IT: Welcome to Derry – Sky Teases New Chapter in Stephen King’s Horror Universe

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky has dropped the chilling first teaser for IT: Welcome to Derry, a new Sky Original series that delves deeper into the nightmare-inducing world of Stephen King's IT. Launching this autumn on Sky and the streaming platform NOW, the upcoming drama expands the mythology of King's novel and the cinematic vision introduced by Andy Muschietti in IT (2017) and IT Chapter Two (2019).

Set decades before the events of the two-part film adaptation, Welcome to Derry explores the origins of the ancient evil that haunts the cursed town of Derry, Maine. The series promises to uncover how Pennywise's cycle of terror began, with early glimpses in the teaser showing unsettling glimpses of red balloons, creepy carnival rides, and the ominous underground tunnels that fans of the films will recognise. Bill Skarsgård returns to his iconic role as Pennywise, a move that has delighted fans, as his terrifying portrayal is widely regarded as one of the most effective in modern horror.

The cast includes Taylour Paige (Zola), Jovan Adepo (Watchmen), Chris Chalk (Perry Mason), James Remar (Dexter), Stephen Rider (Luke Cage), Madeleine Stowe (Revenge), Rudy Mancuso (Musical Mind), and the returning Skarsgård. The series has been developed for television by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, alongside Jason Fuchs. Muschietti, who directed both IT films and The Flash (2023), will helm multiple episodes, ensuring continuity in tone and aesthetic. Fuchs, known for Wonder Woman and Argylle, has penned the teleplay for the first episode, while he and Brad Caleb Kane serve as co-showrunners.

Stephen King's IT remains one of the most enduring horror franchises in literature and film. The original 1986 novel is a mammoth tale of childhood trauma, evil reincarnated, and the power of memory. It was first adapted into a 1990 television miniseries starring Tim Curry as Pennywise, before the Muschietti-directed films revitalised the franchise for a new generation. The combined global box office of the two films exceeded $1.1 billion, making IT the highest-grossing horror film series in history.

With Welcome to Derry, Sky is positioning itself at the centre of prestige horror television, offering a prequel that promises to deepen the lore, heighten the terror, and draw viewers into a darker version of Derry than ever seen before. Fans of the franchise can expect nods to past incarnations while being introduced to new characters and stories that further unpack the town's sinister legacy.

Gary Lineker to Step Down from BBC Sport Role After Controversial Antisemitic Post

Image: Grok AI

By Jon Donnis

Gary Lineker will step down from his long-running role with BBC Sport following the final episode of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season. His departure comes amid growing controversy and follows years of criticism over his conduct on social media and repeated breaches of the BBC's impartiality guidelines. The broadcaster has confirmed that Lineker will not be involved in its coverage of the 2026 World Cup or the 2025/26 FA Cup season.

This marks the end of an era for one of British television's most recognisable sports presenters. Yet it also brings to a close a prolonged period of tension between Lineker and BBC leadership, culminating in the fallout from an antisemitic Instagram post that many viewed as crossing a final red line.

Tim Davie, the BBC's Director-General, acknowledged Lineker's contribution while confirming the decision:

"Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond. We want to thank him for the contribution he has made."

The final decision follows years of growing unease over Lineker's public statements. Despite the BBC's insistence on impartiality, Lineker often voiced political and social opinions online, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum. While his defenders claimed he was simply expressing personal beliefs, critics argued he had repeatedly undermined the BBC's editorial neutrality, especially during politically sensitive periods. Several warnings were issued over the years, but enforcement was inconsistent.

His most recent misstep – a social media post widely condemned as antisemitic – sparked significant public and internal backlash. Despite deleting the post and issuing a formal apology, the damage was done. The gravity of the offence and the broader context of his conduct appear to have led BBC bosses to conclude that his position was no longer tenable.

Channel 4 and Tourism Ireland Reunite for New Travel Series Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has recommissioned its hit branded entertainment series in partnership with Tourism Ireland, with comedians Babatunde Aléshé and Finlay Christie returning for a fresh, offbeat take on Irish travel. Titled Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route, the latest instalment promises stunning views, spirited competition and plenty of unexpected laughs as the pair explore two of Ireland's most iconic drives: the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way.

The series sees Aléshé and Christie take part in a self-described 'battle of generations' as they leave their comfort zones and dive into a series of challenges rooted in Irish tradition and nature. From sheepdog handling to brush dancing and abseiling down rugged cliffs, the duo face off in head-to-head trials that highlight both their personalities and the rich cultural experiences on offer across Ireland's coastal landscapes.

Filmed against the backdrop of the breathtaking Irish countryside, Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route is Channel 4 and Tourism Ireland's third branded content collaboration. It follows the success of Where to Next? (2024) and Stand Up Road Trip (2023), both of which also starred Aléshé. Produced by Strong Watch Studios, with media planning and buying managed by OMD UK, the new series is set to premiere on Channel 4's YouTube channel from 19 May, before rolling out on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook from 28 May.

The project also includes a digital expansion in partnership with Guardian Advertising. This includes bespoke travel itineraries based on themes like food, wellbeing and outdoor activity, designed to inspire real-life trips across Ireland. Beautifully designed interactive maps and online travel guides will be featured on the Guardian's website, which reaches around 40% of the UK's travel-loving audience. Aléshé and Christie will also appear in audio ads across the Guardian's podcast network, bringing their unique comedic chemistry to even more platforms.

Speaking about the experience, Babatunde Aléshé said:

"I was absolutely thrilled to return to Ireland for this partnership! Such a beautiful country and such kind, joyous people. I love working with the brilliant creatives at Strong Watch and Channel 4 as well - and I'm super proud of this project."

Finlay Christie added:

"Ireland is a land familiar enough to soothe, but rich with its own wild character. It was a gentle adventure. One day I was herding lambs, the next I was floating in a seaweed bath like an ancient Celtic king. There were so many laughs, new experiences and vistas that opened like paintings. It was an absolute dank ting. I had a genuinely wicked time."

With its playful generational rivalry, sweeping cinematography and mix of high-energy and heartfelt moments, Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route offers an uplifting travel series designed to entertain, inspire, and encourage audiences to plan their own Irish escape.

Race Against the Tide Begins Filming on St Andrews' West Sands Beach

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Scotland's latest competitive reality series, Race Against the Tide, has officially started filming in the scenic coastal town of St Andrews. Set against the striking West Sands Beach, the show promises a unique blend of creativity, tension and natural drama as teams of sand sculptors face off against the clock and the tide.

At the heart of the series are seven teams made up of both amateur and professional sand artists. Their challenge is simple in concept but brutally difficult in execution: create an awe-inspiring sculpture before the sea claims their canvas. As the tide creeps in, each team must race to complete their design under pressure, knowing only one will make it through to the end. One team will be eliminated in each episode.

Presiding over the chaos is BAFTA-winning comedian Iain Stirling, who acts as both host and commentator. His familiar humour will guide viewers through each episode, adding levity to a competition where every minute and every grain of sand counts. Stirling commented on the experience of filming in Scotland, saying, "It's very rare I get to spend a day on a sunny beach and it's even rarer when that beach is in Scotland, so I am absolutely buzzing to be in St Andrews to kick off filming for Race Against the Tide. When else do you get a chance to combine crazy impressive sand art and the ever-looming threat of the tide washing it away?"

Judging duties are handled by artist Sadie Clayton and renowned sand sculptor Jamie Wardley. They are tasked with selecting the strongest sculpture in each episode before the ocean wipes it away. Their expertise brings a serious artistic edge to a format that otherwise teeters between performance art and natural spectacle.

The show is being produced by Tern TV in partnership with BBC Scotland. Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning for Factual Entertainment and Events, sees the show as an accessible way to inspire audiences to reconnect with nature and creativity. "Whether you live near a beach or simply take the kids to the sand pit at the local park, the epic sand sculptures in this series are sure to inspire families everywhere to get out in nature and give it a go."

BBC Scotland's Louise Thornton adds, "Against a background of a stunning Scottish seascape, this series will make a splash. Viewers will lap up the combination of artistry, jeopardy and fun."

Tern's Executive Producer Harry Bell highlights the sustainability angle, calling it "the green reality show." He sees Race Against the Tide as a way to celebrate both the fragility and power of nature while showcasing an often underappreciated art form.

With a charismatic host, breathtaking coastal visuals and a fresh take on reality competition, Race Against the Tide looks set to bring something different to UK screens. The tide may be the real villain of the show, but the creativity and passion of the sculptors promise to leave a lasting impression long after the waves have come and gone.

Viaplay’s Chaos Premieres in the UK – A Smart, Sharp Danish Drama with a Twist of Romance

 

Image provided by Aim Publicity

By Jon Donnis

Viaplay introduces Chaos, a new Danish comedy drama centred on love, life decisions and the pressures of fame. Set to premiere exclusively in the UK on Monday, 19 May, the eight-part series brings a mix of romance and personal upheaval, with a setting that recalls the tone of The Morning Show.

Lise is Denmark's most beloved breakfast TV presenter. Her life appears secure, but she is confronted with a life-altering choice when she meets Johannes, a cheerful, carefree man living a quiet existence by the Danish coast in a van. Their worlds could not be more different. Lise's career is high-profile and carefully managed, while Johannes has chosen simplicity and freedom.

As their connection grows, Lise starts to question her current path. Her marriage to co-host Martin has lost its spark, and the idea of giving it all up for a new beginning begins to feel less impossible. Caught between safety and spontaneity, she must decide whether to protect the life she knows or take a leap towards something entirely new.

The story unfolds around a struggling morning show, where behind-the-scenes tensions and falling ratings mirror Lise's personal doubts. The series blends romance and reflection, offering humour and emotional depth while prompting viewers to reflect on their own life choices.

Chaos was created by Johanna Runevad (All and Eva) and directed by Lars Kaalund (Rita). The cast includes Katrine Greis-Rosenthal (A Fortunate Man, A Taste of Hunger), Hadi Ka-Koush (The Bridge, Follow the Money), Jacob Lohmann (The Promised Land, Darkness: Those Who Kill), and Amanda Collin (Raised by Wolves, A Horrible Woman).

The series runs for eight episodes of 30 minutes each and is presented in Danish with English subtitles.

First Look at The Iris Affair: Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander Star in Neil Cross Thriller for Sky

 

 

Images: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky has unveiled the first-look images for The Iris Affair, a high-stakes chase thriller from Luther creator Neil Cross. Previously titled Iris, the eight-part series stars Niamh Algar (Mary & George, The Virtues) as brilliant puzzle-solver Iris Nixon and Tom Hollander (The White Lotus, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans) as Cameron Beck, a charismatic but morally murky entrepreneur. Directed by Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) and Sarah O'Gorman (A Gentleman in Moscow, The Witcher), the show promises a visually arresting and tense ride through Italy.

Set against sun-drenched European backdrops, The Iris Affair pits two sharp minds against one another in a gripping battle of wits. After Iris cracks a series of complex online puzzles, she finds herself face-to-face with Beck in a Florentine piazza. He offers her a mysterious job involving a powerful piece of top-secret technology. Intrigued, she agrees. But after discovering its deadly potential, she steals the activation journal and goes off-grid.

What unfolds is a kinetic game of cat and mouse, stretching from a secluded Sardinian cabin to the heart of Rome. As Cameron races to recover the stolen journal, Iris must stay ahead in a world where trust is elusive and the consequences are lethal.

Joining Algar and Hollander is a strong supporting cast that includes Kristofer Hivju (Game of Thrones), Harry Lloyd (Arcane), Meréana Tomlinson (The Trials), Sacha Dhawan (Doctor Who), Maya Sansa (Dormant Beauty), Peter Sullivan (Poldark), Debi Mazar (Younger), Marco Leonardi (Anime Nere), Angela Bruce (Silver Haze) and Lorenzo De Moor (A Simple Favor 2).

Produced by Sky Studios and Fremantle, the show was filmed on location in Italy with production services from Wildside. Executive producers include Adrian Sturges for Sky Studios, Neil Cross, Terry McDonough, Jenni Sherwood and Dante Di Loreto for Fremantle. Susan E. Connolly and Ian Scott McCullough have also contributed as writers on the series.

The Iris Affair will air later this year on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Fremantle is managing the series' international distribution.

Pushers: Rosie Jones Turns the System Inside Out

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 is set to make a bold statement with Pushers, a gritty, subversive comedy from the minds of Rosie Jones and Peter Fellows. Based on an award-winning Comedy Blap and starring Jones in her first ever sitcom role, the series launches next month and promises to turn every expectation on its head.

Rosie Jones plays Emily, a sharp, highly educated woman with cerebral palsy who finds herself navigating life after her state benefits are slashed and her job is taken away. With nothing left to lose and everything to prove, Emily embarks on a path few would expect. She builds a drugs empire from the shadows, using the very prejudices people project onto her as the perfect camouflage. Overlooked, patronised, and underestimated her whole life, she flips the script on a system that ignores her, and exploits the cracks in it for profit.

Backed by powerhouse producers Merman Television and 2LE Media, Pushers blends cutting satire with street-smart humour and a lead character who refuses to play by anyone's rules. The series is not afraid to skewer the hypocrisies of the benefits system while delivering a fresh kind of criminal anti-hero, one rarely seen on British screens.

Joining Jones is a solid ensemble cast. Ryan McParland brings emotional grounding as Ewen, while Jon Furlong, Lynn Hunter, and Clive Russell add complexity and heart to Emily's world. Rhiannon Clements, Ruben Reuter, Libby Mai, Trevor Dwyer-Lynch, and more round out a dynamic group of characters who orbit Emily's unlikely ascent from redundancy to rebellion.

Pushers is more than just a comedy, it is a fearless look at power, perception, and the freedom that comes when you are no longer willing to be invisible. Channel 4 continues its tradition of taking risks on distinctive voices, and this one looks ready to spark conversation.