Table of contents for 18-Apr-26 in TV Times

COOKERY MasterChef NEW TUE-THU BBC1 MasterChef returns this week and Irish chef Anna Haugh and food critic Grace Dent are taking the reins as the new judges. Over the next seven weeks, the pair will be putting 48 amateur cooks through their culinary paces to find the 2026 champion. Turn to page 12 to read all about Anna and Grace’s experiences on the 22nd series of this popular TV show. There’s happiness at last for Det Supt Roy Grace as he marries his partner Cleo in the finale to Grace’s sixth series (Sun, ITV1). And isn’t our cover an absolute delight? Turn to page 6 for our exclusive on this memorable episode, and fingers crossed this much-loved Brighton-based detective show returns for a seventh season. There’s drama in the soaps…

MASTERCHEF NEW TUE-THU, 9PM, BBC1 COOKERY There’s a new double act at the helm of MasterChef and Grace Dent and Anna Haugh couldn’t be more delighted to be taking charge. Even after a long day of interviews and photo shoots, the duo show no signs of flagging as they join TV Times for a chat about their new roles as judges on the long-running BBC1 cookery competition. ‘To be part of an enormous TV juggernaut like MasterChef is an exquisite thrill,’ says food writer Grace, who’s been a guest critic on the show for over a decade and also judged last year’s Celebrity MasterChef. ‘It’s exciting, especially for my parents,’ laughs Irish chef and restaurateur Anna, who judged MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022. ‘My dad keeps knocking on people’s doors,…

Soap weddings never go to plan, and so it is for ‘Swarla’, whose fancy ceremony at the Chariot Square Hotel gets pulled due to an almighty leak. But hey, who needs bells and whistles when you’ve got true love? The week gets off to a sad start for the couple when Carla takes a call from social services, saying that Connie’s grandma is ready to take her back. She and Lisa have become deeply attached to the tot, and saying goodbye is tough. But they can’t sit around moping. There are tons of things to finalise, including their wedding vows. Lisa has put her heart and soul into an emotional tribute, while Carla’s flying by the seat of her pants and still hasn’t written a single word. After a hen…

Fifty-year-old Charity Dingle gives birth to her fifth child this week – ‘her’ being the operative word, given the nipper is the result of a one-night stand with Ross Barton and not the biological offspring of Sarah and Jacob, via surrogacy, as most folk believe. Naturally, it’s not a calm delivery with lavender oil and pan-pipe music – instead, it’s brimming with comedy, chaos and, ultimately, danger. The saga begins with Charity throwing Sarah a baby shower. She’s splashed out on a fancy cake, but the baker calls to say she can’t deliver it as she has broken her toe. Charity decides to pick it up herself, but hubby Mack insists on doing the driving. ‘While she’s on the phone to the cake lady, her phone dies. Without thinking, she…

HOLLYOAKS Ste is sympathetic when Rex claims he’s too busy at the garage to meet with their wedding celebrant, but he later learns from Ro that his fiancé hasn’t been at work since Froggy’s death, and then he finds Rex at their flat, dancing away in a woman’s blouse. The chef calls for honesty, and the couple make up… but Ste is uncomfortable when Rex turns up in women’s clothing for Jenson’s club night, and he ends up sharing a kiss with ex-husband James. Plus, Kathleen-Angel winds up Theresa after learning about her past in Japan, and Jack feels conflicted as the police probe last week’s car crash. HOME AND AWAY Facing prison for drug dealing, innocent Tane goes on the run. A River Boy hands him a burner phone,…

1 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ITV1 REALITY Love thy neighbour goes out of the window when six families move into a picture-perfect close where they compete for a life-changing £250,000 in a new reality entertainment show, hosted by Graham Norton. See page 2 THE MURDER LINE ITV1 DRAMA There are echoes of Fargo and Ozark in this crime thriller set on the Canadian/US border and starring Stephen Amell, Minnie Driver and Hamza Haq. See page 36 3 EGYPT WITH DAN SNOW 5 TRAVELOGUE Dan Snow returns to the country that sparked his love of ancient history when he visited it as a child. Naturally, his journey takes him to the Valley of the Kings – the burial place of the pharaohs. See page 56 4 UNCHOSEN NETFLIX THRILLER Rosie (Molly Windsor), a…

SAINT-PIERRE NEW WEDNESDAY, 9PM, U&ALIBI DRAMA (BOX SET, VIRGIN TV BOX SETS, SKY BOX SETS & NOW) Best known as Detective Sergeant Florence Cassell in Death in Paradise, Joséphine Jobert heads the cast of a new crime drama with a picturesque location, U&Alibi’s Saint-Pierre, set on an archipelago of French islands off the coast of Canada. The French star plays Deputy Chief Geneviève Archambault, nicknamed Arch, based on Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, who is furious when she’s forced to team up with Inspector Donny Fitzpatrick, AKA Fitz, (Canadian actor Allan Hawco). Despite its similarities to Death in Paradise, the show was one Joséphine couldn’t turn down. ‘I read the script and fell in love with my character,’ she tells TV Times from her Paris apartment. ‘Arch is amazing. I knew this…

EMMERDALE SUNDAY-THURSDAY, TIMES VARY, ITV1 SOAP Feisty, unpredictable, and prone to self-sabotage… there’s no one quite like Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle. This week, the pregnant landlady gives birth – while trapped in a hospital lift, no less – but the big drama is still to come. Charity’s granddaughter Sarah (Katie Hill) and her husband Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) believe the baby is theirs, via surrogacy. The tot is, in fact, the product of Charity’s one-night stand with Ross (Michael Parr), who delivers the baby as Charity’s husband Mackenzie (Lawrence Robb) is triggered by painful memories of being held captive in a bunker by the now-deceased killer John Sugden. Emma Atkins, 51, who plays Charity, joined TV Times for an exclusive chat about her character’s frightening ordeal and her eventful time on the…

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: ROYAL SPECIAL NEW SUN, 8PM, BBC1 FACTUAL Almost four years ago Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee and the world became enchanted by a delightful illustration entitled Jubilee Ma’amalade Tea, which seemed to capture the essence of that historical moment. Drawn in pen and ink by Yorkshire artist Eleanor Tomlinson, the work depicting the Queen holding hands with Paddington Bear went viral and is now at the heart of an Antiques Roadshow: Royal Special, marking 100 years since the late monarch’s birth. Filmed at Windsor Castle and hosted by Fiona Bruce, the programme also features some of Elizabeth II’s personal items, from the dress she wore to celebrate her first birthday to her coronation gown, as well as cherished mementoes, while prints expert Alexandra Gill assesses the…

A Weatherfield resident is about to meet their maker – and it’s either Carl, Theo, Maggie, Megan or Jodie. All of them are at the centre of some meaty drama this week, particularly Carl, who burns his bridges with mum Debbie. The former mechanic has done a deal with Summer, promising to get Theo locked up in return for £10k. Wanting the money ASAP, he tries to goad Theo into punching him, so that he’ll get arrested for assault. Carl soon ends up in hospital, but is Theo to blame or has someone else lashed out? As Theo then terrifies the life out of Summer by sharing the final moments of Billy’s death, Carl collars Debbie and attempts to blackmail his dementia-stricken mum into giving him her beloved hotel. Ronnie…

Ravi has been on a downward spiral since new year, tortured by his inadvertent attack on son Nugget, which has left the teenager with epilepsy. As the former gangster becomes obsessed with protecting his family, things reach a dramatic head. If you thought his meltdown in the pharmacy was bad, you ain’t seen nothing yet. As the week begins, Priya becomes increasingly worried about her partner’s wellbeing, and takes him to hospital. But the visit isn’t the greatest success, and when Ravi returns to the Square, an incident with Nugget – who’s upset that a video of him having a seizure has been doing the rounds – is the catalyst for another ‘episode’. He forces his relatives to have a ‘reset day’ playing games and watching films to keep them…

BBC iPlayer A free video-on-demand service from the BBC, featuring BBC dramas including Luther, Doctor Who and Line of Duty, as well as hits including The Responder and This City Is Ours. There are many comedies, too, from Not Going Out to Ghosts and Mrs. Brown’s Boys, plus all episodes of The Traitors and Race Across the World. You can also watch BBC channels live. It’s available online and on devices including mobile phones, tablets and smart TVs. ITVX This free streaming channel is the home for all ITV shows, films and much more - from drama box sets such as Trigger Point to Love Island episodes and James Bond movies. It can be accessed on smart TVs and an app to download. You can upgrade to ITVX Premium for an…

THIS WEEK’S PICKS NEW Transcription Sunday, BBC Radio 4, 3.00pm An ex-MI5 employee’s (Phoebe Pryce) past returns to haunt her when a former colleague (Toby Jones, pictured) comes back into her life in this two-part drama by Katie Hims, adapting Kate Atkinson’s book. Opening Lines takes a look at the novel at 2.45pm. Sid James: Not Just a Dirty Laugh Friday, BBC Radio 4 Extra, 10.30am Lee Mack remembers the comic and actor, who died 50 years ago this week, in this 2013 profile. Featuring rare and archive recordings, plus contributors including James’ daughter, Reina, and fellow actor Bernard Cribbins. THIS WEEK ON… THE ARCHERS There’s drama surrounding the cricket team this week after a misunderstanding between Rex and Chris causes problems. Meanwhile, Alice is very concerned about Brian –…

BEYOND PARADISE BBC1 Humphrey investigates the theft and then swift return of a priceless artefact in the series finale SECRET SERVICE ITV1 Gemma Arterton plays an MI6 officer investigating if a leading British politician is a Russian spy BRADLEY & BARNEY WALSH: BREAKING DAD ITV1 The father-and-son due return for more challenges, this time in Australia THE CAGE BBC1 Sheridan Smith stars as a Liverpool casino worker caught up with violent gangsters THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS PRIME VIDEO The epic family saga based on Isabel Allende’s celebrated novel…

GRACE LAST ONE SUNDAY, 8PM (WALES, 10.15PM), ITV1 DRAMA Love is very definitely in the air as Det Supt Roy Grace and forensic pathologist Cleo Morey finally tie the knot in the finale to the sixth series of ITV1’s hit crime drama Grace. The couple have been through some tough times since they first fell in love, including the trauma of Roy’s estranged wife Sandy coming back into his life and the heartbreak of Cleo’s miscarriage. Hopefully those difficult times will fade into the background when Cleo (Zoë Tapper) walks down the aisle to exchange vows with the Brightonbased cop this week. However, there are one or two issues to be ironed out before Cleo says, ‘I do’, especially after she discovers Roy (John Simm) has been keeping a secret…

CASUALTY SAT, 8.45PM, BBC1 DRAMA The turbulent relationship of paramedic Iain Dean and his estranged wife, advanced clinical practitioner Faith Dean, takes a dramatic turn in this week’s Casualty. Faith (Kirsty Mitchell) goes into early labour in the finale of the medical drama’s current storyline, Learning Curve, and as she and her newborn daughter fight for their lives, Iain (Michael Stevenson) faces losing them both. Here Kirsty, 51, and Michael, 45, tell TV Times what’s in store… Iain and Faith are barely on speaking terms ahead of Saturday’s episode. How would you describe their relationship? KIRSTY Faith still loves Iain, but he’s really hurt her. I mean, he slept with someone else just when they were thinking of getting back together. All she’s thinking about now is protecting herself and…

BALAMORY NEW MONDAY-FRIDAY, 5PM, CBEEBIES CHILDREN’S (BOX SET, BBC iPLAYER) After a gap of more than 20 years, beloved children’s show Balamory is being revived on CBeebies, with several of the original stars reprising their roles, including Julie Wilson Nimmo as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie. The school is at the centre of the action once more, in the fictional Scottish town of Balamory – in reality Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, famed for its brightly painted harbour-front houses. ‘I thought it was a wind-up at first!’ admits Julie, 53, of the programme’s reboot in an exclusive interview with TV Times. ‘I had 20 missed calls from the BBC, and I was completely shocked and nervous when I heard the news, but really excited, too. I had stayed in touch…

When Charity is in labour in the hospital lift, ‘dad-to-be’ Jacob is mere metres away. But he has no idea that the baby is coming, and is busy making an official complaint about his bullying boss Dr Todd. Things have got worse for the trainee medic lately, thanks to Dr Todd not only moving in next door but also learning about his history with Maya Stepney, the paedophile who abused him. When Ross notices that he looks stressed, Jacob ends up offloading on him. Ross is surprised to learn that the person giving him sleepless nights is a woman, and he encourages Jacob to have it out with Dr Todd. After a somewhat unproductive chat with her, Jacob decides he has no option but to go higher up the chain…

CROSSWORD YOU CAN WIN £100! SOLVE THE CLUES AND REARRANGE THE LETTERS IN THE YELLOW SQUARES TO SPELL OUT THE NAME OF AN ENGLISH ACTOR (5,5) WIN £100 ACROSS 1 & 5 Down A lady group plays for Lily Savage creator (4,1’5) 3 See 13 Down 9 Former Eurostar station in Kent for ex-Casualty doctor Martin (7) 10 Comedian and presenter Mr Hound rejects animal pelt with me and you (5) 11 & 20 Across Lies narrated incorrectly by The Sandman’s Destiny (6,6) 12 Diane’s upset Patsy’s Ab Fab friend (5) 14 Rupert Bear’s pug seen in comical gyrations (4) 16, 8 Down & 25 Across Sara Pascoe’s BBC2 series saw world’s final female (4,5,2,5) 19 & 6 Down Holby City role of Petra Letang might glean a fad fee (5,7) 20…

£25 WINNER WORKSHOP OF DREAMS In Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop, it was great to see the expert craftsman and restorer from BBC1’s The Repair Shop in his new home in Cornwall, along with his wife Maria and their dog Wendy. The five-parter on U&Yesterday followed Dom [above] as he took on projects at home and in the local community. What a treat this series was! Amanda Ellis, Leeds INDIAN TAKEAWAY In 5’s travelogue Alexander Armstrong in India, the Pointless presenter took us on a brilliant tour, revealing the stark contrast between the country’s poorest and richest areas. It was fascinating. Three episodes weren’t enough so can we have some more of this series in the future please? Darren Fitzgerald Milner, Stoke-on-Trent EGG-CELLENT! I would like to thank Eleanor Tomlinson, the…