The five-part thriller is inspired by the real-life story of two children abducted by their father after discovering his wife’s infidelity.
This sets off a relentless quest by a mother to reclaim her son and daughter, aided by an ex-Mossad agent who has become a private investigator.
The conflict intensifies – not only between Leo and Valeria – but also within their influential families as Isaac and Tamara are whisked away to different parts of Europe to keep them from their mother.
The drama draws inspiration from Tamara Trottner’s 2020 memoir No One Saw Us Leave, or its Spanish title Nadie nos vio partir, in which she narrates how she and her brother Isaac were taken during the 1960s.
The narrative provides a glimpse into the Jewish-Mexican community of that era, according to Netflix’s Tudum, as Tamara’s mother faced condemnation from the tight-knit community.
Many viewers are curious about the cast – here’s where you might have seen the actors before.
Heading the cast is actress Tessa la, portraying the desperate mother Valeria Goldberg.
The star is renowned for her roles in Narcos: Mexico, Unstoppable, The House of Flowers: The Movie, and Something Blue.
As per IMDb, she’s next set to appear in TV shows La Banda, Yellow, and De brutas, nada.
Leo Saltzman – Emiliano Zurita
Actor and producer Emiliano Zurita takes on the role of Leo Saltzman, a father pressured by his parents to take his children away from Valeria.
Zurita has previously appeared in TV series such as Zorro, Dance of the 41, Natural Born Narco, and The Head of Joaquin Murrieta.
Samuel Saltzman – Juan Manuel Bernal
Juan Manuel Bernal portrays Samuel Saltzman, with previous credits including Lazos de amor, Confessions, Perfect Obedience, The Blue Room, Monarca, and he also starred in The Head of Joaquin Murrieta alongside Zurita.
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
Carlos – Gustavo Bassani
Gustavo Bassani plays Carlos, Valeria’s lover whom she ultimately leaves her husband Leo for.
Bassani’s past roles include appearances in Transmitzvah, Yosi, the Regretful Spy, Maledictions and Papeles.
Elías – Ari Brickman
Ari Brickman, an actor, director, composer and writer, takes on the role of Elías. He has had roles in Like Water for Chocolate, Nora’s Will, Technoboys, All That Is Invisible Más alla de ti, and directed several episodes of Netflix’s sci-fi epic Sense8.
Isaac Saltzman – Alexander Varela
Child star Alexander Varela plays Isaac Saltzman, Leo and Valeria’s son. His previous roles include parts in Luis Miguel: The Series and Who Killed Him?, but No One Saw Us Leave is his most significant project to date.
Tamara Saltzman – Marion Siro
Marion Siro, another child star, plays Tamara Saltzman, who is taken along with her brother.
The cast also includes Flavio Medina, Juan Manuel Bernal, Caro Darman and Natasha Dupeyrón.
For those who know of the spectacle that is Juan Gabriel there is no explanation necessary, for those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.
A new Netflix docuseries attempts to capture the magic of the frequently bedazzled genre- and gender-defying showmanship of “El Divo de Juárez,” who died at 66 of natural causes in 2016, while also investigating the internality of the man behind Gabriel — Alberto Aguilera Valadez.
Juan Gabriel was known for his epic stage performances, where he was often accompanied by an orchestra, dancers and dozens of mariachis dressed in tight jackets and sombreros, while belting out such hits as “Hasta Que Te Conocí,” “El Noa Noa” and “Amor Eterno.”
His colorful outfits and flamboyant dance moves drew speculation about his sexuality, but he famously preferred to remain coy on the issue and to this day remains a queer icon throughout the Latin American world.
“Juan Gabriel: I Must, I Can, I Will,” which premieres Oct. 30, utilizes a goldmine of hundreds of thousands of personal and never-before-seen voice recordings, photos and videos of one of Mexico’s most revered singer-songwriters, giving audiences a holistic look at the pain, joy, contradictions, artistry and genius that informed Gabriel’s worldview and perception of himself.
The project is director María José Cuevas’ second production with the streaming giant — her 2023 documentary feature “The Lady of Silence: The Mataviejitas Murders” recounted the story of famous Mexican serial killer Juana Barraza, who was sentenced to 759 years in prison for killing 16 elderly women and the suspected killing of dozens more.
Cuevas’ implementation of the juxtaposed duality of Juan Gabriel and Alberto Aguilera Valadez was inspired by his insistence that the two entities were distinct yet symbiotic, as was shown in a 2014 filmed self-interview the singer conducted.
“In order to understand the greatness of Juan Gabriel, I had to know Alberto. He always played with that duality,” she said. “From a very young age he would say in interviews that he invented Juan Gabriel to shield Alberto, he invented an idol in order to protect his private identity.”
In an interview with The Times, Cuevas spoke about her personal connection to the famed singer, the overwhelming archives she had access to and the ways in which Juan Gabriel united and continues to unite people to this day.
This interview was translated and edited for length.
What was your relationship to Juan Gabriel before taking on the task of directing this documentary?
I remember clearly turning on the TV [when I was young] and seeing video clips of Juan Gabriel with his red sweater and white jeans. I later had the opportunity to go to his first performance at the Palacios de Bellas Artes in 1990 with my parents. One is accustomed to going to Bellas Artes for opera, ballet, classical music and the concert began with that formal tone, but there reached a moment where audience members couldn’t keep up the facade of elegance and everyone let their hair down.
For me that moment was incredibly revelatory, I finally noticed that he was a whirlwind in every sense of the word. I didn’t realize at the time that I was present at a such an important cultural milestone. When I watched it in retrospect, from all the camera angles we were privy to for this documentary, I got goosebumps and I wish I could go back to being 18 years old and experience it with the intensity that I have for his music now.
I think that Juan Gabriel always transports us to something personal, but also to something collective. In Mexico, Juan Gabriel’s death was a very collective experience. You would go out into the street and you would hear his music in cars, the corner store, coming out of neighbors’ houses.
How did you gain access to the vast collection of archived materials that are present in the documentary?
That’s really the treasure of the project. Juan Gabriel’s story has already been told, but what makes this project unique is that it’s a story told by [the recordings and photos] he left behind. One of the first things he did after reaching success wasn’t just to buy his mom a house, but also to buy himself a Super 8 camera. From then on he picked up the habit of recording his everyday activities as Alberto Aguilera and later on he always had a camera following around as Juan Gabriel.
From our first meetings with Netflix, I figured we should ask Gabriel’s family if they had anything to share with us. I thought maybe it would be a photo album that was laying around, maybe a box of memorabilia or a few cassettes. So it was to our great surprises when they sent us over a photo of a warehouse with shelves full of every different kind of film. It was crazy. And that’s when I remembered that Juan Gabriel’s close friend and actor Isela Vega was helping him catalog all of his videography.
I never imagined that within those videos that we’d find the public persona of Juan Gabriel and the private persona of Alberto Aguilera. Another elucidating moment was that Juan Gabriel reached a moment where he became conscious of the level of his celebrity and that it wasn’t a coincidence that he recorded most of his life. And there reached a moment where I realized he saved all these recordings so that one day people could revisit all his saved materials and they could reconstruct his personal story through what he left behind.
There’s a moment in the documentary where we’re at one of his concerts and there are men of all orientations in the crowd that are asking JuanGa to marry them. That seemed particularly powerful to me because in that moment the veil of machismo seemed to fall.
Yeah, I think an important part of making this portrait of Juan Gabriel was understanding the context of Mexico in the ‘80s. It was very conservative, very machista and then all of a sudden this guy drops in with all this talent and charisma and he says, “Here I come, get out of the way because I’m gonna conquer everyone.” And that wasn’t so simple at that time. He showed his greatness at any and every stage he was put on. He was able to win over people in every social class in a very elitist Mexico. He won over everyone from the most macho man to women.
Even greater than the achievement that was his performance at Bellas Artes were his performances in palenques when he was young. Palenques being these circular stages where you can’t hide because you’re standing right in the middle of everything. And he would take the stage late at night when everyone was already drunk and they were audiences that were, in general, very machista.
Suddenly a very young Juan Gabriel would appear to perform rancheras. I always say he was a provocateur, but also a seducer because of his ability to win over a crowd. There were audiences that would yell derogatory things at him and that’s when he’d really play with the audience.
It feels almost impossible not to be moved by the music as you watch your documentary.
He’s really magnificent. I remember throughout the whole process of making the doc and I was watching the intimate home videos of Alberto Aguilera and it really reminded me that Juan Gabriel was a human like everyone else [not just this grand entertainer]. I’d put any concert of his and I was bowing at the altar of a star. It’s amazing what a powerful character he was up on that stage.
And how have you seen JuanGa’s legacy represent something very specific in the U.S.?
For Latinos in the U.S. he’s such an important figure because his work pulls people back to their roots. One of his greatest accomplishments as a performer was when he filled the Rose Bowl in 1993. In that moment he showed his influence and strength within the Latino world. He’s absolutely one of the key figures in Latin music.
THEY say an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – and in the case of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter it could hardly be more appropriate.
Yesterday we revealed Apple Martin’s first photoshoot, posing with a python in an ad campaign for fashion brand Self-Portrait.
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Apple Martin’s recent fashion roles have fuelled accusations she could be this year’s Ultimate Nepo BabyCredit: Gap Studio/Mario SorrentiShe recently collaborated with her famous mum Gwyneth Paltrow for a high profile Gap shootCredit: Mario Sorrenti / Gap / BEEMApple with her famous dad, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin
And last week saw her collaboration with her mum for a high-profile Gap shoot.
But the 21-year-old model, singer and socialite insists we should all forget the nepo baby label — because it’s all thanks to her parents “instilling a work mentality in her”.
“I should not be entitled to anything, I have to work,” she said in a recent interview.
But what Apple means by “work” is raising a few eyebrows in the world of showbiz.
Singing on records by her dad’s band Coldplay, cameos in her mum’s Netflix documentaries, and even a movie role — despite having zero acting experience — are only fuelling accusations that she could well be this year’s ultimate nepo baby, or the child whose success is seen as resulting from their parents’ connections.
A showbiz insider said: “Apple has all the qualities to be the new It girl.
“She’s got girl-next-door looks and has a sweet and innocent demeanour, but deep down she has a wild side.
“She’s sure to ruffle a few feathers as she makes her way in the modeling world.
“And whether she likes it or not, she’s definitely one of the nepos to watch.”
But showing she is not afraid to hit back at the naysayers, the fiery model said: “I constantly remind myself how grateful I am to have these opportunities. I know this is not a normal way to grow up, by any means.
“But my parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything.”
Apple claims she always wanted to be a model, recalling how she “did run runway walks” in her bedroom while dressed for school, practising her version of Ben Stiller’s Blue Steel pose from the film Zoolander.
She said: “I’ve always been obsessed with fashion. I remember when my mum would do fittings for photoshoots when I was younger, I’d love to just hang out while she was getting her make-up done on set.”
My parents did a really good job of instilling in me that I shouldn’t be entitled to anything
Apple Martin
Given that dad Chris is the super-clean frontman of the world’s most inoffensive band, Apple’s personality — as well as her looks — is perhaps more aligned with her Hollywood-star mum, who knows all too well about divisive images.
Gwyneth — herself the nepo baby of film director Bruce Paltrow and actress Blythe Danner — was a self-confessed party girl in the Nineties and famously bragged about loving the buzz of “doing cocaine and not getting caught” during her twenties in New York.
It’s yet to be seen how Apple gets her kicks on a night out, but her parties have certainly gained quite a reputation after police were forced to shut down one particularly raucous bash in 2022 with 50 of her pals at Gwyneth’s estate in the Hamptons — the affluent seaside resort on New York’s Long Island.
Apple insists her parents have ‘instilled a work mentality’ in herCredit: The Mega AgencyApple with mum Gwyneth Paltrow in 2016Credit: gwynethpaltrow/instagramApple’s first photoshoot was for a new Self Portrait fashion campaignCredit: Ryan McGinley
Mum was out of town at the time but according to neighbours, the revellers were “partying like rock stars” and made so much noise, angry locals had no choice but to call the cops.
Apple reportedly ended up receiving a fine for hosting a gathering without a permit. Her parents have a combined worth of £320million, so it’s unlikely she would have struggled to pay it.
Apple, who was born in London, was educated in California, attending the £30,000-a-year Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, where she graduated in 2022.
She is now studying English and history at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Her taste for fashion has been evident since she got a job in a clothes shop aged 15.
I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world
Apple Martin
She attended her first runway show in 2023, sitting front row at the Chanel Haute Couture show in Paris, and said afterwards she was developing her own style, a mix of “classic ’90s and cool grandpa”.
Apart from brief appearances in her mum’s Netflix shows and Instagram pictures, as well as singing on Coldplay songs — including 2021 single Higher Power — Apple has only entered the limelight in the last few years, when signs of her personality have begun to shine through.
In April this year she gave a bolshy take on growing up in the public eye for high-end fashion mag Interview — where she worked as an intern — in which she admitted she used to be “anxious about making mistakes”.
She added that she had been put off showbiz because “I don’t think we need another celebrity child in the world.”
She continued: “I just try to do what feels right and block out anything regarding me in the news to the best of my ability.
“And I’m getting a lot better at being like, ‘F*** it’. I’m not going to be scared. I just want to do what seems fun and figure my life out.”
But Apple’s steely approach was put to the test last year when she made her debut at the high-society Le Bal des Débutantes — a modern version of the old debutante ball — in Paris.
The bash at the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La was supposed to signal her arrival, in a stunning Valentino gown, as a new Hollywood power player.
But instead Apple suffered an online backlash after she was accused of deliberately photobombing a fellow guest and forcing her out of the frame, then pouting and posing for several photos.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin with their children Apple and Moses
After the footage went viral, social media users branded her “obnoxious”, “entitled” and “giving Regina George” — a reference to the notorious queen bee in the 2004 movie Mean Girls.
But rather than give a mature response, Apple instead poked fun at the situation, posting a video on TikTok with a pal jokingly stating that they are both “a delight” and “very funny” — which only served to earn her the nickname “Rotten Apple”.
Gwyneth was also at the ball with ex-husband Chris and Apple’s 19-year-old brother Moses, who is the lead singer in up-and-coming band Dancer.
She has previously admitted that despite Apple’s recent claims that her parents don’t want her to be “entitled”, there is little doubt that she is — but Gwyneth sees it as positive.
Talking about Apple and her pals, she said: “They have, and I mean this word in the best possible way, a sense of entitlement that’s beautiful.
“It’s not spoiled . . . I find it very uplifting and heartening that we all seem to be going in this direction together.”
Even so, Gwyneth knows Apple’s spiky side too, having received a ticking off from her for posting a snap of her on Instagram when she was 14.
Apple commented under Gwyneth’s post, ranting: “Mom we have discussed this. You may not post anything without my consent.”
Sassy response
She later deleted the remark after her mum replied: “You can’t even see your face.”
Apple also gave a sassy response when her mum posted a picture of herself making breakfast while topless, writing: “Did I steal your shirt by accident”.
And she also ripped into Gwyneth’s morning routine while trolling the TikTok account of her lifestyle brand Goop, saying: “She eats nothing except for dates and almond butter,” adding that Gwyneth had been on a cleanse “since the day I was born, apparently”.
But when asked how she stays grounded, Apple said: “Hanging out with my friends and trying to have a normal college experience makes me feel more normal.
“That’s how I like to unwind. We’ll sit down and do little guitar playing sessions, one person will play and the others will sing.
“I also love watching reality TV with my friends. There was one day we spent five hours on the couch and just watched old episodes of America’s Next Top Model.”
Normal? Or nepo? You decide.
Apple made her debut at the high society Le Bal des Débutantes in ParisCredit: tiktok/@parismatch
Spotify video podcasts are coming to Netflix, further diversifying the types of content on the Los Gatos, Calif.-based streaming service beyond movies, TV shows and games.
The move reflects how many people are consuming their podcasts not just by listening, but by watching the podcasters conduct their discussions on video.
Roughly 70% of podcast listeners prefer their shows with video, according to a Cumulus Media study. Netflix and Spotify said the partnership will bring podcasts to Netflix that complement the streamer’s “existing programming and unlocks new audiences and wider distribution for the shows.”
There will be 16 Spotify video podcasts initially on Netflix in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans to include other markets, the companies said. Those video podcasts include sports programs like “The Bill Simmons Podcast” and “The Ringer Fantasy Football Show,” culture/lifestyle podcasts like “The Dave Chang Show” and “The Recipe Club” as well as true-crime programs like “Serial Killers.”
“At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch,” said Lauren Smith, the streamer’s vice president of content licensing and programming strategy.
Roman Wasenmüller, vice president and head of podcasts at Spotify, said this partnership helps creators reach new audiences and unlocks “a completely new distribution opportunity.”
Spotify began offering video podcasts on its platform about five years ago, offering an option to its podcasters who had previously been posting videos of their audio programs on YouTube.
Last year, the Swedish audio company unveiled new features that make it easier for creators to earn money from their video content and track their performance on the streaming service.
Netflix has also been diversifying the types of content it offers on its streaming service. Last week, Netflix unveiled a slate of games, such as versions of Boggle and Pictionary, that can be played on TV and are included with its streaming subscription.
Pay TV providers have a new message for consumers: Your ex wants you back.
While the media industry watches the once massive number of subscribers to cable and satellite services diminish like a slow-melting iceberg as audiences move to streaming, the companies are aggressively developing ways to slow the trend and perhaps win some business back.
Spectrum and DirecTV have both recently held fancy press events in New York to tout their efforts to offer a more consumer-friendly experience and services that add value for the still substantial number of customers they serve. Giving consumers more choice and flexibility is their new mantra.
The latest evidence of this emerged last week when Spectrum introduced an app store, where customers can get subscriptions to the streaming platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, AMC+ and ESPN, and access them alongside the broadcast and cable channels that still carry the bulk of high-profile sports and live events.
The Stamford, Conn.-based company’s 31 million subscribers can now get ad-supported streaming apps as part of their TV packages, which would otherwise cost an additional $125 a month. Ad-free versions are also offered at a discounted price.
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Over the last year, El Segundo-based DirecTV rolled out smaller packages of channels aimed at consumers who no longer want a big monthly bill for the panoply of networks that have accumulated in the pay TV bundle over the years. The satellite TV service now offers smaller “genre packages” of channels and streaming apps that cater to a particular interest available at a lower price — designed for news junkies, sports fans, kids and Spanish-language speakers. There is one for entertainment channels as well.
There are early indications consumers are responding. In the second quarter of this year, Spectrum reported a loss of 80,000 cable customers due to cord-cutting, a significant decline from the same period in 2024, when 408,000 homes ditched cable.
DirecTV does not disclose its subscriber numbers, but Vincent Torres, the company’s chief marketing officer, said the smaller and more bespoke channel packages are drawing younger consumers who have bypassed pay TV subscriptions up to now.
For Spectrum, the deal to get the Disney apps came out of an ugly carriage dispute in August 2023 that for 12 days left customers without programming, including the U.S. Open tennis tournament and the start of the college football season. The standoff followed comments by Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger that taking the company’s program services directly to the consumer and bypassing its traditional pay TV partners was inevitable.
Spectrum CEO Chris Winfrey suggested his company could get out of the video distribution business and stick to selling its far more profitable broadband internet services.
The dispute was a sharp example of the pressure on cable providers that have been asked to pay more to carry the channels from Disney and other media conglomerates as they feel the pressure of rising programming costs and sports rights fees. The costs are passed along to customers who are paying more for content that is available on streaming services. Spectrum insisted on a deal that made Disney’s streaming apps available to its customers at no additional cost.
The tensions subsided and, in June, Spectrum reopened and extended its contract with Disney before it was up — a rarity in the contentious arena of carriage negotiations that lead to channel blackouts.
DirecTV’s slimmer cable packages came after a similarly bruising dispute with Disney last September, with customers losing access to the channels for 13 days.
But there was a new spirit of unity on stage at Spectrum headquarters, where ESPN Chair Jimmy Pitaro, the architect of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer strategy, was among the guest speakers.
Although Pitaro has long hammered away at how ESPN needs to be accessible to sports fans wherever they are, he touted the value of the cable subscription and described the relationship with Spectrum as “the best it has ever been.”
Spectrum customers already get ESPN channels through their cable subscription, but adding the direct-to-consumer app allows them access to its features such as enhanced real-time stats during live games and a personalized “SportsCenter” that uses AI to create a custom highlight show for users.
Spectrum has enlisted the networks it carries to make promotional spots touting its new services. Speaking at the Spectrum event, Winfrey acknowledged it will take some time for consumers to get used to the idea of getting more from their cable provider at no additional cost.
“Our No. 1 issue is — and this may shock you — but customers don’t trust the cable company,” Winfrey said. “Maybe with good reason. For how many decades did the cable industry go out and say HBO is included for free? And it was for three months and then, $10 would show up on your bill. We’ve conditioned people to think it’s a free trial period.”
Torres notes that more consumers are experiencing what he calls “content rage” as the prices of individual streaming services such as Peacock and Disney+ continue to rise. As programming gets sliced and diced for the growing number of services, consumers are finding that more than one subscription is necessary, especially for fans of the NFL or NBA, which have spread their games over several services.
“You see a growing frustration that ‘I can never find what I want to find when I want to watch it,” Torres said. “The fragmentation of the content is creating customer dissatisfaction. They can’t always find what they’re looking for.”
Along with its slimmer channel packages, DirectTV recently introduced a new internet-connected device called Gemini that combines streaming apps with traditional TV channels.
Pay TV companies are also offering voice-controlled remotes to help consumers find what they want to watch, whether on streaming or a traditional channel.
Executives say more enhanced viewing experiences are coming to keep the pay TV customer connected.
Starting this season, Spectrum’s SportsNet channel will be offering its Los Angeles customers several Lakers games in an immersive video format that can be streamed through an Apple Vision Pro device. The technology will give users a courtside view of the game at Crypto.com Arena. All that’s missing is a seat next to Jack Nicholson, but as AI advances, who knows?
Stuff We Wrote
Film shoots
Number of the week
Disney’s sci-fi sequel “Tron: Ares” got off to a weak start, opening with just $33.5 million in North American theaters.
The results were well below 2010’s “Tron: Legacy,” which opened to $44 million. The production budget for “Tron: Ares” was reportedly $180 million.
Still, Disney does have two potential box office hits later this year with “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and animated sequel “Zootopia 2.”
Finally …
Stacy Perman’s deeply reported piece on fake collectible movie props is a must read. Bonus points for an appearance by notorious movie and TV executive Jim Aubrey, known as “The Smiling Cobra.”
Dearest gentle reader, Lady Whistledown — voiced by Julie Andrews — is back.
Netflix released a trailer for the fourth season of “Bridgerton” on Monday, and the Ton’s resident gossip columnist promised to have all the delightful details. The teaser also revealed that the next chapter of the Regency-era romance will be released in two parts on Jan. 29 and Feb. 26.
The eight-episode season will follow Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) fairy tale-inspired romance. The beloved second-eldest sibling of the Bridgerton brood is is known for being commitment averse and uninterested in marriage, but, if the trailer is to be trusted, it seems a masked mystery woman he brushes past on a staircase might change that.
“With each passing season, one is known to experience plenty of ups and downs,” Whistledown says in the teaser footage. “So then we must ask ourselves, do we rise to the occasion? As always, time — and this author — will tell.”
Unbeknownst to Benedict, the mystery woman, also known as the Lady in Silver, is Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). According to Netflix’s in-house blog Tudum, the staircase encounter featured in the trailer is the first time the pair cross paths during Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball.
Benedict and Sophie’s romance is based on the events in “An Offer From a Gentleman,” the third book in Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” book series. Much like the wicked matriarch in “Cinderella,” Sophie’s stepmother (Katie Leung) is more concerned about her two daughters’ (Michelle Mao, Isabella Wei) societal debut and marriage prospects than whatever her stepdaughter is getting up to.
“Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell previously told The Times that Benedict’s character arc “has a lot to do with being someone who is learning how to exist between society and and being unconventional.”
“Benedict [is] trying to figure out what his place is in the world and how to circumvent certain rules, which is something Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) [taught] him [in Season 3],” she said last year. “I think we will continue telling the story of his [sexual] fluidity going forward.”
The brief “Bridgerton” Season 4 teaser focuses solely on Benedict and Sophie. Those interested in updates about the state of Penelope’s writing career or what Francesca, John and Michaela Stirling have been up to since the end of the third season will have to keep waiting.
Paramount, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison and his family, has officially opened the bidding for rival Warner Bros. Discovery — a potential massive merger that would dramatically change Hollywood.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s board rejected Paramount’s initial bid of about $20 a share, but talks are continuing, according to two people close to the companies who were not authorized to speak publicly.
One of the knowledgeable sources said Paramount was preparing a second bid.
Warner Bros. Discovery owns HBO, CNN, TBS, Food Network, HGTV and the prolific Warner Bros. movie and television studio in Burbank.
Ellison, one of the world’s richest men, is committed to helping his 42-year-old son, David, pull off the industry-reshaping acquisition and has agreed to help finance the bid, two people close to the situation said.
The younger Ellison, who entered the movie business 15 years ago by launching his Skydance Media production company, was catapulted into the major leagues this summer with the Ellison family’s purchase of Paramount’s controlling stake.
Since then, David Ellison and his team have made bold moves to help Paramount shake more than a decade of doldrums. Buying Warner Bros. Discovery would be their most audacious move yet. The merger would lead to the elimination of one of the original Hollywood film studios, and could see the consolidation of CNN with Paramount-owned CBS News.
Representatives for Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.
Industry veterans were stunned by the speed of Paramount’s play for Warner Bros. Discovery, noting that top executives had begun working on the bid even as they were putting finishing touches on the Paramount takeover.
One of Paramount’s top executives is a former Goldman Sachs banker, Andy Gordon, who was a ranking member of RedBird Capital Partners, the private equity firm that has teamed up with the Ellisons and has a significant stake in Paramount.
Paramount’s interest prompted stocks of both companies to soar, driving up the market value for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Paramount’s offer of $20 a share for Warner Bros. Discovery was less than what some analysts and sources believe the company’s parts are worth, leading the Warner Bros. Discovery board to rebuff the offer, sources said.
But many believe that Paramount needs more content to better compete in a landscape that’s dominated by tech giants such as Netflix and Amazon.
Paramount has reason to move quickly.
Warner Bros. Discovery had previously announced that it was planning to divide its assets into two companies by next April. One company, Warner Bros., would be made up of HBO, the HBO Max streaming service and the Burbank-based movie and television studios. Current Chief Executive David Zaslav would run that enterprise.
The other arm would be called Discovery Global and consist of the linear cable television channels, which have seen their fortunes fall with consumers’ shift to streaming.
The Paramount bid was seen as an attempt to slip in under the wire because other large companies, including Amazon, Apple and Netflix, may have been interested in buying the studios, streaming service and leafy studio lot in Burbank.
However, Netflix’s co-chief executive Greg Peters appeared to downplay Netflix’s interest during an appearance last week at the Bloomberg Screentime media conference. “We come from a deep heritage of being builders rather than buyers,” Peters said.
Some analysts believe Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery could ultimately prevail because Zaslav and his team have made huge cuts during the past three years to get the various businesses profitable after buying the company from AT&T, which left the company burdened with a heavy debt load. The company has paid down billions of dollars of debt, but still carries nearly $35 billion of debt on its books.
Others point to Warner Bros.’ recent successes at the box office as evidence that Paramount is offering too little.
Despite the tumult at the corporate level, Warner Bros.’ film studio has had a successful year. Its fortunes turned around in April with the release of “A Minecraft Movie,” which grossed nearly $958 million worldwide, followed by a string of hits including Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” James Gunn’s “Superman” and horror flick “Weapons.”
Last week at Bloomberg’s Screentime media conference, Ellison declined to comment on Paramount’s pursuit of Warner Bros. or even whether his company had already made a bid. But he did touch briefly on consolidation in Hollywood, saying, “Ironically, it was David Zaslav last year who said that consolidation in the media business is important.”
“There are a lot of options out there,” he added, but declined to elaborate.
After news of Paramount’s interest surfaced, Warner Bros. Discovery‘s stock jumped more than 30%. It climbed as much as $20 a share, but closed Friday at $17.10, down 3.2%.
Paramount also has seen its stock surge by about 12%. Shares finished Friday at $17, down 5.4%
Warner Bros. Discovery is now valued at $42 billion. Paramount is considerably smaller, worth about $18.5 billion.
Viewers can’t stop talking about the new series on Netflix with some saying it’s the ‘best’ in a long time
Helen Kelly Head of Screen Time
22:31, 11 Oct 2025
The ensemble go through boot camp forming alliances and unlikely bonds
The Netflix series fans can’t stop raving about is set in the tough, unpredictable world of the 1990s US Marine Corp, when being gay in the military was still illegal.
It follows Cameron Cope (played by Miles Heizer ) – who is keeping his sexuality hidden – and his best friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), the son of a decorated Marine, as they join a diverse group of recruits.
The ensemble go through boot camp forming alliances and unlikely bonds as they are pushed to the limits.
Boots is an eight-part comedy drama that focuses on friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world.
The series may have only been out for a matter of days but it’s already in the number seven spot on Netflix.
One viewer reviewed: “Boots on Netflix??? I’m OBSESSED. The best show in a while.”
While another added: “Boots on Netflix is phenomenal. Binged it in one day, and couldn’t stop. Max Parker absolutely *crushed* it as Sullivan and I’d watch an entire season just about his journey.”
A third begged for more episodes, writing: “I binged the entirety of Boots today on Netflix. Absolutely in love. It’s like Orange is the New Black, but 90’s military. I need season 2 nowwww.”
Another continued: “If you’re looking for something to watch this weekend, I highly recommend Boots on @Netflix, starring the wonderful actor Miles Hezier. I unashamedly binged all episodes in one sitting.#Boots.”
Someone else shared: “I just finished #boots and I LOVED IT <3 so fun but also dramatic and the characters are interesting! I think it’s not gonna get renewed but i hope i’m wrong!!”
Thankfully, the cast are hopeful the series will be renewed. Speaking to Radio Times, lead actor Miles shared: “It would be interesting to see him navigating that, especially in this military world.
“That would be cool. But like Max said, there’s so many different directions and so many things I would love to see. But just for fun, I’d like to see a little romance.”
Co-star Liam added: “He ends the season in this interesting spot of really questioning the path that he’s been on for the first time since he was a kid.
“I would like to see him continue to interrogate the choices that he’s made in his life, or the choices that he hasn’t made, that have been made for him by his father, by this sense of duty that he has.”
Victoria Beckham’s Netflix documentary has given fans a look at her life and career, including her mentor Roland Mouret.
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Victoria Beckham on Netflix.
Netflix’s Victoria Beckham documentary is now available to stream, but who exactly is Roland Mouret?
The three-part Netflix docu-series offers viewers an intimate glimpse into Victoria Beckham’s professional and personal journey, with considerable emphasis on her transition into the fashion world.
Years after feeling uncertain about her next move following the Spice Girls’ split, Victoria chose to pursue her passion for fashion and sought guidance from French designer Roland Mouret.
In the Netflix programme, he revealed: “To make the dream become reality, we have to kill the WAG”, alluding to the 51 year old shedding her footballers’ wives persona.
She continues by stating that Roland “saw something and believed in me”, prompting fans to discover more about the designer who guided Victoria Beckham.
Who is Roland Mouret?
French designer Roland Mouret didn’t enjoy the most promising beginning as he abandoned fashion college after merely three months.
However, he subsequently worked as both a model and stylist in Paris after allegedly being discovered in a nightclub and recruited by Jean Paul Gaultier to style his debut menswear presentation.
He relocated to London in his thirties and established a café before securing financial support to become the creative director of People Corporation, a range influenced by his café’s patrons.
But when his funding was pulled, Roland took the bold step of launching his own label, which he successfully showcased at London Fashion Week.
Over time, his designs have graced the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and, naturally, Victoria Beckham.
He and the ex-Spice Girl became acquainted through their mutual manager Simon Fuller, famed for creating American Idol, Pop Idol and managing the iconic 90s girl band.
As revealed in the Netflix series, Victoria felt she wouldn’t be taken seriously by the fashion industry and sought Roland’s expertise to teach her the basics of fashion design.
She confessed: “Roland saw something, I don’t know what, but we connected, and he believed in me.
“He was very very honest, and he was really tough. He didn’t care if I liked what he said or not; he just said it.”
She added: “He really challenged me. I don’t sketch, but I did start by draping on myself.
“I remember standing there in the mirror, in my underwear, with Roland and just bits of fabric.
“And he just kept saying, ‘perfect the dress.’ He gave me the tools that I needed to create.”
Victoria then launched her first collection of 10 dresses, but whispers circulated that they were actually designed by Roland.
Both Victoria and Roland challenge this in the Netflix documentary, with a Beckham representative at the time clarifying that he had introduced her to his pattern cutter, fabric suppliers and seamstress atelier, which could explain any similarities with his own work.
Victoria Beckham is available to watch on Netflix.
Netflix drama military drama Boots is based on the true story of gay Marine Greg Cope White
13:37, 09 Oct 2025Updated 13:42, 09 Oct 2025
Boots, a military drama on Netflix, follows the journey of gay teenager Cameron Cope (portrayed by Miles Heizer) as he enlists in the Marines corps alongside his best mate, despite the inherent dangers.
The series is set in the harsh environment of the 1990s US Marine Corps, a time when homosexuality was still outlawed in the military. It traces the lives of Cameron and Ray McAffey (played by Liam Oh), the offspring of a decorated Marine, as they become part of a diverse group of recruits.
Together, they form unexpected friendships and discover their true identities while being pushed to their limits.
Netflix commented: “With sharp wit and plenty of heart, Boots is about friendship, resilience, and finding your place in the world – even when that world seems determined to keep you in line or leave you behind.”
Greg Cope White, a former sergeant in the US Marine Corps, served as a writer and executive producer for the series.
He is an ardent advocate for LGBTQ+ and veteran rights, and has appeared in the PBS docuseries American Veteran and published work in the military journal Zero Dark Thirty.
Reflecting on his journey from his days in the Marine Corps, he posted on Instagram: “At 18, I illegally enlisted in the Marine Corps to find my place as a gay man in the masculine world.
“The book honours my lifelong best friend Dale, who got me through a chaotic childhood, and the Marines who took a chance on me and changed my life.
“And to send a message to others who are bullied: Bullies don’t matter. You do. Hold on.”
Greg completed six years of service with the Marines, achieving the rank of Sergeant, before relocating to New York City to pursue studies in acting and writing.
He eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he secured his breakthrough in writing through employment with Norman Lear.
The Pink Marine website details how joining the Marines represented Greg’s initial struggle, as he “has to cheat to pass the physical and then lie on the enlistment papers about his sexuality”.
The protagonists Cameron and Ray draw inspiration from Greg and his closest mate Dale, with the website outlining the dangers they both faced.
It states: “It’s insanely dangerous for both of them. But as fate would have it, the Few and the Proud turn out to be a bunch of oddballs and eccentrics – and a brotherhood is born.”
VICTORIA Beckham has revealed all about her celeb feuds, which included a “rude” meeting with Donatella Versace and also being branded “a b*****” on live TV.
However, despite not being a fashion designer at that time, she set about making alterations to it, asking the store staff to tighten the waist, shorten the hemline and take off the sleeves.
“I basically redesigned the whole dress,” Victoria said. “I can’t believe I did that. So rude!”
This in turn did NOT go down well with Donatella.
Brave Victoria Beckham opens up on crippling eating disorder for first time
‘You shouldn’t do it. That’s how I feel,” the fashion designer said on the Netflix doc.
‘Yeah, and I thought “how does she dare?”
However, Donatella, who is now good friends with Victoria, added: “Then I realised it was better on her the way she did it. She knows her body.”
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Victoria made alterations to this Versace dressCredit: Netflix
BEING CALLED A ‘B***H’
Victoria also revealed on the Netflix doc how art critic Brian Sewell bluntly branded her a ‘b***h’ on TV – while at the same time praising her husband David Beckham .
Speaking on Alan Titchmarsh’s show in 2009, Brian said: “Beckham is wonderful in what he does; off the field he does all sorts of good works.
“Madame Beckham comes along, wearing virtually nothing, and steals the photographs, steals the occasion – and she’s just a common little b***h.”
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Victoria revealed art critic Brian Sewell called her a ‘b***h’ on TVCredit: Getty – Contributor
MEL B FALL OUT
As she tried to make it in the world of fashion, Victoria tried to distance herself from her Posh Spice alter-ego.
However, in 2008 she was asked to go back out on the road with the Spice Girls.
She explained: “When I was working with (fashion designer) Roland Mouret the other Spice Girls told me they wanted to go on tour…
“David was like, ‘it’s really good for the kids to see you do this’, he mum-guilted me!”
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Mel B was fuming with Victoria when she refused to do the 2019 Spice Girls tourCredit: Splash
Victoria agreed to the reunion tour and confessed: “I hadn’t been Posh Spice for such a long time. It was good to be back with them.”
But in 2019, when she was asked again to do it, Victoria said “no” – something that did not go down well with Mel B.
Victoria said she was “hurt” by one of Scary Spice’s comments, after she said she didn’t want to do the tour.
“It upset me not too long ago actually – Melanie B said to me ‘don’t forget where you’ve come from’,” Victoria told the doc.
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Victoria’s new three-part series is out on Netflix nowCredit: Netflix
She insisted: “I have never forgotten where I’ve come from. I have never forgotten that Posh Spice is the reason that I’m sitting here now.
“She might have been grumpy but she was actually great.
“It was good to celebrate the Spice Girls but it was during that [2008] tour that I realised I didn’t belong on stage. It had been fun but it wasn’t what I loved anymore.”
She admitted that she starved herself in an effort to stay thin.
She candidly revealed how she became “very good at lying” after losing control of what was being said about her.
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Victoria said she battled an eating disorder after leaving the Spice GirlsCredit: Getty
“It’s been a lot, and that’s hard. I had no control over what was being written about me, the pictures being taken, and I suppose I wanted to control that,” Victoria revealed in an episode entitled Kill The Wag
“I could control it with the clothing, I could control my weight and I was controlling it in an extremely unhealthy way.
“When you have an eating disorder you become very good at lying and I was never honest about it with my parents.
“I never talked about it publicly. It really affects you when you’re being told constantly that you’re not good enough and I suppose that’s been with me my whole life.”
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Victoria with hubby David on the red carpet at the premiere of her new Netflix documentaryCredit: Getty
Victoria and David were joined by kids Romeo, Harper, Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel.
Although Brooklyn was not there, Posh held out an olive branch by mentioning him in her speech.
David’s mum, Sandra, and sister Joanne were also present along with the Beckhams’ celebrity pals Tilly and Tana Ramsay.
Three of Victoria’s Spice Girls pals turned up — Ginger Spice Geri Horner, Sporty Spice Mel C and Baby Spice Emma Bunton.
Before the screening Victoria stood on stage and said: “I’d like to thank the Spice Girls — Geri, Emma, Melanie and Melanie. I love you so much and thank you so much.
“My children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper and David — oh, my God, he’s not a child. I was doing so well without cards as well.
“It’s taken me this process to really be proud of what I’ve achieved and to realise finally that I am enough.”
Victoria Beckham is available to stream on Netflix now
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From left to right: Jackie Apostel, Cruz, Romeo, Harper, Victoria and David BeckhamCredit: Getty
WHEN Victoria Beckham’s business was at the height of its extravagant spending she admitted some of her most ostentatious requests included “flying chairs from one side of the world to the other.”
She also spent £70,000 a year on plants for her office – then paid someone £15,000 a year to water them.
Small wonder, she admits, the company was struggling financially. But she confesses in her new documentary that she’d naively gone from the ostentatious world of entertainment to the more business-minded world of fashion.
“I didn’t realise it at the time, but the waste was mind-blowing.” she says in the Netflix three-parter, out now. “I hear it now and I’m horrified but I allowed that to happen.”
She is nothing if not candid in the mini-series, but doesn’t stop there. She goes on to admit, seemingly, that already being a Spice Girl married to a famous footballer meant she was unwittingly at a disadvantage.
She said: “Part of the problem was people were really afraid to tell me ‘No’. I think probably there’s a power, if I’m being honest, the power of celebrity. People thought that I wasn’t used to hearing ‘No’.
“I’ll hold my hands up and hold myself accountable for things that I’ve done, that I should have done, and could have done differently. and I was in debt – there was a lot I had to change.”
If ever you needed definitive proof that Victoria Beckham is as sharp as razor, then this documentary is it.
She could have delivered a bog standard warts and all autobiography for Netflix, or a no holds barred snapshot of her life as a fashion designer.
Instead she’s carefully curated both elements and woven them into this version of events.
It shows how she went from a Spice Girl to the darling of the catwalk and, of course, the head of one of Britain’s most famous families with husband David.
Here she also admits to her own flaws, to the moments when she lost her way and picked herself back up when she inevitably faltered.
But despite now being the successful global fashion icon that is Victoria Beckham, she does it without seeming pious. Instead she oozes genuine humility and sense of humour that proves a huge part of her is still Posh Spice.
Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has revealed the part husband David Beckham played in her creating her steely pose in which she rarely smiles for the camera
07:27, 09 Oct 2025Updated 07:31, 09 Oct 2025
Victoria Beckham has revealed why she doesn’t smile(Image: PA)
Victoria Beckham’s trademark pout has become symbolic with her appearance over the years. The singer and fashion guru, 51, is well known for her steely look on the catwalks and red carpets and is rarely spotted cracking a smile.
However, while her trademark look has long been speculated, the former Spice Girl has finally revealed the real reason behind keeping her teeth under wraps. Sorry David, but she’s gunning for you.
Victoria’s latest project sees her appear in her self-titled Netflix docuseries and she spills the beans on a number of the family’s most personal details. And this also includes her lack of smiling.
She insists her look was simply formed after husband David stood on her “good side”. She said: “Here’s a fact, I’ve looked miserable for all these years because when we stand on the red carpet, this guy has always [stood] on the left.
“Now I didn’t realise that when I smile – which I do! – I smile from the left, because if I smile from the right, I look unwell. So I’m smiling on the inside but no one ever sees it – so that’s why I look so moody.”
As well as the admission about David’s positioning, Victoria later revealed it may have been a confidence thing at times. She said she was left feeling as though she didn’t want to smile after losing her way following the split of the Spice Girls in 2000.
As her solo career failed to hit the same heights, Victoria said people questioning her next moves began to take a toll on her. “I’d be lying if I said I was the best singer or dancer,” she said. “But when people are mean and you’re hearing things and you’re seeing things and you’re constantly made to feel you’re not good enough, that really hurts. I became so self conscious.”
She later added: “The minute i see a camera, I change. The barrier goes up, my armour goes on and that’s when the miserable cow who doesn’t smile comes out.
“I’m so conscious of that and I don’t like that, I’d rather not be that person. I’d love to have the confidence to walk out of a restaurant and smile but I just can’t do it.'”
And her change in persona was also noted by David who said he could see her confidence and bubbly side slowly disappearing.
Elsewhere on the series, Victoria admitted she became “good at lying” as she revealed how she was able to hide an eating disorder. The mum-of-four explained that she stopped eating because she was felt unable to control what others were saying about her during the height of her fame, but “I can control my weight”.
She revealed how she tried to control the narrative about what was being reported about her: “I could control it with the clothing, I could control it with my weight and I was controlling it in an extremely unhealthy way.
“When you have an eating disorder you become very good at lying and I was never honest about it with my parents.”
Victoria Beckham is available to stream on Netflix now.
FROM a chic bob to a full mane of long, voluminous waves, Victoria Beckham has had her fair share of different hairstyles over the years.
But while her cut has chopped and changed, ‘Posh Spice,’ whose much-anticipated Netflixdocumentary is set to be released tomorrow, has always stayed true to her consistent chocolate brown hair shade.
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Victoria Beckham has debuted a new autumnal hair lookCredit: Getty
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The former Spice Girl’s hair stylist Josh Wood has revealed all on her transformationCredit: Instagram
While she’s occasionally mixed it up with some honey-toned highlights, her latest autumnal look is perhaps her most vibrant yet.
And now, Josh Wood, the hair stylist responsible, has spoken out about the 51-year-old’s recent hair transformation – and the colour you should always avoid if you’re in your 50s.
While the hair says the former Spice Girl has always been aware of the cuts and tones that suit her, he points out that not everyone is.
“The biggest mistake women in their 50s can make is going too dark, which can age the hair and make it look flat,” he says, speaking to Hello!
“It’s always best to speak to your colourist about a shade that complements your skin tone and lifestyle.”
He goes on to highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy routine which includes using heat protection and conditioner – adding that avoiding these can gradually dull your colour and damage your locks.
Victoria, who is married to David Beckham, most recently showed off her new do as she presented her SS26 collection at Paris Fashion Week.
Hairstyles that are kind to your locks
Loose Braids: Opt for loose, soft braids rather than tight ones to minimise tension on the scalp and reduce breakage.
Low Ponytail: A low ponytail is less stressful on your hair compared to high, tight ponytails. Use a fabric-covered hair tie to avoid snagging.
Messy Bun: A relaxed, messy bun can be both stylish and kind to your hair. Avoid pulling your hair too tightly and use gentle hair ties.
Soft Waves: Embrace your natural texture or use heatless methods to create soft waves, reducing the need for damaging heat styling tools.
Half-Up, Half-Down: This style keeps some hair pulled back while leaving the rest down, reducing the strain on your scalp.
Headbands and Scarves: Using headbands or scarves can keep hair out of your face without causing damage, and they can be quite fashionable.
Loose Plaits for Sleeping: Before bed, loosely plait your hair to prevent tangles and breakage overnight.
Josh, whose A-list clientele also includes David Bowie, goes on to say how he wanted to make the fashion icon’s hair appear more “luxurious and rich” as autumn approaches.
Speaking of how he achieved the warm look, he adds that Victoria already had “great natural colour and highlights,” so he used glosses to tone her ends and enhance her own natural lights.
As for his expert recommendations, the hair whizz advises the “Chocolate Gloss” and “Glossing Water” from his own brand.
“Chocolate is a more ‘neutral’ brunette hair colour; not as warm as Chestnut, or as cool as Smoky, but a beautiful, velvetychocolate brownis flattering for all skin tones,” he concludes.
Sheridan Smith fans have yet another gripping drama to sink their teeth into in the coming weeks, as an acclaimed Channel 5 show joins Netflix’s ever-growing TV collection
Sheridan Smith’s gripping drama arrives on Netflix(Image: Channel 5)
With winter just around the corner, it’s time to cosy up with a hot drink and a bingeable drama – thankfully, Netflix is adding another Sheridan Smith hit to its library for fans to dive into. Netflix subscribers can expect a host of new titles to arrive on the streamer – from Victoria Beckham’s new documentary to the second series of romantic comedy Nobody Wants This.
However, there’s one particular Channel 5 series that’s making a comeback on the platform after three years, starring Sheridan Smith as English teacher charged with having sex with a pupil. The Teacher follows teacher Jenna Garvey, who is accused of having sex with one of her 15-year-old pupils Kyle after a drunken night out.
BAFTA-winning actress Sheridan takes on the titular role, while Coldwater’s Samuel Bottomley plays student Kyle. The wider cast also features The Bill’s Cecilia Noble, My Mad Fat Diary’s Sharon Rooney, Emmerdale’s Kelvin Fletcher and Waterloo Road’s Tillie Amartey.
The drama originally aired on Channel 5 back in 2022 and fans couldn’t get enough of it at the time, with many praising Sheridan’s “incredible” performance. “Just finished watching The Teacher on Netflix and I thoroughly enjoyed it, Sheridan Smith is just incredible,” one wrote on X.
Another said that they were “gripped for all four episodes” and that Sheridan “played a blinder”, while a third wrote: “Just finished watching The Teacher on Netflix and I thoroughly enjoyed it, Sheridan Smith is just incredible.”
A fourth described it as an “addictive bit of telly” with “cracking” Sheridan, while another said: “Just binged the whole of ‘The Teacher’ now that it’s on Netflix. it made me want to buy silk shirts and hoop earrings. Say want you want about Sheridan Smith but she does very good crying.”
Last month, BBC drama Accused was added to Netflix, with many binging the award-winning anthology series. With each episode telling a different story in each episode, Accused features the likes of Christopher Eccleston, Mackenzie Crook, Tina O’Brien, Peter Capaldi and Naomi Harris across six hard-hitting episodes in series one.
Meanwhile, series two stars Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Olivia Colman, Sheridan Smith and Anna Maxwell Martin among other stars.
In recent years, Sheridan has taken on a number of intense roles, from office cleaner Sam in ITV’s Cleaning Up to the titular character in Sky’s Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything. Earlier this year, she starred as Ann Ming in true crime drama I Fought the Law – about the real-life mother’s campaign to overturn the double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter Julie Hogg.
THE NOTORIOUS “Tinder Swindler” has claimed from his jail cell that he doesn’t remember “conning women out of hundreds of thousands.”
Simon Leviev, 35, has spoken out for the first time since his arrest in Georgia for alleged fraud.
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The infamous scammer lured women in by posing as an heir to a diamond fortuneCredit: kate_konlin/Instgram
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He later became the subject of a 2022 Netflix documentaryCredit: simon.leviev.of/Instagram
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He served a 15 month sentence in Israel for fraud, forgery and theft in 2019
Talking from his prison cell, the Israeli scammer admitted to a local celebrity lawyer Mariam Kublashvili that he is no angel but has no recollections of the alleged crimes he has been accused of, reports MailOnline.
The infamous scammer has appointed Ms Kublashivili as his new lawyer, who has since likened him to The Wolf of Wall Street.
Like the disgraced stockbroker played by Leonardo di Caprio, she believes Leviev has turned over a new leaf.
His latest claim follows an arrest made last month under mysterious circumstances following an Interpol Red Notice for alleged fraud in Germany.
Mr Leviev was cuffed at Batumi International Airport, Georgia, on September 14th.
He is currently being held in Kutaisi Penitentiary Establishment No 2 and awaiting extradition proceedings.
If convicted, he could face up to ten years behind bars.
Yesterday, Mr Leviev spoke out via Ms Kublashivili for the first time since the dramatic arrest, where he has claimed to have no recollection of this.
He said: “Under the circumstances, I believe I’m either being set up or there’s been some kind of misunderstanding.”
Leviev, whose real name is Shimon Yehuda Hayut, became the subject of a 2022 Netflix documentary after he spent years luring women on dating app Tinder, while posing as an heir to the Leviev diamond fortune.
Tinder swindler Simon Leviev insists he was stitched up in first public appearance with model girlfriend
He told his victims he was the son of Israeli diamond tycoon Lev Leviev – but he has no relation to the family whatsoever.
He was arrested in 2019 in Greece then extradited to Israel where he served a 15-month sentence for fraud, forgery and theft.
His legal team are now questioning why an Interpol notice was triggered when he entered Georgia without the Germans first going to authorities in his homeland.
Mr Leviev’s Israeli lawyer Sharon Nahari said: “To arrest him in a third country, rather than addressing the matter openly through Israel, is unfair and unacceptable.”
Mr Nahari also characterised the case as “disproportionate” and “based on weak evidence.”
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Two of Mr Leviev’s victims, Pernilla Sjoholm and Cecilie Fjellhoy have since spoken out about their traumatic experiencesCredit: Pernilla Sjoholm Instagram
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Pernilla, 38, contemplated suicide after discovering the truth about LevievCredit: Pernilla Sjoholm Instagram
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Cecilie, 36, has confessed that she is still traumatised by the whole ordealCredit: Facebook
The newly appointed Ms Kublashvili added that she fears he will not receive a fair trail due to a pre-existing biased narrative.
Referencing The Wolf of Wall Street, she claimed that Mr Leviev is now a very different person.
She highlighted that since 2022 he has embarked on a new and completely legal career and published his own memoir.
In addition to fighting his extradition, Ms Kublashvili also hopes to move Leviev from his current prison to one in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.
She claims that the current conditions he is being held in fail to meet basic hygiene standards.
While the NetflixdocumentaryThe Tinder Swindler brought their story to the world, the women he affected say the aftermath and the long road to recovery were far more difficult than anyone could have imagined.
“I’m still traumatised,” Cecilie, 36, told The Times.
Cecilie was conned into taking out nine loans totaling $250,000 (£190,000), and was hounded by creditors to the point where she contemplated suicide.
She eventually sought help at a psychiatric unit and has spent the last seven years in therapy.
She “never wanted to be on” antidepressants but explains that she “needed them.”
Pernilla, 38, also contemplated suicide after learning the truth about the man she once considered a friend.
She lost the $45,000 (£33,840) she had saved for a home deposit and then doubled that amount in legal fees when she tried to take her bank to court.
The pair have since released a book, Swindled Never After: How We Survived (and You Can Spot) a Relationship Scammer, deep dives into their traumatic journey in a bid to prevent others from falling for the same cruel tricks.
How to protect yourself from fraud
USE the following tips to protect yourself from fraudsters.
Keep your social media accounts private – Think twice before you your share details – in particular your full date of birth, address and contacts details – all of this information can be useful to fraudsters.
Deactivate and delete old social media profiles – Keep track of your digital footprint. If a profile was created 10 years ago, there may be personal information currently available for a fraudster to use that you’re are not aware of or you have forgotten about.
Password protect your devices– Keep passwords complex by picking three random words, such as roverducklemon and add or split them with symbols, numbers and capitals.
Install anti-virus software on your laptop and personal devices and keep it up to date – This will make it harder for fraudsters to access your data in the first place.
Take care on public Wi-Fi– Fraudsters can hack or mimic them. If you’re using one, avoid accessing sensitive apps, such as mobile banking.
Think about your offline information too – Always redirect your post when you move home and make sure your letter or mailbox is secure.
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Cecilie and Pernilla both featured in the Netflix documentary, alongside fellow victim Ayleen CharlotteCredit: Splash
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He would often boast of his lavish lifestyle on social mediaCredit: Instagram
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He is currently being held in a Georgian prison while awaiting extradition proceedingsCredit: simon.leviev.of/Instagram
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His lawyers fear the case will be unfairly biasedCredit: Instagram
Molly-Mae Hague announces release date for series two of Behind It AllCredit: Youtube/Amazon Prime Video
Now, Molly has revealed that series two will drop on October 18, as the trailer for the new series was released.
She penned: “SURPRISE!!!… This is your 11 day countdown🎬 ‘Molly-Mae behind it all’ Series 2, Part 1 is coming to @primevideouk on the 18th of October (my favourite month of the year😭)…
“I’m so excited for you all to see what’s been going on behind the scenes. Things have been crazy!!!”
Read More on Molly-Mae Hague
The dramatic new trailer starts will Molly climbing onto her private jet, and sees the star juggle a busy working life with her two-year-old Bambi.
Fans and friends of the star flooded to the comments to share their excitement.
Molly’s sister Zoe Hague wrote: “AHHH S*** HERE WE GO AGAIN” and Molly’s best pal Taylor said: “We go again!!!!!!!” followed by fire and heart emojis.
The first part of the Molly Mae: Behind It All documentary launched on Amazon Video on Friday, 17th January 2025.
Three episodes immediately landed with the new reality show’s arrival, each roughly 30 minutes long.
This was followed by a second batch of three episodes four months later.
NTAs 2025: Lineker’s shock win and Molly-Mae’s tears, backstage with some of this year’s winners
Prime were blown away by the ratings and were particularly thrilled by the huge numbers of young female viewers which Mollie, 26, brought to the streaming service.
A few months ago a TV insider said: “Molly-Mae: Behind it All was the most watched show by females in the UK in the hugely valuable 18 to 35 age group.
“That’s a crucial market for the streamer to tap into.
“Viewers were obviously hooked by the ups and downs of her relationship with Tommy, but also inspired by her juggling her love life with being a mother to their young daughter as well as running a business.
Inside Molly-Mae’s life
Take a look at the influencer, business owner and reality TV star’s journey to fame
“Prime is so keen to get it back on screen that production has already kicked off on the second season which will either drop later this year or early next year.”
She issued a statement on social media after a number of viewers complained about theNational Television Awardsresult on social media.
Sharing a picture of herself on the stage, she then wrote: “Last night at the NTAs I shared a category with people whose stories will always be more powerful and inspirational than mine.
“I see that, I believe that and I want to acknowledge it again here.”
She continued: “It was only right to dedicate this award to the late Rob Burrow and his family and to the remarkable people in my category … this win belongs to them.”
However, even though the former reality star acknowledged that other nominees were ‘more powerful and inspirational,’ she thanked her fans for voting for her.
She added: “I’m so grateful for the recognition but even more grateful to have stood alongside such strength and inspiration. [White heart emoji]
“To everyone that voted … I am absolutely blown away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
At the time of the ITV ceremony broadcast, Fans slammed the ceremony as they thought that ‘more worthy’ nominees should have gotten the gong.
Taking to X, one fan fumed: “Molly Mae winning an NTA over Rob Burrow or Amy Dowden is everything that is wrong with the world.”
A second stated: “If you want to know the state of tv these days… Molly Mae documentary beat Rob Burrow documentary. What wild times we live in.”
“All those wonderfully powerful documentaries and Molly Mae won!?” wrote a third.
While a fourth added: “Molly Mae winning an NTA over Rob Burrow really reminds me how much I hate society today. And the mid-speech dedication felt false and completely inappropriate. His family’s face said it all.”
Molly-Mae: Behind It All Series 2 (Episodes 1–3) launches exclusively on Prime Video on 18th October. Episodes 4-6 episodes will follow in early 2026.
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The second series drops on October 18thCredit: Youtube/Amazon Prime Video
Taylor Swift has already conquered the music world and the concert business, so it’s no surprise that this weekend she reigned supreme over the box office — again.
Swift’s latest venture into theaters came in the form of a listening session/fan party of sorts for her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
The 89-minute movie, titled “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” featured the premiere of the Swift-directed “The Fate of Ophelia” music video, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from Swift about the inspiration for her new songs.
As expected with anything Swift, the film quickly rocketed to the top of a weekend box office that didn’t have a lot of new big-name releases. The one-weekend-only affair hauled in $34 million in the U.S. and Canada, AMC said Monday morning. Globally, it made more than $50 million. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” was the runner-up in its second outing this weekend, grossing about $11 million domestically.
But the lack of competition doesn’t dilute the impact Swift had — and has had — on the box office. Her three-day theatrical total beats opening weekend grosses for other recent, studio films such as the Leonardo DiCaprio-led “One Battle After Another” ($22 million), 22-year sequel “Freakier Friday” reuniting Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis ($28.6 million) and my personal favorite, “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” ($18.1 million).
I may not be a Swiftie, but I know plenty who made their way to theaters this weekend, with some dressing up for the occasion. My colleague, Malia Mendez, wrote about the Taylormania that took over AMC Century City, which screened the Swift film 21 times over three screens, just on Saturday.
There’s something to be said about harnessing the power of a fan base to drive people to theaters. Look at Swift’s last theatrical appearance — 2023’s “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” made about $180 million domestically and brought in more than $261 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing concert film of all time.
As she did with the “Eras Tour” film, Swift bypassed the typical Hollywood system and worked directly with AMC Theatres Distribution to release “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl.” The film played at all of AMC’s 540 locations and also showed at other theaters such as Cinemark and Regal.
The unconventional release was welcome news for theaters, which have struggled to bring in crowds as they did before the pandemic
“On behalf of AMC Theatres and the entire theatrical exhibition industry, I extend our sincerest appreciation to the iconic Taylor Swift for bringing her brilliance and magic to movie theatres this weekend,” AMC Chief Executive Adam Aron said in a statement. “Her vision to add a cinematic element to her incredible album debut was nothing less than a triumph.”
The film’s success is another reminder of the value of nontraditional, alternative content for theaters at a time when they need to employ fresh strategies to lure younger audiences to the multiplex.
As the number of movies released by studios has decreased, theaters are on the hunt for content to put on their screens. Lately, that’s ranged from episodic streaming series like “The Chosen,” which chronicles the life of Jesus, to concert films, opera performances and anniversary screenings of hits such as “The Sound of Music,” “Jaws” or “Back to the Future.”
It’s a business that really took off after the pandemic. Distributor Fathom Entertainment has specialized in this kind of nontraditional content for more than 20 years, but it is now seeing increased interest in these types of titles, particularly anniversary screenings, which now tend to make up between 20% and 40% of the company’s annual revenue.
Providing these kinds of titles is a way to mitigate the uncertainty of the film business, where there can be highs driven by hotly anticipated releases and lows when there’s little in the lineup.
“Our bread and butter is, and has continued to be, the big studio releases,” said Daniel Fastlicht, chief operating officer of the Lot, a luxury dine-in theater chain based in La Jolla with four locations. “What we want to see more than anybody is more content. But if that doesn’t happen, we still need to fill our auditoriums with people.”
All of the Lot’s theaters had at least one or two screens showing the Swift film, and the atmosphere was light, with people singing and dressing up, including a few in Travis Kelce jerseys, said Marcos Sayd, director of operations. He noted that alternative content helps their theaters fill the less-scheduled holes in their calendar. In addition to the Swift release, the Lot also programs local documentaries and films, as well as one-off events such as the Newport Beach Film Festival to draw audiences in.
And they’re not alone. Other theaters have been looking to position themselves as gathering places for communal experiences, whether that’s to celebrate T-Swift fandom, sing and dance to “KPop Demon Hunters” or collectively scream at a horror movie. Will the post-pandemic zeal for connection repopulate theaters again? Only time will tell, but the popularity of Swift’s latest film is a positive sign.
You’re reading the Wide Shot
Samantha Masunaga delivers the latest news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
San Bruno-based YouTube is the latest tech and media company to settle one of Trump’s lawsuits. Meta, Twitter (now X), Paramount Global and Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC News have all paid multimillion dollar sums in settlements. Most of the YouTube settlement dollars will go to Trump, who plans to contribute it to the Trust for the National Mall, which is “dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall” and will also fund construction of the White House State Ballroom, according to court documents.
Finally …
My colleagues, Matthew Ormseth and Summer Lin, wrote about how the strange case of an illicit casino-turned-marijuana stash house/psilocybin mushroom-growing location that eventually led police to find an Arcadia mansion filled with 15 children, most of whom were born to surrogates.
An ad warns: “Your Cabinet position may be at risk if you don’t heed proper instructions and keep up your correct stamp duty payments.”
It came after the ethics watchdog ruled the real Ms Rayner, who had three homes including a grace-and-favour London flat, breached the ministerial code over £40,000 of unpaid stamp duty.
Studio Canal and Spitting Image were contacted for comment.
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A balding Prince Harry puppet featured in the new Spitting Image spin-off, The Rest is Bullsh*t
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A latex lookalike of wife Meghan was also on the showCredit: PA
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US President Donald Trump could be seen offering King Charles a burgerCredit: PA
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Rayner is seen launching a website called WrongmoveCredit: TNI Press
Here’s a look at the elusive Birdman mentioned in Monster: The Ed Gein Story
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Netflix‘s latest sensation, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, has been gripping viewers worldwide since its release on 3 October, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The series boasts a cast of real-life characters, including Ilse Koch (portrayed by Vicky Krieps), Psycho star Anthony Perkins (played by Joey Pollari), and Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), among others.
This third instalment of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series also features notorious serial killers like Ted Bundy (John T. O’Brien) and Richard Speck (Tobias Jelinek).
However, many are curious about the enigmatic Birdman.
Who is the Birdman in Monster: The Ed Gein Story?
The series shows Speck writing letters to Ed Gein (Charlie Hunnam), discussing his prison experiences and citing the Plainville Ghoul as his muse.
Speck also refers to the Birdman, another real-life serial killer, better known as the infamous American criminal Robert Stroud.
Convicted murderer Stroud killed a bartender and assaulted fellow inmates and guards while in prison. In 1916, he murdered a prison guard and was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life imprisonment in solitary confinement.
He earned the monikers ‘Birdman’ and ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’ after caring for a nest of three injured sparrows he found in the prison yard during his time at Leavenworth.
After a couple of years, he’d accumulated 300 canaries and would go on to study and pen the book Diseases of Canaries, published in 1933.
He was permitted to continue his pastime because it was deemed a constructive way to spend his time, according to Alcatraz History.
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Stroud carried on studying avian ailments and documenting their behaviour and anatomy, even selling remedies for them.
However, his apparatus and bird studies came to an abrupt halt when it was discovered he’d been using his kit to brew alcohol on the side.
In 1942, Stroud was relocated to Alcatraz, where he would remain for the following 17 years of his existence.
In 1959 Stroud was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri and passed away four years later in 1963 of natural causes.
He was brought to life on the big screen by Burt Lancaster in the film Birdman of Alcatraz, which secured the actor an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Fascinatingly, the reason Speck may have also referenced Birdman was due to his own encounters with a sparrow whilst incarcerated.
According to Mindhunter FBI Agent Robert Ressler’s book Whoever Fights Monsters, Speck caught a sparrow and kept it as a companion.
When he was cautioned by a prison officer that he’d be placed in solitary confinement if he didn’t free the creature, Speck murdered the bird by hurling it into an overhead fan.
The shocked guard enquired why Speck had carried out the brutal act, to which the serial killer was reported to have said: “[B]ut if it ain’t mine, it ain’t nobody’s.”
Monster: The Ed Gein Story is streaming on Netflix now