Back in April, the UK was given a glimpse into Manchester’s grim criminal underworld when BBC Two aired a docuseries called The Detectives.
The Detectives: Fighting Organised Crime investigated real instances of historic organised crime In Manchester and the gangs behind such activities, and followed a team of detectives trying to put a stop to it – with each episode covering cases as they happened.
It aired on BBC Two and millions watched, tweeted and series linked it on their Sky boxes.
#WATCH | The second episode of the new BBC Two series #TheDetectives airs tonight at 9pm…
Watch exceptional coverage of DCI Liz Hopkinson and her team from the Major Incident Team successfully working to tackle a murder investigation involving serious and organised crime. pic.twitter.com/OVzecWLZqT
The show was a smash hit due to its exceptional coverage of live police investigations, filmed over a two year period, and gave viewers unprecedented access into the Greater Manchester Police.
However, after two episodes, the docuseries disappeared from TV guides and when Tuesday rolled around (the day it aired on both weeks) many people were wondering where it had gone.
The BBC didn’t do much to answer everybody’s questions at the time, with many wondering if the show had been axed – but while looking deeper on Twitter it has become apparent that the show’s creators are waiting to unleash a three-part episode on a single investigation this summer.
Answering someone’s inquisitive tweet, BBC iPlayer explained: “The first two episodes were self-contained narratives.
ADVERTISEMENT
“There are three remaining episodes that are planned later in the summer which follow one complete story.”
So while the first and second episode focused on individual stories – such as the murder of Luke Graham and the investigation into a series of kidnappings which introduced Paris Bostock to the nation – the last three episodes will be one continuous storyline (or three hours following the same criminal gang).
Hi Matt, The first two episodes were self-contained narratives. There are three remaining episodes that are planned later in the summer which follow one complete story. Keep an eye on the programme page for dates nearer the time: https://t.co/k77v9sWGjp Thanks
Currently, there is no information available on which investigation the show will focus on for its second-run (there are significant rumours online that it will be covering the Rochdale grooming gang scandal — but this is unconfirmed), but by dedicating three hours to it, we imagine it will be a significant story that we’re all familiar with.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are currently no exact dates set out for its return, with the BBC asking people to “keep an eye on the programme page for dates nearer the time”, however our educated guess is that it will be released at some point in July due to formal messaging stating its return will be in “summer” – and summer in the UK officially begins at the end of June.
As always, we will let you know as soon as the programming dates have been revealed, because if you’re reading this, you’re probably as much of a fan of The Detectives as we are.
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.
Tickets are now on sale, and you can find out more and get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
TV & Showbiz
Rio Ferdinand is stepping away from TNT Sports after more than a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester United legend and ex-England international Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping away from TNT Sports, leaving more than a decade with the broadcaster.
Ferdinand has spent the best part of the last 10 years serving as a leading pundit and analyst, as well as hosting his own ‘Rio Meets’ online series – the interview format of which has been replicated on his YouTube channel.
However, after having been one of their main anchors both under the BT Sport and even more so since the inception of the rebranded TNT Sports Football umbrella, the 46-year-old has confirmed he has now quit their regular coverage following the Champions League final this weekend.
In a lengthy statement on social media, the ex-Man United defender, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, Bournemouth and QPR, described it as a “difficult decision.”
Taking time to thank the network for their “tremendous support” over the years, especially those “behind the scenes, whose work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.”
The talented centre-back retired in May 2015 after more than 500 appearances and 81 national team caps, making an almost immediate switch into punditry and remaining a household name.
Rio has also remained a popular figure at Old Trafford and, indeed, across various parts of Manchester since leaving United in 2014.
For instance, his self-titled Foundation has carried out some truly transformational local outreach across various boroughs, as it has back in his home city of London.
Responding to the news, TNT Sports said nothing more than “Thanks for everything, Rio”; meanwhile, fellow former Red, Danny Simpson (who retired last year and also works as a pundit/presenter for MUTV) added: “You’re going to be missed, bro. Every time you’re on, you give us all the mad insight.”
However, he has promised he will remain in the media industry, continuing to work under the Rio Ferdinand Presents digital brand and pursuing “other business interests”.
With his ‘Rio Reacts’ and ‘Vibe with FIVE’ series regularly raking in millions of views, he might not be on the box during European nights but you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.