Innholdsfortegnelse for 31-May-25 i TV Times

Welcome to a very special issue of TV Times. For this week’s cover on The British Soap Awards (Thu, 8pm, ITV1), we asked four iconic actors to join us for a glamorous shoot celebrating a year of soap storylines. Our ladies in red are EastEnders’ Diane Parish (Denise), Beth Cordingly (Ruby) from Emmerdale, Corrie’s Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee) and Jennifer Metcalfe (Mercedes) from Hollyoaks. All four actors have had strong plot lines over the past 12 months, showcasing their considerable abilities. Soaps play a very important role in our television landscape, telling stories about ordinary folk. Good luck to our cover stars! ENTERTAINMENT Britain’s Got Talent FINAL SATURDAY ITV1 It’s been five long weeks of semifinals, but we have now arrived at the live finale. The most popular acts will…

BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT FINAL SATURDAY, 7PM, ITV1 ENTERTAINMENT After months of dynamic daredevils, magnificent magicians and sensational singers, the stage is now set for the live final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 on ITV1 – and judge Amanda Holden can’t wait! ‘It’s always electric and emotional,’ shares the actor and presenter, 54, who’ll have a front-row seat alongside fellow panellists Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli this Saturday as the remaining acts perform again for the chance to bag a spot on the bill at this year’s Royal Variety Performance and a £250,000 cash prize. ‘We put our faith in the viewers at home. Sometimes you read online that people aren’t happy with the winner, but it’s all public vote. So if you want someone to win, please vote!’…

STICK NEW FROM WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE, APPLE TV+ COMEDY (FIRST THREE EPISODES FROM 4 JUNE, THEN WEEKLY) A washed-up former professional golfer putts his past behind him and rediscovers his drive for life in a new comedy that revolves around a found family and second chances. Swinging into action with a triple bill on Apple TV+ this week, glossy 10-parter Stick features Hollywood favourite Owen Wilson (Meet the Parents, Wedding Crashers) as Pryce Cahill, whose career was blown off course 20 years ago when he suffered a meltdown on live TV during coverage of a tournament. With his life stuck in the rough ever since, coupled with the recent breakdown of his marriage to Amber-Linn (played by Arrested Development’s Judy Greer), Pryce can’t believe his luck when he crosses paths…

The discovery of the ‘mystery’ body is a huge talking point and, as the police work on a formal identification, Ruby assumes the corpse is that of her abusive father, Anthony, and decides to come clean. Fuelling Ruby’s theory is Chas’ discovery that the body has been in the water for a while – Ruby murdered her dad back in January. And, of course, John never revealed where he hid the body, so she can only assume that the lake was his chosen location. As she reveals her intention to fess up, horrified Caleb insists they flee the village instead. Cain makes plans for them to stay with some Dingle rellies in Ireland, but although Ruby seems to be in agreement, she slips out of the house when Caleb’s asleep…

HOME AND AWAY As she has a bush walk with Eliza, Harper goes into labour. The terrified mum-to-be instructs the foster teen to phone for an ambulance, but Eliza – who has developed a creepy obsession with the unborn baby – fakes the call, relishing the chance to witness something fascinating. Harper manages to contact Tane, who arrives on the scene with Levi. The latter delivers the baby safely, as Eliza records the birth without Harper’s consent. Will her deception be uncovered? Elsewhere, Theo’s life is on the line when he’s attacked by Gage, and Mali sacks Kirby. NEIGHBOURS Paul continues to pretend that baby Thomas is his biological son, even though he recently found out the truth about the switched DNA-test results from his cunning ex, Chelsea. However, everything…

THIS WEEK’S PICKS NEW Class of 95 Sunday, BBC Sounds (+ Radio 2, Sat, 12m’t) A four-part celebration of albums that will be 30 years old this year, beginning with Take That’s Nobody Else and Different Class by Pulp. Next week it will be the turn of Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis. NEW A Walk in Time Sunday, BBC Radio 4, 7.15pm This meditation on the nature of time takes place on a walk along Seatown beach with Chris Gasson, a local man who, while walking this stretch of Dorset’s Jurassic coast, has uncovered the remains of a 190-million-year-old ichthyosaur and a mammoth’s tooth. THIS WEEK ON… THE ARCHERS It’s Harrison’s 40th birthday this week and Fallon has got big plans for…

GAME PLAYERS It was fantastic to see Robson Green take on a sinister role in The Game on 5. He played Patrick, who was suspected of being the killer stalker in a case that retired detective Huw [Jason Watkins] had failed to solve. There were lots of twists and turns, which had me questioning whether Patrick really was the villain. I hope we see more of Robson in other TV dramas. Chris Buswell, Aberdeenshire TRAGIC SECRETS C4’s Titanic: Our Secret Histories was a fascinating and tragic insight into the sinking of the liner in 1912. Hearing stories from the descendants of survivors and those who perished was fascinating, but it was sad to learn that just 15 seconds could have been enough time to avert this tragedy. Frances Fineberg, Watford…

1 ST. DENIS MEDICAL BBC1 COMEDY Hold on to your stethoscopes! Already a hit Stateside, this mockumentary-style sitcom pulls back the curtains at a fictional underfunded hospital in Oregon to follow the trials and triumphs of the doctors and nurses who work there. See page 21 2 WALKING WITH DINOSAURS BBC1 FACTUAL The second episode of this roarsome reimagining of the 1999 docuseries takes us to the Sahara Desert to turn the spotlight on the Spinosaurus, one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. See page 46 3 MATT BAKER’S BRITISH ISLES MORE4 TRAVELOGUE From climbing a pylon in Wales to meeting the people caring for man-made Scottish wonder The Kelpies, Matt Baker celebrates the UK’s unsung heroes in this four-parter. See page 16 4 THE BRITISH…

DOCTOR WHO LAST ONE SATURDAY, 6.50PM, BBC1 SCI-FI Villainous adversaries hold the fate of our planet in their hands as the current run of BBC1’s sci-fi adventure Doctor Who draws to a close. In last week’s story, Wish World, viewers saw twisted Time Lady the Rani (played by Archie Panjabi) enacting a sinister plot with her alter ego Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson) and conspiracy theorist Conrad Clark (Jonah Hauer-King) to rewrite reality as we know it, causing Earth to disintegrate. At first, former TARDIS traveller Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) was the only one who sensed something was wrong with Conrad’s retro dystopia, but the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and current companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) have realised it, too, and the trio are now determined to stop the Rani – whatever…

MATT BAKER’S BRITISH ISLES NEW TUESDAY, 9PM, MORE4 TRAVELOGUE Matt Baker is on his travels again, this time meeting some of the extraordinary everyday folk who help make the UK such a special place. ‘I’m shining a spotlight on the wonderful people whose passion, skills and drive powers our nation,’ smiles the popular presenter, 47, as he joins TV Times for an exclusive chat about new More4 series Matt Baker’s British Isles, which starts this week. ‘I’m celebrating the unsung heroes – no one famous, but those who quietly go about their business, doing amazing things that shape modern British life.’ From horse riding along the Irish Sea and mushroom-growing in Scotland to touring an English whistle factory and meeting Welsh brothers battling to save Mumbles Pier, Matt’s four-part tour…

Bilingual Cuban-American actor Peter Dager was over the moon to secure his first major TV role when he saw off competition from 600 other contenders to be cast as troubled teen Santiago Wheeler in Stick. ‘He’s so wild, and unlike me in some ways,’ he shares. ‘I like to think that I’m a nice guy, but Santi can come off as aggressive, cocky and arrogant. But he is also very passionate, driven and he wants to be great.’ Peter describes working alongside Owen Wilson, one of his heroes, as an ‘incredible’ experience, but admits playing a talented golfer was no mean feat. ‘To be believable as a pro golfer is a very hard thing to do,’ says Peter, who spent three months learning the basics of the sport before filming began and…

There was once a time in Weatherfield when moving to Blackpool felt exotic. These days, when folk leave the cobbles, they’re a tad more adventurous. Just weeks after Daisy booked a one-way flight to Bali (where we’d like to think she’ll cross paths with Sonia, Bex and Bianca from EastEnders), Eileen heads to Thailand to start an exciting new chapter with son Jason. The Street Cars stalwart has been forced to take a long, hard look at her life by her now late sister Julie, an eternal romantic who insisted that Eileen’s partner George isn’t her ‘lobster’. As the week begins, Eileen’s still in a quagmire with the undertaker, who proposed to her at Julie’s wake. On the plus side, Jason’s back. Newly single, the former builder can’t resist chatting…

As Kat and Alfie decide to put a ring on it, Lauren and Peter’s fragile – and increasingly toxic – relationship reaches a very bitter end. Baby Jimmy’s diagnosis of a serious sight impairment has put pressure on the pair, but the rot goes deeper than that. Peter’s struggling to trust his fiancée, a recovering alcoholic who became addicted to painkillers during her recent pregnancy. Sworn enemies Cindy and Kathy join forces to try to get them back on track, but even that doesn’t work and, in a fit of anger, Peter says what he’s probably wanted to say for weeks – he blames Lauren for Jimmy’s issues. Devastated by Peter’s low blow, Lauren heads out, intent on drowning her sorrows, but Linda refuses to serve her at The Vic,…

HOLLYOAKS As the residents try to process the events of last week, when DI Banks’ trafficking operation reached a deadly climax, Grace is gobsmacked to come face to face with her ‘late’ sister Clare Devine… or rather Clare Devine-Banks. It turns out Clare, who was seemingly mowed down by Dr Browning in 2013, is the wife of dodgy DI Banks and the adoptive mother of Sienna’s granddaughter, Victoria. Clare explains that she has returned to the village to avenge her ‘death’ and reclaim her fortune, and she wants Grace to help her. Soon, the pair form a dangerous alliance, but what are they planning? Meanwhile, Clare isn’t the only resident returning – Warren’s back. Again. It’s all thanks to Mercedes, who goes rummaging through Freddie’s memory box and finds the…

Eric Pollard isn’t getting any younger, and his Parkinson’s disease isn’t getting any better, but he refuses to make any adaptations to his life. This stubbornness, however, comes back to bite him when he suffers a fall and isn’t found for hours. Visiting him in hospital, Kerry urges her pal to consider getting some home help, but the pensioner insists on carrying on as usual. As Pollard’s later discharged, Kerry and Jacob get on his case, and he finally relents after another tumble. Can Kezza put some plans in place to get his seal of approval?…

OCEAN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC & DISNEY+ A new documentary with Sir David Attenborough showcases the wonders of life under the seas SHARDLAKE ITV1 The Tudor-set murder mystery, previously shown on Disney+, arrives on free-to-air TV THE GOLD BBC1 What to expect as the acclaimed drama, inspired by the true story of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, returns for a second series NOT GOING OUT BBC1 Sally Bretton and Lee Mack on the mayhem ahead for Lucy and Lee in a new run of the hit sitcom BETH C4 Nicholas Pinnock and Abbey Lee star in a groundbreaking sci-fi story…

What was it like for you as actors portraying two different versions of the same character? ARCHIE They’re united in their mission, but their dynamic isn’t exactly subtle. The Rani is the leader, and Mrs Flood’s Rani hovers behind. The real fun kicks in when we see these two characters alone, and they turn into bickering sisters! ANITA We’re part of the same person – except she plays the bossy one while I sit quietly and make notes! It was quite an exciting alliance. Did you enjoy working together? ANITA We clicked on the first day, which is brilliant. That’s what you hope for – the sympathy and connection between each other. ARCHIE We got on like a house on fire. When I met Anita, she gave me a big…

WHEN BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN CAME TO BRITAIN NEW SATURDAY, 9.30PM, BBC2 FACTUAL On a chilly day in November 1975, a piece of rock history was made when a flight from the US touched down at London’s Heathrow Airport. Aboard the plane was a 26-year-old American by the name of Bruce Springsteen. It was his first time on UK soil – and the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the New Jersey singer and guitarist, who had been inspired to take to the stage by his love of British bands in the 1960s, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Now, new documentary When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain looks back at the musician’s sold-out gig at London’s Hammersmith Odeon (now the Eventim Apollo) alongside the E Street Band, and also…

ST. DENIS MEDICAL FRIDAY, 10.40PM & 11PM (TIMES VARY), BBC1 COMEDY (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER) American comedy maven Wendi McLendon-Covey is brimming with excitement about her latest project, workplace mockumentary St. Denis Medical, making its British debut. ‘I’m thrilled that you guys are getting the show. I get messages all the time asking me when it’s coming to the UK!’ smiles the acclaimed actor, whose CV includes 2011 film Bridesmaids and hit US sitcom The Goldbergs (2013-23), as she joins TV Times for an exclusive video interview. Beginning with a double bill on BBC1 this week, the 18-part series follows an eclectic but dedicated team of doctors, nurses and medical staff as they do their best not to lose their patience in an underfunded (fictional) hospital in Oregon that is…

Although Carl Webster is a beacon of support to dementia-stricken Debbie, he’s being a right snidey git towards Kevin, who’s battling testicular cancer. This week, he continues to make a play for his brother’s wife Abi while, at the same time, indulging in a scam that threatens to ruin the reputation of Kev’s garage. ‘You have to remember that there are 20 years between these brothers,’ points out actor Jonathan Howard, who portrays Carl. ‘Kevin hasn’t been present in Carl’s life, so there’s a feeling for Carl that he doesn’t really owe him too much.’ Abi has no idea that Carl has agreed to provide fake MOT certificates to Ronnie Bailey’s ex-lover Fiona. Tracy, however, is more switched on. Thinking Carl’s a bit tasty, she hangs around the garage and…

Colson Smith, whose character Craig was recently killed off, has outlined his career goals for life after Corrie. ‘I make no secret that I want to be a presenter,’ Colson tells us. ‘That’s where my love and passion lies, ever since starting On the Sofa [his podcast with former co-stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price] and doing bits of TV, like with The Games and Celebrity Big Brother. I enjoy being Colson, and I enjoy telling stories, holding a show and being direct down the lens to camera.’ But the 26-year-old insists that he’s not turning his back on acting. ‘I’m looking forward to playing a character who isn’t Craig,’ he adds. ‘After 14 years of the same thing, you have a taste for something else.’ WHATTOWATCH.COM/CORONATION-STREET…

Cindy is determined to make the relaunch event for The Albert a success, but ends up clashing with Elaine in the process. Equally determined that the relaunch is a flop, Elaine arranges a karaoke night at The Vic for the same evening, and it looks like Cindy’s doomed when her staff then walk out, having not been paid. But not only is Elaine’s night a disaster and Cindy’s a triumph, Cindy also lords it over her rival by revealing that George stepped in to help her and even paid for some additional staff. Elaine’s livid – are she and George set for yet another bust-up?…

The stunning Dales countryside looked slightly less picturesque last week when a dismembered arm floated to the surface of a lake, and a body was subsequently discovered. As the police investigate, they eventually come knocking on Tracy’s door and break the news that the poor soul who’s been languishing in a watery grave is none other than her estranged husband, Nate. It takes some time for the body to be identified, given that it’s been in the water for months. As Ruby and Caleb jump to conclusions, Tracy doesn’t think for a second that Nate is the victim; she still believes he’s in Shetland after ‘abandoning’ her and their daughter Frankie. ‘I don’t think it has ever occurred to her that he’s dead,’ reveals Amy Walsh, who plays Trace. ‘When…

Congratulations are in order for Michael Parr (right), better known as bad boy Ross Barton, who is expecting his first child with partner Isabelle Du Plessis. Michael, 38, announced the news on social media, posting a cute photo of himself cradling Isabelle’s baby bump at the beach. The actor isn’t the only cast member preparing for a new addition. Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, recently announced that he and his wife Steph are expecting baby No 3. The couple are already parents to a three-year-old son, Albert, and a one-year-old daughter, Edith. WHATTOWATCH.COM/EMMERDALE…

WIN £100 CROSSWORD YOU CAN WIN £100! SOLVE THE CLUES AND REARRANGE THE LETTERS IN THE YELLOW SQUARES TO SPELL OUT THE NAME OF AN ENGLISH SINGER (4,3) ACROSS 1 All points covered in this ITV broadcast at Ten (4) 4 By a lake, one spies US actor Ms Silverstone (6) 10 A large beer, we hear, for US actor Ms Breslin (7) 11 Small drink, and most of beer, before wipeout in old game show on the BBC (5)  12 Party at the original home of Dennis the Menace (5)  13 New mac sported by Marple actor Geraldine (6) 15 Type of music for actor Chris, who angered Will Smith at the Oscars (4) 17 Frasier star Ms Gilpin seen in Upper India (4) 19 A card I dealt for…