Ted Lasso star Annette Badland played villain Babe Smith in EastEnders for three years, and her portrayal was so convincing that the BBC received serious death threats on her behalf
Annette Badland in EastEnders as Aunt Babe(Image: BBC)
BBC bosses issued a rare “red alert” safety warning to former EastEnders actress Annette Badland after a crazed fan sent death threats that were deemed credible by security experts.
The individual behind the chilling threats was never definitively identified, Annette said. Speaking on Sally Lindsay’s podcast, Annette explained on Sally Lindsay’s podcast: “Because I was leaving, they racked up my villainy and I actually got thrown out of, literally, thrown out of the pub by Danny and cursed them.
“But I had death threats. I got the call from the BBC security saying, ‘We’re getting death threats. There are red alert code words in this, so we have to take it seriously’.”
She was warned that she should only leave her house if it was absolutely necessary, and that if she did go out, she shouldn’t tell anyone where she was going.
Annette says she was effectively under house arrest throughout the six-week investigation: “They eventually traced it to just outside Liverpool. It was in a school, but they didn’t think it was a child. But because it was a public computer they didn’t feel they could get much further.”
Despite that harrowing conclusion to her EastEnders tenure, Annette says she cherished her time on the BBC soap. She holds particularly warm memories of Danny Dyer, whom she describes as “bright, kind-hearted…and daft.”
She recalled Danny’s extraordinary generosity, revealing he taught her to “say the C-word,” which proved tremendously useful when she moved on to Ted Lasso and was handed a script riddled with crude language. She joked: “I said to myself, ‘I’ve worked with Danny Dyer, I can do this’.”
Ironically, however, that “very funny” scene ended up on the cutting-room floor and has never been seen by the public.
It was an unscripted moment, early in her EastEnders stint, that made the show’s writers recognise that in Babe Smith, they had the foundations of a truly iconic villain: “I had a scene with Tim [Timothy West, who played Stan Carter on the show] and he was watching the television.
“I’d been in love with him when I was young and he’d married my sister and I didn’t like that – that was the cause of all my pain and anguish.
“It wasn’t scripted,” Annette added, “but I picked up the remote control and turned the television off. I told him what I thought, put the telly back on, and left. And I think they thought, ‘Ooh, she can be nasty’.”
What followed was three years packed with drama, reaching its peak when Babe was locked inside a freezer and left for dead by an unknown attacker, who was ultimately unmasked as Lorna Fitzgerald’s Abi Branning.
In a dramatic farewell, Babe was caught red-handed stealing from the Queen Vic’s safe, but it was her savage outburst at Linda [Kellie Bright] – branding her a “stuck-up cow” – that saw Mick Carter finally remove her from the pub, and banish her from Walford for good.
Hold the Bat Signal — “The Batman Part II” has been delayed yet again.
The DC Studios film is now set to hit theaters Feb. 18, 2028. The sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2022 reboot “The Batman” was previously slated to bow Oct. 1, 2027 after it was pushed back from its original release date of Oct. 3, 2025.
Reeves took to social media Wednesday to share the new date along with camera test footage from the film. The video, the first proper look at Robert Pattinson’s return as the Caped Crusader, shows him in a new Batsuit, turning toward the camera as what appears to be snow falls around him. There are also some flashing lights in the background.
The filmmaker has previously shared “The Batman Part II” casting news as well as a glimpse of the Batmobile in social media posts.
Many details about “The Batman Part II” have been kept under wraps, but here is everything we know about the upcoming sequel.
Which characters are returning?
In addition to Pattinson’s return as Bruce Wayne, “The Batman” alumni Jeffrey Wright, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell will reprise their roles as James Gordon, Alfred Pennyworth and Oz Cobb (a.k.a. the Penguin), respectively. Zoë Kravitz is not expected to return as Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Other actors confirmed to come back include Jayme Lawson as Gotham’s mayor, Bella Reál, and Gil Perez-Abraham as Gotham City Police Dept. officer Martinez.
Barry Keoghan, whose character was briefly teased at the end of “The Batman,” is also reportedly likely to return as the Joker.
Who are the new cast members?
The newcomers venturing into Gotham for this next installment include Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, Charles Dance, Sebastian Koch and Brian Tyree Henry.
While their roles have yet to be confirmed, a number of outlets have reported that Stan is expected to portray Harvey Dent, a Gotham district attorney who is perhaps better known as the villain Two-Face, while other rumors say the Marvel star will play the sadistic killer Victor Zsasz. According to other rumors, fellow Marvel alum Johansson could be playing Gilda Dent — Harvey’s wife — or Poison Ivy.
What is ‘The Batman Part II’ about?
Details around the sequel’s plot have yet to be revealed, but the movie is expected to take place after the events of the HBO series “The Penguin,” which was set after “The Batman.” A number of Reeves’ social media teases have included glimpses of snow.
Over the years, the director has mentioned that the sequel will see the young Dark Knight struggling with his understanding that the world is more morally gray than his previous worldview, and that the film’s big villain will be someone who hasn’t appeared on the big screen before.
Coronation Street fans have been left shocked as a controversial sex storyline has kicked off on the ITV soap but fans have praised both cast and bosses for their latest efforts in raising awareness
Coronation Street has kicked off another issue-based storyline
Coronation Street has kicked off a controversial new storyline surrounding consensual choking during sex. The world’s longest-running TV soap, which has favoured the use of issue-based plots along with an onslaught of crime and medical stories in recent years, began its Wednesday night double bill with a dramatic shot of an ambulance whizzing away from the Manchester backstreet.
A doctor then called Lisa and Carla outside, with the results of an MRI scan confirming that Betsy (Sydney Martin) had suffered a stroke. Lisa struggled to take in the news and could barely hold back the tears as she learned that more tests would be needed to determine the cause. Trying to be a dutiful boyfriend, Dylan had put together a care package of essentials and was set on taking it round to the hospital to show her how much he cared.
As Betsy struggled to recall the events of the night before, her slurred speech made it hard to follow, but she spoke of all she remembered as stylistic flashback scenes aired, featuring her and Dylan dancing and making dinner. It was then that she explained that Dylan had put his hands round her neck whilst they danced, and claimed that it was something “everyone does” but it soon transpired she meant that he had done this while they were having sex.
As she stuttered: “Bed, upstairs,” the penny finally dropped for Lisa and she burst into tears. Betsy was determined to protest that it was all fine and consensual, but the doctor said: “It it really doesn’t take a huge amount of pressure to do a significant amount of damage.
“You may have felt fine at the time. Strokes don’t always happen immediately afterwards.” When Dylan finally arrived at the hospital, Lisa let rip as she yelled: ” You had sex with her and you choked her. Why? Why would you do that? How about I choke you, eh? No! See how you like it?!” and Ryan and Carla had to hold back as she lunged at him.
Viewers were quick to react to the intense scenes, with one fan writing on X: “Good God! I didn’t think it was possible for #corrie to get any darker. How mistaken was I! remember when this used to be the light hearted comedic addition of the soaps. Now it’s just depressing, dull and dark!”
But many were quick to praise the programme for taking on such a controversial issue, and praised the acting throughout. One fan wrote on Reddit: “I never expected a soap to tackle that issue though – I think this is really brave of Corrie and I hope they handle it with sensitivity and care.”
Another said: “I agree, it is worrying. It’s a good thing at least that Corrie are tackling this storyline, especially for people of a similar age who are adventurous and active in the bedroom like Betsy and Dylan.”
A third wrote: “The acting was absolutely incredible from all the cast in this story, poor Betsy made this 59year old man weep for her.
“Well done to Corrie (the weird memory flashbacks were understandable conveying Betsy’s anguish perfectly imo) I just hope they don’t eff up this very real and important storyline.” Another said: “It’s such an unexpected way to have a stroke, definitely something that wouldn’t have crossed my mind otherwise.
“Imo neither of them are to blame. Yes it wasn’t a good thing to do, but neither of them realised the true ramifications of what was going to happen, and if they did they wouldn’t have done it.”
EastEnders is set to welcome a new face to Walford later this summer as Casualty’s Jason Durr makes an appearance and is set to strike up a close bond with Linda Carter
17:48, 05 Jul 2026Updated 17:48, 05 Jul 2026
Casualty’s Jason Durr is joining EastEnders(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders is set to welcome a Casualty legend in the coming weeks. Actor Jason Durr, who starred in the BBC medical drama as David Hide, will be making his first appearance in Walford later this summer.
But his arrival in Albert Square will see him cross paths with local businesswoman Linda Carter [Kellie Bright], and it’s fair to say that the pair will see sparks between them both. Durr is taking on the role of Clive, a local councillor, when things start to heat up in the Square.
Local residents will be joining forces to save the Community Centre, Walford’s hub, which is at risk of redevelopment. Linda, who’s known for not shying away from airing her thoughts, leads the charge as things start to heat up.
But while planning to save the Community Centre, she and Clive strike up an instant friendship as he backs the campaign. But both Linda and Clive soon realise that there is more than just a feeling of friendship between them both.
Speaking about joining EastEnders, Jason said: “Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I’m delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters.
“Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one. All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I’m excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what’s in store.”
And it’s set to be an exciting time for Linda, who has endured her fair share of heartache in recent years. Her soulmate and husband, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), died after Janine Butcher’s (Charlie Brooks) secrets were unravelled, resulting in a feud on the coast. She also battled alcoholism and murdered Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), following a fight at the Queen Vic as she attempted to save her best friend, Sharon (Letitia Dean).
The Mirror understands that Jason has already started filming his scenes, which will air later this summer. His role comes three years after Jason walked away from Casualty, having left Holby City three years prior.
His character, David, left Wyvern’s emergency department after the death of his colleague, Robyn (Amanda Henderson). At the time, Jason said he was planning to spend more time with his family, as well as explore other opportunities in the industry. His role was open for a possible return in the future.
Confirming his exit on social media, he shared a snap of himself, alongside the caption: “After 6 yrs playing the wonderfully complex #NurseDavidHide @bbccasualtyofficial I’ve hung up my scrubs.
“I’ve forged firm friendships, learnt to pronounce Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty & had my squeamishness thoroughly challenged! Here’s to new adventures (hopefully with less blood & guts).”
Over the course of his time on the show, Jason’s character David was at the centre of a string of huge storylines. One included the death of his teen son, Ollie, who, with a friend, Rob, set out to carry out a mass shooting at their school.
He’s also appeared in the likes of Lewis, Midsomer Murders, Above Suspicion and Shakespeare & Hathaway.
Emmerdale has had plenty of dark moments, but fans have now called the most latest storyline involving Charity and Dr Todd ‘abhorrent’ and have said the soap has gone too far
13:17, 08 Jun 2026Updated 13:18, 08 Jun 2026
Emmerdale’s darkest moments
Emmerdale has aired some shocking storylines since it first began in 1972, but perhaps none so dark as its most recent, which fans have said went too far.
In Sunday night’s episode, airing on 7 June, longtime favourite Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) became the victim of a “horrendous” sexual assault at the hands of Caitlin Todd (Caroline Harker). Dr Todd had been blackmailing Charity over the true parentage of the baby she gave her granddaughter but after Charity fought back, the villainous doctor tried to kiss her. Though she was rejected, when a drunk Charity fell asleep, Dr Todd assaulted her.
Fans were furious with the storyline. One called it “disturbing”: “The SA scene in #Emmerdale is horrendous, please take care of yourselves, very difficult watch. Charity [crying emoji].I can’t post the clip its so disturbing.”
Another added that they felt “physically sick” and hoped that the soap would be fined for the latest storyline: “I hope #Emmerdale gets a fine and or massive warning, there’s doing a storyline and there is a storyline that makes many women feel physically sick and shaking, disgusting behaviour from TV.”
Finally, another implied that the actors should be “ashamed” for agreeing to film the scenes and said they would not be watching. But this is not the first time Emmerdale has aired a deeply dark storyline. From serial killers to a modern slavery plot, here are the darkest storylines on Emmerdale.
Serial killer Meena
Nurse Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) arrived in Emmerdale in 2020. Meena did many villainous things whilst on Emmerdale, inclduing pretending to be Ethan Anderson’s (Emile John) estranged mum and taking Rishi Sharma’s (Bhasker Patel) medication so that she could later save him.
But things soon got worse for the Emmerdale residents, when Meena started killing. Offscreen, she murdered both her own father and her former best friend Nadine, while onscreen, she killed Leanna Cavanagh (Mimi Slinger), Andrea Tate (Anna Nightingale) and Ben Tucker (Simon Lennon). She seemed completely unaffected by her crimes, often singing and dancing to pop music before committing them and involving herself in the lives of those mourning her victims afterwards.
Several of Meena’s scenes were brutal and vicious. Some fans said they were left “traumatised” and “horrified” by the violent way she murdered Andrea and Ofcom received several complaints about Ben’s death.
Cameron killing Gennie
Cameron Murray (Dominic Power) was another Emmerdale killer. He killed three people – Carl King (Tom Lister), ALex Moss (Kurtis Stacey) and Gennie Walker (Sian Reese-Williams) – between 2012 and 2013.
Cameron was later sent to prison after his girlfriend Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) turned on him. But, still believing that Debbie loved him, he escaped prison and took the patrons in The Woolpack hostage. Everyone managed to escape except Cameron, who was electrocuted in the cellar.
Though he killed several people, the way he killed Gennie was deeply disturbing. After seeing Gennie leave their house, Cameron and Debbie realised she must have overheard Cameron confess to killing Carl and chased her down in their car. Gennie’s car spun out of control and crashed – while Debbie called the police, hoping someone could save Gennie, Cameron got her out of the car and suffocated her without Debbie seeing.
Bear’s modern slavery story
At the end of last year, Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) faced a modern slavery ordeal. The character had disappeared earlier that year and was believed to be in Ireland, but it was later revealed that he was living in a barn and being controlled by the barn’s owners, who forced him to work their farm.
Those captors were Ray and Celia (Joe Absolom and Jaye Griffiths), who also manipulated April and Dylan (Amelia Flanagan and Fred Kettle) into working for them too and transporting drugs across county lines.
Fans said the storyline was “too dark” but Joshua Richards said before the storyline aired: “It may surprise many people, but slavery is alive and well, indeed prospering in the modern world. Not only in obscure countries and cultures that we know little about, and not just the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs of which some of us are aware. It is happening under our very own noses.”
He continued: “The disadvantaged, dispossessed, those with mental health issues or disabilities, the old, lonely and vulnerable people that our society neglect are the perfect prey for grooming by unscrupulous criminal agencies. I’m very excited and honoured to be taking part in this to hopefully educate and highlight this abominable trade of human bondage.”
John Sugden’s hero syndrome
John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) appeared to suffer from hero syndrome in 2024. The paramedic would put people in danger and then use his skills to save them.
He injected Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) with an unknown substance and planned to save him but was too late and Nate died. He also swapped Jacob Gallagher’s (Joe Warren Plant) coffee with an almond milk latte, knowing Jacob was allergic, swapped Chas Dingle’s (Lucy Pargeter) pain killers with a stringer dose so that she would overdose, whacked Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson)over the head and did much more to others, all so that he could later save them.
Jackson’s assisted suicide
In controversial scenes in 2011, Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller) helped his partner Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) die. Jackson was tetraplegic, which is where someone is unable to move the upper and lower parts of their body.
Viewers watched in shock as Aaron helped to end Jackson’s life by helping him drink a lethal cocktail of drugs. Emmerdale was criticised for the story line and an Ofcom investigation was launched after several complaints were made.
Pierce assaults Rhona
In 2017, viewers watched as Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather) assaulted and manipulated his partner Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry). Fans were terrified for Rhona when she agreed to marry Pierce, and rightly so, as he raped her on their wedding day.
Emmerdale again received complaints for the graphic nature of the scenes that were broadcast, but ultimately stood by its decision for airing the episode, claiming it complied with Ofcom’s vigorous guidelines.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
After a nearly seven-year absence from theaters, Star Wars proved it still has the Force, as the latest installment, “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” is on track to earn an estimated $102 million in the U.S. and Canada for the Memorial Day weekend.
Globally, the film was on track to pull in $165 million for the four-day holiday weekend.
Director Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” now ranks as the year’s third-highest grossing domestic opening, based on its Friday-Sunday ticket sales of $82 million, according to ticket tracker Comscore.
The results are likely a relief to Walt Disney Co.-owned Lucasfilm, which had not released a theatrical Star Wars film since 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.”
Since then, the San Francisco-based studio has largely focused on its Star Wars streaming shows, which have included both live-action and animated series. Some of those shows received mixed reviews, though “The Mandalorian” and “Rogue One” spin-off “Andor” were breakout hits, praised by critics and largely revered by fans.
The movie — starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White — benefited from positive reviews from moviegoers, but it stopped short of shattering expectations. Its initial financial performance was on par with the disappointing 2018 opening weekend for “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” That film notched $103 million in its opening weekend.
Box office revenue for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which played in 4,300 theaters, will be just one indicator of the movie’s success.
The Burbank entertainment giant is counting on the film to boost other parts of its business, including views of Star Wars shows on the Disney+ streaming service, its gaming collaboration with Fortnite and its all-important theme parks sector. The main characters are present in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge-themed land, and the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride has been overlaid with a new “Mandalorian and Grogu” storyline at Disney parks in Anaheim and Orlando.
The weekend ticket sales underscore the enduring appeal of Star Wars, which remains among Disney’s top five franchises, producing more than $1 billion in annual retail sales.
Reception for the film was seen as critical to keeping the franchise fresh in moviegoers’ minds, particularly as Disney prepares for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Star Wars and a new movie starring Ryan Gosling set for next year.
Locally, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the first Star Wars movie to be made entirely in Los Angeles.
The film received a state tax credit to film in the Golden State, Favreau said at the premiere last week.
“The Mandalorian and Grogu” faced little new competition at the box office this Memorial Day weekend. Rival studios largely stayed on the sidelines, with no other potential blockbuster debuting at the same time.
Focus Films’ horror hit “Obsession” came in second at the box office with $22.4 million for its three-day total, according to Comscore.
Lionsgate’s blockbuster Michael Jackson documentary, “Michael,” snared $20 million, bringing its total to $314 million. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” came in fourth with $12.6 million, bringing its purse to $196 million since it opened earlier this month.
Amazon’s MGM studio’s “The Sheep Detectives” rounded out the top five with nearly $9 million.
