ITV’s New Thriller
The ITV thriller Gone stars David Morrissey as the headmaster of a renowned private school who is suspected of killing his wife. The series, filmed in and around Bristol, draws inspiration from the real-life murder of Melanie Road, a 17-year-old who was sexually assaulted and murdered in June 1984.
The school featured in the series is Downside School, located in Stratton-the-Fosse, a real public school in Bath. Other filming locations include the village of Saltford, while sets for the police station and various interiors of the Polly house were constructed at The Bottle Yard Studios.
“He’s a product, certainly, of his institution,” Morrissey commented, highlighting the complexities of his character. Co-star Eve Myles added, “It’s a fascinating story, it’s an extraordinary case to follow,” reflecting the gripping narrative that intertwines fiction with a tragic historical event.
Cheltenham Festival Coverage
In addition to its programming, ITV is gearing up for the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place from March 10-13, 2026. Viewers in the UK can watch the first five races on ITV1, although the final two races of each day will not be broadcast on ITV but can be accessed via Racing TV.
The coverage has sparked division among fans due to the incorporation of influencers, with Chris Hughes being dropped from ITV’s coverage after six years. The decision has led to mixed reactions, as some viewers express concerns about the direction of racing coverage.
Recent statistics reveal that a clip featuring influencers GK Barry and Calfreezy chatting with Oli Bell garnered 1.3 million views, while a video of Lossiemouth winning the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy received 55,800 views. The costs associated with attending the Cheltenham Festival are notable, with tickets for the first three days priced at £103.50 for the Club Enclosure, £73.80 for Tattersalls, and £54 for the Best Mate enclosure.
As ITV navigates the complexities of its programming and audience expectations, details remain unconfirmed regarding further developments in both the thriller Gone and the upcoming Cheltenham Festival coverage.