Latest news with #NicolaWalker
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge ITV drama ‘facing axe' dealt fresh blow as creator quits after he's slammed for woke storylines
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESPITE gaining a huge following since its launch a decade ago, cold case series Unforgotten feels to some fans as if it is losing its way a little. First, lead Nicola Walker was replaced in 2023, then this year's series was criticised for its woke storylines. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 ITV drama Unforgotten has been dealt another fresh blow after Nicola Walker, pictured, was replaced in 2023 Credit: Rex 4 Chris Lang, the writer behind the ITV thriller, wants to quit the series after next year's run Credit: Alamy Now Chris Lang, the brains behind the ITV thriller, says he wants to quit as writer after next year's run. He said: 'I'll probably hand on the baton after this series. I'll still be involved, but I've written 42 episodes and don't want to repeat myself.' In an interview with the Royal Television Society, Chris added: 'I wouldn't write it if I didn't have something to say about the state of the nation. 'Because Unforgotten has an inherent and robust structure, that allows me space to hold up a mirror to British society — it's a Trojan horse show.' But the show, which also stars Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil Khan, has been slammed by some viewers for those 'Trojan horse' storylines that deal with themes including immigration, racism and the Covid crisis. Taking to X, one remarked: 'I reckon one more series and this show will get mothballed or even fully axed. Unfortunately this one is a real box-ticking leftie crowd-pleaser.' Another posted: 'The woke mind virus has even taken hold of #Unforgotten' Another added: '#Unforgotten is forgettable. Another drama has gone woke.' A fourth said: '#itv how many woke boxes did you tick in that first episode? Lecturing your audience is so tedious.' Yet another stated: 'Given up on this load of woke garbage, supposed to be entertainment not propaganda.' Unforgotten star reveals surprise real-life family link to storyline - as hit ITV crime drama returns The first episode of last series, which aired in February, peaked at 7.4million viewers, making it the second highest-performing drama of last year. Chris also said that many viewers still hadn't forgiven the show for losing Nicola, who played DCI Cassie Stuart and replacing her with Sinead Keenan as new department chief, DCI Jessica James. He recalled how he was with his wife on holiday last year and met some American fans who were initially thrilled to discover Chris had written the show. But he said: 'The mood suddenly soured. One of the women went full Kathy Bates and said, 'You killed Nicola Walker!'. Here's hoping he hasn't killed off the whole show, too. WOULD I FLY TO YOU? 4 Rob Brydon IN Destination X, the BBC's new challenge show Credit: BBC HERE'S the first look at Rob Brydon as he launches Destination X, the BBC's brilliant new challenge show. Smartly dressed as a pilot, the Would I Lie To You? host can be seen getting the first nail-biting trial under way in the series that is part Traitors and part Race Across The World. And the contestants are in for a wild ride. The show, which launches later this month, sees them board a blacked-out bus where they are fed clues – and a few nasty red herrings – with one simple question at the end of each episode: Where in Europe are you? A £100,000 prize awaits the winner. But with the amount of Euro facts we'll all learn along the way, I reckon some of us will win big at the next pub quiz too. GLAD SPIN-OFF IS BACK THE Gladiators spin-off prank show proved such a hit with viewers it's back for a second series. I can reveal it will be shot when the lycra-clad muscle men and women convene this month to film the conventional show for BBC One. Gladiators: Epic Pranks is aimed at youngsters and sees the likes of Phantom and Giant playing tricks on one another, and members of the public, for the sadistic amusement of viewers. There will also be the celebrity spin-off, which usually airs around Christmas, at the same time as the regular show. But the names of the stars taking part have yet to be revealed. Watch this space . . . IT'S A FULL HOUSE IN LONDON MOST of you probably thought The Real Housewives Of London would be a bunch of filthy rich women carping at each other while gorging on various luxuries in the capital. Well, you're wrong – because they also go to Scotland. 4 Panthea Parker is one of the six cast members for Real Housewives of London Credit: Hayu Everything else is true, however, which is pretty evident in the trailer which has just been released ahead of the new show streaming on Hayu from August 18. It's like a game of posh princess bingo, with mentions of diamond bracelets, facelifts, caviar, castles – and, of course, oodles of money. Some of the interactions between the warring women are a delight. In the trailer, one tells another: 'You're just a chronic liar and an insecure tw*t!' Another tells a rival: 'You're a f***ing bitch, a low life and mutton dressed as lamb.' Can. Not. Wait.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge ITV drama ‘facing axe' dealt fresh blow as creator quits after he's slammed for woke storylines
DESPITE gaining a huge following since its launch a decade ago, cold case series Unforgotten feels to some fans as if it is losing its way a little. First, lead 4 ITV drama Unforgotten has been dealt another fresh blow after Nicola Walker, pictured, was replaced in 2023 Credit: Rex 4 Chris Lang, the writer behind the ITV thriller, wants to quit the series after next year's run Credit: Alamy Now Chris Lang, the brains behind the ITV thriller, says he wants to quit as writer after next year's run. He said: 'I'll probably hand on the baton after this series. I'll still be involved, but I've written 42 episodes and don't want to repeat myself.' In an interview with the Royal Television Society, Chris added: 'I wouldn't write it if I didn't have something to say about the state of the nation. 'Because Unforgotten has an inherent and robust structure, that allows me space to hold up a mirror to British society — it's a Trojan horse show.' READ MORE TV NEWS But the show, which also stars Sanjeev Bhaskar as DI Sunil Khan, has been slammed by some viewers for those 'Trojan horse' storylines that deal with themes including immigration , racism and the Covid crisis. Taking to X, one remarked: 'I reckon one more series and this show will get mothballed or even fully axed. Unfortunately this one is a real box-ticking leftie crowd-pleaser.' Another posted: 'The woke mind virus has even taken hold of #Unforgotten' Another added: '#Unforgotten is forgettable. Another drama has gone woke.' Most read in News TV A fourth said: '#itv how many woke boxes did you tick in that first episode? Lecturing your audience is so tedious.' Yet another stated: 'Given up on this load of woke garbage, supposed to be entertainment not propaganda.' Unforgotten star reveals surprise real-life family link to storyline - as hit ITV crime drama returns The first episode of last series, which aired in February, peaked at 7.4million viewers, making it the second highest-performing drama of last year. Chris also said that many viewers still hadn't forgiven the show for losing Nicola, who played DCI Cassie Stuart and replacing her with Sinead Keenan as new department chief, DCI Jessica James. He recalled how he was with his wife on holiday last year and met some American fans who were initially thrilled to discover Chris had written the show. But he said: 'The mood suddenly soured. One of the women went full Kathy Bates and said, 'You killed Nicola Walker!'. Here's hoping he hasn't killed off the whole show, too. WOULD I FLY TO YOU? 4 Rob Brydon IN Destination X, the BBC's new challenge show Credit: BBC HERE'S the first look at Rob Brydon as he launches Destination X, the BBC's brilliant new challenge show. Smartly dressed as a pilot, the Would I Lie To You? host can be seen getting the first nail-biting trial under way in the series that is part Traitors and part Race Across The World. And the contestants are in for a wild ride. The show, which launches later this month, sees them board a blacked-out bus where they are fed clues – and a few nasty red herrings – with one simple question at the end of each episode: Where in Europe are you? A £100,000 prize awaits the winner. But with the amount of Euro facts we'll all learn along the way, I reckon some of us will win big at the next pub quiz too. GLAD SPIN-OFF IS BACK THE Gladiators spin-off prank show proved such a hit with viewers it's back for a second series. I can reveal it will be shot when the lycra-clad muscle men and women convene this month to film the conventional show for BBC One. Gladiators: Epic Pranks is aimed at youngsters and sees the likes of Phantom and Giant playing tricks on one another, and members of the public, for the sadistic amusement of viewers. There will also be the celebrity spin-off, which usually airs around Christmas, at the same time as the regular show. But the names of the stars taking part have yet to be revealed. Watch this space . . . IT'S A FULL HOUSE IN LONDON MOST of you probably thought The Real Housewives Of London would be a bunch of filthy rich women carping at each other while gorging on various luxuries in the capital. Well, you're wrong – because they also go to Scotland . 4 Panthea Parker is one of the six cast members for Real Housewives of London Credit: Hayu Everything else is true, however, which is pretty evident in the trailer which has just been released ahead of the new show streaming on Hayu from August 18. It's like a game of posh princess bingo , with mentions of diamond bracelets, facelifts, caviar, castles – and, of course, oodles of money . Some of the interactions between the warring women are a delight. In the trailer, one tells another: 'You're just a chronic liar and an insecure tw*t!' Another tells a rival: 'You're a f***ing bitch, a low life and mutton dressed as lamb.' Can. Not. Wait.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Attempted murder arrests after boy, 15, stabbed
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed in a country park. The boy was found injured on Margaret Terrace in New Herrington, Sunderland at about 18:10 BST on Friday, Northumbria Police said. He was taken to hospital for treatment and his injuries were described as not life-threatening. Two boys, aged 16, and one girl, 15, are being questioned in police custody. Ch Supt Nicola Walker said the force believed the boy was stabbed in Herrington Country Park. She appealed for witnesses to come forward. "We know this is a high footfall area, and it's likely there were lots of people in and around the park the time of the incident," she said. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Northumbria Police
Business Upturn
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Is ‘Annika' returning for season 3? Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on April 24, 2025, 17:30 IST Last updated April 24, 2025, 11:47 IST Fans of the Scottish crime drama Annika are eagerly awaiting news about a potential third season. With its gripping mysteries, unique fourth-wall-breaking style, and the brilliant Nicola Walker in the lead, the show has captured hearts worldwide. After the shocking cliffhanger in Season 2, viewers are desperate to know: Is Annika returning for Season 3? Here's everything we know about the release date speculation, cast, plot details, and more. Will There Be an Annika Season 3? As of April 2025, there has been no official confirmation from Alibi, BBC, or PBS Masterpiece regarding Annika Season 3. However, the lack of an announcement doesn't mean the show is canceled. The series, based on the BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded , has a strong fanbase, with Season 2 ending on a major cliffhanger that strongly suggests more stories to tell. Annika Season 3 Release Date Speculation Without official confirmation, predicting Annika Season 3's release date is tricky. Based on the two-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2, a late 2025 or early 2026 premiere seems most likely. Annika Season 3 Expected Cast If Annika Season 3 is greenlit, we expect most of the main cast to return, continuing the story of the Glasgow Marine Homicide Unit (MHU). Based on Season 2's developments, here's who we anticipate seeing: Nicola Walker as DI Annika Strandhed: The witty, literature-loving detective who breaks the fourth wall. Jamie Sives as DS Michael McAndrews: Annika's colleague and Morgan's biological father, whose relationship with Annika and Morgan will likely deepen. Katie Leung as DC Blair Ferguson: The team's data expert, whose pregnancy storyline concluded in Season 2. Silvie Furneaux as Morgan Strandhed: Annika's teenage daughter, navigating her new connection with Michael. Varada Sethu as DC Harper Weston: The new recruit who joined in Season 2. Kate Dickie as DCI Diane Oban: The head of the MHU. Paul McGann as Jake Strathearn: Annika's love interest and Morgan's former therapist. Sven Henriksen as Magnus Strandhed: Annika's father, now a prime suspect in a murder case. Annika Season 3 Potential Plot The Annika Season 2 finale left fans reeling with a major cliffhanger: Annika's father, Magnus Strandhed, emerged as the prime suspect in the murder of Jacqueline 'Jackie' Drummond. Annika's final fourth-wall plea—'Help me!'—signaled her emotional turmoil as she faces the possibility of her father's guilt. This sets the stage for a dramatic Season 3. Here's what we expect from the plot of Annika Season 3: Magnus' Murder Case: The central storyline will likely focus on Annika confronting her father's potential involvement in Jackie's death. This personal-professional conflict will test Annika's resolve, exploring themes of family loyalty and justice. Her strained relationship with Magnus, established in Season 1, will add emotional depth. Annika and Morgan's Relationship: Annika's bond with her teenage daughter, Morgan, remains a core subplot. Season 2 revealed Michael McAndrews as Morgan's father, a secret Morgan now knows. Season 3 will likely explore how Morgan adjusts to this revelation and her place in Michael's extended family. Marine Homicide Unit Cases: True to its procedural format, Season 3 will feature new aquatic murder mysteries. Annika's literary references—think Walter Scott or Robert Louis Stevenson—will continue to frame each case, blending dark humor with gritty investigations. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
BBC News
10-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Mayor demands resolution ahead of permanent Birmingham bin strike
The mayor of the West Midlands has demanded a resolution to the ongoing bin worker strikes in Birmingham on the eve of a full walkout by staff. Refuse workers have staged a series of one-day strikes across the city since January over pay and working conditions. In February, trade union Unite said staff had voted to move to all-out action from a statement, Birmingham City Council said the escalation would lead to "greater disruption to residents, despite the fair and reasonable offer that the council made to the union". Speaking ahead of the strike, Richard Parker, mayor for the West Midlands, said the union and the council should sit down to find a resolution as a "matter of urgency". "This bin strike is doing damage to the people of Birmingham," he said. "They're not getting their waste collected and their streets are getting increasingly filthy. "Both sides need to sit down in earnest and with real seriousness to address this issue. " Union bosses have said the strikes started due to a dispute over pay and conditions, particularly the loss of a certain job role. Residents are also voicing their frustration over the situation, with a petition which calls on the Labour-run council to "take immediate action to resolve the ongoing failures" attracting more than 4,000 signatures as of Monday. The petition's organiser, Nicola Walker, wrote that overflowing bins "attract pests and create foul smells" and demanded an immediate resolution."The council are leaving the streets full of rubbish which in turn will make the city's rat problem even worse," one resident City Council have been approached for further comment. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
