Latest news with #JohnSimm
Spectator
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The death of banter and the BBC
I may be the last person in the UK to have seen the 1999 film Human Traffic (rereleased last month). Justin Kerrigan's inspired, low-budget comedy – which I watched this week – is about a group of clubbers and ecstasy-heads out for a night's fun in Cardiff. Starring actors like John Simm, Shaun Parkes and Danny Dyer, it not only showed a reckless abandonment to hedonism now consigned to history, but also celebrates the kinds of friendships among the young which you suspect, in an age of social media, don't even exist anymore. This disparate group of people, all with the drabbest of day-jobs, meet in a pub each Friday to prepare themselves for the chemical onslaught of the night ahead, desperate for the walls between them to dissolve: 'We've all got to try and get on the same level together… so we feel like a unit when we hit the club.' Though occasionally they turn on each other in drug-fuelled paranoia, they're still there for one another, forgiving indiscretions, sometimes baring their souls, always ready to congregate at the usual pub table to enjoy each other and lend moral support. Getting decidedly mixed reviews on its release, Human Traffic is now seen as one of those zeitgeisty films about a lost world. Quite how lost that world really is comes home with an article published in a broadsheet this week about the BBC, revealing (hang onto your pearls) that an unnamed 'prominent female presenter… ranked among the corporation's top 50 highest-paid employees' once showed 'a lewd picture to a colleague… [an] unsolicited nude photograph of an unknown man.' The traumatised colleague – who presumably never watches the BBC or any other channel after 9 p.m. – is said to have been 'a junior member of staff.' A source at the BBC acknowledged that the move was meant only to be 'jokey, locker-room type banter' and that an apology had been made to the young woman involved, but that she had been 'completely horrified' and said she 'cried about it.' Perhaps the photo was unusually graphic, or the young woman's religion (if she had one) was a factor. Perhaps there's a wider context to it all. Doubtless there will be apologies, shamings, even sackings, and it will all come out. 'As soon as the name of this woman – and details of her bad behaviour – are unleashed,' the source adds, 'it will derail entire departments and mark the first female to be formally swept up into the BBC's wrongdoing roll call.' Yet, until we're told more, many might consider this a slight overreaction to a naughty photograph. Are scores being settled, by any chance? One feels, despite everything, sorry for the BBC. There it is, the bloated, sermonising, tumour-ridden Leviathan beset by endless scandal and accusations of bias or 'selective reporting'. In a world where it's no longer trusted, heeded nor esteemed, where competing services (YouTube among them) offer more relevant and compelling content, it still makes its annual financial demand on us – like some toothless old gangster trying to run a protection racket long after the triads have moved in. One understands too the corporation's hysteria following genuine scandals like that of Jimmy Savile or Huw Edwards. The ice on which the BBC stands grows thinner and more brittle by the day. Yet seeing stories like the above, coming so closely after the recent sacking of John Torode from MasterChef, the words 'witch hunt' come to mind. This is something that should concern us all. You could break down the complex of people who have helped engineer this joyless, sullen atmosphere over the past decade. There's the trembling, litigious worker dashing to HR when certain pieties are infringed. The HR manager's pharisaic, ovine concern – 'We take your hurt very seriously. This company should be a safe space for all its workers.' The newspaper editors who, should the case come to light, print po-faced articles, inflaming the outrage; the columnists who join in, clicking their tongues for clickbait. And the rest of us, mostly too scared to say what we are thinking: 'For God's sake stop being so silly. Is this what we Brits have become?' It may be that in an ideal world you wouldn't show naked pictures of anyone to a work colleague (one senses the scolds, puritans and careerists about to have a field day) but in an even more ideal world (which many of us recall) your colleague, even one bereft of humour, might at least have had a sense of proportion. You wouldn't have been reported and a simple apology, should anyone require one, would have sufficed. A prim, zero-tolerance, panicky atmosphere at work – and its eager cheerleading by an assenting media class – is good news for no one, nor does it lead to a happier or more efficient company. More likely it means greater isolation, less trust and goodwill, more people having sleepless nights worrying about things they've said at work, and their possible misinterpretation. It means fewer jokes, less laughter, more of us opting for a risk-free blandness of manner that's an insult to the personalities and talents we've been given. More people may opt to work from home, and who can blame them? In their desire to make workplaces 'safe', HR managers have steadily turned them into potentially career-ending danger zones. 'Bring your whole self to work,' went the slogan a few years ago. Was that someone's sick joke? Most of us these days would hesitate to bring our whole selves to a WhatsApp chat with a close family member. A scene from Human Traffic, in fact, comes to mind. It's four a.m. in the morning, the ecstasy's wearing off and a roomful of party guests – so full of empathy and the urge to confide and commiserate a few hours before – are trying to deal with the worst comedown in history. They sit about, these people who once connected, now silent and faintly hostile, trying to dodge each other's eyes in the awful grey light of dawn. Each one has become the other's potential informer, judge and social executioner: 'The only thing you've got in common now is paranoia. It's coming through the walls man.' Who knew then that director Justin Kerrigan would be describing an entire country, 25 years on?
The Guardian
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Human Traffic review – one-crazy-night 90s clubbing comedy provides euphoric rush of nostalgia
A warm nostalgic glow surrounds this likably daft and zeitgeisty one-crazy-night clubbing adventure from 1999. It's a Cool Britannia time-capsule written and directed by Justin Kerrigan, starring John Simm, Shaun Parkes, Lorraine Pilkington, Nicola Reynolds and a cherubic young Danny Dyer making his movie debut. Dyer's character ends up down the pub moodily swearing off drugs for ever – and if we wondered how that was going to turn out, we can flashforward to his performance this year in Nick Love's Marching Powder, in which he does much the same thing. Human Traffic revolves around a group of gurning mates: a classic 90s ensemble of mononymous characters – Jip, Koop, Lulu, Nina and Moff – individually introduced in freeze-frame voiceover in that distinctive 90s Britmovie style, as popularised by Danny Boyle's Trainspotting and Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. But those films were from Mars and this one is from Venus. It's a sweeter story of the loved-up. They struggle through terrible jobs in the week and prepare for a massive night out on a Friday involving landlines, smoking indoors, proto-Ali G characters, no smartphones, no social media and some cameos from Howard Marks, Carl Cox and Andrew Lincoln (in those days an icon for his role in TV's This Life). It's a comedy, with some very funny stuff from Dyer when his character has drug-induced epiphanies about Star Wars. There's a reference in the opening credits to demonstrations against the anti-rave Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, but these are otherwise remarkably apolitical characters, whose ideology consists in being cheerfully pro-drugs, pro-hedonism and pro-having a laugh. Yet a weird earnestness comes through so often; at the time, critics mocked this film's fantasy scene in which the young people stand up to sing their alternative 'national anthem' about how mixed up and alienated they feel: 'We're running out of new ideas … Who is the Queen?' Now, it feels like a striking and interestingly surreal moment. I'd also forgotten that Jip's mother is supposed to be a sex worker. In another type of film, that fact simply would not be allowed to pass without some terrible crisis, or some consequent tearful and cathartic bonding between mother and son. Jip is also supposed to be suffering from erectile dysfunction and he is secretly in love with Lorraine Pilkington's Lulu, but none of that is supposed to be anything to do with his mum who is basically cheerful about everything. Human Traffic is a reminder of that interesting 90s moment when euphoria and uncomplicated fun had cultural cachet. Now we need a rerelease of that other one-crazy-night ensemble drug comedy from 1999, Doug Liman's Go, starring the formidable Sarah Polley. Human Traffic is in UK cinemas from 16 July and on 4K UHD and Blu-ray from 21 July.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
What to watch on TV and streaming today: A Room with a View, Son of a Critch and Taylor vs Serrano
Our Yorkshire Shop: A Victorian Restoration Channel 4, 8pm There's just one more week to go before the grand launch, so the volunteers head to York's Castle Museum in search of inspiration for their window display. Plus, the bakehouse faces a safety test. Son of a Critch RTÉ One, 8.30pm Mark's friends tease him about his devotion to his comic book collection, so he makes the difficult decision to sell it — a rash move he may live to regret. Grace Virgin Media One, 9pm John Simm returns as DCI Roy Grace in the crime drama's fifth series. It begins with a race against time to prevent a disaster at a Brighton football stadium. Irish Rowing Championships 2025 TG4, 9pm New three-part series offering viewers an opportunity to see all the best moments from the championships, which took place at the National Rowing Centre in Co Cork. Cimarron TG4, 9.30pm Western focusing on the rise to prominence of a frontiersman-turned-newspaper proprietor. Glenn Ford, Maria Schell and Anne Baxter star. Learn more A Room with a View RTÉ One, 11.35pm The Merchant Ivory team's sumptuous adaptation of EM Forster's novel stars Helena Bonham Carter as a young woman trying to deny she has fallen in love with a dashing man (Julian Sands) during a life-changing trip to Florence. The Wild Ones AppleTV+, streaming now A team of experts ventures into remote regions to track and protect six endangered species, using sharp insights and deft filming to document them before time runs out. Taylor vs Serrano 3 Live Netflix, from midnight Friday I say 'from midnight' as there are conflicting fight times. The Netflix media site says coverage of Katie Taylor's fight with Amanda Serrano from 12.30am, but I'd advise checking in throughout Friday night to see when the live stream from NYC kicks off. Shifting Gears Disney+, streaming now Kat Dennings and Tim Allen have joined forces to star in this new sitcom set in a classic car workshop... Now that's what I call a production meeting. Allen plays the widowed patriarch who has his daughter (Dennings) and her child move back in with him. Ballard Netflix, streaming now Inspired by Michael Connelly's bestselling novels, Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q) returns to lead LAPD's cold-case unit, facing decades-old crimes, a potential police conspiracy, and — the purview of all onscreen cops — a luggage load of personal demons. Ziam Netflix, streaming now Yet more South East Asian zombie fodder. For something less brutal and more bloom-fuelled, other foreign language fare includes French offering Under a Dark Sun. Alternatively, there's Gringo Hunters from Mexico. Trainwreck: The Real Project X Netflix, streaming now It's the weekly episodic that keeps on giving. This time, the good people at Trainwreck recount the fallout from a Facebook event posted by a Dutch teen. In 2012, she posted an invite for her 16th birthday, which accidentally went viral, drawing thousands to the small town of Haren. Inspired by Project X, the unplanned crowd overwhelms the area, and with no preparations in place, things spiral into chaos. Quarterback Netflix, streaming now Season 2 of the hit series offers rare access to three NFL quarterbacks — Joe Burrow, Jared Goff and returning favourite Kirk Cousins — as they navigate the highs and lows of the 2024/25 season, on and off the field. All The Sharks Netflix, streaming now If you're wondering, 'Why all the shark-related viewing of late?' Well, the simple answer is that we're currently in the run-up to July 14, which is Shark Awareness Day. This summer also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Jaws, so one should expect an inordinate level of shark-themed programming over the coming weeks. A lot of it, however, does seem somewhat at odds with itself. For instance, last week saw the release of Shark Whisperer, which featured a herd of conservationists expressing concern about people, like Instagrammer Ocean Ramsey, interfering with endangered sharks. Now, Netflix is proffering an almost oxymoronic competition show, where conservationists infiltrate the oceans to tick all the sharks off their assigned apex predator bingo cards. If you favour more traditional shark viewing — ie. without a nigh-dystopic gameshow element — Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory has landed on Disney+. Heads of State Prime Video, streaming now Have you ever considered a parallel universe where Idris Elba is the UK prime minister and John Cena is the US president? Well, now's your chance! For context, their 'special relationship' is under threat on account of their huge egos, but — once confronted with a common adversary — the pair must learn to rely on each other.
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV drop huge Grace update as detective show characters are reunited
ITV drop huge Grace update as detective show characters are reunited After a massive twist at the end of season five, Grace fans will be thrilled to find out they won't have to wait long for season six. Filming has commenced for season six of ITV's Grace. (Image: ITV ) Fans of ITV's Grace will be thrilled to know that filming has commenced for season six as the cast have been spotted together. The popular series has generated 16 million streams on ITVX, with just over 9 million streams for the fifth season alone. Season five saw a huge twist in its final moments of the finale which shocked fans as John Simm's character, Roy Grace paid a visit to the disgraced former police chief, Cassian Pewe in prison, unveiling yet another ominous secret. John Simm, will reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, and has recently reunited with his co-stars Richie Campbell (DI Glenn Branson) and Laura Elphinstone (DS Bella Moy). For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . The three of them were spotted together on set whilst wearing forensic suits and a clapperboard which read that 'Grace Scene 1, slate 1' and was dated April 28, 2025. They have began filming the four brand new standalone films which are based on the best-selling novels written by globally renowned author Peter James. The author's bestselling novels, have seen over 21 million copies sold worldwide, with the books being translated into 38 languages. Peter expressed his delight at the show's journey, saying: "When the first episode of Grace aired in 2021, it was a dream come true. It is both heartening and astounding to me that we're already at series five!". Article continues below He also praised the show's achievements, attributing its continued success to the stellar cast led by John Simm, the dedicated crew, and the fans who have fervently followed the characters from the novels to the screen. James commended ITV for their loyalty to the source material, stating: "It is also a testament to just how faithfully ITV have adhered to both the characters and stories in the novels." They have revealed that the titles for series six will include, Left You Dead, Picture You Dead, and One Of Us Is Dead. All of which are based off of Peter's books, so if you have already read them, no spoilers please! Along with John, Richie and Laura, making a return will be Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey and Brad Morrison as DC NickNicholl. They have also announced that Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Gurjeet Singh, HannahMcClean, Tamla Kari and Sara Powell will appear as guest stars. John said : "This is the longest I've been involved in any show! But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down. I'm really looking forward to seeing where Roy's journey goes in this series." The actor, while discussing the show's success during the promotion of the latest season, remarked: "It's so difficult to start from scratch with a detective show, it really has to catch fire and that only happens after two or three series. We're about to start series six so clearly it has struck a chord with a lot of people." He further revealed details about the upcoming season, noting: "Nothing is ever tied up – just when you think it's all done it's not, there's plenty more instore. This series ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger too –there's a huge storyline that we will pick up in series six and the stakes get higher every season." Both John and Peter are executive producers on the new season of Grace, alongside Phil Hunter for Tall Story Pictures, and Andrew O'Connor and Paul Sandler for Vaudeville Productions and Kiaran Murray- Smith. Executive Producer Phil Hunter commented: "Grace is such a joy to make so we are thrilled at how well received series five was. It's great to be back in Brighton with our brilliant and talented cast and crew to shoot another four episodes this summer." Article continues below
Daily Record
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Grace series 6 confirmed as John Simm returns to filming alongside co-stars
The crime drama has been a hit with viewers, and now ITV have confirmed that filming for series six has begun, as John Simm, Richie Campbell and Laura Elphinstone are spotted on set. Filming for the sixth series of ITV's popular crime drama Grace is now underway. John Simm returns as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, teaming up once again with Richie Campbell as DI Glenn Branson and Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy. The trio were spotted on set, dressed in their characters' forensic suits and holding a clapperboard, as they began work on four new standalone films based on Peter James' bestselling novels. Series six will feature adaptations of Left You Dead, Picture You Dead, and One Of Us Is Dead. Zoë Tapper will reprise her role as Cleo Morey, and Brad Morrison will return as DC Nick Nicholl. Guest stars will include Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Gurjeet Singh, Hannah McClean, Tamla Kari, and Sara Powell, reports the Mirror. John Simm expressed his enthusiasm for the series, saying: "This is the longest I've been involved in any show! But it's such a joy to do, and to be surrounded by a team like this for large chunks of the year makes it impossible to turn down. "I'm really looking forward to seeing where Roy's journey goes in this series." The previous series of Grace concluded on ITV1 and STV last month and is available to stream on ITVX and STV Player, with the first episode consolidating at six million viewers after 28 days. The show has proven to be a hit, generating 16 million streams on ITVX across all five series, with series five alone accounting for over nine million streams so far. The series was ordered by Director of Drama Polly Hill along with Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones. The production is being overseen by Huw for the channel. Executive Producer Phil Hunter said: "Grace is such a joy to make so we are thrilled at how well received series five was. It's great to be back in Brighton with our brilliant and talented cast and crew to shoot another four episodes this summer." The first episode of series five saw the team investigating a gruesome murder of an elderly woman in her own home, leading to a shocking revelation of secrets and lies. The killer was finally unmasked at the end of the episode, revealing a significant link to the past. In a heartwarming twist, Roy decided to propose to his new partner, who is pregnant with their child, choosing to leave his past behind after his first wife Sandy vanished and was presumed dead. However, viewers are aware that Sandy is very much alive. Their tender moment was abruptly interrupted by the ringing doorbell. On answering the door, she was met with the horrifying sight of a baby doll in a pram set on fire. In shock, she called for Roy, who rushed out to investigate but found no one - leaving viewers in suspense over who could have done such a thing.
