Mr Bates star Monica Dolan weighs in on "danger" of government's Post Office response
The actress stars as Jo Hamilton in the limited series.
As ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office shone a light on the Horizon IT scandal, all eyes have shot to the ongoing Post Office inquiry, which has been established to gather "a clear account of the implantation and failings of the Horizon IT system at the Post Office over its lifetime". Following the limited series's resounding success, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, announced that the government was to quash wrongful Post Office convictions. As of Friday 2nd February, 101 convictions have been overturned, with more than £34.49 million paid in compensation - but one star of the series, Monica Dolan, has said she hopes the government's plans aren't just a "grand gesture". Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Dolan said: "I would love to see the subpostmasters compensated, and I suppose the danger is [that] the government is doing its compensation of people who've had their criminal convictions overturned, but we don't want to fall into the trap of it being about grand gestures." The actress, who portrays Jo Hamilton in the series, noted that there were many subpostmasters who had personal and financial stakes in the Post Office, and urged people to think about them. "There are many many people who were putting their own money into the Post Office because their contract said they had to do that, and then just thought, 'My business isn't working, I'm gonna sell it at a loss. I'm gonna walk away,'" she continued. "So those people sold their businesses, lost their money, their money is still gone - and what's happened to them?" Echoing Dolan's thoughts, co-star Will Mellor previously RadioTimes.com that it's important more is done for the victims of the scandal, noting that "talk is cheap". "All these people wanted to be was heard for so long, and no one wanted to listen, because they were skint little people, as Alan Bates said in the drama," he added. "And now we've [seen] what we can do in this country, when we come together and go, 'No, this is wrong, get something done, make people accountable for what they did.' And remember the money they took off these people - that's not compensation, that was their money. "What price do you find people losing their life, going to prison or not be able to remember their childhood because of the treatment they had to have for depression?" Last month, Post Office chief executive Nick Read released a statement to the victims, saying: "We sincerely apologise to victims for the devastating impact of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal on the lives of so many. "We are doing all we can to provide redress and urge anyone affected who has not yet come forward to do so." Read more: What happened to Paula Vennells from Mr Bates vs The Post Office? What happened to Alan Bates from Mr Bates vs The Post Office? Mr Bates vs The Post Office star on how legal risks impacted script What happened to Jo Hamilton from Mr Bates vs The Post Office? View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale now. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is streaming on ITVX now. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife star on future: "You never know where a story's going"
Megan Cusack spoke about her Call the Midwife future exclusively with RadioTimes.com.
Along with plenty of twists, drama and tension, Call the Midwife can bring us many surprises in the form of character departures, plot lines and entrances. For that reason, speaking about the future of the series can often be something that comes with its fair amount of uncertainty - especially concerning where the Poplar-based drama will take its characters. When asked about her future on the series, Megan Cusack (who stars as Nancy) exclusively told RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 about how much she truly loves the cast and crew of the long-running show. Cusack said: "You never want to leave. I mean, the entire cast and crew, they are like a family. I know everyone says that, but it's very true. "I'm heading off for lunch with one of my drivers on Friday, they are genuinely the people I want to see all the time, and they've been there for me through highs and lows in my personal life. "But it is that thing – you never know where a story's going, and that's hard. It's something you have to accept, but no, I love being there, they're amazing." Nancy's story has certainly gotten more dramatic, as in last Sunday's episode, we saw that the young nurse had managed to track down one of the nuns at the convent where she grew up. Although she had an inkling about her family having tuberculosis earlier in the episode, Nancy's thoughts were confirmed when she learned from the nun that her entire family did contract the disease - but she may have survived due to vaccination or natural immunity. Read more: Call the Midwife star on Nancy’s devastating discovery: “It’s emotional” Call the Midwife star breaks down Rosalind's "struggles" It was an emotional episode for viewers at home but also for the actress, who revealed to RadioTimes.com that it was just as much of a rollercoaster reading the script for the first time. She revealed: "I remember reading it, and I was like, 'Oh, my God.' You get, like, a little bit of backstory on you as a person, but you don't always know the full ins and outs. "So reading the script, it was like, 'Oh, my God.' And then when she goes and she meets the woman in the house, it was very emotional. "And the woman who played [Kathleen, Mary Larkin], she was amazing, she was gorgeous. Yeah, it was very emotional." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Call the Midwife returns to BBC One at 8pm on Sunday 4th February 2024. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who’s first director on love for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor: 'He gave it a kind of vulnerability'
Waris Hussein spoke to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024.
The first director to ever work on Doctor Who, Waris Hussein, has spoken about his love for one particular actor's portrayal of the Doctor – Peter Capaldi. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Hussein revealed his thoughts on what he's most excited for in the future of the long-running sci-fi series, but wasted no time in bestowing particular praise on Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor. When asked about what he's looking forward to most in the future of Doctor Who, Hussein said: "[That he] goes off to a more mysterious future. I don't want him to be someone whose unavailable or is out of place." He continued: "He's a guide to gather humans. He knows too much but he doesn't know how to convey things. I love Peter Capaldi. Peter gave it a kind of vulnerability." Capaldi more recently reacted to the slate of 60th anniversary episodes of Doctor Who in an interview with Forbes. "I enjoyed it. I thought it was great and a lot of fun," he said of the 60th anniversary. He continued: "It was wonderful, exuberant, and full of life, drama, and monsters. David was wonderful, and Catherine Tate, of course. "It's Doctor Who, you know, it's a gas and a good thing in the world. It's a nice, fun, exciting thing, and I look forward to the rest of the specials and Ncuti Gatwa coming along. I've met him, and he's very inspiring and charming." Currently, Capaldi can be seen on our screens in Apple TV+'s Criminal Record and in the upcoming new season of Prime Video's The Devil's Hour, but has reiterated the fact that he won't be returning to the Whoniverse, previously telling RadioTimes.com that he's "done his time". Hussein, of course, directed the first serial of Doctor Who, An Unearthly Child, in 1963 and returned to direct most of the fourth serial, Marco Polo, in 1964. Read more: Doctor Who's first director: 'I wish I had Russell T Davies!' Doctor Who's Steven Moffat on Ncuti Gatwa: "He's going to be magnificent" Also speaking about the return of showrunner Russell T Davies, Hussein said of the new era of Doctor Who: "It's bound to change. And it's fascinating to see how it's developed. "I had no idea when I took it what I was involved with, and how long it would take to come to fruition. I’m fascinated by it. "I love what Russell T [Davies] is doing, I’m a great fan of his. It needs a good writer. I had no script to work with – I didn’t have Russell T Davies. I wish I did!” View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May 2024. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Traitors winner Harry admits he owes Mollie after nail-biting win
"I feel like she deserves something, she is amazing."
It's safe to say that The Traitors season 2 winner Harry played a blinder of a game this season, nearly being knocked out at the final hurdle but managing to rely on his friendship with Mollie to pull him through to the finish line. It was the nail-biting finale to end all finales, and although it looked as though Mollie would never forgive Harry for his betrayal, all is well between the pair, as their friendship continues to blossom outside of the confines of the traitorous reality show. But will Harry stick to his promise of treating Mollie to a holiday to make up for the betrayal? Chatting exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Harry laughed: "I can't believe she said that. Because I asked her about it as well, she was like, 'I was just joking.' And I was like, 'Yeah, yeah.'" He continued: "But I feel like she deserves something, she is amazing. And I mean, she didn't write my name down, so I owe her something. I don't know what that will be. "But I feel like personally, as a man and a man of my word, I will work hard to make my own money. Not the prize money, money that I earn through hard work, working like a donkey for the years, as my barber would say, and then I'll treat her in whichever way she wants to be treated." As the two youngest players in the group, the pair became fast friends in the series, which only strengthened Harry's gameplay throughout the season as he evaded suspicion and retained Mollie's trust. Even though Jaz had his concerns in the end game and voiced them, Mollie still couldn't vote for her friend – but did surprise viewers by initially going to write Harry's name on the slate board. She rubbed it out and replaced it with Jaz, though, leading to Harry's big win - and the reveal that he was as a Traitor all along. Read more: The Traitors boss reveals filming for season 3 will start soon The Traitors star Jaz doesn’t regret not exposing Harry sooner Also speaking about his momentous win and how it felt to lie to Mollie, Harry said: "Yeah, I mean, it's like lying to your best friend, who likes lying to their best friend? So, obviously, I was worried. But at the same time, it was a game. "I was there for my family. I said, the best way to put it and the thing I kept telling myself was, I formed these relationships over four, four and a half weeks. I've had people at home who have loved me for 22 years of my life unconditionally. This money not [only] changes my life, it changes theirs as well. So I just had to put it to the back of my mind. "But when I was there in that moment, and it's just me and Molly, my family's not there, my other half's not there, so I haven't got the people to give me that confidence. And then I just felt so bad, so guilty. "But luckily, she was amazing and telling me that it was just a game. If she could have done it, she would have, and we were all there to pay The Traitors and a Traitor won." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. The Traitors season 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's Steven Moffat on Ncuti Gatwa: "He's going to be magnificent"
"Twenty years from now, people will be complaining that he's not still in the show."
Doctor Who fans have been waiting patiently for the upcoming season to land on our screens, with Ncuti Gatwa firmly at the helm as the new Doctor – and former showrunner Steven Moffat is geared up for Gatwa's "magnificent" reign. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Moffat revealed what he was most excited to see from Gatwa in the 14th season of the sci-fi series. "Well, I think Ncuti is going to be [an] amazing Doctor, he's going to be different. "But I've already seen this, I think we all have in The Giggle, that he's got all the command and all the presence of a classic Doctor, plus a whole funky new thing that's going on. And that's what we need." Moffat continued: "Because, you know, the funky new thing's great, but what you've really got to have is, 'I'm the guy who gives the orders.' "And the thing I particularly like from The Giggle is when he orders David Tennant out of the TARDIS. He says, 'Beat it, kid,' and that's great. "He's going to be a magnificent Doctor. And 20 years from now, people will be complaining that he's not still in the show." It's been confirmed that Doctor Who season 14 will debut on screens in May 2024, with an exact release date yet to be announced. We do know, though, that Gatwa will return to helm the series alongside new companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. Read more: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat on potential return: "It's fine without me!" Doctor Who stars Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill reunite at Radio Times Covers Party Once again, Russell T Davies will lead the sci-fi as showrunner, with Whovians continuously questioning whether Moffat himself could ever envisage a return to the show. Well, when posed the question by RadioTimes.com, Moffat said: "Look at my ageing face. How can I fit in? And I know, because I've seen the feedback, that people think I'm being evasive on the subject." He also added: "We've got Russell there. We've got a bunch of new writers there. We've got Ncuti [Gatwa, Fifteenth Doctor] there. It's all good." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May 2024. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who stars Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill reunite at Radio Times Covers Party
Check out the newly released exclusive snaps of the Doctor Who duo.
Doctor Who stars Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill reunited at the 2024 Radio Times Covers Party, with portraits from the glittering night showing the duo having an absolute ball. Of course, we couldn't resist sharing the full gallery of exclusive photos of the pair, who attended the glitzy event at Claridges alongside fellow Doctor Who legend Katy Manning (Jo Grant) and the show's first ever director, Waris Hussein. Whittaker, who played the Thirteenth Doctor, and Gill, who played Yasmin Khan, starred together for three seasons of Doctor Who, with the pair forming a close bond. Chatting to RadioTimes.com about her time on the show, Whittaker said: "I'm so proud of it, it's my happiest time. [It was] an absolute joy." Gesturing to Gill, she added: "I got a best friend out of it!" With Doctor Who turning 60 last year, Gill's role in the show was celebrated in the special edition of Radio Times magazine, in which she posed for a sparkling shoot with the show's first ever companion, Carole Ann Ford (who played Susan). Read more: Doctor Who's first director: 'I wish I had Russell T Davies!' Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill reveals she messaged new companion Varada Sethu Giving her take on the 60th anniversary specials, which saw David Tennant return, this time as the Fourteenth Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, Whittaker said: "It was incredible." She added: "Of all the Doctors to come back, what a crowd-pleaser! He just gets better and better." Meanwhile, Gill has offered her best advice to new companion Varada Sethu, who's been seen filming season 15 with Ncuti Gatwa and who's thought to be taking on the role of the companion after Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. Chatting to RadioTimes.com, Gill said: “I actually have messaged Varada, just a general 'enjoy it' because it goes so fast and it was what I wanted to hear," she explained. She added: "There's no actual advice, but I'm sure she's going to be absolutely amazing. But yeah, really enjoy it because time does fly when you're having fun." Check out the full gallery of photos taken of the Doctor Who legends on the night: View Gallery on the source website Whittaker and Gill made their exit from the show in The Power of the Doctor, but have both said they'd be open to a return. "We're always going to be a part of it," Gill previously said of Doctor Who. "You've just seen what what can happen in years to come. So if they need another companion [in future], I will answer that call." "I've handed in my CV to Russell," Whittaker quipped. See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Traitors star Jaz doesn’t regret not exposing Harry sooner
The Traitors season 2 star Jaz had his suspicions of this year's winner, but didn't reveal this until the final. Was this too late?
Nicknamed Jazatha Christie, The Traitors season 2 contestant Jaz Singh was bang on the money when it came to sussing out the Traitors this year. While many of the other Traitors season 2 contestants believed Paul was a Faithful, Jaz had a hunch and he stuck to it, eventually leading to Paul's banishment a week before the final. The account manager also had his suspicions of fellow Traitor Harry, but decided to keep quiet until the final. Unfortunately, this led to him being voted out as Mollie sided with Harry, who later went on to win the £95k prize pot all by himself. Despite walking away without a penny, Jaz doesn't regret speaking up sooner. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, the 30-year-old said: "I'm very fortunate actually to come out of the experience knowing that I have a clean conscience and I'm so comfortable with how I played the game. "If you go too early with somebody, it will backfire. If you go too late, you're out of the game." Read more: The Traitors winner Harry almost turned down show The Traitors boss reveals filming for season 3 will start soon He continued: "So, once you've got this certain information, hold it and just take time to reflect on who you need to talk to and when you need to reveal your cards and think about the long term because it's not a sprint – it's a marathon, that game." Asked what advice he'd give to future contestants, Jaz said: "I could only talk on behalf of Faithfuls out there because, you know, I wanted to be a Traitor before the show began, so I had a full strategy of what I was going to do, but my whole world got turned upside down and I became a Faithful, so I had to believe I'm a Faithful. "So my mind is so Team Faithful, that my advice is only for Faithfuls, and that is to ensure that you're not too close with people and the other contestants, because you all automatically start forming a clique, which can backfire. "And whatever you do, don't be too far apart because if you're too far apart, then people will think, 'Why is that person not providing me with the same level of attention or courtesy or effort?' "You've got to be that sweet spot in the middle so everyone thinks, 'Oh that person is consistent, they have an opinion, let's respect it'." View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. The Traitors season 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife star breaks down Rosalind's "struggles"
Natalie Quarry revealed more about her character at this year's Radio Times Covers Party.
It looks as though Call the Midwife newcomer Rosalind (Natalie Quarry) will continue to forge her own path in the series, according to the actress. Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 on Tuesday 30th January, Quarry spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the struggles that Rosalind will be facing in the near future. She revealed: "I think that Roz kind of faces some struggles with how invested she gets with patients and how much time she wishes... I feel like she should take on them, but [it's] maybe to the detriment of her own wellbeing. "Also, her tendency to kind of run into things and say things that maybe she shouldn't have said, like in the previous episode with Sister Monica Joan, she kind of just says stuff without thinking about it, that maybe is not the best thing to say. "I think that that comes up here and there - things for her to sit back and think about, for sure." Returning to our screens for its 13th season, Call the Midwife continues to grip viewers with its topical storylines and comfort watch feel, and this season has also seen the arrival of new student midwives, Rosalind and Joyce (played by Renee Bailey). As mentioned by Quarry, last week's episode saw her student midwife come under her three month review, with Sisters Julienne and Shelagh and Nurse Crane all delighted with the scheme and how well Rosalind and Joyce are getting on. However, they did all note that both pupils have areas of practice that would benefit from improvement, with one of Rosalind's being self-confidence. Will Rosalind manage to turn it around and improve in that area? Read more: Call the Midwife star on Nancy’s devastating discovery: “It’s emotional” Call the Midwife costume designer reveals secrets to styling for 1969 We'll have to wait and see, but it certainly seems as though the newcomer is getting close to her patients – but could it be to her later detriment? As is often the case with the beloved BBC series, sometimes these things have a habit of rearing their heads later down the line. Previously speaking about her character to Radio Times magazine, Quarry said: "She’s honest, loyal, open and kind, emotionally invested in other people – perhaps too much – and excited and grateful to be part of Nonnatus House. "She has had quite a closeted upbringing, but has the attitude of 'just got to get on with it' – which is quite British, and probably good for her job." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Call the Midwife returns to BBC One at 8pm on Sunday 4th February 2024. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker says it's "emotional" being referenced in show
"To be part of the canon and reference points, it's really magical."
Jodie Whittaker has said it's "emotional" to see her era of the show being referenced in new episodes of Doctor Who. Showrunner Russell T Davies has made various references to previous seasons of the show, including the Timeless Child arc and the Flux from Chris Chibnall and Whittaker's three seasons. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, Whittaker said: "It's amazing. It's so emotional as well because, for us, it was such a present thing. We were in it and we were living it in real time, and now to be part of the canon and reference points, it's really magical." Davies, who has returned to Doctor Who after rebooting it in 2005, previously said he won't "unwrite" Chibnall. He told SFX: "Let’s stare that question right in the eye. I’m not going to unwrite my good friend Chris Chibnall’s work on The Timeless Children. I’m not going to deny what he wrote. I’m going with it. It’s absolutely fine." Instead, there have been various references to Chibnall's era, including talk of the Flux and mentions of the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) being adopted - a nod to the Timeless Child arc. Chibnall previously told RadioTimes.com: "It's really beautiful when things like that happen, definitely. It was one of the things we talked about, Steven [Moffat], Russell and I, when we met up, and it was a thing Steven was saying, you don't feel like the work you've done on the show is Doctor Who, because that's the work you've done. "So he's like, all of the episodes he's written, all the episodes he’s showrun, it’s like everything else is Doctor Who and then his bit is just the thing he did, and it doesn't feel legitimately part of Doctor Who, and it's really weird. "So when you do get things that crop up, that kind of reference - and actually, when I would drop in references to Steven’s stories, or something Russell had done, I would get texts from them, Steven would go, 'I was mentioned in Doctor Who! Something I thought of was mentioned in Doctor Who!' It's great. You know, 'I exist!' It's really true. "Russell as well, [I] would get messages going, 'Oh, I got mentioned! The thing I wrote got mentioned!' So it's really lovely when that happens, and I definitely felt that when we did that in The Power of the Doctor, as well. "It's really powerful, and how you deploy that, and when you deploy that, is really interesting, because it's that weird push and pull between being new and being part of a continuum. And that's one of the great, great things about Doctor Who." Elsewhere at the glittering Radio Times Covers Party, Mandip Gill revealed she's already messaged new companion Varada Sethu to wish her good luck on the show, and Steven Moffat addressed whether he'll return to write any more episodes. See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May 2024. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Will Mellor says reaction to Mr Bates vs The Post Office is "unprecedented"
The actor played Lee Castleton in the hugely successful ITV drama.
The monumental success of Mr Bates vs The Post Office has been well documented, with the show not only becoming ITV's biggest new drama in over a decade but also driving real-world change. In the weeks after the programme aired over four nights at the beginning of January, increased scrutiny was placed on the public inquiry into the Horizon scandal – which has now moved into its final stage. And speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party this week, star Will Mellor – who played Lee Castleton – talked about the "unprecedented" response to the show. Asked if he had expected the drama to have such an impact, he responded: "No, it's impossible, because it's unprecedented. "We all said on set, 'Can you believe they did this to these people?' And we were saying after we were filming, after we were doing scenes, you know, it was powerful, and we knew people would talk about it. "But you couldn't imagine the response that it's had from the public, and also the reaction where they've gone: 'No, we need to do something about this.'" Meanwhile, Mellor explained how he had just spoken with the show's director James Strong, who was reminiscing with him about a conversation the pair had during production on the series. "I saw him tonight and he went, 'I remember you said to me, if we get this right, this could be quite good and quite big.' Who could have thought it'd have been as big as [this]? "You know, the cast... on set, you got to look around and see the cast that I was working with. And I was like, 'You have to bring your A-game here, you're with some big players.' "So it was a privilege for me to be on set with these people. I was just glad to be involved and be a part of it." Read more: Mr Bates star Will Mellor on justice for Post Office victims: "Talk's cheap" Henry Cavill says Argylle is like James Bond "turned up to 11" Mellor also said that while he was happy with the response the series had generated, he was still hopeful for further action, noting that "talk is cheap". Earlier this month, Post Office chief executive Nick Read released a statement to the victims, saying: "We sincerely apologise to victims for the devastating impact of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal on the lives of so many. "We are doing all we can to provide redress and urge anyone affected who has not yet come forward to do so." View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is available to watch on ITVX. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Lenny Henry explains why he's stepping down as Comic Relief host after nearly 40 years
The 65-year-old comedian speaks exclusively to us about the decision to no longer host the BBC fundraising telethon.
Today, Sir Lenny Henry revealed that he will host Comic Relief for the last time when it airs on BBC One on Friday 15th March this year. The comedian co-founded the charity with director Richard Curtis in 1985. The very first Red Nose Day in 1988 was held in response to the famine in Ethiopia that killed one million people. Thirty million viewers raised over £15 million across eight hours of TV comedy. Donations have since surpassed £1.5 billion, with funds raised to help people in the UK and around the world tackle poverty, and provide food, healthcare and safe shelter. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, Henry tells us: "I'm not going anywhere, I'm just not going to host on the night. I might still make films for them and do voiceovers and things, but I think it's time for a newer generation to come and take the baton, because we've been carrying it for a long time. "We've got some people, so it's gonna be really, really good. There might be some competition, so I'm looking forward to seeing how that goes. I hope they oil up and fight in the carpark!" During almost 40 years at the helm, what have been his most special Comic Relief memories? "Every single trip to the continent of Africa to make documentaries about what's going on there – how resilient, how enduring the people are and how they have got a sense of humour even in the worst possible times. Also, working with the Comic Relief team. They're so brilliant and hardworking, it's a tribute to them really. "The main thing is the British public are legendary in terms of how much they've given, how much they've done, so I salute them." Of how he's feeling, Henry adds: "I think it's good, change is good." This year's Comic Relief launched last night with an online sketch, where Henry called celebrities, including Jonathan Bailey, Dame Joan Collins, Gemma Collins, Davina McCall, Simon Cowell and Alison Hammond, to ask about their fundraising plans. View oEmbed on the source website Comic Relief – Live at the London Palladium will take place on Monday 26th February, with Aisling Bea, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Joel Dommett, Mawaan Rizwan, Rosie Jones and Sara Pascoe appearing alongside Henry. See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. You can donate to Comic Relief at comicrelief.com/radiotimes. You can also order this year's Red Nose at the Comic Relief shop or on Amazon's official Red Nose Day page. Looking for something to watch? Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's first director: 'I wish I had Russell T Davies!'
Waris Hussein spoke exclusively with RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024.
The first director to ever work on an episode of Doctor Who, Waris Hussein, has given his firm approval to the series's current showrunner Russell T Davies, saying he 'wishes' he had Davies's writing to work with when he was involved with the show. Hussein, who directed the First Doctor stories An Unearthly Child and Marco Polo, spoke exclusively with RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, where he relayed his thoughts on Davies's new era. He said: "It's bound to change. And it's fascinating to see how it's developed. I had no idea when I took it what I was involved with, and how long it would take to come to fruition. I’m fascinated by it. "I love what Russell T is doing, I’m a great fan of his. It needs a good writer. I had no script to work with - I didn’t have Russell T Davies. I wish I did!” View oEmbed on the source website Hussein previously told Radio Times magazine that Ncuti Gatwa's casting as the Fifteenth Doctor, as the first Black actor to be cast as the regular lead in Doctor Who, felt like a victory. Read more: Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu spotted filming Doctor Who producer reassures fans about Disney involvement He explained: "I was the first British Asian in my field to be doing what I was doing. What did worry me internally was working on set and all these people watching me. "I'd think to myself, 'They're waiting to see whether I'll fall on my face. But I'm not going to fall on my face.'" Of course, Hussein isn't the only figure from the show's past to express his excitement and enthusiasm for Davies and Gatwa's new era. Peter Capaldi recently reacted to last year's 60th anniversary specials, saying they were "great and a lot of fun". He continued: "It was wonderful, exuberant, and full of life, drama and monsters. David [Tennant] was wonderful, and Catherine Tate, of course. "It's Doctor Who, you know, it's a gas and a good thing in the world. It's a nice, fun, exciting thing, and I look forward to the rest of the specials and Ncuti Gatwa coming along. I've met him, and he's very inspiring and charming." View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May 2024. Doctor Who is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial here. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's Steven Moffat on potential return: "It's fine without me!"
"We've got Russell there... We've got Ncuti there. It's all good."
With a brand new season of Doctor Who just months away, fans are wanting to have their burning questions answered about the new instalment and beyond. One of those questions that has remained the same is: Will Steven Moffat ever return to Doctor Who? Well, speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, the former showrunner revealed whether or not a potential return was on the horizon. "Look at my ageing face. How can I fit in? And I know, because I've seen the feedback, that people think I'm being evasive on the subject," he explained, before continuing, "The truth is, if I say anything negative about Doctor Who it goes everywhere, like boom, everywhere, right? "It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about Doctor Who. The fact is, it's fine without me." Read more: Millie Gibson's future on Doctor Who is still very bright Doctor Who adds West End actor to cast for season 15 Moffat noted that the show now has the return of Russell T Davies, as well as other writers all taking part in creating an exciting new era. He added: "We've got Russell there. We've got a bunch of new writers there. We've got Ncuti [Gatwa, Fifteenth Doctor] there. It's all good." Moffat previously addressed his return to the series in September during an appearance on Newsnight, noting that the show is in "very safe hands" with current showrunner Davies. It has been confirmed that Doctor Who season 14 will debut on screens in May 2024, but a specific release date is yet to be revealed. The new run will follow the adventures of the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, and his companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. The 15th season of Doctor Who has already begun filming, with Russell T Davies back at the helm, as well as the introduction of a new companion. While details of Varada Sethu's character are yet to be confirmed, fans have spotted Sethu and Gatwa filming scenes in Cardiff, as they find themselves in a peculiar situation. View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill reveals she messaged new companion Varada Sethu
"There's no actual advice but I'm sure she's going to be absolutely amazing."
Varada Sethu is stepping into the role of the Doctor's next companion, taking over from Millie Gibson in 2025 when Doctor Who's 15th season airs. While not much is known about her character, or how she ends up dressed in 1950s American clothing, it has been confirmed that Sethu is the new Doctor Who companion, and former companion Mandip Gill has shared some words of wisdom for the star. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Gill explained that she had messaged Sethu following the news of her role. “I actually have messaged Varada, just a general 'enjoy it' because it goes so fast and it was what I wanted to hear," she explained. Gill added: "There's no actual advice, but I'm sure she's going to be absolutely amazing. But yeah, really enjoy it because time does fly when you're having fun." With the introduction of Sethu's character, representation on screen has continued to grow, something Gill previously praised Doctor Who for back in 2022. She said: "It feels amazing because I wanted to be seen when I was growing up. We can only thank Chris for writing those characters. Read more: Severance season 2 resumes filming as first look unveiled Doctor Who adds West End actor to cast for season 15 "But it feels amazing that people do resonate with it. I see a lot of fan art and I have had loads of interactions with people where it's meant so much to them. And I know what that feels like, to see yourself. It brings people to tears to be seen. "It's just mad that it's 2022 when that's happening, that's it's taken that long for a group of people to be seen. But I'm so honoured to have been part of that." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Doctor Who will return in May. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Mr Bates star Will Mellor on justice for Post Office victims: "Talk's cheap"
Mellor said the response from the public following the series was "unprecedented".
ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office has made waves since its debut earlier this year, and it has become ITV's biggest new drama in over a decade. The four-part series explored how hundreds of subpostmasters and mistresses were falsely accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to an IT malfunction. Following this success of the series, there has been intense scrutiny placed on the public inquiry, and as of January 2024, said inquiry moved into its final phase, with many hoping justice will be served. Will Mellor, who portrayed Lee Castleton in the series, told RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party that it's important more is done for the victims of the scandal, noting that "talk is cheap". "All these people wanted to be was heard for so long, and no one wanted to listen, because they were skint little people, as Alan Bates said in the drama," he explained. He continued: "And now we've [seen] what we can do in this country, when we come together and go, 'No, this is wrong, get something done, make people accountable for what they did.' And remember the money they took off these people - that's not compensation, that was their money. "What price do you find people losing their life, going to prison or not be able to remember their childhood because of the treatment they had to have for depression?" Following the series shining a further light on the scandal, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, announced that primary legislation will be brought forward to overturn the convictions of all Post Office staff who were wrongly convicted. Mellor said that the response to the series was "unprecedented", and that neither he nor the rest of the crew imagined the response it would have from the public. He added: "We all said on set, 'Can you believe they did this to these people?' And we were saying after we were filming [that] it was powerful, and we knew people would talk about it." Directed by James Strong, Mr Bates vs The Post Office quickly became the most-watched TV show of 2024 so far. Further speaking to RadioTimes.com, Mellor recalled a conversation he had with Strong, in which the director told him, "If we get this right, this could this could be quite good and quite big," but nothing had prepared them for this. Mellor added: "We, the cast... you have to bring your A-game here. You're with some big players. So it was a privilege for me to be on set with these people. I was just glad to be involved and be a part of it." Earlier this month, Post Office chief executive Nick Read released a statement to the victims, saying: "We sincerely apologise to victims for the devastating impact of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal on the lives of so many. "We are doing all we can to provide redress and urge anyone affected who has not yet come forward to do so." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is available to watch on ITVX. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife star on Trixie and Matthew: "I don’t see it as a deterioration"
Renee Bailey and Zephryn Taitte gave their thoughts on Trixie and Matthew's storyline at this year's Radio Times Covers Party.
We're now halfway through the current season of Call the Midwife, and it seems fair to say that things haven't exactly been plain sailing for Trixie and Matthew since their marriage at the end of the previous season. A combination of financial troubles and the couple clashing over Trixie's work life led to a bitter argument between them in last week's episode, and now, speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, cast members Renee Bailey (Joyce) and Zephryn Taitte (Cyril) have given their thoughts on the storyline. Speaking alongside two other castmates, Rebecca Gethings (Sister Veronica) and Natalie Quarry (Rosalind), Bailey said: "I feel like, solely as a viewer, the recent episode, it’s just like, wow. "For newlyweds, it feels like quite a sudden twist, but also quite realistic in the, sort of, I guess, things where you lock heads, being a newlywed in work at that time. "But, solely as a viewer, it's very interesting, the tumultuous journey that they're going on." Meanwhile, Taitte added: "I don't see it as a deterioration of their relationship. To echo what you said, basically, it’s like, yeah, everyone goes through stuff, right? So I guess we'll just wait to see how it unfolds, more than anything." Read more: Call the Midwife costume designer reveals secrets to styling for 1969 Call the Midwife beloved character experiences terrifying brush with death Trixie star Helen George previously spoke about filming the difficult scenes between the couple, saying: "They've just got married and you think, 'Gosh, it's so happy, and he's very rich and she gets all these posh clothes, and it's great.' But then, you know, there's bumps along the way. "But it's fun, as well. They're hard-hitting scenes, especially towards the end of the series, but it very much turns into a kind of kitchen sink drama by the end of it. The scenes that we filmed are so real, like any couple at home today. "They're really great to play, really fun to play – different." See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Call the Midwife returns to BBC One at 8pm on Sunday 4th February 2024. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Louis Theroux reveals what documentaries he's got in the works
Theroux was speaking at this year's Radio Times Covers Party.
Louis Theroux was among the host of stars in attendance at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, and while there he stopped by to let RadioTimes.com know the documentaries he's currently got in the works. First up, Theroux spoke about Can I Tell You a Secret?, a true crime limited series coming to Netflix in February, which he said was real "popcorn viewing". He said: "It's a two-parter. I'm not in it. It was made by the company I started with some colleagues, and is very exciting - twisty-turny, true crime-y, psychology-thriller-y. What else can I say? Like, very compulsive. Proper, like, popcorn viewing." The series focuses on the stories of three women, whose lives were changed forever when a prolific stalker infiltrated their social media accounts. Theroux then went on to speak about Tell Them You Love Me, a feature documentary coming to Sky Documentaries and NOW on 3rd February, as well as another project about the Columbia space shuttle. He explained: "Also, we've got a feature doc on Sky Docs called Tell Them You Love Me. We've got a lot of great things coming on. A three-parter - can I say it? - about Columbia. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website "I think I can say that, not the country, but the space shuttle. So there's lot of good stuff coming up." It was announced earlier in January that Theroux's company, Mindhouse, will be producing a four-part docuseries for Dave and UKTV Play titled Follow the Leader, fronted by comedian Jamali Maddix. That series will see Maddix investigating religious cults, political movements, underground radicals and ostracised groups, as he looks to understand the enormous loyalty and devotion that these communities inspire. See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Traitors boss reveals filming for season 3 will start soon
It's a show that everybody has been talking about: The Traitors. Following its initial success after season 1, the show has reached all new heights and despite only airing three times a week, people ensured they tuned in, with the first episode reaching an average audience of 6.4 million viewers in just the first 7 days. The second season saw a Traitor named the victor, with Harry taking home over £90,000 after managing to dupe each and every Faithful (except Jaz) to the very end. As for the show's success, producer Stephen Lambert told RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 that due to the show's popularity in Holland, they had the "confidence" it would do well. He said: "It gave us confidence and that gave the BBC confidence, which is why the BBC boldly went straight to BBC One with it and put it on three nights a week, which is quite an unusual thing to do because if you look at the BBC's big unscripted hits they've all grown on BBC Two first." As ever, after one season of a hit show ends, fans are desperate to know when the next one will be and luckily for Traitors fans, the third season of The Traitors was confirmed last year before season 2 even aired. In an exciting update, Lambert confirmed to RadioTimes.com that filming for season 3 is taking place shortly, saying: "We're shooting season 3 very soon." With rumours of a celebrity version of the show rife, Lambert explained that viewers could see famous faces take part in the show "in the future", but it wouldn't be before season 3. Read more: The Traitors winner Harry almost turned down show Johannes Radebe praises inclusivity: 'The world's learning from Strictly' There is currently no confirmation of a celebrity version of The Traitors, but if Lambert could have his pick of celebrities on the show, Tom Cruise is top of his list. He joked: "I saw Tom Cruise in a restaurant the other day… let’s aim high! Well we've got John Bercow for the American version so Tom Cruise is the obvious next step isn't it?" See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. The Traitors season 1 and 2 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Traitors winner Harry almost turned down show
Things could have ended up very differently!
When the first four Traitors were chosen all those weeks ago on the BBC reality show, no one could have imagine the waves it would make. Over the last month, viewers have sat down to watch back-stabbing like no other, high levels of deception and, of course, the winner of £95,150 - which led to The Traitors season 2 breaking records, with viewing figures doubling the totals for season 1 before the final three episodes even aired. As fans saw it play out on screen, Harry was named the winner of The Traitors' second instalment, after deceiving his fellow contestants to the very end - leaving the final Faithful standing, Mollie, shocked and confused by the betrayal. But this almost didn't happen. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Harry revealed he almost turned down the show. The winner revealed that he had been scouted for the series and received a message on Instagram, which he was initially sceptical of. "So, luckily, I got a message on Instagram that said, 'Do you want to check this out?' from a caster and I was like, 'No way, I'm not giving you my bank details, I don't want an iPhone 13, I don't want a scam,'" he explained. Harry continued: "And then luckily, she said, 'No, check it out.' And I watched the first few episodes, gave her a ring, and I was like, 'I love this.' Series 1 was amazing. I was like, 'Well, I need to be a Traitor.' And she was like, 'You haven't even applied yet.'" It was from this moment that Harry decided to apply for the show, with the possible cash prize of £120,000 also at the forefront of his mind. "Who's gonna say no to that?" He explained that when the opportunity arose, he took it with "both hands" - and as they say, the rest is history. Harry was one of the original Traitors on the show, and one by one he took down the other Traitors who posed a threat to him, starting with Ash, Paul, Ross and then finally Andrew. As for what he's going to splash the money on? Well, according to Mollie, some of it will be spent on a holiday! Speaking alongside Harry and Jaz on BBC Breakfast after the final, Mollie said: "We saw each other pretty soon after, and he promised me a holiday, so I'm pretty happy with that." View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. The Traitors season 1 and 2 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Johannes Radebe praises inclusivity: 'The world's learning from Strictly'
Radebe was one half of the first same-sex male couple on the show in 2021.
Professional dancer Johannes Radebe has praised Strictly Come Dancing for its inclusivity and representation on screen in recent years. The competition series made waves back in 2020 after featuring its first celebrity same-sex couple, which saw Nicola Adams and Katya Jones paired together, and the following year the show made history with its introduction of the first same-sex male couple with John Whaite and Johannes Radebe. In the most recent season, viewers saw Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin paired together as they cha-cha'd their way to the final in a phenomenal competition, and Radebe is "proud" to be a part of the show that recognises how diverse the world is. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2024, Radebe explained: "I think Strictly is one the shows that shows the entire world how [to be] progressive in terms of inclusion and I'm proud to be a part of an establishment that recognises that it takes all sorts to make the world go round and they're great." The professional dancer went on to say that the "world is learning" from Strictly, adding: "We are the ones that are teaching the world, so honestly so far I'm happy!" Strictly Come Dancing has continued to make room for people showing their true selves on the dance floor, with 2023 finalist Layton Williams previously praising the show for allowing him to be "flamboyant". Ahead of the final last year, Williams told RadioTimes.com and other press he wanted to wear costumes on Strictly that were "fabulous and authentic" to what he wanted to represent, and felt as though he managed to do that on the show. "In order to have fun, I really needed to be true to exactly how I felt," he explained. Williams said: "The Strictly team have been so fabulous because sometimes I think it might be a first for them to have someone who's been excessively flamboyant. "And they've really gotten behind me. I'll be like, 'I want to wear that cheeky little moment' and they'll be like, 'OK cool, if that's how you feel comfortable'." View Green Video on the source website See more photos from the Radio Times Covers Party 2024 in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale Tuesday 6th February. Strictly Come Dancing returns in 2024. Looking for something to watch? Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.