Latest news with #BBC1
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC issues Call The Midwife statement after rumours show is being axed
The BBC has issued a statement after rumours Call The Midwife is being axed after 15 years on screen - with the broadcaster insisting the show will be back for a 16th series. The BBC has quashed rumours that Call the Midwife is facing cancellation, confirming that a 16th series is on the cards, although they've yet to set a date for its return. The much-anticipated 15th series is set to grace our screens from January next year, and fans can also look forward to a cinematic release of the show's movie version, as well as a prequel series set during WWII showcasing younger versions of the beloved characters. Reassurances have been made that the original cast will reprise their roles in the future instalments of the drama centred around the nuns and nurses of Nonnatus House. Speculation suggests that the format may shift from a traditional series to something more akin to ITV's Downton Abbey, which transitioned to producing films post-television series, reports the Mirror. A source revealed: "The intention is certainly for Call the Midwife to come back to the TV in one way or another. It could be that it returns as specials, rather than a full series, but we just don't know yet. But it will be back! Fans haven't seen the last of their favourite characters yet." In a statement released this morning, the BBC reassured viewers: "The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come. "As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere." After a flood of messages on Scott Mills' Radio 2 breakfast show, listeners are sharing their sorrow over the announcement that the beloved drama will conclude after captivating audiences for 15 years. The series, inspired by Jennifer Worth's memoirs, premiered on BBC1 in 2012 and quickly became a cherished fixture, consistently featuring in the BBC's Christmas Day line-up. With current contracts for the cast extending until November this year, they are set to be renewed as preparations for the first movie adaptation get underway, with an official announcement already made. An insider revealed: "In terms of getting the cast back, production will work it all out before the end of filming next year." Speculation about the show's finale arose as cast members expressed their emotional state at the start of filming for next year's instalment, uncertain if it would be followed by another. However, in May, it was disclosed that the main series would merely "take a break" from BBC1 as focus shifts to a prequel series set during the war, featuring a new cast. The film, supported by BBC Film and starring the regular characters, is expected to begin shooting next year prior to its cinema debut. Show bosses allegedly wished to wrap up the series on a positive note according to sources. The Daily Star was reportedly informed by an insider: "After years of drama and countless births, Call The Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it's time to draw the show to a close and bow out. This is the last we'll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends." However, according to updates from earlier today, any feelings of sadness, and uncertainty were reportedly due to the fact that the popular show is being paused, and not coming to a complete end. There are also plans for the production of a prequel that is set during World War II, in the Blitz years. The prequel would include the appearance of younger versions of famous characters that form part of the show's current line-up. It will feature Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, Stephen McGann, Cliff Parisi and possibly include Sister Evangelina as well. By contrast, the upcoming feature film will star the current cast and possibly some characters from the past returning to the show. The line-up could possibly include Miranda Hart who featured as Chummy and Miriam Margolyes who featured as Mother Mildred. There are hopes that the series could star big-name actors and actresses. One source previously revealed: "Joanna Lumley as a nun? Now that's something I'd like to see." The film is to be set abroad in 1972, marking a shift from the usual East End setting as it captures the nuns and nurses embracing an era of increased hospital births by utilising their skills overseas. Potential settings include Hong Kong, where this year's two-part Christmas special will unfold, or a return to South Africa, previously featured in 2016. Last month, insiders were keen to clarify that these new ventures would not spell the end for the original series, which they assured would continue "in due course" following the completion of these projects. Writer Heidi Thomas shared her excitement: "I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past." She delved further into the historical backdrop for the additional narrative: "The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger! ) faces." Executive producer Dame Pippa Harris also commented on the expansion of the show's universe: "It now feels like the right time to expand our world and take our nuns and midwives onto the big screen with our movie, and back in time with the prequel." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The One Show star announces big change to BBC show and viewers will be sad
A famous face on The One Show announced that one segment of the BBC show will be taken off air for the summer A The One Show favourite made an announcement about the BBC programme as they revealed a major segment is set for a summer hiatus. In Wednesday's (June 25) instalment of the popular evening show, Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were joined by Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox to celebrate Watchdog's 40th anniversary. The episode was dedicated to celebrating Watchdog's milestone, with Matt and Nikki reminiscing over recent triumphs from undercover stings to significant policy shifts and hefty consumer refunds. As the episode wrapped up, Matt expressed his gratitude: "Happy birthday Watchdog and everybody who has worked on the show, amazing people. Thank you to everyone who has contacted us over the last 40 years because without you it would not mean a thing." Nikki chimed in with appreciation for the audience's input: "We can not do it without your stories.", reports Wales Online. She then dropped the news that her segment would be taking a 'break', announcing: "Watch Dog is going to be taking a break over summer and we are back in September so please keep them coming." The beloved consumer investigation show, first broadcast on BBC1 on July 14th 1985, has saved people millions of pounds as it has taken to task rogue traders, even uncovering fraudulent activity. Despite its end as an independent series in 2020 after 35 years and 1,084 episodes, Watchdog has continued to play a vital role within The One Show, providing essential consumer protection segments. Throughout the years, Watchdog has unearthed bewildering cases such as phoney banking apps, fake Royal Mail stamps, and fictitious complimentary flights. Ahead of the show, Matt said: "We've had instances of getting tens of £1,000s of pounds back for people. But the ripple effect of that is all those other people who look at that and use it as a negotiating tactic. Whatever we've got back for people, and it's millions of pounds without a shadow of a doubt, you can add a multiplier to that." He added: "I don't like bullies. I don't like people that use the strength of their position to get one over on other people. I think you know that sense of injustice, where you can see somebody who has got your money and doesn't feel the need to do right by you because they're a big company and they'll never see you again. "I feel a sense of pride that once a week you get the chance to turn that on its head and say, 'No, you're not always going to win'." The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The One Show star makes BBC show announcement and it's bad news for fans
The One Show star makes BBC show announcement and it's bad news for fans Alex Jones and Clara Amfo presented The One Show on Wednesday night and they celebrated 40 years of Watchdog The One Show: Nikki says Watchdog will be taking a break A The One Show star made a sudden announcement about the BBC show as they confirmed one key segment will be taken off air for summer. During Wednesday's (June 25) episode of the hit chat show, Alex Jones and Clara Amfo were joined by Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox as they celebrated 40 years of Watchdog. To mark the special milestone, they dedicated the show to the programme as Matt and Nikki looked back at some of their more recent success stories, including everything from undercover investigations to big business policy changes and mega refunds. At the end of the show, Matt went on to say: "Happy birthday Watchdog and everybody who has worked on the show, amazing people. Thank you to everyone who has contacted us over the last 40 years because without you it would not mean a thing." Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox celebrated 40 years of Watchdog on BBC The One Show (Image: BBC ) Nikki jumped in: 'We can not do it without your stories.' The TV star then confirmed that her show will be taking a 'break' as she announced: 'Watch Dog is going to be taking a break over summer and we are back in September so please keep them coming.' Article continues below The beloved consumer investigation show, first broadcast on BBC1 on July 14th 1985, has saved people millions of pounds as it has taken to task rogue traders, even uncovering fraudulent activity. After 35 years, with 1,084 episodes aired, Watchdog was sadly discontinued as a standalone series in 2020, but has remained as a crucial segment on BBC's The One Show ever since. Over the years, some of the most astonishing cases include a fake banking app, counterfeit Royal Mail stamps and non-existent free flights. Nikki Fox announced that Watchdog will be taking a break for summer (Image: BBC ) Ahead of the anniversary special, Matt said: 'We've had instances of getting tens of £1,000s of pounds back for people. But the ripple effect of that is all those other people who look at that and use it as a negotiating tactic. Whatever we've got back for people, and it's millions of pounds without a shadow of a doubt, you can add a multiplier to that.' He added: 'I don't like bullies. I don't like people that use the strength of their position to get one over on other people. I think you know that sense of injustice, where you can see somebody who has got your money and doesn't feel the need to do right by you because they're a big company and they'll never see you again. Article continues below "I feel a sense of pride that once a week you get the chance to turn that on its head and say, 'No, you're not always going to win'.' The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Watchdog celebrates 40 years of exposing shocking scams
Watchdog has been standing up for viewers' rights for four decades. The show celebrates tonight on The One Show, looking back at all its big wins Fighting big business bullies, taking down criminal corporations and exposing shocking scams, Watchdog has been standing up for viewers' rights for 40 years. The beloved consumer investigation show, first broadcast on BBC1 on July 14th 1985, has saved people millions of pounds as it has taken to task rogue traders, even uncovering fraudulent activity. After 35 years, with 1,084 episodes aired, Watchdog was sadly discontinued as a standalone series in 2020, but has remained as a crucial segment on BBC 's The One Show ever since. Hosted by Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox, they will celebrate the anniversary tomorrow (Wednesday 25th June, BBC1, 7pm), looking back at the success stories, including everything from undercover investigations to big business policy changes and mega refunds. Over the years, some of the most astonishing cases include the discovery of poo in ice in frozen drinks at Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero to a fake banking app, counterfeit Royal Mail stamps and non-existent free flights. Matt says: 'We've had instances of getting tens of £1,000s of pounds back for people. But the ripple effect of that is all those other people who look at that and use it as a negotiating tactic. Whatever we've got back for people, and it's millions of pounds without a shadow of a doubt, you can add a multiplier to that.' He adds: 'I don't like bullies. I don't like people that use the strength of their position to get one over on other people. I think you know that sense of injustice, where you can see somebody who has got your money and doesn't feel the need to do right by you because they're a big company and they'll never see you again. I feel a sense of pride that once a week you get the chance to turn that on its head and say, 'No, you're not always going to win'.' Nikki says: 'I feel very privileged that I get to be a part of helping solve people's issues that are so frustrating. You can feel like you're hitting your head against a brick wall. When we get a solution, it's joyful. We have an awful lot of scam stories. People who have been scammed always feel so stupid, but they are not. These scams are designed to trick us. There are stories where people get bills from an energy company they're not with, saying they owe thousands of pounds and that is scary. I've been in debt and I've been in a position where I've dreaded every letter that comes through the door. You worry about debt collectors, it's not nice. I think working on the show has made me more aware. I didn't used to check things thoroughly, I wasn't as security conscious.' Matt became an official Watchdog co-host in 2009, but has had reporting slots on the show dating all the way back to 1997 and presented Weekend Watchdog in 1999. He says: 'I was 27 when I joined, it's been over 28 years now and boy, it shows. When I started people were writing and phoning in and we were really taking calls at the back of the studio. One of my great heroes of all time is the show's first ever host Lynn Faulds Wood, because she campaigned her whole life. When she was on Watchdog, she did amazing things. I could look around this room, that's a moulded plug on the end of a piece of flex. She did that. Before that we had to fit our own plugs. Every biro top has a hole in it for safety in case it's swallowed. Every time you go to your oven and the oven door is cold, so your kid doesn't get burnt, down to Lynn Faulds Wood.' Matt adds: 'To represent people when they feel powerless and voiceless is as good as it gets. My best advice is - 'Out of the blue not for you'. If you receive something out of the blue, whether it's a text, a phone call, an email or WhatsApp, ask yourself where it's really come from. Who made contact first? If they came looking for you, be very suspicious. The reason that Watchdog is still going after 40 years is that these problems affect everybody, regardless of their age. We're all consumers.' BIGGEST WATCHDOG SUCCESSES *In the late 1980s, a Watchdog investigation showed that numerous accidents were caused when electrical plugs on new appliances were incorrectly wired. At the time, all new goods were sold with bare wires and customers were expected to fit them themselves. Many people lacked the knowledge or skill to do this properly. The campaign led to a change in British law requiring all electrical appliances sold in the UK to be supplied with fitted plugs. *In 1992 and 1993, The Hoover Company introduced a 'free flights' offer for two free flights to New York City if a customer spent over £100. Due to an overwhelming response, many people didn't get their flights. After hundreds of complaints and an investigation by Simon Walton, it became humiliating headline news and Hoover had to give customers the flights, costing them an estimated £40 million, with several execs losing their jobs. *Television sales channel failed to deliver goods or offer refunds to over 27,000 customers in the early 2000s, and were fined £450,000 by Ofcom. Investigations by Watchdog forced refunds and the closure of the channel, and traced the owner, but he refused to answer questions. *Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero had launched new ranges of frozen drinks back in summer of 2017. A lab report revealed that nearly half of the ice samples came back with significant levels of not just any bacteria, but faecal coliforms that the expert said were a significant risk. Watchdog sparked internal investigations, with Nero promising to take action and Starbucks and Costa updating their ice handling guidelines. *A man called Arthur, who banked with Natwest had his card stolen and £20,000 taken by scammers in 2018. The bank rejected his claim as fraud and gave him no explanation. But Watchdog got involved and got the money back. *Royal Mail - people were being charged a £5 fee for receiving letters with counterfeit stamps, some of which were bought from the Post Office. Watchdog interviewed one of Royal Mail's bosses, David Gold, who said that stamps bought from the Post Office or a recognised High St retailer should be the real deal - despite what we found. He said that if customers challenged the penalty, Royal Mail would investigate and refund. However, Royal Mail later announced it was temporarily suspending the £5 fee while it developed an app to allow customers to check their own stamps. PAST PRESENTERS 1980-1984: Before Watchdog became its own standalone show, it was hosted by Hugh Scully a feature as part of Nationwide magazine show and then Sixty Minutes current affairs show 1985: Lynn Faulds Wood and Nick Ross 1986-1993: Lynn with her husband John Stapleton, who replaced Nick 1993-2001: Anne Robinson (with various co-presenters, first Alice Beer and Simon Walton, then Charlotte Hudson) 2001-2005: Nicky Campbell and Kate Gerbeau (with co-presenters Paul Heiney, Ashley Blake and Saima Mohsin) 2005-2008: Nicky Campbell with Julia Bradbury (with Paul) 2008-2009: Nicky with Julia, then later Anita Rani (with Paul) 2009-2015: Anne Robinson returned (with co-hosts Anita, Chris Hollins and Matt Allwright) 2015: Sophie Raworth and Michelle Ackerley (with Chris and Matt) 2016: Sophie with Matt (with co-hosts Michelle, Steph and Nikki Fox) 2017-2019: Matt and Steph (co-host Nikki) *Watchdog at 40 on The One Show, Wednesday 25th June, BBC1, 7pm.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Mum's nightmare as she's trapped with her toddler in deadly flood
When a powerful storm hit Spain, hundreds died as it became Europe's deadliest single storm flood in decades. A BBC1 documentary on tonight reveals what happened Terrified as the water rose higher and higher, Rosalía Arena and her mother and two-year-old daughter took refuge on the top floor of her house. Outside, the river had burst its banks, cars were floating sideways and people were knee-deep in water. This was October 29, 2024, when a powerful storm hit the area around Valencia in Spain. Torrential rain fell on the hills to the west of the city, causing devastating flash floods. Across the province, 228 people died and it caused £15 billion worth of damage. It was Europe's deadliest single storm flood since 1967. Why Cities Flood: Spain's Deadly Disaster (on Tuesday 24 June, BBC1, 9pm), with dramatic mobile-phone footage and compelling interviews, tells the story of what happened that day as flood water poured through streets, inundated houses and turned parked cars into lethal, floating projectiles. We hear first-hand accounts from survivors who had close escapes and discover from leading scientists how climate change and the places we are choosing to build could put many more people at risk of floods in the future. Rosalía Arenas, a resident of Utiel, tells how they ran upstairs as water filled the ground floor to within inches of the ceiling. They were eventually rescued by boat from an upstairs window. Andries Klarenberg, from Paiporta, the town worst hit by the flood with 46 people fatalities, says: 'The pavements, the roads, everything was flooded with three feet of water, which was pushing cars down the streets, into buildings.' The film also asks why the authorities failed to protect people, with a slow response to the disaster that caused widespread anger. Why Cities Flood: Spain's Deadly Disaster is airing on BBC1 tonight at 9pm. There's plenty more on TV tonight - here's the best of the rest.. TRANSACTION, ITV2, 10.05pm Noisy, bold and unafraid, this fresh new workplace is written and created by award-winning comedy performer Jordan Gray. Jordan stars as Liv, a transgender egomaniac, who drives her roommate Tom (Thomas Gray) absolutely mad. While Tom goes out to work at Pellocks supermarket, Liv lies around the flat painting her nails and watching telly. She's deadpan, sarcastic but secretly sad. Meanwhile, Pellocks boss Simon (a brilliant Nick Frost) has accidentally offended the LGBTQ+ community with an ill-conceived marketing campaign. As protestors bang down the door, Simon realises that hiring someone transgender will prove the store's inclusivity - so Tom gives Liv a call, and she's soon drafted in on the night shift. Not one to follow the rules, Liv quickly realises she's unsackable and sets about turning the store into her own personal playground, unleashing chaos on everyone and everything around her. 'Let the games begin,' she says. There are surprising moments of emotion, but mostly this is just late-night supermarket madness. BAKE OFF: THE PROFESSIONALS, CHANNEL 4, 8pm The main difference between watching this spin-off, compared to the non-pro version, is that you have to Google every other word. It's not a strawberry cake, it's a framboisier. A curd becomes a calamansi curd. Chocolate bcomes ganache. Biscuits are sable. Someone throws osmanthus into their pud and almost everything is infused with something else we've not heard of. It's a learning curve as top pâtissier experts Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden set tough tasks for these classically-trained chefs. No soggy bottoms, lumpy custard or split cream. In this episode, they must make 24 identical classic framboisier slices and 24 reimagined s'mores. The s'mores must contain the chocolate, marshmallow and biscuit elements. 'If not, that will not be the only thing that gets toasted tonight,' says Cherish. There's plenty of panic, occasional swearing and tension as the teams race to finish while hosts Liam and Ellie steal cake, enjoying the leftovers. Who will the judges go gooey for? EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm John visits Vic to urge her to report Robert for hitting her. Robert overhears and is upset. He tries to distract himself with drinking and hook-ups, but his mood is brought down when Aaron has no reaction to this attempt to make him jealous. When Joe finds his car has been keyed, he's sure Billy is responsible and resolves to teach him a lesson. Belle convinces Vanessa to try to persuade Tracy to think again about barring the Dingles. EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm Kat visits Phil and suggests he needs extra support to care for Nigel, but he refuses. Later Phil is troubled to find Nigel with Lexi, who he has confused with Claire. Nicola decides to resurrect their family 'Half Christmas ' tradition, where they celebrate in June. She hopes it will cheer up Barney, but Harry is scathing. Yolande asks Jean to keep Patrick distracted while they make party arrangements. Joel is annoyed when his attempts to chat up Amy don't work out.
