Latest news with #BBCDrama
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC spy thriller hailed as 'the best series about a true story in a long time' finally lands on Netflix - and viewers 'binge it all in two days'
A BBC spy thriller hailed as 'the best series about a true story in a long time' has finally landed on Netflix. The six-part programme, The Trial of Christine Keeler, reenacts the story of the 1960s Profumo affair. Sophie Cookson, 35, stars as Keeler, whose sexual liaisons with Tory Minister John Profumo and a Russian military attache, based in London, led to one of the biggest political scandals of modern times. The series originally aired on BBC One back in 2019 and has recently been added to Netflix. Fans have raved about the drama over the years, which has an impressive 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Some viewers left their thoughts on The Trial Of Christine Keeler on Google and one penned: 'Excellent depiction of a true life drama and event that had everything from high suspense and gripped the viewer from beginning to the end. 'Christine really had a sad life and paid the ultimate price by being exploited by men from a very young age, being let down by her own parents. 'It also showed that men in high office could get away with almost anything. Just kept you on the edge of your seat throughout. And superbly acted by the entire cast. 'One of the best series of a true story I have seen in a long time that I literally binge watched over two days! Brilliant.' Another added: 'I enjoyed this drama of a true event. It was to me more realistic of the event and the people involved and less of a showcase drama. 'The entire cast was superb. I have never heard of Sophie Cookson and she came across as credible and sympathetic to the memory of the real Christine.' While someone else gushed: 'Loved it . Graham Norton was excellent , in fact Casting was brilliant. Probably one of the best TV series I've viewed.' 'A gripping story, great actors and actresses. Think the story was portrayed in a good way,' one viewer said. Fans have raved about the drama over the years, which has an impressive 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes It comes after TV fans were left gripped by another show, a 'masterpiece' period drama titled The English. Written and directed by Hugo Blick, the show first hit our screens back in 2022. The revisionist Western six-part series landed on Amazon Prime Video in the US, but was also released on BBC Two for those in the UK. Although it was released three years ago, some only recently noticed the drama is available to watch on iPlayer. What was the Profumo affair? The Profumo affair had it all - sex, lies and espionage. It broke at the height of the Cold War, when spying was rife and the threat of war was imminent with the outbreak of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Here we look back at how the scandal unfolded: April 1960: At the height of the Cold War, Christine Keeler, having left her home in Wraysbury, Berks, heads for London and begins working at Murray's Cabaret Club in Soho. It is there that she meets Dr Stephen Ward, a London osteopath. Within weeks she had moved into his Bayswater flat. She soon meets Mandy Rice-Davies at Murray's and the pair become party companions. July 1961: Ward introduces 19-year-old Keeler to Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, while at a party thrown by Lord and Lady Astor at their stately home in Cliveden at Taplow, Bucks. Keeler and Profumo embark on an affair lasting only a few weeks. At the same time, she becomes involved in an affair with Commander Eugene Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché at the Russian Embassy in London. March 1963: After months of speculation among MPs, Profumo is forced to face the Commons, where he says: 'There was no impropriety whatever in my acquaintance with Miss Keeler and I have made the statement because of what was said yesterday in the House by three honourable members whose remarks were protected by privilege.' June 1963: Ward is arrested in Watford and taken to Marylebone Police Station where he is charged with living off immoral earnings. His trial soon begins at the Old Bailey. June 5, 1963: Profumo resigns his Cabinet post after admitting lying to the House of Commons about the nature of his relationship with Keeler. August 1963: On the last day of his trial, Ward is found dead at his London home having taken an overdose of sleeping pills. December 1963: Keeler is found guilty of perjury in a related trial and imprisoned for nine months. 1989: The Profumo affair is made into a film called Scandal, starring John Hurt, Ian McKellen and Joanne Whalley.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge BBC series to return for new series despite killing off main star
A MAJOR new BBC drama has been confirmed to be returning for a brand new series. After bringing in a huge six million viewers, This City is Ours has been re-commissioned for a second series. 4 4 The eight-episode series has become the Beeb's most-watched new drama of the year after being given the coveted Sunday night drama slot. Led by Sean Bean and Julie Graham, the programme follows the Phelan family and the highs and lows of their life amid their drug trafficking backdrop. Sean played gangster Ronnie in the show but was killed off. Despite this, show bosses are hopeful that the actor will be able to appear in the brand new series as part of a flashback episode. Whilst details on series two are still up in the air, a BBC insider told the Mirror: 'The shape of season two is up in the air but one thought is that Sean Bean will return as Ronnie in an episode about his backstory.' Speaking about the support the series has received and what is to come from future episodes, the show's creator and lead writer, Stephen Butchard, said: 'We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours. "I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment. "My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters - and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!' The show also follows the love affair of Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana (Hannah Onslow) - set against the disintegration of Michael's crime gang. Discussing her role as Diana, Hannah said: "Her and Michael's relationship is very strong, they really do love each other so much. BBC's racy new crime drama This City Is Ours as sex scene airs within minutes "They are both at a big turning point in their life and want to start a family together. "I don't think Diana knew she could ever feel this way about someone, and I think the same goes for Michael. "Their relationship is really special, beautifully written and it has been a complete joy to do it with James." Further cast members include Derry Girls ' Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Gavin and Stacey 's Laura Aikman and Waterloo Road 's Jack McMullen. This City is Ours airs on BBC One and all episodes are available on BBC iPlayer. 4 4
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC This City Is Ours season 2 update confirmed after 'phenomenal' ratings
BBC This City Is Ours season 2 update confirmed after 'phenomenal' ratings The BBC drama has been a huge hit with viewers and the broadcaster has now confirmed it will be back for a second series The BBC has confirmed the return of This City Is Ours for an eagerly anticipated second season. Set in Liverpool, the crime drama features James Nelson-Joyce as the lead character Michael Kavanagh, who is torn between maintaining his criminal empire and experiencing love for the very first time. Since its premiere on March 23, the series has garnered a large following with fans quickly devouring all eight episodes made available on iPlayer from the release date. For those who've shown restraint and followed the weekly schedule, the climax of series one aired on Sunday night. Recognised as the BBC's most popular new drama launch this year, the series has enjoyed both critical acclaim and social media buzz, with many calls from viewers for a second season even before today's official confirmation. BBC Drama's director, Lindsay Salt, expressed her delight at the audience reactions and hinted at more surprises in the developing warfare for control of Ronnie Phelan's criminal organisation. This City Is Ours is returning with a second series Stacey Solomon explains why her BAFTA TV awards dress is so special to her READ MORE: Lindsay Salt commented: "This City is Ours was one of our team's first commissions when I joined the BBC, and I could not be happier with how Stephen [Butchard], Saul [Dibb] and the Left Bank team have brought it to the screen so classily. Article continues below "The response from viewers has been a joy to see, with millions discovering its thrilling, character-driven drama for themselves to become gripped by the raging war of the Phelans. "I'm delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series." The creator of the programme, Kirkby's own Stephen Butchard, is eager to continue the saga of Michael Kavanagh and Jamie Phelan (portrayed by Jack McMullen), reports the Liverpool Echo. Butchard shared his enthusiasm: "We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours, I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment." He also expressed gratitude towards the BBC Drama team: "My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters - and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!". Filmed within the Liverpool city region, This City Is Ours is set to return to Merseyside for its next instalment, much to the excitement of its production company, Left Bank Pictures. Sian McWilliams, Creative Director at Left Bank Pictures and executive producer of the series, commented: "We are so delighted to be diving back into Stephen Butchard's brilliant underworld of Liverpool crime with our wonderful collaborators at the BBC. The show proved to be hugely popular (Image: BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack ) "It's been a joy to watch audiences fall in love with these fantastically complex characters. After the tumultuous events of the season one finale, the gang rivalries and betrayals have escalated to new levels, new ones have just begun, and there is a lot of unfinished business!". In anticipation of the season premiere, Walton-born star James Nelson-Joyce shared his aspirations for the series to honour his city. The 36 year old actor, who also featured in this year's A Thousand Blows alongside Stephen Graham, remarked: "It's a love letter to Liverpool, in a way. Article continues below "The city looks absolutely stunning and I'm just really proud of it" he continued. He concluded: "I hope the city watches it and it's something they're proud of. That's all I hope for." All eight episodes of season one are now available to watch on iPlayer. Further information about series two will be announced in due course.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC confirms long-awaited return news about its breakout hit crime drama
The BBC has officially renewed This City Is Ours for a second season. The eight-part first season, which launched in full on BBC iPlayer in March and concludes its weekly run on BBC One tonight, has been a hit with both critics and audiences – boasting a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and its first episode drawing the highest ratings for a new BBC drama this year. In response to strong fan demand for more episodes, the BBC has listened and renewed This City Is Ours for a second season. "We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours, I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment," said Stephen Butchard, the show's creator, lead writer and executive producer. "My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters - and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!" Related: Best streaming services Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: "This City is Ours was one of our team's first commissions when I joined the BBC, and I could not be happier with how Stephen, [director Saul Dibb] and the Left Bank team have brought it to the screen so classily. "The response from viewers has been a joy to see, with millions discovering its thrilling, character-driven drama for themselves to become gripped by the raging war of the Phelans. "I'm delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series." Related: This City is Ours centres on the love affair between Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana (Hannah Onslow), which unfolds as Michael's crime empire begins to fall apart. "For years, together with his friend Ronnie (Sean Bean), Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into the City and beyond, using his close links with the Marbella underworld; but when a shipment goes missing, he knows their kingdom is under attack," the synopsis reads. The series also stars Laura Aikman, Julie Graham, Kevin Harvey, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Mike Noble, Bobby Schofield, Darci Shaw, and Stephen Walters. This City Is Ours airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer. Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online now, priced at £7.99. at £328.00 at at EE at £49.99 at at at Amazon at Audible£18.99 at at EE at at at at at at at at at at Amazon£29.98 at at at Game at Sky Mobile at EE at at at Pandora at at at at at at at at Three at at Game at Pandora at at at at at at at £1199.00 at AO at £199.99 at Fitbit$15.00 at at at at at at at at at at at at at John Lewis at at at at at at at £90.00 at at at at at at John Lewis at at John Lewis & Partners at at at Amazon at at Amazon at Fitbit£119.99 at at Amazon£184.00 at John Lewis & Partners at Three at at at at at at at at Amazon at at at at at at at at at Apple at Three at at at at at at at at John Lewis at at at EE at at Audible at at at at at at at EE at £449.00 at John Lewis£32.99 at Amazon at at at at at Apple at at at Microsoft£79.00 at Samsung at at Apple at at Three£229.00 at John Lewis at at John Lewis at at at at Samsung at crunchyroll£1199.00 at AO at at Amazon at John Lewis & Partners at at at at Microsoft£92.98 at at at Microsoft at at at at John Lewis£269.99 at at Amazon at at at John Lewis & Partners at now at at at at at Microsoft at at John Lewis at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at at Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
This City is Ours: BBC hit drama to return for a second series
The BBC drama This City is Ours will return for a second series after attracting more than six million viewers, the broadcaster has in Liverpool, the eight-episode thriller about the lives and loves of the Phelan family - operating against the backdrop of drug trafficking - has become the corporation's most-watched new drama this Sean Bean and Julie Graham, it featured Liverpudlian actors James Nelson-Joyce – who has been touted as a potential James Bond replacement - and Jack McMullen. Creator Stephen Butchard said he had been "blown away by the incredibly positive response", adding: "I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment." The series, which chronicles the battle for control over a cocaine-trafficking gang, filmed some scenes in Spain and will be sold to foreign saga also won viewers' hearts with lighter moments that included Sean Bean, as gang leader Ronnie Phelan, leading a charge of golf buggies to the theme from the film Apocalypse Now.A scene featuring the cast line-dancing to the 1950s song The House of Bamboo has led to various imitations that have gone viral online. Dubbed the "Scouse Sopranos" – in reference to the successful US crime drama – the show was partly funded by the Liverpool Film Office, with the regional authority saying the production boosted the local economy by £9m. Details have not yet been released about the second series cast and filming start of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt credited the production team who "brought it to the screen so classily"."I'm delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series," she said. Although the series climax airs on BBC One later on Sunday, the full season has been available on BBC iPlayer where about three million people have already watched the producer Sian McWilliams, from Left Bank Pictures, said: "After the tumultuous events of the season one finale, the gang rivalries and betrayals have escalated to new levels, new ones have just begun, and there is a lot of unfinished business." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
