Latest news with #MurderMostPuzzling
Leader Live
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Channel 4 The Couple Next Door Series 2: Full cast list
The first season focused on a couple moving onto a new street and getting involved in a messy multi-person romance, which spiralled out of control. Series 2 will focus on Annabel Scholey's Charlotte, a heart surgeon, and her husband Jacob (Sam Palladio), a consultant anaesthetist. From the outside looking in, they appear to be the perfect couple, but the arrival of mysterious new nurse Mia (Aggy K Adams) and the return of Charlotte's old flame Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy) turns everything on its head. A synopsis on the Radio Times says: "Leo's return sparks a change in Charlotte and Mia seizes the opportunity to work her way into Jacob and Charlotte's confidence, their street, and eventually even their bed, befriending cul-de-sac outcast Alan (Hugh Dennis) along the way. "But it's not long before Mia's past comes back to haunt her, leading Charlotte and Jacob to question who she really is, especially when patients at the hospital start mysteriously dying. "One thing is clear - giving in to their desires could have deadly consequences." Hugh Dennis is notably the only actor from the first series to return, having played creepy neighbour Alan. Annabel Scholey and Sam Palladio share some details on the steamy new series of The Couple Next Door 🔥 in the latest issue of the Radio Times Discussing what's to come, writer David Allison shared: "The first series was about two couples that collided with each other – a square. "Whereas this is more two love triangles... so the dynamic is really different. "The other thing is this is about characters who are a little bit older. They're in their 40s – it's about a mid-life crisis and there's different things going on in those relationships as well." Recommended reading: Everything to know about series 2 of BBC drama The Gold starring Hugh Bonneville Everything to know on ITV police thriller Suspicion starring Uma Thurman Everything to know on Channel 5's Murder Most Puzzling starring Phyllis Logan In total, there will be six episodes for the second series of The Couple Next Door. The first one will air at 9pm on Monday, July 14 on Channel 4, with the second and third following in the same timeslot on the next two days. At the time of writing, the timeslots for the final three episodes have not been confirmed, but they could be in the same pattern as the first three.
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Downton Abbey actress joins real life husband on-screen in Channel 5 crime drama
Downton Abbey actress Phyllis Logan was reunited with her husband Kevin McNally on-screen in the latest instalment of a Channel 5 crime drama Downton Abbey's Phyllis Logan has been reunited on our screens with her real-life spouse, Kevin McNally, in Channel 5's gripping crime series, Murder Most Puzzling. The show, an adaptation of the much-lauded Puzzle Lady Mysteries from the mind of author Parnell Hall, follows sleuth Cora Felton whose exceptional crossword-solving talents see her become a surprising asset to the police department in a sleepy town. McNally, known for his roles in epic franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and acclaimed series including The Crown and Unforgotten, portrays Gilbert – a potential romantic fixture in Cora's life. According to the episode narrative, "Cora is distracted by love, as she's wooed by a charming suitor, Gilbert. When Sherry says he seems too good to be true, it causes a rift between the women but plants a seed of doubt in Cora's mind." Phyllis first encountered Kevin on the set of Love and Reason, back in 1993. It wasn't until well into their workforce years that they tied the knot in 2011, after becoming parents to their son David in 1996, reports Surrey Live. In a heart-to-heart with Mail Online in 2017, Phyllis divulged details about their unexpected romance: "I never thought real love. "The sort where your blood tingles and your world explodes with joy – would happen to me at my time of life," she shared. "I believed I had missed out. But I'm ever so glad it happened.'" Phyllis and Kevin, who recently played Jane Austen's parents in the BBC period drama Miss Austen, reunite as on-screen lovers in the new series Murder Most Puzzling. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic market town of Bakerbury, the show introduces us to Cora Felton, a crossword aficionado who lends her puzzle-solving prowess to the local police force when a murder mystery unfolds. The official synopsis for the series reveals: "After the body of a teenage girl is found in the local cemetery with an enigmatic clue in her pocket, Bakerbury Detective DCI Hooper seeks help from the town's newest, and most famous, resident – Cora Felton, AKA The Puzzle Lady." Cora's unconventional 'shoot first, ask questions never' method becomes an asset as she navigates through a web of murderers, swindlers, and dodgy officials. Despite harbouring a secret that could destroy her and those close to her, Cora's uncanny knack for unravelling murder mysteries stands out. "And, as it turns out, Bakerbury isn't as sleepy as it looks."
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC film about charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's horror Iranian prison ordeal will star Bafta-nominated actor
THE prison ordeal endured by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family will be featured in a BBC documentary and drama. 8 Joseph Fiennes is best known for playing William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love Credit: AP:Associated Press A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin is being made by the Beeb. The four-parter is based on forthcoming book A Yard Of Sky, written by the couple, and Nazanin will be played by Narges Rashidi. In the documentary, which will be screened alongside the drama, the couple talk in detail about what happened and how they are rebuilding their lives. READ MORE TV NEWS The BBC has yet to confirm when they will be shown. 8 A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being made by the BBC Credit: Getty Bella stars in dark comedy THE Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey will lead a Channel 4 drama called Maya, alongside Daisy Haggard. It follows a mum and daughter forced into a witness protection programme who relocate to a rural town in Scotland. The 'darkly comedic' six-parter starts filming later this year. A Grand return by Kevin GRAND Designs: House Of The Year is back as He will be joined by experts 8 Grand Designs: House Of The Year is back, pictured Kevin McCloud Credit: PA The final episode of the four-part series will then unveil the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2025. Most read in News TV Kevin said: 'This series celebrates a sparkling range of what's possible in domestic architecture today. It's a great privilege to be able to help uncover these gems of creative imagination – and of course it's a complete joy to be back presenting House of the Year alongside Natasha and Damion.' The series will hit our screens on Channel 4 later this year. Iconic Grand Designs 'perfect' house which couple spent 20 years 'painstakingly' renovating hits market for £1.5million Bear Necessities A FIFTH series of chef comedy drama The Bear starring Jeremy Allen White has been confirmed, hot on the heels of the fourth landing on Disney+ this week. John Landgraf, the boss of FX who make the show created by Christopher Storer, described it as a 'magnificent story'. Phyllis clues up with Kev She stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling on Channel 5 opposite hubby of 14 years 8 Phyllis Logan stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling Credit: Channel 5 The role is opposite They had already appeared together as man and wife in BBC One historical drama Miss Austen last year, then got to do it all over again months later. Phyllis, who will be in the third and final Downton Abbey movie playing housekeeper Mrs Carson this September, said: 'I had no idea that he was being offered the part and was surprised and delighted, since I'd been away from home for ages. 'It was lovely to have him visit and to bookend the year by working together again.' The latest episode of Murder Most Puzzling is on today at 8pm. Rider's murder riddle SKY will delve into the shocking death of When the promising young rider died unexpectedly aged 21 in 2020, it was believed she had taken her own life. 8 Sky will delve into the shocking death of showjumper Katie Simpson Then a local journalist in Northern Ireland realised there were similarities between her death and another cold case murder, which led to Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Katie's sister, standing trial. He denied charges of rape and murder but was found dead at home shortly after the trial began in 2024. The three-parter, Death of A Showjumper, which lands on Sky and NOW on July 16, will tell the story through personal accounts from friends and family, and insight from the investigation team. Sacha a hairy scary The Ali G and Borat comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale, complete with long hair and beard. 8 Sacha Baron Cohen is looking seriously scary in his latest role Credit: TNI Press 8 Sacha has finally been unveiled as evil adversary Mephisto in Disney+ Marvel miniseries Ironheart Credit: TNI Press The show is based around teenage genius Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who has created her own version of the Iron Man suit made famous by Robert Downey Jr in the movies. Mephisto appears to tempt Riri to change her troubled past – and make her suit even more powerful with his magic. 8 The comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale Credit: TNI Press
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Phyllis Logan's puzzling whodunnit is like a spoof of Midsomer Murders, says RONALD WHITE
Murder Most Puzzling - Channel 5 About halfway through Murder Most Puzzling, actor Adam Best delivered what is surely the most whodunnit line ever: 'This is DI Hooper. A body has been found in the library.' Found? You'd have to be Chief Inspector Clouseau to have missed it. The bloodied corpse dropped from the balcony during amateur detective Cora Felton's birthday party — straight on top of the giant cake. But never mind the death, a bigger mystery was the party itself. Inspector Hooper's main job in this series is to look cross while telling Cora to mind her own business. Why would he organise her birthday party? And how do you slit a hard-bitten private investigator's throat and heave him over a balcony into a room full of police officers without anybody noticing? Murder Most Puzzling has been compared with the BBC 's hit Ludwig, mainly because Cora — like David Mitchell 's character — is a famous crossword compiler. But that's where the resemblance ends. Crosswords and logic are how Ludwig solves crimes, posing as his identical twin brother. There is also something darker lurking in the background, not to mention the suggestion that Ludwig fancies his sister-in-law. We only knew Phyllis Logan's Cora was a famous puzzler in this episode because everybody kept mentioning it. She could just as well be a celebrity chef. Her red specs were straight out of the Prue Leith eyewear range. This six-parter has none of the subtlety of Ludwig. Sometimes it was like watching a spoof episode of Midsomer Murders. There were some clever twists, but far too much seemed far too unlikely. It's a waste of Phyllis Logan, and at two hours, it's much too long (by contrast, the BBC's Death Valley is only 45 minutes). In last night's episode, Cora was hired to clear the name of a man in prison for killing his girlfriend. I don't want to give too much away, but the mayor of Bakerbury (Richard Croxford) could not have been a more obvious villain if he had a duelling scar, sported a twirly moustache, and stroked a white cat. Cora confronted him alone in his office, and it's a miracle she survived long enough to do this. Her preferred method of solving crimes seems to be meeting suspects in circumstances of obvious danger and asking if they've killed anybody recently. At least she had a gun when confronting one killer, who was caught in the act. Who knew crossword compilers were routinely armed? She also managed to force her way into the office of Mr Peacock, the rather limp governor of Bakerbury Prison and an early suspect, by bribing the guards with biscuits. Presumably, these guards were sacked following this outrageous security breach — and immediately recruited by RAF Brize Norton.
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Inside Phyllis Logan's life from tragic loss to famous film star husband
Inside Phyllis Logan's life from tragic loss to famous film star husband Ahead of Murder Most Puzzling's latest episode on Channel 5, let's take a look at the life of actress Phyllis Logan, who is best known for playing Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey. Murder Most Puzzling: Official trailer Phyllis Logan has gracefully transitioned from her role as Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey to lead a charming new crime series. Channel 5 recently premiered Murder Most Puzzling, featuring the talented Scottish actress Phyllis Logan as Cora, an avid crossword enthusiast. Upon relocating to the quaint town of Bakerbury with her niece, Cora soon finds herself exercising her sleuthing prowess, aiding the local constabulary with their cases. As we delve deeper into Murder Most Puzzling, here's what you should know about the star, Phyllis Logan. Early life Born in 1956 in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Logan was the youngest sibling, with a brother named Cameron and a sister called Ann. Her mother Betty and father David, who was both a Rolls-Royce engineer and trade union leader, raised her in a modest background. Article continues below Although she participated in school plays and was part of the film club, it wasn't until a friend's encouragement that Logan considered acting as a viable career path. Married actors Phyllis Logan and Kevin McNally in 2017. (Image: GETTY ) Unexpected Love Island couple favourite to win in surprise twist READ MORE: Speaking to Spokesman, Logan shared: "Because I came from a small town outside Glasgow, nobody from my school had ever gone into the acting profession. "It was just something you didn't do." Tragic loss Her talent shone through at her audition, securing her a spot at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Tragically, Logan's father passed away at 59 when she was only 20, never witnessing her flourish in her acting career. In a conversation with The Guardian, she expressed: "He was in intensive care and on a life-support machine for several months; it was horrible." She also reminisced about her parents during a chat with Spokesman in 2013, stating: "Sadly my father died before I graduated so he didn't see any of the success at all. "And my mum, bless her, who just died two years ago, she was very happy. I think she was proud of me." Famous husband Logan, famed for her roles in Lovejoy, Secrets and Lies, and Another Time, Another Place, met her future husband, actor Kevin McNally, on the set of the 1994 mini-series Love And Reason. McNally, recently seen in Miss Austen and Apartment 7A, is perhaps best recognised for his portrayal of Joshamee Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Having tied the knot in 2011 after welcoming their son David in 1996, Logan admitted she initially had reservations about dating a fellow actor. Speaking to The Guardian, she confessed: "I thought they were vain. "And I'd always sworn I'd never allow an actor across the threshold - but then love doesn't follow rules, does it?" Actress Phyllis Logan is famed for portraying Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey. (Image: ITV ) Downton Abbey ITV's iconic drama Downton Abbey spanned six successful seasons as it shared the tale of the Crawley family and their servants until its conclusion in 2015. The brand extended with two films, the original launched in 2019 followed by A New Era in 2022. Fans can now anticipate the third and ultimate cinematic instalment, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, hitting screens on September 12, 2025. As audiences prepare themselves for what's anticipated to be an emotional finale, Logan revealed to Radio Times that she won't be shedding tears over the conclusion. She said: "No, because it's probably - no, definitely - time to hang up our Downton keys and say goodbye. "I did love playing that character, so it's sad in a way that I won't be getting into that wig again and putting that chatelaine on.." What's next Alongside her role in Murder Most Puzzling, the 69-year-old actress has another intriguing project underway. Her IMDb page indicates that Logan is set to appear in the forthcoming A Taste For Murder, which is currently under production. The description states: "[A Taste For Murder] follows DCI Joe Mottram, a star detective with the Metropolitan police who, after a personal tragedy, retreats to Capri in Italy with his daughter to stay with his Italian in-laws for the summer." Article continues below In this new venture, Logan will take on the role of Elena Da Vinale and feature with acting talents such as Warren Brown from Luther, Beau Gadson of The Crown, and Cristiana Dell'Anna famed for Gomorrah. Murder Most Puzzling will continue to air every Thursday at 8pm on Channel 5.
