The top BBC shows returning next month – from Death in Paradise to Motherland spin-off
01/13/2025 09:43 AM
THE BBC has an exciting selection of shows for viewers to dive into from next month.
Here is a look at the new and returning programmes on the Beeb during February.
Death in Paradise
Following his debut in the 2024 Christmas special, Don Gilet stars in series 14 of Death in Paradise.
The former EastEnders actor – who played murderer Lucas Johnson – takes on the role of DI Mervin Wilson.
Saint Marie’s latest lead detective is an abrasive Londoner who is decidedly unimpressed with what the island has to offer.
Boarders
Teen comedy-drama Boarders is coming back for a second series, having launched last year.
The premise follows five young Black teens who earn scholarships to St Gilbert’s, a prestigious boarding school.
Creator Daniel Lawrence Taylor also plays the supporting character Gus.
Meanwhile, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy (aka Sonia Fowler) has landed a role in Boarders series two.
She will play Sharon Hail, a teacher at a rival school.
Waterloo Road
The beloved BBC drama returns for its 15th series – and has a new headteacher at the helm.
Lindsey Coulson joins the cast, playing the role of Dame Stella Drake.
Dame Stella arrives as the students are increasingly unruly – but how will her approach go down within the school community?
The actress succeeds comedian Jason Manford, who played Steve Savage last series.
BBC viewers may recognise Lindsey for her long-running role as Carol Jackson in EastEnders.
Dope Girls
Historical drama Dope Girls is based on the nonfiction book Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground.
Taking place in 20th-century Soho, the narrative is based upon real-life figures including Billie Carleton, Brilliant Chang, Edgar Manning, and Kate Meyrick.
Cast members include Julianne Nicholson, Eliza Scanlen, Sebastian Croft and Will Keen.
Amandaland
Lucy Punch reprises her role as Amanda in this Motherland spin-off, suitably titled Amandaland.
She now faces raising teenagers, with Manus and Georgie now both in secondary school.
In addition, motherhood horrors such as underage drinking and fake Instagram accounts.
Also back are Amanda's mother Felicity (Joanna Lumley), as well as Anne (Phillippa Dunne).
Transmission details for each of the programmes are to be announced in due course.
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole – Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O'Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
