Latest news with #TheAssembly:Unseen
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV bosses reveal future of The Assembly and fans will be thrilled
The Assembly became an instant hit with fans after its first series but ITV bosses have already made up their minds on its future Jade Thirwall says she 'resents' being asked about pregnancy ITV has confirmed the future of The Assembly, and it's a cause for celebration among fans. The hit series is officially returning for an extended second series following its stellar reception from audiences and critics alike. Dubbed by enthusiasts as "the best interview show", the first series captivated viewers with high-profile guests like Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall, EastEnders icon Danny Dyer, Doctor Who's David Tennant, and Sky Sports' Gary Lineker, who all bravely endured a no-holds-barred "ask me anything" interview format. A remarkable panel of autistic or neurodivergent interviewers, who won over the hearts of the nation, will be back to challenge a fresh line-up of celebrities with their unfiltered and candid questions. ITV has made it clear that the ethos of season two will remain unchanged; there are no forbidden questions and no taboo topics. While the identities of the six new celebrities who will appear in the upcoming season remain under wraps, and an official release date has yet to be announced, one thing is certain—viewers can look forward to an extra episode. The Mirror reports that this special instalment, The Assembly: Unseen, promises to reveal all the intriguing snippets from the celebrity interviews that didn't make the initial cut. Discussing the eagerly anticipated return of the show, ITV's Director of Entertainment and Daytime Commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, expressed: "This really is ITV entertainment at its best: warm, funny, revealing and just that little bit mischievous." She further added: "We've got lots of ideas about which famous faces will join for series 2 and we're eager to see what we'll learn from the fantastic questions The Assembly will have." David Smyth, Entertainment Commissioning Editor at ITV, also shared his enthusiasm: "The response to series 1 was thrilling and completely deserved for this fantastic cast and crew. There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to do more. I can't wait to see what questions The Assembly will put to our next group of bold celebrities and what their responses will be.." In the first series, an emotional moment unfolded when Jade Thirlwall, formerly of Little Mix, confessed she felt like she had "sold her soul" in pursuit of her music career. The endearing team of interviewers, who are either autistic or have learning disabilities, asked the singer a poignant question: if she ever felt as though she had "sold her soul" to achieve stardom. Clearly taken aback by the depth of the question, she replied: "You've trumped me. Maybe a little bit in the beginning. I was so young, and I just signed on the dotted line. "But as the years have gone by, I've learned more and more about the industry. I've been collecting - a bit like [Marvel superhero] Thanos with the stones - I've been collecting parts of my soul back as I've gained more creative freedom." It is due to air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in 2026.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV The Assembly future sealed as bosses share huge announcement
ITV bosses have big news for fans of The Assembly after stars Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker all took part in the first series. ITV's The Assembly's future has been sealed by executives and fans will be thrilled to learn, it's good news. The smash-hit series is set to return for a bumper-series two after it received rave reviews from viewers and critical acclaim. Hailed as "the best interview show" by fans, we previously saw celebrities such as Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, Eastenders ' legend Danny Dyer, Doctor Who's David Tennant and Sky Sports star Gary Lineker risk everything as they faced an "ask me anything" interview like no other. A remarkable group of inquisitive interviewers who are autistic or neurodivergent put each celebrity to the test asking questions that have zero bounds. The group who touched the hearts of the nation - and are allowed to ask anything they choose - will once again return, putting their unique questions to a brand new batch of brave celebrities. ITV have been clear, that for season two, the rules will remain the same; no question is off the table and no topic is out of bounds. The news on which six famous faces taking part in the new season is not yet known and no exact release date has been established just yet. However, what we do know, is that fans will be able to tune in to see an additional episode, which includes The Assembly: Unseen, this will include all the missed tidbits from each celeb interview previously. Speaking about the show's return, Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: "This really is ITV entertainment at its best: warm, funny, revealing and just that little bit mischievous. "We've got lots of ideas about which famous faces will join for series 2 and we're eager to see what we'll learn from the fantastic questions The Assembly will have." David Smyth, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV also commented: "The response to series 1 was thrilling and completely deserved for this fantastic cast and crew. There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to do more. I can't wait to see what questions The Assembly will put to our next group of bold celebrities and what their responses will be..." In series one, things took an emotional turn when former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall admitted she'd "sold her soul" for her on-stage career. The loveable group made up of autistic or learning disabled interviewers, asked the singer if she'd ever felt as though she'd "sold her soul" to be a music star. Evidently astounded by the question, she responded: "You've trumped me. Maybe a little bit in the beginning. I was so young and I just signed on the dotted line. "But as the years have gone by I've learned more and more about the industry. I've been collecting — a bit like [Marvel superhero] Thanos with the stones — I've been collecting parts of my soul back as I've gained more creative freedom." It is due to air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in 2026.
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hit TV show The Assembly to return to ITV for a second series
The Assembly was an instant hit with viewers after its first series and ITV has already decided to bring it back for more. ITV has confirmed the return of The Assembly following the huge success of its debut run. The show, which turned the traditional celebrity interview format on its head, will return in 2026 with a longer run - including a special The Assembly: Unseen episode. The first season delivered moving and refreshingly honest conversations with high-profile guests including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker. The series features a panel of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or have learning disabilities, bringing a fresh, unfiltered perspective to celebrity interviews. Since premiering on ITV1 earlier this year, The Assembly quickly became a standout hit. True to its core values, the show embraces curiosity without restriction - no subject is off-limits and no question is too bold as the interviewers ask whatever's on their minds The Assembly was a massive hit, with many viewers and critics alike praising the show. The Mirror described it as "a breath of fresh air," while Radio Times said it was "extraordinary." Meanwhile, The Independent called it "the most groundbreaking TV show of the year" and LBC's Nick Ferrari enthused: "If there is a better show made for terrestrial television this year, I'd be staggered. It is breathtaking." The new series will feature six more celebrity guests, who are yet to be announced, as they take on The Assembly's honest and often surprising interview questions. The show, produced by Rockerdale Studios, was made in close collaboration with autistic and neurodivergent organisations to ensure it was inclusive and empowering throughout. Speaking about the show, Director of Entertainment and Daytime Commissioning at ITV, Katie Rawcliff stated: "This really is ITV entertainment at its best: warm, funny, revealing and just that little bit mischievous. She hinted: "We've got lots of ideas about which famous faces will join for series 2 and we're eager to see what we'll learn from the fantastic questions The Assembly will have." While Stu Richards, of Rockerdale Studios, said: "I cannot believe we're still getting away with this." "The chance to make something that plays by almost none of the rules of normal telly is just such a ludicrous privilege. I'm absolutely buzzing to be honest," he concluded. In the last season, viewers saw Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker open up during the heartwarming interviews. David spoke about the grief of losing his parents, his support of trans people and learnt how to Vogue like Madonna. Jade discussed being the subject of pregnancy speculation in the media, as at the time her former Little Mix band member, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock announced their pregnancies. While Danny Dyer openly discussed his previous financial difficulties, his opinions on David Cameron - telling the interviewers "he was our leader and he f***ed off and left us" - and even led a meditation session with the rest of the group. Additionally Gary was questioned about his feelings when his eldest son George was diagnosed with cancer as a child. As well as lightheartedly discussing his favourite type of Walkers crisps. The Assembly will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in 2026.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV renews The Assembly for second series with more episodes as Hollywood star set to join
This year's series of the popular ITV show featured candid interviews with Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker and is now set to get an extended follow-up ITV's ground-breaking interview show The Assembly will return with an extended seven-part run next year after the success of the first series. And this time it will have a Hollywood star among the six big names being interviewed, with no questions off the table. It comes after Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirlwall and Gary Lineker proved a huge hit with viewers, with producers now in talks with others from the worlds of TV, film, music and sport. A show source told the Mirror: "Bosses are thrilled that, not only is there a second series, but that they can do more episodes this time around, too. The appetite for this show has been huge. With so many ideas for celebrities to take part, it needed to come back with a longer run. The calibre of names being discussed is really impressive – it's looking like there could be a big Hollywood name in the mix." The series, hailed as 'the most groundbreaking TV show of the year' by one critic, saw a group of autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled people interview some of the UK's best known faces. Danny was left sobbing during his chat with the group as he looked back on his life, while Gary Lineker and David Tennant also got emotional. This time around, the rules will remain exactly the same: no question is off the table and no topic is out of bounds. The series will run to seven episodes - six new interviews plus a seventh episode, The Assembly: Unseen, containing extra footage. ITV entertainment commissioner David Smyth said the response to the first run had been 'thrilling'. 'There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to do more,' he added. 'I can't wait to see what questions The Assembly will put to our next group of bold celebrities and what their responses will be.' Producer Stu Richards, of Rockerdale Studios, laughed: "I cannot believe we're still getting away with this. The chance to make something that plays by almost none of the rules of normal telly is just such a ludicrous privilege. I'm absolutely buzzing." The series attracted huge critical acclaim when it launched earlier this year. LBC's Nick Ferrari declared: 'If there is a better show made for terrestrial television this year, I'd be staggered. It is breathtaking.' The Mirror called it 'a breath of fresh air' while the Radio Times agreed it was 'extraordinary'. ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe said that the series was 'ITV entertainment at its best'. She added: 'It's warm, funny, revealing and just that little bit mischievous. We've got lots of ideas about which famous faces will join for series two and we're eager to see what we'll learn from the fantastic questions The Assembly will have.' The show's format is an adaptation of French series Les Rencontres du Papotin, which made headlines when President Emmanuel Macron was asked if it was really role model behaviour to marry one's teacher.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
ITV reveals secret bonus episode of The Assembly after huge success of talk show – and it's just days away
The Assembly is one of the most watched shows on ITVX all assemble ITV reveals secret bonus episode of The Assembly after huge success of talk show – and it's just days away ITV has released some happy news for fans of the hit show, The Assembly. The reality series features four celebrities who face tough questions by people given the name of The Assembly and who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled, — with no topic off limits. Advertisement 3 Little Mix singer, Jade Thirlwall Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 3 Former Doctor Who, David Tennant, spoke his mind Credit: itv The broadcaster has revealed that it will air a secret and bonus episode which will include extra interview sections from celebrities, including former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, ex Doctor Who actor David Tennant, Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker and Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall. The episodes will also feature more honest, heartwarming and funny questions from The Assembly as well as more from the musical performances. Called, The Assembly: Unseen, the bonus episode will drop on ITVX on Sunday, May 1 and will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Sunday, May 18. The Assembly has been a huge hit for ITV with the broadcaster say it has been viewed 5 million people and is currently the third most-watched series on ITVX. Advertisement The celebrities have faced tough questions from The Assembly, including Danny, who was pressed about his drug-fuelled days that almost ended his marriage. One person asked about his split from Joanne Mas. She says: "When Jo kicked you out she emptied your shared joint bank account, do you still have a shared bank account now?" Danny furrowed his brow and joked he was going to give the girl a hug before she's hit him with the stinging question. Advertisement He then candidly accepted he was thrown out and says: "I was a p***k and she deserved better. "Sometimes I'd go out, get off my head, take drugs; I wouldn't come home for three days. Moment Jade Thirlwall is left speechless by savage The Assembly question "She had every right to throw me out. She controls everything now." Danny and Joanne got together in 1992, and have three children - Love Island's Dani, 27, daughter Sunnie, 17, and son Arty, six. Advertisement He also got called out for sending his son Arty to a posh school - despite being known as a hardman from London's East End. "How working-class was it to send your son to a private school?", asked one audience member. "Good question," said Danny. "I'm very proud of my roots, but do I want to be living in an environment where, especially at the moment where there's helicopters going over my house all the time and sirens all the time, a lot of crime? Of course you don't. Advertisement "So what you want to do is, you want to earn some money and then move to a better area where you can bring your children up."
