Bonnie Blue insists she is happy but there is a cost to her fame and she does not live a normal life
21:19, 27 Jul 2025Updated 21:19, 27 Jul 2025
Channel 4 have gone behind the scenes of the Bonnie Blue business to see what it is really like(Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4)
Bonnie Blue has made millions from porn, inviting multiple fans to have sex with her and posting film of what some people would call orgies, but she calls “events”, online.
Her biggest event was in January, when she had sex with 1,057 men in 12 hours, the inspiration for the title of a new Channel 4 documentary, 1,000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story.
At a screening of the documentary, Bonnie insisted she was “very happy” with her life. But her notoriety, and her boasts of sex with married men, who, she says, should not feel guilty about cheating on their wives, come at a price.
In the film, Bonnie, a 26-year-old former NHS recruitment worker from Derbyshire, whose real name is Tia Billinger, says: “The last time I went out by myself was probably about six months ago. Now it is not that safe.
The dark reality behind Bonnie Blue sex fame(Image: bonnie_blue_xox/Instagram)
“I get 100s of death threats a day, so it is not that safe when I walk around.
“I say, ‘It is going to happen at some point, someone will come and give me stick’ and fair play to her, at least they are getting up off their sofa. My worst one is acid, if someone did acid, and I could see some spiteful girl doing that.”
Bonnie has split from her husband and her closest friends seem to be Josh, who posts her videos, and a stylist. She says: “My sort of circles got smaller, but my team are also my best friends.”
Director Victoria Silver followed Bonnie for six months, gathering footage of her having sex, and was at her January marathon for a couple of hours.
At the documentary screening, Bonnie expressed surprise at the amount of explicit footage used. Asked if she was expecting complaints, Victoria said: “If I was making a film about a musician or some kind of other performer their work would be in there. I think it is important to see what she does.”
And Bonnie is clearly proud of her work. Of her sex marathon, she says: “I love the fact that I was able to experience that day with over 1,000 subscribers, fans, people that spent time out of the day to come meet me.
“But, yeah, I also need money to be able to take time out of my days to be able to do that, to hold these events. These events aren’t cheap by the time you pay for staff, security, the venue.”
But she says she has earned more than £1million in some months, and the documentary shows the increasingly extreme lengths she will go to for clicks and views.
Bonnie is clearly proud of her work(Image: Jam Press/@bonnie_blue_xox)
In one stunt, she creates a school classroom for a sex show, with other, younger, contributors taking part after being sent invites.
The director’s voiceover says they are not paid but “appearing in their socials with Bonnie is payment enough”.
At the shoot in Birmingham, one girl called Codie says: “She got quite big quite fast, so it will be nice to see how she does things. No, I am not being paid today, it’d just be that I get tagged and then hopefully get followers and subs from that and then roll on to my page.”
She admits she does not normally do anything “adventurous” on her OnlyFans page and that this is the first time she has taken part in filmed group sex. She adds that making sex films is better than having to do an office job.
Another contributor, Leah, says: “I got a DM to see if I wanted to take part. As soon as I heard Bonnie Blue’s name I was intrigued because she’s everywhere at the minute.”
Leah says this is the first time she has been with other people in a room having sex and she is “definitely” nervous.
But Bonnie does not seem bothered or concerned by the fact the girls look a bit shy and intimidated. Bonnie says: “The fact they are so nervous works in my favour, because their reactions will be more realistic. Or if they feel intimidated, obviously, I want them to say, but sometimes sex is intimidating, so it’s going to be good.”
Another scene shows Bonnie at home with mum Sarah, who speaks with pride about how her daughter was a great dancer as a child.
She also seems proud of her career as a porn star. She says: “Would it be something that I chose for her to do, no. I was really, really shocked, but now would I want her to do anything else? No, not at all. It’s her choice.”
Sarah and other relatives have given up their jobs to be on Bonnie’s payroll.
Sarah says: “People I know always liked us both, but think it’s OK to make nasty comments.
“Most of the time I just laugh. I’m like, ‘If you could earn a million pounds in a month, your morals would soon change, and you’d get your bits out’. I don’t care what people say.”
Bonnie says: “My family started to put up with hate, I get that, but I also get the life I live and the money. So it’s like I also want them to receive some of the rewards.”
The documentary ends as Bonnie is about to head to Romania to meet influencer Andrew Tate, who is facing rape and human trafficking charges, which he denies, and is a self proclaimed misogynist. Bonnie says: “He’s probably just as controversial as I am. Whether people love him or hate him, he’s a marketing genius.”
Director Victoria asks her: “You talk about female empowerment, but how do you square that with aligning yourself with the most misogynistic male on the internet?”
Bonnie says: “Piers Morgan interviews serial killers all the time. It’s not messed up his brand. He [Tate] has been labelled multiple things by the media, and so have I. We’re probably the two most misunderstood people out there at the moment.”
Channel 4 defended the documentary, telling the Mirror: “The explicit content is editorially justified and provides essential context.”
And at the screening, commissioning editor Tim Hancock said: “We are very proud to do films like this.”
* 1000 Men and Me: The Bonnie Blue Story, Channel 4, Tuesday, 10pm.
A 14-year-old survivor of the horrifying Southport stabbings has read out her victim statement in a chilling Channel 4 documentary on based on the devastating event
23:41, 24 Jul 2025Updated 23:42, 24 Jul 2025
Southport teen’s harrowing five-word message to murderer in victim statement(Image: PA)
Channel 4 viewers were left with tears streaming down their faces after the chilling and poignant victim statement from a survivor of the Southport stabbings was aired in the new documentary titled One Day In Southport.
One Day in Southport delivered a harrowing account of the July 29, 2024, tragedy that unfolded during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at Southport’s Hart Space. Seventeen-year-old Axel Rudakubana stormed the venue, stabbing three girls, Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), to death and injuring ten others, most of them children.
Rudakubana was arrested immediately and later admitted guilt before he received a life sentence with a minimum term of 52 years. The film centres on one teenage survivor’s experience, blending first-hand accounts from victims, witnesses, and locals to explore how the violence, conspiracy, and extremism made an already devastating incident even more so in the aftermath.
Rudakubana moments before he stabbed the three young girls to death(Image: PA)
In the days that followed, baseless rumours falsely naming the attacker as a Muslim asylum seeker spread rapidly across social media. Fueled by the misinformation, riots erupted in multiple towns and cities across the UK as immigrants were left fearing for their lives.
Middlesbrough saw one of the worst incidents on August 4, when a planned protest exploded into chaos. Over 1,000 people descended on the area, smashing windows, torching cars, and attacking homes. The documentary resonated deeply with viewers, many describing it online as “devastating,” “urgent,” and “impossible to forget.” When
One particularly heartbreaking scene saw the focus survivor of the attack read aloud her victim statement after she addressed Rudakubana in court after the harrowing stabbings. In an incredibly powerful statement, the 14-year-old survivor wrote: “We think you’re a coward.”
The brave young girl went said: “Physically I’ve healed but my scars remain as a reminder of what you did to me, to us all. My sister and I are lucky we got to come home. Your actions mean that Alice, Bebe and Elsie didn’t.
The teen survivor shared her powerful victim statement(Image: Channel 4/One Day In Southport)
“No sane person could do that, it’s sickening what you did, going in there knowing you’re going into a room full of defenceless children. Give me a reason for what you did. Arming yourself with a weapon and stabbing children. I hope you spend the rest of your life knowing that we think you’re a coward.”
Earlier in the documentary, the teenager broke down in tears after she blamed herself for not being able to save the three little girls – one of whom was her little sister’s best friend.
The teenage survivor, only identified by her eyes, told the story from her memory as she detailed how she was stabbed both in the arm and in the back.
“I felt like I was dying,” the survivor shared in the heartbreaking admission. She then broke down after confessing that she blames herself for not being able to save the girls – despite having been stabbed herself.
The three children were stabbed to death(Image: PA)
“I regret it every day that I wasn’t able to save her. That I wasn’t able to get her out,” she sobbed. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, after watching the chilling stories of the victims unfold, viewers shared their heartbreak. “This poor girl has to live with this trauma for the rest of her life. It’s so sad that she blames herself even in the slightest. Absolutely devastating.”
“What a brave young lady. Her parents and her sister should be so proud of her. What an incredible victim statement,” someone else wrote.
“I am truly sick to my stomach watching this. How did this happen to such innocent little babies? Bawling my eyes out and thinking of their poor families,” another viewer shared. Another echoed: “God, this is such a hard watch, but so important too.”
Another Channel 4 viewer typed: “Those poor little girls must have been terrified. To think they had their whole lives ahead of them. Such a powerful documentary. Fair play to Channel 4.”
One Day in Southport detailed one teenage survivor from the horrifying Southport stabbings in July 2024 which saw three young girls stabbed at a Taylor Swift themed dance party
An individual who was injured in the Southport stabbing sobbed as she recalled the terrifying ordeal(Image: Channel 4/One Day In Southport)
Channel 4’s One Day in Southport aired tonight, leaving viewers shaken by its unflinching portrayal of the tragic events of July 29, 2024. The documentary revisits the devastating day a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at Hart Space in Southport was turned into a crime scene when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana launched a brutal knife attack.
The film follows the story of one young survivor and her family, using raw testimony from victims, witnesses, and community members to discuss how violence, disinformation, and extremism collided.
Rudakubana fatally stabbed three young girls called Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7), and Alice da Silva Aguiar (9), and injured ten others, most of them being children.
He was arrested at the scene, later pleaded guilty, and received a life sentence with a minimum of 52 years.
Elsie Dot Stancombe was just seven when she was murdered (Image: AP)
False claims that the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker spread rapidly online, fuelling a wave of riots across the UK. One of the most violent incidents occurred in Middlesbrough on August 4, when a planned protest spiralled into destruction.
More than 1,000 people gathered as shopfronts were smashed, homes vandalised, and cars torched.
The documentary struck a chord with viewers, with many taking to social media to describe it as “devastating,” “urgent,” and “impossible to forget.”
One particularly heartbreaking scene saw the focus survivor of the attack break down in tears after she blamed herself for not being able to save the three little girls – one of whom was her little sister’s best friend. The teenage survivor, only identified by her eyes, told the story from her memory as she detailed how she was stabbed both in the arm and in the back.
The teen broke down in tears(Image: Channel 4/One Day In Southport)
“I felt like I was dying,” the survivor shared in the heartbreaking admission. She then broke down after confessing that she blames herself for not being able to save the girls – despite having been stabbed herself.
“I regret it every day that I wasn’t able to save her. That I wasn’t able to get her out,” she sobbed.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, after watching the chilling stories of the victims unfold, viewers shared their heartbreak. “This poor girl has to live with this trauma for the rest of her life. It’s so sad that she blames herself even in the slightest. Absolutely devastating.”
The teen sobbed after her little sister’s best friend was stabbed(Image: Channel 4/One Day In Southport)
“I am truly sick to my stomach watching this. How did this happen to such innocent little babies? Bawling my eyes out and thinking of their poor families,” another viewer shared. Another echoed: “God, this is such a hard watch, but so important too.”
Another Channel 4 viewer typed: “Those poor little girls must have been terrified. To think they had their whole lives ahead of them. Such a powerful documentary. Fair play to Channel 4.”
“So heartbroken watching this. Tears streaming down to the ground omg,” someone else shared. While another viewer voiced: “It just shows how unsafe the UK has become. Nobody is safe. Not even innocent little girls.”
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is back and bosses have now confirmed the full line-up, including a member of the Peru Two drugs smuggling group and Rebecca Loos
The Celeb SAS 14 include stars from music, entertainment and sport(Image: Pete Dadds / Channel 4)
Celebrities from the world of music, entertainment and sport have lined up to take part in the most gruelling phase of Special Forces selection whilst being filmed so millions of people can watch from the comfort of their sofas.
Channel 4 bosses have chosen a wide selection of stars from football, reality TV and even a woman made famous as one of the ‘Peru Two’ drug smugglers for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Michaella McCollum will line up alongside other star names like Rebecca Loos, who had a rumoured fling with David Beckham as well as former Premier League footballer Troy Deeney.
The Seventh series will see the action play out over eight one-hour episodes as the 14 celebrities are put through their paces by an elite team of ex-Special Forces soldiers – Chief Instructor Billy Billingham and his team of Directing Staff (DS) – Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. They take the famous faces to Wales, the home of the first phase of SAS Selection, where they will be stripped of their home comforts, families, agents and social media.
This year’s course will be physically demanding and psychologically gruelling; all but a few who take part will fail, but the question is who will make it to the end and eventually pass?
Commenting on this year’s group of celebrity recruits, Chief Instructor, Billy said: “This course is not an attendance course, the bar is set high and will not waiver. Every recruit is a volunteer who chose to step into our arena. Although many will start, very few will finish and even less will pass. This is not for the weak minded or faint hearted.”
DS Foxy said: “The world is now a complex and dangerous place with threats coming from all angles. Because of that, we as a country need to be ready. We want to show these celebrity recruits what it takes to prepare for war, but do they have what it takes, far away from their privileged lives?”
DS Rudy commented: “SAS: Who Dares Wins is brutal, revealing and a testament to human perseverance. Punishing elements, relentless pace, and standards that make war fighters proud to give these recruits a hard reset to find their true self. And in that truth, an insight into the human experience for us all.”
DS Chris added: “This isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about mental resilience too. The recruits will be pushed to their limits, both individually and as a unit. Trust in each other will be our greatest asset. When the waves are high and the wind is howling, they will need to rely on the training and instincts if they are going to succeed.”
Adebayo “The Beast” Akinfenwa
The Beast getting reading to take on the SAS challenges(Image: Channel 4)
Age: 43
Famous for: Former Wycombe footballer
What they say about challenge: “I’ve asked myself time and time again – am I built for the Special Forces? One of the reasons why I’m doing this is to find out. I would like to think that, put me in most situations, most environments, I’ll be able to put my best foot forward, get out of my comfort zone, hit my responsibilities and do what I need to do! I think that’s what I want to get out of taking part on this course.”
Troy Deeney
Footballer Troy has joined the line-up(Image: Channel 4)
What they say about challenge: “I’m at a crossroads in my life, so I’m hoping the course can highlight the good and bad in me, and hopefully we’ll see at the end that the good outweighs the bad. I’m sure the DS will get me irritated very quickly but they will also know how to nurture and to reshape and probably help me along the way.”
Conor Benn
Conor admits the show will be very different to his day job(Image: Getty Images for AELTC)
What he says about the challenge: “Although boxing is hard, I feel like this is going to be a completely different challenge, and I always want to challenge myself. I just want to see and experience the toughness and the grittiness you need to pass this course.”
Louie Spence
Louie is hoping to challenge himself
Age: 56
Famous for: Dancer, choreographer and television presenter
What they say about challenge: “This course I hope can walk away feeling I’ve actually really achieved something here, that I’ve really pushed myself to the edge of my boundaries and put myself in a position which is beyond something I could have even imagined a year ago. This is a course that is really going to challenge me. This is different to anything I’ve ever been part of before. There’s no fluff, there’s no glitter, there’s no getting myself out of a situation with a quick bit of wit. It’s really refreshing for me to do something like this…and, hopefully, come out a much better person, both physically and mentally.”
Tasha Ghouri
The Love Island star is ‘excited’(Image: PA)
Age: 26
Famous for: TV star
What Tasha says about challenge: “I’m very excited to actually take on the course and just go for it, push myself and really challenge myself. But I also want to show people that having a disability makes you no less able – we can also push ourselves, and do crazy challenges if we put our mind to it.
“I really want to be able to actually walk away from the course feeling like I’ve accomplished what I wanted to do and I want to look back and think, wow, I did that, I’m proud of myself. I’ll be doing this for the people who have doubted me. I want prove to them that they can’t bring me down. I can fight my way to the end.”
Harry Clark
Former military man Harry was inspired by the SAS(Image: Channel 4)
Age: 24
Famous for: Winner of season two of Traitors
What they say about challenge: “Growing up, I’d watch people close to me be in the SAS, which always inspired me. This show was a different experience to what I had imagined but I always love a challenge and it proves you’re always learning new things about yourself.”
Hannah Spearritt
Singer Hannah wants to gain ‘strength’ from her experience
Age: 44
Famous for: S Club 7 star
What they say about challenge: “I hope to take out of this experience, strength. I want to feel stronger again, mentally and physically, because there’s always improvement there. There are always dips that happen along the way with motherhood or whatever but I think when you just experience different stuff, it changes you. I have no idea what to expect, but I do know it will be an experience and it’s something that I will have for life.
“However the experience goes, I am going to learn about myself. Maybe I’ll find out I am a bit of a mess or I might find out that I’m stronger than I think I am…it’s finding out things about yourself that you would never, ever find out. We live in this world where it’s so easy to live in our comfort zone, so this is an opportunity to get outside of that and…for me anyway, growth and expansion is one of the most important things, and that is something that hopefully I can pass on to my kids.”
Rebecca Loos
The show represents a TV comeback for Rebecca who did reality show The Farm in 2004(Image: Channel 4)
Age: 48
Famous for: Yoga teacher who had a rumoured fling with David Beckham
What they say about challenge: “I honestly don’t know whether I am mentally strong enough but one of the reasons I want to do this course is because I want to find out whether I’m able to stick it through mentally. I think it’s going to be really, really tough. This is by far the toughest thing I’ve ever done. But I want to do this course because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to do an SAS training course. It’s going to be really interesting to see how far I can go and how strong I’m able to keep myself.”
Bimini
Bimini is hoping to prove they can do anything(Image: Channel 4)
Age:
Famous for: Drag queen and DJ
What they say about challenge: “I want to do this just to prove to myself that I’m capable of anything I put my mind to. I want to prove to myself that I can do it. No glam, no red carpets, no magazine covers. This is literally just going to be me to my core and I am excited about it but I don’t think the course is ready for Bimini.
“People in the UK love to debate gender like it’s a concept, not a lived experience. It gets reduced to headlines and toilet talk. I’m doing this to remind them that behind every opinion is a human being. The course, the SAS and the Army have got a very masculine stereotype and I’ve got both elements of masculine and feminine and that’s my superpower. Vulnerable, raw, and stronger than ever. This bleached rat tail is gonna f**k it up!”
Michaella McCollum
Michaella McCollum was one of the Peru Two(Image: Pete Dadds / Channel 4)
Age: 31
Famous for: One of the Peru Two drug mules
What they say about challenge: “The level of resilience I learned from being in prison in Peru and knowing how important that mindset is, will definitely help get me through the course, so I’m going to need to use my mental strength to help me along the way. In Peru, I was completely stripped back to the rawest version of myself…and I know in this course, it will have a similar effect. I will get to see the real me again and I want to challenge myself to see how capable I am. I don’t know if I’m physically fit enough to complete the course but I have good mental strength.”
What they say about challenge: “I hope I have the mental grit to get to the end of the course. I have been through quite a lot in my life, and I’ve done a lot of work to navigate what that left behind, and I really hope that I can apply it to the course, and make it all the way to the end.
“I’ve always wanted to do this course, and what I love about this course is the sheer pressure it puts on a human being, that you will just not get anywhere else in life. And I’ve had pressure, I’ve had so many forms of pressure, nothing like this, so I really just genuinely want to see how far my brain can go.”
Adam admits he loves a challenge(Image: Channel 4)
Age: 29
Famous for: Fitness coach and Love Islander
What they say about challenge: “Hopefully during the course, the DS will peel back a few layers because I’m stubborn as hell. And maybe I need to be broken down to then go and sort some stuff out.
“I’m doing it for the little boy who hated himself and couldn’t do anything and was the last to get picked in everything. And from an emotional point of view, I’m hoping that this spits out a better person.
“I love a challenge. And I really think this course is exactly what I want to really tap into my fitness, the mental strength, the resilience, and see if I’ve got the grit to finish and go all the way.”
Lady Leshurr
Lady Leshurr hopes to feel empowered(Image: Channel 4)
Age: 37
Famous for: Rapper
What they say about challenge: “I think this course is not only going to make me become the best version of myself, but it’s going to make me the strongest I’ve ever been. It’s going to make me realise so much about myself that I’ve kept in. It’s going to push, motivate and inspire me. It’s really going to make or break me. But regardless, it’s going to teach me a lesson about myself that I can definitely work on.”
“Doing this course is going to make me regain my strength, my understanding, who I am as a person and just unpack all the trauma that is on my chest…I’m hoping to leave this course feeling empowered, feeling the strongest I’ve ever felt, a beast. I want to walk into the gym the next day, like I own this place.”
Chloe Burrows
Chloe learnt a lot about herself(Image: Channel 4)
What they say about challenge: “On SAS: Who Dares Wins , everything is completely stripped back. You have absolutely nothing. And I want the course to kind of remind me of that, because I’ve got a bit lost in myself and the industry. I want to feel a little bit grounded. I want to get a sense of it. I want to push myself, and I want to get a sense of achievement. I want to feel proud of myself for whatever I put into it.
“I think the course is going to give me a bit of confidence. If I even achieve half of the course, then I can walk out and be like, yeah, guess what? I did that on my own. No makeup, no hot shower. I’m very capable…I would love to come out and just feel really pleased with myself and really confident in myself. I want to feel like I’ve tried my absolute hardest and that I had nothing left in the tank…I don’t want to leave half-heartedly. If I leave, it’s because I physically cannot do anymore, which is fair, but I just want to know that I’ve tried my hardest.”
* Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins can be streamed or watched live every Sunday and Monday from 9pm on Channel 4, starting on 3 August.
Taylor Swift’s life and legacy are to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series, which will explore the Americana star’s stratospheric rise to global stardom
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat (Image: PA)
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as a new two-part documentary about the Starlight star is winging its way to Channel 4. With a working title of ‘Taylor’, the series, which is set to air later this year, will explore the Bad Blood billionaire’s rise to global stardom as one of the world’s most successful pop stars.
According to Channel 4, the programme will ‘dig deep’ into Taylor’s 20-year career through interviews with high-profile commentators, industry insiders, and fans.
The documentary will also ‘examine the forces that have shaped her trajectory and the devoted community she has inspired’. And ‘rare archive will reveal fresh insights into Taylor and her story as the series charts her journey from ambitious teen with towering dreams to one of the most influential and scrutinised figures of our time’.
Taylor Swift’s life and legacy is to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Director, Guy Fall (The Fall, Bombing Brighton), Guy King, claims the billionaire is “unprecedentedly powerful”, saying: “Taylor Swift is an unprecedentedly powerful 21st Century voice for women and young people.
“Under the microscope of social media since the earliest days of MySpace and Tumblr, she came of age during a new feminist wave.
“With her fame came controversy, which she so skilfully wrestled to the floor. We’re excited to tell her story.”
Meanwhile, Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 and Commissioning Editor said: “We’re thrilled that Sandpaper and director Guy King will be bringing their calibre of storytelling to chart the impact of Taylor Swift on today’s culture.
“Her journey has been nothing short of epic, and we’re keen for this series to reflect all the joy and artistry, the heartbreaks and high stakes, of her stunning career, while also showing viewers sides of Taylor Swift that they might not know or expect.”
Taylor, 35, was at her father’s side last month after Scott Swift underwent major heart surgery after going to the doctor for a check-up.
Scott, 73, who played a significant role in his daughter’s music career, had quintuple bypass surgery last month after his GP “saw something” in worrying news for the family.
Thankfully, Scott, is now said to be “doing great” after the operation, according to TMZ, after being supported by Taylor‘s mum and Scott’s wife, Mrs Swift, who has been married to Scott for 37 years, and the singer’s brother, Austin, throughout the surgery and during the recovery process.
Taylor’s rep also told the outlet that the procedure was not the result of a heart attack, but because Scott’s doctor “saw something” while confirming that the dad-of-two is now “feeling just great”.
The singer’s spokesperson told the outlet: “Scott Swift had quintuple bypass surgery over a month ago and his wife, Andrea, and their kids, Taylor and Austin, were with him through the entire surgery and recovery process.”
Bake Off: The Professionals continues on Channel 4 tonight with chefs putting their careers on the line, while Helen, Jules and JB head to Pembrokeshire in their new Channel 5 show
Bake Off: The Professionals airs its semi-final tonight(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
Bake Off: The Professionals continues on our screens tonight – and the chefs are set to take on the most demanding challenge yet. In tonight’s (Tuesday 22 July) episode of the Channel 4 show, the semi-final gets under way as they compete in the Bake Off spin-off.
Not only is the nation watching as their souffles sink, but if Cherish and Benoit belittle their Bakewell tarts they know their bosses will be taking notes at home too…
With their reputations on the line, four teams of pastry pros nervously approach the semi-final. Tonight’s challenges are chocolate-themed, and there will be extra scrutiny from guest judge Gabriella Cugno, who worked as the official chocolatier on the blockbuster film Wonka. Gabriella knows exactly how to make delicious choccies look magical, and that’s what will be required from the teams tonight.
Cherish and Benoit on Bake Off: The Professionals(Image: Channel 4 / Laura Palmer)
First up, they must craft two different types of chocolate bar from scratch, and with no recipe to follow they are free to unleash their imaginations. Fun as it sounds, it’s quite the test for these bakers, who usually deal in cake rather than confectionery. Then it’s onto one of the most demanding showpiece challenges in the show’s history – ‘Floating Cities’.
The judges require the teams to create an edible, ornate, sturdy vessel, that will float on water carrying 24 immaculate petit fours. Of course, the wondrous treats will need to taste spectacular too, and each dessert must be identical to its neighbour. It’s a tantalising prospect, and the results are sure to be stunning – but not everyone will make it through to next week’s final. Imagine spending hours labouring on a sugary boat of dreams, only to be sent home…
Bake Off: The Professionals airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.
Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules and JB
We’ve heard of whale watching, but tonight Jules Hudson is on the Pembrokeshire coast, trying to photograph porpoises. He’s taking part in a major conservation project run by Sea Trust Wales to protect the creatures, who prove quite difficult to spot.
Jules has definitely got the plum job this week, while poor Helen is thrown into cold waters, going surfing in Tynemouth. It turns out the North East is becoming quite the hotspot for the sport, and the quay is also home to wonderful fishing traditions, which she enjoys before tucking into a stunning seafood lunch – not such a short straw after all.
Later, JB reveals that Norfolk’s finest export, Colman’s mustard, owes its flavour to the sea air (who knew?), before setting sail from Burnham Overy Staithe. He hopes to emulate Nelson, but even with local skipper Ash giving him the best tuition, JB isn’t exactly a natural on the water…
Coastal Adventures with Helen, Jules & JB airs tonight at 8pm on Channel 5.
Mix Tape
Mix Tape has proven to be popular with TV fans(Image: BBC)
It’s finally time for Alison and Daniel to meet up in Sydney, as they bite the bullet and meet for dinner. The electricity is still there between them, but when he broaches the subject of why she did a runner all those years ago, Alison clams up and asks for the bill.
Daniel is left confused and frustrated. At the same time his marriage is dealt another blow as Kat reacts badly to his revelation that he’s in Australia for work. Who does Dan really want to be with – and do either of the loves of his life want to be with him anymore?
As Alison deals with seeing Dan again – and her manager begs her to travel to England for publicity – she considers whether it’s time to tell him what really happened in Sheffield. Meanwhile, flashbacks give us a glimpse of the turmoil Alison was facing at home in 1989.
Mix Tape airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.
Emmerdale
Robert and Kim are all set for a secret meeting to hand over Annie’s Field, but Robert senses something isn’t quite right. He backs out of the deal, leaving Kim exasperated. Robert does some digging.
John is frustrated that Cain is still miserable, despite the news about Owen. Struggling with his emotions, Cain grills Liam. Liam insists he can’t break patient confidentiality and the pair come to blows.
Later, John feels guilty after a conversation with Liam, and messages the helpline again.
EastEnders
Julie and Phil can’t seem to agree on what’s best for Nigel. Billy convinces Phil he needs to try harder with her, despite their differences.
Linda talks to Oscar and reveals the truth about Annie’s paternity. She panics when he wants to tell Max. Linda finds Lauren, and insists she needs to change Oscar’s mind.
Avani tries to tell Priya she’s pregnant, but holds back. Later, Suki spots Avani looking at a family planning website.
Jimmy Doherty has been a familiar face on our TV screens for more than 20 years and he is back with a new series this weekend
Jimmy Doherty is behind the new Channel 4 show Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue(Image: Submitted pic)
Jimmy Doherty first graced our television screens over two decades ago, featuring in his best mate Jamie Oliver‘s cooking programmes.
After training to be a pig farmer, he established his own farm and founded the Essex Pig Company, which became the focus of the reality TV documentary, Jimmy’s Farm.
These days, Jimmy juggles his farming duties with his television career, and this weekend he’s in the new Channel 4 show, Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue.
The programme follows Jimmy, 50, at his Suffolk farm and wildlife refuge, where he welcomes some homeless polar bears, a pack of wolves, and two brown bears looking for their forever homes.
All of the action is filmed on his sprawling 70-acre family farm. He shares this idyllic setting with his telly producer wife Michaela Furney and their four daughters, not to mention a host of pets. Let’s delve into his life, reports Essex Live.
Enjoying life at Jimmy’s Farm(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Early life
Born in Ilford before relocating to Essex at three years old, Jimmy struck up a friendship with a young Jamie Oliver at primary school, and they’ve remained close ever since.
He’s always had a passion for animals and wildlife, and from the tender age of 13, he worked in the tropical butterfly house at Mole Hall Wildlife Park in Saffron Walden, helping care for a variety of animals ranging from otters to chimpanzees.
Jimmy pursued animal biology at university and served for five years in the Royal Corps of Signals. He later trained as a pig farmer and now owns his own farm and operates The Essex Pig Company.
TV star wife and daughters
Jimmy Doherty’s wife, Michaela Furney, first crossed paths with her future husband while working as a runner on Jamie Oliver’s show, Jamie’s Kitchen, back in 2002. The shoot led her to the Cumbrian farm where Jimmy was employed at the time.
Michaela eventually chose to leave her bustling London career behind to embrace farm life with Jimmy. In a candid chat with MailOnline, she reflected: “One of the biggest things was giving up my career; I was very focused and it was a good lifestyle. But it was my decision: Jim didn’t put any pressure on me.”
With wife Michaela(Image: Getty Images)
Although she stepped away from TV production, Michaela found herself in front of the lens for the documentary series, Jimmy’s Farm. Initially resistant to the idea due to the intrusive nature of filming, she confessed: “We’re just normal people and the attention can be scary and hurtful,” adding, “I was still commuting when they began filming, so at first I thought I wouldn’t be involved – that was how Jim persuaded me.”
She also revealed the emotional toll of being filmed: “They used lots of shots of me crying, but it was just in frustration at all the setbacks, the worst of which were the fights with the council over planning permission [for outbuildings and, retrospectively, the shop]. I don’t cry that often – they just seemed to catch it on camera every time I did.”
The couple tied the knot in August 2009 with a reception held at their farm, and they have since become doting parents to four daughters.
Showbiz pals
Since their primary school days, Jimmy and Jamie Oliver have remained steadfast mates, presenting television programmes together such as Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, whilst pursuing various other joint ventures – and remarkably, they appear never to have had a serious falling-out (save for the occasional spat during TV challenges).
Jimmy’s with best pal Jamie(Image: Channel 4)
It was actually Jimmy who played cupid, introducing Jamie to his future wife Jools when he was just 18. Speaking to MailOnLine, Jimmy recalled: “We went on a double date to the cinema in Cambridge – me, Jamie, Juliette and Sue Stump. He had a Fiesta with big fog lights and an exhaust like a tractor on it. We were going over a hill listening to Bob Marley, Buffalo Soldier. We’re all singing, the guy braked in front of us and Jamie smashed into him and knocked his front lights out.”
Their profound friendship was particularly touching when Jamie dedicated his book, Jamie Cooks Italy, to Jimmy’s late father. Jimmy revealed: “There’s a picture of him at my brother’s wedding on there. Jamie gave me the book and I’m used to my dad being dead, but sorrow is a weird thing. I couldn’t control it, I had to go away on my own. Then I came back and said thank you and it started again. But luckily I had an eye infection so I could blame it on that. Pink eyes, weeping.”
Jimmy on his farm(Image: Submitted)
On the farm
Jimmy’s Suffolk farm, which serves as the backdrop for the ITV series Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast, is rather extraordinary given its collection of exotic creatures, including polar bears and monkeys – the website actually claims it’s Europe’s largest polar bear reserve. In a chat with the Express, he shared: “And then you’ve got the wildlife park where we’ve got polar bears, we’ve got monkeys, we’ve got our anteaters. So we do different activities with them.
“One morning we played hide and seek with our monkeys. We hid all their food around and they had to go and find it. And I remember that for the camera system, it took him about 15 minutes trying to get the GoPro in this special box and tighten it all up. It took the monkey about five seconds to undo or and grab the camera, bite it and run off with it. But we’ve got some brilliant monkey selfies!”
Jimmy Doherty’s Big Bear Rescue is on Channel 4 on Sunday, July 20 at 8pm
Come Dine With Me has been a firm favourite with British fans for years, but what do Americans make of the show?
In a city renowned for Mardi Gras, gumbo, and extravagant hospitality, I was curious how New Orleans locals would react to a programme that seems completely opposite: Come Dine With Me.
The enduring British cult series features strangers taking turns hosting dinner parties, whilst secretly rating each other in competition for £1,000. So, I gathered three locals – all proud Big Easy dwellers – and pressed play.
“That voiceover guy is savage!” he chuckled. “He says what everyone’s thinking, but way more brutal. It’s so British – sounds polite, but they’re low-key scheming and roasting each other behind their backs. Like smiling while they plan your downfall.”
However, not everything went down smoothly for him: “Some of the food? I had no clue what I was looking at. I’m like, is that dessert or dinner? And sometimes I had to put the subtitles on because I didn’t know what they were saying. But I kept watching – it’s addictive,” reports the Express.
The Americans were stunned by the shade, the scoring, and the chaos.(Image: Channel 4)
Next was mum-of-two Izzy Althans, 36, who works as an advertising operations coordinator. After tuning into the show, she rapidly became captivated.
Izzy revealed: “Come Dine With Me is such a fun way to see British at-home entertaining. In the US, it’s all about a theme – props, photo booths, curated playlists – but the Brits seem more focused on good ingredients and proper courses.
“It felt structured but relaxed, without all the over-the-top effort.”
She was particularly impressed by the presenting approach on the Channel 4 programme, saying: “In America, it’s very ‘make yourself at home’ – we want to have fun as hosts too.
American Brad dubbed the show “brutal”(Image: Brad Collins)
“But the show felt more like, ‘how can I take care of you?’ It’s not that this doesn’t exist in America, but it’s definitely a declining part of our culture.”
Whilst she adored the programme’s British appeal, she also valued its sharp edge.
“They can be so catty towards each other – but in this incredibly emotionless way. I loved it! And I’m obsessed with watching them shop at these cute speciality stores. In short, I think it is a brilliant show that I plan to continue watching it,” she explained.
Finally, there was Jenny Collins, a local teacher, who was captivated by the authentic, unvarnished approach.
She enthused: “After watching a few episodes I realised why I was so drawn to the show. It was the realism; from the appearance of the individuals, to the unedited conversations.”
Mum-of-two Izzy plans to continue watching(Image: Isadora Althans)
She also spotted a stark difference in style, saying: “I felt like it was real. In the States, even series that are supposed to be reality TV, are severely edited as not to offend anyone.
“Even the participants who we are expected to see as every day people, go in to make up like celebrities to improve their appearance prior to filming. I felt that I was seeing a true slice of the people who were hosting each meal.”
Despite the cultural differences – Yorkshire puddings, passive-aggressive banter, and sarcastic hosting – the consensus was clear: Come Dine With Me had charmed them.
It appears that all it takes is a bit of sarcasm, some peculiar fish pies, and a ruthless narrator – and even one of the most renowned food cities in America will take a seat at the dinner table.
Come Dine With Me is available to stream on Channel 4
The Mirror spoke exclusively with Hollyoaks’ Rex Gallagher actor Jonny Labey and Jacob Omari star Ethaniel Davy about the return of Clare Devine, their emotional storyline and what’s ahead
Hollyoaks’ Rex actor Jonny Labey reacted to Clare’s return as he teased his soap future(Image: Lime Pictures)
We got the lowdown on Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine from two co-stars working closely with actress Gemma Bissix currently on the Channel 4 soap.
Clare made her big return months ago, as part of a dark trafficking storyline involving other characters and some of the teenagers in the village. Clare’s sister Grace black and half-brother Rex Gallagher were also caught up in the drama, with us soon learning all about Rex’s past and backstory.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Rex actor Jonny Labey praised the move to explore what Rex faced when he was younger, and how it shaped him – leading to him taking a criminal path. Jonny discussed how fans finally saw why he was the way he was, calling him “a product of his environment”.
He added how Rex’s “unexpected” romance with Ste Hay changed things, and gave Rex something to push for. That said, Jonny loves the drama his role brings, and was thrilled to get to work with co-star Gemma as she made her comeback.
We got the lowdown on Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine from two co-stars working closely with actress Gemma Bissix(Image: Lime Pictures)
He wasn’t the only one as newcomer Ethaniel Davy, whose character Jacob Omari took centre stage in the sad trafficking plot, also shared how much he loved working with the soap icon. Jonny shared: “Another long-lost sister! It’s honestly the best working with Gemma.
“She is such a joy, she brings such a bouncy energy to set. She gets stuck in to storylines, she holds no prisoners, she’s just a ruthless and fantastic character. It really brings in that female power character to the show.”
Ethaniel agreed: “Gemma is so lovely. Clare can be sympathetic as well though. She’s not just pure evil, she has a soft side and a bit of a backstory, and she has another side to her. Sometimes she’s got the wrong intentions but for the right reasons.”
Actor Ethaniel was thrilled to rejoin the show recently, having first joined earlier in the year. He told us: “It’s definitely a new experience for me. It’s lovely, I’ve enjoyed it.
“It’s great and I am very grateful. We’ve just got to see how the storyline goes!” On the fans backing his character, he went on: “It was lovely because to get the role was a big thing, and then it was brilliant to keep going after a few months of not working.
“I got called back, and so getting good feedback was great to hear.” He also praised co-star Jonny for “showing him the ropes” and looking after him on set.
The Mirror spoke exclusively with Hollyoaks’ Rex Gallagher actor Jonny Labey and Jacob Omari star Ethaniel Davy about the return of Clare Devine(Image: Getty Images)
As for Jonny, he welcomed the changes to his character as fans have gotten to see a different side to him. He told us: “You have got this thing with Rex where he is a product of his environment and unfortunately, even since doing the storyline, the sex trafficking storyline, it’s way more common than people realise.
“It seems like such a wild storyline but it’s something that affects so many people in the UK, specifically the younger generation. It’s that passed-on trauma. I’m glad we’ve got to see these sides to Rex now.
“We can understand where it all comes form because when I first joined it was six months of arguments, fights and him being a villain. It was cool but he’s got a nice undertone now. The love interest with Ste has taken him by surprise.
“But it has shown him there is a way out from that life. I think that roundedness now is really beautiful to play. He still doesn’t back down easy and he’s not a push-around though. It is just a dream role honestly, to play a character like that. I have always wanted to play a troubled character with depth.”
His comments about Ste, and Rex turning his life around could be a hint at what’s ahead with a happy future. But with Rex currently in prison, will he find a way back to the village?
Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
Ofcom has found that Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks breached its rules by promoting a financial technology app in an episode of the soap
Zara Woodcock Showbiz Reporter and Lauren Del Fabbro PA Entertainment Reporter
23:35, 15 Jul 2025
Hollyoaks breached Ofcom rules over promotion of fintech app in one episode(Image: PA Media)
Hollyoaks has fallen foul of two Ofcom regulations following its promotion of a financial technology application within the programme, the watchdog has determined. An instalment of the Channel 4 drama came under scrutiny after ClearScore, the show’s sponsor, received both spoken and visual mentions during the broadcast.
The broadcasting authority concluded that the product integration violated two separate guidelines – firstly Rule 9.10 concerning excessive prominence, which stipulates that “references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be unduly prominent”.
The second infringement involved Rule 9.9 regarding promotional content, which declares that “references to placed products, services and trade marks must not be promotional”.
Kieron Richardson’s character Ste Hay discussed the application with his son Lucas Hay(Image: PR)
The controversial product placement featured in the February 18 episode, where Kieron Richardson’s character Ste Hay discussed the application with his son Lucas Hay, portrayed by Oscar Curtis, whilst considering purchasing a laptop.
Viewers witnessed Ste retrieving his mobile device, displaying the ClearScore application prominently on screen whilst demonstrating its various features and capabilities before telling Lucas: “See this? They’ve shown me some options – based on my financial situation and it looks like I can get you that laptop for your studies.”
He continued: “I really want you to make a go of this, Lucas – (gesturing to the ClearScore app on his phone) and these guys are going to help me make it happen.”
The controversial product placement featured in the February 18 episode(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The report revealed that the broadcaster acknowledged the references were made due to a product placement agreement, separate from an arrangement with the company sponsoring the soap.
Channel 4 informed the regulator that the references were editorially justified and clarified that “part of the sponsorship and product placement agreements, potential integrations into existing storylines were proposed to ClearScore by the programme editorial team, in consultation with the programme compliance team.”
ClearScore had no editorial input into the storyline of the programme”. Channel 4 further explained that Ste’s character was central to the plot at the time, as he was attempting to rebuild his family after the death of a partner and spending a year in a coma.
The broadcaster added: “part of this storyline (was) his return to work to support his family, which (included) rebuilding his relationship with son Lucas and providing for him”.
The investigation concluded that the references exceeded its editorial justifications for the storyline and became more of a “demonstration” of how to use the app rather than a passing remark. Ofcom also determined that the references were promotional as they described and demonstrated how to use the app, thereby promoting the brand.
A Channel 4 representative has acknowledged the regulator’s verdict, stating: “We acknowledge Ofcom’s decision and will review its findings carefully. Our compliance responsibilities are of paramount importance to us and we will continue to engage with Ofcom and our partners to ensure our content remains compliant”.
Helen George swaps the world of showbiz for literal shark-infested waters in ITV’s new reality show, while Channel 4’s The Couple Next Door returns with a steamy new story
Helen George is left terrified as she faces sharks in ITV’s new show
Call the Midwife star Helen George is just one of the celebs who’ll be coming face-to-face with one of the sea’s deadliest beasts in ITV’s new reality show Shark! Celebrty Infested Waters tonight.
Proving just how far celebrities will go to stay on the telly, this new reality format sends seven famous faces into shark-filled waters near the Bahamas. 50 years after Jaws became a phenomenon at the cinema, the likes of actor Lenny Henry, comedian Ross Noble and McFly’s Dougie Poynter have signed up for a stomach-churning sequence of dives, where they will encounter various species of shark, getting more perilous each time.
Helen George, Ross Noble, Lenny Henry, Rachel Riley, Ade Adepitan, Lucy Punch and Dougie Poynter take on Shark
Although Countdown’s Rachel Riley is excited for the challenge, most of the celebs look like they want to fire their agents, with Call the Midwife star Helen George declaring she’s terrified of the sea, and Motherland actor Lucy Punch hilariously dismissing the apex predators as ‘savage tubes of teeth.’
There’s a sobering start to the experience, as they meet their guides, including Paul, a former Aussie serviceman who lost his hand and leg to a ten-foot bull shark in a training exercise, but now campaigns for shark conservation.
Acutely aware of the dangers they face, they prepare for their first dive, but with Helen and Lenny both struggling with traumatic childhood memories of swimming pools, just getting underwater is a challenge. Soon, they’re stepping into a cage suspended in the ocean, surrounded by bull sharks, whose every move makes them shake. And it’s only going to get scarier from here. The experts hope the celebs will go home with a new respect – and even affection – for the villains of the sea, but that feels rather optimistic at this point…
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
The Best of the Rest
Michael Mosley: Secrets Of The Superagers, Channel 4, 8pm
If throwing yourself out of a plane is the secret to a better memory, some of us would prefer to just be forgetful… In this eye-opening series, the late Dr Michael Mosley meets inspiring people, who are bucking the trends of ageing. 70-year old Dane is a keen skydiver, whose mind is impressively sharp.
Indeed, the science shows that his time at high altitude has helped promote blood flow to his brain, giving him higher cognitive function. You don’t have to be a daredevil to age well though, as Michael explores the theory that learning new things can ward off dementia. Small children’s brains expand as they pick up new skills, so a group of volunteers test the theory that mastering new hobbies simultaneously can stop your brain shrinking.
After a year of learning Spanish and taking art classes, the stunning results of this experiment will have you googling evening classes in your area.
The Couple Next Door, Channel 4, 9pm
The Couple Next Door returns with series two tonight on Channel 4(Image: Channel 4 / Nicky Hamilton)
This steamy relationship drama returns to the same posh cul de sac, but with a new couple at the heart of the story. Surgeon Charlotte (The Split’s Anabel Scholey) and anaesthetist Jacob (Nashville’s Sam Palladio) work at the same hospital, and their marriage is a happy one. That is until enigmatic new nurse Mia turns up for her first shift.
Immediately overstepping the mark with her colleagues, she makes quite the impression. Later, Charlotte is stunned when Mia moves into the house next door, and she can’t stop thinking about her. How can she afford a huge family home on her own, on a nurse’s salary, and why is she so keen to make friends with resident creep, Alan (Hugh Dennis)?
Meanwhile, Charlotte’s ex, Leo, is back on the scene, as family circumstances force him to return to the hospital. Jacob is unsettled by his return, and turns down a tantalising prospect of promotion to avoid him.
EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm
Lauren is surprised to see Oscar again. After shock revelations, she learns where he has been all this time, and begrudgingly agrees to let him stay with her. It’s a decision she may soon regret…
Lexi asks Nigel about his wedding day. Jay is saddened that Nigel is no longer in touch with Julie, and starts looking for her online. Phil warns Jay not to interfere, but he won’t listen.
Linda tells Kat that it’s time for her to sell The Vic?
Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm
Kim is blissfully unaware that Dr Crowley is planning to take her to the cleaners. But Joe knows exactly what he’s up to, and arranges to confront him.
Charity desperately wants to help Sarah and tries to persuade Vic to offer to be her surrogate. Vic seems uncomfortable, despite Charity’s pleas. Charity and Cain are on the same page as they keep all options open.
It’s a big day for Lewis as he launches his new menu at the café.
Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm
Mick is growing restless in his cell, worrying about his kids. As he forms a plan, Brody looks for Joanie and Shanice, but Joanie is at Weatherfield High for a taster day. Mick breaks out of prison and heads straight to the school, not knowing that Sally has picked Joanie up early. He follows them back to the Street, with Kit in pursuit.
Meanwhile, Kevin plays for time, telling Tyrone he’ll come clean to Abi about his health after their weekend away.
A far cry from his role as Emmerdale’s gentle-hearted vicar Ashley Thomas, John Middleton’s new character will be an evil mob boss as he returns to the telly on a rival soap
Emmerdale’s John Middleton joins rival soap to play show’s ‘most evil character ever’(Image: MDM)
John Middleton, who played Emmerdale’s kind-hearted vicar Ashley Thomas, is set to resurface in a rival soap, as its “most evil character” ever. The 71-year-old actor, who left Emmerdale in 2017 after his character’s harrowing dementia battle, will play a mob boss when he makes his debut in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks.
His new role will take some getting used to for soap fans, who will remember John as the lovable clergyman, whose heartbreaking death moved viewers to tears. He was part of the ITV soap for more than 20 years, having first played PC John Jarvis briefly in 1994.
He returned with a permanent role in 1997, when the caring and sympathetic vicar Ashley Thomas joined the cast. Ashley’s slow deterioration after his dementia diagnosis saw him lose his memory, no longer able to recognise his wife, Laurel and their children.
But there will be no sign of gentle soul Ashley, when John’s character Fraser makes his entrance. A source said: “People usually think of Ashley when they see John but that won’t be happening any more, Fraser is about as far away to the kindly vicar you can get.”
John’s new role will be a far-cry from his character Ashley Thomas, who he played for 20 years
The insider explained to the Sun: “He’s possibly the most evil character Hollyoaks has ever had – and for a village plagued by serial killers, that’s saying something. Fraser will make his entrance very soon, and he’s got more than one connection to the village with his twisted family already there.”
And the new character’s connection to the village will soon be revealed as the father of notorious villain, Fraser Black, played by Jesse Birdsall. The cold, ruthless gangster terrorised the village for around a year, before being murdered in 2014.
Following a ‘whodunnit’ storyline that went on for several months, his killer was finally unveiled in July 2014. To everyone’s shock, he was shot by his own stepson, Freddie Roscoe (Charlie Clapham), in a bid to protect his family.
He is also the grandfather of dodgy Hollyoaks residents Clare Devine, Grace Black and Rex Gallagher. His first meeting with Clare – played by Gemma Bissix – is described as “explosive” with a “real battle” set to ensue.
Clare has been carrying on the family tradition of being an absolute terror recently. She was found out to have been running a secret exploitation ring in the village she used to live in, along with her husband, DI Banks (Drew Cain).
John, 71, will join rival soap Hollyoaks, eight years after leaving Emmerdale(Image: PA)
Unaware of Clare’s role in the scheme, Grace got involved too, going so far as to groom teenagers with her brother Rex, played by Jonny Labey. Her ‘niece’ Franke Osborne even fell victim, with her dad Darren heartbreakingly finding out.
Vulnerable teenage characters Frankie and Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass) have found themselves in an exploitative situation after they were targeted by criminals and bombarded with attention and gifts. Once lured in by the gang, the friends were encouraged to become addicted to drugs.
Their new addictions meant they had to first sell drugs in order to feed their habit, and then this turned into sexual exploitation. The village turned on Grace when they discovered what she’d done.
A major soap star had been looking forward to putting themselves through challenges as a contestant on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – only to be forced out of the competition before it even began
10:30, 13 Jul 2025Updated 10:31, 13 Jul 2025
A major star has been forced to quit Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins(Image: PA)
Famous stars have been known to suffer injury while competing on Channel 4’s brutal reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and forced to drop out of the contest. But now one star may have achieved a first for the long-running reality show – by being forced out of the show before they even made it to filming.
Soap icon Patsy Kensit was due to take part in the upcoming new season of the show. However, it appears her training in advance of the physical duration show left her too injured to take part.
Patsy, 57 – famous for playing Sadie King in Emmerdale and Emma Harding in EastEnders – had been taking her involvement in the show seriously and hitting the gym hard in order to get herself prepared for the trials that she would face on the show. Who Dares Wins sees contestants endure physical and psychological tests that the armed forced would experience in order to prove their mettle and determination.
But now it has been revealed that Patsy was sent home when she turned up to take part in the new filming as she had injured herself ahead of the cameras starting to roll. A source has explained that showmakers ordered the actress to return home to avoid any risk of further injury.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Patsy had been running at pace on a treadmill while wearing a weighted backpack filled with books and weights as part of her intense training regime. The added weight caused her to lose balance and fall backwards off the machine, bruising her arm and shoulder in the process.”
Patsy Kensit broke her arm – forcing her out of the show(Image: Getty Images)
The source added: “She even flew out to Morocco, where the filming was taking place, but production soon spotted the injury and she was sent home.”
The Mirror has contacted representatives of Channel 4 for comment, while a spokesperson for Patsy said: “The production company Minow who make Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins, were amazing the way they looked after Patsy. Their duty of care was second to none and very impressive. Patsy is on the mend and will of course make a full recovery.”
Earlier this month, Patsy was spotted with her arm in a sling while she attended a gala performance of the Faulty Towers theatre show in London’s West End.
Asked about her injury at the time, the star revealed: “I broke my shoulder in 3 places 3 weeks ago!!! I’m healing and a slight boogie with my besties I’m staying with this week will be a tonic for sure …”
The soap icon has been managing to enjoy herself despite her injury(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
While the star has been enjoying nights out despite her injury, there is one event she has made clear she won’t attend – the Oasis reunion tour dates.
Patsy was married to singer Liam Gallagher, 52, from 1997 until 2000 and they share 25-year-old son Lennon Gallagher together. Appearing on Good Morning Britain recently, Patsty revealed she was pleased to see her ex back on tour as Oasis and that her son would have the chance to see his dad perform with the iconic band – who famously split in 2009.
She told the ITV show: “My 24-year-old son, he’ll be there and he’ll have a lovely time. Great for him to see all of that and I’m happy for his dad, I think it’s a wonderful thing. But I won’t be attending.”
Oasis kicked off their Live ’25 Tour in Cardiff, Wales, earlier this month and this weekend they have been thrilling fans in their native Manchester. Liam and older brother Noel Gallagher, 58, have been singing to 80,000 strong crowds at Heaton Park where they belted out 23 of thier biggest hits.
The brothers – who shocked fans last year by announcing they had buried the hatchet to reform their group and hit the road again – will be on tour until late November. They have 41 dates set over the coming months – with the climax of the tour set to take place on 23 November in Brazil.
The tour has won rave reveiws from fans and critics alike. The Mirror’s Daniel Bird said: “Walking out at Heaton Park, you could never have imagined that there was once a feud between the two siblings. Putting on a united front, the two legends walked out to their 2000 track, F***in’ In The Bushes, to a crowd of 80,000 people, with the atmosphere instantly becoming electric.”
Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy is known for his clean-shaved look but the presenter once stunned viewers after revealing that wasn’t always the case.
Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy once left viewers gobsmacked when he revealed that he used to sport a full head of dreadlocks, a far cry from his current clean-cut image.
The revelation came during an episode of the Channel 4 show in 2017, where Tim even shared a throwback photo showcasing his abundant dreadlocks.
Hair became the hot topic while Tim was conversing with that day’s guest, Louisa Johnson, who won the X Factor in 2015. It was then that Tim dropped the bombshell about his past hairdo.
“I did used to have dreadlocks,” he admitted. The confession drew a surprised response from fashion expert Gok Wan, who couldn’t contain his disbelief: “Did you really? Shut up!”
Despite Gok’s playful command for silence, Tim promised to dig out a photograph to prove his former look, as reported by the Mirror.
Tim Lovejoy used to sport a much different look (Image: Channel 4)
Gok was visibly taken aback and delighted when he saw the old picture of Tim’s dreadlocks on display.
He commented: “I love it! Honestly! I really like it. I love it. You’ve got a good bone structure for it. We need to get you a wig. We need to get you a weave!”
Tim jokingly agreed with Gok’s excitement, quipping: “When I have my showbiz hair transplant I’ll get it done again.”
The Channel 4 host used to have dreadlocks(Image: Channel 4)
Previously, Tim has been candid about his thinning hair and even went bald to support Macmillan’s Brave The Shave campaign, which encourages people to shave their heads to raise funds.
During a candid chat with Lloyd Griffith last year, Tim opened up about his attempts to make his hair appear fuller.
He admitted: “I saw someone use it in makeup one time, I started using that powder, the powder to just thicken it up a bit. But then it’s like ‘What am I doing?'”
Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer on Sunday Brunch(Image: Channel 4)
The presenter has been quite forthcoming about discussing his hair thinning over time.
A viewer once questioned on X: “Tim, when did you start losing your hair? My son is 21 and distraught as he is losing fast. Did you investigate any of the procedures available? I feel for him as it’s denting his confidence.”
To which Tim responded empathetically, “Whether we like it or not, it’s tough. The problem with procedures is that once you’re in, you have to keep going. This is why I didn’t go through with the transplant. The only real advice is to go short and own it. It took me a while.”
Lorraine Kelly was away filming last month and it’s now been reported that she was working on a ‘big budget’ travel show for Channel 4 ahead of changes to her ITV talk show
Lorraine’s show has been affected by the ITV cuts(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is said to have filmed a “big budget” project for Channel 4 recently. Ahead of changes to her long-running ITV talk show next year, it’s been teased that she’s considering other options that she could explore.
Lorraine, now 65, has fronted her eponymous show for more than a decade, with it having launched in 2010. It was however announced by ITV earlier this year that, from January next year, episodes will be reduced to 30 minutes. It was also revealed that the show will then only run for 30 weeks each year.
Following the news, last month, Lorraine shared that she was away and teased that she was having “big filming adventures” in Norway. She said in a video message on Instagram: “I’m in the land of the midnight sun. It’s absolutely glorious. It’s a project that I’ve wanted to do for years and years, and finally it’s actually happening. I’m heading really, really far north.”
Lorraine Kelly has filmed a new show with an ITV rival(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Women of the Year)
It’s now been reported by the Sun that Lorraine flew to the country last month to work on a travel show for Channel 4, rather than ITV. A source told the outlet that the broadcaster was “delighted” to have signed up Lorraine for the project.
The source said it was “exciting” for her to do “something different” and to be back on location somewhere. They teased that amid the shake-up at ITV daytime shows, her “loyal” fans will support Lorraine “wherever she goes”.
They said: “Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. She’s survived in this business a long time, and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”
It’s also been reported by the outlet that the production role Head of Lorraine is being axed at ITV. It’s claimed that her two producers are set to instead report to bosses on This Morning.
The source said that it casts doubt on the future of the talk show and claimed that her current contract finishes next year. The source teased: “She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”
ITV said in a statement: “We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team. These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff. We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen.”
Although best known for her work on ITV, Lorraine has appeared on other channels over the years too. It includes her having been on Channel 4’s the Last Leg on several occasions and she mentioned the show on a podcast recently.
She teased last month that she’s able to be “a bit naughty” on shows away from ITV’s Lorraine. As reported at the time, she said to Tom Kerridge on the Proper Tasty podcast: “40 years in TV last year was incredible. I got a BAFTA. ‘Here’s a BAFTA for being alive.’ I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, I’m not done yet’.
“I think now I can be a lot cheekier. Because I’ve always been a bit naughty. Not so much in the morning, but if I do a wee show on Channel 4, or The Last Leg, or something like that.”
She teased: “You can be unleashed. And I quite like that. You do have to have a self-edit button and I’m finding mine is not operating as much as it should.”
Taskmaster creator Alex Horne has teased a new series of the Bafta-winning Channel 4 comedy.
Alex Horne has dropped a major hint about Taskmaster season 21(Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4)
Taskmaster creator Alex Horne has teased big changes in store for the Channel 4 programme’s 21st season.
For the uninitiated, the long-running comedy series sees a batch of five celebrities pitted against each other as they take on various bizarre tasks to be crowned the winner.
From filling an egg cup with their own tears, attempting to make a bridge out of straws, rubbers and chewing gum, to hula hooping on stage in front of a live audience, or making a creepy nursery rhyme, Taskmaster really has seen it all.
The series, hosted by Greg Davies and “Little” Alex Horne as his assistant, first aired in 2019, and over that time has seen more than a hundred celebrities take part, including Munya Chawawa, Judi Love, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan and Bob Mortimer.
The latest season featured Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Matthew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey and Stevie Martin battle it out, with Ghosts actor Mathew crowned the winner.
And although season 20’s line-up has only just been announced, with the series yet to air later this year, Alex has already teased the following instalment.
Taskmaster season 20 has yet to air, though the cast has been revealed(Image: Channel 4)
In an interview with Radio Times , he shared: “There are two things that are new. We’re filming somewhere as well as the house – somewhere that’s pretty mad.”
He then added: “And we have a special guest this series from somewhere exotic who you’ll recognise. That’s all I can say.”
He went on to tell the publication: “20’s coming out soon. All going well. We’re just in the middle of filming the next one and I’m still enjoying it. I’m still weirdly finding it exciting.”
Though there’s no telling who that could be, fans were left delighted when the season 20 line-up dropped.
Horrible Histories actor Mathew Baynton was crowned champion of season 19(Image: Lion Television/BBC)
It will see Ania Magliano, Maisie Adam, Phil Ellis, Reece Shearsmith and Sanjeev Bhaskar go head to head to be named champion, while a New Year ’s special is also presumed to air, with past specials having seen the likes of Claudia Winkleman, Sir Mo Farah, Carol Vorderman, Martin Lewis and Rylan Clark take part.
After a teaser showing the five new comedians filming a task for season 20, as part of the line-up announcement, fans were left delighted.
One wrote: “My prayers have been answered I have wanted maisie adam on taskmaster for so long.”
Another said: “Oh this is going to be GOOD!!”
“FINALLY REECE OH MY GOD IVE WAITED MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS,” a fourth commented.
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Meanwhile, Horrible Histories star Mathew reflected on his win in a recent interview with Metro, and revealed his plans to return.
“I’m just really happy. I was having so much fun…,” he shared.
After a suggestion of returning for the Champion of Champions series, which has the previous winners battle it out against each other, he added: “I did start thinking, oh, it would be really nice [to win] because winning means a repeat of the experience. The number one thing about winning is thinking, Oh, great, I get to go back.
“I guess the only sadness about getting to go back is that I won’t be sat with those guys [the season 19 contestants] because they were so much fun.”
Channel 4 viewers said the same thing just minutes into the season finale
Celebrity Gogglebox fans said the same thing on Friday (July 11) after recent star “replacement” fears.
Last week, Channel 4 viewers were left reeling after fan-favourite stars, Shaun Ryder and his friend Bez, were noticeably absent from the line-up of famous faces.
The former Happy Mondays bandmates have been part of Celebrity Gogglebox since 2019, and are known for offering their humorous commentary on various TV shows.
After Shaun and Bez didn’t appear on last week’s episode, many viewers were left concerned that the pair had been scrapped from the show. However, fans were relieved to see the pair back on their sofa during tonight’s season finale.
Shaun Ryder and Bez returned to Celebrity Gogglebox on Friday(Image: Channel 4)
After spotting Shaun and Bez on the programme, legions of viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their excitement.
“Glad we’ve got Shaun and Bez back this week,” one person wrote, with another adding: “Hooray! Shaun and Bez are back! #CelebrityGogglebox is saved!”
A third said: “I love Shaun and Bez on #Gogglebox. Always hilarious.”
A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “So happy Shaun and Bez are back on screen, wasn’t the same without them last week.”
Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin made their first appearance(Image: Channel 4)
Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham and multi-award-winning musician Tim Minchin also made their debut appearance on the show, with fans quickly praising their dynamic.
“Please have Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin on more episodes, they are fabulous,” one person wrote on X, with another similarly sharing: “Ooh, Hannah Waddingham and Tim Minchin! Brilliant!”
Tonight’s episode saw the celebrities react to the latest season of Squid Game, First Dates, Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection, Match Me Abroad and Netflix’s new reality series, Building the Band.
Artist Sam Cox created the alter ego Mr Doodle, but slowly the lines became blurred and everyone feared for his mental health.
06:00, 09 Jul 2025Updated 06:13, 09 Jul 2025
Artist Sam Cox created the alter ego Mr Doodle(Image: ABACUS)
As a child, artist Sam Cox would draw from the moment he woke up to the moment he went to sleep. Through school and university, he wasn’t interested in anything but drawing. His time was increasingly spent doodling, and even on a night out, he’d sit in a corner drawing on his phone. But over time, he found himself caught in a nightmare of his own making – trapped in Doodle Land, leading to a psychotic break and being sectioned.
An intimate documentary, on Channel 4 tonight (July 9th) at 10pm, explores how Sam gradually morphed into Mr Doodle – an alter ego who ended up buying a mansion and painting it white, simply so that he could draw all over it. His mum Andrea says: “I remember my auntie saying to me, ‘It’s ok, it’s just that he’s a genius and sometimes geniuses go mad’. He was lost somewhere in some land that he no longer had control over.”
Sam doodled drawings all over his mansion(Image: ABACUS)
When Sam left university, he was given a year to see if he could make his art pay. He created Mr Doodle to draw attention to his work, dressing up as the persona and trying to sell drawings in the street for £1. Sam came to the notice of an international art dealer after a video of him doodling went viral – the money came in and he even met a woman. But it started to become unclear where Mr Doodle ended and Sam began. And then he bought the house… Sam says: “Whenever I try to talk about what happened to me, my heart starts racing.”
The Trouble With Mr Doodle is airing on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm
There’s plenty more on TV tonight – here’s the best of the rest…
SHIFTING GEARS,DISNEY+
Tim Allen (famously the voice of Buzz Lightyear and star of Home Improvement) leads the cast in this family comedy revolving around a car restoration shop. He plays Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of the classic car workshop, whose life is upturned by the arrival of his estranged daughter and grandchildren. Riley (played by 2 Broke Girls actress Kat Dennings) drives up with her two kids in tow and asks for a place to stay in the wake of her divorce.
It all sets up for a classic odd couple format, with the father and daughter also having a couple of decades of emotional baggage to deal with. The jokes are a bit clunky and it’s hardly subtle. “When I build stuff, it’s built to last,” says Matt. “Except our relationship!” Riley replies. But it’s endearing and there’s comedy from the kids, including tween Carter who wants to improve Matt’s Instagram presence and Georgia, who wants to become a billionaire.
POISONED: KILLER IN THE POST,CHANNEL 4, 9pm
This heartbreaking documentary speaks to bereaved parents about the deaths of multiple young people who took a deadly poison being sold online. When a young man, Tom Parfett, died aged 22 in 2001 after ingesting the poison, Times journalist James Beal investigated and realised he was not the only victim. In fact, the poison was sent to hundreds of young people across the world, from the US to Canada, Germany and Australia.
This film follows what happened as James went undercover, discovering a dark world of online suicide forums. The seller has since been arrested and accused of sending over 1,200 poison packages to young people and is linked to 97 deaths in the UK. Tom’s dad David says: “Tom had a lot to look forward to. He was just a wonderful man. There’s not an hour when I don’t think about him. When I found out about this poison I was just so angry. The lives that have been lost, it’s just astonishing.”
BALLARD,PRIME VIDEO
This Bosch spin-off sees Detective Renee Ballard (Maggie Q) plunge into a web of murder and corruption as she hunts a ruthless serial killer and uncovers a sinister police conspiracy. She heads up the LAPD’s newly formed but underfunded cold case division, after being forced to step away from the homicide team. But with her own demons nipping at her heels, Ballard must outwit both criminals and colleagues to bring long-overdue justice to the victims and their families.
EASTENDERS,BBC1, 8pm
In a double bill, the Panesars are in crisis mode as Ravi and Suki try to rescue the businesses. Desperate for cash, Ravi approaches Nicola to get a drug contact and she warns him of the dangers. Angry that Felix has left her in the lurch, Cindy berates Callum for kissing Johnny, only for Lexi to overhear. Lauren looks to Peter for reassurances about Jimmy’s diagnosis. Ian suggests to Stacey that they reopen Martin’s stall. She agrees it’s a good legacy.
The Channel 4 show 24 Hours in Police Custody followed Craig France, 34, who would pursue women late at night, lure them to his ‘after-parties’ back at home where he’d commit sexual offences
The case of sexual predator Craig France featured in a two-part 24 Hours In Police Custody episode(Image: Cambridgeshire Police)
24 Hours in Police Custody’s latest two-part episode focused on the harrowing case of a serial rapist who deliberately preyed on vulnerable women at night-time, enticing them to his ‘after-parties’ where he’d film himself sexually abusing them while they were unconscious.
Craig France, 34, was well known in and around the Peterborough area. He was a regular in the town’s pubs and nightclubs, especially at weekends — a party boy persona that hid his deepest and darkest secrets.
The Mirror takes a look at exactly what has happened to the vile criminal ever since his arrest on the hit Channel 4 programme.
Craig France case details
In the chilling first episode, it was recalled how the investigation first started. One caller had claimed she was raped by France, but had little to no memory of exactly what transpired.
Channel 4 detailed the case in a two-part episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody(Image: Channel 4)
Cambridgeshire Police would go on to arrest the 34-year-old and execute a search of his home address. They found 10 digital recording devices which had video footage of the alleged victim, incapacitated, being dragged in and out of the hot tub located in his rear garden.
Then a second young woman would come forward with similar allegations. Despite not remembering the incident entirely, the victim – who was 18-years-old at the time of the alleged crime – recalls meeting “good friend” France at a nightclub, and how many times they, along with other people, would end up back at his home.
She remembers at times waking up with lower stomach pain, as well as bleeding and bad cramps, and France would later send her footage of them engaging in sexual contact. Something she could not remember.
In total, police obtained thousands of images and over 4,000 videos containing France and several victims off his numerous devices. Officers then had the difficult task of telling the other women identified in the clips.
Where is Craig France now?
Craig France, from Peterborough, was jailed for more than 10 years for his vile attacks on victims (Image: PA)
France would go on to plead guilty in March this year, admitting to sexual offences against four women, including rape and assault, and was sentenced to 10 years and seven months in incarceration. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would also enact a forfeiture and destruction order for his many devices.
Andrew Young, from the CPS, explained: “Craig France is a deplorable predator who targeted young women and established their trust before ruthlessly exploiting them. By filming and photographing the offences, France built up and extensive set of images which were stored in his phone, all kept for his own sexual gratification, he and he alone is to blame for his disgusting offending.
“Determined to seek justice for the brave women he abused, the CPS worked closely with Cambridgeshire Police to demonstrate the extent of his offending and built a set of charges which gave France little option to plead guilty to. The bravery and resilience shown by his victims during this process has been extraordinary, and we hope they feel justice has been served for them.
“The CPS will continue to work tirelessly to pursue those who commit sexual abuse and hold them accountable for their crimes, including asking the court that any relevant devices and images obtained as part of the offending are forfeited and destroyed.”
Raising awareness
Detective Chief Inspector Helen Tebbit, along with her team who featured on 24 Hours in Police Custody, said in a statement: “Firstly, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the victims, who, despite their ordeals, supported the investigation and bravely shared their stories on 24 Hours in Police Custody. This programme will show that sexual predators can cleverly disguise their depraved behaviours — victims may not realise they are being groomed.
“France portrayed himself as everyone’s best friend — caring, fun, and provided what his victims thought was a safe place to party. But in reality, he preyed on young women who had barely entered adulthood for his own sexual gratification. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might’ve been a victim of a sexual offence to contact us on 101 or via web chat on the force website.”
Authorities believe there are more unidentified victims of France’s out there, and there’s hope the two-part episode will help raise awareness and give them enough bravery to come forward.
Speaking to the BBC, Tebbit remarked: “I don’t think we will ever fully understand how many victims there are of Craig France. But I do think that there are likely more victims out there. I hope that anyone watching the programme sees that we have a team of specially trained officers who who will work tirelessly to ensure we do the very best for victims of serious sexual violence and hopefully that comes across.”
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Whatever the wealthy want, they get… this is the staff code at Luxico, a luxury accommodation business that shows how the other half live…
06:00, 07 Jul 2025Updated 06:08, 07 Jul 2025
Concierge Heaven serves canapes to super rich guests in Billion Dollar Playground(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Foxtel Management Pty Ltd)
Lobster for breakfast? Private beach? String quartet? Shut down an entire venue? Iron the pillow cases? Whatever the wealthy want on holiday, they get. Jaw-dropping new series, Billion Dollar Playground (Monday 7th July, BBC Three, 9pm) follows the staff at Luxico, Australia ’s No.1 luxury accommodation business, who work around the clock to deliver a luxury experience to the super rich – and the super demanding.
Lead concierge Salvatore, a professional perfectionist, says: “Rich people want all kinds of things. If my guests want lobster for breakfast, they get it. They want a Lambhorgini, no problem sir. “I’ve had to be a best friend, the servant and a downright slave. You can never tell these people ‘no’.” CEO Alex says: “Our guests are the world ’s elite. They’re uber wealthy and highly demanding. To make the impossible possible, our team are available 24/7.”
Chefs Matt and George get to work on Billion Dollar Playground(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Foxtel Management Pty Ltd)
There’s a ‘Selling Sunset’ vibe to this show as we also follow the tensions and rivalries between the staff members – all of whom are beautiful. Concierge Heaven says: “I have a super power. The guests love me because I make their dreams come true.” She’s not too impressed when a new concierge arrives, Jasmin, who says: “I’m hungry for this job.” Matt and George know their role. “We’re a couple of good looking brothers who can cook,” says George. There’s also JB, the snooty French butler, trainee Nicole, driver Jay and housekeeper Elsie, who loves the job because she’s nosy. As everyone flirts, rows and gets tense over a smudge or a crinkle, this is a fascinating peek at homes worth millions and guests who want it all.
Billion Dollar Playground is airing on BBC Three tonight at 9pm.
There’s plenty more on TV tonight – here’s the best of the rest..
INSOMNIA,5, 9pm
This began last night with an old lady muttering numbers to herself, before slamming her head into a mirror and knocking herself out. It was a creepy opening to this gripping six-part thriller, adapted from the bestselling novel by Sarah Pinsborough and starring Line of Duty actor Vicky McClure. Vicky plays successful lawyer Emma Averill, who begins to suffer from insomnia as her 40th birthday approaches, just as her mother Patricia had done before suffering a psychotic break.
The old lady turned out to be Patricia, and Emma’s sister Phoebe (Leanne Best) was trying to get the mother and daughter to mend bridges at hospital. In tonight’s episode, Emma’s irritation at Phoebe’s presence gives way to shock when she learns that their mother is dead. Distracted, Emma accidentally hits a cyclist, care worker Caroline. That night, Emma’s disturbing nighttime activity escalates when she wakes up calf-deep in the pond. Is she going mad like her mother? Either way, she’s definitely not sleeping and life is unravelling…
SCRUBLANDS: SILVER,BBC2, 9pm
This Australian rural noir drama, set in the heart of the outback, follows journalist Martin Scarsden as he tries to get to the bottom of a murder in his hometown. Martin (Luke Arnold) had been looking forward to a peaceful holiday with his partner Mandy (Bella Heathcote), but on the way he got a strange call from his childhood friend Jasper. When he arrived, Jasper was dead – and Mandy was holding the weapon.
Mandy has now been arrested and is in a police cell as she is presented with the knife that killed Jasper. A witness claims they saw her throw it in the river the previous night – it was an anonymous tip off. “So Mandy murdered Jasper, hid the knife, then what three days later just tossed it in a river? Have you intereviewed anyone else?” shouts Martin. The only thing Martin can do is continue to hunt for the real killer. Meanwhile, a vigil for Jasper is organised at Hummingbird retreat. Concludes tomorrow night.
24 HOURS IN POLICE CUSTODY: NIGHTCLUB PREDATOR,CHANNEL 4, 8pm
This is the conclusion of a two-part special, following the chilling case of serial sexual predator Craig France. France, 33, targeted young women at nightclubs and plied them with alcohol before taking them to his property where he had set up hidden cameras. Cameras follow as officers from Cambridgeshire Police Rape Investigation team wait for the CPS to approve charges for rape and voyeurism. But they are only just beginning to understand the darkest depths of France’s criminality.
Digital investigators are horrified to discover that hidden within his devices are not only videos of the two known victims, but hundreds of other explicit videos of young women in vulnerable states, seemingly captured without their knowledge. As he applies for bail, the threat of his release from prison intensifies pressure on the team, who have to knock on the doors of the women identified in France’s videos, and drop the bombshell that they may be unknowing victims of this dangerous criminal.
