The Copenhagen Test series with Marvel star cancelled after one season, 8 days after UK premiere
Season 1 landed on Channel 4 last week...
Peacock has cancelled The Copenhagen Test just eight days after the show became available to stream for free on this side of the pond. The espionage thriller series, which is led by Marvel star Simu Liu, is set in the near future and follows Alexander Hale (Liu), an army veteran and intelligence agent for The Orphanage who discovers his brain has been hacked, giving his enemies access to everything he sees and hears. After premiering on Peacock in the US on 27 December 2025, the show became available to watch in the UK on Channel 4 on 8 April 2026. But according to Variety, the series won’t be returning for additional episodes. The eight-episode first season received mainly positive reviews and has earned a critics’ score of 71 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, but reportedly failed to become a streaming hit. According to Nielsen data listed in Variety's report, the show garnered 373 million minutes viewed from 29 December through 4 January. While these viewing figures earned the series the number 10 spot on Nielsen's top 10 streaming originals chart for that week, the show failed to reach the top 10 in subsequent weeks. 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. Alongside Liu, the cast of the series includes Melissa Barrera as Orphanage agent Michelle Cyr, and Sinclair Daniel and Mark O'Brien as analysts Samantha Parker and Edmund Cobb. Brian d'Arcy James also stars as The Orphanage Director of Operation Peter Moira, while Kathleen Chalfant appears as The Orphanage Director, Patricia St George. The Copenhagen Test is available to stream on Channel 4 in the UK. In the US, the series is available to watch on Peacock. Add The Copenhagen Test to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Bec Zacharia and why did she clash with fellow MAFS Australia star?
Things have well and truly erupted on Married at First Sight Australia, as two brides have found themselves in a major feud - but UK fans can't quite wrap their heads around why. In a recent episode of the reality series, the remaining couples headed to the retreat, but it was brides Bec and Rachel that found themselves at loggerheads due to a comment made by Bec. The comment itself, however, was censored, so it became a little confusing as to why Rachel became so upset with Bec... So, what went down at the retreat? Scroll on as we take you through the dramatic moment, and explain further details on Bec and her relationship status. Why did Bec and Rachel clash at the retreat? Bec and Rachel were involved in a "feud" during the Married at First Sight Australia retreat, which erupted when Bec marked the occasion with a toast. "Ladies and gentlemen," she began. "Guys, I wanted to just call us here tonight because it’s the first night of the retreat and we’ve had 'I love yous' and we’ve had a couple that I thought could not come back from the brink of hell bounce back. "And we've had ********," Bec said, making a lewd comment involving details of Rachel and Stephen's sex life. This word was censored by Channel 4, meaning audiences weren't exactly clear on what Bec said. When it was broadcast in Australia, however, this part was uncensored, with the comment itself relating to a private sexual act between Rachel and Stephen that Rachel had told the girl group in confidence. After publicising this knowledge to the entire group, it's safe to say Rachel wasn't best pleased. "I didn't think it was funny. She turned something that Steven and I were so excited about, telling others about where we're at, into a joke," Rachel said to the camera shortly after Bec's comment. Who is Bec Zacharia? Age: 35 Job: Account manager Location: South Australia Bec is an account manager who describes herself as a loud, outspoken, social butterfly who is "never shy of being the centre of attention". The 35-year-old has been voted Adelaide's most eligible bachelorette twice, but is yet to find the one to settle down with. Are Bec and Danny still together? Bec and Danny were matched together by the experts and while they initially hit off, it was Danny's vows that didn't go down well with Bec. The pair managed to get things back on track and excelled during intimacy week, but things took a turn when fellow bride Gia claimed that Danny said she was more his type - something he denies. The pair eventually made it to the final vows and while Bec said she wanted to remain with Danny after the experiment, he brutally said he only loved her "as a friend". "When I think of bringing kids into the world, I want to bring kids into a stable relationship and a stable loving home," he said. "As much as it breaks my heart to say this, I felt a weight come off my shoulders, at a time when I should’ve been missing you." He continued: "I believe you can have multiple soulmates in life – some who are your best friends and some who are your lovers. Bec, I believe you’re my soulmate as a friend, but I’ve come to realise there’s doubt in my mind if you are my soulmate as a lover." So, no, Bec and Danny have not remained a couple. Married at First Sight Australia 2026 airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on E4 and Channel4.com. Add Married at First Sight Australia 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.
Get Millie Black star confirms season 2 of acclaimed Channel 4 thriller is "being discussed"
Chyna McQueen shares an update on the show’s future after landing a historic BAFTA TV nomination.
Get Millie Black star Chyna McQueen has revealed that a second season of the show is "being discussed". The Channel 4 series follows title character Millie-Jean Black (Tamara Lawrance), a Jamaican-born Briton who returns to her hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, after leaving behind her job as a Scotland Yard detective. She is then reunited with her sister Hibiscus (McQueen) as they become entangled in a case that threatens to alter their lives. When asked by Deadline about the possibility of a season 2, McQueen said: "It's not in the works yet, but it's being discussed, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and everyone should keep their fingers crossed too." Created by writer Marlon James, Get Millie Black aired last year to strong reviews and a positive reception from audiences, with McQueen recently securing a BAFTA TV Award nomination in the best supporting actress category. The nomination makes McQueen the first Black transgender performer to be nominated for a TV BAFTA. View Green Video on the source website She explained that she "really wasn't expecting that", adding: "I just got a call in the morning on nominations day from Simon Maxwell, the producer, who said, 'Chyna, you’ve been nominated.' I said, 'Nominated for what?' And they told me BAFTA. "I still can't believe it. I'm trying to process it, like, all of this can happen in just a few days." Speaking to Radio Times ahead of the show's debut last year, Millie star Lawrance spoke about her hopes for a potential second season and noted that "there are so many more things to explore". She told us: "If we were to get a season 2, where is Millie's mental health going to be at? What is she going to use to distract herself? Is she going to be somebody that is going to start confronting the things she needs to confront or is there going to be another case that suddenly takes front and centre so that she can avoid all of those things? "I think the Hibiscus storyline is massively open-ended; where is she? What happened to her and will Hibiscus ever forgive Millie for abandoning her a second time? "Also, the Lindo storyline – Lindo escaped, and so there is still so much to explore there in terms of that ring within the UK and the continuing relationship between former colonies and Britain." 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. Get Millie Black is available to stream on Channel 4. 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.
Channel 4 releases first look at new comedy series Make That Movie starring Last One Laughing favourite Sam Campbell
The former Taskmaster champion is looking to conjure up some movie magic.
Channel 4 has unveiled a first look at new comedy series Make That Movie, starring Taskmaster and Last One Laughing UK favourite Sam Campbell. The six-part series was first announced in 2024, and focuses on a hotshot director (Campbell) who scours the country for everyday people who have an idea for a feature film. Sam and his team then race against the clock as they attempt to transform the idea into a film in just three days. Starring alongside Campbell as his trusty crew of filmmakers are Lara Ricote (Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping) as runner Jess, Aaron Chen (Fisk) as intimacy coordinator Sebastian, Helen Bauer (Am I Being Unreasonable?) as sound engineer Pat, and David Hargreaves (This Country) as cinematographer Winnie. Ahead of its Channel 4 debut next month, take a look at some first-look images of Make That Movie, exclusive to Radio Times: View Gallery on the source website Campbell previously said in a statement: "It's a bit like one of those shows where they fix up someone’s garden. But this is about something people genuinely care about – movie magic. "Let’s be honest with ourselves, a garden has never grossed over a billion dollars at the box office…" Meanwhile Charlie Perkins, head of comedy at Channel 4, commented: "Sam epitomises the colour, creativity and innovation that Channel 4 comedy stands for. He has an undeniable, completely unique and enormous comedy brain and is generous and tenacious in his artistry – the perfect figurehead for this new-era comedy gang-show. This is going to be fun." Created by Campbell and directed by Don't Hug Me I'm Scared co-creator Joe Pelling, Make That Movie will air on Channel 4 next month. Campbell first came to prominence in the UK after winning the top prize at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022. As well as Taskmaster and Last One Laughing UK, he has gone on to appear on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie to You?, QI, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and more. Later this year, Campbell is touring the UK and Ireland with his Kid Giblet show, and tickets are still available via his website. Make That Movie will air on Channel 4 next month. 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.
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. This week: prepare to be shocked all over again as uncompromising US drama Euphoria about teens on drugs returns for a third series. Things have moved on five years from series two and now it’s all about young adults on drugs. Zendaya, Jacob Elordi and and Sydney Sweeney lead the starry cast. New to Disney+ is The Testaments, the follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale takes us back to Gilead, and a prestigious girls’ school that might just be an unlikely source of revolutionary fervour. One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti features as a conflicted queen bee. On the same streamer, time may have moved on, but family life remains gloriously chaotic in Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, as Malcolm complies with parents Hal and Lois’s demand that he attend their 40th wedding anniversary party. Frankie Muniz stars. Over on Apple TV, Margo's Got Money Troubles follows Margo (played by Elle Fanning) as she tries to generate income on the adult entertainment site OnlyFans in order to raise money for her newborn's childcare. Based on the novel of the same name by Rufi Thorpe, the series was created by creator David E Kelley and stars his wife and Hollywood legend Michelle Pfeiffer. For the film fans among you, there's plenty to choose from. New to Prime Video is Crime 101, where Mark Ruffalo and Chris Hemsworth are the cop and robber on a collision course in a cracking Los Angeles-set crime thriller with more than a touch of Michael Mann’s Heat about it. Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry and Nick Nolte bring classy support. Also available to stream is hit horror Weapons, a puzzling and disturbing case in which 17 children at a school – all from the same third-grade class – had mysteriously and inexplicably run away from their homes at precisely 2:17 one night. The film unfolds from the perspectives of six different locals in the town, following their overlapping stories as they deal with the disappearance and try to get to the bottom of it – with Josh Brolin, Julia Garner and Alden Ehrenreich among those to play major roles. 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 fascinating documentary like Dynasty: the Murdochs, a drama spin-off like The Madison or a music extravaganza such as Harry Styles. One Night in Manchester, 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.
TFI Friday with Chris Evans is returning to Channel 4 after 11 years – but with a twist
Chris Evans is bringing TFI Friday back to its original home, as the revival Unplugged series launches later this week on Channel 4. Channel 4 has announced it has acquired six episodes of the Virgin Radio UK YouTube show, with the weekly series to make its debut across the broadcaster on Friday 17 April from 11pm. It will also be available to stream for free on Channel4.com and the Channel 4 YouTube channel. The first episode will feature Sam Ryder, Shreya Ghoshal, Jack Savoretti, Sindhu Vee, Gemma Arterton, Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo. Cimran Shah, commissioning editor of reality entertainment at Channel 4, commented: "TFI Friday was doing stripped-back, personality-led chat long before visualised-podcasts were a twinkle in our eyes! I’m thrilled that this deal brings TFI back to Channel 4, reimagined in a way that feels fresh, immediate and perfectly suited for a new generation wherever they watch Channel 4." The series first launched in the 1990s, and quickly became synonymous with live music, irreverent interviews and unpredictable moments. According to Channel 4, "this new Unplugged version from Virgin Radio retains that DNA while embracing a more intimate, contemporary format". The original run consisted of six seasons from 1996 to 2000, before it concluded. A one-off revival episode was broadcast in 2015 before Channel 4 announced it had commissioned a full revived series. But after that seventh season, the broadcaster announced there were no plans for any further series. Dennie Morris, director of audio, news broadcasting, at News UK said: "TFI Friday is one of those rare formats that never really left the cultural conversation, and we're proud to see this iconic title - and the genius of Chris Evans - find its way back to Channel 4 reimagined through Virgin Radio UK’s TFI Unplugged. We look forward to audiences rediscovering what made the show so special, wherever and however they choose to watch." TFI Friday Unplugged begins across Channel 4 on Friday 17 April. Add TFI Friday Unplugged 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.
Who is Nella Rose? Meet The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 contestant
It's that time of week again as a new crop of famous faces head into The Great Celebrity Bake Off tent. This week, Emmett J Scanlan, Mark Wright, Nella Rose, Mutya Buena and Ralf Little all face a series of sweet challenges, including making vegan fruit tarts and recreating their most ridiculous purchase ever. Each celebrity will be hoping to walk away as Star Baker, but that'll be before their baking skills are put to the test and judged by Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden. Among the celebrities featured tonight (12 April) is Nella Rose, but just who is she? Read on to learn more about her as she gets ready to bake. Who is Nella Rose? Age: 28 Job: TV presenter and YouTuber Instagram: @nellarosee Nella Rose rose to fame fame after setting up her YouTube channel in 2016, sharing videos of her life at university, which quickly spawned into a successful social media career. Following her YouTube success, Nella has gone on to host the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, and fronted the Channel 4 digital series Tapped Out. Her other work includes being a presenter on Catfish UK, alongside Oobah Butler, being a part of the Pressed podcast on BBC Radio 1Xtra, as well as various appearances on Footasylum's YouTube videos. In 2023, Nella appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, though became the second celebrity to be eliminated. She is currently the co-host of The Pink Courtroom, a YouTube series, alongside Indiyah Polack. The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer continues on Sunday 12 April at 7:40pm on Channel 4. To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can donate, visit su2c.org.uk. Add The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer 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.
Taskmaster season 21 premiere overnight ratings revealed as fans delight at show's return
And viewers have praised the "brilliant" new line-up.
The overnight ratings have been revealed for the premiere of Taskmaster season 21. The new outing, which sees Greg Davies return as host alongside creator Alex Horne as his faithful assistant and features a line-up including Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani and Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, began on Channel 4 on Thursday (9 April). And the chaotic episode, which saw the contestants tasked with hunting for worms, feeding Greg his five-a-day and firing T-shirt cannons, drew in an average of 680,000 viewers, according to overnight ratings. This figure will of course rise on Channel 4's catch-up service before the consolidated final ratings, while the official YouTube upload of the episode – available to international fans – has more than 420,000 views at the time of writing. Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now Fans were quick to take to social media to express their delight at the show's return too. "Oh #Taskmaster will be a good series, proper strong series opener that one," a viewer wrote on X. Fans also praised the new season’s impressive line-up, which features The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci, Last One Laughing comedian Amy Gledhill and The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett. "The casting in this series of #taskmaster is elite," another viewer said. View oEmbed on the source website Another added: "This is going to be an excellent series of #taskmaster. Brilliant cast yet again." Horne previously shared a cryptic teaser about the new season to Radio Times, hinting that we may be in for something shocking... "There is a moment involving Kumail Nanjiani. I don't want to give much away, but he gives a lot away about what he does by himself in his hotel room. So that's what you've got to tune in for," he said. "He surprised himself by what he revealed, and I was sat next to him, and it's a big moment. It's a never-before-seen Taskmaster moment." View Green Video on the source website Taskmaster returned on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Previous seasons are available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Add Taskmaster 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.
Taskmaster season 21 cast: Confirmed line-up of comedians
Greg Davies and Alex Horne are returning to make fools out of a whole new group of celebs.
After much excitement in Taskmaster's New Year Treat, the Channel 4 comedy show is back for its 21st season. As ever, five celebrities have signed up to leave all dignity at the door and take on yet another series of silly challenges set by Alex Horne, all in the hope of impressing Taskmaster Greg Davies. It's a mere matter of time before the first episode drops on Thursday 9 April on Channel 4 and the star-studded lineup of comedians and others in the industry has now been confirmed. So, who are the famous faces taking part? Read on to find out more about the cast of Taskmaster season 21. Taskmaster season 21 cast Amy Gledhill Armando Iannucci Joanna Page Joel Dommett Kumail Nanjiani Learn more about the comics taking part below. Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now Amy Gledhill Age: 38 Instagram: @thatamygledhill Job: Comedian and actress Amy Gledhill is a comedian and actress who began her career as part of various comedy sketch groups before winning the Caroline Aherne Bursary in 2018, designed to find, develop and support great new comedy talent, for which she got a cash prize and mentoring from a BBC editor. Between 2020 and 2021, she wrote and starred in the CBBC children's sketch show Big Fat Like, then from 2021 onwards appeared as Leslie in the BBC Two comedy series Alma's Not Normal. She won the prestigious best comedy show award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2024, and most recently she was a participant on the second season of Prime Video's Last One Laughing. Armando Iannucci Age: 62 Instagram: @armando.iannucci Job: Writer and satirist Armando Iannucci is a Scottish writer, known for his sharp political satire, who has a comprehensive career. He started out on BBC radio in the late 1980s, producing shows like the current affairs parody On the Hour, before making the transition to TV with the spoof news programme The Day Today alongside Chris Morris. Later, he worked with fellow comedian Steve Coogan to develop the comedy character Alan Partridge. In 2005, he created the BBC show The Thick of It which satirised the inner workings of British government and starred Peter Capaldi as its lead. More recently, he developed the American political satire show Veep for HBO, which received multiple Emmy and SAG Awards over its run. Taskmaster legend Alex Horne reveals the "jolt" he got from seeing show's A-list Hollywood signing Joanna Page Age: 49 Instagram: @iamjoannapage Job: Actress Welsh actress Joanna Page rose to fame as one of the titular characters for the BBC show Gavin & Stacey. The series only ran for three seasons from 2007 to 2010, but, over 15 years later, it remains one of the nation's most beloved TV shows. She also had a notable role in the 2003 film Love Actually as Judy, finding love with Martin Freeman's character John after they meet as professional body doubles for sex scenes. Joanna has also featured in Doctor Who, Doc Martin and Nativity 2. More recently she has done presenting work for BBC One's consumer series Shop Well for Less and The Pet Show on ITV with Dermot O'Leary, as well as appearing as a panellist on the ITV talk show Loose Women from 2023. Joel Dommett Age: 40 Instagram: @joeldommett Job: Comedian and presenter 40-year-old Joel Dommett began his career as an actor, appearing in Casualty and Skins, before transitioning into comedy with a breakthrough performance on the comedy current affairs show Russell Howard's Good News before starring in Impractical Jokers UK in 2012 to 2014. He also began TV presenting around the same time, first on Live in Chelsea, the live companion show to the first season of Made in Chelsea. He currently presents The Masked Singer and has done so since in first aired in 2020, while he has also hosted the National Television Awards since 2021. In 2016, Joel took part in the 16th season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and finished in second place, only losing out to Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt. Since his time on the series, he has presented its companion show, I'm a Celebrity: Unpacked. Joel Dommett and Armando Iannucci take on exclusive Taskmaster task – here's Alex Horne's verdict Kumail Nanjiani Age: 47 Instagram: @kumailn Job: Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani is a Hollywood actor known for his roles in Silicon Valley, Eternals and The Big Sick. The Oscar nominee said he ended up on the Channel 4 show thanks to season 1 contestant Tim Key. The pair met at a party and Nanjiani told Key just how much he loved the show. Alex Horne has also revealed that there is a moment this season which he said will go down in Taskmaster history where Kumail reveals what he does alone in hotel rooms. View Green Video on the source website Taskmaster season 21 begins on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4 and on the official Taskmaster YouTube channel elsewhere globally. Add Taskmaster 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.
Scott Mills episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer pulled by Channel 4 following allegations
An alternative episode will air in its place.
Channel 4 has confirmed that the final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, featuring Scott Mills, will no longer air as planned. In a statement, the broadcaster confirmed it did not believe it was appropriate to air the episode. Instead, an alternative episode will air in its place. The statement reads: "Having carefully considered the circumstances, we’ve taken the decision not to air the final episode of the 2026 series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, featuring Scott Mills. "Acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations that have been made against Scott, we don’t believe it would be appropriate to air the episode at this time. An alternative episode of Celebrity GBBO will go out in its place." The news comes after Metropolitan Police confirmed that Mills was questioned in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy who was aged under 16, relating to incidents reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000. The investigation began in 2016 and was later closed in 2019 due to lack of evidence. This news was reported after it was announced that Mills had been sacked by the BBC following allegations over his 'personal conduct'. In a statement shared with Radio Times last Wednesday (1 April), Mills said: "The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me. "An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018. As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. "Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter. "I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss." The Metropolitan Police's statement, released prior to Mills's statement, read: "In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force. The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000. "As part of these enquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was questioned by police under caution in July 2018. "A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019." On 1 April, the BBC confirmed that it knew about the police investigation in 2017, but said that it had "acted decisively" after receiving fresh information in recent weeks and terminated his contract on Friday (27 March). The BBC's statement read: "Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many. "We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved. "What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March. "The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met. "Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time." The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer continues on Sunday 12 April at 7:40pm on Channel 4. To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can donate, visit su2c.org.uk. Add The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer 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.
Beloved Channel 4 medical documentary show to return to screens 8 years after being axed
BAFTA award-winning One Born Every Minute will return to Channel 4 for a brand new series, eight years after the docuseries was cancelled. The ground-breaking fixed-rig observational series ran for 11 seasons between 2010 and 2018 and now, a new generation of viewers will be able to follow the intimate and emotional journey of childbirth in 12 new episodes. The latest series, which is to be filmed later this year, will capture modern Britain, highlighting evolving family dynamics, advances in maternity care and the real-life challenges faced by NHS staff in 2026. Bringing "fresh stories, diverse voices and a contemporary perspective to the timeless experience of childbirth", the series will once more be filmed using fixed-rig cameras to follow "the raw, emotional, and sometimes unpredictable moments experienced by expectant families and the medical teams who support them". Vivienne Molokwu, senior commissioning editor, reality & entertainment and commissioning lead for E4 said: "Nearly 10 years on, we feel very privileged to once again follow the journey that parents embark on as they welcome their babies to the world. We know the roller coaster of emotions that this period brings is something that will really resonate with the E4 audience, and we cannot wait for our viewers to see how the digital age has re-shaped how families navigate this stage of life." Will Rowson, co-creative director at Dragonfly TV added: "There’s such affection for One Born Every Minute, and we’re thrilled to return to it. In the years it’s been away so much around pregnancy and maternity care has changed, making this an exciting moment to reimagine the show for an E4 audience." The docuseries first launched in 2010 and following its success, several international versions were also commissioned. The series landed a BAFTA following its first season for best factual series, and was nominated in the same category in 2011. Previous seasons of One Born Every Minute are available to watch on Channel4.com. Add One Born Every Minute 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 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.
Jonathan Ross's new Channel 4 game show Handcuffed gets future revealed
Some famous faces could be thrown into the mix.
Channel 4's hit experimental series Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing has reportedly been renewed for a second season following its successful launch. The series, hosted by Jonathan Ross, challenged 18 strangers to remain handcuffed to one another for as long as they could manage, to be in with a chance to win £100,000. In a divided Britain, the series set out with the hopes that pairs living in such close proximity with one another would force opposites to talk, listen and perhaps learn from each other – and it seems to have paid off as two polar opposites won the series. And that isn't all, with The Sun also reporting the series will be getting a celebrity spin-off. Radio Times has reached out to Channel 4 for comment. "There isn’t just an appetite for a second series of the 'civilian' show, there’s also the desire to make a celebrity version," a source told the publication. "That’s because there are plenty of stars out there who have very contrasting views with other stars and the prospect of them being stuck with one another is just delicious. "Producers know it will make for great telly, though how long they will actually last being handcuffed remains to be seen." Though Channel 4 is yet to respond to these renewal rumours, at a press Q&A earlier this year, the idea of a celebrity edition was posed to Ross, who had a few ideas of who he'd like to see handcuffed. "We all know at the moment you can get Alan Carr to do anything," Ross joked. "If they were doing [a celebrity version] I'd like to do it with celebrities who you wouldn't normally see on things. So I think it would be wise to avoid reality show people. "I'd quite like to see Alexander Armstrong, I'd like to see him handcuffed to someone who was from a very different kind of background and circumstances. "I'd be interested to see Stormzy, so there are loads of people they could go for, but I can't think off the top of my head." Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. 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.
Alison Hammond teases Nigella Lawson on The Great British Bake Off - and her new TV gig where she “cries most episodes”
Alison Hammond on graft, grief and grabbing her moment – from Big Brother to Bake Off and beyond.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. With her loud laugh and big personality, Alison Hammond is now one of television's most recognisable presenters, with shows like The Great British Bake Off, For the Love of Dogs and her latest gig – hosting Channel 4's new singing competition, Your Song, from the team behind The Piano. But 51-year-old Hammond has been in the industry since she was six years old and first worked as a child actor. Is it frustrating that her talents took so long to be recognised? "I've grafted hard all my life, then got the fruits of my labour after quite a few years, which is how normal careers work." For those who haven't followed her career, Hammond first hit the big time as a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002, alongside the late Jade Goody. Her obvious intelligence and humour caught the eye of This Morning bosses, who gave her a job as a reporter, interviewing A-list celebrities such as Beyoncé and Hugh Jackman. Yet for many years the work was intermittent, and slowed down so much at one point that she took a job helping out in a hairdresser's. It wasn't until 2021 that she landed a permanent role on This Morning, presenting the show with Dermot O'Leary on Fridays. Bake Off followed two years later. "It's been a slow progression, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. My son [Aidan, 21] has seen times where I didn't do very well, so he's a well-rounded, kind and grateful kid. I'm a grafter. If there's money not coming in, I'll get a job in Tesco. Ultimately, I'm a people person. I can get on with anybody." It seems unlikely that Hammond will ever have to worry about that, though. She's now such a TV staple, she's a bookies' favourite to take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as one of the new hosts on Strictly Come Dancing. Expecting the standard woolly answer from a celeb, I ask if she's been approached. "I have, actually," she says. Seeing my surprise, she laughs, "You didn't expect that answer, did you? I can't lie, I'm incapable." So – is she going to do it? "I'm so busy, babes, that I'm not sure it's going to happen. It's unrealistic. I'm so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can't do it because everything clashes. I would have loved to have done it – anybody that gets it, they're going to land the perfect job. But I'm so happy with everything I've got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?" It's a good question. Unsurprisingly, Hammond isn't prepared to leave Bake Off, which she co-presents with Noel Fielding: especially as Nigella Lawson is taking over from Prue Leith as a judge in the upcoming series. Is she excited to meet Lawson, who's known for her glamour and sexy innuendoes? "Oh, my God, Nigel!", she screams. "Don't tell her I've been calling her Nigel, for some reason! "It's sad to see the back of wonderful Prue, but Nigella will be brilliant. Noel and I have been invited to her house. Paul's been already. I'll be nosying around and looking in the toilet and all the cupboards. I'm going to tone it down a bit with the filth this year, though: I'll leave the innuendoes to our Nigella." Alongside her bread-and-butter shows, Hammond has managed to squeeze in a new series: Your Song, in which contestants across the country perform on a touring pop-up stage and share the emotional meanings behind their music choices. Singers Sam Ryder and Paloma Faith judge the music, while Hammond presents. Hammond says she's enjoying this new phase of her career, in which she gets to show her more sensitive side. "Your Song shows my softer side because I cry most episodes. When you hear someone talking about how much a song means to them because they were bullied, or they've been ill, it's moving. Yes, I have a big, loud laugh, but it doesn't define who I am. People ask me to send a voice note of my laugh, but I never do. I've done adverts where they've gone, 'Can you do the laugh?' and I'm like, no, unless you make me laugh. It's not a schtick, it's something I do naturally, like breathing." Hammond is a clever choice for Your Song, because she's good at talking to people, and because music is important to her. When I ask if a particular song makes her emotional, she points to Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, because it reminds her of her beloved mother Maria, who died in 2020. "She was obsessed with that song," says Hammond. "Since she passed, the tears come as soon as I hear it. She loved Bake Off and For the Love of Dogs; she'd have loved Your Song. My whole career is centred around my mum, because she got me into showbiz." Maria, a single parent who held down several jobs including as a travel agent and carer, had a passion for being an extra in films and TV shows. When Maria landed a non-speaking role in a TV film called Artemis 81, starring Sting, she persuaded them to cast her then six-year-old daughter, too, and later encouraged Hammond to audition for the Central Television Workshop, whose alumni include Samantha Morton. For several years Hammond had roles in shows such as Boone and Crossroads. Does she dream of returning to acting? "My son asked me that the other day," Hammond says. "I loved playing a character, but there's nothing like being paid to be yourself. Imagine people loving you for being you? It's a nice feeling." Hammond's diary is, she says, terrifyingly full, and she only looks at one week at a time for fear of becoming overwhelmed. To cope with the volume of work, she has prioritised her fitness and wellbeing, dropping several dress sizes. "I've had a personal trainer for five years, even when I was at my biggest," she says. "But I had a childish mentality with regards to food, especially toffees – but now I'll only have a couple a day. We're not getting any younger, are we, babes? You realise at some point you've got to look after yourself. I've got a speaker under my pillow to play relaxing music, and a sleep tracker." Throughout our interview, which takes place after a day of filming, Hammond doesn't flag once: her packed schedule doesn't seem to be affecting her energy. "If the camera's in front of me, I'll be 100 miles an hour because I like showing off, but I'm the same off camera," she says. "I've got a lot of energy. People say I work hard, but it's not hard to go on TV and be myself. My job is quite simple, really: just turn up and be me. That's not even work, is it? I'm just lucky." Your Song begins on Sunday, 12 April at 9pm on Channel 4. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Add Your Song 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.
Who is Ambika Mod? Meet The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 contestant
The third episode of the 2026 series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off will air this coming Sunday on Channel 4, as another five celebrities enter the iconic tent. This week, the celebrity bakers will be battling it out making mini rolls and syrup sponge puddings, before recreating the most iconic outfits they've ever worn in choux pastry form, all in the hopes of impressing judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden to be named Star Baker. Taking to the tent this week is presenter Alex Brooker, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, TV personality Vicky Pattison, King of the Jungle Sam Thompson – and joining them is Ambika Mod. But just who is Ambika Mod? Read on to learn more about the British actress as she dons her apron. Who is Ambika Mod? Age: 30 Job: Actress Instagram: N/A Ambika Mod is known for the BBC medical comedy drama This Is Going to Hurt, where she acted opposite Ben Whishaw. However, it was her role in Netflix's One Day in 2024 as Emma which propelled her into super stardom. Her other TV credits include Disney+ thriller The Stolen Girl and I Hate Suzie. She has also appeared in a number of theatre productions, including Every Brilliant Thing, Porn Play and White Rabbit Red Rabbit. This year, she will have a voice role in the upcoming Netflix animated film Swapped, as well as voicing Nymphadora Tonks in new releases of the Harry Potter audiobooks. She is also set to take part in the second season of Keira Knightley's Black Doves, with the release date still to be announced, where she will again act opposite This Is Going to Hurt co-star Ben Whishaw. In 2024, Mod was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Entertainment category. The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer continues on Sunday 5 April at 7:40pm on Channel 4. To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can donate, visit su2c.org.uk. Add The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer 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.
A Woman of Substance ending explained: How does Emma get her revenge?
We know Emma ends up a successful businesswoman – but how does she get her revenge?
*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for the final episode of A Woman of Substance.* A Woman of Substance has concluded on Channel 4, as Emma Harte crossed paths with the Fairleys once again... Starting out as a penniless maid working at Fairley Hall, Emma then discovered she was pregnant with Edwin's (Ewan Horrocks) baby and was forced to leave under a cloud of mystery. She felt betrayed that the man who had promised a life with her had simply fled. The series mapped out the life of Emma and her various trials and tribulations, but a large part of that was the very fact that the Fairley family continued to be a thorn in her side over the years. Over the course of the eight episodes of A Woman of Substance, Emma embarked on a wonderful career journey of her own and she went from success to success. However, with the war having impacted her majorly – both personally and professionally – there were some major changes to be made. The final episode saw her cross paths with the Fairleys, but how do things end up for Emma in the past and in the '70s? Read on to find out. A Woman of Substance ending explained '70s Emma (Brenda Blethyn) turns up in Yorkshire and professes that it's good to be home, but it's only as she's being driven up the expansive driveway that we realise that her 'home' she's referring to is also Fairley Hall. It's her birthday and she's gathered all her family at the home for a special kind of celebration but when she appears in front of her family, she immediately asks if all of the traitors are present. We then go back to the wartime timeline and see that Edwin has made it out of the conflict, paying a visit to Mac on the train carriage. Mac informs him that Emma's husband has died but also makes it known that she's doing well for herself. Once he's home, Edwin's family are happy to see him and his aunt Olivia (Lydia Leonard) explains that his father Adam (Emmett J Scanlan) has been in a state of depression due to depleting funds and owing money to various people. She tells Edwin that Fairley Hall is now up for sale after overpromising to get the big army uniform contract secured. Seeing as Emma owns the mill, it's an even trickier situation and he simply can't fulfil the order. She then tells Edwin that all of that will now be on his shoulders, now that he's back from the war. Calling for Priya (Hiftu Quasem), Edwin immediately stops his aunt and tells her that he's been thinking about their relationship and just wants to let her go, owing to the fact that they clearly don't love each other. However, when Priya appears, she surprises Edwin in a major way and reveals that she is actually pregnant. View oEmbed on the source website Edwin starts to glean information about Emma from his brother and when he goes to the moors to throw away a locket containing her picture, he actually stops himself and instead, runs home to tell his father and brother that he's thought of a plan to make Emma the solution to their problems. That evening, we also see Mac and Emma (Jessica Reynolds) reunited and they have a big heart-to-heart about the time he's been away. It's clear that they've got a deep connection as Emma confesses to feeling relieved when she learnt that it wasn't Mac who had been killed, even though it was her husband that was. That conversation is one that Mac's pregnant wife overhears, with Mac and Emma assuming she's sleeping. The following morning, as she's chatting to a customer, she's surprised to see Edwin walk into her shop. Of course, Edwin then spots Edwina, his daughter, there and Emma tells her to go to another room. Edwin professes his love to Emma and proposes marrying her, telling her he made a mistake all those years ago and that he wants to make peace to end their ongoing feud. He says that although the Fairleys have the big uniform contract, they don't have any cloth or a mill – but she does. He asks for a working partnership to fulfil the contract, laying out the financial terms that would help them both. Ultimately though, he asks for a truce. Once he walks out of her shop and to his brother, his intentions become all too clear as he tells him that "she bought it", clearly just lying once again. Unfortunately, Emma falls for Edwin's charms again and pays a visit to Fairley Hall to discuss business with the rest of the family. When she arrives, she pays a visit to Murgatroyd (Robert Wilfort), who is actually proud of how far she's come. He also tells Emma about what he's heard, seeing as the Fairleys just think of staff as the wallpaper of the house. He says that Edwin has got Emma where he wants her and the partnership isn't what it seems, something that obviously angers Emma beyond belief. That day, Olivia then informs Adam that she's leaving him after he made her believe that she was responsible for Adele's death. She says she needs to get away in order to grieve, something which takes Adam by surprise. How does Emma get her revenge on the Fairleys? Spending some time thinking on the moors, Frank (Lenny Rush) confronts Emma about her decision-making and just tells her to trust her gut. She does so and runs back home to draft a new plan. She arrives back at Fairley Hall and greets the family, eventually sitting down to confront them all about what she's found out about their double-crossing. She's discovered that when she gets one pound for every uniform, the Fairley's will be getting five, making the 'partnership' unequal. She tells Adam that she paid a visit to Lord Acton, who is in charge of the contract, and told him about the Fairleys' underhanded tactics that would also leave the workers without a living wage and soldiers with subpar uniforms. She told him that she won't be supplying the Fairley's with any material and so, he gave her the money upfront to ensure she can fulfil the order herself. In her confrontation, Emma tells Adam of her anger related to the way he treated her parents. She then confronts Olivia about stealing her dress designs and then, Gerald, not telling them explicitly about the fact that he raped her but nevertheless, telling him that he's a "dangerous monster". She then makes her way to the head of the table and reveals what she's spent the contract money on, nodding to Murgatroyd as she does so. He opens the door to Mac, who walks in and joins Emma with a key. Emma reveals that she's actually bought Fairley Hall and serves the family their eviction notice, telling them all to leave. Later on, we see that Edwin follows Mac and Emma as they leave the house. He tells them that because he's now involved, he's more angry about this feud than ever. He threatens Emma and says that when he has his own family, they too will carry on this feud and try to regain control of the house. Does Emma confront her family about their betrayal? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/JoJoyner-AWomanofSubstance-08968dc.jpg" width="4500" height="3000" alt="Jo Joyner stars in A Woman of Substance; she is seen here in a house, where a party is being thrown. There are balloons behind her and a pink cake on a table in front of her. Despite the surroundings, she looks unhappy and angry at someone" title="Jo_Joyner_-_A_Woman_of_Substance" /> In the '70s, in the same spot as that tremendous takedown, Emma is standing before her own family at her birthday party. She confronts her children about their betrayal and offers them a way out – remain penniless and continue to feed lies to the press or accept a cheque of £1 million each, a small amount compared to what they would've received. She tells them that she's buying them and that by accepting the cheques, they're not to go up against her again. She then reveals that the heir to the businesses will be her granddaughter Paula (Mara Huf). Although they've had their ups and downs, Emma tells Paula that she's proven herself to be a worthy successor – but it's something that clearly makes Paula uncomfortable. Emma then tells Edwina (Rosie Cavaliero) the truth about her father, saying it isn't actually Mac as she's been made to believe, but is actually Edwin Fairley. Edwina appears quite happy to learn that she's a Fairley, which is precisely what Emma didn't want. That conversation is one that Paula overhears and Emma finds her outside the house, upset. Emma tells Paula that she trusts her completely but just as she does, she's called over by none other than Jim Fairley (Toby Regbo), who appears pleased with himself. The worst possible thing happens as Jim reveals that he and Paula eloped and got married in secret. But not only that, Paula also reveals that she's pregnant and Jim reminds Emma that whatever is Paula's, is now all his too. That means that the families will once again be tied and also, that Jim will stand to gain control over Fairley Hall once again, just like his grandfather Edwin had vowed all those years ago. A Woman of Substance is available to stream on Channel4.com. Add A Woman of Substance 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.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part
Five more famous faces step into the iconic tent and pull on their aprons on Sunday evening as the new series of Great Celebrity Bake Off continues. It may be for Stand Up to Cancer but the celebs involved will still be desperate to impress judges Paul Hollywood and new arrival Cherish Finden. The internationally renowned pastry chef is well known among the Bake Off family, as she is also a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals. Sunday's show sees comedian Alex Brooker, actor Ambika Mod (One Day, This Is Going To Hurt), EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, TV personality Vicky Pattinson and Made In Chelsea alumni Sam Thompson roll up their sleeves and get baking. But who are the famous faces testing their baking skills? Scroll down to find out. The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 line-up JoJo Siwa Molly-Mae Hague Vicky Pattison Scott Mills Sam Thompson. Rag 'n' Bone Man Aston Merrygold Edith Bowman Emmett J Scanlan Ralf Little Richard Herring Joe Wilkinson Babatunde Aléshé Rose Matafeo Judi Love Tom Davis Mark Wright Nella Rose Mutya Buena Rose Ayling-Ellis Ambika Mod Roisin Conaty Jon Richardson Alex Brooker Read on to find out more about this year's cast. JoJo Siwa Age: 22 Job: Singer and dancer Instagram: @itsjojosiwa JoJo Siwa is a singer and dancer who first rose to fame after appearing on Dance Moms. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, having appeared in various Nickelodeon TV shows and even her own film. But her career hustle hasn't stopped there, with the 21-year-old having launched a successful music career. Her song Boomerang has over 1 billion views on YouTube, but the singer has recently moved on in her music career, releasing songs for an older audience. She appeared on a recent series of Celebrity Big Brother, introducing herself to new audiences across the UK. Molly-Mae Hague Age: 26 Job: Influencer and businesswoman Instagram: @mollymae Molly-Mae Hague is an influencer and businesswoman who rose to fame in 2019 after appearing on Love Island, finishing as runner-up alongside Tommy Fury. Since then, she was catapulted into superstardom, gaining millions of fans, and has since appeared in her own documentary, Behind it All, on Prime Video. It went on to win a National Television Award in the authored documentary category. Vicky Pattison Age: 38 Job: TV personality Instagram: @vickypattison Vicky Pattison is a TV personality, radio host and author who first rose to fame on Geordie Shore in 2011, on which she starred for three years until 2014. She then appeared in another MTV show, Ex on the Beach, in both 2014 and 2015, before going on to have her own show, Judge Geordie. In 2015, she gained a whole new fan base after she won the 15th season of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, which saw her career skyrocket. Since then, she has taken part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, and was paired with Kai Widdrington. Scott Mills Age: 52 Job: Broadcaster Instagram: @realscottmills Scott Mills is a radio DJ and presenter, best known for hosting BBC Radio 1 from 2004 to 2022. Nowadays, fans can tune in to hear him on BBC Radio 2. He is also the voice of Eurovision for many, offering his expertise and coverage on the audio waves during the competition. In 2024, he took part in Celebrity Race Across the World alongside his husband Sam Vaughan - which they went on to win! Sam Thompson Age: 33 Job: TV personality Instagram: @sampthompsonuk Sam Thompson is a TV personality best known for appearing on Made in Chelsea from 2013 to 2021. His other reality TV appearances include Celebrity Big Brother, in which he came third place, as well as Celebrity Coach Trip and Celebs Go Dating. More recently, he appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2023 in which he charmed the nation and became the 'King of the Jungle'. Rag 'n' Bone Man Age: 41 Job: Singer Instagram: @ragnboneman Rag 'n' Bone Man, real name Rory Charles Graham, is a singer who rose to fame following the release of his hit single Human in 2016. He followed up the single with an album in 2017, and it became the fastest selling debut album by a male in the UK for the decade. That year, he won big at the BRIT Awards, Echo Awards and the NRJ Music Awards. Since then, he has released two more album, the latter of which debuted at number one on the UK albums chart and was in the top 10 for seven weeks. Aston Merrygold Age: 38 Job: Singer and dancer Instagram: @astonmerrygold Aston Merrygold is a singer who is best known for being a member of boyband JLS, who finished as runners-up in The X Factor in 2008. As a member of JLS, Merrygold achieved five number one singles and a number one album. Following the band's hiatus, Merrygold released a single and went on to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. He also made his theatre debut in The Wizard of Oz UK tour as the Tin Man, and later reprised the role in the West End. Edith Bowman Age: 52 Job: TV presenter Instagram: @edibow Edith Bowman is a radio DJ and TV presenter, best known for being co-host on Colin and Edith and The Radio 1 Review on BBC Radio 1. Over on television, Bowman has fronted various programmes Hitlist UK, Top of the Pops and has appeared in coverage for a number of festivals, including Glastonbury, T in the Park and Reading and Leeds Festival. Emmett J Scanlan Age: 47 Job: Actor Instagram: @scandalous_13 Emmett J Scanlan is an actor, best known for his roles in Hollyoaks, Peaky Blinders, Kin and The Tower, and was recently seen in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. Ralf Little Age: 46 Job: Actor Instagram: @ralf.little Ralf Little is an actor, best known for his roles in The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crips and Death in Paradise. More recently, he has fronted the U series, Will & Ralf Should Know Better, alongside longtime friend Will Mellor. Richard Herring Age: 58 Job: Comedian Instagram: @rkherring1967 Richard Herring is a stand-up comedian, who many may recognise from being one half of double act, Lee and Herring, alongside Stewart Lee. He has appeared in a number of TV shows including Fist of Fun, Taskmaster and Heads Up with Richard Herring. Joe Wilkinson Age: 51 Job: Comedian Instagram: @gillinghamjoe Joe Wilkinson is a comedian and actor who first began his comedy career in 2004 in support of Alan Carr and Russell Howard on their tours. Over the course of his career, Joe has appeared on the likes of England's Worst Ever Football Team, Him & Her and Robert's Web. He has also taken part in 8 Out of 10 Cats, Have I Got News for You and Mock the Week. Last year, he also took part in Last One Laughing UK and The Celebrity Traitors, though didn't manage to make it to the final rounds of either. Babatunde Aléshé Age: 39 Job: Comedian Instagram: @babatundecomedian Babatunde Aléshé is a comedian and podcaster who fans may recognise from his various TV appearances, including Taskmaster, Celebrity Gogglebox and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. He, alongside friends and comedians Mo Gilligan and Eddie Kadi, launched the podcast Man Like You. Rose Matafeo Age: 34 Job: Comedian and actress Instagram: @rosematafeo Rose Matafeo is a New Zealand comedian who is best known for creating and starring in BBC Three's Starstruck. She has competed on shows like Taskmaster, Hypothetical and Richard Osman's House of Games, and appeared on Big Fat Quiz of the Year and QI. More recently, she worked alongside Mike Wozniak hosting Junior Taskmaster. She has taken part in Celebrity Bake Off before, having appeared on the series in 2023. Judi Love Age: 45 Job: Comedian Instagram: @1judilove Judi Love has been a mainstay on TV screens as a regular panellist on Loose Women. But beyond that, she has taken part on MasterChef, Strictly Come Dancing and Taskmaster. Last year, she took part in Last One Laughing UK, though her giggles got the better of her and she was given the red card. Tom Davis Age: 46 Job: Comedian and actor Instagram: @mrbigtomd Tom Davis is a comedian and actor who rose to fame for his role as DI Sleet in BBC Three's Murder in Successville, before later appearing in King Gary as Gary King. Since then, he has appeared in a number of movies and TV shows including Paddington 2, Wonka, A League of Their Own and A Thousand Blows. Like Matafeo, he has taken part in Celebrity Bake Off before, having appeared on the series in 2023. Mark Wright Age: 39 Job: TV personality Instagram: @wrighty_ Mark Wright is a TV personality best known for being a cast member on The Only Way Is Essex. He then reached further stardom after appearing on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! where he finished as runner-up, before then appearing on Strictly Come Dancing where he reached the final. Nella Rose Age: 28 Job: TV presenter and YouTuber Instagram: @nellarosee Nella Rose found fame after setting up her YouTube channel in 2016, sharing videos of her life at university, which quickly spawned into a successful social media career. Following her YouTube success, Nella has gone on to host the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, and fronted the Channel 4 digital series Tapped Out. Her other work includes being a presenter on Catfish UK, alongside Oobah Butler, being a part of the Pressed podcast on BBC Radio 1Xtra, as well as various appearances on Footasylum's YouTube videos. In 2023, Nella appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, though became the second celebrity to be eliminated. Mutya Buena Age: 40 Job: Singer Instagram: @mutyabuena Mutya Buena is a singer and songwriter, best known for being a member of the Sugababes. After leaving the girl group in 2005, Mutya released her solo album Real Girl before returning to the band in 2012. During her career as a solo artist and band member, Mutya has won Best British Dance Act, Best Live Music, Best Single and more recently, an Impact Award. Her TV work includes Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity MasterChef. Rose Ayling-Ellis Age: 31 Job: Actress Instagram: @rose.a.e Rose Ayling-Ellis is an actress best known for playing Frankie Lewis on EastEnders, a turning point for the soap, as Rose was the show's first Deaf character. She also appeared in Casualty, where she played Bianca Sinclair. She later appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and won alongside Giovanni Pernice, where notably their couple's choice contemporary dance, featuring an added period of silence as a tribute to the deaf community, received uproarious applause. She has since appeared in Code of Silence as Alison, a deaf woman who while working in a police canteen is approached by a detective, whose team need her impeccable lip-reading skills to help bring down a dangerous gang. Ambika Mod Age: 30 Job: Actress Ambika Mod is best known for Netflix's One Day and BBC drama This Is Going to Hurt, which propelled her celebrity status. Her other TV credits include The Stolen Girl and I Hate Suzie. Though she has also appeared in a number of theatre productions, including Every Brilliant Thing, Porn Play and White Rabbit Red Rabbit. Roisin Conaty Age: 46 Job: Comedian and actress Instagram: @roisinconaty1 Roisin Conaty is a comedian and actress who rose to fame for her portrayal of Jo in Man Down, and later in GameFace, a series in which she is the creator, writer and lead actress. She also appeared in Netflix's comedy-drama After Life and more recently, has been Jimmy Carr's assistant in Prime Video's Last One Laughing UK. Jon Richardson Age: 43 Job: Comedian Instagram: @jonrichardsoncomedian Jon Richardson is a comedian and actor, known for his appearances in 8 Out of 10 Cats and Meet the Richardsons, a series he featured in alongside his ex-wife Lucy Beaumont. He currently stars in Waterloo Road as Darius Donovan, a new media teacher at the school who’s able to win over pupils and staff alike with his charming exterior. Alex Brooker Age: 41 Job: TV presenter Instagram: @alex_brooker Alex Brooker is a TV presenter best known for his work with Channel 4, particularly on The Last Leg, a series he co-hosts alongside Adam Hills and Josh Widdicombe. He also co-presented The Jump alongside Davina McCall in 2014. The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer begins on Sunday 22 March at 7:40pm. To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can donate, visit su2c.org.uk. Add The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer 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.
Your Easter weekend 2026 schedule: What's worth watching this Bank Holiday - from Doctor Who to The Capture
From new episodes of hit series to brand new shows and events, here are all the big TV hitters over the Easter weekend.
Just couple of weeks after spring finally arrived, the Easter Bank Holiday weekend is here, and some fantastic options on the TV schedules have arrived with it. If you're a sci-fi fan looking for what to watch over the four-day weekend, then you can check out the newly recovering episodes of Doctor Who: The Daleks' Master Plan on BBC iPlayer, or new animated Star Wars series Maul - Shadow Lord on Disney Plus. Meanwhile, drama fans are in luck, as there are new episodes of Beyond Paradise season 4, Grace season 6 and The Capture season 3 all on the way over the next few days. If it's reality shows, entertainment programmes or docuseries you're looking for, then there are a whole host of options – from David Attenborough's latest series, Secret Garden, to the new season of religious travel series Pilgrimage, to Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic, a new season of Have I Got News For You and I'm a Celebrity... South Africa season 2. Last but not least, comedy fans can look forward to The Young Offenders season 5, and sports fans can enjoy The Boat Race, airing on Channel 4 for the first time ever. Read on for our list of what's worth watching this Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Doctor Who: The Daleks' Master Plan Friday 3 April, 6am, BBC iPlayer The original Doctor (William Hartnell) and his companions arrive on the jungle planet Kembel in the year 4000, where the Daleks are forging an alliance in a bid to conquer the universe. Episodes two, five and 10 of this 12-part 1960s classic have been available on iPlayer for a while, but now, to the delight of fans, the long-lost first and third instalments (The Nightmare Begins and Devil’s Planet) have returned miraculously to the BBC and can be enjoyed for the first time in 60 years. It’s a gritty if rambling tale told with dramatic conviction and skilled direction. Patrick Mulkern Beyond Paradise season 4 episode 2 Friday 3 April, 8pm, BBC One When it comes to the use of dissociative identity order in mysteries, opinion is split. Granted, it can be utilised to provide audiences with the ultimate in unreliable protagonists (see Psycho, for instance). But there is a risk of stigmatising sufferers, especially when the condition is equated with aggressive behaviour. Here, someone with DID is at least suspected of being the perpetrator of a crime due to the possibility of them having a violent alter. Whether or not they turn out to be guilty is the job of this episode to reveal. But it does at least toy with the prospect of this being the case, something that isn’t particularly helpful when research suggests that those who’ve been diagnosed are far likelier to harm themselves than others. David Brown Have I Got News For You season 71 Friday 3 April, 9pm, BBC One Back in September 1990, HIGNFY’s first-ever panellists had topics to discuss such as the looming prospects of war in the Gulf and recession in the UK. Plus ça change, eh? Throw in the rise of Reform and the Greens at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives, the turmoil caused by the Epstein files and the latest nonsensical utterings to have come from the White House and the week in current affairs should serve up a feast fit for those two kings of comedy, Paul Merton and Ian Hislop. Joined for tonight’s first episode in this 71st run by Armando Iannucci and C4 News’s US editor Anushka Asthana, they may find their satirical fangs sharpened by the arrival of a new generation of topical comedians in Saturday Night Live: UK. Tonight’s presenter has benefitted from a cultural exchange in the other direction, with Roy Wood Jr, host of CNN’s version of Have I Got News for You, back for his third stint in the hot seat. Gabriel Tate The Young Offenders season 5 Friday 3 April, 9:30pm, BBC One From Jessie Buckley to Cillian Murphy, and Marian Keyes to Sally Rooney — and not forgetting Mrs Brown, Irish culture is enjoying a purple patch — or should that be a green patch? In the midst of this “Guinnaissance”, the return of the cartoonish Cork comedy for a fifth series is well timed. Lifelong friends Conor (Alex Murphy) and Jock (Chris Walley) are reunited after serving jail time on different continents. Despite vowing to grow up and settle down, the hapless petty criminals soon slip back into their old ways. Posing as stag weekenders with the unlikely names of Diego and Juan, the fugitive pair accidentally take a retired married couple hostage in a remote house. However, the lads are surprised to find they have more in common with them than they imagined. Cue potty-mouthed bickering and knockabout humour with an undertow of warm sentiment. Michael Hogan The Boat Race 2026 Saturday 4 April, 1:30pm, Channel 4 The Boat Race will not be broadcast by the BBC for the first time in 99 years but you can still expect the same drama on the River Thames. In 1927, the first radio broadcast of the event was transmitted from the deck of the Magician, a launch carrying half a ton of broadcasting equipment, a generator and batteries. The Oxbridge teams would duel on TV for the first time in 1938, 11 years before the corporation was able to broadcast the full race to home audiences. In 2026, Channel 4 offers TV coverage of the men's and women's races coxed by the steady hand of Clare Balding, while Times Radio will command the airwaves. However, beyond broadcasting technicalities, the river still arches the same route from Putney to Mortlake and the will to win is as strong as ever. Cambridge have racked up six wins in the last seven men's races, while the women boast a clean sweep of the last eight. Can Oxford turn the tide to begin this new era for a great British institution? Michael Potts Secret Garden Sunday 5 April, 6pm, BBC One In a tribute for his 99th birthday, one admirer suggested David Attenbourough’s genius was to have built a bridge between ordinary British homes and the exotic wildlife of faraway places. Now, as Attenborough approaches 100, he leads us home again: this gorgeous series takes us not to distant jungles and savannahs but to “the hidden world right on our doorstep.” And it’s a real treat. Clearly, having the most trusted, lyrical of voices narrating could make any nature series, but really, the filming here needs no help. What the camerafolk have captured in the garden (for this first episode) of a mill-house by the River Thame in Oxfordshire is wonderful. They film a kingfisher sharing his catch with the female he hopes to impress – then later we see the resulting brood of chicks jostling inside their riverbank burrow. We see a hidden litter of vole pups, each “smaller than a jelly baby and completely blind” as well as the weird, Jaws-like drama of an otter hunting ducks on the mill stream. It’s exquisitely done and for anyone with any kind of garden, an eye-opener. David Butcher Grace season 6 episode 2 Sunday 5 April, 8pm, ITV1 Author Peter James may be prolific, but he’s in danger of getting outpaced by the series adapting his work. Hence this latest episode being an original storyline rather than one based upon a pre-existing novel. It does, though, come with James’s seal of approval and plenty of his hallmark themes. Psychological cruelty and stalking once again take centre stage, this time within a university setting where women are feeling under threat. It’s a timely premise, with stalking widely regarded as an under-reported crime on campuses across the UK. Reassuringly, the execution is more measured than sensational, avoiding the gratuitous excess that has occasionally marked this drama in its more lurid moments. David Brown The Capture season 3 episode 5 Sunday 5 April, 9pm, BBC One So much of the content of this episode is embargoed, I can’t reveal much about it in case I end up like Ron Perlman’s character. However, it does take us back a year to the late Home Secretary’s clever stunt with a deep fake TV interview and fills us in about Noah Pierson (Killian Scott) – his real identity, his earlier exploits and what that heart implant is all about. “I’m a cog in a machine – and we cogs don’t always know what our fellow cogs are up to, or even who they are,” Pierson tells Rachel (Holliday Grainger). But why should she believe him when he’s lied so often? Jane Rackham Pilgrimage: The Road to Holy Island Sunday 5 April, 9pm, BBC Two The celebrity pilgrims in previous series have often walked religious routes through sunny Spain or Italy hoping to find out more about spirituality. However, this group are spending 12 rainy days hiking 290 miles from Whitby to Lindisfarne. They have different beliefs. It could almost be the start of a joke – a Christian, an atheist and a Jew go for a walk – but, although this is entertaining at times, it’s a serious quest for enlightenment. Comedians Hasan al-Habib, an observant Muslim, and Ashley Blaker, formerly an orthodox Jew who still has strict Jewish beliefs, have especially interesting things to say about their religions. Expect laughter, insights and some huffing and puffing, as well as honest discussions about faith. Continues tomorrow. Jane Rackham Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Monday 6 April, Disney+ If your only exposure to the Star Wars universe is the films, the premise of this series might be confusing. After all, the last time most people remember seeing Sith Lord Darth Maul was when he was chopped in half by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi in 1999’s Episode I: The Phantom Menace. So how is he back twirling that lightsaber? Well, on the small screen he was resurrected – and given robot legs – in animated TV series The Clone Wars, and now Maul (he’s dropped the Darth) gets his own spin-off, in which he clashes with the evil galactic empire. A must-watch for die-hard fans. Huw Fullerton Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic Monday 6 April, 6:30pm, BBC Two Wild, rugged and unpredictable may not be words that come to mind when you think of Ronan Keating, but it’s how the '90s boyband survivor describes the landscape of the Irish west coast, the real star of this charming travelogue. Feeling the call of his homeland since the tragic loss of his older brother Ciarán, Keating reconnects with his roots by exploring the area where Ireland meets the mighty Atlantic Ocean. In the first of five nightly episodes, Keating is in Cork, the country’s largest southernmost county. The scenery is breathtaking, and Keating has fun with a spot of road bowling, taking on his professional footballer nephew Ruairí, and foraging for edible plants in a rewilding project. In a reflective mood, he visits Ireland’s first Tibetan Buddhist temple, where he confronts the grief for his sibling. Johnathon Hughes I'm a Celebrity... South Africa season 2 Monday 6 April, 9pm, ITV1 Lucky old Ant and Dec get two free holidays this year, with a spring edition of the jungle favourite joining their annual autumn trip to Australia. Back for a second all-star version after its 2023 debut, this series sees a greatest hits of previous campmates compete to be crowned the “ultimate legend” in the South African wilderness. Although mostly prerecorded, a format tweak sees the grand final broadcast live from London – meaning viewers get a chance to vote for the winner. Bookies’ early tip is wheeler-dealing football gaffer Harry Redknapp. Also hotly fancied are former Goggleboxer Scarlett Moffatt and soap actor Adam Thomas. The field is completed by ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, boxer David Haye, Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard, Olympian Sir Mo Farah, popstrel Sinitta, DJ Craig Charles, footballer Jimmy Bullard, comedian Seann Walsh and reality diva Gemma Collins – who lasted a mere three days on I’m a Celebrity... in 2014. The intrepid dozen should know the drill by now – we’re promised “epic and extreme trials”. Best make sure you’ve finished your supper before tuning in. Michael Hogan Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Boat Race 2026 on TV: Channel and live stream
Your complete guide to The Boat Race 2026, including full TV coverage details.
Cambridge and Oxford meet on the River Thames to renew their rivalry on Saturday in the 2026 edition of The Boat Race. Now approaching its 200th anniversary, the race has become a staple of the British sporting calendar but this is more than just university sport; there is serious athletic prowess on show – with World Championship and Olympic rowers representing both sides. Duck egg dominance has been the story of recent races, with Cambridge enjoying plenty of success and scooping another clean sweep last year. All eyes will be trained on the Championship Course, that famous 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames, to see whether Oxford can wrestle back the bragging rights. Thousands will flock to the banks of the river between Putney and Mortlake to watch on but those keen to tune in from home will notice a difference in coverage – with BBC handing the baton over to Channel 4. RadioTimes.com brings you all the details about how to watch The Boat Race live on TV in 2026. When is The Boat Race 2026? The Boat Race takes place on Saturday 4 April 2026, with the women's, men's and reserve races starting shortly after 1:20pm. The Boat Race 2026 on TV and live stream The Boat Race will be shown live on Channel 4. BBC have historically been in charge of coverage but from 2026 onwards, Channel 4 is the new home of the event. Coverage starts at 1:30pm – and will be available on Channel 4, online and on a range of platforms, including mobiles and tablets. The Boat Race 2026 on radio You can tune in to listen to coverage of The Boat Race on Times Radio. BBC Radio has traditionally provided radio coverage of the event but Times Radio has the radio rights through until 2028. The Boat Race 2026 TV schedule All UK times. Subject to change. 2:21pm – Women's Boat Race 2:36pm – Women's Reserve Boat Race 2:51pm – Men's Reserve Boat Race 3:21pm – Men's Boat Race What colours are Oxford and Cambridge in the Boat Race? Oxford traditionally wear dark blue outfits, while Cambridge rowers will don light, 'duck egg' blue. Who won The Boat Race 2025? Cambridge won both the men's and women's Boat Race last year to continue their recent dominance. They finished 16.22 seconds ahead of Oxford in the men's event and 7.72 seconds ahead in the women's race. Could this be the year that Oxford win back the bragging rights or will Cambridge maintain their supremacy? If you're looking for something else to watch, check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide, or visit our Sport hub for all the latest news. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Taskmaster's future officially confirmed as it hits massive global numbers on YouTube
Channel 4 has confirmed that hit comedy game show Taskmaster has been renewed for a further six seasons. The Taskmaster himself, Greg Davies, and show creator Little Alex Horne will also return in their roles for Taskmaster’s New Year Treat, and the fan-favourite Taskmaster Champion of Champions. Horne said in a statement: "I’m pleased and quite stressed that I’ve got to come up with a lot more tasks for a lot more comedians but the thought of three more years in Greg’s deep embrace is soothing my little head." Meanwhile, Davies added: "I am delighted the comedian meat grinder remains open for business. I look forward to gleefully keeping it fed with the help of a small, introverted man that I own." Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now Alongside the renewal, Channel 4 also revealed that season 19 of Taskmaster, which aired in 2025, saw the show reach new heights in its popularity, with clips from the series accumulating 165 million global views across its social platforms. The show has also surpassed over 1.4 billion global views on its official YouTube channel. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/03/taskmaster-season-21-cast-line-up-94f0b83.jpg" width="4500" height="3000" alt="Joel Dommett, Amy Gledhill, Kumail Nanjiani, Greg Davies, Alex Horne, Joanna Page and Armando Iannucci standing in front of the Taskmaster house with an American diner aesthetic. Alex is dressed as a serving waiter on roller skates, while the cast are holding milkshakes, burgers and popcorn." title="Taskmaster season 21 cast" /> The news comes with the release date for season 21 just days away, kicking off on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4, and arriving directly afterwards on YouTube worldwide. The line-up for the new season is made up of Last One Laughing comedian Amy Gledhill, The Thick of It and The Day Today creator Armando Iannucci, Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett and Oscar-nominated Silicon Valley star Kumail Nanjiani. Horne recently set Iannucci and Dommett a special Easter task for Radio Times – with less than successful results. He has also previewed a moment involving Nanjiani in the upcoming episodes that he called a "never-before-seen Taskmaster moment". View Green Video on the source website Taskmaster season 21 begins on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4 and on the official Taskmaster YouTube channel elsewhere globally. Add Taskmaster 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.
Joel Dommett and Armando Iannucci take on exclusive Taskmaster task – here's Alex Horne's verdict
Break the boiled egg. You may only break one egg. Two of the eggs are labelled correctly. Fastest wins. Your time starts now!
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. It’s almost April, and “Little” Alex Horne has turned up at the Radio Times office with a wax-sealed task, four gold envelopes and a “special” six-pack of eggs. Happy Easter! To celebrate Taskmaster’s 21st series, which begins on Channel 4 on Thursday 9 April, just a few days after the Easter weekend, Horne has agreed to create an exclusive seasonal task for RT. To make it even more authentic, we’ve invited two of this year’s contestants – satirist/director Armando Iannucci and comedian and presenter Joel Dommett – to try it out. We’ve even managed to bring in an official trophy of Taskmaster Greg Davies wearing bunny ears for the winner. An “Easter Greg”, if you will. How did they do? Read on to find out. Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now Armando Iannucci Within seconds of starting, Armando had accidentally dropped an egg, technically ending the whole task – but he decided to plough on anyway. Despite using one hint, he still failed to locate the boiled egg and broke the second raw egg. Double failure. “Thank you very much... it’s great to be back,” he laughs. This feels a bit like a post-match interview... How do you rate your task performance today? Well, I think I played really well. My fitness is good. My form is good. I just think the big point – you know, choosing the egg – I need to be better than that. I’ve fired my coach… and I’ve hired the coach I’ve fired because he’s still on contract. I still have to pay him. You’re not known for being “yourself” on TV shows, so why do Taskmaster? People have me down as a sort of political, satirical, sweary writer. And, yeah, I do a bit of that, but I also do stupid stuff and silly stuff. I mean, Alan Partridge is stupid, and I did a show on Channel 4, The Armando Iannucci Shows, which was mostly stupid. I seem to do comedy about people who look normal or even respectable acting like idiots. And I thought it was probably about time I fell into that category. Were you a fan before? Oh, it’s a favourite! My family and I watched it right from the start. I was slightly trepidatious to be asked on to it, but also within a nanosecond, I said yes, because it’s such a friendly, kind show. You can bowl things up and make a complete arse of the task and of yourself, and it doesn’t matter. You’re surrounded by Easter paraphernalia, but do you celebrate Easter? We used to do Easter egg hunts and all that sort of thing, but my kids are grown up now. I will say, when you reach a certain age – and I don’t want to plough this elderly man theme for much longer – but you can have chocolate whenever you like! You don’t need to wait until Easter. Joel Dommett Joel took his time trying to crack the clues – “Egg a’boiled?” he mused, before being told it read “Egg A: boiled” – and also sacrificed a minute of time for a hint. Unfortunately, that “mystery envelope” only contained a free photo of Greg Davies and Alex Horne. Checking under the egg cups revealed a secret message: Manufactured in Denmark. Giving up, Joel went on instinct and confidently smashed a raw egg on his head. Followed by the other raw egg. Good for the hair, we’re told... Without giving too much away, you have trouble with an egg-based task in the new series... You don’t seem to have a lot of luck with eggs on Taskmaster! No, I really don’t. I like to eat eggs because they are a very good protein source. But now they sort of have a sheen of PTSD. How did you find our task today? I loved it – I know there’s probably a clever way of doing it and I do always try my best to work out what that is, but it actually kind of confuses me and then I just go a bit gung-ho. And smash an egg on my head. Two eggs. Why not? If you’ve done one, you might as well do another. Were you a fan of the show before you joined? A massive fan, as I think a lot of comedians are. It’s just one of those brilliant shows in which you get to see the mind of a comedian and the different ways they figure something out. Potentially in the wrong way, very much like today! It’s very festive in here – do you celebrate Easter? I sometimes forget Easter, but I have a two-and-a-half year-old, so I should probably start embracing it! Actually, people think I’m maybe not a controversial comedian, but I’m about to say something really controversial… I don’t eat chocolate. In the shoot, I enjoyed punching an Easter egg more than I enjoyed eating it. That says it all about me. 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. Alex Horne's verdict This was easy to score. They both failed – zero points. This is a little logic task. It’s very easy: you’ve just got to open the hint envelope that is going to cost you the most time. But I was pretty sure that they wouldn’t do that – and they didn’t do that, so that’s good. I did feel very smug, which often happens in the show. I tested this one on my kids at home and two of them found the correct egg, one of them did a Joel and just smashed the wrong one. These two did predictably badly, but they also did it predictably entertainingly. There’s always a balance in the show. You could just come in and do the task. And that’s fine if one person does that, but if all five did it in a very dry way, it wouldn’t be entertaining. So, they didn’t disappoint. This task may return in the TV show. So if you’re a future contestant watching this, you’ve got an advantage. I try to test tasks out wherever I can because life’s short. Photographer: Rob Parfitt <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/rob_parfitt_photography/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/rob_parfitt_photography/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@rob_parfitt_photography HMU: Bryony Blake <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/bryony_blake/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/bryony_blake/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@bryony_blake HMU: Holly Davies <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/hollylouisehmua/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/hollylouisehmua/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@hollylouisehmua Set Dressing: Propped Up <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/propped_up_ltd/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/propped_up_ltd/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@propped_up_ltd The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Taskmaster returns on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Previous seasons are available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Add Taskmaster 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.
Taskmaster legend Alex Horne reveals the "jolt" he got from seeing show's A-list Hollywood signing
The show creator hints at what's in store for the new episodes – and sets two of the contestants an eggs-tra special task.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. It’s almost April, and "Little" Alex Horne has turned up at the Radio Times office with a wax-sealed task, four gold envelopes and a "special" six-pack of eggs. Happy Easter! To celebrate Taskmaster’s 21st series, which begins on Channel 4 on Thursday 9 April, just a few days after the Easter weekend, Horne has agreed to create an exclusive seasonal task for RT. To make it even more authentic, we’ve invited two of this year’s contestants – satirist/director Armando Iannucci and comedian and presenter Joel Dommett – to try it out. We’ve even managed to bring in an official trophy of Taskmaster Greg Davies wearing bunny ears for the winner. An "Easter Greg", if you will. “This is an Easter task, which I had to come up with very quickly,” Horne tells RT. “I do have to come up with tasks all the time – I get asked quite often by hen nights and stag dos and schoolteachers. I have a little list of things that might work for different occasions.” Essentially, it’s second nature at this point. On-screen, 47-year-old Horne and the Taskmaster team have created hundreds upon hundreds of tasks for more than 100 comedians across 21 series (not including specials), with challenges ranging from painting the best picture of a horse while riding a horse, to successfully running a fictional hotel, all judged by co-host Davies. “I think of it like writing jokes,” Horne explains. “You always panic that you’re going to run out, but they keep on coming to you. You’re just hoping inspiration will strike in a completely different direction. “They’re also not complete until the comedians do them,” he adds. “Often the ones that end up being the most memorable were the least good on paper.” That’s certainly true of today’s task for Iannucci and Dommett. The unlikely duo are asked to find and smash a single boiled egg from a group of three; two are raw. Each egg has descriptions written on it, and the golden envelopes contain extra clues, but may also include red herrings. It’s hard to say what cracks quicker under the pressure – the celebrities or the eggs. Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now “Like most of the series, with this task I’ve finished it and still don’t really understand what happened,” Dommett says shortly after his attempt. Still, the eggy chaos reflects the new series, the 11th on Channel 4 (previously it aired on Dave). Alongside Iannucci and Dommett, the new cast includes comedian Amy Gledhill and actor Joanna Page, best known for one of the titular roles in Gavin & Stacey. “Most people only know her from Gavin & Stacey and haven’t seen the real Joanna, and it’s remarkable,” Horne says. But perhaps the most impressive signing is Hollywood actor Kumail Nanjiani, a former Marvel superhero with an impressive TV and film CV that includes Ghostbusters, Men in Black and Star Wars roles. A few days before our shoot, he presented an award at the Oscars and was cast in the next series of The White Lotus. “I did get a jolt when I watched the Oscars and Kumail walked on, because I know what he’s like in real life,” Horne laughs. “But it just shows that people are just people. I think Taskmaster works because it doesn’t matter who you are. It still comes unstuck when you’ve got three eggs and a task. “We started in 2015, and I don’t think it’s changed much,” he adds. “The tasks have to change a little bit. Even today, there’s a few more rules because we’ve done a lot of the most basic things. And also, contestants do come in with a little bit more knowledge about the show. “But equally we still put stuff under the table and no one looks there. Greg’s still as wayward with his judging as ever. I think that, at its core, it’s still just making funny people do stupid things.” View Green Video on the source website Looking ahead, viewers can expect those “funny people” to get even starrier. According to Horne, series 22 – which has almost concluded studio filming as we go to press – has cast a real hero of his, while series 23 goes even bigger. “I could give you a sneaky bit of information for the distant future,” he says. “We have got an Oscar winner in a future series.” Robert De Niro throwing a potato into a hole? Meryl Streep eating an entire watermelon in three minutes? Take a guess... the clock’s ticking! You can find out how the task went and read more from Alex Horne, Joel Dommett and Armando Iannucci in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, out on Tuesday – subscribe here. Photographer: Rob Parfitt <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/rob_parfitt_photography/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/rob_parfitt_photography/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@rob_parfitt_photography HMU: Bryony Blake <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/bryony_blake/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/bryony_blake/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@bryony_blake HMU: Holly Davies <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/hollylouisehmua/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/hollylouisehmua/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@hollylouisehmua Set Dressing: Propped Up <a class="_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1" title="https://www.instagram.com/propped_up_ltd/#" href="https://www.instagram.com/propped_up_ltd/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">@propped_up_ltd Taskmaster returns on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Previous seasons are available to watch on catch-up on Channel4.com. Add Taskmaster 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.
Made in Chelsea drama for Jules in exclusive clip following Chuggs and Philip drama
There's tension on Made in Chelsea tonight as the SW3 socialites find themselves in a heated discussion all about Jules Pollard. In tonight's episode of Made in Chelsea, things are still frosty between Philip and Chuggs, and Jules and Tristan find themselves caught in the middle. Philip Pollard – Jules's brother – joined the series earlier this month and it was teased that he was ready to find romance and shake up friendships, the latter of which he seems to have done. In an exclusive clip, Chuggs confronts Phillip, asking him: "Why have you been running your mouth, again? I'm very confused, explain it to me. I've just been upstairs with Livvy [Barker] and she's just been like to me, 'Philip's saying that I fancy Jules'". Philip doubled down on this and said: "I think you've got a little soft spot for my sister, yeah." Given Jules is currently in a relationship with Tristan Phipps, Chuggs noted: "I only care about Jules and Tristan's opinion." As the pair went back and forth, Tristan and Jules arrived, to which Philip said: "We're having an honest conversation, from my side anyway." Chuggs then turned to Jules and said: "Jules I hope that you've never felt that I've been inappropriate with you at all in the time that we've been friends." You can watch the full clip below. View Green Video on the source website "It's been different from the last season for me," Chuggs previously revealed what's to come in season 31. "Last season was me in a more of a romantic situation but this time there's less of that and friendships are being tested, which honestly I can say I enjoy far less because it feels almost more personal. "With Livvy [Barker], things would go up and down and stuff would get thrown at us and we'd navigate it but I guess we had each other. "Now let's say there's an argument between a friend or a friend's friend and it's sort of all on my shoulders, or all on someone else's shoulders, so it feels a bit more personal." Made in Chelsea continues on Monday 30 March at 9:20pm on E4. Add Made in Chelsea 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.
Taskmaster legend Alex Horne teases season 23 line-up as an Oscar winner joins cast
The line-up is about to get even starrier!
Taskmaster legend Alex Horne has teased the cast for season 23, revealing that there will be an Oscar winner among the line-up. The beloved comedy game show is set to return to our screens with season 21 on Thursday 9 April, with the likes of Silicon Valley and Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani and The Thick of It and The Day Today creator Armando Iannucci joining Greg Davies and his assistant Horne. And there are more starry casts lined up for future episodes, Horne recently revealed in an interview with Huw Fullerton for Radio Times magazine. Horne teased that season 22, filming on which had almost wrapped at the time of interview, has cast a real hero of his. Meanwhile, speaking about Taskmaster season 23, he added: “I could give you a sneaky bit of information for the distant future. We have got an Oscar winner in a future series.” Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now View Green Video on the source website The cast for season 21 was confirmed earlier this year. Alongside Nanjiani and Iannucci, it also features Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, Last One Laughing comedian Amy Gledhill and The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett. Asked whether there are any moments that could become "classic" Taskmaster moments in the upcoming season, Horne previously told Radio Times: "There is a moment involving Kumail Nanjiani. I don't want to give much away, but he gives a lot away about what he does by himself in his hotel room. So that's what you've got to tune in for." 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 continued: "He surprised himself by what he revealed, and I was sat next to him, and it's a big moment. It's a never-before-seen Taskmaster moment." The latest issue of Radio Times is out on Tuesday – subscribe here. Taskmaster returns on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Previous seasons are available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Add Taskmaster 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.
Who is JoJo Siwa? Meet The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 contestant
It's time for another instalment of The Great Celebrity Bake Off, as the second episode airs on Channel 4 tonight. Once more, a group of famous faces will head into the iconic tent and put their baking skills to the test, all with the hopes of being crowned Star Baker. In this weekend's tasks, the celebrities must decorate traybakes in the signature challenge and tackle a tarte Tatin technical, before finally recreating their favourite childhood toy as showstopping biscuits. Tonight's episode (29 March) features JoJo Siwa, Molly-Mae Hague, Richard Herring and Babatunde Aléshé, all of whom will be testing out their baking skills under the watchful eye of judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden. But just who is JoJo Siwa? Read on to learn more about the singer and dancer as she steps into the tent. Who is JoJo Siwa? Age: 22 Job: Singer and dancer Instagram: @itsjojosiwa JoJo Siwa is a singer and dancer who first rose to fame after appearing on Dance Moms. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, having appeared in various Nickelodeon TV shows and even her own film. But her career hustle hasn't stopped there, with the 21-year-old having launched a successful music career. Her song Boomerang has over 1 billion views on YouTube, but the singer has recently moved on in her music career, releasing songs for an older audience. In 2020, she was named on Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She appeared on a recent series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2025, introducing herself to new audiences across the UK. What has JoJo Siwa said about taking part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off? JoJo Siwa shared the news she'd be taking part in Celebrity Bake Off on social media, describing the experience as "so cool". "I’m so very excited for you all to see the disaster/masterpiece of me baking, stay tuned," she wrote on Instagram. The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer continues on Sunday 29 March at 7:40pm. To find out more about Stand Up To Cancer and how you can donate, visit su2c.org.uk. Add The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2026 for Stand Up To Cancer 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.
When is The Boat Race 2026? Start time, date and schedule
Your guide to The Boat Race 2026 including date, start time and TV coverage details.
The Boat Race returns to the Thames – and our screens – in early April as Cambridge and Oxford resume their battle for ascendancy. Two boats of eight rowers, including some of the best and brightest from the UK and further afield, will tear along the 4.2-mile Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake in pursuit of glory. Cambridge, donned in their usual duck egg blue, completed the clean sweep last year, earning their 88th victory in the men's event and 49th in the women's to extend their recent dominance and move further clear of their rivals in the all-time charts. This 2026 event, the 171st men's race and 80th women's race, will attract thousands to the banks of the South West London stretch of the Thames as well as viewers across the UK and around the world. Without the controversy that dominated the build-up 12 months ago, all the talk this year is about whether Oxford can end Cambridge's recent dominance. RadioTimes.com brings you all the details we know about The Boat Race 2026, including date and start time. Read more: Best football players in the world | Best football players of all time When is The Boat Race 2026? The Boat Race 2026 between Oxford and Cambridge will take place on Saturday 4 April 2026. This year marks 197 years since the inaugural showdown between these historic rivals. The Boat Race 2026 start time The Boat Race start time has been confirmed, with the men's race taking place at 3:21pm UK time. Check out the full schedule of events on the day: 2:21pm – Women's Boat Race 2:36pm – Women's Reserve Boat Race 2:51pm – Men's Reserve Boat Race 3:21pm – Men's Boat Race How to watch The Boat Race 2026 on TV and live stream The Boat Race will be shown live on Channel 4. BBC have historically been in charge of coverage but from 2026 onwards, Channel 4 is the new home of the event. Coverage starts at 1:30pm – and will be available on Channel 4, online and on a range of platforms, including mobiles and tablets. Check out more of our Sport 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.
Taskmaster season 21 start date confirmed with Gavin & Stacey favourite
Taskmaster is returning for another hilarious outing on Channel 4, with Greg Davies and Alex Horne back for a 21st season of the show. And the good news is there isn't long to go, with Taskmaster season 21 kicking off on Thursday 9 April at 9pm. Following on from season 20, new episodes will be released in the US on YouTube immediately after they are shown in the UK, giving fans Stateside a dose of the wacky comedy. The cast for season 21 was announced earlier this year, with Silicon Valley and Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani and The Thick of It and The Day Today creator Armando Iannucci among the line-up. Featuring alongside them are Gavin & Stacey actress Joanna Page, Last One Laughing comedian Amy Gledhill and The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett. Love comedy? Discover Alex Horne's top 10 picks only on the Radio Times app: unlock your 7 day free-trial now <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/03/Taskmaster-season-21-episode-1-cast-bde6c10.jpg" width="4500" height="3000" alt="Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett and Kumail Nanjiani sitting on chairs in the Taskmaster studio, all smiling and laughing." title="Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett and Kumail Nanjiani on Taskmaster" /> Horne previously shared a cryptic teaser about season 21 to Radio Times, and we may be in for something shocking... "There is a moment involving Kumail Nanjiani. I don't want to give much away, but he gives a lot away about what he does by himself in his hotel room. So that's what you've got to tune in for," he teased. "He surprised himself by what he revealed, and I was sat next to him, and it's a big moment. It's a never-before-seen Taskmaster moment." View Green Video on the source website Beyond that, Horne also spoke about about a tweaked series in the "near-ish future" that would slightly change the format of the show. When asked about the future of the show, Horne told Radio Times: " People ask us about adding a Champion of Champion of Champions. "I think, instead of that, we have got something up our sleeves in the near-ish future, of doing a slightly interesting series. It's just some tweaks, but I can't say any more than that. So [we have got] something. We've got something up our sleeve." Consider us intrigued! Taskmaster returns on Thursday 9 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Previous seasons are available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Add Taskmaster 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.
I was prey in Channel 4’s new reality series The Hunt – here’s how I survived
Will I be making my adventure series debut any time soon? Stay tuned...
It’s not every day you find yourself in the middle of a Bulgarian forest, running around and slipping in the mud, but that’s exactly what I (and this year’s cast of The Hunt: Prey vs Predator) got up to last year. The series, which debuts on Channel 4 tonight, introduces audiences to 10 players from all walks of life and regions of the UK, who come together in a contest of stamina and strategy – all hoping to win up to £100,000. As the sun shone in northern Bulgaria last summer, I was quickly equipped with the clothing and gadgets necessary to survive The Hunt. In particular, I was given a "gauntlet" attached to my arm, that would reveal a map and my status in the game, tracked via Bluetooth. For the players, this also shows how much money they have banked. "It was such a massive undertaking," said Lee McMurray, commissioning editor at Channel 4, of the Bluetooth devices. "It was really complex, it was quite groundbreaking. You can see the players were given gauntlets, that was loaded with a bespoke app specially designed for the show that allowed the players to navigate around the forest [and] see where the challenges were." It probably didn’t help I can’t read a map, despite my 10 long years as a girl guide, but thankfully I quickly remembered: I wasn’t really in the game! Throughout the series, the players are pitted against one another as prey versus predator, and each day the prey must hunt for cash while the predators hunt the prey, until just one could be left standing to claim the entire cash prize. As viewers will see tonight, the first set of prey and predators are chosen, but as per the rules of the game, someone's status in the game can be changed at any moment. But while the prey run around the forest, hoping to avoid capture, they can take part in missions to bank money, and one mission audiences will see a little later in the game is 'The Drop'. The Drop may remind you of the hand speed/catching stick challenge families often play at Christmas, but this was far more advanced and honestly, it’s harder than you may think! Unfortunately for me, the prize money wasn’t included, because based on my pace in catching falling sticks from the air, I’d like to think I would have got quite far in the competition (should it only be missions based). Running away from the predators trying to take my prize money? Well, we can all see the mud on my trousers. But it's not just in the forest where the games take place, with the real strategising happening at the base camp. When the day is done, the players return to the camp where the cull takes place. It’s there where the prey can choose which of the predators should be voted off. We didn’t get into the nitty gritty of thwarting alliances — otherwise, it would have been a rather long journey home — but the base camp set offered a fresh, futuristic feel which was intentional from the show’s creators. McMurray explained: "I am a huge sci-fi fan, so there’s lots of different inspirations you can see in the mix. There’s a bit of Dune in there, a bit of Hunger Games. George Lucas talked about the used futures, the aesthetic in Star Wars, where it looks very modern but it’s sort of lived in and worn." With muddy trousers and new Hunger Games-style headshots, it was time to watch the game unfold in real time as one of the hunts began. You’ll get no spoilers from me, but it'll be a series you don’t want to miss. The Hunt: Prey vs Predator begins on Sunday 22 March at 9pm on Channel 4. Add The Hunt: Prey vs Predator 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.
Is A Woman of Substance's most nauseating scene really that necessary?
Emma's arc could have easily done without one particularly violent storyline in episode 6.
*Warning: This article contains spoilers for all episodes of A Woman of Substance – available to watch in full on Channel 4 – and discussion of rape that some readers may find distressing.* From his first appearance in A Woman of Substance, it's clear to see that Gerald Fairley (Harry Cadby) is the kind of character who is so mean-spirited and cruel, he can't help but make your skin itch. We saw how he cast one of the maids aside in those early episodes, engaging her in a sexual relationship and ultimately seeing her as just one of the hired help when it came time to defend her in front of his family. So deep does his disdain for the lower working classes go that it is at the forefront of his entire interaction with Emma (Jessica Reynolds) when he finds out that she's the business owner behind Hamilton Equitable. In the sixth episode of the series, he's on a mission to find the people he owes money to, a matter that is looming like a dark cloud over his head. When he tracks down the address of the firm and finds out that it belongs to Emma, though, he merely discounts it as not being worthy of his time. Referring to her as a "jumped up housemaid" when he's standing in her bricks and mortar store is certainly brazen, but their interaction takes a deeply sinister turn once Emma reminds him of his legally binding contract with her company. Once she tries to usher him out (with it being Christmas Day), Gerald immediately turns to physical tactics, pushing her further into her own store and berating her as a "whore", telling her that Edwin (Ewan Horrocks) is now married. As soon as Gerald moves closer to Emma and touches her hips, I feel as though most women watching would immediately have a pit in their stomach, willing the series not to go in the direction they think it will. But unfortunately for the viewer – and ultimately, for Emma – it does. What ensues is a truly horrifying series of events as Gerald rapes Emma while telling her of how he used to watch her in his home when she worked there as a maid. Knowing how strong-willed Emma has been throughout the drama, the small possibility of her being able to attack Gerald with a nearby object seems like a hopeful carrot dangled in front of us – but sadly, it doesn't come to fruition. As if the scene couldn't become any more painful to watch, the camera pans to Emma's plaid skirt afterwards, now stained with "the final deposit and settlement of my account", as Gerald puts it while grinning. It's all really rather disgusting – and that feeling isn't just reserved for Gerald here. While Gerald's deranged joy is short-lived as Emma tell him she's going to call in his collateral (the family mill), it truly is the kind of scene that warrants a pause after watching. Rape scenes aren't exactly an easy watch for many but they aren't ones that should necessarily be shied away from, I think. After all, today's staggering statistics reveal that one in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16 in the UK. The impact, survival and justice aspects of those stories should be showcased. When depicting it on TV though, there should be a responsibility to ensure this 'plot device' is being handled appropriately and effectively. My issue comes when sexual violence against women is simply a surface-level storyline without any real depth, something that many shows – and some period dramas – have been guilty of in their time. 'Should the assault be shown in great detail?' and 'What does it actually add to the story?' are both questions that more series creators should consider. In the original novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford, the scene plays out in a similarly theatrical fashion, but is confined to a few mere paragraphs. Emma's point-of-view in the book reveals previous sexual advances and groping that Gerald subjected her to whilst working in Fairley Hall, which lays the foundation for how much of a vile character he is. With it being in the original novel, there's the case to be made that the series is simply honouring Bradford's writing. But in the world of adaptations aplenty and series creators putting their own spin on original material, omitting entire scenes, characters and the like, this needn't have been included. More importantly, did it need to play out in such a lurid manner? In the new TV series, the air is heavy with raw emotion in the aftermath of the scene as we see Emma going into auto-pilot, feigning smiles for her husband and their guests, and quickly changing out of her skirt once home. Her deep grounding breaths and the resulting scenes perfectly encapsulate the anachronistic attitudes around women just having to get on with whatever life threw at them. Compared to the original 1985 three-parter where we saw Jenny Seagrove's Emma escape Gerald's violent grip by reaching for a knife and holding it to his neck, this modern iteration could have easily taken a leaf out of that seminal series. The scenes in the two series unfold in very similar ways with a weapon laying close by – surely a nod to the '80s drama – but somehow, in this new instalment, Emma is made to suffer. In a series that's delightfully boasting a female-led creative team and is championing an assured heroine, do we really need to include such a graphic scene to underline Emma's comeback story? An arc can be triumphant without dragging a character down to life's rock bottom. What with Emma already having to face heartbreak, the death of both parents and relocation in a whole new town, surely she's been through more than any one character should take. We clearly understand that Emma has a vendetta against the Fairleys without needing to see one of the masters of the house violate her in such an unthinkable way. Throwing in a rape scene such as this one – where perhaps Gerald could have just been confronting and his usual classist, verbally aggressive self – appears gratuitous in the grand scheme of things. In keeping with the feeling of the time (I assume), decisions had clearly been made not to revisit the storyline later down the line. We're never steeped in Emma's emotions for too long and that's just the tone of the series. But when we're dealing with an event such as this one, can't space be made for a female protagonist to not simply exist on a robotic plain of emotions? Emma's blank stare at the end of the episode (alongside Gerald's accompanying narration) does eventually hint at the impact the assault has had on her, with it fuelling her plot against the wealthy family. But her mission to tear down the Fairleys was never that wavering to begin with so it remains an odd storyline inclusion, in my opinion. I myself had to stop the episode after watching the rape scene, worried that the show was unapologetically piling too much gratuitous trauma onto Emma. It's a feeling that I think many will feel after Gerald's assault and with his words ringing through the final scenes of the episode as he becomes even more vengeful against her, it's hard not to feel utterly deflated for our protagonist. A Woman of Substance is all about Emma's revenge plot against the Fairleys and we do know from the show's first scenes that she becomes a business mogul in her own right (when we see Brenda Blethyn take centre stage). But as to how she gets there, that's what the later episodes uncover. Not only does she call in that collateral and acquire the mill, she also has quite the defining final confrontation scene with the Fairleys where she admonishes the entire family one-by-one. When it comes to Gerald, she simply refers to him as "a monster and a weasel of a man who preys on women in a vain attempt to feel strong in the face of his own overwhelming weaknesses". That finale scene is a triumphant win in its own right for many reasons as Emma comes face-to-face with the family that has caused her so much pain, but did we really need Gerald's vicious scene to underline Emma's journey to eventual success? Emma finally arrives to Fairley Hall to enact her final twist of the knife and evicts them from their stately home, delighting in telling them that she is now the official homeowner. Ultimately, A Woman of Substance is a series that is about survival but by including a rape scene like this in the new adaptation, it's certainly taking that feeling to new heights. There will be some that won't understand why rape is being used as a plot device at all here and I have to agree. I don't have the answers – I'm not the one who wrote the series, nor am I the one to choose whether to make Gerald's confrontation one that was simply in line with the pathetic antagonist that he is, rather than utterly violating in the way it was depicted. I will say that Reynolds's performance is staggering throughout the series but especially in these scenes that warrant sadness, anger and sensitivity in equal measure, there's no doubt about the fact that she has made this series a special one. But when victory comes to Emma in A Woman of Substance's final episode and she has that final moment with Gerald, I look back on the show's assault scene and wonder about removing it entirely. If not that, at least making it an off-screen moment or one that could have been handled more delicately and not with the nigh-on melodramatic nature that has worked well throughout the rest of the drama. I think many watching A Woman of Substance will be able to appreciate Emma's eventual revenge plot and will be clapping their hands together when she does come out victorious. However, I think there will be those left feeling uneasy and realising that those dark scenes perhaps weren't necessary at all. For support and advice on matters raised in this article, please visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk, call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to Rape Crisis online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. A Woman of Substance continues on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 March at 9pm on Channel 4. Add A Woman of Substance 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.
The Hunt: Prey vs Predator cast – Meet the contestants in new Channel 4 series
Channel 4 is back with another adventure series!
Channel 4 is transporting audiences to a dense forest in new adventure series, The Hunt: Prey vs Predator. Kicking off this weekend, 10 players will enter an epic contest of stamina and strategy, as they compete to win up to £100,000 – but it won't be easy. From the beginning, the players will be pitted against one another as prey versus predator, and as they're dropped into a vast, remote forest they must battle to survive in hunts, in which they prey must hunt for cash, while the predators hun the pray. Alliance are made and loyalties are tested, but who are the contestants daring to play the game? Read on to find out more! The Hunt cast: Meet the contestants in new Channel 4 series Ameer Charlotte Chloe Chris Marc Mel Mia Nathan Roy Shelley Scroll down to find out more about the cast. Ameer Age: 28 Job: Welsh language campaigner Location: South Wales Ameer is a 28-year-old proud Welshman and passionate Welsh speaker who, for the past seven years, has been promoting bilingualism, media and career opportunities in schools across Wales. "I'd say I'm quite a unique, cheeky yet reserved character," he said. "I enjoy the good things in life - fast cars, food and films - so being thrown into the forest with very little is definitely going to be a shock to the system. But I'm excited to see how I adapt." Ameer wanted to take part in the series as he loves putting himself in new environments and stepping outside his comfort zone. He added: "My whole life has been about trusting my instincts, evaluating risks and taking opportunities. Every challenge I’ve taken on has shaped who I am today, so this felt like the perfect test to see how I’d adapt in a completely different setting. I consider myself quite a capable person, so I'd like to prove to myself and other people that I am who I say I am." Charlotte Age: 27 Job: Full-time mum Location: Cambridgeshire Charlotte is a full-time mum though had a stint in the military and is headed into the game to prove she isn't "just a blonde mum from Lincolnshire". "I think I'm a good people person," she said. "I was in the RAF, and you had to be good at going into different places and meeting new people. I've been a team player all my life. I've always just fitted in well with that." She decided to apply for the series for the experience, but also to step outside her comfort zone. Though, of course, the prize money wouldn't hurt! Chloe Age: 27 Job: Logistics co-ordinator Location: Essex Chloe is a 27-year-old logistics co-ordinator but previously worked as a bus driver for seven years, which has given her a good sense of direction. "I’m a friendly, fun, bubbly person and I like to make people laugh," Chloe said. "I never take life too seriously, and I think I will bring the fun element into the game." When playing a game, Chloe plays to win and is admittedly rather competitive, but isn't a sore loser. "I will just play again until I finally win," she added. Chris Age: 31 Job: Marketing director Location: London Chris is a 31-year-old marketing director, an industry he has worked in for the last 10 years, which will see him bring a variety of skills into the game. He explained: "Primarily leadership and negotiating skills. I can convince people to do what I think is best, but I don't necessarily do well listening to instructions." As for why he decided to take part, Chris saw The Hunt as an amazing opportunity for a chance to win £100,000. He added: "And when else do you have an opportunity like this to play an incredible game and adventure? I'm all over it." Marc Age: 34 Job: Prison officer Location: Sunderland Marc is a 34-year-old prison officer, though his colleagues may see a different side to him as they tune in. He explained: "Being a prison officer, I've got to be honest, I’m the good guy, I've got to be straight down the line. "I'm hoping coming into the game I can play a different side, be a bit devious. That's what I'm looking forward to, not having to be the good guy all the time. I really want to play the game and I want to play the game at its absolute maximum. I want to get everything out of it that I can." Marc is playing the game as it's a "real challenge" for him, having usually always stayed in his own box. "Being autistic, it's going to be really difficult, and I need to push myself," he added. "I've got a son that's autistic as well, and when I was growing up, I didn't have anybody that I could look up to that was autistic too. "I didn't really understand what it meant, and I don't want my son to grow up thinking that he can't do anything because he's autistic. So, by me doing this, I'm hoping to prove to him that he can do what he wants as well. "He just sees the world a little bit differently. But it doesn't mean to say that he can't do things like this, which is what I thought for a long time." Mel Age: 35 Job: School attendance officer Location: London Mel is an attendance officer at a college and is planning to bring a competitive edge to the game. "I'm very competitive. I have games nights with my friends and once we start, I'm probably one of the loudest in the room," she said. "I'm like, 'Guys, if you didn't want to win, why are you playing?'" She wanted to take part in The Hunt to rest her mental and physical strength, adding: "I saw the description of the game and I was all over it, it's a bit of me." Mia Age: 22 Job: Beauty and lifestyle influencer Location: Leeds Mia is a 22-year-old influencer who is "very unapologetically" herself and likes to make people smile, and with that she'll be bringing "a lot of passion and a lot of cheerleading to the game". She decided to take part in The Hunt to show that "girls can do anything" in addition to a detox of everyday life. "I want to challenge myself, challenge my strength and resilience." Nathan Age: 33 Job: Dentist Location: Bolton Nathan is a 33-year-old dentist, but wants to assure people he isn't "as boring as that might initially seem". He explained: "I'm ex-military, I’ve got six kids and a grandson. Me and my wife run a casting agency and two private drama schools. Life's busy. I'm a normal lad from the north and I’m just up for a bit of a laugh." As for why he decided to sign up for The Hunt, Nathan wanted to prove to himself that he could. He lives with functional neurological disorder (FND), which means he has seizures and gets weakness in his life-hand side. For Nathan, The Hunt is a "personal challenge" to see whether he can "still get up and run around a forest". Roy Age: 50 Job: Environmental attendance officer Location: Tyrone, Northern Ireland Roy is a self-described "50-year-old 10-year-old" with perhaps a slight bit of "Peter Pan syndrome". He explained: "I have lived and worked in Northern Ireland nearly all of my life and I’m a dad. My family are great and maybe this is a midlife crisis, but it looks good fun. I understand a lot about gameplay and strategy, so I’ll bring that to the game. "And I've been a forester my whole life, so I'm very used to an outdoor, woodland environment. So that may or may not give me advantage." A lover of strategic social reality games, Roy has always wanted to have a go and so, he applied for The Hunt! Shelley Age: 70 Job: Retired model Location: London Shelley is a 70-year-old retired model who has led "a wonderfully varied life", having also dabbled in acting, dancing and running a business. "I think I'm a good friend. I am a supportive person. I am very strong as I’ve had many challenges in my life," she said. "I think I've got good energy, I've been told that, so I’ll bring that to the game. Physically, I am quite fit, but obviously I may not be the fittest. But I think it will be a bit more of just using my charm, I suppose." The Hunt: Prey vs Predator begins on Sunday 22 March at 9pm on Channel 4. Add The Hunt: Prey vs Predator 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.
Channel 4 confirms "bold" new TV format show recreating COBRA war room simulation
The two-part series will unfold as "a gripping, real-time thriller".
Channel 4 has commissioned a bold new format that will test how Britain's leaders might respond if the country was truly under attack. Titled War Room, the "urgent and timely" two-part series will drop a cast of senior politicians, military strategists and intelligence chiefs into a high-stakes, COBRA-style simulation, hoping to uncover what decisions they will make and how such decisions could impact all of us. The format has been created by military strategists and is based around the "precarious geopolitical events of 2026". The synopsis continues: "The series unfolds as a gripping, real-time thriller, combining documentary footage from the War Room with dramatised sequences, bringing the simulated events to life. "Locked inside a purpose-built, secure bunker, modelled on Britain's own COBRA, the committee will be forced to make key decisions with the weight of the country's future hanging in the balance: when to mobilise, when to retaliate — and when to tell the public the truth." Read more: Tom Daley's Game of Wool finally gets its future confirmed by Channel 4 Saturday Night Live UK confirms SNL legend and two Hollywood stars as first guests - plus huge bands for live performances The series will be executive produced for Expectation by multi award-winner Colin Barr (SAS: Who Dares Wins, Hell Jumper, Murder 24/7) and series produced by Helen Richards (The Jury: Murder Trial). Colin Barr, creative director of factual at Expectation, said: "It feels like every day brings fresh revelations about the threats facing Britain, both inside and out. Although our War Room will be a simulation, it will be driven by uncomfortable truths and shocking facts, creating edge-of-the-seat drama as we ask is Britain really ready for a modern war?" Channel 4 is often at the forefront of conversations around worldly issues through its timely commissions, including the likes of Go Back to Where You Came From, which followed six individuals as they journeyed from "two of the most dangerous cities on earth" back to the UK and put their outspoken views on immigration to the test. The Jury: Murder Trial, a series that re-stages a real murder trial from original transcripts in front of 24 jurors to see if they can reach the same verdict when shown the same evidence, also aired on the channel. More recently, for the launch of factual drama Dirty Business, the broadcaster installed The Fountain of Filth, a creative installation designed to draw attention to the heartbreaking human cost of Britain's sewage scandal, a key theme of the series. War Room is coming to Channel 4 soon. 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.