Stephen Merchant’s "The Outlaws" Returns with a Deadly Secret

The BBC has released new images from the upcoming series of the hit comedy-thriller "The Outlaws," created by award-winning writer and director Stephen Merchant. The series is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer next month, promising another thrilling season.

Catch Up on previous series at https://amzn.to/3WaJMry

"The Outlaws" follows a group of strangers from different walks of life who are forced to come together to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol. As the third series begins, crime boss The Dean, played by Claes Bang (known for "Bad Sisters"), is behind bars awaiting trial. The Outlaws are moving on with their lives, but their peace is short-lived when one of their own returns with a deadly secret, throwing them back into mortal danger. With a murder manhunt closing in on the gang, they must prove their innocence before The Dean's case collapses, and he seeks revenge.

Returning to the series are Stephen Merchant ("The Office") as Greg, Rhianne Barreto ("No Escape," "Hanna") as Rani, Gamba Cole ("Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle," "Hanna") as Ben, Darren Boyd ("Killing Eve," "Trying") as John, Clare Perkins ("Silo," "The Wheel of Time") as Myrna, Eleanor Tomlinson ("Poldark," "The Couple Next Door") as Lady Gabby, Jessica Gunning ("Back," "Baby Reindeer") as Diane, Charles Babalola ("Black Mirror," "Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation") as Malaki, Tom Hanson ("Brassic") as Spencer, and the legendary Christopher Walken ("The Deer Hunter," "Dune: Part Two") as Frank.

"The Outlaws" is a Big Talk and Four Eyes production co-created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James ("Mayans M.C.," "Lowriders"). Merchant also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer alongside Luke Alkin, Kenton Allen, and John Butler. Co-produced by BBC One and Amazon Studios, "The Outlaws" is distributed globally by BBC Studios for all three seasons.

Channel 4’s Tempting Fortune Returns for a Supersized Second Series with Paddy McGuinness

Voltage TV's highly successful reality format, Tempting Fortune, has been recommissioned for an eight-episode second series on Channel 4. Hosted by the charismatic Paddy McGuinness, the show's first series was one of Channel 4's most successful new launches last year, captivating audiences and becoming one of the most-watched shows of 2023 among 16-34-year-olds on Channel 4's free streaming service.

For more Paddy check out - https://amzn.to/3JvDueq

In this exciting new series, a fresh group of contestants will be transported to a tropical jungle location to face the ultimate test of willpower and honesty. Stripped of their comforts, they will rely solely on basic rations and survival gear. However, surviving the jungle is not the real challenge; it's resisting the tantalizing temptations that could transform their rugged jungle experience into a luxurious tropical getaway.

With a substantial cash prize at stake, contestants must resist spending any of it on luxuries if they want to take home their full share. While some are in it for the chance to win a life-changing sum, others are more interested in indulging themselves. Will the bonds formed between contestants convince some to resist temptation? Will those who give in come clean to the rest of the group? And will any of the prize money be left by the end of the adventure?

Paddy McGuinness, the show's host, commented: "Last series was full of backstabbing, betrayal, and sheer determination… but this time there are added twists! I'm thrilled to be back for an even bigger series, challenging a new set of brave, daring, and cunning contestants in the hot and sticky jungle. Let's see if anyone can resist my temptations!"

Steve Handley, Head of Reality & Entertainment at Channel 4, said: "Tempting Fortune has all the hallmarks of a classic Channel 4 format. It's the smart and mischievous love-child of an adventure series and a reality show, testing free will and human nature, often with hilarious consequences. I can't wait to see if our next batch of recruits can resist the irresistible temptations that Paddy has in store for them in the jungle."

Genna Gibson, Commissioner Editor, Reality & Entertainment at Channel 4, added: "It is fantastic news that Voltage and Paddy McGuinness are once again teaming up to deliver another exciting series of Tempting Fortune. Building upon the success of the first series, our new tropical jungle location will provide an even more challenging backdrop for our intrepid but somewhat unlikely explorers to dodge or succumb to their deepest desires. I, for one, can't wait to see what unfolds."

Tempting Fortune was commissioned for Channel 4 by Steven Handley, Head of Reality and Entertainment, with commissioning editor Genna Gibson. It is an 8x60' series produced by Voltage TV and GroupM Motion Entertainment. The executive producers are Sanjay Singhal and Jon Crisp for Voltage TV, with Melanie Darlaston for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Georgina Hinds serves as Showrunner. Cineflix Rights is the exclusive worldwide distribution partner for the format and series.

For those looking to embark on the adventure of a lifetime this summer, applications to take part are now open here.

https://shortaudition.net/adventureseries

Channel 4 General Election fronted by Guru-Murthy and Maitlis

Channel 4's upcoming General Election night coverage promises to be a spectacle, complete with heavyweight commentators, top-tier analysis, and some... interesting choices.

Firstly, let's talk about the hosts. Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Emily Maitlis are seasoned journalists, no doubt, but can they handle the unpredictability of a live election night? Well, if their experience is anything to go by, it's going to be a rollercoaster. Guru-Murthy has a history of asking the tough questions, and Maitlis, well, let's just say she's not afraid to challenge her interviewees.

But the real eyebrow-raiser here is the addition of The Rest Is Politics podcast hosts, Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. Yes, you read that correctly. The same Alastair Campbell who was at the heart of Tony Blair's government and the same Rory Stewart who couldn't decide if he wanted to be a Tory or an independent. If there's one thing this election coverage needs, it's more political flip-flopping, right?

And let's not forget the inclusion of Gogglebox favorites. Because nothing says serious political analysis like getting the opinions of people famous for watching TV.

Cathy Newman will be at the campaign HQs for the Conservatives and Labour. Hopefully, she'll be able to keep track of who's promising what, but we wouldn't count on it.

Clare Balding will be on hand to break down the data. Because nothing makes sense of complicated political data like a sports presenter.

Of course, we can't forget Channel 4's Political Editor, Gary Gibbon, who promises "first class analysis." Well, we certainly hope so, Gary.

The program will be made by ITN Productions. Because who else would agree to this madness?

In a move that surprises no one, the coverage will also include "exclusively commissioned inserts from Gogglebox favorites." Because, apparently, watching people watch TV is now considered legitimate political commentary.

But fear not, because Louisa Compton, Channel 4's Head of News and Current Affairs, assures us that this is going to be "first class analysis." Well, Louisa, we certainly hope so. We're going to need it.

So, grab your popcorn and settle in, folks. It's going to be a wild ride. And remember, no matter what happens, at least we'll have Gogglebox to give us their hot takes.

Hope Street Returns with a Fresh Face and a New Mystery

Filming has commenced for the highly anticipated fourth series of "Hope Street," and this time, a new Police Inspector is taking charge in Port Devine.

For previous series of Hope Street see https://amzn.to/4bnwrRh

The acclaimed series celebrates local writing, acting, and production talent from Northern Ireland, showcasing the BBC's commitment to nurturing homegrown storytelling in its nations and regions.

Set in the fictional town of Port Devine on the Northern Ireland coast, "Hope Street" revolves around the local police department, which is relocating to new headquarters. Joining the cast this series is "Derry Girls" star Tara Lynne O'Neill, alongside Marcus Onilude from "Ted Lasso."

Tara Lynne O'Neill takes on the role of the new Police Inspector, Eve Dunlop. Inspector Dunlop, a character who left Port Devine many years ago, returns with her family to investigate a mysterious disappearance and rebuild bridges in the community.

Expressing her excitement about joining the cast, Tara Lynne O'Neill says: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Hope Street and cannot wait to work by the sea. Port Devine, watch out!"

Filmed in and around County Down's picturesque seaside town of Donaghadee, "Hope Street" has garnered a dedicated fan base across the UK, the US, and beyond. Returning for this eight-part series are familiar faces including Kerri Quinn (Marlene Pettigrew), Niall Wright (Callum McCarthy), Aaron McCusker (Clint Dunwoody), Niamh McGrady (Nicole Devine), Finnian Garbutt (Ryan Power), Des McAleer (Barry Pettigrew), Rachel Tucker (Siobhan O'Hare), and Karen Hassan (Jo Lipton). More new additions to the cast will be announced soon.

The fourth series of "Hope Street" has been commissioned as part of the partnership between the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen, aiming to support the local screen industry and better represent Northern Ireland to audiences across the UK and internationally.

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, comments: "It's great to be back in Donaghadee, filming a fourth series of Hope Street, and this time round we are welcoming a new family to Port Devine. I think Hope Street captures the humor and warmth of the people here, and I'm really looking forward to Tara-Lynne O'Neill, along with some other new faces, joining the cast."

The series has been a hit with audiences, with Helen Munson, Commissioning Editor, BBC Daytime, adding: "I'm thrilled that we'll be bringing the beautiful backdrop of Northern Ireland back for another series of Hope Street. Fans of the series will be delighted to see well-loved characters returning along with some new faces. With a brilliant mix of drama and crime solving, it's all going on in Port Devine!"

Jess O'Riordan, Commissioning Executive, BritBox International, also expressed her excitement about the new series: "We're delighted to be working with BBC and Long Story again on a fourth installment of Hope Street. BritBox fans of the show will be thrilled to return to stunning Port Devine for more crime-solving and gripping storytelling set against the backdrop of that beautiful scenery we've all come to know and love."

Behind the scenes, acclaimed producers Paul Marquess and Donna Wiffen from Long Story TV, known for their work on "London Kills" and "The Light in The Hall," lead the production. They are joined by co-creator Susanne Farrell ("Dirty God") and Producer John Fox.

Paul Marquess, from Long Story TV and one of the show's creators and producers, says: "It's all change in Port Devine as we return for series four of Hope Street - with a new Police Inspector and a new Police Station. What hasn't changed is Hope Street's unique mix of crime stories and warm character-led drama. We love making Hope Street – and we're delighted it's being enjoyed by audiences in Northern Ireland, the UK, and all over the world."

The fourth series of "Hope Street" promises to be heartwarming and funnier than ever, with a familiar but expanded cast that audiences at home and abroad will surely want to spend time with. Series three is currently broadcasting on Fridays at 1.45 pm on BBC One, and series one, two, and three are available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BritBox.

Schoolchildren Become the Voice of Nature in Special Planet Earth III Episode

Sir David Attenborough has been the voice of nature for over seven decades, captivating audiences worldwide with his narration of nature documentaries. However, as our planet faces increasingly urgent challenges, it's clear that one voice alone is not enough to advocate for Earth.

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To mark Earth Day on April 22nd, the acclaimed BBC documentary series, Planet Earth III, has collaborated with BBC Children in Need to premiere a special episode narrated by schoolchildren. These young voices, aged between nine and thirteen, read from Sir David Attenborough's original scripts, delivering a heartwarming message about the power of youth in championing environmental causes.

The 50 student narrators, who are also budding naturalists, were carefully selected from schools recognized for their exceptional fundraising efforts for BBC Children in Need across the UK in recent years.

In a virtual assembly hosted by wildlife biologist, explorer, and presenter Lizzie Daly, an estimated 100,000 students nationwide will have the opportunity to engage with the special episode. The assembly will also feature a thought-provoking Q&A session with the producers of Planet Earth III. To complement the episode and assembly, BBC Children in Need has created classroom resource packs filled with engaging activities, including opportunities for students to narrate clips from Planet Earth III. These resource packs are available for download from the BBC Children in Need website.

This initiative, named "Voice for Nature," follows the success of its previous phase, which featured well-known voices such as Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker, and Ian Wright. Once again, the project aims to spotlight the importance of speaking up for our planet.

Lizzie Daly, the wildlife biologist, explorer, and presenter, expressed her excitement about the Earth Day event, saying: "I'm thrilled to be presenting the Become a Voice for Nature live schools assembly on Earth Day! I want to encourage schools across the UK to download a Become a Voice for Nature resource pack from the BBC Children in Need website and join us to hear more from the producers of Planet Earth III and learn more about the planet, how it impacts our lives, and what we can do to protect it. I can't wait, see you all there."

In celebration of Earth Day, viewers are encouraged to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #BecomeAVoiceForNature. The special episode will be available to watch on iPlayer on April 22nd and will air on BBC One on May 6th. 

Just One Thing: Michael Mosley's Health and Wellbeing Series Comes to BBC Two and iPlayer

The popular Radio 4 podcast series, "Just One Thing," is set to make its television debut on BBC Two and iPlayer. Commissioned for a Daytime slot, this marks the first time a Radio 4 podcast has been adapted for television in such a format.

The series, hosted by the renowned science journalist Michael Mosley, has garnered immense digital success. Produced by the BBC Studios Science Unit, the TV adaptation aims to bring more fun facts and health benefits to audiences, making it enjoyable for the whole family.

Read Michael's book at https://amzn.to/3UqBFpr

In each of the 10 episodes, Mosley will focus on one simple tip that can lead to significant health transformations, backed by scientifically proven benefits. From dancing around in the kitchen to enhance memory, to spending time in green spaces, consuming beetroot, or performing acts of kindness to uplift mood and mental health, the series promises to offer a plethora of surprisingly simple ways to enhance lifestyles.

What makes this series particularly engaging is Mosley's journey across the UK to find these tips. From the picturesque Lake District to the vibrant streets of Glasgow, each episode is set in a different location, with a surprising connection to the health tip discussed. Mosley will interact with local communities, encouraging them to adopt simple changes for better health while getting more connected with their surroundings.

Expressing his excitement about the television adaptation, Michael Mosley said, "I am delighted that my popular podcast series is being made into a television series; the idea behind the series is that we show people that making a few simple changes can lead to big improvements in their mental and physical well-being. For the series, I'll be traveling across the UK to unearth lots of simple tips to help people change their lives for the better."

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime Commissioning, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "This is a first for BBC Daytime, as we bring to our schedule the TV version of this much-loved brand. We're thrilled to be collaborating with such a juggernaut of a podcast, and look forward to welcoming existing fans at the same time as introducing this brilliant format to a whole new audience."

Zoe Heron, Executive Producer for BBC Studios Science Unit, commented on the success of the podcast, "Just One Thing with Michael Mosley podcast is the number two most listened to podcast on BBC Sounds and number five most listened to in under 35's, and has over 25 million listeners worldwide – so bringing this fantastic show to television is a really exciting opportunity and it has found the perfect home on BBC Two and iPlayer."

Lindsay Bradbury, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, added, "Michael makes learning fun and easy, you don't even realize you're being educated, and that's what makes his podcast such a success. It's the stories behind his tips that really capture audiences. I can't wait to watch it."

"Just One Thing" promises to be an insightful and entertaining series, offering viewers simple yet effective ways to improve their health and wellbeing. With Michael Mosley at the helm, audiences are sure to be both informed and entertained.

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr Take on Their Biggest Challenge Yet in "Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job"

BBC Factual has announced that Amanda Holden and Alan Carr are embarking on their most ambitious project yet. In the third series of their immensely popular show, the dynamic duo will be leaving the UK behind and heading to the sunny south of Spain. Their mission? To take on a rambling, run-down property in the province of Andalusia.

With many rural areas suffering from depopulation, Amanda and Alan hope to breathe new life into the region and attract tourists by showcasing some of its unloved and forgotten areas around the Costa del Sol in "Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job."

Their latest challenge involves renovating their biggest house yet, learning new DIY skills, and stepping out of their comfort zones once again. Their goal is to transform the dilapidated property into a magical oasis. This year, their interior design will be inspired by the rich Moorish influences of the region's bygone eras.

But it's not all hard work for Amanda and Alan. After a day of DIY, they'll immerse themselves in Spanish traditions, exploring the diverse landscape of Andalusia. From the Sierra Nevada mountains to whitewashed coastal villages and historic Moorish towns, they'll indulge in local cuisine, join summer festivals, and get to grips with the local traditions. Sangria sipping, Flamenco dancing, and karaoke singing are all on the agenda for Amanda and Alan's Spanish adventure!

Amanda Holden expresses her excitement, saying, "It's wonderful how often I'm stopped in the street and told how much people love our show. Alan and I have the best time filming it, and to have reached series three already is beyond the dreams of our lockdown pitch to the BBC! Bring on the Spanish sun, we can't wait to get started and continue to help Comic Relief and Children In Need along the way."

Alan Carr adds, "It's always exciting when a show you love gets recommissioned, but the fact that we will be bringing our unique DIY expertise to a whole different country makes it even more special. We are saying ciao for now and Hola España! Can't wait to grab our power tools and get our hard hats on and bring some much-needed TLC to a casa in Spain!"

Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Live Events, expresses her enthusiasm, stating, "We're absolutely delighted that Amanda and Alan are heading to Spain for their biggest and most ambitious renovation project yet. With their passion for interior design, DIY, and discovering local life, audiences are in for a real treat."

"Amanda and Alan's Spanish Job" will be an 8x30' series airing on BBC One and iPlayer. The show is produced by Voltage TV Productions, commissioned by Catherine Catton, and executive produced by Claire Walls, Sanjay Singhal, and Tom Cullum, with Ricky Cooper serving as the Commissioning Editor.