JULIA Fox has defended her blood-stained Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume following backlash.
She recreated what former First Lady Jackie wore as husband President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
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Julia Fox defended her controversial Halloween costumeCredit: GettyShe recreated what Jackie Kennedy as JFK was assassinatedCredit: GettyJohn F Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963Credit: Getty – Contributor
Left unimpressed, fans branded the actress’ outfit choice as “disrespectful” and “tasteless”.
Meanwhile, JFK and Jackie’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, also criticised her choice.
Taking to Instagram, Julia, 35, explained: “I’m dressed as Jackie Kennedy in the pink suit.
Simon Cowell is set to join forces with Spice Girl icon Mel B and Jonas Brother singer Joe Jonas for a brand new show called Who’s In The Band, and a pilot will be recorded next week
04:48, 24 Oct 2025Updated 04:50, 24 Oct 2025
Simon Cowell is pictured at Britain’s Got Talent auditions this month in Blackpool, Lancashire(Image: Getty Images)
One of Simon Cowell’s new projects has been described as “a big two fingers up to ITV“.
Spice Girl icon Mel B and Jonas Brother singer Joe Jonas will work alongside Simon for the latter, which ex-TV presenter turned producer Richard Bacon says will be popular with teenagers and young adults.
But the Netflix series, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, has particularly excited the TV industry. It is believed Netflix executives “felt bringing a name like Simon in for a factual entertainment show was a power move for the network”. Another source said the programme will be “a big two fingers up to ITV” after the cancellation of The X Factor in 2021.
But a source close to Simon, who created the global X Factor franchise, has denied there is “a rivalry”. They added: “There’s no rivalry nor residual issue – Simon’s focus is entirely on new formats and discovering talent.”
The X Factor, though, was scrapped after nearly 20 years on British TV screens and, at its peak, attracted 10 million viewers on a Saturday evening. It was the launching pad for a number of top-selling British music acts in the last two decades, from One Direction to Little Mix and Leona Lewis.
But Simon, who is thought to be worth £475million, continues to work with ITV on Britain’s Got Talent, which is still a staple after more than 18 years. His latest ventures, though, on other networks have television circles excited, it is understood.
The source told the Daily Mail: “Success on Netflix would be priceless retribution against ITV for the way The X Factor came to a close.” This theory is rejected by Simon, born in Lambeth, south London, whose new show Who’s In The Band will be presented by K-Pop Demon Hunters star Rei Ami, 30.
Simon’s latest search for talent comes after the Britain’s Got Talent auditions was sent into chaos when he fell down another set of steps, making it the latest in a series of mishaps for the long-time judge.
He missed the first two days of filming in Birmingham after the incident, leaving producers to call in Stacey Solomon to temporarily fill his place on the panel. The star then later reappeared on the third day of auditions with a visible graze on his forehead, explaining only that he’d had “an accident.”
His absence was finally addressed during the show’s Blackpool auditions, when a choir made up of ambulance staff took to the stage. Amanda Holden joked: “I thought they might be here in case anything went wrong with you again because you were poorly last week.”
VICTORIA Beckham has revealed all about her celeb feuds, which included a “rude” meeting with Donatella Versace and also being branded “a b*****” on live TV.
However, despite not being a fashion designer at that time, she set about making alterations to it, asking the store staff to tighten the waist, shorten the hemline and take off the sleeves.
“I basically redesigned the whole dress,” Victoria said. “I can’t believe I did that. So rude!”
This in turn did NOT go down well with Donatella.
Brave Victoria Beckham opens up on crippling eating disorder for first time
‘You shouldn’t do it. That’s how I feel,” the fashion designer said on the Netflix doc.
‘Yeah, and I thought “how does she dare?”
However, Donatella, who is now good friends with Victoria, added: “Then I realised it was better on her the way she did it. She knows her body.”
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Victoria made alterations to this Versace dressCredit: Netflix
BEING CALLED A ‘B***H’
Victoria also revealed on the Netflix doc how art critic Brian Sewell bluntly branded her a ‘b***h’ on TV – while at the same time praising her husband David Beckham .
Speaking on Alan Titchmarsh’s show in 2009, Brian said: “Beckham is wonderful in what he does; off the field he does all sorts of good works.
“Madame Beckham comes along, wearing virtually nothing, and steals the photographs, steals the occasion – and she’s just a common little b***h.”
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Victoria revealed art critic Brian Sewell called her a ‘b***h’ on TVCredit: Getty – Contributor
MEL B FALL OUT
As she tried to make it in the world of fashion, Victoria tried to distance herself from her Posh Spice alter-ego.
However, in 2008 she was asked to go back out on the road with the Spice Girls.
She explained: “When I was working with (fashion designer) Roland Mouret the other Spice Girls told me they wanted to go on tour…
“David was like, ‘it’s really good for the kids to see you do this’, he mum-guilted me!”
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Mel B was fuming with Victoria when she refused to do the 2019 Spice Girls tourCredit: Splash
Victoria agreed to the reunion tour and confessed: “I hadn’t been Posh Spice for such a long time. It was good to be back with them.”
But in 2019, when she was asked again to do it, Victoria said “no” – something that did not go down well with Mel B.
Victoria said she was “hurt” by one of Scary Spice’s comments, after she said she didn’t want to do the tour.
“It upset me not too long ago actually – Melanie B said to me ‘don’t forget where you’ve come from’,” Victoria told the doc.
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Victoria’s new three-part series is out on Netflix nowCredit: Netflix
She insisted: “I have never forgotten where I’ve come from. I have never forgotten that Posh Spice is the reason that I’m sitting here now.
“She might have been grumpy but she was actually great.
“It was good to celebrate the Spice Girls but it was during that [2008] tour that I realised I didn’t belong on stage. It had been fun but it wasn’t what I loved anymore.”
She admitted that she starved herself in an effort to stay thin.
She candidly revealed how she became “very good at lying” after losing control of what was being said about her.
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Victoria said she battled an eating disorder after leaving the Spice GirlsCredit: Getty
“It’s been a lot, and that’s hard. I had no control over what was being written about me, the pictures being taken, and I suppose I wanted to control that,” Victoria revealed in an episode entitled Kill The Wag
“I could control it with the clothing, I could control my weight and I was controlling it in an extremely unhealthy way.
“When you have an eating disorder you become very good at lying and I was never honest about it with my parents.
“I never talked about it publicly. It really affects you when you’re being told constantly that you’re not good enough and I suppose that’s been with me my whole life.”
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Victoria with hubby David on the red carpet at the premiere of her new Netflix documentaryCredit: Getty
Victoria and David were joined by kids Romeo, Harper, Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel.
Although Brooklyn was not there, Posh held out an olive branch by mentioning him in her speech.
David’s mum, Sandra, and sister Joanne were also present along with the Beckhams’ celebrity pals Tilly and Tana Ramsay.
Three of Victoria’s Spice Girls pals turned up — Ginger Spice Geri Horner, Sporty Spice Mel C and Baby Spice Emma Bunton.
Before the screening Victoria stood on stage and said: “I’d like to thank the Spice Girls — Geri, Emma, Melanie and Melanie. I love you so much and thank you so much.
“My children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper and David — oh, my God, he’s not a child. I was doing so well without cards as well.
“It’s taken me this process to really be proud of what I’ve achieved and to realise finally that I am enough.”
Victoria Beckham is available to stream on Netflix now
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From left to right: Jackie Apostel, Cruz, Romeo, Harper, Victoria and David BeckhamCredit: Getty
WHEN Victoria Beckham’s business was at the height of its extravagant spending she admitted some of her most ostentatious requests included “flying chairs from one side of the world to the other.”
She also spent £70,000 a year on plants for her office – then paid someone £15,000 a year to water them.
Small wonder, she admits, the company was struggling financially. But she confesses in her new documentary that she’d naively gone from the ostentatious world of entertainment to the more business-minded world of fashion.
“I didn’t realise it at the time, but the waste was mind-blowing.” she says in the Netflix three-parter, out now. “I hear it now and I’m horrified but I allowed that to happen.”
She is nothing if not candid in the mini-series, but doesn’t stop there. She goes on to admit, seemingly, that already being a Spice Girl married to a famous footballer meant she was unwittingly at a disadvantage.
She said: “Part of the problem was people were really afraid to tell me ‘No’. I think probably there’s a power, if I’m being honest, the power of celebrity. People thought that I wasn’t used to hearing ‘No’.
“I’ll hold my hands up and hold myself accountable for things that I’ve done, that I should have done, and could have done differently. and I was in debt – there was a lot I had to change.”
If ever you needed definitive proof that Victoria Beckham is as sharp as razor, then this documentary is it.
She could have delivered a bog standard warts and all autobiography for Netflix, or a no holds barred snapshot of her life as a fashion designer.
Instead she’s carefully curated both elements and woven them into this version of events.
It shows how she went from a Spice Girl to the darling of the catwalk and, of course, the head of one of Britain’s most famous families with husband David.
Here she also admits to her own flaws, to the moments when she lost her way and picked herself back up when she inevitably faltered.
But despite now being the successful global fashion icon that is Victoria Beckham, she does it without seeming pious. Instead she oozes genuine humility and sense of humour that proves a huge part of her is still Posh Spice.
Viewers have been left divided after watching The Guest, with some praising the new BBC drama highly whilst others issuing similar complaints about the whole thing
The new thriller which stars Gabrielle Creevy as a cleaner who develops a toxic relationship with her strange employer, played by Eve Myles(Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Viewers have been left divided after watching The Guest. The new BBC drama aired on Monday and is the latest offering of writer Matthew Barry and director Ashley Way, both of whom were behind the 2023 hit Men Up, which boasted Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page amongst its cast.
The new thriller stars Gabrielle Creevy as a cleaner who develops a toxic relationship with her strange employer, played by Eve Myles. It comprises four episodes in total and has come througn Quay Street Productions, the same production company behind Michelle Keegan’sNetflix hit Fool Me Once and The Blame, which will also feature the former Coronation Street star in the leading role.
But as the drama hit screens at the start of the new week, fans weren’t entirely sure what to make of it all, but one fan was full of praise after sitting down to tune in. TV critic Scott Bryan said: “The Guest on BBC One is the most unhinged show this side of Christmas. Completely loved it. Great characters and funny one-liners.”
Viewers weren’t entirely sure what to make of the new four-part series(Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Another wrote: “Oh. My. GOD! #TheGuest is fun, twisty, flirty, thrilling! Eve Myles & Gabrielle Creevy are perfect in this. So well written and beautifully directed. And filmed in Wales! Loved, loved it, loved it,” and another said: “Just watched ” The Guest ” on BBC I player starring Eve Myles . A good thriller. Worth watching.”
One fan was left ‘terrified’ by the whole thing as they admitted: “Omg there is a drama on bbc1 this eve at 9 called #TheGuest it’s rather gripping but terrifying all at the same time and I wan to continue watching it but it’s a bit too dramatic, oh and halfway through there was a spider crawling up my wall.” Another concurred as they said: “So many jump scares on #TheGuest – I’m a nervous wreck”
Another viewer was completely shocked by the way the first episode had wrapped up as they took to social media to exclaim: “Bloody hell, that ending to the first episode of The Guest was NOT how I expected it to go!”
Some viewers were less than enthusiastic with their reviews, as one said: “What utter tosh passes for drama on the bbc! Wasted an hour on The Guest -am dram at best,” and another said: “what a mess of a storyline. Utter garbage ending. Can’t believe I wasted 4 hours of my life watching that!”
One viewer even admitted they were ‘terrified’ by it all (Image: BBC/Quay Street Productions/Simon Ridgeway)
Prior to the series launch, Reach Plc chatted to Eve and Gabrielle about their roles in the programme and why they think audiences are drawn to intense female bonds.
Eve, 47, remarked: “Because it’s complex, it’s not easy, it’s not actually an easy thing to talk about or to try and describe or explain, it’s about something very, very intoxicating. It’s about two women sharing something very important.
“Like myself and Gabby, Fran and Ria are also incredibly vulnerable, never mind the strengths you see from both of them, they both have great strengths, but they both have great weaknesses.”
Eve detailed the unlikely bond between Fran and Ria, explaining that their contrasting backgrounds add a layer of intrigue and mystery for some.
She further elaborated: “It’s not about a boss and a cleaner it’s about two women who share this part of their lives together, they share secrets together, they go through something very traumatic together then they’ve got to fix that, or not and what that does to them.”
Matthew Barry, the writer of The Guest, expressed his excitement about the project: “I’m beyond excited to be re-teaming with Nicola, Davina and the whole team at Quay Street Productions and the BBC to bring The Guest to life.
“As well as being an exciting thriller, at its core this is an examination of class, social mobility and the growing disparity between those at the top and bottom of our society.”
A MISSING girl lay dying in her flat alone after police deemed her a “medium” risk and left, an inquest heard.
Alex Duce, 18, was reported missing by her worried mum after she struggled to get in touch with her.
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Alex Duce died after her worried mum reported her missing
A police officer went to her flat in Tredegar, South Wales, at 11am to try to speak to the beauty student but failed to get an answer.
An inquest heard PC Michael Lammert left the home because Alex was only deemed a “medium risk” because a pal told him “she does this from time to time”.
PC Lammert said: “To me I took that as she shuts off from people and doesn’t want contact with friends and family sometimes.”
This was despite Alex’s mum telling police she had been struggling with her mental health and had self harmed five weeks earlier.
PC Lammert said: “There was no immediacy. If there was a clear message relaying she was contemplating suicide then that would definitely have been a higher risk.”
The incident at that point was not deemed serious enough to allow Gwent Police to use powers of entry as there was not enough evidence that Alex was inside the flat.
The court heard police returned at 4pm to find Alex’s loved ones outside banging on the door.
But in another tragic delay, the officers had to wait for heavy equipment needed to gain entry to the flat.
At the time, there was only one entry kit per police station that contained the apparatus needed.
PC Lauren Smith, who had gone to the home, said it was common for officers not to be able to locate the kits and admitted it was “frustrating”.
The court heard it took 30 minutes to retrieve the kit – with police finally gaining entry at around 5pm.
Alex was discovered hanged in her room still showing signs of life before being rushed to hospital, the inquest was told.
She was put on advanced life support but her machine was switched off and she died five days later on September 16, 2022.
PC Smith said she began to realise more about the case after being told Alex had self harmed and in her mind the risk became higher.
She said: “That information was never made available to me. The sense of urgency increased while I was there as I gained more information.”
The inquest continues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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Alex had previously struggled with her mental healthCredit: WNS
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The beauty student was deemed a ‘medium’ risk by police
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She was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be savedCredit: WNS
Netflix viewers have been left completely gripped by a Western drama series set in the 1850s that has been labelled an ‘absolute masterpiece’ and one of the ‘greatest of all time’
Netflix has struck gold with a Western drama series that’s being hailed as one of the all-time greats. The gripping show, American Primeval, which debuted on the streaming giant in 2025, takes audiences back to the tumultuous times of 1857.
Spanning six episodes, it tells the tale of a mother on the lam and a band of Latter-Day Saints fighting for survival amidst the chaos of the Utah War. Starring GLOW’s Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, a mother evading a murder accusation, the series sees her character enlisting the help of Isaac Reed, played by Taylor Kitsch, to escort her and her son Devin, portrayed by Preston Mota, to the safety of Crooks Springs.
Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin and Preston Mota star in American Primeval(Image: Brentwood Gazette)
Although not directly based on a specific true event, American Primeval powerfully portrays the struggles faced by those living in that era. It draws inspiration from historical incidents like the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where Latter-Day Saint militia and Native American allies brutally killed about 120 members of the Baker-Fancher wagon train.
The Netflix series doesn’t shy away from brutality, featuring relentless gunfights, axe battles, and high-stakes confrontations. Alongside Gilpin and Kitsch, the cast includes Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, and Derek Hinkey.
The show’s grim and turbulent backdrop is captured in its synopsis: “Up is down, pain is everywhere, and innocence and tranquility are losing the battle to hatred and fear. Peace is the shrinking minority, and very few possess grace – even fewer know compassion. There’s no safe haven in these wild lands, and only one goal matters: survival.”, reports the Express.
The series currently boasts an impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an 8 out of 10 rating on IMDB. Peter Berg’s American Primeval has sparked widespread acclaim across social media platforms, with numerous viewers hailing the production as an “absolute masterpiece”.
One enthusiastic fan declared: “@netflix American Primeval is a MASTERPIECE! ! ! I NEED MORE! Do they make it to California! ? ! ? ! ? What happens to Bridger! ? ! ? Does he go get the army ? ? PLEASE I NEED MORE.”
Another viewer passionately recommended the series, writing: “One of the best TV shows I will find this year, a great introductory to the year 2025. Such an amazing show! Brutal and realistic conflict, believable acting, great story and drama. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys fantastic action, a rigorous story that grips not only your attention but your feelings as well, then give this a try. You won’t be disappointed.”
A third admirer proclaimed: “American Primeval. Bravo! ! What an absolute masterpiece! ! Best thing I’ve watched in a very long time! ! Well done! ,” whilst a fourth viewer agreed: “American Primeval gotta be one of the greatest short series I’ve ever seen on television had me gripped from start to finish.”
One fan, clearly enamoured with the series, gushed: “Just finished American Primeval, and I have to say-this series is absolutely phenomenal. From start to finish, it’s an intense, gripping, and immersive journey into the brutal and unforgiving American frontier of the 1850s. The storytelling is raw and unflinching, making you feel like you’ve been transported back in time, facing the same dangers, hardships, and moral dilemmas as the characters.”
Another viewer concurred, praising: “By far the best historical drama show I have seen in years. This is one of those rare shows which immerses you in the midst of action and makes you feel what the main protagonist feels in the moment.”
Óbidos in central Portugal may not be on the radar for many Brits, but it’s a hidden gem that boasts stunning landscapes, historic sights, cheap beer and delicious food.
Town branded ‘Santorini of Portugal’ has £2 beer and ‘postcard-perfect’ streets(Image: sbk_20d pictures via Getty Images)
There’s a breathtaking hidden treasure nestled in central Portugal that blends scenic beauty with a genuine, relaxed vibe that’s increasingly rare in major tourist destinations during peak season.
This charming pocket of the country captivates visitors with its winding cobblestone lanes, lime-washed homes adorned with blue and yellow accents, and cascading bougainvillaea tumbling from terraces. Whilst these characteristics are common across southern Europe, they typically come accompanied by summer hordes and sky-high prices.
The beauty lies in how it retains its original character whilst offering a serene alternative to Portugal’s busier metropolises such as Lisbon or Coimbra, reports the Express.
TikTok creator Mari Andreu has likened Óbidos’ splendour to that of Santorini in Greece, positioning it as a more tranquil escape compared to the neighbouring party hub of Mykonos with its beach clubs and buzzing nightlife.
Óbidos boasts a magnificent setting dominated by an impeccably preserved medieval castle, now transformed into a pousada, or heritage hotel, offering sweeping views that are “postcard-perfect,” according to Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups.
Dimitris highlighted the allure of this delightful town as a stopover spot, explaining: “While compact, [the town] is packed with character, making it ideal for a half-day stop or overnight stay.”
For budget-conscious travellers, it’s probably a delightful discovery that a pint of beer costs just £2 here, particularly when compared to Lisbon’s £3 average.
King Afonso II presented Óbidos to Queen Urraca in 1210(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Yet there’s far more to this town than simply delicious cuisine and affordable pints. It boasts an extensive heritage stretching back to the pre-Roman era, when Celtic settlers established themselves before it became a Roman outpost. The Moors later fortified it during the 8th century.
The Moors were driven out of Óbidos in 1148 by Portugal’s first monarch, Afonso I, and the town served a crucial defensive function for the newly established Portuguese realm.
In 1210, King Afonso II presented Óbidos to his spouse, Queen Urraca. This custom of bestowing the town upon Portugal’s queens persisted for generations, leading to its moniker “Town of the Queens.”
The settlement prospered under King Manuel I’s rule during the 16th century, evident in its magnificent architectural legacy, featuring Manueline doorways and the remarkable aqueduct constructed to provide the town with water.
The film was a success when it was released in 1995
The movie came out in 1995 at the height of Jane Austen adaptation mania(Image: COLUMBIA/TRISTAR)
A quintessential adaptation of a timeless Jane Austen novel is now available to watch, reports the Daily Express.
Initially released in 1995, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim, with numerous critics hailing it as one of the finest Austen adaptations ever made.
One IMDb reviewer titled their post: “A classic for all time.”
They continued: “Whoever says they just don’t make the quality of pictures today that they used to hasn’t seen or is ignoring this film.”
A second reviewer described the film as “a subtle masterpiece”, stating: “I saw this movie in a cinema back in 1996 and since that June I have seen it about a dozen times.”
“It is true, that being an ardent lover of the so-called Romantic (as if the 13th century couldn’t be Romantic or 17th, but these things are academic nonsense) period I can enjoy even minor pieces of period cinema, however this is most probably the best film set in the early 19th century.”
The film featured a stellar cast(Image: COLUMBIA/TRISTAR)
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A third review, titled “Faithful, beautiful, enjoyable, one of the best film adaptations of period novels.”, read: “Normally period adaptations need at least a few hours to do proper justice. And so it is usually the television versions that are better for those who like things faithful to text. Film versions usually truncate and romanticise/Hollywoodise which can be frustrating.
“However, films have bigger budgets and better production values so are easier on the eye. However, this is a shining example of 2.5 hour film which packed so much detail in for a real complete sense of the novel, but also with great faithful performances, at the same time as being great to watch with all the production values and cinematography or a big budget movie. One of the better film adaptations of period pieces ever.”
Released amid a flurry of Jane Austen adaptations, the Hollywood hit Sense and Sensibility shared its release year with the BBC’s heralded Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, as well as Persuasion featuring Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds – not to mention the contemporary spin on Emma, Clueless, which became an instant hit.
Based on the classic 1811 novel by Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (played by Emma Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet), who manifest two opposing approaches to love after facing sudden financial ruin.
The Jane Austen adaption won an Oscar for best writing(Image: COLUMBIA/TRISTAR)
With their fortune gone, the Dashwood sisters are forced to navigate society in search of suitable husbands to secure their futures, encountering numerous unexpected developments along the way.
The film boasted an impressive ensemble cast including the likes of Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Greg Wise, Gemma Jones, Dame Harriet Walter, James Fleet, Hugh Laurie, and Imelda Staunton.
The esteemed British actress, Thompson, not only starred in the film but also penned the screenplay, earning her an Oscar for Best Writing.
Both Thompson and Winslet bagged BAFTA Film Awards for their stellar performances in Sense and Sensibility.
Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee was brought on board to direct the movie, marking his international breakthrough. He later won Oscars for Brokeback Mountain and The Life of Pi.
Despite subsequent adaptations of Sense and Sensibility, including the BBC’s 2008 miniseries, this version is widely regarded as the pinnacle among Austen adaptations.
Sense and Sensibility 1995 is streaming on Apple TV and Prime Video for a fee
Maura Higgins has made a surprising return to the Love Island US villa this week as she was dubbed the ‘ultimate bombshell’, admitting it ‘feels good to be back’.
Maura Higgins has made a surprising return to the Love Island US villa this week as she was dubbed the ‘ultimate bombshell’(Image: maurahiggins/Instagram)
Maura Higginshas said it ‘feels good to be back’ as she has re-entered the Love Island villa, but not quite in the way you’d think. The TV personality, 34, has headed across the pond to host the US version of the reality show’s spin-off, Love Island: Aftersun, once again – after conflicting schedules meant she had to bow out of the show.
The star, who rose to fame on the UK version of Love Island in 2019, made a surprise appearance at the Fiji villa this week, despite it being reported that she wouldn’t return.
Delivering all of the gossip from the villa and the show’s dumped islanders, Love Island legend Maura is following in the footsteps of Maya Jama, who fronts the UK main show and spin-off.
Upon her return, Maura was described as the ‘ultimate bombshell’ by host Ian Stirling, who said, “Tonight, the ultimate bombshell returns, it’s Maura Higgins, and she’s brought some All Star friends with her.”
“So happy to be back,” wrote Maura on Instagram as she arrived back to the show just 24 hours before the series’ finale, which airs this evening (Sunday 13 July).
Seemingly on a mission to crack America, Maura’s appearance on The Traitors is set to be released later this year, and comes after fellow Love Islander Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu took part in the reality show.
She joined the show in 2024, but had to bow out of this season earlier this year due to conflicting filming schedules, making her surprise return this week(Image: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)
While filming the show, Maura rubbed She will rub shoulders with Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce’s mum Donna as well as Big Brother stars Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell.
Survivor’s Rob Cesternino and Yam Yam Arocho have also been named to take part alongside The Amazing Race winner Natalie Anderson.
The Bachelor’s Colton Underwood, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas, RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Monét X Change, figure skater Johnny Weir and singer Eric Nam are all on the list.
Maura has been spending an increased amount of time stateside after hitting headlines earlier this year at an afterparty for the BRIT Awards, where she was filmed kissing married McFly singer Danny Jones.
The ordeal came following Maura’s split from former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, and saw Danny go on to issue a grovelling apology to his wife, Georgia Horsley, and son, Cooper, seven. Maura is yet to speak out on the scandal.
THE opening ceremony at Glastonbury has been branded a flop by disappointed festival-goers.
Disgruntled revellers called out a fireworks display and criticized sound issues at the iconic event in Somerset this evening.
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Fans have complained about reported sound issues at the opening ceremonyCredit: supplied
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One reveller claimed they couldn’t hear any music for half an hourCredit: supplied
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Ticket-holders dubbed the display “underwhelming”Credit: supplied
One festival goer told The Sun: “The opening ceremony started 10 minutes late, there was a huge choir on stage that no one could hear.
“All we could hear was the sound of a couple of drums.
“It was a massive fireworks display with no music, the whole silence lasted 30 minutes.”
And their comments were echoed by fellow visitors, one fuming reveller penned on X: “Not good from a sound standpoint. I think you have let the performers down here to say the least.”
“Sack the sound guy,” wrote another.
A third agreed: “Is there meant to be no sound at the #Glastonbury2025 opening ceremony? Local regs? Crowds a bit restless at the back.”
“Where’s the sound? Kicked out of Greenpeace for crowds. No sound and lost audience at opening ceremony. Get it together,” posted someone else.
One fuming ticket-holder slammed: “No sound. Can’t hear anything. Underwhelming.”
Although it could be a messy start to the festival, with its 1,500 acres of farmland turning into a mud bath in previous years.
While the festival is best known for its music, revellers can enjoy the range of stalls, set up their tents and explore the grounds in the meantime before the main performances kick off on Friday.
Opening headliner The 1975 take to the stage at 10pm, while acts such as Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, Charli XCX, and Doechii will perform on Saturday.
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Thousands of revellers pitched their tents todayCredit: EPA
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Performers take part in the ‘glasto latino’ carnival on the first day of the Glastonbury festivalCredit: AFP
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Festival-goers at the festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, faced a drenching todayCredit: EPA
Sunday is due to see Rod Stewart gracing his fans – with Lewis Capaldi also set to make a sensational return to music.
The release, Lewis’ first since he put out Strangers and A Cure For Minds Unwell in January last year, coincides with his secret set on the Pyramid Stage at Glasto.
As the gates to Worthy Farm opened to let the first of this year’s revellers through, a source said: “Lewis took a decent chunk of time away and now he’s ready for his fans to hear what he has been working on.
“Tomorrow is a huge day for him. He will be releasing a brand new single and it is his Pyramid Stage performance. He is in a great place and feels ready to come back into the spotlight.”
At the beginning of the month, Glastonbury organisers shared the complete schedule.
However, there are still several ‘TBA’ slots that hint at secret sets on the Pyramid Stage and beyond.
Now fans have a brand new theory about who could make a surprise appearance at the legendary festival.
On the 2025 Glastonbury schedule, the Saturday 6.15pm slot has a mysterious act called “Patchwork” pencilled in, and fans have been trying to work out what it means.
Now fans are convinced that Chappell Roan is “Patchwork” after she posted a telling clue on Instagram.
It came after the Pink Pony Club star shared a picture of herself holding a patchwork quilt, and wrote next to it: “Insane vibe.”
Glastonbury 2025 – confirmed acts so far
TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far.
Confirmed headliners:
The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return.
Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night.
On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot.
More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy.
Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night.
Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.
At least 13 Palestinians have been killed and more than 150 injured after Israeli troops and American security contractors opened fire on crowds waiting for food near two aid distribution sites in Gaza, one east of Rafah and another near the Wadi Gaza Bridge.
Sunday’s killings are the latest in a series of attacks on civilians seeking food at aid centres operated by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US-led initiative backed by Israel in Israeli-controlled zones.
More than 130 people have now been killed and more than 700 wounded by Israeli troops while desperately trying to access meagre food parcels for their hungry families from the aid sites since the GHF programme began on May 27.
At least nine people are still missing.
In a statement, Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the distribution sites as “human slaughterhouses”, accusing Israeli forces of luring desperate civilians to their deaths.
“These are war crimes and crimes against humanity,” the statement said, urging an independent international probe and an immediate suspension of GHF’s delivery model.
The drive backed by Israel and the United States has faced growing criticism from human rights organisations and the United Nations for violating basic humanitarian standards and bypassing organisations that have decades of experience distributing aid to the entire population of the besieged enclave.
‘This is a trap for us, not aid’
The latest bloodshed reportedly began around 6am local time (03:00 GMT), as hundreds of Palestinians stalked by starvation gathered near the aid point in the al-Alam area of Rafah.
Witnesses said people had started forming queues as early as 4:30am, desperate to get food before the site became overwhelmed.
“After about an hour and a half, hundreds moved toward the site, and the army opened fire,” said witness Abdallah Nour al-Din.
Palestinians mourn over the body of Ahmed Abu Hilal, killed en route to an aid hub in Gaza, during his funeral at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, June 8, 2025 [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP]
The Israeli military later said its troops opened fire on individuals who “continued advancing in a way that endangered the soldiers”, and claimed the area had been designated an “active combat zone” at night. However, survivors insist the shooting took place after sunrise.
“This is a trap for us, not aid,” said Adham Dahman, speaking to the Associated Press from Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza with a bloodied bandage on his chin. He said a tank fired towards the crowd, and people were left scrambling for cover.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that 13 wounded individuals and one person who was dead on arrival came to its clinic in the al-Mawasi area of southern Khan Younis today.
MSF said the injured and dead were “carried in donkey carts, on bicycles, or on foot”.
The wounded were all men between the ages of 17 and 30. The victims said they were shot in the Shakoush area while travelling to a food distribution site in Saudi village.
Footage from outside the hospital showed mourning families weeping over blood-soaked shrouds, as emergency workers rushed to treat the wounded.
UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese called the GHF operation “humanitarian camouflage” and “an essential tactic of this genocide”.
People carry relief supplies on June 8, 2025 after they have been distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which the United Nations and major aid organisations have refused to cooperate with, citing concerns that GHF was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives [Eyad Baba/AFP]
In a post on social media, Albanese blamed “the moral and political corruption of the world” for enabling the destruction of Gaza.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said the GHF’s delivery model has proven woefully inadequate. “Today’s deadly attacks in the south show that the GHF is insufficient in the way it’s running aid delivery,” he said.
“In the north, living conditions are becoming even more difficult. People are not just spending hours searching for water and food — they are spending the entire day. By the end of it, many are completely exhausted and dehydrated, simply because they could not find anything.”
An unnamed GHF official claimed there has been no violence in or around its aid distribution sites, all three of which delivered food on Sunday, according to The Associated Press.
Hospitals overwhelmed
The violence comes as Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the total death toll from Israel’s ongoing war has reached 54,880, with more than 126,000 injured since October 7, 2023. Since Israel ended a ceasefire on March 18, 4,603 Palestinians have been killed and more than 14,000 injured.
In just the last 24 hours, Israeli strikes have killed at least 108 people and wounded nearly 400 more across the besieged enclave, the ministry said.
Hospitals are overwhelmed and on the brink of collapse, the ministry said.
Rafah’s Red Cross Field Hospital has declared 12 mass casualty emergencies in just two weeks, with more than 900 wounded arriving during that period — 41 of them already dead. Most of those treated had been trying to reach food distribution sites when they were shot or injured.
A spokesman at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah warned that fuel supplies for Gaza’s health facilities may run out within 48 hours, leaving patients without care. “The hospital’s artificial kidney department is out of service due to the occupation’s attacks,” he told Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, the director of al-Shifa Hospital told Al Jazeera that the lives of 300 kidney failure patients hang in the balance. “We are facing a real disaster in the hospital if electricity is not provided,” he warned.
The Loose Women panellists are believed to be enraged over the huge shake-up at ITV, which will see the programme taken off air for almost half of the year
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
13:42, 22 May 2025
The Loose Women stars are said to be locked in a feud over younger on-screen talent(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Older members of the Loose Women panel are believed to be vowing to “fight” against the younger stars. It comes amidst a huge shake-up at ITV, which will see a huge overhaul of their daytime scheduling, affecting various shows.
The network announced earlier this week that Loose and Lorraine Kelly’s self-titled show will see its time on air cut to just 30 weeks of the year, rather than airing on a continuous basis. Despite This Morning being hit with a huge dip in viewing figures, the show will not be affected.
Lorraine’s programme has also taken another hit and will air for just half an hour, rather than an hour, as Good Morning Britain has been extended for an extra 30 minutes. But tension at Loose is believed to be at an all-time high, with panellists feeling as though they’re on a probation period.
The Loose Women stars have been left enraged over the younger members of the panel who’ve been branded ‘teachers’ pets’(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
The majority of the panel have been through ITV cuts and the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 and have come out the other side. But the news this week is said to have left them blindsided. A source said: “They feel like often all the negative criticism is levelled at them, the odd ‘out of touch’ comment, whereas with the new panellists such as Liv and Grace, there is a buzz around them because they have that different point of view.”
Sources have said that older member’s of the panel have nothing to worry about(Image: ITV)
They added to The Sun: “Execs have also proudly pro-claimed how the youngsters have brought with them a much-needed new audience — and now all of a sudden the older panellists feel like they are going to have to fight for their places against these shiny teachers’ pets. It’s now five months or so for them to prove their worth and sing for their supper.”
But a source at the network said that the older panellists on Loose Women are “highly valued and celebrated”. They added that while there are reports of the panel “fighting” to get time on the show, the Loose Women podcast and Over 60 and Over 70s specials will “keep everyone busy.”
It’s claimed that regular anchors, including Christine, Kaye Adams, Ruth Langsford and Charlene White, are all safe in their positions but many have been left worried that bosses will meticulously look over their social media posts, episode ratings and audience polling results.
GK Barry and Frankie Bridge have apparently been a hit with bosses(Image: ITV)
Reports claim that many of the panellists feel they will now have to ‘audition for their role’ and tensions will rise as they continue to demonstrate how bold and feisty they can all be. Over the years, viewers have seen clashes between each of the panellists, with former star Carol McGiffin allegedly clashing with Andrea McLean after she was left off the invite list for her wedding.
Carol took to her Best Magazine column to highlight this, writing, “I’m ecstatic for them both, even though I wasn’t invited to the wedding. Andrea’s managed to squeeze in two weddings in less time than I’ve been engaged to Mark, which is a bit embarrassing, to say the least.”
Speaking in 2014, Mylene Klass, who often appears on the panel, hit out following a clash with broadcaster and journalist, Janet Street-Porter. On the show, Janet lost her temper with the star, saying,”I’m happiest when I’m not sat next to you Myleene!”
Janet has never shied away from sharing her thoughts on the panellists (Image: ITV)
Following this, the singer took to social media to vent: “I love Loose Women. It’s nice to be able to articulate and get things out there. But I feel it was getting a bit misogynistic, a bit post-menopausal or pre-menopausal and ranty. That’s not how women should be represented so it’s nice they’ve refreshed the panel and we can talk about politics, fashion designers and what else is going on in the week.
“It’s a show for women but I don’t feel like it empowered me. People think you’re best friends with everybody on Loose Women. You’re absolutely not. You have to just tolerate [some people] because you’ve got to get the job done.”
Elsewhere, speaking out last year, McGiffin fumed: “I don’t regret leaving – I don’t fit in there any more. Someone, somewhere, will be offended by absolutely everything. I’d rather not be on a show that panders to that. It’s boring – and I won’t be told what I can or can’t say.”
Despite her ongoing clash with the show, she has remained close to Denise Welch, Kaye, Jane Moore and Nadia Sawalha. But, Carol, who never refrains from speaking her mind, told Women’s Own: “Some, I have nothing in common with. As I said to them, ‘You’re not friends, you’re just people I work with, who I really like.’ Which horrified them.”
![Palestinians mourn over the body of Ahmed Abu Hilal, who was killed while on his way to an aid hub in Gaza, during his funeral at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Sunday, June 8, 2025. [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AP25159513055391-1749393552.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![People carry relief supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on June 8, 2025. The UN and major aid organisations have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns that it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. [Eyad Baba/AFP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AFP__20250608__49L8364__v1__HighRes__PalestinianIsraelConflictUsGazaAid-1749381980.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
