SHOW BIZ

After 10 days of crazed moviegoing at the Cannes Film Festival, Times film critic Amy Nicholson and Times film editor Joshua Rothkopf are all but spent. They leave with 10 recommendations (listed below in alphabetical order), including several titles you’ll be hearing about during awards season, but also, admittedly, more reservations than usual.

Amy Nicholson: There are worse ways to spend your life than watching four movies a day in the south of France. For a week and half, we ran in and out of the dark theaters, blinking at the shock of the sun and bickering about what we just saw with the highest concentration of film lovers anywhere — most of us jacked up on espresso or rosé. Yet, we’re flying home miffed that the movies themselves were mediocre. Cannes is meant to launch ambitious, prickly works by grandmasters and next-generation talents. This year, the programming looked like a party with an impressive invite list — Nicolas Winding Refn, Asghar Farhadi, Hirokazu Kore-eda — but upon arrival, all the guests felt like old acquaintances tapped out of anything interesting to say.

I’m being harsh. Cannes had good movies, too. But I needed this year’s Cannes to be great. Audiences trickling back into theaters deserve to see something fantastic. Instead, too many filmmakers took the crowd’s attention span for granted; even the strongest films in competition could delete a half-hour of dead air. Fittingly, the majority of my favorites came from Cannes’ kookier programming sections, Directors’ Fortnight and Un Certain Regard — and I suspect many of yours did, too, oui?

Joshua Rothkopf: I did find a handful of films from the main competition that impressed me, but point taken: Nobody is served if we can’t admit that this year’s edition was weaker than others. We could blame screenwriting or pacing (though paradoxically I was impressed by both the longest and the shortest movies in competition). Maybe it’s an overall lack of boldness. When a restored version of Ken Russell’s salacious 55-year-old “The Devils” eclipses virtually everything else shown at the festival, a certain timidity is hard to deny. There were too many “nice” films: perfectly respectable but not what I want Cannes to be.

Fortunately, we saw enough to sharpen up a list of favorites. Here’s what stirred us.

‘All of a Sudden’

I’m not convinced that the utopian vision of end-of-life care presented in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s drama has a fighting chance in America, but we deserve the opportunity to grapple with its compassionate turns and have that discussion. The director of “Drive My Car” continues his process-centric exploration of workplace relationships in this quietly revelatory movie, one with a centerpiece conversation that merits comparison to the long walks of Richard Linklater’s “Before” movies. Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto let a day’s stroll linger into profundity, the twilight dimming and human connection brewing in all its possibilities. Is it too late for them? It doesn’t need to be. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘The Beloved’

Esteban (Javier Bardem), a renowned bad boy Spanish filmmaker, returns to his homeland from New York to shoot a period picture in the desert. Off-screen, he’s gifted one of the four leading roles to his estranged daughter (Victoria Luengo), an aspiring actor who hasn’t seen her father in 13 years. Esteban failed as Emilia’s dad. Can he succeed as her director, especially when her big break packs this much pressure? Not likely, especially as Emilia has inherited his disastrous boozing habits. “The Beloved’s” actual director, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, unleashes his leads to become a tag team of destruction, each blaming the other for what’s going wrong on set. They’re both mired in clashing narratives of their relationship. Sorogoyen shows us the truth, as well as the visible frustrations of the film-within-a-film’s cast and crew that risk shutting down this too-passionate passion project. — Amy Nicholson

‘Bitter Christmas’

(Iglesias Mas / Sony Pictures Classics)

Pedro Almodóvar’s self-flagellating film about his artistic process has a Charlie Kaufman-lite structure that I’d rather let audiences discover on their own. In brief: Almodovar’s avatar, a filmmaker named Raúl (Leonardo Sbaraglia), gets dragged over the artistic coals by the dramatic female characters he’s been writing for decades, one of whom dares him to simply coast on his legacy. Too many veteran filmmakers in his year’s Cannes competition seem to have accepted that bargain, so when Raúl got to the end of a new script and decided it wasn’t up to his standards, I nearly shouted “Bravo!” Navel-gazing cinema about the creative process isn’t usually my bag, but Almodóvar doesn’t take his own misery that seriously, even inserting a manic pixie dream hunk, a male stripper-slash-firefighter played by Patrick Criado, for a little bump and grind. — Amy Nicholson

‘Clarissa’

It’s been 101 years since Virginia Woolf first published “Mrs Dalloway,” a novel about persnickety party hostess Clarissa Dalloway colliding with her former lovers, one male and one female. The plot seems simple, but every glare and sigh tells a whole story about modernization, capitulation, cynicism and violence. Twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri have transplanted the tale to present-day Nigeria and stacked the cast with Sophie Okonedo, Ayo Edebiri, Nikki Amuka-Bird, David Oyelowo and the staggeringly talented India Amarteifio as the diva in her captivating youth before she married a tedious oilman and started bullying the help. “Clarissa” makes several smart adjustments, swapping in a traumatized Boko Haram soldier for a shell-shocked veteran of the Great War, and cocking an eyebrow at the shiny new yoga studios and coffee shops littering Lagos’ once-lush waterfront. Better still, it’s sexy as heck — the flashbacks are one swimsuit party after another. — Amy Nicholson

‘Club Kid’

The one-sentence pitch of Jordan Firstman’s debut dramedy — a gay nightclub promoter sobers up when he discovers he has a 10-year-old boy — sounded as fun as snorting a line of aspartame. I stand corrected. “Club Kid” is a blast: a spicy, surprising and irreverent comedy that rarely peddles the audience anything artificially sweet. Firstman stars as Peter, a debauched millennial aging out of a New York scene that never cared about him as a person in the first place. His business partner Sophie (Cara Delevingne) is a horror; his selfish squatter-roommate Nicky (Eldar Isgandarov) is even worse and so hilarious I’d watch a spin-off sequel just about him. Peter’s shock son Arlo (Reggie Absolom) has a casual charm that pickpockets your heart, but it’s the script’s sour quips that will have you urging people to get past the treacly set-up and go see “Club Kid” themselves. — Amy Nicholson

‘The Diary of a Chambermaid’

Art punk Radu Jude’s latest satire is about a Romanian immigrant with a burlesque double life. By day, Gianina (Ana Dumitrașcu, fantastic) is the live-in housemaid of a daft Parisian family; by night, she’s an actress in a turn-of-the-20th century slapstick farce about a housemaid whose master suckles her patent leather boots. In neither world can she openly say what she thinks (although in her native tongue, she curses her employers and their young son plenty). Fast, crisp and snide, “The Diary of a Chambermaid” gives equal weight to the monotony and the absurdity of Gianina’s grind. And Jude isn’t above including a mocking slow-motion shot of a spoiled French boy totally whiffing a soccer kick. — Amy Nicholson

‘Fatherland’

The tension at the heart of Paweł Pawlikowski’s period piece, set in a ravaged, fallen Germany after the end of World War II, is one that goes unresolved. All that’s left are defensive denials, evasions of Nazi collaboration and the faint hope that something higher has survived. I could watch this kind of guilt-ridden post-apocalyptic movie for hours; instead, this lasts a scant 82 minutes. The conclusion, a wordless moment between father and daughter set to the strains of Bach played on a broken pipe organ, was the most devastating passage of the entire festival. “Fatherland” shows off Pawlikowski’s exquisite way with black-and-white evocations of European tragedy, but he’s never summed them up as poetically. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Fjord’

People at the festival called this one complex; I found myself disagreeing. It’s actually a fairly straightforward story about a religious but mostly level-headed family flung into conflict with an overly sensitive branch of child protection services — and maybe with the whole of agnostic Norwegian progressivism. As reactionary as that sounds, I was totally rapt. Partly that’s due to a beautifully plotted courtroom scenario and the immersive performances of Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, reuniting after “A Different Man,” as parents increasingly out of their depths. But mainly, I credit Romanian director Cristian Mungiu, who knows a good story when he sees one, crystallizing its potency with every camera choice. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Minotaur’

The ice-chilled return of Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev (after a multiyear battle with long COVID) is worth the wait: a condensation of everything he does well into something so purely distilled, it should come with a proof warning. The movie kicks off as a casual portrait of the vacant nouveau riche lifestyles of the mini-oligarchs: fancy dinners, divorces, bathroom gossip. Then it becomes an erotic thriller (it’s based on Claude Chabrol’s 1969 “The Unfaithful Wife,” as was Diane Lane’s “Unfaithful”). But the best comes last, as the situation gets fixed in broad daylight with breathtaking brutality. The war in Ukraine? Someone else’s problem. “Minotaur” takes on the whole of Putin’s dissociative society and puts its winners above the blackened clouds, looking down at the rest of us. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’

I am growing to love Jane Schoenbrun’s exfoliation of ’80s horror obsessions, especially for the movie’s nonjudgmental embrace: Let these movies be free in all their “problematic” badness and let them work on you. The fact that “Teenage Sex” sometimes plays like a bottle episode of “Hacks” doesn’t hurt. Hannah Einbinder brings vulnerability to a project that needs her brand of self-excoriating fearlessness. Points, too, for not turning this into yet another celebration of some forgotten male director reclaimed as a genius. Rather, the opposite: It’s about an abused scream queen (Gillian Anderson, gamely campy), a liminal, wintry campground and the exhilaration of running in the woods in your pajamas. — Joshua Rothkopf

FORMER Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall has returned to social media after a break from the online world – and fans are certain she’s been cooking up new music in the studio.

The 33-year-old released her debut solo studio album, That’s Showbiz Baby, back in September 2025.

It hit number three on the UK Album Chart and produced her popular singles Fantasy, FUFN, Plastic Box, and Unconditional.

Jade has now surprised fans by making a comeback on TikTok after five months of being away.

In the video, the British singer could be seen opening a door and twirling around a room to the song Keeping Your Head Up by Birdy.

The lyrics said: “Hold tight you’re slowly coming back to life, I’ll be keeping your head up, I’ll be keeping your head up.”

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She then flicked her curly brunette locks over her shoulders as she walked towards the camera.

Jade wrote in text over the video: “Me returning to TikTok after a menty b social media break x”

The star appeared to be making light of having a few days feeling down in the dumps.

Despite the singer telling fans she took a break due to mental health, they were convinced it was because new music is on the way – just seven months on from her last album.

She captioned the post: “We’re back! Did you miss us? Because we missed you!”

One fan wrote under the clip: “Soooo word on the street is your back in the studio.”

Another said: “I think it might be album 2 time.”

A third fan penned: “I’m dying can’t wait for the new single.”

While Jade took an extensive break from TikTok, she was only missing from Instagram for six days.

SMITTEN Oasis star Noel Gallagher is seen out on a date with his new girlfriend who is less than half his age.

The She’s Electric rocker, 58, and events boss Nina Johnson, 28, left a West London gastropub together.

A source said: “There was no mistaking the spark between them.”

We revealed in March the Half The World Away star had split from girlfriend Sally Mash.

Noel and Nina — who works for an events company — were seen smiling before getting into a car on Thursday night after a date at The Hart gastropub in Marylebone, West London.

An onlooker said: “They were laughing and joking, but keeping a slight distance so they did not look like a couple. However, there was no mistaking the spark between them and they were clearly together. They had been engrossed in each other’s company inside and spent hours together, just the two of them.

“Noel looked particularly happy when he came out — and who can blame him? As they got to the waiting car, Noel opened the door for Nina and they got in the back seat together.”

Originally from the South West, Nina is a marketing manager at London firm Rhubarb Hospitality, which organises corporate events, weddings and posh private functions.

She is said to have met dad-of-three Noel through mutual friends, and has spent a lot of time with him over the past few weeks.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “She is a lot younger than him but that doesn’t bother either of them.

“They have been seeing a lot of each other in the past few weeks.

“Her career is going great guns. She is really bright and taking her career seriously.

“She’s her own woman and Noel really respects that.

“They really enjoy each other’s company and both love the finer things in life and go to a lot of the same places. It is fair to say Noel is smitten and he is telling people he couldn’t be happier.”

We revealed in March that Noel and private members’ club boss Sally had split after two years with “no bad blood”.

In 2024, Noel said of his attractive partners: “I’ve punched above my weight several times in my life, and I think if you can make a girl laugh the battle is more than won.”

He married Meg Mathews in Las Vegas in 1997 and they had daughter Anais in 2000.

After they split, Noel started dating Scots publicist Sara MacDonald, who he wed in 2011 after almost a decade together.

They had sons Donovan, now 18, and Sonny, 15, before divorcing in 2023.

Kylie Minogue’s sister Dannii is no stranger to the spotlight, but the popstar has another sibling fans aren’t familiar with

Kylie Minogue fans are more than acquainted with her sister Dannii, but who is the pop icon’s other sibling?

The celebrated singer, 57, has just opened up about her rise to global stardom in new Netflix documentary show Kylie. Tracking her career from soap star to chart-topper, the series features interviews with those closest to the Australian celebrity.

However, her brother Brendan only makes a brief appearance in the show. In Episode 1, Kylie’s brother is shown during a scene where the Minogues gather around for a bonfire. Fans will also spot her sister Dannii, mum Carol, dad Ronald in the segment.

So who exactly is the mysterious Minogue sibling?

Who is Kylie Minogue’s little-known brother?

Kylie’s younger brother is 55-year-old camera operator Brendan Minogue.

He prefers to stay out of the spotlight but has been spotted in his sister’s other projects, including the 2001 special An Audience with Kylie Minogue.

While little is known about the Minogue brother, it seems the three siblings shared a positive childhood.

In her Netflix show, Kylie reflects on their upbringing fondly. “I was raised without any putdowns, without ever hearing ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,'” she explains. “We were just encouraged to do what we loved.”

The singer has also cited Brendan as part of her solid support system. In an interview with the BBC, she confessed: “When it’s not going well, that’s who I turn to – Mum, Dad, my brother and my sister.”

She revealed in the same interview that Brendan taught her a stress-relief technique that was crucial during the start of her career.

It’s called the foofer valve, she said, adding: “When the emotion has got to come out, or you’ve got to have a big cry or a moan, you let out a noise, tsssssh, like a kettle letting off steam, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I feel so much better’.”

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.

As well as a glimpse into her family life, the three-part Netflix doc offers insight into the pop icon’s decorated career.

A synopsis teases: “Featuring footage from home movies, personal photographs, and new interviews with Kylie herself, the documentary shows the woman behind the hits. It examines how she’s faced public scrutiny, personal loss, and illness with grit and grace, earning respect far beyond her own fandom.”

Kylie is streaming now on Netflix

EASTENDERS star Jacqueline Jossa confronted estranged husband Dan Osborne over his holiday romance with a stunning Brazilian bikini model.

The 33-year-old actress challenged ex-Towie star Dan, 34, about his relationship with fitness influencer Etila Santiago after he arrived back from his US trip with a pal last week.

The Sun on Sunday can reveal that Dan has grown close to the model, 33, after bonding with her over fitness and their mutual support of Arsenal — and has vowed to see her again soon.

But Jacqueline, who plays Lauren Branning on the BBC1 soap, was alerted to the rendezvous after she and her pals noticed Dan and Etila posting matching sunset and poolside photos on social media.

It comes after Jacqueline and Dan, who have two daughters, Ella, 11, and Mia, seven, split in March after 13 years together. Dan is living in a separate home.

A source said: “Dan started chatting to Etila on Instagram before his trip to Miami as he saw they both had a passion for fitness.

“They met up a few times during his trip and really hit it off, spending a lot of time together hanging out and chatting. He fell in love with the city and is hoping to go out and visit Etila again.

“However, Jac’s mates notified her about Dan’s movements having suspected who he was with online. So when he was back in the UK, she asked him about it.

“It’s obviously very sensitive as they are co-parenting, but Dan is a single man now. Jac is upset as she still feels there’s a chance her and Dan could rekindle their marriage.”

Etila, who used to compete in bikini bodybuilding competitions, recently broke her engagement with bodybuilder fiance Tyler Manion.

After his trip to Miami, fitness enthusiast Dan shared several photos of himself topless on Instagram.

He wrote in the caption: “Happiness is found in 3 things: Letting go of what was. Enjoying what is. And having faith in what will be.”

Jac and Dan met at an awards ceremony in 2013 and tied the knot at a Cheshire manor house in 2017.

Dan also has an 11-year-old son with his ex, Megan Tomlin.

After Mia’s birth in 2018, Jacqueline posted: “I couldn’t ask for a better family, filled with strong women! My girls are my absolute world and I can’t actually get over how lucky I am.”

But her marriage has been rocked by cheating allegations against Dan.

The former Celebrity Big Brother star was suspected of having a fling with Love Islander Gabby Allen in April 2018, after they were seen cosying up on a yacht in Marbella.

A month later, it was reported that a then-pregnant Jacqueline had confronted a mystery girl over allegedly having sex with Dan just months after their wedding.

Dan was accused in September 2018 of having a threesome with Celebrity Big Brother model Chloe Ayling and US reality TV star Natalie Nunn, which he denied.

Six months later, he was snapped kissing Love Island star Alexandra Cane.

Later in 2019, Jacqueline threatened to leave I’m A Celebrity after campmate Myles Stephenson told her he believed Dan had cheated on her with his ex, Gabby.

She told producers she did not want to continue without talking to Dan and she was allowed to leave temporarily to send him a voicemail and receive one back.

She then walked out on Dan in 2020 after she confronted him over a flirty message to Gabby, who apparently did not respond.

Dan confessed to having made “mistakes”.

He said: “I’ve done things I shouldn’t have done.”

Dan and Jacqueline’s representatives were asked to comment.

SHE is regarded as the Queen of Pop.

But it seems that Madonna also has royal standards when it comes to travel. I can reveal that the Like A Prayer hitmaker brought her own private chef on to a British Airways flight last month.

She jetted from Los Angeles to London’s Heathrow with former foot- baller boyfriend Akeem Morris.

Her chef plated her up some sushi before they took off for the 11-hour flight to England.

A source said: “Madonna is strict about her lifestyle and avoids processed foods.

“She has the luxury of taking her private chef when travelling. He knows exactly what she eats to ensure she is sufficiently nourished when travelling between timezones.”

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Madge is understood to follow a strict macrobiotic diet which is favoured by A-listers including actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

She avoids sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed items, instead favouring fruit, veg and protein.

Functional nutritionist Pauline Cox previously told The Sun: “Madonna has a carefully planned diet that allows her to carry on performing at a high level.

“She eats complex carbohydrates — brown rice, beans and oats — for slow energy release.”

I previously told how Madonna turned night owl for a new music video, shooting between 5pm and 2am.

She is set to premiere the ten-minute film at the Beacon Theatre at the Tribeca Festival in New York in the US on June 5.

It is built around the first six tracks from her album, Confessions II, out on July 3.­

ELLIE KNUCKLES DOWN

ELLIE GOULDING let her hair down as she returned to the stage for the first time after giving birth to baby number two in March.

Wearing a baggy white tee, leather shorts and diamond knuckle-duster, inset above left, for her show at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland, the singer revealed that her five-year-old son Arthur was watching.

She said: “So, guys, this is kind of a big deal, because my son is watching me for the first time today.”

Ellie also sang her new song Black Prada Dress.

Great to have you back, Ellie.

BBC RADIO 1 host Charlie Hedges has pleaded for Harry Styles to return to the Live Lounge.

The DJ, who hosts Dance Anthems, revealed how she was presenting a 24-hour show when the former One Direction star was in the building.

She told Biz on Sunday: “Harry was confirmed to be in the Live Lounge however it was the same day that I’d decided to do a 24-hour Radio 1 dance day. So I missed Harry Styles.

“I stitched myself up because it was my idea to do the 24-hour show. I can’t blame anyone. I am fuming.”

Meanwhile Charlie – who is in Sunderland for Radio 1’s Big Weekend – revealed Lewis Capaldi is one of her favourite guests.

She said: “He is probably the funniest man I have ever met in my entire life, let alone being an incredible performer.”

ZARA McDERMOTT cheered on boyfriend Louis Tomlinson from the side of the stage yesterday.

It comes after she was pictured hugging Joey Essex and sent the internet into meltdown.

An onlooker said: “Zara was all smiles.”

SAM SO WIRED

HUNKY electrician Sam Workman is hoping to make sparks fly in the Love Island villa.

The lad, from Dudley, is lined up for the next series of the ITV dating show in Majorca, which kicks off on June 1.

A source said: “Sam is ready to use his electrician charm in the villa.

“He has also been hitting the gym to make sure he’s villa ready.”

Sam has started his summer in style and was spotted at Coachella Festival in California, US, in April.

Hopefully Sam finds himself a festival sidekick in the villa.

STORM OFF, YAS

SHE signed up with top modelling agency Storm Management after leaving Love Island last year.

But I can reveal that Yasmin Pettet has left the company that has launched the careers of supermodels Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne.

A source said: “Yasmin loved working with Storm and learned a lot from the agency. However her career is going in another direction.”

The agency posted a snap of Yasmin – who finished third with Jamie Rhodes on the dating show – on their Instagram last year to announce the new signing.

It read: “Yasmin’s fearless, edgy aesthetic positions her within the new wave of British It girls: challenging conventions and breaking the mould.”

MARRIED MILEY’S WEBBED BLISS

MILEY CYRUS is a married woman, according to her mother.

The revelation came at the singer’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in LA on Friday, where Miley wore this webbed maxi dress.

Onlookers witnessed Tish call Miley’s fiancé Maxx Morando, who proposed in winter 2025, her “husband”.

As Miley’s mum herded together family and friends for photographs, she looked over at Maxx, drummer for the rock band Liily, and declared, “We’re gonna bring the husband.”

Maxx then posed next to Miley and kissed her on the cheek.

Tearful Miley lavished praise on her father Billy Ray even though he wasn’t present to see her being honoured with the Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

The singer, who was also joined by designer Donatella Versace and actress Anya Taylor-Joy, declared, “My dad used to say a skyscraper starts with a jackhammer” as she vowed her career is fuelled by making her art immortal.

With tears on her face, Miley continued: “To my family, my future family, parents, my mom, my siblings, my friends, my collaborators, thank you for loving and supporting not only the choices that I make, but my fears, and then facing them with me.

“Today is something that I’ll never forget and I’m always going to cherish.”

AD SUITS YOU, TOM

HE had viewers swooning over him in his suits in The Night Manager – and now Tom Hiddleston is cashing in on his style.

The actor has shot a top-secret Ralph Lauren collaboration, which will be unveiled later this year.

Thor star Tom has been a mainstay at the American label’s events lately, including sitting front row at Milan Fashion Week and attending the post-runway dinner party where he sat pride of place next to Ralph’s son.

A source said: “Tom has a busy filming schedule, but he managed to squeeze in this ad as he was delighted to be asked.

“He loves the brand and plans to wear it on red carpets and at awards dos.” Tom, who is engaged to Fresh Meat actress Zawe Asthon, gushed about fashion earlier this year.

Speaking to Esquire he said: “There’s a certain element of respect when you wear a suit. Not just for yourself, but for the people you’re in the company with.

“I admire the craft of it all, and there’s something about how tailoring can honour shape and athleticism as a man. I love texture. I love the idea of getting dressed up.

“I love the construction of it and the details add up to a whole that I find pleasing.

“My tan shoes match my watch strap, and my pocket square gives a flourish.”

AIR WE GO… OFF TO AMERICA

SHE’S kept her head down since appearing in the Jeffrey Epstein files earlier this year, but I can reveal that Donna Air is quitting the UK.

The ex-Byker Grove actress is returning to her acting roots and hoping to land some roles in the US.

This follows The Sun on Sunday story in February revealing her links to the paedophile businessman. Plus, earlier this month, Donna lost her dad Trevor to cancer.

Posting on social media she wrote: “I’ve packed up my home, and I’m off to pastures new.”

A source said: “It’s been a tough year for Donna. She wants a change of scene and a fresh start. She is hoping to audition for some roles in America and see what comes her way.”

STARS OUT FOR THE BBC

A HOST of top stars from music, films and telly are backing the BBC after filming a new ad promoting the licence fee.

Chris Martin, Daisy Ridley, Cate Blanchett, Ruth Jones and Claudia Winkleman have remade the 1986 advert starring comic John Cleese, titled What Have The BBC Ever Given Us?

The original was a parody of his and Monty Python’s sketch from 1979 film The Life Of Brian.

The ad was filmed at a top-secret location in London earlier this month with scenes from Glastonbury festival and Wimbledon.

A source said: “The BBC has come under a lot of heat lately so this is its rallying cry to boost morale among the public.”

SCARLETT MOFFATT has revealed that she is expecting a baby boy.

The reality star and partner Scott already have a son, Jude.

She said: “I was born to be a boy mum. I’m so excited. All my family and friends knew I wanted another boy.

“My preference was a boy, to give Jude a brother. I’m just so happy for him.”

ITV viewers were quick to issue the same complaint about Danny Dyer and Emily Atack’s new gameshow Nobody’s Fool

ITV viewers have ‘switched off’ new gameshow Nobody’s Fool after voicing identical complaints.

Fronted by actors Danny Dyer and Emily Atack, the quiz-based series features ten strangers battling it out for a whopping £100,000 prize fund. Unlike the majority of gameshows, this programme isn’t about how intelligent contestants are, but rather how intelligent others perceive them to be.

Each participant tackles a general knowledge quiz in private, with their correct answers contributing money to the prize. Having completed the quiz, players can opt to lie or tell the truth about their performance.

The genuine tension of the game emerges during the eviction task, where contestants must pinpoint the person who contributed the least to the prize fund based purely on their impressions of their fellow players.

Victory hinges on persuading the other contestants that you’re clever enough to remain in the game, even if that means double-crossing them, reports the Daily Star.

Despite its fascinating premise, viewers were swift to condemn the new programme for allegedly “ripping off” BBC’s The Traitors.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer wrote: “So this #nobodysfool is 100% a rip off of #Thetraitors.”

As devotees of the BBC gameshow will recognise, The Traitors is similarly a game of deception, which relies on players’ perceptions of one another. The Traitors is also set in a castle, while Nobody’s Fool takes place in a manor.

Someone else drew the same parallel, writing: “Budget version of The Traitors #NobodysFool,” while a third contributed: “#NobodysFool so this is another traitors/ fortune hotel rip off.”

Others were swift to switch off the programme. “Nope 2 minutes in and off #nobodysfool,” remarked one, while someone else noted: “Nodding off already. Surely not another itv flop.”

Despite the harsh judgements, however, some ITV audiences are prepared to give the gameshow an opportunity. One commended: “I’m liking #NobodysFool so far not a bad opening.”

While a second concurred: “#NobodysFool seems okay at the moment.”

And yet another viewer offered a measured assessment, declaring: “Too many shows these days are trying too hard to replicate The Traitors – and failing miserably. #NobodysFool however is decent so far and already a lot better than #TheNeighbourhood.”

Nobody’s Fool is streaming now on ITVX

Rapper Rob Base, one-half of the hip-hop duo Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, died on Friday after a battle with cancer. He was 59.

“Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten,” a statement on Base’s Instagram read.

The statement also expressed gratitude to Base, who was surrounded by family as he died, for “the music, the memories and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”

Rob Base was born Robert Ginyard in May 1967. He was best known for his collaborations with DJ E-Z Rock. The two were lifelong friends, meeting in fifth grade while living in Harlem. Their song “It Takes Two” was released in 1988 by Profile Records. The song became a breakout single for the duo and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard U.S. dance club songs chart, with The Times calling “It Takes Two” “the rage of the rap underground.”

The duo followed up the hit with the release of the singles “Joy and Pain” and “Get On the Dance Floor.” Base released his solo album, “The Incredible Base,” in 1989.

Base was an ardent supporter of the rap genre, explaining to The Times in 1989 the nuance of the music.

“People outside rap don’t understand it. There’s all sorts of subtle things — key things — happening over and above the beat in rap songs. The fans want new stuff all the time,” Base said.

Base had two children, De’Jené Ginyard and Robert Ginyard Jr. His wife, April, died in 2013.

In a squeaker race for Cannes’ top prize, Romanian director Cristian Mungiu prevailed on Saturday, taking the Palme d’Or for his tense community drama “Fjord.”

The movie, a widely admired conversation-starter at the festival, stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as religious parents who come into conflict with the child protection services of their tiny Norwegian town where they have relocated with their family.

Mungiu, a previous winner of the Palme for his controversial 2007 abortion drama “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days,” now joins an exclusive group of 10 filmmakers who have won the Palme twice — an achievement shared by Francis Ford Coppola (1974’s “The Conversation” and 1979’s “Apocalypse Now”) and Ruben Östlund (2017’s “The Square” and 2022’s “Triangle of Sadness”), among others. No one has ever won a third Palme d’Or.

Another record, maybe even more impressive, was set by distributor Neon, which, with “Fjord,” extends its streak of Palme wins to an unprecedented seven in a row. Those previous six Neon winners, many of which eventually claimed Oscars, are “Parasite,” “Titane,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of a Fall,” “Anora” and last year’s “It Was Just an Accident.”

Neon will release “Fjord” in the fall, with an extensive awards campaign to follow.

This year’s nine-member main competition jury, led by Korean director Park Chan-wook and studded with notables including “The Substance” star Demi Moore, Stellan Skarsgård and “Hamnet” director Chloé Zhao, seemed intent on spreading the wealth among as many winners as possible. There were three ties at Saturday’s awards ceremony.

The award for actress was shared by Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto, co-stars of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden,” a movie pegged by many to potentially go all the way. Similarly, the prize for actor was bestowed on both Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, co-stars of Lukas Dhont’s World War I romantic drama “Coward.”

The prize for directing went to three people — and two movies — with a joint win for Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (better known as Los Javis) for their century-spanning queer historical drama “The Black Ball,” as well as to director Paweł Pawlikowski for his exquisite post-World War II psychodrama “Fatherland.” (Pawlikowski half-joked at the podium, “This was a disastrous piece of mise-en-scène” after the awkward award presentation had him waiting in the wings.)

Claiming this year’s Grand Prize (essentially second place) was “Minotaur,” the rapturously received comeback film of Andrey Zvyagintsev, a Russian director who had been sidelined with a near-fatal bout of long COVID that put him in a coma. His new movie, about a wealthy Moscow family, is both an erotic thriller and an indictment of amoral oligarchy detached from the war with Ukraine.

The festival’s third-place Jury Prize went to the borderland German drama “The Dreamed Adventure,” directed by Valeska Grisebach.

Reform has stood by Robert Kenyon, a plumber and the candidate for the party in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, after comments he made about TV star Carol Vorderman resurfaced

Carol Vorderman has lashed out at a creepy sexual message by a Reform by-election candidate with a brutal three-word takedown.

Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, who is standing to be the next MP for Makerfield in the upcoming by-election, backed up a degrading comment about the TV star along with other comments directed at women. Hitting back, Carol branded Nigel Farage’s candidate a “disgusting online abuser”.

The campaign group HopeNotHate found Kenyon had two X accounts. One has been deleted and the other was suspended by X, HopeNotHate said.

Reform has stood by Kenyon, a plumber, and has said his lack of “polish” could make him an effective MP.

“Fundamentally, Rob Kenyon is a misogynist,” Carol told The Mirror. “I wouldn’t let him in my house if he was a local plumber in my area, not with what he’s been posting online. There is always a pattern.”

In 2021, an X user who wrote a degrading sexual message about Carol, which drew criticism from another person. To this, Kenyon responded by saying “he’s only saying what we’re all thinking”.

And another of the posts from the accounts referenced being blocked by the Sky Sports Rugby League account on X for comments about women’s rugby.

Carol added: “He’s been talking about how female rugby players ‘handle their knockers’, saying if it’s not ‘t**s, and a**e’, and he’d been blocked by the Sky Sports Rugby League Twitter page for his online behaviour.

“It’s a torrent of abusive and vile language. Nobody knows why his X account was suspended. X has a very low bar for suspension, and the public should know and Reform should tell us why his account was suspended. What were his actions for this to have happened?

“Last year the Victim’s Commissioner said ‘misogyny normalises violence against women and girls, normalises illegal harms such as harassment, abuse and stalking. And these harms manifest in both online and offline spaces’.”

Carol emphasised the comments are not just Kenyon “being a lad”, adding he is “being a disgusting online abuser who became a Reform councillor three weeks ago”.

In response to HopeNotHate’s investigation, a Reform UK spokesman said: “We fully back Cllr Kenyon. He is an excellent, local candidate who we are confident will be a superb MP for Makerfield.

“These comments were made before he was in politics. Rob isn’t a polished, professional politician and doesn’t speak like one. That’s precisely why he’ll be a straight-talking, effective voice for normal working people in Makerfield.”

After being read Reform’s response, Carol said: “So basically, it doesn’t matter how misogynistic or otherwise he has been as far as Reform are concerned. And they didn’t care that their MP James McMurdock had been put in jail for kicking his girlfriend outside a nightclub and that it hadn’t been declared. They simply don’t care at all.”

A Labour Party spokesman said: “Robert Kenyon’s comments online are disgusting and show that he’s not fit to represent Makerfield.

“From creepy remarks about women, to peddling baseless conspiracy theories, this is appalling stuff from a parliamentary candidate – on top of being Facebook friends with a fascist campaigner. Nigel Farage needs to explain why Reform UK selected him in the first place.”

The first weekend of campaigning in Makerfield, meanwhile, got underway.

Andy Burnham, who is viewed as a challenger to Sir Keir Starmer in a potential Labour leadership race, launched his by-election campaign on Friday and promised he was not offering “more of the same”.

Allies of Mr Burnham have suggested he may not launch a bid for the party leadership immediately if he is successful in his attempt to return to Parliament in the June 18 contest.

But Wes Streeting, who resigned from the Cabinet earlier this month, has openly talked about launching a campaign to oust Prime Minister Sir Keir.

The MP and former health secretary told reporters on Friday that he held off triggering a leadership race to give Mr Burnham time to tread a path back into the Commons.

In a pitch to voters, Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham said: “I know my own party needs to change. We need to be better than we have been.

“A vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change Labour.”

Mr Burnham, who is also a former health secretary, later told reporters Labour has “space to be more radical” while honouring the party’s 2024 general election manifesto.

Two Weeks in August made its debut tonight with a star-studded cast

The Two Weeks in August cast have shared the significance over a hidden detail in the show’s opening scenes.

Written and created by Sally4Ever’s Catherine Shepherd, the new ‘witty and painfully relatable’ series follows a group of friends reuniting for a summer holiday. However, the idyllic getaway is soon thrown into chaos thanks to an illicit kiss.

In episode one, viewers are introduced to each of the friends with married couple Zoe and Dan, played by Jessica Raine and Damien Molony, clearly struggling as they attempt to put past events behind them.

The family of four, who have brought their children on the trip, are also struggling with money as is highlighted when Jess, played by Antonia Thomas, suggests they all put €200 each in the kitty.

Things go from bad to worse when Zoe and Dan are tasked with preparing food that evening with their lavish friends wanting seafood, which provides another tense expense for the struggling couple as they opt for store bought fish as opposed to fresh market produce.

Talking about the scenes with the Mirror, Jessica Raine and Damien Molony, who play Zoe and Dan, pointed out a significant hidden detail in the opening moments of the show.

Damien, 42, said: “We had a great opportunity to rehearse before we went out with Tom George, our director. We talked a lot about their past and about their relationship and the fact that, you know, they probably hadn’t had sex in about a year.

“That was a really kind of good starting point to go: ‘Oh, something’s really not right here.’ We would do some improvisations about the journey to the airport in England and what that must have been like.

“Jess had this incredible line in the improv about having to pack pasta in our luggage because we knew we wouldn’t be able to afford food on the island. So much so that they actually put it in the scene.

“So when Jessica opens her suitcase in that first scene on packing, there is pasta in the bag” to which Jessica, 44, added: “Three bags!”

Damien continued: “It was kind of those little details that started to kind of… because in TV, you don’t get that opportunity to rehearse or to really explore the world around the scenes.

“So that was really, really thrilling, and it really informed the rest of the kind of scenes that we shared together because this couple goes on a huge journey.”

Meanwhile, Jess said: “The journey of the fish is really good and I think that’s also a really good point to make about our show is the financial differences in the couples. I don’t think we see that very much.

“We often see a lot of very rich people going on holiday, but I love the reality. I mean, a lot of people are in that position where you’re like, I can’t afford €200 for the kitty and the look that we give each other, we’re just like: ‘Holy moly, this is, we’re way out of our depth’ and they don’t feel able to say.”

The drama is only going to get more intense for the couple and their friends as a synopsis teases: “Set in Greece, Two Weeks in August tells the story of a woman who goes on holiday with her family and friends to rediscover joy in her life. But, here in paradise, what starts with an illicit kiss quickly turns the dream vacation into a nightmare.

“Zoe begins to act on her deepest desires and the holiday she hoped for becomes a reckoning for a group of adults who refuse to grow up. When they discover they are trapped on the island, and become faced with real life-or-death situations, the group soon turn on each other to find out who is to blame.

“Is Zoe responsible for the drama and destruction around her or, as heaven turns to hell, are bigger forces at play? We are in Greece after all, the land of the ancient Gods…”

Two Weeks In August airs Saturday nights on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

ZARA McDermott looked proud as punch as she watched boyfriend Louis Tomlinson perform from the side of the stage.

The reality star stood in pride of place throughout his set at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland.

Zara, 28, kept it casual for the festival outing in a black cropped T-shirt teamed with low-rise green trousers.

The former Love Island star accessorised with a beige Miu Miu baseball cap while wearing her brunette hair loose over her shoulders.

Holding a can of Diet Coke, Zara appeared animated as she chatted and clapped from the VIP viewing area while watching Louis, 33, perform.

Their relationship was recently rocked by rumours Zara was more than just good friends with Joey Essex.

hot water

Zara McDermott’s fury over online storm after ‘innocent’ pics with Joey Essex

proud partner

Zara McDermott pays rare tribute to Louis Tomlinson after his tour troubles

The pair formed a tight-knit bond after meeting while starring together on ITV’s Cooking With The Stars.

In pictures taken after filming wrapped on the reality show, Zara and Joey were seen together, with him leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

Zara was met with furious trolling despite multiple reports insisting the snaps were completely innocent.

Zara and Louis were first linked in March 2025 after fans noticed they had followed each other on Instagram, with many believing the pair were introduced through the singer’s sisters.

The couple have proved an unlikely match given the singer’s past views on Love Island, the ITV2 dating show that made her famous in 2018.

When Zara’s series came to an end, Louis publicly celebrated online, tweeting: “Can I just say, thank f**k Love Island is over!”

He later doubled down on his criticism of the programme, claiming the hit reality series was “not a good message for the younger people watching”.

Casualty returned to screens on Saturday night, after being pulled from BBC schedules last week

Long-running medical drama Casualty returned to screens on Saturday, with fans left in tears.

The hit BBC series focuses on staff at the Accident and Emergency department of the fictional Holby City Hospital, as they deal with serious and often emotional cases.

Casualty’s latest boxset, Lethal Legacy, was briefly paused last week, as it made way for the BBC’s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Now, the beloved drama has returned, much to the delight of fans. However, a heartbreaking twist was in store for two beloved characters.

During the latest episode (May 23), Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) discovered that Matty Linlaker (Aron Julius) had covered for her previous mistake.

Stevie notably administered too much morphine to a young girl who was saved from an explosion by Teddy Gowan (Milo Clarke).

As her confidence was given a further blow by a troubling letter, Stevie feared that revealing the truth could bring other secrets to light.

Meanwhile in the NICU ward, Faith Dean (Kirsty Mitchell) was hopeful that her baby, Pearl, could be discharged soon, but Rash Masum (Neet Mohan) warned that she still needed to learn how to feed properly.

Later, as Rash performed a lumbar puncture on another baby, Faith alerted him to the fact that Pearl was choking. After a few moments, Pearl stopped breathing, with Rash and the fellow doctors quickly springing into action.

Faith’s husband, Iain (Michael Stevenson), eventually made it to the NICU to find his devastated wife in tears. Rash then confirmed that Pearl had suffered a cardiac arrest, but was stable.

Viewers were quickly left feeling emotional, with one X (formerly Twitter) user writing: “Poor Pearl omg.”

Another wrote: “Pearl!” alongside several crying emojis. A third said: “Iain [sad emoji]. Faith [sad emoji]. Thank Goodness Pearl’s okay!”

Someone else commented: “The sigh of relief when they said Pearl was okay,” with a fifth viewer saying: “Looking forward to Kirsty shattering my heart into pieces.”

Meanwhile, another viewer shared their concerns about another new mum called Mia Stern (Macadie Amoroso).

“Got a horrible feeling we’re going to have a Baby Snatching Storyline,” they wrote, with another adding: “Yeah that Mia was a bit sketchy.”

Someone else added: “Why do I have a HORRIBLE feeling Faith is walking out of that hospital with no intention of coming back soon after what just happened to Pearl. I hope I’m VERY wrong.”

Does newcomer Mia have an ulterior motive, and has Faith walked out on her family? We’ll have to wait and see.

Casualty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Danny Dyer is hosting new ITV quiz show, Nobody’s Fool, with Emily Atack

ITV viewers looking for their next game show need look no further as Danny Dyer’s brand new quiz show, Nobody’s Fool, is starting tonight.

Nobody’s Fool, which is hosted by Danny, 48, and Emily Atack, sees ten contestants take part in the strategic quiz show with a big twist.

In the programme, the fate of the contestants isn’t decided by how smart they are but rather how smart their fellow contestants think they are.

During the quiz show, players must determine who is the weakest amongst them and eliminate them in a brutal twist.

Host Danny said of the new series: “This is a blinder of a game show and unlike anything I’ve seen before.

“Emily and I had a brilliant time making it and much like the audience at home will be, we were kept guessing right until the very end.”

As Danny hosts the new show, as well as currently appearing on hit series Rivals as Freddie Jones, where Emily also stars as Sarah Stratton, let’s take a look at the former EastEnders star’s life off-screen…

Who is Danny’s wife?

Danny and Joanne Mas are childhood sweethearts who first crossed paths when they were just 14 years old. The pair eventually started dating in 1992 and welcomed their first child, Dani, in 1996.

Nevertheless, Danny and Joanne parted ways shortly after their daughter arrived. However, the pair eventually got back together and welcomed second daughter Sunnie Jo in 2007, followed by son Arty in 2014.

Joanne, who had worked as a financial adviser before Danny shot to stardom, popped the question to her now-husband on Valentine’s Day in 2015, in a daring gesture that the actor said he “loved.”

Danny and Joanne exchanged vows in Hampshire in September 2016, surrounded by their nearest and dearest, with the ceremony featured in HELLO! Magazine.

On the day, Danny shared with the publication: “To be standing here with the girl I grew up with – looking so beautiful in her wedding dress – that is a lovely thing. Jo is my best girl – the love of my life. Without her, I would be nothing.”

Who are Danny’s children?

Danny and Joanne’s three children have taken after their father’s celebrated career, with eldest daughter Dani, 29, having established her own path in the limelight. She triumphed on Love Island in 2018 and also recently took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Danny and Dani also have their own shows together, including The Dyers’ Caravan Park, Absolutely Dyer: Danny & Dani do Italy, as well as their podcast Live and Let Dyers.

Dani also works as an influencer, having collaborated with brands including InTheStyle. The 29-year-old is mother to son Santiago, whom she shares with former partner Sammy Kimmence, plus twin daughters Star and Summer, with husband Jarrod Bowen. Dani and West Ham United footballer Jarrod, 29, tied the knot in 2025.

Meanwhile, Sunnie, now 19, regularly displays her passion for fashion and travel on social media, much like her elder sister, and has begun attending red carpet events with her renowned dad, including his recent film premieres. She also featured on ITV’s Big Star’s Little Star in 2015.

The youngest of the Dyer family, Arty, 12, has already made his cinematic debut, having appeared alongside Danny in the film Marching Powder last year.

Danny has discussed being a devoted grandfather to Dani’s children, disclosing he cares for the three youngsters when Dani and Jarrod are both away.

Speaking on KISS FM, the EastEnders actor previously said: “Dani’s going to Germany, and so I’ve got all the grandkids. It’ll be hard work trying to watch it with three kids under three in my house, a barking bulldog, a ten-year-old son, and a menopausal wife. Wish me luck, everyone, because that’s a combination that, init.”

Nobody’s Fool launches on Saturday 23 May at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

LEE Andrews has been BLOCKED by the ‘biker babe’ he followed on social media – in a most recent twist to the bizarre tale.

The ‘missing’ husband of Katie Price appeared to briefly return to social media again today when a glam US Navy Veteran was no longer on his following list.

However, The Sun can reveal Marisol blocked Lee’s account.

When users block someone on Instagram, they are automatically unfollowed and removed from following them.

Fans were baffled with Lee seemed to have added Marisol — despite Katie‘s claims he’s been kidnapped.

Before then, Lee’s account only followed Katie – who says she hasn’t heard from her other half since Wednesday, May 13.

WHO IS SHE?

Lee Andrews’ ‘biker babe’ posts crypt message as mystery swirls over ‘arrest’

banged up?

Katie Price disputes claim made by Lee’s dad that he’s locked up in Dubai prison

Marisol reached out to The Sun and thanked us for making her aware of Andrews’ background.

She confirmed she does not know Andrews and has never exchanged messages with him – and has now blocked him.

Earlier today Katie clashed with Lee’s dad over her husband’s whereabouts after claims he’d been arrested.

A missing persons’ report was filed with the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates city and three days ago Dubai police denied he’d been detained.

However, a police insider has since told the Daily Mail: “Lee Andrews has been arrested.”

His dad Peter claimed: “Lee is OK. 

“He has not been kidnapped but he is under arrest. I don’t know on what charge.

“I’m not sure where he is being held. But he will call me later today.

“He is not at my house.”

However, Katie hit back on social media hours later, insisting: “This is fake news.

“Lee is still missing. Me and his family know what’s going on and working
with the authorities involved.”

Katie’s last contact with Andrews came when he claimed he had been arrested and taken to a “black site”.

Britain’s Got Talent fans have been left baffled after grandad Frankie and grandson Lucciano were missing from the semi-final line-up and the duo have now addressed their absence

Fans of Britain’s Got Talent have been left scratching their heads after a popular grandfather and grandson act failed to appear in the line-up for tonight’s semi-final.

ITV has announced that The Hawkstone Farmers Choir will face off against leading drone art specialists Celestial, sideshow and suspension pair Baron and Vesper, magician Jake Banfield, vocalist James Miller, schoolboy dancer Juan Carlos, Japanese comic Mr Cherry and rock boyband SOS in tonight’s (Saturday, May 23). last live semi-final of the series.

Yet fans were swift to spot that Lucciano and Frankie were absent from the roster, despite receiving four enthusiastic yeses from the judging panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI during their audition.

During their initial appearance, Lucciano revealed to the star-studded panel that his passion for singing stemmed from performances at care homes alongside his grandfather during the school breaks. The youngster then delighted both the crowd and his grandfather by inviting him to share the stage.

The duo delivered a rendition of One Direction’s History, earning a standing ovation, and supporters are now questioning their absence from the semi-final line-up, reports Bristol Live.

Flooding social media, one puzzled viewer wrote: “I’m surprised the little boy and his grandad haven’t been chosen for the semis.” Another questioned: “What happened to the boy and his grandad!? Whatttt.”

A third enquired: “Where is the boy and his grandad?” while a fourth asked: “Is this the last semi final? Where is that sweet boy and his grandad?”

Following their disappointment at not securing a place in the BGT semi-finals, Frankie and Lucciano have reached out to their supporters with a heartfelt message, posted on both their Instagram accounts alongside a touching photograph from their audition performance.

The extensive post stated: “ANNOUNCEMENT. NO SEMI FINAL FOR LUCCIANO and GRANDAD. 4 yeses from the judges, a viral social media explosion, the whole nation routing for us and over 50 MILLION views across all social platforms.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t made it through to the semi-finals amongst such an incredible and talented group of acts on Series 19. What an AMAZING opportunity and experience to take away with me forever. Surprising my Grandad was truly magical and performing in front of Simon Cowell was a dream come true @simoncowell.

“Thank you all so much for the support – the likes, the love, the shares, the follows and all the positive comments. Me and my Grandad want to thank each and every one of you for all the love and support you’ve shown us.

“A huge thank you to @bgt for the opportunity and for believing in me, thank you to the team behind the show, all of the show producers, researchers, camera crew and the one and only @antanddec for making it such a fantastic journey for me. So… what’s next for Lucciano and Frankie?. STAY TUNED. #sharethelove #dream#happyplace #singing #surprise.””

The Britain’s Got Talent grand finale takes place next Saturday, May 30 at 7pm, when the 2026 champion will be crowned. Last year, magician Harry Moulding secured the title and walked away with a life-changing £250,000 prize and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Britain’s Got Talent continues tonight on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm

A British historical fantasy drama series has left viewers on the edge of their seats

Fans of period dramas have been eagerly binge-watching a beloved series.

Britannia is a British historical fantasy drama created by Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth. The series is set in 43 AD, when the Romans invaded Britain – 90 years after Julius Caesar failed to conquer the nation.

General Aulus Plautius and his second-in-command, Lucius, are hell-bent on succeeding where Julius Caesar fell short, by whatever means necessary.

The series chronicles Rome’s conquest of the Celts across the British Isles – “a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld,” according to the official synopsis.

Celtic rivals Kerra and Antedia eventually join forces to repel the Roman invasion spearheaded by Aulus. But are they successful? You’ll need to tune in to find out, reports Wales Online.

Britannia originally aired on Sky Atlantic in the UK in 2018, with two further series following in 2019 and 2021. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the mystical era of the Roman Empire, all 27 episodes are now available to stream on NOW and Sky Go.

The programme boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring David Morrissey as Aulus Plautius, Hugo Speer as Lucius, and Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly as Kerra. Further stars include Aaron Pierre, Zoë Wanamaker, Mackenzie Crook, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Barry Ward, Stanley Weber, Joe Armstrong, Eleanor Worthington Cox, and Ian McDiarmid.

The production was largely shot across Wales and the Czech Republic. In Wales, the dramatic coastline and untamed landscapes were captured in rural settings, including the nation’s “most beautiful” beach Rhossili Bay, along with Henrhyd Falls and Nash Point.

Britannia garnered a broadly favourable response following its launch, with numerous critics labelling it “the new Game of Thrones”.

Viewers have similarly praised the series, with one IMDb user commenting: “What an epic series! You’ll definitely not regret watching this show. It’s perfect.”

Another wrote: “Excellent production, breathtaking locations, amazing cast. One of the best series I have watched in a while,” while a third remarked: “A magical retelling of British history. Game of Thrones fans will love this.”

A further viewer posted: “One of the best series ever! Captivating story telling with superb locations. A wild tale brought to life. Couldn’t stop watching. I’m hooked!”

A fifth enthusiast concurred, stating: “The show is brilliant, the actors are phenomenal. Crazy, funny, and steamy. Total masterpiece.”

Yet another viewer noted: “Britannia is a mesmerising historical fantasy series that masterfully blends myth, mysticism, and warfare. The series stands out for its bold storytelling, rich character development and immersive soundtrack. If you’re a fan of historical dramas with a touch of the mystical, Britannia is a must-watch.”

Britannia is available to stream on NOW and Sky Go

Emily Atack is starring in the highly anticipated second season of Disney+’s Rivals, and has been giving a rare insight into her wedding plans with fiancé Dr Alistair Garner

The Inbetweeners star Emily Atack, 36, faces a hectic period both professionally and personally. The actress is currently organising her upcoming nuptials to partner Dr Alistair Garner, while her Rivals storyline, where she plays Sarah Stratton, intensifies.

She’s also presenting ITV’s new strategic reality quiz, Nobody’s Fool, alongside fellow Rivals star Danny Dyer, 48.

Emily, who gave birth to her first child, a son named Barney, with Alistair in 2024, has been sharing behind-the-scenes secrets from the Disney+ adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s steamy novel, while offering a glimpse into her wedding preparations.

The actress joined her on-screen husband Rufus Jones, 51, on the Rivals Season 2 Official Podcast to chat about the opening episodes of the latest series, including several explicit nude sequences.

Rufus was asked about the moment his character, Paul Stratton, danced around in the buff following a shower, leading Emily to reveal that she’d witnessed the actor unclothed “more than my own partner” in recent months.

The star acknowledged that the striking scene represented “his first day” of shooting series two, remarking: “It’s very funny, I’ve done quite a lot of nudity in my career”, to which Emily interjected: “I’ve seen you naked more than my own partner this year!”

Rufus chuckled and responded: “I know, it’s slightly weird. I’ve done it about 10 times!” The actor revealed that filming the scene proved particularly challenging as the shower was considerably smaller than anticipated, leaving him with limited space to perform.

Meanwhile, Emily’s character Sarah has been wrestling with the revelation that she’s expecting a baby, while simultaneously attempting to safeguard her television career.

The actress explained that she tapped into her own personal journey of first-time motherhood for the storyline “because it really, genuinely gave me that real emotion”.

This follows Emily previously admitting she finds it difficult to look at her baby son “without crying”, as she “loves him so much”.

Beyond the Rutshire universe, Emily has disclosed that her wedding to fiancé Alistair is scheduled for September this year.

She told Luxury London in a recent interview: “I think I’ve nailed it. We’re getting married in September.”

The star continued: “I’ve very much enjoyed the planning process. Choosing napkins and stuff. I’m like, ‘My God, my life is here!'”

Emily and Danny Dyer’s new programme Nobody’s Fool launches on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Saturday.

Irish media personality Vogue Williams told her sister, Amber, she’d crossed paths with Joanna Lumley, the Absolutely Fabulous star, at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Vogue Williams has admitted she “considered it” as she opened up about a moment she “stared hard” at Joanna Lumley. Her remarks came during a recent chat with her sister, Amber Wilson, in which Vogue revealed she ran into the Absolutely Fabulous star at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Held on the banks of the River Thames, the world-renowned flower show aims to “inspire, educate and excite visitors about horticulture” — and it often attracts famous faces and members of the Royal Family.

Among the star-studded line-up this year were King Charles and Queen Camilla, Sir David Beckham, artist Grayson Perry, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Dianne Buswell, TV star Myleene Klass, and presenters Angela Rippon and Ruth Langsford.

Vogue was left starstruck when she spotted Great British Bake Off legend Mary Berry. Vogue told the Vogue & Amber podcast: “Anyway, so the flower show. So, we’re just walking around the flower show. There’s Mary Berry.

“There’s bloody Mary Berry in front. No, don’t say bloody that. You can’t say that in front of her name. God. God. There’s Queen Mary Berry. She’s so slight and lovely and petite and just looked so… like, she looked gorgeous.”

Elaborating on her encounter with Joanna, she added: “And then took…took a lot of might not to go up to her. A lot of might. And I mean we stared hard; Joanna Lumley.”

A clearly impressed Amber noted that she would have “made an exception” to snag a photo with Joanna. But Vogue explained that she didn’t like “interrupting people”.

She added: “We did. We considered it. We did. And we stared…we stared her down as hard as we could, but I just… I feel like… I feel like there’s, I don’t know. I just liked…

“I don’t like interrupting people when they’re just trying to have a nice time. You know what I mean?”

Amber suggested that Joanna would have “liked that”, although she admitted that she didn’t think the actress’ personality was similar to the characters she has played over the years.

As the pair shared a laugh while recounting an old episode of Absolutely Fabulous, Amber described the series as an “absolute banger”.

In other news, Vogue, who is expecting her fourth child with husband Spencer Matthews, recently dubbed him a “sicko” as she made a swipe at the former Made in Chelsea star.

Speaking to Amber on a separate instalment of the podcast, the Irish media personality said: “When I got pregnant, my knickers all got too small for me. I had to borrow Amber’s knickers.”

Amber jokingly suggested that her sister would have to lend Spencer’s underwear before revealing he “doesn’t wear boxers”. Vogue replied: “Spenny just goes around rubbing his bum on his trousers, what a sicko.”

LEE Andrews’ dad Peter has broken his silence on the ‘disappearance’ of Katie Price’s husband – insisting his son HAS been locked up in a Dubai prison. 

Katie, 48, last week told how she believed Lee, 43, had been “kidnapped” as a missing persons’ report was filed with the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates city and three days ago Dubai police denied he’d been detained.

Now Peter has claimed Lee is being held by police, telling the Daily Mail: “Lee is OK. 

“He has not been kidnapped but he is under arrest. I don’t know on what charge.

“I’m not sure where he is being held. But he will call me later today.

“He is not at my house.”

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A police insider told the publication: “Lee Andrews has been arrested.”

As part of her investigation exposing Lee as a conman, The Sun’s Clemmie Moodie reported that he is laying low in a run-down villa in Dubai and hasn’t been snatched as part of a nefarious plot which wife Katie has been led to believe. 

Last night Lee made a return to social media after eight days – following a mystery woman named Marisol.

Katie is said to be disgusted and incensed after “kidnapped” hubby Lee reappeared online.

His shock return came on worried Katie’s 48th birthday. In the early hours fans spotted Andrews had added Marisol — and they alerted Katie.

It appears Marisol previously used an online matchmaking service for millionaires.

Katie’s last contact with Andrews came when he claimed he had been arrested and taken to a “black site”.

JEFF Brazier has just shared a trio of adorable photos of his son Bobby spending time with his niece Isla Jade.

The sweet snaps come shortly after Jeff’s other son, Freddy, announced that he had split from Isla’s mother, Holly Swinburn, again.

In two of the photos, Bobby is holding Isla and looking down at her lovingly.

A third shows Bobby laying on the floor with Isla as she reaches her hand out to him while on a baby mat.

Bobby grins widely at little Isla, who was bundled up into a beige babygrow.

Jeff lovingly wrote in the caption: “Uncle Bobby x Isla Jade,” followed y a love heart emoji.

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Fans of the family gushed in the post’s comments section about how wholesome the snaps were.

One user said: “Heart melting.”

A second shared: “So precious… an unbreakable bond.”

A third added: “Stop it. So so beautiful.”

Race Across The World star Freddy and Holly welcomed baby Isla into the world back in March.

The pair have been on/off for the past year having previously split while Holly was pregnant.

They then split again briefly just weeks after Holly gave birth

Their most recent split comes three months after Isla’s birth, with a source telling The Sun that this time the break up is ‘for good’.

The source said: “It’s all over again sadly, they’ve been rowing and fighting and it just all got too much.

“Everyone hopes they can put their issues behind them to co-parent.”

The couple were also reported to have not spoken since the fiery argument.

The source added: “They have split for good. Holly and Freddy just can’t make a relationship work. They’re both too young and similar.

“It all ended after a huge row. They had a fight that got really nasty. Since the row they haven’t seen each other or spoken.

“Friends and family really hope this is the end for them.”