This week we welcome two new shows, one set in London’s firefighting service and the other in a British seaside resort.
This week we welcome two new shows, one set in London’s firefighting service and the other in a British seaside resort. Channel 4 takes a look at the controversial relationships forming between students and teachers. We also see the return of troubled teen Rae in E4’s comedy-drama My Mad Fat Diary, whilst James Corden hangs up his mike after hosting this year’s music awards show, The BRITS.
1. Brit Awards 2014 (Wednesday, ITV)
James Corden hands out the awards for the last time, so let’s hope this year is a vintage one – especially given that the 2013 BRITs were sadly lacking in the bad behaviour department. However, the likes of Ellie Goulding and Lorde, both scheduled to perform, are unlikely to provide much in the way of twerk-style shock or Liam Gallagher vs Robbie Williams fisticuffs. A better bet could be Katy Perry or Pharrell Williams who are also set to perform live.
As for the nominees, 67-year-old David Bowie and 19-year-old Jake Bugg show the breadth of talent in the Male Solo Artist category. And who’d bet against anyone other than One Direction storming away with Best British Single for Blondie and The Undertones medley One Way Or Another (Teenage Kicks).
2. The Smoke (Thursday, Sky One)
London’s burning, but thankfully the White Watch crew are ready with their hoses. Dealing with the emotional and physical after-effects of a fire rescue that goes badly wrong is the story at the heart of this new London firefighting drama, which stars Law and Order: UK star Jamie Barber as veteran firefighter Kevin Allinson, who is trying to rebuild his life after the incident, alongside his girlfriend Trish (played by Jodie Whittaker).
We’re promised eight weeks of high octane drama, spectacular blazes and firefighting heroics, which I’m sure won’t go uneffected by anyone who was caught up in the accident. This new drama is as a sure-fire hit.
3. Edge of Heaven (Friday, ITV)
With Benidorm over, why not take a British holiday instead? The Inbetweeners‘ Blake Harrison takes on the role of hopeless romantic Alfie in ITV’s new comedy-drama and his biggest role since he made his name as dopey Neil in the massive teen comedy. The seaside series centres around an 80s-themed B&B in Margate, Kent run by Alfie’s Wham! obsessed mum, Judy (played by Doctor Who‘s Camilla Coduri).
The first episode sees Alfie jilted at the altar after his bride-to-be is busy snogging some else outside a pub. Not nearly as funny as the Solana-set shenanigans, this series is well worth a watch with the best moments coming courtesy of Nanny Mo, who loves swear words as much as crosswords.
4. My Mad Fat Diary (Monday, E4)
Fans have had to wait a whole year for the return of Sharon Rooney as Rae, the troubled teen with heaps of spark and guts. The second series of the hit comedy-drama based on the funny yet hard-hitting teenage diaries of writer Rae Earl returns this week. It’s 1996 and Rae’s mental health issues are under control as she enters the scary new world of college.
5. Sexting Teacher (Tuesday, Channel 4)
This eye-opening programme looks at how modern-day technology, in particular social media and smartphones, is allowing illegal relationships between teachers and their students to develop more than ever before. The documentary highlights three real-life cases, including that of maths teacher Jeremy Forrest who is currently serving five and a half years behind bars after running away to France with a 15-year-old girl.
Let us know what you’re looking forward to next week by tweeting @KettleMag and your tweet could feature in next week’s ‘What’s Brewing on the Box.’
