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Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie has landed a leading role in an upcoming Channel 4 drama.

Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie has secured a leading role in an upcoming Channel 4 drama, where she’ll star alongside Glenn Close.

Known for her portrayal of Eloise, the sharp-tongued and defiant fifth child in Netflix’s popular period drama Bridgerton, Jessie is set to take on a contrasting role in Up To No Good. The six-part series marks the television writing debut for playwrights Nina Raine and Moses Raine, who have adapted Helen Tursten’s short story collections An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed.

A press release teasing the forthcoming series reveals that Fatal Attraction star Glenn Close will portray Maud Oldcastle, described as “a hilariously brusque, cantankerous, ruthless older woman-and those are her nice qualities”.

The synopsis continues: “She is also a killer. Determined to break from a lifetime spent caring for her sister, Maud sets out to claim a long-overdue second act, but when a suspicious young detective investigating a death in Maud’s building starts to believe there is more to her than meets the eye, Maud is forced to reckon with her crimes, present and past.”

Toxic Town’s Jessie will be stepping into the shoes of young detective Hannah, with Andor’s Gloria Obianyo portraying Astrid, EastEnders‘ Anita Dobson as Elsa, Game of Thrones’ Ben Crompton playing Barry, and The Wheel of Time’s Meera Syal taking on the role of Margaret. Rounding off the star-studded cast announcement, Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton will be seen as Charlotte, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Rebecca Holdsworth, Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 4, expressed her excitement in a statement: “Nina and Moses Raine’s deliciously dark and witty world has drawn together a truly fantastic line-up, and we’re excited for audiences to be introduced to Maud Oldcastle and the unforgettable characters surrounding her. UP TO NO GOOD promises a bold, razor sharp and wickedly entertaining series that feels undoubtedly Channel 4.”

Scott Huff, Joint Managing Director, Playground, also shared his enthusiasm, saying: “We are thrilled to have brought together this extraordinary group of artists for UP TO NO GOOD. A cast of this calibre is a testament to Nina and Moses’s brilliant scripts, our casting director Robert Sterne’s exceptional taste and Glenn Close’s legendary talent. We can’t wait for audiences to see this group of actors together on screen.”

Andrew Plotkin, EVP of Drama Development at Sony Pictures Television, commented: “We are thrilled to have Lee Haven Jones directing the series, not only setting the tone, but immersing himself on the ground throughout production. With a standout cast joining Glenn to bring Nina and Moses’ brilliantly crafted scripts to life, their collaboration further elevates the storytelling at the heart of UP TO NO GOOD. What’s coming together is remarkable, and audiences are in for something truly special.”

The new series will see Claudia in a character completely different from her present role as an outspoken and curious Bridgerton daughter, who desperately resists societal pressures and would rather immerse herself in books than attend balls, showing minimal interest in marriage or potential suitors.

The current season follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he searches for a mysterious woman, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), whom he met at a masquerade ball. It’s also building towards Eloise’s storyline, with Claudia having previously hinted at what lies ahead for her character when her moment in the spotlight eventually arrives.

The Shonda Rhimes production, based on Julia Quinn’s novels, first graced our screens in 2020, tracing the romantic journey of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). The following two series then saw the eldest Bridgerton sibling Anthony (Jonathan Bailer) tie the knot with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and third Bridgerton son Colin’s (Luke Newton) passionate affair with the true author of Lady Whistledown, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).

Discussing how the current series is paving the way for her own season, Claudia shared with RadioTimes.com: “Eloise is desperately trying to find her way of doing it, right? That’s what I’ve always been excited to be able to one day do, is to show love or romance or whatever her journey is in the most Eloise way possible. I think she’s just trying to find out her way of doing it.”

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She further added: “That’s what I think the set-up is until ultimately we see what her way of doing it is, her version of it. I’m buzzing to one day do it. I love this show with my whole heart.”

Discussing the future of her character, she previously shared with Netflix Tudum: “I like the idea of her becoming political. Obviously, romance is a very important part of the show, but out of all of the characters, Eloise is the one you’d like to see go a slightly different route. Because we see it in Season 2 where she’s meeting different people in different parts of society and reading new things, so I’d like to see that continue. Right now, she’s young and she’s just taking everything in. But I’d like her to have a really clear purpose, something that she really desires.”

Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.

The Netflix period drama is based on a beloved classic Gothic novel of the same name.

Enthusiasts of period dramas might be missing out on a Netflix treasure that’s adapted from one of literature’s most cherished classics.

This thriller, praised as “gripping from beginning to end”, features a beloved Downton Abbey star alongside a celebrated actress from Slow Horses.

Rebecca, which debuted on Netflix in 2020, draws from Daphne Du Maurier’s renowned thriller bearing the same title.

The 1938 Gothic masterpiece remains a timeless favourite due to its compelling themes and jaw-dropping plot twists, proving the tale continues to mesmerise audiences nearly a century on.

This bestselling novel has seen numerous adaptations throughout the decades, with Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca claiming the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1940.

The latest interpretation comes from director Ben Wheatley’s Netflix production, showcasing performances from Call me by Your Name’s Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas.

James gained recognition portraying Rose in Downton Abbey, Young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy.

Meanwhile, British theatrical icon Kristin Scott Thomas is renowned for her roles as Diana Taverner in Slow Horses, Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral and Sylvia McCordle in Gosford Park.

The IMDb synopsis for Rebecca states: “A young newlywed arrives at her husband’s imposing family estate on a windswept English coast and finds herself battling the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose legacy lives on in the house long after her death.”

Rebecca holds a disappointing 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though based on viewer feedback, many believe the film deserves far greater recognition, reports the Express.

Enthusiasts flocked to the comments section to voice their opinions, with one declaring: “This movie gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn’t look away, and I didn’t see anything coming. You think you know what the movie is about, then there is a twist, and the whole thing takes a left turn you didn’t see coming.”

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Another viewer exclaimed: “ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! ! !” before adding: “Nothing can touch the original masterpiece however this film, in many ways, is faithful Du Mauriers cunning flip of stereotypes.”

A third fan wrote: “Loved the thrill, love story, period views, so well made I would watch it again,” whilst another concurred: “Loved the book and this version of it in film. Have watched I many times. Great cast and acting.”

Additional supporters praised how the timeless novel had been transformed for Netflix, with one suggesting: “If you’ve read Rebecca and it’s a beloved novel to you, this movie is amazing. A great rendition.”

Another viewer expressed bafflement at the film’s critical mauling, writing: “I don’t understand all the bad reviews for Rebecca. I loved the new adaptation. I especially loved the costumes and filming locations. Lily James does a wonderful job.”

One supporter declared: “Excellent twist on a classic thriller! I am not sure why this doesn’t have better reviews but it is well worth your time,” whilst another concurred: “This movie is a stunningly faithful adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel.”

A further enthusiast gushed: “What a ride! ! ! This genre bending thriller will take you on the wildest roller coaster of your life. The next time someone asks me what my favorite movie is, I’m saying Rebecca.”

They added: “This movie surpassed my every expectation. Here I was, sitting on the couch expecting some lame romance but nope! ! I am going to pass this movie down through generations of my family.”

Yet not everyone shared the enthusiasm, with one viewer noting: “Bland to the point of boring.”

Another complained: “What was an interesting, suspenseful book with hints of psychological thriller in it became a vapid, rushed, and bland movie that sapped two hours of my life. If you like your movies to stick to the plot of your books, avoid this.”

A third grumbled: “As much as I love the actors and actresses in this movie, nothing about it really had me enjoying the film. The clichés were handed out like appetizers and the plot of the film was all over the place. Wasn’t a fan.”

Nevertheless, considering all the glowing feedback from fans despite the film’s disappointing Rotten Tomatoes rating, Rebecca might well be regarded as an undervalued gem.

Rebecca is available to stream now on Netflix.

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This beloved BBC series is a must-watch for fans of cosy comedy-dramas and beautiful scenery

Fans of Scottish-set programmes or simply cosy comedy-dramas shouldn’t miss this beloved BBC series that proved a massive hit throughout the 2000s.

This recommendation follows others discovering a “masterpiece” period crime drama, a show hailed as Netflix’s “finest”, and a murder mystery favourite from a “master” writer, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Monarch of the Glen debuted at the dawn of the new millennium, enchanting viewers with its warm-hearted comedy-drama format. The BBC programme chronicles young restaurateur Archie MacDonald (portrayed by Alastair Mackenzie) as he attempts to revitalise his childhood residence in the Scottish Highlands.

Archie found himself drawn back to Scotland from his hectic London restaurant career after discovering he’d inherited his family’s Highland titles and property, becoming the Laird of Glenbogle.

He subsequently made the difficult choice to abandon his metropolitan existence and begin anew whilst managing the crumbling estate, alongside its enormous debts and dealing with Glenbogle’s temperamental workforce.

Archie had the support of his partner Justine (Anna Wilson-Jones), whose decision to accompany him to Scotland meant she too relocated for their relationship. Throughout the series, viewers keenly followed Archie’s journey to determine whether he could ultimately transform the estate into a profitable venture, despite numerous challenges blocking his progress.

The series has garnered glowing praise on IMDb, with one viewer awarding it 10/10 in a review headlined “Excellent series, quirky, charming”. They wrote: “The writing is very consistently good, the characters appealing (their quirks and foibles make them even more so), and the scenery of the Scottish highlands is just lovely.”

Another highly-rated review declared: “Amazing, makes you fall in love with Scotland and its people.”

The reviewer expanded: “I love the values expressed through the show: honesty, faithfulness, character, faith, friendship, hard work, dependability, and above all forgiveness and reconciliation. I love how the themes are developed and I love the beautiful Scottish scenery.”

A third top-rated review hailed Monarch of the Glen as a “great series”, concluding: “Overall I’d give it 10/10 though for the drama/acting and of course Scottish scenery.”

Another fan declared: “The series, “Monarch of the Glen” is the best that telly has had to offer in a very long while.”

They continued: “The scenery is just as much the star of the show yet it is not used as an excuse for slack plot standards. Indeed it is part and parcel of the plot.”

The programme was loosely based on Sir Compton Mackenzie’s Highland Novels, though whilst the books were set during the 1930s and 1940s, the BBC adaptation took a more modern approach. Nevertheless, the programme takes its name from the opening novel in the series, The Monarch of the Glen, which references the renowned painting of the same title by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer.

Monarch of the Glen spanned seven series altogether and was filmed across numerous stunning locations, including the Cairngorms, Badenoch and Strathspey.

Meanwhile, Ardverikie House provided the main setting for the castle featured in the programme, with additional filming occurring around the south-east shore of Loch Laggan where the property is situated.

Alongside Mackenzie and Wilson-Jones, Monarch of the Glen boasted a stellar cast including beloved The Good Life actor Richard Briers, Emmy Award-winner Susan Hampshire, Human Traffic’s Lorraine Pilkington, Taggart’s Alexander Morton, Holby City’s Dawn Steele, fellow Holby City veteran Hamish Clark, and Downton Abbey creator-turned-performer Julian Fellowes.

Monarch of the Glen represents Fellowes’ most substantial acting role to this day, portraying Lord Kilwillie across 24 episodes.

Fellowes has previously appeared in productions such as Aristocrats, Sharpe, Our Friends in the North, and Kavanagh QC.

Monarch of the Glen is streaming on BBC iPlayer now

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