Parul Sharma

A homemade rat deterrent made from cayenne pepper or chilli flakes, water and a drop of washing-up liquid is presented as an inexpensive way to discourage rats from entering homes. The spray can be applied around likely entry points and should be reapplied after rain. The advice warns that chilli can irritate children and pets and should be used with care.

David Attenborough has advised UK cat owners to fit bells to their pets’ collars to reduce the number of birds they catch, reportedly cutting hunting success by about a third. Additional measures include keeping cats indoors at dawn and dusk, placing bird feeders at least two metres from dense vegetation and potential launch points, and using enclosed feeders. The recommendations aim to protect garden birds while allowing cats to remain pets.

The Guns of Navarone, the 1961 Second World War action epic starring Gregory Peck, David Niven and Anthony Quinn, is being promoted as an overlooked classic comparable to The Longest Day and The Bridge on the River Kwai. Based loosely on the Battle of Leros, the film was a major box-office success, received six Academy Award nominations and won for special effects, while its score and drama also earned Golden Globe recognition. With a 92% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating and enthusiastic audience reviews, it is currently available to stream on Netflix; its 1978 sequel, Force 10 from Navarone, was less successful.

ITV’s two-season crime drama DI Ray, created by Maya Sondhi and starring Parminder Nagra as Birmingham detective Rachita Ray, is attracting strong critical and audience praise. The series follows Ray as she investigates organized crime while questioning whether her promotion was based on ethnicity rather than ability, bringing systemic racism into a murder investigation. Reviewers and viewers have praised its realism, performances, focused writing and Birmingham setting, with some saying it compares favorably with or even surpasses Line of Duty. The drama is available to stream free on ITVX.

Sainsbury's recommends chopping leftover fresh herbs, placing them in an ice cube tray with olive oil, and freezing them for later use. The article also outlines freezing and storage methods for courgettes, peppers, berries, pineapple, grapes, grated cheese, eggs and yoghurt. The advice is framed as a way to reduce household food waste, which the article says amounts to around 6.4 million tonnes annually in the UK.

A wave of renewed enthusiasm surrounds historical drama The White Queen, now streaming free on Channel 4. Originally developed for the BBC and based on Philippa Gregory’s Cousins’ War novels, the series follows the power struggles of the Wars of the Roses through the perspectives of key women tied to the English throne. Starring Rebecca Ferguson, the show earned critical acclaim, multiple award nominations and strong audience reviews praising its performances, costumes and gripping storytelling. Viewers describe it as highly addictive, richly produced and an ideal choice for fans of The Tudors.

Rats increasingly invade UK gardens during summer, drawn to common outdoor food sources and sheltered spaces, creating hygiene and infestation risks. Experts from First Tunnels recommend three free preventative measures: stop feeding wildlife to avoid attracting rats, declutter gardens to remove hiding spots, and frequently rearrange items since rats avoid unfamiliar objects. These steps aim to deter rodents humanely and reduce garden infestations.

Bird experts urge gardeners across the UK to provide clean, shallow water sources to protect robins and other birds during an ongoing heatwave. With nearly half of UK bird species at risk, organisations stress that summer is a critical time for hydration, hygiene and access to food as birds rear chicks in extreme conditions. Specialists advise placing water sources safely, maintaining strict cleanliness to prevent disease, avoiding pesticides, delaying hedge trimming and adjusting summer feeding habits to reduce risks and support bird survival.

A lesser-known ITV medical period drama, The Royal, is being recommended as an ideal substitute for Call the Midwife, receiving strong praise from fans for its acting, writing, period authenticity and emotional storytelling. The series, originally a Heartbeat spin-off, ran for eight seasons from 2003 to 2011 and followed staff at a 1960s NHS hospital in a fictional Yorkshire town. Cast members, production details and the show's enduring fan enthusiasm are highlighted alongside positive viewer reviews. The show and its short-lived modern spin-off, The Royal Today, are available to stream on ITVX.

A three-part Channel 5 drama retelling the final months of Anne Boleyn’s life has drawn strong viewer engagement and largely positive critical reception, with particular praise for Jodie Turner-Smith’s lead performance. While some viewers express frustration over perceived historical liberties, many highlight the series’ emotional impact, production quality and fresh perspective. The drama, filmed across multiple Yorkshire locations, is available on Channel 5 and for purchase on major streaming platforms.

Monty Don advises gardeners to cut back early flowering perennials in July to promote fresh regrowth and vibrant autumn blooms. He recommends removing cut materials, weeding, and ensuring plants have enough light and space. Additional guidance includes beginning hedge cutting after birds have fledged and cutting back wildflower meadows while thoroughly removing grass to maintain next year’s display.

Bodyguard, a BBC political thriller from Jed Mercurio, is recommended for fans of British crime drama and praised for its tense storytelling, strong writing and standout performance by Richard Madden. The series achieved record-breaking viewership, earned multiple award nominations and received consistently enthusiastic critic and audience reviews. Now streaming on Netflix, the six-part drama follows police sergeant David Budd as he protects a controversial home secretary while grappling with trauma and moral conflict.

A prolonged UK heatwave is putting garden birds such as blackbirds and robins at risk, prompting experts to urge gardeners to provide shallow water sources to help them cope with rising temperatures. Bird specialists emphasise that water is essential for hydration, feeding, and cooling, and recommend bird baths or ponds that are kept clean to avoid disease in warm weather. Additional guidance advises offering high‑energy foods and avoiding peanuts and seeds in summer due to infection risks, as natural food sources are more abundant. Recommendations from the RHS, RSPB, and other wildlife experts highlight the importance of maintaining hygiene and offering safe feeding environments to support birds during the hot, dry period.

The article highlights the critical and audience acclaim for the BBC crime drama Time, praised for its realism, powerful performances, and strong writing across its two anthology seasons. Featuring actors such as Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey, the series explores life within the British prison system and has earned major awards, including a BAFTA for Best Mini-Series. With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating and widespread praise from reviewers and viewers, the show is regarded as a standout example of British drama, with a third season confirmed and available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Marcella is highlighted as a compelling successor to Luther, praised for its dark, complex storytelling and strong central performance by Anna Friel. Viewers and critics commend its evolution across three seasons, with many describing it as gripping, addictive and among the best recent crime dramas. The series, created by Hans Rosenfeldt, spans multiple seasons on ITV and Netflix and continues to attract enthusiastic audience reviews celebrating its writing, tone and character development.

Monty Don advises gardeners to perform his annual early-July potato harvest ritual as part of preventative action against potato blight, which thrives in warm, humid July conditions. He recommends removing infected foliage immediately, ensuring soil covers the tubers, and harvesting on a dry day. To reduce future risk, he suggests planting blight-resistant varieties such as Sarpo Mira, Cara and Setanta, ensuring good airflow and spacing, practicing crop rotation and applying preventative fungicides during damp periods.

A Channel 4 period drama titled The Mill has gained renewed attention for its authentic portrayal of 1830s Britain and the Industrial Revolution, drawing from real accounts of workers at Quarry Bank Mill. Praised for its writing, performances, and historical detail, the series spans two seasons but was cancelled in 2014, disappointing fans who admired its exploration of themes such as child labour and workers’ rights. The show features notable actors including Kerrie Hayes, whose performance earned a BAFTA nomination, and remains available to stream for free on Channel 4 or via Amazon Prime Video.

Rising temperatures in the UK are placing additional stress on garden birds, prompting experts to urge the public to provide shallow water trays or ponds to help prevent dehydration. Wildlife specialists highlight that water is the most vital resource during heatwaves, recommending regular cleaning of bird baths to prevent disease. Additional advice includes offering high‑energy foods such as mealworms, suet, and fatballs while avoiding peanuts and seeds during summer due to increased disease risk and abundant natural food sources.

Monty Don warns gardeners not to add grain to bird feeders because it attracts rats, squirrels and pigeons rather than the desired garden birds. He recommends a mix of sunflower seeds, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms and nijer seed, and explains how he positions feeders around his garden to protect small birds from sparrowhawks. He notes that birds rely more heavily on feeders as natural food sources diminish with seasonal changes and suggests high‑calorie foods such as seeds, nuts, fat, pastry, bread, rice and fruit.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, adapted from Holly Jackson’s novel, is praised as an addictive BBC mystery thriller featuring Emma Myers and Zain Iqbal. The series, filmed in Somerset and Bristol, has earned strong critical and audience acclaim for its blend of teen drama and crime investigation. Two six‑episode seasons have aired, with a third set for 2027. Reviewers highlight its engaging mystery, strong performances, and faithfulness to the source material, while fans commend its suspense, characters, and binge‑worthy storytelling. The show is available on BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

Penscynor Wildlife Park, once a major Welsh attraction drawing 250,000 annual visitors, closed in 1998 after declining attendance and financial pressures. Founded by Idris Hale and later run by his grandson Jonathan Hale‑Quant, the park was known for its diverse animals and popular alpine slide. Much of the site has since been abandoned or redeveloped into housing, though former visitors continue to share memories and photos online, keeping its legacy alive despite the site’s decay.

The Tower, a British crime drama adapted from Kate London’s police novels, is praised by critics and viewers for its strong performances, especially by lead actor Gemma Whelan, and its compelling storytelling. Often compared to Line of Duty and Unforgotten, the series explores dark policing themes and has achieved a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Spanning three seasons with multiple directors, the show is widely described as addictive, well acted and tightly written. It is available to stream for free on ITVX and on Disney+ with a subscription.

Viewers are rediscovering the 2015 ITV period drama Home Fires, praising its cast, storyline and emotional impact while expressing frustration over its cancellation after two series. Based on Julie Summers’ book and set in a Cheshire village during World War II, the show follows members of the Women’s Institute as they navigate life on the Home Front. Now streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV, it continues to earn enthusiastic reviews, with fans lamenting its unresolved cliffhangers and enduring critical acclaim.

The article highlights growing praise for the war film Lone Survivor, now streaming on Netflix, with viewers calling it the best war drama since Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down. Featuring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg, the film recounts the real-life Operation Red Wings mission during the Afghanistan conflict and is praised for authenticity, emotional impact, and strong performances. Critics and audiences commend its realism and intensity, while comparisons to major war classics underscore its reputation as a powerful and visceral modern war film.

The article highlights the renewed popularity of the BBC’s 2008 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit, available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The miniseries, praised for its performances, direction and faithfulness to the source material, has earned critical acclaim including seven Emmy Awards and a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers and reviewers describe it as one of the best Dickens adaptations, with particular praise for Claire Foy’s lead performance and the production’s settings, costumes and pacing.

Homemade natural sprays using common kitchen ingredients are recommended as inexpensive and chemical‑free solutions for caterpillar infestations, which increasingly damage gardens across the UK. Expert‑endorsed recipes include a chili‑garlic‑turmeric mixture, a basic soapy spray, and a soapy garlic blend, all aimed at repelling caterpillars by leveraging strong scents, irritants, and adhesion‑enhancing ingredients. Guidance is provided on preparation and application to protect plants and reduce reliance on commercial pest‑control products.

Monty Don advises pruning wisteria in midsummer by cutting back new growth to about six inches to encourage strong flowering the following year. He explains that wisteria blooms on new shoots emerging from spurs, making timely pruning essential. Gardeners unsure about how much to cut are encouraged to prune lightly now and refine the shape further in winter once foliage has died back.

Viewers have embraced the Chinese period drama Perfect Match on Netflix, praising its strong writing, engaging characters, and high production values while comparing it favorably to Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice. Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, the series follows the Li family’s efforts to secure suitable marriages for five daughters while building a family business. Fans on IMDB commend the acting, humor, and non-vulgar approach, with many highlighting its charm and rewatchability.

A comparison of major UK supermarket cornflakes found Tesco and Morrisons performed best overall, with Tesco edging ahead due to its low price and good flavour. Kellogg's remained tasty but was considered poor value, while Asda ranked lowest for blandness and thin texture. M&S’s one‑ingredient version was deemed too unconventional, Waitrose offered moderate quality, and Sainsbury’s suffered from artificial flavour and lack of crunch. The findings suggest consumers can save money by switching from Kellogg’s to certain supermarket alternatives.

A three-part BBC true crime drama, Rillington Place, is praised for powerful performances and sensitive storytelling while depicting the crimes of serial killer John Christie and the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans. The series features acclaimed acting by Tim Roth, Samantha Morton, Nico Mirallegro, and Jodie Comer, won a BAFTA for photography and lighting, and continues to generate strong viewer reviews. It is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

A Netflix adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel The Leopard has received widespread acclaim for its lavish production, strong performances, and historical detail. The Italian-language period drama, directed by Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, and Laura Luchetti, features an extensive cast and was filmed across Sicily with a large budget and ambitious scale. Critics and viewers describe it as a visually stunning, beautifully crafted, and emotionally compelling series that rivals favourites such as Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. The Leopard is available for streaming on Netflix.

Netflix UK has added the British crime drama Prey, an ITV miniseries praised for strong performances, high critical ratings and gripping storytelling. The show features Rosie Cavaliero across both seasons, with John Simm leading the first series and Philip Glenister the second. Reviewers and viewers highlight its compelling plots, quality acting and fast-paced structure, contributing to its rise in Netflix’s most-watched rankings.

Natural methods such as bran barriers and seaweed meal provide effective, low-cost protection against slugs, which cause millions of pounds in garden damage annually. Bran earned top ratings for dehydrating slugs after ingestion, while seaweed meal repels them through its salt content and improves soil quality. Additional rough-textured materials such as grit, bark and coffee grounds can also serve as barriers, though they need regular replenishment.

Using pre-1982 copper 2p coins in birdbaths helps slow algae and bacteria growth by releasing small amounts of copper into the water, creating a cleaner environment that attracts more birds during warm weather. Experts advise using only a few coins, avoiding harsh chemicals, and maintaining regular cleaning because excessive copper exposure may harm small birds. Clean, fresh water remains essential for preventing disease and supporting wildlife during ongoing heatwaves in the UK.

Warmer summer weather has led to increased rat activity in UK homes, prompting advice on using natural deterrents. Experts recommend onions, which rats dislike, as an inexpensive, non-toxic method to repel them, though they can be harmful to pets and require regular replacement. Additional guidance from The Times of India outlines a homemade mixture using onions and common spices to create a safe and effective rat‑repelling paste. Consumers are advised to place treated onion pieces at common entry points and dispose of them after a few days to maintain hygiene.

A four‑part BBC crime drama, Steeltown Murders, is praised for its authenticity, performances and sensitive handling of the real 1970s Port Talbot murders by Joseph Kappen. Written by Ed Whitmore and directed by Marc Evans, the series stars Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri and involves original investigator Paul Bethell in its production. First aired in 2023, it won the BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Television Drama and received strong critical and audience acclaim for its depth, realism and emotional impact.

Rats become more active in the UK during summer, but certain strong‑scented herbs can help keep them away without using traps or poison. Basil, lemongrass and thyme are highlighted for their potent fragrances, which irritate rats’ sensitive respiratory systems. These herbs can be used as plants, oils, sprays or diffused scents to discourage rats from entering homes, with additional options such as peppermint and spicy scents like cayenne or chilli also recommended as effective deterrents.

Sherwood, a BBC crime drama inspired by real 2004 murders in Nottinghamshire, is drawing strong comparisons to Broadchurch and Line of Duty, praised for its writing, performances, and emotional depth. With standout leads Lesley Manville and David Morrissey, multiple BAFTA nominations, and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics and audiences describe it as gripping, compelling, and among the best of British drama. Currently available on BBC iPlayer, the series has completed production on its third season, expected to air in late 2026.

Viewers and critics are praising the Norwegian World War II drama Number 24, calling it one of the best war films and comparing it favourably with Saving Private Ryan and All Quiet on the Western Front. Based on the life of resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby, the film highlights his leadership in sabotage efforts against Nazi occupation and has earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Critics describe it as gripping and morally complex, while audiences commend its storytelling, realism and emotional impact. The film is available to stream on Netflix.

A widely praised 2024 BBC adaptation of Inspector Rebus is highlighted as a standout Scottish crime drama, earning a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and strong viewer enthusiasm. The series, starring Richard Rankin and created by Gregory Burke with direction from Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton, is described as superior to earlier ITV versions and has already been renewed for a 2027 second season. Reviewers commend its realism, strong performances, and fresh approach to Ian Rankin’s novels, positioning it as a top choice for fans of major crime series such as Shetland, Line of Duty, and Sherlock.

Experts advise that robins can be attracted to gardens by using open-fronted bird boxes placed between north and east, around 1.5 metres off the ground and tucked among vegetation for safety and shade. Robins prefer natural wood, wide entrances and quiet locations, returning yearly when conditions feel safe and suitable, with insulation important during winter.