‘Love Island' fans will devour this fictional take on fame-hungry contestants losing their humanity
We love watching people ruin their lives on television, while wanting to buy what the contestants are wearing and own the same make-up products.
These are two of the themes tackled in Leitrim author Aisling Rawle's sharp debut novel, a riff on reality television show Love Island which is currently gracing our screens. Then again, after reading her carefully constructed story in, we know that everything is calculated and very few things accidental.
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The Irish Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island host takes brutal swipe at Harry and says he ‘held Shakira back' from winning show
A LOVE Island host has taken a swipe at Harry and says he 'held Shakira back' from winning the show. Last night viewers watched as Toni Laites and Cach Mercer won the latest series of the ITV2 reality show. Advertisement 5 Love Island host Sam has taken a swipe at Harry and says he 'held Shakira back' from winning the show Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 The couple came in second place with some fans speculating that Harry 'held Shakira back' Credit: Shutterstock Editorial After weeks of drama in the villa, the series came to a close yesterday with a battle between Toni & Cach, Shakira Khan & Harry Cooksley, Angel Swift & Ty Isherwood and Yasmin Pettet & Jamie Rhodes. Many fans thought Shakira had it in the bag, but after Harry's villa antics some viewers speculated that the pair wouldn't win because of him. This is a sentiment that Aftersun host Sam Thompson appeared to agree with. 'Shakira was slightly held back by Harry yeah, but do you know what he had a bit of a personality transplant at the end. Advertisement 'Now, I think he's madly in love with her and that won't change. They'll come out and he'll see how well she's doing and probably even more in love with her.' Sam, who spoke to The Sun on behalf of M&Ms Couch Confessions, added: 'I think they'll go strong for a while. 'She could've won it, but I think Toni and Cach are amazing.' The 33-year-old threw his full support behind winners Toni and Cach, adding: 'I loved his tears. I know it sounds weird but I love that he showed that emotion. Advertisement 'He also would never look at her when talking to her, which I found so interesting. I think he's really shy, but I think that's really endearing and you can tell he's just a nice guy. Sam Thompson 'shoots his shot' and hit on Olivia Attwood's MARRIED sister says Pete Wicks - after his date with influencer is revealed 'It's good to see nice guys do well who don't start as the OG's. He doesn't have to be the life of the party, and he wasn't the most entertaining person in the world, but he was just a lovely guy.' Sam, who listed Love Island as his favourite TV show ever, also spoke about the divide between the girls in the villa. Millions of viewers watched the likes of Toni Laites and Shakira Khan clash with Helena and Meg Moore. Advertisement Things got especially heated when Harry Cooksley's head was turned back to Shakira after he made his partnership with Helena 'exclusive'. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Sam told us: 'You're going to get all of that happening. 'I went into the house a few days ago and it's small. You're on top of each other and you know how it is, they'll get out and all be best of pals. 'They'll have a WhatsApp group, someone will leave it first, but they're all pals.' Advertisement The Aftersun star wasn't too sure which couple will be the first to split, but was adamant that Yasmin was his favourite Islander of the series. He continued: 'Do you think it'll be Meg and Dejon? I do think they've got something to prove now. I don't think they'll break up any time soon. 'And I think we've got some really strong couples. Yas had an amazing story arc, at the start she was risque and I love now that we've seen a little bit of warmth and heart. 'She was my favourite Islander.' Advertisement On the topic of TV, Sam was chatting to The Sun about all things telly while enjoying some M&M'S, to launch Couch Confessions, a playful new pop-up experience coming to Battersea on 5th August, built around Britain's funniest (and most relatable) TV-watching habits. He opened up on his own TV watching habits, saying: 'I'm a pauser, I'm a talker, I'm a sub-titler, I'm a tea maker, I'm a fiddler.' The 33-year-old also said he was keen to buy a slanket, which boasts the unique features arm holes, foot pockets, and areas for snacks, so he could share it with his cats. Asked if his best mate Pete Wicks would be accompanying him in the slanket, Sam was quick to say: 'I'm not sharing it with anyone at the moment, it'll just be me and my cats in the slanket.' Advertisement M&Ms Couch Confessions, it's more fun together. 5 Sam thinks Harry loves Shakira and they'll stay together for a while post-show Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 The star listed his favourite Islander of the series as Yasmin Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 5 Sam and Scarlett Moffatt teamed up for M&Ms Couch Confessions Credit: Will Ireland/PinPep
Extra.ie
28 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
SAIPAN to have world premiere at major global film festival
One of 2025's most anticipated Irish films has finally gotten its world premiere date. SAIPAN, which tells the story of the infamous feud between Republic of Ireland football captain Roy Keane and national team manager Mick McCarthy during preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, will celebrate its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. The flick will be screening as part of the Centrepiece programme which recognises the best of international cinema. Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in SAIPAN. Pic: WildCard Distribution The hugely anticipated film about the infamous confrontation sees Éanna Hardwicke take on the role of Roy Keane while Mick McCarthy is played by Steve Coogan. The film joins the lineup for TIFF's landmark 50th edition, which will run from 4 – 14 September. Speaking about the world premiere, directors Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn said: 'Having premiered our last film Ordinary Love at TIFF we are thrilled to be returning with Saipan and are so honoured to be included in the stellar TIFF 50 line up. It is such a special festival to screen and watch films and TIFF audiences are the very best.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@extradotie) The official synopsis for the film reads: 'SAIPAN is the thrilling story of football player Roy Keane and his manager Mick McCarthy, and the events leading up to Ireland's incendiary 2002World Cup campaign. 'The intense rivalry between these two personalities transcended the game, gripping an entire nation and the sporting world. On the surface, the feud was all about standards, but deep down it was a hugely emotive story of two men whose rivalry and contempt came to surpass the sport they loved. This is the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.' Directed by award-winning filmmakers Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn and based on an original script by Paul Fraser (Heartlands, A Room for Romeo Brass), SAIPAN stars BAFTA nominated Éanna Hardwicke (Lakelands, The Sixth Commandment)as Roy Keane, with two-time Academy Award® nominee Steve Coogan (Philomena, The Reckoning) as Mick McCarthy. Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy in SAIPAN. Pic: WildCard Distribution Supporting cast includes Alice Lowe (Sightseers), Jamie Beamish (Derry Girls), Alex Murphy (The Young Offenders), Harriet Cains (Bridgerton)and Peter McDonald (The Batman). The film is produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures (Evil Dead Rise, Cocaine Bear, Black 47) along with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Fine Point Films (Kneecap, No Stone Unturned) with Patrick O'Neill, Rachael O'Kane, Rupert Preston and Ed Caffrey serving as Executive Producers. Last year, it was revealed that a mansion on Belfast's northside was used for filming, with the location set up as the house of McCarthy. Producers Kelleher and Keville previously said: 'A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan. 'Next year, audiences will finally get to experience first-hand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled 'the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign ever.''
The Irish Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Wow this looks amazing' cry fans as Ireland AM star jets off on ‘heavenly' sun holiday with wife
IRELAND AM star Martin King has jetted off on a "heavenly" sun holiday with his beloved wife. The Virgin Media host and his wife Jenny McCarthy flew over to Mallorca last weekend to spend some quality time together. Advertisement 4 Jenny and Martin are enjoying their holiday in Mallorca Credit: Instagram 4 Jenny and Martin shared snippets of their trip on Instagram Credit: Instagram 4 Martin and Jenny went on a boat trip today Credit: Instagram The pair are staying in Port de Sóller, which is a stunning village located on the northwest coast of the Spanish island. Jenny and Martin have been sharing snippets of their getaway so far over on Instagram. They showed off the stunning views from the balcony of the four-star hotel, Hotel Salino Port Soller, they booked and gushed: "Our little break away... it's just heaven. "Really looking forward to a few days of this pure bliss…" Advertisement Yesterday, they got all dolled up to go out for a delicious meal in Restaurant Agapanto Flor de l'Amor. Jenny looked gorgeous wearing a white and black polka-dot bardot dress and white wedges. While Martin matched in a classic white long-sleeve shirt. After some grub and a few shots of Sambuca, the pair raced back into their hotel room where a bottle of bubbly was waiting on ice for them to watch the Love Island final. Advertisement Jenny took a hilarious video of Martin straddling the seat on their boat trip. The popular presenter looked less than impressed and joked: "It's not like the ones we've been on before. We pedal it ourselves... I wouldn't be surprised." Martin King fills in for Kathryn Thomas They were full of laughs in the next clip posted as they sped off on the boat to see the caves. The Dubliners' friends and fans all loved their posts and flooded the comment section with well wishes. Advertisement Emily wrote: "Oh enjoy guys, looking forward to following along." 'BEAUTIFUL' Patsy remarked: "Looks beautiful, enjoy." Mairead said: "Wow that looks amazing Jenny... it would do your soul good. Enjoy the break... you both need a switch off to chill." Ann commented: "Looks gorgeous, enjoy!" Advertisement Before jetting off on his holibops, Martin co-hosted Ireland AM last Sunday with Elaine Crowley and Siomha Ni Ruairc. The hit breakfast show was missing from yesterday's TV schedule due to the bank holiday.
