The Royle Family co-stars Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston are set to reunite on-screen again in Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox this week.
The funny pair played husband and wife Jim and Barbara Royle in the Northern sitcom from 1998 to 2000, as well as for five specials after that.
After over a decade, they will get together again to add their hilarious commentary on the week’s television offerings, from Friday, June 16th.
As reported by The Mirror, ahead of featuring on the programme, Ricky said: “When it first aired Gogglebox was called ‘the real Royle Family’ so this is a full circle moment, Sue and I together again, in front of the box!”
BBC
And Gogglebox already has links to the Royles, with the late Caroline Ahern, who played the pair’s daughter Denise Royle, as the show’s narrator before she passed away from cancer aged 52 in 2016.
Taking over from comedian Caroline, Craig Cash – who played her husband Dave Best – has continued to narrate the show since then.
Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan will also appear on the new series, alongside her husband Bobby Koostra.
BBC
Katherine has recently revealed her days as a single mum with daughter Violet, 13 – who she had with a previous partner – were some of her happiest.
She also said she was ‘quite nervous’ she may never regain that feeling after she had her son Fred, 23 months, and daughter Fenna, five months, with Bobby.
She said: “I was really happy with my daughter. I’m not one of those mothers who needs time away from my kids, I want to be with them as much as possible.
@kathbum / Instagram
“Well, now they kind of annoy me because there’s three of them – but when Violet was little, she never bothered me.
“She was my best friend, the love of my life. I’m actually quite nervous that my decade of being a single mother to Violet, and of struggling and being poor . . . I’m worried that might have been the best time of my life.”
Celebrity Gogglebox will air on Channel 4 at 10pm on Friday, June 16th.
The new BBC series Boiling Point is already leaving viewers feeling ‘stressed’ as they took to social media to share their thoughts on the tense Sunday night viewing.
The four-part series, starring Stephen Graham, kicked off last night (October 1st) and is a sequel to the 2021 feature film of the same name.
The story followed an ‘emotionally scarred London chef’ Andy Jones (Graham) as he struggled to get his team through a night of hell on the last Friday before Christmas. It ended with him collapsing on the floor.
BBC
Viewers watched on as it returned to screens last night in the spin-off, where tension in the kitchen already began to grow at the high class eatery, bubbling away like a pressure cooker set to high.
Original cast members were joined by new ones with Graham returning as Andy Jones. Meanwhile, Vinette Robinson reprised her role as Carly, Andy’s former number two.
The series picks up about six to eight months later with the pressure of running a kitchen now being on Carly – now head chef of her own London restaurant, Point North.
BBC
After having a heart attack, Andy loses his restaurant and is seen sitting at home swigging beer and moping around.
But Point North is where the tension-filled kitchen drama took place, as one viewer joked then tension was enough to give them ‘heart palpitations’.
The BBC said of the new Boiling Point series: “Carly, who was the sous chef for Jones & Sons is now the head chef and co-owner of her brand-new restaurant called Point North. She’s brought most of the team from Jones & Sons with her.
“The series touches on social issues and things that are going on in the world, but it also really hones in on these individual characters and what they’re going through.”
BBC
Rushing to social media – apparently after a ‘lie down’ – viewers shared their levels of stress just from watching the first episode.
One person said: “I’m having to lie down. That first episode was bringing on palpitations. High stress, brilliant show.” Another wrote: “Wanting to watch Boiling Point but know it will cause stress, trailer was intense – wow!”
A third added: “Too manic for a Sunday night, may watch another time but trying to relax after long day at work (in hospitality) then that’s making you stressed just watching it. Back to the nature programmes for now.”
While a fourth typed: “BBC Boiling Point is most definitely not light Sunday viewing. I feel stressed just watching – maybe the news will be more relaxing!”
And a firth penned: “This so far has been 43 minutes of too much stress.” Another viewer added: “Getting stressed out just watching the kitchen staff in Boiling Point.”
Comedian Paul O’Grady has won a National Television Award after passing away six months ago.
The late star was given the posthumous award at the ceremony, held on September 5th, for his popular show For the Love of Dogs.
The beloved TV personality, who was famous for his alter-ego Lily Savage, won over Clarkson’s Farm, Sort Your Life Out and The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, in the factual entertainment category.
@paulogrady / Instagram
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home representatives accepted the award on O’Grady’s behalf.
They were accompanied by a rescue dog, who even gave its own hilarious tribute to the star as it began barking during the acceptance speech from Shaun Opperman, Veterinary Director at Battersea.
Mr Opperman said: “I would like to thank Paul, of course, and the ITV team… for shining a light on the care that we’re able to provide for the 100 or more dogs and cats that come to Battersea every week.
@paulogrady / Instagram & ITV
“I know that Paul cared deeply for each and every one of those animals. I think that something about their plight and their vulnerability really struck a chord with Paul. He often referred to Battersea as his second home.”
In a post on O’Grady’s Instagram page, a representative for the late star from Birkenhead wrote: “We wanted to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for ‘Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs’ at the NTAs.
“Your support means the world to us, and it’s a true testament to the incredible work @paulogrady has done for dogs and all animals.
“We couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support. It’s a moment of celebration not only for us but for all those furry friends who benefit from Paul’s dedication and passion.
“So, here’s to @paulogrady and his tireless efforts in making the world a better place for our beloved animals. We raise a glass in his honor and look forward to continuing our mission to help those in need.
“Thank you once again for your votes and for being a part of our journey.”
Everyone’s favourite duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, aka Ant and Dec, won the best TV presenter accolade for the 22nd consecutive time.
The pair said they are the ‘luckiest two men on telly’ in their acceptance speech, with McPartlin adding that they will continue to present together for ‘as long as you want us to’.
Hit BBC series Happy Valley, written by Sally Wainwright, was among the other big winners on the night. The hit three-part series bagged the returning drama prize.
BBC
Star of the show, actress Sarah Lancashire, also won best drama performance for her portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood, ahead of her co-star James Norton, as well as Queen Charlotte’s India Amarteifio, Vera’s Brenda Blethyn and Call The Midwife’s Judy Parfitt.
Speaking to the audience, Lancashire said she ‘adored every scene’ of Happy Valley and ‘will never forget it’.
The new series of Married At First Sight is returning to TV screens this month.
Fans of the E4 reality show can have their fill of the popular dating show which is set to return to screens sooner rather than later, on September 18th.
Fourteen brides and grooms will head to the altar in the hope of meeting their perfect match.
Channel 4
The new group of singles agree to marry a partner chosen for them by a team of relationship experts, Charlene Douglas, Paul C Brunson and Mel Schilling.
Set to be the longest running series yet, there will be an added six shows for fans to indulge in all the drama for a bit longer.
And if that’s not enough, this year will see a star from Geordie Shore as well as the first transgender contestant taking part in the search for marital bliss.
Channel 4
From Geordie Shore to MAFS UK, Nathaniel Valentino, 36, an events marketing manager with a jet-set lifestyle, is always on the move.
Perhaps a difficult one for the experts to match, Nathaniel says: “I don’t trust anyone but myself, but I hope they’ve done a good job that’s all I can say.”
Ella Ding will make history for the show being its first transgender bride.
Channel 4
Ella, 29, who lives with her nan, says they make the dynamic duo everyone needs.
Hopeful in meeting ‘the one’, Ella said: “This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned.”
After the ceremony and celebrations are over, true love is well and truly put to the test, as the newlyweds will embark on a luxurious honeymoon, before moving in with each other AND their fellow couples.