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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Metro
6 minutes ago
- Metro
Bend It Like Beckham director confirms sequel and teases original cast's return
An exciting movie sequel is afoot, it has been confirmed. Released in 2002, Bend It Like Beckham starred Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra and is credited with inspiring a generation of girls to take up football. Its plot follows Jesminder Bhamra (Nagra), who dreams of a career in professional footie. However, her Sikh parents want her to study for a law degree and get married. She meets Jules Paxton (Knightley), a white female striker who invites Jess to join the local women's team. The sports comedy-drama—named after Sir David's iconic curling free kick technique—has certainly stood the test of time and retained its fanbase in the years since, having even been adapted into a stage musical in 2015. And now, its director, Gurinder Chadha, has announced that a second instalment is in the works. The timing of the announcement couldn't be more fitting, since the Lionesses are due to take on Spain in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday. Chadha also hopes to schedule the sequel's release for 2027, not only to coincide with the original movie's 20th anniversary but with the Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil too. And while nothing is set in stone and meetings are yet to be had, the filmmaker is hopeful that the original cast will reprise their roles. 'We've been part of changing the game for women, so it felt like this was a good time for me to go back and investigate the characters,' she told BBC. The London-based director added to Deadline: 'I'm excited to revisit the original characters and revive the enduring story and build on the legacy we helped to create for the women's game.' She confirmed that Nagra, Knightley, Archie Punjabi, Juliet Stevenson, and other cast members 'are aware that a sequel is being developed, but they obviously want to see a script before they commit'. 'I'm pretty certain that everyone's going to want to come back,' she said with optimism. 'Everything hinges on the script, and if the original cast likes it. 'I am working really hard to make sure every character I bring back has a decent arc and scenes.' As for why it's taken over two decades for the ball to start rolling for a sequel (pun fully intended), Chadha 'didn't want' to touch the idea because she 'didn't have a story'. Teasing what fans can expect from the currently nameless sequel, she continued: 'And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I'm inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago.' She's keen to get the cast back 'very, very soon', declaring proudly: 'Women's football is more competitive, more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honour for me to be a small part of it.' A Bend It Like Beckham sequel would undoubtedly be huge for cinema, what with the original grossing $76.7million (£57m) against its $5.6m (£4.2m) budget. The film has also become adored by many communities of cinema fans over time, thanks to its exploration of women in sport and the expectations of South Asian women in society. What's more, while not explicitly queer, its storylines deeply resonated with LGBTQ+ viewers, leading to the film being adopted as a lesbian cult classic. Its upcoming sequel even has the backing of Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who will attend the Euros final with Chadha this weekend. 'Bend It Like Beckham captured something so special about Britain, our spirit, our diversity, and our ability to dream big in the face of challenge,' she said. 'Gurinder Chadha gave us a story that resonated far beyond the screen and became part of our cultural DNA.' Nandy added: 'The announcement of a follow-up is a brilliant moment for British film. It builds on a legacy that continues to inspire and shows the world what British storytelling can do. Productions like this help tell our national story, remind us who we are, and who we can be.' Chadha is hoping her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, will also be back on board to help pen the screenplay, as he did the first, to reignite the magic. More Trending 'I'm hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time.' One thing's for sure, and it's that, in the era of Freakier Friday and Happy Gilmore 2, the news is being eaten up by nostalgia hungry social media users, with plenty branding the announcement exactly 'what we need'. 'one of the greatest movies ever. bring back the original cast', wrote @rasalistair on X. 'MY CHILDHOOD! LETS GO!', added @AnthonyDaytv. 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: 00s pop star reveals pain of fame forcing him 'back into the closet' MORE: Netflix viewers rush to watch 'absorbing' reboot of beloved Scottish crime drama MORE: 00s pop icon reveals how crystal meth addiction 'almost killed' him
Scottish Sun
6 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Gladiators Butlin's future decided following licensing rights row
In March, photos of the Gladiators were taken off the Butlin's website Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GLADIATORS will not return to holiday camp Butlin's next year following a licensing rights row. Stars from the hit BBC game show were forced to compete in black tracksuits rather than their usual on-screen costumes when they headlined in March. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Gladiators will not return to holiday camp Butlin's next year following a licensing rights row Credit: BBC 3 Gladiators from left: Comet, Fury, Apollo, Dynamite, Legend, Diamond, Athena, Giant, Apollo, Sabre, Phantom, Viper, Nitro, Bionic, Electro, Fire Credit: BBC Stages for the Meet the Stars of Gladiators experience were also free of the usual logos and branding at the resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. A source said: 'Gladiators won't be coming back for 2026 and will be replaced by another headliner. 'The licensing row was a headache — and bosses have decided that it is best to make room for a new act next summer. 'Fans were excited to see the Gladiators but many were left disappointed to find out they were in black tracksuits for some of the performances.' Hungry Bear Media, owned by telly host Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, makes Gladiators for the BBC, and is said to have agreed the deal with Butlin's. However it only holds TV rights in the UK while US entertainment giant MGM owns the original format and branding worldwide. In March, photos of the Gladiators were taken off the Butlin's website. But the stars, who are due to appear at the resorts over the summer holidays and in October, have since reappeared in full costume, including Dynamite. A Butlin's spokesman said: 'Meet the Stars of Gladiators are performing as scheduled, and we have not dropped them. 'Our contract was a one-year deal and we're looking forward to having them at all three resorts this summer and for October half-term. "We've got an exciting line-up of new headliners for 2026.' This holiday park is like Center Parcs, Haven and Butlin's in one
Daily Mirror
7 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood makes key change as he fears being 'cancelled'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed his big fear of being cancelled after looking back at footage of himself talking to contestants on the hit BBC series Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood is known for his blunt responses to contestants as they try to back the coveted Glitter Ball. But it appears his fear of being cancelled is making him change his ways. The once spiky judge, 60, has admitted he has had to "mellow" his straight talking ways as the years go by. He revealed his worry of being cancelled led to his decision. His latest comments come months after he took aim at the BBC contest's other judges, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse and claiming he was the reason for the show's success. But now, Craig has claimed he is trying to make sure he always adds a positive onto any comment he makes towards celebrity contestants. Speaking to Mail Online, Craig confessed: "Back 21 years ago I could be more direct but now what I do is be honest and upfront with the contestants about their routine like I am with anything, I am honest, and with Strictly I am honest but then I will try tag a positive onto the end of it." "I generally do one point now where it's a negative and a point that's positive just to help them build and grow and give them more confidence. "As long as I am honest and not being harsh for effect and telling the truth about the dance then no one can really go against that." He added that he feels he would only be at risk of being cancelled if he was being untoward. He said any comments he makes aren't for personal gain and never will be. And he admitted last year that he had decided to tone down his comments. It comes after he looked back and thought "ooh, that's cutting" when he revisited past comments. The comments come as former professional dancer on the show, Orla Jordan, jibed the judge for having "lost his sparkle". However, Craig claims that isn't the case. Footage has shown how he was t the centre of an awkward row after criticising a Dancing with the Stars contestant live on air in the Aussie version of Strictly. He was met with backlash after labelling Osher Gunsberg's Tango a "right royal mess" in a recent episode. After hearing the comments, the former Bachelorette Australia host fired back: "Would you like to try going down that perspex ramp in those heels, sir? You are more than welcome to show me how to do it." And in Craig fashion, he responded: "That is not my job." Craig then continued to criticise, as he labelled the dance 'completely erratic' and accused the TV star of 'making mistakes' everywhere. Osher, who was partnered with professional dancer Sriani Argaet, wasn't impressed and replied: "But I need you to be doing it in a tango step while the person next to you is on one foot, kicking, and you're holding their momentum against you. After you." Craig quickly dismissed the suggestion as something they could do 'some other time'. And following the confrontation, the video went viral on social media. Fans were quick to call out the on-air 'melt down' as they took to social media.
