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An upcoming adaptation of a bestselling rom-com has landed a major Bridgerton star for the leading role

Bridgerton sensation Phoebe Dynevor has secured the leading role in Beach Read, the forthcoming film adaptation of Emily Henry’s chart-topping romantic novel.

First released in 2020, the story centres on two authors and former university competitors who cross paths again unexpectedly, embarking on a literary duel whilst vowing to resist any romantic entanglement.

Dynevor, celebrated for her portrayal of Daphne Bridgerton in Netflix’s smash-hit Regency drama’s debut season, will take on the part of romance writer January Andrews.

Within the narrative, January faces off against and ultimately develops feelings for Gus Everett, whose casting remains unannounced.

Devotees of Henry’s work have grounds for enthusiasm regarding the upcoming adaptation, as Yulin Kuang is at the helm. Kuang co-authored Netflix’s recent take on People We Meet on Vacation, featuring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth, reports the Express.

Kuang is also crafting the screenplay, with 20th Century Studios backing the project, ensuring audiences can expect a cinema release.

The complete film synopsis from Deadline states: “Beach Read is a romantic comedy following January Andrews, a successful romance novelist who struggles with grief and writer’s block after her father’s death and the discovery of secrets he’s long kept hidden.”

“While spending the summer in his Michigan beach house to prepare it for sale, she unexpectedly reconnects with Gus Everett, an author who was once her rival in college.

“Both creatively stuck, they agree to a writing challenge over the summer, swapping literary genres while promising that there will be no romance between them. Of course, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.”

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‘Dearest gentle reader’, as the fourth season of Bridgerton follows second son Benedict love story, there’s a way to watch this fairytale-like season for less.

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

Fans will no doubt be thrilled to witness January and Gus’s swoon-worthy romance translated to screen, as Henry’s original novel has garnered glowing reviews from both critics and readers alike over the years.

One five-star Amazon review gushed: “I’ve read this book at least six times now, and somehow, I love it more with each reread.”

They continued: “Everything about this story is perfect. It’s heartwarming, smart, and emotionally rich, but still manages to have me giggling, kicking my feet, and fully rooting for these two. This is such a comforting read I keep the audiobook on standby for whenever I have the chance to replay it.”

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Another reader enthused: “Together Gus and January have managed to chip away a piece of my heart to call their own. No romance book has had me screaming, crying, smiling and laughing as much as Beach Read.”

A final admirer declared: “Oh my word, I loved this book so much. I can’t stop recommending it to people, even my guy friends. I’m not sure how anyone can consider this anything but a masterpiece.”

Eager to be captivated by another brilliant Emily Henry adaptation? Stay tuned for further updates.

Beach Read does not currently have a release date.

The original series was a huge hit with viewers and spanned 12 seasons

Comedy fans in the UK will finally be able to stream a spin-off of a long-running series dubbed “intelligent”, “literally brilliant” and “one of the best ever made” by viewers.

The Big Bang Theory spanned 12 seasons and introduced viewers to the loveable genius Sheldon Cooper. His popularity on the show spawned spin-off Young Sheldon, which explored the character’s upbringing, family and childhood adventures.

Another spin-off, which is a direct sequel to the events of Young Sheldon, was later unveiled titled Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. This focusses instead on Sheldon’s oldest brother, Georgie Cooper (Montana Jordan), as he grapples with marriage and parenthood alongside partner Mandy McAllister (Emily Osment).

As viewers saw in Young Sheldon, Georgie and Mandy both lied about their ages when they met. Georgie, then aged 17, said he was 21, while a 29-year-old Mandy insisted she was 24. Now they have a baby, a marriage and a 12-year age gap to contend with all while living under the same roof as Mandy’s parents, Audrey and Jim.

It became the third TV sitcom in The Big Bang Theory franchise – and notably the only one not featuring the character of Sheldon – and two seasons have been released so far. That latest season is now being made available to viewers in the UK.

The series has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score so far, earning a respectable 89 per cent from critics. Audiences awarded the series a lesser 68 per cent on average.

One viewer penned: “While I agree that it doesn’t quite live up to Young Sheldon or The Big Bang Theory, this show has its own redeeming qualities which make it a worthwhile watch.” A second added: “I think it’s a wonderful addition to The Big Bang universe.”

A third called it their “comfort show,” adding: “I binged it the whole day so it did something right.”

The show will be airing exclusively on TLC in the UK, and be available for streaming on Discovery+ from April this year, though an exact release date is yet to be announced.

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Ardal O’Hanlon is famed for Father Ted, My Hero, and, of course, Death in Paradise as DI Jack Mooney

Netflix fans have been “hooked” by this “hilarious” new series which quietly stars a Death in Paradise icon.

Since leaving his days at Saint Marie behind as the lovable DI Jack Mooney, Irish star Ardal O’Hanlon has featured in Derry Girls, The Woman in the Wall, Extraordinary and Sherlock and Daughter, just to name a few.

Now, BBC Death in Paradise fans have stumbled upon his latest venture with Netflix’s newly released Irish comedy-drama How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

Released last week, the eight-part comedy revolves around friends Saoirse (played by Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinead Keenan) and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) who learn that their troubled friend Greta (Natasha O’Keefe) has mysteriously died.

O’Hanlon is behind the wacky and upbeat Seamus, the manager of the local seaside hotel where the three women stay as they investigate their friend’s death.

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‘Dearest gentle reader’, as the fourth season of Bridgerton follows second son Benedict love story, there’s a way to watch this fairytale-like season for less.

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

Netflix fans haven’t been able to stop singing O’Hanlon’s praises with one fan describing him as an “absolute icon” in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.

Another said: “Loved him on Death in Paradise. He was my favourite”, while a third labelled the star as “absolutely superb”.

O’Hanlon headed up Death in Paradise for three years as DI Jack Mooney before he chose to leave Saint Marie and return to London with his daughter Siobhan Mooney (Grace Stone).

He finally came to the realisation that he had been running away from grief after losing his wife so Jack chose to finally face up to reality and start over again.

Death in Paradise went on to replace O’Hanlon with Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker, followed by the latest detective Mervin Wilson, portrayed by actor Don Gilet.

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How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is currently the number one watch on Netflix with the comedic thriller brought to life by the creative team behind the hit series Derry Girls.

Creator Lisa McGee told Tudum: “This is the show I’ve always wanted to make; a mash‑up of my two favourite genres, mystery and comedy.

“We want to keep you guessing and keep you laughing. I can’t wait for you to meet Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, and go on this wild, weird adventure with them – an Irish odyssey – full of twists, turns, and arguments about eyelash extensions.”

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is available to watch on Netflix.

The Israeli government has approved a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property,” for the first time since the Israeli occupation of the territory in 1967.

Israeli public broadcaster KAN on Sunday said the proposal was submitted by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

“We are continuing the settlement revolution to control all our lands,” said Smotrich.

Most Palestinian land is not formally registered because it is a long, complicated process that Israel stopped in 1967. Registration of land establishes permanent ownership. International law states an occupying power cannot confiscate land in occupied territories.

The Palestinian Presidency slammed the Israeli government’s decision, calling it a “serious escalation” and saying the Israeli move effectively nullifies signed agreements and clearly contradicts resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, Wafa news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Katz described the move as an “essential security and governance measure designed to ensure control, enforcement, and full freedom of action for the State of Israel in the area”, the Jerusalem Post newspaper reported.

Last week, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved measures promoted by Smotrich and Katz that further facilitate the unlawful seizure of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.

Analysts describe it as a de facto annexation of the Palestinian territory, warning that it will profoundly reshape its civil and legal landscape by eliminating what the Israeli ministers called longstanding “legal obstacles” to the expansion of illegal settlements there.

Speaking from Ramallah, political analyst Xavier Abu Eid told Al Jazeera Israel is “packing annexation into some sort of a bureaucratic move”. He said the International Court of Justice in 2024 said the Israeli actions amount to annexation of the occupied West Bank.

“People should understand this is not just a step towards annexation, we are experiencing annexation as we speak today. What the Israeli government is doing is implanting their political programme – a policy that has already been presented,” he said.

Palestinian landowners are going to face more threats and intimidation from Israeli settlers supported by the Israeli government, he warned.

EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, best known for his role as Mick Carter on the soap, has landed a role in a “heart-stopping” new drama based on one of the most memorable events in UK history

EastEnders legend Danny Dyer has landed a role in a “heart-stopping” new drama. The actor, 48, is best known for playing Mick Carter on the long-running BBC soap, but more than three years after he left Albert Square, he has been cast in the leading role of the heroic PC Trevor Lock in a new programme about the 1980 embassy siege, all based on the book by Ben Macintyre, with a script by Will Smith.

The Siege, which begins filming this week, will cover the events that unfolded in South Kensington, London, more than 45 years ago, and the soap icon will take on the part of the police officer who was on guard when he was taken hostage alongside 25 others.

It all came to a head when the SAS stormed the building during a live television broadcast following a six-day standoff. A total of five of the six terrorists were killed in the operation

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Dyer will be joined in the series by Downton Abbey actor Lewis Doyle and The Crown’s Alex Jennings, amongst a host of others. BAFTA winner Lewis Arnold will direct the six-part series, and Patrick Spencer, who also worked on it ,Mr Bates vs The Post Office, will serve as executive producer for AC Chapter One.

Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer, Channel 4 said: “The Iranian embassy siege and the daring raid which ended it was an iconic moment that forged the ferocious reputation of the modern SAS.

“The show is a heart-stopping, emotional thriller that reveals the little-known motivations of the hapless hostage-takers and the very human reality of what went on inside the embassy as the world looked on and Britain’s most lethal soldiers practised their high-stakes assault.

“It will change the way people understand the siege and reveal how close the famous SAS operation came to disaster. We’re thrilled to be working with Will Smith, Ben Macintyre, Lewis Arnold, Patrick Spence and the remarkable cast. This major commission underlines Channel 4’s commitment to dialling up exceptional drama in its slate of original British programming.”

Alexandre Piel, Deputy Head of Drama, ARTE France, said: “The Siege is our first co-production with the UK, and we are truly honoured to be associated with Channel 4 on this fantastic project. Will Smith is a brilliant author; his adaptation of Ben Macintyre’s novel masterfully blends a gripping thriller with the emotional depth of this tragic event.

“He made it an intense, moving, and funny story all at once. It has been wonderful to stand at Patrick Spence’s side in his adventure. It’s a unique opportunity, the one that allows you to witness the unfolding of a historical moment turning into a disaster in front of the whole world.

“And we are also more than happy that this project enables us to have worked for the first time with the esteemed Channel 4 team.”

It all comes less than a year after PC Lock passed away at the age of 85. At the time, a Polce Federation spokesperson said: “PC Lock is remembered for calming his fellow hostages during the siege, acting as an intermediary between the terrorists and the security forces that ringed the building and – as the embassy was stormed – tackling the leading gunman.

“PC Lock was awarded the George Medal for his ‘outstanding courage, sustained bravery, calmness and devotion to duty. We could not have said it any better.”

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Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie has landed a leading role in an upcoming Channel 4 drama.

Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie has secured a leading role in an upcoming Channel 4 drama, where she’ll star alongside Glenn Close.

Known for her portrayal of Eloise, the sharp-tongued and defiant fifth child in Netflix’s popular period drama Bridgerton, Jessie is set to take on a contrasting role in Up To No Good. The six-part series marks the television writing debut for playwrights Nina Raine and Moses Raine, who have adapted Helen Tursten’s short story collections An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed.

A press release teasing the forthcoming series reveals that Fatal Attraction star Glenn Close will portray Maud Oldcastle, described as “a hilariously brusque, cantankerous, ruthless older woman-and those are her nice qualities”.

The synopsis continues: “She is also a killer. Determined to break from a lifetime spent caring for her sister, Maud sets out to claim a long-overdue second act, but when a suspicious young detective investigating a death in Maud’s building starts to believe there is more to her than meets the eye, Maud is forced to reckon with her crimes, present and past.”

Toxic Town’s Jessie will be stepping into the shoes of young detective Hannah, with Andor’s Gloria Obianyo portraying Astrid, EastEnders‘ Anita Dobson as Elsa, Game of Thrones’ Ben Crompton playing Barry, and The Wheel of Time’s Meera Syal taking on the role of Margaret. Rounding off the star-studded cast announcement, Downton Abbey’s Penelope Wilton will be seen as Charlotte, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Rebecca Holdsworth, Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 4, expressed her excitement in a statement: “Nina and Moses Raine’s deliciously dark and witty world has drawn together a truly fantastic line-up, and we’re excited for audiences to be introduced to Maud Oldcastle and the unforgettable characters surrounding her. UP TO NO GOOD promises a bold, razor sharp and wickedly entertaining series that feels undoubtedly Channel 4.”

Scott Huff, Joint Managing Director, Playground, also shared his enthusiasm, saying: “We are thrilled to have brought together this extraordinary group of artists for UP TO NO GOOD. A cast of this calibre is a testament to Nina and Moses’s brilliant scripts, our casting director Robert Sterne’s exceptional taste and Glenn Close’s legendary talent. We can’t wait for audiences to see this group of actors together on screen.”

Andrew Plotkin, EVP of Drama Development at Sony Pictures Television, commented: “We are thrilled to have Lee Haven Jones directing the series, not only setting the tone, but immersing himself on the ground throughout production. With a standout cast joining Glenn to bring Nina and Moses’ brilliantly crafted scripts to life, their collaboration further elevates the storytelling at the heart of UP TO NO GOOD. What’s coming together is remarkable, and audiences are in for something truly special.”

The new series will see Claudia in a character completely different from her present role as an outspoken and curious Bridgerton daughter, who desperately resists societal pressures and would rather immerse herself in books than attend balls, showing minimal interest in marriage or potential suitors.

The current season follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he searches for a mysterious woman, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), whom he met at a masquerade ball. It’s also building towards Eloise’s storyline, with Claudia having previously hinted at what lies ahead for her character when her moment in the spotlight eventually arrives.

The Shonda Rhimes production, based on Julia Quinn’s novels, first graced our screens in 2020, tracing the romantic journey of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). The following two series then saw the eldest Bridgerton sibling Anthony (Jonathan Bailer) tie the knot with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), and third Bridgerton son Colin’s (Luke Newton) passionate affair with the true author of Lady Whistledown, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan).

Discussing how the current series is paving the way for her own season, Claudia shared with RadioTimes.com: “Eloise is desperately trying to find her way of doing it, right? That’s what I’ve always been excited to be able to one day do, is to show love or romance or whatever her journey is in the most Eloise way possible. I think she’s just trying to find out her way of doing it.”

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She further added: “That’s what I think the set-up is until ultimately we see what her way of doing it is, her version of it. I’m buzzing to one day do it. I love this show with my whole heart.”

Discussing the future of her character, she previously shared with Netflix Tudum: “I like the idea of her becoming political. Obviously, romance is a very important part of the show, but out of all of the characters, Eloise is the one you’d like to see go a slightly different route. Because we see it in Season 2 where she’s meeting different people in different parts of society and reading new things, so I’d like to see that continue. Right now, she’s young and she’s just taking everything in. But I’d like her to have a really clear purpose, something that she really desires.”

Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.

HARRY STYLES appears to have chosen the fashion designer he’ll be championing on his new tour.

I’m told the Aperture singer’s love affair with Gucci is over, after his pal and the brand’s lead designer Alessandro Michele left.

He has turned to Jonathan Anderson, the creative director of Dior.

A source said: “Harry wore a £3,800 jacket from Dior at the Grammys.

“He absolutely loves Jonathan’s designs and will be wearing them on the tour.

“Before, he was all about Gucci because of Alessandro, and wore so many of his looks during his Love On Tour shows. But now it’s all about Dior.

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“Fans can expect Harry to be wearing their clobber when he kicks off his run of shows on the Together, Together tour.”

Harry and Jonathan previously teamed up for a capsule clothing line in 2024.

I’ve no doubt Harry will be pulling out all the stops.

And given the name of his new album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, I’m expecting sequins and flares galore.

JACK ON OFFENSIVE AT BRITS

JACK WHITEHALL will be disappointed if celebs don’t get offended by his jokes at the Brit Awards.

He is returning to host the ceremony for a sixth time and has promised to have a good laugh at celebs’ expense.

Jack said: “ I used to think more about upsetting people, or people taking issue with some of the jokes.

“Now, I’d be disappointed if they didn’t take any offence and if everyone went, ‘Oh yeah, your hosting was great. We loved all of it’.

“If that happened, I would think, ‘Oh, I failed’.”

As for his pre-show routine ahead of the ceremony at Manchester’s Co-op Live on February 28, he said: “I lock myself in a toilet, and try to hide from all of the people banging down the dressing room door trying to get me to change lines from my monologue, or tweak introductions.”

CARDI B sparked speculation that she has split from American footballer Stefon Diggs – after they unfollowed each other on Instagram.

And it could be a double heartbreak for Stefon, who Cardi had a baby with last year.

His team the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl against Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night.

MARGOT GETS FINE WUTHER

MARGOT ROBBIE dodged the notorious wild and windy moorland weather when shooting Wuthering Heights in Yorkshire.

In fact, she found quite the opposite – and got a tan.

The Aussie actress, who appears opposite Jacob Elordi, said she was peeved that the weather was too pleasant while filming there last spring.

Margot admitted: “It was very sunny and warm, which is exactly what we didn’t need.

“We went out there for the mist and the rain and the blustery weather.

“But it was unseasonably warm – blue skies every day for two weeks straight.

“We were like, ‘We came here for misery’.

“Instead, we had a summer holiday.

“I honestly went and got a tan.

“We had to lighten my make-up because I was looking more tanned than I had for the rest of the movie.”

But she still soaked up the local culture, and told Greg James on his Radio 1 show they headed to the pub after filming each day.

Scary’s top of the spots

MEL B proves she’s still Scary at heart – by dressing head to toe in leopard print.

Alongside this photo on Instagram, she wrote: “Trying to figure out if I can fit any more leopard print in my outfit.”

Showing her support for the look, Spice Girls bandmate Emma Bunton said: “Gorgeous.”

Mel missed a Spice Girls reunion at Emma’s birthday last month, and wasn’t there for the video which Cruz Beckham shared last week of the other four members singing together.

Despite missing the previous meet-ups, I’m told Mel is keen to get back together with Emma, Mel C, Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell-Horner.

But with their 30th anniversary in June rapidly approaching, they had better pull their fingers out.

Maura on show in States

LOVE Island’s Maura Higgins is a sheer delight as she attends a Sports Illustrated party in the US.

Keen to impress her new fans in the States, the outspoken presenter wowed in a semi see-through dress.

Lucky Maura was flown out to California by Primark to attend the Super Bowl.

But one event she might not be in a hurry to attend is this year’s Brit Awards.

After one too many last year, she found herself locking lips with married McFly musician Danny Jones.

Best behaviour this year then Maura?

It only takes three decades, girl

ROBBIE WILLIAMS invited a Take That superfan on stage at his latest gig – after she went viral in the band’s new Netflix series.

A clip features then 14-year-old Jemma Williamson who screamed her phone number out to cameras in the hope it would be passed to Robbie, after she failed to get into a signing event by the It Only Takes A Minute band.

Three decades on, teacher Jemma got her wish to meet him when she was invited on stage in Wolverhampton on Monday.

Who said dreams don’t come true?