TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in April
There's plenty to look forward to this month…
On TV
CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER
Celebrity Big Brother is back on Monday 7th April, and this year's lineup includes Yorkshire actress and comedian Donna Preston, EastEnders star Patsy Palmer, Coronation Street actor Jack P. Shepherd, talk show host Trisha Goddard, retired athlete Daley Thompson, and drag queen Danny Beard. But who will reign victorious?
Live on ITV and streaming on ITVX.
Catch Up
LAST ONE LAUGHING UK
It’s impossible not to laugh at Last One Laughing, but thankfully we’re not playing this game where 10 comedians compete to make each other laugh, and whoever lasts the longest emerges victorious. We’d already binge-watched all six episodes of this new series, hosted by Jimmy Carr and starring Middlesbrough-born Bob Mortimer, before finding out many other countries had done it first! We’re tuning into Ireland’s take on it, with presenter Graham Norton, next.
Steaming on Prime.
In Cinemas
DROP
In this new film starring Meghann Fahy a date doesn’t go as planned. Violet is a widowed mother on a date with Henry when she receives messages from a hooded figure, who threatens to kill her son and sister unless she kills Henry.
In cinemas regionwide from 11th April.
Dramatic Documentaries
WHAT HAPPENED, MISS SIMONE?
Using never-before-heard recordings and archival footage, this documentary traces the life of one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, Nina Simone. From emerging as a talented classical pianist in her youth to becoming a fiery activist and soul singer, Nina blazed a trail for countless singers after her.
Streaming on Netflix.
IN VOGUE: THE 90S
The 1990s was a time of great upheaval in the world of fashion, and presiding over it all was Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. This new documentary tracks a decade of change through the lens of Vogue’s influence, from the impact of British grunge and the emergence of the supermodel, to Tom Ford’s magic touch and the genius of Alexander McQueen.
Streaming on Disney+.
BLACKFISH
Examining the controversy of captive orcas, Blackfish looks at the tragic case of Dawn Brancheau, a SeaWorld trainer killed by an orca with a history of violence. Using testimonials, reports and archival footage, the documentary argues that a lifetime of confinement is not only inhumane, but turns orcas into ticking time bombs of aggression.
Streaming on Netflix.
We Loved
SAVING ELORA
Jackie Watson
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment of the Apokeri Bay trilogy, I was eager to be transported back to Greece via the words of Northern author Jackie Watson. Saving Elora is set a decade on from the first novel. Anna loves her Greek Island life but unexpected visitors are about to turn that upside down and threaten to destroy everything she loves. Meanwhile a con artist craves a challenge, while the mistress of a mafia don gives birth to a daughter – but the news that the baby isn’t his leads to a deadly game of cat and mouse. From the first chapter you’re thrown into the deep end of this explosive story with plenty of twists and turns. Now I think a trip to Greece may be on the cards, and I’m looking forward to the third Apokeri Bay instalment.
Faye Dixon, Arts Editor
THE HOLLOW CROWN
Dan Jones
Betrayal, murder, heroes and villains – this detailed look at one of the most tumultuous periods in English history reads like something out of Game of Thrones. Tracing the bloody years of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of the Tudor family, Dan’s writing is anything but dull, breathing new life into a story that’s more than 500 years old. Was Richard III truly the villain he’s remembered as? And how did Henry VI’s young bride become one of the shrewdest political minds of the era? This was a story I thought I knew, and I was thrilled to discover how wrong I was.
Neave Herridge, Food Editor
On Our To Read List
THE SEVEN O’CLOCK CLUB
Amelia Ireland
At seven o'clock one Tuesday evening, four strangers meet for the first time. They’ve all accepted an invitation to attend a counselling session but the seemingly ordinary tower block they’re in isn’t really quite so ordinary, and they’re going to have some impossible decisions to make.
03/04/2025
SWEPT AWAY
Beth O’Leary
Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached while Zeke is looking for love. They head to the marina together but overnight the houseboat they’re staying on has been swept out to sea. This is a new read for rom-com lovers from the bestselling author of The Flatshare and The Wake-Up Call.
08/04/2025
FEARLESS
Lauren Roberts
Paedyn and Kai return to the Kingdom of Ilya, and Paedyn has a life-altering choice to make, but in the ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who wins? This is the conclusion to Lauren Roberts’ romantasy trilogy.
08/04/25
WHO BELIEVES IN ANGELS?
Elton John & Brandi Carlile
Fans are looking forward to the release of the upcoming collaborative studio album by musicians Elton John and Brandi Carlile, which was written and recorded over 20 days.
04/04/2025
SABLE, FABLE
Bon Iver
Sable, Fable is the upcoming fifth studio album by indie folk band Bon Iver, a continuation of the Sable EP.
11/04/2025
STILL BLOOMING
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Direct from the hit Wicked movie, Jeff Goldblum is back on the piano, and is joined by guest vocalists Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Scarlett Johansson and Maiya Sykes on his new album.
25/04/2025
