BBC Studios Africa May highlights

BBC Studios Africa May highlights

by | Apr 22, 2026 | Lifestyle | 0 comments

World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys Series 1 (6 episodes)

From Thursday 7 May at 19:00

From the land of the midnight sun in Norway to the majestic mountains of New Zealand, this series features six individual and stunningly beautiful train journeys. On each one we meet the people who work and live along these special rail lines in six different countries – Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Wales, Spain and New Zealand. We’ll explore the natural wonders along the route, meet the engineers who keep the trains running and historians who reveal the challenges the builders faced when constructing these magnificent feats of engineering.

Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping (3 episodes)

From Friday 22 May at 20:00

It’s a change of scene for Paddy and Chris as they take a trip across Europe seeking out the secrets to wellness and happiness. “Well and truly middle-aged” Paddy McGuinness and “soon to be 50” Chris Harris are on a mission. They head to Sweden, Greece and Switzerland to learn how to grow old gracefully and make the years ahead the best yet. The pair throw themselves head-first into the toughest sports, the weirdest diets and the most extreme anti-ageing treatments, in some of Europe’s healthiest, happiest and longest-living nations. But don’t worry – there’s plenty of laughs as well as soul searching as they uncover the most valuable mid-life secrets on the planet.

The Answer Run Series 2 (25 episodes)

From Monday 11 May at 19:00

Birds or bees? Beyoncé or Barbie? Jason Manford helps contestants swipe for success as they hurtle down The Answer Run in a frenetic, fast-paced quiz. Three couples attempt to build their cash pots as they face a series of 50/50 questions, which are hurtling down the Answer Run towards them. However, only one team can make it to the Final Run, where they have a chance to go home with the jackpot.

The Brokenwood Mysteries Series 8 (6 episodes)

From Thursday 14 May at 20:00

The Brokenwood Mysteries is a New Zealand crime drama about Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) and his team, who investigate murders in the fictional town of Brokenwood. In season eight, the detectives are puzzled by the body of a woman found in an Egyptian sarcophagus, become involved in 160-year-old family feud over gold, and investigate a murder at a music festival.

The Weakest Link Series 5 (12 episodes)

From Wednesday 6 May at 20:00

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan takes charge of the back-stabbing, big money, game show. Can the contestants create a chain of answers and avoid being the Weakest Link? Who will prove themselves to be the strongest player, who will bank the most money as the pressure rises, who will struggle – and will the players vote tactically or be happy to remove the player who answered the least answers correctly? It’s a game of knowledge, tactics and big cash prizes for charity as all players try to avoid becoming the Weakest Link.

 

BBC Lifestyle

The Celebrity Bake Off Series 8 (5 episodes)

From Monday 4 May at 20:00

The Great Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off is back with more celebrities including Chris Ramsay, Roman Kemp and Kate Garraway putting their baking skills to the test in Britain’s most famous tent, to raise awareness for Stand Up to Cancer and win the coveted Star Baker apron. The celebrity bakers will enter the hallowed canvas of the Bake Off tent, welcomed by hosts Alison Hammond and Matt Lucas while Caroline Waldegrave joins Paul Hollywood as judge. Over two days they will be challenged to put their baking skills, or lack thereof, to the test.

Hidden Gems: South Africa Series 1 (6 episodes)

From Wednesday 6 May at 20:00

Step off the tourist trail and into remarkable landscapes. This adventure series dives deep into South Africa’s beautiful hidden escapes, from breathtaking vistas to remarkable luxurious stays tucked far from the crowds. Blending influencer-led journeys with real audience interaction, each episode celebrates the country’s beauty in all its unexpected, unforgettable forms. With a weekly viewer vote deciding the winner, the hunt is on to crown South Africa’s ultimate hidden gem stay.

Come Dine with Me Series 22 (40 episodes)

From Monday 11 May at 19:00

The reality TV show in which contestants take it in turns to host dinner parties in each other’s homes returns for a 22nd series. Every week five strangers take it in turns to throw a dinner party. But this is no ordinary supper – as the guests are secretly scoring the host and at the end of the week the top-scoring host wins £1000. Filmed all over the UK, hosts from all walks of life take the Come Dine With Me challenge – providing astonishing and hilarious insights into their homes and their dinner party secrets.

Great Hotels Through Time Series 1 (4 episodes)

From Thursday 14 May at 20:00

Documentary exploring the history, secrets and scandals of iconic hotels including The Ritz, The Savoy, Claridge’s and the Dorchester. This series goes beyond the luxurious façade of these establishments to reveals stories of royalty, celebrities, historical events, architecture and innovation.

Jamie: Eat Yourself Healthy Series 1 (5 episodes)

From Tuesday 19 May at 20:00

Cookery programme in which Jamie shares nutritious ‘feel-good’ recipes and smart health hacks designed to be quick and affordable. He explores ‘brain food’ with dishes such as a salmon traybake and harissa chickpeas; highlights fibre and nutrition with some seared tuna kimchi bowls; and showcases meals rich in calcium like a delicious mushroom stew.

BBC UKTV

Farmer Wants a Wife – USA Season 1 (11 episodes)

From Monday 4 May at 21:00

A group of four single farmers from across the country embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the hopes of finding their future spouse. City meets country in this fun-filled show, and finds farmers on the road to romance as they each court 8 prospective partners, showing them the reality of ranch living in the hope that they can meet their perfect match. Will the ladies adjust to their new lifestyles? Will the farmers make the right choice for ever lasting love?

Grand Indian Hotel Season 1 (3 episodes)

From Tuesday 12 May at 20:00

An exclusive look inside one of the world’s most luxurious hotel groups as it opens its doors to cameras for the very first time. Camera crews gain exclusive access to four of the most jaw-dropping hotels in India – run by the award-winning luxury Oberoi Hotel Group. Each episode offers an unprecedented insight into world-class hospitality and the extraordinary lengths hotel staff go to in the name of “guest obsession” as they aim to offer the very highest level of personal service. The series also offers a fascinating look at contemporary India; from social mobility and the fast-growing number of millionaires in New Delhi to the changing attitudes of marriage in Udaipur.

 

The Ultimate Braai Master Series 6 (13 episodes)

From Monday 18 May at 20:00

South Africa’s most iconic outdoor cooking show returns! The high-stakes reality competition where passion, fire, and flavour collide finds teams of two – a Braai Master and their Braai Buddy – compete against each other in various braai (barbecue) challenges across 13 episodes in multiple locations. Judged by a panel of culinary legends, only the strongest, most flavour-forward teams will make it through. More than just a cooking show, Ultimate Braai Master is a celebration of South African culture, heritage, and the universal love of sharing good food.

 

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Series 8 (10 episodes)

From Friday 22 May at 21:10

American restaurants receive a wake-up call they’ll never forget as, week-by-week, a struggling restaurant receives the Gordon Ramsay treatment. There’s no time for polite small talk as Gordon reveals a few home truths to the exhausted, emotional restaurant owner or manager, and embarks upon his mission to turn things around. This time, Gordon urges two brothers to work through their emotional conflicts to save their beloved family restaurant, and turns around a New Jersey Italian restaurant that has hit financial ruin, despite only being open for six months.

 

Ludwig Series 1 (6 episodes)

From Friday 27 May at 19:00

This hilarious cryptic comedy drama sees David Mitchell star as John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor who attempts to crack the biggest puzzle of his life by finding his missing brother. Puzzle setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor’s life of solitude is upended when his identical twin, DCI James Taylor, disappears. Drafted in by his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin), John reluctantly assumes his brother’s identity as a detective in the Cambridge Police Authority in order to find clues to his brother’s whereabouts. John is tasked with infiltrating the major investigations team, gathering information and solving a completely unconnected murder, all whilst remaining in character as his brother. A difficult ask for anyone, let alone a reclusive puzzle-setting genius who rarely leaves the house. Can this master of all things cryptic crack his biggest puzzle yet?

BBC EARTH

Pompeii: Life In A Roman Town Series 1 (4 episodes)

Thursday 7 May at 19:00

This fascinating documentary series sees Dan Snow and Kate Lister take us into the preserved Roman city of Pompeii, to reveal what life was really like. The pair explore what working lives were like in Pompeii, from the extremely rich to the very poor, and find out what Romans got up to in their spare time. Elsewhere, Dan and Kate discover that crime and violence were a daily threat in Pompeii.

Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India Series 1 (3 episodes)

From Friday 22 May at 19:00

Following on from their adventures in Italy, celebrity friends Rob and Rylan are travelling to India to seek out incredible art, religion, culture – and connections. When Rob and Rylan travelled to Italy, Rob learnt to let his non-existent hair down and Rylan was given a proper education in the arts. Now, the two celebrity pals are travelling to India, the most populous country on the planet and home to some of oldest civilisations on earth. From Delhi to Rajasthan and Varanasi, the friends will encounter stunning art, religion, culture and history. It’s going to be a mind-blowing experience. But will it help them find a deeper connection to themselves – and each other?

 

Engineering Tomorrow Series 1 (6 episodes)

From Monday 25 May at 19:00

This informative series explores various engineering products which could transform our planet, as engineers develop innovative solutions to move people via land, sea and air, using renewable energy. European and American engineers are racing to build the hyperloop, a revolutionary, fully electric transportation system that could travel near the speed of sound while reducing carbon emissions. Elsewhere, we look at how electric planes are the next era in aviation. But, making air travel sustainable is incredibly difficult, with heavy batteries being a significant challenge to overcome.

 

How to Boost Your Brain Power

Tuesday 26 May at 20:00

Discover how it’s possible to boost your brain power with cutting-edge science, expert insights and practical lifestyle changes. Our brains are remarkable – they have billions of neurons and trillions of connections. However, modern life can be really harmful for them, whether it’s stress, poor diet or lack of exercise. The good news is our brains are remarkably resilient and there are lots of simple things we can do to improve them. Presenter Dr Amir Khan follows three people wanting to boost their brain power. Their experiences are complemented by expert insights and experiments that offer practical solutions for everyone – showing just how changeable the brain really is.

CBeebies

Nikhil & Jay Series 1, Part 1 (26 episodes)

From Monday 4 May at 15:40

Animated sitcom following two dual-heritage brothers as they navigate their rich blend of Indian and English traditions, exploring festivals like Deepavali (Diwali), foods like dosas and appalams, and family activities like cricket and gardening. In this first series, Jay tries to be the messiest mango eater ever, and the family celebrate Diwali with kolam and laddus.

Numberblocks Series 5, Part 1 (15 episodes)

From Monday 4 May at 17:40

The show designed to help children learn how numbers work returns for a 5th series. This time, the numbers explore the times tables, three-dimensional shapes, and meet a rocket

 

Bluey (100 episodes)

From Friday 1 May at 19:00

Catch up with back-to-back episodes of Bluey before bedtime every evening on CBeebies South Africa. This funny and honest look at modern family life celebrates how imaginative play helps shape healthy children. Australian blue heeler puppy Bluey has a boundless imagination and loves to turn daily life into playful adventures. She and little sister Bingo throw themselves into exploring their world, using gameplay to conquer their fears and try out adult roles. And they like nothing more than pulling their parents – particularly Dad – into their fun and games. Mum Chilli’s gone back to work and Dad Bandit juggles childcare with working from home. But though he might think he’s in charge, the girls are definitely calling the shots when it comes to playtime – and pretty much everything else!

 

Mister Maker Series 3 (20 episodes)

From Friday 1 May at 15:00

Mister Maker is an imaginative arts and crafts show for pre-schoolers which teaches and entertains in fun and imaginative ways. Mister Maker is a real-life character who takes inspiration from everything around him to make art. Set in his own fantasy art room that he has created, anything can happen, as pictures, objects and things that he has made come to life. Do you want to know how to make a permanent sandcastle? Or how to make alien eyes in under a minute? Mister Maker has the answer for children who love to explore the world through art.

 

Teletubbies Let’s Go Series 1 (26 episodes)

From Friday 1 May at 10:00

Teletubbies Let’s Go! is a world full of love and laughter with the added dimension of music. Each episode features a catchy song, so pre-schoolers can jump up and join in, singing, dancing, exploring, laughing and learning – just like the Teletubbies do!

 

Raa Raa the Noisy Lion Series 1, Sets 1 and 2 (52 episodes)

From Friday 1 May at 12:30

 

 

 

 

 

           

Johannesburg, South Africa – March 27, 2026 – South African music powerhouse DJ Zinhle shakes up the music scene once again with the release of her highly anticipated new single, “Ezothando,” available today across all digital platforms.

A groundbreaking collaboration, Ezothando brings together a dynamic lineup of seven artists: Cebo, Mmata Magic, C Phe SA, Msindo Listo, Thobani White, and Nayvee Womculo, alongside DJ Zinhle herself. The track marks a powerful fusion of established and emerging talent, reflecting the ever-evolving sound of South African music.

At the heart of this release is an innovative and inclusive approach to music discovery. DJ Zinhle masterminded the rollout of Ezothando through a social media open verse challenge, which attracted over 2,000 entries from aspiring artists across the country. From this overwhelming response, two standout voices – Nayvee and Thobani White – earned their place on the official track, turning a viral moment into a life-changing opportunity.

This initiative is a true reflection of DJ Zinhle’s long-standing commitment to uplifting new talent. Throughout her career, she has consistently used her platform to open doors for undiscovered artists, and Ezothando stands as one of her most impactful efforts yet – not only discovering new voices but placing them on a major commercial release.

Sonically, Ezothando signals an exciting evolution in DJ Zinhle’s musical direction. The track is rooted in high-energy dance music, blending infectious rhythms, powerful vocals, and club-ready production to create a sound that is both distinctly South African and globally accessible. With Ezothando, DJ Zinhle once again proves why she remains at the forefront of the industry – not just as an artist, but as a visionary shaping the future of African music.
About DJ Zinhle
DJ Zinhle is a South African DJ, producer, businesswoman, and media personality with over two decades of influence in the music industry. Recognized as Africa’s number one female DJ from 2019 to 2025, she has built a global presence with performances across Africa, Europe, the UK, and the USA.

Known for hit records such as “Umlilo,” “Indlovu,” and “My Name Is,” she continues to shape the sound of contemporary African dance music. Beyond music, she is the founder of Era by DJ Zinhle, CEO of Boulevard Nectar Rosé, and the creator of Hair Majesty, reflecting her strong footprint in business.

A published author and star of the BET Africa reality show “The Unexpected,” DJ Zinhle remains a leading voice in entertainment and culture, inspiring a new generation through her work, influence, and belief that women can have it all.

Management & Bookings:
bookings@djzinhle.com

 

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Kgomotso Seboko

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