Jimmy McGovern’s prison anthology is never an easy watch but the bravery to explore the darkest corners of the British prison system makes it quality viewing. This time, David Tennant is downtrodden prison officer Bobby Bailey at a young offender institute – where wasted youth and potential only add to the gloom. Siobhan Finneran returns as prison chaplain Marie-Louise, who joins the YOI.
The two get off to a bad start and both have to deal with a tragic event in the tense first episode. Meanwhile, one new inmate is torn between attempting to make amends and fitting in with his violent friends. Once again, the story is harrowing, heart-tugging and completely compelling.
Hollie Richardson The gently macabre humour of this comedy, adapted by the Gibbons brothers from a children’s novel by Eric Morecambe, has echoes of Ghosts. Hapless young vampire Val (Lenny Rush) finds himself in the world of humans when a trip to the village leads him into the home of oddball Gertie. Phil Harrison Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria lands in Bordeaux.
Filmed to look a bit like a Nespresso ad and with Eva sounding like a jacked-up Samantha Jones, it’s an enjoyable slice of escapism. That is, if you can stomach lots of one-percenters talking about staggeringly pricey bottles of plonk. Priya Elan It’s the Battle of the Bleats, after Eastsider Alix stole the goats from the Westsiders.
Celia and Kelly are unimpressed, while Alix and Kiera are planning to play dumb in order to distract from any accusations. But how will they manage to disguise the sound of their four-legged friends when the inevitable confrontation happens? PE The ex-Squeeze pianist boogies his woogie all over an impressive lineup of musical guests.
The performances include Beautiful South/Housemartins star Paul Heaton, British pop-soul sensation Skye Newman and Mobo-winning Northampton MC DC3. Plus, there’s a chat with Johnny Marr about his new album – and how he recently auctioned more than 80 guitars for charity. Alexi Duggins Sarah Solemani’s moreish take on Elizabeth Day’s novel follows the friendship between two men who went to boarding school together – journalist Martin Gilmour (Luke Evans) and Tory politician Ben Fitzmaurice (Tom Cullen) – and a terrible event that happens at Ben’s 40th birthday party.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
