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The Christmas season might've just ended, but the arrival of a beloved holiday movie on Netflix means we have the chance to extend the joy. Released just over 21 years ago in 2003, Richard Curtis' Love Actually has stood the test of time to become one of the go-to Christmas movies of today. This is an especially impressive feat when considering how controversial some elements have become, thus threatening to dim the glow of this heartwarming feature.

The 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually follows various couples as they explore their relationships throughout the Christmas season. With a star-studded cast composed of Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Freeman, and Martine McCutcheon, Love Actually has since become a Christmas staple for rom-com lovers.

Release Date November 14, 2003Rating RRuntime 135 minutesGenres Holiday, Drama, Romance, ComedyCast Bill Nighy, Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor,...

On Friday 27 December 2024, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” brings a chilling twist to the story. While at home watching family videos, Bob experiences an unexpected and eerie visit from the ghost of his late wife, Linda. Her appearance is unsettling, and she comes with a haunting demand that raises more questions than answers. As if that wasn’t enough, a second strange encounter occurs, this time involving mysterious writing on a mirror.

The unsettling events prompt Bob to call in Humphrey and his team to investigate. As the team looks into these eerie happenings, they must uncover the truth behind Linda’s ghostly visits and the cryptic message left behind. This episode promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the team works to unravel a mystery that mixes the supernatural with the unknown. Tune in to BBC One...

Elf has rightfully earned its spot as one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, blending earnest holiday spirit with a subversive sense of humor. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell in a career-defining role, Elf tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his biological father and connect with his human roots. The film is a perfect mix of quirky comedy, highlighted by Ferrell’s witty one-liners, and themes of belonging, redemption, and the power of believing in something greater than yourself.

For fans of Elf who are looking for a similarly heartwarming feel, holiday classics like Love Actually and Home Alone also offer a comparable type of humor intertwined with genuinely moving moments. Like Elf, these movies show how Christmas brings people together, whether through chaotic or meaningful experiences, making...

Death in Paradise has long captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of intriguing mysteries, picturesque Caribbean settings, and compelling character dynamics. The show's fusion of classic whodunit storytelling with the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Death in Paradise's fictional island of Saint Marie offers viewers an escape into a world where suspense meets paradise. Over the years, the series has introduced a diverse array of characters, each bringing their own charm and quirks to the police force.

Throughout its run, certain episodes have stood out, leaving a lasting impact due to their emotional depth, intricate storytelling, and surprising character developments. These standout episodes not only entertain but also delve into themes of friendship, loss, love, and personal growth, resonating deeply with fans. Death in Paradise's four brilliant detectives and their teams never waned in quality, and every era will be prominently featured in this ranking.

"Sins...

Death in Paradise is a British-Francophone-Caribbean crime drama that, since debuting in 2011, has captured audiences with its tropical setting, quirky characters, and cleverly crafted mysteries. With Death in Paradise now in its 14th season, the show has consistently maintained its appeal and steady viewership. Despite cast changes and fresh perspectives from different showrunners, Death in Paradise has remained true to its unique blend of procedural intrigue, humor, and charm.

The series follows a rotating cast of British detectiveswith Death in Paradise's fifth detective arriving next seasonwho, often feeling a bit out of place, solve complex cases on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. This mix of compelling mysteries, character-driven humor, and Death in Paradise's beautiful recording location of Guadeloupe has allowed Death in Paradise to retain its popularity. Even though characters constantly come and leave, they are replaced with someone just as compelling, if not better.

Despite Running For 13 Years,...

Eva Feiler has signed with Impression Entertainment for management, Variety has learned exclusively. Feiler continues to be repped by Curtis Brown Group in the UK.

Feiler most recently starred in the Hulu limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones” in the role of Bella Tatar. The series was based on the book of the same name by Georgia Hunter. The official logline states that it is “inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive and reunite.”

The show was very well received by critics upon its release, holding a 93% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In her review for Variety, Aramide Tinubu wrote, “Devastating, and profoundly moving, ‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ illustrates the scope of World War II, the inhumanity of others and the anguish of disconnection and loss.”

Feiler is also known for playing a...

Death In Paradise spin-off Return To Paradise will air on BBC One this month, it’s now been announced. More details here.

We are only a few weeks away from the introduction of Don Gilet as the new Di on Death In Paradise. A Christmas special will air in December, followed by the 14th series in 2025. Spin-off Beyond Paradise, starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton, is also returning for a Christmas special, followed by the third series.

But! Are you following this? There’s another show too. The second spin-off is Return To Paradise.

According to the BBC, the synopsis reads as follows (make a cup of tea – it’s quite long):

Return to Paradise follows Di Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson), an Australian ex-pat who’s made a name for herself in London’s Metropolitan Police for cracking uncrackable murder cases. When she is accused of tampering with evidence,...

Exclusive: Kylie Washington has just overseen the launch of three BBC television mega brands in Australia, and readily admits the pressure has been on. The BBC Studios Anz General Manager and Creative Director of Production knows new versions of Death in Paradise, The Office and Top Gear require full attention to succeed, especially with buyers hesitant to put their hands in their pockets and more willing than ever to pull the trigger on disappointments.

“From my personal BBC Studios perspective, we’re on a great run,” says the Sydney-based exec. “We have commissions across the majority of networks with a very broad mix of genres. You never know which runner will have its moment in the light, so it’s important to be the best at all of them, to play to your strengths.”

Return to Paradise, the Australia-set spin-off of British cozy crime drama Death in Paradise, certainly had a moment in the light,...

Beyond Paradise season 3 has been announced and news about the cast, story, and more has been slowly rolling out since. The first of two spinoffs of the BBC One comedy crime series Death in Paradise, the other being Return to Paradise, Beyond Paradise premiered in February 2023, with season 2 coming a year later, in April 2024. Like its parent show, Beyond Paradise is a highly underrated British detective TV show with a similar tone and style to Death in Paradise and even has a returning face.

Despite not being filmed in the same tropical locale as Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise has Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) back on the case. Di Goodman starred in Death in Paradise from season 3 to season 6, before leaving to go back to London to live with his girlfriend Martha Lloyd (Sally Bretton). Humphrey joins the local coastal police force near Devon, bringing a new approach to the stagnated department.

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Murder in a Small Town is a mystery crime drama series created by Ian Weir. Based on The Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries novel series by author L.R. Wright, the Fox series is set in the small idyllic town of Gibsons and it follows the story of the new police chief Karl Alberg after he leaves the city and comes to town to get some peace of mind and find a new partner, but he is soon confronted with various crimes that he has to solve with the help of his team. Murder in a Small Town stars Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk in the lead roles with James Cromwell, Stana Katic, Mya Lowe, and Aaron Douglas starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the murder mysteries, complex relationships, and compelling characters in Murder in a Small Town...

Masterpiece series capture detailed historical events with lush sets and costumes, focusing on characters and relationships. Sanditon's unique romantic drama explores a seaside town's secrets with a modern twist on a Jane Austen classic. Call The Midwife and Downton Abbey offer uplifting narratives and diverse characters amidst period-specific struggles.

For fans of period drama TV shows, PBS's Masterpiece series is the perfect place to start for lush, romantic, and thrilling additions to the genre. Often focusing on large political and historical events, Masterpiece's TV series provide the utmost care and attention to detail when it comes to fully embodying the period. This comes through in the costumes and sets, which are a large part of what draws audiences to the period genre. However, the characters and their relationships are what make viewers stay and continue watching the show for years to come.

Some draw inspiration from classic works of literature,...

The Mallorca Files is a British police procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Dan Sefton. The BBC One series is set on the beautiful island of Mallorca and it follows the story of a Welsh detective Miranda Blake as she is ordered to team up with the German detective Max Winter to solve crimes. The Mallorca Files stars Elen Rhys and Julian Looman in the lead roles with María Fernández Ache, Tábata Cerezo, Alex Hafner, Nacho Aldeguer, and Amy Beth Hayes starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the mysteries, crimes, the leading duo, and tons of comedy in The Mallorca Files here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Death in Paradise (Pluto TV & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – BBC One

Death in Paradise is a British-French crime comedy-drama series created by Robert Thorogood. The BBC One series follows the story of a detective inspector from London as...

Bad Monkey is a crime drama and dark comedy series created by Bill Lawrence. Based on a 2013 novel of the same name by author Carl Hiaasen, the Apple TV+ series follows the story of Andrew Yancy, a former Miami Police Department turned restaurant inspector as he gets caught up in a strange crime involving a human arm and a group of eccentric characters. Bad Monkey stars Vince Vaughn in the lead roles with Natalie Martinez, Michelle Monaghan, Meredith Hagner, Charlotte Lawrence, Zach Braff, Rob Delaney, Ronald Peet, and John Ortiz starring in supporting roles. So, if you liked the eccentric characters, comedic crimes, and murder mysteries in Bad Monkey here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Death in Paradise Credit – BBC One

Death in Paradise is a British-French procedural crime comedy-drama series created by Robert Thorogood. The BBC One series follows a detective inspector from London as...

Filming has begun for season three of Beyond Paradise, which the BBC renewed in April. The drama series is released by the Britbox streaming service for US viewers.

Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Felicity Montagu, and Barbara Flynn star in the series, which is a spin-off of Death in Paradise. The story follows Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman (Marshall) as he moves to the hometown of his wife and joins the small town’s police department.

Read More…...

Dark humor in British comedy movies explores taboo topics like death and sexuality. British filmmakers like Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris typify the nation's sense of humor. From heist comedies to zombie parodies, British films like "A Fish Called Wanda" and "Shaun of the Dead" blend humor with dark themes.

British humor has always been perfectly suited to dark comedies, and many of the funniest British movies of all time are about death, pain and suffering. Dark humor has historically provided a respite for people who otherwise wouldn't discuss taboo topics, so it's no surprise that it has taken hold in British society, which has gone through periods of social conservatism embodied by the national ideal of keeping a stiff upper lip.

Many of Britain's funniest filmmakers tend to explore dark subjects. Monty Python, Armando Iannucci and Chris Morris have all used humor to explore Britain's attitude toward death, political corruption,...

The cameras are rolling on the eagerly anticipated third season of BritBox’s hit crime drama Beyond Paradise. Co-commissioned with the BBC, the new season will deliver more intriguing puzzles for the beloved Shipton Abbott team to solve.

Fans will also be thrilled to reunite with Humphrey and Martha, who nearly tied the knot last series, as they continue their heartfelt fostering journey.

Beyond Paradise Season 3 will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harrison as Cs Charlie Woods, and Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams.

Jamie Bamber will also reprise his role as the charming Archie Hughes who is back following his departure from Shipton Abbott at the end of series one.

Set against the idyllic backdrops of Devon and Cornwall,...

Kris Marshall will continue to fight crime in a Christmas special and third series of Beyond Paradise. More details here.

When Robert Thorogood pitched his idea about police drama set in the Caribbean, he could scarcely have imagined the gargantuan hit it would become. Death In Paradise recently broadcast its 13th series, with Ralf Little departing. His replacement has not yet been revealed.

The huge success of the series led to a spin-off, Beyond Paradise. Developed by Thorogood and Hustle creator Tony Jordan, Kris Marshall reprises the role of Humphrey Goodman, who solves crimes in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, near Devon, as he attempts to juggle his job with his relationship with Martha, played by Not Going Out star Sally Bretton

It is rare for a spin-off to equal the success of its parent show, but since it launched in 2023, Beyond Paradise has grown into one of the UK’s most popular dramas,...

Beyond Paradise has been renewed for a third season and a Christmas special has also been ordered by BBC in the UK. The series is released via the BritBox streaming service for US viewers.

Starring Kris Marshall, Sally Bretton, Zahra Ahmadi, Dylan Llewellyn, Felicity Montagu, and Barbara Flynn, Beyond Paradise is a spin-off of the long-running Death in Paradise series. The story follows Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman (Marshall) after he and his fiancée (Bretton) move to her hometown and he joins the small town’s police force.

Read More…...

Death In Paradise spin-off Return To Paradise is now filming on location in Australia. Here are the details.

The thirteenth series of Robert Thorogood’s long-running crime drama Death In Paradise recently concluded, with Ralf Little leaving the show. His replacement has not yet been announced, but what is being dubbed ‘The Paraverse’ is expanding once again.

The first spin-off, Beyond Paradise, is in the midst of its second series. Developed by Thorogood and Hustle creator Tony Jordan, Kris Marshall reprises the role of Humphrey Goodman, who solves crimes in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, near Devon.

The second is Return To Paradise. It was announced last year, but now the BBC have revealed details of the plot and characters. The synopsis reads as follows:

Return to Paradise follows Di Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson), an Australian ex-pat who’s made a name for herself in London’s Metropolitan Police for cracking uncrackable murder cases.

Fremantle Completes Asacha Deal

Fremantle has completed its big-money acquisition of Death in Paradise producer Asacha Media Group. The super-indie notified this morning that the deal, which was revealed several weeks ago, has gone through, and will see the Poor Things maker acquire the group from Asacha’s founding partners, managers and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. Fremantle hasn’t revealed how much Asacha cost but has said it has spent more than €200M ($216M) on both Asacha and 80% of Singapore’s Beach House Pictures since the start of this year. Fremantle takes hold of an eight-label group including Death in Paradise producer Red Planet, Arrow Media and Italy’s Stand By Me. Headquartered in Paris, France, Asacha will continue to be run by Co-Founder and Group CEO Gaspard de Chavagnac who will report to Fremantle’s Andrea Scrosati. De Chavagnac will continue to be supported by Marina Williams...

Death In Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise is back for a second series, and here’s the trailer.

As Death In Paradise nears the end of its 13th series, the BBC is preparing to launch the second series of successful spin-off Beyond Paradise, the most watched new drama of last year

The new series will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harison as Cs Charlie Woods, Melina Sinadinou as Zoe, Eva Feiler as Lucy, Isaac Vincent-Norgate as Ryan, Amelia Vitale as Hannah. Also returning is Selwyn the Duck.

The official synopsis reads as follows:

Shipton Abbott continues to keep Di Humphrey Goodman and his team busy, with a baffling new crime each episode. From a death on a steam train to a missing teacher,...

Death In Paradise returns to our screens in February, and the BBC have released plot and cast details.

Death In Paradise has been one of the BBC’s most successful dramas in recent years. Created by Robert Thorogood in 2011, the show’s thirteenth series is about to hit our screens. It has seen Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, Ardal O’Hanlon and current detective Ralf Little solve a remarkably high number of murders for such a small Caribbean island.

Last year, Marshall’s character Humphrey Goodman starred in spin-off Beyond Paradise, which paired him with Not Going Out star Sally Bretton and relocated the action to Cornwall. Proving popular with viewers, it recently returned for a Christmas special and a second series will be broadcast this year.

A further spin off, entitled Return to Paradise was announced last year, with action taking place in Australia.

Death In Paradise itself is back for a new series,...

This Sunday on BBC One, prepare for an enthralling journey as “Beyond Paradise” unfolds its latest episode at 9:00 Pm. Humphrey, the once laid-back paradise seeker, takes a turn in his pursuit of a quieter life. Having left the tropical haven behind, he now finds himself in the heart of fiancée Martha’s hometown, embracing the role of a Detective Inspector. However, the tranquility he sought might prove elusive as he confronts the challenges of a town grappling with a high crime rate.

In this gripping episode, viewers will witness Humphrey navigating the complexities of law enforcement in an unexpected setting. The juxtaposition of paradise-seeking and crime-fighting adds a fascinating layer to the storyline. As the plot unfolds, audiences can anticipate a blend of mystery, drama, and perhaps a few surprises that come with Humphrey’s new professional venture. “Beyond Paradise” promises a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats,...

This December, BritBox is bringing nostalgia home for the holidays. The British streamer is adding several specials and older seasons of classic programs, including the docu-special “Farewell Doc Martin” and later seasons of the beloved sitcom “My Family” (plus its collection of Christmas specials).

For those looking for something new this season, Jason Isaacs will explore classic Hollywood by way of Bristol in the new four-part bio-series “Archie,” playing Hollywood leading man Cary Grant. Plus, catch up on the latest season of the black comedy crime series “Annika,” which will have its BritBox streaming premiere on Dec. 21.

Check out The Streamable’s top picks for December, and find out everything coming to the platform this month!

7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Coming to BritBox in December 2023? “My Family” Christmas Specials and Seasons 5-11 | Wednesday, Dec. 1 and Thursday, Dec. 7

BritBox will bring a...

Did Charlotte end up with the right guy in the end? Over three seasons of PBS’s Sanditon, Rose Williams’ character had no shortage of love interests, from the dashing Sidney Parker to her brooding employer Alexander Colbourne. But some stood head and shoulders above the rest. Here’s our ranking of Charlotte’s love interests in Sanditon.

[Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the series finale of Sanditon.]

5. Colonel Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones)

When Charlotte first met Colonel Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones) in season 2, it seemed like he might be a viable love interest. He was charming and urbane and he paid Charlotte a lot of attention, sending her flowers and flattering her whenever they met. But his true nature soon emerged. He ran up debts at every Sanditon business (shades of Wickham in Pride & Prejudice) and nearly ruined Tom Parker (Kris Marshall) by encouraging him to gamble. Then, he assaulted Charlotte at a ball, offering a glimpse at his violent nature.

Is there any corner of the globe left untouched by the British crime drama? If it’s not Kenneth Branagh stalking through the inky expanses of the Swedish winter, or Roger Allam quaffing rosé in Provence, it’s Ralf Little, Ben Miller, Kris Marshall or Ardal O’Hanlon nicking killers (and evading taxes) in Guadeloupe. Now, British crime turns its attention to the Costa del Sol with A Town Called Malice (Sky Max). a pulpy, blood-soaked vision of Brits abroad. “Death arrives on the Costa,” growls the local Spanish detective. “I like it.”

Gene (Jack Rowan) is the youngest of the Lord brothers, heirs-apparent to a south-London crime family. But he’s different, determined to make it as a newspaper journalist. “My family couldn’t lie in bed straight, but that’s not me,” he tells Cindy (Tahirah Sharif), a beautiful bartender. Soon enough, Gene and Cindy are engaged to be married,...

PBS is making one final trip to Sanditon. Season 3 of the romantic period drama premieres on March 19. The last six episodes will wrap up the story of Charlotte, Georgiana, and the other residents of the seaside resort town. Before you dive in, check out this refresher on where we left things at the end of Sanditon Season 2.

Charlotte (Rose Williams) is engaged to Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden) ‘Sanditon’ Season 3 |Joss Barratt (C) Red Planet (Sanditon 3) Ltd

Sanditon’s second season ended with an engagement for Charlotte Heywood (Rose Willams). But the groom-to-be wasn’t who many viewers expected. After widower Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) abruptly broke things off with her, Charlotte returned home, where she finally gave in to her father’s wishes and became engaged to local farmer Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden).

Charlotte’s face didn’t seem to be overflowing with happiness when she broke the news of...

Sanditon will come to an end with its third and final season next month as the PBS fan-favorite series eyes its return date. A show that ignited a passionate fanbase will begin its concluding chapter on Sunday, March 19 with the first episode of a six-episode season. The show will also stream on the same day. “Sanditon has been an incredibly special series for Masterpiece, and we know it has found its way into the hearts of countless fans,” said executive producer Susanne Simpson in a statement shared by PBS. “While we are sad to say goodbye to the series, we know our audience has a lot to look forward to in this new season.” (Credit: PBS Masterpiece) As teased in the preview, above, Austen heroine Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) returns to the titular seaside resort town with fellow returning characters Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke), Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Tom Parker...

Masterpiece has released a trailer for the upcoming final season of Sanditon, the drama inspired by Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, that was adapted and created by Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures.

The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3. The drama will premiere on 9 p.m. Sunday, March 19, on PBS. The series also will be available to stream the same day.

Returning characters for Season 3 include Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams), Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke), Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes), Tom Parker (Kris Marshall), Mary Parker (Kate Ashfield), Lady Denham (Anne Reid), Edward Denham (Jack Fox), Arthur Parker (Turlough Convery), Lady Susan (Sophie Winkleman), and Ralph Starling (Cai Brigden).

More new faces are joining the series, like Lady Montrose, who is the quintessential Austen mother. She arrives in Sanditon with one objective: matches for her children, Lydia and Henry. Lydia is an independent young woman who is not as eager for a match as her mother, while Lord Henry Montrose is charismatic and confident, but he holds a secret.

There’s also Rowleigh Pryce, a wealthy, curmudgeonly investor who is interested in teaming up with Tom Parker on the seaside resort’s expansion. Their plans become complicated when Rowleigh runs into Lady Denham. Also new to Sanditon is Alexander’s brother, Samuel Colbourne – a lawyer, and a charming bachelor.

Legend has it, if you say ‘New Doctor Who’ in a mirror three times, Kris Marshall appears.

The Death in Paradise star (who is starring in the Devon-set spin-off series Beyond Paradise on BBC One) has for many years been one of – if not the – top names whenever we hear there’s a Doctor Who regeneration on the way. In 2017, the rumours were so solid that the bookies even stopped taking bets on him becoming Peter Capaldi’s successor.

And yet Kris Marshall himself confirmed last year that he’s never even been approached for the show. Not only that – and readers might want to sit down for this one – he’s never watched a single episode.

Now we’ve got over that bombshell, it’s time to ask: how on earth did the Kris Marshall Doctor Who rumours start?

Unfortunate Timey-Wiming With His Death in Paradise Exit

Marshall puts...

Following on from the hugely popular BBC series Death in Paradise, comes the new spin-off, Beyond Paradise, where we swap the golden beaches of the Caribbean for…. Devon. The returning character is fan favourite, the detective Humphrey Goodman, and we had the pleasure in taking part in a junket where we got to speak to Kris Marshall, who plays the role, alongside his on-screen partner Sally Bretton, and mother-in-law Barbara Flynn.

But it wouldn’t be a spin-off without a host of new characters, and we also spoke to Dylan Llewellyn and Felicity Montagu. We not only discussed their new roles, but two of their more memorable from other shows, as Llewellyn firstly tells us what it meant to him to hear that Martin Scorsese is a Derry Girls fan, while Montagu talks about the iconic role of Lynn Benfield from I’m Alan Partridge, as she tells us whether...

Kris Marshall had little trouble stepping back into character for Beyond Paradise. In the new BritBox series, a spinoff of lighthearted murder-mystery juggernaut Death in Paradise, the actor is again playing bumbling but brilliant police detective Humphrey Goodman, who regularly takes notes on whatever scraps of paper are at hand. All Marshall had to do to channel Humphrey was don one of his old jackets, which the BBC had in storage. “They dug it out, and when I put the jacket back on, some of my old notes were still in the pocket,” he remembers. “It was almost like putting on a second skin.” He may be playing the same character, but the six-episode Beyond Paradise, premiering Friday, February 24, isn’t a clone of its progenitor. Yes, there are still mysteries to unravel, but none involve murder. And instead of solving crime on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie,...

Sanditon has an end date. PBS has announced that the Masterpiece series will end with its upcoming third season. The network released the first photos and a teaser for the final episodes, which will begin airing on March 19th.

Starring Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Kris Marshall, Kate Ashfield, Anne Reid, Jack Fox, Turlough Convery, Sophie Winkleman, and Cai Brigden, the period drama series is based on the final and incomplete novel of Jane Austen. Emma Fielding, Alice Orr, Edward Davis, James Bolam, and Liam Garrigan are joining the cast for the final episodes.

Read More…...

When the 2003 Christmas classic Love Actually entered the world, it was like a stuffed stocking, filled to the brim with some of Britain’s greatest actors.

From Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson to Alan Rickman, it attracted some of the best performers of the era.

The film also launched the careers of Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Olivia Olson, who were children when they starred in the romcom.

It’s been almost 20 years since Richard Curtis’s film was released, and they’ve all been very busy since then.

Some of the stars of the movie have gone on to work with Curtis again, while others have had huge franchise roles or become synonymous with certain characters, like Martin Freeman’s Dr John Watson in Sherlock.

Here’s a rundown on the Love Actually cast’s varied careers, from 2003 to now…

Bill Nighy

After playing rock and roll legend Billy Mack in Love Actually,...

The upcoming third season of Sanditon will be its last, Masterpiece has announced.

The drama will premiere on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 9/8c on PBS. The series will also be available to stream the same day.

“Sanditon has been an incredibly special series for Masterpiece, and we know it has found its way into the hearts of countless fans,” said Susanne Simpson, Masterpiece Executive Producer. “While we are sad to say goodbye to the series, we know our audience has a lot to look forward to in this new season.”

Sanditon premiered in 2020. Inspired by Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, the show was adapted and created by Andrew Davies and produced by Red Planet Pictures. The series took on its own direction (Austen only finished 11 chapters before her death) and writer Justin Young took the helm as lead writer and executive producer for seasons 2 and 3.

Returning characters for season 3 include...

Joanna Page has recalled an embarrassing moment from the first ever Love Actually read-through.

The Gavin & Stacey star appears in Richard Curtis’s 2003 Christmas romcom as Judy, a body double working in film.

Her character is required to perform sex scenes alongside fellow actor John (Martin Freeman), but the pair end up striking up a tentative romantic relationship off-camera.

Appearing on Loose Women on Tuesday (13 December), Page admitted that she’d only ever seen the film once.

She then shared a story from the set of the film, when she was sat at the read-through alongside the likes of Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Liam Neeson.

“I just remember getting there, I was 23, brand new,” she said. ‘Like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe everyone is here.”

She then recalled how everyone was present apart from the women Colin Frissell (Kris Marshall) meets in America, played by January Jones,...

Richard Curtis is a man with many ideas. If you've ever watched any of the films he's scripted, like "Four Weddings and a Funeral" or "Love Actually," you know exactly what we're talking about. His movies tend to have multiple storylines which often intersect, even if onlybriefly. Given that the big limitation of cinema is that movies have to have a finite runtime, it's no surprise that sometimes he's got too many ideas to fit into a single movie. That was certainly the case with "Four Weddings and a Funeral," and that makes sense. After all, you're cramming four different weddings and a funeral into two hours. Something's gotta give.

Fortunately, romantic comedies are Curtis' wheelhouse. And in the world of romantic comedies, more often than not there's going to be a wedding. Such was the case with "Love Actually," the directorial debut for Curtis. Since he also wrote "Love Actually,...

Which bit of Love Actually disturbs you the most? For me, personally, it’s when Kris Marshall’s character is about to board a plane to find some hot American chicks to bang, and he bellows, “Here comes Colin Frissell… and he’s got a bigggg knobbbb.” Obviously if I saw the man from My Family shouting that at an airport, it would ruin not just my holiday but my entire Christmas. But what’s bothering me more about Love Actually, actually, is the way that bashing Richard Curtis’s Now 45 compilation of a Christmas film has become an annual sport. At this time of year, the takes really are all around. People declare this fluffy film problematic. Anti-feminist. Practically the anti-Christ. Earlier this week, Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 show even had a segment that explored the film’s “red flags” and asked if we should stop watching it all together.

Ah, Love Actually. It’s the convoluted Christmas movie of choice for many of us year after year, and we love it despite its many flaws, which have only grown in number as we’ve become more aware of things like the Bechdel test, how unfunny fat jokes are and that not all relationships are between heterosexual white people.

As romcoms go, Love Actually is certainly ambitious, telling nine different stories over the course of two hours, which makes it even more unbelievable that Richard Curtis originally wanted there to be a whopping fourteen storylines.

The ones that made the cut range from the slightly icky to full-blown swoon fests, so let’s rank them to find out which is the most romantic Love Actually storyline:

9. Harry, Karen and Mia

There is no romance here at all. Not in the way Harry (Alan Rickman) takes his brilliant wife Karen (Emma Thompson...

Love may actually be all around, but it was mostly a white Christmas when it came to 2003 rom-com “Love Actually.”

Writer-director Richard Curtis reflected on the beloved classic film, saying the lack of diversity makes him “feel uncomfortable and a bit stupid” two decades later.

“There are things you’d change but, thank God, society is changing, so my film is bound, in some moments, to feel out of date,” Curtis said in a interview with Diane Sawyer for ABC’s 20th-anniversary special “The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later” (via Entertainment Weekly).

Curtis continued, “The lack of diversity makes me feel uncomfortable and a bit stupid. You know, I think there are sort of three plots that have sort of bosses and people who work for them.”

The film focused on 10 separate love stories, with Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Alan Rickman,...

Exclusive: Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures has struck a deal with ITV’s Our House author Louise Candlish and is seeking more work outside the UK, helped by new owner Asacha Media Group.

The company founded by lauded British screenwriter Tony Jordan, which also makes PBS Masterpiece/BritBox’s Sanditon, is working on a number of projects targeted at non-uk buyers.

Candlish will work with Red Planet’s Our House exec Tom Mullens on TV drama ideas while Red Planet has optioned two further Candlish novels, 2016’s The Swimming Pool and upcoming thriller The Only Suspect, the latter of which will be adapted by Simon Ashdown. The Swimming Pool is being produced by Ejk Productions’ Elizabeth Kesses- Delport.

Louise Candlish. Image: Johnny Ring

The Candlish deal comes fresh off the back of the success of ITV’s adaptation of the Martin Compston-starring Our House, which was watched...

“Love Actually” persists.

A number of cast members from the beloved holiday classic are reuniting nearly two decades later. “Love Actually” premiered in Nov. 2003 but started its creative process the year prior. A one-hour reunion special titled “The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later” is set for late November courtesy of ABC News.

Read More: Keira Knightley Has Never Rewatched ‘Love Actually’: ‘It’s Just Very Odd Watching Films That You’re In’

Stars Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Olivia Olson, plus director Richard Curtis will appear for the reunion. More stars are being teased, including a message from Martin McCutcheon, who portrayed Natalie.

“The special will also examine how the Covid-19 pandemic refocused the ways we love and connect and the omnipresent acts of kindness inside our families and communities,” a press release explains.

Read More: ‘Love Actually’ Actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster ‘Hated,...

It has been a turbulent time for devoted fans of Sanditon, the lush period drama based on the unfinished manuscript by Jane Austen. The first season was a hit, but the show was unduly cancelled, and then suddenly revived, delighting fans and cast alike.

We recently sat down with some of the cast to talk about their time on the show, the emotional roller coaster of season 2 and what excited them most about their return.

The second series of Sanditon based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, picks up the action nine months after the first season, as the town grows in popularity, and features characters familiar and new.

The new series sees the return of Rose Williams, Crystal Clarke, Anne Reid, Kris Marshall, Kate Ashfield, Jack Fox, Charlotte Spencer, Turlough Convery, Lily Sacofsky and Adrian Scarborough.

We are also introduced to intriguing new characters this series who shake...

The universe of the globally popular “Death in Paradise” series is being expanded with new show “Beyond Paradise.”

The new series follows characters who have moved from sunny Saint Marie to rural Britain. Co-commissioned by BBC One and BritBox International, and reuniting Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton in the lead roles, the six-part “Beyond Paradise,” created by Tony Jordan and Robert Thorogood, will be produced by Red Planet Pictures.

Executive chair of Red Planet, Jordan, will act as showrunner and executive producer alongside Tim Key and Belinda Campbell, and Diederick Santer and Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for BritBox International and BBC respectively. BBC Studios will handle international distribution. The series is produced by Lindsay Hughes and directed by Sandy Johnson. Filming will start on location in the U.K. later this year.

The deal is part of a slate with U.K. broadcasters BBC and ITV unveiled by BritBox...

The BBC and BritBox have commissioned a spin-off of BBC drama favorite Death in Paradise, with Kris Marshall’s Di Humphrey Goodman character making a return in the UK.

Marshall played the lead role in the show’s third-to-sixth season before being replaced by Ardal O’Hanlon and Beyond Paradise will spotlight his return to being a Di in his home nation. Beyond Paradise will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios and be available in all Britbox international markets outside of Australia.

Having recently entered its 11th season, Asacha Media Group-backed Sanditon producer Red Planet Pictures’ Death in Paradise is one of the BBC’s most popular dramas of the past decade and was one of the first shows to return to production after the Covid-induced production hiatus in 2020.

The idea for a spin-off has been floating around for several years and BritBox Chief Creative Officer Diederick Santer, who used to run Broadchurch indie Kudos,...

Spoilers abound for Sanditon Season 1 (and the first episode of Season 2) below. You’ve been warned!

Fans of romantic period dramas, rejoice! March brought the sophomore return of two beloved Regency-era shows — Netflix’s “Bridgerton” and PBS Masterpiece’s “Sanditon.” While the former is definitely the more boisterous and popular of the two, the latter has amassed a small-but-mighty fanbase of devotees.

Based on the 11 chapters of Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript, “Sanditon and The Watsons,” the series first premiered in the UK in 2019, followed by a January 2020 release in the United States. Created by Emmy and BAFTA-winning “Bridget Jones’s Diary” writer Andrew Davies, “Sanditon” follows the free-spirited Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she relocates from her rural town to Sanditon, a fishing village with aspirations of becoming a bustling seaside resort. While there, she meets the Mr. Darcy-esque Sidney Parker (Theo James), an initially uninviting man who nonetheless piques her interest.

British actor Hugh Grant succinctly shut down rumors with a single tweet that he was in talks to take over the role of Doctor Who. “Nothing against Dr W but I’m not [sic]. No idea where the story came from,” Grant said Monday on social media.

Grant’s response comes after a weekend report in U.K. tabloid Mirror, which quoted a “TV insider” as saying the famed romcom actor was in talks to take over the time-traveling role from Jodie Whittaker in a “Marvel-style makeover” reboot of the long-running sci-fi series.

Whittaker announced in 2021 that she was leaving the role and has already recorded her final episodes, with two more special episodes set to air this year. Writer Chris Chibnall will also be setting down the sonic screwdriver alongside Whittaker, with Russell T. Davies set to return to the series as showrunner in 2023.

Grant previously played the role (kind...

When leading man Regé-Jean Page decided to leave Bridgerton before the start of Season 2, the producers created a space so he could come back if he should ever choose to return.

The same doesn’t seem to be the case for actor Theo James on PBS’ Masterpiece series Sanditon — if the clip above is any indication. Spoiler alert: If you want to wait until Season 2 premieres this Sunday at 9/8c, don’t watch the clip above because it reveals a fate worse than marrying Eliza Campion.

More from TVLineSanditon Season 2 Premiere Recap: Charlotte Meets Two New Suitors, Mourns Sidney -- Plus,...

It is a well-known fact that Jane Austen and PBS‘s Masterpiece go together like the proverbial tea and crumpets. Which is why it was such a shock for fans to be left hanging two years ago when the series version of Sanditon — based on Austen’s final, unfinished novel — was canceled by its British producers before its first season even aired on PBS in the winter of 2020. If the original unfinished manuscript left Austen fans wanting more, dismayed viewers were additionally vexed by the unhappy ending Sanditon‘s producers had contrived for its heroine, Charlotte Heywood (the disarming Rose Williams). She and everyone else were left heartbroken when her studly love interest Sidney Parker (Theo James) was forced to marry another to rescue his unlucky brother Tom (Kris Marshall) from financial ruin. (Credit: Joss Barratt/Red Planet) As fan outcry mounted over the truncated run, Masterpiece was able to...

Sand, seashells…and an airplane hangar? Welcome to the set of Sanditon, outside Bristol, England, where the 19th and 21st centuries collide. Not that viewers will notice when the long-awaited new season of the Masterpiece series premieres on PBS on March 20. But when the cast filmed scenes at a specially made beach last year, a huge aircraft shed where the Concorde was constructed sat where the water should be. The sea was digitally added later. The set is just one new element of the resurrected romantic drama, inspired by Jane Austen’s unfinished novel. Also painfully new: the absence of leading man Theo James as Sidney Parker, especially since the first season didn’t deliver the Austen-style happy ending for cherished pair Sidney and Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) that fans had hoped for. Instead, Sidney announced that he was marrying his former fiancée, whose money would keep his brother Tom...