Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Doctor Foster to Return for Final Chapter

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has confirmed that Doctor Foster will return for a third and final series, bringing Gemma Foster's story to a close. Created and written by Mike Bartlett, the new five part run will see Suranne Jones step back into her multi award winning role as Gemma, alongside Bertie Carvel as Simon and Tom Taylor as Tom. Produced by Drama Republic for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, filming is set to begin later this spring.

It has been ten years since Gemma uncovered her husband Simon's affair and set in motion a calculated act of revenge. The consequences were severe, culminating in her 15 year old son Tom vanishing. In the new series, Gemma remains a GP and still lives in the same house, yet she stands on the edge of change. She has met someone new and is preparing to remarry. As the wedding approaches and loved ones gather, old secrets begin to surface, threatening her happiness and her standing in the community. Determined to shield those closest to her and uncover who is intent on causing harm, Gemma is once again forced to confront the past and decide whether justice can finally be served.

Reflecting on her return, Suranne Jones said the timing felt right. She explained that distance from the first two series was needed, as was the chance for Tom to return as an adult with his own questions. For her, this chapter centres on accountability and whether it is ever truly possible to cut ties with the damage that lingers. She described working again with Mike Bartlett and the Drama Republic team as exciting, and said she is eager to begin filming.

Mike Bartlett said he had long hoped to complete Gemma's story, describing it as the tale of a woman seeking fairness in an unfair world. He noted that the themes feel as relevant now as when Gemma first found a single blonde hair on a scarf. He also spoke of the pleasure of reuniting with Drama Republic, Tom Taylor, Bertie Carvel and Suranne Jones to revisit Parminster, where secrets and betrayals still simmer.

Roanna Benn and Jude Liknaitzky of Drama Republic said they are thrilled to bring the finale to screen, praising the gripping scripts and the chance to see Gemma and Simon face each other again after a decade. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, called it a privilege to welcome the show back after almost ten years, crediting the writing, production team and cast for the impact of the first two series.

When it first aired in 2015 and 2017, Doctor Foster became a major hit in the UK, with close to ten million viewers tuning in for the series two finale. It also received widespread critical acclaim and National Television Awards for both runs, while Suranne Jones won a BAFTA for her performance as Gemma Foster.

Filming will take place in and around Hertfordshire. The first two series are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Industry to End with Fifth and Final Season

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Industry will return for a fifth season, which has now been confirmed as the show's last. The critically acclaimed drama from Bad Wolf is set to close the book on its story after one more chapter, bringing a sharp, high pressure world to its natural conclusion.

Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series wraps up its eight-episode fourth season on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Monday 1 March 2026. Over the years it has built a reputation for its unsparing look at ambition, loyalty and the cost of success. That tension has only intensified in its latest run.

Season four throws Harper, played by Myha'la, and Yasmin, played by Marisa Abela, into a high stakes and globe spanning cat and mouse chase when a flashy fintech sensation storms into London. As Yasmin steers her complicated relationship with tech founder Sir Henry Muck, portrayed by Kit Harington, Harper finds herself caught in the orbit of the mysterious executive Whitney Halberstram, played by Max Minghella. Under the strain of money, influence and the need to come out on top, their already tangled friendship begins to buckle and flare.

Industry is created, written and executive produced by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay. It is a Bad Wolf production for HBO and the BBC. Executive producers include Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf, Kathleen McCaffrey for Little Gems, and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. Directors across the series include Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, Michelle Savill and Luke Snellin, with writing credits shared by Down, Kay and Joseph Charlton.

Claudia Winkleman Steps Into the Chat Show Spotlight

Image: BC Press

By Jon Donnis

Claudia Winkleman is taking centre stage with her own chat show for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, marking a fresh chapter for one of the corporation's most familiar faces. Produced by So Television, part of ITV Studios and the team behind the multi award-winning The Graham Norton Show, the new series promises big names, lively conversation and the warm buzz of a studio audience.

Best known for co-presenting Strictly Come Dancing and for hosting The Traitors, Winkleman will now welcome stars from film, television, music and beyond to her sofa. The format leans into her quick wit and self-deprecating humour, qualities that have long made her a viewer favourite. Speaking about the opportunity, she admitted she can hardly believe it, adding that she is hugely grateful to the BBC. In typical style, she joked that she will probably be awful but is thrilled they are letting her have a go.

The Claudia Winkleman Show begins at 10.40pm on Friday 13 March 2026, airing on BBC One and available on BBC iPlayer. The first episode lines up an eclectic mix of guests. Jeff Goldblum, known for Jurassic Park and Wicked, will be there to talk about Night Blooms, the latest album from his band The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Vanessa Williams will reflect on her role in the West End hit The Devil Wears Prada. Jennifer Saunders is set to discuss her new film The Magic Faraway Tree, while comedian Josh Widdicombe will introduce his new podcast, Museum of Pop Culture.

With a strong debut line-up and a host who rarely plays it straight, the show looks set to offer plenty of sharp exchanges and unexpected moments as Winkleman makes the leap into the Friday night chat arena.

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Tempting Fortune Returns for a Third Series

Tempting Fortune

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has confirmed that its hit reality show Tempting Fortune is set to return for a third series, once again produced by Voltage TV in collaboration with Motion Entertainment, part of WPP Media.

Rob Beckett will take on hosting duties for the new series as 12 fresh contestants face tougher challenges, trickier temptations, and even higher stakes in the show's signature mix of comedy and high-pressure adventure.

Following the success of the first two series, the format remains the same: contestants trek through the Malaysian jungle with minimal supplies, relying on their determination and endurance. They begin with a £300,000 group prize pot, which can be spent on tempting luxuries along the way, from a hot meal to a soft bed or even a phone call home. Every indulgence reduces the pot, meaning each decision carries weight for the whole team.

This series promises bigger and more emotionally charged temptations, with major brands providing comfort items designed to challenge contestants' resolve. Extreme conditions, unexpected twists, and Rob Beckett's humour will guide viewers through every moment as the group navigates both the physical and emotional demands of the jungle.

Fans can expect more tension, more laughter, and more dramatic decisions as the contestants balance survival with the lure of temptation in a series that continues to push limits and test friendships under pressure.

Rob Beckett said, "Put people in the jungle, take away everything nice, then tempt them with hot showers and burgers. It's hilarious. Everyone thinks they can resist temptation … until they're hot and filthy, and suddenly morals go out the window. I'm very happy to be hosting this show, especially from the comfort of a lovely crew hotel." 

Monday, 23 February 2026

COMPETITION: Win Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order Season 1 on Blu-ray


Anne Rice's Talamasca: The Secret Order Season 1 arrives on Blu-ray and DVD 2 March, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

And to celebrate we have a copy on Blu-ray to give away!

Synopsis:
First introduced in the hit series’ Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, fans can now dive into the world of the Talamasca, the secret society responsible for tracking and containing witches, vampires, and other creatures scattered around the globe. A thrilling tale of espionage with a chilling paranormal twist, the genre-defying series follows Guy Anatole, a young man who is recruited by the Talamasca and lured into the seductive underworld of supernatural secrets and spies.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/4kWfDH0

Enter now for a chance to win.

What is the name of the charcter played by Nicholas Denton in Talamasca: The Secret Order?

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

Quick Terms and conditions
1. Closing date 09-03-26
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.

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Deano Brings Mischief and Heart to the BBC

Deano

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced the acquisition of Deano, a new adult animated series that follows the adventures of an eight-year-old boy with a heart of gold. The show will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, bringing a mix of family chaos and sharp satire to audiences across the UK. Originally a web series, Deano quickly attracted a global following, amassing millions of views on social media.

The 8x30 minute series is the brainchild of Australian creators Dean Thomas and David Ferrier. It is co-produced by Hooligan Animation, BBC Studios and 20th Television Animation, with BBC Studios serving as the lead studio and Hulu set to distribute the show worldwide. Joe Brumm, the creator of Bluey, is involved as script editor and executive producer for Hooligan.

Deano himself is a cheeky, spirited boy whose tough exterior hides a golden heart. Growing up in a tough neighbourhood in a run-down house, he faces challenges that would daunt most, yet he treats everyone equally, from local teenage dropouts to the town police chief. Central to the story is Deano's friendship with Kit, his timid best mate from the wealthy side of town, which adds warmth and depth to the series.

With its blend of humour, satire and heartfelt storytelling, Deano promises to be a standout addition to BBC's lineup, offering a fresh perspective on childhood, community and unlikely friendships.

Crookhaven First Look Reveals a Twisty New BBC Family Drama

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The first look at Crookhaven has arrived today, bringing early glimpses of the highly anticipated drama based on the global hit book series by JJ Arcanjo. The eight part series will air later this spring on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer, positioning itself as essential viewing for the whole family. Alongside the first look, brand new images have also been released.

Set inside a secret school for crooks, Crookhaven turns the traditional high school story inside out. The series places its characters in a world where deception and strategy are not only taught but refined. It promises a gripping and morally complex mystery, layered with twists and rooted in questions of identity, loyalty and the idea of found family.

The trailer offers a glimpse of students being inducted into the school and trained to perfect their skills. Their lessons are not about causing harm. Instead, they are taught to use what they learn to do good, to restore balance, and to bring justice and order to the outside world. It is a bold premise that challenges easy definitions of right and wrong.

Leading the cast is Dougray Scott, joined by Keith Allen, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Claire Forlani. The series also features breakout stars known from shows such as Adolescence and Heartstopper. Together, they bring to life a story that blends mystery with emotional depth, set within a world that feels both secretive and sharply relevant.

With its twisty narrative and focus on belonging, Crookhaven looks set to make a strong impression when it lands on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer later this spring.