The Walsh Sisters returning to the BBC for second series

Image: BBC

By Jon Donnis

The Walsh Sisters is returning to the BBC for a second six-part series, bringing the chaotic and dysfunctional Walsh family back to Dublin.

Inspired by the novels of international best-selling author Marian Keyes, the comedy drama will once again follow the five Walsh sisters, their mother and their bemused father as they navigate the latest challenges facing their family.

Series two sees each of the sisters facing a different personal struggle. Rachel steps outside the family bubble as she attempts to manage her recovery on her own terms, but her newfound independence is tested when she encounters a familiar face.

Claire finds herself challenging the traditional expectations placed on her as a mother, particularly when compared with the responsibilities of her ex as a father. Meanwhile, Maggie's attempt to create the perfect family takes an unexpected turn as she reaches a crossroads in her marriage.

Helen becomes increasingly protective of her sisters while also struggling with her own emotional wellbeing, while Anna turns to some unusual methods in an attempt to overcome heartbreak.

As the sisters face their individual challenges, all five are forced to confront who they really are as the roles they have previously played in life begin to feel as though they no longer fit.

Away from the sisters' troubles, Daddy Walsh remains blissfully unaware of much of the family drama. His attention is instead focused on his ambition to land a part in the local amateur dramatic musical, much to the frustration of Mammy Walsh.

Despite the changes and challenges facing the family, the second series will retain the fierce, funny and unbreakable bond between the Walsh sisters at the heart of the story.

The Voice UK unveils brand new line-up for Series 15

Image: ITV

By Jon Donnis

The Voice UK is getting a major new look when it returns for its 15th series in 2027, with Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon taking over as hosts and two new coaches joining the famous red chairs.

Alesha Dixon and Stacey Solomon will lead the new series, while platinum-selling rap artist Aitch and global pop icon Cheryl prepare to make their coaching debuts.

The pair will be joined by international superstar Kelly Rowland, who is returning for her second series as a coach, alongside long-standing The Voice UK coach will.i.am.

The new panel brings together a mix of musical experience and competitive spirit as the coaches begin their search for the nation's next vocal powerhouse. They will be looking to discover and celebrate some of the most exciting vocal talent emerging from across the country.

The changes also mark the end of Sir Tom Jones' time on The Voice UK. ITV has thanked the legendary singer for his years on the programme and the countless memorable moments he provided, both for audiences and for the singers who performed for him and alongside him.

Emma Willis, Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones have also been thanked for their contributions to the show. ITV praised their dedication, expertise and energy during their time on The Voice UK and wished them well as they move on to their next chapters.

The Voice UK is produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, with The Voice being an ITV Studios-owned format. ITV Studios handles the format's international distribution.

Series 15 of The Voice UK will air in 2027.

The current series of The Voice UK airs Saturdays at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

FULL EPISODE: Beat The Internet - S01 E06

 

Beat the Internet with John Robins is a British comedy quiz show that aired on Dave in 2018 and 2019, hosted by comedian John Robins with Sunil Patel as the resident fact-master. The series challenged contestants to predict the things people were most likely to search for online, using real search data as the basis for questions and challenges. Blending general knowledge, internet trends and comedy, the show offered a quirky take on the traditional quiz format, with contestants having to think less like a quiz expert and more like the average person sitting at a search engine.

The Split Up: New Trailer Reveals BBC’s Latest Legal Drama

Image: BBC

By Jon Donnis

A new trailer has been released for The Split Up, a six-part legal drama from the makers of the hit series The Split.

The new series will debut on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from Sunday 20 September, with all six episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer from launch. Episodes will also air on BBC One at 9pm on Sundays and Mondays.

Created by Ursula Rani Sarma, whose credits include Delicious, The Split Up is based on The Split, created by multiple award-winning writer Abi Morgan. The new drama is produced by SISTER Pictures in association with Morgan’s Little Chick.

Set in Manchester, the series introduces a new family and a new collection of relationships to the world of high-net-worth divorce law.

At the heart of the drama is Aria Kishan, played by Ritu Arya, a rising star in the legal world who is poised to take over Kishan Law, the powerful family firm founded by her father, Dhruv, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar.

Kishan Law is the firm of choice for Manchester’s elite, bringing Aria and her family into contact with a series of high-profile clients.

However, Aria's professional ambitions are matched by complications in her personal life. She is preparing to marry her long-term partner Neal, played by Danny Ashok, but their relationship is already under pressure due to the close connection between their personal and professional lives.

Things become even more complicated when Luke, played by respected Greek Cypriot actor Dimitri Leonidas, unexpectedly joins Kishan Law. Luke is a former secret flame of Aria, potentially putting further strain on her relationship as she prepares for marriage.

The family is also dealing with the recent death of Aria's mother. While Aria stands on the brink of inheriting the family firm, Dhruv begins to question whether his daughter is ready to take on the responsibility of running Kishan Law alone.

Aria's siblings Maya, played by Aysha Kala, and Kav, played by Arian Nik, have their own complicated relationships and loyalties, adding further tension within the family.

The new trailer offers a glimpse of the pressures facing Aria as she attempts to balance her career, family responsibilities and relationships, while the cases handled by Kishan Law bring the private lives of its wealthy clients into the spotlight.

Combining the family drama of The Split with a new setting, new characters and new storylines, The Split Up promises to explore the divisions that can emerge between families and the people they love.

The Split Up premieres on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 20 September.

Shaun the Sheep Gets a Baa-Ewe Tapestry Ahead of New Cinema Adventure

Image: Sky TV

By Jon Donnis

Shaun the Sheep has been given a suitably British artistic tribute ahead of his latest big-screen adventure, with a spectacular seven-metre tapestry inspired by the iconic Bayeux Tapestry now on display at London's Natural History Museum.

The Baa-Ewe Tapestry was unveiled by Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley on 9 September, marking the countdown to the cinema release of Sky Original feature film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom on 18 September.

Created as a playful textile tribute to Shaun and his friends, the handcrafted tapestry recreates moments from the new film through traditional embroidery techniques. Stretching seven metres in length, the artwork features Shaun, Bitzer and the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm as they become caught up in the chaos, comedy and Halloween antics of their latest adventure.

The concept takes inspiration from the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry, which stretches for around 70 metres and depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066. While that medieval masterpiece tells the story of one of the defining moments in British history, the Baa-Ewe Tapestry offers a considerably more light-hearted tale.

The timing of the unveiling is particularly fitting, as the original Bayeux Tapestry is set to go on display at the British Museum from 10 September 2026 until 11 July 2027 as part of a historic loan from France.

Daley, who is also the founder of knitting and crochet lifestyle brand Made With Love, was invited to add his own contribution to the new artwork. He knitted a miniature sweater vest for Shaun bearing the words "Shaun the Sheep", which appears in the final section of the tapestry.

The Olympic champion also arrived at the unveiling wearing a matching jumper of his own, emblazoned with the words "Tom the Human".

"I'm so thrilled to be involved in this amazing celebration of creativity, and I can't wait for everyone to see the beautiful tapestry the team have put together," Daley said. "I've waited years for the opportunity to collaborate with Shaun the Sheep, so when he asked me to design him a bespoke piece of knitwear, I simply had to say yes!"

The Baa-Ewe Tapestry is now available for the public to see at the Natural History Museum, where it will remain on display in the Darwin Centre's West Wing until 1 November.

Visitors will be able to view the seven-metre artwork up close and follow Shaun's latest escapades panel by panel, offering a suitably crafty introduction to The Beast of Mossy Bottom before it arrives in cinemas.

Produced by Aardman in partnership with Sky and STUDIOCANAL, Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom opens in cinemas on 18 September.

Monty Don to Step Down as Gardeners’ World Head Gardener

Monty and Ned (Image: BBC Studios)

By Jon Donnis

After more than two decades as the face of BBC Gardeners’ World, Monty Don is stepping down from his role as the programme’s longest-serving Head Gardener.

Monty joined the popular gardening programme in 2003 and has since become one of the most recognisable figures in British gardening television, inspiring millions of viewers with his warmth, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Since 2011, audiences have also been welcomed into Monty’s own garden at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, where he has shared the pleasures and challenges of gardening throughout the seasons. His much-loved dogs have frequently accompanied him, becoming a familiar part of the programme along the way.

Although Monty is leaving his role at the end of the current series, viewers will not have to say goodbye just yet. He will continue broadcasting from Longmeadow until later this year.

Speaking about his decision Monty said: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.

"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.

"That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.

"I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.

"I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make.

"And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."

SNL UK Adds Freddie Meredith to Series 2 Cast

Image: Sky TV

By Jon Donnis

Saturday Night Live UK is expanding its cast ahead of the return of the hit comedy series, with actor and comedian Freddie Meredith joining the ensemble for Series 2.

Meredith, known for his roles in Such Brave Girls and Big Boys, joins the cast following his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his comedy show Need a Light?, which was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award.

He will appear alongside returning SNL UK cast members Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.

Originally from London, and more specifically Shepherd's Bush, Meredith has a background in both acting and live comedy. After training at drama school, he began his professional career in theatre before increasingly moving towards comedy. He subsequently started performing stand-up alongside his acting work, eventually leading to the creation of short sketches online.

Meredith's comedy influences include Jamie Demetriou, Tim Key, Tina Fey, Nathan Fielder, Kristen Wiig, Steve Coogan, Steve Carrell and Julia Davis.

Speaking about joining SNL UK, Meredith described it as an opportunity he simply could not turn down.

"It's a no brainer, it's the most iconic comedy show and it looks like so much fun. It will undoubtedly inform everything I do for the rest of my career and I can't wait for the experience. It's SNL!!!"

SNL UK will return for its second series on 12 September on Sky and streaming service NOW, with the first six episodes scheduled to air this year. Further episodes are planned for early 2027.

The new series will open with Jeff Goldblum and CMAT on 12 September, followed by episodes on 19 September, 26 September, 10 October, 17 October and 24 October.