This week (30 September – 6 October) on BBC iPlayer we’re turning up the heat up to Boiling Point with a new TV drama starring Vinette Robinson and Stephen Graham.We’re also paying one last visit to the inhabitants of Button House, as Ghosts return for its fifth and final series.And we’re climbing back on the tractor for another series of agri-challenges in The Fast and the Farmer-ish, signing up for training at the British Army Infantry Training Centre in Catterick in new factual series Soldier, and exploring the history of the Union to learn more about its future, in Union with David Olusoga.
What’s coming new to BBC iPlayer this week?
Boiling Point
Flawless food, flawed people. In the relentless pressure of the kitchen, someone is going to crack.Eight months after her mentor Andy Jones (Stephen Graham) suffered a heart attack, head chef Carly (Vinette Robinson) is battling to forge a name for new Dalston restaurant Point North alongside her old kitchen crew. As the new restaurant tries to impress potential investors, Carly battles personal demons, while chaos in the kitchen pushes her staff to boiling point.
- Watch Boiling Point on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 1 October
Ghosts
The inhabitants of Button House return for a final series, in which Alison and Mike begin exploring other means of making ends meet and contemplate a new chapter that could have a huge effect on the Ghosts’ (after) lives.With the B&B gone, Mike anxiously strives to fix their finances, but it’s April Fools’ Day, and a distracted Alison is out for revenge. The couple receive some life-changing news.
The Fast and the Farmer-ish
From the far reaches of the UK – with tractors big, small and medium – these tractor-mad young farmers can’t wait to show off their skills and agility. They’re eyeing up the opposition, and there’s no end of fighting talk. Who has what it takes to win this round and avoid the tractor-off elimination? Staying safe is the name of this game, and it can all change in a heartbeat.First up is the bale baton relay race – a test of speed and precision. Adrenaline is pumping as the teams approach the starting line. Who’ll be cool under fire, and who’ll crack under pressure?Next up is supersized bowling – not as easy as it looks. Again, skill and precision are everything – there are a few twists and turns along the way. The teams’ worst nightmare is the tractor-off, and Jimmy’s balance beam promises to be a real test of nerves. Watch out for ingenious tactics when it comes to gaining any advantage to avoid the drive of shame home.
- Watch The Fast and the Farmer-ish series 2 from Sunday 1 October
- Watch The Fast and the Farmer-ish series 1 on BBC iPlayer now
Union with David Olusoga
National identity, social class, inequality. David Olusoga shines a light on our fractured modern society through the lens of the past, exposing the fault lines dividing the UK. He begins with the story of attempts to form a united Britain in the 17th and early 18th centuries, a period defined by religious and cultural divisions.
- Watch Union with David Olusoga on BBC iPlayer from Monday 2 October
Soldier
Every year, almost 3,000 men and women are selected to join the British army’s Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire. A gruelling six-month course will test them to the limit – physically and mentally. Have they got what it takes to operate as close combat warriors? Are they ready for action anywhere in the world? Only the very best will pass the test.This five-part series charts the transformation of one platoon as the new recruits leave friends and families behind. Those who are successful will become soldiers, at a time when war is raging in Europe for the first time in a generation.
- Watch Soldier on BBC iPlayer from Thursday 5 October