Latest news with #Detectorists
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on metal detecting: hobbyists as well as experts can play a part in unearthing the past
The discovery of two swords at a dig in Gloucestershire has fuelled speculation that a Roman villa may once have stood there, at a period in the second or third century AD when Saxons were making inroads in the region. Experts think that the blades may even have been deliberately hidden – but not deep enough to conceal them from a novice metal detectorist, Glenn Manning. Next month, the public will get a chance to see the weapons when they go on display at the Corinium museum in Cirencester, to which they have been given. The items join a growing list of striking finds by hobbyists. These include a gold nugget found in the Shropshire Hills by Richard Brock, who located it with the help of an old machine that was 'only half working'. Another newcomer dug up a gold necklace bearing the initials of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, which is now in the British Museum. There are an estimated 20,000 metal detectorists in Britain, with at least two factors having contributed to the activity's increased popularity over the last decade. One was the pandemic and the nudge it gave to some people to find a new way to spend leisure time. The other was the Bafta-winning BBC television comedy Detectorists, which ran for three series starting in 2014 and returned for a Christmas special in 2022. Written by Mackenzie Crook, this was a story about the hidden depths of male friendship as well as the Essex farmland where they did their detecting. While archaeology had been on TV before, in programmes such as Time Team, metal detecting was an unexpected focus for a popular drama. There was probably also something in the zeitgeist, since mudlarking on the Thames saw a boom during the same period – going from the obscure pastime of aficionados to something much more mainstream. Like metal detectorists, whose focus on precious objects sometimes comes into sharp conflict with the scholarly priorities and painstaking processes of archaeologists, mudlarks (who sometimes use metal detectors along with other techniques) need authorisation to go on their scavenging hunts. From just 200 permits sought in 2018-19 from the Port of London authority, the total rose to 5,000 three years later. One result of this upsurge in interest is a new exhibition of 350 mudlarked objects. Secrets of the Thames includes medieval carvings and Victorian forgeries, and opened at the London Museum last week. Not all metal detecting is focused on the distant past. A 5,000-strong network of volunteers, the National Ring Recovery Service, helps living people find lost items. While this altruistic project is described by its founder, Morley Howard, as a 'fifth emergency service', the activities and motivations of metal detectorists who hunt for valuable artefacts remain controversial, and some believe that the legal framework is too lax. Archaeological sites have been damaged, and in 2019 two men were jailed for the illegal sale of coins and jewellery known as the Leominster hoard. But deeply regrettable though such losses are, they should not be allowed to overshadow the positive contributions of amateur detectorists, some of whom volunteer on digs led by experts – as Mr Manning did on the day he found the swords. This commitment to scouring the countryside for traces of ancient lives is a testament to an abiding curiosity about the past that is not limited to experts.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Future of beloved BBC series with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score explained
Toby Jones has delivered a bit of a blow to fans of his beloved BBC comedy series, Detectorists. The show, penned and fronted by Mackenzie Crook with Toby Jones starring as one of the 'detectorists', was first broadcast in 2014 and enjoyed three successful series. Centered around the fictional Essex setting of Danebury, it charted the adventures and comical endeavours of two mates, Andy and Lance, part of the local metal detecting club, as they sought out historical treasures beneath the earth. The pair swapped the drudgery of their day-to-day jobs for the thrill of unearthing ancient artefacts, immersing viewers in their whimsical world of hobbyist discovery. Gaining a substantial cult following, Detectorists won new fans all over again when it appeared on Netflix, despite this acclaim and sparkling 100% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes for each of its series, there's no intention to unearth more episodes, reports Devon Live. In recent remarks to Deadline, Toby pondered the show's continuation, suggesting: "Once you've maybe found the Holy Grail there's very little place to go." Reflecting on the closure derived from the 2022 Christmas special finale, he added: "The idea of coming back after that would be very hard and also... it's very British and not very American – but there is a certain virtue to leaving people wanting more." These sentiments resonate with creator Mackenzie Crook's own stance from his 2024 interview with The Guardian, where he affirmed: "I won't be making any more Detectorists, but nobody should be sad. We made just the right amount." He then quipped: "Having said that, I know Toby is keen to do a live stadium tour.." Despite the clamour of devoted viewers, exemplified by one's review declaring the show "Brilliant, by every measure. TV gold." A viewer implored: "Wish there was a season 4 too! ! Awesome series!!" while another expressed admiration, saying: "A beautifully pleasant tv series......I loved it." Praise continued with one calling the series "outstanding," and an enthusiastic fan commenting: "I would give this 10 stars! ! The best TV show I have seen for sure. The script, the cast and the music. Everything. I absolutely love it! It gets more entertaining the more you watch it...I love every season. MacKenzie Crook can do wrong." Another devoted admirer shared: "This show is an absolute gem, I have watched all series 3 times and expect I will watch it again. It is perfectly cast, the humour is perfectly placed and the story is marvellous. Mackenzie Crook has hit a home run with this, the ending is brilliant but I would love if they do another series or even a special episode in the future."
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Toby Jones reveals disappointing update for BBC series hailed 'one of the best'
Toby Jones has poured cold water on hopes that the cult-followed BBC comedy Detectorists might return. Misfit detectorists – never metal detectors, that's what they use – Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) were last seen scouring the fields in the show's supersized 2022 Christmas special. Touted as the show's swansong, Jones has now said that a return after the feature-length episode is highly unlikely. The cult series, which was written and directed by star Crook, first aired in 2014 on the Beeb, but found a whole new section of fans during the Covid lockdowns and then again when the episodes dropped on Netflix. In a new interview, Jones laughed as he referred to the show's final special, telling Deadline: 'Once you've maybe found the Holy Grail there's very little place to go.' He continued: 'The idea of coming back after that would be very hard and also… it's very British and not very American – but there is a certain virtue to leaving people wanting more.' The show centred around middle-aged hobbyists Andy and Lance's time away from their nine to five, as they combed the field of the (fictional) town of Danebury looking for trophies long-lost from the Romans or Saxons. This low-key charm proved infectious. 'Those who found it felt they'd discovered something special,' Crook told the Guardian about the show's slow-burn success. After a scene-stealing stint in The Office, Crook said that when writing Detectorists, it was exactly that type of comedy he wanted to avoid. 'I deliberately set out to write something uncynical and removed from the awkward 'cringe comedy' that was prevalent at the time,' said Crook. Instead, Detectorists leaned into a witty but heartfelt rapport between its leads to find the laughs. Crook also addressed the possibility of the show's return in the same interview, recognising that there is fan demand for more, but reiterating that he has hung up his metal detector. 'I won't be making any more Detectorists, but nobody should be sad,' he told the publication. 'We made just the right amount. Having said that, I know Toby is keen to do a live stadium tour…' The show was met with glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike, currently holding an 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. TV viewers took to Google reviews to gush about the show, labelling it one of the best comedies of late and one they keep coming back to. 'I admit I have rewatched the whole series several times now and still laugh at the same things,' wrote Elli Jilek. 'One of the best comedic series to come out in recent times. More Trending 'If you want some genuine entertainment for your soul and mind, it's a must-see!' Jason Crowther shared another rave review, writing: 'I can honestly say that I have not viewed such a beautifully crafted show in years.' Duncan Spencer chimed in writing: 'How many times can you watch a Brit TV comedy? As it turns out, quite a lot. It's my favourite comedy EVER.' View More » Detectorists is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: BBC addresses fury after legendary band's final ever show wasn't filmed at Glastonbury MORE: BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86 MORE: Women's Euro 2025 TV channel schedule: How to watch every game in the UK
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC show We Might Regret This begins second series filming
BBC show We Might Regret This begins second series filming The first season of the BBC Two show - written by Kyla Harris and Lee Getty - followed a 30-year-old disabled Canadian woman called Freya The second series will follow Abe and Freya planning their wedding (Image: BBC ) Filming for the second series of the hit BBC comedy drama We Might Regret This has begun. The first season of the BBC Two show - written by Kyla Harris and Lee Getty - followed a 30-year-old disabled Canadian woman called Freya (Kyla) as she moved to London to live with her fiancé Abe (Darren Boyd), but as she cannot find an appropriate personal assistant to provide constant care for her, she enlists her best friend Jo (Elena Saurel) to take the job. It received critical acclaim, for its approach to disabilities and how it highlighted the difficulties wheelchair users face on a daily basis. In the new season - which is set in London - viewers will follow Freya and Abe on their "high-stress" wedding planning journey, and the audience will learn that the couple's views on marriage - and their visions for the ceremony - do not always match. Freya and Abe's plans are complicated further by her agents, The Olivias (Emma Sidi and Hanako Footman) - who get the couple to do a wedding-themed content creation campaign focused on disability inclusion. Viewers will also see Abe address his complicated history with Jo, as well as his trust issues after he sees Freya and her assistant together. Article continues below Detectorists star Sophie Thompson is joining the cast of We Might Regret This as Beanie McElroy - a designer who wants to help Freya with creating a wedding dress. Miranda legend Sally Phillips (Jane), Sex Education star Edward Bluemel (Levi), Call the Midwife actress Aasiya Shah (Ty) and Ghosts star Lolly Adefope (Susan) will all be reprising their roles from the first series. Kyla and Lee - who were nominated in the Emerging Talent category at the 2025 BAFTA TV Craft Awards - said: "We're beyond excited to be back on set with series two of We Might Regret This! "Expect more laughs, hard truths and nipples." We Might Regret This is being produced by Roughcut. Rebecca Murrell, Executive Producer for the company, added: "So delighted to be back in production on We Might Regret This. Article continues below "Series two reboots our knotty relationships with drama, hope and hilarity."
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Buckinghamshire man inspired by Detectorists finds £63k coin haul
A treasure hunter inspired by the BBC comedy Detectorists found a valuable Civil War coin haul just two months after taking up the hoard of 16th Century and 17th Century silver coins, which were discovered near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, fetched £63,000 at auction in Essex on Hickman searched farmland in March 2023 and could not believe his luck when he found the haul. He added: "It's a ridiculous story. I was detecting in a field with power cables above when I got this really puzzling signal."I looked up, thinking it was going to be those cables, but decided to dig because when you're starting out, you need to try everything to learn the good from the bad." After digging about 9 inches to "pinpointer depth", he got no signal, so he filled the hole in and carried on around the he had second thoughts and returned to the spot."Water was coming through the hole and I saw these grey slots poking out through the water," he recalled"Then I saw the edges of an orange pot- I sat back and felt disbelief."He later found the orange pot housed no fewer than 1,064 silver coins dating back to the reign of Elizabeth latest coins were minted in the autumn of 1642, the beginning of the English Civil War and just prior to the Battle of Aylesbury, which took place a few miles away at Holman's Bridge. Amongst the coins were 409 silver shillings, including rare coins struck locally in were also very rare issues from the Aberystwyth mint in coins were all recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, and Mr Hickman said the proceeds of the auction would be shared with the owner of the farm."I'd got written permission from the landowner, and everything over a £100 value gets split 50/50," he explained. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
