Knowing how to get Disney+ for free is a pretty nifty trick, especially when you realise that the streaming giant is no longer offering free trials to new customers.

TV streaming has become a regular outgoing for thousands of families, but the cost of living crisis means many people will be looking for ways to cut the cost of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+. However, as well as reducing the cost, you might be able to get Disney+ and other streaming services for free. This might be especially useful, now that the streamer is cracking down on password sharing.

Disney+ launched in the UK on 24 March 2020, just as the country went into lockdown and saw 73.7 million subscribers in its first year alone. By April 2023, that number has risen to 157.8 million, although it has since fallen back to about 150 million worldwide.

Housing Disney classics, like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, as well as newer family-favourites like Encanto, Wish and Moana, Disney+ is also home to all the Marvel movies, like Iron Man, Thor and Black Panther, in addition to popular series for adults including The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.

With more than six million households signed up to more than one streaming service (according to Finder) telly-watching can be an expensive pastime. Here we look at how you can save by taking advantage of free subscription offers.

How to get Disney+ for free

While Disney+ no longer offers a free trial to customers in the UK, there are a few clever ways to get anything from two to 12 months of Disney+ for free. If you already have Disney+, you may have to cancel your subscription before taking advantage of the three, six and 12 month free offers mentioned in this article.

Personal finance expert Andrew Hagger from money website MoneyComms adds: “There are so many streaming services to choose from now, you can easily lose track of just how much you're paying out each month in total.

“With many people still struggling due to the cost of living crisis and higher bills, now may be a good time to review what you're paying for and how much you use each one – if you don't want to ditch any, consider downgrading to a plan with ads – it may be a bit more annoying, but it will certainly benefit your bank balance.”

How to get up to two months Disney+ for free

Pay the annual subscription fee: You can get two months of Disney+ for free simply by opting for an annual subscription instead of a monthly one.

A Standard subscription costs £7.99 per month (and means you will pay £95.88 over the course of a year). But if you pay up front in one go, it costs £79.90. This is the equivalent of only paying your subscription for 10 months of the year, meaning you get two months for free.

Disney+'s newer Premium subscription costs £10.99 a month, which adds up to £131.88 a year. But if you pay for a year up front it costs £109.90, which, again, is the equivalent of two months free.

Use a cashback site: Paying for your Disney+ subscription through cashback site TopCashback means you'll get up to £11.55 back, which can help to reduce the cost of your subscription. The amount you get back will depend on which subscription package you choose and whether you opt to pay the annual fee in one go or pay it monthly. All of the details can be found on the TopCashback website.

It's worth remembering that you can use the cashback site for loads of retailers to effectively save money everytime you shop online.

How to get three months Disney+ for free

Use your Tesco Clubcard vouchers: If you have a Tesco Clubcard, you can use your vouchers to get a three-month Disney+ subscription. Remember, you get two times the value of your vouchers when you spend with one of Tesco's Reward Partners, which includes Disney+.

There are two options:

• Use £7.50 of Clubcard vouchers to get three months of Disney+ Standard with ads (worth £14.97)
• Use £12 of Clubcard vouchers to get three months of Disney+ Standard (worth £23.97)

If you don't fancy Disney+, there are plenty of other ways to spend your Tesco Clubcard vouchers, on things like cinema tickets, holidays, and days out.

How to get four months free Disney+

Opt for a plan that includes ads: Disney+ offers a selection of subscription plans, including one where you'll get all the same programmes and films, with some ads in between.

If you go from an annual subscription for £79.90 to a standard (with ads) subscription for £4.99 per month (which works out as £59.88 over 12 months) - you'll save £20.02, which is the equivalent of getting four months of the standard with ads plan for free.

How to get six months free Disney+

Add it to your O2 account: If you are an O2 customer, you could get six months of Disney+ for free when you upgrade. You simply add it to your account as an extra when you upgrade to a new handset or SIM-only deal, and once the six months are over, you can continue to pay the £7.99 monthly fee with the rest of your mobile bill.

All is not lost if you don't want to upgrade. Existing customers can add the Disney+ Extra to their account and pay £7.99 a month for the Disney+ Premium plan (normally £10.99) and O2 will also give you £2 off your bill.

This deal isn't limited to six months like the free offer, and over the course of a year, works out to about £14 cheaper than paying the annual subscription fee as the table below shows:

Samsung used to offer six of 12 months free Disney+ access to customers with an eligible device , but that offer is no longer available, having ended on 31 March 2024.

How to get 12 months free Disney+

As a benefit to a Club Lloyds bank account: If you bank with Lloyds and are a Club Lloyds member, you get a choice of lifestyle benefits, which includes a 12 month-subscription to Disney+. If you opt for this perk, you'll get a year's worth of the standard-with-ads plan, which is worth £4.99 per month, or £59.88 a year. The Lloyds website states that right now, you're not able to upgrade to ad-free plans with this perk, so bear that in mind before you commit.

As a perk of Uber One membership: If you regular travel by Uber and order food via Uber Eats, then you may benefit from becoming an Uber One member (£5.99 per month). You'll get a host of perks including free delivery (where eligible) and exclusive discounts. But if you sign up for an annual Uber One membership (£59.99 per year), then you'll get 12 months of Disney+ (standard plan, worth £7.99 per month or £79.90 per year) for free. After that, it will auto-renew unless you cancel it. This promotion is available until 30 November 2024. If you cancel your Uber One subscription, you may also lose your Disney+ access.

How much does Disney+ normally cost?

How much Disney+ costs depends on which subscription type you pick. The streaming service introduced a new pricing strategy on 1 November 2023. Up until this date it offered just one subscription at £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year if you paid in one go. Its cheapest price is now a £4.99 a month deal if you’re happy to watch adverts.

Disney+ has three subscription options:

• Standard with Ads: £4.99 per month (no annual option). Allows for two concurrent streams; full HD 1080p resolution, 5.1 and Stereo sound. No download functionality.
• Disney+ Standard: £7.99 per month or £79.90 per year. Allows for two concurrent streams; full HD 1080p resolution, and 5.1 and Stereo sound. Download functionality and no adverts.
• Disney+ Premium: £10.99 per month or £109.90 per year. Allows for four concurrent streams; 4K UHD and HDR, and superior Dolby Atmos audio. Download functionality and no adverts.

Existing subscribers were automatically switched to the £10.99 a month option – an increase of £3 a month – unless they actively changed their subscription in their account settings.

 Does Disney+ offer a free trial? 

Disney+ no longer offers a free trial to new customers. When the streaming service first launched in the UK in March 2020, it came with a seven-day free trial to encourage new subscribers. But the freebie was only available for a few months – it was scrapped in June 2020 ahead of the Hamilton and Frozen 2 premieres.

Newer streaming services like Apple TV+ and Paramount+ offer short free trials for new customers, but out of the bigger streaming services like Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime, it's only Amazon Prime that still offers a free trial.

Is Disney+ free with with Amazon Prime?

Disney+ isn't free as part of your Amazon Prime subscription - it's a separate streaming service. However, you might find some shows or movies are available on both platforms, although you might have to pay for it. For example, Marvel movies are available for free as part of a Disney+ subscription, but you will need to pay extra (on top of your Amazon Prime subscription fee) to be able to watch them through Prime Video.

It's worth also understanding the hidden benefits of a Prime membership, if you are trying to decide which streaming service to choose.

Which streaming services offer free trials?

Out of the big hitter streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, it's only Amazon Prime that offers a free trial. That trial lasts 30 days.

Max Beckett, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Unfortunately, two of the biggest streaming services, Netflix and Disney+, no longer offer free trials to new customers. However, there are still lots of other big streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV, and BritBox, that offer the chance to try before you buy.

“You may have signed up for more streaming services than you realise, with many running in the background and costing you money each month without you actually watching anything on those platforms. So it’s a good idea to set reminders in your calendar when you sign up for free trials if you decide that you don’t want to pay for the full subscription.”

Apple TV+ and Paramount+ both offer seven day free trials. Don't forget too, that if you buy an Apple product, like an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you will get anything from three to 12 months free Apple TV+ access.

If you are a fan of Netflix, make sure you are aware of the streamer's ban on password sharing to avoid falling fowl of new rules.

While Anne Frank is a name familiar to most, A Small Light shines a light on a little known woman in history who played a big part in Anne's story.

An all-star cast are currently bringing a little known World War II story to life on Disney+. Many are aware of the devastating tale of Anne Frank and the plight of her family to stay hidden from Nazis during the war. While the Frank family story remains important and enduring, little is known about those who worked to try and shield them from their fate. A Small Light is now doing just that - taking a look at the run up to the family's capture, and those who helped hide them. With more viewers tuning in to watch the show as its popularity rises, questions are being asked about how much truth there is to this unknown part of the story - read on to find out.  

For viewers intrigued by the inspiration behind movies and series they watch, the true story of fellow World War II drama SAS: Rogue Heroes, is quite astonishing. Those who weren't aware of Paddy Mayne and his huge part in the SAS history, certainly remembered his name when they'd finished the show. The countdown is now on, for the arrival of SAS: Rogue Heroes season 2.

Is A Small Light based on a true story?

Yes, A Small Light is the true story of Miep Gies, the secretary of Otto Frank who helped hide the Frank family from the Nazis.

Six years in the making, A Small Light is the work of showrunners Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, who visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and realised many are unfamiliar with the people who helped the Frank family go into hiding. The person largely responsible for shielding the family, was Otto Frank's secretary, Miep Gies. 

Miep Gies was born Hermine Santruschitz in Vienna, in 1909. Due to post World War l food shortages, her family were concerned they were unable to provide enough food for her, sending her to live with a foster family in the Netherlands at the age of 11. When the Nazis invaded Amsterdam in the 40s, Miep was working as Otto Frank's secretary - a job she had held for four years at the time of the invasion.

When Otto requested she help him and his family hide in the annex above his office, Miep agreed immediately. She spent the following 25 months bringing the family food, and keeping their location a secret. She even began hiding other Jews in the office, taking care to purchase food from a variety of shops and hiding it within her clothing to avoid suspicion, often using illegally obtained ration cards procured by her husband, Jan. 

The Frank family were discovered by the Gestapo in 1944, and the identity of the person who gave them up has never been discovered. Incredibly, Miep eluded execution for her part in disguising the family, for one reason - her interrogating police officer also happened to come from Vienna, where Miep was born. On realising this fact, he decided not to arrest her and she went free. 

When Miep returned to the annex two days later, she recalled the mess that had been made in removing the Franks from their hiding place. The New York Times reports Miep said that on re-entering the premises "And then we started searching. For what, I don’t know, but we were looking for something." Finding an intact diary, she put placed it in a drawer for safe keeping - it turned out to be Anne Frank's diary.

Miep had thought a time would come when she'd reunite the diary with Anne, which was sadly never to be. She instead passed it to the sole surviving Frank family member, Otto. Miep's story didn't become known nationally, despite the publication of her own memoir Anne Frank Remembered, in 1987. She had involvement with the Anne Frank House, and still her story still remained private. Miep Gies died in 2010, just shy of her 101st birthday. 

Speaking to the New York Times, A Small Light showrunner Tony Phelan said "When we started digging, we started putting together these pieces that I don’t know that anybody had ever put together before." Of Miep's involvement, he added "She had no idea what she was saying yes to. And then she had to keep saying yes for two years."

The show's title comes from a quote once made by Miep: "Even a regular secretary, a housewife or a teenager can turn on a small light in a dark room." 

Who plays Miep in A Small Light?

Miep is played by British actress Bel Powley, in A Small Light. 

the 31-year-old actress was born Isobel Dorothy Powley, to actor father Mark Powley and Jewish casting director mother, Janis Jaffa. Her acting career began as a teen, with roles in CBBC series M.I. High, and period miniseries Little Dorrit. 

She gained award nominations for later roles as Princess Margaret in A Royal Night Out, and Minnie in the coming-of-age film The Diary of a Teenage Girl. She starred alongside Pete Davidson in The King of Staten Island, and reached further global audiences with a role in Apple TV+ drama series The Morning Show. 

Speaking to NME about her role in A Small Light, Bel said "I’m Jewish myself, so [I’ve] definitely grown up with the weight of this part of history running through my family. I knew that [A Small Light] was probably something that I wanted to be a part of, but I have tended to shy away from period dramas.

I often feel distanced from them when I’m watching them or doing them. But then when I read the pilot for this, I was so blown away by how connected to these characters I felt, and how ‘now’ it felt."

Of portraying Miep and what she thought of her, Bel added "Miep was a very modern woman for her time. She was very outspoken, she was quite feminist… I just found it easier to relate to her on those levels."

Did Miep have any kids?

Miep had one son named Paul, in 1950. Little in known about him, except that he is still alive and currently 72-years-old.

Miep married husband Jan on July 16, 1941, after dating for some time. When Otto Frank was liberated from a concentration camp at the end of the war, he turned up on Miep and Jan's doorstep in 1945, continuing to live with them until 1953. Paul Gies was born during that time, in July 1950. 

It was while Otto was staying with the family in these post-war years, that Miep was able to hand over Anne's diary to him, and he saw it published in 1947. Jan and Miep lived in Amsterdam until Jan's death in 1993. Following this, Miep moved to the North Holland town where Paul was living at the time, to be closer to her son.

How many episodes of A Small Light are there?

There will be 8 episodes of A Small Light in total, with Disney+ releasing episodes weekly on the streamer, instead of all at once.

To watch on Disney+, viewers will require a subscription. A Disney+ subscription  costs £7.99 per month in the UK, or £79.90 for the year. The majority of Disney+ content is available with a subscription, although Disney sometimes releases Disney Plus Premier Access titles requiring additional payment. However, such titles are usually added to the catalogue a short time later, becoming free to watch.

UK subscribers can stream on four screens simultaneously, and register up to 10 devices - the service supports 7 profiles. There is no free trial offered with Disney+ as the initial one week free trial offered during the streamer's 2020 launch, was discontinued after the first month and has not been reinstated. 

Further Disney+ Features:

• The Muppets Mayhem is out today, and here's everything we know about who the band members are based on
• How I Met Your Father season 1 recap: Everything you need to know ahead of season 2
• Why was Willow cancelled? Disney+ has axed the show after just one season
• Abbott Elementary season 1 recap: Everything that happened in season 1 ahead of the season 2 arrival on Disney+
• Will there be a season 3 of Abbott Elementary? Everything we know about the third instalment of the award winning comedy
• Is Fleishman Is In Trouble based on a true story? Real inspiration behind the Disney+ drama
• How much did Ryan Reynolds pay for Wrexham Football Club and why did he buy it?

Video of the Week

The Muppets Mayhem has arrived on Disney+, bringing nostalgia for parents everywhere, and introducing Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem to a whole new audience.

May 10 is a big day for Muppets fans everywhere, as Disney+ comedy musical series The Muppets Mayhem finally lands. The 10-part series follows Junior A&R executive Nora, as she deals with the chaos caused by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. The band are tackling the modern day music business head on, in a bid to record their first ever platinum album. Among the excitement of seeing the beloved Muppets back on television and the chance to introduce them to a new generation of fans, did you know Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem band are based on real people? Let's delve into exactly who they are.

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once and Always cast recently bought more nostalgia to Netflix, and we took a look at the actors then and now. For those with fond memories of playing with dolls, the Margot Robbie Barbie movie now has a confirmed release date. Proving you can never have too much of the boy who refuses to grow up, Peter Pan & Wendy are back for yet another iteration, and you don't have to wait to catch the movie.

Who is Dr. Teeth based on?

Dr. Teeth was based on Malcolm John Rebennack Jr, who was known by his stage name, Dr. John. 

Born in 1941, Dr. John, was an American singer/songwriter, influenced by the New Orleans jazz, blues, and R&B scene. Beginning his career as a guitarist, his guitar-playing dreams were put on hold when his left hand ring finger hand was injured during a shooting. Hindering his ability to play, Dr. John turned to bass guitar before focussing his efforts on playing the piano. 

During the early 60s, Dr. John was involved in narcotics dealing, and was running a brothel. These activities landed him with a 2-year prison sentence, and on his release in 1965, he moved to Los Angeles to become a session musician.

A high profile session musician during the late 60s and whole of the 70s, Dr. John worked with the likes of Sonny & Cher, Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, and Lou Reed. He suffered an ongoing heroin addiction, eventually becoming clean for good in December 1989. He died from a heart attack, in June 2019.

Who is Floyd Pepper based on?

Not based on an actual person, Floyd Pepper's name is inspired by a combination of the band Pink Floyd, and The Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Floyd's original outfit was thought to be inspired by the suits worn by The Beatles on the Sgt. Pepper album, sometimes paired with a green hat, and occasionally the purple tux that became a Muppets' signature. He serves as the band's bass player, and was originally in a relationship with Janice. 

Jerry Nelson, who originated the character, said of Floyd "I always thought of Floyd as a character who had probably been a beatnik first and then - just like real life - probably been a beatnik and then he was into jazz and poetry, then he probably went along with the chase into rock and roll because he needed a job. He drew the line at punk, as I probably did myself, I think. That's why I can relate to Floyd, I guess because he's all those things."

Who is Animal based on?

It is widely speculated although never confirmed, that Animal is based on The Who's Keith Moon.

It has also been suggested he could be based on Mick Fleetwood, Steve Mitchell, John Bonham, Ginger Baker, or Levon Helm. According to CNN, the majority of evidence points to him being based on Keith Moon, as Jim Henson named a Fraggle Rock character "Wembley," which could have been after the town Moon was born.

Born in 1946, Keith Moon took up drumming in the early 60s, joining The Who in 1964 just before they recorded their first single. He gained a reputation for both smashing his kit on stage, and trashing hotel rooms the band were staying in. Suffering from alcoholism, he'd regularly pass out on stage and require medical attention. 

He passed away in London at the age of 32. He died from an overdose of Heminevrin, a drug he had been prescribed to treat the symptoms of his withdrawal from alcohol. 

Who is Janice based on?

Janice is based on American singer Janis Joplin. 

Born Janis Lyn Joplin in 1943, Janis was one of the most successful stars of her time, widely noted for her memorable mezzo-soprano vocals. Finding fame in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, she began her career as lead singer of rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company.

Achieving further success as a solo artist, she made a memorable appearance at the Woodstock festival, with five singles subsequently reaching the Billboard Hot 100. Her final recording, Mercedes Benz, remains one of her most popular today. Janis died of a heroin overdose aged 27, in 1970. She received a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, still often appearing on lists of the greatest artists and singers of all time. 

Who is Zoot based on?

Zoot is thought to have gotten his name from saxophonist Zoot Sims, but was physically modelled on Argentinian sax player, Gato Barbieri.

Zoot Sims was born John Haley Sims, in October 1925, and was a prolific American jazz saxophonist. The name "Zoot"  came when travelling with the Kenny Baker band in California at the age of 15. Each band member would have their music stand embellished with a nonsense word. His said "Zoot," and the name stuck. Zoot Sims died of lung cancer in 1985, aged 59.

Leandro "Gato" Barbieri was born in 1932, an Argentine jazz tenor saxophonist remembered for his Latin jazz recordings of the 1970s. Barbieri took a 10-year break from performing in the late 80s, to care for his sick wife. Following her death, he made a return to both recording and performing in the late 1990s, and passed away in 2016. His nickname "Gato," originates from the Spanish word for "cat." 

Who is Lips based on?

Lips is the only member of the band with no known origin, he was created solely for performer Steve Whitmire, for him to have his own member of the Electric Mayhem.

Lips doesn't participate in storyline action as much as the others, serving as a musician only, with few lines to say. Speaking about his silence, performer Steve Whitmire said "I felt great whenever he played the trumpet, and I felt terrible whenever he spoke, because I wanted to do this Louis Armstrong kind of voice, and at that point and time, there was some question about whether or not we would offend African-American people by this white guy doing a black voice as a trumpet player."

He continued "We might offend people who liked Louis Armstrong. We weren't sure. I never quite got anywhere with Lips. I'd probably be real comfortable with him now, but at that point, I wasn't sure. I still wasn't ready to do a character." 

How can I watch The Muppets Mayhem?

The Muppets Mayhem is streaming exclusively on Disney+, which will require a subscription. 

A Disney+ subscription costs £7.99 per month in the UK, or £79.90 upfront for a year. The majority of Disney+ content is available through the subscription, although Disney occasionally releases Disney Plus Premier Access titles requiring additional payment. However, such titles are usually added to the catalogue a short time later, becoming free to watch.

UK subscribers can stream on four screens simultaneously, and register up to 10 devices - the service supports 7 profiles. There is no free trial offered with Disney+ as the initial one week free trial offered during the streamer's 2020 launch, was discontinued after the first month and has not been reinstated. 

Related Disney+ Features:

• How I Met Your Father season 1 recap: Everything you need to know ahead of season 2
• Why was Willow cancelled? Disney+ has axed the show after just one season
• Abbott Elementary season 1 recap: Everything that happened in season 1 ahead of the season 2 arrival on Disney+
• Will there be a season 3 of Abbott Elementary? Everything we know about the third instalment of the award winning comedy
• Is Fleishman Is In Trouble based on a true story? Real inspiration behind the Disney+ drama
• How much did Ryan Reynolds pay for Wrexham Football Club and why did he buy it?

Video of the Week

Avatar: The Way of Water has broken records with its incredible success on the silver screen, but when is Avatar 2 coming to Disney+ so we can stream the sequel in the comfort of out own homes?

The Avatar sequel has made records as the third-biggest movie of all time, making $2.31 billion at the box office during its long cinema run. And much to the delight of fans, the much-anticipated film is now starting to make its way into our homes too. 

So whether you've finished binging season 2 of Firefly Lane, whose tear-jerker of an ending definitely needed some explaining, or you're looking for something to watch after finishing Bridgerton's first spin-off series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, whose main character is based on a real life queen, here we share how you can stream Avatar: The Way of Water. 

When is Avatar 2 coming to Disney+?

There is not yet a confirmed date for when Avatar: The Way of Water will be released on Disney+. However, it will definitely be released on the streaming service at some point in the near future as there is a landing page teasing the film's arrival.

While the acclaimed sequel has not yet made its way onto streaming services, Avatar 2 is currently available to buy in digital format on Prime Video, iTunes, Microsoft Store and other digital retailers. As it's still in cinemas though, the film is not yet available to buy in physical DVD, Blu-ray or 4K format. 

What is Avatar: The Way of Water about?

Avatar: The Way of Water is set a decade after the first film and tells the story of Jake Sully, who has now formed a family with his partner Neytiri, on the distant planet of Pandora. Similarly to the first film, Pandora is threatened by the human-led Resource Development Administration (RDA) who have travelled to Pandora to escape Earth’s environmental collapse.

But the RDA begin to destroy the harmonious planet, wiping out its forests and oceans in search of an anti-aging liquid derived from a whale-like species on Pandora. The humans colonise Pandora, turning Sully’s tribe into refugees. The film then follows as the Na'vi people fight back against the destruction to reclaim their home.

Why did Avatar: The Way of Water take so long to come out?

Avatar: The Way of Water was released in cinemas a whopping 13 years after the original film debuted. According to Screen Rant, there were several causes for the delay, but the main one is simple. It's that James Cameron, the film's director, simply didn't want to rush production. 

Originally, the sequel, The Way of Water, and then another third film were scheduled to be released in 2014 and 2015 respectively, but the dates were then changed to December 2020 and 2021. More delays pushed those dates back to December 2022 and December 2024. So don't worry, hopefully, according to scheduling, the third Avatar film is less than two years away!

Disney is bringing one of its much-loved children's movies back to life in a new live-action remake as fans ask who plays Ursula in the new Little Mermaid?

Whether your family is a fan of movie classics like Disney Pixar's Toy Story, Frozen or DreamWorks Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, or perhaps you just want some more ideas for Disney-inspired baby names, then this new release is for you.

It follows the beloved story of Ariel, one of the most popular Disney princesses, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. And while many fans want to know where The Little Mermaid was filmed, others are keen to know more about who plays the baddie in the remake...

Who plays Ursula in the new Little Mermaid?

Melissa McCarthy plays Ursula in the new Little Mermaid movie. Fans were given the first-look of the actress in action as the villain when the trailer for the live-action Disney movie remake was aired during the Oscars. For anyone who is not familiar with Melissa McCarthy, she is an American actress who has many strings to her career bow including comedian, producer, writer and fashion designer. You might recognise her from starring in 2015 movie Spy or 2011's chick flick Bridesmaids and she also had a leading role in 2013 film Identity thief.

Who is the new Little Mermaid?

The new Little Mermaid is Halle Bailey who is playing Ariel. The American singer, songwriter and actress is best-known for being one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with Chloe being her sister. Together they have received five Grammy Award nominations since 2018. Halle was first unveiled as playing the lead character when the first official poster of The Little Mermaid was released.

Honoured to be part of such a huge film, Halle said, "Words can’t describe how immensely honoured I feel to play the mermaid of my dreams, Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Come under the sea with me, in theatres May 26, 2023."

And fans were delighted with the casting. One fan wrote at the time, "It's so incredibly beautiful that you are bringing Ariel to life! I'm in my thirties and definitely still want to be a mermaid when I grow up, cannot wait to see this!"

Another fan put, "I've always dreamed of it, a black mermaid. Now I can imagine myself in the movie The Little Mermaid, Thank you very much Halle Bailey."

And a third supported added, "I just watched the new trailer and I CANNOT wait to see this. You look so good. I love all it so far."

Joining Halle is Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Bridgerton's Simone Ashley as Indira, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Le Chef Louis, Javier Bardem as King Triton, to name but a few.

Is the Little Mermaid coming out in 2023?

Yes, the Little Mermaid is due to be released in US theatres and UK cinemas on 26th May 2023 and will be available on Disney+ later in the year. Disney shared, "Watch and you’ll see, Some day I’ll be, Part of your world Watch the new trailer for The Little Mermaid and see the movie in cinemas May 26!"

After filming wrapped, Halle told her Instagram followers, "I feel so grateful to have experienced this film in all of its glory ... it has been the toughest experience being away from everything and everyone I've ever known, to feeling self doubt/ loneliness, but also feeling such freedom and perseverance as I've reached the end. This experience has made me so much stronger than I ever thought I could be."

She also expressed her feelings around representation in the movie, telling PEOPLE, "The fact that now it's getting to be played by me, a person who looks like me, woman of colour, I'm just like, wow, I'm so grateful what it will do for all the other little Black and brown boys and girls who will see themselves in me. Because I know if I had seen myself when I was younger, I think my whole perspective would've changed."

Related film features:

• Peter Pan and Wendy
• Pinocchio movie 2022
• Disney Strange World
• The Princess Diaries 3
• Lyle Lyle Crocodile

Video of the week

After nearly 10 years on Netflix, the streamer has announced that the fan-favourite sitcom New Girl will be leaving the platform. But, there's no need to panic, the seven-season comedy will be available to stream elsewhere. 

The Fox original series ran from 2011 to 2018, gaining fans for its unique take on the sitcom genre. With Zooey Deschanel starring as the show's lead, Jess, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson, Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone made up the rest of New Girl's five-strong, as the show's descriptions puts it, “charmingly dysfunctional – or strangely functional – family.”

Based in the bustling city of LA, school teacher Jess finds herself in need of a new apartment after a particularly nasty, and hilariously funny, break up with her boyfriend. 

She quickly moves in with three complete strangers; the law school drop out-turned bartender Nick, the quirky Schmidt, and former athlete Winston. Viewers watch on as this unlikely group form close friendships and navigate millennial life in the big city.

A nod to its success, New Girl featured many notable guest stars across its seven seasons, including Prince, Taylor Swift, Megan Fox, Justin Long, Josh Gad, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brenda Song, Adam Brody and Linda Cardellini, just to name a few.

With multiple Emmy wins and Golden Globe nominations under its belt, it's no surprise that fans of the show were shocked to hear it would be leaving Netflix. But, the show will still be available to stream online. So for all of those panicking about loosing their favourite comfort show, here we share where you can watch and stream New Girl once it's been removed from Netflix.

Where can i watch New Girl after it leaves Netflix? Streaming details

Once New Girl has been removed from Netflix, the comedy series will be available to stream on both Hulu and Peacock in the US, as well as on Disney+ in the UK. New Girl made the move to the UK's Disney+ platform back in 2021.

For viewers outside of the UK, all of New Girl's 146 episodes will be available on Hulu and Peacock beginning on 17 April 2023. For viewers in the UK, the show will remain on Disney+.

When is New Girl leaving Netflix?

Netflix subscribers will have to bid adieu to New Girl, with the last date to watch the show on the streamer being 9 April 2023. This leaves 8 days in which the show will be unavailable to stream online as the seven-season series does not become available on its new homes, Hulu and Peacock, until 17 April 2023.

Fan reactions to the news have been emotional, with many directing anger towards Netflix for its decision. One fan wrote, "Netflix getting rid of New Girl WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY," with another writing, "They’re taking New Girl off Netflix on April 9th? This is the worst news of my life!!!"

More tweets echoed the sentiment, "The last day to watch New Girl on Netflix happens next month and I want to cry," one fan posted. Another, even more emotional, post read, "I honestly don’t know what imma do once New Girl gets taken off of Netflix… life has lost all meaning there is no hope I will have no will to live," while another user added, "If I don’t have constant access to New Girl I will literally perish and I need Netflix to understand that."

Fans in the UK were sent into similar turmoil back in 2021 when the show was removed by Netflix, but they quickly recovered when all seven season's appeared on Disney+. 

Why is New Girl leaving Netflix?

New Girl is leaving Netflix because the streamer's licensing deal expired. Instead of renewing the license, Disney, who now own the company who produced the show and licensed it to Netflix, along with NBCUniversal created a bargaining agreement that allows their respective platforms, Hulu and Peacock, to share the streaming rights to the comedy’s entire catalogue.

New Girl is just the latest Disney-produced series to be taken off Netflix in favour of Hulu after licensing deals expired. It joins other shows like American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Pose, and Arrested Development.

While there is anger over the decision, the show's move to Hulu does make sense. New Girl was produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox, a company which is now owned by Disney, who also currently co-owns Hulu.

Let It Go is a classic theme tune that won't go away any time soon as fans of Disney's sister duo Elsa and Anna will be wondering is Frozen 3 coming out?

Frozen tells the story of Princess Anna as she teams up with an iceman Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a snowman called Olaf to find her estranged sister Elsa, who has the power to convert any object or person into ice.

It's a tale that families around the world have enjoyed watching over and over again - with the catchy chorus to the hit songs are stuck in their heads as some parents frantically search to buy the best Frozen-themed toys while others choose Disney-themed baby names for their newborns.

And with talk of a third film, we look at all you need to know...

Is Frozen 3 coming out?

Yes, Frozen 3 is coming out. Disney boss Bob Iger confirmed that a sequel to Frozen  I and Frozen II was in the pipeline as he confirmed that Toy Story 5 was also in early development at Disney Pixar.

"Today I'm so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia," he said.

But not much else is known about the sequel.

Bob added, "We'll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivalled brands and franchises."

Actor Josh Gad, who voices Olaf in Frozen, tweeted, "Excited to head back… into the Unknown. Frozen3."

He added, "I mean I guess it could also just as easily be a crossover event. ToyFroTopia?"

And one fan joked, "Lol is this how you found out you’re doing Olaf again? Lol Tom Holland found out he was doing Spiderman when it was announced on Instagram first."

Meanwhile, it's thought that Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Jonathan Groff will all be returning to voice Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff, respectively.

Who voices Anna in Frozen?

Anna of Arendelle is a fictional character who is voiced by Livvy Stubenrauch and Katie Lopez provide her speaking and singing voice as a young child, respectively. Agatha Lee Monn portrayed her as a nine-year-old (singing). In Frozen II, Hadley Gannaway provided her voice as a young child while Stubenrauch is the archive audio. As an adult she is voiced by Kristen Bell.

Kristen Bell previously teased a possible return to the franchise last year when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

"Please bear in mind I did say zero authority because I can't do that. No, I'm not in charge," Kirsten elaborated keeping in mind that her words are not taken, official.

"I will keep it mysterious...but I know Idina (Idina Menzel who voiced for the famous character  Elsa in the previous movies) recently said she would do it and I feel like if we're all in...What are we waiting for? Let's do it," she added.

What is Frozen 3 going to be about?

The plot of Frozen 3 has not yet been developed but its thought that what happens towards the end of Frozen II could well set up the story continuation for the third, with Anna finding her place in the world. A quick recap of Frozen II sees Anna and Elsa head to the enchanted forest outside of Arendelle to discover why a mysterious voice has been calling to Elsa. In their quest to stop the enchanted spirits from destroying Arendelle  they discover that their parents were on their way to Ahtohallan to discover the source of Elsa's power when they were shipwrecked and the know this because Anna and Elsa find their ship in the enchanted forest and discover that their mother was Northuldran.

But that's not the only family link discovered by the sisters - they also find out their grandfather was responsible for the conflict between Arendelle soldiers and the people of Northuldra who live in the forest, and this led to the forest being blocked off from the rest of the world.

At the time, their grandfather created a dam in the forest that was intended to weaken the Northuldran people but in order to right the wrongs of the past, Anna realises she needs to break the dam to free the forest. And as with most fairytales, she does it just in time as Elsa was frozen in Ahtohallan seeking the voice, which turned out to be a memory of her mother. Elsa becomes the "fifth spirit", the bridge between the magical world and the human world, but a bridge has two sides and Anna is the other one.

Elsa stays in the forest and Anna becomes Queen of Arendelle, ensuring that the two kingdoms live happily ever after.

When is Frozen 3 coming out on Disney+?

It is not yet known when Frozen 3 will be coming out on Disney+ but given the timescales for the previous two films, the first was released in 2013 and Frozen 2 followed in 2019, with a six year gap, Frozen 3 could be set for a 2025 release - which isn't too far away.

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Video of the week

Wondering will Netflix stop password sharing? If you share Netflix accounts, it’s important to be aware of a huge rule change that’s due to take effect by early summer.

Thanks to high inflation, the cost of pretty much everything is going up which means that families are becoming increasingly concerned about how to cut household bills. 

In an effort to find ways to save money on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, some households have been sharing account passwords with others. But now, Netflix is cracking down on this money saving loophole. 

Goodto.com’s Money Editor, Sarah Handley, says: “If you currently share your Netflix account details with a family member who doesn’t live with you or you’ve been piggybacking off someone else’s account, it’s vital to know how a new rule change could affect your pocket later this year.” 

Will Netflix stop password sharing?

Yes - Netflix has said that it will ban family members living in different households from using the same account. Instead it plans to launch a paid-password sharing scheme. 

The scheme was due to launch in March, but the rollout was delayed. In an April meeting with investors, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters confirmed that the scheme will be rolled out globally in the second quarter of the year - which means it will launch sometime between April and June. 

Solicitor Paul Britton of Britton and Time solicitors told us: “In 2022, it was announced that Netflix had lost half a million subscribers in the UK alone, meaning a huge drop in its income. In order to try and limit the damage of losing this significant number of subscribers, it is planning to introduce a new system that means that Netflix users will need to pay more for multi-household password sharing.”

The change also follows a recent ruling by the Intellectual Property Office that sharing Netflix passwords is illegal.

Tech expert and founder of SEOTesting.com, Nick Swan, says: “Research firm Digital i estimated last year that about one quarter of Netflix subscribers in the UK are sharing their passwords, which the Intellectual Property Office – a Government agency – outlined as against the law, citing a breach of contractual terms, fraud or secondary copyright infringement.”

What is paid sharing?

If you are currently letting someone in another household piggyback off your Netflix account and you want this to continue, you will soon have the option of adding something known as ‘paid sharing’. 

The move follows trials in selected South American countries and allows people from different households to add profiles under one account, provided the account holder pays an additional fee. It’s not yet known how much this will be but it’s expected to be around £2 to £3 per month. Keep in mind that those who live in the same household as the account holder won’t have to worry about paid sharing. 

If you’d prefer not to add paid sharing, your friend or family member will need to pay for their own Netflix account or look at alternatives. You could also try switching to other big streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV Plus that offer free trials.  

Can you share Netflix accounts right now?

Under current rules, each Netflix account is only meant to be shared in one household, with different subscription options allowing users different levels of account access and enabling them to stream on either one or several devices. 

However, it’s also possible for the main account holder to share password details with other households, giving them access to Netflix content for free. 

No matter which subscription you have, you can set up a total of five different profiles on a single account. This enables you to set up profiles for different family members so they can receive different recommendations depending on their age and viewing tastes.

How many people can watch Netflix at once? 

The number of devices that can stream Netflix at the same time will depend on the plan you have.

TV and streaming expert at Uswitch.com, Catherine Hiley, told us: “The newest, Netflix Basic with Ads, costs £4.99 a month and allows subscribers to watch on one device at a time. For £6.99 a month, subscribers can stream content ad-free in standard definition. Like the cheaper package, they can only use one device but are also able to download content. 

“Netflix’s Standard subscription costs £10.99 a month and enables viewers to watch shows and films in HD and on two devices at a time. The most expensive Netflix subscription, Premium, is £15.99 per month and enables subscribers to watch in Ultra HD and on four devices at a time.”

What happens if you share Netflix accounts?  

Currently, if you share your Netflix password with someone outside your household, you might need to verify the new user is allowed access, but not a lot else will happen. 

Technically, it is against Netflix’s terms and conditions that state: “The Netflix service and any content accessed through the service are for your personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household unless otherwise allowed by your subscription plan.”

But, up until now, Netflix has never indicated it will take any action if you don’t follow these terms.

What could happen if you share accounts after the crackdown? 

Given that sharing Netflix passwords has been classed as illegal, it’s likely that Netflix will get a little tougher on those who bend the rules. Tech expert Nick Swan told us: “On the technical side, Netflix will use a combination of your account activity, device IDs, geographic locations and IP addresses to stop password sharing.”

This will help Netflix to work out which people count as household members living together. If it detects a change in location of the account being used, it’s likely that the account holder will receive a notification and be prompted to either change their household address or pay a fee to add the new address.

Solicitor Paul Britton adds: “Users in a trial in Latin America received notifications informing them that if their account was used at a separate location for over two weeks, they would need to pay the extra fees. If users try to continue to bend the rules when the new change is brought in, as with any breach of the Netflix terms of use, users’ accounts may be terminated or restricted.”

But don't worry if you're trying to watch Netflix while away on holiday. Subscribers will still be able to watch Netflix when travelling, using their laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

Christmas movie fans are wondering where to watch Spirited, the new film starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.

It's that time of year where we're all looking for the best Christmas movies to get us in the holiday spirit as we curl up on the sofa. And just like festive film fans were asking how to watch the Love Actually reunion when it arrived at the end of November, now the same is being asked of the brand-new Christmas film Spirited.

Starring Ryan Reynolds from recent Disney+ hit Welcome to Wrexham and many other Hollywood movies, as well as Will Ferrell from one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, Elf, this new festive film was sure to be a cracker (no pun intended) from the word go. So it's no surprise that everyone wants to know where to watch Spirited...

Where to watch Spirited

Spirited has been available to stream on Apple TV+ since its release on 18 November. When you purchase an Apple device, Apple TV+ is included free for three months, and costs £6.99 per month following this period.

However, if you're not subscribed to Apple TV+ don't worry, you can still enjoy all the festive fun of Spirited, as the film is also available to watch in the cinema. How long Spirited will be on the big screen, however, is yet to be confirmed, so you'll need to check the schedule for your local movie theatre to make sure you don't miss out.

What is Apple TV+?

Apple TV+ is a streaming service from Apple, and features Apple Original shows and movies as well as existing and award-winning content across a wide variety of genres.

To sign up to watch Apple TV+ you need to download the app, which is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac computers as well as some supported third-party smart TVs from Samsung, LG and Sony - but you can also watch on a browser such as Google Chrome.

Other popular shows and movies that are available on Apple TV+ include Bad Sisters, Ted Lasso, and Trying. You can purchase Apple TV+ or start a 7-day free trial by visiting the Apple TV+ website.

What is Spirited about?

Spirited is a modern retelling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol in the style of a musical, with singing and dancing numbers throughout the film. Apple TV+ describes it as "a sweet and spicy holiday treat".

Telling the famous Dickens story from the perspective of the ghosts with a hilarious musical twist, this tale follows the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell), who each Christmas Eve selects one dark soul to be reformed by a visit from three spirits. 

But this season, he picked the wrong Scrooge. Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) turns the tables on his ghostly host until Present finds himself re-examining his own past, present and future. 

It is directed by Sean Anders (Daddy’s Home and Instant Family), written by Sean Anders and John Morris and includes original songs by Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land), along with production numbers choreographed by Chloe Arnold (The Late Late Show with James Corden).

The funny and heartwarming tale has gone down a treat with viewers, who've been quick to share their love for the film on social media. One user said on Twitter "Ummm #Spirited!? “A Christmas Carol” revamped as a musical that is funny & original & surprising. And the music is BEYOND," adding "I laughed, I cried, I LOVED it!" Another wrote, "I'm usually meh about most musicals, but Spirited on Apple TV was an utter delight. Holiday feels."

The film has also received some love from celebs too. Comedian Ashley Nicole Black praised the movie, tweeting, "Spirited on Apple TV Plus. So good. Instant classic. Probably gonna watch again immediately." Meanwhile, actress Jo Hartley said of the film, "Just watched #Spirited on @AppleTV it’s MAGIC! You gotta see it. I sang (if that’s what you call it) danced & laughed out loud. An EPIC movie, with a tremendous cast!"

Spirited cast

• Will Ferrell as Present
• Ryan Reynolds as Clint Briggs
• Octavia Spencer as Kimberley
• Sunita Mani as Past
• Tracy Morgan as Yet-To-Come

Video of the Week

Just when you thought you'd tried all the on-demand streaming services, ITV is launching ITVX and it could make you re-think how you choose to watch your favourite TV shows.

If you've already got Netflix, or are saving money on Amazon Prime or Disney+ there is a new platform you're going to want to check out.

When it officially launches from 8th December, it is set to steam David Tennant's Litvinenko , A Spy Among Friends and in 2023 new drama Nolly starring Helena Bonham Carter.

So we look at all you need to know ahead of its debut...

What is ITVX?

ITVX is a new on-demand streaming service that is going to be packed with content from ITV1 and also ITV digital channels and licensed content, giving viewers more choice. It will have substantially more exclusive programming than ITV Hub, positioning ITV's digitial offerering more in line with its competitors - the BBC and Channel 4. ITVX includes access to BritBox and a selection of FAST channels, which will see programmes such as The Chase and Hell's Kitchen have their own virtual linear channels.

Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive said, "The digital acceleration we are announcing today builds on everything we have achieved in phase one of our More Than TV strategy.  ITVX will be a free service supported by adverts, with a compelling subscription proposition.  This is fantastic for viewers -  it will provide a simplified and seamless experience with thousands of hours of free content made up of both library and original exclusive content.  The subscription tier will provide a premium offering and includes all of the content ad-free as well as BritBox and future SVOD content partners.

She added, “We are supercharging our streaming business, fundamentally shifting our focus to think digital first, as well as optimising our broadcast channels, by continuing to attract unrivalled mass audiences.  In doing so we are responding to changing viewing habits, but also the evolving needs from our advertisers.  This will enable ITV to continue to be both commercial viewers and advertisers’ first choice.”

How do I get ITVX?

You can get ITVX on the following Television platforms; Sony Bravia, BT TV, Freesat, Now TV / Roku, Sky, Samsung Smart TV & Blu-ray players, Virgin Media and YouView. It can be streamed on Games consoles including, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360 and the following mobile platforms - Android devices, iOS devices and Windows Phone. Plus other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.

Rufus Radcliffe, ITV’s Managing Director of Streaming, said, “2021 was a record year for ITV Hub and BritBox, giving us strong foundations from which to supercharge our streaming strategy. We are investing significantly in new and exclusive programmes which will be free to stream, and also in technology and product design to make the viewer experience and interface a premium one on ITVX.”

How much will ITVX cost?

ITVX is free for people who watch the ad-supported tier and they can access 9,000 hours of TV. But if viewers want to go ad-free they can choose to pay £5.99 a month or £59.99 a year to gain access to additional shows and boxsets from BritBox. 

Can I watch ITVX on my TV?

Yes, according to ITV you can watch ITVX on Samsung Smart TVs (models from 2016 onwards) and Roku TV's. But if you have another model, fear not, as you can watch content on the app via the Amazon Fire TV stick, FreeView Play, or NOW TV. But if that's not enough, you can cast to your TV from your iOS device, phone and tablets, android phones and tablets and Sky Glass.

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Video of the week

Shonda Rhimes' medical masterpiece is coming back to the UK for a whopping season 19, and we reveal exactly when fans can lap up the action.

Who can remember back to the long gone days of Meredith, Cristina, George, Alex, and Izzie, sitting on a gurney announcing they had no idea what they were doing, back in Grey’s Anatomy season 1? Now the famous 5 are no more, and Grey-Sloan Memorial - the hospital has even had a name change - looks entirely different. But what hasn’t changed is the banging soundtrack, the intriguing medical storylines, and the excellent acting. If any of that had changed, one of the longest running primetime medical dramas in TV history wouldn’t have that accolade. Grey’s Anatomy is the gift that keeps on giving, and the long lost friend we all want to cosy up with year after year. Here’s when the latest outing will arrive in the UK, and other exciting information about the show.  

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When is Grey’s Anatomy season 19 out in the UK?

Grey’s Anatomy season 19 will air in the UK on Wednesday October 26, 2022. This will be the first season where long running protagonist Meredith Grey has a reduced role on the show.

Meredith Grey (played by Ellen Pompeo), is just one of three original cast members remaining, with the other two being Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.). Pompeo is set to continue narrating every episode of the new season 19, but will only physically appear in eight episodes altogether. 

She revealed to Entertainment Weekly that she was looking to shake her career up, saying "I'm clearly not prepared right now to make any formal announcement about what my future is on the show, but I'm really feeling like we have told the majority of the stories that we can tell." Fans wondering how Meredith's absence will be explained will have to wait and see, as the storyline has been kept under wraps. 

Where can I watch Grey’s Anatomy season 19 in the UK?

Grey’s Anatomy season 19 can be watched on Disney+ in the UK. All previous seasons of the show are also available to view on the streamer.

A Disney+ subscription costs £7.99 per month in the UK, or £79.90 for a year’s access. The majority of Disney Plus content is available with the subscription, although Disney occasionally releases Disney Plus Premier Access titles, requiring additional payment. However, such titles are usually added to the catalogue a short time later, where they are free to watch. 

UK subscribers can stream on four screens simultaneously, and register up to 10 devices - the service will support 7 profiles. There is no free trial offered with Disney Plus. When the streaming service launched in 2020, an initial 1 week free trial was offered at the time to celebrate. However, this was discontinued after the first month, and has not been reinstated. 

In a statement about the release of the latest season, Disney said "Grey’s Anatomy is considered one of the great television shows of our time. The high-intensity medical drama, now in its 19th season, follows Meredith Grey and the team of doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial who are faced with life-or-death decisions on a daily basis. They seek comfort from one another, and, at times, more than just friendship. Together they discover that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white". 

Grey’s Anatomy season 18 recap

A COVID-19 stricken Meredith was unwell for weeks, before recovering enough to return to work. When back on her feet, she worked between Grey-Sloan Memorial and with Dr. Hamilton in Minnesota. 

Hamilton has invited Meredith to innesoata with the suggestion of showing her the new wing named after her mother and his former colleague, Ellis Grey. However, it transpires he really wants her to lead a project finding a cure for Parkinson's - he can no longer undertake surgeries due to his own Parkinson’s diagnosis, and wants someone to operate on him and find a cure.

While in Minnesota, Meredith reconnects with Nick Marsh, and they begin a relationship. Meredith made the decision to move her family to Minnesota to be with Nick, not before making some bad decisions at Grey-Sloan which results in losing even more surgeons and a shortage of blood supplies - the residency programme is cut by the season finale because of her actions. When the announcement is made, Miranda quits instantly, handing Meredith the keys to the chief of surgery’s office.   

Jo Wilson decides to switch specialties, working her first year as an obstetrics and gynecology resident. Link is helping her raise daughter Luna, but their friendship takes a hit when they sleep together and Jo falls in love with him - this realisation causes her to ask him to move out. To try and move on, Jo starts dating other people.

Link had previously been in a relationship with Amelia Shepherd, but when she turned down his marriage proposal, the relationship came to an end. They were co-parenting their son Scout, while Link helped Amelia raise Luna. Link harboured secret hopes of getting back together with Amelia, but these were dashed when she fell in love with Kai. The season ended with Link living alone, working through his feelings for Amelia and trying to be friends with Jo once again. Meredith recruited Amelia Shepherd for the Parkinson's project, with her also working between Seattle and Minnesota, and helping Owen recover from his car accident. 

Owen and Teddy got married, and Owen discovered a group of veteran soldiers suffering severe lung damage from spending time around burn pits. One soldier, Noah, convinces Owen to help him die. He obliges, and also helps other soldiers with the same condition die also, in an illegal euthanasia side line. 

Owen is severely injured in the car accident with Teddy and Cormac and thinking he won’t survive, tells them of his mission so they can continue it in his absence. Someone reports what Owen has been doing to Bailey, and she forces him and Teddy to reign - fearing repercussions, they go on the run. Earlier in the season, the couple fell out over their son identifying as a girl - Owen was fine with it, but Teddy was quite upset.

The car crash happened when Cormac, Owen, and Teddy were retrieving a heart for Megan’s son Farouk. Cormac was furious that Owen told him about the illegal euthanasia, and could no longer face working with him. He left Grey-Sloan to move back to Ireland to be with his family, and escape the whole mess. 

Bailey struggled to keep the residency programme running, and also adopted a daughter in the midst of all the chaos. She quits when her mental health and well-being are in shreds. Richard Webber decides to allow residents to perform operations with no attending present, but when Schmidt loses a patient because of this, the learning method comes under fire. Questioning his neurological stability, he undergoes tests, but is found to be of sound mind. His wife Catherine is also diagnosed with cancer. 

Maggie is one of the first to voice concerns about the Webber teaching method, causing tension between the pair - who later work out their differences. She also finds a letter addressed to her from biological mother, Ellis Grey, requiring support for how it makes her feel. Maggie’s husband Winston’s estranged brother Wendell turns up causing unrest - he tries to sell faulty medical equipment to Grey-Sloan. With considerable debt hanging over him, Wendell accepts money from his brother to pay them off, and leaves.  

Grey’s Anatomy season 19: Possible plot

Although most plot details have been kept secret, it has been revealed that the residency programme is reinstated, and five new residents join Grey-Sloan. 

In a statement, Disney said "Picking up six months after the season 18 finale, season 19 sees five new interns join the staff at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, with Harry Shum Jr., Adelaide Kane, Alexis Floyd, Niko Terho, and Midori Francis joining the cast". With Meredith's research going well and wanting to be with Nick in Minnesota, this could be the way her character is partially written out of the series, and she possibly won't take up the position of head of surgery following Bailey quitting.

With Chandra Wilson also slated to be returning, Bailey will no doubt be striding the corridors of the famous hospital, we just don't know in what capacity. With Owen and Teddy on the run following some very dubious happenings, this could pave the way for exciting cat and mouse scenes, where they could potentially risk getting caught. However, they will surely have to face consequences for their actions - especially Owen - and those could be pretty grave.

The official synopsis for the opening episode reads "After a long six months, Grey Sloan Memorial has reinstated its residency program. A group of talented and striving young interns has been recruited as the attending surgeons work to rebuild the program to its former glory. Meredith, still functioning as the interim chief, sees Nick for the first time since she rejected his offer to move to Minnesota. Meanwhile, Bailey tells Richard she is not ready to return to work; Levi works up the courage to break disappointing news to Jo, and things turn awkward when Link realizes he has met one of the interns already. With Amelia and Maggie's help, the new doctors are thrown into their first day on the job dealing with injuries from a recent tornado".    

Who will be in season 19 of Grey’s Anatomy? 

• Ellen Pompeo as Dr Meredith Grey
• Chandra Wilson as Dr Miranda Bailey
• James Pickens Jr. as Dr Richard Webber
• Caterina Scorsone as Dr Amelia Shepherd
• Camilla Luddington as Dr Jo Wilson
• Kelly McCreary as Dr Maggie Pierce
• Kim Raver as Dr Teddy Altman
• Jake Borelli as Dr Levi Schmitt
• Chris Carmack as Dr Atticus "Link" Lincoln
• Anthony Hill as Dr Winston Ndugu
• Alexis Floyd as Dr Simone Griffin
• Niko Terho as Dr Lucas Adams
• Midori Francis as Dr Mika Yasuda
• Adelaide Kane as Dr Jules Millin
• Harry Shum Jr. as Dr Daniel "Blue" Kwan
• Scott Speedman as Dr Nick Marsh

According to E! Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) will both be returning for season 19, for those nostalgic for the old days of the show. However, Dr. Winston Ndugu actor Anthony Hill argued that fans should let go of nostalgia, and embrace new changes. He said "The vibe is great on set. It feels like a little bit like a passing of the torch. Not just from [Ellen] to this new intern class, because that's what everybody is talking about, but also a little bit of a passing of the torch to the rest to the attendings and the people who have been there for a long time, and the people who are just getting started like myself." 

On the arrival of the new interns, he added "It's a cool energy. It's an energy that I think everybody is excited about. Those interns bring an energy that is so realistic to what interns would actually bring to a hospital—this excitement and this youthful joy. I don't want to say exuberance, but that's really what it is."

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Video of the Week

Don’t get your knickers in a twist! The three kindly old spinster ladies are back - and the countdown is on for their magical return.

After years of speculation and rumour, fans of the 1993 supernatural comedy classic Hocus Pocus had their dreams answered - a sequel was finally announced in 2019. Filming for Hocus Pocus 2 officially finished in January 2022. A few re-shoots were needed, and by June 2022 the new film was ready to go. Now, in time to get in the mood for a spooktacular Halloween, the release date is nearly here. Get the toffee apples ready, dig out the witches hats, and prepare child on toast - the Sanderson Sisters are back. Here is exactly when Hocus Pocus 2 is coming out, and all the exciting news you need about Halloween's hottest must-see. 

The new story of Hocus Pocus 2 tells, revolves around an aspiring witch, and the consequences of a huge magical mistake she makes. Though fans of the old film might be surprised to learn that Hocus Pocus 2 is filmed in a different location to the original. Definitely not family friendly and raising the horror states exponentially, the Devil in Ohio ending explained some plot threads, and left a lot unanswered. Similarly gripping, Netflix's Lou ending was a similarly ambiguous finish to an edge-of-your-seat ride.  

Hocus Pocus 2: Release date 

Hocus Pocus 2 will be released on September 30, 2022. To tease the upcoming release date, the official Hocus Pocus 2 Twitter account shared an exclusive first-look clip from the film. 

In the clip, the Sanderson sisters are seen being seemingly outwitted by their prey - teens Izzy (Belissa Escobedo) and Becca (Whitney Peak). They trick Winnie (Bette Middler), Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Mary (Kathy Najimy) into believing that they're also coven members and that they're actually 40-years-old (and therefore not in the witches' age range to be eaten).

Hocus Pocus 2: Trailer 

Where can I watch Hocus Pocus 2? 

Hocus Pocus 2 can be streamed on Disney Plus, when it arrives on September 30, 2022. A subscription to the streamer will be required. 

A Disney Plus subscription costs £7.99 per month in the UK, or £79.90 for a year’s access. The majority of Disney Plus content is available with the subscription, although Disney occasionally releases Disney Plus Premier Access titles, requiring additional payment. However, such titles are usually added to the catalogue a short time later, where they are free to watch. UK subscribers can stream on four screens simultaneously, and register up to 10 devices - the service will support 7 profiles. 

There is no free trial offered with Disney Plus. When the streaming service launched in 2020, an initial 1 week free trial was offered at the time to celebrate. However, this was discontinued after the first month, and has not been reinstated. 

Will Hocus Pocus 2 be in cinemas?

No, Hocus Pocus 2 will not be in cinemas. It will only be available exclusively to stream on Disney Plus. 

The lack of cinematic release hasn’t gone down too well with some fans, who feel taking a trip to theatres to watch it is a big part of the fun. One fan tweeted Bette Midler directly, to say “Hi Bette, little question wanted to ask you, how come Hocus Pocus 2 won’t be having a cinema release? I sadly don't have Disney plus and I’m dying to see the film. Do you think there will be a dvd release in the future?

Another added that the lack of theatrical release was “annoying”. They’d been hoping to make an entire event of a day to see it, including “lunch and post-film cocktails” and wondered what the cast thought of the lack of big screen involvement.  

Is Hocus Pocus 2 free to watch on Disney Plus?

If you already have a Disney+ subscription then yes, Hocus Pocus 2 is free to watch as part of your membership. Disney have not specified that the title is being added to their Disney Plus Premier Access range, where you have to pay extra to view it. This was the case for Cruella and Black Widow - but not so for Hocus Pocus 2.

If you don't have a Disney Plus subscription - you can sign up for one for £7.99 per month or £79.90 per year in the UK. UK subscribers can stream on four screens simultaneously, and register up to 10 devices - the service will support 7 profiles.  

Who is returning for Hocus Pocus 2? 

• Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson
• Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson
• Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson
• Doug Jones as Billy Butcherson 

Billy Butcherson actor Doug Jones shared a picture to his Instagram account, of himself back in makeup for the role. He captioned the post "As if no time has passed at all. Back in my “Billy Butcherson” makeup 27 years later for @bettemidler's charity @nyrp online Hocus Pocus “Hulaween” special ... “In Search Of The Sanderson Sisters".

Are Max and Dani in Hocus Pocus 2?

No sadly Max, Dani and Max's girlfriend Allison will not appear in Hocus Pocus 2. Actress Thora Birch - who played Dani in the 1993 film - confirmed that she was unable to reprise her role due to scheduling conflicts.

"I was just a little dismayed I wasn’t able to make it," she said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "I was working on something else when they were filming, otherwise I was definitely going to be there on set with the girls. I can’t wait to see what they do with it. I know they’re taking a completely different, fresh approach, so I’m excited."

Birch explained that Disney did approach her to star in the second film, with the idea that she'd appear as adult Dani helping the three new teenagers banish the terrible trio again. But it was her involvement in the Netflix Addams family spin-off Wednesday that meant she couldn't return to Salem once more.

Will Binx be in Hocus Pocus 2?

Binx's return to Hocus Pocus 2 has been teased but not confirmed, and original voice actor Jason Marsden will not be reprising the role.  

Speaking to EW, director Anne Fletcher hinted that Binx could return in more creative ways, and possibly not in the form of a cat. She referred to Binx in the original film as "the heart, for sure". She added that she really wanted to bring Binx back, teasing by concluding "We're having some fun with him, so, we'll see".

However those missing the presence of Binx in feline form, needn't be too concerned - a black cat is set to appear in the film - going by the name of Cobweb. Although similar in appearance, Cobweb will not share Binx's gift of speech as director Fletcher called for "no talking cats" in Hocus Pocus 2. Those hoping to glimpse Binx in his possible new form, will have to keep their eyes peeled.

New Hocus Pocus 2 cast members

• Whitney Peak as Becca
• Lilia Buckingham as Cassie
• Belissa Escobedo as Izzy
• Hannah Waddingham as The Witch
• Tony Hale as Jefry
• Sam Richardson as Gilbert
• Froy Gutierrez portrays Mike
• Ginger Minj as Winifred impersonator
• Kornbread Jeté as Mary impersoantor
• Kahmora Hall as Sarah impersonator

Audiences might recognise Whitney Peak (aka Becca) from the HBO Max reboot of Gossip Girl - where she plays Zoya Lott. Despite her young age, the 19 year-old Ugandan-Canadian actress has racked up a number of screen credits including Apple TV+ drama Home Before Dark and the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

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Video of the Week

Fans won't have to wait too long for Thor: Love and Thunder to be on Disney Plus...

Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth returns again as the loveable blonde and beefy superhero in the fourth installment of the hit franchise - Thor: Love and Thunder. Featuring familiar characters who have crossed over from other movies in the Marvel universe, plus newbie Natalie Portman (and those unmissable Thor end credit scenes) - reviews have been high for the action-packed adventure from both viewers and critics alike.

Those who haven't yet seen the latest Thor caper or fans who simply want to watch the fun all over again are looking ahead to the film being released on Disney+. The streaming giant is the home to recent Marvel hits Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness and Eternals. So it's no surprise that the new Thor film will follow suit - and we've got the details on when.

When will Thor: Love and Thunder be on Disney Plus? Confirmed release date

Thor: Love and Thunder will debut on Disney Plus on Thursday 8 September, 2022. Dubbed 'Disney Plus Day' - the fourth Thor film joins a string of other Disney releases premiering that day, including a behind-the-scenes documentary of the movie titled The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder.

The news confirms that fans will have to have waited 2 months (or 63 days) since the theatrical release to enjoy Thor: Love and Thunder on Disney+. This is not too dissimilar to other recent Marvel releases - such as Shang Chi and Eternals - which took around 3 months to appear on Disney+.

In their press release, confirming the Thor: Love and Thunder Disney+ release date, Disney shared that it marked one of 15 "Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+".

Disney also teased the accompanying Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder - which is set to star include Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Tessa Thompson. "Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, ASSEMBLED pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film," reads the statement.

Will Thor: Love and Thunder be free to watch on Disney Plus?

Yes, Disney have confirmed that Thor: Love and Thunder will be free to watch when it premieres on Disney Plus. "No additional cost or device required," reads a statement, announcing the fourth Thor film's arrival on the streaming platform.

Other recent Marvel films like Eternals and Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness were also free to view when they first arrived on the streaming giant (and continue to be free to watch today).

Is Thor: Love and Thunder on Amazon Prime?

No, Thor: Love and Thunder is not currently available to rent or watch on Prime Video. Some film fans have been asking this question due to the 'Home premiere' option on Prime that sees recent cinematic releases available to rent and watch at home instead.

In time, the newest Thor movie could eventually end up on Prime Video. However, for now Thor: Love and Thunder is set to be available to watch on Disney Plus first (as Disney owns Marvel). The Walt Disney Company paid $4 billion for Marvel Entertainment in August 2009.

Will Thor: Love and Thunder be on Netflix?

No, Thor: Love and Thunder is not available to watch on Netflix and it's unlikely it will be in the future. As Disney owns Marvel and the rights of the whole Thor film franchise, it's only destined to premiere on Disney+ instead of Netflix.

Thor: Love and Thunder - original release date

Thor: Love and Thunder was officially released in UK cinemas on July 7, 2022. Australia had a slightly earlier release date of July 6 - we're guessing on account of Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth being lead. Whilst American audiences had to wait till July 8 to see the latest installment in theatres.

The fourth installment was available to watch at cinema chains like Odeon, Vue, Cineworld and Showcase throughout July 2022.

Thor: Love and Thunder - Total running time

Thor: Love and Thunder is 1 hour and 59 minutes (or 119 minutes) in length. Just under the two-hour mark, it's the second longest film in the Thor franchise. Third film Thor: Ragnarok takes the crown for the longest run time at 130 minutes.

Joanna Robinson of The Ringer-Verse podcast shared that director Taika Waititi was under strict instruction to keep the latest Thor caper under the 2 hour mark.

She said: “Taika having a blank check on this is absolutely not the case. He got more leeway than he got with Ragnarok, but there was a mandate to bring this movie in under two hours. This comes in under two hours and they cut a ton of stuff out of this movie.

"Taika is on record as not being [into] director’s cuts," she added. "We know Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey [were supposed to appear] and Simon Russell Beale appeared as Dionysus and had like two lines in this movie but has an above-the-line credit, so he was definitely supposed to be in this more. Gorr was supposed to come in and kill a bunch of other people.”

Taika Waititi also directed the third Thor film - Ragnarok - which came out in 2017. In a recent interview with Collider, he and lead star Chris Hemsworth revealed that the first cut for Thor: Love and Thunder was actually around the four hour mark.

"It was about four hours," Waititi said. "And a lot of time on set ... We were talking about this before, like when, in the moment, you're like, "This is the greatest thing that anyone's ever filmed in the history of filming things." And you get into the edit. You're like, "I still kind of like it." And then, after about six months of it being in the movie, you realize it was fun on the day but it doesn't have any business being in the movie."

Of the first edit, Chris Hemsworth called it "batshit crazy, wild four-hour cut I've ever seen".

Is Thor: Love and Thunder a hit? Box office performance

Yes, those in the film industry would consider Thor: Love and Thunder a hit with audiences. Official figures show that the Marvel film raked in $303.4 million worldwide at the box office during it's opening weekend.

According to Screen Daily, the fourth film beat all previous debut weekend records set by the previous franchise films. Each Thor film has built upon the previous one's box office success with Thor (2011) grossing $449m, Thor: The Dark World (2013) grossing $645m and Thor: Ragnarok (2017) grossing $854m. It's expected that "Disney’s release of Thor: Love And Thunder has continued the upwards trajectory of Marvel’s hammer-wielding franchise" says the publication.

Thor: Love and Thunder is also yet to be released in China - which is expected to draw in large audiences and additional revenue.

Despite huge success, the latest Thor outing did fail to get the same numbers as fellow Marvel film Doctor Strange: Multiverse Of Madness on it's opening weekend. The Benedict Cumberbach superhero movie raked in $450 million globally during it's debut weekend.

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Video of the Week

Marvel fans are excited over the release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness movie but many are asking when is Doctor Strange on Disney+?

Join the characters on a journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

If you're also excited for the arrival of Thor: Love and Thunder and Welcome to Wrexham or looking for a new empowering Disney+ film , you can save money with Disney+ as the movie is coming to the streaming platform, saving you an expensive trip to the cinema.

So with the sequel about to be released, we look at all you need to know…

When is Doctor Strange on Disney+?

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is on Disney+ from June 22, 2022. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams.

And fans cannot wait for the release with many taking to social media to share their excitement.

One wrote, “IM SO HAPPY AHHHHHH”

While another added, “BEST MCU MOVIE IN HISTORY”.

You can watch a special teaser clip featuring some of its stars below…

Will Doctor Strange 2 be on Disney + for free?

Doctor Strange 2 will be available to stream on Disney+ for free for those who are Disney+ members who pay either £6.39 ($8/) a month or £63.91 ($80/) a year WITHOUT paying any extra. 

So although it won’t be completely free of charge, Disney+ subscribers won’t face added costs on top of their subscription for watching the movie. If you’ve not got Disney+ you could always see if friends and family have the subscription and don’t mind watching it with you and plan your own movie night together.

How to watch Dr Strange: Multiverse of Madness

You can watch Dr Strange: Multiverse of Madness in a variety of ways – firstly on June 22 the movie will be available to stream on Disney+ and the movie is also expected to be available to rent or buy through VOD retailers on or around that date.

And if you’ve not watched the first movie yet, or want to refresh on the storyline, then you can rent the movie on the following platforms: Apple iTunes, Amazon Videos or Google Play Movies.

Dr Strange Multiverse of Madness opened in theatres last month but you will soon be able to watch the film from the comfort of your own home.

Will every Marvel movie be on Disney+?

Not all Marvel movies will be available to watch on Disney+ as several movies outside the MCU that feature Marvel characters are not on Disney+ including The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The reason why not all Marvel movies are on Disney+ is because the streaming giant doesn’t have distribution rights to every Marvel title. There are around 58 movies missing from Disney+.

But as with any show, if you want to watch those that are on there you have to be quick as streaming services like Netflix confirmed that many of its Marvel shows including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist are leaving the streaming service.

Disney+ has some upcoming Marvel Studios movies coming to its streaming platform soon including Ms. Marvel…

So, be sure to sign up for a Disney+ membership if you want to watch at home.

Video of the Week:

Our comprehensive roundup of best kids’ watches, including analogue, smart and digital, is here to make your life a whole lot easier. 

A child's first watch is a step towards independence, and understanding a bit more about the world around them. Kirsty Ketley, Parenting expert says; "From year one in school kids start learning time. It's best to start with an analogue watch first. These give a better sense of time - counting in 5's, 10's 20's and being able to see the hands moving. Watches that have 'quarter past' 'half past' and 'quarter to' are great starter watches." After all, teaching kids to tell the time is a life skill.

On the flip side, Carly Lewisohn, Digital Wellbeing Expert tells us; "It's all about embracing technology and using it with intention; as a tool to assist us in living healthy and productive lives. If the device isn’t helping to fulfil goals or support values and mental health, it might not be the right fit."

With analogue and digital watches we'll be looking at the size and ease of reading the watch face, as well as durable and adjustable straps. Whereas with smartwatches we'll be focusing on display; choosing from full touch screen, button controls, or a combination. Health tracking; the most basic models track step count. Though we have actively avoided smartwatches with calorie counters as research shows it is not beneficial for children to track their calories. In addition, some smartwatches monitor sleep. Location services; If tracking your child's location is important to you, then you’ll need GPS tracking. Battery life; so you're not constantly charging it check out how long the battery lasts after one charge.

Best kids' watches: Smartwatch

1. Xplora XGO 2 - Watch Phone for children

Best for safety and peace of mind

Age suitability: 5 - 12 years

Key Features: Water resistant: Yes | Washable strap: Wipe clean and stain resistant | Easy-to-read: Yes | Battery life: 2-3 days | Safety: Parental controls, SOS emergency button, no social media | Tracking: Steps | GPS: Yes

Why we love it: When wearing and using the watch, children can make and receive voice calls from pre-saved numbers only, so they can communicate with friends or family without the risk of receiving any unsolicited calls. These contacts can be managed on the parent’s app. The watch does not feature social media, making the safety of children using it the top priority. The device can also receive and reply to text messages including text, emojis, images and voice messages. With a 0.3-megapixel camera and 4GB storage, there is also plenty of room to store photos.

In addition to safety online this smartwatch also has an emergency SOS button can be pressed by the child if needed and will notify their emergency contacts of their location. There's also a 'school mode' so kid's aren't distracted but parents are still able to track the watch location and the SOS function is still active.

One buyer rates it 5 stars and says: "Bought this for my son and it is better than expected. Love all the features on it camera, steps and you can phone and message off it. It's one way to get your kid active and also peace of mind if they are out you can contact them. Plus it also has a tracker on it, so you know where they are through the app Xplora that's connected to your phone. The watch does need a sim card and we went with giff gaff easy to set up. Highly recommended this watch. Definitely value for money."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £92

2. Kurio V 2.0 Kids Smart Watch

Best for messaging

Age suitability: 6- 14 years

Key Features: Water resistant: No | Adjustable strap: Yes and interchangeable | Washable strap: Yes, wipe clean | Easy-to-read: Yes | Battery life: 3 days | Safety: Parental controls, SOS emergency button, no social media | Tracking: Activity, steps | GPS: No

Why we love it: This smartwatch is packed with games and apps, your kid can enjoy making videos and taking selfies with the camera, and it comes with 256mb of memory to store them. It also boasts messaging, two-player games, and a calendar to store reminders. And parents will love that you can add vital information like blood type and allergies to an “In Case of an Emergency” (I.C.E.) app.

One Amazon reviewer rates it five stars and says; "I looked at several kids smart watches but I'm so pleased I chose this one. My daughter absolutely loves it. It looked really big but actually on her wrist looks okay (she's 8). She loves the fact it counts her steps! She's learning the time so I'm hoping this watch will help. There's a few clock faces to chose from. It's got a few basic games on but she loves them! It's got a calendar and you can set reminders. She loves the calculator! The picture quality from the camera isn't great but it's kind of what I expected. I've downloaded the kurio app so we can message each other by Bluetooth which is cool. However it is the old text so you have to press the button 3 times for a c, twice for an e etc so it's not the easiest which is a shame. The extra strap is a bonus but so far she's happy with the pink one. She loves it and I would recommend as a fun child's smart watch!"

VIEW AT AMAZON | £44.11

3. VTech 193803 Kidizoom Smart Watch

Best for fun apps

Age suitability: 4 years +

Key Features: Water resistant: No, but is 'splash proof' | Adjustable strap: Yes | Washable strap: Wipe clean | Easy-to-read: Yes | Battery life: 2 weeks | Safety: no calls or messages | Tracking: Steps | GPS: No

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go V-Tech is the brand, well-known and much loved kids brand when it comes to technology, and this smart watch does not disappoint. With 55 customisable watch faces, it also comes with a camera for photos and videos, a motion sensor to track steps and activities and a range of apps and games. You cannot make or receive calls on this smartwatch though, unlike it's counterparts.

With over 4,00 ratings on Amazon, and touted as an 'Amazon's Choice' it's no surprise this has 4.6 out of 5 stars. One reviewer rates is as 5 star and says; "Bought for my 6yo son. I wasn’t really sure whether he’d be interested in it but the reviews were great and it was on offer so thought I’d give it a go. It was his favourite present, he thinks he has an Apple Watch like mummy! I was surprised at how many features it has especially the camera and games. It’s also educational as there is a game to teach them to tell the time with an analogue clock. The watch face was a lot bigger than I expected (quite a bit bigger than my 38mm Apple Watch) so I thought it would be way too big on my skinny 6yo but in fairness it looks great and is very light. Fantastic gift very pleased with my purchase."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £39.99

4. Fitbit Ace 3

Best for optimum fitness tracking

Age suitability: 6 years+

Key Features: Water-resistant: Up to 50m | Adjustable strap: Yes | Washable strap: Wipe clean and stain resistant | Easy-to-read: Yes | Battery life: 8 days of charge | Safety: Parental controls | Tracking: Activity, accelerometer, pedometer, sleep | GPS: No location services

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go, this smartwatch is one of the best. The touch display is engaging and fun to use, and motivates kids to be more active with it's challenges and entertaining, animated watch faces (with up to 20 to choose from!).

The silicone strap is comfortable to wear and easy to wipe clean. It also has a Sleep Mode with “do not disturb”, so kids don’t get interrupted during school or woken up by notifications or screen light late at night.

Ace 3 safeguards kids’ privacy via parental controls, and the Fitbit family account lets parents review their kids’ activity and sleep habits to encourage healthy behaviour. Though, note that you need to create a Fitbit family account for a complete look at your kid’s activity, with the ability to approve their friends too.

Kids can see their key activity stats for the day right on their wrist, and with virtual badges, animated clock faces and personalised avatars, they have loads of motivation to get moving. Use the Fitbit app to schedule bedtime reminders and silent alarms that gently wake kids with quiet buzzing on their wrists.

One buyer, who rates it 5 stars says; “This was a gift for my 8 year old daughter. She loves it. It's easy to use, connection to the Fitbit app was straightforward and it fits her well. She wears it every day and loves its functions.”

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £54.99

5. Garmin vivofit jr. 3 Fitness Tracker for Kids

Best for goal setting

Age suitability: 6 years+

Key Features: Water-resistant: Up to 50m | Adjustable strap: Yes | Washable strap: Wipe clean | Easy-to-read: Yes | Battery life: 1 year | Safety: Parental controls | Tracking: Steps, sleep, activity | GPS: No 

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go this smartwatch has a large easy-to-read colour screen, which displays the time, exercises updates and characters. In this case, it's blue stars, though if you choose marvel you could have superheroes or Disney, princesses/ his watch makes exercise fun, and into a game. One of the great parenting benefits of this Garmin watch is it's easy chore management, parents can use the Garmin Jr. app to assign tasks, schedule alerts and alarms, and reward kids for good behaviour.

Dad-of-two, Lee says; "This really helps take the ambiguity out of our expectations. We set the chores, he sees them, and then we either talk about them or he just gets on with them. Setting them on his watch means he doesn't forget they need doing."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £58.98

Best kids’ watches: Digital

6. Frozen Girl's Digital Quartz Watch with Rubber Strap

Best for a gift

Age suitability: 4 years +

Key Features: Case width is 35mm | Base metal case | Blue plastic strap | Buckle clasp

Overall verdict: It’s four for the price of one with this Frozen watch and jewellery set, as the product comes with three additional bracelets: a blue and white beaded one, a blue coil design and a blue crystal ball style. Frozen fans will love the adorable crystal stud face with Elsa and Anna on it, as well as a glittery blue strap. Another novelty feature is the case which lights up. The dial has a digital display window and shows the time in a 24-hour style, which can help children learn the military format.

This watch is best-suited to kids age 6 or over and explains it come with a 1-year manufacturers guarantee. One happy customer said: ‘Bought this cute little watch and bracelet set for my 6-year old daughter. A lovely little way to help her get a sense of time keeping. Would make a nice gift for a little friend’s birthday too.’

VIEW AT AMAZON | £14.99

7. Avengers Children’s Watch

Best for Marvel fans

Age suitability: 4 years +

Key Features: Avengers printed dial | Projector function of 10 images | Digital display | 1-year guarantee

Overall verdict: This cheap and cheerful Avengers watch is a double whammy, as it comes with its own projection function – which means kids can shine 10 different images from their watch. The chunky, plastic design – which features a durable PU strap – also means it’s likely to survive knocks and drops. But in the event of the watch breaking, it does come with a year-long guarantee.

Most customers have commented on the high quality of the watch and projections – especially considering the affordable price. One happy customer said, ‘Great for my 4-year old. The projections are better than expected. Definitely worth the money.’

VIEW AT AMAZON | £9.99

8. Lorus Children's Watch

Best for standing the test of time

Age suitability: 4 years +

Key Features: Quartz | Backlight | Date and day display | Water proof up to 100m

Overall verdict: As best kids' watches go this Lorus Pink watch not only provides the time but offers a whole host of other great functions – so there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.  It includes a stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, second timezone and backlight – which is ideal for seeing the time in darker conditions.

The pink resin strap has a buckle clasp so stays in place and the scratch-resistant glass means it’s likely to withstand a few knocks. It’s also water-resistant of up to 100m, so can survive paddling pools, swims and showers and there is a 2-year guarantee if it fails to deliver.

Due to the variety of features, it seems this watch is better suited to older kids. One grandma left a glowing review saying, ‘The watch was a birthday gift for my 10-year-old granddaughter, I chose a digital watch for ease of her reading the time rather than one with hands. The watch was perfect in fit, easy to use and looks attractive.’

VIEW AT AMAZON | £24.40

Best Kids' watches: Analogue

9. Easyread Time Teacher Children's Wrist Watch

Best for learning to tell the time

Age suitability: 5 years+

Key Features: Water resistant | Washable strap | Adjustable strap - fits 12-18 cm wrists | Non-allergenic plating

Why we love it: Easyread Time is designed to help children understand the concept and be able to read a clock. This brand promotes an easy three-step process in teaching kids to tell the time.

Step 1: Read the number at the end of the long hand. Step 2: Say which side the long hand is on - 'minutes past' or 'minutes to'. Step 3: Read the number at the end of the short hand. Like this - '8 minutes to 2' - it's easy as 1, 2, 3!

The watch face is non-allergenic plating so shouldn't cause a reaction on even the most sensitive skin. And the strap is gentle on skin and comes in a huge range of colours and they feature large and colourful numbers that are strategically placed for reading, seconds, hours and minutes.

Mum-of-one, Jo says; "This is a fantastic watch for anyone struggling to tell the time. The three-step process helped hugely! I bought this to try and help my daughter tell the time. She's had it a few days and it really is brilliant. It's got a lovely big face to it, great colours and a lot of detail on the watch face. Plus the watch strap is totally washable, which is perfect for kids like mine who are always covered in mud/dirt/paint/food."

VIEW AT JOJOMAMANBEBE | £25

10. Ravel Children's Time Teacher Watch

Best for staying on budget

Age suitability: 3 years+

Key Features: Splash proof | Easy-clean PVC strap | Adjustable strap 

Why we love it: A number 1 best seller on Amazon and touted as an 'Amazon's Choice' this fun themed analogue watch is under a tenner, too! And, with over 6,300 ratings and 4.4 out of 5 stars, this trusted Ravel brand delivers on all fronts. It's easy to clean and designed for children to learn the time easily. They will quickly catch on with the clear, bright 'past', '1/2', '1/4' and 'to' reminders and easy-read minutes and seconds. The different coloured hands will help your child differentiate between hours, minutes and seconds while remembering colours as well.

One Amazon reviewer gives 5 stars and says: "We got this for my 4yo little boy because his big sister has a watch. He wanted one too. The wrist strap is nice and thick, and the patterns on the outside are raised up, so make a nice feel when you run your finger over them. Putting the watch on DOES take some adult help, it's not velcro or easy-clip-on, it's a standard hole and pin type. The face is nice and easy to read, and very colourful. Our little boy does love it, but the plastic strap does tent to get a little sweaty on his wrist, so he takes it off after not all that long."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £7.50

11. Vinmori Kid's Watch, 3D Cartoon Dinosaur Silicone Band Waterproof Quartz Watch

Best for sturdiness and durability

Age suitability: 3 years+

Key Features: Splash proof | Easy-clean PVC strap | Adjustable strap - fits 12.5-16cm wrists

Why we love it: It's a simple and understated watch face, which is probably best suited to a child who has already grasped the concept of telling the time. The chunky strap is sturdy and can withstand a good bashing.

Mum-of-two Louise tells us; "I bought this for my twins and the chunky strap definitely held its own when being bashed about on climbing frames. And the 3-D designs were great, my sons kept showing them off to all their friends. The simplicity I love though, it would be nice to have a light for nighttime use, though that might be our next watch buy."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £4.99

12. Kids Waterproof 3D Lovely Cartoon Watch

Best for silence - no ticking

Age suitability: 3 years+

Key Features: Splash proof | Wipe-clean strap | Adjustable strap - fits 12.5-16cm wrists

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go, this is a good one. Quartz is a well known and well-trusted brand. The ticking is silent on this watch, which makes it fine to wear to bed if you don't want to pick that battle. And the range of designs are all-inclusive, from flowers, mermaids and butterflies to fire engines dinos and even super-helpful 'maths equations' as a design. The strap theme is also 3D, raised to the touch and is wipe clean.

Mum-of-one, Lily tells us; "My son is so in love with this watch, it was a gift from his grandma and he adores it, and while he's still a little too young, at 3, to tell the time, he is so proud of the pretty design. He shows it off to everyone."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £10.99

13. Tikkers TK0145 Children's Unicorn Plastic Strap Watch

Best for swimming

Age suitability: 6 years+

Key Features: Water resistant up to 30m | Easy-clean silicone strap | Adjustable strap - fits 12.5-16cm wrists

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go, this has a soft silicone strap, which is great for sensitive wrists, not used to wearing anything. Though in super hot weather this can become a little sweaty. The easy-to-read watch face really helps if your little one is learning to tell the time, as well as the clearly posted 'to' and 'past'.

One reviewer rates it 5 stars and says; "We bought this for our granddaughter's 8th birthday. It is nice and clear to read and a good learning tool for telling the time."

VIEW AT JOHN LEWIS | £14.99

14. Spiderman Children's Analogue Quartz Watch

Best for huge Marvel fans

Age suitability: 3 years+

Key Features: Adjustable velcro strap | Hands have 'minute' and 'hour' on them to help learners

Why we love it: As best kids' watches go this great character watch - with Spiderman on the dial - that can help your little on learn to tell the time. It also comes with a 1 year warranty which is great as kids really do put watches through the mill. The hands have the words 'minute' and 'hour' on them.

One reviewer rates it 5 stars and says; "It’s a fantastic very good quality watch. My son loves it. It’s also easy for my son to put on/ take off by himself. It comes with warranty as well."

VIEW AT AMAZON | £12.99

What age should a child have a watch?

Usually 5 years +, according to the experts. Though, there is no definitive age. You know your child and their ability to look after and/or use a watch. Some children become fixated with watches, so to get them their own is a natural next step regardless of age. 5 years old is usually be in line with what they’ll be learning in school too.

Is a smart watch better than an analogue watch for kids?

It's not better, they offer different things. Historically analogue watches have been the go-to to teach children to tell the time. But, as with all things, time ticks by (pun intended) and everything, including technology, moves on and evolves eventually. And, while analogue watches can give a hit of nostalgia for many parents, showing kids how to read a smart watch is pretty important too, as many clocks in life and society use a digital-style layout.

Carly Lewisohn, Digital Wellbeing Expert tells us; "There are many considerations to have. You can ask yourself whether your child needs a smartwatch, especially if they already have a smartphone. How will it support your child’s development or the personal goals for their wellbeing? How will this impact their focus and ability to disconnect and be present?"

She adds; "If you decide to purchase a smartwatch, keep your child and their information safe. For example, use only secured Wi-Fi networks when connecting to the internet and avoid public Wi-Fi. Don’t keep any personal information on the watch, such as personal address or bank details. It’s about being smart."

Video of the Week:

With rave reviews online and several award wins under it's belt - many want to know where can they watch Dopesick.

It's the drugs-based drama that's had everyone talking this awards season. Examining the American opioid crisis, how it started and how it continues to ravage the country - Dopesick certainly makes for powerful and emotive viewing. That's further supported by stellar performances from an all-star cast, who've been praised by critics and fans alike.

Audiences who were taken by the Elizabeth Holmes story and the subsequent The Drop-Out series and Theranos documentary will no doubt enjoy this similar medical duping drama - while over on Netflix the Pain Hustlers true story has viewers hooked. And we share the all-important details on where to watch Dopesick and a possibility of a season 2.

Where can I watch Dopesick?

Viewers in the UK can stream all episodes of Dopesick on Disney+. Whilst in the US, the medical drama is available exclusively on Hulu - who produced the original series. 

You can sign up to Disney+ to watch the series and enjoy plenty more entertainment for £7.99 a month. Similarly American viewers can sign up to Hulu for $6.99 a month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzrLrUG2QVk

The first two episodes premiered on Disney+ on November 12, 2021, with additional episodes following each Wednesday. The finale aired on December 22, 2021.

What is Dopesick about?

Dopesick explores the ongoing opioid drug epidemic in America and how it came about. The show looks at the crisis from all angles - following drug victims, doctors, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents working to put a stop to it, plus members of the Sackler family who first created OxyContin. 

The official synopsis reads: "The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community to the hallways of the DEA. Defying all the odds, heroes will emerge in an intense and thrilling ride to take down the craven corporate forces behind this national crisis and their allies."

Is Dopesick based on a true story?

Whilst Dopesick is a fictional TV programme it is based on true events. And creator Danny Strong has confirmed that some of the characters are actually amalgamations of real people affected by the opioid crisis. It's based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America.

Written by Beth Macy - the American journalist spent six years covering the crisis and hearing stories by those on the frontline. She published her findings in the 2018 book which became a New York Times bestseller. It focuses predominantly on the residents of small mining community Appalachia. Labourers there became a target for company Purdue Pharma (owned by the Sackler Family) due to the amount of injuries and subsequent painkiller demand.

The Sackler Family - who are referenced in the show - are real-life people. And Danny Strong shared they had to be careful with their depiction of them to avoid legal issues.

"We had several Disney lawyers go through every script with a fine tooth comb," he told the RadioTimes. "The Sackler family constantly threatens people with lawsuits and litigation as a bullying tactic.

"They actually never sue, but they constantly threaten it. So we had, like I said, a team of lawyers and researchers going through the scripts to make sure that they were factually accurate in their portrayal of the key events."

Dopesick: the cast

• Michael Keaton (Batman, Birdman) plays Dr. Samuel Finnix
• Peter Sarsgaard (An Education, The Killing) plays Rick Mountcastle
• Michael Stuhlbarg plays Richard Sackler
• Will Poulter (We're the Millers, Black Mirror) plays Billy Cutler
• John Hoogenakker (Call Me By Your Name, Fargo) plays Randy Ramseyer
• Kaitlyn Dever (Unbelievable, Booksmart) plays Betsy Mallum
• Rosario Dawson (Rent, The Mandalorian) plays Bridget Meyer

Micheal Keaton has picked up both the SAG and Critic's Choice award in 2022 for his portrayal of Dr Samuel Finnix.

In his SAG acceptance speech, the actor shared the personal link that led him to sign up to the series.

"I am blessed to be able to do something that might improve someone's life. I'm the most fortunate person," said a teary Keaton. "Mostly, given the subject matter, this is for my nephew Michael and my sister Pam. I lost my nephew Michael to drugs, and it hurts."

His nephew died of an accidental overdose of heroin and the synthetic opioid fentanyl in 2016.

In another interview, Michael added that whilst the motivation to tell the story was there, it had to be have been well executed for him to get involved.

"As I tell everyone, if the writing wasn't good and the quality of the people involved wasn't as high, I can't guarantee that I'd have done it, just based on losing Michael," he said in an interview with USA Today. Keaton is also an executive producer on Dopesick.

Co-star Kaitlyn Dever also shared her passion for the show. She told Variety: "It feels really good to be a part of something that really does deserve to be told and a story that has been buried over the years."

How many episodes of Dopesick are there?

There are eight episodes in season 1 of Dopesick. Each episode runs for around 60 minutes each and all are available to stream on Disney+ or Hulu now.

Will there be a season 2 of Dopesick?

Hulu have yet to announce if there will be a second season of Dopesick. The show was originally marketed as a limited series, which usually suggests there will be just one season of the show. But that being said, there's certainly demand for another.

Author Beth Macy - whose book inspired the show - said she "would be thrilled" if there was a second series.

"There’s so much more to say about the story," she added. "About the issue of people being dope sick, about the issue of American life expectancy continuing to go down about the rural/urban divide that is just so front and centre and all of our politics right now.

"I think there’s a lot more to be mined, but whether or not there’s another season isn’t up to me."

Video of the Week:

Eternals is arriving on Disney+ soon - much to the excitement of Marvel fans.

Boasting an action-packed plot line and star studded cast (including a rumoured Harry Styles cameo), Eternals is another recent film in the Marvel universe to have tongues wagging. Premiering in cinemas across the UK in November of last year - ahead of Marvel's latest movie Spider-Man 3: No Way Home  - it's now about to make it's Disney+ debut. Giving subscribers a chance to catch the drama at home for the very first time.

It follows the trend of new releases coming to TV soon after release to keep the popularity and hype alive. Much like the highly anticipated Thor: Love and Thunder coming to Disney Plus soon. But just like many of the other fantastic films and TV shows on Disney+ - you'll need to make sure you're got a membership to take advantage of this new release.

When does Eternals come to Disney+?

Marvel’s Eternals will be on Disney+ from January 12 2022 in the UK. 

The Disney+ release date was confirmed in December by the official Eternals twitter account. And fans have been counting down to the date ever since.

The latest Marvel film was first released in cinemas across the UK on November 5 2021. And in September, Disney announced that all their film releases for 2021 would run for 45 days in cinemas before making their way onto their own streaming service. Hence the January streaming date.

It's unlikely that the film will be available to stream on other sites like Netflix though. As it's a Marvel film and the franchise was bought out by Disney in 2009. So, be sure to sign up for a Disney+ membership if you want to watch Eternals at home.

What is the film about?

As Marvel Studios have said themselves, the film "features an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, an unexpected tragedy forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind's most ancient enemy, the Deviants."

These aliens were created by the Celestials, creatures mentioned in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. They were first introduced into the cinematic universe in 1976 when the comic book, written by Jack Kirby, came out.

The Deviants, mutating monsters, are the Eternals arch-nemeses in the film.

But aside from this, we're not actually entirely sure what the plot will be. As ever, Marvel are keeping a lid on the action until movie fans get a glimpse of the film themselves.

Chloé Zhao, who won two Oscars for her role as director on Indie flick Nomadland, confirmed that she wrote the script for the film. So, following the success of her biggest debut, we can be sure that this new Marvel movie is going to be a winner.

Is Harry Styles really in Marvel’s Eternals?

Yes, Harry Styles will play the part of Eros in Marvel’s Eternals. 

However, he only appears in the film briefly at the end during the mid- and post-credit scenes, according to multiple reports.

Matt Donnelly, film writer at Variety magazine, dropped the news initially on Twitter. He wrote, "Big reveal from #TheEternals premiere -- Harry Styles has joined the MCU as Eros, brother of Thanos."

While it's only a minor role for the former One Direction star and 'Watermelon Sugar' singer, fans were undoubtedly over the moon to hear that he would be joining the cast.

"I've been a mcu fan before harry and i can't explain how much happiness this gives me," one wrote on Twitter.

Another said, "My favourite celeb and my fav movies combined in 1?! What have i done to deserve such greatness?!".

But other fans complained that the big reveal was actually just a disappointing spoiler. Many said they'd rather have found out like Matt did - in the cinema.

One fan wrote, "Not trying to sound rude, but as a Marvel and 1D fan I wish that I could've been surprised when I watch it in theaters. Yes there have been rumors that he was in it but I would've liked to actually witness it myself then it get spoiled for me. Please don't spoil things!!"

Eros is the son of two Eternals, A'Lars and Sui0San. Originally Eron, Eros gets rechristened after developing an interest in the opposite sex.

Revealed as the brother of Thanos, Josh Brolin's character in Avengers: Endgame, the two characters couldn't be more different to each other.

This is Harry Style's second feature film appearance. He had his starring role in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, a WW2 epic released in 2017.

The singer will also appear in two further films over the coming months. My Policeman, where he stars alongside The Crown's Emma Corrin, and Don't Worry Darling.

Eternals cast

Eternals really has an all star-cast with the likes of Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Gemma Chan and Richard Madden playing some of the starring roles.

• Richard Madden (Bodyguard, Game of Thrones): Ikaris
• Salma Hayek (Frida, Bliss, Fools Rush In): Ajak
• Angelina Jolie (Mr & Mrs Smith, Lara Croft, Maleficent): Thena
• Kit Harington (Game of Thrones): Black Knight
• Gemma Chan (Captain Marvel, Crazy Rich Asians): Sersi
• Don Lee (The Outlaws, The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil): Gilgamesh
• Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley): Kingo
• Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk, The Killing of a Sacred Deer): Druig
• Lia McHugh (Totum): Sprite
• Lauren Ridloff (The Walking Dead): Makkari
• Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta): Phastos

It seems that actor Richard Madden - who plays Ikaris - had a part to play in casting another character in the film.

As Eternals director Chloe Zhao told Elle: "So for Sersi, for example, we searched, we’d auditioned so many women, and we couldn’t really make a decision. And then once we cast Richard, he said, ‘Oh, have you read my friend, Gemma Chan?’

"I thought, ‘Wow, they’d been friends for so long. That’s Sersi and Ikaris.’ That’s just how I think. So we brought Gemma in to read her alone and also with Richard. Right away, all of us go, ‘Wow, that’s our Sersi.'"

Other cast members have been full of praise for the award-winning director and the magic she has weaved on the film.

Following the worldwide Eternals premiere, actor Kumail Nanjiani wrote on Twitter that he felt "grateful & fortunate" to be a part of the film and Marvel universe.

"The movie is wonderful," he added. "Chloe made a gorgeous, moving, gigantic, philosophically complicated sci fi epic. I can’t wait to watch it again."

But if you can't wait for all the Eternals action, check out some of the month's top television shows. Screw on Channel 4 is the show everyone is watching right now, set inside a fictional UK prison. Whilst those who prefer a dose of drama have been gripped by Four Lives about the victims of Grindr killer Stephen Port. Which you can catch up on via BBC iPlayer now.

Video of the Week:

Will Spider-Man 3: No Way Home be available to stream online? With Covid-19 cases ramping up in the UK amid the new Omicron variant, many are wondering if they’ll be able to make it to the cinema for release day.

The latest film in the Spider-Man franchise is No Way Home, due to finally come into theatres on December 15 in the UK. Much like Marvel's Eternals and new James Bond film No Time to Die, the newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was subject to multiple delays as a result of the pandemic. And just like Thor: Love and Thunder it's thought the film could be coming to Disney+ soon.

So will you be able to watch the latest film in the franchise from the comfort of your own sofa this Christmas? Here’s everything you need to know.

Will Spider-Man 3: No Way Home be available to stream online?

Unfortunately not. Film distributor Sony has been clear that No Way Home won’t be available to stream this winter as it’s a film exclusive to the cinema. 

Marvel fans have had access to at-home viewing for blockbuster films like Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984 and The Suicide Squad earlier this year as they came onto Disney+ on the same day as their release. However, this was largely due to the coronavirus restrictions in place at the time. 

Now cinemas are open again (albeit with face mask rules in place), many films are going straight into the cinemas again before being released onto streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and NOW at a later date.

Where to watch Spider-Man 3: No Way Home

Spider-Man 3: No Way Home will be available to watch in cinemas from December 15 2021. 

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE AT CINEWORLD

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE AT ODEON 

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE AT VUE

Despite the rise in Covid-19 cases around the UK, it seems that cinemas will remain open for the festive season. While there are concerns that we may be going back into lockdown before the end of the year, there’s no sign that the government is intending to enforce strict stay-at-home orders that would close cinemas before the new year. 

Will Spider-Man No Way Home be on Disney+?

No, Spider-Man 3: No Way Home will not be immediately available to stream on Disney+ even when it comes out of cinemas. 

You may be wondering, why not? It’s true that every other film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (apart from The Incredible Hulk) streams on Disney’s own platform, the rights to Spider-Man are owned by Sony - who only recently cut a deal with Disney. 

In April, Sony struck a deal with Disney to onboard all movies in the Spider-Man franchise onto the platform. However, it won't come in time for the release of No Way Home. Fans can expect to see the latest addition on Disney+ sometime in 2022.

Netflix will be the first streaming platform to host the new Spider-Man film when it eventually is available to stream. And it’s more than likely that the film will make its way onto Amazon Prime and be available to rent or buy around the same time. 

How long is Spider-Man No Way Home?

The running time for the new Spider-Man movie is 2 hours and 28 minutes. 

On top of the actual film, however, there are also 2 post-credit scenes that you don’t want to miss out on. One of them follows on from the end-edits scene in Venom: Let There Be Carnage while the other is a whole trailer for new film, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness.

No Time To Die is one of the most anticipated films of the last few years and those unable to make it to the cinema want to know, when will the film be available to stream?

If you caught glimpses of the star-studded No Time to Die premiere, you’ll already know that it’s set to be a film that goes down in history. Not only was everyone from the show’s cast to royals like Kate Middleton in her stunning gold dress in attendance, but reviews after the event came in thick and fast - and it was 5-stars all round. 

Streaming is more popular than ever and especially during the pandemic, many films went straight onto the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and NOW. So what’s the plan with this new James Bond film?

When will No Time To Die be available to stream online in the UK?

At the moment, it’s not known when the film will be available to stream in the UK or anywhere else in the world. 

No Time To Die came out on September 30 in the UK. It's will also be available to watch in the US on October 8 as part of the film's worldwide release. 

It will certainly make its way to streaming services in the future though, much like all the other James Bond films. When it does become available for streaming, you’ll likely be able to rent the film from Amazon Prime first.

Amazon bought the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayar (MGM) Hollywood studio, which co-owns the copyright to the films and distributes them domestically, earlier this year. The purchase gave the company access to the whole James Bond franchise, including any upcoming releases. 

No Time To Die will also likely be available to rent or buy on Apple TV and in the future, streaming services like Netflix and NOW may also have access to the film.

The only streaming service that's unlikely to have access to No Time To Die is Disney+ as Disney have no rights to the franchise and they don't host Universal or MGM films on the platform. 

While this latest James Bond was never intended to go straight to streaming, it's certainly not the same story for other major releases. New Disney titles are just some of those that went straight to streaming services during the pandemic last year. Pixar’s Soul and the live-action remake of Mulan went onto Disney+ and bypassed cinemas, infuriating those in the cinema industry. However, Marvel's Eternals will not go straight to the streaming service as reports confirm the film will be in cinemas from early November. 

Similarly, Wonder Woman 1984 was available on HBO Max in the US on the same day as it had a limited cinema release. And last year, Warner Brothers announced that two of its biggest 2021 titles - Dune and The Matrix 4 - would have the same release pattern on same day availability in cinemas and streaming services.  

Where you can watch it now

No Time To Die is showing in most cinemas in the UK, including: 

• Cineworld 
• Vue Cinemas
• ODEON Cinemas
• Curzon Cinemas
• Everyman Cinemas
• Empire Cinemas

Smaller chains and independent picture houses will also likely have a license to feature the film. So, it’s best to check out your favourite local cinema for showtimes and tickets. 

BOOK TICKETS AT CINEWORLD

BUY TICKETS AT ODEON 

BOOK TICKETS AT VUE CINEMAS

No Time To Die stars Daniel Craig in his reprised role as James Bond. Ana de Armas (who plays Marilyn Monroe in Blonde) stars as Paloma, CIA agent and the "most badass" Bond girl. The film also features Remi Malek as Safin, French actress Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny and Lashana Lynch as Nomi.

When is No Time To Die coming out?

No Time To Die came out on September 30 2021 in the UK. 

In the US, the picture will come to cinemas on the later date of October 8 2021. 

The release of the film has been a long time coming for movie fans. Initially, the plan was to release the film in April 2020. But like many other projects, it was delayed due to the start of the coronavirus pandemic around the world. 

It was then scheduled to release in October last year but executives delayed No Time to Die again. 

At the time, Cineworld said that delays to big budget releases meant the cinema industry was currently “unviable”. While lead film markers wrote to the UK government and called for financial support for chains as they said “UK cinema stands on the edge of an abyss”. 

Executives pushed back No Time To Die a third time in January earlier this year. This was shortly following the announcement of another lockdown in the UK and many other countries around the world. 

The general worldwide release of the film in October last year comes on the sixth anniversary of the film’s predecessor, Spectre, which came out in October 2015.

No Time To Die trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIhNsAtPbPI

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) passed the film for release uncut. They found that the scenes of “moderate violence” and “infrequent strong language” were suitable for those over 12 years old. But don’t worry, there’s still all the explosive fight scenes and car chases that we’ve come to expect from 007.

Can't wait for when No Time To Die will be available to stream? The next hit drama from the BBC, Ridley Road, comes out in early October and you can catch up on all episodes of Vigil, filmed in Scotland, on BBC iPlayer right now. While Spider-Man 3: No Way Home won't be available to stream in the UK, it will be in cinemas from December.

These are just some of the exciting shows to watch before the latest instalment in the franchise.

Disney+ has fast become a staple in any modern family's home - with children and parents alike enjoying all the streaming service has to offer.

Whilst there are plenty of kids films on Netflix, they often don't compete with a classic Disney film, guaranteed to get a laugh from all members of the family.

Though an empowering Disney film may hold a special place in your heart, you shouldn't ignore the vast number of new movies and programmes available too, with Disney+ adding more each month. From the latest Star Wars mini-series to hot new superhero films like Thor: Love and Thunder - there's plenty of family friendly options to explore. Plus Disney+'s new adult channel Star boasts some more mature content that is perfect to binge when the kids are in bed.

Experience Disney+ with a 7-day free trial, and then pay just £7.99 a month - kick-start your subscription here.

Amazing reasons you need Disney+

1) Classic animated Disney films

The Lion King - both versions

Sit down and laugh along with Timon and Pumbaa in the original 1994 family classic. Or enjoy US superstar Beyonce lending her vocals to one of the greatest Disney soundtracks in the 2019 remake.

101 Dalmatians

For those who want to use their Disney+ subscription to watch some classic Disney films, this is a perfect first one to start with.

Featuring the wickedly mean Cruella DeVill, desperate to steal away the dalmatians for her own sinister purposes, it's a delightfully fun watch. It was released in 1996, so lockdown is a great chance to introduce it to any of your younger kids who may not have seen it yet.

Beauty and the Beast - both versions

Disney+ offer both the original version of the film, from 1991, and the more recent live-action, which was released in 2017, for subscribers.

All together now - 'Tale as old as time'...

2) Superheroes: Old and New

Disney+ is the home of Marvel comics and classic characters like Iron Man and Spiderman. Watch all the Avenger films back to back or check out new releases like Eternals, which comes out in November and will be available to stream on the site by Christmas 2021.

Wandavision is the latest offering from Marvel. It's a television series that follows Avenger characters Wanda and Vision as they try to lead normal suburban lives.

Meanwhile, younger children will enjoy Disney's newest and unlikeliest of superheroes - a flying squirrel - in Flora and Ulysses, a new original film added in February 2021.

The sweet tale sees 10-year-old Flora rescue a squirrel called Ulysses, whose super powers lead the pair on a number of exciting adventures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05F8MmsiLQs

Sign up to Disney+

3) Soul

We love a new release and Soul is a feel-good film that is sure to move the whole family.

Jamie Foxx stars as music teacher and aspiring jazz musician Joe Gardner, whose near-death experience lands him in 'The Great Before'.

Here he meets soul 22 (Tiny Fey) who helps him reunite his soul and body to return to reality - but not before addressing some of life's big questions.

Soul won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score at this year's Golden Globes. It's also hotly tipped for Oscar glory.

4) Star Wars classics - plus the new hit show

You can watch every Star Wars movie from the 1977 A New Hope, all the way through to The Rise of Skywalker, which was released in 2019, on the new Disney+ platform.

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian is the first live-action series of the Star Wars franchise which begins five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983).

The first two seasons were met with high praise from fans and critics alike with a third season expected around 2022. Giving you the perfect chance to catch up on the action within plenty of time.

5) Every episode of The Muppets Show

Disney+ has recently added all five seasons of The Muppets Show. So introduce your younger ones to the world of Miss Piggy and everyone's favourite furry green frog - Kermit.

Sign up to Disney+

6)  Pixar Popcorn and their entire back-catalogue

Pixar Popcorn dropped on January 2021 much to the excitement of Pixar fans. The collection of 10 new bite-sized stories features favourite characters from films like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Cars.

Watch Buzz Lightyear lead a fitness class with Bonnie’s toys in To Fitness and Beyond or see which member of The Incredibles family wins the fight for the last cookie in Cookie Nom Nom.

Kids can also revisit the old classic Pixar films like Monsters Inc. or all four Toy Stories on the streaming service too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9DEbXYGWCk

Sign up to Disney+

7) Modern classics and remakes

Black Beauty

Late last year Disney+ dropped their new original film Black Beauty starring none other than Kate Winslet as the voice of Beauty. The new adaptation certainly does Anna Sewell's classic book justice, with stunning sceneries and great performances from the whole cast. A real treat for young animal lovers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpZ3yZhsWZE

Moana

Because whose child doesn't love Moana? If your child is a devoted fan, Disney+ is a way for them to easily get their fix.

Incredibles 2

The sequel to the smash-hit film, which came out in 2018. The family are now completely open about their superhero abilities, to hilarious and disastrous consequences...

8) New Frozen adventures

Disney brought out a new original short featuring everyone's favourite snowman in October 2020.

Olaf stars in Once Upon a Snowman, a 12 minute short film which sees him first come to life and search for his identity in the mountains outside Arendelle.

The sweet story is perfect for the Frozen fan in your household. Whilst other adventures like Myth: A Frozen Tale, Frozen Fever and Olaf's Frozen Adventure are all available (and likely to keep your little ones entertained too).

9) Star Channel

After the kids have gone to bed, mum and dad can explore the many new offerings available on Disney's new Star channel.

This new 'mature' section, launched in late February, features plenty of binge-worthy boxsets and classic films. So, you're sure to find something that the two of you can enjoy.

Our highlights include the X Files, Desperate Housewives, 24 and period film The Favourite.

'Star Original' series Big Sky also has people talking, especially with David E. Kelley of Big Little Lies fame on board.

The show is described as an intense thriller that follows two private detectives searching for sisters who have been kidnapped by a truck driver on a remote highway in Montana. Though we later learn they weren't the only two women taken...

https://youtu.be/F9TRO8qDvm4

10) Old school '90s movies

There's a huge archive of 90s films that are brilliantly nostalgic - and that you may not have even known were on Disney.

Look forward to the likes of Cool Runnings, Hocus Pocus, and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (which is 1989, but close enough).

Freak Friday

Everyone's favourite Lindsay Lohan movie, right? Disney+ gives us another chance to delve into weird world of body swapping, when mum Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) both inhabit each other's bodies - learning something valuable about one another in the process...

10 Things I Hate About You

If you ever get a chance to watch with the kids likely taking over, the 1999 classic starring the Heath Ledger is one of our favourites at GoodtoKnow.

11) Upcoming Releases

There's plenty more series and films to get excited about this March with Disney+ revealing it's soon-to-be added programmes.

Marvel fans will be pleased to know that new series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is ready to stream on 19 March. The action-packed show follows the two mismatched Avengers characters on a global adventure that will test their survival skills.

Raya and the Last Dragon is another new March release that has been hyped as the best Disney princess film since Mulan.

Whilst the new modern kid's favourite - Gnomeo and Juliet - is available to watch from 26 March.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CL4cjLXhc7j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Disney Christmas stockings are a festive essential for any fans of the magical films and fun characters. Luckily, there's plenty of Disney Christmas stockings on the market to help make your celebrations even more magical this year. 

From Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Disney villains, there's all sorts of magical stockings that are perfect for hanging on the fireplace this Christmas. There's even personalised ones to give them an extra special touch! And with so many Disney toys in the list of top Christmas toys 2021, they're a festive favourite this year.

We've got lots of great stocking filler ideas to help you fill the Disney stockings with festive surprise. Plus, if you want to get into the Christmas spirit the Disney way with the whole family, there's plenty of Christmas films on Disney Plus that are perfect to cosy up with.

We've picked the best selection of Disney Christmas stockings on sale now that are sure to delight little ones. Just scroll down to see...

Best Disney Christmas stockings

Disney Maleficent Christmas Stocking

Price: £13

This vibrant stocking features Sleeping Beauty villain Maleficent, with the words 'truly enchanting' printed on the stocking's white trim. It's the perfect gift for any fans of the iconic Disney film, and will stand out in your home this season.

VIEW AT HOME ESSENTIALS

Nightmare Before Christmas Stocking

Price: £13

Jack, Sally and Zero appear on this Nightmare Before Christmas themed stocking. Featuring the slogan 'Ho Ho Howl', it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves both Christmas and Halloween equally!

VIEW AT HOME ESSENTIALS

Villainous Treats Evil Queen Stocking

Price: £6

This wicked Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs stocking is great for Disney villain fans, and features the Evil Queen alongside silhouettes of the dwarfs and Snow White herself. It's a vibrant yellow that will brighten up any living room.

VIEW AT STUDIO

Disney, Mickey & Minnie Mouse Christmas Stocking

Price: £8.50

This traditional stocking features a red and white design that looks like a classic Christmas jumper, and features the words 'Minnie loves Mickey' as well as mouse icons, love hearts, Christmas trees and snowflakes. So cute!

VIEW AT CALENDAR CLUB

Disney Frozen Christmas Stocking

Price: £9

Every Frozen obsessed child will love this Christmas stocking, and Elsa and Olaf will help to ring in the festive season. Just like the stocking says, it's the 'season to celebrate'!

VIEW AT AMAZON

Handmade Up-cycled Disney Christmas stockings

Price: £11.50

These gorgeous stockings can be made with a variety of characters such as Tinkerbell and Marie (pictured), Anna and Elsa, Cinderella, Dumbo, Ariel and more! Why not treat your little one to their favourite character?

VIEW AT ETSY

Disney Mickey Mouse Christmas Stocking

Price: £14.99

This soft plush stocking features an embroidered Mickey mouse wearing a cosy red scarf, and is accompanied by a festive tartan pattern. It can easily be hung wherever you'd like in your home.

VIEW AT AMAZON

Disney Silver and Gold Velveteen Christmas Stocking

Price: £14.99

Perfect for any Frozen fan, this silver and gold Christmas stocking brings a touch of magic to your home. With the words 'magical dreams' and a drawing of Elsa, what's not to love about this princess stocking?

VIEW AT STUDIO

On The Bad List Cruella De Vil Stocking

Price: £6

If you know someone who's definitely on the bad list this year, why not treat them to this fun Cruella De Vil Christmas stocking? It features a classic Cruelle design, surrounded by silhouettes of the dalmations.

VIEW AT STUDIO

Disney Frozen II Filled Christmas Stocking

Price: £12.99

This Frozen II stocking is already filled with plenty of festive goodies, so you're all sorted if you can't think of any good fillers! Inside you'll find 5 x printed sheets, 5 x cards, 5 x envelopes, 6 x tiny markers, 2 x glitter glues, 20 x foam stickers, 30 x stickers and 2 x mini stamps.

VIEW AT STUDIO

Best personalised Disney Christmas stockings

Disney Store Mickey Mouse Holiday Cheer Stocking

Price: £16

This stocking features festive Mickey peeking out over top, and can be personalised for an extra £2.95. The stocking is a beautifully festive red and green, and has some bauble details for an extra magical touch.

VIEW AT DISNEY STORE 

Disney Store Minnie Mouse Holiday Cheer Stocking

Price: £16

Similar to the Mickey Mouse stocking above, this Minnie Mouse version is fun and girly, and features red, pink and blue details. This can also be personalised for an extra £2.95.

VIEW AT DISNEY STORE 

Personalised Mickey & Minnie Mouse miniature stocking decoration

Price: £4.95

If you'd prefer a smaller stocking, this adorable mini decoration is perfect! They can be personalised with an initial, and you can choose from four different Mickey and Minnie Mouse themed patterns.

VIEW AT ETSY

Personalised Mickey or Minnie Mouse Christmas Stocking

Price: £11.70

These adorable Christmas stockings match Mickey and Minnie Mouse's iconic outfits, and you can choose from the classic Disney font or caligraphy when personalising. It's a great gift for any Disney lover!

VIEW AT ETSY

Disney on Ice is available to stream online for free after the skating sensation was made available worldwide.

For many families a trip to the local ice rink to see a Disney on Ice show would have been part of their annual Christmas traditions.

While many will be snapping up Black Friday Disney deals  there are some treats which money doesn't have to buy.

With large entertainment events not allowed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic many youngsters, who don't have access to Disney+ will be missing out on their fix of Disney this year.

Well, fear not, for Disney has come to the rescue of families everywhere by adding the recorded performances in full to an online streaming platform for free - and they're available worldwide.

Disney on Ice is a series of touring ice shows produced by Feld Entertainment under agreement with The Walt Disney Company. The shows feature figure skaters portraying the roles of Disney characters in performances derived from various Disney films.

And while the Disney on Ice Magical Ice Festival UK tour has been cancelled this year, you can watch past performances online instead.

The full performances now streaming include musical ice dance numbers Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, Be Our Guest and You're Welcome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk5MV6jJc3I&list=PLsqJuWh7mO59vJDzf_VCKekHFOMU6KCx2&index=4

Disney also released the stage production of Tangled, the musical, recorded directly from the Disney Cruise line. And the show has already had more than 1 million views.

How can you watch Disney on Ice for free?

The Disney on Ice performances are available to watch via the Disney YouTube channel here.

With new content is added all the time, fans are blown away by the performances. One fan wrote, "More of these types of videos should be released! I would love to see a toy story scene."

Another viewer put, 'Thank you DOI; we can't wait to see you again! Thank you for the Magic!'

And among recently added performances is scenes from Mary Poppins, and one viewer commented, 'Very nice. Miss the performances from Disney on Ice...'

Keep the whole family entertained on movie nights and rainy days with this selection of the best kids movies on Disney+.

There are plenty of great kids films on Netflix, but when Disney+ arrived in the UK in 2020, over 50 million of us signed up for premium content from the creators of classics like The Aristocrats, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Tarzan. Newer films such as Strange World as well as Pixar and Marvel flicks like Thor: Love and Thunder are also available, as are all Star Wars films and documentaries on National Geographic. So there’s no chance you’ll be running out of films to watch this weekend.

And while Disney films are some of the best for entertaining kids - thanks to both positive messages and creative story lines - many of them are just as fun for adults, making them perfect for family movie nights. All available to stream now, you can spend some quality time with you little one thanks to the best Disney films for kids, streaming now on Disney+.

The best kids movies on Disney+

1. Brave (2011)

Age rating: PG

Merida is the feisty daughter of Scottish King Fergus and Queen Elinor and a skilled archer, who wants to set her own path in life. She defies an age-old tradition and creates chaos in the kingdom. The heroine is helped by an eccentric witch who grants her a wish, so now Merida must discover the true meaning of courage and undo the wish’s curse before it’s too late.

This beautifully animated story, staring Julie Walters and Emma Thompson, about is about the strength of family bonds and the importance of courage. Your little ones are sure to be inspired in this tale of bravery and defiance in the face of difficult circumstances.

Watch Brave on Disney+

2. Ratatouille (2007)

Age rating: PG

Remi lives in the heart of Paris. He’s always dreamed of finding his way into the famous kitchens of the most romantic city in the world and becoming a chef, but there’s only one problem. He’s a rat and they aren’t too welcome in kitchens.

An empowering message for kids about following your dreams, striving and working for what you want in the face of doubt, with a little humour too - plus the animation makes the food look so good you're going to wish you were in Gusteau's restaurant yourself.

Watch Ratatouille on Disney+

3. Toy Story (1995-2019)

Age rating: U

Join Woody, Buzz and the gang on their travels around Andy’s bedroom in this series of four films from Pixar.

Teaching little ones about the values of friendship with memorable musical numbers like “You’ve got a friend in me”, these films will bring laughter and maybe even a tear to your eye as the toys navigate their own destiny as Andy grows into an adult.

Better get watching the classic films as there's a Toy Story 5 in the pipeline.

Watch Toy Story on Disney+

4. Finding Nemo (2002)

Age rating: U

If you haven’t seen Pixar’s Finding Nemo before, we won’t ruin the plot for you. But this colourful film set under the sea stars a whole host of lively characters like reformed sharks, enthusiastic turtles and even an overexcited pufferfish.

Fun for the whole family, follow Marlin in his search for his son and you’ll soon be invested in the messages of never giving up hope and always striving for what you want - and, of course, Dory's famous motto: "Just keep swimming."

Watch Finding Nemo on Disney+

5. The Incredibles (2004)

Age rating: U

Another fantastic Pixar film, this is a tale of superheroes told in the best possible way. The Incredibles are just your standard family – there’s Mr and Mrs Incredible, their daughter Violet, son Dash and baby, Jack Jack. Except the Incredibles have superpowers and when evil threatens their city, The Incredibles spring back into action.

In this story of good versus evil, the tale of doing the right thing and sticking together as a family rings true - even in the face of huge monster robots - and there's plenty of laughs to keep adults entertained too.

Watch The Incredibles on Disney+

6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

Age rating: U

We know the stories of Christopher Robin and his best friend Pooh from the story books, but on Disney+ the empowering, positive messages of long-lasting friendship are told in a whole new way with a series of films.

Those available on Disney+ include: Christopher Robin, The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh, Piglet's Big Movie, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search For Christopher Robin, Pooh's Heffalump Movie, The Tigger Movie, Winnie The Pooh,Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year, Winnie The Pooh: Springtime With Roo.

Watch The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh on Disney+

7. Frozen (2013)

Age rating: PG

Frozen is a hugely popular film for kids (and adults!) of all ages. It’s the story of fearless Anna, played by Kristen Bell, who joins forces with the friendly Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find her sister, the Snow Queen Elsa when their kingdom becomes trapped in a perpetual winter. It’s an epic journey that leads the two heroes into encounters with mystical trolls, funny snowmen and blizzard conditions.

This entertaining musical from Disney, now streaming on Disney+ is not only filled with musical numbers you’ll be singing for days afterwards, but is a tale of strong family bonds and never giving up hope when you want to achieve something.

Watch Frozen on Disney+

8. Mulan (1998)

Age rating: U

Mulan takes her father’s spot in the Chinese military, even though she is not allowed to serve as she is a girl. To save her ill father from battle, she impersonates a man and goes off to train. Accompanied by her trusty dragon, played by Eddie Murphy, Mulan uses her wits to help ward off an invasion.

In this captivating tale you kids will learn that family always comes first, you can do anything you set your mind to, be kind to everyone and you’re much stronger than you might think.

Watch Mulan on Disney+

9. Peter Pan (1989)

Age rating: U

Everyone knows the story of the boy who never grew up, the tale of Captain Hook and Tinkerbell, and you can enjoy it all over again on Disney+.

Joining together the familiar character of the Lost Boys, Wendy  Darling and her brothers, Mr. Smee and more, Peter Pan is a tale of adventure that just proves we all need our mum sometimes.

Watch Peter Pan on Disney+

10. The Aristocats (1970)

Age rating: U

This film follows the lives of felines in Paris. When Duchess, a high-class cat loses her home to a new owner, she is forced out onto the street and rescued by an alley-cat called Thomas O'Malley, who helps Duchess and her kittens return to their home.

Paired with a jazzy soundtrack that's sure to have the whole family singing along, this is one of the best films for kids on Disney+.

Watch The Aristocats on Disney+

11. Soul (2020)

Age rating: U

Soul is a feel-good film that is sure to move the whole family. Jamie Foxx stars as music teacher and aspiring jazz musician Joe Gardner, whose near-death experience lands him in 'The Great Before'. Here he meets soul 22 (Tiny Fey) who helps him reunite his soul and body to return to reality - but not before addressing some of life's big questions.

One of Disney-Pixar's newer releases, Soul won Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score at the 2020 Golden Globes, making it one of the best kids movies on Disney+.

Watch Soul on Disney+

12. Cars (2006)

Age rating: PG

This animated follows talented but arrogant racing car Lightning McQueen in his bid to win the Piston Cup, but an incident on his way to a final race sees him stranded in the rundown desert town of Radiator Springs.

Lightning eventually bonds with the other cars in Radiator Springs, learning how Radiator Springs was once a popular stop along U.S. Route 66 until it was bypassed with the construction of Interstate 40 - but his most important lesson is that friendship matters more than fame and success.

Watch Cars on Disney+

13. Monsters, Inc. (2000)

Age rating: U

In this classic Disney-Pixar film, the city of Monstropolis harnesses the screams of human children for energy, requiring 'scarers' to step into the human world while children are sleeping. 

One evening after work, top-ranking scarer Sulley accidentally lets a human girl into their world and though chaos ensues, the monsters soon learn the power of laughter.

Watch Monsters, Inc. on Disney+

14. Moana (2016)

Age rating: PG

On the Polynesian island of Motunui, Moana decides to set out on a dangerous mission to save her people. Along her way she encounters demigod Maui, who helps her in her quest to store Te Fiti's heart.

Along with Moana's pet rooster, Heihei, the pair learn some important life lessons along the way.

Watch Moana on Disney+

15. Tangled (2010)

Age rating: PG

You probably don't need us to tell you how the story of Rapunzel goes, but this Disney version sees the addition of handsome thief Flynn Rider and his horse Maximus, as well Rapunzel's pet chameleon Pascal.

There's the addition of a beautifully animated sky lantern scene too, and the overarching theme that sometimes dreams do come true.

Watch Tangled on Disney+

16. Up (2009)

Age rating: U

Another infamous Disney-Pixar film, this one's a real tear-jerker. Retired and stubborn Carl is threatened with being moved to an assisted living facility, when he decides to embark on his dream journey by turning his house into a makeshift airship using helium balloon.

He unwittingly takes eight-year-old wilderness explorer Russell with him, and the pair embark on an inspiring journey that teaches them both that you're never too old to follow your dreams.

Watch Up on Disney+

17. Coco (2017)

Age rating: PG

Set on the Day of the Dead, in the fictional Mexican town of Santa Cecilia, budding musician Miguel discovers he can interact with his visiting dead relatives after he steals a famous guitar. 

After he heads to the Land of the Dead, it becomes a race against time to lift the curse on him, or he will be stuck there forever. 

Watch Coco on Disney+

Video of the Week

Disney Princesses were on the scene way before Elsa and Anna won the hearts of every little girl (and big girl) in the world.

Our younger years were filled with dressing up in Ariel wigs, getting our makeup done like Princess Aurora and dreaming of Belle’s yellow ball gown.

So a visit to Disneyworld seems like the best place to relive our childhood fantasies. Except adults aren’t allowed to dress up there.

So we’re left watching the kids (who probably haven’t even seen Aladdin) run around in Princess Jasmine outfits, while we have to stick to our shorts, T-shirts and, at a stretch, Minnie Mouse ears. Doesn’t really seem fair.

We get that adults can’t wear costumes to the theme park. You don’t want your kids running up and hugging some random guy in a Mickey Mouse costume that’s just wandered into the park.

Plus, we’re sure the real Mickey Mouse wouldn’t appreciate being overlooked.

But still – not fair.

So to make up for our adult woes, the Disney gods have come up with a way that adults can join in the fun.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyworld Orlando, which transforms kids into Disney princesses, is now open to adults too.

Adults can buy different pampering packages, with a full princess makeover including hair, makeup and nail design.

The package costs $120 (around £93), but doesn’t include a costume, so you’ll still have to stick with your own attire.

‘Character Couture Makeovers’ are available at four different salons: the Ship Shape Salon at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Salon by the Springs at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and La Vida Salon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

‘We really saw a need for some kind of transformative makeover experience for people of all ages,’ Joseph Motowidlak, guest services manager, told Today.

‘Our stylists have an extensive colour palette to work with and clients get to talk through their vision for their look with their stylist — whether that's something subtle or more dramatic. Truly, the sky is the limit.’

Finally a whole new world for all us kids (and princesses) at heart.

It was only a few months ago that people were left speechless after realising that Disney princesses didn’t have fingernails – but now another bombshell has dropped.

One savvy Disney fan has spotted something very odd about Cinderella after the company released 3D versions of their famous princesses who will star in the new Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It 2 movie.

While both versions of Cinderella share the same sweeping up-do and the same iconic blue gown, something didn’t quite sit right with her appearance.

And now a fan has finally worked out why the 3D image looks so different – Cinderella now has ears!

That’s right, 1950’s Cinderella appeared to be missing her ears during her trip to the Prince’s ball – and it’s something many people had never noticed until now.

Sharing her realisation on Twitter, the fan said: ‘There was something bothering me on Cinderella's 3d model.

‘It's not that I don't like it but she somehow looked different and I didn't know why, I just realized it's because SHE NEVER HAD EARS IN THIS COSTUME.’

Her tweet, showing a side-by-side comparison of the new and old Cinderella characters, has racked up over 133,000 likes in just over 24 hours.

People were quick to comment on her discovery, with many sharing in her astonishment.

One said: ‘IM DYING why have I never noticed that?’

Another joked: ‘That's why she didn't stop when the prince was calling after her. SHE. COULDN'T. HEAR HIM.’

A third also joked: ‘Well obviously, that was back when women didn’t have ears.’

Although her ears are concealed in the scene where she meets the prince at the ball, the original Cinderella does have ears in other scenes, until she is bibbity-bobbity-boo’d by her fairy godmother…

Also joining Cinderella in Wreck-It Ralph 2, which will premiere at end of the year, are Elsa, Jasmine, Belle, Moana, Rapunzel, Mulan, and a slew of other princesses who have been given the 3D treatment.

Jude from Kiki Blah-Blah was selected as one of our BISS December winners and in her guest blog explains why she thinks Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is quite possibly the most annoying kids' TV show of all time...

Oh, boy! Not this again.

It's that familiar sound. It usually happens around this time in the day, right in the middle of the witching hour. The theme tune of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse blares out from my TV... for the third time in quick succession.

Although my answer is a firm 'No, Mickey, I don't want to get up and do the hotdog dance', my 16-month-old son TJ has other ideas. He loves Disney's most famous animated creation almost as much as I used to. Actually, almost as much as I used to be a fan of all the whole gang right before it became such a firm fixture in my adult life.

It usually starts around 7.30am during the first nappy change of the day. My YouTube recommendations are largely based around Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin as that's the only way to keep TJ smiling while I get him clean and dressed for the day.

Similarly, I thought I had a stroke of genius when I bought a 'Now That's What I call Disney' CD for the car. However, it is now demanded on all car journeys and I get a chorus of 'more' from the baby in the back seat during the two-second interval between songs.

Frozen, Pocahontas and The Lion King I can just about handle if it means not having to suffer the tantrums and tears which may come without it, either from TJ or myself.

But Mickey, Toodles and the Mousekatools are something else entirely. The high pitched voices, the constant merriment, the unnecessarily long-winded problem solving, the dysfunctional personalities of some of the gang (Goofy, I am looking at you), the way Daisy is just using Donald for self-validation and how I am not quite sure Pluto has all of his needs met. It's just all too much.

I didn't see this coming. I have always loved Disney. I actually used 'so I can legitimately watch more Disney films' on my list of reasons to start a family. My (metaphorically and literally) poor parents have also taken my sister and I to Disney World more times than I can count or remember. So, as my baby belly grew, so did my excitement for many an animated adventure from the comfort of my own sofa.

I was wrong. Oh, I was so very wrong.

However, like all aspects of parenting, there are some significant perks.

As TJ gets older, he's communicating his likes and dislikes much more clearly. He will grab his Mickey (Donald or Pluto) soft toy from the toy box and adorably climb into my lap when he wants a Disney fix. He's also got Thomas the Tank Engine toys and a DVD of The Gruffalo which perform the same function to express his wishes. So, I'll stomach the background noise of cartoons while I enjoy a precious moment of stillness with my little man.

Also, credit where it's due, TJ really is good at doing the hot dog dance. He's mastered his own version of it, which is basically standing on one spot and bobbing up and down like an apple on Halloween. He gets his moves from his mother.

The best thing for me to do is to Hakuna Matata my way through and pray TJ doesn't grow a love for something even more irritating. Like Paw Patrol.

Jude was selected as a BISS guest blogger after entering our December linky. For your chance to write for GoodtoKnow, check out our Because I Said So platform.

We all have a favourite Disney Princess, but does she have enough attitude to be a good role model to our kids? While some of Disney's leading ladies, although charming, are a little lacking in sass, others have a fierce outlook on life that we wouldn't mind our little'uns picking up!

We've ranked these familiar Disney faces from worst to best when it comes to attitude. It's a cut-throat business, but somebody has to do it...

13. Snow White (Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs)

http://giphy.com/gifs/DdTz8n9xJIIlG

Ok she is only 14 in the film (which is a child!), so we can kind of excuse the fact that pretty Snow White is actually quite lame in the princesses with attitude stakes. All those doe-eyed glances, that's not feisty Miss White.

12. Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

http://giphy.com/gifs/ZFRPyD9zbuEdq

Sleeping Beauty was definitely a contender for last place, but given the fact the poor girl was cursed and then subjected to a deep sleep until true love's kiss, we'll let her have 12th place. That will teach her for flouncing around the forest with an owl and birds.

11. Cinderella (Cinderella)

http://giphy.com/gifs/Fz7nXV5N8JP20

She briefly gave us a bit of attitude when it came to checking out her own reflection in her ball gown. And we can't help but secretly think it would be nice for the kids to pick up on her dedication to cleaning.

10. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

http://giphy.com/gifs/MNGscw9vQ8EVO

Ariel knows a thing or two about self-confidence... not bad thing for our little ones to learn! Although maybe a little less time in the mirror would be preferable.

9. Belle (Beauty & The Beast)

http://giphy.com/gifs/1oUBxHrdh6qgU

You have to give it to Belle, she despises Gaston (who wouldn't?) and she certainly doesn't hide it with this classic trick. You go, Belle.

8. Princess Jasmine (Aladdin)

http://giphy.com/gifs/cGRDLbP2m43ny

If looks could kill! While we don't appreciate this sort of attitude in our direction, there's certainly nothing wrong with the kids not suffering fools.

7. Rapunzel (Tangled)

http://giphy.com/gifs/xN1aNvUJGdMxG

It took a little coaxing out of that tower, but boy did she come into her own when she took ownership of her own life. Would YOU mess with her when she's holding that saucepan?

6. Pocahontas (Pocahontas)

http://giphy.com/gifs/UYxhp2WdpxGsE

'Yeah I can swing from a really high tree, whip my hair and still look good!' Any parents of a tomboy will appreciate just how lucky they are to have a child with so much awesome attitude.

5. Mulan (Mulan)

http://giphy.com/gifs/Dsu5cqUg327w4

She disguised herself as a man and she totally fooled everybody. Plus she knows her martial arts. We would NOT want to mess with Mulan!

4. Anna (Frozen)

http://giphy.com/gifs/OVuFEUKJykFsQ

Ohhhh the girl knows how to throw a punch when she needs to. Anna, you dark horse you.

3. Elsa (Frozen)

http://giphy.com/gifs/137DeD6G2725OM

She disappeared to save her loved ones from her potentially fatal powers and delivers are favourite song of the whole film with bags of attitude to boot. 'The cold never bothered me anyway'. YES ELSA!

2. Merida (Brave)

http://giphy.com/gifs/EprDceB5urT20

For starters, she's a fiery redhead, and secondly, Merida knows how to take aim with a bow and arrow. Katniss Everdeen, watch your back!

1. Tiana (The Princess & The Frog)

http://giphy.com/gifs/11cwuBQ4TLa8FO

The fiercest of them all has to go to Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Just look at that attitude!

Where to next?