The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance
Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.
Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.
The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.
For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.
Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.
Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.
“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.
“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.
“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.
“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”
Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.
Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.
Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.
New resources help parents support learning from primary to secondary
BBC Bitesize, the UK’s number one trusted education brand, is now the home of Bitesize Parenting, a new service from BBC Children’s & Education to support parents through their children’s education from primary school to right through to exams.
As the nation’s teenagers prepare to for GCSE and A Levels, new research conducted by Ipsos reveals parents are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure when it comes to supporting their children through exam season.
The new parenting offering includes a range of resources to help parents support learning from primary school years to secondary, and beyond.
The free resources such as a glossary on what to say and what not to say during revision, expert advice from psychologists on supporting your child’s mental health, and ways parents can avoid burn out provide easy to use, practical information and the ability to see and engage with your child’s learning on Bitesize.
The expert led resources include a brand-new podcast series, Bitesize Parenting Teens, hosted by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, with advice and support on the trickier aspects parenting teens, launching with an episode on exams and revision.
As exams start from May, the new research goes on to suggests many parents are unsure how to help with revision, with 1 in 5 saying they are not confident in how to support their teenager during this time, and 35% saying revision season makes them feel anxious as a parent.
The research highlights common challenges driving this anxiety, including managing their child’s screen time and distractions (33%), helping their child cope with exam stress (25%), and worrying they will say the wrong thing about revision (19%).
Revision season is also putting pressure on family life, with 21% of parents surveyed saying it leads to more arguments or tension at home. Children are feeling the strain too, with 37% of parents saying their child becomes more irritable or emotional during this period.
The research suggests parents are taking practical steps to help, often at the expense of everyday life. 44% have helped create revision timetables, 38% have reduced social plans to prioritise revision, and 36% have paid for revision guides or learning materials.
But despite their efforts, many parents surveyed feel they are navigating this without clear guidance. Almost half (48%) say they find it difficult to keep up with the range of revision resources available.
In conversations with parents, the BBC found just how much pressure exam time is putting on family life. One parent said their child “gets more stressed about me suggesting he revise than he does about exams,” highlighting how difficult it can be to strike the right balance.
Another parent described the experience as “a super stressful period for all concerned,” while others said they have to “put my own emotions to the side to keep [their child] calm.”
BBC Bitesize Parenting aims to engage parents in their child’s education journey, helping to reduce stress and giving families the confidence to support learning at home. According to the latest Socioeconomic Impact Of BBC Children’s And Education report, the BBC provides education resources like Bitesize, that are associated with better exam results, improved life opportunities and social mobility.
Kerry Godliman says: “Exam season can feel intense for the whole family. As a parent, you want to help, but it is not always clear how to do that without adding more pressure. This podcast is about honest conversations and helping parents feel less alone.
And it’s not just revision we talk about on Parenting Teens. We tackle familiar challenges like screen time, how to get your teen to tidy their room, and the much-feared hormones.”
Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, says: “Parents are telling us they feel unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to supporting their children, particularly during high-pressure moments like exam season.
“Bitesize Parenting has been developed in response to what families say they need most, bringing together trusted, expert-led advice in one place.“
BBC Bitesize aims to be the most trusted, accessible and used education platform in the UK, and this is about making sure families can access simple, practical support that helps them navigate learning at home and feel more confident supporting their child.”
Bitesize Parenting content, including new Parenting Teens Podcasts are available on the BBC Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.
BBC ONE quiz show The Celebrity Inner Circle is back for a second series and we’re looking for contestants to take part. The best part, you don’t have to do it alone as each player will be paired up with a celebrity teammate.
Hosted by TV & radio star Amanda Holden, we are looking for people with bags of personality to apply for this ultimate game of general knowledge, strategy and gut instinct that comes with a chance of winning a cash prize!
Please feel free to circulate the attached flyer internally within your organisation and amongst colleagues, friends and family who may wish to take part.
Anyone who wishes to apply should fill out the online application form here:
The BBC must have more Scottish voices telling Scottish stories, be clearer on devolved and reserved issues in its news reporting and give Welsh and Gaelic language services equal status, according to a Scottish Parliament Committee.
A new report from the Constitution, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Committee describes concern at the “long-standing frustration” that the BBC Network continues to fall short in serving the interests of licence fee payers in all parts of the UK equally by missing opportunities to be precise in its reporting of issues which only apply to England or Scotland.
It asks whether the BBC should adopt a more federal structure in which BBC Scotland would be a partner rather than a subsidiary, with greater editorial control and commissioning power.
The report also raises concerns about the downgrading of local news within Scotland, encouraging the regulator OFCOM to be vigilant and use its power to mitigate risks from any plans for centralisation and reduced regional coverage.
The report follows the Committee’s inquiry in to broadcasting in Scotland and will feed into the UK Government’s public consultation on the BBC Charter – the legal document which sets out what the BBC is for and how it should operate.
Changes to BBC Radio Scotland programming and its use of new, emerging and established Scottish artists also feature in the report, with the Committee stating it was “not convinced” by the response to concerns raised by campaigners and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to pursue the matter.
The Committee also expresses its support for greater transparency in how the BBC’s commercial income is used in relation to its public service broadcast obligations and of sustainable funding for minority language broadcasting across the UK, including Gaelic through BBC ALBA.
Committee Convener, Clare Adamson, said: “We know broadcasters – particularly public sector broadcasters – face major challenges as people’s watching and listening choices move towards online platforms. However, local broadcasters continue to play a vital role in the social fabric of Scotland’s communities.
“We support an adventurous, adaptable and accountable BBC and have made a series of recommendations directed at the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Screen Scotland, Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that Scotland and its license fee payers are well served.”
Think fast! BBC One’s The Answer Run is back for Series 3!
BBC One’s fast-paced quiz show The Answer Run is back for a third series – and casting is now open!
Producers are looking for quick-thinking, speedy-swiping, competitive pairs ready to take on The Answer Run for a chance to win a cash prize.
Whether you’re friends, colleagues, siblings, partners, or any other dynamic duo – this is your time to shine!
Apply now:www.shortaudition.com/Answer-Run Closing date: Monday 23rd March 2026 Eligibility: Applicants must be 18+ and have the right to reside in the UK. T&Cs apply.
We’re casting quick-thinking pairs ready to swipe their way to a cash prize!
It’s the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever
The series finale of The Traitors averaged 9.4 million with a peak of 9.6 million and an audience share of 54.9%.
This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC said: “The dramatic conclusion to series four of The Traitors, expertly produced by the brilliant team at Studio Lambert Scotland, proved exactly why this grippingly unmissable game continues to surprise, entertain and delight with over 9 million faithful viewers watching the nail-biting finale so far.
“Only the BBC can bring audiences all across the UK together for edge of the seat entertainment like this that every generation can enjoy.”
The Traitors: Drama Expert Reveals the Psychological Tricks That Make a ‘Bulletproof’ Traitor
It’s not the slickest actors who make the best Traitors – it’s the ones who feel the most real, according to a drama expert decoding the hit show’s psychological twists.
Zara Wardrop, a drama expert at Kelvinside Academy, has lifted the lid on the key skills she believes can help Traitors fly completely under the Faithfuls’ radar and, just as importantly, how those same traits can expose them.
Throughout the series, Traitors must present themselves as honest and truthful all while secretly plotting to betray fellow contestants, and sometimes even each other, in pursuit of the cash jackpot.
While it may look like a game of deception, Zara says the biggest mistake Traitors can make is trying too hard to act innocent. Instead, she believes authenticity, even when it looks messy, is the real secret weapon.
Zara points to Stephen’s handling of suspicion as a textbook example. When he threw fellow Traitor Fiona under the bus, he didn’t deliver a perfectly scripted defence. Instead, he let emotion take over, stumbling over his words, allowing his voice to break.
Was it genuine emotion or clever performance? Either way, it worked.
“People under suspicion tend to completely overact in order to try and come across more innocent, and it becomes too rehearsed,” Zara explains. “Being authentic is not the same as being perfect. Just because someone stumbles over their words doesn’t make them guilty, it just makes them human.
“Innocence isn’t always expressed through behaviour; it’s just a state of being when you’re innocent … or acting innocent.”
According to Zara, the most effective approach is what actors call method acting, fully stepping into the mindset of a Faithful, rather than performing one on the surface.
“The best way to do this is by believing the lie,” she says. “Have you ever told a lie that you’ve somehow managed to convince yourself was the truth? You start to live the lie, and it becomes much easier to appear Faithful.
“The goal here is to convince yourself you’re innocent first, before you look to convince others. That way, you’ll come across as authentic as possible.”
But while authenticity can protect a Traitor, Zara warns that the smallest slip can still give the game away, particularly when it comes to eye contact.
“The dead giveaway is eye contact all the time, or not at all. You can always see when someone is not being truthful,” she says. “The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and that can be the first giveaway.”
For the Faithful hoping to catch a Traitor out, Zara says consistency is key, or rather, the lack of it.
“There’ll be a lack of consistency,” she explains. “You can see them reminding themselves to sustain this character sometimes, and then it just drops because, you know, you’re human. That’s my first kind of dead giveaway.
“Also watch how they react to others. Because they’re so wrapped up in their own mind, they sometimes fail to pick up on other people’s cues and body language. They misread the room, which leads to an inconsistent response that can catch them out.”
With suspicion at an all-time high and the final looming, the question remains: will the remaining Traitors take Zara’s advice and stay hidden in plain sight?
All will be revealed when The Traitors concludes tonight.
“Lawyers for the BBC have written to President Trump’s legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday.
“BBC Chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the Corporation are sorry for the edit of the President’s speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the programme.
“The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’ on any BBC platforms.
“While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim.”
The beleaguered BBC faces a growing crisis this morning following the resignation of two senior figures.BBC Director-General Tim Davie announced his intention to leave the BBC last night and he was followed by CEO of BBC News Deborah Turness, who has also resigned.
The resignations following the revelation of another ‘mistake’ at the BBC.
This time, the Telegraph newspaper exposed editing of a Donald Trump speech for a Panorama programme had spliced two parts of a speech together, making it appear that Trump was explicitly encouraging the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021.
The edit is clearly misleading but the BBC’s failure to act on the revelation quickly enough calls into question the broadcaster’s already damaged reputation for honesty, impartiality and integrity. Without trust, a Public Service Broadcaster has nothing.
BBC Chairman Samir Shah said: “This is a sad day for the BBC. Tim has been an outstanding Director-General for the last five years. He has propelled the BBC forward with determination, single-mindedness and foresight.
“He has had the full support of me and the Board throughout. However, I understand the continued pressure on him, personally and professionally, which has led him to take this decision today. The whole Board respects the decision and the reasons for it.
“Tim has given 20 years of his life to the BBC. He is a devoted and inspirational leader and an absolute believer in the BBC and public service broadcasting. He has achieved a great deal. Foremost, under his tenure, the transformation of the BBC to meet the challenges in a world of unprecedented change and competition is well underway.
“Personally, I will miss his stamina, good humour and resilience and I will miss working with him. I wish him and his family the very best for the future.
“This is an important time for the Corporation and the Board and I will continue to work with Tim in the interim while we conduct the process to appoint his successor.”
Tim Davie sent the following note to staff yesterday:
‘I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years. This is entirely my decision, and I remain very thankful to the Chair and Board for their unswerving and unanimous support throughout my entire tenure, including during recent days.
‘I am working through exact timings with the Board to allow for an orderly transition to a successor over the coming months.
‘I have been reflecting on the very intense personal and professional demands of managing this role over many years in these febrile times, combined with the fact that I want to give a successor time to help shape the Charter plans they will be delivering.
‘In these increasingly polarised times, the BBC is of unique value and speaks to the very best of us. It helps make the UK a special place; overwhelmingly kind, tolerant and curious.
‘Like all public organisations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable. While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision.
‘Overall the BBC is delivering well, but there have been some mistakes made and as Director-General I have to take ultimate responsibility.
‘Our organisation is a critical ingredient of a healthy society, as well as a thriving creative sector. We should champion it, not weaponise it.
‘Despite a hugely competitive market, I am proud that the BBC remains the most trusted news brand globally. We have continued to ensure that it is used by almost everyone in the UK as well as hundreds of millions of people globally.
‘Despite the inevitable issues and challenges, our journalism and quality content continues to be admired as a gold standard. Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally. Also, our work together on ensuring that we have the right culture has been important and motivating. I could not be more impressed by what you are achieving.
You will ask why now, why this moment?
‘I am BBC through and through, having spent the last 20 years of my life working for this organisation as Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences, Director of Audio and Music, acting Director-General and Chief Executive of BBC Studios.
‘I care deeply about it and want it to succeed. That is why I want to create the best conditions and space for a new DG to come in and positively shape the next Royal Charter. I hope that as we move forward, a sensible, calm and rational public conversation can take place about the next chapter of the BBC.
‘This timing allows a new DG to help shape the next Charter. I believe we are in a strong position to deliver growth.
‘Thank you again, it has been a wonderful ride, which I have loved. I count myself very lucky to have served as DG no.17. I will have a proper chance to see many of you before I go but I have been incredibly proud to lead the BBC as DG for over five years. It is a precious UK institution and you are a world-class team. Thank you all for the tireless support and friendship.
‘I will always be a passionate cheerleader for civilised society, a strong BBC and a thriving UK.’
Best wishes,
Tim
In a message to BBC colleagues last night, CEO of News Deborah Turness said:
Dear all,
I have never been more proud of the work that you do every day. You really are the best of the best.
I have taken the difficult decision that it will no longer be my role to lead you in the collective vision that we all have: to pursue the truth with no agenda.
The ongoing controversy around the Panorama on President Trump has reached a stage where it is causing damage to the BBC – an institution that I love.
As the CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, the buck stops with me – and I took the decision to offer my resignation to the Director-General last night.
In public life leaders need to be fully accountable, and that is why I am stepping down. While mistakes have been made, I want to be absolutely clear recent allegations that BBC News is institutionally biased are wrong.
In a polarised world, BBC News journalism is more vital than ever, and I could not be prouder of the work that you do. Together we have bucked the global trend, to grow trust in BBC News, and I want to thank you, wherever you are in the world, for your courageous work to deliver that.
My plea to you: please keep the courage to continue our mission. I’m only sorry that I won’t be there to lead and champion your brilliant journalism.
It has been a great privilege to work with you all.
I will now work with Tim to plan an orderly handover to ensure that my decision to step away causes the least disruption possible to the important work that you do.
With very best wishes,
Deborah
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want to thank Tim Davie for his service to public broadcasting over many years. He has led the BBC through a period of significant change and helped the organisation to grip the challenges it has faced in recent years.
“The BBC is one of our most important national institutions. Every day, it tells the story of who we are – the people, places and communities that make up life across the UK.
“Now more than ever, the need for trusted news and high quality programming is essential to our democratic and cultural life, and our place in the world.
“As a government, we will support the Board as it manages this transition and ensure that the Charter Review is the catalyst that helps the BBC to adapt to this new era and secures its role at the heart of national life for decades to come.”
Commenting on the resignation of BBC Director-General Tim Davie, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said: “The decision by Tim Davie to step down is regrettable given the huge commitment to the BBC and public service broadcasting he has demonstrated during his time at the helm, but restoring trust in the corporation must come first.
“The BBC Board must now begin the long process of rebuilding the corporation’s reputation both at home and abroad, after the damage caused by what has become a seemingly constant stream of crises and missteps.
“The Committee will be meeting on Tuesday to consider the BBC Chair’s response to our letter and next steps.
“At the same time the Government should bring forward the Charter Review process so the public and Parliament can help shape the future direction of the BBC.”
The Committee wrote to BBC Chair Samir Shah on Tuesday asking what action is being taken over concerns raised by a former adviser to the corporation’s editorial standards body, Michael Prescott.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: “It’s right that Tim Davie and Deborah Turness have finally taken responsibility and resigned from the BBC. But let’s be honest, this has been a catalogue of serious failures that runs far deeper.
“The Prescott report exposed institutional bias that cannot be swept away with two resignations – strong action must be taken on all the issues it raised.
“The culture at the BBC has not yet changed. BBC Arabic must be brought under urgent control. The BBC’s US and Middle East coverage needs a full overhaul. And on basic matters of biology, the corporation can no longer allow its output to be shaped by a cabal of ideological activists.
“The new leadership must now deliver genuine reform of the culture of the BBC, top to bottom – because it should not expect the public to keep funding it through a compulsory licence fee unless it can finally demonstrate true impartiality.”
The Liberal Democrats tweeted: ‘A free, independent BBC is vital to a free, informed democracy. Don’t let Trump’s America become Farage’s Britain’.
Josh Wheeler, Founder of Be Broadcast, commented: “From a communications perspective, this is one of the most significant media moments in years.
“It is uncomfortable to see one political figure trigger such disruption across major media institutions. That should not happen, but it shows how fragile trust in journalism has become and how quickly perception can define reality.
“Perception is now reality – so even a question mark is enough to close people’s minds.
“What stands out is the speed of the BBC’s response. This is not a corporation hiding behind bureaucracy; it is one taking decisive action to protect its reputation before the damage hardens. It is strategic crisis management.
“Do I believe Tim Davie and Deborah Turness needed to go? Probably not. But by acting early, the BBC is showing it understands how modern reputations work. The court of public opinion moves faster than any internal inquiry, and being the antidote before the venom sets in is sometimes the only way to preserve credibility.
“If the leaked memo encouraged the merging of the Trump clips, that strikes at the core of editorial integrity. Accuracy, intent, and transparency are the foundations of trust. Once those are blurred, the entire communications framework begins to crack.
“All of this is happening during a Charter Review, when every BBC decision is under a microscope. In that context, this level of accountability sends a powerful signal. It shows that the BBC still understands leadership is as much about perception as process.
“There is also a wider lesson here for those in public life. Politicians, in particular, would do well to mirror the same “buck stops with me” principle shown by Davie and Turness. Accountability is not just good ethics; it is good communication.
“What happens next will decide whether this becomes a reputational reset or a reputational scar. The BBC must now focus on transparency and openness. It needs to show how it will strengthen editorial safeguards, rebuild confidence, and reaffirm its role as a trusted, independent broadcaster.
“The BBC’s strength has always been its willingness to face uncomfortable truths. This may be one of those moments where doing so, however painful, proves exactly why it still matters.”
