Can You Keep A Secret? Delivers Family Chaos with a Criminal Twist

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Deception, fraud and family drama form the backbone of Can You Keep A Secret?, a darkly humorous new series that finds chaos lurking behind the most ordinary of family facades. Dawn French leads the cast as Debbie Fendon, a seemingly typical granny whose love for lawn bowls masks a sharp, cunning streak. She is fiercely protective of her family, although the truth is that her well-intentioned schemes often cause more problems than they solve.

Nice to see Dawn French back making TV instead of making ignorant and ill-informed commentary on politics and world affairs. Stick to the comedy and Dawn French is a national treasure.

The story begins when Debbie's husband William, played by Mark Heap, is declared dead in a bureaucratic mix-up. Seizing the unexpected opportunity, the couple concocts a plan to cash in on William's life insurance, hiding out in the loft for several months in hopes of enjoying their retirement in comfort. While the scheme is audacious, it places enormous strain on the rest of the family, particularly their son Harry. Played by Craig Roberts, Harry has his own household to manage, along with the looming promise of an insurance payout that is both tempting and morally compromising.

Complications escalate when Harry's wife Neha, portrayed by Mandip Gill, enters the equation. A local police officer by profession, Neha embodies practicality and caution, meaning any slip-up by her in-laws could expose the family's deception. Harry, already stretched thin by parenthood, suddenly finds himself juggling toddlers, marital loyalty, and the absurd criminal antics of his parents. The resulting tension between generations, combined with moments of sharp comedy, makes the series both entertaining and surprisingly relatable in its portrayal of family dynamics.

Can You Keep A Secret? blends comedy, suspense and familial chaos into a series that is as witty as it is unpredictable. Viewers can catch it on iPlayer and BBC One from 7 January.

Channel 4’s Christmas Gift to The Far Left

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4's decision to hand its Alternative Christmas Message to Jimmy Kimmel says a great deal about where the broadcaster's priorities now sit. This is not a brave or thoughtful choice. It is a knowingly provocative one, built around a figure who spent part of 2025 engulfed in controversy after comments made following the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel was briefly taken off the air in September after those remarks triggered widespread protest and a fierce debate in the United States around freedom of speech and the responsibilities of the press. He directly lied about the assassination and presented claims as fact that were not supported by what was known at the time, as time as passed, it only looks worse for Kimmel, as it now clearly seems that he told a deliberate lie to protect those on the far left. The backlash was strong enough that his own network felt compelled to pull him, even temporarily. That context matters, no matter how much it is softened by the language of a "personal" and "jovial" address.

Jimmy Kimmel wearing blackface as he insulted black basketball players

Yet Channel 4's framing avoids that seriousness. Instead, it casts Kimmel as a kind of embattled truth teller, supposedly on the "frontline" of America's cultural battles. That is a generous reading of events. Being taken off air after highly contentious comments is not evidence of bravery or insight. It is evidence of poor judgement, and in this case, of a willingness to speak loosely about an ongoing and sensitive case.

There is also the question of tone. Kimmel's own quoted line, "From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year", is presented as a knowing joke. To many viewers, it will land as smug and glib, especially given the circumstances that led to his suspension. The idea that this is the voice best suited to address the nation on Christmas Day feels less like tradition and more like provocation for its own sake.

Jimmy Kimmel in blackface again, this time as a woman

Channel 4 has a long history with the Alternative Christmas Message, and that history includes challenging and uncomfortable figures. But there is a difference between offering a platform for reflection and handing the microphone to someone whose recent notoriety stems from disputed claims and public outrage. This choice looks less like thoughtful counter programming and more like an indulgence in culture war theatre.

Christmas Day television reaches beyond the usual echo chambers. By selecting Jimmy Kimmel, Channel 4 is not merely reflecting on the year gone by. It is endorsing a particular voice, warts and all, and inviting viewers to treat recent controversy as entertainment. For a broadcaster that prides itself on seriousness and responsibility, that feels like a lapse rather than a statement.

I wonder if Ch4 has paid any attention to the trouble the BBC face right now, after spreading lies about Donald Trump in attempt to interfere in the US election. Let's hope that Ch4 seriously edit the Christmas address, or else it could find itself facing a huge lawsuit just like the BBC.

Sky and PGA TOUR Extend UK and Ireland Broadcast Deal to 2029

Image: Sky Sports Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky Sports has agreed a four year extension to its long running partnership with the PGA TOUR, securing exclusive UK and Ireland rights through to the end of 2029. The deal strengthens Sky's grip on elite golf coverage and follows recent renewals with the Ladies European Tour, DP World Tour, USGA and Augusta National.

As a result, Sky Sports will remain the exclusive home of all four men's Majors, the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup, alongside comprehensive year round coverage of men's and women's professional tours for at least the next four years. The renewed PGA TOUR agreement sits at the centre of that offering.

Under the terms of the extension, Sky will continue to exclusively broadcast every FedExCup regular season event. This includes THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass, widely regarded as the strongest field in golf, as well as the FedExCup Playoffs and the season ending TOUR Championship.

The partnership also secures live coverage of the Presidents Cup in both 2026 and 2028, allowing Sky Sports viewers to follow golf's major international team competitions through to the end of the decade alongside the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

Coverage will continue beyond the main PGA TOUR schedule, with Sky retaining rights to the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR Champions. That ensures exposure for emerging talent as well as the game's most recognisable veteran players.

Sky's Chief Sports Officer Jonathan Licht said the extension underlined the broadcaster's long term commitment to golf. He said the renewed agreement builds on a year of key rights extensions and reinforces Sky Sports as the destination for the biggest moments in the sport, combining live coverage with innovation and storytelling across the season.

A new element of the partnership begins this year, with PGA TOUR Studios working directly with Sky to enhance production. This includes greater access to TOUR content, extra camera feeds, remote replay tools and additional technical support at each event. The collaboration will also feed into the PGA TOUR's new World Feed, which will feature Sky on air talent as part of its international broadcast from 2026.

PGA TOUR Executive Vice President of Media Norb Gambuzza said the organisation was pleased to continue growing its relationship with Sky in the UK and Ireland. He pointed to strong audience growth in 2025, driven by performances from players such as Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, and said closer alignment between PGA TOUR Studios, the World Feed and Sky would deliver even more content focused on the world's leading golfers.

Last Samurai Standing Returns for Season Two on Netflix

Image: Netflix Press

By Jon Donnis

Netflix has officially confirmed that Last Samurai Standing will return for a second season, following the remarkable global success of its debut run. The Japanese battle royale drama quickly became one of the platform's standout non English hits, capturing audiences at home and abroad with its ferocious action and striking characters.

Since launching, the series surged to number one on the Netflix Weekly Global Top 10 for Non English Series and placed in the Top 10 across 88 countries. In Japan, it dominated the charts for four consecutive weeks, cementing its status as a genuine cultural phenomenon. Viewer enthusiasm translated into marathon viewing sessions and sustained online demand for a continuation, momentum that has now led directly to the renewal.

The show also reached a historic milestone at the Critics' Choice Awards, becoming the first all Japanese production to earn a nomination for Best Foreign Language Series. The recognition marked a significant step forward for Japanese originals on the international stage, with the series finding favour among audiences, critics, and global media alike.

Led by Junichi Okada in the multiple roles of lead actor, producer, and action choreographer, and directed by Michihito Fujii, Last Samurai Standing brought together a high calibre creative team and cast. Their ambition helped demonstrate that a Japanese period action epic could travel far beyond domestic borders, setting the stage for an even more ambitious second season.

Okada has shared his excitement about returning, expressing pride in the show's global reception and enthusiasm about re entering its intense world with the same production team. He has promised that the next chapter will push the energy and action even further, inviting viewers to stay with the series as it charges into its next phase.

Director Fujii echoed that sentiment, describing both relief and excitement at the show's international impact and the confirmation of a second season. He praised the team led by Okada and hinted that the scale and intensity of what lies ahead will surpass the first season.

Further details about Last Samurai Standing Season Two are expected in due course. The series will return exclusively on Netflix.

Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall Front Sky Original Under Salt Marsh as Trailer Drops

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky has unveiled the full trailer for its upcoming Sky Original drama Under Salt Marsh, led by Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall. The six-part crime series will launch on Sky and NOW on 30 January 2026.

Set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, the drama stars Kelly Reilly as Jackie Ellis and Rafe Spall as Detective Eric Bull. The story centres on a close-knit community pushed to breaking point by an unspeakable crime that refuses to stay buried.

Created, written and directed by Claire Oakley, Under Salt Marsh opens as a once-in-a-generation storm approaches from the sea. Jackie Ellis, a former detective now working as a teacher, makes a disturbing discovery that reopens a three-year-old cold case. It is a case that cost her both her career and the trust of her family.

Pulled back into the past, Jackie is forced to reunite with her estranged former police partner Eric Bull. Together, they return to an investigation that threatens to tear Morfa Halen apart, exposing long-held secrets and unresolved grief before the approaching storm destroys the remaining evidence.

Alongside Reilly and Spall, the series features a strong supporting cast including Naomi Yang, Jonathan Pryce, Dinita Gohil, Brian Gleeson, Kimberley Nixon and Harry Lawtey. The drama combines atmospheric crime storytelling with an intimate portrait of resilience and community.

Further cast members include Mark Stanley, Dino Fetscher, Lizzie Annis, Rhodri Meilir and Julian Lewis Jones.

Under Salt Marsh will premiere on Sky and the streaming service NOW on 30 January 2026.

Sky Sports Secures Multi-Year Extension as UK Home of the Masters

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky Sports and Augusta National Golf Club have confirmed a multi-year extension to their partnership, ensuring Sky Sports and NOW remain the exclusive broadcasters of the Masters Tournament in the UK and Ireland.

The renewed deal will deliver almost 20% more live coverage throughout the week from Augusta National. Fans can expect dedicated feeds from Amen Corner, Featured Groups, and Live on the Range, offering deeper insight into the action than ever before.

This announcement follows Sky Sports' most comprehensive Masters coverage to date in 2025, which culminated in the most-watched day in the network's history. Rory McIlroy's triumph, claiming his maiden Green Jacket and becoming the first European to complete a career Grand Slam, drew a peak audience of 1.85 million viewers and captured 37% of total UK TV viewership.

Jonathan Licht, Sky Chief Sports Officer, said: "We're delighted to extend our long-standing partnership with the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club, further cementing Sky Sports as the home of golf in the UK and Ireland. Rory McIlroy's win in April was a standout moment in 2025 and we look forward to bringing fans even more unmissable drama from Augusta National in the years ahead."

The new agreement will also see Sky Sports air the Masters Par 3 Contest and the Augusta National Women's Amateur, alongside the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

Sky Sports offers fans an extensive year-round golf calendar, including live coverage of all men's and women's Majors, the Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup, PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Ladies European Tour. Coverage combines expert analysis with cutting-edge technology, including 3D Augmented Reality, the Trackman Golf Simulator, and golf's world-first Spidercam, which made its debut at The Open at Royal Portrush.

The 2026 Masters is scheduled for 6-12 April and will be broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW. Fans can follow the latest news, results, and analysis via Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports News, the Sky Sports app, SkySports.com, and Sky Sports' social media channels.

Tommy and John Fury Settle In for a Battle of Words on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

A different kind of heavyweight contest is heading to the BBC, as Tommy Fury and his father John Fury prepare to face off in a new visualised podcast titled What the Fury?!. Produced by All3Media's Optomen, the ten part series will land on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, promising sharp opinions, family friction, and plenty of outspoken debate.

Filmed inside the Holmes Chapel Boxing Club in Cheshire, the setting is a fitting one. This is familiar ground for the Furys, but instead of gloves and ring ropes, the action comes through conversation. Across ten thirty minute episodes, father and son will tackle subjects that have shifted dramatically over recent decades, from modern masculinity and parenting to relationships, artificial intelligence, and wider cultural change.

The format leans into their contrasting outlooks. John Fury brings a traditional, old school perspective shaped by a lifetime in boxing, while Tommy represents a younger, Gen Z voice with a very different take on the same issues. The result is positioned as a lively exchange of views, mixing humour with hard opinions and the occasional verbal sparring you would expect from the Fury name.

Speaking about the project, Tommy and John Fury said the podcast reflects how differently they see the world, describing it as a clash between old school and new school that naturally comes with plenty of fighting talk. Despite those differences, the series places their relationship at its centre, using it as a lens to explore bigger generational divides.

Kalpna Patel Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said audiences can expect the same energy and spirit associated with the Furys, carried over from their television appearances into this new visualised format. She added that viewers and listeners will have a front row seat as Tommy and John share their views on modern day topics in a way only they can.

With its mix of family dynamics, strong personalities, and topical debate, What the Fury?! aims to offer something a little louder and more confrontational than the average podcast, all without a single punch being thrown.