secondary school

A nostalgic follow-up to one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved comedies is in the works at Netflix

Netflix has just announced a highly anticipated spin-off to one of the most popular classic Nickelodeon shows over a decade after it came to an end.

The original series ran for four smash-hit seasons and introduced young fans to several major stars, including one of the world’s biggest pop icons.

Now, filming is currently underway in Vancouver for Hollywood Arts, which will return fans to the world of Victorious.

Starring the likes of Victoria Justice, Elizabeth Gillies and Wicked’s Ariana Grande, the original series took place at an elite performing arts high school where ambitious teens learn the ropes of showbiz.

Original star Daniella Monet, who starred as Trina Vega, the older sister of Justice’s Tori, will reprise her role for the long-awaited follow-up.

Several years after the events of the series, Trina still hasn’t gotten her big break, so she heads back to her alma mater to teach a new generation of fame-hungry students.

Monet shared via Tudum: “Coming back as Trina alongside such a dynamic, powerful cast of newcomers is something I feel very lucky and grateful to do.

“Victorious was in a lot of ways life-changing for all of us. Our cast is forever bonded by that experience, and to think that I have an opportunity to steward anything close to that is a feeling I can’t begin to describe.”

A synopsis reads: “Trina is back at Hollywood Arts High School, and this time she’s stepping behind the desk.

“The struggling performer finds herself filling in as a substitute teacher at the prestigious school, where she surprises herself by inspiring a group of ambitious teens.”

Joining Monet is a talented crop of up-and-coming stars, including Alyssa Miles (Hanging out with Alyssa and Xavier), Emmy Liu-Wang (Raven’s Home), Peyton Jackson (Woman in the Yard), Erika Swayze (Workin’ Moms) and Martin Kamm (Unsung Hero).

Plus, Community’s Yvette Nicole Brown will also be making a guest appearance as Principal Helen, having appeared during Victorious’ original run as well as Nickelodeon’s equally beloved teen comedy, Drake and Josh.

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Jake Farrow (Victorious, iCarly) and Samantha Martin (Henry Danger, Danger Force) will be showrunning and executive producing, and Monet is also on board as an exec. producer.

An exact release date has yet to be revealed, but Netflix has confirmed Hollywood Arts will be dropping its first season in 2026.

In the meantime, streamers can currently catch up with every episode of the original series while they wait for the sequel.

Victorious is available to stream on Netflix.

Applause and cheers from crowds greet train arriving this morning at first new station on the part of the network since 1920s

Railway fanatics flocked to a town in Essex today to be part of history as the first new train station opened on the Eastern main line for 100 years. Beaulieu Park was the first station to open its doors on this part of the UK rail network network since way back in the 1920s. There was great excitement as the 7.20am train pulled in from Colchester for the historic stop. Crowds of people clapped and cheered as the train arrived. Rail chiefs were particularly pleased because the £175m station is opening four months early. Excited passengers were onboard the train which then headed to London Liverpool St. Andy Cross, 47, said: “I just wanted to be part of history. It was a special moment.”

Dozens of passengers were on the platform watching the train arrive. Many took photos and video and some live streamed the event. An hour earlier many were waiting to purchase their tickets.

The station is part of a new super green initiative project near Chelmsford, Essex. Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “We have been really looking forward to the opening of Beaulieu Park station, the first new station on the Great Eastern Main Line in over 100 years.

“Beaulieu Park station will benefit from a regular and reliable service of up to four trains per hour during peak times and two trains per hour during off peak periods, making rail travel simple and convenient for passengers.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, said: “Essex is pioneering the type of infrastructure-supported growth that’s on the national agenda, being bold and ambitious in our commitment to future-proofing the county and putting investment where it’s most needed.

“The new Beaulieu Park station is testament to this, and the role it will play in transforming travel in this part of Chelmsford and surrounding areas will have a positive impact for years to come.

“I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work to get the project to this stage. I’m very much looking forward to the station opening.”

The new station will transform travel north of Chelmsford as it will eases pressure on the existing busy Chelmsford train station and reduces car journeys into the city centre.

The station is a significant addition to the Beaulieu and Channels neighbourhoods in the north of the city, which form the first phases of the new Chelmsford Garden Community.

4,350 homes already have planning permission as part of the Garden Community. This includes 1,989 new homes which have already been built, along with the Beaulieu Square Neighbourhood Centre providing local shops, community and health services.

This is in addition to the Beaulieu Park School – the first all-through primary and secondary school in Essex.

Another 6,250 homes, a second all-through school campus, up to three primary schools with early years and childcare provision, up to four standalone early-years facilities, more than nine hectares of employment space and walking and cycling routes will also be delivered as part of the Garden Community in the coming years.

Beaulieu Park Station will provide easier and quicker access to jobs, helping the economic development of the area and encouraging further investment.

Beable added: “We expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex.”

Brookside icon Tinhead is returning to the famous close for a one-off episode twinned with Hollyoaks, and actor Philip Olivier has opened up about the character’s nickname.

Brookside legend Tinhead is making a comeback to the renowned close for a special one-off episode alongside Hollyoaks.

Both beloved Channel 4 dramas were created by Grange Hill mastermind Sir Philip Redmond, with Brookside subsequently inspiring the development of Chester-set Hollyoaks.

To celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary, the shows are joining forces for a landmark crossover episode, with Philip Olivier returning to his memorable role as Tinhead.

Tim “Tinhead” O’Leary made his debut in 1996 as the offspring of Carmel and Tommy O’Leary, portraying a wayward pupil at Brookside Comprehensive High School.

Throughout his storyline, Tinhead formed an intricate relationship with beloved character Sinbad, portrayed by Michael Starke, who served as a mentor figure for the rebellious youngster, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, Tinhead was compelled to transform his ways following a devastating incident that nearly claimed his sister Melanie’s life.

His future seemed promising when romance blossomed with Emily, portrayed by Jennifer Ellison, and the couple wed in 2001.

Yet marital happiness wasn’t destined for the pair.

Following further involvement in unlawful activities, Emily perished during a burglary in 2002, leaving Tinhead bereaved at a young age.

Philip Olivier, 45, last appeared as Tinhead in November 2003 when Brookside broadcast its concluding episode.

However, over two decades later, he’s reprising his role as Timothy O’Leary, alongside Suzanne Collins as Nikki Shadwick, for a special Hollyoaks and Brookside episode.

How did Tinhead earn his nickname?

Despite the character’s actual name being Timothy, soap fans will recognise him by his unusual moniker.

Ahead of the rebooted episode, Olivier shed light on how his character acquired the nickname, revealing it was purely coincidental.

The actor shared: “There was a pretty rough school in my area with a really hard kid who everyone knew as Tinhead. This was before I got the part. The name was spray-painted on the side of a building near the school.

“I know a lot of Brookside writers used to live round that area so they must’ve drove past and remembered the name. People thought I’d suggested it but it was a coincidence.”

Olivier also disclosed that he had initially auditioned for a different role in the show before landing the part of the teenage troublemaker.

He elaborated: “Originally, I went up to play the character of Danny Simpson, then ended up playing the kid that bullied him at school.

“I auditioned for Danny then got a call a month later about this character called ‘Tinhead’.”

The Brookside and Hollyoaks crossover episode airs on Wednesday (October 22) at 7pm on E4.

Keri Russell has been a recognisable face on TV screens since the 90s – and she has a famous partner

Netflix’s The Diplomat is back with a third season, featuring Kate Wyler (portrayed by Keri Russell) in an unexpected new role.

Keri Russell, a 49 year old American actress, has been celebrated for her television roles since the 90s.

Born and raised in California, she has an older brother and a younger sister, and due to her father’s job as a Nissan Motors executive, the family moved around frequently.

In 1999, she bagged a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the drama Felicity, and has received four additional nominations for her roles in The Americans and The Diplomat.

In recognition of her contributions to television, she was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.

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One of her earliest roles was at the tender age of 15, when she featured in the Disney Channel’s revival of The Mickey Mouse Club.

Her dancing skills, honed during her middle school and high school years, helped her secure a spot on the show.

She was a regular cast member from 1991 to 1994, and during this period, she made her film debut in Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.

From 2013 to 2018, she starred opposite Matthew Rhys in the series The Americans, where he played her character’s husband.

The on-screen couple became real-life partners during this period.

Who is Keri Russell’s famous partner?

The Diplomat star was previously married to Shane Deary, a Brooklyn-based contractor whom she met through mutual friends.

They tied the knot in 2007 and have two children – a son and a daughter.

The pair parted ways in 2014 and since then, she’s been romantically linked with Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, famed for his roles in Brothers and Sisters and Perry Mason.

They share a son and despite affectionately referring to each other as husband and wife, they haven’t tied the knot.

The duo have voiced their eagerness to collaborate professionally once more, with Russell suggesting to People that her partner could “totally” join the cast of The Diplomat.

“I think that would probably be more in his court,” she added, indicating their mutual desire to work together again.

“But he’s pretty busy doing a million other things. He’s got, like, five other jobs or something,” she quipped.

The Diplomat airs on Netflix

Altrincham was once dubbed one of the UK’s worst high streets but has now been transformed into a bustling urban haven and twice named the best place to live in the north west

England is brimming with charming market towns, yet Altrincham stands out as the crème de la crème, consistently being hailed as superior to the rest. Having been crowned as the Best Place to live in the North West twice by the Sunday Times, Altrincham has transformed from a “ghost town” to a buzzing cultural gem frequented by tourists and locals.

The scenic market town has seen significant changes thanks to a whopping £6 million regeneration scheme kicked off in 2015 by Trafford Council. The bold initiative saw new developments take shape, like the multi-million-pound face-lift of Altrincham Leisure Centre, the rejuvenation of the Stamford Quarter, and continuous enhancements across the town’s public spaces.

READ MORE: Pet owners rush to claim free flea treatment as UK heatwave sees pests rise

Trafford Council’s ambition was to polish Altrincham into a premier spot for residents and entrepreneurs alike, dubbed it a “first class destination for people to live, shop, and do business”.

Previously decried as a “ghost town”, the staggering evolution of Altrincham now marks it as one of the UK’s premier living spots after flipping its once-dreadful high street reputation entirely on its head.

Moreover, Altrincham now serves as an exemplar for contemporary market towns, blending independent ventures with the old-school charm of Market House stalls.

Centuries entrenched in the town’s fabric since 1290, the traditional market still thrives on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, hosting fiercely independent, multi-award-winning traders offering everything from trendy crafts and local eats to vintage finds and home accessories.

Altrincham has become a hotspot for foodies, boasting top-rated independent eateries such as Honest Crust, which claims to serve “the country’s best” wood-fired sourdough pizzas, whilst Jack in the Box offers an impressive selection of craft beers.

Meanwhile, The Great North Pie Company, England’s premier pie producer, has earned numerous accolades in recent years, making it a must-visit destination for pie fans.

Situated amidst picturesque green spaces and stunning countryside, like Stamford Park and Dunham Massey, Altrincham provides idyllic settings for leisurely strolls through rolling grasslands and ancient woodlands, with roaming deer often spotted in its medieval parks.

Thanks to its convenient location just eight miles from Manchester, Altrincham is an attractive choice for commuters working in the city.

Its winning blend of culture, cuisine and natural beauty has cemented its position as a highly sought-after property hotspot, reports the Express.

With a typical detached house fetching £1,050,000, the area commands a significant premium due to its exceptional education, stunning parks, and tight-knit community. Demand for homes near top-rated schools has driven property prices even higher.

Schools such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Girls, and Loreto Catholic Grammar School, have been recognised as two of the top schools in the northwest, both earning an outstanding Ofsted rating in 2022.

Altrincham Grammar School for Boys was named the best secondary school for academic performance, while Altrincham Girls scooped the award for the best secondary school of the year in the northwest.

So if you’re looking to move and want a lively urban retreat with superb transport links, a buzzing social scene, top-notch education, and a safe investment opportunity, then this charming UK Market town should certainly be on your radar.

Dumb and Dumber is one of the most iconic movies of the 90s, and fans have been left in hysterics after realising there was a clever joke that never made it to the final cut

The hit 1994 comedy film Dumb and Dumber had a lasting impact on a generation, thanks in large part to the brilliant comedic performances of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. The film’s massive success saw it open at number one at the box office, raking in almost $250 million worldwide on a modest budget of $17 million, resulting in significant profits.

However, a clever detail from the film has resurfaced on Reddit, leaving many in stitches, reminiscing about their childhoods. In the ‘Movie Details’ thread, a user highlighted a subtle joke that went largely unnoticed in the original cut. Although a deleted scene had initially revealed the joke, it remained a mystery to all but the most astute viewers in the final version.

The Redditor pointed out: “In ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ Lloyd Christmas was in love with Mary Swanson. Had they gotten married and she’d taken his last name, she’d be named Mary Christmas. It’s never mentioned in the movie”.

YardBarker further explained that this was not simply a coincidence, as evidenced by a deleted scene where Harry pieces together the connection, but ultimately, the filmmakers chose not to draw attention to the joke.

When the deleted scene was shared on the Reddit thread, it received some criticism from users who failed to find it amusing.

One commenter wrote: “Wow…I’ve seen a few deleted scenes and am glad they were deleted”.

Another user echoed this sentiment, stating: “I’ve seen an uncut version on TV a long time ago, and was like what the f*** is this? Over the top crude humour. It totally killed the innocent stupidity of the characters”.

One user joked, “So basically the sequel?” while another Reddit user poked fun, saying they act “like that doesn’t exist”.

A fellow user chimed in, “Wise man. I still refuse to see it as well. In some alternate reality, there was a sequel that was true to the original and hilarious. That’s what I tell myself anyway,”.

It appears they’re not alone in their disappointment with the movie’s comedic elements, as it holds a modest 67% on the Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, others shared fond memories of the film, saying they were “obsessed” with it as a kid and had watched it so many times it was “burned into their brain,” finding it “hilarious”.

In the same Reddit thread, someone shared a curious anecdote about encountering someone with a similarly unusual name in real life.

They wrote: “My high school had the graduating class photos from the 1930s on up to current, around the school.

“If I remember correctly in the 70s, there was a girl named Mary Christmas Tree. Her brother had an equally interesting name, but I can’t remember it now”.

A witty remark followed, “All we need to find is the Tree family tree and we will find his name”.