seasons

‘I found the world’s most breath-taking landscapes with four seasons in a day’

We discovered unforgettable scenery, culture and cuisine on a trip to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s western coast, with glacier-carved fjords and the Earth’s mantle

Majestic mountains, ancient glaciers and miles of untouched landscapes where moose and caribou thrive are just part of what makes Western Newfoundland so spectacular. With a rich history filled with Indigenous, English, Irish and French influences, this region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is a place of pure beauty, with a charm echoed by its residents.

You’ll be welcomed with open arms and told, “It’s the people that you’re going to meet that will make your experience.” The uncrowded paradise stretches 750 kilometres and is one of the rare places in the world you can walk on the Earth’s mantle and gaze at glacier-carved fjords. The area is known to experience four seasons in a day, as locals told us, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!”

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Cosy cabins

Our first stop was family-run Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins in the small fishing village of Cow Head. Our room was cosy and comforting with views out to the serene waters. The inviting wooden porch was the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee in the morning, and the motel also offers guests a dip in its outdoor heated pool or hot tub overlooking the sea.

Our next stay was further down the coast in the town of Norris Point. Sugar Hill Inn is set on a hillside and has generously sized rooms and wrap-around porches. Our room had charming wooden floors and interiors, and an outside entrance led to our decking area with wooden Adirondack chairs for lounging.

Natural wonders

Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago, the landlocked fjord of Western Brook Pond is one of the most popular places to visit in Newfoundland. Located in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has towering cliffs, misty waterfalls cascading from 2,000-feet high and a pristine freshwater lake. We marvelled at this breathtaking fjord with its picture-postcard views during a two-hour boat trip, complete with insightful commentary from a friendly Bontours crew member. Keep an eye out for the hidden face in the rocks, naturally chiseled by time and weather, known as the Tin Man.

The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the Earth’s mantle – the layer of silicate rock between the crust and the outer core. In an experience we won’t forget in a hurry, we walked on the exposed ground – which we were told is similar to that on Mars – along a 4km trail through the striking valleys.

Cultural tour

In Norris Point, we threw ourselves into the local culture and journeyed back in time on an Indigenous Tour with Gros Morne Adventures, experiencing life through the eyes of the first inhabitants. Starting in a canoe, we paddled across serene waters as bald eagles flew above to Bonne Bay, where colourful cabins decorate the shoreline. A speed boat then took us to Gadd’s Harbour where we disembarked to hike through woodland, following moose trails while passing wildflowers, raspberry shrubs and squash berries.

We learnt how locals had a“boil up”, making a campfire to serve tea while out in the wilderness – a tradition many still hold today. We also made Lu’skinikin (bannock), a traditional Indigenous bread, before trying our hand at creating a fire using Stone Age tools.

We also took a stroll around Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, which once guided fishermen and sailing vessels into Bonne Bay, and sampled local honey during a tour at the Cormack Bee Company. We couldn’t resist buying their red Thai chilli-infused honey to bring back home.

For a night like no other, we attended the annual Writers at Woody Point Literary Festival, where we enjoyed live music from the likes of Ed Robertson, frontman of the band Barenaked Ladies, and who wrote the theme song for sitcom The Big Bang Theory. It was an evening we’ll remember forever.

Coastal cuisine

We discovered a thriving food scene in Newfoundland, with nods to Indigenous dishes while paying homage to its European influences, and a strong focus on fresh fish and seafood. At the Buoy & Arrow Restaurant in Rocky Harbour, we had our first taste of moose in a soup, before sharing a snow crab Nmjinikej dip with salted flatbread chips. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without ordering their signature lobster roll.

Shallow Bay Family Restaurant in Cow Head saw us dine on fresh salmon from their menu of local favourites and sip refreshing beer, brewed with iceberg water, while admiring the views of the bay through their panoramic windows.

Another highlight was Chanterelles at Sugar Hill Inn, which offers a fine dining experience in an intimate yet relaxed setting. We started with the seafood cakes with shrimp, salmon and cod, before relishing the succulent roasted duck breast with partridgeberry and orange gastrique and roasted garlic mash.

The Black Spruce at Neddies Harbour Inn was nothing short of perfection too – even our freshly baked bread with molasses butter to start left us speechless. Some favourites on the menu include the seafood chowder and the Atlantic beef tenderloin.

How to book

Rooms at Shallow Bay Motel start from £87, and at Sugar Hill Inn from £134 per night, based on two sharing. Air Canada offers return flights from London Heathrow to Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador (via Halifax, Nova Scotia) from £587pp. See newfoundlandlabrador.com and atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk for more details.

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A’ja Wilson leads Las Vegas Aces to third WNBA title in 4 seasons

A’ja Wilson scored 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both added 18 and the Las Vegas Aces won their third WNBA championship in four seasons, beating the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 on Friday night for a four-game sweep of the Finals.

The Aces made quick work of the league’s first best-of-seven Finals. It was another offensive onslaught from Las Vegas, which scored 54 points in the first half and averaged more than 90 points per game in the series.

Wilson — honored as the Finals MVP — was in the middle of the action once again even if she didn’t have the best shooting night. The four-time regular-season MVP finished seven of 21 from the field, but made 17 of 19 free throws. Gray made four three-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter to help turn back a final rally by the Mercury.

The Aces were presented the championship trophy by embattled WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who was greeted with boos from the sizable contingent of Las Vegas fans who made the trip to Phoenix.

The Aces led 76-62 going into the fourth quarter, but the Mercury went on an 8-0 run early that cut the deficit to 76-70 with 7:56 left. That was as close as they would get.

Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 30 points, shooting 12 of 22 from the field. Alyssa Thomas had 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls from official Gina Cross. Tibbetts was arguing a foul call against Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani, and reacted in disbelief as he was escorted off the court.

DeWanna Bonner and Copper also got called for technical fouls in the fourth quarter.

The Aces never trailed in the series clincher, building a 30-21 lead by the end of the first quarter on 55% shooting. Jewell Loyd, Gray and Dana Evans made three straight threes early in the second quarter to put Las Vegas ahead by 19.

Las Vegas settled for a 54-38 halftime advantage. Wilson had 14 points before the break while Gray added 10.

The Mercury were without forward Satou Sabally, who suffered a concussion near the end of Game 3. They suffered another injury blow on Friday when Thomas had to leave just before halftime after taking a hard hit to her right shoulder on a screen from Loyd.

Thomas returned for the second half but was hampered by the injury.

The Mercury enjoyed a deep playoff run under Tibbetts, but couldn’t find a way to slow down the Aces. Phoenix made it to the finals after beating the defending champion New York Liberty in the opening round and knocking off the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals.

Phoenix lost in the WNBA Finals for the second time in five years, also falling to the Chicago Sky in 2021. The Mercury have won three championships, with the last coming in 2014.

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Angels continue to careen to season’s end with another loss

Bobby Witt Jr. and Adam Frazier each drove in two runs, Salvador Perez moved into second place on Kansas City’s career RBI list and the Royals beat the Angels 8-4 on Tuesday night, shortly after being eliminated from postseason contention.

The Royals (79-78) were knocked out of the race for an AL wild card with five games remaining in their regular season. Kansas City, which reached the playoffs last season, has failed to qualify for the postseason in nine of the last 10 seasons.

Perez singled to center in the first inning to score Witt. It was the 35-year-old catcher’s 97th RBI of the season and 1,013th of his career, moving him past Hal McRae. The Royals’ all-time RBI leader is George Brett with 1,596.

Maikel Garcia went three for four with two doubles. It was Garcia’s second career game with three hits and three runs scored, and his 11th three-hit game of the season.

Royals starter Cole Ragans (3-3) gave up two runs and three hits and struck out 10 over five innings in his second start since returning from the injured list with a left rotator cuff strain.

Bryce Teodosio hit his first career homer for the Angels in the fifth inning, in his 45th MLB game this season. Taylor Ward added his 35th homer, a career high, in the ninth inning. The Angels have lost 10 of their last 11 games.

Key moment

Mike Trout was honored before his first at-bat for hitting his 400th career home run against the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday.

Key stat

The Royals’ batters recorded 15 hits, and the pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.

Up next

The Royals’ Stephen Kolek (5-6, 3.54 ERA) faces the Angels’ Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 4.05) on Wednesday night.

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Clayton Kershaw announces retirement after 18 seasons with the Dodgers

Last year, in the middle of a World Series celebration he had spent two decades dreaming about, Clayton Kershaw took the mic at Dodger Stadium and made a declaration.

“I love you guys, thank you!” he shouted to an adoring Chavez Ravine crowd.

“Dodger for life!”

On Thursday, that distinction was cemented.

After 18 seasons, three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, more than 3,000 strikeouts and two World Series titles, Kershaw announced he will retire from Major League Baseball after this season.

Kershaw’s announcement, which came in a press release from the team, preceded what could now be his final Dodger Stadium start scheduled for Friday night.

That game will mark his 246th time taking the bump at the only ballpark he has ever called home. Depending on what happens in October, when Kershaw will make one more run at one more championship, it could be his last.

After 222 wins, more than 2,800 innings, and a career 2.54 ERA, his countdown to Cooperstown will begin this winter.

After serving as the face of the franchise during one of the most successful runs in club history, the book will finally be closing on his illustrious Dodgers career.

Kershaw’s retirement had been a long time coming. Over each of the past four offseasons, he contemplated whether or not to walk away from the game. An 11-time All-Star and five-time ERA champion, he long ago ensured his spot as a future Hall of Fame pitcher. As the franchise’s all-time strikeout leader, his place in club lore had already been enshrined.

Yet, the 37-year-old Kershaw never lost his desire to play.

Despite an elbow injury at the end of the 2021 season, a shoulder surgery after the 2023 campaign, and foot and knee procedures this past offseason, he came back to continue his Dodgers career — never ready to give up another title chase.

This year, he has authored the kind of renaissance season that once felt beyond him. He is 10-2 in 20 starts with a 3.53 ERA, succeeding despite diminished fastball velocity and a decline in overall stuff. He has been an integral member of a first-place Dodgers team. And though one more postseason run lies ahead, with the Dodgers trying to defend last year’s World Series title, he decided his time in baseball was finally up.

“On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere, as well as for all of his profound charitable endeavors,” Dodgers owner Mark Walter said in the team’s release. “His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Originally drafted seventh overall by the Dodgers out of Highland Park High School in Texas in 2006, Kershaw has spent the entirety of his professional life in the organization, going from top prospect to young sensation to Cy Young winner to pitcher of his generation.

He made his MLB debut in 2008, and broke out as a star the following year. By 2011, he had earned his first All-Star selection, his first ERA title and his first Cy Young Award. The accolades would keep coming after that — with Kershaw leading the majors in ERA each season from 2011-2014, winning two more Cy Youngs in 2013 and 2014, and becoming only only the 22nd pitcher to ever win MVP honors with his 21-3, 1.77-ERA season in that historic 2014 campaign.

The back half of Kershaw’s career was plagued by injuries, starting with a bad back that sidelined him for part of 2016.

Still, he earned another ERA in 2017, while helping the Dodgers win their first pennant in 29 years. He had a resurgent performance in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, going 6-2 in the regular season with a 2.16 ERA before finally experiencing a World Series title.

Up to that point, the postseason was the only area were Kershaw struggled. In 32 playoff outings from 2008-2019, he was 9-11 with a 4.43 ERA — mediocre numbers underscored by excruciating collapses against the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros and Washington Nationals along the way.

But in 2020, Kershaw vanquished such demons, making five starts and going 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in the Dodgers’ first victorious World Series run since 1998. The title, Kershaw has said since, meant more than even he could have ever imagined.

“I think having that [World Series] definitely started letting me relax a little bit more,” Kershaw said in 2023. “I didn’t realize I had been carrying that weight that much.”

And once he won it once, the notoriously competitive left-hander craved to do it again.

That’s why, even as his body has continued to break down in recent years, Kershaw kept coming back every spring. He believed, when healthy, he could still contribute to a World Series roster. And despite numerous free-agent flirtations with his hometown Texas Rangers, he always saw the Dodgers as the best way to get there.

It made last year’s World Series title a sentimental one for the iconic left-hander. Kershaw was a limited participant, making only seven starts in the regular season before missing the playoffs with his foot and knee problems. But he relished in the celebration, especially the title-winning parade that the 2020 team had been denied by the pandemic.

He knew then that he would be a Dodger for life.

On Thursday, it finally became official.

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Pencil skirts are back but this season’s twist on the trend will stop you looking like Nessa from Gavin and Stacey

THE last time I wore a pencil skirt, my brother affectionately told me I looked like Nessa Jenkins from Gavin & Stacey. 

Brotherly love ­— always there to keep your feet firmly on the ground. 

Victoria Beckham in a suit, against a cityscape backdrop.

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Even Victoria Beckham has given in to the pencil skirt revival and created her own design, with a matching blazer, to revamp power-dressingCredit: Instagram
Photo of the Gavin & Stacey cast.

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Get the look wrong, though, and you will end up looking like Nessa from Gavin & StaceyCredit: BBC

But, sadly, he was right. 

My black, knee-length leather skirt and then short brown hair did make me look like the Welsh slot machine worker, minus the tattoos

Despite my affection for the show and actress Ruth Jones, who plays Nessa, the comment was enough to put me off that look for life. 

Nessa is not exactly known for her chic style. 

Now, as trends for autumn/winter start to appear, I’ve spotted that curve-clinging pencil skirts are back — from Gucci and Givenchy to high-street favourites Zara and Mango. 

And now I’m wondering, has the time come to give the style another whirl? 

There was a 12,000 per cent increase in searches on shopping site LTK for “pencil skirts” following the autumn/winter 2025 fashion weeks earlier this year. 

This thirst for a more slimline look tells us one thing, if nothing else — many of us, myself included, want to jump off the conveyor belt of loose midi and maxi styles. 

Five years on from lockdowns, we’re ready for a bit of wiggle. We want to get dressed up!. 

Now, I’m not for one minute suggesting we revert back to peak Noughties pencil skirt trends, when going “out out” was all about looking like a sexy businesswoman. 

tried on my teen era Topshop dress from 9 years ago & the results were insane, people say I look like a 50s movie star

Think peroxide blonde Victoria Beckham in her peak Wag era, complete with skintight skirt and peplum boob tube. Or reality stars like Towie original Amy Childs

But there was a time before this when the pencil skirt was stylish and classy. 

THE last time I wore a pencil skirt, my brother affectionately told me I looked like Nessa Jenkins from Gavin & Stacey. 

Clemmie Fieldsend, Fashion Editor

Starlets like Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe were big fans of the style, which became hugely popular in the late Fifties, with tucked in blouses and knits to show off their waist and bust. 

As Marilyn tottered along the train platform in Some Like It Hot, the tight-fitting style may well have played a part in her trademark wiggle walk. 

In the Eighties, pencil skirts were paired with shoulder-padded blazers. Women were making moves in boardrooms and this was power-dressing at its best. Think Melanie Griffith in Working Girl and Joan Collins in Dynasty. 

Over the next few decades, the pencil skirt became a workwear uniform. 

But recently, aside from wives of world leaders such as Melania Trump or contestants on The Apprentice, it has disappeared from our office attire. 

Especially since Covid, you are more likely to wear flats and comfy trousers than a restrictive, uncomfortable and somewhat dated knee-length skirt. 

Pamela Anderson in Midtown, wearing a purple suit and sunglasses.

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Recently, Pamela Anderson has been channelling Marilyn Monroe with her retro looks, including her trademark wiggle skirtCredit: GC Images
Daisy Edgar-Jones at the SXSW premiere of *On Swift Horses*.

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Fashion darling Daisy Edgar-Jones wore one of the skirts at Wimbledon and another to a recent eventCredit: Getty
Victoria Beckham walking down the street.

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Back in time to peroxide blonde Victoria Beckham in her peak Wag era, complete with skintight skirt and peplum boob tubeCredit: Getty
Amy Childs modeling a polka dot and striped dress at a fashion show.

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Reality stars like Towie original Amy Childs were also keen to get in on the peak Noughties pencil skirt trendsCredit: Getty

It seems, though, that we have now come full circle. As well as the designers’ offerings, we’ve seen a pregnant Rihanna wear a pencil skirt to a pre-Met Gala bash. 

Fashion darling Daisy Edgar-Jones wore one at Wimbledon and another to a recent event. 

Pamela Anderson has been channelling Marilyn Monroe with her retro looks, including her trademark wiggle skirt. 

Even Victoria Beckham has given into the revival and created her own design, with a matching blazer, to revamp power-dressing. 

I am convinced that there’s a way to wear this season’s wiggle skirts without looking like a string of sausages

Clemmie Fieldsend, Fashion Editor

We’ll also see the pencil return to screens this season as Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash-Betts star as outrageously fierce and successful lawyers in Disney’s legal drama All’s Fair later on this year. 

But after enjoying years of elastic waistbands and roomy skirts, are the rest of us now ready to squeeze into a tummy-sucking number? 

Personally, I’ll never get back into a black pleather version again. 

I can’t shake my Nessa past and rarely get dolled up enough to dust off my peplum and six-inch heels. 

But looking at the styles around on the high street, I am convinced that there’s a way to wear this season’s wiggle skirts without looking like a string of sausages. 

The faux-leather options out there are looser and more flattering, and they come in a range of colours. 

There are also cosy knitted versions or softer viscose numbers with bold patterns. 

I like the idea of wearing one with an oversized blazer and knee-high boots to the office in the autumn, to sharpen up my workwear. 

For drinks, I might even plump for a faux-leather number in sage or burgundy, with heels. 

But for the majority of the week, I will be sticking with my favourite flats. 

And I’m sorry, but you just can’t do a pencil skirt with ballet pumps or brogues without looking like a wally. 

Marilyn Monroe carrying suitcases at a train station.

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Marilyn Monroe nails the look in 1959 movie Some Like It HotCredit: Getty
Rihanna arriving at the Met Gala.

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Rihanna wears a pencil skirt to a pre-Met Gala bashCredit: Getty

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‘I made five seasons of The Voice and this is what it’s really like working with Sir Tom Jones’

The Voice UK has been a hit with viewers since it first aired in 2012

Sir Tom Jones has been a staple on The Voice UK since 2012
Sir Tom Jones has been a staple on The Voice UK since 2012(Image: ITV)

The Voice UK first graced our screens in 2012 and has been a hit ever since, now filming its 14th series.

The popular show features blind auditions, where the star-studded coaches hit a button to turn their chair if they like what they hear, seeing the performer for the first time.

If more than one coach turns, the artist chooses a mentor for their journey on the show. After the blind auditions, the contestants are divided into four teams, each mentored by a coach who selects songs for their artists to perform in a series of battles until a winner is crowned.

The Voice UK has welcomed many musical talents to the coveted coach chair, but one constant presence since the beginning is Sir Tom Jones.

Sir Tom, 85, was part of the original panel alongside will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O’Donoghue. However, as filming for series 14 commences, only Sir Tom and will.i.am remain from the original line-up, reports Wales Online. For series 14, they’re joined by Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones sharing coaching duties, and Kelly Rowland.

Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK
Sir Tom Jones on The Voice UK(Image: BBC)

A familiar face behind the scenes of The Voice UK is executive producer, Moira Ross, who has produced five seasons of the successful singing series.

Speaking in an exclusive interview to discuss her new series KPOPPED, Moira, whose work also includes Strictly Come Dancing, The Masked Singer and Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, told us: “It’s some time ago now but I made five seasons of The Voice when it first launched in the UK.

“That was my sort of insight into A-list superstar music talent. That was a big learning curve, you know, to understand firsthand just how hard these people work.”

Talking about working with Sir Tom, Moira added: “Tom is the ultimate professional and it was always a privilege to hear him sing. Even in rehearsals, it was just an absolute privilege so it never felt like a job that show.

“It was a really fun time, actually, for those five years and hanging out with the likes of will.i.am. He’s a lot of fun, Will, he’s got endless bags of ideas!”

Moira has been able to utilise her experience on The Voice UK for her latest project Apple TV+’s KPOPPED, where she worked as an executive producer.

The new series sees something of a shake-up to the format, with a new line-up of award-winning judges including LeAnn Rimes,  Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher on a joint chair, Will i am, and Sir Tom Jones
The Voice UK has welcomed many musical talents to the coveted coach chair(Image: ITV/Rachel Joseph/REX/Shutterstock)

The eight-part programme, from executive producers Lionel Richie and Miky Lee, sees each episode presented by Soojeong Son and it showcases two Western music legends – from Patti LaBelle to Boy George, Kesha to J Balvin and Megan Thee Stallion to some members of the Spice Girls – teamed up with a premier K-pop act, including ITZY, Billlie, BLACKSWAN, and STAYC. The K-pop group splits into two units, each teaming up with one of the guest artists.

They have just hours to reinvent a global hit, whilst also working on choreography, vocals, and visuals to wow the audience during their live stage performance. K-pop fans are then asked to choose the winning collaboration.

Discussing the filming process, Moira confessed it’s the “fastest turnaround” she’s ever experienced in her impressive career.

She said: “The Western stars would arrive and we would have approximately 48 hours! They’d arrive, they’d maybe get their bearings, they’d get to rehearsals and they were straight into work with the K-pop bands.

“There would be some sort of relief in terms of that experience of seeing some of the sights of Seoul and the cultural exchange. Then we’d rehearse again and next day we’re in studio, so rehearsing on set and they’re in front of that live audience of very excited K-pop fans.”

Moira added: “It’s the fastest turnaround I’ve ever done in terms of these entertainment productions but because of their level of stardom and professional capacity, they could pick it up like that and they all work so hard so it all fell into place.”

KPOPPED is available to watch now on Apple TV+

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Bad Sisters: Fans disappointed after popular Apple TV sitcom is axed after two seasons

Bad Sisters, a black comedy developed by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel and Brett Baer, first aired on Apple TV in August 2022 and returned for a second series in November last year

Award-winning sitcom Bad Sisters has been axed after just two series, it is reported.

The black comedy, set in Dublin, was widely praised since it first aired on Apple TV in August 2022 and returned for a second season last November. It has won two BAFTAs among other awards and fans had hoped to see more of the programme, developed by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel and Brett Baer.

But it is understood Bad Sisters won’t return to our screens despite its popularity. Fans have been left fuming after a source said the show, starring the likes of Anne-Marie Duff and Eva Birthistle, had reached “a natural conclusion”.

One viewer posted online: “Noooo, Bad Sisters on Apple TV was pretty good.” Another shared: “Damn, Bad Sisters on Apple TV is so good. Worth the watch.”

READ MORE: BBC axes Paddy McGuinness comedy as it would be ‘insensitive’ to his former wife ChristineREAD MORE: ITV’s Piglets given second series despite being ‘absolutely slammed’ by critics

Popular show Bad Sisters, featuring the Garvey siblings, has reportedly been axed
Popular show Bad Sisters, featuring the Garvey siblings, has reportedly been axed(Image: Apple TV+)

The TV insider told The Sun: “Many viewers who watched the first couple of series felt like the story reached a natural conclusion anyway, but of course, they hoped there’d be more.

“With every passing month it seemed less and less likely and now the show has been shelved by Apple completely, it’s not a huge shock, but it’s still a big disappointment for fans.

“It’s a particularly sad state of affairs because it was one of the few comedies in recent years that seem to have cut through with audiences, and many will be sad to see how short lived it is.”

Horgan also has a lead role in the programme – she plays one of the five Garvey siblings at the heart of the comedy. Sarah Greene and Eve Hewson make up the quintet, who are bound together by the deaths of their parents and the promises they made to always protect one another.

But they end up at the centre of a life insurance investigation after one of the women wants rid of her vile husband, and he ends up getting bumped off with the help of her sisters. The Mirror has contacted Apple TV about the future of Bad Sisters, rated as 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Garvey siblings had impressed viewers and pundits alike during their two seasons
The Garvey siblings had impressed viewers and pundits alike during their two-season run(Image: Copyrighted)

The development comes after a second series of ITV sitcom Piglets was confirmed – despite criticism following its opening season last year. The Police Federation even blasted Piglets as “highly offensive” before its release in July last year, after which critic panned the programmne for being outdated and using stereotypes. Watchdog Ofcom received more than 100 complaints after the first episode alone.

But ITV are sticking with the show, which stars Sarah Parish and Mark Heap, and the green light has been given for a second series, it is understood.

Ricky Champ, who plays Daz in it, said on the Reading Between The Lines podcast: “Piglets has been commissioned for series two. It’s crazy, because we got absolutely slammed. The first series came out and it was met with absolute venom – across the board.”

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Tropical Storm Fernand becomes season’s sixth named storm

1 of 2 | Tropical Storm Ferdinand should move well east of Bermuda and across the open waters of the subtropical North Atlantic. Photo by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Aug. 23 (UPI) — The season’s sixth named storm, Tropical Storm Fernand, has formed in the tropical Atlantic Ocean but is not expected to make landfall before dying out next week.

The tropical storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph while located about 405 miles south-southeast of Bermuda and moving northerly at 15 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. EDT advisory.

Tropical storm-force winds extend outward about 105 miles from the storm’s eye, and the NHC said it should gain strength.

Fernand might reach hurricane strength on Monday, before starting to weaken on Tuesday, NHC forecasters said.

No coastal watches are warnings are in effect, and the storm likely will remain at sea throughout its life.

Forecasters expect the storm system to gain forward momentum while continuing on a north-northeast path over the next couple of days and move well east of Bermuda before turning northeasterly into the North Atlantic.

The storm system began forming as Hurricane Eric affected areas along the East Coast without making landfall. The hurricane was the season’s first and briefly reached Category 4 status with maximum sustained winds of up to 150 mph.

Colorado State University climatologists in April predicted this year’s storm season will produce 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes.

The climatologists predicted four hurricanes would reach “major” Category 3 storm status with maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph.

The annual Atlantic storm season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 and last year produced 18 named storms, including 11 hurricanes, in 2024.

Five hurricanes became major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher, including the highly destructive Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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John Wall, NBA All-Star, announces retirement after 11 seasons | Basketball News

Wall, the No 1 NBA draft pick in 2010, is best known for his spectacular point guard play with the Washington Wizards.

Five-time All-Star and former top overall draft pick John Wall announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday.

Wall, who will turn 35 on September 6, last played in the league with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2022-23 season. Knee injuries have limited him to just 147 games since the start of the 2017-18 season.

“Every jersey I’ve worn meant more than wins and stats,” Wall said in a video posted on social media. “It represented something bigger.”

Wall began the first of his nine seasons with Washington after being selected by the Wizards with the top overall pick of the 2010 NBA draft out of Kentucky. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 573 career games (561 starts) with Washington.

“One of our franchise all-time greats. The definition of an era. A lasting legacy. A forever Wizard. Congratulations on your retirement,” the team wrote on social media.

Wall, who did not play in 2019-20, was involved in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Rockets on December 2, 2020, that saw Russell Westbrook sent to Washington. The Wizards sent Wall and a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA draft to the Rockets for Westbrook and a lottery-protected first-round pick in the same 2023 draft.

Wall played one season in Houston (2020-21), sat out the 2021-22 season with an injury and came back to compete in 34 games with the Clippers in 2022-23.

John Wall in action.
Wall (2) will be best remembered for his athletic scoring and dynamic playmaking during his 11-season NBA career [File: Nick Wass/AP]

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2025 Emmy nominations predictions – Los Angeles Times

Emmy nominations arrive Tuesday, and there will be plenty of time for us to argue about who should win (let’s start with “The Pitt”) and why this could be the year (though probably not) that we’ll have a surprise or two when the trophies are handed out on Sept. 14.

In the meantime, if you love “Severance,” “The White Lotus,” “The Pitt,” “The Studio,” “Hacks” and “Adolescence,” you will find plenty of reasons to smile. These are the shows that are going to steamroll through the nominations. If you belong to the “What We Do in the Shadows” cult and want a tip of the hat for its final season, you’re probably in luck. And if your comic taste embraces the absurd, and you have complicated feelings about air travel, you might be disappointed that Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehearsal” is left out of comedy series, though Fielder could earn a nod for his direction. Attaboy, Captain!

Who else will be flying high when nominations are announced? Let’s take a look.

COMEDY SERIES
“Abbott Elementary”
“The Bear”
“Hacks”
“Nobody Wants This”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Shrinking”
“The Studio”
“What We Do in the Shadows”

Possible surprise: “The Four Seasons”
Possible “snub”: “What We Do in the Shadows”

“The Bear” won 11 Emmys last year, the most wins ever for a comedy series in a single ceremony. But that record was lost on viewers when “Hacks” won the final Emmy of the evening, besting “The Bear” for comedy series. “The Bear” has been sliding with critics, going from a 92 rating on review aggregator Metacritic for its second season to an 80 for its third and a 73 for its just-released fourth season. Sometimes I wonder if the naysayers are taking the time to consider the whole picture and the patient, deliberate way “The Bear” shows the difficulties in breaking free from addiction and familial dysfunction.

Because the show’s new seasons arrive in June, there’s some overlap between what voters are watching (the latest episodes) and what they’re supposed to be voting for (the episodes that came out a year ago). The new season was exceptional, ending in a showcase for its primary actors and providing well-earned catharsis for their characters. I don’t know if “The Bear” will win any Emmys this year, but the nominations will still be plentiful — and deserved.

COMEDY ACTRESS
Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Natasha Lyonne, “Poker Face”
Jean Smart, “Hacks”

Possible surprise: Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Possible “snub”: Lyonne

As always, it’s an honor to be nominated. And in a category that includes Smart, a nomination will be as far as it goes for the four women joining her. Edebiri and Brunson are sure bets to return. Bell has never been nominated, though she was a delight on “The Good Place.” She should break through for “Nobody Wants This,” the most easily binged contender this Emmy season. But voters could go any number of ways here, opting for past Emmy favorites like Tina Fey (“The Four Seasons”), Kathryn Hahn (“Agatha All Along”) or Uzo Aduba (“The Residence”). Or they could re-up Gomez, who received her first acting nomination last year, or Lyonne, recognized two years ago for the first season of “Poker Face.”

COMEDY ACTOR
Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”
Seth Rogen, “The Studio”
Jason Segel, “Shrinking”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”

Possible surprise: Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Possible “snub”: Segel

As with comedy actress, this category has one less nominee slot this year, which could be bad news for veterans Martin and Ted Danson (“A Man on the Inside”). If Bell earns a nomination for lead actress, how could you leave out Brody? And if you laud Short, how do you neglect Martin? (That happened two years ago, when the field was five.) But if Emmy voters were paying attention — and that is, admittedly, a big if — they’d remember that it’s Martin who carried the emotional weight of the past season of “Only Murders,” his character grieving the guilt from the loss of his longtime stunt double and friend (played by Jane Lynch).

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
Kathryn Hahn, “The Studio”
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Catherine O’Hara, “The Studio”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Jessica Williams, “Shrinking”

Possible surprise: Megan Stalter, “Hacks”
Possible “snub”: Hahn

There’s more room in the supporting categories, which sport seven spots. That should be good news for Hahn, consistently the most delightful actor working in television today. She could well be a double nominee for her profane, force-of-nature marketing exec on “The Studio” and for her lead turn in the Marvel spinoff “Agatha All Along.” She could also somehow be shut out completely. (Let’s not go there.)

COMEDY SUPPORTING ACTOR
Ike Barinholtz, “The Studio”
Paul Downs, “Hacks”
Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary”
Michael Urie, “Shrinking”
Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night Live”

Possible surprise: Colman Domingo, “The Four Seasons”
Possible snub: Urie

“The Four Seasons” was a bit of a snooze, but I was nudged awake every time Domingo came onscreen. Will older voters have a soft spot for this featherweight Gen X friends drama, or were they just watching to take notes on places to visit in upstate New York? Netflix campaigners excel at vacuuming up nominations, so it wouldn’t be surprising if “The Four Seasons” outperforms expectations.

DRAMA SERIES
“Andor”
“The Diplomat”
“The Last of Us”
“Paradise”
“The Pitt”
“Severance”
“Slow Horses”
“The White Lotus”

Possible surprise: “Squid Game”
Possible “snub”: “Paradise”

The first season of “Andor” earned 8 nominations and it could well surpass that for its second and final go-round, one that leaned into a pointed critique of authoritarianism, showing how easily a democracy can erode into fascism. The category’s last spot is a toss-up between the disappointing second season of “Squid Game,” which felt bloated even at just seven episodes, and “Paradise,” another dystopian drama, but a lot more fun, even with all the overwrought ’80s covers.

DRAMA ACTRESS
Kathy Bates, “Matlock”
Britt Lower, “Severance”
Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us”
Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”

No “snubs.” No surprises. These are the nominees. And jumping ahead, to answer your question: Yes, Kathy Bates has won an Emmy — two, in fact. If you saw her on “American Horror Story: Coven” somehow making a serial killer and slave abuser almost sympathetic, you know that particular Emmy was earned. And I’m not sure if she had more than two minutes of running time for the guest turn on “Two and a Half Men,” for which she won her first Emmy, but watching her spot-on imitation of Charlie Sheen as the ghost of Charlie Harper, I can’t argue with the choice.

DRAMA ACTOR
Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise”
Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
Pedro Pascal, “The Last of Us”
Adam Scott, “Severance”
Noah Wyle, “The Pitt”

Again, no “snubs.” No surprises. Unless the nerds in the actors branch go all in for Diego Luna in “Andor.”

DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Carrie Coon, “The White Lotus”
Taylor Dearden, “The Pitt”
Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”
Katherine LaNasa, “The Pitt”
Parker Posey, “The White Lotus”
Natasha Rothwell, “The White Lotus”
Aimee Lou Wood, “The White Lotus”

Possible surprise: Leslie Bibb, “The White Lotus”
Possible “snub”: Dearden

“The White Lotus” snagged four nominations in this category for its second season, with Jennifer Coolidge winning. I’d expect the widely seen third season to at least equal that and possibly exceed it if voters go with Bibb. Meanwhile, “The Pitt,” featuring an ensemble with more fully realized characters, will have to settle for a one or two nods. (I’ll need Dr. King’s calm, caring support if Dearden isn’t nominated.) What will it take to break through this two-show category blockade? Just an actor owning seven Emmys. Janney doesn’t need a spot on “The Pitt” or “The White Lotus” to make it in, though wouldn’t it be fun if she showed up on the next season of one of these shows?

DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTOR
Walton Goggins, “The White Lotus”
Jason Isaacs, “The White Lotus”
Jack Lowden, “Slow Horses”
Sam Rockwell, “The White Lotus”
Patrick Schwarzenegger, “The White Lotus”
Tramell Tillman, “Severance”
John Turturro, “Severance”

Possible surprise: Patrick Ball, “The Pitt”
Possible “snub”: Schwarzenegger

Do all the “White Lotus” men make the cut too? Possibly. Though, again, it’d be nice to even things out a bit and include Ball, so good as the troubled Dr. Langdon on “The Pitt.” Given the character’s ambiguous fate, this might be the only chance to nominate Ball. Lowden earned his first nomination last year, alongside “Slow Horses” castmate Jonathan Pryce. With the show’s latest season hinging on the emotional relationship between their characters, there’s a chance they both could return.

LIMITED SERIES
“Adolescence”
“Dying for Sex”
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
“The Penguin”
“Say Nothing”

Possible surprise: “Disclaimer”
Possible “snub”: “Say Nothing”

Perhaps I’m underestimating “Disclaimer,” Alfonso Cuarón’s pulpy psychological thriller. Expectations were high; Apple TV+ had the chutzpah to show it at both the Venice and Telluride film festivals last year. But its pleasures and narrative momentum dissipated rather rapidly over the course of its seven episodes. I don’t know anyone who managed to finish it. Yet, in a weak year for limited series, it might make it in on name value alone.

LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett, “Disclaimer”
Kaitlyn Dever, “Apple Cider Vinegar”
Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin”
Michelle Williams, “Dying for Sex”
Renée Zellweger, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”

Possible surprise: Ellen Pompeo, “Good American Family”
Possible “snub”: Dever

Zellweger won an Oscar for playing the plucky farmer in “Cold Mountain” and a deteriorating Judy Garland in “Judy.” And, given the film academy’s aversion to humor, it might surprise you to learn that she earned a lead actress nomination for the first “Bridget Jones” movie in 2002. Now, more than two decades later, Zellweger has a shot at her first Emmy nomination for the fourth film in the series. It’s her signature role. Give her the nod and the Emmy too.

LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE ACTOR
Colin Farrell, “The Penguin”
Stephen Graham, “Adolescence”
Brian Tyree Henry, “Dope Thief”
Kevin Kline, “Disclaimer”
Cooper Koch, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”

Graham figures to be nominated for “Adolescence” as a producer, actor and writer. (He wrote all four episodes with series co-creator Jack Thorne.) He’s excellent playing Eddie, the shell-shocked dad, particularly in the series’ final episode, which has his character dealing with the aftermath of his son’s arrest, trying to have normal life, a happy birthday, while plagued by doubts that what happened was somehow his fault. Graham deserves the Emmy for the last scene, where Eddie goes into his son’s room, tucks in his teddy bear and whispers, “I’m sorry, son. I should’ve done better.”

LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Erin Doherty, “Adolescence”
Deirdre O’Connell, “The Penguin”
Imogen Faith Reid, “Good American Family”
Chloë Sevigny, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Jenny Slate, “Dying for Sex”
Christine Tremarco, “Adolescence”

Possible surprise: Lesley Manville, “Disclaimer”
Possible “snub”: Reid

Doherty will likely win for the series’ third episode, the taut two-hander with Owen Cooper. But, again, the fourth episode is just as good — maybe even better — featuring a heart-rending turn from Tremarco as the mom trying to hold it together.

LIMITED SERIES/MOVIE SUPPORTING ACTOR
Javier Bardem, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Owen Cooper, “Adolescence”
Rob Delaney, “Dying for Sex”
Rhenzy Feliz, “The Penguin”
Peter Sarsgaard, “Presumed Innocent”
Ashley Walters, “Adolescence”

Possible surprise: Clancy Brown, “The Penguin”
Possible “snub”: Sarsgaard

Cooper will soon become the fifth teen actor to win a Primetime Emmy. Next up: A juicy role in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.”

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ITV quietly adds ‘captivating’ mystery after fans rave over four seasons

It first aired in 2019 and ran for four seasons before being cancelled.

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Roswell, New Mexico stars Jeanine Mason(Image: ITVX)

ITV has subtly added all four series of a beloved mystery drama to its streaming platform. Roswell, New Mexico, originally broadcast on The CW from 2019 to 2002.

The show is a reboot of the 1999 version, inspired by the Roswell High book series penned by Melinda Metz.

Featuring Jeanine Mason, Nathan Dean and Michael Vlamis, the plot centres around Liz, the daughter of undocumented immigrants, who returns to her hometown of Roswell in New Mexico a decade after her older sister’s death, only to uncover a startling secret about her teenage sweetheart, Max.

It transpires that he is an alien who has been concealing his supernatural abilities and true identity for years.

As Liz and Max rekindle their relationship, she strives to safeguard his secret. However, when a violent incident suggests there are more aliens on Earth, his concealed identity becomes jeopardised, reports Devon Live.

“The politics of fear and hatred that run rampant in Roswell threaten to expose Max and his family and could endanger his deepening romance with Liz…as well as their lives,” the synopsis hints.

Grab from Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico ran from 2019 for four seasons(Image: ITVX)

In addition to Grey’s Anatomy star Jeanine and General Hospital actor Nathan, the cast boasts Lily Cowles, Tyler Blackburn, Heather Hemmens and Michael Trevino.

Fans have been singing the praises of the series since its initial airing.

A viewer was effusive in their praise, saying: “This tv series is worth your time no matter who you are. Roswell New Mexico is my ultimate favourite tv show without doubt. From the excellent direction to captivating storyline. This tv series deserves more appreciation. its authenticity makes it even more enticing to watch.”

Grab from Roswell, New Mexico
The series reveals a man’s secret identity as an alien(Image: ITVX)

Another confessed their adoration for the show, remarking: “I love this show! Modern, smart, great at dodging some of the more cliché tropes-also has some really great acting.”

In a spirited review, a third fan declared: “This generates the adrenaline.. It felt like I had permanent goosebumps the entire show! I just love how every character has a role and has a part to play and is important.. This series has a good unpredictable plot. This show is VERY UNDERRATED.”

While Roswell, New Mexico got the chop from The CW, the finale gave fans closure, serving as a dignified farewell not originally planned.

Grab from Roswell, New Mexico
Fans have been gushing over the series since it first aired in 2019(Image: ITVX)

Showrunner Chris Hollier shared with EW the ambitions laid to rest due to the cancellation: “This [finale] was intended to help launch us to a nice wrap-up of season five. More craziness would’ve followed.”

He discussed what might have been, including time leaps towards a “legacy ending”: “What does it mean when you start to find the people that you want to be with? How do you actually go and generate your own happy ever after? I loved where we were going to take those characters.”

Hollier revealed tantalising glimpses into a future that will never be aired: “We were talking about setting the ending multiple years in the future. It would’ve been another wrap-up with where all of our couples were.”

Roswell, New Mexico is available to watch on ITVX.

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