filming

A presenter and explorer had to move fast to avoid a potentially dangerous animal encounter

Steve Backshall had a “dangerously close encounter” as he filmed a series about hippos.

The naturalist and explorer got up close to the animals while making Hippo Watch with Steve Backshall, which can be viewed on Channel 5. But a clip shared on Instagram showed some of the hippos getting a bit too interested in the camera crew as they shot scenes in South Africa, with Steve exclaiming: “They’re coming our way!”

The clip, captioned “Dangerously close encounter with hippos”, showed Steve and his crew in the water, filming a group of hippos nearby.

“Even on waters where hippos are familiar with boats and people, beware of hippos who break away from their group,” the voiceover warned.

Looking over at the animals, Steve spotted some movement and told viewers: “Oh, he’s standing up and having a good close look at me. Look at that! Spy hopping right up out of the water.

“OK guys, keep a very close eye on him, yeah? Two of them are splintered off from the pod, and they’re looking right at me. Three. Three of them now. And definitely curious.”

As the hippos started to move through the water, he exclaimed: “I think those two are coming our way. No? Yeah, they are. Look, they’re coming our way!”

Someone in the film crew was then heard telling the team: “OK guys, they’re moving now, come on.”

Steve waded hastily back to the boat, admitting: “We’re getting very close.”

The voiceover noted that it was “definitely time to leave”, continuing: “You can never get complacent around these animals, and should always err on the side of caution.”

The Instagram caption said: “Wrong place. Wrong time. @backshall.steve finds himself dangerously close to a hippo that’s broken from the pack… One wrong move could be fatal.”

The series has gone down a storm with viewers, with one posting on Instagram: “Phenomenal documentary.” “Fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed this,” said someone else, as another said it was “incredible” viewing.

“Very interesting,” posted another impressed viewer. “Steve, you’re quite literally my childhood role model,” commented another fan, adding: “So awesome to see all of this content.”

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Hippo Watch is available on Channel 5.

POP star Taylor Swift’s ex Joe Alwyn has been getting up close and personal with a co-star during a break while filming a new movie.

The Kent-born actor, 35, was spotted with an arm around Austrian Julia Franz Richter, also 35.

The pair were shooting supernatural thriller Seance On A Wet Afternoon — based on the 1961 novel.

They were filming on Hampstead Heath, North West London.

The movie also stars Succession TV actor Matthew Macfadyen.

Joe affectionately put an arm around Julia’s neck and she reached up to touch him.

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An onlooker said: “He and Julia seemed to be more than just colleagues.”

Joe dated Taylor for six years.

The couple split in 2023.

In the film Weisz plays a self-proclaimed psychic who convinces her husband to help kidnap the son of a wealthy family.

The BBC soap will see the Mitchell brothers reunite to film poignant scenes for Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline, with Ross Kemp reprising his role as Grant Mitchell alongside Steve McFadden

EastEnders icons the Mitchell brothers have reunited to shoot moving scenes centred around Nigel Bates’ devastating dementia storyline.

New photos reveal the returning Walford favourite Ross Kemp stepping back into the shoes of Grant Mitchell, filmed alongside Steve McFadden, who portrays Grant’s elder brother Phil, on a coastal location near Portsmouth in Sussex, as they support their longtime mate as his condition progressively worsens.

Ross, now 61, was last spotted in Albert Square this past February during the soap’s landmark 40th-anniversary celebrations, returning to stand by his on-screen sibling during a harrowing suicidal crisis. He also heroically saved former flame Sharon Watts’ life, dramatically pulling her from the flames of the burning Queen Vic.

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Now he’s made another comeback to rally around dementia-stricken Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, whose well-being is rapidly declining. The brothers are captured seated on a bench in a contemplative mood, both sporting their signature leather jackets. Phil is pictured enjoying a seaside walk with Nigel as well as sharing a brew beside a beach hut, in images obtained by The Sun.

Grant makes his way back to Walford following an urgent message from his son Mark, who has recently returned to the Square and has been staying with Phil, where Nigel is currently living with his wife Julie. Witnessing Nigel’s deteriorating condition firsthand, Mark pleads with his father to visit his longtime mate before it’s too late.

Nigel’s on-screen daughter Claire (Gemma Bissix) recently returned after an 18-year absence to be at her adoptive father’s bedside in the hospital. Discussing his forthcoming return to the BBC soap, Ross commented: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.”

In Thursday’s episode (March 5), Nigel ( Paul Bradley ) was thrown a going-away party at the Vic before moving to his new care home. While he was able to smile and laugh in the pub, as those around him reminisced, he was unable to remain completely in the present and struggled with his illness.

As he hopped in a taxi, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) noted that Nigel was unlikely to ever be back to Albert Square – and fans agree. When he arrived at the care home, Nigel became agitated and then unresponsive. His behaviour was deeply distressing for Phil (Steve McFadden), who had been caring for his friend. Breaking down in tears, Phil apologised to Nigel and gave his hand a squeeze, but Nigel did not move. As such, many fans think Nigel will die soon.

“I don’t know why, but I feel maybe next week, maybe Nigel’s final week,” one wrote. “I don’t know because seeing this episode made it feel like his time is near, and it’s so devastating and heartbreaking.”

Another added that Nigel’s unresponsive behaviour made it look like he was already dead. “Very much looked like he died at the end of the episode as he didn’t react to the door slamming or the card falling.” Others shared that they thought this would become a euthanasia storyline. “I genuinely thought Phil was gonna suffocate Nigel OMG,” one wrote.

A second said: “For a minute there I thought Phil was gonna ease his pain by suffocating him by putting the jacket on him, but I’m glad it didn’t happen as it would have been even more heartbreaking.”

They later added that they loved a conversation between Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) and Nigel’s wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and felt this was leading towards Nigel’s death too: “I thought they were gonna go down the route of euthanasia.”

As part of Nigel’s dementia storyline, his daughter, Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) has returned to the Square for a short stint. Clare is Nigel’s adoptive daughter. They became family in 1994 when he married her mother, and he continued to care for her after her mother died a year later.

Though Nigel and Clare both left the show shortly after, Clare made a comeback in 2008 without him, and she has made a return again. Her return was not such a happy one, as she had been estranged from her father, and he failed to recognise her for most of the episode. Eventually, Julie helped Nigel remember his daughter in a touching moment.

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Todd Meadows – who appeared on Discovery Channel show Deadliest Catch – died aged 25 on Wednesday February 25, described as “the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady”

A TV star who died aged 25 last week is believed to have fallen overboard a boat.

Todd Meadows’ passing on Wednesday rocked the reality TV world as the young presenter was a popular expert on Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel. Now the United States Coast Guard Arctic District says the investigation has suggested Mr Meadows fell off a boat during filming for the programme.

The boat, called the Aleutian Lady, was approximately 170 miles north of the coast when the tragedy happened. The new statement from the Coast Guard reads: “Coast Guard watchstanders at the Arctic District command center in Juneau received notification from the fishing vessel Aleutian Lady, reporting that a crew member by the name of Todd Meadows fell overboard approximately 170 miles north of Dutch Harbor.

“He was recovered unresponsive by the crew approximately ten minutes later. First aid and attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and the crew transported the deceased to Dutch Harbor.”

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Dutch Harbor is a point at Unalaska, Alaska, where temperatures plunged to -14C on Wednesday. Officials there continue to investigate the death, which has left his family and fans heartbroken.

Captain Rick Shelford, also on the programme, told fans the tragic news this week on Facebook. He said: “February 25, 2026 was the most tragic day in the history of the Aleutian Lady on the Bering Sea. We lost our brother, Todd Meadows. Todd was the newest member of our crew, he quickly became family. His love for fishing and his strong work ethic earned everyone’s respect right away. His smile was contagious, and the sound of his laughter coming up the wheelhouse stairs or over the deck hailer is something we will carry with us always.”

Todd, who was a dad, was known for his time on the popular Discovery Channel series about the high-stakes world of crab fishing. The Facebook tribute added: “Todd’s love for his children, his family, and his life was evident in everything he did,” Shelford added. “He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought joy to those around him. Right now, our hearts are broken in a way that words can’t fully express. We ask that you lift Todd’s children and family in prayer and keep them in your thoughts as they face the days ahead without him.”

The post, which featured several photos of Meadows, concluded: “Todd will forever be part of this boat, this crew, and this brotherhood. Though we lost him far too soon, his legacy will live on through his children and in every memory we carry of him. Rest easy brother, till we meet again.”

In a separate statement to PEOPLE, a Discovery Channel spokesperson paid tribute to Meadows. The station said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Todd Meadows. This is a devastating loss, and our hearts are with his loved ones, his crewmates, and the entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

EXCLUSIVE: Tilly and Antony were handcuffed together 24/7 as they competed for £100,000 on the Channel 4 reality show hosted by Jonathan Ross

Tilly and Antony have spilled the beans on what it was truly like being shackled together for Channel 4‘s outrageous new programme.

The Suffolk-based millionaire vintage car enthusaist, aged 60, and a 37-year-old barmaid from North London who balances three jobs, are among the nine pairs of Brits vying for the £100,000 prize.

Introduced by host Jonathan Ross, the 18 Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing contestants will have to endure being chained to each other round-the-clock, doing everything in unison.

If the pressure becomes unbearable, they can choose to uncuff at any moment, but doing so means they’re out of the running, with the last pair standing claiming the entire pot.

The competitors are a diverse mix from all walks of life and are strangers to each other, reports the Daily Star.

As the cuffs are secured, with the duos separated by a special screen, they’ll only find out who they’ve been chained to once the partition is removed.

Discussing the biggest hurdle they encountered, Antony revealed: “Being a man of 60 years of age, I have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the loo so I was conscious of the fact that wouldn’t be something Tilly would be doing.

“I practised for weeks before we filmed with every contraption known to man on how to actually wee in the bed and I managed to get the right contraption so that was a really tough thing but I don’t think I ever woke her up when I was doing it.”

He continued: “She used to snuggle down sort of hip level and I got this contraption on the old man to pee and her head was six inches away from it and then, of course, once it’s finished, you’ve got to put the lid back on and put it by the side of the bed.

“So I had all that to deal with without waking her up and I was very proud of the fact that I mastered it. I carried this thing around with me everywhere but I found that difficult to begin with.”

Tilly, who has previously appeared on The Island with Bear Grylls, went on to share the biggest lessons she learned after taking part in the social experiment, saying: “I think to listen more, be patient and realise that everybody is different, everybody comes from a different background and that makes them who they are.

“Me and Antony had a chat quite early on, I think it was on the first day, and I said ‘listen, I’m not gonna quit’ and Antony was like ‘neither am I’. So we were like, okay, well, cool’.

“I wouldn’t have bothered entering the competition if I thought for a minute that I wouldn’t see it through on my part. I done it for the money.”

Fans will have to wait and see exactly how far Tilly and Antony progress in the competition, but the pair remain friends despite showering and using the toilet mere inches from one another.

Antony said: “I think I have changed a lot since the show and I’m not quite as private a person as I was. I was determined that the person I was gonna be handcuffed to I would get on with.

“When the screen went back, we had a connection and it’s as simple that. I thought to myself ‘thank God for that’. I consider she’ll always be a friend and there’s quite a lot planned for the future for us.”

Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing launches Monday, March 2 at 9pm. Watch or stream on Channel 4.

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TODAY is the day that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights is out in cinemas.

The adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s novel is set to wow movie fans – and viewers will be stunned by the beautiful backdrop which was filmed across the sprawling Yorkshire Dales.

It was reported that the two Hollywood stars were filming in the Yorkshire Dales National Park early in 2025.

Cast and crew took over spots across the moors like Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Both valleys are known for their wild moorland scenery.

For those visiting, Swaledale is a great spot for hiking the Pennine Way, or take a drive to explore the Buttertubs Pass.

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It’s essentially a mountain road with steep climbs that crosses the moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale.

It’s popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, one visitor called it “one of the best driving routes in the whole country.”

The village of Low Row in Swaledale which has traditional stone cottages also featured in the film.

Anybody wanting to stay nearby can pop into The Punch Bowl Inn.

They serve up ‘Yorkshire food with a modern twist’ – in the evenings you can munch on the likes of fish and chips, burgers and Cajun salmon salad.

Rooms are available there too with a one night stay priced at £160.

Arkengarthdale is quiet hiking spot and is known for being home to the highest pub in the country called the Tan Hill Inn.

The historic pub is 1,732 feet above sea level, and it dates back to the 17th century it has exposed beams, stone-flagged floor, and a cosy fire.

Dig into some hearty Yorkshire meals, or book a room from £119 per night.

Another backdrop from the film is Surrender Bridge – it’s a Grade II listed, 19th-century stone bridge just outside of Swaledale.

It first became famous for appearing in the opening scenes of the 1980s All Creatures Great and Small TV series.

Another spot that wasn’t actually used for filming, but could see more visitors, is Haworth.

It’s heavily tied with the Brontës, sisters Emily, Charlotte and Anne – as their family lived there.

The village is still described by visitors as like ‘stepping back in time’ thanks to its cobbled streets and old English pubs.

It pays tribute to the sisters with its Brontë Parsonage Museum.

These spots are set to see a boom of tourists this year – along with a hotel that housed the actors whilst on their shoot.

Jake Dinsdale, from Simonstone Hall Hotel, near Hawes, told the BBC that the “set-jetting” concept is a reality.

He added: “We are getting visitors coming in from Canada, Germany and the States.”

The Simonstone Hall Hotel is in heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – rooms have boasting four-poster beds, soaking tubs and stunning views.

Room rates start from £118 per night.

For more on Yorkshire, this town has been dubbed the ‘Italy of England’ with historic viaduct and river boats.

Plus, one Sun Writer reveals the prettiest town in Yorkshire – it’s a real northern gem but most southerners have never heard of it.