Caitlin Clark will be in the lineup when the Indiana Fever face the Sparks at Crypto.com Arena after a week-plus of discourse around the star player.
Clark, who has had season-long back problems, did not play on Sunday in Las Vegas. Fever coach Stephanie White said Clark would play on Wednesday against the Sparks.
Earlier in the day, a dozen Republican lawmakers announced they sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert arguing the league has failed to adequately protect Clark from physical play.
“Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence,” the lawmakers wrote. “Clark has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games. These incidents go far beyond routine physical play, yet the WNBA and its officiating have too often failed to address these unacceptable incidents and hold players accountable.”
When asked about the letter after their shootaround in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, White stepped aside for team spokesperson Jackie Maynard to read a statement:
“Our organization, nor Caitlin, have had any interaction with anyone in the congressional group and were unaware of their letter. We have been clear in our public comments and in our ongoing dialogue with the league about the priority of player safety. Our players and our fans know where we stand on these issues and continue to stick up for our team and a standard of excellence across the league.”
Alyssa Thomas was given a flagrant foul 2 penalty, fined $1,000 and suspended one game at the start of July for pushing her right fist into Clark’s throat when they both fell on the court during the Mercury’s 111-109 win on June 24 in Indianapolis.
It was originally not called a foul, and a still image of Thomas’ hand in Clark’s throat went viral on social media and stirred up discourse among those in and out of the basketball world.
In the aftermath, Thomas said she got several online attacks, some of which are “threatening our lives.”
White denounced “unacceptable” online behavior from fans last week, and Clark followed up by saying, “I don’t want anyone to ever experience that.”
The letter was led by Texas congressman August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation,” the lawmakers wrote. “If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws.”
The letter finished with three questions for Engelbert, which it demanded the commissioner respond to by July 24. What is your review mechanism for physical hostility and violence on the court? How will you hold players accountable for overly aggressive actions on the court, including towards Caitlin Clark? What steps are you taking to protect WNBA players from online harassment and off-the-court threats?
Conservative commentator Riley Gaines posted the letter and her support of it on social media, which showed signatures from Iowa lawmaker Zach Nunn and Indiana representatives Marlin Stutzman and Victoria Spartz.
White said that Clark would not play on Thursday night in Phoenix, rotating her with star center Aliyah Boston to manage both of their workloads on the team’s first set of back-to-back games.
US President Donald Trump says the US will ‘probably’ carry out another round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday night, following overnight strikes he said were launched in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Casualty usually airs on BBC One on Saturday night, but today’s episode was pulled from the lineup because it would have clashed with the channel’s World Cup coverage
Casualty didn’t air tonight on the BBC as normal(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC STUDIOS)
Casualty fans have been left fuming after the show was removed from the TV schedule tonight.
The medical drama usually airs on BBC One on Saturday night, but tonight’s episode was pulled from the lineup due to live BBC sporting coverage of the FIFA World Cup match between Canada and Morocco. The next episode will instead air next Saturday, July 11.
But fans have expressed their disappointment over the schedule shake-up, with some suggesting that Casualty should be moved to a different channel, such as BBC2, BBC3 or the BBC iPlayer. “Casualty hasn’t had a permanent slot for years you move it about all the time or don,t show it at all it is the only thing worth watching on a saturday night,” one frustrated viewer posted online.
“Couldnt Casualty move to BBC3 or 4?” another asked, as a third suggested, “just put it on iplayer!” One more wrote, “Why is it not on bbc tonight again, what’s wrong with the bbc all we get is sport.”
“Why couldn’t they put casualty on bbc2,” a fan added. “Why can’t we have a dedicated sports channel,” one more shared.
The drama is now approaching the conclusion of its “Lethal Legacy” box set, which has centred on the military past of Flynn Byron (Olly Rix). Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) has also featured prominently throughout the box set, with her affair with trainee doctor Matty Linlaker (Aron Julius) – the son of her close friend Dylan Keogh (William Beck) – taking centre stage.
In recent episodes, viewers have grown increasingly worried about recovering alcoholic Dylan after he was seen accepting a glass of champagne while delivering a speech at a function. A synopsis for next week’s episode reads: “Dylan is confronted by Matty about his drinking, but assures him it was just a one-off.
“However, as he treats a burns victim, he begins to suffer debilitating flashbacks to his drinking binge and flees from the unit. Faith avoids feeding Pearl as she prepares to return to work, leaving Iain concerned.
“Laura admits she is scared to speak at the council meeting, Rash worries about his presentation, and Jan confesses to Jacob that she has developed feelings for Siobhan.”
BBC fans can catch this one-off special before tuning into tonight’s World Cup match.
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
16:21, 22 Jun 2026
Superyacht Bayesian’s former captain Stephen Edwards(Image: BBC)
A BBC documentary takes a deep dive into how seven people “tragically perished”.
Fifa World Cup 2026 continues with France vs Iraq coverage kicking off from 9.30pm this evening, Monday, June 22, but there is more than just football on tonight.
At 8pm, viewers can tune into the hour-long documentary Millionaire Superyacht: Why Ships Sink on BBC Two.
The special takes a look at the intense storms of August 19, 2024 when the 54m superyacht Bayesian mysteriously sank off the coast of Sicily where seven people onboard died.
“As search and rescue teams scoured the coast for survivors, questions were asked”, the synopsis continues.
“Why did a multimillion-pound superyacht sink when others nearby didn’t?
“This documentary investigates what went wrong and what needs to be done to keep ships safe at sea.”
When the incident was taking place, all other vessels in the area mysteriously remained afloat but in that same year, aSea Story, a Red Sea dive boat, also capsized without warning.
Why Ships Sink features interviews with experts, including Bayesian’s former captain Stephen Edwards and Dr Sarah Martin who survived the Sea Story.
This documentary is part of a wider anthology series which takes a deeper look at why certain events happen.
BBC states that it delves into the “mysteries and science behind the stories that hit the headlines”.
BBC Two has previously looked at other memorable events, including “South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster” and the three fatal shark attacks in Egypt in 2010.
Unfortunately, the “Why…?” franchise won’t be returning next Monday night as live coverage from Wimbledon will instead be shown.
Millionaire Superyacht: Why Ships Sink premieres on Monday, June 22, at 8pm on BBC Two.
Emmerdale and Coronation Street are missing from the ITV schedules for two days this week, before returning to the channel amid the football coverage – while EastEnders is still on
Soap fans have found their Emmerdale and Coronation Street schedules all over the place(Image: ITV)
With football taking over on ITV1 once more, the soaps are not airing in their usual time slots, or even on their normal days. EastEnders is also being hit by a schedule shake-up this week.
But EastEnders still airs on it’s normal days for this week, while Corrie is not on at all this Wednesday or Thursday. So when are the soaps on next?
For EastEnders fans, you will still get your soap fix on both Wednesday and Thursday. It’s a bit later than normal on BBC One though, airing for 30 minutes at 8:30PM, instead of 7:30PM.
As for Corrie and Emmerdale, fans will not get their next episodes until Friday 19 June. For once, both soaps will be in their usual time slots too.
So Emmerdale fans, your next episode will air on ITV1 at 8PM on Friday, followed by Coronation Street’s next episode at 8:30PM on the same channel. The episodes will also be dropping on ITVX that morning.
Of course with no episodes on Wednesday or Thursday, there will be no ITVX episode to stream on these days. But rest assured for this week, your next soap action is Friday.
Of course next week, it’s chaos again. Friday’s episode teases big moments ahead. On Corrie, Debbie Webster is trapped in a nightmare after the gun drama at the garage.
While she clashes with Tracy Barlow, an incident with a balloon leaves her terrified as she mistakes the noise of it bursting for a gunshot. Betsy Swain has some news for Lisa and Carla, which could tease an exit.
Sam Blakeman’s family rally around him, while he asks to see Roy Cropper. Maria Connor is suspicious of Gary Windass when he reveals he’s booked a holiday for the whole family.
She’s still assuming Gary and Sarah Platt are having an affair. Meanwhile, Kit admires the engagement ring he’s bought for Sarah.
As for Emmerdale, Lewis Barton gets kidnapped after preparing for a holiday with his love interest Vinny Dingle. As Lewis packs a suitcase and goes to make his way to the airport, a van suddenly pulls up near him.
Masked men jump out and Lewis is taken, and next week we find out who is holding him hostage. It’s all part of Kev Townsend’s return storyline, with more to be revealed.
IT’S the story the whole nation is talking about – and The Sun’s Clemmie Moodie has the inside scoop after joining Katie Price in Dubai to find out the truth about husband Lee Andrews.
The Sun’s Clemmie has the answers to the story everyone is talking aboutCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdTonight Katie will reveal the damning truth she discovered about her husbandCredit: Instagram
Clemmie and Katie, 48, have embarked upon an extraordinary international trek looking for “the world’s most hated man” – and tonight, she bares her soul to The Sun in her only sit-down interview since the firestorm started.
And Katie confesses that if she doesn’t get the answers she wants from her husband, she is prepared to turn the tables in explosive fashion.
In the hour-long interview, Katie shares her sensational side of the story after initially being led to believe that Lee had been kidnapped before – following three weeks of zero contact – learning of his incarceration.
She’s someone who has lived every possible high and low, both personally and professionally, in the glare of the public eye.
But even she warns readers of her latest tell-all: “You don’t want to miss it.
“This is where you’ll see the truth.”
Katie flew out to Dubai last Monday and has visited Al Awir Central Prison several times, though her only contact with her Lee has been via the phone.
She opens up to Clemmie about Lee’s infamous flight ban – after he humiliated her by forcing her to do a live TV interview without him – and about the concerns from loved-ones and fans alike over her marriage.
And, in a shock turn of events, Katie will tell all after being confronted with some damning news about the man she loves.
You can read and watch Clemmie’s interview with Katie tonight at 7pm right here on The Sun.
Emmerdale will not air in its usual slot tonight, and isn’t on ITVX owing to the football, and fans of the long-running ITV soap have slammed the decision to take it off air
Emmerdale has been pulled from the schedules to make way for the football and soap fans are furious
Emmerdale will not air in its usual slot on Friday night, and isn’t on ITVX either.
The long-running ITV soap, which began in 1972, has been a weeknight staple for much of its time on air, and, earlier this year joined forces with fellow soap Coronation Street to launch the “power hour” amid budget cuts at ITV.
Whilst it normally airs Monday to Friday at 8pm, the Yorkshire-based serial has been pulled to make way for the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, which will from 7:30pm until 9pm and see Spain go head-to-head with England.
In recent years, ITV has made Emmerdale and Coronation Street available on ITVX from 7am on the day of linear broadcast, and, in this case, the new edition will be released on Sunday morning.
With numerous inevitable schedule changes set to take place over the forthcoming World Cup, soap fans flooded social media with complaints. One wrote on Reddit: “Can’t they just stick all the football on, oh I don’t know, the football channel?
“So silly that broadcasters just ignore loyal viewers, some of whom who have been with them for decades, just to shove a sport on – the results of which will be beamed across every platform in real life. TV bosses always treat soaps as bottom of the pile when it comes to these things.” Another said: “Four weeks of disruption nightmare,” and added a string of rolling eyes emojis.
A third raged: “Yes I love the football but as a soap opera fan it’s gonna piss off a lot of people especially who hate football and like Emmerdale and Coronation street and EastEnders and of course Hollyoaks who won’t be affected by this and yes I get it important for the whole world but don’t u think we should have a channel for the world cup not on BBC or ITV.”
Another wrote: “International football should remain on free to view channels and not hidden behind a pay wall like the Premier league and champions league has become,” and a third suggested: “The simple solution is they just air the episodes on streaming regardless if it goes out over the airwaves. It’s kinda defeating the point if streaming platforms follow a schedule where only one thing can be on at once.”
It comes as fans recently predicted something of a bombshell could crop up in the relationship between Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle, known as Robron, as little has been said since they got engaged in the Corriedale crossover. While viewers will likely have to wait to find out, Robert’s faced backlash from Aaron’s family and friends, and other villagers, due to the drama with Joe Tate and the farm.
One of those people currently against him is Aaron’s best friend Mackenzie Boyd. But in a bizarre turn of events, a new theory from a viewer has sparked much confusion.
A soap fan took to Reddit to ask when Robert and Mack’s affair was going to air. Naturally, the post that seemed so sure it was on the cards left fans confused, as it’s not something that has been remotely hinted at, let alone confirmed on the show. Fans ended up replying, with some needing answers as others questioned if a mix-up had occurred. The original post read: “When do Robert and Mack have their affair?
“Have been hearing about it for ages that it’s happening. Guess they’re waiting for things to blow up with the baby.” Again, as fans pointed out, there has been no suggestion on or offscreen that this is happening.
So where the “talked about” theory has come from, no one knows. This led to fans actually asking the poster what they had heard, to which there was no reply.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Britain’s Got Talent fans have been left baffled after grandad Frankie and grandson Lucciano were missing from the semi-final line-up and the duo have now addressed their absence
17:55, 23 May 2026Updated 17:58, 23 May 2026
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Fans of Britain’s Got Talent have been left scratching their heads after a popular grandfather and grandson act failed to appear in the line-up for tonight’s semi-final.
ITV has announced that The Hawkstone Farmers Choir will face off against leading drone art specialists Celestial, sideshow and suspension pair Baron and Vesper, magician Jake Banfield, vocalist James Miller, schoolboy dancer Juan Carlos, Japanese comic Mr Cherry and rock boyband SOS in tonight’s (Saturday, May 23). last live semi-final of the series.
Yet fans were swift to spot that Lucciano and Frankie were absent from the roster, despite receiving four enthusiastic yeses from the judging panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI during their audition.
During their initial appearance, Lucciano revealed to the star-studded panel that his passion for singing stemmed from performances at care homes alongside his grandfather during the school breaks. The youngster then delighted both the crowd and his grandfather by inviting him to share the stage.
The duo delivered a rendition of One Direction’s History, earning a standing ovation, and supporters are now questioning their absence from the semi-final line-up, reports Bristol Live.
Flooding social media, one puzzled viewer wrote: “I’m surprised the little boy and his grandad haven’t been chosen for the semis.” Another questioned: “What happened to the boy and his grandad!? Whatttt.”
A third enquired: “Where is the boy and his grandad?” while a fourth asked: “Is this the last semi final? Where is that sweet boy and his grandad?”
Following their disappointment at not securing a place in the BGT semi-finals, Frankie and Lucciano have reached out to their supporters with a heartfelt message, posted on both their Instagram accounts alongside a touching photograph from their audition performance.
The extensive post stated: “ANNOUNCEMENT. NO SEMI FINAL FOR LUCCIANO and GRANDAD. 4 yeses from the judges, a viral social media explosion, the whole nation routing for us and over 50 MILLION views across all social platforms.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t made it through to the semi-finals amongst such an incredible and talented group of acts on Series 19. What an AMAZING opportunity and experience to take away with me forever. Surprising my Grandad was truly magical and performing in front of Simon Cowell was a dream come true @simoncowell.
“Thank you all so much for the support – the likes, the love, the shares, the follows and all the positive comments. Me and my Grandad want to thank each and every one of you for all the love and support you’ve shown us.
“A huge thank you to @bgt for the opportunity and for believing in me, thank you to the team behind the show, all of the show producers, researchers, camera crew and the one and only @antanddec for making it such a fantastic journey for me. So… what’s next for Lucciano and Frankie?. STAY TUNED. #sharethelove #dream#happyplace #singing #surprise.””
The Britain’s Got Talent grand finale takes place next Saturday, May 30 at 7pm, when the 2026 champion will be crowned. Last year, magician Harry Moulding secured the title and walked away with a life-changing £250,000 prize and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Britain’s Got Talent continues tonight on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm
Renfield, a movie based on characters from Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, is airing tonight and fans have praised hailed the film “funny and deliciously entertaining’
Renfield was originally released in 2023 starring Nicolas Cage as Dracula(Image: AP)
A movie perfect for fans of Dracula is heading to the small screen.
American action comedy horror film Renfield was originally released in 2023 and Film4 is showing the film at 9pm on Wednesday (May 20) evening.
Inspired by characters from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and its 1931 feature film adaptation, the film features Nicholas Hoult as the titular character and co-stars Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Brandon Scott Jones, Adrian Martinez and Nicolas Cage.
The story follows Renfield who, after decades as a grueling servant for Dracula, seeks a new purpose in life. Viewers who have already watch the movie have offered their review online.
One fan penned: “I came for Nicolas Cage and was not disappointed. He played an amazing Dracula in the modern world.” Nicolas Cage was born to play and he appropriately chews up the scenery whenever he is on screen. This movie is a lot of fun thematically and visually.”
A third person said: “Renfield hits all the right notes. The humour is dark, witty and at times profound. The film delivers plenty of gore and bloodshed to satisfy fans of the horror genre.”
A fourth agreed: “Funny, well-crafted, and deliciously entertaining, Renfield isn’t short of bite.”
According to reports, Cage prepared for his role as Dracula by observing the distinctive ways the character was portrayed on screen by Bela Lugosi, Frank Langella, and Gary Oldman.
“What can I bring that will be different?”, he said, “I want it to pop in a unique way. We’ve seen it played well, we’ve seen it play not so well, so what can we do?
“So I’m thinking to really focus on the movement of the character … and that perfect tone of comedy and horror.”
Cage mentioned An American Werewolf in London, Ring and Malignant as inspirations for the role.
The film is Cage’s first live-action film by a major studio since Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
The film’s black-and-white opening scenes recreate the events of Dracula with Cage and Hoult respectively inserted in place of Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye as Count Dracula and Renfield, with Helen Chandler and Edward Van Sloan appearing as Mina Seward and Abraham Van Helsing via archive footage.
BBC One’s crime comedy Death Valley is back for a hotly anticipated second series, and a whole lot of new ‘whodunnits’ that need to be solved
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
22:39, 17 May 2026
Death Valley: Official trailer
Death Valley has made its eagerly awaited return for a second series.
BAFTA-winning performer Timothy Spall stars alongside Gwyneth Keyworth in the comedic murder-mystery programme, portraying the improbable pairing of actor John Chapel, formerly her hero as TV detective Caesar, and determined detective Janie Mallowan.
The series maintained a robust average of 4.6 million viewers over 28 days, and amongst Welsh audiences, Death Valley claimed the top comedy spot across all channels and platforms throughout 2025.
Given the programme’s triumph, it came as little shock when plans for a second series were swiftly revealed, with Death Valley series two now scheduled to debut on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One. Audiences can also stream the complete box set on iPlayer from the same date, reports the Express.
The second series resumes several months following the conclusion of series one. Janie has secured promotion to Detective Inspector and finds herself more overwhelmed than ever, with administrative duties mounting faster than she can manage them.
Complicating matters further, she’s been avoiding John since discovering he’s been romantically involved with her mum, Yvonne (Melanie Walters), and the pair are compelled to make amends when DCI Barry Clarke (Steffan Rhodri) enlists John’s assistance to crack a murder investigation.
They must set aside their complicated personal relationships when tasked with examining a suspicious death within a community service group, following the fatal plunge of one of its members from atop a crumbling castle.
The latest series of Death Valley also sees John hesitantly return to the acting world, appearing on the set of a grand Welsh fantasy television production, though another killing soon demands attention.
Additional murders occur in a seaside fishing community, at an eco-friendly commune, and within a rugby club, as John and Janie persist in delivering justice throughout the mid-Wales area.
Throughout the series, there’s also an impressive roster of guest appearances, featuring Outlander’s Mark Lewis Jones, Game of Thrones legend Owen Teale, and Killing Eve’s Alexandra Roach.
Jane Horrocks (Here We Go, Chicken Run) also appears in the programme alongside Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops, SNL UK), Alexandra Roach (Killing Eve, Bodies), Roisin Conaty (After Life, Last one Laughing), Jim Howick (Ghosts, Here we Go), Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Lynn Hunter (Pushers & End of the Fxx World), Rhiannon Clements (Small Prophets, Pushers), Mike Bubbins (Mammoth) and Liz Carr (Silent Witness, Good Omens).
Death Valley series 2 launches on Sunday, 17 May at 8:15pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Five nations get to avoid competing in the Eurovision semi-finals this yearCredit: ReutersThe UK is represented by Look Mum No Computer, who is guaranteed a slot in the Grand Final
Can I vote in the Eurovision semi-final tonight?
In short – no.
Aside from enjoying the show, UK viewers are unable to take part in tonight’s Eurovision semi-final.
This is because we have been drawn into the second semi-final on Thursday May 14, 2026.
Eurovision rules state that you can only vote in the semi-final in which your country is performing.
That means Brits will have to wait until Thursday to vote, when viewers can have their say alongside France and host nation Austria, as well as the 15 competing nations.
How do you vote in the Eurovision semi-final?
UK viewers will be able to vote on Thursday.
Don’t worry, as full instructions will flash up on screen during the BBC broadcast.
The official website explains: “If you’re in a participating country, you can vote by phone or SMS.
“The instructions you will need will be on the screen during the broadcast, and you can also find them atesc.vote.
“Voting opens after the last song has been performed. You can vote up to 10 times, and you’ll have around 18 minutes to do so. Use your power wisely.”
You cannot vote for the UK’s own entry, in line with long-standing Eurovision rules designed to prevent home-nation advantage.
Why does the UK only take part in one semi-final?
The UK is a member of the Eurovision Big Five alongside France, Germany, Italy and Spain, all of whom automatically qualify for the Grand Final.
These nations are are the biggest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – the organisation that runsEurovision.
That pre-qualified status means the UK does not have to fight its way through the semi-finals, but is instead allocated to broadcast and vote in one of the two semis.
For 2026, Germany and Italy were drawn into the first semi-final, while the UK and France will join Austria in the second.
Spain has, however, pulled out of the contest entirely in protest of Israel’s participation amid the Gaza war, alongside Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia.
When are the two Eurovision 2026 semi-finals?
The Eurovision 2026 semi-finals will take place ahead of Saturday’s showpiece, with 30 of the 35 nations battling it out for 20 Grand Final spots.
Both start at 8pm and are live onBBC One and iPlayer, with the first on tonight – Tuesday, May 12 – and the second following on Thursday, May 14.
Rylan and Angela Scanlon will be providing commentary from the Wiener Stadthalle during both semis.
The order for the first semi-final is as follows:
Moldova – Satoshi, Viva, Moldova!
Sweden – Felicia, My System
Croatia – Lelek, Andromeda
Greece – Akylas, Ferto
Portugal – Bandidos do Cante, Rosa
Georgia – Bzikebi, On Replay
Italy (non-competing) – Sal Da Vinci, Per sempre sì
Finland – Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, Liekinheitin
Montenegro – Tamara Živković, Nova zora
Estonia – Vanilla Ninja, Too Epic to Be True
Israel – Noam Bettan, Michelle
Germany (non-competing) – Sarah Engels, Fire
Belgium – Essyla, Dancing on the Ice
Lithuania – Lion Ceccah, Sólo quiero más
San Marino – Senhit, Superstar (featuring Boy George)
Poland – Alicja, Pray
Serbia – Lavina, Kraj mene
While the schedule for the second semi-final is:
Bulgaria – Dara, Bangaranga
Azerbaijan – JIVA, Just Go
Romania – Alexandra Căpitănescu, Choke Me
Luxembourg – Eva Marija, Mother Nature
Czechia – Daniel Žižka, Crossroads
France (non-competing) – Monroe, Regarde !
Armenia – Simón, Paloma Rumba
Switzerland – Veronica Fusaro, Alice
Cyprus – Antigoni, Jalla
Austria (non-competing) – Cosmó, Tanzschein
Latvia – Atvara, Ēnā
Denmark – Søren Torpegaard Lund, Før vi går hjem
Australia – Delta Goodrem, Eclipse
Ukraine – Leléka, Ridnym
United Kingdom (non-competing) – Look Mum No Computer, Eins, Zwei, Drei
Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman each came into tonight’s mayoral debate with goals for what may be their only time together on stage.
As the incumbent mayor, Bass had to weather blows from her challengers while trying to sell voters on her fitness for another term, despite a disastrous 2025.
As a reality TV star with no political experience, Pratt needed to show that he could offer substance instead of just AI fanboy videos and the name-calling — “Karen Basura” — he has indulged in on social media.
Raman’s task was perhaps the hardest. As a city councilmember whose two previous campaigns were backed by the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter, she needed to convince Pratt-curious voters that she’s more conservative than Bass. Yet for others, she needed to appear liberal enough to peel away support from the mayor and come out as a progressive lioness to excite Democrats in a year where GOP candidates like Pratt have to answer for the disaster that is President Trump’s second term.
Only one of the three failed.
At times, Raman was tongue-tied trying to answer simple questions. Moderators kept telling her she was going over her time. Answering a yes/no question about whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in city elections, the councilmember went on and on, until the moderator cut her off.
While Raman offered some policy plans, she also played a card straight out of Trump’s arsenal. She claimed that Pratt and Bass were teaming up against her — an unlikely scenario that drew laughs from the audience. She got more and more frustrated, to the point that when Bass was allowed time for a rebuttal, she dejectedly proclaimed, “I haven’t been offered that in a lot of this debate.”
Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.
The line of the night was Pratt dismissing Raman as a “random councilmember” — which is how the L.A. political world responded to her entry into the race. She was so upset about Pratt’s remark that she continued to whine about it to a KNBC reporter after the debate.
What’s shocking about Raman’s flop is that she should know how important it is to project well to a television audience, given that her husband is a screenwriter. Her tone was flat, when she needed to be passionate.
No one had to remind Pratt of that. He was parrying tough questions on a big stage for the first time, facing an audience who knew him only as the Angry L.A. White Guy he has reveled in playing.
He mostly succeeded.
At his best, Pratt came off as a boisterous bro with enough charm to call himself “humble” without coming off as obnoxious. He dominated the flow of conversation without coming off as commandeering, even interrupting Raman at times to let Bass speak. At one point, he even said “Sorry” when he had taken up too much time and the moderators cut him off.
He was light on specifics, other than saying he was going to do better than the others and that he would prioritize public safety above all. Instead, he was the one person on stage who used anecdotes to sell himself, citing conversations about abused animals, downtown workers too afraid to eat outside and film producers hiring local gang members to keep their shoots safe.
As a TV personality-turned-influencer, Pratt knows that storytelling is far more effective than drowning the audience in statistics, as Bass and Raman did.
But the bad Pratt flared up at times. He earned a reprimand from KNBC anchor and debate co-moderator Colleen Williams when he called the mayor an “incredible liar.” Affecting high-pitched voices to mock Bass and Raman came off as juvenile and possibly sexist. And when it came to last summer’s federal immigration raids that terrorized Southern California, Pratt appeared flummoxed when Bass pointed out that 70% of those arrested didn’t have criminal records — a use of stats that hit.
Bass was also who she had to be — measured, forceful and raring to defend her record, without coming off as defensive. She wasn’t exactly inspirational, but she didn’t have to be. The city’s powerful labor unions have backed her, along with much of the Democratic establishment.
Raman and Pratt are right in deeming Bass the old guard of a beat-up city — but the old guard didn’t get there without knowing how to win.
Saturday Night Live UK fans were thrilled to see the show return to Sky following a two-week wait.
A huge British star is returning to the world of SNL (Image: Sky)
Everything to know about SNL tonight as beloved British star returns
SNL UK is back on Sky One tonight (Saturday, May 2) with a popular British actress returning to host. The comedy show will air as usual from 10pm to 11.15pm and The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood will present the episode.
This comes after Saturday Night Live in the US received backlash last year for mocking the Sex Education star’s teeth. At the time, Wood called out SNL for their controversial skit, describing it as “mean and unfunny”. She told the BBC: “I don’t regret saying it because it was breaking a pattern, which is what I would usually do – what I did when I was younger and got bullied. I have a choice here to go in and be embarrassed about it and just say, ‘I didn’t like that. It was mean.’” SNL then reached out to apologise to the star.
Now, Aimee is bravely returning to host the show with British artist MEEK providing the music. It comes after Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan hosted the show last week (April 25 at 10pm) following a long two-week hiatus.
Due to a scheduling shake-up from Sky, SNL fans had to wait 14 days for the UK version to return to screens, with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull airing in the 10pm slot on April 18 instead. SNL was originally scheduled for just six episodes but received an extension before launch, meaning it will now run for eight episodes in total.
The series features a line-up of popular young British comedians including Hammed Animashaun, Emma Sidi, and Celeste Dring. Each 75-minute episode is broadcast live and features sketches, satirical news segments, host monologues and live music. The final two episodes will air on May 9 and May 16.
Another episode of the popular show is set to air tonight (April 27)
The BBC programme has been dubbed the “best”(Image: Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/Shutterstock)
The BBC’s “best” programme that grips viewers will return to television screens, and it’s coming sooner than you think.
Scam Interceptors is a crime documentary series that first aired on BBC One in 2022, spanning across five series. Hosted by Rav Wilding, each instalment follows experts as they monitor and often intervene in real life fraud to prevent victims losing money.
Viewers will also be able to get their Scam Interceptors fix tonight (April 27) as a chilling episode will be airing at 8.30pm on BBC One. Despite being a repeat episode, the instalment, titled ‘I’ve been scammed 11 times’ will feature a “high octane chase” as well as calls against scammers that are “plaguing lives”.
An official synopsis reads: “Rav Wilding and Nick Stapleton are back, working with ethical hacker Jim Browning to call out the scammers plaguing our lives and prevent people from losing their money.
“In this episode, the team are in a high-octane chase to intercept scammers claiming to be from Sky broadband. They have full access to a woman’s mobile and are only seconds away from transferring her cash. But the scammers are on to us and want answers.”
With a focus on preventing members of the public from falling victim to scams and losing money, the series also aims to expose, intercept and stop scams in real time.
Over the years, the series has become a huge success with viewers as one IMDb user described it as being “Superb, Gripping Public Service Television.” Another said: “You cant beat this show”, adding: “The best show on tv hands down. Suspense and action.”
Over on Instagram, one viewer said: “I think this program is fab but it scares the bejesus out of me to watch it!” Another wrote: “Oh wow. Just got this on my IG page. I didn’t know there was a show doing this. I definitely am going to watch full episodes.”
A third commented: “Absolutely gripping television at its best. The very best by the BBC”, as a fourth added: “This was a great programme!”
Viewers on X also praised the programme as one person wrote: “This show stresses me out #scaminterceptors.” Another said: “Another heart-stopping episode. #ScamInterceptors.”
Every episode of the hit BBC documentary series is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Scam Interceptors will air tonight at 8.30pm on BBC One. All episodes are also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
After back-to-back appearances at both weekends of Coachella, David Lee Roth popped out Saturday at Stagecoach to sing Van Halen’s “Jump” with Teddy Swims for the third (and final?) time. To discuss what he called his “three-peat,” I caught up later with the 71-year-old singer, who wore a bedazzled jacket and a leather vest.
Have you bought property in Indio? Do you just live here now? No, I’ve bought property in the American musical fabric that extends beyond time frame, that extends beyond shoes and haircuts. It includes cowboy hats and yarmulkes.
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Next weekend this place is gonna be barren. Will you be back to sing “Jump” with nobody? There’ll be plenty of people here for the Diamond Dave Big Rig Trucking School and Day Care Center.
You’re on your own tour right now. How are those shows going? They go exquisitely because if you enjoy what you saw onstage [tonight], it’s that times 22 songs.
Twenty-two songs in the set. Oh yeah. I wrote every word that I sing, I wrote every note that I sing — all the melodies — and I stacked all the harmonies. Ed [Van Halen], of course, contributed all the great guitar parts. And we wrote all of those parts literally sitting in a tiny little alcove room where you put a washer and a dryer. We would sit knee-to-knee the room was so small, and he’d play the electric guitar. His mom wouldn’t let him plug in because it would be too loud, so I had to lean over. Every song that you know of Van Halen, I heard from an unplugged-in electric guitar from four inches away, going, “Too long.”
Tighten it up. Cut it short. All great musicians finish long after the ending.
Last time we talked, you said you were wearing Artemis II. What’s the outfit tonight? This is classic Nudie’s western wear from Lankershim. This is from the ’50s. This has been all over the world. This is made by Nudie’s of Hollywood, who made all of Roy Rogers’ and Jean Autry’s [clothes] and all of “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” “Rawhide’s” wear. Look up Nudie of Hollywood, OK? This baby’s worth more than my shoes, and they’re custom-made. This jacket’s worth more than my teeth — same thing.
SAN FRANCISCO — With the California governor’s race quickly approaching, six candidates will face off Wednesday evening in the first debate since former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race in the aftermath of sexual assault and misconduct allegations.
The debate takes place at a critical moment in the turbulent contest to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. Ballots will start landing in Californians’ mailboxes in less than two weeks, and voters are split by a crowded field of eight prominent candidates. The debate also takes place after former state Controller Betty Yee ended her campaign because of a lack of resources and support in the polls.
Two Republicans — Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and conservative commentator Steve Hilton — and four Democrats — billionaire Tom Steyer, former Biden administration Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan — will take the stage at Nexstar’s KRON4 studios in San Francisco. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, both Democrats, were not invited to participate because of their low polling numbers.
As the candidates strive to distinguish themselves in a crowded field, the debate could include fiery exchanges about the role of money in politics and potential heightened attacks on Becerra, who has surged in the polls since Swalwell dropped out. With the debate taking place on Earth Day, environmental issues are also likely to be raised.
The Wednesday night gathering is the first televised debate in the gubernatorial contest since early February. Last month, USC canceled a debate hours before it was set to begin over mounting criticism that its criteria excluded all major candidates of color.
The 7 p.m. debate is hosted by Nexstar and will be moderated by KTXL FOX40 anchor Nikki Laurenzo and KTLA anchor Frank Buckley. It can be viewed on KRON4 (San Francisco), KTLA5 (Los Angeles), KSWB/KUSI (San Diego), KTXL (Sacramento), KGET (Bakersfield) and KSEE (Fresno). NewsNation will also air the debate.
