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MOST childhoods for Brits were made up of reading books like The BFG, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Next year, you’ll be able to experience some true nostalgia as a new museum showcasing the work of famed illustrators, like Sir Quentin Blake, will open in the UK.

Sir Quentin Blake is well-known for illustrating lots of Roald Dahl’s books, as well as his own like the Mrs Armitage series.

Work is currently underway to open a £12.5 million centre called Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

It will be the “world’s largest dedicated space for illustration”, and the new attraction will be in Clerkenwell on a former waterworks site.

The buildings were once part of a network that supplied water across the city and was used for 400 years.

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Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026, and it’s an attraction that has been 20 years in the making.

On the project, Sir Quentin said: “I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it.

“I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language.

“Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”

Once open, the museum will have exhibitions that will feature rarely-seen works from all over the world.

Original illustrations from leading and emerging illustrators, including work loaned from Quentin Blake’s own archive, will be on show.

Also on the site will be free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library.

You can take a seat at the café which will serve up fresh food and drinks, and there will be a shop stocked with illustration gifts.

There will be illustrator residencies in London‘s oldest surviving windmill which is also on the old waterworks site in Clerkenwell.

Other events at the museum will be illustration workshops and learning programs.

Previously, the House of Illustration was in Granary Square from 2014 to 2020.

Plus, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

And for even more activities, check out the top 15 UK attractions for 2025.

An underrated period drama based on one of the most influential books of all time is available to watch for free

Viewers shouldn’t miss out on this incredible four-part drama based on a classic novel, as it’s available to watch without spending a penny.

This breathtaking adaptation was originally aired in 2023 on ITV and PBS Masterpiece in the US and has developed a passionate cult following despite not receiving critical fanfare at the time.

Based on the novel by Henry Fielding, Tom Jones brings the seminal 1749 novel to life like never before with an ensemble cast of British legends.

William Tell’s Solly McLeod portrays the titular downtrodden hero, a young man with mysterious parentage who falls in love with his spirited neighbour Sophia Western (played by Sophie Wilde).

Sophie decides to flee her arranged marriage to be with Tom, but the pair are kept apart by a series of increasingly fraught misadventures.

They’re accompanied by some of the most recognisable names from the British screen, including Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon, Harry Potter’s Shirley Henderson, New Tricks’ Alun Armstrong and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.

Many viewers consider the drama an essential watch and it’s still currently available to stream for free on ITVX.

One 10/10 review from an IMDb user declared it “Gorgeous viewing with a top notch cast”.

They continued: “The cast list is like a who’s who of the cream of British talent, topped by two lovely and good looking leads.

“The episodes fair gallops on its way, cutting through the boring exposition and getting quickly to the important stuff, the love story between Tom and Sophia.”

The review continued to particularly praise Waddingham’s performance as Lady Bellaston, declaring “Seriously, put this woman in EVERYTHING”.

“If you get a chance, watch it in one go, it’s perfect lazy weekend viewing,” the reviewer concluded.

Another warned that fans of the book should expect some changes to the narrative, but admitted: “Even though the story is not like really really the one from the book is one pretty entertaining and very fun to watch. The choice of actors was really good and they did a great job.

“I really recommend for you to watch it if you want some light series combined with romance, a bit of jealousy and of course some British scenery.”

And a 9/10 review said: “This is what you want from English costume drama – and more. I really liked it.

“Fans of historical dramas and literary adaptations will find Tom Jones a must-watch, as it stays true to the spirit of the novel while making it accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.”

In the mood for a cosy period romance with plenty of laughs and scenery-chewing performances from British greats? Look no further.

Tom Jones is available to stream on ITVX.

Netflix has released the trailer for the upcoming live-action Japanese original and fans are already obsessed with the epic action-packed series

Netflix enthusiasts are already going wild over a forthcoming live-action series set in the late 19th century.

The Japanese Netflix original, which is also adapted from the novel of the same name penned by Shogo Imamura, unfolds during the Meiji period.

The synopsis states: “During the Meiji era, 292 fighters came together at Tenry-ji Temple in Kyoto after sunset, drawn by the chance to win a grand prize of ¥100 billion.

“The challenge was clear: take each other’s wooden tags and make it all the way to Tokyo. The winner would get the prize. One of the warriors, Shujiro Saga, joined the dangerous contest with a personal mission: to help his sick wife and child.”

The programme in question is Last Samurai Standing, and Netflix has just dropped a trailer, reports the Express.

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Junichi Okada plays the aforementioned Shujiro Saga, alongside Yumia Fujisaki as Futaba Katsuki.

Netflix posted the trailer on X, formerly Twitter, declaring: “An epic battle royale. 292 samurais. One point per life. Last Samurai Standing premieres November 13.”

The trailer depicts Shujiro caring for his ailing family, reluctantly admitting he would be prepared to raise his sword once more to earn some cash.

He vows he will return, as he learns of the brutal rules of the competition.

Packed with spectacular fight sequences, the trailer has already captured the interest of genre enthusiasts.

Responding in the comments, Temilade simply declared: “I am definitely watching this.”

Tryp expressed their excitement, saying: “Kinda stoked for this,” while MidLifeCrixix chimed in with: “Can’t wait for this. Looks like the next big hit.”

Akin was equally enthusiastic, stating: “Oh my days, my kind of series,” and @mikaelvelli added: “I like what I see. Definitely can’t wait to see this.”

The show also features Junichi Okada, who not only stars but also serves as the producer and action choreographer.

The six-part series boasts a cast of nearly 300 actors, each donning their own unique costume. The original story was described on Amazon Reviews as “incredible” and “set us up for the series beautifully”.

Last Samurai Standing is set to premiere on Netflix on November 13.

A FAMOUS brand that used to be an airline is returning… but this time with hotels.

Pan American Airways, also known as Pan Am, is making a comeback with a number of luxury hotels across Europe.

The hotel brand named Pan Am Hotels, will open a number of hotels at European airports in 2028.

Created by Austrian-based JP Hospitality, the hotels are set to create “airport hospitality that excites guests”.

Each hotel will feature a midcentury modern design, reminiscent of Pan Am travel years ago.

In a post on LinkedIn announcing the new hotel brand, the company said the hotels will feel like the late 1950s and 1960s, “Golden Era reimagined”.

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In addition, the Pan Am Hotels website states: “Designed for seamless ease and tailored comfort, our hotels are not just stopovers – but true gateways to your onward journey.”

The hotels will largely be across Europe with locations including London, Paris, Madrid and Milan.

Then the brand hopes to expand outside of Europe in the future to destinations such as Sydney, Tokyo and New York.

Pan Am was America’s first international airline, paving the way for the future of jet airplanes and the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.

Few details have been revealed about what the inside of the hotels are to look like, but if they were to look anything like the airline, travellers can expect ‘Pan Am Blue’ or gold colours that featured on cabin crew’s uniforms.

In the 1970s in particular, Pan Am planes featured bright and bold colours as well as modern midcentury interiors.

According to Hotel Magazine, Gebhard Schachermayer, managing partner at JP Hospitality said: “With the launch of PAN AM HOTELS, we are setting a new benchmark in airport hospitality.

“Airports deserve better hotels – without inflated prices, but with comfort, quality, and innovation!

“The steadily increasing demand for overnight stays at airports, combined with often poor service quality, motivated us to fill this market gap with the development of high-quality, needs-oriented hotels.”

The developer expects to have 16 hotels in operation by 2033, with a total of 28 in the pipeline, reports Live and Let Fly.

But if you can’t wait until 2028, the company already has a Pan Am Lounge and Pan Am Suite in Berlin and Die Josefine and The Guesthouse in Vienna that you can stay at.

And JP Hospitality isn’t the only hotel brand to jump on the Pan Am theme.

Pan Am Hotel by Hilton is set to open in late spring 2026 at the Citadel Outlets shopping mall in Commerce, California – about eight miles from downtown Los Angeles.

The hotel will feature a midcentury design throughout, with two restaurants, a fitness centre and large rooms.

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In other hotel news, the huge English estate that starred in Pride And Prejudice has opened a new budget hotel with stays from £99pp.

Plus, the world’s best hotels have been revealed and three are in the UK – one is even owned by a Love Islander.

Netflix drama military drama Boots is based on the true story of gay Marine Greg Cope White

Boots, a military drama on Netflix, follows the journey of gay teenager Cameron Cope (portrayed by Miles Heizer) as he enlists in the Marines corps alongside his best mate, despite the inherent dangers.

The series is set in the harsh environment of the 1990s US Marine Corps, a time when homosexuality was still outlawed in the military. It traces the lives of Cameron and Ray McAffey (played by Liam Oh), the offspring of a decorated Marine, as they become part of a diverse group of recruits.

Together, they form unexpected friendships and discover their true identities while being pushed to their limits.

Netflix commented: “With sharp wit and plenty of heart, Boots is about friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world – even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.”

Greg Cope White, a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps, served as a writer and executive producer for the series.

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He is an ardent advocate for LGBTQ+ and veteran rights, and has appeared in the PBS docuseries American Veteran and published work in the military journal Zero Dark Thirty.

Reflecting on his journey from his days in the Marine Corps, he posted on Instagram: “At 18, I illegally enlisted in the Marine Corps to find my place as a gay man in the masculine world.

“The book honours my lifelong best friend Dale, who got me through a chaotic childhood, and the Marines who took a chance on me and changed my life.

“And to send a message to others who are bullied: Bullies don’t matter. You do. Hold on.”

Greg completed six years of service with the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant, before relocating to New York City to pursue studies in acting and writing.

He eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he secured his breakthrough in writing through employment with Norman Lear.

The Pink Marine website details how joining the Marines represented Greg’s initial struggle, as he “has to cheat to pass the physical and then lie on the enlistment papers about his sexuality”.

The protagonists Cameron and Ray draw inspiration from Greg and his closest mate Dale, with the website outlining the dangers they both faced.

It states: “It’s insanely dangerous for both of them. But as fate would have it, the Few and the Proud turn out to be a bunch of oddballs and eccentrics – and a brotherhood is born.”

Boots is available on Netflix.

One travel lover has taken to TikTok to share her recommendation for a UK trip to a ‘real-life fairytale castle’. It has been described as “one of the largest and most complete castles in England”

It’s always nice to have a trip abroad planned. However, as well as taking a holiday overseas, it’s also great to explore the stunning places the UK has to offer.

One travel lover has taken to TikTok to share her recommendation for a UK day trip to a ‘real-life fairytale castle’. Aleksandra, known as @aleksandra10s on TikTok, shared a clip of the ‘hidden gem’ with her 3,273 followers telling them that it was “one of the largest and most complete castles in England” that is in “pristine” condition and has “beautiful” gardens. And what as the location she was talking about? Arundel Castle, based in Sussex.

Aleksandra shared clips of the castle’s stunning grounds in a video set to Disneys ‘Beauty and the Beast’ soundtrack.

She commented: “Arundel Castle, in Sussex, is a real-life fairytale castle in pristine condition and beautiful gardens. One of the largest and most complete castles in England, it’s a gem worth visiting.”

The castle is a restored and remodelled medieval castle that was first was established by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century.

People were loving the clip as many said they also enjoyed a visit to the castle.

One person commented: “I love Arundel Castle, one of my favourite places to visit.”

While another agreed: “Such a magical place like a real-life fairytale.”

A third chined in: “I live 10 minutes down the road and still love walking past it.”

The castle suffered damage in the English Civil War and then restored in the 18th and early 19th centuries by Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk. Further restoration and embellishment was then carried out from the 1890s by Charles Alban Buckler for the 15th Duke.

Since the 11th century, the castle has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel and the Dukes of Norfolk. It is also a Grade I listed building.

Those who want to visit will have to plan a trip in soon as the 2025 season will only runs up until Sunday 2nd November.

The gardens are open from 10.00am – 5.00pm, as is the Fitzalan Chapel. The Keep can be visited from 10.00am – 4.30pm and Castle rooms are open between 12.00 noon – 5.00pm.

Visitors should also note last admission is 4.00pm and the castle is closed on Mondays, except bank holidays and in August.

Tickets can be bought online and on the day at our ticket office (by credit or debit card only).

JODIE Whittaker and Suranne Jones are joined by a host of familiar faces for their new thriller Frauds.

Here’s everything you need to know about whether the crime caper is based on a true story and how to watch it.

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ITV’s Frauds is about two former partners-in-crime who reunite for one last audacious heist after one of them is released from prison on compassionate grounds.

The synopsis for the series reads: “Bert and Sam embark on the most audacious of art thefts, gathering a talented team of outcasts to help them plan this audacious crime.

“Whilst the team must overcome numerous challenges before they can pull off the heist, it’s the power struggle between Bert and Sam that threatens to derail their plans and destroy them both.

“Set against the epic rolling hills of southern Spain and the dark criminal underbelly that casts a shadow over the glistening coast, Frauds is a complex and addictive story of friendship, deception and survival.”

It blends dark comedy with the cinematic heist genre, set against the scenic backdrop of southern Spain — but is it a true story?

When is Frauds on?

Frauds premiered at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

The series includes six episodes airing on consecutive Sunday and Monday nights over three weeks.

All episodes are also available on ITVX for streaming.

Is Frauds based on a true story?

Frauds is a work of fiction created by Suranne Jones and co-writer Anne-Marie O’Connor.

The plot revolves around Bert, who has been in a Spanish prison for ten years and is released due to a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Upon release, she reconnects with her former partner Sam to plan a multi-million-pound art heist.

While the series captures the feel of real criminal undertakings, it is not an adaptation of a true crime or real-life story.

What is the Frauds cast?

Frauds tells the story of Bert and Sam, whose toxic friendship will be pushed to the ultimate test.

Bert tries to lure her pal out of criminal retirement to pull off a multi-million-pound art heist.

Suranne Jones stars as Bert — the career criminal recently released from prison.

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Jodie Whittaker features as Sam, her estranged former partner in crime.

Lost Boys and Fairies actress Elizabeth Berrington plays a master illusionist, while I May Destroy You’s Karan Gill portrays the world’s greatest forger.

Talisa Garcia features as drag star Miss Take, and Christian Cooke takes on the role of moneylender Deegs.

Frauds’ cast is an ensemble of British and Spanish actors, reflecting the series’ international setting — the show was shot in Spain.

Frauds was created and executive produced by Suranne Jones and Anne-Marie O’Connor.

The full cast is as follows:

• Jodie Whittaker as Sam
• Suranne Jones as Bert
• Elizabeth Berrington as Jackie Diamond
• Lee Boardman as The Great Diavolo
• Christian Cooke as Deegs
• Kate Fleetwood as Celine
• Talisa Garcia as Miss Take
• Karan Gill as Bilal
• Horacio Colomé as Miguel
• Thais Martin as Sam’s long-lost daughter
• Nansi Nsue as Amaya
• Abdul Salis as Mateo
• Victor Solé as Carlos Pérez
• Javier Taboada as Blas
• Karise Yansen as Komet

Scottish schools are now required to enforce toilet polices on the “basis of biological sex.”

Back in April, the UK Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to trans rights when it ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

The decision stemmed from a dispute centring on whether a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) should be treated the same as a cisgender woman under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

A week later, a Scottish judge ordered that schools must provide single sex toilets after a case against the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was brought to the court, per the BBC.

In light of the aforementioned rulings, the Scottish government issued “revised guidance for schools on supporting transgender pupils” on 29 September, which includes new recommendations for campus toilets and changing rooms.

The updated guidance says that under the law, schools must provide separate toilet facilities for boys and girls “on the basis of biological sex” – which the document refers to “sex recorded at birth – and accessible facilities for young people with a disability.

It also says that “educational authorities and schools should consider toilet provisions necessary for transgender pupils,” such as “gender neutral provisions.”

“The design of gender neutral facilities should ensure privacy for all young people. In practice, this should include features such as full height walls and doors and should take account of the particular needs of female pupils,” the guidance adds.

“Where any change is being introduced to the arrangements that a pupil has been familiar with, there should be additional planning and consideration of their needs, including relating to their safety and wellbeing.

“It is necessary to recognise and mitigate as far as possible, the risk of ‘outing’ a young person. This may mean that it is necessary that practical arrangements such as enabling young people to use facilities outwith usual breaktimes, or for particular facilities to be available aligned to the young person’s activities within school, to reduce visibility of them moving across and within the school building to access toilet or changing room facilities.”

Previously, schools were told that trans students could use any toilet they felt most comfortable in.

In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth gave further insight into the adjusted guidance.

“The Scottish Government has made it absolutely clear that we accept the Supreme Court ruling, and since April we’ve been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling,” she said.

“Now we know in Scotland all schools are required to provide separate toilets for girls and boys, and in addition, the guidance makes clear that councils should give careful consideration to the individual needs of transgender pupils in light of the school context.”

Gilruth went on to say that the guidance was not mandatory, just suggestions from the Scottish government.

“That’s because of the statutory legal requirements that mean under the 1980 Education Act that our councils run our schools, not the government directly,” she continued.

“There are not penalties, but of course it is incumbent on the government to update our guidance in line with legal changes.”

While Gilruth confirmed that the guidance isn’t mandatory, she confirmed that schools are “required by law to have separate toilet facilities for boys and girls and also to have accessible toilet provisions.”

“And of course the guidance has been updated to recognise the clarification of the definition of sex under the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court judgement,” she added.

In a separate interview with Good Morning Scotland, the general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) discussed the challenges that arise with the new guidance, stating that it doesn’t fully address the needs of trans youth. 

“Considering the nature of the Supreme Court judgement, it would be difficult for the Scottish Government to advise anything other than something which is considered to be compliant with the law,” she explained.

“The difficulty with it is that it perhaps does not fully address the needs of transgender young people in that many of them will not feel comfortable whatsoever using the toilets that the guidance suggests that they should.

“There’s suggestion in the guidance that perhaps those young people could use disabled toilet facilities or even staff toilet facilities, and neither of those are perfect.”