PREVIEW: Peaky Blinders: The Real Story

By Jon Donnis

Smoke clings to the cobbled streets of early 20th century Birmingham as Peaky Blinders: The Real Story heads back to where it all began, digging into the truth behind one of Britain's most iconic crime legends and the television phenomenon it inspired.

Robin Bextor's new feature documentary arrives on digital on 23 February through Reel2Reel Films, offering a detailed look at both the real life gang and the cultural force that grew from their name. It moves between history and modern screen legacy with ease, tracing the path from notorious outlaws to a drama series that reshaped popular culture.

The film revisits the origins of the actual Peaky Blinders, separating myth from record through historical documents and expert voices. Among them is crime historian Carl Chinn, described as the world expert on the gang and a descendant of member Edward Derrick. His perspective anchors the story, peeling back the gang's reputation to reveal the people and events that formed the backbone of the legend.

From there, the focus shifts to the small screen. In September 2013, Peaky Blinders debuted on BBC Two as a bold period crime drama set in the aftermath of the First World War. Its portrait of a Birmingham crime family, paired with striking visuals, a gritty tone and a standout cast led by Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill and Helen McCrory, quickly caught attention. What started as an ambitious new series soon became something much bigger.

Across six series, the show's influence spread well beyond television. Fashion, haircuts, hats and even baby names began to echo its style. Awards followed, along with famous admirers including David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Snoop Dogg. Step by step, it climbed into the ranks of Britain's most loved dramas.

Interviews with creator Stephen Knight add a personal layer, exploring his connections to the real criminal history that sparked the idea. Production designer Grant Montgomery and film and TV critic Michael Hogan examine how the show made the leap from concept to screen and how its storytelling, music choices and memorable characters helped redefine the genre.

Blending fact, reflection and behind the scenes insight, Peaky Blinders: The Real Story sets out to honour both the history and the hit series that carried it into the modern age. For anyone curious about what was real, what was dramatized and how it all became a cultural landmark, this documentary promises a clear and compelling answer.

Peaky Blinders: The Real Story lands on digital on 23 February from Reel2Reel Films.

Careless Begins Filming as Channel 4 Backs New International Thriller

Images: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has confirmed that filming is now under way on Careless, a four part thriller that promises a dark and unsettling character study. The drama is an original project from Australian broadcaster and streamer Stan, produced in association with Channel 4, Nine Network, All3Media International and Screen Scotland, with support from Screen NSW.

The series is led by Solly McLeod, best known for House of the Dragon, alongside Robyn Malcolm from After The Party, Katie Leung from Bridgerton and Richard Roxburgh, whose work includes Rake. They are joined by Mabel Li, Thomas Weatherall and Alison Peebles.

Careless comes from creator Helen Fitzgerald, the author of The Cry, working with writer Louise Fox of Broadchurch. Production is being handled by Easy Tiger Productions and Synchronicity Films, bringing together teams with strong track records in tense, character driven drama.

The story centres on Robbie, a Scottish backpacker played by McLeod, who arrives in Sydney with a clear goal. He wants to secure work as a live in carer for Mike, a notorious rock and roll figure portrayed by Roxburgh, who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Robbie impresses at interview and lands the job, seemingly against the odds.

As time passes, Robbie becomes deeply embedded in Mike's world. He also grows close to Mike's wife Angela, played by Robyn Malcolm, acting as a confidante to both of them. What begins as an arrangement built on trust and dependency starts to shift, and it slowly becomes apparent that Robbie is carrying something from his past that could place both Mike and Angela in real danger.

The Stan Original Careless is currently filming across Sydney and Glasgow, reflecting the show's international scope and dual setting. Channel 4's involvement marks another high profile collaboration between UK and Australian broadcasters on premium scripted drama.

Carol Kirkwood to Leave the BBC After More Than 25 Years

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood will leave the BBC in April, bringing to a close a career that has spanned more than 25 years and made her one of the corporation's most recognisable and well loved on screen figures.

Kirkwood joined the BBC in 1998 and quickly became a familiar presence across its output. She is best known for her work on BBC Breakfast, where she has delivered the weather to millions of viewers each morning with a combination of warmth, clarity and professionalism. Over the years she has become a trusted guide through everything from everyday forecasts to major national moments.

Her role has extended well beyond the studio. Kirkwood has reported on conditions at major events, including Wimbledon, where her forecasts have become part of the tournament's annual rhythm. She has also played an integral part in the BBC's coverage of changing weather patterns across the UK, explaining complex conditions in a way that remained accessible to viewers.

Reflecting on her decision to step away, Kirkwood described her time at the BBC as a privilege she never took for granted. She spoke warmly of her colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and across the wider organisation, thanking them for their support and friendship. She also expressed her gratitude to viewers and listeners, saying that being part of their mornings had been a joy, and while the decision had not been easy, it felt like the right moment.

Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, praised Kirkwood's contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather, describing her work as exceptional. He highlighted her role in both major national events and the daily forecasts that form an important part of audience routines, noting that her delivery set a gold standard and would be greatly missed across the BBC.

Before joining the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998, Kirkwood received her meteorological training at The Weather Channel, the Met Office and the BBC. She began broadcasting on the BBC News channel before expanding her role to BBC One and other BBC outlets featuring weather. Since 2010 she has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast.

Her career has included regular outside broadcasts from events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot and royal occasions, alongside forecasts for major sporting fixtures including Wimbledon and leading UK golf tournaments. She has been recognised multiple times by the Television and Radio Industries Club, which has repeatedly named her Best TV Weather Presenter.

Beyond forecasting, Kirkwood has also reported for The One Show, taking part in a range of experiences from a tandem parachute jump with the Red Devils to a hang gliding flight. In 2015 she competed in Strictly Come Dancing, reaching week eight with her professional partner Pasha Kovalev.

BBC Unveils First Trailer for Lord of the Flies Television Adaptation

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has released the first trailer and accompanying artwork for its forthcoming television adaptation of Lord of the Flies, offering an early look at the long awaited small screen debut of William Golding's novel. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday 8 February, with BBC One broadcasting the series weekly from 9pm that same evening.

The four part drama has been adapted and directed by multi BAFTA award winners Jack Thorne and Marc Munden. Thorne, whose previous work includes Adolescence, His Dark Materials, Help and Enola Holmes, teams up again with Munden following their earlier collaborations on The Mark of Cain, National Treasure and Help. The series is executive produced by Joel Wilson at Eleven for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and is co produced with Stan, which will air the drama in Australia. Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution.

An ensemble cast of more than 30 boys leads the series, with many appearing on screen professionally for the first time. Winston Sawyers takes on the role of Ralph, with Lox Pratt as Jack, David McKenna as Piggy and Ike Talbut as Simon. They are joined by Thomas Connor as Roger, Noah and Cassius Flemyng as twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice and Tom Page Turner as Bill.

Lord of the Flies follows a group of schoolboys stranded on a tropical island after a fatal plane crash leaves them without adult supervision. Hoping to preserve order, they organise themselves under the leadership of Ralph, supported by Piggy, the group's intellectual voice. As time passes, Jack becomes increasingly focused on hunting and power, drawing others away from the group and setting the boys on a path from fragile civilisation towards inevitable tragedy.

Thorne's version marks the first television adaptation of the novel and remains faithful to Golding's original setting in the early 1950s on an unnamed Pacific island. The series explores the book's central themes of human nature, lost innocence and boyhood masculinity in greater emotional depth. Each episode is named after a key character, Ralph, Piggy, Simon and Jack, allowing the story to be viewed from shifting perspectives as the boys struggle to survive. The production has been made with the support of William Golding's family.

Music for the series has been created by a trio of high profile composers. Cristobal Tapia de Veer provides the score, while Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve of Bleeding Fingers Music have composed the main theme and additional music for the drama.

Nigella Lawson Joins The Great British Bake Off as New Judge

Image: Ch4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 and Love Productions have announced that Nigella Lawson is joining The Great British Bake Off as the show's new judge. Renowned for her culinary knowledge, warmth and dry humour, Lawson is being positioned as a natural fit for the Bake Off tent, bringing both authority and understanding to the role.

She joins the programme following the departure of Prue Leith, who spent nine series on the show and became one of the most popular and familiar faces on British television during her time as a judge.

Nigella Lawson said, "I'm uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now! Of course it's daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great dames both,  but I'm also bubbling with excitement. The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it's a National Treasure, and it's a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I'm just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come. I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!"

Dame Prue Leith said, "I'm thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off. She's sassy, fun and she knows her onions, and her croissants, cake and crumble." 

The Great British Bake Off is produced by Love Productions for Channel 4 and will air later this year.

COMPETITION: Win Dark Winds Season 3 on Blu-ray

Acorn Media International has announced that Dark Winds Season 3 and Season 1 – 3 Box Set are set to arrive on Blu-ray from 2 February 2026, following its transmission on U&Alibi.

And to celebrate we have a copy of Season 3 on Blu-ray to give away!

Synopsis:

The third series picks up six months on from the explosive season two finale, in the stunning sandy dunes of the Navajo desert where we are reunited with a fractured Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (McClarnon) who is still consumed by the sins of his past. 

 

On the reservation, Leaphorn and Jim Chee (Gordon) investigate the disappearance of two 14-year-old boys, with only a broken bicycle and a bloody patch of dirt as clues. The partners encounter various local groups who know more than they let on, sparking an unravelling, for not only Leaphorn, but for the whole community already teetering on the brink. Complicating matters is the arrival of cunning FBI agent Sylvia Washington (Jenna Elfman – Fear the Walking Dead, Dharma & Greg) who begins digging into Leaphorn’s complicated past. 

 

Meanwhile, after putting put 500 miles between herself, the reservation and a budding romance with Chee, Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten – Frontier, Tribal) forges her own career with the US Border Patrol. Her unbridled curiosity, tenacity and morality soon lead her into danger when she uncovers a conspiracy involving human trafficking and drug smuggling. 

 

As Bernadette’s (Matten) case intertwines with Leaphorn and Chee’s investigation, they all grapple with their own personal and professional demons, while facing new horrors fighting to protect their community. 

  

With a fourth season on its way, now is the perfect time to embrace Dark Winds for an explosive and atmospheric series full of breathtaking scenery, powerful stories and career defining performances that honour Navajo culture. 

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

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who plays Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn in Dark Winds?

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

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2. No alternative prize is available

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5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Prue Leith Says Farewell to the Bake Off Tent

Image: Channel 4 Press

By Jon Donnis

After nine series and more than 400 judged challenges, Dame Prue Leith DBE has confirmed she is stepping down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, bringing to a close nearly a decade as one of the show's defining figures.

Reflecting on her decision, Prue described Bake Off as a joyful and meaningful chapter in her life. She spoke warmly about her time alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood, presenters Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, and the teams at Love Productions and Channel 4. At 86, she explained that the moment feels right to step back, with plenty still she wants to do, including spending summers properly enjoying her garden. She added that whoever takes her place will love the experience just as much as she has, and said she feels very lucky to have been part of the programme.

Love Productions paid tribute to Prue as a brilliant judge and a deeply loved presence in the tent. They highlighted her genuine expertise, her encouragement of the bakers, and her knack for delivering innocent innuendos that regularly left both the tent and viewers at home in fits of laughter. They said she will always hold a special place in the heart of Bake Off.

Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz echoed that sentiment, praising Prue for combining culinary authority with warmth, generosity and empathy. He thanked her for her passion, wit, distinctive style and the many summers she spent in the tent, noting the lasting mark she leaves on the show and its bakers. While she will be missed as a judge, he said Channel 4 looks forward to working with her on future projects.

The next series of The Great British Bake Off will air on Channel 4 later this year, with a new judge set to be announced in due course.