Kevin McCloud Embarks on a Grand Tour in Scenic Drives in Stunning Cars

By Jon Donnis

BriteSpark East, part of the Argonon group, has teamed up with Channel 4 for a new six-part series, Kevin McCloud: Scenic Drives in Stunning Cars (working title). The series will follow the acclaimed designer and presenter as he takes to Europe's open roads in some of the most elegant and historically significant cars ever made, exploring both the vehicles and the countries that shaped them.

Across six visually rich episodes, McCloud swaps the building sites of Grand Designs for a set of classic wheels, each one symbolising a different era and culture. With a nostalgic nod to the golden age of motoring, before the dominance of low-cost flights and endless tarmac, he sets out to rediscover the romance of the journey itself.

In France, McCloud glides from Cannes to Monaco in a stylish French icon, soaking up the Riviera's art and architecture. In Sweden, he takes to the road in the legendary Volvo P1800, tracing the car's Scandinavian roots through serene archipelagos and coastal towns. Italy brings the thrill of the Maserati 3500 GT, as he winds through sunlit piazzas and ancient hilltop villages. The adventure continues through England's Peak District in a Jaguar Mk2, Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route in a DeLorean MC12, and Germany's Baden-Württemberg region in a classic Mercedes SL, home to modernist design and engineering brilliance.

Along the way, McCloud immerses himself in each region's culture, food, and artistry, uncovering the connections between the cars and the landscapes that inspired them. Reflecting on the series, McCloud said, "This is an exciting new venture for me. Old cars connect us to our collective past, and each one tells a story about a place and its people. They demand more from us and, in return, give more back than any modern motor. It's a genuine privilege to explore these fabled machines and the worlds they come from."

Tom Porter, Creative Director of BriteSpark Films, called it "a pan-European ride in some of history's most exciting cars," praising McCloud's "deep knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm" as key to the show's charm. Channel 4's Commissioning Editor Ian Dunkley added that the series "combines iconic cars, extraordinary landscapes and Kevin's indelible curiosity, for a programme that feels both nostalgic and fresh."

Kevin McCloud: Scenic Drives in Stunning Cars (6 x 60') is produced by BriteSpark East for Channel 4. It is executive produced by Tom Porter, series produced by Chris Richards, and directed by Salvatore Assenza. The series has already been pre-sold to ABC Australia and will be distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus.

Taskmaster Doubles the Festive Fun

By Jon Donnis

Taskmaster is turning up the holiday spirit this year, with Taskmaster's New Year Treat confirmed to air not one but two episodes over the festive season. It's the first time fans will get double the mischief, with Greg Davies and Alex Horne setting a fresh batch of famous faces a string of ridiculous, joyfully pointless tasks in the name of festive fun. The celebrity line-up is still under wraps, but expect an unpredictable mix of personalities ready to make fools of themselves for glory.

Adding to the excitement, Champion of Champions returns for another showdown. This time, Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, and Mathew Baynton are back to compete for Greg Davies's most coveted prize – his buff golden torso. They'll be joined by the winner of Series 20, which continues every Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4 and at 10pm globally on the Official Taskmaster YouTube channel.

A Night in Oz: Sky and NOW Celebrate Wicked with One Wonderful Night

By Jon Donnis

Sky and streaming service NOW are rolling out the green carpet for something truly magical this November. On the 8th, they'll air Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a two-hour live musical celebration starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, marking a glittering lead-up to the release of Wicked: For Good, the grand cinematic finale of the beloved saga arriving in cinemas on 21 November.

Filmed at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the special promises to be a visual and musical spectacle. The venue will be transformed into a shimmering Emerald City-inspired world, complete with a 37-piece live orchestra conducted by the acclaimed Stephen Oremus. Viewers can expect stunning performances, reimagined arrangements, and breathtaking choreography from Christopher Scott, the creative force behind both Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

The evening will reunite the star-studded cast, including Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum, Tony nominee Ethan Slater, five-time Emmy nominee Bowen Yang, and rising star Marissa Bode. Together with Erivo and Grande, they'll bring new life to the iconic songs that defined Wicked, as well as debut never-before-heard numbers from the upcoming film. These original songs were written by the show's legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who will also make an appearance during the special alongside director Jon M. Chu and other surprise guests.

Produced by Fulwell Entertainment, with Ben Winston and Raj Kapoor as executive producers, Wicked: One Wonderful Night is shaping up to be more than just a TV event. It's a love letter to Oz, its characters, and the millions who've followed their journey from stage to screen.

For fans old and new, this is a rare chance to see behind the Emerald curtain. Wicked is available now on Sky Cinema and streaming service NOW, while Wicked: For Good will join the line-up in 2026.

Farm 999: A Riveting Look at the Hidden Dangers of UK Farming

By Jon Donnis

Farming is often seen as a quiet, bucolic profession, but in reality, it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK. Beyond the everyday hazards of machinery and livestock, farmers increasingly face threats from organised criminal gangs. The new BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland series, Farm 999, shines a light on this rarely seen side of rural life, showing the risks farmers take to feed the nation and safeguard the environment.

Presented by Steph McGovern, the 15-part series launches on Friday 7 November and promises a gripping mix of farmyard accidents, rural crime investigations, heroic rescues, and devastating fires from some of the UK's most isolated communities. The programme features previously unseen CCTV, body cam, and mobile phone footage, combined with the personal accounts of those who lived through these incidents. Viewers are taken into the heart of emergency operations, following paramedics, air ambulances, and police units as they tackle life-and-death situations in challenging terrain.

Filmed from a working farm at CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) in County Antrim, Steph McGovern provides context and insight into the issues raised, speaking with expert guests, campaigners, and farmers who share their own experiences. Investigative reporter Paul Colgan joins operations around the UK, tracking rural crime units as they confront organised criminal activity, including machinery theft and illegal waste disposal. These offences not only threaten farmers' livelihoods but also the wider environment.

Despite only one per cent of the UK population working in agriculture, farming accounts for 20 per cent of workplace deaths. The first episode highlights the precarious nature of the work with the story of Cambridgeshire farmer Jonathan Willis and his wife Wendy, who recount a near-fatal accident caused by a moment's lapse while carrying out routine duties. Emergency responders describe the tense rescue, offering viewers a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in even familiar tasks. Other stories include a police operation tackling illegal waste in Cheshire and sheep farmers in Argyll dealing with attacks from protected white-tailed eagles.

Steph McGovern said, "Farm 999 will take viewers into the heart of the UK's stunning countryside, giving a unique perspective on what it's like to live and work there. People in rural communities are used to dealing with challenges, but this is an unseen side of life here. Farming can be dangerous, and when accidents happen it's often a matter of life and death in these isolated locations. We hear jaw-dropping stories first-hand from those impacted and see incredible footage of first responders coming to the rescue. We also gain insight into the chaos criminals are causing in rural communities and have unrivalled access to the policing operations tackling it."

Farm 999 promises to combine drama, danger, and human resilience, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of modern UK farming.

The Real Salt Path: Sky’s Explosive Documentary Reopens One of Britain’s Most Beloved Stories

By Jon Donnis

When The Salt Path was released in 2018, it swept across Britain like a sea breeze. Raynor Winn's memoir of loss, love and redemption on the windswept South West Coast Path became an instant classic. Readers were moved by her tale of financial collapse and her husband Moth's terminal illness, both finding solace in nature's raw beauty. It wasn't just a bestseller, it became a cultural touchstone. Book clubs adored it, festivals feted it, and the film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs sealed its status as a modern phenomenon.

But now, seven years on, that story is under scrutiny. Earlier this year, Observer journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou received an anonymous tip that sent her digging into the world behind Winn's memoir. What began as a quiet curiosity turned into a full-blown investigation. Over several months, Chloe followed the trail through documents, witness accounts and interviews with people who knew the Winns before their fateful walk. The Observer's exposé, published in July, painted a far more complicated picture than the one in the pages of The Salt Path, and its revelations rippled through the literary world.

Now Sky Documentaries has commissioned The Real Salt Path (working title), a one-off feature from the award-winning Candour Productions, to explore what really happened. With exclusive access to Chloe's ongoing investigation and new whistleblowers stepping forward, the documentary promises to delve even deeper into the facts and the fallout. It will blend investigative journalism with cinematic storytelling to uncover what the nation's favourite story might have left unsaid.

Hayley Reynolds, Acting Director of Sky Documentaries, described the project as "world-class journalism meeting world-class filmmaking". She added that Sky was drawn to stories that challenge perceptions and ask difficult questions, calling this "the perfect partnership" with The Observer and Candour Productions. Alice Sandelson of The Observer echoed that sentiment, saying it had been "remarkable to see how the Real Salt Path story captured the public imagination" and expressing excitement about bringing Chloe's investigation to the screen.

Anna Hall, founder of Candour Productions, called it "a very British whodunnit". She said the film would explore not only the facts behind The Salt Path, but also "how we connect to the power of stories, and what we do when we have to question what we believed".

With its mix of mystery, moral tension and cultural reflection, The Real Salt Path looks set to be one of the most talked-about documentaries of the year. It asks an unsettling question: when a story we cherished begins to unravel, how much truth do we really want to find?

The Real Salt Path (w/t) airs on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW this December.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to Leave Strictly Come Dancing After Two Decades

By Jon Donnis

After twenty glittering years in the ballroom, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have confirmed that this series of Strictly Come Dancing will be their last. The beloved duo, who have fronted the BBC's flagship dance show together for over a decade, will bow out with a festive farewell on this year's Christmas special.

Tess has been with Strictly since the very first series in 2004, initially co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia first joined the Strictly family as host of It Takes Two, later stepping into the results show before teaming up with Tess on the main programme in 2014. Together, they made broadcasting history as the first all-female presenting team to lead a primetime entertainment show on British television. In recognition of their contribution to broadcasting, both were awarded MBEs in June 2025.

The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, described their departure as "the end of an era", praising the pair for their warmth, humour, and unwavering commitment to the show. "They've both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of Strictly," she said. "They've been integral to its success for twenty years, but I understand why they've decided it's time to hang up the glitterball and get their weekends back."

Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of BBC Studios Entertainment, echoed the sentiment, calling Tess "elegant and genuine" and Claudia "charming and razor-sharp". She added that the partnership had captivated audiences since day one and that both women had become "part of the Strictly family."

Executive Producer Sarah James paid an emotional tribute, describing Tess and Claudia as "the matriarchs of the Strictly family". She reflected on their dedication through every challenge, from championing nervous celebrities to guiding the show through the pandemic. "We've supported each other through births and bereavements," she said. "To say we'll miss them is an understatement."

In a joint statement, Tess and Claudia said leaving together "felt like the right time." They added: "We have loved every minute of hosting Strictly. The team is extraordinary and we'll miss them every day. We will cry during our final 'keep dancing' but will keep saying it to each other, probably in tracksuits at home with pizza."

Their final appearance will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. Plans for the 2026 series, including who might step into their sparkling shoes, are expected to be announced in the new year.

For now, viewers have one last chance to enjoy Tess and Claudia's chemistry, warmth, and wit as they guide Strictly through its final glittering steps of 2025.

Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Returns for Eighth Series

By Jon Donnis

Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse are back for another series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, returning Sunday 26 October at 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Series eight promises more gentle humour, stunning scenery and the reflective conversations that have made the show a favourite with viewers.

This time around, both men take a slightly different approach, choosing locations that carry personal meaning rather than focusing solely on fishing specific species. Paul revisits waters connected to his childhood, including trips that evoke memories of fishing with his father, while Bob heads back to Manchester, catching up with old friends and revisiting familiar haunts. Nostalgia underpins the series, from 1970s-style caravans in Wales to the quiet beauty of the Findhorn in Scotland.

Fishing remains at the heart of the show, but the duo admit it has been one of their most challenging series yet. They encountered new experiences, such as night fishing in Wales, with Bob landing a rare sea trout in total darkness. The elusive perch continues to evade them despite repeated attempts over seven series, while grayling provide unexpected rewards. For both, the joy comes as much from the experience, the chats and the food, as from the fish themselves.

Cooking and camaraderie continue to play a key role. Highlights include venison cooked on stones in Scotland and the simple pleasure of a fish and chips meal in Manchester. Bob also indulges his newfound hairdressing skills, cutting Paul's hair on location. Even their canine companion, Ted, who sometimes struggles with longer walks, remains a constant presence, adding charm and occasional comic relief.

The series balances humour and reflection, capturing the duo noticing the passage of time. Both men discuss feeling their age, but also the joy of discovering new places and revisiting old ones together. Paul calls the Findhorn in Scotland the visual highlight of the series, praising its scenery even when the fishing proved difficult.

Music and editing remain collaborative efforts, with editor Doug Bryson and the production team helping select tracks that complement the tone of each episode. Together, they maintain the warmth and intimacy that has become the signature of Gone Fishing.

Series eight of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing premieres Sunday 26 October at 9pm on BBC Two, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.