Radio Times
type: channel
link: https://www.radiotimes.com
date: 2026-03-11T15:22:54.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Call the Midwife writer teases "more contemporary" project after show ends
items: Call the Midwife's Helen George teases emotional season 15 finale: 'I sobbed like a baby'
items: Call the Midwife boss teases "three options” for movie - to be revealed in the season 15 finale
items: David Mitchell teases Ludwig season 2 developments for James mystery
items: EastEnders' Kellie Bright recalls almost being cast as different iconic character in the soap – and screen testing in the Queen Vic for it
items: EastEnders icon teases upcoming Cindy Beale scenes in three tantalising words
items: Call the Midwife's Helen George explains Trixie's "frustration" with Sister Julienne
items: EastEnders star reveals glee at Suki Panesar-Unwin’s dark side being explored again in new stories
items: Coronation Street newcomer confirms there will be answers on Jodie Ramsey’s mysterious connection to Emmerdale’s Graham
items: Outrageous stars have "fingers crossed" for second season after BBC iPlayer release – as UKTV responds to renewal question
items: EastEnders' Kellie Bright delivers her verdict on Linda Carter and Max Branning's romantic future
items: Death in Paradise star gives season 16 update – says season 15 "might be one of the best"
items: Call the Midwife boss teases prequel cast – including new and original favourites
items: EastEnders icon teases Cindy Beale and Max Branning's potential for "rollercoaster" romance after flash-forward episode
items: Doctor Who writer addresses show's future after Disney deal: "It's never going to be Star Wars"
items: EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal teases "long" Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin adoption storyline as couple’s pasts explored
items: Call the Midwife star talks Rosalind's exciting new chapter with Cyril after huge development
items: The Traitors’ Harriet Tyce says her experience could inspire a new book "in time"
items: Taskmaster's Alex Horne teases new series with intriguing format change: "We've got something up our sleeve"
items: Bookish creator Mark Gatiss shares major season 3 update
items: Slow Horses star says there's “more to uncover” about Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb after shocking season 5 revelation
items: Doctor Who writer shares verdict on Billie Piper regeneration twist: “It’s the ultimate cliffhanger"
items: The Traitors’ Fiona reveals moment Claudia Winkleman chose her to be the secret Traitor
items: Death in Paradise's Don Warrington says fans should "assume nothing" about Selwyn's future following turbulent developments
items: Bookish creator Mark Gatiss teases key revelation about Book’s past in "ambitious" season 2
items: David Mitchell teases Ludwig season 2 with character's new role and "brilliant" new cast members
items: Why everyone in TV wants an invitation to the glamorous and exclusive Radio Times Covers Party
items: What's it like to go to the Radio Times Covers Party?
items: The Traitors winner Stephen Libby confirms he has left his job as he teases what’s in his future
items: The Traitors star Faraaz reveals he was left in tears after billionaire's touching gift

Call the Midwife writer teases "more contemporary" project after show ends
type: item
date: 2026-03-11T15:22:54.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "My main preoccupation at the moment is the Call the Midwife prequel and film, but it will be nice to have something different in the mix."
encoded: Aside from a couple of other projects, Call the Midwife has been Heidi Thomas's life since 2012 when it first debuted on the BBC – but also long before that, when she first began immersing herself in the memoirs of nurse and midwife Jennifer Worth. But while there's a prequel and a movie on the way, plus a 16th season beyond that (although it'll be quite some before its premiere), the end is now within sight as times change in Poplar. So naturally, Thomas has allowed her mind to meander elsewhere. "I am working on something more contemporary later this year," she said at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026. "My main preoccupation at the moment is the Call the Midwife prequel and film, but it will be nice to have something different in the mix." Still, Thomas said she "passionately enjoy[s] historic storytelling" – though, she added wryly, the latest season of Call the Midwife is set in the 1970s, "which I remember". Read more: Call the Midwife cast look back on show's 15-year run ahead of the show's hiatus Call the Midwife creator talks series hiatus: "All of a sudden everybody was really sobbing" "So it's actually quite painful thinking that is also history," she added. "But going back to 1939 because the prequel is set in the Blitz, it's been really educational. It's made me think a great deal about my mother's experience as a child in the Blitz, and my grandmother's experience as a young mother. "So deeply thought provoking and very energising, very energising for me, definitely." View Green Video on the source website The prequel, which is a three-part mini-series, will debut this Christmas, although the BBC hasn't yet confirmed that. Younger versions of Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan, who died in the season 15 finale, will lead the charge alongside "three young midwives, all completely new, relatively new to the East End, and they really do get thrown in at the deep end". Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date o…

CTM-BBC-6b66021.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

Call the Midwife's Helen George teases emotional season 15 finale: 'I sobbed like a baby'
type: item
date: 2026-02-22T17:00:35.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I was a mess..."
encoded: Call the Midwife fans will need to brace themselves ahead of the season 15 finale, which Helen George has described as "really emotional". "There's this scene, I won't really go into detail, but it sort of encompasses all of the characters that we've had on the show over the last 15 years," said the Trixie actor at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026. "And when I walked onto the set, I just sobbed, I sobbed like a baby. It was really emotional. So if I was a mess – and I'm heart of steel – then the audience will be a mess as well." Renee Bailey, who plays Joyce, went on to say that it's Call the Midwife "at its whole," adding: "It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. It's a hug and it's also heartbreaking. It's a mix of everything, but I think audiences are going to love it." "I've been thinking about it more and more as we get into the spring", said Rosalind actor Natalie Quarry. "I think it really will, hopefully, stay with people." View Green Video on the source website Fans of Call the Midwife were already gearing themselves up for maximum emotional impact after show creator Heidi Thomas told Radio Times that season 15 brings an era to an end, and that the finale was "hard" to write. Read more: Call the Midwife boss teases prequel cast – including new and original favourites Call the Midwife boss teases "three options” for movie - to be revealed in the season 15 finale And it's since been confirmed that Sister Monica Joan has chronic kidney disease, for which there is no cure – with the show's viewership now poised to say goodbye to Judy Parfitt's iconic character, who is a firm fan favourite and part of the Call the Midwife furniture. "In these episodes, I'm playing scenes there's no way I can leave behind," the actor told Radio Times. "It's been horrendous, on occasion. For an actor, a vivid imagination is wonderful to have – and hell to live with. "So having all that to play was wonderful. I don't know what I'll do without her, actually." Add Radio Times as a Pre…

Trixie-9b6c5d8.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

Call the Midwife boss teases "three options” for movie - to be revealed in the season 15 finale
type: item
date: 2026-02-15T12:38:53.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: The cast and location for the Call the Midwife movie, which will be set overseas, have yet to be confirmed.
encoded: While we have some details about the Call the Midwife movie, two key elements have yet to be confirmed: the cast and the location. "As the classic Call the Midwife series moves further into the 1970s, it also seems the perfect time for our much-loved regulars to take a short break from Poplar and test themselves in an unfamiliar landscape," said creator Heidi Thomas when it was first announced in May last year. "The rise in hospital births, and changes in the NHS, have clipped their wings, and this is their chance to take flight and work out what really matters... it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!" Thomas has kept her lips firmly sealed as to which faces we'll be seeing in the feature, while revealing Australia is a strong contender for the setting. However, during an interview at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, she revealed that two other options are also under consideration. "It's not so much doubts [about Australia], but there are three options. One is Australia, and there are another two." "I'll keep under wraps for now," Thomas added, going on to say that in the season 15 finale, "Sister Julienne names them all, so we won't keep people in suspense for very long." As well as a Call the Midwife movie, fans will also have season 16 of the BBC period drama to look forward to, along with a Call the Midwife prequel series set during World War Two, which is due to debut this Christmas. View Green Video on the source website The action will follow younger versions of Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan, "who actually isn't that young when we did the maths, but she's very much in her prime," explained Thomas. Viewers will also meet "three young midwives, all completely new, relatively new to the East End, and they really do get thrown in at the deep end". Read more: Call the Midwife's Trixie makes painful admission about her marriage to Matthew Call the Midwife's Heidi Thomas reveals season 15 "brings era to an end" – a…

BBC-CTM-d6eea96.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

David Mitchell teases Ludwig season 2 developments for James mystery
type: item
date: 2026-02-10T10:00:14.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Comedy
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Mitchell was speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026.
encoded: There are many reasons fans are desperate to see the second season of BBC show Ludwig. There's the show's mystery-of-the-week format, there's the comedy, the loveable characters and so much more. Then, there's the hope that we will find out more about what happened to James, the twin brother of the show's central character, John. In the first season, James disappeared, which was the initial reason for John to take his place and start working with the police to find out what happened to him. At the end of the first season, it became clear that James had gone into hiding after storing away the contents of Sinclair, a conspiracy theorist who had seemingly happened on something true — and dangerous enough to get him killed. Beyond this, there are still plenty of question marks around what James has been doing since his disappearance, and exactly what happened in the lead up to it. Now, it seems we may get answers to some of these questions, as David Mitchell has teased further developments in the crucial storyline. Speaking exclusively with RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Mitchell said when asked if we would find out more about James's disappearance: "A little bit yeah, that's still carrying on. "They're still trying to get their heads around what he's doing and why he's gone, and a little bit more of that mystery will be revealed." View Green Video on the source website While at the Radio Times Covers Party, Mitchell also teased that John's new official role as a consultant with the police doesn't mean he'll be able to operate with complete freedom. When asked how his official role on the police team would shake things up in the new episodes, Mitchell said: "When you watch the second series, you realise there's still quite a lot of obfuscation involved in his role, because not everyone in the police force is entirely on side with his appointment. "And of course, he's still got to cover up the fact that for a long time he was solving cases while imp…

487990-5f9412d.jpg
width: 4285
height: 2858

EastEnders' Kellie Bright recalls almost being cast as different iconic character in the soap – and screen testing in the Queen Vic for it
type: item
date: 2026-02-08T08:00:28.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "This is very good, good research!"
encoded: Kellie Bright has recalled almost winning the part of an iconic EastEnders character long before playing Linda Carter. The actress joined the BBC One soap in 2013 as the future Queen Vic landlady, Linda, and has been a beloved mainstay in the show ever since and at the centre of some of its biggest plotlines. However, long before she became the iconic Linda Carter, Kellie Bright had previously auditioned to play the role of Tanya Branning, the second wife of Max Branning (Jake Wood). The role would ultimately be played by Jo Joyner, who played the character from her arrival in 2006 until her exit as a regular character in 2013. Joyner later reprised the role for guest stints around the 30th anniversary in 2015, and from late 2017 until early 2018 as part of the exit storylines of her on-screen daughters. Now, while speaking to us at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Bright was asked about her previous audition to play Tanya. Bright responded: "This is very good, good, good research! I did audition. It actually was between myself and Jo Joyner for that part, and I actually screen tested with Jake in the Vic." A fantastic bit of lore there! Of course, Linda herself has gone on to have an affair with Max and even share a child with him, daughter Annie Carter (now played by Lois Hawkins). Linda has since become one of multiple potential brides for Max in the recent New Year's Day 2026 flash-forward episode, which shows Max set to marry a mystery woman in 2027. So would it be a full circle moment for Kellie Bright to now play Mrs Branning, two decades after auditioning to play one? "I don't know," she stated, continuing, "at the moment, where I'm at with her, I can't imagine it. But who knows what will happen this year?" Given the wedding is on New Year's Day – Linda's wedding anniversary to late soulmate Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) – that would certainly be a choice for Linda – and one Bright can't currently see happening. Yet, stranger things have happened on Albert Squa…

509484-5a3ff1a-e1769890358838.jpg
width: 3110
height: 2180

EastEnders icon teases upcoming Cindy Beale scenes in three tantalising words
type: item
date: 2026-02-07T08:00:26.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "They're always at each other, aren't they?"
encoded: Michelle Collins has teased what lies ahead for Cindy Beale in the coming months on EastEnders. The actress made her explosive comeback to the BBC One soap in 2023, over two decades after her character died off-screen – now revealed to have been faked as Cindy went into witness protection under a new identity. With her return being a key centrepoint of executive producer Chris Clenshaw's acclaimed era on the soap, Cindy Beale had no shortage of big storylines, including her affair with her former step-son Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), which was exposed on Christmas Day 2024. Cindy was then the victim in a big whodunnit storyline, which ultimately saw her former mother-in-law and nemesis, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), revealed as her attacker. Since then, Cindy has been focused on business, having bought The Albert, and also on grandchildren. However, a new development has occurred in the form of a new enemy (and lover): Max Branning, played by Jake Wood. While attending The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, we asked Michelle to describe the coming months of Cindy in three words. View Green Video on the source website Thinking carefully, Collins answered: "Exciting. Unpredictable. Irrational." Sounds like we can expect more extreme scenes from the resident schemer. However, does this mean more clashing on the way with old sparring partner, Kathy? "Actually, we did do a fun scene the other day," teased Michelle. "They're always at each other, aren't they? All those kinds of, you know, mother-in-law, you know, and, and she kind of hates Cindy, and Cindy kind of hates her as well. So I think we just live with that, really, don't we? "And, yeah, they always throw a slap in there occasionally, don't they? I think everyone loved it when I came back, and the first scene was, 'You're dead!' and then there was a kind of slap. They do love a slap in EastEnders, don't they?" Additionally, while Michelle was disappointed to not be in the live episode of the 40th anniversary, sh…

535252-3de1351-e1769888698770.jpg
width: 1956
height: 1428

Call the Midwife's Helen George explains Trixie's "frustration" with Sister Julienne
type: item
date: 2026-02-06T14:32:34.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "She understands it, she just doesn't like it."
encoded: In Call the Midwife season 15, crunch time is fast approaching for Nonnatus House. The institution, which has played a vital role in Poplar's welfare for decades, could soon be forced to close its doors for good if the sisters don't fall in line with the NHS, which will stop their funding from the end of the year if they don't ditch their religious clothing. While Jenny Agutter previously noted that making such a demand is "fine in itself", it raises a "bigger question," explaining: "It's not just a matter of identification, it's a matter of knowing what one's role is and what they're meant to be doing, and feeling that one’s no longer wanted." First the habit, and then what? The ceasing of Nonnatus House altogether? As a result, Sister Julienne has spent the past few weeks deep in thought, weighing up whether the sisters should comply or go on their not-so-merry way, ahead of 31st August – also known as the feast day of Saint Raymond Nonnatus – when she will submit her response. But during that time, some of those around her have become increasingly desperate for answers, notably Trixie, who has hinted on more than one occasion that they can no longer wait – and has also been doing some thinking of her own. Read more: Call the Midwife boss teases prequel cast – including new and original favourites Call the Midwife star talks Rosalind's exciting new chapter with Cyril after huge development Now that she's taken on a more managerial role alongside her midwifery duties, Trixie took it upon herself to speak to The Lady Emily, a private clinic, to explore how they are financed – news which was not well received by Sister Julienne. "They are for the benefit of the rich, not the needy," she snapped — the air thick with tension. Speaking recently at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Helen George addressed the friction between the pair, who are united by their work and have always had a positive relationship, but diverge in a very profound way. "[Creator] Heidi [Thomas] h…

tx-2bf7c84.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

EastEnders star reveals glee at Suki Panesar-Unwin’s dark side being explored again in new stories
type: item
date: 2026-02-06T10:00:14.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: There's a long road ahead for Suki and Eve's journey together.
encoded: Actress Balvinder Sopal has revealed her delight that her EastEnders character Suki Panesar-Unwin is seeing her dark side re-emerge. Initially arriving as a full-blown villain in 2020, Sopal's Suki has been on quite the journey since, with the character's layers peeled away as she has embraced her authentic self, found love with her now-wife Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace), and escaped the clutches of her evil ex-husband, the late Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry). However, the BBC One soap has seen her old scheming and toxic ways re-emerge after a rather uncomfortable attempt by Suki to get a child from her pregnant teenage step-granddaughter, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), last year, and now her past bad behaviour towards employee Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) is also being revisited in a storyline with new employee Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona). Are we losing the redemptive aspects of Suki, or is this who she has always been? Speaking at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, when asked about the re-emergence of Suki's darker side, Balvinder says she's only pleased we're seeing shades of Suki's nastier self. View Green Video on the source website "Oh, I love a Dark Suki," revealed Balvinder. "I mean, that's one of the reasons I took the role on, you know, because you don't ever see that... Asian women tend to be meek and mild and compliant and all of that kind of stuff. "So no, it's really brilliant to go back there, but I think what's really interesting is that you can't ignore the journey she's been on with Eve and coming out and knowing who her true self is." Balvinder also compared Suki's journey to that of Walford icon Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden), who has undergone significant character development in recent years. She continued: "And I think it's a little bit like Phil, you know, with his mental health man storyline, like... he would still pull out a baseball bat if he needed to, but he's had an evolution of sorts, and I think that's what's happened …

530971-f2a02e5.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

Coronation Street newcomer confirms there will be answers on Jodie Ramsey’s mysterious connection to Emmerdale’s Graham
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T16:26:47.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: Coronation Street
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: ITV
subject: ITVX
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "She's definitely not a one-dimensional character."
encoded: Actress Olivia Frances Brown has teased what the future holds for her mysterious Coronation Street character Jodie Ramsey. The ITV soap introduced Jodie during the epic Corriedale crossover event with Emmerdale in January, and she was later revealed to be the estranged half-sister of cobbles favourite Shona Platt (Julia Goulding). However, Jodie has so far shown herself to be deceptive, manipulative, and full of resentment towards her sister – and that's not to mention hooking up with resident badboy Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard). Now, speaking in her first press interview since joining the ITV soap while in attendance with partner James Nelson Joyce at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, actress Olivia Frances Brown spoke about the layers to the mysterious Jodie. Describing her character, Frances Brown said of Jodie: "She's a mixed bag. She's definitely not a one-dimensional character. She's a multi-multi-dimensional character. She's troubled, she's very hurt. I think deep inside she's quite a lot going on. She feels quite wronged. "Now that she's found Shona, she's come to kind of get her own back, in a way, but I don't think she even knows that. I think she just wants to come and see what she can get from the cobbles." View Green Video on the source website The character certainly arrived in style when she first appeared bound and gagged in the back of a van driven by Emmerdale returnee Graham Foster in the explosive ITV soap crossover event Corriedale. However, since escaping Graham’s grasp, we have yet to find out why Jodie was in his van in the first place. When asked if viewers will find out soon, a cryptic Frances Brown commented: "Eventually, you will, can't give away too much right now, but it will all become clear in time. "I can't say how long, how much time, but eventually, if you keep watching, you'll find out why." Away from Jodie's dark stories, however, it's only been positive for Frances Brown's time in Weatherfield. When asked what it's like to se…

Corriedale-Graham-Jodie-c20d7cc.jpg
width: 3750
height: 2500

Outrageous stars have "fingers crossed" for second season after BBC iPlayer release – as UKTV responds to renewal question
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T15:06:18.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I think definitely things are still filtering down."
encoded: The stars of Outrageous have revealed their hopes for a second season as fans await news on the show's potential renewal for a second run. The drama series depicting the lives of the scandalous and politically-charged lives of the 'bright young things', the Mitford Sisters, first aired on U&Drama last year to positive reviews. The series has since been added to BBC iPlayer and is now available to watch in its entirety. However, many events in the historical figures' lives have yet to be portrayed in the show. When asked at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, actress Isobel Jesper Jones, who plays Pamela Mitford, revealed that they're still waiting to hear whether the series will return for a second run. "I think definitely things are still filtering down," commented Jesper Jones. "It's really nice, though, because at the moment it's on iPlayer, which is really exciting, because as soon as it landed there, just so many more people have been able to see it, which has been lovely. So yeah, I mean, fingers crossed!" When approached by Radio Times, UKTV revealed that there was no news on the future of Outrageous to share at this time. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/08/a-a0ee4fd.jpg" width="8143" height="5461" alt="Bessie Carter as Nancy Mitford, Joanna Vanderham as Diana Mitford, Toby Regbo as Tom Mitford, James Purefoy as Farve, Anna Chancellor as Muv, Shannon Watson as Unity Mitford, Zoe Brough as Jessica Mitford, Isobel Jesper Jones as Pam Mitford and Orla Hill as Debo Mitford in Outrageous, stood and sat on the stairs" title="Outrageous" /> Whether it happens or not, however, the cast certainly knows which stories from the Mitford Sisters' lives they would like to portray. Actress Orla Hill, who plays Deborah 'Debo' Mitford, said: "Oh, well...everything heats up a bit. I think Debo starts partying with the Kennedys, so that would be quite fun. I'd like to wear some fancy clothes, not just the horse gear, which was fun as well…

544457-741bab0-e1769894242272.jpg
width: 3068
height: 2060

EastEnders' Kellie Bright delivers her verdict on Linda Carter and Max Branning's romantic future
type: item
date: 2026-02-05T12:00:22.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "It's been a real pleasure doing scenes with him again."
encoded: Kellie Bright has discussed the prospects of her character, Linda Carter, and Max Branning (played by Jake Wood) going the distance in EastEnders. The pair have a complicated history in the BBC One soap, having had a short-lived affair six years ago while Linda had marital issues with husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). Linda ultimately chose to reconcile with Mick and rejected Max, leading to his exit from Walford in 2021. However, Linda later discovered she was pregnant with Max's daughter, Annie (now played by Lois Hawkins), whom Mick raised as his own until his apparent death in 2022. When Max returned to Walford last December, Linda came clean about Annie to Max, and the pair have struck up a friendship, despite a misguided attempt by Max to kiss Linda while he was drunk. View Green Video on the source website The soap has also positioned Linda as one of multiple potential brides for Max in the recent New Year's Day 2026 flash-forward episode set in 2027. So, can Kellie Bright see Linda eventually marrying Max? Speaking at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Kellie naturally kept her cards close to her chest. "I don't know," she noted, continuing, "At the moment, where I'm at with her, I can't imagine it. But who knows what will happen this year?" Discussing working with Jake Wood this time around, she noted: "It's really interesting. You know, when I worked with Max last time, when Linda and Max were together, it was [during the COVID-19 pandemic], and so actually, Jake and I worked together for a really short period of time and at a distance. "So actually, it's really nice working with him properly. You know, he's a fantastic actor, so I'm really enjoying working with him. It's been a real pleasure doing scenes with him again. So yeah, who knows? You know as much as I do about where it's going, by the way!" Of course, Linda was also at the centre of the now-iconic flash-forward in 2023 with The Six – with Linda later revealed to be the killer of Keanu Taylor on …

EastEnders-Kellie-Bright-Covers-Party-2026-bfe27fa.jpg
width: 2000
height: 1333

Death in Paradise star gives season 16 update – says season 15 "might be one of the best"
type: item
date: 2026-02-04T18:00:58.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I'm not being biased..."
encoded: Death in Paradise first premiered in 2011, but the BBC murder mystery is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Speaking recently at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah confirmed that filming on season 16 is set to begin at the end of April. "Everything commences again," said the Sebastian Rose star. "Back out to Guadeloupe, hurry up and get our tan back. I'm looking like Bart Simpson right now. It's going to be exciting." Turning back to season 15, he said: "I'm really excited for everyone to see this new season," promising a "new energy", a "new dynamic to the cast", and an “amazing "guest cast". "I'm not being biased, but it might be one of the best seasons yet," he added. View Green Video on the source website The latest instalment sees the team once again faced with a string of perplexing cases as Selwyn settles back into the role of commissioner – and attempts to "win back the trust of the island", who felt betrayed when he initially decided to leave. Elsewhere, Mervin is dismayed to learn that his half-brother Solomon isn't the man he hoped he would be – and will surely have to spend much of the next episode tracking down his belongings after Solomon cleared out his beach hut. "They couldn't be more opposite," Gilet told the BBC. "There’s Mervin and then there’s this guy who is on the opposite side of the tracks, potentially the opposite side of the law too... " Add Radio Times as a Preferred Source on Google Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from Radio Times – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google. Plus, Naomi and Seb are busy helping their new team member Sergeant Mattie Fletcher – who comes with her own "baggage" – settle into the team. "She has something to prove to herself and to others and sometimes she can do that to her detriment, but it comes from a place of passion," Catherine Garton said of her character. "They wil…

550460-cdad886.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

Call the Midwife boss teases prequel cast – including new and original favourites
type: item
date: 2026-02-04T14:00:16.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "You'll see a lot of women coming into their own..."
encoded: Change is in the air in Call the Midwife, with creator Heidi Thomas teasing the end of an era when the door closes on season 15. "I think we've all cried our eyes out at different times because things never will be the same again," she said at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026. "But the whole thing with Call the Midwife, like life itself... it's a process of constant evolution for our characters and also for the stories." That is also evident in the expansion of the world of Call the Midwife, which is set to include a movie and prequel series. The former will be set in an overseas location – Australia is looking likely – and will feature members of the current cast. The prequel, set to debut this Christmas, unfolds during World War II and will follow younger versions of Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan, "who actually isn't that young when we did the maths, but she's very much in her prime," explained Thomas. Fans will also be introduced to "three young midwives, all completely new, relatively new to the East End, and they really do get thrown in at the deep end". View Green Video on the source website "I think the interesting thing for me is it's a world where women are not in charge when war breaks out, but very rapidly, they are in charge of everything because the men are called away, either to Home Front-based war work or they go overseas," she expanded. "So you'll see a lot of women coming into their own... it's a programme that is going to be about strong women above all else." "Everything changes and nothing changes," said Thomas when acknowledging that shared trait with the current series. Season 15 of Call the Midwife has seen the midwives and nuns grapple with an array of challenges, from harrowing cases involving rabies and slavery to adjusting to major social change, including the growing influence of the Women's Liberation Movement. There's been no shortage of upheaval in their personal lives either, with Rosalind keeping her dis…

547872-37ce373.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

EastEnders icon teases Cindy Beale and Max Branning's potential for "rollercoaster" romance after flash-forward episode
type: item
date: 2026-02-03T11:56:51.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "You know what, are they both as bad as each other? I don't know."
encoded: Michelle Collins has spoken about the prospects of a true romance between Cindy Beale and Max Branning (Jake Wood) in EastEnders. The BBC One soap has positioned Cindy as one of multiple potential brides for Max in the recent New Year's Day 2026 flash-forward episode set in 2027. This followed the pair having a passionate encounter as strangers on Christmas Day 2025, before their fling was explosively revealed during their shared grandson Jimmy Beale's christening. Cindy detests Max following his actions towards her children, with Max having slept with her daughter Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) and also being responsible for the death of her eldest son, Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell). However, the pair recently found themselves as allies against their shared enemy, the scheming killer Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). While attending The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, we asked Michelle Collins about Cindy's complicated relationship with Max, and simply had to question: are they a match made in heaven or in hell? Michelle answered: "You know what, are they both as bad as each other? I don't know. I would like to think Cindy has a bit more of a heart than Max does, but I think they're interesting together. I think they're interesting together because I think Cindy needs somebody kind of like him, rather than, possibly, someone, a bit more like Ian." Despite this, Collins didn't give their potential future romance much of a long life expectancy. "I can't imagine it lasting forever," suggested Collins, "but I can imagine it being kind of a bumpy ride and quite exciting, kind of up and down, 'Will they/won't they?' kind of thing, you know, absolutely." View Green Video on the source website Of course, Cindy has never had a quiet love life - from her adulterous affairs with Simon (Nick Berry) and David Wicks (Michael French), to her recent affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), despite being in a relationship with Ian again and being in love with Junior's dad, …

EastEnders-Michelle-Collins-Covers-Party-9cf83fc.jpg
width: 2000
height: 1333

Doctor Who writer addresses show's future after Disney deal: "It's never going to be Star Wars"
type: item
date: 2026-02-03T09:00:07.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
subject: Video
description: "When it tries to be like something else, it's not Doctor Who."
encoded: Doctor Who legend Mark Gatiss has opened up about the show's future following the end of the deal with Disney. In October 2025, it was confirmed that, after a 26-episode deal (which resulted in two seasons of Doctor Who and spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea), Disney would not partner on any more future seasons. However, Doctor Who will continue on the BBC, with showrunner Russell T Davies returning to pen a Christmas special this year. Gatiss, who wrote Doctor Who episodes across multiple eras of the show, including The Unquiet Dead, The Idiot's Lantern, The Crimson Horror and Robot of Sherwood, spoke to Radio Times at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026 about what the end of the deal might mean for the show. Watch Mark Gatiss talk to RT below: View Green Video on the source website "It's never going to be Star Wars," he pointed out. "I mean, it's been a thing since Michael Grade took it off in 1985. It's like, 'Audiences are used to Star Wars' and you go, well they are, but it's never gonna be Star Wars. What it is, is Doctor Who, and I think that's the key." He added of the recent seasons: "It looked great. The Disney money obviously did something, but in the end, it's essentially a spooky show. It's a weird show. And that's what I've always adored about it. It's not like anything else. And actually when it tries to be like something else, it's not Doctor Who. "I think, in the end, the thing to absolutely cherish and cling onto is that it's very much its own thing and that's why we've always loved it." The writer also recently spoke out about the shock regeneration twist, which saw Ncuti Gatwa's Time Lord regenerate into returning star Billie Piper. "Russell [T Davies] does chutzpah like no one else," he said. "I don't know much about what happened, if Ncuti Gatwa was going to do three years, but only did two – it was certainly a surprise that he was going, wasn't it? So I think if you have this sort of... it's like the ultimate cliffhanger, isn't it? "I…

525271-1-3d4cab5.jpg
width: 4280
height: 2853

EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal teases "long" Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin adoption storyline as couple’s pasts explored
type: item
date: 2026-02-02T20:48:30.000Z
creator: Lewis Knight
subject: EastEnders
subject: Soaps
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: There's a long road ahead for Suki and Eve's journey together.
encoded: Actress Balvinder Sopal has confirmed that her current EastEnders storyline is set to be quite the long-running arc. The BBC One soap has seen the complicated matriarch Suki Panesar-Unwin (Sopal) pursuing an adoption with her wife and soulmate, Eve Panesar-Unwin (Heather Peace), as they hope to become parents together after a rather troubling attempt by Suki to get a child from her pregnant teenage step-granddaughter Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) last year. However, now heading down a much more ethical (and legal) route, it seems a rollercoaster lies ahead for the pairing known as 'Sukeve'. Speaking at The Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Balvinder was asked about the storyline and working with co-star Heather Peace for so long now. Balvinder said, "I mean, look, Heather and I have a brilliant relationship. We've worked together for, I think, three years now, three and a bit years. And each time, you know, we come on set, I think we find little moments that deepen the relationship between Suki and Eve, and that's really important, because I think sometimes relationships can get a bit boring or a bit samey, samey. So, we're trying to find the light and shade between the two of them, and what better way to do that than to throw in an adoption story? (laughs)." On what fans can expect from the coming months, Sopal added: "That's going to be a nice long arc, and we're going to delve quite deep, hopefully, into both of their backgrounds and lives, and just see the effects of what it means and what it takes to actually go ahead and adopt. We want to be as truthful as we possibly can. It's not easy. We know that. The team at EastEnders have done their background research, so you're in for a treat." Given we know very little about Suki's own family life growing up, could this be an opportunity to discover more about her upbringing? View Green Video on the source website Balvinder commented: "I mean, currently I can't say too much, but I think we will be seeing a lot of th…

543573-d7c2896.jpg
width: 4162
height: 2939

Call the Midwife star talks Rosalind's exciting new chapter with Cyril after huge development
type: item
date: 2026-02-01T21:00:32.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Things are heating up between Cyril and Rosalind!
encoded: Cyril and Rosalind's blossoming relationship has not been without its challenges in Call the Midwife. From being subjected to racist abuse in the street to Rosalind's parents trying – and failing – to hide their disapproval about the man their daughter had chosen, the fact that they are still going strong proves they are firmly committed to one another. And that was once again cemented in tonight's episode (Sunday 1st January). While enjoying a picnic together, Cyril had some exciting news: his divorce was on the verge of going through, meaning he would soon officially be a single man – and free to marry again, if he wished to. "If you meet the right person," Rosalind said coyly, bowing her head, which he echoed with a smile. He then asked her if she would like to join him in York for a work conference, which they could turn into a long weekend – marking their first trip away together as a couple. Read more: Call the Midwife's Nonnatus House jeopardy storyline has lost its edge – and here's why Call the Midwife's Heidi Thomas reveals season 15 "brings era to an end" – and why it was "hard" to write Naturally, Rosalind was thrilled, and not just because she was excited to spend some quality time with her partner, but also because she believed they were finally about to sleep together. "I think it's finally going to happen!" she confided in Joyce. But her enthusiasm was swiftly dampened when Cyril told her that he'd managed to book the last two rooms at the hotel they'd be staying at. "Two rooms? Cyril!" she snapped. "It’s been more than a year and you're almost divorced and when you ask a woman – not a girl, an independent, modern woman – who loves you to go away for the weekend, and then you book two rooms, how do you think it's going to make her feel?!" When Cyril said that he didn't want to "assume anything", she urged him to do exactly that. "Assume. Assume! If you don't start assuming soon, I think I'm going to blow up," she exclaimed, before Cyril kissed her, a…

CTM-exclu-394fe57.jpg
width: 4283
height: 2855

The Traitors’ Harriet Tyce says her experience could inspire a new book "in time"
type: item
date: 2026-02-01T08:00:31.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Her latest novel is set to be released next month.
encoded: The Traitors season 4 pulled out all the stops, from new twists in the form of a secret Traitor to allowing the Faithful to ask the Traitors questions, hoping to unearth their identities. The latter twist involved Harriet Tyce, who was absolutely sure that Rachel Duffy was a Faithful, though due to a lack of evidence beyond a gut feeling, her fellow players weren't convinced. Despite revealing herself to be a Faithful after being banished, Harriet had been keeping a handful of secrets from her fellow players.... Not only did she hide that she was a former barrister, but also that she was a successful crime writer, who has published four gripping crime novels, with a fifth to be released next month. But could another story be on the way, perhaps inspired by her turn in The Traitors castle? The question was posed to Harriet at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, and there is hope yet! View Green Video on the source website "Maybe in time. The psychology of all of it fascinates me. I mean, I can't tell you how much the immersive experience, how different people react to that," Harriet told RadioTimes.com. "Whether you believe it [or] you don't believe it, it's real and I think that there's something in that. "But in terms of some sort of roundtable, picking them off one by one? No, that that won't be happening. But I think in a while maybe." Harriet certainly has her hands full with the release of her new book, Witch Trial, on Thursday 26th February. The synopsis for the story reads: "When 18-year-old Christian Shaw is found dead in an Edinburgh park, the city reels - and the shock only deepens when police charge her best friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, with her murder. "As social media explodes and headlines scream for justice, rumours of bullying spiral into something darker: whispers of rituals, obsession, and a teenage pact gone wrong." It continues: "Matthew Phillips, a respected heart surgeon, is reluctantly called for jury duty on the case. But as the tri…

the-traitors-51-df18828.jpg
width: 3000
height: 2000

Taskmaster's Alex Horne teases new series with intriguing format change: "We've got something up our sleeve"
type: item
date: 2026-02-01T07:00:55.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
subject: Video
description: Watch this space – your time starts now!
encoded: Taskmaster fans – we could be in for a treat soon! Little Alex Horne himself has teased that the team behind the show have got ideas for a tweaked series in the "near-ish future" that would somewhat change the format of the show. While he kept quiet on the details, when asked about if he's planning to make any format changes in future, Horne told RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026: " People ask us about adding a Champion of Champion of Champions. "I think, instead of that, we have got something up our sleeves in the near-ish future, of doing a slightly interesting series. It's just some tweaks, but I can't say any more than that. So [we have got] something. We've got something up our sleeve." Horne declined to share any more on that, but also opened up about how long he sees the show running, with season 21 on the horizon. "Greg and I have always said we'll stop when we're not having fun anymore. We're having a lot of fun at the moment, but also, there's a bit of leave them wanting more," he explained. View Green Video on the source website However, before all that, we've got season 21 to enjoy, with the host also teasing a moment from the upcoming instalment that he thinks could go down in Taskmaster history. Asked if there are any moments that could become "classic" Taskmaster moments (for instance, like our personal favourites – Joe Wilkinson's potato mishap and Mike Wozniak's, erm, casserole), Horne teased: "There is a moment involving Kumail Nanjiani. I don't want to give much away, but he gives a lot away about what he does by himself in his hotel room. So that's what you've got to tune in for. "He surprised himself by what he revealed, and I was sat next to him, and it's a big moment. It's a never-before-seen Taskmaster moment." While we don't have a release date just yet for Taskmaster season 21, the starry cast - Armando Iannucci, Kumail Nanjiani, Joel Dommett, Amy Gledhill and Joanna Page - was recently announced. So, watch this space – yo…

alex-horne-radio-times-covers-party-2026-8f54f47.jpg
width: 3430
height: 2287

Bookish creator Mark Gatiss shares major season 3 update
type: item
date: 2026-01-31T19:00:24.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Season 2 is expected to debut later this year - but will the show go beyond that?
encoded: This year, Bookish will be returning for a second season, one which was confirmed before season 1 even debuted. Now, it seems that that confidence in the show's future is continuing, as creator and star Mark Gatiss has revealed work has already started on a season 3. Gatiss spoke with us while he was at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, and when asked whether Bookish was a series that could run and run with multiple future seasons, he said: "I bloody well hope so!" "Yes! I'm writing series 3 now," he revealed. "That might be an exclusive, I don't know!" Indeed it is. This is the first we've heard of season 3 being in the works, and while the show hasn't yet been officially renewed by U&Alibi, it does seem hopeful that we could hear positive news sooner rather than later. View Green Video on the source website Gatiss also jokingly teased what the future of the series would hold beyond season 2, saying: "It would involve books. And murder - never theft." While fans will no doubt be thrilled to hear that Gatiss is already thinking about the long-term future of the series, in the meantime we still have season 2 to get excited about. Teasing those upcoming storylines, Gatiss told us: "The first story is set in the world of spiritualism. The second story is about a murder in a tailor shop, and the third story is set in Germany where Book and Jack go to find out what happened to Jack's father, Felix." Teasing later episodes, when we'll find out more about Book's past with Felix, he said: "Episode 5 [and] 6, that's what it's about. So we will find out what happened, who Felix was, what happened to him, the whole shebang!" Bookish airs on U&Alibi. The series is available to stream on demand on Sky, Virgin, BT and TalkTalk. Add Bookish to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommend…

1T9A1135BOOKISHS2NV270825-2748246.jpg
width: 6342
height: 4230

Slow Horses star says there's “more to uncover” about Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb after shocking season 5 revelation
type: item
date: 2026-01-31T12:55:00.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Christopher Chung spoke with us at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026.
encoded: The fifth season of Slow Horses ended on a dramatic, poignant note for Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb, as more of his was revealed to the audience. Earlier in the season, Lamb had told a story about an an agent who had withstood brutal torture, alongside his pregnant lover, for information he ultimately never knew in the first place. In the final moments of the finale, it was revealed that Lamb was, in fact, that agent. Given this, and the fact that previous seasons have also dropped hints about Lamb's past, it seems there is still plenty more to learn about the enigmatic character - and that's something Roddy Ho star Christopher Chung has affirmed. Chung was in attendance at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, when he was asked about what was in store for Oldman's character in the upcoming season 6. While Chung admitted that it had been a long time since he filmed it, as production on season 7 is now underway, he did tease: "I think what's really great about the show is that we unpeel a layer every season of every character. So you learn a little bit more as the audience and you also get a little bit more character detail. "So I think, with Gary's character in particular, there's so much more to uncover about him and we are just showing you a little bit at a time - keep you engaged." View Green Video on the source website Elsewhere in his chat, Chung revealed that Roddy is "a little bit more spiritual" in season 6 - and we're very excited to see exactly how that will play out. The star also previously teased how the ending of season 5, which saw Diana Taverner finally become first desk, will impact on the season ahead. "Going into the next season with Taverner in first desk, you've kind of got her in a position now where she's got everything that she's wanted, everything that she's plotted and schemed for," he said. "So it'll be interesting to see if absolute power corrupts. I think that's a really good cliffhanger for the audience to see, now that she's got her hands o…

SlowHorsesPhoto050604-3716a91.jpg
width: 8256
height: 5504

Doctor Who writer shares verdict on Billie Piper regeneration twist: “It’s the ultimate cliffhanger"
type: item
date: 2026-01-31T12:04:29.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Sci-fi
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Contains Trailer
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
subject: Video
description: "Russell does chutzpah like no one else."
encoded: Doctor Who legend Mark Gatiss has given his verdict on the Billie Piper regeneration twist at the end of last season, describing it as the "ultimate cliffhanger". The Reality War, which aired in May, saw Ncuti Gatwa exit the show, with the Time Lord regenerating into returning star Piper, who previously played companion Rose Tyler. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Gatiss, who has written Doctor Who episodes including The Unquiet Dead, The Idiot's Lantern, The Crimson Horror and Robot of Sherwood, said: "Russell [T Davies] does chutzpah like no one else. "I don't know much about what happened, if Ncuti Gatwa was going to do three years, but only did two - it was certainly a surprise that he was going, wasn't it? So I think if you have this sort of... it's like the ultimate cliffhanger, isn't it? "It's like Sherlock in The Reichenbach Fall. It's like, well, this is a big one. And I mean, in a funny kind of way, it absolutely bookends the 2005 new show onwards - it's all about Billie! And then guess what?! So I haven't a clue. I know there's a Christmas special this year, isn't there? And after that, who knows?" View Green Video on the source website Also chatting to Radio Times, Alex Kingston, who played River Song in the BBC sci-fi gave her take on twist, saying she's "not buying" that Piper will be playing the next Doctor. "I didn't see the Billie Piper twist coming at all. To be perfectly honest, I still don't quite believe it because she's not a Gallifreyan, she's a human," she pointed out. "I think there's some playing going on here. But I don't buy that she's the next Doctor, and if she is, they're gonna have to work hard to convince me, because she's not a Gallifreyan!" Notably, when she returned to the show, Piper was not listed as 'The Doctor' in the episode's credits - leading fans to believe, like Kingston, that there's more going on than meets the eye. Speaking at the time of her return, Piper said: "It's no secret how much …

Billie-Piper-Doctor-Who-2e2130f-1-dc5b7bd.jpg
width: 1238
height: 825

The Traitors’ Fiona reveals moment Claudia Winkleman chose her to be the secret Traitor
type: item
date: 2026-01-31T09:00:37.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I just had enormous fun."
encoded: The Traitors kicked the new year off in spectacular fashion, not just for launching yet another stellar new series but also for the introduction of a twist that certainly paid off. The launch episode, which has already been watched by over 12.1 million viewers and continues to grow, saw Claudia Winkleman introduce a secret Traitor. This new role meant that one player had more power than ever in the game, with their identity being a secret from the other Traitors and viewers tuning in at home. This was until Hugo was banished from the castle and the secret Traitor made their debut in the turret. And that secret Traitor was none other than Fiona! Fiona has since gone down as a rather iconic character in The Traitors and she has lifted the lid on the very moment Winkleman gave her the red cloak... View Green Video on the source website Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Fiona shared that the moment she was chosen was "absolutely magical". "All the endorphins and nerve endings in my body just exploded," she told RadioTimes.com. "And I didn't know what to expect what my role was going to be. But I just had enormous fun and that's how I played the game." Fiona made quite her mark in the castle after an outburst led to her declaring war on her fellow Traitors, as she told the group she believed that Rachel was a Traitor, after thinking Rachel had lied about a piece of information Amanda had told her in confidence. Though this ultimately backfired, as the castle all sided with Rachel and were sure that Fiona was a Traitor. As a result, she was banished from the castle and the Faithful subsequently got rid of a conspiring Traitor. But that hasn't dimmed the light on her time on the show, as Fiona said: "It's been wonderful. People have been so generous and kind, and it's been a pleasure when they've come up and asked for selfies, and it's just joyous." The Traitors season 1-4 are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now. Check out more of our Entertainme…

the-traitors-50-1ec5e96.jpg
width: 3000
height: 2000

Death in Paradise's Don Warrington says fans should "assume nothing" about Selwyn's future following turbulent developments
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T20:00:21.000Z
creator: Abby Robinson
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: BBC
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "There will be many twists and turns to come..."
encoded: Selwyn Patterson has endured his fair share of challenges of late in long-running BBC series Death in Paradise. From his brush with death in season 13 after he was shot, to being cruelly replaced last season — and by someone who wasn’t a patch on him — it’s been as far from smooth sailing as one can get. But according to actor Don Warrington, fans shouldn't anticipate calmer waters for the commissioner. "I wouldn't think so," he said at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026 when asked if we can expect a calmer period for him. "I wouldn't think so at all. He can't settle, that's the nature of Selwyn." On a more profound note, does the commissioner feel different to Warrington after such a turbulent, life-changing period? "Well, I would think so," he nodded. "He's come back with renewed energy, and he’s going to deal with the island in a slightly different way. "I think he's going to be a new man, remade." In season 15 of the murder mystery, the Saint Marie locals are still reeling over the fact that they campaigned to get Selwyn his job back, only for him to initially reject it and leave the island. But following some advice from Catherine, he "sets out to rebuild trust — though winning back Saint Marie may prove easier said than done", teases the synopsis. "She helps the team to understand that they must do something to regain the islanders' trust in them as a police force," Élizabeth Bourgine said (via the BBC). "Throughout the series, there's a running thread of the people of Saint Marie learning to rely on one another and count on one another, so when Selwyn left, it felt like a betrayal to the people of Saint Marie. "Catherine helps the team to understand how the island is feeling, and what they need to do moving forward." Given that there's much work to be done, and that a potential Selwyn exit has been an ongoing storyline for much of the show recently, can we all rest easy, with Warrington planning to remain indefinitely? "My advice is assume nothing," Warrington…

SP-ddc3635.jpg
width: 4284
height: 2856

Bookish creator Mark Gatiss teases key revelation about Book’s past in "ambitious" season 2
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T14:41:26.000Z
creator: Louise Griffin
subject: Drama
subject: TV
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
subject: Video
description: "It's really rich, this new season, and much more ambitious."
encoded: With Bookish season 2 on the horizon, creator Mark Gatiss has teased that the new instalment of the detective series will delve further into Gabriel Book's past. The crime drama, which follows the eccentric book shop owner and unlikely detective, gave us a dramatic revelation at the end of season 2 – that Book was in love with Jack's father, a man named Felix. Now, Gatiss has confirmed that season 2 will give us much more detail on what happened between the pair. Explaining what's to come in season 2 at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Gatiss revealed: "The first story is set in the world of spiritualism. The second story is about a murder in a tailor shop, and the third story is set in Germany where Book and Jack go to find out what happened to Jack's father, Felix." Also teasing what's to come in the later episodes, when we'll find out more about Book's past with Felix, he revealed: "Episode 5 [and] 6, that's what it's about. So we will find out what happened, who Felix was, what happened to him, the whole shebang!" View Green Video on the source website Season 1 proved wildly popular with fans, and Gatiss admitted he's been relishing the chance to write more of the series. "It's a real passion project," he explained. "The idea of a gay detective in a dangerous world, but also in the post-war world, which is something I've always been really interested in. "I love murder mysteries. I've always wanted to be a period detective, so to have that as a vehicle for all kinds of stories, is very, very exciting. "We've got some amazing people on series 2 coming: Miranda Richardson, Simon Callow, Claire Skinner, Alan Corduner. "It's really rich, this new season, and much more ambitious, having established, as it were, the precinct of the lane and without it stretching credulity, having murders quite close to home, we've sort of opened it up a bit, so I'm really excited about it." First-look images of season 2 were recently unveiled, with the show set to reunite us with Po…

Bookish-7b9d774.jpg
width: 3840
height: 2561

David Mitchell teases Ludwig season 2 with character's new role and "brilliant" new cast members
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T12:16:20.000Z
creator: James Hibbs
subject: Comedy
subject: TV
subject: Contains Trailer
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Mitchell was speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026.
encoded: One of the biggest breakout series from 2024 was undoubtedly Ludwig, the BBC's comedy-drama detective series starring David Mitchell. Naturally, the series was renewed for a second season, which is set to pick up following the end of season 1, which saw Mitchell's character John becoming an official crime consultant with the police team, after his secret – that he'd been impersonating his missing police officer brother, was uncovered by them, but swept under the rug. As we wait for season 2, Mitchell spoke with RadioTimes.com exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, where he revealed that John isn't quite out of the woods yet. When asked how his official role on the police team would shake things up in the new episodes, Mitchell said: "When you watch the second series, you realise there's still quite a lot of obfuscation involved in his role, because not everyone in the police force is entirely on side with his appointment. "And of course, he's still got to cover up the fact that for a long time he was solving cases while impersonating a police officer. And if that ever gets out, well, five murderers will walk free, and he won't walk free himself." View Green Video on the source website Ludwig season 2 will also introduce a selection of new characters, including two new members of the police team, played by Ben Ashenden and Rumi Sutton. Mitchell said of these new additions: "They were brilliant, very funny. They're new characters, they're very funny characters. They've got a great dynamic with each other, but overall the situation remains the same." Meanwhile, Mark Bonnar and Sian Clifford are also joining the cast, with the former playing a newspaper editor, Gareth Fisher, and the latter playing local MP Joanne Kemper. Mitchell said that the duo are "both brilliant" and that "Mark Bonnar's sort of hilarious, hapless newspaper editor, which is a terrific role". "And Sian, well, I don't want to reveal too much about Sian's role," he said. "But it's intriguin…

ludwig-david-mitchell-953c150-37e5716.jpg
width: 2997
height: 1998

Why everyone in TV wants an invitation to the glamorous and exclusive Radio Times Covers Party
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T11:40:53.000Z
creator: Minnie Wright
subject: Entertainment
subject: TV
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: Come behind the scenes of the prestigious party that actors, writers, directors and executives all look forward to.
encoded: The lavish Art Deco ballroom at London's esteemed Claridge's hotel is packed. No, really. Weaving your way across the floor to snag another glass of bubbly from a sharply-attired waiter means quite literally coming face-to-face with Dame Harriet Walter, rubbing shoulders with a Gladiator and taking in the fine details of The Traitors winner Stephen Libby's tailored look up close. Queen star Roger Taylor comments on how bustling it is. A scattering of glass tables play host to the milling guests' (A-list acting talent, agents, TV executives and more) champagne flues – and a few small signs politely reminding attendees not to bother stars for selfies. The request is futile. The Traitors stars are here and there isn't a person in the room who doesn't want to meet them. Glitzy as it is, the annual Radio Times Covers Party isn't just a star-studded, celebratory affair; it's also where some of the most powerful names in the world of TV connect, shaping the shows – partnerships, castings, scripts – you watch at home in the coming months and years. The fizz, the canapés, the upscale Mayfair location and the extravagantly glamorous outfits alone would be enough to cause a clamour for invitations – but in the organic flow of conversations throughout the night, there's a subtler value to be found too. Spotted: Radio Times publisher's CEO making a beeline for Fiona Hughes, Jack Butler and Stephen, freshly of Traitors fame. He quickly breaks the no photo requests rule. And you'd better believe it's invitation-only. The unenviable task of wrangling the guest list into shape is overseen by Radio Times planning editor Maria Fyfe – the backbone of an extensive team of staff who pull off this spectacular bash every year. "The guest list is a tough balancing act," says Fyfe, who for weeks leading up to tonight could be seen juggling requests from agents, talent and colleagues alike. "So much cover talent, so many great people to invite, not enough space. But it's the plus one requests…

Untitled-design-34-b469e56.jpg
width: 1200
height: 840

What's it like to go to the Radio Times Covers Party?
type: item
creator: Minnie Wright
subject: App
subject: App features
description: Come behind the scenes of the prestigious party that actors, writers, directors and executives all look forward to.
encoded: The lavish Art Deco ballroom at London's esteemed Claridge's hotel is packed. No, really. Weaving your way across the floor to snag another glass of bubbly from a sharply-attired waiter means quite literally coming face-to-face with Dame Harriet Walter, rubbing shoulders with a Gladiator and taking in the fine details of The Traitors winner Stephen Libby's tailored look up close. Queen star Roger Taylor comments on how bustling it is. A scattering of glass tables play host to the milling guests' (A-list acting talent, agents, TV executives and more) champagne flues – and a few small signs politely reminding attendees not to bother stars for selfies. The request is futile. The Traitors stars are here and there isn't a person in the room who doesn't want to meet them. Glitzy as it is, the annual Radio Times Covers Party isn't just a star-studded, celebratory affair; it's also where some of the most powerful names in the world of TV connect, shaping the shows – partnerships, castings, scripts – you watch at home in the coming months and years. The fizz, the canapés, the upscale Mayfair location and the extravagantly glamorous outfits alone would be enough to cause a clamour for invitations – but in the organic flow of conversations throughout the night, there's a subtler value to be found too. And you'd better believe it's invitation-only. The unenviable task of wrangling the guest list into shape is overseen by RT planning editor Maria Fyfe – the backbone of an extensive team of staff who pull off this spectacular bash every year. "The guest list is a tough balancing act," says Fyfe, who for weeks leading up to tonight could be seen juggling requests from agents, talent and colleagues alike. "So much cover talent, so many great people to invite, not enough space. But it's the plus one requests that tip me over the edge and I always need a lie down in a dark room to recover." Back in the room, the ballroom itself is a grand space but not overwhelmingly large, like step…

The Traitors winner Stephen Libby confirms he has left his job as he teases what’s in his future
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T11:00:28.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I'll grab it with both hands."
encoded: Since its debut in 2022, The Traitors has produced a handful of deserving winners, from Faithfuls who managed to sniff out the Traitors at the very last point to Traitors who pulled the wool over the eyes of their fellow players. And this year was no different. After weeks of brutal banishments and shocking murders, Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy were crowned the winners and took home £47,875 each. As a result, Stephen has been the talk of the nation, whether it be about his striking outfit choices or his decision to remain faithful to his fellow Traitor. Such has got many people thinking, 'what will he do next?'. Speaking exclusively at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Stephen revealed he has left his role as a cyber security consultant and is keen to dive "into something that I'm more passionate about". View Green Video on the source website "It's been very good to me over the years, which is great, but I'm taking a break from work at the moment, just going to put my feet up see what happens," he said. Stephen added: "And then if, in the future, an opportunity presents itself to me that's more exciting than cyber security, I'll grab it with both hands." Fans can only hope that Stephen will move into the fashion world after his iconic outfits kept the nation talking during each and every episode. But, this certainly wasn't something that he had expected while filming the series. "The reaction has been overwhelming, because this is like my day-to-day wardrobe, and so I didn't curate a wardrobe specifically for The Traitors," he told RadioTimes.com. "But I'm just so happy that the response has been positive and the memes have been hilarious. I mean, people are quick with their memes as well, like an episode would finish, and it'd be hundreds of new memes about my jumpsuit or a pink jumper, a green jumper. "And I think what it's shown me is that the bar for men's fashion is quite low because, to me, that's just like my normal clothing. So I'm just really happy that …

The-Traitors-Stephen-Libby-next-a65eb25.jpg
width: 2000
height: 1333

The Traitors star Faraaz reveals he was left in tears after billionaire's touching gift
type: item
date: 2026-01-30T11:00:21.000Z
creator: Katelyn Mensah
subject: Entertainment
subject: Reality TV
subject: TV
subject: BBC iPlayer
subject: BBC One
subject: Exclusive
subject: News
subject: Radio Times Covers Party 2026
description: "I'm so grateful."
encoded: Faraaz Noor may not have won The Traitors prize money to take his family on a pilgrimage to Hajj, but the opportunity to do so may come sooner than he thinks. Faraaz was a fan favourite on this year's series, often for his quiet and sometimes incorrect contributions to the roundtable. He made it to the final episode but was ultimately banished by Traitors Stephen and Rachel. Ahead of the final, Faraaz said if he were to win the prize he would "love to be able to spend it on me and my family to make a religious pilgrimage". "To go to Umrah, to go to Hajj, would be really nice. For me to do that for my family would be great. If there's a bit of left over, I wouldn't mind putting a bit away for a new car but treating my family is my main goal." Following the whirlwind of The Traitors, Umar Kamani, the CEO of PrettyLittleThing, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), that he "would love to send Faraaz from Traitors and his family to Hajj". View oEmbed on the source website Reacting to the news at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Faraaz shared that he was "in tears" after seeing the post. "I came back and I was talking to my mum and I was like, I just can't... to Umar, I'm so grateful, Alhamdulillah, I was literally crying my eyes out honestly. I couldn't believe it." View Green Video on the source website While details on whether Faraaz and Umar are in touch are not known, the breakout Traitors star is keen to still make the pilgrimage. He told BBC News: "The love and support I've been getting is unbelievable... Inshallah, one day I'll be able to hopefully take them to Hajj or even complete Umrah. I'm looking forward to that." The Traitors season 1-4 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. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

thetraitors-c733cd9.jpg
width: 3000
height: 2000