All Creatures Great and Small fans were quick to share their thoughts on the first episode of the new Channel 5 series.
22:41, 17 Sep 2026Updated 22:41, 17 Sep 2026
Channel 5 viewers were quick to comment on the romance plot in series 7(Image: CHANNEL 5)
Beloved Channel 5 period drama All Creatures Great and Small has returned.
On Thursday (September 17), fans were thrilled when a brand new series kicked off as the residents of Darrowby were now settling into a post-war existence. The episode kicked off with James in London, as Channel 5 viewers got to see Helen’s (Rachel Shenton) sister Jenny (Imogen Clawson) as a nurse in the city.
However, when the couple returned to Darrowby, trouble arose as a new vet arrived in the village, which didn’t sit well with Siegfried (Samuel West), who accused him of trying to poach his clients from Skeldale House.
Fans also saw the return of Dorothy (Maimie McCoy), who made a comeback during the festive special last year and has since sparked a romance with Siegfried.
Although during the episode, it seems as though the pair are including Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) on their dates, as they spoke about going to see a film at the cinema later that night.
Elsewhere, Helen and Mrs Hall spoke about her return as Helen mentioned her being back had ‘made a difference’. Mrs Hall agreed as she said: “In more ways than one.”
Despite Helen joking that it meant she was keeping Siegfried out of their hair, Mrs Hall remarked: “No, she’s exactly what he needs. I had a feeling she would be if he gave her another chance.
Helen replied: “He doesn’t know how lucky he is to have you, do you know that?” As it seemed as though she was suggesting there was more to their friendship than is said, Mrs Hall didn’t notice.
As Dorothy later suggested, the three of them saw another film, Mrs Hall told her she didn’t mind if they wanted to spend time just the two of them, as she told her: “I’d hate to feel like I was getting in the way.”
Her friend replied: “If anyone is getting in the way, it’s me. You’re working, and here I am getting under your feet.” Mrs Hall added: “If you were in my way, I’d tell you.”
Later on, Siegfried was frazzled over the new arrival as Dorothy assured him he had no reason to worry over it, although Mrs Hall didn’t seem too convinced as she stayed quiet on the matter.
The interactions between the three characters didn’t go unnoticed with viewers, as many were quick to comment on the episode as they noticed the only link between Siegfried and Dorothy is Mrs Hall.
On X, one person said: “Both Dorothy and Siegfried are basically dating Audrey because she is the only common interest they have. brilliant.” Someone else added, “Audrey is the glue between Siegfried and Dorothy. These two do not have much in common, which became obvious. D doesn’t know Siegfried needs truth, not flattery, and Siegfried doesn’t even want her opinion.”
Another person added: “Wait. Why is Dorothy so hesitant to spend time alone with Siegfried, without Audrey there as well? Are things not going well? ill-matched?” While someone agreed: “So the cracks are already visible? Just what my predictive analysis hinted at. We would see stuff already, but things are going south just yet.”
All Creatures Great and Small continues Thursdays on Channel 5 from 9pm
Currency reforms, liquidity pressures, and new payment rails are forcing African CFOs to rethink corporate strategy.
This article appears in the September 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine.
When Nigeria liberalized the naira in June 2023, something of a chain reaction began across Africa. Egypt sharply devalued the pound in March 2024 under a reform program supported by the International Monetary Fund, and Ethiopia dismantled decades of foreign-exchange controls four months later. Headlines focused on inflation, exchange-rate volatility, and political fallout.
Inside multinational boardrooms, however, another conversation was quietly taking shape.
Where should liquidity be held? CFOs and corporate treasurers asked. Can capital still be repatriated efficiently? Is local-currency borrowing now preferable to offshore funding? And should Africa continue to be managed as dozens of fragmented financial markets, or, increasingly, as one integrated treasury landscape?
The answers are reshaping one of the least visible—but most strategically important—functions within multinational companies.
“Treasury efficiency has shifted from a secondary consideration to a first-order determinant: often the binding constraint, even when infrastructure and trade fundamentals appear sound,” said Phumlani Majozi, executive director of the African Markets Institute (AMI). “The logic is straightforward; multinationals prefer an environment where it’s easy to extract their capital when they need it.”
His observation reflects a profound shift in corporate thinking.
For decades, multinational companies evaluated Africa through a familiar lens: market size, consumer demand, infrastructure, labor costs, and political stability. More often nowadays, the decisive consideration is whether capital itself can move efficiently across the continent.
Treasury as Investment Influencer
Phumlani Majozi, African Markets Institute
The timing is significant.
Lending to Africa by China’s two principal policy banks has fallen dramatically, from US$28.8 billion in 2016 to US$2.1 billion in 2024, according to the Boston University Global Development Policy Center. As governments rely more on commercial finance and private capital to fund development, multinational companies have assumed greater responsibility for financing projects and managing liquidity across multiple jurisdictions.
The African Development Bank estimates that the continent requires some US$170 billion annually to finance infrastructure, but currently attracts only US$80 billion to US$90 billion, leaving a financing gap approaching US$80 billion each year. Against that backdrop, treasury has moved from supporting investment decisions to influencing them.
“The biggest change is that the treasurer is now expected to do far more than manage cash, funding, banking, and risk,” said Mike Richards, founder and CEO of The Treasury Recruitment Company. “Those things remain essential, but today’s treasurer is expected to help the CFO and the board understand what is happening, what the risks are, and what decisions need to be made.”
That evolution is especially evident across Africa.
Unlike Europe or North America, treasury teams operating on the continent must simultaneously navigate 54 sovereign jurisdictions, more than 40 actively used currencies, multiple exchange-rate regimes, and a complex web of banking regulations and capital controls. A finance executive overseeing operations stretching from Lagos to Nairobi and Johannesburg to Cairo may confront four entirely different monetary environments before the workday begins.
One subsidiary may hold surplus cash that cannot easily be repatriated because of foreign-exchange restrictions. Another may require emergency liquidity but operates in a market where access to hard currency remains constrained. Exchange-rate swings can rapidly inflate import costs or reduce earnings when profits are translated into dollars or euros.
“A company may appear to have plenty of cash across the group,” Richards said, “but that does not mean the cash is in the right place, in the right currency, or can be moved when the business needs it.”
That vexatious reality has become one of the defining operational challenges facing multinational companies in Africa. Because more companies are operating across the continent, treasury departments increasingly see fragmented pools of capital, each governed by different regulations, currency regimes, and banking systems.
These inefficiencies impose what amounts to a hidden investment tax, Majozi argues.
“When currency convertibility is uncertain,” he said, “intra-African capital movement is fragmented across more than 40 regulatory regimes, and hedging instruments for smaller African currencies are thin or nonexistent. Treasurers price in a liquidity-trapped capital discount before operational returns even enter the model. That discount frequently outweighs what improvements in infrastructure or regulation can offset.”
Mike Richards, Treasury Recruitment
Technology is helping treasury teams respond.
“We have seen treasury teams become more data-driven in their analysis and execution of currency risk-management programs,” said Bob Stark, global head of market strategy at Kyriba. Greater visibility into balance-sheet and cash-flow exposures, he added, has enabled companies to strengthen natural hedging while making more efficient use of forward contracts and options.
AI is the logical next step.
“There is no AI strategy without a data strategy,” Stark said, noting that multinational companies are investing more in API-enabled treasury platforms that provide real-time tracking of liquidity, foreign-exchange exposure, and banking relationships across multiple African markets.
“The primary benefit of treasury management systems for African treasury teams remains improved visibility and forecasting that unlock and mobilize trapped cash,” he said.
Toward Regional Financial Integration
Regional treasury hubs are also becoming more important. Rather than allowing every subsidiary to manage liquidity independently, multinational companies are consolidating treasury oversight in centers such as Johannesburg, Dubai, and Casablanca, where funding, foreign-exchange management, and banking relationships can be coordinated across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining local execution teams.
Richards recently recruited a senior treasury executive who helped establish a regional treasury center covering 16 African countries, centralizing foreign-exchange management, implementing cash-pooling arrangements, and negotiating local funding facilities across markets including Nigeria and Zambia.
“It is no longer enough to understand treasury technically,” he said. “You also need to understand the markets, the business, and the people operating locally.”
The next stage of evolution may be driven by regional financial integration.
“PAPSS solves a concrete, costly problem,” said Majozi. “Settling directly in local currencies cuts both cost and delay.”
Implementation remains uneven, he cautioned: “Multinationals will likely treat Africa-as-one-market as an aspiration for another five to 10 years, not a current operating reality.”
The direction of travel, however, is unmistakable. Africa’s abundant natural resources, favorable demographics, and expanding consumer markets will continue attracting global investors. Still, sustaining those investments will increasingly depend on modern financial infrastructure.
“Natural resources and favorable demographics may attract initial boardroom attention,” said Majozi. “But sustained, large-scale operational commitments depend on institutionalized monetary predictability, transparent capital flows, and efficient regional financial infrastructure.”
In Africa’s next chapter of economic integration, the competitive advantage may belong not simply to companies that understand the continent’s consumers, but to those that master the sophisticated movement of capital across its markets.
Charles Wachira is a contributing writer based in Kenya.
The Channel 4 series launched on Sunday, September 13, with six celebrities taking on a new challenge. They include Lucy Beaumont, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Richard Herring, Paul Merson, Layton Williams, and Denise Van Outen.
With little to no pottery experience, they braved the pottery studio, hoping to impress judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller to earn a place in the grand final and be crowned winner. But unlike the original format, the celebrity edition has no weekly elimination rounds.
Channel 4 had earlier teased: “Viewers can expect a few wonky edges, and some cracking clay creations as each celebrity grows in confidence and ability. But who will be holding their breath, waiting to see if their muddy masterpieces emerge from the kiln intact, who will reduce Keith to tears with their creative ceramics, and who will crack under the pressure as the competition gets more competitive over the weeks?”
After being announced as presenter, Liza previously shared: “I knew I’d enjoy Keith and Rich’s company and I did. People flourish around emotionally intelligent people, and the boy’s encouragement and kindness really promoted a growth in our newbie potters that was a pleasure to witness. I absolutely loved being there.”
Viewers have now declared their support for the former BBC Radio 2 presenter, who announced her radio show exit earlier this year, saying that after 36 years, it was “time to go”. Demanding to see more of her on their screens, one fan wrote: “Liza Tarbuck is such a natural presenter, yet television companies consistently use the same faces. Liza is a great addition to #potterythrowdown.”
Another said: “LOVING Liza Tarbuck on #PotteryThrowdown Always loved her on Radio2.. but she is PERFECT for this! What a signing @Channel4.” Someone else wrote: “Never watched Celeb Pottery Throw Down before… It’s brilliant, loving Denise, Layton, Lucy, Richard, and Liza Tarbuck presenting is brilliant… she always is, why doesn’t she get more TV time?”
“More Liza Tarbuck on the telly box please!” one viewer added, as another said: “I’d love to see more of Liza Tarbuck – she’s absolutely hilarious! Make her the permanent presenter for #potterythrowdown.”
Another wrote: “Liza + Pottery Throwdown is a dream come true! But seeing the skill level they’re all starting this, I feel this is going to be an emotional journey of a series.” Yet another echoed: “@PotteryThrow great to see Liza on the TV again, funny lady, love her.”
Meanwhile, Liza spoke about working with judges Keith and Rich in an interview with The Guardian ahead of the new series airing. “Keith is fabulous,” she said. “A really good laugh. But trust me, Rich is the one slyly holding it all together.
“They’re both open-hearted and emotionally intelligent, which is a lovely quality in men of a certain age. That makes it a safe space and brings people’s barriers down. Celebrities aside – what a horrible label – they’re just humans. Keith said to me early on: ‘Just watch the clay work as therapy,’ and it really did.”
After being announced as the presenter of the series, Liza was flooded with support from fans. One person said: “Yay, so excited to see Liza Tarbuck!!”
Another said, “Yay, Lisa Tarbuck,” while a third added, “So excited to see this … and Lisa Tarbuck.” Someone else wrote: “Never watched this before… Liza Tarbuck appears- I’M IN!”
The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down is available to watch on Channel 4.
The open ocean, far from the shore and miles above the seafloor, is a vast and formidable habitat that is home to the most abundant life on our planet, from giant squid and jellyfish to anglerfish with bioluminescent lures that draw prey into their toothy mouths.
“Into the Great Wide Ocean” takes readers inside the peculiar world of the seagoing scientists who are providing tantalizing new insights into how the animals of the open ocean solve the problems of their existence.
Harimoto, whose record 3,085 career hits still stands, was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
Published On 10 Sep 202610 Sep 2026
Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and became the first player from his country to reach 3,000 hits, has died aged 86, reports said.
Born to Korean parents in Japan, Harimoto learned to play left-handed when an accident at the age of four left him with severe burns and limited mobility in his right hand.
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He survived the atomic bombing as a five-year-old, his mother jumping in front of him and his sister to shield them from the blast.
He went on to rack up 3,085 career hits, which still stand as a record in Nippon Professional Baseball.
He played for several teams in Japan, including the all-powerful Yomiuri Giants, and earned himself the nickname “Hit Machine” for his batting prowess.
He retired in 1981 after 23 professional seasons and worked as a TV commentator.
Harimoto was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.
BBC fans saw a new face join The Great British Sewing Bee as Sophie Willan became the host of the competition alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.
11:56, 09 Sep 2026Updated 11:57, 09 Sep 2026
Sophie joined the BBC show this year as the new presenter
Great British Sewing Bee fans have been thrilled with the latest addition to the BBC show.
The competition is nearing its end, as BBC viewers will see one contestant crowned Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer, along with a golden mannequin trophy. After weeks of challenges, tasks, and plenty of tears, Anna, Emma, or Beth will win this year’s Great British Sewing Bee.
Ahead of the highly anticipated final, judge Patrick Young appeared on Morning Live to speak about what viewers can expect to see. However, the conversation soon turned to the latest host to front the show, comedian and actress Sophie Willan.
Highlighting that the show is kept ‘fresh’ by bringing in new presenters, the Morning Live star asked what it’s been like with Sophie as part of the cast. Patrick replied: “We’ve had some alright presenters over the years.
“Sophie is amazing. I was a massive Alma’s Not Normal fan. Quite often, we get told who is going to be coming on, and I had to pinch myself. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I loved Alma’s Not Normal’. She’s brilliant, she’s so fun.
“Esme loves her. She just helps create the most amazing atmosphere on set. We’ve been making the show for a long time. A lot of the crew and everybody behind the scenes are the same, but it’s lovely having somebody come in and give it a little zhuzh.”
Despite the show often shaking up who fronts the programme, Patrick confirmed Sophie’s future, and it’s good news for fans. He continued: “She’s amazing, we’re filming next year already, and I love going into work with her every day.”
Elsewhere in their conversation, he spoke about the upcoming final and the pressure he feels comes with it as a judge. He told the BBC presenters it’s mainly because he wants the contestants to excel.
Patrick commented: “We’ve seen it so many times when brilliant people have got to the final, and things just haven’t quite clicked for them. You do feel a certain amount of disappointment, but luckily, this year we didn’t have that.
“We got three brilliant people, and they all brought something really special to it. So actually there is a relief when it’s done, and you’re like, ‘They really have nailed this’.”
Sadly, BBC viewers bid farewell to Heather this week as the contestant narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Although she was teary-eyed over the exit, she was proud of all she achieved.
She commented, “All the stress and sleepless nights have been beyond worth it.” Meanwhile, Beth was awarded garment of the week for her little black dress.
During the show, Patrick told her, “We absolutely loved it. It was so elevated, such beautiful use of the fabrics, and such a lovely story of you know, personalising the LBD. Well done.”
Morning Live is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 9:30am. The Great British Sewing Bee final airs Tuesday, September 15, on BBC One at 8pm.
As the long, hot summer draws to a close, many of us are looking forward to the shift in seasons. We’d love to hear about your best autumn days out in the UK, whether it’s a favourite forest walk or bike ride, seasonal activities such as foraging, stargazing and wildlife spotting, or a garden or arboretum that puts on a spectacular display of fiery colours.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Saturday magazine and Travel website.
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A contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee spoke about how proud they were to have made it so far.
One contestant was forced to leave The Great British Sewing Bee (Image: BBC)
A contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee has spoken of their pride in making it so far, as they were forced to leave the show. The BBC competition’s 12th series is well underway, with Patrick Grant and Esme Young returning as judges, while Sophie Willan replaced Sara Pascoe as presenter.
Just a week before the semi-finals, the remaining amateur sewers were challenged with Literary Icons week. As they channelled their inner bookworms, they were tasked with creating a deerstalker worn by Arthur Conan Doyle’s character Sherlock Holmes in the Pattern Challenge.
They were then asked to imagine what Roald Dahl’s Matilda would be like as a grown-up, creating an outfit from second-hand school uniforms. And finally, in the Made-to-Measure, the sewers created an outfit from the Regency period, inspired by the works of Jane Austen.
Despite her enthusiasm for the challenges, it was unfortunately Rebecca who missed out on a place in the semi-finals. She broke down in tears as Sophie announced she would be leaving the competition.
Sophie said: “Now for the difficult bit, one of you does have to go home today.” She went on: “You’ve all been amazing, it’s getting very serious now, it’s up here, so it’s very difficult for the judges. But unfortunately, the person going home today is Rebecca.”
Rebecca was supported by her co-stars as she wept over her exit, before sharing her pride in making it so far. She said: “I’m feeling incredibly proud of myself, I never thought I’d make it to the quarter-finals, so it’s been a privilege, every step of the way.”
Esme added: “I’ll really miss Rebecca. She was such fun, and making a dress and jacket was a lot of work. But she made so many mistakes.”
Rebecca continued: “Doing all of what I’ve achieved, being in pain the whole time, it’s just, I’m so proud of myself, and I hope that anyone who is living with an invisible disability or any disability, knows they can do incredible things.”
The Great British Sewing Bee continues next week, with the BBC teasing: “It’s the semi-final, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young set three challenges celebrating wardrobe heroes. These are items found in every wardrobe. However little or often they are worn, these clothes are must-haves and essentials.
“First, in the Pattern Challenge, the sewers must put their spin on the classic leather jacket, only this time, the judges have asked them to use plant-based leather.
“Next, for the Transformation Challenge, the sewers take men’s shirts and transform them into outfits for a wedding. Finally, in the Made-to-Measure, it’s the timeless little black dress that is the inspiration Four sewers remain, but only three will make it to the final.”
The Great British Sewing Bee is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Imagine Def Comedy Jam hosted inside a speakeasy of an iconic music venue — that’s “Right After You Left,” a new summertime event thrown by seasoned comedy bookers Chris Burns, Sarah Mello and Sean Dickerson. Folks driving to the Palladium may have noticed that in addition to the line around the block to see a popular music act, there’s also one at the side door of the Vinyl Room, the new music hall’s lounge that opened its doors in March. That’s where this comedy night takes place.
The glowing bar is decorated like a DJ lives there with shelves of classic records, ghetto blasters, plush couches, upscale food and craft cocktails. It feels like seeing a comedy show in the living room of a friend with taste. Comics who’ve come to the stage include Donnell Rawlings, Iliza Shlesinger, Morgan Jay, Josh Johnson and Kam Patterson. Unlike most club shows that are quick to kick you out, the promoters encourage people to hang out for what feels like an after-party worth sticking around for. Though the show is seasonal and runs until Sept. 22, the promoters plan to come back in December.
A contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee has shared an emotional statement after their exit.
13:35, 26 Aug 2026Updated 13:38, 26 Aug 2026
A contestant was forced to leave The Great British Sewing Bee (Image: BBC)
A contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee has broken their silence after being forced to leave the competition. The beloved BBC show has returned with its 12th season, with Esme Young and Patrick Grant reprising their roles as judges, whilst comedian Sophie Willan replaced Sara Pascoe as presenter.
The episode airing Tuesday, August 25, saw the remaining amateur sewers “hit all the right notes” for music week, for a place in the quarter-final. In the Pattern Challenge, they paid homage to the original Material Girl, making cone bras inspired by the Jean Paul Gaultier creations Madonna wore in the 1990s.
The Transformation Challenge saw the sewers tested in teams, as they had to use bedroom furnishings to create outfits for two different pop acts. And the theme was DISCO for Made-to-Measure, with the sewers creating outfits inspired by the genre that defined 1970s pop music.
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However, sadly, one sewer was forced to leave the competition, with primary school teacher Adele going. She’s now addressed her exit on social media and been supported by a new legion of fans.
The 36-year-old shared: “My incredible Sewing Bee journey has come to an end. What a fantastic experience it has been, with memories I’ll cherish forever. (Watch to the end for my favourite photo EVER!) I have 11 special sewing friends for life! We all supported and looked after each other. Our little Bee family.
“I am so proud that I pushed myself to do it, despite the overwhelming nerves. It’s so terrifying putting yourself out there, but I really wanted to encourage others to give it a go too!
“A huge thank you to my supportive husband Steve, who has encouraged me so much and held the fort at home with the kids, even though I said I’d probably be sent home after the first episode! Also, a big thank you to my mum, who helped look after the kids so I could practice all the made-to-measure last summer.
“Thank you to my beautiful models @amygr.y (Team Ginger!) and the lovely Janvii, who absolutely nailed it and really encouraged me.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d reach episode 7. I only started dressmaking 5 years ago, after being encouraged by the Sewing Bee to start. What a dream come true.”
As part of her post, Adele shared snippets from her Sewing Bee journey, and added: “It’s been the BEST experience of my life. I hope I’ve made everyone at home and my children proud. Believe in yourself and have confidence to chase your dreams. See what magic you can create.”
Adele was showered in support after sharing her post. One follower wrote: “You are amazing, and my son and I have loved watching every moment of you on the Bee and cheering you on. You should be so so proud of yourself.”
The Great British Sewing Bee is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
