Writer Tim MacGabhann on coming clean about his addiction: ‘I told my parents they might want to sit this one out'
You heard it here first; the sculpted shoulders and neck on the cover of The Black Pool is not Paul Mescal. Author Tim MacGabhann stresses this via the Zoom Machine from the home in Paris he shares with his partner and her two children.
'People are going to think this is an elaborate metafictional project where it's actually written by Connell from Normal People,' hoots MacGabhann of the uncanny likeness. 'It really looks like Paul Mescal. And if you've seen Gladiator II, you'll know he's tiny – the armour looks huge on him. The cover of the book could be the view from inside Lucius's armour. But sadly the budget wouldn't stretch to the real Paul Mescal.'
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Extra.ie
a day ago
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Netflix release first photos from House of Guinness as premiere date revealed
A new historical drama sharing a glimpse inside the famed family behind Ireland's beloved Guinness is hitting Netflix very soon. The series was announced last year, with some of the names cast in the show sure to be familiar to film and TV buffs. Today's top videos STORY CONTINUES BELOW Belfast native Anthony Boyle, who stole the hearts of many during his stint on Disney+'s Say Nothing, stars in the 19th Century drama alongside Game of Thrones alumni Jack Gleeson and Michael McElhatton. Belfast native Anthony Boyle, who stole the hearts of many during his stint on Disney+'s Say Nothing, stars in the 19th Century drama. Pic: Netflix Anthony will star as Arthur McGuinness (not the founder Arthur), while Jack and Michael will play Byrone Hedges and John Potter, respectively. Normal People star Fionn O'Shea will play the role of Benjamin Guinness, while other castings include Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness; Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket, Niamh McCormack as Ellen Cochrain, Danielle Galligan as Lady Olivia Hedges and James Norton as Sean Rafferty. The eight-part series is spearheaded by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay, while Tom Shankland and Mounia Akl are on directing duties. The eight-part series is spearheaded by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay, while Tom Shankland and Mounia Akl are on directing duties. Pic: Netflix The official synopsis explains that the series is set in 19th century Dublin and New York and is a reimagining of the period following the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness. Following the announcement that the show was coming to Netflix, Vice President of UK Content, Anne Mensah said they were 'thrilled' to be on the 'epic and wondrous journey.' She said: 'Steve Knight's scripts read like pages torn out of a classic novel, spinning the story of the four heirs to the Guinness fortune, and how their lives and loves are changed by it overnight. On Monday, Netflix revealed the new drama series would premiere on Thursday, September 25 as the streaming service released first-look snaps from the new show. Pic: Netflix 'We cannot wait to see this story come to life through Tom Shankland's inspired vision and his breathtaking cast.' On Monday, Netflix revealed the new drama series would premiere on Thursday, September 25, as the streaming service released first-look snaps from the new show.
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
Quiz: How much do you know about Normal People?
NORMAL PEOPLE IS now available on Netflix and many people are rewatching or watching for the first time. The Sally Rooney adaptation was an overnight success when it first aired during the pandemic. It also garnered some criticism from RTÉ viewers over its inclusion of sex scenes Advertisement Nevertheless, both the book and the series have proved their staying power. Let's test your knowledge of the show! What colour is Connell's car? Alamy Red Black Silver Blue Which character tells Connell: "Everyone likes you. And unlike most people you're actually a nice person." Alamy His mum, Lorraine Rob from school Marianne Peggy from college What is the name of the fictional Sligo town that Connell and Marianne grew up in? Alamy Carricklea Carrickstown Carrickodd Carricknormal Who does Connell take to the Debs? Alamy Marianne Rachel Karen No one :( What is the abandoned house behind the school known as among students? Alamy The Ghost The Ghoul The Phantom The Shadow Where do Connell and Marianne first bump into each other in college? Alamy The library A coffee shop A night club A house party What subjects does Marianne study at Trinity College? Alamy English and Italian English and Philosophy History and Psychology History and Politics Which character offers to have a threesome with Connell and Marianne? Alamy Peggy Jamie Gareth Joanna When Connell and Marianne have a big miscommunication in episode 7 that leads to their breakup, what does Marianne WRONGLY THINK Connell said? Alamy I guess you'll want to see other people I've been seeing loads of people I guess we should see other people I don't want to see you anymore Where is Marianne's holiday home that she invites Connell and her friends to? Alamy Tuscany Trieste Sorrento Palermo Answer all the questions to see your result! You scored out of ! Scholar If Normal People was a college course, you'd get Schols! Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! Normie You've got a good grasp on Normal People! Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! Ordinary Person You have some knowledge of the Normal People universe Share your result: Share Tweet You scored out of ! Odd Person Your lack of knowledge about the show is not Normal. Share your result: Share Tweet Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
10-08-2025
- Extra.ie
Rewatching Normal People on Netflix? This Irish TikToker wouldn't recommend
Irish hearts are once again in emotional tatters and it's all Marianne and Connell's fault. The cause? Normal People has landed on Netflix, luring unsuspecting viewers back into the tender, devastating world of Sally Rooney's small-town soul-crusher. The spiral began when iRadio host and content creator Dave Duke took to TikTok, looking solemn and slightly broken, after binge-watching the series for the second time. Irish hearts are once again in emotional tatters and it's all Marianne and Connell's fault. Pic: Element Pictures His confessional struck a nerve: within hours, the comments section was flooded with viewers admitting they too had emerged from their rewatch feeling hollowed out, comforted only by the knowledge that they were not suffering alone. 'Gonna rewatch Chernobyl to lift my spirits,' Dave joked in the caption, as he explained he thought Normal People might be a nice easy watch of a Sunday. Boy was he wrong. 'Don't do it to yourself, especially of a Sunday. I am a void. I am empty. I am drained,' he joked. 'I have every feeling imaginable and I am also numb,' the star added, with many sharing the sentiment in the comment section. 'I've never seen it, currently heartbroken irl so decided I'd watch it for the first time to make my life even worse, I've watched 6 episodes and I fear I cannot finish the rest,' one user remarked, yikes. 'Had to turn it off during the very last scene, couldn't put myself through it again….' another added. 'Ive just done the exact same thing today. Would aslo not recommend. Don't think I can go to work tomorrow,' a third penned. After its debut on RTÉ and BBC/Hulu in 2020, Normal People has gone on to become one of the most celebrated Irish dramas of the decade, with over 62 million streams on iPlayer alone and multiple awards back home including nine wins at the Irish Film & Television Awards. Now, boosted by Netflix's global reach, the show appears to be finding a second surge of popularity among audiences, many of whom are rediscovering Marianne and Connell's tumultuous romance.
