Latest news with #DestinationX
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
16 must watch TV series of the summer – from Keeley Hawes spy thriller to Danny Dyer comedy and return of Netflix hits
Keep an eye out for a new Netflix drama featuring Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan CAN'T MISS TV 16 must watch TV series of the summer – from Keeley Hawes spy thriller to Danny Dyer comedy and return of Netflix hits Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE summer telly schedules are bringing the heat — with can't-miss premieres and buzzy returns. Whether you want to escape with reality TV, like ITV's Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, or get bingeing with red-hot dramas such as Netflix's Squid Game, there are plenty of shows to keep you glued to the couch. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 14 Olivia Rodrigo will be among the famous faces at Glastonbury, which will be screened on the BBC Credit: Getty There's also the live drama of the Women's Euros and excitement of Glasto. And with the return of fan favourites such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Wednesday, you can settle in with some old friends. Jess Lester rounds up the best of the upcoming TV . . . Attack On London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers -Netflix, July 14 Former Prime Minister Tony Blair features in a documentary on the 7/7 bombings NETFLIX is no stranger to a true-crime documentary, and this time it has turned its attentions to London's worst terrorist attack. READ MORE ON TV FEELING EMPOWERED Corrie legend Sue Cleaver gives health update after quitting ITV soap Investigating the 2005 bombings, the four-part series follows the intense effort to track down those responsible for the attack on the city's public transport system, which killed 52 people and injured more than 700. Through interviews, archive footage and expert analysis, including with then PM Tony Blair, it celebrates the resilience of those who worked around the clock to put the guilty individuals behind bars. There is a deeper dive into the broader issues of terrorism, too. Destination X - BBC, July 14 Rob Brydon is set to host a new competition show, Destination X Credit: THERE'S a brand new travel adventure competition coming to the BBC, hosted by Rob Brydon. The show takes contestants on a journey on a blacked-out bus, sending them on a mystery road trip across Europe not telling them where they are, or where they are heading. Through a mix of clever challenges and red herrings, they must guess each destination or face elimination from the show, which is based on a popular Belgian format that launched last year. Think Race Across The World mixed with The Traitors, as there's set to be plenty of tension with psychological twists and turns, while Rob acts as the puppet master overseeing it all. And with prize money likely up for grabs, it's all to play for. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Prime Video, July 16 14 Amazon Prime Video show The Summer I Turned Pretty is back for a third series Credit: Erika Doss/Prime IT'S set to be an emotional finale as The Summer I Turned Pretty returns for its third series, finishing up Jenny Han's much-loved trilogy of books. This time, there's a two-year time jump as Belly (Lola Tung) is further into her college education. Season two saw her end things with Conrad, and instead choose other love interest Jeremiah. But as they plan their future together, possibly even a wedding, Conrad returns and reignites long-simmering feelings between him and Belly. With the love triangle at the centre of the story, there's a mammoth 11 episodes for Belly to figure out what she really wants. But will she? Squid Game - Netflix, June 27 14 Surprise Netflix hit Squid Game is back for another new series at the end of June Credit: Netflix SQUID Game took the world by storm in 2021, and now its highly anticipated third and final series hopes to captivate audiences once again. We see lead character Seong Gi-hun, below, regroup with Cho Sang-woo and Kang Sae-byeok after the failed armed uprising from the previous season. The survivors are determined to bring down the cruel billionaires who orchestrate the deadly games. However, to succeed, they must first continue playing the brutal competitions, all while secretly plotting their escape. But the question remains: Will they survive the games this time and finally end the nightmare? The Couple Next Door - Channel 4, July FOLLOWING the success of the first series on Channel 4 – it was the broadcaster's biggest scripted series streaming launch ever – the drama is back with a fresh storyline and new cast. In this next chapter, the plot centres around Charlotte Roberts (Annabel Scholey), a brilliant heart surgeon, and her husband Jacob (Sam Palladio), a consultant anaesthetist. Things will be turned upside down when mysterious new hospital colleague Mia (Aggy K Adams, above) rents the house next door and becomes entangled in their personal and professional lives. While Charlotte navigates the reappearance of her past flame, the hunky Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy), only time will tell whether Mia will spell disaster for the formerly happily married pair. The Assassin - Prime Video, July 14 Keeley Hawes is set to star in new Prime Video drama The Assassin Credit: THE ASSASSIN 2025 © Prime Video/Two Brothers Pictures/ Photographer: Robert Viglasky KEELEY HAWES and Freddie Highmore, above, star in this tense six-parter which sees the duo battling it out in a globe-spanning showdown. Keeley plays Julie, a retired assassin who is enjoying a quiet life on a remote Greek island – until her estranged son Edward arrives, that is. He has come to ask questions about his father, but it sets a whole chain of events in motion. Julie and Edward, played by The Good Doctor's Freddie, go on to uncover a dark conspiracy and are forced to head off on the run. Julie's complicated past then resurfaces and her fractured relationship with her son is put to the ultimate test. The Bear - Disney+, June 26 14 The Bear is back for a new series after the last ended on a cliffhanger Credit: 2025, FX. All rights reserved. IN what is likely to be the final series of Disney+'s much-loved drama, Jeremy Allen White is in a race against time to secure the restaurant's future. At the end of the last series, the restaurant was ripped apart by a review in The Chicago Tribune. Joined once again by Ayo Edebiri's Sydney, Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Richie and the rest of The Bear crew, Chef Carmy (White, above) will once again be chasing Michelin glory. It's all under wraps, but the cast will likely be packed with even more guest appearances, after series three featured John Cena, Thomas Keller and Will Poulter. Glastonbury - BBC, from June 27 THE BBC is showing more than 90 hours of the festival, with live streams from five main stages, and on-demand content for 30 days. The likes of Clara Amgo, Jo Whiley, Lauren Laverne and Huw Stephens will be there to guide viewers through the action on the iPlayer Glastonbury Channel. Neil Young The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Raye, Loyle Carner and Jorja Smith will all hit the screens, alongside some surprise 'secret' acts. The channel will also have special recap montages from previous festivals, including Beyonce and Coldplay. The Hostage - Netflix, August 21 14 Suranne Jones returns to our screens playing a Prime Minister in a new Netflix drama Credit: Des Willie/Netflix SHE'S played some big characters and now Suranne Jones, takes on the role of Prime Minister Abigail Dalton in this hot Netflix thriller. But her life is turned upside down when her husband is kidnapped and she is forced to work together with the French President, a long-time rival. The two powerful women, who are also being blackmailed, have to navigate betrayal, danger and looming threats to their careers and personal lives in this twisting five-parter. Also featuring are Queen Charlotte hunk Corey Mylchreest, Miss Scarlet's Sophie Robertson, Before Sunrise actress Julie Delpy and actor and musician Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas. Dora And The Search For Sol Dorado - Paramount+, July 4 STARTING off as an animation series in 2000, Dora The Explorer had her first live action film in 2019's Lost City Of Gold. Now she is back for more adventuring. This time, teenage Dora, played by Samantha Lorraine, is embarking on a new journey deep in the jungle on a quest to find the mythical treasure of Sol Dorado. Along the way she will have to battle villains, with the help of her loyal cousin Diego, archaeologist Camila the Crusader and her trusty sidekick Boots the monkey. After making its premiere on kids' channel Nickelodeon UK on July 2, it will be available to stream – for kids and adults – on Paramout+. The Institute - MGM+, July 13 14 Martin Freeman's son Joe features in Stephen King-based horror The Institute Credit: Chris Reardon/MGM+ BASED on a 2019 novel by horror writer Stephen King, this eight-episode thriller follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who is kidnapped and wakes up in a mysterious facility where children with unusual abilities are being held against their will. As Luke (played by Martin Freeman's son Joe) plots his escape, a former police officer, who has moved to the town for a quiet life, uncovers disturbing facts about the place, known as The Institute. Expect Stranger Things-style superpowers and the same kind of simmering discomfort as Stephen's previous TV adaptations, Castle Rock and The Outsider. Mr Bigstuff - Sky, July 14 Danny Dyer is back for a new series of Bafta winning comedy Mr Bigstuff Credit: ©Sky UK AFTER winning a Bafta for its first series, Sky's hit comedy returns for a second run, reuniting Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as brothers Glen and Lee. This time, the Essex duo navigate the Earth-shattering revelation that their dad might still be alive, sending the pair into a meltdown over how to locate him. Meanwhile, secrets threaten to tear the family apart. Expect a host of new characters, including Rula Lenska as the eccentric Rita, and Shaun Williamson playing a surprisingly angry children's entertainer. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters - ITV, July 14 A brand new reality show will test the fears of celebrities when they dive with sharks WHAT better way to mark the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws than to challenge a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to dive alongside sharks? Filmed off the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas, this new reality format sees the group coming face to face with increasingly larger and more dangerous sharks. The high-stakes, five-part show will feature Sir Lenny Henry, Rachel Riley, Ross Noble, Ade Adepitan, Helen George, Dougie Poynter and Lucy Punch. From panic attacks to near-miss encounters with the apex predators, the celebrities will be pushed to their personal limits in what is sure to make fun viewing. Wednesday - Netflix, August 6 14 Addams Family inspired drama Wednesday is back for an eagerly awaited new series Credit: JONATHAN HESSION/NETFLIX HIT series Wednesday became Netflix's most-watched English-language series of all time, in large part thanks to Jenna Ortega's deadpan performance of the iconic Addams Family character. And after solidifying itself in pop culture with the help of a viral dance, there's little surprise the series is back, this time with a darker mystery. Wednesday returns to boarding school Nevermore only to discover there is a serial killer on the loose. Series two brings back fan favourites Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley, while fresh faces on the cast list include Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley. Uefa Women's Euros - ITV & BBC, from July 2 14 There is live sport to get excited about when the Women's European Championships kick off Credit: Getty THE BBC and ITV are sharing coverage of the Women's Euros in Switzerland as the Lionesses, captained by Leah Williamson try to retain their crown. BBC Sport will air half of the group-stage matches, including both England and Wales' games against the Netherlands, as well as three of the tense quarter-finals. Commentary and analysis will come from Gabby Logan, Jeanette Kwakye, Alex Scott, Ellen White, Jill Scott and Steph Houghton. The England v Wales clash on July 13 will be a big live draw for ITV. Both channels will simultaneously broadcast the final on July 27. Thursday Murder Club - Netflix, August 28 14 Screen legends Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are set to feature in Thursday Murder Club Credit: Giles Keyte/Netflix RICHARD Osman's best-selling first book is hitting the box with a star-studded cast. The series follows sharp-witted retirees – ex-spy Elizabeth, former union activist Ron, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim and nurse Joyce – in a fancy village for old folks who meet to solve cold cases. But then they find themselves caught up in a current murder that happens on their doorstep – and like the nosy old folk they are, they get to work trying to solve it. With a cast list that includes Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, above, plus Sir Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, David Tennant, Sir Jonathan Pryce and Tom Ellis, this one is not to be missed.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
16 must watch TV series of the summer – from Keeley Hawes spy thriller to Danny Dyer comedy and return of Netflix hits
THE summer telly schedules are bringing the heat — with can't-miss premieres and buzzy returns. Whether you want to escape with reality TV, like ITV's Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, or get bingeing with red-hot dramas such as Netflix's Squid Game, there are plenty of shows to keep you glued to the couch. 14 Olivia Rodrigo will be among the famous faces at Glastonbury, which will be screened on the BBC Credit: Getty There's also the live drama of the And with the return of fan favourites such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Wednesday, you can settle in with some old friends. Jess Lester rounds up the best of the upcoming TV . . . Attack On London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers -Netflix, July 14 Former Prime Minister Tony Blair features in a documentary on the 7/7 bombings NETFLIX is no stranger to a true-crime documentary, and this time it has turned its attentions to London's worst terrorist attack. READ MORE ON TV Through interviews , archive footage and expert analysis, including with then PM Tony Blair, it celebrates the resilience of those who worked around the clock to put the guilty individuals behind bars. There is a deeper dive into the broader issues of terrorism, too. Destination X - BBC, July 14 Rob Brydon is set to host a new competition show, Destination X Credit: THERE'S a Most read in News TV The show takes contestants on a journey on a blacked-out bus, sending them on a mystery road trip across Europe not telling them where they are, or where they are heading. Through a mix of clever challenges and red herrings, they must guess each destination or face elimination from the show, which is based on a popular Belgian format that launched last year. Think And with prize money likely up for grabs, it's all to play for. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Prime Video, July 16 14 Amazon Prime Video show The Summer I Turned Pretty is back for a third series Credit: Erika Doss/Prime IT'S set to be an emotional finale as The Summer I Turned Pretty returns for its third series, finishing up Jenny Han's much-loved trilogy of books. This time, there's a two-year time jump as Belly (Lola Tung) is further into her college education. Season two saw her end things with Conrad, and instead choose other love interest Jeremiah. But as they plan their future together, possibly even a wedding, Conrad returns and reignites long-simmering feelings between him and Belly. With the love triangle at the centre of the story, there's a mammoth 11 episodes for Belly to figure out what she really wants. But will she? Squid Game - Netflix, June 27 14 Surprise Netflix hit Squid Game is back for another new series at the end of June Credit: Netflix SQUID Game took the world by storm in 2021, and now its highly anticipated third and final series hopes to captivate audiences once again. We see lead character Seong Gi-hun, below, regroup with Cho Sang-woo and Kang Sae-byeok after the failed armed uprising from the previous season. The survivors are determined to bring down the cruel billionaires who orchestrate the deadly games. However, to succeed, they must first continue playing the brutal competitions , all while secretly plotting their escape. But the question remains: Will they survive the games this time and finally end the nightmare? The Couple Next Door - Channel 4, July FOLLOWING the success of the first series on Channel 4 – it was the broadcaster's biggest scripted series streaming launch ever – the drama is back with a fresh storyline and new cast. In this next chapter, the plot centres around Charlotte Roberts (Annabel Scholey), a brilliant heart surgeon, and her husband Jacob (Sam Palladio), a consultant anaesthetist. Things will be turned upside down when mysterious new hospital colleague Mia (Aggy K Adams, above) rents the house next door and becomes entangled in their personal and professional lives. While Charlotte navigates the reappearance of her past flame, the hunky Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy), only time will tell whether Mia will spell disaster for the formerly happily married pair. The Assassin - Prime Video, July 14 Keeley Hawes is set to star in new Prime Video drama The Assassin Credit: THE ASSASSIN 2025 © Prime Video/Two Brothers Pictures/ Photographer: Robert Viglasky Keeley plays Julie, a retired assassin who is enjoying a quiet life on a remote Greek island – until her estranged son Edward arrives, that is. He has come to ask questions about his father, but it sets a whole chain of events in motion. Julie and Edward, played by The Good Doctor's Freddie, go on to uncover a dark conspiracy and are forced to head off on the run. Julie's complicated past then resurfaces and her fractured relationship with her son is put to the ultimate test. The Bear - Disney+, June 26 14 The Bear is back for a new series after the last ended on a cliffhanger Credit: 2025, FX. All rights reserved. IN what is likely to be the final series of Disney+'s much-loved drama, Jeremy Allen White is in a race against time to secure the restaurant's future. At the end of the last series, the restaurant was ripped apart by a review in The Chicago Tribune. Joined once again by Ayo Edebiri's Sydney , Ebon Moss-Bachrach's Richie and the rest of The Bear crew, Chef Carmy (White, above) will once again be chasing Michelin glory. It's all under wraps, but the cast will likely be packed with even more guest appearances, after series three featured John Cena, Thomas Keller and Will Poulter. Glastonbury - BBC, from June 27 THE BBC is showing more than 90 hours of the festival, with live streams from five main stages, and on-demand content for 30 days. The likes of Clara Amgo, Jo Whiley, Lauren Laverne and Huw Stephens will be there to guide viewers through the action on the iPlayer Glastonbury Channel. Neil Young The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, The channel will also have special recap montages from previous festivals, including Beyonce and Coldplay. The Hostage - Netflix, August 21 14 Suranne Jones returns to our screens playing a Prime Minister in a new Netflix drama Credit: Des Willie/Netflix SHE'S played some big characters and now But her life is turned upside down when her husband is kidnapped and she is forced to work together with the French President, a long-time rival. The two powerful women, who are also being blackmailed, have to navigate betrayal, danger and looming threats to their careers and personal lives in this twisting five-parter. Also featuring are Queen Charlotte hunk Corey Mylchreest, Miss Scarlet's Sophie Robertson, Before Sunrise actress Julie Delpy and actor and musician Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas. Dora And The Search For Sol Dorado - Paramount+, July 4 STARTING off as an animation series in 2000, Dora The Explorer had her first live action film in 2019's Lost City Of Gold. Now she is back for more adventuring. This time, teenage Dora, played by Samantha Lorraine , is embarking on a new journey deep in the jungle on a quest to find the mythical treasure of Sol Dorado. Along the way she will have to battle villains, with the help of her loyal cousin Diego, archaeologist Camila the Crusader and her trusty sidekick Boots the monkey. After making its premiere on kids' channel Nickelodeon UK on July 2, it will be available to stream – for kids and adults – on Paramout+. The Institute - MGM+, July 13 14 Martin Freeman's son Joe features in Stephen King-based horror The Institute Credit: Chris Reardon/MGM+ BASED on a 2019 novel by horror writer Stephen King, this eight-episode thriller follows 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis, who is kidnapped and wakes up in a mysterious facility where children with unusual abilities are being held against their will. As Luke (played by Martin Freeman's son Joe) plots his escape, a former police officer, who has moved to the town for a quiet life, uncovers disturbing facts about the place, known as The Institute. Expect Stranger Things-style superpowers and the same kind of simmering discomfort as Stephen's previous TV adaptations, Castle Rock and The Outsider. Mr Bigstuff - Sky, July 14 Danny Dyer is back for a new series of Bafta winning comedy Mr Bigstuff Credit: ©Sky UK AFTER winning a Bafta for its first series, Sky's hit comedy returns for a second run, reuniting Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as brothers Glen and Lee. This time, the Essex duo navigate the Earth-shattering revelation that their dad might still be alive, sending the pair into a meltdown over how to locate him. Meanwhile, secrets threaten to tear the family apart. Expect a host of new characters, including Rula Lenska as the eccentric Rita, and Shaun Williamson playing a surprisingly angry children's entertainer. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters - ITV, July 14 A brand new reality show will test the fears of celebrities when they dive with sharks WHAT better way to mark the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws than to challenge a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to dive alongside sharks? Filmed off the coast of Bimini in the Bahamas, this new reality format sees the group coming face to face with increasingly larger and more dangerous sharks. The high-stakes, five-part show will feature Sir From panic attacks to near-miss encounters with the apex predators, the celebrities will be pushed to their personal limits in what is sure to make fun viewing. Wednesday - Netflix, August 6 14 Addams Family inspired drama Wednesday is back for an eagerly awaited new series Credit: JONATHAN HESSION/NETFLIX HIT series Wednesday became Netflix's most-watched English-language series of all time, in large part thanks to Jenna Ortega's deadpan performance of the iconic Addams Family character. And after solidifying itself in pop culture with the help of a viral dance, there's little surprise the series is back, this time with a darker mystery. Wednesday returns to boarding school Nevermore only to discover there is a serial killer on the loose. Series two brings back fan favourites Morticia, Gomez and Pugsley, while fresh faces on the cast list include Steve Buscemi and Joanna Lumley . Uefa Women's Euros - ITV & BBC, from July 2 14 There is live sport to get excited about when the Women's European Championships kick off Credit: Getty THE BBC and ITV are sharing coverage of the Women's Euros in Switzerland as the Lionesses, captained by BBC Sport will air half of the group-stage matches, including both England and Wales' games against the Netherlands , as well as three of the tense quarter-finals. Commentary and analysis will come from The England v Wales clash on July 13 will be a big live draw for ITV. Both channels will simultaneously broadcast the final on July 27. Thursday Murder Club - Netflix, August 28 14 Screen legends Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are set to feature in Thursday Murder Club Credit: Giles Keyte/Netflix RICHARD Osman's best-selling first book is hitting the box with a star-studded cast. The series follows sharp-witted retirees – ex-spy Elizabeth, former union activist Ron, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim and nurse Joyce – in a fancy village for old folks who meet to solve cold cases. But then they find themselves caught up in a current murder that happens on their doorstep – and like the nosy old folk they are, they get to work trying to solve it. With a cast list that includes Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, above, plus Sir Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie,
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Race Across The World copycat show launching this year promising 'high stakes' and 'spectacular gameplay'
A Race Across The World copycat show is launching later this year, promising 'high stakes' and 'spectacular gameplay'. Destination X, presented by Gavin and Stacey's Rob Brydon, sees contestants dropped off at a random location - and they have to work out where. Set to air on the BBC, it is strikingly similar to the broadcaster's beloved programme Race Across The World, which has run to five series so far since it started in 2019. The competition sees pairs of travellers compete to traverse a cross-continental route without smartphones, air travel, the internet or credit cards - and on a limited budget. The latest series ended last week, with mother and son duo Caroline and Tom narrowly claiming victory and taking home the £20,000 cash prize. But with the trailer for Destination X airing after the finale episode, as filming has already taken place, Race Across The World fans will soon get their next fix of travel contests. Set to air on the BBC, it is strikingly similar to the broadcaster's beloved programme Race Across The World (pictured, the contestants on the latest series), which has run to five series so far since it started in 2019 Based on a Belgian series, after a US version also came out earlier this year, the new programme will see participants travel on a blacked-out bus to an unknown location. They will take on challenges and games during their journey, which will provide clues as to where they are - and a couple of red herrings to keep them guessing. But at the end of each episode, the contestant who places an X on the map the furthest away from their actual destination will be kicked off the bus and sent home. The first player to reach the final mystery place, the titular Destination X, will be crowned the winner. It is not known exactly yet what their prize will be - but the recent American version offered an eye-watering jackpot of $250,000 (around £184,000). The BBC's synopsis for Destination X reads: 'Merging fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition series, viewers will follow contestants as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime but have no idea where they are... 'With high stakes and mind-blowing spectacular gameplay, the series will continuously keep viewers engaged and take them along for the ride.' Host Rob, 59, best known as Bryn West on Gavin and Stacey, leapt straight into filming in October last year, just a week after wrapping on filming for the Christmas special of the classic BBC sitcom. A TV source told The Sun at the time: 'Destination X is going to be massive for the BBC and they wanted a familiar face to take it on. 'Rob is very well liked and is incredibly funny, so he seemed the ideal candidate to present the show. 'Filming begins in the mystery location this week.' The BBC has reportedly invested £20million on the travel show and is hoping the series will be 'better than The Traitors'. Involving similar strategy and scheming, it is sure to be a hit with fans of the beloved BBC reality show, which started in 2022 and has since spawned multiple international versions. In fact, Destination X was quietly commissioned back in April 2023, as a joint effort between the BBC and American channel NBC after both hit the jackpot with their respective Traitors programmes. BBC director of unscripted Kate Phillips said in 2023: 'Following the must-see success of The Traitors, I'm delighted that once again we're partnering with NBCUniversal on another very smart, very addictive and very innovative competition show. 'With countless red herrings and brain-teasing clues, we were gripped from the start. 'It promises to be a hugely challenging adventure for our ten brave contestants, with plenty of play along for all BBC viewers, as everyone hopes they've got the "X" that marks the spot!' The broadcaster has thrown all its might behind the new programme, by appointing well-liked Rob as host. The presenter of BBC comedy panel show Would I Lie To You? said: 'How could I turn down the opportunity to become the mastermind of Destination X, the thrilling new travel adventure series coming to the BBC next year? 'It's a show that turns the whole of Europe into a board game - manipulating the players and the audience at home along the way. 'I can't wait to be the puppet master orchestrating every twist and turn as our contestants are taken on a journey where everything is not as it seems. 'It's going to be a wild ride!' It comes after mother and son Caroline, 61, and Tom, 21, took the crown on the latest series of Race Across The World. The fifth series saw the travellers take on an almost 9,000-mile route from the Great Wall Of China, through Nepal, to the southern tip of India, with a budget of just over £1,000 per person. The pair narrowly claimed victory, taking home the £20,000 prize, with sisters Elizabeth and Letitia only 19 minutes behind them. And after the programme aired, Caroline spoke out about the secret battles their epic 51-day journey helped her overcome. Caroline and Tom spoke extensively on the show about the mother claiming - and her son accepting - her identity beyond being a housewife and parent. But she told Metro she had been facing another challenge behind the scenes too: 'We'd just downsized the house which I really struggled with. 'I didn't have a horse anymore and we had our dog put down. 'Tom was becoming more independent and I thought, "I don't know what life is going to offer me now". 'Luckily, Race Across The World came at the right time.' She took the loss of her horse so hard because it has emerged since her time on the show that Caroline is a successful eventer. The Race Across The World winner loves to take part in the equestrian event, which sees competitors take on dressage, cross-country and show jumping. And since finishing the BBC competition show, she got her horse back and made a successful return to the sport: 'I have a much more positive attitude now. 'I still spend a lot of time outside with my animals but I'm not as frightened of being lonely.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What is Destination X? BBC launches new travel contest
If the Race Across the World final has left you with itchy feet for more travel contests, look no further than new BBC One series Destination X. As the broadcaster's hit reality series wrapped up on Wednesday, 11 June with Caroline and Tom named as the Race Across the World 2025 winners, a trailer for Destination X debuted after the credits. Based on a Belgian show that has already proved popular, the UK version is set to cater to the appetite for adventure and reality strategy games of BBC viewers. Here's all we know so far. So far, an air date for Destination X hasn't been announced, although hopefully it won't be too far off as the BBC has begun showing trailers for it. Information from the BBC promises that the series is set to arrive in 2025, and the trailer shows that it has already been filmed. The series is based on a hit Belgian TV show that also rolled out a US version earlier in 2025. Offering the adventure of Race Across the World and the strategic gameplay of The Traitors, it's sure to be a hit with viewers when it launches on BBC One. Contestants will be sent on a mystery tour across Europe, travelling by coach with blacked-out windows designed to disorientate them. A show synopsis from the BBC says: "Merging fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition series, viewers will follow contestants as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime but have no idea where they are. In order to win, they must figure out their mystery locations. Once they're on the blacked-out Destination X bus, the journey transforms into a real-life boardgame with challenges designed to offer clever clues as to their location, along with a few misdirects to keep them, and the viewers, always guessing. "At the end of each episode, contestants must guess where they are and the furthest from the actual location will leave the competition. The first player to reach the final destination, Destination X, will be crowned the winner. With high stakes and mind-blowing spectacular gameplay, the series will continuously keep viewers engaged and take them along for the ride." Destination X might have just started teasing the series with a BBC trailer, but it was quietly commissioned back in April 2023 as a collaboration between the BBC and NBC in the US after their joint success with The Traitors. As Traitors fans will know, both the US and the UK versions use the same filming location and feature plenty of similarities as a collaboration between the two broadcasters. They have high hopes for the same success with Destination X. BBC director of unscripted Kate Phillips said in 2023: "Following the must-see success of The Traitors, I'm delighted that once again we're partnering with NBCUniversal on another very smart, very addictive and very innovative competition show. With countless red herrings and brain-teasing clues, we were gripped from the start. It promises to be a hugely challenging adventure for our 10 brave contestants, with plenty of play along for all BBC viewers, as everyone hopes they've got the 'X' that marks the spot!" The BBC is backing the new series by throwing some star power behind it - Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon is set to host and appears in the trailer. The Would I Lie to You? presenter seems to have joined the contestants on their journey in the trailer as he is seen looking on while they complete challenges and accuse each other of lying in tense exchanges. Brydon said: "How could I turn down the opportunity to become the mastermind of Destination X, the thrilling new travel adventure series coming to the BBC next year. It's a show that turns the whole of Europe into a board game - manipulating the players and the audience at home along the way. I can't wait to be the puppet master orchestrating every twist and turn as our contestants are taken on a journey where everything is not as it seems. It's going to be a wild ride!" Of course, one big thing we don't know about Destination X - and won't until the series is complete - is the route, as contestants have to guess where they are along the way. The air date hasn't been announced yet either, although the BBC has said it will air in 2025 and with a trailer now released, hopefully it shouldn't be too far off. We also don't know what the prize is that the contestants will be playing for, although it certainly looks worth winning. Those who stay in until the end will get to travel further through Europe, while the recent US version offered a $250,000 (£183,806) jackpot. Destination X is expected to air on BBC One in 2025.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Ocean' goes deep to look at highs, lows of deep blue seas
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The new National Geographic special 'Ocean with David Attenborough' offers a look at the deep blue seas through a style that almost mimics water movement. There are calm moments that discuss the beauty and wonder of the ocean world but that gives way to a tsunami of information as to the troubles facing the water world. Then it returns to another calming moment before another crash. Director Toby Nowlan explains that the structure of the production that is now available on the National Geographic Channel was to examine the overarching theme of hope and then show the juxtaposition with the damage being done to the seas. 'The theme is we are living in the age of the greatest ocean discovery, and it is David's story of ocean discovery in the last 100 years, his lifetime,' Nowlan says. 'Through that lens you are seeing this ocean of wonder where every year we are discovering things that are transforming our idea of how vital the ocean is. 'Then there is the importance of the discovery of what we are doing to the seas and how we are demolishing the seabed. Just the act of showing some of that footage for the first time, the images speak for themselves.' Pilot Peter Weber lands on NBC's 'Destination X' Nowlan points out the last big wave of the documentary looks at there is real reason to hope to protect the oceans. What the team found was that areas of the ocean that have been devastated will recover far quicker than the way dry land rebounds. The director comes to 'Ocean' having worked on a variety of projects dealing with nature. His credits include 'Our Planet,' 'Deadly Pole to Pole' and 'Wild Arabia.' In the feature-length special Attenborough draws on his lifetime of exploration and knowledge of the sea to take audiences on a journey through the planet's most spectacular undersea habitats. Attenborough investigates diverse marine ecosystems, from bustling giant kelp jungles and coral reefs to towering seamount outposts within the open ocean. These are all revealed to be intricately connected, vital to avoiding climate catastrophe, and in peril due to destructive forms of fishing. While Attenborough exposes the greatest threats to our oceans' health, he points to inspirational stories from around the world to reveal the most remarkable finding of all: If we take action now, the opportunity for marine life to recover on an unprecedented scale is well within our reach. Attenborough's more than 70 years filming the natural world has made him the world's preeminent natural historian. The English broadcaster, writer, and naturalist is best known for his award-winning BBC documentaries, including 'Life on Earth,' 'Frozen Planet,' and the 'Blue Planet' series. His work has brought the natural world into homes and classrooms, inspiring millions and motivating action towards preservation. Brandi Passante keeps looking for 'Storage Wars' treasures Nowlan stresses that the purpose of the film is to show that when it comes to the ocean, efforts to correct problems will be beneficial to every living creature or if ignored would spell total catastrophic disasters. The documentary is filled with undersea footage that is so stunning it rivals any CGI work done in feature films. Director Keith Scholey is quick to point out that there were no computer-generated images used in the film. He says the reason the movie has such a stunning look comes from the initial plans to open the documentary in theaters. 'We made a lot of feature films before and we know that is kind of a high bar,' Scholey says. 'The starting point is the cinematographer. Underwater we have the best in the world in Doug Anderson who is not only a superb diver and superb underwater naturalist, but he has an incredible sense of natural composition. 'I think one of the reasons the images look different is Doug and his eye.' Scholey knows the importance of cinematographers having worked on 'Guardians of the Galapagos,' 'Life on Our Planet' and 'Polar Bear.' 'Ballerina' dances its way to a bloody good time Both men agree that the most vital part of the production was Attenborough. Despite being one year shy of reaching 100 years old, Attenborough continues to bring energy to every project. Scholey – who has worked with Attenborough for 44 years – says, 'I met him when he was in his mid-50s, and he had it then, a huge energy and power. He has remained this person in his mid-50s because of his constant thirst for information, a constant interest in the world. 'I think it is that that keeps him modern all the time. The only way you can tell he has aged is that his accent has changed over time. Because that has happened because he has been modernizing himself.' 'Ocean with David Attenborough' debuted on the National Geographic Channel and is now available on the streaming services of Disney+ and Hulu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
