The tent is back tonight — and so are Bake Off’s accessibility options.

Series 17 of The Great British Bake Off begins tonight, Tuesday 22 September at 8pm, and for the next 10 weeks Channel 4 is once again making the programme available with subtitles, audio description and British Sign Language interpretation at the same time as the main broadcast.

That last part is particularly important: if you watch with BSL, you do not have to wait for a signed repeat later in the week. You can watch Bake Off at 8pm on Tuesday alongside everyone else.

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If you use Audio Description

Watch the standard version on Channel 4 at 8pm.

Audio Description is available with the programme. Depending on your television or set-top box, select the Audio Description option using your remote or your device’s audio/accessibility settings.

So you can still experience all the action in the tent — including the visual details of the bakes, judging and everything else happening on screen.

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If you use British Sign Language

The BSL-interpreted version is being shown simultaneously on 4seven at 8pm every Tuesday for the 10-week series.

You can find 4seven on:

• Freeview: 49
• Sky Q/Sky+: 137 (138 in Scotland)
• Virgin Media: 143
• Freesat: 127
• Sky Glass: 163
• Sky Stream: 163
• Freely in Internet mode: 16
• Freely in Aerial mode: 49
• Freely using Internet + Aerial: 16

For Freely viewers using Aerial mode, the TV needs to be connected to a compatible aerial setup. This also provides the terrestrial version of 4seven if your internet connection is unavailable.

You can also watch 4seven online with BSL here:

channel4.com/now/4s

And yes, before anyone asks: 4seven again. If there was going to be a surprise, this was not it.

But the important thing is that this is a proper simultaneous signed transmission. At 8pm, Channel 4 has the standard programme and 4seven has the BSL-interpreted version.

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If you use subtitles

Subtitles are available throughout the standard Channel 4 broadcast and the BSL simulcast on 4seven.

That means viewers using BSL can also keep subtitles on alongside the interpreter.

So, in short:

Channel 4, Tuesdays at 8pm: standard version + subtitles + Audio Description

4seven, Tuesdays at 8pm: BSL-interpreted version + subtitles

It is genuinely good to see Bake Off continuing this arrangement. Accessibility should mean being able to join in with everyone else when a programme actually airs, rather than being sent off to find an accessible version hours or days afterwards.

For BSL viewers in particular, having the signed version broadcast simultaneously means being able to watch the Signature, Technical, judging, Star Baker and elimination at the same time as everybody discussing it online.

No avoiding Reddit for three days because you are waiting for the accessible version. No accidentally discovering who went home. Just Bake Off, live with everyone else.

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And finally, a little request to the admins/mods if you are reading this: please don't forget about the accessibility part of Bake Off posts and discussion threads this series.

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There are viewers watching with subtitles, Audio Description and BSL, and accessibility information deserves to be part of the conversation too.

Happy Cake Week — and may everyone's sponge survive Paul and Nigella.

Matchweek Two of the Women’s Super League 2 delivered a little bit of everything.

Sunderland left it until the 98th minute to maintain their perfect start, Leicester came from behind to make it two wins from two and Newcastle joined them on six points after another clean sheet.

Elsewhere, Wolves made history with their first ever WSL2 victory, Nottingham Forest recovered from two goals down against Watford, while Southampton discovered that having 23 shots does not necessarily mean the football gods are obliged to give you a goal.

Here’s how all six matches unfolded.

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Bristol City 0-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle United’s perfect start continues.

Tanya Oxtoby’s side followed their opening-day victory over Wolves with a considerably tighter 1-0 win against Bristol City at Ashton Gate, making it six points and two clean sheets from their opening two matches.

This was much more evenly contested than Newcastle’s first game.

The sides shared possession almost equally and Bristol City caused problems of their own, with Signe Markvardsen hitting the crossbar as Charlotte Healy’s team searched for their first points of the campaign.

Newcastle nevertheless carried plenty of threat, particularly through Beth Lumsden on the right. Lumsden registered three shots and 11 touches in the Bristol City penalty area, while Rachel McLaughlan created four chances from full-back.

Eventually, however, the breakthrough came from the opposite side.

Martha Thomas created room on the edge of the box and struck the post. Unfortunately for Bristol City, the rebound fell directly to Kathleen McGovern, who made no mistake.

Sometimes the assist is intentional. Sometimes the woodwork gets involved.

Bristol thought they had rescued something late on when Gemma Lawley found the net from a short free-kick routine, but the flag went up for offside.

That preserved Newcastle’s 1-0 victory and their second consecutive clean sheet.

Two games, two wins, no goals conceded. Newcastle’s promotion ambitions have certainly not been harmed by the opening fortnight.

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Southampton 0-0 Ipswich Town

Southampton had the ball.

Southampton had the territory.

Southampton had 23 shots.

Ipswich had a point.

The Saints dominated much of their first home match of the season at the Silverlake Stadium, finishing with 60% possession and heavily outshooting their opponents, but David Wright’s Ipswich side refused to budge.

Mary Bashford was Southampton’s biggest attacking threat, leading her team for shots and chances created while also twice going particularly close to breaking the deadlock.

Abbie Ferguson threatened too, while Amy Goddard actually had the ball in the net during the first half before the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Ipswich goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx was required to make several important interventions as the pressure continued.

But despite all of Southampton’s attacking work, the Tractor Girls survived.

Ipswich had opportunities of their own after the break, with former Southampton player Tegan McGowan testing Grace Moloney before Georgia Hunter also threatened from a corner.

There was no breakthrough at either end.

Southampton therefore have four points and back-to-back clean sheets from their opening two matches, while Ipswich are also unbeaten after drawing both of theirs.

For Saints, though, this was probably one of those matches where the expected goals column spends the evening looking rather smug.

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Burnley 1-2 Sunderland

Elise Hughes experienced approximately three separate football matches in one afternoon.

She scored for Sunderland.

She scored for Burnley.

Then she scored for Sunderland again in the 98th minute.

The Black Cats travelled to Turf Moor looking to build on their impressive opening victory over Bristol City, while newly promoted Burnley were making their first WSL2 home appearance after drawing at Watford.

Sunderland struck first after putting Burnley’s attempts to play out from the back under pressure.

A difficult backpass and heavy touch from goalkeeper Kirstie Levell allowed Hughes to win possession and finish into the empty net.

Advantage Sunderland.

Then came the equaliser.

Burnley sent a dangerous set-piece into the penalty area, Sunderland failed to properly clear it and the ball eventually deflected into the net off Hughes.

One goal at each end. Very efficient.

For a long time, it appeared Burnley would hold on for another hard-earned point.

Then, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Hughes completed one of the more unusual individual afternoons you are likely to see this season by reacting first inside the area and converting Sunderland’s winner.

From hero, to unfortunate own-goal scorer, and straight back to hero again.

The 2-1 victory means Melanie Reay’s side have won both of their opening fixtures and remain among the early pace-setters.

Burnley, meanwhile, were seconds away from remaining unbeaten.

Football can be quite rude like that.

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Nottingham Forest 2-2 Watford

Nottingham Forest were two goals down.

Then Nottingham Forest remembered they were playing at the City Ground.

Watford made an excellent start and took the lead from an early corner before Saoirse Noonan doubled their advantage with a powerful header.

At 2-0, the newly promoted Hornets were threatening to leave Nottingham with considerably more than the point they eventually collected.

Forest needed a response before half-time.

They got one.

Watford were caught trying to play from the back and Alana Murphy took full advantage, firing home her second goal of the season to reduce the deficit before the interval.

That completely changed the complexion of the match.

Forest emerged after half-time with considerably more attacking purpose and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah eventually completed the comeback, beating the goalkeeper from a tight angle to make it 2-2.

From there, it became increasingly difficult for Watford to escape their own defensive third.

Forest finished with 26 shots and repeatedly pushed for the winner. Boye-Hlorkah was at the centre of virtually everything, and the hosts struck the woodwork twice as Watford desperately protected their point.

One of those attempts came from Boye-Hlorkah herself, whose stoppage-time free-kick crashed against the frame of the goal.

Watford survived.

So Forest remain unbeaten after two matches, but also remain without a victory. Watford are in exactly the same situation after consecutive draws on their return to WSL2.

Probably an excellent match for neutrals.

Possibly less relaxing if you support either team.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 Sheffield United

History made — and Wolves decided ordinary goals were apparently not dramatic enough for the occasion.

Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed their first ever WSL2 victory with a 3-1 win against Sheffield United at the SEAH Stadium, producing three excellent second-half goals along the way.

The opening half somehow finished goalless despite both sides hitting the woodwork.

Then Amber Hughes introduced Wolves to the WSL2 scoresheet in style.

Four minutes after the restart, she collected possession around the edge of the penalty area and sent a superb effort into the top corner for Wolves’ first goal at this level.

Amy Sims evidently looked at that and decided there was no reason Goal of the Week should be settled so easily.

She doubled the lead with another excellent strike from outside the area, connecting beautifully with a volley that left Sian Rogers with little chance.

Sheffield United responded almost immediately.

Mollie Rouse capitalised after Emily Orman punched away a delivery, reducing the deficit and giving the Blades hope of a comeback.

Wolves refused to retreat.

Instead, they attacked again and wrapped up the victory in the 81st minute when Mel Filis broke down the right and supplied Yana Daniëls, who finished to make it 3-1.

That secured Wolves’ first victory in WSL2 and their first three points since promotion.

After losing their opener at Newcastle, Dan McNamara’s side have their landmark win.

And when the first three goals you score at a new level include two absolute rockets, subtlety can probably wait until next week.

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Leicester City 4-2 Durham

Leicester went behind.

Leicester responded by scoring four.

That seems a reasonably effective solution.

Durham stunned the King Power Stadium when Beth Hepple opened the scoring on her 300th appearance for the club, finishing a counter-attack to put the visitors ahead against the run of play.

The lead did not last.

Paulina Nyström scored her first Leicester goal after combining with captain Sam Tierney, bringing the Foxes level and beginning a first-half turnaround.

Jessica Ziu then put Leicester in front, connecting with Missy Goodwin’s delivery.

And before Durham had much opportunity to process that, Asmita Ale produced arguably the pick of the bunch.

The left-back unleashed a superb right-footed effort from outside the box, finding the top corner via the post to send Leicester into half-time 3-1 ahead.

Durham were not finished.

Jade Pennock pulled one back during the second half, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and creating the possibility of a rather uncomfortable ending for the hosts.

Instead, Leicester finished the job.

Nyström drove into the penalty area late on and attempted to send the ball back across goal, where Durham captain Sarah Wilson inadvertently turned it into her own net.

4-2.

Rick Passmoor’s Leicester therefore have six points from six following relegation from the WSL and are already making clear what their objective is this season.

Sunderland, Leicester and Newcastle are the three teams who have won both of their opening matches.

It is only Matchweek Two, so nobody needs to start engraving anything yet.

But the early promotion race has definitely introduced itself.

The WSL is back.

The WSL2 is back.

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And honestly, I think the second tier could be one of the most interesting women's football leagues to follow this season.

The 2026/27 WSL2 season starts on Friday, but this isn't just another season.

Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic are all gone.

Three clubs who have basically been part of the furniture at the top of this division for the last few years have all moved up to the BWSL following its expansion.

So we're suddenly left asking a pretty simple question:

Who takes their place?

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Because there is a massive opportunity here.

Since 2021/22, Birmingham, Palace and Charlton have consistently been around the promotion picture. Birmingham had the experience of being a former top-flight club, Palace developed into one of the division's most dangerous attacking teams and Charlton became ridiculously difficult to beat.

Now all three are in the top flight.

Palace in particular have had an incredible rise, securing promotion twice in three seasons, while Charlton's defensive record under Karen Hills included that ridiculous 27-match unbeaten league run.

But the old guard has moved on.

And that means WSL2 is basically up for grabs.

Well... almost.

There's still only one automatic promotion place, with second having to go through the promotion play-off.

So who actually has the best chance?

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Bristol City

If you're looking for a team who could finally turn a strong WSL2 campaign into promotion, Bristol City are probably one of the first names to look at.

The Robins have been knocking around the promotion picture without quite getting there.

They finished fourth last season, just five points behind Charlton in third, but their attacking numbers were arguably better than their final position suggests.

Bristol scored 47 goals, the most in the division.

Lexi Lloyd-Smith won the Golden Boot.

They also ranked second for shots on target with 117 and big chances with 50.

So this wasn't a team struggling to create.

The problem is that Lloyd-Smith has now left for Crystal Palace.

That's a pretty significant loss when your top scorer has just walked out the door.

Rio Hardy remains a major attacking threat after scoring 10 last season, while Emma Bissell has arrived from Charlton after scoring four goals last campaign.

Brooke Aspin has also returned, and there's plenty of potential there following her difficult ACL injury.

But Bristol's season could come down to one question:

Where do the goals come from now?

If they can replace enough of Lloyd-Smith's production, I think they're a serious promotion contender.

If they can't, fourth could turn into another frustrating season just outside the top three.

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Leicester City

Then there's Leicester.

And Leicester are probably the most difficult team to predict.

They've got something almost nobody else in this division has: five consecutive seasons of BWSL experience.

That should make them one of the favourites.

But then you look at what happened last season.

They lost their final 11 league matches and scored just 11 goals across the entire campaign while conceding 52.

Their relegation was eventually confirmed by defeat to Charlton in the play-off.

So this is a club that has gone from five years of top-flight football to suddenly having to fight its way back from the second tier.

Can they bounce straight back?

Absolutely.

But it won't happen simply because they have BWSL experience.

They have to rediscover confidence and, more importantly, learn how to consistently win games again.

Crystal Palace showed what a relegated club can do by bouncing back, but Leicester's situation is different because of how their season ended.

There have been some interesting changes to the squad too.

Shannon O'Brien's departure removes another attacking option, but Sarah Mayling has joined permanently and brings plenty of BWSL experience.

Jessie Stapleton also knows WSL2 from her time with Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.

If Leicester can get their attack functioning again, they could be extremely difficult to stop.

If they don't, they could find themselves nowhere near the promotion race despite having arguably the strongest top-flight pedigree in the division.

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Newcastle United

Newcastle might be the team I'm most curious about.

They've only been in WSL2 for two seasons, finishing fifth and then sixth, but there's a feeling that they're getting closer.

Since becoming fully professional in 2023, Newcastle have accelerated through the women's football pyramid and they're clearly building something.

Under Tanya Oxtoby, their football is based around controlling games.

They want possession.

They want to dictate the tempo.

They want to use the ball to create chances rather than simply sitting back and playing on the counter.

And defensively, they've already got a pretty strong foundation.

Newcastle conceded just 25 goals last season, which was the third-best defensive record in WSL2.

The issue?

They only scored 32.

That's the obvious next step.

They can control games and they can defend, but can they actually turn that control into enough goals to challenge for promotion?

Their summer recruitment suggests they're trying to solve exactly that.

Gemma Evans brings BWSL experience into the defence, while Lenne Kiernan gives them another attacking option.

Newcastle feel like one of those teams where everything could suddenly click.

And if it does, they could be right at the top.

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But this is where WSL2 gets really interesting

There isn't an obvious "Birmingham are going to win this" type of favourite anymore.

The three clubs that have dominated the promotion conversation have moved on.

That leaves a really interesting mix.

Bristol have the goals.

Leicester have the top-flight experience.

Newcastle have been building steadily and could be ready to take the next step.

And then there are the clubs we haven't even talked about yet who could completely blow this prediction apart.

That's the fun part.

The second tier has effectively had its hierarchy wiped clean.

And with only one automatic promotion place, every dropped point could matter.

You could finish second after an excellent season and still have to win a play-off to reach the BWSL.

You could finish third and look back at one or two frustrating draws in September and think, "that's where we lost it."

That's what makes the opening few weeks so important.

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And there's another reason I'm looking forward to it

WSL2 is ridiculously accessible this season.

All of the league's matches are available live and on-demand through the Barclays Women's Super League 2 YouTube channel.

No VPN.

No having to find out which obscure broadcaster has picked up the rights in your country.

No subscription needed just to watch a random Tuesday or Sunday afternoon WSL2 match.

With 132 league matches across the season, that's a huge opportunity for the league to build an audience.

And it means we can actually follow this promotion race properly.

Not just watch the occasional televised match and rely on highlights.

If you want to see how Bristol are developing, you can watch them.

If you want to see whether Leicester can bounce back, you can watch them.

If you want to see whether Newcastle finally turn possession into goals, you can watch them.

And because so many matches can be watched, we might get a much better idea of who the genuine contenders are rather than relying entirely on reputation.

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So, who replaces Birmingham, Palace and Charlton?

That's the big question.

My early three to watch are:

Bristol City — potentially the strongest attack, but can they replace Lloyd-Smith?

Leicester City — by far the most top-flight experience, but can they recover from a disastrous relegation campaign?

Newcastle United — arguably the biggest "could this finally be their year?" candidate after two seasons of building.

But I'm not convinced those three will necessarily occupy the top three.

That's what makes this season so interesting.

The old WSL2 hierarchy is gone.

A new one has to be created.

And it starts on Friday.

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What do you think?

Who is your favourite for the WSL2 title?

Which club is most likely to win the one automatic promotion place?

Can Leicester bounce straight back?

Can Bristol replace Lloyd-Smith's goals?

Are Newcastle ready to make the jump from mid-table to genuine promotion contenders?

And, perhaps most importantly:

Which WSL2 team do you think everyone is sleeping on right now?

I am here at Savoy to watch PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie with UK dubbing.

By the way, this is my first cinema experience in years.

No Zuma or Rocky for the merchandising here in the UK cinemas, but there is Chase, Marshall etc.

This is going to be fun!

I recently contacted ITV Accessibility to ask about the future of BSL programming on ITVX, particularly following the proposed Sky–ITV deal, and they shared some reassuring information.

They confirmed that the proposed deal doesn't change ITV's accessibility commitments. They said they have **no plans to change the BSL offering on ITVX**, including the ITV Signed channel and the on-demand BSL category, other than continuing to add new signed programmes over time. They also said they recognise the importance of sign-presented programmes and intend for them to remain part of ITVX's offering going forward.

I also asked whether there was any timeline for expanding the BSL catalogue. While they couldn't provide an exact date, they did share some figures.

According to ITV Accessibility:

* **2.1%** of the ITVX catalogue had BSL translation or sign presentation in 2024.

* That has increased to **3.08%** over the last 12 months.

* They expect it to increase again when the 2026 accessibility figures are published next year.

* The BSL catalogue continues to grow incrementally as more signed content is added.

They also referred to Ofcom's proposed Video-on-Demand Accessibility Code. Under the current proposal, Tier 1 services such as ITVX would be required to provide **at least 5%** of their catalogue with BSL from the fourth anniversary of the Code coming into force. If the Code begins around January 2027, that minimum requirement would likely apply from around January 2031.

It's worth noting that **5% is the minimum regulatory requirement, not a target or a ceiling**. The Government has made clear that providers should continue improving accessibility beyond the minimum standards where possible.

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What really stood out to me was ITV Accessibility's comment:

"I am sure we will be ahead of that, as well as any interim targets."

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To me, that's an encouraging statement because it suggests ITV expects to exceed the proposed minimum requirements rather than simply meeting them.

As someone who cares about accessibility for Deaf BSL users, it's great to see actual progress backed up by figures rather than just general promises. Moving from 2.1% to 3.08% in a year is a positive step, and hopefully that growth continues over the coming years.

I'd be interested to hear what others think. If you use ITVX's accessibility features, have you noticed the BSL catalogue expanding? Are there any programmes or genres you'd particularly like to see signed in the future?

I recently contacted ITV Accessibility to ask about the future of BSL programming on ITVX, particularly following the proposed Sky–ITV deal, and they shared some reassuring information.

They confirmed that the proposed deal doesn't change ITV's accessibility commitments. They said they have no plans to change the BSL offering on ITVX, including the ITV Signed channel and the on-demand BSL category, other than continuing to add new signed programmes over time. They also said they recognise the importance of sign-presented programmes and intend for them to remain part of ITVX's offering going forward.

I also asked whether there was any timeline for expanding the BSL catalogue. While they couldn't provide an exact date, they did share some figures.

According to ITV Accessibility:

• 2.1% of the ITVX catalogue had BSL translation or sign presentation in 2024.
• That has increased to 3.08% over the last 12 months.
• They expect it to increase again when the 2026 accessibility figures are published next year.
• The BSL catalogue continues to grow incrementally as more signed content is added.

They also referred to Ofcom's proposed Video-on-Demand Accessibility Code. Under the current proposal, Tier 1 services such as ITVX would be required to provide at least 5% of their catalogue with BSL from the fourth anniversary of the Code coming into force. If the Code begins around January 2027, that minimum requirement would likely apply from around January 2031.

It's worth noting that 5% is the minimum regulatory requirement, not a target or a ceiling. The Government has made clear that providers should continue improving accessibility beyond the minimum standards where possible.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

What really stood out to me was ITV Accessibility's comment:

"I am sure we will be ahead of that, as well as any interim targets."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To me, that's an encouraging statement because it suggests ITV expects to exceed the proposed minimum requirements rather than simply meeting them.

As someone who cares about accessibility for Deaf BSL users, it's great to see actual progress backed up by figures rather than just general promises. Moving from 2.1% to 3.08% in a year is a positive step, and hopefully that growth continues over the coming years.

I'd be interested to hear what others think. If you use ITVX's accessibility features, have you noticed the BSL catalogue expanding? Are there any programmes or genres you'd particularly like to see signed in the future?

If you loved Wicked last year, then get ready because another magical movie night is almost here.

Wicked: For Good (Signed) is arriving on Sky Cinema Select next Friday 10 July, complete with British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, making one of this year's biggest movie premieres even more accessible.

This might be the perfect excuse to organise a watch party with family or friends, grab your favourite snacks, dim the lights and enjoy one of the biggest musical events of the year together.

So... what is Wicked: For Good about?

After challenging the Wizard's totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba must grapple with her identity as the "Wicked Witch of the West." Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda the title "Glinda the Good" and elevated her as the nation's public defender against Elphaba. As their paths continue to diverge, the two witches are faced with life-changing decisions that will determine both of their destinies in this spectacular second instalment of the musical story.

The film serves as the 2025 sequel to Wicked and is based on Act Two of the stage musical Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.

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VITAL VIEWING INFORMATION
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Friday 10 July
8:00pm
Wicked: For Good (Signed)

Saturday 11 July
7:45am
Wicked: For Good (Signed)

Channel:
Sky Cinema Select (currently branded as Sky Cinema 2026 Recap)

Virgin Media Channel 402

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Can't make either broadcast?

No problem.

If you're watching on a Virgin TV V6, TV 360 or Stream box, you can simply record the programme as you would any other broadcast.

Just open the TV Guide, scroll to Sky Cinema Select at 8:00pm on Friday 10 July, highlight the Wicked: For Good listing and press the Record button on your remote. Then you can enjoy the signed version whenever it suits you.

One important thing to remember is that you'll need an active Sky Cinema subscription to watch Wicked: For Good (Signed), whether you tune in live during either scheduled broadcast or watch your recording later.

If you already subscribe to Sky Cinema, then you're all set for a magical journey back to Oz.

It's fantastic to continue seeing major movie premieres receive dedicated BSL versions on television. Hopefully plenty of Virgin Media viewers will discover Wicked: For Good (Signed) next weekend and enjoy another accessible movie event on the big screen at home.

Who's planning to watch?

I thought this would be worth sharing for anyone in the UK who has Sky Cinema and enjoys having more ways to experience Wicked.

Sky Viewer Relations (thanks to Paul from the team for confirming the information) has confirmed that Wicked: For Good (Signed) will be available on Sky Cinema next Friday, making the film accessible with a dedicated British Sign Language (BSL) presentation.

For anyone unfamiliar with BSL, it's the primary language used by many Deaf people across the UK, and seeing major blockbuster releases receive dedicated signed versions is always really encouraging.

The television broadcasts are currently scheduled as follows:

Friday 10 July
8:00pm

Saturday 11 July
7:45am

The broadcasts will air on Sky Cinema Select (currently temporarily branded as Sky Cinema 2026 Recap).

If you're trying to find the channel, it's available on:

• Sky channel 302 (Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream)
• Virgin Media channel 402
• EE TV channel 502 (Sky Cinema Select SD)
• EE TV channel 516 (Sky Cinema Select HD)

One thing I especially wanted to mention is that you don't necessarily have to watch it live.

If Friday evening isn't convenient, or you're busy that weekend, there are several ways to watch it later.

The signed version will also be available on demand under the title:

Wicked: For Good (Signed)

That means you should be able to locate it afterwards on compatible Sky platforms without needing to wait for another television repeat.

It will be available through:

• Sky boxes
• Sky Go
• EE TV

Sky Go users can also download the film for offline viewing if their subscription includes the appropriate entitlement (such as Sky Go Extra or the equivalent benefit included with certain Sky packages). That's a really useful option if you're travelling or simply prefer watching without relying on an internet connection.

For me, though, one of the best features is simply recording the broadcast.

A lot of people forget this is still an option, but it's probably the easiest way to make sure you never miss it.

Recording on Sky Q

If you're using Sky Q, open the Electronic Programme Guide and navigate to Sky Cinema Select for 8:00pm on Friday 10 July.

Highlight Wicked: For Good (Signed).

Press either the red R button or the dedicated Record button on the Sky Q remote.

Once you've scheduled the recording, Sky Q will automatically save the film to your Recordings library when it broadcasts.

After that, you can start it whenever you like, pause it, rewind scenes, fast-forward if needed, or simply leave it there until you're ready to watch. It appears alongside your other recordings on the Home screen, making it really straightforward to find again later.

If your household is busy on Friday evening, this is probably the easiest solution.

Recording on Virgin Media

If you're watching through a Virgin Media V6, TV 360 or Stream box, recording works in much the same way.

Open the TV Guide.

Navigate to Sky Cinema Select at 8:00pm on Friday 10 July.

Highlight Wicked: For Good (Signed).

Press the Record button on your Virgin remote.

The recording will then be stored within your recordings library, ready whenever you want to watch.

Recording on EE TV

EE TV customers using the EE TV Box Pro or EE TV Box Edge can also schedule a recording.

Simply open the programme guide, navigate to Sky Cinema Select for 8:00pm on Friday 10 July, highlight Wicked: For Good (Signed) and press the R button on the EE remote.

The platform will save the recording using the box's recording system or linked storage configuration, depending on your setup.

It's a simple process and means you don't have to worry about being home exactly when the film starts.

Of course, if recording isn't your thing, the on-demand version provides another convenient option, giving people even more flexibility.

The only requirement is that you'll need an active Sky Cinema subscription to watch the film, whether you're watching live, accessing it on demand or playing back a recording.

I just thought this was really nice news worth sharing, particularly because signed versions of major studio releases are still relatively uncommon. It's great to see accessibility continuing to be included for such a high-profile release, and hopefully it's something we'll continue to see with future films too.

If you're planning to watch next Friday, I hope you enjoy it!

Alright, many of you in the UK who like me is in this group, will now have access to Gabby's Dollhouse on Sky Cinema via subscription. Literally dropped in the last hour

Alongside subtitling and audio description, Sky Access Services has worked with Red Bee Media to deliver a visually signed version of the movie, interpreted into British Sign Language.

This is amazing, as there are over 50,000 deaf children in the UK. Out of that total, an estimated total of 20,000 Deaf Children use British Sign Language, according to research from the National Deaf Children's Society.

You can watch the signed version under the name "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie (Signed)" right now on Sky Cinema's on-demand service

OR

watch the signed version at 08:40 BST and again at 21:40 BST on Sky Cinema Family Friday, May 22nd:

Sky Q – Channel 304
Sky Glass / Sky Stream – Channel 304
Virgin Media – Channel 406
EE TV –
• Channel 506 for Sky Cinema Family SD
• Channel 520 for Sky Cinema Family HD

Well, that is it. The curtain has fallen on the 2025/26 Women’s Super League 2 season, and if there were any doubts about how compelling this division has become, the final day erased them entirely. Promotion races decided head-to-head, statement scorelines, late winners, individual brilliance and emotional farewells — this was a finale that delivered on every level.

At the centre of it all, Birmingham City held their nerve in the biggest moment of their season to clinch the title and secure a long-awaited return to the top flight. Crystal Palace matched that achievement in equally emphatic fashion, sealing promotion with a ruthless attacking display. Elsewhere, there were strong finishes, signs of progress, and reminders of how fine the margins are across the league.

Here is a full breakdown of how the final day unfolded across the division.

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Charlton Athletic 0-2 Birmingham City

Title on the line. First versus second. Winner takes all.

Birmingham City produced the defining performance of the season when it mattered most, beating Charlton Athletic 2-0 at The Valley to secure the title and automatic promotion.

Charlton, backed by their largest home crowd in two decades, started with intent. Early deliveries from Charlotte Newsham caused problems, while Jodie Hutton and Ellie Mason both had chances to test the Birmingham defence. But as the game settled, Birmingham began to impose themselves with increasing authority.

Their threat down the flanks proved decisive. Lily Crosthwaite and Océane Hurtré consistently found space, and it was Hurtré who created the breakthrough in the 27th minute. Her driven cross to the back post was met by Wilma Leidhammar, who rose above her marker to head Birmingham into the lead.

From that point, the momentum shifted. Leidhammar nearly doubled the advantage before half-time with a free-kick that forced an excellent save onto the crossbar, and Birmingham entered the break looking the more controlled and dangerous side.

The second goal came early in the second half and effectively settled the contest. A corner caused chaos in the Charlton box, and Leidhammar reacted quickest to control and fire home her second. It was a clinical display from a player who has been transformative since her January arrival.

Birmingham’s game management from there was exemplary. Defensively disciplined, structurally sound, and composed under pressure, they limited Charlton to very little despite extended stoppage time. A 91.7 percent tackle success rate highlighted just how effectively they protected their lead.

For Charlton, it is a bitter blow. Their defensive record had been among the best in the league, but they were unable to contain Birmingham’s cutting edge on the day. However, their season is not over — a play-off against Leicester City still offers a route to promotion.

For Birmingham, though, this was redemption and validation. After falling short in a similar scenario last season, they returned to the same stage and delivered. Champions, promoted, and back where they believe they belong.

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Crystal Palace 6-1 Portsmouth

If Birmingham’s win was about control, Crystal Palace’s was about firepower.

Needing a victory to secure promotion, Palace delivered in emphatic style, overturning an early deficit to thrash Portsmouth 6-1 and confirm their immediate return to the top flight.

The visitors stunned the home crowd early on when Meg Hornby scored directly from a corner, briefly threatening to disrupt the script. But Palace’s response was immediate and overwhelming.

Molly-Mae Sharpe equalised within minutes, and from there the game gradually tilted in one direction. The second half turned into a showcase of attacking quality, sparked in large part by substitute Lola Brown, whose introduction changed the tempo and creativity of Palace’s play.

Ashleigh Weerden was central to everything that followed, scoring twice and providing an assist in a dominant individual performance. Kirsty Howat, Annabel Blanchard and Elise Hughes all added goals as Palace overwhelmed Portsmouth with pace, movement and precision.

The underlying numbers were striking. Palace registered 24 shots, 13 on target, and 44 touches in the opposition box. Portsmouth, despite marginally edging possession, simply could not cope with the volume and variety of attacking pressure.

Weerden ends the season as one of the division’s standout players, finishing with 10 assists and 17 goal contributions overall. Brown’s three assists off the bench in this match alone underlined the depth and dynamism within the squad.

For Portsmouth, relegation had already been confirmed, but their early goal offered a brief moment of resistance. For Palace, however, this was the perfect culmination of a remarkable run — 11 wins in their last 13 matches to surge into promotion contention and complete the job when it mattered most.

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Ipswich Town 2-1 Sunderland

Ipswich Town closed out their debut season at this level with a third consecutive win, edging Sunderland 2-1 in a closely contested match.

Ava Baker opened the scoring with a composed, technically excellent finish from the edge of the area, giving Ipswich an early foothold. Sunderland responded well, with Mared Griffiths hitting the post during a strong first-half spell.

The game remained finely balanced throughout, with Sunderland enjoying the majority of possession but Ipswich looking more direct and purposeful in attacking areas.

Sunderland eventually equalised through Eleanor Dale after capitalising on a high turnover, but Ipswich found a decisive late moment. Kenzie Weir headed home from a set-piece in the 86th minute to secure the win.

Statistically, this was one of the most even games of the day. Both teams recorded 11 shots and four on target, but Ipswich’s effectiveness in key moments and aerial dominance proved decisive.

For Ipswich, finishing ninth represents a strong recovery after a difficult start to the campaign. For Sunderland, eighth place reflects a stable but ultimately unspectacular season.

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Newcastle United 0-1 Durham

Durham signed off their season with a disciplined 1-0 victory over local rivals Newcastle United.

The decisive moment came just before half-time when Amber-Keegan Stobbs finished calmly after being played through by a long ball that split the defence.

Newcastle controlled large portions of the game, finishing with over 60 percent possession and more shots, but struggled to convert that control into meaningful chances. Durham, by contrast, were ruthlessly efficient, scoring with their only effort on target.

Aerial dominance and defensive organisation were key factors in Durham’s success, allowing them to disrupt Newcastle’s rhythm and maintain their lead.

The match also carried emotional weight, with Newcastle’s Molly Pike announcing her retirement. Despite the defeat, sixth place represents a solid season for the Magpies.

Durham, meanwhile, finish tenth, ending a challenging campaign on a positive note.

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Nottingham Forest 0-3 Southampton

Southampton delivered one of the most complete performances of the day, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 to secure a fifth-place finish.

The tone was set within the opening minute when Michaela McAlonie scored from distance following a high press. Southampton maintained that intensity throughout the first half, adding a second through Megan Collett after sustained pressure.

Forest improved after the break and showed more attacking intent, but Southampton remained defensively solid and clinically effective. Mary Bashford sealed the result with a close-range finish, capping a strong individual season.

Despite having less possession, Southampton created significantly more danger, registering 17 shots to Forest’s six and consistently threatening in advanced areas.

For Forest, seventh place marks a respectable first season at this level. For Southampton, fifth reflects clear progress and a strong foundation moving forward.

Sheffield United 0-4 Bristol City
Bristol City ended the season as the division’s top scorers, and they underlined that status with a dominant 4-0 win over Sheffield United.

Rio Hardy opened the scoring early with a powerful finish, setting the tone for a performance built on attacking sharpness and control. Lexi Lloyd-Smith then took over, scoring a hat-trick to secure both the match and the league’s golden boot.

City’s attacking metrics were emphatic: 19 shots, 13 on target, and 49 touches in the opposition box. Their ability to sustain pressure and convert chances separated them clearly from their opponents.

Sheffield United had moments, including a disallowed goal and a shot off the post, but lacked the consistency and cutting edge required.

Bristol City finish fourth, just outside the promotion places, but with the strongest attacking record in the league. Sheffield United end the season in 11th, having secured survival.

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Final Thoughts

This final day encapsulated everything that has made the Women’s Super League 2 so compelling this season: high stakes, tactical variety, emerging talent and genuine unpredictability.

Birmingham City and Crystal Palace take the rewards of promotion, each doing so in very different but equally convincing ways. Charlton remain in contention via the play-off, while teams across the table showed signs of growth, resilience and potential.

The league now pauses, but not for long. The 2026/27 season is already scheduled to begin across the weekend of September 4th to 6th, and if this finale is anything to go by, expectations will be even higher.

For now, though, that is a wrap on one of the most entertaining and competitive WSL2 seasons in recent memory.