Silent Witness fans have every reason to be a bit miffed this week (and last) as the popular BBC One series has fallen foul of a frustrating schedule change – so why isn’t it on tonight?
Last week, viewers tuned in for the continuation of series 27 but were left seriously disappointed. Instead of the second instalment of the two-parter Grievance Culture, they found the long-running TV drama had been pulled from the schedules. Criminal, right?
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the BBC replaced Silent Witness series 27 part 4 with yet another sporting event. Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup coverage showed Bristol City v West Ham United.
So how will this affect the rest of Silent Witness series 27? And why isn’t the series on tonight (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)? Here’s everything you need to know.
Cold Feet star John Thomson stars as DI Warren Bull in the cast of Silent Witness episode Grievance Culture (Credit: BBC Studios/Kevin Baker)
What happened to series 27 in the schedules?
Silent Witness series 27 has fallen foul of frustrating schedule changes.
Fans of the long-running forensic drama series will know that it always airs on a Monday and Tuesday throughout January. The latest season began on January 08, with guest star John Hannah making a guest appearance.
Episodes 3 and 4 were due to follow on Monday, January 15, and Tuesday, January 26, 2024. However, the second instalment did not air.
Instead, BBC One showed Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup, which took over the whole evening. The channel then chose to belatedly show the second part of the two-hander, entitled Grievance Culture, a week later. It aired on Monday, January 22, 2024.
That’s a week between episode 3 and episode 4. However, the BBC did make Grievance Culture part 2 available to watch on BBC iPlayer for those who weren’t prepared to wait.
Why isn’t Silent Witness on tonight?
Because the second part of Grievance Culture aired on Monday, January 22, 2024, there wasn’t an episode to show on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
So Silent Witness fans tuning in on Tuesday will be left disappointed again. Instead of the Emilia Fox series, BBC One is showing a repeat to fill the empty space.
On Tuesday at 9pm, the broadcaster is showing an old episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Comedian Josh Widdecombe traces his ancestry, beginning with an early relative who was cut out of the family fortune. The Last Leg star the moves on to Elizabethan and Tudor nobility, including a royal love triangle!
You’re alright Josh… But Tuesdays aren’t the same without Nikki’s perfectly styled blonde bob, and Jack Hodgson towering over her in a blue overall!
Jack looks around desperately for the Tuesday episode of Silent Witness (Credit: BBC)
When is Silent Witness next on?
After a period of unwelcome disruption, Silent Witness is back to its usual slot the week beginning Monday, January 29, 2024.
On that Monday, series 27 of Silent Witness will continue with episode 5. Episode 6 will follow the next day, Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
In episodes 5 and 6 – entitled Invisible – the team investigate another unusual case. Nikki and Jack must act when the mummified corpse of a woman is found in a flat after being dead for a year.
They draw on all of their forensic and pathology knowledge to find out the truth of her identity and what happened to her. The Lyell are determined that she must get justice, even if the world had forgotten her…
Nadine Marshall guest stars as DI Sarah Torres in the double-hander. She first played the role in the 2023 episodes Familiar Faces.
The Traitors is currently thrilling audiences on BBC One, but did you know it’s based on a game you can play at home with friends and family?
For those out of the loop, The Traitors is a reality series that pits ordinary people against each other to win a prize. Sounds simple? It isn’t. The contestants are separated into two groups ‘Faithfuls’ and ‘Traitors’, with only the latter group aware of who is what. In order to win, the Traitors must eliminate the Faithfuls without anyone foiling their identities. The Faithfuls have to work out which of their companions are Traitors and vote them off to win.
TV buffs will know The Traitors is based on a Dutch series called De Verraders, which itself is based on the 1980s Russian party game Mafia. Here’s how you can play The Traitors, or Mafia, at home.
Cast of The Traitors, aka, This Could Be You! (Credit: BBC)
How to play Mafia
Mafia is actually slightly more complicated that The Traitors, as some players have special privileges.
The basic concept is as follows: The players are split into two groups, Townsfolk and Mafia. The game follows a night phase and a day phase. During the night phase, the players close their eyes as the Mafia eliminate Townsfolk. The Doctor may then step in to save someone and/or the Detective may successfully deduce a Mafia member. During the day phase, the surviving players must figure out who the Mafia members are and eliminate them. Anyone accused of being a Mafia member can defend themselves before a vote decides who leaves. The phases continue until either the Townsfolk successfully root out the Mafia, or the Mafia overcome the Townsfolk.
Typically, you’d play this game with 10 participants, although it could be played with as few as six. So this is probably one that you’ll need to grab a bunch of friends or family for. At least ‘killing’ your in-laws might make family events a bit more entertaining!
A step-by-step guide on how to play Mafia
Step 1
Gather six or more people to play Mafia. This can be in person at home, at the pub, or, in the age of Zoom, over the internet!
Step 2
The players choose one person to be the Major, who is basically the game’s moderator (or you could call them Claudia Winkleman). Unfortunately, Mayors don’t really get to play the game but they do get to know who is or isn’t a mafia member.
You can play as Claudia Winkleman when you play The Traitors (Credit: BBC)
The Mayor’s duties are:
Distributing cards to participants
Telling people when they can open and close their eyes during night and day cycles
Timing the discussions between players so they don’t exceed the time limit
Informing players they have been ‘killed’ or voted out (if voting is anonymous)
Declaring the winner!
Step 3
There are two ways to select the player roles. You could either write the different roles – Townsfolk or Mafia – on pieces of paper, mix them up in a hat, and have players draw their role.
Alternatively you could have the Mayor go around the circle and tap each player on the shoulder: one tap for Townsfolk, two taps for Mafia.
The roles are:
The Mafia: The Mafia are responsible for killing one player per night phase, which happens while everyone’s eyes are shut.
The Townsfolk: Sadly, these are the ordinary innocent villagers with no special privileges. Good luck!
Some Townsfolk also have special roles. These roles are:
The Detective: The Detective makes guesses as to who the Mafia members are. They get a number of guesses per round equal to the number of Mafia. If they are correct, the Mafia member is removed from the game. If they are not, nothing happens.
The Doctor: Once per turn before the Night Phase, the Doctor gets to choose one person to save (which could be themselves). If the Mafia then choose the ‘kill’ that player during that round, they are saved.
Step 4
Start the first night cycle. The Mayor instructs everyone to close their eyes. Once all are closed, the Mayor asks the Mafia to ‘wake up’ and silently decide amongst themselves which townsperson to kill that night. They point at their choice to inform the Mayor. The Major then tells the Mafia to close their eyes.
Step 5
The Mayor asks The Detective to wake up next and make a guess as to who the Mafia are. The Detective does so silently, and the Mayor silently informs them if they are correct or not. If they are right, the Mafia member is eliminated. If not, nothing happens. The detective must then close their eyes.
The Traitors (Credit: BBC)
Step 6
Next, the Mayor asks the Doctor to wake up. The Doctor must choose someone to save, which could be themselves. The Doctor can save the person the Mafia selected if they choose the same person. If the Doctor chooses someone else, the person the Mafia chose is eliminated. The Doctor can also be eliminated, which means the role of Doctor no longer exists. After making their choice, The Doctor closes their eyes again.
Step 7
The day cycle begins and the Mayor tells everyone to open their eyes. The Mayor informs the players what happened the night before and can be as theatrical as they would like.
Step 8
Players discuss the night’s events. The Townsfolk have to figure out who the Mafia are, while the Mafia sit amongst them and play along to maintain their identities. The Townsfolk can use any evidence they have, such as perhaps hearing movements or sounds close to them. Everyone still alive can participate.
Step 9
The players make accusations. More than one player must make the same accusation before the accused player will be required to defend themselves.
Step 10
The accuser gets 30 seconds (or however long you decide) to explain why they have accused someone. The accused then gets 30 seconds to defend themselves.
Step 11
All players vote on whether the accused person is guilty. If the majority vote guilty, the player is eliminated regardless of whether they are a mafia member or not. If the majority vote not guilty, the accused survives.
Step 12
In the scenario where the ‘not guilty’ verdict prevails, continue accusing players until someone is found guilty by majority.
Step 13
The eliminated player reveals their role, and if they are not the final mafia member remaining, the game continues.
Step 14
Repeat the above steps until there are either no mafia members remaining (Townsfolk win) or no Townsfolk (Mafia win). The Mayor will declare the victor.
Claudia Winkleman on The Traitors (Credit: BBC)
The BBC Play Along Game
If all of that is a bit too much for you, or you’re simply more interested in watching the TV show, the BBC website also has a play along game.
The good news is that the BBC is currently casting for series three of The Traitors, so why not get involved? Anyone interested can register now with Studio Lambert.
The Traitors is finally back on our screens for a brand new series as Claudia Winkleman made her hosting return tonight (January 3).
22 contestants have headed to a castle in the Scottish Highlands for a thrilling new game of The Traitors as they try and compete for a potential £120,000 prize.
But who has been chosen by Claudia to become the Traitors?
The Traitors is back! (Credit: BBC)
The Traitors on BBC
Three Traitors were picked by Claudia during the first episode. Their job is to kill off the Faithful. Paul, Ash and Harry will put their lying and betraying skills to the test this series.
The trio then made the decision to recruit one Faithful to join them. However, who the chose will be revealed in Thursday night’s episode (January 4).
Paul is so going to throw the others under the bus at some point.
But back to tonight’s first ep, it seems Harry has already got some eyes on him as Diane admitted she’s suspicious of him.
Meanwhile, viewers also reckon Paul will waste no time in throwing his fellow Traitors under the bus when he gets the chance.
Paul was chosen by Claudia to become a Traitor (Credit: BBC)
Paul on The Traitors
One viewer said on X – formerly known as Twitter: “Paul would throw every other Traitor under the bus in a heart beat.”
Another wrote: “Paul is so going to throw the others under the bus at some point. He gives me those vibes.”
Someone else tweeted: “Paul telling Harry he was overthinking about Diane makes me think he’s ready to throw him under the bus in the future.”
Meanwhile, a fourth added: Paul… too cocky.”
Another agreed, writing: “Paul’s cockiness is going to be his undoing.”
Paul, Ash and Harry were the first Traitors chosen (Credit: BBC)
Others fear Paul and Harry won’t last very long in the series. One person tweeted: “Paul and Harry are already making it obvious that they’re being sketchy. If at least one of them doesn’t get banished within three episodes then these Faithfuls will be worse than the ones from last year.”
Another wrote: “Paul and Harry won’t last long as Traitors.”
A third added: “Paul keeps smirking/smiling and Harry looks so guilty, idk how long either will last.”
Murder is Easy is a must-watch thriller this Christmas – it wouldn’t be the festive season without an Agatha Christie whodunnit – and the cast list is exquisite!
The story sees Luke Fitzwilliam heading to London when he happens across Miss Pinkerton, a woman who suspects a serial killer is operating in her home of Wychwood. She thinks she’s next on the list – and she’s not wrong!
When Miss Pinkerton is found dead, Fitzwilliam realises her suspicions were true. Now he must travel to the sleepy village of Wychwood to stop the murderer striking again.
Sounds intriguing, right? Here are all the faces to look out for in the Murder is Easy cast.
David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam in Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
David Jonsson is Luke Fitzwilliam
British actor David Jonsson plays Luke Fitzwilliam, a Nigerian immigrant whose journey to London is interrupted by Miss Pinkerton. When she’s found dead, Fitzwilliam rushes to Wychwood to try to catch the killer.
To telly fans, David’s best known for his role as Gus Sackey in BBC Two drama Industry (2020 – present). Gus is a privileged young Oxford graduate starting work at London investment bank Pierpoint & Co. It’s a role that could not be more different to him – a shy young man who grew up in London’s docklands and was expelled from school. “I’m quite tame – a bit vanilla,” David told GQ. “I had to get advice from people on set about how to snort a line authentically.”
He also played MI6 agent Isaac Turner in season two of British spy thriller Deep State (2019).
Other roles include the lead in 2023 Hulu film Rye Lane, for which he received a British Independent Film Award nomination. He also had a small role in Endeavour in 2018.
David’s also had an impressive theatre career since he graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2016. He made his West End debut in Mary Stuart in 2017, and later that year starred in Don Juan in Soho alongside David Tennant. In 2021, he won Best Actor at the Black British Theatre Awards for his role in and breathe… at the Almeida Theatre.
2022 saw David make Evening Standard list of Londoners to watch and receive an honorary mention from British GQ’s Men of the Year. Meanwhile in 2023, he was named a Tatler Bright Young Thing as well as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow. So many prominent publishers can’t be wrong – David is definitely one to watch!
Morfydd Clark as Bridget in Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Morfydd Clark is Bridget Conway
Welsh actress Morfydd Clark plays Bridget Conway, a social climber with a penchant for reading people. Her skill makes her the perfect fit to be Fitzwilliam’s crime-solving partner.
Fantasy fans will recognise Morfydd Clark for her starring role in Amazon Prime Video epic Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022). Sporting a long blonde wig and pointy elf ears, she played Galadriel – a role made famous by Cate Blanchett in the Peter Jackson trilogy films. Morfydd’s Galadriel was younger, more impulsive, and maybe the reason the plot of Lord of the Rings had to happen at all. She’s confirmed to return in the second series, which is slated for premiere in 2024.
The 33-year-old’s other TV roles include Mina in Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat‘s 2020 recreation of Dracula. She also appeared as Sister Clara in season one of His Dark Materials in 2019.
Morfydd’s film work includes a BAFTA-nominated turn in psychological horror Saint Maud (2019). She also starred in The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019), The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017), Interlude in Prague (2017) and Love & Friendship (2016).
This year Morfydd appeared in rural horror Starve Acre, playing Juliette.
Penelope Wilton as Miss Pinkerton with David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam in Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Penelope Wilton is Miss Pinkerton
Dame Penelope Wilton DBE portrays Miss Pinkerton, an elderly resident of Wychwood who does not believe recent local deaths were accidents. Rushing to Scotland Yard to report her suspicions, she comes across Luke Fitzwilliam.
Penelope, 77, is a huge name in acting across theatre, film, and TV. So much so that she was elevated to Dame for services to acting in Queen Elizabeth II‘s 2016 birthday honours. For her work in theatre, she’s won two Critics’ Circle awards, an Evening Standard award and – the big one – an Olivier. She’s had six Olivier Best Actress nods in total.
Most recently, she portrayed Anne, a wise old lady on a graveyard bench who offers advice to Ricky Gervais‘ Tony in the Netflix drama After Life. The show ran from 2019 to 2022, with Anne’s scenes being praised for some of the show’s most powerful.
Penelope also played Isobel Crawley in Downton Abbey (2010-2015), the mother of heir to the estate Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). Their arrival at Downton prompted the events of the drama. Penelope appeared in all six seasons of the drama, as well as two films.
A short but important TV role was that of Harriet Jones in Doctor Who. Penelope was introduced as the MP Harriet in 2005 during Russell T Davies‘ tenure, before progressing to uncompromising Prime Minister. Harriet later sacrificed herself for the good of humanity in 2008.
Other TV roles include Five Days (2007), Bob & Rose (2001), The Borrowers and The Return of the Borrowers (1992-1993), Jackanory (1984-1991), Ever Decreasing Circles (1984-1989) and The Norman Conquests (1977).
Her film roles include this year’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Operation Mincemeat (2021), The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011 – and the Second Best in 2015), Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Calendar Girls (2003).
Sinéad Matthews as Honoria Wayneflete in Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Sinéad Matthews is Honoria Waynflete
Coventry-born actress Sinéad Matthews plays Honoria Waynflete, a pillar of the local community. She’s someone everyone in the area comes to for advice, which she’s happy to dish out.
Most recently, Sinéad played one of the lead roles, Paula, in Lucy Beaumont sitcom Hullraisers (2022-present). Her TV credits also include Midsomer Murders in 2001, and the role of Marcia Williams – PM Harold Wilson’s aide – in The Crown (2019).
Earlier TV roles include Chewing Gum (2017), Toast of London (2015), Inside No. 9 (2015), The Smoke (2014), Way to Go (2013) and Black Mirror (2013).
On top of that, she starred in the BBC Three comedy Ideal between 2005-2011. She portrayed Jenny, the dimwitted girlfriend of Johnny Vegas‘ Moz.
Her film roles include He Knew He Was Right (2004), Vera Drake (2004), Pride & Prejudice (2005), Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang (2010), The Smoke (2014) and Jellyfish (2018).
Tom Riley as Lord Whitfield in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Tom Riley is Lord Whitfield
English actor Tom Riley plays Lord Whitfield, the richest man in Wychwood. As new money, he very much enjoys his wealth, believing he’s entirely deserving of it all.
Most recently, Tom, 42, starred in the Joss Whedon sci-fi The Nevers (2021-2023), which was quickly cancelled. He also starred in Netflix‘s The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022).
Other roles include ITV drama Dark Heart (2016), in which Tom played the main role of DI Will Wagstaffe. He also played Leonardo Da Vinci in Da Vinci’s Demons for three seasons (2013-2015), winning a Welsh BAFTA. And he starred alongside James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish in medical drama Monroe (2011-2012).
Tom’s no stranger to Agatha Christie adaptations, either, appearing in Poirot (2008) and Marple (2007).
Elsewhere in 2023, he played Keith in the courtroom drama The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
Douglas Henshall as Major Horton in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Douglas Henshall is Major Horton
Scottish actor Douglas Henshall plays Major Horton, a welcoming local who invites Fitzwilliam to a proper pub.
Douglas, 58, is another big name in TV. He’s recently best known as DI Jimmy Pérez, the face of BBC One’s BAFTA-winning crime drama Shetland (2013-2022). After 10 years in the role, Douglas handed the mantle over to Ashley Jensen in 2023.
Before he was Jimmy Pérez, he was Professor Nick Cutler in ITV sci-fi Primeval (2007-2009). The series received critical acclaim and became a cult hit.
His earliest big role was Lipstick on Your Collar (1993), alongside Ewan McGregor. He later played a psychologist in Glaswegian drama Psychos (1999). He was Levin in Anna Karenina in 2000, D.I. John Tolin in Collision (2009) and Taran MacQuarrie in Outlander (2015). Two miniseries, Black Work (2015) and In Plain Sight (2016) followed.
Film roles include Angels and Insects (1995), Orphans (1998), Lawless Heart (2001), Silent Cry (2002), French Film (2008), Dorian Gray (2009), The Eagle (2011) and Iona (2016).
Earlier this year, he appeared in Who Is Erin Carter?.
Mark Bonnar as Rev Humbleby (left) and Mathew Baynton as Dr Thomas (right) in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Mathew Baynton is Dr Thomas
English actor Mathew Baynton plays Dr Thomas, a man of status in the Wychwood community. He does not enjoy Fitzwilliam shaking up the village status quo.
Mathew, 43, has a wonderfully quirky CV – excelling in writing, comedy and music as well as acting. He wrote and performed in five seasons of CBBC series Horrible Histories (2009-2013). Along with other members of the Horrible Histories cast, he formed the Them There comedy troupe. The troupe created and starred in Sky One sitcom Yonderland (2013-2016), plus the BBC’s Bill (2015). Their most recent creation is the BBC’s Ghosts (2019-2023).
Other prominent TV roles include Deano in Gavin and Stacey (2008-2009), Chris in Spy (2011-2012), Simon in Peep Show (2010-2012), Sam in The Wrong Mans (2013-2014), twins Jamie and Ariel in You, Me and the Apocalypse (2015), and William in Quacks (2017).
Mark Bonnar as Rev Humbleby (left) and Douglas Henshall as Major Horton (right) in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Mark Bonnar is Reverend Humbleby
Scottish actor Mark Bonnar plays Reverend Humbleby, the local vicar. He’s concerned about the direction Lord Whitby is taking the village in.
Mark, 55, is yet another actor you’ll very much recognise from somewhere. First playing Bruno Jenkins in Casualty (2005-2006), he later landed a recurring role on The Bill in 2007. The BBC crime drama Paradox (2009) followed, alongside future Murder is Easy co-star Tamzin Outhwaite.
Another future Murder is Easy castmate, Douglas Henshall, was his co-star when he joined Shetland in 2013. He played Duncan Hunter until 2022, when both he and Douglas left the show.
He appeared in Line of Duty‘s second season (2014) as DCC Mike Dryden. Roles in Grantchester (2014), Midsomer Murders (2015), Vera (2015), Home Fires (2015), Jeckyll and Hyde (2015), Undercover (2016) and New Blood (2016) followed.
2017 saw Mark play major roles in BBC miniseries Apple Tree Yard and the second season of ITV’s Unforgotten. He began starring in Channel 4 comedy Catastrophe, a role he continued until 2019 when the show ended. He also starred in the revival of Porridge to mark the BBC’s Landmark Sitcom Season.
Next he starred in robot drama Humans (2018), then Summer of Rockets (2019) and Defending the Guilty (2019). He also played one of two brothers involved in a hit-and-run in Guilt (2019-2023).
Tamzin Outhwaite as Mrs Pierce (centre) in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Tamzin Outhwaite is Mrs Pierce
English actress Tamzin Outhwaite plays Mrs Pierce, a nosy housekeeper who knows everyone’s business. She’s a working-class woman of the people who tells it like it is.
Tamzin, 53, first became a household name for her portrayal of Mel Owen in EastEnders in 1998. During her time on the show, Mel married Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Steve Owen (Martin Kemp). She was also kidnapped by ex-lover Dan Sullivan (Craig Fairbrass). Her first run on the soap continued until 2006, before she returned again in early 2018. This time around, Mel was involved in a shoot-out and later died in a vehicle accident in 2019.
She also appeared in BBC One drama Red Cap (2003-2004), as well as in Hustle (2004).
Following her first stint on EastEnders, she starred in ITV’s The Fixer (2008). Next she appeared alongside future Murder is Easy co-star Mark Bonnar in Paradox (2009).
In 2013, she took over the lead role in New Tricks, portraying Detective Chief Inspector Sasha Miller. She played the role for two seasons before the show was ultimately cancelled.
She appeared in menopause drama Dun Breedin’ (2020), alongside Julie Graham and Tracy-Ann Oberman. BBC One drama Ridley Road followed in 2021, as well as a role in The Tower‘s second season in 2023.
She also came fourth in ITV’s first season of The Masked Dancer in 2021, where she performed as ‘Scarecrow’.
Who else is in the Murder is Easy cast?
Pakistani actress Nimra Bucha plays Mrs Humbleby, the wife of Reverend Humbleby. Nimra has played plenty of roles in Pakistani film and television, including Manto (2015) and Churails (2020). Here, she’s best known for her performance as mum Najma in the Disney+ superhero show Miss Marvel (2022).
Nimra Bucha as Mrs Humbleby (left) and David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam (right) in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Phoebe Licorish plays Rose Humbleby, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs Humbleby. Phoebe is a recent graduate of Manchester School of Theatre, and makes her TV debut in Murder is Easy.
Jon Pointing plays Rivers. Jon played Charlie in Pls Like (2017-2021), Jason in Plebs (2018-2019) and Danny in Big Boys (2022).
Kathryn Howden is Mrs Carter, a friend of Mrs Pierce. Kathryn is best known for her role on Scottish soap River City, in which she’s played Maggie McLean since 2017.
Demmy Ladipo as Jimmy Amaike and Ngozi Ude as Gloria Obianyo in BBC One’s Murder is Easy (Credit: BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)
Demmy Ladipo is Jimmy Amaike. Demmy’s played roles in 2023 Daniel Kaluuya film The Kitchen, as well as BBC Three comedy Dreaming Whilst Black (2023). He also starred as Wasim in 2021’s We Are Lady Parts.
Finally, Gloria Obianyo is Ngozi Ude. Ngozi’s appeared in 2021’s Dune and 2018’s High Life.
Murder is Easy premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from December 27 at 9pm.
Jamie Dornan returns as Elliot in series 2 of The Tourist this Christmas, and he looks like a different man to the one we last saw at the end of series 1.
The BBC has released more images of the upcoming six-part series, and fans of the Northern Irish actor might be shocked to see him rocking a new look.
It’s less Christian Grey, and more Harry Potter’s Hagrid – look away now if you don’t like your men hirsute…
***Warning: contains graphic images of Jamie Dornan’s audition to join The Hairy Bikers***
Jamie Dornan returns as Elliot in The Tourist series 2 – and, this time, his beard takes centre stage (Credit: Two Brothers/Steffan Hill)
Actor Jamie Dornan returns as Elliot in The Tourist series 2
BBC One has revealed very little about the plot of The Tourist series 2 so far. But new pictures have teased what is ahead.
In newly-released images, 41-year-old actor Jamie Dornan can be seen with a brand new look. Part Hoxton-hipster, part old man, Jamie can be seen sporting a huge, bushy beard in the upcoming episode 1.
In first-look photos of the new instalment, we can see Jamie’s character Elliot meeting with policewoman Helen Chambers. Viewers will remember that the pair shared a kiss in the last series, shortly after she’s left her controlling husband.
The new images show a heavily bearded Elliot meeting with Helen. Helen (Danielle Macdonald) appears to be looking into Elliot’s eyes lovingly, as he holds her hands. Helen looks unchanged, although she is in casual clothes, and is carrying a backpack. And the scene is clearly not Australia anymore…
While Jamie’s full-on facial hair is more than likely a disguise rather than a fashion choice, further pictures show him shaving the beard off in episode 1.
Helen and a heavily-bearded Elliot hold hands in The Tourist series 2 (Credit: Two Brothers/Steffan Hill)
What’s the plot of series 2?
At the end of The Tourist series 1, viewers learnt that Elliot had been a bad, bad man before his bout of amnesia. But, disgusted by his past life, he wanted to make amends.
Series 2 sees the return of Jamie Dornan and Danielle Macdonald as Elliot and Helen. This time, the action is based in Ireland.
The second series includes several new characters as Elliot and Helen become embroiled in a family feud. Additionally, the BBC has teased that Elliot and Helen will be “confronted by friends and foes as they attempt to uncover the secrets of Elliot’s past”.
More preview images show Elliot with a wound on his head, running away from a car. Another photo shows him hiding behind a curtain, again looking like he’s been in the wars.
Jamie and Danielle are two of very few returning characters from series 1. The cast of series 2 welcomes newcomers Frances Magee as Frank, Diarmaid Murtagh as Donal, and Olwen Fouéré as Niamh.
MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace revealed some tragic family news on Instagram this week as he announced his father-in-law has passed away.
The TV chef, 59, who will be hosting MasterChef: The Professionals tonight (November 23), took to social media to share a picture of his in-laws raising a glass of wine. In the caption, he then wrote: “Farewell Massimo Sterpini 1957 – 2023 my much-loved father-in-law.”
Gregg Wallace announces sad family death
Fans rushed to the comments section and offered their condolences to the telly presenter, as one penned: “My thoughts are with your wife and mother-in-law and you and all the family and friends at a very sad and heartbreaking time. May he rest in paradise and shine bright in your hearts always,” they then added.
MasterChef 2019 winner Irini Tzortzoglou wrote: “Very sorry to hear about your and Anna’s loss Gregg. He was too young!” While another commented: “Very sorry for your loss Gregg. Our thoughts are with you, Anna, Sid [Gregg’s wife and son] and all your family at this very sad time.”
“We are so sorry to hear such sad news. Such a wonderful man who I know you will miss immeasurably. Love to you all,” a third then added.
Gregg previously opened up about his close bond with his wife Anne-Marie’s parents – who lived with them and his son Sid.
He told The Sun: “Rena [his mother-in-law] and I remember the same TV shows and sing the same 1970s pop songs. I love Rena. We have such a giggle. We are roughly the same age,” he said.
“Anna doesn’t know what we are talking about. We were singing Boney M at breakfast this morning and Anna has no idea,” he giggled.
Gregg Wallace shared a tribute honouring his father-in-law (Credit: BBC)
Gregg shares health update
Gregg’s family loss comes a month after he revealed he was “very unwell” and as a result was forced to cancel his birthday celebrations. The star admitted: “Lots of people are saying to me: ‘It was your birthday yesterday, hope you had a great day.’ I didn’t do anything.”
Explaining he’d been poorly, Gregg then added: “I cancelled all my plans; Saturday night dinner with my Anna, Sunday I was supposed to be going out with the family, Monday I was supposed to be going out with my son…”
He added that it was better for him to “rest and get better” and also confessed that sometimes plans are cancelled because “that’s the way the cookie crumbles”.
MasterChef: The Professionals will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm tonight (November 23).
The Boat Story on BBC One is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, apart from the cast who are a selection of some of our favourite TV actors.
Season 1 of the darkly comic crime caper begins on Sunday (November 17, 2023) with the first of 6 episodes. The BBC tells us it’s about “two strangers, one boat, and nothing to lose”.
The new detective drama stars Daisy Haggard and Paterson Joseph as two strangers fallen on hard times. When out walking their dogs, they discover a shipment of cocaine in the remains of a washed-up boat, they tell themselves that selling it could solve all their problems. However, there’s a catch (pardon the fishing pun).
The characters of Janet Campbell and Samuel Wells are unaware that this will make them the targets of the police, and a vengeful French mobster who does not take kindly to having his merchandise stolen…
Warning, this is fun, but certainly not for the squeamish! Here’s a rundown of all the cast in Boat Story, written by Harry and Jack Williams.
Daisy Haggard as Janet in the cast of Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers/Ray Burmiston)
Boat Story cast: Daisy Haggard plays Janet Campbell
Actress Daisy Haggard, 45, portrays the lead role of Janet Campbell in Boat Story. Janet bumps into stranger Samuel on a beach, where the pair stumble into a lucrative – but dangerous – discovery. When they find a stash of cocaine, she’s keen to call the police, but it persuaded to make some money instead.
Comedy fans will know Daisy as Ally in the cast of Breeders. She’s also famous for starring in Back to Life, a series she created. In it, she portrayed Miri Matteson quite brilliantly, a woman trying to reclaim her life after being convicted of murder.
Daisy is also known for playing Emmy in Green Wing, Emma in The Persuasionists, and Debbie in Psychoville. She played Christine Proctor in Ballot Monkeys, Sam in Uncle and Myra Licht in Episodes. She’s also known for her various roles in Man Stroke Woman.
Other notable roles include Sophie in Doctor Who, Charlene in Outnumbered, Bets in Black Mirror, and Lara in Inside No9. Daisy has also been in several films, including Songbird, Calloused Hands, and I Give It a Year. Harry Potter fans might know her as the voice of the lift!
Paterson Joseph as Samuel in the cast of Boat Story Credit: Two Brothers/Des Willie)
Actor Paterson Joseph portrays Samuel Wells
Paterson Joseph, who looks ridiculously youthful for 59, stars as down-on-his-luck Samuel in Boat Story. Paterson recently played Kamal Hadley in Noughts and Crosses, Newsome in Vigil, and Thompson in That Dirty Black Bag.
The Sandman viewers might recognise his voice as that of Demon Choronzon… He’s also known for his iconic role of Alan Johnson in the acclaimed sitcom Peep Show. Other notable roles include in Babylon, Survivors, Green Wing, Timeless, Safe House, Jericho, Law and Order: UK, and Jeykll.
Paterson has also bagged himself a handful of Hollywood roles too. He’s starred in the likes of Aeon Flux, acclaimed drama Traffic, and he’ll soon appear in the reboot of Wonka.
Casualty fans will know him as Mark Grace, a role he played from 1997 to 1998.
Craig Fairbrass as Guy in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers/Matt Squire)
Boat Story cast: Craig Fairbrass is Guy
It’s not often we see beefcake Craig Fairbrass, 59, on our TV screens, but here he is portraying Guy in the cast of Boat Story. Of course, EastEnders fans will know the actor for playing Dan Sullivan from 1999 to 2001. He’s definitely found a niche, as a big proportion of his roles tend to be on the villainous side!
The former dancer – yes, he used to perform on Top of the Pops – is perhaps better known for playing ‘hard men’ in the likes of Cliffhanger, opposite Sly Stallone. Other film roles include Terry Hamilton in Beyond Bedlam, Frazer Truick in Darklands, and Det. Robert Bryant in Killing Time. In fact, he’s played one of the heavies in dozens of films, although he played the lead role of Eddie Franks in the 2020 thriller Villain.
More recently, he played Chef Zeff in the TV series One Piece.
Baptiste actor Tchéky Karyo as The Tailor in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers/Matt Squire)
Tchéky Karyo portrays The Tailor
French actor Tchéky Karyo stars as The Tailor in Boat Story, and he’s not someone who’d want to mess with! While he pays a baddie in the six-part crime thriller, he’s actually better known for being on the right side of the law.
Of course, 70-year-old Tchéky Karyo, 70, is best known to us Brits for playing Julien Baptiste in the great crime drama of the same name. He first played the role in the TV series The Missing, and subsequently got his own spin-off show, which ran for two series.
He’s been on our screens ever since 1982 when he starred in the Gérard Depardieu film The Return of Martin Guerre. Since then, he’s been in dozens of French films and TV series. One notable role was as Paolo in the saucy S&M film Husbands and Lovers. The late Julian Sands also starred in the movie.
He’s also known for playing Black Coda in the TV series Arabian Night, Yoel in Possessions, and Général Duvernet in Women at War. Most recently, he played Miller in the high-stakes, contemporary thriller Liaison.
Arthur, portrayed by Jonas Armstrong, in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers)
Jonas Armstrong stars as Arthur Lake
Actor Jonas Armstrong, 42, portrays Arthur Lake in Boat Story, and he’s very well known to TV audiences.
Jonas is probably most famous for playing Robin Hood in the BBC series of the same name between 2006 and 2009. He also played Anthony Millington in Teachers, Steve in Prisoners Wives, Ben in Hit & Miss, and Joe in Line of Duty.
Most recently, he portrayed Jason in The Drowning, and Sean Meredith in The Bay – a father whose child goes missing. He’s also played grieving dad Gareth in Hollington Drive, Saul Morris in Strike, and Finn Coleman in Ghost Seekers.
In 2022, he took on the role of paedophile Barry Bennell in the moving drama Floodlights.
Michelle Austin as Camilla in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers/Des Willie)
Boat Story cast: Michele Austin plays Camilla Wells
Michele Austin plays Camilla Wells in the cast of Boat Story on BBC One. The actress recently played Angela – a self-made millionaire – in The Other One.
Before The Other One, she’s probably best known for her role as PC Yvonne Hemmingway in The Bill. However, she’s also had parts in Casualty, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Doctors, Holby City, Silent Witness and many many more.
You’ll have also seen her as Estelle in Death in Paradise, Tracey in This is Going to Hurt, Dani in Meet the Richardsons, and Annie in Dark Heart.
She’s appeared in EastEnders twice. The first time, she played a registrar in 2001, and returned for three episodes between 2010 and 2016 portraying Gloria MacDonald – evil Lucas Johnson‘s sister. Michele has also appeared in some seriously respected films, including Mike Leigh’s Another Year, and Secrets & Lies.
Ethan Lawrence stars as Ben Tooh in Boat Story (Credit: BBC)
Ethan Lawrence stars as Ben Tooh
Actor Ethan Lawrence, 31, stars as Ben Tooh in the cast of Boat Story. The Essex-born star is known for playing the roles of Joe Poulter in the BBC series Bad Education, and James in the Netflix black comedy After Life. Fans of the Ricky Gervais series will remember James as the gormless but likeable character.
He appeared in the first series as a teenager who played the recorder with his nose. The character later became a regular character in the second and third series.
Since 2021, Ethan has played various characters in the CBBC children’s comedy sketch show Horrible Histories. He’s also known for playing Ryan in Sky Living comedy series Trying Again, and has made several TV appearances in shows such as Flat TV, Avatards and Doc Martin.
Boat Story cast: Joanna Scanlan as Pat (Credit: Two Brothers/Ray Burmiston)
Boat Story cast: Joanna Scanlan as Pat Tooh
Actress Joanna Scanlan stars as Pat Tooh in Boat Story. Of course, she’s best known for playing Ma Larkin in the ITV series The Larkins.
Joanna has been on our TV screens ever since 1997 when she played Bessie in the TV movie Jane Eyre. She went on to play Lady Crawley in Vanity Fair, Stumpy Yates in Doctors and Nurses, and even played a prisoner in EastEnders!
From 2005 to 2012, she played Terri Coverley in The Thick of It, and later Nancy in Stella. She’s also played Sister Den Flixter in Getting On, Toria in Heading Out, Mrs. Klebb in Big School and Janice Gray in Requiem.
Joanna has appeared in the films Kinky Boots, Notes on a Scandal, Bridget Jones’ Baby and The Other Boleyn Girl. Other TV roles include DI Vivienne Deering in No Offence, and Angela Griffiths in The Accident.
More recently, Joanna has played Isabella ‘Tib’ Norcliffe in Gentleman Jack series 2, Kelly Mulcreevy in McDonald & Dodds, and Mother Superior in Dracula. In 2020, she played Mary in the hard-hitting film After Love. She deservedly won the BAFTA award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for it.
Katie Dickie plays Katia in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers)
Katie Dickie as Katia
The fabulous Kate Dickie, 52, stars as Katia in Boat Story. She’s known for nearly 30 years of appearances on TV and film – not least her role as the rather unpleasant Lysa Arryn in Game of Thrones…
The actress got her start with a small role in the 1994 comedy series Rab C Nesbitt, when she was in her twenties. She went on to appear in TV series Tinsel Town, The Vice, and Still Game, as well as a number of films. But arguably her first TV big role was in Starz series The Pillars of the Earth in 2010. She played Agnes in the Emmy-winning series.
Kate then won the role of detestable Lysa Arryn in Games of Thrones in 2011. She was Littlefinger’s wife who he rather violently killed off in shocking scenes in series 4.
Her other best-known TV roles include Annie in Midwinter of the Spirit, Sal in One of Us and Mrs Bishop in The Frankenstein Chronicles. Kate Dickie played Morven Davis in the mini-series The Cry alongside Jenna Coleman. She had a small cameo in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi back in 2017.
She also played Sister Condron in the Scottish film Our Ladies, and played Mrs Gill in Steve McQueen’s BAFTA-winning series Small Axe. Kate recently played DCI Diane Oban in Alibi series Annika with Nicola Walker. She also recently played Halldóra the Pict in the film The Northman. Most recently she played Morag in Inside Man, and General Dox in Loki.
Phil Daniels as Craig Dodds in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers/Matt Squire)
Phil Daniels portrays Craig Dodd
Actor Phil Daniels, 65, plays Craig Dodds in Boat Story, which is a bit of a coincidence as he recently portrayed fisherman Marvelous Harris in the cast of Beyond Paradise!
Of course, the veteran actor is best known for playing Jimmy in the 1979 film Quadrophenia. He’s been acting for more than 50 years – ever since he was 14, in fact, when he played Billy in the film Anoop and the Elephant opposite Linda Robson. He went on to secure several TV roles until landing the life-changing part in Quadrophenia.
EastEnders fans will know him for playing Kevin Wicks in the BBC soap from 2006 to 2008. Phil also played Richards in Scum, and voiced Fetcher in Chicken Run.
Other notable TV roles include Sam Weller in The Pickwick Papers, Gary Rickey in Holding On, Larry Valentine in Sex, Chips & Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Terry Brook in Time Gentleman Please.
Music fans will know him as the salesman in the video to Blur’s 1994 hit Parklife.
Actor John Henshaw as Nigel in Boat Story (Credit: Two Brothers)
Who else appears in the cast of Boat Story on BBC One?
Olafur Darri Olafsson is the comic narrator of Boat Story on BBC One. The Icelandic actor, 50, is known for his role Andri Ólafsson in Entrapped, and Billy in The Tourist.
Oliver Sheridan plays Alan, DI Ray’s Rick S Carr stars as Dennis, and Benidorn actor Adam Gillen – aka Liam Conroy – plays Vinnie. Meanwhile, John Henshaw portrays Nigel. John is best known for playing Ken in Early Doors, and Mike Dugdale in The Long Shadow.
Newcomer Cherie Gordon stars as Cherie Gordon, Girl/Haji’s Joseph Kennedy plays Dr Weathers, and Craig Kelly portrays Peter. Of course, Craig is the brother of Maryland actor Dean Lennox Kelly. But Craig is famous in his own right. He’s known for playing Daniel Perryman in Casualty, Vince Tyler in Queer as Folk, and Pete in Hotel Babylon.
Shetland series 8 continued this week with episode 3, and ended on a pretty shocking revelation – that DI Ruth Calder could be related to the murder victim.
Now THAT would be a serious conflict of interest for the visiting detective, who doesn’t seem to be in any rush to get back to work with the London’s Met police…
Meanwhile, we’re still no nearer knowing who killed Ellen, although her body was last seen on a field seemingly as some sort of symbolic sacrifice.
Here are all the burning questions we have after watching Shetland series 8 episode 3… Are you as gripped as us?
***Warning: spoilers from Shetland series 8 episode 3 ahead***
Is Ellen Quinn related to DI Ruth Calder? (Credit: ITV Studios/Mark Mainz)
Shetland series 8 episode 3 questions: Are Ruth Calder and Ellen Quinn sisters?
DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) clearly has no love whatsoever for her dad, the late Reverend Calder. He seems to be the main – or only – reason she left Shetland when she was a teenager, and never looked back (until now). While her brother Alan seems to think he was a good dad, and Ruth should cut him some slack, Ruth’s old flame Cal Innes has also mentioned her dad being difficult…
In episode 3, we discovered at least one of the reasons why Ruth seems to hate her late dad. And it’s a pretty valid reason! Viewers learnt that the OG Reverend Calder cheating on Ruth’s mum when she was dying of cancer.
Jean Ferguson (Jennifer Black) turned up at Ruth’s hotel to clear the air, but it didn’t really work out like that. Instead, Jean spilled some more unwelcome home truths about Ruth’s dad. More specifically, that she wasn’t the only woman he cheated with.
In fact, she dropped quite the bombshell on unflappable DI Calder. Jean revealed that Ruth’s dad also had an affair with Stella Quinn (Dawn Steele). Not only a woman half his age, but also the mother of the murder victim at the centre of this series of Shetland.
Back in her room, Ruth Calder gazed at photos of Stella Quinn, and her daughter Ellen, comparing them to a picture of her dad and herself when she was younger. Were you thinking what she was obviously thinking? That Stella Quinn could have become pregnant with Rev Calder’s child, making Ellen Quinn Ruth’s secret sister.
Why did Peter Ayre steal Ellen’s body, and what does the sign mean?
In Shetland series 8 episode 3, we discovered that plumber Peter Ayre – the eyewitness in the first instalment – had been indulging in some very disturbing practices.
He stole Ellen’s dead body from the mortuary, and tried to burn her corpse in a ritualistic fire. Luckily, DI Calder and ‘Temporary’ DI Tosh managed to stop him in time. But why on EARTH was he doing it?
Does this mean he’s the man who has been slaughtering sheep on the island? And is he responsible for Ellen’s death? We’ll have to wait until episode 4 when Ruth and Tosh get to interrogate him.
As yet, we don’t know what the symbol tattooed on Ellen’s body meant. But it’s the same symbol found sprayed on the dead sheep, and that Peter Ayre marked out in petrol in the field before setting it alight. Is the symbol personal to Ellen and Peter, and what does it mean?
Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder and Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilkinson (Credit: ITV Studios)
Shetland series 8 episode 3: Who killed Ellen Quinn?
As yet, we’re not really any closer to finding out who killed Ellen Quinn… Is firestarter Peter Ayre to blame? At this point, we doubt it. More likely that they were friends, and he was honouring her death with the weird ritualistic fire.
We still suspect the less than empathetic granny Grace Bain may have played a part… However, other suspects came to light in episode 3. Not least Shetland loner Tom Knox. He left a corn doll where her dead body was found, and seemed to have a bit of a crush on her. We also learnt, though, that she was “scared of him” and that Tom “used to hassle her” and “give her grief”.
Another eyebrow-raising complication is that Tom Knox’s family had beef with Ellen’s family, the Bains’. They fell out over some land way back, and it’s certainly enough of a reason to want revenge against the family. Basically, the Bains left the Knox family totally broke, essentially robbing Tom Knox of his inheritance. Crucially, Tom has no alibi for when Ellen was killed.
Honestly, though, it’s probably none of these suspects! If we know Shetland, it will be someone we’ve not even thought of yet!
What happened to Dr Azir Sadat’s son?
Viewers also learnt more about Dr Azir Sadat and his wife Farida in episode 3 of Shetland series 8. Namely that Ellen’s cousin Heather is blackmailing them.
We discovered that Azir and Farida’s son “drowned” when he fell into the loch behind their family home, but Heather seems to think this isn’t the whole truth. As Azir told her to “back off” and told her “there’s no more money”, she hissed back: “We both know who killed your boy. So, if you want to see your little girl grow up, you’d better stick to the deal.”
How this is related to Ellen Quinn’s murder, if at all, we don’t yet know. But we DO know that Dr Azir Sadat was the last person Ellen called before she died.
Ellen had stayed at the Landmark psychiatric unit, where Dr Sadat works, after suffering from an acute case of dissociative disorder. Essentially she had a breakdown. And it was Ellen’s cousin Heather who took her in, where they kept her in for a few days. How is this all linked?
Singer and actress Lorraine McIntosh plays Ellen’s cousin Heather Bain in Shetland (Credit: ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson)
Shetland series 8 episode 3: How is Amma Calder involved?
In episode 2 of Shetland, DI Ruth Calder made the awful realisation that her sister-in-law Anna Calder may be connected to Ellen Quinn’s death.
After all, she smokes the same unique brand of cigarettes that were found where Ellen was staying just before she was killed. However, Amma is denying any link. So why lie if she’s innocent and doesn’t know anything?
We now know that Amma met Ellen at Landbank, but were they closer than Amma says? If so, why is she lying?
Is DI Calder staying in Shetland?
DI Calder no longer has any reason to be in Shetland. Ellen Quinn’s death is no longer linked to Cassidy and his thugs, so Ruth can go back to London and carry on her life. But she hasn’t returned.
Could the pull of her hometown – or her old flame Cal – be too much for her? Meanwhile, we know that Tosh can’t become DI without working elsewhere for a while. And she’s not prepared to do that. So… It’s looking like a DI Ruth Calder shoe-in. And we couldn’t be happier!
Ghosts series 5 has come to an end, and sadly it’s the last ever run of the popular comedy – but the show WILL return for one more Christmas special in 2023.
The final series ended on Friday (November 10, 2023) leaving fans absolutely gutted. However, there’ll be one more chance to visit Button House at the end of the year.
Here’s everything we know about the Ghosts Christmas special in 2023, who is returning, and when it airs.
***Warning: spoilers from Ghosts series 5 ahead***
Ghosts will return for a Christmas special in 2023 (Credit: Monumental Pictures/Guido Mandozzi)
The cast of Ghosts will return for a Christmas special in 2023
Good news for Ghosts fans, as the residents of Button House WILL return to BBC One soon for one last Christmas special.
BBC Comedy has confirmed that there will be one more Ghosts Christmas special in 2023. In October, the Ghosts team teased on social media: “The final series of Ghosts starts on Friday… But there might be one last present under the Christmas tree this year #BBCGhosts.”
Although the exact details of the special festive episode is being kept secret, we can expect the show will see the return of all the Ghosts beloved characters. The series is guaranteed to go out with a bang – and most definitely a baby will be born!
The Beeb confirmed earlier this year that the much-loved comedy Ghosts would be coming to an end. The fifth and final series came to an end this Friday.
The Ghosts Christmas special has become a television highlight of the BBC One schedules. Nearly six million viewers tuned into the 2022 festive edition, making it the biggest comedy of the year.
And don’t just take our word for it! Chortle’s Steve Bennett said: “This adorable comedy has quickly become a Christmas staple.”
Meanwhile, the Radio Times said: “Ghosts is still among the most purely fun shows on British television, but this year’s festive episode packs a heavy punch by acknowledging the utter tragedy in its premise.”
Kiell Smith-Bynoe as Mike, and Charlotte Ritchie as Alison in Ghosts (Credit: Monumental/Guido Mandozzi)
Why is series 5 of Ghosts be the last?
The BBC confirmed earlier this year that series 5 of Ghosts will be the last ever.
A statement from the broadcaster said: “Filming has finished on the fifth series of Ghosts which today has been confirmed as the last. The team behind the smash-hit show have decided that after five series it’s time to wave goodbye to the inhabitants of Button House and focus on new projects.”
The Ghosts team announced: “After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace. We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year.”
The announcement went on to say: “We could never have imagined the reception the show has enjoyed, or the fun we have had making it, and we would like to thank our amazing cast and crew as well as everyone at BBC Comedy, BBC1 and Monumental Television for their tireless support.
“But most of all we’d like to thank everyone who watches. Mathew, Martha, Simon, Jim, Laurence and Ben.”
Meanwhile, Director of Comedy at the BBC Jon Petrie said: “We are officially in mourning for the end of this BBC Comedy Classic. We can’t thank the Ghosts team enough for five incredible series (not to mention some perfect Christmas Specials) and we can’t wait for BBC viewers to see the final series. We look forward to working with the team on new projects.”
Farewell, Button House. Our beloved #Ghosts have decided it’s time to rest in peace.
The next series of hit BBC Comedy Ghosts will be the last
Ghosts Christmas special 2023: Series 5 ending explained
The fifth and final series of Ghosts ended on Friday, November 10, 2023. The season finale brought a big shock for Alison. She finally learnt that the near-death experience which gave her the ability to see ghosts was not the accident she assumed it to be… Instead, Julian (Simon Farnaby) had pushed her from the window.
Julian committed the shocking crime in an effort to drive Alison and Mike from Button House. Now, five series on from Alison’s fall, she becomes intent on moving away from Button House for good after learning the truth.
The ghosts try to convince Julian to apologise for his actions. But, you know, this is Julian we’re talking about. A corrupt politician who is too proud to take accountability… Hmmm, sure sounds familiar!
However, just as Alison and Mike are about to accept the life-changing offer to sell their house to developers, Julian is finally forced to make a confession.
He said: “I’m not sorry. In fact, I’m glad. I’m glad I did what I did because were it not for that, you would never have met us and our lives would be poorer for it.
“I’m not proud of my actions, Alison. Of course I’m not. But I can’t pretend to regret them when they brought with them this magic, this gift, that we could have waited a lifetime for – a thousand lifetimes! I’m glad you found us, Alison. And I think, if you’re honest with yourself, you’re glad that we found you. But you do as you must. We won’t stand in your way.”
Awwww…. Of course, the speech does the job. And pregnant Alison changes her mind about selling the house and turning it into a golf resort. She concludes that the ghosts are “family”.
All five series of Ghosts are available on BBC iPlayer.
What did you think of Ghosts series 5? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Shetland series 8 continued on BBC One this Wednesday with episode 2 – and we were not expecting THAT twist at the end!
The popular drama followed DI Ruth Calder and “temporary DI” Tosh as they attempted to find the armed killers hiding on Shetland. While Tosh believed that the hand of organised crime was involved in Ellen Quinn’s death, Ruth suspected Ellen’s death was far more personal…
Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, Agnes Moffat had her morning drive interrupted by John Howell who forced her to pull over and help him. Taking Agnes hostage, Howell made a terrified Agnes attempt to keep his accomplice Lukas Novak alive. He was bleeding out and in serious danger of dying after being accidentally shot in a struggle with Ellen the night before.
As the episode played out, Lukas died, while John Howell was eventually arrested. And a new suspect was thrown into the spotlight…
Here’s all the burning questions we have after watching Shetland episode 2 on BBC One.
DI Ruth Calder and Tosh find Ellen’s dead body in Shetland (Credit: ITV Studios/Mark Mainz)
Shetland episode 2: What is the meaning of Ellen’s tattoo?
At the end of Shetland episode 2, Tosh and pathologist Cora McLean discussed the cause of Ellen Quinn’s death. As DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) suspected, the murder looks very personal.
Turns out she was strangled to death, and didn’t put up a struggle… John Howell denied any involvement in her murder, and we believed him. Surely they would have just shot her?
As the examination of Ellen Quinn continued, Tosh made one of the most revelatory discoveries yet. Beside some cuts and bruises on Ellen’s leg, Tosh spotted a tattoo. Horrified, she realised Ellen’s tattoo is the SAME symbol that has been sprayed on the dead sheep.
Viewers will know from Shetland episode 1 that Tosh has been investigating a series of unfortunate and cruel deaths on the island. Someone has been killing sheep by cutting their throats, and marking them with a mysterious symbol.
After the spate of sheep slaughters, Toff was forced to consider the fact that there might be Satanists in Shetland. And now the same symbol is tattooed on Ellen’s leg. How are the two connected?
Anne Kidd as pathologist Cora McLean in Shetland (Credit: ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson)
Is Ashley’s family involved after cigarette revelation?
It wasn’t just the tattoo that was a chilling discovery in Shetland episode 2. As DI Ruth Calder’s part of the Ellen Quinn investigation ended – with Lukas dead, and John Howell banged up – she prepared to leave the island.
But first, she decided to visit her estranged brother Alan. Remember this is the very same brother who swore he barely knew Ellen Quinn, despite photographic evidence of them together.
The evening seemed to go well, and Ruth warmed to serial hugger Amma Calder – her brother’s wife. After saying their goodbyes, Ruth left to wait for her cab, while Amma insisted on waiting with her. Sweet, but really just an excuse to have a sneaky fag behind her husband’s back.
After Ruth heroically agreed to take the cigarette butt and hide it, she noticed the distinctive brand of tobacco… The exact same brand found in Ellen’s bedroom before she died. So is there a link between Ellen Quinn and Ruth’s brother and wife?
Jamie Sives as Cal Innes in Shetland (Credit: ITV Studios/Mark Mainz)
Shetland episode 2: What is Call Innes hiding?
Cal Innes (Jamie Sives) may be sexy as hell, but he’s definitely hiding something. In Shetland episode 2, we discovered that a silver transit van had been seen near where Ellen Quinn was found murdered. And it just happened to be Cal’s. Under questioning, he insisted he had nothing to do with her disappearance and said he’d just stopped for a smoke – but we smelt something seriously fishy!
Of course, our suspicions were later confirmed when Cal met up with Ellen’s cousin and discussed some shady business… Although we’re pretty sure Cal didn’t kill Ellen, he’s definitely involved in something, possibly drugs.
Who killed Ellen Quinn?
At the end of Shetland series 8, episode 1, DI Ruth Calder and Tosh found Ellen Quinn’s dead body. First assumptions were obviously that Cassidy’s men had got to her. But now it’s clear someone local killed her.
Like all good crime dramas, there are multiple possible suspects at this point. Cal is still in the running, although unlikely at this point. But there’s something weird going on with Heather and Neil Bain. In fact, the whole of the Bain family seem dodgy.
Talking about her grand-daughter, Grace Bain (Phyllis Logan) said: “She’s gone and got herself killed.” Not exactly a devastated granny! We’d like to see Liam’s alibi too…
As for motive, well that remains to be seen. But hints of a Satanic cult could be key.
Who killed Ellen Quinn in Shetland? (Credit: ITV Studios/Mark Mainz)
Shetland episode 2: Will Ashley Jensen character DI Ruth Calder be back?
Once Cassidy’s men had been ruled out of Ellen Quinn’s murder investigation, there was no reason for DI Ruth Calder to be on Shetland anymore.
Calder and Tosh said their goodbyes. But hang on, hasn’t she been teased as Perez’s replacement? Obviously DI Ruth Calder will be back – but why?
Could it be because of her connections to some of the suspects?
Will we ever meet Cassidy?
Working for London’s Met police, DI Calder had been investigating a criminal called Cassidy. Of course, it was his henchmen who arrived in Shetland looking for the money Ellen had stolen from him.
But now Bobby Bain has the money… Will Cassidy send more men for the money? Or will he come himself?
Shetland has finally returned to BBC One with series 8, and episode 1 introduced Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder.
It’s been just over a year since viewers said a very heavy goodbye to Jimmy Perez, and his fantastic navy peacoat. And, I’m not going to lie, I miss him more than a TV writer should reasonably miss a fictional character.
Yes, readers, I had a huge crush on him. But… Shetland continues without him, and it contains all the same elements that made the show so popular in the first place. A great story, based on the books by Ann Cleeves, beautiful scenery, and authentic characters.
None less so than newbie Ashley Jensen, who joins the cast as ice queen Ruth Calder. But don’t be fooled. She’ll thaw eventually, despite the chilly Scottish temperatures. Like Unforgotten, DCI Jessica James could never replace beloved Cassie. And, here, Ruth Calder isn’t trying to be the new Perez.
Here are all the burning questions we have after watching Shetland series 8 episode 1…
***Warning: spoilers from Shetland series 8 episode 1 ahead***
Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder, and DI Alison O’Donnell as Tosh McIntosh (Credit: ITV Studios/Kirsty Anderson)
What happened in Shetland series 8 episode 1?
Shetland series 8 started with a bang, quite literally, when a police informant called Remy was shot in the head. He worked as an accountant for a criminal called Cassidy, and had been working with the police to get him sent down.
However, honey-trapper Ellen Quinn knew nothing of this when she flirted with him, drugged him, and stole all his cash – just minutes before Cassidy’s henchmen arrived to kill him.
Ellen, now the only witness to the gruesome murder in London, fled back to her home town of Shetland. And Met detective Ruth Calder was tasked with following her and trying to protect her from the thugs who had killed Remy.
But it’s not a simple job for Ruth. We discovered she was born in Shetland, and hasn’t been back since she was 18. She subsequently teamed up with Tosh on the case, but her prickly attitude won her no friends.
During episode 1, the thugs – led by EastEnders star Don Gilet – followed Ellen to Shetland, desperate to retrieve the money she stole off Remy. Meanwhile, Ellen had the money stolen from her on a bus, and the bodycount rose to three dead bodies, and two dead sheep. RIP.
Questions we have after watching – what is Ruth Calder hiding?
Met detective Ruth Calder returned to Shetland on the trail of a vulnerable witness, and teamed up with Tosh on a case that will test their fragile, new partnership.
On top of the case, Calder was faced with figures from her past and cringed through a chance encounter with ex-boyfriend Cal Innes (played by Jamie Sives). Although she DID manage to find her way into his bed later in the episode!
Even worse was her visit to estranged younger brother Alan, now the minister of their father’s old kirk. It’s clear that the two siblings have starkly different views of their childhood…
So what happened in Ruth’s past that made her leave Shetland and never return? We learn that she “didn’t like her father”, and that she refused to return for his funeral. Ruth also missed her brother’s wedding. Far from happy families, but why? First guess is that she was a bit wilder than her strict Reverend father would have liked…?
Ashley Jensen and Jamie Sives as old flames Ruth and Cal in Shetland (Credit: ITV Studios/Jamie Simpson)
Shetland series 8 episode 1: Who killed Ellen Quinn?
At the end of Shetland series 8, episode 1, DI Ruth Calder and Tosh found Ellen Quinn’s dead body. First assumptions are obviously that Cassidy’s men got to her. But we didn’t actually see them murder her.
And there’s still the matter of the missing money. Will the heavies track down the boy and the missing bag of money? Of course, viewers know that Ellen was carrying the stolen money when she was robbed by a passenger on the bus.
Is he now in danger, too?
Is there a Satanist cult on Shetland?
Before DI Ruth Calder arrived on the scene in Shetland, Tosh was investigating a series of unfortunate and cruel deaths on the island. Someone had been killing sheep by cutting their throats, and marking them with mysterious symbols.
After the spate of sheep slaughters, Toff was forced to consider the fact that there might be Satanists in Shetland. Now that is a Ann Cleeves book I would read!
Douglas Henshall starred as DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland (Credit: BBC One)
Shetland series 8 episode 1: Where’s Jimmy Perez?
Of course, the one question that many viewers might still be asking is ‘where’s Jimmy Perez’? Fans of the show, and loyal ED! readers, will know that Douglas Henshall left the show at the end of series 7.
In early 2022, the now 57-year-old actor revealed the sad news that he was leaving the popular BBC One detective drama. After nearly 10 years on the hit show, he made the decision to say goodbye to his character Jimmy Perez for good.
He made his final appearance on the show in the series 7 finale on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. However, BBC One confirmed the show would go on without the lead character.
What happened in the Shetland series 7 finale?
Series 7 revolved around the disappearance and subsequent death of vulnerable young man Connor Cairns. DI Jimmy Perez investigated who murdered the local man, as well as his girlfriend Bryd Fleming, and outsider Williams Rodgers.
Slowly, Perez and sidekick Tosh discovered the deaths all seemed to be connected to an eco-terrorism unit. In the Shetland series 7 finale, the team raced to identify the killer and prevent disaster striking the town as another bomb threatened to go off. The killer was eventually revealed as militant activist Jamie Narey.
DI Jimmy Perez decided to quit Lerwick Police after becoming weary. Season 7 started with Perez at a tribunal after being arrested at the end of season 6 following the death of Donna Killick.
She had written a letter claiming the detective was planning to cover up her murder which was in fact a suicide. While he walked away with his job intact, the experience left a bad taste in his mouth.
His love interest Meg saw that Perez was always putting his job first, at the expense of his personal life. In a monumental decision, Perez let suspect Lloyd go free – knowing this would spell the end of his job.
Perez became convinced that suspect Lloyd had NOT committed any crime in the States, and decided he would not be complicit in sending him back to the US, where he might face the death penalty.
Basically, Perez did the right thing by saving an innocent man, even though it meant losing his job. Boss Rhona told Perez: “If Lloyd has gone, it’s the end of your career.”
To which Perez replied: “I know, I think it’s worth it. Rhona, I’m done. If the last thing I do is help an innocent man, then I am good with that.”
Portuguese police have apologised to Gerry and Kate McCann over how they treated them while investigating the disappearance of their daughter MadeleineCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Disgraced former Portuguese cop Goncalo Amaral previously branded suspect Christian B a ‘scapegoat’ on Portuguese TVCredit: The Sun
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Madeleine went missing in May 2007 during a family holiday in the AlgarveCredit: Rex
The cops have told BBC’s Panorama that a delegation of senior officers travelled from Lisbon to London earlier this year.
They met Gerry McCann, Madeleine’s father, and apologised for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the family.
Both were questioned by Portuguese detectives, who believed they had staged an abduction and concealed their daughter’s body.
Read More on Maddie McCann
Kate McCann has said she was offered a deal to admit covering up her daughter’s death in exchange for a shorter sentence.
The couple’s arguido status was lifted in 2008, but they remained under suspicion in Portugal for years.
Much of the damage was caused by one man – the original lead detective, Goncalo Amaral.
He was sacked from the investigation but went on to write a book and present a TV documentary accusing the McCanns of being involved in their daughter’s disappearance.
As well as apologising, the Portuguese police have told Panorama that they also briefed the McCann family on the ongoing investigation.
They gave their support to German prosecutors who believe 46-year-old Christian B killed Madeleine McCann.
Portuguese detectives now also think he’s the prime suspect.
Christian B is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Germany for rape and drug trafficking.
The German denies killing Madeleine.
For the past five years, the German authorities have been investigating him in connection with Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.
But Christian B hasn’t been charged.
Hans Christian Wolters, one of the German prosecutors on the case, said they hoped to complete their investigation next year.
“It’s a big puzzle and we have some important pieces but some pieces are missed.
“So, we hope to find as many pieces as we could get, so the picture will be a complete one.
“We think that he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and we think that he murdered Madeleine McCann.”
Mr Wolters also welcomed the Portuguese apology to the McCann family.
He said: “It’s a good sign and it shows that in Portugal there’s development in the McCann case.
I think it’s a good and right decision.”
Christian B has already been charged with a further three rapes, sexual assault, and sexual assault of a child.
The five offences are alleged to have been committed on the Portuguese Algarve.
Mr Wolters confirmed that they would go to trial in February.
Christian B’s lawyer, Friedrich Fulscher, said his client was exercising his right to silence.
He said: “We know the contents of the files, and I think the charges are all based on very, very shaky foundations.”
The McCann family have not commented on the apology.
The Panorama programme Prime Suspect: Who Took Madeleine McCann? airs tonight at 8pm on BBC1.
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The investigation into what happened to Madeleine continuesCredit: PA
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Madeleine’s parents were made arguidos – or suspects – in September 2007Credit: AFP – Getty
