Articles by:

Ian McArdell

Paul Spragg Memorial winner 2024: Doctor Who – War Stories review

The Paul Spragg Winner of 2024 brings the Twelfth Doctor face to face with the Time War… on stage.  For the last nine years, Doctor Who audio producers Big Finish have run a Script Opportunity for new writers. The competition commemorates their late colleague, Paul Spragg. Entrants are invited to submit a synopsis and script … >

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The Hack - David Tennant as Nick Davies & Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger

ITV announces ‘The Hack’ starring Tennant, Carlyle and Jones

The phone hacking drama comes from the team behind Mr Bates vs the Post Office.  With impeccable timing, after the recent out-of-court settlement between Prince Harry and News Group Newspapers, ITV have announced The Hack. The show explores the UK’s phone hacking scandal and its impact. Filmed during 2024, the 7-part drama is currently in … >

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Homicide: Life on the Street

The remastered ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ is coming to Sky

The broadcaster has picked up all seven series of the influential 90s police drama.  Sky has announced a St. Valentine’s day gift for drama fans – it’s to begin showing the remastered version of Homicide: Life on the Street from 14th February, 2025. Crucially, that means the series will also be available to stream in … >

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Steve Coogan as Brian Walden interviewing Margaret Thatcher (Harriet Walter)

Brian and Maggie – James Graham talks about his political docu-drama

The tale of the pivotal exchanges between Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher stars Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter.  The lead up to and impact of major interviews are often remarkable stories worth telling in their own right. Recently, we’ve seen two versions of the fateful Newsnight Emily Maitlis/Prince Andrew clash. Now, Channel 4 bring us … >

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The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted cover art crop

Big Finish release The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted

Jo Martin’s mysterious Doctor returns as the star of her own audio drama series.  Updates 29/01/25: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted is released. It’s been the best part of three years since it was first announced, but audio adventures of The Fugitive  Doctor are finally here. While the character appeared in the anniversary mini-series Once … >

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Mandy Series 4 - Diane Morgan

Diane Morgan’s ‘Mandy’ is coming back for Series 4

The BBC confirms the start of production on another series of Mandy.  While Philomena Cunk is answering the big questions, Diane Morgan has another character who’s continuing to do well enough for herself. Mandy is coming back for a fourth series, with six more 15-minute episodes. Here’s what’s in store… This series Mandy continues to … >

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Death in Paradise - Don Gilet as DI Mervin Watson

Death in Paradise – Season 14 trailer

The mysteries continue as DI Mervin Wilson gets to know the island of St. Marie.  Updated 27/01/25: Trailer drops for the new series. With investigations resuming on St. Marie this week, the BBC have dropped a trailer for Death in Paradise. Don Gilet’s reluctant detective led the show’s Christmas Special, but the storyline is still … >

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Walking with Dinosaurs - a trio of Albertosaurus

Walking With Dinosaurs – first images from the new series

It’s been over 25 years since we first went Walking With Dinosaurs.  The original show used a mix of CGI and animantronics, mixed with live-action footage, to bring the dinosaurs to life. Now, they’re returning for another six-part series and BBC Factual has released three first look pictures. Each episode will focus on an individual … >

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Amandaland - Philippa Dunne, Lucy Punch & Joanna Lumley

Amandaland trailer & start date for Lucy Punch’s ‘Motherland’ spinoff

The show stars Lucy Punch as the former alpha mum Amanda, now in reduced circumstances.  Thanks to the BBC schedule, we’ve learned that Amandaland premieres on Wednesday, 5th February at 9 pm on BBC One. The comedy spins out of the popular Motherland, taking Lucy Punch’s alpha mum Amanda into new territory post-divorce. Amanda’s joined … >

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