Blankety Blank Returns with Rhod Gilbert, Jill Scott and Aisling Bea as BBC Unveils Spring Slate
BBC One's Blankety Blank returns tonight with a star-studded line-up including comedian Rhod Gilbert, former England footballer Jill Scott, and Irish comedian Aisling Bea, as the BBC continues to build out an impressive spring entertainment schedule.
Tonight's Show
Series 5, Episode 3 of Blankety Blank airs on BBC One this evening, with the classic panel game format featuring celebrity guests attempting to match the answers of contestants. The episode is also available on BBC iPlayer. The show has been a consistent ratings performer for the BBC since its revival.
Rhod Gilbert, the Welsh comedian known for his observational humour, joins Jill Scott — the former Manchester City and England midfielder turned television personality — and Aisling Bea, the Irish actress and comedian who has become a firm favourite with British audiences through her work on This Way Up and various panel shows.
BBC's Broader Spring Drama Slate
The Blankety Blank broadcast comes as the BBC continues to roll out an ambitious spring drama slate. Richard Gadd's Half Man launched on BBC iPlayer today, while the recently released Mint — a modern crime drama set in the criminal underworld — is also available on iPlayer following its release on 20 April.
Looking ahead, BBC viewers can anticipate Ludwig Series 2 starring David Mitchell, a new Peaky Blinders series set in 1950s Birmingham, and The Night Manager Series 2 with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman. A Tale of Two Cities, starring Kit Harrington, is also scheduled for 2026.
Why It Matters
The BBC's spring schedule reflects the corporation's continued investment in both light entertainment and prestige drama at a time when it faces increasing competition from streaming platforms. The combination of established formats like Blankety Blank and high-profile new dramas like Half Man demonstrates the breadth of the BBC's content strategy.
What's Next
Blankety Blank continues its run on BBC One, with further celebrity line-ups to be announced. BBC iPlayer remains the primary destination for new drama releases, with weekly episode drops becoming the standard format for major series.
