Innholdsfortegnelse for 27-Sep-25 i TV Times

COMEDY How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge) NEW FRIDAY BBC1 We’ve missed laughing at the legendary fictional chat-show host Alan Partridge, so we’re glad Steve Coogan is back after five years away — in full Partridge mode! In this new series, Alan has spent a year working in Saudi Arabia and returns with new girlfriend Katrina, played by Katherine Kelly. Catch up with Steve and what to expect on p12 Here at TV Times we do watch endless hours of television, and that includes every genre across all channels. We also talk about what we’ve watched constantly and agree there have been some special shows and performances recently. But we also love finding out what our readers are enjoying, too, which is why we hold our annual TV Times Awards…

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF TUESDAY, 8PM, C4 COOKERY For the past nine series of The Great British Bake Off, Noel Fielding has brought a special blend of genuine empathy, playful chaos and spectacular attire to TV’s most-celebrated tent. And when the comedian joins TV Times for an exclusive chat, it’s clear that co-hosting the ever-popular C4 culinary competition is still a highlight of his year. ‘There’s magic to it,’ beams Noel, 52. ‘You can’t be cynical with Bake Off as it’s a positive, kind show. That’s important, because the world is scary, but Bake Off is a nice place.’ As the 16th run continues this week, Noel and fellow presenter Alison Hammond oversee proceedings as the remaining bakers navigate trials, triumphs and a whole lot of tempering in the…

THE LOST BUS NEW FROM FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER, APPLE TV+ DRAMA Matthew McConaughey is no stranger to projects inspired by real events, notably winning an Oscar for Best Actor with his portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a cowboy who turned activist after being diagnosed with HIV, in 2014 biopic Dallas Buyers Club. The Texas-born Tinseltown star now leads the cast of The Lost Bus, a one-off drama exploring the true story of an heroic rescue mission that unfolded in November 2018 after a faulty power line sparked a wildfire in California that claimed the lives of 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. Arriving on Apple TV+ this week, the film centres around Matthew’s character, Kevin McKay, a bus driver who responds to an emergency call to collect 22 young…

The more we see of Theo, the more us viewers wish he’d take a hike - mentally and physically abusive, it’s clear that he’s not going to provide Todd with the happy ever after he craves. This week, the scaffolder ends up disappearing after an unsettling encounter with a face from his past… but what, exactly, has happened? As the week kicks off, Theo seethes with jealousy, as per, when Todd agrees to help Billy out at a soup kitchen. Reluctantly agreeing to assist the pair, he then injures his hand while putting out some tables. He’s riddled with pain, but at least it does the trick of getting Todd to make a fuss of him rather than paying attention to his vicar ex. Boosted by having more control over…

Caught up in Ravi’s drug-dealing operation, life has become a living hell for Harry, who’s not only worried for the welfare of autistic flatmate Kojo – as their gaff is being used as the HQ – but is aware Ravi will do whatever it takes to stop Kojo’s suspicious brother George from sniffing around. Short of options, the worried mechanic offloads to mum Nicola, having previously sent her to Coventry for killing his beloved ex-girlfriend Shireen – but is this too big for even her to sort out? As the week begins, Harry notices the flat is being watched by a rival gang and makes the decision to keep quiet, hoping a raid might convince Ravi and Okie to move things elsewhere. A raid does, indeed, happen, and Kojo is…

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1 BLUE LIGHTS BBC1 DRAMA  The BAFTA-winning police procedural is back for a much-awaited third run, and there’s a tricky new investigation for dedicated officers Tommy, Annie, Stevie and Grace to work on.  See page 8 2 PERFECT PUB WALKS MORE4 TRAVELOGUE Previously fronted by Bill Bailey, the second run of this gentle countryside showcase sees Alexander Armstrong take the helm. His first walking buddy is motoring expert James May and Yorkshire is their destination. See page 16 3 EVA LONGORIA: SEARCHING FOR SPAIN BBC2 TRAVELOGUE Cuisine and culture are on the itinerary as Desperate Housewives favourite Eva Longoria explores the homeland of her ancestors in this sun-soaked eightpart adventure.  See page 47 4 THE MARTIN LEWIS MONEY SHOW: LIVE ITV1 FACTUAL  In a special edition of his programme, Martin…

BLUE LIGHTS NEW MONDAY, 9PM, BBC1 DRAMA (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER) Siân Brooke and Martin McCann can’t wait to share their thoughts on the third series of BAFTA-winning hit crime drama Blue Lights as they welcome TV Times to Belfast’s grand Netherleigh House, which doubles as the show’s fictional Blackthorn police station. But first, we have to ask about that brief kiss in the locker room between their characters, officers Grace Ellis and Stevie Neil – especially as the pair were last seen cosying up in the back of a taxi in the Season 2 finale! ‘They’d danced around each other for long enough,’ laughs Siân. ‘I think that moment was quite nice for the audience, and so many people have said to me, “I’m so glad that happened!”’ Viewers…

HOW ARE YOU? IT’S ALAN (PARTRIDGE) FRIDAY, 9.30PM, BBC1 COMEDY (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER) Steve Coogan doesn’t hesitate when asked why he’s stepping back into the shoes of one of Britain’s most notable comedy characters, Alan Partridge. ‘I suppose the simple answer is: I like doing it,’ says the actor and comedian, who’s invited TV Times to a swish London cinema for the premiere of his new BBC1 series How Are You? It’s Alan (Partridge). ‘Alan’s a great conduit to talk about popular culture and say things that are maybe a bit taboo or would be difficult for me as a private person to say.’ Having played the hapless TV presenter and radio DJ for over 30 years, Steve is bringing his creation back to our screens to tackle the…

PERFECT PUB WALKS WITH ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG NEW WED, 9PM, MORE4 TRAVELOGUE Could anything be more enjoyable than a ramble in the beautiful British countryside? Perhaps a saunter that ends with a beverage or two at a scenic watering hole – and that’s exactly what is on the itinerary in returning travelogue Perfect Pub Walks! Beginning this week, new host Alexander Armstrong is joined in turn by The Grand Tour’s James May, Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, TV favourite Sir Lenny Henry and comedian Chris McCausland for a leisurely stroll, chat and well-earnt pint. ‘Each week I take a much-loved national treasure for a series of walks in a stunning location,’ says Pointless star Alexander, 55, of the show, which was previously helmed by actor and comedian Bill Bailey. ‘It’s a nice,…

A bi’s affair with Carl was always going to cost her, big time, when the truth got out, and so it was when the pair were caught snogging by Tracy McDonald, who demanded a wad of cash to keep her trap shut. But this week, the married mechanic is set to lose a whole lot more than money when she and her brother-in-law are busted by Debbie, who’s horrified to discover the real reason why Abi called time on her and Kevin’s marriage. Though Kevin rightfully suspects that his younger brother has a major part to play in Abi’s announcement, Abi is still pretending that she has been faithful and is insisting their relationship has simply ‘run its course’. In truth, she now sees a future with her charismatic brother-in-law.…

The honeymoon period is well and truly over for newly-weds Vinny and Gabby, though considering how dishonest the couple are being with one another, did it ever really begin? As Gabby continues to hide the fact she cheated on her other half before they got hitched, Vinny fears his secret struggle with his sexuality will be exposed as he prepares to face tormentor Mike in court. Vinny has agreed to testify against Mike, who catfished the confused Dingle on an LGBTQ+ support forum, and went on to blackmail and physically attack him. The scrap-metal worker is desperate to conceal his court appearance from his wife, who still has no idea that he’s most likely gay, but this feels like a hopeless mission when the defence team decides to call Gabby…

BALVINDER SOPAL EASTENDERS STAR Partnered with Julian Caillon STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE SATURDAY, 6.55PM, BBC1 ENTERTAINMENT Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire is set to be sparkling with sequins this Saturday as 15 celebrities take to the floor to perform their debut routines with their professional partners when Strictly Come Dancing 2025’s live shows begin. But EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who plays spirited Walford matriarch Suki Panesar-Unwin, is more apprehensive than most about tripping the light fantastic as she and her mentor, new pro signing Julian Caillon, are starting their journey with the notoriously tricky samba… ‘It’s so difficult!’ laughs the actor, 46, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive chat during a break in rehearsals. ‘It’s fast and it’s sexy but, in a way, perhaps it’s good to get it…

NINE BODIES IN A MEXICAN MORGUE NEW SATURDAY, 9.25PM, BBC1 DRAMA (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER) When a small plane crash-lands into a North American jungle, a mismatched group of survivors soon find themselves at the centre of an unfolding murder mystery in BBC1’s much-anticipated new thriller Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue. Written by Magpie Murders and Foyle’s War creator Anthony Horowitz (see box, right), the six-part series begins with a batch of body bags arriving at the titular morgue. The story then jumps back in time to reveal that nine people initially survive the disaster, but a killer in their midst begins dispatching them, one by one. As suspicions swirl, can those remaining work out who is targeting them, and why? TV Times caught up with Star Trek: Discovery…

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There’s a wedding at The Vic this week (or is there?…) but it’s not the bride’s dress or the lacklustre finger buffet that gets folk talking; rather the arrival of a man who definitely wasn’t on the guest list… Yes, it’s Walford Lothario Max Branning. The nuptials are for Lauren and Peter, though Lauren has no clue of what’s to come as Peter, in his infinite wisdom, has decided to arrange the whole thing as a surprise. It’s not his best idea, particularly as Lauren is harbouring doubts about their future after a chat with Penny. Heading into the pub with her cousin, Lauren’s blindsided to find her fiancé on bended knee in full morning suit. Put on the spot, she agrees to get hitched and heads home to change…

Joining Ray’s drug-dealing empire was always going to be fraught with risks, but April has more to worry about than dodging the cops this week when her younger brother Leo is rushed to hospital after taking one of her pills. April thinks she can handle being one of Ray’s ‘foot soldiers’, delivering drugs and cash across county lines. But Dylan is horrified when he earlier finds his girlfriend pushing gear outside a university halls of residence, and fears the once-innocent April has now been fully corrupted. Dylan begs Ray to free April from his operation, but the gangster reminds the lad that the teens still have a sizable debt to pay off, and adds that he’s powerless to make the big decisions, which are down to his ‘bosses’. Later, as…

27 SEPTEMBER-3 OCTOBER THIS WEEK’S PICKS NEW Earlier… with Jools Holland Saturday, BBC Radio 3, 5.00pm A day of programmes celebrating the 200th birthday of passenger railways concludes with the host chatting with record producer Pete Waterman about their mutual love of trains – both full-size and model varieties. NEW Paul Sinha’s Perfect Pub Quiz Monday, BBC Radio 4, 6.30pm The comedian and TV Chaser hits the road for a fourth series. This six-part run begins in Leicester, where the trivia expert will be testing his audience – Trivial Pursuit-style – on their knowledge of their home county. THIS WEEK ON… THE ARCHERS The Grundy family receive bad news about a much loved member of the clan – leaving prisoner George to cope with the fact he won’t be around…