TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to this January

The Tourist

New Year’s Day
BBC One and iPlayer
The thriller series The Tourist aired on New Year's Day 2022, and the BBC plans for the second season to be just as popular when it airs this year. Starring Jamie Dornan, the drama will be relocating from Australia to Ireland and Elliot and Helen will be confronted by friends and foes as they attempt to uncover the secrets of Elliot’s past. FYI – if you fancy binge watching all six episodes before you head back to work, they’ll be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am on New Year's Day.

Fool Me Once

New Year’s Day
Netflix
When ex-soldier Maya sees her supposedly-murdered husband on a secret nanny cam, she uncovers a deadly conspiracy that stretches deep into the past. Michelle Keegan was spotted filming on Burdock Way in Halifax town centre for this new Harlan Coben limited thriller series. Michelle and Joanna Lumley lead the cast.

Robson Green's Weekend Escapes

New Year’s Day
BBC Two and iPlayer
TV star Robson Green is back for a second series of his Weekend Escapes showcasing the North’s breathtaking landscapes and wealth of activities that are perfect for the mind and body. On each of his journeys, Robson tries an outdoor activity with a different famous face across the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Scottish Borders – from former TV personality Denise Welch to actors Kevin Whately and Mark Benton. Could this be the perfect way to banish the winter blues?

The Traitors

3rd January
BBC One and iPlayer
We just can’t contain our excitement for season two of The Traitors, having already binge-watched the first season, as well as the US and Aussie series. There will be 22 cast members taking part in the show and Claudia Winkleman is returning as host – but just who will The Traitors be and will The Faithfuls work it out? For those who haven’t seen it, here’s how it works: Traitors choose to 'murder' Faithfuls (removing them from the game) but Faithfuls are also given the chance to ‘banish’ Traitors (voting them off). The winner is a Traitor who remains undetected or a Faithful who gets to the end without being murdered. Episodes two and three will be available on iPlayer immediately after the first episode has aired.

We Loved

APOKERI BAY
Jackie Watson
As temperatures dropped at home, I found sunshine in this page-turner which transports readers to glorious Greece. Five days on a Greek island should offer time for a young woman to determine her future and when Anna unexpectedly falls in love with the quaint seaside village of Apokeri, a whole new life could be on the cards. But all isn’t what it seems as she encounters complex characters and finds herself enveloped in secrets. The question is: how far will she go to protect her new love? This feel-good debut is perfect for all lovers of women’s contemporary fiction, or anyone seeking sunshine. Newcastle-born Jackie Watson is the author of the new Apokeri trilogy, and Apokeri Bay is the first in the series.

THE GREAT ALONE
Kristin Hannah
Take a trip back to the remote and unforgiving landscape of Alaska in the 1970s, where teenage Leni is trapped between the impulses of an unstable father and the desperate optimism of a mother in denial. As the winter draws closer, Leni must face the reality of her fractured home and what it means to be truly isolated. Hannah brilliantly examines the lengths people will go to in order to survive and the healing power of community. The tension of the book builds relentlessly with an ending that will leave you breathless. An ideal wintry read.

WITH YOU EVERY STEP
Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield
This wonderfully illustrated book has captured our hearts with its inspiring celebration of friendship from rugby legends and best friends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield. The book contains simple and affirming messages of friendship, support and compassion between the two friends and has been brought to life by leading UK illustrators. Burrows, originally from Pontefract, and Sinfield played for Leeds Rhinos and became fast friends. Both have since become champions for charitable causes and you can read more about the pair’s work for the Motor Neurone Disease Association here. For every book sold, a donation will be made by Macmillan’s Children’s Books to MNDA and Leeds Hospital Charity.

Uplifting Podcasts for a Positive Start to the New Year

THE HAPPINESS LAB
Hosted by psychologist Dr Laurie Santos, this podcast explores the true nature of happiness and how we so often look for it in the wrong places. In a recent highlight, Dr Santos looks at the value of workplace friendships and how important they can be for us.

HOW TO FAIL
A fear of failure is something that everyone struggles with. This podcast is a hilariously touching exploration of guests’ failures and what can be learned from them. We recommend jumping straight in with Miriam Margolyes discussing disappointing her parents.

UNTANGLE
A perfect option for when you need to clear your head. From examining how we sleep to looking at the power of kindness in our lives, this podcast is a great option for anyone who wants to lead a more mindful life.

Read More: Six Inspirational Podcasts from North East and Yorkshire Voices