TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to in September
Strictly, Bake Off and ITV's new drama…
Steaming Now
I Fought The Law
ITVX
This new four-part true crime drama starring Sheridan Smith has had viewers in tears, and binge-watching all four episodes. Sheridan plays Ann Ming and tells the tragic true story of her long campaign to overturn the 800-year-old British double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter, Julie, in Billingham in 1989.
Dear Viv
BBC iPlayer
An emotional tribute to the winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, The Vivienne, this new documentary shares unseen archive footage and interviews with James’s close friends and family.
Wednesday
Netflix
We’re loving Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in this supernatural mystery comedy, and if you haven’t been watching season two (starring Billie Piper) since it released this August, get on it because part two heads to Netflix on 3rd September (starring Lady Gaga).
Watch Weekly
Educating Yorkshire
Channel 4
Back to school. It’s been more than a decade since Educating Yorkshire graced our screens and the powerful moment when teacher Matthew Burton helped pupil Musharaf Asghar overcome his stammer to recite a poem. Now Mr Burton is head teacher and the cameras are back at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury. Episode one is available to stream now.
The Great British Bake Off
Channel 4
Britain’s’ favourite baking show is back as 12 more bakers head into the tent for the ultimate battle of the bakes. This year’s line-up includes Chemistry graduate Hassan who lives in South Yorkshire and Ukraine-born Nataliia who lives in East Yorkshire.
Strictly Come Dancing
BBC One
We’re already super excited about the line-up for this year’s Strictly – which includes Northerners La Voix, Vicky Pattison and Lewis Cope. We’ll finally find who their pro pairings are in the launch show on 20th September, with live shows expected to begin soon after!
We Loved
THE SECRET COLLECTOR
Abigail Johnson
Elderly collector Alfred uses his antiques to fill his house and the hole left in his heart after experiencing loss, whilst teenager Kian is losing himself after being let down by the care system. Little do they know they have a lot more in common than they might have thought, and they’re about to deal with their issues together. After Kian throws a brick through Alfred’s window, he reluctantly agrees to a restorative justice programme and to help Alfred clear out his home. Something about this book feels familiar – maybe it’s the sense of nostalgia weaved throughout. Despite the turbulent happenings affecting both Kian and Alfred’s lives, this is a cosy read all about family and memories, and will resonate with readers of any age.
Faye Dixon, Arts Editor
DEMON COPPERHEAD
Barbara Kingsolver
A winding tale of the life of Demon Copperhead, a boy born in rural Appalachia with nothing to his name but his charm and will to survive. David Copperfield reimagined, Demon is an endearing anti-hero, and we follow him through the trials of the care system, first love, addiction, loss and the hardships of life in poverty. Barbara’s dedication to world-building and bringing the distinctive language of Appalachia to life hits you from the first line and had me hooked immediately: ‘first I got myself born’. Though dark, Demon’s perspective isn’t without a wry humour that keeps you rooting for him.
Neave Herridge, Food Editor
On Our To-Read List
THE SECRET LIFE OF FATHER TIME
Mark Batey
Step into the world of George Biddell Airy, the visionary Astronomer Royal of Victorian Britain. Rich with historical insights and vivid character portrayals, the story weaves from Northumberland, Cambridge and Greenwich to Paris, New York and Washington, DC. Explore his dedication to astronomy, to aid accurate timekeeping and safer navigation, and the deep love of his family that sustains him through devastating personal trials. Author Mark Batey was born and raised in Newcastle. Following Grace, Warbird, Starfish and Josephine Butler’s Great Crusade, The Secret Life of Father Time is his fifth book and you can read more about it in the October issue of Living North for the North East.
THE MERCY STEP
Marcia Hutchinson
Bold and courageous, this semi-autobiographical novel follows the precocious Mercy, a young girl born to immigrant parents in 1960s Bradford who must fight for her mother’s attention and avoid her father’s anger. Left to her own devices, Mercy turns to books and strives to find a way forward for herself. Author Marcia Hutchinson was born to Windrush generation Jamaican parents in Bradford in 1962. She was the first pupil from her comprehensive school to go to Oxford, where she gained an MA in Law. She worked as a lawyer and was awarded an MBE in 2011 for services to Cultural Diversity, later becoming a community activist and was eventually elected as a Labour Councillor in 2021.
International Podcast Day
30TH SEPTEMBER
The Louis Theroux Podcast
Jade Thirlwall
South Shields-born Jade Thirlwall tells Louis Theroux about clashing with the Gallaghers and her time on The X Factor.
Staying Relevant
Vicky Pattison
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks are joined by Geordie TV personality Vicky Pattison, who shares some honest opinions in this episode.
Football Daily
In Focus with Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott Berwick-born lioness Lucy Bronze speaks to Alex Scott about her autistic and ADHD experiences.
David Tennant Does a Podcast With…
Jodie Whittaker
When one Doctor meets another, Skelmanthorpe-born Jodie shares how the role changed her life forever.
The Louis Theroux Podcast
Ed Sheeran
Halifax-born Ed Sheeran shares stories of squeezing Stormzy into his Mini and how he stays down to earth despite his fame.
Table Manners
Tommy Banks Michelin star chef Tommy Banks from Oldstead shares why he names all his cows alphabetically, and his hatred for baked beans.
– NEW –
Fans of The League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9 will love High Cockalorum – a new audio drama set in 1970s West Yorkshire, written by Jeremy Dyson and featuring the voices of northern favourites Mark Gatiss, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. Listen on BBC Radio 4 on 18th September, and a special session and Q&A in Bradford will mark the launch.
