News

On Saturday 14 June 2025, BBC One broadcasts Bridge of Lies!

Celebrity Specials Season 3: Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Bridge of Lies,” titled “Celebrity Specials,” promises an exciting twist on the high-stakes quiz show. Ross Kemp will be at the helm, guiding a group of well-known personalities as they take on the challenging game. This special episode will feature a lineup of familiar faces, including Simon Rimmer, the host of “Sunday Brunch,” comedian and actress Desiree Burch, broadcaster Angela Rippon, and TV presenter Craig Doyle.

In this episode, the celebrities will face tough questions and tricky challenges, all while trying to outsmart each other. The stakes will be high, and the pressure will be on as they aim to win for their chosen charities. With their unique personalities and backgrounds, each celebrity will bring something special to the competition, making for an entertaining hour of television.

Viewers can expect plenty of laughs,...

Rafi in The League. Dennis Feinstein in Parks and Recreation. Adrian Pimento in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Derek in The Good Place. If you’ve watched or listened to comedy at any point in the past 15 years or so, you’ve seen and almost certainly been delighted by Jason Mantzoukas. Now the seemingly fearless self-described “maniac” is taking on what may be his biggest challenge yet: the 19th season of Taskmaster.

The British panel show has previously included an American player — Desiree Burch, who appeared in Season 12 — but she’s an ex-pat living in the U.K.; Mantzoukas will be the first American who commuted to star in the show alongside fellow cast members Matthew Baynton, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Stevie Martin and Rosie Ramsey.

When we talked over Zoom last month, Mantzoukas graciously let me go over our allotted time asking every non-spoilery question I had about the new season. So yes, we...

Taskmaster is a show meant for crazy antics. From Rhod Gilbert throwing a javelin at the show’s creator to trying to fill an egg cup with sweat, it’s become bod-standard for the comedians competing on the show to throw all caution to the wind in order to win host Greg Davies’ favor — and the five points that come with it. This season, one of those competitors is Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and How Did This Get Made? co-host Jason Mantzoukas, and Collider is excited to debut an exclusive clip from the Season 19 premiere that proves just how far he’s willing to go for those sweet, sweet points.

When faced with the challenge to “do something really cool,” with a maximum of ten minutes to prepare, Mantzoukas’ immediate question is a simple one: “can I get on the roof?” When (little) Alex Horne shuts him down, his second option...

On Saturday 26 April 2025, BBC One broadcasts Blankety Blank!

Season 4 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Blankety Blank” promises to be an entertaining mix of laughter and fun. Hosted by Bradley Walsh, this episode features a lively lineup of guests, including Roisin Conaty, Sandi Toksvig, Desiree Burch, Paddy McGuinness, Joe Pasquale, and the musical group Fire.

Viewers can expect the usual blend of humor and competition as the guests take on the classic game show format. Each celebrity will aim to match their answers with contestants, leading to some unpredictable and hilarious moments. The chemistry between Bradley and the guests is sure to keep everyone engaged.

With a diverse group of personalities, this episode is set to bring a variety of comedic styles to the stage. Roisin Conaty and Sandi Toksvig are known for their quick wit, while Joe Pasquale and Paddy McGuinness often bring their own brand of humor.

In the upcoming episode of “Blankety Blank,” Bradley Walsh will welcome a lively lineup of guests for Season 4, Episode 3. The show is set to air on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 8:05 Pm on BBC One. Fans can expect a fun-filled evening packed with laughter and entertainment as the host engages with a mix of personalities.

Joining Bradley this week are Roisin Conaty, Sandi Toksvig, Desiree Burch, Paddy McGuinness, Joe Pasquale, and the musical act Fire. Each guest brings their unique charm and wit, promising plenty of hilarious moments and unexpected twists. With such a diverse group, the banter is sure to be lively, and the games will keep everyone on their toes.

As always, the classic format of the show will feature contestants trying to match answers with the celebrity guests. The playful competition and the lighthearted atmosphere make “Blankety Blank” a favorite among viewers. This episode is bound to deliver...

What happens when you take five comedians, put them in a miniscule, eclectic house in Chiswick and tell them to make a fool out of themselves for the entertainment of millions? Well, Taskmaster of course! The comedy competition series returns for its nineteenth season on May 1, and Collider is excited to premiere some exclusive images of competitor Jason Mantzoukas as he takes on the insanity of the British panel series.

The images don’t give us a great idea of what kinds of tasks Mantzoukas and the rest of the contestants will be put through over the course of ten episodes, but they do give us a great idea of the energy he’s bringing going into things. He revealed on former competitors James Acaster and Ed Gamble’s podcast Off Menu that he’s a huge fan of the long-running competition series — which has also featured comedians like Noel Fielding,...

On Friday 3 January 2025, BBC Two broadcasts Richard Osman’s House of Games!

Friday Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Richard Osman’s House of Games” titled “Friday” promises to be an exciting end to the week. This episode features four well-known contestants: Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson. Each of them will compete in a variety of quiz rounds chosen by the host, Richard Osman, who is known for his sharp wit and quiz expertise.

As the episode unfolds, the contestants will face different challenges that test their knowledge and quick thinking. Richard Osman will guide them through the rounds, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging. The competition will be fierce, as each player aims to outsmart the others and claim victory.

At the end of the episode, a daily winner will be announced after a fast-paced quick-fire round. The scores from this episode will also contribute to...

On Thursday 2 January 2025, BBC Two broadcasts Richard Osman’s House of Games!

Thursday Episode Summary

The Thursday episode of Richard Osman’s House of Games on BBC Two continues the lively competition as four well-known faces battle it out in a variety of fun and challenging quiz rounds. Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson face off as host Richard Osman leads them through a mix of clever questions and entertaining tasks.

The episode builds up to the quick-fire round, where speed and sharp thinking are key to claiming victory for the day. While a daily winner is crowned, the excitement doesn’t end there, as scores from the week are added up, keeping the race for the overall champion wide open. With humor, good-natured rivalries, and unexpected twists, this episode is set to deliver another dose of light-hearted quiz fun. Fans of the show won’t want...

On Wednesday 1 January 2025, BBC Two broadcasts Richard Osman’s House of Games!

Wednesday Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Richard Osman’s House of Games,” titled “Wednesday,” four well-known personalities will compete in a fun and exciting quiz. Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson will join host Richard Osman for a series of rounds that test their knowledge and quick thinking.

Richard Osman, known for his sharp wit and quiz expertise, will guide the contestants through various challenges. Each round is designed to be entertaining and engaging, with a mix of questions that cover different topics. The atmosphere promises to be lively as the contestants showcase their skills and attempt to outsmart one another.

At the end of the episode, a daily winner will be declared after a fast-paced quick-fire round. This adds an extra layer of excitement as the scores are tallied throughout the week. Fans...

On Tuesday 31 December 2024, BBC Two broadcasts Richard Osman’s House of Games!

Tuesday Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Richard Osman’s House of Games,” titled “Tuesday,” promises to be an exciting installment for fans of the show. This episode features a lively group of contestants: Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson. Each of these personalities brings their own unique style and humor, making for an entertaining competition.

As always, Richard Osman, known for his quick wit and charm, will guide the contestants through a series of quiz rounds. The challenges are designed to test their knowledge and skills in a fun way. Each round is carefully selected by Osman, ensuring that the competition remains fresh and engaging throughout the episode.

At the end of the quick-fire round, a daily winner will be declared, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. The scores from this episode...

On Monday 30 December 2024, BBC Two broadcasts Richard Osman’s House of Games!

Monday Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Richard Osman’s House of Games” on BBC Two, four new celebrities will compete in a series of fun and challenging rounds. Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson will take on a variety of questions selected by quiz master Richard Osman. Each round is designed to test the contestants’ knowledge and quick-thinking abilities, with a daily winner being declared after a fast-paced, quick-fire round.

The episode is part of a week-long competition, with the scores being tallied across all the episodes to determine the overall champion. Fans of the show can expect plenty of lighthearted moments and friendly rivalry as these well-known celebrities battle it out for the top spot. Whether it’s trivia, word games, or general knowledge, viewers are sure to enjoy the fun and competitive atmosphere.

This Friday, January 3, 2025, Richard Osman’s House of Games returns with an exciting episode featuring Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson. The show, airing at 8:00 Pm on BBC Two, promises a fun-filled evening of trivia and laughter as these four contestants compete in various rounds chosen by the beloved quizmaster, Richard Osman.

Each participant brings their unique charm and knowledge to the table, making for an entertaining mix of personalities. Desiree Burch is known for her quick wit, while Gareth Malone adds a musical flair. Jennie McAlpine, with her experience in the world of entertainment, and Jon Richardson, the sharp-tongued comedian, are sure to keep the audience engaged.

As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect a series of challenging questions and clever games. The tension builds as a daily winner is declared after a fast-paced round. Throughout the week, scores are tallied, adding an element of...

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 8:00 Pm, “Richard Osman’s House of Games” welcomes a lively group of contestants for an entertaining evening of trivia and fun. This episode features Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson, each ready to showcase their knowledge and compete for the title of daily winner.

As always, quiz master Richard Osman will guide the contestants through a series of rounds, each filled with intriguing questions and clever challenges. The atmosphere promises to be filled with laughter and friendly rivalry as the participants strive to outsmart each other. With Osman at the helm, the show is sure to deliver both wit and wisdom.

After a series of engaging rounds, a quick-fire challenge will determine who takes home the daily win. The scores will be tallied throughout the week, adding an exciting layer to the competition. Fans of the show can look forward to an evening...

“Richard Osman’s House of Games” returns for another exciting episode at 8:00 Pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, on BBC Two. This fun-filled quiz show brings together four celebrity contestants, Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson, as they go head-to-head in a series of challenging rounds selected by the host, quiz legend Richard Osman. Each contestant will need to put their general knowledge and quick-thinking skills to the test in a variety of engaging and often humorous tasks.

Throughout the episode, the contestants will face off in different rounds, aiming to score as many points as possible. The highlight of each episode is the quick-fire round, where the pressure is on to answer questions in a limited amount of time. At the end of the show, a daily winner is declared, and the scores are tallied over the course of the week, adding an extra layer of competition as the series progresses.

The excitement is back in the latest episode of Richard Osman’s House of Games, airing at 8:00 Pm on Monday, December 30, 2024, on BBC Two. This week, Desiree Burch, Gareth Malone, Jennie McAlpine, and Jon Richardson step into the spotlight to take on a series of fun and challenging quiz rounds selected by the quiz legend himself, Richard Osman.

As always, the competition is fierce, with each celebrity aiming to prove their trivia prowess across a variety of topics. From quirky questions to rapid-fire rounds, the show promises to keep viewers entertained with its signature blend of humor and brain-teasing fun. At the end of the episode, one contestant will be crowned the daily winner, but the scores will also accumulate throughout the week, adding an extra layer of excitement to the ongoing challenge.

For fans of light-hearted yet competitive quiz shows, this episode is sure to deliver plenty of laughs and surprising moments.

On Friday 8 November 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts The Last Leg!

Season 31 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Last Leg” promises to be an engaging mix of humor and current events. Set to air on Channel 4, this episode features the well-known comedian Frankie Boyle and the talented Desiree Burch. They will join the regular hosts, Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker, to discuss and dissect the week’s news.

Viewers can expect lively discussions and sharp wit as the group shares their thoughts on various topics. Frankie Boyle is known for his bold humor, while Desiree Burch brings her own unique style to the table. Together with the familiar trio of Adam, Josh, and Alex, they will offer a fresh perspective on the headlines that have captured attention over the past week.

As always, “The Last Leg” aims to blend comedy with commentary, making serious subjects more accessible and entertaining.

The upcoming episode of “Qi Xl,” titled “Series V,” promises to be an entertaining mix of humor and knowledge. Sandi Toksvig will take the lead as host, guiding the audience through a quirky exploration of the world of veterinarians. With a lineup that includes Tom Allen, Melanie Bracewell, Desiree Burch, and the ever-charming Alan Davies, viewers can expect plenty of laughs and unexpected facts.

This episode, airing on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:00 Pm on BBC Two, dives into the fascinating lives of vets. The guests will share their insights and experiences, adding their unique perspectives to the discussion. With Sandi’s witty banter and the guests’ comedic flair, the episode is set to be both informative and entertaining.

As always, “Qi Xl” will challenge common knowledge and explore the oddities of the veterinary world. Fans of the show can look forward to the usual blend of trivia, humor, and surprising...

On Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:00 Pm, Channel 4 will air an exciting new episode of “The Last Leg.” In Season 31 Episode 3, viewers can expect a lively discussion as the witty trio of Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker are joined by special guests Frankie Boyle and Desiree Burch. This episode promises a sharp and humorous take on the week’s most pressing news stories, delivered with the show’s signature blend of irreverence and insight.

As always, “The Last Leg” aims to tackle current events with a unique perspective, ensuring that nothing is off the table. Frankie Boyle is known for his cutting humor, which should add an extra layer of wit to the evening’s discussions. Desiree Burch, with her quick wit and engaging personality, will bring her own flair to the conversation. Together, they will explore the week’s headlines, providing both laughter and thoughtful commentary.

Fans...

On Tuesday 27 August 2024, BBC One broadcasts Pointless!

Season 31 Episode 47 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Pointless” promises to be another exciting installment of the popular quiz show. Hosted by Alexander Armstrong and co-host Desiree Burch, this episode will feature contestants who are eager to showcase their general knowledge. The unique twist of the show is that participants aim to score as few points as possible. This means they need to think outside the box and come up with answers that others might not consider.

In this episode, viewers can expect a mix of fun and challenge as contestants tackle a variety of trivia questions. The format encourages creativity and deep thinking, as the goal is to find the most obscure answers. Each round will test the players’ knowledge and their ability to stay one step ahead of their competitors.

As always, the dynamic between Alexander and Desiree adds to the enjoyment of the show.

The new season of “Pointless” kicks off with its highly anticipated Season 32 Episode 1, airing at 5:15 Pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Alexander Armstrong, along with co-host Desiree Burch, this beloved quiz show invites contestants to dive deep into their general knowledge. The goal is simple: score as few points as possible by providing answers that nobody else would think of.

As the show begins, viewers can expect a mix of laughter and nail-biting tension as contestants face a range of challenging questions. Each round brings its own unique twists, testing the participants’ ability to recall obscure facts while aiming for those elusive “pointless” answers that can secure them a spot in the final round. With a fresh batch of contestants eager to prove their smarts, the competition promises to be fierce.

Fans of “Pointless” will be thrilled to see how well these new contestants handle the pressure.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 5:15 Pm, BBC One presents another entertaining episode of the popular quiz show “Pointless.” In Season 31, Episode 47, Alexander Armstrong is back at the helm, bringing his usual charm and wit to the proceedings. Joining him as co-host is the lively Desiree Burch, adding her unique energy to the mix as the contestants take on the challenge of finding the most obscure answers.

The concept of “Pointless” is what sets it apart from other quiz shows. Contestants don’t aim to score the highest points—instead, they strive to come up with the answers that no one else could think of. It’s a test of not just general knowledge, but also the ability to think outside the box and dive deep into the recesses of their minds for those elusive, lesser-known facts.

Fans of the show will enjoy watching the contestants grapple with tricky questions, all...

Too Hot to Handle Season 6 hasn’t even premiered yet, and viewers are already confused.

A new preview clip shared by Netflix teases some “familiar faces,” and fans of the series think they know who they could be.

On Instagram, Too Hot to Handle and Netflix UK shared identical Reels captioned, “Too Hot to Handle just got Way hotter! starts 19 July, only on Netflix...

On Friday 5 July 2024, ITV2 broadcasts The Stand Up Sketch Show!

Season 6 Episode 5 Episode Summary

In this episode of “The Stand Up Sketch Show” on ITV2, viewers can look forward to a lineup of talented comedians bringing their best routines to the stage. The show features performances from Rhys James, Desiree Burch, Ali Woods, Catherine Bohart, Kemah Bob, Glenn Moore, Sikisa, and Eric Rushton.

Each comedian will showcase their unique style of humor, promising a diverse range of jokes and sketches that will have the audience laughing along. From witty one-liners to hilarious anecdotes, this episode is sure to keep viewers entertained throughout.

With a mix of seasoned comics and up-and-coming talents, “The Stand Up Sketch Show” continues to deliver a fresh and engaging take on stand-up comedy. Don’t miss out on the laughter and fun as these comedians take the stage in this upcoming episode.

What Time is the Episode On?...

Get ready to laugh out loud with “The Stand Up Sketch Show,” airing at 10:05 Pm on Friday, July 5, 2024, on ITV2. In this episode from Season 6, viewers are treated to a hilarious lineup of comedic talent, including Rhys James, Desiree Burch, Ali Woods, Catherine Bohart, Kemah Bob, Glenn Moore, Sikisa, and Eric Rushton. Each comedian brings their unique style and wit to the stage, promising an evening filled with uproarious sketches and clever punchlines.

Rhys James kicks off the show with his sharp observations, followed by Desiree Burch and her bold, unapologetic humor. Ali Woods and Catherine Bohart add their comedic flair, while Kemah Bob brings her infectious energy to the stage. Glenn Moore’s witty sketches keep the audience entertained, alongside Sikisa’s distinctive comedic voice and Eric Rushton’s comedic timing.

“The Stand Up Sketch Show” continues to delight viewers with its eclectic mix of stand-up routines and innovative sketch comedy.

Since 2015, there’s been no need to go on a minibreak to a cultural European destination. Richard Ayoade and Joe Lycett have gone for us. They’ve waited at airport security lines displaying their miniature toothpaste tube in a clear plastic bag. They’ve bought mystery crisps from railway vending machines. They’ve been to the museums, tried the local delicacies and gone on the sightseeing tours, so that we could stay luxuriously put.

Indeed, for a good chunk of 2020, staying put was the only option, which is when Travel Man: 48 Hours In…really came into its own. During lockdown, you could spin the globe, choose a location, load up All4 (as it was then known), and have a packed weekend there from the comfort of your sofa. All the experience of short haul travel with none of the having-to-mime-migraine-symptoms-to-a-Hungarian-pharmacist. Bliss!

Now Travel Man: 48 Hours In… is back...

In 2021, Pointless fans had to come to terms with the fact that change is the only constant in this crazy, crazy world when the show’s co-creator and co-host Richard Osman left to pursue other career opportunities such as being an incredibly successful crime novelist, and taking the main seat on his own game show Richard Osman’s House of Games.

Good for Richard Osman, it all seems to be very going well for him. But for Pointless?

Taking its cue from satirical current affairs show Have I Got News For You?, which settled on a revolving carousel of guest hosts when its regular host Angus Deayton was forced to step down instead of plumping for a permanent chair, Pointless has welcomed a series of co-hosts in the past couple of years.

First up were Sally Lindsay, Stephen Mangan, Lauren Laverne, Alex Brooker, Konnie Huq and Ed Gamble. Next came Andi Oliver,...

A new documentary, Your Fat Friend, details Aubrey Gordon’s journey from blogger to bestselling author. It debuts in the UK early next year.

After premiering at the Tribeca film festival earlier this year, Jeanie Finlay’s latest documentary has finally nailed down a UK release plan. The film arrives in UK cinemas nationally on 9th February, following a preview Q&a tour with Finlay and the film’s subject – author and podcaster Aubrey Gordon – across the UK and Ireland.

Made over six years, the film follows Gordon’s journey into the public eye, as she works to re-configure societal perceptions of fat people and the fat on our bodies.

Director Jeanie Finlay had the following to say about it:

“Experiencing audience reactions to the film I have made as we have toured film festivals around the world has been so moving. People have connected very strongly with Aubrey, her...

On Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00 Pm, Channel 4 is bringing back Season 29 of “The Last Leg.” The show is hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe, and Alex Brooker. They take a funny look at the news, making it entertaining.

This week, they have two guests with them: Jon Richardson and Desiree Burch. They’ll join the hosts and talk about the latest news in a fun way.

Make sure to tune in to Channel 4 on Friday night to catch the first episode of Season 29 of “The Last Leg.” It’s a good way to end the week with some laughter.

Release Date & Time: 11:00 Pm Friday 10 November 2023 on Channel 4

The Last Leg Cast – Season 29 Episode 1 Main Cast Adam Hills

Josh Widdicombe

Alex Brooker...

Imagine being someone who’s never seen Taskmaster. A virgin to joy. Someone whose eyes have never before drunk in the sight of a banana-Noel Fielding hiding in a fruit bowl, of Joe Wilkinson presenting the mayor of Chesham with 42 Calippo ice lollies, or of Charlotte Ritchie stumbling around a golf course blindfolded like an adorable Minion. What promise awaits! The prize tasks, the flashes of creative genius, the glorious failures… Alex Horne’s challenge-based comedy panel show is one of the most reliably entertaining TV programmes ever made.

If you’ve yet to have the pleasure, and would like a steer as to which series are the best of this show, then here’s our attempt to lead you though the highs and less-highs. Please note that this ranking was produced by democratic process, which means that even we don’t agree with it (the Daisy May Cooper...

‘Shape of You’ hitmaker Ed Sheeran revealed he wouldn’t mind showing up in a reality TV show as it “looks fun”, reports Mirror.co.uk. The 32-year-old talked about the idea of showing up in the hit series, ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ during an appearance on the ‘Jonathan Ross Show’.

The singer sits down with Russell Crowe, Lily Allen, Michael Buble and Desiree Burch in the upcoming episode.

He said, as quoted by Mirror.co.uk, “The one I would do is probably I’m A Celebrity…(Get Me Out Of Here!) it looks quite fun. Genuinely. It looks fun. If I had time off, you go in a jungle with a bunch of people you sort of know. I’m not going to do it – I do like the idea of it”.

As per Mirror.co.uk, in recent weeks, Ed has opened up about his personal life,...

When it was announced yesterday that Frankie Boyle’s BBC series New World Order had been cancelled, the comedian’s reaction was frank but restrained. “Not surprising in the current climate, I suppose,” he told fans on Twitter, many of whom had followed his superb topical panel show devotedly for the five years it was on the air. Boyle didn’t elaborate on what he meant by the words “current climate”, but it doesn’t take too many imaginative leaps to hazard a guess. New World Order was one of the few shows on TV that was sincerely and unapologetically left-wing. And politically speaking, the BBC is in the midst of a full-fledged climate crisis.

It’s not good for optics that New World Order’s cancellation comes just weeks after the BBC was embroiled in an impartiality row with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker. The dispute – prompted...

You can get a double dose of Alex Horne on your TV tonight, as his brand-new six-part sitcom The Horne Section TV Show premieres on All4 today.

Horne will be playing a fictionalised version of himself, who tires of being Greg Davies’ little assistant, and decides to pitch his own late-night music chat show on Channel 4, featuring his band The Horne Section, to be filmed at his chaotic home.

Irreverent and sometimes surreal, the humour is self-aware and silly, with the lovable blend of comedy and catchy music that The Horne Section is known for. It’s a little bit scrappy and homemade, but benefits from not taking itself too seriously, and grows in confidence over the first three episodes as it carves out its own identity.

Desiree Burch is excellent, high-energy fun as the frustrated producer, Greg Davies’ particular brand of petulant, egotistical hilarity is in full force,...

Sky has unveiled seven original comedy shorts at the Edinburgh Television Festival written by and starring the likes of Rosie Jones, Desiree Burch and Jordan Stephens, while ordering Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir (working title) and greenlighting a fifth season of Brassic.

The seven shorts, which will air on Sky Arts and YouTube in 2023, explore everything from dating anxiety and rural life to pub quizzes and imaginary friends. Scroll down for full details below.

The others onboard include the likes of Jess Fostekew and Jordan Brookes.

Sky Comedy Shorts have been a traditional avenue for comedy talent, with Sharon Horgan’s Dreamland featuring Lily Allen coming from the program along with Samson Kayo’s Bloods.

Sky Comedy Shorts were commissioned by Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios for Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content at Sky UK & Ireland. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Tilusha Ghelani.

Netflix Format ‘Flinch’ Heads To Russia

Netflix’s Jackass-style non-scripted format Flinch is to be remade for Russia’s Ctc following a deal struck with Sony Pictures Television. Produced by Sony-backed Stellify Media, the original show, which aired for one series in 2019, is set on a remote farm in the hills of Ireland where brave and foolish contestants gather to test their nerve in three games, abiding by one rule only: “Do not flinch.” If they flinch, there are painful consequences, both for the contestants, and for hosts Desiree Burch, Lloyd Griffiths and Seann Walsh. Sony-backed Russian company Lean-m will produce the adaptation, which is being hosted in a barn by Mikhail Galustyan, Artur Babich and Valya Karnaval under the name Не Дрогни / Ne Drogn (Don’t Flinch!).

‘Man In The High Castle’ And ‘Medici’ Exec Joins Mopar

The Man In The High Castle and Medici exec Sharon Remmer...

Sony Pictures Television-owned independent production outfit Stellify Media, have signed a deal that will see the format of their Netflix series “Flinch” adapted for Russia.

The format is distributed by Sony Pictures Television.

The original show was set on a remote farm in the hills of Ireland where contestants gathered to test their nerve against three fiendish games. If they flinched, there were hilariously painful consequences both for them, and for the hosts, who had each chosen a player to represent them in the games. The original 10-episode series was hosted by comedians Desiree Burch, Lloyd Griffiths and Seann Walsh and debuted on Netflix in 2019. A second season has not been greenlit yet.

The Russian version has been developed in association with Sony Pictures Television and is produced by Spt’s Russian production company Lean-m, and will continue with a barn setting. Mikhail Galustyan, Artur Babich and Valya Karnaval...

Ding ding, everybody off the Taskmaster bus! New passengers incoming! Series 12 – which taught us that Victoria Coren-Mitchell never learned how to ride a bike, Guz Khan owns more framed portraits of himself than is sensible, Desiree Burch can’t burst a balloon with a fork to save her life, Morgana Robinson is able to get goose bumps at will and Alan Davies still has a Jonathan Creek wig in his loft – has reached its climax. One lucky winner has skipped away merrily with the Taskmaster’s gleaming head as a prize and plenty of time to prepare for the inevitable Series 11-15 Champion of Champions special. Meanwhile the other four have skipped away safe in the knowledge that nobody is ever again likely to ask them to sit on a cake.

That means it’s time for the next line-up, which is confirmed to feature (in alphabetical first name order): Ardal O’Hanlon,...

Sales

WestEnd Films has launched a global sales campaign for Guillem Morales’ (“The Miniaturist”) revenge thriller “The Duchess of Malfi,” produced by Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective (“Postcard Killings”). Based on John Webster’s classic Jacobean play, the feature adaptation was penned by Luke Garrett (“Ruby Strangelove Young Witch”).

Casting for the period drama is led by BAFTA-nominees Morfydd Clark (“Saint Maud”) and Sam Riley (“Control”) with BIFA-nominee Dominic Cooper (“Preacher”). Equally impressive is the film’s behind-the-scenes lineup, including Academy Award-nominated DoP Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist”), BAFTA-nominated costume designer Carlo Poggioli (“Cold Mountain”), and Editor Joe Randall-Cutler (“I Hate Suzie”). Shooting will begin in November in Italy, with WestEnd set to present the film at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival virtual market.

“There are no better times than these to tell the story of ‘The Duchess of Malfi.’ Webster’s masterpiece is ready for new, young...

(Warning: This post contains spoilers for Season 2 of “Too Hot to Handle.”)

The cast of “Too Hot to Handle” Season 2 failed pretty spectacularly at playing by the show’s rules, with near daily violations of the no sexual contact rule from one cast member or another. But few of the season’s “rule break” moments had as much impact — emotionally and financially — as Marvin and Melinda’s early morning tryst.

“You could see all of the gears working,” the show’s narrator, comedian Desiree Burch, said in an interview with TheWrap. “You can see her thinking, Look, I need to give him something he can feel and seal the deal on this. So I’m going to lose a shit ton of money and have everybody hate me because I’m betting on him. I saw her put all her chips on the table with that one.”

Burch identified Marvin...

Image Source: Idil Sukin

Netflix's Too Hot to Handle is officially back for season two, and Desiree Burch promises this season is way more intense than the last. "Because it was filmed during the pandemic, everyone was offered the opportunity to go quarantine, go on holiday, leave their home, and go to a place where the hot people are so they can mingle in person and actually touch flesh," Burch told Popsugar. "The eagerness and the Dtf-ness is at 11."

Burch has been narrating the reality TV series since season one, and let's face it, she's the real star. With her savage zingers and hilarious one-liners, Too Hot to Handle simply just wouldn't be the same without her. The 42-year-old comedian was initially drawn to the show because, well, it's Netflix, but also because she has a real passion for voiceover work. "I was just down for the ride, and...

All change! No sooner had Mike Wozniak charmed the nation by undermining a vole, and put us all off our tea with his downstairs casserole, than it was all over. The current cohort of Taskmaster contestants have finished their last task, and it’s time for a new set of contenders. Please give a warm welcome to series 12 contestants: Desiree Burch, Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Alan Davies, Guz Khan and Morgana Robinson.

Series 12 is set to air at an unconfirmed date later this year on Taskmaster’s still-relatively new home of Channel 4. It’s “Coming Soon” according to the post-finale teaser.

Also arriving in 2021 is the show’s second Champion of Champions special miniseries. That one is set to welcome back the overall winners from series six to ten: Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders, Kerry Godliman, Liza Tarbuck and Richard Herring. If Taskmaster keeps going until series 25 then presumably they’ll be...

Things between Francesca Farago and Harry Jowsey are getting serious! So serious, in fact, that they got engaged! And of course, they did so during the Too Hot To Handle reunion, where we could all celebrate alongside them. While updating everyone on their relationship after appearing on Netflix's horniest reality show, Harry got down on one knee and virtually proposed to Francesca with a Ring Pop. It wasn't a traditional proposal by any means - apparently, Harry hadn't rehearsed the moment at all and popped the question by asking, "Do you wanna do this thing? Do you want to get married?" - but no one was surprised when Francesca said yes!

"Harry knows I want to marry him, so yes, of course," she said, to the cheers of narrator Desiree Burch. Since the two are currently quarantined apart in Los Angeles and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, they'll have to...

In today’s TV news roundup, HBO announced the premiere date for new docuseries “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark,” and Showtime released a first look at “Outcry,” premiering on July 5.

Dates

HBO has announced “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” will debut on June 28 at 10 p.m. The six-part docuseries, based on Michelle McNamara’s best-selling book of the same name, explores McNamara’s investigation into the world of the Golden State Killer. The series gives a voice to the survivors and their families, documenting an era when sex crimes were often dismissed or hidden. A Story Syndicate Production, “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” is directed by Liz Garbus, Elizabeth Wolff, Myles Kane and Josh Koury. Wolff and Kate Barry serve as producers while Kane and Koury also serve as co-producers. Executive producers for HBO are Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller; Garbus, Dan Gogan, McNamara, Patton Oswalt and...

Peacock’s forthcoming Battlestar Galactica reboot will take flight with Michael Lesslie (The Little Drummer Girl) as its creator, writer and executive producer, our sister site Deadline reports.

The upcoming streaming service first announced the project last September, with Sam Esmail, the creator of USA Network’s Mr. Robot and an Ep on Amazon Prime Video’s Homecoming, on board as an exec producer.

More from TVLineMichelle Obama Documentary Becoming Set at Netflix -- Watch TeaserToo Hot to Handle Left Me Cold: Here's Why Netflix's Dating Experiment FailedToo Hot to Handle Reveals the Inspiration Behind Lana's Name (Surprise: It's About Sex!

Image Source: Getty / David M. Benett

There's no denying that one of the best parts of Netflix's Too Hot to Handle is the narration. From the quick quips to the savage zingers, no contestant is spared when it comes to hearing about their actions - not even Lana. But who exactly is the voice behind Too Hot to Handle, you ask?

Well, it's stand-up comedian Desiree Burch. The 41-year-old hails from La, but is currently living in London. She is the host and creator of Comedy Central UK's Fat Chat and has appeared on several other shows, including Live at the Apollo and Live From BBC, as well as Netflix's Flinch and the Comedy Central special Desiree Burch Live. Burch has also starred in a podcast as the voice of Mayor Pamela Winchell in Welcome to Night Vale. However, before she got into a comedy, she used to be a dominatrix,...

Having lived through all the hype of Love Island and being thoroughly disappointed I was expecting Too Hot to Handle to have the same effect on its audience. It was built in exactly the same way as Love Island – with a slew of attractive young looking for love in an isolated location but as the series went on I realise I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Too Hot to Handle is a show that gathers young people who are looking for love as any other dating programme normally does but this show has a twist! The whole concept of the show is that the contestants are not allowed to kiss, take part in any sexual activities or self-gratify themselves at any point in the process, otherwise money will be taken away from the massive prize pot that the winner will get. Which was a really clever idea, as it...

British broadcaster UKTV has unveiled its latest slate for entertainment network Dave. The BBC Studios-backed network has ordered Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable, a comedy format fronted by the former Great British Bake Off host and comedy and food format Big Zuu’s Big Eats as well as new series of motoring show World’s Most Dangerous Roads and comedy format Hypothetical. Mel Giedroyc: Unforgivable is an eight-part series, produced by Expectation, where three celebrities are invited in to a confessional to find out who’s committed sins that are so bad that they should be declared unforgivable. Big Zuu’s Big Eats, which is produced by Twofour Group’s Boomerang, follows comedians including Desiree Burch, Ed Gamble, Jamali Maddix, Jimmy Carr and London Hughes as they eat on tour. Finally, Hypothetical, produced by Episodes producer Hat Trick, returns for a third season with Josh Widdicombe and James Acaster, while World’s Most Dangerous Roads,...

Viacom Digital Studios International (Vdsi), which creates online content for the media conglomerate’s family of brands across the globe, has unveiled today Comedy Central International’s latest slate, comprising three new shows and one returning series rolling out this month.

The new series include: Rosie Tries To Help, in which comedian Rosie Jones will try to make the world a better place by helping groups of people on various issues like the environment or Lgbtq+ rights; Comedy Central Chart Show, a music video parody series that spoofs different music genres; and Desiree Burch’s Fat Chat, in which the comedian will welcome guests into a late-night diner to talk about body image.

At the same time, Bad Cramps is coming back for a second season. That scripted series, whose first season nabbed 2 million cross-platform video views, follows two over-sharing best friends in their twenties who are trying to make it in a big city.

Exclusive: Sony-backed producer Stellify Media is preparing a move into drama following the launch of its wacky gameshow Flinch on Netflix.

The company, which is known for producing left-of-center gameshows such as BBC primetime Saturday night format Can’t Touch This and classic formats such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Blind Date, is looking to diversify into scripted this year.

It is working with prolific Northern Irish comedian Ciaran Bartlett to develop a number of drama series. Bartlett has written shows including BBC Northern Ireland’s Tight Shorts and Soft Border Patrol as well as Rte sitcom Homebirds and is also working with BBC Studios on a sitcom.

Stellify Media’s Joint Managing Director Kieran Doherty (left) started his career writing for BBC series including Sesame Tree, Teethgrinder and Jim Henson’s Pajanimals before moving into the non-scripted side of the business. He told Deadline, “I started as a writer,...

"This is psychotic." Netflix just released a new preview for their upcoming TV show, Flinch.

The game show "is set on a remote farm in the hills of Ireland where brave and foolish contestants gather to test their nerve against three fiendish games. If they flinch, there are painful consequences both for them, and for our hosts, who have each chosen a player to represent them in the games." Hosts include Desiree Burch, Lloyd Griffith, and Seann Walsh.

Read More…...

Netflix is doubling down on unscripted series with a raft of new titles including a new cooking from the producers of MasterChef and a pair of magic projects.

The Svod service has ordered The Final Table, Death by Magic and Derren Brown: Sacrifice alongside confirmation of projects including football doc Sunderland Till I Die and Jackass-meets-Wipeout-style gameshow Flinch.

The new shows were unveiled by Brandon Riegg, VP of Unscripted Originals and Acquisitions for Netflix, at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.

The Final Table is a global culinary competition series that features the world’s most renowned chefs fighting for a spot at the top table. The series features 12 teams of two chefs from around the world cooking the national dishes of Mexico, Spain, England, Brazil, France, Japan, the U.S., India and Italy. Each episode focuses on a different country and its cuisine. Celebrity chefs that will appear in...