The Assembly Returns with a Fearless New Line-Up

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV's The Assembly is set to return with a second, expanded run, and the newly confirmed line-up makes it clear the series is doubling down on its bold, unpredictable appeal. This time, the hot seat will be taken by a striking mix of public figures, from beloved broadcaster Stephen Fry to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, alongside comedy icon Lenny Henry, actor Anna Maxwell Martin, and chart-topping rapper Aitch.

At its core, The Assembly thrives on a simple but daring premise. The interviewers, a group of autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled individuals, ask questions without filters or pre-approved boundaries. The result is a kind of honesty that traditional chat shows rarely reach, where even seasoned public figures can find themselves caught off guard.

The first series built a reputation quickly, earning strong praise across the board. Episodes featuring familiar faces were described in glowing terms, with critics pointing to the warmth and humour of the exchanges as much as their originality. It was not just seen as entertaining television, but as something genuinely different, a format that felt both refreshing and quietly radical.

This new run stretches to seven episodes, including an unseen instalment, with Fry and Sturgeon leading the line-up when the series returns in April. One final celebrity is still under wraps, adding a sense of anticipation to an already varied roster. Behind the scenes, the show remains in the hands of Rockerdale Studios, with ITV continuing to back the project as part of its entertainment slate.

What makes the format endure is its refusal to soften its edges. No subject is ruled out, no question dismissed for being too direct. That spirit, combined with the distinct perspective of its interviewers, gives the show a tone that can shift from funny to revealing in a matter of moments.

Adapted from the French format Les Rencontres du Papotin, the show has already proven its reach internationally, airing across multiple territories. Yet its impact feels particularly sharp here, where the mix of high-profile guests and unfiltered curiosity continues to produce television that feels both unpredictable and quietly disarming.

Sweetpea Season 2: First Look at Ella Purnell’s Dark Return as Rhiannon Lewis

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

A first look at Ella Purnell in Season 2 of Sweetpea offers a striking glimpse at the return of Rhiannon Lewis, the quiet outsider who evolved into a calculated killer. The new image signals a continuation of the show's bold tone, blending sharp dark humour with psychological tension as Rhiannon's story becomes even more dangerous.

Season 2 is part of a major upcoming slate of Sky Originals and Exclusives arriving on Sky and NOW in 2026 and beyond. The line-up highlights a wide range of storytelling, from gripping dramas and films to high-profile entertainment and documentaries, reinforcing Sky's commitment to distinctive and ambitious content.

In the new season, Rhiannon faces mounting pressure across every aspect of her life. A promotion at the Carnsham Gazette introduces new expectations and scrutiny, while a rebound romance adds emotional complexity. At the same time, the emergence of a copycat killer threatens to expose her carefully hidden crimes. As her list of targets grows, Rhiannon is forced to confront a question raised by her ex, AJ: is she truly a monster, or is there still something human left beneath the surface?

The cast expands with several notable additions. Rish Shah joins as Gabriel, a new romantic interest who may disrupt Rhiannon's fragile balance. Tamsin Greig appears as Liv, AJ's mother, bringing further tension tied to Rhiannon's past. Taj Atwal takes on the role of Freya, Rhiannon's formidable new boss at the Carnsham Gazette, while Jenny Walser plays Daisy, an enthusiastic new friend whose presence could have unforeseen consequences.

Returning cast members include Jon Pointing, Jeremy Swift, Leah Harvey, Ingrid Oliver, Nitin Ganatra, and Alexandra Dowling, continuing the ensemble that shaped the first season.

The series is adapted from C.J. Skuse's novel and is produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios. The creative team includes executive producers Patrick Walters, Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Ella Jones, and Ella Purnell, alongside Kirstie Swain. Additional creative roles are filled by Selina Lim, Emme Hoy, Simon Gillis, Natasha Heliotis, and series producer Zorana Piggott.

With its mix of unsettling character study and darkly comic storytelling, Season 2 of Sweetpea is set to push Rhiannon Lewis further into morally complex territory as the consequences of her actions begin to close in.

Title: Ronan Keating Heads Home in New Travel Series Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Ronan Keating is heading back to his roots in a new television series that explores the dramatic coastline and personal memories tied to Ireland's west. Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic follows the singer on a journey along the famous Wild Atlantic Way, stopping in Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Londonderry as he reconnects with places that shaped his life.

The series mixes travel, family moments and unexpected adventures. Along the way Ronan is joined by relatives and familiar faces including Westlife singer Shane Filan, artist Terry Bradley and comedian Diona Doherty. The journey also becomes a chance for Ronan to reflect on his upbringing and the years since he left Ireland as a teenager.

The trip begins in County Cork where Ronan meets his nephew Ruairí for a lively introduction to road bowling, a traditional Irish sport. The pair go head to head before the journey moves on to County Kerry. There Ronan fulfils some long held sporting ambitions on a hurling pitch and later catches up with his brother Gary for a fishing trip on Lough Leane in Killarney.

Travelling further north, Ronan heads from County Mayo to Sligo where he meets fellow boyband star Shane Filan. The two spend time horse riding along Strandhill Beach before Ronan sets sail with his nephew Conall to visit Clare Island, a place that holds special meaning for the Keating family.

The adventure continues along the northwest coast. Ronan explores the area by motorbike with longtime friend and artist Terry Bradley, before later stepping onto the stage for an impromptu performance at one of Donegal's country music venues.

The final part of the journey brings Ronan to Derry. There he walks the historic Derry Walls with comedian Diona Doherty and later heads to a farm to see what it takes to become a competitive sheepherder.

Reflecting on the experience, Ronan said making the series felt very special. He explained that leaving Ireland at the age of sixteen meant there were many parts of the west coast he had never seen. Returning now allowed him to rediscover places that mean so much to him and his family, and he hopes viewers will share in both the laughter and the emotion along the way.

Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic is a co commission from BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime. The series forms part of the Hot House initiative and has support from Northern Ireland Screen and Tourism Ireland. Produced by Alleycats TV, it will begin airing on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer from Monday 16 March, followed by a broadcast on BBC Two from Monday 6 April.

Flaming Feasts: Chris Flamebaster Roberts Celebrates Welsh Food and Community

Pancake flipping on top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (Image: BBC)

By Jon Donnis

Welsh chef Chris Flamebaster Roberts is set to take viewers on a fiery culinary journey across Wales in his new series, Flaming Feasts, coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at the end of March. The show promises a mix of high-energy cooking, local stories, and unique foodie experiences, all driven by Chris's passionate and playful approach to food.

Throughout the six-part series, Chris travels the country cooking his favourite dishes in a variety of settings. Audiences can expect everything from Keith Floyd‑style setups and urban cookouts to more adventurous feats, such as flipping a pancake on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or learning a Ukrainian recipe from refugee Victoriia in Aberteifi. One episode sees him hosting a whole cow feast in Llanberis, recreating the celebrations that marked the end of food rationing in 1954. The series aims to highlight not just food, but the people and communities that bring it to life.

Chris first discovered the power of cooking while working as a support worker in Caernarfon, north Wales, helping people with learning disabilities. He says: "Working as a support worker for people with learning disabilities in Caernarfon for over 17 years, I saw the transformative power of food firsthand. From making ingredient lists to visiting local butchers, fishmongers, and farmers, I watched how cooking brought people together and built confidence."

Since those early days, Chris has travelled extensively, cooking and feasting with top international chefs from New York to Japan. In Flaming Feasts, he turns his attention closer to home, exploring Wales' rich food heritage and celebrating its chefs and producers. "There are so many incredible chefs and producers working so hard behind the scenes, and bringing their stories to the forefront – showcasing the love, sweat, and tears they pour into their craft, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the series," he adds.

The series highlights a range of foodie destinations, including Aberteifi (Cardigan), Llanberis, Wrecsam, Arberth, Porthmadog, and Ynys Môn (Anglesey). Flaming Feasts will premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer on Friday 27 March at 7.30pm, with a UK-wide broadcast on BBC One at 11.30am the following day.

The Dyers’ Caravan Park Returns to Sky for a Second Series

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky is heading back to the caravan park with Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani, as The Dyers' Caravan Park has officially been renewed for a second series. The news follows the debut of the first run of the programme last week, which quickly found a strong audience and has already become the most successful Sky Original unscripted entertainment launch in the past five years.

The series centres on the pair as they manage Priory Hill and Nutts Farm, a busy caravan park that brings its own mix of challenges, surprises and everyday chaos. With the site reopening its gates again, Danny and Dani return determined to push things further, arriving with larger plans and the same hands on attitude that defined the first series.

Life at the park rarely slows down. Expectations from visitors remain high, problems can appear without warning, and the responsibility of keeping everything running smoothly is a constant pressure. The new series continues to follow the father and daughter team as they deal with those realities while trying to grow the park and keep guests coming back.

Part of the charm of the show comes from the relaxed chemistry between Danny and Dani, along with the lively mix of real life personalities who pass through the park. The programme blends humour, warmth and the everyday unpredictability of running a British holiday destination.

As the next chapter begins, The Dyers' Caravan Park once again pulls into view, offering a closer look at the work and determination that goes into keeping the spirit of the great British holiday alive.

Danny Dyer said: "We can't believe the love you've all shown to our Caravan site. So, we're coming back. Roll on the Summer of all Summers"

Dani Dyer said: "Coming back for Series 2 of Dyer's Caravan Park feels so special. Thank you for all the love and support it honestly means everything. We're so ready for another season of fun, chaos and a bit of Dyer madness" 

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 Line-Up Revealed

By Jon Donnis

Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson, Lola Young, Nothing But Thieves and a host of other artists will take to the stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026, set to electrify Herrington Country Park in Sunderland. The festival will run from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, with Saturday 23 May hosting the newly announced line-up. Alongside Larsson, Tomlinson, Young and Nothing But Thieves, fans can also catch performances from Ellie Goulding, James Blake, Skye Newman, Rachel Chinouriri, MUNA, Erin LeCount, Mitski, Florence Road and Wasia Project.

Friday 22 May will feature Main Stage headliners Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera, as well as a variety of other artists already confirmed. Over the three days, Radio 1 expects more than 100,000 music fans to descend on Sunderland for the festival, making it one of the UK's biggest live music events of the year.

Radio 1's Big Weekend continues to be a highlight of the live music calendar, bringing together rising stars and established acts for a weekend of unforgettable performances in one of the UK's most iconic outdoor venues.

The line-up for Saturday 23 May (in alphabetical order):

Radio 1 Main Stage

Charlie Hedges

Dean McCullough

Ellie Goulding

Jeremiah Asiamah

Lola Young

Louis Tomlinson

Maia Beth

Melvin Odoom

Nat O'Leary

Nothing But Thieves

Rickie Haywood-Williams

Skye Newman

Vicky Hawkesworth

Zara Larsson

Radio 1 New Music Stage

Erin LeCount

Florence Road

James Blake

Mitski

MUNA

Rachel Chinouriri

Sarah Story

Wasia Project

Tickets for Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May will be available from 5pm on Wednesday 11 March and General Admission tickets will cost £44.50 (£40.00 + £4.50 booking fee). For more information, please go to www.bbc.co.uk/backstage/bigweekend

I, Jack Wright Returns for a Second Series on BBC

Image BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has confirmed it has acquired both the first and second series of the six-part murder mystery I, Jack Wright, written by Chris Lang, known for Unforgotten, Innocent, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe. Series one is scheduled to air later this year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, while BritBox will continue to stream both series in North America. The announcement coincides with the start of production on series two.

Produced by Federation Stories for UKTV and YLE, series one features a star-studded ensemble led by Nikki Amuka-Bird, John Simm, Trevor Eve, Harry Lloyd, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Daniel Rigby, Gemma Jones, Zoë Tapper, Niamh Cusack, Rakhee Thakrar, Percelle Ascott, James Fleet, and Lena Kaur. Series two will see the return of key cast members including Nikki Amuka-Bird as Sally Wright, John Simm as Gray Wright, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Emily Wright, Daniel Rigby as John Wright, and Harry Lloyd as DCI Morgan, with Tom Austen and Zora Bishop joining the lineup for the new series.

Series two picks up with the Wright family still reeling from the death of patriarch Jack, only to be confronted with the arrest of a family member for his murder. Questions swirl over whether the police have the right suspect, complicated further by inheritance disputes, a new family member, two new wills, and three new bodies. The series promises an explosive continuation of the twisted world of the Wright family, starring Nikki Amuka-Bird and John Simm, and is directed by Jon East with Kingsley Hoskins producing. Polly Williams, Chris Lang, and Nickie Sault serve as executive producers.

Series one centres on the apparent suicide of businessman Jack Wright, whose death unleashes a storm of suspicion, greed, and family rivalry. As the family scrambles over his estate, a determined police detective unearths secrets that shock even the closest relatives. Sue Deeks, Head of Scripted Pre-buy Acquisitions at the BBC, described it as "a terrific family thriller, full of enjoyable performances with really clever twists." Polly Williams added that Chris Lang has created an unforgettable, unpredictable family, ensuring audiences will be moved, appalled, and surprised.

The series is distributed worldwide by Federation International, which has secured deals including ABC in Australia, HBO Max in France, NPO in the Netherlands, Nova in Greece, Movistar in Spain, RTS in Switzerland, PCCW in Hong Kong, YES in Israel, and Sky in New Zealand. Series one previously aired on U&alibi and BritBox in 2025, and pre-sales included BritBox, SVT, RUV, NRK, DR, YLE, and RBTF. Series two promises to continue the gripping, darkly comic story of one of television's most compelling fictional families.