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The key reason why Taskmaster's Greg Davies should never abdicate his throne

The key reason why Taskmaster's Greg Davies should never abdicate his throne

Daily Mirror15-05-2025

The weather may be hotting up outside, but there's every reason to stay in for a night on the sofa with thrilling new dramas, hard-hitting documentaries and shiny talent shows on our screens. With so much to choose from, I have handpicked the best of the box from big broadcasters like BBC and ITV, as well as streaming services - from Netflix to Prime Video.
Tonight, Alex Horne plays the French horn in Taskmaster, the UK performs their Eurovision entry in the semi-finals and there's in-fighting for the Mormon Wives.
See below for my top telly picks.
The small group of complainers who have called time on this series have clearly never watched it or have no sense of humour - Taskmaster is endlessly, relentlessly funny. It would probably all fall apart without Greg Davies at the helm, effortlessly pulling all the shenanigans together with his next-level sarcasm. May he never abdicate his throne…
This series sees Fatiha El-Ghorri, Jason Mantzoukas, Mathew Baynton, Rosie Ramsey and Stevie Martin take on pointless and idiotic tasks, competing for nonsense prizes and random points. This is all in a vain effort to win glory, but mostly to avoid completely losing all dignity (unavoidable). For the prize task, Alex Horne asks them to bring in the best thing for a middle aged man to keep on his bedside table. Rosie finds a way to provide a constant reminder of herself to her two sons, Mat pitches poetry, while Jason (who is worth tuning in for all by himself) connects with Greg over nighttime bathroom habits.
The contestants are released from the Taskmaster grounds to explore an old abbey, but Fatiha is concerned about the aggressive waterfowl. Later on, every time someone moves, Alex plays the French horn and there's an ode to cheese. Despite Rosie going flying, Stevie attempting art with a duck and Jason finding a new moustache, it's Mat crawling through a corridor that causes the largest commotion. 'None of this makes sense. It's immediately confusing,' says Mat - summing up the entire tone of the show. Another instalment of pure, blissfully silly joy that shouldn't be missed.
There are two groups of people in Britain - those who don't remotely care about Eurovision and those that are obsessive, flag waving, costume wearing, party hosting, point-counting fanatics. Anything in-between isn't acceptable, you're either in or you're out. If you're in, you will already have seen Rylan and Scott Mills host the first live semi-final from Basel, Switzerland, and now this is the second, the big one - when the UK perform.
Of course, we are guaranteed a place in Saturday's final (as a member of the Big Five), but this is the first chance to see Remember Monday's highly-anticipated stage show. The country pop girl band trio will perform What The Hell Just Happened? But will they leap into our hall of fame or fall into obscurity like so many others? Other acts competing tonight include brother and sister duo Abor & Tynna for Germany, with electro pop hit Baller, and Louane, representing France, with her power ballad Maman. It all makes for a catchy little appetiser before the big event.
'Heavenly father, we're so grateful and blessed,' quickly turns into heated debate, expletives and chaos as this glossy reality nonsense returns. Love it or loathe the incessant screeching, the first season, following Mormon wives mostly in Utah, America, became the most-watched unscripted season premiere on Disney+. The series is not as pious as you might expect - these are mom influencers running the social media empire #MomTok who last season got caught in a swinging scandal.
Fair to say these women - all stunning, all in low-cut tops and bum-skimming skirts, of course - are keen to shock. While it touches on the unique lifestyle of Mormons, mostly it's about sisterhood in-fighting, betrayal and bitching. In this season, #MomTok's world is rocked when Miranda arrives and challenges Taylor's 'truth' about the swinging scandal. Taylor finally meets with Jenna to learn what really happened between her and Dakota, and Jen must make a decision about her future with Zac.
As the stags gather outside the Hide with everyone in high-spirits ahead of the paint balling, Mack is left uneasy by a chilling warning from John. As battle commences at the stag do, John is distracted to watch Mack sneaking off. He heads off in pursuit of his prey. Matty's intervention has convinced Ross to contact Lewis and Moira is shocked that he plans on doing it today. Later Ross and Lewis come face to face and struggle to confront the past.
In typical EastEnders style, there has been an affair and there is video footage. Cindy has not only gatecrashed a party, but decided to play the video of Kathy and Harvey kissing. Now the residents of Albert Square are left reeling at Cindy's shocking footage as Jean presses Harvey to find out what the contents were. Will Harvey tell her the truth or keep lying to her? Later on, Kathy and Ian head home where she reveals everything about her affair.

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How Queen Elizabeth II clashed with Prince Philip over the televising of her coronation
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How Queen Elizabeth II clashed with Prince Philip over the televising of her coronation

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip clashed over plans to televise her coronation, a royal insider has revealed. While the black and white footage was grainy, the BBC 's live broadcast was an incredible feat which took months of preparation and attracted 27million viewers. But if the Queen's original wish had been honoured, it would not have been televised. This position was supported by the then-prime minister Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother but there remained one vocal supporter of opening up Westminster Abbey to the cameras - Prince Philip. Philip and Elizabeth butted heads over the issue, according to royal author Andrew Morton. He wrote: 'On this crucial matter she butted heads with her husband, who chaired the coronation committee. 'He wanted to let daylight in on the magic, believing that televising the ceremony would make the monarchy relevant to a new generation and herald a new, dynamic Elizabethan Age.' But Philip was overruled and it was announced that the coronation would not be broadcast. However, 'people power' convinced the Queen to U-turn. Morton, in his book Elizabeth & Margaret, added: 'For once people power - with the eager support of of the television manufacturers - won the day. 'Ministers and MPs were overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail protesting against the decision to keep the cameras out of the abbey.' Royal commentator Alexander Larman wrote in his book Power and Glory: 'So overwhelming and consistent was the outcry, ably communicated to their elected representatives, that in October 1952, it was stated that in view of the "serious public disappointment", the sacred event would need to be broadcast live.' By then Elizabeth had a change of heart and said: 'All her subjects should have an opportunity of seeing [the coronation].' Preparations took on a new life after this decision, with TV stations needing to be built across the country to ensure all could watch the historic occasion. The Duke of Edinburgh kneels in front of the Queen. The BBC's live broadcast was an incredible feat which took months of preparation Plans were even made to show the event in France for the Duke and Duchess of WIndsor's benefit, according to Hugo Vickers in his book Coronation: The Crowning of Elizabeth II. Westminster Abbey also had to be kitted out with all the latest technology. This included four cameras mounted across the ceiling and 26 microphones placed close to the throne. John Snagge was given the role of commentating for BBC Home Service radio, while RIchard Dimbleby led the TV coverage. According to Vickers, concerns about the logistics of the broadcast continued to be raised. 'Snagge was worried about what he would do if the Queen fainted under the heavy robes and hot lights or if a peer carrying the regalia should fall over,' he wrote. In the end, the coronation went off without a hitch. Churches installed their own TVs so congregations across the country could 'surround the Queen with their prayers'. For royals fans across the pond, recordings of the coronation were flown in bombers to Canada and the United States. The coronation brought to the throne a picture of youth, hope, innocence and beauty in one compelling mix. Upwards of 45,000 troops from 50 countries lined the four-mile procession route, designed so three million spectators could witness the New Elizabethan age's dawn. Some 8,000 guests crammed into Westminster Abbey, falling into silence as Elizabeth gave her Coronation Oath. On The Mall, a million spectators cheered themselves hoarse when she stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony. All this for one modest, 25-year-old woman. Even today, despite King Charles's historic coronation two years ago, it remains a high point - a piece of magic which could never be replicated. The renowned author Dame Rebecca West was overawed by the spectacle, describing Elizabeth as 'the emblem of the state, the symbol of our national life, the guardian of our self-respect'. Writer Nancy Mitford put it more jauntily: 'How much NICER to have a young queen than that very dull old man!' While the nation celebrated with thousands of street parties, in the ancient walls of Westminster Abbey an act of immense sobriety was taking place. 'She was consecrated,' said Canon John Andrew, the senior chaplain, 'and that makes her Queen. It is the most solemn thing that has ever happened in her life. She cannot abdicate. She is there until death.' And many who witnessed the broadcast view the coronation as one of the most memorable days in their own lives.

Edinburgh Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa reveals the real reason behind 'unplanned' exit
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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh actor, Ncuti Gatwa, has shared that he will be stepping down from his role as the Time Lord in the hit BBC show, Doctor Who. The Scottish-Rwandan actor is set to go down in history the beloved sci-fi shows' 62 year history for many reasons - one of them being as one of the few actors who served the shortest time in his role as the Doctor- retiring his sonic screwdriver after just two seasons, reports The Daily Record. Ncuti has said the reason he quit the popular show due to the physical and mental demands it requires, especially for the lead character. However, fans believe that his exit wasn't planned, despite what the Sex Education star has told the media. The 32-year-old has now been replaced by the Billie Piper, who previously starred in the BBC drama as Rose Tyler alongside former Doctor, Christopher Ecclestone, who only lasted one series. Piper also starred in the 2006 series with David Tennant. Ncuti recorded a video explanation for his fans after his exit was aired in the Doctor Who season 15 finale on Saturday May 31. In the video, he said: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. "I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time." However, die-hard fans believe there is another reason behind his exit, the Mirror reports. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Taking to X, one fan named Mr Tardis had clearly done their research as they wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. "In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better." Another echoed: "In situations like that, they'll often shoot two different alternative scenes: one where the series continues, and one to finish things off. "Ncuti may well have actually thought he'd be staying on back in October 2024, even after filming a regeneration scene just in case." A third fan was left disappointed with the news of his exit as they wrote: "I am so f****g sad. its one thing to see your doctor regenerate because they chose to, another to see it happen because of behind the scenes s**t. "I loved literally every episode this era. I've been defending it the whole time. this.. this kinda broke me." Adding to his exit speech, Ncuti said: "You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. "This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. He added: "There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe." The former Doctor Who star continued: "The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue 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 to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." Meanwhile showrunner Russell T. Davies also expressed his sadness over Ncuti's decision to step down. He expressed: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights." He added: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" A spokesperson for Doctor Who declined to comment.

BBC accused of ignoring biology with name of new drama about transgender teenager
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The BBC has been accused of ignoring biology with its choice of title for a new drama about a transgender teenager. What It Feels Like for a Girl follows the story of Byron, a 15-year-old boy questioning his gender identity while growing up in Nottingham in the early noughties. It is based on the autobiography of Paris Lees, a transgender writer, journalist and trans rights advocate. Gender critical feminists have questioned the programme's title, accusing the broadcaster of being 'regressive' and 'homophobic.' The row comes after the Supreme Court ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex '. The programme was commissioned before the ruling and the BBC said the title was a reference to the Madonna single released in the era when the series is set. Maya Forstater, who set up the campaign group Sex Matters, said: 'Presenting the idea of an effeminate boy 'becoming a girl' as an edgy coming-of-age story is presenting delusion as self-discovery. 'This series will promote a regressive, dangerous, impossible and fundamentally homophobic dream to another generation of gay young men. 'It is the same unachievable fantasy that motivates the scandal of child gender medicine, which has harmed so many gay teenagers for life.' Conservative London Assembly member Susan Hall, who is a vocal supporter of women's rights, told The Telegraph: 'Sex does matter, we do have to protect women's spaces. 'Whilst the vast majority of trans people just want to lead their lives in peace and don't wish to harm anybody, it has been evident in the past that this isn't always the case. 'I was surprised to hear that the BBC gave it the title it has. Growing up as a girl, I can imagine it is very different growing up as a trans girl.' Byron, played by Ellis Howard, begins a journey of self-discovery and self-destruction to identify as a trans woman as the plot unfolds. The lead character is taken in by a drug dealer called Liam, who begins a relationship with Byron and forces them into selling sex. Howard said he hopes the series 'humanises trans stories', but also 'that it blows the doors off so that more trans stories get made.' Speaking to NME magazine, the 28-year-old added of the drama: 'It's an incredibly authored, queer, working-class story where we really get under the fingernails of a community we don't often see on screen.' Lees explains of the drama: 'This is a proudly working-class story, and it needed a cast who could bring it to life authentically. We've struck gold with these highly talented actors, some of whom are already familiar faces - and some who are about to be. 'The biggest challenge was always the lead role – we're following someone who's going from, in the eyes of the outside world, a schoolboy, right up to a trans woman starting university, and all that's in between. 'The moment I saw Ellis, I recognised something in him - a cheekiness, a delicateness, a complexity - and knew he was the one. 'And he rose to the challenge, again and again. The chemistry between El, Hannah, Laquarn and the rest of the Fallen Divas is something you can only dream of in drama.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'The title is shared with the book and also references the hit early noughties Madonna song released when the series is set. 'The BBC has a rich history of bringing a wide range of culturally significant works and voices to the screen – and adapting Paris Lees' acclaimed memoir is in line with this.'

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