starring

The Odyssey is Sir Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited adaptation of Homer’s epic poem.

Groundbreaking new Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey stars a familiar soap legend.

EastEnders star Himesh Patel stars in the epic, which has already broken records with its cinematic release.

Former soap legend Himesh is a face familiar to many after he played Tamwar Masood, the slightly geeky son of the Masood family, on EastEnders between 2007 and 2016.

As the first Muslim family to live in Albert Square since the Karims in the late 80s, and the first Asian family since the Ferreiras in 2003, the Masoods brought a fresh perspective to the long-running BBC soap, and they quickly rose in popularity.

During his time in Walford, Tamwar was seen helping his family with their business and putting his Oxbridge dreams on hold. Eventually, he left Walford to travel the world with Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill), whom he later married, but the couple ultimately divorced.

In 2016, after nearly a decade, Himesh decided to leave his role on EastEnders to pursue new opportunities in his acting career. It seems to have been a very wise decision, as he is now a movie star with his latest role in the blockbuster movie The Odyssey.

Who is Himesh Patel in The Odyssey?

Sir Christopher Nolan’s new movie, an adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.

The highly anticipated film, released on Friday, July 17, is the first-ever feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

It has brought in a huge $264.1million (£196m) worldwide in its first weekend, surpassing the $249million (£185million) opening of The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which went on to be Nolan’s highest-grossing film, exceeding $1billion.

In the film, Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus’ trusted second-in-command. He’s not only fiercely loyal, but he also calls out Odysseus and serves as his conscience as they try to make their dangerous trek home to Ithaca.

The Odyssey features a star-studded A-list cast alongside Himesh and Matt Damon, including Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson.

“Everything I’ve done in the last seven to eight years has been beyond my wildest dreams, but this movie was such a singular experience,” Himash told the Radio Times.

“There is only one guy who makes movies like this. I don’t know where my career is going but even if I have the privilege of working with Chris [Nolan] again, it won’t be this story, it won’t be this sort of thing.”

Since his EastEnders exit, Himesh has taken on significant roles in several notable films, including Danny Boyle’s Beatles-inspired film Yesterday (2019) and Christopher Nolan’s time-manipulating film Tenet.

In addition, he played the part of Jennifer Lawrence’s character’s romantic partner in the Netflix disaster film Don’t Look Up.

What are viewers saying about The Odyssey?

The Odyssey has already received rave reviews, and taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer dubbed the movie “phenomenal”, while another added: “This is a cinematic masterpiece. Guaranteed Oscars sweep this year!”

A third chimed in: “Film. Of. The. Year. Possibly the decade”, while another added: “A cinematic masterpiece”, while another added: “Got to be one of the best adaptations of all time.”

“The Odyssey is an absolute masterpiece and my favorite movie of the year so far. Christopher Nolan delivers a visually breathtaking epic that had me glued to the screen from beginning to end,” added another.

The Odyssey is available to watch in various cinemas across the UK

The Crown star Olivia Colman’s 2022 drama has been hailed ‘funny and moving’ by fans.

Olivia Colman fans don’t have long left to watch her “emotional, silly and joyful” film.

Fans of The Crown star Olivia Colman are running out of time to catch her “phenomenal” film before it disappears from Netflix. The 2022 movie, set in Ireland, centres on a 12 year old boy, Mully (played by Charlie Reid) who lives with his father in County Kerry following his mother’s death from cancer.

Upon uncovering his father’s dark secrets, the youngster runs away and encounters a woman named Joy (Colman) and her newborn baby. Gradually, the unlikely pair begin to form a bond during a chaotic, emotional road trip across Ireland, finding healing, friendship and redemption along the way.

Joyride is the film in question, and it is available to stream on Netflix until July 31.

Viewers flocked to IMDb to share their opinions on the film, with one describing it as “phenomenal, funny and moving”.

They wrote: “This is one of those films that I didn’t want to end, terrific from start to finish, it was moving, funny, and in this day and age where stories seem to be frequently repeated and copied, it felt original.”

“A couple of times it made me tear up, so moving, what was so good, was seeing the effects the unlikely duo had on each other.

“Olivia Colman is one of my all-time favourites, and she’s phenomenal here, her accent was spot on, equally matched by young Charlie Reid, who was superb.”

Another viewer praised it as “emotional, silly and joyful”, adding: “Fantastic chemistry with the cast, and a wonderful balance of emotions throughout. At times it’s a little confusing, but it all makes sense in the end. And isn’t that what life is like?

“Olivia Colman shines as always, but the real star is Charlie Reid. Some wonderful interactions between them and excellent continuity touches and themes – the dialogue is as entertaining as it is raw.

“A joyful escapade that’s a welcome break from the rinse and repeat action and romcoms.”

One devoted fan added: “It warmed my heart, made me laugh, and cry a little… what more could you ask of any movie?”.

Filmed on location in County Kerry, Colman opened up to Yours magazine about taking on the role: “I loved the character of Joy.

“I couldn’t get her out of my head once I’d read the script. I loved how it was all put together. I loved the story and I really wanted to do it.”

Joyride is leaving Netflix on July 31.

Madonna is just a material girl, living in a material world.

The “Vogue” hitmaker graced the cover of Interview magazine for the Summer 2026 issue and in the accompanying chat, the singer revealed the reason the ultra-hyped biopic with “Ozark” star Julia Garner was scrapped: not enough cold hard cash.

Turns out, Universal Studios was not Madonna’s Mr. Right. According to the pop star, the studio didn’t share her vision for a budget for the film.

“I worked on my script for two years and spent two years at Universal Studios with the line producers doing budgeting and casting,” she told the magazine. “We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding budget because I needed — I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget. You know what I mean?”

The film had been in the works for years, and in 2021 Universal Pictures won a multi-studio auction to helm the biopic. According to Variety, the script followed Madonna from her upbringing in the suburbs of Detroit, her artistic awakening in 1980s New York City, and concluded around the 1998 release of “Ray of Light.”

“I found a way to make it for less money in Serbia, but I don’t think they were into the idea of — I don’t know,” she said. “Maybe they just didn’t believe in me.”

Madonna said the studio couldn’t wrap its head around what she was suggesting and countered that she wouldn’t “stay in Serbia more than four days.”

“I said, ‘Did you read the script?’ My whole life has been survival. I’m not going there for a holiday.’”

Madonna said that she was in “limbo” when the movie plans fell apart, and she considered telling her life story through a Netflix series when the streamer came knocking. But she wouldn’t be able to use the script she had penned for Universal without buying it from the studio for “an extortionist’s price,” even though she wrote it.

“That’s just the way it goes,” she continued. “I started trying to understand how making a series would work. It’s a very, very different process. You have to meet a lot of writers and find the right showrunner, and I couldn’t find one. This went on for another eight or nine months. I was like, ‘Good thing I have another job because I need to work, I need to create. I need to do what I was put on this earth to do.’”

Representatives for Universal Pictures, Netflix and Garner did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment.

Through the process of writing the script, Madonna was bitten by the memoir bug, but she channeled that confessional energy into her forthcoming album, “Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II,” which drops July 3. A 13-minute music video weaving together six tracks from the new album was released earlier this month and featured A-list cameos by Sabrina Carpenter, Kate Moss, Lourdes Leon, Benedict Cumberbatch and more.

While the biopic and buzz around Garner’s portrayal of the “Like a Virgin” star had fans of the two blondes chomping at the bit, all is not lost: Art captures life. Garner and Madonna were spotted filming scenes in Venice two weeks ago for the second season of “The Studio,” in which Madonna plays herself struggling to get her biopic made.

The EastEnders actress leads the cast in the six-part psychological thriller

A gripping mystery drama featuring an EastEnders icon is now available to watch for free.

Little Disasters, previously described as a “complex psychological thriller with a mystery at its heart”, lands on Channel 5 tomorrow (June 14), after initially premiering on Paramount+ last May.

EastEnders favourite Jo Joyner, widely recognised for her iconic portrayal of Tanya Branning, heads up the cast alongside Hollywood star Diane Kruger.

Based on Sarah Vaughan’s bestselling novel of the same title, the series charts the decade-long bond between Jess (Diane Kruger), Liz (Jo Joyner), Charlotte (Shelley Conn) and Mel (Emily Taaffe).

The story follows four expectant mothers who were brought together with little in common beyond their due dates, yet have supported each other throughout the journey of motherhood, reports Wales Online.

As the synopsis reveals: “The world of seemingly perfect stay-at-home mother Jess begins to unravel when she brings her baby daughter Betsy to the hospital with a head injury she can’t explain.

“Her close friend and on-duty AandE doctor, Liz, must make the excruciating decision of whether to call social services.”

This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events that threatens to tear apart both their friendship circle and their individual families.

The Little Disasters cast also features Ben Bailey Smith from The Split, alongside Patrick Baladi (Line of Duty), Stephen Campbell Moore (The Gold), and JJ Feild (The Peripheral).

Discussing the programme, Jo previously revealed that this style of storytelling not only inspired her to accept the role, but is unlike anything she had previously encountered on television.

She said: “I know somebody who suffered with postnatal OCD and I had only recently found out about it myself. So, I thought it was a really great topic to explore actually.

“Any kind of postnatal depression must be horrendous, I was lucky I didn’t suffer from it myself. I can’t imagine having such intrusive thoughts about your own child and I think that was another brilliant thing to bring up but also serves well for a thriller, doesn’t it?”.

The six-part series remains available for streaming on Paramount+, but will also broadcast on Channel 5 from this weekend, with the opening episode debuting in the 9pm slot on Sunday, 14 June.

Predictably, viewers have wasted little time making their feelings known, with one writing: “Worth the binge! #littledisasters.”

Another commented: “#littledisasters is everything I needed…” Meanwhile a third added: “Good show, oh my days, the suspense got me.”

Little Disasters premiered on Paramount+, and will air on Channel 5 on Sunday, 14 June.

The comedy, which originally aired on the BBC in 2019, stars Martin Clunes and Lisa Millett

Martin Clunes ‘breath of fresh air’ sitcom is available to stream for free.

The 6-part show Warren, which first aired on BBC back in 2019, is the perfect one-night binge if you have a few hours to spare.

The comedy features Martin portraying a discontented 50-something driving instructor, Warren Thompson, who is compelled to relocate up north after his partner’s father falls seriously ill.

Despite craving a peaceful existence, Warren finds himself in a place he detests, undertaking a job he’s unsuited for with a family he never anticipated caring for – and is repeatedly drawn into self-created problematic scenarios.

. The synopsis adds: “Warren has a way of knowing best and speaking his mind that inevitably leads to conflict, chaos and disaster for those around him – and especially for himself.

“Warren doesn’t embrace the concept of growing old gracefully. He’s quite happy to keep railing against the world and trying to right perceived wrongs against him. There are no happy endings for Warren as he grapples with the problems and misunderstandings of his own making.”

Starring alongside Martin is Lisa Millett (Robin Hood), who portrays his partner, Anne. The cast also features Tim Preston (One Day) as Charlie, Oscar Morgan (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) as Danny and Neil Edmond (Ghosts) as Ian.

While the programme got mixed critical responses, it’s still worth the watch if you’re a Martin Clunes fan and fancy seeing him embody a grumpy, discontented character not far from his legendary role as Doc Martin in the ITV medical drama.

The programme was scored comparatively unfavourably by critics, who collectively rated it at 17 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

In its one-star assessment, The Telegraph wrote: “Warren is at once underwritten and, worse, overwritten. There is a failure to follow through with the comic potential in a southerner trapped in the north.”

Meanwhile The Times added: “[Clunes’] nuanced comic turn deserved something rather better than Warren, with its overreliance on comedy staples – a shonky clairvoyant and a competitive next-door neighbour.”

Despite the negative critical response, the show proved more of a hit with viewers and currently holds a 69 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

“This comedy is really well written and a breath of fresh air,” remarked one viewer. “I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised. I seldom laugh out loud, even when humorous, but this had me really laughing.”

Another commented: “Absolutely hysterical, so well written, I don’t understand why they are not making a series 2!”, while a third noted: “It takes an episode or two but it does grow on you. Interesting premise and quite funny. I’m sorry that there isn’t a second series.”

All six episodes of Warren are available to stream on Prime Video

First look images have been released for Channel 4’s new drama Number 10, written by Doctor Who and Sherlock creator Steven Moffat and starring Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister

Channel 4 has unveiled first look images from its upcoming drama Number 10, featuring Rafe Spall in the role of Prime Minister.

The newly-released photographs also showcase Coronation Street’s Katherine Kelly as Chief of Staff and Emmerdale’s Jenna Coleman as Deputy Chief of Staff, appearing alongside the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.

Jenna, Katherine and Rafe lead an impressive ensemble cast that includes Akshay Khanna, Abigail Lawrie, Laura Haddock, Jing Lusi, Pierro Niel-Mee, Rick Warden, Joe Wilkinson, Robyn Cara, Richard Rankin and Rhiannon Clements, amongst others.

The official synopsis for the programme states: “Set in the only terrace house in history with mice and a nuclear deterrent, it’s the only knock-through in the world where a hangover can start a war.

There’s a Prime Minister in the attic, a coffee bar in the basement and a wallpapered labyrinth of romance, crisis and heartbreak in-between, reports Wales Online.

“The government will be fictional and unspecific, but the problems will be real. We’ll never know which party is in power, because once the whole world hits the fan it barely matters.”

“This is a show about the building and everyone inside. Not just the Prime Minister upstairs, but the conspiracy theorist who runs the cafe three floors below, the man who repairs the lift that never works, the madly ambitious ‘advisors’ fighting for office space in cupboards. Oh, and of course, the cat.

“A drama about one of the most famous addresses in the world, Number 10 is all of Britain in a house: it’s British history under one roof. It’s how we all got into the mess we’re in. It’s also our only hope of getting out of it.”

Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven, who also co-created Sherlock and Dracula, said of his new project: “For me, it’s all about famous doors! The doors to the TARDIS, the door to 221B Baker Street, and now the most famous door in the world – Number 10.”

“I’ve been wanting to write about the mad house that runs the madhouse for years, and I’ve never had so much fun doing the research. If you want to do a workplace comedy drama, this one is the boss of them all.”

Discussing his latest role, Rafe said: “Number 10 is a sensational piece of writing, equal to its peerless author, Steven Moffat. I’m delighted to be playing the Prime Minister, in a funny, real and thrilling piece of TV.”

Jenna added: “I thought it was about time I visited another British institution with Steven Moffat. I’m very much looking forward to moving into Number 10 with Steven’s cracking scripts.”

Number 10 is expect to air on Channel 4 this year

Crime thriller fans are heaping praise on a gripping new BBC series starring Sheridan Smith, as people say it’s the ‘show of the year’ and has some ‘unexpectedly’ funny moments

A new BBC crime thriller series could be your next obsession. If you’re looking for a new series to sink your teeth into, then forget about Netflix and Amazon Prime Video – as a new series now available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer has already been touted as one of the best shows of 2026.

The five-part series stars Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha, and according to people on social media, it is both gripping and “unexpectedly funny”. With only five episodes, it’s the perfect thing to binge this weekend – especially if you’re looking for a “high-stakes” show with tension and laughter.

TV and film reviewer Emily posted a video on TikTok in which she heaped praise on the new series, called The Cage, stating that fans of crime dramas should “get this one on your watch list” immediately.

She said: “We have a brand-new high-stakes crime thriller that the BBC have just dropped, starring Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha. So if you love a good crime thriller, then definitely get this one on your watch list.”

The Cage is set in a casino in Liverpool, where two casino workers named Leanne (Smith) and Matty (Socha) realise they have both plotted to steal from the same safe.

Emily explained: “It’s all about two employees who are both secretly stealing from the same safe without knowing that the other exists. What starts off as a quick way to make extra money turns into something far more dangerous when their lives collide, pulling them into a situation involving crime, pressure, and people that they really do not want to be involved with. From then on, everything just keeps spiralling.”

The TV reviewer said she hasn’t yet finished the series herself, but she’s already “hooked” after just two episodes.

She continued: “I have watched the first two episodes so far, and I am hooked. It’s really tense, gritty, unpredictable, and you have this constant sense that something could go wrong at any moment, which really raises the stakes. It also really leans into desperation and bad decisions, and how quickly things can spiral, even if you think you have a plan.”

The Cage was created by Tony Schumacher, who also created the BBC police drama The Responder, which starred Martin Freeman as a police officer who has been demoted from his position as an inspector and takes on a series of night shifts in Liverpool city centre.

Alongside Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha, The Cage also stars Barry Sloane, Geraldine James, and Sue Jenkins. The show was directed by Al Mackay and was filmed in Liverpool and Merseyside in early 2025.

Commenters on Emily’s video were split over the series. Some said they had already seen it and found it to be “slow”, while others said it was “unexpectedly” good.

One person said: “Watched it all over the past two nights, really, really good. Would recommend it.”

Someone else posted: “This is really good. Unexpectedly, it was quite funny in parts.”

But another wasn’t convinced, writing: “I’ve watched the first episode, [and] it needs to get better. I will try one more, but if it hasn’t grabbed me, that will be me done.”

A fourth shared: “Watching it now. [It’s] a bit slow.”