Casualty Brings High-Stakes Festive Drama in Christmas Special All I Want for Christmas

Images: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC's beloved and BAFTA-winning medical drama Casualty is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable festive episode this December. Titled All I Want for Christmas, the standalone special promises to push boundaries with a format-breaking story packed with tension, emotion, and holiday spirit. First-look images and details of the guest cast have just been released, giving fans a glimpse of what's in store.

Produced in Cardiff by BBC Studios Drama Productions, the special pays tribute to the lifesaving power of blood donation, blending Casualty's signature heart-stopping drama with poignant storytelling. Set against the backdrop of Christmas Day in the Emergency Department, the episode revolves around an emergency blood shortage that leaves the team racing against time.

Dr Stevie Nash, played by Elinor Lawless, is at the centre of the action, doing everything in her power to save lives despite the mounting pressure. Meanwhile, paramedic Iain Dean, portrayed by Michael Stevenson, takes matters into his own hands, risking his life to ensure the hospital has the blood it desperately needs.

The special features an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Lucy-Jo Hudson (Wild At Heart, Doctors), Tristan Sturrock (Poldark, The Crown), Joseph Charles (Breathtaking, Solo: A Star Wars Story), Zoe Brough (Outrageous, Father Brown), Katy Carmichael (Malpractice, Spaced), and Valerie Antwi (DI Ray, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). They will join the much-loved regular cast in this emotionally charged episode.

Rebecca Ferguson, Commissioning Editor for BBC Drama, described the episode as "tense, thrilling, and super-charged with emotion," adding that it made her gasp. Executive Producer Roxanne Harvey praised the special as "life-affirming," commending its ambitious production values, powerful performances, and thought-provoking narrative.

In a unique addition, All I Want for Christmas will include real-life stories from people who have been directly affected by blood donation. The episode will also highlight interviews with key workers from the UK's blood service, adding a layer of authenticity and urgency to its central theme.

Written by Erin Kubicki and directed by Steve Hughes, the special captures the spirit of Casualty while delivering a timely reminder of the importance of blood donation. Fans can catch the festive drama on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this December.

As Casualty, the world's longest-running primetime medical drama, continues to break new ground, All I Want for Christmas promises to be a standout episode. The Christmas special will be followed by the launch of the next series later in the month, ensuring viewers have plenty to look forward to this holiday season.

Sky Unwraps Festive Comedy Bad Tidings for Christmas 2024

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Bad Tidings, a laugh-out-loud festive comedy starring Chris McCausland, Lee Mack, and Rebekah Staton. Landing this December on Sky and NOW, the show promises plenty of chaos, sharp humour, and a good dose of heart.

Written by BAFTA winners Laurence Rickard and Martha Howe-Douglas, the creators behind Ghosts and Horrible Histories, alongside Chris McCausland, Bad Tidings takes a fresh look at the ups and downs of neighbourly relations during the festive season. The story unfolds in Stockport, where Christmas plans are turned upside down thanks to one hilariously petty rivalry.

Lee Mack plays Neil, a home security expert who is at his wits' end with his neighbour Scott, played by Chris McCausland. Scott is, quite frankly, a nightmare. He swaps their bins, keeps a run-down project car on the driveway, and leaves his Christmas lights on all year round, much to Neil's annoyance. Making things worse, Scott is blind, and the rest of the street thinks he's wonderful, which drives Neil to breaking point.

When the neighbours nominate Scott as the head of Neighbourhood Watch, Neil refuses to let it slide. A petty feud between the two escalates until Neil accidentally cuts the power for the entire street on Christmas Eve. The other residents, including Neil's wife and teenage daughter, leave to celebrate elsewhere, leaving Neil and Scott alone.

That same night, a local crime family, "The Brennans," decides to rob the entire street, taking advantage of the blackout. With no lights, no security cameras, and no alarms, it's up to Neil and Scott to put their differences aside and team up to protect their homes. The result is a hilarious battle of wits and resourcefulness, as the unlikely pair take on the Brennans in a series of ridiculous and inventive ways.

Joining the fun are Sarah Alexander, Ben Crompton, Emily Coates, Josiah Eloi, Millie Kiss, Tupele Dorgu, Sunil Patel, and Donna Preston, rounding out a fantastic ensemble cast.

Bad Tidings is shaping up to be a Christmas classic. With its clever writing and top-tier comedic performances, it promises to deliver big laughs while reminding us of the unexpected connections we can make during the holidays. It is the perfect mix of humour and warmth, ideal for a cosy night in this December.

Make sure to catch Bad Tidings on Sky and NOW this Christmas. It is one you will not want to miss.

All Aboard: Channel 4 Takes Viewers on a Magical Christmas Train Journey

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

This December, Channel 4 is bringing a touch of festive magic with An Alpine Train at Christmas (working title), a documentary that promises to be a real treat. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, it takes viewers on a journey aboard the Bernina Express, one of the most scenic railway routes in the world.

The train travels from Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Along the way, it passes through breathtaking Alpine landscapes, with snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and picturesque villages creating a stunning winter wonderland. The programme also goes behind the scenes, introducing us to some of the people who live and work in this unique setting, adding an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to the story.

Produced by King of Sunshine Productions and GroupM Motion Entertainment, the documentary is led by Sohail Shah and Deep Sehgal as Executive Producers, with Ben Sheldon as Series Producer. Channel 4's Jasper Hone and Jo Street commissioned the programme as part of the Diverse Indies Fund, an initiative supporting ethnically diverse-owned production companies. This blend of creativity and inclusion makes the project all the more special.

Jasper Hone called the Bernina Express a bucket list experience and said the channel is thrilled to offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how it prepares for the festive season. Sohail Shah described the journey as one of the most beautiful in the world, while Deep Sehgal called it atmospheric and magical, the perfect watch for Christmas.

Whether you're dreaming of a snowy escape or simply looking for something cosy to enjoy this December, An Alpine Train at Christmas is set to deliver. Grab a blanket, make yourself a hot drink, and settle in for a festive adventure like no other.

COMPETITION: Win Dark Winds: Season 1-2 on Blu-ray

Lauded as a ‘must watch’ (Screen Anarchy) and an ‘instant classic’ (AV Club), smash hit crime-thriller Dark Winds returns with its highly anticipated second series that’s set to blow you away, as Dark Winds Season 2 arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and digital courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its transmission on Alibi.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy of the Season 1 and 2 Boxset on Blu-ray.

Synopsis:
Exec-produced by Hollywood legend Robert Redford and Games of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin and based on Tony Hillerman’s best-selling mystery novels, the new series heralds the return of the Navajo crime-fighting duo, tenacious Lieutenant Joe Leaphron (Zahn McClarnon – Fargo, Doctor Sleep, Reservation Dogs) and slick and smart FBI agent turned PI Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon – Blood Quantum, Reservation Dogs, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1), who reunite to battle even darker forces than before.

With Chee leaving the FBI at the end of the first series, we now find him moonlighting as a PI working a case for the wealthy Rosemary Vines (Jeri Ryan – Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Picard). Meanwhile, Leaphorn and his super sharp sergeant, Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten – Frontier, Tribal), are on the trail of a mysterious blonde man (Nicholas Logan – I Care a Lot, Dopesick, Watchmen) terrorising the Navajo community.

It isn’t long before Leaphorn and Chee are reunited when their separate cases bring them together in pursuit of the same suspect. They soon find themselves in a much bigger conspiracy involving an age-old cult, selfish rich white folk, supernatural forces and a killer with a dark connection to Leaphorn that rips open old wounds and challenges his moral and professional code. Revenge and destruction loom large and together, the two men must battle the forces of evil that threaten their community while facing up to their own personal demons on the path to salvation…

Embrace Dark Winds for an explosive series packed with remarkable performances and powerful stories that’s guaranteed to have you hooked.

 

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4eGAwAV

Enter now for a chance to win.

What is the name of the character played by Jeri Ryan in Dark Winds?

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

Quick Terms and conditions

1. Closing date 25-11-24

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.

Santa Claus, Sun, and Sleuthing: What’s in Store for the Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024?

Left to right: Élizabeth Bourgine , Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Don Gilet, Darlene Curtin and Danny John-Jules (Image: Lou Denim)

Images: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The festive season is just around the corner, and what better way to spend it than solving a sun-soaked murder mystery? Death in Paradise is back with its highly anticipated Christmas special, and this year, there's a lot to get excited about. A brand-new Detective Inspector is stepping onto the sands of Saint Marie, a star-studded guest cast is set to bring the drama, and the case at the heart of it all might be one of the most baffling yet.

Left to right: Jim Howick, Angela Griffin (Image: Lou Denim)

Don Gilet, known for his roles in Sherwood and Shetland, makes his debut as DI Mervin Wilson. Mervin arrives on the island with a sharp mind, a no-nonsense approach, and a knack for ruffling feathers. It doesn't take long for him to clash with the laid-back rhythm of Saint Marie, but there's no time to settle in gently. His first case is a real head-scratcher: three men, all dressed as Santa Claus, are found dead, apparently shot with the same gun at the same time. It's a mystery that seems impossible to untangle, but Mervin is determined to sink his teeth into it, even if his methods raise a few eyebrows among his new colleagues.

Marcus Brigstocke (Image: Lou Denim)

While Mervin adjusts to his new surroundings, fans can look forward to seeing some familiar faces back in action. Commissioner Patterson, DS Naomi Thomas, Officer Darlene Curtis, and Catherine Bordey are all on hand to help solve the case. Dwayne Myers, played by Danny John-Jules, is also making a welcome return, but his Christmas isn't shaping up to be entirely merry. His father, Nelson, played by Ram John Holder, joins him on the island, and their reunion promises to be as heartfelt as it is chaotic.

The guest cast for this year's special is a treat in itself. Jim Howick from Ghosts, Angela Griffin from The Wives, and Marcus Brigstocke are just some of the familiar names joining the action. Each brings their own spark to the story, adding to the intrigue and mischief that Death in Paradise does so well.

Steven Hartley (Image: Lou Denim)

Filmed on the stunning island of Guadeloupe, the special once again delivers the perfect blend of tropical escapism, puzzling mysteries, and juicy plot twists. It's no wonder the show remains the UK's most-watched returning drama, with over eight million viewers tuning in to this year's series. Its popularity extends far beyond Britain, with the franchise now licensed in over 230 territories. With the success of spin-offs like Beyond Paradise, the brand continues to grow, and this Christmas special is yet another reminder of why fans keep coming back for more.

If you've been longing for sun, sea, and a dash of murder, mark your calendar. The Death in Paradise Christmas Special promises to be the ultimate festive escape, bringing warmth, wit, and plenty of surprises to BBC One and iPlayer this holiday season.

Elizabeth Carling (Image: Lou Denim)

Taskmaster’s New Year Treat 2024 Line-Up Revealed

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

The new year is just around the corner, and with it comes another dose of chaos and hilarity from Taskmaster. Taskmaster's New Year Treat is back to help us laugh our way into 2024. Greg Davies and his trusty assistant Alex Horne have lined up five well-known faces to tackle the most ridiculous challenges imaginable, all in the hopes of claiming the glittering prize: Greg's golden eyebrows.

This year's contestants come from a mix of worlds, including sports, science, music, money management, and comedy acting. Here is a closer look at who will be facing the madness.

David James MBE

The former England and Liverpool goalkeeper will trade his football gloves for Taskmaster chaos. Known for his quick reflexes on the pitch, David's ability to handle pressure will be put to the ultimate test. Whether it is balancing unusual objects or interpreting Alex's cryptic instructions, David will be stepping out of his comfort zone in spectacular fashion.

Professor Hannah Fry

Mathematician, science communicator, and all-around brainiac Hannah Fry is joining the fray. With her razor-sharp intellect, she might attempt to find logical solutions to Greg's wonderfully illogical tasks. However, as any Taskmaster fan knows, cleverness does not always help when you are asked to retrieve an egg from a tree using a kazoo.

Melanie Blatt

Pop star and member of the iconic girl group All Saints, Melanie Blatt brings her music industry flair to the table. Known for her cool confidence, she will need to summon all her creativity and resourcefulness to stand out. From crafting bizarre sculptures to interpreting surreal challenges, Melanie's journey is bound to be entertaining.

Martin Lewis CBE

The Money Saving Expert himself, Martin Lewis, is swapping financial advice for Taskmaster anarchy. Martin's practical skills and analytical mind may give him an edge, but Greg's kingdom often rewards the most absurd approach. Watching Martin solve problems outside his usual realm promises plenty of laughs.

Sue Johnston OBE

Beloved actress and star of The Royle Family, Sue Johnston is ready to bring her charm and wit to the Taskmaster stage. Her experience in delivering iconic comedy moments could make her a crowd favorite. Whether she is inventing a new sport or delivering an overly dramatic performance, Sue will undoubtedly provide many memorable moments.

What to Expect

As always, the show will feature a mix of creativity, strategy, and complete randomness. Alex Horne will oversee the tasks with his usual blend of mischief and deadpan humor, while Greg Davies remains the ultimate judge, ready to reward brilliance or mercilessly mock failure.

Whether David's athleticism, Hannah's intellect, Melanie's flair, Martin's practicality, or Sue's comedic timing leads to victory is anyone's guess. What is certain is that the show will deliver belly laughs and plenty of surprises.

Taskmaster's New Year Treat promises to be the perfect way to ring in the new year. Do not miss it.

The Great Christmas Bake Off: Soap Icons Compete for Festive Star Baker

Image: Channel 4 Press - Credit: Mark Bourdillon

By Jon Donnis

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the return of one of the most anticipated TV treats of the year: The Great Christmas Bake Off! This year, the tent sparkles with Christmas cheer as beloved stars from some of Britain's biggest soaps trade drama-filled scripts for mixing bowls and whisks. It's time for them to face the ultimate festive baking challenges under the watchful eyes of Bake Off's iconic judges and hosts.

Paul Hollywood, the silver-haired Santa of the kitchen, and the ever-glamorous Prue Leith are ready to put the contestants' skills to the test. Joining them for this joyous extravaganza are the show's whimsical hosts, Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, who will ensure the laughs and holiday spirit flow as freely as the icing sugar.

The Challenges: A Soap-Opera in the Kitchen

The battle for the Festive Star Baker title begins with three Christmas-themed challenges designed to test both creativity and baking prowess.

1. The Signature Challenge:
   The bakers are tasked with reimagining the classic yule log. This isn't just any log—it's an edible masterpiece meant to wow the judges. Expect daring flavor combinations, intricate decorations, and a few rolling disasters.
2. The Technical:
   In true Bake Off fashion, the Technical challenge keeps the bakers guessing. This year, they'll be asked to whip up delicate meringue Christmas trees. Perfect peaks and precision piping will separate the festive stars from the holiday amateurs.
3. The Showstopper:
   No Christmas is complete without a dramatic twist, and the Showstopper delivers exactly that. The bakers must depict an iconic storyline from their soap in biscuit form. Will we see explosive EastEnders cliffhangers or heartwarming Coronation Street reunions, all baked to perfection? One thing's certain: the drama won't just stay on the soaps—it's coming to the tent!

The Soap Stars Take Center Stage

Bringing their star power (and hopefully some baking talent) to the tent are five iconic soap actors:

• Chris Bisson (Emmerdale)
• Natalie Cassidy (EastEnders)
• Dean Gaffney (EastEnders)
• Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street)
• Sheree Murphy (Emmerdale)

Each of these celebrities is ready to roll up their sleeves and prove they can deliver sweet showstoppers worthy of a Star Baker handshake.

Festive Fun and Flurry of Flour

The Great Christmas Bake Off promises to bring plenty of holiday magic, heartwarming moments, and lighthearted competition. With Noel's eccentric humor, Alison's boundless energy, and the contestants' blend of charm and determination, it's the perfect recipe for a delightful holiday special.

Tune in to Channel 4 this festive season to find out which soap star will rise to the occasion, who will crumble under pressure, and who will walk away as the Festive Star Baker.

Ready, set, bake! 🎄