The Chase Around the World contestants went up against each other in Paris in the latest instalment
Bradley Walsh hosts the ITV show(Image: ITV screengrab)
The Chase fans all said the same thing as the ITV show’s spin-off arrived in France.
New series The Chase Around the World started last month and sees six pairs of contestants on a global adventure, where they are tasked with solving a series of questions and challenges in different countries to try and track down the Chasers and host Bradley Walsh. The pair who arrive last in each place will then have to face the Chasers in a quiz.
In the latest instalment, the hopefuls were in Paris, where they had to answer a series of French-themed questions. In one segment two of the pairs had to stay at a classic French brasserie and answer food and drink questions before they could continue on with the race.
However, some viewers felt it wasn’t a fair comparison as one duo was offered snails and the other was offered garlic.
Mother and daughter Nicola and Maddie were first and were told: “Here you’ll need to answer three multiple choice questions correctly. Get one wrong, and you’ll be frozen out of the game for five minutes.
“But there’s a shortcut. Wrong answers can be removed if you have the stomach for it.” They were then told they could “eat a snail or clove of garlic to remove a wrong option”.
Maddie looked horrified, exclaiming: “I am never ever in my life going to try a snail. The thought of it makes me genuinely nauseous.”
But when Nicola decided that she wasn’t confident about the question they’d been given, she decided to tuck in. “It was vile… it was gritty,” she said afterwards.
However, when father and daughter Ashwin and Nikita entered the restaurant, they had a choice of garlic and onions.
“Nikita and Ashwin are vegans – snails are off the menu, replaced by raw onion and garlic,” the voiceover explained.
Some viewers weighed in on X as it aired, with one insisting: “Can’t compare onion to snails.”
“Raw onion is much easier to eat than a snail…. probably,” someone else posted on the platform, which was formerly Twitter.
“Raw onions instead of snails… not a fair comparison,” said someone else. Another likened it to a scene from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, joking: “This snail eating is like watching a Bushtucker Trial.”
The beloved crime drama first aired on the BBC back in 2001 and ran for seven years before coming to an end.
12:11, 04 Aug 2026Updated 12:13, 04 Aug 2026
Inspector Lynley Mysteries ran for seven years before it came to an end(Image: BBC)
A popular BBC programme based on a bestselling book series has been hailed ‘one of the best of all the Brit mysteries’.
Over 20 years ago, BBC viewers saw a new detective duo hit the screens as actors Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small took on the roles of DI Thomas “Tommy” Lynley and DS Barbara Havers.
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, which is based on the crime novels by author Elizabeth George, follows the unlikely duo as they solve complex murder cases.
With DI Lynley coming from an aristocratic background and DS Havers hailing from a working-class life, the pair frequently butt heads due to their conflicting personalities.
Originally, the show aired in 2001 and ran for seven years and features a range of odd cases.
Over the years, viewers saw public school disappearances, political conspiracies and aristocratic family murders.
Speaking about the show coming to an end, actor Nathaniel shared that the actors didn’t know the series wasn’t coming back when they filmed.
He told Entertainment Weekly in the past: “Well, it’s kind of strange because when we shot it we didn’t know it would be the end. They canceled the series after we finished shooting, so there is no tie-up to it.
“There’s been quite a sweet response, a wonderful response really, here and in Europe. I mean around the world, really. Lots of petitions and things like that sent to the BBC.
“It’s been slightly embarrassing. I was asked by a bunch of people in Amsterdam — 17,500 viewers — to accept their petition to take back to the BBC. But I think the BBC would look at me and say, “God, you must be really desperate for work!”
Although the series came to an end in 2008, with a revival airing last year, its still remained a beloved show with BBC viewers.
On IMDb, one person said: “A magnificent duo – up there with Holmes & Watson, Morse & Lewis […] Both characters are utterly convincing and indeed inspiring as people. There are many duos as detectives, but this is one of the best.”
Someone else wrote: “Better than the books by far. Having seen the television version before reading the books, I can heartily recommend the video version over the print one.”
Another shared: “One of the best of all the Brit mysteries. Everything about this show works well — the plotting, the acting, the direction, the sets — but what is truly above average is the relationship that slowly develops between the two stars, making this show both a mystery program and a character-based one. Watching these two actors grow into their roles while solving well-written cases is deeply satisfying.”
While a fourth commented: “Very Enjoyable Series. I find this series very satisfying. It is character-driven and has compelling dialogue between Lynley and Sgt Havers. Havers is the real star of the show.”
Inspector Lynley Mysteries is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
CHICAGO — Just a few days ago, new Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal was on the other side, on a mid-market Detroit Tigers team that had hoped to unseat the Dodgers from the top of the league, before a disappointing season made them sellers at the trade deadline.
Still, with that perspective, he wasn’t going to entertain any talk about the Dodgers ruining baseball.
“I don’t really sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they’ve done,” Skubal said from the Barrel Room at Wrigley Field on Monday. “They’ve developed a really good organization. They draft well. They acquire talent really well. They retain talent. It’s a winning organization. Now the complaints seem to be [happening] because they’ve won the last two World Series. I don’t think it was like that three years ago. So I don’t really sympathize with people that are complaining. Because the Dodgers do all the right things.”
Skubal didn’t want to talk about his impending free agency. And he said he did not have any conversations with Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris about preferring to be traded to the Dodgers. Before the trade, he told Tigers reporters that he wanted to remain with the only team he’d known and compete for a championship there.
“Initial reaction, there was a lot of emotions,” Skubal said. “I spent eight years with the Detroit Tigers. That place will always be special to me no matter what. In the same breath, I’m excited to be here with these guys. When you watch them from across the way, see them do their thing on TV, you just have a lot of respect because they play the game the right way.
“The entire focus of this organization is on winning championships and that is my entire focus — playing baseball — so we’re very much aligned. I’m ready to go out there and compete and give this organization and city everything that I’ve got.”
The Dodgers put the final touches on their trade deadline, adding catching depth as Dalton Rushing went on the 10-day injured list with a sprained left elbow. The Dodgers added two backstops they’re already familiar with in Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia. They also added left-hander Kris Bubic, who is dealing with a shoulder injury.
It was clear all along, however, that Skubal was going to be the biggest splash of the deadline — for any team, really. And fuel for frustrated baseball fans upset about the Dodgers acquiring another star player.
“I think the Dodgers have done a fantastic job in player development,” said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who also engaged in trade talks for Skubal. “They have a really good farm system, and Scott [Harris] did the best thing you could do for the Tigers and got a lot of talent back. And obviously they did the best thing for their team.
Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws in the outfield before the team’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday.
(David Banks / Associated Press)
“And he’s an incredible pitcher. I mean, there’s no question about that. And I guess we’ll see firsthand. But I know there’s been a reaction around baseball about it, but they put themselves in positions to do that deal, and they did, and that’s exactly what they should be doing.”
Skubal had accepted by the end of his last start that he was going to be moving on.
“Losing that game kind of felt like that was kind of it for me in Detroit,” he said. “So not surprised, but that didn’t make the news any easier because I love a lot of those people there. I’ve got a lot of respect about what they do and how they go about their business. A lot of those guys are like my best friends on and off the field. I wish those guys nothing but the best. I’ll be rooting for them, unless we’re playing.”
He officially starts a new chapter Tuesday, taking the mound for the Dodgers at Wrigley Field.
“They’ve been a pretty good baseball team without me,” he said. “So I’m going to show up and kind of be a chameleon in a sense and fit right in with these guys and just jell with them. They’ve got the winning recipe. They know what it takes to win.”
Cassie Plummer left Coronation Street on Monday night but her exit has left behind a trail of mystery and now spoilers have revealed what happens next on the ITV soap
Cassie left Coronation Street on Monday night’s episode
Coronation Street spoilers have revealed what happens next following the sudden exit of Cassie Plummer. The former drug addict, played by Claire Sweeney, was introduced when the bosses of the long-running soap decided to completely rewrite history and install her as Tyrone Dobbs’s long-lost biological mum in 2023.
But in scenes that aired on Monday night, Cassie left Weatherfield – seemingly for good – as she chose to get in the car with Ross Wilkes when he offered her a lift to the train station. Introduced last month as the long-lost biological dad of Tyrone, Cassie knew he was trouble as soon as he turned up, but it was only when put under pressure that she revealed that he had paid her for sex when she was underage.
Ross has already made his mark as the latest villain to turn up in the Manchester backstreet, and viewers know that after striking up a relationship with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), he spiked her drink and put her in hospital but has let everyone think that Cassie was the one who did it. Cassie announced on Monday that she had got a job cleaning a cruise ship, and was heading to the train station.
Ross offered her a lift, and she accepted. But whilst in the car, Cassie threatened to go to the police about what Ross had done to her all those years ago. She then began to feel unsafe and tried to get out, but he locked the door and told her they were going “on a little drive.” That was the last time Cassie was seen, and Tyrone later announced to Ross that Cassie had left Weatherfield.
Earlier in the day, Fiz had presented Cassie with a photograph of Tyrone and the kids and an envelope full of cash, but at the very end of the episode, Ross took the photo from his pocket and created a mystery about just where Cassie had ended up.
Now, in scenes set to air this coming week, Ross tells Fiz and Tyrone he wants to move nearby, but Fiz quickly closes down the conversation.
Steve asks Ross where he dropped Cassie off, but Ross feigns ignorance until Steve reveals how he saw Cassie get into his car, forcing him to change his story claiming he took her to Piccadilly Station. Also, in scenes yet to air, Ross tells Hope to help herself to a tenner from his wallet but Hope finds something else which leaves Fiz suspicious.
Viewers have instantly become worried that Cassie did not make it to her new job at all, and are concerned that she might even be dead.
One fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Oh s*** is Cassie dead???” and another said: “Cassie getting in the car with Ross, they’re gonna leave us hanging for months over what he’s done to her, I bet!”
A third wrote: “I well like Cassie I’ll be sad if she never comes back,” and, on Reddit, another fan said: ” Feel like he’s deffo killed her. But think they’ve done it this way so that they can bring her back again if they wanted to. “
In real life, actress Claire Sweeney, who found fame when she starred on Brookside, chose to leave so she could take on the role of Miss Hannigan in the current UK tour of the musical Annie, and replaced former Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix in the show in early July.
Claire has previously starred in other musicals like 9 to 5, Tell Me On A Sunday and Chicago. But she recently recently explained that she loved her time at Corrie but always wanted to take on the part of the villainous orphanage proprietress, who has previously been played on stage by the likes of her soap co-star Jodie Prenger, as well as Hi-de-Hi icon Su Pollard, the late Paul O’Grady and British acting legend Sheila Hancock.
She told The Mirror: “You’re part of a family at Coronation Street, you feel safe and protected and leaving is like stepping out into the big, wide world again. It feels like I’ve broken up with a boyfriend I’m still in love with. I’ve loved Corrie and leaving bears no reflection on the job, the people and the work.
“It was just that my phone pinged and it was the producer of Annie saying ‘right, do you want to do Miss Hannigan.’ I’d been hounding him for years for this part and I just thought – ‘if I don’t do it now, it might never come again.’ But I think it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had to leave and my exit is very sad; I had a little weep over my leaving scenes. I got quite emotional.”
A wartime detective drama series based on real-life historical events has viewers declaring they’ve ‘never seen a better show on television’ — streaming free on ITVX
Viewers can’t stop raving about the ‘authentic’ detective war drama(Image: TV Grab)
A wartime drama based on real events during and after the Second World War has completely enamoured audiences, with fans of the ITV series giving it ‘maximum stars’.
Describing the detective war drama as ‘mesmerising’, viewers are saying they’ve ‘never seen a better show on television’.
Foyle’s War — available to stream free on ITVX — is a historical wartime detective drama series created by author Anthony Horowitz who was the screenwriter of the acclaimed Midsomer Murders.
The series stars the talented Michael Kitchen in the lead as DCS Christopher Foyle. Honeysuckle Weeks, Anthony Howell, Julian Ovenden, and Ellie Haddington join Kitchen to round out an altogether stellar cast, all of whom, especially Weeks, have been praised for their performances on the show.
Foyle’s War first premiered on television in October 2002 and saw an eight-season run till 2015. The series was cancelled in 2007 and revived in 2010 owing to encouraging audience numbers for the last series that premiered on telly.
The series was nominated for three BAFTA Television Awards, of which it bagged one, and has gone on to become a highly acclaimed wartime drama for both audiences and critics.
One reviewer said of the wartime series: “This is quality, smart stuff — plot points hinge on citizenship classifications, ration coupons, the location of safe houses. It requires that viewers watch carefully, and pay attention to details.”
While another critic said: “Foyle’s War… returns to Mystery!… with the admirable Michael Kitchen in his usual top form.”
A third critic shared: “You don’t have to pay close attention to Foyle’s War, but it’s worth it for the detail-rich historical context of Anthony Horowitz’s plots, especially now the series has arrived in the murky moral fog of post-war London.”
Audiences can’t stop praising the war drama, with one viewer writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “On our second watching of the entire series. It’s so well-acted and thoughtful, and you learn a bit of history with each episode. Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks are so engaging, such a delight to watch, it’s mesmerizing.”
A IMDB user review of the series says: “One of the best! My wife and I became obsessed with the British crime series Midsomer Murders. We’ve seen all the episodes available. Then my wife latched onto Foyle’s War and we’ve become big, big fans of this series also.
“We agree with everyone about Michael Kitchen’s performances and the historical background against which the story unfolds. Everything about this show looks authentic, feels authentic and sounds authentic. Not having lived through that time we are learning so much about the period.”
While one fan of the show said: “Maximum Stars. I’ve never seen a better show on television. “Foyle’s War” is deep, thoughtful television art. Great premise. Acting is tremendous. Only the bad guys overact. To see the characters is to love them. Sets and details have been discussed at length and it’s all just gorgeous.”
Another user review reads: “Outstanding! One of the very best series of all time! This is what great TV is. An outstanding series, taking place from the start of WW2 to the start of the Cold War, but told with the perspective of those ‘back home’ whom the Wars impacted.
“A remarkable achievement. The cast, first and foremost Michael Kitchen as Foyle, are remarkable. TV, or filmed entertainment just does not get any better than this.”
Foyle’s War is available to stream for free on ITVX.
Viewers have been left furious over the Channel 4 announcement, ahead of upcoming documentary The Great ADHD Myth?
18:00, 01 Aug 2026Updated 18:08, 01 Aug 2026
Channel 4 has come under fire for a new documentary (Image: Getty)
An upcoming Channel 4 documentary has been blasted by viewers for suggesting a “dangerous” message.
The broadcaster has announced a programme on ADHD, titled The Great ADHD Myth?, which has sparked immense backlash.
The documentary, according to Channel 4, “seeks to determine whether ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental disorder, or a social construct”.
It apparently asks: “With so many questions on what ADHD is, should we really be giving so many children powerful psychiatric drugs to medicate it?”
This comes after the NHS released information about the number of people affected by ADHD. Data from May 2025 reports that it is estimated that 2,498,000 people in England have ADHD, including those without a diagnosis.
Of those, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged between five and 24. The report also stated that in March 2025, up to 20,000 people were newly referred for an ADHD assessment to mental health services, an increase of 13.5% from the previous year.
The Channel 4 programme, featuring NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton, will be looking into “why” the traits of ADHD exist.
A press release for The Great ADHD Myth? States: “While the traits of ADHD undeniably exist – the question is why they exist. Is ADHD actually a neurodevelopmental disorder? Do people with ADHD have differently wired brains? Or does our world – with phones, ultra-processed food, and regimented education system – serve as the catalyst for certain responses and patterns of behaviour? And with such uncertainty around the condition, should we really be giving children mind-altering drugs to treat it?”
The documentary hears from medical experts who are questioning “the conventional narrative” around ADHD, and will follow a young family who “want to see whether holistic lifestyle changes can eliminate one boy’s use of ADHD medication”.
Dr Pemberton said: “As a psychiatrist, I’ve watched ADHD go from a diagnosis that was only occasionally made and after careful assessment, to one that is increasingly demanded and dispensed, and I wanted to understand why. There’s no doubt that the people seeking these diagnoses are genuinely struggling; that isn’t in question. What the film asks is whether ADHD is really the best explanation for that struggle and my hope is that we come away with permission to ask better questions about what modern life is doing to all of us.”
The Channel 4 announcement has left some social media users appalled, with one writing: “The endless hostility toward people with ADHD, autism, and anxiety is reaching a terrifying point.” Another said: “Who signed off on this man? I don’t even have ADHD and I’m outrageously offended.”
One person blasted: “What ableist bulls**t is this, @Channel4??” Someone else said: “More demonising and minimising those with mental health struggles. Fabulous.” One person called it “absolutely disgusting”, while another said it was “incredibly hurtful”.
Another wrote: “I don’t have ADHD, but I never thought Channel 4 would stoop so low.” Yet another echoed: “Demonising neurodivergence. What a time to be alive.” Someone else said: ““Myth? It’s not a myth if you have ADHD. What a way to frame it.”
Another person called the documentary “irresponsible and dangerous,” as someone else wrote: “As someone recently diagnosed, I am already sick and tired of ADHD being framed as “not real”. It made school utter hell for me, and impacts my day to day life. Why Channel 4 seem intent on pushing stuff like this I will never know.”
Other people expressed their interest in the show, with one saying: “I’ve been diagnosed and I wonder this too!” Someone else said: “The outrage this has caused illustrates why it is needed. No diagnostic neurodevelopmental process has ever been established as constitute of ADHD, despite what is implied and many have been led to believe. The question posed by the doc, then, is entirely legitimate.”
In a statement, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: “This documentary does not deny the lived experience of people with ADHD traits, but does hear from a group of senior medical and academic experts – many of whom work or have worked with the NHS or have held presidential roles at professional membership bodies – who seek to question whether ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. They also ask whether modern living has contributed to a rise in diagnoses, and whether there may be better alternatives for children than medication.”
The popular drama is also a part of a larger franchise created by Wolf, which follows the fire fighters, police officers and medical staff working in the busy heart of Chicago, USA.
Named Chicago P.D., the 2014 show is the second installment of Wolf’s Chicago franchise after Chicago Fire (2012) and has since been followed up by Chicago Med (2015).
Chicago P.D. holds an impressive 8.1/10 score on IMDb and is set to return for a 14th season later this year.
The cast is led by the charismatic Jason Beghe, who plays fan favourite character sergeant Hank Voight.
The synopsis explains that the show “follows the lives of the personnel of the fictional 21st District, which houses both uniformed officers and the department’s elite Intelligence Unit as they fight every day to keep the city of Chicago, Illinois safe”.
Other cast members include Jon Seda as Senior Detective Antonio Dawson, Sophia Bush as Detective Erin Lindsay, Jesse Lee Soffer as Senior Detective Jay Halstead, Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek and Marina Squerciati as Detective Kim Burgess.
Taking to the reviews section of IMDb, fans shared their thoughts on Chicago P.D.
One person wrote: “Easily the best cop drama I’ve ever seen. I love this show because it’s so smartly written. There are none of those yelling at your TV moments when the cop goes in without backup or lets his guard down at the worst moment or tries to be a hero all by himself. In this show the characters act like a real cop should.”
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
Another agreed: “Of all the police shows, Chicago PD is the best show I’ve ever seen. Chicago PD captures your attention from the start and keeps you glued to the show until the end.”
A third echoed: “Excellent!! Best ever crime drama. Writing and acting are exceptional. Thank you NBC. I am totally involved…”
Another fan compared the show to other highly-rated police procedurals, commenting: “I put PD in the same category as Streets of San Francisco, Hill Street Blues, The Shield and The Wire to name a few. That is the best TV available.”
However, not everyone is a fan, with one person calling it “cheap entertainment” and another complaining: “It started off brilliant, but last few years it’s gone down hill.”
Meanwhile, some viewers took the time to praise Beghe’s performance, with one enthusing: “The best show on television to me. Jason Beghe who plays Sgt. Hank Voight is like no other. He brings the whole show together.”
Another concurred: “Best show on TV! There are many good cop shows on tv but this one never fails. It has amazing actors and always entertaining plots. Beghe is my favorite!”
Chicago P.D. is available to stream on Netflix now.
The Hairdresser Mysteries aired its latest episode on Friday, where viewers instantly recognised one guest star
The Hairdresser Mysteries aired its latest episode on Friday, where viewers instantly recognised one guest star (Image: BBC/Mill Bay Media/Khuram Mirza)
The Hairdresser Mysteries fans were left doing a double take as they instantly recognised a guest star on Friday’s episode.
The new series sees Sally Phillips plays main character, Lily Petal, who is forced to turn from hairdresser to amateur detective when crimes keep happening in the sleepy village.
She is helped in her investigations by brilliant analytical hair salon assistant Clary Coombs, played by Charlotte Jordan, and eager PC Adam Watson, played by Ben Castle-Gibb.
A synopsis for Friday’s episode, which was series one, episode three, read: “As the village prepares for a celebratory concert at the theatre, Lily and Clary realise the sudden death of one of the acts is not what it seems. Singer Heather Small guest-stars.”
Viewers were left open-mouthed during the episode as they instantly recognised one of the episode’s guest stars. In the instalment, Gabrielle Glaister played Mrs Rind.
Gabrielle, 65, is best known for playing Patricia Farnham in Brookside from 1990 to 1996. Other roles include Trish Wallace in Family Affairs, Cora Blyth in Death in Paradise and she also played Bob/Kate/Bobbie Parkhurst in several episodes of Blackadder. Soap watchers will also recall she played Hilary Benshaw in Emmerdale in 2019.
Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: “#thehairdressermysteries Anyone else recognise Gabrielle Glaister from Brookside and Blackadder ? (Mrs Rind).”
A different account put: “I’m surprised at the calibre of actors that #TheHairdresserMysteries have attracted.”
Another show watcher commented: “Watching the first episode of #TheHairdresserMysteries and I absolutely love it! So many talented actors I recognise, such a cosy atmosphere too. And it’s filmed in the beautiful West Midlands! More plans!”
The three part documentary has finally been released in the UK
Don’t Date Brandon has finally been released in the UK (Image: Paramount Plus/Channel 4)
True crime fans cannot stop talking about a brand new documentary that has been dubbed a “disturbing” watch.
Don’t Date Brandon has this week been released on Channel 4, with all three episodes airing last night (July 30) as it explores two chilling relationships.
Amber Rasmussen and Athena Klingerman bravely open up on how they were manipulated by con man Brandon Johnson as the three part series exposes his elaborate web of lies and past abuse.
A Channel 4 synopsis reads: “True crime series. When Amber finds out that her husband’s a liar, she starts a podcast with his ex-wife. But as more women come forward, they discover that Brandon isn’t just a cheat; he’s dangerous.”
First airing on Paramount+ last year, Don’t Date Brandon has just been released on Channel 4, with all three episodes available to stream online for free. Despite its release in 2025, viewers are only just discovering the harrowing watch now as they say it is a must watch for everyone.
Taking to TikTok, one true crime fan said in a video: “I promise you definitely won’t want to miss this one because it is an absolutely wild ride.”
They went on to say: “As you’re watching this documentary it becomes more and more dark and more and more terrifying. What unfolds at the end of it is truly quite chilling and there are actually some very disturbing scenes in this so be aware of that.”
In another video, another viewer said: “It’s quite good.” One person commented: “Just finished Don’t Date Brandon. Started it last night – had horrible nightmares about my ex last night.”
Taking to their own video, one person admitted they were not “prepared for this documentary” as they captioned their post: “Craziest one in a while”.
Another stated they have been “waiting for the longest time” for the UK release, adding: “I cannot wait to watch this, I’ve heard great things from those of you who have already seen it.”
One person replied: “Don’t Date Brandon is amazing I watched it on YouTube crazy.”
When it was released in the USA last year, one viewer said it was one of the “most horrifying” documentaries they had watched, adding on TikTok: “Episode 3 is incredibly hard to watch.”
Don’t Date Brandon can be streamed for free on Channel 4
The new series follows a reality icon as she makes her long-awaited TV comeback
The series arrives in the UK in a matter of days(Image: Freeform/Hulu)
Reality TV fans have been binge-watching their way through a new series they’re calling ‘perfection’.
House of Stassi follows the life of Stassi Schroeder, a breakout star of long-running Real Housewives spin-off, Vanderpump Rules. However, she was sacked from the series back in 2020 alongside Kristen Doute following a ‘prank’ on a black co-star, with the new show marking her return to TV.
The controversial reality star’s “next act” is the subject of the new series which premiered on Freeform this week before being made available on streaming service Hulu.
Its official synopsis reads: “House of Stassi follows reality TV icon Stassi Schroeder as she steps into her next act. In this meta-docuseries, Stassi navigates her long-awaited return to television – this time with the people she loves most by her side.
“As her ambition pulls her back into the spotlight, those around her level up. But as cameras roll and truths surface, her closest relationships are put to the test.”
All eight episodes are now available on US streaming platform Hulu, with the first reactions rolling in. However, viewers in the UK face a short wait before they can indulge in the series too. The episodes will be made available to UK-based reality fans on Disney+ from August 12.
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One fan of the show penned: “Binged the whole thing. The second half of the finale is exactly what reality TV should be (and used to be). The way they left it on a cliffhanger was the perfect set-up for Disney to order more episodes.”
They continued: “It makes for great television, my fear is this type of stuff is what permanently alters relationships so hopefully they realise what they really signed up for.”
“I’m on episode five and I can’t stop watching – it’s very entertaining,” said a second viewer, while a third remarked: “So obsessed with this show. Just finished the first three eps. It’s structured amazing. I love the narration and fourth wall breaks/lack of fourth wall. I need a million more episodes.”
House of Stassi is now streaming on Hulu in the USA. It premieres in the UK on August 12 on Disney+
There’s no reason to watch them even though there’s more than a month left on their schedule. Again.
For the sixth consecutive season, one of the WNBA’s legacy franchises has come apart at the seams, tattering the franchise’s three-championship history with a sordid record that mandates a clear response.
Trade your best player.
Trade Kelsey Plum.
The trade deadline is Sunday so do it quickly, and do it boldly, sending her to the sort of playoff contender who would find her worthy of young talent and draft picks.
Trade KP and do it now.
Yes, her 25-point scoring average would rank second in the league if she had not missed half the games with injuries.
Truly, she is arguably the team’s biggest attraction with the sort of Hollywood flash that overshadows even Nneka Ogwumike.
Indeed, the hard-nosed ballplayer elicits more screams and sells more tickets than any other Sparks player.
Trade her anyway. Swallow hard and make it happen. Out of a million reasons, here are just three.
First, her contract expires at the end of the season and she reportedly does not want to spend her prime years on a losing team. Can you blame her? Trade her before you lose her for nothing.
Nneka Ogwumike shoots over Chloe Bibby of the Chicago Sky during a game this month.
(Geoff Stellfox / Getty Images)
Second, at age 31, she is the team’s most valuable asset, and would command a high price among contenders looking for a shooter with a championship pedigree.
Third, this would be a powerful first move in a season-ending tank job.
You read that right. The Sparks should tank. They should tank hard. Tank, tank, tank. They should do anything it takes to have the best chance at nabbing the first pick in the 2027 draft and a chance to take USC phenom JuJu Watkins. The pursuit of Watkins, who will need to be convinced to give up her final year of college eligibility, should be the organization’s most important priority.
Anything for JuJu, and that includes trading Plum. While they’re at it, could they also please dump the massively disappointing Ariel Atkins and Erica Wheeler? Those two busts were part of the Sparks’ ill-conceived attempt last offseason to build a veteran team that could immediately compete.
It didn’t work, and now the Sparks have only four players who should be welcomed back next year — Cameron Brink, Rae Burrell, Dearica Hamby and Ogwumike.
Without Plum, Brink can have more space to work inside. Without Plum, Burrell can score 25 points a game. It’s a tank, but it’s not necessarily an ugly tank.
Cameron Brink is pressured by Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull during a game in May.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
Their replacements might be anonymous shadow dwellers, but that’s OK. The Sparks need to not hire college wonders — no Cori Close — and enlist some good old-fashioned WNBA veteran thinkers and evaluators and leaders.
The Sparks basically need to start from scratch, and it starts with a major move sometime in the next five days.
Trade KP.
Please?
“We pushed in a lot of chips this year, and we had good reason to do that, but the reality is it hasn’t gone as we’d hoped or expected,” said Farhan Zaidi, special advisor to Sparks’ owner Mark Walter. “Now we have to be open for anything. Everything has to be on the table for us. We have to take a long-term perspective rather than focusing on the rest of the season.”
In other words, the trade light is lit!
Zaidi wouldn’t comment on specific players or club personnel, only to note that the Sparks cannot grow as constituted.
“We have to be realistic where we are,” he said. “We don’t want to be that team stuck in the middle.”
In other words, keeping Plum might give them a few more wins, but to what end? They contend for the final playoff berth only to fall short? And if they make it, how long would they last against a powerhouse like Minnesota? For a big-market, win-now team like the Sparks, mediocrity is a death knell.
Zaidi trusts that Sparks fans will understand, and I agree.
Their growing fan base is as smart as they are passionate. They understand that to break this losing spell, the Sparks will have to break with franchise tradition and basically give up on this season to build hope for the next.
My daughter and fellow season-ticket holder MC was quick to react when I told her I was going to advocate trading Plum.
The Sparks should trade Kelsey Plum before she walks away as a free agent.
(Aryanna Frank / Getty Images)
“Write it,” she said. “I want hope.”
Zaidi thinks other fans will agree.
“We have very smart fans, I don’t want to patronize them as to where we are,” he said. ”Our dedicated fans will understand if we have to take a step back to get to that championship level. I can step back if I feel like we’re building something.”
Zaidi noted, “I think it can happen quickly.”
He’s right. In a league in which a team like Golden State can contend for a title in only its second season, in a space where both of this year’s expansion teams — Toronto and Portland — can have better records than the Sparks, rebuilding doesn’t take much.
If the Sparks get some young talent and draft picks for Plum, then sign a top free agent by using the construction of their new practice facility as a selling point… who knows?
The Sparks need to do whatever it takes to become the Sparks again.
The checklist to launch an independent minor league baseball team is long and daunting. Can you find a place to play? How do you find enough players, and make enough money to pay them? How can you persuade a community to support a home team?
Here’s a new one: If minor league baseball is all about affordability, how do you compete against a nearby major league team that might undercut you on pricing?
This astounding dilemma is brought to you by the Angels, and their combination of a consistent focus on affordability and a consistently bad team.
Zach Neto is the best player the Angels have drafted and developed since Mike Trout — that is, in the past 17 years — and the team is considering whether to trade Neto ahead of next week’s trade deadline. That might make the team better in the long run, but almost certainly not next year.
And, next year, the Angels will have competition for the Orange County baseball dollar, a few exits down Interstate 5. On Tuesday, the Irvine City Council approved a five-year agreement under which a yet-to-be-named minor league team would play at the sparkling ballpark within the city’s Great Park, starting next May.
“We might not, on certain days, be the cheapest ticket in town,” said Paul Freedman, co-founder of Innovation Baseball Partners, the company for which the Irvine team is the fourth in its portfolio of minor league teams, all based in California and all competing in the Pioneer League, where players are limited to no more than two years of professional experience.
No ticket prices have been announced for the Irvine team. Jamie Rosenberg, another IBP co-founder, told the Irvine City Council that the IBP team in Long Beach charges roughly $10 to $15 for general admission, with a $2 special every Tuesday.
“The idea is to make this an accessible, affordable entertainment option for the community,” Rosenberg said.
Angels pitcher Reid Detmers throws from the mound against the Houston Astros in front of a sparse crowd Tuesday at Angel Stadium.
(Scott Strazzante / Associated Press)
On Tuesday, three hours after Rosenberg spoke, the Angelsplayed the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. On StubHub, you could buy a ticket for $2.
“I think Angel fans would hope the team gets better and maybe those prices would go up,” Freedman said, “but what we’re confident in is that we’re going to have a value experience.”
On Tuesday and every other day at Angel Stadium, the Angels proudly display a sign advertising a collection of what the team calls its “family value merchandise.” A T-shirt or a cap can be yours for $9.99, and a souvenir baseball with the team logo sells for $7.99.
“We really focus on a family of four,” Freedman said. “Can a family of four afford a night out?”
The Angels offer a family package — four tickets, four hot dogs, and four drinks — for $44.
You may remember what Angels owner Arte Moreno said in spring training: “The number one thing fans want is affordability.”
That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one. Freedman says the fans of his teams want affordability too, but he cautioned against stretching the comparison too far.
For one, Trout plays in Anaheim. You can see a future Hall of Famer there all summer, and stars from around the league, and you can see the Yankees and Red Sox and Dodgers every year.
“We’re not ever going to replace the majesty of going to see the Dodgers with Shohei [Ohtani] playing,” Freedman said, “but we can create an environment that’s more fun.”
For two, whatever $2 tickets you might find in Anaheim put you in the vicinity of the top of a foul pole. All the tickets in Irvine put you right behind home plate, because there are barely 1,000 seats.
And, for fun, Freedman and his partners are planning to become the first American team to integrate elements of the Asian fan experience into the game presentation.
“We want to be doing things you haven’t seen in an American baseball game before,” he said, “and we want to put a fair price on that, one that is reasonable and allows us to operate our business.”
The traditional minor league team operates far from the shadow of a major league team. The Pioneer League, for instance, has teams in the California towns of Modesto and Marysville, and in Idaho Falls and Missoula, Mont.
The Irvine launch will be different and challenging — and, yes, fun. But success depends on paying customers, and nothing attracts customers like a trial offer.
The Hogwarts Express has arrived in Perris, Calif.
The Southern California Railway Museum has temporarily turned into Platform 9 3⁄4 to host “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.” The one-hour theater performance takes place on a moving train and features singalongs, spellcasting and House cheers. Tickets cost between $72.25 and $93.25 per passenger.
The experience is the first of its kind in the United States, said Jarrette Ireland, vice president and general manager of Colorado-based Rail Events Inc., and Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at New York-based Warner Bros. Discovery.
As of July 23, the experience sold just under 11,000 tickets in pre-sales.
The train event commences as the Harry Potter franchise’s author, J.K. Rowling, continues to draw criticism for her opposition toward transgender women. She has long been criticized for transphobic commentary on X and for funding organizations that fight to exclude trans women from public life.
1.The cast performs with magic wands in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”2.A passenger holds a Platform 9 3/4 ticket.3.The Hogwarts Express conductor performs in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”(David Fouts / For The Times)
“What’s really terrifying is that influence. It’s already being felt in the United States,” Williamson said. “There’s a trans genocide happening. It’s very serious.”
Williamson, who is nonbinary and identifies under the trans umbrella, said it is “already very scary being openly queer in Perris,” where the Harry Potter experience is hosted. She, her children and other queer and trans folks in their circle have experienced hateful slurs, home vandalism and other queerphobic prejudice.
Asking the public not to purchase anything Harry Potter related, they said, is “the most we feel that we can do for our community.”
Responding to general concerns about Rowling, Wallis said, “We feel privileged to create these experiences for the fans who love the stories, and there’s a very deep fandom out there. A lot of these kids, my own included, grew up with these movies and stories, and they love to experience them in new ways.”
Warner Bros. Discovery did not respond to a request for comment about local advocacy at the time of publication.
Ireland said Rail Events “is really proud to welcome all guests to a great experience” and later clarified that it doesn’t have “a personal connection” to Rowling.
But Warner does. For instance, its new Harry Potter television series will air this Christmas.
There was no mention of Rowling during a recent preview of the train experience, which is geared toward children. Passengers travel through “Platform 9¾” and board the train, where four Hogwarts students belonging to each House greet them.
A cast member carries Fred Weasley’s Basic Blaze Box.
Passengers watch the performance in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”
“Are you a Hufflepuff?” one of the Hogwarts students asked a visitor.
For those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter universe, each House embodies a trait: courage for Gryffindor, loyalty for Hufflepuff, wisdom for Ravenclaw and ambition for Slytherin.
When the train takes off, the students make these personality differences known. The Gryffindor and Slytherin maintain a traditional rivalry, the Ravenclaw nerds out about magical history and the Hufflepuff attempts to mediate them all.
To successfully complete their journey, each student must embody a virtue that belongs to a different House. The Gryffindor must hone wisdom, the Hufflepuff courage, the Ravenclaw ambition and the Slytherin loyalty.
Throughout the ride, the students put their new traits to the test: confronting a hippogriff blocking the tracks, capturing runaway chocolate frogs and facing off a soul-sucking dementor. By the end of the journey, they overcome their House stereotypes and learn they aren’t so different from one another after all.
A dementor puppet moves through the train in “Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.”
According to the experience’s website, the train travels along a route through the neighborhoods of Perris and starts and ends at the same place. When visitors disembark the train, they head to an area inspired by Hogsmeade, a village that sits outside Hogwarts. Here, they can purchase themed drinks, food and merchandise.
Navigating the logistics of “putting theater tech into a train” was a “real adventure,” Ireland said. Inside, TV screens replaced the overhead luggage compartments, and a strip of lights lined the carriages’ walls from front to back. Gray shades embellished with a circular “Hogwarts Express” logo covered all the windows, so visitors can’t see outside.
These elements aided the storytelling. The TVs played scenes from the Harry Potter films and helped suspend disbelief where magical creatures were involved, and the lighting system aided in spellcasting.
Streaks of light fly down the carriage in one dueling scene, and in the show’s climax, the lights go dark when a dementor — played by a hooded actor puppeteering the creature strapped to their torso — floats down the aisle.
It was the Hufflepuff who, with the help of passengers, vanquished the dementor.
1
2
1.The cast showcases floating feathers after performing a levitation spell.2.A cast member carries a box of chocolate frogs through the train.
“Everyone, repeat after me!” the Hufflepuff called, wand pointed at the creature. “Expecto Patronum!”
As passengers chanted the incantation together, white light flashed through the carriage, and music swelled from the speakers. Defeated, the dementor drifted down the aisle and out of sight.
The experience will run at the Southern California Railway Museum through Sept. 27.
Ireland said future stops will be announced in the fall, with plans to expand throughout North America and, ultimately, to the United Kingdom.
If you go
‘Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure’
Where: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S A St., Perris, Calif., 92570 When: Through Sept. 27 Tickets: $72.25-$93.25 per passenger Additional information: harrypottertrainadventure.com
Leigh-Anne Pinnock has created a subscription-only page behind a paywall where fans can follow her pregnancy journeyCredit: InstagramThe star already shares twins with her husband Andre Gray and is expecting their third childCredit: Instagram
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Leigh-Anne explained to fans that she had set up a Patreon page where she will be sharing ‘pregnancy, bump updates, everyday life and all of the things in between’.
Fans can pay £5 per month to access the content.
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Leigh-Anne, who already shares twins with Andre, wrote in her Patreon bio: “Hey It’s Leigh-Anne here!
“As some of you may know by now I’m pregnant with my third child and wanted to create a space for you all to get a deeper insight into my world, my pregnancy journey and general life as a mother, singer, wife and woman who’s trying her best.
Leigh-Anne’s new page promises ‘pregnancy, bump updates, everyday life and all of the things in between’Credit: InstagramShe and Andre have been together for over a decadeCredit: Getty
“Excited to see where this journey takes us and can’t wait to show you all the things I get up to along the way.”
Patreon is a platform used by influencers and creators to share exclusive content.
Following the page’s release, some fans were confused as to why the multi-millionaire singer is charging for her content.
One fan branded the move ‘out of touch’ as they said: “Genuinely this is extremly weird for someone as big of a name to start a patreon to… show a pregnancy? Tbh it feels a bit out of touch for my taste.”
Another asked: “Are you broke?”
A third slammed: “Wow.. she really needs that money eh?”
However, some were on board with the idea and have already signed up.
“Just signed up to follow your journey, can’t wait to see what it all brings!,” wrote a fan.
Another defended: “The Patreon is strictly for the fans that want to follow her pregnancy journey a little more closer. She doesn’t have to show anything at all but she’s choosing to on her terms. That’s the difference from posting publicly.”
On her Patreon page, Leigh-Anne urged fans to keep the content she shares exclusively for there and not share it elsewhere online.
There is a free option on Patreon which allows you to watch some videos, but not the subscription-only posts.
A Welsh crime drama series has been hailed as ‘thrilling’ and ‘addictive’ is available to stream now
The latest series of a ‘gripping’ thriller is now on ITVX(Image: ITV screengrab)
A crime drama with a big twist has been added to ITVX and it’s perfect for your next binge.
Welsh series 35 Diwrnod started in 2014 and has gone down a storm with viewers, who have posted messages on social media admitting they are racing through its first four series. Its eagerly anticipated fifth run is now available on the platform, and its writer has said it’s a “compelling” watch.
Titled 35 Diwrnod: Parti Plu, or 35 Days: Hen Party, the new series – which stars Gwenllian Higginson and Geraint Todd – follows a couple who are preparing for their nuptials and have everything arranged for their special day. It follows the same pattern as previous seasons, with a body being discovered on the 35th day, then the action tracking back so viewers get to piece together what went on.
The show opens with a young couple preparing for their wedding day, but things quickly take a dark turn as in the first few minutes viewers get an ominous glimpse of what appears to be a woman in a wedding dress and veil floating face down in the sea.
Meanwhile, the groom is in the church looking anxious as he waits for his bride to appear.
Teasing some details on her website, writer Fflur Dafydd said: “We know from the outset that there has been a murder and we work back from there – as we do with every other series of 35.
“But despite the whodunnit element – I think with this particular series that the characters and their secrets become far more compelling.”
The series has proved a hit with audiences, with many saying they have been bingeing the episodes.
“I just finished bingeing all four seasons,” one person posted on IMDb.com as another said: “Last couple miniseries I watched have left me cold. This did not!
“Once you get into that different stories being told simultaneously it is a great binge!”
Someone else remarked: “This noir series, at least in the first season, almost becomes a black comedy in its over-the-top willingness to leave death and destruction everywhere. But I liked it. I binge-watched.”
Critics have also been impressed, with one reviewer calling it “gripping” and another saying it keeps you “on the edge of your seat”.
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But Plaschke reported his philosophy has quickly forged deep roots in Westwood, where Chesney’s optimism fits in seamlessly at the school built on John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. There’s also some very strong Ted Lasso energy brewing, which makes sense since the character is partially inspired by Wooden values.
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We’ve heard from some UCLA fans were irritated about a potential Plaschke curse after he announced Chesney will make the Bruins winners, but its seems the Bruin faithful are just going to have get used to a growing bandwagon.
The UCLA hype should go national Wednesday, when quarterback Nico Iamaleava, defensive back Cole Martin and linebacker Samuel Omosigho join Chesney during Big Ten football media days.
It’s Chesney’s first chance to meet the national and regional media covering the Big Ten. He is naturally an exceptional public speaker and inevitably will be compared to his predecessor, who went viral for his difficulty the first time he stepped into the Big Ten spotlight.
It’s not a fair comparison, but Chesney is sure to score high marks despite a healthy amount of cynicism among Big Ten blue bloods and whispers throughout the league that UCLA’s high 2027 recruiting ranking is a bit inflated. Perhaps that’s the biggest compliment for UCLA, going from being ignored or laughed at to taking a few jabs over your glowing reviews.
Shortly after UCLA returns from media days, the team will kick off preseason camp. We’ll start to get a closer look at the Bruins’ offseason weight room progress and the team will work to prepare for a deceptively difficult opener at California, another long overlooked team with considerable hype entering the 2026 season.
Betts shines in Canada
Sienna Betts showed she’s ready to step into her older sister Lauren’s formidable shoes during a women’s basketball exhibition game against Canada.
The Bruins lost 69-55 to the Canadian national team Wednesday, but Sienna Betts looked like a formidable focal point of the UCLA attack.
She finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.
Betts got valuable but limited minutes last season as Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez and Angela Dugalic dominated the paint for the national champions.
Canada and UCLA did not have their full rosters available for the tune-up, with Bruins Timea Gardiner, K.K. Bransford, Somto Okafor and Lina Jerkovic missing the game.
The excursion gave a heavily overhauled UCLA roster a chance to face different and formidable competition before setting off on sight-seeing adventures, a team bonding opportunity that likely will mean more to the coaching staff than the final score.
UCLA alums win AUSL title
Bruins alum Jadelyn Allchin won Athletes Unlimited Softball League championship MVP honors after helping lead her team to its second consecutive AUSL title.
UCLA softball great Lisa Fernandez is the Talons’ general manager. Her roster and the entire league is packed with former Bruins who are helping AUSL grow at a rapid rate.
Connor Dullinger offered a great look at the role the Bruins have played in the growth of pro softball and explains why Fernandez is thinking bigger, pushing for global gains so that softball can be a permanent fixture at the Olympics.
Do you have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future UCLA newsletter? Email newsletters editor Houston Mitchell at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
The gripping new show has been dubbed “absolutely brilliant” by viewers
‘Brilliant’ BBC drama The Rapture has fans hooked ‘blitzed it in one sitting’(Image: BBC)
Viewers watching BBC’s newest psychological thriller The Rapture were all left saying the same thing.
Adapted from Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel, the show follows a teenager who has been accused of killing her mum, and who claims to be able to predict natural disasters.
The Rapture boasts a stellar cast including Ruth Madeley, India Amarteifio, Gavin and Stacey‘s Ruth Jones, The History Boys’ Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey from Sex Education and Siena Kelly from Black Mirror.
Set in a heatwave, it follows psychologist Dr Gabs Fox (Ruth Madeley), who, after a life-altering car accident killed her husband and left her paralysed, starts a new job at a psychiatric hospital where she is assigned 17-year-old inmate Bethany Krall (India Amarteifio).
Two years before, Bethany was sectioned for the brutal murder of her mother, Carys Krall. The case shocked the nation, not least because Bethany’s father, Leonard Krall, is the charismatic leader of the Faith Way, a spiritual movement with millions of online followers.
Bethany seems to know private details about Gabs’ life and insists she can see visions of the future, which she communicates through disturbing sketches of disasters: storms, fires and floods. Bethany’s nurse Rafiq insists Bethany’s predictions always come true, but Gabs is sceptical, determined to find a clinical explanation.
As the heat intensifies, Gabs begins to notice unsettling connections between Bethany’s prophetic drawings and the world outside, forcing Gabs to re-examine her assumptions about Bethany’s innocence.
Reacting to the first episode, fans had a lot to say. One person declared on Facebook: “Absolutely brilliant series I blitzed it in one sitting it was so enthralling.” Another added: “Binge watching it, so far so good.” A third chimed in: “Enjoying it so far.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, previously remarked on the series: “This thriller brings Liz Jensen’s compelling novel to life with a truly talented cast led by the brilliant Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio.
“The Rapture features two complicated and captivating characters, blended with a story of climate change, to create a gripping narrative and I can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”
“The Rapture is a hugely powerful and entertaining female-led drama, which is charged with timely, important and deeply resonant themes,” said Rebecca Durbin, series executive producer for Mammoth Screen.
The Rapture airs on BBC One and iPlayer from 9pm on Sunday, July 26.
A detective series set in the 1940s is returning for a second series and viewers will be hooked
14:36, 26 Jul 2026Updated 14:38, 26 Jul 2026
Mark Gatiss created and stars in Bookish(Image: UKTV / Nicola Young)
The star of a detective drama perfect for Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie fans has teased what viewers can expect from the new series.
Created by and starring Mark Gatiss, Bookish follows an unconventional book shop owner who helps police solve crimes in 1946.
It started last year, with viewers charmed by the “excellent” and “cosy” U&alibi drama, and is set to return for a second series next month.
Mark, who plays main character Gabriel Book, has shared a few details with Radio Times ahead of the show’s second run, hinting at some “dangers” ahead.
Gabriel is gay and married to his best friend Trottie, who is played by Bridgerton star Polly Walker, and the relationship has worked out.
But Mark has now hinted that there will be some bumps in the road when Bookish returns to screens in August.
“Their arrangement suits them both, but it’s not without its dangers,” he said. “We’ll see a bit of that, and we do see a bit more of it fraying at the edges.”
The star also teased that the new series will be “more intriguing emotionally”, adding: “Some of the secrets are unlocked and some questions are answered.”
Fans can expect more mysterious cases, with a synopsis for the upcoming episodes revealing: “In series two, the bibliophile sleuth investigates the world of spiritualism as he helps to solve a baffling case involving medium Harold Sneed (Jason Watkins) and a séance full of secrets.
“Off Savile Row, Inspector Bliss (Elliot Levey) asks Book (Connor Finch) to help in a puzzling crime at a gentleman’s outfitters – the elderly tailor Maxie Kleinmann (Allan Corduner) is keen to confess to murder but the evidence doesn’t quite stack up and points to something much more complex and sinister.”
Book and Jack are also sent to the seemingly charming German village of Würl by the mysterious ‘E’, who is played by Simon Callow, in order to thwart a thieving duchess who is portrayed by Miranda Richardson.
“However, festivities take a deadly turn when Book and Jack uncover secrets of their own in a castle brimming with shady characters,” the synopsis continued.
Netflix has just released a trailer for a brand new period drama, but some are not impressed
My Brilliant Career: Philippa Northeast stars in trailer
Netflix trailer for a remake of a “brilliant” Sam Neill film has left some fans fearing the worst.
Sumptuous six-part period drama My Brilliant Career will be launching globally on Netflix next month and takes its cue from Australian author Miles Franklin’s 1901 classic novel of the same name, reports the Express.
The autobiographical book follows Sybylla (played by Philippa Northeast) as she rails against her family’s wishes to marry and instead pursues her dreams of becoming a published author.
My Brilliant Career also stars Pride and Prejudice icon Anna Chancellor, Genevieve O’Reilly from Andor, and Slow Horses actor Christopher Chung.
Netflix recently shared a trailer from the tongue-in-cheek show that sees Sybylla pushing back against society as she daydreams, writes and spends time with the swoon-worthy Harry (Chung).
The new adaptation comes after the beloved 1979 film version of My Brilliant Career starring Judy Davis as Sybylla and Sam Neill as Harry.
Many fans of the 1979 movie shared their thoughts about the forthcoming iteration of My Brilliant Career on YouTube.
One person said: “Nice try Netflix, but the original movie version with a young Judy Davis portrayed this brilliant novel written in 1901 Australia with way more authentic adolescent sass and much less millennial pop star angst.”
A second wrote: “I’m scared this new one will butcher a beloved story, like ’Anne with an E’ did for me.”
A third commented: “Nothing beats Julie Davis and Sam Neill. I wish that remakes would stop being made unless you’re going to adhere to the original story.”
However, others hit back at the detractors as one person noted: “The original will always have its place. This is just another take on it. Like all the other classic remakes. You don’t need to watch it if it’s not your cup of tea.”
Someone else said: “This series going adding more details that Miles Franklin wrote [sic].”
A third wrote: “I look forward to this. I so enjoyed the ’79 version with Judy Davis…this looks to be just as entertaining. ”
A fourth compared it to many other costume dramas: “This is like if they combined every single period piece into one movie it’s got little women, pride and prejudice, Bridgerton etc. I don’t know how they managed to fit every single trope into one.”
Yet another added: “Looks great. Loved the 1979 adaptation and not gonna miss this one.”
My Brilliant Career has been adapted numerous times, with the 1979 movie only being the first one.
The story was also adapted for the stage in a 2020 play and later turned into a musical in 2024.
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
Netflix’s TV series is just another retelling of the well-loved story of following one’s heart over the strict rules of society.
Treasured star Neill died aged 78 from pneumonia on July 16. His career spanned back to the 1970s and some of his biggest roles include Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders, ITV’s Tutankhamun, and Event Horizon, among many others.
My Brilliant Career will be released on Netflix on August 13
Casualty fans are heartbroken as they are convinced the show is killing off a beloved character for the 40th anniversary
BBC Casualty ‘to kill off’ show legend in heartbreaking twist and fans are gutted(Image: BBC)
Casualty could be killing off a show legend after more than 10 years, and fans are not best pleased about it.
The beloved BAFTA-winning BBC show has been a staple on screens for 40 years. As the world’s longest-running medical drama, Casualty has captivated audiences thanks to its powerful storytelling and characters.
And to celebrate its 40th anniversary later this year, a special double-bill episode will air on Saturday 5th. And as expected, it’s going to be seriously dramatic.
In a trailer that was aired at the end of Saturday’s (July 25) episode, viewers were shown a sneak peek at the episode, in which a high-stakes explosion throws Holby into chaos.
Lives are left hanging in the balance, and the ED team are pushed to their limits in a tense and emotionally charged story. And now, after watching the trailer, fans are convinced that the show is going to kill off Dylan Keogh (William Beck).
“I think the building will explode to kill Dylan! I think that’s his final episode,” mused one person on Casualty’s Facebook page. Someone else agreed: “I thought this as well.” A third chimed in: “Dylan better not go. He’s the best – I just love his character.”
Viewers will know Dylan made his debut on the show back in 2011 when he was introduced as a replacement for fellow emergency medicine doctor Ruth Winters (Georgia Taylor).
And over the years, he has played a part in several big TV moments. What’s more, since the departure of Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson) in 2024, Dylan has been the longest-serving character on the show.
Meanwhile in 2024, Dylan actor William spoke about the handful of cast exits at the time including Charlie. He told Digital Spy: “When Derek [Thompson] left, it was surreal. For me, it was just an absolute privilege to be there.
“I said a few words on Derek’s last day, and it was only in saying it, that I really appreciated that for everybody that was there at that time.
“Without Derek, Casualty would never have been the show that it has become and the opportunity to mark that and to celebrate it and to celebrate a unique achievement of being the lead in a continuing drama for that length of time, is a one off. To be there and to be present, and to acknowledge that, was such a privilege that in a sense that I haven’t even had time to miss it yet.
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt confessed to police that she killed Theo Silverton – but has claimed that it was in self-defence and viewers have spotted a “problem” ahead of a potential twist
20:52, 24 Jul 2026Updated 20:52, 24 Jul 2026
Sarah Platt told DS Lisa Swain that she killed Theo on Friday night’s episode (Image: ITV)
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt confessed to police that she killed Theo Silverton – but has claimed that it was in self-defence. The legendary soap character, who has been played by Tina O’Brien since 1999, beat the scaffolder over the head and sent him tumbling from the builder’s yard roof earlier this year.
It all came just moments after Theo whole load of derogatory remarks towards her but the pair were already enemies because she knew that he had subjected her best friend Todd Grimshaw to horrific abuse during their relationship.
In the weeks after Sarah confessed to Kit, he has been doing everything he can to try to get her off the hook and pin the blame on Gary, but she is currently in prison and has been charged with murder.
On Friday night’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap, Sarah was interviewed by DS Lisa Swain, who usually locks innocent people up, and she didn’t quite believe her story.
Sarah told her: “I barely remember calling Gary. He answered the phone. And I realised how crazy I was being. OK, fine, I did – I wanted to tell him what I’d done. And then the second… that I heard his voice. I realised that I couldn’t let him get involved and ask for his help!” Sarah then tried to explain the phone call, to no avail, and Lisa was very interested to know what she did with the murder weapon – which Gary disposed of – and the factory supervisor simply claimed she couldn’t remember.
Over in the Rovers, Lisa and Kit sat having a casual chat about the murder investigation and she told him that Sarah clearly didn’t think much of him if she called her ex-boyfriend rather than him. Whilst on the phone in her cell, Sarah told Kit that she couldn’t possibly bring Gary into it – much to her partner’s frustration.
It was then that Sarah attempted to split up with Kit on the phone, for his sake, but he was having none of it. She said to him: “Just look after Harry and Bethany for me,” but when Kit mentioned Jodie, Sarah was quick to warn him that she is a “dangerous” woman and he needs to keep away from her.
The scenes certainly sparked a reaction amongst fans, with some theorising that Sarah didn’t actually kill Theo after all.
One fan wrote on X: “Sarah’s finally told someone about Jodie being the person who hit her on the head that night. So, now Kit knows, I’m wondering if he will frame Jodie as Theo’s real killer? But, Sarah having the nerve to call Jodie dangerous, while on remand for murder, is peak irony”
Another said: “I think Sarah didn’t kill Theo. I think he was battered whey he lay unconscious… possibly by his son? I also feel the story of the life insurance is going somewhere.”
In response, a third said: “It would mean overturning the autopsy report, which stated Theo was dead before he fell. Corrie have hade a problem there, if they wanted a second killer. Otherwise, I would also go with Millie or Miles. And, I would like Todd to get the life insurance back. He’s earned it!”
Alongside them, the Aberdeen drama saw Dawn Steele reprising her role as DCI Cora Macmillan.
The actress is perhaps best known for her role as Lexie Macdonald in Monarch of the Glen, which ran for seven series between 2000 and 2005.
The comedy drama followed young restaurateur Archie MacDonald attempting to restore his childhood home in the Scottish highlands.
Loosely based on Compton Mackenzie’s Highland Novels, Dawn starred alongside Alastair Mackenzie, Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire, and Alastair has now joined her in Granite Harbour.
The actor is playing Richard Loughty in the crime drama, an affable and highly-regarded landowner who appears to be remarkably generous to those around him, including the local traveller community residing on his property.
But cracks soon begin to form as his apparent charm falls aside and the truth emerges.
Alastair teased, regarding his new role: “Cracks begin to appear in this charming veneer of his when sketchy things start happening on his estate and, without giving to much away, things go from bad to worse for him. Maybe there’s more to him than meets the eye.”
Monarch of the Glen fans were thrilled to see the duo reunite, with one writing: “How cool is it to see Alastair Mackenzie and Dawn Steele reunited in #GraniteHarbour . Absolutely love that #MonarchoftheGlen.”
Another said: “Watching the first episode of the new series #GraniteHarbour and immediately spot the Monarch of the Glen reunion between Alastair MacKenzie and Dawn Steele.”
Ahead of the new season of Granite Harbour, Shetland actress Dawn said: “Cora faces a personal health scare, and I loved having the chance to show a more vulnerable side to her. At the same time, she’s under immense pressure to solve the case while also dealing with the SPIS investigation into Malik’s dismissal from last series.”
The new series follows the Major Investigations Team focused on a complicated murder investigation after bodies are found, as they discover long-buried secrets that could divide communities.
Granite Harbour is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
