You Won’t Believe Who Tops Radio Times’ Most Influential TV Stars of 2025!

Radio Times has revealed their list of the 100 most impactful figures in television, and the team behind Baby Reindeer has taken the number one spot.

2024 saw many buzzworthy shows, but the number one spot went to Baby Reindeer, created and headlined by Richard Gadd.

Clerkenwell Films was responsible for creating the Netflix sensation that became an unstoppable success. In this production, Gadd earned three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

In the ranking of standout performances, Jessica Gunning, who acted alongside him as the character Martha (a role that significantly defined her career), landed the second spot. Meanwhile, Nava Mau, who played Richard Gadd’s love interest on the show, was listed at number 33.

For a year’s worth of dedicated efforts, Ambika Mod secured the third position, marking her ascent to stardom that was truly remarkable. Additionally, she dazzled on the screen yet again in Disney+’s crime drama series, “The Stolen Girl.

In the TV version of the popular book “One Day,” Mod’s fellow actor, Leo Woodall, is following closely behind in fourth place on the list. With his role in both “One Day” and “The White Lotus,” it seems that Hollywood might soon be swept off its feet by this rising star.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that my recent project adaptation, Dominic Treadwell-Collins’ rendition of Jilly Cooper’s sensational novel Rivals, managed to secure the fifth spot among Disney+’s top shows. Incredibly, this captivating series also featured Danny Dyer in a heart-melting portrayal of a businessman charmer, earning him a spot on the list at tenth place. It’s an honor to be part of such a successful and engaging production!

In the final episode of Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones and James Corden ranked sixth, while Claudia Winkleman placed seventh as host of The Traitors. Chris McCausland secured an impressive eighth position following his victory on Strictly.

In the third season of Industry, where she delivered an exceptional performance, considered among the best TV series performances recently, Marisa Abela finished ninth in the rankings. With her outstanding work, she is poised to rise as one of television and cinema’s most prominent stars.

Alongside these individuals, Mark Rylance from Wolf Hall, Adeel Akhtar from Showtrial, Chris Clenshaw of EastEnders, Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham from Aardman Studios were also among the top 20.

Morgan Jeffery, serving as Digital Editor for Radio Times, stated that the TV 100 on RadioTimes.com represents an annual, comprehensive list showcasing the prominent and impactful individuals operating within television today. It’s a tribute to the skillful creators who mold our viewing preferences and experiences.

By 2025, no figure was more prominent than Richard Gadd. His daring, unyielding series “Baby Reindeer” didn’t merely lead the cultural discussion – it transformed it, igniting worldwide debate, praise from critics, and countless articles. This year, Gadd claims the top position as a creative powerhouse who has reshaped the limits of what television can express and achieve.

Right on her heels is Jessica Gunning, an actress who has left many talking about her compelling portrayals this year. The film “Baby Reindeer” didn’t merely break out – it served as a wake-up call, and its effects continue to resonate throughout the industry.

Helen Daly, an Associate Editor at RadioTimes.com, stated that the RadioTimes.com’s TV 100 list is brimming with talented individuals from all over the television world, showcasing its robust standing within the industry currently.

Over the last year, the individuals on our list have not only provided entertainment but also kept us informed in extraordinary ways, ranging from adorable baby reindeer to intense rivalries, all the way to soap operas like EastEnders and major political events such as the General Election.

The annual list was made by prominent figures spanning various creative sectors, such as Charlotte Moore (BBC Director of Content), Dame Pippa Harris (Co-Founder of Neal Street Productions), Damien Timmer (Chief Creative Officer and Founder of Mammoth Screen), and many others. They nominated the most dynamic, impactful individuals in television today, which were then refined into a conclusive list by the editorial team at RadioTimes.com consisting of experts and critics.

On Sunday evening, the baby reindeer, having scooped up six Emmys, emerged as a massive success on Netflix and drew an impressive audience of 88 million viewers.

Previously, Ted Sarandos, one of the co-CEOs at Netflix, justified the show “Baby Reindeer” by stating that it is categorized as a ‘fictional drama’, rather than a factual documentary, following legal disputes stemming from a woman who alleged herself to be the portrayed character Martha, the supposed stalker.

The speaker mentioned that the show is a firsthand narrative by its producer, Richard, who portrays the main character, comedian Donny Dunn, and chronicles his real-life encounters with a stalker.

Fiona Harvey stepped up stating she served as the inspiration for Martha, arguing the portrayal was off base, and initiated a legal action against Netflix.

At the outset of the initial episode, a caption emerges that states: ‘This tale is based on real events.’

According to Sarandos, ‘We’re helping storytellers share their narratives.’ Baby Reindeer, as Gadd put it, isn’t a documentary; instead, it’s his personal story.

As a lifestyle expert, I must clarify that certain aspects of this tale have been embellished for dramatic effect. It’s unmistakable that there’s some dramatization at play here. This particular discussion about the authenticity of Baby Reindeer is unique to the UK, as it’s not a topic being debated elsewhere around the globe.

In his Emmy acceptance speech, Richard encouraged budding authors to be bold in their creative endeavors.

‘The only constant across any success in television is good storytelling,’ he told the audience.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d put it this way: “In today’s world, compelling narratives resonate deeply… Embrace the courage to innovate, venture beyond the familiar, tackle the awkward, and even risk falling short. It’s through these daring leaps that we truly soar.

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2025-05-03 02:05

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