Austin Butler stars in the forgotten hit that is coming to ITVX next month

ITV has confirmed a much-loved television series from 2016 will land on its streaming service ITVX.

The Shannara Chronicles, which ran for just two seasons on MTV before coming to an abrupt end in 2018, is an adaptation of Terry Brooks’ fantasy novel trilogy The Sword of Shannara.

Despite being cancelled after two seasons, the sci-fi series proved hugely popular among fantasy fans and those who had read the books, with a score of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb and 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.

ITV has confirmed that both series of The Shannara Chronicles will be available to stream on ITVX on July 12.

The first series introduces viewers to the universe. A synopsis reads: “Thousands of years after the destruction of our civilisation, Earth is divided into what is known as the Four Lands, whose inhabitants are a mix of races including elves, dwarves, trolls, gnomes and humans.

“At the centre is the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world.”

Meanwhile, the second series is set a year after the first, and the Four Lands are in chaos. The re-emergence of magic has the populace terrified, and an organisation called The Crimson is hunting down magic users, using fear and intimidation to sow discord among the races.

The Shannara Chronicles has a star-studded cast list, including a young Austin Butler, known for Masters of the Air, Dune: Part Two and Caught Stealing. The series also stars Poppy Drayton, Manu Bennett and John Rhys-Davies.

Some viewers who watched the series over 10 years ago labelled it “one of the best” television series. It also received praise for its beautiful costumes, landscapes and special effects.

One reviewer wrote on IMDb: “Truly one of the best TV series I have seen in a very long time. The makeup and costumes were great. The acting was great. The whole feel of the show was mystical as it should have been…

“Told a few people about it, and now they are addicted to the show, and I really hope they do a season 2. It would be a great loss if they don’t. I grew up reading Terry Brooks’ books, and they kept me entertained as a child.

“I am so glad that they are finally putting his work to film. And think it was done really well. I hope to see them continue on with the chronicles. Great job!!”

While another added: “A really beautiful fantasy. A lovely series. With fantasy, action, and some science fiction. Beautiful characters. It deserved to be longer.”

The Shannara Chronicles will be available to stream on ITVX on July 12.

An arrest has been made and a man remains in custody

Armed police rushed to a street in Wisbech following reports that a man had a gun. It happened yesterday (June 16) at around 12.30am on Church Mews.

A man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a public place. He remains in custody today, Cambridgeshire Police say.

A spokesperson for the force said: “There were no shots fired and no injuries reported. Investigations are ongoing.”

Assistant Coroner Michael Salt formally opened the inquest into the death of Jack Rourke at Rochdale Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, June 17.

The hearing was told that Jack, who was born on November 8, 2002, and lived on Tonge Road, Little Lever, died on May 24 this year while abroad in Montenegro.

Police Coroner’s Officer Jane Sullivan, of Greater Manchester Police, said Jack had been travelling in Montenegro for several weeks.

(Image: Lisa Rourke)

She told the court that on May 24 he had been driving to collect his girlfriend from the airport when the collision occurred.

Ms Sullivan said: “On the way to their accommodation, a car clipped the side of his vehicle and his car overturned.

“Unfortunately, Jack was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Ms Sullivan also confirmed that on June 3 a senior police coroner’s officer attended the funeral service to formally confirm Jack’s identity.

Mr Salt said: “I agree this is an unnatural death and will be opening an inquest in due course.”

A full “read-only” inquest hearing has been scheduled for September 14, 2026.

Jack’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from family and friends in Little Lever.

His family previously described the 23-year-old as a devoted son, brother and friend whose death had left a “void in many lives.”

Speaking after his death, his mother Lisa Rourke said she missed the constant messages and phone calls from her son.

She said: “He never used to leave me alone, 20 to 30 times a day. He was asking me the daftest things, like ‘How do I cook chicken wings?’ or ‘How do I turn on the washer?’.

“I miss getting messages from him.”

(Image: Lisa Rourke)

He was a keen football fan who supported both Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United and was affectionately remembered by relatives as the village’s “maddest goalkeeper”.

His sister Ellie previously described him as “the best big brother to ask for”, while his grandfather Graham Cooksey said he loved family life and spending time with relatives and friends.

His father John said he particularly missed their regular outings together, adding: “We went all over, had many lads’ days out as dad and son.”

According to reports in Montenegro, another driver was arrested and charged following the collision.

Local media also reported that Mr Rourke’s passenger suffered serious injuries and received treatment at Kotor Hospital.

A man was allegedly seen running around the area and getting into cars before a woman and child were assaulted.

A man has been charged after a woman, child, and several police officers were allegedly assaulted in East Renfrewshire.

The incident took place around 9am on Monday, June 15 when cops were alerted to a disturbance on Braeside Drive in Barrhead.

A man was allegedly seen running around the area and getting into cars before a woman and child were allegedly assaulted. It is understood police officers – how many of which is not yet known – were assaulted.

A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and was due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Tuesday, June 16.

Advertisement

Footage taken at the scene shows an individual being held on the ground by four uniformed police officers.

Worried onlookers can be seen gathering in the background while the scuffle between a man and cops continues.

Officers proceed to place a spit mask over the individual’s mouth before another struggle ensues.

Advertisement

Cops eventually place him into the back of the police van and tell locals to stand back.

Multiple, blue-lit cop vans can be seen in the area alongside a heavy police presence.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9am on Monday, 15 June, 2026, officers received a report of a disturbance on Braeside Drive, Barrhead.

“A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection and is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.”