First Look at ITV’s Secret Service, a New Espionage Thriller Starring Gemma Arterton

Images: Chris Harris/Potboiler Productions via ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has released the first images from Secret Service, a highly anticipated five-part thriller currently filming on location in Malta. Set against the winding streets and historic harbour of Valletta, the photos reveal the scale and ambition of a series that promises high-stakes drama, political tension, and a standout cast led by Gemma Arterton.

Adapted from Tom Bradby’s novel of the same name, Secret Service is produced by Potboiler Productions and directed by Academy Award-winner James Marsh. The series follows senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson (Gemma Arterton) as she uncovers evidence suggesting that a senior UK politician may be acting as a Russian agent. With her career and loyalty on the line, Kate must navigate the dangerous world of espionage amid growing international tensions.

The cast includes Rafe Spall, Alex Kingston, Mark Stanley, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, Aoife Hinds, Avi Nash, Alma Prelec, and Khalid Abdalla. Filming is taking place in both Malta and London during spring, with the series offering a suspenseful and cinematic portrayal of political intrigue and betrayal.

Produced by Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood, with ITV’s Polly Hill commissioning the project and Huw Kennair Jones overseeing production for the broadcaster, Secret Service is expected to draw significant attention. International distribution will be handled by All3Media International. The series is scheduled to premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player in 2026.

Mr Bigstuff Series Two Set for July Return on Sky and NOW

By Jon Donnis

BAFTA nominee Danny Dyer returns to Sky comedy Mr Bigstuff this July alongside Ryan Sampson and Harriet Webb, as the hit series continues its story of family dysfunction in Essex. Dyer, who plays the volatile Lee Campbell, earned his first-ever BAFTA TV nomination for his performance in the debut series, which became Sky Max's most-watched original comedy in the past three years.

Series two picks up two weeks after the revelation that Lee and Glen's dad, Don, isn't dead after all. As the brothers process the news in their own ways, they decide to team up and search for him. At the same time, Glen's partner Kirsty faces unexpected complications in both her personal and professional life, including an ill-timed kiss and a mysterious blackmailer.

Several familiar faces will appear throughout the new run. Rula Lenska features in episode two as Rita, a charismatic woman with a possible link to Don. Linda Henry reunites with Dyer to play Pam, a mechanic at the family's haulage firm. Shaun Williamson takes on a more surreal role as a children's entertainer with anger issues.

Additional guest stars include Brassic regulars Tom Hanson and Parth Thakerar, along with Shobna Gulati, David Mumeni and Alan Ford. Returning cast members include Adrian Scarborough, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Victoria Alcock, Ned Dennehy and Clive Russell.

The series is created and written by Ryan Sampson, who also stars as Glen. It is executive produced by Sampson and Matt Lipsey, alongside Anil Gupta for Sky Studios and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions. Hayley Sterling serves as producer, with Emily Allen as Commissioning Editor at Sky Studios.

Mr Bigstuff series two premieres in July on Sky and NOW.

EastEnders Marks 80 Years Since V.E. Day with Poignant Tribute Episode

 

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Walford residents come together in a moving episode of EastEnders to honour those who served and sacrificed during World War II, as the soap reflects on a key moment in British history

EastEnders will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a heartfelt special episode, bringing the people of Walford together to pay tribute to those who served in the Second World War. The episode, timed with national remembrance events, will air in early May and is set to offer a blend of fictional drama and historical reverence.

The story unfolds as The Queen Vic becomes the centrepiece for community reflection. Linda Carter’s decision to relaunch the pub is prompted by Jean and Phil, who encourage her to tie the reopening to the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day. The event serves not just as a plot device, but as a reminder of real-life celebrations that swept London on 8 May 1945.

In a powerful emotional thread, the episode also explores the impact of memory and time. Nigel, now showing more advanced signs of dementia, believes it is 1995 and that the community is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day. His confusion prompts characters around him to consider the importance of collective memory and generational legacy.

Historical footage and music from wartime Britain will be interwoven into the episode, grounding the story in real events and adding a layer of authenticity. These touches are intended to evoke the spirit of the original V.E. Day celebrations, when crowds gathered across London to mark the end of conflict in Europe.

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw explained the motivation behind the special:

"Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day."

The episode is part of the BBC's broader commitment to recognising national moments and anniversaries through its flagship programming. For EastEnders, which has long served as a mirror to British life and culture, this marks another example of how the soap ties its fictional world to real-world events.

Fans of the show can expect moments of reflection, emotional performances and a sense of community spirit that has defined EastEnders across its decades-long run. The use of wartime songs and original footage will not only set the tone but also connect the past with the present, reminding viewers of the resilience and unity that defined the post-war years.

Kiefer Sutherland Leads High-Stakes Thriller Rabbit Hole, Streaming on ITVX from 11 May

By Jon Donnis

ITV has confirmed that the pulse-pounding espionage drama Rabbit Hole will arrive on ITVX from 11 May, bringing Kiefer Sutherland back to screens in a tense and timely thriller. Produced by CBS Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution, the eight-part series promises mind games, shifting allegiances, and an unrelenting sense of paranoia.

Sutherland stars as John Weir, a corporate espionage expert whose career in deception turns on him when he's framed for murder. As he fights to uncover the forces pulling the strings, Weir is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy that reaches far beyond any single individual. In an age of mass surveillance and misinformation, Rabbit Hole poses urgent questions about control, perception, and truth.

The series features a strong supporting cast, including Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Meta Golding, Enid Graham, Jason Butler Harner, Walt Kink, and Rob Yang. Sasha Breslau, Head of Content Acquisitions at ITV, praised the series, saying: "Kiefer Sutherland is magnetic as the lead in this addictive and tense thriller. Rabbit Hole is a perfect fit for the kind of premium drama our audiences expect from ITVX."

Behind the scenes, Sutherland also serves as executive producer, joining an experienced team that includes writer-directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (This Is Us, WeCrashed), Charlie Gogolak (The Sinner), Suzan Bymel (Designated Survivor), and Hunt Baldwin (Longmire). Their combined talents bring cinematic intensity and narrative complexity to this contemporary espionage saga.

With twists, betrayals, and plenty of action, Rabbit Hole is set to be a must-watch for fans of intelligent thrillers. It begins streaming exclusively on ITVX from 11 May.

Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend promises fun, tears and celebrity secrets across the UK

 

Perrie Edwards, Jimmy Carr, Mel B and more share laughs and life lessons in BBC One's new star-studded series

Alison Hammond is swapping the studio sofa for the open road in her brand-new BBC One series Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend. Across six episodes, the beloved presenter travels the UK to spend quality time with some of the country’s best-known celebrities. In true Alison style, the series mixes candid chats with comedy, heart and a touch of chaos, giving viewers a warm and often unexpected glimpse into the lives of the stars.

Each half-hour episode focuses on one celebrity as they invite Alison into their world. From Perrie Edwards reflecting on her Little Mix years to Jimmy Carr cracking wise on a boat trip across Lake Windermere, the series is packed with revealing moments and laugh-out-loud encounters. Viewers will also see Alison rollercoaster riding with Mel B, horse trekking with Luke Evans, bonding with Sir Lenny Henry in their shared Midlands stomping ground, and taking a few punches from former world champion boxer Tony Bellew.

Perrie kicks off the series by inviting Alison to her hometown of South Shields. She shares stories about growing up, becoming a mother, and the whirlwind rise to fame as part of one of Britain’s biggest girl groups. The interview is as warm as it is revealing, offering fans a rare look behind the curtain of Perrie’s post-Little Mix life.

In a standout moment later in the series, Alison joins Mel B in the countryside, where the former Spice Girl has fully embraced the farm life. From chatting about fame and family to hopping on a tractor, it's clear no topic or setting is off-limits when Alison is around. The unscripted feel of these interactions brings out the best in each guest and gives the show a refreshing sense of spontaneity.

Beyond the celebrity encounters, the programme's strength lies in Alison's unique ability to connect with people. Her natural humour, empathy and curiosity turn what could be a standard celebrity profile into something genuinely engaging. She asks questions others wouldn’t and gets answers others can’t, often revealing emotional truths amid the banter.

Whether you’re here for the heartfelt confessions, hilarious outtakes or to see which celeb Alison surprises next, this new series promises a thoroughly entertaining ride. Just don’t be surprised if you see a Spice Girl in wellies.

Pulp Set to Deliver Two Exclusive BBC Live Sessions Ahead of New Album

British indie legends Pulp are gearing up for a rare and exciting return to the airwaves this May with two exclusive live performances for BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2. The band will perform intimate sets at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre in London, giving fans an early taste of their upcoming album More, their first in nearly 24 years.

On Thursday 29 May, listeners can tune into 6 Music Session: Pulp Live during Nick Grimshaw’s breakfast show, where the band will perform a special session alongside an in-depth interview. The performance follows the world premiere of Pulp’s new single Spike Island, which aired earlier this month on Lauren Laverne’s show. For fans eager to watch the session unfold, the entire 6 Music performance will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer the same day, with on-demand access for 30 days.

Radio 2 will host its own intimate show with Pulp as part of its In Concert series, set to be recorded on Wednesday 7 May. The performance will be broadcast on Jo Whiley’s evening show on Thursday 29 May, followed by a feature on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show the next morning, which will include additional exclusive tracks from the set. BBC Two will also air the Radio 2 concert in June, giving television viewers a chance to experience the energy of the performance.

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker shared his enthusiasm about returning to the BBC Radio Theatre, noting the venue’s intimate feel and the band’s excitement to perform songs both old and new. “As long as we can fit all our equipment in there,” he joked, “it’s going to be great to play some songs for Radio 2 and 6 Music.”

BBC presenters are just as thrilled. Nick Grimshaw called it “amazing” to hear new Pulp music after so long, while Jo Whiley said the band’s catalogue holds deep personal meaning and that she’s delighted to see them performing again. Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music, praised Pulp’s ability to resonate with both mainstream and alternative audiences, calling the two upcoming sessions “contrasting” yet equally exciting.

Formed in Sheffield in 1978, Pulp spent years evolving their sound before breaking through in the early 1990s with albums like Different Class and This Is Hardcore. Known for their sharp lyrics and distinctive take on British life, the band’s influence on indie music remains strong. Their upcoming album More was recorded in just three weeks and promises to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

With two exclusive live sessions and a new album on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Pulp and their fans alike.

COMPETITION: Win The Creep Tapes: Season 1 on Blu-ray

The Shudder Original Series The Creep Tapes: Season 1 is released on May 12th..

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on Blu-Ray.

Synopsis:

Following his critically acclaimed, innovative found-footage horror films Creep and Creep 2, Patrick Brice brings back one seriously disturbing character for the small screen in Shudder Original The Creep Tapes Season One. Mark Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed, The Morning Show) returns as the truly terrifying tormentor of unsuspecting victims, who are all about to meet their maker, thanks to the exploits of cold blooded killer ‘Peachfuzz’..  

 

Each instalment finds a new victim added to the tape collection of the devious and deranged murderer. The killer and his alter ego play with each of their ‘prey’ in the most surreal ways, revealing one supremely odd killer who relishes the awkwardness and terror of his unsuspecting ‘employees’. 

 

With disguises including a priest, a skydiver and an actor, Duplass delivers a masterclass in madness as he brings a myriad of performances, that will leave you in awe, shocked to the core and wanting more. 

 

Get yourself taped for a seriously creepy collection of twisted terror, when one wickedly unhinged serial killer’s footage is found in The Creep Tapes. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/43cuLsl

Enter Below

Which character does Mark Duplass play in The Creep Tapes?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 19-05-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.