Balamory is back after two decades - and we sahre why we can’t wait for the reboot of the iconic BBC series.

Forget Oasis, Balamory is the reunion of more wholesome icons everyone needs in their lives. Originally broadcast between 2002 - 2005, the BBC has announced two brand new series of the colourful show with its equally colourful characters and earworm theme tune, set to land in 2026. A Bafta-winning pre-school series during its original run, the show centred around Miss Hoolie and her nursery school, loved not only in the UK, but by a global audience of millions.

Now that our dream of a reboot is becoming a reality, we can't wait to see it happen and are on the countdown to 2026 already. The reason for our excitement centres around how rich and vivid the series was, but in a less overstimulating way than modern shows like CoComelon that simply don't capture the same sort of magic.  

There are of course, some modern shows such as inimitable classic, Bluey , that has a similar heart, representation and the positive messages of Balamory. However, Balamory does hark back to a time before kids' shows needed a health warning, and children became consumed by addictive, easily digestible nonsense found on the likes of YouTube shorts. 

Although the exact premise and cast of the reboot is yet to be confirmed, it's thought some of the original cast will be reprising their roles. Interestingly, the new iteration might not be filmed in the vibrant village of Tobermory that made the original so recognisable, but could be shot at Rothesay on the Isle of Bute instead, according to BBC reports.

Actress Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played Miss Hoolie in the original show, spoke about the reboot to say it was the "craziest and best news ever that Balamory is coming back". Andrew Agnew who played PC Plum, is equally enthused about the show's return. He says "If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure."

He adds "But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it. I think it needs us."

Mum-of-two, Kerry, tells us "When I was at university, I had a holiday job in a nursery school and Balamory was a brand new series - we used to let the children watch it as a treat, and they absolutely loved it. A decade later, my own children were watching it and it still seemed really fresh and new.

I'm so pleased it's coming back - the premise is simple but delightful for children, and I'll be telling everyone I know with young children to tune in - even if they will be singing the theme tune for the rest of their days, which I hope is kept the same!"

The Gladiators reboot is also well worth a watch for another dose of nostalgia to introduce to your children, and there's plenty of anime shows for kids that have positive messages. The Famous Five has had many adaptations over the years, and is returning once again after the success of the recent iteration. 

Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? It's a question many are asking, offering an opportunity to have conversations around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching - our expert shares the best ways to start.

If you've wondered whether to let your teenager watch Bridgerton season 3, there's no easy answer and your decision will be based on many personal factors. If you do choose to let them tune in, Bridgerton offers the chance to open up conversations around important topics - the big Eloise and Penelope fight gave parents the opportunity to discuss navigating difficulties in friendships. 

With the series continuing to offer great representation, it's also paved the way to chat about coming out, by teasing the possibility Francesca might be gay. Teens tuning in won't be unfamiliar with the concept of being LGBTQ, but might find talking about it a challenge. We discuss Francesca's sexuality and share expert help from sex and relationships expert, Dr Tara Suwinyattichaipornon around getting the conversation flowing about it if you've been tuning into the show with your teen.

Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay?

Francesca might be married to John Stirling, but Bridgerton showrunner Jess Brownell, has confirmed the character will have a relationship with a woman - with her love interest being Michaela Stirling. For those wanting to know if she's gay, Francesca's precise sexuality is yet to be labelled. Her path to marriage was slow and apprehensive, already leading viewers to believe she might not be entirely comfortable with the prospect of a commitment to a man. 

In the series finale, Francesca confides in Violet that she still doesn't feel she knows herself, hoping marrying John and going to Scotland will alleviate these feelings. However, when she's introduced to John's cousin Michaela, Francesca blushes and is openly flustered by meeting the new arrival. 

This is a deviation from the books, where John dies and Francesca becomes close to his cousin, Michael. The character Michael has been flipped to Michaela, to add the inclusive angle to the storyline. Jess Brownell spoke to Glamour about making the change, and her thoughts on it.

Jess said "So the first time I read When He Was Wicked, which is Francesca's book, I really related to it as a queer woman. Her book talks a lot about how different she feels, and I think Julia Quinn's intention in the book is just that Fran feels different because she's introverted. But for many of us in the queer community, that sense of feeling different is a part of our stories."

She adds "I felt like there was fertile ground thematically in her book to nod toward telling a queer story. There are also some elements of her story that allow us to make sure we can tell a pretty happy ending for Francesca and Michaela. It was important for me in telling a main queer story for us to be able to give them a happily ever after, as we have with every other couple."

She concludes "Going forward, I'm hopeful to tell a very nuanced story about Francesca having two great loves in her life."

How to start a conversation with your teen about sexuality

Dr Tara shares the following expert tips for broaching this subject with your teen:

• Start with a question – this might be unexpected but if you want to keep an open and healthy channel of communication with your children about sex, you need to give them space to share their ideas. Ask your teen what they already know about sexuality, how do they feel about what they’re seeing on tv, what is their current understanding about what’s going on and the character’s sexuality.
• Approach this topic in a sex-positive way or at least in a neutral manner – making sure that you don’t talk about sex and sexuality in a shameful manner is key. If you act like talking about it is taboo and inappropriate, then it may cause your teen to feel ashamed talking about their own sexuality. The tone of your communication is important.
• Talk about diversity of sexual orientation - but also be up front that you don’t know everything – share with your teens that people have different sexual orientations, and it depends on who you’re naturally attracted to. For example, Francesca might be bisexual because she’s attracted to women and men.
• Treat it as a dialogue – an ongoing two-way conversation is healthy. Talking about sexuality with your kids isn’t a one-way street that you have one time in your life and you’re never mentioning it again. You want to create a healthy ongoing conversation so that your children feel safe coming to you for insights and advice. You can say “hey I know it might feel confusing sometimes as a teenager figuring out who you are, but I am here and will always be here to listen to you with love and acceptance.”
• Share credible resources – a part of this conversation is saying “hey I’m not an expert but if you want to understand sexuality and sexual orientations more, try reading this.” You can share this Kinsey Scale for scientific explanations about sexual orientations.

For more on the Bridgerton universe, one Bridgerton star has very famous parents and you'll definitely recognise them. Bridgerton filmed in some beautiful spots, and some of them are open to the public. If you're searching for unique names, these Bridgerton baby names fit the bill perfectly. 

Is Eric a true story? Every parent’s worst nightmare plays out in Netflix's latest show, against a backdrop of 80s New York grappling with AIDS and racism.

Eric is a six part Netflix original series written by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady), starring Benedict Cumberbatch as genius and narcissistic puppeteer named Vincent. Mastermind of the puppet-based hit show Good Day Sunshine, Vincent is forced to reassess his life, behaviour, marriage, and ongoing intergenerational conflict with his parents, when his nine-year-old son Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe) goes missing. 

Vincent becomes hooked on the belief that Edgar will return, if the puppet he was working on for Vincent's show comes to life. The titular Eric then enters proceedings - a monstrous vision only Vincent can see (also voiced by Cumberbatch,) acting as a physical manifestation of his rapidly deteriorating mental health and giving voice to everything Vincent is unable to say out loud. 

Although the central storyline involves the nightmare scenario of a missing child, universally feared by parents, the series encompasses racism, drug use, and homophobia amid the rising hysteria of the AIDS crisis. It's 80s New York, but not with the feel-good nostalgia most view the era with, although the hard-hitting issues are important in the way they shaped history. As with many hit shows, those who identify with the series' themes, want to know whether it's a true story - the creator has spoken out.  

Is Eric a true story?

Eric isn't based on true events, but reflects the experiences of creator Abi Morgan and encounters she had living in New York in the 80s. Speaking to Radio Times, Morgan said "I think growing up in the UK in the 80s, I remember being haunted by those stories of children who had gone missing, and then when I went to New York, I looked after a young boy in New York in the mid 80s."

She adds "While I was out there, I saw the milk carton kids and the missing persons. So that has always been very haunting. I think in choosing to go back to that time, I wanted to go back to that very vivid period in history where, obviously, there were those cases.

But in many ways, it was more a kind of shout-out to those cities where kids can go missing. At the heart of the show is Vincent’s belief that 'I want to live in a world where a child goes out into the world and can come home safe."

Although the series isn't focussed on a specific missing child, there's one scene encompassing something all parents have faced at some point - judgment. During a press briefing about Edgar's disappearance, a journalist addresses Vincent with: "Letting him walk to school when he was only in fourth grade, is that a decision you regret?"

This is a totally unhelpful take, when busy parents make decisions that could one way or another - Vincent and his wife were simply unlucky and clearly, nobody deliberately chooses to put their child in harm's way or hopes for a terrible outcome for their choices.

Instead of blaming parents for not being able to keep their children safe, the series points to wider issues resulting in crimes including kidnapped (or runaway) kids, including homelessness, drugs, and societal stressors that lead to mental health breakdown. Overall, the series offers viewers a lot to think about, even if some have found it uncomfortable and confronting, as well as absolutely heartbreaking. 

For more on TV, we take a look at the Normal People season 2 rumours, and share our very own real-life Marianne and Connell moments. A Bridgerton star has very famous parents - you'll definitely recognise them, and we weigh in on whether you should let your teenager watch the steamy show.  

Normal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.

Normal People was undoubtedly one of the best shows to come out of 2020, and the ultimate tonic for lockdown blues. Based on Sally Rooney's 2018 novel of the same name, never had a book adaptation translated to the screen so profoundly. The relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), was as beautiful as it was painful to watch, evoking memories of first love and teenage dating for many who watched it. 

Fans have been calling for a follow up series in the years following the smash hit show, and there's a possibility it could be on the cards. Posting to her Instagram stories on May 28, Daisy Edgar-Jones shared an image of her and Paul Mescal, with the caption "We’ve got some news to share!! Watch this space," and the internet is currently in meltdown that Normal People season 2 is going to be announced any day.

While we wait for the big reveal, it got everyone here at GoodtoKnow reminiscing about the sucker punch to the gut that is first love. Looking back on our own turbulent teenage dating evokes nostalgia, pain, and a whole load of 'what ifs.' We decided it would make great therapy to share our own Marianne and Connell moments, and you're in for a ride as we relay our very own first heartbreaks.

Stories of first love

GoodtoKnow editor-in-chief Anna Bailey, is first up to share her story of first love angst. She says "I admired my first love (from afar) at Gatwick airport on my way to Ibiza when I was 17. I couldn’t believe it when he boarded my flight and then got on the same minibus (remember when you always had a transfer?), and we ended up at the same hotel. I bumped into him on a night out and we were inseparable. I was there for a week, and he was there for two - but he came home early to spend time with me. I should’ve known then it was madness - who’d give up an extra week in Ibiza to hang out in Basingstoke? 

"The following few years were so fun and a constant adventure but things are so confusing when you’re young… We clashed in so many ways, but like Marianne and Connell, I found it impossible to identify or share how I was really feeling.  I could really relate to all those awkward moments where really important things just went unsaid. Untimely it broke down because we couldn’t communicate. It shocks me nowadays, when you hear couples on reality shows talking about ‘their needs and boundaries’ and ‘wanting to be heard’. We never spoke like that. I wish we had… That said, I don't regret breaking up, and I know if we met now we’d be total strangers."

Our family editor, Stephanie Lowe, is next up to share her gut-wrenching tale of young love. Steph says "Did Normal People season 1 make anyone else want to get in touch with their first love? Asking for a friend. I’m 14-years-married with a son, and I hadn’t thought of my first serious boyfriend in over a decade until I watched Marianne and Connell.

"I was so lucky with my first love and the story it gave me. I met him at 16 years old, I’d just finished my GCSEs. My best friend introduced me to him, he worked in a JD Sports - she fancied him. I thought he was an arrogant t**t. But up close he was funny, full of the banter, and he gave me butterflies whenever we locked eyes. He ‘asked me out’ and we became boyfriend and girlfriend within two weeks. 

"He was my ultimate first. First kiss, first boy to meet my parents, first person I went on holiday with, first person I had sex with, bought a hamster with, shared a flat with. And he was the first to break my heart. We had a good five years, though ultimately, it ended up with ugly crying on a train after I overheard him in a bar kissing a girl when he hadn’t hung up the phone properly.

"Watching Normal People brought that all flooding back. The thought of watching season 2 though, has now moved on from my own firsts to wondering about my son and what his firsts might be like. They don’t need to be happy he just needs to experience them, survive them and learn from them, I think."

Other team members prefer to stay anonymous - spilling intimate secrets can be difficult, right? One of our amazing group tells us all "We met at a holiday park - our best mates got together and we we were the sidestory but he made me feel like the only girl on the Waltzers. 

"Afterwards he wrote hilarious letters, sent me brilliant mix tapes and even came all the way from Essex to visit me in Surrey although we got our wires crossed and didn't manage to find each other - the days before phones, kids. Symbolic really - I was out of my depth, a bit startled by the attention and not ready for the intensity so I guess he was the one got away. Every now and then I Google him though and wonder what if..."

Another member of our lovely team recalls, "I wish I had a do-over for my first love. We started as friends and it grew from there, but we were young and inexperienced in all these new and complicated feelings. We didn't know how to effectively communicate with each other, or articulate ourselves, so it was fraught with mis-steps and misunderstandings - all of which felt massive and insurmountable. 

"In the end, we fell out over something that now, seems so trivial, but at the time, an utter severing of all ties felt like the only option. As I've grown into the person I am now, I look back and wonder what would have happened if we'd met later in life, where we were both a bit more prepared to tackle the realities of a relationship, had a bit more perspective over red flags and deal-breakers and knew ourselves better."

Bringing up the rear with another anonymous recounting, is another GoodtoKnow editor, with a less than perfect story where the word 'love' is fairly contentious. She shares, "I met my first 'love' in a pub when I was 16. I was supposed to be at a Christmas assembly at school, but I'd snuck out for a spot of lunchtime drinking instead. I often wish I'd just gone to that assembly. Even though I'm not religious, it felt meeting him was some sort of divine punishment for not being at the religious celebration I should've attended.

"Never before had I looked at someone, and felt such an instant attraction and physical need to be in their presence. I'd had a few kisses, but never had a boyfriend before. He came over to talk to me as soon as our eyes met. After a few drinks I went to his house and was flattered by how enamoured he seemed to be with me, too. What followed was seven years of intense feelings, fraught arguments, and emotional abuse. 

"He controlled my money, who I saw, where I went, and kept me from my friends. A master manipulator, he ate away at my confidence, cleverly disguising it as love or helpful advice. By the time I finally disentangled myself from him, I was a shell of my former self - underweight, constantly anxious, and in need of some therapy. I've been angry that my 'first love' experience was so awful, but it's made me determined to make sure no boys of mine turn out like him. My true first love is my husband - the one who showed me what real love and security is. What came before was just what I had to go through to appreciate what I have."

For more on dating and relationships, we share the five most important things to discuss with your teen before they start dating. If you're a parent looking to spice up your relationship with your partner, our tips will help, even though a sexless marriage isn't necessarily doomed.

Channel 4 drama The Gathering will hit a nerve with parents of teens, as it explores the challenges of impossible standards set by social media - and the parents forced to demonstrate equally toxic behaviours in their need to protect their kids.

How to keep kids safe online is becoming more of a challenge for parents as their teens seemingly live their lives online. Apps with the ability to remove clothes, or undress AI, are on the rise with apparently very few safety measures in place to prevent young people being targeted. Sextortion victims are also mounting dramatically, with a 100% increase in reported cases - this is such a concern that teachers are being told to look out for signs in students.

Starting on Channel 4 on May 14 at 9pm, drama series The Gathering is set to explore the toxic impact of social media on teens, and their parents. Both filmed and set on Merseyside and produced by the minds behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard, the 6-part series opens with a violent attack on a teenager at an illegal beach rave, rocking a Merseyside community. Each episode then shifts suspicion to a different teen and their respective family.

Speaking about the messages she really wanted to convey through the drama, writer Helen Walsh said "The storylines of The Gathering feel very current. The series looks at the rise of toxic parenting, looking at that desire to optimise your children, creating exceptional kids that excel at sports, academia, music. I think the rise of celebrity culture, social media, and particularly ‘Insta culture’, has created this dangerous collective idea where it's not okay for kids to be ordinary."

She adds "It’s no surprise then that our kids have never been so unhappy. It's like we've all been duped into this idea that if our kids go hard enough, put in enough hours, if they post enough content, they can get into the right academies they'll be rewarded with success, fame, or money. So, the spectre of failure looms heavy and that's one of the things that I explore in The Gathering." 

The character Kelly (Eva Morgan) is an elite tumbling gymnast. Although devoted to her mission to represent her country at the World Championships, she find release and liberation in the ungoverned world of free-running. Thematically, Helen Walsh wants the "visually arresting and liberating world of free running and parkour" to stand in stark contrast to the stifling existence of life lived to exacting social media standards, with no privacy or freedom for self-expression. 

Eva Morgan (Kelly) shares why she feels the story is so important, saying "All the young people in this show are dealing with pressure and responsibility at such a young age, which I think is reflective of young people today. When I was first reading the scripts, I remember reacting very verbally, and saying 'OMG' at places. Putting stories on our screen that are reflective of real life is so important." 

Producer Simon Heath sums up the series as a portrait of "toxic teenagers - and their even more toxic parents". There's the obvious dangers social media poses to children, but what's less explored is the way its altered relationships with their parents. Therefore, the helicopter parenting facilitated by the constant ability to contact and track children is another theme woven through the series. 

Vinette Robinson (Natalie) concludes by saying "The themes are universal to parents and children – what would we do for them? Do we ruin them? Do we give them too much? Do we give them the skills they need in life? Do they lose their drive when they are spoiled? If we as parents lose control, what are the consequences of that for our children if we end up in trouble? These are all universal themes and issues it should absolutely appeal universally."

The Gathering starts on 14 May at 9pm on Channel 4 with the boxset available to stream from midnight.

For more on teens, we look at whether TikTok is safe for them, and what Instagram's latest update will do to protect them. Meanwhile, a Facebook rollout means parents are being advised against letting young people use the platform.

Eagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.

One of the reasons why Bluey is so popular is because it engages parents as well as kids, many of whom are drawn in by the relateable family challenges (even mega-stars Natalie Portman and Ryan Gosling have confessed to being fans). And now that the final episode of Bluey season three has aired, everyone's talking about it, as the shock revelation that the Heeler family have put their house up for sale led to panic that Bluey is ending (don't worry, the creators have promised there's more to come).

But the family move isn't the only plot twist that has surprised Bluey fans as season three comes to a close. It appears that Brandy - Bluey's maternal aunt - is pregnant. The news has surprised viewers, because previously Brandy's storyline suggested that she has struggled with infertility in the past.

Is Brandy pregnant?

Yes, Brandy appears to be pregnant. Although only shown briefly, in the 28-minute Bluey special titled 'The Sign' that wrapped up season three, Brandy and her sister Chilli, Bluey's mum, take a moment to admire her growing baby bump when the guests are arriving for a wedding.

At this stage at least, there's no explanation around Brandy's pregnancy. We don't know who the father is, whether she plans to raise a child on her own, or how she overcame the fertility issues she was apparently struggling with earlier in the season.

What we do know is that Brandy's future child would be the third cousin to Bluey and Bingo, but the first on their mother's side. Their other cousins, Muffin and Socks, are the children of Bandit's brother, Stripe. But as Bandit and Stripe's oldest brother, Rad, married Frisky in 'The Sign', the extended family could grow even more in future episodes.

Is Aunt Brandy infertile?

In the series three episode 'Onesies', Bluey tackled the issue of infertility by introducing the character Brandy, who was unable to have a baby of her own. The episode explained that Brandy and Chilli didn't spend much time together, because Brandy found it difficult to be around the family.

It's evident during the episode that Brandy finds being around Bluey and Bingo awkward, and later Bluey asks her mum why Brandy is sad and why they've only seen her once in their lives.

Over a montage of Brandy playing with Bingo, Chilli alludes that her sister can't have children by saying: "There's something aunty Brandy wants more than anything as well but she can't have it, and there's not really anything anyone can do."

However, it's not made clear exactly why Brandy has been unable to have a child of her own.

Either way, the storyline has struck a chord with Bluey fans. One wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "As someone who walked Brandy's path, I could jump for joy for her." Another said, "Cried [because] Chilli’s sister Brandy got pregnant after years of infertility and I feel hopeful and also jealous of a cartoon dog".

With Inside Out 2 just around the corner, find out about the movie's very important new character. Netflix's Orion and the Dark encourages kids to face their fears - we spoke to a therapist about the best ways to help your own children with theirs. And find out why one mum is loving watching the Gladiators reboot with her kids.

Fans of the children's cartoon are worried that Bluey is ending, after season three's penultimate episode showed the Heelers' family home up for sale.

Children's cartoon Bluey has become a global phenomenon in recent years. Both children and parents are hooked on the adventures of the famous Blue Heeler puppy, with celebrities including Natalie Portman and Ryan Gosling singing the cartoon's praises. The success of the show has led to the demand for Bluey birthday cakes and even a spin-off show, Bluey Book Reads, so it's no surprise that parents have felt panicked by the rumours that Bluey could be about to air its last episode.

Among the reasons why Bluey is so popular is the show's depiction of relatable family issues - largely thanks to creator Joe Brumm's interest in child psychology - which helps parents feel seen. Now, it looks like the Heeler family is tackling a new challenge, as the penultimate episode of season three saw the family home go up for sale. With the season's final episode set to run for an unusually long time of 28 minutes, rumours have been spreading that this could be the end of the popular kids show.

Is Bluey ending?

No, Bluey is not ending. Executive producer Daley Pearson explained on Australian breakfast show Sunrise that Bluey will go back into production for a season four, and that the 28-minute special titled 'The Sign' will be a test to see how audiences respond to a longer episode.

"For the last bit of time it’s just been this half-hour episode we’ve been working on, but we will be making more Bluey," Daley said. He went on to explain that the moving house plot was simply designed to show another facet of childhood.

"[Moving house is] always out of our hands. Kids will love that. Molly especially. It's the parents' decision. So the world changes without much of your involvement, which is a lot about what this half-hour ep is about."

The news will come as a relief to Bluey fans, who have been speculating about the show's future since being urged to re-watch five core episodes before the show's 'supersized finale', as they have important storylines which will be resolved.

In addition, season three's penultimate episode is the first not to have music over its closing credits, adding to viewers' panic as the camera zoomed out in the final seconds to reveal a 'For Sale' sign in the Heelers' front yard.

Fans were quick to share their dismay online. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Bluey's house is for sale. It appears the worst might be happening. If Bluey ends we riot." Another said, "Watched the latest episode of Bluey and I REFUSE to believe it’s about to end."

Others shared their predictions for the final episode, with many wondering if Bluey's mum Chilli could be pregnant. One user shared, "Chilli comments that the Heeler house is a bit small. Could Chilli be pregnant, meaning the Heelers need to move to a bigger house? A new baby would add a lot of plot lines!"

Bluey star and voice of the Heeler mum Chilli, Melanie Zanetti, has shared that even the voice actors were kept in the dark about the final episode. Appearing on Kidspot's podcast, Mum Club, she shared, "It was a bit different for me, it was still broken up into four episodes," confirming that each recording was split into four small episodes and later pieced together.

"I got the first two and recorded those separately to the second two. I had a bit of a cliffhanger. So I had some of the experience that the audience is going to have going, 'Oh, what's happening? Where's this gonna go?'"

Though Melanie remained tight-lipped about what will happen in the final episode, she did say, "There's a number of storylines that are intersecting and when you only have seven minutes, it's usually an episode that is focused on a theme or a character. Multiple characters in this get an arc, which is really exciting. And it's very full."

But what does the house move mean for other popular characters from the Bluey franchise? Many of the Heelers' friends were neighbours, including Lucky, Chucky, and their parents Pat and Janelle, as well as Judo and her mum Wendy.

Anxious fans will have to wait until April 14 for season three's final episode, which will air simultaneously on Australia's ABC and on Disney+.

With Inside Out 2 just around the corner, find out about the movie's very important new character. Netflix's Orion and the Dark encourages kids to face their fears - we spoke to a therapist about the best ways to help your own children with theirs. And find out why one mum is loving watching the Gladiators reboot with her kids.

CoComelon has a massive following around the world, but its popularity comes with a dose of controversy. We look at why children adore the series, and why some experts believe parents should limit the time spent watching it.

CoComelon started life all the way back in 2005, as the brain child of Californian father-of-two, Jay Jeon. He created a YouTube channel with his children's book author wife to upload educational musical animations. Originally named ABC Kid TV, the channel grew, and what began as a series of videos depicting songs the couple sang to their own kids, became an actual show. A toddler named JJ was made the leading character, and the views accelerated rapidly.

Now streaming on Netflix, CoComelon was watched for 33.3bn minutes in the US in 2023, according to a Nielsen report. Mum-of-two Victoria told us that her daughter especially loves the show. She said: "My daughter has always been obsessed with CoComelon, really in love with it. She knows the songs and dances around to them. To be honest, I didn't even know there were any problems with letting kids watch it until some mums were talking about it in the playground - it made my daughter joyful, and I didn't find it affected her behaviour like some of them were saying it would."

It's easy to see why shows like Bluey are so popular, and the value that comes from letting kids watch movies that offer an understanding of complex emotions - Inside Out 2 is set to feature the characterisation of anxiety. Recent Netflix film Orion and the Dark was praised for encouraging kids to face their fears, but CoComelon is quite superficial in comparison. Is CoComelon a hit with kids simply because the catchy tunes appeal to youngsters, or is it something more sinister than that? We've asked the experts their opinions on the popularity of the series.

Why is CoComelon so popular?

We spoke to Educational Psychologist Dr Patricia Britto, who explained there could be physiological reasons children can't get enough of CoComelon. She told us "The CoComelon animation has bright colours, vibrant visuals and images of fluid movements can intensely stimulate children’s areas of the brain, such as the occipital lobe and temporal lobe."

Dr Britto added "These brain areas become particularly active while children watch, as they are responsible for visual processing and recognising shapes, colours, and motion. The more vibrant the visuals are, the higher the intensity of the activation of the occipital lobe and temporal lobe, which captures children's attention and facilitates a deep emotional connection." This could explain some parents' concerns that children appear 'addicted,' and don't want the show to be switched off.

CoComelon also has huge teams of experts tasked with keeping the series popular. According to Time, it's not just the obvious touches that appeal to toddlers such as bright colours, no sharp edges or corners, and total lack of conflict. The publication also reported that whenever a new episode was added to YouTube, a data-insights team was on hand to deduce its popularity, and if any new concepts worked or not.

As episodes only take 12-14 weeks to make, this means that lots of concepts can be easily tried out, and the best performing ones quickly identified for future episodes - most kids' shows don't have this luxury, as the lead times are much longer. This not only ensures the CoComelon is showing only its most popular themes to little ones, it offers an excellent opportunity to respond to current events. Not many shows could've acknowledged the pandemic in the rapid way CoComelon could, jumping straight in with segments about handwashing and Doctor's visits shortly after the virus broke out.

This level of insight has also made sure the CoComelon team really knows its audience. With the report from Nielsen suggesting more than 56% of the show's viewers come from African American, Asian American and Hispanic households, the creators introduced characters to reflect that level of diversity. Seeing themselves and their culture depicted in the series is sure to appeal to kids, and keep popularity levels high.

Mum-of-one, Charlie, has a CoComelon-loving child. When asked why she thought it was so popular, this is what she told us: "My son didn't really have the attention for many things on TV, apart from CoComelon. I think it must be because he sees versions of what we do at home in it - trying to get him to 'say yes' to vegetables is something he's definitely used to! The songs are just so catchy though, I don't know how they do it - ask any parent and they'll probably know the entire catalogue of songs by heart, it's quite a skill for them to be that memorable."

The controversies around CoComelon

There has been a lot of panic generated online, suggesting that CoComelon is addictive, and could be responsible for causing bad behaviour in children - parents have reported kids having terrible meltdowns when they attempt to switch the show off. There have also been claims the fast pacing of the show can interfere with development, and the ability to self-regulate emotions. Child development expert Jerrica Sannes has been very vocal in her negative perception of the series.

On her Instagram, Sannes said "CoComelon is so hyperstimulating that it actually acts as a drug, as a stimulant. The brain gets a hit of dopamine from screen-time and it seems that the stronger the 'drug' aka the level of stimulation a show delivers, the stronger the 'hit.'"

She added "This leads to 1) children experiencing symptoms of addiction and withdrawal, often leaving them dysregulated, and 2) a general discomfort with the speed of everyday life. The more children watch the show, the more the brain begins to expect that kind of stimulation. This makes it impossible for the child to play creatively and without entertainment."

However, Dr Britto suggested these claims shouldn't be aimed purely at CoComelon, arguing that there are plenty of other shows that have been suggested to have similarly deleterious effects. Even Jerrica Sannes has admitted there's no empirical evidence yet, proving any of the claims she or others have made against the show, only that the opinions are based on experiences and the qualifications of those making them.

Dr Britto told us "Over the years, there have been so many controversies around cartoons. Still, the right questions are not being asked about the psychological impact of any animation, as the focus has been on the popular ones. You'll find the problems some parents have suggested they experience with the series can be applied when watching any examples of cartoons, and not just CoComelon."

BACP registered therapist, Amanda Macdonald, again reiterated that it's not just CoComelon-related meltdowns that happen when the TV is switched off, these can caused by a love of any series. Amanda told us "Your child may seem distressed when it comes to ending screen time, so give them a verbal countdown, and if it is helpful, use a visual timer as well. There are some fun timers which use coloured sands or oils, which enable the child to feel more aware and involved in what is happening."

She added "Let them know what they will be doing after screen time, or if they are old enough, give them a choice of two options, so they can experience some agency in the moment. Stick to what you have said, and if your child is distressed mirror this, verbalising that you can see how upset they are so they know you understand. Some children find transitions from one activity to the next more challenging than others, so learning how to manage transitions smoothly can take some trial and error."

Should I let my kid watch CoComelon?

There will never be a one-size-fits-all approach to answer this question, and parents are experts in their own children and how TV affects them. While negative claims have been made against the show, some parents have also shared how it has improved speech in speech-delayed children, and other positive outcomes. Our experts have suggested that watching in moderation, and monitoring your child's response, will be helpful.

Dr Britto shared "Cartoons can help children develop emotional regulation skills and equally model inappropriate behaviours such as violence. Characters in cartoons that portray positive skills, such as how to cope with negative emotions, can teach children valuable strategies to manage real-life challenges. The question to ask is will the cartoon provide positive teachings to your children, and if it adds no value, then perhaps they should stop watching it."

CoComelon is non-threatening, and depicts everyday tasks and has positive teachings, suggesting there is no harm in watching it. To help parents out further, Dr Britto added "The psychological impact of watching cartoons goes beyond enjoyment, and all of them have the potential to have negative and positive effects. Parents need to filter what is activating their children's brains by engaging them in a broader range of activities (e.g., outdoor activities), if they become concerned about any negative effects of watching CoComelon."

Meanwhile, Amanda added that all parents are in need of a break sometimes, and popping on something like CoComelon can help them get the quick rest they need. She said "The message here is to use common sense when it comes to issues around screen time. A pre-schooler shouldn’t be watching a screen for extended periods of time, regardless of the show. There is a lot of talk about the fast-paced nature of CoComelon, and some parents are concerned this may cause over-stimulation in their child. There are times however as a parent that screen time can be helpful, giving the parent time to reset, or to prepare a meal. Pre-schoolers need interaction with people, but the adults in charge of them do also need some time to reset and recharge."

For more on kids TV, Netflix movie Leo tackles the anxieties of modern parenting effortlessly. With the genre having a popularity surge, we've also the best anime shows for kids, and The Boy and the Heron age rating - it became only the second ever anime title to scoop an Oscar.

Are you wondering about The Boy and the Heron age rating? As the movie adds an Oscar to its collection of awards, parents are wondering whether it's suitable for young kids.

The Studio Ghibli produced The Boy and the Heron just became the second anime ever to scoop the 'Best Animated Feature' gong at the 2024 Academy Awards. If you've got a child who loves anime shows, it's likely they've put the movie right at the top of their watch list. The fantastical story is set during the Pacific War, and follows Mahito Maki, a young boy who loses his mother. After her death, Mahito moves to the countryside and comes across an abandoned tower near his new house. When a talking grey heron tells Mahito his mother is still alive, he enters the tower to find her and is transported to another world.

Although the bright colours and cartoon format of anime appears to have children in mind during its creation, a surprising amount is aimed at older kids. Much like parents were keen to know whether Netflix's live-action take on anime Avatar: The Last Airbender was for kids, they're now asking the same about The Boy and the Heron. Read on for everything you need to know about the film's suitability for young viewers, and other interesting facts about the multi-award winning anime.

The Boy and the Heron age rating

The Boy and the Heron has been given an age rating of 12A. Although some have been surprised by this, there are scenes and themes running throughout the film that could upset younger children.

Violence, threat and horror are all mild throughout much of the movie, and often surreal in the way anime usually presents such scenes. However, there are sporadic depictions of people on fire and melting into puddles, and the internal organs of animals bursting from them after they've been cut. The main character, Mahito, hits himself in the face with a rock after struggling with grief and the upheaval of moving house - this is perceived as portraying self-harm. 

With the main storyline focussing on grief, the constant themes of bereavement and emotional distress are sure to be upsetting for young children. Parent Previews summed up what to expect from the movie, saying "Western audiences tend to assume that animated films are made for children. While that is broadly true of Western media, the same sentiment is not shared in Japan. 

"Along with several other Studio Ghibli films, The Boy and the Heron doesn’t preclude younger viewers, but they are likely to miss some of the thematic complexities or visual abstractions upon which the film depends. There are scenes of blood, violence, and peril which make this production unsuitable for young or sensitive audiences, but older children should be alright – provided they can keep up with the plot."

They concluded by adding "I would caution viewers that, despite its overall excellence, this movie is not much interested in explaining itself in deep detail. It presents a magical, transportive adventure, and it wants you to think for yourself about what, if anything, Mahito learns on his journey through the rabbit-hole. Think Spirited Away – an incredible journey with unimaginable risks, and some complex themes woven throughout." 

What is The Boy and the Heron based on?

Although The Boy and the Heron references a 1937 novel by Genzaburo Yoshinor named How Do You Live, it isn't based on the book. It is, however, a semi-autobiographical account of the experiences of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's own early childhood. 

The reference to How Do You Live, comes from the original title of the film. It's been renamed The Boy and the Heron for worldwide audiences, but the original Japanese title translates as How Do You Live. The novel contains similar themes to the film, following a teenage boy as he learns about grief and experiences growth in response to human experiences. The book makes a cameo in the film, when Mahito's mother is shown gifting it to him.

According to The Harvard Crimson, The Boy and the Heron is influenced by Hayao Miyazaki's life fleeing Tokyo during World War II, and starting anew in the countryside. As depicted, Mahito's father is a plane mechanic, as was Miyazaki’s. Miyazaki's mother almost succumbed to tuberculosis when he was very young, which is thought to draw parallels with Mahito losing his mother in a hospital fire. 

In an interview with Deadline, producer and Studio Ghibli cofounder Toshio Suzuki spoke about Miyazaki making a more personal film - the filmmaker stepped out of retirement to make the movie. Suzuki said "[Miyazaki]’s never done a film where he himself is the protagonist, so he felt that he needed to do that while he’s alive. His past works had a female protagonist, but this time he wanted to tell his own story, so the protagonist was going to be a boy."

The Boy and the Heron: Voice cast

The film was dubbed by a host of well known faces for its international release, including:

• Luca Padovan as Mahito Maki
• Robert Pattinson as The Grey Heron
• Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi
• Gemma Chan as Natsuko
• Christian Bale as Shoichi Maki
• Mark Hamill as Granduncle
• Florence Pugh as Kiriko
• Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican
• Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King
• Denise Pickering as Izumi (Maid #1)
• Barbara Rosenblat as Utako (Maid #2)
• Melora Harte as Eriko (Maid #3)
• Barbara Goodson as Aiko (Maid #4)
• Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori and Dan Stevens as Parakeets

Many viewers have shared their surprise that Robert Pattinson voiced the character of the Heron. As an apparently unusual choice, some have said he was unrecognisable, and absolutely nailed the voice as if he'd been anime voice acting for some time. 

According to Indie Wire, voice director Michael Sinterniklaas was initially doubtful Pattinson was the right man for the job too. He said "When Pattinson’s name came up, I thought he’s a fine actor but there was nothing in his body of work to indicate that he could do this crazy thing." 

He added "When he came to our studio in L.A., he was like 'OK, I’ve been thinking about this role and I recorded some stuff. Do you want to hear it?' And he whips out his iPhone and plays some stuff that he’s just been doing in the Memos app and it was already the voice. I was like, 'Oh, bingo, you’ve already got the character.'"

Where can you watch The Boy and the Heron?

The Boy and the Heron is still being shown at select cinemas across the country - check out the listings at your nearest venue to see if yours is one of them.

Apart from that, the movie isn't currently available to buy or stream. It remains unknown which streamer the film will be added to, although an announcement is expected soon. 

For more on age suitability, we looked into whether Madame Web is suitable for kids, and whether the new Doctor Who is for younger audiences. If you're looking for something a bit different and want to try Only Murders in the Building, we've also got the lowdown on the age rating for this one too.

If you have an anime loving child, check out this list of shows - from old favourites to brand new finds, you'll discover more about what they're getting stuck into.

Anime is a style of animation from Japan, defined by colourful hand-drawn or computer-generated graphics. Characters are often instantly recognisable and storylines of anime shows and movies are filled with fantastical themes - there has even been live-action versions of popular anime, including Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender. In Japan, any sort of animation is referred to as anime, whereas in the rest of the world, the term refers specifically to animation originating from Japan.

While other popular animations have covered the anxieties of modern parenting or encourages kids to face their fears, anime has been applauded for consistently teaching kids positive messages. The storylines often cover the power of resilience, self-discovery, and fighting for what's right. Its popularity around the world continues to soar - especially with anime movie The Boy and the Heron scooping an Oscar. The increased availability of streaming platforms and anime titles being added to them, has also seen a rise of the anime market. Reports suggest approximately 72 per cent of people watch anime regularly in the US, and the industry is currently worth around USD 31.23 billion and seeing annual growth rates. 

If your kids love anime, take a look at this list of shows - there's something for all ages, from very small children, right up to teens. Some shows are only available to stream on Crunchyroll - for those unfamiliar with this platform, it's focused entirely on distributing anime films and television series. A free trial can be set up to try it out, with membership prices starting from £4.99 per month.

10 Anime shows for kids

1. Naruto

Age rating: 10+ | Where to watch: Prime Video, Crunchyroll

Naruto is a popular anime series based on the Masashi Kishimoto's manga series of the same name. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is ninja looking for recognition from those around him, harbouring dreams of becoming a Hokage, or village leader. The first series follows Naruto in his pre-teen years, with a sequel series named Naruto: Shippuden, set during his teens. 

The show has garnered thousands of positive reviews online. One Google reviewer wrote "Naruto, a tale of epic proportions, has left an everlasting impression on my heart. The story line is nothing short of extraordinary, weaving a tapestry of emotions, action, and personal growth that resonates deeply with its viewers. From the very first episode to the exhilarating finale, Naruto's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit."

2. Haikyu!!

Age rating: 12+ | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Haikyu!! is based on the manga series of the same name by Haruichi Furudate. The series follows Shoyo Hinata on a mission to achieve his dream of overcoming his short stature to become a great volleyball player. The Karasuno High School volleyball team also feature in the show, which has secondary storylines focusing on the relationship between Hinata and fellow player, Tobio Kageyama.

Also bringing in the positive reviews in droves, one Google reviewer wrote an emotional account of their experience watching it. They said "Just watch it and you'll know for yourself how outstanding Haikyu!! actually is! It has turned out to be a huge influence for me in a lot of ways. There's so much to learn from this anime and I'm not only talking about volleyball but life in general. You will fall in love with almost every character introduced throughout." 

3. My Hero Academia

Age rating: 12+ | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

With six seasons and several films, My Hero Academia is quite the anime franchise. It's set in a world where the majority of the population have superpowers called 'Quirks.' Some enhanced by quirks go on to earn the title of Heroes, bringing those who abuse their Quirks to justice. Protagonist Izuku Midoriya hopes to become a Hero, despite not actually developing a Quirk. After meeting his hero All Might, Izuku is chosen by All Might to inherit his Quirk...

Looking at some reviews from young people on Common Sense Media, most of them enjoyed the show, but had a few warnings. They felt some of the female characters were over sexualised, and there were some inappropriate references. The series is said to be more violent than other anime shows aimed at the same audience age. Parents might want to take a look before deciding if they want their kids to see it. 

4. Little Witch Academia

Age rating: 7+ | Where to watch: Netflix

This popular series is set at the Luna Nova Magical Academy, a prestigious school for young girls to undertake witch training. Atsuko 'Akko' Kagari arrives at Luna Nova Magical Academy, inspired by a witch named Shiny Chariot. Not having a magical background means Akko initially struggles until she a special relic - the Shiny Rod, left behind by Chariot which contains powerful magic...

Google reviewers suggest the series really is appropriate for much younger children, and parents enjoyed watching it with kids aged between 7 - 12. Some likened it to Harry Potter, with a similar plot depicting an arrival at a magical school, and the ensuing world building that draws you right in. 

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Age rating: 6+ | Where to watch: Netflix, Sky, Paramount+

Currently a live action hit on Netflix, Avatar: The Last Airbender began life as a Nickelodeon cartoon in 2005. The action takes place in a world where humans are split between four nations - the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Each nation has people known as 'benders,' who have telekinetic abilities to manipulate the element corresponding to their nation. An 'Avatar' is a special individual with the power to bend all four elements.

The show was a huge hit, and one of the network's most successful animations for the 6-11 age group. It received critical acclaim for its cultural references and themes not often explored by kids, including genocide, imperialism, and freedom to choose. The series won multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and Kids' Choice Award. Parents enjoyed the show just as much as their kids, so if you're looking to get into anime with your little ones, this could be the perfect place to start.

6. The Legend of Korra

Age rating: 8+ | Where to watch: Netflix, Paramount+

If you and the kids loved Avatar: The Last Airbender, then you're sure to love its sequel. As ATLA before it, The Legend of Korra was created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for Nickelodeon. The sequel ran for 52 episodes between April 2012, and December 2014. It was then continued in the form of a comic book series.

Set in a similarly ATLA universe, The Legend of Korra also depicts benders manipulating water, earth, fire, or air. Protagonist Korra, is the successor and reincarnation of Aang from the original series. As the world modernizes around her, Korra must act in the face of political and spiritual unrest. 

7. School Babysitters

Age rating: 13+ | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

When their parents die suddenly in a plane crash, brothers Ryūichi and Kotarō are left orphaned and without a home. The pair are offered places at the prestigious Morinomiya Academy with free tuition and accommodation, on one condition - oldest brother Ryuichi must help out at the school's daycare, alongside his regular studies. 

Despite the slightly older age rating, School Babysitters has been described as sweet and charming. One Google reviewer wrote "Wow, this anime really melts your heart with cute and wholesome moments with life lessons as extra baggage. If you want a heartwarming anime then this is the one. This anime had amazing voice actors, great animation, great life lessons."

8. Pokémon

Age rating: All ages | Where to watch: BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video

With countless series, movies, specials, video games and cards being swapped in playgrounds up and down the country, Pokémon has to be one of the most recognisable anime franchises. It began life as a pair of role-playing games, before becoming a Game Boy game. The manga series, trading cards and anime series followed, and the world soon went Pokémon crazy. It's now thought Pokémon could be the world's highest-grossing media franchise. 

The franchise is largely suitable for kids of all ages, and therefore perfect for any really young children just starting their anime journey. Most of the series, films and specials are rated U, but some have a TV-7 rating for some very mild violence. It's also not difficult to find, and most households are likely to have a catchup or streaming service containing Pokémon somewhere.

9. Spy X Fmily

Age rating: 13+ | Where to watch: Crunchyroll

Spy X Family follows a spy who has to create a fake family as part of a mission. However, the daughter he adopts is a telepath, and the woman who takes on the role of his wife is a trained assassin. As a more recent anime television series, this one hit screens in April 2022, with a second season in 2023. A film called Spy X Family Code: White, was released in Japan in December 2023, and will make its way worldwide in 2024.

One Google reviewer wrote "A very fresh and new concept of an anime. A story about a spy that is required to find a new family for the mission is unusual. The comedy, action, plot, character development and animation works well together making it one of the best anime. The adventures of the characters get better as they become more of a family."

10. Ponyo

Age rating: 5+ | Where to watch: Netflix

If you want to give an anime movie a try, Ponyo is hugely popular. It's also family friendly, with an age rating of 5+, and is easily streamable on Netflix. The tale follows a goldfish princess who ventures to the shore. She meets a boy named Sosuke, who gives her the name Ponyo. As their friendship grows, Ponyo longs to become human, and she eventually becomes more humanlike. Sosuke's father tries to return her to the ocean, but she manages to escape. In breaking free, she spills a collection of magical elixirs that endanger Sosuke's village. 

A Rotten Tomatoes audience member said "Ponyo is a sweetly innocent and charming adventure that while is certainly geared for children, has plenty of appeal for all ages. The theme of this movie is a simple yet true one and I enjoyed watching it. The characters are likable and the animation is gorgeously colourful."

For more in what to watch with kids, we looked at why Bluey is different to other kids' shows and why it gets approval from the experts. For more nostalgic TV, one mum has shared why she loves watching Gladiators with her kids, and with Byker Grove set to make a return, we look at the original cast and answer the question: Where are they now?

When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton take centre stage in the third instalment of the steamy drama.

Fans of the show rejoice, because season 3 of Bridgerton is on its way. This time around, viewers can feast their eyes on Colin mentoring Penelope to increase her confidence and find a husband, while grappling with his ever-growing feelings for her. Could the flirtation and banter turn into something quite steamy for the pair? Everyone will surely be hoping so. 

The lure of the show is strong, with those tuning in wanting to find out where Bridgerton was filmed, in the hope of visiting the locations. The successful spin-off also had fans needing to know if Queen Charlotte was based on a real queen, while both shows have prompted an upturn in the rise of Bridgerton baby names. For the Bridgerton universe enthusiasts, here's everything we know about the upcoming series. 

When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out?

Bridgerton season 3 part 1 is coming out on May 16, and season 3 part 2 will land on June 13.   

Showrunner Jess Brownell chatted to Deadline about what she was most looking forward to this season, telling the publication the upcoming episodes will "Make a lot of people who’ve ever had an unrequited crush or felt like an underdog before, feel very seen." Producer Shonda Rhimes added "I think what I’m most excited about for the fans and for everybody is that usually we’re meeting a new person who’s falling in love with one of our regulars. This time, we know the people who are falling in love. We’re already rooting for them, because we already know them."

Not willing to give too much away about the upcoming instalment, Brownell, Rhimes and author of the original book series, Julia Quinn, did offer one snippet of information. They confirmed the moment from the book where Colin cuts his hand and Penelope helps him dress the wound, has made its way to the screen.

Quinn said "It’s kind of their first true moment of intimacy, emotionally, but also, even touching somebody’s hand in Regency times was really quite risqué." There will also be another prominent story bubbling away this season, covering Penelope and Eloise's friendship, which was not in a good place at the end of season 2. 

Eloise actress Claudia Jessie, said "I love to say we start Episode 1 and they’re back together. They’re not." The actress added "They’re so young. I always try to remind myself how young they are. Eloise comes from a really comfortable place, a really comfortable background, a very nurturing environment. And this is a big blow. The first, especially with a friendship at that age, is so huge. So there’s a lot."

There's certainly a lot going on and a lot to look forward to - roll on May 16!

Will Daphne and the Duke be in season 3 of Bridgerton?

Sadly, Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page will not be returning as Daphne and the Duke, Simon Bassett, for Bridgerton season 3.

Regé-Jean Page was only ever going to appear in season 1 of the show. Phoebe Dynevor did have a role in season 2, but has now confirmed she won't be back for the third outing. Speaking to Variety, Dynevor said "Well I did my two seasons. I’ve done what I wanted to do with that character and she had a great arc. If they ask me back in the future, who knows?" 

Jess Brownwell also alluded to Phoebe's character arc being complete, and moving the show forward by telling different stories. She said season 3 is "Colin and Penelope’s time," adding "because we’ve been watching both of these actors on our screens since Season 1, we’ve already invested in them a little bit. We know who they are as people. 

"I feel like, especially in the last season, there are these moments of tension between them where it’s like, Colin walks up to the line of almost realizing that Penelope has feelings for him but doesn’t quite get there. Instead of treading water on that dynamic, we wanted to push it into their season. It really felt like the perfect moment to tee it up."

How many episodes will Bridgerton season 3 have?

There will be eight episodes of Bridgerton season 3 altogether.  The first four episodes will make up Part 1 of the series, with the the second four comprising Part 2.  

Nicola Coughlan opened up to ET about what to expect from season 3, and how it differs from the previous seasons. "Season 1 was about passion. Season 2 was about longing. Season 3 is romance. It's so romantic," the actress said.

She added "Luke and I read the books at the beginning of season 1, and it was funny to us. We were like, 'Imagine if we have to kiss and do this.' And then season 3 came around and we were like, 'Oh god,' and then it's like, it's my friend. I have to kiss my friend."

"And you can't pretend to kiss someone, you have to really kiss them," she emphasised, summing up with "It's a spicy one. It's a lot of the stuff from the books that the fans expect has made it into the show." 

Bridgerton season 3 episode titles

Season 3 Part 1

• Episode 1: Out of the Shadows
• Episode 2: How Bright the Moon
• Episode 3: Forces of Nature
• Episode 4: Old Friends 

Season 3 Part 2

• Episode 5: Tick Tock
• Episode 6: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
• Episode 7: Joining of Hands
• Episode 8: Into the Light

Bridgerton season 3: Cast

• Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
• Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
• Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
• Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
• Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma
• Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
• Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
• Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury
• Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
• Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown

For more on the Bridgerton universe, we looked at where Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton story filmed. We also answered burning questions about the show, such as what happened to Reynolds, and exactly what illness does King George have? 

Is Wicked Little Letters a true story? We delve into what really happened when a series of poison pen letters shocked a sleepy 1920s seaside town, and whether Rose Gooding was a real person who sent them.  

After enjoying a run last year in cinemas, Wicked Little Letters has arrived on Netflix. With a stellar cast headed up by the inimitable Olivia Colman and the excellent Jessie Buckley, the period romp tells the story of neighbours Edith Swan and Rose Gooding, living in the seaside town of Littlehampton in the 1920s. Buckley stars as Irish immigrant, Rose Gooding, who becomes an unlikely best friend to her ultra conservative neighbour (Colman). 

After a falling out involving Edith calling child services to tell them Rose isn't a good parent, Edith finds herself on the receiving end of a series of obscene letters - and immediately points the finger at Rose. Soon, other residents of the town receive similar letters and a full blown scandal is born, leading to the town’s only woman police officer determined to get to the bottom of the tale. If you're wondering whether the film is based on real events, we reveal everything we know about Wicked Little Letters. 

Is Wicked Little Letters a true story?

Yes, Wicked Little Letters is based on the very much true story of Edith Swan and Rose Gooding, in 1920s Littlehampton.

Rose Gooding moved to the Sussex seaside town in 1918. Unusual for the time, it was believed she had given birth out of wedlock, before marrying husband Bill. Rose's sister, Ruth, also lived with Rose and Bill. Rose wasn't Irish as depicted in the film, but was considered to be of lower class and moral standards to her conservative neighbour, Edith. Edith was a spinster, caring for her parents and two older brothers who all lived together in the same house.

According to the West Sussex Record Office, The Goodings and the Swans shared a garden, and Edith initially sparked up an unlikely friendship with her new neighbour. They shared chutneys and knitting patterns, and bonded over domestic chores. However, the shared garden soon became a source of friction between them, and they began arguing over it.

Just after Easter in 1920, Edith reported Rose to the NSPCC for allegedly bringing harm to her children. Soon after this, Edith began receiving poison pen letters full of profanity. Other members of the nearby community quickly began reporting they had been posted similarly rude letters. As they were signed with Rose's initials, it was easy to believe she'd sent them. 

Edith sought legal advice, and Rose was held in prison until a case could be built against her. With no evidence to prove the handwriting in the letters belonged to Rose, she was still convicted of sending them and sentenced to remain in prison for another two months. 

Following Rose's release in December 1920, the letters to Littlehampton residents resumed once again. In January 1921, Edith reported Rose to the police as the suspected culprit, and the process of bringing the case to court again began. The jury requested to view Edith’s handwriting to compare it against the letters, but this was denied. It appeared nobody thought Edith could be behind them as a way of getting back at Rose for their falling out. Rose was once again found guilty, and this time sentenced to 12 months in prison with hard labour. 

To everyone's surprise, the poison pen letters were still arriving on local residents' doorsteps, even with Rose in prison. This meant Rose could not have been behind them, as all correspondence sent from the prison was checked and she would have been found out. This further fuelled suspicions that Edith was behind the notes - blotting papers with discernible words used in the letters were found during a search of her home. 

With this evidence, Rose had her conviction overturned two months into her sentence, and she was awarded £250 in compensation. With the letters still circulating, PC Gladys Moss was assigned to the case in September, 1921. Observing Edith and Rose, Gladys witnessed Edith throwing a letter into a neighbour's garden. It was found to contain offensive words, and Edith was eventually arrested for this single count of criminal libel. 

During her trial, which attracted nationwide press attention, Edith was found not guilty. The letters continued and were still being sent in 1923. Determined to nail the case against Edith, the police and the General Post Office worked together to set a trap for her. A batch of stamps marked with invisible ink was delivered to the post office Edith used, and the staff instructed to only sell these to her. Once she was seen posting letters, they were retrieved for analysis using the invisible ink to link them to her. 

Letters penned by Edith and bearing the special stamps were found to be of an obscene nature. She was charged on July 4, and later found guilty at her trial. Edith was sentenced to twelve months in prison with hard labour, as Rose had been before her. Finally, the saga of the Littlehampton poison pen letters was over.

What happened to Rose Gooding in real life?

Rose Gooding continued to live in Littlehampton, and records exist proving she and Bill were still residents there in 1939. 

Find My Past has details of the couple still living in the area on the 1939 Register. Very little else is known about Rose, who likely would have been grateful to leave the incident behind her and live out a quiet life with her husband and family.

Such was the disbelief that a lady such as Edith could be responsible for sending such letters, her mental health at the time was brought into question. The Guardian spoke to social historian Emily Cockayne, an expert consultant on the film who has researched the lives of Edith and Rose in depth. Emily believes Edith's history could have resulted in mental health imbalance.

She was the youngest of 13 children, and at the age of 30 was still living in her childhood home, caring for two brothers and both parents. Cockayne’s research found the brothers to be possibly mentally unstable, while Edith shared a room with her parents. Police at the time described her father as "an irritable and excitable old man who would not be very difficult to upset." With no time to be herself, Cockayne believed Edith could have felt trapped and frustrated by her circumstances, relieving her feelings by sending obscene letters.

Find My Past confirms that Edith possibly was blighted by mental health issues. They report that by 1939 she was listed as an 'incapacitated' patient, living at an institution in Worthing. She died in the institution in 1959, at the age of 68.

Wicked Little Letters: Cast

• Olivia Colman (The Favourite, Wonka) as Edith Swan
• Jessie Buckley (Chernobyl, Fargo) as Rose Gooding
• Anjana Vasan (We Are Lady Parts, Killing Eve) as PC Gladys Moss
• Malachi Kirby (Boiling Point, Devils) as Bill
• Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, The Sixth Commandment) as Edward Swan
• Joanna Scanlan (The Larkins, The Light in The Hall) as Ann
• Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones, Gentleman Jack) as Victoria Swan
• Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, Saltburn) as Kate
• Eileen Atkins (The Crown, Doc Martin) as Mabel
• Alisha Weir (Matilda: The Musical) as Nancy Gooding, Rose's daughter
• Hugh Skinner (The Windsors, The Witcher) as Constable Papperwick
• Richard Goulding (The Crown, A Very British Scandal) as Mr. Scales
• Jason Watkins (SAS: Rogue Heroes, The Catch) as Mr. Treading

Wicked Little Letters: Reviews

Although many films garner mixed reviews on their release, Wicked Little Letters appears extreme - critics and viewers either love it, or hate it.

Peter Bradshaw from the Guardian offered the film two stars, writing "Wicked Little Letters is a depressing, obvious, clunky waste of a stellar cast. Any wider comment on the strange, sad nature of the scandal this film is based on is sidestepped in favour of broad laughs and superficiality."

However, Clarisse Loughrey from the Independent offered the film four stars. She said "If there are no other pleasures to Wicked Little Letters beyond the tome’s worth of expletives launched by Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, then so be it. That’s plenty enough to sustain this witty, joyously written piece of forgotten history, scripted by comedian Jonny Sweet. The camera looks up to Colman and Buckley in adulation, often allowing their features to seize the entire frame. Here’s a film that understands perfectly well that the two of them are all we need to enjoy ourselves."

There was similar discord between those who wrote reviews on Google. One person shares "I can't believe anyone thought it would be worthwhile to make a movie about nothing, and fill it with cliches and stereotypes. And I can't believe I watched it - or at least most of it, and then fast forwarded the last bits."

However, there were also plenty of five star reviews with another writing, "While Wicked Little Letters may not be garnering universal critical acclaim, it proved to be a delightful surprise for me. The film's charm lies in its embrace of simplicity. Eschewing a convoluted plot in favour of its true-story foundation, the narrative allows the fantastic comedic performances and engaging characters to take centre stage. Critics seeking a labyrinthine plot might find themselves wanting, but for those seeking a heartwarming and humorous experience, Wicked Little Letters delivers." 

For more on dealing with family conflict in the way Edith and Rose do with their respective families, we have some advice, along with why the pair should've implemented more boundaries in their relationship with one another. Edith claimed to have grown up lacking affection, which is why she could've developed the personality she did.

Are you wondering which MAFS couples have babies? We take a look at contestants from the UK and Australia who went on to make baby announcements.

Married at First Sight is the sort of engrossing, addictive TV that keeps audiences coming back for more. Always on the lookout for the latest season, those asking for the MAFS Australia start date for this year are eager to meet the 2024 cast from the other side of the world. As soon as a series comes to an end, fans furiously search to find out whose love went the distance, and who is still together when the credits have finished rolling. 

For the couples whose relationships survived, viewers hope they'll take their commitment to the next level, and brings MAFS babies into the world. For anyone wondering which MAFS UK and Australia success stories have gone on to make baby announcements and hear the pitter patter of tiny feet - here's everything you need to know.

Which MAFS couples have babies?

Tayah and Adam

Tayah and Adam were one of the matched couples from MAFS UK in 2021. Just after their first anniversary, the couple announced via Instagram they were expecting their first child. In April, 2022, Tayah shared a picture of the pair and her blooming bump, with the caption "The news is finally out and I still can’t quite believe I’m typing this, but we’re having a baby." 

Daughter Beau arrived the following October, with Tayah again using Instagram to write "7th October, the day our lives completely changed. Introducing you all to our precious girl, Beau Emily Aveling, we are completely besotted, she is perfect in every single way. To my Adam, I didn’t think I could love you even more but seeing you with our daughter completely fills my heart."

Little Beau marks the first, and only MAFS baby from any UK series. 

Cam and Jules

Cam and Jules Robinson were one of the MAFS Australia season six success stories. Just after their 2020 wedding, Jules shared a video of herself in labour, to announce the arrival of their son. The star wrote "I would do it a thousand times again for you Oliver Chase Merchant. Our little man has arrived healthy and beautiful, and my heart is full."

In February this year, Jules announced the couple were expecting baby number two. Alluding to possible difficulties conceiving, she wrote "We are having a baby! We are beyond so happy to share our wonderful news! It’s Been a long time in the making but we finally did it!" The new arrival is due in July, 2024. 

Bryce and Melissa

Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson took part in season eight of MAFS Australia. Despite initially not looking like they'd go the distance, the couple remain together and now have adorable twin boys. Identical duo Levi and Tate were born 10 weeks early, in October 2021.

At the time, Melissa wrote on Instagram "On October 16th, 2021, our lives changed forever. Our beautiful twin boys, Levi and Tate Ruthven entered this world 10 weeks earlier than expected. Our love for them is greater than anything we could have ever imagined and while these next 9 weeks are going to be agony as they battle their way through NICU and SCN, I cannot wait for that moment where they are in my arms on their way home."

After sharing their NICU journey, the boys appear to be thriving and keeping their doting parents on their toes. They celebrated their second birthday with some Bluey themed antics, and Melissa's account of motherhood is very honest and refreshing.

Zoe and Alex

Zoe Hendrix and Alex Garner got together all the way back in the first season of MAFS Australia. Daughter Harper-Rose arrived in November 2016, but Zoe and Alex split in 2018. The former couple continue to co-parent their daughter together, and Alex now has a new partner named Jen McCann. Alex and Jen have a son together, named Hudson. Zoe has gone quiet on social media, and hasn't posted to Instagram since 2020 - it is unknown whether she is in a new relationship.

The publication 9Now reported on the reasons Zoe offered for the couple's split. She said, "In hindsight, I have learned that you don't know who you've married until you have a child. Sometimes it's not what you agreed and it's not how you thought things were going to go. I was surprised to find that I was doing a lot more than I thought I would be doing, often all by myself. Day in day out."

Zoe continued "I would say I'm quite a modern woman. I have modern views about parenting and gender roles. But I would say that that wasn't a shared attitude." She added, "I didn't really realise this until after we had our child. I've learned a lot from that experience."

If you're wondering what became of your other favourite MAFS couples, we've got the lowdown on whether Matt and Adrienne are still together, and what you need to know about Ros and Thomas. If you've pondered what became of Ella and JJ - we've also got this one covered.

A great big dose of nostalgia was just what everyone needed heading into another uncertain year, and I'm loving every second of the resurrected Gladiators.

It's fair to say that 90s kids up and down the country were shocked and reminiscing hard when the announcement of a Gladiators return was made back in the summer. The original series ran from 1992 - 2000, with a couple of specials popping up in the years afterwards. The show was top of the playground talk at the time - everyone had a favourite Gladiator (mine was Jet) and picked out the contender they were most rooting for. Now, 24 years later, the muscle machines are back, and us fans of the original can relive our best childhood memories with our own kids.

The arrival of Gladiators back on our screens marks a brilliant year for those who think wistfully back to great TV gone by. Wheel of Fortune returned at the start of 2024, and Byker Grove and Deal of No Deal reboots are set to join TV schedules later on. Tuning into Gladiators once again has been more than just something fun to do with my children on a Saturday night. It's prompted a serious trip down memory lane, and brings my family back together at a time we are fragmenting as the kids break away to start venturing off to do their own things. Here's why I love watching it with them so much.

Why I love watching Gladiators with my kids

I was eight when Gladiators first started and, along with my brother, we didn't miss an episode. If we weren't keeping an eye on the time to head home ourselves, our mum would just go to the back door and shout "GLADIATORS!" into the abyss of places we could be playing and hope we'd hear.

We always heard and were usually in the unused bit of land near our house that nobody knew who owned it, but it was often mysteriously re-fenced. We ignored these frequent attempts by a faceless person to keep us out, and always found a way around, over, or under their obvious signs we weren't welcome.

Sometimes, we'd pile into someone else's house to watch it, or they'd congregate at ours. My mum would hurl down bean bags for us to sit on because we were never allowed to sit on the best sofa (the only sofa), and our Saturday night would get underway. We were mesmerised by the superhuman bodies, the theatre of it all (pantomime bad boy Wolf, looking at you) and edge-of-your-seat competition (The Travelator alone is enough to give any viewer anxiety palpitations).

I hadn't thought about any of this in years. But as soon as I heard the announcement of a Gladiators reboot, I messaged my brother with the news ("Have you SEEN THIS??!!") and promptly needed to make my own children excited about it too. I ran to their rooms and said all in one breath "There's a series coming back that I watched as a kid, and you'll LOVE it, and we need to watch it and here's what it'll look like," while I showed them first-look pictures. They were nonplussed. There was abject disappointment on my part.

For me and my brother, there were only four channels to choose from, and even then only a small selection of shows for kids. My own children have multiple streaming services at their disposal, and even then tend to favour easily digestible content like YouTube shorts. It's hard for them to muster enthusiasm among so many choices, especially for something their mum watched years before they were born. But I managed (possibly with bribery) to get them to watch the first rebooted Gladiators episode with me.

And they LOVED it. I also loved it, but it took me on a trip down memory lane that I really wasn't anticipating. As soon as the theme tune started, (exactly the same as the original), I felt unexpectedly emotional, and I wasn't sure why. I put those feelings on hold at the time, to just enjoy doing something with my children as a family (my husband was a little old for the original Gladiators, but he's joined our family viewings with gusto).

We have our family favourites - we all love Nitro because of the immense fun and energy he brings, and I reckon he'd be the best company on a night out. My youngest is a keen rugby player, and Fury is one of our faves. I like her because she strikes the right balance between staying in character but having a good connection with the audience and competitors, and now my little boy knows she's a ruby player, she's rocketed to his top Gladiator.

Giant's thighs have to get an honourable mention, because, WOWZERS. Anyone with the dedication to grow their thighs to the size of a Mexican Cypress tree trunk deserves a massive round of applause. The kids find Legend hilarious ("Here's the one that trash talks everyone") they say seriously, with the wisdom of small people who've watched too much rubbish American YouTube. Meanwhile, I hope he's not like that in real life, because he uncomfortably reminds me of all the dubious men that hung out in clubs I frequented in the noughties that I'd really rather forget.

Circling back afterwards to how watching Gladiators made me feel and that stab of emotion brought about some sort of existential crisis. Hearing Mark Clattenburg yell "Gladiators, ready!" and sound so much like John Anderson, brought back vivid recollections of my childhood. I almost felt I could reach out and touch the spiky fence I almost impaled myself on once, in my haste to get home to watch. The tree my brother once fell out of and nearly broke his hip, the bang of Eddie at number 25's silver garage door as we tripped and fell into it so many times because the ground by it was so uneven.

They're memories of a life unencumbered by adult worries, that I don't usually think of. Reminiscing sometimes makes me want so much to be back there in that time. Not thinking about the best time of your life is sometimes easier - it was confronting to have these feelings forced on me by a kid's TV show. There was also the emotion of finally having shared ground with my kids. They both love football, rugby, and would generally choose to watch sport-based TV. Gladiators is the only sport-related series I've ever liked. I show the obligatory enthusiasm in what they generally like to view, but would secretly prefer to watch something altogether different. 

To have a real, bona fide shared interest, has been a game changer. I think the children, sensing my enthusiasm, have upped their own. Having previously not shown any intrigue in my life before they arrived, they're now full of questions about the Gladiators of my day, and the games I played as a kid. This offers me relief that they're finally venturing into the development stage of demonstrating awareness that life doesn't revolve around them. They won't be lifelong miniature narcissists that young children are, and want to know about our life and history - I wonder when this would've happened without Gladiators to prompt it.

I also often feel a pressure to have conversations with my children about what they're watching. Modern parenting often means picking out themes from what's being shown to your children, and trying to make them better people because of it. I'm always searching for the broader conversation around equality, gender roles, consent, body shapes - it's exhausting.

I don't want to minimise the importance of such communication with my children, but sometimes I just want to eat handfuls of popcorn and switch off from them for a bit. That's why I love watching Gladiators with my kids so much - the only big question I've had from them, is "How do you get a body like that?" Hard work, dedication, and a generous dose of winning the genetic lottery, darling. What a beautifully untaxing answer, free of will-I-get-this-right-have-I-said-the-right-thing self doubt.

Saturday afternoons are my new favourite time. I take the children to the shop where we all choose our Gladiators snack. I clock watch, in a similar way that I did over 30 years ago, and shout "GLADIATORS!" in the same way my mum did. Then, we all sit down for some unadulterated, harmless fun and entertainment - there's absolutely nothing better.     

For more on kids' TV, we looked at why Bluey is different to other shows for young kids, and how Netflix's Leo movie tackles the anxieties of modern parenting so well. Also on the streamer, Orion and the Dark encourages kids to face their fears, and we spoke to a therapist about how parents can do the same. 

Is Avatar: The Last Airbender for kids? The original Nickelodeon animation was for children aged seven and older - will Netflix's live action version have the same age rating?

Avatar: The Last Airbender ran as an animated fantasy action for three seasons, between 2005 - 2008. With rave reviews and a big following, the Nickelodeon original became one of the most viewed shows within its demographic. There was plenty of excitement when Netflix announced a live-action drama of the same name, to air from February 22, 2024.  The new series follows young Avatar, Aang, as he learns to master the four elements (Water, Earth, Fire, and Air) to bring balance to a world threatened by the Fire Nation. The series will also see the return of familiar faces Katara, Sokka, and Zuko, among many others.

Parents hoping to watch the show with their kids have been wondering about its suitability, in the same way many asked if the recent Doctor Who shows were OK for children. As part of the Spider-Verse, questions have been raised about Madame Web and whether it's suitable for kids, while the Barbie movie age rating caused quite a stir on the blockbuster's release last year. Want to know if you can watch Avatar: The Last Airbender with little ones? Read on for what you need to know. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender age rating - is Avatar for kids?

Avatar: The Last Airbender has been rated TV-14, meaning it's not appropriate for children under the age of 14. This is quite different to the animation, which was TV-Y7, and for anyone aged seven and over.

The UK equivalent of TV-14 is a 12 rating, offering a little leeway in how old a child has to be to view the content. To explain why the drama is for this age group, showrunner Albert Kim told IGN "So for us, it was about striking that right balance, of making sure you were true to the DNA of the original. But at the same time, we had to make it a serialized Netflix drama, which meant it couldn't just be for kids. It had to also appeal to the people who are big fans of Game of Thrones. And so, it had to feel grounded and mature and adult in that way too. So that's, like I said, the tightrope that we have to walk." 

He added that it could be difficult to pitch just how dark to make the series for the age of the audience. Watching some finished scenes back, they'd end up being cut if the crew thought they pushed the boundaries of suitability for the target demographics. 

Kim added "That's what I meant by saying there are mature themes and storylines throughout, but there's a way to play it so that it doesn't necessarily have to be that graphic in his depiction. And so, that's the thing we were always kind of watching out for."

Kim asserts he has made a show that will appeal across generations, as he originally watched the Nickelodeon cartoon with his daughter, and loved it. At the time, the general fandom consisted of a spectrum of ages outside of the 7 - 11 age group it was aimed at. As pointed out by Daniel Dae Kim (portraying Fire Lord Ozai), any kids enjoying the original will now be adults anyway.

He told EW "The kids who watched the animated version of Avatar are now grown-ups, and so they're ready for more grown-up fare." 

What will Avatar: The Last Airbender be about?

The official synopsis for the series reads: "Water. Earth. Fire. Air. The four nations once lived in harmony, with the Avatar, master of all four elements, keeping peace between them. But everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked and wiped out the Air Nomads, the first step taken by the firebenders towards conquering the world. With the current incarnation of the Avatar yet to emerge, the world has lost hope.

"But like a light in the darkness, hope springs forth when Aang, a young Air Nomad — and the last of his kind — reawakens to take his rightful place as the next Avatar. Alongside his newfound friends Sokka and Katara, siblings and members of the Southern Water Tribe, Aang embarks on a fantastical, action-packed quest to save the world and fight back against the fearsome onslaught of Fire Lord Ozai. 

"But with a driven Crown Prince Zuko determined to capture them, it won’t be an easy task. They’ll need the help of the many allies and colorful characters they meet along the way."

Aang actor, Gordon Cormier, spoke to Netflix Tudum about what he was hoping the series would achieve. He said "Avatar: The Last Airbender live action I feel like is going to bring everything you know and love about the original series back to life. And hopefully [it will] just bring a bunch of new fans who have never heard [of] the show before into this universe, and to me that’s pretty exciting. I’m a fan of the show personally, and I’m just as excited for this as you guys are."

How many episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender will there be?

There will be eight episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender altogether, and Netflix will drop all episodes at the same time, in great news for those looking for a binge watch.

Ian Ousley, who portrays Sokka, has weighed in on changes made to his character from the original animation. In an interview with EW, he and Kiawentiio Tarbell (Katara) suggested the original Sokka was a little sexist, and this wouldn't be a part of the live action version. 

Tarbell said "I feel like we also took out the element of how sexist [Sokka] was. I feel like there were a lot of moments in the original show that were iffy." Such moments included Sokka alluding to girls' jobs being to sew trousers back together, and boys being better at hunting and fighting. Ousley added "There are things that were redirected just because it might play a little differently [in live action]."

Avatar: The Last Airbender cast

• Gordon Cormier as Avatar Aang
• Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko
• Kiawentiio as Katara
• Ian Ousley as Sokka
• Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as Uncle Iroh
• Elizabeth Yu as Princess Azula
• Daniel Dae Kim as Fire Lord Ozaip
• Ken Leung as Commander Zhao
• Maria Zhang as Suki
• Lim Kay Siu as Gyatso
• A Martinez as Pakku
• Amber Midthunder as Princess Yue
• Yvonne Chapman as Avatar Kyoshi
• Tamlyn Tomita as Yukari
• Casey Camp-Horinek as Gran Gran
• C. S. Lee as Avatar Roku
• Danny Pudi as The Mechanist
• Utkarsh Ambudkar as King Bumi
• James Sie as the Cabbage Merchant
• Rainbow Dickerson as Kya
• Joel Montgrand as Hakoda
• Arden Cho as June
• Momona Tamada as Ty Lee
• Thalia Tran as Mai
• Joel Oulette as Hahn
• Nathaniel Arcand as Arnook
• Meegwun Fairbrother as Avatar Kuruk
• Irene Bedard as Yagoda
• Ryan Mah as Lieutenant Dang
• François Chau as the Great Sage
• Sebastian Amoruso as Jet
• Hiro Kanagawa as Fire Lord Sozin
• George Takei as Koh the Face Stealer
• Randall Duk Kim as Wan Shi Tong
• Lucian-River Chauhan as Teo
• Ruy Iskandar as Lieutenant Jee
• Taylor Lam Wright as the Duke
• Wes Valarao as Smellerbee
• Nathaniel Kong as Longshot

Kiawentiio Tarbell and director Albert Kim spoke to Inverse about making plans for a possible season two. Kiawentiio said of season one "We see lots of turmoil in Katara’s trauma and in her past with losing her mom, but I feel like there’s room to expand on that in further seasons."

Kim added "Fans will know that the original series, all three seasons, take place essentially within the course of a calendar year. That wasn’t something we could do. Our human actors will change and grow during that time."

He continued "So if the show returns for a second season, it wouldn’t be a big deal if the child actors were four years older than when they were first cast. Kiawentiio, who was 14 when cast, is 18 now. And she’s eager to do Season 2 and 'see what I would do with the character now.'"

For more in popular kids TV, we looked at why Bluey is different from other children's shows, and how its popularity is so enduring. We also have recommendations for the best Disney Plus kids films to watch as a family, and the best Easter movies for kids, with that celebration nearly upon us.

What is The Zone of Interest based on? As the haunting film brings in the accolades, we look at the story behind it and what happened to the Höss family after the war.

The Zone of Interest depicts the life of commandant of the Auschwitz concentration camp, Rudolf Höss, and the life he lives with his family next door to the death camp. In 1943, Höss and his wife Hedwig lived an idyllic existence with their five children, growing vegetables and flowers, picnicking by the river, with servants to help around the home. In stark contrast, an aural backdrop on the other side of the family's garden wall tells of the horrors going on, ignored, under their noses. Gunshots, shouting, furnaces, and the sound of trains arriving, offer harrowing insight into the depravity inflicted on those imprisoned in the camp. 

The film has already won three BAFTAs, and has been nominated for five Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. This has left audiences wondering what formed the basis of the story, and what happened to the Höss family when the war came to an end. Similarly, the crimes of drug lord Griselda Blanco also left viewers of Netflix's Griselda asking for the whereabouts of her children now, and what happened to her three husbands. Liz Golyar undertook a crime spree that took detectives years to unravel - Lover, Stalker, Killer raised questions about her current whereabouts too. 

What is The Zone of Interest based on?

The Zone of Interest is very loosely based on the 2014 novel of the same name, by Martin Amis. However, apart from sharing a title and two main characters, The Zone of Interest film really is quite different to the book. 

The book tells the story of a Nazi officer falling in love with the wife of a camp commandant. The officer is named Angelus Thomsen, while the commandant and his wife, Paul and Hannah Doll, are fictionalised versions of Rudolph and Hedwig Höss. The film is more of a real life character study of the Höss's, building an uncomfortable picture of their family life, rather than the dark humour of the love triangle found in the book. 

On book review site Good Reads, one reviewer wrote of the novel: "A comic novel set in Auschwitz is always going to be a hard feat to pull off but Amis' thrilling virtuosity with language quickly overrides all misgivings. In fact Amis' comedy works better at evoking the sheer insanity of the Nazis than the gravitas of the soul searching later in the novel." 

They added, "The story revolves around the commandant's difficult relationship with his wife and the challenge a serial womaniser, a nephew of Martin Bormann, sets himself to seduce her. All the insane horror of the camp is thus a backdrop to an elaborate tussle of sexual pride. I can think of few writers who write better than Amis does." 

Another said "Chilling. Absolutely chilling. A view into the wretched soul of the other side. Like looking at a bad car wreck. Sick to your stomach, but cannot help but look. And yet, among the carnage, humanity and love creep in. A page-turner for sure. One of the best books I have read in a long time.

"I understand that this book is supposed to be a satire. I thought I might have seen it in a couple places, maybe. If so, I think it very subtle."

What does The Zone of Interest refer to?

The Zone of Interest is a translation of the German word, 'interessengebiet.' Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps were cut off from the world with barbed wire fencing, and surrounded by around 40 square kilometres of ground to keep them isolated. These areas were also patrolled by guards, and named the interest zone, or interessengebiet.

The Höss family lived directly next to the camp and therefore within the zone of interest - presumably the inspiration for the book title. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Rudolph Höss maintained in his autobiography that his wife had no knowledge of what was going on at Auschwitz. 

However, this is disputed due to evidence that she selected expensive fur coats to wear, left behind by murdered prisoners, and had inmates working at her home undertaking forced labour. Historians have suggested she knew what was happening, but simply chose to be silently complicit. 

In the film, Hedwig certainly alludes to knowing what is going on just over her garden wall - at one point she tells one of her servants her husband could easily have her reduced to a pile of ash. Writer and director Jonathan Glazer spoke about the narrative decision to humanise Rudolph and Hedwig for the film. 

He said, "I wanted to dismantle the idea of them as anomalies, as almost supernatural. You know, the idea that they came from the skies and ran amok, but thank God that’s not us and it’s never going to happen again. I wanted to show that these were crimes committed by Mr. and Mrs. Smith at No. 26."

What happened to the real Rudolf Höss and his family?

Rudolph Höss was hanged on April 16, 1947, at the age of 45. The execution took place at Auschwitz, with around 100 witnesses - some of these included former prisoners of the camp he once commanded. 

After the war, he changed his name to Franz Lang and went on the run with his family. He was working as a gardener in Gottrupel, Schleswig-Holstein, when he was caught by Hanns Alexander. Alexander was a German Jew who took refuge in England in 1936. He later became one of the British Government's top Nazi hunters. 

While evading capture, Hedwig Höss was working in a sugar factory. She died in Washington DC in 1989 while visiting her daughter Brigitte who had emigrated there - she was 81 at the time. According to History Extra, her son Klaus had emigrated to New South Wales, and died in 1986 as a result of chronic alcohol abuse.

As per the Independent, Brigitte had moved to Spain after the war, and became a model for Balenciaga. She later met an Irish-American engineer and married in 1961, having two children. Her husband knew her history, but they never spoke of it, and her children and grandchildren knew nothing of it.

Brigitte was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and is likely deceased. Remaining siblings Annegret, Hans Jürgen, and Heidetraud, remained in Germany after the war, and it is unclear whether they are still alive. 

Those tuning into a Netflix war drama asked whether All The Light we Cannot See is based on a true story, and where the Steven Knight penned drama was filmed. For more wartime drama, we also looked at the basis for A Small Light, a story not often heard.

Married At First Sight Australia has returned Down Under, so viewers want to know when MAFS 2024 starts on UK TV.

The MAFS Australia 2024 cast are about to start their journey down the aisle, on their way to wed a person they have never met before. The show sees couples, who have been matched by relationship experts, get married, go on a honeymoon and live together for several weeks, before deciding whether they want to continue their relationship off screen. The reality dating show is known for explosive dinner parties and scandalous couple swapping, and has a dedicated fan base.

So, for those who have been keeping up with which couples have remained together from previous series, it will come as good news that Married at First Sight Australia has returned. And while the show has been airing Down Under for the past few weeks, we're now just days away from the UK premiere. Here's when MAFS Australia starts in 2024...

When does MAFS Australia 2024 start in the UK?

It has been confirmed that Married At First Sight Australia will start in the UK on Monday 26th February, at 7.30pm on E4. It is likely the series will follow the previous pattern of new episodes airing at the same time Mondays to Thursdays.

Mel Schilling, who appears on the show as one of the relationship experts, took to Instagram to announce the news. Fans were delighted by the big reveal, with one Instagram user commenting, "Look forward to it …looking great Mel", while another said, "Can’t wait!!!!"

A synopsis for the first episode reads, "In this first match, 29-year-old nutritionist Sara meets Tim, a 31-year-old online business owner, at the altar. Sparks soon fly between them, but a shocking revelation about Tim's dating history raises doubts for Sara. Meanwhile, 30-year-old Cassandra is matched with Tristan, an energetic entertainment manager from Sydney".

When did MAFS Australia start in 2024?

Married at First Sight Australia 2024 started on Monday 29 January on Channel 9 on Australian TV. The show returned for its 11th season Down Under but, as usual, UK fans have to wait a few more weeks to see it on their screens.

Viewers can expect a more diverse cast for this year's season - particularly when it comes to age. MAFS expert Mel Schilling, who also appears on the UK version of the show, previously told Heart, "This will be the most diverse group of people in Australia that we have ever had."

She added, "I think we're taking a leaf out of the UK version's book, particularly around age. In the Aussie one, we have a guy who's 64, we've got three people in their sort of late 40's early 50's, which is really different for us."

Mel revealed that this change in casting has made for an interesting series, saying: "All of a sudden we have these elders in the group, some of them with wisdom and some of them not so much. In fact some of them could learn a lot from the millennials in the group. So it’s fascinating."

How to watch MAFS Australia in 2024

MAFS Australia will be bradcast on E4 in the UK, with new episodes airing at 7.30pm every Monday-Thursday. Following each episode's broadcast, the series will be available to catch up on Channel 4's streaming service.

Who are the experts on MAFS Australia 2024?

Relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, and clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla will be returning for the 2024 matchmaking experiment.

UK viewers might recognise Mel Schilling from Married at First Sight UK, in which she also appears as one of the experts alongside Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas.

In other TV news, we've looked at where the Madam Blanc Mysteries is filmed and where Liz Golyar is now from Netflix's Lover, Stalker, Killer. You might also want to know what happened to Griselda's three husbands, after the life of notorious criminal Griselda Blanco has got TV fans hooked.

Is Madame Web suitable for kids? If this is a question you've been asking, we've looked into the age rating of Dakota Johnson's Marvel movie.

Dakota Johnson's Madame Web is the latest character from the expanding Spider-Verse to get a film of her own, as Sony's partnership with Marvel has seen an upturn in Spidey-related projects make their way to cinemas. Originally an elderly clairvoyant in the comics, Madame Web has morphed into a paramedic living in Manhattan named Cassie. She develops psychic powers following an accident, and is initially something of a reluctant hero. As a standalone story that has been described as a psychological thriller, parents have been wondering whether Madame Web is suitable to view with young children. 

Parents recently asked the same question about The Boy and the Heron age rating, after it scooped and Oscar and they want to watch it with their kids. Others looking for more anime-related shows wondered if Netflix's live action Avatar: The Last Airbender is for young children. There was a big discussion dedicated to the Barbie movie age rating on the blockbuster's release last year - a lot of people weren't expecting the classification it was given. Here's everything you need to know before sitting down to watch Madame Web with your kids. 

Madame Web age rating: Is Madame Web suitable for kids?

Madame Web has been given a PG-13 rating, meaning parents are strongly cautioned against letting children under the age of 13 view it. 

This rating is usually given when a film contains material inappropriate for kids, such as strong language, violence, or depictions of sex and drug-use. Common Sense Media offers views from parents on whether they agree with age ratings, and if they'd let kids watch something classified unsuitable. The majority of parents on the site agreed that kids should be around 12-13 before enjoying Madame Web.

The general consensus was that violence in the film isn't constant, but there are shootings, stabbings, physical assaults, and characters are poisoned. The only nudity comes when a minor character goes home with a man she doesn't know, and appears in her bra before the situation turns dangerous. Those who reviewed the film felt the bad language was fairly minor, if those watching are familiar with low-level swearing.

A major positive coming from many parents relates to the female-centred plot containing many positive messages. The power of women as leaders with the ability to control the path of their lives are important conversations to have with young people watching the film. Accepting responsibility and facing your past with bravery are depicted through the narrative, along with the benefits of teamwork and dependable friendships. However, for those hoping to get the popcorn out and watch with young kids - it looks like you'll need to wait until they're tweens or teens before tuning in to Madame Web.

What does Madame Web have to do with Spider-Man?

The original Madame Web first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man comics in November 1980. She is a supporting character and clairvoyant, who helps Spider-Man solve crime. Her first case with Spidey involved using her powers to locate a kidnapping victim. The first Madame Web is elderly, blind and paralyzed, suffering from myasthenia gravis.

Her autoimmune illness results in her being connected to a life support system with the appearance of a spider's web. The trajectory of Madame Web's life was altered for the film, when she was cured of myasthenia gravis in the womb. While pregnant with Cassie, her mother is bitten by a spider in Peru, curing her of the illness developing in utero. This enables Cassie to be a young, fit paramedic with the gift of sight - completely different to the original comic book elderly character. Spider-Man doesn't appear in Madame Web, for those hoping he might arrive at some point.

Madame Web: Cast

• Dakota Johnson as Cassandra 'Cassie' Webb/Madame Web
• Sydney Sweeney as Julia Cornwall
• Isabela Merced as Anya Corazon
• Celeste O'Connor as Mattie Franklin
• Tahar Rahim as Ezekiel Sims 
• Mike Epps as O'Neil
• Emma Roberts as Mary Parker
• Adam Scott as Ben Parker
• Kerry Bishé as Constance Webb
• Zosia Mamet as Amaria
• José María Yazpik as Santiago

Director S.J. Clarkson specifically wanted to showcase the power of women in the film, telling Hype, "There’s a theme of empowerment throughout the movie that comes from the fact that each of these characters goes on their journey," adding, "Cassie has to resolve the wounds of her past to embrace the future fully, and each of the girls comes to learn that they had strengths within them that they didn’t know."

Dakota Johnson also weighed in on this, saying, "I really like the idea of ordinary people being heroes, because they are. There was an opportunity with this movie to reinvent a Marvel world where, first of all, it’s led by women, and women make it – and because of that, the characters are real, and they are messy, and they are complicated, and they are extremely powerful."

Madame Web: Reviews

The critics have shown they aren't fans of the film, sharing largely negative reviews. Audience members mostly agreed, with the occasional good review mixing with the bad.

Benjamin Lee from the Guardian offered one star, referring to the film as "a tangled mess." He said, "What the average cinema-goer is supposed to get from this unholy mess, made curious only after a read of its torturous Wikipedia page, is a mystery. Superhero films are not dead (just today the trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine broke a YouTube record) but the age of superhero films like Madame Web surely is – soulless boardroom product made by no one who seems to care for no one who wants to watch."

Clarisse Loughrey from the Independent also only offered one star. She said "Madame Web is an $80m (£63m) film with the quality of an unlicensed superhero painted on the side of a carnival ride. It’s desperate and seems embarrassed of itself, the pained shrug of a creative team ordered by Sony executives to keep the wheels turning in their Spider-Man-adjacent universe, all while the actual Spider-Man is out on loan to Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe."

On Rotten Tomatoes, one audience reviewer simply wrote "Absolutely terrible. Such a waste of potential... don't waste your time."

Trying to find some positives, another added "It's not as awful as people make it out to be, it's suspenseful and gets you on the edge of your seat. Is it someone thing out of this world amazing? No. But it was good and showed a unique aspect of the Spider-Verse powers of telling the future and it gave you a hint of suspense. I enjoyed it."

For films you can watch with kids, Netflix's Leo tackles the anxieties of modern parenting, while Orion and the Dark encourages kids to face their fears. For a TV show recommendation, find out why one mum is loving watching the Gladiators reboot with her kids - the reasons run quite deep.

Where is Liz Golyar now? We look at the whereabouts of the woman who terrorised those around her, and got away with it for so many years.

Netflix knows how to bring the shocks with its true-crime documentaries. It's latest offering, Lover, Stalker, Killer, is no different. After trying online dating, mechanic Dave hit it off with two single mothers - Liz Golyar and Cari Farver. Honest with them about not wanting to be tied down, Dave planned to see multiple women after coming out of a long-term relationship. He was also a father-of-two himself. Cari eventually went missing, and it appeared she was harassing Dave and her own family from afar. For four years everyone involved lived a nightmare, until Liz was found to be at the centre of everything - including the murder of Cari.

Netflix viewers were similarly horrified by the crimes of Paolo Macchiarini, and asking for the whereabouts of the man at the heart of Bad Surgeon. Those mesmerised by true-crime dramatisation Griselda on the streamer, were left wondering what happened to her children and what happened to her husbands too. For those pondering about the whereabouts of Liz Golyar now, read on for everything we know. 

Where is Liz Golyar now?

Shanna Elizabeth Golyar, known as Liz, is currently serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Facility for Women in West Nebraska. She will not be eligible for parole for the duration of her sentence.

Following four years of unrelenting targeted harassment against Dave and anyone he became involved with, and Cari Farver's family, Golyar was arrested on December 22, 2016. She was charged with first-degree murder. According to ABC News, Douglas County attorney Brenda Beadle, prosecuting the case, said, "This was by far the most difficult case I've ever tried. Most homicides are dark. This one was… bizarre to the point where it would take some convincing to make somebody believe that it actually happened." 

She added "There's no way that someone would let their dog die in a fire that they started. There's no way that someone would shoot themselves in the femur." Both of these were really carried out by Golyar as she impersonated Farver and acted as a victim herself. 

Speaking to ABC following Golyar's conviction, the Omaha Police Department said, "The unusual nature of this case, and the great lengths that Shanna Goylar went to hide this homicide, undoubtedly perplexed everyone involved."

They added "The successful investigation between the Omaha Police Department and the Potawatomi County Sheriff Office resulted in the successful prosecution of Shanna Goylar and brought to light an extreme level of deception that law enforcement rarely encounters." 

Liz Golyar continues to protest her innocence and insists she isn't Cari Farver's killer.  

What did Liz Golyar do?

Liz Golyar met David Kroupa through online dating site, Plenty of Fish, in summer 2012. Despite Kroupa insisting on a casual relationship to which Golyar agreed, she really wanted commitment. It's thought she then became obsessed with the though of him dating others. 

By October 2012, Kroupa began a relationship with Cari Farver. Golyar sent a number of abusive messages to Kroupa, when she found out about Cari. Following the couple home from a date, Golyar rang the doorbell and insisted on being allowed in. At this point, Farver decided to leave. This meant she passed Golyar on her way out to her black Ford Explorer, giving Golyar a look at her face and the car she drove. 

Kroupa and Farver stayed in a relationship, and by November, Golyar had vandalised Farver's car. Farver left for her job as a computer programmer on November 13, 2012, at around. 6:20 am having spent the previous night at Kroupa's. She disappeared and has never been seen since.

By 10am the same day, Golyar began her impersonation of Cari Farver, starting by sending a message to Kroupa as the missing woman, requesting they move in together. He was surprised by this, as the pair were both happy with a casual arrangement, and Farver was happy living with her son. After saying no, he received an angry reply, breaking off their relationship. 

Farver's mother received a message from Golyar impersonating her daughter the same day, saying she'd found a new job and was moving away. Responding to who she thought was her daughter, Farver's mother asked when she planned to collect her son, and other important questions - she didn't get a reply and reported her daughter missing on Friday, November 16.

On November 17, 2012, Farver's mother received a photo via text of a check for $5,000. The message continued to request her mother let someone into her flat who had purchased some furniture she no longer needed as she was moving - the check was signed by Golyar. 

Between November 2012 and December 2015, both Golyar and Kroupa received harassing texts and emails supposedly from Farver. There were sometimes up to 50 to 60 malicious emails in one day. Golyar's property was frequently vandalised, immediately followed by an email from Farver to take responsibility.

Golyar set fire to her own house, getting others to believe Farver had done it - her four pets died in the blaze. On meeting the mother of Kroupa's children, Amy Flora, Golyar took a dislike to her also. It's believed she shot herself in the thigh and when police arrived, insisted Flora had shot her - Flora was cleared immediately.

Golyar eventually fabricated emails from Flora confessing to the murder of Farver. However, by this time, different detectives were on the case and it was being reviewed. Farver's car was analysed by forensics who'd originally not found anything. Her blood was then found when analysed again. Golyar's digital footprint had also previously been looked at, but a fresh look found IP addresses for much of the harassment tracked to her.

Kroupa then recalled a had a tablet in storage that could prove useful, handing it to investigators. A micro SD memory card in Golyar's phone at the time of the murder was found, and the thousands of deleted images it contained were recovered. One photo depicted a human foot with a distinctive tattoo - Farver's mother was able to confirm it was her from the pictures. Golyar had killed Farver and taken photos of her body, and this cemented evidence investigators had to convict her of murder. 

Cari Farver's body has never been found.

Did Liz Golyar have kids?

Liz Golyar has two children, while Cari Farver's had one son, Max, who is thought to have lived with her mother, Nancy, after her death. 

The three investigators who solved the case eventually established a scholarship fund in Farver's name at the local community college. This was to forge something that had positive associations with her memory. 

Speaking to ABC News about how she'd like her daughter remembered, Nancy Raney said "As the fun-loving, talented, smart woman that she was." She added "Cari was only 37 when she died. If I could talk to Cari right now, I'd say 'I love you. I'm so glad that you are in my life. You have a beautiful son who's got a wonderful life coming, and I miss you terribly.'"

We took a look at Joanne Hayes now, after she was wrongly accused in the Kerry babies case. If you've wondered what happened to infamous Instagram con artist Belle Gibson, we looked at the latest evidence. The story of Arne Cheyenne Johnson is also jaw dropping, as we delve into what happened after his conviction.

Griselda Blanco's three husbands are a part of the crime lord's incredible story. Here's everything we know about what happened to Dario Sepúlveda, Alberto Bravo and Carlos Trujillo - the mother-of-four's spouses.

Netflix's Griselda has certainly got fans asking questions about the real story behind the drama. Inspired by the life of the real Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most powerful cartels in history, Sofia Vergara spent hours in prosthetics to achieve the look of one of history's most high-profile drug lords. Even Pablo Escobar was said to be frightened of the woman who was able to expertly navigate her roles and wife and mother as well as business owner, ordering hits at the drop of a hat.

Griselda Blanco has been the subject of multiple films and TV shows, as has another woman involved in high-profile crimes - viewers tuning into Love & Death were left asking about the whereabouts of Candy Montgomery now, after two dramatisations of her life were released back to back. The 'Bling Ring' case has similarly been mulled over in multiple documentaries and series - we looked at what happened to Rachel Lee, the alleged leader of the group who robbed the rich and famous. We've already looked into where Griselda Blanco's children are now, but what of the men in her life? Here's what we know about the ones who dared to marry 'The Godmother'.

What happened to Griselda Blanco's three husbands?

Carlos Trujillo, Alberto Bravo, and Dario Sepúlveda are all dead. Carlos was killed in the early 70s, Alberto was killed in 1975 - as Griselda viewers will know, she allegedly killed him herself - and Dario was killed in 1983, the same year that he and Griselda separated.

All three of Grisleda's husbands were murdered, and it's thought that she was responsible for each of their deaths. Their demises earned Griselda the nickname 'The Black Widow' - here's what is alleged to have happened to each of the men she was involved with...

What happened to Dario Sepúlveda?

The Miami New Times reported that Dario Sepulveda was killed by men dressed as police officers in Medellín, Colombia, in 1983, shortly after arriving there with his son.

The publication suggested Max Mermelstein and Jorge 'Rivi' Ayala - close friends of Blanco - told law enforcement she had ordered the hit. However, Michael's confidante, Cristian Rios, denied Blanco was involved in the killing. 

Dario Sepúlveda is a key character in the Griselda series, unlike her first husband Carlos, who doesn't appear at all, and Alberto, who appears briefly. Griselda and her third husband married in 1978 and split in 1983, the same year he was killed. Sepúlveda returned to Medellín that year, taking the couple's 5-year-old son, Michael, with him. It's thought he wanted to shield his child from a life of crime.

Michael returned to live with his mother following the death of his father, but a year later Blanco was arrested and imprisoned. He lived with trusted relatives and guardians chosen by Blanco while she was incarcerated. 

What happened to Alberto Bravo?

Alberto Bravo was killed with a bullet to the head during a confrontation outside Bogotá, Colombia, in 1975. As per Netflix Tudum, Blanco is alleged to have killed Alberto Bravo herself - again, this was never proven.

It is widely reported that Griselda became suspicious that Bravo was stealing money from her business when millions of dollars went missing. Following an argument, it's suggested Blanco took out a pistol while Bravo pulled out an Uzi submachine gun, resulting in a shoot out.

During their alleged gunfight, Bravo and his bodyguards were killed, and Blanco shot in the stomach. According to Tudum, June Hawkins-Singleton, one of the detectives on Blanco's case, feels Bravo's death could be directly attributed to Blanco. "I don’t doubt that she did a number of them perhaps, but we could never get anyone to either tell us that, or she certainly didn’t say anything about it," the detective said.

What happened to Carlos Trujillo?

Carlos Trujillo was killed at some point in the early 1970s. It's been suggested that Blanco had Carlos killed after a 'business dispute', however, she was never charged with the crime and her involvement in Carlos' death remains unproven. 

Griselda Blanco met Carlos Trujillo in Medellín, Colombia, at the age of 13. He was a document forger and engaged in small-time criminal activity. Marrying shortly after meeting, the pair had three children together - Osvaldo, Dixon and Uber - who were all born before Griselda turned 21.

According to the Mirror, the family moved to New York at some point during the 1960s, but sometime during the same decade Griselda and Carlos divorced - but remained working together.

Who was the father of Griselda's children?

Griselda Blanco had children with her first husband, Carlos Trujillo, and her third husband, Dario Sepúlveda. Carlos was the father of Griselda's eldest three boys, Dixon Trujillo-Blanco, Uber Trujillo-Blanco, and Osvaldo Trujillo-Blanco.

Griselda's youngest son, Michael Corleone Blanco, was born in 1978 to her third husband, Dario. The crime lord didn't have any children with middle husband, Alberto.

Who is Charles Cosby and is he still alive?

Charles Cosby is a former drug dealer and one person romantically linked to Blanco who remains alive. He began writing to Griselda Blanco in prison in 1991 and the pair struck up a relationship.

In an interview with the Sun, Cosby recalled meeting Blanco when he was in his early twenties and she was in her forties. He claimed she would pay off guards in order for Cosby to visit her in jail. The relationship came to an end in 1997 following a row, with Blanco believing Cosby was involved with other women.

He revealed to the publication, "She told me her childhood was rough and she had to kill to eat. It was a violent era and there were no social welfare programs. So, if the parents or the child didn’t work, they didn’t eat. By the time she turned 12, she had killed four or five people." 

He added "Griselda was heartless but it didn’t put me off because that was then my world too, and she was the biggest fish in the ocean. I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight with her but there was attraction and mutual respect. We had a lot of fun together and were one and the same because we both came from poverty and both wanted a better life for our families." 

How did Griselda Blanco die?

Griselda Blanco was shot twice as she exited a butcher shop with her pregnant daughter-in-law, on September 3, 2012, by two mystery assassins on motorbikes. Officials said the style of the killing mimicked a technique Grislda herself was known for during the Miami drug war.

The crime lord had left prison in 2004 after suffering a heart attack - she was released on compassionate grounds, following a 19-year sentence. Griselda was immediately deported from the US back to Colombia, where she lived a quiet life in Medellín.

Speaking to the Miami Herald about her death, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Schlessinger said he couldn't guess how many murders Blanco was responsible for. He said, "We have no idea here how many murders she authorized in Colombia. She was a complete sociopath. She murdered people at the drop of a hat. She would kill anybody who displeased her, because of a debt, because they screwed up on a shipment, or she didn’t like the way they looked at her."

Blanco is buried in the Jardines de Montesacro cemetery, the same cemetery as fellow drug lord Pablo Escobar. 

For more on true crime, we looked at the whereabouts of Joanne Hayes after her wrongful conviction in the Kerry babies case, and Barry George following his overturned conviction in Jill Dando's murder. We've also delved into where Paolo Macchiarini is now, after Netflix aired a horrifying documentary about the surgeon.

The Colombian crime lord was also a wife and mother, so what happened to Griselda's sons when her reign came to an end? 

Netflix viewers have been gripped by Griselda, the fictionalised dramatisation of the rise and fall of Griselda Blanco - creator of one the most powerful drug cartels in history. Known as 'the Godmother,' what set Blanco apart from many other high-profile drug kingpins is the way she balanced the savagery of managing her criminal enterprises with being a wife and mother. Her four children - Dixon Trujillo-Blanco, Uber Trujillo-Blanco, Osvaldo Trujillo-Blanco and Michael Corleone Blanco - feature heavily in the chart-topping drama, leaving viewers wondering what happened to Griselda's sons once their infamous mother was incarcerated. 

Meanwhile, fans of the show were also left asking what happened to Griselda Blanco's husbands, and elsewhere on the streamer Netflix's documentary Bad Surgeon raised questions about where Paolo Macchiarini is now, after whistleblowers revealed the truth about his operations. In other true crime news, a Channel 4 documentary covering the Kerry babies case left stunned viewers wondering what happened to Joanne Hayes, the woman falsely accused in the murder investigation. Read on to find out everything we know about what happened to Griselda Blanco's sons...

What happened to Griselda's sons?

Sadly, three of Griselda Blanco's four sons are now dead. Dixon Trujillo-Blanco, Uber Trujillo-Blanco, and Osvaldo Trujillo-Blanco are all reported to have died, and only Griselda's youngest son, Michael Corleone Blanco, is still alive.

In the final episode of the series, an incarcerated Blanco is visited by intelligence agent June Hawkins, who delivers the news of her sons' deaths. "Dixon was shot while he was walking to his car, Ozzy was in a crowded nightclub. Uber was shot in Colombia was he was making a drug deal," Blanco is told by the agent. This is likely a stylised version of Blanco being delivered the news of her children's demise, as specific details relating to their deaths aren't quite as clear.

Blanco herself was assassinated in 2012 - she had been released from prison in 2004 on compassionate grounds after suffering poor health. Residing in Medellín, Griselda Blanco was 69 when she was shot twice while leaving a butcher's shop in September 2012.

What happened to Dixon Trujillo-Blanco and Osvaldo Trujillo-Blanco?

It's understood that Dixon and Osvaldo were in jail at the same time in 1992, with The Washington Post reporting Osvaldo's death in a Colombia nightclub in the same year. When and how Uber and Dixon were killed remains a mystery.

What happened to Uber Trujillo-Blanco?

It's known that Uber was dead before his mother died in 2012, but the year of his death hasn't been disclosed. Meanwhile, a Vice article suggested Dixon was still alive at the time of Griselda's death, and was murdered sometime afterwards. However, other reports suggest all three children were dead at the time of their mother's death.  

What happened to Michael Corleone Blanco?

Michael Corleone Blanco is the only one of Griselda's children who is still alive. He is the youngest of Griselda's four children, and his father is the drug lord's third husband, Dario Sepúlveda.

As seen in the Netflix series, Michael returns to Colombia with his father after Griselda and Dario separate. Dario was then murdered in 1983 - allegedly in a hit ordered by Griselda herself - and Michael returned to the US to live with his mother in Irvine, California.

After Griselda was arrested in 1985, Michael went on to live with relatives and other guardians, according to the Miami New Times. The publication adds that he had his own run-in with the law in 2012, when he was charged with trying to buy five kilos of cocaine from an undercover detective using $10,000 in cash, a motorcycle, and a diamond necklace and pendant inscribed with the phrase 'Kill All Rats'. He pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Previously, Michael told the Daily Mail that he joined the family business at age nine and survived seven assassination attempts while growing up in Colombia, but that he has since left the family business.

Where is Michael Corleone Blanco now?

Michael Corleone Blanco still lives a relatively high profile life. He is a businessman and has appeared on reality TV, and he has a family of his own.

Michael is the founder of Pure Blanco, described as a 'Billionaire Cartel Lifestyle Brand,' selling clothing and accessories. He also appeared in the VH1 Cartel Crew reality series, which ran for three seasons between 2019 and 2021. His wedding was shown during one of the episodes, and he reportedly has three children. 

According to Style Caster, Michael doesn't want his children to follow the life of crime lived by his family. Recalling finding out about his mother's death, he said, "It was a call I had been dreading for years. I’d spoken to her at two that morning. They said to me, 'Michael, I’m standing over your mother’s dead body.'"

He added "Even right now it brings tears to my eyes because I was with my boys when I got that phone call. I was teaching my youngest one how to swim. I said, 'I’m not going to let these kids live the life that I lived.'"

Michael is unhappy with the Netflix dramatisation of his mother's life. According to the Daily Mail, he has sought legal advice over not being specifically consulted on the details of Griselda Blanco's story. 

His lawyer told the publication, "Sofia Vergara did not consult with any members of the Blanco family as a sign of respect or elicit family details in portraying Griselda. When Michael learned of the Griselda project, we reached out to Sofia's camp and offered Michael's consultation services.

"They extended an invitation for us to sit with them to tell us there was no room on the project. Sofia’s camp and the Netflix creators were disrespectful and ultimately produced the Griselda project on their own for commercial gain, without key details from the Blanco family."

Michael added, "No matter what, you need to respect my mother enough to seek the consultation of our youngest son - her best friend that visited her five times a week during her 23 years incarceration."

Griselda: Balancing motherhood and business

Griselda makes an unusual drug lord, because of her gender. Despite societal stereotypes of women and mothers as gentle and nurturing, she was known for being just as ruthless and terrifying as her male counterparts, able to commit acts as brutal as those known by the likes of Pablo Escobar. 

Born into poverty, Blanco entered the world of crime at the age of 11. Sofia Vergara spoke to The Wrap about her fascination with a woman balancing being a mother and building a drugs empire. She said, "I started realising that this woman was not just a woman who was part of the cartels, or part of the narco traffic business. She was the narco traffic business. She was raising four kids and could be as brutal as these narco men."

Having been forced into crime for survival, the birth of three of her sons before the age of 21 possibly fuelled Blanco's need to do whatever it took to provide for her family. According to Harper's Bazaar, Sofia Vergara said "It is important to remember who Griselda was early on in her life. She was an immigrant raising three kids completely alone. She had nothing - no education or tools to survive."

The actress concluded "This is why I wanted to play Griselda. She is a mother, villain, lover, and killer all at the same time. She above everyone shows how complex humans can be."

For more entertainment news, we looked at why the recent Famous Five adaptation divided viewers. Here's our take on why Bluey is different to other kids' TV shows (and why we love it), and how to help your children confront their fears like Orion in Netflix's Orion and the Dark.

Orion and the Dark tackles the big feelings little ones experience over a common childhood worry, and we've asked experts to delve into whether kids should be challenged to overcome their fears.

DreamWorks has brought Orion and the Dark to Netflix, with the titular young boy Orion living under the weight of a host of anxieties. Directed by Sean Charmatz and with screenplay written by Charlie Kaufman, the film sees Orion trying desperately to maintain a normal exterior, while confronted every night by his biggest fear of all - the dark. When the embodiment of Dark pays a visit, he takes Orion on an emotional journey to prove night time isn't the scary place he thinks it is. As their unlikely friendship grows, Darks helps Orion learn to accept the unknown  and stop letting fear control his life. 

The film marks part of a positive trend towards embracing children's mental health, and the difficult emotions they experience. Inside Out 2 has a new character set to pave the way for discussions about childhood fears, while the anxieties of modern parenting have been explored in Netflix's Leo - the movie dealt with topics ranging from puberty and dealing with divorce, to the positive use of technology to alleviate fears. 

BACP registered therapist Jenny Warwick is a counsellor and parenting expert. She spoke to us about children like Orion facing their fears, saying "Confronting their fears allows children to practice and learn how to regulate their emotions, a crucial part of their development. It also gives them a sense of how to manage stressful feelings in a healthy way. Going into new or unfamiliar situations can be scary for any of us, but by stepping out of our comfort zone, we can learn and grow from our experiences."

We asked Jenny how best to encourage children to confront their fears, as well as when it might not be a good idea to persuade kids to push through their anxieties. And if you want to find out more about Orion and the Dark, we've got that covered too. 

What is Orion and the Dark based on?

Orion and the Dark is based on the 2014 adventure fiction book of the same name, by Emma Yarlett. Both written and illustrated by Leicester-born Yarlett, the picture book is aimed at those aged 4-5. The film is for a slightly older audience of those aged seven and older, due to the more complex way anxiety is presented. 

The picture book sees Orion avoid bedtime at all costs, and taken over by the consuming fear that comes when the strange noises begin and the space around him becomes darker and darker. Orion and Dark investigate the strange noises together, with Orion eventually seeing Dark for the interesting and magical place it can be. 

In the film, Orion's fears are more relatable for adolescents. He admits to being scared of girls, being responsible for his team losing, and getting questions wrong in class. Emma Yarlett spoke to Picture Book Blogger about her inspiration for the book, and was asked whether she too was afraid of the dark.

Emma said "I’ve never really been afraid of darkness, I’ve always been more afraid of the way nice things can become terrifying when it get’s dark. When I was a kid for some unknown reason, my parents had two life sized teddy bears that sat on a sofa in the spare room of our house (weird!). In the daytime I didn’t mind them so much, but when it was night time and I had to walk past them to go to the bathroom… it was terrifying!"

Citing Roald Dahl, CS Lewis and Julia Donaldson as some of her greatest inspirations, the author added "The real inspiration for my stories comes from just taking some time out to sit and observe the world and think. I like to take something we all know or have experienced in one form or another (such as a fear of the dark, or the moon), and come up with a key concept to do with these things… like if you’re afraid of the dark, what would happen if you met him?

And when I find an idea I really like I begin to build a story around that key thought. I’m a very visual thinker, so as soon as the idea for the story is there I’m thinking in pictures and narrating it with my own thoughts. Sometimes I leave the idea stewing in my head for months, and then one day I sit down and it suddenly pours out of me all at once. That’s what happened with Orion and the Dark!"

• Orion and the Dark by Emma Yarlett £7.35 | Amazon

Should we be encouraging kids to face their fears?

Counsellor and parenting expert Jenny Warwick believes there are plenty of occasions where parents should engage with children to help them deal with emotions and situations they find frightening.

Jenny told us "Facing their fears can help children build resilience; the ability to bounce back. It helps them to learn coping skills and ways to manage life's challenges. If kids are protected from ever feeling a bit nervous or scared, how will they be able to thrive and grow?

"Children can significantly boost their confidence and self-esteem by being brave, facing their fears and beating them. 'I was scared of the dark, but I was brave, and saw there was nothing to worry about and now I'm not scared anymore.' What a great way to provide a positive learning experience."

In the modern world, there are many things that can frighten children. Alongside classic childhood fears such as the dark and imagining faces lurking in bedroom walls, children can be exposed to frightening imagery through their devices and social media, adding new anxieties and potentially heightening existing ones.

For parents seeking ways to help their children face their fears in the modern world, Jenny has the following advice:

• Open communication: Talk to your child to understand their fears from their perspective. Don't dismiss but validate their feelings and reassure them that they will be ok. 
• Gradual exposure: You could gradually expose them to the situation they are fearful of in a controlled way. They can then slowly build their confidence.
• Role modelling: Show them healthy ways of facing fears by sharing your experiences and coping strategies. For example, talk to them about how grown-ups are sometimes afraid when it's dark, just like they might be. When you turn on the light, you realise there's nothing to be frightened of. 
• Positive reinforcement: Notice and praise their efforts to face their fears. Let them know that you're proud of them for doing something they found difficult. 
• Make it fun: Like Dark does in the film, help make the process fun and creative. Encourage them to paint their fear, for example, or create a game together where they are the fear-busting superhero.

When is it not a good idea to persuade kids to face their fears?

Although there are many positives to helping children through their fears, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Jenny reminds parents to look at their child's individuality and the circumstances of their situation before encouraging them to face something they find hard.

Jenny told us "Considering where they are developmentally is crucial, as certain situations can seem overwhelming or frightening to younger children based on their understanding of the world. Each child is unique. Their temperament and past experiences all influence their perception of the world. Two children raised in the same household, with the same people around them, will have their own distinctive personalities and characters."

The therapist and parenting expert added "It's essential to recognise that there are situations where pushing a child to face their fears might not be the best approach."

These include:

• Traumatic experiences: If a child has experienced a traumatic event related to the fear, pushing them too soon may re-traumatise rather than help.
• Developmental readiness: Every child develops at their own pace. Some may not be emotionally ready to confront specific fears and pushing them before they're ready could be counterproductive.
• Respect for boundaries: It's crucial to respect a child's boundaries. If they express a strong unwillingness, forcing them might make them less likely to trust you and will create resistance. 
• Genuine disinterest: If the fear isn't significantly impacting the child's well-being or daily life, and they genuinely have no interest in facing it, it might be ok to let it be.

Jenny concluded "If fears persist and significantly impact their wellbeing, consider seeking the assistance of a mental health professional or counsellor with experience with this issue."

Where to watch Orion and the Dark

Orion and the Dark will be streaming on Netflix from February 2, 2024.

To watch the film, you will need a Netflix subscription - the streamer currently has four subscription options, requiring monthly payments. At £4.99 per month, the cheapest membership option contains ads, and subscribers can only watch on one device at a time with no option to download content.

The £7.99 per month membership allows subscribers to watch on one device at a time and view in standard definition. At £10.99 per month the standard subscription enables viewers to watch on two devices at a time and view in HD. 

The most expensive plan is £17.99 per month. This premium subscription offers Ultra HD where available, with the ability to watch on four devices at once.

For more kids TV content, we've looked at The Boy and the Heron age rating, after it scooped an Oscar and parents want to watch it with their kids. If you want to know if the Madame Web movie is suitable for kids, we have everything you need to know. Find out why one mum is loving sitting down every week to watch the Gladiators reboot with her kids.

Bluey is a rare and wonderful show that both kids and parents can't get enough of. Full of heart and plenty of positive messages to teach our kids, even the experts love the show - here's why.

Bluey's adventures have grown an ardent and dedicated following around the world. Along with her family and other dog friends, the famous Blue Heeler puppy even has celebrity fans and a dedicated podcast - Natalie Portman and Ryan Gosling have been vocal about their love for the show. With three seasons and 151 episodes under its belt, critics and experts in child development rave about its depiction of modern parenting, which is reflected in the plethora of awards it's notched up. Of all the kids movies and TV shows available, Bluey is in a class of its own.

GoodtoKnow's Family Editor, Stephanie Lowe, is a huge fan of the show. She said "I know I'm not alone when I declare that Bluey is the best kids TV show out there. The messaging hits way more than it misses, and everything they do is so relatable. Me and my mum friends have a 'wwbpd' mantra ('what would Bluey's parents do') whenever we're stuck with a parenting reaction."   

Helen Hazell-English is a registered BACP counsellor specialising in working with mums, and a Bluey fan. She told us "Bluey is gorgeous because we see the full richness of life's ups and downs. Challenging and complex experiences are explicitly explored - for example, Aunt Brandy's infertility in 'Onesies', teaching Bingo to use her big girl bark in 'Yoga Ball' - this is all about consent, assertiveness, self-esteem, and boundaries. Bluey is my favourite children's TV show because it is so honest and wholehearted in its depiction of family life and of contemporary parents doing their best." 

Why Bluey is different to other kids' shows

Bluey portrays relationships and dynamics that are relatable to any age. Often touching on deeper subjects that other kids' shows shy away from, Bluey manages to trust its young audience to follow the fast pace of its short episodes. With expertly balanced themes of everyday challenges, joys, and family experiences, the creators drew on their own parenting experiences for each episode - this creates an unparalleled realness running throughout the series.

There isn't a psychologist on the Bluey team, but creator Joe Brumm took a deep dive into child psychology to write the scripts - although he's keen to emphasise he isn't an expert in the area. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Brumm explained that his interest in child psychology began when his eldest daughter started school and just couldn't settle. When moved to a different school placing less focus on academic achievement and more on unstructured play, she thrived.

Inspired by this school experience, Brumm obsessively read academic literature about how children play, telling the publication, "As soon as you see a field and you realise people study it, I’m the sort of person who gets curious and goes: 'Oh wow, there’s, like, a whole structure to this thing.'" During this time, he noticed how much his children learned through play, as well as how they used play to sort out disagreements among themselves. 

Brumm added "You know how everyone’s got that d**k at work who doesn’t get along with people? My mindset is that I want my kids to be smart academically, but an equal part of it is that they work well with other people. It became fascinating to me and I just thought, 'You know what? This is going to form the backbone of a lot of scripts for Bluey.'" 

It's the marriage of academic roots coupled with Brumm's personal experiences that bring true meaning to Bluey episodes. The show has itself been the subject of, and cited in academic papers. BACP accredited counsellor and founder of Mum Therapy Helen Hazell-English, offered us her expert opinion on why Bluey stands out from other kids' shows. 

Helen said, "Bluey is different from other kids' shows because it centres both the parents and the children's lives in beautiful detail. It shows that in a family we are all interlinked and all important. The Heelers are a strong team because they acknowledge that everyone has needs, strengths and struggles. We see everyone's perspectives as they live and learn about being human - grown-ups and kids."

Helen added, "The binaries of the perfect parenting myth are challenged by Bluey. I see a lot of guilt and self-criticism in mothers I work with. Trying to be 'good' (perfect) mothers and worrying that anything less is 'bad.' In Bluey, we see the mix and messiness of reality - the parents are sometimes tired, sometimes annoyed, they have their own worries. And they keep showing up and are kind to themselves and each other as they try their best. They have inevitable ruptures with the children, and they repair."

The realities of motherhood are one of the main reasons mum-of-one Nia loves Bluey. She told us "Bluey's dad is really involved with the children and defies the tropes of a bystanding father while the mother does everything. I like showing my child that women can head off to work while dad is parenting, which Chilli does. But she still has wobbles about not being good enough, and these are some of the most realistic depictions of everyday mum worry that I've ever seen on TV."

What Bluey teaches kids (and parents)

Bluey's teachings sit firmly in the camp of learning through play. This is where the focus of Joe Brumm's dedicated research for the scripts shines through, as Bandit engages in hours of imaginative play with his children. Within the educational play theme, The Conversation outlines how Bluey teaches everything from supporting creativity, to fostering self-regulation.

When Bluey is depicted trying to build a dam and looking like she might fail, instead of stepping in to help, her mother lets her keep going. This can teach children that achieving their goals can be difficult and they'll need plenty of resilience to get there. It also teaches parents not to step in too quickly and let their kids find creative solutions to their problems. 

Episodes show kids that anything can be turned into a mechanism for fantasy play, and expensive toys and gadgets aren't required. While letting Bluey and Bingo take the lead in their imaginary play, they're handed the opportunity to process complex emotions - the kids are allowed their feelings when it comes to a wide amount of difficult emotions - grief, abandonment, separation anxiety - you name it, Bluey has covered it. 

Grownups tuning in are taught important lessons for their kids, but the very important mantra is that they aren't alone. With infertility, expanding your family and a very real depiction of pregnancy playing out, parents are united by the way the series makes their needs seen and respected. 

Mum-of-one Alaina suffered secondary infertility after the birth of her child. She said "Watching the episode where Chilli effectively tells her girls their aunt can't have children made me cry. As well as feeling less alone after watching it, the episode showed me it's ok to start talking about my feelings and how to start conversations about them with my son when he's older."

Helen Hazell-English is keen to spread word of the show's bright messages, as well as the deeper ones. She said "Most of all, the show is very joyful, loving, and fun. Bluey shows us the abundance that is possible in relationships and life if we trust that all parts of us are allowed, that people will still be there for us and value us even if we are in a bad mood, make a mistake or we have a conflict."

Six reasons parents love Bluey

1. It keeps children engaged outside of the show

GoodtoKnow Family Editor Steph told us her little boy can continue games he's seen on Bluey for days after watching the episodes. She said, "In the 'feather wand' episode, Bingo has a feather wand that makes everything heavy and the whole episode is about connection. Bandit, Chilli and Bluey buy into Bingo's playfulness and everything becomes heavy. It's really cute the messaging and a game my little boy loves to play often." 

Steph did however confirm that beginning this game as the school run is around the corner can be challenging, concluding, "It's brilliant to see, but when your kid does it when you're already 10 minutes late it can be.... hard work. For that reason I sometimes jokingly say that Bluey can be love/hate... but I have to say, mostly love."

2. It increases understanding of childhood experiences

Bluey doesn't sugar coat its topics, and demonstrates that children deserve to be taught the truth when it comes to grief and loss. Understanding their experience of these subjects will help parents become acquainted with their child's feelings. Helen Hazell-English told us, "Our understanding of child development and neuroscience has developed so much since the last generation were parenting us.

"Many parents are now trying to be more child-led and attuned to their own feelings as well as those of their children. In general, I observe that parents are more psychologically aware and striving to tolerate, discuss and take responsibility for a wider range of experiences. And that's what I see in Bluey." 

3. Bluey models effective parenting strategies

There are many examples of effective parenting in the show, but a particularly poignant one is Bandit wanting to stop and chat to a friend. Bumping into the friend while out with Bluey, Bluey soon tires of waiting for her turn to speak and interrupts the conversation.

Bandit later decides with her that in future if he's having an adult conversation, she can touch his arm and he'll close his fist around her hand. This solution - reached together - models that parents are allowed their time to have uninterrupted chat, while validating a child's need to be acknowledged.

4. It breaks gender stereotypes

Bandit and Chilli both have jobs, but it's Chilli who is mostly seen going out to work. Bandit is often considered to be the antithesis of Peppa Pig's Daddy Pig - the other famous but bumbling and inept dad of the cartoon world. Bandit works from home and undertakes household chores.

Although some have alluded to Bandit's role making them feel inadequate, the importance of smashing the idea of gendered roles from a young age shouldn't be downplayed. Watching equality in the way work and home life are managed and how paid and unpaid labour is divided, provide valuable lessons in gender equality issues for the future.

5. It shows parents they don't always have to be perfect

Yes, Bandit mostly seems to thrive on playing with his children, but he also tires of it on occasion. There are plenty of sighs and exasperated looks to the sky when play gets too rough for Bluey and Bingo's exhausted parents. Some researchers suggest the fact they take a deep breath and continue playing with their children models the mantra of being the parent you want to be, even when you're not in the mood.

The series shows that in the moment, doing this isn't always easy. However, it demonstrates that to live a meaningful life, Bandit and Chilli have decided playing with their kids is a core value of theirs. For this reason, they continue to play with them - but it's also totally ok if they find this boring, or are thinking of what they'll be doing when the playing comes to an end. 

6. It's actually funny!

It's a great feat to balance humour that appeals to kids and adults alike - although some jokes will go over the heads of little people. Mum-of-three Laura told us she unashamedly finds Bluey hilarious, and probably laughs harder than her children when they watch together.

Laura said "I never tired of watching Bluey for the laughs. In fact, when my older children weren't always interested anymore, I carried on watching it alone. My son once walked into the room and asked 'Why are you watching Bluey on your own?!' I was watching a top ten hilarious Bluey moments video on YouTube...!" 

Where to watch Bluey

In the UK, all episodes of Bluey are available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and also on Disney Plus. 

Although watching via iPlayer is easy and free, there are now ways to get Disney Plus for free, if you know the tips and tricks. The site has a huge amount of content, from Pixar and Marvel, to classic favourites and exclusive originals. 

With Inside Out 2 just around the corner, find out about the movie's very important new character. Netflix's Orion and the Dark encourages kids to face their fears - we spoke to a therapist about the best ways to help your own children with theirs. Find out why one mum is loving watching the Gladiators reboot with her kids.

What is The End We Start From based on? Jodie Comer is a new mum trying to survive the chaos of an apocalyptic world in this survival drama.

In The End We Start From, Jodie Comer's character has given birth just as apocalyptic level flooding makes her London home uninhabitable. Along with her husband (played by Joel Fry) the new parents are forced to flee the destruction of their home city to find safety in the North. Directed by Mahalia Belo, the film is an intense look at the anxiety of motherhood, compounded by extreme circumstances. The usual need to protect their baby sees a family pushed to its limits, as new dangers lurk around every corner. 

Those watching the film have been wondering about the story's origins, in the same way many recently wondered what Foe is based on - marriage and identity take strong focus in the sci-fi thriller. Similarly, Netflix viewers have been asking what Fool Me Once is based on, and the origins of Leave The World Behind. Read on as we delve into the inspiration behind The End We Start From.

What is The End We Start From based on?

The End We Start From is based on the 2017 Megan Hunter book of the same name, which was the author's debut novel. As with the film, the world is in the midst of a mysterious environmental crisis, and London is submerged below flood waters.

Jodie Comer's 'Mother' gives birth to her first child, Zeb, in the middle of the crisis. As the family move from place to place to find shelter, the devastation is offset by the wonder of Zeb's small fists grasping at the things he sees, and thriving against the odds.

The novel has been translated into eight languages, and shortlisted for Novel of the Year at the Books Are My Bag Awards. It also made the longlist for the Aspen Words Prize, and became a Barnes and Noble Discover Awards finalist. The End We Start From won the Forward Reviews Editor’s Choice Award too.

In conversation with Shiny New Books, Megan Hunter was asked how her own experiences of motherhood influenced the novel. She replied: "It’s difficult to say how much is from my own experience: I think life is filtered in fiction in mysterious ways. I have two children and so inevitably this experience is part of who I am, and thus part of my writing. But I did not think of the narrator as myself, and of Z as my son."

She added "The book was an exercise in imagining someone else coping in this situation, rather than myself per se, although of course it draws on my own experience of early motherhood as a time of dislocation, uncertainty, and of physical pleasure and pain. It’s more about how our anxieties over parenting choices (and products) can distract from  – and inhibit discussion of – the more emotional, elemental aspects of parenting: learning how to love a new person, and dealing with changes to your body and mind."

Where was The End We Start From filmed?

Although not all of the filming locations are known, it is thought that some scenes from The End We Start From were filmed in London and Oxfordshire.

In October 2022, the Daily Mail reported that Jodie Comer had been spotted filming scenes on the roof of the Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly, London. It's also known that filming took place at Carmel College, a disused boarding school in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. The school closed in 1997, and despite the land being bought by developers, has remained untouched since. There are some Grade ll listed buildings in the grounds, and the site has been used many times for filming and photoshoots since its closure.

As so many scenes involved Jodie Comer holding a baby, a total of 15 babies were used throughout the filming process. According to the BBC, Comer was scared of how many babies were involved. She said "A lot of my younger cousins have grown up now, so I haven't spent a lot of time around young babies. My hands were visibly shaking when I met an eight-week-old on set. I was like, 'Oh my god, what have I done?'"

She concluded "It's one thing to act and think about everything else, but then actually being conscious of this precious little being and making sure that they're safe..."  

The End We Start From: Cast

• Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, Help) as Mother
• Joel Fry (Game of Thrones, Our Flag Means Death) as R
• Katherine Waterston (Boardwalk Empire, Slow Horses) as O
• Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, 1917) as AB
• Mark Strong (Cruella, Murder Mystery 2)
• Gina McKee (Notting Hill, My Policeman)
• Nina Sosanya (Screw, His Dark Materials)

Speaking to The Upcoming YouTube channel, Joel Fry said of the film, "If you've had a baby, you should go and see it. If you haven't had a baby you can go and see it too. But specifically if you've had a child and you're a woman, go and check it out because I think you'll say 'Whoa, this is doing something to me, this is good.'"

When asked to quickly describe the film, the actor said "Child, children, childbirth, babies, giving birth. Being pregnant and giving birth. And then having a baby." Definitely a strong theme then, Joel!

The End We Start From: Reviews

Ahead of its cinematic release, The End We Start From received a number of positive reviews. 

Peter Bradshaw from the Guardian offered four stars. He said "Comer’s vulnerability and idealism are authentic as are her determination and a dash of real ruthlessness – for a moment, she becomes one of the scary people to be encountered on the road, and not particularly regretting it afterwards. She carries everything with unselfconscious strength and style."

Neil Smith from Total Film also offered four stars. His opinion was "A new mum’s survival instincts face an incredible test in this mournful but powerful end-of-the-world parable. A brief cameo from producer Benedict Cumberbatch provides some additional mid-film star wattage. Yet who needs it when you have Comer, a force of nature to rival any city-swamping deluge?"

On review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, one audience reviewer said "A beautiful film about the power of a mother's love and determination to do whatever it takes to protect her child. Refreshing, engaging, and deeply moving. A must see!"

Another added "A poignant and riveting post apocalyptic thriller. Jodie Comer's performance alone is worth the watch." 

In more entertainment news, we've revealed everything you need to know about the confirmed Harry Potter HBO series. It's looking like there will be a Big Little Lies season 3 - we have all the details that have been released so far. After a brilliant Christmas Special, many have been asking when will Doctor Who return, and Ncuti Gatwa takes the reigns permanently in a confirmed spring date. 

A new Harry Potter HBO series is in the works, and we couldn't be more excited. Here's everything we know about the new foray into the magical world.

Accio, brand new Harry Potter series! Our summoning charm has worked, because an all-new adaptation of JK Rowling's enduring magical stories will be riding in on a broomstick to a screen near you. Rumours have been flying about a possible TV show based on the books for some time, usually ending in disappointment. Now the dreams of muggles and Potterheads everywhere have come true, with one rumour becoming reality. 

Harry Potter isn't the only franchise to be revisited, with Matilda The Musical and The Little Mermaid both following in the footsteps of successful predecessors. Peter Pan has certainly seen countless versions of the story recreated since the initial 1924 silver screen movie was made - the most recent being Peter Pan and Wendy. The new Harry Potter series will have the opportunity to explore storylines left out by condensing the books into films, and we can't wait - here's everything you need to know about it.  

What is the new Harry Potter series about?

The new Harry Potter series is set to faithfully adapt each of the original books by JK Rowling, and is expected to last for a decade.

In a statement released by Deadline,  Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO at HBO & Max Content, said: "This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years," adding he expected the series to run for "10 consecutive years." This appears to imply some of the longer books would be split into two series, in the same way Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was split into two movies.

JK Rowling will also act as executive producer for the series. The author has discussed the extra depth a TV adaptation of her bestselling novels will bring, saying in a statement: "Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series."

Bloys has been challenged about Rowling's involvement in the series, in light of the controversial opinions she's openly expressed in relation transgender issues. "That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into," he replied.

He added "Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority - what’s on screen."

New Harry Potter series: Release date speculation

The new Harry Potter series isn't expected to air until 2025/26, meaning there is still a fair amount of time to wait.

Since announcing the series back in April 2023, the Max (formerly HBO Max) social media channels have gone quiet and not offered further updates relating to a confirmed release date. 

Replying to the Max announcement on X (formerly Twitter), some felt the movie versions of the books were enough, calling for the series to be scrapped. One person wrote "The fact you are doing this just shows you have absolutely zero originality or dedication to bringing fresh original programming to audiences from talented creators who deserve their creativity to be recognised."

To be expected, many fans were also there to share their excitement. Another said "I don’t care what anyone says. I love this series more than anything. I avidly listen to the books on repeat. I hope they do it justice. I hope they are true to the books. Don’t forget Winky, Bagman, Grubblyplank, Peeves and so many others."

Harry Potter series rumoured cast

Although HBO is yet to confirm any cast members for the new series at this time, the internet is rife with rumours over who could appear as the colourful characters.

Toby Woolf as Harry Potter

According to Cosmopolitan, Toby Woolf is being considered for the role of Harry Potter. The 15-year-old actor has appeared as Young Steve in the TV mini-series Pistol about the Sex Pistols. He also had a role in Billie Piper's directorial debut, Rare Beasts. He has also appeared in small roles alongside the likes of Keeley Hawes and Bella Ramsey. 

Bronte Carmichael as Hermione Granger

Cosmopolitan also reported Bronte Carmichael could be in the running for the role of Hermione Granger. The actress has many credits to her name, including the role of Martha in Game of Thrones, and Leida in Star Wars: Andor. She has also appeared in 2018's Christopher Robin, and in the Steven Knight adaptation of Great Expectations.  

Joshua Pickering as Ron Weasley

According to Hello, an industry insider feels sure Joshua Pickering is in the running for the role of Ron Weasley (possibly a controversial choice as he lacks the signature Weasley red hair.) Pickering has previously appeared in Peter Pan and Wendy, and A Discovery of Witches.

One person definitely not appearing in the show, is original Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe. Speaking to ComicBook.com, Radcliffe said "My understanding is that they're trying to very much start fresh and I'm sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere."

He added "I'm definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world and I'm very excited to have that torch passed. But I don't think it needs me to physically pass it."

For more on kids TV shows and movies, we've looked at the way the anxieties of modern parenting are tackled in Netflix's Leo. One of the most anticipated kids films is Inside Out 2, which has an interesting new and very important character. Elsewhere, we've looked at what The End We Start From is based on, the new film about motherhood starring Jodie Comer.

When will Doctor Who return? After the success of the Christmas special and the dawn of a new Doctor, viewers want to know when it'll be back.

Following the success of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials and the incredible Christmas special, excitement is high for the brand new series in 2024. David Tennant and Catherine Tate returned as The Doctor and Donna Noble for the anniversary episodes, while Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson take the reigns of the infamous time Time Lord and his sidekick Ruby Sunday, for the latest series.

Along with wondering if Doctor Who is suitable for kids, most viewers tuning in to recent episodes are keen to know when the show will return with the fifteenth iteration of the Doctor and its fourteenth outing. Along with revealing a sneak peak of the action to come this year, the BBC have also promised an all-star guest line up will feature in the latest series. Here's everything we know about when to expect new episodes to land.

When will Doctor Who return?

Doctor Who will return in May, 2024. The announcement was made on Christmas Day, following the special episode.

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson recently spoke to the BBC Three YouTube channel about their feelings for the new series. Gatwa said "We had a year of build up of knowing that we were about to step into some pretty big shoes. So, it's nerve racking, anxiety inducing, terrifying, pure fear struck, but exciting." 

To help him prepare for the role, the actor added "I watched old episodes. Some of the classic collection, I went back to the black and white days. I definitely wanted to gauge the source of the other Doctors, then try and figure out a way to make that my own."

Millie Gibson weighed in with "I've watched it and I'm really familiar with the show, but as the companion, it's different to the Doctor - obviously, they're playing the same person, just regenerated. With the companion, I was just going to make them fall in love with the new companion of this era."

On Christmas Day when the official @bbcdoctorwho Instagram account announced the May release month for the new series, many fans responded with their excitement. One wrote on the platform "Ncuti immediately won me over even from the 20 minutes of screen-time he had in the last episode, and Millie has done the same here, also proving to be a welcoming, dynamic and likeable presence, as does Ruby's family.

"The rapport between the Doctor and Ruby is clear from the off; I think the TARDIS is in safe hands with those two. It was a solidly enjoyable maiden voyage for this era." 

Who will star in Doctor Who season 14?

• Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor
• Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday
• Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday
• Angela Wynter as Cherry Sunday
• Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood
• Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart
• Bonnie Langford as Melanie Bush
• Yasmin Finney as Rose Noble
• Alexander Devrient as Colonel Christopher Ibrahim
• Aneurin Barnard as Roger Gwilliam
• Indira Varma as The Duchess
• Lenny Rush as Morris
• Jinkx Monsoon is an unconfirmed role
• Jonathan Groff in an unconfirmed role

Lenny Rush, who won a BAFTA for his role in Am I Being Unreasonable at the age of 14, has shared his excitement at joining the cast in the role of Morris. Speaking to the BBC Doctor Who website, Rush said "It’s an absolute honour to be part of Doctor Who, one of the most iconic shows on television and wow what a dream come true!"

Showrunner, Russell T Davies added "This is what Doctor Who's all about, brand new talent from the next generation, and no one’s more talented than Lenny! He joins the TARDIS team just in time for the Doctor’s greatest nightmare, so hold on tight!"

Where is Doctor Who season 14 streaming?

UK viewers can watch Doctor Who on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series will stream internationally on Disney+.

Filming for the new series took place in and around Bristol, Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. In July 2023, Russell T Davis shared a picture to Instagram to celebrate the final day of shooting.

One fan responded to the snap with "It's beyond exciting to think that there is a whole Ncuti series filmed! We are just a few TARDIS journeys away from an incredible new universe!"

Another added "It’s crazy that you’re already planning ahead with series 15 too. RTD Doctor Who is back, and I feel like a kid again. Can’t wait to see both the specials and future series, including potential spin-offs!" 

For more on returning TV shows, here's everything we know about Big Little Lies season 3, and what's being said about season 7 of The Crown. Elsewhere, we've looked at what The End We Start From is based on, a new film about motherhood starring Jodie Comer.

Will there be a Big Little Lies season 3? For those who'd lost hope for a third instalment, there's been a very exciting development.

With it's all-star cast, haunting theme tune and riveting storylines, Big Little Lies has to be one of the best shows about motherhood and family of the last decade. Based on the 2014 Liane Moriarty novel of the same name, the show was originally billed as a limited series on its 2017 debut. Following its roaring success and eight Emmy wins, an equally successful second season was released in 2019. Featuring some of Hollywood's hottest actresses, pulling them all together for the second outing had been no mean feat - a third time seemed impossible. 

Fans had all but lost hope that the show could return for a further outing, but one of the cast members has dropped a major hint about the future of season three. Elsewhere on TV, fans have also been hoping for season seven of The Crown, and You season five. Those tuning into the addictive, genre-bending Netflix show are awaiting Bodies season two news too. Now, let's delve into what we know about the future of Big Little Lies.

Will there be a Big Little Lies season 3?

Big Little Lies season three hasn't been confirmed, but Nicole Kidman appears to have dropped a major hint that the popular show will be returning for a third season.

According to E!, Kidman dropped the bombshell while speaking onstage at a Ladies Professional Golf Association Q&A event during the CME Group Tour Championship, on November 17 last year. "I love Big Little Lies," the actress began, following up with "Because it sort of came along at a time in my life when I had my children and I was thinking I was going to retire." 

Kidman continued "And then this situation came along, where Reese Witherspoon and I were able to produce that show and create that show. And then all of you watched it and made it a massive success."

The exciting revelation about the show's future came when she added "And we will be bringing you a third one, just FYI." 

Just a couple of weeks after Kidman's hint, Laura Dern was asked about her thoughts on the show returning. The actress told Today "Well, let’s just say we’re best friends in art and in life. And there would be nothing more fun for all of us. You know, we would have the time of our lives."

After a four year hiatus and multiple reports there was no future for the show, news of a possible Big Little Lies return is very exciting. 

HBO President Casey Bloys had previously weighed in on the possibility of season three, and the difficulties of getting it off the ground. Speaking to Deadline in 2019, he said "I think the thing with Big Little Lies is you have a group of people who all really love working together, but obviously they’re some of the most high-profile people working in entertainment."

He added "Reese, Nicole, Zoe, Laura, everybody is so busy. It would be great to get the band back together at some point but right now everybody is so busy and there’s no idea, where we’re all saying 'that makes perfect sense.' I think it’s more of one of those 'someday.'" If Kidman's comment is anything to go by, "someday" might finally be upon us.

What happens at the end of season 2 of Big Little Lies?

For those in need of a reminder about what happened in Big Little Lies season two, here's a quick recap: Following the death of the dreadful Perry, his equally awful mother, Mary Louise, arrived in town. Set on removing her twin grandsons from their mother Celeste, the season two finale saw the final showdown between the pair in court, as Celeste fought to keep her children.

Celeste claimed the upper hand when she brought up the death of Perry's brother Raymond. Perry had always maintained Mary Louise’s temper was responsible for her son's death, something Mary Louise had always vehemently denied. Topped with a video played in court that one of the twins had secretly filmed of Perry beating Celeste, Mary Louise's arguments about her son's good character crumbled. The judge rules not to remove the boys from their mother, and Celeste won.

Madeline and Ed’s marriage woes finally came to a head - not in the way audiences expected. Just when it appeared Ed might be about to leave forever, he actually suggested a vow renewal. In between supporting Celeste at the custody hearing, Madeline pulled together a wildflower-filled ceremony and headed into her happily-ever-after.

Jane also ended up with Corey, given the seal of approval from Ziggy. Renata donned a red jumpsuit and smashed up her cheating husband's man toys. She is seen offering her daughter encouraging words, and their relationship seems back on track.

Bonnie fares the worst of the crew, dealing with her abusive mother's illness and the trauma of having been the one to finish Perry off. She also decided she isn't in love with Nathan, telling him so following her mother's death.

The series culminated with Bonnie admitting she can't live with her guilt anymore, texting the remainder of the Monterey Five to let them know she's heading to the police station to confess. The final scene depicts the five victimised women supporting Bonnie as they head towards an unknown fate. 

Is Big Little Lies based on a true story?

Big Little Lies isn't based on a true story, but on various sources of inspiration author Liane Moriarty picked up. The character of Perry is based on a real person from her life.

In an interview with the Guardian, Moriarty recalled a friend hunting obsessively for the right accessories to wear to a school event. This formed the basis for the competitive PTA themes running through the story. She said of her friend "She was spending every spare minute searching online for accessories to wear to a school trivia night with the theme of 'Audrey and Elvis.' She became obsessed with trying to get the right pearls! I thought that would be a lot of fun visually, and a good anchor for the events of the book."

Moriarty also spoke about the impact a particular radio interview had on her, in which a woman recalled the trauma of having a father who abused her mother. "Towards the end of the interview, she described returning home as a grown woman and going to hide under the bed when her parents began to argue," she said, adding "Everything that that signified about the kind of childhood she’d had spoke to me. I wound up using that scene in this novel."

Hitting close to reality was the character of Perry. Alexander Skarsgård won an Emmy for the role of a person based on someone Moriarty knew in real life. "It came from a really horrible ex-boyfriend," the author told Elle, continuing "Who I took great pleasure in killing off. First in the book, and then it was very nice to see it happen in the series. Then Nicole took it from there."

For more on the future of your favourite shows, here's what we know about Lupin season four and what is happening with hit show Sex Education after season 4 concluded. Elsewhere, we've looked at what The End We Start From is based on, the new film about motherhood starring Jodie Comer.

What is Foe based on? Viewers tuning into the movie are keen to know what formed the basis of the Prime Video sci-fi thriller.

Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal make for stellar leads in Prime Video movie, Foe. The pair star as married couple Junior and Hen, who live an unassuming life farming on a secluded piece of land owned by Junior’s family for generations. Their lives change forever when a stranger arrives at their door with an unsettling proposal. If survival is to continue in a new world, Junior and Hen will have to risk their marriage and identities, in a world beset by uncertainty.

In the same way viewers tuning in to Netflix thrillers Fool Me Once and Leave The World Behind have wondered about the inspiration behind them, while others want to know what new movie The End We Start From is based on, the same question is now being asked about Foe. Here's what we know...

What is Foe based on?

Foe is based on the 2018 novel of the same name, by Canadian writer Iain Reid. The author had previously published two notable memoirs, with Foe being his second fictional novel.

According to CBC, Reid has cited two predominant inspirations behind Foe. The first was his brother's job as a space engineer, the the second came after attending an award ceremony during which the recipient of one award thanked his wife in his acceptance speech.

Reid said "For whatever reason, in that moment, something about that seemed unsettling to me. I just thought, 'Well, what is her thing? What does she do? It's not just to prop up his genius or whatever.' And so I started thinking about that type of relationship, that type of marriage, where narratives are written within the relationship."

He added "I realized that that type of relationship felt confining. And so I kind of had this setting of an old farmhouse, which also feels confining when there's only two people there and it's in the middle of nowhere. So I realized quickly that, well, the opposite of that is space - it's literally endless, it goes on forever. And so I realized this would sort of be my space book somehow. And with that, with those basic ingredients, I just started writing Foe."

What is Foe about?

Just like the source material, Junior and Hen are a young couple living on a secluded farm in the future. The pair's marriage is already a little rocky, and they are also facing environmental turmoil as earth becomes increasingly unliveable. Their lives change when the charismatic Terrance arrives on their doorstep to tell them Junior has been selected to take a mission into space as part of a trip to ensure humanity's ongoing survival.

Junior is fearful of leaving his wife alone, and of Terrance's presence in their home. Terrance informs Junior he needn't worry, as the company he works for, OuterMore, plan to build a robotic replica of Junior to care for Hen in his absence. Terrance's role is to interview and study the couple, to produce the best biomechanical Junior double he can.

There is a twist at the conclusion of the book and the movie, where viewers find out the Junior they've known all along and believe to be the human form, is actually the robot. With his work done and the real Junior returned from space, the robotic Junior is set to be shut down and sent away. In the book, Hen shows no reaction when the shut down takes place.

However, in the movie, she is distraught at the robot being removed, screaming and sobbing and trying to prevent it from happening. Script writer Garth Davis told Games Radar that this change became the most truthful choice during the film making process.

Iain Reid co-wrote the adaptation and added "It also just felt more cinematic, I think too, which is something Garth and I discussed a lot during the process. As we were working on the script, that felt like an exciting possibility to really explore that scene and try and get the most out of it... to give the actors room to really make it their own."

What do the beetles mean in Foe?

Iain Reid had not offered any explanation for the repetition of beetle symbolism throughout Foe, their meaning has been left to speculation.

However, writer Garth Davis touched briefly on the creature's role in the film during an interview with EW. They wander around Hen and Junior's home throughout the course of the movie, with the concept that the real Junior might've crushed them, while AI Junior would let them live.

When Henrietta leaves to travel the world at the end of the film, she too is replaced by a robotic version of herself. The same question is raised - would real and robotic Hen make the same choice regarding crushing the beetles? 

Discussing Paul Mescal's performance as the real Junior observing his android version being destroyed, Davis said "You can tell that he knows that he's crushing that beetle and denying that part of himself. He's allowing it to happen. There's something very deep happening in those glances and in those performances that Paul and I really got into. It's a real rabbit hole."

Foe: Cast

• Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn, Lady Bird) as Hen
• Paul Mescal (Aftersun, Normal People) as Junior
• Aaron Pierre (The A Word, Brother) as Terrance

According to Hollywood Reporter, Ronan and Mescal were cast based on performance and chemistry, with their shared identities as Irish actors making them feel like a genuine couple. Garth Davis said they could easily pass for "This couple married straight out of high school" adding "I just had a real hunch that chemistry would feel believable, and they are both really kind of hungry [as actors] to explore a more mature relationship."

When casting the role of Terrance, Davis said "The antagonist was the hardest one to cast because you can really fall into stereotype, and I was really keen to try and explore something that felt fresh and intriguing. I thought he brought a lot of interesting choices, like he really did believe what he was doing was going to better humanity."

We also have intel on what My Life with the Walter Boys and A Nearly Normal Family are based on. If you enjoyed Apple TV+ period romp The Buccaneers, we can also tell you the origins of this tale, too.

What is Fool Me Once based on? We take a look at the origins of the Netflix thriller keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Netflix viewers can't get enough of the streamer's latest thriller, Fool Me Once. Michelle Keegan portrays Maya Stern, a recently widowed mum trying to come to terms with the murder of her husband, Joe. Installing a nanny-cam to keep an eye on her daughter brings shocking revelations for Maya, when she sees Joe - apparently alive - in her house. 

Added to the mix are a secretive Detective Sergeant leading Joe's homicide investigation, and Maya's niece and nephew also trying to find the truth about their mother's murder. A thrilling hunt for the truth ensues resulting in shocking secrets being revealed, and lives changed forever. In the same way Netflix viewers were curious about the origins of Leave The World Behind and My Life with the Walter Boys, while others want to know what The End We Start From is based on, they're now asking what Fool Me Once is based on too - let's take a look.  

What is Fool Me Once based on?

Fool Me Once is based on the 2016 Harlan Coben novel of the same name. The series has been adapted for television by Brassic writer Danny Brocklehurst, and directed by BAFTA Award winner David Moore. 

Harlan Coben is a bestselling author known for incorporating multiple shocks and twists into his mystery novels and thrillers. His novels have been translated into 43 languages with over 80 million copies sold. The author has signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Netflix that will see 14 of his books developed into original series or films, with with his Myron Bolitar series also to be adapted later as part of an ongoing deal with the streamer. 

Speaking to the Guardian about the inspiration behind Fool Me Once, Coben recalled meeting the very first female combat helicopter pilot, who'd flown missions in the Middle East. This meeting formed the basis for special ops pilot, Maya. The author elaborated "At the same time, friends of mine were using spy cams to watch their nannies and kids, and so I combined the two."

With the compelling plot twists his novels are so well known for, Coben believes his formula makes for equally interesting television adaptations. He added "I think the same thing that makes you turn pages in a book makes you binge TV episodes. It’s sort of a new thing with streaming services, where you keep hitting that next button."

Coben concluded "When Fool Me Once [the novel] was released, I’d say: 'I hope you take it to bed at 11 o’clock at night and think I’m only going to read for 15 minutes, and the next thing you know, you’re turning pages at four in the morning and your eyes are blurry and all that.'"

Is Fool Me Once a sequel?

No, Fool Me Once isn't a sequel to any other Harlan Coben novels or adaptations, but a standalone series.

For this reason, it is also unlikely there will be a second season of the show, as the ending was wrapped up and there is no further source material to adapt. If Fool Me Once has inspired you to watch further Harlan Coben series, Netflix also has The Stranger, The Woods, The Innocent, Gone For Good, Stay Close, and Hold Tight in its catalogue. Over on Prime Video, you can also find Harlan Coben's Shelter - an eight-part series released in 2023.

Speaking to What To Watch about filming the series, Michelle Keegan said "I hope viewers enjoy all the twists and turns. Nothing is how it seems in this story. People will come to their own conclusions, but their conclusions will probably be wrong. That’s what I loved about the show and about the book.

I was always second guessing why Maya did that or what happened, and my guesses were always wrong. It was always something bigger and better than that. Never second guess anything. You are definitely going to be shocked!"

Where is Fool Me Once based?

Fool Me Once is set in the fictional town of Winhurst in Manchester - the show was also filmed in the area. This is a change from the original novel, where events took place in New York.

Speaking to Radio Times about the change in location, Michelle Keegan said "The book’s set in New York, so it’s totally different now, because they’re in Manchester. It sort of grounded it for me."

Joanna Lumley added "I think it worked really well. It switched over very easily, without any sense that you’re losing too much. So the book had sort of been plasticined, morphed into a kind of British shape, and it worked really well."

If the home of Joanna Lumley's character, Judith Birkett, looks familiar, it's because the manor house had a previous major TV role as Tommy Shelby's house in Peaky Blinders.

Approximately 25 miles from Manchester, Arley Hall and Gardens is open to the public to visit. The gardens are open for most of the year, and the Hall itself open on specific days only.

Fool Me Once: Reviews

Both the audience and critical reception to Fool Me Once, has been very mixed.

Ed Power from the Telegraph liked it, offering 4/5 stars. He said "A bonkers thriller you'll gobble down as guiltily as the leftover chocs. Succession it ain't, but Netflix's latest Harlan Coben twist-fest is the perfect accompaniment to sofa-based New Year torpor."

However, Nick Hilton from the Independent only offered 1/5, alongside a scathing review. In summing up, he said "It’s TV that has the capacity to shock you – not because the plot is shocking, but because you’re shocked it’s still on. Did the final episode autoplay? Ah well, it’s over now – unlike the Coben adaptations, which will keep on coming and coming."

One audience member on Rotten Tomatoes agreed, writing "Boring, oddly paced. Flat character played even more flatly by a flat actor. And even I, a person not particularly versed in militaria, noticed multiple really annoying errors in a story about an ex forces character. Do yourself a favour and Google spoilers instead of sitting through this tripe."

However, another clearly loved the show, enthusing "I binged watched it in a day, and it had me gripped from the start. Michelle Keegan is brilliant in this role . The suspense, the twists and turns. A gripping watch, I highly recommend it." 

For more TV show origins, we've also looked into what Prime Video's Foe is based on and the inspiration behind Netflix's  A Nearly Normal Family. Bringing steaminess and thrills galore, we also delved into the story behind Channel 4's The Couple Next Door.

Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas features beautiful and creative home-made gifts. Here's how to make two of her festive creations, without breaking the bank.

An early gift in the Christmas TV schedule this year is the arrival of Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas on December 14. Those who enjoy Christmas crafts and are inspired by the likes of creating their own wooden Christmas decorations, are sure to tune in. Stacey will be joined by friends and family to create joyful handmade gifts and decorations on a budget, throughout the course of the festive special. 

Stacey's yuletide craft party will see her five gorgeous children, her nonagenarian grandmother, and local WI get to work on their special selection of money-saving makes. If you're eager to get crafting and re-create some of Stacey's pieces, read on for a step-by-step guide to making her Christmas Pudding wreath, and homemade Nutcracker. 

How to make Stacey Solomon's Christmas crafts

1. Homemade Christmas Pudding Wreath

What you'll need: 

• A swimming pool noodle or similar 
• Gaffer tape
• Pins 
• Brown ribbon or fabric 
• Cream or white ribbon or fabric 
• Sequins 
• Clear PVA glue
• 3 medium sized red baubles 
• Green ribbon for the bow (preferably wired)

What to do:

1. Take your pool noodle and bend it to create a circle, attach the ends together using gaffer tape. 
2. Use pins in a neat line across the end of the brown ribbon or fabric to secure it and wrap the whole noodle.  Be sure to wrap tightly so you can’t see the bright colour underneath. 
3. Once the whole noodle is completely wrapped tuck the fabric neatly at the end and secure with pins. 
4. Repeat the same around half of the pudding with the white or cream ribbon.
5. Glue the sequins on with clear PVA to the brown section of the pudding. 
6. Glue together 3 baubles and secure them to the top of the wreath.
7. Loop the green ribbon around the top of your pudding this will be used to hang the wreath.
8. Tie a bow and attach it to the top of your wreath.

2. Homemade Nutcracker

What you'll need:

• 1 empty, stackable crisp tube.
• 2 empty, 3-4 cm diameter cardboard tubes, the inside of an aluminium foil tube is a good size. 
• White emulsion or spray paint primer.
• Acrylic paints and paint brushes  
• Beads and ribbon for decoration 
• Scissors or craft knife
• PVA glue or glue gun 
• Bottle tops 
• Tape to mask off the sections (optional)

What to do:

1. First to prep the crisp tube by painting it completely white with the white emulsion/spray paint primer.  Put to one side to dry completely.
2. Cut the inside of 2 tin foil tubes in half and glue bottle tops onto the 2 cardboard tubes, these will form the arms. 
3. Paint all 4 tubes with an undercoat of white acrylic paint and put aside to dry completely.
4. Paint  your desired colours for the arms and legs.
5. Divide up the crisp tube into 3 sections.  You can do this using a pencil or for a sharper line you can use tape. 
6. Make 2 smaller sections at the lid end, one for the hat, one for the face and a larger section at the bottom for the body.
7. Paint these in your desired colours. 
8. Once dry, it’s time to attach the legs and arms to the body using PVA glue or glue gun. 
9. Now it’s time to get creative.  You can repurpose old necklaces, use the gems and beads to embellish.
10. For the face, you could glue on a printed face, use a stencil or coloured circled dot stickers.

How to watch Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas 

Stacey Solomon's Crafty Christmas will be available to watch on both on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm on December 14. The show will remain on BBC iPlayer for a period of time following the air date, to allow anyone who misses it to catch up. 

In a statement about the show, Stacey said "I’m so excited to bring Crafty Christmas back this year! Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to craft. For me, home-made, thoughtful gifts that don’t break the bank mean so much more - and this year I’ve got the whole family mucking in, including a very special guest… my amazing grandma."

Alongside the Christmas pudding wreath and handmade Nutcracker, viewers can look forward to Stacey showcasing her very own festive lanterns, personalised presents, foraged decorations and a very special homemade gift for husband Joe. 

For more festive crafts, check out our guide to Christmas patchwork decorations, and origami Christmas trees. For an extra step into a homemade yuletide celebration, our tutorial for stamped Christmas wrapping will give your gifts a special edge.

Two adaptations of classic kids' picture books are coming to TV this Christmas and they're not just for children, as parents won't want to miss reliving these heartwarming specials.

If you're looking for quick ideas for things to do with the kids over Christmas when they've finished unwrapping the top Christmas toys, and are tired of playing the best Christmas games for families then you'll want to add a TV reminder for not one but two TV debuts as part of the Christmas TV schedule.

Mog's Christmas, a special animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s much-loved classic children’s book of the same name is coming to Channel 4 and the BBC is set to release a star-studded animation based on Tabby McTat book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schiffer.

Tabby McTat, is a story about the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred and is set on the streets of London. Jodie Whittaker is the narrator of this year's adaptation which makes it the 11th animated special, and the story holds a special place in her heart as she has owned cats ever since she was little.

Speaking about the special, Jodie said, "Tabby McTat is such a beautiful story about embracing change and the transitions in life as well - from childhood to adulthood and people going on journeys. There is so much warmth and celebration of family and community, but then there's also, the moments of fear and loss that is often a gain.”

“We had cats when we were growing up. My cat gave birth under my bed, and it was magical. But then as a child you realise your parents don't let you keep them all. ‘What? I thought we were going to have five kittens forever,’ but I was lucky, and I did get to keep one of them. Its name was phenomenal - Wicket W. Warrick - named after an Ewok, and it had an older brother called Teebo, another Ewok! And my cat was beautiful, very beautiful with long brown hair and looked like an Ewok and with a personality very similar to mine - needy and a bit feral!”

Tabby McTat also stars Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Fred, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (Gangs of London) as Tabby, Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show) as Prunella, Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) as Pat, and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes) as Sock.

It was first published in 2009 and author Julia Donaldson added, “The story is very special to me because as well as having been a busker myself, I'm also a great cat lover. At the time I wrote it we had cats, but they were very old and alas, are no more. But now we have two Tabby cats and they're called Tabitha and McTat.”

Meanwhile, a Children's classic that will appeal to three generations of your family is Mog's Christmas, as it dates back much further to 1976 and Mog even appeared as early as 1970 in Mog the Forgetful Cat.

In Mog’s Christmas, Mr and Mrs Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are busy making preparations for Christmas. With two Aunts and a jolly Uncle also staying in the house, Mog is feeling ignored and confused. Looking for peace, Mog steps outside to enjoy the winter sun. This, however, is soon disturbed by the Thomas family's neighbour Mrs Gaynor, whose baby demands cuddles from a reluctant Mog.

When Mr Thomas and the two children arrive home with an enormous Christmas tree it is all too much. Taking fright Mog scrambles onto the roof and refuses to budge. After the family has gone back inside, snowflakes begin to fall and soon the house and garden are covered with snow. Later, an excited Debbie and Nicky run outside and draw a giant Mog face in the snow in an attempt to convince her to come down. Mr and Mrs Thomas also come to the rescue, but since Mog can’t remember how she got onto the roof, she now doesn’t know what to do and stays put.

After the family has gone to bed, Mog drifts off to sleep on the snowy roof. Despite everyone’s fears, Mog has a magical night with a cat-themed musical Christmas dream, but will Mog arrive back home in time for Christmas Day?

A sparkling voice cast led by narrator Adjoa Andoh brings Mog’s family and neighbours to life. Claire Foy plays Mrs Thomas, Benedict Cumberbatch is Mr Thomas, Miriam Margolyes and Maggie Steed play the Aunts, Zawe Ashton, is one of Mog’s neighbours, Mrs Gaynor, Charlie Higson plays the Jolly Uncle, comedian Gareth Berliner is the Chestnut Seller and newcomers Amelie Law and Teddy Skelton play children Debbie and Nicky. 

Meanwhile, Mog’s purrs and miaows will be provided by Tacy Kneale, Judith Kerr’s daughter. The theme song As Long as I Belong is composed by David Arnold with lyrics by Don Black and performed by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

You can watch the official trailer below...

Sophie, who is mum of five to Sonny, 18, Kit, 14, Ray, 10, Jesse, seven, and Mickey, four, said, "It's just getting the opportunity to be part of Mog’s world. Family stuff is what you go home to, so when I told my kids that I’d been asked to sing Mog’s song, they couldn't really believe it. It feels very special, actually. Hopefully, I've given a little bit of her story in how I’ve interpreted the song. I was lucky enough to meet Judith Kerr once with my eldest and my second boy. She was at this party and it was really sweet because Kit, who was 18 months but is now 14, didn't know who she was. He’d never hugged anybody out the blue before, but he just ambled over and gave her a hug, so I feel like I've got a teeny tiny connection that way as well."

And fans are impressed with the animations.

One fan wrote, "Awwww this is so cute! It looks like the original books came to life! Hats off to the animators"

Another fan put, "Easily the most interesting thing out of anything announced for Christmas TV so far. Then again, I am unusually interested in these little animated Christmas one-offs Channel 4 commission sometimes but gosh, certainly more excited seeing what they're doing with this! Seems funny, cute and delightful, very stoked."

And a third fan added, "This is the type of stuff i wish C4 did more these days, reminds me of 80s Channel 4 when they were at their peak."

Mog’s Christmas will air on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on Channel 4 and Tabby McTat will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 2.35pm.

In other Entertainment news, you might like to watch Mary Berry's Highland Christmas, or you might be wondering what is My Life with the Walter Boys based on? as we look at the origins of the Netflix drama.

The Queen of Baking is back for the festive season, and viewers want to know more about the Mary Berry's Highland Christmas recipes and guest stars.

Now that the Christmas TV schedule has been released, families across the UK are planning their viewing schedule meticulously in the lead up to the big day and beyond. For many, a bit of festive TV time is a family Christmas tradition, and one show that's sure to be popular with many is Mary Berry's Highland Christmas.

The popular British cook is heading up to Scotland to whip up some indulgent Christmas foods, from show-stopping desserts and warming festive drinks to Christmas buffet ideas too. It promises to make for a wholesome watch, but you might just get inspired for your own family Christmas dinner too, which is why we've taken a look at the recipes and guests you can expect to appear on the show.

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas: Recipes

Mary Berry recipes that will be making an appearance in her Christmas special include a spectacular Cranachan wreath (a twist on a classic pavlova), indulgent cheese fondue and her classic Buche de Noel (also known as a Yule Log).

Other recipes that viewers can expect to see in Mary Berry's Highland Christmas include breakfast dish Kedgeree, smoked salmon and guacamole canapes, fennel and red onion tarte tatin, and her ‘Happy Christmas Pie’ with Aberdeen Angus beef and pickled walnuts.

There'll also be a mulled wine recipe for viewers to attempt at home and, inspired by her years spent working in the Alps as a chalet girl, Mary will make her festive stollen too.

As she has travelled up to the Highlands for the festivities, the beloved British cook will be creating many of the classic dishes with a Scottish twist. Scotland is an extra special place for Dame Mary Berry because it's her mother's homeland.

Ahead of the special, she said, "Christmas in Scotland is the biggest treat, my mother and her family were Scottish so it is a special place for me. The festive holidays are all about sharing special times with friends and family and so what better way than cooking some of my favourite dishes with a traditional Scottish twist."

Along with the festive recipes that Mary Berry will be sharing, she will also reflect on her heritage with fascinating anecdotes about her Scottish roots and embarking on magical days out with friends - from reindeer herding to Christmas carolers and a traditional ceilidh.

Viewers can also expect plenty of Mary’s hints and hacks for the busy Christmas period for how to wow guests with a minimum of fuss, making a feast go further and her ingeniously simple kitchen tricks.

Christmas recipes to try this year

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas guest stars

Mary Berry will be joined by Andy Murray, Iain Stirling and Emeli Sandé for her Highland Christmas special. Her Scottish celebrity guests will join her on festive days out and sampling Christmas food.

Tennis champion Andy Murray recently shared the news of his involvement on Instagram, posting a photo of himself with Dame Mary and his gran. In the caption, he wrote, "Cooking is definitely not my superpower, but think we managed to pull off something edible when I was joined in the @cromlixhotel kitchen with the best cook in my family, my Gran, and Dame Mary Berry."

Meanwhile, comedian and TV presenter Iain Stirling will be joining Mary for a festive reindeer sleigh ride, and singer-songwriter Emily Sandé will surpise her with a a carol singing choir, after helping make a classic Buche de Noel.

Where to watch Mary Berry's Highland Christmas

Mary Berry's Highland Christmas will air on BBC One on Wednesday 13 December at 9pm. Following this, it will be available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

Meanwhile, in the US, the 60-minute special will air on PBS on Monday 18 December.

For more TV picks over the festive season, we've rounded up the best Christmas films on Netflix and shared where Love Actually was filmed and where The Holiday was filmed too.

If you're looking for more Christmas food inspiration, check out these easy canapes and buffet food ideas.

Christmas TV schedule 2023: It's the most wonderful time of the year for TV, and there's something to keep the whole family entertained with these festive specials.

Forget the best Christmas films on Netflix, because the TV listings for the festive season have been revealed and BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are pulling out all the stops this year. For many families, watching a Christmas special (or 10) together is a Christmas tradition and a way to keep kids and adults alike entertained in the lead-up to and on the big day itself.  

Over in Poplar the team behind Call The Midwife has teased "dangerous snow" for the residents that could potentially spell disaster, while Doctor Who will be unveiling its latest time-travelling incarnation over the festive period. Meanwhile, Channel 4 has revealed they'll be airing a special animated adaptation of a Judith Kerr classic children’s book. 

As everyone gathers around to see which other delights the broadcasters have in store for us this year, we unveil the Christmas specials every family needs to add to their Yuletide watch list.

Christmas TV schedule 2023 - Highlights 

BBC

• Tabby McTat - The BBC are bringing another adaptation of a wonderful children's book to life this year. Originally written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the animated adventure follows the life of busker Fred, and his faithful cat. When Fred falls chasing a thief and breaks his leg, his sidekick is left alone in the streets of London to fend for himself - will the inseparable pair be reunited? (Christmas Day: 2.35pm, BBC One.)  
• Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special - Is it even Christmas without the festive edition of Strictly? We think not! Dan Snow, Sally Nugent, Jamie Borthwick, Tillie Amartey, Danny Cipriani and Keisha Buchanan are confirmed to be taking part in the hip-shaking antics. Sam Ryder is set to perform, and two spectacular group routines are being promised to add to the festive fun. (Christmas Day: Time TBC, BBC One)
• Masterchef: Battle of the Critics 2023 - A Masterchef first, this is definitely one to tune in for. For the first time in the show's history, five of the regular critics will be putting their own cookery skills on display. Battling for the title of Chef Critics Champion 2023 are Grace Dent, Leyla Kazim, William Sitwell, Jay Rayner and Jimi Famurewa. They'll first face regular judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, before trying to impress returning champions Ping Coombes (MasterChef 2014), Kenny Tutt (MasterChef 2018) and Nikita Pathakji (MasterChef: The Professionals 2022). (December 28: 8pm, BBC One) 
• Call The Midwife - Never waning in its popularity, the popular midwives and residents of Poplar are back for a Christmas special. With heavy snowfall affecting the East Londoners, Sister Monica Joan becomes convinced she is seeing her final Christmas. Newlyweds Trixie and Matthew have an unexpected guest, while Cyril intervenes when he discovers a man living alone in an abandoned flat. (Christmas Day: Time TBC, BBC One)

• Death in Paradise Christmas Special - The Saint Marie residents and police team are back for a feature length festive special. When an entrepreneur and family man is found dead, his family are left in a state of shock. DI Neville Parker and his team begin investigations, amid a series of distractions. (Boxing Day: 9pm, BBC One)
• Beyond Paradise Christmas Special - Not only are we being treated to a Death in Paradise Christmas special, its spin-off, Beyond Paradise, is also getting one! Watch what happens when the Shipton Abbott residents are concerned by a series of strange burglaries. However, a breakthrough in the case leads to a bittersweet discovery and a rethink of the true meaning of Christmas for everyone. (Christmas Eve: 9pm, BBC One)
• The Repair Shop Christmas Special - Jay Blades and the team are set to restore items full of Christmas memories in the yuletide special. This includes a 1940s mechanical Christmas cake, and a Caribbean steel pan. The experts will also be creating Secret Santa gifts for each other for more festive cheer. (Christmas Eve: 8pm, BBC One)
• Ghosts Christmas Special - It's time to say a very sad final farewell to the humans and ghosts of Button House. Mike’s mum, Betty is staying and Mike and Alison soon lose patience with her presence. Robin isn't feeling ‘Christmassy’ enough and everyone comes together in an attempt to boost the Christmas magic - but will they be able to do it? (Christmas Day: 7.45pm, BBC One)

• Here We Go: Mum’s Classic Family Christmas - We love Here We Go, so much that we wrote what is essentially a love letter to the comedy series. Of course, we are hugely excited to see there will be a Christmas special! Amy is home for the holidays, and Rachel wants the perfect family Christmas. She has a schedule, and is determined everyone will stick to it - but this is the Jessop family, so carnage is absolutely going to ensue. (December 22: 8.30pm, BBC One)
• Not Going Out: Wilfred - Not Going Out is reaching the incredible milestone of airing its 100th episode. This means its now the longest running sitcom on air. Lee and Lucy are also trying to create the perfect family Christmas. Trying to be charitable, the couple invite lonely pensioner Wilfred around for Christmas dinner. Toby, Anna, and Lucy's parents also join in, and the perfect Christmas is sure to go wrong. (Christmas Eve: 10pm, BBC One)
• Doctor Who - Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa is taking over as the fifteenth Doctor, joined by Millie Gibson as sidekick, Ruby Sunday. Abandoned on Christmas Eve as a baby, Ruby lives with mum, Carla, and grandmother, Cherry. Her path crosses with the Doctor and changes her life for ever as they set off on their adventures. Davina McCall and Anita Dobson are also set to appear. (Christmas Day: 5.55pm, BBC One)
• Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy - In 1954, Fitzwilliam meets Miss Pinkerton on a train to London, who tells him of a killer at large in the village of Wychwood under Ashe. The villagers believe the deaths are accidental, but when Miss Pinkerton is found dead, Fitzwilliam makes it his duty to find the killer. Morfydd Clark, Douglas Henshall, Mark Bonnar and Tamzin Outhwaite are among the names set to star in the special. (December 27 and 28: 9pm on BBC One)

• Men Up - This interesting sounding drama is based on the events surrounding the Welsh men who took part in the trial of a new drug which would become Viagra. The world's first medical trials for the drug were actually held in Swansea’s Morriston Hospital in 1994. The fictionalised account stars Iwan Rheon, Steffan Rhodri, Paul Rhys, Phaldut Sharma and Mark Lewis Jones in the stellar cast. (December 29: 9pm, BBC One)
• Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas - The holiday period involves plenty of food, and watching sumptuous bites created on the TV is just as exciting as eating it. Nigella is a fan of Amsterdam’s food and culture, and wants to share her enthusiasm with viewers. With family ties to the city, Nigella recalls memories of watching people drinking Claret Cup, and the smells and textures from Christmas visits there gone by. (December 21: 8pm, BBC One)
• The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home For Christmas - If Nigella's culinary exploits aren't enough, The Hairy Bikers have a very special Christmas outing on offer. One year ago, Dave was diagnosed with cancer. After a break from filming with Si, the pair are reunited to create a feast for all those who helped Dave on the road to recovery. (December 19: 9pm, BBC Two)
• A Ghost Story for Christmas: Lot No. 249 - This adaptation of the Arthur Conan Doyle short story stars Kit Harington and Freddie Fox. Set in Old College, Oxford, in 1881, the story follows three very different academics. Abercrombie Smith, Monkhouse Lee, and Edward Bellingham unite over a bag of bones tagged Lot No.249. Bellingham’s unnatural experiments might just bring the bones back to life... (December 24: 10pm, BBC Two)

• Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster - The national treasure that is Sir David Attenborough, brings a Christmas special attempting to uncover the mysteries surrounding a giant skull found in the cliffs of Dorset. Joined by two of the UK’s most intrepid fossil hunters, the team will attempt to excavate the skull from its 12 metres high place in a cliff face. (New Year's Day 2024: 8pm, BBC One)
• Mrs. Brown’s Boys - The marmite of comedy shows, Mrs Brown is back for both a Christmas, and New Year special. Christmas Day sees Mrs Brown just want a peaceful Christmas, but the family aren't quite on board. The new year finds Mrs Brown and the gang starting a new health and fitness regime, while a mysterious visitor raises some difficult questions from Agnes and Winne’s past. (Christmas Day: 10.45pm, BBC One, New Year's Day 2024: 10pm, BBC One)
• Caroline Aherne: Comedy Queen - Christmas hasn't been quite the same since the passing of Caroline Aherne, and no more The Royle Family on Christmas Day. This Arena film celebrating her life features unseen photographs and contributions from her close friends. Steve Coogan, John Thomson, and Craig Cash are set to appear. (Christmas Day: 10.25pm, BBC Two)
• Charles III: The Coronation Year - One for the Royal fans, a 90-minute documentary will offer a unique insight into King Charles III and Queen Camilla as they undertake the first year of their reign. Narration is provided by Helena Bonham Carter, who portrayed Princess Margaret in The Crown. (Release date and time TBC)

ITV

• The Winter King - An adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles, the series is set in the fifth century amid a brutal land of warring factions and tribes. It follows Arthur Pendragon as he transitions from outcast to legendary warrior and leader. (December 21: Time TBC, ITVX)
• Britain Get Singing - Stars from TV’s biggest shows gather for a sing-off in front of a studio audience and Super Panel. Who will succeed 2022 champions, Loose Women, who won with their rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water? The show supports ITV’s groundbreaking mental health campaign, Britain Get Talking, with the stars discussing their own experiences of mental health. (December 24: 8.35pm, ITV)
• The Masked Singer: Christmas Special - The one-off TV special sees four famous faces go undercover to fool the panel of detectives and those watching at home. Jonathan Ross, Rita Ora, Davina McCall and Mo Gilligan will be hedging their bets over who is behind the masks. (Christmas Day: 7.30pm, ITV)
• The Royal Variety Performance - The world’s longest running entertainment show returns for another year, with members of the Royal family in attendance. Expect top performers, world-class theatre, singing and comedy. Money raised from the performance goes to the Royal Variety Charity, helping those from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance. (December 17: 8pm, ITV)

• Deal Or No Deal - The newly resurrected iconic TV game show returns for a festive special. Now in its new home, with brand new host Stephen Mulhern, contestants battle the Banker in attempt to win large sums of cash. (December 17: 7pm, ITV)
• Barry Humphries: The Last Laugh - After the sad passing of Barry Humphries in April, this documentary offers intimate and honest insight into the life of the iconic performer. Revisiting signature characters such as Dame Edna Everage, the roots of his characters stemming from his suburban Australian upbringing will be explored. (Christmas Day: 10pm, ITV)
• Vera: The Rising Tide - The much-loved detective series returns with a Christmas special based on Ann Cleeves’ 11th best-selling novel. DCI Vera Stanhope is plunged into a dangerous investigation, untangling deceit to prevent further tragedy. With peril at every turn, will Vera and the team live to see Christmas? (December 26: 8pm, ITV)
• Mr Bates vs. The Post Office - Telling the story of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal history, this shocking drama depicts hundreds of innocent subpostmasters and postmistresses wrongly accused of crimes. A defective IT system saw the innocent postal workers accused of theft, fraud and false accounting - many were prosecuted and some imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit. (January 1, 2024: 9pm, ITV) 

Channel 4

• Mog's Christmas - An all-star voice cast take on Mog’s Christmas, a special animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic children’s book. Mr and Mrs Thomas and their children Debbie and Nicky are preparing for Christmas. They're joined by two Aunts and an Uncle, leaving family cat Mog, feeling a bit ignored. Frightened by the arrival of an enormous Christmas tree, Mog takes to the roof for safety. Although she has a magical night in the snow, will Mog arrive back home in time for Christmas Day? (December 24: 7.45pm, Channel 4)
• Gogglebox Christmas Special - Armchair critics will be offering their own special brand of hilarious commentary from their homes, festive style. This show always brings the laughs, and is a perfect addition to everyone's Christmas TV line up. (December 24: 9:30pm, Channel 4) 
• The Festive Pottery Throw Down - Siobhán, Keith and Rich will be joined by Alice Levine, Hugh Dennis, Joe Swash and Sophie Duker for The Festive Pottery Throw Down. We can't wait to tune in to find out who will be crowned Yuletide champion of the pottery. (Christmas Day: 7.30pm, Channel 4)
• The Great Christmas Bake Off - Instead of celebrities, returning contestants will feature in Bake Off Christmas Eve and New Year specials. Appearing on the Christmas special will be George (series 12), Sophie (series 8), Dan (series 9), Amelia (series 10), Linda (series 11), and Carole (series 13). The New Year's special will see Mark (series 11), Maxy (series 13), Maggie and Jürgen (both series 12) returning. (December 24: 8.15pm and January 1, 2024: 7.40pm on Channel 4)

• Big Fat Quiz of the Year - Jimmy Carr will return to ask the big questions in the nation's favourite annual quiz. He'll be asking "Who was the real star of the King's Coronation?", and "Were you team Barbie or Oppenheimer?" Celebrity teams go head to head to find out who knows the most about the year gone by. (December 26: 9pm, Channel 4)
• 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown - More Jimmy Carr on your screens, as he hosts a special Christmas edition of 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Joe Lycett and Danny Dyer take on Jon Richardson and Roisin Conaty. Rachel Riley will be at her usual spot, while Nick Mohammed and Susie Dent sit in Dictionary Corner. (December 21: 9pm, Channel 4)

For more festive TV, we've looked into where Best. Christmas. Ever! was filmed after the new movie landed on Netflix. For more classic Christmas films, we have the lowdown on where The Holiday and Love Actually were filmed too.

If you're looking for something to watch when the kids are in bed, then you might be flicking through Netflix wondering what Leave the World Behind is based on.

Julia Roberts is back on screens but instead of starring in her usual romantic comedy films like Ticket to Paradise, the star is back for a family-based apocalyptic thriller that will leave you sat on the edge of your seat - and thinking about what you'd do in the face of a cyber attack when the world grinds to a halt. Much like viewers want to know what new movie The End We Start From is based on, the same is being asked of Leave the World Behind. 

Speaking about the new Netflix movie, director Sam Esmail explained to Netflix's Tudum, "I had been interested in doing a disaster movie for a while, and I specifically wanted to do one surrounding a cyber attack because I don't think a lot of people have a concrete idea of what that would look like or how detrimental it would be, not just in America, but globally."

"The impact of technology on society is something that I've always been fascinated by because I really do think it dramatically changed the way we interact and evolve as people."

As we look at how the families become part of its narrative...

What is Leave the World Behind based on?

Leave the World Behind is based on the National Book Award-nominated novel Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. It follows two families fighting for survival amid an inexplicable blackout where nothing is likely to go back to normal.

Any parent might think that a break in technology might solve your family problems, especially if you're constantly trying to get your kids to spend less time on their electronic devices. But when it's more than just the case of a temporary power cut or being unable to find your phone charger, these two families soon start to realise something isn't quite right.

The apocalyptic thriller is from award-winning writer and director Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), Amanda (Academy Award winner Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke), rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie).

Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers, G.H. (Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la), arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs.

The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute, forcing everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.

The author Rumaan Alam is the executive producer of the film alongside Barack and Michelle Obama, Tonia Davis, Daniel M. Stillman and Nick Krishnamurthy.

Who is in the cast of Leave the World Behind?

• Julia Roberts as Amanda Sandford
• Mahershala Ali as G.H. Scott
• Ethan Hawke as Clay Sandford
• Myha'la as Ruth Scott
• Farrah Mackenzie as Rose Sandford
• Charlie Evans as Archie Sandford
• Kevin Bacon as Danny

In other Entertainment news, if you're a fan of psychological thrillers you might wonder what Prime Video movie Foe is based on or the origins of Netflix's Fool Me Once. If you've been tuned in to Netflix's Bad Surgeon you might want to know where is Paolo Macchiarini now?

Despite the supernatural elements, this new ITV drama tells a story that will be all too familiar to some viewers. It's no wonder that many want to know what Platform 7 is based on.

Produced by Dancing Ledge (The Salisbury Poisonings) and adapted by multi-award-winning screenwriter Paula Milne (The Politicians Husband), Platform 7 is the latest gripping drama to arrive on ITVX. The series tells the story of Lisa, who finds herself inhabiting Peterborough train station after her death. Trying to piece together the events that led her there, she uncovers the suffering she faced at the hands of a manipulative boyfriend.

Platform 7 is one of many recent thrillers to have been adapted from books for the small screen, with Channel 4 viewers wanting to know what The Couple Next Door is based on and Netflix subscribers wondering what Fool Me Once is based on too. Over on Prime Video, the movie Foe is based on some interesting concepts, with marriage and identity coming into sharp focus throughout.  

Trigger warning: This article discusses topics that some readers may find upsetting.

What is Platform 7 based on?

Platform 7 is based on a book of the same name by author Louise Doughty. The book was published in 2019 and is Doughty's eighth novel. She is best known for Apple Tree Yard, which was a top 10 bestseller in the UK and has been translated in thirty territories worldwide.

ITV’S Head of Drama, Polly Hill, said following the commissioning of Platform 7, "I'm thrilled to be working with Dancing Ledge Productions on the haunting thriller, Platform 7, an adaptation of Louise Doughty’s brilliant novel. It's edgy, fresh and engaging and is unlike anything we've commissioned before."

Meanwhile, executive producer and managing director of Dancing Ledge Productions, Chris Carey, commented: “We’re thrilled to be adapting Louise Doughty’s celebrated novel, Platform 7, for television. The story weaves together themes of love and control in a truly original way. Part revenge story, part love story, part murder mystery, this nail-biting drama forces us to consider whether we can truly know the people closest to us."

Doughty is no stranger to having her novels adapted for the small screen. Apple Tree Yard was turned into a four-part BBC drama in 2017, with Emily Watson (The Politician's Husband, The Theory of Everything) taking on the lead role. Doughty is also credited with writing another BBC drama, Crossfire, which aired in September 2022.

Is Platform 7 a true story?

Platform 7 is not a true story. The main character, Lisa, is a ghost and the narrative takes place in the liminal space between the living and the dead.

However, the story is a chilling tale of coercive control and psychological manipulation, a contemporary issue that is all too familiar to many women.

Matt, Lisa's boyfriend in Platform 7, is a doctor and appears to be the perfect boyfriend, but he turns out to be a master manipulator. Gaslighting and love-bombing are just some of the coercive techniques he uses against Lisa, as well as flirting with other women and isolating her from friends and family.

It's an all-too-believable representation of controlling relationships, an issue that unfortunately persists in modern society. Safe Lives, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, defines psychological abuse as that which involves "the regular and deliberate use of a range of words and non-physical actions used with the purpose to manipulate, hurt, weaken or frighten a person mentally and emotionally; and/or distort, confuse or influence a person’s thoughts and actions within their everyday lives, changing their sense of self and harming their wellbeing."

In a survey of domestic abuse survivors who experienced non-physical abuse, Safe Lives found that 91% experienced psychological abuse at some point in the relationship, while 49% experienced psychological abuse regularly. 

Just like in Lisa's story, 96% of survivors said that at the beginning of the relationship, their partner was charming and affectionate.

While not based on a true story, Platform 7 offers insight into how perpetrators take advantage of victims' vulnerabilities to keep them dependent upon their abuser.

Platform 7 plot

Set at Peterborough train station, Platform 7 follows central character Lisa, a ghost who is on a quest to tackle the mystery of her own untimely death. After a man takes his own life on platform seven, her memory is jogged and both she and a Transport Police officer begin to investigate her death in tandem.

The ITV synopsis reads: "The drama is a haunting thriller following central character Lisa who, after witnessing a cataclysmic event on platform seven of a railway station, finds her own fragmented memory jogged to reveal a connection between her own life and that of the event she has just witnessed. Supernatural elements combine with contemporary realism in this chilling drama."

Meanwhile, screenwriter Paula Milne has said of the drama, "This is no traditional 'spooky' ghost story. It’s the tale of a ghost on a quest to discover who she was and the events that led to her untimely death. Her story is a celebration of indignation versus passivity and truth versus lies.

"While writing it from Louise Doughty’s astute and emotionally intelligent novel, I began to feel she’s the ghost in all of us; the unseen part of us when we find ourselves reflecting on the wisdom of our past decisions. Sometimes with regret, occasionally with rancour but more often with the complicated relish of what it means to be human."

Platform 7 cast

• Jasmine Jobson as Lisa (Top Boy, Noughts and Crosses)
• Toby Regbo as Matt (Chivalry, A Discovery of Witches)
• Yaamin Chowdhury as Akash (The Lazarus Project, The Essex Serpent)
• Phil Davis as Edward (Trying, Viewpoint)

How to watch Platform 7

Platform 7 is available to watch on ITVX from Thursday 7 December. All four episodes in the series will be available to watch from this date.

The new series is an ITVX premiere, meaning it is landing on ITV's free streaming service many months ahead of linear transmission on the main channel, ITV1.

For more TV show origins, we've also looked into whether Netflix's All The Light We Cannot see is based on a true story. Elsewhere on the streamer, we've uncovered the inspiration behind pharmaceuticals drama Pain Hustlers, and the steamy Burning Betrayal and what is Leave the World Behind based on?

What is My Life with the Walter Boys based on? If you're wondering about the interesting origins of the Netflix drama, we have everything you need to know.  

My Life with the Walter Boys follows fifteen-year-old privileged Manhattan teen Jackie Howard, in the aftermath of losing her family in a tragic accident. Uprooted from everything she knows in her comfortable New York life, Jackie needs to adjust to a new life in rural Colorado and her new family. Her mother’s best friend, Katherine Walter, takes her in, and Katherine already has ten children. Jackie stays determined to realise her dream of getting into Princeton University, while managing her feelings for two of the Walter brothers. 

Viewers have been asking questions about the origins of the heart warming story, in the same way they've been asking about what fellow Netflix drama A Nearly Normal Family is based on. Similarly, intrigue recently arose over the basis of the streamer's hit series Fool Me Once, and ITV's psychological thriller Platform 7. For those who like to know the origins of their favourite shows, we've looked into the inspiration behind My Life with the Walter Boys - here's what we've uncovered.

What is My Life with the Walter Boys based on? 

My Life with the Walter Boys is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Ali Novak. However, there's an interesting story behind how the book came to be published.

Ali Novak was just 15-years-old when she began writing the story. Her own father had died young, which acted as inspiration for Jackie's background. She later published the novel on Wattpad, and it's popularity was instant. By the time she'd graduated from the University of Madison Wisconsin's creative writing program at the age of 22, the story had reached over 24 million reads. Unsurprisingly, My Life with the Walter Boys began picking up interest from publishers. In 2014, it was published by Sourcebooks Fire, and became a bestseller.

Speaking to Wild Mind Creative about the start of her success, Ali Novak said "I started writing my debut novel, My Life with the Walter Boys, when I was only fifteen. When I finished, I wanted to share my story with the world, but the thought of publishing my book never crossed my mind. Because let's be real - what publishing house would pick up a kid's rough draft manuscript?"

She continued "So I did what any millennial would do and googled how to share my story. That’s how I discovered Wattpad, an online reading and writing community. After working up the courage, I started posting my book to the website in 2010. That decision changed my life. My story became an instant hit, and since then, my collective work has been read more than 150 million times."

Beginning her career at such a young age meant that a certain level of immaturity was apparent in the first draft of the book. It was originally titled My Life with the Walter Boys, All Twelve of Them, which Novak has said makes her "cringe" whenever she thinks about it. 

Being published shortly after graduation is also unusual. "I was offered my book deal right after graduation, so instead of looking for a job I spent my summer rewriting my novel," Novak told The Hiding Spot.

She added "To pay my bills, I work part time at Hallmark. I can’t say stocking cards has shaped my writing. However, what has shaped my writing is Wattpad. I’ve spent years writing on the website, and the feedback I received from readers made me the author that I am today." 

Does My Life with the Walter Boys have a sequel?

Ali Novak has written an unofficial and unpublished sequel to the original novel, entitled My Life as a Walter Boy. Some chapters of the sequel are available on Wattpad. 

The book is set four years after the end of My Life with the Walter Boys, and is written from Cole's perspective, who is one of the Walter brothers. 

In addition, Novak has officially published a spin-off series called The Heartbreakers. A follow-up to this is titled Paper Hearts.

Speaking to The Hiding Spot about the spin-off series, she said "The story takes place a generation later and revolves around Isaac Walter’s daughter. In addition, I’d love to write individual stories about each of the Walter boys. Then again, I have thousands of stories ideas in my head not pertaining to the Walter boys that I would like to explore as well."

These novels have also been well received, with one Amazon reviewer writing "This author is fantastic. Loved this book, the way she sets the chemistry between the characters is wonderfully involving. I hope she writes even more novels for me to fangirl over."

Another added "I really enjoyed these characters and their stories and CANNOT wait till the next novel! The song at the end filled my heart with happiness!"

Who is directing My Life with the Walter Boys?

The My Life with the Walter Boys TV series is being directed by Jerry Ciccoritti, Nimisha Mukerji, Winnifred Jong, and Jason Priestley. 

If the name Jason Priestley sounds familiar, it is because he starred in the popular original teen show, Beverly Hills 90210. Series creator Melanie Halsall spoke about his involvement with the show with Netflix Tudum. "Because he’s an actor, he just understands where the actors are coming from all the time," she said.

"He’s so respectful and so good with the young actors and great technically and with story." 

Priestley recalled his proudest moment on set being able to call a wrap to the end of filming. "It’s not every day as a director you get to do that," he said, continuing, "Hopefully [it’s] the first of many seasons for all the good people who worked so hard on this show."

My Life with the Walter Boys: Cast

• Nikki Rodriguez as Jackie Howard
• Ashby Gentry as Alex Walter
• Noah LaLonde as Cole Walter
• Sarah Rafferty as Dr. Katherine Walter
• Marc Blucas as George Walter
• Corey Fogelmanis as Nathan Walter
• Jaylan Evans as Skylar Summerhill
• Connor Stanhope as Danny Walter
• Zoë Soul as Haley Young
• Johnny Link as Will Walter
• Alisha Newton as Erin
• Ashley Holliday as Tara
• Moheb Jindran as Nikhil
• Mya Lowe as Kiley
• Gabrielle Jacinto as Olivia
• Ellie O'Brien as Grace
• Dean Petriw as Jordan Walter
• Lennix James as Benny Walter
• Alix West Lefler as Parker Walter

Speaking to Tudum about landing the role of Jackie, Nikki Rodriguez recalled telling her friends after her audition "It was really fun, but I just don’t think anyone’s going to see me as Jackie."

The following morning she was making a microwave breakfast burrito, and just as the ping arrived to let her know it was ready, her phone rang. Her manager's voice said "Hey, so do you have a lot of cold weather clothes?" before telling her the role was hers. She remembered "I essentially just sat on the floor and cried for about 30 minutes and did not eat the breakfast burrito."

For more TV show origins, we've also looked into whether Netflix's All The Light we Cannot see is based on a true story. Elsewhere on the streamer, we've also looked at the inspiration behind pharmaceuticals drama Pain Hustlers, and the steamy Burning Betrayal. 

Where is Paolo Macchiarini now? Netflix documentary Bad Surgeon: Love Under The Knife tells the tragic tale lives he destroyed, and the secret family he kept hidden.

Netflix's latest true-crime documentary tells the story of Swiss surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, whose innovative regenerative surgeries led to him being hailed a super surgeon. However, when his patients kept dying, whistle blowers stepped in to stop the man they later revealed to be a fraud and a fantasist. The three-part docuseries features not only those responsible for exposing Macchiarini, but the families of his victims, and his former fiancée who found out his secret hidden family just before they were set to wed. 

Elsewhere on Netflix, viewers were asking about Griselda Blanco's children now, and what happened to her three husbands, after tuning into true-crime dramatisation, Griselda. Recent Channel 4 documentary Murdered: The Baby on the Beach revisits the Kerry babies case and left viewers wondering about the whereabouts of Joanne Hayes now - the woman wrongly accused of murder. The same question is now being asked about Paolo Macchiarini - we reveal what happened once his crimes were exposed, and where he is now.

Where is Paolo Macchiarini now?

Paolo Macchiarini is currently in prison serving 2 1/2 years jail sentence for causing the death of three people between 2011 and 2014, as per a report by Associated Press. He had initially been given a suspended sentence in June 2022 - meaning he would serve no jail time - but a Swedish appeals court increased his sentence in June 2023.

Reuters report that last year Macchiarini was found not guilty of aggravated assault in three cases of death, and guilty of causing grievous bodily harm in a fourth case. The three acquittal verdicts have since been struck down, with the Swedish appeals court saying in a statement it did "not question that the surgeon hoped his method would work" but found that Macchiarini had "acted with criminal intent".

The report goes on to detail that Macchiarini denied any criminal wrongdoing and said he felt "imprisoned", having already lost his job and career. He also said that he was disappointed with the outcome of the trial, and that he would appeal it.

According to Associated Press, Macchiarini was fired from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute - a research-led medical university - in 2016 for breaching medical ethics after being accused of falsifying his resume and misrepresenting his work.

Also in 2016, the Swedish government dismissed the board of the Karolinska Institute following an investigation that found it was negligent when hiring Macchiarini and letting him operate on patients (per Reuters).

What did Paolo Macchiarini do?

Paolo Macchiarini was a celebrated thoracic surgeon, who became famous for a groundbreaking transplant operation involving plastic windpipes. He claimed to have created artificial airways that didn't require patients to take immunosuppressant drugs in order to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplants.

Macchiarini became well known in 2008 for creating such a transplant for a woman named Claudia Castillo, who suffered from tuberculosis-damaged airways. According to the Guardian, it is claimed he did this by taking windpipe cells from a deceased donor, and mixing them with stem cells from Castillo’s bone marrow. Macchiarini claimed that because the artificial organ was built from Castillo’s own cells, she wouldn't require lifelong immunosuppressant drugs to prevent her body from rejecting it.

By 2011, he was working at the prestigious Karolinska Institutet, reinventing his technique and making the front cover of the New York Times. However, as the Netflix documentary details, many of the patients treated by Macchiarini began dying, with Claudia Castillo being one of the only survivors known to be doing well. 

The Guardian article goes on to detail the claims that tracheal procedures had not been insufficiently tested on animals and that a full risk assessment had not been undertaken, with no government permits for the plastic windpipes, stem cells, and chemical growth factors used for the operations issued. 

It is alleged that Macchiarini's celebrity status allowed him to avoid the usual rigorous safety procedures such a landmark medical intervention would be subject to. He was bringing in funding for institutes for whom he worked, and therefore even managed to carry on treating patients using the loophole that they were dying, it was claimed. In the case that no other treatment options are available, experimental options could be used as a last resort.

The case made against Macchiarini was that he falsified results and misled hospital authorities regarding the health of those receiving the experimental procedures and, as detailed in Netflix's Bad Surgeon, the allegations landed him in Swedish appeals court, where he was charged with aggravated assault and bodily harm against his former patients. 

Was Paolo Macchiarini married?

Paolo Macchiarini was married, but the documentary also exposes that at the height of his fame, he became engaged to another woman who it is alleged knew nothing of his existing wife.

NBC News Producer Benita Alexander met Macchiarini while making a documentary about him at the height of his success, in 2013. Despite professional misgivings relating to beginning a relationship with the subject of her documentary, Benita continued to meet Macchiarini for lunches and once filming was over, they were officially a couple.

By 2015, they planned to marry, with a date set for July 11 that year. Macchiarini is said to have told Benita he had previously treated the Pope and planned to visit him to discuss the pair of them being divorced but still hoping for a Catholic wedding. He returned with the news that not only had the Pope consented to the marriage, but had also agreed to officiate. 

According to Vanity Fair, Macchiarini told his bride-to-be that guests planning to attend the nuptials included Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Nicolas Sarkozy. He also told her Andrea Bocelli would be singing, and Florence’s three Michelin starred Enoteca Pinchiorri, would be responsible for the catering.

A friend then emailed Benita with an article covering travels the Pope would be undertaking, which coincided with when he should be officiating her wedding. She hired a private investigator who found all the details Macchhiarini is said to have provided about the wedding were fabricated. He was also found to be still married to his wife of nearly 30 years at the time, Emanuela Pecchia - they had two young children together.

Benita said of the experience "This was not some guy I picked up in a bar. This was a renowned, accomplished, established surgeon whom we had followed all over the world." She added " The very prospect of him making all of this stuff up, even as I described it to friends as surreal and overwhelming, seemed too ridiculous to give it any credence. Why would he risk his reputation by doing that? What reason could he possibly have to lie to me, someone he obviously loved, in that manner?"

Is Paolo Macchiarini still married?

Reports suggest Paolo Macchiarini is no longer married to his first wife, but these remain unconfirmed.

The documentary also covers another affair Macchiarini is said to have had with a woman named Ana Paula Bernardes. The pair met in 2010 when Macchiarini operated on her son, Danilo. He suffered complications and sadly passed away shortly after the surgery. Macchiarini maintained contact with Bernardes, eventually beginning a relationship with her.

The pair later had a daughter together, but the relationship ended in 2016,when Bernardes found out that Macchiarini had also duped Benita Alexander and discovered the pair's failed marriage plans. She also found out at the same time that he was already married, and left with their daughter. 

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