Reality game franchise: social deduction in a historic setting
The BBC has confirmed RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will depart BBC Three and iPlayer, moving future series to World of Wonder’s Wow Presents Plus. The decision is part of the BBC’s 500 million savings drive, with the current eighth series continuing on BBC Three and iPlayer before the move. Fans and contestants warn the shift may reduce queer representation on UK screens.
The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returns on 19 September 2026 with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm. The three-host lineup replaces Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with a revamped format and five new pro dancers. The trio have described a cloaked audition process and a secret mock studio as part of the show’s dramatic build-up.
The National Television Awards have crowned Alan Carr's spin-off show The Celebrity Traitors as best reality competition, while Carr receives a special recognition award. Paloma Faith is honored in a stage moment referencing her on-screen murder in the series. Carr thanks colleagues and reflects on his career as NTAs celebrate multiple categories.
The Guardian’s Grace Dent reviews The Golden Tooth in north London, praising chef Matthew Scott and wine merchant Charlie Carr for maturing a pub dining concept with a refined menu, low-intervention wines and a focus on bold, comforting dishes.
The BBC’s annual salaries list shows Scott Mills as the highest-paid on-air star for 2025–26, following his sacking in March amid a police probe into historical offences. Several long-time earners have departed, while others remain and new leadership roles at radio and TV are highlighted.
Claudia Winkleman has announced she is stepping back from The Claudia Winkleman Show after seven episodes. She says she was too nervous to enjoy the conversations, while the BBC confirms the decision does not affect her other projects. The development follows mixed reviews and ratings for the strand.
The National Television Awards 2026 have taken place at the O2 in London, hosted by Joel Dommett for the sixth year. Alan Carr receives the Special Recognition Award; winners include Mrs Brown’s Boys, This Morning, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, David Attenborough, Gogglebox and The Celebrity Traitors.
Channel 4’s Apocalypse puts 14 strangers in an abandoned Indiana town to survive 28 days with scarce resources. Two camps, tense leadership struggles, and board-up supermarkets mark the early days of the social experiment.