Latest news with #BBCDrama
UPI
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Jodie Whittaker, Jason Watkins join 'Dear England' cast
1 of 2 | Jodie Whittaker has joined the cast of the BBC miniseries "Dear England." File Photo by Vickie Flores/EPA July 7 (UPI) -- Doctor Who alum Jodie Whittaker and The Crown actor Jason Watkins have joined the cast of the BBC's screen adaptation of James Graham's play Dear England. Filming has begun on the four-part series about Gareth Southgate and the England soccer team. Joseph Fiennes was previously announced to play athlete and team manager Southgate. "We're so thrilled to announce such a fantastic cast for Dear England and it has been a joy to witness the comradery within this top team as they start filming," Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said in a statement Monday. "With Joseph Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker leading the cast, Rupert Gold and Paul Whittington directing and Left Bank Pictures producing, BBC viewers are in for a real treat."
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Call The Midwife fans convinced show will end in heartbreaking death as they work out final storyline
CALL The Midwife fans have been left convinced that the show will end in a tragic death after news the main series could come to an end. The popular BBC family drama will come to a close following the conclusion of the 15th series which is currently being filmed and is due to air next year. 3 3 3 It has left fans speculating at to how the programme might reach its conclusion and some have predicted a tragic death could be on the cards for one of its most popular characters. One character who looks set to meet her match during the show's finale is Sister Monica Joan. Whilst not confirmed, fans have begun to cast suspicion that she could fall victim to a death in the programme's final episode. The character, played by actress Judy Parfitt, has been a part of the show since the very first series and has been one of the drama's fan-favourite characters. Taking to Reddit, it led one fan to quip that they could kill off their longest-serving character for shock value. Speculating what is to come: "Something tells me that something is going to happen to Sister Monica Joan. "I think it's going to be a two part episode and the series will end with implications for the upcoming film... and maybe something for the prequel series." Another added: "Maybe so. I've honestly been waiting for Sister Monica Joan to leave because she was a bit of a nuisance at times and very openly disobedient and often willful. "The actress is wonderful but the character has been shown less and less the past couple of years." Whilst many fans were sad to see the programme come to an end, others argued that now felt the right time to call it a day. Call The Midwife fans in tears as beloved Nonnatus House resident dies in emotional scenes They added online: "I love the series but honestly it was time for it to end anyway. Maybe even beyond time. Especially after Lucille left." As someone else penned: "I'm not too sorry about the show ending — it's had a fabulous run, but the writing and storylines just aren't what they were in the early years." However, the BBC have clarified that whilst Call the Midwife's main series may be paused - the show's prequel and spin-off movie mean the show will still be on the air for years to come. They said: "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.' Up to 11 million people watched the highly-anticipated episodes at any time since it first launched in 2012. It has won numerous awards including National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and has received several BAFTA nominations. Call The Midwife: A breakdown Call The Midwife first came onto the airwaves in 2012 and has been seen by millions. But what is it about? Series one: Set in early 1957 and it explored the 'Baby Boom generation, which included themes of poverty and post-war immigration. Series two: Set in 1958 and it showed gas and air being introduced for pain relief for the first time. It ended with the Nonnatus House building being condemned. Series three: Set in 1959 and it depicted gruesome conditions such as cystic fibrosis, polio and it showed the midwives in the context on prisons. Series four: Set in 1960 under the threat of nuclear warfare and the emergency response guidelines issued by the local Civil Defence Corp. Other themes included LGBT rights, and syphilis. Series five: Set in 1961 and it shows the care of patients with conditions such as Typhoid and strokes. We also saw the effects of thalidomide, the introduction of the contraceptive pill. Series six: Set in 1962 and domestic violence was at the centre of the season. Other themes included FGM (female genital mutilation), mental health issues and interracial marriage. It was also notable for the introduction of Reggie, a recurring character with Down Syndrome. Series seven: Set in 1963 and we see Nurse Lucille Anderson for the first time. We also see the show address conditions such as dementia, huntington's disease, leprosy and meningitis Series eight: Set in 1964 and it bravely covered the issue of abortion, which was not legal for another three years in 1967. Sickle cell disease, cleft lip, cleft palate and intersex people also featured. Series nine: Diptheria was at the centre of the ninth instalment in 1965, and it was notable for featuring a blind expectant mother. But the role of Nonnatus House within the community also came into question. Series ten: Set in 1966, Nonnatus House has a rival in the form of the private Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair. PKU, diabetes and the controversy surrounding abortion were central themes. Series eleven: Set in 1967 amid the housing crisis and a scabies epidemic. The show was rocked by a train crash right next to Nonnatus House.
Rhyl Journal
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones splits with husband
Ruth Jones, known for her role as Nessa on the popular BBC show, has said she and her producer husband David Peet have legally separated. Jones, who co-created Gavin and Stacey with friend James Corden, married in 1999. Despite the split, they "remain good friends", the couple said in a statement. Ruth Jones played Nessa in Gavin and Stacey (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) The couple told the PA news agency: 'We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends. 'Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship.' Jones married Peet, a television and radio producer, in 1999. She is a stepmother to three children from his previous marriage. The Mirror reported that the pair met when she was working on a BBC Radio Wales series. Ruth Jones rose to fame as the co-writer and star of Gavin and Stacey. The BBC sitcom first aired in 2007 and tells the story of two families from Billericay in Essex and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Jones played Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in three series and three Christmas specials. The show's finale episode, which aired on Christmas Day last year, saw Jones's character Nessa marry Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by fellow co-writer and close friend James Corden. At this year's TV Baftas, Jones won the best female performance in a comedy for her role in Gavin and Stacey. Jones has also appeared in ITV drama Fat Friends, BBC sketch show Little Britain, BBC sitcom Saxondale, and BBC black comedy Nighty Night. Other roles include playing Carry On star Hattie Jacques in a BBC biopic. In 2014, Jones was made a Member Of The Order Of The British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to entertainment. It was recently revealed that Jones has landed a role in a new BBC Drama series, which is currently being filmed in Wales. A post shared by BBC Press Office (@bbcpressoffice) Jones will play Mrs Bennet in an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel The Other Bennet Sister for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. She will be joined in the series by the likes of Richard E. Grant (Saltburn, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Loki), Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luther, The Night Manager) and Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton). Recommended reading: Filming for the 10-part series is already underway. Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world. "With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year."
North Wales Chronicle
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones splits with husband
Ruth Jones, known for her role as Nessa on the popular BBC show, has said she and her producer husband David Peet have legally separated. Jones, who co-created Gavin and Stacey with friend James Corden, married in 1999. Despite the split, they "remain good friends", the couple said in a statement. Ruth Jones played Nessa in Gavin and Stacey (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) The couple told the PA news agency: 'We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends. 'Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship.' Jones married Peet, a television and radio producer, in 1999. She is a stepmother to three children from his previous marriage. The Mirror reported that the pair met when she was working on a BBC Radio Wales series. Ruth Jones rose to fame as the co-writer and star of Gavin and Stacey. The BBC sitcom first aired in 2007 and tells the story of two families from Billericay in Essex and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Jones played Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in three series and three Christmas specials. The show's finale episode, which aired on Christmas Day last year, saw Jones's character Nessa marry Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by fellow co-writer and close friend James Corden. At this year's TV Baftas, Jones won the best female performance in a comedy for her role in Gavin and Stacey. Jones has also appeared in ITV drama Fat Friends, BBC sketch show Little Britain, BBC sitcom Saxondale, and BBC black comedy Nighty Night. Other roles include playing Carry On star Hattie Jacques in a BBC biopic. In 2014, Jones was made a Member Of The Order Of The British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to entertainment. It was recently revealed that Jones has landed a role in a new BBC Drama series, which is currently being filmed in Wales. A post shared by BBC Press Office (@bbcpressoffice) Jones will play Mrs Bennet in an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel The Other Bennet Sister for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. She will be joined in the series by the likes of Richard E. Grant (Saltburn, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Loki), Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luther, The Night Manager) and Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton). Recommended reading: Filming for the 10-part series is already underway. Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world. "With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year."
South Wales Argus
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones splits with husband
Ruth Jones, known for her role as Nessa on the popular BBC show, has said she and her producer husband David Peet have legally separated. Jones, who co-created Gavin and Stacey with friend James Corden, married in 1999. Despite the split, they "remain good friends", the couple said in a statement. Ruth Jones played Nessa in Gavin and Stacey (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) Gavin and Stacey's Ruth Jones announces split with husband The couple told the PA news agency: 'We amicably went our separate ways 18 months ago and are now legally separated. We remain good friends. 'Since our separation, Ruth is living in London and David is living in Canada, where he is in a new relationship.' Jones married Peet, a television and radio producer, in 1999. She is a stepmother to three children from his previous marriage. The Mirror reported that the pair met when she was working on a BBC Radio Wales series. Who is Ruth Jones? Ruth Jones rose to fame as the co-writer and star of Gavin and Stacey. The BBC sitcom first aired in 2007 and tells the story of two families from Billericay in Essex and Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Jones played Vanessa 'Nessa' Jenkins in three series and three Christmas specials. The show's finale episode, which aired on Christmas Day last year, saw Jones's character Nessa marry Neil 'Smithy' Smith, played by fellow co-writer and close friend James Corden. At this year's TV Baftas, Jones won the best female performance in a comedy for her role in Gavin and Stacey. Jones has also appeared in ITV drama Fat Friends, BBC sketch show Little Britain, BBC sitcom Saxondale, and BBC black comedy Nighty Night. Other roles include playing Carry On star Hattie Jacques in a BBC biopic. In 2014, Jones was made a Member Of The Order Of The British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours for her services to entertainment. Ruth Jones to feature in new BBC series It was recently revealed that Jones has landed a role in a new BBC Drama series, which is currently being filmed in Wales. Jones will play Mrs Bennet in an adaptation of Janice Hadlow's novel The Other Bennet Sister for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. She will be joined in the series by the likes of Richard E. Grant (Saltburn, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, Loki), Indira Varma (Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luther, The Night Manager) and Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Bridgerton). Recommended reading: Filming for the 10-part series is already underway. Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: "It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world. "With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year."
