Latest news with #BBCStudios
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BBC Studios Acquires Unscripted Production Company Mothership TV
BBC Studios Productions, a unit of BBC Studios, has boosted its investment in Mothership TV, the unscripted production firm founded by former Channel 4 deputy director of programs Kelly Webb-Lamb, to take full ownership of the company. In late 2022, BBC Studios Productions had taken a 25 percent stake in the company. More from The Hollywood Reporter Andrew Tate and Brother Tristan Charged With 21 U.K. Crimes, Including Rape and Human Trafficking Susie Wolff Is Putting the F(emale) in F1 Guillermo del Toro to Host Canadian Horror Film Festival (Exclusive) The transaction unveiled on Thursday marks the second deal for an unscripted indie by the unit of the commercial arm of the BBC following its acquisition of Voltage TV (Amanda and Alan, Tempting Fortune) in 2022. Mothership will be part of BBC Studios' newly announced Unscripted Productions, led by Kate Ward, managing director, Unscripted Productions. Financial details weren't disclosed. Under the terms of the deal. BBC Studios will have first-look global distribution and format rights to Mothership's output. Mothership launched in 2022 to make 'entertaining, warm and witty unscripted formats of scale.' Currently in production by it is Secret Genius, a new competition format for Channel 4 in which 'Alan Carr and Susie Dent will test Britain's brainpower like never before to uncover the country's most gifted and unsung minds.' Mothership has also produced Around The World in 80 Weighs and Sandi's Great British Woodland Restoration for Channel 4, with 'a raft of new programs in development.' Said Webb-Lamb: 'What matters most to me is being able to make great telly with great people and I've really enjoyed and valued Mothership's relationship with BBC Studios over the past three years. I'm looking forward to deepening this relationship going forward.' Added Ward: 'As demand for unscripted formats continues to grow both in the U.K. and around the world, we are thrilled to be strengthening our successful partnership with Kelly and Mothership and look forward to a very exciting future.' BBC Studios Productions also houses six scripted labels, namely Lookout Point (Gentleman Jack, Happy Valley 3), Baby Cow Productions (Brian and Margaret, Changing Ends), House Productions (Conclave, Sherwood), Clerkenwell Films (Baby Reindeer, The End of the F**king World) Sid Gentle Films (Killing Eve, Rain Dog) and Firebird (Wild Cherry, Outrageous). It also holds minority investments in a five others, namely Various Artists Limited, Expectation Entertainment, Turbine and Boffola Pictures. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews
BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews The BBC has shared the viewing figures for new comedy-drama Death Valley following the launch of the show last weekend, after some viewers complained about the first episode. BBC's latest offering, Death Valley, which started on the weekend, has unveiled its viewership data amidst polarised opinions from audiences regarding its premiere episode. The series set against the Welsh backdrop introduces us to detective sergeant Janie Mallowan (portrayed by Gwyneth Keyworth) and has-been actor John Chapel (played by Timothy Spall), who join forces in an unexpected twist to crack down on crime. Created by Paul Doolan, known for his work on the Sky One series Trollied, Death Valley has drawn parallels with Ludwig and been likened to Death in Paradise. However, it recently made its debut on BBC One this Sunday past, with the show scheduled to continue on the channel the following weekend, while all episodes can be accessed via BBC iPlayer. BBC's Death Valley draws record viewers despite mixed reviews (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) ITV caller delivers brutal divorce swipe at Paddy McGuinness READ MORE: Mastermind winner details unique first date after finding love on BBC show READ MORE: BBC's revelation confirms that the show's first foray into living rooms garnered 2.9 million viewers during its prime time spot from 8.15pm until 9pm on BBC One—marking the highest debut audience for a new BBC Scripted Comedy in the last half-decade. This milestone slightly surpasses the viewer count of Ludwig when it premiered in September of the previous year, amassing 2.8 million. Featuring familiar faces such as Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters from Gavin and Stacey in its line-up, Death Valley centres on the "unlikely crime-solving partnership" between washed-up actor John, recognised for his role as a fictional sleuth, and police officer Janie, reports the Mirror. The show promises engaging dynamics with a descriptive tease: "They'd make the perfect crime-fighting duo - if only they could get along!" Death Valley aired its first episode on Sunday night (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) The premiere of Death Valley was met with a polarised response on X despite its reported success in the ratings. Several individuals indicated an early dislike for the show, with swift dismissals being shared online. One viewer expressed immediate displeasure, writing: "5 mins and switching off - this is AWEFUL soooooo baaad." Another viewer switched channels abruptly stating: "Had to turn over." Echoing the sentiment, someone else remarked: "I only lasted 10 mins." There was a consensus amongst others who found little to enjoy about the programme. Complaints kept coming as one critic mentioned: "Ten minutes unintelligible thanks." While another reeled: "Just sat and watched the biggest heap of s***e ever and it's called #DeathValley that's 45 minutes of life I ain't getting back." Death Valley got mixed reactions from people watching online (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Comments continued to critique the show, with another sharing: "Shame #DeathValley had good potential. But it's so cringeworthy. Can't believe it was considered good Sunday night viewing. Can't wait for #Ludwig series 2!!!" Yet, not everyone felt let down by Death Valley. Some viewers did speak out in support of the show. An enthusiastic fan praised it, saying: "I really enjoyed that. Hilarious! Policing at its finest! #DeathValley. Well done all involved! :) I howled all the way through!" Another supporter took to the platform to commend the show: "Not everyone's cup of tea but I loved #DeathValley. Quirky but most enjoyable, acting was superb by both lead actors. Full marks to all involved in this series - looking forward to more. Well done #BBC." A third viewer shared high praise on social media, writing: "#DeathValley is absolutely excellent. Getting the blend of comedy and drama right is very difficult - but the team have done it here. It can build a following. The brilliant Brokenwood Mysteries from NZ is now in its 11th season. #DeathValley can follow a similar trajectory." Article continues below Another keen fan took to the internet to express their enjoyment, stating: "#deathvalley really enjoying the show. Easy going murder mystery. Think Death in Paradise but in Llandeilo. Nice to hear genuine Welsh accents on TV. Tidy." Death Valley is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love?
The BBC's Death Valley is lovely, funny and Welsh. What's not to love? Finally, proof that Wales can do more than boring crime dramas BBC's new comedy crime drama Death Valley stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) I'm Welsh, and I'll scream it from the rooftops. I'll take a Welsh flag on holiday and speak Welsh so people don't know what I'm saying. Essentially, what I'm saying is I'm a stereotype of a Welsh gal and I'm not afraid to admit it or laugh about it. So, when I saw Gwyneth Keyworth's character Janie in Death Valley, I was over the moon to see a strong female Welsh lead who was extremely relatable, and I'm not just talking about the fact we both clearly have ADHD and have an obsession with crime dramas. The programme airs tonight, on BBC One, however if you're like me and love a good binge watch then the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The series depicts a retired actor who used to be the star of a hit fictional TV detective show, John Chapel played by Timothy Spall, and a young detective, Janie Mallowan played by Gwyneth Keyworth, who become an unlikely crime-fighting duo in the Welsh Valleys. The comedy crime drama, challenges everything we think we know about the traditional grey and gloomy crime dramas that come out of Wales. It did something that some comedy series struggle with, which is be funny. There were several moments where I audibly cackled with laughter, which can be rare when watching TV. Most of the time though, these moments were Welsh stereotypes, which made me feel like I was in on some kind of inside joke. For example in the second episode they joke about the Welsh knowing everyone and that Janie probably went to school with someone, we later find out that they didn't go to school together, however they were cousins. Article continues below Janie's character in general is incredibly well written by Paul Doolan, and portrayed by Gwyneth. Her mannerisms and her ability to always say the wrong thing but mean well is endearing. When you think of Welsh leading ladies you automatically think of characters like Nessa from Gavin and Stacey, or maybe Stacey herself who is one of the worst characters ever written, don't get me started on that though. Janie, however is different to both of these characters and feels extremely relatable, whether that's her want to progress in her job or the way she always attempts to make light of situations with a joke. The way she fan girls over Timothy's character is even hilarious, and realistically how we would all feel if we met our favourite actor. In fact, the dynamic of the pair and how they bounce off of each other makes for a fascinating watch. They almost bring a combination of what feels like watching traditional and modern crime dramas work opposite each other, in a way the writer described it perfectly as a combination of Line of Duty and Poirot. Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan (Image: BBC ) Timothy described his character perfectly when he said, "a bearded recluse who has become a bit of a curmudgeon described by one of the locals as a 'grumpy old b**tard!" However, when he meets Janie, he lightens up and become more welcome to inviting people in. Timothy plays this character development extremely well, and again it is relatable as we all have a grumpy old man who needs to lighten up in our lives, I'm talking to you Dad. It's also great to see some iconic Welsh actors like Steffan Rhodri who plays the shockingly quite wholesome DCI Barry Clarke and Melanie Walters who plays Janie's mam Yvonne, but I'm also thrilled to see some new Welsh talent on our screens too. I can honestly say that this series is incredible, and despite having an instinct to try and predict what is going to happen, and sometimes I do, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The crime a week structure keeps things fresh, although the underlying character arcs for both individuals means you are wanting to know more. I already can't wait to watch the rest of the series, and I hope there will be many more series to follow. Death Valley airs tonight, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One and the whole boxset launches on BBC iPlayer at the same time. Article continues below
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Death Valley's full cast list and where you've seen them before
BBC Death Valley's full cast list and where you've seen them before Is that Dave Coaches? Is that Peter Pettigrew? Is that the mam from Miranda? Find out as we detail where you've seen Timothy Spall and his recognisable co-stars from new comedy-drama Death Valley Alexandria Riley stars alongside leading lady Gwyneth Keyworth in the new BBC comedy crime drama If you constantly watch TV or movies with IMDB open ready to check what the actors have been in before, why do you know them, do they have a famous partner and so on. So, if you're anything like us, you may be sat watching the new BBC comedy crime drama, Death Valley, thinking to yourself 'what have I seen them in?' From Gavin and Stacey to Game of Thrones, this cast has been in almost everything you can think of. Although, if you can't think off the top of your head, here is a full cast list that may trigger your memory. The series focuses on a retired actor and a young detective who become an unlikely crime-fighting duo in the Welsh valleys. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Timothy Spall as John Chapel Timothy Spall plays the former TV detective John Chapel in Death Valley. (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Timothy Spall is a national treasure, and I know the term gets thrown around a lot lately, but honestly he has been in some of the most iconic TV programmes and movies. He will be playing John Chapel, a retired TV detective who moved to Wales and became a bit of a recluse. In the past he has starred as the artist JMW Turner in the film Mr Turner, he played Peter Taylor in The Damned United alongside Welsh actor Michael Sheen, and he was Peter Pettigrew/ Wormtail in the Harry Potter franchise. Article continues below With over 164 credits, he's also starred in Wicked Little Letters, the Alice in Wonderland franchise, The King's Speech and Still Crazy. Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan Gwyneth Keyworth plays Janie, a Welsh detective with an obsession for old TV detective shows (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) In Gwyneth's first leading role, she plays Janie Mallowan, a chaotic police detective who tries really hard to do a good job. She has a great sense of humour and a slight obsession with Timothy Spall's character. Recently, she has starred in another BBC series set in Wales, Lost Boys & Fairies, where she played the character Becky. She has also starred in the Doctor Who spin offs, The Sarah Jane Adventures and the Torchwood podcast series. She has also starred in Game of Thrones, Netflix's Black Mirror, The Crown and also Misfits. Steffan Rhodri as DCI Clarke Steffan Rhodri will be playing DCI Clarke (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Now, I think we can all recognise Steffan from something. The Swansea born actor also starred in the Harry Potter franchise as Reg Cattermole. He also has a long list of Welsh productions including The Pembrokeshire Murders, Submarine, Mr Burton, Keeping Faith, In My Skin and Men Up. Am I forgetting something? Oh and of course, he played Dave Gooch aka Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey. Alexandria Riley as Baxter Alexandria Riley will be playing Baxter (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Alexandria will be playing Baxter, a sarcastic pathologist who tells Janie like it is. Much like Steffan, Alexandria has appeared in a variety of Welsh programmes/films including Lost Boys & Fairies, Men Up, The Tuckers, In My Skin, The Pembrokeshire Murders as well as many Welsh language productions. Although, her work doesn't stop there as she has appeared in two different Netflix series, The End of the F***ing World and more recently the critically acclaimed Baby Reindeer. Rithvik Andugula as DC Evan Chaudhry Rithvik Andugula will be playing DC Evan Chaudhry (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) Rithvick plays DC Evan Chaudhry, who is an eager to please junior police officer. He previously starred in the HULU series Extraordinary, which looks at a world where everybody has different types of superpowers. More recently he starred in the film O'Dessa, which stars Stranger Things star Sadie Sink. Melanie Walters as Yvonne, Janie's mother Joining Dave Coaches in Death Valley is his new lover Gwen. Melanie Walters will be playing a new Welsh mother, and this time it isn't Stacey. Melanie will be playing Janie's mother Yvonne, who has quite a big storyline in the second episode as the crime fighting duo join her walking group. Much like the above, Melanie has been in an assortment of Welsh productions including Save the Cinema, Submarine, La Cha Cha, Stella, Under Milk Wood and the film High Tide. Although, recently she has also known for her time on the TV series The Collection, The Bill, Doc Martin and Being Human. Mike Bubbins as Tony Mike Bubbins is known for his leading role in Mammoth, as Tony Mammoth. The series was also written by Paul Doolan, who is the writer of Death Valley. He also starred alongside Sally Phillips in the series Tourist Trap, where he played Wyn for 12 episodes. The mockumentary-style sitcom follows a newly opened agency, tasked with selling tourism in Wales to the world. Bubbins also co-founded the successful podcast, The Socially Distant Sports Bar. Remy Beasley as Rhiannon The young Welsh actress, has recently appeared in the TV mini series Nightsleeper, Netflix's One Day, Steeltown Murders and The Walk-In alongside Stephen Graham. She also played Gwen Davies in the National Theatre Live production of Nye alongside Michael Sheen who played the founder of the NHS Aneurin Bevan. Guest actors across the series will include Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge, Jim Howick, Karl Johnson, Colin McFarlane, Vicki Pepperdine, Steve Speirs and Amy Trigg. The programme airs tonight, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One, however the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time. Article continues below
Metro
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Doctor Who fans convinced they've worked out what shock villain is plotting
The penultimate episode of the season ended on a cliffhanger (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf) Doctor Who fans think they might have figured out what the Rani are up to, after the BBC aired the penultimate episode of the sci-fi show's 15th season. Spoilers follow. The seventh episode, Wish World, saw the bigenerated Rani (played by Anita Dobson and Archi Punjabi) reveal themselves to a disorientated Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa). Except it wasn't the Doctor, it was one John Smith (we're at the end of the season, so the idea-well is drying up), who was happily married to Belinda (Varada Sethu) with a sprog to boot. Into this picture of domestic bliss burst the villain-filled reality Whovians are accustomed to – and they had a monologue up their sleeves. Get personalised updates on Doctor Who Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Reya's (Punjabi) speechifying might have been self-aware – with a playful 'exposition' joke in the mix – but it still fell into the sticky cliché of having a villain tell you who they are and what they're about to do to save the writers the job of ceding that information organically. It was here that the Rani finally revealed what exactly they're up to. Sort of. But Whovians think they've gone the extra mile and figured out the rest. The Doctor and Belinda had a child called Poppy (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon) Our new Rani made her debut (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon) The dastardly Rani plans to dig beneath the surface of this reality to find Omega, an all-powerful entity from olde worldy Time Lord history. In trying to jog the Doctor's memory after his humdrum suburban fugue state, Reya explained: 'We are the last Time Lord and the last Time Lady from the planet Gallifrey.' She also enigmatically added: 'The tragedy is we were never enemies. Every villain you ever fought wanted death. I only wanted life. Remember?' This wrinkle has left many fans wondering if the Rani might be out to resurrect Gallifrey and the Time Lords, instead of the classic laying waste MO we get from most villains. Ardent Whovians immediately sprung on Reddit to theorise what it might all mean. @Grafikpapst wrote: 'She wants to bring the Time Lords back. He is the scientist that created the Timelords. He is also the greatest mind Gallifrey ever had, so The Rani is probably a very big fan, seeing as she too is a scientist at heart.' The Doctor and Belinda were in an alternate reality (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon) Villains assemble! (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf) @yeblod agreed, writing: 'I get the vibe she wants to recreate/repopulate Gallifrey, especially with all the focus on The Doctor and the Rani being the last two of their species.' A third @Marcuse0 echoed: 'She does specifically tell the Doctor his other enemies wanted death and she wants life. Bringing Gallifrey back again seems like a safe bet for her intentions.' However, this wasn't the only theory floated. One @acetrainerandrew suggested the reveal could tie back into last season's Wild Blue Yonder, writing: 'My guess is that she's trying to figure out how magic works so she can undo what the Doctor did in Wild Blue Yonder and put the universe back how it was before magic was a thing. 'Omega is one of the Time Lords who helped establish the Laws of Time as they exist now, so maybe he's a necessary part of that plan?' We'll have to tune in next Saturday to know for sure. The Doctor Who finale, The Reality War, airs on Saturday, May 31, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Race Across the World fans share their biggest problem with new season Arrow MORE: 7 TV shows to watch after Clarkson's Farm season 4 Arrow MORE: Doctor Who has fixed a big mistake – but it might be too late
