With thanks to the Radio Times Covers Party 2025 Goodie Bag suppliers...
Attendees at this year's Radio Times Covers Party left with a luxury Goodie Bag, filled with gifts from generous suppliers.
The Radio Times Covers Party 2025 took place on Tuesday 28th January, and it saw a host of big names from the world of entertainment out in force. Among those in attendance were Sir Lenny Henry, Richard Curtis, David Mitchell, Meera Syal, Samantha Bond and many more. Other TV favourites at the party included the cast of Call the Midwife, some of the big names from The Traitors, Doctor Who's Steven Moffat and Anita Dobson, and the cast of the Gavin & Stacey finale. While at the party, the stars not only shared some reflections on previous projects and hints towards the future, but they also left with a luxury Goodie Bag, made up of contents provided by generous suppliers. Suppliers who contributed to this year's Goodie Bag ranged from Bambaw to Two Farmers, and you can find the full list below. With thanks to: Bambaw Boundless Bramley Battle Green Capel Manor College Cartwright & Butler Corinne Taylor Ebury Flawless Forged Spirits hipSwan HOLOS Kombucha HumaniTea Hu Kitchen <a href="https://www.laithwaites.co.uk/?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAkoe9BhDYARIsAH85cDMnvDnM8dBHNA1aOmd-kjgcOX0WFRre3fjNTWO9EEVVsxqPIEbv6hEaAqrGEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!15789!3!698108907084!e!!g!!laithwaite%27s!22342733!6057295733&cid=RECR%2FJB12%2Fgoogle%2FBrand%2FPure%2Fw&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkoe9BhDYARIsAH85cDMnvDnM8dBHNA1aOmd-kjgcOX0WFRre3fjNTWO9EEVVsxqPIEbv6hEaAqrGEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laithwaites Wine Ocelot Chocolate Peppersmith PROPER Snacks Sapling Spirits SEEDBALL Shade All-Natural Sunscreen Summerdown The Natural Deodorant Co. The Natural Spa The Online Wine Tasting Club Two Farmers While at the party, Slow Horses star Christopher Chung told RadioTimes.com what viewers can expect from the upcoming fifth season, Sally Lindsay teased season 4 of The Madame Blanc Mysteries and the team behind Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl revealed how they celebrated their Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Anita Dobson gave Doctor Who fans some hints as to when we can expect more details on her character, the mysterious Mrs Flood. 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.
Slow Horses Roddy star recalls "explicit words" during fan encounters
Christopher Chung spoke to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party.
He might not be the most likeable of characters, but it turns out fans of Slow Horses haven't wasted any time in letting their true feelings for Roddy Ho known, according to the actor. Christopher Chung revealed that he's had some awkward run-ins with fans of the Apple TV+ drama, telling RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025: "Yeah, I've had a lot of people come up to me and point at me and say, 'You're a –, an a**hole or a p***k.'" He went on: "Some very explicit words have [been] said to me, but I think that's a real testament to, you know, how he's coming across. "But in a way that people want to watch him, which is what I'd always hoped." Chung's character Roddy has been in the series since season 1 and has established himself as the go-to tech expert on the Slough House team. Although he's a bit of a genius at what he does, Roddy certainly doesn't take any prisoners and has a particular way of teasing his colleagues. Already quite the self-assured character, Chung also revealed that Roddy is only set to take that to new heights for season 5. He also revealed to RadioTimes.com: "[In] season 5, he becomes a little bit louder and a little bit more self-assured, even more so than he already is, but I think you'll be in for a bit of a surprise. "[I] might throw a few dance moves here and there." Read more: Slow Horses star says viewers "might be in for a surprise" in season 5 Slow Horses season 5 release window confirmed in new teaser The fifth season, which was confirmed a little while ago, will be based on Mick Herron's fifth Slough House novel, London Rules. While we don't have a release date for season 5 just yet, we do know that there will be plenty of drama in store. The official synopsis for the season teases: "In season 5 of Slow Horses, everyone is suspicious when resident tech nerd Roddy Ho has a glamorous new girlfriend, but when a series of increasingly bizarre events occur across the city, it falls to the Slow Horses to work out how everything is connected. "After all, Jackson Lamb knows that in the world of espionage, 'London Rules' should always apply." We do also know that Chung is set to take on a more central role in season 5, with the Slow Horses star previously telling GamesRadar+: "Everyone gets a moment in the spotlight, which is great, but I had read six or seven books that were out when I was cast, and because London Rules has such a heavy focus on Roddy, I was hoping we would get to season 5. So, that was really exciting when it got green-lit, it was amazing news. "And the way Will [Smith] has written it, it's just everything that I hoped for and more." Slow Horses seasons 1-4 are available to watch now on Apple TV+ – sign up to Apple TV+ now. 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.
Gavin & Stacey’s James Corden thought Smithy could have ended up with Sonia
Cordon thought that his character's happy ending could have looked very different...
*Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Gavin & Stacey finale.* It was the happy ending we'd all been waiting for in the Gavin & Stacey finale on Christmas Day as Smithy finally decided to marry Nessa, aborting his wedding to Sonia at the altar. But according to Gavin & Stacey star Robert Wilfort, co-creator James Cordon thought that, in another universe, his character Smithy's happy ending could have looked very different indeed. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, Wilford – who plays Stacey's brother Jason West – said: “I remember James saying, he thinks if Smithy and Sonia didn’t have any other family, it was just them, they’d probably be fine. But because there’s this whole other world…" Sonia star Laura Aikman continued: "Yeah there’s this whole other world that she can’t assimilate into. She cannot do it." The arrival of Gavin & Stacey’s finale on Christmas Day marked a bittersweet moment for fans – while they did get to see their favourite TV family again after a five-year hiatus, it was for the final time. In retrospective documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, co-creators Corden and Ruth Jones recently revealed why the show had to come to an end, explaining that "we can never see" Smithy and Nessa's relationship on screen. "Probably from the first Christmas special that we did, when Dave proposes and Smithy says, 'Don’t marry him', from that moment on it felt like they had to end together," Corden said of Smithy and Nessa. "And that’s what he says in this last scene, 'I know it’s messy and not perfect, but that’s because we’re messy and not perfect'." Jones added: "Once Smithy and Nessa got together, that really is the end. Because we can never see them actually living together." Corden cut in to add, "Oh no, it would be awful", to which Jones responded: "Seeing Smithy put the bins out...". Corden added: "No, it just won’t work." Additional reporting by Louise Griffin. All episodes of Gavin & Stacey, plus Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy 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.
Doctor Who’s Anita Dobson teases Mrs Flood’s mindset ahead of season 15
"She really needs to have her wits about her now."
Doctor Who star Anita Dobson has teased Mrs Flood’s “focused” mindset ahead of her return in season 15. The actor made her debut as the mysterious character, the neighbour of Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), in the 2023 Christmas special, and raised was suspicious from the off. She returned in season 14, revealing a few more clues about her backstory – but her identity remains unclear. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, Dobson teased what fans can expect from the character in the upcoming season, explaining: “I think she realises that things are coming to a head and she really needs to have her wits about her now. And so she’s beetling around doing what she does, but now with purpose because she knows that the future is holding some kind of finale if you like." She continued: "So yeah, I think she’s really focused even though she’s ditzy, she’s focused. She knows what’s going on." Fans were recently given a glimpse at Mrs Flood's return in an exciting trailer for season 15, which shows the character looking at something through a pair of opera glasses. Alongside the return of Dobson as Mrs Flood and Gibson as Ruby, season 15 will welcome back Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. Meanwhile, new additions to the cast include Varada Sethu as new companion Belinda Chandra and Rose Ayling-Ellis. Additional reporting by Louise Griffin. Read more: Doctor Who writer confirms Joy to the World character is "a one-off" despite fan theories Doctor Who theory could solve year-long Mrs Flood mystery Doctor Who season 15 release date speculation, cast and latest news Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker and Gentleman Jack's Suranne Jones lead heist thriller Doctor Who will return this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
McDonald & Dodds stars throw hat in the ring for Midsomer Murders role
However, Neil Dudgeon isn't planning on leaving anytime soon...
While Neil Dudgeon has no plans to leave Midsomer Murders anytime soon, Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins have both said they'd be interesting in stepping in to take over as the formidable detective in charge, should that ever happen. Dudgeon currently stars as as DCI John Barnaby, having replaced John Nettles as the lead in 2011, and he'll be sticking round for as long as he can. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Dudgeon said: "I'm very happy in the countryside, it's very nice. And no, I assume that at some point I'll get the hook. "They'll all come and sort of drag me off into the wings, and they won't want anymore, but they haven't done it yet, so I'm gonna keep going to work until I get the hook." When asked who he thinks could take over as the lead, stars of McDonald & Dodds (Gouveia and Watkins) joked that one of them would be a good replacement. At the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, Dudgeon said: "Jason, obviously, unless they needed to go for somebody, well, you're quite a bit younger than me. "You've been a detective, it's in the lovely countryside. So that would be great, we've got two good options." Read more: Call the Midwife's Megan Cusack confirms Nancy is still getting married McDonald & Dodds star Tala Gouveia thanks fans after series cancellation Midsomer Murders confirms start of production on milestone season 25 It has been a while since Midsomer Murders was last on our TV screens, but Dudgeon confirmed to RadioTimes.com that filming is commencing soon. He said: "I don't know when it's next being broadcast, but we start filming again at the end of March for season 25, so it goes on. "We've had a year off this year. We didn't film this year, but last year. But we are filming again this year. "We're filming four new stories from March this year." Midsomer Murders is available to stream on ITVX. 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.
Gavin & Stacey creators "never agreed" on what happened on the fishing trip
It's a question that has been on the lips of Gavin & Stacey fans since the very start: what happened on that fishing trip?! Unfortunately, it doesn't seem the answer will ever be revealed, especially given the show's final episode aired on Christmas Day last year, and now one of the leading stars, Robert Wilfort, has revealed just why no one will find out. "The mystery remains," Wilfort said exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025. "The secret is, none of us know, nobody knows. Ruth [Jones] and James [Corden] have never agreed on what it is, me and Rob Brydon don't know, we've always been in the dark and I think that's the way it is. Wilfort went on to explain that if the show's creators had come up with a finished story of what really happened on the fishing trip, audiences may not have taken to it. "So the mystery lives on," he added. Gavin & Stacey fans were given their first look at the infamous fishing trip as part of A Fond Farewell, a documentary that looked back on the creation of the comedy series. At the end of the documentary, viewers watched on as they were treated to footage of the fishing trip, but what they didn't know is that it was actually filmed years ago and not specially for the documentary. Wilfort told RadioTimes.com: "Well, we actually filmed that in the original series. We filmed that and it never got used. We filmed it for the end of series 3, so that's about 15 years ago? "It never made it in the final episode, it was running too long. It was going to be a little more of a tease then... and yeah, so it's lovely for it to blow everyone's minds 15 years later." Read more: Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters reveals first reaction to Dave Coaches romance Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl overtakes Gavin & Stacey finale with smash ratings Gavin & Stacey fans react to "odd" omissions after BAFTA nominations reveal While excitement certainly brewed in households across the country as it seemed the truth was finally going to be revealed, the clip was cut short and the mystery continued. At a Q&A for the finale episode last year, Wilfort explained that fans will never know what happened, saying: "I'd like to say now and forever: the joke has always been you don't find out what happens on the fishing trip! "I'm sorry, everybody, but that has always been the joke, and it always will be because it's funny. It's funnier that way. "And I was so pleased that we didn't reveal it, because we've never known what it is." All episodes of Gavin & Stacey, plus Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy 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.
Madame Blanc Mysteries' Sally Lindsay teases first for season 4
"I don't think I've seen that on television before. I hope I haven't."
Channel 5 detective drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which is written by and stars Sally Lindsay and Sue Vincent, is returning for its fourth season this year, and fans should expect to see a TV first this time around, according to Lindsay. While attending the Radio Times Covers Party alongside Mrs Sidhu Investigates star Meera Syal, The Marlow Murder Club's Samantha Bond and Whitstable Pearl's Kerry Godliman, Linday opened up about what fans can expect from season 4. She said: "We open with two 75-year-old hotties on jet skis flying across the Mediterranean, and then they find a dead body. So, I don't think I've seen that on television before. I hope I haven't. "And my husband's done an amazing Hawaii Five-0 riff to it. So, that's what I want everyone to start off with. "But, actually, the edit's come out really well. We've got some brilliant actors, brilliant friends in it again, so yeah, I'm very proud." Lindsay's husband is Steve White, a musician and drummer who also wrote the show's main theme, Passing Through. Read more: Sally Lindsay's Madame Blanc Mysteries confirms season 4 air date Madame Blanc Mysteries' Sally Lindsay talks female-centric writing and industry progress McDonald & Dodds star says show could find another home after cancellation The Madame Blanc Mysteries also stars Steve Edge, Sue Holderness, Robin Askwith, Alex Gaumond, Tony Robinson and Paul Chuckle, and most recently aired its 2024 Christmas special. While attending the Radio Times Covers Party, Lindsay was asked whether she could see herself ever returning to her Coronation Street character Shelley Unwin. "It's a great job and I've always said this about Coronation Street, never say never," Lindsay said. "It has been many years now and I've got my own show and I produce as well, so it's probably not for me. "But I absolutely think it's the best thing ever for people to go back, because it's like another world. It's a great job." The Madame Blanc Mysteries will return to Channel 5 for fourth season in 2025. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Drama hub for more news, interviews and features. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who writer confirms Joy to the World character is "a one-off" despite fan theories
After the 2024 Doctor Who Christmas special, all eyes were on standout star Steph de Whalley and her character Anita, with many fans calling for her to return. Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor adventured to the Time Hotel in the Steven Moffat-penned Christmas special Joy to the World, meeting Anita, the manager at the Sandringham Hotel, along the way. With the Doctor being stuck on Earth for a year, he and Anita formed a beautiful friendship in a stunning sequence that stole the show for many fans. Despite theories about Anita's return circulating (even one about her potentially being another version of Mrs Flood), Moffat has insisted she was a "one-off" character. He told RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party: "She is a one off character. She is, like all great things in Doctor Who, and this is a fact you can take from me, because I know my Doctor Who facts – all great things in Doctor Who are the result of a budget cut. "The spaceship looks like a phone box. Why? Because of a budget cut. That's exactly what Anita was, because we couldn't afford to send Ncuti Gatwa around the world trying to find another hotel. "So we just turned it into a little, not exactly romance, but a sort of quasi-romance with Anita. So Anita is a budget cut, but that means in Doctor Who terms, that means Anita is one of the best things that happened." That doesn't necessarily mean Anita definitely won't return – after all, Doctor Who has a habit of bringing back supposedly "one-off" characters, including Catherine Tate's Donna Noble. But we would guess from Moffat's remarks that there aren't any imminent plans for her return. Moffat also addressed the possibility of his own return to Doctor Who, after he wrote the season 14 episode Boom and the Christmas special. He told RadioTimes.com: "Have I got any more ideas? Well, I mean, there's an awful lot of scripts I've written, so I don't honestly know if I've got any more ideas, and I don't know if they'll want me, and I don't know what my schedule will be. "So I don't know. I'm not against it, but I'm not especially saying it's gonna happen. I'm not even lying anymore!" Doctor Who: Joy to the World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Doctor Who will return in 2025 to BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Call the Midwife's Megan Cusack confirms Nancy has taken new job
"She's got a new job, but it doesn't mean you won't get to see her again."
The most recent Call the Midwife Christmas special and the first episode of season 14 saw big changes for Nancy, as she fell in love, got engaged and accepted a new job which would take her away from Poplar. The character has since been absent from our screens over the proceeding episodes, leading fans to wonder whether she has already taken up her new post. Now, actor Megan Cusack has confirmed once and for all where the character has gone. Cusack was asked about Nancy's absence at this year's Radio Times Covers Party, to which she said: "Yeah, well, she's just a career woman. You know, she's off doing things, she's got a new job, but it doesn't mean you won't get to see her again." When asked if this meant she could confirm Nancy is now in her new job at Netherditch hospital, Cusack joked that "I neither confirm, nor deny", before laughing and adding: "No, yeah, she's there." While at the Radio Times Covers Party, Cusack also responded to fan theories questioning Nancy's new fiancé Roger's intentions. Read more: Call the Midwife's Helen George doesn't know what will happen with Matthew Doctor Who's Jodie Whittaker and Gentleman Jack's Suranne Jones lead heist thriller The actor described fan speculation that he could be a member of the IRA "because he's from Northern Ireland" as "really rogue", and confirmed that he is, indeed, a good guy. "No, he is a delightful, wonderful fella and he treats me and [Nancy's daughter] Colette very nicely," she said. The next episode of Call the Midwife sees Shelagh making a house call to see a man who lives inside an iron lung, while Violet enlists the help of Cyril, who has returned from Jamaica, to keep children safe as they play in the street while excited by the 1970 Commonwealth Games. Call the Midwife airs on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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 Traitors' Minah admits it became harder to murder contestants as series went on
While it may have seemed like murdering their fellow players in the dead of night was an easy feat, that couldn't be further from the truth, according to this year's original Traitors. At the beginning of the highly anticipated season 3, host Claudia Winkleman chose Linda, Minah and Armani as the Traitors, but after just a couple of days in the castle, Armani was banished – leaving Linda and Minah to stay strong and continue their mission, but it wasn't always that easy. Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, Linda said: "I think occasionally we felt guilty, but we loved it as well." Minah added that "as the days went on, it got harder", admitting that it was "all fun" at the start of the show as they "hadn't got to know each other", but things soon changed. "Linda and I are emotional people, and we get connected to people very quickly," Minah explained. "So as the days went on, it did get harder, but you've got to do what you've got to do." However, time was against Linda and Minah during the show, as the former became the second Traitor to be banished from the castle after Minah turned on her as the Faithful grew suspicious. But as per the rules of the game, Minah had the recruit one of the Faithfuls to join her in the turret. Minah chose to recruit Charlotte and after she accepted, no one was prepared for the treachery that was about to unfold. As whispers began to spread across the castle of Minah possibly being a Traitor, Charlotte kept the rumours quiet from her fellow Traitor, before turning on her in one of the later roundtables, which led to her banishment. Explaining her time in the castle, Charlotte expressed a similar sentiment to Linda and Minah, admitting: "I had to kind of keep fighting". She said: "It's really tough, especially going against someone you love so much in the castle. It's tough, but you kind of owe it to the game, like we've signed up to play a game. "This is the game. This is the way the game has made it manifested itself. And you know, I was the last traitor. I had to kind of keep fighting." The Traitors season 1-3 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Chris Packham reveals one TV show to watch – and it's not what you think
There is one thing that Chris Packham is urging people at home to watch, and it's not your ordinary documentary or the latest thrilling drama series, it's actually the weather. Packham, a naturalist and TV presenter, wants people to "engage and realise we're in a crisis", and believes that by tuning in to weather reports, the public may have a further idea of the climate situation they currently live in. Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, Packham explained: "I would recommend they watch the weather because the weather is heavily influenced by our climate now, and I'm hoping that what we get on our daily weather reports increases to include more information about how climate breakdown is influencing that weather, and I think that's beginning to happen. "We're beginning to get some truth, some honesty, and that helps when we put the crisis into perspective on a daily basis for people who are looking out of their windows and wondering why their garden is flooded, why their garden is shrivelled, and even looking overseas, where places are on fire. "So, for me, it's about that connectivity, so that people can engage and realise we're in a crisis, and we've got to get out of it." The presenter previously shared a similar sentiment of waking up to the issues surrounding us in nature when he guest edited Radio Times magazine in April 2024. Writing for the magazine, Packham said: "We have to change our diet for our health and the health of our wildlife and the environment. "We have it all to fight for because we are careening towards a last stand for life on Earth. "So, in this week's Earth Day Special RT, I hope you are repaired, prepared and inspired to conspire to make a difference. "And that’s point number one – I, you, we can make a difference. We are powerful, we count and when we stand up to be counted, we have to make it count. Let’s go!" Read more: Chris Packham says AI will be "an integral part" of Springwatch's return Chris Packham celebrates the work of wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Doctor Who's Anita Dobson confirms Mrs Flood's identity will be revealed very soon
Theories about Mrs Flood's identity have been swirling since her first appearance.
Since Christmas 2023, Doctor Who fans have been puzzling over the identity of Mrs Flood – but actress Anita Dobson has now confirmed that mystery will soon be over. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, Dobson said: "By the end of this series that's coming up now, you will find out who she is and what she's about." While Dobson is keeping tight-lipped about what adventures Mrs Flood will go on in season 2, she teased that more incredible costumes are coming, adding: "I get to wear some really cool outfits. I'm big on clothes!" She's also in the know about all the fan theories circulating about Mrs Flood – and she says some of them are pretty close to the truth. "I think some of the theories are really cool, because I've done a couple of Comic Cons, and the fans come up and tell me what they think," she said. "Some of them have been really close to the truth. And some of them come up with these, you think, ‘wow, that's really good.’ So I hope Russell's listening in, and I really hope to do more, because I have loved my journey with it. It's been fantastic. I love Mrs Flood." Mrs Flood was introduced as Ruby Sunday's (Millie Gibson) curious neighbour but, when she recognised the Doctor's TARDIS at the end of the 2023 Christmas special The Church on Ruby Road, it became clear there's more to her than initially meets the eye. In season 14, Mrs Flood returned, giving more clues about her identity – but we don't have any solid answers just yet. The trailer for season 15 has made it clear that Mrs Flood is set to return in style (how else?) as she gazes at something through a pair of opera glasses. Perhaps the chaos is only just beginning. Doctor Who will return this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Wallace & Gromit creators reveals how they celebrated Oscar nomination
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won the hearts of the nation on Christmas Day last year, as audiences were treated to yet another adventure from the cheese-loving duo. The 70-minute special saw the return of infamous villain Feathers McGraw, who was on a mission for revenge which led to an evil robot, Gromit at the edge of a cliff and some good old Wensleydale. The excitement hasn't stopped there, with the film reaching 21.6 million viewers after 28 days and receiving an Oscar nomination! During its shortlist reveal, the Academy announced that Vengeance Most Fowl had been nominated for Animated Feature Film. This wouldn't be the first time the best friends' adventures have been nominated, having won four Oscars in the past. Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, creator Nick Park admitted he enjoyed a "stiff cup of tea" after hearing the news, while creative director Merlin Crossingham said: "We cracked open some bubbly, and that was after I nearly spilt my tea, but we did have some champagne, and raised a glass to the whole crew who helped us make this amazing movie." Download the Radio Times app for more Oscars 2025 coverage – including interviews with the stars and exclusive features. Speaking to BBC News of the nomination, Nick Park said it had come as a "surprise and real privilege". "You don't get used to it," he said. "You cannot expect it. We didn't make the film for this and it still comes as incredible to be counted up there. "Every artist loves to have their work rewarded in some way or other, and it's a great reflection on our amazing team of animators and all the talented people, the director of photography, the music, everything that has gone into the film. "So many people have worked so hard." Read more: Wallace & Gromit creator on bringing characters back for iconic Christmas Day return Every Wallace & Gromit film ranked from worst to best Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and Netflix now. 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.
Call the Midwife star criticises Roger fan theory – confirms he's a good guy
Call the Midwife's Megan Cusack has revealed she was not impressed by one particular fan theory about Nancy's fiancé Roger. Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party, she described fan comments speculating that he could be a member of the IRA "because he's from Northern Ireland" as "really rogue" – and went on to confirm that he is, indeed, a good guy. "No, he is a delightful, wonderful fella and he treats me and [Nancy's daughter] Colette very nicely," she said. "And he's a lovely actor," added Helen George, which was also echoed by Cusack. "Oh my God, he's so nice," she added. "Conor, Conor O'Donnell. He's gorgeous, so funny. He fit right in from the very beginning." Nancy and Roger first met at Dr Turner's surgery during the Christmas special while the midwife was filling in for Miss Higgins in reception. Initially, she rejected his advances, but it didn't take long for her to reconsider and, after a whirlwind romance, the pair declared their love for one another and are now engaged. Nancy has since left Nonnatus House to take up a new job that allows her to be closer to her husband-to-be, but she's set to return to London in the spring for her wedding. Her future beyond that is currently unknown. Elsewhere, George also revealed that she doesn't know if we'll see Matthew return to Poplar. Trixie's husband left last season to explore a new business opportunity in New York after his finances fell into disarray, and the midwife has since reported that things are ticking along nicely. But despite telling Sister Julienne that they are planning to move back to London permanently, George is apparently none the wiser about what executive producer and writer Heidi Thomas has in store. "Who knows!" she said. "It'll be interesting to see what happens there. At the moment, I don't know, and I'm excited to find out what happens." RadioTimes.com was told that the door had been left open for Olly Rix to return when news of his exit was first announced, but there have been no further updates. Read more: Call the Midwife's Nancy poses a problem for fans of the show Call the Midwife drops blink-and-you'll-miss-it Doctor Who Easter egg Call the Midwife airs on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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.
Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters reveals first reaction to Dave Coaches romance
Did Walters see the Dave Coaches twist coming?
Along with the burning questions over whether Nessa and Smithy would finally get together in Gavin & Stacey's final ever episode, fans of the sitcom were also treated to quite the surprise when it was revealed that Stacey's mother Gwen had a budding romance of her own. In the dramatic scenes that aired over Christmas, it was revealed that Gwen (Melanie Walters) had been in a relationship with Dave Coaches (Steffan Rhodri), a plot twist that most fans didn't quite see coming. But did Walters? Speaking of her reaction to reading about Gwen's new love interest for the finale, Walters chatted exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025 and said: "Well, I howled as well, actually. "I read it, I was sort of pre-warned by Chris, our amazing director, Chris Gernon. Obviously, she didn't tell me anything." Walters continued: "She'd read the script before I got the script. But she said, 'I'm not going to say anything at all.' She said, 'What I will say is that you will... there'll be a point that you will shriek.' So yeah, and that was the point I did, I did shriek. "I had absolutely, absolutely no idea. It's great, wasn't it? It's great. It was weird. Actually, [I was] reading some people thought it was going to be Pete. Did you see? "Anyway, amazing storyline. I'm really blessed to have such a good storyline in the finale." Of course, Dave Coaches has been a staple character in the comedy series for some time, and was even due to marry Nessa (Ruth Jones) before being interrupted, with both admitting that they didn't truly love each other. Read more: Gavin & Stacey documentary explains why exactly show can never return Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl overtakes Gavin & Stacey finale with smash ratings Dave is also the only character aside from Bryn (Rob Brydon) and Jason (Robert Wilfort) who knows what happened on the mysterious fishing trip all those years prior. Because of that, Bryn doesn't take too well to Dave generally, and so, when the news of Gwen and Dave's relationship is revealed in that hilarious final episode, Bryn takes a while to warm to Dave. In fact, he goes as far as taking a whole separate car to London just so he doesn't have to ride in Dave's coach. But all's well that ends well, and in the end, the rift appeared to be repaired. While the finale ended on a fitting note, fans have naturally begged the question of there being the possibility of more. However, series co-creators James Corden and Ruth Jones have said that they can't make any more Gavin & Stacey because of the fact we can't see Nessa and Smithy living together. In retrospective documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, Jones said: "Once Smithy and Nessa got together, that really is the end. Because we can never see them actually living together." Corden added: "No, it just won’t work." All episodes of Gavin & Stacey, plus Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy 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.
McDonald & Dodds star says show could find another home after cancellation
Could there still be a future for McDonald & Dodds after all?
After four seasons, the sad news of McDonald & Dodds's cancellation was announced earlier this month – but the show's stars have suggested that they would be keen for more if the series could find another home. McDonald & Dodds leads Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia chatted exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025 where they revealed their hopes for the ITV detective drama to find another broadcaster. There were of course some plot points left open, so could McDonald & Dodds be making a return in the future? Gouveia said: "I mean, you never know. There could be other channels that want to do it. I guess it all depends on the budgets people have, because it is a show that people will watch. So of course it could find another home. I think we wouldn't mind having another stab." Similarly, Watkins added: "Who knows? I mean, one of the things that was the strength of the show was our relationship on screen and off. We're very close and I think that always showed on screen. 'That was one of the unique features of our show, that we genuinely have this great relationship. So if somebody wants to pick us up, then that's what we'd bring." The news of the beloved crime drama's axe came as a shock to fans, especially seeing as the Bath-based detective drama proved to be popular with viewers. Speaking about the cancellation and whether they had heard anything prior to the official announcement, Watkins said: "I think it's a hard time for television. The only thing I'll say is that we did hold our own in terms of numbers. That's a complicated picture, which I don't think I should go into. "So we're very proud of that but no, we didn't have any inkling. You know, it's television. It's a hard time for TV, so we're glad that we got four wonderful series from that show." And in terms of a message for fans, both stars remain thankful for their loyal viewers. When asked if she has anything to say to McDonald & Dodds fans, Gouveia replied: "Thank you for watching. I mean, so many people come up to us in the street and just love it, and not just a particular demographic. "It's been such a family show, so many age groups and people from all around the country – and not just our country, it's still selling all over the world. "I was once in a tiny village in the mountains of Greece, there was someone that couldn't speak English, but was still typing being like, 'Television'. They remember us. It was a fun run. And just everyone that watched, thank you!" Read more: Sean Bean as gang leader in first look at new crime drama This City Is Ours David Tennant and Robert Carlyle in first look at ITV phone hacking drama McDonald & Dodds is available to stream on ITVX. 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.
Slow Horses could "possibly" go beyond Mick Herron books, says star
But author Mick Herron is still "churning" them out, said star Christopher Chung.
Slow Horses season 5 has yet to arrive on Apple TV+, but the powers that be have already renewed the espionage thriller for season 6, such is their confidence in its continuing popularity. And with the Mick Herron novel series on which it's based currently standing at eight, with a ninth title, Clown Town, set for release in August this year, Jackson Lamb and co are surely set to be on our screens for many more years to come. But what will happen when Herron decides to step away from Slough House? Could the show continue without his source material to draw from? "Possibly," said Roddy Ho star Christopher Chung at the Radio Times Covers Party. But he did add that "Mick is churning out the books", so it's unlikely to be an issue for quite some time – if ever. "He's keeping up with us," he said. "He's probably already on to book 10... so we'll probably be going head to head for quite a while." In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in August last year, showrunner Will Smith said he wanted to create nine seasons of the show. "It depends on what Apple wants and what the appetite is, but I definitely have the kind of leave-them-wanting-more rather than the outstay-your-welcome instinct," he said. "But the world of the show is there to be mined." Smith also has his eye on another of Herron's books, The Secret Hours, which delves into the backstory of Lamb. "He [Herron] brings in all these other existing characters," he added. "It's a wonderful book that I think there's definitely an opportunity to do a shorter run [series] or a film or something. I know Gary [Oldman] wants to keep going for as long as he's asked. He loves playing the character." But while Lamb is a key focus of Slow Horses, it's Roddy around whom the season 5 plot revolves. "Everyone is suspicious when resident tech nerd Roddy Ho has a glamorous new girlfriend, but when a series of increasingly bizarre events occur across the city, it falls to the Slow Horses to work out how everything is connected," reads the official synopsis. "After all, Jackson Lamb knows that in the world of espionage, 'London Rules' should always apply." Read more: Slow Horses casts Doctor Who star Lenny Rush in season 6 How to get The Fifth Step tickets starring Martin Freeman and Slow Horses' Jack Lowden Slow Horses seasons 1-4 are available to watch now on Apple TV+ – sign up to Apple TV+ now. 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.
Black Doves writer reveals "difficult" progress on season 2
Fans are waiting with bated breath for the second instalment.
With Netflix's Black Doves quickly proving itself a phenomenon, writer Joe Barton is now hard at work on season 2 – although he's admitted that the process is proving "difficult". Barton's thriller stars Keira Knightley as Helen, a spy who has been living under cover for years as the wife of a top British politician. But when her secret lover becomes the victim of a targeted assassination, she is determined to hunt down those responsible and make them pay. Asked about the highly-anticipated second instalment at the Radio Times Covers Party, Barton told RadioTimes.com that he's been writing "every day". He added: "It's really difficult. Yeah, it's difficult. I'm getting there. I just sit down every day and try and write it. We could be a little bit further along, but we'll be fine." Speaking about the writing process behind the first season, which ended with quite the twist, Barton recalled: "I wrote it in a little writer's sprint on Boxing Day. "In this case, it was the characters [that came first]. I liked the character of Helen, I had this idea about spy with a secret, and then I want to do a story about friendship, about how these two, a spy and a hitman, could be friends, and then all this sort of plot stuff came later." As for the show's success, he added: "You always hope, but you never expect. "It was the biggest thing I've ever done. Like, yeah, when we started seeing the viewing figures coming in, it was quite shocking, but nice." Barton previously revealed that season 2 of Black Doves had already been given the green light before season 1 had even made its debut. "It's never happened before," he said. "Most things I work on get cancelled almost instantly. "So, I was all prepared to have a really nervous Christmas this year. "I was on holiday, and in an Italian supermarket, when I got a call from the producers saying, 'Come home, you need to start writing, we're doing more.'" Black Doves is available to stream on Netflix. 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.
Call the Midwife's Laura Main says there is "always concern" about May
Season 14 of Call the Midwife has so far proved to be a settled affair for the Turner family, which is a welcome change following the events of the last instalment. When May nearly drowned during a trip to the seaside, Shelagh and Patrick Turner were subjected to a formal review after concerns were raised by her biological mother in Hong Kong. And had they failed to meet the criteria, their daughter could have been removed from their care. Read more: Call the Midwife first look as Rosalind opens up to Joyce about Cyril romance Call the Midwife creator "moved" by fan response to baby June storyline Thankfully, they passed with flying colours and Miss Tang was also satisfied with the outcome, much to the relief of the Call the Midwife fandom. But Laura Main has since revealed that they're not completely out of the woods. "I just want everything to be OK with May," she said at the Radio Times Covers Party. "I really, really do. "I love those children, I love working with those actors, I genuinely love them and they're a wonderful unit, and I just sort of hope it's OK. "And yes, of course, we are still technically fostering her, so there is always that concern." Main went on to say that there is "a bit more of that in this series", but she didn't go into detail about what's in store. "What's also been nice for this series is I've had a lovely variety in what nurse Shelagh Turner is doing," she added. "So it's delivering babies, it's district nursing as well, with adult cases and with the child case that we had last week [about a young boy with special needs who had lost his place at school]. "So I've had a lovely series of all sorts of different things. It's been great." Call the Midwife is showing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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.
Call the Midwife's Helen George doesn't know what will happen with Matthew
"It'll be interesting to see what happens there."
Call the Midwife's Helen George has revealed she doesn't know if Matthew will return to Poplar. Trixie's husband left to explore a business opportunity in New York last season after losing control of his late father's company due to mounting debts. And after initially hesitating, Trixie decided to go with him. She is now splitting her time between the Big Apple and London, where she's taken on a more executive role alongside her midwifery duties in a bid to save Nonnatus House from closure by the Board of Health. But despite informing Sister Julienne that the couple plan on returning to England sooner rather than later, George doesn't know what the future holds. "Who knows!" she said at the Radio Times Covers Party. "It'll be interesting to see what happens there. At the moment, I don't know, and I'm excited to find out what happens." Following news of Olly Rix's exit, RadioTimes.com was told that the door had been left open for him to return. But there have been no further updates since then, so it remains to be seen if we'll see Trixie and Matthew back together again on-screen, which means there are still question marks hanging over their marriage. Call the Midwife is currently in its 14th season, which has proven to be particularly eventful for a number of characters. Nancy has left her job at Nonnatus House to be closer to her husband-to-be Roger, romance was blossoming between Cyril and Rosalind before he left to visit his estranged wife Lucille in Jamaica, and the midwives welcomed Sister Catherine into the fold, who has a tragic backstory of her own. Read more: Call the Midwife drops blink-and-you'll-miss-it Doctor Who Easter egg Call the Midwife's Sister Julienne appears concerned in teaser The show has also continued to tackle a range of important and moving medical cases, including a storyline about a couple who decide to give up their baby after she was born with spina bifida. "Everyone at Call the Midwife was very moved to hear that baby June’s story has provoked such interest," said the show's executive producer and writer Heidi Thomas. "She received her diagnosis of spina bifida in 1970, and although times change, concerns around the condition remain the same. "We often feature challenging and emotional medical issues on the show, and are delighted when our audiences go straight to trusted sources, such as the NHS website, for further information. "Our own postbag has been enormous this week, with fans of the show writing in to share their own experience of spina bifida, and thank us for telling June's story. "It is an absolute privilege to be able to educate, entertain and connect with people in this way." Call the Midwife airs on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 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.
Doctor Who's Anita Dobson says some Mrs Flood fan theories "are close to the truth"
Fans are getting ever closer to finding out her real identity.
As we await Doctor Who season 15 (and, crucially, the return of the iconic Mrs Flood), star Anita Dobson has revealed that some fan theories she's heard about the character are pretty close to the truth. Dobson made her debut as the mysterious Mrs Flood, the neighbour of Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) in the 2023 Christmas special, The Church on Ruby Road, making it clear there's more to the character than meets the eye. Since then, theories have been absolutely flying. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the 2025 Radio Times Covers Party, Dobson said: "I think some of the theories are really cool, because I've done a couple of Comic-Cons, and the fans come up and tell me what they think. "Some of them have been really close to the truth. And some of them come up with [them], you think, ‘Wow, that's really good.’ So I hope Russell [T Davies, showrunner] is listening in!" Dobson added: "I really hope to do more, because I have loved my journey with it. It's been fantastic. I love Mrs Flood." Mrs Flood is set to return next season, with the trailer showing her donning some opera glasses as she looks on at something (perhaps some mayhem she's caused). One of the leading theories is that she could be someone from the Doctor's past - after all, she did know what a TARDIS was. Another is that she's one of the Pantheon of Discord, much like Jinkx Monsoon's Maestro in season 14. A newer theory is that she's another version of Anita from the 2024 Christmas special Joy to the World. Thankfully, Dobson previously revealed that we'll find out more about the character next season. Season 15 will see Ncuti Gatwa return as the Fifteenth Doctor, alongside new companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu. Fans will also see the return of Gibson as Ruby Sunday, with new famous faces including Rose Ayling-Ellis being cast. Recently, four new writers were also confirmed to join the fold, with Pete McTighe, Juno Dawson, Inua Ellams and Sharma Angel-Walfall all penning episodes. Watch this space (and time!). Doctor Who will return this year. Check out more of our Sci-Fi 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.
BTS at Radio Times Covers Party 2025 – with stars of The Traitors, Gavin & Stacey, Call the Midwife and much more
Stars from every corner of the world of telly were in attendance at this year's Radio Times Covers Party.
It was a star-studded night at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, as some of TV's most recognisable faces descended on London's Claridge's to celebrate a momentous year of telly and celebrate their spots on the covers of Radio Times magazine. The evening's proceedings were hosted by comedy icon Sir Lenny Henry, who has most recently been seen on our screens in Netflix's latest Harlan Coben series, Missing You. The guest list included Gavin & Stacey stars Melanie Walters, Robert Wilfort and Laura Aikman, who honoured the sitcom after the final episode aired over Christmas, while some our favourite cosy crime dramas were also in attendance, with the likes of McDonald & Dodds's Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia and Midsomer Murders' Neil Dudgeon. Crime queens Sally Lindsay, Samantha Bond, Meera Syal and Kerry Godliman were also present on the night, while Call the Midwife favourites Helen George, Laura Main and Megan Cusack were celebrating the long-running BBC drama. It wouldn't quite be the start of the year without mentioning The Traitors and, after last week's anticipated final episode, the final five were out in full force, along with Traitors Linda and Minah. Doctor Who's Steven Moffat and Anita Dobson also graced the photo booth, dishing some verdicts on those floating Mrs Flood fan theories for the upcoming season of the sci-fi series. Also, it wouldn't quite be a Moffat interview if we didn't quiz him on any potential future returns to the world of Doctor Who – but you'll just have to keep your eyes peeled on RadioTimes.com for his answer. Elsewhere, Paralympians and Olympians also attended the evening's celebrations, celebrating their very own covers, which went on sale to mark last year's games in Paris. As for drama, both Oliver Chris and Rufus Jones honoured the ensemble Rivals cover, as well as Ludwig's David Mitchell, Black Doves creator Joe Barton, Wolf Hall's Kate Phillips and Slow Horses star Christopher Chung. Let's not forget about the world of entertainment either, as The Piano's Brad Kella was also in attendance alongside some of the stars from Strictly Come Dancing, naturalist and Radio Times guest editor Chris Packham, and presenter Jeremy Vine. As we said, star-studded! Care to relive the night in question? You can find some of the best snaps of the Radio Times Covers Party 2025 below – expand the gallery for the full rundown of celebs. View Gallery on the source website Photo credits: Radio Times/Ray Burmiston Check out more of our Entertainment 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.
Doctor Who's Steven Moffat addresses possibility of another return
Could the former showrunner come back for more?
Doctor Who season 14 heralded the long-awaited return of Steven Moffat, with the former showrunner also penning the Christmas special Joy to the World. But could he be back for more? Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the 2025 Radio Times Covers Party, Moffat addressed the possibility, saying: "Have I got any more ideas? Well, I mean, there's an awful lot of scripts I've written, so I don't honestly know if I've got any more ideas, and I don't know if they'll want me, and I don't know what my schedule will be. "So I don't know. I'm not against it, but I'm not especially saying it's gonna happen. I'm not even lying anymore!" Before his return last was announced, Moffat played it coy in our last interview - while sneakily dropping the names of his upcoming episodes into the chat. Asked if fans should be looking out for any more clues in this interview, he joked: "There's no reason to suspect that at all. I'm definitely not - Claws of Fear! - involved in any future episode... Planet of Doom!" Despite there seemingly being no imminent plans for a return to the show, Moffat previously told TV Choice magazine that he's read the season 15 finale script. Asked why that could possibly be, he quipped: "Because Russell [T Davies, showrunner] is always desperate for my advice. Always. It's needy! It's pathetic! He says, 'Steven, what have I got wrong?' And I say, 'Calm down and send me the script, love.'" <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/05/steven-moffat-doctor-who-boom-fb27b10-e1715951039658.jpg" width="4269" height="2841" alt="Steven Moffat standing on the set of Doctor Who episode Boom, with a fiery and smoky backdrop of rubble, and actors and crew members out of focus behind him. He has a pair of headphones around his neck and is smiling at the camera." title="Steven Moffat on the set of Doctor Who episode Boom" /> Currently, Moffat is working on various new projects, though, adding: "I've got a screenplay I'm writing right now, and then I've got a six-part serial I'm writing as well, and the six-part series is greenlit, so that will happen at some point." As for Doctor Who season 15, four new writers have recently been announced, with Pete McTighe, Juno Dawson, Inua Ellams and Sharma Angel-Walfall all set to pen episodes. Sharing the news, showrunner Davies promised: "Thrills with Pete! Shocks with Juno! Awe with Inua! Terror with Sharma!" Buckle in! Doctor Who: Joy to the World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Doctor Who will return in 2025 to BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Gavin & Stacey star reveals fishing trip footage was cut from original series
The mystery around the fishing trip continues...
It's safe to say that the Gavin & Stacey finale continues to be talked about, not least because it marks the final instalment of the hit BBC sitcom but also because of the mystery surrounding the fishing trip. While many fans thought we'd be getting some answers in the anticipated episode that aired over Christmas, it wasn't to be the case, as it seems we'll remain forever in the dark about what happened to Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon) and nephew Jason (Robert Wilfort) on the trip in question. Well, fans were treated to some footage of the fishing trip at the end of accompanying documentary Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell – but it turns out that very footage wasn't shot especially for the documentary, it was actually filmed many years ago. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, actor Robert Wilfort revealed: "The mystery remains. Will we ever know? The secret is, none of us know. Nobody knows. "Ruth [Jones] and James [Corden] have never agreed on what it is, me and Rob Brydon don't know, we've always been in the dark. "And I think that's the way it is. I think if we'd have tried to come up with an ending, I think a lot of people would have been a bit like Pam when she's watching Mick going 'Is that it?'." On the inclusion of the fishing trip footage in the documentary, Wilfort said: "I kind of knew it was coming but I still wasn't 100% sure it was going to happen." Read more: Gavin & Stacey documentary explains why exactly show can never return Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl overtakes Gavin & Stacey finale with smash ratings Gavin & Stacey fans react to "odd" omissions after BAFTA nominations reveal He then added: "Well, we actually filmed that in the original series. We filmed that and it never got used. We filmed it for the end of series three, so that's about 15 years ago? "It never made it in the final episode, it was running too long. It was going to be a little, a little more of a tease then ... and yeah, so it's lovely for it to blow everyone's minds 15 years later." While fans were excited to catch the fishing trip footage at the end of the documentary, in typical Gavin & Stacey fashion, the home video recording of it cut out, bringing no further clarity on the hilarious mystery. At a press screening of the finale last year, Wilfort told fans why the events had to remain a mystery, saying: "I'd like to say now and forever: the joke has always been you don't find out what happens on the fishing trip! "I'm sorry, everybody, but that has always been the joke, and it always will be because it's funny. It's funnier that way. And I was so pleased that we didn't reveal it, because we've never known what it is." All episodes of Gavin & Stacey, plus Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy 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.
Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon confirms filming starts soon
The Midsomer Murders lead confirmed they'd taken a break from filming this past year.
When you think of British detective dramas, Midsomer Murders is often up there with the very best, standing the test of time and bringing us head-scratching mysteries with each new episode. While the release schedule can be a little bitty, series lead Neil Dudgeon has confirmed that filming on the next season is due to kick off soon. Chatting exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party, Dudgeon said: "I don't know when it's next being broadcast, but we start filming again at the end of March for season 25, so it goes on. "We've had a year off this year. We didn't film this year, but last year. But we are filming again this year. We're filming four new stories from March this year." Once again, fans will be transported to the county of Midsomer for plenty more grisly cases and guest stars. Dudgeon, of course, leads the cast as DCI John Barnaby, who is the younger cousin of former series lead detective DCI Tom Barnaby, who was played by John Nettles. So far, the pair have been the only series leads over the course of its staggering run from 1997. But does Dudgeon have any plans of moving on from the series anytime soon? Read more: Midsomer Murders confirms start of production on milestone season 25 Keeley Hawes on Miss Austen role: "I'd been hoping for something like this" David Tennant and Robert Carlyle in first look at ITV phone hacking drama "I'm very happy in the countryside there. It's very nice," he said. "No, I assume that at some point I'll get the hook. You know, the hook will all come and sort of drag me off into the wings and they won't want me anymore. "But they haven't done it yet, so I'm going to keep going to work until I get the hook." Dudgeon leads the cast with Nick Hendrix as DS Jamie Winter and Barnaby's right-hand man, while the rest of the main cast includes Fiona Dolman as John's wife Sarah Barnaby and Annette Badland as pathologist Fleur Perkins. It's been a long time with Midsomer on our screen, with the show having celebrated its 25th anniversary back in 2022. The occasion was marked with a documentary called Midsomer Murders – 25 Years of Mayhem, which is available to stream on ITVX. Midsomer Murders is available to stream on ITVX. 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 Traitors' Alexander shares enormous gratitude over Mencap donations
Alexander will be looking to use his platform to continue raising awareness.
Alexander Dragonetti has shared his immense gratitude for donations made by the public to the Mencap charity, after sharing his personal story during his appearance on The Traitors. In the final episodes of season 3, Alexander said that his brother – who had global developmental delay and autism – used to attend summer camps set up by Mencap before he passed away at 17 years old. "He looked up to me and thought I was great, I miss that a lot," he said in the series. Following his story, more than £46,000 has been raised for the charity, something Alexander is "so grateful" for. Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, Alexander said: "It's fantastic, I am so grateful to anybody who supports the cause, or spreads awareness. "It's often really difficult for parents with children with special needs, or siblings or other relationships, and this kind of thing makes such a difference to people's lives and I am enormously grateful." The former diplomat and season 3 fan favourite admitted that it is going to take him some time "to figure out how exactly I can be most helpful", but he is keen to do whatever he can. "If I can do something from this as a front person, it would be the most honoured thing I could do out of the show," he said. While Alexander didn't manage to take home the winnings, he made it to the final on The Traitors. In a statement provided to RadioTimes.com, Mencap's Chief Executive Jon Sparkes said: "We are really grateful to Alexander for courageously sharing his personal story about his late brother who had a learning disability on The Traitors. "Despite not winning on Friday night Alexander remained faithful to the end and captured the hearts of the nation – he is our champion!" It continued: "Telling his story has inspired an incredible wave of generosity from the public. Their overwhelming support for Mencap has been incredible, with generous donations exceeding £30,000. These donations are needed more now than ever as people with a learning disability continue to face extensive inequalities every day. "We know that when the experiences of people with a learning disability, and their loved ones, are represented in the media, it helps to change attitudes and make our society more inclusive. We loved watching Alexander’s journey throughout the show and want to thank him for all that he’s done." You can find out more about the work done by Mencap – and offer your support – by visiting mencap.org.uk. The Traitors season 1-3 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Chris Packham says AI will be "an integral part" of Springwatch's return
The presenters will be based in a new location this year.
Chris Packham has teased what's to come for Springwatch this year as they prepare to try all new things that they hadn't previously done. While the 2025 instalment is yet to be announced, viewers can expect a return in May, so there is a while to go yet, but it's an exciting one. Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party, Packham revealed that he and his co-hosts will be moving on from RSPB Arne in Dorset to a new site which they are "very excited about". "We're again implementing more technology," he told RadioTimes.com, adding that "AI will be an integral part of that". Whether it be through using the technology to count birds or measure behaviour, there is certainly a lot set in stone for Springwatch this year. Packham added: "We can learn more quickly than ever before about these species which are sadly in that biodiversity crisis." Last year saw the presenters catch up on the stories and wildlife characters from Springwatch 2023, as well as embarking on a road trip across the Isle of Bute, Loch Lomond and Glasgow. "The thing about Springwatch, as ever, is it will be a challenge and a surprise," Packham said in an interview with the BBC. "Our mission is to bring people new stories from the nest that we follow and the other stories that we bring in, and obviously we'll be delving into the new science – and the only thing that we can guarantee, or that we can't say what it is, is that we will see something that we've not seen before, as that always happens." He continued: "And we will therefore delve deeply into the new science and we'll come up with new stories for people and, you know, I can't tell you what they'll be, because who knows what will unfold? "We've got our camera on Corfe Castle peregrines and their nesting opposite the Ravens. So there could be some interplay between those. "Who knows what that could be, that could be the drama of the series: peregrines versus ravens. And then we'll find out more about both of those species and how they behave." Springwatch is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Documentaries 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.
Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay says Shelley comeback "probably not for me"
It's been almost two decades since Lindsay was last on the cobbles.
Sally Lindsay has lifted the lid on whether she would return to Coronation Street, almost 20 years after she exited her role as Shelley Unwin, and it may not be an answer some fans have hoped for. Lindsay, who has recently appeared in the likes of The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Love Rat and Cold Call, rose to fame on the cobbles, where she appeared from 2001 to 2006. She left Weatherfield after getting a new job in Derby and became pregnant with Charlie Stubbs's child, telling him that the baby could never know who its father was. Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2025 about what Shelley's life could look like now, Lindsay admitted she was unsure, but thought she would still be "lovely, chatty and bubbly". But as for whether a return could be on the cards, Lindsay told RadioTimes.com: "It's a great job and I've always said this about Coronation Street, never say never. "It has been many years now and I've got my own show and I produce as well, so it's probably not for me. "But I absolutely think it's the best thing ever for people to go back, because it's like another world. It's a great job." Lindsay currently leads Channel 5's The Madame Blanc Mysteries, in which she plays Cheshire antiques dealer and amateur sleuth Jean White, helping solve deaths in Sainte Victoire in the South of France. Beyond starring as the lead, Lindsay writes and produces it, taking inspiration from Miss Marple. "She's a woman of a certain age, so people patronise her and think she's just this little old lady – that she's invisible," she told Radio Times magazine. "They don't for one minute think she's got this extraordinary mind and extraordinary level of deduction. That also applies to Jean." While season 3 came to an end last year, it has been renewed for season 4, which will feature six new exciting episodes. Lindsay said in a statement: "I think if you had told me five years ago when I came up with the idea of Madame Blanc that in the not too distant future our show would be not only a hit in the United Kingdom but America, Australia, Canada (to name but a few), I would have been astounded. But, amazingly, it is! "And our team could not be more thrilled to bring you a brand new season of sunshine, laughs and antiques. All the gang are back with some more fantastic surprise guests visiting Sainte Victoire, and we can't wait for you all to enjoy soon." Read more: Coronation Street spoilers as dates and suspects confirmed for devastating Platt house explosion 8 Coronation Street characters who should have a huge 2025 – from Jenny Connor to Todd Grimshaw Coronation Street's Jane Danson speaks on job security amid cast changes Coronation Street icon latest to sign new contract amid major cast changes Coronation Street spoilers as villain Rob Donovan set for steamy prison affair storyline Visit our dedicated Coronation Street page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.