Filming Begins on Series Two of BBC Comedy We Might Regret This

(Image: Roughcut TV / BBC)

By Jon Donnis

Filming is officially underway on the second series of We Might Regret This, the acclaimed BBC comedy co-created by Kyla Harris and Lee Getty. Produced by Roughcut TV for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, the series made a strong debut and has since earned award recognition, including a BAFTA Emerging Talent nomination and inclusion in BAFTA's 2024 Breakthrough UK cohort.

Set in London, the new series follows Freya (Kyla Harris) and Abe (Darren Boyd) as they begin planning their wedding after a recent engagement. But what should be a moment of celebration quickly becomes more complicated. Their ideas about marriage and how to approach the big day do not always line up. The process becomes increasingly chaotic, especially with the involvement of Freya's agents, The Olivias, played by Emma Sidi and Hanako Footman. The two rope Freya and Abe into a campaign focused on disability inclusion, turning their personal milestone into a public-facing project.

Alongside the stress of wedding planning and the pressures of visibility, Abe is forced to reckon with his history with Jo (Elena Saurel), particularly after walking in on her and Freya reconnecting. Jo is someone who still matters deeply to Freya, which raises uncomfortable questions for Abe. As the connection between Jo and Freya deepens, Abe must decide how to live with the reality of someone who plays a key part in Freya's life and support system.

Joining the cast for this new chapter is Sophie Thompson, known for Detectorists, SisterS and Silo, playing Beanie McElroy, a designer from the alternative bridalwear world. Beanie is brought in to collaborate with Freya on her wedding outfit. Returning cast members include Edward Bluemel, Sally Phillips, Aasiya Shah and Lolly Adefope, all reprising their roles from the first series.

Kyla Harris and Lee Getty have said, "We're beyond excited to be back on set with series two of We Might Regret This. Expect more laughs, hard truths and nipples." Executive producer Rebecca Murrell added, "So delighted to be back in production. Series two reboots our knotty relationships with drama, hope and hilarity."

The series consists of four 30-minute episodes. It is a Roughcut TV production, commissioned by BBC Comedy Director Jon Petrie. Executive producers are Ash Atalla, Alex Smith and Rebecca Murrell, with Gregor Sharp as the commissioning editor.

Series two of We Might Regret This promises more of what made the first run resonate: sharp writing, complex relationships and a perspective rarely seen on screen. The return of Harris and Getty, both in front of and behind the camera, ensures that the show continues to blend humour with moments of real emotional weight.

First Look at ‘In Flight’: Katherine Kelly Leads New High-Stakes Crime Drama

Images Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

The first images have landed for In Flight, a six-part crime-thriller that centres on a flight attendant pulled into the dark world of drug smuggling after her son is arrested for a murder in Bulgaria. With his life hanging in the balance and time against her, she is forced to become something she never imagined.

The series is set to launch later this year and comes from Buccaneer Media, the production company behind Marcella, The Crow Girl and The Burning Girls. It is written and co-created by Mike Walden, known for his work on Marcella and Whitstable Pearl, and Adam Randall, whose credits include Slow Horses and iBoy. Brendan Mullin, who previously worked on Wreck and Dalgliesh, is producing. Direction comes from Chris Baugh, who also helmed Wreck and Tin Star.

Katherine Kelly takes the lead as Jo Conran, a single mum and flight attendant whose life is thrown into chaos when her son, Sonny, is imprisoned overseas. He insists he is innocent. Desperate to keep him alive, Jo is blackmailed by a criminal gang who use her airline access to move narcotics across borders. Stuart Martin appears as Cormac, a key figure in the gang, and Ashley Thomas plays Dom Delaney, Jo's ex and a customs officer she turns to when she runs out of options.

The story is grounded in international travel but also dives headfirst into a tense, emotional narrative about loyalty, fear and survival. The series leans into its jet-setting premise, taking viewers to cities like Bangkok, Istanbul, and London, while also including scenes in Bulgaria where much of the story's urgency unfolds. Filming wrapped earlier this year in Belfast, with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Supporting roles come from Bronagh Waugh as Melanie, Corinna Brown as Kayla, Ambreen Razia as Zara, and Harry Cadby as Jo's son Sonny.

While Jo's old life starts slipping away, the danger closes in and the stakes rise fast. Every decision she makes is tied to the single goal of keeping her son alive, even if it means crossing every line in the process. Caught between the demands of the gang and the suspicion of law enforcement, Jo is thrust into a world of deadly choices with no clear exit.

Behind the scenes, the series has strong backing. Executive producers include Anna Burns, Richard Tulk-Hart and Tony Wood for Buccaneer, Rebecca Dundon and Simon Judd for Fremantle, as well as Walden, Randall, Kelly and Baugh.

International broadcasters are already on board, with Germany's ProSieben, SBS in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand securing early rights. Fremantle is handling distribution globally.

In Flight looks set to deliver a gripping blend of personal drama and international crime, all viewed through the eyes of a woman whose life changes at 30,000 feet.

Gladiators Returns in 2026 with New Battles, New Celebrities and Even More Saturday Night Spectacle

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

The arena in Sheffield is gearing up once again for a new round of bone-rattling battles and fierce competition as Gladiators storms back to BBC screens in 2026. Following a triumphant return to television, the show is confirmed for another full series along with a brand-new Celebrity Special.

Bradley and Barney Walsh are back as hosts, bringing their signature energy and humour to the arena floor. The returning line-up of Gladiators includes Apollo, Athena, Bionic, Comet, Cyclone, Diamond, Dynamite, Electro, Fire, Fury, Giant, Hammer, Legend, Nitro, Phantom, Sabre, Steel, and Viper. These modern-day warriors will once again take on contenders from across the UK in a contest of pure grit, athleticism and willpower, all played out in front of a roaring Sheffield crowd.

This time around, the series promises to raise the stakes even higher with the introduction of brand-new events and challenges. Alongside the main series, a fresh batch of four celebrities will step into the arena to take on the most demanding obstacle course on British television. With strength, speed, and stamina all put to the test, the celebrity contenders will be hoping to survive the hits and maybe even score a victory over the Gladiators themselves.

The show is produced by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, part of Amazon MGM Studios. Since its return, Gladiators has captured a new generation of viewers while also drawing in fans of the original series. Averaging 5.3 million viewers, with nearly two fifths watching on demand, it has become the most watched Saturday night show on BBC iPlayer. It also holds the title of the third most watched entertainment series overall. What's more, younger audiences have embraced it, with 1.3 million tuning in for each episode—making up nearly a quarter of the total viewership.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, credits the show's mix of family appeal and action for its success. She highlighted the excitement from younger fans and the communal viewing experience, promising even more high-energy contests and iconic foam fingers in the next run.

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of Hungry Bear Media, said the reception from audiences has been overwhelming and described the show as a central part of the BBC's weekend line-up. He teased even more outrageous costumes, high-energy training and everything viewers have come to expect from the Gladiators brand.

From MGM Alternative, Dom Bird praised the show's impact and its ability to ignite imaginations across the country. With production already in motion, Series 3 is expected to deliver even bigger moments, celebrating strength and determination in front of a nationwide audience.

All current episodes of Gladiators are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, where fans can also add the show to their watchlist ahead of the 2026 return. With bold new challenges, familiar faces and a wave of fresh contenders and celebrity guests, the arena is once again ready for action.

COMPETITION: Win My Life Is Murder Series 1 to 4 on DVD

The inimitable Lucy Lawless is back for more My Life is Murder, as the brilliantly unapologetic private detective, Alexa Crowe, for the fourth series of this much-loved crime drama.

And to celebrate we have a copy of the series 1 to 4 boxset on DVD to give away!

Synopsis:

Retired cop turned tenacious private detective, Alexa Crowe (Lawless) is back, with her dry wit and brash style as she investigates a multitude of new crimes in this hugely entertaining series.   

 

Series four introduces eight new mysteries, eight new worlds and eight new diabolical killers that only Alexa Crowe can catch, and her friends and family are coming along for the ride. Tech guru Madison (Ebony Vagulans – The Furies) is stepping up as she contributes her considerable technical skills to Alexa's investigations and the duo fall into a comfortable mentor-mentee relationship – though neither of them will ever agree on who is the teacher and who is the student. Cafe owner Reuben (Joe Naufahu – Game of Thrones) is stepping in and brother Will (Martin Henderson – Grey’s Anatomy) is staying close by. Plus, Detective Harry (Rawiri Jobe – Shortland Street) has Alexa’s back and cranky cat, Chowder, can’t help but complicate everything. 

 

Whether it’s investigating homicidal hairdressers, brutal ballet dancers, wicked widows, or even a case of deadly stir fry, Alexa is determined to uncover the most carefully hidden secrets that crack Auckland’s most bewildering mysteries. But when a case digs up her painful past, Alexa herself becomes a suspect and she’ll need her friends’ help more than ever to clear her name. 

With a fifth series already in the pipeline, now is the perfect time to catch up with My Life is Murder for a thrilling mystery adventure full of sharp wit, charming characters and plenty of drama.  

Acorn Media International to release My Life is Murder Series 4 on DVD and digital 30 June, alongside My Life is Murder Series 1 - 4 Box Set, following its run on U&Alibi.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/4lhHwbc

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who plays Alexa Crowe in My Life Is Murder?

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

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 07-07-25

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.

Mafia: A Gritty Crime Saga Redefining Sweden’s Darkest Decade

Images: Viaplay

By Jon Donnis

If you've been feeling the absence of a heavyweight crime drama, the kind that pulls you into its murky depths and refuses to let go, Mafia might be exactly what you've been waiting for. It's sharp, it's intense, and it doesn't flinch. The new six-part series lands on 23 June, with new episodes dropping weekly until 28 July, and it promises a gripping ride through Sweden's criminal awakening in the 1990s.

Katia Winter as Gunn

Set against the backdrop of a nation quietly slipping into the grip of organised crime, Mafia draws from true events. This is not the Sweden of quaint countryside views and neutral politics. This is a version of the country that's learning to live with gang violence, ruthless ambition and blurred lines between power and law.

At the centre of it all is Radovan "Jakov" Jakovic, played by Peshang Rad. Jakov isn't your standard villain. He's sharp, unpredictable and carries himself with a sort of vision that makes him as fascinating as he is dangerous. Watching him climb the ladder of the criminal underworld feels less like a montage of shootouts and more like witnessing a slow, deliberate takeover. His performance here might be the one people remember him for.

Peshang Rad as Jakov

But there's always someone standing in the way. That someone is Gunn Thörngren, played by Katia Winter. She's the only one in the police force who seems to understand what's really going on. Her mission to bring down Jakov turns personal, then obsessive. She's tough, focused and far from naive. It's a proper battle of wills, and the tension between them powers the series forward.

Each episode runs about 45 minutes, but there's no wasted space. The pacing is tight. The world is detailed. The series builds layer by layer, with the rise of organised crime weaving into the transformation of a whole country. Sweden doesn't just provide the setting, it becomes part of the story, a character in its own right, shifting from calm to chaos in parallel with Jakov's ascent.

Peshang Rad as Jakov - Photo: Peter Cederling 

It's Swedish-language, with English subtitles, but don't let that slow you down. The performances do more than enough to carry the weight, and the tone is pitch-perfect throughout. Mafia doesn't lean on stylised gloss or exaggerated cool. It's raw, grounded, and lets the story speak for itself.

If you've got room for a new obsession, Mafia might be the one. It's about loyalty, power, control, and the cost of choosing a side. Whether you're drawn to the mastermind behind the violence or the officer chasing justice, there's no guarantee anyone makes it out clean.

On Viaplay starting 23 June - https://amzn.to/4n8tZV5

California Avenue: New Drama from Hugo Blick Set for BBC One and iPlayer

Bill Nighy (Image: Aliona Adrianova), Helena Bonham Carter (Image: Matt Crockett), Erin Doherty (Image: Joseph Sinclair), Tom Burke (Image: Rhys Frampton)

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced California Avenue, a fresh drama series from Hugo Blick, the BAFTA-winning writer and director known for The English, The Honourable Woman, and Marion and Geoff. This six-part drama will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, promising a blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling.

The story unfolds in a quiet canal-side caravan park nestled deep in the English countryside. Its calm is shattered by the arrival of Lela, played by Erin Doherty, and her 11-year-old child. Both are on the run and seeking refuge in this hidden world. The series explores how a fractured family comes back together, confronting old ghosts and demons, while an unexpected love begins to take root.

Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter star as Jerry and Eddie, Lela's parents, bringing their considerable experience and acclaim to the central roles. Tom Burke joins as Cooper, a showman and outcast, adding further depth to the cast. The series is produced by Drama Republic, the team behind One Day and Doctor Foster, in partnership with Eight Rooks and the BBC. This marks another collaboration between Blick, Drama Republic, Eight Rooks, and the BBC following their previous works The English, The Honourable Woman, and Black Earth Rising.

Hugo Blick, who serves as writer, director, and executive producer, described California Avenue as an exploration of the people who inspired him over the years. He has worked across genres including comedy, political drama, and westerns, and this project continues his interest in what television fiction can achieve.

Greg Brenman, executive producer and co-founder of Drama Republic, praised the series for its warmth and humour, highlighting Blick's range as a storyteller. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the strength of the cast and the promise of a captivating journey set in the 1970s.

California Avenue consists of six hour-long episodes. Colin Wratten, known for The English and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, is producing the series. The executive production team also includes Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, and Lucy Richer from the BBC. Mediawan Rights and Entourage Media will handle international distribution.

Filming is scheduled to begin later this summer in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Further casting announcements are expected. The series will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Death of A Showjumper - A Chilling Look Beneath the Surface of Equestrian Sport

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

The brand-new Sky Original documentary series, Death of A Showjumper, will be coming to Sky and the streaming service NOW in July. This three-part series examines the death of Katie Simpson, a talented young showjumper whose unexpected passing in 2020 deeply affected the horse community in Northern Ireland.

While most in the community accepted that Katie had taken her own life, a local journalist questioned this official conclusion. The journalist's suspicions were linked to an earlier case she had covered, which bore striking similarities to Katie's death. Central to these suspicions was Jonathan Creswell, a well-known champion showjumper, jockey and horse trainer, who is also the partner of Katie's sister.

The documentary presents accounts from investigators, Katie's friends and family, as well as people from Jonathan Creswell's circle. It reveals how a secret investigation unfolded, eventually leading to a high-profile murder trial with an unexpected outcome. The series provides detailed insights into the events before and after Katie's death, uncovering a story involving violence and coercive control within the close-knit sporting community.

Death of A Showjumper is a production by Walk On Air and Sky Studios, in association with Northern Ireland Screen, commissioned for Sky Documentaries. The executive producers are Rachel Hooper and Jonathan Smith for Walk On Air, Vesna Cudic for Sky Studios, and Bruce Fletcher for Sky. The series is directed by Niamh Kennedy and produced by Natalie Maynes.

The series will be available to watch on Sky and NOW in July.