The drama is based on James Graham’s play of the same name, and also stars Jodie Whittaker as psychologist Pippa Grange, Daniel Ryan as England football coach Steve Holland, and Will Antenbring as Harry Kane.
That’s not all, as John Hodgkinson plays football executive Greg Clarke, while Jason Watkins brings football administrator Greg Dyke to life.
The official synopsis reads: “With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.
“The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?”
The first episode of Dear England premiered on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday night (May 24), with viewers quickly praising Joseph Fiennes’ portrayal of Southgate.
“Joseph Fiennes as – no, IS! – Gareth Southgate. Playing a blinder!!” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter), with another adding: “Got the Southgate casting spot on.”
A third said: “Joseph Fiennes is actually incredible as Gareth Southgate. The mannerisms, the voice, the look – it’s uncanny. Superb performance,” with another similarly sharing: “That Southgate voice is uncanny.”
A fifth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “I watched Dear England in the theatre and it was really b***** good. This might be even better. Fiennes is impeccable.”
Other fans commended the drama, with one person saying: “#DearEngland is great. I saw this at the theatre and it was a gem.”
Another added: “Eight minutes in, and I’m liking this already,” while a third said: “#DearEngland Watched the stage show at Birmingham Hippodrome it was brilliant, very funny and poignant. This has started well.”
The first episode saw Gareth Southgate take on a team at an all-time low, as well as a jaded fanbase after an embarrassing defeat to Iceland.
Haunted by his own disastrous penalty miss as a player, he enlists the help of a psychologist to change the team’s mindset and tackle their biggest fear.
Dear England is set to continue tomorrow (May 25) night, before the final two episodes air next Sunday (May 31) and Monday (June 1).
Dear England is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Hello! I’m Mark Olsen. Welcome to another edition of your regular field guide to a world of Only Good Movies.
There are, it goes without saying, a lot of movies out there. And so even for someone like myself, whose job is just to stay on top of them, sometime a title slips by. I had not taken much notice of “Is God Is” before it opened last week without playing any festivals in advance, but the reviews and conversation around it grabbed my interest. Once I realized that Tessa Thompson and Janicza Bravo were involved as producers, I made sure to carve out time to see the movie this week. And am I ever glad I did.
The debut as writer-director for Aleshea Harris (adapting her own play), “Is God Is” is among the most exciting movies released so far this year. Kara Young and Mallori Johnson are absolutely electric as twin sisters who set out to find the estranged, abusive father who abandoned them after leaving them and their mother horribly scarred in a fire. There is a volatile unpredictability to the storytelling that gives it a fresh energy. I saw it at a more-or-less empty matinee, but I’m glad I did. Catch this in theaters while you can.
35 years of ‘T2’
Linda Hamilton in the movie “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”
(Rialto Pictures)
As far as I’m concerned, James Cameron’s 1991 “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is the quintessential summer movie. You can pay close attention or not, the special effects and action are amazing, the villains are sentient machines (shades of our AI-addled present) and it has a song by freaking Guns N’ Roses.
The main cast of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert Patrick, Edward Furlong and Joe Morton are all perfectly tuned into the movie they are making, full of chaos, mayhem and just the right amount of thoughtfulness. (Morton and Hamilton in particular give the film an unexpected soulfulness.)
To celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary, the American Cinematheque is screening the film in 70mm, 35mm, 3D and DCP at different venues on different days. (Check carefully, as there have already been some schedule changes.) The Academy Museum will show the film on Wednesday in 4K with visual effects supervisor Dennis Muren and special effects creator Shane Mahan present. The film is also playing the Vista in 70mm June 6 and 7.
In his original 1991 review, Kenneth Turan wrote, “Most of all, what makes ‘Terminator 2’ come alive in a major way is Cameron’s intuitive understanding of the mechanics and psychology of action films. Unlike many of the wanna-bes who find themselves in charge of pictures these days, this is one director who really knows how to direct. … Cameron flamboyantly underlines, for those who may have forgotten, why the pure adrenaline rush of motion is something motion pictures can’t live for very long without.”
Lena Dunham before ‘Girls’
David Call and Lena Dunham in the movie “Tiny Furniture.”
(Joe Anderson / IFC Films)
Lena Dunham recently published her second memoir, “Famesick,” a portrait of her rise to cultural prominence and media ubiquity and subsequent retreat from it, which makes this a perfect moment to revisit a key component of her initial ascent, the micro-budget 2010 feature “Tiny Furniture.” Made when Dunham was in her early 20s, the film is a deadly accurate portrait of post-collegiate ennui, shot partly in her parents’ NYC apartment, and remains fresh and startlingly insightful.
The Eastwood Performing Arts Center will be screening the film Friday and Saturday. The film is showing along with the “Welcome to Bushwick a.k.a The Crackcident” episode of Dunham’s series “Girls.”
I profiled Dunham at the time, having first encountered her at SXSW the year before when she was there with her film “Creative Nonfiction.”
“That movie is so personal,” Dunham said of “Tiny Furniture” during an interview from the New York production office of the pilot for what would become “Girls.” “It’s like I wrote it, I directed it, I star in it — if you don’t like the movie you don’t like me.”
With the lacerating self-awareness that made her a star, she added, “And I also understand there is something essentially unappealing about ‘girl makes movies about being a loser and then gets un-loserly things to happen to her.’ It’s a little absurd.”
More onscreen Bob Dylan
Rupert Everett, Fiona Flanagan and Bob Dylan in a production still for 1987’s “Hearts of Fire.”
(Skinner / Mirrorpix / Getty Images)
It was just a few weeks ago that we wrote about a program of Bob Dylan live concert footage. In honor of his 85th birthday, the American Cinematheque will be putting on another program of two oddball rarities from his long career.
Rarely screened in theaters, the 2021 film “Shadow Kingdom,” directed by Alma Har’el, was originally released to a pay-per-view streaming site. Though it purports to be a performance at the Bon Bon Club in Marseille, France, the film was actually shot on a soundstage in Santa Monica. The musicians on screen are not playing live and are not even the same musicians who played on the prerecorded tracks.
The whole thing is very confusing in a very Bob Dylan way, but also kind of incredible. With its Dust Bowl “Twin Peaks,” last-nightclub-on-Earth vibes and spare, haunting arrangements of many Dylan classics that he rarely plays at his own concerts anymore, it is a truly one-of-a-kind document.
The same could be said of the 1987 film “Hearts of Fire,” directed by Richard Marquand (who also helmed “Return of the Jedi!”) and screening in 35mm. In a rare acting turn, Dylan plays a reclusive musician who takes a young singer (Fiona) under his wing, only to have her fall for a pop star played by Rupert Everett. Let’s charitably call Dylan’s performance singular as he delivers every line as if he isn’t sure why he is in the movie. It’s still fascinating.
Kurosawa’s late masterpiece
Mieko Harada in Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 epic “Ran.”
(Rialto Pictures)
One of the highlights of the Academy Museum’s ongoing series on Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa will be this weekend’s 35mm showing of 1985’s “Ran,” a retelling of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” shifted to 16th century Japan. Playing in 35mm in the big David Geffen Theater, it’s a chance to see a truly epic-scaled film under ideal conditions.
Reviewing the movie on its initial release, Kevin Thomas wrote, “‘Ran’ is a heroic saga of human destiny, a war movie with some of the greatest battle scenes in the history of the cinema, a costume drama of the utmost magnificence — and a crackling good samurai movie chock full of swordplay and palace intrigue.”
David Fincher’s secret soft heart
Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried in the movie “Mank.”
(Netflix)
The last couple months have been a real feast for Fincher-heads out there, with high-profile screenings of “Seven,” “Fight Club” and “Zodiac.” Now, David Fincher’s 2020 film “Mank” will be playing this weekend at the Vista. Because it came out during the pandemic (and was launched by Netflix), the film has only ever played a limited number of theaters, let alone in 35mm, which should do wonders for its black-and-white photography.
From a screenplay by Fincher’s father Jack, the film stars Gary Oldman as writer Herman J. Mankiewicz, working on the script for “Citizen Kane” with Orson Welles. Amanda Seyfried gives a vibrant performance as actor Marion Davies, who attempts to save Mankiewicz from his own worst instincts when it comes to her own paramour, mogul William Randolph Hearst.
In his review Justin Chang called the movie “very much a story about class divides and clashing egos, outsiders and insiders, striving and ambition, creation and authorship, and the thrill and loneliness of being the smartest guy in the room. … The off-kilter rhythms feel both immersive and agitated, as if Fincher were trying to both hypnotize you and jolt you awake with his lustrous Old Hollywood homage.”
New this week
Director Boots Riley, photographed in Los Angeles in May.
(Ian Spanier / For The Times)
Amy Nicholson and Joshua Rothkopf finished out their time at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. (The awards will be announced over the weekend.) Amy took a look at what many have felt to be a weak program this year, while Josh spoke to Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin, whose sci-fi action film “Hope” has a cast that includes Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as space aliens.
I spoke to Boots Riley, a musician and political activist turned filmmaker whose new movie is “I Love Boosters.” Riley maintains a deep sense of political commitment in his work, one which he does not feel he has to betray by also making things that are entertaining and enjoyable.
The first new “Star Wars” movie in theaters since 2019, Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is now playing. As Robert Abele put it in his review, “The brand is back together for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,’ which is a movie, a hoped-for franchise revival, a fourth season of sorts and an affable throwback. But it’s never quite riveting enough as canon or fodder to supplant anyone’s memories of [insert favorite “Star Wars” film here].”
Taking place several decades prior to the ITV drama, this series unfolds in the USA, with an IMDb synopsis stating: “The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.”
The Gilded Age debuted its inaugural season in 22, with season 3 landing just last year in 2025, reports the Express.
Fans are already clamouring for additional episodes, as the most recent instalment delivered more “nail-biting drama” than previously seen.
The impressive ensemble also boasts numerous recognisable talents, including The White Lotus’ Carrie Coon, Poldark’s Harry Richardson, Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon and Mamma Mia! star Christine Baranski.
Numerous devotees have championed the period drama, with one posting to The Gilded Age Fan Page on Facebook: “The Gilded Age is even better than Downton Abbey.”
In the comments section, multiple viewers expressed their views, with one agreeing: “Listen up! I just wrapped up the first season of Downton Abbey to carry me over until tonight, and let me tell you, it’s a solid show. However, The Gilded Age is on a whole different level.”
“The Gilded Age is indeed superior!” a second declared, as another contributed: “I actually agree but only because I’m American and this history is more close to home personally. Very interesting!”
Nevertheless, others disagreed, with one person stating: “I love The Gilded Age BUT Downton Abbey stands alone no comparison.”
Another added: “Sorry but Downton Abbey is better in my eyes but I do love the Gilded Age too.”
Others couldn’t decide, with another viewer explaining: “They are equally wonderful. A pair of timeless masterpieces.”
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Meanwhile, some enthusiasts recalled one of Britain’s most celebrated period dramas, observing: “But not as good as the original Upstairs, Downstairs, on which it was based.”
Another concurred: “Oh guys, Upstairs Downstairs from the 70’s was deeply wonderful.”
The Gilded Age boasts an impressive 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with season 3 in 2025 achieving its highest score yet of 96%.
Taking to the comments section on the review aggregator platform, one enthusiast remarked: “Amazing series! Can’t wait for season 4.
“The show keeps getting better!” another gushed, as a third penned: “One of the best series on TV.. I and my daughter absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail biting drama at the end of each episode, kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done. The acting was superb.”
“I have been watching this show since the 1st season and it just gets better and better,” another concurred, as another contributed: “Love it!!! the Gilded Age is pure binge worthy escapism!!”
One enthusiastic viewer wrote: “Best show on TV right now! I am from India and I freaking low this show. Been a fan of Downton Abbey and this show just gives more drama, power issues and love lessons. Beautiful to the core! Love it.”
The Gilded Age is currently available to watch on Sky, while Downton Abbey can be streamed on ITVX.
A British historical fantasy drama series has left viewers on the edge of their seats
A period drama has been hailed the “new Game of Thrones”(Image: Sky UK)
Fans of period dramas have been eagerly binge-watching a beloved series.
Britannia is a British historical fantasy drama created by Jez Butterworth and Tom Butterworth. The series is set in 43 AD, when the Romans invaded Britain – 90 years after Julius Caesar failed to conquer the nation.
General Aulus Plautius and his second-in-command, Lucius, are hell-bent on succeeding where Julius Caesar fell short, by whatever means necessary.
The series chronicles Rome’s conquest of the Celts across the British Isles – “a mysterious land ruled by wild warrior women and powerful druids who can channel the powerful forces of the underworld,” according to the official synopsis.
Celtic rivals Kerra and Antedia eventually join forces to repel the Roman invasion spearheaded by Aulus. But are they successful? You’ll need to tune in to find out, reports Wales Online.
Britannia originally aired on Sky Atlantic in the UK in 2018, with two further series following in 2019 and 2021. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the mystical era of the Roman Empire, all 27 episodes are now available to stream on NOW and Sky Go.
The programme boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring David Morrissey as Aulus Plautius, Hugo Speer as Lucius, and Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly as Kerra. Further stars include Aaron Pierre, Zoë Wanamaker, Mackenzie Crook, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Barry Ward, Stanley Weber, Joe Armstrong, Eleanor Worthington Cox, and Ian McDiarmid.
The production was largely shot across Wales and the Czech Republic. In Wales, the dramatic coastline and untamed landscapes were captured in rural settings, including the nation’s “most beautiful” beach Rhossili Bay, along with Henrhyd Falls and Nash Point.
Britannia garnered a broadly favourable response following its launch, with numerous critics labelling it “the new Game of Thrones”.
Viewers have similarly praised the series, with one IMDb user commenting: “What an epic series! You’ll definitely not regret watching this show. It’s perfect.”
Another wrote: “Excellent production, breathtaking locations, amazing cast. One of the best series I have watched in a while,” while a third remarked: “A magical retelling of British history. Game of Thrones fans will love this.”
A further viewer posted: “One of the best series ever! Captivating story telling with superb locations. A wild tale brought to life. Couldn’t stop watching. I’m hooked!”
A fifth enthusiast concurred, stating: “The show is brilliant, the actors are phenomenal. Crazy, funny, and steamy. Total masterpiece.”
Yet another viewer noted: “Britannia is a mesmerising historical fantasy series that masterfully blends myth, mysticism, and warfare. The series stands out for its bold storytelling, rich character development and immersive soundtrack. If you’re a fan of historical dramas with a touch of the mystical, Britannia is a must-watch.”
Britannia is available to stream on NOW and Sky Go
The BBC has shared cast details of an upcoming drama about a celebrity legal battle
18:24, 22 May 2026Updated 18:24, 22 May 2026
The BBC has shared an update on a new legal drama (Image: BBC)
The BBC has shared a major update on its upcoming drama about a celebrity legal battle that spirals out of control.
Described as “high-stakes, intoxicating and hugely entertaining”, Reputation was announced earlier this year.
But the broadcaster has now confirmed that filming is underway and that some huge stars have been added to the cast, including Rivals’ Emily Atack, Mad Men star Christina Hendricks and Naomie Harris from Skyfall.
The six-part series centres on Lena (Naomie), a formidable lawyer who gets pulled into the celebrity case of the decade representing global pop star Davina Knight (Christina).
A synopsis reads: “Reputation is an audacious and glossy new drama that shows what happens when a celebrity legal battle spirals out of control. After Davina releases a provocative new song accusing her ex-husband, Billy (Kyle Soller), of abusive behaviour and he retaliates in kind, their private breakdown erupts into a very public libel battle.
“The case is fought far beyond the courtroom, as PR machines are deployed, laws are bent and social media platforms become judge, jury and battleground – driving outrage for clicks and warping the truth.”
It goes on: “For Lena, the case puts her own personal life in the line of fire. How far will she go to win and at what cost? And for Davina, how far will she go to protect her reputation?”
Naomie said she was “hooked” from page one of Reputation, adding: “It’s so rare to read scripts with the wit and flair of Anya’s (creator and writer Anya Reiss) writing and I knew straight away that I wanted to play Lena.”
Christina added that Davina was “a fantastic, fierce character”.
Other cast members include The Crown’s Alex Jennings, David Gyasi from The Diplomat and Prime Target’s Alex Heath.
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said when the series was announced: “Reputation is high-stakes, intoxicating and hugely entertaining, with a lot to say about the world.”
She added that in Elaine and Davina, Reiss “has created two lead characters for the ages”.
Reputation is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Noah Wyle is a consensus pick, with a sizable lead over Mark Ruffalo. Glenn Whipp sums up the Buzz: “There’s little chance that Noah Wyle doesn’t repeat.”
The panel, though, says it would like to see the academy sidestep its usual voting habits and honor some genre work as well. Walton Goggins of the video game-spawned “Fallout,” Antony Starr of the super-powered satire “The Boys” and Peter Claffey of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” all get votes, while Alfred Molina and Karl Urban get shout-outs.
Matt Roush says, “While fantasy seems a long shot, ‘Fallout’s’ Walton Goggins and ‘The Boys’ adversaries Antony Starr and Karl Urban are all worthy.”
“You can’t help but root for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ ’ Ser Duncan the Tall — a naive underdog chasing his dreams while trying to do the right thing,” says Tracy Brown of Claffey.
Even No. 3 pick Sterling K. Brown is in a sci-fi/postapocalyptic entry, “Paradise.” If he can survive the end of civilization, surely he can withstand a stressed-out ER doc? “It may seem inevitable for Noah Wyle to take the trophy again,” writes Trey Mangum. “But I wouldn’t count Brown out just yet.”
More predictions: drama series | drama actress | drama supp. actor | drama supp. actress
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 3. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat” 6. Walton Goggins, “Fallout” 7. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman” 8. Antony Starr, “The Boys”
Los Angeles Times
Lorraine Ali
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” T3. Walton Goggins, “Fallout” T3. Antony Starr, “The Boys” T5. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” T5. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” T5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
“It’s hard to look at Walter Goggins’ noseless ‘Fallout’ character, the Ghoul, without retching, but his compelling performance also makes it hard to turn away. Antony Starr brings to life another type of monster: an egomaniacal, king-of-the-world superhero in ‘The Boys.’ Then there’s Noah Wyle. He plays a doctor.”
Freelance Critic
Kristen Baldwin
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 3. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 4. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat” 6. Walton Goggins, “Fallout”
“There’s not a lot of wiggle room in this category, but don’t count out Alfred Molina, who stars in Netflix’s ‘The Boroughs,’ a sort of ‘senior citizens battle stranger things’ drama from the Duffer Brothers. (Of course, Molina will have to get through Jon Hamm, Peter Claffey and Billy Bob Thornton first.)”
Los Angeles Times
Tracy Brown
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 5. Walton Goggins, “Fallout” 6. Peter Claffey, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
“This might be a long shot for Peter Claffey, but you can’t help but root for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’’ Ser Duncan the Tall — a naive underdog chasing his dreams while trying to do the right thing. Last year’s winner Noah Wyle is the strong front–runner, though.”
Blavity
Trey Mangum
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 4. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman” 5. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 6. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat”
“If ‘Paradise’s’ drama series buzz is big enough, I think Sterling K. Brown could really be a force here, though it seems as if it may seem inevitable for Noah Wyle to take the trophy again. But I wouldn’t count Brown out just yet.”
TV Insider
Matt Roush
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 3. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 4. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat” 6. Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman”
“Noah Wyle and Sterling K. Brown are locks to repeat, and Mark Ruffalo’s mournful ‘Task’ hero is another potential winner. Billy Bob Thornton carries ‘Landman’ on his weary shoulders. While fantasy seems a long shot, ‘Fallout’s’ Walton Goggins and ‘The Boys’ adversaries Antony Starr and Karl Urban are all worthy.”
Los Angeles Times
Glenn Whipp
1. Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” 2. Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” 3. Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” 4. Mark Ruffalo, “Task” 5. Rufus Sewell, “The Diplomat” 6. Jon Hamm, “Your Friends & Neighbors”
“ ‘Slow Horses’ has been breaking through at the Emmys the last couple of years, winning for writing and direction. Might it be Gary Oldman’s time? It’s a nice thought … but there’s little chance that Noah Wyle doesn’t repeat for ‘The Pitt.’ ”
Two of the stars of All Creatures Great and Small are among the cast of a new Channel 5 psychological drama
22:15, 20 May 2026Updated 22:48, 20 May 2026
The Fortune starts on Channel 5 in June(Image: Channel 5 screengrab)
Channel 5 has confirmed the release date of a“gripping” new drama with two stars from All Creatures Great and Small.
The Fortune – which stars Callum Woodhouse and Matthew Lewis alongside Poldark‘s Eleanor Tomlinson – will be released on June 2.
The broadcaster shared a snap on Instagram showing cast members around a coffin with the tagline: “When there’s a will, there’s a war.” The caption said: “An inheritance from a stranger… sounds like a dream come true. But luck like this? Always comes at a cost.”
When The Fortune was announced, Channel 5 described it as “a gripping, psychological drama that asks: what if your past isn’t what you think it is?”
Eleanor stars as Amanda Blakefield, whose life is a happy one with her husband Jimmy, played by Matthew (who is best known as Hugh Hulton in All Creatures), and their son Luke (James Younger).
A synopsis said: “Amanda has her world shattered after she is left an enormous inheritance by a man she has neither met nor heard of before.
“Her life starts to disintegrate as she becomes embroiled in the world of The Worrall Family.
“The patriarch Martin Worrall (Denis Lawson), is head of a family which is bound in past secrets. As Amanda’s story leads her further and further into the Northumbrian countryside, she begins to unravel the past. And all of their lives are turned upside down.”
Rebecca Front will play Martin’s wife Fiona, and Callum Woodhouse, who stars as Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small, will play his son Anthony. Other cast members include Stephen Tompkinson, Paula Wilcox, Danielle Walters and Nina Wadia.
When the series was announced last year, Paul Testar, commissioning editor at 5, said the series “explores the fragility of family and the ripple effects of long-buried truths, all anchored by a brilliant cast led by Eleanor Tomlinson”.
He added that it was a drama “that promises to keep audiences hooked from the very first minute”.
Viewers have said they “can’t wait” for the drama, with one posting on Instagram: “I love this cast!”
“Will be amazing,” said someone else, as another commented: “Can’t wait for this. Looks brilliant from the trailers. And what a stellar cast.”
Laura Bayston plays the emotional role of Kate McCann in a new Channel 5 drama looking at how the mum of Madeleine McCann was interrogated by Portuguese police
22:23, 20 May 2026Updated 22:24, 20 May 2026
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann will air on Channel 5(Image: CHANNEL 5)
The latest drama portrayal of the interrogation of Madeleine McCann’s mum by Portuguese police is sure to divide viewers, but there was one detail that really stuck with me. Under Suspicion: Kate McCann follows the efforts of police to claim Kate McCann had something to do with the disappearance of her daughter in 2007.
The heartbreaking case remains unsolved 19 years later and now 5 has released a factual drama looking at the treatment of Kate in Portugal. The story begins three months into the search to find Madeleine, who vanished from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal in May 2007.
Kate and husband Gerry McCann were cleared of any wrongdoing in 2008 after they found themselves wrongly accused of a cover up. And now, as 5’s drama looks at official statements and recorded testimony, there is one brief moment in the drama that really hit me.
And it’s not just me that was taken by a simple but effective and moving scene. When I spoke with actress Laura Bayston, who played the part of Kate in the production, she told me she had the same thought process.
The scene saw Kate snap back at her daughter being referred to as Maddie, insisting she is called by her correct full name, Madeleine.
Laura told me before the drama aired: “It’s something that I took away from it as well. I’ll give you that. Yeah. If they can’t respect that simplicity of a name, then that’s it.”
Laura brilliantly played the part of Kate – a decision she admitted she didn’t take lightly. And viewers will watch as brash Portuguese police interrogate the mother of a missing child.
In a shocking moment, she is even told to take a deal. “Just admit you killed Madeleine,” Kate is told, insisting if she does, her sentence won’t be too bad. And her lawyer tells her that it may only make things worse if she attempts to properly answer the police’s queries.
This leads to her reluctantly answering “no comment” to every question.
Throughout the 90-minute drama, I was reminded of particular lines of questioning and events from the hugely publicised case that gripped myself and many others at the time and still does to this day. But it also threw up a lot of surprising incidents which brings with it more questions.
Sadly, it’s perhaps likely that this drama, which Laura says is clearly made for the right reasons, will bring out conspiracy theorists who plague the case once again. With the focus on the police’s handling of Kate, a number of accusations and allegations are seen to be thrown at Kate in the production – including her actions and moves on the tragic night in question.
While Kate and husband Gerry were cleared of any wrongdoing, the intense scrutiny on their actions continues to lead to false allegations that continue to rear their head.
Despite this, the drama comes with a very important message for all to take away rather than criticise or scrutinise. At the heart of this whole thing, a girl remains still missing almost two decades on. And a family is seeking answers.
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, airs Wednesday 20th May, 9pm on 5.
First look images have been released for Channel 4’s new drama Number 10, written by Doctor Who and Sherlock creator Steven Moffat and starring Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister
Former Emmerdale actress Jenna Coleman plays the Deputy Chief of Staff in Number 10(Image: Channel 4)
Channel 4 has unveiled first look images from its upcoming drama Number 10, featuring Rafe Spall in the role of Prime Minister.
The newly-released photographs also showcase Coronation Street’s Katherine Kelly as Chief of Staff and Emmerdale’s Jenna Coleman as Deputy Chief of Staff, appearing alongside the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
Jenna, Katherine and Rafe lead an impressive ensemble cast that includes Akshay Khanna, Abigail Lawrie, Laura Haddock, Jing Lusi, Pierro Niel-Mee, Rick Warden, Joe Wilkinson, Robyn Cara, Richard Rankin and Rhiannon Clements, amongst others.
The official synopsis for the programme states: “Set in the only terrace house in history with mice and a nuclear deterrent, it’s the only knock-through in the world where a hangover can start a war.
There’s a Prime Minister in the attic, a coffee bar in the basement and a wallpapered labyrinth of romance, crisis and heartbreak in-between, reports Wales Online.
“The government will be fictional and unspecific, but the problems will be real. We’ll never know which party is in power, because once the whole world hits the fan it barely matters.”
“This is a show about the building and everyone inside. Not just the Prime Minister upstairs, but the conspiracy theorist who runs the cafe three floors below, the man who repairs the lift that never works, the madly ambitious ‘advisors’ fighting for office space in cupboards. Oh, and of course, the cat.
“A drama about one of the most famous addresses in the world, Number 10 is all of Britain in a house: it’s British history under one roof. It’s how we all got into the mess we’re in. It’s also our only hope of getting out of it.”
Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven, who also co-created Sherlock and Dracula, said of his new project: “For me, it’s all about famous doors! The doors to the TARDIS, the door to 221B Baker Street, and now the most famous door in the world – Number 10.”
“I’ve been wanting to write about the mad house that runs the madhouse for years, and I’ve never had so much fun doing the research. If you want to do a workplace comedy drama, this one is the boss of them all.”
Discussing his latest role, Rafe said: “Number 10 is a sensational piece of writing, equal to its peerless author, Steven Moffat. I’m delighted to be playing the Prime Minister, in a funny, real and thrilling piece of TV.”
Jenna added: “I thought it was about time I visited another British institution with Steven Moffat. I’m very much looking forward to moving into Number 10 with Steven’s cracking scripts.”
EastEnders spoilers for next week have teased a feud brewing between the Brannings and the Mitchells, as well as two exits being teased and some chaos at Vicki and Ross’ wedding
There’s big moments ahead on EastEnders next week(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
There’s big moments ahead on EastEnders next week, as spoilers confirm bombshells, rivalry and twists and turns.
Max is suspicious of Lauren after a car delivery at the car lot, and he soon confides in Cindy. As Grant, Sam and Phil dismiss Max’s claims, Max and Cindy go public with their suspicions about Mark.
Everyone’s shocked when Grant claims he’s behind the dodgy car scheme. Cindy accuses Grant of lying and Max threatens to call the police.
Lauren tips off the Mitchells as the police arrive, while Sam considers joining Grant in Portugal whenever he plans to go back. Preparations are underway for Vicki and Ross’ wedding, while Zack receives some upsetting news.
He offers Vicki a bracelet but she refuses his gesture, leading to him dropping hints to Ross that Vicki is cheating. As the wedding arrives, Ross is rattled and Zack tries to get Vicki to leave Ross.
Soon, Ross comes to a realisation and asks if Zack was the man she slept with. Tensions simmer between Eddie and Harry after Eddie criticises Gina.
Ian and Elaine clear the air and agree to be friends, while Will is upset when he misses a rave. Ravi returns home, and Priya hopes they can rebuild their relationship.
Denise receives a call from the hospital requesting she come in that morning for a bone marrow test, with her going alone. Meanwhile, Denise receives the results of her recent hospital tests and is left stunned when doctors tell her she has blood cancer.
But will she confide in her loved ones? It’s set to be another big week on the BBC soap next week according to these spoilers. It comes as the soap teased life-changing scenes ahead in the coming weeks.
In the trailer, some of Walford’s biggest names appear to be gathered in the pub in their finery. They’re all enjoying a drink until the clock hand moves and David Bowie’s ‘Changes’ plays.
Everything starts to tilt out of place and sirens can be heard before four characters – George Knight, Ian Beale, Denise Fox and Max Branning – look at the camera. While their smiles fade, an ominous voice warns that this is “the night that everything changes”.
According to the BBC, the night in question is Vicki and Ross’ wedding. The Beale, Branning, Knight-Mitchell and Fox-Trueman families will “find themselves at the heart of the drama”, but all for different reasons.
Over the course of a week, the same night will be explored, with new details emerging about what happened to each family and how this will effect them in the run up to New Year.
An investigation into the incident has been launched
A Croatia Airlines 9A-CTH Airbus A319-112 (stock image)
A plane reportedly containing more than 130 people veered off the runway during take-off before skidding across grass and crashing through airport signs. Shocking footage shows the Croatia Airlines Airbus A220-300 swerving to the left before eventually grinding to a halt.
The drama unfolded at Split Airport in Croatia on Saturday, May 16 at 1.35pm local time. An investigation has been launched, with no injuries reported among the 130 passengers and five crew members.
Passengers and crew were evacuated from the plane, which reportedly sustained damage to the front landing gear and left-hand engine.
Darko Petrin, chief investigator at Croatia’s Air, Maritime and Railway Accident Investigation Agency, said the investigation is still in its early stages.
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“It is known that the aircraft, for reasons still undetermined, drifted to the left during takeoff, left the asphalt part of the runway and ended up on the grassy surface next to the runway,” Mr Petrin said.
It is understood that the black boxes on the plane have been taken for analysis. It is thought the investigation into events could take months. The plane – which was flying to Frankfurt – was thought to be travelling at around 130knots (150mph) when pilots aborted the take-off for reasons which are still not yet clear.
The jet itself was delivered less than a year ago to Croatia Airlines. Split Airport was closed for a number of hours after the incident.
BBC One’s crime comedy Death Valley is back for a hotly anticipated second series, and a whole lot of new ‘whodunnits’ that need to be solved
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
22:39, 17 May 2026
Death Valley: Official trailer
Death Valley has made its eagerly awaited return for a second series.
BAFTA-winning performer Timothy Spall stars alongside Gwyneth Keyworth in the comedic murder-mystery programme, portraying the improbable pairing of actor John Chapel, formerly her hero as TV detective Caesar, and determined detective Janie Mallowan.
The series maintained a robust average of 4.6 million viewers over 28 days, and amongst Welsh audiences, Death Valley claimed the top comedy spot across all channels and platforms throughout 2025.
Given the programme’s triumph, it came as little shock when plans for a second series were swiftly revealed, with Death Valley series two now scheduled to debut on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One. Audiences can also stream the complete box set on iPlayer from the same date, reports the Express.
The second series resumes several months following the conclusion of series one. Janie has secured promotion to Detective Inspector and finds herself more overwhelmed than ever, with administrative duties mounting faster than she can manage them.
Complicating matters further, she’s been avoiding John since discovering he’s been romantically involved with her mum, Yvonne (Melanie Walters), and the pair are compelled to make amends when DCI Barry Clarke (Steffan Rhodri) enlists John’s assistance to crack a murder investigation.
They must set aside their complicated personal relationships when tasked with examining a suspicious death within a community service group, following the fatal plunge of one of its members from atop a crumbling castle.
The latest series of Death Valley also sees John hesitantly return to the acting world, appearing on the set of a grand Welsh fantasy television production, though another killing soon demands attention.
Additional murders occur in a seaside fishing community, at an eco-friendly commune, and within a rugby club, as John and Janie persist in delivering justice throughout the mid-Wales area.
Throughout the series, there’s also an impressive roster of guest appearances, featuring Outlander’s Mark Lewis Jones, Game of Thrones legend Owen Teale, and Killing Eve’s Alexandra Roach.
Jane Horrocks (Here We Go, Chicken Run) also appears in the programme alongside Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops, SNL UK), Alexandra Roach (Killing Eve, Bodies), Roisin Conaty (After Life, Last one Laughing), Jim Howick (Ghosts, Here we Go), Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Lynn Hunter (Pushers & End of the Fxx World), Rhiannon Clements (Small Prophets, Pushers), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth) and Liz Carr (Silent Witness, Good Omens).
Death Valley series 2 launches on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
ITV is to air an Australian series that viewers were hooked by when it aired last year
The Family Next Door will air on ITV(Image: ABC screengrab)
ITV is to air thriller that’s bound to appeal to fans of Harlan Coben‘s work.
Described as “gripping” and “nail-biting” by viewers and critics, The Family Next Door is adapted from Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same title and centres on Isabelle (Teresa Palmer), who develops a fixation with unravelling a mystery after she moves to a tranquil Australian street.
Her determination to crack the case places four neighbouring families under scrutiny, which leads to plenty of twists and turns, reports Wales Online.
The series, which also features Bella Heathcote, Philippa Northeast, Bob Morley, Catherine McClements and Ming-Zhu Hii, premiered in Australia last year and audiences were captivated. Now ITV viewers can discover what the excitement’s about, as the programme launches on the channel on Sunday (May 17).
Promoting the series on Instagram, actress Teresa posted: “Based on the best-selling novel by the brilliant @sallyhepworth so if psychological suburban thrillers where beneath–the–veneer–of–perfect–lawns–and–friendly–smiles–everyone–is–just–holding–on–by–a–thread kind of vibes are your thing, welllllll then, you’ll be VERY into this one.”
Many viewers have shared comments on social media describing The Family Next Door as “bingeable” while commending the “excellent” performances.
Others highlighted the “twists and turns” and “big reveals” throughout the series, with one declaring it “addictive”. “I watched all six episodes in one night,” one viewer commented on reviews platform Rotten Tomatoes.
“Soooo good!” another viewer posted on Instagram, while someone else declared: “Brilliant acting and divine scenery so beautifully filmed.”
“Amazing cast, incredible show,” praised another fan. A different viewer remarked: “I just finished and this series is amazing!!!! Intricate, funny, surprising, heartbreaking. A stellar ensemble cast.”
“Wow, this show was amazing!!” gushed another fan. “I had no idea what this show would be about, the story was truly unexpected. What a plot twist at the end, you had me in tears.”
“I absolutely loved it and unfortunately just finished it,” one person wrote on Reddit. “Please tell me there will be a season 2?”
“I just binged the new Australian series The Family Next Door. I thought it was really well done – I love Australian series like this,” shared another admirer.
The Family Next Door airs on ITV at 10.20pm on Sunday, May 17
The epic period war drama has enthralled critics and audiences world-over, earning glowing praise from all quarters, with viewers comparing it to the brilliance of Gladiator.
The epic war drama is streaming on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video(Image: Jessica Forde)
Fans of iconic filmmaker Ridley Scott and his cult classic Gladiator are in for a treat, because there’s another film by the director that viewers feel is giving his OG period war masterpiece a run for its money. With a screenplay penned by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, the 2021 epic historical war drama has enthralled critics and audiences world-over, earning glowing praise from all quarters — and it’s streaming on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
Viewers can’t stop raving about Scott’s 2021 film, The Last Duel, which stars Jodie Comer ( Killing Eve ) in the titular role, alongside Adam Driver and Damon. Affleck also has a supporting role in the movie, and the stars are joined by Harriet Walter, Alex Lawther, and Serena Kennedy to round out a stellar supporting cast.
Filmed in France and Ireland, Scott’s epic period drama is one that most people haven’t heard of, owing to its release during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2021.
Based on true events, the film’s official plot summary states: “Jean de Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Jacques Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. The two knights must fight to the death after Carrouges’s wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of assault. The ensuing trial by combat, a gruelling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands.”
Garnering largely positive reviews from both critics and audiences, The Last Duel has made its mark, especially when it comes to the period war drama genre.
One critic said of the film: “A brutal, harrowing, intriguing, stunningly well-made film that will linger in your thoughts for quite some time.”
While another reviewer lavished praise on the director: “Ridley Scott delivers one of his best works in years with this brutal, righteous, superbly acted historical drama.”
A third critic said of the historical epic: “With the stakes set so high, Scott rises to the challenge and delivers a brutal, visceral ‘last duel’ with complex narrative designs and a phenomenal carousel of performances.”
While one reviewer simply declared: “Trust us when we say this is a cinematic epic.”
Audience reviews follow in a similar vein, with one fan saying: “A classic Ridley Scott’s work. A masterpiece.”
While another viewer writes: “Brilliant historic epic, beautifully filmed and captivating characters. If you like historical dramas, this is a great film for you”
A glowing IMDB user review of The Last Duel states: “Ridley Scott is the Master of this Genre for a reason. Best director you can find for this kind of visual storytelling is Ridley Scott, and believe me, he’s still top of his game. To be honest, I don’t think that Gladiator was a best picture because of Ridley’s effort, I think it was Russel’s incredible performance. But this movie shines because of Ridley’s awesome visual style.”
While another impressed audience member commented: “[Ridley] Scott certainly gives us a big, bloody and savage movie. Indeed of all his films, this could be the one most likely to appeal to fans of ‘Gladiator’. It’s a fantastic-looking film. There is so much about ‘The Last Duel’ that is smart, funny and totally unexpected that it just might turn out to be the most unlikely multiplex movie of the year.”
Another IMDB review of the period drama (and Ridley Scott’s brilliance) states: “This is, I think it could be argued, in the absolute top tier of Ridley Scott’s filmmaking oeuvre. More than that — and this might be more controversial, but I stand by it — I think it’s his best film, and that it isn’t close.
“This is a Rashomon-style multiple-viewpoints epic with lavish production values, superb acting across the board from a powerhouse cast, and supremely subtle and skilful directing. It is thoughtful, impactful cinema that should be part of the conversation about the best outings in historical filmmaking.”
The Last Duel is available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.
REALITY star Katie Price has hit back at rumours her marriage to Lee Andrews is on the rocks as she shut down speculation in a feisty move.
The couple, who tied the knot in January, were due to appear on GMB on Tuesday but Lee failed to reach the UK leaving Katie to face the interview solo.
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Katie Price has hit back at Lee Andrews marriage speculation after his UK no show dramaCredit: InstagramKatie today announced Lee would be taking a break from social mediaCredit: Getty
‘Businessman’ Lee Andrews failed to fly into the UK for his scheduled GMB interview alongside his wife Katie PriceCredit: Lee Andrews/FacebookReality star Katie said her and Lee are ‘very happy’ in their marriageCredit: Backgrid/Instagram
She reposted a picture of a Bratz doll blowing a kiss, with the caption: “Glad I’m the girl being talked about not the miserable one doing the talking.”
She said: “Due to all the madness of trolling, people’s speculation and media frenzy that as a married couple we have both decided @wesleeandrews is taking a break from social media.
“And we are keeping things between us for now as it’s our life and marriage and are very happy.”
She explained on her podcast The Katie Price Show: “I said to him, ‘If you don’t turn up to England this time, what’s the deal? Tell me what’s going on because I’m not flying out to Dubai now. I’ve got family, my kids and my job here’.”
Katie said: “If you can’t come to the UK and you are on a flight ban, it’s fine. Just tell me. Does it matter if you can’t fly out of Dubai for whatever reasons, whether it’s two years, three years or never, just tell me.
“I want answers. Just a bit of respect. Just tell me what’s going on.”
To describe a movie as including a ski mask, a camcorder and $50,000 in cash would certainly lead one to imagine a specific type of story. Add two men and sex work and the brain might roll around more pointed scenarios.
But none of that can prepare you for what micro-indie “Blue Film” has in store. The nexus of perversion, pain and sexual purpose driving writer-director Elliot Tuttle’s dark, discursive chamber drama is of a stripe rarely attempted in even the most self-consciously daring movies. Should you need a self-imposed break afterward from intimate two-handers, even Tuttle might understand, then wink in the general direction of his Pasolini posters. (I’m guessing at this provocateur’s wall art.)
Is it clear yet that “Blue Film,” set primarily in a house in Los Angeles over the course of a revelatory night, isn’t for everybody? Some of that “everybody,” incidentally, includes the festivals and distributors who rejected the queer filmmaker’s debut feature, despite having critical buzz, Tony-winning actor Reed Birney as one of its stars and indie guru Mark Duplass as a mentoring producer.
But certain subjects (spoilers ahead) are bound to trigger a different kind of scrutiny. Initially, our attention is on macho-posturing tattooed camboy Aaron (“Boots” star Kieron Moore), graphically boasting to his followers online of the big payday he’ll receive that evening from a submissive client. What he later encounters, however, at the door of a Craftsman on a quiet street is a masked, polite, older host (Birney) with a camera and, once it’s turned on, a lot of personal questions, the kind that begin to crack the facade of a young man used to being in control of his transactional life.
Then his client’s face is revealed and Aaron recognizes it’s his middle school teacher Hank, a convicted pedophile who once coveted him. Hank, who completed prison time for the attempted assault of a different boy, has made a cross-country trip to seek out the adult version of someone who could have been his first victim. He is still processing what he is, wondering if desire, even love, is available to him anymore.
The question is, will you care? Even viewed through Aaron’s cautious, clear-eyed empathy, it’s a steep ask. But you should. Tuttle’s fearless inquisition won’t insult your intelligence, ask your mercy or hogtie your feelings. Honestly, it’s refreshing to be repulsed and intrigued by a movie willing to plumb these psychological depths when Hollywood won’t. In its commitment to unvarnished talk — even if that leads to a clunky staginess — “Blue Film” has thoughts about identity, choice, sin and salvation. There’s a sincere engagement with humanity’s more difficult realities.
Needless to say, this type of graphically articulated exchange wouldn’t work if the performances didn’t land. Thankfully, Moore’s affecting portrayal of jumbled masculinity mixed with situational curiosity is well-calibrated, while Birney, a pro with a challenge, eases us into Hank’s weary self-possession (if not always the nauseating facts of it) before coloring outside the lines with a believably interesting philosophy about reckoning.
But “Blue Film” is tough, make no mistake. Awkward and searching, it exists in a filmic space that you could argue was opened up by last year’s courageous documentary “Predators.” And sometimes that gaze is just discomfiting, full stop. Tuttle wants that. He has room to improve but he’s someone to watch, plumbing the hard-to-fathom.
