Latest news with #BBCPressOffice
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BBC The Power of Parker series one ending explained
Starring Conleth Hill as Martin Parker, the sitcom, set in Stockport in 1990, tells the story of the titular businessman trying to juggle his debts, his wife, and his mistress. The series aired weekly on BBC One starting in July 2023. It is now set to return for its second series on Friday, May 30. Here is all you need to know ahead of the show's return. The first series of the BBC show introduced us to Martin Parker, a businessman living in Stockport. He is in the middle of his life and everything appears perfect, with a top job, nice car, stunning house and loving wife and children. But he also has a mistress, Kath Pennington, played by Sian Gibson, which causes plenty of problems. It is this revelation that eventually leads to Kath Pennington and Martin's wife Diane, played by Rosie Cavaliero, teaming up to bring him down. Throughout the series, various situations arise, one of which sees the pair, who are revealed to be sisters, working to steal a file. A post shared by BBC Press Office (@bbcpressoffice) This is after speaking to Martin's accountant, Alan, and learning that they had been shareholders in his company and were able to take it over. He later finds the pair in the bank, signing the papers to take over Parker's Electricals. Diane also demanded a divorce, leaving Martin not only broke, but without a family. Martin's shop is later broken into by the Slater Brothers, who had been demanding money from him. It is also set alight by Martin himself to get the insurance money for his family. What will await Diane, Martin and Kath in series 2 of The Power of Parker? (Image: BBC/Boffola Pictures) A three-month time jump then shows that Diane is now the new owner, hiring her family. Kath is watching the advert for the firm on TV, when the doorbell rings and it is revealed to be Martin. She hugs him and then they go off together. But what will be awaiting Martin and the rest of the characters in series 2? Series 2 of The Power of Parker is coming this week and is set two years on from the first series. A tease for the second series shared by Radio Times reads: "It's 1992, the Queen is in the midst of her annus horribilis, John Major is the new PM, and Whitney's I Will Always Love You is stuck at number one. "Up in Stockport, Kath (Sian Gibson), Martin (Conleth Hill) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) are just trying their best to get along. "Martin Parker has hit rock bottom and is desperate to get his reputation back, Diane is adjusting to single life and running a business, while Kath is getting her happily ever after with her man by her side and is working on rekindling a relationship with her sister. Recommended reading: "She's on a mission to sort things out for her sister and her man, but her interfering does the opposite and jeopardises everything. "They will need to depend on each other now more than ever, but who do they trust?" The Power of Parker returns to BBC One on Friday, May 30, at 9.30pm.
North Wales Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Broadcaster and BBC executive Alan Yentob has died aged 78
Alan died on Saturday, May 24, with his wife Philippa Walker sharing an emotional tribute to her late husband: "For Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. "Our life was exciting, he was exciting. 'He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. "But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. "He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.' "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger" Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, "one of the defining figures in the story of British culture" More: — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 25, 2025 Broadcaster Alan Yentob dies aged 78 Alan first worked at the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and throughout his time with the broadcaster had an impressive career. He held several senior roles, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; Director of Television, Head of Music and Arts; Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's, and Creative Director. During his career at the BBC, Alan commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice, along with helping launch CBBC and CBeebies. Sharing a tribute to the late broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: 'Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. "A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. 'For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. 'He believed profoundly in the BBC's role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts - accessible to all. 'But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others. Recommended reading: 'To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre. 'Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us. 'We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programmes, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. 'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.'
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Broadcaster and BBC executive Alan Yentob has died aged 78
Alan died on Saturday, May 24, with his wife Philippa Walker sharing an emotional tribute to her late husband: "For Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. "Our life was exciting, he was exciting. 'He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. "But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. "He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.' "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger" Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to Alan Yentob, "one of the defining figures in the story of British culture" More: — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 25, 2025 Broadcaster Alan Yentob dies aged 78 Alan first worked at the BBC as a trainee in 1968 and throughout his time with the broadcaster had an impressive career. He held several senior roles, including controller of BBC One and BBC Two; Director of Television, Head of Music and Arts; Director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and Children's, and Creative Director. During his career at the BBC, Alan commissioned shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You and Pride and Prejudice, along with helping launch CBBC and CBeebies. Sharing a tribute to the late broadcaster, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said: 'Alan Yentob was a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts. "A creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leave a lasting legacy. 'For nearly 60 years Alan championed originality, risk-taking and artistic ambition. From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life. 'He believed profoundly in the BBC's role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts - accessible to all. 'But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others. Recommended reading: 'To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre. 'Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us. 'We have lost one of the great creative spirits of our time. But his programmes, his voice, and the generations he inspired, will live on. 'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Alan will be hugely missed as a friend, a colleague, and one of the defining figures in the story of British culture.'
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Eurovision 2025 chaos as Ncuti Gatwa pulls out of huge role at last minute
The BBC has announced that Ncuti Gatwa has been replaced as the UK spokesperson during the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Final on Saturday. The Eurovision Song Contest Final has been thrown into chaos this weekend as Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has dropped out as a UK spokesperson at the last minute due to "unforeseen circumstances". The BBC confirmed yesterday evening that the Rwandan-Scottish actor will now be replaced by BBC Radio 2's Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The 32-year-old actor, who grew up in Scotland and first rose to fame on Sex Education, had been set to reveal the points awarded by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand finale in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. The news of his replacement was announced on Thursday, May 15, when the second semi-final took place and the UK act Remember Monday performed for the first time. A BBC Press Office post on X said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Fina l this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK." Singer Sophie, who is best known for her hit track Murder on the Dancefloor, gushed over her new role. She said: "I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. "What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom." Saturday night's annual Eurovision Song Contest final will air live on BBC one and BBC iPlayer from 20:00 BST with host Graham Norton taking the reins. You can also listen on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, hosted by Scott Mills and Rylan Clark. The show will be taking place in St Jakobshalle, an indoor arena in Basel, after Swiss contestant Nemo won the 2024 contest with the song The Code. Among the 26 finalists is the UK's Remember Monday, a country-pop trio who are set to perform their song What The Hell Just Happened on Saturday evening. The grand final running order of contestant is as follows. The show will kick off with Norway's Kyle Alessandro, Luxembourg's Laura Thorn, Estonia's Tommy Cash, Israel's act Yuval Raphael, Lithuania's Katarsis, Spain's Melody, Ukraine's Ziferblat and the UK's Remember Monday. They will then be followed by Austria's JJ, Iceland's VÆB, Latvia's Tautumeitas, Netherland's Claude, Finland's Erika Vikman, Italy contestant Lucio Corsi and Poland's act Justyna Steczkowska. Germany's Abor and Tynna will then perform as well as Greece's Klavdia, Armenia's PARG, Switzerland's Zoë Më, Malta's Miriana Conte and Portugal's NAPA. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. The show will be concluded with Denmark's Sissal, Sweden's KAJ, France's Louane, San Marino's Gabry Ponte and finally Albania's Shkodra Elektronike. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Final will air live from 8pm on BBC one and BBC iPlayer.
STV News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Ncuti Gatwa ‘no longer able' to be UK Eurovision spokesperson and is replaced
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa will be replaced as the UK's spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest, due to 'unforeseen circumstances', the BBC has said. The 32-year-old actor, who grew up in Scotland and rose to fame in Sex Education, had been due to reveal the points given by the UK national jury to other contestants during the competition's grand finale in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. He will be replaced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is also a BBC Radio 2 DJ, the corporation said on Thursday evening, when the second semi-final took place, and the UK act Remember Monday performed for the first time. Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend. However, we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting… — BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 15, 2025 Ellis-Bextor said: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. 'What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom.' A BBC post on X said: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.' Before the final on Saturday, a Eurovision themed episode of Doctor Who – The Interstellar Song Contest – will air. The sixth episode in the current season of sci-fi hit Doctor Who will see The Doctor (Gatwa) and companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) travelling to the 803rd Interstellar Song Contest. In the episode, the Interstellar Song Contest features planets from across the universe competing for the top prize and is co-hosted by TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark, while Irish TV host and the 'King of Eurovision', Graham Norton appears. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
