Vicky McClure, Ross Kemp & Rick Edwards Join Hearst

As part of its ambitious 2026 programming slate, Hearst Networks UK has officially announced a string of new commissions featuring some of British television’s most recognizable faces. The new lineup, revealed in January 2026, spans across Sky History, Crime+Investigation (C+I), and the free-to-air channel Blaze, emphasizing a commitment to "powerful human drama" and "unearthing hidden history."

Leading the charge are Vicky McClure, Ross Kemp, and Rick Edwards, each fronting projects that lean into their respective strengths in investigative storytelling and historical exploration.

Vicky McClure: 'Britain’s Murder Map'

Known for her gritty roles in Line of Duty and Insomnia, Vicky McClure takes a more personal turn in Britain’s Murder Map (working title). Co-produced by Soho Studios and Two Rivers Media, the series sees McClure and her husband, Jonny Owen, travel across the UK to locations made synonymous with historical crimes.

• The Premise: Rather than just recounting the events, the couple explores the enduring impact these crimes have had on local communities—visiting the pubs, hotels, and landmarks that remain part of the "dark geography" of Britain.

• Air Date: Expected to air on Sky History in April 2026.

Ross Kemp: 'Lost Boys, Deadly Men'

Ross Kemp continues his long-standing relationship with Hearst (following his successful Mafia and Britain series) with a topical and urgent investigation for Crime+Investigation. In the five-part series Ross Kemp: Lost Boys, Deadly Men, Kemp dives into the "manosphere."

• The Premise: Produced by Vice Studios, the series explores online communities fueled by isolation and misogyny, investigating how these digital spaces are radically reshaping modern masculinity and leading to real-world violence.

• The Goal: True to Kemp’s investigative style, the show aims to confront "failures in the criminal justice system" and address rising public concern over misogynistic violence.

Rick Edwards: 'Great British Castle Rescue'

Broadcaster and author Rick Edwards moves into the heritage space with Great British Castle Rescue. Produced by FirstLook TV and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the series is a mix of architectural history and high-stakes renovation.

• The Premise: Edwards visits some of the UK’s most historically significant castles as they undergo vital, and often precarious, structural renovations.

• Air Date: Scheduled to premiere on Sky History in March 2026.

Highlights from the Wider 2026 Slate

Hearst Networks has also teased several other high-profile projects for the first half of the year:

• World War II with Tom Hanks: A massive 20-part series from Nutopia and A+E Studios coming to Sky History.

• Lost Grail with Alice Roberts: A three-part "Mystery Season" opener in February, following Roberts as she retraces the legend of Joseph of Arimathea.

• UFO Week (Blaze): Returning for its seventh year, featuring new projects like UFO POV and Monster Aliens.

• British X-Files: A paranormal investigation series lifting the lid on secret UK government files.

A New Era for Hearst Networks

The 2026 slate comes on the heels of a major executive shakeup at Hearst Networks EMEA, including the departures of programming chief Dan Korn and acquisitions head Kelly Hornsby. Despite these changes, Chief Creative Officer Heather Jones emphasized that the 2026 focus remains on "innovative production and the very best of British storytelling."

Source - https://theknowledgeonline.com/news/vicky-mcclure-ross-kemp-and-rick-edwards-fronting-projects-for-hearst-networks-channels

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