The first images of a brand-new ITV drama series starring Happy Valley’s James Norton have just been released, and it already looks like a must-watch.
I think it’s fair to say that we all fell in love with James Norton when he depicted the evil villain of Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley over recent years, right? So, if like us, you’ve missed tuning in to watch an absolute masterclass in acting from the Yorkshire-born actor on Sunday evenings, then you’ll be chuffed to know he’s set to be back on our TV screens soon.
The 38-year-old has a starring role in a new ITV drama named ‘Playing Nice’.
The new psychological thriller – which is based on JP Delaney’s 2020 novel – follows two couples who devastatingly discover that their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up, and we can already predict it will send shivers down our spine.
The two couples then face a horrifying dilemma of either keeping their sons that they raised, or reclaiming their biological kids, and while a solution is agreed upon, it soon becomes clear that there are hidden motives at play – with the couples unsure about how much they can trust each other.
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The first images of new ITV drama starring Happy Valley’s James Norton have been released / Credit: ITV
Set in Cornwall, James Norton will play the role of Pete, and will star alongside Niamh Algar, James McArdle, and Jessica Brown Findlay.
Speaking on the new series ahead of it airing, Helen Perry – who is ITV’s Drama Commissioner – commented: “Playing Nice is an enthralling thriller with a knotty moral dilemma at its heart. Not only will viewers be hooked, they’ll be left questioning ‘What would I do?’. As Grace Ofori-Attah’s superb script raises questions about the nature of parenting and how far we’ll go for those we love.”
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Writer Grace Ofori-Attah added: “It has been an absolute privilege to adapt JP Delaney’s gripping novel for the screen.
“I am thrilled to be working with Rabbit Track and Studiocanal, as well as our incredible cast and production team, and I’m also excited to be partnering with ITV again on my second drama series, and can’t wait for Playing Nice to hit TV screens next year.”
‘Playing Nice’ is set to air in 2024, and we’ll be binging it in no time.
Featured Image – ITV
TV & Showbiz
More adult virgins needed for next series of Channel 4’s hit reality show Virgin Island
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
You may remember that early last year, we brought you the breaking highly-important news that Channel 4 was currently in the process of producing a new reality TV series that, at the time, had the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ and was looking for a group of adult virgins to apply to take part, if they were brave enough.
But now, well over a year on, we all know that show turned out to be the hit show Virgin Island – which has just finished airing its first series this week.
Channel 4 needs more adult virgins for the potential next series of its hit reality TV show Virgin Island / Credit: Channel 4
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before, as it follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
Virgin Island aims to help young people overcome their insecurities around intimacy and sex / Credit: Channel 4
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most iconic literary and film sagas of the 21st century is celebrating 20 years since the first book was published next year.
And to celebrate this milestone moment, you’ll be able to watch the first film live in dozens of cities across the UK surrounded by the beauty of more than a thousand candles while a live orchestra plays the soundtrack to accompany.
That’s right, Twilight in Concert is coming to Manchester.
Undeniably one of the most successful young adult film franchises of all time, with five films (Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2) to its name, The Twilight Saga has impressively grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
You can watch Twilight with a live orchestra surrounded by candlelight in Manchester / Credit: Supplied
The films were adapted from author Stephenie Meyer’s acclaimed literary series that won multiple awards over its time, sold more than 160 million copies worldwide, and was translated into 49 different languages.
But no matter whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, Twilight In Concert promises to be an unforgettable event for fans of the belovedfranchise, two decades on.
Set in an enchanting candlelit setting, TwilightIn Concert offers fans a unique opportunity to re-live the film that started it all, while musicians take the stage to perform the beloved score in perfect synchronisation with the original movie presented in its entirety on a cinema-size screen.
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians / Credit: Supplied
You can expect a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians to transport you on a journey deep into the heart of Forks.
Twilight in Concert will be stopping off at 12 other major UK cities on its tour, including other northern hubs such as Sheffield, York, and Liverpool, as well as arriving at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Friday 6 February 2026.
Clementine Hall -
30th November 2023 
