The Gold Series 2 Set to Return on BBC One and iPlayer this June

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Critically-acclaimed drama The Gold is returning for a second series, premiering on Sunday 8 June. In a shift that embraces the growing demand for on-demand viewing, all episodes will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am, ahead of the linear broadcast on BBC One at 9pm that evening.

Inspired by the real-life events surrounding the 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery, The Gold captivated audiences with its blend of historical fact and compelling fiction. The original series depicted the infamous heist in which £26 million worth of gold bullion was stolen from a security depot near Heathrow Airport, and followed the ripple effects that shook the underworld and the financial system for decades.

Series two picks up in the wake of the first wave of convictions. While some of those involved in the theft and handling of the stolen gold have been brought to justice, law enforcement quickly realises their work is far from finished. Investigators believe that only half of the Brink's-Mat gold has ever been accounted for. This revelation triggers a new phase of the investigation, diving deeper into a world of international money laundering, shadowy financial networks, and organised crime syndicates.

The second series is built around theories and unanswered questions surrounding the fate of the missing gold. It follows the expanding efforts of the Brink's-Mat Task Force as they undertake manhunts and attempt to unravel one of the most elusive and expensive criminal investigations in Metropolitan Police history. Tension escalates as the narrative widens its scope, showing just how far the criminal enterprise may have reached, across borders and into the heart of legitimate business.

The Gold was praised for its writing, period accuracy, and ensemble cast when it first aired. With a fresh storyline inspired by real-world intrigue and ongoing speculation, the second series promises to bring even more drama, tension, and mystery to the screen. Viewers can expect a gripping continuation that explores the legacy of a crime that not only changed lives but may have altered the very foundations of the British financial system.

The return of The Gold comes as interest in true-crime dramas remains high, and with its blend of fact-based storytelling and high production values, the show is poised to maintain its reputation as one of the BBC's standout dramas. Series two looks set to dig deeper into the long shadow cast by the events of 1983, offering a thrilling ride through a story that is far from over.

Polk: Inside New Zealand’s Most Shocking Murder Trial

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne is a gripping three-part documentary series that delves into the high-profile case of a respected New Zealand eye doctor accused of murdering his wife. Was it suicide, or did Dr Philip Polkinghorne orchestrate Pauline Hanna's death? In a never-before-seen exclusive interview recorded while he awaited trial, Dr Polkinghorne shares his account of what happened for the first time. From claims of sexual deviance and illicit drug use to suspicious behaviour, Polk presents his explanation for it all.

Directed by Emmy® Award-winner Mike Gattanella, the series investigates what has been called New Zealand's trial of the century. It features interviews with private investigator Julia Hartley Moore, Philip Polkinghorne's girlfriend Madison Ashton, Pauline Hanna's brother Bruce Hanna, close friend Pheasant Riordan, Auckland Crown Solicitor Alysha McClintock, and journalists Craig Kapitan and Chelsea Daniels of the New Zealand Herald.

Polk: The Trial of Philip Polkinghorne premieres exclusively on Sky and streaming service NOW, with all three episodes available from 15 June.

Victoria Easton Riley Returns to BBC Scotland as Head of Audio and Events

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Scotland has announced the appointment of Victoria Easton Riley as its new Head of Audio and Events. Currently Director of Content for Scotland and Northern Ireland at Bauer Media, Victoria will rejoin the BBC to lead the creative and editorial direction of BBC Radio Scotland. Her new responsibilities will include overseeing commissioning, managing production teams across speech, music, topical and entertainment, and guiding the station through a new phase of digital and on-demand development. She will also join the BBC Scotland Executive Team, where her strategic expertise will contribute to the wider vision for Scottish broadcasting.

Victoria began her career at the BBC, producing major radio programmes such as The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw, The Official Chart, and Scott Mills, while also contributing to Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 5 Live and 1Xtra. Her move to Bauer in 2019 marked the beginning of a transformative era for the company's flagship Scottish stations, where she led content and brand strategy that resulted in record-breaking audience figures for Clyde 1 and Forth 1. Known for her innovative approach and audience-first mindset, Victoria also spearheaded initiatives promoting gender equality in broadcasting, including the Women in Programming scheme. She was made a Fellow of The Radio Academy in 2022, one of the UK radio industry's highest honours.

BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine welcomed the appointment, describing Victoria as "a brilliant creative leader with a deep understanding of the sector." Valentine highlighted her proven track record in both content creation and leadership, and noted that Victoria's experience would be invaluable in steering BBC Radio Scotland through a period of exciting transformation. "This is a key position as we continue to evolve our audio services and bring the broadest range of cultural content to our audiences. Victoria's passion for innovation, her commitment to audience engagement, and her talent for nurturing creative teams will help us achieve that."

Victoria Easton Riley expressed her enthusiasm for the role, calling her return to the BBC "an incredible opportunity" to help shape the future of Scottish audio. "It's been a privilege to work with some brilliant people and brands during my time at Bauer, but I'm absolutely thrilled to be coming back to the BBC. I'm passionate about creating bold, distinctive content that connects with audiences across the country, and I can't wait to get started." She will take up the post later this summer, joining at a time when BBC Scotland is placing a strong emphasis on innovation, on-demand content, and expanding its reach through digital platforms.

Her appointment comes as the BBC continues to evolve its radio and audio output in line with changing listener habits and new technologies. With an already impressive career that spans major stations, nationally recognised programmes, and industry accolades, Victoria is well-positioned to lead BBC Radio Scotland into its next chapter, one that promises to blend creativity with technology and tradition with innovation.

Secrets of Supercruisers: Channel 4 Sets Sail with New Luxury Cruise Documentary Series

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 is embarking on a new television journey with Secrets of Supercruisers (working title), an eight-part documentary series offering a unique look at life aboard two luxury cruise ships. Commissioned by the channel's Lifestyle department and produced by Crackit TV, the series will follow Holland America Line's MS Rotterdam and MS Nieuw Statendam as they carry thousands of guests across sun-soaked regions including the Caribbean, South America, North Africa and the Canary Islands. Each of the hour-long episodes will go beyond the surface of the cruise experience, showing not only the exotic destinations and indulgent excursions but also the hard-working crews that keep these floating cities running smoothly.

Audiences will be treated to vibrant snapshots of passengers sampling rum in the Dominican Republic, horse riding through the Bahamas, and speeding downhill on traditional toboggans in Madeira. But the series is not only about the glamour. It ventures below deck to capture the logistics, preparation and dedication required to serve over 2,600 guests on each ship. From engineering and kitchen operations to hospitality and entertainment management, Secrets of Supercruisers reveals the high-pressure precision needed to deliver flawless holidays at sea. Channel 4's Deborah Dunnett praised the project for showcasing both escapism and reality, while Crackit TV's Elaine Hackett highlighted its blend of aspiration and authenticity. The result is a richly layered series that offers a full-circle view of modern cruising, making it compelling viewing for travel lovers and documentary fans alike.

COMPETITION: Win Under the Vines: Series 1 on DVD

Following its transmission on the BBC, Acorn Media International announced Under the Vines Series 1 is set for release on DVD and digital from 2 June.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on DVD

Synopsis:

Renowned New Zealand star Rebecca Gibney (Wanted, Packed to the Rafters, The Flying Doctors) and British acting favourite Charles Edwards (The Crown, The Terror, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), are thrown together as two unlikely city slickers who inherit a failing vineyard in rural New Zealand.  

 

Sydney socialite Daisy Munroe (Gibney) hops on a plane to Peak View, New Zealand for a holiday at her recently deceased stepfather’s winery, which she intends to sell. Little does she know that the vineyard has a co-owner, grumpy, British lawyer, Louis Oakley (Edwards), who has recently been disbarred and is heading to the remote wine region in order to escape a spiralling series of unfortunate life events.  

 

Despite neither of them having done a hard day’s work in their lives and both despising each other on first meeting, the two must somehow make Oakley Winery successful so they can sell up, split the profits and get out. But nothing is ever as easy as it seems and the inexperienced duo face their own personal and financial crises, while fighting off the attention of a neighbouring vineyard who has their sights set on swindling the newcomers. 

Escape Under the Vines for a delightful TV romp through scenic sights with laughs a plenty and maybe a refreshing drink or two along the way. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/45tjuoZ

Enter Below

Who plays Sydney socialite Daisy Munroe in Under the Vines?

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

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 09-06-25

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.

COMPETITION: Win The Madame Blanc Mysteries: Series 1-4 on DVD

The imitable Sally Lindsay is back in The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 for more awesome amateur sleuthing, French finds and delightful drama in the fabulous French town of Sainte Victoire.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy of the Series 1-4 DVD boxset.

Synopsis:

If you’re in need of some escapist charm, this much-loved series is guaranteed to please with its lovable cast, unusual antiques, murder, mystery, sunshine and laughter.  

 

Following its Channel 5 transmission, The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 and Series 1 – 4 Box Set are set to arrive on DVD 2 June 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International, just in time for some summer sleuthing. The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4 will also be available to download and keep weekly after each episode airs. 

 

We return to sunny Sainte Victoire with our favourite cosy crime fighting antiques dealer Jean White (Lindsay). The series three finale saw an end to Dom (Steve Edge – Benidorm, The Reluctant Landlord) and Jean’s will-they-won’t-they, delighting fans when Dom (Edge) finally told Jean how he felt. But the course of true love never did run smooth and the couple must now navigate their budding romance together, while solving a brand-new set of mysteries.. 

 

From a brutal murder in a magical Christmas market to the unravelling of a curse from an Egyptian God, the dynamic duo has a fresh slew of mysteries to solve and as always, end up in La Couronne with Uncle Patrick (Tony Robinson – Blackadder, Maid Marian and her Merry Men, Man Down) to enjoy a well-earned glass of wine.  

 

Series four sees the return of an impressive abundance of guest stars including co-writer Sue Vincent (Mount Pleasant, Bad Move) as mechanic Gloria Beaushaw, Robin Askwith (Confessions of a Window Cleaner, Bless This House) and Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, The Green Green Grass) as Jeremy and Judith Lloyd James and Alex Gaumond (Derry Girls, Death in Paradise) as Chief of Police André Caron. 

 

Sainte Victoire also sees some new faces as Samantha Power (Ackley Bridge, Brassic), Charlie Condou (Coronation Street, Nathan Barley), Richard Blackwood (EastEnders, The Richard Blackwood Show), Danny Hatchard (Eastenders, Our Girl), Graeme Hawley (Finding Alice, Coronation Street), Lorraine Burroughs (Sweetpea, DCI Banks) and Edward MacLiam (Doctors, Holby City) guest star. 

  

Pack your sun cream and magnifying glass and take a sun-soaked trip to Sainte Victoire for a treasure trove of delightful mysteries infused with heart and humour in The Madame Blanc Mysteries Series 4. 

Out Now at - https://amzn.to/3Fa7zSz

Enter Below

Who plays Jean White in The Madame Blanc Mysteries?

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

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 09-06-25

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.

Lost and Found in the Lakes Recommissioned for Second Series by BBC One

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The popular BBC One Daytime series Lost and Found in the Lakes is set to return for a second series, following its success as the highest rating unscripted show in its time slot over the past year. Produced by Wrexham-based company Tŷ'r Ddraig, part of Banijay UK's Workerbee Group label, the show brings back presenter Helen Skelton and her team of specialists to the stunning Lake District in 2026.

The new 16-episode series, each lasting 30 minutes, will begin filming in late May. It continues to capture the excitement and emotion involved in locating lost treasures scattered across the lakebeds and forests of the region. Alongside Helen Skelton, the team of experts includes divers, detectorists, and magnet fishers who search for these valuable items.

Once found, the team returns the objects to base. Some are reunited directly with their delighted owners, while others require further investigation. To identify the owners of unclaimed finds, the show employs a social media detective who launches online campaigns to help reconnect treasures with their rightful people. Unclaimed items may also be given new life through the craftsmanship of local artists.

The first series featured memorable moments, including a dramatic rescue of a drone sunk 35 meters in Lake Windermere. The drone contained irreplaceable wedding photographs for newlyweds Alex and Mary. After an initial unsuccessful search, the diving team located the drone on their second attempt, restoring the couple's precious memories.

Social media detective Mui played a vital role throughout the first series, successfully returning various lost items such as smart watches to wild swimmers and families, GoPro cameras to a charity supporting young carers in Blackpool, and phones recovered from Bassenthwaite Lake.

Helen Skelton shared her enthusiasm about the new series: "I am thrilled to be returning to my home in the Lake District for a second series of Lost and Found in the Lakes. I had a fantastic experience returning lost treasures to their owners and I cannot wait to get back to it!"

Zoe Thorman, Executive Producer at Tŷ'r Ddraig, expressed her excitement as well: "We are extremely pleased that Lost and Found in the Lakes has been recommissioned for a second series. I am excited to get back to the Lakes to start recovering more items with our talented team of experts."

Ben Smith, Creative Director at Tŷ'r Ddraig, added: "We are so proud of the success of our first series, which was a joy to put together. Witnessing so many people reunited with the precious items they thought they'd never see again was incredible. We can't wait to go again this summer and capture even more jaw-dropping and emotional moments."

Alex McLeod, BBC Daytime Commissioning Editor, said: "The first series of Lost and Found in the Lakes was a big hit with viewers, thanks to its irresistible mix of drama, emotion, and beautiful scenery. We're thrilled to be bringing it back for a second series and can't wait to see what finds the team will discover next."

Lost and Found in the Lakes is commissioned for BBC One Daytime and BBC iPlayer by Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, with Alex McLeod as Commissioning Editor. The series is made by Tŷ'r Ddraig, with Zoe Thorman as Executive Producer and Ben Smith as Creative Director.

The show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026.