Channel 4

TV Diary: Dawn Airey

The art of relaxation has always eluded me, which is probably why, in my plural life, chairing three boards and sitting on another three makes my diary resemble a detailed train timetable. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I have been looking forward to the CEO meeting of the Women’s Super League and Championship Clubs. It’s a chance to have a constructive, focused dialogue outside the board about our mission to be the most competitive and innovative leagues in the world.

Greg James to host new reality game show Rise and Fall

Greg James looks at Camera in a lift

Sixteen British civilians will enter the competition as equals but will soon be split into Rulers and Grafters. In a caricature of real-world power dynamics, the Grafters will complete a series of arduous activities, creating a prize fund that only the Rulers can win.

Whilst the Grafters inhabit a basement, the Rulers occupy a deluxe penthouse. The Rulers will have to encourage the Grafters to work harder for them, whilst also making choices that affect only the Grafters and not themselves.

Countdown names new permanent host to replace Anne Robinson

Colin Murray announced as new host of Countdown (credit: Channel 4)

Murray has guest hosted the UK’s longest running TV quiz show since summer 2022, becoming a favourite among fans.

Confirming the news on Steph’s Packed Lunch, Murray said: “It’s a career dream to be named as permanent anchor of one of television's most iconic programmes. I have been a fan since day one, been part of the family for over a decade, appearing on Dictionary Corner, and now I get the honour of guiding it into a fifth decade. However, I just don’t want Countdown to survive, I want it to thrive.

Taskmaster reveals the New Year Treat celebrity line up

TV host and Countdown veteran Carol Vorderman, Olympic champion Mo Farah, Radio 1 DJ Greg James, Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg and singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) will compete in the third New Year's special of the comedy competition series. 

The celebrities will take on a series of obscure tasks to impress the Taskmaster, Greg Davies, and his assistant, Little Alex Horne, to be crowned the New Year Treat's champion and take home this year's trophy: Greg's Golden Eyebrows.

Alex Mahon talks privatisation and the future of Channel 4

Session chair Amol Rajan: Did you interpret the new culture secretary saying that she is re-examining the business case for privatisation as implying that she and Prime Minister Liz Truss are not as committed to privatisation as their predecessors? 

Alex Mahon: We’re in discussion with the DCMS about where they want to end up and what the options are. I imagine they’ll look at the things that I like: facts, data and evidence. Then we’ll see what the coming weeks and months hold as they think about that. 

Channel 4’s Vardy v Rooney: A Courtroom Drama unveils star studded cast

Two men dressed as lawyers in robes and a barrister's wig, stand with two women one of which is holding a phone

Based on the real-life high court battle in 2022, known as Wagatha Christie, the drama will tell the story of the libel case between Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney. The case hit headlines around the world and ignited a debate around privacy.

Coleen Rooney will be played by Chanel Cresswell and Rebekah Vardy by Natalia Tena. 

They will be joined by Michael Sheen as Rooney’s barrister David Sherborne and Simon Coury as Vardy’s barrister Hugh Tomlinson, who has represented multiple high profile people including King Charles III.