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Filming for the new series of the popular crime drama is officially in full swing.

The series first broadcast back in 2021.

Since its debut, Irish drama KIN has been a huge hit with viewers over the years and features the likes of Aidan Gillen, Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne and Ciaran Hinds.

It also features Emmett J Scanlan, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders, Hollyoaks and Fool Me Once. The 47-year-old plays the role of Jimmy Kinsella in the hit show.

KIN follows a fictional Dublin family who are at war with a drug cartel. The second series aired back in 2023 with fans eager to see more of the tense moments and gripping scenes.

The programme, which was originally broadcast on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player in Ireland before it was acquired by the BBC, is currently filming it’s third series, which is expected to air next year.

Actor Emmett Scanlan shared an update on his social media, sharing that they are currently in production, reports Belfast Live.

In a video, he confessed that it had been ‘years in the making’, before sharing how ‘utterly grateful’ he was that the programme was back in production.

He shared that it was ‘day one’ of season three, before adding, “the feeling is good”.

It wasn’t long before people commented on the post, with many thrilled that series three was on the way.

One person said: “Yess!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally!” Someone else wrote: “I absolutely loved kin.. I’m so ready for season 3”

Another fan added: “Have to rewatch seasons 1 & 2. Bl**dy loved both and can’t wait for 3!”

Someone else wrote: “Bro, is this real. Don’t play with my emotions like this…… I have been praying for season 3. The best of Irish tv hands down. What a cliffhanger season 2 was.”

He captioned the post: “Day 1. KIN. Season 3. As you were.”

While the official cast list is yet to be revealed, it looks as though Emmett will be reprising his role as the villainous Jimmy Kinsella.

Kin seasons one and two are streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

TOMMY Fury is not impressed with Kim Kardashian’s parenting style.

The boxer – who shares two children with Molly-Mae Hague – expressed his thoughts about Kim’s need for “10 nannies”, after The Sun exclusively revealed that the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star uses a “24 hour rotation system” to monitor her four kids.

On his What The Fury podcast with his dad John, Tommy read out “10 nannies and mannies raising Kim Kardashian’s kids.”

“If you can’t look after these kids yourself, don’t have them,” John declared, and while Tommy said they “don’t know the full story, he went on to say: “I don’t understand people who just dump the kids with nannies and mannies all day…”

Branding it “ridiculous”, John added: “In my family, there was a lot of us and my mother looked after us all by herself.”

John explained that his mother couldn’t afford the extra help when he was young,

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Tommy then admitted he and Molly-Mae have a nanny to help with children Bambi, three, and Midas who was born in June.

He said: “I’m all for having some help on board and help you out – me and Molly, we have help.

“But we’re with Bambi every day, all day; it’s only if I’ve got to go on a call or Molly’s on a call or we’ve got to shoot out.

“The baby’s looked after all the time.”

This prompted fans to brand Tommy a “hypocrite” with many taking issue at the two men judging Kim as a mother.

“Leave the woman alone. I can do with 15 nannies as a busy working mother. Not easy. We need and can do with the help . Men judging a hard working business woman,” one scolded.

Another pointed out the irony, writing: “A man with a full time nanny judging a woman with a full time nanny!”

Another penned: “Men. Mansplaining what they have no clue about.”

While someone else wrote: “[Tommy and Molly] have someone on call 24/7 so his argument is completely invalid. Honestly, these people are deluded!”

Last year, The Sun revealed Kim, 44, has a squad of dedicated men and women who help raise the children she shares with ex husband Kanye West – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm – with Kim heading up the military-style operation.

Insiders revealed that each nanny is assigned a brief on her child’s needs and Kim is staffed seven days a week – night and day.

There’s a strict regime in place for her little ones, so they never go without support while she juggles her billion-dollar empire.

A night nanny arranges everything for the mornings such as school supplies and football kits, and is on call in case anyone wakes up in the night.

Then the other nannies start at 6am on the dot and work 12-hour shifts.

Whether you care or not about your own college reunion, we all keep getting invited to the one for the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, whose movies are always the same thing: frat guys who never grew out of the same jokes, taunts and pranks. That isn’t to say “Super Troopers 3” doesn’t also exhibit genuine appreciation for a tight bond nurtured over time, but you need to have been there (that is, enjoyed one or two of these) to revel in tapping that aggressively overpumped keg of R-rated comedy nostalgia.

The gang’s longevity, well into late middle age, is indeed impressive, even if it’s relegated to reviving their most beloved incarnation, a quintet of adolescent-minded Vermont highway patrolmen who torment citizens, razz each other and routinely examine their stunted life choices when confronted with the noxious personality of the most extreme among them, Farva (Kevin Heffernan).

The boorish, puerile Farva — imagine an “Animal House” character its writers would have discarded as too crude — is the catalyst this time around by falling in love. His shock engagement to Sarita (Hannah Simone), the brainy, beautiful sister of de facto trooper leader Thorny (director Jay Chandrasekhar), pits brother against family and bro against bro, even if Farva doesn’t register his colleague’s disgust. Thorny will do anything to keep Farva from marrying into his family, which is admittedly one of the easier campaigns for an audience to get behind.

That’s not a sentiment against true love; it’s more a nod to strained credibility and a feeling of general exhaustion. “Super Troopers 3” hardly feels like some long-awaited third go-round in a franchise spanning 25 years. Rather, it plays like the 84th episode of a time-killing cable series that people forgot was still on the air. Whatever raw charm existed in the original underdog sleeper hit from 2001 (and found some purchase in the agreeably goofy 2018 sequel) has been hardened here into a piece of machine-stamped plastic, likely in the shape of a male organ sporting a traditional sherwani, considering the incessant swirl of infantile body humor and offensive-adjacent Indian culture gags on offer.

Besides the main storyline and a dull, time-padding smuggling operation to uncover, there’s little to do for the rest of the Broken Lizard team: Paul Soter, Eric Stolhanske and Steve Emme. Inexplicably, EV cars and food-ordering apps become running gags. Marisa Coughlan is back as a cop’s wife, and the joke must be that she never gets to be funny.

There’s good news in Brian Cox returning as their cranky superior, except it looks like two days of work, tops. The best new face is Nat Faxon as the station’s insecure captain. He gets more easy, unforced laughs than anyone, especially when it comes to a bout of “scromiting.” It still isn’t enough.

“Enough” is a good retort, though, for “Super Troopers 3” overall, except for the dispiriting promise before the closing credits that more mediocrity might be coming. But fans might want to savor this one, because according to Vermont law, highway patrol mandatory retirement age is 57, the age the youngest Broken Lizard member hits this month. Sorry, guys — can we have those badges back?

BRITNEY Spears has revealed botched Botox has left her with a droopy eye for weeks as she issues a warning to fans.

The singer, 44, took to Instagram to share a video as she updated her fans about her health issue.

In the clip, the performer is seen wearing a plunging red top along with a black cowboy hat and a choker-style necklace.

She held onto her eye as she expressed: “He put so much Botox in this left eye that it drooped down like that.

“And it’s just now starting to raise up and be normal again. It’s so embarrassing, it’s like that,” as she pulled the skin over her eye down.

Britney then advised the girls who follow her to be more careful about who they get their Botox done from.

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“Girls, you have to be careful if you do Botox, these people and these doctors can really f**k your eyes up,” she explained.

“My eye was down like this for four weeks and it’s now starting to be fine again.

“Be careful with these people, they try to change your face, they try to f**k things up.

“Be careful with your bodies because it’s yours and you own it,” she concluded.

Britney captioned the post: “You can’t trust anyone!!!”

It comes a week after she showed off her risque dance moves to her fans on social media.

In a number of dance videos uploaded to the popstars Instagram page, Britney was snapped performing some racy dance moves for the camera. 

One clip saw her twerk around on the floor whilst whipping her long blonde locks back and forth. 

Dressed in a cropped pink T-shirt and mini black shorts, Britney shows off a fast paced dance routine as she moves to the track Mi Gente.

Another video showed the star outside in a bikini as she stares into the camera lens.

Britney pranced around to piano music before abruptly smacking her behind. 

The series of video clips then took an even raunchier turn with Britney posting a video of her topless. 

The singer edited symbols over her breasts to conceal her modesty as they flash on and off the screen. 

Britney went on to move her arms in a rhythmic style dance, sliding her hands across her breasts and stomach.

THIS was the moment thousands of disappointed music fans were left drastically booing after an iconic music act’s gig was cut short.

Fans who had descended on Milton Keynes to see The Fugees perform were left stunned when the concert was pulled after less than an hour.

Sounds of boos echoed around the Milton Keynes National Bowl from disgruntled fans who were left saddended that the performance by Lauryn Hill and co. had been sensationally axed.

The venue was forced to end the concert early due to licensing restrictions which prevented it from continuing on past 11pm.

Lauryn Hill, 51, and Wyclef Jean, 56, took to the stage shortly after 10pm, following an introduction from comedian Dave Chappelle – leaving little time for them to complete their full performance.

Fans were left bitterly disappointed when the pair were unable to perform some of the group’s biggest hits, including their 1996 multi-platinum smash Killing Me Softly With His Song as a result of the venue curfew.

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The pair, who first reunited in London ahead of the music and arts festival, attempted to address the crowd but their microphones were switched off.

Moments later, the giant on-stage screens also went black at the 65,000-capacity venue.

Fan-shot footage showed the pair complain to the crew on stage, with Lauryn pleading to finish the set as boos rang out across the crowd.

Lauryn did remain on the stage, according to eyewitnesses, thanking fans as they broke into an impromptu a cappella rendition of her hit, Ready Or Not.

Speaking following the abrupt end to the show, Wyclef Jean told us: “We’re really sad how it ended.

“We was just getting started, so we’re hoping to continue next year.”

He added: “We had so much surprises on the line up and everybody showed up and we really felt the crowd, that love and that energy, it’s something that they need, something they feel, it just reminds you of unity.

“With so much division, the diaspora calling is just to remind everybody to come together.”

Prior to the disruption, Lauryn performed a packed set featuring tracks from her landmark 1998 debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, including Doo Wop (That Thing) and Ex-Factor.

She was also joined on stage by her sons, including Zion Marley and YG Marley — but some fans were left criticising the additional performances for eating into the Fugees’ already limited set time.

AMY Childs has broken her silence after taking time away from social media following a break-in at her £1.7million mansion.

The former Towie star, 36, addressed concerned fans after the terrifying incident last week.

Amy wrote: “I’ve taken some time away from social media recently, so thank you so much for all the lovely messages and for checking in on me. I’m absolutely fine, I promise!

“I’ve just been enjoying some time with my family, slowing down a little and, behind the scenes, I’m working on something SUPER exciting.

“I can’t wait to share it all with you very soon!”

Amy is mum to Polly, nine, Ritchie, seven, and three-year-old twins Billy and Amelia, whom she shares with her husband, Billy Delbosq, 42.

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It comes after The Sun revealed that the former Towie star’s £1.7million Essex mansion had been “ransacked”.

The property is a stunning five-bedroom mansion complete with a cinema room.

The family had been enjoying a sunny holiday before returning to discover their home had been broken into.

A source told us on Tuesday: “Amy and her family returned from holiday to find that thieves had broken into her home and completely trashed the place.

“She’s absolutely heartbroken.

“She is just grateful that she and the kids were away when it happened, because it would have been terrifying if they had been there when the burglars came.

“She can’t even bear to think about that, but it’s still left her shaken.

“At the moment, she isn’t sure exactly what’s been taken as the place is totally wrecked and police have been there along with forensics.

“It’s a total nightmare and really freaked her out.”

A representative for Amy confirmed the burglary and said: “No one was hurt, which is the main thing. The police are all over it.”

The Chase Around the World contestants went up against each other in Paris in the latest instalment

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 Chase Around the World is airing on ITV.

The beloved crime drama first aired on the BBC back in 2001 and ran for seven years before coming to an end.

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

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.”

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X. *

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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

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?

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 crime series, which dropped on Netflix today, is perfect for fans of gripping police dramas like Line of Duty and The Wire.

Netflix fans are urged to tune into ‘the best cop drama’ ever which is leaving viewers ‘glued until the end’.

The ‘excellent’ series, which comes from legendary Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, quietly arrived on Netflix today.

The police show is perfect for fans of Line of Duty and Blue Lights, while it has already been called ‘as good as’ US procedurals like The Shield and The Wire.

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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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 fans were left doing a double take as they instantly recognised a guest star on Friday’s episode.

Jim Cartwright’s six-part cosy detective series launched earlier this month with all episodes available to watch on BBC iPlayer and weekly instalments on Fridays at 2pm.

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!”

Gabrielle isn’t the only recognisable guest star as just last week Coronation Street legend Wendi Peters appeared as Gloria Crudd in the series.

Wendi, 58, is best known for playing Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street from 2003 to 2007, she returned to the cobbles once again in 2014.

The Hairdresser Mysteries airs on Fridays at 2pm and all episodes are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

The three part documentary has finally been released in the UK

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.

Viewers are plunged into the moment that two women discover that they have dated the same man that they met online, but despite things seemingly appearing well, dark secrets are soon uncovered.

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

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 pair had called the police on reality TV personality, Faith Stowers, for a crime that she didn’t commit. In a later apology, Stassi penned that she “did not recognise then the serious ramifications that could have transpired,” adding, “I do not expect forgiveness.”

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+

Another failed summer. Another broken promise.

The most underachieving team on the Los Angeles sports landscape is embarrassingly stumbling through another season.

The Sparks stink. Again.

They’re not making the playoffs. Again.

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.

The front office should also be cleansed. Former general manager Raegan Pebley is already gone, meaning coach Lynne Roberts is next, probably fired the day after the season ends.

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.

Hello, hope.

Goodbye, KP.

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 Angels played 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.

And it just so happens that major league owners could still be locking out players by the time the Irvine team opens play next May.

“It would be terrible for the game,” Freedman said.

“As a baseball fan, it would break my heart. But it could be good for business.”

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.

In Perris, local LGBTQ+ activists urge for a boycott. Ashley Williamson, lead director of R.I.S.E. Perris Pride, said that financially supporting the experience — and anything to do with a Harry Potter trademark — funnels money to Rowling, who puts that wealth toward initiatives targeting trans rights.

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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.

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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.

LEIGH-ANNE Pinnock has come under fire for telling fans they can pay to ‘follow her pregnancy’ by signing up to a paywall site.

It comes despite the former Little Mix singer, who is currently expecting her third child with her footballer husband Andre Gray, having an estimated net worth of around £5.9 million.

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.

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.

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“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.

Alongside her ultra-successful run with Little Mix, Leigh-Anne has had a booming solo career since 2023.

Her husband, Andre, has played for football clubs such as Brentford, Burnley, Watford and Port Vale.

A Welsh crime drama series has been hailed as ‘thrilling’ and ‘addictive’ is available to stream now

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”.

35 Diwrnod: Parti Plu is available on ITVX.

Welcome to UCLA football season.

Yes, it’s July, but the Bruins are kicking off a preseason gauntlet leading up to coach Bob Chesney’s debut campaign.

First up, Times columnist Bill Plaschke offered his thoughts on Chesney’s ability to lead a UCLA renaissance.

We’ve heard Chesney’s emphasis on service and winning at life before applying the same relentless effort to football-related activities consistently since he was hired.

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.

Chesney has visited and cheered on every UCLA team, but he seems to have formed an especially strong bond with national champion women’s basketball coach Cori Close. Plaschke reported Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has also honored his promise to support the program, meeting with Chesney and bringing along Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax along for the visit.

The column is fascinating and worth your time.

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.

In case you missed it

UCLA softball has deep impact on Athletes Unlimited Softball League

Plaschke: Bob Chesney is going to do the impossible at UCLA — win

UCLA women embrace new players, tougher standards in bid to repeat as champs

UCLA Unlocked: Gabriela Jaquez makes smoothest transition to WNBA

Have something Bruin?

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.