Scrolling for something new to watch on Hulu this week, August 9-15? Let me give you a hand with my picks for the best movies, TV shows and more arriving on the streaming service.

The big arrival this week is a new series based on one of the most popular sci-fi franchises of all time. But there are some other great options to stream this week, including a special live event and a major action franchise.

Check out all of the picks for this week directly below.

The Lost City (2022)

• Enjoy this adventure comedy on Hulu starting August 10

Who doesn't love Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum? They both are at their charming best in The Lost City, an action/adventure comedy that is a solid, easy watch from the last few years.

In the movie, Bullock plays an author who is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (played by Daniel Radcliffe) who believes her most recent book reveals clues to a real ancient lost city. It falls to her cover model (Tatum) to try and rescue her.

Copshop (2021)

• Under-the-radar crime thriller with a fun Gerard Butler performance is streaming as of August 11

There's a large fan base for Gerard Butler's crime movies Den of Thieves and Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, but in my opinion, Copshop is just as fun and is a far superior movie than the Den of Thieves franchise, and we still get Butler showing his rougher side.

In Copshop, a con artist (Frank Grillo) attempts to hide from a lethal assassin (Butler) by getting himself arrested. However, the assassin follows him into the station, with only a rookie cop (Alexis Louder) on duty to handle the situation.

Copshop is "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes.

Alien: Earth

• The first two episodes of the sci-fi TV series premiere on Hulu on August 12

The Xenomorphs have been terrorizing space for almost 50 years, but they are about to terrorize Earth in the FX/Hulu original series Alien: Earth from Fargo creator Noah Hawley.

With a cast of relatively lesser-known actors, save for Timothy Olyphant, Alien: Earth is one of the more interesting summer TV shows we're getting this year and is worth giving a try.

John Wick movies

• The entire John Wick franchise starts streaming on Hulu on August 15

Not one, not two, not three, but all four John Wick movies arrive on Hulu this week.

The mega-action franchise, starring Keanu Reeves as the world's most dangerous assassin out for revenge against those who have wronged him, has spawned beyond the confines of these four movies (most recently with the spinoff movie Ballerina), and we're even getting a John Wick 5 it seems. But these four movies (John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, John Wick: Chapter 4) remain the gold standard.

Stand Up to Cancer

• A special live stream of the Stand Up to Cancer fundraising event takes place on August 15

Stand Up to Cancer raises money for cancer research, and one of their biggest events is the Stand Up to Cancer event, taking place for the ninth time on August 15.

Hulu will have a special live stream of the event that begins at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, with host Sheryl Crow and appearances and performances from celebrities, including Dolly Parton.

As someone who has seen his fair share of projects surrounding the dark history of the African slave trade, I was admittedly on the fence heading into Washington Black.

On one hand, it has the backing of Emmy-winning Sterling K. Brown, who both stars in and produces the new drama. I’ve been a fan of his since Lifetime’s Army Wives, and from that point on, he’s seldom disappointed in the projects he attaches himself to. His drama Paradise was released earlier this year and was a smash hit.

I was also intrigued by Washington Black because of the whimsical elements of science and imagination at the heart of George Washington Black’s world. It seemed rather nuanced in this present landscape of TV.

However, I wasn't sure I was prepared to revisit the dreadful cruelty of humanity's past. The journey there is often not comfortable to examine and carries with it a certain amount of heaviness.

But, having finally watched Washington Black, I'm ready to say the series is a must-watch.

For those who also may be a bit apprehensive about watching a series with the backdrop of the 19th-century slave trade, allow me to reassure you that the fantastical life story of George Washington Black (aka Wash) outweighs the darkness of the slavery component represented.

Although Wash’s journey starts off on a sugar plantation in Barbados, once he meets his mentor (which is fairly early on), it’s off to the races as he lets his imagination and intelligence serve as a passport into the world of scientific exploration. During some moments in the series, it's as if I were watching a live-action, yet antiquated, version of The Magic School Bus.

Then there's the acting. Brown may be the big name to draw viewers into the series, and he certainly delivered another phenomenal performance, but it’s Eddie Karanja and Ernest Kingsley Junior as Wash at different stages in life that really serve as the standouts of the series.

The duo does a remarkable job of capturing the complexities of someone growing up with a gifted mind, but constantly being told there are unfair limitations to how far he can go. There’s a certain “origin story” quality to Wash’s maturity into adulthood that is remarkably captivating, like watching a superhero coming into their own.

Zeroing in on Wash as a teen/young adult, it was rather enchanting to watch his burgeoning romance with Tanna (Iola Evans). It can always prove interesting to watch “forbidden” love develop, and the dynamic between these two provided some more softer sides for the series. Although the duo lacked some of the instantaneous chemistry early on that many may desire in a drama, the two found their groove eventually and made me believe.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also applaud the work of the set and costume designers behind Washington Black. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook their contributions if the writing and acting in a project is as alluring as that of Washington Black; but, it would be a disservice to viewers if they don’t take the time to appreciate the visuals of each scene as one moves from one beat to the next.

Again, Washington Black is a new series I highly recommend. Although many will understandably be prone to venture outside to enjoy the limited time of summer, it’s worth dedicating some moments to powering through the eight-episode series.

Washington Black streams on Hulu in the US and on Disney Plus in the UK.

A true-story adventure to make you gasp, Last Breath recounts a tale of survival set in one of the most dangerous environments known to humankind, one that is every bit as inhospitable and perilous as those more obviously cinematic realms of outer space or the peaks of the Himalayas — 300 feet below the surface of the North Sea.

That's where deep-sea divers Chris Lemons, Duncan Allcock and Dave Yuasa ran into trouble in September 2012 while conducting what should have been a routine repair job on the sea bed off the coast of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The ordeal that ensued has already been the subject of an acclaimed 2019 documentary (also titled Last Breath), co-directed by Richard da Costa and Alex Parkinson, and now Parkinson has turned the disaster into a gripping feature film starring Finn Cole, Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu.

The world the movie inhabits will be alien to most viewers, but Parkinson — who clearly knows the material inside out — sets forth its rules with speed and clarity. Lemons, Allcock and Yuasa are saturation divers, divers who avoid decompression by remaining inside a pressurized environment for up to 28 days at a time, breathing a mixture of oxygen and helium. When in the water, their lifeline is the set of umbilical cables that tether them to their diving bell and to the support ship above, and which carry breathing gases, power, communications and the hot water necessary to keep their suits warm in the near freezing sea.

On the day in question, diving veteran Allcock, played with seen-it-all, weathered wisdom by Harrelson, old hand Yuasa (Liu, displaying zen-like calm) and less experienced tyro Lemons (Peaky Blinders star Cole) are dropped into the sea by their support vessel, the Bibby Topaz, and descend inside their diving bell to a depth of around 300 feet to carry out a pipe repair on an oil rig manifold. With Allcock remaining inside the bell to monitor the work, Lemons and Yuasa dive down to the sea bed while the Dynamic Position System (DPS) on board the Bibby Topaz makes constant adjustments to hold the ship’s spot directly above them. The seas are heavy, the winds around 35 knots, but that shouldn't make a difference… until it does.

The Bibby Topaz suddenly loses its position and starts to drift. The DPS has malfunctioned. Alerted to the danger, Lemons and Yuasa attempt to make their way back to the diving bell, but Lemons’ umbilical gets snagged on the manifold. The full weight of the 8,000 tonne ship is now pulling against his lifeline and inevitably it snaps, leaving him with only around five minutes of air in his backup tank. As the crew on board the Bibby Topaz — including the ship’s captain (Cliff Curtis) and 1st officer (Myanna Buring) — strive to get the ship back into position, more than half an hour passes, leaving everyone involved convinced that their mission will turn out to be a body recovery rather than a rescue…

Parkinson stages all this with thrilling immediacy, cutting back and forth between the frantic activity on board the ship as it is tossed about by the surging swell and the actions of the divers beneath. If the story were fictional it would stretch credulity even further than Lemons' lifeline. Our knowledge that the events we are watching actually happened, tethers the film's desperate race-against-time narrative to the real world, but it doesn't make the unfolding drama any less suspenseful. Admittedly, the fact that the leading roles are played by a trio of stars slightly works against the film's realistic grain, but Cole, Liu and, even Harrelson (his character a bluff Yorkshireman in real life rather than a cool-headed American), give their characters a convincingly down-to-earth solidity. And when it comes to Cole’s imperiled Lemons, we feel even more keenly for his plight having seen his tender relationship with his fiancee Morag (Bobby Rainsbury) economically sketched in the film’s opening scenes. As for his colleagues, their stiff-upper-lipped camaraderie comes across vividly. All the same, be prepared to blub by the time the story reaches its incredible climax.

Last Breath is set to be released exclusively in movie theaters on Friday, February 28, 2025, in the US and March 14 in the UK.

Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure on BBC2 sees Scots adventurer Gordon Buchanan ride on camelback for miles across the vast arid wilderness of the Gobi Desert in the style of the three wise men from the nativity story!

Starting in the west of Mongolia he spends two weeks crossing epic sand dunes, rocky plains and the treacherous Bumbat Mountain with only his camels for company. The solo mission is fraught with danger as Gordon has to earn the camels’ respect and trust, survive icy conditions and navigate vertical rock faces. But he also brings us an extraordinary insight into the lives of camels and how they’ve adapted to survive – and even thrive – in on of the most inhospitable places on the planet. 

So here’s everything you need to know about Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure on BBC2…  

Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure release date

Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure will be shown in the UK on BBC2 from Sunday, December 22 2024 at 7.30pm. This one-off documentary will also become available on BBC iPlayer from that date.

Is there a trailer?

The BBC has now released a trailer for Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure teasing all the drama of Gordon's journey, with plenty of footage of this camels! Take a look below.

What happens in Gordon Buchanan: My Epic Camel Adventure?

Having crossed the Canada’s frozen north with a team of huskies and tracked cheetahs in Africa’s Kalahari Desert, Gordon’s latest adventure sees him journey across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia with two camels and everything he needs to survive for two weeks! The adventures starts with him struggling to befriend the pair of grumpy camels, but soon sees them all bond as they cross miles of arid landscape. He also spends time with nomadic herders to experience their traditional way of life, and ends up catching sight of saiga antelopes, yaks and wolves. But will he be lucky enough to spot the rare Gobi bear, the most endangered bear on the planet?

Exclusive interview: Gordon Buchanan on his epic journey in My Epic Camel Adventure

Why did you want to take on this adventure? 
Gordon Buchanan says: "Camels have to be one of the most recognisable animals on the whole planet and they obviously feature in the nativity story, so this was an opportunity to look at how extraordinary they are while also exploring one of the most amazing places in the world that I've ever been. It was such a biblical landscape. Despite the challenges, every day I was excited about seeing more of that extraordinary part of the world."

There aren’t many wildlife shows about camels. What makes them special?
Gordon Buchanan says: "We always think of polar bears and penguins in Antarctica being really hardcore species. But the truth is that camels kind of blow them out of the water because the extremes of temperature they can cope with is extraordinary. In Mongolia, just two months before we got there, the temperature was minus 50. And then in the summer it goes up to plus 45, so you've got this extraordinary animal that can cope with almost 100 degrees of temperature range!

Can you talk a bit about your journey?
Gordon Buchanan says: "I spent a month in the Gobi Desert in March and April, just at the end of the winter. The plan was to put my camel riding skills to the test and travel through a really extreme and inhospitable part of the world. But I actually resorted to walking after about 10 days just to give my backside a bit of a rest, because they're not the most comfortable of creatures!"

What were they like as companions?
Gordon Buchanan says: "I had two camels, one that I rode and one that was carrying all my equipment and camping gear – and they were really huge! When I first met them, they gave off such ‘back off’ vibes that I thought there was no way I was going to be able to make friends with them. But they're thought to be as intelligent as elephants and, as I found, you can actually build up this bond with them. So went from being barked at, spat at and snapped at to cuddling them and tickling their ears. By the end of the two weeks, I was so attached to them and I had so much admiration for how they can navigate their way through that landscape."

And did they have different personalities?
Gordon Buchanan says: "Yeah, they definitely did. I named one Squeaks because when he ground his teeth it made this squeaking sound. He was more experienced, older and a bit bigger and stronger. He was very calm, very stable and more aloof to begin with. Chewy – because of his Chewbacca-type noises – was younger and less experienced and seemed to have anger management issues, but I ground him down over time! The nomadic herders don’t give their camels names because they’re not pets. But Chewy and Squeaks seemed very fitting for both of them!"

What was the biggest challenge of your journey?
Gordon Buchanan says: "Just trying to navigate that landscape. I had maps and GPS coordinates, and a rough plan to cover about 20 miles a day. But the route I’d naturally take wasn’t necessarily the best one. So the camels were the ones that could actually find the best route and know the best way to navigate, whether it was a rocky escarpment, sand dune systems or frozen lakes. I found myself having to trust in these two bizarre animals for the most fundamental thing of all, which was to get through that landscape safely!"

What’s your favourite camel fact?
Gordon Buchanan says: "So a camel can do pretty much do the splits. You have to be aware of the fact that they can move their legs in any direction, so you can get kicked in the face even if you're standing a meter and a half away from them. Another interesting fact is that the best dung for burning in a desert like the Gobi, which doesn’t have trees, is camel dung. It gives this remarkable, intense, long-lasting heat that's really, really fragrant. So when I was on my journey I gathered up the dung, got out my matches and made myself a little campfire!"

Can you separate the truth from the myth about what their humps are for?
Gordon Buchanan says: "You know, when I was a kid, I thought that camels’ humps stored water, and that's how they were able to survive in deserts. But the humps are really fat stores. You can get upwards of 40 kilos of fat in each of those humps, and that’s their energy store. It’s a bizarre design, but it's just a way of storing energy in a way that doesn’t affect their stability."

Did you end up spotting the rare Gobi bear?
Gordon Buchanan says: "They’re one of the rarest mammals on the planet and there are fewer than 50 left in the world, so I had to measure my expectations of actually seeing one. But without spoiling it for the viewers we did have some success! I also spotted a lone wolf up in the mountains, which was a remarkable sight!

What was the highlight of your trip?
Gordon Buchanan says: "Spending time with the nomads and really understanding their way of life. It was one of the most liberating experiences of my entire life – the nomadic lifestyle gives you this opportunity to go to the horizon and beyond in any direction. There are no boundaries, no fences, no rules and nobody telling you where you can and can’t go. So what seems like a really adverse or austere way of life is actually really uplifting and freeing. I fell in love with the Gobi Desert. It’s one of my favorite places in the world now!"

A true 90s classic, The Mummy is now streaming for free on Tubi, rejoice! This is a boon for fans of the classic Brendan Fraser adventure movie (which honestly consists of most millennials) and is great timing, as The Mummy celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024.

Watching The Mummy on Tubi is incredibly easy, as you can access the free, ad-supported streaming platform as an app on a smart TV or connected device as well as directly online. No membership is required. The only thing you'll have to deal with is intermittent ads, but that's a small price to pay (literally just your patience) to enjoy The Mummy right now.

Released in 1999, The Mummy stars Fraser as Rick O'Connell, an American expat who is recruited by a librarian, Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) as they seek to find treasure and ancient artifacts in the mythical ancient Egyptian city of Hamunaptra. However, what they find is an ancient curse that through their missteps awakens a mummy, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), with incredible powers that can wreak havoc on the world.

One reason why I think The Mummy has such a special place in the hearts of many people of my generation is that it feels like our classic adventure movie. While millennials had Indiana Jones playing on TV and on home video (VHS or DVD) — heck, many were even old enough to see Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in movie theaters — Fraser's Rick O’Connell was a brand new iteration. He was funny, tough and easy to root for as he led the way in this big screen adventure.

And what an adventure it was. Very loosely based on The Mummy movie that came out in 1932, 1999's The Mummy is the perfect blend of action, comedy and horror; not an easy feat to pull off.

The Mummy got a small re-release in movie theaters to help celebrate its 25th anniversary earlier in 2024 and it is streaming on Peacock right now as well. But Tubi is far and away the easiest way to rewatch The Mummy right now. And if you're interested, you can make it a double feature as its sequel, The Mummy Returns, is also available on Tubi.

Watch the trailer for The Mummy right here:

Billy is determined to give Paul Foreman his dream day out in tonight’s episode of Coronation Street at 8.00pm. See our TV Guide for full listings.

In this episode, devoted entirely to Paul Foreman’s devastating story, he wakes to discover his speech has drastically deteriorated. After the new occupational therapist called on Paul and told him the stairlift is too dangerous and he can no longer leave the flat, Billy promised him that they will leave one last time and do whatever he fancies. Paul is determined to enjoy his last day of freedom.

The emotional episode follows Paul and Billy as they spend the day doing the things that Paul loves and wants to do whilst he still can. It is an emotional roller coaster for both men. 

Coronation Street continues on Monday at 8pm.

• Roy Cropper - David Neilson
• Gail Platt - Helen Worth
• David Platt - Jack P Shepherd
• Abi Franklin - Sally Carman
• Ken Barlow - Bill Roache
• Leanne Battersby - Jane Danson
• Toyah Battersby - Georgia Taylor
• Nina Lucas - Mollie Gallagher
• Fiz Stape - Jennie McAlpine
• Tyrone Dobbs - Alan Halsall
• Evelyn Plummer - Maureen Lipman
• Bernie Winter - Jane Hazelgrove
• Craig Tinker - Colson Smith
• Daisy Midgley - Charlotte Jordan
• Billy Mayhew - Daniel Brocklebank
• Chesney Brown - Sam Aston
• George Shuttleworth - Tony Maudsley
• Gary Windass - Mikey North
• Gemma Winter - Dolly-Rose Campbell
• Paul Foreman - Peter Ash
• Sean Tully - Antony Cotton
• Summer Spellman - Harriet Bibby
• Tim Metcalfe - Joe Duttine
• Sally Metcalfe - Sally Dynevor
• Yasmeen Metcalfe - Shelley King
• Kevin Webster - Michael Le Vell
• Abi Franklin - Sally Carman

Pixar's brilliant 2015 animated movie Inside Out brought a young girl's growing pains to life with dazzling wit and tender wisdom — and immediately established itself in the top rank of the studio's films. A hard act to follow, then. Nine years on, the sequel pulls it off. 

Inside Out 2 reprises its predecessor's vivid central conceit that five personified emotions live inside the head of a girl named Riley, guiding her feelings from a knob-laden control desk and processing her new memories as they arrive at their headquarters in the form of bowling-type balls colored according to mood. In the previous story, wide-eyed, permanently buoyant Joy (marvelously voiced by Amy Poehler) and her colleagues, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, were plunged into crisis after 11-year-old Riley found herself uprooted from Minnesota to San Francisco. The turmoil of the move to a new home and school triggered a crisis that led to Joy and droopy, owlish Sadness (Phyllis Smith) being ejected from their headquarters and faced with the challenge of making their way back from the outer reaches of Riley’s mindscape in order to prevent further disaster.

The new film raises the stakes still higher as Riley (now voiced by Kensington Tallman) turns 13 and wakes up with a zit on her chin. Puberty has struck. Cue panic stations in HQ for Joy and co. as a siren sounds, a red light flashes and a crew of construction workers arrives to tear down the old headquarters and install a new console to handle the tumult of adolescence. Even more alarmingly, a new set of personified emotions — Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment and Ennui — now turns up in Riley’s hormone-surging brain.

Riley, an ice-hockey star on her middle-school team, is about to move up to high school and hopes to make a good enough impression at a forthcoming three-day hockey camp to make her new school's team, the Fire Hawks. She has just learned, however, that her best friends, Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grae Lu), will be attending a different school. At the hockey camp, should she disloyally cut her old friends loose and strive to ingratiate herself with the older Fire Hawks girls? Is she cool enough to be their friend? And is she a good enough player to make their team?

With all this going on it is no wonder that Anxiety, a toothy, bug-eyed, frazzled orange figure voiced with manic nervous energy by Maya Hawke, should now supplant Joy as Riley’s dominant emotion. Worse follows as Anxiety jettisons Riley's old Sense of Self and ejects Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, exiling them to the Vault where suppressed emotions are locked up. Can Joy and her companions escape the Vault, retrieve Riley's former Sense of Self and make their way back to HQ before her Belief System (depicted as glowing strands of light) is altered for good?

Once again the Pixar team — headed by director Kelsey Mann, here stepping into the shoes of the first film’s director, Pete Docter — have managed to deliver a family movie that combines surreal comedy and race-against-time adventure with heart-tugging psychological insights. Inside Out 2 can't, understandably, match the impact its predecessor originally made, but it does make freshly inventive use of the earlier film's clever conceits, coming up with a string of humorous visual metaphors and jokey puns for the workings of the brain and the raging emotions of adolescence. (Look out for a whirling brainstorm and the canyon-sized Sar-Chasm.) The new characters, including awkward, hulking Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), constantly blushing pink and hiding himself in his hoodie, and languid Ennui, voiced with studied Gallic disdain by Blue Is the Warmest Colour's Adèle Exarchopoulos, make a vivid impact, while the animation is, if anything, even more dazzlingly crafted than before.

Romesh Ranganathan has visited everywhere from Colombia to the Canadian Arctic in three series of his BBC2 The Misadventures Of… travelogue. Now the comedian heads to Africa for the fourth and final series. 

Here's everything we know about The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan season 4...

The Misadventures Of Romesh Ranganathan release date

The comedian's popular travelogue returns for its fourth and final series on Wednesday, May 29 at 9pm on BBC2. The show will air weekly in the same slot. 

Where will Romesh be visiting this series?

This time Avoidance season 2 star Romesh is heading to Africa, to tick off the final three places on his bucket list - Uganda, Rwanda and Madagascar - before putting away his passport for good. 

"We wanted this fourth series to be an adventure," says Romesh. "People in the UK sometimes see Africa as homogeneous, so exploring three different African countries close to each other, yet with completely different cultures and experiences, was a wonderful opportunity."

Where is the first stop on Romesh's misadventures?

Romesh's African adventure begins on the mainland in Uganda, where he goes white water rafting on the Nile, wildlife spotting in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and enjoys a banana gin tasting session… a little too much!

Unfortunately, though, Romesh struggles to reconcile this 'perfect' wildlife idyll with the fear and oppression described during a phone call with a local LGBTQ+ activist.

"I'd only ever really known about Uganda’s 1970s dictator Idi Amin and its history but, just before we arrived, its Parliament had passed some harsh anti-homosexuality laws and this conversation was heartbreaking," says Romesh. "Although wanting to be respectful of the country I was in, I felt incredibly conflicted. It took me a while to think about anything else."

What does Romesh uncover in Rwanda and Madagascar?

As he moves on from Uganda, it seems Romesh's next stop, Rwanda, offered a similarly sobering experience.

"With Rwanda, I obviously knew about the horrible genocide that took place there, as well as the fact that Rwanda has been in the news a lot recently," admits Romesh, who also enjoyed some uplifting moments there.

"The time spent with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda felt incredibly bizarre, because to be so in and amongst nature like that is a real sensory overload. It was probably one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had."

Romesh also learned that Madagascar wasn't just a Disney film!

"Madagascar was the country that, beyond a film that wasn’t a documentary about some escaped zoo animals, I knew very little about. I knew it would have lemurs, and on that front it did not disappoint."

Didn't The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan win a BAFTA?

That's right. Romesh - who hosted this year’s BAFTAs alongside comedy pal Rob Beckett - is proud of the show's BAFTA win for Best Feature in 2020.

"It's one of my biggest achievements," he says. "I love the show and think we have made some great films, so to have that recognised is brilliant. It also made my mum very happy."

Is Romesh really giving up travelling for good?

With TV work including Avoidance, Rob & Romesh Vs... and A League of Their Own on his roster, his BBC Radio 2 show AND now a London Marathon under his belt, Romesh is arguably one of the busiest men in showbiz.

So while far-flung places might be off the cards, our Rom will still be in search of some much-needed R&R...

"My next holiday will be two weeks in Greece," he says. "The next Misadventure will be getting sand off my sun-creamed torso."

Is there a trailer for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan?

Yes. Here's a snippet to whet your appetite:

Clive Myrie will be making a triumphant return to our screens with his new travel series Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure, a celebration of island life and Clive’s own ancestry.

After Clive Myrie's Italian Road Trip, this time he will be travelling to the heart of the Caribbean islands. In Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure, the journalist will be exploring his personal connection with this beautiful part of the world. 

In this series, Clive will take viewers on a deep journey across four islands, unearthing his family roots and forging personal connections with each unique location. From the vibrant streets of Cuba to the nightlife of Jamaica, the lush landscapes of the Dominican Republic and the beach paradise of Barbados, Clive will explore it all. 

Both of Clive’s parents came to the UK from Jamaica in the early 1960s but he’s only visited on a handful of occasions. He’ll travel in his mum and dad’s footsteps, track down family members he’s never met and spend time with his sister Judith, who recently moved back to Jamaica from the UK.

Here's everything we know about Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure...

Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure release date

Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure started on Monday, May 27 on BBC Two at 6.30pm. The next episode will air on Friday, May 31 at the same time. The show will continue to air on weekday evenings in the same slot for three weeks. 

All 15 episodes are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure locations

Clive will explore his connection to Cuba. He knows one of his granddads spent time there, but beyond that is a bit of family mystery. While Clive’s there he’ll also learn about the indigenous Taino people — some of the first inhabitants of much of the Caribbean. 

Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, where the Afro-Caribbean story begins, Clive will get a birds eye view of the oldest city in the Americas, dive into Dominican Santeria — a heady blend of African and European religious belief — and get hands on in a banana farm. 

Finally, in Barbados, Clive will delve into the paradox of this popular tourist destination — the vivid signs of British culture all around, and Barbados’s recent drift away from British influence and the Commonwealth. He’ll join a cliff top retreat with second generation Brits who’ve reversed their parents’ journey and returned to live in the Caribbean, and he’ll be swimming with racehorses.

Here's what happens in each episode...

Episode One - Monday, May 27: The newsreader went on a trip to reconnect with family, explore his heritage and experience the rich mix of cultures that made island life so special. Clive began by meeting up with his sister and exploring the wild beauty of eastern Jamaica, encountering descendants of rebel mountain communities, visiting a high-altitude coffee farm, learning the secrets of jerk pork and bedding down 100ft above the Caribbean Sea.

Episode Two - Tuesday, May 28: In Jamaica's capital city, Clive discovered a new hidden talent when he tried some Dancehall moves. He explored a 19th-century mansion, which told the story of Jamaica's first black millionaire. Clive headed to the school that has produced most of the country's Olympic sprinting talent and sampled a Jamaican-Irish stout punch.

Episode Three - Wednesday, May 29: In Downtown Kingston, Clive brushed up on his Jamaican patois and tried out some popular street food. He caught up with a mural art collective, who have been transforming this district. Clive also checked out a boutique where he got kitted out with some brand-new Downtown threads to look the part for a night out at a reggae club.

Episode Four - Friday, May 31: Clive travels north to the Goldeneye estate, which was once the home of James Bond writer Ian Fleming. This is the creative birthplace of 007, and all 14 of the Bond books were written here. Clive props up the bar at Fleming’s favourite watering hole and enjoys a martini, dives into the water with a group of former fishermen who are saving the island’s coral reef, samples some mouth-watering Rastafarian ‘Ital’ cuisine, and visits a legalised cannabis farm. 

Episode Five - Monday, June 3: On the Western tip of Jamaica, Clive meets up with cousins he hasn't seen in decades. In the kitchen, he serves up a classic island dish of curry goat for all the guests. Clive also learns what it takes to harvest Jamaican honey, tries his hand at some unique pottery and makes an emotional return to the primary school his mother taught in before she emigrated to Britain in 1962.

Episode Six - Tuesday, June 4: In Cuba's capital, Clive takes on a potential Olympic champion at one of Havana's legendary boxing gyms. He visits a car mechanic to get under the hood of a classic Chevy and discovers why most cars in Cuba are pre-1959 models. Clive also follows in the footsteps of the Buena Vista Social Club to find out how Cuban rhythms conquered the world.

Episode Seven - Wednesday, June 5: Clive visits the district of Vedado, the most modern and affluent part of Havana. He takes a motorcycle tour with Ernesto Guevara, Che Guevara's son and finds out how to cook a feast under rationing. Plus, Clive stretches himself with a lesson in ballet at Carlos Acosta's school and learns how to make a Cuban cocktail.

Episode Eight - Thursday, June 6: The newsreader heads west of Havana to the stunning Vinales Valley, where he helps Cuban cowboys set up a unique race. Clive also finds out how farmers are fighting back against ever stronger hurricanes, and learns how to roll the perfect cigar.

Episode Nine - Friday, June 7: The newsreader travels 200 miles east of Havana to the historic town of Trinidad. Clive meets the octogenarian carpenter whose skills have contributed to keeping this 16th-century city standing, and learns how to salsa dance with the locals. He also explores the dark history of sugar.

Episode Ten - Saturday, June 8: Clive explores Cuba's oldest city Baracoa, building a traditional bamboo raft to experience how people got around in a place that had no proper road access until the 1960s. He helps prepare a meal at what's thought to be Cuba's only fully vegan restaurant and discovers how the island's indigenous Taíno people survived here against all the odds.

Episode Eleven - Monday, June 10: Clive heads to the west coast of Barbados to find out why the country produces so many great cricketers, before hitting the water to land a Caribbean catch for an island cookout.

Episode Twelve - Tuesday, June 11: Clive heads for the east coast of Barbados to check out the world's oldest rum distillery, he explores the sugar cane fields and the factory floor, before getting the chance to have a sip of the golden produce. He puts a shift in with the hens on an organic family farm and tests out his flexibility alongside British expats with some cliff-top yoga.

Episode Thirteen - Wednesday, June 12: Clive travels to the Dominican Republic's capital city, Santo Domingo, where he meets one of the country's top baseball scouts, who gives him much-needed advice on his swing. In the historic old town, he meets artisans who are reviving intricate, traditional craftwork. Clive visits the market with one of the country's top chefs to pick up the ingredients for a seven-meat Dominican dish.

Episode Fourteen - Thursday, June 13: The newsreader explores La Vega in the Dominican Republic, which bursts into life with loud and colourful street carnivals every February. Clive stocks up on local sweet treats, meets talented mask-makers and prepares outrageous costumes before joining the parade in full costume.

Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure host

Clive Myrie is a BBC newsreader who has been the host of Mastermind since 2021. 

He revealed why he enjoys travelogues so much outside of the newsroom: "I’ve always been fascinated by cultures and ideas, what it means to be a human being. Whether you’re in Japan or Germany or South Africa or Australia, I've always been interested in that side of the human condition. Part of my personality is quite serious and that's the sort of day job, being a correspondent and a reporter satiates that part of my personality. 

"But there is another part of my personality, and anyone who knows me knows I like a laugh and to have fun, enjoy good food, wine, music, art, literature and culture, so to be able to satisfy that other half of my life is brilliant and I get that opportunity when I'm doing these travel series, which is great. As a foreign correspondent, you get to know different countries very well and you have to understand the culture in order to report on that. In a travel series, you get to see another side or another layer to these places and that's brilliant."

 Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure trailer

You can watch the trailer below where Clive explores his personal connection to the stunning islands...

It's been a long wait for Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor to take the helm of the TARDIS, but the moment is finally here as Doctor Who season 14 arrives!

After his casting was announced in May 2022, we finally got to see Ncuti as the Doctor for the first time in the 60th anniversary special "The Giggle" in December 2023, followed by his first full-length adventure on Christmas Day in "The Church On Ruby Road", which saw his first encounter with new companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson).

Finally this weekend Doctor Who fans can look forward to a full series of adventures in time and space with the 15th Doctor as the series launches on the BBC in the UK and on Disney Plus internationally on Saturday May 11 with a double bill of episodes, "Space Babies" and "The Devil's Chord" — and as we catch up with Ncuti ahead of the new series, the Sex Education star assures us that the wait will be worth it...

Ncuti Gatwa interview for Doctor Who

• The new series of Doctor Who launches at midnight on Saturday May 11 on BBC iPlayer with two episodes, which will be screened on BBC1 at 6.20pm and 7.05pm. Internationally the show streams on Disney Plus where available, with the launch set for 7pm ET on Friday May 10 in the US.

After their epic trip from London to Scotland on The Big Steam Adventure in 2023, John Sergeant, Peter Davison and Paul "Piglet" Middleton are back for a second series of this delightful show on Channel 5 in 2024. This time the trio will explore the Lake District, The Highlands, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, getting around using only the power of steam. We'll see them ride in everything from luxury miniature steam trains, complete with afternoon tea, to bone-shattering steam vans with no seats. 

So, you can expect laughter, epic views and some serious mishaps. "I think we’ve proved that steam is best," says John Sergeant. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Big Steam Adventure series 2…

The Big Steam Adventure season 2 release date 

The Big Steam Adventure season 2 starts at 8pm on Friday May 3 2024 on Channel 5. Episodes will become available on streaming service My5.

Destinations and what happens in The Big Steam Adventure season 2

The Big Steam Adventure season 2 once again sees John Sergeant, Peter Davison and Paul "Piglet" Middleton will explore some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations using only vehicles powered by stream. They will head to The Lake District, Dorset, The Highlands and the Isle of Wight to see the sights and meet the locals, travelling on boats, trucks, traction engines and everything in between. And you can expect quite a few disasters as they struggle to control these ancient vehicles. 

The Big Steam Adventure season 2 episode guide

Here's our guide to all three episodes of The Big Steam Adventure season 2...

Episode 1
The first leg sees them travel from the coastal town of Ravenglass to Ambleside, on the northern edge of Lake Windermere, and they start with a luxurious trip on a tiny narrow-gauge steam engine. "I love the Lake District because I came here with my kids. You think of me as this old gubbins but beneath that grim exterior is someone who has had fun in the Lake District for many years," says an excited John. "I can’t stop imagining this train as a rich man’s toy on some vast estate."

However, his enthusiasm soon wanes when they jump aboard a miniature Foden steam van with no seats and experience a bone-shaking trip to the Swinside Stone Circle. "There’s only so much battering a body can take," says John. "We’re in this ancient place feeling pretty ancient!"

Once they’ve recovered, they enjoy a ride on Lake Windermere on a boat used in the 2016 film Swallows and Amazons, then board a rare 1906 steam launch. "What a perfect end to the perfect trip," says John. "And I think we’ve proved that steam is best."

Episode 2
The pals are off to the Isle of Wight, starting by sailing across the Solent aboard the Waverley, the last passenger-carrying steam ship in the world. On arrival they meet Ralph and his 100-year-old Sentinel steam lorry and head to Carisbrooke Castle where they learn about the island’s history. Later, they travel with a converted steam roller to Bembridge, but it’s a bumpy ride!

Episode 3
We'll be updating as the series progresses so please do check bak for more.

All about the three presenters

John Sergeant is a TV and radio presenter and was the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent from 1992 until 2000. He then joined ITN as political editor. John was a loveable disaster when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 and has also presented programmes such as Barging Around Britain with John Sergeant, The One Show and John Sergeant’s Tourist Trail as well as hosting the comedy game show Argumental. He’s had cameos and roles in Casualty, My Dad’s The Prime Minister and On The Margin. 

Peter Davison is best known for playing The Doctor in Doctor Who from 1981 to 1984 and Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small. He’s also starred in The Larkins, Gentleman Jack, At Home with the Braithwaites, The Last Detective and The Gold.

Paul "Piglet" Middleton is director of mechanical engineering at North Yorkshire Moors Railway. From 2017 to 2018 he appeared in All Aboard The Yorkshire Express. 

Is there a trailer?

Not for teh 2024 series but if and when Channel 5 releases one, we’ll add it to this post. There is a 2023 trailer for the first series to enjoy. So take a look at this below...

2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Anthony Minghella's Oscar-nominated adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 bestseller, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Now, Steven Zaillian is giving Highsmith's novels the limited series treatment with a sumptuous eight episodes on Netflix, Ripley, all captured in black and white. This aesthetic choice taps into the early 1960s setting and leans into the noir elements of this story, setting it apart from the sun-drenched palette of Minghella's masterpiece.

Andrew Scott plays grifter Tom Ripley, who is struggling to get by in New York when an opportunity to experience an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy drops in his lap. What follows is a web of lies and deception as Tom tries to keep up appearances and experience a life he can't afford. Zaillian thrusts us straight into the middle of the story in Ripley episode 1, "A Hard Man to Find," opening with Tom dragging an unidentified and unresponsive body down a fancy staircase in Rome.

The first episode doesn't reveal who has met a sticky end, but we do get a snapshot of his petty criminal activity before Ripley is sent to bring home the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn).

New York City scamming 

It's six months before the events in Rome, and Roy Orbison's "In Dreams" plays over a montage of Tom's day-to-day life. We see him practice smiling in a mirror and riding the subway to intercept some mail from chiropractor Dr. Katz. The latter is part of a long-running scam in which he calls up patients about missed payments to get them to send out a new check he can cash. 

A private investigator introduces himself at a bar and says Mr. Herbert Greenleaf (Kenneth Lonergan) wants to see Tom. Tom brushes him off but takes Mr. Greenleaf's card.

At the rundown brownstone where he rents a room (with a shared bathroom and telephone), Tom makes scam phone calls with zero privacy and attempts to sound as professional as possible. He heads to the bank to cash one of the fraudulent checks, but he leaves without the funds and his fake ID after the teller takes too long, worrying she is onto his con. 

Tom's paranoia is already heightened as someone from the IRS investigations department visited his apartment while he was out. Burning through this alias means Tom has lost income, so he heads to the Brooklyn shipyard where Mr. Greeleaf's business is based to find out what this opportunity could be.

A dream offer 

Mr. Greenleaf mentions his son Richard and believes Tom is friends with him. Tom's initial reaction suggests he has no idea who Richard is but registers Dickie as someone he vaguely knows. Dickie has been gallivanting over Europe, and his father thinks it's time to come home. 

However, Dickie is living off his substantial trust fund and sees no reason to work for the lucrative family business. Mr. Greenleaf thinks a friend can convince Dickie to stop pretending he is an artist. He'll pay Tom a salary and his expenses to make this happen. It's a dream offer.

At the Greenleaf's apartment, Tom meets Dickie's mother and is shown photos of Dickie as a child, as well as an image of Dickie's girlfriend Marge (Dakota Fanning). Tom mentions his parents are dead, explaining they drowned. Images of water appear throughout the episode, suggesting Tom is troubled by this. 

If Tom runs out of money, Mr. Greenleaf will wire more. Dickie's father also sends him to pick up some things for Brooks Brothers that the Greenleafs have bought for Tom to take to their son. Tom gets to pick a bathrobe for Dickie, choosing a burgundy paisley print over two striped choices. The sales assistant asks if he is sure, and Tom confirms he is. Before Tom leaves his apartment, he burns anything pointing to his life of petty crime and packs up everything else.

An Italian adeventure

On the exclusive Orient Express, Tom writes a letter to his Aunt Dottie to explain his good fortune and to say he no longer needs anything from her. "You are free of me now, and I of you," he writes. 

Upon arriving in Naples, when looking for the bus to Atrani, he gets scammed out of money for an expensive taxi ride that only takes him part of the way to his destination. When he gets on the bus the following morning, Tom is nervous about how close the bus drives to the edge of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast.

Arriving in Atrani, he locates where Dickie lives: an exhausting hike up many stairs. Tom finds out Dickie is at the beach with Marge, so he has to climb down again. Tom doesn't have a bathing suit, popping into a local boutique and making a daring purchase to blend in (or stand out).

Bumping into Dickie 

Tom attempts to casually run into his target on the beach, finding Dickie and Marge relaxing the afternoon away. Of course, Dickie doesn't recognize Tom, and this first encounter is strained and awkward. Marge and Dickie head out into the sea while Tom awkwardly stands on the shore. But he does get an invite to Dickie's place and has to walk up the many stairs once again. 

"Il cielo in una stanza" by Mina plays while Tom eyes up the possessions highlighting Dickie's wealth, from the Picasso on his wall to the Montblanc pen on his desk. Tom finds it hard not to stare at these pieces (and Dickie's ring). 

Over lunch, Marge is skeptical when Tom claims he is a fan of the Italian painter Caravaggio. Tom almost lets it slip he knows Dickie is an artist because Mr. Greenleaf told him, but he covers his faux pas. 

Tom steals the pen from Dickie's desk, which he uses when checking into the hotel Dickie recommended. From his window, he can see Dickie and Marge frolicking on Dickie's sailboat. The episode ends with Tom practicing his DIckie impression, and it seems unlikely he will follow Mr. Greenleaf's directions to convince Dickie to go home. 

All episodes of Ripley are now available to stream on Netflix.

It's proving a busy month for British highwayman shows, and on Friday, March 29, Renegade Nell will sit alongside The Completely Made-up Adventures of Dick Turpin as a more serious (though fantastical) depiction of roadside robberies in 18th-century England.

Renegade Nell follows Nell Jackson, a young woman who's framed for murder but finds that the life of a highwayman (or highwaywoman) suits her pretty well anyway. Along with her sisters and a growing crew, she terrorizes the highways of England, but then meets a strange spirit who helps her realize an even larger goal.

Starring Derry Girls actress Louisa Harland and created by TV legend Sally Wainwright, Renegade Nell promises to be an action-packed adventure drama that'll keep you glued to your screens.

So here's how to watch Renegade Nell when it comes out.

How to watch Renegade Nell

You will be able to watch Renegade Nell using Disney Plus, because the show has been created as an original series for the House of Mouse's streaming service. It won't be airing on TV or released on any other service.

Disney Plus has various tiers in different regions, but all of them will offer Renegade Nell.

The cheapest option will cost you $7.99 / £4.99, though if you sign up for this option, you'll have to watch ads before and during your video. To avoid ads, the $13.99 / £7.99-per-month plan is the one you should opt for.

In the US, many people choose to sign up for Disney Plus via the Disney Bundle, which gets you ad-enabled Disney Plus as well as ad-enabled Hulu for just $9.99 per month, a big saving compared to the individual prices of the two services.

In the UK, Disney Plus has a £10.99-per-month tier, but this just allows you to watch on more screens simultaneously and stream select movies in 4K. So it won't affect Renegade Nell at all.

Renegade Nell release date

If you're wondering when each episode of Renegade Nell will land on Disney Plus, we've got some good news for you: you won't have to wait for weekly releases.

Every episode of Renegade Nell will land on Disney Plus at the same time, on Friday, March 29, so you can binge them to your heart's content (or wait, if you'd rather).

Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure follows the much-missed entertainer’s journey to Asia to learn about the plight of endangered elephants.

In the two-part show, beginning on ITV1 this Easter, Paul O’Grady, who sadly passed away last March, travelled to Thailand and Laos to meet rescued elephants and those who care for them.

Here’s everything we know about Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure…

Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure release date

The first episode airs on Easter Sunday, March 31 on ITV1 at 8pm and the concluding part airs on Sunday, April 7. The series will also be available on ITVX.

Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure - what is it about?

The series is the last show that Paul O’Grady filmed before his sudden death and in it, the animal-lover, who also hosted For the Love of Dogs, got the chance to meet some of the world’s most revered but endangered creatures.

To discover more about the Asian elephant, whose population is dwindling, he visited several wildlife sanctuaries to explore the conservation work being done to care for the elephants, many of whom have been rescued from gruelling jobs that have left them with permanent disabilities.

“There is something special about elephants,” said Paul. “Across Asia they are revered as deities, but life can be tough for these gentle giants and their numbers are plummeting.”

At Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, he helped to treat elderly elephants, while at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in the jungles of central Thailand, he met a trio dubbed the ‘Gossip Girls’, who all have foot and leg issues. He also dropped in at Friends of the Asian Elephant, the world’s first elephant hospital, and marvelled at plucky patient Motala, who has a prosthetic leg after being injured by a landmine.

Then, after visiting Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) in the south of the country to see rescued elephants who have been used for breeding or in the tourism industry, Paul visited the Elephant Conservation Centre in neighbouring Laos, where a breeding programme aims to rebuild the decreasing elephant population.

“Once they get injured or too old to work, their futures can come under threat, but these parks are a refuge for them to live out their days,” said Paul. “It has been a privilege to get so close to these animals.”

Paul O'Grady's Great Elephant Adventure - exclusive interview with sanctuary worker Tom Taylor 

You are Operations Manager at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), one of several sanctuaries that Paul visited. How would you describe WFFT’s work?

“WFFT protects, rescues, rehabilitates and cares for exploited wildlife. We rescue maltreated wild animals from captivity and give them a place to spend the rest of their lives, which is as close to their natural environment as possible.” 

Why do you love your job?

“I manage our wildlife rescue centre, coordinating rescue missions and working on illegal wildlife trade investigations. I’ve worked for WFFT for around 12 years and love helping return animals to the wild or provide them with a better life.

“Our animals come from terrible situations and are frequently traumatised from their previous lives. But their chains come off, they have no more tourists on their backs and watching their behaviour change from being fearful and stressed to calm and relaxed is rewarding.”

What was it like having Paul visit?

“Amazing! He’s been one of my inspirations for as long as I can remember. He was a wonderful man, who really cared for animals, from helping dogs in the UK to shining a light on the plight of other animals, including the elephants of Thailand. Paul did not want to leave at the end of filming with us. He loved every minute and was so interested to meet all the animals and those taking care of them.”

How did he react when he heard of your elephants’ distressing earlier lives?

“He was deeply moved, shocked and frustrated when he learnt about some of the terrible things they had endured. But he loved them all and they responded to his calm demeanour and kindness.” 

He seemed to particularly connect to Pun… 

“Yes, Pun was rescued by WFFT in 2015. She had been used as a breeding elephant and her calves were sold as working elephants. Pun and Paul instantly had a bond, we had a celebration for her birthday and she was given lots of treats and spent some quality time with Paul.”  

What else did Paul assist with at the sanctuary?

“Paul was a great help feeding and cleaning the elephants. He met Jum Nong, who had been malnourished and had skin issues. He also saw Boon Chuey, one of our many elderly elephants who were used for logging or ridden by tourists, and have deformities or chronic conditions such as arthritis. Now, Boon Chuey has non-invasive laser therapy to ease her pain.” 

And he met one of your tigers, Susu, who has mobility issues…

“Yes, Susu spent at least a decade chained to a concrete slab at a zoo being forced to have photographs with tourists. Now, she has permanent disabilities in her spine, as a result of bad diet, lack of sunlight and being restricted to a short chain. Paul helped with her health check.”

Finally, what would you like viewers to take away from the show?

“I hope people see what damage the animal tourism industry does to individual animals and species as a whole. And I hope Paul's love for the animals shines through and people understand why he showed so much care and respect to them.”

To find out more about Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, head to wfft.org

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain sees Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice head off on their travels once more.

Following on from Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily, in which Giovanni showed his pal Anton around his native Sicily, now, the new three-part series, airing on BBC One, follows the duo as they visit locations in Spain that mean a lot to Anton, whose mother Conchita is Spanish and who took him on childhood holidays to the country. 

What To Watch caught up with Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice to find out more about Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain…

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain looks like a lot of fun. Why did you want to explore Spain?

Anton Du Beke: “Sicily was about where Giovanni came from and this has been a trip down memory lane for me, as I’ve introduced him to Spain. I haven't been back to the north, where my mum’s from, in about 40 years, so I was looking forward to revisiting it and showing Giovanni where I went when I was little. But I also wanted to discover parts of Spain I hadn’t seen. It was exciting.”

Giovanni Pernice: “Yes, I’ve never really been to Spain and this was the perfect way to see it together.” 

Did you uncover anything surprising about Spanish culture?

Giovanni Pernice: “There’s a specific language with Spanish fans [which they learn about in Seville]. Apparently, people used to just talk by waving them, that was so interesting.”

Anton Du Beke: “It was fascinating. Fans are a wonderful way of communicating, and so romantic. You can tap someone on the shoulder or see them across the room and signal, ‘Ooh, hello!’”

You also strut your stuff with a septuagenarian flamenco dancer in Granada!

Anton Du Beke: “That was amazing. Giovanni fancied a bit of flamenco action, he couldn’t help himself, so he got up there. The old lady was incredible!”

Giovanni Pernice: “Anton and I both knew the dance style and we’d learnt our own ways, but then you go into the specifics and we looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve been doing something wrong all this time!’”

And what was it like catching up with fellow Strictly pro-dancer Gorka Márquez in his native northern Spain?

Giovanni Pernice: “Gorka showed us where he is from and we did some surfing together. But watersports are not our thing!”

Anton Du Beke: “Yes, even when we did aqua aerobics in a pool in Benidorm, we struggled with the timing! But we did traditional Basque sports [known as Herri Kirolak] with Gorka and it turns out I’m wiry but strong!”

Anton, the trip culminates with you and Giovanni joining your wife Hannah, your children George and Henrietta, and your mum, to visit her childhood home, where you spent family holidays. How did you find that?

Anton Du Beke: “It was lovely showing my children, who are six, where I used to go at their age. It was emotional for my mum because she’d never been back since her mother died. And it was a funny old thing for me too. You go, ‘Crikey, that was when I was young, and look at me now.’ It’s remarkable.”

What do the two of you love about travelling together?

Anton Du Beke: “We just enjoy spending time together and we’re cut from the same cloth. But Giovanni's much older than I am, of course! It’s a joy. We have such fun.” 

Giovanni Pernice: “It’s beautiful because Anton’s my best friend, I wouldn't do this with anybody else. But Anton spends more time with me than his wife!”

And where would you like to go next?

Anton Du Beke: “We just like to explore, so we'd love to examine other countries’ rich history but we’d like to go to America, maybe Las Vegas or Hollywood.”

Giovanni Pernice: “We’re open to suggestions. As long as we are together!”

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain begins on Monday March 18 on BBC One at 9pm and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

Strictly Come Dancing favourites Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are heading back to our screens with their latest travel show, Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain — and now we finally have an air date. 

The cheeky duo took viewers traveling with them last year in Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily where they spent time sampling the local delights of Gio's home island, taking in the stunning scenery, as well as getting into many scrapes and even finding themselves on the wrong side of the law!  

But this time it is Anton's turn to become the tour guide for the series as he introduces Giovanni to a place that he fell in love with as a child. 

Having spent his school summer holidays with his Spanish family in the North of the country, Anton is very excited for Giovanni to experience everything Spain has to offer from surfing to sangrias and from festivals to flamencos!

After the second series of the travel show was announced last year, we have got an air date for Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain at last, and with the show airing on BBC One on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 9pm we really don't have that long to wait. 

After the mischief that the pair got up to last series, there will no doubt be plenty of mayhem to come and with three episodes of the series to enjoy, we have got a lot to look forward to. 

As well as getting a sneaky peak into Giovanni's life in Sicily last year, from where he grew up to meeting his family, one thing fans really enjoyed in the last season was seeing Anton and Gio's friendship shine though as they went on a tour around the island. With Anton now showing Gio where he spent his childhood, we can't wait to find out more about the dancing duo. 

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain will air on Monday, March 18 at 9pm on BBC One. The episodes will then air weekly in the same slot and will also be available on BBC iPlayer. 

The Famous Five returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Easter, with a brand new story that has been billed as a "cross-country thriller". It's not an adaptation of one of Enid Blyton's original Famous Five stories although it is based on the characters she created.

The feature-length 90-minute episode, titled Peril On The Night Train, was written by Priya Dosanjh and was directed by Asim Abbasi. 

The plot is centered around Uncle Quentin’s invention: a state-of-the-art proto-computer dubbed "the Algebra Engine". War is on the horizon, and his machine is critical for the country's counterintelligence.

It's a race against time to prevent the machine from falling into enemy hands, and it's up to the Famous Five to protect this all-important piece of equipment, seeing the return of the rising stars who appeared in the first episode.

An exact release date for this episode hasn't been announced, but we do know it's set to arrive over the Easter period.

Once again, siblings Julian (Elliott Rose), Dick (Kit Rakusen), and Anne (Flora Jacoby Richardson) alongside their cousin George (Diaana Babnicova) and beloved Timmy the Dog, work together to help the Algebra Engine.

James Lance and Ann Akinjirin are back as Uncle Quentin and Aunt Fanny and will be joined by new faces Ed Speleers (Downton Abbey) as Mr Roland and Nora Arnezeder (Army of the Dead) as Sabrina Grover.

A third episode titled The Eye Of The Sunrise is also on the way, which will see more newcomers to the cast including Jason Flemyng (Snatch) as circus magician the Great Supremo and Art Malik (True Lies) as Sir Lincoln Aubrey.

We don't have exact plot details for the third episode just yet, but we do know that it was written by Matthew Read and Matthew Bouch and directed by Bill Eagles. It is expected to arrive on the BBC later this year.

Speaking about the gripping new episodes, Patricia Hildago, Director of BBC Children’s and Education said: "A whole new generation of viewers enjoyed the first installment of these action-packed, epic adventures. 

"Episode one was one of the biggest hits with parents and children alike, bringing families together, and we can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store for The Famous Five."

The first episode The Curse of Kirrin Island is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and has been a huge hit for the broadcaster, with them calling it "one of CBBC’s biggest hits of 2023".

The Famous Five airs on BBC One and CBBC, with episodes also available on iPlayer.

A famous (or infamous) British character is getting a new portrayal in The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, in which Noel Fielding takes up the mantle of the notorious British highwayman. 

TCM-UAoDT follows Turpin as he's reluctantly made the leader of a band of hapless outlaws, which puts him at loggerheads with the lawman Jonathan Wilde who's set on taking Turpin and his bandits down.

A new comedy show, Dick Turpin promises to combine Fielding's bumbling comedy with a Blackadder-esque spin on historical characters, perfect for fans of the British comedian or the British comedy series.

So here's how you can watch The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin, with a way that some may be able to catch it for free.

How to watch The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

You can watch The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin using the streaming service Apple TV Plus, because the show was created as an original series for Apple's streaming service.

You can sign up for Apple TV Plus for $9.99 / £8.99 per month, and make sure you're not signing up for the pricier MLS plan which is only for Major League Soccer programming.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin episode release dates

• Episode 1 — Friday, March 1
• Episode 2 — Friday, March 1
• Episode 3 — Friday, March 8
• Episode 4 — Friday, March 15
• Episode 5 — Friday, March 22
• Episode 6 — Friday, March 29

How to watch The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin for free

If you want to try out The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin but aren't totally sure whether you want to pay the cost of Apple TV Plus just to see it, there's luckily a way to try it out without paying.

Apple TV Plus frequently offers ways to sign up for a temporary subscription for no fee, so you can test out its various offerings to see if you want to stay subscribed.

For a list of all of them on offer, you can check out our list of the best Apple TV Plus free trials and pick from the line-up.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin takes a quirky look at the life of the legendary 18th-century highwayman.

In the six-part Apple TV Plus comedy, airing from Friday, March 1, comedian and The Great British Bake Off co-host Noel Fielding takes center stage as Dick who, rather than a ruthless villain, is a violence-hating vegan with flair for fashion. 

As the show begins, Dick quits his job as an apprentice butcher to pursue creative endeavors. But he gets caught up in a life of crime when he accidentally kills feared highwayman Tom King (David Threlfall), before becoming the new leader of King’s motley band of outlaws, known as the Essex Gang. 

He soon clashes with corrupt Thief Taker General Jonathan Wilde (The Gold's Hugh Bonneville), however, who is determined to bring him to the gallows, while chilling crime boss Lady Helen Gwinear (Friday Night Dinner's Tamsin Greig) also has Dick in her sights. 

Here, Noel Fielding and Hugh Bonneville tell What To Watch about The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin…

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin looks like a lot of fun. What drew you to the show?

Noel Fielding: “I got to wear amazing outfits, so I was happy! And it was so much fun. I have an absurd, surreal sense of humour and I want to preserve that in my writing. I’m always trying to emulate Monty Python, I love them, they’re like the Beatles for comedians, so Monty Python and the Holy Grail was a big reference point and Blackadder and The Princess Bride.” 

Hugh Bonneville: “And for me, the draw was the opportunity to work with the great Noel Fielding, and to go down the rabbit hole of his whimsy. It was all about the fun of the writing. I think we all need a bit of daftness!”

Noel, tell us about your take on Dick Turpin…

Noel Fielding: “We have reimagined him, because the real Dick Turpin was probably a nasty character killing people, robbing stagecoaches and getting hanged. But his dad was a butcher, so we thought it would be great if Dick was a vegan! That evolved into the character being a kind, inclusive, laidback, pacifist dreamer who is ahead of his time. He is a dandy and more like the Adam Ant version of Dick Turpin. 

“But he doesn't have any skills, he's not good at shooting or sword-fighting and he can't ride a horse. He's only got charm and creative ideas to get the gang out of trouble. But somehow, they keep following him.” 

And Hugh, how do you see Jonathan Wilde?

Hugh Bonneville: “Jonathan Wilde did exist, he was a thief taker. In this, his ambition is to be like a Bond villain. But he has pomposity pricked at every turn and he is constantly being tripped up. He also has childcare issues, so his son Christopher [Samuel Leakey] has to come with him to most of his midnight assignations, which is a bit of a drag!" 

What does he make of Dick Turpin?

Hugh Bonneville: “The fun is in seeing this skulduggerous character coming across a highwayman like Dick, who doesn't conform to type. Wilde is put off his stride by this floppy-haired bloke in a silk shirt. It’s frustrating for him and a wonderful cocktail for adventure!”

You have an amazing cast including Tamsin Greig, Mark Heap, Greg Davies, Jessica Hynes and Diane Morgan. What have they been like to share scenes with?

Noel Fielding: “All of the people in it I wanted to work with – [Friday Night Dinner's] Mark Heap [who plays Dick’s butcher dad John] is a real comedy genius and [The Cleaner's] Greg Davies [who plays rival highwayman Leslie Duval] was hilarious, he laughs a lot, which is very infectious, he made the whole crew giggle.”

And how did you find the action scenes?

Hugh Bonneville: “Whenever you see more than two stunt men gathered together, you start to worry. And for a scene when Noel and I jumped off a bridge, there were probably about 12 stunt people! I thought I had conquered my fear of heights, but I realised as we got to the top of this ladder to do this jump that I was wrong.”

Noel Fielding: “My knees were knocking too! It was scary. It is a literal leap of faith jumping off a bridge, you don't know if the wires are going to stop you from hitting the floor. And by take seven it didn’t get any easier!”

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin airs on Apple TV Plus from Friday March 1. The first two episodes will be available at launch and the rest of the season will air weekly.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is an Apple TV Plus comedy that sees The Great British Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding swapping soggy bottoms for swag as he takes on the role of the legendary 18th-century British highwayman.

Noel's Dick Turpin is thoroughly vain, the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws, while Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville plays his devious adversary, the self-appointed Thief Taker Jonathan Wilde. If this series is anything to go by then Turpin’s fearsome reputation may not be entirely deserved, as his success is largely defined by his charm, showmanship, and great hair. The comedy also boasts more fabulous cast, including Ellie White, Tamsin Greig, Asim Choudhry, Dolly Wells and Mark Heap. 

Here’s everything we know about The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin…

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin release date

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is a six-part comedy series that launches on Apple TV+ on Friday, March 1, 2024, with the first two episodes shown then. New episodes will follow each Friday until March 29, 2024. 

How to watch The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin online

Is there a trailer for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin? 

Yes Apple Tv+ has now released a trailer for The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin and it looks super camp with Noel's Dick proud of his high cheekbones, as he stands upon the executioner's scaffold! Take a look below...

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin plot

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is set in 18th century Britain and follows Dick Turpin (Noel Fielding) as he’s thrust into the spotlight when he reluctantly becomes the head of a band of outlaws. He and the lovable rogues embark on some wildly absurd escapades while trying to outwit the corrupt lawman and thief taker, Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville).

Rather than the ruthless 18th century highwayman of legend, however, this Dick is a sunny-natured, flamboyantly dressed vegan, who quits his job as an apprentice butcher to pursue more creative endeavours. But a life of crime quickly beckons when he encounters chilling highwayman Tom King (David Threlfall) and accidentally kills him before ending up as the leader of King’s band of outlaws, the Essex Gang, comprising ambitious Nell (Ellie White), fearful Moose (Marc Wootton) and dippy Honesty (Duayne Boachie).

The series, which also features guest stars Greg Davies, Diane Morgan and Jessica Hynes, follows Dick as he attempts to make his mark as a highwayman while trying to avoid the corrupt Thief Taker General Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville), who wants to bring him to the gallows. Meanwhile, Lady Helen Gwinear (Tamsin Greig), the sinister leader of an elite crime network known as The Syndicate, also has Dick in her sights.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin cast — Noel Fielding on playing Dick Turpin 

Noel Fielding, who plays the iconic dandy highwayman Dick Turpin says. "The real Dick Turpin was probably a nasty character but this one is kind, inclusive and a laidback free spirit and dandy, who is more like the Adam Ant version," smiles Noel. "He doesn't have any skills, he's not good at shooting or sword fighting and he can't ride a horse. He only has his charm to get the gang out of trouble. But somehow, they keep following him. And I got to wear some amazing outfits!"

* Noel; Fielding is the wacky host of The Great British Bake Off and is a team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks. He shot to fame with his show The Mighty Boosh back in 2004, and has since been on The IT Crowd, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, The Festival and The LEGO Movie 2 as well as panel shows such as QI, Taskmaster and Duck Quacks Don’t Echo.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin star Noel Fielding: ‘I got to wear amazing outfits!’

Hugh Bonneville as Jonathan Wilde 

Hugh Bonneville plays corrupt lawman Jonathan Wilde, aka the Thief Taker. "Jonathan Wilde’s ambition is to be like a Bond villain," says Hugh. "But the fun is seeing this skullduggerous character, who would like a fair fight with a tough highwayman, being put off his stride by Dick, who’s this floppy-haired bloke in a silk shirt. It’s a wonderful cocktail for adventure!"

* Hugh Bonneville has starred in huge hits such as Downton Abbey, Paddington, Notting Hill, The Gold, Bank of Dave, Mr Stink and To Olivia. He’s also been in the series W1A, Sandylands, Doctor Who and Twenty Twelve. 

Who else is starring? 

The cast of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin also includes Ellie White (The Windsors) as Nell, Mark Wootton (High & Dry) as Moose and Duayne Boachie (Blue Story) as Honesty who are Dick's partners in crime

Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner, Episodes, Sexy Beast) plays Lady Helen Gwinear, DAvid Threlfall is Tom King,  while Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing, The Sandman), Dolly Wells (The Outlaws), Joe Wilkinson (Sex Education), Mark Heap (Friday Night Dinner), Geoff McGivern (Free Rein), Michael Fielding (The Mighty Boosh), Samuel Leakey (Hansel & Gretl) and Kiri Flaherty also star. 

Behind the scenes and more on The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is produced by Apple TV+ and Big Talk Studios, part of ITV Studios, The comedy is created by Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane, and written by Jon Brittain, Richard Naylor, Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane, with Noel Fielding. 

The series is executive produced by Kenton Allen, Big Talk Studios (multi-BAFTA Award-winning producer (Rev, The Outlaws, Friday Night Dinner), Noel Fielding, Victoria Grew, Big Talk Studios (Back”, We Are Not Alone), and Ben Palmer.

Episodes 1 to 3 are directed by Ben Palmer (BAFTA TV Award and Rose d’Or Award-winning The Inbetweeners and The Inbetweeners Movie; and episodes 4 to 6 are directed by George Kane (BAFTA TV Award nominated Timewasters, Inside No.9, Crashing). 

Denis Villeneuve pulled off an astonishing coup de cinema with the release of Dune: Part One in the midst of the pandemic in 2021. First published in 1965, Frank Herbert’s dense sci-fi novel had earned the reputation of being unfilmable, previously defeating both cult director Alejandro Jodorowsky (whose projected 1970s adaptation never got off the ground) and David Lynch (whose 1984 version flopped). Yet back in 2021, Villeneuve’s gamble seemed greater still.

He was only telling half the story — with no guarantee that he would get to complete it. Only if Part One turned out a success would studio Warner Bros. guarantee to greenlit a sequel.

As we now know, Villeneuve’s daring paid off. His film was a well-deserved critical and commercial triumph thanks to its awesome intergalactic world-building, gripping action and stellar performances, not to mention the skilfulness with which it guided us through Herbert's labyrinthine plotting involving the cutthroat rivalry of feuding noble houses in a far-flung future, while making the story’s layers of complex mythology coherent and graspable. The immersive qualities of the film’s throbbing sound design and a booming Hans Zimmer score didn’t go amiss, either.

Happily, Dune: Part Two builds on its predecessor's achievements. Returning us to the desert planet of Arrakis, source of the priceless, ruthlessly coveted hallucinogenic substance known as spice, it finds Timothée Chalamet’s aristocratic heir, Paul Atreides, still taking refuge with the indigenous Fremen people, while plotting revenge against the brutal Harkonnen dynasty, who are both the oppressors of the Fremen and the killers of Paul’s father, Duke Leto.

Paul's mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), a member of the scheming Bene Gesserit sisterhood and another survivor of the Harkonnens’ savage coup, is also embedded with the Fremen, and seeking to stoke among them the belief that her son is the long-prophesied savior who will lead a holy war and liberate the Fremen. Javier Bardem’s Fremen tribal leader Stilgar quickly becomes a fervent believer in Paul’s messianic status, but Paul’s Fremen lover, Chani (Zendaya), remains a skeptic. Will Paul reject the role of savior or use it to seek personal revenge?

The film’s early scenes show Paul leading his Fremen allies on thrilling guerrilla raids against the Harkonnens, disrupting their spice harvesting much as T.E. Lawrence (one of Herbert’s inspirations) led Bedouin tribesmen in desert attacks on Turkish supply lines during World War One. The parallel with Lawrence suggests another "white savior narrative" might be in store, but Villeneuve’s film — and Chalamet’s conflicted protagonist — are far more ambivalent and morally ambiguous than that. 

So too is its representation of religion, with Jessica and the Bene Gesserit cynically using faith as a tool of manipulation while self-persuaded believers whip themselves into a zealous frenzy. 

So far, so murky. What does come across clearly is the story’s allegorical depiction of the colonial exploitation of the Middle East for oil and its portrayal of environmental degradation — themes even more resonant today than they were when Herbert wrote his book in the 1960s. Striking too is another, more unexpected resonance — one that has become even more pointed since the release of Dune: Part One in 2021. The first name of the evil, merciless Baron Harkonnen is Vladimir.

All this is a great deal for the viewer to take on, but Villeneuve’s construction of Dune’s bizarre universe is done with such conviction that we go along with the story’s portentousness, just as we accept the unlikely aerodynamics of the film’s dragonfly-like helicopters or the spectacle of characters hurtling atop giant sandworms like so many chariot-driving Ben-Hurs. We even buy the sight of Chalamet learning the desert survival skill of the "sand walk", which could so easily be as comical and silly as a music-hall sand dance routine. 

Dune’s seriousness does have its drawbacks. Part Two hinges on the internal drama of Paul wrestling with his destiny and on the shadowy plotting of the Bene Gesserit — neither of which makes for immediate excitement and also means that the burgeoning romance between Chalamet’s Paul and Zendaya’s Chani never fully comes alive. Chalamet, however, continues to impress. 

When we first met his callow hero in Part One, it looked as if a gust of wind would blow him over. As the saga has unfolded, his steely core has become more and more apparent. 

And a good job too as the narrative builds towards Paul’s lethal confrontation with Baron Harkonnen’s psychotic nephew, Feyd-Rautha. Played with gleeful intensity by Elvis star Austin Butler, the albino-pale, hairless Feyd-Rautha is by far the most arresting of the new characters the film introduces. 

Christopher Walken’s Emperor Shaddam fails to make much of an impression, but Florence Pugh’s brief but vivid turn as Princess Irulan, the emperor’s quietly calculating daughter (she’s another Bene Gesserit), leaves us eager to see more.

Here’s hoping Villeneuve gets to fulfill his ambition of turning Herbert’s next book in the Dune series, Dune Messiah, into Part Three.

Dune: Part Two is in cinemas from Friday, March 1.

George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana is a travelogue with a difference, as the Amazing Spaces star George takes us on an architectural adventure across the USA. Over four episodes, he journeys from the Deep South to California, Florida and the East Coast, exploring classic American design from bizarre desert hotels and vast ranch houses, to serene wooden cabins and even Frank Sinatra’s modernist Palm Springs home. 

"I admit I badgered Channel 4 about doing this series," says George, 49. "I wanted to celebrate Americana, which is a term that captures everything from 1950s diners to the classic American refrigerator, neon signs and iconic cars. As a lad growing up in Sunderland I was mesmerised by all of that stuff."

So here’s everything you need to know about George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana on Channel 4…

George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana release date

George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana is a four-part series that starts on Channel 4 on Sunday January 21 2024 at 9pm. 

What happens in George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana?

George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana sees George explore the architecture and design movement that has fascinated him since he was a kid growing up in Sunderland. The Channel 4 synopsis reads: ‘Americana is a byword for nostalgia; for a period, where the country’s future was big, bold and exciting. Travelling down both the West and East coasts, through the Deep South, Texas and along the length of Florida, George will be discovering how the golden age of Americana - from its extraordinary buildings and incredible design to its influence on American culture - lay the foundations for the most iconic country in the world.’

Exclusive interview: George Clarke talks us through George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana

How did George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana come about?
George Clarke told us: “I said to Channel 4, I think we should make an architectural travelogue. They weren’t keen at first because they’ve done lots of travelogues. But most of them are about taking a comedian or actor and sending them off to some far-flung place where they do random stuff, which is all good entertainment. But I wanted to do an architectural travelogue about American architecture and design.”

Have you always been obsessed with so-called Americana?
George says: “Yeah, growing up as a kid in Sunderland I was fascinated by Americana design. I loved films like Back to the Future, cowboy films and John Wayne films. As a lad it all seemed like a different planet, not just another country!”

Do you have a favourite building from the series?
George says: “In episode four we visited this guy who’d built a poetry cabin in his garden, a place for him to keep his collection of books and to write poetry. And I can’t tell you how jealous I was! It was a piece of very modern design, but steeped in a lot of the traditions of American architecture. So it was very slick and there was lots of glass, but it was much connected to the American landscape. I got quite emotional!”

And the weirdest?
George reveals: “There were several! But there was one bonkers project, which I call the horizontal skyscraper because it was like someone had taken a 100m high mirrored skyscraper and put it on its side and just laid it down in the middle of nowhere in Californian desert!”

Where would you like to go next?
George says: “The list is enormous! I don’t want to get ahead of myself but if this series does well I’d love to go to China. It has a phenomenal history and beautiful buildings, yet on the flip side they’ve also been building cities that nobody lives in. They’re so obsessed with growth and getting more people into work they’ve just been building and building, predicting someone might live in these places in 10 years time. They’re like abandoned ghost cities!”

George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana episode guide

Here's our episode guide with George giving the lowdown on what he comes across in George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana...

Episode 1: South Coast
George travels 650 miles from Louisiana to Texas where he tours New Orleans’ quintessential Creole buildings and explores the German-built town of Gruene. He also visits some homes precariously built on the bayou swamps and an 18th-century sugar plantation, now a museum dedicated to telling the story of slavery. "As a piece of architecture the plantation is beautiful, but I didn’t want to romanticise it because horrific stuff happened there," says George. "There’s still that dark side to America and the whole series was a real education for me. You go from this polished glitz to cabins built on swamps. So it’s not just about architecture, but also about politics, history and people."

Episode 2
George continues is American odyssey in California, where he visits the birthplace of the double decker burger and encounters a skyscraper built on its side in the desert! Being California, the influence of Hollywood is never far away and George heads to a cowboy set that’s been turned into a real town. Later, he travels to Palm Springs, home to some amazing mid-century homes.

Episode 3
NASA’s 160m tall Vehicle Assembly Building in Florida is one of the world’s largest structures and this week George heads there to see the place where the Apollo mission craft and Space Shuttles were constructed. Elsewhere in the US state he explores a home built to survive hurricanes and gets a taste of Little Havana before finishing his trip in Key West.

Episode 4
We'll be updating on these episodes as the series progresses so do check back.

Is there a trailer for George Clarke’s Adventures in Americana?

Not yet, but watch this space for a hint of what’s to come, including 1950s-style diners, weird horizontal skyscrapers and poetry cabins in the woods. We’ll update here as soon as one lands!

Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure sees the comedian and Strictly Come Dancing winner explore the region of Western Australia for a four-part travel series — and he’s blown away by the sheer size of the place!

"If you think you know Australia then think again because there’s an even wilder weirder and more wonderful version and it’s in the west," says Bill, 58. "There’s so much space here. That means Western Australians have access to nature like nowhere else on earth!"

So here's everything you need to know about the Channel 4 series Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure...

Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure release date

Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure is a four-part series that starts on Channel 4 on Sunday, November 12 at 9 pm, with episodes running weekly at the same time through November 2023 and early December. 

When there's an international air date for the series we'll advise here.

Is there a trailer for Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure?

Channel 4 hasn't released a trailer yet for Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure, but we'll post it here if one arrives, so do check back.

Exclusive interview: Bill Bailey on his new Australian Adventure series

So, what inspired this tour of Western Australia, Bill? 
Bill Bailey says: "I’ve been to Australia many times over the years, but I don’t know the West that well. Plus, I wanted to swim with a whale shark, but I’ve always been there at the wrong time of year [the whale shark season generally runs from mid-March to August]. Doing this series meant I could finally do what I’ve been dreaming about for years."

And did swimming with a whale shark off the Ningaloo Coast live up to your expectations? 
Bill says: "It was amazing, even more extraordinary than I imagined. The one I saw was just an adolescent, but it was still more than 20ft long and had a huge broad head. I was totally transfixed by this creature."

Any other sea life encounters during this experience? 
Bill explains: "You have to accept there are sharks everywhere and, as we got out of the water, a giant hammerhead shark swam past the boat. It was as big as the whale shark we’d just seen; it was a monster! When you ask the Aussie crew if a shark is alright around humans and they reply, ‘Erm, yeah…’, then you know they’re dangerous!"

What other moments from your adventure particularly stand out?
Bill says: "Meeting some of the country’s indigenous people was a revelation. Learning about their experiences, their knowledge of the land, their love for the country and their wonderful sense of humour was one of my favourite things. I had such a range of fascinating experiences, from seeing how a pearl farm works to playing the keytar solo with Perth heavy-metal band Voyager [who finished ninth place in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest with the song Promise]. I look back now and think, ‘Wow, I did all that!'"

You say you like the eccentricity of Western Australia – what was the strangest place or thing you came across? 
Bill reveals: "Gnomesville [in The Ferguson Valley] – what a totally bizarre place! It started out when someone jokingly put a broken gnome in their front garden with a sign on it saying, ‘Please fix me’. Someone anonymously fixed the gnome, word got out, and loads of people brought their gnomes to be fixed. Then more people brought their gnomes to keep the other gnomes company! Now, there are literally thousands of garden gnomes spread out in this forest and it’s on the map as ‘Gnomesville’. It’s a real tourist attraction."

Is it true you were stalked by an emu at one point?!
Bill says: "Yes, I thought I was following it and then realised it was following me! They’re big animals with a fearsome beak and a mischievous look, and this one emu thought I had some food and kept following me. Just before it happened, someone posted an Instagram video of a bloke being chased by an emu that was really going for him, so I had that in my mind. It was a bit unnerving!"

Oh dear! Were you recognised much in Oz during filming? 
Bill says: "Yes, quite a bit. The most extraordinary time was when we were in a remote Aboriginal community in the furthest northern part of Western Australia. We had a wonderful First Nations guide and were having a chat when she said, ‘I know you from somewhere, have you been in any films?’ I mentioned [2010 fantasy comedy] Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, and she said, ‘That’s my favourite film! We watch it all the time. You’re Farmer MacReadie, aren’t you?’ That was unexpected!"

Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure episode guide

Here's our guide to all four episodes of Bill Bailey's Australian Adventure, which we'll be updating weekly...

Episode 1: Sunday, November 12
Bill is on Western Australia’s south coast, and his first stop is Lucky Bay, voted the world’s best beach. It’s even scientifically proven to have the whitest sand! He also gets a sense of the state’s scale and biodiversity at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, before visiting the old whaling town of Albany and the busy port of Esperance, where he takes control of a brand new £10 million tug! Meanwhile, Bill also takes to the stage with The Albany Shantymen and tries paddleboarding on a deserted beach with ex-Australian NBA star Luc Longley, who played for the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. And by the end of the first episode, Bill is thinking of upping sticks!
"I’m struck by the free-spirited nature of Western Australians," Bill says. "I might move here and become a local eccentric. I might play the piano in a local bar or join a Police tribute act,’ he laughs. ‘I’d be quite happy with that!"

Episode 2: Sunday November 19
Bill's in awe when he swims with a 20ft whale shark off the Ningaloo coast. 'Swimming with a whale shark has been on my list of things to do for many years and I thought I might finally get to do this thing I’ve been dreaming about for years,’ he admits. "It was amazing. They’re so dynamic in the water" What the gentle giant of the ocean made of Bill’s whale shark-patterned swimming attire remains a mystery, but it was Bill who had the biggest shock while achieving his life’s dream. "As we got out of the water a giant oceanic hammerhead shark swam past,’ he says. It was as big as the whale shark, it was a monster!" As Bill travels around Western Australia’s Ningaloo coastline, he explores the vast outback. He comes across the famous limestone formations called The Pinnacles and encounters pink lakes and wild emus. "One emu kept following me," recalls Bill. "Just before that somebody posted a video on Instagram of a bloke being chased by an emu and the thing was really going for him, so I had that in my mind. It was a bit unnerving."

Episode 3: Sunday November 26
When comedian Bill Bailey set out to explore Western Australia he was fully prepared for it to be ‘wilder, weirder and even more wonderful’, than the rest of the country. But in this third episode of his travelogue, we see that even he wasn’t prepared for Gnomesville, a place jam-packed full of garden gnomes!
"Gnomesville, what a totally bizarre place,’ he says. "This started out when someone jokingly put a broken gnome in their front garden with a sign on it saying ‘please fix me’. Someone anonymously fixed the gnome then word got out and loads of people brought their gnomes to be fixed. Then more people brought their gnomes to keep the other gnomes company. Now there are literally thousands of garden gnomes. It’s a tourist attraction. We met a school trip. One of the kids was really disappointed. He said “I thought it would be an actual town full of gnomes”. It was hilarious!"
Bill also explores Western Australia’s state capital Perth, goes truffle hunting with a Labrador called Max and enjoys a jamming session with the band Voyager, who were a hit in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. 
"I had a blast with Voyager," says Bill. "I loved playing the keytar solo with the band. It was one of the highlights of the trip."

Episode 4: Sunday December 3
As Bill Bailey’s journey around Western Australia comes to a close, the comic heads north to explore the industrial hub of Port Hedland and the tropical paradise of Broome. "It’s a land festooned with natural treasures, whether its precious metals, the wonders of bygone eras, fine jewels or exquisite wildlife," he says. "It’s intoxicatingly beautiful. It’s also incredibly old, and Bill finds himself walking in the footsteps of 135 million-year-old dinosaurs, following their footprints along the coastline of Gantheaume Point."
He also spends a night under the stars with Australian astronomer Greg Quicke, known as Space Gandalf, and hunts for pearls in a working pearl farm where some of the jewellery sells for a staggering £45,000.
"It’s not really my sort of thing" he says. "But fishing for sunken treasure in a tropical paradise. Not a bad day in the office."
As Bill’s 5,000-kilometre journey finally ends, after driving the equivalent of London to Baghdad, he reflects on all the incredible experiences he’s had. 
"I’m a wreck," he admits. "But I’ve got some amazing memories to take away. Sights, sounds, smells and tastes that will be etched on my memory forever. It’s been an epic road trip. What an extraordinary place."

Dancing duo Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice have packed their passports once again for Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain.

The pair, who have become firm favorites with Strictly Come Dancing fans over the years took viewers traveling with them last year in Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily where they spent time sampling the local delights of Gio's home island, as well as getting into many scrapes and even finding themselves on the wrong side of the law!  

But this time it is Anton's turn to play tour guide as he introduces Giovanni to a place that he fell in love with as a child. Having spent his school summer holidays with his Spanish family in the North of the country, Anton is very excited for Giovanni to experience everything Spain has to offer from surfing to sangrias and from festivals to flamencos!

The BBC announced Anton and Gio's new series back in September 2023 along with a cheeky first-look snap of the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 stars (above) — and here is everything we know about Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain...

Where to watch Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain started on Monday, March 18 at 9pm on BBC One. The final episode aired on Monday, April 1. 

There are three episodes, and the whole series is now available on BBC iPlayer.

If you haven't seen the first season, then Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Sicily is also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.  

Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain locations 

Episode one

In the first leg of their journey Anton and Giovanni drive across the Andalusian region. After a dramatic arrival in a hot air balloon, the boys touch down just outside the region's capital city, Seville.

The first stop is the Plaza de España, one of the city's most beloved landmarks. True to form, as soon as they spot the gondolas a race ensues, with the loser paying for the ice-creams. Anton and Gio spot a shop selling one of Spain's most famous accessories, the hand fan, the boys discover a whole secret coded language neither knew existed before.

The duo’s next destination for the day is Ronda, one of Anton’s mums’ suggestions and one of the most photographed places in Spain, perfect for a selfie!

Anton gives Giovanni a chance to conquer his fear of heights as they walk the Caminito del Rey, once known as the most dangerous trail in the world. The walkway is pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge, 100 metres off the ground, but with Anton’s support will Gio face his fears?

To conclude the first part of their Spanish odyssey, they arrive in Granada to visit the Alhambra - one of the country's most visited tourist attractions. The city is the birth place of Flamenco and Anton and Gio are treated to an evening of Flamenco the likes of which the boys haven’t seen before.

Episode 2

Anton and Gio’s road trip continues as they waltz their way up the south coast to one of the UK's favourite holiday hot spots, Benidorm.

Dubbed by Anton as “the Blackpool of Spain”, the pair take to the strip, with showman Gio really getting into the spirit of Benidorm night life, preparing a surprise for his best friend...

Back on the road, Anton and Giovanni go in search of some authentic Spanish grub, and nothing says Spain like a Paella! Anton takes Giovanni to the rural flatlands just outside Valencia to harvest rice, an integral part of Spanish cuisine.

Next stop, the capital of Spain – Madrid. To soak up the atmosphere the boys head out to party, this weekend is festival weekend in town - Paloma Fiesta. They start the evening off at a traditional Paso doble dance competition - a fitting end to the second leg of their journey.

Episode 3

The final installment will see Anton and Giovanni conclude their journey in the Basque region, where they spend the night in a medieval castle and are joined by Anton's wife, twins and his mother, leading to an emotional journey to the village where he grew up. 

The trip ends in Bilbao, where they perform at the Semana Grande festival to an audience of over 30,000 people.

Speaking of their adventures, Anton says: "It is such a treat for me to be able to take my dear friend Giovanni to a country that I hold so close to my heart. What a joy it is to be able to share this marvelously jovial jaunt with both Gio and all the wonderful viewers watching at home.

"I enjoyed the whole thing, from Seville to Bilbao, our little dip into Benidorm was a lot of fun too - I enjoyed that enormously. We did an aqua aerobics class. I mean, it was so up our street really, being with the Brits there in the sun, in the pool and messing about, that’s us really. It really was a lot of fun."

Gio added: "I have been to Barcelona before for dance competitions, so I just went in and out of Spain for the competitions – I’d travel on the Friday, do the competition and back home on the Sunday. So I didn't really explore much the same way Anton and I have. It's very similar to Italy, good food, good weather, good vibes."

Will there be any dancing? 

Of course, no show with Anton and Gio would be complete without some dancing, and Mel Balac, Creative Director, BBC Studios has confirmed they will be showing off their fancy footwork: "We’re thrilled to be following the boys on another epic and intimate adventure. Hold tight for plenty of laughs, a few tears and some new look song and dance numbers in the Spanish sunshine."

The boys will also be strutting their stuff with a septuagenarian flamenco dancer in Granada! Anton told us: “That was amazing. Giovanni fancied a bit of flamenco action, he couldn’t help himself, so he got up there. The old lady was incredible!”

Giovanni added: “Anton and I both knew the dance style and we’d learnt our own ways, but then you go into the specifics and we looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve been doing something wrong all this time!’”

Will there be any special guests?

Last year we saw Giovanni's Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Rose Ayling-Ellis join the boys for part of their adventures, and this series will see another familiar face from Strictly joining for a special cameo when they meet pro-dancer Gorka Márquez in his native northern Spain...

Giovanni told us: “Gorka showed us where he is from and we did some surfing together. But watersports are not our thing!”

“Yes, even when we did aqua aerobics in a pool in Benidorm, we struggled with the timing!," laughs Anton. "But we did traditional Basque sports [known as Herri Kirolak] with Gorka and it turns out I’m wiry but strong!”

Is there a trailer for Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain?

Yes, the trailer for Anton and Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain was shared on Instagram by Giovanni and Strictly Come Dancing, and you can watch it below... 

If you miss the whimsy and adventure of Adventure Time, then the next spin-off in the franchise will fill that void in your soul: Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake comes along on Wednesday, August 31, and we'll help you figure out how to watch it.

Fionna and Cake is based on gender-swapped (and also species-swapped, for the cat) versions of Finn and Jake the Dog, the main heroes featured in select episodes of Adventure Time. The new show follows these characters as they travel the multiverse alongside the Ice King, being hunted by a villain who wants to erase them from existence.

So you can expect the same comical adventures of Adventure Time, a classic cartoon fixture, but with new characters and situations to explore.

If that's for you, here's how to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake online.

How to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake in the US

You'll need to sign up to Max to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, with the latest Adventure Time spin-off joining the main series and Distant Lands on the platform. 

The first two episodes of the season will land on the streamer on Thursday, August 31, and subsequent ones will come weekly until all 10 are out.

Max costs $9.99 per month for its ad plan or $15.99 per month for its ad-free tier, with an expanded version of that previous plan available for $4 more that also includes Dolby Atmos and 4K screening for select shows and movies.

How to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake in the UK

We're sorry to say that there's no official release date for Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake in the UK, and it's likely going to have a delayed release outside of the US.

When it does release, it'll likely come to Sky TV. All 10 seasons of Adventure Time are on the platform, as well as the previous spin-off Distant Lands, so it seems likely that this is where Fionna and Cake will see a permanent home. Unfortunately we can't say that for certain just yet though, and a release date is also unknown.

How to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake everywhere else

If you're going to be away from your normal TV setup but still want to watch Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake, you might run into some problems. Thankfully, you can solve this exact issue with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

A VPN lets you change your IP address to that of the area of what you want to watch, meaning you can tune in to your favorite shows like Adventure Time or other content even if you're not there. Our favorite is ExpressVPN, which is the No. 1-rated VPN in the world right now according to our sister site, TechRadar.

Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure sees popular presenters and long-time friends Dan Walker and Helen Skelton team up for a very personal adventure as they take on the iconic Pennine Way, Britain’s first and finest long-distance trail, in a new four-part travelogue for Channel 5.

Spanning 268 miles and reaching from Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders, the trail is right on both Dan and Helen’s doorstep, so they’ve decided to ditch the guidebooks and turn to social media for suggestions, asking those who know the famous route to reveal their favorite spots and hidden gems.

Traveling from near Dan’s home in Sheffield to Helen's in Cumbria, they explore the stunning countryside and meet the diverse communities and business owners who make up the ‘backbone of Britain’, all the while getting stuck into a whole host of challenging local activities. 

Here, 5 News presenter Dan Walker, 46, and Countryfile star Helen Skelton, 40, tell us more… 

Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure release date

Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure is a four-part series starting on Channel 5 on Tuesday, August 15 at 9 pm. 

Interview: Dan Walker and Helen Skelton reveal more about their Pennine Road Trip...

Why did you want to make a Pennines-based travel show together?

Dan Walker says: “We’ve known each other for over a decade, but we’ve never made a TV show together. So I asked Helen if she wanted to travel around the Pennines, meet some amazing people and shine a light on beautiful places. Thankfully, she said yes, even though she gets 48 television offers a week!”

Helen Skelton says: “I like road trips, I like Dan and I like the Pennines! We’re both passionate about this neck of the woods and wanted to show people that it’s really not so grim up north.” 

Did you uncover some hidden gems through suggestions on social media?

Helen says: “Gone are the days when you can say on TV: ‘Here’s a place you've never heard of’, because it’s probably already on TripAdvisor. So we decided to turn that on its head and say, ‘You tell us where to go’. You’ll see some famous places, yes, but hopefully some spots you don’t know about, too.”

Dan says: “We had hundreds of recommendations, but we wanted the show to be about the proud people of the Pennines, not about us two telly numpties traveling around, going, ‘This is a nice place’.” 

In episode one, you’re sheep-shearing, canoeing, float-tube fishing and more! Were you quite competitive in the activities?

Dan says: “Competitive? Us? Ha! We enjoy each other’s company, but we also like winning. One of my favourite bits was playing golf at the highest course in England. Annoyingly, though, Helen managed to play very well.” 

Helen says: “We have a sort of sibling relationship. You know how you can take the mick out of them, but no one else can? If anybody said anything negative about Dan, I’d be like, ‘I beg your pardon?!’”

You also cycle along the transpennine road Snake Pass. How was that after your accident, Dan? 

Dan says: “I love cycling, but I had a big accident in February. I can’t remember anything about it, which is probably a good thing, but I know I was hit by a car and it still hurts. I talk to Helen about it in the show and how it’s never crossed my mind not to cycle again.”

Helen says: “I kept saying to Dan, ‘Are you all right? Should we do this?’ But he was like, ‘Let it go’. I was so impressed by his tenacity to get back on the bike.” 

Helen, after kayaking across the Amazon for Sport Relief in 2010, it must’ve been a thrill to canoe through Standedge Tunnel? 

Helen says: “It was an absolute treat! I’m big into adventure and Dan is big into history, and Standedge has a lot of historical significance. But we were paddling like our lives depended on it, racing through the tunnel, thinking we were in The Goonies!”

Dan says: “Also, there was a brilliant guy named Terry who worked for the Canal & River Trust, and just before we went in, he whispered, ‘You’ll love it in there; it's amazing!’ That gorgeous level of enthusiasm is exactly what we wanted to capture.”

What’s coming up later in the series?

Dan says: “All sorts! We do black pudding-throwing in Bury and play quoits in North Yorkshire, which involves throwing horseshoe-shaped steel into clay. But the big event for me was abseiling down a 100-metre cave in the Yorkshire Dales. I hate heights, but I’m glad I did it. Why are you laughing, Helen?” 

Helen says: “Dan likes to eat cake and talk about history, but I like him to jump out of and into stuff.”

Is this the start of a raft of travelogues from you two? If so, where next?

Dan says: “Barbados! OK, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s got to be authentically us because we’re genuine friends who love talking to people. I’d be up for more adventures if Helen’s diary allows it!”

Helen says: “I'd love to make something in the Scottish Highlands or Northumberland, as its beaches, puffins and castles are often overlooked. I’ll bring my campervan with the kids in the back and Dan’s teenagers can babysit, then we’ll be sorted!” 

Is there a trailer for Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure?

Channel 5 hasn’t released a trailer yet for Dan & Helen’s Pennine Adventure, but make sure you don’t miss the show, which starts on Tuesday, August 15 at 9pm. 

Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure is a new series for ITV that sees Dame Joanna travel through Indonesia, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Jordan and her birthplace, India, to discover the story behind some of our most popular spices. 

"The idea is to tell the history of these amazing spices," says Dame Joanna, 77. "It’s now so normal for us to cook with spices but in the old days in Europe, we had salt, pepper, mustard and that was about it!

"I must admit I always put nutmeg on my green vegetables. But I now treat spices with such respect, knowing what goes into growing, harvesting and caring for them. It’s pure magic!"

Here we tell you everything you need to know...

Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure release date 

The series will begin on Wednesday 5 July on ITV1 at 9 pm and is four episodes in total. 

Is there a trailer for Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure? 

Yes, we now have a clip from the series as "Joanna sets off on one of her most epic voyages yet, a journey through the world’s greatest spice continents to discover the rich tapestry of flavours and cultures which have shaped our world. Touring Indonesia, Zanzibar, India and Madagascar, Joanna explores the centuries-old spice trade in this brand new four-part series of discovery".

Which country features in the first episode of Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure?  

Joanna's first destination is Indonesia where she learns about the history of nutmeg. 

Here in an interview with What to Watch Joanna talks us through each episode of Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure

Episode one — Indonesia 

The opening episode sees  Joanna  heading to a collection of remote Indonesian islands, The Banda Islands, which were once the only place on earth where nutmeg grew.  Joanna meets a family who make their living from harvesting them, she uncovers the dark history of Banda’s past 

"We took a 12-hour ferry to the remote but beautiful Banda Islands in Indonesia, where the only nutmeg trees in the world were once grown," says Dame Joanna. "In the Middle Ages, nutmeg was the most valuable commodity on Earth, and it could only be found on these islands in the extreme east of Indonesia.

"The Dutch, Portuguese and the English were all desperate to get hold of this incredibly valuable spice, which at the time was even believed to be able to cure the plague, so was truly fought over and sailors crossed entire seas to reach it. They say that from one sack of nutmeg you were set up for about 10 years, it was so valuable."

Episode two — India 

Joanna returns to her birthplace, India, in search of a kitchen cupboard staple once known as "black gold". Starting in the ancient city of Hampi, she’s invited to a  Hindu festival by a local rock climber and later explores the lush backwaters of Kerala.

Joanna says, "India has got every spice under the sun, so we traveled to Kerala, Karnataka and Goa and concentrated on the story of ginger, black pepper and turmeric."

"In Goa, we tried extraordinary spice-flavored drinks, which were delicious. I even bought home bottles of this liquor called feni, which is pale and looks a bit like gin. It’s lovely, although it tastes better in India!" 

"We also visited a place in Karnataka called Hampi, which was once the second-largest city in the world. It has fabulous temples, arenas, palaces and colonnades, and is utterly stunning. I’d never heard of it before, and I was born in India!"

Episode three — Madagascar 

Joanna ventures to the African island of Madagascar. Travelling overland on the country’s notorious pot-holed roads, she discovers the secrets of the world’s second most expensive spice, vanilla. From the unique way it’s grown to how it’s dealt on the streets. She searches for gold with a gold-mining community and finds out how cacao is used to make some of the world’s best chocolate.

Joanna says, "Madagascar is, of course, known for vanilla, which incredibly we learned is pollinated by hand because the only bees that can pollinate vanilla orchids naturally are wild bees found in Mexico."

"Vanilla was originally taken to Madagascar by the Mexicans, and they also took a hive of Mexican bees out, too. But all the bees died and there was nothing to pollinate the vanilla orchids. So now the vanilla pods that we buy and put into our sugar or our milk to make custards is all pollinated by hand. And we wonder why it's so expensive!"

Episode four — Zanzibar and Jordan 

The last leg of Joanna Lumley’s journey takes her to Zanzibar, the spice island of Africa where merchants from around the world have left their mark on the architecture, religion and music.

"Zanzibar became the great trading station of the spice trade where everything was loaded up onto dhows [a type of sailing vessel] and ships and transported to Jordan, our final destination of the series, where they’d then be traded", says Joanna. 

"Zanzibar is a mythical place, filled with the darkest, saddest history of the slave dungeons where they kept people who’d been rounded up in Africa to be sold on to people who wanted slave labour. It was shocking to learn how widespread the slave trade was."

Joanna Lumley's Spice Trail Adventure begins on Wednesday 5 July on ITV1

EastEnders star Danielle Harold has teased that she's going on an "adventure" following her devastating soap exit.

Danielle, who plays Lola-Pearce Brown in EastEnders, is set to leave the soap in the coming weeks as her character will sadly pass away from a terminal brain tumour.

With her brain tumour progressing, the young mum has been getting weaker and is on palliative care.

However, Lola received the devastating news that her palliative chemotherapy hasn't had any beneficial effect and she now has just weeks to live.

But while Lola's final moments edge closer, actress Danielle has hinted at an upcoming "adventure" after leaving Albert Square.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, she wrote on an orange background: "Thank you all for your lovely messages the last few weeks and following Lola's story I won't have a phone for a couple of weeks so please don't think I'm being rude I'm going on a adventure 😏😏#standuptocancer."

Danielle previously opened up about Lola's heartbreaking death as she revealed that the final script was "the most beautiful episode of EastEnders I've ever read" after initially struggling to find the courage to look at Lola's tragic final moments.

Talking to The Sun on Sunday she said: "I didn’t want to read my final script. We pick them up from the script desk if we are in work and my final ones were sat there for ages!

"They kept asking me if I’d taken them yet, and I was like, ‘No, I don’t want to.' I left them there until I was ready. Then I had them at home for a few days — it took me a good two weeks before I was able to read them.

“I made myself a cup of tea, sat down in my living room and thought, ‘Right, just do it.’ I got to the second page and was in absolute bits."

She added: "It was the hardest thing to read but it's also the most beautiful episode of EastEnders I've ever read."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.

Jane's Animal Adventures is a kids TV series on Apple TV+ inspired by the world-renowned conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, new kids’ show Jane sees two friends and a chimpanzee head off on epic adventures to protect wild animals all over the globe. 

Starring Ava Louise Murchison as nine-year-old Jane Garcia, we see her team up with her best friends David (Mason Blomberg) and chimpanzee Greybeard to help creatures in need. 

Ava is inspired by her idol Dr Jane Goodall, who said: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.” 

Dr Jane Goodall herself is thrilled to be the inspiration behind the series. “I’m excited about this opportunity and relationship with Apple and (production company) Sinking Ship,” she says. “The program ‘Jane’ spreads a message of hope and reminds children that the environment is something that we all have to be concerned about while also inspiring them and their parents to make a difference.” 

Here’s everything you need to know about Jane's Animal Adventures on Apple TV Plus...

Jane's Animal Adventures release date

Jane's Animal Adventures is a 10-episode series that will launch worldwide on Apple TV+ from Friday April 14 2023. The show was previously just called Jane.

Is there a trailer for Jane's Animal Adventures? 

Yes a trailer for Jane's Animal Adventures has arrived from Apple TV+. The show looks both fun and informative. Take a look below...

Jane's Animal Adventures plot 

Jane follows nine-year-old Jane Garcia (Ava Louise Murchinson), a budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. She uses her imagination to take her friends — David (Mason Blomberg) and chimpanzee Greybeard — around the world to do what they can to help, because, according to her idol Dr Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.”

Jane's Animal Adventures cast — who's starring in the Apple TV Plus drama

Ava Louise Murchinson stars as young Jane Garcia. She’s previously starred as Tally Hubble in Prime Video thriller series Reacher and will be in the upcoming series Accused. 

Ava is joined by Mason Blomberg, who plays Jane's pal David. Mason has previously starred in Shameless, Furry Fortune, The Baxters, 9-1-1: Lone Star and lent his voice to Kid Chip in the movie Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Tamara Almeida (Secrets at the Inn), Dan Abramovici, Sam Marra and newcomer Jazz Allen also star. 

Guest stars include Emmy Award winner Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds), Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (The Mandalorian), Al Rodrigo (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish), Lucian-River Chauhan (Encounter), Samantha Walkes (Orphan: First Kill), Brian George (The Neighborhood) and  Academy Award nominee Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves). 

The series soundtrack for Jane's Animal Adventures on Apple TV+

Jane's Animal Adventures has an amazing soundtrack to listen out for with three-time Grammy Award nominated singer Leona Lewis performings the new original theme song One Step Close. The song is written by Diane Warren, a 14 time Academy Award nominated and Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner.

Diane Warren says: “When I was asked to write the song for Apple TV+’s new series based on Jane Goodall’s mission, I couldn't say yes fast enough. She is my hero. The work she has done has inspired so many including me, and now she has inspired my song, ‘One Step Closer.’ I am so excited to be a part of this! Leona Lewis was the perfect artist for this since along with being one of the best singers in pop music, she is also a fellow animal advocate warrior."

Leona Lewis adds: “As a fellow animal rights advocate, I jumped at the chance to perform the theme song for Apple TV+’s ‘Jane’s Animal Adventures,’ inspired by Dr. Goodall’s work. Dr. Goodall’s tireless mission to save our planet and the animals roaming in it has been a huge inspiration to me, and I’m so happy to be part of such a special show and message.  Diane Warren's ‘One Step Closer’ is a beautifully moving song about what we can do to change the world and it has been such a privilege to collaborate with her on this."

 All about Dr Jane Goodall 

British primatologist and anthropologist Dame Jane Goodall is regarded as the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees. She went to Tanzania in 1960 and witnessed human-like behaviours amongst the animals, so carried out a 60-year-old study on their social and family interactions. Jane discovered that chimpanzees could use tools and that they weren’t vegetarians. 

Jane later founded the Jane Goodall Institute to protect chimpanzees and their habitats and later its youth programme Roots & Shoots. She has worked extensively on conservation and animal welfare issues and also paved the way for women to work in conservation, which was previously a male-dominated field. She recently met up with Hilary and Chelsea Clinton for their Apple TV+ documentary Gutsy.

* More top shows on Apple TV Plus to enjoy or on their way soon...

• Masters Of The Air
• Platonic
• The Crowded Room
• Black Bird
• Foundation Season 1 and Foundation Season 2

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily on BBC1 sees Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice turning their backs on ballroom for a while to explore the sun-kissed island of Sicily.

In their brand new travel series Strictly pro Giovanni takes his friend and now Strictly judge Anton around his native island, checking out everything from the famous volcano of Mount Etna to tiny old towns off the beaten track. The lucky pair will also sample Sicily’s delicious cuisine and indulge in the odd tango or two.

 “To say this has been a dream project is an understatement! Taking Anton to my much-loved home of Sicily was simply Bellissima! We danced, we laughed, and had the time of our lives - with great culture, food and company. I cannot wait for viewers in the UK to come on this journey with us,’ says Giovanni.

"When I first heard about this trip it was pretty irresistible,” adds Anton du Beke. “What's not to love? It's all my favourite things, great food, great country and spending time in the sunshine with Giovanni. Marvellous." 

Here’s everything you need to know about Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily on BBC1…

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily release date

Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily is a three-part series will air on BBC1 from Tuesday March 21 at 9pm, running at the same time on subsequent Tuesdays. It will also appear as a box set from that date on BBCiPlayer. We'll update with any US or international release date if we hear.

Is there a trailer for Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily?

Yes the BBC has now released a trailer for Anton and Giovanni's Adventures In Sicily which show the laughs and fun the friends are having in the series. Take a look below...

What happens in Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily — locations, sights and episode guide

Prepare for sun, sea and plenty of surprises as Anton du Beke and Giovanni Pernice head to Sicily to see the best of the Mediterranean island. On their road trip they will take in the sights, enjoy the food and share lots of laughs along the way. We've loved watching Sicily as the setting for White Lotus season 2, and can't wait to find out more.

The pair will be exploring Syracuse, Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina and Gino's home city of Palermo where Gio will introduce his family to Anton. Along the way the pair will be joined in episode 2 by Giovanni's Strictly-winning partner and former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Episode 1
The pair take part in a taxi race through the streets of Sciacca, try their hands at octopus fishing, and even carry an enormous statue of the Madonna on their shoulders - and if you’ve ever wanted to hear Anton perform the rap from Wannabe by the Spice Girls, your time has finally come. Giovanni drives their car into a ditch at one point and in the coastal town of Catania we see where Giovanni first left home for to peruse his dancing dream... 

Episode 2
The second leg of their Sicilian holiday sees Strictly stars Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice heading to Taormina, a tourist town that Giovanni refers to as ‘the St Tropez of Sicily’ - and while the pair are enjoying a spot of traditional Sicilian music, they’re spotted by some Strictly fans who want to stop and chat! After attempting paddleboarding with little success, they head to Mount Etna, where Giovanni has arranged for them to go trekking with alpacas - but they struggle to make friends with their temperamental new travelling companions.
"I wouldn’t recommend trekking with alpacas,’ says Anton. ‘They’re very grumpy - we called ours Shirley and Craig!’
As they continue their journey up the active volcano, it’s Anton’s turn to spring a surprise on Giovanni. A helicopter appears on the horizon and comes in to land - and out steps Giovanni’s Strictly-winning partner from 2021, former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis! 
Rose then joins the boys on their adventures, as they take a helicopter around the volcano, enjoy some traditional Sicilian spa treatments, and embark on a high speed zipwire ride which leaves Giovanni trembling with terror…
"When you’re on Strictly, you form a very unique relationship with your partner that endures,’ says Anton. ‘So when Rose turned up, it was wonderful. She’s so funny, she’s got a really dry sense of humour, so I knew she’d tease him and he’d tease her, and I could laugh and enjoy it - sometimes we’d double up and both tease him!"

Episode 3
Anton and Giovanni reach the end of their Sicilian journey this week as they head for their final destination: the coastal city of Palermo, where Giovanni grew up. Along the way, the duo have a go at making pasta, spend the night in a monastery, stop for a round of golf, and Giovanni introduces Anton to his favourite Sicilian street foods…
"It was interesting to see Anton trying the food," says Giovanni. "I was so excited to show Anton what the stigghiola [grilled guts of lambs and calves] would be like, because it’s one of my favourite things - and he hated it! I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t finish mine!"
After Giovanni takes Anton to his childhood home to meet his family, their adventure concludes with a big party to celebrate Giovanni’s 32nd birthday. Giovanni’s former Strictly dance partner Rose Ayling-Ellis rejoins the pair, and Anton’s wife, Hannah, arrives with their children, George and Henrietta, as a surprise.
"That was one of the loveliest moments for me," says Anton. "Giovanni’s family and my family coming together at the party was a highlight of my life!"
Introducing Anton to my family was the cherry on the cake of the whole trip," agrees Giovanni. ‘My dad is the biggest fan of Anton Du Beke! Seeing a friend I admire and my dad getting together was absolutely beautiful. I’m quite an emotional person, and I shed tears of joy!"

Interviews: Anton and Giovanni reveal their experiences in Sicily

How did this show come about?
Anton says: "We were both on Strictly Come Dancing and then we started doing a theatre show on tour together. So it’s about the relationship between us."
Giovanni reveals: "Anton has always been the person to look up to for me. He looked after me when I first arrived in this country, and this was my time to say, ‘I’ll do it for you’!"

How was your time in Sicily?
Anton says: "Wonderful! I’ve been to Italy many times, but never to Sicily. The food’s amazing, the people are lovely, and the heat is extraordinary - we were filming in July and August!
Giovanni says: "It was one of those moments in my life when I felt so proud of myself, and so happy. It’s nice to be back and see friends I haven’t seen for 15 years – because I live in a different country, they don’t always know what’s happening with me!

What adventures did the two of you get up to?
Anton says: "Paddleboarding was a low. There’s an expression that people say about balance, ‘you’re a dancer, you’ll be fine’ - that doesn’t apply to paddleboarding."
Giovanni says: "When I see Anton out of his comfort zone, it makes me laugh. There’s a scene where we’re at the barber, and he’s having a face treatment - and I shaved his chest!" 

Were there any mishaps along the way?
Anton reveals: "We had a lovely car, and Giovanni said to me, ‘don’t drive too fast’ - suffice to say we got pulled over by the police!" 
Giovanni says: "With this kind of car, you’re very noticed, so people are looking at you straight away - and they stop you because they want to know who you are."

Which of you is the better traveller?
Anton says: "You travel very light."
Giovanni replies: "You travel very heavy! How many suits did you bring?"
Anton retorts: "One or two."
Giovanni laughs: "Exactly, 50 suits for three days. And the problem is, he makes everyone else carry it for him!"

More about Anton du Beke 

Ballroom dancer Anton du Beke was one of the professionals on Strictly Come Dancing from its very first show before becoming a judge on the show. He partnered celebrities such as Patsy Palmer, Judy Murray and Kate Garroway. Anton was also a team captain and later the host of the programme Hole in the Wall. He’s also presented Step Up to the Plate, This Morning and had a cameo on the soap Doctors. 

More about Giovanni Pernice 

Giovanni has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2015 and has partnered Georgia May Foote and Laura Whitmore amongst others. Last year he won the show with Rose Ayling-Ellis. He’s also appeared on Pointless Celebrities, Lorraine, Children and Need, Comedy Game Night and This Morning.  

On Bravo, the network is anchored by the Real Housewives and the Below Deck franchises. Given the increasing popularity of the latter yachting shows —  Below Deck, Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Down Under and Below Deck Sailing Yacht — it should come as no surprise that the brand new series Below Deck Adventure is set to sail. 

Unlike its predecessors, Below Deck Adventure takes place along the Norwegian Fjords and shows more of the activities that guests participate in during their vacation moments not on the yacht. However, between the conflicting personalities of the crew and the at times outlandish behavior of guests, the drama that unfolds throughout the season will distinctly be reminiscent of the Below Deck brand. 

Here’s everything we know about Below Deck Adventure season 1.

When is the next episode of Below Deck Adventure? 

The next episode of Below Deck Adventure premieres on Tuesday, January 31, at 9 pm ET/PT. Here is the synopsis for the episode titled "The Long Fjord-Bye":

"After Kerry calls out her intimidating behavior, Jess makes a decision on whether or not to leave the Mercury. Faye faces her toughest test yet when she has to model the primary's dress at a photo shoot. Seth confronts Kasie."

What is Below Deck Adventure about? 

Here’s the official Bravo synopsis of Below Deck Adventure:

"Bravo takes viewers beyond the deck and off the yacht in the latest iteration of the Emmy Award-nominated franchise as passengers paraglide, explore caves and take extreme helicopter rides along the Norwegian Fjords. The series features thrill-seeking charter guests looking to push their limits for an unforgettable experience along the picturesque landscapes rich in Vikings history.

"This season on Below Deck Adventure, Capt. Kerry Titheradge, a skilled captain with decades of experience in waters all over the world, keeps the crew of motor yacht Mercury in line as they cruise through the dangerously narrow yet breathtaking fjords. He tasks his team to curate the ultimate experience for their guests with excursions as they explore the Valdall Caves and paraglide in Andalsnes — all within the unpredictable cold waters of Norway. 

"Chef Jess Condy is a wanderlust who demands excellence; Chief Stew Faye Clarke left her high-power job in the business world to pursue yachting; Stews Oriana Schneps and Kasie Faddah, who arrive with some rocky history having previously worked together, vie for the position of second stewardess. Bosun Lewis Lupton and deckhands Nathan Morely, Michael Gilman and Kyle Dickard come together in this frigid-water region as some situations get heated when expectations aren't met and interpersonal conflicts come to a head while striving to please their guests. The yachties hit their fair share of stormy seas and come together to give the charter guests an experience of a lifetime."

Below Deck Adventure season 1 cast

Take a look at the cast navigating the waters on the Mercury in the Below Deck Adventure season 1. 

Below Deck Adventure season 1 trailer

Take a look at the trailer. There’s a certain Real Housewife who is on board for the show’s inaugural season.  

How to watch Below Deck Adventure season 1

Below Deck Adventure airs live on Bravo in the US. For those that have cut the cord to traditional cable/satellite television, Bravo is available on live TV streaming services such as Fubo TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. 

Additionally, Peacock provides next-day streaming of each episode for premium subscribers.

UK would-be viewers can watch episodes on Hayu. 

The new Below Deck spinoff, Below Deck Adventure, takes guests on thrilling adventures in Norway. It's a new destination, a new crew and a new boat for Bravo fans to love. Unfortunately, not everything new is exactly welcome. Deckhand Kyle is already causing waves with fans.

Between his disrespectful attitude and belief that he knows more about boats than anyone else, it's hard to find a reason to like the guy… so it's not surprising that fans don't like him. Not one bit. 

Let’s look at why fans are so upset about Below Deck Adventure’s Kyle.  

Who is Below Deck Adventure's Kyle?

Kyle was born and raised in Texas. He's referenced his childhood several times and made it clear that he grew up poor and worked hard to escape poverty. Being able to travel the world while working on boats is the perfect way to make his dreams come true. He's been working on boats for over five years, so he knows what he's doing. 

Guests love his southern charm, but has also has a tendency to appear arrogant and rude; never a good combination.

How did Below Deck Adventure’s Kyle upset fans?

It seems like every reality show has that one person who likes to rock the boat. When it comes to Below Deck Adventure — a show that takes place on a literal boat — when someone starts making waves, the whole boat feels it. 

Kyle established his reputation from the moment he walked onto the boat. What reputation is that, you might ask? Kyle is that guy. The moment he got on board he loudly proclaimed that he's the "cowboy" and he has no problem telling people what he thinks. He also likes to break wind and burp when it pleases him. 

He has no issue telling his bosun and fellow deckhands how they should do things. "You're taking me on the tender, b***h," he says to his bosun, Lewis, when they learn that the interior is down a stew and will need extra help preparing for the guest's arrival. Kyle warns that Lewis had better sleep with one eye open if he doesn't.

Bosun Lewis, who has a non confrontational management style that is being put to the test this season, wanted to think it was a joke, but even he wasn't sure. 

Kyle also disregarded Captain Kerry's order and pulled his fender early, placing it right in front of the bridge and obscuring Kerry's view as they left the harbor. 

To add insult to injury, know-it-all Kyle didn't want to listen to Nathan explain how the captain expected him to complete a night shift, pushing Nathan to go as fast as he could through the instructions. He was rude and hostile toward Nathan, who had been told in no uncertain terms by Kerry that he had to explain everything to the person taking over for him no matter what. 

When the guests went out onto the water, Kyle didn't tell them about life preservers so Nathan tried to call them back, with Kyle then complaining to Lewis about Nathan overstepping. Lewis spoke with Nathan without offering any correction to Kyle, who instead reminded Lewis that he's a certified lifeguard (forget about the freezing water or the rule that everyone wears a life vest, of course) and instead showed off by eating a jellyfish he'd scooped up from the water. 

Then, during a cave excursion with the guests, he amped up his flirting with Kasie and even kissed her cheek without her consent as the guests egged him on. Later, the incident got back to Captain Kerry, who called Kasie to the bridge to find out what happened. Kerry was not happy that one of his crew had been put into that situation, especially not one of the female crew members, and vowed to put a stop to it, much to Kasie's relief. 

That was just the first two episodes.

Based on upcoming previews, things are only going to get worse for Kyle, who might be the lights-out drinker of the crew, which never bodes well. 

Below Deck Adventure fans react to Kyle being Kyle

Kyle’s blatant rudeness and disrespect had fans fuming. The way he talks to Nathan, Lewis and Kasie is unacceptable, and fans were quick to call him out.  

Below Deck Adventures airs Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT on Bravo.  New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock. 

There’s a new Below Deck spinoff in the Bravoverse and fans were quick to hop on board. Below Deck Adventure follows the crew of the Mercury, based in the icy waters of Norway. With breathtaking views and frigid water, this show is unlike anything we’ve seen yet and fans were quick to get into the swing of the new show. 

As with all Bravo series, and particularly with the Below Deck franchise, the first thing everyone on social media was talking about was the crew of the Mercury. Aussie Captain Kerry Titheradge has a lot of experience and high expectations for his crew, but he’s also very fair and willing to help. 

Chief Stew Faye Clarke is proud of her southeast London roots and loves her big hair and makeup. She’s experienced and determined to run a tight interior, but she might have a challenge from her stews, Kasie Fadah and Oriana Schnepps. It just so happens that Oriana was chief stew on the first boat Kasie worked on, and Kasie didn’t like her boss at all. Oriana, who spent most of the first charter in bed after eating some bad chicken, looks like she’s going to give Faye a run for her money because she has her own ideas about how to do things. 

Chef Jess Condy is a galley yoga enthusiast (she did handstands in the galley ahead of the first charter) and a big proponent of wanderlust on her social media. She’s immensely talented, but the Mercury’s odd configuration (with an ill-conceived pantry located high above the staircase) will pose some challenges. Also, Faye’s lack of communication during the first dinner service had Jess frustrated, so hopefully they can iron things out. 

The exterior team is managed by bosun Lewis Lupton, who just wants everyone to get along. He’s easygoing and hardworking, but he’s going to have his hands full from his team. 

Cowboy enthusiast Kyle Dickard is a pompous jerk who thinks he knows everything, and he’ll let you know. Michael Gilman graduated from the Maritime Academy and served on commercial ships so he’s not entirely green, but he’s never worked on a yacht before. And it was impossible not to fall in love with kind and gentle Nathan Morley, an experienced deckie who hails from the Bahamas and sends his money home to care for his seven sisters. 

The cold climate in Norway makes it so that guests can’t swim, so Below Deck Adventure is all about onboard experiences and going ashore for exciting adventures. There’s also the matter of very long days to contend with — the sun rises around 5 am and sets after 10 pm, adding to the challenges of keeping guests happy and occupied. 

Speaking of guests, the season’s first charter guests were celebrating their 40th birthdays in style, which meant lots and lots (and lots and lots) of alcohol. The strange thing was seeing Faye and Kasie sampling the liquor — a great deal of the liquor — as they came up with colorful concoctions to keep the guests happy.

Below Deck Adventure offers something new and unique to the Below Deck universe, which also includes Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht and Below Deck Down Under, but it’s not without many of the same challenges that other shows face. 

There’s no question that Kyle’s days on the boat are numbered. He’s too much of a bully and a jerk to last long under Captain Kerry’s regime. As for the interior, well, tension between Faye and Jess could turn into something more, or Faye might be caught up with lots of stew drama.

Fans had lots of thoughts about Below Deck Adventure. Here’s what they were saying:

Below Deck Adventure airs Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT on Bravo. 

Mammals, Prime Video’s romantic comedy starring James Corden, takes a stark but wry look at long-term relationships.

The six-parter, which is available to stream in full from Friday, November 11, is penned by acclaimed playwright Jez Butterworth and sees James play successful chef Jamie, who is opening his first restaurant and expecting a baby with French wife Amandine (Tyrant’s Melia Kreiling). But, after they undergo a harrowing ordeal, Jamie makes a terrible discovery that leaves him wondering whether he knows his wife at all…

With the help of best friend Jeff (Merlin and The Fall's Colin Morgan), who is married to Jamie’s troubled sister Lue (Paddington’s and The Lost King's Sally Hawkins), Jamie embarks on a mission to get to the truth, but there are more uncomfortable revelations in store.

What To Watch caught up with The Late Late Show and Gavin & Stacey star James Corden to get the lowdown on Prime Video comedy Mammals…

Mammals sounds intriguing, what appealed to you? 

“When I read it, I was about four pages in thinking, ‘OK, I know what this is.’ And then five pages later I was going, ‘No, it's this.’ Then, about 10 pages after that I thought, ‘OK, I've no idea what this is or where it's going, but I can’t wait to do it. I am in!’” 

How do you see Jamie?

“He loves Amandine and he's a nice guy. But his whole world changes about four minutes into the show, the rug is ripped from under him and then that's it for the rest of the series. It just keeps doing that to him, to the viewer and to every character in it.“

What do you think the show says about relationships?

“The show's called Mammals and if somebody was observing us as a species, alongside lions and tigers and bears, they'd be like, ‘These ones over here, they make some interesting choices!’ Human behaviour is fascinating.” 

How hard was it to film the emotional scenes?

“I don't think I ever read them without my eyes filling with tears. I really enjoyed going to those places. In every episode, Jez has threaded this needle so you care about all of the characters.”

And what was it like playing a chef?

“I loved working with this brilliant chef who ran the restaurant we were filming in. He said, ‘There's nothing you can say that's too insulting to anyone here. Being politically correct hasn’t reached the kitchens yet.’ I found that extraordinary and just tried my best not to go full Gordon Ramsay!”

You’ve decided to leave The Late Late Show next year, were you keen to do more acting?

“Well, Mammals made me think, ‘Maybe there's another adventure out there.’ You want to keep surprising people. I've always known as soon as I took that job on The Late Late Show, that I wasn't going to be there forever. But I didn't think it would be my choice to leave! It’s the right thing to end it but I love The Late Late Show, I'm so proud of it.”

Mammals airs on Prime Video from Friday, November 11.

The Woman King, an action-epic set in the 1800s, brings the complicated history of the West African kingdom of Dahomey and its all-female army known as the Agojie, to rousing life. 

Opening with a propulsive battle sequence that immediately grounds its story in time and place, director Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard, The Secret Life of Bees), introduces the Agojie with fire and commanding presence. If you’ve ever wondered about the inspiration for Black Panther’s Dora Milaje, you won’t after witnessing the fierce majesty of the Agojie.

Starring Viola Davis as General Nanisca, the leader of the Agojie, The Woman King offers a layered narrative. One is of Nanisca's drive to serve her king, protect her people and hold fast to the sisterhood she’s sacrificed and suffered for. Then there is the young King Ghezo (played with riveting charisma by John Boyega) struggling with his kingdom’s involvement in slave trade and a driving need to see his people safe and thriving. Another centers on a rebellious teenage girl, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), offered to the king as a "gift" to join the ranks of the Agojie. 

The storylines (and other nuanced story points) come together as the Dahomey find themselves on a collision course with the neighboring Oyo Empire, intent on raiding its settlements of people and other riches. Thankfully, script writers Prince-Bythewood and Dana Stenven turn away from the "David meets Goliath" framing typical of Hollywood approach to African stories. Instead they offer a visually luxuriant story full of heart, humor and vicious battle sequences that pull these women and the kingdom of Dahomey in sharp focus. 

The Woman King tackles the complicated history of slavery and Africa by letting the truth drive the plot. There’s no whataboutism here. This is not a victim narrative. The fact that the kingdom of Dahomey, like others on the Continent, participated in the international chattel slave trade is front and center. By serving that information up with honesty while also juxtaposing with a storyline rooted in its dangerously contentious relationship with the Oyo Empire, the movie builds in messaging that steers it firmly away from the sly equivocation of many revisionist takes like Gladiator, 300 or Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.

There’s a creeping sense of impending doom entwined with every joyful display of vibrant life in the kingdom of Dahomey. From the most inconsequential encounter to its kinetic action and moments of sheer brutality, this cast works in perfect concert. It’s impossible to pinpoint any moment that eclipses another because everyone is serving. Davis and Boyega are surrounded by immensely talented women all elevating one another. If you walk out of The Woman King and aren’t ready to campaign for the SAG Best Ensemble trophy, expect to get heavy side-eye. 

The Agojie are a tight-knit group of women united in purpose and living situation. Top soldiers in the Royal guard like Izogie (Lashana Lynch) and Amenza (Shiela Atim) live alongside their fellow warriors and new recruits. When each woman pledges herself into the King’s service, each takes an oath of celibacy and to remain child-free. The training is brutal, unrelenting and requires sacrifice. 

Nawi enters into this environment intent on proving herself worthy of being in their ranks. Through her part of the story the audience experiences life within the castle gates. It’s a savvy move that offers fertile ground for both harrowing and humorous moments among the women. The varied demonstrations of sisterhood and their fierce commitment to one another and Dahomey is almost an embarrassment of riches that threatens to become unwieldy. 

But under Prince-Bythewood’s near flawless direction and savvy use of shifting perspectives this fully-loaded narrative hardly ever derails. She’s ably aided in that endeavor by a score (Terence Blanchard) that works hand-in-glove with the storyline, never permitting that driving tension to drown any of the other emotional flavors key to carrying the individual moments. The score’s such a vital component to the story pacing it almost saves it from a muddy sense time passing and each character’s forward progression. 

That oversight might make some audience members’ mileage vary when it comes to the dual narratives. When the storylines merge for the final act, Prince-Bythewood’s commitment to integrating various manifestations of love struggle with one another. But the main storyline works so well it's less a weakness and more indicative of choppy editing. Thankfully, the captivating chemistry between the players and the absolute dedication to taking risks constantly makes up for it. You’ll be hard pressed to walk away feeling less than victorious. 

The Woman King engagingly blends fiction and historical fact into a thematically rich deeply nuanced story of coming-of-age, finding your center, then choosing how you’ll stand your ground. The subject matter is complicated, but much to its credit, The Woman King never attempts to make it less so. Before all is said and done, the film subtly delivers the message that without truth there will be no reconciliation, ever. 

Throw out everything you think a period film’s supposed to be. Gina Prince-Bythewood’s changing the game for Hollywood action and Black-led dramas. Never accept anything less again. 

The Woman King is now playing in US movie theaters; premieres in the UK on October 7. Here's how to watch The Woman King.

For Griff’s Canadian Adventure, the veteran Welsh comedian Griff Rhys Jones goes on an epic journey for Channel 4 across the vast commonwealth country of differing landscapes and cultures.  As he explores Canada over six episodes, and takes in its cultures and traditions, he also tries to de-mystify and debunk Canadian cliches, plus he looks on in awe at its beautiful wilderness, enjoying some encounters with beavers and polar bears.

As well as packing his snowshoes, Griff will be heading across Canada by seaplane, train, cargo boat, dogsled and monster truck in search of the "true soul" of the country. In each episode, Griff sets himself a challenge that forms the spine of his journey. Typically, the challenges are quirky and reflect the spirit of the region of Canada he is visiting.

So here's everything you need to know about Griff’s Canadian Adventure on Channel 4 including an episode guide and interview with Griff himself...

Griff’s Canadian Adventure release date

Griff’s Canadian Adventure is a six-part series coming to Channel 4 on Saturday August 13 at 9pm. All episodes will also become available on All 4.

Is there a trailer for Griff’s Canadian Adventure?

Yes there's a trailer for Griff’s Canadian Adventure. You'll even see him speak French at the start of it! Do take a look at what Griff gets up to in the trailer below...

Griff’s Canadian Adventure — destinations and episode guide

Here's our guide to the six episodes in 

EPISODE 1 NEWFOUNDLAND — BIGNESS
British comedian and travel enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones begins his journey across Canada, exploring Newfoundland and Labrador in the East and uncovering what makes Canada distinctly unique and decidedly "big". 

EPISODE 2: QUEBEC — FRENCHNESS
It's off to Quebec to uncover just how "French" Canada really is. From Montreal to Quebec City, Griff will reveal how its history has helped shaped the multicultural Canada of today. He'll be speaking French too! 

EPISODE 3: ONTARIO — NICENESS
He begins his exploration of Ontario at Niagara Falls, which is on the US border, to uncover what it is that makes Canadians such a nice bunch of people.   

EPISODE 4: MANITOBA - COLDNESS 
Things get chilly and decidedly dangerous for Griff as he explores the frozen wilds of Manitoba, North Canada, and visits a town that sometimes has more polar bears than people. 

EPISODE 5: SASAKATCHEWON/ALBERTA — RICHNESS / EMPTINESS 
The prairies and vast sprawling plains of both Saskatchewan and Alberta provinces are visited by Griff, who discovers they reveal riches from fossils to farmland. 

EPISODE 6: BRITISH COLUMBIA — HAPPINESS
Griff finishes his journey across Canada in the popular, lifestyle province of British Columbia in the Pacific Northwest and discovers what it is about this place that makes people so happy. He takes a lovely flight around Vancouver.

Interview: Griff Rhys Jones on what happens to him Griff's Canadian Adventure

Griff, episode one starts with you floating in the freezing Atlantic. How did they persuade you to do that?
"I always say we should have something arresting to start the series, like me jumping out of a boat for the Australian one, so it is genuinely my own fault! My intention was that I'd be in the middle of a storm and rescued by helicopter, but unfortunately the budget wouldn’t run to that. And I had to wear a dry suit, because otherwise I’d have been dead in 30 seconds!"

What other scary activities do you try out?
"In British Columbia, they took me abseiling, which I’ve done before. But the mountaineer hadn’t told me that, to get to the place we were abseiling down from, there was a traverse across a sheer cliff! When I was in New Zealand three years ago, they persuaded me to do a bungee jump off the Kawarau suspension bridge, and I have never been so scared in my life. I thought: ‘is this actually what I should be doing at the age of 65?!"

How did you enjoy trying out as an ice hockey keeper?
"That was terrifying! The players were sent one by one to whizz down the rink and bang a puck in my general direction at about 150mph! As the goalie, it’s just your body between this rubber bullet and the goal! And you're wearing this sort of suit of armour that’s really uncomfortable. I don't know how they do it!"

Do you think twice about any of these hair-raising stunts?
"Once the camera is running, you feel: ‘I ought to do this’, but there are times when you think :‘Why am I doing this?’ And I tend to vocalise that!"  

Where did you go to look for polar bears?
"We went to this little outpost called Churchill where, every year, polar bears go through the town as they move from the tundra to the ice in search of food. We arrived on Halloween, when the kids were trick or treating, and the fire service, police and local volunteers had formed a  cordon, armed with guns, to look out for polar bears!" 

How close did you get to the polar bears?
"We were in a tundra buggy with an armed guard, and we encountered a mum and a teenager, who came to investigate us."

How dangerous are the polar bears?
"A fireman told me he’d been six inches from a polar bear when he was out jogging. And we were served by a girl in a cafe who said: ‘I came round a dark corner on the way home from work, and I was attacked by a polar bear and nearly scalped.’"

What are the facts and the fiction about Canadians?
"I thought the fact that they don’t want to be mistaken for Americans was a myth, but it’s true. And there’s this myth that Canadians are the nicest people in the world, and in fact they were unbelievably sweet, pleasant and charming." 

What surprised you about Canada?
"There are more Ukrainian dance teams in the midwest of Canada than in Ukraine! Also they are very proud of their chocolate, but it actually turns out to be Cadbury's. And when you say ‘this is British’ they're not  impressed!"

Didn't you encounter a lot of Canadians during your gap year?
"Yes! I ran the disco on a cruise ship that had 600 Canadian schoolgirls on board! I don’t know if you’ve ever seen that reality show Below Deck, but like the crew on that, we were not supposed to fraternise with the passengers!" 

No holiday romance then?
"I did fall in love, and I started writing letters to about 20 Canadian girlfriends! I did think, while making this series: ‘what if I met up again with these elderly matrons who were my former girlfriends?’ That would make interesting TV!" 

Did you bring back any souvenirs?
"One thing I did buy, because I thought I looked so good in it, was a white Calgary hat. It's gone straight in that cupboard which is full of things that you like enormously when you try them on, and then you never wear again! And I brought my four-year-old grand-daughter back an ice hockey shirt."

Where does your love of travel come from?
"When I was a kid we didn’t go abroad – we went to West Mersea in Essex for our holidays. And then when I was working for the BBC for 20-odd years I didn’t get abroad much. It all started when I went to Sudan for Comic Relief. 

Is this your dream job?
"People say: ‘What is it with all these celebrities taking holidays on TV?!’ But I have to say it's actually quite hard work, as you’re often starting filming at five in the morning, and finishing at midnight! So yes, it is a dream job, but also a tough one." 

* Best Channel 4 documentaries
* Best Channel 5 documentaries on My 5
* Best BBC documentaries 

In Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie, comedian Alan Carr reveals a surprising secret — he's obsessed with Agatha Christie and has read all of her books.

Although he's already a superfan whose love of Agatha's books began when he was 12, Alan's curious to find out more about the woman behind the bestsellers, and in this three-part documentary, he'll be visiting some of the stunning landscapes that inspired her books, meeting her descendants, and even popping backstage at her record-breaking West End play, The Mousetrap.

Here's everything you need to know about the new series - including an interview with Alan himself...

Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie release date

Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie launches on Sunday, August 14 at 9pm on More4.

Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie — what locations does he visit?

Over the course of the series, Alan will be visiting all sorts of places that were meaningful to Agatha Christie, many of them in and around Devon. He'll be visiting London's West End to go backstage at The Mousetrap and find out the secrets of the world's longest-running play (but don't worry, he won't be revealing whodunnit), as well as heading to Greenway House, Agatha's Devon holiday home for over 30 years which features in her book Dead Man's Folly, and having a look through some of her personal photo albums.

Alan will also be taking a trip to Burgh Island, a tidal island in South Devon, where Agatha wrote two of her most famous novels: And Then There Were None and Evil Under The Sun. He even gets a chance to see the actual rooms that Agatha stayed in — but will he too be visited by the muse when he sits down at the typewriter?

Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie — who are the guests?

During his travels, Alan will be meeting some high-profile Agatha Christie fans to discuss why they love her work. He visits Reverend Richard Coles for a spot of tea to discuss the art of crime fiction — something that Richard has recently turned his hand to — while Susie Blake will be telling Alan about her experience of playing Miss Marple on stage, and Judge Rinder joins Alan to watch a performance of The Witness For The Prosecution.

Alan also meets James Prichard, Agatha's great-grandson, who shares a few family secrets with him...

Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie — Alan Carr interview

When did you first discover Agatha Christie's books?

"It was a rainy caravan holiday in Devon, and we couldn't go on the beach, we couldn't do anything, so I went to the campsite shop which had a revolving thing with all the books on, and I bought The Murder At The Vicarage — and as soon as I read it, I was hooked! I ended up reading all of them, and on a Saturday morning when we'd go into town, I was always pleading with my Dad, 'please can I have another Agatha Christie?'. I'll always be thankful to Agatha Christie because she started off my love of reading."

You visit some stunning locations in the show — was that a lot of fun?

"Well, the Devon tourist board must be over the moon because we had glorious sunshine, and we went to the best places ever! It was a perfect job — I love a cream tea and mincing around a stately home. Burgh Island was Art Deco heaven, to think she wrote two of her books there. It seems like a cliché when you say, 'I'm walking in Agatha Christie's footsteps' — but I genuinely was! It was just amazing, to be there at that table, looking out at the view where she wrote Evil Under The Sun."

What were you most surprised to find out about Agatha?

"That she had so much vim, and get-up-and-go — we're used to that black-and-white photo of her on the back of the books, where she looks older and quite stern, doesn't she? But as a young woman she went surfing and rollerskating, she went to Egypt, Syria and Iraq. I'm totally new to doing documentaries and it was a bit of a learning curve for me, so we get 'Agatha Christie loved wild swimming, so I put on my wetsuit and went wild swimming!' I was like, 'well, I can see it in a photo, why do I need to go wild swimming? Why can't I just watch it from the beach?'"

What's your favourite Agatha Christie book, and why?

"I think it's The ABC Murders, where a serial killer is killing people whose names begin with A in a town beginning with A, then he goes on to B and works his way through the alphabet. It's quite macabre and vindictive — it's quite a modern murder as well, you could imagine it being on Netflix or something. That's one of my bugbears about Agatha Christie, where people go, 'oh, she's so cosy and she's all twee', but actually some of the ways people are murdered are so grim!"

What do you think is the secret of Agatha's enduring appeal?

"I think we all love a mystery, and it's the nostalgia of time gone by — it's just like getting in a warm bath. I always pop an Agatha Christie in my bag when I'm traveling, it's like taking a friend with you. I know who the killer is, because I've read it before, but I just like them!"

Is there a trailer for Alan Carr's Adventures With Agatha Christie? 

Not yet, but if one is released we will add it to this guide. 

Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman sees the comedian and travel presenter immersing herself into the multi-million pound antiques industry, learning everything there is to know about the wonderful world of collectables. Over five episodes she will learn how to separate trash from treasure, spot the antiques of the future and make some much-needed cash for charity. 

For a week Susan will be based at Hemswell in Lincolnshire – Europe’s biggest antiques centre – helping the nation buy, sell and restore their prized possessions and make some money in the high-stakes charity auction.

“I’m ready to blow the dust off some antiques and have a big adventure with the help of some new friends,” says Susan. “I may not be an expert but I’m enthusiastic with a lot to learn and I can’t wait for my crash course into the world of collectables. If nothing else we’ll have a lot of fun!”

So here's everything you need to know about Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman on Channel 5...

Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman release date 

Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman will air on Channel 5, from Monday May 30 to Friday June 3 2022, at 7pm each night. It will also become available on My5. We will update if there's a US or international release date.

Is there a trailer for Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman? 

Nothing has yet been released by Channel 5 for Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman but if one drops we’ll post it on this page.

Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman — how it works

In Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman, Susan will team up with antiques experts Natasha Raskin Sharp, Paul Martin and Danny Sebastian who will teach her how to make money out of collectibles. They will look at the antiques of the future, from trainers to VHS cassettes, and look through the hidden stashes of those who think they are sitting on a fortune. Susan will learn how to spot fakes and forgeries and then take to the rostrum at her own live charity auction – where members of the public can bid for some of the handpicked and restored antiques that have been featured in the series. Some of the treasures will have been chosen by Susan herself as she puts her newfound knowledge to the test. We will also see members of the public bringing in their cherished antiques to the daily Dealer’s Den for a valuation. 

Susan Calman on starring in Big Antique Adventure

Were you already an antiques fan before the show?
Susan says: "I think the reason I was asked to do it is because I am like most people – I love a Sunday in an antiques place, I have got bits and pieces in my house that I like but I don’t know if it’s worth anything. I am very interested and I love watching antiques shows but I am also slightly intimidated by the whole world. I am the every person who should be watching!"

You say some items remind you of personal stories. Is that a big attraction of antiques?
"Sometimes you remember things from your childhood or I remember my granny’s flat in Knightswood and what she would have in it. I have got her old Fred, the Homepride flour guy with the bowler hat, and then you see one and it reminds you. That is why I am very different from the experts in that it is not my business, it’s not my living and I will always be emotionally drawn to things. A lot of the time you are buying things to remind you of something that you have lost or that you remember from your childhood. It is a lovely thing and it is why antiques give you a warm feeling. It’s not about the money, it’s about the warm feeling that you get from them."

You mention that you’re into model trains and memorabilia - do you have a collection?
"I have a number of signed film star photographs and I bought Marlene Dietrich’s cufflinks from her grandson. My granny loved Hollywood films so I love them. I have got a Doctor Who collection and I like anything to do with film and TV, that is really my absolute main thing. I am an absolute sucker for anything that has been on any film or television set in the slightest! I have got a Dalek and it just sits in my dining room. It is huge. People think I am insane but I love it. I sit and have lunch every day next to a Dalek and that is a beautiful thing. The other thing is I love art deco stuff. In Glasgow, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a huge influence architecturally, so I have grown up loving art deco." 

Does it all take up a lot of space?
"People come round and go, ‘Why have you got all of this stuff?’ I don’t have any children, so I don’t have to give over a room to a child. I have got an entire room with video games in it because I can and it is a wonderful thing. It is something that both my wife and I are very interested in and what else am I going to do with that bedroom? I’ve got six cats, no one ever wants to stay, so instead I have just got a room full of video game consoles. I am 47, living out the dreams I always had as a teenager. My teenage self would be thinking, ‘You’ve done very well for yourself, Susan!’"

There’s a great section in each episode on ‘antiques of the future’. Did you enjoy that?
"It was so exciting. I am a massive gamer so that was weird, thinking Goldeneye, which I think is the greatest game of all time, can be worth money now. I found that interesting because it was something I knew about. The idea that something which I have in my cupboard might be worth some money was amazing. If you have got a video recorder that is worth money because people want them! I thought that was really fascinating, that things we took for granted are things that people are desperate for now."

Why do you think antiques shows are so popular at the moment?
"There’s a few aspects to it. I think there is a real social history aspect to antiques. Paul Martin, when he was valuing things in the Dealer’s Den, he was often saying to people, ‘Where did it come from?’ You sometimes find these gems that are little artefacts of someone’s life, so that is one thing. The other thing is with the upcycling that Danny does is there is a real thing about making more of what we have instead of making new things. I’ve got a toaster I am determined to put in my garden and make something of it instead of sending it to landfill! Then I think there is the very basic thing of people looking at these antique shows and thinking, ‘My goodness, what if I find the painting that is worth £50,000?’"

It’s a really fresh approach for an antiques show. What’s different about this one?
"We have a huge amount of fun in it! I don’t think antiques shows are stuffy in the slightest, but I am hoping that it is a fresh new take on it. Honestly, I laughed more filming this show than I have in any other, which was entirely unexpected given that it was an antiques show. My expectations were blown out of the water in terms of what it would be like because I just loved it and I had such a good time. Making antiques fun is what we are trying to do."

It’s like several different shows in one. Do you think it’s got a bit of everything? "There is no shame in saying that we are doing quite a lot of things in the one show, so all the things that you love about other shows will be in this show. If you’re not keen on the valuations then Danny will be doing some upcycling. We are packaging up the things that people are really interested in, taking things you might have seen before but changing it."

The experts seem like great fun. Did you enjoy working with them on the series? 
"We met on Sunday night and started filming on Monday, but we all stayed in this beautiful big country house hotel across the road from Hemswell Antiques Centre. We filmed it in order, so from Monday to Friday it was filmed in real time as we got to know each other and had more fun and that was a lovely thing. From that first meeting on camera to the end is how our relationships developed and I loved it. We all stayed in the same hotel, so we had breakfast together and dinner together and a drink in the evening, so it was lovely."

Other than the auction, did you buy anything just for yourself?
"Yes! Basically, I had to stop myself spending all of my money! They gave me a present, a tray with a Yorkshire terrier on it that fell in love with. And I bought one of the directors a couple of little dogs for Christmas and Natasha spotted two brass hat and coat racks and I have got them as well." 

The final auction is all for charity, isn’t it?
"It is for Cats Protection which is a charity that I have a few cats from and support them. My cats are Pickle, Daisy Fay Harper, Dr Abigail Bartlett, Olivia Pope, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Velma Dinkley. There are three from Cats Protection, we’ve got one from Cat Flap and another from SSPCA so they’re all rescue cats."

The final auction was really exciting to watch. What was it like to be in charge?
"I felt physically sick the entire day, I really did. Yes, I stand up on stage and I do bits and pieces but this was entirely different. And it was a virtual auction and there are computer screens in front of you and you don’t know what is happening and then I got all emotional as I always do because someone has bought a brooch and it was for Cats Protection because it was for charity. I think it is fair to say that my smartwatch was registering a high heart level for that entire period of time. So it was an adrenalin rush, it was very emotional, but honestly, it was one of the most stressful things I have ever done."

Do any of the skills you need to be a stand-up comedian help you as an auctioneer? 
"I forgot everything! My plan was to stand there and be absolutely super-professional, then you just get entirely lost in what’s happening. It doesn’t matter how many Antiques Road Trips or Homes Under The Hammer you watch to see other auctioneers doing it, it is like being in a vortex. I lost all sense of where I was or what I was doing. I got a bit carried away."

Was it harder to become a dancer on Strictly than become an auctioneer on this show?No! I will do a quickstep for you any time rather than what I did there. The point is when you’re dancing you learn it and you do it. Muscle memory kicks in and you know exactly what is about to happen. Kevin and I practiced every single day for nine hours a day and at that point, for a minute and a half, you’re OK. In a contained situation it’s fine. So I will dance any time rather than do what the auctioneer was doing because it was just so difficult. The problem is there is an interaction with the public. You don’t know what is going to happen. I didn’t know do you beg? Do you quietly ask? How does one perform? I don’t know what to do! I am too emotional for these things. I think you have to be quite level-headed. I offered to dance for people. I mean, for goodness sakes!

What did you learn from the show and will you do it differently next time?
"I think what I learned was that there is so much to learn. This was five days with those wonderful experts and I barely scratched the surface. At the end I wrote a list of questions I didn’t even get a chance to ask them and it is pages long. It is a completely different world and it is such a huge world. Antiques can be something from the 1500s to the 2010s. In what other world is there such a spread of things to talk about? I think the best TV shows come from a genuine interest and I could just listen to those three people talk forever. So for me, it is just about carrying on what we’re doing but exploring even more of the world."

You seemed quite nervous about haggling. How did you overcome your nerves? "I don’t like it! I struggle. Natasha was the reason I was good at it because that woman is so confident and calm and wonderful, it was like having a Jedi master beside me. I think I need another couple of series before I can genuinely do it on my own, but what she said to me was, ‘It’s not rude, it’s expected’. I was concerned that I was being rude to someone whose business it was, and she said, ‘It’s fine’. So I think when she gave me the go-ahead, I felt a little bit better about it. Don’t expect to get 50 per cent off, but you might be able to get something else off it. I have got a ¾ size TARDIS in my hall and when I bought it the guy said he would deliver it for free, so there are other things "

Is there anything you’d change for a future series?
"For me, it is just about carrying on what we’re doing but exploring even more of the world. I think there is scope to do a number of different things. I could easily see this going to a village hall in the Cotswolds and then to Perthshire, because there are so many different stories around the country and you will find different antiques in different places. We were already planning a Halloween special from Transylvania. We could go over to Transylvania and see what is over there. I could see that happening very easily!"

Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman episode guide 

Here's a full episode guide for Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman...

EPISODE 1: Monday May 30
Susan Calman is on an antiques mission - to help the nation flog their family treasures and hack the secrets of the notoriously tricky world of collectibles, relics and heirlooms. Susan will become a Dealer’s Apprentices, as she learns how to spot potentially priceless items straight off the shelf and how to turn them into cold, hard cash; one owner gets a shocking valuation for his antique perfume bottle and Susan’s team discover whether the pile of old videos in your loft could actually be worth a small fortune.

EPISODE 2: Tuesday May 31
Day two of Susan Calman’s foray into the world of antiques helping the nation make cash from their collectibles. From Europe’s biggest antique centre, Susan and a top team of experts are revealing top tips for buying, selling, valuing and restoring.  Tonight, a unique way to pick up a prized possession down at your local farm and how those mobile phones you have in your kitchen drawer could be the real antiques of the future.

EPISODE 3: Wednesday June 1
Day 3 of Susan Calman’s adventure sharing the secrets of the antiques world from Europe’s biggest antiques centre. All week Susan is bringing together some of the industry’s top experts to help the nation value, restore and sell their prized possessions Tonight, could your kid’s trainers be worth a pretty penny and how to find a relic that’s right for restoration in Cheshire’s glitzy Golden Triangle.

EPISODE 4: Thursday June 2
Day 4 of Susan Calman’s week long look at the world of antiques from the biggest antiques centre in Europe. All week, with a top team of experts, Susan has been on a merry go round helping Britain value, buy, sell and restore treasured gems and showing us all how to make cash from collectibles.  Tonight, we investigate the murky world of fakes and forgeries and take a trip down the red carpet to a film and TV prop shop.

EPISODE 5: Friday June 3
Final day of Susan Calman’s foray into the world of antiques from the biggest antiques centre in Europe. Our week-long journey helping the nation to buy, sell and restore culminates in a charity auction where Susan will take the gavel and see the lessons have paid off. Plus we ask if the arcade games we spent a fortune playing as kids could be about to pay us back as the antiques of the future.

A brief guide to Susan Calman

Comedian, writer, presenter and actress Susan Calman has appeared in several TV series including Fresh Meat, Comedy Lab and Legit. She had roles in the series Rab C. Nesbitt as well as Tracey Ullman’s Show, Dead Boss and Home From Home. She’s fronted shows including Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out and Susan Calman’s Grand Week By the Sea. Last year she took over from Jane McDonald on the Cruising With… franchise, presenting Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman.  She’s also presented on The One Show, Secret Scotland and The Great British Menu as well as appearing on numerous panel shows including QI, Have I Got News For You, House of Games and Celebrity Chase. In 2017 Susan took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Kevin Clifton. See their quickstep on the clip below...

Now she's hosting Big Antique Adventure with Susan Calman, and Dan Louw, Commissioning Editor for Channel 5 says, “We’re thrilled to be working with Susan again, and her foray into the world of antiques is sure to be hilarious, instructive and unpredictable.”

* Best Channel 5 documentaries on My 5
* Best BBC documentaries
* Best Channel 4 documentaries
* Fishing Scotland’s Lochs and Rivers
* Watercolour Challenge

You’ve seen The Lost City before. No, not just Romancing the Stone, the 1984 Michael Douglas-Kathleen Turner adventure romance that The Lost City’s directors, brothers Aaron and Adam Nee, frequently and flagrantly pull from. But you’ve seen actual copy-and-pasted aspects of this movie before. 

Sandra Bullock as a prim yet prickly fish-out-of-water professional (The Proposal, Miss Congeniality), dealing with grief and loneliness (While You Were Sleeping)? Check. Channing Tatum as a himbo ham-steak with a heart of gold and a heap of dance skills (the Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street franchises)? Check. Brad Pitt roguishly snacking whilst looking impossibly blond and beautiful (Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve, you get the picture)? Check and check. 

It’s a predictable caper, but one you’ll mindlessly bop along to even during its most familiar beats. Like Romancing the Stone before it, The Lost City centers on a romance novelist, Loretta Sage (Bullock), who is grieving the death of her archaeologist husband and is dissatisfied writing softcore page-turners when she really wants to pen historical academia. Her days of dodging calls from her publisher (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and drinking chardonnay in the bathtub get a much-needed jolt when, whilst on a book tour with her dim-witted, Fabio-esque cover model Alan (Tatum), she gets kidnapped. 

Her captor is Abigail Fairfax (a perpetually game Daniel Radcliffe), a delusional billionaire who wants to find the treasure-filled "lost city" on which Sage based her latest book, needing the author to decode an ancient map to point him to its location on a remote island. A dumb and dubious premise, sure, but it gives Radcliffe an always-welcome excuse to be delightfully deranged. Even better, it gifts viewers that campy cameo from Pitt as Jack Trainer, a former Navy Seal hired by Alan to help him rescue Loretta. 

Armed with blond dreadlocks, tattooed muscles, New Age mysticism and a twinkle in his eye, Pitt is clearly having a blast in this souped-up cameo, as at ease taking down a pack of gun-toting bodyguards as he is making Bullock’s Loretta swoon like one of her romance-novel readers. He’s the kind of brains-and-brawns man her books should be filled with and sparks crackle between the two characters. 

The problem is that he’s not her love interest here — Tatum is. That’s no disrespect to the actor, who brings all of the screwball silliness, easy charm and human golden-retriever sweetness in his arsenal. And it’s no shade to the casting — Bullock and Tatum are two actors who know their way around both heart and hijinks. There’s also an admitted thrill seeing the actress nonchalantly paired with a suitor almost 20 years her junior. 

There’s enough kindling that it should work, but the fire never gets roaring between them, despite the actors’ willingness and the movie’s many deployments of romantic fanfiction tropes to conjure up chemistry: a steamy tango, some bratty enemies-to-lovers banter, an only-one-bed (in this case, a hammock) scenario. Even a scene featuring a butt-naked Alan, Bullock face-to-face with Channing’s Tatum, can’t ignite any real heat between the characters. 

Any sprightliness their pairing could have is bogged down by the absurdity of the script, worked over by four writers — the Nee brothers (who also wrote and directed Band of Robbers and The Last Romantic) alongside Oren Uziel and Dana Fox — overflowing like the cartoonish volcano that looms in the background of all of the movie’s jungle shenanigans. (From a visual standpoint, graphics look like a Disney Parks attraction meets an old episode of Legends of the Hidden Temple.) It feels leagues longer than its 92 minutes, especially following the front-loaded, Brad Pitt-filled fun of its start. 

But there’s still fun worth discovering: Bullock flexing her physical comedy muscles in a preposterous glitter jumpsuit; Tatum bromantically enamored with Pitt’s strapping swashbuckler; chuckle-worthy bits involving Oscar Nuñez and a goat. You just have to do some digging to find it.

The Lost City is playing exclusively in movie theaters starting March 25 in the US and April 15 in the UK.

When Simon Pegg found out that his Ice Age character Buck Wild was set to star in his own spin-off, the Star Trek actor was delighted — not least because he's been angling for Buck to take center stage for a long time!

The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild reveals what happens when trouble-magnet possum brothers Crash and Eddie set out to prove they can look after themselves, only to stumble into the dinosaur territory of the Lost World. 

Dinosaur hunting weasel Buck Wild steps in to rescue them from dino danger, but things don't stay quiet for long — and soon the trio, along with Buck's former adventuring partner Zee the zorilla (voiced by One Day At A Time and Muppets: Haunted Mansion star Justina Machado) find themselves trying to stop a megalomaniac protoceratops named Orson from seizing control of the Lost World.

• How to watch The Ice Age Adventures Of Buck Wild wherever you are

Here Simon reveals why he loves voicing Buck Wild — and how Ice Age has become a family affair for him...

Simon Pegg on hearing that a Buck Wild movie was in the works...

"I've been dropping hints about this for 12 years! Every time we do a film, I'm like, 'Buck should probably have a thing, maybe?'. The great thing about this is that Ice Age has so many fabulous characters, and this is the era of the 'cinematic universe' — I don't think there is another animation that is more suited to expansion than this. 

"There are so many wonderful characters, and in a movie you can only spend so much time with each one, so this is a lovely way to give over some time not only to Buck and Crash and Eddie, but also Zee and Orson and these new characters which are welcome additions to this fabulous group." 

What was it like preparing to voice Buck again?

"Buck's very much in my muscle memory now because I've played him a few times. I just have to get a lot of sleep before sessions, because they're always extremely energetic, and Buck is just full-on all the time — it's exhausting! 

"When you do a voiceover session, you put everything into your voice, whereas if you were doing a live-action performance you have your gesticulations and expressions to lean on."

How did you find the experience of recording your voice sessions during the pandemic?

"I ended up doing a lot of the sessions at my house! The engineers would come and set up a studio in this room, and I would shuffle in — I didn't wear pants for some of the sessions, I was wearing my slippers all the time! Honestly, it was one of my favourite jobs ever, because I didn't have to leave the house."

What does playing Buck mean to you?

"I love Buck, I have a strong affection for him — not least because he was born the same year my daughter was born, so she's grown up with those movies and with him. Weirdly, as this new Ice Age installment comes out, my sister just gave birth, so there's a new Ice Age baby to take the stories forward!"

What would you like viewers to take away from watching the film?

"A really sweet sort of sub-theme in the film is about the capacity to ask for help. Buck is such a loner, he's so used to doing everything by himself that the idea of relying on his friends or trusting someone to do something else is a little bit uncomfortable for him. 

"In this movie he learns that it's not only okay to ask for help, it's okay to ask for help as a guy from your female friends, and to trust in them to take over. Buck goes on a real journey for that — I think a lot of guys growing up are taught not to ask for help because it's seen as unmanly, which is terribly damaging, and I think for the film to address that is important. Buck learns that it's okay to lean on people, it's okay to ask for help, and to trust the people around you - your herd!"

• The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild launches on Disney Plus on Friday March 25

The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild is an upcoming spin-off of the legendary Ice Age franchise, which focuses on the one-eyed weasel Buck, voiced by Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz). 

Everyone’s favorite prehistoric mammals are back with their usual mischief— but this time we’ll be joining Buck’s thrilling adventure where he saves possum brothers Crash and Eddie from a chaotic world filled with dinosaurs. 

Buck was first introduced in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and he is a sharp-witted weasel who lives in the Lost World, which is a hidden fortress brimming with dinosaurs and other ice age creatures.

Here’s everything we know about The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild…

'The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild' release date 

The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild will not be released in theatres, but will be available to watch on Disney Plus on Friday, Mar. 25, 2022 in the UK. It's one of many big new movies in 2022. It is already available on the service in the US.

'The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild' cast 

The cast of The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild currently consists of Simon Pegg, who voices Buck Wild, Vincent Tong (Super Monsters), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Free Guy), Justina Machado (One Day at a Time) and Aaron Harris. 

Will Scrat the squirrel be in ‘The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild’? 

We’re sure everyone will be wanting to know whether Scrat, the iconic acorn-obsessed saber-toothed squirrel will be making a comeback in this film. So far, the fan-favorite has been in all five Ice Age films, including a number of spin-offs. 

His love for acorns seems to be more of a curse, rather than a blessing as his obsession has caused some cataclysmic events. From creating The Solar System and sinking Scratlantis to wiping out all life on Mars, he’s sure been through a lot to get his hands on an acorn!

At the moment, there’s been no information revealed on whether Scrat will be making his return in this film, but due to his sheer popularity we’re sure he will make an appearance. 

What will 'The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild' be about? 

According to Disney Plus the plot of the film is: “Desperate for some distance from their older sister Ellie, the thrill-seeking possum brothers Crash and Eddie set out to find a place of their own, but quickly find themselves trapped in a massive cave underground. They are rescued by their one-eyed pal, the adventure-loving, dinosaur-hunting weasel Buck Wild, and together they must face the unruly dinosaurs who inhabit the Lost World.” 

Is there a trailer? 

You can watch the trailer below where we see the determined possum brothers Crash and Eddie accidentally end up in The Lost World, the world’s most dangerous place! Luckily, Buck Wild is there to save the day. 

• The best movies on Disney+
• Disney+ price: What it costs where you live
• All about the Disney+ Premier Access program

Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure series 1 on BBC1 this January sees Kelvin Fletcher getting down and dirty on his own farm. Former Strictly winner Kelvin spent most of his career in the most famous fictional farming area in Britain, playing Andy Sugden in Emmerdale for two decades. But now he’s trying it out for real after buying a 120-acre 18th-century farm in Derbyshire's Peak District. Turning his back on city life, Kelvin, his wife Liz, and their children Marnie and Milo will decamp to the countryside and turn their hands to a whole new way of life and BBC1 cameras are with them every step of the way.

So here's everything you need to know about Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, plus our episode guide, and exclusive interview with Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz who reveal their experiences of running their farm...

'Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure' release date

Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure is a six-part series starting on Monday January 17 at 8.30pm on BBC1. After each episode airs it will then become available on streaming service BBCiPlayer. We will update if the show gets a worldwide air date or comes to BritBox at a later date.

Is there a trailer for 'Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure'? 

A trailer for Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure hasn't arrived but we’re keeping an eye out and we’ll post it right here if one drops. If you're into your farming shows, Clarkson's Farm season 2 is on its way to Prime Video!

What happens in 'Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure'? 

Kelvin Fletcher is about to live out his rural dream and escape to the country to run an 18th century farm. But acting the part and doing it for real are very different things and we’re about to find out if Kelvin, his wife Liz and their kids can really cope when they’re thrust into the tough world of livestock markets and sheep wrangling. 

And with a cast of unruly beasts to manage, it’s fair to say Kelvin will find out why they say never to work with animals and young children. Plus he’ll need to overhaul and manage the huge estate with its never-ending outbuildings. The programme was filmed over an entire summer and shows Kelvin’s every step as he and his family make their first rookie attempts to kickstart their farming business. 

Our exclusive interview with Kevin Fletcher and wife Liz about their experiences behind 'Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure'

What made you want to buy a farm in the first place?
Kelvin Fletcher says: "Ever since I was a little boy I’ve wanted to live in the countryside and recent events have made me want to do that even more. So the idea of buying a farm all came about as one of my crazy ideas that I suggested to Liz, and fast forward a couple of months and here we are in the thick of it! It’s kind of weird that a TV production company has followed that journey, though, because at times you feel pretty vulnerable and it’s all been captured for the nation to see. But we’ve embraced the unknown and together we’ve made some good choices and some poor choices. But we’re loving it!"

Did do you know anything about farming beforehand?
Kelvin says: "What I knew about farming you could write on the back of a stamp! I was born and bred in Oldham, so I couldn’t be any more of a townie really. We’re kind of the joke in the local community because there’s an assumption that you’re going to know the basic lingo, but I was like, what’s a ewe? I’m sure some viewers are going to be watching at home thinking, he’s bloody stupid, how does he not know that?"

What’s been the biggest challenge?
Liz says: "Every day is a challenge. I think what we had to face up to really quickly was the amount of jobs that needed doing. So fences broke down, there were holes in the roof and blocked drains. Although we’ve got sheep, pigs, alpacas and rabbits now, the first few weeks was nothing to do with animals!"
Kelvin says: "I don’t know if we both fully appreciated what we took on. So yeah, we’ve really jumped in at the deep end. But I think the biggest challenge has been the balance of life. You know, you’re ten minutes late for school, there’s a pig running loose and Milo’s potty training and having a wee in the car. Literally, that’s what it’s like every single day. It’s chaotic but I love it!"

Have there been any times where you’ve thought, let’s quit this life and go back to Oldham?
Kelvin says: "I had to clean maggots out from a sheep’s hooves and the sight of it would have made anybody’s stomach turn. I think in that moment I was like, there’s no way I can do this!"
Liz says: "Sometimes I’m like, wasn’t life easier when we just lived in a house? There have been times when I’ve bathed the kids, got ready to go to bed and I’ve gone to shut the curtains and the pigs have escaped! So it’s 9 o’clock at night and I’m trying to get all these pigs back into their shed in the pitch black!"
Kelvin says: "I’m sure if you’re a proper farmer your animals never escape as much as ours do. Either we’re not shutting gates properly or I’ve built a fence that’s clearly not as strong as it should be and the next minute you’re chasing around the fields. But we’re learning, we’re going to make mistakes, that’s the whole process."

Have you had any support from anyone in your local community?
Kelvin says: "Jilly our tenant farmer has been amazing, she’s been a godsend. Actually she and her husband had to help us out the day we got the keys to the farm because our car got stuck in the mud in one of the fields! Liz got the ironing board out and tried to stick it under the wheel, but in the end I had to ring Jilly and introduce myself and next thing her husband came and pulled us out with his tractor!"

Has it been nice embarking on this adventure with your family?
Liz says: "It has! Out of everything that has been one of the greatest things, because the farm is like a huge playground to them. They’ve really got into it to the point where they’re telling us what to do with the sheep now!" 
Kelvin says: "Marnie is amazing, she’s really come into her own. We did sheep show recently and she was in a pen showing our sheep in front of spectators, judges and the TV crew. I was so proud of her!"

Kelvin, how do you find the time between being a farming and acting now?
Kelvin says: "Actually we got the keys to the farm and then two weeks later I went to Budapest for six weeks to film the drama Teacher with Sheridan Smith for Channel 5. It was a really great experience, but it definitely left Liz in the lurch! We’re both still very committed to our day jobs, but we’re spinning plates really. I guess it’s about finding a balance."

Have you watched Matt Baker’s or Jeremy Clarkson’s farming shows?
Liz says: "We’re obsessed with all farming shows, we’re mad on them. We get the kids watching them, too."
Kelvin says: "I think what they all represent is good, wholesome TV. They’re about escapism, they’re about family, they’re about the simplicity of life, being outdoors and being at one with nature. They’re informative, but they’re also light-hearted and fun and you can watch them with the kids – well, maybe not Jeremy Clarkson’s one because of all the swearing!"

'Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure' episode guide

Episode 1: Monday January 17, BBC1 8.30pm
The opening episode of season 1 sees Kelvin almost faint while cleaning maggots from a sheep’s hoof, and even lose a brand new baby rabbit belonging to his young children, Marnie and Milo. If he can’t keep a rabbit penned in, it makes you wonder how on earth he’s going to cope with a whole menagerie of farm animals?

Episode 2: Monday January 24, BBC1 8.30pm
‘That’s the first udder I’ve ever felt but it feels nice,’ declares Kelvin to a bemused sheep farmer called Jean, who's selling a few of her prize flock to the former soap star. The Fletchers are buying their first animals, 10 Cotswold sheep, for their 120-acre farm. "They can’t be as hard as kids to look after, can they?" worries Kelvin. They may be farming novices but the ex-Emmerdale actor and his wife Liz have bags of enthusiasm for their newfound country life!

Episode 3: Monday January 31, BBC1 8.30pm
After his sheep-buying exploits last week, Kelvin is getting into thes wing of being a proper farmer. Now, however, he wants to expand his farm to breed pigs. But he dashes away to a motor racing training session (a big passion of his) which means his wife Liz must bring home the bacon, so to speak. How will Liz cope?

Episode 4: Monday February 7, BBC1 8.30pm
It’s the Ashbourne Agricultural Show and Liz isn’t feeling confident about their three sheep entered for competition. Mini sheep whisperer Marnie, however, is on hand to for advice. Meanwhile, as Kelvin and Liz are still getting to grips with the all-consuming demands of running a farm, their daughter Marnie, who's just 4, is training sheep, moving pigs, putting up fences and racing her mini quad bike around the fields.

Episode 5: Monday February 14, BBC1 8.30pm
Kelvin tells former Emmerdale cast mates Adam Thomas (also his brother) and Danny Miller that ‘I’ve honestly never been happier!' when they pop by for a visit. Life on the farm is suiting Kelvin, and he's excited to bring home three alpacas, . But farming isn’t just about buying animals, it’s about making a living from them too and Kelvin has to take his first lamb to the butchers after explaining the situation to his daughter Marnie. With a heavy heart he drives the condemned little lamb to the slaughterhouse. Will his £94.50 profit and leg of lamb to eat help him get over it. And how does he explain to his family their roast is the lovely lamb who was running around the field a few days before?

Episode 6: Monday February 21, BBC1 8.30pm
The final farm visit of this series sees the family preparing for a party to welcome their new neighbours. There are 200 guests, with many eager to meet the celebrity couple from next door. Kelvin and Liz embrace all with good humour, games of rounders. Now they know they’ve got lots of friendly farming folk nearby to help should they hit troubles!

Kelvin Fletcher’s career…

Kelvin shot to fame playing Andy Sugden in the ITV soap Emmerdale. After joining in 1996 we watched Andy’s character develop over 20 years, seeing him go from a traumatic upbringing to being framed for his lover Chrissie’s father’s death. Kelvin left the show in 2016, and went on to play Steve in the 2018 series The Shore. He also took part in Springtime on the Farm the same year, so he should know what he’s let himself in for. Kelvin appeared in the 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Oti Mabuse after Jamie Laing was forced to drop out, the pair scooped the famous glitterball after winning the series. He’s also appeared in Death in Paradise and starred as Nathan in the popular series Moving On. Kelvin will soon be starring alongside Sheridan Smith in the Channel 5 thriller The Teacher.

Kelvin Fletcher’s family

Kelvin and his wife Liz Marsland were childhood sweethearts who met when they were children. They shared their first kiss when Liz was just eight-years-old. Liz is also an actress, best known for her role as Liz Steele in the 2016 TV series In The Club where she starred alongside Jill Halfpenny and Katherine Parkinson. Liz and Kelvin married in a swanky Mayfair ceremony in 2015 and have two children, Marnie and Milo. 

Best BBC documentaries

Ruben Fleischer's Uncharted is the kind of video game movie that playfully enjoys being a video game movie and revels in how silly video game plots can get.

Tom Holland's Nathan Drake finds himself on an incredible journey that spans the globe and defies rationale — far beyond what Indiana Jones might comprehend. It's more in line with National Treasure, but even louder and with even more extravagant action, which is a good thing with such a by-the-book screenplay that submits itself to the kind of spectacular events made for controllable game playthroughs.

Fans of Naughty Dog's cinematic series about Nathan Drake's exploits will find a younger Nathan portrayed by Holland. Mark Wahlberg co-stars as Victor "Sully" Sullivan, who encounters Nathan for the first time — well before their longstanding and much-storied partnership.

Sully's chasing Ferdinand Magellan's lost fortune — from the House Of Moncada — but so is the House's prodigal son, Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas). It's Sully and Nathan vs Santiago and his assassin sidekick Braddock (Tati Gabrielle), but there's more at stake than just riches for Nathan. Sully's the last person who's seen Nathan's brother Sam alive — searching for the same treasure. If Nathan locates that missing gold, maybe he'll reunite with Sam after many lonely years.

It's a film almost a decade in the making — dating Sony's first intentions to bring Nathan Drake to the silver screen — which initially had Mark Wahlberg in the Nathan Drake role. You can't ignore the specter of doubt surrounding movies like Uncharted that get stuck in development hell, but Fleischer handles the challenge well. Newcomers to Nathan Drake's legacy and die-hards, who've maxed out their Uncharted Playstation achievements, are on equal ground given how this prequel starts fresh. Nathan is a cocktail-swinging New Yorker who Sully selects to go on the adventure of a lifetime — there's not much else to know about the backstory outside Nathan's brotherly woes, sticky fingers and the constant reminder that Nathan should trust no treasure hunter.

Tom Holland's performance as Nathan Drake overcomes the two biggest fears headlining internet conversations. Could he prove why the fan-favorite, Nathan Fillion, wasn't selected as the picture-perfect Nathan Drake? Would Holland be able to shed the "young Marvel hero" persona that's currently his brand? Both questions are answered by a certainly no gruffer and yet believably action hero-y Holland, whose chemistry with Wahlberg is double aces. The two swindlers and thieves maintain an antsy repertoire that proves why you can't trust swindlers and thieves but slowly builds their relationship into more than just throwaway accomplices. Nathan's pure heart and Sully's cynical business approach lead a winning expedition into action-comedy beats that don't skimp on either (it's humorous only when appropriate).

As accomplices and villains get involved, Holland and Wahlberg only shine brighter. Sophia Ali's presence as rival-slash-helper Chloe Frazer is the foil to Nathan's innocence as her guile gets her what she wants and keeps both men on their toes. Assassin, Tati Gabrielle, is a stone-hardened badass who rightfully amplifies tension whenever her knockout killer character, Braddock, steps into the frame. Antonio Banderas is there for namesake appeal and to sip fancy liquors while Braddock does the heavy fight choreography lifting — which Gabrielle executes with ease. More Tati Gabrielle in ass-kicker roles, please!

As for the adventurer perils and mega-sized action set pieces of Uncharted, expect plenty of "oohs" and "ahhs". Everything from ancient temple chambers with signature traps, like water floods and shot arrows, to aerial ship battles as helicopters transport centuries-old wooden vessels with working cannons. Fleischer ensures that countless sequences feel at home within video game structures by throwing logic to the wind in favor of excitement — especially when recreating the ludicrous survival mission that is Uncharted 3's cargo plane crash. It's "big" and "loud" in all the right ways, reinforced by Nathan and Sully's wisecracks as they defy death— whether free-falling miles above ground or parkouring across Spanish rooftops. There's an Indiana Jones glimmer to it all through winks and nods, but Uncharted easily keeps stride with the classics.

Against all odds, Ruben Fleischer breaks the Uncharted curse and has created something franchisable that puts (and keeps) butts in seats. Tom Holland has laid the groundwork for a Nathan Drake he can mature into, the same for Mark Wahlberg's curiously cat-friendly version of Sully. The swashbuckling, conquer-the-world, no-fear nature of Uncharted is alive and well in this enjoyable blockbuster treat. One that wears its intentions proudly like the gaudiest golden jewelry, somehow sporting the charisma and bravado to pull off the whole nutty ensemble.

The Ice Age gang is back in a brand new original movie, The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild releasing on March 25 in the UK (it's already available in the US), this time focusing on the opossum twins Crash (Vincent Tong) and Eddie (Aaron Harris) and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs scene-stealer Buck Wild, voiced by Simon Pegg.

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild is the sixth movie in the Ice Age franchise. In it, Crash and Eddie will set out to find a place of their own. Together with the one-eyed weasel Buck Wild, they face the dinosaurs who inhabit the Lost World.

In addition to Pegg, Tong and Harris lending their voices to The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, the voice cast features Utkarsh Ambudkar as Orson and Justina Machado as Zee, both new characters to the Ice Age franchise. By the looks of things, Ice Age stalwarts Manny, Sid, Diego, Peaches and Ellie will have minimal roles in this one. Watch the trailer for the new movie right here.

Look like fun? Here is what you need to know on how to watch The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild. 

How to watch ‘The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild’

Though the Ice Age movies have proven to be pretty reliable players in movie theaters (all but one, Ice Age: Collision Course, netted more than $150 million at the U.S. box office), The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild is forgoing a movie theater release and will play exclusively on Disney Plus when it releases on Friday, Jan. 28 in the US, then coming out in the UK on March 25.

Since its launch in the fall of 2019, Disney Plus has been the exclusive streaming home for a number of big time TV shows and movies, including The Mandalorian, Loki, Hamilton and recent Pixar movies Soul, Luca and the upcoming Turning Red. Now it’s serving as the viewing choice for the next chapter in the Ice Age franchise.

A Disney Plus subscription will be required to watch The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, which costs $7.99 per month ($79.99 for a full year commitment) as a standalone service. However, consumers also have the option to bundle Disney Plus with other streaming options. This includes combining Disney Plus with ESPN Plus and Hulu for a single monthly price of $13.99 or signing up for Hulu with Live TV, starting at $69.99 per month, as that live TV streaming service now includes Disney Plus as a standard feature.

Watching The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild won’t require anything else once you’re signed up, as the movie will be free to stream for all subscribers.

Again, as The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild is a Disney Plus exclusive, it will not be available to watch anywhere besides Disney Plus, nor is it likely to be shared on any other platform or released as a Blu-ray/DVD in the future. It’s Disney Plus or bust.

How to watch ‘Ice Age’ movies

With the release of The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild, if you have a desire for an Ice Age movie marathon you’ll be able to find all of them — Ice Age, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Ice Age: Continental Drift and Ice Age: Collision Course — in one place, streaming on Disney Plus.

However, there are other options to watch the first five Ice Age movies as well, as they are all available to rent on platforms such as Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play at a starting price of $3.99.

Wallace and Gromit are about to find themselves on an all-new adventure as the cheese-loving pair return to our screens for more mishaps and mayhem. 

The BBC has announced that Aardman's beloved characters will star in a new, currently untitled, film set to air on BBC1 in the UK and Netflix around the rest of the world in 2024. 

A BBC statement says: "The new film will focus on Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependant on his inventions which proves justified when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. 

"As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces or Wallace may never be able to invent again!"

Sean Clarke, MD of Aardman, who brought us Shaun The Sheep, Early Man and Chicken Run, says: “Wallace and Gromit are so loved by everyone at Aardman – they’re like family to us, and we couldn’t be more excited to be creating a brand-new film for them to star in.

"When Nick came up with the concept for a ‘smart gnome’, we all agreed that Wallace would find the idea irresistible – despite warnings from Gromit, who is wise beyond his (dog) years. We’re sure audiences will find the story irresistible too.”

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer at the BBC says: “It’s incredibly exciting to be taking British audiences on a cracking new adventure with Wallace & Gromit and to be continuing our long relationship with Aardman and Nick Park following the success of Shaun the Sheep this Christmas.”

Created by Nick Park for Aardman, Wallace and Gromit have been entertaining the world with their capers, and this new movie will be the first release featuring the pair since A Matter of Loaf and Death was released in 2008.

And Wallace and Gromit aren't the only characters making a return. They will be joined by Ginger and Rocky from Chicken Run who are set to star in a sequel to the 2000 box office hit.

The new movie will be called Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and follows Ginger, who, having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, has set up a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world.

When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat.

As the Child’s Play franchise blazes onward with Don Mancini’s Chucky series coming to SYFY and USA, one question lingers — how will Mancini balance televised accessibility for new viewers with continuity advancement long-time fans are eager to devour? The very first episode, “Death By Misadventure,” does its best balancing act to temper such hesitations, as Chucky’s newest targets become familiar with the Charles Lee Ray his faithful fanbase know (and love). 

Newbies undergo their crash course in Hackensack, N.J., massacre history — a "haven for the bizarre and criminally insane" — while even those who've seen Cult of Chucky, which ends on a wild implication of pandemonium to come, will be served a few curveballs. It’s a solid first episode that introduces new battlegrounds and mystifies lore, complete with our first body count tally as a hopeful nod to establishing a bloodthirsty pace.

There's no missing Mancini’s connection to New Jersey teenager Jake Webber (Zackary Arthur), who purchases a vintage Good Guy doll from a neighbor’s garage sale. It’s not long before Jake’s characterized as a creative outcast with an attraction to dismembering dolls and reassembling them as artistic statues, which his father (played by Devon Sawa) begrudgingly supports yet judgmentally disapproves of for financial reasons. Jake also happens to be gay — and crushes on local mystery podcast host Devon (Bjorgvin Arnarson) — although is not comfortably out, which becomes a situation that others use in derogatory displays. Metaphors aren’t subtle, as Chucky is (so far) arguably the most confident and forthcoming Mancini’s allowed his work to become. “Death By Misadventure” drops lines about young boys putting down dolls in favor of machismo templates or insistences that pursuing creative passions is economic suicide — atop the mean-spirited shame characters make Jake feel about his sexual identity.

Enter Chucky, who takes a pro-LGBTQ community stance when beholding all the societal abuse and emotional torture that Jake endures. Maybe that’s the privileged princess of Perry Middle School, Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind), creating a GoFundMe when she catches Jake slinking between periods with his Good Guy doll (it’s worth $1,500 on eBay, so he takes special care). Perhaps that’s Jake’s father taking a baseball bat to his off-putting dolly creations during another alcoholic outburst as he rambles on about paying bills without appreciation. It’s clear that Jake undergoes bullying trauma daily and is ridiculed by everyone around him — from cousin Junior’s (Teo Briones) remarks around Jake’s preferences to uncle Logan (also Devon Sawa) rubbing in all Junior’s extracurricular accomplishments, whether intentional or unaware. 

The problem and ensuing conflict is, Jake has no outlet for his anger until Chucky appears. He’s alone, continually made to feel inferior. As a sensationally moody Madalen Duke needle drop lyricizes while Jake finds comfort in Chucky’s eyes amidst his demolished project debris, “this is how villains are made.”

There’s an overall glossy and more stylistically refreshed feeling about the TV series Chucky, as modern musical cues and more sitcom elements give yet another view into the Child’s Play franchise. Mancini transitions to a long-format medium and doesn’t seem to be playing any waiting games. We already hear a significant character’s voice, Chucky curses like a sailor during an impromptu talent show roast and did I even spy a massive mindf#ck as Jake googles Chucky’s — the doll’s — history, with the first hit being an IMDb link to Child’s Play (1988)? 

If anything, the first episode seems to be speeding ahead without leaving much time for audiences to grab hold, but that’s not entirely a complaint. One has to assume the Seed Of Chucky misdirect that opens this first episode will lead to wee toddler Charles Lee Ray’s 1965 childhood flashbacks so we can finally enter the mind of a killer-doll-possessing murderer — that’s so much story to crave without even addressing Christine Elise’s return as Kyle or Jennifer Tilly’s resurface as Tiffany Valentine.

Everything Chucky outlines in “Death By Misadventure” points toward directions that have my mind twirling every direction given the powers Cult Of Chucky imparted upon the pint-sized pun factory. He's a cleaner, more Child’s Play 2 version of Chucky who doesn’t seem to be concealing any Frankenstein scars like in Curse Of Chucky. Mancini intentionally enhances the Pleasantville allure of Hackensack as another sandbox for Chucky to corrupt. Indignant little shits who go about their days threatening principles (Lexy) or whiskey-breathed parents who take out their aggression on sons who dare dream as big as Andy Warhol (Jake’s Father) will assuredly become Chucky’s victims, which lays the groundwork for another familiar slasher romp. 

Chucky’s also upping his ante because he’s not trying to possess an Andy (Child’s Play) or Tyler (Child’s Play 3) — those around Jake have blackened his wholesome heart, and while I don’t think he’ll be a willing accomplice, the complication of teenage angst mixed with Chucky’s influence are a potent tease.

Thinking back to Bride Of Chucky and Seed Of Chucky, I reckon to note Chucky is the most we’ve ever seen of Mancini on the page, and that comes out in the sympathies we feel for Jake. He’s not a lost kid, but misunderstood and mistreated for a difference that becomes cafeteria gossip. Mancini’s telling an ode to the "weird" ones, where Jake's freer spirits juxtapose against characters who are all hiding secrets. Jake and Devon aren’t afraid of living as they are, and yet society views them differently — an early theme that I’m so excited for Mancini to explore with Chucky by their sides, or at least in Jake’s ear.

I’ll confess “Death By Misadventure” is better at what it implies in some parts than what’s shown, but that’s not entirely negative. I’m a mark here. The guy with the custom Bride Of Chucky shoes who’ll defend Child’s Play as the titan of horror franchises. My highest source of praise is always how Mancini keeps pushing Chucky’s journey forward, and it’s beyond evident that Chucky will continue that conscious evolution one episode at a time. All it takes is a gruesomely dissected frog, an exposed search history of cartoon pornography and the return of Brad Dourif’s iconic Chucky cackle to leave viewers on a lightning-bolt silhouette of the murders to come — new characters, new designs, same ol’ Chucky (for now).

Gone Fishing is back for a fourth series!

In 2018 Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse launched their fishing and friendship travelogue, Gone Fishing. It immediately captured the imagination of viewers with its combination of beautiful rural settings and gentle, good-humoured conversations. 

Now, four years down the line, the lifelong friends are back with another outing of BBC2’s Sunday night hit

We caught up with Bob Mortimer, 62, and Paul Whitehouse, 63, to find out more about the new six-part series…

Gone Fishing. When and where is it on?

Series 4 of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is made up of six episodes and starts on Sunday 28 August 2021 at 8pm on BBC2. 

It will be available on BBC iPlayer afterwards. 

Congrats on more Gone Fishing. Are you surprised to have reached series four?

Bob Mortimer: "In TV it’s always a surprise. Maybe this is what we’ll be remembered for, rather than the stuff we actually put a bit of effort into!"

Paul Whitehouse: "We’ve done more series of Gone Fishing than I did of The Fast Show. We only did three series and a few specials of that. It’s strange to think that. This is very different to anything we did before. It has a bit of depth to it, or seems to! And we’ve got the backdrop of the great British countryside to fall back on."

Bob: "And Ted the dog!"

Is Ted back then?

Bob: "Yeah, we’ve allowed Ted in a bit more this time - people seem to enjoy him. He’s always mucking about. He doesn’t like Paul much…"

Paul: "He doesn’t really. I feel slightly gutted because I’m a bit of a dog whisperer. I think I’m really down with the canines, but Ted’s ambivalent towards me. He’s like a cat. He pops in, has a little look, wanders off, comes back! But we like him for that; his independent spirit."

The series opens in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Was it breathtaking?

Bob: "North Uist is elemental, rugged, dramatic. A real adventure…"

Paul: "We had an intense [fishing] session on a little channel. The landscape was all seaweed, so you know at another time of day that it’s a flooded sea lock, yet when the tide is out it becomes a place where the sea trout run up. It felt very lonely in a place that had been fished like that for centuries. It was something special. Also, Bob does the slowest walk over some rocks…"

Bob: [Laughing] "I could see that they wanted me to fall. And I was so determined not to, because they were all waiting for it!"

Where else do you go during the series?

Paul: "In episode two we go to Burghley House [a 16th Century estate in Lincolnshire]. We make sure we keep one eye on accessibility for people, but Burghley was a slight exception because that lake doesn’t get fished very often. But we can’t be too elitist, so we go to places where anyone can come here."

Bob: "Burghley was nice. The Lakes [episode three] is my favourite. We met my old school friend, who I used to fish with there. The Norfolk Broads [episode four] had a nice sort-of 1970s feel. We’ve stayed in some lovely places, as achingly beautiful as Burghley and the Lakes or as rugged as Wales [episode five]. The show’s the same every week so that’s the only thing we can control, really! Contrasting locations bring out different conversations as well."

Paul: "Also the fish that live in one part of the world don’t exist in others. We went to the River Severn too and met up with Charlie Cooper from This Country, because he lives down that way. He’s absolutely passionate about fishing. More so than us, ain’t he Bob?"

Bob: "He has that youthful intensity!"

• Check out our guide to Series 4 of Gone Fishing

What has been your best catch this series?

Paul: "It was lovely to get those sea trout from Uist, they’re a special fish. I catch a beautiful tench in Burghley, it’s a cracker. A golden, beautiful creature and very big but, Bob, take it away…"

Bob: "I caught a minnow in Wales and we’re pretty sure it’s the biggest minnow ever caught in these isles. We didn’t weigh it or measure it but we’ve got a picture of it."  

Is there anywhere you’d like to go for the fifth series of Gone Fishing?

Paul: "I’d like to do a bit more sea fishing, Bob."

Bob: "Ahh, interesting. Is it because you’d like to see me sick on a boat?"

Paul: [Laughing] "Well, I'm very happy to do it from the bank. We did a bit recently, but it wasn't very successful."

Bob: "I would like to get English salmon, because they're beginning to think they don't exist."

Paul: "There's not many..."

Do you worry about the future of British waterways?

Paul: "Actually, we mention it on the River Severn when we meet Charlie because there’d been a lot of heavy rain. When there’s a heavy flood agricultural pollution - all the chemicals and fertilisers used in the fields - run off into the rivers and washes these chemicals straight in. At best it sickens the river. At worst, it de-oxygenises the river, causing the death of the invertebrate life that all the fish and birds feed on. It's a bit difficult for us to talk at length about those kinds of things on the show - it’s about showcasing the beauty of the place - but it's a real issue."

Bob: "When I first discovered the Wye with you Paul, I was gobsmacked. It’s paradise. Then to find out just three or four years later that it's dying… You trust that something's being done, there are some guardians of it, but there’s nobody who seems to want to do anything about it. We said on the show, the sad thing is something will be done when it is dead, when there’s no oxygen left in it..."

Paul: "The very people who should be looking after our waterways, the water companies, are the worst offenders - they discharge raw sewage. It’s starting to get on the agenda - Feargal Sharkey [best-known as the lead singer of The Undertones] is a lone voice. He's great. But we should weigh in a bit more, Bob and I. Talking to you about the show is the exact place we should be discussing this. Take a river like the Wye. It's one of our most beautiful rivers and it’s dying a death. It seems extraordinary, that we can all just carry on with these precious places dying around us. Nobody is for pollution, yet we all allow it to happen on our doorsteps."

Is there anything you’d like to feature more of in the show?

Paul: "Often when we're looking at edits, I wish we talked less. Can we have a bit more silence, just the two of us sitting and let the places speak for themselves? 

"Water has an extraordinary quality when you're sat next to it. Gradually your mindset changes. Sometimes we should shut up, shouldn’t we Bob? But one of us can't bloody help saying something!"

Bob: "That’s the showoff in us! We just drone on. When it becomes too dull the editor cuts to a swan."

The new six-part series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing airs on Sunday 28 August 2021 at 8pm on BBC2 and is available in BBC iPlayer afterwards. 

This post contains spoilers for Mr. Corman.
Check out our last review here. 

Unsurprisingly, Mr. Corman is back to its old tricks in its fifth installment, “Action Adventure”. After last week took a hard left turn creatively to focus on Victor Morales (Arturo Castro), the roommate of the show’s title character, Josh Corman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Josh is once again the focus of this Halloween-themed story. As has been the case with many of the episodes so far, “Action Adventure” focuses itself on the exploits of Josh over the course of a single event, in this case a Halloween party that turns violent. Josh’s morose attitude isn’t absent in “Action Adventure”, but it’s less present than in past episodes, in part so the show can trade off to make a somewhat tired commentary about social media.

Halloween, Josh says in his classroom to both his students and the attractive art teacher Zara (Amanda Crew), is his favorite holiday, the only one he really cares about. As later becomes clear, that’s likely a line he fed the art teacher, in hopes of hooking up with her, but Josh sells it well enough to get her digits. Josh and Victor have an initial argument when Josh reveals that he’s been texting a mutual acquaintance of his ex’s, a social influencer named Dax (the rapper Logic, credited here as Bobby Hall), basically so he can find a good spot to connect with the art teacher. Victor is able to get to tag along for the party, dressed as Batman. (Josh, meanwhile, is dressed as the best friend/dog of the lead character of a Harry Chapin concept album called The Point, an explanation that is exactly as exhausting in the episode as it reads here.) Though they connect with the brash Dax, Josh’s romantic prospects come up short.

He spends most of the episode hovering over his cell phone, waiting for texts from Zara, who keeps hinting at the possibility of showing up at the party without ever actually doing so. In the meantime, Victor tries to get some suggestions from Dax about how to raise his social-media game; as Dax notes, he’s not yet at “half a K” in terms of Instagram followers, a milestone Victor ends up hitting within a few hours because Dax posts a photo of the two of them on his vastly more popular account. As the party winds down, and Josh gets grouchier (if such a thing is possible), he winds up raising Dax’s ire. The influencer straddles the line between just being a loudmouth drunk and being dead-on when he shouts at Josh for using him only to get a hookup. (Perhaps because Josh establishes that he’s not a big fan of Dax’s, the character isn’t presented as being that appealing from the start. But Hall makes him charmingly unlikable, if nothing else.) 

Their argument ends up turning into something entirely different, when a douche dressed like the Joker provokes Dax into a brawl. This allows for Gordon-Levitt (who directed the episode) to show off his love of Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, as we descend into a fantasy (somewhat) wherein Victor, Josh, and Dax lay waste to the douche and his crew in a video-game-style fight scene. (That Gordon-Levitt avoids a more obvious gag considering that Victor is dressed as Batman, and JGL himself played Robin in The Dark Knight Rises, is admirable.) Once it’s all over, the trio seem to have reached a new level of friendship and understanding, sharing a late-night hot dog with each other. Until, that is, the final moments: mere hours after they head back to their apartment, both Victor and Josh are awoken in shock to find that Dax is dead. And, hey, Victor’s also reached 500 followers.

No doubt, this final twist is meant to be as jarring as it feels. Because it’s filtered through a few texts Josh receives and the two of them looking at Dax’s final Instagram post, we don’t know the details of how Dax died. (Victor and Josh are both aghast because while Dax had a few moments of frustration at the sight of a more popular influencer visiting the Halloween party, “he seemed fine!”) It’s weird enough to end the episode on the ironic note of Victor stating that he’s hit 500 followers on Instagram, as Gordon-Levitt (who directed the episode) and writers Roja Gashtili and Julia Lerman attempt to make a commentary on how people are no longer valuing a person’s life over social-media success. But that fantasy sequence feels out of place for one key reason: the way it’s staged implies that the fantasy is springing forth from Dax’s psyche, not Josh’s. (Remember, the dream sequence in last week’s episode is undeniably from Victor’s mind, but...it’s a dream.) Josh and Victor take part in the video-game-style fight, but the fantasy begins when the Joker guy lands a punch on Dax, sending him to the pavement and he seems to visualize himself in a gamer fantasia, even as he's apparently suffering a traumatic head injury.

When Josh and Victor laugh with Dax after the sequence is over -- a sequence that ends, to note, with Dax in the same prone position on the pavement of the parking lot outside the party -- it’s shocking to realize that they all apparently did get into a fight with some jerks. The first 20 or so minutes of “Action Adventure”, however good or bad they are, exist within this show’s facsimile of the real world. The handling of fantasy and reality in the final 7 or 8 minutes is so poor that it’s all the more frustrating for Gordon-Levitt to keep using fantasy at all.

It’s especially a shame because, while “Action Adventure” isn’t remotely as good as “Mr. Morales” was last week, this episode at least does a much better job of presenting the title character in a way that isn’t quite as demoralizing or exhausting as before. It helps that, as with last week, we’re getting a better glimpse of how other characters treat Josh. At one point, Dax goes on a drunken monologue to Victor about how he used to love the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “Calfornication” because he imagined that he would one day become a musical protege to Anthony Kiedis, but he now realizes he’s operating more as a fan. Victor politely admits to not really getting Dax’s point, and that he ought to connect with Josh, only for them to look over at their bummer of a pal and laugh at the prospect of involving him at all. 

“Action Adventure” is a mix of positive glimmers and frustrating moments. Yes, it’s a good thing that this show is now on a two-episode streak of acknowledging that its title character can kind of be the worst. (Kudos on Josh for thinking of a unique costume idea, but at the same time, listening to him explain the costume feels like the whole point of dressing up in this esoteric option is so he can command attention by explaining it at all.) But what exactly is the point of watching a show whose lead character is so bad that the show can’t deny it anymore? This episode takes two steps forward, one step back, which is better than nothing. But Mr. Corman has arrived at its halfway point with a lot of work to do if it wants to better itself.

 This post contains mild spoilers for The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf

In advance of the second season of The Witcher, Netflix serves up an animated spin-off set before the fall of Kaer Morhen, the mountain stronghold of the Witchers’ Guild. But The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf isn’t your typical prequel. This fantasy drama sends an early signal that this installment isn’t interested in fitting season one into a more recognizable (linear) framework by centering Vesemir, a previously unknown character from The Witcher-verse. 

Beau DeMayo’s script uses the now familiar monster-of-the-week narrative device to dive into centuries old events on the Continent, further deepening the history and scope of this fantasy world.  If you thought Henry Cavill’s Geralt - and that season one prophecy - were the only characters or events of note; rest assured The Witcher-verse has an embarrassment of riches just waiting to be mined. Think of The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf as a novella. 

This a slim story arc revolves around Vesemir (Theo James), a roguish witcher with a taste for the high life and little interest in selflessness. Following his journey offers insight into the varied dangers lurking on the Continent, as well as details on the different factions in the kingdom. There are slow-burning resentments aplenty and pettiness abounds. But have no fear, under Kwang Il Han's direction, this is one adventurous side quest viewers will definitely want to accept.  Because Vesemir is a very talented witcher which means things absolutely get bloody. 

Set in the kingdom of Kaedwen, Vesemir plies his trade with flare, witty quips, and recklessness matched only by his mastery of swordplay and magespells. With Theo James (Castlevania) bringing Vesemir to life with warmth, edge, and just the right amount of disdain this witcher makes for a most excellent anti-hero. There are witchers aplenty in this day and age and no two are the same. 

From the outset, Han drops the audience directly into the mix. Vesemir, ever the opportunist, jumps into the fray to defeat a monster lurking in the forest attacking travelers. It’s an exhilarating and action-fueled opening. It's also a fantastic introduction to the sophisticated anime-influenced style that Studio MIR’s swiftly becoming known for (Dota: Dragon's Blood, Legend of Korra, The Boondocks). There’s beauty and depth to the imagery that when coupled with the twists and tragically romantic turns in the storyline builds into a bold hyper-realistic drama. 

After a snark-ladened battle, Vesemir riffles through the pockets of the dead gathering his fee. Lucky for him, these were gentry and his take sees him soon soaking in a hot bath, eating and drinking well. Too bad for the surviving son, Vesemir has little interest in saving the recently orphaned.  Although it must be said, he got more than a touch of assholishness blended in with the charisma. Making his chapter a great way to showcase why that resentment against witchers in Geralt's time is a) not entirely unfounded but b) still deeply rooted prejudice and political gamesmanship. Thankfully, as with all good anti-heroes, there’s more to Vesemir than meets the eye.

Young Vesemir’s (David Errigo Jr.) sly, witty, and hungry to escape the limited life of a bond servant. As he and his closest friend pull off a caper in the market, it’s not hard to see why as an adult, a previously impoverished child would a) be a boozing hedonist and b) tell a recently orphaned rich kid to essentially suck it up and deal. 

Although it’s slightly jarring when the narrative pace slows for this extended flashback to Vesemir's childhood ; don’t worry the plot isn’t deconstructed like the live-action series. The point of this time-slip is immediately apparent. A chance encounter between a unscrupulous witcher named Deglan (Graham McTavish) and young Vesemir changes the course of his entire life. It’s a dangerous profession. Not for the meek or mild; definitely the kind of the unwanted and forgotten easily find themselves sacrificed to fill the ranks. Unlike most recruits, however, Vesemir volunteers to undergo the trials and transformation into a witcher. It's also where you'll find yourself wanting to smack him up side the head for not asking nearly enough questions about the people he's thrown his lot in with. The first of many times. 

While Vesemire’s focused on securing his next bag, there's a battle waging at court over the continued relevance and role of witchers. More than a few witchers' ply their trade in disreputable ways as monsters become less plentiful to battle. It adds
layer of bitterness to the fear fermenting among the populace. Some, like a certain sorceress (Lara Pulver) with the King’s ear, lobby fiercely for the destruction of their stronghold Kaer Morhen and eradication of witchers for all time. Tasked with uncovering the origins of a monster, in order to save witchers from a death decree, Vesimer sets off to prove that despite their reputation, witchers weren’t responsible for resent attacks. 

There’s a commentary on class and hierarchy built into any fantasy world with a feudal system. Thankfully Han lets the overtones (and drags) seamlessly blended into this storyline do all the heavy lifting. Juxtaposing young Vesemir’s choices to the cynical adult he becomes against what drives him to undertake a quest on behalf of a certain lady (Mary McDonnell) speaks volumes about what it takes to survive in this world. He may be a scoundrel but Vesemir's got a code. 

So when he comes face-to-face with not only the consequences of his disinterest it leads to a reckoning and a third act that so fully capitalizes on the flexibility of animation its bring this story to an epic climax. Every emotional bet gets a payoff in the midst of the betrayal, fierce action sequences and magical battles. And while this chapter comes to a somewhat sad if satisfying end. Han’s craftily left the door open for returning the dangerous Vesemir. It’s a rather brilliant way to world-build and create connections without promising the undeliverable. 

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf is a striking 81 minute character study wrapped in mayhem and magic. Like all good animated stories, it uses bright colors, fluid movement and excellent scoring to showcase its worldbuilding and a cast of characters with quirks and unexpected complexity. It's sure to keep viewers on their toes. So, while fans will still have to wait until that December 17 premiere of The Witcher’s second eight episode season to learn more about the series’ primary storyline, the ripple effects from what befalls Vesemir continue straight through to present day and Geralt, stoic monster-hunter-for-hire. 

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf  debuted on Netflix, August 23, 2021. 

While Fionna and Cake weren't introduced to Adventure Time until Season 3, the two characters immediately became fan-favorites of the wildly popular show. Now, HBO Max is giving the fans what they way with Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake with series vet Adam Muto serving as showrunner and executive producer of the new series. Cartoon Network Studios will produce the series for the streamer. 

Adventure Time originally ran from 2010-2018 on Cartoon Network, with the channel partnering with fellow WarnerMedia property HBO Max with the continuation Adventure Time: Distant Lands. With the fourth chapter of the newest series set to hit sometime this fall — also on HBO Max — the Adventure Time team is looking for a way to keep the hype around the series going after its original series wracked up a whole host of awards, including a Peabody, three Annie Awards, and eight Primetime Emmy Awards. Given the extremely warm response to the gender-bent Finn and Jake, it only made sense for them to move forward with these characters' adventures. 

Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake will follow its two leads as they re-team with other Adventure Time favorites like the Ice King while attempting to dodge a currently unknown entity that seeks to wipe them from existence. The new series will run for 10 episodes for its first season.

“Adventure Time truly broke the mold and earned legions of passionate fans in the process,” said Billy Wee, SVP of Comedy and Original Animation at HBO Max, in a statement. “We are thrilled to partner with our friends at Cartoon Network Studios to continue innovating and expanding the Adventure Time universe with this world class team.”