Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2025-12-14T11:40:19.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching
items: Where was The War Between the Land and the Sea filmed?
items: The War Between The Land and the Sea release schedule: When is episode 3 out?
items: What channel is Man Utd v Tottenham Women's Super League match on? TV coverage, live stream and kick-off time
items: Is Return to Paradise coming back for season 3?
items: Gavin & Stacey icon stars in first look at new Jane Austen-inspired drama The Other Bennet Sister
items: Line of Duty's Martin Compston hints season 7 will answer unresolved questions
items: New Inspector Lynley adaptation with Sanditon favourite gets release date confirmed by the BBC
items: Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026 and why? UK response explained
items: Waterloo Road season 17 start date confirmed with first look pictures as iconic character makes big comeback
items: Who is performing in the World Cup 2026 final halftime show?
items: EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
items: Shetland future confirmed following season 10 finale – will there be a season 11?
items: Who are Roman and Harleymoon Kemp? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
items: Who are Dylan and Jackie Llewellyn? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
items: Who are Anita Rani and Balvinder Singh Nazran? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
items: Who are Molly Rainford and Tyler West? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
items: EastEnders airs tragic exit scenes for Mitchell family member in early BBC iPlayer release
items: Is Shetland returning for season 11? Alison O’Donnell "can't reveal anything"
items: EastEnders icon Martine McCutcheon reveals she would return as Tiffany if asked – over 25 years since character was killed off
items: Strike season 7 confirms new and returning cast members in fresh look at new instalment
items: How to watch Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrows' Wedding and release date
items: The War Between the Land and the Sea releases first look at final 3 episode – including dramatic finale
items: EastEnders airs harrowing Harry Mitchell overdose scenes after Teddy's sentencing in BBC iPlayer release
items: Amandaland's Joanna Lumley teases Jennifer Saunders reunion: 'As far from Edina and Patsy as you can imagine'
items: Why is there no Doctor Who Christmas special in 2025 and when is the next one?
items: EastEnders airs desperate Sam Mitchell scenes as she takes advantage of Nigel Bates in BBC iPlayer release
items: Death in Paradise's Don Gilet responds to character criticism: 'I don't have to defend Mervin'
items: EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Slater and Branning secrets implode
items: "Missing" Doctor Who story restored with animation has finally been added to BBC iPlayer

Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching
type: item
date: 2025-12-14T11:25:59.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Channel 4
subject: Christmas
subject: ITV
subject: Netflix
description: What a way to see out the year!
encoded: Christmas is right around the corner, and nothing quite rings in the festive season without getting comfortable in front of the TV and tuning into various festive offerings and, fortunately, there are plenty of gems to look forward to on this year's schedule. From festive episodes of classics like Call the Midwife, All Creatures Great and Small and Death in Paradise to favourites and one-off specials including Amandaland, Mandy, Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrow's Wedding, Guz Khan's Stuffed and Brendan O'Carroll's Shedites, there's is plenty to look forward to! And the excitement doesn't stop at Christmas, with The Traitors and The Night Manager are returning to our screens for brand new seasons on New Year's Day. And if you're looking for a Christmas special of some of your entertainment favourites, then you're also in luck: there are festive episodes of The Masked Singer, Taskmaster, MasterChef and The Great British Sewing Bee on the horizon, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host their final ever episode of Strictly Come Dancing. But there's no use telling you everything to expect – scroll on to find out for yourself what shows will be airing over the festive period and where to watch them. Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching 1. Amandaland Christmas special It's time to return to SoHa, as Motherland spin-off Amandaland is back on our screens for a festive special! Lucy Punch reprises her hilarious leading role as Amanda, with Joanna Lumley as her mother Felicity. But it's a very special reunion this time round as Lumley will be joined by her Absolutely Fabulous partner in crime Jennifer Saunders, who will play her on-screen sister Aunt Joan – described as "a ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster [and] very, very different from Felicity". The synopsis reads: "Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Chri…

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Where was The War Between the Land and the Sea filmed?
type: item
date: 2025-12-14T10:59:02.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
description: The new Doctor Who spin-off features some stunning visuals and landscapes.
encoded: The highly anticipated The War Between the Land and the Sea has made its way to screens a year and a half since it was first announced. With no more Doctor Who until Christmas 2026, the new five-part series should fill the gap nicely, as fans dive into the story which sees UNIT faces off against Homo Aqua, the species previously known as the Sea Devils. Starring Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave and Colin McFarlane, among others, the series is also notable for featuring some stunning visuals and locations, as seen in the previously released trailers. But just where was it all actually shot? Read on for everything you need to know about the filming locations used for The War Between the Land and the Sea. Where was The War Between the Land and the Sea filmed? As has been the case with Doctor Who since its revival in 2005, a large portion of the scenes in The War Between the Land and the Sea were filmed in Cardiff. Notable locations used in the area across the five episodes include Cardiff City Hall, National Museum Cardiff, The City Arms pub and the Welsh Government offices at Cathays Park. Meanwhile, scenes were also filmed in Bristol, with filming taking place on Canynge Road in Clifton, as well as at Lloyds Amphitheatre at the harbourside. Filming also took place abroad in Mallorca, Spain. One sequence shot there can be seen in the image above. Of course, as with Doctor Who and most other series, many series were shot on sets in studios – including those taking place in the crucial location of the Empress Hall. Speaking ahead of the series debuting, co-writer and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies said: "I'm so excited by the look of this, it's absolutely gorgeous. "We have a central setting called the Empress Hall that's so full of supporting artists, it makes my heart sing! We've been able to focus the look, because for Doctor Who you're often having to create spaceships and time windows and the TARDIS, whereas for this most of our sets are conce…

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The War Between The Land and the Sea release schedule: When is episode 3 out?
type: item
date: 2025-12-14T10:41:40.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: On demand
description: The Whoniverse's first fully new spin-off since 2016 has now started airing.
encoded: The long-awaited The War Between the Land and the Sea has made its way to BBC One, and after a thrilling double episode launch, fans have been patiently waiting to cast their eyes over the next episode The first two episodes of the series, which stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, aired last week, setting the stage for more intense drama to come in the battle between humanity and the Sea Devils (or, as they are now known, Homo Aqua). But just how many episodes are there in this new series, when will the next instalment debut, and what is the full schedule for the rest of the run? Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for The War Between the Land and the Sea. When will The War Between the Land and the Sea episode 3 air on BBC One? The War Between the Land and the Sea kicked off with two episodes airing back-to-back, and will stick with that the release structure for its third and fourth episodes. They will be airing exactly one week later, meaning episodes 3 and 4 will air on Sunday 14th December 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. How many episodes will there be of The War Between the Land and the Sea? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/08/539631-03779d1.jpg" width="4743" height="3162" alt="Francesca Corney as Sergeant Hana Chakri, Russell Tovey as Barclay and Colin McFarlane as General Pierce in The War Between the Land and the Sea. They are walking through a big set of doors together, with a number of UNIT soldiers in black uniforms stood around them." title="The War Between The Land And The Sea" /> There will be five episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea in total. This makes the series shorter than most Whoniverse shows, although it does have the same number of episodes of the acclaimed third season of Torchwood, Children of Earth. That isn't the only connection The War Between the Land and the Sea has with Children of Earth – the series also sees the return of Colin McFarlane as Aus…

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What channel is Man Utd v Tottenham Women's Super League match on? TV coverage, live stream and kick-off time
type: item
date: 2025-12-14T08:00:32.000Z
creator: Ned Holmes
subject: Football
subject: Sport
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC Two
subject: FA Women's Super League
description: Check out how to watch Man Utd v Tottenham in the Women's Super League, including TV channel, radio coverage and kick-off time.
encoded: Manchester United will look for a response after their heavy midweek defeat in Europe when they host Tottenham in the Women's Super League on Sunday. The Red Devils were outclassed by Lyon in a 3-0 defeat on Wednesday but must brush themselves down as they seek to sign off before the WSL winter break with a win. Watch Man Utd v Tottenham on Sky Sports Man Utd are third in the table and have both Arsenal and Spurs breathing down their necks. The latter are just a point back from the hosts ahead of Sunday's clash in what is fast becoming an outstanding campaign. RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Man Utd v Tottenham on TV and online. Read more football features: Best players in the world | Best players of all time | Live football on TV today When is Man Utd v Tottenham? Man Utd v Tottenham will take place on Sunday 14th December 2025. Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information. Man Utd v Tottenham kick-off time Man Utd v Tottenham will kick off at 2:30pm. What TV channel is Man Utd v Tottenham on? Fans can tune in to watch the game for free on BBC Two from 2:15pm. How to live stream Man Utd v Tottenham online You can live stream the online match via BBC iPlayer. The streaming platform is available on a range of devices, from desktop and laptop computers to smartphones and tablets via the app. Is Man Utd v Tottenham on radio? Unfortunately, there will be no national radio coverage of the game. Please check your local radio network for coverage details. Advertisement Man Utd v Tottenham odds In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event: bet365 odds: Man Utd (2/7) Draw (4/1) Tottenham (9/1)* For all the latest football odds and more, visit bet365 today. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qual…

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Is Return to Paradise coming back for season 3?
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T21:00:16.000Z
creator: Radio Times
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
description: Are we heading back to Dolphin Cove?
encoded: **Warning: Return to Paradise spoilers follow.** In Return to Paradise's sophomore season, Mackenzie not only had her hands full investigating a slew of fresh murders, she also decided that she wanted her ex back – a feeling she didn't enjoy, but couldn't ignore. Yet, Glenn was engaged to Daisy, and he had no intention of walking away from her – that is until their wedding delivered a curveball or two which has shifted things dramatically. So, what now for Mack and Glenn? Are they really destined to be together? Or do the writers have a few more surprises in store? Read on for everything we know so far about a potential Return to Paradise season 3. Has Return to Paradise been renewed for season 3? Not yet – but its stars would love to return if given the opportunity. "When we're on a break from filming, Peter Mattessi, our showrunner and our head writer, texted me something just about the show, and then he wrote, 'I'm sorry, you're probably not thinking about the show at all at the moment, you're on your break,'" Anna Samson told RadioTimes.com. "And I said, 'Mackenzie Clarke is always a little bit in my mind. I'm never quite not thinking about the show.' So she is still alive in me and a character I love, and I'm not ready to put her story fully to bed yet. We'll see what the audience has to say about it." Lloyd Griffith would also like RTP to follow Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise's lead and get its own festive episode. "I keep banging the drum of trying to do a Christmas special and then do season 3, season 4, season 9," he added, before confirming: "I’m being serious." Read more: Beyond Paradise Christmas special teases Humphrey and Martha wedding in first-look pictures Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise 2025 Christmas specials air dates confirmed by BBC Tai Hara echoed his comments: "The Christmas episode would be one that we'd all love to do. And I think what was so brilliant was at the end of season 2, we found out that we were nominated for a Logie …

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Gavin & Stacey icon stars in first look at new Jane Austen-inspired drama The Other Bennet Sister
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T11:19:15.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: News
description: The new BBC period drama will be landing in 2026.
encoded: It's nearing the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth and in the run up to the event on the 16th December, the BBC have graced us with a fitting treat – some first-look images of its upcoming period drama, The Other Bennet Sister. The new drama is set to premiere in 2026 and will focus on the "oft-overlooked middle sister in Pride and Prejudice", Mary Bennet. The leading character in question will be played by Call the Midwife's Ella Bruccoleri, who we see in an image flanked by her beaming sisters and does certainly seem to be the ignored middle child. The other first-look images also give us our first glimpse at Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones who is joined by Richard E Grant as Mrs and Mr Bennet. While Jones is next set to be on our screens in Harlan Coben's Run Away, it marks just another exciting project for the actress, comedian and writer. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Other-Bennet-Sister-cast-d967f31.jpg" width="5120" height="3414" alt="Maddie Close as Jane Bennet, Poppy Gilbert as Lizzie Bennet, Ella Bruccoleri as Mary Bennet, Molly Wright as Kitty Bennet and Grace Hogg-Robinson as Lydia Bennet in The Other Bennet Sister all walking down a country path, wearing pastel coloured outfits and smiling." title="547457,TITLE:The Other Bennet Sister" /> We also see Indira Varma (The Night Manager) and Richard Coyle (Heads of State) as Mr and Mrs Gardiner, who appear to be having a grand old time smiling at something whilst sat in a beautiful floral garden. We also know that they're Mary’s aunt and uncle who end up employing Mary as a governess to their three children, introducing her to a whole new social world in the process. The other Bennet sisters will be played by Maddie Close (Sunflower Child) as Jane, Poppy Gilbert (Chloe) as Lizzie, Molly Wright (The A Word) as Kitty and Grace Hogg-Robinson (The Coroner) as Lydia, while potential suitors Mr. Ryder and Mr. Hayward will be played by Laurie Davidson (The Girl…

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Line of Duty's Martin Compston hints season 7 will answer unresolved questions
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T10:51:32.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Video
description: Jed Mercurio's BBC juggernaut will begin filming in the new year.
encoded: Naturally, Martin Compston is sworn to secrecy when it comes to Line of Duty, which will begin filming in spring 2026 for its long-awaited seventh season. "Everything is so under wraps," he told RadioTimes.com of reprising the role of Steve Arnott alongside Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming and Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings. They are now working for the Inspectorate of Police Standards after AC-12 was disbanded – but "anticorruption work has never been more difficult" as they are "assigned their most sensitive case so far". "Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator," reads the official synopsis. "But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?" Compston did say, however, that questions left hanging after the season 6 finale – which drew an astonishing 12.8 million viewers on the night (a 56.2 per cent share) – will likely be addressed. "There's a new, strong storyline with new characters, and then... there will be things getting answered from other series," he added. But Compston remained tight-lipped on which plot points have been revisited by creator, writer and executive producer Jed Mercurio, who "couldn’t be more delighted to be returning". "Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination," he joked following the season 7 renewal announcement. We've broken down all of the major remaining questions here, including why Hastings really misspelled "definitely" as "definately", which was key in unmasking Buckells – a reveal actor Nigel Boyle was initially "gobsmacked" by, assuming the now former detective superintendent was just a "useful idiot". But "a rotten apple needn’t always be a mastermind", he said at the time. "You don’t have to be a criminal genius to be bent. It can just be gr…

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New Inspector Lynley adaptation with Sanditon favourite gets release date confirmed by the BBC
type: item
date: 2025-12-12T10:32:55.000Z
creator: Morgan Cormack
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: News
description: The brand new crime drama is coming soon to BBC One.
encoded: It's time to bookmark another crime drama for your watchlists as it's now been confirmed just when Lynley will be landing on BBC One and iPlayer. Described as a "contemporary update" of the original novels by Elizabeth George, the new four-part series will premiere on BBC One on Monday 5th January at 8:30pm. The drama, which premiered on BritBox in North America earlier this year, will also be released as a boxset on BBC iPlayer for all your binge-watching needs. Leo Suter (Sanditon) and Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso) lead the series as unconventional detective duo DI Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers, with the rest of the cast including Daniel Mays (Magpie Murders) as DCI Brian Nies, "the astute, suspicious Senior Detective at Three Counties Major Incident Team, whose aversion to Lynley is partly born of his own insecurities about class and partly because he knows he’s no longer the smartest person in the room". Niamh Walsh (The English Game) stars as Helen Clyde, "an estate agent and Lynley’s former Oxford classmate whose romance with Lynley is sparked when their paths fatefully cross on a case". The rest of the cast includes Michael Workeye (My Lady Jane) as tech specialist Tony Bekele, while Joshua Sher (Vera) stars as forensic scientist Simon St. James. The synopsis for Lynley reads: "Tommy Lynley is a brilliant police detective but an outsider in the force – simply by virtue of his aristocratic upbringing. He is paired with Barbara Havers, a sergeant with a maverick attitude and a working-class background. "With seemingly nothing in common and against all odds, the mismatched duo of Lynley and Havers become a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done." It's obviously not the first time that the books have been adapted for the TV, with The Inspector Lynley Mysteries originally airing on the BBC from 2001 to 2008. That series saw Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small lead the cast but this time round, the new Lynley series is coming to us from producti…

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Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026 and why? UK response explained
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T17:09:44.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Eurovision
description: A decision was made to allow Israel to compete in the contest next year.
encoded: A number of countries are choosing to boycott Eurovision 2026 after Israel was given the go-ahead to compete. There have been calls from multiple participating nations for Israel to be banned from next year's contest due to the ongoing war in Gaza. But last week, the singing contest’s organising body, the European Broadcasting Union, declined to expel the country from competing in the 2026 contest. Members from 37 countries voted to adopt tougher contest voting rules, following allegations that Israel manipulated the vote in favour of its contestants, at the EBU general assembly, but no vote on Israel’s participation was held. It's a decision that has led to five countries confirming they will be boycotting next year's competition. Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria in May of next year after the country's entrant JJ won the competition hosted this year in Basel, Switzerland with his song Wasted Love. So, wondering which countries have confirmed they will be boycotting next year's contest? Read on to find out everything you need to know about the landmark decision and how the BBC has responded. Which countries are boycotting Eurovision 2026? The countries that have confirmed to be boycotting Eurovision 2026 are: • Ireland • Spain • The Netherlands • Slovenia • Iceland The board of Iceland's broadcaster made its decision just hours before the deadline for countries to confirm whether they will join the contest next May. Iceland was believed to be the last remaining country to confirm its decision. Why are some countries boycotting Eurovision 2026? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/GettyImages-2215078224-3b04a1f.jpg" width="4532" height="3021" alt="Austrian singer Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ representing Austria with the song "Wasted Love" performs after winning the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel on May 18, 2025." title="eurovision-2025-austria-winner-jj" /…

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Waterloo Road season 17 start date confirmed with first look pictures as iconic character makes big comeback
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T14:30:42.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
description: Denise Welch and Karl Davies join the cast next year.
encoded: The release date for the next series of school-based drama Waterloo Road has been confirmed by the BBC - and you haven't got long to wait, as eight new episodes drop on 16th January. It's a new term, and there are some fresh faces around the corridors, alongside some familiar ones too. OG favourite Steph Haydock (Denise Welch) is called in to do some supply work for the academy, and soon proves herself by solving a crisis amongst the students. Her highly-anticipated comeback was teased at the conclusion of the last series, when devious media teacher Darius Donovan (Jon Richardson) was promoted to deputy head. With everyone still unaware that he caused the death of Hope Drake (Savannah Kunyo), how long will it be before his past catches up with him? Waterloo Road has teased that love is in the air as prom season arrives, while it appears that Stace Neville (Tillie Amartey) will walk down the aisle with Noel McManus (Liam Scholes). Soap fans will recognise Nicky Walters's (Kym Marsh) ex-husband Anthony when he arrives to coach the girls football team, as former Emmerdale actor Karl Davies takes on the role. Karl was the third actor to portray Robert Sugden in the ITV soap during the '00s. Anthony is set to cause trouble when he reunites with Nicky - who is returning with a new role within the school - and their daughter Tonya (Summer Violet Bird). Other topics that are set to be explored throughout the upcoming episodes include exploitation, grief and addiction. A bunch of newbies include The Dumping Ground stars Myra-Sofia Iftikhar as Aisha Azzi and Freddy Smith as Freddie Hollister, who strikes up a friendship with Luca Smith (Danny Murphy), and The Enfield Poltergeist's Olivia Booth-Ford, who plays troubled Leoni Tennant. Returning Waterloo Road staff Adam Thomas as Donte Charles Christopher Jeffers as Mitch Swift Hollie-Jay Bowes as Debs Rafferty James Baxter as Joe Casey Jason Merrells as Jack Rimmer Jon Richardson as Darius Donovan Jo Coffey as Wendy Whitwell Ky…

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Who is performing in the World Cup 2026 final halftime show?
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T14:30:20.000Z
creator: Michael Potts
subject: Football
subject: Sport
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: ITV
description: Tell us the World Cup is happening in the USA without telling us the World Cup is happening in the USA.
encoded: The World Cup will boast its own distinct flavour in 2026 as Canada, Mexico and the United States of America gear up to host the biggest tournament in history. The former two nations have been somewhat overshadowed in the build-up to the tournament due to the blossoming bromance between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump taking centre stage. American influence is seeping into the World Cup across the board with regular drinks breaks effectively breaking matches down into four quarters – and it seems as though the World Cup final will receive the full Super Bowl treatment as well. Yes, welcome to the World Cup final halftime show. The Super Bowl halftime show is the stuff of legend. Icons from the pop world have played during the interval, and FIFA have confirmed the World Cup final will be getting its own version. The question is: who will perform? RadioTimes.com brings you the latest news and rumours for who might be performing at the World Cup 2026 final halftime show. Who is performing in the World Cup 2026 final halftime show? The short answer is we simply don't know, but given the prestige of the World Cup, the fact it is the inaugural halftime show and the sheer number of viewers around the globe will far eclipse the Super Bowl, expect one of the world's biggest artists to come to the fore. The draw featured Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and The Village People, as well as Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart. And that was only the draw. Global Citizen is an advocacy platform dedicated to humanitarian causes and ending extreme poverty. They have been confirmed as the producers of the halftime show alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. This same partnership delivered a halftime show during the Club World Cup final featuring Coldplay, Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly. This will have been used as a de facto test run for next year's spectacle. A "set of artists" will be selected by Martin and Co. to perform, but who…

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EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T14:00:11.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: News
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
description: All the changes to life in Albert Square you need to keep up with.
encoded: Following a dramatic year last year, we have finally entered EastEnders' 40th year in 2025, where there will be a host of new arrivals, returns and departures on the way. Last year saw some huge changes for EastEnders, including the departure of Whitney Dean after 15 years in the summer and the arrival of new matriarch Nicola Mitchell in November. RadioTimes.com is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months. So who's in? Who's out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders. EastEnders cast 2025 The full present regular cast for EastEnders can be found below in order of the character's first appearance. Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell Kim Medcalf as Sam Mitchell Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates Thomas Law as Peter Beale Karen Henthorn as Julie Bates Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell Laila Morse as Mo Harris Jessie Wallace as Kat Moon Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater Nicholas Bailey as Dr Anthony Trueman Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman Gillian Wright as Jean Slater Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox Diane Parish as Denise Fox Grace as Janet Mitchell Jake Wood as Max Branning Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Beale Scott Maslen as Jack Branning Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell Pierre Counihan-Moullier as Oscar Branning Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell Tameka Empson as Kim Fox Lillia Turner as Lily Slater Frankie Day as Ricky Branning Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce Kellie Bright as Linda Carter Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Knight Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox Harry Farr as Ollie Carter Jake M…

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Shetland future confirmed following season 10 finale – will there be a season 11?
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T11:46:05.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Contains Trailer
subject: News
description: Are we heading back to the isles?
encoded: The BBC has confirmed that Shetland will return for an 11th season. The news was shared on BBC Scotland's Facebook page, though details about the plot – and crucially the cast – are currently being kept under wraps. In the season 10 finale, long-serving character Sergeant Billy McCabe handed himself in to professional standards over mistakes he'd made 20 years earlier, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be back. But we'd expect to see Alison O'Donnell return as 'Tosh', Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder and Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, alongside a raft of new guest stars for another mystery. Amandaland's Samuel Anderson also joined the cast in season 10 as Matt Blake, the new procurator fiscal. Shetland debuted in 2013, with Douglas Henshall leading the charge as DI Jimmy Perez, a character beloved by fans. But he exited the series in season 7 – news met with both sorrow and concern for its future – with Jensen stepping in, a move that gave the show a "new lease of life", O’Donnell told RadioTimes.com shortly before the season 8 premiere. "When there was the idea to revamp and take the show in another direction, I think it made me realise that actually, there are elements of this that still feel like they've got more room to grow," she said. "And I think that was really right. I think there was enough there that we could sort of re-imagine it all." O'Donnell also said that bringing in Calder enticed "new audience members" to watch the show. "That was the sense I got, that some people were discovering it for the first time," she continued. "And some people even said to me that they'd watched season 8 and then they'd gone back to the beginning as well. So it definitely gave it a new lease of life." View Green Video on the source website In a recent interview, O'Donnell also said that the reboot was "much better than any of us really could have imagined". "I remember when the first episode [of season 8] was airing, my kids were still up, so I went into the oth…

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Who are Roman and Harleymoon Kemp? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T11:29:07.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
description: The radio DJ is embarking on the adventure with his older sister.
encoded: It's time for the final leg of Celebrity Race Against the World 2025, and it'll be the longest push the teams have seen so far. Tonight (11th December), the teams must travel from Medellín, to the finish checkpoint on the Guajira Peninsula, the northernmost region of South America. Roman said of the final leg: "It's all systems go and this is the last big push - we've got to do this. We're ready to properly fight, because this is our last chance to ever come first. "The whole way we’ve said, as long as we just come first once and we can say we did it once but it's just not happened." But after 33 days and nearly 5,900km, which team will triumph? As we wait to find out, here's everything you need to know about contestants and siblings Roman and Harleymoon Kemp. Who are Roman and Harleymoon? Relationship: Brother and sister From: London Jobs: Radio DJ and singer/songwriter Instagram: @romankemp and @harleymoonkemp Roman Kemp is a 32-year-old radio DJ and presenter, best known for hosting the breakfast show on CapitalFM from 2017 to 2024. He is taking part in the race alongside his older sister, 36-year-old Harleymoon, who is a singer/songwriter. Roman and Harleymoon are the children of musicians Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman, who independently found success in the '80s as part of the bands Spandeau Ballet and Wham! respectively. Roman struggled with the language whilst racing through the South American continent, telling Radio Times magazine that he kept "mistakenly telling everyone Harley was 'my beautiful' – mi hermosa – instead of 'my sister' – mi hermana – for at least a week." If you're planning a trip abroad, read our financial expert's advice on what to consider before going on holiday Why did Roman and Harleymoon want to take part in Celebrity Race Across the World? When asked if he had considered taking his famous dad rather than his sister on the show with him, Roman only had one thing to say: "No way!" He continued: "I am very lucky that I do a lot of st…

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Who are Dylan and Jackie Llewellyn? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T11:20:28.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
description: Dylan is bringing his mum along for the adventure of a lifetime.
encoded: It's time for another dose of adventure, as Celebrity Race Across the World returns for a thrilling final episode as the teams make their way to the finish line on the Guajira Peninsula. Team Tortoise, AKA Jackie and Dylan Llewellyn, must either cut a course inland or follow the tourist trail along the Caribbean coast as they begin their journey in Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. "I don't think we expected to get this far. Our main target is just to complete it and to get to the fifth leg is huge for us," Dylan said as he reminisced on the race. Jackie added: "I thought we wouldn't make it after leg one. I'm so pleased that we pushed ourselves through the lows, and I'm proud of us both for getting to the end of leg five. I can't believe we’ve got this far." As we wait to find out how Jackie and Dylan's final leg of the race goes, here's everything you need to know about them as they take part in Celebrity Race Across the World. Who are Dylan and Jackie? Relationship: Mother and son From: Reigate, Surrey Jobs: Actor and retiree Instagram: @djllewellyn Dylan Llewellyn is a 33-year-old actor, best known for playing James in all three series of Derry Girls. He has also starred in Hollyoaks, Big Boys and Beyond Paradise. Self professed "mummy's boy" Dylan is embarking on the race with his mum Jackie, a 59-year-old retiree. "I’d always wanted to do an amazing adventure with a family member, and I’m a bit of a mummy’s boy," he admitted to Radio Times magazine. If you're planning a trip abroad, read our financial expert's advice on what to consider before going on holiday Why did Dylan and Jackie want to take part in Celebrity Race Across the World? When asked about their time on the show, the duo described it as "once in a lifetime" and "magical". "I wanted to take part because it’s such an amazing experience to be had. I think it looks so beautiful and cool, and it's just a giant adventure and who wouldn't want to go on one of those? "And to do it with my mum is…

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Who are Anita Rani and Balvinder Singh Nazran? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T11:10:34.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
description: Here's everything you need to know about the father and daughter duo.
encoded: The series finale of Celebrity Race Across the World has arrived, with an epic push of over 1,000km to reach the finish line. Tonight (11th December), it's time for the race to resume one last time, and it's up to the teams to either cut a course inland or follow the tourist trail along the Caribbean coast to reach the Guajira Peninsula. Hoping to reach the finish line first are Anita Rani and her dad Bal, who always knew they were going to make it this far in the competition. Anita said: "There’s obviously been disappointment so far about the things that have been out of our control, but there's a life lesson in that, isn't there? "You know when Guatemala closed down, we miss a bus, or whatever, all those things are completely out of your control, and it's very frustrating, but that's part of the journey. As the race nears the end, here's everything you need to know about the duo. Who are Anita and Bal? Relationship: Father and daughter From: Bradford Jobs: Radio and television presenter and semi-retired businessman Instagram: @itsanitarani Anita Rani is a radio and television presenter, best known for co-presenting Countryfile for the past 10 years and for BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour which she has presented since 2021. In 2015, the 47-year-old appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and made it as far as the semi-final. She will be taking part in the race alongside her 69-year-old dad Balvinder Singh Nazran, who is a semi-retired businessman. Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Anita shared that the father and daughter duo had their first bicker only an hour into the race after she "ran into the road" according to Bal. "The cameras were rolling and Dad was telling me off about something and I turned into teenage me, stomping and pouting," said Anita. If you're planning a trip abroad, read our financial expert's advice on what to consider before going on holiday Why did Anita and Bal want to take part in Celebrity Race Across the World? Anita said her dad signed up to do th…

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Who are Molly Rainford and Tyler West? Meet Celebrity Race Across the World 2025 contestants
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T11:02:19.000Z
creator: Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
description: Meet the celebrity couple taking on the ultimate race.
encoded: The final leg of Celebrity Race Across the World is coming to screens tonight, as the teams must race from Medellín in Colombia to the finish line on the Guajira Peninsula. Among the pairs hoping to make it to the final checkpoint first are Molly Rainford and Tyler West, who "never in a million years" thought they'd make it this far in the race. "We thought that we'd be here to take part, not to actually be the front runners. The pressure is on," Tyler said, while Molly added: "I'm definitely going to go full competitive mode." As the race concludes, here's everything you need to know about the duo on Celebrity Race Across the World 2025. Who are Molly and Tyler? Relationship: Couple From: London Jobs Actress/singer and TV presenter/radio DJ Instagram: @mollyrainford and @tylerwestt Molly Rainford is a 24-year-old actress best known for her role as Anna Knight in EastEnders, although she made her TV debut much earlier at just 12 years old, when she made it to the final of the sixth series of Britains Got Talent as a singer. Molly met her fiancé, 29-year-old radio DJ Tyler West, who currently presents the afternoon show on KissFM, after they both took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Appearing on Lorraine, Tyler said taking part in the race together was "tough" with Molly adding: "It was probably the biggest test to be like, can I marry this person?" Tyler even admitted to Radio Times magazine: "There were times when I thought about trading Molly for a mountain goat to get some extra money to race! But it obviously worked out in the end, because we got engaged after the trip…" If you're planning a trip abroad, read our financial expert's advice on what to consider before going on holiday Why did Molly and Tyler want to take part in Celebrity Race Across the World? When Molly and Tyler were first asked to take part in Celebrity Race Across the World, Molly described it as "a no-brainer". "I think it was just a no brainer to do it together – we're so comfortable …

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EastEnders airs tragic exit scenes for Mitchell family member in early BBC iPlayer release
type: item
date: 2025-12-11T10:43:35.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
description: Warning: Contains spoilers for Thursday's episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
encoded: Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) has left EastEnders after just 18 months on our screens. It comes after he decided to take responsibility for the murder of Okie Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu), who had tormented his son Harry (Elijah Holloway) and Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) for months. As we know, it was actually Harry who accidentally stabbed the drug dealer, though Teddy couldn't bear to see his son spend the rest of his life behind bars. It was initially hoped that top lawyer Ritchie Scott (Sîan Webber) could get him a lesser sentence, but that wasn't to be. In yesterday's episode, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before he would be eligible for parole. Earlier this week, an EastEnders spokesperson confirmed to RadioTimes.com that Manookian had filmed his final scenes and was indeed leaving – there would be no saving grace for Teddy: "We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future." In today's episode, a prison officer confirmed that he would be transferred to Durham, hundreds of miles away from his family. This really is the end! Meanwhile, back in Albert Square, Harry was struggling to cope with the gravity of the situation and had overdosed once again. Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) found him in a comatose state in the Arches, sounding the alarm to his mum Nicola (Laura Doddington) and emergency services. Unaware of what was going on, Teddy was visited by brother Billy (Perry Fenwick). He explained that Harry was in a bad way and would promise to look out for him. He also made a huge blunder... Billy revealed that Nic was expecting George Knight's (Colin Salmon) baby, something which shocked Teddy to the core. Time was running out before his transfer to the North East, and there just wasn't enough time to accept the gravity of the situation. Billy promised that he would go and visit him, while Teddy made a shocking confession. He asked his brother to warn George that Nic…

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Is Shetland returning for season 11? Alison O’Donnell "can't reveal anything"
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T20:00:07.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
description: "We're the wrong people for any of these questions."
encoded: When Douglas Henshall announced his depature from Shetland ahead of its seventh season, many might have been wondering how long the show could survive without its beloved leading man. Season 8 had already been confirmed, with Ashley Jensen later unveiled as his replacement DI Ruth Calder, but would the BBC crime drama have legs without Perez? "When I heard that they were going to reimagine the show, there was a part of me going, 'Oh no, we've got this legacy, and what if you get it wrong? Like, what if it doesn't work?'" Alison O'Donnell, who plays DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh alongside Ashley Jensen's DI Ruth Calder, previously told RadioTimes.com. But her concern quickly evaporated – especially as the show went on to receive a two-season renewal. "I remember when the first episode [of season 8] was airing, my kids were still up, so I went into the other room, and when I watched it I actually cried," she added. "I sat on my own and I wept because it was partly relief, but also I was so proud of it. It was so much better than any of us really could have imagined. "And I always knew that there would be the dissenting voices, but I think there was far less of that than there could have been." But what of its future now? When asked by RadioTimes.com if an 11th season was on its way, Jensen said she had "no idea". "We can't reveal anything,"echoed O'Donnell, while Jensen added they are "the wrong people for any of these questions. Read more: Shetland's Ashley Jensen said her arrival as new DI could have "gone one way or another" Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching "I have no idea, and I expect nothing," she continued. "And you know what? I think you've got to just live in the moment and be present and not worry about if people like Perez more than Calder, and not worry about if there's going to be season 11. "You've got to just be be here and know and enjoy what we have." Shetland seasons 1-10 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Ann Cleeves's Shet…

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EastEnders icon Martine McCutcheon reveals she would return as Tiffany if asked – over 25 years since character was killed off
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T15:27:06.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: News
description: The actress has discussed a comeback.
encoded: Martine McCutcheon has discussed a potential return to EastEnders – despite her character Tiffany Mitchell being killed off in 1999. However, this is Walford, where dying doesn't always mean you're gone forever. Some of the soap's most iconic characters; Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) have all returned after being presumed dead, while a selection of other locals have appeared as ghostly apparitions. In fact, later this month, both Pat (Pam St Clement) and Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) are returning to their old haunt for a special episode involving Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley). As his dementia symptoms worsen, Nige will turn to his old friends for support. But could a comeback for Queen Vic barmaid Tiffany be on the cards? "I’ve never even really had a chance to think about it because I’ve been so busy with the opportunities it gave me in the first place to keep going and keep evolving," Martine told Metro. "Honestly, if they approached me and the time was right and the storyline was something believable and really amazing, I think it would have to be amazing for me to justify it, because if it wasn’t, so many people would be disappointed." The Love Actually star continued: "It would be a big pressure because Tiffany was such an icon, and it would be so easy to do her a disservice. But I would definitely do it if it was right, because I just loved playing her so much. "She just had no rules. She was fearless and feisty and an amazing character to play. For that reason alone, for selfish reasons, I’d love to do it, but it would have to be right." Tiffany was remembered by her best pal Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) earlier this year, when she ran in to Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) outside The Vic. Bianca tore strips off Grant – who was married to Tiff – for the way he treated her during the final months of their marriage. As viewers will recall, he cheated on her with her mother, and she decided to leave for past…

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Strike season 7 confirms new and returning cast members in fresh look at new instalment
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T12:04:41.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
description: Season 7 will adapt The Running Grave, which was first published in 2023.
encoded: First-look images for Strike season 7 have been released, showing Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger back in action as Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Season 7 will be based on the next instalment in the book series by JK Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, titled The Running Grave. As the images have been released, the cast for season 7 has also been confirmed, with returnees including Ruth Sheen as Pat, Jack Greenlees as Sam Barclay, Tupele Dorgu as Midge, Natasha O’Keeffe as Charlotte, Sarah Sweeney as Lucy, Ben Crompton as Shanker, Stephen Hagan as DCI Richard Murphy and Caitlin Innes Edwards as Ilsa. Meanwhile, newcomers joining for the latest run of the show include James Fleet (I, Jack Wright), as Sir Colin Edensor, Nichola McAuliffe (Living) as Shelley Heaton, Keeley Forsyth (Poor Things) as Mazu Wace, Fabian McCallum (The Witcher) as Will Edensor and John Lynch (Blue Lights) as Jonathan Wace. The synopsis for season 7 says: "When Sir Colin and Sally Edensor approach Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, they are desperate to reconnect with their estranged son, Will. The Edensors enlist the detectives to gather evidence to discredit the Universal Humanitarian Church, a religious cult who have indoctrinated Will and siphoned off his trust fund. "Led by the charismatic Jonathan Wace, the church is shielded by a charitable façade, celebrity backers and aggressive lawyers who have silenced critics. "To investigate allegations of ill-treatment and abuse, Robin goes undercover at the cult’s secluded Norfolk headquarters, Chapman Farm. "At the centre of the church’s twisted mythology is the story of the Drowned Prophet, Daiyu, believed to be divinely reincarnated. "While Strike gains valuable insights from former members on the outside, Robin finds herself facing unprecedented psychological and physical duress on the inside. "Solving the mystery of the Drowned Prophet’s death becomes key to the case but leads the detectives into dangerous, unchart…

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How to watch Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrows' Wedding and release date
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T11:25:47.000Z
creator: Helen Daly
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
description: Another of Julia Donaldson's beloved tales is coming to the BBC this Christmas.
encoded: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's adorable tale, The Scarecrows' Wedding, will be brought to life by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC this Christmas. For over a decade, her beloved stories, ranging from The Gruffalo to Zog and beyond, have been adapted with a star-studded cast for a Christmas Day treat. This year is no different, as Domhnall Gleeson and Jessie Buckley lend their voices to Harry O'Hay and Betty O'Barley, respectively. They're joined by Rob Brydon as the villainous Reginald Rake and Sophie Okonedo as the narrator. The lovely tale recounts the story of two scarecrows who fall in love on a farmer's field and plan to have the best wedding ever, but it's not without peril as Reginald tries to come between the pair with potentially disastrous consequences... Read on for your guide on how to watch The Scarecrows' Wedding, and when it will be on TV this Christmas. How to watch The Scarecrows' Wedding The Scarecrows' Wedding will air on BBC One at 3:10pm on Christmas Day. And after it's aired on the BBC, you'll be able to catch it on BBC iPlayer whenever you desire. You can also find the other Magic Light adaptations on BBC iPlayer right now, so there's plenty to keep little ones entertained over the festive period. Check out the trailer for The Scarecrows' Wedding below: View oEmbed on the source website Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025 The Scarecrows' Wedding will air this Christmas on the BBC. 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.

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The War Between the Land and the Sea releases first look at final 3 episode – including dramatic finale
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T10:44:47.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
subject: On demand
description: The finale, titled The End of the War, will air on 21st December.
encoded: As fans wait for the next instalment of Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea to air, a host of first-look images have been released for the final three episodes. One of the images for episode 3, which will air at 8:30pm on BBC One this Sunday (14th December) and is titled The Deep, sees Vincent Franklin's Prime Minister Harry Shaw seemingly being influenced Stewart Alexander's General Oscar Gunsberg and Patrick Baladi's villainous Sir Keith Spears. Another from the same episode sees a team led by Colin McFarlane's General Pierce exploring an underwater cavern. Meanwhile, the images for episode 4, which will air directly after episode 3 and is titled The Witch of the Waterfall, show us Samuel Oatley as a Homo Amphibia named Tide, as well as Jemma Redgrave's Kate Lethbridge Stewart taking to the podium in the Empress Hall. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/539820-f489e1e.jpg" width="4743" height="3162" alt="Stewart Alexander as General Oscar Gunsberg, Vincent Franklin as Prime Minister Harry Shaw and Patrick Baladi as Sir Keith Spears in The War Between The Land And The Sea. Shaw is sat at a table and the others are stood over him." title="539820,TITLE:The War Between The Land And The Sea" /> Another shows Russell Tovey's Barclay Pierre-Dupont and Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Salt locked deep in conversation. Images have also been released for the fifth episode, which is also acts as the show's finale, titled The End of the War. That episode will air at 8:05pm on Sunday 21st December. One of the images from the finale (at the top of this article) sees Salt serenely wading through the water, while another sees Barclay seemingly explaining something to Kate and Ruth Madeley's Shirley Anne Bingham. Another sees Barclay stood with a group of UNIT soldier, while one more image sees Shirley, Catherine Garton's Private Jane Hart and Francesca Corney's Sergeant Hana Chakri watching something off screen. Whatever it is, it se…

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EastEnders airs harrowing Harry Mitchell overdose scenes after Teddy's sentencing in BBC iPlayer release
type: item
date: 2025-12-10T06:30:30.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
description: Warning: Contains spoilers for Wednesday's episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.
encoded: Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) has spiralled once again, following his dad Teddy's (Roland Manookian) sentencing in EastEnders. Last month, Teddy made the ultimate sacrifice for his son by taking the rap for a murder he committed. It came at the conclusion of a major drugs story, which saw Harry and best pal Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) cuckooed by Okie Okyere (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu), who used them to push narcotics around London. For weeks, Harry was tied to a bed and held hostage so that he wouldn't intervene in the operation. Luckily, Kojo came to his rescue and set him free, but the ordeal wasn't over. Okie returned to the scene and began to threaten Kojo, and during a scuffle with Harry, was accidentally stabbed to death. Teddy found his first-born in a state of despair, and refused to allow him to spend the rest of his life behind bars. That night, he called authorities and handed himself in. In today's episode, the Mitchell family were preparing to head to court, but were otherwise distracted by Harry's sudden disappearance from Albert Square. He was nowhere to be found, and mum Nicola (Laura Doddington) had to go without him. Meanwhile, George Knight (Colin Salmon) and his daughter Gina (Francesca Henry) continued the search effort. It wasn't long before they tracked him down to the Container Junction, where he'd been sleeping rough in one of the bars. It was at this moment that Gina clocked an unusual look between her dad and Harry, and the latter was forced to admit that he was the one who killed Okie, and not Teddy. She was gobsmacked, and seemingly lost for words. Against Nicola's advice, George then took him to the court, where Teddy was about to hear his verdict. The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before he would be able to apply for parole. Harry leapt out of his seat to claim responsibility, but Nicola ordered him to sit down. Unfortunately, his nightmare wasn't quite over. Upon returning home, he snuck out of t…

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Amandaland's Joanna Lumley teases Jennifer Saunders reunion: 'As far from Edina and Patsy as you can imagine'
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T16:29:45.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Comedy
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: News
description: Jennifer Saunders joins her Absolutely Fabulous co-star in the BBC comedy's first Christmas special.
encoded: Anticipation for Amandaland's first Christmas special was already as big as Amanda's Christmas trees (we're predicting multiple) following a first season that went down a storm with critics and viewers alike. But when it was announced that Jennifer Saunders would be joining the festive-themed episode – marking the first time she has been reunited on-screen with Joanna Lumley (Amanda's mother Felicity) since their Absolutely Fabulous days – it's now undoubtedly this Christmas's must-watch. Saunders is playing Felicity's sister, Joan, who is hosting at her country house, which Amanda hopes will be reminiscent of the Christmases of her childhood. But she "struggles to recreate" that magic, reads the official synopsis. "Every single scene with Jennifer Saunders was magnificent, a hilarious delight," said Lucy Punch, who stars as Amanda. "And Jennifer with Joanna was even better." But can viewers expect Edina and Patsy 2.0? Read more: Amandaland star teases Christmas special reunion for Absolutely Fabulous icons as Jennifer Saunders joins cast Dame Joanna Lumley reveals her vegetarian Christmas plans: "Wouldn't it be lovely if we didn't kill things at Christmas?" "We were playing characters as far from Edina and Patsy as can be imagined," said Lumley, but you can expect plenty of entertaining back and forth as Felicity becomes "increasingly irritated by her sister's constant high spirits". Felicity's ire is not shared by the cast, however, who "loved having her there, especially me, and it all felt empty when the Christmas episode was over and she had gone". <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/544033-7d6f2b9.jpg" width="4320" height="2880" alt="Jennifer Saunders as Aunt Joan, Philippa Dunne as Anne, Samuel Anderson as Mal, Lucy Punch as Amanda, Alexander Shaw as Manus, Miley Locke as Georgie and Joanna Lumley as Felicity in Amandaland, all sat and stood around a Christmas dinner table wearing paper crowns." title="544033,TITLE:Ama…

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Why is there no Doctor Who Christmas special in 2025 and when is the next one?
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T16:19:04.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
description: Whovians have got a while to wait.
encoded: Doctor Who fans are going to have to wait a while longer for a festive treat from the Doctor, with no Christmas special this year – but there will be one in 2026. The 2026 Christmas special will come after Ncuti Gatwa departed the TARDIS in The Reality War, with the Fifteenth Doctor regenerating a new incarnation, played by returning Who legend Billie Piper. It will also be the first episode of Doctor Who after the end of the deal with Disney, which has stood for the past two seasons and for spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea. While plot details are thin on the ground about the Christmas special, already some tidbits are emerging about what's set to come from the highly-anticipated new instalment. Here's what we know so far! Why is there no 2025 Doctor Who Christmas special? There hasn't been an official reason given, but there are a few factors at play. It seems that there's no 2025 Christmas special because the deal with Disney only covered 26 episodes, which were split between two seasons and a five-episode spin-off, leaving no room for a 2025 Christmas special. A 2025 Christmas special also would have aired very close to the spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea, which is being released weekly across December 2025 – and it seems likely that the BBC want viewers to focus on that for now. We don't know for sure when the deal with Disney ended, the BBC announced the news at the end of October 2025, which wouldn't have left much time at all for a Christmas special to be filmed for this year. When will the next Doctor Who Christmas special be? While nothing has been confirmed, of course we'd assume the 2026 will be released on 25th December 2026. The Doctor Who Christmas special usually airs in the early evening slot on BBC One. However, we may be getting ahead of ourselves, as showrunner Davies has revealed he hasn't actually started writing yet. Asked whether he's begun the process, he told RadioTimes.com: "Not at the moment because I'm busy on […

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EastEnders airs desperate Sam Mitchell scenes as she takes advantage of Nigel Bates in BBC iPlayer release
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T10:35:16.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: News
description: 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.
encoded: Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) looks set to exploit vulnerable Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) in EastEnders. The Walford legend returned at the end of last week's episodes, watching Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) from afar, before making her proper comeback on Monday. She strolled into estranged brother Phil's (Steve McFadden) house, opened his safe and went to leave with a wad of cash - before being stopped in her tracks by Nige. Luckily for Sam, due to his young-onset dementia, he mistook her for his adoptive daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), and allowed her to leave. It didn't take long for Phil to discover what had happened, and after receiving a vague description of the culprit, he went to point the finger at Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington). After being told that he was very much wrong, he marched out of Nic's house and saw Sam making a run for it down Bridge Street. She was meeting up with son Ricky (Frankie Day), to tell him that despite her bad parenting over the years, she wanted to set him up with a trust fund that would give him a comfortable future. Then, in true Sam Mitchell style, she planned to flee. However, Ricky's dad Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) soon caught up with her at the tube station, and she revealed she was 'dying'. In today's episode, it transpired that she had found a lump in her breast and was fearing that she had cancer like her mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor). Jack questioned why she hadn't been to the doctors yet, when Phil interrupted to get his money back. Later, Jack's partner Denise Fox (Diane Parish) caught up with Sam. The two have never seen eye-to-eye, but made a surprising deal - she would give her £20k in exchange for getting checked. There was also the condition that she'd stick around, and attend a family dinner with the Slaters. Sam firstly offended Jean (Gillian Wright) by mentioning her daughter Stacey (Lacey Turner) and Zoe's return, before realising that Jack and Denise were bluffing about their cash offer. Wanting the money more tha…

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Death in Paradise's Don Gilet responds to character criticism: 'I don't have to defend Mervin'
type: item
date: 2025-12-09T00:01:41.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC One
subject: News
description: Fan reaction to DI Mervin Wilson’s arrival on the long-running BBC crime drama was divided.
encoded: It's safe to say that the reception to DI Mervin Wilson was mixed when he made his Death in Paradise debut in last year's Christmas special. The London native initially travelled to Saint Marie to track down his mother before officially becoming part of Saint Marie PD. And while some viewers enjoyed the change in tone from Ralf Little's Neville Parker, others weren't so keen, taking issue with his abrasive communication style, grumpy attitude and constant criticisms of Saint Marie. And when asked if he had a response to Mervin's critics ahead of this year's festive episode, Gilet backed his character, naturally. "I don't have to defend Mervin," he told RadioTimes.com and other press before going on to tease a change in the detective as he grows more comfortable in his new relationships. "This family thing that he's never had but he's always wanted, now it's there, and he's frightened," explained Gilet, adding context to why Mervin doesn't always make the best impression, as we previously noted in a piece defending him. "I think you're going to see a vulnerable side [to him]. Work is not a vulnerable thing for him. He can solve crimes with his eyes closed, it's what he does, it's what he's brilliant at. "What he's not brilliant at is showing emotion, showing vulnerability, and I think this is when you're going to see some of those layers come off as he starts to accept, first of all, that family isn't necessarily flesh and blood, it's having a sense of belonging, which he starts to get bit by bit throughout the first series, and more and more in the second where we find out, well, this is what family is. This is what home is. When you feel comfortable. It doesn't mean you have to be related to them. "For Mervin, it’s getting to that place where he feels he can trust these people around him to show another side of him." Read more: Death in Paradise's Don Warrington says fans are "right to worry" about Selwyn following major decision Beyond Paradise Christmas special t…

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EastEnders Christmas and New Year spoilers: Your day-by-day guide as Slater and Branning secrets implode
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T23:59:21.000Z
creator: Michael Adams
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Christmas
description: Everything you need to know from Albert Square this Christmastime.
encoded: It's the most wonderful time of the year – but not for the EastEnders. Two weeks of festive fun for us viewers will see secrets explode throughout several households, culminating in a large police presence swarming Albert Square. Both the Slaters and the Brannings have a particularly eventful time, while Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) cognitive health declines... and he is visited by ghosts of Christmas past. There's quite a lot to fit in, but luckily for you, we've got a handy day-by-day guide to what's happening in Walford. Here's everything happening in EastEnders between 22nd December 2024 and 1st January 2025. EastEnders Christmas and New Year episode guide Monday 22nd December - 30-minute episode at 7.30pm The residents gather to watch Nigel's festive film screening, but Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) are more concerned about his declining health and need for alternative care options. When Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) arrives at the community centre, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) makes it clear that she's not welcome, and Julie drops a huge clanger - Sam has been back in the country for months, but has only just turned up in Walford. Led by director Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), Nige takes to the stage to make a speech to his audience, with Julie by his side. He notices the bruise on her face, and after realising he was responsible, flees the building. Phil and Julie start a desperate search to track him down, unaware that he's overheard their disagreement and has rushed off to The Vic. Meanwhile, a secret has been exposed, and Max Branning (Jake Wood) turns to Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) for some damage control. They vow to support him, and are under the belief that they've managed to talk him out of making an irrational decision. Little do they realise, he's also used Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) as a shoulder to cry on and may come to regret what follows next... Elsewhere, the Truemans are suspicio…

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"Missing" Doctor Who story restored with animation has finally been added to BBC iPlayer
type: item
date: 2025-12-08T15:38:03.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: News
description: Ready for another game with the Toymaker?
encoded: The animated version of the Doctor Who story The Celestial Toymaker has been added to BBC iPlayer, meaning fans will be able to watch for free for the first time after its release on DVD and Blu-ray in 2023. The four episodes, titled The Celestial Toyroom, The Hall of Dolls, The Dancing Floor and The Final Test, are available to watch under the Doctor Who season 3 tab on iPlayer, along with many of William Hartnell's other adventures as the First Doctor. The story features the Doctor and his companions Steven Taylor (Peter Purves) and Dodo Chaplet (Jackie Lane) pitted against the immortal villain known as the Toymaker, played by Michael Gough. The Toymaker successfully tears the Doctor apart from his companions to play a twisted game, while Steven and Dodo themselves are also forced into some deadly challenges of their own thanks to his schemes. The Celestial Toymaker is known as one of Doctor Who's 'lost' stories after the original master tapes of the 1966 story were wiped, with only the fourth episode held in the BBC archives. The visuals for the animated story were been provided by Shapeshifter Studios, and marked a departure from previous restorations of missing episodes, which have featured a more traditional animation style. Previously addressing the change, audio engineer Mark Ayres – who has restored and enhanced the original soundtrack – described the technique as "experimental", and explained that it allows for greater fluidity of on-screen movement. "This, basically, is all done with motion capture, so they've got actors in to act all the parts along to the soundtrack," said Ayres. "It's all synchronised to the soundtrack – sometimes it doesn't work and I have to tweak the soundtrack where the dialogue hasn't quite synchronised. But it is a new technique, it is a motion capture technique, and it means the characters are far more fluid." View oEmbed on the source website Ayres acknowledged that the "different" animation style might "divide opinion", but ad…

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