The latest episode of Olivia Atwood’s The Price of Perfection took an unexpected turn
Olivia caught the attention of a mystery man in the latest episode of her ITV show, The Price of Perfection(Image: ITV)
The ITV presenter caught a mystery man’s eye.
Olivia Attwood briefly paused her ITV2 show, The Price of Perfection, to address a flirty encounter. The former Love Island star, 35, returned with the latest episode of her hit show on Tuesday (August 18) night.
This instalment focused on all things face lifts, and followed Olivia as she journeyed around London trying to uncover what treatments are available for young women looking to transform their faces.
But the presenter was interrupted when she visited a clinic where one surgeon was performing a full face and neck lift.
As she explained the procedure to the camera, a man with his face blurred walked by and seemingly shot a flirtatious look at Olivia.
Spotting his lingering look, the ITV host turned back to the camera and joked: “In your dreams, do you know what I mean?”.
She went on to add: “That’s honestly what it’s been like since I took my wedding ring off. It’s actually, it’s just like let me [live].”
The former TOWIE cast member was married to footballer Bradley Dack for just over two years, before they called it quits in January.
Season 3 of The Price of Perfection is now streaming on ITVX, and the just-aired third episode features a cameo from TOWIE star Dani Imbert.
A synopsis for the instalment teases: “With so many techniques and brands offering to slice and sculpt our face, Olivia looks at the options the under fifties are looking at.
“At just 28, TOWIE’s Dani Imbert has a brow lift but is left unhappy with the results. Newly single Sophie tries a thread lift for a ‘snatched’ look. Amy, exhausted by the cost of facial maintenance having spent £150,000 on fillers, opts for a short scar mini facelift, a procedure with mixed online reviews.
“Olivia also joins a surgeon performing a full face and neck lift on business owner Brit, learning the real differences between SMAS and deep plane approaches, and what may have delivered Kris Jenner’s headline grabbing result.”
Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection is available to stream on ITVX
MADONNA appears to have outed herself as a fan of The Durrells, after taking over a tiny village made famous by the ITV drama to celebrate her 68th birthday.
After I revealed how Madge had spent the start of her celebrations flying to the monasteries of Meteora in Corfu over the weekend, stunned locals now tell me how she and her entourage descended on Kouramades for a very special party this week.
Madge has outed herself as a fan of The DurrellsCredit: Instagram/@madonnaThe singer celebrates her 68th birthday in the tiny village of Kouramandes in CorfuCredit: Instagram/@madonna
The tiny community, which has just 180 residents, was one of the locations used on the hit show, which starred Keeley Hawes.
Madge, boyfriend Akeem Morris, her family and entourage booked out tiny taverna Atzaro for a meal, complete with a child choir, who locals told me were specially flown over from Italy to perform.
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An onlooker told me: “No one could believe Madonna was coming until she actually turned up.
“The security measures were pretty intense and there was a police presence, as well as Madonna’s security to keep her safe.
Madonna’s bizarre cake caught the eyeCredit: Instagram/@madonnaMadonna took over the tiny village made famous by ITV drama The DurrellsCredit: ITV
“She wanted to visit the central church but they cancelled it because there was quite a crowd gathering. They headed to Atzaro for dinner and that was really special. Singers and a children’s choir from Italy performed as they ate traditional meals.
“Just before midnight, the group started dancing to the Zorba The Greek song and a birthday cake came out. They sang the birthday song three times and then danced until 2am. Once they left, the crowds that had gathered outside started clapping and chanting her name.”
Madonna’s visit to the village has now gone down in folklore — and I’m told the Material Girl superstar lapped up the attention.
“As she drove away, Madonna seemed to love everyone cheering so she popped her hand out and waved a bit like a member of the royal family,” a local added.
Guests dance at the partyCredit: Instagram/@madonnaMadge is the most nominated artist for the 2026 MTV VMAs, taking place on September 27Credit: Instagram/@madonna
Her birthday isn’t the only thing she has to celebrate, as last night it was announced Madonna is the most nominated artist for the 2026 MTV VMAs, taking place on September 27.
She leads the pack with 11, including Video, Artist and Song of the Year for Bring Your Love, while Taylor Swift is just behind with nine nods.
Jesy’s Ben in rooftop rift
Jesy Nelson’s boyfriend Ben Davies was caught up in a ruckusCredit: SplashOnlookers told me the former Little Mix star and her new man were asked to leave the posh Madison rooftop bar in London on Saturday nightCredit: Supplied
Onlookers told me the former Little Mix star and her new man were asked to leave the posh Madison rooftop bar in London on Saturday night after it all kicked off.
One told me: “Ben was getting in people’s faces when he was out with Jesy at Madison.
“Something had been said and he didn’t seem to be happy about it. He looked like he was about to get in a fight before all the bouncers swooped in.
“It was all pretty uncomfortable to watch. Jesy was amazing and kept her cool. She was trying to de-escalate the situation and appeared to be keen to get out of there.”
It’s not the best start to their romance. I revealed earlier this month how Jesy had started dating landscape gardener Ben, who counts Towie’s Lydia Bright among his exes.
They were spotted on a night out in London, before being snapped this week holding hands and snogging in the street, inset.
To avoid Ben digging any more publicly embarrassing holes, I think a quiet night in should be their next date.
Ronan abs go down a Storm
Ronan Keating marked his 11th wedding anniversary, pictured with missus StormCredit: Instagram/@rokeating
RONAN KEATING marked his 11th wedding anniversary to remind all his fans just how hot he is.
He revealed his gym-honed body with this snap on Instagram, posing alongside his equally fit missus Storm.
The Boyzone singer wrote: “We have the most incredible life and it’s all down to you. God I love ya.
“Thank you for loving me through the good and the bad versions of myself. You make me a better human and I thank you for it all.”
Green Day give us Glasto
GREEN DAY want to headline Glastonbury – but insist they have never been asked.
The American band, who have more than enough hits to top the bill, will be celebrating 40 years since they formed next year, so the timing couldn’t be better for organiser Emily Eavis to get on the blower.
Asked if they would like to do it, drummer Tre Cool said: “Yeah. If they ask us. It’s the last great festival we haven’t done.”
They have just released a comedy movie called Nimrods, which is loosely inspired by the band, but insisted a biopic won’t happen until they’re older.
He told NME: “A biopic is more of a retirement plan. We’ll do that when we’re actually old and we’re doing our residencies in Las Vegas or something.”
Spotify is planning Home Run
SPOTIFY has announced a new live music series, Hometown, which will celebrate artists and the places that shaped them.
Next month, Jorja Smith, Nemzzz and Beabadoobee, will return to the communities where their musical journeys began for intimate, one-night-only performances.
Jorja, who releases her new album What Are The Odds this Friday, will play her gig on September 6.
She said: “Walsall is where I first started writing and recording music as a teenager. It’s where my love of music began and the people, experiences and sense of community there continue to influence my creativity today.”
Nemzz will perform in Manchester on September 12, while Beabadoobee is scheduled to play a concert in London on September 17.
Noel: My reunion doubts
Noel Gallagher had reservations about reuniting Oasis with brother LiamCredit: Simon Emmett
NOEL GALLAGHER had reservations about reuniting with brother Liam for their sold-out Oasis tour last year.
But Liam, who’d pushed for a reunion for years, made it clear he wanted to get back on board with Noel, saying: “The way it finished, unacceptable. It didn’t sit right with me, man.”
Looking back on their rows, which caused Oasis to split in 2009, Liam said: “We all said s**t we didn’t mean. I feel like I am exorcising demons, getting it all out. The rage. I need to calm the f**k down.”
Before the first show at Cardiff’s Principality stadium last July, Noel added:
“One of the biggest moments of our lives, right?
“I’d forgotten what [Liam] means to people. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the intense outpouring. A sense of what it meant to people. You’ve got a chance to change the narrative of the band.”
Isla’s red-hot
Isla Fisher in New York promoting new movie Spa WeekendCredit: Splash
YOU can take it as read . . . Isla Fisher is definitely a fiery redhead.
On the promo trail in New York for new movie Spa Weekend, which is out on Friday, she said: “I’m a real redhead and I feel like I’ve earned the right to be red because I was bullied at school and I had all of the usual stuff that redheads go through.
“I always get mad when people just dye their hair red, I’m like, ‘You don’t know what we went through at school to be redhead!’”
THE WANTED are working on new music – but without half of the original line-up.
Max George and Siva Kaneswaran are writing new material as a duo after Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuiness decided not to return following Tom Parker’s death in 2022.
Siva told Culture Fix: “We’ve been writing for the past few months, so we want to carry on.
“The essence of The Wanted was pop/dance and I think we’re going to lean a bit more towards dance.
“I don’t think that’s a crazy thing to do for us.”
In the UK around 14 million people are still paying ‘too much’
09:55, 18 Aug 2026Updated 10:00, 18 Aug 2026
Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has told anyone with an iPhone or Android mobile to text a four-letter word. In a new video on Youtube, the ITV and BBC star said millions of people continue paying sky-high prices on contracts which are no longer binding.
He said that in the UK around 14 million people are still paying too much – often for deals which got them a new handset – and can save hundreds. People were told to check their contract status by texting ‘INFO’ for free to 85075.
Mr Lewis explained: “There’s a way to find out if you can save on your mobile bill just by typing five digits into your phone. All you got to do is text the word info info to 85075. This is a service the regulator mandates mobile phone networks to offer. It’s totally free. They then have to reply with whether you have any early termination or early cancellation charges.
“If it says you don’t, so 0 early termination, it means one of 14 million people who are out of contract and you’re therefore free to ditch and switch and the vast majority of people who are out of contract are seriously overpaying on their phones. So what do you then do? Well, just go on to a comparison site like money-saving experts cheap simfinder and see what’s available.
“Couple of quick notes. If you’re on three smarty or ID mobile, then when you do the text, it will reply back asking you for your date of birth, which is just an ID check. And I should Also note if you’re on a multiple phone contract like couple of different handsets on the contact on the contract it can’t do this. So then simple rule of thumb if you’ve been on the same deal for more than two years you’re almost certainly out of contract. Do check it out.”
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If the “Early Termination” or “Cancellation Charge” reads £0, meaning your contract has run out, the MoneySavingExpert founder said, “go to a cheap SIM comparison site”, where a selection of suppliers will offer the same SIM allowance for a fraction of the price.
“If you’re on a multiple-phone contract, you won’t be able to do this”, he added.
He has previously explained how the cost of getting a new SIM has plunged – meaning people could get the full service on their handset for a lot less. He said previously: “Prices have been going up and up. At the same time the cost of new customer SIM deals have been plummeting. For 50gb two years ago you’d have been paying £9. Now you can get it as cheap as about £3 a month.”
Pointing to a diagram on screen Mr Lewis said: “Look at that dispersal – you’ve got existing customers going up and up and up and new customers going down and down and down.”
Mr Lewis went on to explain his three steps for mobile customers to cut costs. He said: “14 million people are out of contract on their mobile phone bill which means you are free to switch.”
He said there is an ‘easy’ way to find out if you are one of those out of contract. Mr Lewis explained: “You text ‘info’ for free to 85075 to check.” He added that people on Three would need to then enter their date of birth. He said that those in contract would still have to pay a termination fee, but otherwise people are free to switch: “You’re a free agent – you can go and get the cheapest deals, you can cut your costs.”
He added that once people decide to switch if they want to keep their number, all they have to do is text PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) to 85075 and give that code to your new provider which will than be able to take the number. According to the MSE founder, the best deals aren’t found by going directly to the big operators – instead he said that if someone is out of contract they should go to comparison sites.
This chilling true crime doc investigates a high school principal who hypnotised three students before their deaths.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
09:05, 18 Aug 2026
An ITV true crime doc investigates a teacher who hypnotised three students before their deaths.(Image: BLUMHOUSE)
ITV’s next true crime doc delves into the deaths of three students who were hypnotised by a teacher.
Look Into My Eyes was first released in the US three years ago and now it’s finally made its way to the UK, landing on ITVX today, Tuesday, August 18.
The True Crime Story doc explores the story of former North Port High School principal Dr George Kenney in Sarasota, Florida who was hypnotising his students.
He reportedly “put them under” to help teens with their athletic performances and anxiety ahead of taking exams and is believed to have hypnotised around 70 students in a five-year span.
But in 2011, Kenney was under investigation as he admitted to hypnotising three students who all tragically died within months of each other.
Star quarterback Marcus Freeman, 16, died in a car accident, and the following two months, fellow teens Brittany Palumbo and Wesley McKinley also died by suicide.
The four-part special takes a look at Kenney’s interventions and their role in the students’ lives. The official description further explains that it “investigates events leading up to these untimely deaths and the tragic aftermath as victims’ families, eyewitnesses, experts, and people involved attempt to unpack what really happened.
In the trailer for Look Into My Eyes, a parent of one of the deceased teens is heard tearily saying: “This man has ruined my life”, while another man stated: “This man just wanted to help.”
Kenney pleaded no contest to two misdemeanour counts of the unlawful practice of hypnosis without a license. He was sentenced to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service and resigned from his position as principal at North Port High School, according to the docu-series.
NBC reported that Freeman, McKinley and Palumbo’s parents sues Sarasota County school board for the wrongful deaths of the teens, stating that the school should have stopped Kenney from performing hypnosis.
In October 2015, each of the families reached a maximum sum of $200,000.
She also explained which products people can get better deals on at supermarkets
11:35, 17 Aug 2026Updated 11:59, 17 Aug 2026
Grace Forell explained how people should take advantage of some bargains at Poundland(Image: ITV)
An ITV consumer expert has highlighted six things everyone should buy in Poundland – including one food staple which is 44 per cent less. Grace Forell, who regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning, explained how people should not do their weekly shop in the high street discount store – but take advantage of some bargains.
She said the best value categories tend to be big brand toiletries and cleaning products. If you’re loyal to brands like Nivea, Head & Shoulders, Colgate, Flash, Astonish, Elbow Grease and added ‘you’ll often find Poundland is the best place to buy. ‘
However, she added: “It’s less impressive when it comes to snacks and store cupboard items, as you’ll often get a better deal at the supermarket on multi-buys. “
Six Poundland staples:
She said Flash cleaning spray is £2 in Poundland – and between £2.44 – £3.35 elsewhere – a potential saving of 40%
Astonish Sprays – white vinegar and mould and mildew stain remover are cheap there – average saving of around 30%
Big brand toiletries are good value – Grace highlighted a Nivea day cream for £2 – with it being £5,50 to £6 elsewhere – saving 65%.
Colgate toothpaste is normally cheaper at Poundland. Grace highlighted Max White Sparkle Diamonds toothpased currently “£2 – elsewhere it’s £2.33 – £3.75 – a saving of up to 47%.
Sure deodorant and Head and Shoulders shampoo usually a bargain
Heiz Baked Beans – single tin £1 – normally £.138 – £1.80 e;sewhere -a potential saving of 44%/ She added: “A single tin of Hienz beans for £1 is hard to come by and it’s one of Poundland’s standout bargains – but if you’re buying multipack, supermarkets are often better value.”
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She explained: “Remember, Poundland is less a place to do a full weekly show and more of a specialist bargain stop. It’s particularly good for branded toiletries with high supermarket mark-ups, cult cleaning products and specialist stain removers, a handful of pantry staples, and emergency top-ups that would cost more in a convenience store.”
Her golden rules:
Always check the unit price. A lower shelf price doesn’t mean better value if the pack is smaller (you sometimes see this at Poundland).
Don’t assume everything is cheaper. Chocolate, crisps and soft drinks are often better bought on supermarket loyalty offers.
Be wary of multipacks. Poundland sometimes wins on individual items, but supermarkets usually come out ahead on family-sized packs.
Stock up on genuine bargains. If you find a branded product you use regularly and it’s substantially cheaper, buying a spare makes sense.
You can pick up single tins of Heinz baked beans for £1 though – which is consistently the best price (per unit) around.
One thing is for sure: while it isn’t the place to do a full weekly shop, it offers much better value than most convenience stores.
For more articles, read Grace Forell on Substack for free here.
The week prior, he had resigned from his position at the university following allegations of plagiarism, which he denied. On Monday (August 17) morning, Jason’s friend and professor Kehinde Andrews spoke to Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh about Jason’s death and their devastating final exchange.
Richard informed ITV viewers that in the wake of his death, there have been calls for a public enquiry into the press, which has been signed by many figures, including Professor Kehinde Andrews.
Speaking to Richard and Ranvir, he explained that the last time he had seen Jason was on the previous Monday, highlighting that when he had seen him, he’d lost weight.
He added: “He was just completely overwhelmed, I think. One of the last texts he said to me was that he just couldn’t see a way out; he couldn’t see a way forward.”
While an official cause of death is yet to be announced, the ITV star noted that people are already making assumptions about how he died.
The guest then reflected on how media and social media coverage had put “so much pressure” on the academic, adding: “Losing his job at Cambridge, having to resign, putting financial pressure on his family. This is somebody who has two children, with one child going into university.
“Imagine all that pressure on you, and you feel stuck and can’t go ahead.”
In a statement issued by his publisher, Simon & Schuster UK, Jason’s family said they are “in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son”.
The statement said: “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.
“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone. We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.”
Good Morning Britain is available to watch weekdays on ITV from 6am
Telly star Vicky McClure has shared an insight into the upcoming series of Trigger Point and she’s hinted that fans can expect high-powered storylines
Vicky McClure’s character in Trigger Point is troubled Lana Washington
She is perhaps better known for Line Of Duty, but Vicky McClure is in the line of fire again during her ITV drama Trigger Point.
The fourth series kicks off with her troubled character Lana Washington on the front line with Counter Terrorism Command as the capital is hit by a wave of devastating bombings.
It’s shocking on screen and the 43-year-old admits it keeps her on her toes. Vicky says: “I think it’s a really great start, and it was the right place to start with Lana’s personal situation. If you’ve been a fan of the show, you’ve got to deal with her, and she’s got to put herself first eventually, for the job as well as for herself. You just cannot keep going. Especially with what’s to come. So yeah, there’s a lot going on.
“But I don’t think anyone will ever know Lana inside out bless her. There’s a numbness to her because of the amount of tragedy that she’s faced. Whether it be close family or a stranger in you know a situation, she doesn’t feel, and that must be such a disconcerting and scary place to be.”
Vicky and the team of bomb disposal officers – known as EXPOs – begin the new series jumping onto a truck as she tries to keep the capital safe from explosive devices and terrorist threats.
Although it is serious and tense on screen, the high octane opening episode was also mixture of fun and fitness for Vicky. She joked she does a lot of prep in the gym before adding:”No I don’t! and I’m not going to lie about it because I don’t.
“It’s my gym! It’s happening while I’m working, and it is it is long days, and it is physical, and it is a lot to take on. But, I know it might get said a lot, but I mean it, this was one of the best jobs.
“And y’know as much as there’s a lot of running, there’s like running, and then it’s like okay, we’re going to change lens. I’m like ‘I’ll see in 20 minutes’. So I’ll go and have a cup of tea and sit down and catch my breath and go again.”
Vicky is joined on the show by returning fellow cast members Eric Shango who plays Danny, Nabil Elouahabi who stars as Hass, Natalie Simpson who is DS Helen Morgan and Maanuv Thiara who is DCI Batra. Director Jennie Darnell, who also worked on Line Of Duty also got to use guest stars including Julie Graham and Jonas Armstrong.
They hope to build on the success of the third series which averaged 7 million viewers, with the launch attracting 7.4million
The main problem the team had for the explosive opening episode was shooting in London and all its landmarks, which is not easy as its a city that is never quiet or empty.
Director Jennie said It was “very exciting” but added: “How of you track a device on a lorry through London in almost real time. We had to work through that. What makes it complex and difficult is if we were going to say it was set in London, we needed to be in London.
So we needed to know those landmarks and know how we could use them, know which ones we could have access to using, and then piece that together from there.”
The result is an extraordinarily tense and exciting opening episode, although actor Vicky is at pains to keep all the details secret.
Writer Chris Brandon teased: “This show thrives on its on its cliffhangers and and and its surprises, and there’s plenty more to come.”
Before promoting this ITV series, Vicky has also just finished filming new Line Of Duty scenes for the BBC and is sworn to secrecy on that action too, although she thinks some measures by TV bosses to keep things under wraps can be a bit over the top.
She said: “ I do think sometimes it’s a bit dramatic, the industry, it’s a bit MI5. Oh sign an NDA for this script.
“Like we’re gonna copy it and get a green light tomorrow, which is impossible ever. So I do think sometimes it’s excessive.
“But then, for the audience’s sake, I wouldn’t dream of saying anything, because, you know whether you’re gonna binge it, whether you’re gonna go week by week, whatever way you want to approach telly now, which is in so many different ways, people have a choice, and that’s great.
And it’s such a shame when sometimes it is you know given out, and therefore you kind of can’t miss the spoilers. But that’s that’s the way it is now.
“I wouldn’t dream of sort of saying too much. I think if my family ask, yeah, they probably know a lot. So don’t approach them!”
* Trigger Point Series 4 starts on ITV and ITVX on Sunday August 30 at 9pm.
Sunny Nights has arrived in the UK and fans have been on the “edge of their seats”.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
14:50, 16 Aug 2026
Sunny Nights is now available to stream on ITVX. (Image: ITV)
Sunny Nights is here and fans are eager to find out who stars in this dark comedy crime drama.
After its initial release in Australia and the US, Sunny Nights has made its way to the UK with the entire eight-episode season released on ITVX today, Sunday, August 16.
Having made a fresh start Down Under in Sydney, Australia, brother and sister Martin and Vicki Marvin open up their tanning shop but unfortunately, they don’t get the happily ever after they were looking for.
Instead, they accidentally get involved in a blackmail that puts them on the radar of Sydney’s criminal underworld.
Sunny Nights cast in full
Martin Marvin – Will Forte
Martin is usually a law-abiding citizen who can’t help but analyse risks but was pushed to make the big move to win back his estranged wife.
Actor Will Forte will be remembered for starring in the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 2002 to 2010, as well as for series The Four Seasons on Netflix and The Last Man on Earth.
Vicki Marvin – D’Arcy Carden
Vicki is Martin’s loose cannon sister who has a far more laid back attitude when it comes to risk and danger.
Actress D’Arcy Carden earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role in the NBC sitcom The Good Place but she’s also known for starring as Greta Gill in A League of Their Own.
Mony – Rachel House
Ruthless syndicate crime boss Mony is out for revenge after the siblings accidentally ruin her life.
Mony is brought to life by actress Rachel House who has been in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Time Bandits and is the voice of Gramma Tale in the Disney movie Moana.
Susi – Jessica De Gouw
Susi quickly entraps Martin and starts to blackmail him for as much money as she can get out of him.
Arrow fans will best recognise actress Jessica De Gouw as Helena Bertinelli, The Huntress, in the superhero drama.
She has also starred as Mina Murray in the NBC series Dracula and Elizabeth Hawkes in the historical series Underground.
Joyce – Ra Chapman
Joyce moved to Sydney to start over but her past soon catches up with her when her estranged husband Martin also moves to Australia.
Korean-Australian actress Ra Chapman will be remembered for her roles in Knowing, White Fever, Dear Life and Wentworth as Kim Chang.
Terry Torres – Willie Mason
Terry is Mony’s enforcer when she needs a heavy hand to take care of business. He is played by former Australian rugby league player Willie Mason who makes his acting debut in Sunny Nights.
Other cast members include Megan Wilding as Nova, George Mason as Dreadlock Pete and Matuse as Dentist Dave.
Sunny Nights is the dark comedy drama that ITV fans have been impatiently waiting for.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
11:22, 16 Aug 2026
Inside Sunny Nights’ filming locations on ITVX. (Image: ITV)
Sunny Nights is ready to binge-watch with viewers keen to get a full breakdown of its filming locations.
Following the chaotic story of brother and sister duo Martin Marvin (played by Will Forte) and Vikki Marvin (D’Arcy Carden), Sunny Nights sees the pair leave their lives in the US behind to start over again in Australia.
As Martin also hopes to win back his estranged wife, they set up their own tanning shop but their lives are upended when they accidentally anger a ruthless syndicate crime boss.
Martin also gets himself caught up in a blackmailing plot so their once peaceful future quickly looks a lot more complicated.
As Sunny Nights dropped on ITVX today, Tuesday, August 18, here’s everything there is to know about where the series was filmed.
Where is Sunny Nights on ITV filmed?
Sunny Nights was filmed in New South Wales, Australia, with the comedy drama set in the iconic city of Sydney.
Coastal walks and the beautiful scenery in Bondi are particularly featured in the beginning, including spots like the Bondi Icebergs and the suburb of Tamarama.
Other Sunny Nights filming spots include the coastal residential suburb of Malabar, Botany Bay featuring heritage sites like Bare Island and Frenchman Bay.
The historic pools of Wylie’s Baths can also be seen along with the stunning views of the Blue Mountains.
Heading up the cast as Martin Marvin is Saturday Night Live icon and Netflix ’s The Four Seasons star Will Forte.
Opening up to Rolling Stone, Forte shared that it was a life-changing prospect working on the show.
“It was really after only two episodes were written that I had to make this decision: Am I bringing my whole family down to Australia on the chance that these other six episodes are going to be as good? With [Australian filmmaker] Trent O’Donnell, you say yes to that.
“Looking back, it is the greatest decision of my life.
“Marrying my wife, deciding to have kids, those are all other ones up there as well, obviously, but everything about this show turned out to be the best version.”
Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt needs to watch out, as new prison pal Kacey has a secret agenda behind her protecting her – with spoilers giving away her real plan
Coronation Street Kacey’s real plan for Sarah exposed
Coronation Street‘s Kacey is not to be trusted, as she’s about to target Sarah Platt.
On Friday she was being all nice to a terrified Sarah, who is in prison for murdering Theo Silverton. Kacey took Sarah under her wing, vowing to protect her after an attack.
When Bethany Platt went to visit her mum, Sarah sang Kacey’s praises. It was clear Bethany wasn’t sold, but Sarah claimed Kacey had saved her, and was looking out for her.
But fans didn’t buy it, just like Bethany. They were quick to suggest the prisoner could not be trusted and it turns out they are correct.
According to spoilers for next week’s episodes, Kacey’s real intentions come to light. Sarah will be left terrified when the threats start, and there’s violence too.
Kacey enters Sarah’s cell in tears and informs her that her son has been arrested for armed robbery. Kacey begs Sarah to speak to her ex Kit Green, who is a detective.
Having just dumped Kit, she refuses. Kacey shares her hopes that Kit can help her son, but Sarah says she cannot get involved and won’t be speaking to Kit.
But things take a turn when a furious Kacey threatens her. Sarah still refuses to speak to Kit, even after her pal Todd Grimshaw finds out about the threat and tells her to do what Kacey says.
Kit is soon contacted, but he tells a desperate Sarah that if he were to help Kacey, he could lose his job. Kit also reminds her that she dumped him to stop him from ruining said career.
With Kit avoiding the plea, Kacey later turns violent with Sarah. She also warns Sarah that if anything happens to her son, it’ll be on her.
Fans had called it with Kacey from the moment they met her, with one writing on social media: “I want to trust that Kacey, but I don’t.” Another sad: “Bethany seems worried as well about Kacey helping her mum out.
“It’s definitely giving Kacey thinks she possibly can get Sarah as her property.” A third said: “Kacey already knowing that Kit is a cop, and wanting to help Sarah out if she has any trouble from that. That is a tad suspicious in my opinion.”
It comes as Corrie fans were left convinced one cast member had leaked a massive spoiler on social media this week. Not only that, but some were convinced it gave away the ending of a major storyline currently airing on the show.
Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany on the soap, posted a snap of her and her co-star Tina O’Brien, who plays her onscreen mother, on Instagram.
Some fans decided it had to mean Sarah was out of prison in a matter of weeks. But this photo is not likely to be a spoiler, and it doesn’t actually mean Sarah’s fate is revealed at all.
Some viewers pointed out that the prison set is close to where they were, so there’s every chance Sarah is in prison. Then there’s the fact that some of the cast and crew were on set on Wednesday, when the selfie was posted online, enjoying the solar eclipse together. So it doesn’t even mean the pair were filming, they could have just been hanging out.
Following the latest news that beloved Loose Women panellist Denise Welch is departing the ITV show, many viewers are now labelling the programme a ‘sinking ship’
Denise Welch has revealed she’s leaving Loose Women after 25 years(Image: ITV)
Daytime TV favourite Loose Women has recently undergone some of the most sweeping structural and staffing shake-ups in its 26-year history, and following the latest news that beloved panellist Denise Welch is departing the show, many viewers are now labelling the programme a ‘sinking ship’.
As part of a sweeping broadcaster-wide cost-cutting drive by ITV, the format of the show has changed dramatically this year. Rather than broadcasting all year round, Loose Women was scaled back to a seasonal format in January, airing for just 30 weeks a year. The show also axed its live studio audience entirely. This decision led to the dismissal of long-serving studio warm-up comedian Lee Peart, sparking an emotional outcry from remaining cast members.
Loose Women also vacated its former home and relocated to The H Club Studio in Covent Garden. It now shares a centralised, 360-degree LED-walled studio space with This Morning and Lorraine in a bid to significantly slash production costs.
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While its standard runtime remains one hour (12:30 pm to 1:30 pm), the show has trialled temporary extensions – such as 15-minute “extra time” segments to accommodate sports scheduling and specific themed features.
It was also revealed this month that panellist Nadia Sawalha had been dropped from the programme by ITV following controversy over her beliefs. Now, news has broken today (August 13) that Denise Welch has quit the show.
The 68-year-old, who has appeared on-and-off the programme for 25 years, says she wants to throw herself wholeheartedly into her acting career, which she has described as her true passion and “first love”.
She has enjoyed a remarkable professional resurgence of late, landing major television roles including the Channel 4 sitcom Stepping Up and the Channel 5 drama Forever Home.
In a video uploaded to her personal Instagram account, Welch opened up about the reasoning behind her departure.
She said: “Acting has always been my first love and, I think, the thing I’m best at.
“At the moment, I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I’m grabbing them by the you-know-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life.”
Reflecting on her time on Loose Women, she added: “This show has been part of mine, and my family’s life, for nearly a quarter of a century. I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories.
“I’ve shared my life with you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m very Marmite, but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years.”
Amid growing public speculation over the state of the show, she moved to clarify her relationship with her fellow cast members, adding: “I’ll miss everybody, but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers.”
Her announcement triggered an enormous outpouring of support from her fellow panellists, underscoring her reputation as the “beating heart” of the show.
Host Kaye Adams wrote: “You have broken my heart but I shall watch your Den-aissance with love and pride.”
While Nadia Sawalha added: “You are such a fantastic actress. Fly high lovely.”
Scores of fans also told Denise how much they had enjoyed watching her on the programme, though some predicted its decline following her exit and other recent developments.
One person wrote: “It’s not fun to watch anymore and it feels like people are not allowed to have different opinions on the important things! Plus ITV deciding to get the rid of the audience is the beginning of the end. You were my favourite one!”.
Another claimed Loose Women is “grinding to a halt”, while a third added: “I’m glad you jumped before the ship went down.”
The news comes amid separate claims that ITV recently shelved a Loose Women spin-off project as part of sweeping budget cuts across the broadcaster.
In July 2026, reports emerged that ITV executives quietly pulled the plug on a planned Loose Women spin-off podcast.
An insider noted that while the broadcaster remains hopeful for another run in the future, the project will not feature on the immediate calendar due to sweeping cost-cutting measures impacting ITV Daytime.
Kate Garraway and Ranvir Singh returned to host the ITV programme on Friday (August 14), delivering the day’s biggest headlines from across the UK and around the world.
They primarily focused on Nigel Farage winning the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes after quitting as an MP and fighting to reclaim his seat. His main rival, parody candidate Count Binface, was backed by just over 9,000 voters.
This came after the Reform UK leader triggered the by-election in protest of the scrutiny of donations from his backers.
There was also early-morning drama as Farage announced he would not be attending the result declaration. He told activists he had been made aware of plans to “disrupt and degrade” the proceedings.
Kate and Ranvir discussed the result during the latest episode of GMB, alongside former Scottish trade union leader Christina McAnea and Reform MP Nadhim Zahawi.
But viewers were left feeling frustrated over the show dedicating much of its coverage to the politics, as well as the hosts and guests repeatedly talking over one another.
“ITV needs to shake up #GMB. The BBC is the place for political debate in the morning. We need a more light hearted alternative,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: “What the hell are you doing bringing Zahawi on? Are you kidding me? get him off!” while a third said: “Just a load of noise with 2 s**** presenters and 2 guests talking over each other on #GMB move on.”
Someone else commented: “Turned off within 20 seconds this morning,” with another fuming: “Doing my head in now.”
Other frustrated fans said “come on”, while a seventh said: “I turned off. Many people lost their homes in wildfires in Stourbridge last night but they are giving full on airtime to Nigel Farage.”
Meanwhile, other viewers praised Ranvir and Kate for their handling of the story as they spoke to Zahawi and interviewed his colleague Richard Tice.
Another headline that was focused on was the weather. Laura Tobin revealed that cooler weather is on the way for the UK after Brits endured another week of record breaking heat.
Kew Gardens provisionally recorded a top temperature of 38.1 degrees on Thursday (August 13), surpassing the previous high of 38 degrees on June 26, the Met Office said.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
Denise Welch is leaving Loose Women(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Denise Welch has announced that she is leaving Loose Women, sparking a flood of support from fans. The 68-year-old has been a staple of the ITV panel for decades, but confirmed that she would be stepping down in a video shared on Instagram earlier today.
Sharing the reason for her departure – which came days after Nadia Sawalha spoke about her own exit – she told followers that she wanted to focus on her acting career, describing it as her ‘first love and the thing she’s best at.”
In a video posted on Instagram she said: “I’m leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years, off and on. I did leave for about seven years and went back in 2018. This show has been part of mine, and my family’s life, for nearly a quarter of a century.
“I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories and it’s just that acting has always been my first love and, I think, the thing I’m best at.
“At the moment, I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I’m grabbing them by the you-know-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life.
“And so I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me. I’ve shared my life with you – the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m very marmite but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years.”
She added: “I just hope you wish me well for this new exciting chapter in my life. I’ll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers. Lots of love, thanks for sticking with me.”
Denise’s husband, Lincoln Townley, was among the first to share his support for her departure in the comments below. He proudly penned: “Grab those you know what’s darling you’re an incredibly strong talented sensational woman, the best is yet to come!”
Carol Vorderman commented: “Dens …… well that’s an era closing … you’ve been the beating heart of LW and I loved my 3 years with you there. You’re looking soooooooo well and happy and excited so here’s to your next chapter my lovely friend.”
“Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you,” Katie Piper replied, as GK Barry added: “Denise I’m gonna be so sad not to be on the panel with you anymore you always brought so much joy to my day. Can’t wait to see you on our screens [sic].”
Denise made her debut as an official Loose Women panelist in 2005 alongside Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan and a string of other notable faces. She took a step back from the series in 2013, before eventually returning in 2018.
In that time, she has shared the screen with Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, Gloria Hunniford and many others.
She came to came in the early 80s before landing a coveted role in Byker Grove as Polly Bell in 1990. Shortly after, she made the move over to Weatherfield, playing Rovers Return landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street.
Following her exit from the soap in 2000, she appeared in Down to Earth, Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and EastEnders. Aside from acting, she also won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and competed in Dancing on Ice.
Although Denise remained coy about her upcoming acting opportunities, an insider explained that she was taking ‘a massive leap of faith’.
Describing her decision as ‘the end of an era’, they told the Sun: “She is taking a massive leap of faith and going to focus solely on her acting which, really, has always been her first great love.
“Over the past 18 months she has also won herself a whole new fan base with Gen Z, and the LGBTQIA+ community especially.”
“This has seen her being offered high-fashion photoshoots, and given new social media opportunities,” they added. “Now is the time to pursue her dreams, although she will be devastated to wave goodbye to her Loose friends and colleagues. She will be sorely missed.”
The new start of this year’s I’m A Celebrity has reportedly been pushed back after ITV won the rights to the UEFA Nations League, meaning there would be a schedule clash
I’m A Celeb is nearing its return(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bosses at ITV have been forced to delay the latest series of I’m A Celebrity, according to reports. It’s claimed a major scheduling clash has led to the series Down Under being pushed back.
That’s because the channel has landed the rights to the UEFA Nations League. It’ll see England back in competitive action following this summer’s World Cup disappointment.
The international tournament will kick off on September 24. The games will continue for a number of months and England are set to take on current World Cup champions Spain on November 15.
The game, being held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, will kick off at 8.45pm. This is just 15 minutes before the start of I’m A Celeb 2026 was pencilled to begin.
But it’s claimed the football has taken priority, with the reality series said to now be commencing a day later on November 16.
A source told The Sun: “I’m A Celeb has always benefited from the Sunday night prime-time slot, but this year it’s all change. Now ITV has the rights to the UEFA Nations League bosses have had to go back to the drawing board.”
And a second source added: “Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s IAC launch show is must-see TV. Following the huge success of this year’s World Cup, bosses are overjoyed to have such a stellar lineup of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV.”
While the campmates for the upcoming series are yet to be announced, speculation is already growing. And there are also reports that there will soon be another spin-off of the series.
Rio and Kate Ferdinand have reportedly signed up for an I’m A Celebrity: Wild Frontier, a new spin-off of Ant and Dec’s classic reality show which will be filmed in Canada.
A source said: “Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It’s a real coup for the show. They have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat, too.
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “ITV are still in talks with some other brilliant names and this show promises to be absolutely spectacular — and a real social media talker.”
Unlike the Australian series, the spin-off show sees famous faces compete in pairs. It could be with friends, relatives or couples as they take on Bushtucker-style trials together before facing elimination as a duo.
McClure has shared her excitement about the new episodes ahead of the release: “I love working with the team, we have a great time making the show, and I cannot wait to continue Lana’s journey on Trigger Point.”
The first look trailer confirms the team’s new challenge is “unprecedented”, with Lana noting that they seem to know how her team works. The scale of the attacks is made even clearer when Lana confirms, “The threats feel bigger, the bombs are closer.”
Returning on-screen alongside Lana is Eric Shango as Danny, Nabil Elouahabi as Hassan “Hass” Rahim, Natalie Simpson as DS Helen Morgan, and Maanuv Thiara as DCI Amar Batra.
Shetland star Julie Graham has also joined the star-studded cast as Commander Nia Quentin.
In the trailer, viewers see Nia confirm that this could be “the biggest terror attack this country has seen,” as the expo team battles to save the capital.
Away from Trigger Point, fans of crime dramas will know Julie as Rhona Kelly in the BBC series Shetland between 2014 and 2022.
The show is based on the bestselling crime novels by award-winning author Ann Cleeves and follows a dedicated police team as they investigate grisly murders and long-buried secrets within the tight-knit, remote island community of Scotland’s Isles.
Scottish actress Julie, 61, has been a seemingly near-permanent fixture on our screens since a Taggart appearance in the mid-1980s.
Her other long-running series commitments include portraying Megan Hartnoll in At Home With The Braithwaites, Abby Grant in Survivors, and playing Sheron Dawson in the adored sitcom, Benidorm.
Most recently, period drama fans saw Julie transform into Ma Hardacre in the Channel 5 show The Hardacres, which follows the sweeping rags-to-riches journey of a working-class family in 1890s Yorkshire.
She also played Annie Marling in Ridley and Elain Phelan in This City is Ours.
Trigger Point series 1-3 is available to stream on ITVX
One former resident of Weatherfield could be about to make a shock return to Weatherfield, more than a decade after she departed the ITV soap, and fans have “worked out” how
16:48, 12 Aug 2026Updated 17:13, 12 Aug 2026
Amber Kalirai has not been seen on Coronation Street since 2012(Image: ITV)
One former resident of Weatherfield could be about to make a shock return to Coronation Street – almost 15 years on from her departure. Fans are convinced Amber Kalirai is making a comeback.
In the latest scenes on the ITV soap, Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) has decided to sell her share of the Speed Daal restaurant, leaving her colleague Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) a little surprised to say the least. Leanne’s new boyfriend Idris, who turned up as Alya’s long-lost cousin before hastily announcing he was in fact her long-lost uncle, seems determined to get his hands on it.
But now, fans have claimed that they would like to see Amber Kalirai, the daughter of shopkeeper Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), make a comeback and snap up the business for herself.
One fan wrote on X:”Totally random Amber Devs daughter should be the new speed daal owner,” and the idea quickly spread across social media.
Taking to Facebook, one fan said: “Wouldn’t it be interesting if the new co owner of speed daal was Devs daughter Amber,” and another said: “Be good to see her back, she is never mentioned.”
A third wrote: “Great little actress. I would love to see her back in Corrie!” and a fourth said: “Loved her-underrated character-stood up to Dev.” A fifth simply demanded: “Bring Amber back!”
Amber was played by actress Nikki Patel, 36, who made her debut on Coronation Street in 2005 and stayed with the programme for four years.
In the summer of 2011, Amber made a comeback and stayed for just under a year, bowing out in March 2012. During her final few months on the cobbles, Amber made friends with Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent), who fell for her in what was a case of unrequited love.
In the end, though, unable to mend her already-tricky relationship with stepmother Sunita Alahan (Shobna Gulati), she got a job in London and has not been seen since.
When Sunita was killed off after being trapped in the fire at the Rovers Return in 2013, Amber was informed but was unable to attend the funeral as she was travelling with her new boyfriend.
Away from Coronation Street, Nikki has appeared in Waterloo Road, Holy City and Call The Midwife but has also performed in numerous plays, and, earlier this year, announced that she had written a new BBC sitcom titled The Patels, which, if commissioned, will focus on two Gurajti women who must put their difference aside for the sake of their sons.
Speaking to Female Pilot Club, she explained: “There are some heavy issues that they’re talking about but they do it in such an accessible, beautiful way, with a normalised family, which could be difficult. And that’s kind of presented in a dramatic setting.
“I just want to be part of a conversation with that community, potentially help people, [because] there are families going through this right now now where the kids are afraid to be and show who they really are.
“And I think it’s so sad and it’s crazy to me … so I kind of want to be part of a change. Maybe that’s really big wishful thinking. But like I said, comedy is a way to try and do that.”
Emmerdale spoilers have dropped the biggest hint yet about how Dawn Taylor leaves the ITV soap after eight years, with actress Olivia Bromley said to be axed from the show
11:16, 12 Aug 2026Updated 11:16, 12 Aug 2026
Emmerdale’s Billy and Dawn’s escape bid thwarted
How Dawn is leaving Emmerdale may have been exposed in new spoilers.
If this is her exit storyline, she might not be leaving alone. At least one character could exit the soap with her, with another three characters also tipped to depart the village.
It was reported earlier this year that Dawn was leaving the show after eight years, with actress Olivia Bromley axed. The soap and actress Olivia have not commented on whether the exit is happening, but reports suggest she will leave soon.
Now, new spoilers have confirmed an exit plan that would see Dawn leave the village for good. With pregnant Dawn believing her fiancé Joe Tate attacked and nearly killed her ex Billy Fletcher, she makes a huge decision.
Despite a wedding on the way for her and Joe, Dawn decides she can’t be with him if he’s attacked Billy. Of course she has no idea that Joe is innocent, and did not attack Billy, having been set up.
That said, she and Billy decide to leave together with the kids, Lucas, Clemmie and Evan. They plot to escape with the help of Billy’s boss, and Joe’s nemesis, Caleb Miligan.
With the offer of passports and money to start their new live away from Joe and the village, Dawn and Billy are adamant they need to go. So this spoiler appears to confirm an exit for them – but does it happen?
There’s no news on an exit for Billy or any of the children just yet. So is this something that the soap are trying to keep under wraps, and can we expect five exits if this plan goes ahead?
It certainly teases Dawn’s exit, as she’s literally deciding to leave the village for good. If Caleb sticks to his word and helps them, amid her wedding to Joe, it could see her exit the show with Billy, and the kids, and therefore pave the way for actress Olivia’s departure.
Of course there’s every chance the plan might not go ahead or might be rumbled. A recent promo teased the wedding episodes, with Dawn, Billy and Joe featuring in an eerie clip.
Dawn is sat at a mirror, with the reflection showing Joe and Billy either side of her. One by one both men, and then Dawn, disappear with a chilling noise heard each time.
When the promo video ends, Dawn appears to be crying with the mirror fractured. Not only that, but fans noticed Dawn wearing a black veil, leaving them wondering if a death will air.
The popular TV personality has been appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain this week, alongside various stars. Kerry arrived in the studio to discuss various topical news stories with hosts Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh.
Kerry returned to screens on Wednesday (August 12), where she was joined by Richard, Ranvir and Nigel Havers. The group reflected on several of the day’s biggest stories, including the solar eclipse, Taron Egerton’s estrangement from his dad, and Coleen Nolan’s new boyfriend.
At the end of the segment, Richard said: “Nice chatting with you, but we’ve got to move on. Thank you very much indeed.”
Kerry enthusiastically replied: “Thank you!” Richard then asked if they’d be back tomorrow, before Kerry confirmed: “No. This is my last day today,” as she hugged Nigel.
Fans will likely be devastated to learn that Kerry won’t be returning to the sofa, after many expressed their delight at seeing her on the programme.
A viewer previously wrote on Instagram: “Loved you both on GMB you [have] been a daily tonic.”
Another added: “Love watching you on GMB,” while a third said: “Oh I love you, you crack me up x your cheeky love and your love of life x b***** amazing.”
A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “You were absolutely fantastic sweetheart. Just real and saying it like it is…… and, you looked beautiful, too!” Someone else commented: “Great to see you on this morning Kerry. Lovely outfit. You brighten the show up, you’re so funny and great personality. Love all your work babe keep shining.”
Ahead of her final GMB appearance, Kerry took to her Instagram Stories to thank the team for making her feel so welcome.
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“Good morning everybody. It’s eclipse day and it’s also my last day this week on Good Morning Britain,” she began.
“I just want to say I’ve had a fabulous time. Half the time I don’t know what I’m talking about and I’m winging it, but it’s been great. And I hope that I’ve made lots of people smile and I’ve brought a little bit of joy and silliness to people’s lives via the TV.
“So, today’s my last day, it’s been amazing, I’ve really enjoyed it. A big shout out to everyone at Good Morning Britain. The make-up artists, hair stylists, the runners, the producers, everyone! You’ve all been great, I’ve really enjoyed it.
“And today, I’m on with our Nigel, and I can’t bloomin wait! It’s because I’ve missed him, he makes me chuckle. So, make sure you’re all tuning in to Good Morning Britain today, around about 9ish. And it’s an eclipse day, it’s going to be a very full on, full day. Have a wonderful and blessed day!”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
EXCLUSIVE: A holidaymaker was left shocked at the behaviour of fellow tourists in Benidorm as people started queueing at 6.30am for sunbeds, leaving her and her family perched on plastic chairs
07:10, 12 Aug 2026Updated 08:48, 12 Aug 2026
Benidorm: Family forced to use plastic chairs after sunbed wars
A fuming mum hit out at “selfish middle-aged fellas” for hogging sunbeds as her family were forced to perch on plastic chairs during their Benidorm holiday.
Annie Redfern went away with partner Declan Nash and seven-year-old daughter Belle Redfern for a 10-night holiday in the popular Spanish resort last month.
They were staying in the hotel made popular by hit ITV sitcom Benidorm, but she slammed the middle-ages blokes who queued for hours before swarming like “ants” for sunbeds.
Annie and her family arrived at Sol Pelicanos Ocas hotel, known as Solana Hotel on the television show, but realised all the sunbeds had already been taking.
She put this down to arriving at the hotel at midday, but the mum was stunned to see people congregating to bag a coveted bed at 6.30am the following morning – despite the pool not opening until 9am.
Annie, from Hull, East Yorkshire, said: “We thought if we’re going to go to Benidorm, we might as well see what the Benidorm hotel is like.
“We arrived there at 11.30am and there were no beds but obviously at that point we just thought it was because it was midday.
“The next morning, I started seeing queues starting at 6.30am, at this point I didn’t even know what time the pool even opened. We had gone down to go and get a latte and there were just loads of people all lining up.
“I can’t believe that’s how you spend your holiday, it’s crazy. You see them go, put a towel on the bed then run off straight to the breakfast then eat the breakfast then run straight back. It was a whole routine.
“What we realised was either wives were sending their husbands or the husbands were just doing it because so many of the line was made up of middle-aged men. It was just like a sea of people.”
Annie posted about her bizarre experience on TikTok and it quickly went viral, racking up more than 192,000 views.
She said the only way to grab a sunbed without joining the huge queue was to wait until people left for their evening meal around 5pm.
The family were instead forced to resort to sitting on plastic chairs when they weren’t playing or in the pool.
Annie admitted Benidorm divides people in the UK “like Marmite”. She said: “You can just go sit at a table and obviously I’ve got a child so we’re always in the pool anyway so I don’t really get much sunbathing.
“It’s selfish. Maybe do it one or two times so you can get a spot or have a day on the sunbeds, but there was one woman and she was at the front every single day.
“They [people queueing] were speed walking and as soon as the guy would come down and open the barrier, it was like ants.”
People online slammed the situation. One wrote: “My idea of hell this is.”
Another commented: “I’d rather go to Blackpool in the winter.” A third said: “I love Benidorm but I would never lose sleep when there’s so much more you can do in Benidorm.”
Sol Pelicanos Ocas hotel was contacted for comment.
ITV have shared a dramatic first look at what fans can expect to see in its upcoming series.
The Party is a five-part thriller following the lifelong friendship between journalist Martin Glimour (Luke Evans) and wealthy politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Downton Abbey’s Tom Cullen.
When Martin, who’s been raised by working-class mum Sylvia (Joanna Scanlan), gets a scholarship to an elite boarding school where he meets Ben, the pair forge an unbreakable bond.
As Martin is given a sense of belonging with Ben and his family, he remains loyal to them without question. That is until three decades later when things take a drastic turn.
A synopsis for the ITV show reads: “Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurices’ country pile. The news of the Conservative leader’s resignation threatens to derail Ben’s Party, as he considers announcing his intention to stand.
“Martin fears the publicity that Ben’s bid would bring, dredging up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences. The drama moves between the shocking events of the Party and the police investigation that follows, with flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s lives at school, university and London party days.
“What unfolds is a gripping exploration of identity, privilege and devotion, combined with a tender ode to anyone who has fought to live authentically.”
Now, ITV have shared some images from the upcoming drama as one shows Martin looking with a concerned look on his face while the shirt he’s wearing is covered in blood.
Another snap shows him in the same clothes, although this time, it seems as though he’s speaking to the police in a questioning room. It raises the question of whose blood that is and what crime has been committed.
Other images include Martin and Ben having an intense conversation with one another at a bar, Ben waving to the crowd on a platform with a woman and a snap of the two main stars in their younger years at school. It wasn’t long before people commented on the first glimpse at the upcoming series, with many sharing their excitement.
One person said: “Incredible! Two supremely talented actors.” Someone else wrote: “We are beyond excited!” Another added: “I loved the book. Luke is surely an amazing Martin.” While a fourth commented: “So excited about this!!”
The Party will air this autumn on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
Newsreaders in bitter row as ITV star Charlene White accuses BBC’s Jan Leeming of ‘disrespect’
22:06, 11 Aug 2026Updated 22:06, 11 Aug 2026
Charlene White has called out Jan Leeming(Image: Shutterstock)
Charlene White has hit back after veteran newsreader Jan Leeming described her presenting style as ‘condescending’, sparking a bizarre social media row.
Taking to Twitter earlier today, she penned: “Wish ITV’s Charlene would stop addressing us as if we were children. She has such a condescending style.
“Don’t know whether or not she is a an excellent journalist but don’t think she hacks it as a newsreader. It may look an easy job but not all are as good as @nightingaleitv [sic].”
Hitting back, Charlene quoted Jan’s tweet and added: “Very surprising to see a presenter I admired as a kid deciding to slate me on social media.
“In an industry where women, especially black women, have had to work incredibly hard to get ahead, this type of disrespect from a fellow female journo feels like s’thing from a bygone era.”
In response, the broadcaster added: “I said I didn’t know how good you are as a journalist but I find your delivery condescending. It has nothing to do with colour.
“Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life. It was only an opinion and my apologies to you.”
While the ITV panellist has yet to reply, many were quick to lash out at Jan’s post, branding her most recent comments ‘brain dead’.
“Double down Jan – this is a brain dead response. Assume you don’t have PR these days,” one said, as another agreed: “Jan you haven’t been a newsreader for 30yrs or more and styles have changed making this randomly b****y comment just makes you look bitter, very nasty.”
A commenter said: “OMG, Jan. No. Should have started with that “apology” and left it there rather than bury it under some truly questionable takes. Just a guess that @CharleneWhite is much more of an expert in the experiences of Black women in the industry than you. This is really disappointing.”
As an unimpressed fan added: “Actually I believe it is far easier these days for BAME people to get ahead in all walks of life.” Looooooooooooooool? [sic].”
Charlene has been a staple of our screens for decades, and began her broadcast career at BBC, with stints at BBC News, Look East and 5Live. In 2008, she made the move to ITN and worked at ITV News and GMTV.
In April 2014, she became the first Black woman to present ITV News At Ten, and went on to become a regular on Loose Women, following Andrea McLean’s exit.
She previously spoke to the Mirror about how important it is to champion diversity in society, and particularly at work.
“I talk a lot about diversity because I believe, working in broadcasting and the media, what happens in front of the camera and behind the camera should reflect society,” she told us.
“All views matter, all opinions matter. That’s the only way the industry can survive.”
Saira Khan has candidly revealed why quit Loose Women as she claimed she was “treated unfairly” and received death threats during her time on the ITV chat show
14:58, 11 Aug 2026Updated 14:58, 11 Aug 2026
Saira Khan has opened up about her exit from Loose Women(Image: ITV)
Saira Khan has revealed why she really left Loose Women after Nadia Sawalha claimed she’s been dropped by ITV.
The former Apprentice star, 56, joined the ITV chat show in 2015 and spent five years debating live on air alongside the likes of Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan and Nadia Sawalha but eventually made the tough decision to leave the high-paying TV job after even her children had started to realise she had been treated “unfairly” during the height of her fame.
She said: “When you’re new, it’s really hard because it’s such a clique. You’ve got to prove yourself. But I aligned myself to Coleen and Ruth pretty quickly because I could relate to them. It was a hard decision to leave because I’d done it for a long time. No matter what you give to the media, you don’t get the thanks back, there’s no loyalty and you can be dropped. I saw people giving less but getting more. My kids said, ‘You’re not being treated fair, mum.’
“As a parent, I had to show that you don’t stick around. It doesn’t matter how good the job is. Financially, it was really hard to say goodbye to that.” Saira also claimed that because she was expected to be the one on the panel to talk about tough political subjects, she ended up receiving death threats.
She said: “The problem is, for someone like me, I then get stereotyped. ‘Oh, we’re talking about terrorism, bring Saira in, we’re talking about grooming gangs, bring her in.’ But I couldn’t do any of the fun stuff. So if you keep bringing me out talking about that stuff, that is stereotyping.
“I’d run two marathons, I like to snowboard, I’ve travelled around the world. None of that was ever explored. So people thought I was gobby and opinionated and a one-trick pony.
“I got death threats. Honestly, my husband was really scared for me. I got quite a few death threats and and I just said, ‘Steve, if I get shot the head for something I believe in, that’s my fate. I can’t do anything about that.”
Saira, who is married to Steve Hyde and has Zac, 18, as well as 15-year-old Amara with him, also co-hosted The Martin Lewis Money Show before going on to take part in in Dancing On Ice and Celebrity Big Brother during her her mainstream television career.
Elsewhere in the chat, Saira, who now focuses on managing her skincare business, admitted that she thrilled that neither of her children want to pursue a career in the spotlight after her own tumultuous experience.
Speaking on the Nolans Uncensored podcast, she explained: “Both of my kids have no interest in the media and I think it’s because of what they saw me go through. I’m really happy about that. The industry is changing, for me I’ve always seen it as a business and because it doesn’t see itself as a business, it’s not in such a great place right now.”
Saira’s frank comments come just days after Nadia Sawalha, also a long-serving panellist on Loose Women, spoke out about her lengthy absence from the show and threatened legal action, claiming ITV bullied her out of her job.
The former EastEnders star, who has not been seen on the show since April despite previously appearing up to three times a week for years, thinks she is being targeted for speaking out for Palestinian rights and was worried that police officers could come knocking on her door.
She told The Mirror: “I accept that there is a huge risk I will never work in television again.”
Colleagues have offered Nadia support, but she claimed many are too scared to do so publicly. She said two well-known faces at ITV reacted to an Instagram video she posted on her threat to sue the network.
But Nadia added: “I deleted it because I don’t want these people to be phased out. I feel sad that there is an atmosphere of fear that if they were to be seen to be supporting me, their career could be at risk. I don’t believe for one second the head of daytime wanted me off that show, I feel for her.”