Must-see new series on ITVX in September
Sophie Turner stars as London villain "The Godmother" in new drama Joan, while top ITV crime dramas Grace and The Tower also get returns this month
Joan
Summary:This rags to riches story sees Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner portray Joan Hannington, also known as "The Godmother" in the 1980s criminal underworld. A woman caught between her thriving career as a jewel thief and trying to get her daughter back from social services, Hannington is a despairing mother swept up in the exhilarating world of crime.
Why to watch: Based on the real Hannington’s memoir, which writes of her transformation from struggling single mum to a glamorous villain who owned 11 fur coats and 2000 pairs of shoes - there’s no shortage of television drama potential here.
Available September 29
Grace
Crime | Drama
Summary:Based on the bestselling novels by Peter James and adapted by Endeavour creator Russell Lewis, John Simms stars as the titular tortured detective DS Roy Grace. The Brighton-based detective sergeant’s career is at rock bottom, due to his fixation on the disappearance of his beloved wife, Sandy. After reprimands for his unorthodox police methods, Grace risks being moved from the job he loves most.
Why to watch: With a Brighton backdrop, slick production values and edgy subject matter, there’s a lot to enjoy here. John Simms is effortlessly charismatic in the role of DS Grace, which is the highlight of the series.
Available now
Olivia Attwood’s Bad Boyfriends
Summary:Love Island alum Olivia Attwood fronts a new reality series, where eight unsuspecting bad boyfriends are flown to a Greek island under the premise of filming a series about bromance in a hedonistic holiday mecca - but they’ll then get the shock of their lives when it is revealed what show they are really on.
Why to watch: Attwood’s new series can only be described as a boot camp for bad boyfriends in Greece. Aided by their long-suffering girlfriends, a group of cheaters and commitment-phobes battle to become the most improved boyfriend. It’s a deliciously messy premise.
Available now
The Tower
Drama | Crime
Summary:Based on Kate London's Metropolitan book series, Gemma Whelan stars as Detective Sergeant Sarah Collins, who uncovers corruption within the police force. In series three, Collins investigates a stabbing, while Kieran (Emmett J Scanlan) goes undercover to infiltrate the circle of a London drug kingpin.
Why to watch: Unafraid to explore the big issues, this well-written crime drama scores a whopping 100% across both series on Rotten Tomatoes, if one needs some indication of its quality. The talented Whelan puts in a fierce performance as Collins, who is determined to get to the bottom of a case no matter the obstacles.
Available September 2
Cooking With the Stars
Summary:Emma Willis and Tom Allen front this cooking competition, in which celebrities are paired with a professional chef who will mentor, teach and take them from amateur to restaurant level chefs.
Why to watch: Who doesn’t love a celebrity cook off? The latest batch of endearing celebrities includes Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, model and presenter Abbey Clancy and television host Christopher Biggins.
Final episode available September 3
Piglets
Comedy
Summary:Created by the team behind the award-winning sitcom Green Wing and starring Mark Heap and Sarah Parish, Piglets follows a group of six recruits at a fictional police training college and their teachers.
Why to watch: Heap and Parish are at their comic best in Piglets. The series is sometimes silly, sometimes rude, and at 20 minutes an episode a worthwhile comedy binge.
Available now
The Other Mrs Jordan: Catching the Ultimate Conman
Documentary
Summary:Conman William Allen Jordan convinced his British wife Mary Turner Thompson that he was a CIA operative working in counter-terrorism in the early 2000s until she received a phone call from another woman claiming to be his “other” spouse. It emerged he had multiple marriages, relationships and children elsewhere.
Why to watch: Reported to have had three wives and 13 children with six different women, Jordan was imprisoned for his crimes in 2006. This shocking true story of bigamy, told by the survivors themselves, is an eye-opening and difficult watch.
Available now
Changing Ends
Comedy
Summary:Against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, Alan experiences sexual awakenings, battles with bullies and navigates the highs and lows of fourth division football.
Why to watch: The joyful Oliver Savell returns as young Alan Carr in this comedy penned by the man himself. Series 2 also introduces Maggie Steed, who Alan describes as "absolutely amazing" in the role, as his "stern" nan.
Available now
Long Lost Family
Documentary | Family
Summary:Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell present the documentary series that reunites family members after years of separation, and offers a lifeline for people who are desperate to find long-lost relatives.
Why to watch: Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell host this uplifting series, which showcases human connection and resilience. After 14 series, the format can be a little samey, but it still works if one is in need of a good cry.
Available now
Crime
Crime | Drama | Mystery
Summary:Detective Inspector Ray Lennox (BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning Dougray Scott) investigates the disappearance of a schoolgirl while battling cocaine addiction and a mental breakdown. Sometimes titled Irvine Welsh’s Crime.
Why to watch: Scott is the stand out here. His intense yet nuanced performance as DI Ray Lennox lifts the series beyond its already rather good script, which is created by the titular Trainspotting writer.
Available now
