Channel 4

Channel 4 reveals first look at new series of Ackley Bridge

The first of two images show best friends Kayla (Robyn Cara) and Fizza (Yasmin Al Khudhairi), new to viewers but existing pupils at Ackley Bridge, and Johnny (Ryan Dean), a new student and heartthrob.

Johnny catches the eye of both Kayla and Fizza but he’s suspicious of his new school.

The second shot shows teachers Kaneez Paracha (Sunetra Sarker), Sue Carp (Charlie Hardwick) and Hassain Hussein (Hareet Deol). They return alongside fellow teachers Martin Evershed (Rob James Collier), Mandy Carter (Jo Joyner) and Rashid Hyatt (Tony Jayawardena).

Davina McCall to lift the lid on the menopause for Channel 4

(credit: Channel 4)

The hour-long programme will see Davina McCall recall the details of her own menopause journey while busting the myths, fear and shame surrounding hormone replacement therapy.

In order to shed some light on the lack of understanding and misinformation that still prevails, the film will take a deep dive into the science of the menopause and how it impacts women’s health.  

With personal contributions from a variety of women who have lived through the highs and lows of the menopause, the film aims to spark a frank discussion about a topic that should no longer be a taboo.

A cagey game for sports rights

India vs England second Test, 2021 (Credit: BCCI/Pankaj Nangia)

The topsy-turvy Test series in India is bringing much-needed entertainment – though, latterly, little cheer for England fans – during lockdown. When time is hard to fill, what could be better than six hours plus of cricket a day shown on free-to-air TV.

There were many raised eyebrows when Channel 4 bought the rights to the four-Test series. Why would a channel that prides itself on risk-­taking and a young demographic clear its morning schedules for a game with an elderly and declining fan base?

“I cannot ignore what is happening under the pretext of danger”: Journalist Fadi Al Halabi on reporting from Syria

Fadi Al Halabi

Reporting from the last rebel-controlled enclave of Idlib, Al Halabi skilfully navigates fragile alliances and the constant threat of danger to show the world the human suffering and tragic loss that has become a daily reality.

He tells us about building trustful relationships with his contributors, retaining mental strength amid the horrors of war, and finding hope in the unrelenting determination of Syrian children.

Describe your journey to becoming a journalist in Syria?

Channel 4’s Countdown announces Anne Robinson as host

(credit: Channel 4)

The announcement came via a Countdown conundrum, revealed live on Steph’s Packed Lunch.


(credit: Channel 4)

The formidable former question master of The Weakest Link is the first female host of the iconic programme.

Robinson will be joining wordsmith Susie Dent and number cruncher Rachel Riley on the show and will make her on-screen debut this summer.

Celebrity line up confirmed for second series of Grayson’s Art Club

(credit: Channel 4)

Artist Grayson Perry and his wife Philippa Perry will once again encourage the public to get crafty during lockdown and produce some creative works of art to an exciting chosen theme.

Each week, Grayson and Philippa will interview artists and celebrities about their creative processes and the artwork they have created, with each episode incorporating a chosen theme. The six themes of the series will be family, nature, food, dreams, work and travel, with members of the public encouraged to submit their own artworks.