Latest news with #TheSixthCommandment
The Guardian
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Death Valley review – Timothy Spall's quality new detective drama is a cosy, witty joy
By some curious dint of mathematics, one of life's greatest pleasures is coming across something that is just a little bit better than it needs to be. It's such rarity, such a treat – and to pessimists, such a shock to the system – that it becomes disproportionately, though still genuinely, delightful. Such a phenomenon is Death Valley, a new Sunday night comedy drama in which an amateur sleuth helps the police solve crimes in a bucolic village – usually English, this time Welsh – with an astronomically high murder rate and a suspect under every gooseberry bush and felt hat. So far, so Gently cum Midsomer cum Marple cum Agatha Raisin cum pull-up-a-chair-and-a-teacake-and-enjoy. And it does hit that cosy spot. Timothy Spall, who I suspect was looking for a way to recharge his actorly batteries after putting every bit of power he had into his performance as Peter Farquhar in 2023's harrowing The Sixth Commandment, stars as the amateur sleuth, John Chapel. Chapel is a retired actor (if there ever is such a thing, darling!) who made his name in a long-running police procedural series as its eponymous detective, Caesar. The first episode opens, as the first episodes of new cosy crime series should, with a case so clear it couldn't possibly be anything else: dead property developer slumped over his desk, a gun in his hand, obviously having killed himself. But is it obvious? Why would a man planning such a thing have a lunch in his diary for the next day and a holiday booked for Dubai? DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth), treading the fine line between perky and infuriating with nary a wobble (Chapel calls her 'scintillatingly irritating', which is both a perfect description and a mark of the writing quality), reckons she should at least ask the neighbours if they saw anything suspicious on the day he died. As a devotee of Caesar, she is awestruck when the first door she bangs on is answered by none other than Chapel himself. And Chapel knows it was murder. How? 'Because actors observe.' The victim was an orderly man – a gunshot was too messy. And because 'action is character' – and the victim was a considerate man, who designed bespoke birthday cards for his cleaner's son and would never have left her to find his body when she was due in the next day. Janie visits the deceased's high-maintenance wife – 'I shouldn't cry. Just had my lids done' – to find out if he had any enemies. 'Any beef with anyone? Doesn't have to be big beef. Small beef. Mince?' Not even a meatball's worth, is the reply. And we're off. A few red herrings scent the air but Chapel and Janie remain undeterred for long in their hunt for clues. ('I'm the inspiration,' says Chapel to Janie as he brings his actorly powers to bear on the evidence. 'You're the perspiration.') Why would a man who fired an electrician for wonky socket work in a show home not also fire a decorator for missing a patch of wall? Why would a woman with a love of traditional tea towels want to buy a new-build? A cancelled bacon delivery here, an empty foxglove bed there, a chance remark from a child of uncertain parentage over the way and soon the threads are drawn together to find the means, motive, opportunity – and the murderer (by the end of the hour). Their next adventure involves a member of Janie's mum's walking group dying in an apparent fall (guess what!) and is worth watching for many reasons, not least Mum's description of the dead woman: 'Too thin by half. And stubborn eyes.' Within each case scenario are the longer arcs involving Chapel's grief for his late wife and Janie's struggles over the loss of her best friend, which season the jollity with something a little more piquant. So, it's Midsomer Murders –with jokes. It's Rosemary and Thyme – but good. Or a pastoral Old Dogs New Tricks, if you prefer. Take your pick. It's also witty and fun and bounces along with enough verve to get you past any footling objections you have to either form or content before they can make their way from brain to mouth. Not everything has to be The Wire. Sometimes you can just relax and enjoy a different thing done very well indeed. Death Valley was on BBC One
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders fans stunned by Priya star's real-life famous actress mum
Priya Nandra-Hart has plenty of family struggles on EastEnders, but in real life actress Sophie Khan Levy was raised by a mum who's appeared in blockbuster films and countless TV shows Sophie Khan Levy has only been on EastEnders since October 2023, but immediately made a splash and quickly snapped up a Best Newcomer gong at the Inside Soap Awards the following year. Now, fans are learning that acting might well be in Sophie's blood, and she can claim a very famous star as her real-life mum. London-born Sophie, 35, plays Priya Nandra-Hart on the BBC soap, securing the role soon after appearing in The Sixth Commandment for the broadcaster. Priya doesn't have the best time on Albert Square, with her unfolding histories with Ravi Gulati and Nugget shocking viewers and creating some very beefy storylines. Thankfully, in real life, Sophie hasn't experienced the same heartbreaking woes as Priya - and in fact grew up around the showbiz world. After living with her cousin in Canada for more than a year as a kid, the actress followed in her mum's footsteps to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has been acting professionally since 2013. But who is her famous mum? Fans have recently found out that Sophie's mum is Shaheen Khan, best known for her role as the iconic Mrs Bhamra in the 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham alongside Keira Knightley. Shaheen has also done plenty of soaps, playing Kiran Joghill Casualty, in the late 1980s alongside snagging roles other super popular shows including Doctors and Doctor Who. One fan shared their sleuthing discovery on TikTok, exclaiming: "Omg, didn't know the bend it like Beckham mum was her [Sophie's] mum." Another confessed: "I didn't know this, I love the film Bend it like Beckham and she's so good as Priya." A third excited fan added: "The way I went and told everyone in my household they're mother and daughter in real life, so surprised." Sophie has made quite the impact since joining EastEnders in 2023, quickly establishing herself as a favourite in the iconic soap. Taking on the role of Priya, the ex of notorious Ravi, the plucky character has found herself and her daughter, Avani, at the centre of some seriously juicy drama. After surprising Ravi with the existence of their daughter, Priya and Avani managed to find their feet within the Panesar family following some initial upheaval. Despite a rocky start, Priya and Ravi are now navigating the waters of co-parenting both Avani and her brother Davinder, ensuring that life in the Panesar household is never short of excitement. Sophie has blended in seamlessly to the EastEnders' cast, and gushed over how proud she was to be part of the show while in the running for the Best Newcomer award. Speaking before she secured her win, Sophie shared: "I'm really excited about it, I feel really honoured because [EastEnders] is such an iconic show. So I can't really believe that A, I'm a part of it, and then B, to be nominated. I just feel really lucky, and I'm really thrilled." The actress was equally thrilled to be part of the soap's recent epic 40th anniversary. Reflecting on the milestone, she said: "Being in EastEnders coming up to the 40th anniversary, I can't believe it. I grew up watching the show, and so to be part of an anniversary episode or moment... it just feels like the show is on a high at the moment. It's a super exciting time."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nicola Coughlan shares her excitement as she reveals she's set to reunite with Derry Girls co-star for new project
Nicola Coughlan has shared her excitement as she revealed she's set to reunite with one of her Derry Girls co-star for a new project. The actress, 38, - who played Clare Devlin in the Channel 4 sitcom - will soon star in show Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. And Siobhán McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her. Sharing the news on her Instagram on Tuesday, Nicola wrote: 'Reuniting with an old friend for a new adventure doing an Irish classic 'So excited to be bringing the Wesht of Ireland to the @nationaltheatre.' Sharing the news herself, Siobhán penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world. 'Thank you @nationaltheatre for allowing me back.' The Playboy of the Western World is a three-act play written by Irish playwright John Millington Synge, first performed at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 1907. A synopsis reads: 'Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when, on a normal day, a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's killed his father. 'Instead of being shunned, the killer Christy Mahon becomes a local hero. The welcome murderer wins hearts and races as he beds himself into village life. That is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene…' Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin) directs Nicola, Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán in John's story of youth and self-discovery. Last week, Nicola appeared smitten with boyfriend Jake Dunn as they made their red carpet debut at the Bafta TV and Craft awards nominees party. The actress and her Renegade Nell star partner, 25, could barely keep their eyes off each other as they arrived at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Nicola looked elegant for the evening in a figure-hugging black jacket dress which featured an eye-catching tulle bow on the back. And Siobhán McSweeney who played the iconic role of Sister Michael will be acting alongside her Sharing the news herself, Siobhán penned on her socials: 'What a delight to finally reveal this. Luckiest girl in the world' She layered the statement garment over a pair of black tights as she slipped into a pair of towering black platform heels. To finish her chic ensemble, the blonde beauty toted her belongings around in a small satin micro bag. Meanwhile Jake opted for a much more casual appearance as he stepped out in a pair of white trainers and a two-piece navy suit. He layered his suit over a burgundy wool jumper and a white shirt which he opted to keep the top button open. Nicola went Instagram official with Jake in February as she took to her Stories to celebrate her boyfriend's 25th birthday with a sweet post. She shared a photo of Dunn sitting on what appears to be a set as he looked up at the sky. 'Happy Birthday ♥️,' she wrote on the post. Nicola and Jake met after being after being introduced by her Derry Girls co-star and close friend Louisa Harland. Following months of hiding the budding relationship, Nicola and Jake, finally confirmed their romance in October after they were spotted returning home hand-in-hand from a pub trip in North London. Friends of the couple told MailOnline: 'They're absolutely besotted with each other and have so much fun together. 'Despite their busy schedules, they've slotted into each other's lives so easily as they share such a big group of mutual friends.' Jake, who graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2023, has appeared in projects opposite Nicola's Derry Girls co-stars Louisa Harland and Dylan Llewellyn, 32. Like Nicola, the London-born actor has also starred in a period drama, Disney's Renegade Nell, opposite Louisa. The source added: 'When Derry Girls ended Nicola, Dylan and Louisa remained the best of friends and always supported each other in their careers so it made sense Nicola met Jake.' While still at drama school, Jake was booked on for the Channel 4 Big Boys opposite Dylan and was written by Jack Rooke who is a close friend of Nicola's. The gang of friends are big supporters of each other's work and are often spotted hanging out in North West London where Nicola has a house in the trendy Stoke Newington area.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Harry Potter star Timothy Spall reveals how losing weight has changed his career and shares the one diet change he made to shed the pounds
Harry Potter star Timothy Spall has revealed how losing weight has changed his career. The actor, 68, has discussed his weight loss journey and told how he decided to shed the pounds for his role in 2015 horror The Enfield Haunting. Timothy, who famously played Peter Pettigrew/Wormtail in the wizarding franchise, revealed he was suddenly considered for parts he wouldn't have been before. Admitting it changed his career, Timothy also revealed the one major diet change he made in order to lose weight. 'I wanted to lose weight for a part in The Enfield Haunting, so I stopped drinking wine and that regulated my diet,' he told Saga magazine. 'The weight came off and I started to get parts I wouldn't have had before - funnily enough, I'm currently filming a Netflix movie directed by Kate Winslet called Goodbye June where I had to fatten up by wearing a strap-on belly.' The actor, 68, has discussed his weight loss journey and revealed how he was suddenly considered for parts he wouldn't have been before (pictured left in 2022 and right in 2006) Timothy also discussed his weight transformation back in 2019, revealing it felt 'liberating' to change his lifestyle. 'As a character actor, it's put me in a position where I'm not hobbled by being a certain shape. I'm no longer that avuncular round bloke,' he told The Radio Times. In his wide-ranging interview with Saga, Timothy also discussed being diagnosed with myeloid leukaemia - a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells - at the age of 39. He emotionally admitted he begged for God to 'spare him' and revealed there was a time when his family thought he wouldn't make it. 'The pain and the horror of what me dying would do to the people I loved was the only unbearable side of it, the rest I could take,' he bravely shared. Timothy has been married to his wife Shane since 1981 and they share three children - famed actor Rafe, 42, and daughters Pascale, 49, and Mercedes, 40. He has secured many major film credits throughout his career, including in 1996's Secrets and Lies, 2023's The Sixth Commandment and Wicked Little Letters. Timothy also secured the role of betrayer and rat animagus Wormtail in the Harry Potter franchise, appearing in six of the eight popular movies. He didn't appear in the first two instalments but made his debut appearance in The Prisoner of Azkaban, coinciding with the storyline of JK Rowling's novels. He then appeared in the subsequent films - The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, the Half-Blood Prince and the Deathly Hallows' Part 1 and Part 2. Despite his decades-long career, Timothy was only awarded his first BAFTA last year when he took home the prestigious Best Actor gong. He collected the accolade for his 'heart-wrenching' performance as murdered Peter Farquhar in The Sixth Commandment. Receiving his award at the Royal Festival Hall with a beaming smile on his face, he told the audience: 'Acting's a stupid thing, it really is. 'It's a soppy old thing really. Standing up, pretending to be somebody, p****ing around in costumes. 67 and you think, is this me - am I still doing this? 'But, the reality is, sometimes you get the chance to play people that have had a terrible thing happen to them and all they wanted was love and it's a beautiful thing to be able to tell a story about something like that. 'This story is about many things, it's about a terrible crime but it is also about love. We're privileged, especially when telling real stories about real lives, that people give you permission to do this. 'We're just storytellers really, when we can tell stories that are really touching and really affect people and it makes a difference and we can all share in this human condition, some of it horrible, some of it beautiful and some of it both. Admitting that he was overjoyed by the award, Peter, who was given the gong by Lashana Lynch, said: 'Even though acting is a silly, stupid thing, and the other actors in this are bl**dy brilliant and I am in owe of their talent. 'It's lovely, I've always wanted one of these - it's lovely to have one. I'll shut up now because I'm just drivelling on. But I'm just so pleased to be here, among you lot. We have quite a good life really don't we. Thank you very much.' Timothy previously quipped that he was always 'a bridesmaid and never the bride at these awards'. In 2014, after a win at Cannes Film Festival, he said: 'I've always been the bridesmaid at these awards. I've been nominated for BAFTA awards but never won.'
BreakingNews.ie
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Timothy Spall thought he ‘might not make it' after leukaemia diagnosis
Actor Timothy Spall thought he 'might not make it' after being diagnosed with leukaemia. The award-winning star, 68, who is known for playing Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter film series and starring in 2014 film Mr Turner, said the thought of leaving his family behind was 'unbearable'. Advertisement Speaking to Saga Magazine, the actor spoke about his leukaemia diagnosis, which he received in 1996, and the 'horror' of what dying would do to his family. He said: 'I was 39 and we had three kids, and out of the blue I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called acute myeloid leukaemia. When I was told I had it, I got down on my knees and asked God to spare me for my family. Timothy Spall won the Leading Actor award for The Sixth Commandment at the Bafta TV Awards 2024 (Ian West/PA) 'There was a time when they thought I might not make it. The only really unbearable thing was what my family would do if I went? I wouldn't be there to look after them, and that was my job as a husband and father. 'The pain and the horror of what me dying would do to the people I loved was the only unbearable side of it. The rest I could take. Advertisement 'One day, between treatments, the doctors had done tests and they thought I'd relapsed. A massive mushroom-type thing had grown in my lung. I was about to go and have full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant knowing there were things in my body that'd potentially kill me. That morning, I woke up and thought, sod this, I'm not going to die.' Spall is married to writer Shane Spall and has three children named Rafe, Pascale, and Mercedes. He added: 'We've been married for 44 years and are inseparable. Joined at the hip. We got married four months after we met. I think there is a lot to be said for marrying someone you don't know. I was just in love with her. She is also my best mate.' Timothy Spall said he was 'genuinely surprised' to win the Leading Actor Bafta last year (Ian West/PA) The English actor won the Bafta for Leading Actor in 2024 for his role of Peter Farquhar in the true crime series, The Sixth Commandment, beating Succession star Brian Cox. Advertisement He also portrayed the Duke of Norfolk in the hit BBC Two series Wolf Hall, following the life of Thomas Cromwell, the principal adviser to Henry VIII. Spall said: 'I thought it was a shoo-in for Brian Cox because Succession was such a popular show, and he was brilliant. 'It was my sixth Bafta nomination, and I got used to doing the 'smile', so I thought it was going to be another one of those. 'When I won it, I was genuinely surprised.' Advertisement
