British Telly

Ofcom has fined the rightwing broadcaster GB News £100,000 for “breaking due impartiality rules” after an interview with the former prime minister Rishi Sunak earlier this year.

The media regulator said it chose to impose a fine over the programme titled People’s Forum: The Prime Minister because it considered the breach serious, and because of GB News’s track record of breaking impartiality rules.

“We concluded that the then prime minister Rishi Sunak had a mostly uncontested platform to promote the policies and performance of his government in a period preceding a UK general election, in breach of rules 5.11 and 5.12 of the broadcasting code,” Ofcom said.

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GB News has already been found to have repeatedly breached impartiality rules by allowing sitting Conservative MPs to serve as news presenters. The broadcast regulator said these related to five occasions involving Jacob Rees-Mogg, Esther McVey and Philip Davies. All three were Tory MPs at the time, though only McVey remains in the Commons.

The broadcaster was not fined but was put “on notice” that more breaches “may result in the imposition of a statutory sanction”. And Ofcom said GB News’s actions risked undermining the high public trust in regulated broadcast media.

Ioan and Al share their passion for abandoned metal mines in this lovely film. Plus: the stars of Paddington in Peru join Graham on the sofa. Here’s what to watch this evening

7.30pm, BBC One

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No tricks, only treats, as the Drag Race UK winner plays host. Plus: Martin Lewis makes sense of this week’s historic budget. Here’s what to watch this evening

10.15pm, BBC Three “Condragulations” to Ginger Johnson, who needs no introduction to Drag Race fans: the self-styled “helium balloon in the shape of a woman” won series five of the UK version. Now she has her own spin-off, inviting visitors to her “camp as Christmas” house to celebrate all things drag and get some “domestic chores” done. Her visitor tonight is fellow Drag Race winner Danny Beard. Hollie Richardson

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People who have been homeless discuss their experiences with the prince, plus the stunningly intense documentary Helmand: Tour of Duty. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, ITV1A member of the royal family campaigning to end homelessness is a hard pill to swallow, but Prince William says: “Why else would I be here if not using this role properly to influence and help people where I can?” So what exactly is his plan? Well, his five-year initiative, Homewards, starts with this two-part documentary, in which he hears from people who share their lived experience as well as potential solutions to the problem. Hollie Richardson

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Public Enemies looks into the rappers’ spat that nearly broke the internet. Plus: the bereaved people using AI to interact with lost loved ones. Here’s what to watch this evening

10.20pm, Channel 4What was the beef between Kendrick Lamar – Pulitzer prize recipient and winner of 17 Grammys – and Drake – a five-time Grammy winner with 13 US No 1 albums – that nearly broke the internet earlier this year? This documentary explores the wider context of the rappers’ cultural status, and what exactly led to a public spat that resulted in a diss track with (strongly denied) accusations of paedophilia. Hollie Richardson

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Experts try to make sense of the stranger-than-fiction story behind Trump’s second presidential bid. Plus: The Penguin’s gang war continues. Here’s what to watch this evening

8pm, BBC One

A Panorama special investigating how a former president who is simultaneously campaigning for reelection and fighting to stay out of prison could win the US presidential election next week. It follows some of Donald Trump’s supporters over the course of two years – including one who was just a few feet away from Trump during the assassination attempt on him at a rally in Pennsylvania in July. Experts offer analysis to try to make sense of the incomprehensible. Hollie Richardson

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Generation Z is a gory but smart new series with a top cast. Plus, a startling investigation into Saudi Arabia’s human rights. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, Channel 4

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Watching this series now on BritBox in the US. Really enjoying it, but I have no idea what is going on! ! Did anyone else enjoy it? (please no spoilers)

Criminal profiler Louise Bergstein gets stuck into a murder in Justice: Those Who Kill. Plus: it’s the Strictly Halloween spooktacular! Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC Four

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The Hollywood veteran admits to money problems and more in a candid interview. Plus: Monty Don checks in on his garlic crop. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC TwoHollywood star Al Pacino, 84, has put his extraordinary life on paper in a memoir, Sonny Boy. Ahead of its release, here is a nice bit of publicity for the fans: a candid(ish) hour-long interview in which he opens up to entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson about becoming a dad at 83 with his 30-year-old (now former) partner, his surprising money problems, the roles he missed out on and, of course, his Shrek phone case. Hollie Richardson

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Good Omens is getting a final send-off, albeit a truncated one.

The Amazon fantasy drama will end with one 90-minute episode in lieu of a full third season with creator Neil Gaiman exiting after allegations were made against him by a slew of women.

Michael Sheen and David Tennant, who play the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley, respectively, will return for the one-off television movie, which will begin shooting in early 2025 in Scotland after pre-production was paused due to the allegations.

Gaiman contributed to the writing of the series finale but will not be working on the production and his production company the Blank Corporation is no longer involved. A new writer is expected to finish up the work, although insiders said that deal has not been closed.

This comes after Tortoise Media released a podcast that chronicled accounts of two women, with whom he was in consensual relationships, who accused him of sexual assault. Another two have since come forward. Gaiman denies the allegation.

Tears will flow as the nation’s unsung heroes are celebrated at the Pride of Britain Awards. Plus: fascinating war stories from Berlin and London. Here’s what to watch this evening

8pm, ITV1 Tissues at the ready for one of the most emotional nights on the TV calendar: the Pride of Britain Awards will put the spotlight on everyday heroes for its 25th year. Plenty of celebrities will be in attendance at the Grosvenor House hotel in London to pay tribute and hand out awards to the winners, while Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo host the evening. Hollie Richardson

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A documentary explores one of the most audacious alleged crimes in US history. Plus: Wynonna Earp zaps demonic outlaws. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC Two

It’s one of the most audacious alleged crimes in the country’s history – and so astounding it is almost unbelievable: a former US president accused of attempting to overturn a state’s votes. As Trump continues his campaign to be re-elected next month, this detailed documentary gives the inside story of his refusal to concede defeat after Georgia’s result in 2020 and the criminal charges that followed. It also explores the case he has been convicted for and others that are pending. Hollie Richardson

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Beloved children’s TV series Pingu is set to be revived in a new adaptation from Barbie company Mattel and Wallace & Gromit creators Aardman.

The original Pingu launched on BBC One in 1990. A Swiss-German production, the TV series was designed by Otmar Gutmann, and followed the adventures of an impish penguin in the South Pole. The character was known for his catchphrase, “Noot noot”.

Pingu originally ran until 2000, and was briefly revived on British TV between 2003 and 2006.

The new series will be stop-motion animation, in the same vein as the original.

Mattel Television Studios, the TV arm of toy conglomerate Mattel, acquired the rights to Pingu in 2011 when it purchased HIT Entertainment.

This documentary investigates the mercenaries who have made a career out of conflict. Plus: Lucy Beaumont takes to the stage in London. Here’s what to watch this evening

10pm, BBC Four Up to 100,000 mercenaries are estimated to be operating in conflict zones around the world, as this aggression-filled Storyville documentary tells us, and they have been implicated in global atrocities and blamed for fuelling the illegal arms trade. The programme introduces us to Dave Tomkins, who talks about how he has been fighting other people’s wars for money for 40 years. Hollie Richardson

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Himesh Patel, Lolly Adefope and Jessica Hynes are just some of the top names in Armando Iannucci’s The Franchise. Plus: Bernardine Evaristo’s tale of forbidden love. Here’s what to watch this evening

Monday, 10pm, Sky Comedy

What happens on the set of a ridiculous, big-budget superhero movie? This new spoof comedy from Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep, I’m Alan Partridge), Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes and Succession’s Jon Brown shows us. The series follows first assistant director Daniel (Himesh Patel) and his team, Dag (Lolly Adefope) and Steph (Jessica Hynes), as they work on Tecto: Eye of the Storm. In the first episode of this week’s triple bill, they try to handle the conflicting egos of film stars Peter (Richard E Grant) and Adam (Billy Magnussen). With such cracking talent involved, you know you’re in for something hilarious. Hollie Richardson

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A mindblowing new series starts with the story of Lord Bertie Underwood. Plus: judicial thriller Showtrial gets twisty. Here’s what to watch this evening

10pm, Channel 4

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Florence Welch beautifully performs hits from Lungs at the Proms. Plus, who will make it through to Halloween week in Strictly? Here’s what to watch this evening

8.20pm, BBC Two

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A gobsmacking documentary about the mysterious man who bought MGM studios in 1990. Plus: is the Vinted app too good to be true? Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC Two

“One of the most enigmatic deals in Hollywood.” Insiders tell film-maker John Dower the scandalous story of Giancarlo Parretti, one that has all the makings of a juicy movie script. Parretti was a former waiter with a “murky past” who bought the MGM studios for $1.3bn in 1990 – but he couldn’t account for the mysterious money he handed over. He helps tell the full tale himself in a lively documentary. Hollie Richardson

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/18758803

The open-hearted paean to friendship and a quiet life has become a global hit after charming viewers the world over. As it turns 10, its stars reflect on how they made TV magic

Patsy, Eddy, Saffy, Bubble and their celebrity fans tell all. Plus: David Olusoga returns with his brilliant history series. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, Gold

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The property guru takes a tour of the country’s most spectacular residences. Plus: Cush Jumbo poses for Portrait Artist of the Year. Here’s what to watch this evening

10pm, Channel 4

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The cook shows how to knock up a total treat with potato peelings. Plus, a complex look at the phenomenon of ‘penicide’. Here’s what to watch this evening

7.30pm, BBC Two

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cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/18663798

A former Countdown champion who is accused of stabbing a fellow contestant at an event for past competitors of the game show is set to stand trial. John Cowen, 30, appeared in Preston Crown Court facing charges of Section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article, following allegations he attacked Thomas Carey at the Countdown in Blackpool 2024 event last month.

Emergency services were called to Hornby Road at 11.35am on September 14, 2024, following reports of an assault. Mr Carey was hospitalised and Cowen was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and knife possession.

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Both men are understood to have been attending the annual event for winners of the popular Channel 4 TV show prior to the alleged attack. In 2017, Cowen featured in 12 episodes of the daytime quiz show, winning eight consecutive contests and earning the sought-after title of 'octochamp'.

He also achieved the third highest total of the entire series, identifying the nine-letter word 'spreading'. He competed in the Series 77 finals in December 2017, but lost to Bradley Horrocks in the semi-final, reports Lancs Live.

He was defeated by Horrocks again in the quarter-final of the Championship of Champions XV series in 2019.

Context, probably, at least in my head

In this nuanced adaptation, an elderly man tries to keep his gay relationship under wraps. Plus, Mark Strong guest stars in The Penguin. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC One

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