Latest news with #THEBBC
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist
Russell T Davies remained coy about Piper's role in the show COMING SOON BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC have announced a new Doctor Who series - but there is a huge twist. Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star Billie Piper in a shock series ending. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Ncuuti Gatwa, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series Credit: BBC 5 Fans were left shocked when he regenerated at the end of the last episode Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper made a surprising return as the new Dr Who Piper, 42, is a fan favourite on the long-running BBC series, and originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005. Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing Gatwa's Dr Who regenerated to reveal Piper as the new doc. Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series, amid widespread reports of plunging ratings and doubts over its future linked to woke storylines. It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move. DR Who STAR GONE Coronation Street and Dr Who star dies aged 92 as family pays touching tribute Her character remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world. Showrunner Russell T Davies said it was "an honour and a hoot" to welcome Billie back to the show, though also played coy when it came to what this means for the Time Lord going forward. Instead, he just noted: "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" And now the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever. The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show. It will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. David Tennant tells Doctor Who haters to 'f--k off' in hilarious new The Assembly trailer as he gets a grilling And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way. Speaking about the plans, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! "This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. "This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.' Meanwhile, insiders say Billie Piper's shock return at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a comeback for David Tennant as the Time Lord for a one-off special. A source said: 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. 'When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.' David, 54, played the tenth version of the Time Lord for five years until 2010. In a twist, he then returned as the 14th Doctor for three specials before handing the role over to Ncuti. The Sun revealed last month that Ncuti, 31, was leaving the Tardis. And after the final episode, Ncuti said: 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. 'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful.' Doctor Who's future is still undecided, with the BBC now waiting to see if Disney+ — which pumped millions of pounds into the show — will renew its deal. Ratings for the sci-fi staple have plummeted since Tennant left, with overnight peak viewing figures dropping as low as 1.6million. Many fans of the show complained it had gone 'woke'. Meanwhile, Whovians are waiting to see if Billie is the new, 16th Doctor or is sidekick Rose again. Shame we can't jump in a Tardis and find out as only time will tell. 5 Billie Piper originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005 Credit: Alamy 5 Rose remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world Credit: Alamy All episodes of Dr Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC announces new Doctor Who series – but with a huge twist
THE BBC have announced a new Doctor Who series - but there is a huge twist. Fans were left stunned last month when bosses replaced Ncuuti Gatwa with former star 5 Ncuuti Gatwa, the show's 15th Doctor, left after just two series Credit: BBC 5 Fans were left shocked when he regenerated at the end of the last episode Credit: PA 5 Billie Piper made a surprising return as the new Dr Who Fans were therefore shocked to see her make a surprising return as outgoing Gatwa, 32, the show's 15th Doctor, left It is unclear if Piper's role will be a permanent move. DR Who Her character remained with Showrunner Instead, he just noted: "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" And now the BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever. Most read in News TV The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show. It will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends. David Tennant tells Doctor Who haters to 'f--k off' in hilarious new The Assembly trailer as he gets a grilling And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way. Speaking about the plans, Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children's and Education said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor! "This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format. "This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.' Meanwhile, i nsiders say at the end of the latest series was understood to be teeing up a A source said: 'The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. 'David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of 'With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. 'When David's Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his 'half' went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa's carried on as the Time Lord. 'It wouldn't be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.' In a twist, he then returned as the 14th The Sun revealed last month that And after the final episode, Ncuti said: 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. 'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful.' Doctor Who's future is still undecided, with the BBC now waiting to see if Disney+ — which pumped millions of pounds into the show — will renew its deal. Ratings for the sci-fi staple have plummeted since Tennant left, with overnight peak viewing figures dropping as low as 1.6million. Many fans of the show complained it had gone 'woke'. Meanwhile, Whovians are waiting to see if Billie is the new, 16th Doctor or is sidekick Rose again. Shame we can't jump in a Tardis and find out as only time will tell. 5 Billie Piper originally played sidekick Rose Tyler to Christopher Ecclestone's Doctor back in 2005 Credit: Alamy 5 Rose remained with David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, before becoming trapped in a parallel world Credit: Alamy All episodes of Dr Who are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fury as Gary Lineker shares pro-Gaza video likening supporters of Israel to RATS with BBC urged to sack him
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC is facing calls to sack Gary Lineker after the presenter shared a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats. The outgoing match of the day host sparked fury after featuring on his Instagram a vermin emoji that has been used for decades, including by the Nazis, as antisemitic slur. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Gary Lineker sparked fury after sharing a vermin emoji on Instagram – a symbol long used as an antisemitic slur, including by the Nazis Credit: Getty 2 The BBC's Director General Tim Davie is facing calls to sack Lineker Credit: Getty The rat accompanied footage of a Canadian-Palestinian lawyer attacking the war in Gaza. Responding to the post, former Labour MP Lord Austin said: 'For too long Gary Lineker has been flagrantly abusing his position as the best-paid presenter at the BBC to promote his deeply biased views. 'Now he has gone too far, sharing material that whether he knows it or not is redolent of the vilest anti-Jewish racism. 'He cannot be allowed to stay in position, let alone be the face of World Cup coverage. 'The BBC must act now.' Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: 'Gary Lineker appears to have shared content about the Jewish State which echoes 1930s Nazi propaganda. 'This is utterly grim. The BBC's Director General Tim Davie has a simple question to answer: does he tolerate the BBC's flagship presenters sharing content that has historically been used as an antisemitic slur?' The controversial post comes weeks after the Match of the Day presenter told the Beeb presenter Amol Rajan that he has a right to express his opinion on topics including Gaza. He said: 'I know where I stand on this. 'I'm sorry. It's more important than the BBC. 'What's going on there is the mass murder of thousands of children is probably something that we should have a little opinion on.'
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC confirm full Celebrity Traitors line up in first look pictures – and reveal when it will hit screens.
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC have finally confirmed the full Celebrity Traitors line-up with exciting new pictures, as they let fans know when they can watch the hotly-anticipated spin-off show. The Sun was first to reveal that star-studded cast - which includes a Line Of Duty actor and a Bridget Jones star - but who will be a Traitor and who will be a Faithful? Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 30 Celebrity Traitors is heading to our TV screens with a star line-up Credit: BBC 30 The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman returns to present the spin-off show Credit: BBC Fans are on the edge of their seats as they wait for Celebrity Traitors to kick off. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, viewers are being treated to a mix of A-listers, popular actors, TV stars and singing icons. The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize of up to £100K for a charity of their choice. Host Claudia said: 'We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. "I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks but that would be a lie.' In a sneak peek to the new series, the BBC dropped a video which revealed the cast. Their faces appeared in portraits and were seen hanging on the wall of the famous Traitors castle. At the end of the trailer, the Beeb revealed that the spin-off will kick off this Autumn. Here we take a look at the 18 stars who are taking part in the first ever Celebrity Traitors... Stephen Fry 30 Stephen Fry has signed up to the show and fans can't wait to see him in action Credit: Reuters 30 The star is said to be a 'super-fan' of the original show Credit: BBC Fans are excited to see Stephen Fry, 67, take part in the famous game. With his wit, intellect and popularity, the The QI legend is the perfect candidate for Celebrity Traitors. The Sun revealed last summer how "super-fan" Stephen had "jumped at the chance to appear on the show". A source said: 'Claudia (Winkleman) put Stephen right at the top of celebs she'd want on The Traitors and Stephen has made it clear he'd be game. 'Stephen is a fan of the show and Claudia was desperate for him to be in it. 'No contracts have been signed yet — but he told the show's bosses to name a time and date and he'll be there.' Alan Carr 30 Alan Car is also part of the star line-up Credit: PA 30 The comedian will bring the laughs in the famous castle Credit: BBC Alan Carr, 48, will also bring the laughs in the famous Scottish castle. The Sun was told back in November that the Chatty Man had signed up to be part of the show. This is a first for Alan, as he has never taken part in a reality TV show. A source said: 'Alan is an absolute national treasure and will be an incredible contestant - he'll make great telly as well as being a top player." Nick Mohammed 30 How will this Ted Lasso star fare in the castle? Credit: Getty British actor Nick Mohammed, 44 has seen his star soar since starring in smash hit show, Ted Lasso. Fans will remember him playing kit man turned rival coach Nathan 'Nate' Shelley on the show for three series. The Sun revealed he had signed up to Celebrity Traitors earlier this year, with an insider telling us he is "going to be putting on his best game face" on the show. Tom Daley 30 Olympian Tom Daley is hoping to be champ of the castle Credit: Getty Olympian Tom Daley, 30, knows what it's like to keep a game face, so he is perfect for Celebrity Traitors. The diving champ will be hoping to make a splash on the show - but will he be a Traitor or a Faithful? The Sun revealed in October how Tom had signed up, after turning down the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and ITV's I'm A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here. Joe Marler 30 This rugby player is ready to tackle his biggest task yet Credit: PA Joe Marler's knows all about being competitive, thanks to his long career as a rugby pro. The sportsman, 34, has enjoyed an incredible career on the pitch - winning the Six Nations three times for England. But can he win over the other stars on Celebrity Traitors? Insiders told the Sun, Joe is keen to show the public he is more than the man people know from the rugby pitch. David Olusoga 30 This British historian and TV presenter is ready to scope out the competition Credit: Getty Professor David Olusoga, 55, is one of Britain's most prominent historian. In 2023, he was awarded a Bafta Special Award back to honour his outstanding contribution to the arts. David, has also written a string of best-selling history books, and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for his services to history and to community integration. Can he use his knowledge and intellect to out smart the other celebrities in the castle? Niko Omilana 30 Niko Omilana s knwon for the famous YouTube group Sidemen Credit: Getty YouTube prankster Niko Omilana, 27, is set to see his profile rise to a new scale, as he breaks into mainstream telly on Celebrity Traitors. The rising star has a huge online following and will draw a younger audience to the show. Niko - who is a member of the YouTube mega group the Sidemen - previously ran for a place in parliament as an Independent in the General Election last year. Mark Bonnar 30 Will Line Of Duty's Mark Bonnar play detective on the show? Credit: Getty Line Of Duty fans will be thrilled to see Mark Bonnar, 56, take part on the show. The popular actor played DCC Mike Dryden in the smash hit BBC crime series and is also known for his roles in Shetland and Guilt. The Scottish actor will be returning his roots, as the show is filmed in his native country. Jonathan Ross 30 Jonathan Ross is returning to the BBC for the first time in 14 years Credit: Getty 30 The telly favourite is looking forward to taking on the challenge Credit: BBC The Sun revealed last July how chat show legend Jonathan Ross would be taking part in Celebrity Traitors. This will be Rossy's first major Beeb show since he quit 14 years ago following the Andrew Sachs scandal on his Radio 2 show. However, Jonathan can't wait to take part in the show, with a source telling us: 'Jonathan is the ideal target for The Traitors producers because he's a high-profile celebrity who doesn't regularly appear on the reality TV circuit. 'He's also one of a small army of stars who are self-confessed fans of the show.' Joe Wilkinson 30 Will this comedian be able to keep a straight face? Credit: Getty 30 Joe Wilkinson will be making the stars laugh in the castle Credit: BBC Comedian Joe Wilkinson also joins this incredible line-up of star. Fans of Netflix's Afterlife will recognise him from the hit Ricky Gervais show where he played a postman called Pat. Joe - who is also known for comedy panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You - has some insider knowledge when it comes to The Traitors. This is because he is good friends with Paul Gorton, who was an original Traitor on the second series of the BBC series. Clare Balding 30 Clare Balding is hoping to make it to the end of the show - but will she be faithful or traitor? Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 30 The TV star reportedly jumped at the chance to be on the show Credit: BBC Much like Tom Daley, BBC sports presenter Clare Balding, 54, also turned down multiple reality shows - but jumped at the chance to be on Celebrity Traitors. The Sun were first to reveal the popular presenter was in talks to take part back in October last year. Insiders have told us how Clare is a "clever signing" on the part of producers. This is because 'no one really believes that the Beeb's dependable, sensible face of sport could be a treacherous liar'. Lucy Beaumont 30 Stand-up comedian Lucy is ready for a new game after her shock split from Jon Richardson Credit: Rex 30 Has the star got what it takes in the famous castle? Credit: BBC Comedian Lucy Beaumont is set to take her wit to the castle. The Sun revealed she had joined the Celebrity Traitors line-up over the Easter weekend. Fans will know Lucy from Channel 4's Jon & Lucy's Odd Couples, which she hosted with her ex husband Jon Richardson. She also starred in Dave's mockumentary series Meet the Richardsons, which began in 2020. Paloma Faith 30 Paloma Faith is ready for action on Celebrity Traitors Credit: Splash 30 The singer brings with her an army of fans who will be rooting for her Credit: BBC Pop star Paloma Faith, 43, was revealed to be taking part by The Sun last October. The Brit Award winner - who shot to fame with her smash hit song Only Love Can Hurt Like This - is known for being outspoken, so is bound to bring some excitement to the castle. Like a lot of the other stars, Paloma has never appeared on reality television but told pals she wanted to "show the public a different side" to her personality. Ruth Codd 30 Ruth Codd has seen her star soar over the last few years Credit: Getty Ruth Codd. 28, shot to fame playing Anya in Netflix thriller series, The Midnight Club, back in 2022. Since then, the Irish star has become a much-sought after actress, which has seen her bag a top film role. Ruth, who had her right leg amputated below the knee, will make her film debut in How To Train Your Dragon, which is released this summer. Tameka Empson 30 Tameka Empson is used to drama on EastEnders Credit: Getty EastEnders fans will be thrilled to see Tameka Empson, 48, taking part in Celebrity Traitors. She is best known for playing the feisty Kim Fox in the BBC One soap A show source told The Sun that the actress is hoping that her acting skills can be put to good use on the show. Celia Imrie 30 This British acting legend is an incredible signing for producers Credit: Getty One of the biggest surprise signings of Celebrity Traitors has to be Celia Imrie, 72. The national treasure is a HUGE star on both the big and the small screen. But insiders told The Sun that the Bridget Jones star was "chomping at the bit" to be on the show. Celia has enjoyed a glittering career and is one of the most recognisable actors to join the line-up, thanks to her roles in Calendar Girls, St Trinian's, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Charlotte Church 30 Charlotte Church is making her big TV comeback on the show Credit: Rex 30 The singer has a huge fan base who will be watching her on the show Credit: BBC It's fair to say that Charlotte Church, 39, has been in the spotlight for most of her life, after rising to fame as a child star in the 90s. Fans will be keen to see her in action, as she makes her big comeback into the public eye. The Welsh star stepped out of the limelight to open up a wellness retreat, but is now back with a bang. Kate Garraway 30 Can Kate Garraway's journalism skills help her win? Credit: Rex 30 Producers were keen for Kate to sign up Credit: BBC Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway, 57, is no stranger to reality TV, having enjoyed a successful stint on I'm A Celeb in 2019. The TV host was chosen to take part in the Celebrity Traitors because of how popular she Is among the public. Kate has had a rough few years, following the death of her beloved husband Derek. Cat Burns 30 Will singer Cat Burns be a traitor or faithful? Credit: Getty Rising star Cat Burns, 24, is a super-fan of The Traitors and is said to be "thrilled" to have been chosen to be on the show. The singer is also known among her fans for making TikToks about the regular series. A source told The Sun: "Cat is the ultimate Traitors superfan and she has been lobbying for this gig as soon as she found out the BBC were doing a celebrity spin-off."
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Agatha Christie is giving writing lessons... thanks to artificial intelligence
THE BBC isn't raising the dead, but it's getting close. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the author Agatha Christie -- who has been dead for almost half a century -- becomes the central figure in a new writing course launched by the BBC Maestro platform. The aim is to teach people how to write like the Queen of Crime, guided by a digital version of the author herself. Entitled "Agatha Christie: Writing"" this course offers aspiring writers valuable insight into the art of constructing a good crime story. The course is based on Agatha Christie's own words, taken from her letters, interviews and personal writings. An actress, Vivien Keene, helps bring Agatha Christie's presence to life on screen. To create this digital version of the famed British author, her appearance and voice were recreated with the help of artificial intelligence and BBC archives. "In a world-first, Agatha Christie -- bestselling novelist of all time -- will offer aspiring writers an unparalleled opportunity to learn the secrets behind her writing, in her own words," reads the accompanying press release. "Using meticulously restored archival interviews, private letters, and writings researched by a team of Christie experts, this pioneering course reconstructs Christie's own voice and insights, guiding students through the art of suspense, plot twists, and unforgettable characters." This is not a bot that generates text on the fly. The project is based on authentic content, organised by a team of experts, including academics, researchers, creative professionals and author specialists. Artificial intelligence is used here as a reconstitution tool, not as an autonomous writing device. This is reflected in the process used to develop the voice, since those of the legendary author and actress Vivien Keene have been blended to create the AI version of Christie's voice. "You can hear my voice isn't anything like Christie's"" says Vivien Keene, quoted by 'The Hollywood Reporter'. "And so I tried to get just the cadence. … Her voice is pretty distinctive, actually, her voice, and she's very shy and feisty, and she doesn't really like being interviewed. And so I started to put the voice on thinking that they want me to use my voice in the final edit. But it has been re-speeched, I think is the word." In all, "Agatha Christie: Writing" includes 11 videos accompanied by 12 exercises, for a total duration of 2.5 hours. Viewers will learn how to set the scene for a mystery, maintain suspense, construct a revelation or play with the reader's expectations, all in the style of Agatha Christie. The project was developed with the agreement of the writer's literary estate, represented by her great-grandson, James Prichard. "They have been deeply involved from the beginning, and they have made sure this is not just something that Agatha would have understood, but, we hope, as a bit of an innovator herself, she would have really enjoyed," says Nicki Sheard, CEO of brands and licensing at BBC Studios, quoted by 'The Hollywood Reporter'. For the BBC, it's also an ambitious showcase for its BBC Maestro educational platform, which already offers courses led by the likes of Serena Williams, Kevin Hart, Kris Jenner and Stephen Curry.
