The landscape of daily television is seeing a significant shake-up this season, with familiar faces returning to the screen and ambitious new dramas making their debut. While British soap fans are currently focused on the arrival of Oliver Farnworth in the Yorkshire Dales, international audiences are turning their attention to the high-stakes world of professional gastronomy in the latest ProSieben offering.
From Weatherfield to the Dales: The Return of Oliver Farnworth
Oliver Farnworth has officially made his entrance into Emmerdale as the mysterious John Sugden, but for many viewers, he remains synonymous with one of the most harrowing exits in Coronation Street history. His tenure on the cobbles began under a cloud of deception; playing Andy Carver, he originally assumed the identity of Gavin Rodwell, the long-lost son of Les Dennis’s character, Michael. What started as a misguided prank eventually evolved into a genuine, heartfelt bond, with Andy coming to view Michael as a true father figure even after his web of lies unravelled in 2015.
The character’s downfall was ultimately sealed by his pursuit of justice. Following Michael’s fatal heart attack in 2016, Andy correctly suspected the involvement of the notorious serial killer Pat Phelan. His attempt to expose Phelan resulted in a brutal abduction and a long, grim imprisonment in a basement. In a desperate bid for freedom, Andy was forced into a dark pact to kill Vinny Ashford, only for Phelan to double-cross him. The storyline concluded with Andy’s cold-blooded murder, marking a definitive end to Farnworth’s time in Weatherfield.
A New Chapter as John Sugden
Now, Farnworth has traded the suburbs of Manchester for the rural backdrop of Emmerdale, portraying Victoria Sugden’s half-brother. John Sugden is a character shrouded in secrecy, described by the actor as a “lone wolf” who has spent years building emotional walls as a method of self-preservation. With a military background and a fiercely independent nature, John is not someone who lets people get close easily.
Reflecting on his new role, Farnworth noted that the experience has been brilliant so far, involving everything from location shoots to driving vans across the set. While the character is openly gay, his primary defining trait is his enigmatic nature. Farnworth admits he is still discovering new layers to John, who seems determined to keep his past—and his heart—firmly under wraps.
Culinary Conflict in Die Cooking Academy
While Farnworth settles into his new life in the Dales, a different kind of drama has been simmering on the continent. This autumn saw the launch of “Die Cooking Academy,” a fresh daily drama on ProSieben that pivoted away from crime and mystery toward the intense pressure of elite Michelin-star kitchens. The series follows Irini, a young and ambitious chef who finds herself at a prestigious academy where the competition is as fierce as the heat in the kitchen.
The narrative is driven not only by Irini’s culinary aspirations but also by the inevitable romantic complications that arise in such a high-pressure environment. She finds herself torn between two polar opposites: Chris, the quintessential “bad boy” with a troubled past, and Rafael, a shy genius whose talent at the stove is matched only by his social reserve.
Scheduling and What to Expect
Having premiered on October 6, 2025, the show has quickly become a staple of the 6 PM weekday slot. With 120 episodes planned, the series is available both on linear television and via the Joyn streaming platform. The early episodes have already set a brisk pace, with titles such as “Clash of Worlds,” “Trial by Fire,” and “Demons of the Past” hinting at the turbulent journey ahead for Irini and her peers.
The plot has recently thickened with episodes like “Galloway-Gate” and “Academy in Danger,” suggesting that the stakes involve more than just a burnt soufflé. As the series progresses through November, viewers can expect a steady stream of secrets and “moments of truth” as the students navigate the fine line between professional success and personal collapse. Whether it is the gritty realism of a British soap or the polished drama of a culinary school, this season’s television lineup is proving that there is no shortage of conflict to keep audiences tuned in.
