Rebecca Cook

The trailer for Slow Horses season six confirms that Olivia Cooke will reprise her role as Sid Baker, who was presumed dead after being shot in the first season. The upcoming series follows the Slough House spies as they face a kill list targeting former and current employees, while River Cartwright, Jackson Lamb and other familiar characters investigate the threat. Fans welcomed Cooke's return but criticized Apple TV+ for revealing the major surprise in the trailer. The six-episode season premieres on September 16, with episodes released weekly through October 21.

The Scottish crime comedy-drama Annika, starring Nicola Walker as Norwegian-born detective Annika Strandhed, has climbed Netflix’s top 10 after previously airing on the BBC. The series follows her investigations for Scotland Police’s Maritime Homicide Unit while also exploring her difficult relationship with her teenage daughter and frequently breaking the fourth wall. Walker praises the character’s intelligence, humour and eccentricity, while acknowledging that the show prioritises theatrical drama over strict police-procedural accuracy. Her earlier performance as Detective Cassie Stuart in ITV’s Unforgotten is also highlighted, alongside her later role in Disney Plus’s Alice & Steve.

Jessie J joked about reactivating her Raya dating profile after the account was spotted by the press. In a tearful parody video, she revealed that she had updated her photos, kept her biography unchanged to appear mysterious, and deactivated the profile after two days. The incident follows her separation from basketball player Chanan Colman, with whom she shares a three-year-old son; the pair say they are maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.

Lawrence Robb reportedly removed references to his training in jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary dance and pas de deux from his United Agents profile before joining the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The Emmerdale actor trained at the Dance School of Scotland and has previously discussed his dance education, but his profile now lists only accent work, singing and sports. The report links the apparent change to criticism faced by Amber Davies during the 2025 series over her musical-theatre background and prior dance experience.

The first three episodes of Reacher’s fourth season have premiered on Amazon Prime Video, with the series adapting Lee Child’s novel Gone Tomorrow. Critics and fans largely praise the season as a return to form, highlighting its high-octane action, dry humor, characters and lead performance by Alan Ritchson, although its 88 percent Rotten Tomatoes score is the show’s lowest so far and some critics feel its formula is becoming stale.

Director Michael Head has accused Katie Price of “disgusting behaviour” after she allegedly failed to attend the Leicester Square premiere of Jackie the Stripper or help promote its release on Amazon Prime. Head claims Price begged for her role, while her representatives say she was not required to participate in promotion. The dispute comes amid reported personal difficulties involving Price’s husband, Lee Andrews.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez married in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, attended by their five children. Ronaldo confirmed the union by sharing a photograph of their wedding bands, while a representative described the ceremony as intimate. The couple began dating in 2016, became engaged in 2025, and have five children together, including Ronaldo’s son Cristiano Jr.; they also previously announced the death of Bella’s newborn twin, Ángel.

Queen guitarist Brian May criticized artificial intelligence after Meta AI produced an inaccurate recreation of the band’s 1980 album The Game, depicting five members and including Spike Edney despite his joining Queen’s touring lineup later. May argued that society does not need AI and urged Andy Burnham to stop data centers from being built in the UK, warning of environmental damage. The post drew praise from followers and comes amid wider disagreement in the music industry, with some artists embracing AI-generated music while others, including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and Frank Sinatra’s estate, have opposed technology they say could undermine human artistry and fair compensation.

Jon Hamm and his wife, actress Anna Osceola, are reportedly expecting their first child after Osceola was photographed showing a baby bump during a beach outing in the Hamptons. The couple met while filming the final episode of Mad Men, married in 2023 at Big Sur, and made their red-carpet debut together in 2022. The news contrasts with Hamm's earlier uncertainty about having children, expressed during his long relationship with Jennifer Westfeldt.

Steven Bartlett is selling his seven-bedroom Cape Town mansion for £8.5 million, roughly twice what he paid in 2024. The property has been extensively upgraded with a padel court, swimming pool, home cinema and spa, but a friend says Bartlett rarely visits because his expanding Diary of a CEO business requires him to divide his time between London and Los Angeles. The proposed sale has angered local residents, who accuse the non-resident owner of flipping the property and contributing to rising prices that make housing less affordable for Cape Town citizens.

Jessie Cave, who played Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter films, said her acting work slowed significantly and left her facing financial and childcare pressures. She joined OnlyFans in March 2025 and posts fully clothed hair-focused videos rather than explicit content. With subscriptions priced at $6 per month and additional paid messages, Cave said she earned £15,000 in a single day and more in one year than throughout her acting career. She credited the platform with saving her family financially, while acknowledging unwanted requests and suggesting that her time on it may be limited because she will not perform explicit content.

Perez Hilton’s family said his three children, niece and sister fled his Florida home shortly before a TikTok livestream during which he allegedly harmed himself. Authorities responded to multiple calls, dispatched a crisis response unit and mental-health professionals, and hospitalised Hilton after safely recovering him. His family said he is now able to communicate and that their priority is helping the children recover and eventually return home, while asking media and content creators to respect their privacy. TikTok attributed the livestream’s 15–20-minute availability to a moderator error.

Minnie Driver said she and her friend Ben were taken to hospital after a serious collision on a country road in France when another car allegedly failed to stop at an intersection. Driver suffered a sprained neck and described experiencing shock and recurring memories of the crash, but said she expects to recover. She credited the Kia they were travelling in, particularly its 360-degree airbags and overall design, with saving their lives. Driver also thanked a van driver who stopped to help before ambulances arrived and criticised another motorist who drove away without stopping.

Married at First Sight Australia has reportedly recruited relationship expert Brigitte Zonta, known professionally as Dr Lurve, for its 2027 season. Zonta is expected to join longtime expert John Aiken and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla following the death of former panelist Mel Schilling, who died from cancer in March at age 54. Broadcaster Nine has not officially confirmed the appointment, but a production insider praised Zonta’s relationship expertise, television presence and willingness to challenge contestants over inconsistent or questionable behaviour.

Comedian Chris Ramsey reportedly suffered a leg or hamstring injury while filming Celebrity Gladiators at Sheffield Arena, preventing him from taking part in the Unleashed challenge. The Traitors winner Harry Clark stepped in at short notice, resulting in a five-celebrity episode rather than the usual four. Ramsey is expected to remain involved in challenges that do not aggravate his injury, while the circumstances of Clark’s availability remain unclear.

Jeremy Clarkson has criticized people receiving Personal Independence Payment and other benefits, arguing that taxpayers deserve greater gratitude. In a column for The Times responding to Andy Burnham’s comments on funding adult social care in England, Clarkson compared benefit recipients with his dogs and proposed requiring claimants to send weekly, effusive thank-you emails to randomly selected workers. He suggested that writing such letters might even challenge some claimants’ assertions about neurodivergence.

Taylor Ryan, the former partner of ex-Gladiators contestant Jamie Bigg, claims he ended their relationship by phone and left most of his clothes at her home while taking only his Giant costume and memorabilia. She described the relationship as fake and said Bigg had objected to her work as an OnlyFans creator. Bigg previously said he was surprised by his removal from the BBC show and defended Ryan's private life. The BBC has cast World's Strongest Man champion Tom Stoltman as Giant's replacement, and Bigg publicly wished him well.

Rachel Burden became emotional while announcing that she and co-presenter Rick Edwards will leave BBC Radio 5 Live’s Breakfast programme in December 2026 after 15 years on the show. Naga Munchetty, who is leaving BBC Breakfast after 17 years, will replace them as co-presenter of the weekday radio breakfast programme from January 2027. Burden will move to the station’s weekday mid-morning programme, while Munchetty said she was thrilled to take on the flagship role.

Suri, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has reportedly legally changed her surname to Noelle, her mother’s middle name. Public voting records in Pennsylvania list her as Suri Noelle, suggesting the change may have been filed in New York. She previously used the name at her 2024 high-school graduation, reportedly seeking greater personal independence and a fresh start before attending Carnegie Mellon University. Katie Holmes has expressed pride in her daughter, while Cruise has remained estranged from Suri.

Katie Price has shared footage of herself reuniting with a former Chinawhite club bouncer whom she says she kissed decades ago, amid renewed scrutiny of her relationship with Lee Andrews. The article notes that Price appeared without her wedding ring after reportedly confronting Andrews over messages exchanged with a younger man. It also recaps allegations that Andrews misrepresented his businesses, faced imprisonment and travel restrictions in Dubai, sought money from women, and made disputed claims about being kidnapped. Price and her representatives deny the existence of an alleged sex tape, while Andrews’ sister and a former school friend have publicly distanced themselves from him.

DJ Fat Tony has urged the public not to judge the Beckham family amid the ongoing estrangement between Brooklyn Beckham and his parents, David and Victoria. He said the dispute represents parents losing a son and a son losing his parents, while expressing hope that the family will reconcile. Fat Tony also revisited the wedding incident involving Victoria’s dance with Marc Anthony, explaining that Brooklyn had expected to perform his first dance with Nicola Peltz and was upset when his mother was invited onto the stage instead.

Jermaine Jenas posted a video of himself dancing topless while making pancakes, alongside a profane message aimed at critics. The former footballer and BBC presenter was dismissed in 2024 after admitting to sending messages to two BBC co-workers amid wider allegations of inappropriate communications. The post prompted humorous reactions from Rio Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jonathan Joseph, to which Jenas responded. He has since returned to talkSPORT and publicly discussed the professional and personal consequences of the scandal.

Marvel Studios has confirmed David Jonsson as the new Black Panther in Ryan Coogler’s third film, scheduled for release on December 15, 2028. Jonsson will play Toussaint, the son of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, while Letitia Wright’s Shuri passes on the mantle. Fans praised the casting but some criticized the decision as sidelining a female character. Wright welcomed the change and said she would enjoy guiding Jonsson’s character.

Ant and Dec offered to remake their 2002 England World Cup song We’re On The Ball if England win the tournament, prompting enthusiastic responses from fans who regard the track as a beloved football anthem. The article recalls the original video’s comedic storyline and notes that supporters suggested updating the lyrics for the current squad. England prepares for a high‑stakes World Cup semi‑final against Argentina in Atlanta, with global attention focused on the matchup.

Prue Leith expressed fear for the safety of her son, Reform MP Danny Kruger, following the targeted killing of Ann Widdecombe, whose death is being investigated by counter‑terrorism police. She described politics in the UK as increasingly dangerous and noted that while she and her son often disagree politically, their discussions remain civil. Prime Minister‑in‑waiting Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MP security, citing a decade‑long rise in toxicity surrounding political debate.

Graham Norton explained that Taylor Swift joined his show as a last‑minute booking but requested that no scheduled guests be removed, resulting in a crowded lineup that later all appeared in her Opalite music video. Swift said she was inspired during the interview to include Norton and the night’s other guests in the project, praising their work and enthusiasm. The collaboration also preceded Norton’s invitation to Swift’s high‑profile wedding in New York.

Carol Vorderman suffered a fall near her home that left her unconscious and required hospital treatment at Bristol Royal Infirmary. After being discharged, she experienced severe symptoms including vomiting and prolonged dizziness, later traced to displaced inner‑ear crystals. Treatment from a physiotherapist using the Epley manoeuvre significantly reduced her symptoms after several sessions, and she reports feeling much better.

David Beckham defended Victoria Beckham after she was photographed appearing bored when England scored a winning goal in their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway, saying she was celebrating internally. The family shared posts from the Miami stadium, though Brooklyn Beckham was absent amid ongoing tensions highlighted by his recent DoorDash advert. David posted a celebratory message praising England’s performance, while the contrast between his excitement and Victoria’s subdued reaction drew widespread online attention.

Jeremy Vine became emotional on air while discussing new developments in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s killing, after police confirmed counter-terrorism officers are now leading the case. Iain Dale recalled Widdecombe’s fondness for Vine and his programme, prompting an emotional response from the presenter. Police stated that the suspect previously arrested for murder has been rearrested under terrorism legislation as multiple lines of inquiry continue, and authorities urged the public to submit any relevant information.

A review of the ITV thriller The Dark highlights its strong atmosphere, unsettling murder mystery and effective performances but criticises ITV’s choice to release all episodes at once, arguing a weekly rollout would have generated greater engagement. Comparisons to Broadchurch and Widow’s Bay underscore its genre strengths while noting opportunities for deeper exploration of its Highland setting and community impact.

Sacha Baron Cohen appeared at the Wimbledon men’s final dressed as his Ali G character, surprising fans after first attending the tournament in regular attire the previous day. He posted an in-character Instagram video joking about the match and tennis, prompting speculation following reports that a new Ali G film has completed production. Cohen has continued to make occasional public appearances as the character, while recent projects include the Netflix film Ladies First.

Mel Schilling’s husband, Gareth Brisbane, marked their wedding anniversary with a heartfelt tribute following her death from cancer in March at age 54. He shared memories of their relationship, their wedding in Bali, and their daughter Maddie, expressing enduring love and grief. Brisbane reflected on their first date, Schilling’s final message to him and their daughter, and praised Maddie’s strength as they continue to heal. He closed with a message about love and loss, honouring their years together.

John Humphrys criticises BBC Radio 4’s Today programme presenters for communication habits he finds irritating, including filler words, exaggerated emphasis and excessive on‑air gratitude. While acknowledging the talent of Justin Webb, Nick Robinson and Amol Rajan, he argues the show has become frustrating to listen to. Rajan’s upcoming departure and past salary disparities at the BBC are also noted.

Writer Matt Hartley discusses adapting GR Halliday’s novel From the Shadows into the ITV thriller The Dark, highlighting its focus on male victims and the opportunity to explore vulnerability and community responses. He draws inspiration from True Detective and The Fall while shaping a distinctly British wilderness detective drama led by Laura Donnelly. Hartley reflects on character creation, fan theories, and his earlier soap writing, and hints at future instalments in the trilogy while promising a striking reveal in the current series.

Bonnie Tyler’s 2007 appearance on the BBC’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks resurfaced after her death at 75, with fans celebrating the chaotic and humorous performance in which she joked with host Simon Amstell, sang her hit Total Eclipse of the Heart and appeared slightly drunk. Tributes highlighted her good humour and strong vocals. Her family confirmed she died in Portugal following treatment for illness, and she had been scheduled for several upcoming performances.

Fans expressed anger over the lack of an Emmy nomination for Antony Starr’s performance as Homelander in The Boys, calling the character one of television’s greatest villains. Social media reactions highlighted the perceived oversight, while some noted the show’s decline in later seasons as a potential factor. Deputy TV Editor Tom Percival argued that the performance did not merit a nomination despite its popularity. The Boys received recognition only in technical categories for its final season.

Channel 4 has approached the BBC to discuss a potential streaming partnership that could see The Great British Bake Off added to BBC iPlayer, marking a possible return to the BBC after its 2016 move. BBC director general Matt Brittin told the Culture, Media and Sport Committee that such collaboration may benefit Channel 4 amid wider industry consolidation. Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra pushed back on the idea of mergers, warning they risk damaging the broadcaster’s editorial independence. Channel 4 reiterated that its existing multi‑year agreement with Love Productions keeps Bake Off on its network for now, despite recent speculation involving ITV.

ITV has launched a free 24/7 channel on ITVX dedicated to The Walking Dead franchise through a new partnership with AMC Global Media, offering continuous streaming of the original series and its spin-off Fear the Walking Dead. ITV plans to expand its free-to-view channel lineup with several popular shows. The launch coincides with Sky’s agreement to acquire ITV for £1.6 billion, aiming to strengthen its streaming presence against major competitors. ITV remains obligated to provide free-to-air content until at least 2034.

BTS marked their return to London with two sold‑out shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of an 88‑date world tour, showcasing their new album Arirang through high‑energy staging, live arrangements and extensive choreography support. The group delivered a mix of new tracks and older hits, highlighted individual member moments and reflected on their time away for military service. Fans filled the stadium with intense enthusiasm, and the performance emphasized Korean cultural elements, large‑scale production and strong audience connection.

Comedian Luisa Omielan revealed she suffered a minor brain injury, post-concussion syndrome and PTSD after crashing a Lime bike into a wall, leading to three A&E visits and the cancellation of upcoming shows. She credited her sister and strangers for supporting her recovery, noted her dog Bernie is also unwell, and said Patreon is her only income while she focuses on healing.

A TV adaptation of the Ted films has climbed Netflix’s top‑10 list after being added to the platform. Originally aired on Peacock, the series follows teen John and the foul‑mouthed teddy bear through misadventures and has earned strong critical and audience ratings, including high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. While some reviewers find the humor excessive, others praise its comedic moments, noting it surpasses the films for some viewers. Several other streaming titles are also highlighted as recommendations.

Six former Married At First Sight UK participants are reportedly preparing legal action against production company CPL Productions following allegations of welfare failures highlighted by a BBC Panorama investigation. Channel 4 has removed the show from its streaming service, halted plans for a spin-off, and brought in a Netflix editor for extensive edits to the completed upcoming season. Police have appealed for potential victims after multiple former contestants alleged sexual assaults involving individuals linked to the programme, with enquiries continuing.

Harry Styles concluded his record-breaking 12-show run at Wembley Stadium with a tribute to his former One Direction bandmates, including the late Liam Payne. Payne’s family attended the final concert, prompting emotional reactions from fans online. Styles thanked Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Payne for their impact on his career while archival X Factor footage played. The show marked a milestone for Styles, setting a new record for the most Wembley performances by a solo artist in a single run, with the tour extended due to high demand.

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats accused Damon Albarn and Gorillaz of forcing their Roskilde Festival set to end early after Albarn allegedly complained their performance was too loud. The band apologized to fans and criticized Albarn publicly, while festival organizers attributed the interruption to strong winds and technical issues affecting sound production. Metro reached out to Albarn for comment.

Saturday Night Live drew criticism after sharing its 2023 sketch Washington’s Dream for July 4, as fans objected to the inclusion of comedian Nate Bargatze, who recently faced backlash for attending a White House UFC event linked to Donald Trump’s birthday. Social media users called the post tone‑deaf, citing Bargatze’s appearance at the event with Robert F Kennedy Jr and Cheryl Hines despite his claims to be apolitical. The revived sketch, which humorously depicts George Washington avoiding questions about slavery, stirred renewed controversy among the show’s typically left‑leaning audience.

James Haskell recalled initially thinking Chloe Madeley fancied her father, Richard Madeley, after spotting his photo during their early dating days before learning they were related. The former couple, who split in 2023, have spoken separately about the difficulties in the final year of their marriage and their commitment to co-parenting their daughter. Haskell later discussed the breakup on Celebs Go Dating, where his mother commented on the relationship dynamics.

A new Amazon Prime Video prequel series about a teenage Elle Woods has quickly risen to second place on the platform’s rankings despite mixed reviews and criticism that its premise contradicts the original Legally Blonde film. Viewers and online commentators questioned the necessity of the prequel and argued it undermines Elle’s transformation in the movie, though some audiences are still streaming the series in large numbers.

James Van Der Beek’s final performance in the Amazon Prime series Elle has drawn an emotional response from viewers following his death from cancer at 48. The actor appears as mayoral candidate Dean Wilson in four episodes, with colleagues describing his warmth and devotion to his family. The show includes a memorial dedication, and tributes from co-stars and Reese Witherspoon praised his kindness and talent. Viewers expressed their grief on social media as the series rose in Amazon’s rankings.

The upcoming Netflix reality series The Golden Ticket has drawn heavy criticism for using artificial intelligence to recreate Gene Wilder’s voice, a decision viewed as unsettling and unnecessary. Despite significant production investment and familiar Wonka imagery, the show is widely condemned as a soulless reimagining of Roald Dahl’s story, blending game show elements with AI-driven nostalgia. Online reactions have labeled it exploitative and dystopian, while questions persist about why a human narrator was not chosen. The series premieres on September 23 with a two-part finale on September 30.

Two Voice UK coaches Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher have quit the ITV series after one season due to scheduling commitments, prompting a search for replacements ahead of filming for series 15. Their departure follows earlier changes including LeAnn Rimes’s exit and Kelly Rowland’s addition to the panel. Host Emma Willis’s future on the show is uncertain following her new role on Strictly Come Dancing.