hooked

Netflix has released a new four-episode series that follows a serial killer who strikes terror in Italy by targeting couples parked in lovers lanes – and viewers have been urged to check it out

Netflix subscribers are being urged to watch a gripping mini-series that will have you hooked from the very first episode. Film enthusiast Eccy Reviews, who shares the latest film and TV recommendations on social media, has told his followers they must watch The Monster of Florence.

The four-part series tells the true story of a “serial killer who strikes terror in Italy by targeting couples parked in lovers lanes, authorities explore a case from 1968 that may be key to identifying The Monster of Florence”. Directed by Leonardo Fasoli and Stefano Sollima, the programme features performances from Francesca Olia, Liliana Bottone, and Marco Bullitta.

Discussing the series, Eccy Reviews said: “You need to stop whatever you’re doing because Netflix just dropped a brand new series and it honestly might be one of the best shows of the year.”.

“It’s based on a true story. Now, trust me when I tell you that the first episode will have you absolutely hooked. It made me binge the entire thing and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

“It can’t go under the radar. Everyone needs to watch it, everyone needs to talk about it. So make sure to get this show on your watch list and get it watched.”

Responding to his recommendation, one viewer said: “When I say my jaw just kept hitting the floor! This was a lot to take in but I did like it.”

Another commented: “Straight out of a Criminal Minds episode.”

A third wrote: “I always follow your recommendations, I’m starting it now.”

One viewer shared their thoughts on IMDb, stating: “I’d never heard of these murders until I watched this series.

“It’s well-acted and portrays the changing look and feel of the time periods in which it is set – a 20 year time span – through decor, cars, fashions and background music.

“The treatment of women is absolutely disturbing – not just the horrific murders but also the total misogyny and disrespect that they lived under in some family units.

“Apart from the detectives investigating these crimes – and the innocent victims – I don’t think there is one man featured who has any redeemable qualities.

“It was interesting but at times repetitive in that the same event was shown several times, albeit from different people’s perspective.”

Another viewer chimed in with: “This crime thriller is based on true events. After long time finally a solid psycho murder episode from Italy on Netflix.

“I find it is actually on short supply to see good series or movies from Italy on Netflix. The first episode was for me too slow paced and I thought already to stop.

“But the longer I watched it the more interesting the story got. There are many flashbacks to reconstruct the mystery puzzles and help so the audience to understand what was really going on.

“The atmosphere and filming locations have been wonderfully created from the 60s to the 80s.

“The actors played the characters respectably and I think the director did a great job too.

“If you liked the other two psycho killer series on Netflix Jeffrey Dahmer or Ed Gein this is for you. Final vote: 7/10.”

FANS are concerned about Bella Hadid’s health after seeing her latest Instagram posts.

The famous model, 28, shared a series of snaps today featuring stunning views as well as a number of photos of her appearing unwell.

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In the snaps Bella can be seen with tear-stained cheeks hooked up to an assortment of wires and IV drips.

There’s also a photo of her wearing an oxygen mask indoors while tucked up in bed with a pizza squishmallow plush.

The star is wearing various different tops in the images – including a blue and white stripe jumper and a white vest – indicating that they were taken on different days.

There’s a small cut visible on her forehead above her right eyebrow, too.

A worn-out looking Bella captioned the series of photos with an apology for taking time away from being online, and sent love to her 61 million followers.

“I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys.”

The comments section on the post has since been limited to restrict any new comments being shared, but many Instagram users took a moment to share their well wishes while they could.

“We love you so much,” replied one user, followed by a white heart emoji.

“Take care and heal, the world is waiting for Miss Bella Hadid always. Stay strong,” said another.

A sea of users left no words but dropped heart emojis in Bella’s comments section.

It’s unknown right now what Bella is struggling with, but she has been open over the last decade about her “invisible suffering” with lyme disease.

In past interviews, she’s described how she lives in “chronic” pain most days and can even find it hard to take a shower.

She was diagnosed with the disease back in 2013.

Her brother, Anwar, shares the same diagnosis.

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The six-part series shines a light on victims of romance fraud

The Tinder Swindler left Netflix viewers stunned in 2022, and the streamer’s new show seems to be doing the same.

Love Con Revenge landed on the streaming giant on Friday (September 5), and fans are already binge-watching all six episodes.

The new show shines a light on men and women who were swindled out of thousands by their partners.

It is hosted by Cecilie Fjellhøy, who told her own romance fraud story in The Tinder Swindler.

Now, Cecilie has teamed up with private investigator Brianne Joseph to help other victims share their stories.

The duo interviews the participants and investigates their cases in the hopes of gathering enough evidence for each victim to take to the police.

Netflix’s official synopsis teases: Victims of romance scams try to reclaim their lives with help from The Tinder Swindler target Cecilie Fjellhøy and private investigator Brianne Joseph.”

Within just hours of its premiere, Love Con Revenge has received praise from viewers.

An online reviewer urged true crime fans to tune in, writing: “If you were fascinated by The Tinder Swindler, then obviously, this investigative (and often very emotional) docuseries is perfect for you.”

They added, “I think it’s safe to say that Love Con Revenge will be a guilty pleasure for many. Especially fans of true crime documentaries like The Tinder Swindler. And the cases covered in the six episodes of season 1 are pretty damn brutal.”

Over on X, formerly Twitter, Netflix fans have been left in disbelief by the show’s fraud cases.

One wrote, “Love Con Revenge on Netflix is insane, omg. ” Another agreed: “Love Con Revenge on Netflix is so crazy.

Someone else chimed in with: “Love Con Revenge on Netflix. These stories are wild.”

A fourth urged, “I hope we are all watching Love Con Revenge on Netflix. It’s so interesting how these fraudsters operate.”

And a final viewer voiced: “Busy watching Love Con Revenge on Netflix and people are still catfishing and scamming people in the name of love in 2025?! I thought we all learnt our lessons after The Tinder Swindler.”

Love Con Revenge is streaming now on Netflix

All five seasons of a hit US medical drama are now available to stream on the platform

A “hidden gem” medical drama that had fans “hooked” is now streaming on Prime Video.

Based on Eric Manheimer’s 2012 memoir, New Amsterdam follows the journey of Dr Max Goodwin (played by Ryan Eggold) as he takes on the role of medical director at one of America’s oldest public hospitals.

In his new position, Max is determined to overhaul the neglected institution, cutting through red tape to deliver outstanding care to patients.

The series, which debuted in 2018, also features Freema Agyeman, Janet Montgomery, Jocko Sims, Anupam Kher, Tyler Labine and Sandra Mae Frank.

After a successful four-year run on NBC, it was revealed in 2022 that the show would conclude with its fifth season, comprising 13 episodes, reports Surrey Live.

New Amsterdam can already be streamed in its entirety on Netflix, Sky and NOW, but now all five seasons have been added to Prime Video as well.

If you’re new or haven’t held a Prime membership for a full year, you can get a 30-day free trial of the complete Prime service (not just Prime Video) directly from Amazon.

Pricing in the UK stands at £8.99 per month or £95 per year. To enjoy the premium ad-free service, you’ll need to shell out an additional £2.99 per month.

Throughout its original run, New Amsterdam garnered mixed reviews from critics, who felt the show didn’t push any boundaries.

However, its audience was much more enthusiastic, with many preferring the drama over its medical rival Grey’s Anatomy.

“I was impressed by the social commentary in the writing! Well acted. All the usual obvious stuff but a few hidden gems for the few who still want to enjoy a show about life,” one viewer penned on IMDb.

Another chimed in: “This show looks at the human side of medicine and that is refreshing. In my opinion, it’s better than Grey’s Anatomy.”

A third shared: “Finally a medical drama without the usual drama. It’s not about the endless romance between the doctors and nurses, it is really focused about the medical aspect of the hospital. The characters are very refreshing and particularly Ryan Eggold is so endearing in his first remarkable role.”

Echoing the sentiment, a fourth fan wrote: “One of the best medical dramas I’ve seen. It had me hooked from the first episode.”

New Amsterdam is available to stream on Prime Video

Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm has come to an end and fans are now searching for something to fill the void.

After eight gripping episodes, Clarkson’s Farm season four has wrapped up, showcasing Jeremy Clarkson’s tumultuous journey as he endeavoured to launch his pub, The Farmer’s Dog.

The popular Prime Video series is set to conclude after its fifth season, with Jeremy announcing the end of the show, citing the cast and crew’s fatigue from the intense filming schedule.

As fans await season five, they’re on the lookout for similar entertainment to fill the gap, with Vinnie Jones in the Country emerging as a top pick.

Available on Discovery Plus, the series follows the adventures of actor and ex-footballer Vinnie Jones as he tackles 2,000 acres of West Sussex countryside, embarking on overly ambitious farming projects.

The show debuted in November 2023 and has already delighted viewers with two seasons, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Fans have confessed to binge-watching the series, with Nik Anderson commenting: “Hi Vinnie, I was a bit unsure of what I was going to experience watching your life in the country series. I was expecting ‘Oh crash bang wallop alright geezer?'”.

Anderson continued, expressing his unexpected captivation: “To my surprise and my sheer ignorance I was hooked in minutes! There was so many things I took from your series and try implement them into my life!

“I too have had tragic experiences and trauma in my life as most of us have, but some of us more than others. You deal with things admirably.”

Jan Casper also shared her enthusiasm on Google Reviews: “Thoroughly enjoyed watching all the episodes, binge watched over Christmas.

“Vinnie is a man who appreciates nature and conservation of his beautiful farm buildings and his surroundings. You can see his vision is genuine and from the heart.

“It has been lovely to see that everyone who works with him has that passion too. Can’t wait for season three.”

The series touches on some tough topics, especially after the loss of Vinnie’s wife Tanya in 2019 due to a prolonged illness.

Vinnie has opened up about how both he and his late wife were diagnosed with skin cancer.

Prime Video has given the series a glowing four out of five stars, while it boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 7.9.

In its first season, audiences watched as Vinnie and his kin constructed, connected, and quipped their way through life, all while eyeing the future prospects of their estate.

Viewers witnessed them introducing new conservation approaches, reviving species, and creating habitats to entice novel wildlife.

SHOCKINGLY seven in ten singletons say they’ve given up on dating. Why? Because half of them say they’re put off by constantly meeting liars.

But are the signs there from the very first date? The Sun takes a look at the red flags that could mean your new love interest is out to break your heart.

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As many as 74 per cent singletons have either given up or have chosen to take ‘a lengthy break’ from finding love, according to a poll by dating site Seeking.

And an incredible 51 per cent said they have been fibbed to about their date’s age, while a third have turned up to find the person was shorter or taller than they were told.

Relationship therapist Rhian Kivits told The Sun: “Sadly, lots of people do lie, especially on dating profiles or when they are messaging before a date. Often they do this through insecurity.

“They want to get a date, but they have no confidence, so they post fake photos or tell lies about their age or height.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean they are abusive or dangerous, but if you spot this, it’s fair to ask, ‘Is this right for me?’

“Most of us probably don’t want to date someone who is presenting themselves as someone they are not.”

But that’s not the only white lie your date could dupe you with – there are seven red flags, according to Rhian, which might indicate a potential partner is telling porkies.

1. ‘Too good to be true’ dating profiles

If someone’s profile looks highly managed with model-like photos, and it all feels just a bit too good to be true, then it probably is.

People have been known to use AI photos or internet pictures that aren’t even them. Trust your intuition and if something in your gut gives you the impression it isn’t right, then it might be fake.

Look for photos of them doing a genuine hobby, such as playing golf.

But they should be on a course really playing, not just posing up nearby.

I like it when other people are in their photos, at a family barbecue, for example. This shows someone is a genuine person.

2. Question dodging

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Sometimes you might get chatting to someone and find they are dodging your questions.

You ask where they work, and they just say ‘all over the place’ or ‘I travel a lot’. That’s a red flag.

You might ask where and they say ‘the south west’, but that’s a big place.

Whilst I’d never expect someone to be specific, it’s reasonable to have some idea of what someone does and which town they live in before you meet up.

The same goes for relationship status. If they are being cagey or say ‘it’s complicated’, that’s not a promising sign.

3. Refuses a video call

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You can rule out a lot of fibs by meeting on a video call before a real date.

If they weren’t the age they told you, or the height, you’d know instantly.

If they say no to the call, what is it they don’t want you to see? Maybe they are sitting on the couch with their partner.

Liars can be very clever, so whilst you can never 100 per cent protect yourself, a video call beforehand is a great way of weeding out fibbers.

4. You share the same loves and hobbies

What some liars will do is ask an awful lot of questions about you.

Then they’ll say, ‘Oh, I love that too. ‘ It might be what you like to eat, where you like to hang out, whether you like swimming or going to the cinema.

What they are doing is painting themselves as your ideal partner and setting up a web of lies so you almost fall in love before you meet them.

This is a very negative trait, often used by narcissists, and they are very likely disingenuous.

If whatever you love, they love, it’s not always a good sign.

5. Overly rehearsed anecdotes

If they are telling stories or anecdotes that feel a little too polished rather than spontaneously shared, maybe they are not telling the whole truth.

When every detail is just so, you should be wondering what they have left out.

Look out for inconsistencies in their tales.

Perhaps in one version of the story, they were with a friend, then their brother.

Maybe it was last week the first time they told you, then last year.

And if they always paint themselves as the hero of the story, the one always in the right, perhaps they are not being 100 per cent honest.

6. Little or no digital footprint

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Most of us have a very big digital footprint these days. If there is nothing about them online, ask about it.

If they deleted a profile, why? If they have profiles under different names, why?

We can all look someone up before going on a date, and it’s healthy to do so. You might see they used to have a different job and switched careers, or their hair colour is different.

Just say ‘I did a sneaky Google of you’. If they are a genuine person, they won’t mind.

They’ll laugh and say, ‘Yes, I used to have red hair’. If they are cagey, something is up.

7. Suspicious smartphone activity

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Perhaps they are unusually protective of their phone when you meet up.

They might turn it face down or step away to reply.

They might not want you to see notifications pop up if it’s from a partner or someone else they are dating.

If you are on a date, they shouldn’t be on their phone too much anyway.

If they are, they might be texting their partner to say they are going to be late home from work.

Of course, this is not always the case but if they are on their phone a lot – ask why – and see how they react.

Why do people catfish others on dating apps?

Speaking to Techopedia, professional dating coach Jacob Lucas reveals how to see if someone is a catfish on dating apps.

A lot of people are insecure about themselves. They may not be very confident about dating or making friends, or about the way they look, so they create this fake persona. When they get attention and receive compliments, they then feel validated.

Very often, catfishes are in that person’s life already, so they already know them. Sometimes, it can be started off as a joke and then it spirals out of control. People can become addicted to it and it becomes a habit.

The third reason is that as weird as it sounds, they think they’re doing the right thing. If it’s a friend who has a lot of bad luck in their love life, they want to give them confidence. But they often get stuck in the habit and can’t stop doing it.

And finally, its could be that the person is trying to extort money from the other person. They may ask for a small amount of money to pay for their electricity bill for example to start off with, but if they do, it can spiral into a large amount of money. They use romance to get people to send them money.