A new drama series all about modern witches is hitting screens early next year, and it’s both set and filmed in Manchester.
Right as spooky season draws to a close and just in time for Halloween tomorrow, the BBC has revealed exciting details about a brand-new supernatural TV series that’ll be airing in 2024, and has also released a few ‘first look’ images too to give viewers a glimpse into what to expect.
The new original series, titled Domino Day, has been created and written by BAFTA-nominated Lauren Sequeira, and is developed and produced by the team behind the two of the broadcaster‘s other previous critically-acclaimed dramas, The Responder and The Salisbury Poisoning.
Set to air on both BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on an as-yet-unconfirmed date shortly after 2024 begins, the new six-part series is both set and filmed right here in Manchester.
📸 Fancy a sneak peek at brand new modern-day witch drama Domino Day?
Set and filmed in Manchester, it stars Siena Kelly as Domino Day, a young woman on all the dating apps. But she isn’t swiping to find her soulmate – she’s swiping to hunt…
The show will follow the titular character, Domino Day, played by BAFTA-nominated actress Siena Kelly – who is best-known for her roles in shows such as Adult Material, and Hit & Run.
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Domino is described as being a young woman who’s “on all the dating apps, but isn’t swiping to find her soulmate”, as instead, “she’s swiping to hunt”.
Giving viewers an insight into what the new drama is all about, a synopsis for the show on the BBC website reads: “A young witch with extraordinary powers, Domino is desperately seeking a community who can help her understand who she is.
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BBC gives first look at new supernatural drama about ‘modern witches’ / Credit: BBC
“But she doesn’t need to look far, as a coven of witches is already tracking her every move, convinced they have to stop her before her powers destroy everyone and everything around her.
“When a dangerous figure from Domino’s past comes back to haunt her, will it be a fresh start for them all, or a final showdown?”
Babirye Bukilwa, Poppy Lee Friar, Alisha Bailey, Molly Harris, Sam Howard Sneyd, and Percelle Ascott also star in the show alongside Siena Kelly, while Lucy Cohu, Christopher Jeffers, and Jonah Rzeskiewicz form part of the talented cast of upcoming actors.
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Domino Day is both set and filmed in Manchester / Credit: BBC
“I cannot wait for the world to meet this amazing cast, led by the sensational Siena Kelly,” creator Lauren Sequeira said ahead of the show airing next year.
“Don’t expect broomsticks, pointy hats and wands, as these are witches like you’ve never seen before – cool, provocative, and full of grit.
“They are all simply spellbinding onscreen, and Siena is the perfect Domino Day.”
Featured Image – BBC
TV & Showbiz
A new Shrek-themed cafe has opened at Primark in Manchester
Thomas Melia
There’s a new Shrek-themed cafe in Manchester city centre – and Donkey’s prayers for waffles have finally been answered by none other than clothing retailer Primark.
The back corner of the bargain fashion store on Market Street has been taken over by vines and fairytale characters as Shrek comes to town.
The cafe has been home to many iconic brands since its launch, one of the most notable being its 2019 debut as Central Perk, the go-to coffee hot-spot from TV Series Friends.
Shrek himself will also be paying a visit to the store in the coming weeks to sample some of the delicious delights customers can try such as nachos, waffles, shakes and bubble teas – each one with an ogre twist (yes, that is green cheese you see).
The Cafe is Shrek-ogeddon from head to toe with the menu paying homage to some familiar faces from the franchise.
Shoppers can indulge in ‘Fairy Godmother’s Potions’ which are a selection of sweet fruity concoctions, or treat your tastebuds to some Swampchos or Toastie ‘Slabs’, which are more appetising than they sound.
The grand entrance to the Shrek cafe in ManchesterA mural dedicated to the main ogre himself – Shrek!Inside the Shrek Cafe at Primark Credit: The Manc Group
After all those scrumptious snacks you’ll definitely be saying ‘I Need A Hero’ as you face your own battle – the dreaded food coma.
The Shrek Far Far Away Cafe will be a Manchester mainstay til the beginning of November, giving everyone the opportunity to have their happy ever after.
There’s also a handful of Shrek merchandise available storewide that fans and customers alike can get their hands on all-year-round.
Tim Kelly, director of new business development at Primark said: “We’ve gone Far, Far Away to find the inspiration for our latest cafe theme, bringing all the fun in the kingdom to our Primark cafes”.
“Our revolving themes have been so popular with our customers, giving them more reasons to visit their local store. We can’t wait to welcome fans to the cafes and hope they enjoy our limited-edition menu fit for a fairytale!”
And if that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, fans of the iconic film franchise have just over two years to wait until Shrek 5 debuts in theatres on 1 July 2026.
You can visit the Shrek Cafe at Primark on Market Street and at the Trafford Centre in Manchester now.
Mancs wanted for new BBC adventure travel show with ‘life-changing’ prize
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.
The BBC is currently casting for a brand-new travel adventure series.
At this point, not a great deal is known about the new series, with a lot of the details seemingly being kept under wraps, but the broadcaster has revealed that the show currently has the working title of ‘Destination X’, and is being described as “the world’s biggest guessing game”.
The show’s producers, Twofour, are on the look-out for budding travel enthusiasts who love solving clues, playing detective, and outsmarting their competition.
Not only does the experience promise to be “an epic journey”, but there’s also the chance to win a life-changing prize.
Casting is closing towards the end of this week (6 September), and filming for the show is set to begin next month and run through to November.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call for the show on the BBC website, producers Twofour wrote: Have you got what it takes to play the world’s biggest guessing game? Twofour are now casting for the BBC’s brand new travel adventure series. If you love solving clues, playing detective and outsmarting your competition, then we want to hear from you.
“This experience promises to be an epic journey, with a chance to win a life-changing prize.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the exciting new series are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of this Friday (6 September 2024), and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.