Sabrina Barr

A new trailer for Amazon Prime Video’s reboot of The Grand Tour has won over a previously uninterested viewer. The reboot features Francis Bourgeois alongside Throttle House presenters Thomas Holland and James Engelsman, whose awkward but enthusiastic chemistry and chaotic automotive stunts distinguish them from the original trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The former hosts have reportedly endorsed the new presenters and will make cameo appearances. The reboot returns on September 4, and early viewer reactions suggest it may overcome skepticism about replacing the original lineup.

Netflix has released all six episodes of a new Australian adaptation of Miles Franklin’s 1901 novel My Brilliant Career. Starring Philippa Northeast as ambitious young writer Sybylla and Christopher Chung as Harry Beecham, the period drama earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score on release, with critics praising its humor, empathy and performances. The series follows a well-regarded 1979 film starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill. Neill, who played Harry in the film, supported Chung’s casting before his death, while Chung is also set to return as Roddy Ho in Slow Horses season six.

The finale of House of the Dragon kills Ormund Hightower in a gruesome Battle of Tumbleton sequence, but the writer argues that the character deserved a longer arc. Despite viewing Ormund as cruel and manipulative, the writer praises James Norton’s performance and says the series needs strong villains such as Ormund to sustain its power struggle. The article also criticizes Rhaenyra Targaryen’s increasingly ruthless behavior and concludes that Ormund’s memorable but abrupt death will leave a gap in the final season.

The season-three finale leaves the reviewer disillusioned because neither Rhaenyra nor her rivals seem worthy of ruling Westeros. Rhaenyra’s failures as queen, Aegon’s past sexual violence, Aemond’s cruelty and the devastation of the Battle of Tumbleton reinforce the view that the war is a destructive power grab with no true winners. Although the finale delivers impressive battle spectacle and Daeron offers some moral hope, the lack of an identifiable hero makes the ending emotionally unsatisfying.

The writer recommends seven shows to binge in August, highlighting the return of Ted Lasso, Aaron Pierre’s superhero drama Lanterns, 50 Cent-produced London crime thriller Fightland, Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s supernatural period series Possession, wildlife documentary Lion, Love Is Blind UK season three and Netflix’s adaptation of My Brilliant Career. The recommendations favor emotionally engaging, visually ambitious and distinctive series, with premiere dates across Apple TV, HBO Max, Sky, NOW, National Geographic, Disney+ and Netflix.

George R.R. Martin returned to his blog after a six-month hiatus and disclosed that he has experienced sadness and depression during an exceptionally stressful year marked by both major successes and personal losses. He warned that difficult times may continue but celebrated A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms receiving nine Emmy nominations and praised its cast and showrunner Ira Parker. Martin also reiterated his strained relationship with House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal, alleging that Condal increasingly ignored his creative notes during the second season.

Mo Gilligan discusses his Netflix documentary Big Chicken: A Fast-Food Conspiracy, in which he investigates the fried-chicken industry and eats fried chicken three times a day for 28 days. He is surprised to learn that dimethylpolysiloxane, a food additive used in some burgers, is also used as a lubricant and appears in products such as shampoo and condoms. Gilligan describes the experience as physically and emotionally exposing, while saying the project also allowed him to challenge stereotypes about Black people and fried chicken.

Noel Edmonds and his wife, Liz Davies, bought two live lobsters from The Farm Shop on the Isle of Man and released them into the sea, prompting criticism from followers concerned about disease transfer, genetic mixing and the welfare of captive lobsters. PETA praised the couple’s compassion but said the lobsters might not survive and urged people not to buy marine animals for release or consumption. The shop’s Matt Harrison defended the decision, saying the locally caught European lobsters had been held briefly in a tank with sea-like conditions and were released carefully. Scientific guidance says handling and time out of water can stress lobsters, while Cefas warns that releasing non-native American lobsters can introduce disease and harm native populations.

House of the Dragon fans have reacted angrily to a season three episode depicting a disturbing sexual dream involving Alicent Hightower and her son Aemond. The scene follows earlier episodes in which Alicent is subjected to unwanted sexualized situations, reinforcing Olivia Cooke’s description of the character’s storyline as a “humiliation” for both Alicent and, by default, herself. Fans argue that the writing disrespects Cooke and her character, although some viewers say the criticism overstates the fictional nature of the show. Cooke has previously acknowledged dreading audience reactions to the storyline and declined to comment through her representatives.

Bill Nighy says he is aware of the many London sightings and social-media stories about him, attributing them to walking around the city without owning a car. He describes the encounters as ordinary and says it is gratifying that people generally report positive experiences. The interview also covers his role as the mysterious assassination-agency leader in Amazon Prime’s Ride or Die, alongside Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. Nighy praises Waddingham’s professionalism and Tessa Coates’s successful combination of comedy and action.

AJ Odudu is training for the Gladiators Celebrity Special and shared images and video of her gym work, including visibly defined abdominal muscles. She will compete alongside Chris Ramsey, Sara Pascoe and George Clarke in events including Powerball, Unleash, Duel and the Eliminator. The programme has faced cast changes caused by injuries and a withdrawal, but is scheduled to return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026, presented by Bradley and Barney Walsh.

Lystus Ebosele, who played Cyclone on the BBC's Gladiators, has denied reports that she was axed, saying she left the show voluntarily after deciding there was no way she could continue. She will not appear in the fourth series or later seasons but plans to take part in the 2026 live tour. Her departure follows reports that Bionic and Athena will miss this year's filming because of injuries, while Giant has already been replaced by strongman Tom Stoltman. Gladiators fans expressed disappointment at Ebosele's exit, and the BBC declined to comment.

Holly Willoughby's YouTube show is criticized for forced swearing, sexual innuendo and an unengaging chat-and-cook format, although the presenter is regarded as entitled to pursue her comeback. The central criticism is directed at the relentless comparison of Holly Willoughby Together with Meghan Markle's Netflix series With Love, Meghan. Such comparisons are portrayed as another example of the media needlessly pitting female celebrities against one another through sexist and misogynistic rivalry narratives, while male presenters with similar formats are rarely treated the same way. Despite mixed reviews, Willoughby's fanbase appears receptive to the series.

Bradley Walsh has confirmed that he will not return as host of BBC game show Blankety Blank because his schedule is full in October and November. Walsh, who hosted the programme’s 2020 Christmas special before its revival in 2021, said he had loved working on it and might return in a future year. The BBC has not confirmed whether the show will return this year or who might replace him. Walsh continues to host The Chase and its spin-offs while working on other programmes with his son Barney.

Ronnie Le Drew, the puppeteer and voice performer best known for operating and voicing Zippy on Rainbow, has died aged 78 after a short illness. The British Puppet Guild, which he led as president for 10 years, praised his commitment to puppetry and described his death as a major loss to the community. Colleagues and fans also paid tribute to his kindness, generosity and the joy he brought to generations. Le Drew took over operating Zippy in 1974 and began voicing the character in 1991, while also working on films including Labyrinth, Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast and A Quiet Place: Day One.

Samantha Morton’s portrayal of Circe is presented as the overlooked highlight of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. The article focuses on the disturbing sequence in which Circe transforms Odysseus’ soldiers into pigs using practical animatronic effects, arguing that Morton combines horror, authority and moral complexity. Circe’s actions force Odysseus to confront the brutality of his men during the Trojan War, making the scene both visually shocking and thematically important. The piece concludes that Morton deserves widespread acclaim and potential Oscar recognition.

Tommy Fury said on a podcast with his father, John Fury, that he tasted Molly-Mae Hague's breast milk after the birth of their daughter and believed it increased his arm size and strength. Medical and nutrition sources cited in the report say breast milk is designed for infants, and there is no established evidence that its growth hormones enhance adult muscle growth. Guidance also warns against buying human milk from unknown online sources because of potential disease and contamination risks.

Chris Brown pleaded guilty to affray over an alleged 2023 attack at the Tape private members’ club in Mayfair, London. Three other charges—including assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Abraham Diaw, possessing an offensive weapon and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm—were dropped. Brown will be sentenced on October 26 and could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. His vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, also faces an assault-related charge. Brown was previously granted bail under conditions including a £5 million security fee and passport surrender, while being allowed to continue his world tour.

BBC’s Fake or Fortune authenticated a portrait inherited by retired accountant Mary-Louise Wedderburn as the work of 18th-century Scottish artist Katherine Read. Art historian Charles Greig was persuaded by research and Courtauld technical analysis, including similarities in pigments, figure modelling and brushwork. The painting is believed to depict a woman connected to the Nawabs of Arcot in Madras and is considered the first recorded painting of an Indian woman by a European female artist, giving it major historical importance. Art dealer Philip Mould valued it at £100,000 or more. Wedderburn has no intention of selling and hopes it will ultimately be placed in a museum or gallery for public viewing.

Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston combines archaeological evidence, expert analysis and dramatised survivor stories to depict the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The review finds the series overly theatrical and occasionally cheesy, but ultimately gripping, emotionally powerful and effective at communicating the scale of the Vesuvius eruption. Hiddleston’s enthusiasm for classics and collaboration with archaeologists, geologists and psychologists help make the three-part Disney Plus series accessible, although viewers must accept that some survivor narratives are imagined.

Jo Wilson describes being mistakenly told her cervical cancer had returned after a February scan, leading to five months of tests and uncertainty before learning the abnormal lymph node was a benign neuroma. She recounts the emotional toll of believing the cancer had recurred while maintaining normal life, and underscores the lasting fear many cancer survivors experience. In sharing her experience, she urges compassion for others who may be silently struggling and highlights the importance of support networks.

A major character in House of the Dragon, Ser Luthor Largent played by Tom Cullen, is killed early in season three, prompting strong fan backlash over the short use of the actor. The episode depicts his gruesome murder alongside members of the City Watch, deviating from the book Fire & Blood, where his death occurs later. Viewers express frustration, with many wishing the unpopular Criston Cole had been killed instead. The show’s darker turn follows other recent violent plot developments as the Targaryen civil war intensifies.

A highly enthusiastic review praising Amazon Prime’s Ride or Die for its energetic blend of action and comedy, driven by the chemistry between Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer. The piece highlights sharp writing by Tessa Coates, strong supporting performances, and standout stunt work while emphasising the show’s focus on female friendship. Graphic violence, emotional stakes, and fast pacing are noted as key elements that elevate the series, making it compelling and binge‑worthy.

Jennifer Garner discusses reuniting with Timothy Olyphant in the series The Five-Star Weekend, noting the comfort of working together again despite feeling more nervous about romantic scenes as she gets older. The show explores grief and female friendship through an ensemble cast whose off‑screen chemistry developed quickly. Gemma Chan highlights her character Gigi’s hidden struggles, while Garner praises author Elin Hilderbrand’s writing and hopes the series encourages viewers to reconnect with important people in their lives.

Bill Nighy discusses his role as The Director in the Amazon Prime series Ride or Die and expresses a desire to take on more action-oriented parts at this stage of his career. Reflecting on his past work, he highlights his enjoyment of genre films while admitting he does little formal research for roles, relying instead on scripts. He speaks candidly about not believing in the concept of being 'in character' and says he would welcome being typecast if it meant more straightforward work. The series follows two women drawn into danger, with Nighy portraying their menacing agency boss with controlled precision.

Will Ferrell reflects on his new Netflix comedy series The Hawk and his portrayal of narcissistic golf legend Lonnie Hawkins, explaining his commitment-driven acting approach and interest in exploring extreme characters. He discusses drawing broadly from cultural narcissism and aging athletes rather than specific individuals, while the show’s themes include ego, career decline, and family rivalry. Casting details, release information, and Ferrell’s views on comedic dedication and audience reactions round out the profile.

Tributes followed the death of actor Sam Neill as a widely shared clip resurfaced from his appearance on the Australian series The Assembly, where an emotional response to a question about lessons from his parents moved audiences worldwide. Neill reflected on his upbringing, his parents’ hardships, and advice from his mother that shaped him, drawing millions of views and affectionate reactions. His family confirmed his passing in Sydney and requested privacy as they grieve.

Hoyt Richards recounts how he became a top male supermodel while unknowingly trapped in the Eternal Values cult led by Frederick von Mierers. Recruited as a teenager, he was manipulated into believing he was on a spiritual path while surrendering his income and isolating from family. The new HBO Max documentary Bring Me The Beauties details the group’s fixation on attractive recruits and the psychological tactics used to control members. Richards, who escaped in 1999, now works to help families affected by cults and aims to raise awareness of how easily people can be drawn into such groups.

Steve Toussaint discusses Corlys Velaryon’s intense confrontation with Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon season 3, highlighting the character’s grief, sense of injustice, and loyalty to his late wife Rhaenys. He reflects on Corlys’ strained relationship with Rhaenyra, driven by past losses and unfulfilled requests regarding his sons’ legitimacy. Toussaint also shares insights into filming the series’ final seasons and talks about his upcoming self‑written film A Blue Butterfly, inspired by stories surrounding the Rwandan genocide.

Netflix has added all four seasons of the sci-fi series Heroes to its UK catalogue, prompting renewed enthusiasm for the show’s acclaimed first season. The article highlights the series’ standout characters, its early critical success and strong fan reception, while noting the later decline in quality and the poorly received spin-off Heroes Reborn. Despite this, the original series is recommended as an essential binge for fans of superhero stories.

Roundhay Festival’s inaugural year delivered a strong, varied lineup and an energetic atmosphere in Leeds’ Roundhay Park, with standout performances from Pitbull, Lil Jon, Tinie Tempah and Jason Derulo. The venue’s natural layout, positive crowd spirit and high‑quality production contributed to an impressive debut despite minor technical issues and challenging post‑event traffic. The festival is positioned as a compelling alternative to major London events such as BST.

July brings a varied slate of anticipated TV releases, including the action-comedy Ride or Die starring Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, the feature-length Heartstopper finale on Netflix, Tom Hiddleston’s historical docu‑series on Pompeii for Disney Plus, an Elle Woods origin story on Prime Video, and Apple TV’s thriller Lucky featuring Anya Taylor‑Joy. Each series is highlighted for its standout cast, engaging premise, and strong audience anticipation.

Lena Dunham sparked mixed reactions with a crude joke during Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s high‑profile wedding at Madison Square Garden, though Swift reportedly defended her as a genius. The event drew numerous celebrities, occurred amid heavy security and large‑scale venue preparations, and featured notable absences such as Blake Lively. Comments from New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and references to Dunham’s long‑standing friendship with Swift added context to the coverage.

Viewers condemn a sexual assault attempt against Alicent Hightower in the latest House of the Dragon episode, arguing the scene adds nothing to her character and continues a pattern of unnecessary suffering. Fans direct criticism at showrunner Ryan Condal and executive producer Sara Hess, while actor Olivia Cooke has previously expressed discomfort with the character’s ongoing humiliations. The article also provides information on support resources from Rape Crisis England & Wales.

Controversy surrounds the House of the Dragon season 3 premiere after a scene depicting Aemond Targaryen kissing his mother, Alicent Hightower, prompted strong viewer backlash. Showrunner Ryan Condal and actor Ewan Mitchell defended the moment as a portrayal of Aemond’s trauma, psychological confusion, and desire for power rather than a romantic act. Fans widely criticized the scene as unnecessary and included for shock value, while cast comments acknowledged its unsettling nature. The episode also features major plot developments, including the Battle of the Gullet and the death of Jacaerys Velaryon.

Fans who vowed to abandon House of the Dragon after the truncated season two finale are urged to reconsider as season three promises the long‑anticipated Battle of the Gullet and a major return to form. Despite frustration over delayed plotlines, early reactions to the new season are highly enthusiastic, and the showrunners note that restructuring was necessary to give major events proper scale. With two seasons left, the series is positioned to restore viewers’ excitement and deliver on its epic potential.

Cast and creators of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed discuss the Apple TV comedy‑thriller’s mix of humour and suspense, its themes around online sex work, and Tatiana Maslany’s acclaimed performance. Interviews highlight the show’s nuanced handling of a scam storyline, its Hitchcock inspiration, and the cast’s approach to shifting between drama and comedy. The series is praised as an underrated standout among recent streaming thrillers, with new episodes released weekly.

Season three of House of the Dragon is presented as a powerful return to form, delivering intense battles, emotional twists, and standout performances. Early episodes feature dramatic moments such as the long-anticipated Battle of the Gullet and the introduction of new dragonriders and characters, including James Norton’s Ormund Hightower. The season is praised for its gripping storytelling, strong character dynamics, and ability to surprise even well-informed fans, restoring confidence in the series as it approaches its final chapters.