The actress has reportedly been cast as one of the four leads in Netflix’s Feral, a “darkly comedic thriller series based on a 1987 novel by Shirley Conran”, Deadline shared. The news outlet teased: “In the series, four very different women learn to survive on a lethal tropical island after their mining exec husbands are kidnapped. The question is, can they put aside their differences, their self-doubts, and their vanities to stay alive?”
Her latest reported project is based on Shirley Conran’s novel, Savages, which “deals with five women, transformed from wives of the powerful rich executives to widows in the jungle, coming face to face with the savage inside themselves”. The story has been described by readers as a “female Lord of the Flies” and has recently been adapted into a TV series.
Fans took to Goodreads to share their thoughts on the original source material, with one saying: “I keep going back to this book; I’ve probably read it 7 or 8 times. I like the way she shows the relationships and how they change. The suspense is great.
“I like how you see the strengths come out, and the frailties, and how they cope with them. I find this book inspiring. It seems like just another fluffy beach read, but these women are tested to the limit and overcome overwhelming difficulty.”
Another added: “Oh my gosh. This book was so good. Engrossing. I had trouble putting it down to do anything else. It’s going on my list of favourite books. And, it was educational. I learned a lot about wilderness living. Just wow, really.”
A third commented, “I have never forgotten this female Lord of the Flies type book. Women get stuck on a deserted island, and what issues ensue. I loved this book and especially how the power struggle shook out. One of my favourite books!”
In March 2026, Gunning opened up about how her award-winning role in Baby Reindeer changed her life and catapulted her to global fame, telling Variety Australia: “The whole of the Baby Reindeer journey was just so surreal. What an amazing thing to be part of. I don’t feel like I’ve changed as a person, but I feel like I’ve had some amazing opportunities since.
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“I was over in America loads, and haven’t been before. And also the people I’ve met and the jobs I’ve had a chance to do since have just been so lovely.” She caught the eye of directors who have offered huge opportunities, adding: ” [There have been] a few things coming in which has been lovely.
“And I’ve just had, I suppose, more and more people have got to know who I am really, which is always nice. So yeah, hopefully more interesting [projects] will come my way.”
An adaptation for Graham Norton’s best-selling novel has just been given a major update
Graham Norton’s best-selling novel has just been given a major update (Image: PA)
Channel 5 viewers have said they “can’t wait” as the release date for an exciting new series has been announced.
Graham Norton’s best-selling novel, Forever Home, is set to be released as a six-part drama, and is due to air in just days. It was earlier revealed that the cast includes Amy Nuttall, Douglas Henshall, Denise Welch, Kevin Whately, Samantha Bond, Lewis Cope, Jenny Walser, Shane Zaza and James Baxter.
Channel 5 has now teased: “Would you still want the house if you knew what it was hiding?” The broadcaster also confirmed that the series would begin airing from Monday, September 14.
“I’m really excited to watch! Looks so good! Proud of you always Lewis,” one fan said. Another commented: “Not long to go!! I can’t wait to watch.”
A third echoed: “Looking forward to this,” as another said: “Can’t wait.” Yet another wrote: “Ohh this looks good.”
Someone else said: “Cannot wait to see this, I’ve almost finished the book, what a fab writer Graham Norton is….” Another fan echoed: “Read the book hopefully it be as good.”
The synopsis had previously revealed: “The six-part series follows the story of a second wife dealing with the memories of the woman who went before her. When Carol discovers a long-dead body hidden in the basement of her home, the horrific realisation is undeniable – she’s living with a killer.
“The story that her husband’s first wife ran away never to be seen again now looks like a lie, and the fact he’s insisted on never selling the house suddenly makes sense. But one dark family secret is soon to be replaced by another…”
After the series was commissioned, chatshow host and author Graham shared: “In writing Forever Home, I was initially inspired by the simple idea of packing up a home later in life, and the ‘what if’ scenarios and complexities that come with later-life relationships. The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted, ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realised as a screenplay.”
Commissioning editor Paul Testar also commented: “We’re delighted to partner with FilmNation and The Mediapro Studio to bring Graham Norton’s compelling novel to UK screens, supported by an outstanding cast. Working with North East Screen again to champion local filming has been a pleasure, and we can’t wait for viewers to immerse themselves in Forever Home.”
Creative director of FilmNation TV UK, Kirstie Macdonald, added: “From the moment I read the always-hilarious Graham Norton’s brilliant novel, I knew I wanted to bring Forever Home to the screen. It’s a story full of twists and turns, secrets, and emotional depth that we can’t wait to bring to life for 5 audiences. We’re proud to collaborate with Clara Salaman, 5, and our partners at The Mediapro Studio on this thrilling adaptation and are grateful for the support of North East Screen.”
Forever Home airs premieres 5 on Monday, September 14 from 9pm.
The first F-15EX Eagle II destined for permanent assignment at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa departed Boeing’s St. Louis, Missouri, facility on August 28, 2026. The aircraft left St. Louis for the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, where it will undergo final staging and integration preparations before its eventual deployment to the sprawling Okinawa installation it will call home. The Oregon unit is acting as a coordination and preperation unit for the 18th Wing, a function you can read more about in our interview with the wing’s commander.
A first F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis at Boeing’s St. Louis facility. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
This departure represents a critical, long-awaited milestone for the 18th Wing, which has been working toward the permanent stationing of the service’s most advanced Eagle variant to replace its now-withdrawn F-15C/D fleet. The arrival of the F-15EX in Japan, expected to begin in fiscal year 2027, which begins on October 1, 2026, will be a central pillar in the Air Force’s modernization of tactical airpower in the Indo-Pacific region.
“This is an important next step toward bringing the F-15EX home to Kadena,” said Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, in an Air Force release. “Our team is ready to welcome the F-15EX, and this is another milestone that brings us closer to putting this capability in the hands of the airmen who will fly, maintain and employ it from Japan.”
The first F-15EX for Kadena Air Base, Japan, at Boeing’s St. Louis facility last month. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
The first F-15EX for Kadena’s 18th Wing, serial 22-0022, was noted flying test sorties from St. Louis in early August, initially in primer paint. By the middle of the month its was flying with its full livery, including the famous “ZZ” tail code.
The F-15EX is a significant jump in capability over the legacy Eagles. With modernized avionics, flight controls, an expanded electronic warfare suite, and increased weapons carriage — as well as potentially new and longer-reaching weapons — the jet is well-suited to operating in the vast Western Pacific. As Kadena prepares for the permanent arrival, the 18th Wing plans to integrate the EX with regional allies, including the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, building upon existing bilateral training exercises.
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, land at Kadena Air Base in June 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess
The F-15EX will give U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific a high-capacity platform that complements the fifth-generation F-22 and F-35. With its ability to carry large air-to-air and air-to-surface payloads, the Eagle II can serve as a long-range “missile truck,” extending the reach and firepower of stealth aircraft operating closer to contested airspace. Its open-architecture systems also allow it to incorporate new sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare capabilities more readily than the aging F-15C/D fleet.
The first F-15EX designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, is photographed at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, on August 28, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
The aircraft’s value is also tied to its role in networked operations. Exercises such as Valiant Shield have demonstrated how the F-15EX can work with uncrewed aircraft like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, pointing toward mixed formations in which crewed fighters provide weapons, sensing, and command-and-control capacity for autonomous wingmen. Operating from strategic locations such as Kadena, the Eagle II could help the Air Force generate more combat power across the vast Pacific while reducing the burden on its limited number of stealth fighters.
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II accompanies an MQ-28 Ghost Bat during the U.S.-led Valiant Shield 26 military exercise. PACAF
Kadena will become the second Air Force location with combat-coded F-15EX aircraft, following the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing.
While the movement of this first Kadena-bound F-15EX is a positive step, the wider Eagle II program is currently navigating some issues. According to a new Pentagon selected acquisition report released in August, the Air Force’s decision to aggressively expand its F-15EX fleet from 129 to 267 jets — intended to recapitalize the older F-15E force — has introduced substantial cost and schedule uncertainties that officials are now scrambling to manage.
The first F-15EX designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, before departing for Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
The report warns that the extended acquisition strategy, which shifted from eight production lots to 12, will require Boeing to execute a “major technical refresh” to combat diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages. As systems like the radar, mission computer, and engines face potential obsolescence over the now-lengthened production timeline, the service faces what the report characterizes as a “significant redesign effort.” Program managers are planning to mitigate these risks by integrating upgrades through operational flight program releases scheduled between 2031 and 2035, a strategy they describe as a “structured, risk-reduced pathway” to avoid production line gaps.
Compounding these technical challenges are tangible production delays, largely stemming from a labor strike at the St. Louis plant from August to November 2025. The report notes that these are “unrecoverable delays,” forcing a cascading schedule slip. While Boeing was contracted to deliver all 12 jets from Lot 3 by early 2026, the company will only be able to field half of those by the end of the year. This has directly impacted the timeline for the Kadena deployment, which was originally envisioned for earlier in 2026, and has left the Air Force relying on “bridging strategies” and rotations to cover operational requirements until the Eagle IIs can fully stand up in Okinawa.
The first F-15EX for Kadena Air Base, Japan, flies en route to Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, after departing Boeing’s St. Louis facility, on August 28, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez
The Pentagon is now moving toward an aggressive production ramp-up, tasking Boeing to hit a rate of two jets per month. Keeping the F-15EX schedule on track will be a challenge, however, requiring successfully navigating ongoing parts shortages for critical systems, all while balancing the needs of foreign military sales customers who are also integrated into the supply chain.
For the 18th Wing, the arrival of the first F-15EX will bring a major advance in capabilities in a part of the world that needs them badly. At the same time, the program’s overall trajectory suggests that the wider transition to the new Eagle will come with some complex logistical and industrial challenges.
The Godfather, widely considered the greatest gangster film ever made, is being shown on BBC2 tonight at 10pm – starring Marlon Brando and Al Pacino
American singer Al Martino as Johnny Fontane sings to American actress Talia Shire playing the bride Constanzia (Image: Getty Images)
The Godfather, based on the much-loved gangland crime book of the same name, is widely accepted as “the best of all time” is on BBC tonight.
The 1969 novel by Mario Puzo was adapted for screen and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The film was a smash hit and swept up during awards season with the performances revered as the best in cinema history.
With a stacked cast including Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to the film remains the gold standard for the crime genre today. One IMDb user said it is “One of the best of all time”, giving the film a solid 10/10 score.
Another wrote: “A flawless movie. This movie translates from the book perfectly!This movie made me want to be a director and create film. Everyone’s acting was perfect. To think that Puza wrote this specifically to make a hit is at first crazy.”
More than five decades since its release, The Godfather continues to command a devoted following, and tonight you can watch it on BBC Two, completely free of charge.
The story follows the shady underground world of the Corleone crime family. It scooped up three Oscars for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, with Brando also claiming Best Actor.
An IMDb review said: “A masterclass in film making, is The Godfather a contender for the best film of all time? I’d argue the case that it is, this is the ultimate gangster movie.
“Before you panic at the thought of a film being almost three hours long, you needn’t, you won’t even notice the time, it flies by. Production values are incredible, it looks sublime the whole way through, it’s so well produced, at roughly fifty years old it puts many new films to shame.
“Brandon, Pacino and Castellano, just a few of the Incredible performances, I could add a whole lot more. If you’re considering buying a hard copy, I would recommend it on blu ray, it is sharper than the dvd, there is a difference. This film has had a huge influence down the years, it is still, and will forever be, one of the greatest, 10/10. “
Another wrote: “This movie is strong, good script, great casting, excellent acting, and over the top directing. It is hard to fine a movie done this well, it is 29 years old and has aged well.
“Even if the viewer does not like mafia type of movies, he or she will watch the entire film, the audiences is glued to what will happen next as the film progresses. Its about, family, loyalty, greed, relationships, and real life. This is a great mix, and the artistic style make the film memorable.”
