A Love Actually actress looks worlds away from her iconic character in this ‘must watch’ thriller fans couldn’t get enough of
Where’s Wanda? is available to binge watch right now (Image: Apple TV+)
A Love Actually actress is completely unrecognisable in a “extraordinary” thriller that left fans on the edge of their seats.
German actress Heike Makatsch is best remembered for her portrayal of Mia, the flirtatious secretary who tempted her boss Harry (Alan Rickman) in the 2003 festive film.
Though the romcom is hugely iconic, its 65% Rotten Tomatoes score pales in comparison to Heike’s perfectly-rated 2024 show, Where’s Wanda?
Currently streaming on Apple TV+, the dark comedy follows desperate parents Dedo (Axel Stein) and Carlotta Klatt (Heike) as they search for their missing daughter Wanda, months after her disappearance.
Frustrated by the police’s inability to find her, the couple take matters into their own hands and begin spying on their neighbours to find answers.
Love Actually fans may take a minute to recognise Heike in the drama as she ditches her dark bob for long blonde hair.
The Apple TV drama quickly won over critics upon its debut, earning a stellar 100% score from seven reviews. Casual viewers were equally impressed, though they awarded it a less generous 68% rating.
One fan shared a glowing review, penning: “I was overwhelmingly pleased. It was genuinely funny, aesthetically gorgeous, stupendously well acted, and decidedly fresh, making a story that I don’t think has ever been told before. 11/10 well worth a watch.”
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A second agreed, praising: “This show is such a delight! I have never seen such an extraordinary mixture of genres that throws you from one corner of laughter to the other corner of crying and then also exciting puzzle-piecing. A must watch for armchair detectives!”
Someone else described it as a “fantastic,” while a fourth raved: “I really enjoyed the unexpected curveballs, dark humour and loveable characters to us unlike other shows. At times I was giggling my head off while other times I was at the edge of my seat.
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“The end makes me hope that there will be a season 2. Don’t leave us hanging please!!”
Fortunately, the German drama has been renewed for a second season, which is set to feature another eight episodes.
A noughties dramedy that fans describe as ‘a truly magical experience’ has just landed on Netflix
22:44, 31 Jan 2026Updated 23:13, 31 Jan 2026
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star in the Oscar-winning drama(Image: Publicity Picture)
Netflix has quietly added a cult classic drama that picked up the coveted Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 2004.
The streaming giant has a huge catalogue of Academy Award winners and Lost in Translation is worth adding to your weekend watchlist.
The 2003 dramedy was written and directed by Sofia Coppola, daughter of famed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather). It follows an unlikely friendship between American strangers Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson).
The pair first meet in Tokyo, where fading movie star Bob is due to film a Japanese whiskey commercial. Meanwhile, Charlotte is a conflicted newlywed visiting alongside her celebrity-photographer husband.
After meeting at their hotel bar, the pair discover they have more in common than they expected. From there, the film dives into important themes such as alienation and the importance of human connection.
The dramedy was an instant hit with critics, earning four Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Leading Actor (for Murray). Ultimately, Coppola took home the screenplay prize.
It also earned a near-perfect 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics praised: “Effectively balancing humour and subtle pathos, Sofia Coppola crafts a moving, melancholy story that serves as a showcase for both Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.”
Viewers were equally impressed, though they awarded the drama a less-impressive 85% score.
One fan raved: “The movie is a masterpiece in every sense. Nothing wanting. If you want to learn about movie making, or just enjoy something purely brilliant, this is it. A work of art.”
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Someone else echoed the praise: “A hypnotically sweet and tender movie that’s quiet, but grows on you and makes you never want to leave its presence.”
While a third said: “One of the most real and raw movies I have ever seen, Coppola tells a beautiful tale of simple human connection, unlikely friends, and loneliness. This movie is wonderful and thoughtful from start to finish. Deciding never to watch it would be a mistake.”
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Yet another moviegoer gushed: “A truly magical experience. Concise, yet meaningful, dialogues where you have to read between the lines to uncover their true depth.
“Simple, yet touching, story that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Breath-taking visuals that complement the story. In fact, the main character IS indeed the city of Tokyo that unites two wandering lonely souls.”
Surrounded by stunning Georgian architecture, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and it’s no wonder this city has been used as a filming location for Netflix’s Bridgerton
It’s certainly one of Britain’s most beautiful cities(Image: Joe Daniel Price via Getty Images )
Britain boasts countless cities, each with its own unique character, but one historic gem stands out as possibly England’s most stunning. Its streets exude a timeless charm and relaxed atmosphere, featuring an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and upmarket retailers, while food lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice.
Now, Bath in Somerset looks set to become an even bigger draw for tourists as visitors discover this enchanting city has served as the backdrop for some of Netflix’s most talked-about releases. The globally acclaimed series Bridgerton filmed scenes throughout this Georgian city – and with the latest series now available on Netflix, eagle-eyed fans might recognise some Bath landmarks.
The city also played host to the three-part Agatha Christie Netflix adaptation ‘Seven Dials’, featuring Mia McKenna Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman.
I paid a visit last year, though it wasn’t my first trip as I’m based in a nearby county – yet this magnificent place never fails to leave me awestruck. While it has an affluent feel, ordinary residents call Bath home, too.
The city appears pristine and secure, with no shortage of distinctive shops to peruse or purchase from. Magnificent residential areas such as the Royal Crescent in Bath harken back to the 1700s, serving as perfect filming locations for costume dramas, reports the Express.
Properties on Bath’s Royal Crescent have an average selling price of £585,000, as per Rightmove. However, if that’s a bit steep for you, there are plenty of stunning period holiday homes available for short stays while you explore these famous filming locations.
You can actually step foot inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, the fictional home of Bridgerton’s Featherington family. This curved street also served as the backdrop for many of the show’s most memorable scenes.
The Georgian property, No. 1 Royal Crescent, has been converted into a museum, adorned and furnished in the style of the late 1700s, allowing visitors to “step into the lives of the Featheringtons”.
With recent releases from Netflix and BBC, Bath is being tipped as the UK’s “next biggest tourism destination” for 2026. But the city has long been a popular spot for tourists, thanks to its historical landmarks, unique Roman Baths and connections to famed English author, Jane Austen.
To help fans plan the ultimate getaway and immerse themselves in the worlds of Bridgerton and Seven Dials, a UK holiday lodge provider has delved deep into the internet to uncover the Georgian city’s most iconic filming locations from both hit shows.
According to research by holidaylodges.co.uk, there are five must-visit filming locations in Bath.
At the city’s North Parade Buildings, you can follow in the footsteps of Martin Freeman and Mia McKenna Bruce. These honey-coloured old buildings form part of a Grade II listed Georgian terrace.
The leafy location sits near Bath Abbey, which also features in Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials.
The stunning North Parade Buildings can be seen during a sequence where ‘Bundle’ (portrayed by Bruce) tails Superintendent Battle (Freeman).
Meanwhile, Bath’s Great Pulteney Street serves as the setting for Seven Dials’ action-packed car chase sequence. This thoroughfare is frequently described as the city’s most impressive street, stretching towards the magnificent Pulteney Bridge.
This location also serves as an excellent starting point for enthusiasts keen to discover Bridgerton filming locations, with the Holbourne Museum and the Royal Crescent just a brief stroll away.
The cobblestoned Abbey Green square in the city appeared in both Seven Dials and Bridgerton, making it essential viewing for period drama enthusiasts. In Bridgerton, the Abbey Deli frontage in this location doubled as the ‘Modiste’ dress boutique.
Meanwhile, at The Holbourne Museum, guests can discover Lady Danbury’s rather grand home, wandering around the refined exterior and stunning grounds of the museum as though visiting Lady Danbury’s opulent residence in Bridgerton.
The finest accommodation options near Bath, for enthusiasts wanting to transform their screen-inspired visit into a rural retreat, features gorgeous lodging just 30 minutes’ drive from the city, according to holidaylodges.co.uk.
Midnight Moon, a chic, luxury timber-framed lodge boasting a peaceful setting and stunning outdoor area, serves as an ideal base for a restful and scenic retreat near these thrilling filming locations. Rates begin at £465 per night.
The Barn in Wiltshire presents another excellent choice for a peaceful rural escape close to Bath. Featuring French doors opening onto a private courtyard, this superb wooden-clad barn is well-suited for a family, small group or two couples, with prices starting from £171 per night.
Despite being over 30 years old, this epic historical war drama film directed and produced by Mel Gibson about Sir William Wallace is still hailed as a “masterpiece” by fans.
Mel Gibson stars in this iconic period drama
A classic period drama movie starring Mel Gibson has won over fans who praised it as “literally the best film ever made”, and it’s on Film4 tonight.
Braveheart is a 1995 epic historical war drama film directed and produced by Mel Gibson, who portrays Scottish warrior Sir William Wallace as the lead role. The film depicts Wallace as the medieval Scottish patriot who is spurred into revolt against the English when the love of his life is slaughtered.
Leading his army into battles that become a war, his advance into England threatens King Edward I’s throne before he is captured and executed, but not before becoming a symbol for a free Scotland.
Despite being over 30 years old, the film is still hailed as a “masterpiece” by fans and the film has an impressive score of 76 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with countless five-star reviews from film fans.
One review posted: “One of the saddest and most epic things I’ve ever seen since the Planet of the Apes trilogy and Titanic; this movie shows the true meaning of love, passion and faith – that is how you make a masterpiece!”
Another added: “Quite literally the best film ever made. Holds up still, even 30 years later. Quality sweeping scenic views, amazing James Horner soundtrack, action, adventure, and a roaring rollercoaster of emotions that hits every vibe from its tales of love, tragedy of loss, moments of anger and vengeance, triumph, vindication, desperation, heart break… it’s all there.
“Many complain about the violence and gore, but it sets the stakes and makes clear the cold, dark and gritty nature of the world. Do yourself a favour and watch this masterpiece!”
A third said: “An epic and inspiring story full of heart put to film! One of the most iconic soundtracks of all time (Outlawed Tunes on Outlawed Pipes). The historical inaccuracies are there, [but] they don’t make this masterpiece a tad less spectacular.”
Another said: “Top three movies of all time. This movie is long but worth a watch. I’ve probably seen this movie more than 20 times. Great movie. Classic.”
Another wrote: “Beautiful cinematography, compelling characters, and intense, gory, and violent battle scenes, Braveheart is a thrilling and heartfelt experience after 30 years and has a great performance and direction from Mel Gibson.”
One more review praised the film by stating: “Braveheart is my favourite movie of all time. The story, action, characters and everything is perfect. The action in this movie is great.
“It’s a masterpiece. I love every second of this movie and it delivers one of the most iconic lines. This movie is a masterpiece and I’m not taking that back.”
Somebody else noted: “Astonishing movie. If you enjoy action-packed sequences of angry Scots, harrowing tales of love and impressive acting, then this movie is for you.”
Braveheart airs on Saturday January 31 on Film4 HD at 9pm.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy tells the terrifying story of the American serial killer, spanning across eight episodes. Having first been released in the US last year, it will today (January 30) be released on ITV and ITVX.
It has been teased: “Prepare to take a deep dive into the mind and life of one of America’s most notorious serial killers with this drama that tells the terrifying story of John Wayne Gacy.
“From 1972-1978, thirty-three young men were kidnapped, murdered, and buried in a crawl space beneath their killer’s house. And no one was the wiser. Not for all those years. Why? He was charming and funny.
“Had a good, All-American job. Was a community leader. He even volunteered to entertain sick kids… while dressed as a clown.
“Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy peels back the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims; exploring the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends; and exposing the systemic failures, missed opportunities, and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror.”
The series has already been a hit with viewers, as one person said: “Honestly, one of the most harrowing and distressing things I’ve ever seen. Each episode takes time to honour and bring back to life one or more of the victims.”
Is Devil in Disguise based on a true story?
Yes, the ITV drama is based on the true story of the notorious American serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who murdered young men and boys in the 1970s. Although a dramatisation of his life and crimes, it is based on real-life events that occurred.
Known as the Killer Clown, because Gacy often dressed as one when volunteering at various events, he targeted young men and sexually assaulted many of them before killing them. And he went untraced from 1972 to 1978.
Across a six-year spree, Gacy murdered 33 young men before burying them in a mass grave under his own home in Chicago. Leading a double life, Gacy had a fascination with clowns, often using that persona to lure his victims.
But it wasn’t until 1978 that he was arrested and confessed to the crimes. His arrest came after the disappearance of teenager Robert Piest, who was Gacy’s final victim, which led authorities to suspect Gacy.
In 1980, he was convicted of killing 33 young men and sentenced to death before receiving the lethal injection at the age of 52 in 1994.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy airs tonight at 9pm on ITV.
After Paul Dano came under unexpected fire from filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in December, the “There Will Be Blood” star received support from fellow artists including Daniel Day-Lewis and Ben Stiller. A month after the drama, he is now returning the love.
Dano finally publicly addressed Tarantino’s controversial comments at the Sundance Film Festival during a 20th anniversary screening of “Little Miss Sunshine.” Speaking to Variety, he said the groundswell of support “was really nice.”
Tarantino appeared on Bret Easton Ellis’ podcast in December to rank his top 10 films of the century. The “Django Unchained” and “Pulp Fiction” filmmaker placed Paul Thomas Anderson’s oil drama “There Will Be Blood” at No. 5 on his list, and said specifically Dano — not his performance — was the “big, giant flaw” in the Oscar-winning film. “There Will Be Blood” stars Dano as fiery preacher Eli Sunday and Day-Lewis as oil tycoon Daniel Plainview.
When the movie was released in 2007, former Times film critic Kenneth Turan praised Dano as “smoothly effective” and gifted. Clearly, Tarantino thought otherwise.
“He is weak sauce, man. He’s a weak sister,” Tarantino said, adding that he thought “Elvis” star Austin Butler (who was a teenager launching his career on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon when the movie came out) would have been a better actor for the part. “He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy,” he said.
Tarantino added: “You put [Day-Lewis] with the the weakest f— actor in SAG?”
A handful of Dano’s collaborators immediately defended him. “Escape at Dannemora” executive producer Stiller praised him as “brilliant” and Reese Witherspoon called her “Inherent Vice” co-star an “incredibly gifted, versatile actor” and a gentleman. Matt Reeves, Josh Gad, Alec Baldwin and Simu Liu also voiced their support for Dano, whose credits include Steven Speilberg’s Oscar-nominated “The Fabelmans,” Bong Joon Ho‘s “Okja” and Oscar-winning director duo Daniels’ (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) “Swiss Army Man.”
“I was also incredibly grateful that the world spoke up for me so I didn’t have to,” Dano said at the Sundance screening.
Before Dano responded, though, Toni Collette (who played his mom in “Little Miss Sunshine”) chimed in, dismissing “that guy” Tarantino and speculating that “he must’ve been high.”
“It was just confusing. Who does that?,” she said, according to Variety. “Little Miss Sunshine” directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris also criticized Tarantino and praised their star.
During his podcast appearance in December, Tarantino also slammed Owen Wilson and scream king Matthew Lillard. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly published Wednesday, Lillard brushed off the shade and recalled the ensuing social media praise for his talents. “It was like living through your own wake,” Lillard told EW.
“All those R.I.P. emails or tweets and Instagram posts and TikToks, all of the things we see after somebody passes are so sweet,” he added. “And the reality is I just got to live through all of it firsthand — alive and kicking! I can’t imagine a more lovely reaction to what happened.”
Netflix has added a historical drama based on the true story and viewers have been captivated
Toni Chichiarelli is a real-life artist(Image: NETFLIX)
Netflix has quietly dropped a historical drama rooted in real events, and true crime enthusiasts are already singing its praises. The streaming giant has added this Italian post-war thriller, which chronicles the life of Toni Chichiarelli (portrayed by Pietro Castellitto).
The gifted artist scrapes by creating street portraits in Rome during Italy’s tumultuous Years of Lead. This period witnessed widespread chaos fuelled by political violence from both neo-fascist groups and far-left extremists.
Time Magazine noted: “Toni’s amoral ambition leads to a life of forgery, producing perfect replicas of paintings for his gallery owner girlfriend Donata (Giulia Michelini) and other lucrative jobs for the Banda della Magliana, a criminal organization stretching its wings in Rome, with the charismatic Balbo (Edoardo Pesce) taking the forger under his wing.”
This ambitious production, amongst Netflix’s collection of fact-based films, has earned acclaim for its meticulous period detail, with reviewers highlighting the authenticity of everything from vehicles to wardrobes and soundtrack. Viewers have branded it a compelling blend of political suspense and gangster drama.
The Netflix offering is titled The Big Fake, and supporters have flocked to IMDb reviews encouraging others to give it a watch.
Pjames10 praised it as “excellent”, revealing: “I don’t want to give anything away, but the movie took some nice twists and turns. It had some filmic serendipities that, rather than distracting, only helped to reveal how our hero has led a charmed life on the periphery of legitimacy and criminality. I was sucked in, and it held my attention the entire time.”
2B-10101010 branded it “amazing”, continuing: “Intrigue, emotion, story, actors, this movie has it all. It starts a bit slow but after the initial introduction, you get to know the characters and story and you want to see more, you want to feel like you are in the movie, it’s a captivating story with a bit of flair. Maybe one of the best European movies! Give it a chance, it’s worth seeing.”
Luuthaiquangkhai awarded the film nine out of 10 stars, commending its distinctive atmosphere.
They explained: “I came in expecting a heist/criminal movie, ends up watching a Historical drama that is very much unlike any other things. They have a good story to tell, a firm set of characters with clear individual values and motivations.”
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Over on Rotten Tomatoes, Giulia S enthused: “Amazing plot. Great character. Great Atmosphere. I really enjoy it!” Anthousa P declared: “Finally a movie for readers of good literature. Where the story matters less than how it is told. Lovely photography, solid acting, good steady pace, interesting musical background.”
Lucas P declared: “An absolute masterpiece of a movie with a spectacular twist at the end. This is a must-watch.”
The genuine Antonio Chichiarelli was an expert in deception, and his talents extended far beyond painting. Born in Abruzzo in 1948, he made his way to Rome possessing a skill “so dangerous it made him a protected asset for the most powerful entities in Italy”, according to The Viewers Perspective.
The Big Fake is on Netflix.
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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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The 2023 film follows childhood friends coming to terms with a devastating loss
The touching 2023 drama is now streaming for free on BBC iPlayer(Image: Haymarket Films )
A touching drama that kept viewers glued to their screens has landed on BBC iPlayer just in time for your midweek viewing.
First hitting screens in 2023, Kindling marked writer-director Connor O’Hara’s feature film debut.
Though he was a fresh face in the industry, O’Hara worked with an impressive cast including Sex Education’s George Somner and fellow Netflix actress Mia McKenna-Bruce (Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials).
The heartfelt drama follows a group of young men who return to their hometown for one last summer with their terminally ill friend, Sid (Somner).
Coming to terms with his mortality, Sid creates a plan to make the summer unforgettable. He gathers his friends and tasks each of them with finding an item that connects their group to either love, home, friends, family or location.
As a science nerd, Sid plans on burning every beloved item to immortalise his memory in the form of particles lingering in the atmosphere.
As you can expect, the film dives into heavy themes including grief and terminal illness. But it also explores uplifting topics such as the importance of friendship.
Although Kindling didn’t capture much attention upon its debut, fans who caught it were completely captivated.
Taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer praised: “Very touching film with some fantastic performances by such a young cast! The filmmakers did a great job of handling such complex subject matter without it feeling heavy-handed. I hope more people see this film!”
Meanwhile an IMDb user dubbed it as “a classic in every way,” before adding: “Kindling kept me glued to the screen in a trance.”
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A third viewer shared their own glowing review: “Overall, Kindling is a touching and beautifully made film that will leave you feeling grateful for the people in your life. It is a celebration of life and friendship, and a reminder to cherish every moment we have. Highly recommended.”
While a Letterboxd user enthused: “One of those deeper films about real friendship, love and loss. This in many ways is about how loss affects the individuals, the friends, family members and an outsider. Thought provoking, sad, happy and very real. A film which needs to be watched more than once.”
However, someone else warned: “Be prepared to cry if you’re gonna watch this.”
Featured in an ensemble of 30 boys are Winston Sawyers as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, David McKenna as Piggy, and Ike Talbut as Simon. Joining them are additional castaways, including Thomas Connor as Roger, Noah and Cassius Flemyng as twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill.
The series, marking the first television adaptation of Lord of the Flies, chronicles the terrifying tale of schoolboys marooned on a tropical island without adult supervision following a catastrophic plane crash.
Whilst battling to stay alive and as hostilities mount, they turn against one another with deadly results, reports the Express.
In a bid to maintain order, they establish a hierarchy under Ralph’s leadership and Piggy’s cleverness.
Yet as Jack grows increasingly obsessed with hunting and competing for control, he lures the other boys away, leading to devastating outcomes.
The BBC production will stay true to the source material, positioned in the early 1950s on an unidentified Pacific island, though Thorne’s version will explore more profoundly the novel’s key themes: mankind’s nature, the erosion of innocence, and masculine boyhood.
Each of the four instalments bears the name of a protagonist central to the narrative – Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack – presenting their individual viewpoints in their fight for survival.
In a spine-tingling first glimpse trailer, the lads start learning to survive independently on the island, scavenging for sustenance and seeking refuge.
As one declares, “We need to help each other, and we need to be good campmates,” another responds, “We’re going to hunt pigs and get meat for everybody.”
Their politeness descends into chaos as they clash with one another, with fires blazing ominously in the backdrop of certain sequences, whilst the youngsters resort to brutality and even killing.
The BBC revealed: “A classic reborn for television – Lord of the Flies is the story of a group of young schoolchildren who find themselves stranded on a tropical island with no adults, and where civilisation turns to violence and chaos.”
The riveting preview has already captivated audiences, with one commenting: “This looks incredible, I can’t wait!”
Another remarked: “Still traumatised from reading this,” whilst a third penned: “Looking forward to it.”
During a recent chat with The Times, Jack discussed the adaptation, revealing: “The world in which Golding was writing and the pain he was observing – I think we’re living in a very similar age now.”
“I find the ending of the book bleak and I find the journey of the book bleak, but I find the portrait of children not to be bleak,” he continued.
Lord of the Flies will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from February 8.
The duo are part of a competitive team of journalists in a 1980s Australian newsroom, with Torv playing the channel’s first female newsreader, Helen Norville.
After fighting various barriers to make her way to the top, Helen gets paired up with producer Dale Jennings (Reid).
Viewers are then thrust into the duo’s personal and professional lives as they cover major historic events such as Halley’s Comet and the AIDS crisis.
Created by Michael Lucas, the workplace drama debuted in 2021 and aired for three seasons. Each instalment earned overwhelming praise from critics and casual viewers alike.
Rotten Tomatoes reviewers awarded the drama a perfect 100% score for its first two seasons, with no score available yet for the third instalment.
Torv and Reid were showered with praise following the release, with one IMDB user raving: “The biggest news to come from the Aussie drama ‘The Newsreader’ is that Sam Reid (Dale Jennings) is sensational.”
“I suggest that his career is about to take off epically. I could see him as the next James Bond!”
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Someone else agreed: “The Newsreader is a brilliantly acted and written drama series. I absolutely love TV shows that are based around historic events and this is the best example since Mad Men.”
While a third fan shared their detailed verdict: “I consider this show a bit of a hidden gem, especially because I discovered it completely by coincidence. It’s difficult to put into words what an intense viewing experience it is.
“The backdrop setting of a 80’s newsroom is so delicious it feels like it could have been written for me personally. The rise and decay of these characters, especially the two leads BRILLIANTLY portrayed by Anna Torv and Sam Reid, is extremely captivating.”
The upcoming series charts the high-profile romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon star in the upcoming drama (Image: Getty )
An intense new drama about a private romance that became a national obsession is coming to our screens very soon.
Ryan Murphy’s latest series, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, tracks the high-profile romance between its titular celebrity couple.
Spanning nine episodes, the drama will be available to stream on Disney+ from February 13 for UK audiences. Three episodes will release upon its debut, with the rest of the season set to air weekly until March 27.
Kennedy and Bessette married in an intimate ceremony in 1996 and tragically died in a plane crash in July 1999.
Paul Anthony Kelly steps into the role of John F. Kennedy Jr. opposite Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette
According to its synopsis, the forthcoming drama will explore “the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century”.
Disney Plus has teased viewers with a glimpse at the story set to unfold, writing: “It was a love story that captured the attention of the nation: John F. Kennedy Jr. was the closest thing to American royalty.
“The country watched him grow from a boy to a beloved bachelor and media sensation.”
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The streaming giant continued: “Carolyn Bessette was a star in her own right. Fiercely independent and with a singular style, she rose from being a sales assistant to an executive at Calvin Klein, and became a trusted confidante of its eponymous founder.
“John and Carolyn’s connection was immediate, electric and undeniable. As their love story unfolded on a national stage, the intense fame and media attention that came along with it threatened to rip them apart.”
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The series was inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 bestseller, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
The rest of the cast features Grace Gummer (in the role of Caroline Kennedy), Naomi Watts (as Jackie Kennedy Onassis), Alessandro Nivola (as Calvin Klein), Leila George (as Kelly Klein), Sydney Lemmon (as Lauren Bessette) and Constance Zimmer (Ann Marie Messina).
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette premieres on February 13 on Disney+.
Fans of supernatural mysteries should add it to their watchlist immediately
Fans of K-dramas and supernatural mysteries have a new show to look forward to(Image: Netflix)
An ‘unnerving’ historical drama is coming soon to Netflix and fans of K-dramas, supernatural mysteries and historical period shows are sure to want to add this upcoming title to their watchlist immediately.
Netflix’s Tudum website has confirmed that The East Palace will be released on the streamer some time this year. While there is no confirmed release date just yet, filming finished last summer and it is expected later in 2026.
There’s no official word on how many episodes it will consist of either but its expected to consist of eight parts. However, we do know that The East Palace follows Gu-cheon, who moves between the realms of the living and the dead, and Saeng-gang, a lady of the court guarding a secret of her own.
When the king calls on them to unravel the mysteries of the palace, they’re drawn into a world where power, hidden histories, and restless spirits are bound together by a dangerous curse.
Fans are also awaiting the first official trailer to be released by Netflix. It is set to be just part of an impressive K-dramas making their debut this year.
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Gu-cheon investigates unnerving incidents at the palace with a blade that can cut down ghosts. While Saeng-gang holds the ability to hear the voices of the dead aids Gu-cheon as they navigate the palace’s long-buried secrets.
Quietly watching their every move from the throne is the king, played, whose motives are complex and hard to ascertain. The show comes from writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jea-won, who have previous experience of examining Korean occultism in their previous work which includes Bulgasal: Immortal Souls and The Guest.
They are joined on the creative team by director Choi Jung-kyu (The Devil Judge, Children of Nobody) to bring the supernatural drama to life. While Netflix has so far confirmed the stars taking on the three main roles in the cast.
Nam Joo Hyuk plays Gu Cheon. The actor has previously starred in three Netflix K-dramas, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Start-Up, and The School Nurse Files. In 2023, he also starred in the Disney+ K-drama Vigilante.
Roh Yoon Seo plays Saeng Gang. The actress was recently featured in a guest role on Netflix’s The Frog and Love Next Door. She also starred in supporting roles in Black Knight and a Crash Course in Romance. Her role as Saeng Gang is her second lead role in a K-drama, following her starring role in 2022’s Our Blues.
Cho Seung Woo plays the King. The actor has starred in several Netflix projects such as Divorce Attorney Shin, Sisyphus: The Myth, Stranger, and Life.
The East Palace is streaming on Netflix some time in 2026.
