London Marathon 2025: the stories that inspired runners to take part
From two unlikely friends who made a pact to run together while one was incarcerated in an Iranian jail, to a woman who lost her three closest relatives to cancer in just six years, Times readers reveal what inspired them to take on tomorrow's London Marathon.
Simon Shercliff, 52, Suffolk
Anoosheh Ashoori, now 71, was abducted by Iran's secret police in 2017 while visiting his mother, and held in the country's notorious Evin prison for more than six years. During his incarceration he made a pact with the British ambassador to Tehran, who helped negotiate his release — to run the marathon together should he be freed.
I first met him in Tehran in November 2021, during a brief reprieve that he had been given
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Tatler Asia
14-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender deliver a masterclass in espionage and intimacy in ‘Black Bag'
Dive into this meticulous spy thriller, where a British intelligence officer must confront the possibility that his wife may be behind a devastating security breach—featuring impeccable performances from Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender and more With work at the centre of one's life, it can be difficult to prioritise other relationships. But the stakes are higher when your job is to be an international spy working alongside your partner in the same field. 'When you can lie about everything, how do you tell the truth about anything?' This question forms the beating heart of Black Bag , a sophisticated spy thriller that defies genre expectations. Rather than flashy action sequences and explosive set pieces, director Steven Soderbergh delivers a methodical, detail-oriented espionage tale that demands your full attention. Every glance, every casual comment and every seemingly innocuous object potentially carries a double meaning in this world of professional deception. In case you missed it: Looking for your next summer read? Add these 7 Pulitzer Prize picks to your list Above Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in the spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Michael Fassbender plays George Wodehouse, a British intelligence officer investigating a devastating security breach at the National Cyber Security Centre. The culprit has leaked Severus, a cyber worm capable of destabilising nuclear facilities and putting countless lives at risk. Four suspects emerge among his colleagues at the NCSC. But the fifth and most troubling is George's wife, Kathryn St Jean (Cate Blanchett), a formidable intelligence agent. As George follows subtle clues—a discarded movie ticket, a secret meeting abroad—he faces an unsettling possibility: the person he trusts most may be the person he's hunting. Meanwhile, his relationships with coworkers deteriorate, particularly after a remarkably tense dinner party at the couple's London townhouse that Soderbergh films from inventive angles that heighten the paranoia permeating every interaction. Above Cate Blanchett in the spy thriller 'Black Bag' Above Michael Fassbender in the spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Fassbender delivers a masterfully understated performance, his character's fastidiousness extending from his immaculate appearance to his hobbies of fishing and cooking. George is a solitary figure who allows the moral dilemma to unfold around him before reaching conclusions. Blanchett matches him perfectly, imbuing Kathryn with an air of intrigue and authority. Her performance carries an Old Hollywood flair that makes her utterly compelling even in silent moments. Photo 1 of 4 Cate Blanchett and Pierce Brosnan in spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Photo 2 of 4 The guests having dinner at George and Kathryn's home in spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Photo 3 of 4 Marisa Abela as Clarissa in spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Photo 4 of 4 A therapy session between Kathryn and Dr Zoe Vaughan in spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) The supporting cast adds necessary volatility. Tom Burke's Freddie Smalls represents unrealised potential. He is a promising agent undone by self-destructive tendencies, including alcoholism and a string of younger girlfriends. One such girlfriend is Clarissa (played by Marisa Abela, fresh from her BAFTA-nominated turn as Amy Winehouse). She is the youngest suspect, whose earnest belief in the value of their work clashes with the cynicism of her colleagues. Dr Zoe Vaughan (played by Naomie Harris) is the NCSC's staff psychiatrist, tasked with keeping operatives stable while bearing the weight of their secrets. Her illicit relationship with Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page's character—a charismatic but condescending agent who views himself as the hero—adds another layer of complexity. Pierce Brosnan brings gravitas as Arthur Stieglitz, the NCMC's head, balancing questionable morality with impeccable tailoring. More from Tatler: Netflix's 'The Devil's Plan' returns: get to know the cast and players of season 2 Above Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in the spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Above Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender in the spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) Black Bag is exceptional for blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life. For George and Kathryn, their loyalty to each other transcends institutional allegiance. The gravity of their relationship isn't conveyed through grand gestures but through quiet moments of domesticity—getting dressed together, cooking breakfast, lying in bed. Both actors excel at doing more with less, communicating volumes through subtle body language and tonal shifts. Even the production design enhances the narrative. The couple's sophisticated London townhouse features an open floor plan that makes concealment nearly impossible. More than a setting, the home becomes a physical manifestation of the transparency they struggle to maintain with each other. Above The guests having dinner at George and Kathryn's home in spy thriller 'Black Bag' (Photo: IMDB) The film's most captivating sequences occur around the couple's dining table, where suspicion and camaraderie intermingle, and where Soderbergh's camera work brilliantly intensifies the discord among the suspects. Each character harbours different motivations and connections to Severus, creating a puzzle box that requires meticulous attention and empathic insight to unravel. Black Bag is that rare spy thriller that prioritises human psychology over spectacle. It invites viewers to explore the complexity of relationships forged in secrecy and deception, culminating in a fascinating conclusion that rewards the patient observer. This film reminds us that the most dangerous secrets are often those we keep from those closest to us. Even in a world of professional liars, the truth inevitably finds its way to the surface. NOW READ In 'Nosferatu', true horror lies within the human Jericho Rosales and Janine Gutierrez are stealing the spotlight as the most talked-about 'It' couple in town How Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' raises the bar for the horror genre
Irish Daily Star
28-04-2025
- Irish Daily Star
Kneecap face investigation by counter terrorism unit after controversial statements
The Northern Irish rap group Kneecap have found themselves in hot water with the police after one of the band members made a contentious remark at a concert back in 2023. Footage has resurfaced from a London show which shows one of the members declaring to their fans , "only a good Tory is a dead Tory." The individual supposedly continued with the incendiary comment: "Kill your local MP." Scotland Yard has verified that they are examining the clip, as well as an additional video from last year where one band member seems to rally the crowd with "up Hamas, up Hezbollah." According to The Telegraph, the police are scrutinizing the videos , aiming to ascertain if any terror-related laws have been broken. Read More Related Articles Jenna Bush Hager left in tears over emotional dedication involving career move Read More Related Articles Donald Trump and Melania slammed as they're caught chatting and smiling at Pope Francis' funeral In the contentious video, one of the trio appeared to proclaim: "We're still under British occupation in Ireland. We still have old men in London making decisions that affect my life in Ireland." The rappers are facing scrutiny over recent comments at Coachella (Image: AFP via Getty Images) The rapper then elaborated: "And even worse, they're f*****g Tories. The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." A Metropolitan Police rep told the Mirror: "We were made aware of a video on 22 April, believed to be from an event in November 2024, and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required. We have also been made aware of another video believed to be from an event in November 2023." A representative from No. 10 spoke to the Mirror, stating: "We unequivocally condemn threatening remarks made towards any individual. Political intimidation and abuse must have no place in our society. We recognise the chilling effect that harassment and intimidation of elected representatives can have on our democracy." They continued: "All reports of intimidation, harassment, and threats are taken extremely seriously. We work with the police and Parliament to do everything in our power to crack down on threats to elected officials." This reaction comes as the group, comprising Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí, announced plans for legal measures against "false accusations of antisemitism" following their controversial Coachella performance, reports the Mirror . Members of KneeCap include Moglai Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provai (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage) The rap trio, who are known for political commentary, faced criticism after concluding their performance with messages on-screen which were interpreted as accusing Israel of committing genocide and war crimes in Gaza. One such message purportedly read: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people." Another reportedly followed, saying: "It is being enabled by the US government, who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes." The final inflammatory assertion was said to be: "F*** Israel. Free Palestine." TV personality Sharon Osbourne was among the forefront figures who accused the ensemble of "openly supporting terrorist organizations." She later allegedly suggested that their US visas should be cancelled. In response to the allegations, they defended themselves on social media, stating: "The recent attacks against us, largely emanating from the US, are based on deliberate distortions and falsehoods." They continued: "For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments' complicity in war crimes. We are taking action against several of these malicious efforts." For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Times
28-04-2025
- Times
Iranian sex toy smuggler can stay in UK over persecution fears
An Iranian refugee who argued that he should not be deported from Britain because he was a 'sex toy smuggler' has been allowed to stay in the country. The asylum seeker, who has been granted anonymity, claimed that the Iranian authorities viewed him 'adversely' because of his illicit cross-border trade in boxes of vibrators and other adult devices. Sex toys are illegal under Iran's strict adherence to Islamic law. His argument was initially rejected by an immigration and asylum judge, who found that the man's evidence was implausible and 'inconsistent about the number of boxes he smuggled'. However, a higher-tier court has allowed him to remain in the UK on the grounds that he had been part of anti-Iran demonstrations and posted negative comments about
