Latest news with #TobyJones
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Actor Toby Jones awarded honorary doctorate by Keele University
Bafta award-winning actor Toby Jones has collected an honorary doctorate from a university in University awarded him the honour in recognition of his contribution to drama and is known for his roles in The Detectorists and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, as well as for playing local man Neil Baldwin in the BBC drama Thursday, he was reunited with Mr Baldwin, better known as "Nello", during a ceremony at the university campus. "We're delighted to award an honorary degree to acclaimed actor Toby Jones, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to drama and acting and a career that has led to him being widely regarded as one of the UK's most brilliantly versatile actors," a university spokesperson is more than a decade since Marvellous first aired, with a subsequent theatre version taking to the stage in pair's reunion was described as "an emotional and joyful moment for everyone who remembers the magic" of the upcoming projects include ITV's The Hack with David Tennant, a second series of Apple's Hijack, Duke Johnson's The Actor, and Bharat Nalluri's 58-year-old is also due to return to the stage this October in Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket in London. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'One of the most important British dramas ever made' joins major streamer
A 'riveting' British drama that has been hailed for 'uncovering corruption at the highest level' has been added to a major streaming platform. Starring the likes of Will Mellor, Toby Jones and Monica Dolan, Mr Bates vs The Post Office took the nation by storm following its release last year, and launched one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK history back into the spotlight. Following the story of former sub postmaster Alan Bates, who lost his Post Office in north Wales after being accused of theft, he discovers how hundreds of others were affected by the scandal despite not doing anything wrong. Dozens of innocent people were convicted of theft, lost their homes and went into debt and 236 went to prison. Four people also took their own lives. The programme prompted public outrage and help put the Horizon scandal under the spotlight. Now, however, the 'absolutely brilliant' series is available to watch on Disney Plus. Writing on google reviews, Mrs Franczak said: 'ITV's superlative drama will touch the British people. 'It has such resonance because it speaks to our times – it is about what is wrong with our society – the one where the villains in elite positions get away with their vile oppressive greed and unjustified power – people who are never brought to account even when there is a public Inquiry. 'It could have been you or it could have been me- it was the little people who suffered -people who we know, ordinary folks who just wanted to run a post office and got caught up in a nightmare of bureaucratic oppression, monumental injustice, incredible incompetence, bullyin [and] lies. 'Beautifully written. ITV should be very proud… Lets have the next chapter please and a film or five!' Mick also described it as 'brilliantly depicted but sickening to watch'. 'How could they so horrendously blight the lives of those 'little people' just to save 'the brand',' he said. 'I found the whole mini series riveting, bursting with human drama and have watched it again since its initial airing. 'I think that it provided some real insight as to the low, brutal tactics that an organisation like the Post Office (which remarkably seems to have the power to be both poacher and gamekeeper) with almost bottomless financial rescources will employ in pursuit of their objectives, no matter the consequences for the innocent 'little people'. 'I for one fought back the tears more than once during the mini series and I defy any-one with as much as half a heart not to do the same.' Paul S added: 'Absolutely brilliant because it shows just how much we, as a population are controlled from above. 'The sub posmasters of this country put everything into a one sided, misguided contract that is then abused by the Post Office to take down anyone they choose. 'Mr Bates is our Erin Brockovitch. This is must see TV that continually raises questions and proves corruption at the highest level. My praise to the cast and the production team and my heartfelt sympathy for the real life individuals affected by Horizon.' Writing on X @steve220459 also commented: 'Rarely has a factual drama fired me up as much as Mr Bates versus The Post Office. 'Ordinary decent working people whose lives have been utterly wrecked. This will surely place the matter at the centre of the public consciousness. Senior Post Office officials need investigating.' Meanwhile, @guyrowlanduk wrote: 'Congrats to Mr Bates vs The Post Office for their well deserved special award. 'One of the most important British dramas ever made. 'Over four consecutive nights, an audience that grew from 3.9 million to an eventual 15 million watched on in horror'.' The addition of the ITV drama to Disney Plus comes as part of a 'first-of-its-kind' deal between the two streaming services who are joining forces to share a curated and regularly refreshed selection of hit shows and movies across both platforms at no extra cost. This means that ITVX viewers will be introduced to a 'rotating rail' of Disney Plus content, titled 'Taste of Disney+', which started on July 16. More Trending The selection over the coming months includes critically acclaimed and award-winning titles such as The Bear, Andor and Only Murders in the Building, as well as reality hits such as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Kardashians. At the same time, Disney Plus customers in the UK will be able to stream some ITV content on the platform, under the banner 'Taste of ITVX', at no extra cost. This includes multi-award-winning drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, espionage thriller A Spy Among Friends, reality hit Love Island and popular crime dramas like Endeavour, Vera and Karen Pirie. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is available to watch on Disney Plus and ITVX. 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. View More » MORE: Post Office systems down after outage hits branches MORE: Jeremy Clarkson is launching 'ruthless' Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ITV spin-off series MORE: I'm a TV critic – I was so wrong about Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Future of beloved BBC series with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score explained
Toby Jones has delivered a bit of a blow to fans of his beloved BBC comedy series, Detectorists. The show, penned and fronted by Mackenzie Crook with Toby Jones starring as one of the 'detectorists', was first broadcast in 2014 and enjoyed three successful series. Centered around the fictional Essex setting of Danebury, it charted the adventures and comical endeavours of two mates, Andy and Lance, part of the local metal detecting club, as they sought out historical treasures beneath the earth. The pair swapped the drudgery of their day-to-day jobs for the thrill of unearthing ancient artefacts, immersing viewers in their whimsical world of hobbyist discovery. Gaining a substantial cult following, Detectorists won new fans all over again when it appeared on Netflix, despite this acclaim and sparkling 100% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes for each of its series, there's no intention to unearth more episodes, reports Devon Live. In recent remarks to Deadline, Toby pondered the show's continuation, suggesting: "Once you've maybe found the Holy Grail there's very little place to go." Reflecting on the closure derived from the 2022 Christmas special finale, he added: "The idea of coming back after that would be very hard and also... it's very British and not very American – but there is a certain virtue to leaving people wanting more." These sentiments resonate with creator Mackenzie Crook's own stance from his 2024 interview with The Guardian, where he affirmed: "I won't be making any more Detectorists, but nobody should be sad. We made just the right amount." He then quipped: "Having said that, I know Toby is keen to do a live stadium tour.." Despite the clamour of devoted viewers, exemplified by one's review declaring the show "Brilliant, by every measure. TV gold." A viewer implored: "Wish there was a season 4 too! ! Awesome series!!" while another expressed admiration, saying: "A beautifully pleasant tv series......I loved it." Praise continued with one calling the series "outstanding," and an enthusiastic fan commenting: "I would give this 10 stars! ! The best TV show I have seen for sure. The script, the cast and the music. Everything. I absolutely love it! It gets more entertaining the more you watch it...I love every season. MacKenzie Crook can do wrong." Another devoted admirer shared: "This show is an absolute gem, I have watched all series 3 times and expect I will watch it again. It is perfectly cast, the humour is perfectly placed and the story is marvellous. Mackenzie Crook has hit a home run with this, the ending is brilliant but I would love if they do another series or even a special episode in the future."
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Toby Jones reveals disappointing update for BBC series hailed 'one of the best'
Toby Jones has poured cold water on hopes that the cult-followed BBC comedy Detectorists might return. Misfit detectorists – never metal detectors, that's what they use – Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) were last seen scouring the fields in the show's supersized 2022 Christmas special. Touted as the show's swansong, Jones has now said that a return after the feature-length episode is highly unlikely. The cult series, which was written and directed by star Crook, first aired in 2014 on the Beeb, but found a whole new section of fans during the Covid lockdowns and then again when the episodes dropped on Netflix. In a new interview, Jones laughed as he referred to the show's final special, telling Deadline: 'Once you've maybe found the Holy Grail there's very little place to go.' He continued: 'The idea of coming back after that would be very hard and also… it's very British and not very American – but there is a certain virtue to leaving people wanting more.' The show centred around middle-aged hobbyists Andy and Lance's time away from their nine to five, as they combed the field of the (fictional) town of Danebury looking for trophies long-lost from the Romans or Saxons. This low-key charm proved infectious. 'Those who found it felt they'd discovered something special,' Crook told the Guardian about the show's slow-burn success. After a scene-stealing stint in The Office, Crook said that when writing Detectorists, it was exactly that type of comedy he wanted to avoid. 'I deliberately set out to write something uncynical and removed from the awkward 'cringe comedy' that was prevalent at the time,' said Crook. Instead, Detectorists leaned into a witty but heartfelt rapport between its leads to find the laughs. Crook also addressed the possibility of the show's return in the same interview, recognising that there is fan demand for more, but reiterating that he has hung up his metal detector. 'I won't be making any more Detectorists, but nobody should be sad,' he told the publication. 'We made just the right amount. Having said that, I know Toby is keen to do a live stadium tour…' The show was met with glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike, currently holding an 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. TV viewers took to Google reviews to gush about the show, labelling it one of the best comedies of late and one they keep coming back to. 'I admit I have rewatched the whole series several times now and still laugh at the same things,' wrote Elli Jilek. 'One of the best comedic series to come out in recent times. More Trending 'If you want some genuine entertainment for your soul and mind, it's a must-see!' Jason Crowther shared another rave review, writing: 'I can honestly say that I have not viewed such a beautifully crafted show in years.' Duncan Spencer chimed in writing: 'How many times can you watch a Brit TV comedy? As it turns out, quite a lot. It's my favourite comedy EVER.' View More » Detectorists is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. 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: BBC addresses fury after legendary band's final ever show wasn't filmed at Glastonbury MORE: BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86 MORE: Women's Euro 2025 TV channel schedule: How to watch every game in the UK
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix drops 'bleak and gripping' period drama starring Line Of Duty legend packed full of sex, spies and subterfuge
Netflix has dropped a 'bleak and gripping' period drama starring a Line Of Duty legend packed full of sex, spies and subterfuge. The Secret Agent first hit screens on the BBC nearly ten years ago in 2016 and delves into 1886 London. The four-part series is based on Joseph Conrad's novel which shares the same title as the drama. It follows Verloc (Toby Jones), a sex shopkeeper and Russian spy, who has to deal with 'pressure to commit an act of politically-motivated terrorism,' according to the synopsis. Other cast members include Line Of Duty star Vicky McClure who plays Verloc's wife, Winnie, as well as Stephen Graham as Chief Inspector Heat. The Secret Agent was recently added to Netflix for fans to stream and has received a range of reviews since it first aired. While The Telegraph only rated it two out of five stars and described it as 'one of the bleakest, murkiest and most disturbing dramas' of the year, the Radio Times dubbed the series a 'gripping period tale'. However, The Mail's Christopher Stevens scored it a disappointing two out of five stars too and felt the show lacked 'the oomph' of a 'classic thriller' but overall said it was a 'stolid literary adaptation'. The Secret Agent has a modest 6.1/10 score on IMDb and one fan gushed: 'Dark, bleak, brooding but really good!' While another called the series 'excellent' and rated it eight out of ten. 'I cannot understand the negative reviews about this film, it was excellent, the only actor l had heard of was Toby Jones who played Capt. Mainwaring in the remake of Dad's Army, and l think that's what made it so much better then a film with big start names it felt more authentic, it was sad, dramatic, drama, but bedside anything else it was excellent l give it 9/10,' one viewer chimed in. However, someone else was disappointed and said: 'It's a strange and unconvincing story, but it has its points of interest, as it deals with the murky late Victorian world of mysterious anarchists. 'Unfortunately, this BBC version is not very well done. The main problem is that it is too slow and does not flow.' It comes as a 'fascinating and suspenseful' Netflix thriller left fans gripped with a 'psychopathic' leading man and a 'dark' twist. The Occupant first hit screens back in 2020 and is available to watch on the streaming platform. It follows unemployed advertising executive Javier Muñoz (Javier Gutiérrez) who becomes obsessed with the new tenants of the home he had to give up. However, things take a horrifying twist when 'his motives toward the family turn sinister,' according to the synopsis. Despite only having a modest 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Occupant has still managed to collect plenty of praise from fans. The Secret Agent is available to stream on Netflix now.
