Latest news with #TheMerchant
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV Grace viewers confused by finale plot hole as show's future is revealed
Fans of hit ITV crime drama series Grace were left baffled as the show bid farewell at the end of series five following an incident some viewers had to question on social media Fans of ITV crime drama Grace were left scratching their heads after a glaring plot hole in the season finale. The hit series rounded off the fifth season in style with the criminal trial of a drug lord known only as The Merchant. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, played by John Simm, found himself under intense pressure in the drug investigation on Sunday, April 27, while puzzling double murder investigation pushed also pushed Grace's team to the very brink. The Merchant, played by Josef Davis, had been caught trafficking narcotics into the country. However, the Brighton-based show came under scrutiny after bad guy The Merchant was arrested after border police spotted him. In earlier scenes, Grace along with his partner, helped officers from border patrol after a van driver was halted hauling a classic car coming into the UK. They tried to explain to him they had found nothing suspicious about it after searching inside and out but the detective was far from convinced. Drugs were then discovered inside the wheel of a heavy vehicle, kicking off a criminal trial that was the focus of the rest of the episode. However, fans weren't convinced this would have been picked up in reality. One user on Twitter /X probed: "Obviously I have no direct experience but I'm not convinced that a tyre full of drugs would put a 1600kg car 'well over its usual weight." Another agreed, adding: "Yes, I thought that - you couldn't spot the weight difference from a few kilos of additions." A third responded: "There is one point that everyone has overlooked... They went into the trailer with a search dog, why didn't it detect and indicate the presence of the drugs?" The potential mishap wasn't the only issue fans found with the episode. Elsewhere, viewers took aim at the trial itself. At one point Grace spoke to a juror outside court. However, a fan noted: "A DC or a PC knows not to speak to a juror let alone a Detective Superintendent." Despite the issues, fans were pleased to hear that the series is set to return for a sixth helping. It's anticipated that the new run will premiere in 2026, but ITV is yet to confirm any set timings. John revealed the exciting news recently. He said: "We're about to start filming season six and I always jump ship after two series of any show! "But everyone on Grace has become like family to me. I've done other jobs since we started, but each time coming back to Grace feels like being back home, because everyone is so familiar."
Scottish Sun
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
ITV Grace finale leaves viewers stumped as they point out plot hole – after future of show was revealed
The episode saw the criminal trial of a drug lord known only as The Merchant BAFFLED FANS ITV Grace finale leaves viewers stumped as they point out plot hole – after future of show was revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ITV'S Grace finale has left viewers feeling stumped as they pointed out a plot hole - after the future of show was revealed. ITV's hit crime drama Grace ended its current run on our screens with an exciting series five finale. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 ITV's Grace finale has left viewers feeling stumped as they pointed out a plot hole - after the future of show was revealed Credit: Rex 4 Grace cut open the car's tyres and found bags of drugs inside 4 Danny was caught trafficking drugs into the country and landed in prison Brighton based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (John Simm) faced mounting pressure to investigate a major drug investigation. The episode saw the criminal trial of a drug lord known only as The Merchant after Danny Starr (Josef Davies) was caught trafficking drugs into the country. But after being spotted by border police and subsequently arrested, fans wondered how the police could have found the drugs. One fan said: "Obviously I have no direct experience but I'm not convinced that a tyre full of drugs would put a 1600kg car 'well over its usual weight." Another added: "Yes, I thought that - you couldn't spot the weight difference from a few kilos of additions." While a third said: "Maybe the other four were filled too." "There is one point that everyone has overlooked. They went into the trailer with a search dog, why didn't it detect and indicate the presence of the drugs?" asked another viewer. During the episode, as Danny was being questioned at the border, he said that his lorry contained a Petersen Dartmoor which he was importing for his company, D Starr Classics. Police officers and their trained dogs inspected the classic car but found nothing at all. Grace then arrived on the scene with DS Glen Branson (Richie Campbell) and was informed that they didn't find anything suspicious in the vehicle. ITV Grace finale leaves viewers stumped as they point out plot hole - after future of show was revealed The detective asked: 'Did you weigh it?' He then compared documents to information on his phone and concluded: 'It's well overweight for a car of this type." Using a pen knife he then cut open the car's spare tyre, which unveiled bags of drugs and put Danny in prison. Meanwhile, ITV recently announced that the show, which is based on Peter James' best-selling novels, would return for a sixth series. Crime dramas on ITVX Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge. Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood. Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood. The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James. This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James. Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth. Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth. The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby. This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby. Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant. John Simm is set to reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, with filming scheduled to begin in summer 2025. Joining John once again are sidekick Richie Campbell, Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, and Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl. The news of the recommission came as ITV prepared to air the current 5th season which ended last night. TV's Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones expressed his feelings on continuing the series, saying: "It's always exciting to return to Grace and the Brighton that Peter's brilliant stories evoke. "That, coupled with the fantastic cast and crew who bring it all to life with such expertise means we're in for another great series for the ITV and ITVX audience." Executive Producer Phil Hunter echoed his enthusiasm, adding: "Having just delivered series five, it's fantastic to know we are coming back for a sixth series. 4 The tense episode was the last of the current series but Grace will return Previous series of Grace are available to stream on ITVX and STVX.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Belfast hotel launches ‘once-in-a-lifetime' £1,000 cocktail
A Belfast hotel has launched a £1,000 cocktail which it described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience'. The pricey tipple at the Merchant Hotel has been described as a 'masterpiece of Irish whiskey'. The Belfast city centre hotel earned the Guinness Book of Records title for the world's most expensive cocktail in 2007 with its £750 Mai Tai. However, that was overtaken in 2013 by a cocktail which was sold for £8,583 in Melbourne, Australia. The Merchant Hotel launched its new cocktail menu on Wednesday, including a collection crafted with rare whiskeys by Midleton, Macallan and Michter's, which start at £785 and go up to £1,000. The most expensive, the Midleton Foret de Troncais (£1,000), is described as 'a masterpiece of Irish whiskey, aged in rare French Troncais oak casks and delivering elegant notes of honey, toasted almonds and delicate spice' served with Antica Formula and Dubonnet. The menu, consisting of drinks which start from £14.99, was created by a team led by the Merchant Bar's general manager, Aaron Dugan and cocktail bar manager Emily Doherty. Mr Dugan said: 'We are proud to bring our unique collaboration with three icons of whiskey to life with The Rare & Refined Collection. 'These exceptional drinks have been crafted to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be savoured. The lucky few that get to try these drinks will get to relish something truly special. 'And, for those that find the price tag too rich, we have also created an exceptional collection of 21 cocktails, inspired by timeless classics, but with a unique Merchant twist. Named according to their flavour profile, the menu has been designed to help customers match their preferred flavour profiles to their choices. There truly is something to suit every taste.' The cocktail bar at The Merchant has been described as one of the most decorated in the UK and Ireland, and is the first and only bar in Northern Ireland to be awarded the coveted 2 Pin status by the Pinnacle Guide. The Merchant will officially receive its 2 Pin award later this month.
