The film transports Blyton’s magical world into the present day, centring on a family uprooted from city life and forced into an unfamiliar rural setting. It’s there, away from the distractions and routines of modern living, that the children discover the extraordinary Faraway Tree and the fantastical lands hidden within its branches. This shift in setting gives the story a modern relevance, presenting the magical world as an escape from the noise and pressures of everyday life.

Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield lead the cast with performances that bring warmth and relatability to the story. Their portrayal of parents trying to keep their family together amid sudden upheaval provides an emotional grounding that balances the film’s more whimsical elements. They manage to make the domestic side of the story feel just as engaging as the fantasy itself, giving the adventure a believable emotional centre.

The supporting characters are where the film fully embraces its eccentricity. The strange and memorable inhabitants of the Faraway Tree bring a lively unpredictability to every scene, delivering much of the humour and visual spectacle. Their larger-than-life personalities inject the film with a sense of gleeful absurdity that captures the playful spirit of the original books.

Visually, the film leans into bright, imaginative world-building. Each fantastical land is distinct, offering inventive designs that keep the adventure feeling fresh as the story unfolds. There’s a theatrical quality to the production that suits the material well, creating an atmosphere of childlike wonder without relying solely on nostalgia.

The script embraces a light, comedic tone, with plenty of humour aimed at younger viewers while including enough wit to keep adults entertained. At times, the narrative feels slightly episodic, moving quickly from one magical encounter to the next without always pausing to fully develop its ideas. Yet this mirrors the structure of Blyton’s stories, where the excitement often came from the unpredictability of what might appear around the next branch.

What makes the film resonate most is its central message about imagination, connection and stepping away from constant digital distraction. While the theme is presented clearly, it never feels overly heavy-handed. Instead, it reinforces the sense that wonder can still be found in unexpected places.

The Magic Faraway Tree may not satisfy purists looking for a page-for-page adaptation, but it succeeds as a spirited reinvention. Charming, chaotic and full of heart, it offers an entertaining reminder that some stories are timeless not because they stay the same, but because they continue to evolve for new generations.

Tickets are available now at https://myvue.com

Derren Brown: Only Human is his best show to date. It’s pure theatre, with incredible technical elements that deserve to win awards and set pieces taking place on stage that will leave you gob-smacked.

This show has everything. Humour, storytelling, tonnes of audience interaction, visual effects and most importantly, some mind-bending escapades which will simply take your breath away.

The lighting, sound, effects and produdction are off the scale. You can see where every penny of your ticket money goes. We’ve seen so many shows at Leicester’s brilliant De Montfort Hall, but nothing as impressive as this.

It’s a difficult show to review. We aren’t going to tell you about any of the content, because we would never want to spoil it. We can only tell you that this is Brown’s finest work to date. We took our twelve year old son, and he absolutely loved every minute of it. Brown is absolutely captivating, a rare showman who can seamlessy deliver a show like this which is absolutely flawless.

He’s touring all year and we cannot recommend it enough.

Tickets: https://derrenbrown.co.uk/shows/only-human/

For more shows at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall, visit https://demontforthall.co.uk

The first wave of acts for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard 2026 was announced this morning on Capital Breakfast by Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby. Confirmed artists include RAYE, Niall Horan, Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, Sekou, Robyn, Bebe Rexha and December 10, with additional major names set to be revealed tomorrow. Fans can also expect a special surprise Barclaycard Out of the Blue performance on the day.

A defining artist of the current moment, seven-time BRIT Award winner RAYE returns to the Ball this summer. After the success of her chart-topping album, she has produced global hits such as Escapism. and WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!, and is widely recognised for her powerful voice and standout live shows.

Niall Horan joins this year’s line-up, bringing with him hits like Slow Hands, Nice To Meet Ya and Drive Safe featuring Myles Smith. Over the past decade, he has cemented his place as one of the biggest artists, and with his fourth solo album, Dinner Party, arriving in June, he is set for a major Wembley comeback this summer.

Fatboy Slim will make his debut at the Summertime Ball. A legendary figure in dance music, known for tracks like Praise You and Right Here, Right Now, he is expected to deliver a high-energy set filled with crowd favourites that have defined generations and secured his status over four decades.

Capital favourite Myles Smith is also part of this year’s line-up. Following a breakthrough year that included winning his first BRIT Award, supporting Ed Sheeran on tour and collaborating with Niall Horan, he has quickly emerged as one of the UK’s most exciting new artists and is poised for a standout Wembley moment.

Capital Buzz artist Sekou represents one of the UK’s most promising rising stars. The Capital Buzz Artist slot – presented by Capital’s Gen Z pop culture brand Capital Buzz – highlights emerging talent. As the youngest-ever winner of the BRITs Rising Star award, Sekou has already featured on major tracks and will now perform in front of his biggest audience yet at the Ball.

Swedish star Robyn, an international pop icon since the early 2000s, is best known for songs like ‘Dancing On My Own’ and ‘With Every Heartbeat’. As she celebrates the release of her latest album, Sexistential, she prepares to make her debut at Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, bringing her distinctive style and influential sound to Wembley Stadium.

American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha will also make her first appearance at the Ball. Known for global hits including I’m Good (Blue) and Meant to Be, she brings a catalogue well suited to a stadium audience.

New boyband December 10, formed on Netflix’s The Next Act, are set to debut at the event this summer. With a rapidly growing fanbase and tracks such as Run My Way and Angel, they are preparing to perform on their biggest stage so far.

Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Founder & Executive President of Global, said: “Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard is one of the biggest and most exciting events in the UK music calendar, bringing together world-class artists, unforgettable live performances and moments, and 80,000 Capital listeners at the iconic Wembley Stadium. From music legends to the hottest new artists, the ball is back!”

Simon Pitts, Group CEO of Global, said: “Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard continues to set the standard for live music events in the UK. This year’s line-up brings together some of the biggest artists in the world alongside the most exciting new talent, and it’s shaping up to be another outstanding show at Wembley Stadium. We’re proud to be partnering with Barclaycard to deliver it.”

James Rea, Chief Content Officer of Global, said: “Capital’s Summertime Ball at Wembley is the moment summer starts. 80,000 people and the biggest artists in the world, all on one stage. We’ve kicked things off with a huge first wave this morning, and there’s plenty more still to come. It’s shaping up to be something very special.”

Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North, Chris Stark & Siân Welby said: “There’s nothing quite like Summertime Ball season on Capital Breakfast. We’ve started with a fantastic set of artists this morning, and we’re back tomorrow with even more names for our listeners. We can’t wait to share the rest of the line-up!”

Tom Corbett, Managing Director, Sponsorship and Client Experience, Barclays, said: “As always, Global have delivered world-class artists to perform at Wembley Stadium for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard. Alongside this year’s stellar line-up will be a very special Barclaycard Out of the Blue performance so fans can see more of what they love. Summertime Ball kicks off our summer of events across our extensive sponsorship portfolio of music, sports and the arts and is our first event of the summer to allow Barclaycard customers to unlock unique perks and discounts.”

Tickets for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard are available via Global Player, with general sale opening at 9am on Thursday April 30th.

Download Global Player on your smartphone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store – registration is quick, simple and free.

Capital listeners logged into Global Player will receive exclusive pre-sale access from 9am on Wednesday April 29th through a Capital pre-sale.

Additionally, Barclaycard customers can enjoy 10% off pre-sale tickets through a Barclaycard pre-sale (via Barclaycard Entertainment or the Global Player link).

Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby from 7am tomorrow, when more major artists will be added to the line-up for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard.

Want more updates on the ball? Subscribe for free, below.

Names currently rumoured to perform include Alex Warren, Bebe Rexha, Djo, Joel Corry, James Hype, Myles Smith, Niall Horan, Stephen Sanchez, Sombr and Zara Larsson.

Of course, these are just rumours for now—but if even a handful of these artists are confirmed, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest Summertime Balls yet.

You won’t have to wait long for the official announcement. The full line-up for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard will be revealed this week, with artists announced live on Capital Breakfast. Tune in on Tuesday and Wednesday from 7am to catch every reveal as it happens.

To stay in the loop, keep listening to Capital via Global Player, the free official Capital app, where you can listen live or catch up on anything you miss.

When and where is Capital’s Summertime Ball 2026?

This year’s event will take place on Saturday June 6th at the iconic Wembley Stadium. It’s one of the biggest dates in the UK music calendar, so it’s worth marking it down now.

How do I get tickets to Capital’s Summertime Ball 2026?

Tickets go on general sale on Thursday April 30th at 9am. If you’re keen to get ahead of the crowd, presale opens a day earlier on Wednesday April 29th at 9am via Global Player.

Who is on the official line-up?

We’re just days away from finding out. The confirmed artists will be announced across Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby, starting from 7am each day.

Until then, the rumoured names are giving fans plenty to speculate about—and if they’re anything close to accurate, this year’s Summertime Ball could be huge.

Can I get the lineup emailed to me?

Yes! For FREE! Just stick your email address in the box below and hit subscribe.

The UK’s biggest summer party will take place on Saturday June 6th at Wembley Stadium, where 80,000 Capital fans will see the world’s biggest music stars take to the stage.

Fans have already taken to social media to express their delight that for the first time in years, the party will happen on a Saturday and not the usual Sunday.

The line-up will be unveiled LIVE on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby across Tuesday and Wednesday morning, with this year’s Ball promising to be bigger and better than ever. The show will also be streamed live for fans on YouTube and Global Player, the official Capital app.

Capital Breakfast’s Jordan North, Chris Stark & Siân Welby said: “We’re thrilled that Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard is back! As the UK’s biggest summer party, this year’s line-up is already shaping up to be huge, with some incredible names joining the bill. With the atmosphere, the anthems, and the unmatched energy of Wembley Stadium, this year’s Ball promises to be bigger than ever. Make sure you’re listening to Capital Breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday to find out which Ballers will be joining us at Wembley Stadium!”

Tickets will go on general sale at 9am on Thursday April 30th via Global Player. Fans will need to download Global Player, the official Capital app, on their smartphone or tablet from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store – sign up is quick, easy and free.

Capital listeners logged into Global Player can access an exclusive presale from 9am on Wednesday April 29th. Barclaycard customers will also be able to get 10% off presale tickets via Barclaycard Entertainment or the Global Player link.

Don’t miss the line-up reveal for Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard 2026 live on Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Siân Welby from 7am on Tuesday April 28th and Wednesday April 29th.

Want to get the lineup delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Summertime Ball email alerts, below.

The actor, singer and presenter will fill in for Paddy McGuinness on Sunday 3 May, between 11am, broadcasting live from Salford in Manchester.

Manford presented a Sunday morning show on Absolute Radio between 2017 and 2025. On leaving, he told fans “After 8 years of chatting absolute nonsense with no consequence (or “Nonsequence” as Steve insists!), it’s time to hang up the headphones and say goodbye to my Absolute Radio Sunday morning show”.

“Nearly 400 episodes of nonsense, laughter and whatever popped into our heads between the songs. From those early weeks with a revolving cast of comedians to the strange blur of lockdown & since with Steve Edge, it’s meant the world to be part of your Sundays.

“Too many guests to mention but having friends drop in so many times for a chinwag was a real treat, special shoutout to the always wonderful @thesarahmillican who did the show more than most. I’ll miss the silly jingles, the ridiculous games like #BinChat, “Questions for Steve” and “Hit Me With Your Best Chat”, and how so many of you joined in and made it feel like one long, stupid, wonderful conversation”

“Over 800,000 of you tuned in every week and somehow made it one of the most listened-to shows on the station. That’s humbling & a real privilege. Thank you. The podcasts should still be around for a while (although not right now for some technical reason), so you can dip back in if you need your weekly nonsense fix.

“Most of all, I’ll miss logging in to chat to my best mate and share him with you all every Sunday. Steve makes me laugh more than anyone on this planet. (I mean obviously we’ll still chat but having that 3-hour catchup in the diary every week meant we never missed it!).

“Thank you for inviting us into your mornings, your cars, your kitchens and your dog walks. It’s meant more than you’ll ever know. Watch this space in 2026, because I’m sure there will be more Nonsequence (still not convinced that’s a real word, Steve) coming your way.

“Keep sharing octopus & sloth facts, keep using double deckers & football pitches as units of measurements but most of all, if these 8 years has taught us anything, it’s that most neighbourly disputes can be solved by simply putting their windows through.”

Whilst Jason is only sitting in for Paddy for one week, there’s potential for him to do more at the station which is undergoing a raft of schedule changes, currently. Today it was announced that Sara Cox will launch a new Breakfast Show in the Summer, leaving her teatime slot vacant.

Want more news on Jason Manford and Radio 2? Subscribe for free, below.

Produced by Talkback Thames in partnership with Mitre Studios, the show turns crazy golf into a high-energy primetime spectacle on an oversized, visually striking course filled with inventive obstacles, physical trials and comedic chaos. Contestants—from seasoned players to enthusiastic amateurs—will take on the wildly imaginative course, combining skill and bravery with plenty of humour along the way.

Each episode sees eight competitors battle it out for the coveted golden putter, green plaid jacket and a major prize. To reach the final, they must navigate a series of larger-than-life holes featuring everything from spinning windmills and explosive elements to slippery slopes and unexpected twists, requiring precision, stamina and nerve to stay in contention.

At the centre of the action, Ant & Dec will guide viewers through the madness, joined by a range of celebrity guests adding to the entertainment.

Ant & Dec, Co-Founders, Mitre Studios and Holey Moley hosts say:

Ant: “This show is absolutely perfect for us. It’s all about pure fun and entertainment for the whole family from start to finish. Anyone who knows us knows we are adore golf, but you don’t need to be a golf fanatic to enjoy it, there’s something for everyone!”

Dec: “Holey Moley blends the game with huge entertaining moments that the whole family can sit down together, watch and enjoy. It’s epic, bold and full of laughs. We’re really excited to bring the show to the UK!”‘

Casting is now underway, with applications open until 15 May via the Talkback Thames website, https://talkbackthames.com/takepart

Based on the bestselling novels by CL Skelton, the series stars Claire Cooper (The Continental, The Peripheral) and Liam McMahon (Hunger, Warrior Nun) as Mary and Sam Hardacre, with Julie Graham (The City Is Ours, Time) as Mary’s mother, Ma. Their children—Joe, Liza and Harry—are played by Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street), Shannon Lavelle (Riot Women) and Zak Ford-Williams (Bridgerton, Better).

Also featured in the cast are Holly Sturton (Lies We Tell, The School for Good and Evil), Cathy Belton (Hidden Assets, Philomena) and Owen Roe (Sherlock, Daughter) as Lady Adella, Lady Emma and Lord George Fitzherbert. They are joined by Ingrid Craigie (Blood, Blackshore) as Mrs Dryden, Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre (Layla, The Badlands), and Taheen Modak (The Bay) as Callum Saunders.

Joining for series two are Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) as Lady Imelda Hansen, the formidable mother of Lady Emma Fitzherbert; Niall McNamee (Saipan, Bad Sisters) as Edward Blackwood; and Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis.

After a hugely successful first series, which followed the Hardacre family’s journey from poverty to immense wealth—and the complications that came with it—the new season picks up in 1895. As modern innovations like electricity reach Hardacre Hall, the family faces shifting loyalties and new challenges. While Mary and Sam embrace their prosperity, their children begin carving out paths that defy expectations. Mary advocates for adult education among dock workers, and Sam grows the family business amid fears of a looming recession, unsure whether Joe is ready to take over.

Keen to prove himself, Joe makes impulsive decisions that could jeopardise his future. Meanwhile, Liza, recovering from heartbreak, is drawn into a new romance, and Harry’s plans to leave school are reshaped by an inspiring tutor. Ma develops an unexpected connection, and as some relationships flourish, others come under strain. The arrival of Lady Imelda Hansen at the Fitzherbert household brings a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to stand together or risk losing everything.

The series is produced by Playground, the award-winning company behind All Creatures Great and Small, in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution. It was commissioned for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted at Paramount UK, alongside Commissioning Editor Paul Testar. Executive producers include Colin Callender and David Stern for Playground, Lesley McKimm for Playground and Red Berry Productions, Simon Cox for Banijay Rights, and Kate McColgan for Screen Ireland. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton serves as producer, with Rachel Carey returning as lead director and Stephen Bradley directing the second block.

Writers for the new series include Sarah-Louise Hawkins, Emma Reeves, Dan Muirden, Cara Loftus and Susie Conklin.

A premiere date for series two will be announced soon. Series one is currently available to stream on 5.

In the US, fans can watch the series on Masterpiece PBS.

Sara, who currently hosts the station’s weekday Teatime show (4-7pm), will launch her first show this summer. The Radio 2 Breakfast Show is the UK’s biggest Breakfast Show, and attracts 6.5m listeners each week (RAJAR, Q4 2025).

Sara says: “There are not enough adjectives to really sum up how I’m feeling about being trusted with such an iconic show but let’s start with ecstatic, honoured and incredibly chuffed. It’s been a dream to host the Breakfast Show since I joined Radio 2 and it feels like a bit of a full circle for me. I’ve had the most glorious seven years of my career on Teatime so thank you to my brilliant Teatime listeners who hopefully will join me at Breakfast for excellent music and all my usual nonsense plus some superstar guests. I honestly can’t wait to wake the nation up with the biggest most fun breakfast show ever.”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said: “I’m delighted that Sara Cox will be the new host of the prestigious Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Sara is adored by her millions of listeners at Teatime, and having regularly deputised in the slot, I already know she’ll build a brilliant rapport with the Breakfast audience and get the nation going each morning with her trademark warmth and humour. She captured the hearts of the country last November, raising a staggering £11.5m for Children in Need on her Great Northern Marathon Challenge and thoroughly deserves this gig. I can’t wait to hear her first show.”

Sara kicked off her BBC radio career when she joined BBC Radio 1 in 1999 to present a Saturday lunchtime show, moving on the following year to present the Radio 1 Breakfast Show until December 2003. Over the next 11 years Sara presented various shows on the network, including the weekday afternoon show, a weekend afternoon show and weekday mornings.

Sara joined Radio 2 in 2011, deputising for various presenters across the schedule. She launched Sounds of the 80s on the station in 2013 and raised £1.2 million for Comic Relief by taking part in a non-stop 24-hour 80s Dance Challenge in 2017. In May 2018, Sara began presenting a weekday 10pm-midnight show on the station, moving to host the Teatime (5-7pm) show later that year. The show was extended to three hours (4-7pm) in 2022.

In November 2025, Sara completed Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge, walking and running 135 miles in five days from Kielder Forest in Northumberland to Pudsey in West Yorkshire. Thousands of listeners lined the streets to cheer on and support our heroine, who raised £11.5 million for Children in Need, capturing the hearts of the nation along the way.

In March this year, Sara was honoured with the Audio Presenter of the Year prize at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

Sara hosts the Radio 2 Book Club, which is available on BBC Sounds.

Sara is also an author and released Till The Cows Come Home: A Lancashire Childhood in 2019, which was followed by two novels – Thrown in 2022, and Way Back in 2024, and her latest novel The Truth Of Us is published in July.

Sara’s TV work includes The Big Breakfast (Channel 4), The Girlie Show (Channel 4), MTV, The Great Pottery Throwdown (BBC Two), Love in the Countryside (BBC Two), eight successful series of Between the Covers (BBC Two) and currently, The Marvellous Miniature Workshop (BBC One).

The presenter of the weekday 4-7pm slot, which Sara currently presents, will be announced in due course.

Radio 2 is the UK’s most listened to single radio station, with a weekly audience of 12.7m (RAJAR Q4 2025). The station is home to the UK’s most listened to weekday Breakfast show, with 6.5m listeners each week. Vernon Kay continues to be the most listened to show on UK radio, growing to 6.7m listeners each week in the latest RAJARs (Q4 2025).

Nearly 1 in 4 adults listening to the radio are tuned to Radio 2, and its listeners tune in for over 11 hours each week – the highest figure for four years (RAJARs Q4 2025).

Radio 2, aimed at everyone over the age of 35, presents an unrivalled music mix, featuring a very wide variety of music genres, including pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, blues, soul and hip hop and more. The station is proud to play over 15,000 different songs in daytime each year, more than four times what most stations outside of the BBC play.

The network’s presenters include Richie Anderson, Zoe Ball, Michael Ball, Tony Blackburn, OJ Borg, Revd. Kate Bottley, Fearne Cotton, Sara Cox, Jamie Cullum, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gary Davies, Paul Gambaccini, Mark Goodier, Angela Griffin, Bob Harris, Vernon Kay, Shaun Keaveny, Cerys Matthews, Paddy McGuinness, Jason Mohammad, Trevor Nelson, Dermot O’Leary, Elaine Paige, Mark Radcliffe, Romesh Ranganathan, Rylan, DJ Spoony, Jeremy Vine, Michelle Visage, Jo Whiley, Emma Willis and Owain Wyn Evans.

Produced by Urban Myth Films—the team behind series such as Paris Has Fallen and The Lazarus Project—the show is co-financed by CANAL+, with STUDIOCANAL overseeing global distribution. The drama is expected to premiere this summer.

The series is written by BAFTA-winning screenwriter Howard Overman, known for his work on Misfits and The War of the Worlds, and directed by David Caffrey, whose credits include The Gentlemen and Peaky Blinders.

Hit Point follows detectives Leo and Bella, played by Blood and Hocking, as they navigate a complex case that draws them into the criminal underworld of West London. As the investigation intensifies, their personal and professional lives become increasingly intertwined, with shifting loyalties, unexpected betrayals and emotional stakes driving the narrative.

Blending fast-paced action with moments of dark humour and romance, the series aims to deliver a mix of crime thriller tension and character-driven storytelling. The supporting cast includes William Abadie, Brendan Coyle, Peter Serafinowicz, Nadia Parkes, Moe Bar-El, Ossian Perret and Joshua Sher.

The project has been commissioned by Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning at UKTV, and ordered by Emma Tibbetts and Hilary Rosen. Executive producers include Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy and Overman for Urban Myth Films, alongside Perry for UKTV.

As part of its international rollout, CANAL+ has already secured the rights to broadcast the series across more than 50 territories, spanning Europe, Africa and Asia.

U&Dave, the free-to-air channel behind the launch, is known for its original entertainment programming, including titles such as Will & Ralf Should Know Better, Guy Martin: Proper Jobs, Silence is Golden and the BAFTA-winning Big Zuu’s Big Eats.

The proposed series, which will be made available via BBC iPlayer, will feature some of Radio 2’s biggest presenters in conversation with high-profile guests. Executives believe the format will help bring the station’s star interviews to a wider audience by combining traditional radio with a more visual, on-demand experience.

The approach mirrors a format already proving successful elsewhere in the industry. Virgin Radio has seen significant traction with its TFI-style presentation, where host Chris Evans has swapped the traditional radio studio setup for a vodcast format. The move has generated hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, with its popularity leading to Channel 4 acquiring the rights to air six compilation episodes on Friday nights.

Sources suggest the BBC sees the visualised podcast as an opportunity to showcase Radio 2’s access to A-list talent while also strengthening its digital presence. This week alone, the station has hosted a string of major names, including the cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2, Sheridan Smith, Ralph Fiennes and Martin Clunes.

The development comes at a critical time for Radio 2, which is attempting to rebuild its reputation following the unexpected departure of breakfast show presenter Scott Mills. The station has faced growing criticism that it has drifted away from its core over-55 audience.

In response, Radio 2 has turned to experienced broadcasters Gary Davies and Mark Goodier to front its flagship breakfast and mid-morning slots. The move is widely seen as an attempt to reconnect with long-time listeners after concerns that the station had become overly focused on younger demographics.

Those concerns were recently amplified by former Radio 2 producer Malcolm Prince, who argued in a newspaper interview that the station had been neglecting older audiences. Industry insiders have also suggested that plans to serve that demographic through a new golden oldies DAB sister station had been central to the BBC’s strategy, but those ambitions were halted after Ofsted ruled the station could not go ahead.

The new visualised podcast format is expected to play a key role in promoting the station’s strengths, particularly its ability to attract major guests and deliver compelling long-form interviews.

Meanwhile, speculation continues over who will eventually take over the coveted Radio 2 breakfast slot on a permanent basis. Names understood to be in the frame include Sara Cox, Vernon Kay, Emma Willis and Greg James. However, insiders indicate that any new breakfast show is unlikely to launch in the immediate future.

The BBC has yet to formally confirm details of the new series, but the move signals a clear shift towards hybrid radio-television formats as broadcasters compete for audiences across multiple platforms.

Well any doubtful thoughts were blown away in about 2 minutes of SUNNY AFTERNOON starting. This musical is one of the best musicals we’ve EVER Seen. And boy have we seen some.

We’re not joking. The performances, the charactarisation, the storyline, the humour, and most of all the songs... all come together in the most exceptional, feel good production going. Our hearts were full after seeing this outstanding production.

The songs absolutely burst. It’s magical. The audience at Curve Leicester were clearly mostly here because they enjoyed The Kinks and their heir-day, and for them, this was absolute magic. Shouts of “we want to see it again tomorrow” could be heard, it’s that good.

“Waterloo Sunset” is performed so incredibly well, its moving. “Sunny Afternoon” is so good, you don’t want it to stop. Everyone is singing, dancing, remoniscing.

There’s a fear with this kind of musical that the storyline is going to be as thin as tissue, but The Kinks story is a fascinating one, with highs and lows, tragedies, comedy, love, challenges... there’s a lot to unpack and it means the story is capitvating both for die-hard fans of The Kinks and those who just love a bloody good musical.

Following a phenomenal two years in the West End and a sensational first UK and Ireland tour, the “indisputably terrific” (The Times) OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING BEST NEW MUSICAL, charting the euphoric highs and agonizing lows of THE KINKS, is back!

SUNNY AFTERNOON celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.”

Set against the backdrop of Britain on the cusp of the rebellious ’60s, Sunny Afternoon is an “exhilarating” (Financial Times) and moving celebration of the music, life, and the band that changed it all.

SUNNY AFTERNOON features music and lyrics by the legendary Ray Davies, a book by Joe Penhall, original story by Ray Davies, and direction by Edward Hall.

Rating: ★★★★★

Sunny Afternoon plays at Curve Leicester, just an hour and a half away from London, until Saturday 25 April.

Tickets here.

Citadel follows elite operatives Mason Kane (Richard Madden), Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), and Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), once members of a legendary agency that was dismantled by Manticore—a powerful and ruthless network backed by some of the world’s most influential families. When a dangerous new threat surfaces, the trio is drawn back into action. They must assemble an unexpected team of highly skilled recruits and embark on a global mission to stop a conspiracy that could alter the course of humanity. Packed with intense action, unexpected betrayals, and a wider cast of enigmatic agents, the stakes are higher than ever—where no one can be fully trusted.

This season sees the return of Lesley Manville and Ashleigh Cummings, joined by new cast members including Jack Reynor as Hutch, Matt Berry as Franke Sharpe, and Lina El Arabi as Celine. Additional cast additions include Merle Dandridge, Gabriel Leone, and Rayna Vallandingham.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, the series is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes, with David Weil serving as showrunner, director, and executive producer. Joe Russo and Greg Yaitanes also direct and executive produce. Executive producers from Midnight Radio include Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg, alongside Chris Castaldi, Debra James, Newton Thomas Sigel, Bryan Oh, Natalie Laine Williams, David J. Rosen, and Patrick Moran.

But when Ruben turns up at Niall’s wedding three decades later, everything seems different. He is on edge. Shifty. Not acting like himself. And soon, an explosion of violence takes place which catapults us back through their lives, from the eighties to the present day. Capturing 30 years in the lives of these broken men, Half Man explores brotherhood, violence, and the intense fragility of male relationships. After all, when things fall apart… it is sometimes the closest relationships which break the hardest.

Richard Gadd (Ruben)

Series Creator, Writer and Executive Producer

Where did the idea for Half Man come from?

With my past projects I’ve touched on masculinity in the context of my own struggles with being a man. All of my stories explore human feelings, but this time, I wanted to come up with an idea that explores what it means to be a man in this ever-changing world through these two characters. To me, it feels like the debate about men has reached quite a high pitch and, at the same time, become somewhat simplified.

“Toxic masculinity” is a phrase we hear a lot, and while it can risk feeling overused, it’s also being discussed so widely for a reason. What’s interesting is that, despite that visibility, there are still aspects of it that haven’t yet been fully explored in the mainstream. I think that much of how society has been structured can lead to men having an inability to express themselves and express love and vulnerability, so it felt interesting to posit that conversation through Niall and Ruben.

What does a normal day look like for you when you’re writing a new project?

When I’m writing I usually go for a run whilst listening to my playlist, and those songs always provide a backdrop to my inspiration for a project and often end up being included in the project itself. For Half Man, I was bulking up to play Ruben, so I missed my running, but I still had a playlist. I usually begin my writing day at 5am because I think it’s my most productive time, so I usually get up at 4:30am and get a coffee and I’ll then write from 5am to 9pm - aside from Christmas Day and Soccer Aid, when I give myself a day off! I work hard and I’m constantly reworking and questioning things until it feels right. It is a constant, evolving process.

How do we first meet Niall and Ruben in the series?

We meet Ruben and Niall as two teenagers thrown together in their youth, and we then follow them over three decades. When the series starts, they’re forced to coexist in a lot of ways within a working-class household. Ruben is violent and volatile, whilst Niall is very sensible and self-conscious. They’re polar opposites but in a strange way they form an alliance – for better or worse – which catapults them through the ages. They both have something that the other does not and they crave what each other has.

What made you want to set the story over multiple decades of Niall and Ruben’s lives?

It felt that in order to have a conversation around masculinity and how we got to where we are now, we needed to go back to their adolescence, which is when Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell play young Niall and Ruben in the 1980s. I thought the 1980s was an interesting time to set it as it is often the decade which is cited as being one of the most problematic in our history due to certain ignorances or subtle prejudices. It felt like a good way to start the characters’ journeys and explore what they learn and inhabit from our less than accepting times. I also think seeing the characters in their youth establishes their relationship early on. The connections we make when we are young can be hugely formative and emboldening and I wanted to give meaning to their shared camaraderie and connection.

The friends we make growing up are sometimes the most powerful relationship we have, and I needed to show the good and the bad all at once and show how intertwined our early relationships can become. I never want to beat audiences over the head with moral trajectories either. There are two men struggling to live and coexist in a way. In seeing Niall and Ruben over an extended period, you never really know which of them is bad and which of them is good either.

I wouldn’t want my work to present the idea that men should be a certain way or are a certain way, because then I’m adding to a bigger problem and so I hope that within Half Man, there’s a very human explanation of what it is to be a man, which is knotty and complicated, and hopefully the conversation around the show will feel like that too.

How would you say those adolescent moments shape the men Niall and Ruben become when you and Jamie take over those roles?

Niall and Ruben both stay in the same place whilst the world develops around them, and I don’t think either of them ever truly manages to shake off the damage of their youth. I think that feels familiar in this day and age where we have experienced cultural shifts - some people are on board whilst others aren’t and feel left behind or alienated For some people, change can be really difficult and the more you repress certain parts of yourself the harder life becomes as the years go by.

In a way, the only conversation Niall and Ruben ever have that is fully honest comes at the end of the series. It takes them six episodes and decades of their lives to get to a point where they are emotionally mature enough for that and meanwhile the world around them has changed and progressed so much. I think that, in a way, is the quintessential male struggle.

We do see dark moments for Niall and Ruben at various points throughout the series. Why did those moments feel important to you given the story you were trying to tell?

I think in order to explore the topic of male repression and violence you need to show violence, or at least the extremities of it - so that we can understand the context and depths of where repression can lead. I think a show exploring male existence in all its forms needs to show the worst – and indeed best – sides of masculinity because you are never fully exploring anything if you stray from the edges or fail to paint a full picture. Ultimately, whether we like to admit it or not, we live in a violent culture and world, but I don’t see that on television very often. At least not in a way which is realistic or “brutal.” I think exploring and showing these things not only leads to powerful drama but echoes a very real part of society where these things do happen and are seen on a daily basis.

What it’s been like working with Jamie Bell?

Jamie is such a lovely guy. I remember when we were casting for Baby Reindeer, lots of famous faces really wanted to play Martha, but I wanted everyone to audition and naturally a lot of global stars did not. However, there was something about this show as I was writing it – I couldn’t get Jamie out of my head. He’d probably roll his eyes if he heard me talking about Billy Elliot, but I can’t believe that he managed to do that at the age of 13 and I just think he’s instinctively an incredible actor.

I never thought Jamie would actually be in Half Man, but when I heard he was interested, I flew out to LA, and we had a long chat. Jamie said he’d love to do it if I played Ruben. Before that moment, I had never thought about it and didn’t see myself being in the series. We shot our final scene together at 3am in the morning, and it was a really emotional one. In that moment I knew how much I would miss acting alongside him and I feel really grateful to have had that opportunity.

How did you go about finding your young Niall and Ruben?

I love Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell, and I want it on record that they were my favourites for Niall and Ruben from when I first saw their self-tapes. It was the same with Jess Gunning where I just knew from her first audition that I was experiencing exceptional talent. I cannot describe it, but it is like I see the character in my head, and I just need an actor to come in and echo it back at me – and these boys did that – and then some! They are true professionals through and through and I never doubted them for a second. It is also a joy to give young, Scottish talent their moment to shine. They would be a gift to any production they work on.

And what has it been like for you to transform into Ruben for Half Man?

Ruben is so far from any role I’ve taken on before and also from me as a person. I’ve done a lot of work to take on the role in terms of changing my diet and putting on a lot of muscle mass to inhabit that role and it has been a huge commitment alongside writing and producing. But I always think fear is never a reason to not do something and it makes it worth giving something a shot. We have two different looks for Ruben to reflect where he is in his life. One I would describe as meaty and beefy – he looks intimidating and overbearing - and that involved a lot of weight-lifting. Those are the present-day scenes.

Then in flashback, we have a slightly leaner look which meant stripping a lot of weight off in a matter of weeks. My order every day with the catering team was a salad and protein and that was sometimes the only thing I ate all day, which is a serious calorie deficit. It was brutal!

The show is filmed and set in and around the surrounding areas of Glasgow, what made you choose to base this story there?

Not only do I have fond memories of my time at university in Glasgow for four years, but I think it’s an amazing cultural city with a huge personality. It’s the biggest city in Scotland and Glasgow has also undertaken a huge shift of its own over the decades to become one of the UK’s most formidable cultural hubs. It almost marries the change that you want to see in the characters across the show - Glasgow evolves and changes around these guys as they struggle to change themselves.

I grew up in a town in Scotland outside of Dundee, about a mile over the water. The town had one shop – a corner shop – and it was an incredibly small one. I wouldn’t change it for the world now, but I felt like I needed to get out and escape when I was younger. That feeling is reflected in some of the earlier episodes where we see Niall and Ruben growing up in a smaller town outside the city. I think that adds a teenage hotbed of emotion and intensity to what the characters go through. I’ve loved working with an amazing cast and crew here and it has been such a brilliant backdrop for the show.

Looking for travel inspiration? Visit hotelsandholidays.co.uk to book your next stay.

The production will be directed by Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, with set design by Leslie Travers. This musical adaptation brings to life Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, following Charlie Bucket’s extraordinary journey into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

The show features a script by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. It also incorporates well-known songs from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

Speaking about the show, Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY has long been a favourite novel for so many of us - possibly the first book to fire our imaginations and introduce us to the beauty of a world filled with pure imagination.

“Christmas is always such a magical time at Curve and with this scrumdiddlyumptious musical, it promises to be another golden year for families and friends of all ages to enjoy the power of live theatre together.

“This delicious musical celebrates the great songs from the Gene Wilder film, alongside sensational new songs from the hit-makers behind HAIRSPRAY, Tony award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. And with a script by the acclaimed writer David Grieg, it’s a mouth-wateringly scrumptious recipe; we are looking forward to bringing the wonder of Wonka’s wonderful chocolate factory to life, in one of our most ambitious shows to date.”

Audiences are invited to step into a world of imagination with this festive production. The story follows Charlie Bucket and a colourful cast of characters—including Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee, and the Oompa-Loompas—as they enter Wonka’s extraordinary factory. From a flowing chocolate river to the towering Great Glass Elevator, the adventure is filled with surprises at every turn.

Directed by Nikolai Foster, the show features memorable songs such as The Candy Man, The Oompa Loompa Song, and Pure Imagination. Blending theatrical spectacle with nostalgia, it offers an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.

Accessible performances will be scheduled throughout the run, including British Sign Language interpreted, captioned, dementia-friendly, audio-described with touch tours, and relaxed performances on selected dates.

The production will also be supported by a range of educational and engagement activities led by Curve’s Creative Programmes team. These include a free digital education pack, tailored workshops for schools, and a Theatre Day on 10 December, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the show.

Performances run from 21 November 2026 to 9 January 2027. Tickets will be released in stages from 22 April, with general sale opening on 28 April at midday. For further details, audiences can visit the Curve website, contact the Box Office by phone, or book in person.

Bishop Auckland, a historic market town and civil parish in County Durham, sits at the meeting point of the River Wear and the River Gaunless. Located roughly 12 miles from both Durham and Darlington, it’s a place where heritage and regeneration meet in a way that feels both authentic and forward-looking.

At the centre of the town’s transformation is The Auckland Project, an ambitious regeneration charity working to establish Bishop Auckland as a cultural destination of real significance. Through a carefully curated mix of art, history, faith, and community engagement, the project brings the town’s story to life while creating new opportunities for those who live there. Its growing collection of attractions offers visitors a chance to experience Bishop Auckland in a way that feels immersive, meaningful, and surprisingly contemporary.

A key part of this experience is Auckland Palace Stays, a collection of distinctive self-catering cottages and townhouses set within the historic Auckland Palace estate. Each property has been individually designed to balance period character with modern comfort, giving guests a chance to stay somewhere that feels both luxurious and rooted in the town’s heritage. This commitment to quality has been recognised at the highest level, with several properties receiving prestigious VisitEngland accolades, including Gold Awards for Bishop Lightfoot Cottage, Churchill Cottage, and The Clarence.

Find out more about these locations, at Britain's Finest.

A stay at The Clarence

If there’s one property that captures the spirit of Bishop Auckland’s past and present in equal measure, it’s The Clarence. This striking Edwardian house sits proudly on elevated, sloping grounds, offering glimpses through the trees towards Auckland Palace. The setting alone feels special, but what makes The Clarence stand out is the sense of space, elegance, and quiet luxury that runs throughout.

Located in one of Bishop Auckland’s most prestigious residential areas, the house is surrounded by grand 19th-century villas and peaceful, leafy streets. It’s the kind of neighbourhood that immediately sets a tone—calm, refined, and slightly removed from the everyday.

Step inside, and the scale of the property becomes apparent straight away. A wide entrance hall, complete with period features and a sweeping staircase, leads into a home filled with light and character. High ceilings, large bay windows, and original details such as fireplaces and decorative mouldings have been carefully preserved, while contemporary furnishings and thoughtful design touches ensure it never feels like a museum piece.

The layout is ideal for families or groups travelling together. At its heart is a generous kitchen and dining space that naturally becomes the social centre of the house. A large central island, ample workspace, and a long dining table make it perfect for everything from relaxed breakfasts to long, sociable dinners. It’s a space that invites people to gather, cook, play boardgames and spend time together.

Beyond the kitchen, multiple living areas provide flexibility. There’s a more formal sitting room for quiet evenings, as well as a relaxed family space where children can unwind. There are books here for everyone, and plenty of games to play, too. EVERYTHING has been considered! This balance means the house works just as well for shared moments as it does for finding a bit of peace and quiet.

Upstairs, the bedrooms continue the theme of understated luxury. Three large double rooms offer plenty of space, many with en-suite bathrooms, while a smaller bunk room is ideal for children. The main bedroom also benefits from additional space that can be used as a dressing room or nursery, adding an extra layer of practicality for families. Every bed feels luxurious and hugely comfortable! Throughout, the design blends comfort with elegance—soft furnishings, quality bedding, and carefully chosen décor create rooms that feel both stylish and restful.

The bathrooms deserve a mention in their own right. With features such as freestanding tubs and spacious showers, they offer a genuinely indulgent experience—perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the surrounding countryside.

Outside, the garden is one of The Clarence’s defining features. Arranged across a series of terraces, it stretches down the hillside in a way that feels expansive yet private. Mature trees and established planting give it a timeless quality, and it’s easy to imagine it looking much the same decades ago. Whether it’s morning coffee overlooking the trees or an evening drink as the light fades, it’s a space that adds something special to the stay.

The house comfortably accommodates up to six adults and two children, making it well suited to extended families or small groups. Practical touches such as private off-street parking and the option to bring dogs make it even more appealing for longer stays. It's also dog friendly - infact, our little four legged fella had the time of his life!

Guests also benefit from a range of thoughtful extras. A Bishop’s Key pass provides access to several of The Auckland Project’s attractions, while discounts at local restaurants and shops, along with extended evening access to the Walled Garden, help create a stay that feels both curated and generous.

What makes The Clarence particularly memorable, though, is how it feels to spend time there. It’s not just about the size or the décor—it’s about the atmosphere. Even with a full itinerary, we found ourselves wanting to return to the house, to cook, to relax, and simply enjoy being in such a beautiful space. It turned what could have been a busy few days into something that felt genuinely restorative.

Our children were captivated from the moment we arrived. Between the large garden, cosy corners for reading, and the simple novelty of such a grand space, their excitement never faded. In a world often dominated by screens, it was refreshing to see them so engaged with their surroundings.

Get more information, including pricing and availability, here: The Clarence - Bishop Auckland | Self-Catering | Britain's Finest

Exploring beyond the house

While The Clarence makes it tempting to stay put, Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area offer plenty to explore. Just a short drive away, Bowlees Visitor Centre serves as a gateway to the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark. From there, you can venture into Upper Teesdale, where walking routes wind through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region—complete with waterfalls, open moorland, and sweeping views.

One of the highlights is High Force Waterfall, where the River Tees plunges dramatically over a rocky cliff. It’s an impressive sight at any time, but particularly striking after rainfall when the water surges over the edge with real force.

For a change of pace, the city of York is within easy reach and makes for a rewarding day trip. Steeped in history, its ancient walls enclose a lively mix of independent shops, museums, and cafés. Streets like the Shambles, with their timber-framed buildings and narrow passageways, feel almost storybook-like. The city also boasts a thriving food scene, from traditional tearooms to more contemporary spots.

Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the nearby designer outlet just outside York, where a wide range of brands sit alongside numerous dining options—all conveniently under one roof.

Discovering Bishop Auckland itself

Back in Bishop Auckland, there’s more than enough to fill your time without venturing far. The Deer Park, part of The Auckland Project, is a particular highlight. Shaped over centuries by the Prince Bishops of Durham, it’s now a peaceful, open space where visitors can wander through woodland paths, spot wildlife, and discover traces of its medieval past.

The Faith Museum offers a more contemporary experience, exploring the role of faith in Britain through engaging, interactive displays. It’s thoughtfully designed and surprisingly captivating for visitors of all ages.

Art lovers will find plenty to admire at the Spanish Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of works from the Spanish Golden Age. Featuring artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Zurbarán, it tells a fascinating story that connects Bishop Auckland to a much wider cultural history.

Nearby, a tapas restaurant inspired by Spanish cuisine provides the perfect place to round off the day. Using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—including produce grown in the nearby Walled Garden—the menu offers a fresh and flavourful take on classic dishes, with something to suit all ages.

El Castillo is Bishop Auckland’s newest restaurant, offering a taste of Spain with a local twist, in the heart of the historic town. Their tapas combines the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine with the best our region has to offer.

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with Classic Spanish flavours, complementing the best seasonal ingredients from our region. Expect a changing menu of unfussy, flavourful small plates celebrating seasonal ingredients.

The chefs cook with the freshest produce, much of which is grown in the 17th-century Walled Garden at Auckland Palace. The food is incredible. We tried a range of dishes from Paella to Pollo “Parmo Espanol”: Crispy chicken thighs in romeso sauce and topped with Manchego cheese. We had an-fried prawns with chilli, garlic, and toasted bread, Chorizo with figs and hot honey and Palitos de queso ahumado: Crispy fried smoked cheese sticks with dips.

The children's menu is exceptional as well.

Amazing service, gorgeous food, and a really cool and contemporary environment, I don't know how you could visit Bishop's Auckland and not go.

A destination rediscovered

What makes Bishop Auckland so compelling is the way everything comes together. It’s a town that honours its past while actively shaping its future, offering visitors a chance to experience both in a meaningful way.

Staying at The Clarence only deepens that connection. It’s more than just a place to sleep—it’s part of the story itself. Whether you’re exploring the surrounding countryside, discovering world-class art, or simply enjoying the quiet elegance of the house, Bishop Auckland leaves a lasting impression as a destination that feels breathtaking.

For more on The Clarence, visit Britain's Finest.

The celebrities taking part are; singer and songwriter Alexandra Burke, actor Danny Miller, presenter Gethin Jones, dancer and presenter Jordan Banjo, journalist Kay Burley, actress and online personality Maddie Grace Jepson, presenter, podcaster and content creator Max Balegde, Gladiator Sheli McCoy, UK garage legend DJ Spoony, TV and BBC Radio 2 presenter Richie Anderson, comedian and writer Laura Smyth and television personality Toni Laites. 

Across the six-part series, the celebrities will face a range of weekly business challenges set by Lord Sugar. Competing for the chance to win a£100,000 donation to a charity of their choice, they will each be hoping to prove their business acumen and ultimately be crowned The Celebrity Apprentice winner.

For this star-studded series, the boardroom will relocate to a London City skyscraper, providing a distinctive new setting for Lord Sugar’s final deliberations. 

Bringing together entertainment, competition and high-stakes decision-making, the new series marks a major addition to The Apprentice franchise.

Lord Sugar says: “We’ve not done anything like this before, and it’ll be entertaining to see these 12 celebrities being put through six weeks of some brilliant business challenges. But just because they’re celebrities, it doesn’t mean they’re going to get an easy ride, especially when there’s £100,000 at stake for their chosen charity.”

Paul Broadbent, Director of Programmes at Naked adds: “We’ve a brilliant cast of familiar faces entering our brand-new boardroom, and with a full six-episode series, viewers will get many opportunities to see the celebrities as they’ve never before, battling to show off their business acumen for a massive charity prize.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC says: “This brand-new full-length series of The Celebrity Apprentice takes everything audiences love about the format and turns the pressure right up. This year’s celebrities arrive with strong reputations - but in the boardroom, status counts for nothing. They’ll be tested on leadership, teamwork and commercial instinct, and only those who can truly deliver will make it through. It’s bold, unpredictable and hugely entertaining - and viewers are in for a brilliant ride.”

Broadcast details for The Celebrity Apprentice will be confirmed in due course. 

Friday night television gets a stylish, offbeat twist as The Claudia Winkleman Show returns with another lively line-up in the final episode of the current series. Known for her sharp humour and relaxed interview style, Claudia Winkleman welcomes a mix of comedy, drama and storytelling talent to the sofa—each bringing something very different to the conversation.

Dan Levy on life after Schitt’s Creek

First up is Dan Levy, the creative force behind the hugely successful Schitt's Creek. Having helped redefine modern sitcom storytelling, Levy joins Claudia to discuss his next move: Netflix’s Big Mistakes.

The new project signals a shift in tone and ambition, and viewers can expect him to reflect on the legacy of Schitt’s Creek while teasing what comes next. With his thoughtful approach to writing and character, Levy’s segment is likely to offer both humour and insight into the realities of creative risk-taking.

Phil Dunster swaps football for a new role

Also appearing is Phil Dunster, who became a fan favourite through Ted Lasso. Best known for his charismatic and often chaotic on-screen presence, Dunster now turns his attention to a fresh project: Rooster on HBO Max.

His chat with Claudia is set to explore the transition from a globally beloved ensemble show to leading new material, as well as how his latest role pushes him in different creative directions.

Cush Jumbo returns to gripping drama

Bringing a more intense edge to the evening is Cush Jumbo. A respected performer across both stage and television, she’s back to discuss the second season of Criminal Record.

Jumbo’s work is often praised for its emotional depth, and her appearance promises a closer look at the evolving storyline, the challenges of returning to a complex role, and why crime dramas continue to resonate so strongly with audiences.

Josh Widdicombe brings the laughs

Rounding out the show is Josh Widdicombe, who arrives with his trademark dry wit. He’ll be talking about his podcast, The Museum of Pop Culture, a project that blends nostalgia, humour and cultural commentary.

With Widdicombe on the couch, expect the tone to shift into something more playful, as he and Claudia bounce off each other in what will likely be one of the episode’s funniest segments.

A Friday night mix of humour and insight

With such a varied group of guests, tonight’s episode captures the essence of The Claudia Winkleman Show: relaxed, unpredictable and full of personality. Whether it’s thoughtful discussion about creative careers, behind-the-scenes stories from major productions, or moments of spontaneous comedy, the show continues to carve out its place in the crowded world of chat shows.

For viewers looking to ease into the weekend with something entertaining but effortlessly smart, this episode offers exactly that balance.

International superstar Pitbull has sold more than 25 million studio albums and has more than 60 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. The star has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Christina Aguilera to Usher and many more. With mega hits including “Don’t Stop the Party”, “Timber”, “Hotel Room Service”, “Time of Our Lives”, “Give Me Everything”, “Fireball’ and “Get On The Floor” the Grammy Award winner has secured his place as not only one of the pre-eminent figures in Latin music and hip hop, but as one of the biggest names in the pop world. 

When Tinie Tempah exploded onto the scene with 'Pass Out' in 2010, he didn't just score a hit, he rewrote the blueprint for UK rap forever. Over fifteen years later, with 3 Top Ten albums, 7 number 1’s, and a cultural legacy that paved the way for Britain's Black music revolution, Tinie Tempah remains the architect of his own unstoppable momentum. From sold-out arenas to festival headlines, from chart domination to cultural zeitgeist moments, Tinie Tempah has consistently proven that longevity in this game isn't about luck, it's about evolution. His latest singles 'Eat It Up' and ‘Living Life’ make a statement of intent: Tinie Tempah isn't just back, he's here to remind everyone why he's been the standard-setter all along. The game may have changed since 2010, but the throne remains his…

Louder and larger than life, Lil Jon is the undisputed king of crunk and one of hip-hop’s most influential hitmakers. Rising out of Atlanta’s club scene with Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, he helped define the Dirty South sound with era-shaping anthems like “Get Low,” alongside landmark productions including Usher’s Grammy-winning “Yeah!” and “Snap Yo Fingers.” With a string of gold and platinum albums and a catalogue that spans hip-hop, pop and EDM, most notably the global smash “Turn Down for What” with DJ Snake, Lil Jon has remained a dominant force in music for over two decades. Renowned for his live sets, he now brings that same high-octane presence to BST Hyde Park as part of this year’s lineup. 

For this special show, BST Hyde Park will also host an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt for the Largest gathering of people wearing bald caps. The attempt builds on a phenomenon sparked by Pitbull’s devoted international fanbase, including his recent sold-out O2 Arena shows in London where thousands of fans arrived wearing bald caps. BST Hyde Park will bring this fan-led moment to its biggest stage yet, inviting audiences to take part in an official, adjudicated GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt and be part of music history. 

Headliners for BST Hyde Park 2026 also include: Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), Maroon 5 (Friday 3 July), Mumford & Sons (Saturday 4 July), Duran Duran (Sunday 5 July), with final headliners to be announced.

Pitbull also headlines the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Friday 3 July, joined by Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon, with many more acts to be added. Visit roundhayfestival.com.

Tickets are on sale now

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

In the ever-evolving world of BBC radio, some presenters climb the ladder through headline-making moves, while others build their reputation steadily behind the scenes. OJ Borg firmly belongs to the latter camp—but that may be about to change.

A trusted voice on BBC Radio 2, Borg has become one of the station’s most reliable presenters, known for his warmth, humour and versatility. Now, with major changes looming in the schedule, he’s increasingly being tipped for a move into one of the network’s most prominent slots.

From Leicester to late-night radio

Born Oliver James Borg D’Anastasi in Leicester, Borg’s broadcasting journey began in local radio before expanding into national platforms. Early in his career, he built experience across stations in the North of England, developing a style that blends easygoing conversation with sharp timing.

He later moved into television, working with music channels such as MTV and VH1, where he hosted entertainment and chart shows. The exposure helped sharpen his on-screen presence and broaden his appeal beyond radio audiences.

Despite his success on TV, radio remained his core strength. Borg returned to the medium with roles at commercial stations including Kerrang! Radio and Key 103, where he hosted a popular drivetime show and gained a reputation for connecting easily with listeners.

Becoming a Radio 2 regular

Borg joined BBC Radio 2 in 2018, taking on the weekday overnight show. While the midnight-to-3am slot might seem low-profile, it has allowed him to cultivate a loyal following. His audience—often referred to as night owls and shift workers—value his relaxed tone and ability to create a sense of companionship in the small hours.

But his role at the station extends far beyond overnight broadcasting. Borg has become a regular stand-in across the schedule, covering for major presenters and stepping into high-pressure slots with ease. That flexibility has made him a trusted figure internally—someone producers can rely on to keep the tone of the station consistent.

A varied broadcasting career

What sets Borg apart is the breadth of his experience. Alongside radio and music television, he has hosted National Lottery draws on BBC One, worked as a live presenter in the esports world, and contributed to sports coverage, including cycling events.

This mix of live broadcasting environments—from studios to large-scale events—has shaped him into a presenter who is comfortable in almost any setting. It’s a skillset that becomes increasingly valuable as broadcasters look for talent who can move seamlessly across formats.

The Radio 2 reshuffle—and a big opportunity

Borg’s name is now being mentioned more frequently in connection with a potential shake-up at BBC Radio 2. With Scott Mills exiting the Breakfast Show, attention has turned to who might take over one of the biggest jobs in UK radio.

Sara Cox is widely seen as the odds-on favourite to step into the breakfast slot. If she does, it would leave her popular teatime show vacant—creating a significant opportunity elsewhere in the schedule.

That’s where Borg comes in. He is increasingly viewed as a frontrunner to take over the teatime programme, a move that would represent a major step up from his current overnight slot.

A natural fit for drivetime?

The case for Borg is straightforward. He already knows the station inside out, has experience covering daytime shows, and brings a style that aligns closely with Radio 2’s tone—friendly, accessible and music-led.

Unlike some potential candidates, he wouldn’t require a major reinvention or adjustment period. Listeners already recognise his voice, and his track record suggests he can handle the demands of a high-audience slot.

Built on consistency

OJ Borg’s career hasn’t been defined by sudden breakthroughs, but by steady progression and reliability. In an industry often driven by big personalities and bold moves, his approach has been quieter—but no less effective.

Now, as Radio 2 prepares for another potential reshuffle, that consistency may finally propel him into the spotlight. If the expected changes materialise, Borg could soon find himself moving from the calm of the overnight airwaves to one of the most competitive and high-profile slots in British radio.