A SECOND series of new murder mystery drama Ludwig is set to be confirmed after it was dubbed “the best series from the BBC in years” by fans. 

David Mitchell stars in Ludwig as the titular character – a man who lives a very solitary life until his brother suddenly disappears and he becomes embroiled in a shocking mystery. 

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According to a source close to the show, BBC bosses are thrilled with Ludwig’s initial ratings and reviews, so it won’t be long before series two is officially given the green light.

“There have been a lot of noises about a second series and I would be absolutely gobsmacked if it didn’t come back,” the source said to the Mirror.

They added: “Everyone involved at the BBC is delighted with how well the show has done. It’s given them the perfect detective drama, a fresh take on a classic genre.”

This has been reflected in the “through the roof” ratings, with the show being in BBC iPlayer’s Top 10 since it launched. 

The insider added: “And it’s not just the ratings that everyone is thrilled with, it’s the rave reviews as well, in the press and on social media. 

“You only have to read the comments, with fans demanding more episodes, to know that this will absolutely come back. Hopefully, the BBC will make the official announcement before the end of the first season.”

David, who executive produces Ludwig, also teased that a second run was on the cards. 

He said: “Yes, that’s certainly our hope that it will carry on. Fingers crossed. Of course, you just hope that people enjoy the first series.” 

Ludwig returned to screens on Wednesday night for its dramatic third instalment, but all six episodes of the series are already available to stream on iPlayer, so fans know that the show ends with a massive plot cliffhanger that primes for another run.

In the drama, Peep Show star David plays awkward puzzle setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, whose solitary life is upended when his identical twin, a police detective, vanishes. 

John quickly becomes embroiled in this ongoing mystery as his sister-in-law Lucy, played by Line Of Duty and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin, comes to him for help. She asks him to assume his brother’s identity in order to find out what happened. 

In the series finale, a big plot twist about the whereabouts of John’s brother is revealed – just as John and Lucy uncover a massive clue.

Alongside David and Anna, the series stars Dipo Ola as DI Russell Carter, Izuka Hoyle as DS Alice Finch, Gerran Howell as DC Simon Evans, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor, Sophie Willan as Holly Pinder and Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler. 

BBC crime dramas

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The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.

Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.

• Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.

• Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.

• Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.

• Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.

• Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.

• Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.

• Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.

• Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.

• Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.

• Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.

• Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.

• The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.

• Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.

• Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.

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Ludwig airs on BBC One on Wednesdays at 9pm and is available to stream on iPlayer.

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TV viewers are hitting out at the idea of another Big Bang Theory spin-off after the surfacing of new details.

It was reported on Thursday (10 0ctober) that the project, which was announced in 2023, will focus on three characters from the original series: comic book owner Stuart Bloom, his girlfriend Denise and recurring character Bert Kibbler.

Kevin Sussmann, Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn are all set to reprise their roles in the series, which is currently being written ahead of an expected greenlight from Max.

Original Big Bang Theory co-creator Chuck Lorre, who also executive produced spin-off Young Sheldon, which ended earlier this year, is returning for the new show.

After more details about the next series set in the Big Bang Theory universe arrived, many were quick to question the necessity for yet another show based on the hit sitcom, which ran for 12 seasons from 2007 to 2020.

The original became a huge hit for CBS and saw its lead stars, including Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki, become some of the highest-paid stars in TV.

Young Sheldon became another hit for CBS, lasting for seven seasons from 2017 to 2024. When the show came to an end, executive producer Steve Holland stated: “This is the right time for this story to come to an end.”

It seems like people have had enough. In response to the new spin-off, X/Twitter has been filled with posts urging them to move on from the idea and create something original instead.

“That’s going to be a hard pass from me,” one person wrote, with another adding: “OR… and hear me out… we green light or revive more original sitcoms that had original characters and an original plot line and haven’t gotten to see the light of day instead of making constant revivals and reboots and spinoffs”

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One person stated: “Cancel it, I’m begging,” with another asking: “Why? Literally why?”

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Spin-offs are currently rife in the TV schedules, with new shows based on Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, The Walking Dead and The Boys either currently on or in the works.

TRANSFORMERS ONE

(PG), 104 mins

★★★☆☆

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AS befits a franchise about shape-shifting robots, Transformers has had more alternate incarnations than anyone cares to remember.

And in the fortieth year since the original Eighties’ cartoon, we have yet another version.

It shares fan-favourite characters and story elements with predecessors but this is a rebooted universe, so you don’t need to have watched the originals or — mercifully — the patience-sapping live-action saga to enjoy this take by director Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4).

Serving up a mix of moralising and merchandising yes, it does frequently feel like it’s teeing things up to flog you some more plastic stuff this Christmas.

But the pacey origins animation is also pretty entertaining.

Unpacking the roots of the rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron, ‘One’ finally reveals the reason the former pals became enemies and changed the course of planet Cybertron.

We see their relationship begin as best-buddy mining automatons, then titled Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry).

Both lowly Metallics aspire to bigger things but a joyride in the annual Iacon 5k race to prove a point about their capabilities backfires and gets them banished to scrapheap-sifting duties.

Then our fist-bumping heroes embark on a mission to locate the missing Matrix of Leadership, where they uncover the unsavoury truth about corrupt current ruler Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm).

The discovery that his idolised leader is a crook is the catalyst for D-16 to turn into red-eyed franchise villain.

In a graveyard of Primes, revived Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne) helps them undergo their glow-up into true transformers.

Our bots are now primary-coloured giants, with the power to change into cars. But their friendship is over.

A male-dominated cast is lightened by the inclusion of pithy, purple-hued Elita-1 (Scarlett Johansson).

And there is welcome humour from Bumblebee, nee B-12 (Keegan-Michael Key) as self-styled ‘Bad-Ass-a-tron’.

The explanation for the kind, thoughtful D-16’s personality change into the aggressive, destructive, evil-eyed Megatron is ultimately a bit woolly.

And visuals can look clunky and old fashioned.

But it’s fundamental Autobot versus Decepticons good fun — in disguise.

SALEM’S LOT

(15) 114mins   

★★★☆☆

STEPHEN King’s classic vampire novel, Salem’s Lot, has been given a terrifying – if disjointed – makeover.

Lewis Pullman stars as Ben Mears, a writer returning to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot to find it terrorised by a vampire.

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Teaming up with new love interest Susan (Makenzie Leigh), amiable school teacher Matt (a fantastic turn by Bill Camp) and the town’s no nonsense doctor (Alfre Woodard), Ben fights to save Salem’s Lot from the evil forces of the undead.

The stunning visuals give a creepy 70s vibe and the film delivers some spine-chilling moments, including a tense basement scene and a nail-biting finale at a drive-in cinema.

However, pacing problems hold it back.

At times it really felt like entire chapters of the book were missing, making the plot feel rushed and incomplete.

While it might not be the best adaptation of one of King’s most loved novels, Salem’s Lot is a solid horror flick that manages to avoid the usual pitfalls of the genre.

It’s familiar King territory – creepy small town, sinister evil, and boneheaded locals – and fans will lap it up.

TERRIFIER 3

(18) 125mins

★★★☆☆

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DIRECTOR Damien Leone’s latest instalment in the Terrifier franchise delivers a gruesome Christmas horror experience with plenty of blood and gore.

The iconic and terrifying killer, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton), returns to spread chaos, terror and a whole lot of festive fear.

Returning to face Art once again, Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) is still haunted by the horrors of Terrifier 2.

As the festive season approaches, a showdown with her murderous nemesis seems inevitable.

Terrifier 3 is as nasty and blood-soaked as they come.

There’s nothing subtle or meaningful here, and fans of the cult franchise won’t expect anything less.

Leone makes each gruesome kill feel personal and impactful, always with a tongue firmly in cheek. It’s no secret the Terrifier franchise isn’t known for its complex plot or deep character development.

Those familiar with these films primarily come for the over-the-top gore, brutal kills and silly antics.

With brilliantly crafted practical effects that hark back to horror’s Eighties heyday, Terrifier 3 does exactly what’s on the tin.          

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The Simpsons fans have been left blindsided by the sudden return of a character last seen nearly 30 years ago.

One week after viewers were tricked into thinking the show was coming to an end, with an episode deceptively branded its “series finale”, the long-running animated series nostalgically brought back a face familiar to die-hards.

The second episode of season 36, titled “The Yellow Lotus”, saw the Simpson family head to a luxury resort in what was a clear nod to HBO series The White Lotus.

Hammering home the reference was Homer’s discovery of a dead body, an event that leads the Simpsons to come across none other than Sideshow Bob, voiced by Kelsey Grammer.

However, it’s the inclusion of another character that most surprised fans, with some branding the moment “unbelievable”.

*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*

In the episode, it’s explained that the trip was actually orchestrated by someone fans will remember from season nine, which is considered to be a part of the show’s Golden Era: the corrupt salesman Nick Callahan.

Nick Callahan, voiced by Hank Azaria, first showed up in 1998 instalment “Realty Bites”, and the decision to bring him back was revealed to be down to producer Loni Steele Sosthand.

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The character’s return arrives after fans

The 36th season of The Simpsons started earlier this month, with a parody episode exploring what makes an effective finale. It was one of the show’s most acclaimed episodes in years, and imagined what the perfect ending of The Simpsons would look like – as written by AI.

Throughout the episode, there were animated recreations of final shots of shows including The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Succession.

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But when the title card first appeared on screen announcing the premiere as the “series finale”, viewers quickly jumped to social media to share their surprise at what they believed to have been a well-kept secret.

“IS THIS ACTUALLY THE SIMPSONS SERIES FINALE????” one asked, with another chiming in: “Wait, it’s like not REALLY The Simpsons Series Finale is it!? WTF!”

The meta premiere arrived amid speculation that the series could be preparing for its actual finale. Many believe that the series has outstayed its welcome, and no longer matches the quality upheld from its so-called golden era – from season three to nine.

One viewer theorised that this belief is what might have influenced writers to kickstart the new season with the finale prank, writing: “I love how 20th Century Fox/Disney responded to people complaining about The Simpsons should end and make a parody of a series finale.”

BIG Brother fans have branded Marcello a ‘pig’ after they claim he made Sarah ‘uncomfortable’ with a ‘sexualised’ comment.

The drama unfolded on social media in reaction to a scene in tonight’s episode of the hit ITV2 show.

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Sarah was complimenting Marcello as he worked in the kitchen as part of the shopping task.

“You are so funny Marcello, when I first met you, you are not someone that I would think I would get on with so well,” Sarah told him.

Looking taken aback, he replied: “I’m a nice person.”

“I know you are, but on first impression…” she added.

“Everyone always judges me,” Marcello responded.

Sarah went on to explain: “Yeah because you sound like the way you sound, the accent, the city, the way you dress, you are just someone that in public I probably wouldn’t gravitate towards because I would be a bit intimidated.”

Marcello then flirtily shot back: “Oh honey, I would gravitate towards you, don’t worry about that.

While Hanah, who was watching on, screamed at his comment, Sarah looked unimpressed and said: “Please don’t”

Realising he had crossed a line, Marcello apologised.

“I’m sorry he said, making a heart shape with his hands. “I’m joking.”

But viewers were not happy, and took to X to slate him.

One fumed: “Sarah being nice to Marcello and him immediately using it as an opportunity to flirt, made me uncomfortable.”

Another raged: “Marcello is a pig clearly just made Sarah uncomfortable with his unwanted comments and advances.”

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A third ranted: “Oh F*** OFF Sarah just opened up to Marcello and just like normal he SEXUALISES? Does this man just sexualise EVERY WOMAN HE SEES? Can’t wait for what he will say to AJ during his evicted interview.”

A fourth chimed: “Sarah literally just saying how marcello is nice and marcello immediately being a f***ing creep oh my god can he leave?”

A fifth weighed in: “Sarah should report Marcello to HR for making inappropriate sexual comments.”

And a sixth simply warned: “Marcello walk away from sarah rn.”

Big Brother continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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Kaos creator Charlie Covell said they are “gutted” by the cancelation of their Netflix series after just one season.

On Tuesday (October 8), the streamer announced its decision to axe the dark comedy, which contemporarily reimagines Greek mythology and stars Jeff Goldblum as Zeus.

Covell, who uses they/them pronouns, has since reacted to the news in a heartfelt message shared on Instagram by the production company Sister.

“Of course I’m gutted not to be making more Kaos, but I don’t want this news to overshadow what we did make,” they began. “I’m incredibly lucky to have worked with such an exceptionally talented cast and crew, and I’m extremely proud of our show. Thank you to absolutely everybody involved: it was a Herculean team effort, and a huge privilege to work with you all.”

Reiterating their gratitude to everybody involved, they added that it was “a huge privilege to work with you all.”

“And to the marvellous fans: thanks so much for your love and enthusiasm,” they continued. “I’ve been shown subreddits that have made my heart positively sing: the tiny details and Easter eggs you noticed made my day many times over. I’ve been chuffed to the point of overwhelm by your positive responses to the show – thank you!”

They further teased that “one theory about who or what ‘Kaos’” was, was “bang on the money.”

“My hope now is that people still continue to discover and enjoy the show: I reckon there are some potential fans out there who might need more time to find it, so please keep talking about KAOS if you enjoyed it,” Covell concluded. “Thanks so much for watching!”

The eight-episode dramedy, which revolves around a trio of humans who discover their common connection to a prophecy and one another while also dealing with a group of corrupt and arrogant Greek and Roman mythological gods, was released on Netflix in August.

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It also stars Misia Butler, Aurora Perrineau, Janet McTeer, Killian Scott, Billie Piper and David Thewlis.

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Compared to other Greek revisionist stories, such as Broadway’s Tony-nominated musical Hadestown, The Independent’s Louis Chilton found Kaos to be a “little shaggy and incohesive in the ways it toys with tradition.”

“There’s no denying that parts of Kaos are compelling – stories don’t endure for millennia if they aren’t, fundamentally, a good old yarn,” he added in his three-star review.

“But the series strains at points under the weight of its arch, high-concept premise. It might not all be Greek to me – but some of it definitely was.”

Kaos is available to stream on Netflix.