Tag: TV and Film

DWTS season 34: all of the 2025 theme nights leading up to the big finale

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Dancing with the Stars loves a good theme. Following this year’s Sept. 16 premiere, season 34 of DWTS has featured the following themes: One-Hit Wonders Night (where couples danced to songs that you loved by artists you never heard from again), TikTok Night (featuring songs that have gone viral on the social media platform), Disney Night (a classic DWTS theme, brought to you by some ABC/Disney corporate synergy) and Dedication Night (another staple in the DWTS world in which contestants dedicate their performances to someone meaningful in their lives).

And as the competition heats up, the themes continue to get more creative. These are all of the theme nights DWTS has planned for the rest of the 2025 season.

© Disney
Hilaria Baldwin and her family visit Disneyland during Disney Week on DWTS

Week 6: Wicked Night

Oct. 21 is Wicked Night, where the top 10 remaining couples will perform to songs from Wicked and Wicked: For Good, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “Dancing Through Life” and “For Good.” Jon M. Chu, the director of both films, will serve as a guest judge. ABC has also said that the show will feature “special video messages” from the cast, including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey and Michelle Yeoh.

© Universal
Wicked Night is up next on DWTS

Week 7: Halloween Night

Three days before Halloween, the DWTS ballroom will get spooky with one of their annual traditions.

© Disney
Season 32 of DWTS got into the Halloween spirit with hair-raising transformations and spine-tingling routines

Week 8: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night

Entering the final month of DWTS shows, Nov. 4 is Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. While this specific theme hasn’t been done before, DWTS has previously done similar iterations to celebrate rock and roll anthems, including last year’s Hair Metal Night.

Week 9: DWTS’s 20th birthday party

Can you believe it’s been 20 whole years of DWTS? Nov. 11 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the celebrity ballroom competition show.

Week 10: Prince Night (Semi-Finals)

DWTS contestants are going to party like it’s 1999 on Nov. 18, when the show celebrates Prince Night in honor of the legendary music artist. DWTS typically does one night a season dedicated to a specific artist (previous seasons have celebrated Taylor Swift, Michael Bublé and Whitney Houston). While songs haven’t been announced yet, host Alfonso Ribiero has claimed Prince Night as “my night,” teasing some fun costumes he plans to show off.

© Getty Images
Previously, DWTS has celebrated music icons such as Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston and Michael Bublé

Week 11: Finale

Nov. 25, just two days before Thanksgiving, wraps up the end of DWTS season 34 with a three-hour finale that will culminate in one of the remaining (usually four or five) dance pairs taking home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

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Hannah Yasharoff

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October 21, 2025
Strictly 2025 LIVE: Amber Davies to perform series’ first Argentine Tango as song and dance routines confirmed

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After disappearing from Movie Week, Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell will be back this week. However, his wife, Gail, revealed the frantic phone call she received from him about the news of the illness that prompted him to pull out of the performance. See the full story here.

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Matthew Moore

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October 18, 2025
The Naked Gun star dies aged 98

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The Naked Gun star Ed Williams has passed away surrounded by family, following an illustrious Hollywood career spanning 40 years. The 98-year-old’s death was announced by his granddaughter, Stephanie Williams, who shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he died in Los Angeles on October 2, although the cause of his death is yet to be revealed. Ed rose to fame in Hollywood playing priests and reverend characters, before nabbing a part in the short-lived 1982 TV series Police Squad! alongside Leslie Nielsen.

Despite the show’s cancelation, it went on to find new life in the movie franchise The Naked Gun, which followed Leslie’s bumbling detective Frank Drebin. Ed played Ted Olsen, a lab scientist, in all three films, including in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988), The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear (1991) and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994). The franchise was rebooted in 2025, starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson in the lead roles.

He also gained notoriety for portraying the reverend and wedding officiant in 1991’s Father of the Bride, which co-starred Steve Martin and the late Diane Keaton, who passed away aged 79 on October 11 following a battle with pneumonia. Ed also starred in Ratboy (1986), Nickel & Dime (1992), High Strung (1992) and Carnosaur (1993), and made cameos in Madame’s Place, Cheers, MacGyver, LA Law, Matlock, Hooperman and Sisters.

His final credited role, as per IMDb, was in the TV series Hollywood Radio Players from 2022 to 2023, proving that he worked well into his 90s. Ed moved to Hollywood with his wife, Nancy, in 1955, and got a job teaching at The Don Martin School of Radio and Television Arts and Sciences.

Despite his acting dreams, he chose to focus on his teaching work rather than spend his time auditioning. “I do not approve of professors that go out and moonlight and make a lot of money on the side and neglect their classes,” he told Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters. “That used to make me mad to hear that.” This meant that Ed went 24 years without an acting gig.

© ABC
Ed portrayed Ted Olsen in The Naked Gun film franchise

He continued: “I felt like the [guy] who’s been trained to be a surgeon, but he didn’t quite get in the operating room. I wanted to get in the operating room.” The father of two added that his agent “loved to put” him in parts where he portrayed ministers and priests, which meant that he “got stuck on a lot of ministers for a long time there”.

© ABC
His Hollywood career planned four decades

His time working on Father of the Bride as a reverend was “a pleasure”, he said, and Ed was “grateful to be in it”. As for his most famous role in The Naked Gun franchise, the veteran actor shared that his co-star, Leslie, was “a consummate professional” who “really knew how to do it and do it well”.

© Pacific Pioneer Broadcast/YouTube
He is survived by his wife and two kids

Ed is survived by his wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1954, as well as his sons, Fred and Ian, and his grandchildren, Stephanie and Maureen.

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Faye James

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October 16, 2025
Watch Reese Witherspoon lead tributes to ‘indelible’ Diane Keaton as Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Steve Martin praise ‘complete original’ star

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Reese Witherspoon paid a tearful tribute to the late Diane Keaton while on stage at the Hello Sunshine Shine Away Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Reese starred alongside Diane in the 1991 movie Wild Flower, and told guests a heartwarming story of how Diane helped Reese to find her footing in the Hollywood industry. After a panel with author Harlan Coban, with whom she has collaborated on a new thriller, Reese said: “I just wanted to talk to you for one second because – and I’m gonna try and get through this without tearing up – but I don’t know if you guys heard that Diane Keaton passed today”.

“I had to take a second to really think about it because when I was 15-years-old, Diane was really important to me,” said an emotional Reese. “She was one of my first mentors in this business when I was 15 and from Nashville, Tennessee, and I didn’t know anybody.” Reese then shared that during one of her earliest auditions, she had a “big country accent” that Diane did not believe was real.

“I said: ‘I’m Reese Witherspoon, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee.’ And she said, ‘Are you making that [accent] up?’ And I said: ‘No, ma’am, I’m from Nashville, Tennessee, and I’d love to be in your movie.’ And she told me: “You’re hired, you’re hired today, tomorrow, and the next day. I don’t know who you are, but I am so excited to have you.’”

“That was one of the most important summers of my childhood because she really took the time to pull me aside and say: ‘Stand up straight. I want you to have good posture. If you’re going to be an actress, you’ve got to work on your posture, okay?’” Reese told guests, adding: “What I loved about her is she was such an original, and if you just close your mind and think of Diane Keaton… I guarantee you, from Annie Hall to The Godfather to Something’s Gotta Give, she is just incredible and indelible and just a truly original person.”

© GC Images
Diane has died at the age of 79

“So for Diane, watch one of her movies and wear a really cool, interesting outfit, take a cool picture, and just live your dream. Be your unique, interesting self, I think Diane would be really happy, so rest in peace Diane,” Reese concluded.

Oscar-winning actress Diane died at the age of 79, her family shared with People magazine. Further details were not available at the time of publication, and her loved ones have asked for privacy, according to a family spokesperson.

© Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock
Martin Short, Diane, Steve Martin and Kimberly Williams in Father Of The Bride II in 1995

Known for her work in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, romcoms First Wives Club and Father of the Bride, and the mob thriller The Godfather, Diane’s co-stars from across the decades paid tribute following the news of her death.

Her longtime friend Goldie Hawn posted a lengthy celebration of Diane’s life, writing: “Diane, we aren’t ready to lose you. You’ve left us with a trail of fairy dust, filled with particles of light and memories beyond imagination. How do we say goodbye? What words can come to mind when your heart is broken? You never liked praise, so humble, but now you can’t tell me to “shut up” honey. There was, and will be, no one like you.”

© WireImage
Diane and Goldie have been longtime friends for decades

“We agreed to grow old together, and one day, maybe live together with all our girlfriends. Well, we never got to live together, but we did grow older together. Who knows… maybe in the next life,” added Goldie, who appeared in First Wives Club with Diane. “Shine your fairy dust up there, girlfriend. I’m going to miss the hell out of you.”

© Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Diane and Bette in 1997

Fellow First Wives Club co-star Bette Midler wrote on Instagram: “The brilliant, beautiful, extraordinary Diane Keaton has died. I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, a complete original, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was … oh, la, lala!”

On Instagram, actor Steve Martin posted a screenshot from an Interview magazine article where Martin Short asked: “Who’s sexier, me or Steve Martin?” to which Diane simply replied: “I mean, you’re both idiots.”

© WireImage
Diane and Steve worked together on Father of the Bride

Steve, who starred in Father Of The Bride with Diane, captioned the post: “Don’t know who first posted this, but it sums up our delightful relationship with Diane.”

9-1-1: Nashville star Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who also starred alongside Diane in Father Of The Bride, said in a tribute on Instagram that working with her “will always be one of the highlights of my life,” adding: “Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your talent, and above all, your laughter.”

Diane was nominated for Oscars for her roles in Something’s Gotta Give, Marvin’s Room and Reds, in which she starred opposite her former love Warren Beatty, and she won the Best Actress Oscar for Annie Hall. She also won two Golden Globes and a BAFTA.

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Rebecca Lewis

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October 11, 2025
Strictly 2025 LIVE: Cynthia Erivo becomes first-ever guest mentor ahead of movie week and Couples Choice debut

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It was announced on Friday that the all-Aussie pair, Dianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis, won’t be performing tonight as Stefan is unwell. Announcing the news, the official Instagram account for Strictly Come Dancing shared a post which read: “Due to illness over the past few days, Stefan Dennis has been advised by doctors to rest, and as a result, he will not dance this weekend.

“In line with the rules of Strictly, Stefan and Dianne will receive a bye through to next week when they will hopefully be allowed to dance again.”

© BBC/Guy Levy
The pair will not dance this week

It hasn’t been confirmed why Stefan has fallen unwell, but one woman ready to wish him better was his wife of 25 years, Gail. She shared a gushing message to her husband, sharing more details about his situation.

“A year ago, almost to the day, I got a frantic call from @neighbours , saying that Stefan was being rushed to emergency. Then this week … a frantic call came again,” wrote Gail on Instagram. “Thankfully he will be ok, but I know he will be so sad and extremely disappointed that he can’t perform this week on @bbcstrictly .. but believe me, these two moments have been the only things that have kept him from going to work! He is such a super trouper. So please rest up darling, your body is shouting at you again. Make sure you listen!.”

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Isabelle Casey

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October 11, 2025
Thomas Skinner breaks silence after Strictly elimination

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Thomas Skinner has broken his social media silence after becoming the first celebrity contestant to be eliminated from this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. The businessman and social media personality went up against Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova in the dance-off during the first Results Show of the season. While Thomas and his dance partner, Amy Dowden, gave it their all with their Salsa performance, Chris and Nadiya’s Viennese Waltz ultimately won over the judges, with all four deciding to save the latter couple.

© BBC/Guy Levy
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden became the first couple to leave the show

Taking to social media after the result, Thomas praised his dance partner and said he was “gutted” for her. He penned (via The Mirror): “Amy Dowden is one of the most amazing persons I’ve ever met. I loved every single second dancing with her. She is an absolutely wonderful person inside and out. She didn’t deserve to be out first, I’m so gutted for her that we went so early in the competition. I know dancing means the absolute world to her. Keep on shinning, Amy. Sorry our Strictly journey was so short. But you keep on shinning girl. You deserve the world. Bosh.”

On Monday morning, Thomas shared his appreciation for the support he’d received from fans online. “Back in the van for me this morning, it’s another busy one. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend,” he penned. “I’m catching up on my messages & emails this morning, so will be getting back to everyone who needs a new mattress. Also want to say a massive thank you to all the lovely messages of support I’ve had.”

The former Apprentice star continued: “It means the world! I know I was rubbish at dancing, but it was so much fun. But back to reality. You are ten times stronger than you can ever imagine… so don’t give up!! Keep on moving forward! Let’s go smash it today. New week, new day, new start. Don’t go home until you’re proud. Bosh.”

WATCH: Strictly Come Dancing’s most amazing perfect 40 dances

Thomas’ Strictly exit

During Sunday’s results show, judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood all chose to save Chris and Nadiya, meaning that Thomas and Amy won the majority vote and would be leaving the competition. Meanwhile, Motsi Mabuse, who was the judge with the deciding vote, said that she would also have chosen to save Chris and Nadiya.

© BBC/Guy Levy
Thomas and Amy went up against Chris Robshaw & Nadiya Bychkova in the dance-off

When ask by host Tess Daly about his experience on the show, Thomas said he “loved it”. “I’ve never danced before and my stay was short, but Amy’s amazing,” he said. “It’s been great fun and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t really dance that well but I’ve had fun! Thank you, Amy – sorry that we haven’t done too good, ’cause you’re a different class.”

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston
Thomas praised Amy as “amazing”

Meanwhile, Amy said she’d “made a new friend for life” in Thomas, who she described as “adorable”. “There is a Ballroom boy in there, so I’m a bit gutted he didn’t get to do the Ballroom, but the last three years as you know have been quite difficult for me,” she said. “I lost all confidence as a dancer – but walking into the room with you with a massive smile and a laugh, you brought me back and, honestly, thank you.”

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Nicky Morris

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October 5, 2025
Kevin Costner takes talents to Prime Video with new drama based on true story of female Civil War spies

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The untold stories of female spies during the American Civil War will be coming to Prime Video in 2026. The series, called The Gray House, stars Mary-Louise Parker (The West Wing), Daisy Head (Harlots), Amethyst Davis (Kindred), and Ben Vereen (Roots), and has been produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. Stories of the soldiers of the Civil War, which took place between 1861 and 1865, have been told numerous times over the years, but this will be a major look at the women who helped to turn the tide in favor of the Union.

Roland Joffe directed the eight-part show that will focus on a “Virginia socialite, her mother, a formerly enslaved sister-in-arms, and the city’s most notorious courtesan. They operate deep inside the corridors of Confederate power and transform an underground railroad into an effective underground spy network, risking life and liberty.”

Elizabeth Van Lew was one of the more famous women who helped during the war; a wealthy Virginian abolitionist, Elizabeth ran an extensive spy ring in the capital city of Richmond. She cleverly used her position and influence to place Mary Bowser, a freedwoman, into the White House as a servant, where she would then pass on military and strategic information that she overheard.

It is unclear if The Gray House will tell their stories, or if it is simply inspired by Elizabeth and Mary. The ensemble cast also includes Paul Anderson, Ian Duff, Hannah James, Robert Knepper, Christopher McDonald, Colin Morgan, Rob Morrow, Colin O’Donoghue, Sam Trammell, Ewan Miller, and Keith David.

© Prime Video
Poster for The Gray House on Prime Video

The series also has a soundtrack from major A-listers, including original songs from Willie Nelson and Bon Jovi, as well as Shania Twain and Drake Milligan, Lainey Wilson, Killer Mike, and gospel superstar Yolanda Adams.

During the Civil War, women also became famous for disguising themselves as soldiers, including Sarah Rosetta Wakeman (known as Private Lyons Wakeman). She fought alongside the men of the 153rd New York Volunteers for nearly two years, and her identity was not discovered until years after her death in 1864.

© Encyclopedia Virginia
Elizabeth Van Lew

Jennie Hodgers, known as Albert Cashier, served in the 95th Illinois Infantry and continued to live as a man after the war. Her identity was only discovered in her later years, and she was buried with full military honors in 1915.

The American Civil War took place between the Union and the Confederacy, which was formed in 1861 by states that had seceded from the Union. The central conflict was a dispute between the Union and the Confederacy over whether slavery should be permitted to expand into the western territories of the United States. The Union won in 1865 and although slavery had been abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, on June 19 1865 federal troops announced freedom to the last enslaved people in Texas.

Kevin Costner as John Dutton in Yellowstone

Yellowstone star Kevin has also teamed up with Prime Video for a new comedy film with Jake Gyllenhaal; Honeymoon with Harry is a film that’s been in development for 20 years. The film follows Kevin and Jake’s respective characters, Todd and Harry, as they embark on a honeymoon together following the death of Todd’s fiancée and Harry’s daughter, Tammy Everett, two days before her wedding to Todd.

A synopsis on Amazon reads: “The emotional and hilarious story of hard-living Todd Cartwright who falls in love with Tammy Everett, a woman who literally saves Todd from himself. But Tammy’s suspicious, overly-protective father, Harry, does everything he can to crush the relationship.”

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Rebecca Lewis

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September 30, 2025
See the full 2025 Hallmark Christmas movie schedule (including the romcoms I’m most excited for)

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There are only 13 Fridays until Christmas 2026, but more importantly, there are only three Fridays to go until Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas begins (as of writing!) As a romance superfan, and therefore obviously a Christmas movie fan, I’ve rounded up every new film that will air on the network this season, as well as the TV shows, making this the ultimate guide for you to bookmark and return to each week as you make your lists and check them twice. Hallmark icons on screen this season include Sarah Drew, who kicks off the 2026 countdown with the linear TV premiere of Mistletoe Murders, which previously aired on Hallmark+. Despite a focus on murders, Sarah plays a Christmas shop owner who investigates alongside a local detective, making it a seasonally-appropriate cozy series perfect to transition us from fall into winter. Season two will drop on November 7, 2025.

Other familiar faces will include Robert Buckley, who stars in Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!, about a weatherman who finds love with his former classmate when he returns home for Christmas; Rachel Boston, who appears in The More The Merrier; and The OC‘s Autumn Reeser, who will join Niall Matter in We Met in December. Hallmark staple Lacey Chabert will star in She’s Making a List as a consultant who decides children’s fates on the Naughty or Nice list but falls for a widowed father, and British acting legend Jane Seymour joins Mae Whitman in Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas.

Elsewhere, there are a few upcoming films for which I, for one, cannot wait. Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is the second Hallmark film to follow the story of two potential lovebirds in the setting of an NFL season, and this one stars Holland Roden as a pediatrician who discovers love with a Bills stadium executive (played by Shadowhunters star Matthew Daddario) while uncovering a family Christmas mystery in Buffalo.

As someone who still regularly thinks of the Julia Stiles film, The Prince & Me, I also cannot wait for A Royal Montana Christmas, which sounds right up my street – a princess (Fiona Gubelmann) escapes to a Montana ranch and falls for a rugged guide (Warren Christie) – as well as A Suite Holiday Romance, with Chicago Med‘s Jessy Schram and Shadowhunters‘ Dominic Sherwood, which will premiere on December 13, 2025.

Trailer for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2026

OCTOBER

© Hallmark

Sarah Drew’s Mistletoe Murders will make its linear TV premiere

Mistletoe Murders Season 1 (TV series)

Premiere Date: Friday, Oct. 17 at 8pm

Sarah Drew’s Christmas shop owner investigates murders with a local detective.

A Royal Montana Christmas

Premiere Date: Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8pm

Fiona Gubelmann stars as a princess who escapes to a Montana ranch, and obviously falls for a rugged guide.

A Christmas Angel Match

Premiere Date: Sunday, October 19 at 8pm

Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres star as Christmas angels who find love while working together on Earth.

© Hallmark Channel

Robert Buckley in Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!

Premiere Date: Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8pm

Robert Buckley stars as a weatherman who returns to his hometown and finds love with a former classmate (Kimberley Sustad)

Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 (TV series)

Premiere Date: Monday, Oct. 27 at 8pm

Hosted by Mean Girls’ Jonathan Bennett with lead judge Melissa Peterman, the show follows aspiring actors as they compete in holiday-themed challenges to win a Hallmark role.

Baked With Love: Holiday (TV series)

Premiere Date: Monday, Oct. 27 at 9pm

Ten pairs of home bakers compete in a festive family-recipe bake-off, with guest judges Anna Haugh and Vaughn Vreeland, and hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley.

NOVEMBER

© Hallmark Channel

Janel Parrish and Parker Young star as rival Marines in Christmas On Duty

Christmas On Duty

Premiere Date: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8pm

Janel Parrish and Parker Young star as rival Marines who find love while stuck on Christmas duty.

A Newport Christmas

Premiere Date: Sunday, Nov. 2 at 8pm

An early 20th-century socialite, played by Ginna Claire Mason, time-travels to present-day Newport and finds love with a sailor, played Wes Brown.

Mistletoe Murders Season 2 (TV series)

Premiere Date: Friday, Nov. 7 at 8pm

Sarah Drew’s Emily and Peter Mooney’s Sam return for a second season of the cozy murder mystery which will see them investigate a shadowy group that resurfaces at the same time as secrets from Emily’s past.

© Hallmark Channel

A Keller Christmas Vacation stars Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh and Eden Sher

Christmas Above the Clouds

Premiere Date: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8pm

Hallmark fan favorite Erin Krakow plays a workaholic who tries to skip Christmas but find herself reconnecting with her ex on a flight to Australia.

A Keller Christmas Vacation

Premiere Date: Sunday, Nov. 9 at 8pm

Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh and Eden Sher star as estranged siblings who reconnect during a Christmas river cruise through Europe.

Three Wisest Men

Premiere Date: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8pm

The third in the series comes this Christmas and follows the Brenner brothers (Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes and Andrew Walker) as they face new challenges — twins, career choices and a wedding.

© Hallmark Channel

Holland Roden and Matthew Daddario bring Holiday Touchdown to Buffalo

Tidings for the Season

Premiere Date: Sunday, Nov. 16 at 8pm

Tamera Mowry-Housley will also star in this new film as a single mom who falls for a local newscaster (B.J. Britt) who is learning to embrace feel-good stories at Christmas.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story

Premiere Date: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8pm

The second in the Holiday Touchdown series, which began in 2024 in Kansas City. The 2025 film will be set in Buffalo and follow a pediatrician (Holland Roden) and a stadium executive (Matthew Daddario) who discover love while uncovering a family Christmas mystery.

Melt My Heart This Christmas

Premiere Date: Sunday, Nov. 23 at 8pm

A glassblower (Laura Vandervoort) secretly showcases her work at a Christmas fair and falls for the man (Stephen Huszar) overseeing the entries.

© Hallmark Channel

Autumn Reeser and Niall Matter will star in We Met In December Hallmark Channel

We Met in December

Premiere Date: Thursday, Nov. 27 at 8pm

Strangers (Autumn Reeser and Niall Matter) share a magical night on a holiday layover and spend the season trying to find each other again.

The Snow Must Go On

Premiere Date: Friday, Nov. 28 at 6pm

A former Broadway actor (Corey Cott) directs a high school Christmas musical and falls for the guidance counselor (Heather Hemmens).

The More the Merrier

Premiere Date: Friday, Nov. 28 at 8pm

An ER doctor (Rachel Boston) snowed in at a rural hospital falls for a cardiologist (Brendan Penny) amid a Christmas Eve baby boom.

© Hallmark Channel

Ashley Williams and Laci J. Mailey star as estranged sisters in An Alpine Holiday

An Alpine Holiday

Premiere Date: Nov. 29, 2025 at 6pm

Ashley Williams and Laci J. Mailey star as estranged sisters Faith and Kelly who are brought ack together to travel to the French Alps for Christmas as part of their grandmother’s last wish. Adventure beckons, as does romance between Kelly and their French mountaineer guide, Frederic.

A Grand Ole Opry

Premiere Date: Nov. 29, 2025 at 8pm

Brad Paisley will write original music for this Nashville-set Christmas flick that centers around the daughter of a late country music icon who abandoned her dream of a songwriting career when he died in a tragic car crash. However, when she is asked to return to the Grand Ole Opry to honor her father, she is transported to 1995 with her lifelong friend, where she is reunited with her father and learns surprising answers to questions she has had for years.

© Hallmark Channel

Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell in Christmas at the Catnip Cafe

The Christmas Cup

Premiere Date: Nov. 30, 2025 at 6pm

Staff Sergeant Kelly Brandt returns home in low spirits for the holidays but is encouraged to lead her hometown team in the annual Christmas Cup against the rival town – with the help of Fire Captain Quinn Stokley.

Christmas at the Catnip Cafe

Premiere Date: Nov. 30, 2025 at 8pm

Erin Cahill will star as Olivia Pierce, a marketing executive, who inherits half of her late great aunt’s cat café in New York, which she believes will solve all of her financial woes. Until she meets the local vet, who has been gifted the other half and has no intention to sell…

DECEMBER

Lacey Chabert decides children’s fates in She’s Making a List

Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas (TV Series)

Premiere Date: Friday, Dec. 5 at 8pm

A textile designer (Mae Whitman) joins a holiday matchmaking program with help from her best friends (Julian Morris and Lucy Eaton), while her divorced father (Nathaniel Parker) and mother (Mary McDonnell) navigate Dad’s new romance with a local widow (Jane Seymour).

She’s Making a List

Premiere Date: Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8pm

A consultant (Lacey Chabert) who decides children’s fates on the Naughty or Nice list falls for a widowed father (Andrew Walker).

Single On the 25th

Premiere Date: Sunday, Dec. 7 at 8pm

A woman (Lyndsy Fonseca) dreading being single at Christmas connects with her neighbor — a happily unattached financial analyst (Daniel Lissing).

© Hallmark Channel

Chicago Med star Jessy Schram in A Suite Holiday Romance

A Suite Holiday Romance

Premiere Date: Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8pm

Chicago Med’s Jessy Schram plays a ghostwriter who is hired to write a memoir about a famed New York hotel, and then falls for a British visitor.

Oy to the World!

Premiere Date: Sunday, Dec. 14 at 8pm

Brooke D’Orsay stars as a church choir director who puts aside her rivalry with a temple choir director to a joint holiday service.

A Make or Break Holiday

Premiere Date: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8pm

Hunter King and Evan Roderick star as a couple on the verge of breaking up, but are forced to pretend all is hunky dory when hosting their families for Christmas.

The Christmas Baby

Premiere Date: Sunday, Dec. 21 at 8pm

A couple (Ali Liebert and Katherine Barrell) caring for an abandoned baby at Christmas considers adoption while balancing new love and careers.

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Rebecca Lewis

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September 26, 2025
Loose Women removed from ITV schedule in last-minute shake-up

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Loose Women has been pulled from its regular Friday slot, following a last-minute shakeup from ITV. According to the broadcaster, the hit panel show, which typically airs at lunchtime, has been replaced by live coverage of the races at Newmarket. A one-off change, the races are expected to dominate ITV1 for three hours on Friday, after commencing at 1pm. Helming the coverage, Ed Chamberlin will take fans inside the BoyleSports-sponsored Rockfel Stakes, as well as supporting races, the Joel Stakes and the Princess Royal Stakes.

Part of a two-day event, Ed will also return on Saturday from 1.30pm-4pm to present further coverage of the Middle Park Stakes, the Cheveley Park Stakes and the Cambridgeshire Meeting, as well as racing at Haydock Park.

© Shutterstock
Friday’s Loose Women has been replaced by ITV’s live racing coverage

When is Loose Women back on TV?

As for Loose Women, our favourite panellists are expected to return on Monday afternoon, with the next episode scheduled to air at 12:30pm. Prior to ITV’s shakeup, fans last tuned in on Thursday afternoon, with Nadia Sawalha, Kaye Adams, Oti Mabuse and Judi Love on hand to discuss this week’s headlines. In an emotional segment inspired by Wayne Rooney‘s recent remarks that his wife, Coleen, was forced to “manage” him during difficult times, Nadia reflected on her own relationship with her husband of 23 years, Mark Adderley. Both Mark and Nadia, who share daughters Maddy and Kiki, have spoken openly about his experiences with alcoholism and depression, noting how they’ve affected both their relationship and family dynamic.

© Photo: Getty Images
Nadia Sawalha pictured with her husband Mark Adderley

Asked if Nadia felt that she had managed Mark in their marriage, the TV star said: “Yeah. I like to think more of supporting. I will do it as…Mark does have mental health issues, and I support him through that from a position of being so lucky that I don’t go through that. So when he’s very low, it can be very hard, but it’s not as hard as what he’s going through. So I will support him…I will…help him see pinholes of light when it’s very dark,” she continued.

Visibly tearful, Nadia added, “Sorry, I don’t know why I just got overwhelmed then. Sorry. I just have so much, you know I do, empathy for those who struggle with their mental health. It’s not just an easy swipe this or that. I am a rescuer, and when I met him, it took me a while to realise he had addiction problems. And him as well, he didn’t know. I’d already seen his heart and soul and his beautiful brain and all those things. If you say managing or rescuing, there was no choice because I was already there with who he was.”

As part of Thursday’s show, the panellists also invited Strictly star Ore Oduba to join them. In another heartfelt conversation, Ore revealed that he will be running the London Marathon to honour his late sister Lola’s legacy. Speaking about Lola, who identified as non-binary, Ore said: “‘It used to be the thing that scared me the most – to run the London Marathon in honour of my sister, they loved running, they struggled and then became obsessed with it.” Ore noted that the money raised will go to “Black people, queer people and women”.

Loose Women will return to ITV1 on Monday, 29 September at 12.30pm.

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Megan Bull

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September 26, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel breaks down in tears in emotional return to air: ‘It was never my intention’

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Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears during an emotional return to air on Tuesday night after ABC suspended the TV host ‘indefinitely’ for comments made on the assasination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” he added, holding back the tears. He added that it was not “my intention to blame any specific group for the actions, what – it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual…That was really in the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.” Jimmy then went on to say taking his show off air was “not legal, not American, that is un-American.”

He then asked: “Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts you download?” The 57-year-old ended his monologue praising Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband’s killer: “She forgave him. That is an example we should follow,” he said. “If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, that’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, I hope it touches many. And if there’s anything we can take from this tragedy to carry forward, it can be that and not this,” he concluded.

© Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel returned to air Tuesday night

His speech comes after Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on ABC. The president said he”can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back” in a post on Truth Social. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!,” Trump wrote. “Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”

“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.”

© Getty Images
Jimmy Kimmel Live once had Donald Trump as a guest

Trump added: “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”

After Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended for nearly a week, on Monday, ABC and parent company Walt Disney released a statement confirming that he in fact will be back. “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”

© Getty Images
Jimmy is back!

“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” it continued. “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

However, several ABC affiliate stations are blocking the telecast of the show tonight, including Nexstar, Sinclair and Tegna, which will impact millions of Americans nationwide. Their resulting statements have called for Jimmy to issue an apology to Charlie’s family. “We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve,” Nexstar’s statement added.

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Faye James

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September 23, 2025
Martin Clunes’s ‘gritty’ 3-episode crime drama is your perfect weekend binge

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Martin Clunes‘s compelling crime drama Manhunt has landed on Disney+, and fans of the detective genre might want to clear their weekend plans to binge-watch this one. The chilling series, which aired on ITV in 2019, sees the Doc Martin star portray real-life London Met detective Colin Sutton, as he investigates the death of French student Amélie Delagrange, whose body was found on Twickenham Green in 2004. Her death led to the manhunt and arrest of serial killer Levi Bellfield.

While Martin Clunes is perhaps best known for playing the titular cantankerous doctor in the medical comedy drama Doc Martin, I think his portrayal of DCI Colin Sutton is his best role to date. The actor is superb in this compelling series, which kept me glued to my screen over three consecutive nights upon its initial release in 2019. This series does not disappoint. Keep reading to find out more.

© ITV
Martin Clunes stars in Manhunt

What is Manhunt about?

The series dramatises the real-life investigation into the murder of 22-year-old French student Amelie Delagrange, who had been living in Twickenham for three months when she was killed in 2004. It was Sutton’s investigation that linked Levi Bellfield to two previous murders, that of 13-year-old Milly Dowler in 2002 and 19-year-old Marsha McDonnell in 2003.

The series is based on the memoirs of Colin Sutton, a former senior investigating officer with the Metropolitan Police. At the time of the show’s release, Colin said that everything was done with “full disclosure” to the victims’ families, and that he had “real encouragement” from some. “They knew the story of the effort that went into the investigation and how hard we worked,” he told RadioTimes.com, adding, “And it was the best we could do for them because we couldn’t bring their loved ones back, but you can treat them with decency and respect and do your best to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

© Photo: Rex
Martin plays real Met Police detective Colin Sutton

WATCH: The trailer for Manhunt

Are there more seasons of Manhunt?

There have been two seasons of Manhunt, the second of which aired in 2021 and is available to stream on ITVX. In the second instalment, DCI Sutton hunts down a notorious serial rapist and burglar whose 17-year reign of terror left elderly people living in south London fearing for their safety.

The show dramatises the manhunt for serial rapist Delroy Grant, who carried out a series of sex attacks on elderly people over a period of 17 years between 1992 and 2009.

© ITV/Shutterstock
The series is inspired by a real investigation

What have viewers said about the show?

The series was a big hit among viewers upon its release and was described as “gritty”, “terribly heartbreaking and completely compelling” on social media. One viewer penned: “This excellent drama is extremely well acted in the main role by Martin Clunes. It’s three parts and I watched all three together because it was so thrilling and exciting,” while another added: “Superb, real-life drama. Some great acting, brilliantly and delicately handled.”

Season one of Manhunt is available to stream on Disney+. Both seasons are available on ITVX.

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Nicky Morris

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September 19, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel breaks silence after late-night show pulled off-air

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Jimmy Kimmel has broken his silence in the wake of the shocking news that his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been put on an indefinite hiatus following his comments about conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk. Several celebrities have come out in support of the 57-year-old, who has hosted the show since 2003 and was a vocal critic of Donald Trump. David Letterman, legendary TV personality and host of The Late Show from 1993 to 2015, shared that he had been in contact with Jimmy, and revealed how he was dealing with the news.

The 78-year-old spoke at the Atlantic Festival in New York City and explained that he had texted Jimmy to check up on him. “He’s up in bed, taking nourishment. He’s going to be fine,” David said, per Variety. He went on to discuss how monumental the decision to axe the show was, with Jimmy being one of the top-rated late-night hosts.

“This is misery,” he lamented. “I feel bad about this. We see where this is all going, correct? It’s managed media. And it’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous. And you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works.”

“The institution of the President of the United States ought to be bigger than a guy doing a talk show,” David said, adding that Jimmy’s removal “was predicted by our president right after Stephen Colbert got walked off, so you’re telling me this isn’t premeditated at some level?” Stephen, who was David’s successor on The Late Show, revealed that the series would come to an end in May 2026.

David then quipped that during his tenure on The Late Show, he had joked about six presidents on the air, and “not once were we squeezed by anyone from any governmental agency.” Jimmy performed a monologue on his show on Monday night, suggesting that far-right figures were trying to pin the death of Charlie Kirk onto the political left, after the podcaster was shot and killed at a university event in Utah.

© NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Jimmy’s show was taken off the air on Wednesday

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Jimmy said. He then pointed out that Donald Trump’s response to Charlie’s death was odd; when the President was asked his thoughts on the tragedy days later, he decided to discuss the White House ballroom construction instead.

© ABC
David shared an update on how Jimmy was faring following the news

“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of somebody he called a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, okay?” the comedian quipped. Nexstar Media Group put pressure on ABC to take action against Jimmy due to what they claimed were “offensive” remarks, prompting the network to put the show on pause indefinitely.

© Getty Images
Jimmy commented on the death of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk

Several high-profile celebrities and politicians have spoken out against ABC’s actions, including former President Barack Obama. “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” he wrote via X.

© Disney General Entertainment Con
The former president spoke out in Jimmy’s defense

“This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent – and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it.” Meanwhile, Donald took to Truth Social to celebrate Jimmy’s departure, writing: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”

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Faye James

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September 18, 2025
BBC makes big change to show – one year after Michael Mosley’s death

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Over a year on from Dr Michael Mosley’s tragic death aged 67, the BBC have announced it will be bringing back one of his popular TV programmes. The organisation has confirmed that rather than replacing Dr Michael with a sole presenter, three separate names will be hosting Just One Thing.

The series, which started as a podcast, focuses on Dr Michael’s theory that altering a single part of your life can have a huge impact on your health and wellbeing, from ingesting more beetroot to getting more sunshine. Only two episodes of the show were recorded before Michael who was found dead in June last year in a rocky area of Agia Marina.

© Getty Images
Zoe Ball will be one of the three hosts of the show

The stars who will be hosting the programme are BBC Radio 1 Breakfast host Zoe Ball, Mastermind star Clive Myrie, and The One Show’s Roman Kemp. Each presenter will lead four episodes, and the show will see them travel to a different part of the UK to test ideas with individuals and communities. They will test out evidence-based advice, such as laughing to boost brain health and gardening to help your gut.

© Stuart C. Wilson
Roman Kemp will also be one of the presenters

Lindsay Bradbury, commissioner for BBC Daytime, told The Sun: “This new series of Just One Thing builds on the legacy of the brilliance of Michael. It will offer very surprising takeaway tips on how we can try and improve our lives with minimum input for maximum rewards.”

© Ian West – PA Images, Getty
Clive Myrie is also set to host the show

A heartbreaking loss

One year on from his death, Dr Michael’s family described the past year as “the hardest of our lives.”

© Shutterstock
Dr Michael Mosley filmed two episodes of the show prior to his death

“It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we lost Michael,” his widow Clare wrote on Instagram. “Not a day goes by without thinking of him – his warmth, his laughter, his endless curiosity about the world, and his deep love for our family.

This past year has been the hardest of our lives. Navigating the loss of someone so central to our hearts and our home has changed everything. We have missed him in the big moments and the small ones. But we have also felt incredibly supported.”

She added that the “outpouring of love, stories and memories from so many of you” online had “meant more than we can ever say. We have taken real comfort in knowing just how many lives Michael touched – not only through his work, but through his kindness, humour, and deep desire to help people live well for longer.”

Dr Michael’s legacy

Despite his passing, Michael’s family have been passionate about continuing Dr Michael’s legacy. In May, they announced a new Michael Mosley Memorial Research Fund, to help to appoint a dedicated research scientist to help improve the metabolic health of the nation.

A clinical research fellowship will be established to honour his memory in partnership with King’s College London and the Chronic Disease Research Foundation.

The family statement continued: “We are trying, as a family to look forward. To carry on the work Michael was so passionate about. To live with purpose and joy, as he would have wanted us to.”

In their one-year anniversary message, Mrs Mosley and her family thanked “everyone who has reached out, shared their grief, and carried us with their compassion.” They noted: “Your messages, letters and acts of remembrance have helped us through the darkest days.”

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Isabelle Casey

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September 17, 2025
SNL creator Lorne Michaels breaks silence on controversial casting cuts

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SNL creator Lorne Michaels has come under fire in recent weeks for a series of shocking cast cuts that left fans in disbelief. With seasoned stars like Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner leaving the show, as well as newer talent like Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow, many SNL diehards have been calling for its cancelation. Lorne broke his silence on the casting situation on the Emmys red carpet on Monday, explaining that it was normal for the show to continue fostering new talent.

“The show has always brought people in from different ages and different generations, and it’s how it revives itself,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s always hard when people leave, but there’s a time for that, and our audience has always stayed relatively young, and more so now with TikTok. Change is good. The people we’re bringing in, I’m really excited about.”

SNL‘s freshest faces include Ben Marshall, Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane and Kam Patterson, while the show’s returning players are Mikey Day, Sarah Sherman, Marcello Hernández, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson, Ashley Padilla, Jane Wickline, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman. The mass exodus occurred after the SNL50 anniversary special, which won the Emmy for Best Variety Special on Monday night.

Lorne revealed that the project took two years to prepare, and “when it was finally over, that was both exciting and something of a relief”. SNL beat out other contenders, including Netflix’s Beyoncé Bowl, Apple Music’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar and The Oscars to nab the top prize.

“I was younger and I had a lot of dreams about what would happen in my life, and one of my dreams was that I’d still be doing the same show for 50 years,” Lorne told the audience during his acceptance speech. “I want to thank NBC and Comcast for their support. The show was two years in the planning, and they said, ‘We don’t care what it costs, as long as it’s good.’”

© Getty Images
Lorne won an Emmy for the SNL50 variety special

“Maybe that didn’t say that, maybe that’s just the way I heard it. I also wanted to thank the Academy for continuing to keep the word ‘television’ in their name, as long as it’s in that, we’ll keep showing up,” he added. While the departing cast members shared touching tributes about their time on the show, many viewers wondered at the decision to cut so many fan-favorites from the series.

© Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images
Fans said goodbye to Ego Nwodim amid the cast cuts

Bowen Yang, one of SNL‘s most famous players, opened up about his decision to stay despite worries that he planned to exit the show and pursue other interests. “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” he told People. “Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot, because I even confessed to him. I was like, ‘I feel the audience is maybe getting sick of me.’ And he was like, ‘That’s not true. There’s more for you to do. I need you.’”

© WireImage
Bowen explained why he had signed on for another season

“I have to honor that. That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show. And I love working there, the people are the best. I really love each of them so much,” he added.

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Faye James

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September 15, 2025
Jeremy Clarkson reveals surprise new addition to Diddly Squat Farm

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Jeremy Clarkson‘s Diddly Squat Farm has expanded by four paws. The former Top Gear presenter welcomed a brand-new addition to the Diddly Squat family – a fox-red labrador puppy named Margarey. In addition to slew of pigs and sheep on his farm, Margarey will join the TV personality on the farm at the centre of his show, Clarkson’s farm. The pup was birthed by Jeremy’s dog Arya and she’s one of 11 puppies from the litter. “Meet Margarey,” Jeremy simply captioned the post as he cradled the dog in a sweet snap. The TV star is no stranger to raising dogs; he has a variety of pups including two fox red labradors Sansa and Ayra as well as black hound.

News of the new additions to Clarkson’s Farm comes just a week after the series picked up the award for Factual Entertainment Show with his Amazon Prime team at the National Television Awards. “Farming is a difficult job and I appreciate the way people are going, ‘I didn’t know where my sausages came from’,” he said in the acceptance speech.

“You don’t love farming, you love moments of it — it is really tricky right now. Farmers work so hard for no money so it’s delightful that people recognise a farming show can beat a house cleaning show. We shall go and have a drink,” the presenter said, finishing his speech.

Pub woes

While Jeremy admits that farming is “tricky right now”, it appears owning and running a pub is, too. The star revealed in early September that he was forced to trawl through CCTV footage to provide evidence after a patron of his Oxfordshire pub, The Farmer’s Dog, tried to claim thousands in compensation. Penning a column for The Times, Jeremy lamented on the woes of running a pub, something he says he’s learned the hard way – something he likens to his farming endeavours on Clarkson’s Farm.

The woman allegedly claimed that after drinking the beer, it upset her gluten intolerance and forced her to cancel the rest of her holiday, which then saw her seek damages from Jeremy. “What happens a lot more are visits from food intolerance enthusiasts who will claim after they left that you poisoned them and that you must now give them 50,000 of your pounds,” the presenter wrote.

© Amazon Studios
Clarkson’s Farm picked up the award for Factual Entertainment Show at the NTAs recently

“Happily, we have her on CCTV not drinking beer, so we are safe on that one. But often landlords aren’t so lucky. Many tell me this food intolerance fraud is now an epidemic,” he added. But Jeremy’s woes didn’t end there. He went on to say that after the cider incident, his pub was also hacked a week after and was subsequently swindled out of £27,000.

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Georgia Weir

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September 14, 2025
Exclusive: Lesley Nicol reveals ‘exciting’ new chapter after Downton Abbey and the kindness of Highclere Castle’s owners after husband’s death

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Lesley Nicol has opened up about her “exciting” new chapter after Downton Abbey, which ends with its third and final film, The Grand Finale, after 15 years. The actress, who plays the no-nonsense cook at the heart of the bustling downstairs kitchen, Mrs Patmore, sat down with HELLO! for an exclusive interview, this time in a luxury Mayfair hotel, where she opened up about landing a role she’s been waiting years for, finding love later in life and the kindness of Highclere Castle owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon after the death of her husband.

Embracing a new chapter

As Downton closes its doors for the final time, Lesley is looking forward to swapping Mrs Patmore’s kitchen for London’s South Bank, having landed her first-ever role at the National Theatre in an adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved children’s novel, Ballet Shoes.

“I’m 72 and have waited a very long time to get offered a job at the National. I’ve always wanted to work there, so I’m thrilled,” the Manchester-born actress said.

© Carnival Films/Nick Briggs
Lesley Nicol plays Mrs Patmore in Downton Abbey

“This is a new chapter and it’s a good one.”

Lesley is embracing a new stage in her life in other significant ways, too. It has been three years since the death of her husband, David Heald, a spiritual healer who died unexpectedly at the age of 76 in May 2022.

“Without my husband, it’s horrible. But this is a new chapter and it’s a good one,” said Lesley, who recently starred in ITV’s powerful four-part drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office, playing real-life subpostmistress Pam Stubbs, who was wrongly accused of theft. “I’m moving house, I’ve got a new job, I’m fit and well, so it’s exciting.”

After David passed away, Lesley was invited to spend Christmas at Hampshire’s Highclere Castle, which provides the spectacular backdrop to Downton Abbey, by its owners, Lord and Lady Carnarvon, who first welcomed the actress and her husband to stay there after she opened the village fete in 2015.

© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Lesley is starring in a new play at the National Theatre

“I was very touched by that, because we’re not intimate friends,” she recalled. “I thought: ‘That’s very brave; you could have this weeping woman for Christmas.’ Lady Carnarvon is very kind.”

“Things happen when they’re supposed to happen. Keep your heart and your mind open and see what’s coming next.”

Finding love later in life

Just like her character in the drama, Lesley found love in later life, having met David when she was 50, at a reiki class he was teaching. Drawing parallels between Mrs Patmore’s romantic relationship with the local farmer, Mr Mason (played by Paul Copley), and her own, she said: “For her to experience love later in life is great, and of course, in my own life, it was equally a wonderful thing to happen. It’s lovely that she gets her new chapter with a lovely person.”

© David Buchan/Shutterstock
Lesley pictured with her husband David Keith Heald in 2020

Encouraging women not to give up on finding romance is something Lesley is passionate about. “I’ve spoken to women who go, ‘It just hasn’t happened for me,’ and I go, ‘Well, don’t listen to people saying, “You’re over 40, forget it!” Don’t listen to that; it’s not true,’” the actress said.

“Things happen when they’re supposed to happen, in my view. So keep your heart and your mind open and see what’s coming next.”

Finding new passions

One of her surprising new discoveries is her passion for cooking. “I’m beginning to enjoy cooking a bit, ironically. It’s taken me a very long time,” she said, admitting that she’s “nowhere near” as skilled as Mrs Patmore.

“I don’t eat meat any more, so my mission is to try to make food that will make a meat-eater go: ‘That’s really nice.’”

She’s also working with a personal trainer named Vlad, who “takes no prisoners”. “It’s really serious weights and squats,” she said. “They’re horrible, hideous things, but it will make me stronger, so there’s less likelihood of falling. It’s tough, but he’s committed to making me more functional, physically.”

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale comes to screens on 12 September

She may be closing the book on Downton, but Lesley has plenty of chapters to enjoy in her own life. “There are still wonderful possibilities and I never want to stop working,” she said. “I’m not going to retire, so if I’m allowed to keep going and doing a variety of things and I’m well enough to do it, bring it on.”

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is in cinemas from 12 September.

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Nicky Morris

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September 11, 2025
Full winners from National Television Awards – live updates
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The National Television Awards are upon us and it’s the biggest night in television. It’s been an incredible year for television with the likes of Adolesence and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. And with shows like The Traitors, Strictly Come Dancing and Race Across the World having great series, certain categories will be hotting up. But who will be winning, could this finally be Claudia Winkleman’s night? HELLO! will be following the awards along live to bring you the best moments, including all of the award winners.

Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award
- The Graham Norton Show
- Would I Lie To You?
- The Masked Singer
- Michael McIntyre’s Big Show – WINNER
Returning drama
- Call the Midwife – WINNER
- Heartstopper
- Slow Horses
- Gangs of London
- Vera
Factual entertainment
- Clarkson’s Farm – WINNER
- Gogglebox
- Sort Your Life Out
- The Martin Lewis Money Show Live
- Stacey & Joe
Reality competition
- The Traitors
- Love Island
- Race Across the World
- I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here – WINNER
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Matthew Moore

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September 10, 2025
Kelly Clarkson welcomes new chapter following heartbreaking family tragedy

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Kelly Clarkson has endured a difficult year, following the death of her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, with whom she shares her kids, River and Remy. Now, the star will officially return to our screens on September 29 for the newest season of her award-winning series, The Kelly Clarkson Show. In a statement from NBC, the network shared that the seventh season of the hit series will begin production on September 8, with the first week of shows set honor the brave people who rescued campers during the Texas floods in July.

The devastating floods claimed the lives of at least 132 people, with over 100 still missing in the area. Kelly hails from Texas and was set to perform at a benefit concert for the victims in August before she was forced to cancel due to Brandon’s death. “Unfortunately, Kelly Clarkson will be unable to appear at Band Together Texas as planned, due to personal circumstances,” the organization shared. “We send our love to Kelly and her family.”

A new chapter

NBC shared that the new season of Kelly’s show will welcome a slew of A-listers, including Emily Blunt, Channing Tatum, Marion Cotillard, Lionel Richie, Colin Farrell, Scarlett Johansson, Shonda Rimes, Dwayne Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts, Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon. The show debuted in 2019, has gone on to win 22 Daytime Emmy Awards, and is nominated for eight more in 2025.

Kelly has helmed the series for over 1,000 episodes, cementing herself as a TV staple in the process. She will also return to The Voice for season 29 alongside John Legend and Adam Levine. The mother of two was forced to miss a day of shooting following Brandon’s death, with her fellow American Idol alum and talk show star Jennifer Hudson stepping in to help out.

Family tragedy

Kelly and Brandon were married for almost seven years before splitting in June 2020. The talent manager passed away on August 7, leaving behind his two kids with Kelly, as well as his older children, Savannah and Seth, whom he welcomed with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.

© Getty Images
The pair were married for almost seven years before their 2020 split

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,” his loved ones shared in a statement. “He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.” The 48-year-old died from melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer.

© Getty Images
The talent manager passed away after battling skin cancer

Saying goodbye

Just a day before the announcement, Kelly postponed her upcoming August performances, sharing that she needed to be with her kids River, 11, and Remy, nine. “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote on social media. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill, and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”

© Emma McIntyre
They shared kids River and Remy

“I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows, and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,” she concluded. The duo first met at the Country Music Awards in 2006, and reconnected in 2012 when she performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl. They married in October 2013, celebrating with an intimate ceremony in Tennessee.

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Faye James

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September 3, 2025
Why did Murder, She Wrote end so abruptly?

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Murder, She Wrote was incredibly popular for American network CBS when it aired between 1984 and 1996, regularly pulling in millions of viewers, at its peak, the show was being watched by around 40 million people. However, the plug was eventually pulled on the show, which starred the late Dame Angela Lansbury as crime writer Jessica Fletcher, after 12 years, leading to plenty of disappointment for fans. So, what went wrong on the show given that it had previously been a titan for the network? HELLO! has done some investigating, and here’s what we found…

Why was Murder, She Wrote cancelled?

Like many shows, Murder, She Wrote was cancelled because of low ratings. Despite most of its seasons being in the top 13 of the most watched shows across the United States, for its final season, this collapsed and the show ended up finishing in 58th place; a far cry from when it ranked in the third spot.

However, this collapse in viewership appears not to have had anything to do about how fans felt about the show, but because CBS decided to move the programme from its primetime Sunday night slot. The final season ended up being broadcast on a Thursday, and while its final episodes aired in its normal slot, it wasn’t enough to save the show.

The decision to move the show onto a Thursday was in direct response to rival network NBC’s ‘Must See TV’ which was dominating the rankings on that day with shows including Friends. It was hoped that Murder, She Wrote’s popularity would siphon views away from NBC, but ultimately it just led to the show’s cancellation.

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Murder, She Wrote was cancelled after its final season drew in disappointing numbers

However, the show did continue in some format following its cancellation. Dame Angela returned to the role on four occasions for a series of TV movies, which were broadcast between 1997 and 2003. Among the plotlines for the movies, Jessica had to track down a missing woman on a train who witnessed the murder of a whistleblower, while another saw her travelling to Ireland to hear the reading of a will, which contains clues to multi-murderer.

How did Angela Lansbury react to the show’s cancellation?

Angela was incredibly critical of the decision to move the show away from its primetime slot at the time. She said in an interview with The Spokesman-Review: “I don’t think I would have ever agreed to do this 12th season if I knew this was going to happen. I just couldn’t understand. I couldn’t find any logic to their thinking, and neither could anybody else.”

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Angela spoke out about the decision to move the show from its primetime slot

The star had previously considered leaving the role after its fourth season in 1988. The actress, who was 60 at the time, cited the increasing workload, with episodes taking eight days to shoot at the time. However, compromises were made, and although Angela’s role in the series decreased for the next two seasons, she continued on with the show.

Murder, She Wrote’s future

In 2013, it was reported that a reboot for the show was being considered by NBC. The series would star Octavia Spencer as a hospital administrator who publishes her first crime novel. Dame Angela was critical of the plan, saying: “I think it’s a mistake to call it Murder, She Wrote because Murder, She Wrote will always be about Cabot Cove and this wonderful little group of people who told those lovely stories and enjoyed a piece of that place, and also enjoyed Jessica Fletcher, who is a rare and very individual kind of person.”

A year later, it was confirmed that the network would not be moving forward with the plan and in an interview with the BBC at the time, Angela expressed her joy at the news, saying the show would have been a “terrible mistake”. However, she praised Octavia, adding: “Octavia Spencer is a superb actress. She had no business being put into a situation that she couldn’t win.”

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The show didn’t return in during the rest of Dame Angela’s life

Murder, She Wrote wouldn’t return to screens while Dame Angela was still alive. The actress passed away at the age of 96 on 11 October 2022. A year after her passing, it was announced that a film adaptation of the series was being planned. Jamie Lee Curtis will be taking on the role of Jessica Fletcher, but last month she indicated to Entertainment Weekly that the film hadn’t yet started shooting.

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Matthew Moore

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August 29, 2025
Ben Fogle looks barely recognisable in unearthed throwback photo

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Before he was the presenter on New Lives in the Wild, Ben Fogle first appeared on our TV screens 25 years ago as one of the contestants on the BBC reality show, Castaway 2000. The series followed 36 men, women and children as they worked to build a new community from scratch on the Scottish island of Taransay.

Now, 25 years on, an unearthed photo of Ben from his time on the show has resurfaced. The picture shows the then 27-year-old wearing a red parka and playing with his beloved dog, Inca on the island of Taransay. The black Labrador and Ben were inseparable with the TV presenter bringing her to photoshoots with Vogue and even on The Graham Norton Show.

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A then 27-year-old Ben Fogle taking his dog Inca for a walk

Reflecting on his furry friend in an op-ed written for The Telegraph, Ben said: “In 1999 I had been selected to be part of a ground-breaking social experiment that would see 36 people marooned on a deserted island in the Outer Hebrides for a year, beginning in January 2000,” he explained.

“Each of us had been asked to choose a luxury item. One couple had chosen a bed; another asked for a piano. Someone even opted for a home-brewing kit. I’d settled on a puppy.”

WATCH: Meet Ben Fogle’s Family

Inca sadly passed away in 2012, with Ben writing: “I didn’t sleep. I felt sick with panic and in the morning my pillow was stained with tears.”

Ben’s career move

The 51-year-old presenter, who has hosted New Lives in the Wild since 2013, has now revealed that he has intentions to “slow down” and curb his frequent trips for work, instead turning to other business ventures that will allow him to stay closer to home. Ben, who lives in Oxfordshire with his wife Marina Fogle and their two children, Ludo and Iona, announced he’s ready for the next chapter in his life – branching out into business.

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Ben revealed plans to wind down his extensive travel demands

Ben shared: “Adventure doesn’t have to be physical, but a journey that challenge us, and I am about to begin a whole new journey, wildly out of my comfort zone. Travel is starting to wear me down and I’ve been wanting to slow down and spend more time in the UK. So……I have bought Buffalo. Not a Buffalo THE Buffalo @buffalosystems.

“The famous Sheffield outdoor brand started by the late Hamish Hamilton in 1979. In the words of Remington Steel, I loved the company so much, I bought the factory.”

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Georgia Weir

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August 28, 2025