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Hayden Panettiere was candid in her memoir and book tour interviews about the extensive abuse by on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson. Now he’s under the microscope as new details surrounding her death and their relationship emerge.

On Thursday, Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, whom the “Nashville” actor had a strained relationship with, pointed blame for the actor’s death toward an unnamed individual, but earlier this week she outright named Hickerson.

“Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love,” she said in a statement to “Entertainment Tonight.” “It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”⁠

⁠”It leads me to believe there are still questions surrounding what happened,” she said. “And I think we are all looking for answers.”⁠

And earlier this week, she told NBC, “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death, and that was Brian Hickerson.”

Hickerson broke his silence for the first time since Panettiere died Sunday of an apparent overdose as his attorney Sloan Ellis made a statement on his behalf. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Ellis told TMZ. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.”

“Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Hickerson and his brother Zach Hickerson were present when emergency responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest on Sunday. According to a report from Greenville, S.C., police, Zach was “very emotional” as paramedics attempted to revive Panettiere, and Brian “did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased.”

According to TMZ, Narcan — a drug used to reverse an opioid overdose — was found at the scene, but it’s unclear whether it was used on Panettiere.

Brian and Zach Hickerson did not respond to The Times’ request for comment.

In the actor’s memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which she published in May, she wrote that she and Hickerson met in 2018 at a West Hollywood bar. They fell fast into a whirlwind romance that soured after alcohol-fueled fights turned violent. “It was easy. The easiest happiness that I had come by in a long time,” she wrote in the memoir. “Then, one day, when we were on our second bottle of wine — the bottle that suffocates all the magic and obliterates your defenses — everything changed.”

Hickerson was arrested multiple times on suspicion of domestic violence against Panettiere, beginning in May 2019 in Los Angeles (the charges were later dismissed when prosecutors couldn’t secure a material witness) and again on Valentine’s Day in 2020 in Wyoming (misdemeanor battery charges were eventually dropped). Following an eight-count criminal indictment in July 2020 that covered multiple violent incidents between May 2019 and January 2020, Hickerson pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail (but served 13 days due to credit for time served) along with four years of formal probation, mandatory domestic violence classes, and a five-year protective order.

After his 2019 arrest was covered in the press, Panettiere wrote that she and Brian “shut ourselves inside” to avoid paparazzi and that she screened calls from friends and family who phoned and texted “constantly,” worried that she was in a “dangerous situation with Brian.”

“What I never told them was that the abuse I’d endured didn’t feel as bad as the thought of being alone,” she wrote.

In “This Is Me,” she graphically detailed the abuse. She claimed that, during one attack, he punched her in the face repeatedly and secretly recorded himself saying, “Why did you hit yourself?” and “You’re all bruised, why did you do that to yourself?” When he was subsequently booked on charges of felony domestic assault, he pleaded not guilty and claimed that Panettiere had done it to herself.

“I didn’t know the person Brian turned into when he started raging,” she wrote. “This other Brian seemed to be dissociating, like the rational Dr. Jekyll part of his brain shut off while the violent Mr. Hyde took over. I was sure he must have a serious mental illness, like bipolar or borderline personality disorder, that could make him change so quickly.”

She continued: “On July 16, 2020, authorities in LA arrested Brian again, charging him with four domestic assault felonies, one misdemeanor count of battery; two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon (in particular, our garage floor and the stairs, both of which he’d once smashed my body into); and one felony count of dissuading a witness from prosecuting a crime.

“That witness was me. After we’d come back from Wyoming, Brian had called and tried to talk me out of pressing charges against him. As my heart broke into a million pieces, I told him it was too late, and then I told the police.”

Three days before Panettiere’s death, Hickerson attempted to expunge and reduce his past felony charges but was denied by a Los Angeles judge. He made the same request last July, which was denied.

During the press tour for “This Is Me,” Panettiere told podcaster Jay Shetty that she had cut ties with Hickerson but that, historically, he’d always found a way to reconnect just as she thought she was finally free of him. Reportedly, the two reconnected just weeks before her death.

“I thought I had gotten out of it and gotten away from it. … Abusers weave themselves like weeds into your life, and there’s always something that they left behind,” she told Shetty. “There’s always something that they have to come back for. There was always something that they find to keep that connection, keep you on the hook, keep that connection with you, no matter where you you go.”

In May, after Panettiere’s interview with Shetty went live, Hickerson spoke with TMZ and appeared intoxicated and slurred as he spoke about the actor. “Hayden Panettiere is the sweetest thing in the world,” he said. “It’s not about who you spend Saturday night with, it’s who you spend all day Sunday with, and Hayden Panettiere is a Sunday girl.”

“I would be an idiot not to walk away from her and let her flourish in her career,” he continued. “So we probably wouldn’t be good together. I’d like to see what she’s gonna do with the next like 30 years of her career, she’ll always hold a special place in my heart … we’re good buddies.”

Dragons’ Den is back on our screens tonight, and for the first time ever, the number of female Dragons outnumbers the males.

A Dragons’ Den star has a surprising link to Love Island.

The BBC programme is returning to screens tonight, and for the first time ever, the number of female Dragons outnumbers the males.

Following the departures of Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies from the beloved BBC show, a string of guest Dragons, including Gary Neville and Tinie Tempah, have joined regulars Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden in the Den.

After a months-long break, the series is continuing with new episodes from Thursday, August 20.

Joining Peter, Steven and Deborah in the Den, North East businesswoman Jenna Meek and The Apprentice star Susie Ma are returning as investors, reports Chronicle Live.

After making her debut on Dragons’ Den earlier this year, Jenna was supported by her followers as she wrote on social media: “The secret is out… Your newest Dragon.

“Been manifesting this one for a long time and it still doesn’t feel real that it actually happened. It has always been a massive goal of mine to be on Dragon’s Den – it was this show (and Deborah sorry other Dragons haha) that inspired me from day one to want to be an entrepreneur.

“I used to watch this show all the time and would dream to pitch on it one day, never mind be a dragon beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity, it pushed me to new limits and had so much fun doing it.

“The most incredible incredible experience and so grateful for the amazing crew and all the incredible dragons who made me feel so welcome.”

Who is Jenna Meek?

Jenna is the co-founder and CEO of beauty brand REFY.

Since its launch in 2020, the company — which Jenna co-founded alongside influencer Jess Hunt — has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-rising beauty brands, boasting an annual turnover exceeding £40m.

Prior to REFY, Jenna held positions at Burberry and Rebecca Minkoff, and set up festival beauty label Shrine from her bedroom at just 20 years old.

First known as The Gypsy Shrine, the company popularised peel-and-stick face and body gems and biodegradable body glitters, with Jenna even visiting the Love Island villa to decorate the likes of Olivia Attwood and Montana Brown in her products for a glitter party.

She previously told Mail Online: “We were just brainstorming and thinking of new ideas. I was like, ‘Let’s get on to Love Island’.”

She continued: “It was so crazy. I had nearly given up but my mum was like, ‘don’t let me down on this’, I had to figure it out and I kept pestering I guess.”

She went on to recall: “Kem [Cetinay] wanted [a lot of glitter], he was like ‘Do this do this!’ I had to tell him, ‘No we’ll keep it silver otherwise you are going to look like an idiot on TV!’”

The 33-year-old has firmly established herself within the industry, earning recognition in The Sunday Times beauty rich list and Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in 2022.

Jenna’s net worth is thought to be in the region of £52m.

Dragons’ Den airs from 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Francesca Cumani is a popular ITV Racing presenter, who regular appears on our TV screens

Francesca Cumani is a popular ITV Racing presenter – but who is her famous dad and co-star ex?

Francesca is known for presenting at a variety of horse racing events for ITV. She has previously been part of the coverage of the Melbourne Cup with Seven Network and 10 Sport.

She returned to screens on Thursday (August 20) to present ITV‘s coverage of the second day of the Ebor Meeting in York, alongside her co-star Ed Chamberlin.

Analysis came from Jason Weaver, Adele Mulrennan and Ruby Walsh, with reporting by Matt Chapman, Oli Bell and Mick Fitzgerald, and commentary from Richard Hoiles.

The coverage will continue on Friday (August 21), leading up to the feature race, Nunthorpe Stakes. As Francesca continues to delight ITV racing fans, some may be surprised to learn that the star has a famous dad and a co-star ex away from the cameras.

Who is Francesca Cumani’s famous dad?

Francesca’s father is Luca Cumani, a renowned former thoroughbred racehorse trainer.

The Italian trained racehorses for over four decades from Bedford House Stables in Newmarket. Luca notably trained numerous Group 1 winners globally, including two Epsom Derby victories.

Francesca remembers the day her father’s horse won the 1998 Derby. She previously told the Daily Mail: “I had to play in a [tennis] match that afternoon. Luckily my games teacher was a real racing fan and let me duck out of the match to watch the race. I was too excited to play the rest of the match.”

Luca was also a champion amateur jockey in his youth, before becoming a prominent trainer and mentor to top jockeys.

After attending university, Francesca worked in the family business of training and breeding race horses, before delving into the world of presenting.

Francesca Cumani’s co-star ex

Francesca was previously in a relationship with her ITV Racing co-star Oli Bell – the son of sports commentator Rupert Bell.

She married Australian international polo player Rob Archibald in 2014, two years before their son, Harry, was born. The couple split in 2018, with Francesca later exploring a romance with Oli.

But ahead of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival, Oli and Francesca decided to end their relationship. Despite their split, they have continued to work together at various ITV Racing events over the years. In April, they notably attended ITV’s 2026 Showcase together, alongside their colleague Ed Chamberlin.

Francesca is now in a relationship with triathlete Max Johnson. They welcomed their first child together, Teddy, in 2022, before Francesca gave birth to another baby in December 2023.

ITV Racing is free to stream on ITVX

Sandra Bullock has opened up about her late partner Bryan Randall’s private battle with ALS.

The “Practical Magic 2” star discussed what it was like to care for Randall while honoring his request to keep his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis a secret for years during her appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast.

“I wasn’t allowed to speak about it,” Bullock told hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes in a clip of the episode posted by TMZ. “That was the request, and I honored it. … He asked me not to share … and it isolated me in the process.”

She explained that Randall, who died in 2023 at age 57, had been ill for half of their relationship and that his diagnosis came amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bullock and Randall had also kept their relationship fairly private. The couple started dating in 2015 after they reportedly met at Bullock’s son Louis’ fifth birthday party. Randall, a photographer, had been hired to capture images of the celebration. Bullock also has a younger daughter, Laila, whom she adopted in 2015. The couple was also raising Randall’s older daughter, Skylar.

Over the years, Bullock and Randall debunked rumors about their engagement and marriage numerous times.

“I don’t need a paper to be a devoted partner and devoted mother,” Bullock said in 2021.

The “Ocean’s 8” star described Randall’s diagnosis as “traumatic” and that she had started grieving him four years before his death. Bullock’s sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado, had been the only person who had known about Randall’s diagnosis “for a while” although the actor eventually also confided in friends Jennifer Aniston and Bateman’s wife, Amanda Anka, according to People.

“My person left a lot earlier than the body left,” Bullock said in the podcast. “I don’t think I ever dealt with that until after he passed.”

Bullock’s episode of the “SmartLess” podcast will be released on Aug. 24 but is available now to SiriusXM early access subscribers.

BIG screen star Jacob Elordi booked a hotel’s £60,000-a-night penthouse to impress girlfriend Kendall Jenner.

The Wuthering Heights Heathcliff actor splashed out on the Claridge’s suite so she could “see the stars” sources said.

Reality TV star Kendall, 30, joined Jacob, 29, for his whistlestop London visit as he promotes Ridley Scott’s new post apocalyptic thriller, The Dog Stars.

The pair were pictured out with his dad John at posh Italian restaurant Cipriani in London on Wednesday night.

Insiders said Australian Jacob secured the Mayfair suite, billed as the most expensive in London, for Kendall while he worked.

A source said: “Jacob is a proper romantic and he wanted Kendall to have that amazing view over London where you can see the stars.

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“It costs £60,000 a night to stay there.

“But upgrading was worth the money.”

The couple arrived yesterday ahead of last night’s premiere in Leicester Square.

They started dating in February and have since been seen on a number of double dates with Kendall’s sister, Kylie, and her boyfriend, film star Timothee Chalamet.

Jacob was photographed at the premiere with co-stars, including Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley.

The Dog Stars is released next Friday.

HAYDEN Panettiere’s on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson has broken his silence on the actress’ sudden death from a suspected overdose.

The Nashville star died on Sunday afternoon at her South Carolina Airbnb, where she was staying with Brian and his brother Zach Hickerson.

An investigation is currently ongoing into what led to the 36-year-old’s death, and the Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the team.

Brian, 37, has spoken out for the first time since the incident through his attorney, Sloan Ellis, from the Ellis Hinton law firm.

“Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Brian’s attorney told The U.S. Sun on Thursday.

“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.”

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The statement concluded, “Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

Brian was spotted on Wednesday in Greenville, South Carolina, close to where Hayden died, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a hoodie.

He’d been keeping a low profile since his brother discovered Hayden unconscious in a chair in the living room, where she was later declared dead, per a police report obtained by The U.S. Sun.

Police said that while Zach was very emotional upon the discovery, Brian apparently didn’t shed a tear until Hayden was officially declared dead.

Brian also told cops that the Remember the Titans star regularly took a “bag of medication.”

All eyes have since been on Brian’s family, as more questions surface about Hayden’s unexpected passing.

Hayden’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, slammed Brian in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday, saying, “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death, and that was Brian Hickerson.”

It wasn’t a secret that Hayden and Brian had a tumultuous, years-long relationship since meeting in 2018.

Brian was arrested for domestic violence and served 45 days in jail in 2021 for hitting Hayden with a closed fist.

He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring the former child star.

However, they appeared to have reconciled as Brian has been staying with Hayden in her Los Angeles apartment for the last two years, The U.S. Sun exclusively reported.

The Heroes star’s neighbors have also raised alarm about the pair’s relationship and were even warned by the Homeowner’s Association to call the police if they saw Brian on the property last August.

Hayden’s neighbor, Mia Terrazzas, claimed to Inside Edition that notices were distributed on the property urging residents to be wary of Brian.

Mia also said she herself even called 911 numerous times over disturbances involving Brian inside Hayden’s unit.

Hayden’s history with addiction is also of great concern, as sources claimed she sought out whippets and booze just months earlier at a Nashville hotel, despite her efforts to get clean.

A wonderful Oval Office perk is what Thomas Jefferson dubbed “The President’s Own.” At the president’s beck and call is the United States Marine Band, created by an act of Congress in 1798.

But for an acquisitive current occupant of the White House, the oldest continuously active musical organization hasn’t seemed enough. In his appropriating the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, also created and officially named by Congress, the president obtained the National Symphony Orchestra. Unlike its “President’s Own” sibling, which is supported by the Defense Department annual allotment of some $400 million for military bands, the NSO is administered, funded (between a third and half of its $35-million budget) and lately threatened by what are now the whims of the Kennedy Center.

The NSO appeared at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday night, however, with a collective sigh of relief. A week earlier the Kennedy Center Board, without congressional input or legal approval, approved an imminent, two-year closure of the venue for repairs and remodeling, with little word about the homeless or economic future of its artist affiliate. By early August, no new NSO season, which would begin in September, had been announced.

But Tuesday morning, the NSO, in fact, did lay out a full and musically substantial season, the 10th for its music director, Gianandrea Noseda. Not taking a chance on the courts preventing a Kennedy Center closure, the NSO will become next season a peripatetic ensemble performing in various venues in and around D.C., as well undertake a national tour in the spring. Uncertainty remains, but for now all is as well as can be expected.

The NSO, however, offered little of what to expect. I can only find one program next season as unimaginative as Tuesday’s at the Bowl. The orchestra looks forward to several premieres of new works by lively composers and a variety of significant guest conductors, including the venturesome Teddy Abrams (who will lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s season-opening gala) and eclectic former NSO music director Leonard Slatkin (who is also the former L.A. Phil principal guest conductor for the Hollywood Bowl). Noseda’s only other bland program will be the one he brings on tour to The Soraya in April.

Hearing the NSO at the Bowl, moreover, is an act of guess work. With the new immersive sound system, orchestra impact becomes a matter of technology, giving individual instruments paranormal prominence and turning full orchestra glory into a sensual sound bath. Still, with its smooth strings, creamy brass, pungent winds and friendly percussion, Noseda’s NSO came across as a gracious orchestra meant to please, and, consequently, a seemingly marvelous anomaly in an otherwise divisive present-day D.C.

But that offered few favors for Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story” or Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” where the Bowl has regularly hosted far more idiomatic, swinging performances. Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” in the second half was, on the other hand, satisfyingly full-bodied. While Noseda sometimes practices likability to a fault, his sense of drama is ever sure, and it is hard to get enough of the lyrical sweetness he conveys. As an encore, Noseda led the overture to Bernstein’s “Candide” with real flair.

But why commonplace “Candide” and “West Side Story,” when Bernstein wrote “Slava! A Political Overture,” for the NSO as tribute in 1977 to its Russian music director, Mstislav Rostropovich? Might not the NSO make a point with “Three Mediations” from “MASS,” Bernstein’s multimedia masterpiece that controversially opened Kennedy Center in 1974. Bernstein also wrote a major late work for the NSO, “Songfest.” Bernstein, himself, conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the West Coast premiere at the Bowl in 1983, which had special significance because his collaborator on “Songfest,” Tom Cothran, who happened to have grown up in Pasadena.

For his part, Noseda has done an exceptional job in championing major Black composers at home and on record. Carlos Simon has been the NSO’s composer in residence for the last five years, and Noseda has revived and recorded an essential album of works by George Walker. In October, Noseda and the NSO will release a recording of two symphonies by William Grant Still, who lived in L.A. Deeply evocative of a post-Dvorak new world, they are beautifully played on the new recording and would have been ideal for the Bowl.

The NSO has given up on the Kennedy Center, but must we? There are many questions that have not been considered. The current plan for infrastructure improvements and slapdash redecorating at the cost of $250 million. In fact, the facility’s playhouse, opera theater and concert hall are due for major renovations. But that requires significant planning, the hiring of a major architecture firm with concert hall experience, a first-rate acoustician and, ideally, four times the allotted budget.

This is clearly a long-term job for Congress and consultants who would do well to study the approach of the Salzburg Festival. It has been planning for several years to rehabilitate its large concert hall (which is of similar vintage to the Kennedy Center), which will require five years and a cost of around $600 million. It is also carefully examining alternate performance sites to be used during construction.

The Kennedy Center is a memorial, and before another new idea is allowed out, let the Kennedy Center board visit Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for a moment of reflection on how and why to bring the NSO, America’s Own, back home. In the background, the U.S. Marine Band could offer its kin moral support by playing in the background Ives’ mysteriously transcendental “Unanswered Question.”

ATOMIC Kitten are being eyed up to star in a Boyzone-style documentary which will chart their rise to fame and the drama among members over the years, The Sun can exclusively reveal. 

The girl group shot to fame in the early noughties, made up of Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon and Kerry Katona. 

Kerry, 45, left a year after the release of their debut album and was replaced by Jenny Frost, with the line-up changing several times throughout the last 26 years. 

But The Sun understands that telly bosses have started to reach out to the girls to feature in a tell-all documentary – inspired by the success of Boyzone’s three-part Sky film last year – and are keen for all four members to take part. 

An insider said: “Atomic Kitten were one of the most successful girl groups of the noughties and it feels like the right time for their story to be told. 

“A production company has started reaching out to all four members to appear in a documentary to celebrate their success and of course chart the lows, including the highly publicised fall-outs among the girls. 

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“Like a lot of their all-female counterparts, line-up changes and public spats are a huge part of their history and this would be their chance to set the record straight once and for all.

“None of the girls have signed on officially yet but Kerry is top of the wish list as she’s known for not holding back.”

The Sun has reached out to representatives for Atomic Kitten and Kerry Katona for comment.

Atomic Kitten last performed as a trio in 2021 but a year later Natasha, 44, and Liz, 45, were gigging as a two-piece. 

Then in 2024 Natasha confirmed on social media that she would be stepping down as a member of the group to focus on her solo music career. 

Kerry last worked with Atomic Kitten in 2014 and earlier this year Natasha ruled out ever reuniting with her former band mate professionally.

She told the Mirror: “I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.

“There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.”

Meanwhile Kerry recently shared her sadness over not being in contact with the girls and urged them to get in touch.

Appearing on Unfiltered with Lucy Kennedy, she said: “No [we’re not in touch]. I’m gutted because I love the girls to bits. Tash, Liz, if you’re watching, give us a call.”

HE gave up a promising career to become part of one of Britain’s biggest boybands – now JJ Hamblett is heading back to where it all started at 16.

The Union J star, 38, exclusively tells The Sun how he’s making a remarkable return to his first love, 15 years after he made it in the pop business – and reveals he will soon be back on stage with his former bandmates too in a hugely anticipated reunion.

JJ, who shot to fame with Union J after appearing on The X Factor in 2012, is returning to his roots as a champion jockey and has signed up for the Legends Race at Doncaster next month, where he’s set to go head-to-head with racing royalty, including Frankie Dettori.

And in the same breath, he’s revealed Union J are planning to mark their 15th anniversary next year with either a one-off show or a full tour – teasing a previously unreleased song that could finally see the group back in the studio.

Union J – completed by Jaymi Hensley Josh Cuthbert and George Shelley – went on to become one of the best-known bands to emerge from The X Factor, scoring hits including Carry You and Beautiful Life before eventually going their separate ways. JJ insists the four remain close.

He said: “We’re all kind of doing our separate things at the moment, but we always keep in touch. 

“They’re going to be brothers for life, and I know that sounds really corny, but without each other, and the success of Union J, we might not have had the opportunities we’ve had outside of the band.”

And fans may not have to wait much longer to see the boys back together. JJ revealed the group are already discussing plans for their 15th anniversary, with a tour his preferred option.

He said: “We did the London Palladium on the 10-year anniversary, which was such a pinch-me moment. 

“Next year we’re planning to do a tour or a one-off show. We haven’t decided yet, but I’m hoping it’s a tour, so it gives fans around the country the opportunity to get there. And hopefully festivals next year as well.”

And there’s even more exciting news for Union J fans – JJ teased that the group already have the perfect comeback song sitting in the vault, coming perilously close to giving away the title before catching himself.

He revealed: “There is one song. I can’t say what it is, but we were thinking about releasing it on the second album, and we didn’t. It fits lyrically so perfectly for us wanting to still do the band and missing being on stage together.”

He then began, “Will we [the band] ever…” before stopping himself and saying, “I can’t say the next two words, because if I say the next two words, sh**, it tells you the song. But it’s just a song that really fits us as a band, and us getting back together. I’m hoping we’re going to release that single.”

Before becoming a household name, JJ was a serious apprentice jockey in Newmarket, riding more than 250 times and even counting the late Queen among the famous names he rode for. Now, after around 15 years away from competitive riding, he’s caught the bug all over again.

He explained: “About seven or eight years ago, they asked me to do it, and obviously with the band, we were quite busy, and I just knew it wasn’t the right time.

“But then recently, in January, I moved back to Newmarket, which is the centre of racing. I thought about it, and I was like, ‘You know what? I’d love to give it another go, just race one final time.’”

His body, however, is not quite as enthusiastic about the comeback as he is. JJ has been riding out for top trainers John and Thady Gosden, and admits his first few days back in the saddle left him feeling every one of the years since his last race.

He said: “The first day, I thought they’ll put me on a trotter. And then they were like, ‘You’re going to canter up Warren Hill,’ which is a steep hill. And the next day, I was like an OAP. I couldn’t move.”

His partner, former champion jockey Hayley Turner, has been helping him prepare, while he’s been riding several days a week and hitting the gym.

But a fitness test with jockey Billy Loughnane proved just how much work he had ahead of him.

He admitted: “I was put through a fitness test with Billy Loughnane, who’s had an incredible season so far. And I was sick. I literally couldn’t do it. I was really, really struggling.”

JJ will find out whether the training has paid off at Doncaster on September 11, for the charity showpiece of the St Leger Festival, riding in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund alongside his friend Frankie Dettori.

He said: “It’ll just be phenomenal. All the jockeys riding in it are great. And just to be able to be beside them and racing against them is something I never thought I’d be able to do again.”

The significance isn’t lost on JJ either – Doncaster is where his racing story began, when he was just 16.

He recalled: “Doncaster was the very first racecourse I rode at as a jockey. That was 23 years ago. I remember going up there with my dad, listening to Enigma blasting out, trying to get myself motivated for the ride. I felt fit, I was young, and I couldn’t feel my legs after. I literally fell off the horse. Now I’m 38, and they’re gonna be a lot worse.”

JJ never regretted leaving racing behind, though. He’d been struggling with the demands of keeping his weight down as a jockey and had always dreamed of singing and acting.

He explained: “I got to the point where I was struggling with my weight, and it became quite difficult for me. I’ve always loved singing and acting, and then just before the X Factor, I was riding out there in the mornings and I thought to myself, right, I want to give that a go. And we were very fortunate to have the success we did.”

Returning to racing has also reminded JJ how closely his two worlds have always been connected. Newmarket is a small community, and he remembers the Gosden yard watching Union J on The X Factor while he was still part of their world.

He added: “It’s so lovely that people are still asking me about the band, bringing up memories of watching us and following our journey.”

And JJ believes one thing links his two careers perfectly – the adrenaline.

He explained: “When jockeys stop race riding, they search for adrenaline. I was very fortunate to have that, you know – when we had a single out, or getting on stage at Wembley Stadium, it was just that adrenaline feel.”

His choice of pre-race music, though, has moved on rather a lot from his boyband days.

He said: “I’m really loving Sam Fender. And Fleetwood Mac, my favourite band – I’ll be listening to probably a Fleetwood Mac album on the way up there. And I’ll be, in the final furlong, singing Union J, going past the winning post first.”

And JJ is under no illusion he’ll be there simply to make up the numbers – the competitive instinct, he says, never really leaves a jockey.

He said: “Everyone in it is competitive – that’s the reason jockeys do what they do. The outcome you want is to be able to win it.”

But the race is ultimately about far more than JJ’s own comeback. The Legends meeting raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund, a cause close to his heart after training at its facilities.

He said: “The main reason I’m taking part is to really push what they do out there. It’s an incredible charity for jockeys, retired and current, and I’ve looked at the setup they have and it’s amazing.”

With his racing comeback and Union J reunion both now on the horizon, JJ says he feels lucky to get a second shot at both passions that shaped his life.

He said: “I’ve always missed horse racing, and I’m just very, very happy and fortunate and lucky to have that chance again, to do it one final time.

“Thank you to the Union J fans – we wouldn’t be able to even think about doing the 15th anniversary without that continuous support over 15 years, and we’re gonna be putting on the biggest, best show or tour for you next year. So watch out.”

The Leger Legends Race will be available to stream on ITV on September 11th.

The first time that artist and filmmaker James Spooner heard Patti Smith’s song “Rock n Roll N—,” he cringed and reflected on the years of racism, microaggressions and abuse he dealt with as a young Black punk rocker in California’s high desert and later, New York.

According to Spooner’s new book, “It Starts With Anger,” this moment of reflection is a catalyst that prompts him to pursue a closer examination of the experiences and challenges Black people face in punk rock and alternative music scenes that are predominantly white.

“If there was such a thing as a ‘Rock n Roll N—’ Patti Smith wasn’t going to be the one to define it. Right then, I decided I was going to make a movie,” Spooner writes in his book.

In 2003, Spooner started working on a documentary called “Afro-Punk,” which took him across the country as he interviewed Black artists, musicians and fans to talk about their experiences in punk rock. “Afro-Punk” starts by calling out Smith’s controversial song before diving into what it means to be Black in a music scene intended to welcome outsiders, but which nonetheless alienates and projects harmful values toward people who are not white.

“I don’t think she’s a bad person, I think she’s a white person who was trying to be edgy and then just like doubled down her whole career,” Spooner told The Times. “I’m all for and have always been understanding of people who make mistakes, people should have an opportunity to correct themselves.”

The punk rock documentary is being rereleased this month after Spooner launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to remaster the film. The rerelease coincides with the publication of Spooner’s new book, “It Starts With Anger,” which covers the author’s personal history, the creation of the documentary, the larger Afropunk brand (it does not use a hyphen like the film), and the eventual demise of his brainchild at the hands of corporate ventures. “Afro-Punk” will premiere in Los Angeles and New York, with a special screening and book talk on Sunday at the Skirball Cultural Center with former S.O.A. and Black Flag vocalist Henry Rollins.

“Young people at the time needed it,” Spooner says about his documentary “Afropunk.” They needed that connection to see that there were other young Black punk rockers, they needed to hear from them and know that they had common experiences.”

(Lisa Nola )

“Before there was anything negative attached to it and before there was any corporate interest attached to it, people saw the movie and were like, ‘Oh, that’s my story, I guess I’m an Afropunk and didn’t even know it,’ and then they started calling themselves that,” Spooner said. “I helped define an experience for a group of people in the underground, I inadvertently helped to define an experience for a lot of people who feel othered and ostracized.”

Spooner, who upheld punk’s DIY ethos by shooting, producing, directing and editing the entire project himself, recently regained the rights to his film after a contentious years-long legal battle against his former business partner, Matthew Morgan, and Essence Ventures, the current owners of the Afropunk brand.

“The way that it all turned out in the end, it’s like, not everybody gets to see the long arc of justice in their lifetime, but to be so hurt and slighted and then watch karma do its thing is like, why waste time with being pissed off anymore? There are still things that I wished wouldn’t have happened, but I’m lucky in the end,” the Afropunk founder said.

After Spooner made his documentary, he realized how much the film resonated with Black punks who yearned for community and acceptance. Damon Locks, a visual artist and musician who was featured in the documentary and later worked as a publicist for the Afropunk festival, said he was “really impressed” with the film when it first came out, and that “James’ instincts were correct” when it came to the vision and execution.

“Young people at the time needed it, they needed that connection to see that there were other young Black punk rockers, they needed to hear from them and know that they had common experiences,” he said.

Eager to extend the reach of “Afro-Punk” beyond the documentary, Spooner began organizing a series of DIY underground punk shows known as “The Liberation Sessions,” with the goal of developing this concept into a major festival. He also decided to enter a business relationship with Morgan, who offered to manage Spooner’s creative affairs and help him take “Afro-Punk” to the next level.

According to Spooner, Morgan wanted to bring in corporate sponsors and feature music genres outside of punk to generate more interest and maximize profits. Spooner said he reluctantly compromised, yet after several years of working with Morgan, Spooner grew disillusioned with what Afropunk the festival became.

Maurice “Moe” Mitchell, vocalist for hardcore band Cipher and national director of the Working Families Party, was featured in the documentary and performed at several Afropunk shows and festivals. He said what happened with Afropunk is “a tale as old as time” and Morgan being outside of the movement led to “moneyed interests” altering what Spooner had created.

“At some point, those interests figure out how to co-opt, how to monetize, how to profit, how to take over this thing and it becomes a shell of itself, no longer owned or operated by the original originators, just a product or a marketing scheme for some company,” Mitchell said. “And that is rinse and repeat what happens to really good art and really good movements, and it’s what happened with Afropunk.”

By 2008, Spooner decided he wanted to walk away. He moved to Los Angeles and signed over the Afropunk rights and trademark to Morgan.

“My priority was to the kids … and I didn’t want for them to not have Afropunk just because I was over it, just because I moved on to the other side of the country, I could have just been like, ‘F— you, everything’s in my name, if you want it, sue me,’ I could have done that and I probably would have won because everything is in my name,” the punk filmmaker said. “I also was incredibly broke, I was not only broke when I moved to L.A., I was like $20,000 in debt on credit cards, so it was not like I was in a good place to continue this thing.”

As “Afro-Punk” returns to screens in Los Angeles and New York, Spooner leans into punk’s rebellious ethos, reclaiming his work and spotlighting Black liberation in loud, uncompromising ways.

(Lisa Nola )

In 2020, Spooner sued Morgan for failing to make contractual annual payments and failing to observe a clause in their 2010 agreement that mandated that if more than 50% of the company was sold, Spooner was entitled to a share of the profit. In 2020, Essence Ventures acquired the Afropunk LLC, but Spooner was not made aware of the sale. After a complicated legal battle against both Morgan and Essence Ventures, Spooner settled, successfully recovering the rights to the film in 2025, which he says was more important to him than financial compensation.

Representatives for Essence Ventures did not immediately return requests for comment.

“I didn’t start ‘Afro-Punk’ with money in mind, I wanted people to see my film,” Spooner said. “I wanted people to see my film, and then people saw the film, and then I wanted those people to stay in the room together and become friends, and all of that happened.”

Mitchell, who ended up becoming friends with Spooner after participating in the documentary, said he is “very happy” that Spooner “came out vindicated” in the legal struggle. The Cipher frontman believes “Afro-Punk” is an important documentary that shows “what it means to be a person of color in America,” and which makes visible the identity issues Black people experience beyond the punk rock community.

“That’s also the story of Black people when we lean into our liberation, right?” Mitchell said. “Like we are expressing ourselves in very loud and uncompromising ways that challenge the status quo and so I’m really happy that this film is coming out because this is a moment where we need as many people, as many Black people, to lean into who we are in loud and uncompromising ways, because we have a whole political structure that is demanding our compromise.”

As Spooner celebrates the release of his new book and the premiere of his remastered film — which he says still needs distribution — he hopes that he can continue shedding light on the Black experience and sharing the legacy of what he created as a young Black punk rocker.

“It’s wild to me that I made something when I was 25 that people still care about, and I hope that it keeps reaching another generation and proves itself to be valuable in some kind of way,” he said.

Outer Banks officially came to an end with a heartwarming final scene, but one thing was missing.

Outer Banks fans struggled to make it through the final season following a devastating death.

Outer Banks is back with a fifth and final season on Netflix and fans have already binged their way through all 10 episodes.

The final outing saw the Pogues cope with a tragic loss and seek revenge, while racing around the world to claim back the Blue Crown. Fans were quick to point out the notable absence of JJ Maybank (played by Rudy Pankow), a beloved Pogue who died in the season four finale.

*Warning: this story contains spoilers for Outer Banks*

He was fatally stabbed by his biological father, Chandler Groff (J. Anthony Crane), and fans were devastated at the tragic loss. While watching the season five episodes, they admitted the series “didn’t feel the same” without JJ.

They flocked to X to share their thoughts, with one saying: “I hoped so much that JJ would come back to life thanks to the Blue Crown, but it was no use. I mean, why is it always my favourite characters?”

Another shared: “It’s really hard watching this show with JJ gone, it just doesn’t feel the same, he should be there with them [crying emojis].”

The finale included a group shot of the gang, but JJ was missing, and one fan pointed out: “The last frame being just the Pogues. But JJ should be there, man.”

Another viewer commented: “JJ was genuinely one of the best characters in Outer Banks. Season 5 didn’t hit the same without him…” Someone else shared: “20mins into Episode 1 of @obxnetflix and it already feels weird without JJ.”

Fans were also emotional over a heartbreaking flashback scene, which depicted the first time JJ and his best friend-turned-love interest, Kiara Carrera (Madison Bailey), met as young children.

“That JJ & Kiara flashback of when they were young and they first met [crying emoji],” one fan said, while a second echoed: “The first time Kiara and JJ met. Aww, my babies [crying and heartbreak emojis].”

Just before the final season dropped, it was announced that a prequel series had been given the green light and would detail the origin story of the feud between the Pogues and the Kooks.

Set 20 years before the events of Outer Banks, creator Josh Pate explained the premise to Deadline: “It really is the story of how the island split — and it’s particularly relevant in our country right now — how it split into the haves and have-nots, how the Kooks and the Pogues started. How did this rift start?”

Creator Shannon Burke added: “And seen through the stories of some of the characters you know and some new characters. But they’re 20 years before, so it’s the parents’ generation.”

Outer Banks featured John B (Chase Stokes) and JJ’s dads, as well as Sarah (Madelyn Cline) and Rafe Cameron’s (Drew Starkey) dad, Pope’s (Jonathan Daviss) and Kiara’s parents and Topper’s (Austin North) mother and grandfather.

Outer Banks is streaming on Netflix

All episodes of the beloved series have found a new streaming home for your next binge watch

Many fans say the series now with a new streaming home is one of their all time favourites.

The show has been labelled as ‘best comedy of the century‘ with many viewers rewatching it constantly. It’s now easier than ever for potentially new audiences to discover it for themselves.

That is because all episodes of Parks and Recreation were just added to a new platform. At the time of writing, it is now available via Paramount+ as of today (August 20).

Users can sign up to the service directly through its own platform and app. Alternatively, those worried about the cost of yet another streaming service can also find the series on Channel 4 or U, at no extra cost.

The advantage of watching on Paramount+ is that viewers can sign up to watch without adverts interrupting their latest binge watch. For those unaware, Parks and Recreation follows the titular department in the local government based in the fictional town of Pawnee, based in Indiana.

There, we find Leslie Knope, the second-in-command of the department. Her life revolves around her work as well as her friends and colleagues. In the early seasons, she does everything she can to help concerned citizen and nurse Ann Perkins turn an abandoned construction site into a new park.

She is somewhat assisted by less enthusiastic colleagues including her boss Ron Swanson and intern April Ludgate. As the show progresses, viewers will see them come across plenty of red tape and other hurdles as they seek to improve their community.

Its impressive cast include Saturday Night Live alum Amy Poehler, now Marvel star Chris Pratt along with the likes of Severance actor Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Nick Offerman and more.

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The show was co-created by Mike Schur and Dan Goor in what was originally seen as a spin-off of The Office US. It eventually developed into a standalone series in its own right.

Schur went on to create other beloved sitcoms after Parks including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place and A Man on the Inside for Netflix. However his work on Parks is still praised to this day.

Many fans suggest that it even surpassed The Office. One fan shared their thoughts online, as they posted to Reddit: “Parks and Recreation is better than The Office The first season was rough, but the rest of the show managed to be hilarious and heartwarming – an extremely difficult combo.”

They continued: “I’ve never seen a show with such distinctly interesting characters that was genuinely laugh out loud funny without having to be cringy, and for that, Parks and Rec wins it all in my book.”

Someone else added: “Hilarious, endlessly rewatchable Parks and Recreation is my favourite show of all time.”

While one person claimed: “Absolutely incredible series. In fact it’s probably the best thing to come out of American television ever and that’s the honest truth. It’s so impressive how consistently funny it is after season 2. Could honestly start re-watching it again and again and be content.”

One person went so far as to label it the “best comedy of this century”. As they went on: “This show has everything you would expect in a comedy series. When binge-watching this show I laughed, I cried, I became emotionally attached to characters, I said ‘aw’, I said ‘wow’, I was sad when characters left, I was happy when new characters were added and so on and so forth.

“The writing is fantastic because the various story lines and running gags are completely engrossing and make me laugh every time. The acting is superb because the dialog flows very well and seems very natural, while the improve scenes are absolutely hilarious. I have never laughed out loud so much when watching a show by myself.”

Parks and Recreation is streaming on Paramount+, Channel 4 and U.

FORMER Hollyoaks cast members Sarah Jayne Dunn and James Dunn reunited on OnlyFans — as they took on Love Island and Skins stars.

The pair played Mandy Richardson and John Paul McQueen, respectively, on the Channel 4 soap.

They are set to reunite for Race of Wits, a new eight-part reality competition show launching on August 25.

It will be aired on OFTV, an on-demand streaming service founded by OnlyFans.

Meanwhile, the show will also feature Skins alum Megan Prescott and Love Island runner-up Hannah Elizabeth, among others.

The format sees teams of two OnlyFans creators face three fast-paced, London-based challenges.

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They are hoping to win a cash prize and claim the bragging rights by outwitting their competition.

Discussing the upcoming show, James said: “Reuniting with Sarah brought back amazing memories. It was like we’d never been apart.

“Most people will know me for the characters I played in soaps and dramas, so taking part in Race of Wits was a great opportunity to have a bit of fun and show a different side of myself.”

James bowed out from Hollyoaks as John Paul earlier this year, while Sarah was sacked in 2021 due to her involvement with OnlyFans.

The Sun told in May how James was set make a million pounds just months after quitting Hollyoaks and joining OnlyFans.

James had previously revealed he was following in the footsteps of former co-star Sarah by joining the adult subscription site.

A source said at the time: “It took James a little while to decide to join OnlyFans buts financially it’s the best move he’s ever made.

“He’s got thousands of subscribers paying £12 to see him in his pants and there’s more in priemium content.

“He’s surged up the OnlyFans charts to become one of the top one per cent — eclipsing the likes of Sarah.

“If he keeps up the momentum, which he will, he’ll make a million within months.”

Gogglebox fans have been given an exciting update as Channel 4 confirms when the hit show will return to screens

Gogglebox fans can finally start counting down, with Channel 4 confirming when the much-loved show will return to screens.

The BAFTA-winning series is set to make its comeback on Friday, September 4 at 9pm, bringing another round of sofa-based reactions, hilarious one-liners and brutally honest opinions.

Now heading into its 28th season, Gogglebox has become a Friday night favourite, with viewers tuning in to see families and friends across the country watch some of the biggest moments on television.

From major dramas and reality TV to documentaries, talent shows and the week’s biggest talking points, the programme gives viewers the chance to see how other households react to the same shows they have been watching at home.

The return follows a series of changes to the cast last season, when five new households were introduced.

Among the newcomers were Glasgow pair Jake and Calum, the Gordon family from Surrey, Cotswolds couple Andrew and Alfie, Yorkshire duo Sara and Lara, and Edinburgh pair Rosie and Susie.

Channel 4 has yet to reveal whether another batch of new faces will be joining the Gogglebox family for the upcoming series.

Fans will also be hoping to see some of the programme’s most familiar faces back on their sofas.

Jenny and Lee, Pete and Sophie, Ellie and Izzi and the Malone family are all among the show’s best-known households and have become firm favourites with viewers over the years.

The new series also arrives as Gogglebox celebrates another accolade, having been shortlisted for a National Television Award.

The programme is nominated in the Factual Entertainment category alongside 24 Hours in Police Custody, Secret Garden, Sort Your Life Out and The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.

It is not the first time the Channel 4 favourite has picked up an NTA.

Back in 2023, Gogglebox took home the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award after beating some huge names, including Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and The Masked Singer.

True to form, Lee and Jenny couldn’t resist adding their own humour to the occasion.

As he accepted the award, Lee joked: “To beat two people down here is unreal. We must be a better duo!” He then admitted the pair had been convinced they had no chance of winning and had not even prepared a speech.

With the new series now just weeks away, fans won’t have too much longer to wait before the familiar sofas are filled once again — and the country’s favourite TV critics are ready to have their say.

Gogglebox returns on Friday 4 September at 9pm on Channel 4.

An acclaimed crime drama is returning but not in a way fans expect

The ‘most compelling drama ever’ is making a comeback but not in the way you think.

Star of Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story Charlie Hunnam could end up reuniting with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan for a brand new series inspired by their most beloved characters.

According to Variety, Hunnam, who is set to appear in the streamer’s next instalment of the true crime anthology as Lizzie Borden’s father, is returning to one of his most popular roles. Reports claim that US network FX has ordered a limited series called Legends.

Not to be confused with the other Netflix show of the same name, this will see Hunnam appear alongside several of his Sons of Anarchy castmates, more than 10 years after its final episode.

However, it is not a prequel nor straight forward spin-off. Instead, it will see the stars play fictionalised versions of themselves.

The story will see the cast of Sons of Anarchy reunite at a fan convention for the first time and see the line between life and art blurs, as the fractured brotherhood finds itself up against a real-world threat more dangerous than anything they ever faced in their show.

So far, the confirmed cast set to appear include Hunnam (Jax), Ron Perlman (Clay), Katey Sagal (Gemma), Maggie Siff (Tara), Mark Boone Junior (Bobby), Tommy Flanagan (Chibs), Kim Coates (Tig), and Theo Rossi (Juice).

Many fans have immediately compared the new show’s premise to sci-fi cult hit Galaxy Quest. In that film, Tim Allen teamed up with Alan Rickman as actors who used to star in a Star Trek-like series together.

They then get mistaken for a real life space travelling crew by aliens who recruit them to save them from a dangerous warlord.

Hunnam has developed the show himself alongside with Jonathan Groff (the writer behind Black-ish and How I Met Your Mother, not the musical actor). It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s Rob Mac is also listed as an executive producer.

It’s been described by the network as “a love letter to the series and a fun meta twist on what fans think they know.”

The original Sons Of Anarchy series was created and largely written by Kurt Sutter. It ran for seven seasons across six years. It boasts an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been described by fans as “one of the most compelling dramas ever made”.

It is not yet known if any other former cast members will feature, whether as guest stars or cameos. However, fans are already shared their hope that Taylor Sheridan, now well known as the creator of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, will appear.

Sheridan played Deputy Chief David Hale in the first three seasons. He was the local police’s second-in-command and a no-nonsense cop who grew up with Jax, Tara, Opie, and Donna but often came up against them.

A fan even joked that Sheridan could play the antagonist in this new series. Some have shared their confusion at the concept, while still admitting excitement.

One said: “No clue what’s going on here, but they already have my viewership.” Another added: “I’m incredibly confused by the premise but I’ll be tuning in!”

Even those that are not familiar with Sons of Anarchy have confessed they are on board. One person posted on social media: “Never watched Sons Of Anarchy but this is so meta and bizarre, I kind of love it.”

Sons of Anarchy is streaming on Disney+

BBC cameras follow NHS staff dealing with everything from stabbings to car crashes

A new BBC series shows the stark realities of working in NHS emergency care.

The six-part docuseries comes from the makers of revered true crime show Murder 24/7, and follows a very similar format. However, rather than showing real-time investigations into crimes, it instead centres around staff dealing with a host of emergency cases at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

From stabbings and third-degree burns through to car crashes, the talented teams within the emergency department are shown handling each case from the patient’s arrival through to diagnosis and treatment.

The season debut opened with the devastating case of two friends, Luke and Kieran, who were involved in a motorbike crash, leaving both with severe injuries. As the teams treat the pair, they fear irreversible damage to Luke’s nerves which could leave him unable to walk.

Viewers will have to tune in to episode one, now streaming on BBC iPlayer, to discover how the duo’s story played out. Meanwhile subsequent episodes of Emergency 24/7 air every Tuesday at 9pm on BBC Two.

Luke recently appeared on BBC Radio Bristol to discuss his story, sharing: “I don’t remember the actual accident itself.

“I remember picking my friend up and just going out for a ride on the bike.

“He was on the back, I was driving, and then the next thing I knew, I blinked, and about five or six days had gone by, and I was in Bristol ICU.”

Reactions to the new series have been positive so far, with one viewer writing: “I enjoyed it. Really rammed home how busy they are. Also highlighted the rubbish they have to deal with.”

A second shared: “It’s really well done, set over the time period of one shift and follows a couple of patients closely and then you get an update at the end with how they’re doing.

“They also give a good explanation of why hospitals do things like corridor care, what’s being shown on the scan, how the team works when there’s a major trauma, the impact abusive patients can have on the department as a whole by removing staff from other areas to deal with them etc.”

Meanwhile others reported being left in “awe” at the work of the teams featured. A third viewer show fan shared: “Watching #emergency 24/7 #emergency24 on BBC2. I’m in awe of the surgeon putting that spine back together, and all the staff in A and E.”

Emergency 24/7 airs weekly on Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC Two. Episodes are available to stream via BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

If war films and talented actors are your genre of entertainment, we’ve got a movie recommendation that’ll be right up your alley.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

Eye in the Sky is a 2016 war drama starring British acting royalty — and it’s currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The modern warfare thriller stars the late great British icon and acting legend Alan Rickman, and is considered his last live-action feature film — having released posthumously on April 15, 2016, just months after Rickman died on January 14 that same year. His last film overall though, is Alice Through the Looking Glass, which features him in a voice acting role only.

Eye in the Sky has been dedicated to the Harry Potter star, and while Rickman is definitely one of the highlights of the war drama, he’s far from being the only scene-stealer.

Directed by Gavin Hood with a screenplay penned by Guy Hibbert, Eye in the Sky stars the legendary Helen Mirren in the lead alongside Rickman. The pair are joined by Aaron Paul, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Michael O’Keefe, Phoebe Fox and Iain Glen in supporting roles to round out a talented cast.

Speaking to Collider about her co-star Rickman, Mirren shared: “I think that Alan would have been incredibly proud that this was his last movie. It is what I love about it, which is that the Alan you see up on screen is much closer to the real Alan Rickman that we all knew and loved. You see his intelligence, you see his wit, and you see his authority. I think that that was very much the Alan that we knew.”

With an almost perfect 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Eye in the Sky seems to be loved by one and all.

One viewer was clear the film belonged to Rickman as they wrote on IMDB: “This is Alan Rickman’s movie. He is the star, the cast person who carries the movie. The movie itself is excellent. It tells a compelling story and succeeds in building dramatic tension without becoming contrived.

“The conflict is presented plainly. Every character plays an important role. Yet, Rickman drives this movie. His performance as the general in charge of the operation should earn him at least consideration for the highest official accolades.”

While another fan of the film said: “Excellent movie all around! I rarely give very high ratings, so take this 10 as solid approval. This is a very well-made movie. It’s dramatic (fitting the occasion), compelling, exciting, interesting, intriguing, well-paced, informative, insightful, well scripted, well acted, evocative, relevant, just, intuitive, comprehensive, and so on.

“All of these. I found it very enjoyable to watch, and I followed along and fully understood the situation presented and all of its challenges. It’s difficult to imagine any ways it could be improved.”

An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes states: “Genuinely one of the best films I have ever seen – could be a fantastic debating resource for schools, colleges and universities. Brilliantly communicated from every angle.”

While one viewer said in a glowing review: “I have to say: This film blows my mind. The combination of the suspense, the back-and-forth, and the frustration exceeds any out-of-the-world action sequences; not to mention Mirren and Rickman being superb as always.”

Critics were left equally impressed, with one writing: “It’s a tight thriller played out smoothly but tying the viewer in moral knots. A film to think about for days, with little hope of finding a comfortable answer.”

While another reviewer said: “Eye in the Sky is a disturbing, intelligent and very well crafted contemporary thriller with a solid screenplay by Guy Hibbert and seamless direction.”

A third critic added: “This is the kind of intelligent, thought-provoking mainstream film that’s in danger of becoming extinct. Eye in the Sky is miles above the average multiplex flick.”

Eye in the Sky is available to watch free of cost on BBC iPlayer.

Eight episodes are currently available to stream on Netflix

Love Is Blind UK bosses have opened up on a history-making moment that viewers never see on the show.

The third instalment of the hit Netflix show has returned to screens this week with the first eight episodes released in one go yesterday (August 19).

Hopeful singles have once again headed to the Love Is Blind dating pods hoping to find ‘the one’ where they will date potential partners. They will only meet face to face for the first time if a couple decides to take their relationship to the next step and become engaged.

The series has proved a hit with Netflix viewers, but there is a wait on their hands before the next batch of episodes will be released (August 26).

As the new release hits screens, executive producer Nazleen Karim and series editor David Cheesman spoke about one thing that viewers did not see and it is an incredible milestone which has made history.

This time around, there was an unprecedented number of engagements as 14 pairs took their relationships to the next step. However, the show only showed six couples’ journey, meaning there was so much more that viewers didn’t get to see play out on screen.

Nazleen said: “When there are more engagements than we can physically follow, we have to make difficult editorial choices. We’re looking for a range of different relationship journeys and stories that together capture the full experience of the experiment.

“Not being selected isn’t a reflection of the strength of a relationship – many couples continue exploring their connection once they leave the Pods.”

David added: “It’s never an easy decision and we wouldn’t want to diminish the love those other couples have formed. We’ve never had as many as 14 engagements which is why we ended up following six couples this time as opposed to five.”

With a combination of “natural drama and love, sexiness, chemistry and humour”, the series is potentially the strongest so far as David confirmed: “Every season brings something different, but this one has some of the most surprising twists, emotional moments and unforgettable characters we’ve seen.”

Hosts Matt and Emma Willis also touched on the monumental engagements as Matt said: “There are clearly a lot of thirsty people in the UK! I think we both got a strong sense that people really were there to get married.

“They weren’t just going in to see what this was all about – they wanted to find a husband or wife. Maybe the RAYE song ‘Where Is My Husband!’ was the inspiration.”

Although the new episodes follow six potential pairs, viewers will need to tune in to see who makes it to the altar, and who, if anyone, continues their marriage in the outside world.

Love Is Blind UK can be streamed in the UK.

Lisa Hayden-Johnson was jailed after fabricating her son Matthew’s illnesses

Lisa Hayden-Johnson has defended her actions in a new Channel 4 documentary.

The Devon woman has spoken out for the first time since being released from prison. She was jailed in 2010 for three years and three months after admitting cruelty and perverting the course of justice.

It came after she falsely claimed that her son Matthew suffered from a range of illnesses including diabetes, food allergies, cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis.

Matthew’s supposed health battle attracted widespread media attention. The youngster went on to appear on various TV shows and was famously introduced to the Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla.

The young boy, now aged 25, was also subjected to medical interventions before doctors grew suspicious about his alleged health problems. Now, both mother and son are telling their sides of the story in new Channel 4 three-part series, Love You to Death.

A synopsis for the show states: “Young Matthew’s health problems worry medics and his mum Lisa. But when doctors’ efforts to improve Matthew’s condition don’t work, suspicions are raised and the police are called in to investigate.”

In the first episode, which aired on Wednesday (August 19), Lisa refutes the infamous ‘most evil mum’ title she earned as a result of the story.

She says: “I’ve never had the opportunity to [tell her story]. The newspaper articles are so incorrect. How can I be ‘Britain’s Most Evil Mother?'”

She goes on to add: “The only thing I was guilty of was putting my son first and fighting his battle, which is what I did. And I don’t regret that.”

Matthew, who will feature in the second episode of the series, spoke to the BBC about how it felt to hear his mother’s perspective.

He said: “It was a lot of disappointment but I think also frustration as almost two decades on, there is still a lack of accountability from her side.

“When I could see, even after two decades… she still holds the same story and believes that she did the best by me… that obviously isn’t right.” Matthew’s older sister, Laura, also speaks out in the documentary.

Love You To Death Episode 1 is streaming now on Channel 4

Christian metal band Demon Hunter is suing Netflix, alleging trademark infringement associated with the streamer’s hit film “KPop Demon Hunters.”

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday by Hyde Lane, the corporate entity for Demon Hunter, against Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents, the live-entertainment division of AEG, with claims that the defendants have “created a substantial likelihood of confusion” among consumers.

The metalcore band — which was formed in 2000 out of Seattle by brothers Ryan and Don Clark — claims the success of the 2025 urban fantasy flick has “eclipse[d]” the group’s “established identity” and “commercial fate,” especially as plans for a KPop Demon Hunters global concert tour were announced in May in partnership with AEG Presents.

Hyde Lane originally trademarked “Demon Hunter” in 2014 under entertainment, namely live performances. To date, the band has released 12 studio albums and amassed more than 348,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Several of its early music videos, including popular tracks like “Dead Flowers” and “Someone to Hate,” have garnered millions of views on YouTube.

In 2022, the company submitted other trademark protections for recorded music and merchandise.

By comparison, Netflix filed 10 applications under the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “KPop Demon Hunters” for merchandise purposes starting in August 2025.

Hyde Lane has “been forced to surrender control over its commercial identity simply because Defendants have greater resources and a larger marketplace footprint,” the lawsuit states.

In the suit, the plaintiffs cite instances where there has been “consumer confusion.”

On Feb. 26, 2026, someone requested a refund after purchasing $500 tickets to a Demon Hunter show in Albany, N.Y., believing it was for a KPop Demon Hunters concert, according to the suit. “If I dont get it refunded I will not be able to purchase tickets to the actual ‘K pop demon hunters show,’” the email read.

On March 16, 2026, a producer from “Inside Edition” emailed Demon Hunter manager Ryan J. Downey to request an interview with songwriter Yu Han Lee (of KPop Demon Hunters) following the Oscar win for original song, the lawsuit states.

Additionally, the plaintiffs say the Christian band has been incorrectly tagged in connection to various KPop Demon Hunters content.

“Due to Defendants’ wrongful actions, Demon Hunter’s established identity is becoming increasingly obscured within recorded music, live touring and merchandise-related channels due to overlapping use by the KPop Demon Hunters brand,” the lawsuit states.

Hyde Lane is requesting Netflix and Netflix Studios be held liable for infringement, although no specified amount was listed in the suit.

The complaint arrives a year after the 2025 animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters” — which centered on Huntrix, a music trio who hunt demons — reached unprecedented heights, becoming Netflix’s most-watched animated original movie. Earlier this year, the film’s focus track, “Golden,” became the first K-pop song to win an Oscar.

Plans for the “KPop Demon Hunters” sequel are already underway as the lawsuit makes its way through the California court system.

SYDNEY Sweeney has shown off her bra from her new Syrn line to commemorate its release.

The Euphoria star celebrated “launch day” with a clip of herself wearing several articles from her new Campus Crush collection.

In the video posted on Syrn’s official Instagram page on Wednesday, Sydney, 28, briefly flashed her chest in a white Plot Twist Bralette while changing in her trailer.

She filmed herself putting on a white Victory Lap Baby Tee, paired with navy blue Booty Call Knit Boxers.

Sydney tousled her long blonde hair in loose waves while posing and smiling at the camera.

“IT’S LAUNCH DAY. Shop the new Campus Crush collection now,” the post’s caption read, while noting each piece of her new wardrobe.

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Sydney Sweeney busts out of pink bra as she licks her blueberry Erewhon smoothie

The actress has debuted multiple new collections from her lingerie brand, Syrn, in recent months.

Earlier this month, The Housemaid star promoted the company’s new Romantic line, featuring various lace bras and underwear.

She also dropped a racy black lingerie set for her Seductress line, and an array of underwear, bras, and loungewear from her Playful collection, Small Town Girl.

Sydney enlisted model Amélie Tremblay to help her promote the new Playful pieces, sharing videos and photos of the pair modeling matching sets in the mirror.

The ladies also captured themselves having an impromptu dance session and Sydney playfully smacking Amélie’s butt multiple times.

Sydney shared similar posts early last month, showcasing her breasts, bare butt, and washboard abs in numerous pieces from the collection, which launched on July 16.

She had been pulling double duty, working on her Syrn brand, while in Australia filming a new project.

Her boyfriend, Scooter Braun, also joined her on set.

Fans were reminded of Sydney’s previous starring role in the erotic thriller The Voyeurs when the film landed on Amazon Prime in May.

The spine-chilling movie premiered in 2021, and involved some of Sydney’s raciest scenes, as she portrayed an optometrist who becomes dangerously obsessed with spying on her neighbors.

Sydney’s character, Piper, strips down completely naked in the film and gets intimate with her on-screen lover, among other raunchy moments.

The White Lotus star has since starred in many other promiscuous scenes in her following TV and film roles.

Her most talked-about role was playing Cassie Howard in HBO Max’s Euphoria.

The latest season showed Sydney wearing scandalous outfits, including dressing like a sexualized baby and a puppy, in an effort to increase Cassie’s OnlyFans following.

Sydney and the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, faced a slew of backlash for her X-rated behavior on camera; however, an insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun that the actress had “no shame” and “laughed” at the critics.