Gladiators Final and The Banksy Story: Exciting TV Events This Week
This week promises to be an exciting one for television audiences as several popular shows make their return or reach significant milestones. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated grand final of the iconic competition show, Gladiators, airing on BBC One. The finale will showcase the intense rivalry and athletic prowess of the finalists as they vie for the coveted title of Gladiators champion. But thatâs not all that viewers can look forward to. The critically acclaimed The Banksy Story returns for a second season, diving deeper into the world of street art. Alongside these, fans of Doctor Who will be thrilled to see the beloved time-traveling hero back on screen, while the new video game South of Midnight makes its debut alongside the return of the thought-provoking anthology series Black Mirror.
The Race to be Gladiators Champion
After a grueling ten-week competition, the grand final of Gladiators is set to take place this Saturday at 5:50 PM on BBC One and iPlayer. The finalists include the formidable Amanda Wah, along with Joe Fishburn and Mus Dumbuya. However, one notable change has occurred: finalist Zavia Hill has had to withdraw due to an injury. This opens the door for Aneila Afsar to take her place; Aneila made headlines as the first contender to compete in Gladiators while wearing a hijab, highlighting the show's commitment to diversity. Co-hosts Bradley and Barney Walsh have promised viewers a ânail-biting finalâ packed with âthrilling momentsâ that fans of the series wonât want to miss. The revival of this 1990s classic has introduced a new generation to the excitement of foam fingers, Lycra-clad gladiators, and thrilling showdowns on the iconic Travelator.
When Banksy Comes to Town
The second season of The Banksy Story debuts on Monday on BBC Radio 4, inviting viewers to explore the fascinating phenomena that occur when an original Banksy artwork appears unexpectedly in a neighborhood. Host James Peak investigates this phenomenon by following two homeowners in the seaside towns of Margate and Lowestoft, who suddenly find themselves in possession of a Banksy piece. The series delves into the chaotic whirlwind that follows such discoveries, not just for the homeowners but also for art aficionados and the wider community. James expressed his excitement about returning to uncover more about the enigmatic street artist's methods and the repercussions of his art, saying, âI learnt an awful lot more about his modus operandi â and got some more insights into how he continues to not get caught.â The full box set of the series is already available on BBC Sounds for those eager to binge.
The Doctor is Back
Fans of the long-running series Doctor Who have a lot to be excited about this week, as the show returns to BBC One with a fresh series featuring Ncuti Gatwa in the lead role as the Doctor. Joining him is Millie Gibson reprising her role as Ruby Sunday, along with new companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu. Varada shared her personal journey with aspirations to become an actress, noting that she faced initial skepticism from her family but remained determined in her pursuit. Her story serves as an inspiration to young girls worldwide. Additionally, this season will feature EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, who previously won Strictly Come Dancing as the first deaf contestant, making her appearance all the more special.
A Timely Return of Black Mirror
In the realm of streaming, Black Mirror makes its comeback on Thursday on Netflix, a perfect timing considering the current discourse surrounding technology, notably with the anticipated launch of Nintendo's Switch 2 and the ongoing discussions about AI-generated content in Hollywood. The seventh season of this acclaimed anthology series promises to deliver its signature blend of dark humor and social commentary, featuring an ensemble cast that includes talents like Emma Corrin, Chris O'Dowd, Awkwafina, and Paul Giamatti, among others. Notably, Lewis Gribben, who is set to appear in the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series, portrays a character deeply engrossed in a vintage video game, echoing nostalgia while exploring themes of obsession.
Loss and Healing in South of Midnight
The gaming world also welcomes South of Midnight, a new action-adventure game set in America's Deep South, which debuts on Xbox and PC. Players follow the journey of Hazel Flood, a young woman searching for her mother after their trailer is swept away in a storm. The game masterfully blends elements of Southern Gothic folklore with an emotional narrative of loss and healing. Early reviews have praised its charming presentation, innovative stop-motion animations, and evocative soundtrack, although some have noted that the gameplay may feel repetitive. Still, with a playtime of around 10 to 12 hours, it's an experience that many agree is worth exploring, especially as it's available on Microsoft's Game Pass from Tuesday.
Other Highlights This Week
This week is brimming with exciting content for viewers and gamers alike, making it a must-watch week for entertainment enthusiasts. Donât miss out on the thrilling competitions, deep dives into culture, and the exploration of human experiences across various media.
