Latest news with #EllieHutchings
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The completely free streaming service that's 'like DIY Netflix' with 25,000,000
'Free' and 'streaming' are two words rarely seen together these days, and many of us spend upwards of £30 each month on the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. If you're trying to cut costs, you might have considered one of the lesser-known free streaming services. Tubi, which boasts 97 million users, is one of these, as well as Pluto TV. But even more under the radar is Plex. It's what's known as a FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) service, meaning it collects shows into a playlist with ad breaks, giving the feel of watching a TV channel. You can watch on-demand content and stream live TV on Plex too, but it started off as a free media-server software, allowing users to stream content they already own on their computer onto a TV. According to its website, Plex now boasts 25,000,000 users. Plex launched in the late 2000s as a place where users could house their own music or video files. It still does this, and is popular for the way it organises the content in the same way services such as Netflix and Disney Plus do. In 2019, the app introduced an ad-supported on-demand streaming service and free-to-stream live TV channels. This means, just like with Tubi and Pluto TV, there are automated ad breaks while streaming on Plex. It's completely free, thanks to the revenue generated by the adverts, but there is a paid version of Plex too. The 'Plex Pass' costs £4.99 per month (or £49.99 per year and £189.99 for a lifetime pass) and allows users to record content, download content for offline streaming and skip intro credits. Meanwhile, it costs £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year to be able to stream from anywhere or on any device outside your own home. Last February Plex added a rental service, meaning users can pay to stream new releases in the app, rather than paying a regular subscription to watch them on Netflix, Apple TV Plus, Prime and the like. Plex can be accessed through a web browser, or you can download the app via your mobile device's app store, Amazon Fire TV, Android, and Apple TV. When it comes to putting together your own library of downloaded content, you'll need to set up a Plex Media Server. It sounds complicated, but Plex guides you through the process. All you really need to do is provide the files and it automatically organises your library for you. If that's not for you, or you don't have any of your own downloaded content, you can go ahead and stream the content already provided by Plex straight away. Metro's Ellie Hutchings tried Plex for herself, to see if it's worth the hype: 'I didn't expect much from Plex's free offerings, and it's true that you won't find anything new or trending on the platform. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised. If you're happy to have a dig through the extensive library or try things you might not have heard of before, there are some hidden gems to be found — especially if you're into older or niche content. 'And watching the ad-supported content is really no different to the experience of watching ordinary TV channels with adverts, with breaks every 15 minutes or so and lasting two to three minutes. Usually, there was also a countdown showing how long of the adbreak was left, too. 'In addition, I found the Plex interface very user-friendly, and I like that it shows the Rotten Tomatoes score and IMDb ratings of each title. It also suggests similar titles you can watch on Plex when selecting a particular movie or TV show. 'Honestly, my only gripe at this point is that there's no option to watch with subtitles.' As for what you can watch, Plex boasts thousands of free, on-demand movies and TV shows and over 600 channels of free, live TV. The most notable offerings include every episode of Rowan Atkinson's Mr Bean, US zombie horror series Z Nation, 11 seasons of paranormal reality show Ghost Hunters, five seasons of Charlie Sheen's sitcom Anger Management, and popular sci-fi series Sanctuary. There's also episodes of Baywatch and Kim's Convenience, while movies that are free to stream include 2004 romcom The Girl Next Door, 90s James Bond parody Austin Powers, and 1992 drama Damage, which inspired hit Netflix show Obsession. Meanwhile, live channels include GB News, Homes Under the Hammer, Tennis+, and a wide variety of crime offerings. Plex also has a feature called Discover Credits, which allows you to find out more about the cast of the films and TV shows on the service, including their filmography and where you can watch their other roles. The service has proved popular with users and even has an entire subreddit dedicated to it, where users share advice on how to use Plex. One Reddit user described it as 'like Netflix, but for movies/shows you own', while another echoed 'I call it DIY Netflix'. On Amazon, reviewer Fiorina said: 'From the moment I downloaded Plex onto my Firestick, I was hooked,' adding 'the streaming quality is top-notch'. More Trending Chas E wrote: 'Fantastic app. This works with no problems at all,' and ItsGherks called it 'jaw-droppingly good'. However, some were disappointed with the frequency of the adverts, with Outsiderny complaining of 'too many adverts that increase once you're hooked'. Dillonsauntie pointed out that it's 'worth the very annoying and very frequent ads to see things that are difficult or expensive to access elsewhere.' View More » This article was first published on June 5, 2025. 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: Netflix fans say 'wrestling is saved' after shock WWE championship win MORE: Netflix on verge of dropping all 8 episodes of dark TV drama 'compared to Ozark' MORE: Popular TV star 'forever grateful' as major series opts to bring her back
Metro
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
People are sharing London's best 'mega walks' to try this weekend
Why run a marathon when you can walk it? That's the thinking behind the rise of London's 'mega walks' – long treks across the capital that take you through parks, past canals and multiple boroughs. Of course, you don't have to commit to walking a full marathon (although some do). Even a half-day wander can get you out of the house and show you parts of London you'd never normally see. With the weekend coming up and the spring bank holiday on the horizon, why not plan one for yourself and see how much of the city you can discover. Metro has rounded up some of the best mega walks across the capital. Whether you're after canal-side coffee shops, sprawling parks or a route that ends at the pub, they're perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Looking for something scenic but not too intense? The Wandle Trail is a great pick. Stretching for around 12.5 miles, it follows the River Wandle from Waddon in Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, passing through peaceful parks and interesting historic spots along the way. Along the way, you'll pass Morden Hall Park, a National Trust site with ornamental gardens, historic buildings and a riverside path. The trail also takes you through Merton Abbey Mills, once a textile factory now filled with independent shops and markets. The trail wraps up on the banks of the Thames in Wandsworth. For a perfect end to your walk Metro's Ellie Hutchings recommends stopping by The Ship for a drink. If you're stuck for inspiration, why not follow the London Underground? One popular walk doing the rounds on TikTok is the Victoria Line challenge, where people walk the entire route of the tube line above ground, stopping at every station along the way. The trend has racked up hundreds of videos under the hashtag #victorialinechallenge, with users turning the walk into a full-day adventure. TikTok user @issyraeeverett tried the trend recently, stopping off at a funfair, a food market and even having tea outside Buckingham Palace. 'My body is broken, but this was good fun,' she concluded. The 11-mile route takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes, according to AllTrails. It's considered a moderately challenging walk, so make sure to wear comfy shoes, take breaks and stay hydrated. It's not the only tube line people are tackling either. One user @captain.m recorded his attempt to walk the Metropolitan Line – all the way from Amersham (zone 9) to Aldgate, a 30-mile walk which takes over 14 hours to complete, according to Google Maps. He began his journey at 8am and ticked off the 23 stops by 8:15pm. If you're looking to escape the city without going too far, the Epping Forest Main Path and Green Ride Circular is a brilliant option. According to AllTrails, this 8.4-mile loop takes just under 3.5 hours to complete and is considered a moderately challenging route. You can expect forest paths, wide open spaces and peaceful woodlands. The trail begins near Chingford Green, and leads walkers through Epping Forest, one of London's largest ancient woodlands. Metro's Maria Astardjieve described the route as 'beautiful'. She says: 'It's definitely a whole day out, but there are pubs at the start/finish and along the route. The nature is beautiful.' For a mix of riverside views and green space, the Wandsworth Bridge, Putney and Barnes Circular is a top pick. The route is around 5-6 miles and is mostly flat, making it accessible for most walkers. You'll start near Wandsworth Bridge, following the River Thames through Putney and Barnes. Expect stunning views of the river along the way, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Barnes is known for its quaint high street, with plenty of independent shops, cafes and pubs to stop at along the way. It takes around three hours to complete, according to AllTrails. Hoping for a longer stroll? Metro's Sarah Hooper suggests lengthening the trail by walking through Richmond Park. One of London's most picturesque stretches, the Little Venice canal path just north of Paddington offers a gorgeous riverside stroll. The area is famous for its colourful narrowboats and peaceful waterside views. From Little Venice, walkers can follow the canal east along the Regent's Canal Towpath for about two miles. The walk takes in a mix of urban and green spaces all the way to Camden, where you're spoilt for choice for a post-walk drink. Once you reach Camden you can reward yourself with a pint at the famous Hawley Arms. Mapped by a Reddit user on the site's London forum, this walk weaves through Clapham, Battersea, and Camden, hitting Battersea Park, Hyde Park, and Regent's Park on the way. It starts in West Dulwich and ends at King's Cross. It takes around four hours – longer with picnic or café stops – and offers plenty of variety, from riverside paths to leafy lawns. One tip? Don't skip Paul Rothe & Son in Marylebone, a family-run sandwich shop that's been around for 100 years. If you're planning on heading out for a full day trek, don't make the mistake of going underprepared. Metro's Sarah Hooper, an avid walker who has completed 50km walks for charity, has shared her tips. She says: 'I treat long distance walks more like a hike – be prepared.' Be sure to pack some sweets – Sarah says: 'I always bring a sweetie – my favourite is sour strawberry laces to up your blood sugar if you get tired' Bring a backpack and 'loads and loads of water' Pack some suncream – 'You can burn in the UK, even through clouds' If you're looking for some more structured walks, TfL's Walk London Network offers several well-planned walking routes across the city. More Trending The eight routes offer everything from bustling urban areas to peaceful green spaces, and they're designed to be easily accessible by public transport, so you can stop whenever you need to. One of the most popular is the Capital Ring, a circular route made up of 15 connected sections, and covering 78 miles in total. Section 5 of the walk, for example, takes you from Streatham to Wimbledon Park and passes through Tooting Bec Common and Wandsworth Common. Another TfL-endorsed option is the Jubilee Greenway – a 60km route created to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympics. It connects some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Camden Market and the Olympic Park. Capital Ring – a 78-mile route divided into 15 shorter walks, including Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Eltham Palace. – a 78-mile route divided into 15 shorter walks, including Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common and Eltham Palace. Green Chain – a network of walks across South East London, it takes in woods and parks as well as Thames Barrier and Crystal Palace. – a network of walks across South East London, it takes in woods and parks as well as Thames Barrier and Crystal Palace. Green Link – a route connecting nearly 40 green spaces and a number of waterways between northeast and south London. – a route connecting nearly 40 green spaces and a number of waterways between northeast and south London. Jubilee Greenway – a path for walkers and cyclists links Olympic and Paralympic venues including the O2 Arena, Greenwich Park and the Serpentine. – a path for walkers and cyclists links Olympic and Paralympic venues including the O2 Arena, Greenwich Park and the Serpentine. Jubilee Walkway – this route takes in some of London's most iconic landmarks including St Paul's and Buckingham Palace. – this route takes in some of London's most iconic landmarks including St Paul's and Buckingham Palace. Lea Valley – the path follows the 18 miles along the Lee Navigation towpath, from Waltham Abbey to the Thames at Limehouse Basin. – the path follows the 18 miles along the Lee Navigation towpath, from Waltham Abbey to the Thames at Limehouse Basin. London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP) – this encircles Greater London, nearly 150 miles are split into 24 'bite-sized' walks. – this encircles Greater London, nearly 150 miles are split into 24 'bite-sized' walks. Thames Path – a 40-mile stretch walking on both sides of the river. It stretches from Hampton Court Palace to the heart of London. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Boy, 14, 'stabbed in front of shoppers' on Walthamstow street MORE: Londoners charged £1,000 to park outside their home forced to 'give up' their cars MORE: Apple Music's Matt Wilkinson: 'We need grassroots venues so rising artists can have their start'
