A brand-new documentary taking a look back over 30 years of iconic boyband Take That has just been released.
Aptly-titled 30 Years in the Making, and now available to watch exclusively on streaming platform ITVX, the new documentary has been dubbed a “joyous celebration” that takes a deep dive and a retrospective look at the three-decade long success of the beloved boyband that formed in Manchester all the way back in 1990.
The new 72-minute documentary is ultimately all about the relationship between the now trio, once five-piece boyband, and their thousands of loyal fans across the UK.
ITV says it’s been created as a “companion piece” to the new feature film Greatest Days – which is set to hit cinemas nationwide this Friday (16 June).
ITV releases new Take That documentary looking back on 30 years of iconic boyband / Credit: Take That (via Instagram)
The new documentary not only features the challenges the band, directors, and creative team faced to bring Greatest Days to the big screen, but also “shines a light on the mutual dedication built over three decades between the band and its fans”, and even sees band members Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Donald Howard touch on topics they’ve either never or rarely discussed publicly before.
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The lads apparently talk openly about their 2012 tax evasion scandal, regrets over how former bandmate Robbie Williams left the group to launch his solo career, and will finally discuss the reason for Jason Orange’s departure in 2014.
Gary, Mark, and Howard are joined by a “massive ensemble cast” for the documentary – including famous Take That enthusiasts Alesha Dixon, Mel and Sue, Calum Scott, and more.
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"This is representing all the work we've done for thirty years" 😭
— Official Greatest Days Movie (@greatestdaysuk) June 11, 2023
Producers say the new Greatest Days film “captures the joy of being a lifelong music fan”, and ITV adds in a description on its website: “From Take That’s 90s boy band fame, to its shocking breakup, its triumphant comeback in the 00s, and beyond, the band’s highs and lows are reflected in evolving friendships.”
The new documentary, on the other hand, “juxtaposes the story of the production, pandemic lockdowns, challenging shooting locations, and critical casting decisions, with the story of how Take That fans have followed the band throughout the years.”
Take That: 30 Years in the Making is now available to stream across the UK, and you can head over to the ITVX website to watch it here.
Featured Image – Take That (via Twitter)
TV & Showbiz
John Bishop announces latest Manchester gig arena tour dates
Danny Jones
Beloved British comedian John Bishop has announced another massive Manchester gig on his latest run of arena tour dates.
The well-known veteran of the North West and national stand-up scene at large is heading back to the region next year for his fresh batch of live stand-up shows.
Serving as the follow-up to his critically acclaimed hour from 2025, with these dates also serving as another opportunity for fans who missed out last time to see at least some of that material, John Bishop is no stranger to selling out Manchester arenas.
Returning to Co-op Live once again after his first two visits there this past autumn, Manc crowds can look forward to more of his usual scouse charm.
Confirming the new 2027 UK tour dates online this Friday, 23 January, Bishop said: “So excited to announce I’ll be heading back out on tour next year with my brand new show…. ‘Let’s Go Round Again'”
As he goes on to write, he’s set to play “some of the biggest venues across the UK and Ireland in April and May 2027”, simply adding, “Come and join me for a night to remember…”
The 59-year-old will be coming to Co-op Live on Sunday, 2 May.
His Co-op Live debut last October went down a storm, so it’s no surprise that we cousins down the Mersey were one of the first cities to be named on the new tour.
Bishop is enjoying a little bit of added renaissance at the moment, amid being at the centre of a Hollywood film starring Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper.
You can see the duo talking about the recent release down below.
Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett allowed themselves to be vulnerable when adapting John Bishop's life story 🎬 pic.twitter.com/B5DYBfDfJ8
The Everton-born comic was already 35 when he first started live stand-up, turning up at the Frog and Bucket comedy club on the edge of the Northern Quarter and choosing to go up on stage during an open mic night rather than paying the entry fee.
Already a successful salesman in the pharmaceutical industry, he chose to switch careers just before his 40th birthday and hasn’t looked back since.
It’s part of this real-life story that inspired the movie, Is Thing On? – which finally premieres here in the UK at the end of this month – and continues to make him a hugely popular touring UK comedian.
For anyone who fancies going along to see his new tour, you can sign up for early access through his mailing list or via the venue’s pre-sale for official Co-op Members.
Those windows open on Wednesday, 28 January from 10am; general admission will be available from the same time on the following Friday (30 Jan). You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
You can watch the trailer for the aforementioned motion picture here.
Trailer released for Netflix’s new Lucy Letby documentary with ‘unprecedented access’
Emily Sergeant
The trailer for Netflix’s new documentary about the investigation of Lucy Letby has been released.
The feature-length film about Lucy Letby – the infamous neonatal nurse who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others under her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital – hears for the first time from the police officers who investigated the case that shook the nation.
It features never-before-seen footage of Letby during her arrests and police questioning, and even includes interviews with experts and lawyers on both sides, as well as with the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm.
Tragically, it also includes an anonymised interview with a mother of one of the victims, who also speaks for the first time about her experience and involvement in Letby’s trial.
Produced as a result of years of research and relationship-building, the film – simply titled The Investigation of Lucy Letby – is described as being the most ‘comprehensive’ look at one of Britain’s most notorious crimes, and traces developments from her arrest to trial in chronological order.
Viewers will be given ‘unparalleled and exclusive access’ to those central to the story.
“This was an exceptional and demanding project, marked by significant creative and ethical responsibility,” commented director, Dominic Sivyer. “Our aim was to craft a powerful, emotionally resonant depiction of the events surrounding the case.”
Caroline Short, Head of Global TV at ITN Productions – who produced the documentary – added: “The access to all our contributors came with a huge responsibility to present everyone’s perspectives with care and understanding.
“We are grateful to all those people who trusted us to tell their story.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th June 2023 
