Huge ITV crime thriller axed after just one series despite rave reviews and 4million viewers
ITV's brilliant drama team has spent months trying to find a window in the Game of Thrones star's schedule to film a second series — but have had to admit defeat.
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Sophie Turner's hit crime series Joan has been axed after ITV failed to find a window in the star's work schedule
Credit: ITV
A spokesman told me: 'ITV and Snowed-In Productions would love to produce another series of Joan.
'However, as a consequence of cast availability, and following co-production discussions, a second series isn't possible.'
The glossy series told the true story of glamorous Joan Hannington, a jewel thief who stole more than £3million of gems in London in the 1980s and earned herself the nickname The Godmother in the city's criminal underworld.
ITV's six-part series about her life was shown in autumn last year and attracted more than four million viewers per episode.
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It ended on several cliffhangers, with Joan vowing revenge on her two-timing criminal ally Albie and promising to build herself a new business empire after spending four years in jail for armed robbery.
At the time the series was shown, director Richard Laxton said: 'There is definitely potential for the story to go on.'
Sophie, who has two daughters from her marriage to American singer Joe Jonas and is now dating aristocrat Peregrine Pearson, is tied up on several projects.
She will play video game adventurer Lara Croft in a Tomb Raider TV series as well as appearing in sci-fi movie Cloud One and horror flick The Dreadful, in which she will co-star with Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington.
Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow both made attempts to bring Joan's story to the big screen in the 2000s but failed — so at least ITV managed to get off the starting blocks.
I was UK's most notorious jewel thief dubbed 'The Godmother' - I made MILLIONS thanks to my incredible gift
Isle's Cot a lot
6
Fearne Cotton has set up her Ibiza: Unplugged experience on the island
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Fearne says she has curated 'the perfect way to unplug and spend a chilled day in Ibiza'
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Stretch your minds back to 2007, and you may recall Fearne Cotton making her first trip to Ibiza to host The X Factor's spin-off show where she shacked up with Dannii Minogue for Judges' Houses.
Four years later she met ex-husband Jesse Wood on the white isle during a girls' trip with celeb pals, including TV host Amanda Byram – and now she has a wellness retreat there.
Fearne, who has set up her Ibiza: Unplugged experience with travel booking platform GetYourGuide, said: 'I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the island's energy and people.
'I've discovered the best secret spots for sunrise hikes, chilly dips and soulful yoga sessions. I've curated the perfect way to unplug and spend a chilled day in Ibiza, guided by true experts.'
Sounds like the opposite of a stressful day shooting The X Factor.
Suranne is a sure thing
6
Suranne Jones stars as the new Prime Minister in a gripping first trailer for edge-of-your-seat thriller Hostage
Credit: Netflix
A thrilling new trailer has dropped for Suranne Jones' crime drama Hostage and it's edge-of-your-seat stuff.
The former Corrie star plays the British PM who is fighting political pressure from the French president (Julie Delpy) when her husband Alex is abducted and held hostage.
Shocking scenes show Alex (Ashley Thomas) at gunpoint as he is forced to make an appeal video.
The drama plays out against the backdrop of tense discussion over policing the English Channel.
In one scene an aide pleads with Suranne's character Abigail: 'You have to resign.'
And she barks: 'We don't give in to terrorists.'
The five-parter lands on August 21.
I hear more about the hottest TV shows and latest binge-watches each week on our free online show, Showbiz Fix.
On the latest episode we delve into Netflix saga Amy Bradley Is Missing, chat about Love Island, and remember Ozzy Osbourne.
It's at: youtube.com/thesunshowbiz
Matt pal on drug taking
6
An ITV documentary will reveal shocking new details and murder trial twist in Matthew Perry's tragic death
Credit: Getty
Shocking new information on the death of Friends star Matthew Perry will feature in an ITV documentary.
The one-off film includes the devastating details of the murder trial that followed his demise in October 2023.
Dr Salvador Plasencia has now been charged with giving the actor ketamine.
As part of the documentary, which first streamed on Peacock in the US but has since been updated, Matt's on-screen mother from Friends Morgan Fairchild speaks candidly about his drug addiction.
ITV boss Sasha Breslau said: 'The film tells the story of Matthew's untimely passing with updated developments not seen before.'
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy will air on ITV1 at 9pm on August 18.
The beat goes on for Kay
If you thought Love Island's raunchy heart-rate challenge was tense, may I remind you of Vernon Kay's gameshow 1,000 Heartbeats?
Contestants were kitted out with a heart monitor and had to stay calm while answering questions to win money.
But if their heart beat more than a thousand times during gameplay, they immediately lost and left empty handed.
Now I can reveal the unusual ITV show, which ran for two series from 2015, could be returning to screens as Hungry Bear Media wants to trademark the name ahead of a possible reboot.
The production company, which is run by Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, is behind some of telly's biggest hits including the BBC One reboot of Gladiators and Michael McIntyre's The Wheel.
If anyone can revive Vernon's show, it's Hungry Bear.
Jodie Whittaker, Nicole da Silva and Yael Stone star in drama One Night for ITV.
The six-parter follows the fallout after one of a close-knit trio of friends writes a bestselling novel about a traumatic event, one night 20 years ago.
The mystery drama lands on ITVX next month.
Freddie's secrets unveiled
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A Channel 5 documentary is set to tell the story of Freddie Mercury's secret daughter using the Queen legend's private journals
Credit: Redferns
The incredible story of Freddie Mercury's secret daughter will be told in a Channel 5 documentary.
The 90-minute special uses the Queen legend's private journals following an investigation and book by journalist Lesley-Ann Jones.
According to her work, Freddie sustained a close relationship with the woman, referred to as 'B', for 14 years before his death in 1991. Lesley-Ann said: 'I thought I knew virtually all there was to know about Freddie. I was wrong.
'Working with his only child to tell his true story in his and his daughter's own words has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.'
The documentary will air later this year.
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Scottish Sun
12 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside secret party animal lifestyle of Harry Potter billionaire JK Rowling – as fearless women's champion turns 60
Rowling has become one of Britain's most outspoken and controversial celebrities SHE is Britain's most successful living author – worth close to £1billion and the mastermind of the global Harry Potter franchise worth 20 times that amount. As JK Rowling turns 60 today, you could hardly blame friends of the reclusive writer for wondering what on Earth to get the woman who truly has everything. Advertisement 6 Harry Potter author JK Rowling turns 60 today Credit: twitter/jkrowling 6 Rowling's first Harry Potter novel was rejected by 12 major publishers Credit: Rex Features 6 Rowling with her second husband Dr Neil Murray Credit: Getty She did, after all, recently turn down a damehood (for the second time), telling friends: 'I don't want a title.' What is certain, though, is that Ms Rowling — once a penniless single mum whose first Harry Potter novel was rejected by 12 major publishers — has never been one to sit back quietly and enjoy watching her vast fortune accumulate. Today there is much to celebrate for the author, who has even out-sold Shakespeare. Indeed, much like Prof Dumbledore, ageing is something she cherishes — recently blasting her fervent political opponents when she declared: 'I hate to disappoint, but you don't turn me into a quivering heap of anguish by telling me I am, or look, old. Advertisement 'I've lost too many people too young to feel anything but celebratory about still being around in my sixtieth year and, if you're lucky, you'll feel that way one day, too.' Despite guarding her home life fiercely, sharing it with her second husband Dr Neil Murray and their three children in a turreted 17th- century manor outside her native Edinburgh, those close enough to know her simply as 'Jo' describe her as 'incredibly good company, generous and a live wire when she wants to be', who 'will celebrate 60 in style'. As one source adds: 'She's a secret party animal when she's in the mood — but she's happiest with close friends, away from the spotlight.' Rowling regularly throws lavish but highly secretive parties at her Scottish estate — most recently on New Year's Eve where her Hogmanay bash resembled a major festival, according to locals, who told of fireworks, fairground rides and live music. Advertisement Reports at the time claimed celebrity guests including U2, The Pretenders and Daniel Craig may have been among the revellers. And she has hosted lavish parties for other birthdays — often with a fancy-dress theme — including her 50th, which invited celeb pals to dress as 'your own private nightmare'. JK Rowling hails BBC host for refusing to say 'pregnant people' live on air But insiders say her favourite spot to unwind with pals and celebrate is critically lauded West London eatery The River Café, run by colourful American chef Ruth Rogers. There she has been known to host raucous female-only lunches attended by a close-knit circle of feminist activists who have become her most trusted confidantes in recent years. Advertisement Attendees have revealed that in a respectful nod to friends — many of whom are highly accomplished but leagues away in terms of wealth — she quietly picks up the bill, often including specially selected vintage champagne, without discussion. As one source explains: 'It could be awkward sitting with a billionaire, worrying about keeping up, but Jo really looks after her friends. 'Nobody ever feels inferior. "She takes care of things, picks great wine or champagne — that's her favourite — and when it comes to settling the bill you find she has already sorted it out. Advertisement 'She's brilliant company, funny — outrageous sometimes — and doesn't shy away from saying, 'Let's stay for another one'. 'Her birthday will be no different — she's looking forward to celebrating with the people she loves.' 'BRUTAL BACKLASH' Rowling also has a superyacht. Well, a billionaire has to have some toys at her disposal. Advertisement But while the writer is revered in some quarters and hailed as an advocate for women, she has also become one of Britain's most outspoken and, at times, controversial celebrities. Despite rarely giving interviews, her unfiltered approach to social media, particularly when discussing gender rights issues, has made her a hero to many — but a demonised pariah in other quarters, including A-list names who have publicly decried her views. It all started with a tweet in 2020, where she mocked the phrase 'people who menstruate,' and drew a clear distinction between bio- logical women and transgender people who identify as female. The backlash was instant — and brutal. Advertisement Accusations of transphobia flew. Activists called for boycotts of her books, and the celeb world she had made her own began to take sides. But far from apologise, she published a long and deeply personal essay defending her stance, revealing her own experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse, and insisting she had the right — and duty — to speak up for women. What followed was a full-scale culture war — one in which Rowling, far from backing down, planted her flag and dug in. Advertisement She was labelled a TERF, vilified online, dropped from events and shouted down by campaigners. 6 Rowling with Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe Credit: Getty 6 Rowling promoting Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore in 2022 Credit: Getty Most famously, her unflinching views have placed her at odds with the young stars of the Potter films who she helped propel to global superstardom — including Daniel Radcliffe, who released a statement in response to her views — though he later admitted he was 'really sad' about their disagreement. Advertisement Daniel's fellow Potter star Emma Watson followed — prompting Rowling to admit she would not forgive the pair, who she said had 'used their platform to cheer on the transitioning of minors'. And singer Ed Sheeran raced to shoot down reports he had attended one of the writer's parties, calling the claims 'divisive and damaging' in a bid to distance himself from her views. But she remains steadfast in her activism, demanding that 'safe spaces' for biological women should be closed off to transgender women, and insisting 'no child is born in the 'wrong body',' prompting clashes with campaigners which have even sparked calls for her to be arrested. There is no denying, though, that the backlash appears to have reduced the frequency of her public appearances amid fears she could become the target of more abuse and even violence. Advertisement As one insider explains: 'Jo is hugely proud of her stance and never backs down — but she doesn't want to put herself in danger either. 'She is careful about where she goes, what events she attends, and how she travels to and from them. 'She knows the possibility of aggression is very real. You do not want to cross an angry Jo Rowling insider "She also has a team of lawyers on hand, watching everything. Advertisement "You do not want to cross an angry Jo.' But the controversies have failed to make a significant dent in her fortune, which has been further supplemented by a detective series under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, plus a Broadway and London stage show spin-off of the wizarding world on which she built her career. Theme park franchises, video games and other merchandise helped make her the first author to reach billionaire status, though she has given away substantial sums — notably many millions to multiple sclerosis causes in memory of her late mother, alongside Women's Aid and children's welfare charities. But most significant is a big-budget reboot of the Harry Potter franchise, which began filming this month with a new cast of young actors, reimagining the books for a television series produced and financed by US TV giant HBO. Advertisement Scheduled for release in early 2027, it promises to bring the story of Hogwarts to a new generation of fans and will inevitably bring a vast new cash injection to her coffers. Indeed, she couldn't resist a jibe after news of the reported £100million deal sent her critics into a fit of fury — trolling her detractors with a post on X/Twitter, reminding them that the cheques 'still have my name on'. 6 One of Rowling's tweets last year hitting out at Scottish 'trans hate' law coming into effect Credit: Twitter/JK Rowling While she is undeniably divisive, JK's literary achievement remains a global juggernaut — and one which even Daniel Radcliffe admits has proven a force for good to millions of children. Advertisement She changed the world of publishing, and reignited a love of reading for a generation of kids more usually drawn to video games, and turned a boarding school fantasy into a multi-billion-pound universe that defined a generation. Her stories taught children about courage, loss, loyalty and the power of words. She also made being a bookworm something to be proud of, with millions of young fans proudly dressing up as her characters annually for World Book Day. Perhaps that's the perfect birthday gift for the woman who has everything — whatever her detractors may say. Advertisement Friend to many and A hero to millions By Julie Bindel, activist and friend of JK Rowling FIRST, she brings magic to millions upon millions of children, then she sets up charities to alleviate child poverty and suffering in countries most people in the West do not concern themselves with. Then she sees that women – and some men – are being pilloried, maligned, sacked from their jobs and expelled from college courses for saying that men (including predatory, convicted child rapists) should not be allowed in female-only spaces and facilities. Next, she becomes involved in opposing the men's rights movement known as gender ideology. Never, ever bigoted against transgender people or anyone wishing to live differently from the norm, her eye is only on keeping women and children safe from rape, domestic violence, stalking and harassment. When trans activists and their allies wilfully misconstrue her words, Jo writes an essay, made public on her website, in which she reveals herself to be a survivor of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and explains that this is why she understands the need to condemn these acts and keep women and girls safe. Jo is the best friend imaginable, and her unwavering support and concern for the suffering of others will never be made public. The 'be kind' brigade are shouting into the abyss about one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. When women have been forced to defend legal cases of terrible discrimination against them simply for knowing the difference between a man claiming to be a woman and an actual woman, my friend JK set up a fund to finance them. Unlike the vast majority of heterosexuals, she has gone out of her way to support lesbians. So happy birthday, Jo! Women like you – who make the world a better, safer place for women and girls, and for gays and lesbians – come along once in a lifetime. Thank goodness you did. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street's Debbie dealt with family betrayal amid dementia battle
Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) took drastic action after she discovered her own brother Kevin (Michael Le Vell) had betrayed her during the latest episode of the ITV soap Coronation Street's Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) was left on the verge of tears as she was discovered a family member's betrayal during Wednesday's episode. As viewers of the ITV soap will know, earlier in the week, Abi Webster ( Sally Carman) slept with her brother-in-law Carl (Jonathan Howard) after weeks of holding back her feelings. It all came about after she had discovered that her husband Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) had been lying to her about his cancer, having been given the all-clear months ago. She tried to pack her bags after her encounter with Carl, but was persuaded to stay by her stepson Jack (Kyran Bowes) and when the teenager spotted his Aunty Debbie on the Street, she coaxed the situation out of him. The hotel owner, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia earlier this year, stormed round to number 13 to ask what she thought she was doing when her husband is so sick. She told Abi: "If anybody treated me the way you're treating my brother, it's disgusting! Shame on you. In sickness and in health, to death us do part. Does that ring any bells?" In the heat of the moment, Abi revealed the truth as she told a shocked Debbie: "Your precious, do-no-wrong brother has been lying to us all for weeks." Furious, Debbie marched over to the garage where Kevin was at work and yelled: "You're cancer- free!" Through tears, she added: "Of all the despicable things to do, to lie about something like that, when you know what I'm going through. What I've got. Shut your gob!" Kevin tried to wriggle out of the situation, but Debbie was having none of it, as she coldly told him: "I'm sure you can justify giving me sleepless night after sleepless night. I don't want to know, because, that's the most liberating thing about having a terminal illness. You get to choose what you care about." At that point, Debbie turned to her younger brother Carl, and quickly sussed out that he was also in on the lie. Before leaving the scene, the hotel manager looked Kevin in the eye and told him: "I hope you hold onto your wife, because you've just lost your sister." Later on, Abi apologised to Kevin for telling Debbie the truth, but he took full responsibility for the situation. He added: "Can't blame our Debbie for disowning me, I bet you wish you'd left me now," although Abi did not give him a response. Despite the major revelation, Debbie and Kevin are still unaware of Abi's infidelity. Earlier this week, Carl declared that their initial encounter was 'worth the wait' and they kissed Abi claimed that things with Kevin were over. But later, in the Rovers, Carl did not seem so keen on the idea of Abi calling off her entire marriage as she weighed up what they had begun. As viewers will know, last week, Carl organised the theft of an expensive car and is aware that his brother could have him arrested at any moment. "Don't I deserve to be happy?" she asked him and he told her to go home to be with Kevin. In the days before Kevin's brother arrived on the cobbles, the mechanic was famously married to Sally Metcalfe ( Sally Dynevor) and they had daughters Rosie ( Helen Flanagan) and Sophie ( Brooke Vincent) together. They initially split up when Kevin had an an affair with Natalie Barnes ( Denise Welch) but they remarried in 2002. Their marriage survived numerous infidelities on both sides, but ultimately crumbled when Kevin fathered Jack with Molly Dobbs (Vicky Binns) before she died in the 2010 tram crash as part of the programme's 50th anniversary. Carl is the son of Kevin's dad Bill Webster (Peter Armitage) and his second wife Elaine (Judy Gridley) and spent most of his life in Germany with his parents until he arrived on the Manchester backstreet earlier this year. In real life, Jonathan spent 10 years in LA and working alongside big-name stars including Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins, but the 38-year-old actor ranks landing a part in Corrie among his greatest achievements. He told The Mirror: "Being in Coronation Street is just as big a thrill as being in a Hollywood film or an American TV series. It's all the same, everyone's telling stories, whether it's a big $200m movie or a soap like Corrie. As a Lancashire lad born and raised, the dream was to be in Coronation Street – that was the ceiling, so it feels wonderfully surreal to now be acting with people like Kevin Webster that I watched religiously as a kid. "My friends ask me, 'what you have been up to today?' and I reply 'I took Tracy Barlow for a drink in the Rovers Return!' It's just incredible to say these things."
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge ITV star revealed to have secret love child after brief romance with model & now he has ANOTHER baby on the way
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan has a secret love child — and has another baby on the way. The popular comedian had a son named Rudy with model Selina Christoforou, 35, in January 2024. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Mo Gilligan has a secret love child and has another baby on the way Credit: ITV 7 The comedian had a son with model Selina Christoforou in January 2024 Credit: Instagram 7 Taia Tulher is heavily pregnant with her and Mo's first child Credit: Instagram It followed their brief friendship but the telly star never announced he had become a father. Mo, 37, has since moved on with another model, Taia Tulher, 28, who is heavily pregnant with their first child. They have been quietly dating for almost two years and the couple live together in London. A source said: 'Mo met Selina after messaging her on social media and they hung out casually for a few months. 'She found out she was pregnant in May 2023 and it was quite a shock for them both because they'd been fairly careful. 'But she wanted to have the baby, despite the fact they weren't actually a couple. "She adores their son and Mo sees him semi-regularly. Now he's about to become a dad for a second time and he's over the moon. "He has been with Taia for quite a long time now and he feels ready to settle down.' The comedian, who recently completed a stand-up tour, broke up with his girlfriend of four years, actress Sophie Wise, at the end of 2022. It was then revealed he was looking for love on celebrity dating app Raya. Watch as Mo GIlligan gives health update on Masked Singer co-star Davina McCall Mo hosted The Lateish Show With Mo Gilligan on Channel 4 from 2019 to 2023 and was a co-host on The Big Narstie Show. In 2020, he joined the panel of The Masked Singer, which he now stars on alongside Davina McCall, Maya Jama and Jonathan Ross. He is also a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox. In April, he spoke about his upbringing in Camberwell, South London, saying: 'We didn't have a lot but we didn't know we didn't have a lot. 'If we just had corned beef and rice, that was cool. If mum did a big shop, it'd be like, 'Wow, we've got yogurts. "There's boxed apple juice in the fridge and we've got crisps.' 'Those are the things you looked forward to as a kid. We didn't go on a single lavish holiday — maybe we'd go to Cardiff to see family.' Mo's team declined to comment. 7 Mo met Selina after 'messaging her on social media' Credit: Instagram 7 Selina 'found out she was pregnant in May 2023' Credit: Ruckas 7 Selina 'wanted to have the baby, despite the fact they weren't actually a couple' Credit: Ruckas
