EastEnders airs huge George and Eddie Knight twist after villain's return in early BBC iPlayer release
Warning: Contains spoilers for Tuesday's episode of EastEnders, which airs at 7:30pm on BBC One or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
George Knight (Colin Salmon) may have just made a huge mistake in EastEnders, after agreeing to give his racist adoptive father a second chance. Vile Eddie (Christopher Fairbank) returned in yesterday's instalment after a two-year absence, revealing to Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) that he'd been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Eddie, as viewers will recall, has been in prison since 2024, when he was sent down for the historic murder of George's birth father, Henry Asare. Initially arriving in Walford alongside wife Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell), it quickly transpired that their motives for reuniting with their son were deeply sinister. George discovered that he was adopted from West Africa as part of a baby farming agreement, and when Henry was sent to the UK to collect him, Gloria pleaded with Eddie to do whatever it took to stop him. In court, George gave Eddie a damning character reference, and he was put behind bars. On the same day, Gloria became unwell and passed away. He took control of the funeral arrangements, banishing George from attending the ceremony and not telling him when it was taking place. Nicola had assumed that several missed calls on George's phone were from a midwife, though was shocked to hear Eddie's husky voice echoing down the line. She headed to the hospital, and branded him a scumbag, saying that as far as George was concerned, he was still inside and that wasn't about to change. She had to prioritise their new family dynamic following the arrival of baby Ivy, and in today's episode, it seemed like she had no intentions of telling George what had happened. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. However, shortly afterwards, he found a parking ticket for the hospital and questioned why she had it. She claimed that one of Ivy's prescriptions had been forgotten about, and she'd been sent down to collect it. George knew that given she wouldn't want to be separated from Ivy, this wasn't the case, and she was forced to come clean. He then had no option but to go and visit Eddie himself. There, Eddie pleaded for forgiveness – saying he was sorry for everything he'd ever put him through – and that he was a changed man. The atmosphere was frosty as George stood over the bed, with Eddie claiming that his cancer diagnosis was karma for his wrongdoings. In disbelief at his words, George wanted to know whether there was an ulterior motive for him reaching out. Eddie said he'd received counselling, and he'd admitted the fact that he is racist and that he hated George because he is Black. Back at home, George told Nicola that he was prepared to give Eddie a second chance. However, little did he realise, Eddie hadn't changed at all. After brushing a Black nurse's hand off his shoulder, he told her that his plan was to spend his final days living with George. How will George react? Read more: EastEnders confirms return of S Club 7 star for Nigel Bates's emotional funeral scenes EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Bea Pollard exposed and danger for Mark Fowler
Eddie meddles with Nicola, Patrick clashes with Jasmine and Grant helps Linda.
Another busy week is ahead in EastEnders, as the residents learn the truth about Bea Pollard's (Ronni Ancona) troubling behaviour. Viewers have seen her obtain a credit card in Honey Mitchell's (Emma Barton) name, something which Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) becomes privy to in upcoming scenes. Bea scrambles to pick up the pieces, but manages to make matters a whole lot worse. Meanwhile, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) makes his presence known when he returns to Albert Square, and Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) clashes with granddaughter Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). There's trouble for Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) as the drugs gang pressures him to cough up £30k, forcing his family to intervene, and Grant Mitchell's (Ross Kemp) advice for Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) seems to be just the ticket. Here's everything you need to know about the episodes of EastEnders airing between Monday, 11 and Thursday, 14 May. 5 EastEnders spoilers for next week 1. Bea Pollard's fraudulent behaviour is exposed Bea hovers anxiously over Ian on his first day as Walford’s councillor, but he’s too preoccupied to notice - he even forgets it's his mum Kathy Beale's (Gillian Taylforth) birthday! Linda lays into him over his past behaviour as he attempts to placate Elaine. Meanwhile, Honey’s fears about identity theft deepen. Encouraged by husband Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), she asks Bea when she plans to move out. She reveals she’s hoping to move in with Ian, but her hopes are swiftly dashed when Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) produces her Gazette article, which implies that they're husband and wife. Ian wastes no time in ending their relationship, and is further horrified to discover that she used a fraudulent credit card in Honey’s name to buy votes. He storms to No.18 and confronts her in front of a stunned Honey. Bea scrambles to cover her tracks as Honey orders Ian out, but with nowhere left to turn, she finally confesses. Later, Honey meets Kathy, Ian, Linda and Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) in The Vic to discuss her next move. Ian urges her not to involve the police, privately fearing the fallout could threaten his position. Back home, Honey edges towards forgiveness - until Billy learns the truth and demands that Bea leave immediately. Spiteful and cornered, she sabotages Billy’s ladder in revenge. She watches events from afar, and then attempts to make amends with Ian so that she isn't spending the night on the streets. He isn’t convinced, and with nowhere else to go, she ends up bedding down in McKlunky’s for the evening. 2. Eddie Knight deals a troubling ultimatum It’s the day of Ivy’s Ghanaian naming ceremony, but Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) has other things on her mind. She has a secret meeting with Eddie’s prison officer at No.1, though son Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) walks in and is stunned by what he overhears. With the truth closing in, Nicola tells George that bringing Eddie back is the right move, though she keeps quiet about the financial incentive. George Knight (Colin Salmon) initially refuses, but eventually relents, agreeing Eddie can stay in the basement flat. Their decision sparks outrage when Eddie arrives mid-ceremony, causing tensions to erupt within the family. He raises the stakes, telling Nicola she won’t see a penny unless he’s allowed to move upstairs into the main house. Feeling the pressure, Nicola heads to Harry’s Barn to assess the business's crumbling finances. Harry, fresh from a heart-to-heart with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry), urges his mum to rethink - but she insists they need Eddie’s money to keep their projects afloat. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Later in the week, Eddie attempts to build bridges with Nicola, but she keeps him at arm’s length. Meanwhile, Cindy tries to warn George off helping his dad, but he refuses to listen. 3. Patrick Trueman returns - with bad news for Jasmine Fisher Patrick returns to Walford from his holiday and gathers the family for drinks in The Vic. He takes Jasmine aside, but the conversation doesn’t go as she’d hoped. Still pained by the trouble she caused, Patrick admits he still doesn’t trust her, warning that rebuilding their relationship will take time. 4. Grant Mitchell helps Linda Carter make a breakthrough with son Johnny Grant continues to be a pillar of support for Linda as she works to repair things with son Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff). Eventually, a long-awaited meeting between mother and son takes place, with the pair sitting down together for a drink. Will it go smoothly? 5. Mark Fowler's dangerous situation unravels Mark grows increasingly anxious about repaying the gang, while Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) pushes him to seek help from Grant. With encouragement from Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa), he finally agrees - but tensions flare when he catches Grant flirting with Linda, sparking an argument. Sam later tries to reach her nephew, probing his relationship with Lauren. But things only worsen when Lauren admits she has no space for more cars at the lot, leading to another row... and prompting Mark to finally confide in sister Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) about his £30k debt. Urged on by his sister, Mark turns to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who agrees to loan him the cash to buy time. After being filled in by Sam, Grant offers to help too, but his efforts are thrown to one side by Mark and Phil. Grant ignores them and confronts Mark’s boss Russell, only for old tensions to resurface and the situation to spiral. Things take a darker turn when Russell breaks into Vicki's house and tells her the full extent of her brother's issues. She confronts Mark, who is furious to learn Grant interfered. He storms over to the Mitchell residence and cuts his dad out of his life for good. Later, a suspicious Lauren heads to The Arches after concerns raised by Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Vicki over the legitimacy of the cars, but Mark insists everything is above board. Read more: EastEnders confirms return of S Club 7 star for Nigel Bates's emotional funeral scenes EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders reveals Eddie Knight's dying wish in troubling return story in early BBC iPlayer release
Warning: Contains spoilers for Monday's episode of EastEnders, which airs at 7.30pm on BBC One or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) has received a huge shock in EastEnders, after coming face-to-face with partner George Knight's (Colin Salmon) vile adoptive father Eddie (Christopher Fairbank). Eddie has been in prison since 2024, when he was sent down for the historic murder of George's birth father, Henry Asare. Initially arriving in Walford alongside wife Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell), it quickly transpired that their motives for reuniting with their son were deeply sinister. George discovered that he was adopted from West Africa as part of a baby farming agreement, and when Henry was sent to the UK to collect him, Gloria pleaded with Eddie to do whatever it took to stop him. With a number of his racist cronies, Eddie beat Henry to death before stuffing his body into a suitcase and throwing it into the canal. A young George witnessed the incident, unaware of Henry's true identity. In court, George gave Eddie a damning character reference, and he was put behind bars. On the same day, Gloria became unwell and passed away. He took control of the funeral arrangements, banishing George from attending the ceremony and not telling him when it was taking place. George has had no contact with Eddie since, though that could be about to change. In today's episode, he returned home from hospital with Nicola and their newborn daughter Ivy, and were surprised to see the extended Knight-Mitchell clan hosting a surprise party for them. It became apparent that Nicola was fearful of premature Ivy becoming unwell, and refused to allow Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) to hold the child. The atmosphere could be cut with a knife, and Nic' ordered everyone to leave. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Later that day, she shared a heart-to-heart with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry), and admitted that her mother and sister were always overbearing during her first two pregnancies, and she feared that happening again. George then asked where his phone was, as he'd handed his number over to the community midwife so that they could keep in touch on Ivy's development. Nicola found the device, and was shocked to see a series of missed calls. She assumed they'd come from the hospital, though the person on the other side of the line was much worse. "Where is he? Tell him he's got to come and see me. It's his dad," Eddie grunted down the phone. Nicola charged over to the hospital to confront him, seeking answers about why he so desperately wanted to reconnect with George after almost two years of estrangement. She branded Eddie a scumbag, and said that as far as George was concerned, he was still inside. Eddie explained that he had terminal cancer, and begged her to help him "make things up with [his] boy" before he dies. How will Nicola react? Read more: EastEnders confirms return of S Club 7 star for Nigel Bates's emotional funeral scenes 7 EastEnders spoilers this week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Celebrity Traitors season 2 cast confirmed with Industry and EastEnders stars revealed
The star-studded cast has been revealed.
Following a mammoth first season, The Celebrity Traitors season 2 is returning, with the full cast now confirmed. A spin-off of the equally popular main series, The Celebrity Traitors became a nationwide phenomenon when it aired late last year. With the treacherous Alan Carr having taken home the win, viewers can now get their first look at the names looking to follow in his footsteps in the second season. Among the acting talent are EastEnders icon Ross Kemp and Industry star Myha'la. Fellow actors heading to the Scottish Highlands include Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street), Michael Sheen (Good Omens), Richard E Grant (Withnail and I, Nuremberg), Sebastian Croft (Game of Thrones) and Sharon Rooney (Barbie). The series will feature a broad contingent of comedians, with duo Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan heading to Ardross Castle, where they will be joined by James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart and Joanne McNally. The Masked Singer panellist Maya Jama will also be heading to Scotland, while BBC producers will be hoping that University Challenge presenter Amol Rajan and broadcaster and mathematician Professor Hannah Fry will be able to replicate intelligent approaches of Stephen Fry and David Olusoga from season 1. Rounding out the list, singer-songwriter James Blunt will be joined by fellow musicians Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix fame, as well as actress and model Jerry Hall and content creator King Kenny. Claudia Winkelman will return to host the hit show, as all 21 celebs battle it out to win a share of a £100,000 cash prize for their chosen charity. The first season of The Celebrity Traitors kicked off in October 2025, and amassed an average audience of 14.9 million across its run, peaking at 15.4m for the finale. This was followed up by the fourth season of The Traitors earlier this year, which saw a similarly impressive 12.5m average viewership across its 12 episodes, making it the second most-viewed series on television since the start of 2025, behind only its celebrity counterpart. The Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026. Add The Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who legend William Hartnell's granddaughter reacts to seeing actor in newly-recovered episodes
"I can’t imagine how thrilled he would have been..."
William Hartnell’s granddaughter, Jessica Carney, has reacted to seeing the actor in the newly-recovered Doctor Who episodes The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet. The black-and-white episodes, which first aired in the 1960s and form part of the 12-part serial The Daleks' Master Plan, were released on iPlayer last month after being discovered in a private collection donated to Leicester charitable trust Film is Fabulous. Written by Terry Nation, the episodes star Hartnell - who died in 1975 at the age of 67 - as the first incarnation of the Doctor and follow him as he battles against a Dalek planning to take over Earth, the solar system and the galaxy. Speaking about the restored episodes featuring her late grandfather, Carney told Doctor Who Magazine: "I thought it was wonderful that these had been found." She added: "And I can’t imagine how thrilled he would have been to know that at this point people are still watching it and they’re still excited to see the episodes." Speaking about how brilliant Hartnell is in the episodes, she said: "Very funny. Great timing." View oEmbed on the source website Carney isn't the only Doctor Who star's relative to respond to the newly recovered episodes. Georgia Tennant recently revealed her actor husband David Tennant, who starred as the Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors, has been enjoying the restored instalments as well. In a video posted to her Instagram story last month, Georgia jokingly looks unimpressed while the show's theme tune plays in the background. Text over the video reads: "Lost my husband to @BBCiplayer." Current Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies expressed his excitement last month following the news that the episodes had been found and restored. He wrote on Instagram: "Two missing Doctor Who episodes FOUND! The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet from 1965 (what titles!). Lost for 61 years! Best of all, these will be made available for FREE on the BBC iPlayer in April." He added: "Huge thanks to the amazing people at Film is Fabulous, for finding these and returning them safely. They're a registered charity doing great work, so help them out if you can. Maybe they'll find more! As the Doctor says… 'Daleks!'" The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine is out now. Doctor Who: The Nightmare Begins and Devil’s Planet are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. Dive into our Doctor Who story guide: reviews of every episode since 1963, plus cast & crew listings, production trivia, and exclusive material from the Radio Times archive. Missing Doctor Who? Register now for Radio Times' Doctor Who Insiders club for exclusive interviews with Doctor Who legends every month. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Mary Berry to receive special honour at the BAFTA Television Awards 2026 - as she reveals her proudest TV moment
The cookery star said the accolade was a "huge honour".
Mary Berry is set to receive the BAFTA Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to television. The 91-year-old, who is a broadcasting phenomenon with a career spanning six decades, said it is "the icing on the cake" to learn she is to be honoured with the accolade. Dame Mary will be presented with the Fellowship - which is "in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television" - during the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises ceremony in May. She said in a statement: "I couldn’t believe it was true, what a huge honour to be presented with the BAFTA Fellowship." She continued: "For over 50 years, I have enjoyed every moment of teaching my passion on television and I thank all the generous professionals along the way who have given me guidance and support - and I am still learning. This amazing BAFTA Fellowship is the icing on cake!" The much-loved broadcaster and chef first appeared on television in the 1970s and has appeared on screen regularly ever since. She is best known for her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, and has also hosted several self-titled shows for the BBC. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/A-Mary-Berry-Christmas-bd65af9.jpg" width="1802" height="1202" alt="TX DATE:17-11-2025,TX WEEK:46,EMBARGOED UNTIL:01-12-2025 00:01,DESCRIPTION:with her Fillet of Beef,COPYRIGHT:Banijay UK,CREDIT LINE:BBC/Sidney Street Productions for Darlow Smithson Productions/Banijay UK/Richard Hill" title="546588,TITLE:A Mary Berry Christmas" /> BAFTA said: "Mary’s role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off was nothing short of transformative. By shifting the genre towards a format rooted in warmth and encouragement, she inspired a national resurgence in home baking and established a new paradigm for competitive programming, one that champions craft and joy." The star said her proudest moment on TV so far was filming with the Prince and Princess of Wales for her Christmas special, A Berry Royal Christmas, in 2019. "They put their whole heart into making roulades and achieved great things, with a lot of laughter," she said. BAFTA chief executive Jane Millichip said: "Dame Mary Berry is a singular talent whose warmth, craft and generosity have helped shape the very best of British television." She continued: "Mary Berry for more than 60 years has informed, inspired and entertained audiences, setting a new benchmark for factual entertainment, proving that expertise and empathy can draw huge audiences in primetime. "The BAFTA Fellowship is our highest honour, and we’re proud to celebrate Mary’s extraordinary legacy at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards." The BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises ceremony will take place on Sunday 10 May at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. The ceremony will be hosted by Greg Davies and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Previous recipients of the honour include Dame Joanna Lumley, Kirsty Wark and Sir David Attenborough, who will soon be celebrating his 100th birthday. The BAFTA TV Awards will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 10 May 2026. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Celebrity Traitors 2026 tipped to have signed TV academic for second run of hit BBC show
Filming will reportedly commence this weekend.
Rumours are intensifying about which famous faces could be headed to the Scottish Highlands for the second season of The Celebrity Traitors, with academic Hannah Fry thought to be in the running. The Sun has reported that the mathematician and broadcaster is the latest name to sign up for the new episodes, with filming said to begin this weekend. Hannah Fry is a mathematician and broadcaster, and is currently professor of the public understanding of mathematics at the University of Cambridge. She has made a string of television shows in recent years, including The Secret Genius of Modern Life, The Future with Hannah Fry and this year's AI Confidential with Hannah Fry. A spokesperson for the BBC told Radio Times: "We are not commenting on speculation and details for The Celebrity Traitors series 2 will be announced in due course." Fry is the latest name to join the speculated list of who could take part in the new season, with the likes of Michael Sheen, Cheryl and Steve Pemberton all rumoured to have been approached about the series. Someone who definitely won't be taking part, however, is Criminal Record star Peter Capaldi, who explained that he wouldn't want the extra attention that came with the show. "I think there's a level of fame that… I think it propels you into the public eye, at a level of exposure that I don’t really want," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. "I like doing, you know, it’s like doing my music things – it’s very difficult for people in that business to understand that you want to keep it small." Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Fellow actor James Nesbitt also revealed that he turned down the chance to take part in the next Celebrity Traitors, admitting that he was "too scared" after the success of last year's run. During an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Nesbitt said: "When I was asked, because I was in at the BBC, and I went, 'Oh, sounds amazing.' "Then I spoke to my agent and he said no. Because I just thought, 'How do I follow that?' It was so brilliant." View Green Video on the source website Celebrity Traitors season 2 is coming to BBC One later this year. Season 1 is available to watch now on iPlayer. Add The Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Half Man release schedule: When is episode 3 out on BBC iPlayer and BBC One?
The drama is also being released on HBO in the US.
*Warning - contains spoilers for Half Man episodes 1-2.* The second episode of Half Man is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with this latest instalment ending on another shocking act of violence from Ruben. The second episode begins with Niall heading to university, with his mother pleading with him to get some distance from Ruben. However, it's not long before they're brought back together. In the first two episodes, Ruben and Niall have been played by Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson, with the characters also being briefly seen in their older years, as played by Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell. But with plenty more story to tell leading up to that explosion of violence on Niall's wedding day, when will the next instalment be released? Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for Half Man. Read more: Half Man review: After Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd faces a difficult second album When is Half Man episode 2 released on BBC iPlayer and BBC One? After beginning its run at 6am on BBC iPlayer on Friday 24 April, the show is now following a weekly release schedule on the platform. That means that Half Man episode 3 will be released at 6am on Friday 8 May 2026 on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile, it will also get a transmission on BBC One, airing at 10:40pm on Tuesday 12 May 2026. Half Man release schedule – When are new episodes out? Episodes of Half Man are being released weekly on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Fridays, starting from Friday 24 April. This lines up with the show's release on HBO in the US, where the show is being released at 9pm ET on Thursdays, starting from Thursday 23 April. This is 2am BST UK time. Episodes are also set to get a release on BBC One in the UK, but this won't come until the following Tuesday, in a timeslot after 10pm. Time slots have so far been confirmed for the first three weeks, with the scheduling for subsequent episodes set to follow. Given this, the show's full release schedule on BBC iPlayer is as follows: Half Man episode 1 – Friday 24 April 2026, 6am (out now) Half Man episode 2 – Friday 1 May 2026, 6am (out now) Half Man episode 3 – Friday 8 May 2026, 6am Half Man episode 4 – Friday 15 May 2026, 6am Half Man episode 5 – Friday 22 May 2026, 6am Half Man episode 6 – Friday 29 May 2026, 6am Meanwhile, the release schedule for the show's transmission on BBC One is as follows: Half Man episode 1 – Tuesday 28 April 2026, 10:40pm Half Man episode 2 – Tuesday 5 May 2026, 10:40pm Half Man episode 3 – Tuesday 12 May 2026, 10:55pm Half Man episode 4 – TBC Half Man episode 5 – TBC Half Man episode 6 – TBC Half Man trailer You can watch the trailer for Half Man right here now. View oEmbed on the source website Half Man will continue on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Friday 8 May. Add Half Man to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC confirms star-packed Eurovision Song Contest 2026 presenting line-up – including new and returning faces
The BBC has confirmed a star-studded presenting line-up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 - which is now celebrating its 70th year! To mark the return of the music competition, the BBC are providing a variety of Eurovision treats across television, radio and digital to bring the nation together and cheer on this year's UK entry, Look Mum No Computer. The contest will be broadcast live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with expert analysis and witty insights from the commentator line-up, which includes the King of Eurovision himself, Graham Norton, Euro-aficionado Rylan, and Queen of the airwaves Sara Cox. They will be joined by Eurovision super fan Angela Scanlon, who will be commentating live for the BBC alongside Rylan Clark for the semi-finals on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May. Scanlon said: "It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying! I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal. "It’s one of those shows that's always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!" While Rylan added: "It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet. Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined." Getting the tea from backstage and across Vienna for the BBC’s digital channels is former Drag Race UK winner, Tia Kofi, giving fans exclusive access to this year’s acts, and a behind the scenes look at the humungous event. Tia Kofi commented: "It’s such an honour to be back as the BBC Eurovision Digital Presenter for the 70th year of the contest. Growing up, watching Eurovision was such an important part of my life and I can't wait to celebrate the music, the unity and this special anniversary year with everyone! "This year’s contest already feels like it’s a close competition between the acts, with some incredible songs from around the globe, and iconic singers like Boy George and Delta Goodrem set to compete alongside our very own brilliant Look Mum No Computer. "It's sure to be a year to remember! Austria last won in 2014 with Conchita Wurst and now we’re back 11 years later bringing the camp, glamour and music back to Vienna." Sara Cox will return to the airwaves for the semi-finals and grand final on BBC Radio 2, with Rylan joining cox for the final on Saturday 16 May. Graham Norton also returns to the commentator box for the grand final, bringing his famously witty insights throughout the night. And it's all to play for as the remaining 25 countries, including the UK's entry, will battle it out for the win. Norton said: "It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the Grand Final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year." Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC said: “The BBC continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK, and this year we’re once again offering a treasure trove of brilliant content for audiences to enjoy as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the contest across the BBC on our platforms. "Eurovision is one of the most popular events of the year, especially with younger audiences, and it brings the nation together for an unmissable night of joy. I am so excited for audiences to discover what our UK act Look Mum No Computer has in store for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance!” The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza. This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition. At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation. The EBU said in a statement: "A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place." Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision. Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk." The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. "This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive," it said in a statement. The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026. You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders confirms return of S Club 7 star for Nigel Bates's emotional funeral scenes
A familiar face is returning to Walford after 28 years.
S Club 7 star Jon Lee is reprising his former EastEnders role after almost three decades away. Lee, who shot to fame in the late '90s as part of the pop group responsible for hits such as "Don't Stop Movin'" and "Reach", starred in 18 episodes of the BBC soap between 1997 and 1998. His comeback, will coincide with the funeral of beloved character Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who passed away earlier this week in heartbreaking scenes. With wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and best pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) by his side, Nige' envisioned his final moments to be taking place in a idilic beachside setting. His character Josh Saunders is Julie's son, first introduced as a love interest for Nigel's stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), who will also stage a return for the funeral. Ahead of his return, Lee said: "It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years as it’s so familiar to so many of us. It was lovely to see my onscreen family again". Bissix added: “When I returned earlier this year, we always knew Clare had to come back for Nigel’s funeral. He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story, as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes”. He initially prevented a group of bullies from harassing her, and she spent the following weeks trying to gain his attention. When Clare realised his maternal connection to their teacher Julie, she was mortified and called off the relationship. However, some weeks later, the pair reconciled and despite the odd dynamic, was pleased when Nigel pursued his own romance with Julie. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Before long, Julie announced her plans to move to Scotland, something which angered Josh's father Eliot. He tried to force him into having a Bar Mitzvah ceremony before he departed for the new beginning, despite his lack of interest in the Jewish religion. Eventually, in a bid to appease his family, he went ahead with the coming-of-age ritual, which was attended by Clare. She was devastated to see him leave with Julie, though at the last minute, Nigel asked if they could join them. Upon Clare's return a decade later, she told Dot Branning (June Brown) that Nige' had become more fond of Josh as they grew older. As we now know, their complex relationship stems from Clare's decision to sell her late mother Debbie's (Nicola Duffett) jewellery. Ahead of Nigel's death, Julie had told Phil that Josh was working in China and therefore couldn't offer his support. Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders airs emotional Phil Mitchell scenes in the wake of Nigel Bates's death in early BBC iPlayer release
Warning: Contains spoilers for Thursday's episode of EastEnders, which airs at 7.30pm on BBC One or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
Walford grieved one of their finest in today's episode of EastEnders, as news spread of Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) death. Bradley reprised his role in December 2024 after a 26 year absence, and as the weeks rolled by, it became apparent that he was hiding something. He eventually chose to divulge the fact he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia to old friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and the men quickly rekindled their childhood friendship. As Nigel's condition worsened, Phil promised to stand by him. However, in recent months, Nige's condition rapidly worsened and he was forced to move into a care home. Phil believed that he'd betrayed his mate, and chose not to join the other residents in visiting. When Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) arrived back in Walford, he feared that his brother had taken a turn for the worse and that he was on the brink of another spate of poor mental health. This was only intensified when he discovered Phil scouring a beach searching for a specific type of stone that Nigel had asked for. He convinced him to say his final goodbyes, and the two had an eventful trip to the care home. After a series of setbacks, Phil hitched a ride on the back of a pizza delivery motorbike, and was sat with Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) as Nigel slipped away. In today's episode, the pair remained at the facility as the sun began to rise. Julie said she was ready to leave, as her husband was no longer there. She reflected on the times she had with Nigel, but had accepted that his spirit had left. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Back in Albert Square, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) and the Slater clan pulled together a last-minute celebration of his life, gathering as many residents together to watch the comedy thriller film he'd produced last Christmas. Julie was warmed by the gesture, though Phil watched on from afar and eventually retreated to his house. He peered into the empty living room, glancing at the armchair which he'd spent many a long day sitting in. He then looked at the picture of Nigel on the fireplace, and knew that he wanted to prove to everyone that he wasn't going to decline again. After grabbing a lighter, he wheeled the furniture out into the street and torched it. His concerned family watched on, but Grant could see the reasoning behind his actions and urged everyone to join Phil back inside of the house for a makeshift party. Memories of Nigel were shared, and when Grant recalled Nigel's youth in the '70s, everyone stood up to dance. In a change to the usual map of the Thames and EastEnders theme tune, the credits rolled over a picture of Phil and Nigel, and to the sound of The Jam. Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
BBC finally confirms air date of 'missing' episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show - and it's soon
The lost episode will be shown on BBC Four and iPlayer next month.
The BBC has finally confirmed when a lost episode of Morecambe and Wise is set to be broadcast - and there isn’t too long to wait. It was announced last week that an episode of the legendary sketch show starring the British comedy icons from season 1 - which wasn’t archived at the time of broadcast - had been recovered. The episode, which was previously thought to be lost forever, was discovered at the estate of a former TV professional by Film Is Fabulous! - a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts. Now, the BBC has revealed that the episode, which first aired on 16 September, 1968, will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer on Thursday 14 May 2026 - the day that Eric Morecambe would have turned 100. BBC Four will also air a collection of sketches called The Perfect Morecambe and Wise to mark the anniversary. The ‘missing’ episode, which was the third instalment from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, features British actress Ann Hamilton appearing in a sketch set in a nudist colony, as well as Jenny Lee-Wright playing Morecambe’s niece. It also includes a musical performance from the female trio The Paper Dolls. Noreen Adams, Director of BBC Archives, said in a statement: “Morecambe and Wise are one of the UK’s most loved comedy duos. Thanks to Film Is Fabulous! - we’re delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK." Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail Morecambe, added that she's "really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years", and that she's "especially thrilled that it coincides with my father’s centenary year". Eric Morecambe’s son, Gary Morecambe, said: "I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful." Last month, Film is Fabulous restored missing Doctor Who episodes The Nightmare Begins and Devil's Planet, which were broadcast back in November 1965. Both episodes are available now on BBC iPlayer. The Morecambe and Wise Show is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders confirms villainous character's return – and they're already back filming months after exit
The actor bowed out in January, but will be back.
Max Murray is returning to EastEnders, just months after troubled Joel Marshall made his last appearance. The character's sentencing, which came after he was found guilty of grievous bodily harm, voyeurism, and producing and distributing indecent images of a child, aired off-screen earlier this month and Murray didn't reprise his role for these scenes. A BBC spokesperson has told Radio Times today, 30 April: "We can confirm that Max Murray will be returning to EastEnders." This comes following reports from Digital Spy that Murray is already filming new scenes at the soap's set in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and will be back on our screens within weeks. During Joel's January court appearance, it became clear that despite the testimonies given by victims Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), he couldn't see the error of his ways. This proved too much for Vicki, who rushed out of the courtroom in tears, fearing that her attacker would never face justice for his crimes. As viewers will recall, he brutally assaulted her and was left for dead following the ordeal. After some reassurance from Avani – who he secretly recorded himself sleeping with before shaming her for falling pregnant with his child – she returned to court and faced Joel. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. He laughed in Avani's face as she delivered her statement, and told the court that he felt he'd been repeatedly failed by his dad and Vicki, who had paid off another of his victims. Joel said that they had been a terrible example to him, and as a result, couldn't decipher right from wrong. When the judge came to give her verdict, she delivered some surprising news. Joel had decided to change his plea to guilty. While this was somewhat of a relief to Vicki, she couldn't help but feel saddened that their relationship had come to such a horrific ending. She also dreaded his impending sentencing, worried about what it might mean for her future with fiancé Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw). The two have faced the prospect of his eventual return in recent episodes, with Ross informing Vicki that he was only sentenced to six months. While she said she'd support whatever his wishes would be for Joel upon his release, she stated that she didn't want him back in her home. He vowed to make things right and to sort alternative living arrangements. Could his comeback mean that Vicki will be forced to spend time with her abuser? Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Death in Paradise future confirmed by the BBC - and which cast members will be returning for new episodes
We're heading back to Saint Marie - with a surprise in store this Christmas...
In news which will be hugely welcome but not exactly unexpected, the BBC has confirmed that Death in Paradise will return - not just for one, but for two more seasons. This means the show will now run through until at least season 17, with two more Christmas specials also on the way in 2026 and 2027. Filming on the new episodes has begun on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe this week, with the central cast, led by Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson, all confirmed to return. That means Don Warrington (Commissioner Selwyn Patterson), Shantol Jackson (DS Naomi Thomas), Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (Officer Sebastian Rose), Catherine Garton (Sergeant Mattie Fletcher) and Élizabeth Bourgine (Catherine Bordey) will all also be back, while further guest stars and details of the cases for the new season will be announced in due course. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC drama, said in a statement: "Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It's with great pleasure that we share the news that we'll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials." Meanwhile, Tim Key, executive producer for production company Red Planet Pictures added: "We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do. "The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can't wait to get started again - we've got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space..." The tease of a big surprise on the way will no doubt get fans excited, but it seems we'll have to wait until December to see just what that is and how it plays out. As Death in Paradise's future is confirmed, the final episode of spin-off show Beyond Paradise is set to air this week, while Australian-set spin-off Return to Paradise has also been renewed, with a third season on the way. Death in Paradise season 1-15 are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. Add Death in Paradise to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse lead tributes to dog and "greatest little chum" Ted from Gone Fishing
Ted the Dog became a fan favourite among Gone Fishing viewers thanks to his playful presence and toothy overbite.
Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have led tributes to their much-loved Gone Fishing companion, Ted the dog. The beloved canine, who regularly accompanied the comedians on their angling adventures on their BBC series, has passed away and will make his last appearance in the forthcoming ninth series, the BBC confirmed. Mortimer said in a statement: "So very, very sad. Lovely Ted, the best companion and the greatest little chum. Going to miss him so much.. and away boss." Whitehouse also paid tribute to Ted, saying: "Bye bye Ted old friend. He wasn’t a dog, he was a species all of his own. He’s gone to the great briefcase emporium in the sky. We will really miss you mate." Ted was owned by Gone Fishing executive producer Lisa Clark after she rescued him from a dog’s home in Surrey in 2013. Clark said: "Ted was a much-loved family pet as well as a treasured companion to Paul and Bob on Gone Fishing. He took fame in his little stride and loved nothing better than messing around on the riverbanks, nicking jammy dodgers from Bob and bait from Paul." She continued: "He will be sorely missed both at home and on screen. We’ll never forget him. He is survived at home by Bo the Briard.” Ted made his first appearance on the show - which combines fishing adventures with personal stories and reflections on life - in series 3 in 2020, and soon became a fan favourite among viewers. Whether it was impromptu swims while the hosts were trying to fish, stealing picnic food or countless other mischievous moments, he often stole the scene with his playful presence and toothy overbite. During the Gone Fishing Christmas special in Cornwall in 2025, he received the lifetime achievement award. During a guest spot on Saturday Kitchen back in November 2025, Mortimer revealed that Ted was 15 years old and experiencing some age-related health issues. "He still loves coming out with us, and he seems very happy," Mortimer said of his trusty canine friend. He added: "He doesn't have to be wheeled around all the time, but for longer journeys, up the river bank, we put him in a pram now."
Race Across the World 2026 line-up: Meet the pairs competing in this breathtaking journey from Europe to Mongolia
Race Across the World season 6 has now reached its halfway point, as the teams face the longest leg of the race so far. Tonight (30 April), the remaining teams will travel through the world's largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan, and into Uzbekistan, they must navigate the vast Kazakh steppe with its endless horizons and limited English speakers. To keep the race moving, the pairs will have to adapt to a whole new way of travelling. So, who else is left in the race? As the series continues, find our more about the cast and read our exclusive interviews with this year's cast of Race Across the World below. Race Across the World 2026 line-up Mark and Margo Katie and Harrison Andrew and Molly Kush and Jo Puja and Roshni This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Five intrepid duos – best friends, a father and daughter, cousins, siblings and the show's first set of in-laws – set off on a 12,000km journey from Palermo in Italy to Hatgal in Mongolia in the sixth series of Race Across the World. Stripped of their phones, they each have a budget of just £23 a day to survive and make it to the final checkpoint ahead of the other contenders. Puja and Roshni Puja, 31, is a doctor and is racing with her cousin software engineer cousin Roshni, 32. Whose idea was it to sign up? Puja: I applied a few years ago with another friend. I was advised to do it with someone I’ve known for a really long time so I reapplied with Roshni. I’m so glad we did it together. Roshni: We’d both just got married and I was house hunting and trying to be an adult. Leaving work for three months didn’t sound like the smartest idea… Was it hard not being able to contact home? Puja: Definitely. We come from Asian families. We’re both married, but our parents still want to know what we’re doing every day. What were you nervous about? Roshni: For me, it was food. Given we’re vegetarian, I knew we would have to make sacrifices. Puja: Running out of toiletries. Who was better at approaching strangers for help? Roshni: Puja did take the lead at the start and watching her pushed me to do it. Did the race change you? Roshni: Definitely. We found out a lot about each other. Puja: There’s nothing now that we won’t be able to work past. Mark and Margo Mark, 66, a retired architect from London is racing with his sister-in-law Margo, 59, a hypnotherapist from Liverpool. You’re in-laws, who at one point didn't get on and yet you took on this journey — why? Mark: My late wife Julia was a big fan of the show but she would never have done it, she liked five-star hotels! One of Julia’s last wishes [before she died in July 2022] was that Margo and I continue the friendship we’d been building while caring for her. This was a way of doing that. What was your reaction when you learnt the final checkpoint was in Mongolia? Margo: I don’t do cold! Mark: I had an inkling it could be Mongolia. Very few people go, so I was thrilled. What were you most nervous about? Margo: We probably weren’t as nervous as we should’ve been! We had a little bit of chutzpah. We’re used to travelling, we’re grown-ups and we were a little bit gung-ho. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Margo: We thought that it would be nice to see things but how we got along was my priority. Mark: Our intention was to be the oldest couple to win. What did you learn about yourselves along the way? Mark: It was a turning point in my life. I’m quite shy and introverted. But on one particular leg of the race, I had an out-of-body experience in a way and it changed my view of life. Margo: We were both surprised at how much we were there for each other. We read the world in different ways, our brains work completely differently but we found common ground and connected. Would you go on another adventure together? Margo: Absolutely! Mark: It was great fun being with Margo and we work well together and enjoy each other’s company. I could see us doing something again. Looking to plan your next holiday? Request brochures for European and worldwide escorted tours, plus ocean and river cruises from our travel partners Katie and Harrison Account manager Katie, 21, is racing with her brother Harrison, 23, a finance assistant from Manchester. Whose idea was it to sign up? Harrison: It was my idea. Our mum sent us the link. It’s a show I’ve always watched. I just needed to convince Katie because she was scared of doing it until we got there. Katie: I was excited for the race, but nervous about the TV aspect. What was your reaction when you learnt that the final checkpoint was in Mongolia? Katie: I was stressed because I’d packed for Brazil, I really thought we were going there so I was worried about my clothes! What made you most nervous about the task? Harrison: I was concerned about being hungry. Did the race test your relationship? Katie: It strengthened it. Our race relationship was slightly different to our home relationship because we were nice to each other. At home, it’s constant banter and taking the mick out of each other. Harrison: We do everything together, so we had a strong relationship and foundation going into the race, but we made a conscious effort to not wind each other up. Was there an item you were happy you packed? Katie: My face masks, especially because your skin gets so dry. It was a nice luxury. Harrison: I was pretty practical. My calculator and my notebook made me feel better. What did you learn about yourselves on the race? Katie: To be a bit more confident in myself. It made me view the world differently. Harrison: I live quite a regimented life so I think I discovered a different side to me that maybe I didn’t know existed. Would you go on another adventure together? Harrison: We’ve been waiting to finish my exams, then maybe South America. Katie: You keep saying maybe, but it’s a definitely! Andrew and Molly Geography teacher Andrew, 54, is racing with his daughter Molly, 23, a junior doctor from Northern Ireland. Whose idea was it to sign up? Andrew: I decided to fill out the form. Molly was sitting her finals. Never in a million years did we think we’d be picked. What were you most nervous about? Andrew: Would we fall out? That was my biggest fear. Molly: Just doing well. I thought we’d get there eventually, but how was that going to happen? Did the experience change you? Andrew: It gave me confidence and courage. To stop overthinking and seize the moment. Molly: For me, it was realising you can’t plan the future. Stop worrying about it because you’ll get through it and it’ll be OK. Was there a luxury you wish you’d taken with you? Andrew: A spare razor! Molly: A nice outfit. Who was better at approaching strangers to ask for help? Molly: There was a strategy. Daddy went to older people and I approached young people. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Molly: We said that we live and die by whatever call we make at that moment. There’s no “You said that” or “That was a bad idea”. Andrew: We just wanted to enjoy it. Kush and Jo Kush, 19, a gap-year student is racing with best fried Jo, a 19-year-old college student from Liverpool. Whose idea was it to apply? Kush: It was mine! I was on Instagram and saw the advert. I called Jo and said, “Do you want to sign up for this?” and he was like, “Yeah, sound.” Jo: We felt like we didn’t have anything to lose! Were you worried your friendship would be tested? Kush: We were confident it was strong enough to overcome any sort of challenges. Was it difficult to live without your phones? Kush: It was a blessing in disguise. The worst part was not being able to contact my mum and family. Jo: In the first week I was craving it quite a lot, but the race requires so much attention. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Kush: We decided to compromise. When we applied, I was more “Let’s just experience everything”. But Jo was very determined and said, “We’ve got to win.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Race Across the World continues on Thursday 30 April at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Seasons 1-5 are available to watch on iPlayer. Add Race Across the World to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All 76 times EastEnders has used emotional Julia's Theme - from Ian Beale's tears to Nigel Bates's death
The tears flow when this classic theme from Simon May replaces the traditional doof doof...
Simon May's theme tune to EastEnders is one of the most recognisable compositions in British music history. In fact, during a 2008 poll by PRS for Music, it was voted as more of an earworm than the national anthem. May was approached by creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland in 1984 to write the tune, originally opting for a more edgy piece that reflected the serial's apparent grittiness. This was vetoed, and a new piece that would "bring people in from the kitchen or garden" was chosen instead. He also crafted a "romantic pre-empt", which could be used in place of the traditional drum beats to conclude an episode. Named Julia's Theme, in tribute to Smith, it features several slow piano buildups that can allow for it to be cut at any given point. It has become synonymous with the tragic, heartwarming, tender or emotional moments from the BBC soap's 41-year history, with fans often speculating which moment will be awarded the treatment. View oEmbed on the source website Here, as it is used once more in the soap, Radio Times looks back at all 76 times Julia's Theme has been used, plus the alternative arrangements we've heard from time to time. Every time EastEnders has used Julia's Theme... 1. Ian cries to grandmother Lou Beale (1985) The first use of Julia’s Theme is intended to provide an emotional backing to this sweet family scene between a teenage Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and his steely grandmother, Lou Beale (Anna Wing). Fitting that Ian is the first to get the theme, and he is the longest-running character in the show's history. 2. Sue Osman breaks down to her husband Ali after the death of their son (1985) A heartbreaking moment for original cafe owners Sue (Sandy Ratcliff) and Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih), who discovered their son Hassan had died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 3. Sue Osman holds baby Annie Smith (1985) Having recently suffered the devastating loss of baby Hassan, Sue holds the infant Annie, daughter of Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith (Linda Davidson). 4. Den Watts and Michelle Fowler hide the paternity of her unborn baby (1985) EastEnders’ first big mystery surrounded Michelle Fowler’s (Susan Tully) baby daddy, and while the local landlord impregnating his teenage daughter’s schoolmate would be deeply controversial by today’s standards, the producers of 1985 thought it warranted a Julia’s Theme. The pair met at the canal, with the arrival of Roly the dog cementing to viewers that Den Watts (Leslie Grantham) was Michelle's secret fella. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 5. Pauline Fowler has a heart-to-heart with son Mark on Southend Beach (1985) An emotional reunion occurs between Pauline (Wendy Richard) and her errant son, Mark Fowler (David Scarboro), on the beach of Southend in Essex after he spent much time away from Walford. 6. Lofty Holloway asks Michelle Fowler to marry him (1986) Michelle’s saga continues as barman Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt) pops the question to her. 7. Michelle Fowler agrees to marry Lofty Holloway (1986) After a long and complicated road, Michelle finally agreed to marry softie Lofty Holloway in search of a simple family life. 8. Lofty Holloway and Michelle Fowler share a kiss (1986) Perhaps by this point, Julia’s Theme should’ve been renamed Michelle’s Theme. 9. Sue Osman tells Michelle Fowler that she's had a false pregnancy (1986) Another tragic time for Sue as she reveals to Michelle that she has experienced a false pregnancy in her difficult journey with motherhood. 10. Den Watts wishes Michelle Fowler good luck for her wedding the next day (1986) Like most soap weddings, this one didn’t go to plan, and Den’s brief encounter with Michelle on the eve of her wedding led to her jilting poor Lofty at the altar the following day. 11. Arthur Fowler returns from prison (1987) Having stolen the local charity money and suffered a nervous breakdown, Arthur (Bill Treacher) spent a spell in prison but finally came home and was reunited with his family. 12. Dot Cotton and Ethel Skinner reminisce about the war (1987) While caring for baby Vicki, the Walford pensioners reflect on their very different experiences of wartime Britain in this two-hander episode. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Read More: EastEnders two-handers ranked: All 24 episodes, from Pat & Peggy to Den & Angie 13. Magda Czajkowski asks Simon Wicks to move in with her (1987) Spirited caterer Magda (Kathryn Apanowicz) solidified her new romance with roguish Wicksy (Nick Berry) by asking him to move in with her - shame it wouldn’t last long. 14. Arthur Fowler turns down Christine Hewitt... but kisses her goodbye (1992) Arthur should’ve known better than to pursue an adulterous relationship with his gardening assistant, Mrs Hewitt (Elizabeth Power). 15. Mark Fowler takes Mandy Salter back to his family home for Christmas dinner (1992) In a touching end to the Christmas Day episode from 1992, an empathetic Mark (now Todd Carty) took troubled teen Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton) back to an incredibly crowded but joyous festive scene at the Fowler house. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 16. Pauline Fowler and Pat Butcher have a heart-to-heart after Pat ran over and killed a girl (1993) It was an eventful Christmas for Pat (Pam St Clement), who was drink-driving in her cab and took the life of a girl named Stephanie. Here she unloaded her feelings to her former sister-in-law, Pauline. 17. Nigel Bates tells stepdaughter Clare that her mother Debbie has died (1995) In one of EastEnders’ most tearjerking scenes, from a distance we see Nigel (Paul Bradley) sit his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) down on a park bench and break the news to her that her mum Debbie has died in a traffic accident, and she collapses into his arms. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 18. Pauline Fowler walks away from husband Arthur's grave after his funeral (1996) A sad farewell to the Fowler patriarch, who died from a brain haemorrhage sustained during a prison riot. Arthur was recently remembered by Ian Beale, who explained the reasoning behind his bench in the Square Gardens to Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona). 19. Cindy Beale flees with her sons Steven and Peter (1996) Having endured a tortured marriage to Ian Beale and having cheated on him multiple times, Cindy (Michelle Collins) fled the UK with help from lover David Wicks (Michael French) and Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) but was forced to leave daughter Lucy behind as she fled on a train for a new life in Italy. 20. Grant, Courtney and Peggy Mitchell scatter Tiffany's ashes (1999) Heading to the Sussex coast in Peacehaven, Grant (Ross Kemp) and Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) take baby Courtney to say a final farewell to her mother Tiffany following her tragic death in a traffic collision on New Year’s Eve. 21. Bianca Butcher tearfully departs Walford for Manchester with son Liam Butcher (1999) Though this use of the theme marked Bianca's (Patsy Palmer) and Liam’s exits, the camera focuses in on poor Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen), left to consider a life without his wife and son. 22. Frank and Peggy Butcher vow to fight Dan Sullivan for the Queen Vic (2000) Despite having lost a huge share of the Queen Victoria pub thanks to her son Phil (Steve McFadden), Peggy vows to put up a fight against the hard-nosed Dan Sullivan (Craig Fairbrass) alongside her husband Frank (Mike Reid). 23. Sonia Jackson breaks down after giving her child Chloe up for adoption (2000) Fortunately for Sonia (Natalie Cassidy), she’d reunite with Chloe - now named Rebecca - just months later, and would eventually gain parental responsibility in 2005. 24. Roy and Pat Evans reconcile (2001) After the damage inflicted by her affair with and undying love for ex-husband Frank Butcher, Pat mended her marriage with husband Roy (Tony Caunter) at last. 25. Ian Beale and Laura Dunn marry (2001) Third time lucky for Ian, after his unions with Cindy and Mel (Tamzin Outhwaite) went down the pan. 25 years later, we know that this marriage didn’t go too smoothly either. Just two months after her divorce from the chippy owner, Laura (Hannah Waterman) tripped on one of her son Bobby’s toys on the staircase and died. 26. Jim Branning proposes to Dot Cotton (2001) Atop the London Eye, Jim Branning (John Bardon) chose the moment to pop the question to a surprised but touched Dot Cotton - and she accepted as they stood together looking over London. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 27. Peggy Mitchell says goodbye to Frank Butcher in Spain (2002) After hearing Frank’s plea for forgiveness and regrets over how their relationship ended, he asks for one final chance from Peggy. She concludes there’s too much water under the bridge, and they can never be with one another. 28. Sonia Jackson and Jamie Mitchell break up (2002) One of Walford’s most tortured pairings, Sonia and Jamie (Jack Ryder) parted ways - but not for the final time - following a period of terrible rows and Jamie’s fling with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). 29. Dr Anthony Trueman proposes to Zoe Slater (2002) If only we could’ve warned poor Zoe about how this one would turn out. Fast-forward 23 years, and their long-lost daughter Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) bludgeoned Anthony (Nicholas Bailey) over the head with a salt lamp, and Zoe was (briefly) sent to prison for the murder. 30. Little Mo Morgan returns from prison (2002) Having served time in prison for almost killing abusive husband Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns), the meek but steely Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) came back to Walford at last; however, she’d never be the same again. 31. Pauline and Martin Fowler return home after the departure of Mark (2003) "If you love me, let me go." A tragic final scene for Mark as he told tearful mum Pauline that his HIV medication was no longer working, and this would be the last time she’d see him alive. Just months later, news would reach Albert Square that he’d passed away following complications from AIDS. 32. Alfie Moon and Kat Slater walk away together after she jilts Andy Hunter at the altar (2003) With Alfie (Shane Richie) having interrupted her wedding to gangster Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs), Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) walked out of the church with soulmate Alfie, and the pair headed off down the road together after committing to each other at last. 33. Zoe Slater leaves Walford for Ibiza (2005) A fresh start for Zoe after the trauma of Den Watts's violent end, though not quite the one she expected. As we now know, she reunited with Anthony off-screen and fell pregnant with twins. Believing her daughter had died during childbirth, and that her son would have a better life without her, Zoe left behind a keyring from her Ibiza trip and ran out of the hospital. 34. Stacey Slater returns to Walford after her mother Jean's suicide attempt (2005) Not long after she arrived in Walford, we finally saw the upsetting dynamic between put-upon carer Stacey (Lacey Turner) and her mentally unwell mother Jean (Gillian Wright) as the latter struggled with bipolar disorder. Stacey emotionally returns home and stares at a photo of her absent brother Sean Slater - but he wouldn’t be absent for long. 35. Nana Moon dies in Alfie's arms (2005) A tragic moment for poor Alfie, who had been raised by his paternal grandmother. The two sat watching an animatronic dancing snowman, which conveniently ran out of battery as she died. 36. Grant and Courtney Mitchell leave Walford for a new life in Portugal (2006) The end of one of his longer return stints, Grant said goodbye to Walford following the end of his marriage to scheming wife Carla (Christianne Oliveira) and the end of his affair with Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), departing for a new life in Portugal with his daughter Courtney (Megan Jossa) - and he’s been based there ever since. 37. Martin and Sonia Fowler leave Walford for Manchester with daughter Rebecca (2007) What seemed like a definitive exit for the young Fowler clan actually just marked the end of James Alexandrou’s time as Martin. Seven years later, James Bye would take on the role. 38. Frank Butcher’s funeral (2008) As part of an emotional week of episodes in his honour, Frank Butcher was given a true Walford goodbye as his loved ones gathered, with soulmate Pat Evans being particularly emotional, dressed in red, and remembering some parting words he gave to her: “Take care of yourself, babe.” You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 39. Garry Hobbs and Dawn Swann leave Walford on a tugboat with her daughter Summer (2009) Where exactly were Garry (Ricky Groves) and Dawn (Kara Tointon) heading on that boat? Wherever the destination, it wasn’t a happy one. During a brief return in 2025, he explained that they’d travelled for a while and then separated. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 40. Dot and Rachel Branning lay flowers on Bradley's grave (2010) Following his heartbreaking death as part of the 25th anniversary live episode, Bradley was bid farewell by Walford in emotional scenes, and his step-grandmother, Dot, and mum Rachel (Pooky Quensel), laid flowers on his grave after the funeral. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 41. A secretly pregnant Amira Masood leaves Walford after learning her husband Syed is gay (2010) A truly nightmarish situation for Amira (Preeya Kalidas), who asked Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin) to keep quiet about her expectant baby after learning that her husband, Syed (Marc Elliot), was seeing Christian Clarke (John Partridge). You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 42. Stacey Branning holds her daughter Lily after giving birth (2010) In a moment of pure joy and elation, Stacey holds her newborn daughter Lily - secretly the biological daughter of Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott), but for now, officially, the daughter of her romance with Bradley. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 43. Syed Masood admits his feelings for Christian Clarke, and they make things official (2010) The climax of quite a rollercoaster ride for Syed, who had been disowned by his mother and was unaware that Amira was expecting their daughter. Of course, this was only just the beginning of the drama! You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 44. Stacey Branning flees the country on a plane to Mexico with baby Lily (2010) Following a dramatic few years in Walford, being framed by Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) for attempted murder and confessing to killing Archie Mitchell to his daughters, Stacey fled the law on a plane for a new life in Mexico with baby Lily - but not before Max Branning (Jake Wood) confessed his love to her one last time. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 45. Charlie Slater leaves Walford by train (2011) An unusual exit, as you’d have thought the black cab driver (played by Derek Martin) might have used his trusty taxi to head to his daughter Lynne’s house. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 46. Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter leave for their honeymoon together after deciding not to marry (2011) After a wedding day that ended in the pair deciding marriage was not for them, Shirley (Linda Henry) and Phil's loved ones waved them off as they drove off, not ‘just married’. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 47. Kat and Alfie Moon are reunited with son Tommy following his kidnapping by Ronnie Branning (2011) A fitting use of the music following a particularly harrowing storyline. Ronnie Mitchell’s son James had died from SIDS, and in a moment of panic, she’d swapped the child with Tommy. After Ronnie (Samantha Womack) finally confessed to her crime, Kat and Alfie were joyfully reunited with their son. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 48. Jane Beale leaves Walford after the end of her marriage to Ian (2011) After the trials and tribulations of recent years, including Ian’s fling with Glenda Mitchell and her fight to become the mother to a baby, Jane and Ian’s marriage came to an end, and Jane walked out of Walford for escape. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 49. Jim Branning moves into a care home (2011) Following actor John Bardon’s stroke in 2008, the illness was written into the soap for Jim. Bardon’s retirement meant that Jim moved permanently into a care home three years later, in sad scenes for his family. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 50. Ricky Butcher leaves Walford after a goodbye to his family (2012) After an ill-advised case of adultery with former flame Mandy Salter, Ricky Butcher left Walford for a new job away from his heartbroken wife Bianca, who rejected him for the final time. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 51. Zainab Khan departs Walford with son Kamil Masood for Pakistan (2013) A painful exit for one of EastEnders’ most formidable characters, played by Nina Wadia. She realised that her reconciliation with husband Masood was never going to work, and moved away. Come back soon, Zainab! You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 52. Jean Slater leaves Albert Square to live with husband Ollie Walters in Brighton (2013) Unlucky Jean Slater found family, friends and a new identity for herself in Walford, but chose to leave it all behind for love in the shape of kind Ollie (Tony O'Callaghan). She’d be back a few years later when it all went wrong. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 53. David Wicks leaves Walford after his split from Carol Jackson (2014) The childhood sweethearts' relationship broke down following a botched wedding and his subsequent heart attack. By the time he returned, Carol (Lindsey Coulson) had long since departed and ultimately decided that they would never work. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 54. Peter Beale and pregnant Lauren Branning leave Walford for New Zealand (2015) After discovering the truth about who killed Lucy Beale, Peter and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) got a happy ending as they left Walford together via the tube station and were revealed to be expecting their first child, later named Louie Beale. This was the final appearance of Ben Hardy in the role of Peter. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 55. Kat and Alfie Moon leave Walford with their children for a new life in Spain (2015) This exit resulted in us getting the utterly bizarre Irish spin-off series Redwater, which, according to current executive producer Ben Wadey, exists in a ‘parallel universe’. Interesting! You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Read More: EastEnders boss Ben Wadey reveals old spin-off Kat & Alfie: Redwater exists in "parallel universe" 56. Carol Jackson rides out of Walford (2015) Following her successful treatment for breast cancer and the heartache of her split with David, long-suffering Carol left Walford for a new adventure on the back of a motorcycle. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Read More: EastEnders icon reveals the very good reason why she won't be returning to the soap 57. Charlie Slater dies (2016) Kat broke down in tears as she said one final “Goodnight” to father Charlie, who had died following a heart attack. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 58. Shabnam Masood leaves Walford with her daughter Jade Green (2016) After the discovery that husband Kush (Davood Ghadami) fathered a child with her friend Stacey and after securing guardianship of her long-lost biological child Jade (Amaya Edward), Shabnam (Rakhee Thakrar) left Walford and a heartbroken Kush behind. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 59. Les and Pam Coker walk home after getting justice for their murdered grandson, Paul (2016) A bittersweet moment for the Cokers, played to perfection by Lin Blakely and Roger Sloman, who lost their grandson Paul in a vicious, homophobic attack while he was on a night out with boyfriend Ben Mitchell (then Harry Reid). You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 60. Masood Ahmed leaves Walford with son Kamil Masood bound for Pakistan (2016) After the rest of his family left Walford and romantic opportunities dried up, Masood (Nitin Ganatra) decided to start afresh in Pakistan with his son Kamil. He’d be back in a couple of years! You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 61. Lauren Branning leaves Walford and boyfriend Josh Hemmings behind (2018) As we said goodbye to one Branning sister, another one decided that it was time to move on. Following her sister Abi's funeral, Lauren left Walford with her son, Louie and ended her romance with Josh Hemmings (Eddie Eyre). Fortunately, Lauren wasn’t away for too long, and it’s difficult to imagine the Square without her these days. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 62. Dr Harold Legg dies with Dot Branning at his bedside (2019) Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) said an emotional goodbye to close friend Dot Branning when he finally passed away in February 2019, almost 39 years to the day of his first appearance. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 63. Iconic Walford residents light memorial candles following Dr Harold Legg's funeral (2019) Following the death of Albert Square’s OG GP, Dot was joined by Lofty and Mary the Punk to remember him outside the house that was once home to his surgery. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 64. Max Branning leaves Walford (2021) After placing his granddaughter, Abi Branning Jr., in the care of his ex-wife Rainie Highway (Tanya Franks) and her husband Stuart (Ricky Champ), Max tearfully left Walford after failing to win the heart of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). He returned to Walford last year. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 65. Mick Carter and his family walk away from court following the sentencing of his abuser, Katy Lewis (2021) Another bittersweet moment, which gained a ‘Julias’ Theme’, and an opportunity for Mick (Danny Dyer) to get some closure following the childhood abuse he experienced at the hands of Katy (Simone Lahbib). You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 66. Tiffany Butcher-Baker emotionally leaves Walford (2021) After the end of her marriage to Keegan (Zack Morris), an emotional Tiff (Maisie Smith) decided to leave the Square behind and left with her older brother Liam (Alfie Deegan) to live with dad Ricky in Germany. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 67. Keegan and Tiffany Butcher-Baker leave Walford for Germany after reconciling (2022) Butcher, Baker, tearjerker maker? A new beginning for this young couple warranted the only use of Julia’s Theme in 2022. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 68. The sun rises on Walford after the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (2023) In one of the most tear-jerking instalments of recent memory, Lola Pearce-Brown’s life peacefully came to a close following her brain tumour diagnosis and a fox, symbolically representing Lola (Danielle Harold), was seen passing through Walford as the sun rose on Albert Square. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 69. Karen Taylor flees Walford with Mitch and Bailey Baker, Mia and Mackenzie Atkins (2023) Despite this seeming like the last time we’d ever see Karen (Lorraine Stanley), she returned to Albert Square just months later following the death of her son, Keanu. We won't ask how she managed to get daughter Chantelle's memorial tree on a flight. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 70. Whitney Dean leaves Walford behind with her children (2024) After 15 years of heartache, Whitney (Shona McGarty) departed Walford on a bus with baby daughter Dolly and foster daughter Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell) after she explosively jilted cheating fiancé Zack Hudson (James Farrar) at the altar. The scenes mirrored her arrival, with Britney even wearing a similar outfit. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 71. Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin bask in Nish Panesar’s demise as they lie in hospital (2025) The BBC soap’s first sapphic wedding finally got a happy ending, as Sukeve (Balvinder Sopal and Heather Peace) realised that Nish’s death meant their ordeal was finally over. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 72. Martin Fowler dies in the arms of Stacey Slater (2025) View oEmbed on the source website The explosive 40th anniversary week ended with the death of EastEnders’ firstborn son, Martin Fowler, after he was injured saving true love and ex-wife Stacey Slater following an explosion in the Queen Victoria pub. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 73. Phil Mitchell returns home with his loved ones after a stay in a mental health unit (2025) A turbulent few months for Phil concluded with him finding closure at his parents’ graveside alongside best pal Nigel, cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick), friend Linda and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown). You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 74. Martin Fowler is laid to rest (2025) The heartbreaking funeral of Walford favourite Martin Fowler as Stacey and his friends and family said a sad farewell to Martin. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 75. Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson leave Walford for Bali with Bex and Julia Fowler (2025) What an exit. Sonia gave us one last blast on her trumpet as she and Bianca were wheeled out of Walford in the back of a boat en route to Bali. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. 76. Nigel Bates passes away (2026) Following a long and difficult journey with young-onset dementia, Nigel Bates dies in his nursing home, and his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and his best friend Phil embrace in grief at their loss. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Alternative EastEnders Themes Kathy's Theme (1998) In April 1998, a special version of the theme tune - which was somewhat reminiscent of the 'jazzy' version which had debuted five years earlier - accompanied Kathy Mitchell's move to South Africa. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Later in the month, a new beginning dawned for the Bates family, leaving viewers wondering whether we’d ever see the clan again. Of course, Clare would return a decade later, while Paul Bradley and Karen Henthorn have reprised their Nigel and Julie roles in recent years. 'Kathy's Theme', as the music has been affectionately dubbed, was used in this instance too. Peggy's Theme (2010-) There's nobody more deserving than Peggy Mitchell. For the matriarch's exit in 2010, Simon May took to his piano to craft the music. Playing out as she took one final look at her beloved Queen Victoria pub, this wouldn't be the last time we heard the music. On occasion, it has replaced Julia's Theme, such as following Ronnie Mitchell's imprisonment, before a fireworks display during the 30th anniversary live episode, and also during Peggy's definitive departure in 2016. Pat's Theme (2012) A more solemn version of the theme aired during Pat Evans' emotional final episode on 1st January 2012. It was accompanied by the screen fading to black and was also released commercially by Simon May. Jubilee Theme (2022) View oEmbed on the source website 2022 was a special year for the BBC soap as the Platinum Jubilee was celebrated for Queen Elizabeth II and her then-heir Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, paid a visit to the set. Dot's Theme (2022) This was a special theme created to commemorate the passing of actress June Brown and the end of Dot Branning's time on this mortal coil. You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here. Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
New BBC Radio 2 breakfast host Sara Cox's "heartwarming and wonderful" show gets future confirmed
The Marvellous Miniature Workshop is returning for an extended second season. The hit series, which is hosted by BBC Radio 2 host Sara Cox and produced by EarlyBird, has been commissioned for more than double the original number of episodes in the first season, expanding from eight to 20 instalments. The episodes have also been extended to 45 minutes. The programme sees a team of artists who specialise in making miniatures of things recreate cherished buildings and locations of great personal significance to various contributors, who tell presenter Cox about their stories during the show. Cox said in a statement that she's "absolutely over the moon about the new series of Marvellous Miniature Workshop". She added: "It’s easily the most heartwarming & wonderful programme I’ve ever been involved with.” EarlyBird founder Dom Bird added: "I’m delighted Sara’s returning to BBC One for this new run. Seeing audiences respond so positively to The Marvellous Miniature Workshop has been a real pleasure and I’m thrilled that the BBC has commissioned EarlyBird to deliver this super-sized order. "These extended 45-minute episodes will enable Sara to immerse viewers even further into the extraordinary artistry of our miniaturists, showcasing the programme’s exceptional ability to capture the magic in the minutiae.” The Marvellous Miniature Workshop season 1 premiered on BBC One back in December and soon became a hit with viewers and critics alike. Miniature recreations during the first season included a 1980s east London school classroom, which captured memories of a teacher. Another episode focused on the recreation of a derelict library in Manchester, which captured a love story that began there. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guideand Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Game of Wool winner reveals adorable exclusive look at new CBeebies show Froglets – and why it feels unique to modern children's TV
The show will follow the adventures of a trio of amphibian friends crafted by Holger Auffenberg.
A children's TV show starring wool frogs hand-knitted by Game of Wool winner Holger Auffenberg is coming to CBeebies – and now Radio Times can share an exclusive new look at the series. Froglets will follow the adventures of a trio of amphibian friends crafted by Auffenberg – who was crowned the winner of Tom Daley's first season of Game of Wool in December 2025 – and brought to life by a team of puppeteers as they navigate life together in a house. The pre-school show will arrive on 11 May 2026 on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about what viewers can expect from Froglets, which is narrated by comedy star Sue Perkins, Holger said it will follow "the everyday adventures of a group of three best friends living together in a suburban house. But they’re knitted. And they’re frogs. And nobody but the dog knows they’re there." He added: "It’s a charming series aimed at pre-schoolers, who can follow our intrepid three as they navigate the world of the humans with unlimited imagination and an unfeasibly large wardrobe of fabulous outfits." He continued: "It's really a show that will inspire children to be creative and have fun playing with the simplest and humblest things they find in their own home." Talking about the series' origins, Holger added: "We first started developing this a few years ago when we noticed a big knitted-frog trend on Instagram led by various creators, including Claire Garland (AKA @dotpebbles_knits), and the charming cottagecore feel transpiring from this trend was one of the first inspirations for the production team." In terms of what makes the show unique among modern children's TV, Holger said: "We went for an overall feel that is, at the same time, both endearingly old-school and very modern. "Froglets is a slower, more thoughtful pace that gives children time to engage and absorb, very much in keeping with the CBeebies approach." Rather than using CGI for the series, a bespoke technical filming set-up was developed in order to film the Froglets as live action. Holger added: "The characters are animated in a deliberately simple and naive way by traditional puppeteers, because this reflects the way they would be moved around if a child were to play with them. As a result, there is a very honest and wholesome feeling to the stories." The series, which was created by Massimo Fenati, was commissioned by Rai Kids, Italy and is an international partnership between Eaglet Pictures and Pesci Combattenti (Italy). Tess Cuming serves as executive producer, while Riccardo Mastropietro helms and produces the episodes. Froglets will air on 11 May on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
MasterChef 2026 contestants: Confirmed cast for season 22
Let's meet the chefs whipping up a storm in the kitchen this year!
MasterChef is back and ready to fire up and grill a new batch of contestants hoping to impress the judges. With Grace Dent and Anna Haugh at the helm as the new hosts, the 22nd series of the BBC cooking competition is making sure this is one to remember. But who will boil under the pressure and who will quietly simmer as the heats get under way? With 48 contestants all fighting for a handful of the sought-after white MasterChef aprons, they'll have to whip up something special in order to make it through. And tonight, it's time for heat 4 to show what they're made of. Meet the team of amateur chefs ready to take on the challenge, and why they've decided to do the show. MasterChef 2026 contestants: Who is competing in series 22? Heat 4 Naomi Age: 31 From: Newcastle Job: Warehouse designer Naomi's family travelled around the country with her dad's job when she was a child, and she learnt to cook from her mum. Naomi's signature dish is braised beef in cinnamon and beef stock with baba ganoush and fattoush. Anisha Age: 26 From: Birmingham Job: Digital engineer Anisha was inspired to cook from an early age by her father, who was a restaurateur and chef. Her signature dish is Turkish lamb manti dumplings, with a roasted garlic yoghurt, a homage to her husband. Lenford Age: 35 From: St Lucia Job: Coastal engineer Lenford grew up in St Lucia and played international rugby for the island's team. He now lives in London but will be bringing the spirit of St Lucia into the kitchen. His signature dish is a St Lucian Sunday lunch, consisting of stewed lamb, mac and cheese, roasted plantain and coleslaw. Kristen Age: 40 From: Australia Job: Communications director Kristen moved to the UK when she was 21 and is a self-confessed culinary magpie who has collected and developed her food style based on where she has travelled and lived. Her signature dish is cured sea bass with Thai flavours of kaffir lime and Thai basil and coriander, paired with a smoked coconut milk, a cumber and herb granita and a whipped cod's roe. Adam Age: 24 From: County Down Job: PhD student Adam grew up in a small fishing village outside Belfast and he dreams of following in the footsteps of other great Irish chefs by championing the food of his homeland. His signature dish is a treacle and Veda bread tart with an orange mascarpone cream and a walnut brittle. Simi Age: 59 From: Iran Job: Retired Originally from Iran, retired nursery teacher Simi has lived in the UK for 30 years. Her dream is to run a supper club which celebrates the culture, story and flavours of Persian cuisine. Her signature dish is lamb shanks with tahchin and Shirazi salad. Heat 3 Rebecca Age: 56 From: Lincoln Job: Advertising Rebecca has been a pescatarian since she was a teenager, and dreams of owning a small independent cafe. Her signature dish is a paneer curry with an egg, a nod to her mother who was famous for her curries that always included an egg. Yuvi Age: 24 From: Warwickshire Job: AI consultant From a young age, Yuvi's parents introduced him to flavours from all over the world which inspired him to experiment. His signature dish is a trio of duck, consisting of smoked duck breast, duck liver mousse beignet and sautéed duck hearts, along with a cherry balsamic coulis. Tony Age: 46 From: Yorkshire Job: Dairy factory worker Tony shares his passion for cooking with his 10-year-old son, and they both watch MasterChef together. It was Tony's son who pushed him to apply for the show. His signature dish is a roast dinner, but elevated to the next level. Matt From: London Job: PhD student London born Matt has British, Canadian and east Asian heritage and when cooking at home, he loves to draw on the Japanese flavours he grew up with. His signature dish is poached sea bream with spicy tomato and brown crab sauce. Leia Age: 36 From: Puerto Rico Job: Medical writer Leia was taught to cook by her grandmother, where her passion to cooking stemmed from. Her signature dish is a plantain lasagne with short rib ragu. Alexia Age: 32 From: London Job: Travel consultant Alexia's travels have inspired her to cook different cuisines, often putting a twist on things. Her signature dish is beer battered aubergine with a satay sauce. Heat 2 Jim Age: 45 From: Derbyshire Job: Music producer For Jim, cooking is his wind down time after work. His signature dish is a pan-seared Iberico pork with a manchego croquette and romseco sauce, Amy Age: 64 From: Massachusetts Job: Humanist wedding celebrant Amy spent 20 years as a US diplomat living and working in the Middle East and Africa, where she dived into their culture via food. Her signature dish is a pistachio Persian love cake with Persian rose water and saffron ice cream. Maddie Age: 28 From: Southampton Job: Tattoo artist With a love for home cooked classics, Maddie dreams of one day having her own food truck. Her signature is based on the first dish she ever made that people requested she made again, a king prawn and scallop Alfredo with homemade tagliatelle. Luca Age: 34 From: Italy Job: Flight operations controller Luca was inspired to take up cooking after travelling the world as a flight attendant and working on cruise ships. His signature dish a classic risotto with a twist, including a ras el hanout, a blend of spices from Morocco. He will serve that with mint and lemon pesto and a side of beetroot sauce and beetroot cubes. Maria Age: 40 From: London Job: Advertising executive Maria grew up in a family of food lovers and still shares recipes with her older sisters. Her signature dish is a mix between her two sisters' favourite desserts, making a baked doughnut with a grilled pineapple marinated in lime and chilli with a ginger custard. Michael Age: 34 From: Wolverhampton Job: Stay-at-home dad Michael learned how to cook watching videos online and in 2014, he catered for his own wedding and now as a stay-at-home dad, he cooks daily for his wife and family. His signature dish is a Parmigiano risotto with short rib braised in a pressure cooker with dandelion and burdock. Heat 1 Brendan Age: 57 From: Essex Job: Construction project company director Brendan has loved cooking since he was a child, with one of his first memories being helping his mum and parents make Christmas dinner. He now considers the kitchen his "happy place", and likes to show his love for his family through the meals he makes them. Speaking ahead of the series, he said: "Over the years, many people have said I should enter the competition, especially my wife and children, so back in 2020 I entered for the first time and decided that I would keep on entering every year until I made it onto the show. "Five years later it happened and my long-term dream became a reality - definitely a major thing on my bucket list ticked!" Jhané Age: 29 From: North London Job: Tech program manager Jhané grew up in Islington with her family, and found her passion for food from her mum, who loved hosting guests and friends in their home for dinner parties. She says her cooking style is all about bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and portions as big as possible. "For me, the best meals happen when everyone is reaching over each other for a second helping and sharing stories," she said. "I want my food to be the loud, messy centrepiece of a great night and fun party. "When I cook, it’s not so much about tweezers and dainty garnishes and more about high heat, fresh herbs, and lots of chilli." Jhané hopes that MasterChef will give her a platform to turn her love of cooking into a career. Matt Age: 41 From: West Yorkshire Job: IT manager Matt admits he was a late bloomer when it comes to learning how to cook, considering himself a picky eater when he was younger. He finally found a passion for whipping up meals during the COVID lockdown in 2020, and since then has been enjoying experimenting with recipes. Matt takes pride in dishes that are flavour-driven, combining small elements together for something special, and hopes to inspire others to do the same. "Cooking has quietly become a huge part of my life, and I reached a point where I thought why not push myself and see how far I can take it? MasterChef feels like the perfect challenge," he said. "It forces you out of your comfort zone and tests your creativity and technique." Rosdip Age: 33 From: North Shields Job: Digital portfolio manager Rosdip grew up in Nepal before relocating to the UK at the age of 17. His cooking style is heavily influenced by his Nepalese heritage, and he takes pride in creating dishes from the heart. He credits his mum for helping him learn how to create delicious dishes from minimal ingredients, and his Scottish partner Gregor for introducing him to a new mix of flavours. His dream is to bring his Nepalese cuisine to a global stage. "I’m talking about generational home-cooking that usually only lives in memory of family members, without any recipe books," he explains. "In near future, I would absolutely love to serve the North-East community refined home cooked Nepali dishes that deliver nostalgia and bold, authentic flavours without compromise, so they get a taste of Nepal and my heritage!" Sabina Age: 49 From: Greater London Job: Environmental consultant Sabina grew up in Gulshan, Dhaka, but now lives in London with her husband and two teenage children. She loves to experiment, and considers her kitchen a "flavour lab", and takes pride in trying new things, often being influenced by her Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. Sabina particularly likes cooking with chillies, and finding that perfect blend of flavour and heat. This isn't Sabina's first time trying to take on the challenge for MasterChef, first applying 16 years ago, but was forced to pull out of filming due to her pregnancy. "I was due right around the time of filming, and it just wasn't meant to be," she said. "Life got busy, and I put the dream aside." "Fast forward sixteen years, and my kids started getting after me to apply again. They'd seen me cooking all these years, experimenting in my kitchen, and they kept saying, 'Mum, you have to do it'," she added. "There was something about their encouragement that felt like serendipity, they were the reason I couldn't do it the first time, and now they were the reason I was giving it another shot." Samantha Age: 39 From: St Albans Job: Accounts assistant Living with her husband and two children, Samantha likes to experiment and doesn't feel like she has one particular cooking style. She first found a love of cooking through her family, helping them make breakfast even as a small child. "I have always been a huge fan of the show and watched it since it started," she said about her reason for taking part. "I always wanted to give it a go, and I did apply a few times over the years and then work and having a family took up a lot of my time, so I thought being 40 next year, let’s get it off the bucket list. And here I am!" MasterChef continues on Wednesday 29 April at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders airs heartbreaking death scenes as Nigel Bates leaves soap after 34 years in early BBC iPlayer release
Warning: Contains spoilers for Wednesday's episode of EastEnders, which airs at 7.30pm on BBC One or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
It's the end of an era in EastEnders - beloved Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has passed away after a battle with dementia. Bradley reprised his role in December 2024, though some weeks passed before Nige' chose to divulge his illness to old friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). The men struck up an unlikely bond, despite their estrangement for almost three decades, and as Nigel's condition worsened, Phil promised to stand by him. They had a somewhat unconventional care arrangement in place at No. 55 Victoria Road, that was disturbed when wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) came to London from Scotland seeking her husband. By this point, his conditioned had worsened to a point where he was mistaking her for his first wife Debbie (Nicola Duffett). Last Christmas, he saw visions of Debbie alongside a number of former Walford residents, and it soon became clear to Phil and Julie that they couldn't provide the level of care that he needed. Following an emotional reunion with stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), Nigel moved into a proper facility. This left Phil guilt-ridden, believing that he'd betrayed the promise he'd made. This week, as Nigel's dying days neared, Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) decided to do the right thing and summon his father Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) back to his homeland. He hoped that Grant could not only reconnect with Nigel, but also convince Phil to go and visit him. Phil flatly refused, and later headed to the beach for a moment of reflection and to find a special skimming stone that matched the one that Nigel had treasured for decades. Grant had followed him there, though knew that time was running out when Julie called to ask if he wanted to say goodbye. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. An explosive argument between the brothers ensued in today's extended episode, with Phil attempting to goad Grant into punching him. He didn't want to leave the beach until he'd found the perfect, flat and round stone that matched the original that Nigel wanted. With Grant choosing to do the right thing and leave, Phil gazed on towards the sea, glancing for a brief moment towards the floor. Rather conveniently, the exact type of rock was right in front of him. Grant shouted out towards his brother for the final time, hoping to make a breakthrough, and Phil finally decided to follow his lead. They made their way towards the car park, but realised that Phil's car had been clamped. Fortunately, Grant's vehicle was ready and waiting to go - that was, until, they faced another hitch. It was powered by electric, and ran out of charge when they were nowhere near Walford. Thinking on his feet, Grant handed a pizza delivery boy some cash and asked him to take Phil on the back of his motorbike. A number of residents had been into the care home already to say goodbye. Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) accompanied Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and youngster Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), deciding to sing a song from her youth to ailing Nige'. Lexi questioned how she could remember the tune, and she explained that it was something her mother used to sing to her as a child. Although it had been a long time since she'd passed, the memories only grew stronger with time. As Yolande left, she told Julie that she thought Nigel was holding on to say goodbye, and that he was too frightened to let go. Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) then arrived with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), and Julie was playing coastal sound effects to drown out the noise of his lapsed breathing. She knew the time was coming, but his gasps for air were a horrible reminder of his pain. Phil finally made his way to the care home. He placed the stone in Nigel's hand, and to both his and Julie's surprise, his fingers clasped around the item. Julie urged Phil to tell Nigel that he'd be ok, and that she feared he wasn't prepared to die without knowing that his best mate was in a good place mentally. A series of alternative realities then showed us what Nigel was imagining. In a dream-like sequence, he and Phil were sat on deckchairs reminiscing and chatting about moments from different films. Phil finally built up the courage to tell Nigel that it was fine to 'leave', and that he was prepared to face the future without him. Nigel's final memory was of being at the beach with his father, asking to skim "one last stone" before they departed. With Phil and Julie surrounding him, Nigel slipped away. The stone fell out of his hand, and the two burst into tears. Will Phil really be fine in Nigel's absence? Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Strictly Come Dancing confirms exit of fan-favourite dancer 10 years after joining cast of BBC hit
He is the fifth pro confirmed not to return to the 2026 line-up.
Strictly Come Dancing has lost another professional dancer from its line-up as Gorka Márquez is exiting the entertainment series after 10 years. The BBC confirmed the news in a statement posted on social media, with Márquez becoming the fifth pro not returning to the show later this year. He joins the previously announced Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. In a statement shared online, the BBC said: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography. "As well as being part of our Strictly family, it's been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show. "We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that's to come." Márquez had long been rumoured as one of the professionals not to be returning to the show this year, particularly due to his commitments on the Spanish equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, Bailando con las Estrellas. Last year, it was confirmed he was not competing on Strictly due to scheduling conflicts, but was involved in group numbers with the other pros. Márquez shared an emotional statement on Instagram, confirming that after his decision to step down as a full-time professional, he has since decided "now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing". The statement read: "I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity – over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful." It continued: "Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family. Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey." The BBC is yet to confirm the official professionals line-up, but given it is usually announced around this time of year, it could be any day now. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year. Add Strictly Come Dancing to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Michael Jackson documentaries worth watching and where to stream
Here are five you can tune into right now.
The Michael Jackson biopic Michael has been a huge box office success in its opening days, despite negative reviews from critics. Following its first weekend of release, the film launched with $97 million in the US and $217 million globally, breaking the box office record for a musical biopic – which had previously been held by Bohemian Rhapsody. The movie, which features Michael's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, charts the life and legacy of the late musician from his early beginnings as a member of the Jackson 5 through to his 1987 Bad tour. With a decision yet to be made on whether there will be a follow-up to the movie, exploring Michael's later life, there are a number of documentaries available to watch that chart much of the singer's life, including the allegations made against him in the late '90s and early 2000s. If you're looking to watch more about Michael Jackson, these are five documentaries to tune into. Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson Released: 2025 Where to watch: Channel 4 Leaving Neverland was first released in 2019 and featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they alleged they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson. Leaving Neverland 2 covers Robson and Safechuck's attempt to take their allegations to trial. The Jackson estate responded to the original documentary, calling it "the kind of tabloid character assassination Michael Jackson endured in life, and now in death". "The film takes uncorroborated allegations that supposedly happened 20 years ago and treats them as fact," they added. You can read the statement in full here. The 2019 film is currently unavailable to stream in the US, after the Jackson estate sued HBO, claiming the film went against a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract between the singer and HBO over the rights to Michael Jackson in Concert in Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour. In 2024, a settlement was reached between the estate and HBO, with a spokesperson for the network telling The New York Times: "It was resolved amicably." Louis, Martin & Michael Released: 2003 Where to watch: BBC iPlayer The interview that never was. In the early 2000s, Louis Theroux set out on a mission to interview Michael Jackson and in trying to attain that, he examined the world that surrounded him and those who worshipped him. Finding himself on the same hotel floor as Michael Jackson during a visit to the UK and a trip to Las Vegas that saw Theroux interview Joe Jackson in bizarre conditions to speaking with Jackson's friend Uri Geller who arranged an interview with Martin Bashir and Jackson that ultimately became Living with Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy Released: 2026 Where to watch: BBC iPlayer This three-parter charts the life of Michael Jackson from "child prodigy to global pop icon", exploring each major moment in his life. It tracks early beginnings in the Jackson 5, to allegations of abuse, to his death in 2009 while planning a comeback. The documentary features contributions from major figures in Jackson's life, including his sister La Toya Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, his manager Dieter Wiesner, bodyguard Bill Whitfield, family attorney Brian Oxman and prosecutor Ron Zonen. Michael Jackson: The Trial Released: 2026 Where to watch: Channel 4 This documentary focuses on the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson, featuring exclusive footage and previously unheard audio tapes of Jackson, those close to him and the Los Angeles police. People v Jackson was a 2005 criminal trial. Jackson had been charged with molesting 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. Jackson denied all accusations and was acquitted on all counts. Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall Released: 2016 Where to watch: YouTube Directed by Spike Lee, this documentary film chronicles the rise of Michael Jackson through the creation of his solo album, Off the Wall. This period of Jackson's life is explored in the biopic, with this documentary likely to feature further context behind his rise to fame. Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What to watch on streaming: today's picks from Netflix, Prime Video and more
Looking for something to watch today on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more? Don't miss our experts' recommendations...
We can all feel a bit overwhelmed when looking for something to watch in the world of streaming, so if you're in need of some guidance, you've come to the right place. New to Apple TV is very funny new comedy horror Widow's Bay, in which Matthew Rhys has a rare chance to show off his comic chops. He’s the mayor of an island that wants to attract more tourists – but is it beholden to an ancient curse? Over on Prime Video, The House of the Spirits - an adaptation of Isabel Allende’s novel - follows generations of the Trueba family as love, politics and magical realism intertwine in a turbulent South American nation. In Netflix's thought-provoking true-crime documentary Should I Marry a Murderer?, forensic pathologist Caroline Muirhead stays engaged to her fiancé after his murder confession to secretly help police gather evidence. How do you follow a discomfiting drama like Baby Reindeer? If you’re Richard Gadd, you create an even more dysfunctional relationship than stalker-victim and chart its damaged anatomy with a pathologist’s diligence. And so the BBC's Half Man focuses on the toxic codependency between de facto stepbrothers Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Jamie Bell). There will be blood. For the film fans among you, there's plenty to choose from. Available to stream is Emerald Fennell’s bold reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic Wuthering Heights, which casts Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw opposite Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff. Their obsessive, destructive romance is framed amid windswept Yorkshire moors with heightened emotion, modern flourishes and Gothic intensity - though purists beware... New to Netflix is Apex, in which Charlize Theron runs, climbs, swims and fights as a woman whose hike in the Australian bush is interrupted by the presence of a hunter (Taron Egerton) who’s made her his latest target. Action veteran Baltasar Kormákur directs the survivalist silliness with an eye for bruising, white-knuckle stunts. In Saipan on Prime Video, Steve Coogan is excellent as Ireland football manager Mick McCarthy, dealing with a team on the verge of mutiny during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. But it’s Eanna Hardwicke as combustible team captain Roy Keane who brings the fireworks. There's no shortage of streaming options, and so to give you a bit of a hand, Radio Times has collated some of the best new offerings: from Netflix and Disney Plus to Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Apple TV, here are the latest highlights across the services. Whether it's a feature-length documentary like Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere, a drama spin-off like The Madison or a gorgeous nature film such as Orangutan, there's something here to suit everyone's taste. Take a look at the list below, which includes all the details about where you can watch any title – and what we think.
EastEnders airs tragic dilemma for Grant Mitchell in early BBC iPlayer release
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) has found himself in an impossible situation in EastEnders, having been forced to choose between helping brother Phil (Steve McFadden) or being by his best pal Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) side in his final hours. Following on from the conclusion of yesterday's instalment – which saw Phil throw his family out into the street and crumble into a state of distress – he didn't want to visit Nigel in his care home, believing that he'd betrayed his promise to support him until the very end. He also thought that Nigel, Julie (Karen Henthorn) and the Mitchells didn't need him, which couldn't have been further from the truth. Time was running out, as after Nige' was admitted to hospital following a fall, Julie made the tough decision to suspend his treatment and ensure that he was comfortable. Grant popped by the care home as she explained the difficult news, and he began to fear that Phil would never get to say goodbye. Meanwhile, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) tried to make a breakthrough with his cousin, but was similarly thrown out when Phil couldn't contain his overwhelming grief. Before Grant left, Nigel leapt out of bed and began shouting out for "one last stone." He couldn't see the significance, though soon remembered a special skimming stone that Nige's dad had given him when he was younger. He kept it on the side of the bath, and Grant hoped that he'd brought it with him to Walford. Phil revealed that it was long lost, and that they'd never be able to find a suitable replacement. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Grant scrambled to find a replacement from the Square Gardens, though the one he took to Nigel fell straight through his hands and seemingly confirmed that it wasn't what he'd requested. Little did Grant realise, Phil had made it his mission to find an exact replica of the prized possession. Billy and Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) made another attempt at reasoning with Phil, but he was nowhere to be found. Grant had an idea, and jumped into his car – driving towards the beach. Upon arrival, he spotted his brother skimming stones on the sea. However, before he could approach, Julie called to say that Nigel had taken a turn for the worse. His breathing was now lapsed, and it was likely that he didn't have long left. Will Grant stay at the beach, or head to the care home to say goodbye to Nigel? Read more: 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell
Phil is crumbling following Nigel's death, Max and Cindy make things official and it's war between Ian and Elaine.
An emotional time in Walford continues next week following Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) death. The EastEnders rally around his grieving wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), while Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) quietly suffers. Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) focuses his attention on supporting Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) amid her concerns for son Johnny (Charlie Suff), and Max Branning (Jake Wood) decides to go public with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). The arrival of an old face - evil Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) - stirs trouble for adoptive son George (Colin Salmon), and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) is worried about Denise Fox (Diane Parish). Here's everything happening in EastEnders between Monday 4 and Thursday 7 May. 7 EastEnders spoilers for next week 1. George Knight is rocked by Eddie request to see him Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) and George return home from the hospital to what should be a joyful moment - a surprise welcome party for newborn Ivy. But for Nicola, it’s all too much, and she quickly shuts the celebrations down. Later, a quieter heart-to-heart with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) helps steady her, and she finds comfort watching George embrace fatherhood. That moment of calm is short-lived however, when Nicola realises George has had his phone switched off and has missed several calls from the hospital. She initially believes that these calls concern Ivy, but when she discovers the truth she heads to the ward. There, she comes face-to-face with Eddie Knight, who drops the revelation that he’s dying. Back at No.1, Nicola attempts to keep her visit under wraps, but George soon pieces things together after finding a parking ticket. With the truth exposed, he heads to the hospital himself and is shaken by Eddie’s frailty. News of Eddie’s whereabouts also ripples outward, leaving Gina and Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) stunned. As questions mount from his family, George is forced to confront his feelings, and makes the decision to visit Eddie one last time. Later in the week, Nicola takes matters into her own hands, warning Eddie to stay away from her family. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. 2. Phil Mitchell and Julie Bates attempt to navigate life after Nigel's death Phil is struggling in the wake of Nigel’s death, reaching out to Grant in the hope of reconnecting. But emotions remain raw, and when Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) turns down the chance to join them, Grant follows suit. Phil is left rejected once again. Meanwhile, Julie prepares to collect Nigel’s belongings from his care home alone, choosing to shield Phil from the pain. But her resolve falters when Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) spots her in the Minute Mart, visibly emotional. Julie confides everything, prompting Kat to march straight to No.55 and vent her anger at Sam and Phil. In the end, they rally around Julie and accompany her to the care home. There, she discovers a letter from Nigel, but she can’t yet bring herself to read it. 3. Tensions reach boiling point between Ian Beale and Elaine Peacock Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) throws himself into his councillor campaign, but confidence quickly wavers when he realises most of Walford seems to be backing Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) instead. Desperate to swing support, he attempts to bribe Harvey, Howie and Mo at the allotments - but the plan backfires. Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) soon pitches a more ruthless tactic: a smear campaign video targeting Elaine. Ian hesitates, unsure whether to cross that line. Things take a disastrous turn when Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) swaps Ian’s speech at the last minute, leaving him floundering, until Elaine unexpectedly steps in to steady him. A humiliated Ian later vents his frustration at Jimmy’s birthday party, and in a moment of weakness, gives Bea the green light to release the video. It doesn’t take long for Walford to erupt with gossip as the anonymous clip spreads online. Unaware of the storm brewing, Elaine visits Beale’s Eels to wish Ian luck... while he scrambles to contact Bea and undo the damage. It's too late. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) reveals the truth to Elaine, who storms over to confront Ian head-on. As election day dawns, Bea works the crowd for last-minute votes, while Ian attempts damage control. Though he and Elaine try to remain civil, the hurt lingers. 4. Linda Carter turns to Grant Mitchell for support after Max Branning goes public with Cindy Beale Linda struggles to hide her jealousy over Max and Cindy, though Grant encourages her to focus on herself for once. His advice, combined with news from Elaine that Johnny is facing financial trouble, gives Linda pause for thought. Soon after, she makes a bold decision - telling Denise she plans to sell her share of Fox & Hair. Hoping to help, Linda offers Johnny the money, but he refuses outright, ordering her to leave. The rejection cuts deep, and when Grant attempts to lift her spirits, Linda lashes out, pushing him away. Later, Grant seeks Johnny out at the café, delivering some blunt home truths. Max and Cindy celebrate their joint birthday at Harry’s Barn, but tensions simmer beneath the surface - particularly when Max learns Linda has slept with someone else. Jealousy takes hold, and in a sudden move, Cindy accepts Max's offer to move in with him. 5. Harry Mitchell helps Gina Knight amid monetary worries at the restaurant Harry agrees to lend Gina money from Harry’s Barn to help plug gaps in the Knight Fusion accounts, but the decision doesn’t stay hidden for long. Nicola is blindsided when her accountant reveals that Harry’s Barn is already operating at a loss. Confronted with the truth, Gina and Harry have no choice but to come clean. Desperate to hold onto the business, Harry pleads with Nicola not to sell. 6. The Queen Vic is losing punters to the Walford allotments Kat and Alfie are left unimpressed when they discover their regulars have been sneaking off to the allotments for drinks instead of frequenting their place. Never one to hold back, Kat gives Howie and Harvey both barrels over their secret gatherings. 7. Sam Mitchell urges Denise Fox to seek medical attention Denise’s exhaustion becomes increasingly hard to ignore when Sam finds her asleep in the salon. Concerned, she checks in - and Denise admits she’s already booked a doctor’s appointment. Later, Sam offers a practical suggestion that could ease Denise’s worries: perhaps Jack could invest in Fox & Hair, providing a much-needed lifeline after Linda's decision to pull out. Read more: EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Night Manager season 3 will offer "redemption", teases showrunner - and offers update on wait for new episodes
"All of us want to see justice, redemption and we want to see something change."
Viewers were left stunned by the season 2 finale of The Night Manager, which saw Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine lose in his battle against Hugh Laurie's Richard Roper, and lose badly. Not only did Roper kill his own son Teddy, who Pine had grown close to and who had turned coats against his father, but Pine's ally Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) was also killed. Roper himself was then able to return to the UK and reunite with his other son, Danny, having stoked a civil war in Colombia. Now, speaking at Deadline’s Contenders TV panel, creator and executive producer David Farr has explained why the season 2 ending was so downbeat - and revealed that the upcoming third season will offer "redemption". He said that the season 2 ending "was important to us all because the world is a tough place at the moment, and it didn’t feel right not to reflect that". Farr continued: "But of course, all of us want to see justice, redemption and we want to see something change, so I feel like season 3, there is actually a deep emotional and moral imperative to honour that." Meanwhile, Hiddleston added: "It’s also in the title. John le Carré was a genius, is one of the great writers of the 20th century – I believe that, spies or otherwise. "He called it The Night Manager for a reason: [Jonathan Pine] is the protagonist, someone who is managing, containing darkness – principally the darkness inside himself, the darkness of his childhood and the loss of his parents, his disillusionment with military service. "But also he’s managing the night. He’s managing the world’s darkness because he believes the light should win. And it’s all comes from him in a way, and it’s such a thrill that we get to do it again. A trilogy feels tidy. And I hope I’m not that much older by the time we start." Farr also offered an update on his progress on season 3, and sadly for fans it seems like we could have a bit of a wait on our hands - even if it isn't the full 10 years that it took to get season 2. "Right now, I feel the deep weight of doom of stress about it because I’m the one who has to actually do the writing of the damn thing," Farr said. "It’s a huge challenge. It’ll be very exciting. And it won’t take as long as the last one, I promise." The Night Manager seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Add The Night Manager to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
EastEnders airs Grant Mitchell's return and emotional scenes for Phil in early BBC iPlayer release
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) has made a spectacular return to EastEnders at a tragic time for brother Phil (Steve McFadden). The OG Walford hard man was summoned back to his old haunt by estranged son Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), who believed that he needed to know about best mate Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) declining health. Mark had betrayed his aunty Sam's (Kim Medcalf) wishes, as she'd asked him not to contact Grant as he probably wouldn't be interested. She'd tried several times to tell him about her breast cancer diagnosis, and he hadn't returned any of her calls. A car sped into the Square, immediately catching both Sam and Mark's attention. They were stunned to see Grant, who was under the illusion that Mark wanted him there because of Phil's mental wellbeing. As viewers will recall, the last time Grant visited London, Phil was struggling immensely and attempted to take his own life. Before facing his brother, Grant headed for some brekkie at the caff but faced a frosty reception from Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig). With over 30 years passing since they last crossed paths, it was clear that he didn't recognise her. She slammed his plate down on the table and tore strips off him for his treatment of her mum Michelle, their altercation only broke up by the arrival of Sam and Mark. He began to ask questions about Phil, though it soon became apparent that it was Nigel who was the concern. Grant still believed that he was living with the Mitchells, and was gobsmacked to learn that he had been in a care home for several months. He charged out of the and bumped into Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), who explained that Nigel had been hospitalised after falling out of bed. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. It was an emotional reunion as Grant headed to the ward, and saw just how bad Nigel really was. Back at home, Mark cornered Phil in the pub and urged him to also go to the hospital. He lied, saying that he would only get in the way, but it was clear that he was resenting the fact that he was unable to care for Nigel until the end. When Grant returned, he demanded an audience with his family and the group finally laid their cards on the table after a decade of being apart. He was shocked to hear that Sam had been diagnosed with cancer, and a huge argument ensued. Phil, wanting to shut the world out, ordered Grant, Sam and Mark out of his house before smashing up the kitchen. The trio stood outside, and Sam expressed her belief that it was only Grant who could help Phil. Will Grant be able to make a breakthrough? Read more: 5 EastEnders spoilers this week: Nigel Bates's tragic story ends as Grant Mitchell returns EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Long-running BBC soap films final scenes after 24 years despite cast and crew protests
The final day of filming was said to be "emotional, surreal, hard to put it into words".
Just over a year after it was first confirmed that long-running BBC Scotland soap, River City, was coming to an end, the series has just filmed its final scenes. The final day of filming on the soap after 24 years took place on Friday 24th April, with 'Shellsuit' Bob O'Hara star Stephen Purdon telling BBC News that it was "emotional, surreal, hard to put it into words". He said: "I've been here since I was 19, now I am 43. I have lots of memories from here - great memories. I've been lucky to work in this industry for 24 years. We all get on great and there's no place like it." The end of filming on the soap comes after a strong campaign from cast, crew and fans to keep it on the air. View oEmbed on the source website When the show's cancellation was announced, Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, said: "River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we'll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. "But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK. "Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too." <a href="<a id="menur6li" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com%22%3eadd" href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com%22%3EAdd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Add">https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=radiotimes.com">Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what&rsquo;s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times &ndash; see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. New Scottish dramas on the way from the broadcaster include Counsels, Grams and The Young Team, while others such as Half Man and Mint have just recently debuted. The final episode will air at the end of August, and will be followed by a special, one-off documentary called River City: Our Story. On the final day of filming, executive producer Martin McCardie told BBC Scotland News: "It's very sad. There's lots of people I've known since I first started on the show in 2005, some of them are still here and are the heart of the show. I said on the call sheet today that being the exec producer for people as special as them has been the honour of my professional life." Visit our dedicated soaps page for more soap news. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
Doctor Who legend Peter Capaldi calls out anger at fellow Time Lord actors: “I dunno why people take it so seriously”
"It reflects its times and it’s a good thing in the world."
Twelfth Doctor star Peter Capaldi has expressed his support for his successors in the lead role in Doctor Who, saying he doesn't know why some people take it "so seriously". A lifelong fan of the show - having spearheaded the Scottish branch of the sci-fi show's fan club in the '70s - Capaldi played the Doctor between 2013 and 2017, before the role was taken on by Jodie Whitaker, who became the first woman to play the character in the mainline show. After a brief return for Tenth Doctor star David Tennant, who played the Fourteenth Doctor in the show's 60th anniversary episodes, Ncuti Gatwa took on the role, and became the first Black actor to play the part. Both Whitaker and Gatwa's castings provoked a backlash among some subsections of the fandom and elsewhere online, which Capaldi was asked about in an interview with The Times. Defending their casting, Capaldi said of the sci-fi series: "It reflects its times and it’s a good thing in the world, though it’s become a bit too big, too important for the BBC or whoever. When I was a kid and watched it, it was just a monster show in the corner of the room. I dunno why people take it so seriously." Capaldi isn't the only prominent figure involved in the show or its history to speak out against some Who fans who have labelled the show too 'woke' in recent years. Last year, current showrunner Russell T Davies said while being interviewed on Radio 2: "Someone always brings up matters of diversity. And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues. And I have no time for this. I don’t have a second to bear. Because what you might call diversity I just call an open door." Meanwhile, Varada Sethu, who played Belinda in the show's most recent season, said: "There's been a couple of Doctor Woke [references] or whatever, but I just think we're doing the right thing if we're getting comments like that. "Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love and doing the right thing." This isn't the first time Capaldi has suggested the show has become "too big" over time. Earlier this year, while speaking on the Half the Picture podcast he said: "The show became very, very big. And it was never like that when I loved it. So it became a different thing. I think the responsibilities of playing the part became more... there were more of them. "There were more things that you had to do rather than just... I mean, I think in the old days, if you were John Pertwee or Tom Baker or something like that, you spend most of your year making it and then a bit of your year promoting it. "But it wasn’t this in-your-face kind of thing that suddenly was really important to the BBC, or suddenly really important to a brand that had to be maintained. "It was just a show that some kids really loved, and other kids didn’t care about, but wanted to watch football, or you grew out of. It became this sort of very important thing – I think less in a cultural way and more in an economic way." Doctor Who will return this Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.