Author: bang5

Meghan Markle has faced a string of scathing reviews after the release of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan – but one royal expert has some advice for the duchess after it was revealed the show will be returning

The reviews are in for Meghan Markle’s Netflix show – and some would have been tough reading for the Duchess.

With Love, Meghan, which sees her share cooking and hosting tips and tricks, was seen as a make-or-break for the Sussexes’ multi-million dollar with Netflix, which they signed in 2020 when they dramatically quit their royal roles. But it has been savaged by critics both in the UK and the US – and only just scraped into Netflix’s global to 10 next week, with 12.6million hours watched. This compares to 97.9million hours watched in the first week the controversial Harry & Meghan docuseries was released

With Love, Meghan shows the Duchess cooking with friends and influencers ( 
Image:
COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

And royal expert Jennie Bond has advice for Meghan as she tries to move on from the criticism. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “As regards the negative reviews, I hope she hasn’t wasted her time reading them. The pile-on of utter mockery about her show has, in my opinion, been completely out of order. Even cruel.”

But despite the savage reviews, it was revealed that the show will be returning to the platform later this year, as it has been revealed a second series of the programme is on the way. Meghan posted on her Instagram stories with a video of her wearing a hat with the writing “lettuce romaine calm” on it and grinning, then turning and putting her hands in the air.

The caption on the Instagram story said: “Lettuce romaine calm… or not (!) because I’m thrilled to share that Season 2 of ‘With Love, Meghan’ is coming!”

And Jennie added that Meghan should not make any wholesale changes when it comes to the new series, despite the reviews. She added: “It is a lifestyle show. It is not a political debate or an analysis of global affairs. It’s not meant to have any great substance.

Meghan in the show with Mindy Kaling ( 
Image:
JUSTIN COIT/NETFLIX)
“It is a show about making things pretty or tasty or comfortable. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else. So I don’t think Meghan should change anything about it for her next series, which has already apparently been shot.

“The crew who worked on it have spoken about how charming and hospitable she was. That’s refreshing to hear. The show has quite a few handy little tips if you’re interested. And if you’re not, then the answer is blindingly obvious: don’t watch it. But leave the poor woman alone and stop the bitchy comments.”

The prince makes just one appearance at the end of the first season’s final episode when he joins Meghan, her mother Doria Ragland and friends for an outdoor celebratory brunch.

In what is likely to be seen as a nod to the restrictions she felt within the royal family, Meghan raises a toast, saying: “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited that I get to share and I’ve been able to learn from all of you. So I just thank you for all the love and support. And here we go, there’s a business. All of that is just part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”

And Jennie said: “Harry has made it clear that he regards this as Meghan‘s moment to shine: it is her project and her show. He knows perfectly well that whatever he says or does on camera would take attention away from his wife

Coleen Rooney knows how Danny Jones’ wife must be feeling after his Maura Higgins kiss, a source tells us as the star reaches out to her former jungle campmate amid the scandal

It’s fair to say that Danny Jones and his wife Georgia Horsley have had a hellish time since the McFly singer was seen sharing a kiss with Maura Higgins during a Brits afterparty earlier this month. The couple, although yet to publicly address the scandal, are rumoured to be trying to work things out. And one person who knows what it’s like to have their relationship thrust under the microscope is Danny’s I’m A Celeb co-star Coleen Rooney.

The WAG, who has been with former Manchester United legend Wayne since she was 16, has battled her share of public trials and tribulations with the footballer amid numerous cheating scandals. And a source claims that this offers her a real insight into the kind of turmoil Georgia must be currently experiencing. “Coleen knows how it feels to be in Georgia’s position. She’s been there with Wayne when it comes to public scandals, so she can imagine what she will be going through. She does really feel for Georgia and feels like she’s been there and got the T-shirt,” says the source

Coleen and Wayne have experienced their own issues ( 
Image:
Getty Images

But Coleen, 38, showed she was rooting for both of them last Wednesday – less than two weeks after the scandal broke – when she became one of the stars to comment on Danny’s birthday on social media. Alongside a photo of the musician coaching one of her sons on playing the guitar, she wrote on her Instagram Story, “Have a great day.” Coleen had also put a sticker reading “happy birthday” above her caption on the photo.

She’s not the only former campmate to do so, with Corrie star Alan Halsall, 42, also posting a message for Danny. He uploaded a photo of them together from their time in the Australian jungle and wrote “Happy birthday” next to it. Coleen and Danny, 39, appeared in I’m A Celebrity in November, alongside Maura, 34. Striking up a close friendship, Coleen only narrowly missed out on winning the show to Danny, who went on to be crowned King Of The Jungle.

Coleen was runner-up to Danny in the jungle ( 
Image:
James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Viewers were also treated to a sweet moment when Georgia, 38, and the son she shares with Danny, seven-year-old Cooper, had an emotional reunion with the singer in the jungle. But fast forward to this month and fans were left shocked when a video circulated online of Danny seemingly sharing a drunken kiss with Maura while they partied at the Universal Music Brits afterparty.

After attending the annual awards ceremony separately, the co-stars headed to the bash together alongside fellow campmate Oti Mabuse. But seemingly getting closer throughout the evening, they were later seen sharing the smooch in the early hours, before heading to another afterparty together at London’s Nobu Hotel.

Following the release of the clips, Maura and Danny have remained silent and are still yet to speak out on the incident. However, Maura jetted off to LA last week to continue with planned work while Danny was seen heading out for a coffee with Georgia – apparently signalling that the couple are working through the incident.

While Coleen wasn’t at the Brits with her former campmates, she did strike up a close friendship with the group in the jungle – and our source claims the mum-of-four is there for Georgia. They said, “Coleen got close with Danny in the jungle and met Georgia afterwards, but she didn’t stay particularly close with her and isn’t one to insert herself into drama – Coleen keeps herself to herself. But she has made it clear she’s there for Georgia if she needs it because it’s not an easy thing to go through.”

Danny and Georgia attended the NTAs together last year ( 
Image:
Getty Images for the NTA’s)

But Danny was joined by Tom Fletcher at the BRITs ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Coleen’s relationship has come under scrutiny over the years with Wayne being linked to cheating scandals. Admitting that she stuck by him because there was “still love” between them, Coleen said last year, “You could draw a line under it but, with me and Wayne, I’ve always said, there was always love still there. So why throw it away when you can work at it?

If you work at it, and it doesn’t work, then forget about it and go your own separate ways. But, there’s always been love… we never wanted to part.”

Now, as it’s reported Danny and Georgia are in “crisis talks” over their relationship, the source claims Coleen and Wayne are an inspiring example for the couple of how a marriage can survive what, at the time, can sometimes seem unsurvivable. The source said, “Coleen knows things can look worse from the outside than they really are and that couples can get through it, like she and Wayne have, and be strong again. So that’s her stance on it.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have appeared to many as noticeably more loved-up on their recent public outings – and one royal expert believes it comes after the couple faced a turning point after a make-or-break crisis

From holding hands to exchanging tender touches, the Prince and Princess of Wales seem more loved up than ever in public.

The pair were captured in a sweet moment at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, beaming at each other as they enjoyed musical performances. It comes just after they were caught clutching each other’s hands as they went to catch their train after a day of engagements in Wales.

For some, the PDAs marked changed from earlier in their marriage when on public engagements, where they appeared more formal. And for royal expert Jennie Bond, the marked change comes down to one clear reason.

The pair share a sweet exchange on Commonwealth Day ( 
Image:
PA)
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “I think a turning point in how William and Catherine behave towards one another in public was the hugely emotional and very beautiful video she released announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment

“It was more personal and intimate than any film I’ve ever seen of the Royal Family. So, now that we all appreciate just how much they love one another and have seen how tender and tactile they are together, there’s no reason to be quite so formal when they are out in public these days.

“There’s also no doubt that something as shocking as a cancer diagnosis in your early 40s is a wake-up call to appreciate and show your love for the people who mean most to you. William has been Catherine’s absolute rock through the past brutal 15 months, and Catherine’s courage in facing up to her cancer has left him full of pride and admiration for the wife he adores.

Kate in a tender moment with husband Prince William announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment
“A crisis like this can make or break, and it seems certain to me that all they’ve been through in the past year or so has made what was already a happy marriage even more solid.” Kate’s appearance at the Commonwealth Day service came after she was forced to miss the event last year following her cancer diagnosis. Now in remission, the princess has a busy few days ahead.

Later today she will be in Cardiff to cheer on England in her royal as rugby patron as they take on Wales in the Six Nations. Then on Monday, she will join the Irish Guards for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade in her role as the colonel of the regiment

And Jennie noted: “Even though the Palace is still advising that the Princess is by no means returning to full-time Royal duties yet, we have seen a surprising amount of her so far this year. And she is looking radiant and delighted to be back in the public arena. She is most certainly the star of the royal show.

“As ‘the season’ begins to get underway – with the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, the Garter service and Trooping etc– I’m sure Catherine will attend as many of the big events as she feels able. But, behind the scenes, I think she will also be continuing her research and support for the Early Years and Shaping Up campaigns which mean so much to her.

“But she also has quite a big job on her hands bringing up three boisterous children, who have lived through an extraordinarily difficult year. And I think the Easter school holidays will once again be ring-fenced as much as possible for William and Catherine to have fun with their kids.”

This Morning’s presenter Dermot O’Leary was left in shock during today’s show when he was beaten by his colleagues in a list of presenters with the most soothing voices

This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary has claimed that he’ll “never work” with one particular company in mock outrage after being snubbed in their list of presenters with the most soothing voices.

Celebrating World Sleep Day, presenter Alison Hammond read out a list of presenters with the most soothing voices on the show, sharing how Josie Gibson was at number 28.

Reading out the rest of the list, contributor Tom Swarbrick said: “At number 12 on the soothing voice list, This Morning’s very own Cat Deeley. A West Midlands lilt. At number nine, Alison Hammond.”

Alison said: “I didn’t know that I was that soothing.”

Dermot was left disappointed after being snubbed from the list ( 
Image:
ITV)

Tom added: “Silver spot is reserved for our very own, dearly beloved, Ben Shephard everybody.”

As everyone waited with baited breath for Dermot, Tom revealed that it was actually Ken Bruce at number one – with Dermot not making the list.

“Which bunch of jokers commissioned this?” he said in mock outraged.

“Pukka Herbs! I’ll never been doing any work for Pukka Herbs. Pukka Pies if you’re on the line, give me a call. They’ve put together a list of soothing voices. I do Saturday morning radio!”

Earlier today, Vanessa Feltz announced that she would be quitting This Morning after 33 years on the show. The 63-year-old has regularly appeared as a contributor on the ITV series but will be leaving the show to host her own Channel 5 series.

Vanessa told the Daily Star newspaper: “I’ve been on This Morning since 1992. It’s been a long time . But I’m now doing my own show and I can’t do both.”

She added: “When I told everyone I wouldn’t be able to do the show anymore, they were lovely about it. I heard from Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby immediately and the bosses were charming. I’ll miss working with them all

She said: “I have learned lots of stuff on This Morning. When I first did it, I had never been on TV before. I didn’t know what was going on. I was bamboozled but they gave me a contract.” And Vanessa “couldn’t be more excited” about her new talk show. She gushed: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. It feels marvellous.”

Earlier this week, fans of This Morning were left fuming when the show was cut off air for ITV’s Cheltenham Festival coverage. “Wait what happened to this morning? And why is the news on?” one fan said.

Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith has revealed that she “wouldn’t watch” Meghan Markle’s Netflix show during a live appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain

Prue Leith has given her honest opinion on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show, revealing on Good Morning Britain: “I’m not a Meghan Markle fan.”

Prue appeared on the ITV show alongside her husband John Playfair to chat about their new show Cotswold Kitchen when she was asked about Meghan’s series With Love, Meghan.

“The new Meghan Markle series – have you seen it?” Rob asked, with Kate saying: “We love Meghan.”

However, Prue didn’t feel the same. “No – I’ve only read about it but I honestly wouldn’t watch it.”

Bake Off star Prue Leith gave her verdict on With Love, Meghan

Meghan Markle’s Netflix series will be back for a second series ( 
Image:
Netflix)

When pushed on why, Prue said: “I’m not a Meghan Markle fan. All that touchy-feely, endless worrying about what creams you put on your hands.

“I just think there’s more to life than how you look and how your friends think of you. I’ve probably alienated half my fans.”

With Love, Meghan follows the Duchess of Sussex as she invites a number of celebrity pals over to make honey, create bath bombs and take on a number of other DIY projects at home.

The series has received mixed reviews since its release earlier this month, with even some former celebrity supporters turning on the show.

Comedian Katherine Ryan recently revealed that while she was “rooting” for the Duchess, she is “very Hollywood”.

She said: “I see now, and maybe it’s just the projects she’s choosing, it does feel like she has lied about whether she knew who Prince Harry was, and these details about her childhood change and don’t add up.

“She said on her new Netflix show that they ate TV dinners growing up. But then in an old interview, she was like, ‘we would eat farm fresh.’ Her whole act just seems very manicured and very forced.”

Last week, Netflix announced that With Love, Meghan had been renewed for a second series, shocking experts across the industry including Jon Roseman.

The pundit said: “This is absurd. There must be desperation involved if Meghan has got something so wrong, and all the critics hate it, and then Netflix announces: ‘We have done another series.’

“I’m guessing a lot of pressure has come to bear. It makes perfect sense, though, when you find out that the second series was already filmed.”

Others pointed out how there may be “subtle digs” about the Royal Family within the series, with branding expert Lynn Carratt of Press Box PR revealing: “There are a few messages Meghan is clearly trying to convey in this documentary. She is trying to show herself as the perfect mum, the perfect and happiest wife, the perfect cook, the perfect host, the perfect friend.

“It’s all very carefully curated and aesthetically pleasing. Her subtle digs to the royal family, and to Kate and William perhaps in particular, seem to be, ‘Look at me, I’m happy thank you very much, living my picture-perfect Californian life, Harry and I made the right decision by quitting the royal family.’

Prince William has opened up in an interview about one of his favourite hobbies and has admitted how it keeps him online for ‘ages’ as he trawls online forums giving his opinions

Prince William has admitted he spends ‘ages’ on internet forums, where he posts using a secret name

The Prince of Wales has opened up in a new interview about his love of football and his favourite team, Aston Villa, explaining his unusual match-day rituals. The heir to the throne has been a long-time fan of the Midlands club and was there to support them earlier this week as they reached the Champions League quarter-finals with victory over Club Brugge

Before the game, he said his interest in the club grew when Villa were relegated to the Championship in 2016, a few years after finishing sixth in the Premier League. “The rise of the smartphone” made him even more invested as it became possible to track and discuss a team’s progress all the time.

Prince William is known to be a huge football fan ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
And he told The Sun: “I’d grown up looking at Ceefax on the television or the back pages of newspapers and if you didn’t have those to hand you were a bit out of the loop.” He added: “I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages. I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate

Elsewhere in the interview, he also revealed that his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have Villa shirts, among others, but he is not forcing them to support his team, he said. He explained: “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans.

“I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me. I’m trying to spread the love a little bit. They do have Villa shirts, and ask to come to games with me, but they have other shirts as well. There’s been a bit of courting going on by other managers too.”

William celebrates as Aston Villa score in their Champions League match against Club Brugge ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
William also told the publication he moves his children around the house to bring good luck when games are not going Villa’s way and said: “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck

He also said he fell in love with the Premier League club after being taken to matches by family friends when he was younger. During the interview at Villa’s training ground, William, 42, explained: “With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there.”

The prince also revealed one of his hardest challenges as FA president was consoling players after the Euro 2024 final defeat. “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into,” he admitted.

But a World Cup win next year is “definitely possible”, he said, praising new England manager Thomas Tuchel as “exactly the right person” for the job

It’s been six years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in St George’s Chapel – but there was one part of the ceremony that concerned the late Queen

There was great fanfare when Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in a fairytale ceremony in May 2018. But there was one aspect of the day that left the late Queen feeling ‘uncomfortable’, according to a royal expert.

The royal family were out in force to support Harry and Meghan as they exchanged their vows inside St George’s Chapel. It was a day of joy and celebration – but there had been some upset in the lead-up to the wedding.

With less than a week to go, Meghan’s father Thomas Markle confirmed that he would not be able to attend following a major health scare. It meant that the bride had no one to walk her down the aisle.

Fortunately, Meghan’s future father-in-law Charles, who was still Prince of Wales at the time, offered to step in, saying he would be honoured to escort her to the altar of the chapel.

The late Queen was said to be concerned about some aspects of the Sussexes’ wedding ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

But the gesture did not sit well with the late Queen, who attended the wedding with Prince Philip, according to royal author Ingrid Seward.

Writing in her book, My Mother and I, biographer Seward stated: “The Queen was not comfortable with the Prince of Wales standing in for Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, and was similarly concerned about a 96-year-old Prince Philip walking down the aisle without a stick, having had a hip replacement only five weeks before.”

It was later revealed that it was Prince Harry who had asked his father to step in. He recalled in the documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70: “I asked him to and I think he knew it was coming and he immediately said, ‘Yes, of course, I’ll do whatever Meghan needs and I’m here to support you.”

Charles’s role wasn’t the only aspect of the wedding that the Queen felt uncomfortable with, however. According to Seward, who spoke with one of the late Queen’s confidants Lady Elizabeth Anson, the monarch was unsure about the bride’s white, flowing Givenchy wedding gown.

“Lady Elizabeth told me that the Queen had made only one remark to her about Meghan and Harry’s wedding, which was that the bride’s Givenchy wedding gown was ‘too white’. In the monarch’s view, it was not appropriate for a divorcee getting remarried in church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal.”

It comes after another book claimed Meghan surprised Charles with her four-word reply when he did offer to walk her down the aisle. Writing in Queen of Our Times, author Robert Hardman said: “The reply, according to one friend, was not quite what he was expecting: ‘Can we meet halfway?’ Here was an indicator that this was no blushing bride, but a confident, independent woman determined to make a grand entrance on her own.”

Death in Paradise’s Season 14 finale was initially expected to air next Friday, March 21 but there has been a big scheduling shake-up at the BBC for a very good reason

Fans of the comedy-drama Death in Paradise have been left utterly dismayed as the finale has been delayed as part of a big BBC schedule shake-up.

While it’s been a dramatic few months on the scenic island, fans will unfortunately have to hold on a little longer before finding out how everything comes to pass. The schedule change has resulted in a complete overhaul of programs, leaving many eager viewers frustrated. season 14’s closing episode was initially expected to air next Friday, March 21, however owing to the roster rejigging, it will be replaced by Comic Relief on BBC One.

Fans should, as a result, expect the finale to air one week after its scheduled date – on March 28. The show’s spin-off, Beyond Paradise, is also due to return on the same night. All hope is not yet lost for fans of the show, as tonight’s penultimate Death in Paradise episode will air as per schedule.

The Death in Paradise season 14 finale will now air on Friday, March 28 ( 
Image:
BBC / Red Planet Pictures / Philippe Virapin)
Next week, fans can still enjoy their dose of the Death in Paradise universe for Red Nose Day, as the spin-off Beyond Paradise is set to cross over with Lee Mack’s sitcom Not Going Out.

The Comic Relief special will see the worlds of the characters from both shows unexpectedly (and hilariously) collide. Sally Bretton, who is an integral cast member of both the hit shows, will be appearing in the special alongside her reel-life partners Lee Mack (Not Going Out) and Kris Marshall (Beyond Paradise).

A BBC Comic Relief crossover special has been planned for Red Nose Day ( 
Image:
PR)
Speaking about the sketch that will see the Not Going Out cast wreak havoc on the coast, Sally shared: “It was great fun to have the two worlds collide, play my own doppelganger and get swept up in the madness that comes with that.

“It was particularly special to be doing it all for such a brilliant cause as Comic Relief. The sketch was filmed at such high speed, we didn’t know if we were coming or going. I don’t know how Lee Mack holds all the moving parts in his head. We all had a great day filled with fun, confusion and belly laughs.”

Her Beyond Paradise fiancé Kris Marshall, who plays Detective Humphrey Goodman on the show, also expressed his excitement and said: “It’s always a delight to be able to combine the joys of comedy with the ability to help the many worthwhile charities that Comic Relief supports

Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise is also due to return on March 28 ( 
Image:
BBC)

“And that as a part of the hilarious mistaken identities and sliding-doors pastiche in a melange of two of the BBC’s most beloved shows, I can be a small cog in this year’s wonderful evening of fun, frolics and fundraising.”

Meanwhile fans of the show can resort to consoling themselves with a summary of the finale for the time being, which reads: “Mervin is about to fly home but finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation when a body is discovered in his shack. As Mervin professes his innocence, the team can’t work out how the victim ended up inside a locked building with no sign of forced entry.

“The woman’s identity remains elusive until they discover she was volunteering at a local turtle conservation charity, and suspicion falls on her colleagues. Meanwhile, Selwyn grapples with his most difficult decision yet when he delivers some personal news to Mervin that turns everything on its head

Marlow Murder Club star Samantha Bond speaks to The Mirror in an exclusive interview as she returns for series two, admitting that she wants her famous son on the drama

Samantha Bond is back solving crimes in The Marlow Murder Club’s second series – and is hoping that her real-life son will make a cameo at some point.

The actress plays retired archaeologist and amateur sleuth Judith in the U&Drama hit, who reunites with dog walker Suzie and vicar’s wife Becks to solve three sinister cases. They’ve been taken on as civilian advisors to the police by DS Tanika Mailk (Natalie Dew).

However, Samantha is also mum to Brassic regular Tom Hanson and Doctors’ Molly Hanson, her children with husband stage actor Alexander Hanson. With Molly playing the young Judith in series one, Samantha is keen for Tom to take on a role in the future.

Samantha Bond’s son Tom Hanson plays Cardi in Brassic ( 
Image:
(Image: SKY))

Samantha Bond in The Marlow Murder Club
“I’d love it if he popped up,” she grins. “I don’t think I’d pop up in Brassic though

“My daughter in series one played the young Judith but because she was the young me, I didn’t get to share scenes with her. You can’t have the old and the young in the same scene, but it was lovely having her around.”

The new series kicks off with Judith, Suzie (Jo Martin) and Becks (Cara Horgan) heading to a garden party where the host, Sir Peter Bailey, is found mysteriously murdered inside his locked study. “They hear an almighty crash from within the house and Sir Peter is in his study where an enormous ancient cabinet has fallen onto him,” Samantha says.

“He is alone, locked inside his study and the only key is in his pocket. The police quickly decide it’s an accident but Judith, of course, knows it isn’t. But how do you solve the mystery of a dead body under a cabinet in a locked room?”

For Jo, whose character Suzie is part of Judith’s crime-solving trio, series two came as a relief. “There are no guarantees, especially in this current climate where everything’s getting cancelled,” Jo says.

“You get to my age and you’re just hoping. We’re actors – I’ve never been on solid ground so it’s nothing new, but it would be a big mistake not to bring it back because the characters have so much more story in them. You have four female leads who are running the show, I’m not just assisting some man while they solve a crime.”

Jo Martin, Samantha Bond and Cara Horgan return for series 2In the latest series, single mum Suzie experiences a newfound independence as her teenage daughter flies the nest. “As a mother myself, we all make this mistake where sometimes you pour so much into your children and you give nothing back to yourself,” says Jo. “It’s about getting them shoes, getting them to eat, keeping them alive – and then they get to the stage where they’re not needing you so much any more.

“Suzie really struggles with the idea of letting go and this season, she’s having to let go and rediscover who she is. It’s an empowering time for her.”

With a number of Marlow murderers on the loose, the pals soon find themselves chasing down criminals. And with EastEnders’ Samantha Womack, Poldark’s James Wilby and Baby Reindeer’s Nina Sosanya joining the cast, filming series two proved to be a big reunion for both Samantha and Jo.

“James Wilby and I worked together about 25 years ago,” Samantha says. “Caroline Langrishe, who plays Lady Bailey, I’ve known for years and years. You get these incredible actors coming to join you but because a lot of us are in our mature years now, a lot of the guests I’ve known forever. It’s like welcoming an old friend.”

Jo adds that she shares a scene with Hugh Quarshie, who plays Professor Gifford. “I worked with Hugh many moons ago on The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence. I played his sister-in-law. More recently, we were playing neurosurgeons in Holby City so it was lovely when I heard he was stepping up because he’s such a lovely man,” she says.

“He’s playing a love interest for Sam’s character Judith – and I was like, ‘Where’s my love interest? What’s going on?’ Suzie has life in her, she needs a bit of joy!”

Channel 4 will not be renewing its controversial social experiment Go Back to Where You Came From, with spokesperson saying that it was commissioned as a single series

Channel 4 will not be renewing its social experiment Go Back to Where You Came From, with reports that it has been axed over low ratings.

The series assembled six Brits with different views on immigration and challenged them with making the perilous journeys that some make to get to the UK in a bid to inform their views on what refugees go through.

A TV insider told The Sun: “Of course, Channel 4 will maintain they only made this as a stand alone show but the scope to continue the show with another batch of Brits was obvious.

“If the ratings were higher then it might well have had a sequel but it didn’t seem to capture the viewers imagination, even if some of the contestants’ views did inspire a fiery response.

The Channel 4 series has been axed after one series ( 
Image:
Minnow)

A spokesperson for Channel 4 told The Mirror: “Go Back to Where You Came from was commissioned as a single series of event television, and we are immensely proud of what it achieved in creating national conversation about a hugely important issue. Any allusions to this programme being ‘cancelled’ are entirely false.”

The series saw the group, which featured a TikToker and a GB News commentator, trek across Mogadishu, Somalia and Raqqa in Syria as they navigated trecherous migrant routes to get to the UK.

The series aired back in February, but had caused controversy before it even began – with viewers taking to social media to complain about the trailer.

“I’m all for a bit of controversy but I think @Channel4 have taken it too far with this one!!!” wrote one viewer, while a second commented: “#Channel4 new Documentary #GoBackToWhereYouCameFrom on TV in 2025 – people GO to #Syria to SEE why/how boats are coming to #uk Thats gonna open up a chain of carnage.”

An insider told The Express ahead of the series debut that the participants were subjected to “constant filming” and that the show was “dangerous” enough to necessitate “armed security”.

The source revealed: “Filming was constant for at least four weeks and participants would not be allowed to leave filming at any point – not even for a couple of days. Producers told me that participants would experience the life of an immigrant and would also meet with immigrants in Africa, Asia and Europe trying to get to the UK.”