Super-cool TV: new shows to watch this summer

From dark conspiracy and spangly sequins to JR Ewing’s second coming, here’s our round-up of the hottest shows to look out for this summer…

Mark Wright’s Hollywood Nights

The former TOWIE star’s new reality show sees him jetting off to Hollywood for an epic holiday with his “entourage” (his word, not ours) of Essex mates. Expect VIP bars, mahogany tans, cool clothes, flash cars and enough gorgeous girls to make Lauren Goodger green with envy.
ITV2 – starts 10 June

Dallas

Dust off your 10-gallon hat and fire up a cigar, cult Texas soap Dallas is returning to British screens. This sequel to the 80s oil drama stars original cast members Larry Hagman (JR Ewing), Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing) and Linda Gray (Sue Ellen), alongside newcomers Jessie Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives), and 90210’s Josh Henderson. We’re counting the days!
Channel 5 – late summer/autumn (date tbc)

Coup

Hollywood star Gabriel Byrne stars in this four-part conspiracy thrilled inspired by former Labour MP Chris Mullin’s novel, A Very British Coup. In what is understood to be his first UK TV role in almost 20 years, Byrne plays reluctant hero Tom Dawkins, who risks everything to take on the might of the Establishment following a devastating industrial accident.
Channel 4 – summer (date tbc)

Thelma’s Gypsy Girls

She’s known by millions as the creator of the outrageously OTT wedding dresses on Big Fat Gypsy Weddings – and now Thelma Madine has landed her very own show. The reality series sees the self-made Liverpool businesswoman training 15 inexperienced gypsy girls to make fabulous frocks for her über demanding clientele.
Channel 4 – summer (date tbc)

Dead Boss

Part comedy, part murder mystery, Dead Boss stars Pulling’s Sharon Horgan (who also co-wrote the series) as a woman wrongly sentenced to 12 years in prison for the murder of her boss. The show’s impressive cast includes Jennifer Saunders as the prison’s irritable governor, as well cameo appearances from Miranda Richardson and John Sessions.
BBC3 – early June (date tbc)