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Tonight’s Must‑Watch TV HighlightsThe Guardian’s latest TV guide showcases a mix of drama, comedy and culinary spectacle across Britain’s major broadcasters. From a stylish Cold‑War thriller on Sky Atlantic to the nation’s biggest curry restaurant on Channel 4, the line‑up promises both intrigue and comfort food for viewers.‘Ponies’: A Cold‑War Thriller Starring Emilia ClarkeEmilia Clarke headlines ‘Ponies’, a star‑filled, stylish and surprisingly fun Cold‑War drama airing at 9 pm on Sky Atlantic. Clarke plays Bea, a highly educated Russian‑speaking secretary who teams up with street‑smart Twila (Haley Lu Richardson). Together they investigate the mysterious deaths of their husbands in Moscow, operating as “persons of no interest”. The cast also includes Adrian Lester and Harriet Walter.Scheduling Slots and Audience Reach Estimates9 pm – Sky Atlantic: ‘Ponies’ (Cold‑War thriller)8 pm – Channel 4: “World’s Biggest Curry Restaurant” – a behind‑the‑scenes look at the Royal Nawaab in Stockport.9 pm – BBC Two: “Hidden Treasures of the National Trust” – cultural‑heritage documentary narrated by Toby Jones.10 pm – BBC Three: “Smoggie Queens” – comedy sketch series.10:05 pm – Sky Atlantic: “Hacks” – penultimate episode of the AI‑satire comedy.11:40 pm – BBC One: “St Denis Medical” – double‑bill US mockumentary.While exact viewership figures are not yet released, prime‑time slots on Sky Atlantic and Channel 4 typically attract 1–2 million live viewers, with additional streaming audiences on platform‑specific apps.Why Cold‑War Drama Is Resurfacing on UK TVThe renewed interest in Cold‑War narratives aligns with a broader cultural fascination for geopolitical tension and espionage, spurred by recent successful series such as *The Americans* and *Killing Eve*. By pairing a high‑profile star like Clarke with a genre that blends thriller, period intrigue and dark humor, broadcasters aim to capture both legacy audiences and younger viewers seeking fresh takes on historic settings.What This Means for Next Season’s Programming ChoicesGiven the strategic placement of *Ponies* alongside eclectic factual and comedy offerings, networks appear to be betting on a diversified schedule that balances prestige drama with accessible reality‑TV formats. If *Ponies* secures strong live and on‑demand numbers, we can expect more star‑driven, genre‑hybrid projects to fill prime‑time slots in the coming months, potentially nudging streaming services to compete with similar high‑budget, historically‑rooted series.

Executive Summary of the Podcast EpisodeThe Guardian’s latest podcast follows hunters who argue that shooting big game can help preserve Africa’s wildlife, sparking a nuanced discussion on conservation strategies.Episode Focus and How to Access ItListen or read: Read the text version hereSupport the Guardian: theguardian.com/longreadpodRelated Publication Highlighted in the EpisodeThe episode references Adapted from The Savage Landscape: How We Made the Wilderness by Cal Flyn, published by William Collins on 7 May. The book can be ordered via guardianbookshop.com.Visual Context ProvidedPhotograph: ReutersWhy This Conversation MattersThe podcast adds to ongoing debates about the role of regulated hunting in wildlife management, offering perspectives from those directly involved in the practice.Looking AheadFuture episodes and related reporting are expected to continue exploring the complex balance between hunting, conservation funding, and ecosystem health across Africa.

The Lead: Streeting's Tax Equality ProposalFormer health secretary Wes Streeting has set out plans for a "wealth tax that works" by equalizing tax rates on income and capital gains in his pitch for the Labour leadership. Streeting argues the current system unfairly penalizes work while rewarding asset ownership, contributing to widening wealth and opportunity gaps in the UK.The Policy Details: Equalizing Tax RatesStreeting's proposal would mean capital gains tax rates mirror the three bands of income tax: 20%, 40%, and 45%. A person's capital gains tax band would be calculated by combining their income and profits from assets. He used the example of a woman in Lancashire who paid a higher rate of tax on her salary than her landlord paid for the growing value of her rented house."The system is penalising work. It's not fair and it's bad for our economy. We need a wealth tax that works. A pound made from simply owning assets should not be taxed less than a pound made from a hard day's work," Streeting told the BBC's Political Thinking podcast.The Financial Impact: Potential Revenue and Economic EffectsStreeting estimates his plan could raise up to £12bn a year. A 2024 report by the Centre for the Analysis of Taxation estimated that changing capital gains tax could raise £14bn. The proposal includes measures to protect genuine entrepreneurs with lower capital gains tax rates for those taking risks building companies.Streeting argues there is "a good pro-business, pro-growth, pro-productivity argument" in his proposals because the current system encourages investment in less productive businesses. He also called for closing loopholes that allow people to disguise income from work as capital gains, such as setting up personal service companies or taking pay in shares.The Political Context: Labour Leadership and Party UnityStreeting, who quit the Cabinet last week and called on Keir Starmer to stand down, warned in his resignation speech that Labour must change course or risk handing Reform UK power. He has the support of 81 MPs needed to launch a leadership challenge but decided not to proceed after learning that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham had found a seat to stand in."It was clear that if we had been plunged straight into a leadership contest by me or for that matter, anyone else, I think it would have been seen as a deliberate attempt to get ahead of Andy Burnham's potential return," Streeting explained. "And if there's one thing that we need to do coming out of a change in leadership, it is to bring the tribes of the Labour party together."The Future Outlook: Potential Policy Shift and Party DirectionStreeting's tax proposal represents a significant potential shift in Labour's economic policy direction if he becomes party leader. By positioning himself as both "pro-worker" and "pro-entrepreneurialism," he attempts to bridge traditional divides within the party. His emphasis on fairness in taxation comes amid growing public concern about wealth inequality and the perceived advantages of capital over labor in the current tax system.The proposal will likely face scrutiny from both economic conservatives who may argue it could discourage investment and progressive elements who may push for more aggressive wealth taxation. Streeting's ability to unite different factions of the Labour party around his economic vision will be crucial in determining the party's direction and electoral prospects.

The Elon Musk Documentary Returns on BBC Two 9 pm, BBC Two – Two‑and‑a‑half years after the original series, the sequel revisits Elon Musk with fresh insider testimony about the Twitter/X takeover and the turbulent relationship with former President Donald Trump. Critics note the programme’s focus on culture‑war dynamics rather than pure business analysis. Prime‑Time Competition: Ratings and Scheduling Stakes 8 pm, BBC One – Race Across the World: The Final pits teams against an 11,000 km route, offering a £20 k prize for the fastest finish. 8 pm, Sky Arts – Classic Movies: The Story of Three Days of the Condor provides a deep‑dive into the 1975 spy thriller, linking it to 1970s geopolitical anxieties. 9 pm, Channel 4 – Taskmaster returns for its 22nd series, mixing absurd comedy with celebrity challenges. 9 pm, Channel 5 – The Hardacres continues its period‑drama narrative, exploring class tensions in a rural setting. 9 pm, Sky Atlantic – Prisoner delivers a gritty continuation of its crime saga. 11.40 pm, Film4 – Glory (1989) rounds out the night with a historic war film. Cultural Impact of the Featured Programs The line‑up blends documentary scrutiny (Elon Musk), reality competition (Race Across the World), and nostalgic film analysis, reflecting a broader audience appetite for content that merges entertainment with socio‑political commentary. Shows like Taskmaster maintain high repeat viewership, while period dramas such as The Hardacres attract niche but loyal demographics. What to Expect from Next Week’s Line‑up Analysts predict the network will double‑down on high‑profile documentaries and reality finales to capture peak‑time audiences, potentially shifting the 9 pm slot on BBC Two to more investigative programming. Viewers can also anticipate further cross‑channel collaborations, especially around award‑season film broadcasts.

A Fresh, Chaotic Comedy Shakes Up British TVBBC’s Proper Ladies, a ten‑minute short set in a faith school, has ignited a social‑media frenzy for its “messy, chaotic, and funny” take on teenage life, drawing comparisons to Derry Girls and Some Girls.Inside “Proper Ladies”: A 10‑Minute Short About Muslim SchoolgirlsCreated by writer Sabrina Ali and based on her award‑winning stage play Dugsi Dayz, the short follows four detention‑room girls—prefect Salma (played by Samira Tahlil), entrepreneur Munira (Ebada Hassan), fashion‑focused Yasmin, and emo‑leaning Hani (Kosar Ali)—as they navigate rivalries, rebellion and absurd antics.Key scenes include a monologue about a fire‑alarm cover‑up and a subplot involving laxatives slipped into a teacher’s drink.The headteacher, portrayed by Mark Silcox, is humorously revealed to wear a toupee.Executive producer Michaela Coel supported the adaptation, offering Ali a place in her River Library writing sanctuary.Social Media Buzz and Viewer EngagementThe short’s first fan edit amassed 100,000 likes, signalling strong audience resonance. However, the cast also endured a wave of racist and Islamophobic abuse online, prompting some members to step back from social platforms.Redefining Muslim and Black Representation on ScreenAli aims to shift how Black and Muslim characters are positioned, using comedy to allow audiences to “recognise something human” without feeling instructed. She highlights the importance of open casting calls that attracted first‑time actors, expanding access to the industry.What’s Next for “Proper Ladies” and Similar StoriesThe pilot is currently in development for a full series, potentially charting a four‑year journey from stage to screen. Its success could encourage more authentic, diverse comedies in British television and inspire further investment in under‑represented voices.

The Apology and Investigation Channel 4's chief executive, Priya Dogra, has stood by the broadcaster's treatment of concerns raised by contestants on Married at First Sight, as she said she was “deeply sorry” for the distress of female participants making allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. Dogra said she believed the channel had acted appropriately at the time of the allegations, but had commissioned an external review to ensure the show was safe for those taking part. Allegations and Concerns An edition of the BBC's Panorama aired allegations by two women that they were raped by their on-screen husbands on Married at First Sight (MAFS) UK. They have not been named. A third woman, who agreed to be identified, Shona Manderson, accused her on-screen husband of subjecting her to a non-consensual sex act. All the men deny the claims. The BBC has since been contacted by a number of former MAFS UK cast members raising concerns, according to its culture and media editor, Katie Razzall. Response from Authorities The Metropolitan police also reiterated its appeal to anyone with allegations of abuse during the show to come forward. They are already in touch with Channel 4 and CPL, the independent production company that makes the show for the broadcaster. “We are ready to listen to them,” said the Met assistant commissioner Matt Twist. “We are ready to investigate.” Future Actions and Review Speaking at Channel 4's annual report, Dogra said that while she believed the broadcaster had acted appropriately, she had ordered external reviews to take a “second look”, given she only took up her role in March. “I have watched the programme and heard the women's accounts, which are very troubling,” she said. “Their distress is clear, and for that I am, of course, deeply sorry. Ian Katz, Channel 4's chief content officer, said: “I am very confident that, based on the knowledge that we had at the time, that we made the right decisions, that we ensured that women involved were kept safe when any issues were raised to us, that we gave them the appropriate support – and that we took the right decisions through the production process and beyond that. “But obviously these are serious allegations, and it's clearly right to take a second look at them and make sure that we got it right at the time and more importantly to look at whether there's anything we need to learn about how to make the show in future.” Reaction from MPs MPs on the Commons culture select committee have now written to Channel 4 about its handling and to Ofcom about its involvement, as well as the timeline for launching its own investigation into the allegations. Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative chair of the committee, said: “The horrifying allegations about Married at First Sight raise serious concerns over whether enough is being done to protect people taking part in reality television. Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer.”

The Evening’s Headline: Marilyn Monroe and the Mob on Channel 4At 10 pm on Channel 4, the two‑part documentary Marilyn and the Mob explores the Hollywood icon’s ties to organised crime, linking her to figures such as Frank Sinatra and even President John F. Kennedy. The programme sets a gritty tone for the night’s primetime offering.Deep‑Dive: Crime and Celebrity Docs Take Centre StageThe schedule leans heavily into true‑crime and high‑risk narratives. After the Marilyn documentary, BBC Two airs Surgeons: At the Edge of Life at 9 pm, showcasing rare double‑organ transplants and aggressive cancer surgery. ITV1 follows with A Taste for Murder (also 9 pm), a crime drama that mixes detective work with culinary intrigue and a crypto‑scam subplot. Even the police‑focused Peelers: The PSNI for Real on BBC Two at 10 pm offers an unflinching look at Belfast policing.Prime‑Time Numbers: How the Schedule Allocates SlotsChannel 4 – 10 pm: Marilyn and the Mob (2‑part documentary)BBC One – 9 pm: Amandaland (comedy‑drama featuring Lucy Punch)BBC Two – 9 pm: Surgeons: At the Edge of Life (medical documentary)ITV1 – 9 pm: A Taste for Murder (crime drama)BBC Two – 10 pm: Peelers: The PSNI for Real (reality‑style policing)BBC Four – 10 pm: Andrew Davies Remembers: A Very Peculiar Practice (retro comedy retrospective)Sky Sports Main Event – 6 pm: Women’s T20 cricket, England v New ZealandTNT Sports 1 – 6 pm: Europa League final, SC Freiburg v Aston VillaWhy True‑Crime and High‑Risk Drama Dominate 2026 PrimetimeThe line‑up reflects a broader industry shift toward content that blends factual intrigue with high production values. Audiences continue to favour programmes that promise “real‑world stakes,” whether it’s a Hollywood star’s alleged mob ties, life‑saving surgeries, or gritty policing. This preference drives broadcasters to schedule such titles in the most valuable primetime slots, pushing lighter fare like sitcoms to earlier or later windows.Looking Ahead: What This Line‑up Predicts for Future Broadcast TrendsGiven the strong performance of crime‑centric documentaries and medical dramas, networks are likely to commission more hybrid formats that combine investigative journalism with narrative storytelling. Live sport remains a cornerstone of appointment viewing, suggesting that broadcasters will keep protecting marquee events while expanding on‑demand access for the documentary and drama components of the schedule.

The BBC’s decision to install a three‑person presenting team on Strictly Come Dancing signals a bold experiment for the flagship dance competition, aiming to refresh the format after the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at Christmas.The Triple‑Host Reveal: Willis, Widdicombe, and RadebeThe new lineup consists of:Emma Willis – veteran presenter known for The Voice, The Circle and Big Brother; will assume the main anchor role, introducing couples and guiding the live broadcast.Josh Widdicombe – comedian and former The Last Leg host; will take over the “Clauditorium” interviews, bringing rapid‑fire humour to post‑dance discussions.Johannes Radebe – South African professional dancer and former Strictly pro; will act as a roving backstage reporter, offering insider dance insight and social‑media‑style content.Viewer Demographics and Potential Ratings ImpactStrictly traditionally draws around 10 million viewers per episode in the UK, appealing to a wide age range. Adding a comedian and a current professional dancer may attract younger viewers who follow social platforms, while Willis’s established fan base secures the core audience. No official ratings forecast has been released, but early market analysis suggests a possible 2‑3 % viewership lift if the trio resonates with both legacy fans and new demographics.Implications for the Strictly Brand and BBC ProgrammingThe shift to three presenters breaks the long‑standing dual‑host model used by flagship BBC franchises such as Ant & Dec on Britain’s Got Talent. This could set a precedent for other programmes seeking to diversify on‑air talent. However, the risk of “over‑staffing” may lead to longer runtimes or diluted focus if the hosts compete for screen time, a concern noted by industry observers.Outlook: How the New Trio Could Shape Future SeasonsIf chemistry among Willis, Widdicombe and Radebe proves strong, the format may evolve to include more interactive, behind‑the‑scenes segments, potentially expanding digital‑first content. Conversely, a lack of cohesion could prompt the BBC to revert to a simpler presenting structure in subsequent seasons. The next series, slated for autumn 2026, will be the first real test of whether three hosts can sustain the show’s “twist‑and‑turn” legacy.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed as the new presenting trio for the BBC's flagship dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, set to return for its 24th series this autumn.BBC Unveils Trio of New Hosts for Strictly Come DancingThe announcement, made by BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, highlighted the “undeniable chemistry” among the three presenters. Their appointment follows the surprise departure of long‑time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who concluded their tenure with the 2025 Christmas special.Date of announcement: 19 May 2026Series launch: Autumn 2026 (Series 24)Previous hosts’ tenure: 2014‑2025Potential Audience Impact and Ratings ForecastStrictly has historically attracted between 10‑12 million viewers per episode, making it one of the BBC’s most reliable ratings drivers. Industry analysts expect the fresh presenting line‑up to sustain, if not modestly boost, viewership by leveraging each host’s distinct fan base – Willis’s reality‑TV appeal, Widdicombe’s comedy following, and Radebe’s sports‑celebrity profile.Implications for the UK Dance‑TV LandscapeThe new hosts arrive amid a period of controversy, including a 2025 investigation into alleged cocaine use and allegations of vote rigging. By diversifying the presenting team, the BBC aims to restore public confidence and signal a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, potentially reshaping how dance competitions are packaged for UK audiences.Looking Ahead: Hosting Dynamics and Brand EvolutionShould the trio deliver strong ratings and positive audience sentiment, the BBC may extend the three‑host format beyond Series 24, influencing future talent‑selection strategies across its entertainment slate. Conversely, any misstep could prompt a rapid re‑evaluation, with the network likely to revert to a single‑lead presenter model.