BRIDGERTON’S Simone Ashley is in pole position to feature in the sequel to Brad Pitt’s movie F1.
The 30-year-old, who starred with Jonathan Bailey in the Netflix romance, was cast in this year’s flick but her scenes were cut.
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Simone Ashley is in pole position to feature in the sequel to Brad Pitt’s movie F1Credit: GettySimone wows in a barely there outfitCredit: GettySimone shot to fame after starring in the hit Netflix show Sex EducationCredit: Getty
A source said: “A script is already in the works with early plans to go into production next year.”
As well as appearing in Sex Education, Ashley has also lent her acting chops to suspense drama Thriller.
She shot to fame after starring in the hit Netflix show Sex Education.
The star developed her acting skills at the Arts Ed school in Chiswick, which specializes in Musical Theatre & Acting degrees.
Simone has spoken about coming from a traditional Indian family, who finds her acting career “quite scary and unsettling”.
She told Veylex: “My parents are incredibly protective over me, and sometimes I found it quite stifling.
“It made me want to escape and do things my own way. I’ve always been a bit rebellious in that sense.”
“I am incredibly privileged to be apart of a generation where young women from all over the world have more opportunity than ever before, where we are being less stereotyped and walls and being broken down slowly.”
Simone strikes a pose in this ensembleCredit: GettyBrad Pitt as Sonny Hayes in F1Credit: AlamySimone (as Kate Sharma) with Jonathan Bailey (as Anthony Bridgerton), in Netflix show BridgertonCredit: Netflix
Dearest gentle reader, Lady Whistledown — voiced by Julie Andrews — is back.
Netflix released a trailer for the fourth season of “Bridgerton” on Monday, and the Ton’s resident gossip columnist promised to have all the delightful details. The teaser also revealed that the next chapter of the Regency-era romance will be released in two parts on Jan. 29 and Feb. 26.
The eight-episode season will follow Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) fairy tale-inspired romance. The beloved second-eldest sibling of the Bridgerton brood is is known for being commitment averse and uninterested in marriage, but, if the trailer is to be trusted, it seems a masked mystery woman he brushes past on a staircase might change that.
“With each passing season, one is known to experience plenty of ups and downs,” Whistledown says in the teaser footage. “So then we must ask ourselves, do we rise to the occasion? As always, time — and this author — will tell.”
Unbeknownst to Benedict, the mystery woman, also known as the Lady in Silver, is Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). According to Netflix’s in-house blog Tudum, the staircase encounter featured in the trailer is the first time the pair cross paths during Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Benedict and Sophie’s romance is based on the events in “An Offer From a Gentleman,” the third book in Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” book series. Much like the wicked matriarch in “Cinderella,” Sophie’s stepmother (Katie Leung) is more concerned about her two daughters’ (Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei) societal debut and marriage prospects than whatever her stepdaughter is getting up to.
“Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell previously told The Times that Benedict’s character arc “has a lot to do with being someone who is learning how to exist between society and and being unconventional.”
“Benedict [is] trying to figure out what his place is in the world and how to circumvent certain rules, which is something Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) [taught] him [in Season 3],” she said last year. “I think we will continue telling the story of his [sexual] fluidity going forward.”
The brief “Bridgerton” Season 4 teaser focuses solely on Benedict and Sophie. Those interested in updates about the state of Penelope’s writing career or what Francesca, John and Michaela Stirling have been up to since the end of the third season will have to keep waiting.
The five-episode drama is being adapted from Liz Jensen’s best-selling novel and is said to be “a high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger”.
According to the synopsis, the series – which is being produced by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV studios – follows a forensic psychologist named Gabs Fox (Madeley) who meets teen Bethany Krall (India) at a psychiatric hospital.
Bethany, who is the daughter of the leader of a religious movement (played by Sam Hazeldine), was convicted of killing her mum but she insists she didn’t do it.
Adding another twist is the fact that the 17-year-old claims to be able to predict the future. But can she convince Gabs she is telling the truth?
“I’m over the moon to be getting started on this production and cannot wait to bring Bethany onto tellies,” India, 24, said as her casting was announced.
“It will be a massive challenge for me professionally, which I’m very much welcoming and feel incredibly safe to do so in the hands of Mammoth and Ruth!”
Madeley added that it was “a total joy to lead such a powerful and vibrant series”, which she said was “an incredibly special project” to her.
The series, which is shooting in Wales, will also star Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman and Robert Rhodes.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: “This thriller brings Liz Jensen’s compelling novel to life with a truly talented cast led by the brilliant Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio.
“The Rapture features two complicated and captivating characters, blended with a story of climate change, to create a gripping narrative and I can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”
The Rapture is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Netflix has just dropped a fresh trailer for One Piece season two, teasing new characters featured in the forthcoming instalment. The live-action anime is set to return for its second series in 2026 and has already been renewed for season three.
A new teaser, released on August 9, introduces fans to major characters, including one played by Bridgerton favourite Charithra Chandran. The action-packed trailer kicks off with Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) narrating: “Everything I’ve done, everywhere I go, is for the One Piece,” before viewers catch a glimpse at the villains the crew will face.
According to the synopsis, this season will feature “fiercer adversaries and the most perilous quests yet.”
One Piece season two premieres in 2026(Image: Netflix )
It adds: “Luffy and the Straw Hats set sail for the extraordinary Grand Line — a legendary stretch of sea where danger and wonder await at every turn.
“As they journey through this unpredictable realm in search of the world’s greatest treasure, they’ll encounter bizarre islands and a host of formidable new enemies.”
Chandran is among the show’s newcomers, stepping into the role of Nefertari Vivi, also known as Miss Wednesday. She dons a blue ponytail in the trailer and looks worlds away from her Regency attire as Bridgeton’s Edwina Sharma.
Fans will also spot Brendan Murray (Devil’s Peak) towering over the Straw Hats as Brogy, while Callum Kerr (Hollyoaks) appears as Smoker, and Lera Abova (Honey, Don’t!) steps into the role of Nico Robin, also known as Miss All-Sunday.
Charithra Chandran plays Miss Wednesday in the new season(Image: Netflix )
The YouTube teaser has racked up over two million views in less than 24 hours, with fans expressing their excitement in the comments section.
“I’M SO HYPED,” exclaimed one fan, with another stating: “I’ve never smiled non-stop as I did for this trailer with any other trailer before.”
A third penned: “As a One Piece fan, who is caught up with the anime, this makes me proud and excited for this season.”
Meanwhile, a fourth said: “Teasing season 3 is in production during a season 2 first look is diabolically wonderful.”
Based on Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga, One Piece first landed on Netflix in 2023. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy (played by Godoy) and his Straw Hat Pirates crew, as they journey across the seas in search of a legendary treasure known as the One Piece.
Forget MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace and John Torode, Jessica Boulton’s ruthless rundown of the showbiz week reveals the EIGHT stories you should be talking about instead….. including the only cancelled BBC star who actually deserves our tears
Jessica Boulton works on the Mirror’s features desk, specialising in celebrity features and interviews. She also writes a weekly observational comedy column Jess Saying, which runs each Saturday. In addition, she oversees the entertainment pages, helps co-ordinate the Pride of Britain coverage and newsletter and guest edits The Diary. Jessica joined The Mirror’s sister paper The People in 2006, and has since worked on the Sunday Mirror and Now magazine. Most likely to be found raving about The Oscars, BAFTAs, Netflix, Friends or Star Wars.
Naked yoga, novel book launches, British Emmy nominations and one very heated situation in the Masterchef kitchen….Jess Boulton takes a no-holds-barred dive into this week’s most bizarre showbiz shenanigans
Daily Mirror Columnist Jessica Boulton brings you Jess Saying, her wry, witty and slightly whimsical take on the heroes and villains, winners and losers and the outright outrageous showbiz shenanigans keeping us amused this week. So….where better to start than….
JUSTICE FOR BBC ICON MONDAY
I’ve always considered myself to be woke. I’m left-wing, open-minded and look good in red (in the UK, definitely not in the US). I’d fully support trigger warnings on Bambi and The Lion King. And I’d argue there should be one on Titanic (for “scenes of disturbing door hoggery”). But this week I’m afraid to say, even I think the woke world has gone too far. For a true BBC icon has outrageously and undeservedly been cancelled. It’s a sad, sad state of affairs after 30 years of excellence. But it’s a sign of the times: one day everyone loves you and the next…you’re persona non grata, written off as a bad fit for the Gen Zs of today (who don’t watch TV anyway, so why are we pandering?). So which iconic BBC veteran has been tragically stripped of work this week? Clue: they first appeared in 1995 – and won millions of fans overnight. Yes, you’ve guessed it. There’s only one BBC star I’m weeping for: Mr Darcy. Well, his Wet White Shirt, to be precise.
Colin Firth’s Wet White Shirt makes its TV debut in BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. It went on to become a TV icon in its own right (Image: BBC)
For three decades, the sterling performance of Colin Firth’s infamous Pride and Prejudice shirt has never been equalled. But its outstanding contribution to entertainment has now been called into question – over fears it’s been objectifying men. Yup. It’s true. Some buttoned-up bores at Netflix are currently debating what’ll make the cut and what won’t in their upcoming P&P remake.
But then I realised I’d got the wrong end of the stick…I’m only teasing of course. But I do have two little points I’d like to flag to people’s attention:
POINT 1. What else would Netflix need to change to fit a more ‘2025-friendly’ adaptation? Jane’s famous first line definitely loses a certain something after my woke rewrite:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged – but not necessarily accepted as we each have our ‘own truth’ – that a single man, sorry, dependent-free gender-neutral individual, in possession of a ‘good fortune’ (aka,a disproportionate amount of wealth thanks to genetic privilege and the unjust dominance of patriarchy), must be – although is under no obligation to be and will face no judgment if they are not – in want of a wife…..or a loving relationship that equally fulfils the needs of both you and your consenting partner/partners, but does not necessarily adhere to any societal expectations.”
Jonathan Bailey said this scene in Netflix’s Bridgerton was a homage to Colin Firth’s white shirt in 1995’s Pride & Prejudice (Image: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)
NAKED AMBITION TUESDAY
The Primetime Emmy nominations are finally in! Adolescence was the UK’s biggest contender this year – with nods including Best Actor for Stephen Graham and Best Supporting for 15-year-old Owen Cooper (I’d argue it should be reversed).
Meanwhile, leading the way with a mindblowing 27 noms was Apple’s truly genius Severance – a drama in which people clock off at 5pm and all memory of work from that day is completely wiped. (You can decide for yourselves if that’s a good thing or not.)
The most delightful Emmy news of all? Nobody Wants This, with my all-time celeb faves Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, landed nods for best comedy series, actor and actress. It was an achievement Kristen’s hubby Dax Shepard immediately celebrated with this pic – of Kristen’s naked yoga workout.
Dax posted this picture of Kristen doing naked yoga to celebrate her Emmy nod
Dax Shepard and the newly-Emmy-nominated Kristen Bell (Image: WireImage)
I’m not married, so maybe I’m wrong… But should Dax really have gone so very public with his congratulations? A great big bear bare hug may have been the better choice.
The poor BBC now has an entire as-yet-unreleased pre-recorded series of MasterChef with not one but TWO disgraced hosts. That’s got to be tough to swallow. It also explains the reasoning behind one of its latest new hires. For even wholesome Blue Peter has had its share of scandalous stars…
So when faced with finding its latest prestigious presenter, the Beeb hired someone who’s been nothing but a safe pair of hands their whole career. Some might even go as far to say he’s the perfect corporate puppet.….(see below).
CBBC stalwart Hacker T. Dog has landed a top job on Blue Peter, no strings attached. He’ll join Shini Muthukrishnan, Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, and Henry the Labrador as the first non-human presenter(Image: PA)
FISHING FOR INSULTS? THURSDAY
Gregg and John might be in for a grilling over their alleged behaviour, but another under-fire celeb, Sacha Baron Cohen, was probably feeling a little, um, roasted this week. Yes, his actress ex-wife Isla Fisher has not had the most amicable of splits with Da Ali G and Borat actor. So some social media users took her quip on Instagram to be a tiny dig at his expense (literally). The Confessions Of A Shopaholic star wrote: “For all the men who say ‘Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?’, here’s an update for you. “Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why?
In happier times: Isla Fisher gets her hands on a cardboard cut-out of her then-husband Borat, aka Sacha Baron Cohen(Image: COPYRIGHT UNKNOWN)
“Because women realise it’s not worth buying an entire pig… just to get a little sausage.” No porkies there! I’d rather bring home the bacon alone than be stuck with a man who’s the literal wurst. So, bravo, Isla! That took proper chops.
FACING FACTS FRIDAY
You can’t make this one up. And to be fair, whatever you say about Katie Price, at least she can take the mickey out of herself. Which is why she’s made a startling admission this week. Apparently Katie was travelling and got pulled over by security at passport control – because she’s had so many trips under the knife, the scanners couldn’t recognise her passport photo. Yes, Katie might have been accused of being two-faced in the past, but, as she’ll admit herself, she’s been through at least 10 of them now. On the upside, it’s something to add to her CV next time she’s bankrupt. After all, everyone wants their staff to multi-faceted nowadays.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
She’s always been a woman with Klass. So it’s good to see Myleene hasn’t let her newly-award MBE go to her head. Ahem.
Myleene Klass MBE is keeping things real as she takes a quick soak(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Yes, Myleene was presented the honour this week after her tireless charity work, including raising the awareness of the emotional toll of miscarriage. But it looks like the Hear’Say singer might be taking the honour a little too literally.
For the morning after receiving the medal – alongside fellow honouree Leona Lewis OBE – Myleene posted this bathtime snap.
Umm….It looks like you’ve got a little something in your hair, Myleene. To be fair, it could have been worse. She could have posted a snap of her in her tiara….sitting on the throne.
JESS A QUICKIE:
Myleene’s not the only one having some bathroom fun. Charlotte Crosby decided to promote her new fiction tome by sitting in a bath of books. It makes sense: she’s always swimming with novel ideas.* *Sorry I couldn’t help myself
I mean, it’s probably better than a bath of baked beans, but it’s not what they mean when they say relax in the tub with a good book, Charlotte!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments or via IG/X @JessicaBoulton
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Sex Education star Simone Ashley will return to screens in the fourth season of Bridgerton, and the actress has opened up about filming intimate scenes for the hit Netflix show
The Bridgerton star spoke about how love conquers all(Image: Alex Caparros, Getty Images for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Bridgerton sensation Simone Ashley has opened up about feeling “very safe and comfortable” while shooting steamy scenes for the smash-hit series, Bridgerton. The star of Sex Education, who is also on the cusp of dropping her first album, labelled the Netflix sensation Bridgerton as pure “fantasy”.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, she said: “It’s about, ‘What if?’ and how love conquers all. Bridgerton represents nudity with a sense of romance, and I felt very safe and comfortable in what I was choosing to show to the world.”
With the fourth instalment of the period drama set to hit screens next year, Ashley shared with the publication: “‘That show just gets bigger and bigger. Everyone has gone off to do incredible things, but we come back and it’s like time hasn’t moved.”
Simone Ashley moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18 to pursue her career(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Recounting her bold move to Los Angeles at the tender age of 18, she revealed: “I was really scrappy. Since I was little, if I wanted something, I would do anything I could to get it. So, I took some modelling jobs to pay the bills and got into acting through that.”
Gracing the digital cover of Harper’s Bazaar, Ashley divulged that her upcoming album was born out of a recent split. She explained: “It’s going to be somewhat confessional… and beautiful and messy.
“Good songs don’t come from times when my life is regimented and predictable. They come when I am feeling vitality, and usually you either feel that way when your heart’s broken, or you’re euphoric. This work has been an amazing channel to put all those feelings into.”
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This new career move comes after Ashley’s recent role in rom-com Picture This. Following the release of that movie, the Bridgerton star opened up about the importance of diversity in romantic-comedies.
The Sex Education icon, who was born to Tamil parents, stars as photographer Pia – who is juggling a failing business while dealing with the arrival of her ex and her parents’ concern for her love life. The feel-good movie was released on Amazon Prime Video on 6 March and also stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin.
She added: “I would say the younger me is kind of like, ‘Oh my gosh, we did a rom com and it’s an Indian girl leading it!'” Although she wishes she could have seen diverse characters when she was younger, she hopes Picture This helps with it. She said: “To put it simply… When it comes to this movie, I just want brown women to have it and to just win!”
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A BRIDGERTON star has revealed a phone thief threatened to stab her in a cafe attack before she bravely tackled him.
Genevieve Chenneour was sitting in a Joe & The Juice in Kensington, South West London when the terrifying ordeal happened.
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Genevieve Chenneour told This Morning about her ordealCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Genevieve plays Clara Livingston in the Netflix show Bridgerton
Zacariah Boulares snuck up behind the 27-year-old and swiped her phone on February 8.
Genevieve – who plays Clara Livingston in the hit Netflix show – revealed that the “full on scrap” lasted for about five minutes.
She pinned the 18-year-old thief to the floor but has now said he threatened to stab her.
“I was threatened with being stabbed, so it became a matter of life and death,” she told ITV.
“I remember kicking him back with my leg to create space in case he had a weapon on him.”
She described it as a “life-changing, crazy moment”.
The star said the ordeal has left her feeling scared to venture outside and she has even left her home in the capital to take a “break” from the lawless city.
Astonishing footage from police showed Genevieve grabbing Boulares’ shoulder as she realised her phone had been taken.
She then tackled the serial thief to the ground with the help of another customer.
Genevieve managed to take her phone back from Boulares before repeatedly hitting him with it in the posh cafe.
She previously claimed she suffered a concussion in the horror in February and said even her dog was “traumatised”.
The star added: “They didn’t expect me to stand up for myself – but I did.”
Algerian national Boulares previously pleaded guilty to stealing the phone.
The teen also admitted common assault against fellow Joe and the Juice customer Carlo Kurcishi, who had stepped in to help.
Boulares pleaded guilty to a separate charge of theft after he swiped a black leather hand bag from a diner at a pizza restaurant.
The court heard he has 12 previous convictions for a total of 28 offences – all relating to theft.
