Before Paul Mescal became a blockbuster star in films like Gladiator II and Aftersun, he played a supporting role in a gripping Irish psychological thriller now streaming on Channel 5
The drama is streaming on Channel 5 now(Image: Channel 5)
Fans of the Heartthrob Irish actor, best known for his break out role in Normal People, should turn to this lesser known thriller for the perfect binge-watch.
Actor Paul Mescal who has since appeared in the likes of Gladiator II, Hamnet and Aftersun plays a supporting role in this TV series, portraying the character of Sean McKeogh, a local builder in Ireland and volunteer firefighter.
He serves as Ophelia, the protagonists’ confidant and the person she turns to for support as she attempts to uncover the truth behind a devastating death.
The Deceived, released in 2020, follows her time as a university student who becomes romantically entangled with her married lecturer Michael Callaghan, at Cambridge University. Although, her Irish lecturer is from the fictional village of Knockdara in County Donegal, where most of the show is set.
Inevitably, their affair spirals into tragedy, leaving her ensnared in an ever-growing web of deceit and gaslighting, caught up in a dangerous power struggle with her secret lover, and now, a murder case.
Written by the same writer behind the award-winning Irish television series Derry Girls, this show offers something entirely distinct, yet is every bit as deserving of a binge-watch session.
The Deceived is a 2020 mini-series that unfolds a psychological thriller across four episodes. Since its release, the Irish-British production has largely slipped under the radar, despite having a popular actor.
A review of the programme on IMDb compares the story to that of Rebecca, claiming that the show clearly draws on it as inspiration. They wrote: “This is a spooky thriller with obvious references to Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I loved it.
“I don’t get the negative reviews. It had good twists and turns. I thought the acting was very good. I looked forward to each episode.
“It was rather unsettling at times, best watched in the company of someone else, not by yourself. If you like Rebecca you’ll love this. Loved the ending.”
Another reads: “This was a truly excellent four part drama, The Deceived is a smart, creepy, sinister series, which will have you gripped until its conclusion. I would agree with the comments about this having more than a hint of Rebecca about it, very much so, and despite being set in modern day, the story has a wonderful vintage feel to it, it could have been written in 1946.
“Very nicely produced, well made, very well acted indeed, Emmett J Scanlan gives a very good, captivating performance throughout.”
Joining Mescal in the cast are Emmet J Canlan as the lecturer and Emily Reid as the student, alongside Eleanor Methven, Catherine Walker and Ciara Berkeley. While critical reception has largely celebrated the performances of those involved, the majority of complaints appear to be directed at weaknesses in the script and storyline.
A critic points out: “The script is very underwhelming as some conversations are awkward and cut way too short with unanswered questions. It’s very unnatural and makes everyone seem odd and disconnected from each other.”
As a series that flew largely under the radar following its ill-timed release during the pandemic, it seems the show is still waiting to reach the wider audience it deserves. If nothing else, devoted Paul Mescal fans would do well to seek it out and witness one of his lesser-known early roles, before he rose to become the Hollywood heavyweight he is today.
All four episodes of The Deceived are available to stream now for free on Channel 5.
Greg James has shared details from inside Taylor Swift’s wedding – including what the cake and food was like and that guests were dancing on-stageCredit: PATaylor and Travis Kelce tied the knot last Friday at Madison Square GardenCredit: Getty
And returning to the airwaves, the radio star finally divulged on what the nuptials were really like.
Beginning with his shock to actually be invited, he said: “I still can’t quite believe that it happened, it does feel like an amazingly strange but exciting dream.
“First things first, it was unbelievable fun, that’s the main headline, It was so fun.”
Greg attended with his wife Bella MackieCredit: InstagramHe said that newlyweds Taylor and Travis ‘looked amazing’ and were having a great time on the dance floorCredit: GettyTaylor has been interviewed by Greg several times and publicly joked on air last year that he could come alongCredit: InstagramBut revealing it wasn’t a joke, Greg confirmed over the weekend via Instagram that he was in attendanceCredit: Instagram
“Everyone is texting saying stop playing songs, just give us the wedding tea, and we’ll do that now,” said Greg on his breakfast show, who went on to reveal he actually received the invitation back in March.
Greg then said he couldn’t tell anyone about the invite, other than his wife who was coming along.
Divulging on the day itself, he explained: “Then we got to the weekend of it, now obviously, I don’t want to be the guy that ruins this for everyone and then Taylor never speaks to me again.
“Because it was a wedding and there’s lots of nice family things that they did, so I don’t want to speak about all that stuff but I can give you some fun stuff.
“I did speak to Taylor and I spoke to Travis, but look, on a wedding you know the bride and groom are very busy, so imagine that, but the bride and groom are Taylor and Travis.”
Greg continued: “They were just having a great time, they both looked amazing, they were on the dance floor, it was great.”
When quizzed over what food was served inside the reception, Greg admitted he didn’t want to give too much away, but confirmed it wasn’t a traditional sit-down meal.
“It wasn’t a sit-down dinner, I’ll say that. There were multiple cakes, there were a thousand people, there were loads of cakes,” said Greg of the food.
And it was a free bar, too, as he laughed: “Great food, unlimited food and drinks. The first 10,000 drinks were free.”
Greg then revealed that there was a stage at the reception that guests were encouraged to dance on top of.
He said: “There was an open invitation to get up on the stage and dance while the DJ was on, and I did. All the songs.”
Greg also divulged that he was sitting with Hugh Grant to watch the ceremony part of the day.
Following the wedding, Greg admitted he was suffering from quite the hangover as he took to Instagram to confirm his attendance.
During the press run for her latest album Life of a Showgirl, Taylor stopped in for a chat with Greg, who has interviewed her a few times before.
At the end of their segment together, Greg joked that he would love to meet NFL star Travis.
Taylor then made the executive decision to jokingly invite him to their wedding – but it turned out to be legitimate as he got the invite months later.
COMMUTERS were left stunned when they realised they were sharing a train platform with A-list acting royalty.
One eagle-eyed passenger spotted a Hollywood star casually waiting at the station before boarding a train – but would you recognise her?
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Tourists were left shocked when they spotted a major Hollywood actress in a Paris train station recentlyCredit: TikTok/@livingthedevinelifeMargot Robbie was simply amongst other commuters as she kept a low profile in a hat and floral dressCredit: TikTok/@livingthedevinelife
With no security team in sight and not even a friend with her, Margot Robbie was seen alone at a Paris train station.
Disguised beneath a huge floppy hat, the actress blended into the commuters going through the station as she patiently waited for her train to arrive.
The 35-year-old stood scrolling on her phone, seemingly oblivious to both the video being recorded and the excited fans around her.
An onlooker later shared the clip online, soundtracked by a song from Barbie, the blockbuster film in which Margot famously starred.
Margot is known for appearing in blockbusters such as Wuthering Heights and BarbieCredit: GettyShe spent time in France earlier this year for Paris Fashion Week and has been in the country gearing up for the new Ocean’s 11 prequel, which will begin filming in ParisCredit: Alamy
In the short video, the fan appeared unable to believe their luck after spotting the Australian-born actress.
Fans quickly took to the comments to speculate about why Margot might be in the French capital, with one suggesting she is likely gearing up for filming of the new Ocean’s 11 prequel.
Production on the prequel is expected to begin in Paris in July before moving to the south of France,
The movie is set at the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix and filming is set to take place in Nice and Monaco from August to October.
The film, which Margot is producing and which stars and is directed by Bradley Cooper, is due for release nextsummer.
Another commenter said the fan should have introduced themselves, before sharing their own story about meeting the actress.
They wrote: “In 2022, I met her and her husband in a small pub in the Lake District, of all places.
“I had just got engaged 10 minutes earlier, so everything already felt surreal. I went over to her table and told her about the engagement. She was the first person I told and the first person to congratulate me.
“She introduced herself and was just so, so lovely. I love telling that story.”
AS one of the most talked-about, celebrated and frequently derided pop stars of all time, returning with her first album in seven years is a high-stakes move for Madonna.
The Queen of Pop has never left it so long between albums in her 43-year career. And she has taken an even bigger risk by recording a follow-up to her much-lauded 2005 dance-pop opus, Confessions On A Dancefloor.
Madonna addresses everything from how she failed her eldest daughter Lourdes to her regrets over her relationship with her late brother in Confessions IICredit: UnknownMadonna with daughter Lourdes, who joins her on touching track The TestCredit: Laurent VU/SIPA/Shutterstock
But rather than playing it safe, Confessions II sees her doing just that — confessing.
She addresses everything from how she failed her eldest daughter Lourdes to her regrets over her relationship with her late brother, Christopher Ciccone.
And also, surprisingly, how her first husband, Sean Penn, 65, made her feel during their short-lived marriage.
The most venom-tongued track is titled Bizarre, in which she squarely attacks the Hollywood A-lister, who she was married to from 1985 to 1989.
She references the 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible she gave him as a wedding gift and his conviction for reckless driving in 1987.
And she also lays into how Penn was “threatened” by her and claims he resented her while they were together.
Madge sings: “Love is the strangest thing. Just when you think you’ve finally let go, it comes back to you.
“Movie star, deep blue eyes. In Hollywood, we’re a perfect prize.
“He drove way too fast, Shelby Cobra wasn’t meant to last.”
Earlier the lyrics had turned to anger, as she sings: “Roll out the carpet for us, but you don’t share it.
“All ’cause you’re threatened by me, you won’t admit it.
“The little things that you do don’t make me want you. Who knew love could be so bizarre?”
And in a later verse, she adds: “I know I left you behind and you resent me.
“A thousand reasons why you could never have me.
“The thought of being with you is so indecent. I guess you’ll never know my dirty little secret.”
Penn isn’t the only subject of her scorn, with Betrayal appearing to be about her stepmum Joan, who died in 2024 while the album was being made. Madonna did not attend her funeral.
Madonna as a toddler on her mum’s lap on Christmas DayCredit: Instagram/PLANET PHOTOSExes Sean Penn and Madonna reunite at an exhibition in New York in 2013Credit: Getty Images
The singer was five years old when she lost her mum — who she was named after — to breast cancer. Three years later, in 1966, her dad Silvio married Joan, who worked briefly for the family as a housekeeper.
In the opening verse of Betrayal, Madonna sings: “This is a story of betrayal. You couldn’t see your fall from grace.
“So take the hammer, hit the nail. You’ll never take my mother’s place.”
And later in the track, she adds: “You betrayed me, you enslaved me.”
Madonna’s most venom-tongued track is titled Bizarre, in which she squarely attacks PennCredit: Warner Records/Boy Toy via APThe superstar with brother Christopher at an awards afterparty in Beverly Hills in 1997Credit: Gary Friedman
But Madonna, 67, shows her softer side on The Test, which sees her and Lourdes, 29 — the eldest of her six kids — open up about their at-times difficult relationship.
On how her daughter was thrust into the limelight because of her own fame, Madonna sings: “Little star, I tried to put you on a pedestal, you didn’t ask for all the flashing lights.
“I didn’t think of how we could disturb, or how it hurt. I wish I knew the pain I caused.”
She continues: “Sometimes I think you wish I’d go away, but the shadow stays, and it’s OK to be yourself.”
Madge also appears to touch on her 2023 brush with death, when she was found unresponsive at her New York apartment and placed into a coma after suffering from an infection that led to sepsis.
Lourdes, 29, who Madonna had with fitness trainer Carlos Leon, was among those that rallied around her in hospital.
Madonna sings: “You made me whole when I was broken, too. I hope and pray I can do the same for you.”
Paying tribute to her mum, Lourdes sings: “You are my reason to be, what I want or look like, what I wear, all the clothes on my back, and what I attract.
Betrayal appears to be about her stepmum Joan, seen here with Madonna’s dad SilvioCredit: UnknownMadge’s Love Sensation appears to be a tribute to her boyfriend Akeem Morris, 30Credit: Unknown
“I trace the line of what you have sewn. Keep my own design. Make it a landscape. Make it alive.”
Elsewhere on the album Madonna makes peace with Christopher, who she was accused of “dropping” as her creative director in the early-2000s, and who later wrote a book titled Life With My Sister Madonna.
The once-close pair never fully repaired their relationship and he died of cancer at the age of 63, in October 2024 although she says he now visits her in her dreams.
On the song Fragile, she sings: “We shared a name, a home. We shared a fragile bond, now you’re gone.
“We laughed, we cried, we held each other’s hands. We had each other’s eyes and they belonged
“This is the time I hate the most, the words inside my heart
“I know you’re fragile ’cause you’ve been hurt, been let down.”
At the end of the track, she adds: “Late last night I was fast asleep, you came to me in a dream.
“You said don’t forget about me, don’t forget to be happy.
“So I hope you found a higher ground.”
The 16-track album clocks in at almost 64 minutes, and is a metaphor for a night out, starting with the heavy, pulsating beats of a club.
Then the final five songs represent the evening winding down, with Madonna spilling out her deepest feelings with the bravery and vulnerability that comes from a night of loud, messy partying.
When she reaches the last track L.E.S. Girl — about her life pre-fame on the Lower East Side of New York — you can hear traffic beeping, signalling she is finally on her way home as the morning rush hour starts.
It’s a neat arc for the ambitious album, which she once again made with English producer and songwriter Stuart Price, who she teamed up with on the first Confessions album.
But this record is much darker, heavier and grown-up.
And as well as being symbolic of a single night out, Madonna uses it to represent key parts of her life and the moments that have made her.
The most brilliantly bombastic highlight comes in Danceteria — named after the New York nightclub where she found her friends in the industry and where DJs played her music for the first time.
It’s a feel-good number with a Vogue-style rap and namechecks for everyone from her pal Debi Mazar to artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and even The B-52s.
Another highlight comes with Love Sensation, which appears to be a tribute to her boyfriend, Akeem Morris, 30.
She started dating the former football player in 2024, two years after ending a three-year romance with dancer Ahlamalik Williams, 31, and they now live together in London.
Madonna sings: “When I feel alone I always want to bring you near ’cause you bring a smile right here. You chase away my darkest hours.”
And in the chorus she continues: “Baby, come and get with me, there’s something that I gotta do.
“Baby, when you’re here with me, there’s nothing that we cannot do.”
So far in her career Madonna has sold 450million albums, and counting.
And with this project, she proves there is still plenty of passion, ambition and talent.
Undoubtedly it is her most cohesive and accomplished album since the original Confessions, 21 years ago.
And long may the Queen of Pop continue to reign.
LOVE, BETRAYAL AND ECSTASY ON SWEET 16
I Feel So Free: The opening track, released in April, is a throbbing song with breathy vocals and a sample of the 1989 Lil Louis acid house track French Kiss, complete with orgasm. It’s a statement of what’s to come as she says: “On the dancefloor, I feel so free.”
Good For The Soul: Heavy-sounding verses make way for a buoyant and optimistic pop chorus, all about how important letting your hair down is. It was written on her first session for the record.
One Step Away: Madonna dives headfirst into house music on this pulsating track about the release she feels in a nightclub. Over the beat, she utters: “The dance floor is not just a place, it’s a threshold. A ritualistic space where movement replaces language.”
Bring Your Love: The credibly cool lead single featuresSabrina Carpenter, uniting two generations of pop stars who are resolute in their determination not to be swayed by naysayers. In the chorus they say: “Bring your love ’cause you cannot shake me. Bring your love ’cause you’ll never break me.”
Danceteria: “Everyone here is a work of art,” Madonna sings on this wonderfully poppy single, inspired by the New York nightclub she went to as a youngster.
Read My Lips: Spanish guitar and a guest appearance from Colombian singer Feid give this a different feel, though there’s a Latin trap beat to keep the party going. It’s clear Madge isn’t happy on it, though, singing: “You cut me with your lies, ’cause you hurt me with your kiss.”
Everything: It opens with strings reminiscent of her 1992 track Deeper And Deeper, but evolves to have regular house music breakdowns fit for a packed Ibiza dancefloor. And she’s worked up, spitting: “It’s not OK, I don’t f*** with it.”
Love Sensation: Pop makes a return on this heart-warming crowd-pleaser. “There’s nothing that we cannot do,” she repeats as the track builds to euphoric choruses. This is destined to be a future single.
Love Without Words: An ode to partying, starts with the sound of smoke being pumped on to a dance floor. “Call it trance, call it house, call it love without words,” she sings.
Bizarre: Madonna teamed up with super-producer Martin Garrix for this revenge track about her ex Sean Penn. The melody, complemented by strings and hints of EDM production, is enough to have people throwing their hands in the air.
School: “I can make moves on the dance floor, I can make love on a man’s floor,” she breathlessly coos on this track, on which her vocals are heavily distorted. It’s one of the weaker songs.
Fragile: There’s a major change of pace with break beats and strings, as she sweetly sings about her late brother Christopher. Her voice truly takes centre stage here.
My Sins Are My Savior: She is joined by Belgian rapper Stromae on this dark and moody track, which wouldn’t sound out of place on 1992’s Erotica album. Reflecting on the criticism in her career, she sings: “I was not lost, I was just broken. They tried to take me down, they tried to take my crown.”
Betrayal: She teams up with producer Mirwais, who she first worked with in 2000, on this 90s-inspired track, featuring brass and piano over bleak and mournful vocals.
The Test: Madonna has said Lourdes approached her about working together to heal their rift, and it certainly sounds cathartic. Her daughter’s voice here is far smoother, but they blend exquisitely.
L.E.S GIRL: It’s the end of the night, Madonna is on her way home and she’s reflecting on when she was a “Lower East Side girl, lost in a fragile world.” It’s a tear- jerker, and triumphant look back at how far she has come. The perfect ending.
Just weeks after Justin Bieber’s well-received Coachella headline gig, the singer played a small private event for tech, entertainment and defense industry moguls. Executives at controversial firms, such as surveillance tech giant Palantir, were also on the bill.
Bieber was a headliner at WNDR, entertainment executive Jeffrey Katzenberg’s invitation-only confab at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito last week. The programming for the event was first reported by Puck.
The ultra A-list talks and guests included director James Cameron and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts, comedians Chris Rock and Trevor Noah and artist Jeff Koons on a panel discussion with LACMA chief Michael Govan.
Bieber, meanwhile, performed a Wednesday poolside set for attendees at the Rosewood. The “Swag” singer reportedly became the highest-paid headliner in Coachella history last month, and its most lucrative merch seller.
Representatives for Bieber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
While there was lighter programming (like a karaoke party with pop producers StarGate and a talk about snacks with chef Nancy Silverton), the bill included talks and cameos from major weapons and surveillance technology firms noted for their support for — or deep engagement with — the Trump administration.
One panel featured Anduril Industries’ Palmer Luckey, who recently welcomed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to its Southern California headquarters. “We are rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom,” Hegseth said after the Anduril visit.
Palantir Chief Executive Alex Karp led another talk. Palantir’s AI-driven defense and surveillance software has faced scrutiny around how tech like its Maven Smart System may have been used to target civilians in the Iran war.
Karp also published a recent book, “The Technological Republic,” where he wrote that “We must resist the shallow temptation of a vacant and hollow pluralism. We, in America and more broadly the West, have for the past half century resisted defining national cultures in the name of inclusivity. But inclusion into what?”
