Daily Express Saturday Magazine – 15 August 2026
Summary
David Mitchell returns as the cryptic crossword-setter in Ludwig series 2, and Deborah Meaden reflects on 20 years of Dragons' Den, both featured in the 15 August 2026 issue of Daily Express Saturday Magazine under the cover lines "MAKING MYSTERY" and "PITCH PERFECT". The free TV magazine includes the full listings guide, soaps, movies and puzzles.
Meaden tells the magazine she still loves her Dragons' Den role after two decades, while Mitchell discusses the challenge of making a comedy-drama about a puzzle-setter who solves crimes. Jen Pharo's unmissables picks include I Love You To Death (Channel 4), Ghosts US (BBC Three), Little Bird (Sky Atlantic) and Popmaster TV (More4).
The magazine also includes the regular Pick and Mix Crossword, Spot the Difference and 8 pages of puzzles. A Hotter Shake II shoe ad (Save £40) and the Ryobi toolkit promotion are the main advertising features.
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Content Guide
▸ Cover Stories / Jen Pharo's Picks / Puzzles / Listings
p.4 · David Mitchell — MAKING MYSTERY
Mitchell discusses returning as the socially awkward puzzle-setter in Ludwig series 2. He describes the challenge of balancing comedy and detective work, and why the show's format — a man who solves crimes by solving puzzles — appealed to his comic sensibility. The interview is dry, self-deprecating and genuinely funny. Watch Ludwig series 1 before series 2 drops — the Express confirms catch-up availability.
p.8 · Deborah Meaden — PITCH PERFECT
Meaden marks 20 years on Dragons' Den, reflecting on the show's evolution, the new female dragon joining the panel, and the pitches that still surprise her. She is candid about the early days and why she still feels the "buzz" in the den. Her advice to would-be pitchers is practical and direct. Remember: Meaden says the best pitches solve a problem she already understands — niche markets rarely get her investment.
p.12 · Jen Pharo's Unmissables
This week's picks include I Love You To Death (Wednesday, Channel 4), Ghosts US (Saturday, BBC Three), Little Bird (Tuesday, Sky Atlantic), Popmaster TV (Tuesday, More4), Buried With Michael Sheen (Monday, BBC Two) and The Georgians With Rob Rinder & Ruth Goodman (Tuesday, Channel 5). Pharo's verdict on each is concise. Watch Little Bird on Sky Atlantic — Pharo calls it "the most moving drama of the week."
p.18 · Weekend Brainteasers
Pick and Mix Crossword, Spot the Difference and Word Search across 8 pages. The puzzles follow the standard Express format, suitable for a relaxed Sunday session. The crossword is a mix of quick and cryptic clues. The Spot the Difference uses a countryside scene this week — the changes are hidden in foliage and shadows.
p.24 · TV Listings
Full-page 7-day listings from Saturday to Friday. Soaps occupy pages 17-19, movies pages 20-21, and sport on page 23. The colour-coded layout allows quick navigation. Weekend prime-time slots are marked with a star icon.
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Editor's Take
Mitchell and Meaden together make this the strongest Express Saturday cover lineup of the month — two genuinely engaging interviews with distinct tones. The Hotter shoe ad is well-produced but takes up valuable editorial real estate. The puzzles section is dependable. Best for: TV fans who want two solid interviews and a week's viewing planned in one compact supplement.
Strengths
• David Mitchell interview is dry, witty and genuinely insightful
• Deborah Meaden's 20-year Den retrospective has real authority
• 8-page puzzle section with variety across grid and word games
Weaknesses
• Full-page Hotter ad interrupts the editorial flow mid-magazine
• Soaps and movies sections are filler-thin in non-competition weeks
Verdict: Recommended — Two strong cover interviews make this a standout August issue; the ad load is noticeable but tolerable for the interview depth.
