Adam Miller

Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing a major revamp, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman departing and Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking on presenting roles. The celebrity line-up, including Jaime Winstone, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and Sarah Storey, is praised as one of the strongest in years. However, the BBC’s sporadic, low-key announcements have reduced the momentum and sense of occasion traditionally surrounding the cast reveal. The piece argues that the broadcaster should make each announcement more eventful to build anticipation for the show’s new era.

The column argues that the World Cup’s first final half-time show was an expensive, inauthentic failure that tried unsuccessfully to imitate the Super Bowl. It praises Madonna’s artistic resurgence and says she should have been given the entire 11-minute slot, rather than being reduced to a mimed, pre-recorded performance alongside football legends. The participation of Coldplay, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Robbie Williams and others is presented as an incoherent collision of football and entertainment, with Donald Trump’s presence further undermining the show’s message of love. The writer concludes that the event wasted Madonna’s potential and may have demonstrated that football and pop music should not be combined in this format.

A reviewer who usually dislikes musicals gives Hole, a filthy and absurd musical comedy about religious Nebraskans, butt plugs and the apocalypse, an exuberant five-star-style endorsement. Nadja Leonhard-Hooper and Jake Brasch are praised for transforming minimal props and a deliberately vulgar premise into a warm, emotionally affecting story about two boys discovering themselves. The production runs at Soho Theatre until August 1 before transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe from August 5 to 30.

Heartstopper Forever concludes Nick and Charlie’s story with a heartfelt exploration of young queer love challenged by impending distance and growing adulthood. The film focuses closely on the lead couple while giving less attention to supporting characters, delivering mature emotional themes, nuanced performances and a standout monologue by Anna Maxwell Martin. Celebrated for preserving the franchise’s warmth while allowing its characters to evolve, the film marks a meaningful and moving farewell to a series credited with transforming LGBTQ+ representation on television.

The Westies, an eight-part MGM+ crime thriller set in 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, follows the violent Irish-American gang during the construction of New York’s Javits Center and its growing conflict with rival Italian Mafia groups and the FBI. The review praises J.K. Simmons as a sinister mob boss and Tom Brittney as a charismatic gangster antihero, highlighting the show’s tense power struggles, rich relationships and willingness to embrace character deaths. Although less sophisticated than some prestige crime dramas and frequently compared with Peaky Blinders, it is judged to be straightforwardly entertaining and exceptionally bingeable.

Tom Brittney reflects on leaving Grantchester just as the Hollywood strikes halted work, leaving him unemployed for months before landing a major role in MGM+’s gangster drama The Westies. He discusses the show’s historical roots, his on‑screen partnership with JK Simmons, and his aspirations, including interest in playing James Bond or pursuing investigative journalism. He also recalls reaching the final stages of auditions to play Superman and the positive experience of working with director James Gunn.

A traveler reflects on repeatedly returning to Bologna after visiting many major Italian cities, praising its relaxed atmosphere, affordability, culinary excellence, and vibrant local culture. Despite lacking the heavy tourist traffic of cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome, Bologna stands out for its simplicity, distinctive character, and exceptional food, offering a rejuvenating experience and convenient rail links to other destinations.

Gary Barlow’s announcement that Take That will not repeat The Circus Tour leads a longtime fan to reflect on ageing, the passing of time and how both the band and its audience have grown older together. Revisiting memories of the group’s evolution and the physical demands of their performances, the writer acknowledges the emotional impact of recognising life’s finite stages. Despite the end of one iconic era, the group is expected to continue creating new shows and remain a major live attraction, offering comfort in the shared experience of growing older alongside them.

Comedians Joanne McNally, Ed Gamble and Richard Ayoade discuss their new panel show Unacceptable, which features comedians presenting deliberately provocative opinions in a satirical take on cancel culture. McNally reflects on her evolving TV career and growing popularity, while Gamble speaks about the challenges and pressures of panel shows, particularly for newer comedians. The series aims to showcase diverse comedic voices and reduce competitiveness, offering a more inclusive environment for emerging talent.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden is criticized as an ostentatious display of wealth and influence that disrupted New York City during a busy holiday weekend. The commentary argues that the couple could have protected their privacy but instead chose a highly public spectacle involving road closures, fanfare and more than 1,000 guests. Their reported $26 million donation to charitable causes is acknowledged as substantial but portrayed as publicity-driven and inadequate relative to their multibillion-dollar fortune. The piece contrasts their conduct with the privacy of Tom Holland and Zendaya and the discreet philanthropy associated with Dolly Parton and George Michael.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s highly public wedding at Madison Square Garden is criticized as a display of excess, self-importance and disregard for New Yorkers affected by road closures and disruption. Despite donating $26 million to charity shortly beforehand, the timing is portrayed as strategic and performative rather than humble. The event’s scale, overt branding and large guest list are contrasted with more discreet or tastefully executed celebrity weddings, reinforcing the argument that the couple has become increasingly out of touch with ordinary people and the impact of their actions.

Jon Snow, living with Alzheimer’s, undertakes a final investigative documentary that evolves into an exposé of a major Zambian mining-related environmental disaster. Despite cognitive decline, he collaborates with local campaigners to uncover widespread pollution affecting communities and ecosystems, prompting global attention after the story is leaked to the press. The film highlights both the severity of the crisis and Snow’s enduring integrity, compassion and journalistic instinct, portraying his work as a reaffirmation of purpose and a meaningful part of his legacy.

Violence depicted in the drama Tip Toe mirrors growing concerns among LGBTQ+ people as hate crimes continue to rise sharply in the UK, with significant increases in both homophobic and transphobic incidents. GALOP leaders Ben Kerningham and Rach Perry describe escalating neighbour-related targeting, arson, and online‑to‑offline harassment, noting a 27% surge in helpline calls and worsening trends linked to public hostility and toxic online environments. They urge increased reporting, workplace and social‑circle intervention, awareness of available support services, and proactive allyship to counter bigotry and strengthen safety for LGBTQ+ individuals.

An undercover investigation reveals how illegal lenders on Reddit exploit financially vulnerable women by coercing them into offering sexual favors in exchange for small loans. Ellie Flynn documents how predators operate through lending subreddits, quickly moving conversations to private messages and escalating demands for explicit content while disguising their coercion as financial assistance. Interviews with victims highlight emotional distress and the risks created by economic hardship and fear of credit damage. Reddit states it enforces rules against illegal activity and harassment, but concerns persist about predatory behavior on social platforms. Calls are made for stronger governmental and regulatory action to support struggling individuals and curb exploitation online.

A critique of the gender‑critical character Stephanie in Russell T Davies’ series Tip Toe argues that her portrayal undermines the show’s otherwise strong support for queer and trans communities. While praising Davies’ legacy and the show’s overall impact, the writer contends that normalizing gender‑critical views within a queer narrative is unrealistic and harmful, emphasizing that prejudice should not be treated as an acceptable difference of opinion. The piece calls for firmer rejection of transphobia, even within personal relationships, and urges greater courage in defending trans rights.

Russell T Davies’ new drama Tip Toe delivers an urgent warning about rising hostility toward LGBTQ+ people in the UK through the story of two neighbours locked in ideological conflict. The series contrasts queer joy with escalating danger while highlighting media distractions that overshadow real violence against LGBTQ+ communities. Performances by Alan Cumming and David Morrissey anchor a narrative that urges greater awareness, solidarity and action beyond the queer community. The review praises the show’s emotional impact and argues it serves as both a compelling drama and a call to vigilance.

Louise Redknapp reflects on her long career, including early success with Eternal, a compliment from Whitney Houston, and her resurgence with recent albums. She discusses her artistic growth, commitment to authenticity, and preparations for her performance at Mighty Hoopla. Redknapp reaffirms her longstanding support for the LGBTQ+ community, distancing herself from former bandmates after their reported transphobic remarks, and emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy and solidarity.

Louise Redknapp reflects on her 30-year career, her evolution as an artist, and her commitment to authenticity while preparing for her return to the Mighty Hoopla Festival. She highlights the significance of her comeback, her recent albums, and her longstanding support for the LGBTQ+ community, including distancing herself from former Eternal bandmates after their anti‑trans remarks. She aims for her upcoming tour to celebrate both her early success and her current creative direction, focusing on delivering high‑energy, performance‑led shows.

Kylie Minogue’s new Netflix documentary is portrayed as an emotional and candid exploration of her life, detailing her deep bond with the LGBTQ community and her resilience through personal and professional challenges. The series reveals previously private struggles, including two cancer diagnoses, IVF attempts, and experiences with misogyny and tabloid scrutiny. Reflections on defining relationships, career pressures, and unfulfilled personal dreams underscore the documentary’s themes of survival, identity and hope, offering fans a deeper understanding of her enduring impact and enigmatic persona.

Kylie Minogue discloses that she privately faced a second cancer diagnosis in early 2021, a revelation featured in her new three-part Netflix documentary. She reflects on the emotional toll, media pressure during her first diagnosis, and her decision to keep the second diagnosis secret while continuing her career. The documentary connects her experience to songs on her 2023 album, including Story, and follows her resurgence after the success of Padam Padam. She confirms she has since received the all‑clear and reflects on past challenges, including unsuccessful IVF treatment and early career criticism.

A forthcoming three-part Netflix documentary traces Kylie Minogue’s four-decade career, highlighting her evolution from ‘squeaky clean’ pop star to a boundary-pushing artist who challenged expectations and faced intense media scrutiny. Kylie reflects on formative career moments, misogynistic treatment by journalists, and her journey toward creative independence, including discovering the empowerment of self-recording. The film also explores her personal vulnerabilities, notably her relationship with Michael Hutchence, while the production team describes the trust-building process required to capture her guarded but heartfelt perspective. Streaming begins May 20.