, Amanda Woods, is Betty Brown. Oh, and her husband, Martin Delany, plays Mrs Brown's son Trevor, which is far from ideal following the off-screen couple's recent split, which Fiona announced on Tuesday 7th December 2021. Eek! Trevor Brown – Martin Delany Mrs Brown's youngest son is played by O'Carroll's son-in-law, Martin Delany, who is married to Fiona O'Carroll - his on-screen sister-in-law. That makes him Buster's (Danny O'Carroll) brother-in-law and uncle to Bono (Jamie O'Carroll) Brown. Betty Brown – Amanda Woods Mrs Brown's on-screen daughter-in-law is actually Brendan's daughter-in-law off screen too, as she's married to Buster (Danny O'Carroll) Brady in real life. She's Maria (Fiona O'Carroll) Brown's sister-in-law, and she's mum to Bono (Jamie O'Carroll) Brown both on and off screen. Bono Brown – Jamie O’Carroll Mrs Brown's grandson, Bono, is Brendan O'Carroll's real-life grandson, Jamie O'Carroll. His real mum (Amanda Woods) plays his on-screen mum, Betty Brown, while his dad is actually Buster Brady (Danny O'Carroll). That makes him Maria (Fiona O'Carroll) Brown's nephew and Eilish O'Carroll's (Winnie) grand-nephew. Rory Brown - Damien McKiernan The new Rory is played by Damien McKiernan, a friend of the family who took over the role from Rory Cowan in the 2017 Christmas special. Mrs Brown's Boys returns on Christmas Day (Saturday 25th December 2021) at 10.20pm on BBC One.
Sheridan Smith leads the three-part drama but who's who?
If curling up on the couch for a gritty drama is your idea of the perfect night then ITV's three-parter Black Work will be right up your street – originally aired in 2015, the thriller is getting a repeat run five years on. Leeds Police Constable Jo Gillespie lives a relatively normal life until her husband Ryan – who's also a member of the force – is killed while working deep undercover. Unsettled by the results the official investigation throw up, Jo decides to take it upon herself to find her husband's killer. Sheridan Smith leads the way as the determined young officer, but who's who in her police family? Sheridan Smith – PC Jo Gillespie Who is PC Jo Gillespie? Young PC Jo is just starting out in the force but she’s a bright officer with a big future ahead of her. However, the demands of police work have placed quite a bit of strain on her marriage to fellow officer, Ryan Gillespie. That’s why Jo’s been growing close to another police officer, Jack Clark. But when undercover cop Ryan is killed, her whole world is turned upside down. "Jo is strong and tough but goes through so much turmoil and mental torment," said Sheridan Smith. "It was different to anything I’ve done before. I like trying different things and challenging myself and Matt is a really clever writer, so I said yes.” Where have I seen Sheridan Smith before? Where haven't you seen her before? The star of ITV's Cilla is best known for her role as Mrs Biggs, starring dramatic turns in The 7.39 and The C Word, and comedy roles in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family and Gavin & Stacey to name but a few. Kenny Doughty – DS Ryan Gillespie Who is DS Ryan Gillespie? Jo’s husband Ryan is an undercover police officer and the demands of his job put a huge strain on their marriage. He’s working deep undercover when he’s killed and, as she sets out to discover what really happened to him, Jo discovers that he wasn’t always completely honest about what he was up to. Where have I seen Kenny Doughty before? He's most recently starred opposite Brenda Blethyn as Vera's DS Aiden Healy but you might also have spotted him in Stella, on Coronation Street's cobbles as hunky builder Jake Harman, or in BBC1's Servants with Orla Brady and Felicity Jones way back in 2003's Servants. Matthew McNulty – DC Jack Clark Who is DC Jack Clark? Jack is married with a son around the same age as Jo and Ryan’s daughter, but that hasn’t stopped him growing closer to his female colleague. So when Jack is assigned to the investigation into Ryan’s death, he feels rather conflicted. Can he put his feelings aside and do his job properly? "The story had real drive and it was pushed forward with great, strong female leads," McNulty said. "Which, in itself, is pretty unusual, unfortunately. But it was like nothing I’d ever read before." Where have I seen Matthew McNulty before? Jamaica Inn's Jem Meryln is also The Mill's Daniel Bate and Our Girl's Corporal Geddings. He also starred in Misfits, the very first series of Kay Mellor's The Syndicate, and played Fisher Bloom in Lark Rise to Candleford. Douglas Henshall - Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn Who is Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hepburn? Ryan’s superior officer is devastated by his death: he was the one leading the case in which Gillespie was working undercover. He’s also anguished by the fact that he must continue to keep the details of Ryan’s case a secret while the investigation is ongoing. Where have I seen Douglas Henshall before? Primeval's Professor Nick Cutter is no stranger to a crime drama, having previously lead the cast of BBC Scotland's Shetland. He also popped up in The Secret of Crickley Hall and as Taran MacQuarrie in Outlander. Geraldine James - Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki Who is Chief Constable Carolyn Jarecki? Jarecki’s made a point of trying to improve the public image of the police, and to restore public faith in them after several allegations of corruption. Ryan’s death puts her in a very difficult position because while she wants to come out and support him in public, she doesn’t want his undercover operation to be jeopardised. "She’s not just a bossy policewoman," says James. "She has to be politically astute. It’s like being a Mayor. She has to balance what she can and cannot pursue. It’s very topical." Where have I seen Geraldine James before? Utopia's Milner is a veteran of the stage and screen, with roles in Dummy, The Jewel in The Crown, Band of Gold, Sins, Gandi and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo under her belt. She also plays Mrs Hudson to Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes. Andrew Knott – DS Lee Miekel Who is DS Lee Miekel? Lee was quite close to Ryan before he died so he’s deeply upset by the murder investigation. He’s not happy with the level of secrecy surrounding Ryan’s undercover operation, because it means he can’t access information that might be crucial to finding his killer. Where have I seen Andrew Knott before? Remember the little boy from The Secret Garden? He went on to star as Joe Green in Black Beauty, Henry Green in Where The Heart Is, and Dirtbox in Gavin & Stacey. Ace Bhatti – DCI Jahan Kapoor Who is DCI Jahan Kapoor? Leading the investigation into Ryan's death isn't an easy business but it's the task handed to DCI Jahan Kapoor. The detective has only recently joined the team and wasn't even nearly half as close to Ryan as the rest of them. That's something that alienates him from many of the other officers. Where have I seen Ace Bhatti before? Bhatti is best known for his portrayal of EastEnders villain Yusef Khan from 2010-11. Carla Henry – Vicki Stanton Who is Vicki Stanton? Vicki's a friend and colleague of Jo's who is quite close to the whole Gillespie family. She finds herself having to take on a new role when Ryan is killed, acting as Jo, Hal and Melly's Family Liaison Officer. Where have I seen Carla Henry before? Remember Queer as Folk? Stanton starred as Donna in the acclaimed TV series. Sharon Duce – Barbara Gillespie Who is Barbara Gillespie? Ryan's mum Barbara hasn't always seen eye to eye with Jo but her heart's the right place. She arrives shortly after her son's death to take care of Hal and Melly, leaving Jo with plenty of time to pursue her husband's killer. Where have I seen Sharon Duce before? Best known for Big Deal, Duce's face might look rather familiar: she also starred in Doctor Who, Emmerdale, Coronation Street, Growing Pains, The Tomorrow People and London's Burning, to name but a few. Lisa Dillon – Carla Who is Carla? Ryan's first wife – and the mother of his teenage son Hal – is not in the slightest bit impressed to learn that Jo initially kept the policeman's death a secret from her. Hal spends a lot of time with his mum and she threatens to retake full custody of him. Where have I seen Lisa Dillon before? Cranford's Mary Smith played Stephen Hawking's first wife Jane Wilde opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in 2004's Hawking. Honor Kneafsey and Oliver Woollford – Melly and Hal Who are Melly and Hal? Melly and Hal are half siblings – he's Ryan's son from a previous relationship while she's Ryan and Jo's daughter. Hal always got on quite well with his step-mum while his dad was alive, and she was a more stable influence in his life than his biological mum, Carla. Melly, meanwhile, got on quite well with her dad, but she can't really comprehend his death at all. Where have I seen Honor Kneafsey and Oliver Woollford before? Honor starred in Our Zoo and Friday Night Dinner while Oliver made quite the impression playing a rather violent young man in Channel 4's Utopia. This article was originally published in June 2015 Black Work begins tonight at 9pm on ITV and continues on Thursday and Friday – check out what else is on with our TV Guide
The real Royal Wedding – what were Victoria and Albert's nuptials actually like?
From the lacy dress to the less than racy wedding night, everything you need to know about Victoria and Albert's big day in 1840
When and where did Queen Victoria and Prince Albert get married? Victoria and Albert were married at the Chapel Royal in St James’s Palace at 1pm on Monday 10 February 1840. Westminster Abbey – which we now associate with such unions – hadn’t been used for Royal Weddings for quite some time, and wasn’t used for one again until Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Patricia, married there in 1919. Victoria series 3 will be released in the US before airing in the UK – and fans are in a right royal fury The Chapel Royal was most recently back in the spotlight when Prince George was christened there in 2013. What was Victoria's wedding dress actually like? Quite like Prince George’s Christening gown, actually – but more on that later. Victoria wore a white dress, which was seen as unusual at the time. It was more traditional for brides to wear colours, with gold or silver embroidery running throughout their gowns. But the Queen decided to buck the trend and go with white, which was – contrary to popular opinion – seen at the time as a symbol of a family’s wealth, not purity. She opted for a white silk dress, made from silk spun at Spitalfields in London, and added some rather splendid Honiton lace, which was worked at the village of Beer in Devon. Victoria is often credited with starting a ‘white wedding’ trend, though historians argue about how much truth there is to the claim. She wasn’t the first royal to marry in white, but she certainly made sure she wouldn’t be the last. View oEmbed on the source website Who designed Queen Victoria’s wedding dress? The dress, and the famously patterned lace, were designed by William Dyce, head of what was known at the time as the Government School of Design. It’s now the Royal College of Art. The white silk dress itself was made by a woman called Mary Bettans. Why did Victoria’s wedding lace become so famous? Queen Victoria loved her wedding dress so much that she tended to wear it over and over again in different guises. Herself and Albert even posed for a series of photos in their wedding clothes years later, re-enacting the precious moment for improved cameras so they’d have photos to remember the occasion by. Victoria posed for a portrait as a first anniversary present for Albert too. The lace we see Victoria wearing with her small crown in later years is that very same Honiton lace too, and we know the Queen was buried with her wedding veil covering her face. Here she is posing for her official Diamond Jubilee portrait, wearing both her wedding veil and the lace. You might also have spotted similar lace in Prince William’s Christening photos from 1981. You see Victora was so taken with her wedding dress that she and Albert commissioned a Christening gown based on the same design for their first born child, Victoria. That same Christening gown was worn by 62 royal children between 1841 and 2004, when it was finally deemed too fragile and a replica was ordered. Did Queen Victoria wear a crown on her wedding day? No, she opted for a headdress of orange blossoms instead, although Albert did design a coronet for her as a wedding present. That very same coronet hit the headlines earlier this year when someone tried to sell it and an export ban was placed upon it to stop it leaving the country. Who gave the bride away? As her father was dead, Victoria was walked up the aisle by her favourite uncle, the Duke of Sussex. Was the Queen really asked if she’d like to change her vows? The Archbishop of Canterbury actually did approach Victoria and ask if she might like to remove the promise to “obey” her less powerful husband from her vows. The Queen refused. Was Lord Melbourne at Victoria and Albert’s wedding? Yes, he was, and he played quite an important role too. The Prime Minister of the day carried the Sword of State for the nuptials. It’s a broad sword that symbolises the power and authority of the sovereign, is kept among the Crown Jewels, and is carried at the State opening of Parliament to this day. We’re guessing the real life Melbourne didn’t look as though he wanted to chop Albert’s head off with it, though. What was Victoria and Albert’s wedding cake like? It weighed 300lbs, was three yards in circumference and has actually survived until this very day. Someone sold a slice of it for £1500 just last week. Did Queen Victoria really only have a two-day honeymoon? Yes, the pair headed off to Windsor on the afternoon of the wedding, where they remained until Friday. It’s said they spent their time reading, walking, riding and hosting dinner parties, before returning to Buckingham Palace on Friday the 14th of February. How did Victoria describe the day in her famous diary? Her entry, dated February 10th 1840, reads as follows: The last time I slept alone. Got up at a ¼ to 9,- well, and having slept well; and breakfasted at ½ p.9. Mama came before and brought me a Nosegay of orange flowers. My dearest kindest Lehzen gave me a dear little ring. Wrote my journal, and to Lord M. Had my hair dressed and the wreath of orange flowers put on. Saw my precious Albert for the last time alone, as my Bridegroom. Dressed. Saw Uncle, and Ernest who dearest Albert brought up. At ½ p.12 I set off; dearest Albert having gone before. I wore a white satin gown, with a very deep flounce of Honiton lace, imitation of old. I wore my Turkish diamond necklace and earrings, and my Angel's beautiful sapphire broach. Mama and the Duchess of Sutherland went in the carriage with me; I subjoin an account of the whole, which is pretty correct, only that they put in that I cried, and I did not shed one tear the whole time, and some other foolish things about Albert which they have said. To return to my going to St.James's, I never saw such crowds of people as there were in the Park, and they cheered most enthusiastically. When I arrived at St James's I went into the dressing-room where my 12 young Train-bearers were, dressed all in white with white roses, which had a beautiful effect. Here I waited a little till dearest Albert's Procession had moved into the Chapel. I then went with my Train-bearers and ladies into the Throne room, where the Procession formed; Lord Melbourne in his fine new dress coat, bearing the Sword of State, and Lord Uxbridge and Lord Belfast on either side of him walked immediately before me. Queen Anne's room was full of people, ranged on seats one higher than the other, as also in the Guard room, and by the Staircase,- all very friendly; the Procession looked beautiful going downstairs. Part of the Colour Court was also covered in, and full of people, who were very civil. The Flourish of Trumpets ceased I entered the Chapel, and the organ began to play, which had a beautiful effect. At the Altar, to my right, stood my precious Angel; Mama was on my left as also the Dukes of Sussex and Cambridge and Aunt Augusta; and on Albert's right was the Queen Dowager, then Uncle Ernest, Ernest, the Duchess of Cambridge and little Mary, George, Augusta, and Princess Sophia Matilda. Lord Melbourne stood close to me with the Sword of State. The Ceremony was very imposing, and fine and simple, and I think ought to make an everlasting impression on every one who promises at the Altar to keep what he or she promises. Dearest Albert repeated everything very distinctly. I felt so happy when the ring was put on, and by (my precious) Albert. As soon as the Service was over, the Procession returned as it came, with the exception that my beloved Albert led me out. And what about the wedding night? Contrary to what the TV show might have us believe, Albert and Victoria had a far quieter – but quite loved-up – wedding night. The Queen writes: We had our dinner in our sitting room; but I had such a sick headache that I could eat nothing, and was obliged to lie down in the middle blue room for the remainder of the evening, on the sofa; but, ill or not, I never, never spent such an evening!! My dearest dearest dear Albert sat on a footstool by my side, and his excessive love and affection gave me feelings of heavenly love and happiness, I never could have hoped to have felt before! He clasped me in his arms, and we kissed each other again and again! His beauty, his sweetness and gentleness,- really how can I ever be thankful enough to have such a Husband! - At ½ p.10 I went and undressed and was very sick, and at 20 m. p.10 we both went to bed; (of course in one bed), to lie by his side, and in his arms, and on his dear bosom, and be called by names of tenderness, I have never yet heard used to me before - was bliss beyond belief! Oh! this was the happiest day of my life! - May God help me to do my duty as I ought and be worthy of such blessings! View oEmbed on the source website
Who is the new Rory in Mrs Brown's Boys?
We've finally met the man who'll replace Rory Cowan, but who is he? And is he another member of Brendan O'Carroll's family?
Mrs Brown's Boys has finally revealed its new Rory, quite literally unveiling him during the BBC comedy's Christmas special. Original actor Rory Cowan announced he was leaving the show in July 2016, leaving creator Brendan O'Carroll with a quandary – how do you replace someone who's been key to the show since the beginning? The answer? Plastic surgery. View oEmbed on the source website The Christmas Day storyline saw Mrs Brown's son Rory return with bandages round his head, and it was only in the final moments that Doctor Flynn removed the strapping to reveal a brand new face - and a brand new actor to boot. Brendan O’Carroll says Rory Cowan's Mrs Brown’s Boys departure is "like Ronaldo Leaving United" 'Unhappy' Mrs Brown's Boys star Rory Cowan quits the comedy after 26 years But who is this new Rory? And is he one of the O'Carroll clan who make up the majority of the cast already? Who is the new Rory in Mrs Brown's Boys? The new Rory is played by Damien McKiernan. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the name, chances are you've never spotted him on TV before now - at least not as an actor anyway. McKiernan was a professional snooker player back in the day, and it was during that time that he first met Brendan O'Carroll. He tells RadioTimes.com that O'Carroll quite simply called him up one day to offer him the role. "Brendan sent me a text asking me could I take a FaceTime call. 20 minutes later, he calls me, 'Hi Omen'. That's the nickname he has for me, which I love. He then disappears looking for his tea which he can't find. He’s saying 'where the hell is it, I definitely made a cup', he then realises that his phone is leaning against his cup so he didn't see it, it was so funny." After a fifteen minute conversation O'Caroll told McKiernan he thought he'd be great for the role and to have a think about it and let him know. "I literally fell off the bed!" says McKiernan. "I was soooo excited, I thought about it, discussed it with my wife and my two boys, my wife couldn’t stop laughing and once she stopped she told me to go for it. So a few days later I texted Brendan and asked him if he could talk. He said 'yes, ring me'. I said 'no I'm outside your room in Newcastle!'. I wanted to see him and Jenny face to face to accept and to give them with a big hug!" Keeping his new role a secret was tough, especially when he had to dye his hair blonde: "I just said I wanted a new look!" The Dubliner admits that he was very nervous to join the cast for rehearsals. "It felt like I was jumping without a parachute, it was then I realised that OH MY GOD this is serious. I was so nervous" he explains. "I just didn’t want to let anybody down. They are all such fantastic people with such warm hearts and I felt so much pressure to repay their belief in me." And when the time came to record the episode, he said everything felt "surreal". "My nerves played a huge part and I was just trying so hard not to make a mess of anything but they supported me and they dragged me over the line. I don't think I was breathing at the time." How difficult was it for him to NOT laugh at his old friend, who has a habit of making his co-stars crack up? "Well all Brendan has to do is look at you and that's enough to set you off laughing" says McKiernan. "He has this way of saying things to you without opening his mouth.So yes very very difficult but it kind of calms you down as well knowing that at any time he can say or do something that will crack you up." And what about Rory Cowan? Has he given his successor any advice? "I actually have never met him but I admire him greatly for all he has achieved", McKiernan reveals. "It's a difficult thing to do taking over from someone who has really excelled in a part, but I will try my best." Is the new Rory related to the cast of Mrs Brown's Boys? Nope, McKiernan, much like Rory Cowan before him, is not a member of the family. But if you want to find out about all the family connections in the show, check out how the cast of Mrs Brown's Boys are related here. This article was originally published on 1 January 2018
We asked the fans why they loved Brendan O'Carroll's comedy creation - here's what they had to say...
Brendan O'Carroll's Agnes Brown is the queen of Christmas TV, with Mrs Brown's Boys taking the top spot in the ratings year after year with her ridiculous antics. Those who loathe her aren't backwards in coming forwards, but it appears as though they're outnumbered by the millions of fans who still tune in for their appointment with mammy every Christmas and New Year. So, what's the secret of her success? Why do so many people LOVE Mrs Brown's Boys? View oEmbed on the source website Here's why the fans LOVE Mrs Brown's Boys... "The must watch show used to be the great Morecambe and Wise," says Peter Hawkins. "Now the must watch is definitely Mrs Brown's Boys, without a doubt. The simplicity of the show and the improvisation when things are not in the script makes it even funnier. Such a brilliant cast." Becki Joanne tells us that Mrs Brown's Boys makes her Christmas. "Brendan O'Carroll is a brilliant comedian/actor and family orientated person," she writes, praising the loving nature of the comedy series. "Never a dull moment. I laugh until my tummy hurts. Mrs Brown's Boys is the best ever." Jordon Hutchby particularly enjoys the fact that mistakes or slip-ups aren't cut from the series. "We lost [Father] Ted so many years ago; Mrs Brown's Boys has replaced it beautifully," he added. "Mrs. Brown's Boys helps me laugh and see joy," writes Jennifer Gerish, describing the great comfort the show offered her following the loss of her daughter. She praises the "amazing cast, who show they are people with huge hearts and true spirits of kindness". Ross Alford is a big fan of the cast too – he says they're "excellent" – and says the show will always lift you up when you're feeling down. "It's hilarious and displays togetherness, Brendan's improvisation is outstanding and the story behind it all is brilliant too." Janet Walker thinks the show's creator, Brendan O'Carroll, is in the same league as Morecambe and Wise, Tommy Cooper and Bruce Forsyth. If she's not in tears laughing at the humour she's almost sobbing at the show's more touching and gentle scenes. "I hope this goes on for years; I can’t see Christmas without it," she says. "Mrs Brown's Boys is one of those rare shows that became successful not because some self-righteous critic said it was worth watching, but because the audience took it to their hearts," argues Ben Woolman. "There is something about the Irish humour, the swearing and sexual innuendos aside, that just makes it so relatable, so funny and so heartwarming," he continues. "Its idiosyncratic mannerisms (breaking the fourth wall and keeping in the outtakes, for instance) make it so distinctive from all other sitcoms and thus one of the most prestigious and hilarious sitcoms of contemporary times and long may it continue. "To all the haters out there all I can say to you is... 'That's nice'." "I love the thought that everyone in this dysfunctional family gets along and still cares for each other at the end of the day," explains Claudia J Caddell. "It makes me laugh lot and makes me smile. Can Agnes 'adopt' me please?" Steven McCluskey tells us that Mrs Brown's Boys was a great comfort to him when he was in hospital undergoing treatment for cancer. "I brought loads of DVDs to watch, and most of them were comedies – all the classics like Only Fools and Still Game – but even though I enjoyed them when they were playing, the minute the DVD was over I got more and more depressed. Then my Gran bought me series one of Mrs Brown’s Boys and from the first joke, I was enraptured," he writes. When the DVD stopped playing Steven still found himself "smiling, laughing and quoting all the jokes". And when the time came for the talent show at the Teenage Cancer Trust's F.Y.S.O.T. (Find Your Sense Of Tumour) gathering, he dressed up as Mrs Brown. Steven was lucky enough to meet his idol some time later, and claims O'Carroll said something to him "that I intend to have engraved on my tombstone". "'Son,' he said, 'you're our idol. For someone like you to have gone through what you’ve gone through and to still have a smile on their face is something we can all strive to achieve. Never feckin’ give up son!'” Lisa Flynn says Mrs Brown's Boys reminds her of her nan and her family: "When you watch it, it makes you feel like you are visiting your nan for a cup tea. It makes me happy when I am really down." And Sheila Malone sums up her feelings about the series in rhyming verse. "Mrs Brown and her Boys, Much much better than Christmas toys, Guaranteed laughs and snickers, Mrs Brown in her very large knickers. Always has a happy end, Great to watch with family and friends." Mrs Brown's Boys airs on BBC1 on Christmas Day and New Year's Day at 10pm
Who is Karen Hauer? Strictly Come Dancing 2019 professional dancer guide
Strictly veteran Karen is waltzing into her eighth year on Strictly, after she and former partner Kevin Clifton confirmed they would both be returning to the show
Strictly Come Dancing 2019 professionals: Karen Clifton Age: 37 From: Venezuela Twitter: @karen_hauer Instagram: karencliftonofficial Strictly wins: 0. After seven years of Strictly, Karen has barely inched close to the Glitterball trophy. The best she did was when she placed fourth with Mark Wright in 2014. Which Strictly celebrity is Karen Clifton's paired with this year? Karen's new partner is comedian Chris Ramsey - with the pair likely to have a lot of laughs both on set and off. Which Strictly celebrity was Karen Clifton paired with last year? Actor Charles Venn. View oEmbed on the source website Who is Karen Clifton? 2019 marks Karen’s eighth year as a Strictly senorita, and she’s had something of a mixed fortune with her dance partners over the years. Although making it to fourth place with Mark Wright in 2014 was a highlight, perhaps less so was finishing 10th place with Dave Myers in 2013. View oEmbed on the source website Broadcaster Jeremy Vine and former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne also partnered Karen, and in 2016 her celebrity dancer was Will Young. Although there were high hopes for the pair to go far in the competition, Will announced he was quitting the show owing to "personal reasons" after three weeks. After leaving Strictly, he revealed that it was an existing struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder that had led to him quitting the show and that he had even considered breaking his own legs to get out of dancing. Will Young: quitting Strictly cost me £100,000 – but it was the best thing I ever did Karen will be returning for Strictly 2019 despite splitting from partner and fellow Strictly pro Kevin in March 2018. Karen was born in Valencia, Venezuela and took up dancing after moving to New York when she was just eight-years-old. Soon after she won a scholarship to the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance where she studied African, contemporary and ballet before moving on to ballroom and Latin at 19. Since then she’s worked with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, and has won some of the biggest dancing awards out there: she was declared World Mambo Champion in 2008 and Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion in 2009. Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 professionals
Who is Kevin Clifton? The professional dancer returns for Strictly's 2019 Christmas Special
Will the reigning Strictly champ lift the glitterball trophy once more?
Kevin Clifton is an English dancer who joined the Strictly Come Dancing professional line-up in 2013, where he danced alongside now ex-wife Karen Clifton. Clifton also featured on Burn the Floor and has worked as an assistant choreographer previously. Last year he won Strictly Come Dancing with Stacey Dooley who he's now dating. This year, he'll be taking part in the Christmas Special, dancing the quickstep with 2017 finalist Debbie McGee. Who is Kevin Clifton? Age: 37 Born: Waltham, Lincolnshire Twitter: @keviclifton Instagram: keviclifton Strictly wins: 1. Kevin came an agonising second place on the show for four years, and got to 7th place with partner Susan Calman in 2018. However, he finally lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Stacey Dooley last year. This year, he danced alongside Anneka Rice, but they were the second couple to be voted out of the competition. Partner for 2019 Christmas special: Debbie McGee Which Strictly celebrity is Kevin paired with this year? Kevin has been paired with former contestant and 2017 finalist Debbie McGee. Earlier this year, Kevin danced with Anneka Rice, a choice which he said he was "very happy and impressed by." They were the second couple to leave the competition. Which Strictly celebrity was Kevin paired with last year? TV presenter Stacey Dooley. The two are now in a romantic relationship, but remain secretive about their private life. You can see a video of the pair after they were first coupled up on Strictly below... Who is Kevin Clifton? Frequently referred to as “Kevin from Grimsby”, Kevin boasts an impressive record since joining as a professional in 2013, having worked on the show as an assistant choreographer the year before. Coming from a dancing family (both his parents are former World Champions) he danced competitively until 2007. View oEmbed on the source website What's Kevin Clifton's dance background? Training in Latin and Ballroom as a child, he is a four time British Latin Champion and boasts a hefty International Open resume, having won titles in Italy, Japan, Finland, Taiwan, Slovakia and many more. How many times has Kevin Clifton won Strictly? On Strictly he has been a finalist for four years – and finally lifted the Glitter ball with Stacey last year. During his time on the show, Kevin has been paired with Susanna Reid, Frankie Bridge, Kellie Bright, Louise Redknapp, and Susan Calman in 2017. When did Kevin and Karen Clifton split? Kevin split with his wife Karen in March 2018, but both of them will still be performing on Strictly together this year. Kevin has been married three times, the first was to his dance partner aged 20. He then married professional dance partner Clare Craze. They split up in 2010 and divorced in 2013 when he joined Strictly. He married Karen Clifton after proposing on stage during a performance of Burn the Floor and they married in 2015. In 2019 it was confirmed Kevin was dating Stacey Dooley, his Strictly partner. Learn more about the Strictly Come Dancing professionals Katya Jones AJ Pritchard Oti Mabuse Aljaž Škorjanec Diane Buswell Kevin Clifton Karen Clifton Anton Du Beke Giovanni Pernice Nancy Xu Janette Manrara Amy Dowden Gorka Marquez Graziano Di Prima Johannes Radebe Luba Mushtuk Nadiya Bychkova Neil Jones Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday at 7pm on BBC 1
How Loose Women challenges attitudes to women on TV
We headed behind the scenes to catch up with TV's most opinionated panelists and find out what they really think about how women are portrayed in the media
Since 1999 Loose Women has been putting female voices to the fore on ITV. But two decades after its debut it remains the only dedicated panel show presented by women, for women, on daytime TV. We headed behind the scenes of the ITV series ahead of the 20th anniversary to catch up with Andrea McLean, Stacey Solomon, Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams to find out why Loose Women has proven such a success and discover what it's like to be a woman in the TV industry today. The fearlessly opinionated panelists didn't hold back and provided us with plenty of food for thought on ageism, sexism and much, much more. View oEmbed on the source website Loose Women airs every Monday to Friday at 12.30pm on ITV
Why is nobody singing in the BBC's Les Miserables?
Are we dreaming a dream? Or is there really no singing in the BBC's major adaptation of the beloved story?
Do you hear the people sing in the BBC adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables? Well, in short, no: the latest adaptation of the 19th century classic tale is totally non-musical. Dominic West (Jean Valjean) won’t be singing about his plight as prisoner 24601 or begging God to bring Marius (Josh O’Connor) home in the new drama from War & Peace screenwriter Andrew Davies. When is Les Misérables on TV? Who is in the cast? Dominic West, David Oyelowo and Olivia Colman lead the cast of BBC1's Les Misérables War and Peace screenwriter Andrew Davies on Les Miserables TV adaptation: "Now we're in the exciting bit!" David Oyelowo (Javert) will have to find some other way to encourage someone to tell him quickly what’s the story, who saw what and why and where. And his victims will have to refrain from breaking into song when they answer to Javert. Lily Collins (Fantine) will have to dream an entirely non-musical dream and her on-screen daughter, Cosette (Ellie Bamber), may need to find another way to tell Marius that she’s got a heart full of love for him. And Eponine (Erin Kellyman)? Well, she really will be lamenting her situation on her own – she won't have any music to accompany her. Perhaps most disappointingly, Olivia Colman and Adeel Akhtar (Madame and Monsieur Thénardier) will be doling out the charm, ready with a handshake and an open palm, but they will NOT be breaking out into song either. Why is the BBC's Les Misérables not a musical? Oh my friends, my friends don't ask me, what this particular sacrifice was for... Andrew Davies has decided to go back to the source text and take a different approach with the classic novel from French author Victor Hugo. "This is such an intense and gut-wrenching story and I am delighted that this esteemed ensemble of actors will be bringing it to life – led by Dominic West and David Oyelowo in the iconic roles of Jean Valjean and his nemesis Javert," Davies said. "In Valjean, we see the terrifying anger and resentment against society but also the tenderness that is hidden deep in his complex psyche. And in Javert, the ferocious dedication to duty that takes him from obsession to madness." The musical adaptation fans know and love was never entirely faithful to the source text, omitting characters, changing the nature of others and tweaking a few plots along the way. Will Davies' drama prove to be a more accurate re-telling of the original novel? We'll just have to wait and see... Les Misérables airs on Sundays at 9/8c on PBS Masterpiece This article was originally published in November 2018
What time is the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 on TV? Start time, final running order and favourites
Where will it be? Who's hosting? And who will represent the UK?
The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most-watched TV events of the year, with people tuning in from as far afield as Australia and the USA to watch the musical spectacular. The 2019 competition will take place in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday 18th May. Here's absolutely everything you need to know about it... Who will be the UK’s entry at Eurovision 2019? Meet the acts competing at Eurovision 2019 Where is the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest being held? View oEmbed on the source website When is the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 on TV? The Eurovision Song Contest will be held on Saturday May 18th 2019. Coverage will be on BBC1, fronted by Graham Norton, from 8pm till 11:40pm. Who are the acts competing in the Eurovision 2019 final? There are 26 acts still in the running to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest (15 countries were eliminated in the semi-finals). You can see all the 2019 confirmed performers here. When is the UK performing in Eurovision? Michael Rice and song Bigger Than Us are 16th in the running order (see below). It's not a great spot to have: not a single act that's performed 16th at Eurovision has ever won the contest. What is the full running order for Eurovision 2019? The 26 acts of the night will take to the stage in this order... Malta: Michela – Chameleon Albania: Jonida Maliqi – Ktheju tokës Czech Republic: Lake Malawi – Friend of a Friend Germany: S!sters – Sister Russia: Sergey Lazarev – Scream Denmark: Leonora – Love Is Forever San Marino: Serhat – Say Na Na Na North Macedonia: Tamara Todevska – Proud Sweden: John Lundvik – Too Late for Love Slovenia: Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl – Sebi Cyprus: Tamta – Replay The Netherlands: Duncan Laurence – Arcade Greece: Katerine Duska – Better Love Israel: Kobi Marimi – Home Norway: KEiiNO – Spirit in the Sky United Kingdom: Michael Rice – Bigger than Us Iceland: Hatari – Hatrið mun sigra Estonia: Victor Crone – Storm Belarus: ZENA – Like It Azerbaijan: Chingiz – Truth France: Bilal Hassani – Roi Italy: Mahmood – Soldi Serbia: Nevena Božović – Kruna Switzerland: Luca Hänni – She Got Me Australia: Kate Miller-Heidke – Zero Gravity Spain: Miki – La Venda Who is representing the UK at Eurovision 2019? Michael Rice! Once again, the BBC programme Eurovision: You Decide asked viewers to vote on 8th February 2019 for who they thought should be the UK's entry at the Eurovision Song Contest and we chose 21-year-old Michael, a former All Together Now winner and X Factor contestant. View oEmbed on the source website There were six acts to choose from, but only one winner. Here's a guide to the other contenders. Who are the favourites to win Eurovision 2019? The Netherlands' touching power ballad, Russia's returning star and the Swedish act who also wrote the UK's entry are the acts most favoured to take the Eurovision crown this year. However, bookmakers are also predicting a very good night for Australia (who are sending an opera singer on a bendy role) and France (an LGBT Youtube Star). Iceland's entry is also set to cause a stir: the country will be represented by techno-BDSM trio Hatari and song Hatrið Mun Sigra (Hate Will Prevail). Where will Eurovision 2019 be held? The 2019 song contest will be held in Israel, thanks to their victory at the 2018 Grand Final in Lisbon, Portugal. The city of Tel Aviv has be chosen to stage the competition. Where is Tel Aviv? Tel-Aviv, Israel's second largest city, is located on the Mediterranean coast. It has a population of over 400,000 people. Who was the winner of Eurovision 2018? Israel's Netta Barzilai was the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, storming to victory with her song, TOY, in Lisbon. View oEmbed on the source website Who is Eurovision 2018 winner Netta Barzilai? Here's everything you need to know... Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest? Well, Eurovision isn’t strictly geographic. The contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is made up of various broadcasters from countries across Europe and beyond. The BBC is a member of the EBU, as is RTE in Ireland, Rai in Italy, SVT in Sweden and so on. There are 73 member stations from more than 56 countries, including Israel, and they’re entitled to send acts to Eurovision if they wish. Israel's been a member of the EBU for decades and won the Eurovision a grand total of four times. Dana International's victory in 1998 remains one of their most famous Eurovision wins. View oEmbed on the source website How can I get tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest 2019? Tickets for Eurovision are on sale to the general public, click on the link below for details on how to get your hands on some: READ MORE: How to get tickets to Eurovision 2019 Who is the UK's Eurovision voting spokesperson for 2019? Presenter, Radio 2 DJ and new Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two co-host Rylan will be reading out the votes from the UK. That's after he and Scott Mills hosted the semi-final coverage on BBC4. View oEmbed on the source website How does the Eurovision Song Contest voting work? Eurovision was originally judged by juries before being opened to the public for a tele vote but when people started getting worked up about political Bloc Voting (the idea that countries in Eastern Europe were all just voting for their friends and neighbours) they introduced a new dual system. The juries from each country (made up of five music industry professionals) award 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 points to their favourite songs, and reveal those jury scores through their national spokesperson in the usual time-consuming yet exciting way. Viewers from each country also vote via phone or SMS, awarding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 points to their favourite songs. Then, all the results from each country’s public votes are combined to give one overall Eurovision viewer score per song. View oEmbed on the source website Spokespersons from each country read out the jury results – those all-important douze points – during the live show. Then the Eurovision presenters read out the results of the European televote – or public vote – in ascending order, beginning with the country that received the lowest number of televotes – public votes – and finishing with the country that received the highest. Viewers in all the competing countries – including those who were knocked out in the semi-finals – can vote up to 20 times for the songs of their choice, but they can’t vote for their own country. The country with the highest number of votes wins the competition and gets to host it the next year. Who is performing at the interval in Eurovision 2019? After organisers cast doubt earlier in the week, pop icon Madonna has been confirmed to take the stage after all 26 competitors perform. She'll perform two songs during the show’s interval: 1989 hit Like A Prayer and new single Future (featuring US rapper Quavo). Also performing is magician Lior Suchard, Israel’s answer to Derren Brown. We've got no idea why either. View oEmbed on the source website How do you vote in the Eurovision Song Contest? You can vote by telephone. Here are the official BBC guidelines for UK voters: “After all countries have performed, viewers will be invited to vote for their favourite act/s. Voting is by telephone only. Voters in the UK can choose either to call from their landline using the long (11-digit) number for the country of their choice or from their mobile phones using the shortcode (7-digit) number for the country of their choice. Please note that callers from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man should call from their landlines using the long (11-digit) number to avoid higher mobile charges, as the short (7-digit) numbers are not available in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for reasons outside of the BBC’s control.” The numbers to be used will be given during the programmes. View oEmbed on the source website Why isn’t Bulgaria competing in Eurovision 2019? Although the country has performed well in recent competitions, achieving a second and fourth place finish in the past three years, Bulgaria will be absent from Eurovision 2019. According to a statement released by the country's national public broadcaster BNT, this is due to “financial reasons”. View oEmbed on the source website This isn’t the first time the country has pulled out on such grounds, with the same broadcaster withdrawing from the 2014 and 2015 competitions due to its expensive participation fee. As per Eurovision rules, Bulgaria will not provide votes in this year’s contest as it has no participating broadcaster. Why isn't Ukraine competing in Eurovision 2019? Ukraine were due to send an act to the 2019 contest in Israel, with Maruv winning a national contest. But after topping the vote, she stepped down due to a failure to agree with the national broadcaster on what she deemed to be a restrictive contract. "I am a musician, rather than a tool of the political stage," she said. The second- and third-placed acts were then approached to take her place but both declined, leading Ukraine to pull out of this year's contest altogether. Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
Who is All Round to Mrs Brown's Chef Aly?
Meet the culinary star who's joining the family for the new series
All Round to Mrs Brown's introduces to a new member of the Mrs Brown's Boys family as Chef Aly steps into the kitchen to cook up some delightful dishes for Cathy Brown's celebrity guests. But who is this mysterious chef? And how did come to meet Brendan O'Carroll's Agnes? View oEmbed on the source website Who is Chef Aly? Aly Mahmoud is quite the business man. He's Head Chef of Chef Aly Catering, which he set up back in 2015 after spending many years working for a number of tour catering companies, and as a private chef. He works providing food for music and touring industry artists and crews, one site at film and TV locations and in green rooms. You can check out exactly what he gets up to over on his official website. How did Chef Aly end up on All Round to Mrs Brown's? Well, Aly has long served as both the personal and tour chef for Mrs Brown's Boys, plus he's a big supporter of the series. That's why we're guessing that when the need for a TV chef arose, he was probably their first choice. View oEmbed on the source website This article was originally published in 2017
Who's who in John Cleese and Alison Steadman's star-studded sitcom?
They’re back! John Cleese and Alison Steadman's BBC sitcom is returning for a Christmas special ahead of its second series. Written by the Oscar-nominated Charles McKeown, Hold the Sunset – a sitcom about a pair of old friends who are intending to get married and find a place in the sun before a wayward son disrupts their plans – sees the veteran stars leading quite the ensemble of actors. But who are they? And who are the characters they play? Mixed reviews for the first series of Hold the Sunset RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox View oEmbed on the source website Edith – Alison Steadman Widow Edith is living a rather pleasant life and is just about to head off into the sunset with her old boyfriend, Phil, when her son Roger lands on her doorstep with some interesting news… Who is Alison Steadman? British stage and screen star Alison Steadman is probably best known for her roles in Mike Leigh’s Life is Sweet, Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends, and of course Gavin & Stacey. “Edith puts up with a heck of a lot,” the actress says. “She wants to build a life with Phil, but Roger keeps getting in the way. If she could just sort out Roger, it would all be fine. But it’s never that simple, and in a sitcom, it would be boring if it were!” Phil – John Cleese Phil is hopelessly devoted to his neighbour and ex-girlfriend Edith, who he’d quite like to marry and buy a new home in the sun with. He’s finally convinced her it’s a good idea when her son puts something of a spanner in the works. Who is John Cleese? It's a question that hardly needs answering. Monty Python star John Cleese is the man who brought us one of Britain’s most beloved comedy characters, Basil Fawlty, but he’s also had numerous film and TV roles outside the UK too. From A Fish Called Wanda to The Jungle Book and the Harry Potter film franchise, Cleese’s roles have been plentiful. “I’ve only just realised that Phil is almost exactly like me,” Cleese says of his character, Phil. “When you stop reading it and start playing it, you can immediately see that. Phil sits around making sarcastic remarks – that’s exactly how I am in real life! I keep thinking: “I know how to say that line because that’s exactly how I’d say it in real life.” It’s been an absolute pleasure to play him.” Roger – Jason Watkins Edith’s son is fed up with the life he’s leading, so he decides to leave his wife and kids and move back home to his doting mum. Who is Jason Watkins? Fans of comedies like W1A and Trollied will be familiar with Watkins, who has also shown he has a real flair for drama. He’s played characters in both Line of Duty and Safe House in the past 12 months alone, and also popped up in Taboo, Inside No 9 and the 2016 reboot of Are You Being Served. He’s still probably best known for his Bafta-winning portrayal of Christopher Jefferies in The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies. “Roger is so selfish,” says Watkins. “He thinks everybody owes him a living because he is special. He wants people to understand why he is always right. He’s like a child. A lot of people are like that.” Joan – Sue Johnston Joan is Edith’s impossible sister, who insists on watching the Queen’s Christmas speech at Edith’s house. Who is Sue Johnston? Johnston has a long, long list of TV credits, starring in Brookside (Sheila Grant), The Royle Family (Barbara Royle), Downton Abbey (Miss Denker), Coronation Street (Gloria Price) and Age Before Beauty (Ivy-Rae). Bob – James Cosmo Bob ‘the burglar’ is Edith’s scurrilous one-time flame who Roger enlists to give Christmas its proper flavour Who is James Cosmo? Cosmo has enjoyed roles in movies like Highlander, Braveheart, Emma, Trainspotting and Babe: Pig in the City, as well as TV series like Survivors, Minder, Taggart and Casualty. However, you’ll probably know him best as Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch Jeor Mormont from Game of Thrones or from his stint on Celebrity Big Brother 2017. Sandra – Joanna Scanlan Roger’s sister Sandra isn’t too impressed with her brother’s antics and their old sibling rivalries simmer away throughout the series. Who is Joanna Scanlan? We’ve seen a lot of Joanna Scanlan on UK television, thanks in no small part to her roles in Stella, Getting On and of course, The Thick of It. Most recently you’ll have spotted her in No Offence (as DI Viv Deering) and as Janice Gray in BBC drama Requiem. Wendy – Rosie Cavaliero Roger leaves wife Wendy and the kids behind as he heads home to his mum – and she’s not backward in coming forward about how convinced she is that Roger was far too spoiled as a child… Who is Rosie Cavaliero? Rosie Cavaliero’s face probably looks familiar because she’s one of those actresses who has popped up in just about everything. From Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge to The Enfield Haunting, Cold Feet to Death in Paradise and most recently, Unforgotten, she’s got plenty of roles under her belt. Oh, and she’s quite the acclaimed radio drama star too. "At first, you think Roger is such a twit. Then you meet Wendy and you think, “I can see why he left!” She’s very passive-aggressive. They are perpetually falling out and don’t really like each other at all," says Cavaliero. "But they are actually made for each other because they both blame each other for their failings. I think they’re lucky to have found each other, because I don’t know if anyone else would have had them!" Queenie – Anne Reid Interfering housekeeper Queenie is wild at heart and absolutely refuses to accept that she’s getting older Who is Anne Reid? Stage, film and TV star Anne Reid most recently made her mark as Celia Dawson in Last Tango in Halifax but she's got a stellar CV too. She starred as Coronation Street's Valerie Barlow for a decade (between 1961 and 1971) and also played Jean in classic comedy Dinnerladies. “The last time I played such an extreme character was on Shameless when I was a drunken old lady with too much make up,” says Reid. “This is such good fun!” Mr Dugdale – Peter Egan Narky neighbour Mr. Dugdale is the area’s very own confrontational local resident Who is Peter Egan? Egan is veteran star of stage and screen. He's probably best known for playing Hogarth in Big Breadwinner Hog and the future King George IV in Prince Regent. Fans of Ever Decreasing Circles will know him as smooth neighbour Paul Ryan, while Downton Abbey viewers will recognise him as Hugh "Shrimpie" MacClare, the Marquess of Flintshire. Celia – Annette Badland Celia is Phil’s wife – a woman everyone thought died eight years earlier… Who is Annette Badland? Doctor Who fans will recognise Badland as Margaret Blaine, a senior figure in MI5 who is secretly an invading Slitheen. She’s also enjoyed roles in Cutting It, Skins, Outlander, Bergerac and The Archers. EastEnders fans will recognise her as Babe Smith – a character she played between 2014-2017. This article was originally published in February 2018
The crime drama returns for a new series with a whole host of fresh faces - but who's who?
Find out more about all the cast and characters of Unforgotten series 2 here. Nicola Walker - DCI Cassie Stuart DCI Cassie Stuart is divorced and lives with her father Martin with whom she has a good relationship. She has two sons, both studying at university. Cassie begins to investigate the death of a middle-aged man whose body is discovered preserved in a suitcase in the River Lea, and is determined to find out how he ended up there. If you're a fan of Last Tango in Halifax, Scott & Bailey or River then chances are you'll know Nicola Walker's face quite well. She honed her craft with the Cambridge Footlights and popped up on TV screens in numerous productions from ITV's Touching Evil to Steven Moffat's Chalk before being cast in Spooks as Ruth Evershed. She's won numerous accolades for her theatre work - including an Olivier Award for her turn in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – and appeared on both Broadway and the West End. Oh, and she's the woman singing Can't Smile Without You in Four Weddings and a Funeral. View oEmbed on the source website Sanjeev Bhaskar - DS Sunil 'Sunny' Khan DI Sunny Khan is Cassie’s work colleague. A single father of two teenage girls, Sunny is overworked but always does his best to deliver. Sunny and Cassie have a tight working relationship often punctuated with truthful and humorous conversation. They make a good team and their policing skills, attitude and approach to the job complement perfectly. From The Kumars at Number 42 to Goodness Gracious Me, Bhaskar is probably best known for many for his comedy ventures. The former Chancellor of the University of Sussex has a serious side too though, with documentaries like India with Sanjeev Bhaskar under his belt. Bhaskar's book - based on the documentary - was a bestseller, and he was awarded on OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours in 2005. In April 2015 he was the recipient of an Outstanding Achievement in Television Award at the Asian Awards. Lorraine Ashbourne - DI Tessa Nixon Respected detective Tessa Nixon was married to the victim, David Walker, when he went missing. They had a son, Jason, who is now in his early 30s. Due to David’s depression, Tessa assumed that he had taken his own life or started again somewhere on his own. She has since remarried, living in the Cotswolds, and is on the brink of retirement when David’s body is discovered. Lorraine Ashbourne could almost call the Royal Exchange, Manchester her theatrical home, given she's played so many roles on its stage. The veteran actress has a decent TV CV too, with roles in Jericho, The Interceptor and Housewife, 49 to name but a few. And you might also have spotted her on the big screen in films such as Fever Pitch and Jack and Sarah. Douglas Hodge - Paul Nixon Tessa's new husband has been a great support to her over the years, but how will he react when her ex-husband's body is discovered? And what might it mean for their relationship? Douglas Hodge is an Olivier Award winning stage staple who has famously enjoyed great success when starring in Harold Pinter plays. Chances are you've spotted him in Outnumbered, Only Fools and Horses or as Dr. Tertius Lydgate in the BBC's award-winning production of Middlemarch. He played Paul Burrell in biopic Diana, and Sir Robert Loxley in Russell Crowe's Robin Hood. Will Brown - Jason Walker Tessa's son Jason is a bit of a loner and his mother worries about him constantly. You may have spotted Walker on Call The Midwife or in Doctor Who series 9 episode The Highwayman. Mark Bonnar - Colin Osborne Colin Osborne is a highly-respected defence barrister who takes on a lot of pro-bono and community work, deeply caring about his clients. He lives in Brighton with his husband Simon: they're in the final stages of adopting a young girl, Flora. Before becoming a barrister, Colin worked in London as a high-flying banker. From Line of Duty's Mike Dryden to Catastrophe's Chris and New Blood's Peter Mayhew, we've seen a lot of Mark Bonnar on our TV screens over the years. The Shetland and Pyschoville star also appeared as Casualty's Bruno Jenkins. Oh and you may have spotted him in the likes of PhoneShop, Doctor Who and Home Fires. Charlie Condou - Simon Colin's partner Simon seems blissfully unaware of his partner's woes and is fully focussed on bringing home their adopted daughter. Fans of Coronation Street will immediately recognise Condou as Coronation Street's Marcus Dent, but he had roles in the likes of Martin Chuzzlewit, Pie in the Sky, The Bill, Peak Practice and Urban Gothic long before that. He played Jonatton Yeah? in the Channel 4 sitcom, Nathan Barley, and made guest appearances in a number of British TV series including The Infinite Worlds of HG Wells, and Midsomer Murders. Josef Altin - Tyler The mysterious figure seems to be following Colin and Simon – but why? Game of Thrones fans will be familiar with Atlin, who played Pypar in the HBO series. And Nicola Walker fans will recognise him from his appearance in crime drama River last year. He has also popped up in Him & Her, Misfits and Being Human, as well as starring in a series of films including Les Miserables, Child 44, Eastern Promises and Boy A. Rosie Cavaliero - Marion Kelsey Paediatric nurse Marion Kelsey works on a teenage cancer ward and has been known to develop close bonds with her patients. She has a tense relationship with her sister, Elise, and her mum, Joy, and had a turbulent time when she left home as a teenager herself. Marion is married to Tony but he suspects that she hasn’t been entirely honest with him about her past and is concerned about her mental health. Rosie Cavaliero's face probably looks familiar because she's one of those actresses who has popped up in just about everything. From Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge to The Enfield Haunting, Cold Feet to Death in Paradise, she's got quite a few roles under her belt. Oh, and she's quite the acclaimed radio drama star too. Nigel Lindsay - Tony Kelsey Marion's husband Tony seems devoted to his other half, but often finds himself caught up in arguments between her and her sister. If you're a fan of Four Lions chances are you'll know Lindsay as Muslim convert Barry, but he's actually quite the accomplished star of stage and screen. He took the role of Shrek in Shrek the Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. You may also have spotted him in You, Me and The Apocalypse, Death in Paradise, and the BBC's historical drama Rome. And he played Sir Robert Peel in ITV's Victoria too. Holly Aird - Elise There's no love lost between Holly and her sister Marion - but why? Cold cases are nothing new to Holly Aird who you might remember as Waking The Dead's original forensic pathologist Dr Frankie Wharton. She's had many minor roles in numerous TV series, but she's probably remembered by a generation for playing Nancy Thorpe/Garvey in Soldier Soldier. Wendy Craig - Joy Dunphy Marion's mother Wendy is celebrating her 80th birthday when we first meet her and it's hinted that all is not right between mother and daughter. Beloved sitcom veteran Wendy Craig appeared in numerous films throughout her career but is best known for her appearances in the sitcoms Not in Front of the Children, Butterflies, And Mother Makes Three and And Mother Makes Five. She also played the role of Matron in ITV's Heartbeat spin-off The Royal Badria Timimi - Sara Mahmoud Sara Mahmoud is an English teacher who is in the process of applying for a headteacher role at a struggling local school which she hopes to turn around. She is a practising Muslim and active member of her community but not afraid to ruffle a few feathers and challenge orthodoxy, particular when it comes to women’s equality. Sara is married with children but has secrets in her past that could jeopardise her family life. Fans of Doctors will recognise Timimi as Layla Darwish, while EastEnders viewers might recognise her as Doctor Sandra Vole, who cared for Jane Beale after Bobby violently assaulted her. She played Doctor Abraham in Hollyoaks, Doctor Allen in DCI Banks and yet another medical professional in Whitechapel. Adeel Akhtar - Hassan Mahmoud Hassan is Sarah's loving husband, who just wants to see his wife happy. Another River veteran, Mahmoud is probably best known for playing Faisal in Four Lions. 2016 was a strong year for the actor, who played Shahzad in the BBC3's Murdered by my Father and appeared as Rob Singhal in The Night Manager. You might also know him as Utopia's Wilson Wilson and shopkeeper Ahmed in BBC mini-series Capital. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Bobby Lockwood - Nathan Nicola's son's pal is the tech wizard she's been looking for, charged with helping to salvage evidence from a long forgotten pager. If you were a fan of BBC1's Tumble then you'll recognise Bobby Lockwood as the show's winner, but chances are you'll know him best for the CBBC series Wolfblood. He won a British Academy Children's Award for his turn as Rhydian Morris. Bryony Hannah - Cath Cath is Jason's neighbour, who seems eager to avoid his invitations Call The Midwife fans should have no trouble recognising Bryony Hannah - she's starred as the show's nurse turned nun Sister Mary Cynthia since 2012. She was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in The Children's Hour and also starred in an episode of Life's Too Short. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 Louiza Patikas - Amy East Pathologist Amy is charged with helping to identify the victim - and discover what actually happened to him. Her face may not be familiar but her voice will be - Patikas has portrayed The Archers' own Helen Titchener for the past 16 years - and really hit the headlines after her character was involved in a domestic abuse storyline.
The Crown: What really happened to Graham Sutherland's controversial portrait of Winston Churchill?
The Netflix drama tells the tale of a lost painting, hated by the prime minister - but what really happened to it?
Graham Sutherland's portrait of Winston Churchill is probably one of the most famous 'lost' works of art in British history, so it's little wonder it made an appearance in Netflix royal drama The Crown. But what really happened between the painter and the prime minister? And where did the painting disappear to? Discover the real history behind Netflix's The Crown The Crown season two: was Prince Philip unfaithful? Stay up to date with the RadioTimes.com newsletter Who was Graham Sutherland? Graham Vivian Sutherland was a well respected English artist whose surreal works with watercolours and oils – primarily those featuring landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coast – established him as a leading modern artist. He served as an official war artist during World War II, and was commissioned to design a new central tapestry for Coventry Cathedral when the conflict was over. Sutherland was commissioned to paint several portraits during the 1950s, but perhaps the most famous was that of Winston Churchill. Why did Graham Sutherland paint a portrait of Winston Churchill? A portrait of Churchill was commissioned by the members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons to celebrate the Prime Minister’s 80th birthday in November 1954. How long did Graham Sutherland actually spend with Churchill while painting the portrait? History tells us that Sutherland began work on the portrait in August 1954 at the PM’s home, Chartwell, beginning with preliminary sketches and oil studies. He spent months working from the preliminary materials to create the final work on a large square canvas at his studio. Sutherland didn’t want to give the PM any sneak peeks, as he wanted to capture the real Churchill as he was, not merely in the way he wished to be portrayed. Artist Graham Sutherland works on the portrait of Winston Churchill, watched by his wife Kathleen, on 22nd November 1954 When and where was the portrait revealed? Churchill and his wife Lady Clementine Churchill are said to have seen the portrait before its official presentation, but it was formally unveiled by the prime minister at Westminster Hall on 30th November 1954. Watch the unveiling in the video below, from 5 minutes 14 seconds in. View oEmbed on the source website What did Winston Churchill really say about the portrait? Churchill was not best pleased with the piece of art. In the video above, he described it – with more than a hint of condescension – "a remarkable example of modern art". The scene is recreated in The Crown, and was taken as a public humiliation of the artist. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. What happened to Sutherland’s portrait of Winston Churchill? The portrait should have hung in the House of Parliament after Churchill’s death, but when he finally accepted it it was taken to Chartwell. It was never displayed there and never seen again. The Crown suggests that Churchill’s wife, Clementine, had it burned in the back garden. However, Sonia Purnell, who wrote a biography of the PM’s wife, says a long forgotten recording of the couple’s Private Secretary, Grace Hamblin, reveals the true fate of the portrait. "Clementine asked Grace Hamblin, her secretary at Chartwell: 'What do we do Grace? We've got to get rid of it'” Purnell told an audience at the Telegraph’s Way With Words Festival in July 2015. "It had been hidden in a sort of cellar at Chartwell. Grace thought about what to do. It was very, very heavy, so she got her big burly brother over to Chartwell in the dead of night, and they carried it out of Chartwell into her brother's van. I think her brother was a landscape gardener or something like that. They put it in the back of his van and drove to his house several miles away, and then scurried round the side of his house into the back garden, built a huge bonfire and put it on so that no-one could see it from the street. The next day, she told Clementine what she'd done and Clementine said: 'We'll never tell anyone about this because after I go I don't want anyone blaming you. But believe me, you did exactly as I would have wanted.” Back in 2015 Simon Schama told RadioTimes.com that while the portrait had deeply upset the family, he believed the artist had nothing to apologise for. "The Churchill family still feel…it makes them upset to see it. The painting is an extraordinary homage to Churchill. What Sutherland saw in front of him was a magnificent ruin but there's nothing to apologise for. I remember London at the time – it was full of magnificent ruins which we were proud of both as ruins and for their magnificent quality. Churchill said it made him look half-wittted. It doesn't. It is a man of years. Why did Graham Sutherland look so familiar in The Crown? Because he was played by Games of Thrones’ Stephen Dillane. And his wife, Kathleen, was portrayed by Happy Valley and Scott & Bailey’s Amelia Bullmore. View oEmbed on the source website
How accurate is Victoria's tale of The Duchess of Buccleuch?
Dame Diana Rigg plays the formidable new Lady in Waiting, but what was the Duchess and Victoria’s relationship really like?
Dame Diana Rigg joins the cast of Victoria series 2 as the Duchess of Buccleuch, a formidable new Lady in Waiting who takes up her position at Buckingham Palace under a new Conservative government. The pair don’t exactly seem to click at first, but their real-life tale is rather different - as is the real Duchess of Buccleuch's real tale. Meet the cast of Victoria series 2 Victoria series 3 will explore sexual tensions in Royal marriage says Daisy Goodwin Victoria series 3 confirmed with Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes both returning Who was the Duchess of Buccleuch? Charlotte Anne Montagu Douglas Scott was born Lady Charlotte Anne Thynne in Longleat, Wiltshire on 10 April 1811. She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Thynne the 2nd Marquess of Bath. In March 1829 she married the 5th Duke of Buccleuch, Walter Montagu-Douglas-Scott and received her title. Hold on, doesn't that make her a lot younger than Diana Rigg's character? Yes. Yes it does. The real-life Duchess was only in her 30s when she served Queen Victoria. Chances are - as with all TV shows - they've made some minor changes to make a more entertaining story. And when it means someone as wonderful as Diana Rigg can play the character you can't really complain too much... How did the Duchess of Buccleuch become Mistress of The Robes? In the TV series Robert Peel seems hesitant about Victoria’s choice of lady to replace Harriet Sutherland as Mistress of the Robes, but in real life he was the one who chose the Duchess to become a member of his newly formed ministry. Her husband (who was very much alive) became Lord Privy Seal from 1842 to 1846, an appointment that provided many advantages for the pair and their extended family. What does the Mistress of The Robes actually do? It's a fancy name for the chief lady in the Queen's household. The Mistress of the Robes would have originally looked after the monarch's clothes and jewellery. Nowadays the lady in question - Queen Elizabeth's Mistress of The Robes is Ann Fortune FitzRoy, Dowager Duchess of Grafton - is responsible for arranging the rota of attendance of the ladies-in-waiting on the queen, along with various duties at state ceremonies. Did Queen Victoria and The Duchess of Buccleuch get along? Diana Rigg’s Duchess seems to irk the young Queen Victoria at first but in real life the pair became firm friends. Victoria actually described her as an “agreeable, sensible, clever little person”. The Duchess helped advise the young queen ahead of her visit to Scotland in 1842. The Queen was also godmother to one of her dear friend's children, named Lady Victoria for the monarch. She was given a watercolour painting of the Duchess and her daughter as a gift. And The Duchess's daughter in law, Louisa, was also selected to be Mistress of The Robes in 1858. View oEmbed on the source website
When are Outlander season four episodes released on Amazon?
Claire and Jamie found themselves in a very interesting position in the season three finale. So what does the future hold for them?
When does Outlander season four air? Outlander season four airs on Starz in the USA on Sunday evenings, beginning on Sunday 4 November at 8pm EST. The time difference means that it arrives on Amazon Prime Video in the UK on Monday morning. New episodes are released weekly. How many episodes in Outlander season four? Season four will be 13 episodes long. How was North Carolina filmed in Scotland for Outlander season 4? Who is Aunt Jocasta in Outlander season 4? Have we seen the last of Outlander's Brianna and Roger? View oEmbed on the source website What happened at the end of Outlander season three? Outlander's third season came to a soaking wet finale, as Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) found themselves floating in open water after the merciless tide battered the Artemis on its return journey from Jamaica to Scotland. They lost the boat and Claire very nearly lost her life before her highlander husband dove beneath the waves to save her. The pair were washed up on a mysterious shore, which they soon learned was actually Georgia, one of the original thirteen colonies of the United States. But what does this mean for our laird and his lady? Will they EVER get back to Scotland – or will they make a life here? What will happen in Outlander season four? Outlander's fourth season will mostly be based on Diana Gabaldon's fourth novel in the series, The Drums of Autumn. The book sees Claire and Jamie facing new challenges as they attempt to build a new life for themselves in the American colonies. Caitriona Balfe tells RadioTimes.com that this new setting is particularly interesting for Claire, who has already lived in the USA, but in the 20th century. "When she left America it was at the height of the civil rights movement and so it's a very interesting thing to have her come at the inception of the United States of America, as we know it today," she says. The country Claire and Jamie find themselves in is a very different place, where slavery still exists and the first settlers are interacting with the Native American tribes. "It's very interesting to watch her wrap her mind around how to be a pioneer but also knowing what she knows and having the respect she does for the Native American culture," Balfe adds. "It definitely isn't without its problems and issues and having her figure out how to be a respectful pioneer I suppose. So yeah it's an interesting thing to play." She says season four, like each season before it, will offer viewers something different. "It's interesting to watch how all of these characters embrace the new land and all of the trials and tribulations that come along with that as well as the excitement, and that kind of new beginning is really exciting to get on board with." Who's in the cast of Outlander season four? Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe and the gang (or rather those of them who were still alive at the end of season three) have returned, but we have some fresh faces joining the cast to play new characters too. Irish actress Maria Doyle Kennedy (who you might remember as Catherine of Aragon in The Tudors or, more recently, Mrs S from Orphan Black) plays Jamie’s Aunt Jocasta, whose plantation Claire and Jamie arrive at in Drums of Autumn. Downton Abbey's Ed Speelers (who also played Eragon in, well, Eragon) stars as Stephen Bonnet, a villainous Irish-born pirate whose actions will have quite important consequences for many of the main characters. In other season four news, returning characters include: John Bell plays Young Ian César Domboy plays Fergus Lauren Lyle plays Marsali Richard Rankin plays Roger Wakefield Sophie Skelton plays Brianna Randall Fraser Newcomers for season four include: Colin McFarlane plays Ulysses Natalie Simpson plays Phaedre Tim Downie plays Governor Tryon Rainer Sellien plays Baron Penzler Lee Boardman plays Lieutenant Wolff Jereme Holder plays Rufus Kyle Rees plays John Quincy Myers And to really up the cute levels on set, they've also cast two very sweet little puppies to play Rollo, Young Ian's wolf hybrid, who also becomes a much-loved member of the Fraser clan. https://www.instagram.com/p/BTkG8YclSBH/ Will Brianna and Roger return in series four? Season three offered us a proper introduction to Claire and Jamie's daughter, Brianna, and the Reverend Wakefield's adopted son, Roger MacKenzie. The pair were only on our screens for a short time but managed to steal hearts with their will-they-won't-they romance. If season four stays true to The Drums of Autumn then fans are in for a real treat, because Brianna and Roger have a much bigger role to play in the story. View oEmbed on the source website "They actually come into the story in a much bigger way in season four,” executive producer Ron Moore told RadioTimes.com earlier this year, and that's something actors Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin told us they're VERY excited about. “The scope really widens in Drums of Autumn. It’s a brilliant book and it just becomes much bigger; not just for us but as a whole, the story as a whole just becomes epic,” said Rankin, who added that he had no idea how the writers would manage to fit the whole novel into one season. “There’s a really great story for Roger and Brianna, and we may or may not go back in time in the books…” Skelton teased. Will Outlander return for a fifth season? Seasons three and four of the show were commissioned at the same time and Starz have followed that same pattern by confirming that yes, Outlander WILL return for seasons five and six! Sam Heughan: Outlander could "go to seven seasons and beyond" View oEmbed on the source website Outlander season three is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the UK This article was originally published in December 2017
Who is Stefanie Martini? Meet the star of Prime Suspect 1973
With roles in Morse prequel Endeavour and Julian Fellowes' Doctor Thorne, her face might look familiar...
Prime Suspect 1973 introduces viewers to a young Jane Tennison, a probationary police officer who is a world away from the hardened DI that Helen Mirren brought to ITV in the 1990s. Actress Stefani Martini steps into Mirren's shoes for the Prime Suspect prequel, but what do we know about the 26-year-old actress? Who is Stefanie Martini? West Country native Stefanie Martini is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Martini initially pursed a career in art and illustration before applying to Rada, and was in her final year of study there when she landed her very first role. Where have I seen Stefanie Martini before? Fans of Doctor Thorne will recognise Martini as the titular doctor's niece, Mary Thorne, from Julian Fellowes’ cheerful Downton Abbey follow-up. She starred opposite Tom Hollander, Rebecca Front and Ian McShane in the ITV drama in 2016. She also took one of the leading roles in NBC fantasy series Emerald City, based on Frank L Baum’s Wizard of Oz. Martini plays the mysterious Lady Ev, who sports quite the mask. You can catch the series on 5Star in the UK. And if you watched Endeavour very closely you might have spotted her in her very first role on the ITV Morse prequel. Funnily enough, Shaun Evans – who plays the young Endeavour Morse – was one of the first to congratulate Martini when she landed her Prime Suspect role. View oEmbed on the source website Who does Stefanie Martini play in Prime Suspect 1973? As mentioned, Martini is the young Jane Tennison, a probationary police officer with much to learn about the workings of the force. Martini tells Radio Times that while Helen Mirren’s been a great inspiration, she really doesn’t want to offer up an impression of the original Jane. “When I got the part I watched four series in the two weeks before filming – and then I thought, ‘Turn it off! Let it go!’ “I know where Jane Tennison ends up, but I’m not playing that Jane Tennison. The one I’m playing has no idea where she’s going to end up, so if I copy Helen Mirren’s performance, it just won’t work.” What’s Stefanie Martini up to next? She’s teaming up with Julian Fellowes once more for Crooked House, an adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel featuring Glenn Close, Gillian Anderson, Christina Hendricks, Amanda Abbington and Max Irons.
Who's who in the ITV drama about Jane Tennison's early days in the police force?
Jane Tennison returns to our TV screens as a young woman in Prime Suspect 1973, with a rather retro new look and a whole host of new colleagues. But who is the girl taking her first tentative steps on the beat? And who are the colleagues and criminals she encounters? Meet the cast and characters of Prime Suspect 1973... WPC Jane Tennison – Stefanie Martini WPC Jane Tennison is the naïve yet determined new recruit on the force. Lacking in experience, but making up for it in enthusiasm, she is keen to get stuck in and prove herself on her first murder enquiry. Unlike her sister Pam, Jane is more interested in her career and solving the case rather than marriage and starting a family, much to her mother’s disapproval. Fans of Doctor Thorne will recognise Stefanie Martini as the titular doctor's niece, Mary Thorne, from Julian Fellowes’ cheerful Downton Abbey follow-up. She starred opposite Tom Hollander, Rebecca Front and Ian McShane in the ITV drama in 2016. She also took one of the leading roles in NBC fantasy series Emerald City, based on Frank L Baum’s Wizard of Oz. DI Len Bradfield – Sam Reid DI Len Bradfield is Jane's superior and a hard taskmaster. He takes the lead on the murder case of Julie Ann Collins and is soon impressed with Jane’s enthusiasm and passion for the job. Dedicated to his work, Bradfield holds a grudge against criminal Clifford Bentley, who he believes is responsible for a former colleague’s death. You may have spotted Australian actor Reid playing young Harry in Spooks, or Brian Lomax in Morse prequel Endeavour. He’s also popped up in Whitechaperl, Agatha Christie’s Marple on the small screen, while his movie roles include turns in The Railway Man, Belle, Serena and The Riot Club. He also played Jon Glenn in The Astronaut Wives Club, a US period drama based on Lily Koppel’s book of the same name. DS Spencer Gibbs – Blake Harrison DS Spencer Gibbs is another of Jane’s superiors and Bradfield’s right hand man, becoming fully immersed in the investigation into Julie Ann’s murder. He’s a good detective and takes his job seriously, but has been prone to have a hot head and a short fuse, particularly when interrogating suspects. You’ll know Blake Harrison best as Neil from The Inbetweeners but he’s also popped up in E4 sci-fi series Tripped, BBC Three comedy Him & Her, and various other comedy series including Edge of Heaven, White Van Man and Way To Go. Most recently you might have heard him voicing Bob The Builder’s Scoop or taking on the role of Pike in the Dad’s Army movie. Clifford Bentley – Alun Armstrong Clifford Bentley is a renowned criminal around Hackney and in prison at the start of the series for a bank heist. He has two sons, John and David, with whom he's planning his next job, set to take place as soon as he’s released from prison. British stars of stage and screen don’t come more versatile than Alun Armstrong, and actor who’s been in just about everything there is to be in, from Dickens adaptations to Les Miserables and even Downton Abbey. Oh, and he certainly did excel as Brian Lane in New Tricks. Renee Bentley – Ruth Sheen Fans of Mike Leigh’s cinematic back catalogue will recognise Sheen thanks to her roles in High Hopes, Secrets & Lies, All or Nothing, Vera Drake, Another Year and Mr Turner. The veteran actress starred in the first series of ITV’s Unforgotten and also popped up in Inside No. 9, Misfits, Bramwell and Holding On, to name but a few. John Bentley – Lex Shrapnel Shrapnel played John Tracy in the 2004 live-action Thunderbirds movie and also nabbed a role in Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. On TV you might have spotted him in Hunter, Minder or Medici: Masters of Flornence. Oh, and he popped up in an episode of Endeavour too. David Bentley – Jay Taylor Taylor played The Bill’s Dan Cox, and also popped up in an episode of Casualty as Simon Roper, and in Misfits as Mark. You might have noticed him in Holby City, Sirens and Silk too. WPC Kath Morgan – Jessica Gunning Gunning popped up in brilliant British film Pride playing formidable Welsh villager turned politician Sian James, but long before she was on the big screen the actress was familiar face on TV. In 2008 she popped up in Doctor Who’s Partners in Crime playing Stacey Harris, before taking on the role of Orla in White Heat in 2012. Law & Order: UK fans will know her as Angela while to Fortitude fans she’s Shirley Allerdyce. She most recently appeared in ITV’s wild west drama Jericho. Sergeant Harris – Andrew Brooke Roles in Pulling (as Oleg), PhoneShop (as Ashley) and Babylon (Banjo) have kept Brooke on our TV screens over the past few years. He starred as Jerry ‘Jezza’ Collins in Ricky Gervais’ David Brent: Live on the Road, and also has roles in W1A, Cuffs and Ripper Street under his belt. DS Paul Lawrence – Jordan Long You’d be hard pushed to find a British drama Long hasn’t been in of late, with roles in Unforgotten, Taboo and SS-GB this year alone. He’ll soon pop up in the TV adaptation of Guy Ritchie’s Snatch, and has previously starred in Fleabag, New Blood, The Wrong Mans, Downton Abbey and Parade’s End, to name but a few. DC Edwards – Joshua Hill Relative newcomer Hill played PC Mike Randall in Vera and also popped up in Pride as Ray. He starred as a cyclist in the first series of Channel 4 drama Humans, and played Constable Scott in Tom Hardy’s Kray Twins biopic, Legend. DC Ashton – Daniel Ezra You might have spotted Ezra in BBC3’s Murdered by my Boyfriend, The Village, Vera or No Offence btu chances are you’ll know him best for playing Daniel Reed in series 2 of BBC drama The Missing. He also appeared in Undercover alongside Sophie Okonedo and Adrian Lester, and had a role in ITV drama Prey. DC Hudson – Tommy McDonnell McDonnell played Dagger in ITV’s Jericho and also starred as young Fred in Cradle to Grave. He played Dominic in E4’s Glue and also popped up in Murder, The Enfield Haunting, The Crimson Field and Cilla, to name but a few. Suzy – Katie Griffiths Fans of Waterloo Road will recognize Griffiths as Chlo Grainger, a role she played for three years from 2006 to 209. You might also have spotted her in Doctors or Only Fools and Horses prequel Rock & Chips, and more recently in Casualty and Father Brown. Andrew Tennison – Nick Sidi DCI Banks star Sidi is a familiar face on British screens, with roles in Silent Witness, Waterloo Road, Pulling, The Thick of It and Clocking Off to his name. He also starred in Jed Mercurio’s Bodies, and had smaller roles in EastEnders, Holby City and Wire in the Blood. Joyce Tennison – Geraldine Somerville Cracker’s DS Jane Penhaligon is known to a generation as Harry Potter’s mum, thanks to her starring turn as Lily Potter in the big screen adaptation of JK Rowling’s novels. You might also have spotted her in films like Gosford Park, My Week With Marilyn and Grace of Monaco, or more recently in episodes of Silent Witness and New Tricks. Pam Tennison – Rosie Day Day has been on screen from a young age, first popping up in Hope and Glory in the late 1990s before landing roles in Black Books, Family Affairs, Bernard’s Watch and Harley Street. She appeared in Homefromt, DCI Banks and Misfits, as well as Cuffs, Grantchester and Scottish time travel drama Outlander. Oh, and you’ll hear her voice in the upcoming Watership Down reboot because she’s lending her dulcet tones to Thethutinnang. George Collins – Geoffrey Streatfeild If you were watching BBC’s The Hollow Crown then you probably spotted Streatfeild playing Benedict Cumberbatch’s brother, Edward IV. He played Fergus Williams in The Thick of It back in 2012, and has also appeared in The Lady in the Van, Rush, MI-5 and Kinky Boots
Unforgotten series 2 episode 1 recap: who killed David Walker?
We've met our suspects, but who has the motive? Time to follow the case of the crime drama
Unforgotten is back and there’s a new mystery to solve with a whole host of new potential murderers to boot. But who killed David Walker, shoved his body in a suitcase and left him to rot in a river? That’s the question DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and her colleague DS Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) must find the answer to… What do we know so far about David Walker’s murder? Well, we know he was stabbed, possibly through the heart, with what the team’s pathologist, Amy East, thinks was a kitchen knife. And we know he was dumped in the river in and around 1990, not long after he’d been reported missing by his wife. Then there’s his pager: we know he had it on him when he was dumped in the water – and that tech expert Nathan is going to be able to glean some clues from it now that he’s managed to bring it back to life. And to think, the duo were able to find out all this thanks to a watch that had been recently repaired… Who killed David Walker? We’ve now met our four suspects and each of them seems to have hinted that they’re capable of anything. DSI Tessa Nixon, who was married to Walker when he disappeared, is devastated to learn of his death – but is her anguish genuine? She assumes he took his own life because he'd been depressed at the time, but Cassie mentions that the DSI would know how to fake a reaction. After all, Nixon herself points out that 63 per cent of murder victims are killed by the partners. Could she be responsible? Then there’s highly-respected defence barrister Colin Osborne, who has no apparent connection to the victim but has shown he can be vengeful. He suffered homophobic abuse in a supermarket before keying the offender’s car, and then found himself backed into a corner by the man who’d seen the whole thing. Could his temper have flared previously? Next up is teacher and Sixth Form head Sara Mahmoud, who is discussing why women kill with her class when we first meet her. Her talk about whether Lady Macbeth could be more evil than her husband seems almost too obvious, but could it be the hint that she’s the culprit? And finally there’s nurse Marion Kelsey, who despite her best intentions seems to walk a blurred line. She’s shown herself to have the capacity to fly off the handle as her frustrations with her sister, Elise, bubble over. Elise mentions that Marion was nowhere to be found for about “ten years”. Could she have known David Walker during that time? And could she have killed him? The answers we need could well be hidden on the pager Nathan seems to have revived, but we’ll have to wait until next week to find out who they’ll take us one step closer to… Why is Jason Walker lying to his mum? On a side note, Jason seems to be telling some right porky pies to his mum. He told her he'd had a big party and that his neighbours had been the last to leave, but when he went home his flat was perfectly tidy, his neighbour apologised about not coming, and the only birthday card he'd had (aside from his mum's) was from the local Chinese takeaway. What's up with the young man? And how will he take the news of his father's murder? What does Tyler really want from Colin and Simon? He claims to be the partner of Flo's birth mother and says the pair just want some money so they can set up a new home in Hastings. But is he telling the truth? And if that's all they want, why is he blackmailing Colin? For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 "You're safe," Colin tells Flo, mentioning that nobody will "take" her. Is the little girl's past darker than we first thought too? View oEmbed on the source website
Why it's the perfect time to say farewell to Scott & Bailey
Rachel and Janet have given us five wonderful years of drama – let them go in peace, says Sarah Doran
I can still vividly recall the Sunday night in May 2011 when, whilst flicking through my TV guide, I mused to my mother that “Karen from Corrie’s doing a police drama” and she commented that we “may as well flick over and see is it any use”. Fast-forward to April 2016 when we sat down together to wave goodbye to Scott & Bailey, the drama we’d made a mother-daughter appointment with on a weekly basis ever since that fateful Sunday night. Sally Wainright sure does know how to pen an addictive drama, doesn’t she? RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox Conceived by Suranne Jones and Sally Lindsay, written (at least originally) by Wainwright and brought to life by Jones and Lesley Sharp, Janet Scott and Rachel Bailey were two women worth catching up with. Their professional struggles, thrilling cases and personal trials and tribulations offered up endless entertainment. By the end of series one we were desperate to join them in the loo for a sneaky gossip about what was going on in the office. And as the years passed by, we became wholly invested in their friendship, a camaraderie which transcended all other aspects of the tale. Sure, we were curious about the state of their love lives, Rachel’s dramatic family dynamics (can we please take a moment to remember how brilliant Sally Lindsay – who was originally set to play Janet – has been as Rachel's sister Alison?) and Janet’s contentious relationship with her mother and husband. Then there was Rachel's failed marriage, her pesky ex, oh, and Janet's run in with a serial killer. Yes, we wanted to know who was guilty of murder, who was getting away with it, and who should get the sack for their blatant incompetence. But none of that mattered if Rachel and Janet were fighting. None of that mattered if Scott & Bailey weren’t working as a team. Perhaps that’s why series five really is a fitting finale: Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp are moving on in their careers, and Scott and Bailey’s story feels as though it's coming to its natural conclusion . We’ve watched the fiery young Rachel morph from feckless rookie to fearless leader, and by-the-book Janet learn that life won’t always reward you for playing by the rules. And we’ve witnessed some incredible drama too, most notably in the stunning series three finale as Nicola Walker (Last Tango In Halifax) held DCI Gill Murray (Amelia Bullmore) at knifepoint in her car. Bullmore went on to take the reigns as head writer for the series’ fourth run, masterfully crafting Rachel’s rise through the ranks and her own character’s exit in October 2014. Gill became the third member of Scott & Bailey's gang, always hovering on the edge with a cracking observation or priceless put down. She was, along with Rachel and Janet, a shining example of Sally Wainwright's wit and wisdom, the kind of multi-layered character who'd steal a scene with a single line. Bullmore’s departure really did feel like the end of an era, leaving a gaping hole at the heart of Syndicate 9 that nobody would or could ever fill. Fans probably wouldn’t have been surprised if series five hadn't happened after that. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. But happen it did, and rightly so, for it gave Janet and Rachel the long goodbye they deserved. While tackling probably the most sinister crime they’ve dealt with (and that’s saying something when serial killers, bodies in basements and, er, screwdrivers have all come into play) Janet and Rachel both reach a point at which they have to take a good hard look at themselves. What do they see? Two very different women to the ones we first met in 2011. Two women who’ve been through the most incredible things together, and lived to tell the tale. Two women who have told their stories, and know the time is right to flick over and move on. This article was originally published in 2016 View oEmbed on the source website
Call The Midwife: What happened to Sister Mary Cynthia?
The young nun has disappeared from Nonnatus House - but where did she go?
Call the Midwife's sixth series has seen Sister Mary Cynthia (Bryony Hannah) going through a very tough time indeed. In the first episode the young nun broke down as she struggled to come to terms with the violence she was exposed to when visiting a young mum with an abusive husband. The incident set in motion a harrowing chain of events, which culminated in the young nun's disappearance from Nonnatus House. Where did Sister Mary Cynthia disappear to? In series six episode one Doctor Turner was called to Nonnatus House to try to establish the correct diagnosis and course of treatment for his colleague and friend. However, before he could recommend that she be sent to a sympathetic community - Northfields - to help her recover, Sister Ursula had Mary Cynthia shipped off to the Mother House in the dark of night. For weeks we wondered how she was doing, especially when Trixie revealed she hadn’t seen her at the Mother House on her way home. View oEmbed on the source website And then in episode five, Fred and Sister Monica Joan discovered her in a locked room at the Linchmere Hospital, a mental health institution. Sister Mary Cynthia had been sent there to recover, but she seemed anything but better. In fact, she seemed in a worse state than she had been when she left Nonnatus House. In episode six we saw her return to her spiritual home, seemingly on the way to making a full recovery, but it wasn't long before her friends and colleagues realised that all was not well. She ultimately departed for Northfield after all, where she was welcomed under her own name - Cynthia. What happened to Sister Mary Cynthia when she was attacked in series five? In series five episode six you might recall a plot involving several women being attacked by an individual who left a bite mark on their neck. Well, Sister Mary Cynthia fell victim to that same attacker. While cycling back to Nonnatus as the sun rose, she stopped by the docks for a moment of contemplation. It was there that she was attacked, waking up bloodied and beaten. She returned to Nonnatus where a shocked Trixie rushed to help her. "Please don't touch me," Mary Cynthia screamed. It was established that she wasn't raped, but she had been viciously attacked – and had a bite mark on her neck. "Don't talk to me gently, don't be kind, because I'm angry," she told Sister Julienne, refusing to be examined by a doctor or talk to PC Noakes initially, before eventually changing her mind and providing evidence that led to the apprehension of her attacker. Will Sister Mary Cynthia return to Call The Midwife? "Her journey does continue later in the series. No spoilers - but you do find out how she’s doing, how she’s getting on", writer Heidi Thomas told RadioTimes.com after her initial departure. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 "[Bryony Thomas] is a wonderful actress and I absolutely loved writing that material for her. Because she’s also a character that’s been with us from the very beginning" she continued. "She had the trauma in series five when she was attacked and she seemed to get over that quite quickly but I already knew that she hadn’t fully dealt with that experience and therefore it was actually not just dramatically interesting but also really emotionally responsible to show what she went through a few months later when she had to deal with what she hadn’t dealt with at that time." "So we do continue with that journey, Bryony gives the most sensational performance." It remains to be seen whether the journey will continue into series seven, but we're hopeful that this isn't the last we've seen of Bryony Hannah at Nonnatus House. View oEmbed on the source website
Who is Eurovision: You Decide 2019 presenter Mans Zelmerlow?
The Swedish singer joins Mel Giedroyc to host the UK's hunt for a Eurovision winner, but who is he and how does he know so much about the Song Contest?
We've grown accustomed to seeing Mel Giedroyc on TV as part of a double act, but the comedian and TV presenter has found herself a new partner by the name of Mans Zelmerlow for the UK's Eurovision Song Contest selection show, You Decide. Who is this mysterious Swedish singer? And why is he co-hosting the 2019 selection process on the BBC? Who will be the UK’s entry at Eurovision 2019? Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox View oEmbed on the source website We've got all the answers for you right here. Who is Måns Zelmerlöw? Swedish singer Mans Zelmerlow is a major star in his homeland, but he's probably best known internationally for claiming the grand prize at the 2015 Song Contest in Vienna. View oEmbed on the source website Heroes, a catchy tune set against a memorable lights show featuring a small stick figure man who fist-pumped the singer during the performance, was a hit with Eurovision voters and fought off strong competition from Russia and Italy to claim the title, topping the leader board with 365 points. When did Mans Zelmerlow host the Eurovision Song Contest? Zelmerlow hosted Sweden’s 2016 song contest with Petra Mede. The pair were widely praised for their humorous approach and several spectacular half-time routines, including their recipe for a Eurovision winning song, Love Love, Peace Peace. View oEmbed on the source website What is he doing on the BBC? Zelmerlow will be joining Mel Giedroyc to host the UK's search for a Eurovision 2019 entry. View oEmbed on the source website He won't actually be picking the winner himself – the UK act will be chosen by a public vote during the live show on Friday 8th February at 7.30pm on BBC2. Meet all the acts hoping to represent the UK at Eurovision 2019 here.
Tobias Menzies will replace Matt Smith as Prince Philip in The Crown season 3
The Outlander and Game of Thrones star will play the husband of Olivia Colman's Queen Elizabeth II
Outlander actor Tobias Menzies will take on the role of Prince Philip in The Crown seasons three and four. A Netflix spokesperson confirmed to RadioTimes.com that the actor, who bowed out of Scottish time-travel drama Outlander last year, will take over the role vacated by Matt Smith at the end of season two. Claire Foy says she’s “not surprised” people were upset by the pay gap on The Crown Did Helena Bonham Carter use her Bafta outfit to cheekily hint at her role in The Crown The Crown star Matt Smith confirmed to play cult killer Charles Manson View oEmbed on the source website Menzies will team up with his Night Manager co-star Olivia Colman, who was cast as Queen Elizabeth II last year. She takes over the role from Claire Foy. New on Netflix: the best movies and TV shows released every day Top Netflix TV series Top 50 Netflix movies Need something new to watch? Explore What to watch on Netflix <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2017/12/TheCrown_210_Unit_00197_R-a6b2b25.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="The Crown - Matt Smith, Peter Morgan, Claire Foy - Writer/Creator Peter Morgan with Matt Smith (Prince Philip) and Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II)" title="The Crown - Matt Smith, Peter Morgan, Claire Foy - Writer/Creator Peter Morgan with Matt Smith (Prince Philip) and Claire Foy (Queen Elizabeth II)" /> The actor, who will next be seen starring alongside The Crown's Jared Harris in The Terror, is no stranger to British TV screens. Menzies played Brutus in BBC historical epic Rome, Edmure Tully in Game of Thrones, and also popped up in Black Mirror and Catastrophe. He'll also be back on our screens in the not too distant future, taking on the role of the Duke of Cornwall in King Lear alongside Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. The Crown seasons one and two are available to stream on Netflix For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. This article was originally published in March 2018
Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee explains THAT ending and Clare's brave revelation
The hit Channel 4 comedy came to a rather poignant end so we caught up with its creator – and the girls themselves – to get the inside story
Channel 4's smash hit comedy Derry Girls came to an action-packed and rather poignant end in episode six, as Clare made the brave decision to come out to her friends and a fatal bombing rocked the Quinn household to its core. We caught up with writer Lisa McGee and actresses Nicola Coughlan (Clare) and Saoirse Jackson (Erin) to get the inside story on the finale. Why Derry Girls challenges the "very violent and very male" image of Northern Ireland during The Troubles Meet the cast of Derry Girls Ma Mary and Aunt Sarah are the unsung heroes of Derry Girls Why did Derry Girls end with a bombing? The final scenes of episode six saw Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and James dancing around joyfully in their school hall but at home, a very different story was unfolding. Ma Mary, Da Gerry, Aunt Sarah and Grandpa Joe stared solemnly at the TV screen as reports of a fatal bombing filtered through. The sheer impact of the atrocity was echoed in Joe's gentle gesture of solidarity, placing a hand on his son-in-law's shoulder in a rare show of support. The scene was something of an unexpected gut-punch at the end of an already emotional episode and almost jarred with the show's light-hearted tone. So why did Lisa McGee choose to wrap up the series on such a somber note? "I thought if I’m going to do this show and show this side of things, I have to at some point show that there were times when it floored you," McGee told RadioTimes.com. "I thought, I’ll probably do that at the end because it wasn’t a joke either." "I had a nod to that, there were lots of mundane bomb scares and things like Orange Order parades, where you had to change how you might go about your journey. There were lots of day-to-day things that were funny but occasionally there was something big like Omagh, that the whole nation went ‘this just has to change’ and I think, I wanted to mix that in with this 'life goes on' thing. It had to be at the end." Was the bomb at the end of Derry Girls based on a real incident? "I’ve not based anything on any particular incident, but it was just something at that scale," McGee said. "There were lots of times when your family stood around the TV and just couldn’t speak because this was people in your own place doing it to each other. I just wanted to nod to the fact that there were those times as well." We need to talk about Clare's coming out... Earlier in the episode best friends Erin and Clare came to something of an impasse after Clare revealed that she was the girl who'd used the school essay competition to express the truth about her sexuality. Erin didn't exactly react well to her best friend's confession, telling her she was "going to boke" and encouraging her to "go back in". "I really thought you'd understand," a vulnerable Clare sighed before walking away in one of the show's most powerful and poignant scenes. "I always wanted to tell a sort of very real teenage story in the mix of it all," McGee told RadioTimes.com, "and I suppose someone not being able to say who they are is a horrible thing." Coughlan hopes that her portrayal of Clare, who she believes spends most of the series realising that she's gay and coming to terms with her sexuality, will be well received by young men and women who've gone through – or are going through – a similar experience. "I hope that we’ve played it right and I hope, for a lot of young gay kids out there, that we’ve done that kind of story justice. I know we’re a comedy but at the same time we really felt the weight of responsibility and we wanted to do it properly," she said. Why does Erin respond so angrily when Clare reveals she's a lesbian? “I don’t think in any way that Erin's homophobic, I just think that she’s shocked," actress Saoirse Jackson – who plays Erin – argued. "It challenges that view that Erin has about herself that she’s worldly and she’s liberal. This is another defining moment that we get to see for Erin, that actually she’s so naïve and shocked by most things. She just has a romantic idea of herself that she’s bigger than what she is, smarter than she is, and this is one of those moments where you get to see how naïve she is.” "Erin thinks of herself as very liberal and worldly, but actually she can’t handle it," McGee said. "I think it's how a lot of people would react at that age. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. "It’s not about being gay, it’s your best friend telling you they’re not who you think they’ve been all these years," the writer explained, "and that’s what Erin is actually reacting to. It’s ‘how could you not tell me?’ but it was very hard for someone at that age, in that place, to come out." Coughlan said that both herself and Jackson really felt the responsibility of getting the scene right. "I think Clare thinks she’s going to go to Erin and have certain feedback and she doesn’t get it and she’s thinking ‘what the hell?’" said the actress, who praised McGee for not being afraid to make the girls do unlikeable things. "A lot of the time when you see women on TV there’s this huge pressure on women to be nice and for women to be sweet. I read Derry Girls and I thought none of these girls are nice, quote-unquote, they’re just not. They’re not afraid to be abrasive, they say the wrong things. I think the script is all the better for it, for not kind of watering these girls down." "Erin’s response is really a true response" Coughlan argued. "She doesn’t immediately have to be this accepting, open person. That wouldn’t be right for the show either. And then I think their friendships, real-life Derry women, they have hearts of gold but they’re tough, so I think the way that it plays out in episode six is very right." Will Derry Girls be back for a second series? Yes, it will. You can find out everything you need to know about series two right here. This article was originally published in February 2018
When is Who Wants to Be A Millionaire on TV?
The quiz show is back with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm, but when will it be on TV?
The Who Wants to Be A Millionaire 20th-anniversary specials presented by Jeremy Clarkson were such a hit with viewers that a brand new series of the show was ordered by ITV. But when can we see these new episodes? And how many will there be? Our new guide to Who Wants to Be A Millionaire is here. Here's everything you need to know... What is on TV this Christmas 2018? Give us more Millionaire with Jeremy Clarkson, ITV… and don’t change a thing Viewers react to new Millionaire host Jeremy Clarkson View oEmbed on the source website When will Who Wants to Be A Millionaire be back on TV? The show will return to ITV at 9pm on New Year's Day 2019 Will Jeremy Clarkson be back to present Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Yes, The Grand Tour co-host is definitely coming back and he's very excited about it. “I absolutely loved hosting the anniversary shows and cannot wait to spend a few precious hours away from James May and Richard Hammond, making the new ones,” Clarkson said. How many episodes will there be? ITV has confirmed that the new series will consist of ten episodes.
Will Ruth Wilson's Alice Morgan appear in Luther series five?
Everyone wants to know if the twisted research scientist is really dead...
Idris Elba’s bringing DCI John Luther back for a fifth series in 2019 but will Ruth Wilson’s Alice Morgan appear alongside him? Psychopath/genius research scientist Alice first encountered Luther when he was investigating the murder of her parents, which he later deduced she was responsible for. Luther wasn’t able to prove her guilt, though, and the pair (despite their differences) became close friends. We last saw Alice in the final episode of series three, before learning that she’d apparently been drowned by Laura Haddock’s murderous Megan in the first episode of series four. View oEmbed on the source website What is on TV this Christmas? When is Luther back on TV for series five? First-look Luther series 5 clip sees Idris Elba in hot water However, the killing took place off screen so we never saw a body. And when you don’t see a body in a drama you know what that means - there’s every chance that someone’s plotting a surprise comeback! And sure enough, Alice actually pops up at the very end of the first sneak peek at Luther series five, but is she alive? Or is Luther having flashbacks? We'll just have to wait and see... View oEmbed on the source website Where is Rose Leslie? Why isn't Emma Lane in series five? Speaking of Luther alumni, Rose Leslie is absent from series five. The Game of Thrones actress played DS Emma Lane in season four but she won’t be back this time around, writer Neil Cross confirmed. Luther has a new colleague for series five. He'll be joined by DS Catherine Halliday, played by Wunmi Mosaku. This article was originally published on 27 November 2018
The bunnies are back with a brand new tune – but who wrote and sung it? Find out more about the soundtrack for the new BBC and Netflix series
When Richard Adams' rabbit war story, Watership Down, was first adapted for the screen in 1978, it became forever associated with Art Garfunkel’s haunting song Bright Eyes. Boyzone star Stephen Gately even performed a cover version of Garfunkel's track for the ITV cartoon adaptation, which aired between 1999 and 2001. But when Hazel, Fiver and their warren of rabbits return to TV in 2018 and set out on their big adventure on BBC1 and Netflix, they'll be marching to a very different tune. When is Watership Down on BBC and Netflix? Watership Down rabbits get 3D makeover in first images from the BBC's ambitious Christmas animation Why would you put another generation through the trauma of Watership Down? But what is it? Who wrote it? And who's singing it? Here's everything you need to know about the new Watership Down theme song... What is the new Watership Down theme song? Art Garfunkel's Bright Eyes has been replaced with a brand new song called Fire on Fire. The song was co-written especially for the mini-series by Sam Smith and Steve Mac; Smith lends his vocals to the tune. Listen to the song with new footage of the adaptation in the video below. View oEmbed on the source website "I am so excited and honoured to be a part of this new adaptation of Watership Down," Smith said. "This story is so powerful and timeless, and it has been thrilling to work with Noam and his team and the incredible Steve Mac on this song for it. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do." Smith recorded the track with the BBC Concert Orchestra at London’s Abbey Road Studios.