British free-to-air arts, documentaries and culture channel
The Guardian profiles Billie Piper amid Elsinore’s Oscar buzz, detailing her vibrant interview and the film’s exploration of Ian Charleson’s final months, while Rivals remains a streaming centerpiece with Tony and Monica’s arc driving intense attention.
BBC and The Guardian report a major refresh for Strictly Come Dancing as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the helm. New professional dancers join the show, the partner-reveal is staged in front of a studio audience, and the format gets a broad shake‑up while still delivering the familiar glitz.
The Guardian reports Clarkson urges a single Britflix to survive streaming era; Reuters notes Channel 4 and the BBC are weighing collaboration amid funding pressures and audience fragmentation. Both pieces frame pressure on UK public-service media as competition from global platforms grows.
The Mercury Prize has announced the 2026 ceremony in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, with PJ Harvey as a two-time winner and Sam Fender highlighted as last year’s winner. The Scotsman outlines eligibility rules, past winners and current contenders, including Olivia Dean and Nia Archives among favourites.