The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 for people born in the early 1960s, with the gradual increase starting in April 2026
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
21:00, 12 Mar 2026
Millions of workers are being encouraged to verify their State Pension age as the long-anticipated increase from 66 to 67 commences next month. The adjustment means individuals born in the early 1960s may not retire at 66 as many anticipated.
Instead, their State Pension age will incrementally rise depending on their precise date of birth. Under the current schedule, the State Pension age will rise from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028.
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Those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961 will see their retirement age extended beyond 66, with the exact age contingent on when they were born. For some, this could mean waiting several additional months before they can begin receiving their State Pension.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people nearing retirement to check their State Pension age so they know precisely when they will become eligible for payments, reports the Daily Record. Officials highlight that many still presume the State Pension automatically starts at 66, but this will no longer be the case for those impacted by the latest increase.
Another crucial point is that the State Pension does not commence automatically – individuals must actively claim it when they reach State Pension age. The Pension Service typically sends an invitation letter around four months prior to someone reaching their State Pension age, explaining how to make a claim.
However, the DWP emphasises the importance of individuals checking their own retirement age to plan ahead and avoid any confusion about when they will start receiving payments.
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Determining your State Pension age is straightforward and can be done online by inputting your date of birth into the UK Government’s official State Pension age calculator.
The current full rate of the New State Pension stands at £230.25 a week – set to increase to £241.30 from 6 April – although the precise amount someone receives is dependent on their National Insurance record.
To receive the full New State Pension, most people require approximately 35 qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions (NICs), whilst those with fewer years may receive a reduced amount. A minimum of 10 years of NICs is needed to qualify for any State Pension payments.
The rise in the State Pension age is part of the UK Government’s long-term plans, designed to reflect increasing life expectancy and the escalating cost of pension provision.
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Further increases are already scheduled, with the State Pension age anticipated to rise again to 68 in the mid-2040s, although the exact timetable for this change remains under review.
For now, officials state that the priority is ensuring people nearing retirement understand when they will become eligible for the State Pension and how to claim it.
Anyone uncertain about when they will receive their State Pension can verify their exact retirement age through the government’s online service by entering their date of birth.
The cases are said to include “serious allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment affecting women and men”.
A survey of staff working at Holyrood has revealed 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment over the past five years.
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The cases are said to include “serious allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment affecting women and men” as well as “incidents linked to alcohol and behaviour described as intended to ‘keep women in their place’”. The allegations, which were not reported at the time, go back to 2021.
A new report from the Scottish Parliament said “these patterns indicate misuse of power by a small number of individuals and a gap between lived experience and official reporting volumes”. Details of the cases were shared for the first time as part of a review of the Parliament’s Dignity at Work policies and systems.
Staff working for MSPs and for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) – which is responsible for running the Parliament – were surveyed as part of that.
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Feedback given to the confidential independent support and advocacy service revealed “84 incidents of experiencing and/or witnessing bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, including allegations of sexual misconduct going back to 2021”.
The report told how “many individuals did not seek advice at the time of the incident due to fear of consequences, reputational harm or concern that reporting could damage political relationships or career prospects”. It also said that “proportionately, the highest number of anonymous disclosures related to MSPs”.
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Holyrood chief executive David McGill said they were “deeply concerned by the findings on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment”.
They stated: “These incidents during this session only came to light through this review, making it clear that some colleagues did not previously feel safe or confident to share their experiences. Our foremost concern is for those affected. Coming forward is never easy and we are grateful to everyone who took part in this review.”
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The report also highlighted what it described as a “persistent ‘two-tier culture’” at the Parliament where “staff perceive that poor behaviour by MSPs is less likely to be challenged or addressed effectively”. It added that “this perception is reinforced by power imbalances and inconsistent accountability”.
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The SPCB considered the report when it met on Thursday and gave its full support to recommendations made in it. These include carrying out a review of the Parliament’s complaints process to “identify opportunities to create a single, accessible complaints and support hub”.
It also recommended a “Parliament-wide risk-assessment framework for bullying, harassment and sexual harassment”, saying this could help “provide practical tools for early identification of risks and proportionate intervention in higher risk settings”.
In addition, the report said work should take place to “embed a Parliament-wide speak up culture”, saying this could encourage early reporting of incidents.
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The 15 year old boy, who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, was apprehended and transported to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
He has subsequently been charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife on school grounds, according to Norfolk Police.
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The boy has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear at Norwich Youth Court on Friday morning.
Norfolk Police have stated that officers will maintain reassurance patrols at the school and in the surrounding area over the next few days.
The teenage girl, who was rushed to hospital with minor injuries following the assault, has since been released.
Whether you’re exploring its historic roots, enjoying scenic walks, or relaxing on the village green, Tudhoe is a true hidden gem according to visitors on TripAdvisor.
A Brief History of Tudhoe Village
From Medieval Roots to a Mining Community
Tudhoe’s history stretches back to the 12th century, when it began as a small agricultural settlement. By the 19th century, it had evolved into a thriving mining village, playing an important role in County Durham’s coal industry.
Despite this industrial past, Tudhoe has managed to preserve its rural charm, with tree‑lined roads, stone cottages, and open green spaces that capture its timeless appeal.
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Tudhoe Hall and Its Catholic Heritage
One of Tudhoe’s most significant landmarks is Tudhoe Hall, a grand manor house tied to the region’s Catholic history. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Tudhoe became a refuge for Catholic recusants, practising their faith in secret during times of persecution. This legacy still shapes the village’s identity, giving it a unique place in Durham’s religious history.
Tudhoe Village Green: A Peaceful Corner of County Durham
At the heart of the village lies Tudhoe Village Green — one of the largest in County Durham. Surrounded by historic cottages and mature trees, it offers a tranquil escape from modern life.
Visitors describe it as a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a family picnic, or simply soaking in the unspoiled countryside views. Unlike many villages that have expanded with modern housing estates, Tudhoe retains its traditional layout and rural character.
Things to Do in Tudhoe
Enjoy Scenic Walks and Countryside Trails
Tudhoe is surrounded by rolling countryside and picturesque walking routes. Explore riverside walks through the Wear Valley or take trails towards Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge for breathtaking views.
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Explore Historic Churches and Architecture
History fans will enjoy St. Charles’ Church, reflecting the village’s Catholic heritage, and other historic buildings that showcase classic Durham architecture.
Relax in a Classic English Village Setting
With its peaceful atmosphere, cosy village pubs, and friendly locals, Tudhoe is an ideal retreat for those seeking a quiet getaway near Durham.
Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting
Durham City & Durham Cathedral – Just 10 minutes away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features Durham Castle, riverside walks, and historic charm.
Brancepeth Castle & Golf Club – A short drive from Tudhoe, this medieval fortress and golf course are favourites with history lovers.
Auckland Castle & Bishop Auckland – Explore the beautifully restored former palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham and its gardens.
Hardwick Park, Sedgefield – An 18th‑century landscaped park with woodlands, lakes and scenic picnic spots.
Why Visit Tudhoe?
With its unique mix of history, natural beauty, and tranquillity, Tudhoe stands out as one of the most charming villages in County Durham. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a countryside walker, or simply in need of a quiet escape, Tudhoe offers the perfect setting to unwind and explore.
A watchdog found a string of failures at Gorton Parks Care home in east Manchester
A Manchester care home has been rated ‘inadequate’ by a watchdog for the second time in nine months.
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The latest devastating report criticised the care provided to 57 residents at Gorton Parks Care home in east Manchester, with officials noting six breaches of regulations including the quality of care provided, treatment of residents, nutrition hydration and ‘poor’ management.
The report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which follows an inspection in January, criticised the work around oral hygiene and reveals one resident told officials he had lost eight teeth. He said: “They just fell out because I find it hard to swallow my tablets, so I have started to chew the tablets. The dentist says my teeth have fallen out due to chewing my medication as it is strong.”
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Some relatives told the inspectors about concerns around personal hygiene and reported residents were only able to have a shower or a bath once each week. On the first day of the visit inspectors found emergency alarms were broken, according to the CQC report.
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Inspectors found ‘some improvements’ to hygiene but on the first day they also discovered faeces in the middle of a bathroom floor. Parts of the home remained ‘unclean and unhygienic’, according to the report.
Another resident told the inspectors: “I am very bored, I don’t do anything. I have not had my haircut for over a year. I eat my meals in my rooms. I go to the dining room every blue moon.”
Another resident reported they were not allowed outside. Residents were also given out of date medication, according to the report.
The CQC carried out the inspection to follow up on concerns found at the previous inspection which revealed one relative said their loved one ‘often smelled of urine’. It was placed in ‘special measures’, the report published in June last year revealed.
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Following the latest inspection, ratings for the category ‘caring and responsive’ went down from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘inadequate’. The category ‘well-led, effective and safe’ has been rated ‘inadequate’ a second time.
The care home remains in special measures which means it will be kept under close review by CQC which has started the process of taking regulatory action against the care home, which is operated by Advinia Care Homes Limited.
After the CQC report was published, its director of operations for north central, Victoria Marsden, said: “When we inspected Gorton Parks, it was deeply concerning to see very little improvement had been made since we last visited. Leaders weren’t managing the service well and we continued to see people being placed at risk of neglect and poor care.
“Leaders failed to investigate several incidents of aggression between people living at the home and towards staff, to prevent them from happening again and to keep people safe.
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“Staff offered little or no support to people when they became distressed or agitated. We saw people shouting and one person pacing the floor upset, but nobody intervened to support them or offer some comfort.
“Our inspectors saw that people’s basic care needs weren’t always met, and staff didn’t complete people’s care plans to include details about their preferences and wishes. People’s oral hygiene, weight management and nutritional intake wasn’t monitored effectively, and we received several concerns from relatives about this.
“There was a notable lack of meaningful engagement with people. Many individuals spent long periods isolated in their bedrooms, and staff didn’t consistently ensure their basic comfort needs were met, including regular access to food and drink.
“We have told leaders where we expect to see rapid, and continued improvements and will continue to monitor the home closely to keep people safe during this time. We have begun the process of taking regulatory action in order to protect people further.”
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The inspectors found:
Broken and unplugged safety equipment and sensors
Leaders didn’t listen to concerns about safety and didn’t investigate and report issues
Residents were still unable to access the garden area
Staff didn’t assess people’s needs and risks properly
Staff didn’t ensure people received their medications safely
Leaders didn’t ensure staff received support, supervision and development
Staff didn’t always protect people from infection.
Three boys, now aged 14,15 and 16, are alleged to have recorded themselves raping a then 13-year-old girl at a footpath before fleeing from the scene on foot, a court heard.
A teen deemed unfit to stand trial over 13-year-old girl’s rape shadowboxed with his mum when he returned home after alleged sex attack and asked to sleep over at a friend’s, with his mum claiming she noticed “nothing unusual”.
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The teenager, now 16, is alleged to have raped the girl just off a footpath in Rochdale with two other boys when they were aged 12, 13, and 14. A trial previously heard the boys “took it in turns and swapped positions” during the incident in February 2024.
Part of the alleged attack on the then 13-year-old was filmed on a mobile phone and was later “circulated amongst themselves” and “others,” according to prosecutors. The three boys have denied the charges against them.
Two of the teens, now aged 15 and 16, are standing trial at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court. The third boy, who is now 14, was determined to be unfit to stand trial, jurors were told.
Sara Haque, defending the 14-year-old, detailed agreed facts in the case, adding: “[The defendant] is diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a learning difficulty with ASD traits. He was found unfit to stand trial considering evidence from experts from the prosecution and defence.”
She then told the court the boy’s mum said she saw him when he arrived home for dinner at about 6pm on the date of the incident. She added her son asked to sleep over at the home of a family member of one of the other boys, jurors heard.
“She described [the boy] as shadowboxing and talking to her,” Ms Haque added. “She recalled [the now 16-year-old] as letting on to her and said there was nothing unusual.”
Prosecuting lawyer Kim Whittlestone, prosecuting, earlier told jurors the “defendants acted together,” reports The Manchester Evening News. The court previously heard the girl was “physically pushed and bent over forward” as she was raped.
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Ms Whittlestone said the boys then “all swapped.” She added it “would have been obvious” that she “did not want this to happen.” She continued: “It would have been clear that she was not consenting.”
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The Crown’s case is now the 15 and 16-year-olds “are guilty of rape” and that “they knew what consent meant.” The prosecutor continued: “You will hear in this case that as part of their defence they will say that she consented to some sexual activity and she instigated it.”
“So, there can be no doubt that they knew what consent meant.” The trial was told a friend the girl was with “stepped in to stop what was happening.” The 15 and 16-year-old then ran away from the scene, the jury heard.
Ms Whittlestone said the now 14-year-old was “an active participant in what occurred.” She added the jury would be asked to find “whether he did the act” and whether he “encouraged” it to happen without the girl’s consent.
The indictment contains five counts of rape. Three counts relate specifically to each boy, while two are charged as “joint enterprise,” jurors were told. Each boy denies the charges against them.
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What’s in store for you today? (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon in Capricorn aligns with Jupiter in Cancer. Today is all about actively seeking balance.
Pisces, Aquarius and Taurus, don’t get too focused on either the minor details, or the bigger picture. Keep a healthy perspective.
Don’t be shocked if you feel drawn to excess. Know that too much of anything isn’t good for you, even if the stars try to convince you otherwise.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday March 13, 2026.
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You may be caught between duty and downtime, ambition and feeling. You can be a powerhouse and still pause for a phone call home or a tender moment. Strong emotions may bubble up unexpectedly, but don’t repress them. Let your softer side sit with you while making decisions. Lead with your usual strength, but don’t forget to acknowledge that your roots are your real foundation.
You may feel an urge to climb higher, think bigger and even book that course, trip or goal you’ve been thinking about. But you’re also urged to nurture connections closer to home, especially with siblings, locals or your inner circle. Prepare to expand your horizons while staying grounded in what feels safe. You can dream without forgetting where you’ve come from, Taurus.
You may want to get serious about your resources today and what you share, owe or invest in. At the same time, a generous light is shining on your values and self-worth. Do you give more, save more or ask for what you truly deserve? Don’t be afraid to value your time like it’s gold and still be kind to others. Boundaries and benevolence easily coexist, and both can go a long way.
The Moon opposing Jupiter beams confidence and emotional insight your way. You’ll feel more in tune with who you are and what or who you need. Even so, don’t lose yourself in someone else’s agenda. Compromise, but not at the cost of your needs and truth. Strong partnerships grow stronger, and weaker ones reveal their cracks. It’s time to let your strong side do the talking.
Keen to stay on task even if you’d rather lounge? A voice from within may encourage you to reflect and recharge. Today’s balancing act is between getting things done and respecting your need for quiet restoration. If burnout’s been prowling too close, look to tame it. You don’t have to force things to be powerful. Trust that stepping back can actually, help move you forward.
Focused on ambition, creativity and getting everything organised? You’re also reminded that community counts just as much as personal achievement. You may be straddling the line between pursuing passion and showing up for others. Let today be about harmonising work and social life. A well-timed compliment or group project could light a new spark. Mix generously
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Today’s astro-choreography puts career and home life on opposite ends of a seesaw. You’ll want to polish your professional game, while also desiring some quiet time at home. The challenge? Finding balance without tipping too far in either direction. You don’t have to choose between ambition and homely comforts, as when aligned they can waltz very well together.
You’ll want to make definite plans, but today’s Moon-Jupiter face-off invites you to let your sixth sense have a seat at the table. Logic and feeling are doing a tug-of-war, and both have wisdom to offer. A conversation, journey or learning opportunity may open a door, but don’t rush through it, just feel your way forward. Let mystery be your guide and fresh options could soon appear.
Checking your income, reviewing goals and wondering what the future holds? You’ll also want to consider not only what’s profitable, but what is personally meaningful. The push-pull between security and soul-searching is real today. You’re wanting both stability and emotional depth. Invest your energy in what sustains you, not just what shimmers, and you’ll become a force of nature.
The Moon in your sign means you’re focused, driven and ready to climb. But Jupiter in Cancer reminds you that no mountain is worth scaling alone. A tug-of-war highlights the balance between self-reliance and meaningful connection. You may feel torn between duty and intimacy, ambition and affection. Don’t brush off support or choose stoic strength. Let someone help you.
You may be plotting your next masterstroke behind the scenes, but you’ll also need to nourish the daily rituals that keep your engine running. While you’re busy saving the world or revolutionising your inbox, don’t forget to unwind and eat well. Today’s line-up reminds you that genius needs a stable foundation. There’s power in a well-timed rest or an organised to-do list.
You may be feeling the pull between practical plans and passionate pursuits. The key? Blend both. Ground your dreams in small, steady steps and you’ll see your talent take root. A friend or project may inspire a breakthrough. Don’t dismiss it as wishful thinking as it’s intuition with a plan. You’re not being pulled in two directions, you’re being stretched to succeed.
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Both Scarborough and Whitby are vying to be the first Town of Culture in a crowded field of entries from across the county.
The competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last autumn, will provide a platform for communities to “tell their own unique story and shine a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life”.
Alison Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “Whitby is a small town, but it has a gigantic story to tell.
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“Whitby already draws in huge numbers of tourists every year for the famous Goth Weekends, Musicport and Folk festivals and countless other cultural events, so it seems fitting that the town that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula throws its top hat in the ring.”
The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.
Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize, meaning that both Scarborough and Whitby could be shortlisted in the medium and small town categories, respectively.
Seven organisations, including Flash Company Arts, are currently fronting Whitby’s case, which is themed ‘Storyland’.
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Ms Hume, who received BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards for her work as a screenwriter before being elected to represent the constituency two years ago, said: “Whitby lives and breathes culture.
“It is a breathtakingly beautiful town which has inspired countless writers, artists, musicians and other creatives over the years, many of whom are woven into the town’s cultural community.
“The town’s maritime history as a shipbuilding and whaling port, as well as the port where Captain Cook learnt his craft, is unmatched in a small town.
“Who knows, 2028 could be the year Whitby residents can share how proud they are of where they live, and thousands of new visitors can experience our warm and inclusive Whitby welcome?”
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Commenting on Scarborough’s entry, Ms Hume said: “Scarborough has an irresistible story to tell as the birthplace of theatre in the round, the first English seaside resort and the home of an incredibly rich arts, heritage, music and cultural scene. I’m really excited about our chances.”
The deadline for expressions of interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is March 31, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.
Scarborough’s town mayor Cllr Thomas Murray said: “I’m fully behind Scarborough’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate all the things that make Scarborough great, as well as showcase some of our cultural hidden gems.”
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Rebecca Denniff, of Flash Company Arts, said: “Whitby is an amazing place to live and work, surrounded by magnificent moorland and wild seas.
“It’s a tiny town that has had a massive impact on the whole world – from the Synod of Easter all the way to its global association with Goth culture through Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
“But we need to show that we are so much more than our amazing history.
“Whitby is a place where so many stories converge; it’s an immersive experience in waiting.”
The Section 34 order came into effect at 8pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will remain in force until 8pm on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Under the order, police have the power to exclude individuals from the designated area for up to 48 hours.
The notice is intended to reduce behaviour that has contributed to, or could contribute to, anti-social behaviour, crime, or disorder in the area.
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The dispersal zone covers an area bordered by Windermere Road, Chester Street, Hope Street, Henrietta Street, Church Street, Charles Street, Chapel Street (including 91–93), Leigh Road (including 162–164, Hilton Park), the A572 (Spinning Jenny Way/Market Street), A578 (Wigan Road), Parsonage Retail Park, St Helens Road, and Twist Lane.
Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies from Wigan & Leigh district said: “These measures are designed to stop further disorder and ensure the continued safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.
“A number of individuals involved have already been identified, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the identities of the remaining suspects.”
Morgan Freeman’s narrations over the years might have seen him dubbed ‘the Voice of God’, but his latest role also saw him drop a string of surprising curse words.
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The Hollywood legend, 88, has had a career spanning six decades to date, during which he’s won an Oscar and Golden Globe, whilst also being nominated for a Grammy and Tony.
Throughout the years he’s starred in films including Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus.
He’s also narrated numerous documentaries including The Long Way Home, March of the Penguins, Through the Wormhole, The Story of God with Morgan Freeman and Life on Our Planet.
Now he’s also the voice behind the new Netflix documentary The Dinosaurs – which focuses on the history of dinosaurs from their appearance in the Triassic period until their demise in the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.
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As the official synopsis teases: ‘From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.’
Morgan Freeman has left fans in stitches after a blooper reel from his latest project was released (Picture: Pascal Le Segretain/ Getty Images)
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the four-part series was released last Friday, where it’s quickly soared to the top of Netflix charts around the world.
Now, a week on from on from its release, Netflix has shared a 30-second blooper reel of Freeman while he was in the recording booth for the show – and his responses are completely unexpected.
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Narrating one scene showing a dinosaur hunting in the water, he described how ‘the best hunters are the patient ones’. But as the prey was snapped up, he declared: ‘Oh, he’s f***ed!’
Another showed an airborne dinosaur whose name Freeman couldn’t quite pronounce, recorded questioning: ‘How do you say that? Ar-am-burger-jean-yan-en-blah-landah?’ Unsure if he pulled the pronunciation off, he was heard laughing before adding his own spin, calling them ‘majestic creatures’.
A series of other dinosaurs with difficult names were then shown, with Freeman hilariously struggling with one and just deciding to dub it an ‘anus’. ‘Anus sounds like an a**,’ he adds, his final word being bleeped out.
‘Strange names they give them!’ he then proclaims.
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When recording an outro saying his own name, the star isn’t quite satisfied with his attempts, then confidently asserting: ‘I’m Morgan f***ing Freeman.’
After watching the clip, many fans expressed their pleasure at hearing the star’s hilarious outtakes.
The Dinosaurs has become one of the most-watched shows on Netflix (Picture: Netflix)
‘That man is a treasure,’ user DBSteiger posted on X.
‘I love everything about this,’ Sam declared.
‘He’s so casually hilarious,’ Hamish wrote.
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‘Loved this documentary but now I need a version with Morgan Freeman’s unfiltered reaction to it LOL,’ Artemis asked.
‘More bloopers of Morgan Freeman trying to pronounce dino names please!’ AngryFroggo begged.
The Dinosaurs currently holds a perfect 100% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, where critics and viewers have shared comments praising what they’ve seen.
‘The visuals and sound design are outstanding, one of the best nature documentaries in years. viscerally, vividly real,’ What She Said wrote in its review.
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‘It brings a lost world back to life, and the documentary series is every bit as epic as a story about dinosaurs needs to be,’ Solzy at the Movies shared.
Some fans have called it a ‘masterpiece’ (Picture: Netflix)
‘The series has a solid narrative arc, spectacular CGI and the inimitable voice of Morgan Freeman to guide us through the 140-million-year rule of the largest animals that ever walked the earth,’ Decider added.
Meanwhile viewers called it a ‘masterpiece’, ‘captivating’, and ‘visually impressive’.
Director Nick Shoolingin‑Jordan previously told Netflix’s Tudum that he wanted to ‘tell the full chronology all the way through and take the audience on a rip‑roaring adventure’ with the series.
Meanwhile showrunner Dan Tapster, its showrunner, added: ‘We had eight 50-minute episodes to tell the entire story of life on Earth [in Life On Our Planet], so there were lots of things where we could only scratch the surface – and the dinosaur story was absolutely one of them. With The Dinosaurs, we finally get to tell that story in full and celebrate it like no one has ever done before.’
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The Dinosaurs is streaming on Netflix.
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One of the best BBC dramas of the late 2010s has just had all three seasons added to Netflix
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
13:00, 12 Mar 2026
Netflix is now streaming a three-season BBC drama that has left viewers feeling inspired. Featuring some very recognisable faces from British television and addressing difficult subjects with care and sensitivity, The A Word deserves a place at the very top of your watchlist.
Breakout star Max Vento portrays Joe Hughes, a young boy whose troubled family discovers he has autism. Initially believing he simply has hearing problems, parents Paul (played by Lee Ingleby) and Alison (Morven Christie) must learn to cope with Joe’s communication difficulties.
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Meanwhile, Alison’s brother Eddie (Greg McHugh) and his wife Nicola (Vinette Robinson) are experiencing troubles of their own, whilst Joe’s grandfather Maurice (Christopher Eccleston), a widower with a rather forthright view of the world, must learn to adapt to the changes in his family, reports the Mirror.
Shot around the Lake District, the drama’s impressive cast also features other well-known faces, such as Death in Paradise’s Ralph Little, Inspector Morse icon Clare Holman, and Coronation Street’s Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Rising star Aaron Pierre, who will next be seen in HBO’s DC superhero series Lanterns and led Netflix’s hit thriller Rebel Ridge, also makes an appearance in The A Word’s second season.
Fans have been raving about the popular BBC series even after it came to an end in 2020, so it is certainly not one to miss now it’s become even more widely available on Netflix. One viewer on IMDb hailed the first series as the “Best Program on TV” apart from Game of Thrones.
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They enthused in a 10/10 review: “There are not enough dramas featuring this issue, and the lad who plays Joe needs recognition for how well he plays the part – true to life.
“From the start of this program, to the end, it has had me in tears due to how it mirrors my family’s life – with a child who is Autistic, going through the diagnosis, coping with relatives and friends’ views on this. And the strain it places on your relationships is very well portrayed.”
Another viewer described it as “The best drama I’ve ever seen”. They continued: “I have just binge watched the three series over the past few days. Couldn’t stop watching it. It was so well acted by all. So believable.”
“Wonderful show beautifully portraying a tough topic,” someone else commented.
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“Amazing show, portrays Autism Spectrum Disorder really well,” they continued. “The child playing Joe is brilliant, his acting is so authentic. The entire cast does a wonderful job getting down to the root of emotions that follow a ASD diagnosis.
“The dry humour and authentic setting really draws in the viewer. Such a welcome contrast to the bright shiny TV Hollywood pumps out, this show is television at its best.”
A final viewer remarked: “A must watch for every family. The series is very interesting and I believe that every family should watch it because there is lots to learn. I enjoy each and every moment of the drama. I am really thankful to all the people who have made this possible.”
Whether you want to learn more about autism or are simply looking for a gripping new drama for your next viewing session, Netflix has the perfect series for you with this show.