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What's worth staying in for: Dawn O'Porter recommends iconic documentary series return and must-read thriller

From Freida McFadden's spooky thriller to comfort viewing with Dirty Dancing, Dawn O'Porter shares the books, TV shows and podcasts keeping her glued to the sofa this week.

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 12:00 am

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Spooky season has arrived, but it’s not the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween that’s keeping Dawn O’Porter inside.

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Whether it’s a great book, a gripping TV series,an inspiring podcast, a fascinating film or a Dr. Oetker Ristorante pizza, there’s so much to stay in for.

As part of the Radio Times Book Club, sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante, Dawn reveals why she’ll be glued to the sofa – and not hiding behind it.

The book I’m staying in for is… The Witch Freida McFadden

Out now, RRP £22, Poisoned Pen Press

This month’s Radio Times Book Club choice, sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante, is The Witch by Freida McFadden. I love a story with lots to uncover and a twist that I never guess. This book has the perfect level of creepy for me. It keeps your heart rate up, but you will sleep through the night.

We follow Julia, who loses her job and has no choice but to return to the family estate, where things are far from what they seem. History comes to light as the plot unravels and exposes some dark secrets. I love tales of witchcraft, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Flickering lights and chiming grandfather clocks all add to the chills of this perfect thriller.

Cover of Freida McFadden's The Witch with a smoking cauldron.

Freida McFadden's The Witch.

The TV show I’m staying in for is… Blue Planet 3

Available from Sunday on BBC One

This week, I’ll be staying in for Blue Planet III. I love this series – when I watch it I feel so lucky being able to see a hidden world. Nothing I will do in my life is likely to get me to those places, and that’s just fine because by the wonders of some genius humans and incredible technology, I get to sit on my sofa and be taken deep into the unknown.

It’s a dive into an ocean full of fascinating stories and species I’ve never heard of before but, most importantly of all, Blue Planet will teach me how I can take care of it. It’s easy to feel like what we do doesn’t count, but the series reminds us how connected we are to every part of our world, and how what we do matters. I can’t wait to learn more about the deep blue sea.

David Attenborough standing by the waves looking at the camera. He's wearing a loose blue shirt and beige chinos.

An image of David Attenborough from Blue Planet II.

The film I’m staying in for is… Dirty Dancing

Available now on ITVX

While the whole world buckles up to be scared out of their wits, I will be hiding under a blanket and avoiding all jump scares. Call me the Anti Halloween Queen. I can handle a scary book, but anything on TV that makes me jump is a no.

So, I’ll be watching Dirty Dancing, like I do whenever I need distraction. I must have seen it more than 200 times. It’s the ultimate safety net of a film – a love story so powerful it doesn’t matter who is hiding under my bed. I’ll be lost in the fantasy of Patrick Swayze lifting me in a lake, and all will be well.

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, he holds her up in a lake.

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing. Lionsgate Home Entertainment UK

The podcast I’m staying in for is… Outsiding

Available now on Apple Podcasts

This week, I’ll be listening to the podcast Outsiding with Caitlin Moran and Adam Frost. I don’t have very green fingers, but there is something gloriously wholesome about listening to people who do. Caitlin and Adam are the unlikely duo we never knew we needed. The interviews are beautiful, and every week Caitlin picks a bird for each guest and shares the reasons behind her choice. This always makes me cry.

I was lucky enough to be a guest on the show earlier this year and Caitlin chose a blue tit for me. It started a true connection for me with the bird; I love looking at pictures of them and thinking about their mischievous ways.

Caitlin’s gardening era is very inspiring; I love the way she adores her garden, and Adam, a Gardeners’ World presenter, is a fountain of useful knowledge about what we can do outside.

Outsiding podcast cover with Caitlin Moran and Adam Frost sitting in a garden

Outsiding.

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For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club, sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.

Authors

RadioTimes.com deputy editor Helen Daly. She has brown hair, is smiling and stands in front of a wall full of ITV programme logos

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is the deputy digital editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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