The Shambles in York is a magical spot, particularly when the nights draw in and the Christmas lights get switched on. Many of the structures lining the street today trace their origins back to the late 14th century.
The medieval street is arguably the best preserved anywhere in the world (Image: joe daniel price via Getty Images)
A street in one of Britain’s oldest cities, York, is a captivating spot brimming with unique shops, cosy pubs, and lively bars.
The Shambles, as it’s affectionately known, is a labyrinth of winding, narrow lanes nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire. It transforms into a magical place when the nights grow longer and the Christmas lights twinkle.
At the middle of the area lies a lane actually named the Shambles, renowned as possibly the best-preserved medieval street globally, even earning a mention in the 1086 literary sensation, the Domesday Book.
Many of the structures lining the street today trace their origins back to the late 14th century. The name ‘Shambles’ is believed to have evolved from ‘Shammel’, an Anglo-Saxon term for the shelves that were once a common sight in the open shopfronts. While the ancient name and buildings persist, the purpose of most shops has evolved over time.
The butchers who once busily chopped, skinned, and portioned meat here have long since departed. The only remnants of their trade are the meat hooks they used to display their goods on the shopfronts. Nowadays, the Shambles accommodates a variety of businesses. Still, its medieval overhanging buildings and tight alleyways remain intact, offering visitors a sense of stepping back in time.
During my university days, I spent three years in York, witnessing the Shambles transform with the changing seasons and times of day. At Christmas, the streets were bustling with eager shoppers seeking a bargain and a warm pastry to ward off the cold.
During this bustling period, it might be wise to head to one of the quieter yet equally enchanting streets on the other side of town until the crowds thin out in the evening.
In the summer, the Shambles are filled with the sound of busking students, hen parties, and day-trippers there to sample some of York’s pubs. Whether the widely circulated claim that the city has a pub for every day of the year is indeed true takes far longer than a day, a long weekend, or even a three-year degree to verify.
This is largely because you’ll likely find yourself repeatedly visiting the superb House of Trembling Madness.
My favourite time to visit was in the dead of night, after a stop at one of these many pubs or the now sadly closed and much-missed Willow – a delightfully grubby club/Chinese restaurant. In certain sections of the Shambles, you can touch both sides of the street with your arms outstretched. The best time to test your wingspan is once all the other visitors have headed home.
In recent years, the narrow lane has become saturated with wizard-themed shops, thanks to its striking resemblance to the fictional Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. When the relentless peddling of magical merchandise becomes overwhelming, visitors can retreat to the shrine of Margaret Clitherow.
Step inside this peaceful sanctuary and you’ll find respite from the bag-wielding mayhem that’s left firmly outside. The shrine welcomes the public throughout the week and holds Mass at 10am each Saturday.
A quick walk through one of the Shambles’ snickelways (narrow alleyways) brings you to the Shambles Market, an open-air venue selling food and various goods. TikToker That Girl Fleurr, who explores destinations around the UK, recently declared the Shambles ‘the most magical street’ in Britain in a video. It’s a sentiment that’s difficult to challenge.
Jerry Rebbeck, who runs Wheelwrights York, told the Express: “Many of the buildings in the centre of York are centuries old, and have a spooky charm about them – walking down Micklegate at night feels like walking through a ghostly storybook.
“Within the city centre, historic buildings such as 85 Micklegate, a late medieval timber-framed terraced building, loom over the narrow street and look particularly eerie in the moonlight. Walking down the Shambles, famed for its likeness to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, you can see ghostly-looking old buildings such as 37 The Shambles that cast long shadows and add to the city’s paranormal feel. It’s these atmospheric streets and striking old buildings that help make York a picturesque backdrop for a Halloween weekend.”
For fans of the director, one iconic location lies much closer to home and it is guaranteed to take your breath away
08:00, 25 Oct 2025Updated 08:28, 25 Oct 2025
You may recognise Henrhyd falls from a Hollywood hit(Image: Getty)
When you think of Christopher Nolan’s films, your mind might wander to the Parisian boulevards from Inception, New York’s skyscrapers doubling as Gotham in Batman, or even the expansive New Mexico desert featured in Oppenheimer.
However, for devotees of the groundbreaking British director, one iconic location is much closer to home and it’s sure to leave you breathless.
Nestled deep within a wooded gorge on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons, there lies a waterfall so spectacular that it was chosen as a filming location for a major Hollywood blockbuster.
Yet, many Welsh locals may not even be aware of its existence.
Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wales, was selected by Christopher Nolan as the entrance to the Batcave in his entire The Dark Knight trilogy. Scenes featuring the Black Tumbler – the massive tank-like Batmobile – soaring through the Welsh waters into the superhero’s clandestine lair were filmed here, reports the Express.
But fear not, you don’t need to be the Caped Crusader to visit this waterfall. There’s no need for any of Bruce Wayne’s gadgets, perhaps just a sturdy pair of boots will do.
Your journey begins with a walk along a path through verdant woodland near the village of Coelbren. Here, you can already hear the sound of rushing water in the distance.
A steep yet well-maintained footpath then guides you down into the gorge, winding towards the waters.
After a 20-minute stroll, you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of a 27-metre waterfall cascading into a moss-lined gorge.
This might trigger memories of Batman’s secret lair from The Dark Knight Rises, as this very waterfall was featured prominently when John Blake, aka Robin, stumbles upon the hidden entrance to the Batcave.
What transforms Henrhyd from just a picturesque scene to a location with Hollywood status is its inherent drama. The waterfall tumbles over a hard sandstone ledge, known locally as the “Farewell Rock”, into a narrow gorge enveloped by dense forest.
It’s slightly off the beaten path, giving it that elusive “hidden lair” feel.
One recent visitor was utterly captivated by the experience, leaving a glowing review: “Henrhyd Falls is absolutely stunning – a hidden gem surrounded by beautiful nature. The walk down to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful, and standing behind the falls is an unforgettable experience. The sound of the rushing water and the lush greenery make it feel magical.”
The optimal time to visit is after a light rain shower, when the waterfall is at its most dramatic, although the paths can be slippery, particularly if you venture behind the curtain of water.
Early mornings are usually quieter, and sturdy footwear is essential – along with a waterproof if you plan to get close enough to feel the spray.
Henrhyd Falls is a must-visit for nature lovers and Batman enthusiasts alike. Even if the Batmobile isn’t spotted in the shadows, visitors will undoubtedly leave with the sense of having uncovered one of Wales’s most captivating hidden gems.
Several Hollyoaks actor have fallen in love with their Channel 4 soap co-stars from Rory Douglas-Speed and Nadine Mulkerrin to Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
12:00, 17 Oct 2025
Nathaniel Dass and Ruby O’Donnell play Dillon Ray and Peri Lomax in Hollyoaks(Image: Instagram)
Numerous romances and real-life weddings have blossomed on the set of the Channel 4 drama since its debut in 1995.
The continuing series is renowned for its passionate plotlines which have featured countless love triangles and explosive affairs across the last 30 years.
It’s hardly shocking that many stars from the acclaimed continuing drama have carried their romance beyond the cameras throughout the years.
Whilst certain relationships amongst cast members fizzled out, others clearly remain rock solid.
As the soap marks its 30th anniversary, let’s take a look at some of the couples still together.
Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass
The latest romance to blossom from the fictional village is Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass.
Ruby, best known for her role as Peri Lomax, and her beau Nathaniel, who debuted as Dillon Ray in 2023, might not cross paths on screen often but off-screen their romance is blossoming since going Instagram official in 2024.
The actress marked their first anniversary on Instagram by sharing a series of loved-up snaps. She delighted fans by posting a quartet of adorable pictures, alongside the caption: “1 year with u” capped off with a pink heart pierced by a blue arrow.
Gregory Finnegan and Ariana Fraval
Hollyoaks heartthrob Gregory Finnegan previously shared scenes with his real-life wife Ariana Fraval.
The actress portrayed DS Cohen in the programme with her husband Greg playing scheming solicitor James Nightingale.
The duo exchanged vows in 2011 and Ariana has posted some personal photographs from their wedding day on Instagram.
DS Cohen was brought in to examine the demise of Gregory’s on-screen love interest, Harry Thompson.
The duo shot multiple scenes together during that period, and viewers were thrilled to discover that the two performers are actually wed in real life.
Anna Passey and Kyle Pryor
Kyle and Anna, famous for portraying Hollyoaks adversaries Laurie Shelby and Sienna Blake, disclosed their romantic involvement in 2019, the identical year his character Laurie met his end.
Following their decision to cohabit and unveil their secret behind-the-scenes romance, Anna revealed to New magazine: “We just don’t feel the need to put it out there.
“It’s nice to keep something for yourselves. But we’re not trying to keep it private to build the mystery. We became really good friends first and it went from there.”
Sienna remains a Hollyoaks mainstay and Kyle made his way back to the Hollyoaks studios in 2021 to kiss Anna on-screen due to coronavirus filming restrictions.
Nadine Mulkerrin and Rory-Douglas Speed
Rory and Nadine met on the set of the Channel 4 soap and got engaged in December 2018 after dating for just over a year.
The actor proposed just weeks after they filmed their characters’ Cleo McQueen and Joel Dexter’s wedding.
Nadine previously told OK! that they aren’t in a rush to tie the knot after welcoming two sons.
“We’ve been too busy to make plans,” the actress said at the time.
“We got pregnant, we moved out, then the world went crazy with COVID, then we got pregnant again. I’d love to have a wedding when the boys are older, so they’ll remember it.”
Danny Mac and Carley Stenson
Danny and Carley both appeared in Hollyoaks but the pair didn’t meet on the set of the Channel 4 soap.
The talented duo never appeared on the programme at the same time and actually met in a pub back in 2011.
Speaking on Loose Women previously, Danny explained: “We met in a pub in London when she was doing Legally Blonde on the West End. I went to see a mate who was in it at the time and we met in the pub after and that was it.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Danny portrayed Dodger Savage in Hollyoaks from 2011 until 2015 and recently reprised his role.
Carley took on the role of Steph Cunningham in the programme from 2000 until 2011. The pair revealed their engagement in March 2016 and subsequently tied the knot in September 2017.
Danny and Carley are parents to two children.
Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy
Former Hollyoaks stars Luke and Daisy revealed their engagement whilst on holiday in Greece in August 2019.
The actor dropped to one knee and proposed on the beach in front of Daisy’s family.
Daisy was eager to share the delightful news on Instagram, with photographs displaying her “dream” engagement ring that Luke had crafted.
“She said yes,” Luke captioned the same photo in Greek on his profile, before translating the phrase into English and adding: “Daisy is going to be my wife. I’ll take that.”
Luke portrayed Jesse Donovan on Hollyoaks from 2016 until 2020, whilst Daisy departed her role as Kim Butterfield in late 2018.
The couple first met back in 2011 through a mutual friend and are now married and parents to two children.
Emmett Scanlan and Claire Cooper
Claire, who played Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2013, met her now-husband Emmett in 2010 and they got hitched in New York on New Year’s Eve in 2015.
Emmett previously reminisced about their wedding day with The Sun, saying: “It’s something I’ll never forget. Everyone got behind the wedding with such love that it was overwhelming at times.”
Emmett and Claire have two chidlren and the actor also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
Celebrity Traitors has kicked off as Claudia Winkleman returns to host a line-up of famous faces including Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, Tom Daley and more
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Claudia Winkleman has returned to host the Traitors and Faithfuls(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)
The highly-anticipated Celebrity Traitors has finally kicked off this week, with Claudia Winkleman returning to the Scottish Highlands to pit traitors versus faithfuls for a potential £100,000 prize pot for charity.
The Traitors‘ castle has become an iconic location thanks to its picture-perfect landscaped gardens, huge grounds, breathtaking library, living room and even its own bar. It’s therefore not surprising that fans always clamour to find out if they can hire it out for a holiday with their friends and recreate their own Traitors experience.
The real-life location is Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, around half an hour’s drive north of Inverness.
Unfortunately before you rush to book a room at the beautiful 19th century spot, it’s not a hotel. However, it can be hired for the likes of weddings or corporate events. The landmark’s website is quite clear: “The estate is located in Ross-shire and is available for exclusive use hire for both corporate and private clients. The Castle is not a hotel and we do not let individual rooms.”
If you do hire it, don’t expect to find the infamous Roundtable Room; the whole set-up with the table and atmospheric decor is for the show.
It’s not hugely surprising; even during the show, the Traitors and Faithfuls themselves don’t sleep on the property but instead get whisked away to a nearby hotel, as Ardross Castle wouldn’t have enough rooms to accommodate all of the participants. (Although they do of course travel back to have breakfast in that gorgeous dining room, even if those breakfasts can get very tense).
Don’t be disheartened if you were picturing a fun weekend in a castle for a big group holiday; there are plenty of other castles across the UK which are open for bookings. Sykes Holiday Cottages, the Landmark Trust, Host Unusual and Big House Experience all have a variety of castle listings that cater to a wide array of budgets and group sizes.
It appears that The Traitors has caused quite a boost of tourism in Scotland, with increased searches for stays in the areas. Chris Ross, Chief Brand Officer & EMEA Executive Chair at Collinson International, said of the trend: “We’ve seen a remarkable uplift in visits to our Scottish airport lounges, and it’s clear that The Traitors has played a major role in putting Scotland, and especially the Highlands, firmly on travellers’ wish lists.
“Our data shows fans are turning their on-screen fascination into real-world adventures, with more travellers than ever flying to Scotland to experience the drama, beauty and intrigue for themselves. Scotland’s moment in the spotlight really is translating into a tourism boom.”
One travel lover has taken to TikTok to share her recommendation for a UK trip to a ‘real-life fairytale castle’. It has been described as “one of the largest and most complete castles in England”
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
06:03, 09 Oct 2025
She described it as a ‘real-life fairytale castle’ (file)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s always nice to have a trip abroad planned. However, as well as taking a holiday overseas, it’s also great to explore the stunning places the UK has to offer.
One travel lover has taken to TikTok to share her recommendation for a UK day trip to a ‘real-life fairytale castle’. Aleksandra, known as @aleksandra10s on TikTok, shared a clip of the ‘hidden gem’ with her 3,273 followers telling them that it was “one of the largest and most complete castles in England” that is in “pristine” condition and has “beautiful” gardens. And what as the location she was talking about? Arundel Castle, based in Sussex.
Aleksandra shared clips of the castle’s stunning grounds in a video set to Disneys ‘Beauty and the Beast’ soundtrack.
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She commented: “Arundel Castle, in Sussex, is a real-life fairytale castle in pristine condition and beautiful gardens. One of the largest and most complete castles in England, it’s a gem worth visiting.”
The castle is a restored and remodelled medieval castle that was first was established by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century.
People were loving the clip as many said they also enjoyed a visit to the castle.
One person commented: “I love Arundel Castle, one of my favourite places to visit.”
While another agreed: “Such a magical place like a real-life fairytale.”
A third chined in: “I live 10 minutes down the road and still love walking past it.”
The castle suffered damage in the English Civil War and then restored in the 18th and early 19th centuries by Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk. Further restoration and embellishment was then carried out from the 1890s by Charles Alban Buckler for the 15th Duke.
Since the 11th century, the castle has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel and the Dukes of Norfolk. It is also a Grade I listed building.
Those who want to visit will have to plan a trip in soon as the 2025 season will only runs up until Sunday 2nd November.
The gardens are open from 10.00am – 5.00pm, as is the Fitzalan Chapel. The Keep can be visited from 10.00am – 4.30pm and Castle rooms are open between 12.00 noon – 5.00pm.
Visitors should also note last admission is 4.00pm and the castle is closed on Mondays, except bank holidays and in August.
Michael Zervos embarked on a trip around the world, visiting 195 countries in 499 days and asking hundreds of people exactly the same question – what was the happiest day of your life?
Michael Zervos visited 195 countries in 499 days(Image: Michael Zervos)
A man who has visited every country in the world found two places in particular to be scary and unwelcoming.
Three years ago Michael Zervos embarked on a trip around the world, visiting 195 countries in 499 days and asking hundreds of people exactly the same question – what was the happiest day of your life?
Earlier this year the Greek-American globetrotter returned to Detroit, his goal of reaching all 195 countries in the shortest time ever completed. He stopped the clock at just under 500 days.
The former movie maker was not just motivated by the glory of becoming the speediest nation-visiting completist but also by a desire to understand what makes people tick in different parts of the world. He recently sat down with the Mirror to share some of his insights into what makes people happy in different places.
While Michael stresses that his rapid means of travelling meant he only got a quick glimpse into the cultures of the countries he visited, his insights remain fascinating.
As quick as he is to find positives in the destinations he visited, two places stood out to him as unwelcoming and a little unnerving.
“I had a bad experience in Liberia. I took a picture of a government building. There was no sign to say you couldn’t do it. It turned out to be a money-making scheme. I refused to pay, and they took me to jail,” Michael explained.
It wasn’t just the run-in with the authorities that left a bad taste in the mouth in the West African country. He also endured a more general feeling of unease when exploring.
“Some moments felt surreal. I’d enter a street market, and waves of people would turn to you like, ‘You don’t belong on this street, why are you here?’ Thousands of people would turn to you, and they’d stop what they’re doing. There was a sensation in the back of your neck where something was amiss,” Michael continued.
Another place that left Michael a little shaken was Stabroek Market in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown.
“The locals warned me not to go. It is one of those warehouse-style markets. Drugs are traded openly, and there is sex work as well. As soon as I walked in, it was like a horror movie. There was this guy at the end of the aisle. These deep, dark pockets were obscuring his face. He was staring at me, and he was staring at me. I went down the other aisle, and he followed me. My intuition was to go somewhere else,” Michael recalled.
The UK Foreign Office backs up Michael’s intuition, warning tourists from visiting the market.
“Crime levels are high, and police capacity is low. There are frequent armed robberies, hold-ups, carjackings and other violent crimes, often involving two or more attackers. Passers-by can get caught up in gunfire even if they are not targets because police are armed and shoot back,” the government body warns.
“Muggers can attack in broad daylight, often holding their victims at gunpoint or knifepoint. They may target tourists, particularly if those that show obvious signs of wealth.”
Tiger Bay and Albouystown in Georgetown; Sophia, south Georgetown; Buxton; Agricola and Stabroek Market area are highlighted as areas “where robberies are a daily occurrence”.
Although the experiences unsettled him, Michael is keen to focus on the many positive aspects of the places he visited. One of his favourite countries to visit, and one of the most surprising, was Madagascar.
“The people, food, arts, and geography, everything was just a little outside what you might expect from mainland southern Africa. You’ve got rich biodiversity from having an isolated island where the flora and fauna are pretty different,” Michael explained.
“The faces of the people are extremely interesting, often very authentic smiles and expressions. They are beautiful to photograph. What you see is what you get. They are straightforward and earnest.”
Michael particularly enjoyed asking people in Madagascar what the happiest day of their life is. He has since turned these answers, and those he collected in other countries, into videos posted on his Instagram page.
“It’s like getting life unfiltered there. Even in the city, which isn’t that common, the language is interesting, and the food is unlike anything you’d find in the area. It’s a mix of Indonesian and Indian food, with high levels of spice, fried food, croquettes, and fritters with interesting green, earthy vegetal flavours.”
When it comes to European countries that particularly stood out, Liechtenstein was a surprise hit.
“People call it really boring, but I found it lovely. It’s a city-state nestled in the Alps. When I arrived, they were celebrating the beginning of Lent, a madigra-type thing. There were bands dressed in blue all over the place, playing music late into the night. People were offering me beers. I went to a local theatre and watched a film festival about extreme sports,” Michael said.
A 10/10 review remarked: “[I] can highly recommend this production which I found as good as any I have seen from the BBC and an enjoyable insight to early modern England and the evolution of gender relations. Worth paying my licence fee for.”
A third viewer observed: “What I liked about the film was the ending, which I won’t give away although many who studied history may already know, but the court scenes showing the jury’s decision was priceless.
“In all a good watchable film that deserves more credit than many seem to have given it.”
Another viewer applauded the historical authenticity and headed their review: “Feels very authentic, delightful to see.”
The user added: “So refreshing a period movie that doesn’t try to mordernise [sic] itself. The music, the costumes, the make-up, the wigs, everything feels very authentic to the period.”
Shaun Evans starred in the BBC period drama(Image: BBC)
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“Faithful to the true history behind it, as far as I can tell. I’d love if it was longer, if it explored Lady W’s life in France, for example.”
The Scandalous Lady W emerged in 2015, based on American-born British historian and author Hallie Rubenhold’s 2008 book Lady Worsley’s Whim.
The BBC drama unfolded in 1781 and followed the courtroom battle involving affluent heiress Seymour, Lady Worsley (portrayed by Natalie Dormer) and her MP spouse Sir Richard Worsley (Shaun Evans), who was pursuing her lover Captain George Bisset (Aneurin Barnard) for damages after the forbidden duo eloped.
The costume piece was set in 18th century England(Image: BBC)
Sir Richard dragged Captain Bisset before the courts and sought £20,000 for essentially harming his wife, who was regarded merely as possessions during this period.
When proceedings commenced, Sir Richard fabricated details about the couple’s union to portray an image of domestic harmony.
Captain Bisset faced financial ruin and imprisonment over the matter, prompting Lady Worsley to devise a scheme to rescue them both.
Yet, it would require exposing the shameful reality of her marriage and threatened to destroy her standing.
The proceedings would evolve into one of the most notorious sexual controversies of the 18th century.
Alongside the main cast, The Scandalous Lady W also featured Baby Reindeer actress Jessica Gunning, The Secrets She Keeps star Robert Morgan, His Dark Materials star Will Keen, Oliver Chris of Motherland fame, and Line of Duty’s Craig Parkinson, amongst others.
The Scandalous Lady W is streaming on Prime Video for a fee
“Roblox” faced a wave of new lawsuits this week that allege the popular gaming platform hasn’t done enough to safeguard kids from pedophiles and sexual content.
One of the latest complaints, filed in a federal court in the Northern District of California, claims that a predator posed as a child on the platform and sexually exploited a 10-year-old in Michigan. The man, who isn’t named in the lawsuit, allegedly convinced the victim to send sexually explicit images of herself after sharing some of himself.
The 10-year-old, who is anonymous in the lawsuit, met the predator last year on “Roblox” and suffered from mental health issues including anxiety, according to the complaint filed Thursday.
“What Roblox represents as a safe, appropriate space for children is, in fact, a digital and real-life nightmare for kids,” the lawsuit, filed by Dolman Law Group, stated.
Kids and teens create, explore and socialize in virtual spaces on “Roblox,” but the gaming platform has continued to grapple with child safety concerns over as its user numbers and revenue grow. On average, 111.8 million users visit the platform daily.
The San Mateo-based company’s share price closed down more than 6% at $117.34 on Friday.
“The assertion that Roblox would intentionally put our users at risk of exploitation is categorically untrue,” Roblox spokesperson Kadia Koroma said in a statement. “While no system is perfect, Roblox has implemented rigorous safeguards—such as restrictions on sharing personal information, links, and user-to-user image sharing—to help protect our community. Unfortunately, bad actors will try to circumvent our systems to try to direct users off the platform, where safety standards and moderation practices may differ.”
In early August, the company said it’s using artificial intelligence to help detect “child endangerment communications” earlier and alert law enforcement.
The lawsuit is among a flurry of new complaints this year that accuse the gaming platform of prioritizing its profits over the safety of its users.
On Thursday, Louisiana Atty. Gen. Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox over child safety concerns.
“Roblox” is also under political pressure. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, has been urging people on social media to sign a petition asking the company to do more to protect children on the platform.
Since July, Dolman Law Group has filed five lawsuits against “Roblox” in courts in California, Georgia and Texas. Matthew Dolman, a Florida lawyer who is a managing partner at the law firm, said a sixth lawsuit is being filed on Friday.
The lawsuits point to several steps “Roblox” could have taken to make the platform safer, such as verifying ages through facial recognition, clearly warning parents about sexual predators and putting a higher age rating for its app.
“This is just the wild west,” Dolman said in an interview. “It’s like a hunting ground for predators.”
The company, he said, misrepresents how safe the platform is to both its users and shareholders.
“Roblox” profits from transaction fees when predators offer children Robux, a digital currency used on the gaming platform, in exchange for sexually explicit photos, according to the federal lawsuit filed on Thursday.
Predators will also tell children they won’t release these photos if they hand over Robux, the lawsuit alleges.
The complaint cites a Hindenburg Research report published last year that stated there were inappropriate games on “Roblox” that researchers were able to access by registering as a child.
Some of those experiences were modeled after criminal conduct by child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Roblox” rebutted claims made in the report and said it invested heavily in its trust and safety efforts, noting that it has rules against child exploitation on its platform.
The risk of sextortion, especially among young people, is a growing problem, child advocates say. Roughly 1 in 5 teenagers experienced sextortion, according to a report from Thorn, a child safety nonprofit.
Sextortionists have used a variety of platforms, including social media and gaming platforms such as “Roblox,” “Minecraft” and “Fortnite,” to threaten victims.
These two picturesque villages in France could be straight out of a Disney animation. But, despite their distinct charm and proximity to a popular tourist spot, they remain relatively under the radar.
Both historical and charming destinations are in close proximity to the beautiful town of Colmar(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Two picture-perfect cities rumoured to be inspiration for Disney settings have been revealed – but they won’t stay under-the-radar for long. If you’re keen to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, a trip to one of these picturesque destinations should be the next stop on your travel itinerary.
French River cruise operator European Waterways has revealed two lesser-known destinations that supposedly inspired Disney animation. Located 20 minutes from the tourist hotspot Colmar, both Eguisheim and Riquewihr are worth exploring.
Located in the wine-making region of Alsace, both destinations are members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – or The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Formed in 1982, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an independent body that promotes must-visit rural locations. As of 2024, it numbers 176 member villages. This comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
Eguisheim has previously been named ‘France’s Favourite Village(Image: Getty Images)
Maryanne Sparkes, French Rivercruise expert at European Waterways, explains their distinct charm. “Eguisheim’s secret lies in its unique layout — concentric circles of narrow lanes surround a central château, each lined with meticulously preserved half-timbered houses.
“This design, dating back to the 13th century, is rare in Europe and creates a magical village atmosphere, amplified by vibrant window boxes bursting with blooms in spring and summer,” she explains.
The village also institutes regulations to ensure the preservation of its distinct layout. According to Maryanne: “Local laws strictly protect the village’s architectural heritage, meaning no building facade can be changed without official permission.
“This careful preservation maintains Eguisheim’s medieval character, which helped it win the title of “France’s favourite village” in 2013.” Similar to Eguisheim, Riquewihr is “frozen in time” to preserve its atmosphere and architecture.
Maryanne explains: “A slightly different, but equally beautiful Riquewihr is a medieval fortress frozen in time by local experts. Only five kilometres from Eguisheim, Riquewihr charms visitors with its intact defensive walls, cobbled alleys, and medieval watchtowers.”
Homes in Riquewihr are notable for their highly stylised wooden facades(Image: Getty Images)
She says that Riquewihr’s houses — some dating as far back as the 16th century — are notable for their traditional painted wooden facades decorated with geometric patterns and floral motifs. Walking through its narrow streets feels like “entering a living museum” and is particularly magical during Christmas time when fairy lights adorn the walls.
Maryanne says that despite Riquewihr and Eguisheim’s proximity to the popular destination of Colmar, both towns remain “delightfully undervisited”.
“They provide the perfect alternative for travellers wanting fairytale charm without the crowds, plus easy access to world-class Alsace wines and local gastronomy,” she says.
Colmar has achieved notoriety on social media for its pastel-hued traditional homes and picture-perfect canals. With its relatively small population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a “country town” vibe, drawing visitors into its quaint atmosphere amplified by centuries of dedicated preservation.
Disney fans might even mistake Colmar for Belle’s hometown from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The area’s distinctive architecture, including timber-clad homes, supposedly served as the direct inspiration for the movie’s fictional setting in Alsace.
Moira Dingle has thrown several punches throughout her years in Emmerdale. But Natalie J Robb, who portrays her, remembers one real-life fight that left her injured.
Emmerdale legend Natalie J Robb revealed she was once involved in a huge fight
She’s survived a brain tumour, kept Cain steady through the heartbreak of Nate’s death, and somehow held her family together.
Emmerdale’s Moira Dingle is about to face even more drama. “It’s all kicking off,” says Natalie J Robb, who plays the farmer. “She’s still in recovery, her tumour was only diagnosed last year.”
Moira has stood strong for hubby Cain, who’s still reeling after the discovery of Nate’s body in a lake. “She knows what it’s like to lose a child, so she knows the pain he’s feeling,” Natalie says, referring to the death of Moira’s daughter Holly. “But there’s just so many different emotions going on.”
Guilt is one of them. Before Nate’s death, he was beaten by Cain – fuelled by a rumour that Moira tried to kiss him. Believing Nate and Moira’s old affair had sparked again, Cain lashed out. “That fight they had,” Natalie says, “Moira believes she caused it.”
Moira is well-known for her intensity and her strong temper and fans often tell Natalie they wish they had Moira’s fire. In some ways, Natalie gets it.
Raised just outside Glasgow, she was a tomboy in a farming community. “There were more boys than there were girls. I didn’t get on with girls,” she admits. “I was into playing football.”
But life was tough early on – Natalie was picked on by other girls and sometimes, it was brutal. “I was walking home from school one night,” she says.
“I had a bit of a black eye, my lip was bleeding. My mum said, ‘Come with me.’ She dragged me to one of the girls’ house and said, ‘You’re going to fight her one-to-one.’”
The fight was stopped before it escalated but the lesson stuck. “I was terribly shy and quite sensitive,” she says. “But I’ve definitely changed. Maybe Moira has helped.”
Joe drops a bombshell on Moira, leaving the future of her farm in the balance
Now, the Dingle-Barton clan is about to be dealt another blow. Joe Tate’s gunning for Moira’s land, hoping to hand it over to Kim Tate, his step-grandmother.
“Moira can be a bit crazy, fierce and protective,” says Natalie. “But she’s a fair woman when it comes to farming and her business. What they’re trying to do to her is awful, it’s really bad. Her hands are tied.”
Butlers Farm is already struggling but losing it would leave Moira and Cain homeless. “The outcome is going to be much worse,” Natalie says.
“Ultimately, she thinks they’re going to have to sell. But Joe tells her fibs about her being a tenant farmer. She’s going to try to do everything to save it. But working with Joe? He gets right under Moira’s skin.”
As pressure mounts, Cain also locks horns with his brother Sam – who works for Kim and is friends with her through wife Lydia. Things boil over when two intruders are found hiding in Moira’s barn. Cain blames Joe, and tensions erupt.
“I go to punch Joe Tate, but as I do that, I punch Lydia in the ear,” Natalie says. “It’s very convoluted but it creates a big rift betweenSam and Cain.”
Luckily, the off-screen atmosphere is far calmer. Natalie and Jeff Hordley (Cain) have been filming together for over a decade. “We can work together with our eyes shut,” she says.
“We have a nice friendship and a good working relationship. But it was also nice to work with Ned Porteous, who plays Joe,and do things with Home Farm. It’s been talked about for a while, they’ve always wanted this land. They want the land for access, they don’t care about the farm.”
For Natalie, the storyline hits close to home. “I’ve got some farmer friends, they said that is the way it’s going a lot of the time. They’re making a lot of tenant farmers so they work their land,” she says.
“But they don’t have the same responsibility. It’s not theirs anymore, which is really sad. Farmers are a different breed, they have a different mindset and they don’t have time to mess around. They’re survivors. Even Jeremy Clarkson realises now how hard it is.”
“Andor” has been the “seminal creative experience” of Tony Gilroy’s life.
The filmmaker spent over five years steeped in the world of the “Star Wars” prequel series, which follows resistance fighter Cassian Andor (portrayed by Diego Luna) during the nascent days of the Rebellion. On Tuesday, “Andor” earned 14 Emmy nominations for its second and final season, including in the marquee race for drama series.
“It’s hard to imagine that I’ll ever be as deeply invested with as much and so submerged with so many people in such a huge endeavor,” Gilroy said via Zoom after the nominations announcement. “It’s a life experience as much as anything else. Everybody on this show really came away with a deeper sense of community and affection than they went in with.”
In addition to drama series, “Andor” was nominated for its directing, writing, cinematography, production design, costume, editing, score, original music, sound editing, sound mixing and special effects. Performances by Forest Whitaker (guest actor) and Alan Tudyk (character voice-over) were also recognized.
A grounded, political spy thriller, “Andor” is set during the five years leading up to the events of “Rogue One: A Star Wars story,” the 2016 film on which Gilroy is credited as one of the writers. The series has been hailed by critics and audiences since its 2022 debut, captivating both longtime “Star Wars” fans as well as those who don’t know an Ewok from a Wookiee.
Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) in “Andor.”
(Lucasfilm Ltd)
The show’s second season, which unfolds over the span of four years, provided key glimpses into the Galactic Empire’s operations as well as the origins of the Rebel Alliance. And while the show is inspired by revolutions past, Gilroy admits it has been “spooky” to see current events parallel moments from the show.
In an interview with The Times, Gilroy discussed “Andor’s” nominations, real-life parallels and more. The conversation edited for length and clarity.
Congratulations on the 14 nominations! How are you feeling?
I’m trying to find a word that everybody you’re calling doesn’t use. I feel affirmed. It’s very exciting, obviously.
Where were you and what were you doing when you heard the news?
I waited and I took a ride and took a shower and got out and saw my phone was hot. I waited to see if my phone was hot.
Is there an “Andor” group chat where you all can chat in a thread together?
No. Well, maybe there is and I’m not on it. It’s more text mania. Then you have to figure out who’s on WhatsApp, who’s on this, who’s on that. Everybody’s on different s—. It’s actually really f— complicated, to be honest. Now I’ve got emails to answer, WhatsApps to answer.
What has it been like for you to be on this ride with this show as real-life events start to parallel what happened on the show? It feels like we’re living through so much of it now.
It’s been spooky. We had to do a very interesting thing, I think, and figure out how to sell the show while this was all happening without us getting confused, or the world getting confused, or anything else. So I’m really proud. We went all around the world and really sold it really hard. It’s hard to get a large audience to watch “Star Wars” — it’s strange, but it’s really difficult. Along the way I think we managed through the relevancy and the politics of it as successfully as we could. I think now things are a little bit looser. We’re a little bit more free with how we want to speak now so that’s a little bit liberating.
How hard is it to hold some of that in while you’re trying to appeal to an audience?
There wasn’t anything really cynical about it. Everything we said was legit. The historical model is truly what we were doing, and we’re not espousing an ideology in the show or anything like that. But we were also quite taken aback as things went along, at the amount of things that started rhyming with what was going on. Watching Sen. [Alex] Padilla get [handcuffed] while we’re watching the Ghorman senate — there’s things we did not expect to see lining up. It’s really tough and it should be obvious what people think about it.
One of the show’s nominations was writing for Episode 9.
Dan Gilroy, nominated!
How does it feel to be able to share this moment with your brother?
All three Gilroy brothers were nominated today! It’s very pleasing to see that. There’s so many things on here that really, really, really, make me smile. It’s really great that [production designer] Luke [Hull] and [costume designer] Michael Wilkinson [were nominated]. All the technical things that came in for us today were really satisfying. All these awards are community property no matter how people talk about it. You know how many people it takes to stand behind every one of these episodes. They’re just epic, the amount of people that are involved.
As you’re picking these individual episodes, how did Episode 9 stand out? What made it special for you?
We were really torn about what to [submit]. We had three candidates that we really were really interested in. In the end, people felt — direction wise — that the Ghorman massacre, Episode 8, was such a powerhouse. It’s such a strong flavor and so memorable that we could not have that beat for direction. And we also felt that [Episode] 9, it’s just so sophisticated. The spy writing and the sleekness of the politics and the sleekness of the storytelling in there and the scale of the issues for the characters that came up. That was always the favorite for script.
Since you mention Ghorman, what was memorable about working on that episode for you?
It’s always an experiment to see if you’re going to get the power out of things that you think you’re going to get. [So,] to watch that expand beyond where we thought it was going to be, and to have it affect us, the people making it, more than we expected. To have the extras walk off the set on the final day of shooting, when they were finally released, all the people in that square after months and they went off singing the Ghorman national anthem on their own on the way out of Pinewood [Studios]. I’m very proud of it.
That anthem is also nominated.
That’s really all I care about, Tracy. I’ve written a national anthem and it’s been nominated for an Emmy. [Laughs.]
Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Grymish (Kurt Egyiawan) in “Andor.”
(Lucasfilm Ltd)
Your time with “Star Wars” is pretty much wrapped up. What has it been like for you, being steeped in this world for so long?
“Rogue [One]” aside, just being on this show the last five and a half, six years, this is the seminal creative experience, I’m imagining, of my life. It’s hard to imagine that I’ll ever be as deeply invested with as much and so submerged with so many people in such a huge endeavor. I can’t imagine that will ever happen again. It’s a life experience as much as anything else. Everybody on this show really came away with a deeper sense of community and affection than they went in with. To make a great show, and we’re really proud of it, and to come away feeling the way that we feel about each other and what everybody did, I’m as proud of that as anything.
How are you going to celebrate?
I’m going to roll these calls and I’m going to go back to prepping the movie that I’m supposed to start shooting. I’ve got homework to do. I’m going to try and get an hour or two of work done before I go out for dinner with my wife. But I’ll have an extra cherry in my old fashioned tonight.
Joe Layton’s evil character Mick Michaelis is back to cause chaos in Weatherfield but as Joe tells The Mirror he’s already received a torrent of online abuse from viewers
Joe Layton is back in Corrie
Corrie cop killer Joe Layton has been forgiven by Colson Smith for killing off his much-loved character PC Craig Tinker in a violent attack with a baseball bat. The same can’t be said for fellow Weatherfield residents, whose lives will be in danger next week when Joe’s character Mick Michaelis runs amok on the cobbles after a dramatic jail break.
As he tries to snatch his kids and flee abroad, Mick lands DC Kitt Green in hospital, needing lifesaving surgery. Joe, 33, who is leaving the soap, says of Colson: “He was such a positive energy and for the other cast and crew there’s obviously a massive Colson-sized hole everywhere at Coronation Street. “But we had a good chat when we first met and continued to chat.
“We were both Leeds United fans, so we bonded over that pretty quickly. And I was just struck by what a lovely warm-hearted person he is.“He never made me feel in any way shape or form: ‘I’m doing this bad thing to this popular character.’” Playing a Corrie baddie has prompted some unexpected encounters. Joe tells The Mirror: “I was in Scotland with my sister who lives up there. We were sitting outside a restaurant having a drink and a lady came out from the restaurant.
Joe Layton and Farrell Hegarty attend the British Soap awards at Hackney Town Hall on May 31, 2025 in London, England. (Image: WireImage)
“She stood next to me and looked at me and she went, ‘should you not be in prison?’
“She told me that she and the five ladies inside sitting looking at us through the window were all police officers, including the head of the constabulary in Scotland!” Monstrous Mick has had Corrie fans on the edge of their seats since he first stepped on to the cobbles back in February.
But Joe, who was spotted by a US agent at 22 and moved to the States – where he spent 6 years after being promised Hollywood stardom – says his younger self would have turned the role down. Joe, who returned to Britain five years ago, says: “If you’d asked me when I moved to America if I’d ever do a soap, I think I’d have said ‘no.’ No disrespect to soaps, but I didn’t think they were for me.
“I’m just so happy that I was offered the role in Coronation Street when I was. I’d grown up a bit and my attitude towards work had changed. “It’s a great lesson for me that you should try everything, because what I experienced in my six months at Coronation Street was incredible.” And he will be leaving the cobbles with a bang, as Mick causes mayhem after his jail break.
“No-one on the street is safe,” Joe warns. “We’ve seen what he’s capable of – he’s already killed Craig and attacked Kit. “His plan is to look for his kids and try to escape. We see a different side to him and how much his kids mean to him.
“Serving a life sentence isn’t something he can deal with and he’ll do whatever it takes to get out of the country and take his kids with him.” Joe’s big break came 11 years ago when he landed the lead role in the BBC drama series Tatau.
Joe is a seasoned actor and got his big break in US series Tatau in 2015
“I came out of drama school and hit the ground running,” he recalls. “I did Tatau and off the back of that I got picked up by a US manager and US agent and had the opportunity to go out there.
“They said ‘you’re going to come over and you’re going to do whatever you want to do.’ In your early 20s why would you not believe that?”
But, renting a studio apartment in the middle of Los Angeles, the scales soon fell from his eyes “It was great, but it was like living next door to Harrods, but not having any money,” he laughs. “I was walking past all these lovely shops and restaurants, but I was cooking baked beans back in my apartment.”
Still, he was delighted to land a role in the hit American TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “When I first drove into the Universal Studio parking lot, I remember sitting in my car calling my dad saying ‘you’ll never guess where I am,’” he smiles.
But, despite this great role, life in LA could be tough. At times, he admits: “I also worked as a carpenter and doing food delivery. I was a very small fish in a very big pond. “It was demoralising at times, but it also taught me to stand on my own two feet.”
And when he started being offered bigger jobs back in Blighty, he came home. Since then, he’s worked alongside Jodie Comer in Thirteen, he appeared in the Dawn French comedy The Trouble with Maggie Cole and in the Netflix crime drama Young Wallander, as well as being cast in the BBC series The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Mick and Lou Michaelis first arrived on the street in February as the nightmare nightmares (Image: ITV)
Then came Mick – a wife beating thug and one of Corrie’s nastiest characters of recent years. “I got a lot of hate online in the form of comments or tweets or direct messages,” Joe recalls. “I think everybody just thought ‘There’s no room for this guy on the street, we don’t like him, get rid, we wish that you’d never existed as an actor or a person!’ “Because Corrie is such a staple in so many people’s day to day and because it’s been on so long, there’s sometimes a fine line separating reality and your character.
“I was lucky that my previous job was The Bombing of Pan Am 103. That was airing at the same time on BBC. So, the night that Craig was killed I was on ITV at 8-9pm and then 9-10pm I was on BBC playing a really nice American character.”
London-born Joe, who grew up in Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales, wrote a journal as Mick, to help understand his character. “I wrote it first person as Mick,” he explains. “It was just a stream of consciousness. “I was playing an abusive husband who kills a police officer. On paper that’s dreadful and horrible, but my job as an actor is to get to the why and the motivation. You don’t judge the character; you try to understand them and step into their shoes.
“Mick is a really wounded, angry man who has been let down and fallen through the cracks at multiple different times in his life. Sadly there are lots of men out there like that.”
Corrie spoilers confirm a prison escape leading to a siege, as someone faces grave danger(Image: ITV)
But Joe, who would happily return to Corrie, won’t be watching his final scenes. He is filming in Lithuania for a new Apple TV sci fi series Star City, in which is is playing a Russian cosmonaut alongside Rhys Ifans and Anna Maxwell Martin.
“It was really exciting to go straight into that,” he says. Joe, who will also be touring the UKwith the play Lost Atoms in September, is glad he will miss his soap exit. He says: “When I did my very first TV job my mum organised for lots of friends and family to come over and watch and I felt more nervous than I’d ever felt performing on stage in my entire life!’ he says. “I was hardly in it, but I still felt self-conscious.
“So, the morning that Craig was killed, I went on ITVX at 7.30am to watch it on my own, to prepare myself before I watched it with my girlfriend and our friends in the evening!”
Lost Atoms premieres at Curve Leicester from 22 September before a nationwide tour. For tickets and information go to: www.franticassembly.co.uk
Disney Channel fans are just realising that you can experience a holiday just like Camp Rock in real life; there is an almost identical spot with beautiful lakes, campfires and more
Fans are just realising that you can actually go to Camp Rock (file)(Image: DISNEY CHANNEL)
Every noughties child who was glued to the Disney Channel had one dream: to rock out at Camp Rock and rub shoulders with the Jonas Brothers, just like Demi Lovato’s character, Mitchie Torres. Nearly two decades on from the film’s release, fans are still belting out tunes from the Camp Rock soundtrack and its follow-up, Camp Rock 2.
Now, die-hard movie buffs can rejoice as there’s a ‘real-life Camp Rock’ where they can live out their musical fantasies. Nestled in Haliburton in Ontario, Canada, Kilcoo Camp offers idyllic scenes that could be straight out of the movie, featuring quaint cabins and lush woodlands set against the backdrop of the pristine Lake Wanakita.
A TikTok user recently shared a sneak peak of her time there. TikTok user @nomswithcat declared she was “living out my childhood dreams” while posting about her last meal at the camp.
Her final day kicked off with a “splendid view” and a breakfast of bread cake. “I had it every single day, it’s literally just jam and bread,” she confessed.
After breakfast, she warmed up for a dance session, later indulging in a hearty lunch of spaghetti and meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, which she described as “sweet and savoury”.
The camp experience wrapped up with a classic evening of fireside barbecue and s’mores.
“It was such a lovely way to end off camp,” the TikToker said, admitting she would miss the camp cuisine.
Fans of the iconic film were left stunned to discover that Camp Rock isn’t mere fiction.
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One flabbergasted fan exclaimed: “Camp rock is a real place why didn’t anyone tell me.” Another lamented: “You mean to tell me I could have saved all my money to go here?”
“Wait you’re telling me that we can go to Camp Rock,” echoed another, full of surprise. “Wait, what this is real?” one asked in disbelief.
While another shared their astonishment: “Why didn’t I know this was a thing?” “Oh wow never knew it was real,” admitted yet another fan.
The location, known for hosting summer camps and educational trips, also offers private retreats.
However, enthusiasts dreaming of their own Camp Rock experience should note that it comes with a hefty price tag; a four-week stay this summer will set you back $6,675 (£4902), while a two-week stint costs $3,950 (£2901).
Would you visit the real Camp Rock? Comment below.
Sue Jenkins and Richard Fleeshman both appeared on Coronation Street – but many fans had no idea about their real-life connection
Coronation Street has seen more than its fair share of real-life family members treading the cobbles, with cousins Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach among those who’ve found fame on the show.
The late Rick Neelan (played by Greg Wood) was actually the real-life brother of footballer Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).
However, they’re not the only ones with familial ties both on and off the screen. Fans were recently surprised to discover a mother and son duo who appeared on the soap years ago.
In 1985, Sue Jenkins joined the cast of Coronation Street as Gloria Todd, a regular character who worked as a barmaid at the iconic Rovers Return. She also shared scenes with Julie Goodyear, who famously played landlady Bet Lynch, reports the Daily Star.
Beyond her stint on Corrie, Sue portrayed Jackie Corkhill in Brookside for nine years from 1992 to 2001, and made a brief appearance in Emmerdale in 2008 as Bonnie Drinkwater.
Sue played Gloria on the soap(Image: Granada TV)
Interestingly, Sue’s son is Richard Fleeshman, who also had a role on Coronation Street.
Richard played Craig Harris, joining the cast in 2002 as part of the Harris family, who were hiding under the witness protection programme.
His character, Craig, had some significant storylines, reports Leicestershire Live.
He embraced a goth lifestyle, much to his father’s dismay, and became Rosie Webster’s (Helen Flanagan) first boyfriend.
The plot thickened when Katy Harris, Craig’s sister, killed their father after a heated row about her secret relationship with Martin Platt.
Her real-life son also appeared on the soap(Image: Unknown)
Their mother, Angela Harris, tried to shield Katy, but overwhelmed by guilt, Katy ended her own life.
In the aftermath, Craig planned to escape to Berlin with Rosie, but ultimately left alone, saying goodbye to the cobbles in 2006 for good.
The revelation of Sue and Richard’s time on Corrie left fans gobsmacked. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer posted about Sue’s stint on Corrie.
Fans have been left floored(Image: Granada Television)
Another fan replied: “That’s Richard fleeshmans mum!”
Another person remarked: “Wow, all this time watching and I never knew that, I can see her son in that photo now.”
A third chimed in: “Her real life son played Craig Harris, son of Psycho Tommy!”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who can’t stand the heat outside, but can tolerate it onscreen.
The eerie and bizarre story of John Orr, a Southern California arson investigator who authorities say moonlighted as a serial arsonist suspected of setting some 2,000 fires in the 1980s and 1990s, has been chronicled in the 2021 podcast “Firebug” and, earlier this year, received the deep-dive treatment from L.A. Times writer Christopher Goffard. Now, there’s a new Apple TV+ series, “Smoke,” loosely inspired by the true crime case. Author and screenwriter Dennis Lehane, who created the new drama, stopped by Guest Spot to discuss it.
Also in this week’s Screen Gab, TV critic Robert Lloyd reminds us that Bravo used to dabble in scripted programming, recommending “Odd Mom Out,” the short-lived comedy about a stay-at-home mother and her experiences navigating the bizarre and outrageous world of Manhattan’s elite; and film reporter Josh Rottenberg suggests finding time to watch a hybrid documentary-biopic film about the ‘90s indie band Pavement.
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Must-read stories you might have missed
Jerry Bruckheimer, whose new movie “F1” hits screens this week, poses for a portrait in his Santa Monica office.
‘Countdown’ makes Los Angeles a prominent character — and it’s in danger: The Prime Video action series follows a task force consisting of members from various law enforcement agencies that are brought together after the murder of a Department of Homeland Security agent. But it’s Los Angeles that is in serious danger.
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Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times
Jill Kargman as Jill and Andy Buckley as Andy in “Odd Mom Out.”
(Barbara Nitke / Bravo )
“Odd Mom Out” (Peacock)
In my review of the new season of “The Bear” this week, I neglected to mention Abby Elliott, who plays Sugar, the level-headed sister of Jeremy Allen White’s Carmy (or to mention Sugar’s new baby, the most adorable infant I have ever seen on screen); ironically, it was because, laboring to express how great she is in it, I had set that bit aside — as it turned out, permanently. Happily, I was already planning to use this space to recommend her earlier series, Jill Kargman’s very funny “Odd Mom Out,” Bravo’s brief experiment (2015-17) in scripted comedy, giving me this chance to self-correct. In “Mom,” whose three seasons stream on Peacock, Kargman, a very talented amateur, stars as a version of herself in a series based on her 2007 book “Momzillas,” about competitive parenting among Upper East Side New Yorkers, a war her boho-punk mother of three character declines to enter. (She is what most of us would call rich, but not obscenely so, and has good values.) Elliott, in a whimsical comic turn, plays Brooke, the pregnant and thin wife (later ex-wife) of her brother-in-law, whose charities include providing “prophylactic gastric bypasses for at-risk kids with morbidly obese parents” and sending bouncy castles to Africa. — Robert Lloyd
Stephen Malkmus in “Pavements.”
(Utopia)
“Pavements” (available on various VOD platforms)
If you were young and vaguely disaffected in the ’90s, Pavement was either your favorite band or the band your favorite band wanted to be — a group whose slanted (and enchanted) songs defined slacker cool, mixing lo-fi chaos, shaggy pop hooks and a shrugging disinterest in “career, career, career,” as they put it in their semi-hit “Cut Your Hair.” So it’s only fitting that Alex Ross Perry’s drolly funny anti-rock-doc ditches the usual mythology-building formula in favor of something far weirder. Blending real tour footage, a faux biopic, a tongue-in-cheek jukebox musical and a museum filled with half-fake relics, the film is part tribute, part Gen X time capsule, part absurdist prank. “Stranger Things” star Joe Keery is the film’s unexpected MVP, playing himself with deadpan commitment as he fixates on nailing lead singer Stephen Malkmus’ Stockton accent — right down to requesting a photo of his tongue for research. By the end, “Pavements” becomes both a joke about the band’s legacy and a surprisingly sincere celebration of it. — Josh Rottenberg
Guest spot
A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they’re working on — and what they’re watching
Taron Egerton in Apple TV+’s “Smoke.”
(Apple TV+)
He spent his days as a fire captain and arson investigator in Southern California, but authorities say John Orr lived a secret life as a prolific arsonist responsible for a string of fires that terrorized the region in the ‘80s and ‘90s. An unpublished novel he wrote, “Points of Origin,” detailed an arson spree that mirrored real-life incidents and helped authorities secure enough evidence to arrest him. The firefighting veteran was eventually convicted on 20 counts of arson and 4 counts of murder and is serving life in prison. Orr continues to maintain his innocence. This true story, chronicled in the 2021 podcast “Firebug,” is the basis for Apple TV+’s new nine-episode crime drama “Smoke.” Created by Dennis Lehane (“Black Bird”), the series follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen (Taron Egerton) and Detective Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett) as they pursue two serial arsonists. The first two episodes are available to stream, with the remaining seven releasing weekly every Friday until Aug. 15. Lehane stopped by Guest Spot to discuss the show’s gnarly fire sequences and getting Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke to provide the show’s theme song. — Yvonne Villarreal
You’ve authored several well-known novels, including “Gone, Baby, Gone,” “Mystic River” and “Shutter Island,” and you’re familiar with exploring moral ambiguity. What stood out to you when you first listened to “Firebug”? And what about it made it a story you wanted to tell for the screen?
What really stood out for me with “Firebug” was John Orr’s myopic duality. He clung to the identity of a hero arson investigator even as he was running around lighting up Glendale and surrounding areas, resulting in several deaths. On top of that, he was writing a book about an arson investigator chasing a serial arsonist. And the book was quite bad. I found that kinda delicious. I was also intrigued by his methods for setting the fires and was taken by the fact that he’d once nearly died in a fire when he mistook his reflection for another firefighter and ran deeper into a burning house.
Everything else in the show is pure fiction. I didn’t want to tell a story about John Orr in 1980s California; I wanted to tell a story about our culture now, about people who feel so unmoored they’d rather cling to the fiction of themselves over the fact.
Tell me about the planning and work that went into crafting the fire sequences in the series — how you decided when to use special effects or real fire, and the precautions that needed to be in place for the latter. And is there a fire sequence in the series that stands out for you?
The moments that stand out most are the first fire — Dave’s dream — and the last — the sawmill fire. The first of these was 100% real. It was shot on a burn stage with pipes blasting flame all around the room as Taron — not a stunt man — walked through it. It looks so impressive because a) we planned really hard; and b) Sam McCurdy, our director of photography, is a painter with light and reflection. Our sawmill fire and the subsequent car ride thru the burning forest was the opposite — it was predominantly CGI, but we’d realized by then that the key was to shoot as much real fire as we could (which, in this case, wasn’t terribly much), so the CGI wizards had real flame to compare their work to.
How did you get Thom Yorke to write a song (“Dialing In”) for the show’s theme?
Our music supervisor, Mary Ramos, had heard that Thom was a fan of “Black Bird” [Lehane’s previous Apple TV+ series that also starred Egerton and featured much of the same creative team]. We reached out to see if he had any interest in writing a song for our credit sequence. And he actually called us back. He and I spoke about the underlying themes of the show and he read a bunch of the scripts. Then he went off and wrote the song. He sent it back to us and someone, I think it was Mary, said, “Now you have to give him notes.” And I was like, Um … no, no, I don’t. He’s Thom Yorke. Giving him notes on music would be like telling Scorsese where to put the camera. I passed along this note:”Thank you.”
What have you watched recently that you’re recommending to everyone you know? (Please explain)
“Dept. Q” [Netflix]. Scott Frank, as always, crushes it as both a writer and a director. It’s got one of the best pilots I’ve ever seen, and the cast, led by Matthew Goode and Kate Dickie, is impeccable. It’s so rich in character and atmosphere that I wanted to fly to Edinburgh to simply hang out with every character after I finished watching.
What’s your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? (Please explain)
“Midnight Run” [Netflix] is my cinematic chicken soup for the soul. It’s smart, hilarious, infinitely quotable, sports one of the greatest casts ever assembled, and it’s non-stop, breakneck fun from the first shot to the last. I’ve probably seen it 30 times.
The star best known for his role as Robert Sugden and the character recently made a return to the long-running soap just as his ex Aaron Dingle was due to tie the knot with half-brother John
19:51, 14 Jun 2025Updated 19:51, 14 Jun 2025
Emmerdale Robert Sugden star details real-life friendship with soap rival
Emmerdale’s Ryan Hawley shared his appreciation for his soap rival Oliver Farnworth amid a tense storyline. Ryan is best known for his role as Robert Sugden and the character recently made a return to the long-running soap just as Robert’s ex Aaron Dingle was due to tie the knot with half-brother John.
Robert admitted he wanted Aaron back and the duo ended up sharing a secret smooch. However, it wasn’t enough for them to get back together as Aaron chose to marry John. Robert is now back in jail as he broke the terms of his bail and, next weeks, fans will witness John visiting him in prison to taunt him.
In an act of petty revenge, Robert reveals the secret kiss he had with John’s partner, angering him. While there’s a lot of drama to unfold, in real life, Ryan is a big fan of working with Oliver (who plays John).
“I’ve never worked with Oli [before], but I’ve been having a lot of fun working with him. Me and him have quite a lot in common,” Ryan revealed to Digital Spy.
“He’s a lovely guy. I really like him. I’ve had a lot of fun working with him. He’s great at playing this character. And I’m really happy he’s part of the cast.”
Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle married John(Image: ITV)
Ryan went on to compliment Oliver’s skills as an actor before adding how he’s “well liked around here.”
Meanwhile, an episode next week featuring just a few cast members could see truths come to light, with fans set to see moments they’ve been waiting for for six long years .
Some scenes our Mirror soap insider have revealed would be “exactly what Robron fans have wanted for so long”. Not only that but there’s moving scenes with Aaron at the prison as well as drama with John, before Robert heads back to the village.
Just months after his exit Robert had called for a divorce and cut Aaron and even his sister Victoria Sugden out of his life. So fans have absolutely no idea what life has been like for Robert in prison, and what’s gone on in that time. It’s been teased he could be harbouring secrets and a story about those six years he was offscreen for.
Some of these things could well come out next week, as Ryan has promised viewers will learn a thing or two. With Ryan hinting at tense and dark scenes with John and then tear-jerking scenes with Robert and Aaron, he promised “big” moments ahead.
