Gogglebox 10 year special, Comic Relief and Morse and the Last Endeavour: Here's some of the TV highlights this week

Words by Rob Lavender

The formats that look awful on paper sometimes work out to be among the best and most original TV shows out there. Take Gogglebox, for example – 10 years ago, when we learned that Channel 4 was launching a show in which viewers could watch people watching TV on TV, we never would have guessed we would be marking its anniversary a decade later.

Its popularity has even seen it win a veritable sofaload of trophies – including two BAFTAs and six National Television Awards. It’s also launched no end of celebrity or semi-celeb careers, and will forever be the programme that gifted the world Scarlett Moffatt.

Moffat, along with various other Gogglebox cast members who have made the leap into solo stardom, no longer takes part in the show lest she ends up seeing herself on telly and causing a sort of reality-threatening feedback loop (at least we assume that’s why). However there has also been, thanks to Channel 4’s fundraising Stand Up To Cancer programming, a celebrity spin-off of the show, with the likes of Shaun Ryder and Bez tucking in to a takeaway and some top telly.

Not only that but there has even been a kids’ version – Gogglesprogs – as well as countless international versions of the franchise. Even if it had not been so well received, it might have still lasted – after all, it is cheap to produce (rumours around the early series suggested that households were paid no more than a free takeaway, although more recently Channel 4 did confirm that households received £1,500 per month – and a takeaway – for the last series). However to have retained a prime-time slot for so long is admirable.

This look back at archive episodes features some old faces, such as Steph and Dom, Leon, June, and Sandra and Sandi, as well as current armchair critics Pete and Sophie, Mary and Giles, Jenny and Lee, and the Siddiquis, who have been part of the programme since it all started.

Part of the appeal of the show is the slice-of-life it affords us as we eavesdrop on living rooms around the country, and so this special highlights show also serves as a kind of retrospective of the events of the past 10 years as we watch people’s reactions to news and popular culture events as they unfold.

Whenever it is airing, Gogglebox has seen its armchair critics comment on everything from reality shows and movies on TV to the latest streaming blockbusters – and, of course, current affairs. Among the more memorable moments have of course been during the pandemic, and we see real people going through the varying stages of the lockdowns – something which will bring back memories for us all.

Then there has been the carousel of Prime Ministers coming and going, while Ed Balls proves that political types aren’t always delivering bad news by doing his memorable Gangnam Style routine on Strictly. Talk about epoch-defining moments…

Morse and the Last Endeavour (Sunday 12/03/23, ITV1, 10.20pm)

Words by Sarah Morgan

Cast your mind back – if you can – to 1975. It’s the year in which Margaret Thatcher became the first female leader of any UK political party, the Moorgate tube train crash killed 43 people, the Watergate scandal rumbled on, Microsoft was founded, the film Jaws was released and the Vietnam war ended with the fall of Saigon.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Oxford, a major British cultural figure was about to be born when Colin Dexter, a former teacher then working for the city’s famous University, published Last Bus to Woodstock, the first of 13 novels featuring his most enduring character, Inspector Endeavour Morse.

Dexter had previously only ever published text books, but had begun dabbling with mystery stories during a family holiday in 1972. He eventually devised a police detective who shared many of his own passions – including cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale and Wagner – although we hope, for his wife Dorothy and their two children’s sake, Dexter wasn’t quite as curmudgeonly as his creation.

The subsequent books did well and then, twelve years after his literary debut, a TV series based on Morse’s cases appeared on ITV. John Thaw, no stranger to crime drama after making his name in The Sweeney, was cast in the lead role, although the cerebral detective and the punch-them-first, ask-questions-later Jack Regan couldn’t have been more different.

The programme was a huge hit, with Thaw bowing out in 2000’s The Remorseful Day; 13 million tuned in to see the character breathe his last. Some of the most moving scenes involved Kevin Whateley as Morse’s long-standing (and suffering) sidekick Sergeant Robbie Lewis. In the novels, Dexter made him an ageing Welshman; on TV he was a younger Geordie who took centre stage in his own spin-off sequel – the author was said to approve of the change – from 2006 until 2015.

It appeared that was the end of the Morse franchise, until a prequel, with Shaun Evans as a young version of the detective and Roger Allam as his mentor, Fred Thursday, hit our screens in 2012. Earlier on Sunday evening, the final episode was due to air, perhaps laying to rest the character once and for all, at least for now.

To mark the end of an almost 50-year journey on page and screen, ITV1 is broadcasting a special one-off documentary about Morse and his legacy. All members of Endeavour’s main cast will appear, including Abigail Thaw, John’s eldest daughter, who plays newspaper editor Dorothea Frazil; she reveals how she got the role.

Whately is also featured, describing the impact Morse has had on his career, while Evans describes both starring in and directing episodes of Endeavour. Hopefully there’s a tribute or two to the man who created Morse too.

“I’ve been very lucky,” Dexter would later claim when asked about his literary career. “Lucky with my publisher, lucky with the television people, lucky to have had John Thaw playing Morse.”

Really, those of us who have enjoyed Dexter’s books and their TV spin-offs should raise a glass to him as they say farewell, because we’re the lucky ones.

Between the Covers (Monday 13/03/23, BBC Two, 7pm)

Words by Sarah Morgan

Sara Cox clearly believes in putting her money where her mouth is. She’s been presenting Between the Covers, BBC Two’s literary series, since 2020, but rather than simply offering her views on the books featured on the programme, she decided to write her own.

She wasn’t a novice when it came to writing – Cox published her autobiography, Till the Cows Come Home, in 2019 – but Thrown, which came out last year, was her first foray into fiction. Inspired by her time as the host of The Great Pottery Throw Down, it’s the tale of four women who meet while taking part in a pottery class at their local community centre.

However, she’s keen to point out that she won’t be using Between the Covers to publicise her own work. “One of my guests mentioned it and I did the equivalent of a hedgehog rolling in a ball and just disappearing,” she laughs.

Like many authors, Cox has a garden office where she writes, and where her husband, advertising executive Ben Cyzer, pays her little visits – which, it seems, are not always welcome: “He’d come in for office banter, but when you’re writing you can’t dip in and out of it. You really have to lose yourself in it.”

She’s been ‘losing’ herself again recently – a second novel is on its way, and she’s hoping more will follow. “I’d love this to be a thing, if I can,” she says of writing. “It’s so different to everything else I do.”

But for now, Cox is returning to her day job of presenting – the sixth series of Behind the Covers begins this week. For the uninitiated, Cox is joined in each edition by four famous faces who bring with them one of their favourite books of all time, which they then wax lyrical about to their fellow guests.

The programmes also feature a review section where the whole panel discusses the book of the week, which is described by a recorded clip of the author explaining their work. Six featured books are chosen for the series by the editorial team in conjunction with literary consultants who are not affiliated to any publisher.

The show was launched during lockdown when many of us began reading more than ever, but even now, when we’re all out and about again, it’s still going strong.

“It’s a joy to be able to shine a light on great books, with great company from the entertaining panels that we know will inspire more people to read for fun,” claims Cox. “I’m getting funny looks on public transport from laughing, gasping and sobbing as I bury myself in the magnificent books we’ve chosen. Get ready to reinforce your bookshelves and curl up with the cat as another pile of great books is coming your way!”

Her guests in the first episode are broadcaster Angela Scanlon, DJ Spoony, barrister-turned-author Rob Rinder and musician Cerys Matthews. They’ll be speaking about their personal favourites, as well as In The Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan, and Hannah Kent’s Iceland-set Burial Rites, the first of a selection of books set in Europe to help celebrate Eurovision.

Emma, Oti & Rylan’s Big Red Nose Day Challenge (Tuesday 14/03/23, BBC One, 9pm)

Words by Richard Jones

Over the years, a whole host of celebrities have put themselves through the wringer to raise money for Red Nose Day. Last year, Billy Monger took on an epic triathlon-inspired challenge, while Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas braved tough terrain to compete in the Red Nose and Spoon Race.

And in previous efforts, stars have climbed Kilimanjaro, took part in a Danceathons, rowed the Zambezi river, trekked in Kenya and entered the Big Brother house, among other things. This year, it was the turn of Emma Willis, Oti Mabuse and Rylan as they attempted a turbulent trek to the top of Cairn Gorm Mountain in the wintry Scottish Highlands.

This one-hour documentary, showing ahead of Friday’s Comic Relief show on BBC One, captures every single step of their journey as they battle dangerous weather and freezing temperatures. From wild camping and crampons to punishing winds and terrain, viewers will see the celebrity trio face the toughest physical challenge of their lives.

To prepare for their trip, Emma, Oti and Rylan spent two days together in the Scottish Wilderness learning winter survival skills and how to build an emergency shelter. Setting off in high spirits from the picturesque village of Braemar, the trio are given a rapturous send-off to the beat of the Ballater & District Pipe Band.

Leaving civilisation behind, they navigate the foothills of the southern Cairngorms, and wild camp as they inch closer to the foot of Cairn Gorm. However, dangerous weather conditions are fast approaching, and viewers will see the drama unfold as the trio’s summit attempt is put in jeopardy.

With the challenge hanging by a thread, crisis talks between the expedition team determine whether the fast-deteriorating conditions, which could pose a danger to life, will stop the devastated trio in their tracks. Emma says: “Without doubt this challenge tested me in so many ways, and I felt pains in places I didn’t know I could feel pain! But there was no way I could say no to such an important cause.”

Oti adds: “When I signed up to the challenge, I don’t think I fully realised just how tough this was going to be. It was exhausting. Without doubt, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever taken on, which I think people will see in the documentary.”

Finally, Rylan explains what effect the challenge has had on him. “There are still days when I wake up and think we climbed a flipping mountain,” he says. “It was draining on so many levels. But that feeling once we reached the top, I really wish I could have bottled it up. The feeling was something else. I’ve gone from moaning about walking to put the bins out to climbing a mountain. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I do it with a 20kg backpack on me, absolutely not!”

Also during the documentary, Emma visits Streetlife, an organisation which is supporting young homeless people in and around Blackpool. While in Dorset, Rylan and Oti visit the Jolly Good Company to learn about the support they provide to elderly people at risk of developing physical and mental issues caused by loneliness and isolation. These are both excellent reminders of why this year’s trio, and other celebs, push themselves to the limit.

Christine McGuinness: The Secret World of Autistic Women (Wednesday 15/03/23 BBC One, 9pm)

Words by Richard Jones

Christine McGuinness was diagnosed with autism in November 2021, and has since spoken of the relief she has felt after “struggling” throughout her life. The Blackpool-born model and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, who turns 35 next week, said that her diagnosis was “a positive thing” and that is has helped her to understand “why I am the way I am”.

However, she also explained how an earlier diagnosis meant growing up “could have been very different if I had had been better understood during my school years”. “It’s just the devastation I feel for myself as a child,” she said. “I’m heartbroken for that Christine.”

Autism can affect how people communicate and interact with the world. According to the NHS, one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Nobody knows what causes autism, or if it has a cause at all.

However, experts say that women and girls are routinely overlooked by health professionals as autism continues to be wrongly thought of as “a male disorder”. Although data shows that tens of thousands more women tested themselves for autism last year, with numbers seeking tests now far outstripping men, autistic women and girls are neglected by health services due to them being more likely to conceal or internalise symptoms.

Christine previously shared her story of parenting three autistic children – twins Leo and Penelope and their sister Felicity – with husband Paddy McGuinness in 2021 BBC documentary Our Family and Autism. In the film, Christine and Paddy visited school kids and young adults with autism to find out more about what the future could hold for their own three children.

They spoke to youngsters about their experiences, consulted with development experts, and attempts to dispel dangerous myths surrounding links with autism and vaccines with leading scientists. It was while making that documentary that Christine discovered her own diagnosis.

“Finally I understand myself and my own identity so much more now,” she says. Nevertheless, she has also revealed that she is still prone to “masking” to try and conform with neurotypical people. She says: “I am aware that I ‘mask’ a lot, I try to fit in, I copy others and this is something I really want people to understand as this behaviour is often found in autistic people but more so women and girls.”

In tonight’s heartfelt new film, Christine is attempting to unravel the untold story of how autism in women and girls has been ignored and misunderstood by science and society. She meets women with differing experiences of autism and hears from experts about how research into autism is mostly based on men and boys, meaning female behaviours can be misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.

She then meets three doctors who are working to change the ‘gold standard’ test for autism, to make it better in spotting the subtle ways autistic women present. They also discuss the vulnerabilities of autistic women, saying that nine out of 10 of them will have experienced sexual assault or rape at some point in their lives.

A Country Life for Half the Price with Kate Humble (Thursday 16/03/23, Channel 5, 9pm)

Words by Rob Lavender

First of a two-part special in which natural history presenter and all-round country girl Kate Humble joins families who have upped sticks and moved on to pastures new. It’s a subject that Kate knows a thing or two about – she traded in her London terraced house for an amazing new home on a Welsh hilltop (and a much simpler, more peaceful life) more than a decade ago.

“We had a good network of mates in London and we had a life there,” she explains. “It’s just it was a life I absolutely didn’t want, which makes me sound incredibly selfish. But I knew I couldn’t stay, and I needed to be back in a rural environment because that’s where I feel comfortable and happy.”

Opting for the countryside ensures that, at least, the grass is likely to be greener in a literal sense – however such moves are not without their challenges, and country living can be hard, yet rewarding, work. It’s something that Kate is all too aware of, first-hand: “I got up at 5.45am this morning, I went running with my dog, I fed my pigs, I mucked out my hens, ordered some straw. It’s a very different sort of life, and I love it.”

But what prompts other people to make these big, life-altering decisions? Kate explained ahead of her last series, “The pandemic has been a very big reminder of how much, as a species, we need open space. We like contact with nature; it is good for our mental health. And for lots of people, particularly people with children, they felt actually, ‘This is really important. We’ve got to do this now’.”

While many of us are trying to put the events of the past few years behind us, the fact is they are still a part of our lives today, and a key factor in decision making. It’s this kind of insight that makes this show different to most property programmes. While house-hunting series tend to think of properties in terms of investments, this is much more of a lifestyle-oriented production. Less Location, Location, Location, and more New Lives in the Wild.

Kate says: “Although you get to see lovely homes and the places people move to, I think of it more as a show celebrating people’s dreams, and bravery to follow through with them. It’s a show about lifestyle and about priorities and what people have realised is really important to them and their families.”

In tonight’s episode, Kate meets Pete and Sharon, who are relocating nearly 700 miles from Bristol to Orkney – along with over 80 animals. The duo are leaving their cramped suburban semi behind, trading up for seven stunning acres of island countryside. And a host of critters from horses and sheep to goats and geese are all coming along to join them in their adventure. They’re not only going to need a removals van, they’ll need an ark.

Comic Relief 2023 (Friday 17/03/23, BBC One, 7pm)

Words by Rob Lavender

The scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Lenny Henry established Comic Relief back in 1985 to help raise funds for those suffering during the famine in Ethiopia.

While ‘Red Nose Day’ looks very different these days, and the charities who benefit are more diverse and wide-ranging, its core mission remains the same: which is to help people, and have fun doing it.

This year, broadcast live from MediaCityUK in Salford, David Tennant, Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, Joel Dommett and AJ Odudu present all the action as well as reports from up and down the country featuring people doing their bit for the charity. There’ll be clips from around the world too, from the worthwhile causes who are in need of the assistance.

We’re promised a wealth of guests, sketches, skits and live music in what is always billed as the UK’s biggest night of comedy and entertainment.

Claudia Winkleman will be on hand for a special edition of The Traitors featuring Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, while the cast of Ghosts join forces with Kylie Minogue for a one-off sketch.

In what will be an eagerly anticipated bit of TV history, Tony Robinson revisits his much-loved comedy character Baldrick for the first time in years as he reads his very own Blackadder bedtime story, and Chabuddy G from People Just Do Nothing enters the Love Island villa as a bombshell.

As well as the comedy, the cast of Mrs Doubtfire take to the stage to perform one of the songs from the show, and there is live music from chart stars Tom Grennan and Zara Larsson.

Should your thirst for entertainment not be slaked after the three-hour marathon, BBC Two has the one-off documentary When Comic Relief Did Big Brother at 10pm, recalling the landmark 2001 series in which celebrities entered the reality competition’s famous house for the first time.

Its winner, Jack Dee, and fellow housemates Vanessa Feltz, Claire Sweeney, Keith Duffy and Anthea Turner all take part as they look back at what was an extraordinary moment in television history – which included everything from dancing in underpants to Vanessa writing on the furniture and Dee’s great escape.

Then back on BBC One at 10.40pm, the channel marks more than 35 years of Red Nose Day in Comic Relief: The Best of the Best Bits, with a look back over some of the unforgettable moments that the fundraiser has gifted us.

Since its inception it has raised more than £1billion for a range of vital causes. Among this year’s beneficiaries will be people up and down the UK who are struggling to afford food and relying on food banks, as well as the people of Turkey and Syria who have been affected by the recent devastating earthquake.

With so much raised, year after year, Henry and Curtis’s creation really has been a force of good in the world of which all of us can feel proud.