Happy Valley fans urged to watch creator's 'brilliant' Irish drama
Happy Valley fans have been urged to watch 'brilliant' three-part drama that has recently been added to Channel 4 's line-up of Programmes.
Channel 4 has recently added a captivating three-part drama to its line-up of programmes. The series, titled Come Home, is the brainchild of Danny Brocklehurst, known for his work on Fool Me Once and Brassic.
Described as a "touching and intriguing" drama, it explores the aftermath when a mother abruptly leaves her family. Originally broadcasted on the BBC in 2018, the series is produced by the creators of Happy Valley.
Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, the plot revolves around Greg, a father of three, who is left stunned when his wife of 19 years decides to abandon her family.
The official synopsis reads: "Greg and Marie have been married for nineteen years, when, seemingly out of the blue, Marie walks out on him and her three children – the last taboo of parenting.
'This touching and intriguing drama will take audiences on a roller-coaster of ever-changing emotions and allegiances. Multiple time-frames, viewpoints and flashbacks tell Greg and Marie's story and force viewers to confront their own truths. How can two people that loved each other become so opposed?
'Can a child learn to forgive their mother for leaving them? And why would Marie make such a shocking and significant decision to change their lives and divide their loyalties forever?"
In an interview with the BBC, creator Danny gave viewers a taste of what they could expect from the show, stating: "The first episode is told from the perspective of Greg (Christopher Eccleston) and the kids, nine months after Marie (Paula Malcomson) has walked out. They are trying to find a way to cope, but a new woman in Greg's life brings problems rising to the surface.'
'The second instalment of the series spotlights Marie, while the third episode delves into themes of fierce protection and divided loyalties,' he added.
Christopher Eccleston, known for his roles in Doctor Who and True Detective, stars as Greg, with Paula Malcomson of Ray Donovan and Mayor of Kingstown fame portraying Marie.
The couple's three offspring are portrayed by Anthony Boyle, seen in Shardlake and Say Nothing, as Liam; Lola Petticrew, known from Say Nothing and Bloodlands, as Laura; and Darcey McNeeley of Derry Girls as Molly.
The show has been met with acclaim upon its debut, with viewers describing it as "brilliant" and "gripping". Social media users have praised the series, with one stating: "#ComeHome was brilliant.
"Christopher Eccleston is an amazing actor; whole cast were brilliant. Intriguing stuff," and another commenting: "What brilliant short series, great acting & storyline."
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The Independent
23 minutes ago
- The Independent
Gregg Wallace: Timeline of misconduct review amid reports of MasterChef sacking
TV presenter Gregg Wallace has been sacked from his presenting role on MasterChef ahead of a review into allegations about historical misconduct, BBC News has said. The 60-year-old, who stepped away from hosting the BBC show last year amid the allegations, has been hit by a new wave of claims published by the news site on Tuesday. In an Instagram post he claimed that the investigation, the outcome of which is yet to be published, 'exonerates me of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year'. Here we take a look at the allegations made against the TV star: – November 28 2024 Wallace faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News. The TV star steps away from presenting MasterChef while Banijay, the show's production company, announces it is conducting an external review to 'fully and impartially investigate' the claims against him. BBC News says allegations include the presenter 'talking openly about his sex life, taking his top off in front of a female worker saying he wanted to 'give her a fashion show', and telling a junior female colleague he was not wearing any boxer shorts under his jeans'. Broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who was a Celebrity MasterChef contestant in 2011, says he told 'sexualised' jokes during filming. Model Ulrika Jonsson tells The Telegraph that when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Wallace allegedly had to apologise after making a 'rape joke', which caused another female contestant to become 'really distressed'. Sir Rod Stewart takes to Instagram following the accusations, accusing Wallace of 'humiliating' his wife Penny Lancaster on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. The TV star's lawyers say 'it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', BBC News reports. Wallace thanks his Instagram followers for 'showing their support'. – November 29 2024 Wallace faces a string of new allegations with one woman, who worked on a travel show with him, accusing him of making 'lesbian jokes constantly', as reported by BBC News. The charity Ambitious About Autism says it had dropped Wallace as an ambassador, citing the 'recent allegations'. – November 30 2024 Producer and director Dawn Elrick posts a letter on Instagram which includes a number of anonymous accounts from people who allege they 'have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry'. She claims the letter, which accuses Wallace of making lewd comments, was sent to the BBC in 2022. The Sunday Telegraph reports producer Georgia Harding, who worked on MasterChef between 2014 and 2015 and later Eat Well For Less, claimed she raised concerns about 'inappropriate' behaviour from him while working on the show. Banijay UK confirms it has appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead the investigation into Wallace's alleged behaviour. – December 1 2024 Wallace says in a video posted to Instagram that accusations about him making sexual comments towards staff and guests have come from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp tells BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that she was 'so embarrassed' she thought she 'might cry' after Wallace allegedly made a comment to her about his sex life. Celebrity MasterChef 2012 champion Emma Kennedy tells Times Radio the former greengrocer 'just doesn't understand that some behaviour is completely inappropriate'. – December 2 2024 Downing Street says Wallace's response to the accusations being made against him was 'inappropriate and misogynistic'. A spokesperson also says that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has held talks with BBC bosses in the wake of the Wallace row. Following the backlash, Wallace apologises for any 'offence' or 'upset' he caused with his remarks and said he will now 'take some time out' while the investigation is under way. – December 3 2024 Two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials are pulled from the BBC's schedule. Wallace faces fresh allegations with one woman claiming he touched her bottom after an event and another alleging he pressed his crotch against her while filming on a different show, according to BBC News. – December 4 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says politicians should be ready to put in place 'mechanisms' that would instil 'confidence' that women will be taken seriously in reports of inappropriate behaviour after a Labour MP asked him about 'women of a certain age', reflecting comments Wallace apologised for. MasterChef presenter John Torode says he 'loves being part of' the programme and 'will continue to be a part of it' after Wallace stepped back from the show. A ghostwriter claims Wallace sexually harassed her while she was working on his 2012 autobiography. – December 10 2024 Ms Nandy says she is 'prepared to take further action' if the creative industries cannot address 'cultures of silence and issues being swept under the rug' in relation to claims of misconduct while appearing before the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee. – April 25 2025 Wallace tells the Daily Mail he 'thought about suicide all the time' after allegations of misconduct were made against him. – July 8 2025 Wallace is sacked as MasterChef presenter following the inquiry into his alleged misconduct by production company Banijay, BBC News reports. Fresh claims about the TV presenter are made from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News says. BBC News says it has not seen the final review from Banijay, but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. In an Instagram post the former greengrocer claims he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him, ahead of the published review.
Glasgow Times
37 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Gregg Wallace sacked as MasterChef presenter, says BBC News
The 60-year-old had stepped away from hosting the BBC cooking competition last year after a number of historical complaints came to light. There have been fresh claims about the TV presenter from 50 more people to the corporation including allegations he groped one MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another, BBC News said. A university student has claimed he reached under her skirt and pinched her bottom in a nightclub, and a junior worker alleged he dropped his trousers in front of her while he was not wearing any underwear. Gregg Wallace co-presented MasterChef until last year (Ian West/PA) Production firm Banijay previously said Wallace is 'committed to fully co-operating' with the external review while his lawyers have previously strongly denied 'he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', according to BBC News. Some of the more recent claims include a MasterChef worker who said she tried to complain about comments she alleged he made about her body in 2022, and a former policeman who said he tried to raise concerns after he allegedly witnessed Wallace making inappropriate sexual comments at a charity event in 2023. BBC News reported the majority of the 50 people had said he made inappropriate sexual comments, with 11 women accusing him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. BBC News also said it has not seen the final Banijay report but it is understood the presenter has been sacked. Earlier on Tuesday, the former greengrocer claimed he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him ahead of the report examining his alleged misconduct. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, he said: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience. I was tried by media and hung out to dry well before the facts were established. 'The full story of this incredible injustice must be told and it is very much a matter of public interest.' He also said he recognises that some of his humour and language was inappropriate 'at times' and apologised for this. Wallace started out as a greengrocer before he shot to fame fronting BBC shows including Inside The Factory, Supermarket Secrets, as well as MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef: The Professionals. The most recent series of MasterChef: The Professionals continued to air last year amid allegations against Wallace, but two MasterChef celebrity Christmas specials were pulled from the BBC's schedule in December 2024. At the time, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she would look to impose new standards in the creative industry amid the allegations. A BBC spokesperson said: 'Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. 'We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.' Banijay UK declined to comment on Wallace's comments.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Gregg Wallace treated for ‘heart attack' after misconduct probe stress as BBC reveals 50 new claims against sacked host
AXED MasterChef host Gregg Wallace last night declared war on the BBC, raging: 'I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.' The 60-year-old star's outburst came as the Beeb announced he had been sacked following an inquiry into alleged misconduct. 7 Gregg Wallace was sacked by the BBC following an inquiry into alleged misconduct Credit: Olivia West 7 The BBC said another 50 people had made claims about his behaviour across several shows, pictured on MasterChef with co-host John Torode Credit: BBC 7 The axed MasterChef host was rushed to hospital in Ashford on Sunday with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains Credit: Rex And the corporation turned up the heat by saying another 50 people had made claims about his behaviour across several shows. They included new allegations he groped a MasterChef worker and pulled his trousers down in front of another. Wallace, who left the hit cooking show in November and danced on 2014's Strictly, denies the claims. Sources said he was considering suing the BBC. And we can reveal that on Sunday he was rushed to hospital in Ashford, Kent, with a suspected heart attack after two days of agonising chest pains. He told a pal: 'The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell.' The report into Wallace's behaviour, ordered by production firm Banijay and conducted by external lawyers Lewis Silkin, is officially due out tomorrow. But yesterday, two days after leaving hospital, Wallace was told his contract will be terminated. He posted online: 'After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others.' He pointed out he had been exonerated of the most serious allegations in the Silkin report, including a separate claim of groping. Gregg Wallace admits 'I'm f****d' & tells pals he fears MasterChef will sack him after 'grope' probe And he said: 'I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. 'For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks.' The stress of this betrayal brought on my suspected heart attack. It's been hell Gregg Wallace Wallace — who has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years John Torode — is now poised to take Banijay or the BBC to tribunal. He has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison, who represented Nigel Farage in the NatWest/Coutts bank account closure scandal. In a further blow to the Beeb, Wallace's lawyers could push for the release of the report's executive summary, which might jeopardise senior MasterChef execs and talent. An insider said: 'This is war. Gregg is raging and, frankly, has nothing left to lose. He feels he has been hung out to dry. He was employed to play the fun, unfiltered cheeky chappy greengrocer and he played that role as he always pledged to do. 'He feels there's been a cover-up and other people's bad behaviour ignored. 'Gregg will not go quietly — it is an absolute nightmare for the BBC.' The star's mum died from a heart attack in March. In April he revealed he had considered suicide. 7 Sources said Wallace was considering suing the BBC Credit: BBC 7 Wallace has taken on 'rottweiler' lawyer Dan Morrison Credit: BBC In his statement yesterday he also claimed the BBC had failed to help him over neurodiversity, since formally diagnosed as autism. He said: 'Nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried.' A source added: 'Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress, and he came out only to find out almost immediately he will lose his livelihood. 'He is furious and devastated and, after much deliberation, is taking on an incredibly bullish legal team to fight his corner. Gregg has seen the report and believes he is cleared of the most serious wrongdoing allegations, so has taken great consolation from that.' After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others Gregg Wallace Banijay's probe began nine months ago after BBC News revealed he faced 13 complaints from women, which later rose to 30. Wallace was then vilified for saying they stemmed from 'middle-class women of a certain age'. HOST DEMANDS BBC ANSWERS EX-TELLY host Gregg Wallace issued a statement online yesterday. Here are key extracts. "After 21 years of loyal service to the BBC, I cannot sit in silence while my reputation is further damaged to protect others. I have now been cleared by the Silkins report of the most serious and sensational accusations made against me. I recognise that some of my humour and language, at times, was inappropriate. For that, I apologise without reservation. But I was never the caricature now being sold for clicks. I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem. My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over 20 years. That failure is now being quietly buried. Unfortunately, the full report will never be seen. I would like to know why? I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience." It is understood he has now been cleared of bullying allegations brought by 2021 contestant Penny Lancaster. Broadcaster and 2011 series star Kirsty Wark's evidence was discredited after investigators were told she had been 'dining out' on telling stories about Wallace, including at the Edinburgh Festival last year. The claims of Wallace's constant innuendos, which left crew in tears, by 2011 contestant Jackie Kearney have also been thrown out, it is understood. In two categories — 'demeaning' nicknames for staff and Wallace being 'direct' with contestants — investigators said his actions were unintentional. Gregg has been struggling with his mental health and was rushed to hospital over the weekend. Doctors have blamed stress A source It is understood his autism diagnosis has been used to explain some behaviour. Other allegations were upheld. They included that he opened his dressing room door with a sock over his privates and shouted 'Hooray.' He was also found against in terms of inappropriate language and repetition of sexualised jokes. The BBC is under enormous pressure to save money, and is unlikely to offer Wallace any payout or redundancy package. He may get a six-figure payout from a tribunal in his favour. 7 Wallace has never been publicly backed by co-host of 20 years Torode Credit: BBC 7 Gregg and Aliona Vilani on Strictly Credit: BBC
