BBC film about charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's horror Iranian prison ordeal will star Bafta-nominated actor
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Joseph Fiennes is best known for playing William Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love
Credit: AP:Associated Press
A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin is being made by the Beeb.
The four-parter is based on forthcoming book A Yard Of Sky, written by the couple, and Nazanin will be played by Narges Rashidi.
In the documentary, which will be screened alongside the drama, the couple talk in detail about what happened and how they are rebuilding their lives.
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The BBC has yet to confirm when they will be shown.
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A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is being made by the BBC
Credit: Getty
Bella stars in dark comedy
THE Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey will lead a Channel 4 drama called Maya, alongside Daisy Haggard.
It follows a mum and daughter forced into a witness protection programme who relocate to a rural town in Scotland.
The 'darkly comedic' six-parter starts filming later this year.
A Grand return by Kevin
GRAND Designs: House Of The Year is back as
He will be joined by experts
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Grand Designs: House Of The Year is back, pictured Kevin McCloud
Credit: PA
The final episode of the four-part series will then unveil the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2025.
Most read in News TV
Kevin said: 'This series celebrates a sparkling range of what's possible in domestic architecture today. It's a great privilege to be able to help uncover these gems of creative imagination – and of course it's a complete joy to be back presenting House of the Year alongside Natasha and Damion.'
The series will hit our screens on Channel 4 later this year.
Iconic Grand Designs 'perfect' house which couple spent 20 years 'painstakingly' renovating hits market for £1.5million
Bear Necessities
A FIFTH series of chef comedy drama The Bear starring Jeremy Allen White has been confirmed, hot on the heels of the fourth landing on Disney+ this week.
John Landgraf, the boss of FX who make the show created by Christopher Storer, described it as a 'magnificent story'.
Phyllis clues up with Kev
She stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling on Channel 5 opposite hubby of 14 years
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Phyllis Logan stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling
Credit: Channel 5
The role is opposite
They had already appeared together as man and wife in BBC One historical drama Miss Austen last year, then got to do it all over again months later.
Phyllis, who will be in the third and final Downton Abbey movie playing housekeeper Mrs Carson this September, said: 'I had no idea that he was being offered the part and was surprised and delighted, since I'd been away from home for ages.
'It was lovely to have him visit and to bookend the year by working together again.'
The latest episode of Murder Most Puzzling is on today at 8pm.
Rider's murder riddle
SKY will delve into the shocking death of
When the promising young rider died unexpectedly aged 21 in 2020, it was believed she had taken her own life.
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Sky will delve into the shocking death of showjumper Katie Simpson
Then a local journalist in Northern Ireland realised there were similarities between her death and another cold case murder, which led to Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Katie's sister, standing trial.
He denied charges of rape and murder but was found dead at home shortly after the trial began in 2024.
The three-parter, Death of A Showjumper, which lands on Sky and NOW on July 16, will tell the story through personal accounts from friends and family, and insight from the investigation team.
Sacha a hairy scary
The Ali G and Borat comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale, complete with long hair and beard.
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Sacha Baron Cohen is looking seriously scary in his latest role
Credit: TNI Press
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Sacha has finally been unveiled as evil adversary Mephisto in Disney+ Marvel miniseries Ironheart
Credit: TNI Press
The show is based around teenage genius Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who has created her own version of the Iron Man suit made famous by Robert Downey Jr in the movies.
Mephisto appears to tempt Riri to change her troubled past – and make her suit even more powerful with his magic.
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The comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale
Credit: TNI Press
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Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Taskmaster final, Steel Magnolias and The Old Guard 2
Supercruising: Life at Sea Channel 4, 8pm New eight-part travelogue following luxury cruise ships MS Rotterdam and MS Nieuw as they journey around the world. Along the way we'll meet their crew and passengers who, in the first episode, are en route to North Africa, Europe, Florida and the Bahamas. The grand final takes place. While Rosie Ramsey puts a wooden box on her head, Mathew Baynton has harsh words for a puppy, a door is on the wrong end of Fatiha El-Ghorri's ire and Team JV Martzoukas go into business. But which of them will Greg Davies hand the trophy to? Fíorscéal TG4, 10.45pm American agriculture comes under the spotlight. Among the stories covered are the use of growth hormones to fatten up livestock quickly and cheaply, and water shortages in California. Steel Magnolias Film4, 6.40pm Tearjerking melodrama featuring an all-star cast that includes Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Shirley MacLaine. A group of female friends from across several generations come together to support each other during difficult times. The Old Guard 2 Netflix, streaming now Charlize Theron's Andy returns alongside her band of immortal fighters, driven by a refreshed commitment to safeguarding humanity. Fans of The Sandman will be thrilled to learn that the second and final instalment has landed. ADVERTISEMENT Tour de France: Unchained Netflix, streaming now In its final season, expect a high-stakes clash between cycling's elite and bold new challengers. Young Sheldon Netflix, streaming now Bear with me; both Disney+ and Netflix have had six seasons of Young Sheldon for years. Now, after an excruciating wait, Netflix has got its mittens on season seven. If you're rolling your eyes thinking, 'Hasn't that Big Bang offshoot been around forever?' Yes, it has, but it's far (far) superior to its predecessor. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Reunion Special Disney+, streaming now How's that for a title? Following season two's dramatic finale, host Nick Viall brings #MomTok and #DadTok back together for revelations, unseen clips, and a surprise twist. Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel Netflix, streaming now I don't know about you, but I'm not sure where I'd be without our Tuesday Trainwreck instalment. The American Apparel brand soared in the early Noughties with salacious ads and ethical wear, but behind the scenes, chaotic leadership and misconduct allegations sent the brand into a downward spiral. For more stark viewing, Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers is streaming now. Shark Whisperer Netflix, streaming now Whether you deem her a social media opportunist or a 'changemaking' conservationist, you can't quibble with the (literal) name Ocean Ramsay has made for herself. Melding striking visuals with a close character study, the film dissects the ethical and ecological dilemmas at the heart of environmental activism. Perspectives from scientists, indigenous voices, and conservationists — on all sides — reveal the complexity of Ramsay and the issues she raises. Squid Game Netflix, streaming now Brace yourselves… In the wildly anticipated third and final season of Squid Game, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, aka player 456) returns. Haunted by incremental loss, he's determined to end the deadly competition once and for all. His clash with the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) escalates into a (surprise, surprise) grave battle of strategy and morality, as new games and old enemies collide. With the expected level of twists — including a baby being added to the mix and the viral Gachapon craze (plastic vending balls to you) putting in a pivotal appearance — the stakes are high. As surviving players face progressively brutal choices, the line between justice and tainted vengeance increasingly blurs. Can humanity survive the harshest reality? As the world awaits the final answer, writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a powerful conclusion to the global phenomenon. I think we'll be the collective judges of that. The Charles Ponzi Story AppleTV+, streaming now We've all heard of Ponzi schemes, but what do you know of their namesake? He was a broke immigrant based in 1920s Boston, who rocketed to wealth and infamy in mere months by orchestrating what would become known as the infamous scheme, one of history's boldest financial frauds. For more stories inspired by true events, try Smoke starring Taron Egerton, John Leguizamo and Greg Kinnear.
RTÉ News
13 hours ago
- RTÉ News
UK police investigate Bob Vylan pre-Glastonbury concert
Punk duo Bob Vylan are being investigated by British police after allegedly calling for "death to every single IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier out there" at a concert one month before Glastonbury. The pair - Bobby Vylan and bandmate Bobbie Vylan - are already being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police over their controversial appearance at Worthy Farm when rapper Bobby Vylan led crowds in chants of "death, death to the IDF" during their livestreamed performance at the Somerset music festival last weekend. In video footage, Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, 34, appears to be at Alexandra Palace telling crowds: "Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF." Bob Vylan had supported Iggy Pop at the London venue on his tour on 28 May, a month before Glastonbury. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on Wednesday: "Officers are investigating comments allegedly made during a concert at Alexandra Palace earlier this year. "The decision to investigate follows the emergence of footage which (sic) appears to have been filmed at the venue on 28 May 2025." It is not clear when the investigation was launched. The probe comes after it was revealed Bob Vylan will no longer play the Radar festival in Manchester. The duo were due to headline the Saturday slot but no longer appear in the line-up. A statement posted on the Radar festival's Instagram account said: "Bob Vylan will not be appearing at Radar festival this weekend." It has since updated its website, changing the Saturday slot to "Headliner TBA" (to be announced). In response, the group shared the festival's statement on their Instagram story, adding the caption: "Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting. Manchester we will be back." The rap group had issued a statement on Tuesday claiming they were being "targeted for speaking up" after Avon and Somerset Police began its investigation. The BBC has also faced criticism for livestreaming the set and has since apologised, describing the chants as "antisemitic sentiments" that were "unacceptable". It later emerged BBC Director-General Tim Davie was at Glastonbury while the performance was being livestreamed. A BBC spokesperson said: "The Director-General was informed of the incident after the performance and at that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage." On Monday, the group were banned from entering the US, ahead of their tour, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau revoking the duo's visas for their "hateful tirade at Glastonbury". They have also been pulled from their upcoming performance at a German music venue. Bob Vylan are expected to perform at the Boardmasters surfing and music festival in Newquay, Cornwall, in August.
Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'It was ‘Queen, 40p; Horslips, 50p': Irish rockers release new album of BBC recordings
Hidden treasure has been found at the BBC. A trove of archive Horslips material has been gathered together in a five-disc set. The collection captures the band in their pomp in the 1970s, and later recordings culled from their reunion years (three decades after breaking up in 1980). It includes live performances, interviews, gorgeous linear notes and rare photos of its band members – Barry Devlin, Jim Lockhart, Charles O'Connor, Eamon Carr and Johnny Fean – in the kind of outlandish glam rock fashion that would hurt your eyes. A highlight from the haul is a recording of their performance with the Ulster Orchestra at Belfast's Waterfront Hall. The gig was performed on St. Patrick's Day in 2011. It's arguably Horslips 'finest hour'. It includes a memorable eight-minute rendition of I'll Be Waiting, a showcase for Fean, the band's lead guitarist, who sadly passed away in 2023. 'The Ulster Orchestra is 69 people,' says Lockhart. 'It's hugely impressive. The conductor Brian Byrne had done these amazing arrangements. We were back and forth with him for several weeks beforehand, talking through the stuff we would like to hear and the direction we'd like it to go, adding, say, a Vivaldi fiddle for that bit there, and so on. 'Brian ran with it, taking all the traditional bits like, say, the intro to Trouble (With a Capital 'T'), which is Brian Boru's March, and doing a lovely arrangement of it, which led brilliantly into the song. He picked up on all the subtleties. On the night, we had this huge, incredibly disciplined force behind us playing our melodies. It was an extraordinary feeling.' The footage includes an evocative segment they did in 1974 on The Old Grey Whistle Test television show, which was hosted by the legendary DJ 'Whispering Bob Harris'. One of their first engagements with the BBC was in October 1973 when they were invited to do a session on John Peel's radio show, shortly before their second album, The Táin, was released. Their reward was £50 and exposure to his considerable audience. 'Peel was huge,' says Devlin. 'Peel didn't love us. His producer John Walters loved us. We were slightly 'Go handy' for Peel. Peel was more into the arcane. His idea of proper trad was a piper outside Micho Russell's in the rain with only a chanter, without any of the tassels. He had an austere view of what you should do with traditional music. We didn't entirely fit that, but to be fair to him, he accepted trad is a broad church so he always gave us time.' This was the golden age of rock music in Britain. David Bowie was breaking all the rules. Queen were on the rise. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd were entrancing teenagers around the world. The Táin was a classic concept album in the vein of the era's landmark albums. It was a heady time to be in a popular rock band. As Horslips toured the UK, they bumped into bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Lindisfarne at The Blue Boar Inn, a coaching inn on the Birmingham to London motorway. 'We crossed paths with Queen quite a bit,' says Lockhart. 'There's a poster of one of our first gigs in London – Queen were on the previous week – and it was 'Queen, 40p; Horslips, 50p' at the London School of Economics.' Horslips on the cover of New Spotlight magazine 'The Blue Boar was such a dive for young punks,' adds Devlin. 'It was a place you wanted to go and see where the dinosaurs had eaten, to discover the dinosaurs ate the same egg and chips you did. We used to go to Dingwalls in Camden, north London. I remember Mick Jones being there a lot. Mick would have a bunch of mad people around him, who weren't actually that mad. They were just having a quiet drink, but they were wrapped up in black plastic sacks so that slightly took the ordinariness out of it.' Bowie towered over all the acts in the 1970s. He was consistently on the cover of influential music magazines like Melody Maker and NME. Devlin sums it up best, suggesting if you wanted to know where pop music was headed in the next five years, you just had to pick up the latest Bowie album. The access to recreational drugs on the Irish music and social scene in the 1970s wasn't comparable to its UK counterpart or to the cocaine blizzard that swept across American clubs at the time. 'There was always a little bit of dope around Ireland,' says Lockhart. 'There wasn't coke,' says Devlin. 'There used to be one guy in the drugs squad in Dublin, 'Dinny' Mullins,' says Lockhart. 'Everybody knew him. He would chat to people in pubs and stuff. He was on the ball, a smart boy. He knew what was, what, but drugs weren't at that time an endemic problem. There were five serious drug users in Dublin in the early '70s. Everybody knew them by name and pretty much where they lived. Drugs like heroin only took off in Ireland in early '80s, tragically. It was terrible. 'Heroin was seen as being the road to hell, which it is,' says Devlin. 'The idea of young fellows in an advertising agency using cocaine didn't exist. There wasn't a supply chain. Pints and shorts were what people had. Hippies smoked a bit of weed. You could easily identify them because they giggled a lot, and they were always eating packets of Cheese & Onion Taytos for the munchies.' The Horslips – At the BBC is out on July 4. See: Cracking America Horslips began their assault on North America in 1974 after releasing their album Dancehall Sweethearts. They toured the continent about five times. The Police joined them on their second tour across the Atlantic. 'We were slugabeds,' says Barry Devlin. 'We stayed up very late and behaved quite badly. You'd look out the window of your hotel and the bass player from The Police would be doing push-ups on the hotel's lawn, which would put the fear of God into you.' Jim Lockhart adds: 'And Sting would be jogging about the pool or something.' Horslips in 1974: From left to right, Jim Lockhart (behind), John Fean, Barry Devlin, frontman Charles O'Connor and Eamon Carr (behind). (Photo by Central Press/) Horslips enjoyed good backing from their record labels, Dick James Music Ltd, and later Polygram, on those tours. They registered albums on the American Hot 100 billboard, but were effectively a college band, with a loyal following that filled venues on university campuses. The biggest gig Horslips headlined there was in late '79 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, a 13,000 seater. The United States also gave them a pinch-me moment, which descended into typical Horslips farce, as Devlin explains: 'Back then, Sunset Strip in West Hollywood was lined with billboards. When our album Aliens was released in the States, Polygram bought us this huge billboard. It had an enormous Celtic warrior brandishing an axe, with the five of us underneath it in Celtic gear. 'We were so thrilled we got the limo driver to drive up and down underneath it with our heads sticking out of the sunroof, and the girls on the street going, 'Ah, out of towners.' We're going, 'That's us! That's us up there!' Not very cool. I can't imagine David Bowie doing that for his tour.' Read More Joe Bonamassa: Five talking points from the first Rory Gallagher tribute at Marquee in Cork
