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Line of Duty star's 'challenging' new BBC drama gets exciting update

Line of Duty star's 'challenging' new BBC drama gets exciting update

Metro20 hours ago
Praised by critics for addressing one of the most important issues of our time, Jimmy McGovern's latest series has been hotly anticipated by viewers.
The Time writer is no stranger to taking difficult topics and unpacking them in an engaging manner to audiences.
Whether it was Sean Bean's character going into prison for drunk driving or a priest dealing with his childhood trauma in Broken, the writer has earned a loyal fanbase.
And ahead of the release of Unforgiveable airing on BBC, the excitement around his work certainly does not seem to be dying.
Now, however, fans can expect to get even more excited after an exciting update was revealed.
Starring Bobby Schofield as Joe and Line of Duty's Anna Maxwell Martin as Katherine, an ex-nun and therapist working at St Maura's, the series features an all-star cast.
The first trailer for the series shows us Joe, a man who has served his prison sentence after committing an act of abuse, having a therapy session with Katherine.
After being released, he also has to come face to face with his family once again.
A description of the series reads: 'The Mitchell family deal with the devastating aftermath of an act of sexual abuse committed by a member of their own family who, after two years, is about to leave prison.'
But, in an exciting update, we now know exactly when the series is going to air.
Following an announcement from the BBC, all three episodes will be released on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday July 24.
The first episode will then also air on the same day from 9pm.
When the cast for the series was first confirmed, McGovern told Radio Times: 'I can't believe the cast and crew that have been assembled for this production. It's a challenging film, yes, but I can't wait for it to be shown.'
This comes after Netflix added all four episodes of a 'gripping' spy thriller starring another Line of Duty star. More Trending
The drama centres around Verloc, the owner of a smutty Soho sex shop, who has a side hustle on the go as an informer for the Russian embassy, keeping tabs on a group of anarchists in the capital – whose aims are to 'attack the rich!'
The cast is a real who's who of British acting talent, with Toby Jones heading up the show as Verloc and Vicky McClure playing his wife Winnie.
To round out the top of the call sheet, Stephen Graham joins them as the police Chief Inspector Heat.
View More »
Unforgivable will air on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 24th July and BBC Two at 9pm that evening.
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If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: I'm a Celeb star lined up to replace Gregg Wallace on MasterChef
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Dave Cousins dead: Rock legend and Strawbs frontman dies ‘peacefully' aged 85 after a long illness as tributes pour in
Dave Cousins dead: Rock legend and Strawbs frontman dies ‘peacefully' aged 85 after a long illness as tributes pour in

Scottish Sun

time26 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Dave Cousins dead: Rock legend and Strawbs frontman dies ‘peacefully' aged 85 after a long illness as tributes pour in

He passed away peacefully at Pilgrims Hospice in Kent yesterday LEGEND GONE Dave Cousins dead: Rock legend and Strawbs frontman dies 'peacefully' aged 85 after a long illness as tributes pour in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH 70s rock legend, Dave Cousins, has died at the age of 85. The founder, guitarist, and singer of the English folk and progressive rock band, The Strawbs reportedly passed away yesterday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 English singer Dave Cousins when the Strawbs were in London in August 1970 Credit: Getty 2 Dave Cousins (bottom left) was in the band with singer/guitarist Dave Lambert, bassist John Ford, drummer Richard Hudson, and keyboard player Blue Weaver Credit: Getty News of his death was announced via Cousins' official Facebook page, citing his "long illness". The statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the passing of David Joseph Cousins at the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury, peacefully following a long illness, today, Sunday 13 July 2025. "We will all wish to celebrate the life of this incredible singer-songwriter, relation, colleague and / or special friend at this time." Fans have been encouraged to listen to their favourite songs by the rock legend, as well as what Cousins would refer to as a "glass of vino collapso" (wine). It added: "We ask you to join in remembering a wonderful, talented man, whose life has touched us all." Cousins was born in 1940, and founded the band originally known as the Strawberry Hill Boys in 1964. An obituary dedicated to the accomplished songwriter, band frontman and independent local radio entrepreneur read: "Born into a working-class family in West London, David had a unique, varied and distinguished career. "He was one of the most distinctive singer-songwriters to emerge from the British scene in the 1960s before becoming a pioneer of independent local radio in the 1980s and 1990s."

Legendary 70s horror film that was almost never released now streaming for free
Legendary 70s horror film that was almost never released now streaming for free

Metro

time31 minutes ago

  • Metro

Legendary 70s horror film that was almost never released now streaming for free

An iconic British horror film that very nearly didn't see the light of day is streaming for free right now on BBC iPlayer. Starring Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland, and Edward Woodward, The Wicker Man follows Sergeant Howie (Woodward) as he arrives on the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate reports of a missing child. The conservative Christian policeman is scandalised by the bizarre rituals and sexual displays from the natives, particularly those of Willow (Ekland) and Lord Summerisle (Lee) As he gets closer to finding out what happened to the child, Howie inadvertently places himself in great peril. Directed by Robin Hardy, it was once famously described by Cinefantastique as 'the Citizen Kane of horror movies' and is often lauded as one of the best genre films of all time. The Wicker Man holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the critics' consensus reading: 'This intelligent horror film is subtle in its thrills and chills, with an ending that is both shocking and truly memorable.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In their review, Decent Films wrote: 'The gothic ambiance and mood synonymous with the era's familiar tales of unholy menace is wholly absent. If there is evil here, it doesn't know it's evil.' London Evening Standard added: 'You can't help smiling at the audacity of it all and shivering a little at the feelbad ending.' The Guardian said: 'A British golden-oldie worthy to be placed alongside classics such as Ira Levin's The Stepford Wives or Rosemary's Baby.' 'The Wicker Man's genre-bending, thematic daring, and tortuous history have made it the U.K.'s definitive cult movie,' Village Voice stated. But its popularity wasn't instant. It went almost entirely under the radar when it first hit cinemas as it was released as the B picture on a double bill with Don't Look Now. It bombed at the box office initially in Britain and failed to gain traction in the US, but thanks to its critical acclaim, The Wicker Man became a cult classic and gained the respect it deserved. The Wicker Man's release is also a marvel, given the studio British Lion's financial troubles that almost buried it. They also didn't like the finished project, dismissing and refusing to promote it. In the months after it was released, Lee called critics on the phone, begging them to come to a screening, even offering to pay for their tickets. The film's budget was low, and the crew behind the production was forced to gather money wherever they could to finish it. The Wicker Man caused great turmoil in the Hardy home, with the director's son Justin telling Metro it 'f***ed up his family.' After the film's catastrophic reception, Caroline, Hardy's wife and Justin's mother, who had invested all her money in it, was saddled with the debts while Robin packed his suitcase and left for the US in 1974. 'My mother was trying to get some response from him, and eventually had to divorce him on the grounds of not having heard from him' he said. More Trending 'My sister had to change her name from Arabella to Joanna in order to be able to survive a Banbury comprehensive. It was a pretty big, pretty seismic, social change. All these years I have had people saying to me: 'God. You're so lucky. Your dad made The Wicker Man.' But that's not quite how I see it. 'It was a very sad time. Because, apart from everything else, I'm going: 'Well, where's Dad? Are we going to see him tomorrow? Are we going to see him next week?' And my mother said: 'I have no idea. I don't know where he is. I don't know how to reach him.'' He continued: 'I had to grow up with my sister with a very, very bitter and disappointed, quite heavily-drinking mother. When she died in 1984 in some ways, it was a sort of merciful ending to what had been a sort of horrible endurance.' The Wicker Man is streaming now on BBC iPlayer Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: One of Pride and Prejudice's most iconic scenes 'won't be in Netflix reboot' MORE: Gregg Wallace 'deeply sorry' after 45 allegations are upheld against ex MasterChef host MORE: Line of Duty star's 'challenging' new BBC drama gets exciting update

Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour
Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour

Leader Live

time34 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

Gregg Wallace ‘deeply sorry for any distress caused' by on-set behaviour

In November 2024, the show's production company, Banijay UK, announced that Wallace, 60, would step away from his role on MasterChef while historical allegations of misconduct were investigated. The findings of the report, led by law firm Lewis Silkin, and published on Monday, said that a total of 45 out of the 83 allegations made against Wallace, during his time on the show, were substantiated, including one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact'. In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: 'For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. 'None of the serious allegations against me were upheld. I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.' The report found that the 'majority of the allegations against Mr Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018', with only one allegation substantiated after 2018. It also concluded that the 'majority of the substantiated allegations against Mr Wallace related to inappropriate sexual language and humour', adding that 'a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated', with 'one incident of unwelcome physical contact' also substantiated. The report noted that during the course of the investigation, which was over a seven-month period, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and said that the findings should be viewed in the context of his neurodiversity. In his statement, Wallace added: 'I'm relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off. 'After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I've only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier.' 'A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I'm perceived. I'm still learning.' He praised the show's production company, Banijay, saying they had 'given me great support, and I thank them. But in the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake.' 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. 'This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last.' The former greengrocer said: 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.' During the investigation, it was also found that '10 standalone allegations were made against other people, two of which were substantiated', relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language. Banijay UK said that 'Wallace's return to MasterChef (is) untenable' following the number of sustained allegations. Patrick Holland, chief executive of Banijay UK, said that while the report 'makes for uncomfortable reading, highlighting failures in legacy reporting and HR procedures', it also provided 'valuable insight to ensure that going forward everyone working on our productions feels safe and supported, and that inappropriate behaviour is quickly and professionally dealt with'. Mr Holland added: 'In earlier years, specifically prior to 2016, where the vast majority of these issues arose, it is clear that escalation procedures were not as robust as they should have been, and awareness of policies and procedures were lacking, particularly amongst freelance staff.' The BBC also said it has 'informed' Wallace that it has 'no plans to work with him in future', adding in a statement: 'The investigation details a substantial number of allegations of inappropriate conduct spanning 19 years. 'This behaviour falls below the values of the BBC and the expectations we have for anyone who works with or for us. 'Although the full extent of these issues were not known at the relevant time, opportunities were missed to address this behaviour, both by the production companies running MasterChef and the BBC. We accept more could and should have been done sooner.' The BBC also addressed the future of a series of MasterChef filmed last year which has not yet been aired, saying they had not made a final decision on broadcasting it, adding: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants. Their statement added: 'We want to reaffirm, there is no place for the abuse of power, unacceptable behaviour or language at the BBC, or shows made for the BBC.' Downing Street said it is 'right that a thorough investigation has been conducted' into the allegations, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman adding: 'We welcome the fact that the BBC severed ties with Gregg Wallace. 'We're clear that appropriate steps must be taken to ensure abuses of power are prevented from happening in the future.' Asked whether the series of MasterChef featuring Wallace that has not yet been broadcast should be aired, the spokesman said: 'It's a decision for the BBC, but clearly the BBC must take action to ensure that the public retains its trust in the handling of these matters.' Last year, a BBC News investigation revealed a string of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and alleged inappropriate behaviour against Wallace by 13 people who worked with him across a range of shows over a 17-year period, including former Newsnight host Kirsty Wark. A statement from Wallace's lawyers at the time said that it 'is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature', as reported by BBC News. In December, Wallace claimed in an Instagram video that complaints about his behaviour came from 'a handful of middle-class women of a certain age'. After a backlash, he apologised for any 'offence' or 'upset' caused and said he would 'take some time out'. Ahead of the official publishing of the external review, Wallace claimed in an Instagram post on July 8, which appears to have been taken down, that he had been cleared of the 'most serious and sensational accusations' against him. His social media post and the report come as the TV presenter and former greengrocer faced claims from 50 or more people, as reported by BBC News last week, with the majority saying he made inappropriate sexual comments, and 11 women accused him of inappropriate sexual behaviour, such as groping and touching. Wallace was the original presenter of the BBC show Saturday Kitchen in 2002 and has also featured on Eat Well For Less?, Inside The Factory, Turn Back Time, Harvest and Supermarket Secrets. He was most known, however, for presenting MasterChef, MasterChef: The Professionals, and Celebrity MasterChef.

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