Jaw-dropping TV documentary series on romance frauds and cheats back for a second series
ROM CON Jaw-dropping TV documentary series on romance frauds and cheats back for a second series
CHANNEL 4 is playing dirty once again by lining up a fresh batch of adulterous scandals for viewers to shake their heads disapprovingly at.
I can reveal bosses have commissioned a second instalment of docu- series Love Cheats following its debut run last autumn.
Advertisement
8
Fake aristocrat Lord Bertie Underwood — real name Robert Madejski — was jailed for fraud offences
Credit: facebook
8
Megan Clarke was scammed by Madejski leaving her £30,000 in debt
Credit: Channel 4
And the broadcaster is on the hunt for more real-life victims of relationship scams and lying partners.
The original run hit the headlines courtesy of a fake aristocrat called Lord Bertie Underwood — real name Robert Madejski — who set the scumbag bar spectacularly high.
He scammed his unsuspecting loving fiancee Megan Clarke by secretly taking out credit in her name, leaving her £30,000 in debt — while he was also sleeping with men on the side.
He was later jailed for fraud offences involving another victim.
Advertisement
A TV insider said: 'The first series made such a big impact Channel 4 chiefs couldn't wait to green light a follow-up.'
Research teams are collating more extreme cases to feature and cast their net far and wide.
The source added: 'It's shocking so many people's lives have been destroyed by these con artists but there is some consolation that the culprits' actions can be outed in such public fashion.'
Other big storylines from series one included a man falling in love with a mum of one who faked having cancer to con him out of almost £10,000, plus twin sisters who were defrauded by a scammer posing as a firefighter.
Advertisement
Plus, across the pond, a comic-loving man fell for the charms of an equally geeky girl with Multiple Sclerosis.
He paid for her medical care, as well as rent, before digging deeper into his pockets to fund the 'life-changing treatment' she desperately needed.
I was scammed by fake 'lord' who left me £30K in debt
In all, he paid out £80,000 of money he didn't have.
And when he realised his dream girlfriend was a scammer, she falsely accused him of domestic abuse, fled to Japan, and targeted more victims.
Advertisement
Not a very likeable bunch . . .
A GRAVE ERROR ON TRAITORS
STEPHEN FRY and Alan Carr are staying tight-lipped about their time on Celebrity Traitors – and the rumour mill has started filling in the gaps.
Stephen joined the Chatty Man on his Life's A Beach podcast – and the topic turned to the BBC1 show, which was filmed in Scoland and will air this autumn.
8
Stephen Fry is staying tight-lipped about his time on Celebrity Traitors
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
Alan said: 'We holidayed recently near Inverness in a castle. But we can't say anything.'
Stephen replied: 'Not a word.'
Alan continued: 'Nothing. And there's already clickbaity things happening. Apparently there's a funeral. There's no bloody funeral.
'We are obviously talking about Celebrity Traitors, which was a wonderful experience. I had to mention it but our lives wouldn't be worth living if we start giving out spoilers.'
Advertisement
Ok, we get it . . .
PERFECT MATCH, ENGLAND
IT'S a line up of look-a-likes almost as impressive as the team they're impersonating.
The cast of Dear England, the BBC adaptation of the West end play about Gareth Southgate's career, came together to start filming last week.
8
Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate in Dear England
Credit: CLICK NEWS - SPLASH
Advertisement
8
Michael Watson as Kieran Trippier in the BBC adaptation
Credit: Click News and Media
8
Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling
Credit: Click News and Media
8
Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford
Credit: Click News and Media
And it was incredible just how much like the England players who feature in the show, which was using posh public school Harrow to double up as the squad's Stafordshire training ground.
Advertisement
Former Shakespeare in Love star Joseph Fiennes was arguably the most uncanny doppelganger as the manager Gareth.
But the rest of the 'players' were just as convincing - right down to some of the ball skills they were showing off too.
We can all witness for ourselves when it airs next year on BBC One.
CHANNEL 5 has unveiled a raft of new dramas.
Advertisement
They include Imposter, starring ex Corrie actress Kym Marsh and Neighbours' Jackie Woodburne.
While detective mystery Cooper and Fry, from Stephen Booth's novels, features Downton Abbey's Robert James-Collier.
FANS ARE BROWN'S BUOYS
MRS Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll says the comedy would be nothing without its studio audience.
The Irishman says having a live reaction to the gags brings something extra special in an age where hardly any sitcoms are filmed in front of fans.
Advertisement
8
Brendan O'Carroll says Mrs Browns Boys would be nothing without its studio audience
Credit: BBC
Brendan, who also co-writes the hit series, will be back as matriarch Agnes Brown as the show returns to BBC One for a new four-part mini series, on August 1.
Agreeing with Lee Mack, who writes and stars in fellow BBC hit Not Going Out, Brendan said: 'Filming in front of a live audience is essential to the show.
'So many times, at the end of rehearsals, our director, Ben Kellett will say, 'All this needs now is the audience' and he is so right.
Advertisement
'They follow every move, every line and add so much to our performances. We would be lost without them.'
Sadly, it's a dying art.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Wife of Hollywood actor claims she's ‘always broke' and ‘lives pay cheque to pay cheque'
HER husband is one of Hollywood's biggest comedy actors, but despite this, Dawn O'Porter has revealed she is struggling to make ends meet financially. The television presenter, 46, who has been married to Bridesmaids actor Chris O'Dowd since 2012, has opened up about her money woes. PADawn O'Porter has opened up about her financial struggles[/caption] GettyDawn is married to Hollywood actor Chris O'Dowd[/caption] AlamyChris got his big break in Hollywood with a role in the comedy caper Bridesmaids[/caption] She expressed to MailOnline: 'I work pay cheque to pay cheque. I'm always broke. My card got declined last week. I'm like, what the f*** is happening? When will this end?' The Scottish writer and director has had a varied career, presenting several documentaries and shows including BBC's Super Slim Me and How To Look Good Naked on Channel 4. Meanwhile, Chris, 45, has starred in some of Hollywood's biggest productions, including This Is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Gulliver's Travels and St. Vincent. The couple have two children, sons Art, 11, and Valentine, who is eight years old. The family returned to London last Summer after living in Los Angeles for the past eight years. This isn't the first time Dawn has opened up about her financial woes as she previously alluded to living quite a humble lifestyle. While appearing on the White Wine Question Time podcast with Kate Thornton, she explained: 'I've never seen myself as a celebrity. 'Even though I'm married to Chris, who is quite a well-known actor, I don't think either of us have ever seen ourselves as celebrities. 'I guess if I was a celebrity, I'd get paid lots of money to do things that aren't necessarily my job or don't really feed what I do, but I don't. My job is writing, with the occasional little ad on Instagram to pay the rent.' After struggling to find her place in the bright lights of Hollywood, Dawn decided to return to the UK but it wasn't smooth sailing. She recounted: 'We were living in LA and I just said to Chris, I've got to go back to London to try and claw back my career. 'And we came back to London for a bit and I'd go for these meetings at TV production companies and I'd been successful. 'I had my own series on Channel 4… and they'd be like, 'What do you want to do?' and I was like, 'I want to do what I do'. But no one wanted to employ me.' The mum-of-two had a regular column with Stylist magazine which she was dropped by and that really affected her confidence. 'I was cool. I had my own show on Channel 4… then as my career just kind of… declined, I think they looked at me and were like, well she's just not that interesting anymore,' Dawn revealed, 'It was the final blow to my confidence. I was absolutely on the floor because I always felt that writing would be the thing that saved me. Dawn released her first novel in 2013, Paper Aeroplanes, which is a fictional story loosely inspired by her upbringing in Guernsey. She went on to release The Cows in 2016 which earned her a place on the Sunday Times Best Sellers List. GettyThe couple moved back to London after spending eight years living in Los Angeles[/caption]
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
First Dates' most tragic endings - from harrowing murder-suicide that tore family apart to pageant winner who died aged 32 just months after TV debut
Shining a spotlight on Britain's sweetest, quirkiest and sometimes strangest singletons, First Dates is one of the most heartwarming shows on the small screen. The Channel 4 reality programme, led by French maitre d' Fred Sireix, 53, sees Brits from across the country head on a blind date to the First Dates restaurant. Joined by kindly barman Merlin Griffiths and a loveable gang of wait staff, the charming host and his romantic eatery have been a hit since the show began in 2013. With nine successful series, it has spawned multiple spin-offs, including First Dates Hotel on the sun-soaked continent, as well as a version for teens. But while the programme's purpose is to create blossoming romance, its cast have, over the years, experienced their share of heartbreak and tragedy. From an untimely passing, to a horrifying murder-suicide, some of the most beloved First Dates guests have suffered the most heart-rending ordeals. But while the programme's purpose is to create blossoming romance, its cast have, over the years, experienced a disproportionate amount of heartbreak and tragedy. Pictured: Rachael Leader, left, with daughter Oria Henry and ex Ashley Henry, who died in a murder-suicide in June 2023 Judy Fitzgerald Judy Fitzgerald, 32, from Co Limerick, appeared on First Dates Ireland in March 2022. The former Miss Bikini Ireland, who was crowned in 2014, was a qualified fitness instructor pursuing a career in the fitness modelling industry. The international beauty pageant star was also regularly featured in national newspapers and graced the cover of multiple glossy magazines. Not only that, she was a qualified nurse and midwife, having served as a frontline worker during the Covid-19 pandemic. Highly successful Judy had her whole life ahead of her and, with her appearance on First Dates, had clearly been looking for someone to share it with. But it was revealed in May 2023 she had tragically passed away 'unexpectedly', with her cause of death not made public. A death notice at the time added she would be 'sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Liam and Imelda, sister Lucy, brother William, brother-in-law Pedro, extended members of the Fitzgerald and Martin families and a large circle of friends'. 'May she rest in peace', it concluded. Judy earned a nursing degree from University College Cork, before completing a postgraduate midwifery degree at the University of Limerick. She enjoyed considerable success throughout her varied career, representing Ireland in beauty pageants around the world and working as a model. Judy famously took to the catwalk in 2015 during New York Fashion Week. This also saw her invited by event organisers to interview participating designers about their collections, which she described as a 'dream come true'. As a fitness instructor, she helped others achieve their goals with personalised workout and diet plans via her website and app 'Judy FitZ Fitness, Get Fit with Fitz'. She said she wanted to 'empower' clients to 'change their lives for the better' and 'become the best version of themselves'. Inspiring people was a motivating factor for Judy, who said there is 'no better feeling' than helping people 'feel about good themselves both inside and out'. She was an advocate for positive mental attitude through exercise and a mental health ambassador. Competing as a fitness model, Judy was crowned overall European Fitness Model Champion 2019. She shared her successes with her thousands of social media followers on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Tributes poured in from fans, friends, and colleagues when she passed away in 2023. Venera Tabakin, a dress designer at the Cannes Film Festival, shared images of herself with Judy, writing: 'RIP Judy Fitzgerald, my little model and friend, Miss Bikini Ireland and Celebrity of Ireland.' Fellow pageant contestant Mary Mullally wrote: 'Judy Fitzgerald, our Miss Bikini Ireland 2014, has sadly gained her wings. 'She will be truly missed in the modeling and beauty industry and community.' Actor Jenny Dixon, who formerly appeared on long-running Irish soap opera Fair City, shared an online tribute to Judy. 'So, so sad to learn of Judy's passing', she wrote. 'She will be missed by all very much. Our sincerest sympathy to the Fitzgerald family and friends. May she Rest in Peace.' And friend Nicola Hoey described Judy as a 'bubbly, fun, smiley, kind, beautiful Polly Pocket friend'. She wrote: 'Sadly our beautiful friend flew to with her family and friends, a huge community are heartbroken, devastated and in utter shock.' Jordan Dunbar Just months before Judy sadly passed away, another First Dates Ireland contestant, Jordan Dunbar, 29, of Dublin, also tragically lost his life. He died in March 2023, five days after he was found unresponsive in his home in the Irish capital. Jordan quickly won viewers over when he appeared on the first series of the Irish spin-off from First Dates when it aired in 2016. Formerly a hairdresser, who worked in several Dublin salons, he was catapulted to showbiz success after his appearance on the reality programme. He went on to co-present Irish life makeover show My Yellow Brick Road when it launched in 2019 as one of four guides to guests at a crossroads in life. The show synopsis read: 'All [four guides] have each battled and dealt with often traumatic difficulties, from alopecia to depression, dyslexia to drug abuse, and have helped give others strength by talking openly about where they found the strength to do so.' But just a few years later, he attempted to take his own life, sadly passing away in hospital five days later. He died from a lack of oxygen to the brain and an autopsy revealed traces of cocaine and opiates in his body. It came after a man who Jordan said had sexually assaulted him several months prior had allegedly threatened to burn his house down, an inquest heard. One of his best friends Leeanne Nolan said she received a call from him at around 6.30am on the day he attempted to take his own life and tried to reassure him. She said Jordan had been sexually assaulted several months before during a casual encounter, which had turned violent. Leeanne added this person, whose identity she did not know, had threatened Jordan if he reported the assault. The friend said this seemed to be playing on his mind that morning - so she called the emergency services and also immediately drove to the house herself. She said Jordan had struggled with his mental health, having received calls like this from him before after he was bullied in school and had a history of self-harm and attempted suicide. Leeanne said: 'He was one in a million and you could never replace him. He struggled inside but masked it very well.' Jordan's father Albert Murphy had moved to be close to his son and keep him safe after his mother Sharon died in 2015. He said he knew his son was suicidal and was using cocaine - but Jordan never spoke to him about it as he was 'anti-drugs'. The father said of his son: 'He was a kind young fellow who would do anything for everyone.' Jordan's family said after his death: 'He is predeceased by his loving mam Sharon and uncle Michael. 'He will be sadly missed by his loving dad Albert and Albert's brother and sisters, aunt Michelle, cousin Craig, his second family Gerry, Leeanne and Maria Nolan, his close friends Geena and Megan, relatives and a large circle of friends. 'May Jordan Rest In Peace.' Ireland's state broadcaster RTE, who made My Yellow Brick Road, said at the time: 'We are very sad to hear of the death of Jordan Dunbar. 'Jordan featured on First Dates Ireland and was also a presenter on the series My Yellow Brick Road. 'A wonderful talent, gone far too young. Our deepest sympathies to his loved ones.' TV production company Coco Television, which produces First Dates Ireland, said: 'Our hearts our broken with the death of Jordan Dunbar, such a talented and beautiful person. 'We first met him on First Dates and he went on to present My Yellow Brick Road on RTE. 'He was a joy to work with and it was a privilege to know him. Deepest sympathy to all who loved him.' Rachael Leader Rachael Leader, who appeared on First Dates in 2020, suffered the devastating loss of her two-year-old daughter Oria Henry in 2023 in a horrifying murder-suicide. The young girl had been in the car with her father Ashley Henry, 35, after a weekend break with him in Skegness, Lincolnshire, when they crashed into an HGV lorry. The young girl (pictured) had been in the car with her father Ashley Henry, 35, after a weekend break with him in Skegness, Lincolnshire, when they crashed into an HGV lorry On their return to Oria's Leicestershire home, the car was seen pulling out directly into the path of the oncoming vehicle on the A153 on June 18 - Father's Day. It caused the lorry to jack knife while the father's rented Nissan Qashqai ended up on its roof in a ditch. There was no evidence he braked before hitting the moving van - and both father and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. Oria, whose second birthday was just two months before her death, suffered 'unsurvivable injuries' including a fractured skull and external injuries. The tragedy was initially treated as an accident - but a murder investigation was eventually launched after 'careful consideration'. Coroner Jayne Wilkes, at the inquest at Lincolnshire Coroner's Court, ruled the child, who only saw her father at weekends, was already dead before the collision. It is unclear how she died, with 'no physical evidence of a fatal assault' and no 'natural or toxicological' evidence. But it was ruled it was likely 'an unlawful act' that was 'carried out with the intention of ending her life'. The coroner added grimly: 'It is possible, probable, that Ashley made sure Oria would not survive.' Home Office pathologist Dr Stuart Hamilton said he thought but could not prove the child had been killed before the crash - possibly by suffocation with a pillow. Before this, Henry left a 'detailed' suicide note on a Word document saved to a laptop in his bedroom, entitled 'Bye'. It marked his 'intention to end both his own life and that of his daughter'. He told of deciding eight weeks earlier, saying 'there was a sense of relief and calm knowing the end of life was near' and he was 'going to be with my daughter'. The letter also saw him confess he feared being replaced as Oria's 'father figure' by her mother's new boyfriend and therefore losing access to the girl. Henry also described in his final letter how much 'fun' he and Oria had had at the seaside in Skegness that last weekend, at the South View Caravan Park. He wrote: 'We went to the beach, we ate ice cream and we ate fish and chips. 'That was my last day with her. Me and Oria are now at peace forever. We love you.' He described attending a family weekend the previous weekend: 'It was wonderful to be all at the wedding - the last time. 'It was enjoyable and I hope you have happy memories.' He had been known to have 'periods of anxiety and depression' and 'he was not taking the break up of the relationship well', the coroner added. Rachael and her ex's mother Lisa Henry sobbed in court as the coroner delivered her verdict. Ms Wilkes described Oria as a 'beautiful, bright, bubbly little girl who brought sunshine into the life of everyone who knew her'. Rachael paid a heart-rending tribute to her wonderful child: 'To my darling daughter, Oria. I love you so much. I'm so sorry your precious life was taken from you. 'You gave me so much light, sweetheart, so much love and so much happiness.' She has described her ex as 'evil' and 'psycho' in social media posts, documenting online her 'journey of grief'. Rachael wrote on Facebook: 'My poor baby. You were taken from me by an evil force. 'A sick man, a man that I trusted with your life only for it be taken away by him in such a horrific way. ''Oria, I am so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you... I will cherish each and every moment we had together. 'You had the most beautiful smile and gorgeous curly hair. You touched the hearts of many Oria and I'm so incredibly proud to be your mummy.' The mother also said after her daughter's death: 'I don't understand how one could take their own child's life out of spite. And have planned it, weeks before. 'It's psychotic. He felt that was the only way and he wanted to hurt me that much.' The inquest was told Henry had not wanted a child but 'doted' on his daughter after her arrival. Ms Wilkes also called the killer a 'popular and talented' man with many friends and who was 'highly thought of' at his workplace. But she added: 'He was clearly suffering what he called a "dark torture" in his head.' Paul Danan Actor and TV personality Paul Danan sadly passed away aged 46 earlier this year, at his home in Bristol. The Hollyoaks star died from a cocktail of drugs, including heroin, methadone, codeine, pregabalin, cocaine and zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use, a later inquest found. Assistant Coroner Debbie Rookes also concluded in May he died by 'misadventure' and the combined effect of the prescribed and illicit drugs. There was no evidence, she said, he wanted to take his own life and he had not left a note. It followed a long-running battle with addiction and mental health difficulties, she noted, including an accidental overdose in May last year. But Paul, who had also starred in Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, had much to look forward to before his tragic passing. It was later revealed the star was in secret talks to star in First Dates and had been feeling hopeful about his future. A source told The Sun: 'Paul was feeling so excited about the future again and optimistic about finding someone he could share the rest of his life with. 'He loved being on telly, and First Dates seemed like a great opportunity to get back onto the dating scene. 'Obviously, producers were really keen to sign him up knowing how popular he was and they were in discussions about him joining the next series. 'He would have been brilliant on a date in the famous restaurant - with a real chance of finding love.' The troubled actor was found dead on a sofa with the TV still on at his home on January 15 of this year. His girlfriend Melissa Crooks raised the alarm when she had not heard from him after they had been out together for a 'couple of drinks' in the early hours of January 14. A neighbour then used a ladder to gain entry to his first-floor flat where Paul was found. Emergency services attended the scene and he was pronounced dead at 5.20pm on January 15. His body was identified at the property by Melissa. His mother Beverley Danan said in a statement at the inquest: 'Paul helped so many people from all walks of life, but just couldn't help himself in the same way. 'His smiling face and love of life will always be remembered.' The coroner said that none of the drugs Paul had taken were found in high levels but their combined effect resulted in 'fatal respiratory depression'. Paul had been due to appear for a plea hearing at Warrington Magistrates' Court on January 16 after being charged with being found in possession of cocaine and cannabis, according to court documents. He was also accused of driving while under the influence of drugs on October 2, 2024, in Warrington, Cheshire. The actor had been open about his struggles with addiction, having admitted he has had enough stints in rehab as to enter double digits. He has also previously detailed nearly dying from a heroin overdose. His death came months after he revealed he had been rushed into the ICU with pneumonia after respiratory failure due to 'obsessive' vaping. Paul's family had been warned by medical staff he 'might not make it through the night'. After he pulled through, doctors warned him he would need an oxygen tank later in life if he did not stop smoking. The star had smoked cigarettes for years before moving to disposable vapes, which he even sometimes slept with, 'for comfort'. A statement from his agents, Independent Creative Management, said: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old. 'Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. 'His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.' Merlin Griffiths Merlin Griffiths is a First Dates institution, with maitre d' Fred handing guests over to him, after welcoming them to the restaurant, for some much-needed Dutch courage. The bartender mixes up a drink of the singleton's choice while chatting to them about what they are looking for from the show and why they signed up. He is a crucial part of the heartwarming programme, providing an introduction to its quirky contestants - and helping to ease their nerves as the big night begins. But despite being a rock for the members of the public looking for love, he himself has been undergoing an incredibly challenging health battle in recent years. The TV star revealed in 2021 he had been diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, marking a dangerous spread of the disease beyond the original tumour. Merlin underwent a gruelling 18 months of treatment to try to beat cancer - and thankfully, he has now been declared to be in remission. The beloved bartender courageously shared every step of his journey with fans, keeping them up to date about each new intense treatment. And despite his relief at his recovery, the star has previously told The Mirror he was forever changed by his experience: 'My life will never be the same. The TV star (pictured) revealed in 2021 he had been diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer, marking a dangerous spread of the disease beyond the original tumour 'My life will never be quite the same and anyone that has gone through bowel cancer and the horrific treatment that it involves will understand.' In a terrifying admission, he revealed: 'I might look whole but I'm actually missing about 45 per cent of my insides. 'It's quite a major amputation internally that I have had.' He revealed to his more than 150,000 Instagram followers in April 2023 he was 'clear' of cancer as part of a one-year update. The star explained he had been for his one-year colonoscopy bowel cancer check-up and was given the positive results there was 'no cancer seen'. Merlin shared a snap of himself in his hospital gown and a photograph of his test results as he candidly spoke about the difficult preparation for the procedure. He also shared because he is clear of cancer, his next check-up will be in three years' time, followed by another in 2027. Announcing his health news, he wrote: 'Scroll across... 1-year colonoscopy check up for #bowelcancer; Prep was soo difficult this time. He revealed to his more than 150,000 Instagram followers in April 2023 he was 'clear' of cancer as part of a one-year update Despite his relief at his recovery, the star has previously said he was forever changed by his experience: 'My life will never be the same' 'Soiled the bed several times overnight, resorted to adult nappies, got about 2 hours kip. Felt like hell. 'First one with my newly connected arse too (sans rectum), so I was a little nervous. But along with my last blood tests (clear), at one year examination, we're clear! Phew. 'Next one at 3 years (2025). Last one at 5 years (2027). #bowelcancerawarenessmonth. 'Love to all you fellow bowel cancer peeps, keep on keeping on!' First Dates is available to watch and to stream on Channel 4. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Review, Karen Pirie, Fake or Fortune, The Couple Next Door
Much of the credit for that goes to Lauren Lyle in the title role. Playing Pirie like some sarky granddaughter of Taggart and cousin of Rebus, she dominates every scene she is in. No mean feat when you are up against James Cosmo. Cosmo played an oil tycoon whose daughter and grandson were kidnapped in 1984 and never seen again. Pirie, newly promoted to inspector, was assigned the case. Assisting her, as in the first series, were her secret boyfriend, DS Phil Parhatka, sidekick DC Jason Murray, also known as 'Mint', and Bel the blogger. The series is not above cliche, starting with moodily lit interrogation rooms (would never happen: see 24 Hours in Police Custody). Similarly, Pirie and her superior, DCS Simon Lees (Steve John Shepherd) retain the stereotypically surly maverick and shouty boss relationship. But the writing was tight and slyly funny, the plotting tight as a drum, and every member of the talented cast pulled their weight. The scenes between Sir Brodie and Pirie, the old lion with the still terrifying roar versus a squeak of a lassie, were alone worth another Bafta. In Lyle's more than capable hands, Pirie remains a mystery in her own right. The character is tough yet not above tears, empathetic yet cold, driven but for what reason? Who is she, really? Watch out Pirie, you're in danger of becoming a national treasure. There was a clash between Karen Pirie and The Narrow Road to the Deep North (BBC1, Sunday), but nothing iPlayer couldn't help with. If you are yet to catch up with this adaptation of Richard Flanagan's novel about a young Australian officer imprisoned by the Japanese, I'd urge you to do so quick as you can. On the evidence of the first episode this handsomely shot five-parter could be one of the year's best dramas - and the most harrowing, too. Jacob Elordi and Ciaran Hinds play the younger and older Dorrigo Evans, once a medical student heading off to war, now an ageing writer still imprisoned by the past. The three-stranded tale relies heavily on flashbacks, which would usually interrupt the flow of the story, but not here. The performances are outstanding, with Elordi a star in the making and Hinds, the elder statesman of the piece, his usual subtle self. The scene where he was being interviewed/lectured by a young journalist about the realities of war, was watch through the fingers fare. And of course, looming over everything is what we know is coming when Evans and his squad get to the PoW camp. Fiona Bruce, presenter of Fake or Fortune? (BBC1, Monday) earns between £410,000-£414,999 a year, the same as Nick Robinson but less than Alan Shearer. What's that got to do with a popular primetime docuseries about art, you ask? All will be revealed. The new run of Fake or Fortune? opened with a painting of a pretty summer scene, bought at an art fair for £140 by Barry, a carer. It was unsigned, but when Barry took it out of the frame (top tip), the inscription said it was a portrait of Clementine Churchill by her husband Winston, painted June 1916. With some works by Churchill fetching millions, this had the potential to be 'a right result', as they say in the art biz. But only if Bruce and her co-presenter, the art dealer Philip Mould, could prove its provenance. They made a stylish pair. He was dapper enough to get away with wearing a scarf, Monty Don-style, and Bruce had 'scarfed up' for the occasion with a groovy number of her own. Add a buttery soft biker jacket and jeans and she was good to go. That's the thing with Bruce, the BBC can send her anywhere and she will pass muster. She is this generation's Sue Lawley, posh but not too posh, and able to hold her own whether she is reading the news, anchoring Question Time, or doing lighter fare such as this and Antiques Roadshow. If you ask the high heid yins at the BBC, it takes a very special skill set to do all this, hence Bruce's big bucks salary. But is that actually the case, or could any competent presenter do it? Over tea in a palace, Barry filled Bruce in on his unsuccessful attempts to authenticate the painting. He wasn't taken seriously by the auction houses 'because of the way I speak, the way I dress, I just don't look like the typical art dealer'. I half hoped Bruce would launch a broadside at snooty auctioneers. Instead, she smiled and said: 'It's quite a rarefied world, isn't it, the grand auction houses?' Anyone looking for searing, insightful commentary about the art business would have to try the shop next door. She was much better when they visited the handwriting expert. In a programme that was full of people hedging their bets, Barry finally got a straight answer. He was so shocked he almost cried. Bruce was there instantly with a comforting arm around his shoulder. It could have been awkward or seemed patronising, but instead it was just a lovely human moment. The expert consensus was that only the auction houses could authenticate the painting. The auctioneers, in turn, said it was up to the experts. All the running around had been for nothing, albeit they got a programme out of it. Barry will have to wait for more answers. As for Bruce? I think the jury is still out on that one, too. The Couple Next Door (Channel Monday-Wednesday), a psychological thriller about suburban swingers, played out over six nights. If it was anything like the first series, it was going to be a long haul. But what do you know, all concerned had upped their game. While it was still a heap of weapons-grade silliness, it was a better-acted, better-plotted, better-directed heap of weapons-grade silliness. Instead of traffic cops and yoga instructors the protagonists this time were doctors and nurses. Lottie the heart surgeon (oh, the irony!) was married to Jacob, an anaesthetist. Lottie was so busy with her job and an ailing dad to look after she had to schedule sex with Jacob, a man so dull he could have put his patients spark out with his conversation alone. Lottie couldn't complain though. Life was good, if predictable. Then a nurse named Mia turned up at the hospital and moved in next door. With her heavy European accent and mysterious past, the beautiful Mia intrigued Lottie and flattered Duncan. Smouldering glances over a patient's open chest cavity soon became flirty conversations over glasses of wine, and before you know it our couple had become a throuple and clothes were being torn off all over the shop. The good times on the sofa and in Antwerp hotel rooms could not last, though. Lottie and Duncan's well-ordered life had been turned upside down. Regrets? They had more than a few. The Couple Next Door began life as the hit Dutch series, Nieuwe Buren ('New Neighbours'). Both are filmed in Belgium and the Netherlands, hence the slightly unusual houses on wide open streets that make the place look like America. Written by David Allison (Marcella, Trust Me), this series powered along, fuelled by plot twists that ranged from unlikely to flat-out bonkers. There was far more going on at the hospital than an on-off threesome. Frankly, it was a wonder anyone left the place alive, such was the carry on. Jacob Elordi, left, plays a young medic in The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Image: Curio Pictures/BBC/Sony Pictures Television) Annabel Scholey was a solid centre of credibility as Lottie (even if she did look disconcertingly like Kate, Princess of Wales). Plaudits go again to Hugh Dennis who scrubs up well as a serious actor. There was plenty to question (wouldn't the police be called in to investigate wrongdoing rather than leaving it to hospital administrators to play detective?), and more than a few cliches (particularly in the sex scenes). But if it was noirish nonsense you are after, The Couple Next Door supplied it by the bucket load.
