Channel 4

Reasons to be Cheerful with Matt Lucas

Having already cheered up millions with his viral Thank You Baked Potato video in support of Feed NHS, Matt Lucas is going to front this new comedy entertainment show written by Harry Hill.

The series will see the comedic minds of Lucas and Harry Hill combine to bring viewers brand new sketches, upbeat homemade skits and an opportunity to showcase members of the public and their pets alongside celebrities, all from their own homes.

Line of Duty 

BBC iPlayer​

Line of Duty has become a national institution, with series six still to come.

In a whole new spin on the police procedural, Line of Duty puts the coppers themselves under the microscope, as the series follows the anti-corruption investigations of AC Unit 12.

In Dick & Angel’s Make, Do & Mend, the duo will offer resourceful DIY guidance to families during the lockdown, using only common household items and materials.

The Strawbridges earned their DIY credentials restoring a chateau in France to its former glory using their own handiwork and design skills in Escape to the Chateau.

Dick and Angel Strawbridge said: “Between the pair of us we have nearly a century’s worth of ‘make do and mend’ experience and so we are really excited to be making this brand-new series.”

The slate will follow the scientists striving to tackle the virus and the human stories of those on the front line.

Pandemic: Can Science beat Coronavirus?

First up is a strictly scientific, one-off panel show, whereby leading experts will aim to answer the country’s most pressing questions.

Among those answering the nation's questions will be a virologist offering insight into the search for a vaccine, and an epidemiologist explaining inconsistencies in the data.

Free from politics, Pandemic will provide frank and factual discussions.

Embarking on one of the toughest physical challenges of their lives, the familiar faces will be sent to the West Coast of Scotland to face a punishing course in challenging terrain.

On the remote island of Raasay, the celebrity recruits will have to face the wild seas, harsh landscape and unforgiving weather, all while living in a derelict farmstead.

Chief instructor Ant Middleton will be leading the group, helped by his team of directing staff: Foxy, Billy, Ollie and newest member Jay.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins starts at 9pm on Monday 20th April.

March 2020 was a month like no other in television. Concern that staff might become infected by Covid-19 brought rapid changes as broadcasters cancelled filming on some of their biggest shows. For what is believed to be the first time in more than half a century, even the set of Coronation Street went dark.

Kerkour has been working as an actor for almost 20 years and at six foot four he is used to playing the “killer” on screen, after roles in Strike Back and Nightflyers.

However, in Home he plays a loveable gentle refugee from Syria, who is looking to build a new life in the UK.

“As an Arab on screen I’d spent most of my life either killing people or being killed,” said Kerkour, “then I get this script about a refugee in the UK and he’s humanised.”

In response to our unprecedented times, with so many staying at home, the show will see Jamie Oliver sharing easy-to-follow recipes, tips and hacks to create nutritious meals for the whole family.

Using kitchen staples, Jamie will show viewers how to make the most out of the ingredients they’ve got at home, whatever their budget.

From creative store-cupboard creations, to feasts drawn from frozen food, Jamie will be helping home cooks rustle up some delicious meals using simple ingredients.

The six-part series, co-written with Joe Hampson, is a semi-autobiographical comedy following a recovering addict and comedian called Mae.

As Mae attempts to get her addictive impulses under control, an all-consuming relationship with her new girlfriend George, played by Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat), throws life into further complication.

The series was conceived off the back of one of Martin’s stand-up routines about addictive behaviour, and explores concepts of gender fluidity and queer romance.

Lucas will be joining Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood in the tent for the eleventh series.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be joining the most delicious show on television. I can’t wait to break bread with Noel, Prue and Paul and meet the brilliant bakers.

“And bearing in mind my love of cake, I’ve already ordered some much larger trousers in anticipation.”