Emily Malia

An overlooked 2020 Irish-British thriller series, The Deceived, is now available to stream for free on Channel 5. Created by the writer of Derry Girls, it follows a student entangled in an affair and a subsequent mysterious death. Reviews highlight its creepy atmosphere, vintage feel, and strong performances by Paul Mescal and the cast, though some criticism targets the script and plot. The series is recommended for fans of Rebecca and for viewers interested in seeing one of Mescal’s earlier roles.

A BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None continues to earn acclaim a decade after its release, praised for its faithful storytelling, strong cast and gripping three‑episode format. Viewers highlight its suspense, psychological tension and standout performances, with the drama maintaining strong popularity since its original six‑million‑viewer debut. All episodes are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Supermarket versions of milk chocolate digestives from Sainsbury's, M&S, Asda, Lidl and Morrisons were compared against McVitie's. Morrisons delivered the closest match in texture and flavour at £1.20, earning the top score. Asda was praised for its authentic biscuit taste but had a thinner chocolate layer. M&S offered strong chocolate flavour but an overly crunchy biscuit, while Sainsbury's lacked flavour and Lidl's chocolate was judged overpowering and cheap-tasting. The test identified cheaper alternatives that rival or surpass the branded original.

A renewed Victorian‑era television adaptation of John Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga has gained attention for its modernized interpretation, strong performances, and high‑quality production. Viewers are divided over deviations from the source material and comparisons with the 2002 adaptation, but many praise the emotional depth, cinematography, and cast. The 2025 series has been confirmed for second and third seasons and is available to stream on Channel 5.

Viewers praise the BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South for its strong performances, effective portrayal of class struggle and industrial‑era social issues, and its compelling central romance. The drama’s cast, particularly Richard Armitage, receives consistent acclaim, helping the series gain popularity despite limited initial promotion. The show is currently available on BBC iPlayer.

Granite Harbour, a Scottish police procedural set in Aberdeen, is recommended for fans of Line of Duty as its first two seasons stream on BBC iPlayer ahead of a planned 2026 third season. The series follows former Royal Military Police sergeant Davis Lindo and his partner DS Lara Bartlett as they investigate the murder of a prominent oil tycoon. Viewers praise the show’s premise, characters and pacing while others criticise aspects of realism and acting, noting potential improvements with higher production investment.

Normal People, adapted from Sally Rooney’s novel, continues to attract new audiences with its emotional portrayal of Marianne and Connell’s evolving relationship from school to university. The 12‑episode BBC drama is widely praised for its performances, chemistry between leads, and realistic depiction of romance, with viewers describing it as deeply moving and one of the best drama series produced in recent years. It is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Disney+.

Guidance from Chris Packham highlights the risks UK wildlife faces during ongoing heatwave conditions and outlines practical steps gardeners can take to support animals. Key recommendations include providing fresh water, creating shaded areas, maintaining clean bird feeders and avoiding activities such as disposable barbecues that pose fire risks to habitats.

The crime drama The Responder, set in Liverpool and starring Martin Freeman, has earned critical acclaim and a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score while leaving viewers emotionally drained by its intense storyline. Created by former police officer Tony Schumacher, the series follows troubled officer Chris Carson and features notable performances from Adelayo Adedayo, Warren Brown and Bernard Hill. Despite strong reviews, the show ended after two seasons, though both are available on BBC iPlayer.

The article highlights renewed enthusiasm for the BBC period drama The Paradise, now streaming on Amazon Prime and other platforms. Viewers praise its performances, storytelling and visual appeal while lamenting its cancellation after two series. Adapted from an 1883 French novel and set in 1870s England, the show follows life in a thriving department store and features a widely acclaimed cast. Filmed at Lambton Castle and nearby locations, the series continues to attract new fans across streaming services.

The BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novels about Thomas Cromwell, Wolf Hall, continues to attract strong viewer praise, earning near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The first two seasons follow Cromwell’s rise and fall during the reign of Henry VIII, supported by acclaimed performances from Mark Rylance, Claire Foy and Damian Lewis. Viewers highlight the show’s pacing, writing and historical detail, while confirming no third season will follow. Both seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Actor Warren Clarke died in 2014 leaving an estate wiped out by debts despite a long career in television and film, including starring roles in Dalziel and Pascoe and A Clockwork Orange. Reports indicate that modest BBC wages and a failed investment in the 2013 spy thriller The Numbers Station significantly depleted his finances. Clarke, remembered for decades of screen work, left behind his wife Michelle and two children, and remained part of the series Poldark at the time of his death.

The article highlights the film Challengers as an ideal watch for tennis fans during Wimbledon, praising its striking visuals, tense soundtrack and decade‑spanning story centred on a complex love triangle among three tennis players. Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist receive strong acclaim for their performances, while Luca Guadagnino’s direction and the film’s Golden Globe‑winning score are singled out for excellence. Themes of ambition, rivalry and ambiguous relationships contribute to its appeal, and the movie is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

Gemma McCluskie, a former EastEnders actress, was murdered and dismembered by her brother Tony in 2012 after a domestic argument escalated. A search led to the discovery of her remains in Regent’s Canal, and Tony was later convicted following evidence of his violent actions and attempts to conceal the crime. A jury found him guilty by majority, and he received a life sentence, while the family expressed profound grief over the loss.

Monty Don advises gardeners to prioritise staking tall or fast‑growing plants in July to prevent them from collapsing under increased midsummer growth. Brushwood, pea sticks or metal supports help maintain natural‑looking structure in borders, especially for taller varieties like Ammi majus, sunflowers and cosmos. He also highlights the importance of staking fruiting plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers to protect stems and improve sunlight exposure. July is identified as peak season for harvesting summer‑fruiting raspberries, which produce on the previous year’s canes, while varieties like Autumn Bliss crop on new growth.

A three‑episode Netflix adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery is drawing strong praise from viewers for its fun tone, engaging twists and standout performances by Mia McKenna‑Bruce, Martin Freeman and Helena Bonham Carter. The 1920s‑set mystery follows Lady Eileen Brent as she investigates a suspicious death that leads into secret societies and espionage. Created and written by Chris Chibnall, the series is admired for its cinematography and charm, though a second season is considered unlikely because the original story concludes fully.

Machrihanish Holiday Park in Argyll ranks as the UK’s top coastal campsite based on Idealo’s assessment of price, facilities, guest ratings and beach proximity, offering inexpensive nightly rates and well-reviewed amenities. Beryl’s Campsite in Devon and The Hollies Leisure Resort in Suffolk follow in second and third place, each providing affordable options with access to nearby beaches and strong facility offerings.

Craco, an abandoned hilltop town in southern Italy, is now open to visitors through guided tours that explore its centuries‑old history and the landslides and earthquakes that forced residents to leave by 1980. The site, listed by the World Monuments Fund, attracts tourists drawn to its dramatic ruins and has served as a filming location for major productions including The Passion of the Christ and Quantum of Solace. Tourist reviews highlight the town’s striking landscape and historical significance.