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The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street fans stunned by unannounced huge return after icon disappeared 18 months ago
ONE of Coronation Street's most iconic landmarks made a surprising return to the airwaves this week. Eagle-eyed fans were delighted when The Kabin popped up for a brief cameo during Friday's episode of the ITV soap. 4 4 During a brief scene towards the end of the episode, the iconic hop made an appearance on Corrie, its first since February 2024. The short scene showed George coming out from the back of the shop soaking wet in a white shirt as he was helping Jenny sort the plumbing. While chomping on a sweet Jenny joked that he "looked like that Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice," referring to the iconic scene in the vintage BBC series that saw Colin Firth play the character and emerge in a soaked shirt after taking an impromptu dip in the lake. Jenny then continued to flirt with George as she saw the cheeky innuendos in the plumbing terms he was describing to her. As he left the small shop, Jenny flirted with again asking to see him later, but a clueless George failed to catch on. Aside from enjoying the hilarious scene, many Corrie viewers were excited The Kabin's comeback. "Omg Kabin set in use guys first time seen this year !!!!,???" wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter. "It's been a lifetime, but welcome back to The Kabin. We missed you," another added. A third posted: "A scene in the Kabin !!! I say a scene in the Kabin!!!" And a fourth commented: "The returns of Ken Barlow and The Kabin in tonight's #Corrie. What a time to be alive!" The Kabin is a newsagents first made an appearance in 1973 before moving to its current location sits across from the corner shop on the cobbles in 1990. Coronation Street star Frank Grimes dies aged 78 as tributes paid to 'one of Ireland's greatest actors' The Kabin was long run by the iconic duo of Mavis and Rita who had a business partnership for 24 years. The Kabin is currently owned by Brian Packham, with Jenny a sking for a job there in only April this year. 4
Telegraph
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Netflix's Pride and Prejudice shows how tedious television has become
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a journalist, when writing about Jane Austen, must resort to an opening sentence that riffs on her most famous novel. So here we are again. Why? Because an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is in production at Netflix and has already attracted attention for its diverse cast, which includes Daryl McCormack (the Irish actor whose father is African-American) as the amiable Mr Bingley. Of course, this is now the norm: Armando Iannucci's 2019 Dickens adaptation, The Personal History of David Copperfield, featured Dev Patel in the title role, with Rosalind Eleazar as Agnes Wickfield; David Oyelowo played Javert in the 2018 BBC adaptation of Les Miserables; while Bridgerton turned the notion of costume dramas being the preserve of white actors on its head (on screen, at least – theatre has exercised diverse casting for decades). There will always be those who are upset by the idea of a traditional English period drama that features actors of non-Caucasian heritage, but to my mind the real story about this latest Austen adaptation is that it shows how unimaginative television has become. We simply don't need another Pride and Prejudice. For me, the BBC's 1995 version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is definitive, although I realise that Joe Wright's film – made for cinema a decade later, starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley – also has its fans. Both were built to last, and while you could argue that new productions of Hamlet and Macbeth are endlessly trotted out on our stages, theatre is an ephemeral art form. An actor on a stage doesn't have the global reach of Colin Firth in a dripping wet shirt. This year marks 250 years since Austen's birth, and while a new adaptation of her most famous work may seem fitting, it does not add very much to the world. In fact, I would argue that we have had quite enough Austen to be getting on with. In the past 20 years, there has been at least one new adaptation of each of her six novels (not to mention Whit Stillman's superb Love and Friendship from 2016, based on Lady Susan, and ITV's strangely popular Sanditon which ran for three seasons from 2019, despite being inspired by a working manuscript from Austen that stretched to a mere 120-pages). If any new Austen adaptation were needed, it would be Mansfield Park, of which there hasn't been a decent version since 1983 (available on iPlayer). The most recent, from 2007, saw a woefully miscast Billie Piper attempt to elicit sympathy for Fanny Price, Austen's difficult heroine. For a lot of readers, Fanny is insipid and moralistic; to my eyes, she is one of the most misunderstood characters in literature. We need, frankly, a new Fanny, from an actress who can bring out her quiet fortitude and strength of will. I would suggest Patsy Ferran, who is watchful, instinctive and always gives the impression that she is capable of great courage. Yet Netflix would never commission Mansfield Park, not unless it has secret plans for an exhaustive, Marvel-Style 'Janeiverse' which would stretch to origin films about Mr and Mrs Bennet, and spin-offs featuring the Bateses from Emma. Why? Because Pride and Prejudice isn't just a better and more accessible novel than Mansfield Park, it is also a brand. People who care little for bonnet dramas or English literature are likely to watch a new Pride and Prejudice simply because they have heard of it. It is strong IP. And of course strong IP is becoming the main reason that things get commissioned in the first place (particularly in the TV industry). That is particularly frustrating in terms of costume drama because, despite having hundreds of years of literature on which to draw, we are seeing the same classics being adapted time and again. That explains why we got three productions of Great Expectations in as many years – in 2011, 2012 and 2023 – and, I believe, no other major Dickens adaptations, at least in this country, during that time. In olden times, Andrew Davies would approach the BBC with Little Dorrit or Bleak House and get the green light, but that seems unthinkable now. For many years, BBC radio gave a home to more unusual works, such as new adaptations of Balzac or Gissing. That era is also coming to an end, as radio drama continues to fall victim to budget cuts. Radio 3 no longer broadcasts any, while Radio 4's output has decreased considerably in recent years. There is a little more room for manoeuvre in the film industry, but even there the decisions are crippled by cautiousness. Next year we will be treated to another Austen, Sense and Sensibility with Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood, as well as Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, starring Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Cathy. With traditional broadcasters feeling the pinch, and unable to stretch to the budget that a lavish costume drama demands, it is up to the wealthy streamers to do their bit and take a gamble on something that doesn't smack of algorithmic approval. History has proven that with the right cast, director and writer you can make much of a little-loved work. I am thinking particularly of Cranford, Elizabeth Gaskell's – dare I say it, slightly boring – vignette of a provincial town. When it aired in 2007, the combination of a clever script by Heidi Thomas, and the talents of Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins, proved irresistible to both viewers and critics; it won Baftas and became the BBC's most-watched costume drama of the decade. As to whether Netflix's Pride and Prejudice will create a conversation in the same way that the BBC's adaptation did 30 years ago, only time will tell – but it seems unlikely. The problem with repeatedly revisiting a known and much-loved story, is that people eventually get bored. Perhaps somebody will take a chance on Mansfield Park, after all.
Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Micheal Ward: Top Boy actor charged with rape and sexual assault
The Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward has been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Ward, 27, who starred in the successful Netflix series Top Boy and appeared in films with Olivia Colman and Colin Firth, is accused of offences against one woman in January 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, whose team is leading the investigation, said: 'Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward — we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.' The actor and model will appear at Thames magistrates' court on August 28. Catherine Baccas, the deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: 'Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023. 'We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' The actor, who was born in Jamaica, won the rising star Bafta award in 2020 for his role as Jamie in Top Boy. In 2021 he was nominated for the best supporting actor Bafta for Small Axe, a BBC anthology directed by Steve McQueen about West Indian migrants living in London. He was nominated for the best actor Bafta in 2022 for his portrayal of Colman's young lover in Empire of Light. Last year he played a lead role alongside Bill Nighy in the sports drama The Beautiful Game. Micheal Ward said he denies the charges of rape and sexual assault, adding in a statement: 'I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared.'
Daily Mail
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Can you remember if Mr Monopoly wears a monocle, or if Mr Darcy emerges wet-shirted from a lake? Take the test to see if you're a victim of the Mandela Effect
Colin Firth 's Mr Darcy emerging from a lake wet-shirted is arguably one of the most famous scenes in movie history. But if you remember this classic moment from the BBC 's 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, it turns out you've been a victim of the Mandela Effect. The Mandela Effect is the strange phenomenon in which many people remember something in a particular way, but are wrong. According to a recent YouGov survey, its something that affects many Brits. As part of the poll, YouGov quizzed 2,240 British adults about eight common Mandela Effects to find out exactly how many of us have been fooled by them. The results revealed that nearly half (49 per cent of Brits) recall Mr Darcy emerging from the lake wet-shirted - when in actual fact, he's only seen walking around his estate, having swum in the lake. 'You can always trust your own memory, or can you?' the analytics group asked. So, how many of these Mandela Effects have you fallen victim to? As part of the poll, YouGov quizzed 2,240 British adults about eight common Mandela Effects to find out exactly how many of us have been fooled by them 1. Does Mr Monopoly wear a monocle? He's one of the most famous board game characters - but does Mr Monopoly wear a monocle? Contrary to popular belief, the answer is no. If you're baffled by this answer, don't panic - you're not alone. YouGov's poll found that a whopping 59 per cent of Brits remember Mr Monopoly with a monocle, while just 20 per cent say he does not wear one. 2. In Scooby-Doo, does Shaggy have a visible Adam's apple? Shaggy from Scooby-Doo is known for his rough appearance and love of sandwiches - but does he have a visible Adam's apple? YouGov's poll reveal that more than half of Brits are convinced the answer is yes. However, Shaggy actually doesn't have an Adam's apple, and instead features a beatnik-style goatee. 3. What is the famous line that Darth Vader says to Luke Skywalker? In the Star Wars film 'The Empire Strikes Back', Darth Vader famously reveals to Luke Skywalker that he is his father. But what is the exact line in the movie? While 48 per cent of Brits are convinced that the line is 'Luke, I am your father,' this is wrong. Instead, Darth Vader tells Luke: 'No, I am your father.' 4. Have Walkers' Salt and Vinegar crisp packets always been green? While Cheese and Onion is Walkers' most popular flavour, Salt and Vinegar has also been a fan favourite for years. While almost a third (29 per cent of Brits) correctly identify that KitKat has never been hyphenated on the wrapper, 16 per cent believe it's currently Kit-Kat The Salt and Vinegar packet is now bright green - but has this always been the case? According to YouGov's poll, 39 per cent of Brits correctly recall that the packet has always been green, while 38 per cent incorrectly insist it was once blue. 5. Is it 'Kit-Kat' or 'KitKat'? Despite being one of the most popular chocolate bars around the world, the packaging on KitKats has also proved divisive. While almost a third (29 per cent of Brits) correctly identify that KitKat has never been hyphenated on the wrapper, 16 per cent believe it's currently Kit-Kat. What's more, a further 16 per cent are convinced that there used to be a hyphen, before Nestlé changed to KitKat. 6. Did Captain Pugwash's crewmates have rude names? People who read or watched the Captain Pugwash books and TV series often recall the crewmates having names that were double entendres. This includes the very rude 'Seaman Staines'. However, the crewmates actually had much more sensible names, including Tom the Cabin Boy, Master Mate, Barnabas, and Willy. 7. When did Nelson Mandela die? The name 'The Mandela Effect' was created by paranormal enthusiast, Fiona Broome, who was convinced that she remembered Nelson Mandela dying while he was still in prison in the 1980s. But Mandela's death was not until 2013, despite Ms Broome recalling seeing his funeral on TV in the 1980s. However, it seems that few Britons now succumb to this original version of the effect. In fact, YouGov's survey found that just three per cent incorrectly recall Madela dying in the 1980s, while 76 per cent correctly recall him dying in 2013. What is the Mandela Effect? The Mandela effect is the strange phenomenon in which many people remember something in a particular way, but are wrong. The name was created by paranormal enthusiast, Fiona Broome, who was convinced that she remembered Nelson Mandela dying while he was still in prison in the 1980s. But Mandela's death was not until 2013, despite Ms Broome, alongside many others, recalling seeing his funeral on TV in the 1980s. While some people believe that this simply shows that memory isn't as stable as we would like to believe, others, including Ms Broome, suggest that we have gone into a parallel universe, or that time travellers have gone into the past and affected our present.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Legendary TV stars unrecognisable as they reunite to back show sequel 30 years after BBC hit – can you guess who?
LEGENDARY telly stars have reunited three decades after their smash-hit BBC show. The iconic duo have come together to mark nearly 30 years since their show originally aired - but can you guess who they are? 4 The duo, best known for their roles as Mr Bingley and Jane Bennet in the BBC's iconic 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, looked worlds away from their Regency-era characters as they posed for a reunion snap nearly three decades later. Crispin Bonham-Carter, now 55, and Susannah Harker, 59, delighted fans by teaming up once again - leaving viewers stunned at how much they've changed since starring alongside Colin Firth's famous Mr Darcy. Taking to Instagram, a producer posted: "BREAKING NEWS! Mr Bingley and Jane Bennet will be reunited once more in Susannah Harker's new movie project, Jane Bennet's Second Spring! "Crispin Bonham Carter and Susannah Harker met in Chawton to celebrate 30 years since the iconic BBC TVs 1995 series of Pride and Prejudice, and to make this special announcement!" In the video, Susannah said: "Hello, here I am with Crispin Boham Carter at Jane Austen's cottage. We're here for a little event talking about 30 years since Pride and Prejudice. "I've been telling him a little bit about Jane Bennet's Second Spring. He's very excited." Crispin chimed in saying: "I'm very excited. Why isn't it Bingley Second's Spring?" Susannah laughed and then revealed: "He will be in the film." Crispin confirmed: "Of course. I would expect myself to be in a project like that. So, I'm very happy to be in. I'll bring lots of money with me." Susannah joked: "Thought we'd say 'hello' to everyone and say we're still here and still alive." Trailer for Pride and Prejudice Fans were stunned to see the transformation, with some barely recognising the familiar faces. They flooded the comment section, with one writing: "My jaw just dropped." Another added: "The Bingleys are looking very well indeed!" A third penned: "The way I just screamed!!" Pride and Prejudice: Where are they now? The six-part miniseries pulled in 10–11 million viewers per episode, propelled by Colin Firth's iconic wet‑shirt lake scene and sparked global 'Darcymania'. It was a ratings blockbuster and awards magnet—Jennifer Ehle won a BAFTA, and the series scored an Emmy and a Peabody Award. To this day, it's considered the ultimate Pride & Prejudice adaptation—and nearly 30 years on, the cast's glow-up continues to impress. Mr Bingley – Crispin Bonham‑Carter (56) Once the affable Mr Bingley, Crispin hung up his Regency boots and swapped them for a classroom — he now teaches English and Classics at Alexandra Park School in north London. He's been a much-loved teacher for years, and his students are blissfully unaware they once shared their lessons with Mr Bingley himself. Jane Bennet – Susannah Harker (59) Playing Lizzy's kind-hearted older sister Jane, Susannah continued her acting career across TV and stage. From Midsomer Murders to radio dramas, she's carved a solid presence in British drama since the 90s. Elizabeth Bennet – Jennifer Ehle (now early 50s) The award-winning Lizzie Bennet went on to star in films like The King's Speech, Zero Dark Thirty, and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. She scored a BAFTA for her iconic role and is widely recognised in Hollywood. Georgiana Darcy – Emilia Fox (51) Starting as Darcy's sweet younger sister, Emilia now leads as Nikki Alexander in Silent Witness, a role she's held for over 13 years. She also appears in shows like Delicious and The Trial of Christine Keeler. Mrs Bennet – Alison Steadman (79) The manic social climber who tried to marry off her daughters has gone on to star in shows like Gavin & Stacey and Hold the Sunset. She's an acting legend with roles spanning Abigail's Party to Here We Go. Lydia Bennet – Julia Sawalha (57) Cassie from Absolutely Fabulous, Julia played the wild youngest sister. She's since starred in Jonathan Creek and reprised her role as Saffy in the AbFab movie. Still as energetic as ever. Mr Wickham – Adrian Lukis (63) The charming cad behind Darcy's troubles has transformed his character into a one-man show, Being Mr Wickham, which explores his reflections at age 60 on a West End stage. It's a truth universally acknowledged - the 1995 Pride and Prejudice is still telly gold, nearly 30 years on. The iconic BBC drama had millions glued to their screens, with over 11 million viewers tuning in for the finale and fans going wild for that lake scene. Yes, we're talking Colin Firth's famously soaked shirt, which sparked a full-blown case of 'Darcymania' and turned the actor into an unlikely 90s heartthrob. The six-part series wasn't just a smash in the UK, as it was sold to eight countries before the last episode even aired, proving Jane Austen fever had gone global. It scooped a BAFTA for Best Actress for Jennifer Ehle (Lizzie Bennet) and picked up a string of awards, including an Emmy and a prestigious Peabody in the US. Filmed in grand country houses and on sweeping green estates, the show looked like a movie and felt like a masterpiece. The budget? A cool £1 million per episode - not bad for 1995. And it didn't just revive Austen - it changed Sunday night TV forever, paving the way for the costume drama boom that followed. Still the best adaptation ever? Fans say YES, Mr Darcy. 4 4
