Celebrity Traitors 2026 tipped to have signed TV academic for second run of hit BBC show
Filming will reportedly commence this weekend.
Rumours are intensifying about which famous faces could be headed to the Scottish Highlands for the second season of The Celebrity Traitors, with academic Hannah Fry thought to be in the running. The Sun has reported that the mathematician and broadcaster is the latest name to sign up for the new episodes, with filming said to begin this weekend. Hannah Fry is a mathematician and broadcaster, and is currently professor of the public understanding of mathematics at the University of Cambridge. She has made a string of television shows in recent years, including The Secret Genius of Modern Life, The Future with Hannah Fry and this year's AI Confidential with Hannah Fry. A spokesperson for the BBC told Radio Times: "We are not commenting on speculation and details for The Celebrity Traitors series 2 will be announced in due course." Fry is the latest name to join the speculated list of who could take part in the new season, with the likes of Michael Sheen, Cheryl and Steve Pemberton all rumoured to have been approached about the series. Someone who definitely won't be taking part, however, is Criminal Record star Peter Capaldi, who explained that he wouldn't want the extra attention that came with the show. "I think there's a level of fame that… I think it propels you into the public eye, at a level of exposure that I don’t really want," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. "I like doing, you know, it’s like doing my music things – it’s very difficult for people in that business to understand that you want to keep it small." 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. Fellow actor James Nesbitt also revealed that he turned down the chance to take part in the next Celebrity Traitors, admitting that he was "too scared" after the success of last year's run. During an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Nesbitt said: "When I was asked, because I was in at the BBC, and I went, 'Oh, sounds amazing.' "Then I spoke to my agent and he said no. Because I just thought, 'How do I follow that?' It was so brilliant." View Green Video on the source website Celebrity Traitors season 2 is coming to BBC One later this year. Season 1 is available to watch now on iPlayer. Add The Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Neighbourhood's Scouse Haus talk shock exit and the Lozman-Sturrocks: "They played a better game"
*Warning - contains spoilers for The Neighbourhood episode 3.* The Neighbourhood burst onto TV screens last week and has gripped viewers with its juicy twists and turns, especially in its latest episode which saw one household removed from KeepYourEnemies Close. The series, which is fronted by Graham Norton, features a group of households battle it out for a £250,000 cash prize. All they have to do is remain the most popular amongst the other households, which is easier said than done... In the latest episode, it was time for another removal in which each household has to decide amongst themselves who they want to remove, before one representative is sent out in the square to declare who they have chosen. Unfortunately for the Scouse Haus, they received the most votes and were sent home packing, and it's largely down to one member of the Lozman-Sturrocks for their demise. Earlier in the episode, Jordan was intent on making sure some of the other households had his back, which meant stirring the pot slightly about the Scouse Haus. After tying in votes with the Lozman-Sturrocks, it was the Campbell Grahams who had the deciding vote and upon choosing to remove the Scouse Haus, their time was over. In an exclusive interview with Radio Times, the Scouse Hause were asked how they felt about the Lozman-Sturrocks, to which Rosie said: "It is a game at the end of the day and whatever tactic you've got, if it's gonna get you to where you wanna go, then all we can do is respect it. Do what you need to do. Lyndsey added: "And do you know what? They played the better game than us." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/5-0773b7f.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="A family of four are standing in front of a row of houses. They are in two couples – on the left is Dave in a yellow shirt and black trousers, with his arm on the shoulder of his wife Christine, who is wearing a yellow floral shirt and a jean skirt. On the right is Katie, who is a redhead with glasses, a white shirt and black jeans, and Jordan, in a pink shirt and black stonewash jeans" title="5 - The Neighbourhood cast" /> But while all is smoothed over now, they certainly weren't expecting the level of game playing that went on behind their backs. "I think we were all blindsided by it because we were just living our life," Lyndsey told Radio Times. Louise added: "We were baking cookies just being so blissfully ignorant, little did we know what was going on in The Neighbourhood. He was knocking round everyone's house." But drama aside, the girls are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the game pans out, with them firmly rooting for the Bradons and the Pescuds - who they're still friends with almost a year on from filming! As for the remaining households, tensions rise in tonight’s episode as the neighbours face their biggest decision yet during alliance week. Norton asks them to pair up with another household, and true colours show when friendships are cast aside… The Neighbourhood continues on Thursday 30 April at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Add The Neighbourhood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Race Across the World 2026 line-up: Meet the pairs competing in this breathtaking journey from Europe to Mongolia
Race Across the World season 6 has now reached its halfway point, as the teams face the longest leg of the race so far. Tonight (30 April), the remaining teams will travel through the world's largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan, and into Uzbekistan, they must navigate the vast Kazakh steppe with its endless horizons and limited English speakers. To keep the race moving, the pairs will have to adapt to a whole new way of travelling. So, who else is left in the race? As the series continues, find our more about the cast and read our exclusive interviews with this year's cast of Race Across the World below. Race Across the World 2026 line-up Mark and Margo Katie and Harrison Andrew and Molly Kush and Jo Puja and Roshni This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Five intrepid duos – best friends, a father and daughter, cousins, siblings and the show's first set of in-laws – set off on a 12,000km journey from Palermo in Italy to Hatgal in Mongolia in the sixth series of Race Across the World. Stripped of their phones, they each have a budget of just £23 a day to survive and make it to the final checkpoint ahead of the other contenders. Puja and Roshni Puja, 31, is a doctor and is racing with her cousin software engineer cousin Roshni, 32. Whose idea was it to sign up? Puja: I applied a few years ago with another friend. I was advised to do it with someone I’ve known for a really long time so I reapplied with Roshni. I’m so glad we did it together. Roshni: We’d both just got married and I was house hunting and trying to be an adult. Leaving work for three months didn’t sound like the smartest idea… Was it hard not being able to contact home? Puja: Definitely. We come from Asian families. We’re both married, but our parents still want to know what we’re doing every day. What were you nervous about? Roshni: For me, it was food. Given we’re vegetarian, I knew we would have to make sacrifices. Puja: Running out of toiletries. Who was better at approaching strangers for help? Roshni: Puja did take the lead at the start and watching her pushed me to do it. Did the race change you? Roshni: Definitely. We found out a lot about each other. Puja: There’s nothing now that we won’t be able to work past. Mark and Margo Mark, 66, a retired architect from London is racing with his sister-in-law Margo, 59, a hypnotherapist from Liverpool. You’re in-laws, who at one point didn't get on and yet you took on this journey — why? Mark: My late wife Julia was a big fan of the show but she would never have done it, she liked five-star hotels! One of Julia’s last wishes [before she died in July 2022] was that Margo and I continue the friendship we’d been building while caring for her. This was a way of doing that. What was your reaction when you learnt the final checkpoint was in Mongolia? Margo: I don’t do cold! Mark: I had an inkling it could be Mongolia. Very few people go, so I was thrilled. What were you most nervous about? Margo: We probably weren’t as nervous as we should’ve been! We had a little bit of chutzpah. We’re used to travelling, we’re grown-ups and we were a little bit gung-ho. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Margo: We thought that it would be nice to see things but how we got along was my priority. Mark: Our intention was to be the oldest couple to win. What did you learn about yourselves along the way? Mark: It was a turning point in my life. I’m quite shy and introverted. But on one particular leg of the race, I had an out-of-body experience in a way and it changed my view of life. Margo: We were both surprised at how much we were there for each other. We read the world in different ways, our brains work completely differently but we found common ground and connected. Would you go on another adventure together? Margo: Absolutely! Mark: It was great fun being with Margo and we work well together and enjoy each other’s company. I could see us doing something again. Looking to plan your next holiday? Request brochures for European and worldwide escorted tours, plus ocean and river cruises from our travel partners Katie and Harrison Account manager Katie, 21, is racing with her brother Harrison, 23, a finance assistant from Manchester. Whose idea was it to sign up? Harrison: It was my idea. Our mum sent us the link. It’s a show I’ve always watched. I just needed to convince Katie because she was scared of doing it until we got there. Katie: I was excited for the race, but nervous about the TV aspect. What was your reaction when you learnt that the final checkpoint was in Mongolia? Katie: I was stressed because I’d packed for Brazil, I really thought we were going there so I was worried about my clothes! What made you most nervous about the task? Harrison: I was concerned about being hungry. Did the race test your relationship? Katie: It strengthened it. Our race relationship was slightly different to our home relationship because we were nice to each other. At home, it’s constant banter and taking the mick out of each other. Harrison: We do everything together, so we had a strong relationship and foundation going into the race, but we made a conscious effort to not wind each other up. Was there an item you were happy you packed? Katie: My face masks, especially because your skin gets so dry. It was a nice luxury. Harrison: I was pretty practical. My calculator and my notebook made me feel better. What did you learn about yourselves on the race? Katie: To be a bit more confident in myself. It made me view the world differently. Harrison: I live quite a regimented life so I think I discovered a different side to me that maybe I didn’t know existed. Would you go on another adventure together? Harrison: We’ve been waiting to finish my exams, then maybe South America. Katie: You keep saying maybe, but it’s a definitely! Andrew and Molly Geography teacher Andrew, 54, is racing with his daughter Molly, 23, a junior doctor from Northern Ireland. Whose idea was it to sign up? Andrew: I decided to fill out the form. Molly was sitting her finals. Never in a million years did we think we’d be picked. What were you most nervous about? Andrew: Would we fall out? That was my biggest fear. Molly: Just doing well. I thought we’d get there eventually, but how was that going to happen? Did the experience change you? Andrew: It gave me confidence and courage. To stop overthinking and seize the moment. Molly: For me, it was realising you can’t plan the future. Stop worrying about it because you’ll get through it and it’ll be OK. Was there a luxury you wish you’d taken with you? Andrew: A spare razor! Molly: A nice outfit. Who was better at approaching strangers to ask for help? Molly: There was a strategy. Daddy went to older people and I approached young people. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Molly: We said that we live and die by whatever call we make at that moment. There’s no “You said that” or “That was a bad idea”. Andrew: We just wanted to enjoy it. Kush and Jo Kush, 19, a gap-year student is racing with best fried Jo, a 19-year-old college student from Liverpool. Whose idea was it to apply? Kush: It was mine! I was on Instagram and saw the advert. I called Jo and said, “Do you want to sign up for this?” and he was like, “Yeah, sound.” Jo: We felt like we didn’t have anything to lose! Were you worried your friendship would be tested? Kush: We were confident it was strong enough to overcome any sort of challenges. Was it difficult to live without your phones? Kush: It was a blessing in disguise. The worst part was not being able to contact my mum and family. Jo: In the first week I was craving it quite a lot, but the race requires so much attention. Did you agree to prioritise sightseeing or the race? Kush: We decided to compromise. When we applied, I was more “Let’s just experience everything”. But Jo was very determined and said, “We’ve got to win.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Race Across the World continues on Thursday 30 April at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Seasons 1-5 are available to watch on iPlayer. Add Race Across the World to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Is it time for more vulnerable intimacy on TV? Virgin Island might be leading the way
The jaw-dropping series has returned for a second season on Channel 4.
Channel 4 has never been coy about creating eyebrow-raising television, and Virgin Island certainly isn't the first time the broadcaster has commissioned a rather jaw-dropping concept. Open House: The Great Sex Experiment first aired in 2022, following couples who head to a luxury retreat where they explored whether having open relationships and sex with other people could strengthen their bond. It was eye-opening, featured sex and relationship experts and put intimacy at the forefront of the conversation - and Virgin Island is doing the same thing. Having first aired in 2025, the series became a ratings hit, breaking records among 16-to-34-year-olds and was Channel 4's biggest streaming hit of the year, so it was unsurprising when the renewal news came around. The reality series follows 12 adult virgins as they head to a Mediterranean retreat under the care of intimacy experts, including lead coaches Celeste Hirschman and Dr Danielle Harel, both co-creators of the Somatica Method which is used on the show. With two more episodes in this season, there is plenty for Hirschman, Harel and their expanded team of experts to get stuck into - from religious shame and online bullying to body image anxiety. The experts also tackle sexual disorders on the rise among young people, including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and vaginismus. Along with tackling these sexual issues, the series follows the group on a transformative journey and edges towards moments as intimate as people potentially losing their virginity. And with a new season, it begs the question: Do we really need to see this all over again? Well, it's certainly a show worth being optimistic about. The reaction to season 1 was rather negative, with social media filled with comments from viewers saying they were "creeped out" and "uncomfortable", particularly during scenes involving surrogate partner therapy, in which participants who choose to do so can engage in intimate exercises - including kissing, nudity and, in some cases, intercourse - with trained surrogates. Hirschman and Harel have rigorously defended the show since its introduction last year, with the experts telling Radio Times how important and detailed the duty of care for the participants is. View oEmbed on the source website "The duty of care is amazing, and that's one of the amazing things I love about the structure and the production team and the British TV rules too," Harel began. "There is really amazing duty of care, people always have someone to reach out to. There's psychiatrists on the team, in addition to all the professionals [on the show there is] someone on the outside." She continued: "So it won't be a part of the process they're going through and people always checked on [the participants] before, during and after. There's dedicated people that they talk to on a weekly basis if they want to." Participants themselves have also rejected ideas that they were exploited on the programme, with season 2's Bertie telling LadBible: "The therapists as well always said, 'If you don’t want to do this particular thing you do not have to, it’s completely fine.' "We felt very safe on the programme, we felt very secure and it genuinely was a good time." Many of the participants have praised the show, noting it has been a life-changing experience, with it offering a rare chance to focus entirely on their intimacy issues with intensive professional support. Experts argue that much of the discomfort around Virgin Island stems from the fact that it shows intimacy as messy, awkward and, at times, emotional, rather than smooth and cinematic — something audiences are accustomed to when it comes to seeing sex on television. As psychosexual dysfunction therapist Shelly Dar argues, the "cringe" viewers feel is a mirror: real sexual vulnerability can be difficult to watch because it activates people's own shame, discomfort and unresolved feelings. "We've become so accustomed to the polished, performative sex found in porn or scripted dramas that real, awkward sexual vulnerability feels alien," she told Radio Times. "Viewers aren't just laughing at the contestants; they are distancing themselves from the terrifying prospect of being that seen and that exposed." Dr Lori Beth Bisbey, psychologist, GSRD (gender, sex, relationship diversity) therapist, sex and intimacy coach, makes a similar point: "Viewers find vulnerability difficult to watch. Sexual vulnerability can be more difficult to watch as people often have their own sexual vulnerabilities and the vulnerability highlights the emotional part of intimacy." She continued: "On television people seem more inclined to connect with straight physicality as it doesn’t spark off any shame or unresolved feelings for them. As a society, we are not great at talking feelings, responding to feelings and talking about sex, so the programme is more challenging than people expect it to be." Virgin Island has begun to open up a conversation that mainstream television often shies away from. Hirschman and Harel repeatedly frame the show as a way to reduce shame, normalise awkwardness and show that intimacy is learned, not magically innate. Harel told Radio Times that sexuality is often treated as something secretive and shameful, asking why we can watch cooking shows together but struggle to treat sex with the same openness. Harel explained: "Just thinking about the idea of [it being] personal and secretive, I think that's part of the shame. It's not like the idea is, 'Let's have sex outside on the streets', that's not the point. It's okay to have privacy around sexuality but there's something so powerful about seeing people's transformation and helping it transform other people's lives. And also, what if we didn't feel so much shame around sexuality? What if we were allowed to talk about it? People see cooking shows together, why is that not personal?" Hirschman added that erotic energy shouldn't be boxed into the bedroom, but understood as something that can move through the whole body and one's entire life. She said: "What happens when we don't actually feel that erotic energy and that aliveness flowing through us all the time is that it actually shuts down. And then when it is time to go to the bedroom, nobody has any of it flowing. To be able to feel it and flow it throughout your throughout your body, throughout your life, I think that creates much more lubrication, as we say, for when you are actually ready to have sex." Dar added: "Intimacy deserves more space on television, provided it’s handled with integrity. We have a crisis of loneliness and sexual dysfunction in the UK, often fuelled by silence. If this show moves the conversation from shame to curiosity, it’s doing a service, even if the format is designed to make us squirm." Their points are not that sex should be public for the sake of it but that silence has its own cost. As we see in Virgin Island, many adults reach their 20s and 30s with little sexual education, a heavy burden of shame, or sexual disorders that are rarely discussed in detail on television. Virgin Island is making these experiences visible. Virgin Island returns on Monday 27 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Add Virgin Island to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
MasterChef 2026 contestants: Confirmed cast for season 22
Let's meet the chefs whipping up a storm in the kitchen this year!
MasterChef is back and ready to fire up and grill a new batch of contestants hoping to impress the judges. With Grace Dent and Anna Haugh at the helm as the new hosts, the 22nd series of the BBC cooking competition is making sure this is one to remember. But who will boil under the pressure and who will quietly simmer as the heats get under way? With 48 contestants all fighting for a handful of the sought-after white MasterChef aprons, they'll have to whip up something special in order to make it through. And tonight, it's time for heat 4 to show what they're made of. Meet the team of amateur chefs ready to take on the challenge, and why they've decided to do the show. MasterChef 2026 contestants: Who is competing in series 22? Heat 4 Naomi Age: 31 From: Newcastle Job: Warehouse designer Naomi's family travelled around the country with her dad's job when she was a child, and she learnt to cook from her mum. Naomi's signature dish is braised beef in cinnamon and beef stock with baba ganoush and fattoush. Anisha Age: 26 From: Birmingham Job: Digital engineer Anisha was inspired to cook from an early age by her father, who was a restaurateur and chef. Her signature dish is Turkish lamb manti dumplings, with a roasted garlic yoghurt, a homage to her husband. Lenford Age: 35 From: St Lucia Job: Coastal engineer Lenford grew up in St Lucia and played international rugby for the island's team. He now lives in London but will be bringing the spirit of St Lucia into the kitchen. His signature dish is a St Lucian Sunday lunch, consisting of stewed lamb, mac and cheese, roasted plantain and coleslaw. Kristen Age: 40 From: Australia Job: Communications director Kristen moved to the UK when she was 21 and is a self-confessed culinary magpie who has collected and developed her food style based on where she has travelled and lived. Her signature dish is cured sea bass with Thai flavours of kaffir lime and Thai basil and coriander, paired with a smoked coconut milk, a cumber and herb granita and a whipped cod's roe. Adam Age: 24 From: County Down Job: PhD student Adam grew up in a small fishing village outside Belfast and he dreams of following in the footsteps of other great Irish chefs by championing the food of his homeland. His signature dish is a treacle and Veda bread tart with an orange mascarpone cream and a walnut brittle. Simi Age: 59 From: Iran Job: Retired Originally from Iran, retired nursery teacher Simi has lived in the UK for 30 years. Her dream is to run a supper club which celebrates the culture, story and flavours of Persian cuisine. Her signature dish is lamb shanks with tahchin and Shirazi salad. Heat 3 Rebecca Age: 56 From: Lincoln Job: Advertising Rebecca has been a pescatarian since she was a teenager, and dreams of owning a small independent cafe. Her signature dish is a paneer curry with an egg, a nod to her mother who was famous for her curries that always included an egg. Yuvi Age: 24 From: Warwickshire Job: AI consultant From a young age, Yuvi's parents introduced him to flavours from all over the world which inspired him to experiment. His signature dish is a trio of duck, consisting of smoked duck breast, duck liver mousse beignet and sautéed duck hearts, along with a cherry balsamic coulis. Tony Age: 46 From: Yorkshire Job: Dairy factory worker Tony shares his passion for cooking with his 10-year-old son, and they both watch MasterChef together. It was Tony's son who pushed him to apply for the show. His signature dish is a roast dinner, but elevated to the next level. Matt From: London Job: PhD student London born Matt has British, Canadian and east Asian heritage and when cooking at home, he loves to draw on the Japanese flavours he grew up with. His signature dish is poached sea bream with spicy tomato and brown crab sauce. Leia Age: 36 From: Puerto Rico Job: Medical writer Leia was taught to cook by her grandmother, where her passion to cooking stemmed from. Her signature dish is a plantain lasagne with short rib ragu. Alexia Age: 32 From: London Job: Travel consultant Alexia's travels have inspired her to cook different cuisines, often putting a twist on things. Her signature dish is beer battered aubergine with a satay sauce. Heat 2 Jim Age: 45 From: Derbyshire Job: Music producer For Jim, cooking is his wind down time after work. His signature dish is a pan-seared Iberico pork with a manchego croquette and romseco sauce, Amy Age: 64 From: Massachusetts Job: Humanist wedding celebrant Amy spent 20 years as a US diplomat living and working in the Middle East and Africa, where she dived into their culture via food. Her signature dish is a pistachio Persian love cake with Persian rose water and saffron ice cream. Maddie Age: 28 From: Southampton Job: Tattoo artist With a love for home cooked classics, Maddie dreams of one day having her own food truck. Her signature is based on the first dish she ever made that people requested she made again, a king prawn and scallop Alfredo with homemade tagliatelle. Luca Age: 34 From: Italy Job: Flight operations controller Luca was inspired to take up cooking after travelling the world as a flight attendant and working on cruise ships. His signature dish a classic risotto with a twist, including a ras el hanout, a blend of spices from Morocco. He will serve that with mint and lemon pesto and a side of beetroot sauce and beetroot cubes. Maria Age: 40 From: London Job: Advertising executive Maria grew up in a family of food lovers and still shares recipes with her older sisters. Her signature dish is a mix between her two sisters' favourite desserts, making a baked doughnut with a grilled pineapple marinated in lime and chilli with a ginger custard. Michael Age: 34 From: Wolverhampton Job: Stay-at-home dad Michael learned how to cook watching videos online and in 2014, he catered for his own wedding and now as a stay-at-home dad, he cooks daily for his wife and family. His signature dish is a Parmigiano risotto with short rib braised in a pressure cooker with dandelion and burdock. Heat 1 Brendan Age: 57 From: Essex Job: Construction project company director Brendan has loved cooking since he was a child, with one of his first memories being helping his mum and parents make Christmas dinner. He now considers the kitchen his "happy place", and likes to show his love for his family through the meals he makes them. Speaking ahead of the series, he said: "Over the years, many people have said I should enter the competition, especially my wife and children, so back in 2020 I entered for the first time and decided that I would keep on entering every year until I made it onto the show. "Five years later it happened and my long-term dream became a reality - definitely a major thing on my bucket list ticked!" Jhané Age: 29 From: North London Job: Tech program manager Jhané grew up in Islington with her family, and found her passion for food from her mum, who loved hosting guests and friends in their home for dinner parties. She says her cooking style is all about bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and portions as big as possible. "For me, the best meals happen when everyone is reaching over each other for a second helping and sharing stories," she said. "I want my food to be the loud, messy centrepiece of a great night and fun party. "When I cook, it’s not so much about tweezers and dainty garnishes and more about high heat, fresh herbs, and lots of chilli." Jhané hopes that MasterChef will give her a platform to turn her love of cooking into a career. Matt Age: 41 From: West Yorkshire Job: IT manager Matt admits he was a late bloomer when it comes to learning how to cook, considering himself a picky eater when he was younger. He finally found a passion for whipping up meals during the COVID lockdown in 2020, and since then has been enjoying experimenting with recipes. Matt takes pride in dishes that are flavour-driven, combining small elements together for something special, and hopes to inspire others to do the same. "Cooking has quietly become a huge part of my life, and I reached a point where I thought why not push myself and see how far I can take it? MasterChef feels like the perfect challenge," he said. "It forces you out of your comfort zone and tests your creativity and technique." Rosdip Age: 33 From: North Shields Job: Digital portfolio manager Rosdip grew up in Nepal before relocating to the UK at the age of 17. His cooking style is heavily influenced by his Nepalese heritage, and he takes pride in creating dishes from the heart. He credits his mum for helping him learn how to create delicious dishes from minimal ingredients, and his Scottish partner Gregor for introducing him to a new mix of flavours. His dream is to bring his Nepalese cuisine to a global stage. "I’m talking about generational home-cooking that usually only lives in memory of family members, without any recipe books," he explains. "In near future, I would absolutely love to serve the North-East community refined home cooked Nepali dishes that deliver nostalgia and bold, authentic flavours without compromise, so they get a taste of Nepal and my heritage!" Sabina Age: 49 From: Greater London Job: Environmental consultant Sabina grew up in Gulshan, Dhaka, but now lives in London with her husband and two teenage children. She loves to experiment, and considers her kitchen a "flavour lab", and takes pride in trying new things, often being influenced by her Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. Sabina particularly likes cooking with chillies, and finding that perfect blend of flavour and heat. This isn't Sabina's first time trying to take on the challenge for MasterChef, first applying 16 years ago, but was forced to pull out of filming due to her pregnancy. "I was due right around the time of filming, and it just wasn't meant to be," she said. "Life got busy, and I put the dream aside." "Fast forward sixteen years, and my kids started getting after me to apply again. They'd seen me cooking all these years, experimenting in my kitchen, and they kept saying, 'Mum, you have to do it'," she added. "There was something about their encouragement that felt like serendipity, they were the reason I couldn't do it the first time, and now they were the reason I was giving it another shot." Samantha Age: 39 From: St Albans Job: Accounts assistant Living with her husband and two children, Samantha likes to experiment and doesn't feel like she has one particular cooking style. She first found a love of cooking through her family, helping them make breakfast even as a small child. "I have always been a huge fan of the show and watched it since it started," she said about her reason for taking part. "I always wanted to give it a go, and I did apply a few times over the years and then work and having a family took up a lot of my time, so I thought being 40 next year, let’s get it off the bucket list. And here I am!" MasterChef continues on Wednesday 29 April at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. 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.
Virgin Island experts respond to show critics ahead of season 2 - and argue why it's not a dating show
"What if we didn't feel so much shame around sexuality?"
Channel 4 is ready to get the nation talking all over again, as its BAFTA award-nominated series Virgin Island returns for an extended second season. Tonight (27 April), viewers will return to the island as 12 new young people face their intimacy anxiety head on, helped by a group of sex therapists who have surprises that push the participants to confront their sexual issues. Like in season 1, the participants will experience a hands-on approach to intimacy, guided through the process by surrogate partner therapists, sexological bodyworkers and a newly introduced BDSM coach. This level of intimacy and conversations around sex on screen came as a shock to viewers last year when season 1 was released, with some people unsure if such a personal journey like losing your virginity should be played out on television for the nation to watch. The question of whether the show's depiction of someone's sexual journey should be shown on television was put to experts Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman – co-founders of the Somatica Institute and co-creators of the Somatica method. "Just thinking about the idea of personal and secretive, I think that's part of the shame," Harel told Radio Times. "It's not like the idea is, 'Let's have sex outside on the streets', that's not the point. It's okay to have privacy around sexuality but there's something so powerful about seeing people's transformation and helping it transform other people's lives." She continued: "And also, what if we didn't feel so much shame around sexuality? What if we were allowed to talk about it? People see cooking shows together, why is that not personal?" The Somatica method is an experiential approach that combines emotional connection with practical tools to build confidence, communication and intimacy. "Somatica is a method that we really teach people intimacy and relationship skills, because we really believe that you're not born with those skills. You need to learn them," Harel explained. "And we don't have a lot of good examples around how to have good relationships and intimacy and what I think the most amazing thing about Somatica is that we're teaching intimacy while being in intimacy with our clients. "So it's a two side relationship called the relationship lab. We're sharing vulnerably, we're sharing with them and giving them feedback lovingly, in the moment, to help them improve the skills." View oEmbed on the source website This season, thanks to two additional episodes, features new concepts for audiences and the participants alike, including core desires, helping them "embrace and explore their specific turn-ons" during their time on the retreat. There was also a new workshop that helped the group "own the 'tease' and debunk the 'creep', allowing them to "feel more empowered in their boundaries and less worried about coming across as 'creepy'"". Hirschman explained to Radio Times that she feels as though there is "compartmentalisation" that people are "only supposed to be a sexual being in the bedroom with your partner". She added: "What happens when we don't actually feel that erotic energy and that aliveness flowing through us all the time is that it actually shuts down. And then when it is time to go to the bedroom, nobody has any of it flowing. To be able to feel it and flow it throughout your throughout your body, throughout your life, I think that creates much more lubrication, as we say, for when you are actually ready to have sex." Read more: Where is Virgin Island filmed? Location of new Channel 4 series Virgin Island experts: Meet the new and returning coaches Last season saw romance spark between participants Viraj and Emma and while that didn't amount to anything, there is some romance on the horizon in season 2. But while the series explores sex and relationships and romance does blossom, it is by no means a dating show. "This is for people's personal transformation and growth," said Hirschman. "And they all, especially in season 2, when they kind of knew what was going to happen because they'd seen season 1, they were much more prepared with their own personal goals and issues that they really wanted to work with and have some resolution around. "So it really wasn't a dating show. And it's beautiful because they're all practicing with each other, and experimenting and trying things and some little love connections can happen. There's no pressure or goal towards that, but it's an option as well, which is really nice." For Hirschman and Harel, it was important to "set the tone", explaining: "When we did the pillow talk that you see in the trailer, we're business partners, we're not lovers, and we just demonstrate with each other. And we said, 'Hey, we are not doing it for the purpose of practicing, so try it out, you can practice with everyone.' It doesn't define your relationship with them. And I think that created a really important invitation for them to feel safe, to try it out, and to let themselves be themselves." Virgin Island returns on Monday 27 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Add Virgin Island to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Where is Virgin Island filmed? Location guide for Channel 4 series
Channel 4's thought-provoking series, Virgin Island, is returning for a second season as it introduces viewers to a new group of young people, all whom are struggling with intimacy anxiety. This time, the participants know what the course has to offer and they're all determined to make the most of it. Guided by Celeste Harel and Danielle Hirschman and an expanded group of sex and relationships experts, the participants confront their sexual issues. "It was so wonderful that they had some familiarity with the concept, so they came to the island with very well-thought out and specific goals," Celeste said of filming season 2. "This made it easier for them to progress quickly and reach new heights of confidence, awareness and intimacy in a short period of time." Once more, the series is set on an idyllic Mediterranean retreat, the participants are getting sun soaked in addition to their intimacy courses – but just where exactly is Virgin Island? Read on to learn more about the filming location for the new Channel 4 series. Where is Virgin Island filmed? Virgin Island is filmed at the Obonjan Island Resort, which is located in Obonjan, an island in Croatia. The resort offers a Mediterranean glamping-style escape, according to the website, with Island Homes, Glamping Lodges and O-Tents. Prices start around £97 a night, and it will be open to visitors. The resort offers various experiences, including yoga, massages, water activities and fitness courses. There are also a variety of pools and beaches on offer. Island adventures are also available, with stargazing, pub quizzes and a cinema under the stars all available to guests. Virgin Island is available to watch on Channel 4. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Virgin Island experts: Meet the new and returning coaches
They will be guiding 12 participants on an intimate journey.
Channel 4 is returning to Virgin Island, introducing audiences to a new group of young people, each struggling with intimacy anxiety. Alongside the Mediterranean retreat, Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman both return, backed by an expanded team of sex therapists, ready to push the participants to confront their sexual issues - from religious shame and online bullying to body image anxiety. This season, the experts also tackle sexual disorders on the rise among young people, including erectile dysfunction and vaginismus. But who are the experts guiding the participants on their journey? Read on to find out more. Virgin Island experts Dr Danielle Harel Celeste Hirschman Kat Slade, Surrogate partner therapist Andre Lazarus, Surrogate partner therapist Aisha Paris Smith, Sexological bodyworker Dr Abby Sheneman, Clinical therapist Shelby Devlin, BDSM coach Risdon Roberts, Surrogate partner therapist Ilil Lunkry, Sexological bodyworker Jason King, Sexological bodyworker Scroll down to learn more about each expert. Dr Danielle Harel Role: Sex and relationship coach Dr Danielle Harel is co-founder of the Somatica Institute and co-creator of the Somatica method, an experiential approach that combines emotional connection with practical tools to build confidence, communication and intimacy. "We were happy that we had more time with them so that we could offer new experiential workshops to challenge and inspire them," Danielle said of returning to the island. Celeste Hirschman Role: Sex and relationship coach Celeste Hirschman is co-founder of the Somatica Institute and co-creator of the Somatica method. She is known for pairing sharp insight with deep compassion, helping people move beyond shame, communicate more clearly and build confident, connected sex lives. "We were most excited to meet this whole new group of courageous people and find out what they really wanted for themselves," Celeste said. "There is nothing more satisfying to us than to see them blossoming into their full potential!" Kat Slade Role: Surrogate Partner Therapist Kat Slade is a certified surrogate partner and somatic practitioner returning for season 2 of Virgin Island. In her role, Kat supports clients to build confidence, improve communication and work through barriers to intimacy and sexual expression in a structured, supportive setting. On why she wanted to return for season 2, Kat said: "Seeing the real, lasting transformations from the first series made it feel great to come back. And it’s a meaningful environment to be part of." Andre Lazarus Role: Surrogate partner therapist Also returning for season 2 is Andre Lazarus, a certified intimacy, sex and relationship practitioner and surrogate partner with over 10 years' experience supporting individuals and couples to overcome sexual anxiety and build confidence and connection. "Coming back for a second series felt like a natural yes because the impact of the first season was bigger than any of us expected," he explained. "I saw how deeply people resonated with the contributors' vulnerability, and I wanted to help support this amazing effort again." He continued: "Virgin Island felt like meaningful work that was actually helping people overcome their intimate challenges. I knew we could go further and deeper in season 2." Aisha Paris Smith Role: Sexological bodyworker Aisha Paris Smith is a certified somatic sexologist, bodyworker and speaker, also returning in season 2. In her role, Aisha supports people of all genders and orientations to build confidence, connection and pleasure through trauma-informed, body-based work. She wanted to return because the show "genuinely changes people", explaining further: "Series 1 didn’t just entertain, it gave people language for things they’d never been able to say out loud. I had messages from women in tears, realising there was nothing wrong with their bodies, and from couples finally able to name their desires. "This is the kind of emotional and sexual education most of us never received growing up. Until that changes, this show fills a real gap. I’m proud to be part of something that shows the vulnerable, human reality of sexuality in a culture that still struggles to talk about it." Dr Abby Sheneman Role: Clinical therapist Dr Abby Sheneman returns for season 2 as a licensed clinical social worker who specialises in sex therapy, trauma therapy and grief counselling. She returned because of her "overarching desire to help people truly embrace and challenge contemporary thoughts and feelings about sex, mental health and well-being while reducing the stigma surrounding surrogate partner therapy". Shelby Devlin Role: BDSM coach Shelby Devlin is a new addition to Virgin Island, who was "delighted to discover" that the series was much different to the American reality TV she consumed. "The show treats its participants with real care and respect, creating a space where vulnerability is honoured," she said. Shelby is a BDSM coach, kink expert and sex educator with 15 years' experience. She holds a master's degree in sexuality studies and is certified in the Somatica method. Risdon Roberts Role: Surrogate partner therapist Feeling inspired by Kat Slade's work in season 1, Risdon Roberts was keen to participate in season 2, as well as being good friends with Andre [Lazarus] whose positive experience on the show was "a major reason" why she signed up. Risdon is a surrogate partner therapist and intimacy expert who, after a career in TV and film, trained as an intimacy coordinator and shifted her focus to human sexuality. She works with clients who are new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or coming out later in life. Ilil Lunkry Role: Sexological bodyworker Ilil is a sexological bodyworker and Somatica sex and relationship coach, who supports individuals and couples to build more fulfilling intimate lives through practical, body-based work. Asked about her time on the island, Ilil said: "Genuinely grateful doesn't even cover it. It was an unforgettable experience, surrounded by people who are truly good at what they do and genuinely good as humans. "Everyone there was driven by the same thing: doing meaningful work in the world. That's a rare thing, and it felt incredibly fulfilling to be part of it. And the participants individually - each one was an absolute star." Jason King Role: Sexological bodyworker New for season 2, Jason King is a sexological bodyworker and somatic sex educator, who supports people through 1:1 bodywork, group workshops and retreats, helping them reduce shame, express authentic desires, set boundaries and build pleasure rooted in safety and connection. "I'm delighted I could be part of this journey of self-discovery, education, and ultimately - self-love," Jason said of his time on the island. "Witnessing the confidence, self-assurance, and genuine self-acceptance that the cast developed through this process was incredibly inspiring." Virgin Island returns on Monday 27 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Add Virgin Island to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Virgin Island season 2 cast: Meet the new participants in Channel 4 series
A new group of contestants will be hoping to learn about intimacy and overcome their fears to build romantic connections.
Channel 4's record-breaking series Virgin Island is returning for a second season tonight (27 April), as 12 more young people head to a retreat in search of breaking down their emotional barriers and learn the ways of intimacy. Much like in season 1, while on the retreat, the participants work on breaking down the ins and outs of physical relationships and romance, with a team of sex and intimacy experts ready to show them the ropes. While on the retreat, the group is guided in building up their own self-esteem, learning more about the male and female body and discovering what it is they want out of a relationship. With therapists, coaches and bodyworkers on hand, the group will work together to combat their fears around sex with skills they can then take back to the real world. Meet the new cast of Virgin Island season 2, and their reasons for appearing on the series, as well as the experts there to help. Virgin Island cast: Full line-up for season 2 Alex, 28, Exeter Bertie, 24, Taunton Callum, 21, Preston Ed, 27, Staffs Ellen, 35, Haywards Heath Jason, 26, Manchester Joy, 22, Falmouth Katie, 22, Peterborough Marianne, 26, London Millie, 22, Dudley Tegan, 25, Glasgow Will, 30, Solihull Alex Age: 28 From: Exeter Job: Data analyst Alex has had girlfriends in the past, but when it comes to having sex he finds himself panicking and "desperately needing to escape the situation". "I applied because anxiety had become tangled up with sex and pleasure for me, to the point that intimacy felt like fear, pressure and performance rather than enjoyment," he explains. "I wanted expert help to break that cycle, get out of my head, and learn to approach sex as something safe, connected and fun." Bertie Age: 24 From: Taunton Job: Event volunteer While Bertie is extremely social and appears confident, he has crippling self-esteem issues which means he's never kissed anyone or experienced any kind of intimacy. He's hoping the show will teach him the practical skills needed to pursue romantic relationships. Callum Age: 21 From: Preston Job: Unemployed After losing his father two years ago, Callum has found himself becoming increasingly isolated from the world around him. He finds it hard to open up to other people, has never been kissed, and while he spends his days gaming or sleeping, is eager to figure out how to let his guard down. He's hoping the retreat will break through, motivate him, and allow him to embrace "living more fully". Ed Age: 27 From: Staffs Job: Unemployed Ed has Poland Syndrome, a condition that has resulted in a limb difference in his arm and hand, as well as scarring on his chest due to operations for a missing pectoral muscle. As a result, he is very self-conscious and fears women will turn him away when it comes to intimacy. He hopes Virgin Island will allow him to embrace his body and open up the possibility of sharing it with others. Ellen Age: 35 From: Haywards Heath Job: Childcare practitioner Ellen has not been able to do anything more than kiss somebody without getting scared. Noting her lack of education around sex and intimacy, she lives with the fear she'll be "doing it wrong" if given the chance. Inspired by the cast of season 1, Ellen hopes Virgin Island will give her the boost she needs to learn how to flirt, experience intimacy, and feel comfortable in her own body. Jason Age: 26 From: Manchester Job: Postman Jason considers himself a loner and as a result struggles to talk to others – let alone flirt or have any kind of intimacy with them. Rather than be social, Jason is more comfortable at home painting Warhammer figurines. His friends applied on his behalf, hoping it will push him out of his comfort zone and give him the opportunity to learn how to be more approachable with women he wants to date. Joy Age: 22 From: Falmouth Job: Event coordinator Joy is a devout Christian but struggles with balancing sexual feelings with religious shame around it. She also has a rare condition called vaginismus – an involuntary spasm of pelvis floor muscles that can make sex extremely painful and impossible. She hopes being on the retreat will allow her to overcome her personal grievances with sex, and learn ways to engage in sexual activity that can allow her to overcome her body's instinctual reactions to sex. Katie Age: 22 From: Peterborough Job: Nanny Katie is a natural romantic, enjoying reading love stories and eager to fall in love. However, after being bullied badly at school and called the "ugliest girl" in her class, her confidence and self-esteem have taken a massive knock. She hopes that by going on the island she can embrace her self-worth once again, and have that be a stepping stone in finding her own true love. Marianne Age: 26 From: London Job: Theatre hospitality Marianne has no trouble finding people that find her attractive – however she finds herself "freezing" when it comes to moving things on beyond a kiss, and struggles to have any kind of intimacy. She's hoping she can learn to shake off the distrust in others she feels in order to make the leap and go all the way. Millie Age: 22 From: Dudley Job: Theatre usher Millie had hoped she would lose her virginity while she was at university, but unfortunately it never happened for her. Now she's back home with her parents, Millie is tired of being so scared of something that could bring her joy, and hopes the retreat will be able to teach her how to find a partner. She said ahead of her time on the show: "I want the old Millie back, the one who didn’t hold back or care what anyone thought." Tegan Age: 25 From: Glasgow Job: Accountant Tegan came out as gay seven years ago, but finds herself consistently stuck in the "friend zone" when it comes to finding a partner. She's hoping the retreat will help her learn how to have "sexual energy" that can then translate into a relationship. Will Age: 30 From: Solihull Job: Landscape gardener Will is confident and fun in social settings but struggles to translate that into the bedroom. He has a fear of premature ejaculation that has stunted his intimacy, and he hopes that the retreat will be able to let him overcome his fears. Who are experts teaching the cast about intimacy? Returning to the series is: Dr Danielle Harel – Sex and Relationship Coach, co-founder of the Somatica Institute Celeste Hirschman – Sex and Relationship Coach, co-founder of the Somatica Institute Kate Slade – Surrogate Partner Therapist Andre Lazarus – Surrogate Partner Therapist Aisha Paris Smith – Sexological Bodyworker Dr Abby Sheneman – Clinical Therapist New experts joining this series are: Shelby Devlin – BDSM Coach Risdon Roberts – Surrogate Partner Therapist Ilil Lunkry – Sexological Bodyworker Jason King – Sexological Bodyworker Virgin Island begins on Monday 27 April at 9pm on Channel 4. Add Virgin Island to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who left The Neighbourhood? All the eliminated households
The first removal of the series has begun!
Graham Norton's brand new competition series, The Neighbourhood, returned on ITV tonight (26 April), welcoming viewers back inside KeepYourEnemies Close. Audiences weren't the only people welcomed to the close, as so were six households, all hailing from different parts of the UK. But after a day of forming alliances and baking competitions, it was time for the second removal of the series. In the removal, each house will decide amongst themselves who they want to remove, before one representative was sent out in the square to declare who they have chosen. Tonight, the Campbell Grahamas were immune from the first removal, meaning any of the five houses could have been eliminated - but who? Read on to find out who was removed from The Neighbourhood. Who left The Neighbourhood? The Scouse Haus - Episode 3 <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/1-28a387c.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="Two blonde twin sisters – one wearing a lemon top and shorts and the other wearing gingham shorts, red tights, a white shirt and tie and a denim jacket – stand on either side of a brunette woman – who is wearing an open shirt over a long-sleeve white shirt and trousers and has her arms crossed, all three are smiling for the camera." title="The Neighbourhood cast" /> Members: Louise, 25, Barista Lyndsey, 25, Barista Rosie, 28, Barista From: Liverpool Twin sisters Louise and Lyndsey already live together alongside Lyndsey's girlfriend, Rosie, at their native Liverpool. This trio of baristas believe their tight-knit connection will work in their favour in the game, but unfortunately this didn't work in their favour. After tying with the Lozman-Sturrocks, it was the Campbell Grahams who had the deciding vote and upon choosing to remove the Scouse Haus, it was time for the girls to leave KeepYourEnemies Close. The Kandolas and Samra - Episode 2 Members: Sunita, 51, Drug & Alcohol Key Worker Tony, 57, Business Development Manager Ruben, 24, Sales Advisor A blended family, the household is composed of mum Sunita, her husband Tony, and the youngest of Sunita's three sons, Ruben. Upon receiving the most votes from their fellow households, it was time for the Kandola Samra family to head home. Sunita said of the family's removal: "It's disheartening, we didn't want to be first out and you're not going to get your Indian [food] now! You've got to look at it positively and I wish everyone the best of luck." She added: "It's gutting, no one wants to be first out, but we're obviously a threat to them." The Neighbourhood continues on Thursday 30 April at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Add The Neighbourhood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Neighbourhood cast: Meet the families in Graham Norton’s new series
These households will be going head-to-head for a £250,000 prize.
*Warning - contains spoilers for The Neighbourhood episode 3.* Tonight's episode of The Neighbourhood saw the battle for the £250,000 prize intensify, with a second household being sent packing. Meanwhile, a new family was added into the mix, with the Khan sisters - Maryam, Tara and Iman - making an entrance. The juicy competition series sees households on KeepYourEnemies Close fighting for popularity, with their fate in the hands of their new neighbours. But with such an enticing prize on the line, it will take more than some good gossip to win, it'll also take some double-crossing when push comes to shove. Hosted by Graham Norton, the new series is set within a fictional, picturesque Derbyshire village, complete with a lake, café and pub. So, who are the households willing to take on The Neighbourhood for the first ever season? Here's everything you need to know. The Neighbourhood official 2026 line-up: Confirmed households and contestants There are six houses in play throughout the game, each representing a different type of household, culture and/or living style. This includes blended families, multi-generational families, friendship groups and uni students. This series, we meet: The Campbell Grahams The Pescuds The Lozman-Sturrocks The Uni Boys The Scouse Haus The Bradons The Khans The Kandolas - REMOVED in episode 2 Scroll down to find out more! The Khans Members: Maryam, 24, Community Engagement Worker Tara, 19, Aesthetics Practitioner Iman, 21, Oxford University Student studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics From: Bradford Close-knit sisters Maryam, Tara and Iman are taking part in the series in order to spend time together, do challenges and have fun - although they admit they've also got a "very competitive side". Iman has teased that the sisters, who were raised by their mum in a single-parent household, are "quite smart and logical", and that other players may underestimate them. "Seeing us three, fun and bubbly girls can probably come across as we’re ditzy but in actual fact, we’re quite tactical. There are brains behind this beauty!," she said. If they won the prize money, the sisters would like to spend the money on their mum, whether she wants to "splash it on a holiday or get a new house, buy a car - genuinely just invest it in her." "We currently live in a four-storey house, so it’s a bit tricky getting about if you’ve got mobility issues. If we win the £250,000 then we’ll definitely use it on a more accessible house," Tara added. The Campbell Grahams Members: Thai, 20, Hospitality & catering Donna, 43, Firefighter Ken, 43, Youth mentor & sports coach Donna and Ken are joined by their daughter Thai, who they joked "forced" them to take part in the series, but Thai notes: "They weren’t forced – they just didn’t have a choice!" "Thai came to us and said to us about it," Donna explained. "At first, we didn’t think we could do it because of getting time off work. We saw her face and she wasn’t very happy! We went to work and asked if we could have time off, and they said yes. That was it!" Heading into The Neighbourhood, there isn't much of a strategy from the Campbell Grahams as they plan to "enjoy the experience". The Pescuds <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/6-5074829.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="A family of four are sitting on steps in a town square. Wendy, on the left, is wearing a pink shirt and red trousers, with husband Paul in a floral shirt next to him, leaning on his knee. Behind him is son Harrison, who is in a brown shirt and black trousers, and in front of him is daughter Grace, who is in a white shirt and jeans with her arms crossed over her stomach as she sits" title="6 - The Neighbourhood cast" /> Members: Paul, 51, Drug & Alcohol Service Manager Wendy, 55, Foster Carer Grace, 18, Student Harrison, 25, Bakery Retail Assistant From: Cambridgeshire Paul and Wendy are joined by their children Grace and Harrison for their time in The Neighbourhood. They plan to split the money equally if they win, with Wendy hoping she can recover from knee replacement surgery somewhere sunny like the Caribbean before going travelling with Paul. "Me and Paul always said about travelling around Europe, that would be amazing," she said. "And to help my kids have a start in life, that was a major part of it - it’s tough for young people out there." Grace also hopes to go travelling, while Harrison plans to start a family of his own – intending to spend the cash on a new car, and potentially an engagement ring for his girlfriend. The Lozman-Sturrocks <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/5-0773b7f.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="A family of four are standing in front of a row of houses. They are in two couples – on the left is Dave in a yellow shirt and black trousers, with his arm on the shoulder of his wife Christine, who is wearing a yellow floral shirt and a jean skirt. On the right is Katie, who is a redhead with glasses, a white shirt and black jeans, and Jordan, in a pink shirt and black stonewash jeans" title="5 - The Neighbourhood cast" /> Members: Katie, 29, Hairdresser Jordan, 34, Oil Rig Worker Christine, 72, Retired Waitress Dave, 67, Retired Production Manager for a Lighting Company From: Darlington The Lozman-Sturrocks are a two-generation household. Christine is married to husband Dave, with their son Jordan married to wife Katie. Christine and Dave wanted to take part to represent an older generation on a reality show, and spend more time with their family. However, they have very different ideas about how they want to spend the £250,000 prize if they get it. While Dave would be happy with new vinyl records, Christine intends to use it to party. "I’d go travelling while he’s at home playing his records!" she said. "I’d be rolled in glitter in Ibiza. Nobody would know you were 72 if you’re on a podium rolled in glitter!" The Uni Boys Members: Hadi, 23, Business Student Kevin, 21, Media Student Fahad, 21, Journalism Student DJ, 21, Politics Student From: Nottingham These four students all first met during their first term at Nottingham Trent University, forming a close bond and now a household. The idea to be on the show was spearheaded by Fahad, who brought the group together and believes he picked the right team for the competition. All four share a love of football and admit they're quite competitive when they want to be – though hope to spend the prize money on securing their futures, paying off student debts, and helping their families. Fahad said: "If we win the money, I think we could maybe get a house together and start investing in ourselves. When I came to this country, I didn’t have anything to do after school. I used to work at charity events, so working there helped me fit into the country. If I did win the £250,000, I’d like to give back to the community through the charity because they helped me." Kevin said he's like to help his mum pay off her mortgage, while DJ said he wanted to invest the funds into his music career. "If we won the money, I’d support my family and the second thing would be to support myself through my journey in the UK as an international," added Hadi. "I came here as a stranger by myself. We could invest in this family - The Uni Boys family! We could show the world who we are." The Kandolas and Samra Members: Sunita, 51, Drug & Alcohol Key Worker Tony, 57, Business Development Manager Ruben, 24, Sales Advisor From: Bedfordshire A blended family, the household is composed of mum Sunita, her husband Tony, and the youngest of Sunita's three sons, Ruben. Tony joked that he hoped spending time in The Neighbourhood would give Ruben the push he needs to move out of the family home – and if they win, a large chunk of the money would go on him getting his own house. Sunita added: "For me, it was really important to represent our community and to highlight we’re a blended family. Between us we’ve got six adult kids and grandchildren. "We wanted to break away from the stigma that Asian women should be a certain way." Declaring themselves "fun, honest and loud", Sunita is a proud cook, admitting she brought home comforts and a large chunk of her kitchen in order to settle into their house on KeepYourEnemies Close. The Bradons <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/2-acc6474.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="A family of five pose in a town square, smiling for the camera. Alicia, who is blonde and wearing a denim dress, is posing with her arm on Lukas, who is in a black t-shirt and overshirt and has his arms crossed. Fay is on the left, sitting in a lime dress, while Zach leans his arm on her knee. Nathan, in a pink shirt, is crouched on the steps on the right." title="The Neighbourhood cast" /> Members: Fay-Marie, 69, Teaching Assistant Nathan, 45, Sales & Trading Director Lukas, 37, School Head of Safeguarding Alicia, 29, Sales & Marketing Manager Zach, 17, College Student From: Essex The Bradons are a three-generation household. Head of the household is matriarch Fay-Marie, with her three adult children Alicia, Lukas and Nathan, with Nathan's son Zach completing the collective in The Neighbourhood. Nathan hopes the experience will bring them all closer, explaining: "I think it was an opportunity for us all to be together, to spend that time intimately within the household because a lot of us are often away with work and things like that. "We wanted that opportunity to have that time together, bonding and of course there was the opportunity to win £250,000 which would be very beneficial to all members of the family!" Zach hopes to spend the money on a new car if he wins, as well as preparing him to go to university, while Alicia and Lukas hope to pay for their respective weddings. Mum Fay-Marie's dream is to have an annex built on her house. The Scouse Haus <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/1-28a387c.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="Two blonde twin sisters – one wearing a lemon top and shorts and the other wearing gingham shorts, red tights, a white shirt and tie and a denim jacket – stand on either side of a brunette woman – who is wearing an open shirt over a long-sleeve white shirt and trousers and has her arms crossed, all three are smiling for the camera." title="The Neighbourhood cast" /> Members: Louise, 25, Barista Lyndsey, 25, Barista Rosie, 28, Barista From: Liverpool Twin sisters Louise and Lyndsey already live together alongside Lyndsey's girlfriend, Rosie, at their native Liverpool. This trio of baristas believe their tight-knit connection will work in their favour in the game. On what makes them such a good team, Rosie explained: "I think the way we’ve got each other’s backs. Not in a way where we’ll blindly egg each other on to do whatever we want to do, but in a way that we’re close enough to say, ‘I don’t think you should say or do that’." The twins hope to take their mum on holiday to make memories if they win, while Rosie hopes the money can go towards laying a foundation for the future. "Where I am now in my life, I’m hitting dead ends and that money would be life changing for me," she said. "I’d be able to put a deposit down on a house, and think about getting IVF treatment to have a baby at some point in my life. And getting married would be a possibility because where I’m at now, it’s not." The Neighbourhood continues on Thursday 30 April at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Add The Neighbourhood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Where was The Neighbourhood filmed? Location explained
Here's everything you need to know about the town...
It's time to head back to KeepYourEnemies Close as The Neighbourhood returns for another juicy episode tonight on ITV. The brand new series kicked off last night (25 April), introducing the nation to the world of KeepYourEnemies Close, and while it looks like your idyllic white picket fence village, there are six households who are all fighting for a £250,000 prize fund. So far, one household has been removed but another is about to move in an take their place! But where exactly is The Neighbourhood located, if you ever fancy paying a visit? Where is The Neighbourhood located? In order to create The Neighbourhood, the creative team behind the show completely transformed Darwin Lake Holiday Park in Matlock, Derbyshire. It's open to the public, and particularly popular with hikers, getaway weekends and weddings. On the edge of the Lake District, the location is perfect for production as it's surrounded by a forest, and has enough space for production offices, on-site management and care teams. Each stone built cottage was already built by the lake, with the entire area covering 20 acres of land. The show renovated each of the homes used – fitting the secret cameras, redecorating the gardens, and giving each room different furnishings. Each house was also given a different colour, marked by window shutters and doors, and a sign on the front door with the household name. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/04/embargoeduntil20.0026thmarchtheneighbourhood11-c9bd6a4.jpg" width="9138" height="6092" alt="A view from one house looking towards two houses opposite. There are tulips on a window box at the front of view. The houses behind have yellow shutters on their windows, and a matching yellow door" title="embargoed_until_20.00_26th_march_the_neighbourhood_11" /> What are the key spots of The Neighbourhood? Throughout The Neighbourhood are a string of key spots for the residents to spend time, gossip, or take part in challenges. In order to make sure every inch of the area is covered, there are over 200 cameras permanently rolling on the site – including every room in every house, as well as hidden cameras throughout the main locations. Ed Daggett, development executive at Lifted Entertainment, shared: “To give you a sense of scale, Love Island is less than 100 so it's more than twice that. It's absolutely mammoth.” To keep them out of sight (and out of mind) many of the cameras are built into the furnishings of the area, including in lamp posts, local signage, and hidden in the decorations of the café. Each contestant is free to roam the area as they want to – especially when they need some time away from their homes! These include: The Village Green The Town Square The Uppin Arms Pub Room With A Brew – the local café The Lake The Village Green The Village Green is an area perfect to stretch your legs and take on a challenge or two. There is gym equipment built in for the residents to use, and a large space for residents to play football or games in. It'll also be used during particularly physical challenges – keep an eye out for Naughty Gnomes! View Green Video on the source website The Town Square The Town Square is the centre of the drama, including a raised platform where contestants will gather for frequent town meetings, and discussions and task-setting with Graham. This is also where they'll be informed of upcoming removals from the show. Every house overlooks the Square, so if something is going on, the curtain twitchers can keep an eye on it. Most notable elements of the village are fake – including a giant tree in the centre of the square that lights up depending on the mood of the homes. There is also a village bulletin board giving residents hints on what's coming up as well as important news updates. The Uppin Arms The Uppin Arms is a central pub just off the village green. It has an open-plan bar with benches outside for the residents to sit on, and is run by a local barman from the area. There's also a pool table and a darts board for them to play on as well. You can expect drama to take place in the pub – with friendships made and broken between families as they sit down with a pint after a hectic day, or as they plot about who to evict from their homes next. However, don't expect anyone to get too boozy, with the team having a strict alcohol limit policy in place so things don't get too wild. (There's also a secret smoking area down the side of the pub, which will be away from cameras.) Room With a Brew Room With a Brew is a quaint little café for residents to grab a coffee and have a natter. Everything on the menu has a cheeky nod to remind customers that nothing is to be trusted. Among the items on offer are a "Double Agent" Americano, a "Liar's Latte", and a Cappuccino dubbed "The Cover-Up". Could these be clues about what's to come? The Neighbourhood starts Friday 24 April at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Add The Neighbourhood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 cast: Line-up of contestants as winner revealed
The new King of the Jungle has been revealed!
It's been a thrilling three weeks in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, with tough tasks, camp squabbles and emotional exits - and now a winner has been crowned in the search for the ultimate legend. Over the past couple of weeks, celebrities have been leaving the jungle one-by-one, some of their own volition while others lost out on tasks and saw their fate left in the hands of their fellow campmates. The live final proved explosive, as contestants Jimmy Bullard and David Haye voiced opinions on their time in the jungle, which resulted in Gemma Collins and Sinitta walking off stage as arguments ensued with hosts Ant and Dec. Waterloo Road and Emmerdale star Adam Thomas was eventually handed the floral crown and ceremonial staff, though looked visibly drained by the events of the evening. So, who starred in I'm a Celebrity... South Africa 2026 and in which place did they rank? Here's what you need to know. I'm a Celebrity South Africa official 2026 line-up: Confirmed celebrity contestants Adam Thomas - WINNER, crowned King of the Jungle Sir Mo Farah - ELIMINATED in final, SECOND place Craig Charles - ELIMINATED in final, FOURTH place Harry Redknapp - ELIMINATED in final, THIRD place Ashley Roberts - ELIMINATED in episode 13 Scarlett Moffatt - ELIMINATED in episode 14 David Haye - ELIMINATED in episode 11 Beverley Callard - LEFT in episode 12 Seann Walsh - ELIMINATED in episode 9 Sinitta - ELIMINATED in episode 13 Gemma Collins - ELIMINATED in episode 11 Jimmy Bullard - LEFT in episode 11 Scroll on to find out more! Adam Thomas Age: 37 Job: Actor Instagram: @adamthomas21 Adam Thomas is best known for playing the role of Donte Charles in Waterloo Road. He was originally a contestant on I'm a Celeb back in 2016, where he had a podium finish of third place. Adam said that one of his biggest motivations for going back on the show is to make his children proud: "To do this show and let them watch it and go to school - that’s one of the reasons why we do these things, so we can put a smile on our kids’ faces." Ashley Roberts Age: 44 Job: Singer and radio presenter Instagram: @iamashleyroberts Ashley Roberts first rose to fame as part of the girl group Pussycat Dolls, who she performed with between 2003 and 2010. In 2012 she was the runner up on the 12th series of I'm a Celebrity, only beaten by Charlie Brooks who has crowned Queen of the Jungle. Ashley credits being on the ITV show for her career now in the UK, where she has now worked as a DJ for Heart Radio since 2019. "Since doing the programme, I’ve gone on to have so many different life experiences," she said. "Some tough ones, some amazing ones and I will be walking into the jungle now as an older version of myself. It will be interesting to see what it’s like this time." Scarlett Moffatt Age: 35 Job: TV presenter Instagram: @scarlettmoffatt Scarlett Moffatt first appeared on our screens as part of the cast of Gogglebox and quickly became a fan favourite, landing her TV presenting jobs. She won I'm a Celeb in 2016 and has now gone back on the show, candidly admitting, that she needs to pay for a new bathroom. I'm a Celeb was the first TV show Scarlett did on her own, having starred on Gogglebox with her parents Mark and Betty. On how she felt to be asked, Scarlett said: "I was a bit overwhelmed. Out of all the people they could pick, I felt grateful that I was even a thought because so many people have done it. I watch the show religiously and I was so happy to be asked." She continued: "I am ten years older now and it is a big challenge for me. I do feel apprehensive as I watched the first Legends series and the trials and challenges were like all the Australian trials combined - so a level up. "I hope I can do them. I am going to give it my all, but I have everything to thank this show for." David Haye Age: 45 Job: Boxer Instagram: @davidhaye David Haye secured himself a bronze medal during his first stint on I'm a Celeb in 2012 when he finished in third place and made headlines after showering naked in the jungle. David shared that what got him to sign up to the all-stars series of the show is the urge to travel to somewhere new. "I’ve never been to South Africa before and when they asked me if I’d like to take part, I thought ‘perfect, lets go’. It’s also half the distance to get there (compared to Australia)," he said. "After I did the Australian series, I went out to Costa Rica for three months and did something similar living in the jungle. I enjoy the serene nature." Beverley Callard Age: 68 Job: Actress Instagram: @beverleycallard Beverley Callard is known for playing the iconic Liz McDonald on Coronation Street and first appeared on I'm A Celeb during the pandemic, so was locked away in the damp and dreary Welsh castle. The 68-year-old actress is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer but had filmed for the new series before treatment begun. For Beverley, it was a no brainer to go back on the show as she felt as if she didn't get the true I'm a Celeb experience being stuck in a rainy castle in Wales. "I was really flattered when I got the call," she said. "In fact, I was gobsmacked! But I said ‘yes’ because Wales was so different. We didn’t get to experience the Australian jungle and the bedroom was minus one. To be part of the South Africa jungle is going to be a very different experience." Seann Walsh Age: 40 Job: Comedian Instagram: @seannwalsh Comedian Seann Walsh is a more recent contestant of I'm a Celeb, having only competed for the first time in 2022 alongside the likes of radio DJ Chris Moyles, Lioness Jill Scott, who then went on to win the show, and MP Matt Hancock. Seann said he has the most amazing memories from his first time on the show, even if he did find it an utterly "surreal experience" to be in the camp with Hancock, so couldn't turn down the opportunity to do it again. "I had so much fun the first time around, I didn’t have to think for very long about whether I should do it or not," he confessed Continuing, Seann said: "When you cross that bridge after you are out in the original series, anything difficult about the experience completely disappears and you are left with these wonderful memories that you get to keep for the rest of your life. Then as soon as you agree to go back in, all the things that were difficult return! "I’ve still got phobias. The programme only cures you of your phobias when you are in there. As soon as you are back home, they all return! I’m feeling both nervous and excited." Sinitta Age: 62 Job: Pop icon Instagram: @thesinittaofficial Sinitta first took part in the ITV show 15 years ago for only a short stint after she was the second to be voted off. She's back again to give it another go and is hoping to last longer her second time around. Sinitta is hoping that taking part in the South African version of the show will make her braver, boldly admitting that she is afraid of "everything". She said: "I thought doing the show would cure me of all my phobias, but it didn’t. It desensitised me for while as I can remember watching a spider crawling across the ground on my last day. "Instead of running to the other side of the camp, I just sat and watched it because I had experienced so much. But as soon as you get back to the London environment and there is a big spider in the bath, you are cowering again because it’s so unnatural. "I’m hoping the South African jungle will cure me of my phobias, because it is quite debilitating being afraid of everything." Sir Mo Farah Age: 42 Job: Olympic legend Instagram: @sirmofarah The long distance runner and gold medalist Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah came fifth on his series of I'm a Celeb back in 2020. Despite feeling nervous about what lies ahead in the South African camp, namely the snakes, Sir Mo said he is looking forward to throwing himself into the I'm a Celebrity life. Similarly to Beverley Callard, he is excited to swap the Welsh castle for some sunshine, adding that he "would love to win". “It was so much fun doing I’m A Celebrity... in Wales but mentally, you always knew you were in the UK,” explained Sir Mo. "It was also very cold. Being in South Africa is going to be different. It’s sunny, warm, and as soon as I got the call inviting me, I knew I wanted to be part of the series. "I have always wished I could be in a jungle abroad and now I am! I did watch the first Legends series and it looked fun. "I’ve been to South Africa before many times to do training, but I’ve never been in a rural place like this jungle. It’s going to be exciting." Gemma Collins Age: 45 Job: TV personality Instagram: @gemmacollins It's fair to say that TOWIE icon Gemma Collins struggled the first time around on I'm a Celebrity 12 years ago in 2014. She was scared of most things and was frequently reduced to tears, so decided to return the show for a redemption arc, saying that going on the South African version was the "best decision I've ever made". Craig Charles Age: 61 Job: Actor and DJ Instagram: @craigcharlesfunkandsoul Actor Craig Charles, most recognised as David Lister in Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street, had to leave the jungle after only four days in 2014 after the sudden death of his brother Dean. He's returned to the show in the hope of finally getting the full I'm a Celeb experience. Jimmy Bullard Age: 47 Job: Ex-footballer Instagram: @1jimmybullard Jimmy Bullard is remembered for being one of the funniest camp mates in I'm a Celeb history. During his time in the jungle back in 2o14, he struck up a bromance with Carl Fogarty, who went on to win the show. Harry Redknapp Age: 79 Job: Football manager Instagram: @harryredknapp Harry Redknapp will be joining the cast of I'm a Celeb South Africa as one of the late entries. He was crowned King of the Jungle in 2018 and at 71 was, and still is, the show's oldest winner. Add I'm a Celebrity... South Africa to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who won I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026? Winner revealed in heated final
After three weeks of gruelling trials, camp squabbles and terrifying challenges, the final of I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 finally arrived. Tonight (24 April), the four finalists all made their way to the live studio final, where the power was in the hands of the public. There was plenty of drama in tonight's final, as contestants Jimmy Bullard and David Haye gave their peace on their time in the jungle, which resulted in Gemma Collins and Sinitta walking off stage as arguments ensued. But as audiences tuned into the last leg of the final episode, it was revealed that Adam Thomas had been voted the I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 legend! Tonight's final was slightly different to what fans were used to from the 2023 run of the South Africa series. Ahead of the series launch, hosts Ant and Dec confirmed that while season 2 was pre-recorded last year in South Africa, the grand final would be held live with the winner yet to be revealed. As they did tonight, the celebrity cast were to gather in a UK studio and the public would get the chance to vote for this year's I'm a Celebrity legend. Discussing the format shake-up the duo said: "It's going to be here in the UK, live on the television. "We’re going to get all the cast back, we’ll have the finalists in the studio. It’ll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their legend." In tonight's episode, the remaining four campmates had to successfully complete one final trial to win their last meal together before leaving the camp. Each trial had five stars available, and each campmate was responsible for a different course of each meal. Securing four stars meant everyone got the dinner course the campmates represent, while winning five stars meant the campmates also secured an extra treat. Harry Redknapp competed for the starters, Craig Charles for the main courses, Adam Thomas for the desserts and Sir Mo Farah for the drinks. I'm a Celebrity... South Africa is available to watch on catch-up on ITVX. 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.
How does The Neighbourhood work? Rules behind ITV game show explained
Here's how to play the new game as the fight for £250,000 begins.
ITV's brand new game show The Neighbourhood is taking family and neighbourly dynamics and putting them under the spotlight – all for a major cash prize. Hosted by Graham Norton, the new series will see six households move into KeepYourEnemies Close — a mantra players will want to live by if they're set to win. While they can get close to each other over a coffee at the café, or unwind at the end of the day with a pint down the Uppin Arms pub, they're never too far away from trouble. So, how exactly does the game work? Here's everything you need to know about The Neighbourhood, and how much is at stake. What is the prize? The grand prize for The Neighbourhood is a staggering £250,000. The prize will go to the household, but there are no rules or stipulations in place about how the groups decide to split the money. While some, like The Uni Boys, have shared they plan to split the money equally if they win, others are either planning on something together with the cash, or one of the family members taking the lion's share. What happens in the game? In The Neighbourhood, six households move into KeepYourEnemies Close – where they will remain for up to three weeks. During those three weeks, they will get to know each other via a series of social events and games. Host Graham Norton will maintain contact with the households via a group WhatsApp chat, alerting them to things going on. The Neighbourhood is largely a game of popularity, so the more liked you are by your fellow competitors, the better. View Green Video on the source website How are households eliminated from The Neighbourhood? Across the 12 episodes, the households will have to face the removal – and it's as brutal as it sounds. Here's how the removal will go down. Each house will decide amongst themselves who they want to remove, before one representative is sent out in the square to declare who they've chosen. The way they show who they've picked is by taking a huge 'for sale' sign and planting it right on the lawn of the house they've chosen. Each house can watch the decision play out from inside their homes. Once every house has cast their vote, the household with the most signs will be eliminated – with a bright blue removal van coming in, packing them up, and taking them away. Speaking about The Removals, Graham said: "The removals you did really feel for the households. It’s horrible to stand there and watch someone put a for sale sign in front of their house. "Watching it though, I loved seeing the reactions of the people who were still in their houses watching people walk towards them with a for sale sign. I loved that, it’s a genius bit of telly, it’s really compelling!" Can The Neighbourhood households get immunity? Yes! The only way to ensure your household's safety in The Neighbourhood is by winning the games laid out in the Square. All of the games are appropriately Neighbourhood-themed. One involves a seven-metre long washing line families will have to spin on while answering questions, while another involves more than 2,500 gnomes scattered across the green and forest. There's also a 'turbo-charged curtain twitching game' where they have to keep an eye out for what’s going on at night. Let the games begin! The Neighbourhood starts Friday 24 April at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Add The Neighbourhood to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is the I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026 final?
Tonight is the night! A new I'm a Celebrity legend is set to be crowned later today, as the final of I'm a Celebrity South Africa has arrived! Just four campmates remain in the running to be crowned the winner and it's all down to the public! Ahead of the show's launch it was confirmed that while season 2 was pre-recorded in South Africa, the grand final will be held live in London with the winner yet to be revealed. The entire celebrity cast will gather in a UK studio and the public will get the chance to vote for this year's I'm a Celebrity legend. With just four celebrities remaining, scroll down for everything you need to know about the I'm a Celebrity... South Africa final! When is the I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026 final? The I'm a Celebrity South Africa final will begin on Friday 24 April at 7:30pm and will go on to 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The winner's announcement will then air at 10pm, immediately after the launch episode of The Neighbourhood. How does the I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 final work? The I'm a Celebrity South Africa final will be tweaked slightly from what fans will remember from the 2023 run. Earlier this year, Ant and Dec confirmed that while season 2 was pre-recorded last year in South Africa, the grand final will be held live with the winner yet to be revealed. The entire celebrity cast will gather in a UK studio and the public will get the chance to vote for this year's I'm a Celebrity legend. Discussing the format shake-up the duo said: "It's going to be here in the UK, live on the television. "We’re going to get all the cast back, we’ll have the finalists in the studio. It’ll be a live vote like we do in Australia and the public will decide their legend." Add I'm a Celebrity... South Africa to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who left I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026? All eliminated campmates
One campmate had a tough decision to make.
One more campmate has left I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026, with now just four celebrities left in the running to be crowned the champion. During last night's episode (23 April), the remaining campmates met Ant & Dec at the site of Keep Your Eye on the Ball, in which the celebrities had to sit in individual compartments as three different-coloured balls travelled through clear pipes. They then had to track the count for each colour while facing various unwelcome distractions. At the end of the trial, Ant and Dec selected a coloured ball at random and asked the celebrities to provide the precise count. The celebrity whose guessed furthest from the correct total left camp immediately, heartbreakingly missing out on the inaugural live final. But who left? Scroll on to find out who left I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026. Who left I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026? Scarlett Moffatt - Episode 14 Scarlett was "gutted" to leave I'm a Celebrity... South Africa as that now means just "four blokes" are left in the running to be the camp legend. "I wanted to do it for the girls! I’ll let them enjoy their football chat around the table," she said. Sinitta - Episode 13 Sinitta became the sixth campmate to leave I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 after her decision to quit a trial. Asked how it felt to be leaving, Sinitta said: "I got what I came here for, which was courage. This sense of being able to do whatever I believe. I feel rejuvenated. It was magical and so much fun. I laughed every day. I faced my fears. I understand now, after being terrified of everything most of my life, the way to overcome your fears is to face them. "I feel like this fearless, robust person now, rather than a fragile person. It’s been like therapy. The second time in the jungle is a memory I will cherish forever. The first time, let's just pretend that didn’t happen!" Ashley Roberts - Episode 13 Ashley Roberts was the fifth campmate to be voted out of the jungle. She said of her exit: "As much as I’m bummed to be going out, making it so close to the final four, I feel like I’ve done myself proud. I got my hands dirty, faced some fears, met some amazing new people, and walked away with memories for life." Beverley Callard - Episode 12 Beverley Callard became the fourth campmate to leave the I’m a Celebrity jungle. “I had the experience of a lifetime,” Callard said reflecting on her journey. “The people were amazing. They were the best bunch of people ever. Yes, we were hungry and we were dirty but it was wonderful.” David Haye - Episode 11 David Haye was the third campmate to be sent packing, revealing he felt "relieved" to have been sent home. "I've done my bit, given it my all, and I'm walking out with a smile on my face," he said. "I wasn't the first out the door either, which I'm pleased about. But more than anything, what made it worthwhile was the company. The personalities in that camp were something else, and that's what I'll take away from it." Gemma Collins - Episode 11 Gemma Collins became the second celebrity to leave the camp. Reflecting on her time in camp and how it felt to leave, Gemma said: "All good things have to come to an end, but all I can say is it has been so amazing being able to relive it again. "It was great to see Craig and Jimmy again, and to spend that time with them again has just been priceless. Plus, meeting new campmates, forming new bonds, and listening to everyone's stories. I’ve had a blast." Seann Walsh - Episode 9 Seann Walsh became the first campmate to be eliminated from I'm a Celebrity South Africa 2026 after Harry Redknapp had the tough decision of sending one celebrity home. Asked how it felt to be first celebrity leaving camp, Seann said: "It's a combination of emotions. I was thrilled to be able to see my family because I missed my kids a lot. At the same time, I'm sad they won’t see me in the jungle for longer or doing more trials." As for returning to the jungle, Seann found it to be "harder and scarier" than his original stint. "It felt like it was turned up to 11, so that just put more anxiety into the camp," he explained. "The pleasure for me doing the jungle was the extraordinary people you get to live with. "I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. It felt strange for me being in their presence, because they are almost historic figures in entertainment and sport. That doesn’t go over the top of my head." Add I'm a Celebrity... South Africa to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Traitors producers' 'lavish' new reality TV show confirms The White Lotus fan favourite as host
The series will feature mob movie-inspired tasks.
Parker Posey is swapping The White Lotus resort for a lavish Italian villa as she fronts a brand new reality competition series. Made by Studio Lambert, the production company behind The Traitors, The Mob sends a group of famous faces to an Italian villa where they will shake down, hustle and whack their way to win up to $250,000. In each episode, the celebrities will tackle mob movie-inspired jobs to survive, but every mob family needs a don... The synopsis reads: "Whoever they choose will have absolute power — deciding who makes money, who stays, and who ultimately gets whacked. In a game where power demands absolute loyalty, can the don stay in control, or will the family rise up and overthrow them?" The Mob features an all star cast, including Demi Engemann (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), Bruno Tonioli (Dancing with the Stars) and Aida Turturro (The Sopranos). Other cast members include William Belli (RuPaul's Drag Race), Joe Gorga, (The Real Housewives of New Jersey), Harry Jowsey (Too Hot to Handle), Chelsea Lazkani (Selling Sunset), Debi Mazar (Younger), Bella Palk (Love Overboard), Romeo, Maria Georgas (Bachelor Nation) and Shane Parton (Bachelor Nation). Jack Burgess, president of Studio Lambert USA said: "We’re happy to bring our expertise to Primal’s fun idea and Hulu is a great home for it." Primal Media's Adam Wood and Mat Steiner added: "We love reality TV and the whole mafia genre. With The Mob we wanted to create an addictive format centred around the most powerful contestant in reality TV history. "A world where charm, strategy, and survival instincts all collide. We’re thrilled to be co-producing the series with Studio Lambert for Hulu, working with a fearless cast of celebrities who are all primed 'to whack or be whacked'." The Mob will be available to stream on Hulu. Add The Mob to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Jamie and Rebekah Vardy confirmed for all-new reality series – and it will discuss "Wagatha Christie"
The Vardys is coming to TV screens later this year.
ITV is offering an exclusive insight into the lives of Jamie and Rebekah Vardy in a brand new reality series coming to screens later this year. In what has been described as a "gripping" series, The Vardys will follow the family as they face their biggest challenge yet: leaving Leicester City after 13 years for a new life abroad. Kicking off with Jamie's final emotional match for the club, punctuated by his 200th goal, the real story unfolds off the pitch, as family matriarch Rebekah juggles it all. The synopsis continues: "After a difficult and dramatic five years in the UK, Rebekah is ready for the next chapter – but uprooting and moving to Italy with four kids (plus a superstar footballer husband) is not exactly what she had in mind. "As she manages the emotional and physical upheaval of the new move, she reflects on her recent challenges in the UK, intent on putting the 'Wagatha' drama behind her and focusing on an exciting new chapter. "With no-holds-barred, intimate access to the Vardys, this series follows all the drama and chaos of their new family adventure – from frantic house-hunts and tearful school searches, to unexpected disasters and dramatic setbacks, all while Jamie battles to prove his doubters wrong on the pitch at the age of 38, with Italian Serie A underdogs US Cremonese. "Witness the banter, the bickering and the sheer unpredictability of the Vardys as they navigate cultural clashes, forge new friendships, and make Italy their home. Can Jamie rekindle his underdog magic? Will Rebekah find peace and a new purpose away from the glare of the British tabloids? And will the Vardy family finally find their happily ever after?" Rebekah hit the headlines in 2019 following a post from Coleen Rooney alleging that someone using Rebekah's Instagram account had leaked information about her to the press. It culminated in a High Court libel battle which Rebekah ultimately lost. Louise Major, commissioning editor for entertainment & reality, said: "We’re thrilled to be working with the Vardys on this series for ITV1 and ITVX. At a pivotal moment in their lives, this is a rare and revealing look behind the headlines – from the highs of Jamie’s football legacy to the realities of starting over as a family, with Rebekah sharing her reflections on one of the most talked-about stories of the last decade." This marks the second TV announcement for Jamie in recent weeks, as the footballer will also be the focus of a new Netflix documentary coming out next month. On Tuesday 12 May, Jamie will be the subject of the first Untold UK episode, featuring unseen archive footage, raw dressing room tales and interviews with Vardy, his wife Rebekah, teammates, managers and his oldest friends. The synopsis reads: "Untold UK: Jamie Vardy shows how a lad from Sheffield smashed records, tore up the rulebook and made a mockery of what's supposed to be possible in the modern game. This is football's ultimate underdog story – told exactly as Vardy lived it." The Vardys will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year. Add The Vardys to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Made in Chelsea's Sam Vanderpump says "raw and unfiltered" new documentary reveals "a different side" to him
"You really get to know us in this documentary."
Sam Vanderpump is giving audiences a much closer look at his life, as he documents his liver transplant journey in an emotional and truly candid documentary coming to E4. Across two episodes, the docuseries traces Sam's health since his near-death experience through to the present day and capture his and Alice's most intimate milestones - their wedding, the arrival of their baby boy and the unwavering support of Sam’s mum and aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, as well as their tight-knit Chelsea circle. Early last year, Sam shared that he "nearly died" after liver and kidney failure caused sepsis, caused by a rare genetic condition he was born with, and while recovery was challenging, he was able to lean on his wife Alice Yaxley for support. But Sam was met with a tough setback when he received the news that he will need a liver transplant. While fans may well tune into Made in Chelsea each week for a dose of Sam and Alice, this documentary captures them in a completely different and more authentic light than many will be used to. "I think there is a lovely side to the documentary where you actually see a more raw version of Alice and I. And you really meet the real us," Sam told Radio Times in an exclusive interview. He continued: "Made In Chelsea is Made in Chelsea for a reason, and we love doing it, but this is raw and unfiltered, so you really get to know us in this documentary." Despite being used to the cameras and production crew on Made in Chelsea, Sam admitted that filming this series was "harder" than anything they'd experienced before. "I think it made us realise how much we take Made In Chelsea for granted," he said. "It's a casual filming, Made in Chelsea follows our lives for sure..." Alice added: "You can't hide from the cameras [in the doc]. When you're going through something extremely emotional, there is no hiding." The two 60-minute episodes document moments including Sam's hospital appointments as he sought consultation from the experts at King's College Hospital, and gained further insight into the reality of waiting lists in the UK today. And while such intimate moments aren't something everyone would want to play out for the nation to see, it was important to Sam that viewers understand the completely raw reality of waiting for a transplant. "With the documentary, we looked dishevelled 50 per cent of the time," he told Radio Times. "It's raw footage, it's in our home 24/7, it's at the hospital with me. It's into the extremely private moments of our lives, Alice when she's in hospital giving birth to Duke. "All of these really raw moments, to the point where we probably look horrific half the time on the documentary because we're so run down, we're exhausted and we're emotional. So it was a lot harder, but we're very proud to have done it." Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump's Story is coming to E4 this spring. Check out more of our Documentaries coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Celebrity Apprentice confirms line-up for first ever full series - including Emmerdale star and and Radio 2 legend
The line-up also includes previous winners of both The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent.
The line-up for the first ever full-length series of The Celebrity Apprentice has been announced by the BBC – with Emmerdale star Danny Miller and Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson among the 12 stars looking to prove their business credentials to Lord Sugar. The contestants also include previous winners of both The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent in the shape of Alexandra Burke and Diversity's Jordan Banjo respectively, in addition to UK garage legend DJ Spoony, presenter Gethin Jones and Gladiator Sheli McCoy. The other competitors include journalist Kay Burley, actress and online personality Maddie Grace Jepson, podcaster and content creator Max Balegde, comedian and writer Laura Smyth and television personality Toni Laites. Although there have been previous one-off celebrity editions of the long-running reality show, this is the first time there's been a full series featuring famous faces – with the contestants set to compete across six episodes for the chance to win a £100,000 donation to a charity of their choice. Meanwhile, the iconic boardroom will be relocating to a London City skyscraper for the series – and Lord Sugar has promised fans that he won't be going any easier on the participants than he would in a regular series. "We’ve not done anything like this before, and it’ll be entertaining to see these 12 celebrities being put through six weeks of some brilliant business challenges," he said. "But just because they’re celebrities, it doesn’t mean they’re going to get an easy ride, especially when there’s £100,000 at stake for their chosen charity." The BBC's head of entertainment commissioning Kalpna Patel-Knight added that the series "takes everything audiences love about the format and turns the pressure right up." She added: "This year’s celebrities arrive with strong reputations – but in the boardroom, status counts for nothing. They’ll be tested on leadership, teamwork and commercial instinct, and only those who can truly deliver will make it through. "It’s bold, unpredictable and hugely entertaining – and viewers are in for a brilliant ride." Broadcast details for The Celebrity Apprentice have not been confirmed at this stage, but we'll be keeping an eye out for the latest news and will update you in due course. The first full-length series of The Celebrity Apprentice is coming to BBC One and iPlayer later in 2026. Add The Celebrity Apprentice to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Apprentice 2026 winner reveals moment she thought Lord Sugar was going to hire differently
The Apprentice 2026 winner Karishma Vijay has revealed she thought Lord Sugar was going to hire both her and runner-up Pascha Myhill in the final moments of the episode. Tonight (16 April), saw Karishma and Pascha go head-to-head in one finale task in a bid to win Lord Alan Sugar's investment. Supported by returning candidates, the finalists were tasked with launching their business to a room full of industry experts and even past winners. After pitching to the masses, developing a trailer and logo for their brand, it all came down to one final plea in the boardroom as both candidates shared why they thought they were deserving of the £250,000 cash injection into their business. After much deliberation, Lord Sugar decided to invest in Karishma, despite him not having a bad word to say against Pascha's pitch, suggesting as though he could have gone in a different direction – something he's only done once before. In an exclusive chat with Radio Times, Karishma shared she thought at a point Lord Sugar was going to hire them both: "I think it needs to be said, I am so proud of Pascha. In my head, I also thought he was going to pick both of us. But ultimately, what a big win for both girls here." Lord Sugar has only ever hired two candidates in the final once before in 2017, with the business mogul stating he "genuinely couldn't decide" between the two finalists. But this time round, he continued with just one sole winner, something Karishma described as a "surreal" moment. "Not to sound cliché, but for me, it was [in the] very first boardroom Lord Sugar told me to get to the point and then a couple of boardrooms [later] Lord Sugar was trying to remember my name, so I always used to think, 'Whatever it's okay'," she explained. "For him to say and point to me and say those words and say my name, and have a smile on his face and be so happy about his decision, he knows I'll make him money. So I feel like we both, in that moment, connected and I feel like [that] even on a very personal level, completely leaving the money out of it." Karishma continued: "I think I have so much in common with him in terms of our background, in terms of where we started, where we are now, where we're headed. I know he's been in the game longer than I've been alive, but I see a little part of me in him. "I feel like we're both just so real, and we keep it very real in business. And I just feel so proud that he's seen me in that moment. He's seen my potential, he's seen what I can do, he saw my personality come out as well in the final and he chose me, and I was so happy!" While Pascha didn't leave with Lord Sugar's investments, she has plenty to focus on as she continues to build her business "Coming the runner up, either way for me, I'm so, so proud of Karishma," Pascha told Radio Times. "I think she fully deserved the win and I went on thinking I'm probably going to get fired in week 4. I really didn't believe myself enough to think that I'd even get to the final. So getting to the final is actually such a massive win for me. "And having that one on one with Lord Sugar, he sees me now [and] he said stay in touch, so I think for me, what I've always said to myself is, by 25 I'm going to open up a company. And he asked me that in the boardroom, 'If I don't invest in new Pascha, then are you still sticking to that?' "And 100 per cent, I think I'm going to take my time to really learn and connect with the recruitment world and the care industry as a whole. And 00 per cent that's that's still something that I'm willing to do by myself or with a investment." The Apprentice is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who won The Apprentice 2026? Lord Sugar's next business partner revealed
After 12 tough weeks, the final of The Apprentice arrived as the remaining two candidates went head-to-head in a battle to win Lord Alan Sugar's investment. Earlier this year, a whopping 20 candidates entered the infamous boardroom, all armed with stacked business plans and dreams of becoming his next business partner, as well as a £250,000 cash injection into their business. But as the weeks went on, the candidates began to drop like flies until just two – Pascha Myhill and Karishma Vijay – remained in the running. And after much deliberation in the boardroom, Karishma Vijay was crowned the winner of this year's This Apprentice. Tonight's episode saw the finalists launch their business to a room full of industry experts and some legends from the last 20 years, including Margaret Mountford and Nick Hewer and three incredible past season winners, Dr Leah Totton, Ricky Martin and Dean Franklin. They then returned to the boardroom one last time, as Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Tim Campbell all deliberated and offered their thoughts on the finalists and their pitches before the hiring finger was pointed. After hearing one last pitch from Pascha and Karishma as to why they thought they should become his business partner, Lord Sugar made his final decision, saying: "Ladies, here it is. Karishma, you know that I've been in this business before, it's a very, very slippery pole to climb and I've done it before and I've made people into very, very significant business people, and I do like skincare. "Pascha, I've got recruitment companies and I know the recruitment world but you say this market for care homes is quite buoyant and so, after deep consideration and listening to you and following you for 12 weeks, I've come to a conclusion – and the conclusion is that I'll be investing in Karishma." Heading into the process, Karishma was seeking investment to elevate her current business – Kishkin – into a global obsession. Speaking of how it felt to be hired, Karishma said: "I can’t believe it. I feel like I’m going to be calling Lord Sugar every other day, saying ‘what do I do now? I don’t know what I’m doing’. Because when I was doing it by myself, I was going at my own pace. Now, there’s a bit more pressure, because I have to really convince him that he made the right decision to have picked me. I feel like I will never get over this experience. Nothing in my life will ever compare. I just got engaged - so what?!" In an exclusive interview with Radio Times, Karishma explained that the final boardroom moment was "so surreal". "Not to sound cliche, but for me, it was [in the] very first boardroom Lord Sugar told me to get to the point, and then a couple of boardrooms [later] Lord Sugar was like, trying to remember my name," she said. Karishma continued: "So I always used to think whatever it's okay. And so to point to me and say those words and say my name and have a smile on his face and be so happy about his decision, he knows I'll make him money! So I feel like we both, in that moment, connected, and he was like, yes." But taking the investment out of the conversation, Karishma believes she and Lord Sugar have "so much in common" in terms of background, their starting roots and where they are now. "I know he's been in the game longer than I've been alive, but I see a little part of me in him," she told Radio Times. "I feel like we're both just so real and we keep it very real in business... And I just feel so proud that he's seen me in that moment. He's seen my potential, he's seen what I can do. "He saw my personality come out as well in the final and he chose me, and I was so happy." The Apprentice is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer. 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.
Last One Laughing special gets a Halloween twist with major rule change for new episode
It's going to be tougher than ever before.
Things are about to get much more difficult on Last One Laughing UK... The entertainment hit, which tasks comedians with ensuring they don't giggle while trying to make one another laugh, will return for a Halloween special later this year – but there's a twist. Speaking at the Broadcast Summit, commissioner Cat Lynch told audiences that, in addition to the normal rules around not laughing, comics will also be penalised for screaming. The Prime Video comedy series will be introducing scares to make the contestants jump, which might make it rather difficult to withhold screams... There's no word yet on who will be taking part or if there will be any returning faces, so watch this space. Prime Video confirmed last month that Last One Laughing had been greenlit for a third season as well as a Halloween special, with the former coming to screens in 2027. The most recent series concluded earlier this month and saw the return of Bob Mortimer, who entered the game hoping to retain his title of champion, though he didn't think his previous win gave him an advantage in season 2. He told Radio Times magazine: "The moment I walked in, I thought, 'No, it’s an entirely different dynamic'. I think the first three that I clocked were Alan Carr, Romesh [Ranganathan] and David [Mitchell], and I thought, 'Uh-oh, I have no chance. This is tough.'" Speaking about knowing some of the younger comedians less, he added: "That’s one of the joys of doing the show. As silly as it sounds, you can get quite close to people in those intense six hours. "At my age, you like seeing young people doing good, and they were really funny. It was a joy." Last One Laughing UK seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on Prime Video. 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.
The Apprentice winners: Who won past seasons and where are they now?
Here's all the winners from 2005 right up to 2025 and what they're doing now!
The final of the Apprentice 2026 has arrived, as the remaining two candidates prepare themselves to prove to Lord Sugar one last time why they should be his next business partner. Pascha Myhill and Karishma Vijay are the two finalists remaining in the competition and as ever, will have to launch their business before pitching to industry experts and Lord Sugar at a black-tie event. Over the course of 12 weeks, there have been plenty of tense boardroom exchanges, task blunders and savage firings, and it has all come down to two! As Lord Sugar's latest business partner will soon be revealed, here are all the Apprentice winners, from the show's very first champion Tim to the most recent champion Dean, and what they're up to now – as well as which of the victors have been cut off. The Apprentice winners: Who won past seasons and where are they now? 2025 - Dean Franklin Instagram: @deanfranklin__ Dean Franklin won Lord Sugar's mentorship and investment in 2025, beating runner-up Anisa Khan in the process. After one last pitch from Dean and Anisa as to why they should become his business partner, Lord Sugar made his final decision, saying: "This is the way I see it. Dean, through the process you've been quite good. There've been a few rocky moments where you remained in it by the skin of your teeth, but do I have the confidence in the residential market? As opposed to food, where everyone’s got to eat, and a £10, £12 pizza is affordable to most people. That's where I am at the moment. "Given deep consideration, I’m going to say that, Dean, you’re going to be my business partner." Dean's air conditioning company, ADL Conditioning, that won over Lord Sugar and was awarded the quarter of a million pounds. After finding himself on the losing team in the first episode Dean knew he "had to do better". He told Radio Times: "After that moment of going to the boardroom [in the] first episode and coming back to the house, I think that was the moment where it switched for me, because I'd had such a big, massive eruption when I walked back through them doors. "Everyone was so happy that I came back, I think then it was just like, 'Right, I've got to change that. I've got to do something different, because this ain't working. Let's go for it.' "And I think that broke a lot of barriers of mine. And then I was off to a good start." As of 2026, Dean is still operating his business and expanding it through Lord Sugar's investment. He has also been a frequent key note speaker at events including The Business Show and Installer Show. 2024 - Rachel Woolford Instagram: @rachelwoolford Rachel Woolford won Lord Sugar's investment in the 2024 series, having impressed him with her business plan. It was a tough decision for Lord Sugar, with him telling Rachel and finalist Phil Turner: "Let me conclude here. This is a very tough decision, I've got to say, because I've got two very, very credible people in front of me. "I've got Rachel who claims she's making money and that she's going to make even more when she gets the second gym up and running, but gyms are – with all due respect – two-a-penny. "Specialist pies are not and it's a market that I'm very interested in, but how can I be interested in it if there's no light at the end of the tunnel? There's a loss-making business at the moment, which you tell me is going to turn around and be OK, and that's my dilemma. "It's very, very hard for me. I'm having trouble here. But my gut feeling is telling me that, Rachel, you're going to be my business partner." At the beginning of 2025, it was announced that with Lord Sugar's investment, Rachel would be expanding her successful fitness space, with a brand new dedicated Reformer Pilates studio next door. 2023 - Marnie Swindells Instagram: @marnieswindells Marnie Swindells impressed Lord Sugar with her business plan to set up her own boxing gym. At the time of Lord Sugar's decision, he said: "It's a tough one, but Marnie, you're asking me to invest in something which is completely alien to me to be honest and you've never run a business before... "...I've always been known to be a gambler, I've always been known to try new horizons so I'm going to try a new horizon… Marnie, you are going to be my business partner." Marnie still works closely with Lord Sugar and in May 2023, the business magnate was appointed director of Bronx Boxing Limited, as per The Mirror. 2022 - Harpreet Kaur Instagram: @harpsi_kaur Dessert parlour owner Harpreet Kaur was named as Lord Sugar's business partner at the end of season 16. In the final, Kaur beat Kathryn Louise Burn - who owns her own online pyjama brand - and secured the £250,000 investment in her dessert shop Barni's, which has now been rebranded as Oh So Yum! Following her win, Kaur revealed her business partner sister isn't going anywhere, after telling Lord Sugar she'd remove her sister, who is the co-founder of Barni's, if he only wanted to invest in her. Harpreet is married to her fellow Apprentice star Akshay Thakrar, who came in fifth place on the show. 2019 – Carina Lepore Instagram: @carinalepore Lepore defeated recruitment consultant Scarlett Allen-Horton in the 15th season of The Apprentice. Since winning The Apprentice, Carina has opened four branches of her Dough Artisan Bakehouse across the UK, including Herne Hill, Bromley, Beckenham and Shepherds Bush. 2018 – Sian Gabbidon Instagram: @SianGabbidon Following Gabbidon’s victory in 2018, Lord Sugar became a co-owner of her pre-existing swimwear and fashion business, Sian Marie Fashion, which since expanded to sell through ASOS. Sian, who won the show in 2018, is believed to be the latest star to no longer be working with Lord Sugar in a long line of previous winners on the BBC show. According to Companies House records, Lord Sugar ceased to be a director of Sian’s company as of April 2022. The brand has since branched out into loungewear, which is stocked in ASDA. 2017 – Sarah Lynn and James White Lynn's Instagram: @mrs_sarah_lynn White's Instagram: @james91white Lord Sugar crowned two winners on the 2017 season of The Apprentice. While Lynn invested in her personalised sweet business, Sweet City, White used the prize money to invest in his IT and infrastructure recruitment business. 2016 – Alana Spencer View oEmbed on the source website Welsh businesswoman Spencer stormed to victory and was crowned the winner of The Apprentice in 2016. She went on to launch a luxury cake business, Ridiculously Rich by Alana. She has since launched an Ambassador & Cakepreneur scheme, which allows those who've always wanted to run their own business to join the company and start their own Ridiculously Rich franchise. 2015 – Joseph Valente Instagram: @mrjosephvalente Valente used the prize money to invest in his plumbing company ImpraGas. He is now the CEO of Trade Mastermind, a coaching company based in Peterborough which helps small businesses grow. 2014 – Mark Wright Instagram: @wright_10 After being crowned the winner of season 10, Wright went on to found a digital marketing agency with Lord Sugar called Climb Online. Wright won UK entrepreneur of the year in 2018 and was also listed on Forbes 30 Under 30 list. In November 2022, he sold his online marketing company for £10 million, with Lord Alan Sugar telling The Sun: "From acorns, big oak trees have grown. And this young lad who came with no money is now going back to Australia with millions." 2013 – Leah Totton Instagram: @DrLeahTotton Totton impressed Lord Sugar in the ninth season of The Apprentice and went on to win the show. She then set up a chain of ethical cosmetic clinics with Lord Sugar and has since opened more branches of the Dr Leah Clinic in Essex and London. 2012 – Ricky Martin Instagram: @rickymartin247 Martin was crowned winner of The Apprentice in 2011 and went on to run a science recruitment agency – Hyper Recruitment Solutions – following his victory. He has also launched his own podcast, Recruit Ricky – How To Get Hired. 2011 – Tom Pellereau Instagram: @Inventor_Tom Pelleareau climbed his way to the top of The Apprentice season 8 in 2010, despite losing most challenges, and went on to receive a £250,000 investment in his invention Stylfile, a curved nail file. He has since started the company Stylideas, which owns the brands Stylpro, Stylfile and Stylsmile. 2010 – Stella English English won the 2010 season of The Apprentice, but her relationship with Lord Sugar soon turned sour. English attempted to sue him for constructive dismissal after resigning from the £100,000-a-year job that was her prize for winning season 6 of the show, but the case was dismissed. Talking to Lorraine Kelly and Aled Jones on Daybreak in 2020, English spoke about her resignation and its repercussions: "Despite [the high salary] I couldn’t actually physically stay there, because it was unbearable. I had no future there, I knew that’s why I resigned. "I don’t regret going on the show because I won The Apprentice and I’m very proud of that. "But I do regret obviously what I’ve had to go through and what my family have had to go through, and I’m very sad the repercussions that it’s had." She continued: "However I will stand by it, I’ve spoken the truth and I’ve stood up for myself and I‘ve had to pay for it dearly but I will never apologise for it." English went on to work as a Management Consultant at computer giant HP, before she began hosting Crowdbox TV, a crowdfunding TV channel, in 2014. 2009 – Yasmina Siadatan Crowned winner of The Apprentice in 2009, Siadatan went on to join Lee McQueen at Amscreen, but left the following year after becoming pregnant and didn’t return. She was then headhunted by Dragon’s Den star James Caan before setting up her own start-up loans company. She currently helps run a fintech company called Dynamic Planner based in Reading. 2008 – Lee McQueen Instagram: @lee.mcqueen McQueen won The Apprentice season 4 despite a series of grave errors on the show, including lying on his CV – and went on to work for Lord Sugar’s healthcare company Amscreen. McQueen left the company in 2010 to start his own recruitment agency, Raw Talent Agency, and is currently the founder and CEO of Phoenix 51, a talent assessment platform. 2007 – Simon Ambrose Instragram: @simonambrose After defeating Katie Hopkins and winning The Apprentice in 2007, Ambrose landed a job with Lord Sugar at his property company Armsprop before leaving to start up his own property development firm in 2010. It was reported in 2015 that Ambrose was putting his business skills to use in a different sector, and that he was planning to open a number of bars and restaurants in London. Simon has other hidden talents too, as he went on to serve as chairman of the London Contemporary Orchestra. 2006 – Michelle Dewberry Instagram: @michelledewbs Dewberry won the competition in 2006 and landed a job at Lord Sugar’s tech company Xenon Green. However, she quit after just a few months and started a business consultancy. She also published a book in 2007 and became a columnist for magazine Business Matters in 2009. Dewberry also dabbled in politics after her stint on The Apprentice, standing as an independent pro-Brexit candidate in the 2017 general election in Hull West and Hessle. She joined GB News as a presenter in 2021. 2005 – Tim Campbell Instagram: @timcampbell_mbe Tim was the first ever winner of the BBC One business-based reality TV series back in 2005, bagging a £100,000-a-year job with Lord Sugar's firm Amstrad. However, he departed from Amstrad two years later to found the Bright Ideas Trust, a charity which helped young people to set up their own businesses. It has since dissolved. Tim is also the co-author of one of Amazon's Top 10 business books for 2010, What's Your Bright Idea?. What's more, in 2012, Tim received an MBE for Enterprise Culture and currently runs his own digital marketing agency called Marketing Runner. He has since joined The Apprentice as one of Lord Alan Sugar's aides, stepping in for Claude Littner. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Bec Zacharia and why did she clash with fellow MAFS Australia star?
Things have well and truly erupted on Married at First Sight Australia, as two brides have found themselves in a major feud - but UK fans can't quite wrap their heads around why. In a recent episode of the reality series, the remaining couples headed to the retreat, but it was brides Bec and Rachel that found themselves at loggerheads due to a comment made by Bec. The comment itself, however, was censored, so it became a little confusing as to why Rachel became so upset with Bec... So, what went down at the retreat? Scroll on as we take you through the dramatic moment, and explain further details on Bec and her relationship status. Why did Bec and Rachel clash at the retreat? Bec and Rachel were involved in a "feud" during the Married at First Sight Australia retreat, which erupted when Bec marked the occasion with a toast. "Ladies and gentlemen," she began. "Guys, I wanted to just call us here tonight because it’s the first night of the retreat and we’ve had 'I love yous' and we’ve had a couple that I thought could not come back from the brink of hell bounce back. "And we've had ********," Bec said, making a lewd comment involving details of Rachel and Stephen's sex life. This word was censored by Channel 4, meaning audiences weren't exactly clear on what Bec said. When it was broadcast in Australia, however, this part was uncensored, with the comment itself relating to a private sexual act between Rachel and Stephen that Rachel had told the girl group in confidence. After publicising this knowledge to the entire group, it's safe to say Rachel wasn't best pleased. "I didn't think it was funny. She turned something that Steven and I were so excited about, telling others about where we're at, into a joke," Rachel said to the camera shortly after Bec's comment. Who is Bec Zacharia? Age: 35 Job: Account manager Location: South Australia Bec is an account manager who describes herself as a loud, outspoken, social butterfly who is "never shy of being the centre of attention". The 35-year-old has been voted Adelaide's most eligible bachelorette twice, but is yet to find the one to settle down with. Are Bec and Danny still together? Bec and Danny were matched together by the experts and while they initially hit off, it was Danny's vows that didn't go down well with Bec. The pair managed to get things back on track and excelled during intimacy week, but things took a turn when fellow bride Gia claimed that Danny said she was more his type - something he denies. The pair eventually made it to the final vows and while Bec said she wanted to remain with Danny after the experiment, he brutally said he only loved her "as a friend". "When I think of bringing kids into the world, I want to bring kids into a stable relationship and a stable loving home," he said. "As much as it breaks my heart to say this, I felt a weight come off my shoulders, at a time when I should’ve been missing you." He continued: "I believe you can have multiple soulmates in life – some who are your best friends and some who are your lovers. Bec, I believe you’re my soulmate as a friend, but I’ve come to realise there’s doubt in my mind if you are my soulmate as a lover." So, no, Bec and Danny have not remained a couple. Married at First Sight Australia 2026 airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on E4 and Channel4.com. Add Married at First Sight Australia to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Million Dollar Secret season 2 cast: Meet the players in "cunning" Netflix series
Netflix is returning with a second season of its juicy cat and mouse reality series, Million Dollar Secret. Described as "the ultimate game of wit, cunning and deception", Million Dollar Secret follows a group of players as they hunt down and eliminate a mystery millionaire among their ranks. Like in season 1, the players will travel to The Stag for the chance to win $1 million, which is awarded to one player at the start. But it's not necessarily a good thing to have the prize fund so early on as, throughout the game, the players who didn't receive the money will attempt to expose the millionaire in order to secure the prize for themselves. Audiences can once more expect alliances and paranoia aplenty, but who are the brave players daring to take part? Read on to find out more about the cast of Million Dollar Secret season 2. Million Dollar Secret season 2 cast Altie Daisy Hunter Kaleb Kasey Kat Kevin Lauren G Lauren T Melissa Natalie Nick Tarek Umeko Scroll down to find out more about the cast members on Million Dollar Secret season 2. Altie Holcomb Age: 55 Location: California Instagram: @eaglesincali Heading into the game, Altie planned to lay as low as possible and be as inconspicuous as he could. "If I was gonna be whacked, I wanted it to be towards the end of the competition," he said ahead of the series. Daisy Age: 50 Location: Edina, Minnesota Instagram: @daisyskarning Daisy plans to use charm, comedy and wit "in a non-threatening way" to win people over during the game. "This this 'sweet flower' Daisy, when they are least expecting it, will come in with skills that will kill," she said ahead of the series. "I regret nothing!" Hunter Call Age: 25 Location: San Diego Instagram: @hppunts Hunter wanted to appear "as the likeable idiot who was a non-threat" to others in the game. Kaleb Moon Age: 44 Location: Lead Hill, Arkansas Instagram: @wkalebmoon Going into Million Dollar Secret, his game plan is to "fly by the seat of my pants and adapt every second, minute and hour". Kasey Coffey Age: 33 Location: Brooklyn, New York Instagram: @itskaseycoffey Believing that other players would enter the game "super calculated" and try to "out-strategise each other", Kasey decided to take the opposite approach and focused on connection. "I led with warmth, built trust early and made my moves before anyone saw me as a threat," she said. Kat Ellis Age: 26 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Instagram: @katellisss Kat decided to "lay low, become friends with everyone, lose challenges and play into a dumb blonde persona" heading into Million Dollar Secret. "I really just want to cruise along as a passenger princess for as long as I can until I am forced to take over the drivers seat and start making big game moves," she said. Kevin Moranz Age: 26 Location: Topeka, Kansas Instagram: @kevin.moranz Kevin entered the game knowing he was an energetic and direct person, but knew it would make him a target. "My strategy was to come in, lay low and be completely under the radar," he said. Lauren Gierth Age: 43 Location: Richland, Washington Instagram: @laurengierth Asked of her game plan, Lauren said: "I'm just an innocent mom from the South. You can trust me, tell me all of your secrets, you're safe here. When in reality, I'm writing everything down in my white journal with highlighters, post-its, and a red serial killer tracking string to use later for my own gain. *wink*" Lauren Tennery Age: 25 Location: South Lake Tahoe, California Instagram: @laurentennery Lauren went into the Chateau as the "sweet, playful yogi", hoping to play in the shadows for as long as she could. Melissa Age: 61 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Instagram: @homewithatwist "I walked into this game knowing exactly how I wanted to be seen — pleasant, polite, and just a little underestimated," Melissa explained. She continued: "At 61, I figured I could use that to my advantage. So I created this whole story… divorced cat groomer, nothing too threatening, nothing too memorable. The idea was simple — while everyone else was busy sizing each other up, I’d be quietly paying attention. But bless it… night one, I told on myself. "I mentioned my husband and daughter back home, and in that moment, I knew my little story wasn’t going to hold. So I made a decision right then — I wasn’t going to keep digging a hole. I let the character go, and from that point on, I just played the game as myself… which, truth be told, can be just as unpredictable." Natalie Noisom Age: 29 Location: Miami, Florida Instagram: @natalie_noisom Natalie went in with a game plan of playing "big" and trusting her gut while keeping everyone on their toes in the process. She added: "And maybe bring a little Miami heat when needed, especially at The Stag." Nick Pellecchia Age: 27 Location: Mendham, New Jersey Instagram: @nickypill Nick fancies his odds at the Stag, and plans to "lead with charisma and make things fun" all while keeping his strategic side hidden. He said: "Once people feel comfortable and trust me, I’ll use that to quietly take control when it matters." Tarek Ahmed Age: 24 Location: Los Angeles, California Instagram: @tarekupdated Going into the game, Tarek's plan was to get on everyone's good side so people could let their guard down around him. Umeko Peterson Age: 27 Location: Kapolei, Hawaii Instagram: @umekopeterson During the game, Umeko used her background as an intelligence analyst, combined with her understanding of social dynamics and psychology to "read behaviour, identify patterns, uncover hidden intentions and adapt how I moved within the game". She added: "By analysing interactions and emotional cues in real time, I made strategic decisions that helped me build trust, influence dynamics, and position myself effectively in a high pressure environment." The first three episodes of Million Dollar Secret season 2 are available to watch now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Million Dollar Secret to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Million Dollar Secret season 2 release schedule: When are new episodes on Netflix?
Million Dollar Secret is returning for a second season on Netflix, providing viewers with a juicy series filled with wit and deception. The competition series, which debuted on the streamer last year, follows a group of competitors as they travel to a lakeside estate for a chance to win $1 million. This life-changing prize fund is awarded to one player at the start of the game, with the new funds bringing bigger complications... Across the episodes, the players without the money will attempt to expose the millionaire in order to claim the cash for themselves, but as the money owner changes, alliances will be built and broken, with paranoia setting in for even the most level-headed of players. Fancy getting in on all the action? Scroll down to find out when you can tune into Million Dollar Secret season 2 on Netflix. When are the next episodes of Million Dollar Secret season 2 out on Netflix? Like it's previous season, Million Dollar Secret will have another staggered release, with episodes released across three weeks. Below is a list of the release dates for Million Dollar Secret season 2. Episodes 1-3 - Wednesday 15 April Episodes 4-6 - Wednesday 22 April Episodes 7-8 - Wednesday 29 April How many episodes of Million Dollar Secret season 2 will there be? There will be a total of eight episodes of Million Dollar Secret season 2 on Netflix. When is the Million Dollar Secret season 2 finale episode on Netflix? The finale episode of Million Dollar Secret season 2 will be released on Wednesday 29 April. Take a look at what's to come in Million Dollar Secret season 2 below: View Green Video on the source website The first three episodes of Million Dollar Secret season 2 are available to watch now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Million Dollar Secret to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
MasterChef fans, welcome to the new era with judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh: "We take care of each other"
Anna Haugh and Grace Dent are taking over TV’s biggest cooking contest. And they’re unfazed by the challenge.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Here they all are, trooping into Day One of this year’s contest with shining, enthusiastic faces. There’s the woman who wants to show her expertise at cooking steak and chips; the man who only ate an egg for the first time in his 20s; the chap who has spent years dreaming of wearing a MasterChef apron. Watching at home, we’ll come to know and root for the new tranche of amateur chefs being put through their paces on the legendary cooking show. But they’re not the only fresh faces this time – there are new judges, too. Restaurant critic Grace Dent and chef Anna Haugh have both had stints as judges on the celebrity and professional MasterChef variants, but the cut and thrust of the OG version is where Dent and Haugh now reign. And they like it that way. “To anyone who can get through those first few rounds, I think, wow,” says Dent. “Everyone says, ‘I will make, say, beef bourguignon and some fluffy rice as my signature dish.’ And they practise at home and make it nine times, until all their friends are sick of it. And then they walk into the MasterChef kitchen, and right away they think, ‘Oh, that’s not the beef I wanted!’ And you don’t know where anything is, and you’re not quite sure how the hob works. It’s like going to a holiday cottage and trying to make a simple omelette.” “And there’s a film crew and two scary judges interviewing you,” chimes in Haugh. “I like spotting that glimmer of raw talent, it really excites me,” adds Dent. “People who from the moment we say, ‘Let’s cook!’ begin to move like a chef. It’s exciting, because I know we’re going to take them on a journey. And each time we throw something at them, they get a bit better, and that’s what I’m looking for.” Well, not the only thing. She beadily surveys a bowl of chips that has been placed in the middle of the table. This is after a three-hour RT photo shoot, and both women are ravenous. They each take handfuls – and then the judging begins. “These aren’t great chips,” says Haugh. “You’d have thought that delivering them to a food critic and a chef would make them up their game slightly,” agrees Dent acerbically. It doesn’t stop them tucking in, however. So how do they manage to not fill up eating all those (admittedly far nicer) courses on the show? “Simple,” says Haugh. “I don’t eat during the day, so when we do the tastings, I’m very hungry. It allows you to taste more flavour, pick up on more detail. But you have to hold yourself back on the first few dishes. I’m always thinking of the last person to be judged, particularly early on.” “I wake up at 5am, read everybody’s recipes before I get a taxi to get into make-up and get my wardrobe together,” says Dent, “and by then, I haven’t had a lot of time to take on any calories. And then we are waiting; waiting to eat. And then you are eating – sometimes, six contestants’ meals, each with three courses, but you eat tiny bits of food from each. Morsels!” “I don’t know about that,” snorts Haugh. “I’ve seen you polish off an entire dessert like it’s a challenge. I’ve seen you licking the bowl.” That sounds like a particular perk of the job. I wonder, as foodies, when the cameras are off, what are their guilty pleasures? There is a pause. “Well, I could literally live on trifle,” admits Dent. She looks at Haugh. “Mine is cheese,” responds the chef. “And I love those specific crisps from Spain. Torres. Freshly made. So, potatoes and cheese. The way Grace feels about desserts, I feel about cheese. You shouldn’t really eat the amount of cheese that I do.” There’s a warmth and camaraderie between the two women, who are already clearly good team-mates. “We take care of each other,” says Haugh. “So, if there’s a hair out of place, or lipstick needs topping up, we’ll point it out. We want each other to be lifted up.” Visually, they make a distinct twosome; the vibe is sequins and up-dos (Dent) alongside neat bun and crisp white linen (Haugh). Their contrasting styles reflect complementary worlds. Haugh, the Dubliner, chef and owner of Myrtle, an upmarket Irish/Modern British restaurant in London’s Chelsea, brings in the spirit of the working kitchen. Carlisle-raised Dent, journalist and broadcaster, is the glamorous Guardian food critic who causes seasoned restaurant staff to, well, drop the seasoning when she sails in. “I may book under a separate name,” she admits, “but the restaurant will know me as soon as I walk in. The moment that I was a guest on MasterChef in 2012, I stopped being anonymous.” Their experiences in male-dominated industries have united both judges in another way. You don’t have to go very far beneath the smiles to find the colossal drive, merrily unapologetic and breezily triumphant, needed to drill down into previously ring-fenced preserves; the cheffy world of Michel Roux and the critics’ circle of Michael Winner. “I always wanted to be a food critic,” says Dent. “I grew up in Carlisle, and I had no help whatsoever from my family. I used to enter tons of journalism competitions when I was at university. Eventually I won a prize at Cosmopolitan. I came straight to London, as a kind of intern at Marie Claire, wheedled my way in and worked for everyone. I loved the whole scene, and the buzz of London’s infinite choice of restaurants.” Her role models? Dent lists several Fleet Street legends. “I remember seeing Eve Pollard [legendary tabloid editor and, inter alia, mother of Claudia Winkleman] sitting on the breakfast TV couch and thinking, ‘Who is this woman?’. Anne Robinson and Janet Street-Porter. Jean Rook and Julie Burchill. “Suddenly there were all these women, holding their own against the men, and they wrote columns and books and did telly and radio, and I suddenly realised that there was a job out there for women to be able to do exciting things. Although,” she laughs, eating another (substandard) chip, “you have to be able to cope with the rejection. That never stops. You just become more immune to it. Now if someone tells me I can’t do something, I just go home and work out who else I can ask.” Haugh is equally driven and determined. “When I was about 17, my friend’s mother said, ‘Anna, have you ever thought about being a chef? Because something comes over you when you are in the kitchen.’ It took me a couple of years, but when I first walked into an empty kitchen I thought, ‘I belong here.’ I always say it chose me, not the other way round. “For about 10 years, my dad used to chip away at me, as he thought it wasn’t a good choice. And then one day he said, ‘I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time. Look how successful you are, and how you have never given up.’” Dent and Haugh have, of course, taken over from the two men who, for decades, were MasterChef. Until they blew it. Did the women quail at the idea of picking up the show after Gregg Wallace and John Torode? “Well, it’s bigger than any one person,” begins Haugh tactfully, “and the contestants are brilliant. The show is a reflection of them.” Dent is a bit more direct. “I don’t feel I am ‘picking up’ after anybody,” she says. “I’ve been going to work every day at the helm of the most important food show, probably in British television history. I think I’m doing well. Am I doing well?” she laughs, looking to Haugh. “You’re doing well,” confirms Haugh. “There is no way I’d show up a year ago on that set and begin to work in the manner that I did, while looking backwards,” says Dent, in a tone that makes me feel like I’ve just suggested she eat a collapsed soufflé. Might MasterChef rise with these two in charge? I think it’s highly likely. Bon appétit! The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. MasterChef returns on Tuesday 21 April at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer. 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.
Peter Capaldi confirms he rejected Celebrity Traitors season 2 – and explains why
Amid rumours of famous faces heading to The Traitors castle later this year, there is one actor fans can be sure will not be making an appearance – and their reason might surprise you. During an appearance on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, the actor revealed he returned down the chance to appear in the upcoming season of The Celebrity Traitors. "I think there's a level of fame that… I think it propels you into the public eye, at a level of exposure that I don’t really want," he explained. "I like doing, you know, it’s like doing my music things – it’s very difficult for people in that business to understand that you want to keep it small." Filming will be gearing up for the second celebrity edition soon, though casting details are yet to be confirmed by the BBC, but that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from spinning. Some of the names thrown into the mix include the likes of actor Michael Sheen, singer Cheryl Tweedy and Hugh Grant. Just days after Alan Carr took the title of Celebrity Traitors champion, the BBC confirmed a second season had been greenlit. Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said of the renewal: "Studio Lambert have done an outstanding job as The Celebrity Traitors has well and truly captivated the nation, becoming a bona fide highlight of the year bringing record numbers of people together to enjoy every twist and turn. "In 2026 the doors of the castle will be opened again to welcome celebrity players to the game to see who can charm, who can scheme and ultimately who can survive in series two which promises to be just as unmissable as the first." The Celebrity Traitors will return later this year. Season 1 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Add The Celebrity Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.