Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley go rogue: best podcasts of the week
Widely available, episodes weekly
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock joins the BBC's space podcast for the third season's look at the space shuttle program and its attempt to create a reusable craft. Given her excitable voiceover – plus a bombastic soundtrack that could have come straight out of 24 – it's a drama-packed tale. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly
Do Donald Trump's political decisions look wild and incoherent? They're not, according to this measured, fascinating show: they're the classic moves of someone trying to establish an autocracy. Garry Kasparov, chess champ and lifelong democracy activist who lived under Putin for many years, hosts the second series of this look at the US's slide into a pseudo dictatorship. AD
Widely available, episodes weekly
This Emilia Fox-fronted podcast looks at shocking crimes and the locations where they were committed, from Wales to New South Wales. It's grisly, by-the-numbers stuff, beginning with the (already much-publicised) story of the Todt family, residents of a Florida town once owned by Disney who died in an alleged murder-suicide in 2019. Hannah J Davies
All episodes available, Audible
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Defying segregation in the 40s and 50s, a South Carolina nightclub brought together Black and white patrons for performances by the likes of Little Richard and Ella Fitzgerald. This richly told series offers a history of Charlie's Place, where art defied racism – but which became, perhaps unsurprisingly, a target for the
Ku Klux Klan. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
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Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC to remove one of the best historical films ever made in days
The film will be removed from the BBC's iPlayer service on Friday, August 2 UK viewers have until August 2 to stream the acclaimed historical epic Gladiator on BBC's iPlayer service before it is taken down. Since its debut in 2000, Gladiator has been hailed as a cinematic milestone, earning plaudits for its accurate depiction of ancient Rome and its compelling blend of narrative depth and thrilling spectacle. The film boasts an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and remains a standout entry in both the sword-and-sandal genre and director Ridley Scott's oeuvre. Set during the zenith of the Roman Empire, Gladiator follows Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), a revered Roman general who is loyal to Emperor Marcus Aurelius. After a significant victory against Germanic tribes, Maximus yearns for home. However, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's envious son, murders his father and takes power. Betrayed and sentenced to death, Maximus manages to escape only to find his family murdered under Commodus' command, reports the Express. Sold into slavery and thrust into the harsh world of gladiatorial combat, Maximus uses his military prowess to ascend the ranks of the arena fighters. His journey morphs into one not just of survival but of retribution - resolute to avenge his family and restore dignity to Rome by confronting Commodus from within the Colosseum's heart. The film boasts an impressive cast with Russell Crowe delivering an Oscar-winning performance as Maximus, and Joaquin Phoenix's turn as Commodus marking him as a top Hollywood actor. The supporting cast includes Connie Nielsen as Lucilla, Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius, Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus, Djimon Hounsou as Juba, and Oliver Reed in his last screen role as Proximo. Under Ridley Scott's expert direction, John Mathieson's cinematography, and the powerful score by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard, the film creates a captivating atmosphere that whisks audiences back to the ancient world. Gladiator clinched five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe, and is hailed for rekindling interest in Roman history in popular culture, influencing everything from TV dramas to video games set in similar times. A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer encapsulates the sentiment: "How can you not be entertained? ! Ridley Scott's sword-and-sandal epic is the catalyst that led to a majority of modern men's obsession with the Roman Empire. The timeless, spectacular action combined with a simple yet poignant story makes this one of the prime examples of a blockbuster film at its best." With Gladiator's departure from BBC iPlayer looming at midnight on August 2, UK viewers have mere days left to enjoy this widely acclaimed cinematic masterpiece from the comfort of their homes.
Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
ITV's Lorraine overtakes major show in ratings amid savage schedule cuts
Lorraine is set to undergo major change next year as part of ITV's daytime schedule shake-up - however, the chat show has reportedly received some good ratings news ITV's Lorraine has reportedly seen its viewing figures shoot up despite the daytime show facing savage cuts in the coming months. The long-running chat show has been fronted by Christine Lampard over the last few weeks during the summer holidays. The show will face a major shake-up next year as ITV's daytime slate undergoing huge change. Lorraine will be cut down to only 30 minutes and will air for just 30 weeks of the year, while Good Morning Britain will be extended by half an hour to fill the gap despite the team being braced for redundancies. Now, Lorraine has seen a boost in viewing figures, with the show reportedly attracting a peak of 700,000 viewers yesterday. This means that it took over This Morning, which attracted 675,000 viewers with its programme hosted by Dermot O'Leary and Rochelle Humes. It comes after Lorraine Kelly signed a huge deal with ITV rival amid the cuts. A TV insider told The Daily Mail: "You can only imagine what Lorraine will think. Whilst she's on holiday Christine steps into her shoes and suddenly her show takes over This Morning." The Mirror has reached out to ITV for comment. Earlier this week, Lorraine contributor Nicola Thorp made her opinions known on Keir Starmer's response to the Lioness football win. After the prime minister decided to stay in Scotland with Donald Trump after the Lionesses' historic win, ex Coronation Street star Nicola labelled the move as "appalling". "Awful. Sorry - this is a big slap in the face to the women. What does it say to women? That our prime minister is going to go up to Scotland to meet Donald Trump, considering what Donald Trump thinks about women, rather than come and meet the Lionesses. I think it's actually appalling. It's not that difficult to fly from London to Scotland and back," she said. While during yesterday's show, singer Lulu stopped by the programme and opened up about the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, making a plea to widow Sharon just hours before the funeral. Standing next to stand-in host Christine, she said: "I wanna say, Sharon, I know you won't be watching but if anyone is watching, Melinda, can you call me? I know they're busy but I want to get hold of you guys because I really, really want to be there to support Sharon."
Daily Mirror
3 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC to axe 'lavish' fan favourite period drama in just days
The 1999 period drama An Ideal Husband is currently available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer, but fans have just a few days left to catch the film before it is removed from the platform Devotees of period dramas will be devastated to discover this overlooked 1999 gem is departing the BBC on August 2, but with mere days remaining to catch it, now is the perfect moment. An Ideal Husband presents a tale plucked directly from the brilliant mind of the iconic Oscar Wilde, brought to life from his celebrated 1895 theatrical work. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of extortion and governmental scandal amongst high society whilst exploring what it truly means to be a 'perfect husband'. The production benefits enormously from being stuffed with A-list talent, featuring Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Rupert Everett, Julianne Moore and Jeremy Northam. Their stellar turns are guided by Oliver Parker's skilled direction, the same filmmaker behind 2002's Wilde adaptation The Importance of Being Earnest. More than 25 years after hitting cinemas, An Ideal Husband continues to earn acclaim from movie enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 85% rating on review platform Rotten Tomatoes. One glowing review says: "A delightful Oscar Wilde story with an all-star cast doing great work in a beautifully evoked period setting: that is a recipe for a delightful romantic comedy." In this sharp social commentary, the story centres on political heavyweight Sir Robert Chiltern, portrayed by Jeremy Northam, alongside his debonair companion Lord Arthur Goring, brought to life by Rupert Everett, who enjoys an idyllic existence with his spouse, Gertrude, reports the Express. However, both gentlemen find their worlds thrown into turmoil when a former acquaintance resurfaces - Mrs Laura Cheveley, who schemes to extort Chiltern using damning proof of his historical misdeeds. Suddenly, everything hangs in the balance for him, including his brilliant wife, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, but it falls to the pair to tackle this pandemonium together. As gossip starts to circulate, his standing begins to crumble and everyone begins to realise the seemingly flawless gentleman might be fundamentally corrupt beneath the surface. Audiences cannot stop raving about the ensemble's portrayals as they breathe life into these intricate personalities on the big screen. One review says: "Outstanding cast in this delightful comedy of high society England in the Victorian era. Rupert Everett was outstanding playing the handsome, charming ladies man... But the prize for the best acting must go to Julianne Moore." A separate spectator penned: "A rather good adaptation of one of Wilde's best scripts delivered by a stellar cast. Jeremy Northam is fine, and one wonders why he has not done more on screen. Leisurely but smoothly directed with sumptuous art direction." One viewer praised Rupert Everett's portrayal of Goring, stating: "Delightfully British, upper-class drollness and wit. Everett effortlessly inhabits his role, almost as if he was born to play a Wilde character." Following the film's triumph, An Ideal Husband received multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations and garnered acclaim from both industry professionals and admirers of Wilde's original literature. The costume drama stands as the most triumphant version of this enduring tale and is regarded by countless critics as both "witty" and "entertaining." One film reviewer captured it perfectly, declaring: "It's lavish, clever entertainment, a welcome opportunity to laugh without shame." Audiences have mere days remaining to watch the film without charge on BBC iPlayer before it vanishes from the service on August 2.
