Killing Eve

Neighbours finally checked out over the summer, 37 years and nearly 9,000 episodes after the residents of Ramsay Street first drew TV breath.

The long-running Aussie soap, latterly shown on Channel 5 in the UK, didn’t slip away quietly – Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan returned as Charlene and Scott Robinson, as did Hollywood stars Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie, who began their careers in the fictional town of Erinsborough.

In two months’ time, almost six years to the day that BBC Three became a solely internet network in order to save money, the service is returning as a linear channel. Arguably, it’s not a moment too soon. For, along with every other traditional broadcaster, the BBC is grappling with how to attract younger audiences and compete effectively with the streamers.  

There’s a firm logic in the recent push to serve up more original drama by the likes of Channel 5 (Boleyn, The Drowning) and BritBox (The Beast Must Die, Crime). For viewers, a gripping drama is a calling card that helps define a channel in an increasingly crowded market.

Within the industry, it is a stake in the ground, a display of creativity and clout. So, it is fascinating to see that the pay-TV crime channel Alibi, owned by UKTV, has thrown its towel in the ring, and shown its full commitment with a succession of new shows in the second half of 2021.

For drama to arise, the hero’s intention must meet an obstacle, and what better obstacle than an arch-rival.

But rivalries come in all forms, from the most petty to the most fierce, and are therefore wellsprings of drama and hilarity that can be found in series of all genres.

Here are some of the greatest to have graced the small screen.

But working out ‘whodunit’ is not always easy. Here are some of the top shows to put your sleuthing skills to the test. 

Flight Attendant

What does the job involve?

As a writer, I think it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel inadequate. I like to remind myself that it’s not brain surgery; it’s storytelling and it is supposed to be fun. I try to shut off the inner critic and listen to my gut.

Surely, it must be a trial sometimes?

The first draft is the hardest: it can take me weeks of procrastination; it feels like torture at times. I pace from room to room in my house, with quite a degree of self-loathing.

Filming for the eight-episode series will take place in the UK and locations across Europe.

Both Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer will return to star in the series as Eve Polastri and Villanelle.

Sandra Oh said: “Killing Eve has been one of my greatest experiences and I look forward to diving back into Eve’s remarkable mind soon.

“I’m so grateful for all cast and crew who have brought our story to life and to the fans who have joined us and will be back for our exciting and unpredictable fourth and final season.”

Published last year, BBC’s Annual Plan outlined research that confirmed there remains a broadcast television audience for the channel.

In recent years BBC Three has given the BBC some of its biggest hits, including Killing Eve, Fleabag and last year’s internet-breaking Normal People.

Having recently announced a doubling of investment for BBC Three commissions over the next two years, the BBC says it wants to showcase that content to a wider audience.

In post-production, she mimics the actors’ steps and actions – and, for the BBC thriller, the gruesome murders – to add authenticity to the sound. Her craft is named after Jack Foley, who pioneered performing effects live and in sync with the pictures on early Hollywood talkies.

What does the job involve?