Bridgerton fan-favourite stars in riotous first look at return of acclaimed comedy series
Big Mood is back, and the arrival of a spiritual healer named Whitney soon causes a stir...
First-look images have been unveiled for the upcoming second season of Big Mood, the Channel 4 comedy starring Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West. The series, which is written and created by Camilla Whitehill and explores the nuances of mental health and female friendship, first premiered in March 2024 and became the network's most-watched new comedy launch since Derry Girls. Big Mood season 2 will pick up with Maggie (Coughlan) and Eddie (West), who haven’t seen each other for a year, as Eddie returns for a wedding with a new friend in tow: an infuriatingly positive spiritual healer named Whitney (Hannah Onslow). “Maggie needs to work out if her special brand of chaos can find space in Eddie’s new life, or she fears she will lose her forever,” the official synopsis teases. One of the new images released by Channel 4 shows Maggie and Eddie getting on like a house on fire (above), while another gives fans a first look at the tension between the trio following Whitney and Eddie’s arrival (below). Meanwhile, a third image gives viewers a glimpse at new cast member Kyran Thrax in action (below), while a fourth shows Maggie meaning business as she steps out of a car. Alongside Coughlan (Bridgerton) and West (It's a Sin), returning cast members include Robert Gilbert (Big Boys) as Will, Eamon Farren (The Witcher) as Krent, Niamh Cusack (In the Land of Saints and Sinners) as Gillian and Amalia Vitale (Smoggie Queens) as Anya. Luke Fetherston (Picture This) will also be back as Ryan, alongside Rebecca Lowman (Grey’s Anatomy) as Vanessa, Stephen Sobal (Love Sick) as Owen and Kate Fleetwood (Wheel of Time) as Clara. Meanwhile, new additions to the cast alongside Onslow and Thrax include Robert Lindsay (My Family), Marina Bye (We Were the Lucky Ones) and Marcus Collins (Mrs. Doubtfire, West End). Also joining the cast are Munroe Bergdorf (Love and Rage: Munroe Bergdorf), Kelly Campbell (Bad Sisters), Leo Wan (Bridgerton), Zachary Hart (Slow Horses) and John Locke (Vindication Swim). Big Mood season 1 is available to stream now, and season 2 will air on Channel 4. 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.
4 Hollyoaks spoilers: Lucas Hay's behaviour spirals as Frankie Osborne receives messages from beyond the grave
Dodger offers support, Cleo struggles with separation from her baby and Gemma's scheming continues.
Hollyoaks is lining up a sinister stalking storyline for both Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Curtis) and Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith). As the latter starts to receive messages from her dead twin brother JJ (Ryan Mulvey), Dillon knows who is targeting him – vengeful Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis). Meanwhile, Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) continues to plot against Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), and Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) can't bear to be away from her baby. Here's a look at everything happening in Hollyoaks between Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th December. 4 Hollyoaks spoilers 1. Lucas Hay is caught in the act Frankie and Vicky are convinced someone is watching them in the park, and when they unhood the figure, they discover it's Lucas. He's been sending continuous messages to Dillon, and Frankie believes she may be being harassed by him too. Dillon is scared of what his ex-fiancé might be capable of, but Ste thinks it's not wise to call the police as he might be sent down. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/HO-EP-6653-VICKY-FRANKIE-DILLON-STRICTLY-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-Saturday-29th-November--LIME-PICTURES-1-478d088.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Dillon and Frankie hold back a hooded Lucas as he stares at Vicky holding a phone in Hollyoaks" title="HO EP 6653 VICKY, FRANKIE, DILLON - STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL Saturday 29th November @ LIME PICTURES (1)" /> Later in the week, Dillon decides to confront him, but that doesn't stop his desperate attempts at a reunion... 2. Frankie Osborne turns to Dodger Savage after receiving messages from 'JJ' As Darren prepares to say goodbye to JJ, Frankie is alarmed as a flurry of messages – supposedly from her dead twin – hit her phone. She decides to confide in Dodger about the bizarre interactions she's having with someone pretending to be her brother, and his interest is piqued. He clocks that she's still perusing a relationship with Sully, and knows that it isn't good for her. The next day, Vicky hopes that a drink at The Loft will take her mind off things. Charlie checks in on the girls and notices that Vicky's flirting with the DJ, so whips Frankie off for pizza. 3. Theresa McQueen is desperate to help Mercedes Theresa can see that Mercedes is becoming ever reliant on the pills and calls in Warren for help. Meanwhile, Gemma is pleased with her scheming and encourages Diane to continue with the operation to make her pay. 4. Prince McQueen offers advice to an unwell Cleo Cleo learns that baby Joseph is well enough to return home, but she must stay in the psychiatric ward following her diagnosis with postpartum psychosis. Still unable to separate her internal thoughts from reality, she becomes suspicious of Cleo's intentions when she and Prince take the baby home. It's an uphill battle for her to be away from her son, and Prince hopes that his shared experience of being separated from their children will help her. Read more: Hollyoaks 2025 winter preview: Major death revealed as Diane Hutchinson and Gemma Johnson plot to bring down Mercedes McQueen Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
I have one message for you: Please watch Stand Up to Cancer because it saves lives
Nobody is immune from cancer, so don't delay screenings, writes The Last Leg host Adam Hills.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. My dad had stomach cancer when he was 55 and leukaemia when he was 69. Just before he died he told me, “Good luck with everything in London.” When I was asked, two years later, to host Stand Up to Cancer, his words had even more resonance. I felt like he’d been saying, “Do this for me.” My dad died at the end of 2012. It’s 13 years down the track, but I still feel like I’m doing this for him. My co-presenter and friend Davina McCall’s connection to cancer has become even more personal over the last couple of weeks, having revealed she’s undergone surgery for breast cancer. She’s said it was caught “very, very early, which is incredibly lucky”. When I saw the news, I sent her a message saying, “I’m always amazed by the amount of preparation you do for Stand Up to Cancer, but you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty this year!” Her response? Well, she wrote back, “This is why I f**king love you!” I’ve said this many times: the best way to make brilliant live TV is to stand next to Davina McCall. Her message is to get checked, don’t delay. That sums up exactly what we want to say with Stand Up to Cancer. We need to get that message out there. According to figures from Cancer Research UK, at least nine million people in the UK aren’t up to date with their cancer screening. I admit that I’ve also, in the past, felt a fear of screening. In Australia, you have a bowel cancer test when you’re 50. [Bowel cancer screenings are offered to people over 50 in England, Scotland and Wales and those over 60 in Northern Ireland]. I didn’t do mine until I was 54. I feared the worst and was squeamish about posting an envelope with my poo in it. Now I understand the importance of not delaying and of getting checked early. It can literally save your life. In 2024, the Princess of Wales and the King both announced their cancer diagnoses. That is a reminder that anyone can get it. Nobody is immune because of rank, privilege or wealth. We present Stand Up to Cancer every two years and, since its UK launch in 2012, it has raised over £113 million, funding 73 clinical trials and projects involving more than 13,000 cancer patients nationwide. The money has funded research such as robotic and laser-assisted cancer surgery, AI to help detect and treat cancers, and even lollipops that could help detect mouth cancer. Every time we get up to host the show, it feels like there’s been another breakthrough, another treatment, a less invasive form of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. But because it’s not sexy – it’s scientists working quietly in a lab – we don’t hear enough about that. This year, as well as special editions of Celebrity Gogglebox and The Last Leg, we’ll feature, for the first time live on UK television, clinical consultations with cancer specialists, from Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth Hospitals. These will unfold in real time to demystify what happens inside a cancer clinic and hopefully take away some of the fear around diagnosis. The producers have asked me, “Is there anything you’re not up for on the night?” Well, in 2021 I had my butt cheeks waxed while doing a reverse bungee jump outside Wembley Stadium to raise funds for Stand Up to Cancer, and in 2020 I had a prostate exam live on air to encourage men with symptoms to get themselves checked. I’m not sure there’s any part of my body that’s unscathed! But if I have one message to RT readers, it’s please watch because it helps. Our job is to entertain you as a viewer and keep you watching for three hours. But it’s also to show you how your donations help, because they really do. A fiver can help save a life. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. To find out more about Stand Up to Cancer and how you can get involved or make a donation, visit its official website. Stand Up to Cancer's special night of programming airs on Friday 12th December on Channel 4. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Downton Abbey legend confirmed for "picturesque" Christmas TV journey through "captivating" Norway
The special will transport viewers from Norway’s coast to the capital.
Hugh Bonneville is lending his voice to Channel 4's festive-themed travel special Nordic Train at Christmas. The special – described as a "picturesque rail expedition" – will take viewers aboard the Bergen Oslo railway as it travels from Norway’s coast to the capital. The journey will begin in "the photogenic city of Bergen, surrounded by ancient fjords and mountains, through the spectacular Nordic landscapes, including the snowy hills of Finse – home to one of Europe’s highest altitude hotels, before ending at the festive frivolity in the stunning capital of Oslo,” Channel 4 has teased. Along the way, viewers will also meet the staff, passengers and locals. The special is being produced for Channel 4 by Salford-based indie King of Sunshine Productions with WPP Media’s Motion Entertainment. It follows 2024's Alpine Train at Christmas, which was also voiced by Downton Abbey star Bonneville and was a big hit for Channel 4. Channel 4’s Jasper Hone said: “We’re delighted to be working with King of Sunshine again following the success of Alpine Train at Christmas last year. We’re excited for viewers to see the captivating landscape that lies between Norway’s two largest cities, and the amazing towns and places you can stop along the way.” King of Sunshine Productions MD Sohail Shah added: “The world-famous Bergen Line covers miles of stunning landscapes from Bergen to Oslo. We are thrilled to once again give Channel 4 viewers a behind the scenes Christmas treat, this time with a truly Nordic flavour.” Next year, Bonneville will be seen reprising his popular Twenty Twelve and W1A role of Ian Fletcher in new BBC comedy Twenty Twenty Six. The series, which reunites Bonneville with Hugh Skinner as bumbling Will Humphries, will see Fletcher appointed BBC's director of integrity for the 2026 World Cup. Nordic Train at Christmas will air 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.
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 help, you've come to the right place. This week, we’re back to the 1980s for one last time, as the first part of the final season of blockbuster Netflix sci-fi drama Stranger Things sees the plucky kids of Hawkins, Indiana, face off with interdimensional monsters and the US military to save their home town. Expect horrifying creatures, horrifying haircuts and plenty of 20th-century nostalgia. New to Disney+ is The Beatles Anthology, an eight-part documentary series that was first broadcast in 1995 but has been digitally refreshed for a new generation. Long-term fans will flock to the ninth episode made up of unseen footage of Paul, George and Ringo in conversation. Over on NOW: Matt Smith as you’ve never seen him before, in risque drama The Death of Bunny Munro. Based on the book by musician Nick Cave, Smith plays a widowed travelling salesman whose remedy for grief is to sleep with his customers. Meanwhile, Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore are back in the second season of Paramount+'s Landman, the oil drama from Yellowstone, Lioness and Mayor of Kingstown creator Taylor Sheridan. Series 2 sees Thornton's Tommy Norris heading towards his breaking point, as Moore's Cami Miller takes her place at the top of M-Tex Oil, following the death of her husband Monty (Jon Hamm). Four years after Bob Odenkirk’s 2021 action movie Nobody first landed on our screens and introduced us to Hutch Mansell, a family man who gets inadvertently involved with a Russian crime boss, the sequel is now available to stream. Nobody 2 follows Hutch as he embarks on a holiday with his family to a theme park. But their peaceful adventure is soon disrupted when Hutch finds himself the target of a corrupt Sheriff (Colin Hanks) and a vicious crime boss (Sharon Stone). Elsewhere, tragedy strikes in the Pacific Northwest for Joel Edgerton’s itinerant logger and his wife (Felicity Jones) in a gorgeous and immersive Netflix period piece Train Dreams set across eight turbulent decades. Apple TV's Come See Me in the Good Light is a quietly emotional documentary about the final years in the life of the popular American poet Andrea Gibson, following a terminal cancer diagnosis. The film floats between tender fly-on- the-wall scenes and Gibson’s lovely recitations. You could also try Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho's bonkers sci-fi tale; Freakier Friday, in which Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as mother and daughter who switch bodies; Fantastic Four: First Steps, where Vanessa Kirby is the Invisible Woman, one of the blue-suited avengers battling to defeat a new cosmic villain; and Frankenstein, a typically lavish and gory offering from director Guillermo del Toro. There's no shortage of streaming options, and so to give you a bit of a hand, RadioTimes.com 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 police procedural drama like NCIS: Origins, a reality show like Squid Game: the Challenge or a fascinating documentary thriller such as The Moonies: Married to the Cult, 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.
Hollyoaks 2025 winter preview: Major death revealed as Diane Hutchinson and Gemma Johnson plot to bring down Mercedes McQueen
There's never a dull day in Hollyoaks village...
The sun is setting earlier, the Christmas decorations are going up, and there's more incentive to wrap up warm and sit in front of the telly. Enter Hollyoaks, with an exciting few weeks ahead that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Meddling Brookside resident Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) makes her mark on the Chester village by teaming up with Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher) to bring down Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). Meanwhile, Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) can't resist the advances of son Lucas's (Oscar Curtis) ex-boyfriend Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), and Frankie Osborne's (Isabelle Smith) life changes forever following a shock death. View oEmbed on the source website Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) deals with a postpartum psychosis diagnosis, and her cousin Theresa (Jorgie Porter) stages her grand return. Here's a look at everything happening in the lead-up to the festivities... Hollyoaks winter 2025 preview 1. Gemma Johnson and Diane Hutchinson blackmail Mercedes McQueen Diane wants nothing more than to have a fresh start with husband Tony, but there's one thing getting in the way – the fact Mercedes shot him on their wedding day. Teaming up with Gemma, the pair decide to split up Mercedes and Warren, while making sure she pays for her actions. Merce is shocked to receive a demand for £50k, unaware that her reliance on pills has stemmed from Gemma spiking her. 2. Lucas Hay is determined to find out who ex-boyfriend Dillon Ray is sleeping with This is going to be incredibly awkward. As Lucas continues to behave violently towards his dad, Ste turns to Dillon for support. Dillon has been pretty open and honest about his feelings for his ex-fiancé's father, while also trying to desperately conceal the matter. After spending the afternoon in one another's arms, the pair are spooked by Lucas's arrival. Will he catch them in the act? There's also the matter of Ste's ex-boyfriend Rex returning, and going straight into Lucas's firing line. 3. The Osbornes receive some shocking news about JJ Recent scenes have shown Frankie enjoying a date with gangster turned police officer Sully Sullivan. He's desperate to show her family that he's a good man, but as we know, he's quite dangerous. Darren gets distressing news that son JJ – who sexually abused his twin – has died in prison, and in the aftermath, Frankie realises she's being stalked. Teaming up with Dodger to bring Sully down, she hopes he'll confess to putting a hit out on JJ. Will he face justice? 4. Cleo McQueen is diagnosed with postpartum psychosis Sienna stumbles across Cleo's notebook, which contains the same message written repeatedly throughout the pages. This is an obvious concern, and she turns to the McQueens for help. After convincing Cleo to go to hospital, Misbah explains that she is suffering from postpartum psychosis. Speaking of the new storyline, actress Mulkerrin said: “It’s been a new challenge taking on the role of motherhood and the difficulties that being a new mum can bring, especially the strain it can have on your mental health. "We had a consultation with APP [Action on Postpartum Psychosis] whilst filming this storyline, and it was helpful to hear other people’s experiences – my heart breaks for poor Cleo.” 5. Theresa McQueen returns with her eyes set on Dodger Savage Theresa makes a grand return to the village, trying to lay low out of Warren Fox's sight. She can't resist the temptation of going to see Dodger to thank him for getting her off the hook, but with him still in turmoil over his sexual assault, will she be the one he opens up to? 6. Donny Clark's relationship with Misbah Maalik crumbles Things were never going to be the same for Donny and Misbah after she learnt he was actually former Brookside resident Mick Johnson. Everything she thought she knew was a lie, and he's still keeping one big secret from her. During Hollyoaks Later in October, Donny was sexually assaulted by Sully. Will he be able to open up to Misbah about the ordeal? Read more: 4 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Lucas Hay stalks Dillon Ray in a desperate attempt at a reunion Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Subtle, soul-searching dramas tackling Northern Ireland’s Troubles are proving that few escaped this era unscathed
Writers are starting to explore Northern Ireland’s violent history to create soul-searching TV.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. In the very first reel, we’re reminded that “the Irish have been arguing over the same sh*te for 800 years”. So it comes as no surprise that the drama Say Nothing – about the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the toll they took, including a burden of silence carried by many to this day – has already drawn as much criticism as praise from all sides. Adapted from Patrick Radden Keefe’s non-fiction bestseller, it stars Maxine Peake as the former paramilitary Dolours Price, narrating and reflecting on her violent past – as the real Price and others did for Boston College’s “Belfast Project”, an oral history of the Troubles – before the drama flashes back to chart how Price and her sister Marian evolved from peaceful protestors into key members of the IRA unit that carried out the 1973 Old Bailey bombing. True, there’s a caperish quality to some of their “fundraising” antics – the sisters dress up as nuns to rob a bank at gunpoint – that presumably won’t sit well with victims of such violence. There’s nothing about loyalist paramilitaries’ equal and opposite activities, and the Republican mission is positioned as one of ideological zeal, with no account of the economic disparity suffered by Catholics. And Gerry Adams has, of course, denied ever being part of the IRA or its activities, the disclaimer after every episode providing a wry counterpoint to his vivid depiction on screen. Whatever it gets wrong, Say Nothing succeeds in bringing home the cost wrought to so many by virtue of era and circumstance – when living in a particular street, or drinking in a particular pub, construed a political act. Equally evocative is Trespasses, also adapted from a bestselling book and set at the height of the Troubles. The best TV drama I’ve seen this year, it depicts the forbidden love affair between teacher Cushla (Catholic) and lawyer Michael (married, Protestant), and delicately weaves the personal with the political. The stakes are made clear by the rotten fate of a Protestant-Catholic couple living on a nearby estate. After a lovers’ tiff, Michael asks Cushla, “We’re all right?” She replies, “We’re doomed. Apart from that, we’re grand.” <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/unnamed-file-ca2eeaf.jpg" width="5938" height="3959" alt="A man in a dark suit gently kisses the forehead of a woman wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress with pink trim. She holds a brown clutch and leans slightly toward him with a small smile. They are standing in a warmly lit room with wood paneling and abstract artwork on the wall behind them, creating an intimate and tender atmosphere." title="Trespasses" /> Nearly 30 years after the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, a host of writers from Northern Ireland are leaning into its violent past to create subtle, soul-searching drama. Historians pin the start of the Troubles to 1968, which means it’s taken nearly as long as they lasted for writers to speak up – why? The answer is the same reason their stories remain powerful now: that no one who lived through that era – one of armed soldiers patrolling streets, helicopters whirring overhead and threat all around – emerged unaffected. Every resident of Northern Ireland, particularly Belfast, was steeped in “fight or flight”, too busy trying to get through each day to build the narrative, let alone provide the complex political, cultural, religious context these stories demand. Three decades later, we meet characters both real and invented, ordinary people rendered extraordinary through circumstance, capable of the worst of behaviour, but also of unexpected kindness and courage. The stories are embedded in the era, but the humanity is timeless. Nowhere is the contrast between ordinary life and extraordinary setting more charming than in Derry Girls. When a bomb threat closes a nearby bridge and Aunt Sarah complains, “they want ordinary people to suffer”, it transpires she’ll have to miss her appointment at the sunbed salon. For three series, writer Lisa McGee had us laughing out loud with her take on the past, but finally brought a lump to the throat with an ending where every generation votes “Yes” in the 1998 referendum for peace. Say Nothing and Trespasses also conclude with modern-day scenes. It’s telling that, even in exploring the past, all three reach for upbeat, optimistic bookmarks to all that went before. The latest issue of Radio Times is out on Tuesday – subscribe here. Say Nothing is on Monday and Tuesday at 9pm on Channel 4. Trespasses is available on Channel 4 streaming. Add Say Nothing and Trespasses 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.
Judi Dench "wants to carry on" amid sight issues as British acting legend investigates her family history with Shakespeare
Having discovered a 17th-century ancestor, Dame Judi Dench embarks on a hopeful search for links to the Bard.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. When Dame Judi Dench tries to teach her recalcitrant African grey parrot, Sweetie, the name of her literary hero, she’s met with stony silence. “Shakespeare!” the Oscar-winning actress coos, before sighing. “It would be wonderful if you said it!” The parrot has other ideas. “I was with my nephew and suddenly she said, ‘Drop your trousers. You’re a slag’. It’s very rude! She didn’t get that from me!” she laughs. However, while Dench has no luck with her pet bird, she hopes to reap more rewards in an intimate documentary on her passion for Britain’s famous man of letters and the possibility of uncovering an ancient family connection. During Channel 4’s Shakespeare, My Family and Me, she examines new evidence about the life of her eight times great-grandfather, the nobleman Anders Bille, who was a member of the Danish royal court in the 17th century and whom she first discovered during a 2021 episode of the BBC series, Who Do You Think You Are? Ideally, Dame Judi would like to find out whether Bille ever met the Bard, which – if true – would be an incredible discovery given the profound influence he has had on her own life, both professionally and personally. Her late husband, Michael Williams, who performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company himself, famously called the wordsmith “the man who pays the rent” and Dench even has a tree in her garden dedicated to him. Dame Judi’s passion for the writer began in childhood and today, she says, the rhythm of his language is in her blood. She has played most of his female roles, from Ophelia in Hamlet to Lady Macbeth and ruefully admits: “I can’t remember what I’m doing the day after tomorrow or the day after that, but I can remember reams of Shakespeare”. Indeed, in the documentary, there are spine-tingling moments when she fluently recites passages from his plays. “She’s in the library in Denmark and does a soliloquy from Antony and Cleopatra,” exclaims director Harvey Lilley. “It’s spontaneous, unrehearsed. She hasn’t been in Antony and Cleopatra since 1987! We had no idea that was coming. She has this love of Shakespeare. It’s the language, the rhythm. For her, it’s not an ancient language. It’s something completely natural.” Dame Judi searches through the Danish archives to find out whether her ancestor may have met the playwright in 1606, just a year after the Gunpowder Plot and as plague returned to England – but also, adds Lilley, the year “Macbeth and King Lear may have been performed for the first time and possibly when Antony and Cleopatra was being written.” Lilley, who directed the episode of Who Do You Think You Are? in which Dame Judi’s Danish roots were first discovered, continues: “You have this detective story, which is astonishing in itself – did her ancestor actually meet her hero? But this also allowed her to talk about her life and her relationship with Shakespeare.” The director has a long history of working with Dame Judi, including on My Passion for Trees in 2017 and Wild Borneo Adventure in 2019. “We hoisted her up a tree twice the size of Nelson’s Column. She’s just up for it!” he says. But clearly there’s also a level of trust between them. In the documentary she touches on the deterioration of her vision due to age-related macular degeneration. “As you see in the film, she’s determined,” says Lilley. “She has a fear of boredom. Yes, her eyesight is an issue, but moving forward she wants to do stuff, and she wants to carry on. She makes it easy because she’s such an enthusiast.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Shakespeare, My Family & Me will be available to watch on Channel 4. 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.
4 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Lucas Hay stalks Dillon Ray in a desperate attempt at a reunion
Ste and Mercedes spiral, and Theresa returns to the village.
Hollyoaks is lining up a huge week for Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis), as he makes several attempts to drive Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) closer to him. It comes at a dreadful time for the family - Ste (Kieron Richardson) has relapsed with Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe), and baby James's future is at stake. Elsewhere, Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) returns to Chester, hoping to evade Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas). Here's a look at everything happening in Hollyoaks between Monday 1st and Wednesday 3rd December. 4 Hollyoaks spoilers for next week 1. Ste Hay crumbles ahead of a meeting with social services <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/HO-EP-6650-SCREEN-GRAB-DILLON-LUCAS-STE-JOHN-PAUL-STRICTLY-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-Tuesday-25th-November--LIME-PICTURES-81aca2f.jpg" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Ste has an argument with Dillon and Lucas as John Paul watches on in Hollyoaks" title="HO EP 6650 SCREEN GRAB DILLON, LUCAS, STE, JOHN PAUL - STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL Tuesday 25th November @ LIME PICTURES" /> Gemma is smug to see Ste and Mercedes stumbling out of Casa McQueen and heading home to continue their party. However, when he receives a text from social services informing him of a meeting the next day, he has doubts. John Paul is worried when his sister goes AWOL, and is shocked when Sienna explains that she saw her with Ste – and that they were both high. With Goldie, he decides to track them down, but when Tony is mentioned, Merce is sent spiralling and rushes off to the hospital to visit him. Later that day, Dillon and Lucas come across Ste and realise that he's relapsed. John Paul tries his best to sober him up, but he enters self-sabotage mode, believing that he doesn't deserve to have baby James in his care. Dillon then spots him heading to Price Slice for more alcohol. 2. Lucas Hay goes to desperate measures to rekindle his relationship with Dillon Ray Frankie summons Dillon and Lucas to The Dog, and the atmosphere is frosty. Lucas goes through Dillon's messages and then downloads a cloning app so that he can keep track of his every movement. Adamant that they should be together, Lucas forces himself into Dillon's inner-circle at any opportunity, but it backfires. Later, Lucas sees a text from Ste to Dillon and jumps to conclusions, beginning to manipulate the situation and reaching a concerning new height. 3. Concerns for Dodger Savage following his ordeal Donny is worried about Dodger's intentions when he sees him heading into the superintendent's office. Liberty is equally concerned, and attempts to pull the Blake family back together. At a loose end, Dodger confronts Donny on the man he's become. 4. Theresa McQueen reunites with cousin Goldie <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/HO-EP-6652-SCREEN-GRAB-DODGER-THERESA-STRICTLY-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-Tuesday-25th-November--LIME-PICTURES-1-4e7312f.jpg" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Theresa looks emotional in a conversation with Dodger in Hollyoaks" title="HO EP 6652 SCREEN GRAB DODGER, THERESA - STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL Tuesday 25th November @ LIME PICTURES (1)" /> Theresa returns to the village and Goldie is shocked to see her. The two chat about how Theresa was conned out of her diamonds and is laying low from Warren. The McQueen's are behind her every step of the way – as Theresa heads to see Dodger and thank him for getting her off the hook. Read more: Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Inbetweeners' James Buckley reveals hopes for Jay in his 30s as a comeback is rumoured
The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley on festive fatherhood – and the happiest fellow he’s ever met.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Tell us a little bit about your character in Finding Father Christmas. I play the father of Chris, played by Lenny Rush. The mum’s no longer in the picture, and it’s got to a point where my character, who’s just called “Dad” in the script, feels that his son’s at an age where he should talk to him about Father Christmas. But it doesn’t go exactly as planned, and they end up on this Christmas adventure together. How was it working with Lenny Rush? As someone who was a child actor as well, did you offer him any advice? I don’t think he needs any advice from me; he’s a clever lad who knows what he’s doing. I’d say if Christmas was a person, it’d be Lenny – he’s the happiest fellow I’ve ever met in my life, and a really good laugh. Greg Davies is in the film, too. Did you have a mini Inbetweeners reunion on set? Greg shot all his stuff in one day, but I wasn’t there, so I missed him. That was a shame, because it would have been lovely to have a little catch-up with him. What’s the latest on the rumoured Inbetweeners comeback? I’ve not had any kind of offer – when I do, I’ll spend a long time thinking about it, but I’m not going to bother until I have some idea of what’s going on. Do you ever think about what Jay would be up to now, in his 30s? I’d like to think he’s become a bit more normal. I think all boys are weird when they get to those teenage years, then they seem to straighten out. What does your family Christmas look like? Our Christmases are great, but now our two boys are 14 and 12, I’m worried this Christmas might feel a bit grown-up. When you stop being a kid yourself the magic goes for a few years, then when you have kids of your own, it’s even more exciting. But I think those days are numbered, which is quite sad. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Finding Father Christmas is coming to Channel 4 this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Peep Show stars confirmed for a very special Great British Bake Off episode celebrating sitcom
The Great British Bake Off is returning with a Christmas special later this year, and there are some familiar faces amongst the festive line-up. Channel 4 has confirmed stars of the multi award-winning sitcom Peep Show are headed into the iconic tent as they swap awkward encounters for icing sugar. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off will star fan favourites David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman as they reunite for the first time since Peep Show wrapped in 2015. Under the watchful eyes of judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, and an added dash of mischief and chaos from hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, audiences can expect laughter and chaos. The group will attempt to whisk, knead and decorate their way to glory with challenges paying homage to Peep Show. But will their creations rise to the occasion, or will they collapse like a poorly-proofed loaf? Details on when exactly The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off will air on Channel 4 are yet to be confirmed, but we can expect it to arrive around the festive period. Earlier this month, the main series came to an end, which saw a new Star Baker crowned at the end of 10 tough weeks. After a series of trying tasks, Jasmine Mitchell was crowned the winner of The Great British Bake Off 2025. During her time on the show, she received two Hollywood handshakes and scored five Star Baker wins, the latter of which makes her the second contestant in Bake Off history to achieve that. Read more: The 1% Club's new "event TV" spin-off series with Lee Mack has release date confirmed Strictly Come Dancing's La Voix confirmed to miss out on Blackpool special Jasmine said of her win: "Oh my goodness I am just so overjoyed! When I was in the middle of exams and trying to bake while I was trying to learn, it’s been so much. But I have done it and I am just so unbelievably happy and to have done it with such an awesome group of people. "I want to say to myself that when I don't think I am going to be able to do something, when I don’t have faith in myself that I should just give it a try. And try and try again. And something great might happen, you never know!" The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off is coming to Channel 4 this Christmas. 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.
Davina McCall to lead Stand Up to Cancer broadcast as Channel 4 announces "pioneering" Cancer Clinic: Live
The live broadcast takes place next month.
Stand Up to Cancer is returning next month, with Davina McCall and Adam Hills at the helm of a special night of programming. Airing on Friday 12th December on Channel 4, the live broadcast will feature dedicated editions of some much-loved shows, including Celebrity Gogglebox and The Last Leg, alongside moving performances and stories as the public and celebrities unite to raise money for life-saving cancer research. Channel 4 has also announced a new campaign led by the broadcaster and Cancer Research UK to drive awareness of NHS cancer screening programmes. At the heart of the evening is Cancer Clinic: Live, a "pioneering" new campaign presented by McCall. It will feature a live broadcast direct from inside a special one-off cancer clinic at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. Audiences will meet patients and their families whose cancer journeys have been followed for several weeks from diagnosis to results, as they continue through treatment. This marks the first time in UK television where audiences will see clinical consultations with cancer specialists from Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth Hospitals unfold in real time. The aim is to "demystify what happens inside a cancer clinic, tackle the fear that prevents many from seeking help and show the life-saving impact of early diagnosis". The week-long campaign launches on Friday 5th December, leading up the live event the following week. Dermot Murnaghan, who revealed his own cancer diagnosis earlier this year, will be supporting the campaign, delivering some of the nightly campaign bulletins airing on Channel 4 during the week. As per Cancer Research UK, nine million people in the UK are not up to date with their cancer screening. A screening is a way to detect cancer early when treatment is more likely to be successful, and in some cases can prevent the disease developing in the first place. To combat people not taking up their NHS invitations, the campaign is launching a simple online screening checker, designed to help people quickly work out if screening is for them. McCall, who recently shared her breast cancer diagnosis, said: "I want to take the fear out of cancer screening and show everyone that they are not on their own in this. I've been part of Stand Up to Cancer UK since it started in 2012 and I knew for this year's campaign I wanted to step out of the TV studio and speak to real people facing a cancer diagnosis. "On the night of Stand Up to Cancer I will be with incredible teams of medical professionals to demystify what happens inside a cancer clinic. Cancer Clinic: Live is about showing the reality of the incredible care, science and humanity of a cancer diagnosis, and reminding people that early diagnosis gives you options and hope." Hills added: "All week we will be asking famous faces to do some incredible and silly things all in the name of entertainment – to raise money for cancer research and to help remind everyone to use our online screening checker to bust myths around cancer screening. "Join us on Channel 4 to pay tribute to those we have lost and hear about all the good news and incredible breakthroughs in cancer research that are changing the face of cancer treatment." To find out more about Stand Up to Cancer and how you can get involved or make a donation, visit its official website. Stand Up to Cancer's special night of programming airs on Friday 12th December on Channel 4. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
3 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Gemma Johnson schemes against Warren Fox
Cleo receives a diagnosis, and Donny juggles his double life.
Brookside resident Gemma Johnson (Tisha Merry) makes her mark on Hollyoaks village next week, as she forms a plot against Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) and Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe). Elsewhere, Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) is diagnosed with postpartum psychosis following her family's intervention, and Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) tries to rebuild his life with Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi) after his past living as Mick Johnson was exposed. Here's everything happening in Hollyoaks between Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th November. 3 Hollyoaks spoilers for next week 1. Gemma Johnson plots against Warren Fox and Mercedes McQueen Goldie is suspicious of Mercedes as she reunites with Warren, though Gemma decides to use this to their advantage. The women are in cahoots against Warren, and when Mercedes is spotted handing over a suspicious bag to him, they come to the conclusion that he's dealing again. Later, Gemma warns Warren about Goldie's suspicions, unbeknownst to him that she's placed a tracker on his car and is watching his every move. Now living in the village, she tries to worm her way into Misbah's good books by quizzing her for information on the neighbours, and then introduces herself to Diane ahead of an interview at the hospital. She then tries to build bridges with Mercedes – but is there an ulterior motive? 2. Cleo McQueen receives a diagnosis Sienna is trying her best to offer support to Cleo amid her spiralling mental health. When she overhears Cleo talking to herself, she gently asks who she was chatting to – only to receive a dressing down. Later that day, Sienna uncovers a notepad that has the same sentence written several times over. With Cleo refusing to open up, Sienna tells John Paul her concerns and they call in the wider family. With Dodger's help, they get her admitted to the Dee Valley Hospital psychiatric unit. While Liberty and Sienna stay with baby Joseph, the McQueens standby Cleo as she receives a postpartum psychosis diagnosis. 3. Donny Clark tries to return to normality Donny is furious when Sully defies him at work, and Dodger is concerned. Wary of the consequences that crossing with a Black could have, Donny warns Dodger to focus on his work. Later, Misbah allows Donny to open up and they hope that their relationship can be saved. She admits that despite finding out he'd led a double life, she'd never stopped loving him. Read more: Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Summerwater's Dougray Scott hits out at Reform and Nigel Farage's rhetoric: "Utterly disgusting"
The actor was promoting the new Channel 4 drama, which unfolds in a holiday park in the Scottish Highlands and explores themes of xenophobia.
Dougray Scott has described the language used by Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage around immigration as "utterly disgusting and distasteful". The Fife-born actor – who you might recognise from Mission: Impossible 2, Irvine Welsh's Crime and Desperate Housewives – was speaking about his latest work, Channel 4 drama Summerwater, which adapts Sarah Moss's acclaimed novel and follows the rising tensions between the inhabitants of a Scottish holiday park over a 24–hour period. While most of the holiday-goers are white British, Anna Próchniak's Alina – a Polish waitress staying in one of the cabins with her family – becomes a point of friction, in a series described as "a riveting portrait of the divided nation that is modern Britain". Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Scott – who plays David, a retired GP who's on holiday with his sick wife Annie (Shirley Henderson) – said the show's examination of xenophobia and social division feels "very pertinent". "My character is xenophobic, and he talks about 'those people', and I think that's incredibly dangerous," he explained. "I think words matter and I think how you categorise people matters, and that language of distinguishing us from them – 'those kinds of people' – which is basically, if you want to translate that, it comes down to people who are not white and not from this country. "And the reality of that you can pick apart in five f**king seconds and just say, 'What on earth are you talking about?' There is no 'us'; we're a melting pot. We're a huge mixture of cultures, religions, people from all sorts of walks of life, which then translates into gender and sex and sexuality and all that. "And I think that voice, that dog whistle of white supremacy, has reared its head again through Reform and Nigel Farage, and I find it utterly disgusting and distasteful – and it's certainly not part of the fabric of me and how I see the world, or what I know the reality of this country to be, or any country to be." View oEmbed on the source website Scott then referenced one of the characters, who talks about wanting to leave the UK "because of what it's become". "He says, 'I'm gonna go and live somewhere else.' So then you're going to be an immigrant," he continued. "I find that it's something that we have to address, and I think we all have to think about the issue at hand, which is immigration, refugees, and how we address it and how we deal with it, because the reality is the existential nature of these people's lives has come to pass because of the decisions and the behaviour of the developed countries of the past – like England and the empire mentality, and our involvement in countries throughout the world, which has had a knock-on effect, a domino effect. "Places like Syria, Africa, India, the Middle East, Afghanistan, right? All these places have been affected by developed countries… and that's not to say that people haven't taken responsibility, but we're certainly part of the problem, and we have to be part of the solution. And we have to do it in a compassionate, pragmatic, fair, humanitarian way, as opposed to 'send them back, let them f**king drown'." Valene Kane, who plays Justine – a woman on holiday with her husband, from whom she's emotionally checked out, and their two children – went on to say that Summerwater "puts up a mirror to us all". "So many of these characters say quite distasteful things, which we might all have said at some point in our lives, and hopefully it will just make people think and be more aware of the flippant things that they can say. Words matter." Read more: Summerwater cast: Who stars in the Channel 4 drama? From Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle to Doctor Who - Shirley Henderson reveals secrets behind her iconic roles Summerwater continues at 9pm tonight (17th November) on Channel 4, with all episodes available to stream on Channel 4. Add Summerwater 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.
Where was Summerwater on Channel 4 filmed?
The six-part series is based on Sarah Moss's novel of the same name.
Sarah Moss's critically acclaimed novel Summerwater has been given the TV treatment for Channel 4, with Shirley Henderson, Dougary Scott and more leading the six-part thriller about "relationships, sex, identity, and not being able to escape yourself." The narrative is set over a 24-hour period at a Scottish holiday park, with each episode exploring the perspectives of the different inhabitants of each cabin across that one day. "Far from a relaxing retreat, Summerwater turns out to be a mysterious, all-knowing place, where residents are confronted with their deepest desires and darkest truths," reads the official synopsis. "Weaving together the lives of several families, as they are observed closely from their disparate cabins, Summerwater shows how the simmering tensions between holidaymakers leads to a devastating climax." Read more: From Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle to Doctor Who - Shirley Henderson reveals secrets behind her iconic roles "There's been a fire... and somebody has died, but you don’t know the identity of this person or the circumstances around how they died," said director Robbie McKillop. "Over the course of the series, we unpack that mystery by delving into each cabin within the community and by looking at the backstory of the characters, we find out what may have led them to behave in that way in the present and make them capable of either committing an act of murder or being the victim of that murder." As well as a compelling mystery, another strand of the story that is likely to pique interest is its location, beautiful and bleak in equal measure. So, where did the cast and crew pitch up? Read on for a rundown of the locations featured in Summerwater. Summerwater filming location The series was set in south Scotland, around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, which is where the novel is also set. "The novel came about autobiographically," said Moss, who has repeatedly returned to Loch Lomond "throughout a generally peripatetic life". "I realised a few years ago that my kids had never seen it and there were some lodges down the road that I'd always noticed and had my eye on because if you stay there, you're already at the base of all the hiking routes," she explained. After renting one of the cabins, Moss "became really fascinated by not so much the relationships between the people staying within the cabins, but the complete absence of relationships between the people staying in the various cabins. "They all had big French windows looking over the lake which made those spaces simultaneously an auditorium theatre because as you moved around you could usually see in," she added. Given that the book is set in Loch Lomond, which was inspired by Moss's own time there, executive producer Mike Ellen naturally wanted to shoot the series there also. "It was important to shoot it, to all intents and purposes, where it was set and where it was written," he said, "and with people and the best in the business from all over the UK, but with a predominantly Scottish crew and predominantly Scottish creative leadership. "The very best of British TV drama is often creatively led from the place and the region or the nation that it's set in," he emphasised. "The setting is a huge part of the series in itself." Ellen went on to talk about the role the "landscape and natural environment" plays in Summerwater, describing it as a "huge part of the story." "Whilst community between the characters is important, their coexistence with nature is also very important," he explained. "There's a beauty, but also an unknown, of the forest and the depths of the loch and throughout the series those elements are very important from a story point of view, but also important from an environmental point of view, reminding us that we're not alone and we need to think about nature and our environment in our everyday lives." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Dougary-76c57ae.jpg" width="5864" height="3909" alt="A person stands outdoors in front of leafless trees, wearing a thick orange knit sweater layered under a dark blue jacket. Their hands are in their pockets, and they look slightly off to the side with a tense or uncomfortable expression. The background is a mix of winter vegetation and bare branches." title="Summerwater" /> And the Summerwater cast also enjoyed their time there, with Valene Kane describing it as "amazing". "I’m a Celt, so it was very nice being with my Celtic tribe," she said. "It was very cold, but we shot in the most beautiful locations; I'd never been to Glasgow. I love when you get to shoot in a new city, and you get to explore. "And the terrain and landscapes of Loch Lomond were simply beautiful." For Scott, it was just a joy to return to his roots for a short while. "I love working at home - it gives me a chance to see family, friends and filming in Glasgow," he said. "I love Glasgow; I spent a lot of time there growing up as a boy. I always went to school on the east coast, but my parents are both from Glasgow and I have an emotional affinity with the city that makes me feel good when I return." Summerwater airs on Channel 4 from Sunday 16th November. Add Summerwater to your watchlist when it arrives 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.
Summerwater cast: Who stars in the Channel 4 drama?
Everything you need to know about the major players and where you've seen the cast before.
Channel 4 drama Summerwater, which is based on Sarah Moss's novel of the same name, follows the simmering tensions between couples and family members, and how they interact with one another, at a Scottish holiday park. Each episode unfolds over the same 24-hour period, but explores a different perspective as the narrative builds towards a devastating cresendo that changes all of their lives. "It's like a breeze that's coming around you and a memory of something that you can't quite figure out what it is," said said Shirley Henderson when asked how she would describe the world of Summerwater. "It's a shiver, a fear of something but you don’t know what - a clawing feeling from the past and you can't tell if it's discomfort or if it's a welcoming thing. "The stories for different people come out in different ways. Some things are answered; some things are never answered.: Speaking about the show's unique structure, she added: It's stories within stories and an ensemble piece. There's no one person that's leading this. It dips in and out and people are watching each other. There's a lot of people watching in this, thinking they know what's going on across the road, but not quite knowing what's going on. "They’re always glancing at each other." Read more: From Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle to Doctor Who - Shirley Henderson reveals secrets behind her iconic roles Alongside Henderson, the cast includes several recognisable faces, plus some you might not be familiar with. Read on for a rundown of the major and minor players. Summerwater cast Valene Kane as Justine Tindall Daniel Rigby as Steve Tindall Dougray Scott as David Campbell Shirley Henderson as Annie Campbell Shereen Cutkelvin as Millie Nkene Anders Hayward as Josh Gilmour Anna Próchniak as Alina Piotrowska Arnas Fedaravičius as Marijonas Zaliskevicius Shauna Macdonald as Rachel Henderson Jamie Sives as Ian Henderson Calum Ross as Alex Henderson Silvie Furneaux as Becky Henderson James Harkness as Gavin For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on. Valene Kane plays Justine Tindall Who is Justine? Justine "forms an intense resentment towards her new, younger colleague, Maya, when she is chosen over Justine for a promotion," reads the character description. "Justine’s erratic behaviour results in disaster and she seeks escape in Summerwater, but attempting to hide her secrets leads her family into even more trouble." She is married, with two children, Lola and Jack, played by Emily Briscoe and Bertie Wallwork. What else has Valene Kane been in? You might recognise her from The Fall and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, as well as Gangs of London. Daniel Rigby plays Steve Tindall <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Daniel-Rigby-as-Steve-Tindall-5908e5f.jpg" width="5695" height="3796" alt="A man and two children sit on a grey sofa in a wooden cabin living room. The man, wearing a black polo shirt, rests his chin on his hand, looking thoughtful. The children sit beside him at a round black coffee table covered with dominoes; one wears a leopard-print top and looks toward the camera, while the other in a cream hoodie looks down. The mood appears quiet and tense." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Steve? Justine's husband. He loves his wife, but she's emotionally checked out, which frustrates him. "He lets off steam at the Summerwater hotel bar by chatting to pretty waitress Alina from the noisy Eastern European cabin, deciding she's an exception. Steve’s casual xenophobia builds a tension between the cabins." What else has Daniel Rigby been in? His credits include Eric & Ernie, Big School, Undercover and Flowers. Dougray Scott plays David Campbell <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/DS-4a5f8a2.jpg" width="9504" height="6336" alt="A man stands in a dark forest, wearing a grey wool coat over a rust-coloured turtleneck sweater. His hands are in his pockets as he looks directly at the camera with a stern, intense expression. The dim light and shadowy trees create a tense, foreboding mood." title="Summerwater" /> Who is David? A former GP who has been coming to Summerwater for years with his wife. "Now that their kids are adults and he has retired, David is hoping for an active and healthy holiday. It soon becomes apparent that they can't escape their problems here this time, as David finds himself increasingly exasperated by his wife's illness-related struggles." What else has Dougray Scott been in? He’s known for Ever After, Mission: Impossible 2, Hitman, and portrayed Jacob Kane in Batwoman. Shirley Henderson plays Annie Campbell <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/SH-36f0816.jpg" width="9504" height="6336" alt="A woman stands in a dimly lit forest, wearing a long checked coat in shades of cream, red, and grey, with a dark blue scarf around her neck. She looks directly at the camera with a serious, contemplative expression, while the trees behind her fade into shadow." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Annie? David's wife. Annie recently received a troubling medical diagnosis and is becoming weaker, which puts strain on her marriage. "Having made a decision about her future, Annie appeals to David for help, but they must face their past problems, as Annie relives the heartbreaks that have made up her life." What else has Shirley Henderson been in? She's appeared in Trainspotting and Bridget Jones’s Diary series, but is best known for playing Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Shereen Cutkelvin plays Millie Nkene <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Shereen-Cutkelvin-84e9df6.jpg" width="5720" height="3814" alt="A woman with curly hair sits at a wooden table wearing a soft pink sweater. She rests her head on one hand and looks thoughtful or tired while holding a fork over a plate of food. A glass of wine and a Miles Davis poster are visible in the warmly lit wooden interior behind her." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Millie? She's on holiday with her boyfriend, but "relationship doubts set in... and she's forced to confront their differing ambitions in settling down and starting a family, and whether she loves Josh enough to have a life with him." What else has Shereen Cutkelvin been in? You might know her from Crime. Anders Hayward plays Josh Gilmour Who is Josh? Millie's partner. He's "well-meaning, but his suggestion that they spend their leisurely holiday hours achieving mutual orgasm – to maximise their chances of lifelong romantic happiness – unfortunately backfires." What else has Anders Hayward been in? His CV includes Guilt, Silent Witness and Life After Life. Anna Próchniak plays Alina Piotrowska <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Anna-Prochniak-5cd25ff.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Two girls sit together on a bed in a cosy attic bedroom with wooden walls. One, wearing a patterned shirt and blue turtleneck, looks at a laptop on her lap, while the younger girl in pink pyjamas and a fluffy robe watches attentively, holding a book. Colourful drawings and posters decorate the slanted wall behind them, and warm light fills the room." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Alina? A photographer who is currently working as a waitress at the Summerwater hotel. She has a daughter and a partner, and often clashes with her mother-in-law. "Still searching for a place to call home, she is hoping Summerwater can offer their family something different, but the tension between their cabin and the Summerwater holiday residents is palpable." What else has Anna Próchniak been in? She's known for The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Showtrial, The Innocents, Bad Day for the Cut and Baptiste. Arnas Fedaravičius plays Marijonas Zaliskevicius <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Arnas-Fedaravicius-b7e5cfd.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="A man in a white sleeveless vest leans on the wooden railing of a cabin porch at night. He has short dark hair, a tattoo on his upper arm, and wears a gold chain. Warm light from a lamp above and a window behind him illuminates the wooden cabin, while a flower box with purple blooms decorates the railing." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Marijonas? Alina's husabnd. His loud parties "make him the prime target of their neighbours' resentment at Summerwater." What else has Arnas Fedaravičius been in? You might have watched him in The White Lotus, The Last Kingdom, The Wheel of Time, Shetland and Thicker Than Water. Jamie Sives plays Ian Henderson Who is Ian? Ian is married with two kids. "Though well meaning, Ian’s decisions have left the family in financial difficulty and his secretive investing has led to distrust and resentment from his wife... Ian has to find a way back to being the man she needs. What else has Jamie Sives been in? Dept Q, Shetland, Guilt, Annika and Crime are just some of the titles he's appeared in. Calum Ross plays Alex Henderson <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Calum-Ross-51d16e2.jpg" width="9504" height="6336" alt="A young man stands alone on a rocky lakeshore, hands in his jacket pockets, looking out across the water. He wears a grey jacket over a mustard-yellow hoodie, dark jeans, and trainers. The lake and distant hills stretch behind him under a cloudy sky, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Alex? Ian's son. He was his mother and father's golden child, but has "recently gone rogue." "Driven mad with boredom at Summerwater, Alex takes his kayak out on the loch, haunted by guilt over hurting a girl he liked at school. Alex has a near death experience in the lake – one which he will never share, largely because he thinks he deserves it for wronging the girl at school." What else has Calum Ross been in? He appeared in Wednesday. Silvie Furneaux plays Becky Henderson and James Harkness plays Gavin <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Summerwater-C4-b912f8d.jpg" width="9504" height="6336" alt="A man and a young woman stand by a lake on a cold, overcast day. The man wears a green sweater, brown coat, and gloves, while the woman wears a colourful padded jacket, blue hoodie, and leopard-print trousers. Bare branches frame the scene, and the mood is tense and atmospheric." title="Summerwater" /> Who is Becky? Ian's daughter. She would "rather be anywhere else than at the boring Summerwater cabin... which prompts her to seek the company of a mysterious older man in the woods." What else has Silvie Furneaux been in? You might have watched her in Annika and Red Rose. Who is Gavin? An ex-soldier who left his family due to PTSD. "He now lives in the woods at Summerwater." What else has James Harkness been in? The Victim, The English Game, The Bombing of Pan Am 103 are just some of his credits. Additional Summerwater cast includes: Shauna Macdonald (The Scotts, Spooks) plays Rachel Henderson - mother to Becky and Alex. "Rachel feels tired and peeved at the world. Her attempts to heal the family lead Becky to feel invisible and further tension in the household." Summerwater airs on Channel 4 from Sunday 16th November. Add Summerwater to your watchlist when it arrives 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.
Brookside set to air until 2029 as new deal is signed following Hollyoaks crossover
Rejoice, Brookside fans! Your favourite Liverpudlian soap will continue to stream on STV Player for the next three years. The classic Channel 4 drama, which originally aired between 1982 and 2003, has been dropping five classic episodes on the Scottish streaming service since 2023 – much to the delight of viewers who have called for a Brookie comeback for decades. Trips to the cul-de-sac have been a roaring success for the streamer, having amassed 1 million streams within a month of arriving, and now hitting over 33 million in the last two years. Now, after a unique crossover event to celebrate 30 years of sister show Hollyoaks – which saw a number of favourite characters return – STV has signed on the dotted line with distributor All3Media to continue delivering the action. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/10/43HO-EP-6634-TINHEAD-BARRY-DONNY-NIKKI-SINBAD-BILLY-STRICTLY-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-14TH-OCTOBER-LIMEPICTURES-306e12c-e1760424400181.jpg" width="4857" height="3238" alt="Former Brookside favourites, from left: Paul Usher (Barry), Philip Borg-Olivier (Tinhead), Michael Starke (Sinbad), Suzanne Collins (Nikki), Louis Emerick (Mick) and John McArdle (Billy) pose around the Brookside Close sign" title="HO EP 6634 SHIELA BILLY TINHEAD SINBAD BARRY DONNY NIKKI" /> The new deal will allow fans to see a number of iconic storylines that are still fondly remembered today. These include the UK's first pre-watershed lesbian kiss between characters Beth Jordache (Anna Friel) and Margaret Clemence (Nicola Stephenson), and the burial of Trevor Jordache (Bryan Murray) under the patio at No. 10. There's also the introduction of the Dixon clan, including Hollyoaks favourite Alex Fletcher as Jacqui, and newcomer Lindsey Corkhill, who was played by Corrie's Claire Sweeney. Richard Williams, STV’s Managing Director for Audience (Video & Technology), said it was a "no-brainer" to extend the partnership. “The phenomenal response we’ve had since relaunching Brookside proves that it’s an integral piece of British TV history with an enduring impact, and we’re proud to be able to call STV Player its long-term home.” Gary Woolf at All3Media International, added: “Fans up and down the UK have embraced having the soap available weekly on STV Player, with social media buzzing each week around the regular Wednesday five-episode drop. "It’s fantastic that we’re able to continue with that experience as we hit a real ‘golden era’ for the soap over the coming few years.” John Whittle, Managing Director of original producers Lime Pictures, reflected on the recent crossover edition: "Lime Pictures are delighted that fans of Brookside can continue to enjoy original episodes for years to come." "As shown by the success of the recent Brookside crossover episode, the demand is there for these much-loved, familiar characters and soap archetypes to be back on our screens." Read more: Returning to Brookside is the perfect way to honour Hollyoaks' heritage Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson on reprising iconic Brookside roles - and whether they'd start in a revival Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Brookside icon Anna Friel delivers verdict on revival - and whether she would return Brookside is available to stream from the start on STV Player, with five new episodes added every Wednesday. STV Player can be accessed on all major platforms. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who won Taskmaster season 20? Latest run concludes with dramatic series first
Taskmaster season 20 reached a dramatic conclusion tonight (13th November) after 10 weeks of hilarious challenges and hysterical moments from five comedic greats, as Greg Davies and Alex Horne declared the winner. Going into the final, it looked like a two-horse race – Ania Magliano had a slim lead over Phil Ellis, with Maisie Adam, Reece Shearsmith and Sanjeev Bhaskar further back. However, it wasn't quite that straightforward as, following a wild dash to the finish line, it ended in a three-way tie – something that has never happened before in Taskmaster history! It came down to a tiebreak question between Anya, Phil and Maisie to determine who took home the trophy of Greg's head. And after getting closest to the correct answer... Maisie Adam was announced as the winner of Taskmaster season 20. While Taskmaster has come to a close on yet another exciting season, there is plenty more wackiness to come. It was recently confirmed that Taskmaster's New Year Treat will return with two festive episodes, offering fans double the trouble for the first time. As ever, the specials will gather a mix of five famous faces from all sides of the entertainment world, and this year's line-up has been revealed as Big Zuu, Jill Scott, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Sam Ryder and Susie Dent. Champion of Champions will also return, with Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman and Mathew Baynton returning to the scene of the greatest triumph of their lives. They will of course be joined by reigning champion Maisie. Read more: Celebrity Traitors renewed for a second season as BBC reveals huge impact on Scotland I'm a Celebrity 2025 cast: Confirmed line-up of contestants Taskmaster returns to Channel 4 on Thursday 11th September at 9pm. 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's New Year Treat 2026 cast finally confirmed - including an EastEnders favourite
Five courageous celebrities are stepping up to the challenge.
A Taskmaster final is never without an exciting announcement afterwards! Tonight (13th November), audiences tuned into the dramatic final of the 20th season and witnessed the latest comedian to emerge victorious and earn a place in the upcoming instalment of Champion of Champions. But that isn't all, with Taskmaster revealing a brand new quintet of star contestants for its New Year Treat, which is set to return over the festive period with a two-episode special – a first for Taskmaster. The famous faces taking part in this year's series are TV chef Big Zuu (Big Zuu's Big Eats, Celebrity Bear Hunt), former footballer Jill Scott (I'm a Celebrity), actress Rose Ayling-Ellis (Code of Silence, EastEnders), musician Sam Ryder (Eurovision) and lexicographer Susie Dent (Countdown). As ever, the mighty Greg Davies will score the efforts of the stars as Little Alex Horne diligently keeps track of proceedings. Out of the five special guests, only one can win the annual fight for Greg Davies's coveted Golden Eyebrows trophy. And that's not all, with the fourth Champion of Champions special also on the horizon, bringing back Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, Mathew Baynton and the season 20 winner (who we won't spoil if you're not yet caught up...). Transmission details for both Taskmaster's New Year Treat and Taskmaster Champion of Champions 4 will be revealed in due course, while Taskmaster season 21 will air in 2026. Read more: 19 greatest Taskmaster contestants ever ranked – from Mel Giedroyc to Bob Mortimer Taskmaster's Alex Horne explains "mistakes" with spin-off – and why he and Greg Davies would "jump" to do it again Taskmaster's New Year Treat is coming soon to 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.
3 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Donny Clark issues a warning as Tony Hutchinson receives tragic news
This article contains references to sexual assault that some may find distressing. Hollyoaks is lining up a big week for Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) in the wake of his sexual assault. Struggling with the prospect of coming face-to-face with his rapist Griff (who is actually now dead), he turns to colleague and friend Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) for support. But the two men realise they could be playing with fire by befriending twisted Sully Sullivan (Harry French). There's drama for the Hutchinson's too, as Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) supports Ro (Leo Cole) through a troubling time, and tells Tony (Nick Pickard) about their baby loss. Here's a look at everything happening in the village between Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th November. Hollyoaks spoilers for next week 1. Donny Clark warns Dodger Savage to play nice with Sully Sullivan The search is on to find missing Griff – unaware that he's actually dead. A power clash soon escalates between Sully and Dodger, with the latter later voicing his concerns about the incident with Donny. Donny warns him to play nice – after all, he is Froggy Black's son, and we know what that family are capable of! Later, a furious Dodger has an outburst, and his boss encourages him to make amends with his colleagues by organising a pub trip. He simply isn't coping in the wake of his sexual assault, and admits to Donny that he won't be able to face Griff. The following day, Dodger confronts Donny. Both men are broken by what has happened to them and as they discuss how much they're struggling, Sully listens in and begins to question whether Griff is even alive. 2. Ant Hutchinson's behaviour worsens after being confronted about the gun Diane is at a loose end with Ant and, with help from Ro, decides to confront him about the picture of him wielding a gun. He strikes up a defence mechanism and lashes out, smashing a vase. The incident worries sister Dee-Dee, who asks her mum to help before it gets too much. 3. Mercedes McQueen delivers some bad news to Tony Hutchinson Tony has a physio session and Mercedes offers her support – Diane notably absent due to the ongoing situation with her children. He's devastated to hear that she's lost their unborn baby, yet another blow to the system after being shot by an as yet unknown assailant. A troubled Ro rushes to the hospital and is hurt to see how much his dad is struggling. Mercedes is on hand to comfort him, with them both confused why anyone would want to shoot Tony. Read more: Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth 5 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Dodger Savage reports sexual assault as Donny Clark makes a shocking realisation Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
From Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle to Doctor Who - Shirley Henderson reveals secrets behind her iconic roles
A ghost, a journalist, a small furry alien in a galaxy far, far away… Shirley Henderson recalls some of her most significant roles – and her latest.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. In Summerwater, adapted from Sarah Moss’s novel about the British capacity for both cruelty and compassion, Shirley Henderson plays Annie Campbell, a visitor to the lochside holiday cabins that give this tense thriller its title. Geographically, Summerwater is situated in the Highlands; psychologically, it feels a stone’s throw from The Shining’s Overlook Hotel. Henderson doesn’t want to say too much about Annie for fear of spoiling the drama, which she describes as "an investigation of relationships, of memory and of longing", but she will say that "something’s happening, something’s changing for her, and parts of her are leaving her". Locked in a fraught marriage to Dougray Scott’s brittle Dr David Campbell, it may be Annie’s life that leaves her before the series’ end. In episode two, the pair take an ill-advised clifftop walk, during which the good doctor is clearly thinking bad thoughts, though Annie is breezily oblivious — or seems so. Like many of the characters Henderson has played, Annie has hinterland. When I first interviewed Henderson 21 years ago, she told me "it’s fun being messy or angry or disturbed," and her CV is populated with such characters. But there are plenty of others, too… 'I'd never filmed before' – Elizabeth Findlay, Shadow of the Stone - STV (1987) Children’s TV drama about a young girl and her 17th-century alter ego, who is accused of being a witch. "This was my first job. I got the part after Leonard White — who was a lovely man — from Scottish Television saw me in my last play at drama school. I stayed at my auntie’s, got the bus into Glasgow, walked up to the STV studios, got changed and went to work — and then did the reverse at the end of the day. It was Monday to Friday and we always finished around five o’clock. No job has ever been as civilised. I’d never done any filming before and I didn’t know any filming techniques so Leonard, who directed it, was teaching me at the same time. The script was set, too, so you could learn your lines — and I was young, so learning lines was much easier than it is now. I remember working with a wee lizard and Alan Cumming played my boyfriend." 'I was shy and didn't want to mess up' – Isobel Sutherland, Hamish Macbeth - BBC One (1995-97) Drama starring Robert Carlyle as the eponymous crime-solving PC. "It was idyllic filming in Plockton every summer for three years, but there wasn’t a lot to do. We loved it when the wee fish and chip shop opened. We’d treat ourselves to a fish supper and gather in a caravan to listen as Ralph Riach and Brian Pettifer [who played “TV” John and Rory] told stories. “In the first series, we were filming a long shot and just before the camera got to me, the donkey I was looking after stood on my foot. It was agony! Today, I’d say, ‘Stop! The donkey’s on my foot!’ but I was shy and I didn’t want to mess it up. “I learned so much on that job. People would say they’d seen me on Hamish Macbeth. As time passes, you get recognised but I’ve never had ‘celebrity’; I don’t know what it is." ‘I didn’t know who Harry Potter was’ – Moaning Myrtle, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) & Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) View oEmbed on the source website The JK Rowling juggernaut that entranced a generation and made stars of its cast. "When I was first asked for an audition, I didn’t know who Harry Potter was. But my sister, who was staying with me, had read the books. Still, I wasn’t convinced I could play a 14-year-old girl because I was in my 30s at the time. But I spoke to the casting director Karen Lindsay-Stewart and she said, 'I haven’t told them your age'. "So I went to the audition dressed as a schoolgirl — white shirt, black skirt, ponytail — thinking, 'This is ridiculous'. I did my wee bit for them and they thanked me. Months went by and I thought that was it, but then they phoned my agent, asked to see me again and offered me the part. "Myrtle is an old person in a young person’s body and because she’s ghosty, there’s a kind of mistiness. You’re not looking closely at my face so we could get away with it." ‘In the end, you don’t think about acting, you let it happen’ – Marie Melmotte, The Way We Live Now – BBC One (2001) Andrew Davies’s adaptation of Anthony Trollope’s novel. "With work like this, it’s often in language which is alien. When you first put on the costumes, which confine you, you’re like, 'I can’t do it with all this stuff on me'. But then you relax into it, your body adapts and actually releases oils that make the costume too big. So you get it taken in and think, ‘I need all this stuff’, because it’s part of the character. In the end, you don’t even think about the scene, you just do it. And then you don’t even do that, you just let the scene happen." ‘I auditioned hunched down on the floor’ – Babu Frik, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) View oEmbed on the source website In a galaxy far, far away, it’s Empire versus Republic round two. "It being Star Wars, they ask you if you want to audition, but don’t tell you anything else — nothing. I was like, 'You have to give me something so I can prepare,' and eventually they said, 'Maybe very small, maybe very old, maybe from somewhere else'. "So I went to the audition with [director] JJ Abrams, who is the sweetest man, and Nina Gold (who cast me in Topsy-Turvy), had a lovely chat and then I did my bit. I hunched down on the floor and did this voice I had come up with in a language I had made up. He said, 'You’ve got the job,' and they brought in a model of Babu Frik. "It’s voice acting but not in the sense that you voice it later. I was there, on set, crammed into a cupboard on the floor trying to see what the puppeteers were doing with Babu’s mouth to improvise in the made-up language. An amazing job." ‘Sometimes I wonder if I dreamt it’ – Ursula Blake, Doctor Who: Love and Monsters – BBC One (2006) View oEmbed on the source website Adventures in time and space. "When I was young, I’d either go out and play when Doctor Who was on, or hide behind the sofa. As an adult, I’d been watching David Tennant and Billie Piper, so when I was offered it — I didn’t have to audition — I jumped right in. We were forever being told to behave because Peter Kay, who I’d worked with on 24 Hour Party People, was making us laugh. Marc Warren was doing magic tricks — there was one that I still can’t get my head around, involving books. Sometimes I do wonder, 'Did I dream it, or did it actually happen?'" The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Summerwater airs on Channel 4 on Saturday 16th November. 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. Add Summerwater to your watchlist when it arrives 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.
Trespasses' Tom Cullen reveals how his own family history mirrors show's forbidden love
The Channel 4 Troubles-set drama is based on Louise Kennedy's bestselling novel of the same name.
When Cushla and Michael fall in love in Channel 4's Trespasses – a four-part series based on Louise Kennedy's novel of the same name, set in Belfast during The Troubles – it's not just the fact that he's married to someone else that makes their story taboo. The former, a young schoolteacher, is a Catholic, while the latter, a barrister, is a Protestant – the very worst kind of sin, certainly in the eyes of many. As a result, their illicit relationship is forced "into secret spaces and dark rooms, away from prying eyes", notes Lola Petticrew, who plays Cushla, given the "threat" such individuals faced for fraternising with the enemy. "The stakes are stacked against these forbidden lovers," said screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan, who recalls how one of the characters, a Catholic man called Seamie, is beaten up for marrying a Protestant woman – "which is very typical of Northern Ireland at the time." "There's actually a threat to life for these lovers," she added. Discussing how common relationships between Catholics and Protestants were during the most tumultuous and fraught period in Northern Ireland’s history, the cast acknowledged how difficult it would have been to physically be together. "But it certainly happened, of course, because people fall in love," said Petticrew. Read more: Trespasses author reveals hopes for Northern Ireland’s future as Channel 4 drama arrives on screens "They were quite segregated," said Gillian Anderson, who plays Cushla's alcoholic mother, Gina, of the two camps. "The communities were totally ghettoised into separate spaces — especially working-class communities," added Petticrew. "It would have been easier to mix among the middle classes." Tom Cullen, who plays Michael, then recalled his own personal family history, which shares some DNA with Trespasses. "My grandfather is Irish Catholic and my grandmother's Irish Protestant," he explained. "It's a story that has existed within my family — the difficulty of it. "My grandmother's father had passed away by the time she met my grandfather, and I think everyone was very grateful for that, because it would've been hugely difficult… and it still was." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/unnamed-file-ca2eeaf.jpg" width="5938" height="3959" alt="A man in a dark suit gently kisses the forehead of a woman wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress with pink trim. She holds a brown clutch and leans slightly toward him with a small smile. They are standing in a warmly lit room with wood paneling and abstract artwork on the wall behind them, creating an intimate and tender atmosphere." title="Trespasses" /> Speaking about what first draws Cushla and Michael to one another – despite the very real danger a relationship would put them in – Petticrew described it as "a meeting of minds and two people with an absolutely ineffable connection between them." "And I really think that the casting of Michael, and Tom playing Michael, was integral to that, because in another pair of hands, it could have just been ‘sexy older man’. But Tom’s Michael is bursting at the seams with love." "The things that really attracts Michael to Cushla are the same things that I’m attracted to in my fellow actor," added Cullen. "Lola has such strength, wit, intelligence and humour, and is so talented. Michael just falls in love with that, with Cushla, in the same way that I fell in love with that in Lola. "It was so easy. Lola made that job so easy. I tried to bring as much vulnerability as possible, because in Cushla he finds this person who makes life worth living, which is what he's always wanted. "In another world, it wouldn’t have been a forbidden love story, and that's the point. But they love each other so intensely that they're literally willing to risk their lives to love each other." Trespasses premieres on Channel 4 on Sunday 9th November 2025. 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. Add Trespasses 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.
Trespasses cast: Who stars in Channel 4 Troubles drama?
Who is in the cast of Trespasses on Channel 4? And who do they play?
Channel 4 drama Trespasses – based on Louise Kennedy's novel of the same name – is set in 1975 Northern Ireland and tells the story of "forbidden love." Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher, whose life "is shadowed by the Troubles," crosses paths with Michael, an older, married Protestant barrister, while working in her family's pub. Their connection is immediate – and the love that follows all-consuming. "Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous," reads the official synopsis. "As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise." "I think (and hope) that the series does that rare and wonderful thing of propelling a universal forbidden love story with a thriller engine, fuelled by the specifics of a particular time and place," said screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan. "You see this in great love stories like Casablanca. It’s a love story that becomes even more powerful through its specificity. "Trespasses is both universal and deeply rooted in its context. It is that blend of the universal and the specific, the personal and the political, that gives it such richness. I think that is what will make it resonate with audiences everywhere." The cast is lead by Lola Pettigrew as Cushla and Tom Cullen as Michael. But who else stars alongside them? And where have you seen them before? Find out more below. Trespasses cast Lola Petticrew as Cushla Lavery Tom Cullen as Michael Agnew Gillian Anderson as Gina Lavery Martin McCann as Eamonn Lavery Emily Taaffe as Betty McGeown Oisín Thompson as Gerry Harkin Barry Wad as Victor McIntyre For more information about the characters and where you've watched the cast before, read on. Lola Petticrew plays Cushla Lavery <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Cushla-9041216.jpg" width="8640" height="5760" alt="A woman with short brown hair and bangs is reflected in an ornate oval mirror as she holds a dark green rotary phone to her ear. She wears a dark turtleneck and a gold pendant, standing in a dimly lit room with rich red and gold wallpaper, giving the scene a moody, vintage atmosphere." title="Trespasses" /> Who is Cushla Lavery? A young Catholic schoolteacher who lives with her mother and occasionally works in the family pub. It's there that she meets Michael, a married Protestant man who's a few years older than her, and she falls for him. "They are from very different worlds, and they have this ineffable connection and real deep love and admiration for each other," said Petticrew. "I think a lot of people have an idea about who someone like Michael Agnew is, and Cushla really sees him." What else has Lola Petticrew been in? Their credits include Say Nothing, Bloodlands and She Said. Tom Cullen plays Michael Agnew Who is Michael Agnew? A barrister and a Protestant who is instantly drawn to Cushla, despite being married, and being on opposite sides of the political divide in Northern Ireland. "Michael changes a lot during the series," said Cullen. "When we first meet him, he is this bullish, effervescent guy who is trying to rise above the circumstances he finds himself in. But, like everyone else in the show, he gets suffocated by the world he is surrounded by... and you start to see him struggle. "But beyond the external influences on Michael, the real change happens within him. Through his relationship with Cushla, and falling deeply in love with her, he must face up to himself and try and tackle the pain buried deep in his soul." What else has Tom Cullen been in? You might recognise him from The Gold, Knightfall, The Five and Downton Abbey. Gillian Anderson plays Gina Lavery <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Gina-7db066e.jpg" width="8187" height="5458" alt="Two women stand in a dimly lit, retro-style kitchen. One, in the foreground, smokes a cigarette while the other, older woman leans against the counter holding a cup and looking at her intently. The space is warm and cluttered, with wooden cabinets, patterned tiles, and kitchen utensils hanging on the wall, evoking a 1970s atmosphere." title="Trespasses" /> Who is Gina Lavery? Cushla's mother. Gina is an alcoholic. "She's got a drinking habit, but she has got lots of quirks," said Anderson. "Gina has big emotions and a really good heart, she's funny and pathetic." What else has Gillian Anderson been in? Her extensive CV includes The X Files, The Fall, Bleak House, Sex Education, The Salt Path, The Crown and Hannibal. Martin McCann plays Eamonn Lavery Who is Eamonn Lavery? Cushla's brother. He runs the family pub. What else has Martin McCann been in? You might know him from Blue Lights and Hostage. Emily Taaffe plays Betty McGeown <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Tresspasses-4f1214b.jpg" width="8640" height="5760" alt="A woman stands outside with two boys, her arms around them. They pose in front of a plain brick wall and small garden sheds, with a bicycle leaning nearby. The woman wears a blue checkered dress and looks solemn, while the boys stand close to her, one in a brown striped shirt and the other in a dark blue polo. The muted tones and setting evoke a modest, working-class home." title="Trespasses" /> Who is Betty McGeown? A Protestant who married a Catholic man. Her husband is attacked by local Protestants, and the family becomes the target of abuse from their neighbours. Her children attend the Catholic school where Cushla teaches. Betty's youngest son, Davy, is played by Daithi Ó Haragain. Her eldest, Tommy, is played by Conlaoch Gough-Cunningham. What else has Emily Taaffe been in? She has appeared in Little Disasters, The Rising, Little Bird and The Dig. Oisín Thompson plays Gerry Harkin <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Gerry-da47331.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="A man and a woman stand side by side on a quiet urban street. The man wears a teal suit and patterned tie, while the woman wears a brown coat over a red dress and holds a clutch bag. Behind them, soldiers in camouflage stand guard with rifles near residential buildings, creating a tense atmosphere. The scene feels set in the 1970s, with muted tones and overcast skies adding to the somber mood." title="Trespasses" /> Who is Gerry Harkin? Cushla's colleague. "Cushla has a very good friendship with fellow teacher Gerry, who brings out Cushla’s lighter, flirtatious and more playful side," said executive producer Amanda Posey. "He is essentially the expression of Cushla’s younger side. As the story unfolds, you come to understand why their relationship could never have been." What else has Oisín Thompson been in? His CV incudes My Left Nut. Additional cast includes: Barry Ward (Bad Sisters, Save Me) plays Victor McIntyre – a friend of Michael's. Cushla attends a gathering, with the barrister, to teach him and his pals Irish. Trespasses premieres on Channel 4 on Sunday 9th November 2025. 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. Add Trespasses 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.
Who won The Great British Bake Off 2025? Season 16 winner crowned
After 10 weeks of laughter, tears and a few Hollywood handshakes, the winner of The Great British Bake Off 2025 has finally been crowned. Tonight (4th November), the three finalists Tom, Aaron and Jasmine faced their biggest challenges yet, with pressure at an all-time high and higher stakes than ever before. The three remaining bakers battled it out in the iconic tent for their final tasks that tested every aspect of their baking prowess. For the signature challenge, the bakers had to create the classic British iced finger bun, wowing the judges with their flavours and techniques in the process. Next up was a jaw-dropping tower of French delights in the technical, and for their last ever bake, the finalists were tasked with making the largest cake in Bake Off history! After much deliberation, Jasmine was crowned the winner of The Great British Bake Off 2025. Alison Hammond had the pleasure of letting the 23-year-old know she had named the ultimate Star Baker. During her time on the show, she received two Hollywood handshakes and scored five Star Baker wins, the latter of which makes her the second contestant in Bake Off history to achieve that. Jasmine said of her win: "Oh my goodness I am just so overjoyed! When I was in the middle of exams and trying to bake while I was trying to learn, it’s been so much. But I have done it and I am just so unbelievably happy and to have done it with such an awesome group of people. "I want to say to myself that when I don't think I am going to be able to do something, when I don’t have faith in myself that I should just give it a try. And try and try again. And something great might happen, you never know!" "The thing about Jasmine is that she has been steady all the way through, almost unheard of to be so consistent and so good. She is an extraordinary girl," judge Prue Leith said of Jasmine's triumph. While Paul Hollywood added: "There was not one week we thought she could go this week… not once. And that’s unusual, and to win 5 Star Bakers and then win overall that’s never happened before. "She has done an incredible job all the way through the Bake Off this year. She is a worthy winner and she is the best one we have seen for quite a while actually." The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on Channel 4 on catch-up. Add The Great British Bake Off 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 Aaron? Meet The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant and systems architect
The Great British Bake Off concludes tonight (Tuesday 4th November) with an exciting but tough final set of challenges as the remaining three bakers fight for the chance to be crowned the winner. Amongst the final three bakers is Aaron, whose personal highlight in the tent was hearing the comments from the judges. "Hearing some of the judges comments was just so rewarding, especially when you have a vision of how something should taste and they relay that back to you, it's so validating," he explained. "Knowing that the DAME Prue Leith could see some of my bakes in a patisserie window is high praise. But the pinnacle may just be walking out of the tent post Showstopper to see my friends and family waiting and cheering for me, it was just epic." With the final just hours away, what else is there to know about Aaron? Read on to learn more about The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant. Who is Aaron? Age: 38 Location: London Job: Senior systems architect Aaron is a 38-year-old senior systems architect living in London with his boyfriend Anthony. He made the move from Manchester two years ago. A passionate baker, Aaron fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair, and is currently using Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes. After Aaron applied for the show, he began to feel as though he wouldn't be accepted, and when he found out he'd be on season 16, he didn't get "too excited" as "a lot can change between that call and filming". "I was at home working when I got the call," he said. "Anthony was eavesdropping and crying before I even got the chance to tell him." When Aaron isn't baking, he is usually cycling around the city, teaching himself French, lifting weights at the gum or studying for a Master's in Computer Science and Data Analytics. What are Aaron's strengths and weaknesses as a baker? According to Aaron, he feels he has "a good knowledge of baking and good flavours" but finds that his weakness is "second guessing, especially when I don't have the time to do it over". The Great British Bake Off continues on Channel 4 on Tuesday 4th November at 8pm. Add The Great British Bake Off 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 Jasmine? Meet The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant and student
After nine tough weeks, The Great British Bake Off final has arrived, with the remaining three bakers being put through their paces one last time. One baker in the final who has received the Star Baker accolade numerous times this series is Jasmine, who cites her great aunt as her baking inspiration. "She has a magical way of making all her bakes taste absolutely delicious," she said. "I remember standing on a chair in her kitchen in the Scottish Highlands as a little girl kneading bread." But what else is there to know about Jasmine? Read on to find out more about The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant as she heads into the final. Who is Jasmine? Age: 23 Location: London Job: Medical student Jasmine is a 23-year-old medical student living in London with her cousins while completing her degree. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Jasmine learnt the basics of bread and cakes through her mother and aunts, and has fond memories of batch baking for big family get togethers during holidays in the Scottish Highlands. Jasmine had "never dreamt" she'd be on Bake Off. She applied on a whim and was shocked after every round she got through in the interview process. "I laughed, I could not stop laughing, it felt so bonkers and surreal and almost ridiculous that it was actually happening," she explained of learning she'd be on the show. "I was on a train in London, I had to talk in complete code because there was a granny sitting opposite me who I am almost 100 per cent sure was a Bake Off watcher." What are Jasmine's strengths and weaknesses as a baker? Jasmine loves using "classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes", but is yet to produce "funky flavour combinations" successfully. The Great British Bake Off continues on Tuesday 4th November at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Add The Great British Bake Off 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 Tom? Meet The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant and entrepreneur
The Great British Bake Off 2025 final has arrived, with the three remaining bakers going head-to-head in a set of intense baking challenges. Among the finalists is Tom, whose highlight of the competition wasn't two Hollywood handshakes, but winning the technical during week eight. "Winning the technical in week eight was a highlight because it was the first time I really felt like I belonged," he said ahead of the final. " You would have thought the two handshakes before would have helped. And they did. But the technical always felt like a weak spot and so to finally nail one was amazing." As we wait to find out how Tom fares in the final, read on to learn more about The Great British Bake Off 2025 contestant. Who is Tom? Age: 31 Location: London Job: Creative entrepreneur Tom is a 31-year-old creative entrepreneur living in London who learnt how to bake scones and flapjacks around his mother and grandmother, and grew up in a food-obsessed family. He recently reconnected with his first love, food, and brings a creative flair to his beautifully presented bakes. But when he isn't baking, Tom can be found fishing for sea bass with his brother or foraging for mushrooms and cooking roasts with his dad. When Tom found out he had secured a place on Bake Off, he was on a ski lift with friends who didn't know he had applied, "so it was very hard to keep a straight face". He continued: "We arrived at the top as one of the team was giving me the good news and I was so distracted I got my poles stuck and almost had a full wipeout. But of course I never actually thought I was going to get on when I applied. I sent it in and forgot about it to be honest and then step by step I just kept getting through." What are Tom's strengths and weaknesses as a baker? Tom has less traditional baking experience, so is able to come up with ideas that may seem random, but when done well, are enjoyed by others – which he sees as his strength. He notes that his main weakness when it comes to baking is timing. The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 on Tuesday 4th November at 8pm. Add The Great British Bake Off 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.
5 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Ant Hutchinson's behaviour spirals as Lucas Hay proposes to Dillon Ray
Frankie arranges a date with Sully and Cleo struggles with motherhood.
An oblivious Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) pops the question to Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Curtis) in Hollyoaks next week – unaware that his boyfriend actually has feelings for his dad Ste (Kieron Richardson)! Meanwhile, Frankie Osborne (Isabelle Smith) arranges a date with sex offender Sully Sullivan (Harry French). Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin) struggles with postpartum psychosis, and Ant Hutchinson (Brook Debio) is seemingly 'confirmed' as dad Tony's (Nick Pickard) shooter. Elsewhere, Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) settles back into village life, much to the frustration of girlfriend Gemma Johnston (Tisha Merry). Here's a look ahead to the episodes of Hollyoaks airing between Monday 10th November and Wednesday 12th November. 5 Hollyoaks spoilers next week 1. Lucas Hay proposes to Dillon Ray Following his kiss with Ste a few weeks ago, Dillon admits to Frankie that he no longer loves Lucas. Little does he realise, his boyfriend is still head over heels, admitting to aunt Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) that he can't imagine life without him. Boosted by her words, he arranges a surprise proposal. Getting down on one knee in front of Ste and Leela, Lucas pops the question. But what will Dillon say? 2. Frankie Osborne arranges a date with vile Sully Sullivan Having swiped right on him in Liverpool, Frankie is overjoyed to have matched with Sully online. She's lied about her age, and has no idea of the sort of man he really is. When he bumps into her at Price Slice, the two exchange numbers. She then explains to Dillon about her doubts, and he offers to play wingman should things get uncomfortable. 3. Ant Hutchinson is in the frame for dad Tony's attempted murder Darren returns to the village having been arrested (but with not enough evidence to hold him) for Tony's shooting – something which infuriates Ant. Sister Dee-Dee (Chloe Atkinson) attempts to calm him down, before her grandad Froggy Black (John Middleton) intervenes. His mum Diane (Alex Fletcher) is sick of seeing him glued to his phone and confiscates it until he calms down, and later, brother Ro (Leo Cole) shows her an image of him holding a gun on the day Tony was shot. Was Ant responsible? 4. Cleo McQueen struggles in the wake of her childbirth Cleo is given the green light to be discharged from hospital, and girlfriend Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) decides to move in with her for support. When she's unable to express milk for son Joseph, she admits to Sienna that she feels like a failure and is struggling. 5. Warren Fox gets a cold reception as Gemma Johnston plays happy families Mercedes is grateful to have Warren around in her time of need, and arranges for him to come and spend some time with their twin daughters. Gemma watches on, and later acts friendly towards her boyfriend's ex. Meanwhile, Goldie McQueen (Chelsee Healey) is less than impressed to see Warren back in the village, still blaming him for son Hunter's death. Read more: Hollyoaks to air new issue-based storyline for Cleo McQueen after traumatic childbirth 5 Hollyoaks spoilers next week: Dodger Savage reports sexual assault as Donny Clark makes a shocking realisation Yasmin Davies cast as legacy character Esme for Hollyoaks Later spin-off and Brookside crossover Louis Emerick on his Hollyoaks future after Brookside crossover twist Hollyoaks is available to watch on catch-up on Channel 4. Visit our dedicated Soaps page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter legend stars in ominous first look at "thrilling and compulsive" new Channel 4 drama Summerwater
The Channel 4 drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Sarah Moss.
Dougary Scott stars alongside Harry Potter legend Shirley Henderson (yes, Moaning Myrtle!) in the unsettling first look trailer at new Channel 4 drama Summerwater. The new six-part Scottish drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Sarah Moss and boasts plenty of atmosphere in this promo, which airs on Channel 4 tonight (Sunday 2nd November 2025). Summerwater has been adapted by Utopia scribe John Donnelly and is directed by TV crime drama veterans Robert McKillop and Fiona Walton. The footage teases a non-linear narrative as a destructive event in a Scottish holiday park prompts questions about the dramatic lives of those in residence. The official synopsis from Channel 4 reads: "Set predominantly at a remote loch-side Scottish holiday cabin park, Summerwater looks at the simmering tensions between holidaymakers that eventually erupt into a devastating climax." View oEmbed on the source website If the box above is not showing, you may need to change your privacy settings. In the Radio Times site footer, click ‘Manage Privacy Settings’. Under ‘Site Vendors’, consent to ‘YouTube’, then press Save & Exit. The synopsis continues: "Weaving together the lives of several families as they navigate unspoken conflicts, private dilemmas, and fleeting moments of beauty from their disparate cabins, the story flashes back to dramatic events in key characters’ lives before their holiday which may have consequences in the present." Channel 4 itself boasts that the show is "thrilling and compulsive" and "character-led". Could this be a classic whodunnit? Or something all the more disturbing? Alongside Scott and Henderson, who are visible in the trailer, the drama also features performances from Blue Lights favourite Valene Kane, Showtrial's Anna Próchniak, House of the Dragon actor Gabriel Scott, Vigil's Anders Hayward, and The White Lotus season 3 actor Arnas Fedaravičiu. We'll have to see who is playing a guilty party when the drama finally arrives on our screens... Summerwater airs on Channel 4 in November. 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. Add Summerwater to your watchlist when it arrives 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.
Taskmaster confirms New Year special episodes amid announcement for Champion of Champions return
While season 20 of Taskmaster may be coming to an end in a couple of weeks, there is plenty more Task-based cheer in store with festive specials! The annual special Taskmaster's New Year Treat will return with two episodes over the festive period, offering fans double the trouble for the first time. The festive special will gather an eclectic mix of five famous faces from all corners of the entertainment world, with Alex Horne and Greg Davies set to put them through their paces. The famous faces taking part will be announced soon. Champion of Champions is also set to return with a fierce battle for the ultimate title. This year, Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, and Mathew Baynton will return to the scene of the greatest triumph of heir lives and battle once more. They will be joined by the winner of season 20, who will be unveiled on Thursday 13th November at 9pm on Channel 4. Fans will get the chance to be in the studio audiences of these shows by signing up to the mailing list for first access to audience tickets. In order to make the tickets fairer for fans, Taskmaster are now selling guaranteed entry tickets, with all proceeds going to three charities handpicked by Alex and Greg. The festive fun doesn't stop there, with the creation of Taskmaster Advent Calendar. This will feature 24 days of tasks, puzzles, festive joy and a dash of delightful chaos. The calendars were so popular that they sold out after only three weeks of being on sale, being purchased from fans all around the world, from the USA to the Philippines. Taskmaster continues on Thursday 30th October at 9pm 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.