Kevin Bridges Sets Out to Rediscover Football’s Soul in New BBC Scotland Documentary

(Image: Bango Studios/Steven Mochrie via BBC Press)

By Jon Donnis

Scotland’s long-awaited return to the FIFA Men’s World Cup provides the backdrop for a new BBC documentary that sees comedian Kevin Bridges travel across three countries in search of football’s lasting appeal.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game follows the acclaimed Scottish comic as he explores how the sport continues to shape communities, identities and cultures in different parts of the world. With Scotland preparing to meet Brazil once again on football’s biggest stage, Bridges embarks on a journey that takes him from Scotland to Brazil and the United States.

The one-hour film examines how football is experienced by supporters today and how its place in society has changed over time. Along the way, Bridges meets players, fans and local figures to gain a deeper understanding of what the game means in the modern era and why it remains such a powerful force in people’s lives.

The documentary arrives at a significant moment for Scottish football. Scotland’s qualification for the Men’s World Cup marks the nation’s first appearance at the tournament in 28 years. The prospect of another encounter with Brazil adds an extra layer of nostalgia and excitement for supporters who remember previous meetings between the two nations.

Blending travel, personal reflection and football culture, the programme also gives Bridges the opportunity to revisit his own connection to the sport. Looking back to the 1998 World Cup, he reflects on the excitement and wonder he felt as a young fan and considers whether that same sense of joy still exists in football today.

The film has been commissioned for BBC Scotland, BBC One and BBC iPlayer and is produced by Bango Studios. The production company was founded by award-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush, whose work has earned recognition from BAFTA, RTS and the Grierson Awards.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will be available on BBC iPlayer from Friday 5 June. It will air on BBC Scotland at 9pm that evening before being shown on BBC One at 10.30pm on Sunday 7 June.

Finn Mannion Wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician 2026

Finn Mannion (Image: Martin Shields)

By Jon Donnis

Cellist Finn Mannion has been named the winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician 2026. The announcement followed a Grand Final held in Glasgow’s City Halls, where three young musicians performed alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in a competition for the coveted title.

The final brought together outstanding classical talent, with finalists performing in front of a live audience and a judging panel. Each musician took to the stage with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jonathan Bloxham, delivering performances designed to showcase both technical ability and musical expression.

Finn Mannion, aged 24, is from Crieff. He began playing both the cello and the bagpipes at the age of seven and is currently completing a Masters in Music Performance at the Basel Academy of Music in Switzerland.

His winning performance featured Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Movement 1, Allegro, which impressed the judges and secured him the title.

The performances from all finalists were broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Sounds on Sunday 31 May from 7pm.

Speaking after his win, Finn Mannion said: “I'm so happy and honoured to have won this award. Performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Jonathan Bloxham was incredible, and I'm very grateful to everyone who made the night so special.”

Presenter Judith Ralston said: “Tonight’s performances were truly exceptional, and it was an honour to be involved. I’m just glad I wasn’t on the judging panel and had that difficult decision to make.”

Victoria Easton-Riley, Head of Audio and Events at BBC Scotland, said: “Congratulations to Finn on his achievement, and to the other finalists for their fantastic performances. We are delighted to give these young artists an opportunity to perform with our award-winning orchestra and showcase their talents on BBC Radio Scotland.”

Since 2024, BBC Radio Scotland Young Classical Musician of the Year has highlighted Scotland’s classical music scene and provided emerging musicians with a platform to develop their careers and reach wider audiences.

The other finalists in this year’s competition were pianist Anastasia-Maria Barbu and oboist Alasdair Cottee. Barbu, aged 22, began her piano studies at the age of eight in Brasov, Romania and is now in her final undergraduate year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Cottee, aged 18, is from Dunbar, has played the oboe since the age of eight, studies at the Royal Conservatoire Junior Department, and is a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland as well as Principal Oboe of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

Football Fantastics Returns to CBeebies with More Football, Comedy and Imaginative Adventures

Images: BBC/Strike

By Jon Donnis

CBeebies is bringing back Football Fantastics for a second series, with the energetic live-action football show returning to screens on Saturday 6 June.

The new series consists of ten 15-minute episodes and sees the original Fantastics team reunited at their Saturday morning football club. This time, they are joined by two new players who introduce fresh challenges, comedy and imaginative adventures to the group.

Designed for preschool viewers and families to enjoy together, Football Fantastics combines football, storytelling, music and humour while promoting friendship, confidence, teamwork and the importance of getting involved. The show aims to appeal both to young football fans and children who may be discovering the sport for the first time.

The latest series promises an even bigger mix of fun and fantasy. Among the adventures awaiting viewers are a visit to the Match of the Day studio, football boots that can talk, a hedge with a surprising appetite for footballs, a game of football in space with real aliens, a superhero-themed show-and-tell and an ambitious bucket heist. Giant mascots, a band of adult football supporters, kids-versus-adults penalty shootouts and a particularly adorable dog also feature throughout the series.

Football Fantastics will once again include appearances from some of England's best-known football stars. Viewers can look forward to cameo appearances from Declan Rice, Nico O'Reilly and Ollie Watkins, alongside Lionesses players Alessia Russo, Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly.

A brand-new feature called Jill's Skills will also debut in the second series. Football legend Jill Scott will teach both the Fantastics and viewers at home a different football skill in every episode. The segment will cover a variety of techniques, including nutmegs, communication on the pitch, the "around the world" trick and how to strike a successful volley.

With its blend of football action, comedy, music and imagination, Football Fantastics looks set to deliver another entertaining run of episodes for young audiences when it returns to CBeebies this June.

Jill Scott says: “I’ve loved coming back for series two and getting to share some of my favourite football skills with the Fantastics and the audience at home. What I love about Jill’s Skills is that it’s not about being perfect. It's about encouraging kids to have a go, try new things and enjoy being active together.

"With the World Cup this summer getting everyone excited about football, it feels like such a brilliant time to encourage families to get involved and enjoy being active together. That’s what Football Fantastics is all about too, bringing people together, building confidence, having fun and showing kids that anyone can join in and give it a go.”

ITV Unveils First Look at The Dark, a New Scottish Serial Killer Drama

Image credit: ITV Studios / Mark Mainz

By Jon Donnis

ITV has released first-look images from its upcoming six-part serial killer drama The Dark, giving audiences an early glimpse of the chilling new series ahead of its arrival on ITV, STV and streaming platforms ITVX and STV Player this summer.

The drama stars Laura Donnelly, known for The Nevers and Sugar, alongside Mark Rowley, recognised for his roles in Trigger Point and Karen Pirie. It has been adapted for television from GR Halliday’s debut novel From the Shadows by Matt Hartley and is produced by Poison Pen Studios, part of ITV Studios.

The newly released images introduce DI Monica Kennedy, played by Laura Donnelly, as she begins a tense investigation into a series of disturbing killings across the Scottish countryside. Working alongside her new partner DC Connor Crawford, played by Mark Rowley, she is seen navigating a case that quickly escalates into a dangerous pursuit of a calculating murderer.

Also featured is Bethany Morgan, played by Helen Baxendale, a distraught mother drawn into the investigation after Monica arrives at her home once again, linking the case to her missing son. Alongside these character moments, the images provide a first look at the masked killer, presented as a silent and threatening presence at the centre of the story.

The series begins when the body of a young man is discovered carefully staged in a remote and picturesque part of Scotland. What initially appears to be an isolated incident soon raises fears within the investigative team that something far more serious is unfolding. As more tension builds, suspicion spreads through the local community and long buried secrets begin to surface.

DI Monica Kennedy finds herself pulled deeper into the case as paranoia grows and trust within the investigation begins to fracture. Her own past starts to resurface as the pressure increases, forcing her to question her judgement while she attempts to stay ahead of a killer who always seems one step ahead.

Behind the series, Matt Hartley serves as executive producer alongside Ben Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli, Luke Woellhaf and Fern McCauley. Matt Brown produces the drama, with writing contributions from Lena Rae and Nessah Muthy, and Gilles Bannier acting as lead director and executive producer.

The Dark is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will also handle international distribution of the series.

Channel 4 Announces Ingenious, a New Competition Series Celebrating British Invention

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has announced Ingenious, a new four-part feel-good competition series from Curve Wales, hosted by comedian, musician and lifelong enthusiast for clever contraptions Bill Bailey.

The series celebrates Britain’s long tradition of tinkering and its ongoing passion for innovation. It brings together amateur inventors from across the country, each arriving with ideas shaped in everyday spaces such as garden sheds, garages, kitchen tables and spare rooms.

These inventive entrants are practical problem-solvers at heart, building original contraptions designed to tackle everyday challenges and improve daily life. Their creations form the basis of a competitive format that rewards imagination, resourcefulness and hands-on mechanical skill.

Across four episodes, contestants take part in a variety of invention-based challenges. Each round is designed to test their creativity and technical ability as they compete for the title of Britain’s best home inventor.

The series is filmed in a large, light industrial space that reflects Britain’s industrial heritage. This setting provides a working backdrop for ambitious builds, giving contestants the room and atmosphere to turn bold ideas into working inventions.

Bill Bailey said, “I’m thrilled to be hosting Ingenious, a brand-new show that celebrates Britain’s shed-born brilliance, in a collision between practical problem-solving and creative innovation. Watching these inventors solve everyday frustrations with clever contraptions is exactly my kind of fun.”

Coming Soon

Channel 4 Revisits England’s Greatest Football Triumph in Full Colour

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Sixty years after England lifted the World Cup for the first and only time, Channel 4 is bringing one of football’s most iconic matches back to television in a remarkable new broadcast event.

In partnership with SunLife, the channel will air England’s unforgettable 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley Stadium on 30 July 1966, presenting the entire match in full colour for modern audiences. More than just a celebration of sporting history, the broadcast also aims to raise awareness of dementia and Alzheimer’s Society, supporting those living with the condition and the families affected by it.

The special presentation will be introduced by comedian David Baddiel, whose long-standing passion for England football has made him closely associated with the national team’s history. Sir Geoff Hurst, the hero of that historic afternoon and still the only man to score a hattrick in a World Cup final, will also reflect on the match and pay tribute to former teammates who later developed dementia.

Current and former England players are also set to contribute, including men’s captain Harry Kane, helping connect generations of football supporters through one of the defining moments in English sport.

The broadcast promises to capture every memorable detail of the dramatic final. From the six goals and controversial extra-time strike to the scenes of jubilant fans spilling onto the Wembley pitch, viewers will once again witness Queen Elizabeth II presenting captain Bobby Moore with the famous Jules Rimet trophy.

Throughout the match, on-screen messages will encourage viewers to donate to Alzheimer’s Society, turning a nostalgic sporting occasion into an opportunity to support an important cause.

For many supporters, the 1966 World Cup final remains the single greatest day in English football history. Channel 4’s full colour presentation offers both longtime fans and younger audiences the chance to experience the drama, emotion and atmosphere of that extraordinary summer evening in a completely new way.

1966 FIFA World Cup Final In Colour is to air on Channel 4 and Channel 4 Streaming on Saturday 6th June.

Save Me: Danae Skiadi Heads Into a Town Full of Secrets in New Greek Crime Thriller

Image: Viaplay 

By Jon Donnis

Nordic noir has dominated television for years, but now a new Greek thriller looks ready to drag viewers into something every bit as cold, haunting, and emotionally charged. Save Me arrives in the UK this June carrying a strong reputation after being seen on Netflix Greece, and from the sound of it, this could easily become one of the sleeper crime drama hits of the summer.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of northern Greece, the series immediately stands out thanks to its moody setting and deeply personal central mystery. Danae Skiadi stars as Nikol, a young woodcarver returning to her hometown of Komotini for her father’s memorial. It is supposed to be a difficult but brief visit home. Instead, events quickly spiral when her younger sister suddenly disappears, forcing Nikol into a desperate search for answers in a town filled with buried secrets and uneasy memories.

What makes Save Me especially intriguing is the way it blends psychological drama with classic crime thriller elements. The missing persons case soon develops into something far darker, with the possibility of a serial killer lurking beneath the surface of an otherwise quiet community. That tension between ordinary daily life and hidden horror always makes for compelling television, and this series seems determined to lean heavily into that unsettling atmosphere.

Elena Mavridou co-stars as a local detective who becomes entangled in the investigation alongside Nikol. From the early details, it sounds like both women are carrying emotional scars of their own, giving the story a strong human core beneath the suspense. Rather than simply focusing on procedural twists, the series appears more interested in trauma, guilt, corruption, and the emotional damage left behind by long hidden truths.

Visually, the setting alone could become one of the show’s biggest strengths. Northern Greece is rarely explored in international television drama, and the rugged landscapes and isolated communities sound perfect for a slow burning noir thriller. There is every chance the location itself becomes a character within the story, adding to the sense of dread and emotional isolation.

Another encouraging sign is the involvement of author Dimitris Simos, whose original novel serves as the basis for the series. Simos also acts as head screenwriter, which often helps preserve the tone and themes that made the source material popular in the first place. Fans of literary crime dramas will likely see that as a major positive going in.

With eight 45 minute episodes, Save Me also looks perfectly structured for weekly viewing. Releasing two episodes every Monday from 22 June should give audiences enough time to absorb the mystery, speculate on suspects, and slowly sink deeper into the show’s dark world rather than simply racing through it all in one sitting.

For viewers who enjoy tense European crime dramas filled with damaged characters, layered mysteries, and oppressive atmosphere, Save Me already feels like one to watch closely. Between its gripping premise, emotionally driven story, and distinctive Greek setting, this could end up being a genuinely memorable addition to the growing world of international noir television.

Available to watch on Viaplay via Prime Video

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