Love Island 2025 contestant Harry Cooksley got on the bad side of viewers this week on the ITV2 series, so much so several fans wanted him to leave the villa after his latest actions
22:46, 11 Jun 2025Updated 22:46, 11 Jun 2025
Love island 2025 contestant Harry Cooksley got on the bad side of viewers this week(Image: ITV/Love Island)
One Love Island star could be set for a looming exit from the villa if fans have their way.
Harry Cooksley faces calls to be dumped from the show after his “player” actions during the latest episode. Not only did he lie to current partner Shakira about a televised moment, but a “naughty” comment he made to Helena was also picked up on.
Earlier in the episode, Harry snuck off with Helena to the Hideaway and they joked about heading back there in secret when everyone was asleep. Harry ended up telling Shakira all about his flirting with their co-star, but he didn’t exactly admit to all that went on.
Then when it came to a game of dares, Harry gave Helena a lap dance. It’s what he said during this and then did after that sparked annoyance with fans, but also Shakira.
Harry was heard whispering the word “Hideaway” into Helena’s ear, while Shakira was sat right there. She watched them awkwardly as he made the remark, clearly hoping to head to the private room later.
Then as the ‘dance’ came to an end, he sat down and put his hand on Shakira’s leg, as well as Helena’s leg. When Shakira learned about this she wasn’t happy and called him out.
One Love Island star could be set for a looming exit from the villa(Image: ITV)
He denied the recorded moment had happened before asking Helena about it. He’d also made it seem as though Helena was doing all the flirting.
Viewers tuning in were left infuriated with many calling for Harry to leave the show. Others spoke about his “wild” comment to Helena while Shakira was in earshot.
One fan posted on X: “Is nobody going to talk about how Harry literally lied to Shakira’s face, saying Helena stuck it on him when he did the exact same. And whispering ‘hideaway’ to Helena in the game. GET HIM OUTTT!!”
Another fan agreed: “Get Harry out my villa.” A third viewer posted: “I just need all the men out of the villa right now,” as a fourth fan posted: “I need Harry, Helena, Ben, Blu and Meg all dumped.”
Other viewers commented on the comment, with one saying: “Harry whispering ‘Hideaway’ in front of Shakira was wild and so weird,” as another said: “He did NOT just whisper hideaway to Helena when Shakira’s right next to them.” A further comment read: “WoooooW whispering hideaway is naughty.”
Harry Cooksley faces calls to be dumped from the show after his “player” actions during the latest episode(Image: ITV/Love Island)
It comes as viewers confessed they think they already know which former Love Island star is set to enter the famous second villa, Casa Amor. Sophie Lee was axed from the show on Tuesday night in a brutal dumping, after her partner Harry was stolen by Shakira. Sophie’s exit left fans stunned with many gutted to see her go so early on.
But some viewers are now convinced her time on the show isn’t over. With a recent series seeing a dumped girl return to the villa for Casa Amor, viewers are now speculating Sophie will be back on the show in a matter of weeks, as a bombshell in the second villa.
Taking to X, fans guessed the twist would happen with one fan writing: “I reckon Sophie will re-enter the villa as a bombshell by the end of next week at the latest or she will re-enter in Casa Amor.” Another said: “Dw Sophie you’ll be back in 4 weeks for Casa Amor.”
A third viewer begged: “Nah bring Sophie back for Casa Amor she deserves a chance.” A fourth fan agreed: “Bring her back for casa amor!!” as a fifth viewer posted: “Gutted for her and bring back Sophie as a bombshell or Casa Amor.”
The comments kept on coming with one reading: “They better bring Sophie back as a Casa bombshell. Justice for Sophie.” Another said: “BRING SOPHIE BACK FOR CASA AMOR!”
Love Island viewers witnessed one Islander risk drama with another girl on the ITV2 series, as she boldly set out to steal their man amid a brutal dumping looming
21:33, 10 Jun 2025Updated 21:33, 10 Jun 2025
Love Island viewers witnessed one Islander risk drama with another girl on the ITV2 series(Image: ITV/Love Island)
There could be our first bit of drama on Love Island this week, as a possible feud was teased.
One girl’s bold decision sparked tension in the villa, and even led to a co-star making an equally brazen decision. Two girls sparked a rivalry over the same man, with one vowing not to be left single.
Maya Jama had tasked Islander Shakira with wooing one of the boys after being left single by her own partner Ben during Monday’s episode. New girl Toni had just entered the villa as a bombshell and claimed Ben for herself.
Maya warned Shakira that if she did not strike up a connection with another boy in 24 hours, then she would be sent home. So on Tuesday night we saw the Islander getting to work, grafting with the boys.
As she spent time with them to try and find a connection, desperate to stay in the villa, she certainly sparked concern amongst the other girls. It had been revealed that if Shakira picked a boy and they agreed to couple up with her, then that person’s current girl would be dumped instead of Shakira.
There could be our first bit of drama on Love Island this week(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
With the pressure on, Shakira made some bold moves by getting to know the guys and pulling them for chats, keeping them away from their current partners. But one girl was far from happy, and soon had the backing of her fellow Islanders.
Megan took matters into her own hands as she witnessed her boy Tommy speaking with a flirty Shakira. Clearly worrying about being dumped, she shared her fears with her co-stars, with Meg, Helena and Dejon all telling her not to sit back and let it happen.
As she prepared to “claim her man” she brazenly walked over and interrupted Shakira and Tommy’s cosy chat. She took him to the terrace, far away from her new rival, before confessing she was “jealous”.
With the girls clearly rattled by Shakira’s plan it certainly got tense – but a kiss between Megan and Tommy sealed they were definitely on the right track. But could Shakira’s actions in the villa spark drama with the others or even Megan going forward if she manages to survive the looming dumping?
One girl’s bold decision sparked tension in the villa, and even led to a co-star making an equally brazen decision(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
It comes after fans questioned some “missing scenes” after some drama between two Islanders. Just last night on the series fans saw the couples formed, before bombshell Toni caused carnage.
While some couples were clearly thrilled by their pairings, others were not. Shakira and Ben even had a frosty moment just moments before Toni entered the villa and stole him.
Ben had claimed to Maya that their pairing was “love/hate” sparking confusion with fans. Many wondered if they’d missed some scenes, unsure why the couple were already “bickering” as one of their co-stars put it just hours into the show.
They’d had a chat before Toni’s entrance where Ben had seemed to hint he was already thinking about who else might come in, and he didn’t seem interested. Fans picked up on this, also noting Shakira didn’t look impressed by their chat.
As some viewers wondered if a secret row had not been aired, one fan posted on X: “I think Shakira was disappointed with Ben’s answers,” while another guessed: “Ben saying he’s not sure if he can put up with Shakira has gone right into red flag territory.” A third fan said: “Ben doesn’t like Shakira AT ALL!”
A fourth fan wrote: “Feeling horrible for Shakira right now Ben is not even trying to hide the fact he does not like her at all.” A further post read: “I said he doesn’t like Shakira.”
Other fans shared their confusion over the sudden tension between them. A fan posted: “Did I miss something between Shakira and Ben, wdym love/hate relationship? The first day isn’t even over yet.”
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood – who played Rick Hackett and his Chelsea in The White Lotus – have broken their silence months after their reported feud
12:38, 05 Jun 2025Updated 12:39, 05 Jun 2025
The White Lotus’ Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood(Image: waltongogginsbonafide/Instagram)
Their on-screen chemistry and complicated love story left White Lotus viewers enthralled – but that didn’t help stop rumours of a backstage feud between actors Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood after one particularly awkward social media interaction.
But the pair, who played mysterious Rick Hackett and his girlfriend Chelsea, have finally spoken out – revealing why they’ve only seen each other once since season three’s February premiere.
And Walton, unable to hold back his emotions, declared “I love this woman madly” about Aimee in a bid to set the record straight.
Two months since the show’s dramatic finale, the pair have reunited for Variety magazine as they got up close and personal once again. Speaking of the moment they met for the very first time, Aimee revealed he had texted her to come over for lunch. She said: “I didn’t know what to order. I was like, ‘Can you pick for me?’ I was so nervous.”
Walton added: “The minute she walked around the corner, I felt, ‘This is gonna work. Two minutes into the conversation, it felt like I’ve known this person for 100 years.”
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood have spoken out about their rumoured feud(Image: Dan Doperalski for Variety)
Despite suggestions of a feud, Walton was also very keen to reiterate that Aimee is “so important” to him as he began to choke up.
He told the magazine: “There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me.” Turning to Aimee, he continued: “This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. I’ll be on an island, I think Greece. But she’s special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply.”
Aimee also responded to the feud rumours and Walton unfollowing her on Instagram, which she doesn’t appear fussed about at all.
The pair played mysterious Rick Hackett and his girlfriend Chelsea(Image: Fabio Lovino/HBO)
“I think it’s such a comment on where we’re at culturally. Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We don’t give a s***e about Instagram,” she said.
While she had initially wanted to respond to the feud claims over the following, Aimee said that she decided to just “sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing”.
Explaining further about the unfollowing, Walton – whose first wife tragically died by suicide in 2004 – suggested that he simply wasn’t good with goodbyes and unfollowed anyone who was part of the show after filming wrapped up.
In tears, he said: “I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea.”
Walton broke down in tears in the emotional interview(Image: Dan Doperalski for Variety)
Walton went on to say that he had just needed to take a step back from everyone after filming ended and he hasn’t spoken to anyone as he “couldn’t handle it”. He added: “Judge me or don’t. I don’t give a f*** what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me.”
As the interview wrapped up, Walton declared that he would follow Aimee on Instagram again, declaring it all “ridiculous” and that he would be friends with her “for f***ing ever”.
Crying again as he hugged his former co-star, Walton added: “I’m emotional because we haven’t been in the same city to ever talk about this. So for me, this is just so wonderful.”
Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X.
The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page.
It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull.
The soap’s resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.
Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.
Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.
Two mainstays of the Loose Women panel could go head-to-head on iconic reality show Strictly Come Dancing as one of the stars joked that she’s been “practising my splits”
Two Loose Women stars could be rivals for a new role(Image: Jo Hale/Redferns via Getty Images)
Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards has revealed that she and fellow panellist Coleen Nolan are both eager to strut their stuff on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 56-year-old, who is currently dazzling audiences in the West End production of Chicago alongside former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, confessed she’s been doing all she can to land a spot on the dance competition. “I’ve asked her to put in a good word for me,” Brenda divulged about her conversations with Janette, who now hosts the show’s spin-off.
She added: “Don’t worry, I’m pushing all avenues. If I get on Strictly, I’ll have to start practising my splits. I want to do it!
“It’s between Coleen Nolan and me, because she really wants to go on it also.” In an interview with Bella Magazine, Brenda expressed her ambition to reach the final, something her Loose Women colleagues haven’t achieved yet.
Brenda Edwards has expressed a desire to appear on Strictly(Image: Getty Images)
Coleen, 60, has also shared her aspirations to hit the dance floor and vie for the coveted Glitterball trophy, reports Belfast Live. On Loose Women, she campaigned: “Vote me to go in!
“There’d be a lot of sequins involved, let me tell you.” She has also told The Mirror: “I’ve never done Strictly which devastates me.
“Since that show started, I’ve always wanted to do Strictly and so many Loose Women have done it but they never, ever ask me.” Among the Loose Women stars who have taken the plunge on Strictly’s dance floor are Ruth Langsford, Judi Love, and Kaye Adams.
Coleen Nolan is no stranger to reality TV competition, having won Celebrity Big Brother back in 2017(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty Images)
Kaye, 62, was the first celebrity to be voted off the show in 2022, after partnering with Kai Widdrington. In 2017, Ruth, 65, secured ninth place after her stint with Anton Du Beke, while Judi, 44, was the fifth star to be eliminated in 2021, alongside her partner Graziano Di Prima.
The line-up of celebrities for the forthcoming series remains under wraps, but rumoured participants include Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, telly favourite Stacey Solomon, former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, and ex-Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo. What the BBC has confirmed is the roster of professional dancers.
Reigning champion Dianne Buswell will returning to the dance floor are, as will Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
Strictly winner Dianne Buswell will return(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also feature once more.
Earlier this year, the BBC also revealed that two new professional dancers will be introduced closer to the show’s return. The 2025 series is expected to kick off in September, though an official date is still to be confirmed.
This Morning host Craig Doyle made a personal announcement about his mum on Wednesday
This Morning star Craig Doyle received a heart-warming show of support from his co-host Rochelle Humes on Wednesday (May 28) as he shared news of his mother being in hospital.
On today’s episode of the popular ITV show, Craig and Rochelle delivered the latest updates from the UK and around the world.
Following a chat with Deirdre Sanders about the upcoming phone-in segment on in-law issues, Craig took a moment to send his best to his mum in hospital.
Deirdre said: “We’re here to help with any in-law problem,” prompting Craig to jest: “Don’t know what she’s talking about. My in-laws are perfect, morning Dorothy.”
Craig quickly added: “Can I say hello to my mum who’s in hospital. Hello mum, how are you? Have you got the sound up? Good girl,” reports Wales Online.
Craig Doyle revealed that his mum was in hospital on Wednesday (May 28)
Rochelle chimed in with a warm message: “Hello mum! Hope you’re good. Love her.”
At the beginning of today’s programme, Rochelle praised Craig for his achievement in last month’s London Marathon.
“You’re stuck with Craig and I today, sorry about that,” she said, before turning to Craig: “How are you? I’ve not seen you for a little while and we’ve got a lot to catch up on.
“Since I’ve last seen you, you’ve taken on a big challenge and absolutely nailed it… The London Marathon.”
A photo was then displayed showing Craig proudly posing with his medal, alongside EastEnders icon Adam Woodyatt and TV host Jenni Falconer.
Craig completed The London Marathon last month
“Ah fantastic! [Jenni] had to have her knee up because it was sweaty day, let’s just say,” Craig shared about the marathon experience.
“I haven’t done one in about 20 years and I thought I was the same as I was 20 years ago, I’m definitely not. It was really, really tough, so congratulations to all of you who finished the marathon… I was slow, I enjoyed it, the crowds were unbelievable.”
In other segments of today’s programme, Craig and Rochelle spoke to renowned opera singer Lesley Garrett, who revealed her private struggle with cancer.
Additionally, Race Across the World contestants Fin and Sioned stopped by the studio to discuss the latest developments in the popular BBC travel show, while Sharon Marshall delivered the latest soap news directly from the set of Emmerdale.
HBO Max’s Harry Potter has found its lead in Dominic McLaughlin, who was announced as part of the TV reboot’s cast alongside Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout this week
Harry Potter is associated with Daniel Radcliffe but another actor will now play the character on-screen
Daniel, now 35, rose to fame playing Harry Potter in the film series of the same name. The actor starred in all eight films, from the Philosopher’s Stone to the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which were released in 2001 and 2011 respectively.
It was announced earlier today that Dominic will play the literary character on-screen next, with him starring in the TV reboot. The news comes following an open casting call last year for actors aged between 9 and 11 in April this year.
Dominic has been described as a “screen newcomer” but the adaptation of the J. K. Rowling novels isn’t the only upcoming project that he’s set to appear in. The Mirror has taken a look at his casting and career following the news, including how his role as Harry Potter will bring a reunion.
HBO’s Harry Potter
It’s been announced today that Dominic McLaughlin (centre), Arabella Stanton (left) and Alastair Stout (right) will star in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot(Image: HBO/Warner Bros.)
Earlier today it was announced that Dominic had been cast in the role of Harry Potter in the HBO Max series. It came alongside the news that Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione Granger and as Ron Weasley respectively.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and fellow executive producer Mark Mylod said: “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”
They added in a statement that accompanied the casting news earlier: “We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
The show has been described as a “faithful adaptation” of the book series by J.K. Rowling, who’s an executive producer. It’s been teased that the cast will “lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years”.
It was previously revealed that John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape respectively. They will serve as series regulars alongside Nick Frost, who has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming show.
Other cast members include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell. It has also been announced already that Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch in the TV adaptation.
Sky film Grow
Dominic, who will play Harry Potter, reunites with Nick Frost in the series, after previously working together on Sky film Grow(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Dominic has already worked on a project with co-star Nick, with their roles as Harry and Hagrid marking a reunion for the two actors. They are also among the cast of the Sky Original film Grow, which is set to be released later this year.
It’s been teased that the film, which is set in a world of pumpkin rivalry, is a “comedy all about family, growth and nurturing”. It centres around a “cutthroat giant-pumpkin-growing contest where the entire town gets their pumpkin patches ready to compete for a cash prize and pumpkin glory”.
The cast is led by Bridgerton‘s Golda Rosheuvel and Priya-Rose Brookwell as pumpkin farmer Dinah Little and her niece Charlie Little. Dinah’s farm hosts the contest and Charlie is among those who take part in the event, though she faces sabotage in her attempt to win the coveted prize.
Nick will appear as eco-loving pumpkin pundit Arlo, whilst, according to IMDb, Dominic plays Oliver Gregory. The cast also includes Jeremy Swift, Kathryn Drysdale, Alan Carr and Joe Wilkinson.
BBC show Gifted
Dominic is also set to star in the upcoming BBC show Gifted, about a group of teens with special powers(Image: BBC/Graeme Hunter)
Dominic is also set to star in the upcoming BBC series Gifted, which is adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels of the same name. He will play the character of Martin, with his co-stars in the show including Jessica Hardwick as Madame.
Set in Edinburgh, the show “tells the story of a diverse group of young Scottish teens who discover they each have unique superpowers”. Their abilities are said to range from telekinesis to invisibility and mind reading.
It’s been teased that the group must join forces to protect themselves when they are targeted by an organisation known as the Bodkin. Guided by their teacher Madame, they embark on a journey to learn about their powers.
It was announced last year that the show was already in production. At the time, it was stated that Gifted is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer “at the end of 2025”.
Coronation Street fans have been mistaking Mikey North, who plays Gary Windass, for his former co-star for 15 years – and he’s yet to correct any of them
16:29, 23 May 2025Updated 17:34, 23 May 2025
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Mikey North has been mistaken for his co-star for years(Image: ITV)
Gary Windass (Mikey North) has been on the cobbles since 2008, but fans still get him mixed up with another Coronation Street star. Mikey was the latest soap star in Kevin and Liz Fletcher’s Off Script podcast, where he spilled all the tea.
Since he’s been in the show so long, Liz was curious to know what Corrie fans call Gary when they see him on the street. “Is it Gary or Windass?” she asked. However, to Liz’s shock, it was neither.
“It’s Chesney,” he laughed – explaining that he gets mistaken for Chesney actor Sam Aston. “It’s followed me around all these years. It’s funny.
“It’s an in-joke at work that my name is Chesney. I guess people who dip in and out who watched it when Chesney was really young, and then tune in years later and see me, they think that Chesney grew up to be me, if that makes sense?”
Mikey revealed he gets called Chesney by fans(Image: Chloe Rivers )
Mickey then went on to reveal how himself and Chesney shared a dressing room at the studio for 15 years. “It’s sort of like they were congregating the gingers,” he laughed.
However, Mickey doesn’t bother to correct fans, as he told the hosts he “just goes along with it” when people ask him how Chesney’s late dog Schmeichel is.
Sam Aston first joined the soap in 2003, five years before Mickey. At the time of joining, he was just 10 years old.
There had been no mention of where he’d gone, and not a single storyline to explain his absence, leaving fans confused. During his return, Gary told Maria he was planning to sell his shop and buy the builder’s yard in an attempt at a fresh start. However, Maria wasn’t convinced that was a good idea.
Things then became worse for the couple when Maria found out Gary had offered Mick a job at the yard. However, .the position didn’t last long, after Gary discovered that Mick had locked his step-son Liam in a cabinet for hours. Mick was then sacked and the pair ended up having a brawl in broad daylight.
Asked which Emmerdale characters he wants to be mixing with, the actor replied: “It’s got to be Cain, hasn’t it?” “A Windass and a Dingle, that would be brilliant,” said Kelvin, to which Mikey laughed: “Windass V Dingle.”
In “Overcompensating,” Prime Video’s newly released comedy series, everyone is doing too much. That’s what Benito Skinner, the creator and star of the A24-produced show, experienced in college in the mid-2010s, and why it felt like a perfect backdrop to tell a heightened version of his own coming out story.
“Overcompensating” centers around Benny (played by Skinner), a closeted former high school football player turned college frat bro who spends too much energy posing as a straight guy by lowering his voice and keeping his love for Lorde’s songwriting in check. That’s the case even, or especially, when he’s greeted by “The Alliance of Gay People and Lesbians and Bisexual People and Asexuals too even” as he makes his way around campus.
But Skinner knew there was plenty of narrative potential in focusing on the thorny relationship Benny strikes up with Carmen, a girl who ends up being both his beard and his BFF. Only in this telling, Carmen, played by Wally Baram, isn’t just a supporting player in Benny’s path toward self-acceptance.
“Naturally that story and getting to college, it’s this coming of age thing,” Skinner says. “And for so many gay people, it’s meeting these girlfriends who are creating these safe spaces — all the while they have their own s— going on. What was so interesting to me is thinking how I’m going through this whole journey inside. But so is she. She is having this whole other experience too.”
Benny (Benito Skinner) and Carmen (Wally Baram) in “Overcompensating.”
(Sabrina Lantos / Prime Video)
Baram says when she read the show’s pilot episode, she instantly understood where the character was coming from.
“I got the script, and within the first three pages, there’s this character — this frizzy, curly haired girl who’s kind of awkward and just can’t do the same thing that everyone else is doing,” Baram recalls. “And who, over the course of the script, is overcompensating with love. That was just so me for a really large chunk of my life, frankly.”
After meeting at orientation — and bonding over the need to ignore the kid who insists on telling everyone he’s Amanda Knox’s cousin — Benny and Carmen fumble through a performed kind of meet-cute. Wishing to do away with his sexual urges for cute boys on campus and hoping to avoid becoming a campus pariah if he doesn’t sleep with a girl on his first day at school, Benny pursues Carmen.
Over the course of the eight-episode season of “Overcompensating,” their freshman situationship quickly gets more and more complicated. Carmen is clueless at first about why things aren’t clicking with Benny in the bedroom (or more like the dorm room). And the root of the issue can be difficult for her to discern.
“It’s like, how could you not know he was gay? But in these relationships I’ve had with women, there was so much confusion and miscommunication through sad dishonesty,” he says. “The Carmen character was so fun to write because this girl is experiencing this on the other side being like, ‘What the f— is wrong with this guy?’ I found that for women, gay was the last thing on their list of things why these relationships weren’t working. And I’m like, ‘No, babe, that’s No. 1.’ You did nothing wrong.”
Benito Skinner on writing the relationship between his character and Carmen: “I found that for women, gay was the last thing on their list of things why these relationships weren’t working. And I’m like, ‘No, babe, that’s No. 1.’ You did nothing wrong.”
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
Finding the right actress to nail Carmen’s charming awkwardness was a challenge. Like Benny, Carmen is trying to start anew and fit in at the fictional Yates University. She’s often pushing herself to perform whatever normalcy looks like for a college freshman.
Carmen doesn’t nail collegespeak — “Here’s to a night we’ll never remember with the friends we’ll never forgive,” she captions her first selfie with Benny — but she’s skilled at beer pong, first-person shooters and chugging drinks like the frat boys on campus. More importantly, she is sweet and attentive, the kind of tender girlfriend a closeted boy like Benny would naturally gravitate toward.
At the suggestion of A24 producer Alli Reich, Skinner watched Baram’s 2021 set on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” There, the young comedian, who’s Mexican and Syrian (“or as Fox News would call me, a ‘very lazy terrorist,’” she joked), poked fun at how she’s struggling with adulthood, especially since her body felt both childlike and grown-up at the same time. “I’m 5’2”, I have a baby face, but I’ve [got] boobs and the voice of like an eighth grade Jewish boy,” she deadpanned in the set.
“I had sat with this character for four and a half, five years,” Skinner recalls. “And I watched this video, and it was this very surreal moment. She was exactly what I had in my head for Carmen. I was like, ‘OK, well, it’s her.’”
Baram’s winsome self-deprecation felt like a perfect match for the cast of this off-kilter comedy Skinner was assembling.
“When we met in person, I felt like I had little maracas out,” Baram jokes. “The energy in that room was just like, ‘Oh, hello!’ Like when two dogs meet, and their tails go up.”
“It was so two chihuahuas meet, finally,” Skinner adds.
“When we met in person, I felt like I had little maracas out,” Wally Baram says about Benito Skinner.
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
“Overcompensating” hinges on their crackling chemistry. But as the season unfolds, the series becomes more and more of an ensemble piece. As Benny navigates his first semester at Yates, we spend more time with his sullen sister, Grace (Mary Beth Barone); her douchey frat boyfriend, Peter (Adam DiMarco); Benny’s swoon-worthy crush, Miles (Rish Shah) and Carmen’s brassy, sassy roommate Hailee (Holmes).
Together, they create a vision of college life that will make millennials cringe in recognition. The pilot, after all, opens with Britney Spears’ “Lucky” and the foundational queer film “George of the Jungle,” starring a chiseled, loin-clothed Brendan Fraser. But it’s the needle drops throughout the show that best capture that generation and moment in time. Charli XCX may get the spotlight treatment — she guest stars as herself in Episode 4 — but the deployment of a My Chemical Romance song in a later episode made the cast realize just how wounding and specific the writing on the show could be.
“I read ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ and it sent a chill down my spine because I thought that was private to me, alone in my room,” Baram says. “And then you put it in there and I was like, ‘OK, so we all had that moment,’ which is both good and also, wow, my plight is not special.”
“That is so true that it felt private to all of us,” Skinner adds. “Because that was also something with Mary Beth, too. When we were talking about that song, she’s like, ‘I feel this in my bones, maybe in a good and a really mortifying way.’ I hope it has a resurgence. I do think Gen Z will really enjoy that song. It feels very them.”
Barone’s cringey karaoke rendition of that emo 2006 banger resonates because it captures the joy (and embarrassment) that comes from being unabashedly oneself — something every character in “Overcompensating” grapples with to varying degrees of success.
“Overcompensating” hinges on the chemistry between Wally Baram and Benito Skinner.
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
Skinner’s comedy excels at capturing those crippling feelings of inadequacy — whether you’re a closeted dude rushing a frat, a secretly emo girl trying to please her boyfriend or a shy freshman figuring out who she could be away from home.
“Some of these people that come into college where they’re like, ‘I’m gonna do me no matter what, and I’m coming in here like a bat out of hell’ — I felt so in awe watching them,” Skinner says. “I was like, ‘This is so incredible that you can do this.’ Meanwhile I feel so confident in one room and in the next room I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I should not be here.’”
That’s precisely what Baram keyed into when bringing Carmen to life, as well as listening to “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo to get into character.
“Because it reminds me of a time in my life in which I thought I was conquering the social. I was going to a party, and I thought that I was gonna, you know, get down and dirty,” she says. “But really, I was a disingenuous version of myself, and ultimately ended up feeling unrewarded at the end, no matter what I did, whether I had a successful social interaction or I failed miserably.”
“Overcompensating” broadens concepts that are central to the queer experience — like the closet and found families — and places them at the heart of the modern college experience. And, in between jokes about pink eye, Grindr dates gone wrong and a pitch perfect takedown of college improv, the series makes a heartfelt case for how to make the best out of those formative years.
“To do it right, I think, is the Benny and Carmen way,” Skinner says. “It’s finding the person that doesn’t make you feel like you have to be so inconsistent with who you are and the things you actually want to do. For me it’s like, you’re bad at overcompensating when you’re with the right person.”
Love Island’s Harry Cooksley ‘facing exit’ as fans shocked by ‘wild’ comment to co-star
Love Island 2025 contestant Harry Cooksley got on the bad side of viewers this week on the ITV2 series, so much so several fans wanted him to leave the villa after his latest actions
22:46, 11 Jun 2025Updated 22:46, 11 Jun 2025
One Love Island star could be set for a looming exit from the villa if fans have their way.
Harry Cooksley faces calls to be dumped from the show after his “player” actions during the latest episode. Not only did he lie to current partner Shakira about a televised moment, but a “naughty” comment he made to Helena was also picked up on.
Earlier in the episode, Harry snuck off with Helena to the Hideaway and they joked about heading back there in secret when everyone was asleep. Harry ended up telling Shakira all about his flirting with their co-star, but he didn’t exactly admit to all that went on.
Then when it came to a game of dares, Harry gave Helena a lap dance. It’s what he said during this and then did after that sparked annoyance with fans, but also Shakira.
Harry was heard whispering the word “Hideaway” into Helena’s ear, while Shakira was sat right there. She watched them awkwardly as he made the remark, clearly hoping to head to the private room later.
Then as the ‘dance’ came to an end, he sat down and put his hand on Shakira’s leg, as well as Helena’s leg. When Shakira learned about this she wasn’t happy and called him out.
READ MORE: Love Island LIVE: Hideaway passion sparks couple swaps as Islander told to ‘run’
He denied the recorded moment had happened before asking Helena about it. He’d also made it seem as though Helena was doing all the flirting.
Viewers tuning in were left infuriated with many calling for Harry to leave the show. Others spoke about his “wild” comment to Helena while Shakira was in earshot.
One fan posted on X: “Is nobody going to talk about how Harry literally lied to Shakira’s face, saying Helena stuck it on him when he did the exact same. And whispering ‘hideaway’ to Helena in the game. GET HIM OUTTT!!”
Another fan agreed: “Get Harry out my villa.” A third viewer posted: “I just need all the men out of the villa right now,” as a fourth fan posted: “I need Harry, Helena, Ben, Blu and Meg all dumped.”
Other viewers commented on the comment, with one saying: “Harry whispering ‘Hideaway’ in front of Shakira was wild and so weird,” as another said: “He did NOT just whisper hideaway to Helena when Shakira’s right next to them.” A further comment read: “WoooooW whispering hideaway is naughty.”
It comes as viewers confessed they think they already know which former Love Island star is set to enter the famous second villa, Casa Amor. Sophie Lee was axed from the show on Tuesday night in a brutal dumping, after her partner Harry was stolen by Shakira. Sophie’s exit left fans stunned with many gutted to see her go so early on.
But some viewers are now convinced her time on the show isn’t over. With a recent series seeing a dumped girl return to the villa for Casa Amor, viewers are now speculating Sophie will be back on the show in a matter of weeks, as a bombshell in the second villa.
Taking to X, fans guessed the twist would happen with one fan writing: “I reckon Sophie will re-enter the villa as a bombshell by the end of next week at the latest or she will re-enter in Casa Amor.” Another said: “Dw Sophie you’ll be back in 4 weeks for Casa Amor.”
A third viewer begged: “Nah bring Sophie back for Casa Amor she deserves a chance.” A fourth fan agreed: “Bring her back for casa amor!!” as a fifth viewer posted: “Gutted for her and bring back Sophie as a bombshell or Casa Amor.”
The comments kept on coming with one reading: “They better bring Sophie back as a Casa bombshell. Justice for Sophie.” Another said: “BRING SOPHIE BACK FOR CASA AMOR!”
Love Island 2025 airs every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
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Love Island’s Shakira risks feud with co-star as bold decision sparks tension
Love Island viewers witnessed one Islander risk drama with another girl on the ITV2 series, as she boldly set out to steal their man amid a brutal dumping looming
21:33, 10 Jun 2025Updated 21:33, 10 Jun 2025
There could be our first bit of drama on Love Island this week, as a possible feud was teased.
One girl’s bold decision sparked tension in the villa, and even led to a co-star making an equally brazen decision. Two girls sparked a rivalry over the same man, with one vowing not to be left single.
Maya Jama had tasked Islander Shakira with wooing one of the boys after being left single by her own partner Ben during Monday’s episode. New girl Toni had just entered the villa as a bombshell and claimed Ben for herself.
Maya warned Shakira that if she did not strike up a connection with another boy in 24 hours, then she would be sent home. So on Tuesday night we saw the Islander getting to work, grafting with the boys.
As she spent time with them to try and find a connection, desperate to stay in the villa, she certainly sparked concern amongst the other girls. It had been revealed that if Shakira picked a boy and they agreed to couple up with her, then that person’s current girl would be dumped instead of Shakira.
READ MORE: Love Island LIVE: First spoilers as girl dumped and two bombshells tear up villa
With the pressure on, Shakira made some bold moves by getting to know the guys and pulling them for chats, keeping them away from their current partners. But one girl was far from happy, and soon had the backing of her fellow Islanders.
Megan took matters into her own hands as she witnessed her boy Tommy speaking with a flirty Shakira. Clearly worrying about being dumped, she shared her fears with her co-stars, with Meg, Helena and Dejon all telling her not to sit back and let it happen.
As she prepared to “claim her man” she brazenly walked over and interrupted Shakira and Tommy’s cosy chat. She took him to the terrace, far away from her new rival, before confessing she was “jealous”.
With the girls clearly rattled by Shakira’s plan it certainly got tense – but a kiss between Megan and Tommy sealed they were definitely on the right track. But could Shakira’s actions in the villa spark drama with the others or even Megan going forward if she manages to survive the looming dumping?
It comes after fans questioned some “missing scenes” after some drama between two Islanders. Just last night on the series fans saw the couples formed, before bombshell Toni caused carnage.
While some couples were clearly thrilled by their pairings, others were not. Shakira and Ben even had a frosty moment just moments before Toni entered the villa and stole him.
Ben had claimed to Maya that their pairing was “love/hate” sparking confusion with fans. Many wondered if they’d missed some scenes, unsure why the couple were already “bickering” as one of their co-stars put it just hours into the show.
They’d had a chat before Toni’s entrance where Ben had seemed to hint he was already thinking about who else might come in, and he didn’t seem interested. Fans picked up on this, also noting Shakira didn’t look impressed by their chat.
As some viewers wondered if a secret row had not been aired, one fan posted on X: “I think Shakira was disappointed with Ben’s answers,” while another guessed: “Ben saying he’s not sure if he can put up with Shakira has gone right into red flag territory.” A third fan said: “Ben doesn’t like Shakira AT ALL!”
A fourth fan wrote: “Feeling horrible for Shakira right now Ben is not even trying to hide the fact he does not like her at all.” A further post read: “I said he doesn’t like Shakira.”
Other fans shared their confusion over the sudden tension between them. A fan posted: “Did I miss something between Shakira and Ben, wdym love/hate relationship? The first day isn’t even over yet.”
Love Island 2025 airs every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
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Coronation Street legend hasn’t aged a day 22 years after soap exit as she poses with co-star and superstar daughter
CORONATION Street legend Angela Lonsdale hasn’t aged a day since leaving the soap more than two decades ago.
The actress – who played police woman Emma Watts in the ITV soap between 2000 and 2003 – catapulting her to instant fame.
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And now she looks like she hasn’t changed at all as she posted a picture with Corrie colleague Sally Dynevor and her superstar daughter Phoebe.
Posting the picture for Sally’s birthday, Angela wrote: “Wishing you The Happiest Birthday my beautiful angel @sallydynevor
“Thank you for being the Best Friend anyone could wish for! Have the most wonderful time with @dynevortim!
“Love you with all my heart and soul #birthdaylove #bestfriend #happybirthday #wecomeasone”
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Angela’s character Emma became a cobbles legend when she married the loveable Curly Watts.
She was on the soap for three years, before leaving to join The Bill in 2003, portraying Helen Coles.
Since then she has starred in other soaps like Doctors, playing DI Eva Moore, Karen Sunderland in Casualty and popped up in Holby City.
Angela also played Grace Lane in Our Girl.
In 2021 Angela stunned viewers with her appearance when she starred in BBC One’s The Syndicate.
She popped up on the show and looked almost recognisable as she was caked in fake tan.
Playing an over-the-top dog owner called Mrs Levine, Angela could be seen smothered in bronze make-up which was topped off with blue eyeshadow.
She later appeared in Hollyoaks.
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White Lotus star breaks down in tears as he finally addresses feud with co-star
Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood – who played Rick Hackett and his Chelsea in The White Lotus – have broken their silence months after their reported feud
12:38, 05 Jun 2025Updated 12:39, 05 Jun 2025
Their on-screen chemistry and complicated love story left White Lotus viewers enthralled – but that didn’t help stop rumours of a backstage feud between actors Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood after one particularly awkward social media interaction.
But the pair, who played mysterious Rick Hackett and his girlfriend Chelsea, have finally spoken out – revealing why they’ve only seen each other once since season three’s February premiere.
And Walton, unable to hold back his emotions, declared “I love this woman madly” about Aimee in a bid to set the record straight.
Two months since the show’s dramatic finale, the pair have reunited for Variety magazine as they got up close and personal once again. Speaking of the moment they met for the very first time, Aimee revealed he had texted her to come over for lunch. She said: “I didn’t know what to order. I was like, ‘Can you pick for me?’ I was so nervous.”
Walton added: “The minute she walked around the corner, I felt, ‘This is gonna work. Two minutes into the conversation, it felt like I’ve known this person for 100 years.”
Despite suggestions of a feud, Walton was also very keen to reiterate that Aimee is “so important” to him as he began to choke up.
He told the magazine: “There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me.” Turning to Aimee, he continued: “This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will. You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. I’ll be on an island, I think Greece. But she’s special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply.”
Aimee also responded to the feud rumours and Walton unfollowing her on Instagram, which she doesn’t appear fussed about at all.
“I think it’s such a comment on where we’re at culturally. Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We don’t give a s***e about Instagram,” she said.
While she had initially wanted to respond to the feud claims over the following, Aimee said that she decided to just “sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing”.
Explaining further about the unfollowing, Walton – whose first wife tragically died by suicide in 2004 – suggested that he simply wasn’t good with goodbyes and unfollowed anyone who was part of the show after filming wrapped up.
In tears, he said: “I knew what we had gone through, and I knew how close that we had gotten, and I needed to begin to process saying goodbye to Rick and Chelsea.”
Walton went on to say that he had just needed to take a step back from everyone after filming ended and he hasn’t spoken to anyone as he “couldn’t handle it”. He added: “Judge me or don’t. I don’t give a f*** what you think. This is my process. Rick means everything to me, and Chelsea means everything to me.”
As the interview wrapped up, Walton declared that he would follow Aimee on Instagram again, declaring it all “ridiculous” and that he would be friends with her “for f***ing ever”.
Crying again as he hugged his former co-star, Walton added: “I’m emotional because we haven’t been in the same city to ever talk about this. So for me, this is just so wonderful.”
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Hollyoaks star marries fiance she met on a plane – watched by emotional C4 co-star
HOLLYOAKS star Caroline Koziol has tied the knot in a stunning countryside wedding.
The actress, well known for playing Katja on the Channel 4 soap, wed businessman Phil Thornett in front of family and friends.
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Rory Douglas Speed – who played Joel Dexter on the show – was amongst those there to watch her happy moment.
Caroline is thought to have met Phil on a plane and fell head over heels – choosing to keep their romance out of the limelight.
The actress’ first prominent role was in 2019, when she appeared as Mariana in Line of Duty.
Caroline then played a Polish immigrant smuggled into England on Hollyoaks for a number of months in 2021.
She became close to Rory during her time in the village and describes him as her ‘brother from another mother’.
Since then she has appeared in over 20 Bollywood films and she has become a TikTok sensation – with millions of views per video.
On Hollyoaks Caroline was the unsuspecting van driver of the laptops that Brad King, Warren Fox and Felix Westwood were planning to steal.
She was directed into a garage as part of their ploy – where she was tied up, leaving her terrified.
In a scuffle Katja managed to escape and jumped in the van – but managed to reverse it into Maxine – knocking her unconscious.
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Hollyoaks – cast member cull
HOLLYOAKS beauty Chelsee Healey has dropped the biggest hint yet she’s been axed from the soap – yet what’s happening at the Channel 4 show?
Earlier this year, the Channel 4 soap was forced to address the cull of cast members.
It came after The Sun was first to report Hollyoaks bosses plan to kill off a whopping 20 cast members.
Now Chelsee, who recently took time away from her role as Goldie McQueen to give birth to her second daughter, has now made a cryptic move on X.
The Manchester lass, 36, re-posted a picture of her character crying to her page.
It came after Stephanie Waring, famed for her 28-year-long role as Cindy Cunningham, confirmed that soap bosses had axed her as part of the 20-person strong cast cull.
Another big name set to quit for good is popstar turned soap star Jamelia.
The soap’s resident hunk and TV favourite Owen Warner has also left the show amid the cuts with fans left devastated to say goodbye to his character Romeo Nightingale.
Jamie Lomas has also quit the show and will depart his Warren Fox role soon.
Haiesha Mistry famed for her role as Yasmine Maalik has also left after seven years.
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Loose Women panellist hints at co-star rivalry as both covet role on iconic BBC show
Two mainstays of the Loose Women panel could go head-to-head on iconic reality show Strictly Come Dancing as one of the stars joked that she’s been “practising my splits”
Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards has revealed that she and fellow panellist Coleen Nolan are both eager to strut their stuff on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 56-year-old, who is currently dazzling audiences in the West End production of Chicago alongside former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, confessed she’s been doing all she can to land a spot on the dance competition. “I’ve asked her to put in a good word for me,” Brenda divulged about her conversations with Janette, who now hosts the show’s spin-off.
She added: “Don’t worry, I’m pushing all avenues. If I get on Strictly, I’ll have to start practising my splits. I want to do it!
“It’s between Coleen Nolan and me, because she really wants to go on it also.” In an interview with Bella Magazine, Brenda expressed her ambition to reach the final, something her Loose Women colleagues haven’t achieved yet.
Coleen, 60, has also shared her aspirations to hit the dance floor and vie for the coveted Glitterball trophy, reports Belfast Live. On Loose Women, she campaigned: “Vote me to go in!
“There’d be a lot of sequins involved, let me tell you.” She has also told The Mirror: “I’ve never done Strictly which devastates me.
“Since that show started, I’ve always wanted to do Strictly and so many Loose Women have done it but they never, ever ask me.” Among the Loose Women stars who have taken the plunge on Strictly’s dance floor are Ruth Langsford, Judi Love, and Kaye Adams.
Kaye, 62, was the first celebrity to be voted off the show in 2022, after partnering with Kai Widdrington. In 2017, Ruth, 65, secured ninth place after her stint with Anton Du Beke, while Judi, 44, was the fifth star to be eliminated in 2021, alongside her partner Graziano Di Prima.
The line-up of celebrities for the forthcoming series remains under wraps, but rumoured participants include Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, telly favourite Stacey Solomon, former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, and ex-Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo. What the BBC has confirmed is the roster of professional dancers.
Reigning champion Dianne Buswell will returning to the dance floor are, as will Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also feature once more.
Earlier this year, the BBC also revealed that two new professional dancers will be introduced closer to the show’s return. The 2025 series is expected to kick off in September, though an official date is still to be confirmed.
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This Morning host supported by co-star as he makes family health admission
This Morning host Craig Doyle made a personal announcement about his mum on Wednesday
This Morning star Craig Doyle received a heart-warming show of support from his co-host Rochelle Humes on Wednesday (May 28) as he shared news of his mother being in hospital.
On today’s episode of the popular ITV show, Craig and Rochelle delivered the latest updates from the UK and around the world.
Following a chat with Deirdre Sanders about the upcoming phone-in segment on in-law issues, Craig took a moment to send his best to his mum in hospital.
Deirdre said: “We’re here to help with any in-law problem,” prompting Craig to jest: “Don’t know what she’s talking about. My in-laws are perfect, morning Dorothy.”
Craig quickly added: “Can I say hello to my mum who’s in hospital. Hello mum, how are you? Have you got the sound up? Good girl,” reports Wales Online.
Rochelle chimed in with a warm message: “Hello mum! Hope you’re good. Love her.”
The duo were filling in for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, who are taking a break during the half-term holiday. Earlier in the week, Paddy McGuinness and Alison Hammond had taken the reins.
At the beginning of today’s programme, Rochelle praised Craig for his achievement in last month’s London Marathon.
“You’re stuck with Craig and I today, sorry about that,” she said, before turning to Craig: “How are you? I’ve not seen you for a little while and we’ve got a lot to catch up on.
“Since I’ve last seen you, you’ve taken on a big challenge and absolutely nailed it… The London Marathon.”
A photo was then displayed showing Craig proudly posing with his medal, alongside EastEnders icon Adam Woodyatt and TV host Jenni Falconer.
“Ah fantastic! [Jenni] had to have her knee up because it was sweaty day, let’s just say,” Craig shared about the marathon experience.
“I haven’t done one in about 20 years and I thought I was the same as I was 20 years ago, I’m definitely not. It was really, really tough, so congratulations to all of you who finished the marathon… I was slow, I enjoyed it, the crowds were unbelievable.”
In other segments of today’s programme, Craig and Rochelle spoke to renowned opera singer Lesley Garrett, who revealed her private struggle with cancer.
Additionally, Race Across the World contestants Fin and Sioned stopped by the studio to discuss the latest developments in the popular BBC travel show, while Sharon Marshall delivered the latest soap news directly from the set of Emmerdale.
This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am
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Who is new Harry Potter star Dominic McLaughlin – BBC role and link to co-star
HBO Max’s Harry Potter has found its lead in Dominic McLaughlin, who was announced as part of the TV reboot’s cast alongside Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout this week
Further casting for the TV reboot of Harry Potter has been unveiled this week. Producers have announced who will be playing the title character in the HBO series, with Dominic McLaughlin following in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe.
Daniel, now 35, rose to fame playing Harry Potter in the film series of the same name. The actor starred in all eight films, from the Philosopher’s Stone to the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which were released in 2001 and 2011 respectively.
It was announced earlier today that Dominic will play the literary character on-screen next, with him starring in the TV reboot. The news comes following an open casting call last year for actors aged between 9 and 11 in April this year.
Dominic has been described as a “screen newcomer” but the adaptation of the J. K. Rowling novels isn’t the only upcoming project that he’s set to appear in. The Mirror has taken a look at his casting and career following the news, including how his role as Harry Potter will bring a reunion.
HBO’s Harry Potter
Earlier today it was announced that Dominic had been cast in the role of Harry Potter in the HBO Max series. It came alongside the news that Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione Granger and as Ron Weasley respectively.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and fellow executive producer Mark Mylod said: “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”
They added in a statement that accompanied the casting news earlier: “We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
The show has been described as a “faithful adaptation” of the book series by J.K. Rowling, who’s an executive producer. It’s been teased that the cast will “lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years”.
It was previously revealed that John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape respectively. They will serve as series regulars alongside Nick Frost, who has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming show.
Other cast members include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell. It has also been announced already that Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch in the TV adaptation.
Sky film Grow
Dominic has already worked on a project with co-star Nick, with their roles as Harry and Hagrid marking a reunion for the two actors. They are also among the cast of the Sky Original film Grow, which is set to be released later this year.
It’s been teased that the film, which is set in a world of pumpkin rivalry, is a “comedy all about family, growth and nurturing”. It centres around a “cutthroat giant-pumpkin-growing contest where the entire town gets their pumpkin patches ready to compete for a cash prize and pumpkin glory”.
The cast is led by Bridgerton‘s Golda Rosheuvel and Priya-Rose Brookwell as pumpkin farmer Dinah Little and her niece Charlie Little. Dinah’s farm hosts the contest and Charlie is among those who take part in the event, though she faces sabotage in her attempt to win the coveted prize.
Nick will appear as eco-loving pumpkin pundit Arlo, whilst, according to IMDb, Dominic plays Oliver Gregory. The cast also includes Jeremy Swift, Kathryn Drysdale, Alan Carr and Joe Wilkinson.
BBC show Gifted
Dominic is also set to star in the upcoming BBC series Gifted, which is adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels of the same name. He will play the character of Martin, with his co-stars in the show including Jessica Hardwick as Madame.
Set in Edinburgh, the show “tells the story of a diverse group of young Scottish teens who discover they each have unique superpowers”. Their abilities are said to range from telekinesis to invisibility and mind reading.
It’s been teased that the group must join forces to protect themselves when they are targeted by an organisation known as the Bodkin. Guided by their teacher Madame, they embark on a journey to learn about their powers.
It was announced last year that the show was already in production. At the time, it was stated that Gifted is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer “at the end of 2025”.
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READ MORE: Natalie Portman’s makeup artist takes anti-ageing gadget ‘on every job’ to shrink wrinkles
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Coronation Street’s Gary Windass actor spent years being mistaken for co-star by fans
Coronation Street fans have been mistaking Mikey North, who plays Gary Windass, for his former co-star for 15 years – and he’s yet to correct any of them
16:29, 23 May 2025Updated 17:34, 23 May 2025
Gary Windass (Mikey North) has been on the cobbles since 2008, but fans still get him mixed up with another Coronation Street star. Mikey was the latest soap star in Kevin and Liz Fletcher’s Off Script podcast, where he spilled all the tea.
Since he’s been in the show so long, Liz was curious to know what Corrie fans call Gary when they see him on the street. “Is it Gary or Windass?” she asked. However, to Liz’s shock, it was neither.
“It’s Chesney,” he laughed – explaining that he gets mistaken for Chesney actor Sam Aston. “It’s followed me around all these years. It’s funny.
“It’s an in-joke at work that my name is Chesney. I guess people who dip in and out who watched it when Chesney was really young, and then tune in years later and see me, they think that Chesney grew up to be me, if that makes sense?”
Mickey then went on to reveal how himself and Chesney shared a dressing room at the studio for 15 years. “It’s sort of like they were congregating the gingers,” he laughed.
However, Mickey doesn’t bother to correct fans, as he told the hosts he “just goes along with it” when people ask him how Chesney’s late dog Schmeichel is.
Sam Aston first joined the soap in 2003, five years before Mickey. At the time of joining, he was just 10 years old.
Last month, Corrie fans were left stunned when ‘missing’ Gary Windass arrived back on the cobbles after months away from the soap. Prior to this, the character hadn’t been seen on screen since January, leaving fans puzzled by his sudden disappearance.
There had been no mention of where he’d gone, and not a single storyline to explain his absence, leaving fans confused. During his return, Gary told Maria he was planning to sell his shop and buy the builder’s yard in an attempt at a fresh start. However, Maria wasn’t convinced that was a good idea.
Things then became worse for the couple when Maria found out Gary had offered Mick a job at the yard. However, .the position didn’t last long, after Gary discovered that Mick had locked his step-son Liam in a cabinet for hours. Mick was then sacked and the pair ended up having a brawl in broad daylight.
Elsewhere in his podcast episode, Mickey said that he hopes to share the screen with Jeff Hordley‘s character Cain Dingle, when the soaps take part in the historic crossover episode next year.
Asked which Emmerdale characters he wants to be mixing with, the actor replied: “It’s got to be Cain, hasn’t it?” “A Windass and a Dingle, that would be brilliant,” said Kelvin, to which Mikey laughed: “Windass V Dingle.”
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Why Benito Skinner enlisted Wally Baram to co-star in ‘Overcompensating’
In “Overcompensating,” Prime Video’s newly released comedy series, everyone is doing too much. That’s what Benito Skinner, the creator and star of the A24-produced show, experienced in college in the mid-2010s, and why it felt like a perfect backdrop to tell a heightened version of his own coming out story.
“Overcompensating” centers around Benny (played by Skinner), a closeted former high school football player turned college frat bro who spends too much energy posing as a straight guy by lowering his voice and keeping his love for Lorde’s songwriting in check. That’s the case even, or especially, when he’s greeted by “The Alliance of Gay People and Lesbians and Bisexual People and Asexuals too even” as he makes his way around campus.
But Skinner knew there was plenty of narrative potential in focusing on the thorny relationship Benny strikes up with Carmen, a girl who ends up being both his beard and his BFF. Only in this telling, Carmen, played by Wally Baram, isn’t just a supporting player in Benny’s path toward self-acceptance.
“Naturally that story and getting to college, it’s this coming of age thing,” Skinner says. “And for so many gay people, it’s meeting these girlfriends who are creating these safe spaces — all the while they have their own s— going on. What was so interesting to me is thinking how I’m going through this whole journey inside. But so is she. She is having this whole other experience too.”
Benny (Benito Skinner) and Carmen (Wally Baram) in “Overcompensating.”
(Sabrina Lantos / Prime Video)
Baram says when she read the show’s pilot episode, she instantly understood where the character was coming from.
“I got the script, and within the first three pages, there’s this character — this frizzy, curly haired girl who’s kind of awkward and just can’t do the same thing that everyone else is doing,” Baram recalls. “And who, over the course of the script, is overcompensating with love. That was just so me for a really large chunk of my life, frankly.”
After meeting at orientation — and bonding over the need to ignore the kid who insists on telling everyone he’s Amanda Knox’s cousin — Benny and Carmen fumble through a performed kind of meet-cute. Wishing to do away with his sexual urges for cute boys on campus and hoping to avoid becoming a campus pariah if he doesn’t sleep with a girl on his first day at school, Benny pursues Carmen.
Over the course of the eight-episode season of “Overcompensating,” their freshman situationship quickly gets more and more complicated. Carmen is clueless at first about why things aren’t clicking with Benny in the bedroom (or more like the dorm room). And the root of the issue can be difficult for her to discern.
“It’s like, how could you not know he was gay? But in these relationships I’ve had with women, there was so much confusion and miscommunication through sad dishonesty,” he says. “The Carmen character was so fun to write because this girl is experiencing this on the other side being like, ‘What the f— is wrong with this guy?’ I found that for women, gay was the last thing on their list of things why these relationships weren’t working. And I’m like, ‘No, babe, that’s No. 1.’ You did nothing wrong.”
Benito Skinner on writing the relationship between his character and Carmen: “I found that for women, gay was the last thing on their list of things why these relationships weren’t working. And I’m like, ‘No, babe, that’s No. 1.’ You did nothing wrong.”
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
Finding the right actress to nail Carmen’s charming awkwardness was a challenge. Like Benny, Carmen is trying to start anew and fit in at the fictional Yates University. She’s often pushing herself to perform whatever normalcy looks like for a college freshman.
Carmen doesn’t nail collegespeak — “Here’s to a night we’ll never remember with the friends we’ll never forgive,” she captions her first selfie with Benny — but she’s skilled at beer pong, first-person shooters and chugging drinks like the frat boys on campus. More importantly, she is sweet and attentive, the kind of tender girlfriend a closeted boy like Benny would naturally gravitate toward.
At the suggestion of A24 producer Alli Reich, Skinner watched Baram’s 2021 set on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” There, the young comedian, who’s Mexican and Syrian (“or as Fox News would call me, a ‘very lazy terrorist,’” she joked), poked fun at how she’s struggling with adulthood, especially since her body felt both childlike and grown-up at the same time. “I’m 5’2”, I have a baby face, but I’ve [got] boobs and the voice of like an eighth grade Jewish boy,” she deadpanned in the set.
“I had sat with this character for four and a half, five years,” Skinner recalls. “And I watched this video, and it was this very surreal moment. She was exactly what I had in my head for Carmen. I was like, ‘OK, well, it’s her.’”
Baram’s winsome self-deprecation felt like a perfect match for the cast of this off-kilter comedy Skinner was assembling.
“When we met in person, I felt like I had little maracas out,” Baram jokes. “The energy in that room was just like, ‘Oh, hello!’ Like when two dogs meet, and their tails go up.”
“It was so two chihuahuas meet, finally,” Skinner adds.
“When we met in person, I felt like I had little maracas out,” Wally Baram says about Benito Skinner.
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
“Overcompensating” hinges on their crackling chemistry. But as the season unfolds, the series becomes more and more of an ensemble piece. As Benny navigates his first semester at Yates, we spend more time with his sullen sister, Grace (Mary Beth Barone); her douchey frat boyfriend, Peter (Adam DiMarco); Benny’s swoon-worthy crush, Miles (Rish Shah) and Carmen’s brassy, sassy roommate Hailee (Holmes).
Together, they create a vision of college life that will make millennials cringe in recognition. The pilot, after all, opens with Britney Spears’ “Lucky” and the foundational queer film “George of the Jungle,” starring a chiseled, loin-clothed Brendan Fraser. But it’s the needle drops throughout the show that best capture that generation and moment in time. Charli XCX may get the spotlight treatment — she guest stars as herself in Episode 4 — but the deployment of a My Chemical Romance song in a later episode made the cast realize just how wounding and specific the writing on the show could be.
“I read ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’ and it sent a chill down my spine because I thought that was private to me, alone in my room,” Baram says. “And then you put it in there and I was like, ‘OK, so we all had that moment,’ which is both good and also, wow, my plight is not special.”
“That is so true that it felt private to all of us,” Skinner adds. “Because that was also something with Mary Beth, too. When we were talking about that song, she’s like, ‘I feel this in my bones, maybe in a good and a really mortifying way.’ I hope it has a resurgence. I do think Gen Z will really enjoy that song. It feels very them.”
Barone’s cringey karaoke rendition of that emo 2006 banger resonates because it captures the joy (and embarrassment) that comes from being unabashedly oneself — something every character in “Overcompensating” grapples with to varying degrees of success.
“Overcompensating” hinges on the chemistry between Wally Baram and Benito Skinner.
(Dutch Doscher / For The Times)
Skinner’s comedy excels at capturing those crippling feelings of inadequacy — whether you’re a closeted dude rushing a frat, a secretly emo girl trying to please her boyfriend or a shy freshman figuring out who she could be away from home.
“Some of these people that come into college where they’re like, ‘I’m gonna do me no matter what, and I’m coming in here like a bat out of hell’ — I felt so in awe watching them,” Skinner says. “I was like, ‘This is so incredible that you can do this.’ Meanwhile I feel so confident in one room and in the next room I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I should not be here.’”
That’s precisely what Baram keyed into when bringing Carmen to life, as well as listening to “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo to get into character.
“Because it reminds me of a time in my life in which I thought I was conquering the social. I was going to a party, and I thought that I was gonna, you know, get down and dirty,” she says. “But really, I was a disingenuous version of myself, and ultimately ended up feeling unrewarded at the end, no matter what I did, whether I had a successful social interaction or I failed miserably.”
“Overcompensating” broadens concepts that are central to the queer experience — like the closet and found families — and places them at the heart of the modern college experience. And, in between jokes about pink eye, Grindr dates gone wrong and a pitch perfect takedown of college improv, the series makes a heartfelt case for how to make the best out of those formative years.
“To do it right, I think, is the Benny and Carmen way,” Skinner says. “It’s finding the person that doesn’t make you feel like you have to be so inconsistent with who you are and the things you actually want to do. For me it’s like, you’re bad at overcompensating when you’re with the right person.”
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