NFL Playoffs 2025/26 on TV in UK: Schedule, times and live stream
Your complete guide to NFL Playoff games live on TV in the UK.
The NFL enters Playoff mode this weekend with teams gunning for a place in the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara in February. There are 14 teams left in the hunt, with 12 in action on Wild Card Weekend as they seek a place in the Divisional Round. AFC top seeds Denver Broncos and their NFC counterparts Seattle Seahawks have each received a bye through to the next phase but there are still plenty of superb match-ups to enjoy in the days to come. RadioTimes.com brings you the complete NFL Playoffs TV schedule in the UK. How to watch NFL Playoffs in UK on TV and live stream You can watch the NFL Playoffs across a number of options: Sky Sports, NFL Game Pass via DAZN and free-to-air channel 5. Sky Sports will show every match from the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl in 2026. NFL Game Pass via DAZN will also show every game of the NFL Playoffs from £19.99 for the whole post-season without signing up to a contract, including US broadcast coverage and commercials from the Super Bowl. 5 will show one Playoff match per week leading up to their free-to-air coverage of the Super Bowl. NFL Playoffs TV schedule All UK time. Subject to change. TV schedule to be updated regularly. Wild Card Weekend Saturday 10th January Carolina Panthers v LA Rams (9:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL Sunday 11th January Chicago Bears v Green Bay Packers (1am) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL Jacksonville Jaguars v Buffalo Bills (6pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL / 5 Philadelphia Eagles v San Francisco 49ers (9:30pm) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL Monday 12th January New England Patriots v Los Angeles Chargers (1am) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL Tuesday 13th January Houston Texans v Pittsburgh Steelers (1:15am) Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL Divisional Round Saturday 17th January TBC v TBC (9:30pm) TBC v TBC (1:15am, Sunday) Sunday 18th January TBC v TBC (8pm) TBC v TBC (11:30pm) Conference Championships Sunday 25th January AFC: TBC v TBC (8pm) NFC: TBC v TBC (11:30pm) Super Bowl LX Sunday 8th February Super Bowl: TBC v TBC (11:30pm) Check out more of our <a id="menurm6i" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Sport">Sport coverage or visit our <a id="menurm6k" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link TV Guide">TV Guide and <a id="menurm6m" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/streaming-guide/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/streaming-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link Streaming Guide">Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to <a id="menurm6o" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link The Radio Times Podcast">The Radio Times Podcast.
Huw Edwards downfall TV drama confirmed with first look at unrecognisable British acting legend in lead role
Martin Clunes will play Edwards in the two-part drama for 5.
5 has announced a new two-part drama based on the true story surrounding the downfall of BBC News presenter Huw Edwards. The series, currently going by the working title Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, has been in development for a year, and is the first collaboration between 5’s factual and scripted commissioning teams. A first-look image for the series has now been released, revealing that Doc Martin star Martin Clunes will be playing Edwards. According to 5, the series will explore "the newsreader’s double life as it spirals out of control, leading him to make the greatest announcement of his career – his total exit from public life following his conviction for serious child sexual offences". <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/PowerThe-Downfall-of-Huw-Edwards-wtannouncement-imageEpisodicMT00010v2MidresSTRICT-EMBARGO-WEDNESDAY-7TH-JANUARY8PM-aee1ad3.jpg" width="4500" height="2967" alt="Martin Clunes as Huw Edwards in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, sat at a newsdesk, wearing a suit." title="POWER: THE DOWNFALL OF HUW EDWARDS (w/t) - STRICT EMBARGO - WED" /> Edwards pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children back in 2024, with the former broadcaster given six months' imprisonment suspended for two years and required to complete a sex offender programme. Announcing the series, 5 called the new commission an "unflinching drama" and a "complex, emotional and nuanced portrait" of the scandal surrounding Edwards. It added that it will "build on extensive factual research over the past 12 months, including extensive first hand interviews and co-operation from those at the heart of the scandal and exclusive access to The Sun newspaper’s award-winning investigation into Edwards". Ben Frow, chief content officer for 5, said in a statement: "This is an important and shocking story – of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status. "By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines. As a close collaboration between 5’s factual and scripted teams this is a first for the channel." The series has been directed by Michael Samuels (The Trial) and written by Mark Burt (Coronation Street). A release date has yet to be confirmed. Elsewhere, Clunes will next be seen Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, which arrives in UK cinemas on 13th February. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Good Ship Murder Christmas special cast: Meet the characters
It wouldn't be Christmas without a murder in The Good Ship Murder's festive special. "A woman called Donna, who claims she has a life-changing illness, boards the ship with her loyal friend Bernie," reads the official synopsis. But things take a sinister turn when Bernie is found dead during a day excursion to a remote monastery. Elsewhere, Jack is performing in a grimy dive bar after being sacked from the ship – but the monastery murder "draws Kate back to him". But can they find their way back to one another romantically – and will he be welcomes back on board the ship? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/GSM-Xmas-3e20aa1.jpg" width="4800" height="3200" alt="Three people stand inside a festively decorated ship’s dining area, lit with Christmas lights and tinsel. A woman in a light blazer and green dress speaks to a man in a brown suit, while a third man between them wears a novelty elf Christmas jumper. Wooden tables and chairs surround them, with other guests and festive décor visible in the background." title="The Good Ship Murder" /> A number of familiar faces have returned for the Christmas special, plus some new additions, too. Find the full cast rundown below. The Good Ship Murder Christmas special cast Shayne Ward plays Jack Grayling Catherine Tyldesley plays Kate Woods Zak Douglas plays Jamil Al-Rashid Geoffrey Breton plays Piers De Vreese Ross Adams plays Colin Smallwood Kiza Deen plays Frankie Johnson James Barriscale plays Captain Marlowe Yuna Shin plays Dr Sharon Tan Lesley Dunlop plays Carole Merryweather Joelle Dyson plays Donna Branning Luis Soto plays Father Rodriguez Gary Lucy plays Jason Agnew Rebecca Harland plays Bernie Campbell Greta Holland plays Sister Thomasina Michelle Holmes plays Eve Fontaine For more information about the characters and where you've seen the actors before, read on. Good Ship Murder returning cast Shayne Ward plays Jack Who is Jack? A cabaret singer who used to be a detective in the special crimes unit. Jack was the ship's resident singer, but he was sacked last season and hasn't seen Kate since. Where have I seen Shayne Ward before? As well as winning The X Factor, he previously appeared in Coronation Street as Aidan Connor. Catherine Tyldesley plays Kate Who is Kate? A first officer who is training for her captain's licence. Kate used to spend her days solving murders alongside Jack (as you do) and the pair became romantically involved. But he's since left, leaving their relationship in limbo. Where have I seen Catherine Tyldesley before? Most people know her as Eva Price from Coronation Street. She's also appeared in Sky comedy Trollied, ITV crime drama Viewpoint, BBC sitcom Scarborough and an episode of ITV's McDonald & Dodds. Zak Douglas plays Jamil Who is Jamil? He works on the ship and is Kate and Jack's biggest fan. Where have I seen Zak Douglas before? You might have watched him in The Larkins. Geoffrey Breton plays Piers Who is Piers? Another first officer on the ship. He was engaged to Kate, but they have since split as her heart now lies with Jack. Where have I seen Geoffrey Breton before? He appeared in ITV's Blue Murder and BBC One's The Diary of Anne Frank, and he played Princess Anne's first husband Mark Phillips in Netflix's The Crown. Ross Adams plays Colin Smallwood Who is Colin Smallwood? He replaced Claire Sweeney's Beverley Carnell as the cruise director. What else has Ross Adams been in? He's best known for Hollyoaks. Additional cast includes: Kiza Deen (Hollyoaks) plays Frankie - head of security on the ship. James Barriscale (Doctors) plays Captain Marlowe. Yuna Shin (Halo) plays Dr Sharon Tan. The Good Ship Murder Christmas special guest stars Joelle Dyson (Doctors, Vera) plays Donna Branning - a woman who claims she has a life-changing illness. She boards the ship with her best friend. Rebecca Harland (Casualty) plays Bernie Campbell - Donna's closest friend who has supported her throughout her illness. But in a tragic twist, Bernie is murdered. Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, EastEnders, The Bill, Footballers' Wives) plays Jason Agnew - a passenger on the ship. He wants to take Donna on a date, but Bernie is firmly against it. Luis Soto (Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason) plays Father Rodriguez Greta Holland (The Madame Blanc Mysteries) plays Sister Thomasina. Michelle Holmes (Coronation Street, The Practice, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) plays Eve Fontaine - a singer who's booked to perform on the ship. The Good Ship Murder will return for season 3. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Good Ship Murder Christmas special 2025: Release date, cast, plot and latest news
The show returns with a festive whodunnit.
The Good Ship Murder, 5's crime drama set on a luxurious cruise ship, is returning to our screens for its second Christmas special – and this year's looks more eventful than ever. The festive episode, which will mark the beginning of the show's third season, will follow on from the end of season two, which saw Jack (Shayne Ward) sacked from the ship and separated from Kate (Catherine Tyldesley). However, when a passenger from the ship is found dead during an excursion to a monastery in Alicante, the pair must come together to solve the mystery and find the perpetrator. But can the duo catch the killer? And will they find their way back to one another romantically? Alongside Ward and Tyldesley, Zak Douglas, Geoffrey Breton, Ross Adams, Kiza Deen, James Barriscale and Yuna Shin are also set to return to the cast, while there will also be a handful of new additions. Read on for everything you need to know about The Good Ship Murder Christmas Special 2025, including when you can watch it and the returning cast. The Good Ship Murder Christmas special 2025 release date: When will it air? The Good Ship Murder 2025 Christmas special will air on Saturday 27th December at 9pm on 5. The third season will set sail shortly after and premiere on Tuesday 6th January at 9pm on 5. It was announced that the show would be returning for a second and third series back in April 2024, with Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, at Channel 5, saying at the time: "Greg and I are excited for these new tales on The Good Ship Murder. The blend of music, mystery, and beautiful locations was a winning formula that our viewers loved in series one, and we’re excited to be working with Clapperboard again to bring this series back." Mike Benson, Managing Director of Clapperboard, added: "Series one was something of a journey – or mid-price cruise – into the unknown… not least trying to film a drama on a cruise ship with 6000 holidaymakers heading to 8 different countries! However, we were delighted with how the concept found an audience and are thrilled to be making two more series packed with sun, showtunes and subterfuge." The Good Ship Murder Christmas special 2025 cast: Who stars? The confirmed cast is as follows: Shayne Ward plays Jack Grayling Catherine Tyldesley plays Kate Woods Zak Douglas plays Jamil Al-Rashid Geoffrey Breton plays Piers De Vreese Ross Adams plays Colin Smallwood Kiza Deen plays Frankie Johnson James Barriscale plays Captain Marlowe Yuna Shin plays Dr. Sharon Tan Joelle Dyson plays Donna Branning Luis Soto plays Father Rodriguez Gary Lucy plays Jason Agnew Rebecca Harland plays Bernie Campbell Greta Holland plays Sister Thomasina Michelle Holmes plays Eve Fontaine The Good Ship Murder Christmas special 2025 plot: What will happen? The Good Ship Murder docks in Alicante for this year's Christmas episode, where "a woman called Donna, who claims she has a life-changing illness, boards the ship with her loyal friend Bernie". "As the festive voyage begins, Donna charms fellow passenger Gary and yearning for a Christmas miracle, visits a remote monastery," reads the official synopsis. "There she meets Rodriguez, a mysterious man of the cloth, and Thomasina, an enigmatic nun. But the holiday cheer turns dark when Bernie is found dead." Elsewhere, Jack is performing in a grimy dive bar after being sacked from the ship – but the monastery murder "draws Kate back to him". Will they "rekindle their romance" – and will Jack return to the ship, just in time for Christmas? Is there a trailer for The Good Ship Murder Christmas special 2025? Yes, a trailer has been released for the festive episode, giving fans a first glimpse at Kate and Jack in action as they work to unravel the mystery. Watch below: View oEmbed on the source website The Good Ship Murder 2025 Christmas special will air on Saturday 27th December at 9pm on 5. Add The Good Ship Murder 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 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.
Is All Creatures Great and Small returning for season 7?
It's become something of a tradition in recent years for the All Creatures Great and Small festive special to be the crown jewel in 5's Christmas scheduling – and that proved the case once again this year. Fans were gifted with another excellent Yuletide-themed instalment of the popular period drama on Christmas Eve, which lived up to the promise of providing "joyful carnage" including the return of Helen (Rachel Shenton) It followed on from a sixth season that brought about a lot of change, as we reunited with the characters after a time jump — with the war declared over in the opening episode. James and Helen, now settled in Heston, were adapting to life as parents of two, while Siegfried was struggling in Mrs Hall's absence. Thankfully, she returned to Skeldale after living with her son for the past few years — a period that had clearly affected both the running of the practice and Siegfried's dynamic with James. Meanwhile, romance was on the cards for Tristan, though he was also burdened by the trauma of what he'd witnessed during his service, which had manifested as PTSD. And little Jenny Alderson — not so little anymore — set off to London to study at nursing college, with Helen joining her at the start of her new adventure to help her sister find her feet. But what's next? Are there plans to head back to Skeldale? And when might new episodes arrive? Read more: All Creatures Great and Small's Anna Madeley on Mrs Hall's secret talent – and *that* Siegfried speculation All Creatures Great and Small spin-off show confirmed with beloved special guest Read on for everything we know so far about a potential All Creatures Great and Small season 7. Is All Creatures Great and Small returning for season 7? There's currently no official confirmation of the show's future. Watch this space for updates. "There are definitely more stories to tell," Nicholas Ralph said on the show's future during an interview with RadioTimes.com. "And I can speak for myself when I say I'd love to do more." Callum Woodhouse is equally keen to return, though he believes "there is an end in sight". "You never want to outstay your welcome," he said. "You never want to keep going until it starts to feel a bit stale or overworked." But he's confident that point is still far off. "At the same time, I don't think we're done yet at all," Woodhouse continued. "There are absolutely more stories to tell. I don't think we’re going anywhere soon, but I also don't think we’ll be a forever type thing." But in the meantime, there's the annual All Creatures Christmas special to look forward to. And All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic, an hour-long show that will take viewers behind-the-scenes, will also be broadcast later this year. When could a potential All Creatures Great and Small season 7 air? There’s been a new season of All Creatures every year since 2020 – five arriving in September and one in October – so if season 7 gets the green light, we’d expect it to land in September or October 2026. Who could return for a potential All Creatures Great and Small season 7? We'd expect to see the following back on our screens: Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall There's also Tony Pitts as Richard Alderson, Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey (alongside Derek the dog, who plays Tricki Woo), and Mollie Winnard as Maggie. It also feels likely that Gaia Wise, who plays Charlotte Beauvoir, will return now that Tristan is staying put, and their relationship was going from strength to strength. However, it remains to be seen when we'll see Imogen Clawson as Jenny Alderson, who is now at nursing college in London. And, as ever, there will be plenty of new guest stars. What could happen in a potential All Creatures Great and Small season 7? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/09/All-Creatures-Great-and-Small-Rachel-Shenton-Nicholas-Ralph-a94e60c.jpg" width="3240" height="2160" alt="Rachel Shenton as Helen and Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, standing next to each other in front of rolling fields in the background." title="Rachel Shenton as Helen and Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small" /> In typical All Creatures fashion, we expect plenty more “heartwarming human and animal tales” if season 7 gets the thumbs up. As for what else could happen, Tristan suffered a significant PTSD episode in the season 6 finale, which could well shape his storyline moving forward. And while he bonded with Siegfried during that particularly testing moment, we’re anticipating plenty more bickering in the coming epispdes. On a lighter note, his relationship with Charlotte suggests the pair could be in it for the long haul. Elsewhere, we’d expect Helen to return from helping Jenny settle down in London, but it remains to be seen whether she, James and the children will move back to Skeldale. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall and Siegfried are likely to continue… whatever it is they’re doing. When could the trailer for a potential All Creatures Great and Small season 7 arrive? Trailers usually arrive in the month leading up to the premiere. All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small star thinks Tristan and Charlotte marriage could be on the cards after huge romantic scene
"She's come into his life at a time when he just really, really needs her."
Tristan and Charlotte's relationship is continuing to go from strength to strength in All Creatures Great and Small. After the couple instantly hit it off in season 6 of the period drama – when he answered a call to examine her beloved horse – each meeting that followed was a success, including Tristan winning over her father despite the class barrier between them. But it's in their toughest moments when their connection is undeniable – hinting they're in it for the long haul. During this year's Christmas special, Tristan's PTSD resurfaces as he admits he can't stop thinking about the horrors he witnessed while serving on the frontline, including the death of his best friend. Much as he wants to embrace the festivities, he simply isn't able to shut off the noise. But instead of running in the opposite direction or telling him to get a grip, Charlotte not only stands firmly by his side, but also gently encourages him to open up, knowing it's part of the healing process. Read more: All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future All Creatures Anna Madeley responds to Siegfried kiss: 'We've no idea where this goes' It was that moment, more than any other, in which it became abundantly clear they're not just here for a good time, but a long time. And shortly afterwards, in a supremely romantic scene at the Christmas tree farm, surrounded by firs, Tristan told Charlotte he loved her – and she said it back. "I think she's come into his life at a time when he just really, really needs her," Calum Woodhouse told RadioTimes.com, explaining why they work so well – and what makes Charlotte different to every other woman he's been involved with. "I think they've got a great chemistry and they get on really well. And that would have been similar at any point, but Tristan, right now, needs someone who is sympathetic and understanding to what he's been through, and is very much still going through. And Charlotte is just that, in spades. "Not only has she been through some of it herself [given her own service], but she's just a very kind character who allows Tristan to, in his own time, and in his own way, find his way back." Woodhouse also said Charlotte "loves Tristan for who he is, not for who he once was, or could be again". "It's really sweet, and it's a joy to play with Gaia [Wise], who's who plays it wonderfully." So, that begs the question: does Woodhouse think there could be wedding bells in Tristan and Charlotte's future? "I think so," he nodded. "I think they're a really great pair." He then went on to compare that relationship to what's bubbling away between Siegfried and Mrs Hall. "It's an interesting one, because, obviously, the big fan response to some of the love stories of this series is that people really, really want Siegfried and Mrs Hall to end up together, who are from very different backgrounds," he expanded. "Mrs Hall is the housekeeper, and Siegfried is the man in charge. So that's maybe a dynamic which wouldn't have normally been done. "And then on Tristan and Charlotte, she's from extreme wealth and he isn't. And it's sort of the exact sort of opposite of Siegfried and Mrs Hall. So it's just funny that you've got those two playing sort of in tandem. "But I think they [Tristan and Charlotte] have just got really great chemistry. So it'd be interesting to see how that's further explored in the next series." All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small's Anna Madeley responds to surprising Siegfried moment – and teases relationship potential
What did she make of that moment in the Christmas special?
Questions about the nature of Siegfried and Mrs Hall's relationship in All Creatures Great and Small have been swirling for some time, as fan speculation about the pair becoming an item continues to grow. And this year's Christmas special has done little to dispel the belief among some viewers that there's something romantic brewing between them. With turkeys in short supply due to the war – and the threat of a 'murkey' hanging over the Skeldale House Christmas dinner – Mrs Hall was determined to win The Drovers' darts competition to claim the top prize: a turkey... which meant darts practice was a top priority. But Siegfried became distracted when none other than Dorothy (Maimie McCoy) arrived back in Darrowby out of the blue. She appeared in the first season of the show, all the way back in 2020, and even shared a kiss with Siegfried as they grew close. But she then left for Malta, where she has remained ever since – that is until she decided to come back to Yorkshire following the end of the war. At the time, Siegfried insisted to his brother that he and Dorothy were good friends and nothing more, and that appeared to be that. But she has now returned — and Mrs Hall is "thrilled" to welcome her back. Discussing Mrs Hall's initial response to her return, Anna Madeley told RadioTimes.com: "One of your oldest friends has been stuck in an area of the world that's had a really tough time – they've only been able to read about the bombing, and they haven't been able to speak to each other on the phone easily. "So I think having one of your dearest friends rock up at the back door would just be an incredible moment. "And if it's something that will bring some joy... I feel like Mrs Hall is very excited at the prospect that Dorothy's arrival will be exciting for everyone. She leans into the excitement and the fun and the good and the happy feelings that can come from it. I think she is just in that place at the moment, of looking for all those." But the same couldn't be said for Siegfried... Read more: All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future All Creatures Great and Small season 6 finale finally answers Tristan mystery Despite Dorothy making it clear that she wanted to reconnect, he spent much of the episode burying himself in his work rather than facing her and having an honest conversation – which is classic Siegfried behaviour. But eventually, after some encouragement from Mrs Hall and some wise words from Mrs Stokes, he invited Dorothy to The Drovers that evening – where Skeldale clinched the turkey after Mrs Hall delivered the winning shot, because of course she did. But while the rest of the team were toasting their glorious victory together, Siegfried was once again distracted by Dorothy. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/all-creatures-001b1b2.jpg" width="4220" height="2813" alt="A cheerful countryside scene featuring a vintage green convertible stopped on a narrow rural road, surrounded by a large flock of fluffy sheep. Several people in 1930s–1940s–style clothing stand around the car: a woman sits in the driver’s seat with a golden retriever beside her, while a man beside the car gestures animatedly. Another man sits in the back holding a picnic basket, and a different man stands holding a small child. A young boy in front offers an apple to a sheep, while a woman in a floral dress looks on with amusement. Behind them is a stone wall, open fields dotted with cows and sheep, and a sunny, idyllic landscape with trees and blue sky." title="All Creatures Great and Small" /> After finding themselves standing beneath some mistletoe, they picked up from where they left off the first time and enjoyed a very tender kiss – which was witnessed by Mrs Hall, of all people, whose curious expression could certainly be read as disappointment. As Siegfried then looked towards where all of the commotion was coming from, he caught her eye as she quickly turned away, desperate to avoid any awkwardness. But was she just downbeat that Siegfried wasn't celebrating the win with the rest of them, or surprised at what she'd witnessed given his reticence to even speak to Dorothy earlier that day? Or – and this is what many viewers will be thinking – was there something much more significant running through her mind? When asked by RadioTimes.com what Mrs Hall was feeling in that moment, Madeley confirmed her character was "quite surprised" by the development, but she couldn't elaborate on what emotions her character was experiencing following the kiss. "Who's to say – I don't think I can," she added. "I don't know how to answer that with any... we don't know how it's going to play out, we’ve no idea where this goes. "But I think it's one of those where she's in her little land of winning the darts match, and turns around to celebrate with Mr Farnon and, oh, he's over there. "So I don't know. I think it's more the surprise. You can't always take things in straightaway, and you don’t always know what they mean. They are in a moment of time that's exciting, and it's Christmas, and people are leaning into their relationships and their loved ones too." Does Madeley think Mrs Hall would be happy if Siegfried and Dorothy were to enter into a relationship? "She knows that they get on," she responded. "It’s like the thing with Tristan and Charlotte. She's what he needs, definitely right now. I think that that thing of noticing that there's a potential for happiness, there's some good feeling here, grab onto those things because they've just been through really rough times. So it's important to do that." And what about a relationship between Siegfried and Mrs Hall? If they were to cross that line, does Madeley think they would work as a romantic pairing? "I think it's a big journey to go on," she said. "You've got big differences in background, and also Mrs Hall does work for Mr Farnon, so it would be a huge adjustment." "And in that society, it would be quite a big deal. It was a big deal for Mrs Hall to get divorced. Both of them have had relationships before — marriages, serious relationships — and they're in a different place in their lives now. So I think they would think about relationships in a slightly different way than when they were 18 or 19." She added: "They are a delightfully complicated scenario. There’s clearly a huge affection, but what journey that affection should take is a big question." All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small cast: Who stars in the Christmas special?
Nicholas Ralph plays the iconic Yorkshire vet alongside series co-stars Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton and Callum Woodhouse.
This year's All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special marks the "first peacetime festive season" for the people of Darrowby and beyond. But when Helen is struck down with the lurgy, it falls to James to ensure the Darrowby Nativity play is a roaring success – with Nicholas Ralph describing filming the scenes as "joyful carnage". "Director Andy Hay just let a camera roll while the kids improvised," he said. "Then we put the animals in, and that just added to the chaos." Ralph added that James is immediately on the back foot after promising Helen he'd take over "the writing and directing and producing". "When I walked into the room there was absolute chaos going on," he said, "so there was no acting required, really." Elsewhere, Siegfried pays another visit to Mrs Stokes's farm to take a look at her beloved – and very cheeky – goat, Hilda. Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home a turkey, which are in short supply, while Tristan and his new beau Charlotte grow closer. And an "old friend" also turns up, surprising both Mrs Hall and Siegfried – and leaving Siegfried with "an important decision to make". Read more: All Creatures Great and Small star says Rachel Shenton's return for Christmas special was uncertain All Creatures Great and Small favourite Siegfried given some needed Christmas advice in exclusive first-look clip As ever, the main cast have all returned for the festivities, plus some additional faces to keep them on their toes. Find a full rundown of the Christmas special cast below. All Creatures Great and Small cast The cast of the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special is made up of the following: Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon Anna Madeley as Mrs Audrey Hall Gaia Wise plays Charlotte Beauvoir Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey Mollie Winnard as Maggie Thomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot Susan Hilton as Mrs Stokes Maimie McCoy as Dorothy For more information about who the cast play and what else they've starred in, read on. Nicholas Ralph plays James Herriot Who is James Herriot? The iconic young Yorkshire vet, played by Christopher Timothy in the original 1970s television series. Working in rural Yorkshire in the 1930s and '40s, James struggled at first to adapt, but soon found himself won over by both the community and the animals he works with. At the beginning of season 5, James was away from his wife and son Jimmy, who was born in the Christmas special, at an RAF training base. But he returned home after being ruled unfit to serve due to contracting a bacterial disease and is now back working as a vet full-time Where have I seen Nicholas Ralph before? The Scottish actor makes his television debut in All Creatures Great and Small. He's previously performed at a variety of theatres in Scotland, in plays including Captain Amazing, Interference and Cinderella. Rachel Shenton plays Helen Alderson Who is Helen Alderson? Helen is a local farmer's daughter with a positive can-do attitude. She helped raise her little sister Jenny, who is currently training to be a nurse in London, after the death of their mother. In season 1, she had a longstanding romance with landowner Hugh, but later broke things off to embark on a relationship with James. The couple married in the season 3 premiere and in the 2023 festive episode, Helen gave birth to a baby boy, Jimmy. They also now have a daughter together called Rosie. Where have I seen Rachel Shenton before? Two years ago, Shenton notably won an Oscar for Best Live Action short film, for The Silent Child. She's otherwise known for playing Anne "Mitzeee" Minniver in Hollyoaks, Joanne Scott in White Gold and Courtney in Waterloo Road. She has also starred in 5 dramas For Her Sins wand The Rumour. Samuel West plays Siegfried Farnon Who is Siegfried Farnon? A wealthy and capricious veterinary surgeon who – reluctantly – hired James Herriot to become his assistant. Siegfried is also the proprietor of Skeldale House and its veterinary practice. He is a widower, and he also raised his younger brother Tristan after the death of their parents, who he loves dearly, but regularly locks horns with – however they have taken steps to bond more in recent seasons. Where have I seen Samuel West before? The actor is no stranger to appearing in period dramas, having previously starred in the likes of Mr Selfridge (as Frank Edwards), On Chesil Beach and the Oscar-winning film Darkest Hour (as Sir Anthony Eden). His other credits also include The Crown (as Anthony Blunt), and the film Howards End. Just this year, he has also starred in The Midwich Cuckoos and Slow Horses. Callum Woodhouse plays Tristan Farnon Who is Tristan Farnon? Siegfried's younger brother – and fellow vet – has only just returned from the front line, where he witnessed many deaths, including his best friend's. It's left a deep mark on him. But he's now in a new relationship, and while it isn't a cure-all, Charlotte's presence certainly helps. What have I seen Callum Woodhouse in before? Prior to All Creatures, he was best known for another period drama, ITV's The Durrells. Anna Madeley plays Mrs Hall Who is Mrs Hall? The housekeeper of Skeldale House. Mrs Hall is a force to be reckoned with – often putting her employer in his place – but she is kind and loving at heart, and usually knows what's best. She previously left an abusive relationship and has a grown-up son called Edward, who nearly died while serving in the military. Mrs Hall previously enjoyed a very sweet romance with a man called Gerald, but he left Darrowby to care for his sick sister. At the beginning of season 6, she was living in Sunderland with her son, but she's now back at Skeldale full-time. While Siegfried didn't show it at first, he was thrilled to welcome her back. Where have I seen Anna Madeley before? The actress has previously starred opposite David Tennant in the acclaimed Deadwater Fell (as Kate), while also appearing in Patrick Melrose (as Cousin Mary), Silent Witness, The Crown (as Clarissa Eden), Mr Selfridge (as Miss Ravillious), Utopia (as Anya), Anatomy of a Scandal (as Ellie Frisk) and Secret Invasion. Gaia Wise plays Charlotte Beauvoir Who is Charlotte Beauvoir? Charlotte, who hails from an aristocratic family, met Tristan in season 6 when he came to take a look at her horse. The pair hit it off instantly, and their relationship has been going from strength to strength ever since. What else has Gaia Wise been in? Her credits include A Walk in the Woods, Dead of Winter, The Chelsea Detective and Silent Witness. Patricia Hodge plays Mrs Pumphrey Who is Mrs Pumphrey? A wealthy widow whose best friend is a Pekingese called Tricki Woo. She used to live in a mansion, but she donated it to the war effort. Where have I seen Patricia Hodge before? She's best known for Miranda. Other credits include Holding the Fort and Rumpole of the Bailey. Mollie Winnard plays Maggie Who is Maggie? The local barmaid who shared a brief romance with Tristan, but they are now firmly friends. Her partner and the father of her child was killed during the war. Where have I seen Mollie Winnard before? You might know her from Coronation Street and Happy Valley. Additional All Creatures Great and Small Christmas cast includes: Thomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot - Helen and James's son. Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot - Helen and James's daughter. Susan Hilton (Coronation Street) as Mrs Stokes - her goat Hilda is making mischief in the Christmas special. Maimie McCoy (Van der Valk, The Couple Next Door) as Dorothy - an old flame of Siegfried's and friend of Mrs Hall's. All Creatures Great and Small season 6 airs on Thursdays on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small favourite Siegfried given some needed Christmas advice in exclusive first-look clip
Mrs Stokes has some words of wisdom for the vet in this year's All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special.
It's Christmas in Darrowby, but even as the village embraces its "first peacetime festive season", work doesn't stop for Siegfried. In this year's All Creatures Great and Small festive special, the vet pays another visit to Mrs Stokes's farm – he was also there in seasons 4 and more recently 6 – to take a look at Hilda, her prized goat, who has "been up to more mischief". Naturally, though, the conversation soon turns to Christmas, with Siegfried asking if she's looking forward to the big day. "It'll be a farmers' Christmas, same as any other day," she says matter-of-factly. "But I might let the old girl in the kitchen for a few treats… if she behaves herself." Wishful thinking, eh, Mrs Stokes? "And what about you?" she asks Siegfried, who is thrilled that "everyone’s home this year". "I'm rather looking forward to it," he adds. Mrs Stokes then reminds him of the time he was left "rattling around that big house" on his own – with Tristan serving on the front line, James living with Helen at Heston, and Mrs Hall back in Sunderland. "Well, you make the most of it," she continues, "because they won't be there forever, will they – none of them." A sobering thought, indeed. You can watch the conversation in the video at the top of this page. And Siegfried isn't the only one attending to very important business this festive season. "With Helen unwell, James steps in to organise the village Nativity, but juggling rehearsals and veterinary duties proves challenging, especially when Tricki's future as a father comes into question," reads the official synopsis. Read more: All Creatures Great and Small spin-off show confirmed with beloved special guest All Creatures Great and Small star says Rachel Shenton's return for Christmas special was uncertain Meanwhile, "Mrs Hall rallies the Skeldale team for the Drovers' darts competition, while Tristan scrambles to sort the Christmas tree, with help from Charlotte. "As old friends reappear and heartfelt conversations unfold, the festive spirit brings laughter, reflection and a few surprises." This 2025 All Creatures Great and Small festive special will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on 5. Companion documentary All Creatures Great & Small: Behind the Scenes will air the same day at 8pm. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Imposter ending explained: Who dies as the truth of Amanda’s lies are exposed?
It could have been the perfect reunion – but after four episodes, a chancer pushing her luck, and a multi-million dollar business deal hanging over the O’Riley family’s head, things took a deadly turn as The Imposter went into the finale. We’ve known from the start that 'Amanda' (Kym Marsh) isn’t who she said she was (the clue was in the title), but no one, especially the O’Riley family, were prepared for the chaos that ensued once she arrived in their little corner of Melbourne. After a chance encounter in England, a receptionist/con-woman called Claire seized an opportunity presented to her by Simon O’Riley – head to Australia and pretend to be his mother's long-lost daughter. Simon and Claire’s plan is simple: divide the family, and conquer the family business for themselves, before selling it for millions. Their plan got off to a great start too, with Helen being so happy to reunite with the daughter she gave up for adoption that she never questioned her true identity. Simon’s other siblings, Kate and Ian, weren’t so impressed though, especially as the scheme saw them cast in a bad light, making them out to be gold diggers in the eyes of their usually iron-fisted mother. They were even made out to be overmedicating their mother to kill her off quicker. Soon, the pair’s husbands, Todd and Lee, were dragged into the mess too. With bodies piling up, secrets spilling out, and the real Amanda nowhere to be seen, things just kept getting messier. Here’s how the show reached its gripping conclusion. The Imposter Ending Explained Who is the real Amanda? Realising the 'Amanda' she knew was playing her, Kate began to do some digging of her own, reaching out to Bill – the real Amanda’s biological father. The initial hope is that Bill could tempt 'Amanda' away from her mum for a bit, allowing Kate time to heal their now fractured relationship. Instead, she triggers a dramatic chain of events. It turns out Bill had already been in contact with Amanda (the real one), and was aware that she was now living in Perth with a son of her own. Hurt she would be in Melbourne and not tell him, he sends her an e-mail asking to meet up – which leads the real Amanda (Dannii Minogue) to realise that someone was pretending to be her. Who dies before the finale? Bodies pile up quickly throughout the show’s four-episode run. First to go is local thug Ryder, who cornered Todd about his shady business dealings. Todd is later seen disposing of the body, but it was actually Claire/Amanda who killed him. Cornering Todd after getting photos of him moving the body, Ryder’s girlfriend Eden is next to go. Initially blackmailing him to stay quiet, she even gives the twisted real estate agent GHB to soothe the blow. But, she came to regret this, with Todd arriving high as a kite at the rental home he was letting her stay in, before drowning her in the pool. But it’s the third death that truly hits the family. Ian – the youngest sibling of the O’Riley family – is caught by Claire/Amanda going through her purse, retrieving her passport and seeing her real name. Rather than let him reveal her true identity, she kills him with GHB that she’d found after Todd disposed of it – before making it look like a sordid, autoerotic asphyxiation experiment gone wrong. The death devastates the family, with Helen blaming Ian’s husband Lee for her son’s death, given his history as a drug-taking party boy. Claire/Amanda laps it up at the funeral, and uses it as an excuse to get even closer to her ailing 'mother'. How does The Imposter end? While Helen grieves the loss of her son, suspicions around 'Amanda' continue to grow. Kate knows 'Amanda' instructed Ian to get the passport for her and questions why she left Ian’s home early, but Claire/Amanda is one step ahead, already getting a forged passport with her fake name to replace her real one. Meanwhile Kate’s husband Todd is baffled that GHB - the same drug he’s been taking - is suddenly in Ian’s bloodstream. So when Ryder and Eden’s bodies wash up on the beach, Todd takes the opportunity to pin their deaths on Lee as well, given the connection. Sneaking into Ian’s house to plant more drugs, he’s surprised to find Claire/Amanda already there, though neither admit what they’re there for. Simon, at one point the champion of this elaborate scheme, starts questioning Claire as well, especially when she pressures him to give her an alibi for the night Ian died. But Claire/Amanda’s stack of cards comes tumbling when Helen gets a surprise visit from Bill. Claire had already met him back in the UK while she was working at the adoption agency, having helped him when he was looking for the real Amanda. Avoiding meeting him, she comes up with an elaborate story that encourages Helen to send him away. As more questions and tensions arise, Claire/Amanda knows she needs to think fast, so arranges a lawyer to draw up a medical power of attorney court order on Helen, citing her increasing blindness as a reason she’s no longer capable of running the hotel, and forces Helen to sign them. The order means Simon is now in charge of the hotel. Meanwhile Bill, still confused about what’s going on, heads over to Kate’s house, and shows Todd a photo of the real Amanda. Realising Claire/Amanda is a fake, he rushes to the hotel to confront her. Unfortunately for him, he catches her behind the wheel of a car – planning to go off on a trip with Simon and Helen. As he declares her a fraud, Claire runs Todd over in front of a horrified Simon, leaving him for dead in the car park. But due to his part in the scheme, there’s nothing Simon can say unless he exposes himself in the process. Picking up Helen, Claire and Simon drive off to a bushland – narrowly missing the real Amanda arriving with her son, Thomas, at the hotel. Amanda’s soon introduced to Kate via Bill, and now nearly everyone knows the truth. Simon confronts Claire about what’s been going on, and she admits killing Ryder and Ian, as well as her intent to push Helen off a cliff and make it look like an accident. As things reach a climax, Simon squanders Claire's plan, pushing her to her death instead. When the police are called, Helen denies seeing anything, citing her blindness. What comes next? At the hospital, it’s revealed Todd has escaped the hit-and-run alive, with Simon there to greet him as he wakes up. Simon tells him they need to get their story straight, and later claims Claire had confessed everything to Todd before running him over. Shortly after that, Helen finally gets to meet the real Amanda, and the grandson she never knew she had. With the family now completed, the real mother and daughter embrace as they look at the sunset together. The Imposter aired on 5. Add The Imposter 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Imposter cast: Who stars in the 5 thriller?
Family can be a killer – especially when you don’t know who to trust. Meet the cast and characters of this gripping new Channel 5 drama.
A seaside hotel is at the centre of a bitter family battle in 5's The Imposter, as matriarch Helen clashes with her three grown-up children – Simon, Kate and Ian – over whether to sell. The siblings are ready to sign on the dotted line, but Helen won't budge, even as her health begins to fail. Then there's the secret she's kept for decades: an older child, Amanda, whom she gave up for adoption in the UK before the others were born. So when Amanda suddenly appears out of the blue, Helen embraces her, convinced she's the lifeline she’s been waiting for. Only… is Amanda really who she claims to be? With a fortune at stake and the hotel up for grabs, suspicion creeps in and loyalties fracture as the fight for control tips into betrayal and, ultimately, murder. "I just knew this was going to be fun to play," said Kym Marsh of her character, 'Amanda'. "There is so much depth to her. Clearly, bad things have happened in her life to make her the way that she is. What I really loved is that the script wasn't that typical moustache-twirling, Scooby-Doo-esque villain. She is much more complex than that." Dannii Minogue – who plays a woman also claiming to be the real Amanda ≠ described the episodes as "jam packed with clues to a sexy drama that is deadly," adding: "Get to know the characters, then get to know what they are up to!" So, who else joins Marsh and Minogue in this tale of murder and betrayal? Meet the cast of The Imposter and find out more about the characters they play… The Imposter cast Here’s the main cast list for The Imposter: Jackie Woodburne is Helen Kym Marsh is ‘Amanda’ Dannii Minogue is Amanda Don Hany is Simon Jane Harber is Kate Charlie Clausen is Todd Jackson Gallagher is Ian Kabir Singh is Lee Here’s what you need to know about each character and who plays them. Jackie Woodburne plays Helen Who is Helen?: Helen’s life is not how she once imagined it would be. Now in her late sixties, she’s married to Reg and has three adult children in Simon, Kate and Ian, working in the hotel she owns. But she had a whole life before – full of promise in Australia with her teenage sweetheart, Bill. But a fateful decision in the seventies changed the course of her life, and it’s been hanging over her ever since. Who is Jackie Woodburne? Jackie Woodburne is an Australian actress best known for playing Susan Kennedy in soap Neighbours. She’s played the role since 1994. Her other notable roles include voicing Anastasia Black on radio series Night Terrance, and Julie Edgbert in Prisoners. Kym Marsh plays ‘Amanda’ Who is ‘Amanda’? Born and raised in the UK, this ‘Amanda’ does what it takes to survive after suffering a less-than-pleasant childhood. Bitter about the hand life has dealt her, this character isn’t afraid to cross moral lines to get what she believes she deserves. So when a man walks into her temp job at an adoption agency asking for information on a now-adult child, she seizes her latest opportunity – taking her all the way to Australia. Who is Kym Marsh? Kym Marsh is a British actress and singer, who first found fame in pop group Hear’Say after they were formed on reality show Popstars. Now, she’s best known for playing Michelle Connor on Coronation Street from 2006 to 2019. She’s currently seen on screen as Nicky Walters on Waterloo Road, and is also a presenter, seen regularly on Morning Live and For Love or Money. Dannii Minogue plays Amanda Who is Amanda? Amanda is Helen’s biggest secret and regret. Born in the UK when Helen was still young, Amanda was ultimately put up for adoption so Helen and her then-boyfriend, Bill, could start a new life in Australia. Since then, Helen has had no idea what Amanda has been up to – or the woman she has become. Who is Dannii Minogue? Dannii Minogue is an Australian singer, TV host and actor. She is best known on television in the UK for her role as a judge on shows including The X Factor, Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model and Let It Shine. She is currently the narrator on LGBT dating show, I Kissed a Girl/Boy on BBC3. Don Hany plays Simon Who is Simon? In his early 40s, Simon is the eldest of Helen’s three children, though is probably the most naive and reckless – which costs him dearly in both his professional and personal life. Working in the family business alongside his siblings, Simon feels like his life was mapped out for him by his domineering mum. When the conversation comes up about selling the hotel and reaping the millions it’s worth, he’s all for it – but Helen refuses. With an axe to grind, he starts digging up dirt on his mum’s past. Who is Don Hany? Don Hany is an Australian actor who has appeared on shows including East West 101, Serangoon Road, and Devil’s Playground. In the US, he had a role in short-lived NBC drama, Heartbeat. More recently, he has starred in Neighbours, appearing as Pierce Grayson, and Netflix’s The Survivors. Jane Harber plays Kate Who is Kate? Kate is the loyal and hardworking daughter of the family, but like her mother she has dreams of a better life. Despite their similarities, their relationship is difficult. Now a mum to a teenage daughter, she is married to second husband Todd and chooses to ignore some obvious red flags. Desperate to escape her work at the hotel, while feeling tied to the family business, her hopes of breaking free are dashed when her mother refuses a developer’s multi-million pound offer. Who is Jane Harber? Jane is an Australian actress who, like many of her co-stars, started her career on Neighbours. She later had a main role in long-running series, Offspring, starring as Zara. Most recently, she has been seen in The Family Next Door, In Limbo and MaveriX. Charlie Clausen plays Todd Who is Todd? Todd is Kate’s second husband, but has been raised to feel pressure in everything that he does in order to be the best. A suave real estate agent, to the outside world it looks like he has a perfect life. But behind closed doors, the pair's relationship is falling apart, with his troubling behaviour being ignored by his wife. He thinks holding out until the family sells the hotel will result in him living the high life. Who is Charlie Clausen? Clausen is an actor who is best known for a string of long-standing soaps and dramas in Australia. Most notably, he played Jake Harrison in McLeod’s Daughters, Alex Kirby in Blue Heelers, and Zac MacGuire in Home and Away. He is currently the host of the Australian travel show Getaway. Jackson Gallagher plays Ian Who is Ian? The youngest of the O’Riley siblings, Ian is the sensitive type who also works at the hotel under the thumb of his mother. Feeling shackled to the business Helen refuses to sell, he feels honour-bound to work there but, much like his siblings, it’s coming at the cost of his personal life. In a relationship with partner Lee, Ian agrees that selling the place will let him live the life he wants – giving them the money to afford a surrogate so they can be parents. Who is Jackson Gallagher? Jackson Gallagher started his career as a child on kids show The Saddle Club, and now works as both an actor and photographer. He is best known for his role of Josh Barratt in soap Home and Away, which he starred in from 2013 to 2016. He’s also appeared in Playing for Keeps, Wentworth, Almost Paradise and Spartacus: House of Ashur. Kabir Singh plays Lee Who is Lee? Lee is Ian’s longtime partner and, after years on the party scene, is content living a quiet life. With little time for drama, Lee is a natural peacemaker – something necessary in this family. Now he’s ready for his next phase in life: to become a father. Who is Kabir Singh? Kabir Singh is an Indian actor who moved to Australia when he was 10 years old. He is an actor on both stage and screen, appearing on shows including Remi, Appetite, Plum and The Abandoned. Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google The Imposter premieres on Monday 15th December on 5, with the finale airing on Thursday 18th December. Add The Imposter 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 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.
Top 10 most complained-about TV moments of the year – from Love Island to Celebrity Big Brother
Reality TV continues to receive scrutiny from viewers.
Ofcom has revealed the most complained-about TV moments from 2025, with Love Island attracting the most complaints. A total of 14,121 complaints were made to the broadcasting regulator, largely surrounding alleged bullying behaviour towards Love Islander Shakira Khan. While complaint numbers have fallen since last year, Ofcom has seen that reality TV is a genre that continues to attract scrutiny from viewers, making up more than half of the 10 most complained-about programmes. Other programmes did draw in complaints, including Celebrity Big Brother on ITV2, Vanessa on 5 and a segment on Sky News. The figures revealed so far do not include complaints about programmes on the BBC, as those are handled by the BBC in the first instance, known as the BBC first process. You can see the 10 most-complained-about moments below – and can find out more details, including Ofcom's response to each complaint, on its official website. Top 10 most-complained-about TV moments of the year 1. Love Island, ITV2, 24th July - 3,547 complaints Complaints related to alleged bullying behaviour towards Islander Shakira Khan. 2. Love Island, ITV2, 22nd July - 2,509 complaints The majority of complaints were related to alleged bullying behaviour towards Shakira Khan, while a small number were about Megan Forte Clarke returning to the villa. Megan Forte Clarke had been dumped weeks prior, but re-entered as a bombshell alongside previously dumped Islander Blu Chegini. 3. Love Island, ITV2, 23rd July - 2,002 complaints Again, the majority of complaints were related to alleged bullying behaviour towards Shakira Khan, as well as a small number about Megan Forte Clarke returning to the villa as a bombshell. 4. Vanessa, 5, 10th June - 1,866 complaints Complaints related to a discussion on breastfeeding and its benefits, which some felt was misleading. 5. Headliners, GB News, 22nd January - 1,391 complaints Those who complained objected to a presenter's comment that some thought linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles. Ofcom's subsequent investigation found that the live programme had broken broadcasting rules by including a highly offensive remark which was not justified by the context, falling short of generally accepted standards. As well as complaints made to Ofcom, the Good Law Project gathered 71,851 complaints and provided them to the broadcasting regulator. 6. Today with Samantha Washington, Sky News, 7th June - 1,302 complaints Complainants alleged that a comment by the presenter misrepresented the peaceful nature of the Madleen, a vessel trying to deliver aid to Gaza. View oEmbed on the source website 7. Love Island, ITV2, 25th July - 1,296 complaints The majority of complaints related to alleged bullying behaviour towards Shakira Khan. Complaints were also received about the way Blu Chegini spoke to Toni Laites. 8. Love Island: All Stars, ITV2, 12th February - 1,240 complaints Complaints related to alleged bullying behaviour between participants. 9. Celebrity Big Brother, ITV2, 9th April - 1,008 complaints Complaints related to comments made by Mickey Rourke to JoJo Siwa. During the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother, Rourke was heavily criticised for his behaviour and comments during his brief spell on the reality show and had been warned by producers before officially leaving the show on 12th April. At the time of his exit, a spokesperson for Celebrity Big Brother said: "Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour." 10. The Brit Awards, ITV1, 1st March - 938 complaints Complaints related to Sabrina Carpenter's opening dance routine, and to Charli xcx's outfit. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
All Creatures Great and Small 2025 Christmas special releases emotional first-look trailer
We’ll soon be returning to Darrowby for another Christmas special.
5 has unveiled the trailer for the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas 2025 special – and it teases a romance between two characters. The special, which is set to air on Christmas Eve, will take place in Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war. The trailer gives fans an insight as to what could be in store for Siegfried (Samuel West) and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley), who’ve had a long-running will-they-won’t-they romance on the show, as the former says: “We spend our lives trying to find our other half.” Mrs Hall responds: “What if you spend your whole life looking for something that doesn’t exist, and miss what’s right under your nose?” Could the vet and the housekeeper finally get together in the Christmas special? Read more: All Creatures Great and Small star says Rachel Shenton's return for Christmas special was uncertain All Creatures Great and Small season 6 finale finally answers Tristan mystery Elsewhere in the festive episode, it falls on James to take on the Darrowby Nativity play after Helen is struck down with a lurgy. Speaking about filming the Nativity scenes, Nicholas Ralph, who plays James, told Radio Times: “It was joyful carnage. The director, Andy Hay, just let a camera roll while the kids improvised. Then we put the animals in, and that just added to the chaos.” He added: “James is on the back foot anyway because he’s said to Helen he’ll take over the writing and directing and producing – and when I walked into the room there was absolute chaos going on, so there was no acting required, really.” Meanwhile, the official synopsis teases that "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes’s Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief", while Mrs Hall is "keen to enter the Drovers' darts competition and scoop the first prize; a fresh turkey", which are in short supply due to the war. And it's not just Hilda that's keeping Siegfried on his toes, with the synopsis also teasing that an "old friend" turns up, surprising Mrs Hall and Siegfried – and leaving Siegfried with "an important decision to make". Meanwhile, Charlotte gets an insight into Tristan's mind and the duo continue to go from strength to strength. This 2025 All Creatures Great and Small festive special will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on 5. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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 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.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025: Release date, cast, plot, trailer and latest news
The people of Darrowby are ready to celebrate their first peacetime festive season since war broke out.
There are two very big reasons why this year's All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special is set to be a corker: it's the first Christmas following the end of the war, and Rachel Shenton will also be back on our screens as Helen following her absence for the second half of season 6. "We had wind of it," Callum Woodhouse said of her return. "There was talk of it, but it was never definite because you just don't know. You don't know if it's going to work out. "But we had her for about a week in the end and it was a really glorious week. We all got to see the baby, who's absolutely adorable. And we had some family dinners, which Patricia [Hodge, who plays Mrs Pumphrey] and Gaia [Wise, who plays Tristan's new girlfriend Charlotte] came to as well. So it was like an extended family dinner. It was a really good week." Anna Madeley also acknowledged it was a "huge ask" for Shenton to come back to work given she'd only just given birth – although they had shot a couple of scenes "really early on in the series, just in case". "And then it was a case of just seeing how everything was. But we missed her [when she wasn't here], so it was really lovely [to have her back]." But what awaits them all in the festive episode? And when can you watch it? Read on for everything you need to know about this year's All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special. All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 release date: When will it air? This year's festive special will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on 5. Companion documentary All Creatures Great & Small: Behind the Scenes, which explores the set on which the TV series is filmed, as well as revealing production secrets, is also set to air on the same day at 8pm. All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 cast: Who's returning? The confirmed returning cast of the special is as follows: Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon Anna Madeley as Mrs Audrey Hall Gaia Wise as Charlotte Beauvoir Thomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey Mollie Winnard as Maggie Susan Hilton as Mrs Stokes All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 plot: What will happen? "It's Christmas 1945 and Darrowby is preparing for its first peacetime festive season," reads the official synopsis. "With Helen unwell, James steps in to organise the village Nativity, but juggling rehearsals and veterinary duties proves challenging, especially when Tricki's future as a father comes into question. "Siegfried returns to Mrs Stokes' Farm, where Hilda the goat is causing trouble again. "At Skeldale, Mrs Hall rallies the team for the Drovers' darts competition, while Tristan scrambles to sort the Christmas tree, with help from Charlotte. "As old friends reappear and heartfelt conversations unfold, the festive spirit brings laughter, reflection and a few surprises." Is there a trailer for the All Creatures Great and Small 2025 Christmas special? Not yet. As soon as it arrives, we'll pop it right here. This 2025 All Creatures Great and Small festive special will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on 5. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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 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.
There are plenty more of Stephen Booth's novels left to adapt.
As the first four-part season of new crime drama Cooper & Fry come to an end on 5, thoughts naturally turn to the future, and whether there is the potential for more episodes charting the central duo's investigations. The series stars Doctor Who's Mandip Gill and Downton Abbey's Robert James-Collier, and is based on the novels by Stephen Booth, about two mismatched detectives taking on cases in the fictional town of Edendale. As only four of Booth's stories have thus far been adapted, there is still plenty of additional material from Booth's novels that could be adapted. But will that be the case? Will Gill and James-Collier be back to solve further mysteries? And if so, when would any new episodes likely be released? Read on for everything you need to know about the potential for a Cooper & Fry season 2 on 5. Will there be a Cooper & Fry season 2? We don't yet know whether there will be a Cooper & Fry season 2, as season 1 is only just finishing up its run on 5. It will likely be a few more weeks or months until we hear more regarding the future of the show. However, it certainly seems to be the case that the team behind the drama want to make more, and there are certainly more of Stephen Booth's novels to adapt – 14 of them, in fact. Speaking ahead of the series airing, Cooper star Robert James-Collier said: "Hopefully, if the audience laps up the series, we have more avenues to explore." Meanwhile, director Ryan Tohill said: "If the audience engages with Rob and Mandip as a partnership, and become invested in them, the show will have legs. We can then have even more fun with the plots and turn even darker in another series." We will keep this page updated with any new information regarding the future of Cooper & Fry as and when we get it. When would a potential Cooper & Fry season 2 be released? If Cooper & Fry were to be renewed, then we'd imagine a second season could be turned around fairly quickly. Procedural detective dramas such as this are usually able to air annually, meaning a late 2026 date certainly seems possible. However, at this point this is purely speculation, as without an official renewal, we of course also don't yet have an official release date. We will update this page with any further information as we get it. Who would return to star in a potential Cooper & Fry season 2? Depending on how the final episode of Cooper & Fry season 1 shapes out, we'd imagine that all of the central cast would be back for a potential season 2, with Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill almost certain to return as the titular duo. You can find a full list of the season 1 cast here, any of whom could potential be back for a second season. Robert James-Collier as DC Ben Cooper Mandip Gill as DC Diane Fry Charlotte Bradley as Isobel Cooper Lorcan Cranitch as DI Paul Hitchens Barry O'Connor as DS Todd Eland Niamh McCann as Tracey Garnett Clara Simpson as Dr Juliana Taylor Is there a trailer for Cooper & Fry season 2? There isn't a trailer for Cooper & Fry season 2 yet, as not only has it not yet started filming, it hasn't even been confirmed at this point. However, we will make sure to add one in here if and when it is released, and for now you can rewatch the season 1 trailer below. View oEmbed on the source website Cooper & Fry airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on 5. Add Cooper & Fry 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.
Home and Away confirmed for major UK broadcasting change in "natural next step"
Fans will still be able to watch the soap every day.
5 has revealed that Home and Away will leave its familiar daytime slot next year. The Australian soap has held the same 1:45pm weekday timeslot on the channel for years. But when the show – which went on its annual winter hiatus last week – returns in January, it will no longer be airing on the main channel. 5 said in a statement that the show is "moving exclusively to streaming for daytime viewing", meaning fans who still want to watch it during the day will have to use 5’s streaming app and view it on demand. There will be no change to the 5Star showings, with the newest episode at 6.30pm and another chance to watch the previous day’s episode at 6pm. Back in March, 5 started releasing new episodes of the soap at 6am every weekday ahead of linear broadcast. “Viewing hours surged by 17 per cent year-on-year in its first month, confirming strong early adoption," the statement from 5 explained. “This momentum continued throughout the year with every month outperforming its counterpart from the previous year. “Audiences have now become accustomed to accessing the title via streaming; the latest month delivered record-breaking engagement, with viewing hours climbing 23% year-on-year." Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at 5, added: “Home and Away has been a phenomenal success for us on streaming. Viewers have fully embraced the flexibility of on-demand viewing, driving double-digit year-on-year growth and making streaming the preferred way to watch the show. “Moving daytime episodes exclusively to streaming is a natural next step, reflecting how audiences want to engage with their favourite content.” Home and Away airs weekdays at 1:45pm on 5. Add Home and Away to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Cooper & Fry release schedule: When will episode 4 air on 5?
The detective drama starring Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill is now airing.
Three episodes of new detective drama Cooper & Fry have now aired, meaning there's just one instalment left of the series based on the novels by Stephen Booth. The 5 drama stars Robert James-Collier as Ben Cooper and Mandip Gill as Diane Fry, two police officers solving cases in the Derbyshire town of Edendale. Episode 4 will see the duo investigating when the body of local photographer Jenny Westlake is found dead lying among the stones at a popular tourist spot called The Nine Virgins. The synopsis for the episode says: "As the detectives learn about the belief that the stones represent women who danced on the Sabbath with the ability to grant wishes, suspicion focuses on those close to the ‘old religion’. "As Fry links the death to a similar attack on a woman, Maggie Crew, weeks prior, confidence mounts that this could hold the key to finding the murderer. But only if Maggie can remember. "Receiving hostile responses from local farmers, Cooper and Fry hit dead ends. But when the burned body of a man is found nearby, a truth begins to unravel that sends shockwaves through the team. "As Cooper begins to finally get a breakthrough in the unsolved murder of his Dad, renowned detective Joe Cooper, Fry comes face to face with her past and the man that has plagued her fears ever since arriving in Edendale." But when will fans be able to watch that episode and how many episode will there be of this season in total? Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for Cooper & Fry. When will Cooper & Fry episode 4 air on 5? Unlike some 5 shows which air episodes daily across a week or more, Cooper & Fry – like another 5 drama The Forsytes – has gone for a traditional weekly release. This means that episode 4 will air on 5 at 8pm on Tuesday 9th December 2025. How many episodes will there be of Cooper & Fry? There will be four episodes of Cooper & Fry in total, with each being based on a different book by Stephen Booth – Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind to the Bones and Dancing with the Virgins. There are 18 novels in the Cooper & Fry series in total, meaning there is still plenty of material ready to be adapted in potential future seasons. Cooper & Fry release schedule New episodes of Cooper & Fry will air every Tuesday on 5 at 8pm. You can find the full release schedule for Cooper & Fry below. Cooper & Fry episode 1 – Tuesday 18th November 2025, 8pm (out now) Cooper & Fry episode 2 – Tuesday 25th November 2025, 8pm (out now) Cooper & Fry episode 3 – Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 8pm (out now) Cooper & Fry episode 4 – Tuesday 9th December 2025, 8pm Cooper & Fry continues on Tuesday 9th December at 8pm on 5. Add Cooper & Fry 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.
5 confirms Christmas 2025 TV schedule – including All Creatures Great and Small special air date
5 has revealed its full festive schedule – and there’s a lot to look forward to. Among the programmes airing this December is the hotly-anticipated All Creatures Great and Small special, which is set to arrive on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm. Companion documentary All Creatures Great & Small: Behind the Scenes, which will look around the set on which the TV series is filmed as well as unveiling production secrets, is also set to air on the same day at 8pm. There’ll also be a Madame Blanc Mysteries festive special to look forward to on Tuesday 23rd December at 8pm. This year's will be the longest yet, running at a hefty 120 minutes. Other programmes airing on 5 this festive season include The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas: The Gift of Giving (Monday 22nd December, 8pm), Christmas on the Farm (Monday 22nd December 9pm) and Sally Lindsay’s Christmas Quiz (Tuesday 23rd December 10pm). The All Creatures Great and Small 2025 Christmas special will take place in "Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war," the official synopsis teases. "With Helen feeling under the weather, it’s fallen on James to take on the Darrowby Nativity play." Elsewhere, "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes’s Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief", while Mrs Hall is "keen to enter the Drovers' darts competition and scoop the first prize; a fresh turkey", which are in short supply due to the war. Mrs Hall is leading the Skeldale darts team and "wants everyone to practise" to boost their chances, "but an old friend turns up surprising her and Siegfried" – and leaving Siegfried with "an important decision to make". Meanwhile, Charlotte learns what's been on Tristan's mind and the pair continue to go from strength to strength. It isn’t just 5 which has unveiled a host of festive treats to entertain all the family over the Christmas period, but also the BBC, Sky and Channel 4, who’ve all recently confirmed their schedules. Among the big titles on the BBC’s festive line-up this year are Call the Midwife, Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise, each of which are back for Christmas specials. Meanwhile, programmes airing on Channel 4 this festive season include The Great Celebrity Bake Off Christmas Special and the 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas special, while Sky is treating fans to movies such as Tinsel Town and A Minecraft Movie. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Good Ship Murder 2025 Christmas special gets air date confirmed as Jack seeks to rekindle romance with Kate
Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley will be back on our screens later this month.
As the TV schedules for the 2025 festive period are confirmed, fans of The Good Ship Murder now know exactly when that show's latest Christmas special will air. The episode will officially air at 9pm on Saturday 27th December on 5 – and it will see the potential for romance to rekindle between Kate and Jack. The synopsis for the special, which will be set in Alicante, says: "Donna, a woman claiming to suffer from a life-changing illness, boards the ship with her loyal friend Bernie. As the festive voyage begins, Donna charms fellow passenger Gary and yearning for a Christmas miracle, visits a remote monastery. "There she meets Rodriguez, a mysterious man of the cloth, and Thomasina, an enigmatic nun. But the holiday cheer turns dark when Bernie is found dead." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/GSM3Day21MarkCassar-0585-2-289c690.jpg" width="4800" height="3301" alt="Shayne Ward as Jack Grayling and Catherine Tyldesley as First Officer Kate Woods in The Good Ship Murder 2025 Christmas special. They are sat together at a table, he is looking at his phone and she is looking over at him." title="The Good Ship Murder: Series 3 - Christmas Special" /> The synopsis continues: "With Gary, Rodriguez, and Thomasina each under scrutiny, the hunt for the truth leads deep into a web of deceit and desperation. When the real story finally comes to light, it upends everything the crew thought they knew about the tragedy. "Meanwhile Jack, recently sacked from the ship, is lying low performing to half-empty rooms in a grimy dive bar. The monastery murder draws Kate back to him, and with Jamil’s help, will the two finally rekindle their romance? As Christmas dawns, will Jack return back to where he belongs and will he share a Christmas song with everyone on board?" Of course, Shayne Ward and Catherine Tyldesley will be back as Jack and Kate, with Zak Douglas, Geoffrey Breton, Ross Adams, Kiza Deen, James Barriscale and Yuna Shin also returning to the cast. Meanwhile, those joining the show for the special include Lesley Dunlop, Joelle Dyson, Luis Soto, Gary Lucy, Rebecca Harland, Greta Holland and Michelle Holmes. This is the second year in a row that The Good Ship Murder has had a Christmas special, while it has also been confirmed to return for a third season in 2026. The Good Ship Murder 2025 Christmas special will air on Saturday 27th December at 9pm on 5. Add The Good Ship Murder 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Forsytes season 2: Release date speculation and latest news
Will the lavish period drama be back for more?
It's been a drama-filled six weeks, but now The Forsytes, 5's lavish new adaptation of John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga has come to an end – for now. Of course, for those who have seen the season finale, they will know that things don't end on a conclusive note, and there are still plenty more stories to be told surrounding the titular family. So will the series, and its all-star cast including Tuppence Middleton, Millie Gibson, Jack Davenport and Eleanor Tomlinson, be back for more? And if so, when will be the new episodes be released? Read on for everything you need to know about The Forsytes season 2 on 5. Will there be The Forsytes season 2? There will! In fact, it was announced back in June 2025 that the show would be returning for a second season, well before the first had even debuted. When the news was announced, Damien Timmer, CCO and founder of production company Mammoth Screen, said in a statement: "We can’t wait for the world to see series 1 of The Forsytes, and we’re so pleased to be getting ahead of ourselves and starting on this thrilling second series with Debbie Horsfield’s irresistible scripts and our glorious – and ever expanding – cast." Meanwhile, Susanne Simpson, head of scripted content and executive producer for the show's US broadcaster, Masterpiece, said: "We’re so pleased with the first season of The Forsytes that we’re thrilled to continue the story into season 2 with our stellar cast. "We’re confident that our MASTERPIECE audience will quickly come to love the intrigue, romance and drama that this series brilliantly brings to the screen." When will The Forsytes season 2 be released? We don't yet know when The Forsytes will be returning for season 2, but given that the team got a head start on it, thanks to the early renewal, we imagine fans shouldn't have to wait too long. It seems likely that the show will stick to an annual release, which would therefore mean the new episodes would start airing in late 2026 – however, at this point that's purely speculation. We will keep this page updated with any more concrete news as and when we get it. Who will be back to star in The Forsytes season 2? It has already been confirmed that the entire central cast from The Forsytes season 1 will be back for season 2, including the likes of Francesca Annis, Danny Griffin, Joshua Orpin, Tuppence Middleton, Millie Gibson, Stephen Moyer, Jack Davenport and Eleanor Tomlinson. Meanwhile, there are also at least three new stars joining, with the trio having been announced when season 2 was confirmed. Those joining the series for season 2 include Outlander's Richard Rankin, Art Detectives' Sarah Alexander and Bob Marley: One Love's Nia Ashi. Their characters have yet to be confirmed. You can find a full list of the currently announced cast for The Forsytes season 2 right here: Francesca Annis as Ann Forsyte Danny Griffin as Jolyon Forsyte Joshua Orpin as Soames Forsyte Tuppence Middleton as Frances Forsyte Millie Gibson as Irene Heron Stephen Moyer as Jolyon Senior Jack Davenport as James Forsyte Eleanor Tomlinson as Louisa Byrne Justine Moore as June Forsyte Tom Durant Prichard as Montague 'Monty' Dartie Naomi Frederick as Emily Forsyte Jamie Flatters as Philip Bosinney Owen Igiehon as Isaac Cole Eleanor Jackson as Winifred Dartie Susan Hampshire as Lady Carteret Richard Rankin as TBC Sarah Alexander as TBC Nia Ashi as TBC Is there a trailer for The Forsytes season 2? There isn't a trailer for The Forsytes season 2 just yet, as season 1 has only just finished airing. However, we will make sure to add one in here once it's available, and in the meantime you can rewatch the season 1 trailer below. View oEmbed on the source website The Forsytes will continue airing on 5 on Mondays at 9pm. 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.
All Creatures Great and Small star teases "joyful carnage" for Christmas special with nativity twist and Helen's return
"We've got some lovely warm, cosy scenes between her and James, which we'd missed."
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Filming a Christmas special in the summer might not sound particularly festive, but for Nicholas Ralph, who plays James Herriot, and the rest of the All Creatures Great and Small cast, the Skeldale House set in July is “like an immersive experience”. “The set is decorated incredibly and everyone’s dressed up, so it really does get you in the festive spirit – and they’ve also got AC on in there, so even if it’s 30 degrees outside, it doesn’t feel it,” Ralph tells Radio Times. “Sometimes they’ll even do Christmas lunch for you, so you do get transported.” It’s 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war, which comes with its own challenges for everyone. “There’s a pressure to have the best Christmas ever, for everything to be perfect,” says Ralph. “But God, the enormity of it is not just going to go away overnight. It’s not all singing and dancing and everything’s merry all of a sudden. So, there is the joy of Christmas, but there’s also the pathos, people are still struggling. “It’s very truthful, it’s not twee. But it’s still steeped in those wonderful Christmassy themes, along with the fun and the capers.” One such caper is the Nativity. With Helen out of action after being struck down with a lurgy, it’s the vet’s responsibility to wrangle the children and get them performance ready. (James’s son Jimmy plays an angel who comes down from “Hebden”, as opposed to Heaven.) “It was joyful carnage,” Ralph says with a smile. “The director, Andy Hay, just let a camera roll while the kids improvised. Then we put the animals in, and that just added to the chaos. “James is on the back foot anyway because he’s said to Helen he’ll take over the writing and directing and producing – and when I walked into the room there was absolute chaos going on, so there was no acting required, really.” For Ralph, it brought to mind his own experience of the Nativity. “I was about five years old, and I was Joseph” – his leading-man status was clearly there from the beginning. “Proper tea towels on the head, a little plastic mallet and saw, and some very funny, bad but cute acting.” Read more: All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future - with special bonus for fans of "unforgettable" show All Creatures Great and Small season 6 finale finally answers Tristan mystery And despite Helen being confined to her bed, actor Rachel Shenton returned to set, after missing part of the last series due to pregnancy, with her newborn Orson in tow. “Her trailer had never been so busy,” said Ralph. “People were desperate to say hi to the little man. And it was great to have the character of Helen back. We’ve got some lovely warm, cosy scenes between her and James, which we’d missed.” “It’s about love and kindness across the board this year – for one another, for the animals, and for your little pocket of the world,” adds Ralph. “Those are universal themes... and this one’s not short of those.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Neighbours and Coronation Street legends' new 5 thriller series has release date confirmed
A family feud soon spirals into chaos in the upcoming thriller.
5 has unveiled the release date for upcoming drama The Imposter, which stars Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne and Coronation Street favourite Kym Marsh. The four-part series, which revolves around a bitter family feud, will air from Monday 15th to Thursday 18th December at 9pm on 5. Set in Australia, the drama follows the family’s matriarch Helen, who refuses to sell her sprawling seaside hotel, despite pressure from her three adult children. Cue the arrival of Helen’s secret daughter (who may or may not be who she says she is), a huge betrayal and, ultimately, a murder. Alongside Woodburne and Marsh, the series also stars Dannii Minogue (Home and Away), Don Hany (The Survivors), Jane Harber (In Limbo), Charlie Clausen (Prosper), Chi Nguyen (Class of ’07), Kabir Singh (The Tourist), Jackson Gallagher (Wentworth) and newcomer Adeline Williams. The Imposter began production in Victoria, Australia back in August 2025. The series was announced last July as part of a slate of new 5 shows, including Number One Fan, Missed Call and The Family Secret, as well as returning shows The Hardacres and The Teacher. "This new slate of scripted commissions showcases the breadth and ambition of 5’s storytelling," said deputy chief content officer and head of scripted at Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell. He continued: "From brand new thrillers and character-driven mysteries to the much-anticipated return of audience favourites, we’re continuing to build a rich and distinctive drama offering. "These titles reflect our commitment to delivering compelling, accessible British drama that resonates with viewers across the UK. We look forward to announcing further titles in the coming months." Read more: Riot Women future finally confirmed by BBC as Sally Wainwright promises "rollercoaster" of stories David Tennant confirmed to join Downton Abbey favourite for third season of hit BBC anthology drama The Imposter will air from Monday 15th to Thursday 18th December on 5 at 9pm. Add The Imposter 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.
All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future - with special bonus for fans of "unforgettable" show
Christmas has come early for fans of the beloved period drama.
All Creatures Great and Small fans have been given an early Christmas present by 5. The broadcaster has confirmed the beloved period drama, which is inspired by James Herriot's books detailing his life as a vet in rural Yorkshire, will be back for seasons 7 and 8, as well as two more Christmas specials. Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at 5, described the series as "the jewel in 5’s drama crown", teasing "many new stories " and "unforgettable adventures ahead for our Skeldale family". Similarly, Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer for Masterpiece, said that she was "thrilled to bring more seasons of the warmth, hope and humour that make this series so special". Melissa Gallant and Sharon Moran, joint Executive Producers for Playground, added that they "frequently receive letters from viewers about how the show has brought joy, comfort and relief in challenging times", such is the power of All Creatures Great and Small. "It's a show which people love to watch and love to make and we can't wait for more adventures in beautiful Yorkshire with our wonderful cast and crew," they continued. All Creatures remains 5's most successful drama series to date, drawing in over 14 million individuals across its first five seasons and driving more new users to 5's streaming platform than any other show. Details about what the new seasons will entail and who's returning will be announced in due course, but we'd expect Nicholas Ralph (James), Rachel Shenton (Helen), Samuel West (Siegfried), Callum Woodhouse (Tristan) and Anna Madeley (Mrs Audrey Hall) to all feature. The show also welcomes a raft of new guest stars each season, with the last instalment welcoming former Coronation Street stars Lucy-Jo Hudson and Chris Gascoyne, while Dame Emma Thompson's daughter Gaia Wise joined the cast as Charlotte Beauvoir, Tristan's new love interest. But in the meantime, there's the 2025 Christmas special to enjoy. Read more: All Creatures Great and Small season 6 finale finally answers Tristan mystery All Creatures Great and Small says goodbye (for now) to two long-running characters "It’s Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war," reads the official synopsis. "With Helen feeling under the weather, it’s fallen on James to take on the Darrowby Nativity play." Elsewhere, "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes’ Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief," while Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home the top prize: a turkey, which are in short supply due to the war. The Skeldale housekeeper "wants everyone to practise" to boost their chances, "but an old friend turns up surprising her and Siegfried" – with the vet making "a big decision about his future." Meanwhile, Tristan and Charlotte's relationship continues to go from strength to strength. And if that's not quite enough to keep you entertained, a special hour-long, behind-the-scenes documentary, All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic, will also be airing this Christmas, featuring all of the regular cast. "As the cast look back over six years of making 5's most popular drama series, [Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly presenter and professional dog trainer] Graeme [Hall] enjoys becoming one of the family and appreciating all the detail that goes into the making of one of his favourite shows," reads the synopsis. "This joyful festive treat is the perfect way to find out how the All Creatures magic is really made." All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon. All Creatures Great and Small Complete Series 1 – 6 Box Set arrives on DVD and digital 1 December from Acorn Media International. Add All Creatures Great and Small 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. If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Cooper & Fry first look with Doctor Who, Downton Abbey stars sees a thrilling chase and a dark discovery
It's time for your first look at 5's new crime drama.
It's almost time for 5's latest detective series, Cooper & Fry, to land on our screens – with RadioTimes.com having an exclusive first look clip of the drama. The series is led by former Doctor Who companion Mandip Gill and Downton Abbey's Rob James-Collier, who play the show's leading mismatched detective duo DC Diane Fry and DC Ben Cooper respectively. Premiering tonight, the sneak peek of Cooper & Fry shows that there's plenty of drama set to come as an action-packed chase sequence unfolds. In the clip, we see the detectives wearing their protective gear as they start unearthing potential clues in an empty house. Or at least, so they think. As is quickly realised, the house is in fact not empty, as they start to look in cabinets and through discarded document folders. "That'll be just the wind," James-Collier's Cooper says but the small disturbances they've heard soon turn into full-on scraping. Just as they venture into a strange bedroom that's been adorned with bird feathers, they find an image that points to the fact that their person of interest clearly has a brother. But where is he? Just as Fry poses the question to Cooper, someone appears out of the shadows and bolts down the stairs. Fry runs off in pursuit and the mysterious girl starts sprinting through the building site of the home, tearing down a ladder to distract Fry. She manages to lose Fry after climbing over a big gate, with Fry having no choice but to stare after the unnamed girl. She takes one last glance at Fry, subtly smiling in the process before running off once more. You can watch the clip for yourself above. Read more: Doctor Foster season 3 with Suranne Jones 'in the works' after 8 years Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise reveal guest cast for Christmas specials – including Doctor Who and Ted Lasso stars Cooper & Fry is based on the bestselling novels by author Stephen Booth. The series will be made up of four two-hour episodes, each based on a different novel in the series: Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind to the Bones and Dancing with the Virgins. The official synopsis for the series reveals: "Set in the mystery-shrouded Peak District, DC Ben Cooper, an affable local, is thrown together with guarded newcomer DC Diane Fry, to investigate a string of mysterious deaths." It continues: "They must learn to work together to get results. As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship begins to form... but it won't always be easy." Cooper & Fry begins on Tuesday 18th November at 8pm on 5. Add Cooper & Fry 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.
The series sees a city police officer transferring to the countryside, and being teamed up with a local.
New 5 drama Cooper & Fry stars Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill as the titular mismatched detectives – while Cooper is an affable local copper, Fry is guarded and aloof, having recently transferred from Leeds under somewhat mysterious circumstances. The series is based on the bestselling novels by Stephen Booth, and sees the characters form a unique friendship as their personal lives begin to intertwine and their past scars look to be healed. Beyond the characters and the mysteries they investigate each week, viewers will no doubt also be drawn to the show's remarkable scenery, showing off some beautiful countryside locations. But just where is the series actually set and where was it filmed? Read on for everything you need to know about the filming locations used for Cooper & Fry. Where is Cooper & Fry set? Cooper & Fry is set in the Peak District in Derbyshire, and specifically in the fictional town of Edendale. It follows Ben Cooper, a local police officer who is partnered up with Diane Fry, a new member of the team. She was a successful detective in Leeds, but has to adapt to countryside policing throughout the series. Of his fictional location, Stephen Booth, the author of the Cooper & Fry novels, told Shots Magazine: "My interest in using a strong sense of place in crime fiction goes back a long way. Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles made a deep impression on me as a child – a very dark story, with a wild, remote setting. "In another story, Holmes tells Dr Watson: 'The lowest and vilest alleys of London do not present a more dreadful record of sin than does the smiling and beautiful countryside.' So it was perhaps inevitable that I would choose a rural setting for the Cooper and Fry series. And the Peak District was the perfect choice. "The original inspiration for Edendale, my fictional Derbyshire town, came while I was admiring a wonderful panorama of the Hope Valley from a location called Surprise View, above the village of Hathersage. It was the spectacular picture I had in my mind when I began to write Black Dog, the first novel featuring young police detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. "But that spot also marks the boundary between the Dark Peak and the White Peak, the geologically contrasting halves of the Peak District which provide perfect symbolism for a crime novel, representing the dark and light, good and evil. "Those sudden eruptions of black, twisted rock in the middle of a picturesque landscape constantly remind me of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface." Meanwhile, James-Collier said of the show's setting: "As beautiful as the Peak District is, it’s also foreboding and there are a lot of dark elements in the woods. If you're in a bleak corner of your life, which Diane is, that feeling is projected onto the landscape and fired back at you. "The landscape can be intimidating, too, especially if you’re there alone and realise how a fall or a quick turn of the weather could kill you." Director Ryan Tohill, who helmed episodes 1 and 2, added: "The darkness of the stories drew me in. When I read Black Dog I felt the haunting rural community of Edendale was the detail you could lean into and use to make a different type of detective series. I wanted to make the series as unsettling as I could." Where was Cooper & Fry filmed? Despite being set in the Peak District, the majority of Cooper & Fry actually appears to have been shot elsewhere – in Dublin. Production notes have recorded that the series was filmed in summer 2025 in Dublin, as well as the coastal town of Wicklow. Meanwhile, director Jesse Quinones, who helmed episodes 3 and 4, posted on Instagram after the series was announced: "Can finally let the cat out of the bag, Cooper and Fry will be hitting your screens on @channel5_tv very soon! Been a blast shooting this show in Dublin, the first time I’ve had the chance to work in my mother’s home town. "Big shout out to @clapperboard_st, @failsafefilms, and @channel5_tv, as well as the amazing cast and crew. And of course to the author of the Cooper and Fry books Stephen Booth! "Big shout out to my amazing team @dave_alexander333 at @gershagency @a.h.mills at @revolutiontalentlit and managers Industry Entertainment!!" It has also been reported that some additional filming did take place in the Peak District, although exactly where has not been confirmed. Cooper & Fry begins on Tuesday 18th November at 8pm on 5. Add Cooper & Fry 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.
Cooper & Fry cast: Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill star
The new 5 detective drama is based on the novels by Stephen Booth.
New crime drama Cooper & Fry is based on the hit novels by Stephen Booth, with Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill taking on the title roles. The series follows DC Ben Cooper, a member of a rural police force in Derbyshire who is teamed up with DC Diane Fry, a successful detective from Leeds who transfer under mysterious circumstances. While the two initially butt heads, finding that they have very different approaches to policing, they slowly begin to come to an understanding as they work together on a case surrounding a body unearthed on a local farm. Each episode in the four-part series sees the duo take on a different case, but who else stars alongside James-Collier and Gill, who do they all play and where might you have seen them before? Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Cooper & Fry. Cooper & Fry cast: Who stars in the 5 crime drama? Here are the main cast members and characters in Cooper & Fry. Read on below for more info about who they are and where you've seen the actors before. Robert James-Collier as DC Ben Cooper Mandip Gill as DC Diane Fry Charlotte Bradley as Isobel Cooper Lorcan Cranitch as DI Paul Hitchens Barry O'Connor as DS Todd Eland Niamh McCann as Tracey Garnett Clara Simpson as Dr Juliana Taylor Robert James-Collier as DC Ben Cooper Who is DC Ben Cooper? Ben is a local Derbyshire police officer who is partnered up with Diane Fry, and must show her the ropes of countryside policing. Where have I seen Robert James-Collier? James-Collier is known for his roles in series including Coronation Street, Downton Abbey, The Level, Ackley Bridge, Fate: The Winx Saga, The Inheritance, The Long Shadow and Generation Z, as well as films such as The Ritual. Mandip Gill as DC Diane Fry Who is DC Diane Fry? Diane is a police officer who transfers from Leeds to Derbyshire under mysterious circumstances. An accomplished detective, she must learn the ropes of a new way of working in a rural setting. Where have I seen Mandip Gill? Gill is best known for her role as Yasmin Khan in Doctor Who, while she has also appeared in series including Hollyoaks, Suspicion, Curfew and Big Lizard. Charlotte Bradley as Isobel Cooper Who is Isobel Cooper? Isobel is Ben's mother. Where have I seen Charlotte Bradley? Bradley has had roles in series including Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog, Proof, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Darklands, The Dry, Borderline and Artic Circle, as well as films such as Love & Rage and The Gift. Lorcan Cranitch as DI Paul Hitchens Who is DI Paul Hitchens? Paul the Detective Inspector at the station and Cooper and Fry's boss. Where have I seen Lorcan Cranitch? Cranitch has had roles in series including Cracker, Ballykissangel, Spooks, The Bill, Rome, The Palace, Penny Dreadful, Fortitude, Atlantis, Death in Paradise, Magpie Murders, Bloodlands, The Crown, Bad Sisters, Silent Witness, Blue Lights, Leonard and Hungry Paul and Trespasses, as well as films such as Love, Rosie and The Dig. Barry O'Connor as DS Todd Eland Who is DS Todd Eland? Todd is a detective sergeant who works alongside Cooper and Fry. Where have I seen Barry O'Connor? O'Connor has had roles in series including Neighbours, Inspector George Gently, Game of Thrones, Red Rock, Dublin Murders, Shetland, Ellis and Outlander, as well as films such as Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves. Niamh McCann as Tracey Garnett Who is Tracey Garnett? Tracey is a member of the police team working alongside Cooper and Fry. Where have I seen Niamh McCann? McCann has had roles in series including River City, Little Roy, The House Across the Street, The Teacher, The Listeners and Sherlock & Daughter. Clara Simpson as Dr Juliana Taylor Who is Dr Juliana Taylor? Juliana works in forensics, and often aids Cooper and Fry in their investigations. Where have I seen Clara Simpson? Simpson has had roles in series including Research Unit, The Reunion and Parlement. Cooper & Fry begins on Tuesday 18th November at 8pm on 5. Add Cooper & Fry 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.
Is Murder Before Evensong returning for season 2?
Reverend Richard Coles' novel Murder Before Evensong has been brought to life for 5 in a new series of the same name, starring Matthew Lewis. The Harry Potter star plays Canon Daniel Clement, a rector who is forced to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about the market town of Champton when a dead body turns up in his church. "To watch the adaptation is immensely flattering, very gratifying and very exciting, because the team has done such a great job and because it's been through other people's imaginations now, which is always good," said Coles of the end product. "Whenever you write a book, you say goodbye to it when it’s sent to the publisher, as after that the book lands with a reader and exists in their imagination. I've always loved how a book doesn’t just have one life, but lots of lives. "To see creative people, at the top of their game, come together and craft something you didn’t foresee from your work is fascinating." But are there plans to adapt the rest of his Canon Clement Mysteries series? Read more: Murder Before Evensong ending explained: Who killed Anthony Bowness? Murder Before Evensong star explains book changes and teases darker twist on best-selling novel Read on for everything we know so far about a potential Murder Before Evensong season 2. Is Murder Before Evensong returning for season 2? There’s currently no word on the show’s future, but with several more books in the series, a second season seems likely — especially if the ratings delivered. Watch this space for updates. When could a potential Murder Before Evensong season 2 be released? We wouldn’t expect a new series to arrive until at least mid-to-late 2026. Which cast members could return for a potential Murder Before Evensong season 2? Alongside Matthew Lewis as Canon Daniel Clement, we’d also expect to see the following main players: Amanda Redman as Audrey Clement Amit Shah as DS Neil Vanloo Plus, a host of new cast members will undoubtedly join the line-up for the next mystery alongside the odd returning character. What could happen in a potential Murder Before Evensong season 2? If the TV series continues to follow the books, here’s what could be in store (it is an adaptation, so you should expect some changes). The second book in Coles’ series, A Death in the Parish, takes place a few months after Murder Before Evensong. “As Daniel tries to steady his flock, the parish is joined with Upper and Lower Badsaddle, bringing a new tide of unwanted change,” reads the official synopsis. “But church politics soon become the least of Daniel's problems. "His mother – headstrong, fearless Audrey – is obviously up to something, something she is determined to keep from him. And she is not the only one.” Beyond that, the third novel, Murder at the Monastery, finds Daniel recovering from “a secret humiliation” by taking respite at the monastery where he was once a novice. But when he discovers a death there, any hope of peace is shattered. There’s also the potential for a future Christmas special based on Murder Under the Mistletoe, in which Daniel and his mother are “joined by the residents and guests of the big house to drink, eat and be merry” on Christmas Day. But when two people meet under the mistletoe and one of them falls down dead, it seems murder has returned to Champton… Finally, A Death on Location sees “a glamorous Hollywood movie take over Champton House as its set location.” But production grinds to a halt when another murder occurs. Murder Before Evensong is available to stream on 5. Add Murder Before Evensong 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.
Murder Before Evensong ending explained: Who killed Anthony Bowness?
Canon Daniel Clement confronted not one but two killers in the season 1 finale.
Six episodes and four dead bodies later, fans were introduced to not one but TWO killers in the Murder Before Evensong finale. After sticking to his guns, Canon Daniel Clement charged on with his bunker theory, believing that the abandoned World War II site held the key to Anthony Bowness and Ned Thwaites' murders – and of course, he was right. Having failed to convince DS Neil Vanloo of his suspicions, Daniel took the matter into his own hands, investigating the bunker in secret and discovering the skeletal remains of Philip Kerling, a double agent who was believed to have fled to France in 1944. After confiding in his mother, Audrey, the vicar realised he held all the cards, and embarked on a game of cat-and-mouse with the killer. His plan? To inform the members of his Parish that construction would commence on a church toilet, requiring the church font – also known as the entrance to the bunker – to be moved the following morning. Surmising that the killer would have to return to dispose of Kerling's remains, Daniel simply had to wait. That night, as he hid in the darkness of the bunker, our hero finally got his killer. "I had a feeling it would be you," he said, "Why don't we start at the beginning?" Here, we break down the Murder Before Evensong finale… Murder Before Evensong ending explained Who killed Anthony Bowness and Ned Thwaites? To Daniel's horror, Kath was unmasked as the killer. Knowing she'd been caught red-handed, the seemingly sweet pensioner confessed to killing Anthony Bowness and Ned Thwaites. Her motive? To cover up the murder of Philip Kerling, which took place 40 years prior, in 1944. Recalling her younger years in Champton, Kath tells Daniel that she fell for Hervé Gauchet, a soldier from the Free French Army, while attending a village dance. Noting that Hervé had escaped France after Dunkirk and joined the SOE, Kath explained that he would travel in and out of France, helping the Resistance. Read more: Murder Before Evensong star explains book changes and teases darker twist on best-selling novel Reverend Richard Coles reveals if Murder Before Evensong's crime-solving vicar is based on him As members of the Special Duties Signal Unit in Champton, Kath and Dora had both used the church bunker, and the only other person who knew of its existence was her beloved Hervé. Completely besotted with one another, the couple had promised to live together in Provence when the war was over, but their happiness was short-lived. A couple of months later, Kath and Hervé learned that there was a traitor in their midst after several SOE and Resistance members were rounded up and shot by the Germans. When Hervé heard from a friend that the traitor was living in Champton, he flew back to France to discuss the matter further. Awaiting his return, Kath, who had learned she was pregnant, watched his plane fly over the fields of Champton just moments before it exploded. Utterly heartbroken, Kath continued to work from the church bunker, where she learned of Kerling's suspicious activities. At the time, a young Bernard de Flouers had been a runner for the SOE, and after reporting that he had seen Kerling near Hervé's plane, Kath realised that he was the traitor and had likely sabotaged the aircraft. Determined to prove it, Kath had broken into the house where Kerling was billeted and searched for proof, but when he came back early and confronted her with a gun, a fight broke out, and Kerling was killed. Knowing that the church bunker was about to be decommissioned, Kath decided to cover up the murder by leaving Kerling's body in the crypt and putting his name in the flight log of a mission that flew out to France. Investigators surmised that Kerling was a traitor and had likely fled, allowing Kath to live a peaceful existence in Champton for the next 40 years – that is, until history buff Anthony Bowness came along. Interested in the village's role in the war and keen to locate the secret bunker, Kath had followed Anthony to the church on the night of his death, where she grabbed a pair of secateurs and stabbed him in the neck. Just when she thought she had covered her tracks, however, Ned Thwaites began digging into Kerling's story for the local paper. After finding the flight log and realising that it had been doctored, Kath became worried that it would lead back to her and requested a private meeting with the journalist. While he waited for her, Kath snuck up behind him and slit his throat before pushing him into the river. After making her full confession, Daniel insists on turning Kath in and informs her that he's left detailed notes pointing to her, should she attempt to kill him, too. Kath agrees, adding that she only murdered Anthony to protect her sister Dora, who has terminal cancer, from watching her be arrested and put on trial. Kath asks Daniel to take her to Dora one last time before she goes to the police, and he agrees. Who killed Philip Kerling? In the bunker, Kath had told Daniel that she'd killed Kerling by hitting him over the head with a lamp during their struggle, but the vicar wasn't convinced, and when he took her to see Dora, he realised what actually happened. As they sat down for tea, Daniel pointed out one discrepancy in Kath's story – she said she'd hit Kerling with the lamp, but moments before, she said she'd thrown it at him when they started to fight. Noting that Kath couldn't have grabbed the lamp off the floor, Daniel realises that it was Dora who killed Kerling. Dora had known that Kath was going to break into Kerling's house and followed her that night. After finding her sister in a struggle with Kerling, she had hit Kerling with the lamp, and Kath helped her cover up the murder. As it turns out, Kath had killed Anthony and Ned to protect Dora – it was never about protecting herself. What really happened to Stella Harper? As Daniel sat down with Kath and Dora, DS Neil Vanloo learned that Stella Harper had, in fact, been murdered as traces of oleander, a poisonous herb, had been found in her tea. After a call from a concerned Audrey, the police raced to Kath and Dora's house, where Kath confessed to Daniel that she killed Stella because she was planning to go to the police to report Edgy's threats. Kath had no intention of murdering her friend, but recognised that should Stella have done so, it would have ruined her alibi for the night Ned was killed. On the evening of Ned's murder, Stella had called Dora and Kath to tell them what happened, and Dora had gone to Stella's house to calm her down. But, as Kath had already told the police that they were both at home on the night of Ned's murder, they would have realised that she'd lied, and hadn't been with her sister, Dora, either. What happened to Kath and Dora? With their arrest imminent, Kath and Dora revealed to Daniel that during their conversation, they had been drinking poisoned tea. "Don't worry, I made yours separately," Kath explained, clarifying that she hadn't poisoned him. As the sisters sat, dying in their chairs, they reached out for one another and asked Daniel to pray for them, to which he reluctantly obliged. The pair passed away before DS Vanloo and the police could reach them. What's next for Daniel? Daniel has been through a lot this season, and after leaving the police at Kath and Dora's house, headed to the church for a moment of reflection. Joined by his mother, Audrey, the Canon admitted that initially, he didn't want to be merciful when Kath asked him to pray for her, and had simply wanted judgement and blame for her. Comforting her son, Audrey took his hand and led him out of the church, where they shared a moment of laughter. An open ending, Daniel was in a good place when we left him in the finale. The vicar's position at the church is safe, his relationship with his mother on the mend, and the murders in his village solved. Clearly, Daniel has a talent for investigating too, after identifying the killer (or killers) before DS Vanloo could. With multiple books in Reverend Richard Coles' book series, there's plenty of material for further adaptations, should Channel 5 and Acorn TV renew the show. Currently, its unknown if Murder Before Evensong has received the green light for a second season, but with a bit of luck, Canon Daniel Clement might just have a bright future ahead… Murder Before Evensong is available to stream on 5. Add Murder Before Evensong 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. 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The Forsytes release schedule: When will new episodes air on 5?
The new adaptation of John Galsworthy's novels has now started airing.
Sweeping period drama The Forsytes continues to air on 5, with new episodes being released from the lavish new adaptation of John Galsworthy's The Forsyte Saga. Featuring a stacked cast, including the likes of Millie Gibson, Stephen Moyer, Jack Davenport, Eleanor Tomlinson and Tuppence Middleton, the series follows the titular stockbroking family as their generations are torn between tradition and personal happiness. The synopsis for the series says: "Family stability is threatened by two chance encounters for rival cousins, Jolyon and Soames, throwing their previously steady lives into disarray. Married Jolyon contends with the reappearance of his former lover, Louisa, a lady’s maid-turned-dressmaker, while daughter June falls for a penniless architect. "Soames, meanwhile, is enchanted by the beautiful and free-spirited dancer Irene. All must decide whether to be ruled by the head or the heart." But when will the remaining episodes of the series air on 5? Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for The Forsytes. The Forsytes release schedule – When are new episodes out? New episodes of The Forsytes will air every Monday on 5 at 9pm. Unlike some 5 shows which air episodes daily across a week or more, The Forsytes has gone for a traditional weekly release, with episodes only becoming available to stream after they have aired on TV. You can find the full release schedule for The Forsytes season 1 below. The Forsytes episode 1 – Monday 20th October 2025, 9pm The Forsytes episode 2 – Monday 27th October 2025, 9pm The Forsytes episode 3 – Monday 3rd November 2025, 9pm The Forsytes episode 4 – Monday 10th November 2025, 9pm The Forsytes episode 5 – Monday 17th November 2025, 9pm The Forsytes episode 6 – Monday 24th November 2025, 9pm How many episodes of The Forsytes will there be? There will be six episodes of The Forsytes season 1 in total. Thankfully, we already know that won't be the full run of the show, as it was renewed for a second season before the first even started airing. The Forsytes will continue airing on 5 on Mondays at 9pm. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Forsytes cast - from Poldark to Doctor Who stars - reveal all about their dramatic new revamp of the iconic period drama
Stephen Moyer loves a collection, from guitars and typewriters to great roles – and his latest in The Forsytes is one to treasure.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. In the course of our 45-minute interview that lasts an hour and a half, Stephen Moyer, 56, shares that he collects guitars – which he has hung up on the walls of his new home in Suffolk, because he can’t actually play the guitar – and typewriters, of which he has 30. We establish that he looks good in a duffle coat – which not every grown man does – and what he has in his pockets. Namely a "quite rare" $1 coin and an acorn, "which is a long story". Further, he impresses upon me the virtues of good headphones and quality speakers, summer evening walks on Clifton Down in Bristol [he stays in the city while filming The Forsytes] and cooking for one in a Belfast kitchen. He confesses a love for Marmite and peanut butter, and details his favourite snack. "Anna [Paquin, his actress wife] calls them Stevie Snacks and they consist of some cheese, roasted almonds, some saucisson and chutney." His mum makes an amazing green tomato chutney, apparently. "I’ve got jars from 1994 in my cupboard and I’m not even joking." In his 20s, Moyer lived on a houseboat for seven years in London’s Little Venice, with no electricity – which is why he bought his first typewriter – and recently, in his 50s, he’s taken up sailing. "I really love that it’s an ancient skill and it doesn’t involve phones. I spend a lot of time in the digital world and I love it, but I’m actually quite analogue." Moyer is great company, as inquisitive as he is forthcoming. You might be tempted to say that his work is the least interesting thing about him. Except that isn’t true. For this Essex-born actor, who made it big in America, also collects great roles, recently adding two very different characters to his collection. First, there is patriarch Jolyon Forsyte Sr in Debbie Horsfield’s fantastic take on John Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga. "What Debbie has done is empower the female characters in the story to be having the conversations that they weren’t having in the novel,” he says. “While the men are worrying about stupid financial stuff, the women are dealing with real-life problems." A radical reimagining, to be sure. But Moyer hastens to add that Galsworthy’s novel isn’t without a boldness of its own. "Yes, we all love the frocks, the big old houses and the horses and carriages, but he was the first person to talk about marital rape in a novel – which was a scandalous thing to do at the time – and he also examines the social structures and norms. "Debbie has taken inspiration from the book and created something extraordinary that it’s a joy to be part of." Part of the joy that Moyer derives from The Forsytes, which has filmed for the last two summers in Bristol (there is one more series to air next year, with at least one more commissioned) is working with Jack Davenport, who plays his toxic, competitive younger brother, James. The pair first worked together on Ultraviolet, Channel 4’s 1998 vampire drama. "Back then, we were the young men about town and now we’re the old geezers. We’re like an old married couple, it’s hilarious. "When we did the first season of The Forsytes, we lived next door to each other and spent all our time together. Meanwhile, back in New York where we lived at the time, Anna and Michelle [Gomez, Davenport’s wife] were close, too. So it was kind of lovely." Moyer’s other recent role made for an altogether more solitary existence as he upped sticks for Northern Ireland, where Art Detectives is filmed. In it, he plays DI Mick Palmer, lead sleuth for the Heritage Crime Unit. The series does what it says on the tin with murders linked to Viking gold and artefacts from the Titanic. "I’d never thought of myself doing cosy crime, but there was a warmth to Mick and to Shazia [Mick’s detective constable sidekick] and an understanding that I was drawn to. Mick’s quite eccentric – from the duffle coat to his obsession with comic books – and I enjoyed working him out and getting to know him." As indeed do audiences. Made for Acorn TV, Art Detectives became the platform’s most watched new series, with another series in the works. It’s far from his usual grittier roles. "I’m quite happy doing a show that is a gentler version of the world than the one we live in right now. There’s a lot to be said for seeking a life more analogue." View oEmbed on the source website Interviews with the cast James Forsyte, played by Jack Davenport What appealed to you about The Forsytes ? One of Debbie Horsfield’s great skills is that she’s able to wrestle these giant, creaky old galleons of novels into more modern shapes and reframe what the focus is. She and Damien [Timmer, The Forsytes’ executive producer] said they were interested in exploring patriarchy and its structures, such as primogeniture [the right of succession belonging to the first-born son] and how that system eats people alive. Because even though they’re rich and privileged, the likes of Jolyon Sr and James, and Jolyon Jr and Soames have no real agency because their paths are preordained. That intrigued me. Also, they wanted to focus on the women who, because they don’t have power, have a self-awareness that the men do not. So the men are powerful but clueless — and that tension seemed like an interesting thing to play with. Isn’t The Forsytes about Britain and its relationship with money and power? Don’t forget that the Forsytes are not aristocrats. They are upper-middle-class, and they have made their money by taking advantage of other people. When I’m in central London and I look up at the limestone buildings, I think to myself: this is a small island that can fit into the state of Texas seven times and yet look at this place! It’s a lot of blood and treasure that made this. We had our foot on a lot of people’s throats to achieve what we achieved. My character is a ghastly human, and I welcome Debbie’s subtle critique of the system that has made him extremely wealthy. Jolyon Forsyte, played by Danny Griffin The last leading man in a Debbie Horsfield adaptation was Aidan Turner in Poldark. No pressure on you then… Yeah, it is a big deal. I was very nervous when I started on the show. I wanted to prepare — overprepare, really — as it’s all you can do. I had a lot of questions for Debbie when we first met. Questions about the stuff that the audience wouldn’t know that I would be aware of, so I could have it in the back of my mind. Some actors say they connect with a character through their costume. What did it for you? His jacket. It shows that he really wants to be a Forsyte — because all the Forsyte men wear jackets — but because his is a bit different, it shows that he’s not conforming exactly to the Forsyte way. My “hero jacket”, was customised so it seemed more casual, and a combination of the jacket and the hair really helped me find him. Let’s talk about the hair… We had long discussions about it. At one point, it was going to be a wig, but the one we got looked like a discount Thor. So it evolved into what you see on the telly because we wanted to show that he had a lot of hair. Then the question was, “How would you smarten that up?” To which the answer was “curling it endlessly”. We ended up doing that and I love the result. Louisa Byrne, played by Eleanor Tomlinson How aware were you of The Forsyte Saga before you got the part? I’d heard of the adaptations and I knew the novels, but because my character was created by Debbie, I didn’t watch or read anything as there wasn’t an awful lot of point. Normally, if my character had been in the books, that’s absolutely what I would have done — that’s what I did with Poldark. Having said that, Debbie’s scripts are so rich that everything you need to know about your character is on the page. So, what is everything we need to know about Louisa? She’s a dressmaker who had a love affair with Jolyon 10 years prior to the events of The Forsytes, long before he married Frances. As she was a lady’s maid and he was the scion of a family like the Forsytes, the affair was doomed. But now she’s back in London, in the Forsytes’ orbit, which she realises is problematic — not least because she has two children and he’s the father. Isn’t that a good thing? No matter how long a woman had her children, if a man knew they were his, he could take them away. Initially, she lives in fear of that but once she realises that he’s still in love with her, and he’s trapped in a world where he doesn’t belong, that gives her more agency, power and strength. Frances Forsyte, played by Tuppence Middleton Had you read Galsworthy before you got the part? When I got the part, I started reading the books. Then I realised that Debbie’s version was so different that I stopped. Because Frances didn’t feature in the books, I decided I wanted to focus on the scripts and get my information from them. As you say, Frances isn’t in the novels but she’s a formidable presence in the drama… Ann [Francesca Annis] is obviously the queen of the family but she’s at the stage where she’s handing over more of the responsibility, so Jolyon Sr [Stephen Moyer] is running the house and Frances is his right-hand woman. They are the ambitious ones with big ideas for the company and she has more of a business head than her husband Jolyon. Do you think previous adaptations cast a long shadow? When you’re making a version of something that already exists, the most important thing is to accept that there will be people who have their definitive version of it, and know that you’re making it for a modern audience. So, then you ask yourself: how can you make it feel alive and relevant for that audience? What does The Forsytes says about us now? A period drama is always of the time it’s made, and this is a feminist take on The Forsyte Saga. But I think it also taps into a contemporary fascination with powerful families like the Murdochs and the Trumps, especially after Succession. Soames Forsyte, played by Joshua Orpin Let’s be clear — Soames is pretty awful, isn’t he? He can be, though I don’t think he thinks he is. When I’m playing him, I don’t judge him. I do try to understand him, though. He’s a guy born into this family of enormous wealth and privilege with ambition and drive to succeed and dominate. Those traits have been fostered by his parents, particularly his father, and he’s power-hungry. He thinks he’s the best man to run the family stockbrokers, not his cousin Jolyon. And he’s probably right. But while he’s very comfortable in the business world, he’s a man who doesn’t know how to express his feelings in a positive way. Again, thanks to his parents. He’s a product of his environment. The last man to play Soames — Damian Lewis — went on to great things, not least Homeland and Billions. As an Australian, is moving to the USA the big draw? There’s never really been a big draw to live in the United States. As nice as it is, I’ve only been a handful of times, and I’ve never worked there. The American stuff I’ve done has either been shot in Australia or in Canada. My mother’s actually British, so I’m a dual citizen. Is Soames a tragic figure? He thinks Irene is amazing. He falls in love but doesn’t know how to express that love. And then the thing that he loves about her — her free spirit — he ends up suppressing by trying to fit her into this box of what he perceives a wife should be. That sounds pretty tragic to me. How have your good looks factored in your career? I think that at a certain point in your acting journey, you have to reconcile yourself with the way you look and use that to your advantage. I’d say that my looks have helped me more than they’ve hindered me, but sometimes there have been roles that I’ve really wanted to play and the feedback I’ve had is that I’m too good-looking to play the character. That’s a shame, but what can I do? I can’t really change how I look. True, but do you feel under pressure to stay buff? In my life, I don’t feel that pressure. But if the role calls for it, it’s there. I played Superboy on Titans and he was a superhero, so there’s an expectation there for him to have a certain physique. For a role like that, I felt pressured to transform my body. But when it comes to other roles, not so much. Irene Herron, played by Millie Gibson How aware were you of the Galsworthy novels and previous adaptations? I wasn’t. However, as soon as I got the audition, I started doing my research and reading the book. But the book is very much from the male perspective. Then Debbie explained that this was going to be a new, fresh version, more about the female characters, so I stopped reading the book. Which was pretty hard-going anyway, if I’m honest. And along with so many brilliant, strong female characters, we had two female directors, and Debbie obviously, so it’s an amazing thing to be a part of. How does your Irene compare to other iterations? She’s completely transformed, and it helps getting into character that I am completely transformed, too — I don’t think people will know it’s me and I love that. So compared to the noughties version, Irene is a lot younger. She’s 19 in this version and has such a youthful zest and energy — she just wants to be a ballerina and live life — which I think makes it more heartbreaking when these terrible things start to happen to her. And by “terrible things”, you mean Soames Forsyte? It’s not as simple as that. Debbie has written the characters with such nuance and in such a complex way. The audience gets to see them fall in love, which previous versions didn’t show, so when it starts to go bad, it connects with you more. Irene falls in love with Soames for a reason, he’s not a baddie from the off, so there are different dynamics going on between the characters that audiences haven’t seen before. Coronation Street, Doctor Who and now The Forsytes… It’s funny because I’ve broken my streak of only being in shows that are more than 60 years old — by being in a show that’s a version of a 58-year old show. The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. The Forsytes will continue airing on 5 on Monday 10th November at 9pm. 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.