And she stars alongside the nation’s favourite Sue Johnston in what promises to be a brilliant series, and a welcome throwback to relatable sitcoms that helped make the BBC the home of British comedy.
Imagine it’s 2029, and robots have been rolled out to support the NHS and care for the elderly whose children aren’t around to look after them.
This is the premise of Diane new BBC One madcap comedy AnnDroid, in which the 50-year-old Motherland actress portrays an outdated robot, Linda, who is assigned to a grieving widow called Sue, played by The Royle Family star Sue Johnston, 82.
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L-R: Sue (Sue Johnston) and Linda (Diane Morgan) (Image: BBC/Boffola Pictures/GaryMoyes)
In the six-part series, penned by Morgan and Sarah Kendall, Sue’s husband Dave died two years ago, and now her only son, Michael, is moving out again, to try to fix his marriage – again.
In a bid to support his mother’s wishes to live independently, Michael surprises her with an AnnDroid Z58/100 humanoid care robot, but Sue really does not want a robot in her home, especially one that causes chaos straightaway.
Ahead of the release, the two talk about the innovation of technology, ageing, and loneliness.
DIANE, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE SERIES?
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DIANE MORGAN: The idea has been batting around for a couple of years, not that long. But there are some ideas we have had for 15 years, and they don’t get made.
I read an article in the newspaper about how, in the future, not that far in the future, people who don’t have kids can end up having robots looking after them, and I thought this was hilarious, because I don’t have kids, and that’ll be me being fed soup by a robot.
So I told my friend Pippa (Brown, a producer) about it, and she said we should write it up and see if the BBC will go for it. I agreed, thinking they won’t go for it, and then they did.
HOW CAN THE ELDERLY BETTER EMBRACE AGEING AND THE SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY MAY BRING?
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SUE JOHNSTON: I don’t know when the time comes when you do want to be looked after, because I don’t want to be looked after. But life’s an adventure, isn’t it? And it shouldn’t stop being an adventure, because you’re in your 80s.
DIANE MORGAN: After my dad died, my mum was on her own, living in Wales, and I thought, ‘I’ll get her an iPad, that’s the perfect solution. I can then Zoom with her, and train her to Zoom’. But she got this iPad, and she was like, ‘What’s this? I don’t want this. I hate technology. I don’t want anything to do with technology’.
There’s a whole generation that just doesn’t want anything to do with technology. It can be scary – they are terrified of scams. Yet it can help sometimes if you embrace it.
L-R: Sue (Sue Johnston) and Michael (Paul Ready) (Image: BBC/Boffola Pictures/GaryMoyes)
SUE JOHNSTON: So many older people are fiercely independent, but they’re always being told to downsize and get rid of their junk and do this, and people are trying to control their later years.
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I’m in my 80s, so I know that feeling, and it’s what we all don’t want to hear. I always say I had a bad fall last year, but I call it an accident, and it was an accident.
HOW DID YOU PHYSICALLY PREPARE TO PLAY A ROBOT?
DIANE MORGAN: I didn’t think about it when we pitched this idea, but when the BBC went for it, I suddenly realised, ‘Oh Christ, they’ll want me to play the robot’, I thought I could play a nurse instead. But they were dead set that I should be the robot.
I had absolutely no idea how to do this, but we got a movement coach who worked on Humans [the TV series starring Gemma Chan], and he was amazing, and gave me the confidence.
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Linda is meant to be a reconditioned robot, so she’s a bit of an older model. There are other robots in the show that are more modern robots, but Linda was one of the first ones that were rolled out.
She’s a bit old-fashioned, so we had to make her movements more of a proper robot-y style movement, and that’s where the fun is, I suppose.
If you’re making a drama like Humans [where a husband buys a refurbished, highly developed robot to help his wife], you want them to be as real as anything. But in a comedy, you want to see somebody being a robot, don’t you? Otherwise, where’s the fun?
HOW DID YOU FIND IT?
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DIANE MORGAN: One of the hardest things was staying still. Sue’s brilliant, and if we’re in a take together, and I make the decision that Linda shouldn’t blink, which is a really stupid idea, I must commit to it.
There was a moment when we were outside, and the wind was blowing in my eyes. I had tears rolling down my face; I wanted to blink more than anything in the world. So it was hard. I’ve got new respect for people who play robots.
ARE YOU A FAN OF NEW INNOVATIONS, AND CAN YOU IMAGINE HAVING A ROBOT LOOKING AFTER YOU?
SUE JOHNSTON: If that was the only choice. It was very understandable how Sue got fond of her robot.
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Diane bought me a robot cat at the end of the show, and it’s a beautiful thing, but this is how your brain works, and how it worked in the show.
I keep stroking and talking to the cat; it meows, purrs, lies on you, and you can feel its heartbeat. I love it and my grandkids go, ‘Granny, it’s not real’, but it’s something you get used to, which is why it’s so easy to transfer affection. It’s what happens to Sue in AnnDroid.
So, I don’t think I’m going to say I never want a robot, because if that’s what helps you be independent – and I’m so independent – then, yeah, I’d go for it.
That’s what I love about the series: it touches on the loneliness of old age, and I could really identify with that.
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I hope other people will too, because there are so many women who lose their husbands and have to go through that stage on their own, finding things that they enjoy again.
AnnDroid comes to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9.30pm.
With two much-loved stars at its heart, there’s every reason to believe this will be a funny, thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining watch. Let us know what you thought of the comedy in the comments.
Rory McIlroy shot a 67 in the second round of The Open at Royal Birkdale to make the cut and keep his hopes of a second Claret Jug alive
17:31, 17 Jul 2026Updated 17:36, 17 Jul 2026
Rory McIlroy remains confident he can secure a second Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale after salvaging his tournament with a second-round 67 on Friday.
The Masters champion faced an uphill battle following an opening round of two over par, but bounced back impressively to reach one under and secure his weekend participation.
He recorded four birdies and created additional chances through excellent driving, though he was unable to convert all the opportunities presented to him.
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The world number two commented: “I think if I can get off to a decent start tomorrow, be four or five under for the tournament, I’ll be right in it.
“It depends on the conditions and the way the wind direction is but I think I’ve driven the ball so well the last two days.
“I think any time I can get a driver in my hand, I’m going to try to. I just feel like with how I’m feeling with the driver, I think it’s a big advantage.”
McIlroy acknowledged ongoing challenges with the greens, stating: “I’ll continue to do that but I’m still trying to figure out these greens a little bit. I’ve struggled the last couple of days.
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“It was a little better today but I still didn’t feel 100 per cent comfortable.”
The Northern Irishman expressed disappointment at not capitalising fully on favourable scoring conditions, saying: “I felt like I had momentum coming off the end of the front nine with the two birdies on eight and nine but I stalled a little bit on the back.
“The main objective was to be here for the weekend, which I am, but I felt like I left a couple out there. Then you look at the board and you see a couple of 62s and you feel like you could have done a bit better.”
A standout moment in McIlroy’s round occurred at the 414-yard par-four ninth hole, where he managed to drive onto the green for the second consecutive day.
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Reflecting on the shot, he explained: “The practice rounds I played were in a completely different wind direction and I didn’t even think about it.
“Then when I got on the tee yesterday and saw the wind, it was like, as long as I just strike it well, that should be fine.”
He continued: “Then today I got there again and, honestly, my game plan was to hit it to the top of the hill and hit a wedge on and go from there, but sometimes opportunities present themselves and you have to take them.”
Smiling for the camera, this is the man suspected of killing Ann Widdecombe.
Pictured here for the first time, Joshua Kerry is accused of targeting the 78-year-old former Tory minister in her Devon home in a suspected terrorist attack.
The 28-year-old has lived alone in a council house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, since the death of his father last year.
The family is well-known on the Kimberworth Park estate, with several members having served in the military.
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His father Paul Yates, a ‘highly intelligent’ former steel industry research engineer, stopped work after losing a leg and was diagnosed with stomach cancer in his 60s.
After leaving school, Kerry got an office job at a lift company, where he was pictured in 2022 holding up a jar of Easter eggs as part of a charity fundraiser for local sea cadets.
Shared on social media by staff, he was described as ‘part of the engine room’ of the firm.
Neighbours this week described him as polite, ‘quiet and shy’, saying he would take the bins out for them or hold on to parcels on their behalf.
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Joshua Kerry, 28, who is suspected of having killed Ann Widdecombe on July 8, 2026, pictured taking part in a charity fundraiser to guess the number of Easter eggs in a jar
Ann Widdecombe, a former MEP and Tory minister, pictured appearing on Talk TV on July 8, believed to be the day she was killed
‘While his dad was unwell, Josh would take him out shopping in his car,’ one resident said.
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But after his father’s death he stopped work, and an eight-year-old red Vauxhall Corsa was usually in the driveway.
Born in Rotherham, Kerry was raised with his elder brother and half-brother by their teaching assistant mother Siobhan after his parents split up.
‘Joshua was such a quiet boy,’ an uncle recalled this week. ‘Gentle and polite.
‘I used to go around when they were all little, and the eldest two used to be playfighting, rolling about on the floor, and Joshua would just be sat in the corner, watching them.’
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His parents remarried and siblings moved away to pursue successful careers, leaving him living alone in the council property.
An aunt said his father’s shock death around Christmas, when he was admitted to hospital ‘and never came out’, was ‘a nasty setback’ for Kerry.
Detectives believe the former Tory minister was killed around 12.30pm on Wednesday July 8.
Footage shows a group of armed officers descending on the 28-year-old’s property in Rotherham on Saturday
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Forensic officers seen heading into the house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire where Joshua Kerry lived alone
Floral tributes have been left on the grass outside her home, including a framed photograph of Ms Widdecombe
According to neighbours he did not leave the house from Wednesday until Saturday when he was seen putting something into his wheelie bin.
Around 9pm that evening a dozen officers swooped, arresting Kerry on suspicion of murder.
Courtney Foster, 25, who lives next door, said: ‘We saw officers running up. Some were armed. Then they banged on the door very loudly.
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‘They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away.’
His car was towed the next day. A neighbour said he was ‘in shock’ over Kerry’s arrest.
‘He is pleasant, quiet as a mouse and from a lovely family,’ he said. ‘His mum and brothers were great – I couldn’t speak highly enough of them.’
Police initially treated the case as a botched burglary, but re-arrested Kerry on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism after allegedly discovering new ‘evidence’ to suggest a terrorist motivation.
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He remains in custody and can be held for questioning until Tuesday.
SKATEFEST 2026 will take place in North Yorkshire at Norton and Malton Skatepark on Saturday, July 18.
The festival runs from 11am to 5.30pm and promises a full day of skateboarding, BMX, inline skating, live music, street art, competitions, and family entertainment.
The event is organised by Ryan and Sam Swain of Ryedale Skate School, in partnership with The Mayor of Norton, Norton Town Council, Gateway Fest, and You Will Be CIC.
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It is sponsored by Live Like Ralph, a UK-based community interest company and charity set up in memory of Ralph Roberts, a 26-year-old skateboarder, artist, and photographer from Lytham, Lancashire.
Ryan Swain said: “SKATEFEST is about far more than skateboarding.
“It’s about giving young people opportunities, bringing communities together and showing what can happen when local organisations work together with a shared vision.
“Whether you’re stepping on a skateboard for the very first time or you’ve been skating for years, this event is for everyone.”
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This year’s festival will also raise awareness for York Cancer.
The event will welcome representatives from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, including the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.
Professional skateboarders and BMX riders will be in attendance, with competitions and demonstrations throughout the day.
Free learn-to-skate sessions will be available, led by qualified coaches.
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Moni Graffiti and Ben Walgate will host live street art demonstrations, and there will be artisan stalls, food vendors, and live music from DJs and performers.
The entertainment begins at 11am with Callum Russell performing EDM and festival anthems, and live graffiti begins with Moni Graffiti.
Charlie Sings takes the stage at 12pm, followed by a graffiti demo from Ben Walgate.
A shuffle dance demonstration led by Sam will run from 12.30pm to 12.45pm.
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At 1pm, Strawbs will perform a drum and bass set alongside a Best Trick / Best Spot Competition open to skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter users, and inline skaters.
The afternoon line-up includes Jamesy and The Roof Raisers at 2pm, a skateboard mini ramp contest, and a DJ set from Ryan Swain at 2.30pm featuring hip hop, skate anthems, and festival classics.
Skateboarding competitions continue with a vert contest at 3pm, followed by Lukey G at 3.30pm.
Competition
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The skateboard park competition begins at 4pm, and Swag performs at 4.30pm before the event closes at 5.30pm.
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy professional skateboarding and BMX demos, live graffiti, community and charity stalls, family activities, and a raffle.
Prizes and giveaways will be up for grabs throughout the event.
Mr Swain said: “We’re incredibly proud to work alongside Sam, Norton Town Council, Mayor Di Keal, Claire, Gateway Fest, You Will Be CIC and all of our volunteers to make this one of the biggest free community events in North Yorkshire.
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“We can’t wait to welcome everyone for an unforgettable day.”
SKATEFEST promotes the message “Unity Through Action Sports,” aiming to inspire confidence, inclusion, and community spirit through skateboarding, music, and art.
Colonel John T Sullivan – part of the United States European Command – has penned a letter of thanks to Bridlington Coastguard after a sailor and his wife were winched to safety after becoming stuck out at sea earlier this month.
As reported by The Press at the time, coastguard teams from Bridlington and Filey, along with the Flamborough Lifeboat, responded to the incident just before 5pm on July 3 following reports that the paddleboarders were potentially cut off and unable to self-recover near North Landing.
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In a letter published to Facebook, he extended his ‘deepest gratitude’ to Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team for their swift professional and lifesaving actions.
Colonel Sullivan said: “Your rapid response to rescue a United States Navy Sailor assigned to my command, who became stranded while paddleboarding off Flamborough Head, is a testament to the elite training, vigilance, and dedication of HM Coastguard and the RNLI.
“Thanks to the skill and bravery of your rescue crew, our Sailor and his wife were brought to safety.
“We are incredibly fortunate to operate alongside such outstanding host-nation partners. Your dedication to preserving life at sea strengthens the enduring bond between our nations and our services.”
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He also shared his sincere appreciation to the specific crew members involved in the rescue.
Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team thanked him for the letter and added that whilst they were grateful, their volunteers simply did what they are trained to do.
A spokesperson said: “Every call-out is a team effort, and our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of those in need.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of the close working relationships between all emergency services and rescue organisations, and we are proud to play our part in keeping people safe along our coastline.
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“Finally, we’d like to recognise the dedication of our volunteers, who leave their families, jobs and daily lives at a moment’s notice to answer the pager, day or night. Their commitment to serving the public continues to make a real difference.”
If you find yourself in trouble at the coast, or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Burglars abandoned a man locked in the boot of his own car after the electric vehicle ran out of power.
The 71-year-old was kidnapped by a gang who broke into his Torquay home after seeing posts of him wearing expensive watches on Instagram.
He told a court he thought he was going to die as his hands were cable tied and his mouth taped up before he was put in the boot.
The raiders planned to take him to an address in London where they believed more watches to be.
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Two of the gang, Altan O’Connell and Luke McInerney, then drove up the M5, but the battery ran low near Bridgwater.
They put the man in the boot, abandoned the car in a lane near Puriton, Somerset, and fled. The victim was able to free himself and get out of the boot, find the keys and use the last ounce of battery to get to a nearby shop where he raised the alarm.
He was kidnapped after telling the men who broke into his home at 1am on January 26 that his watches had already been stolen.
Franklin O’Dwyer, 25, O’Connell, 27, McInerney, 31, Nicholas O’Dwyer, 56, Dwain Stratford, 35, and Karl Houghton, 36, all from Swindon, were sentenced to a combined 49 years at Exeter Crown Court this week.
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Clockwise starting top left: Franklin O’Dwyer, 25, Altan O’Connell, 27, Luke McInerney, 31, Nicholas O’Dwyer, 56, Dwain Stratford, 35, and Karl Houghton, 36, all from Swindon, were sentenced to a combined 49 years at Exeter Crown Court this week
After police linked them to similar crimes across the South West, they admitted offences including kidnap, false imprisonment, burglary, drugs possession and handling stolen goods and counterfeit currency.
Officers reviewed phones linked to the gang and found a number of search terms on Instagram linked to their crimes.
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When arrested, officers found stolen vehicles, multiple watches, jewellery, designer handbags, drones and cash at various addresses.
Franklin O’Dwyer got ten years and five months for kidnap and burglary. O’Connell and McInerney each got 11 years and ten months.
Nicholas O’Dwyer, Stratford and Houghton were jailed for six years and three months, four years and eight months, and four years respectively.
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Kidnap gang left their victim in the boot of his electric car after it ran out of power in botched burglary job
David Beckham laughed off boos in New York as he refused to pick a winner for Sunday’s World Cup final.
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The former England captain has been a near-ever-present at the tournament in North America, and made headlines as he cheered on his country’s win over Norway with wife Victoria.
Then, when England lost to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Becks was consoled by son Cruz, 21, as he sat in the stands in Atlanta with his head in his hands.
It would have been easy to pick England to take the trophy had they reached the final, but Beckham instead had to pick between European champions Spain and his old enemy.
The 51-year-old was speaking alongside Brazil legend Kaka at Fanatics Fest in New York, and was asked who he thought would take home the trophy on Sunday.
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He said: ‘Oh my goodness. Obviously I played in Spain, so I have a huge affection for Spain as a country and obviously for their football team. I think they’ve done an exceptional job this World Cup and they deserve to be in the final.
David Beckham (left) was booed in New York after he failed to pick a winner for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain
Beckham has been a near ever-present at the World Cup, cheering on his former side
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‘And with Argentina, they have Lionel (Messi). Like I speak about Ricardo (Kaka), I’ll speak exactly the same about Lionel because he’s an exceptional player, but an exceptional person with the right values and he treats everyone the way they should be treated. I’m going around the houses…’
As he was pushed for an answer, Beckham replied: ‘I’m going to sit on the fence. I don’t know who’s going to win. I want Lionel to do incredibly well because he’s an exceptional person and player. But Spain are going to be tough to play against.
‘I’m not going to say who I think is going to win. I’m just going to sit on the fence and enjoy the game.’
The crowd then booed in Beckham’s direction, with the former midfielder and Kaka both laughing off the jeers.
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Beckham then joked: ‘I haven’t been booed for a while. I’ve got booed a little bit the other night. I wasn’t expecting it here.’
Beckham, who is close friends with Messi, who plays for Beckham’s Inter Miami side in the States, was famously sent off in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina when he kicked out at Diego Simeone before Argentina won the round of 16 clash on penalties.
And he was left devastated as England lost to Argentina again in midweek, after he and the team were drowned out while singing the national anthem due to opposition boos.
How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE
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David Beckham is BOOED on stage in New York after failing to pick a winner between Argentina and Spain ahead of World Cup final clash
It has now been re-opened following the earlier security alert.
North Area Engagement Chief Inspector Mullan said: “A suspected pipe bomb was located on Friday 17th July.
“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene. They carried out a controlled explosion, and later deemed the device to be viable.
“The remnants of the item have now been taken away for forensic examination. “We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as searches in the area were carried out overnight and into this morning. Closing roads causes disruption and inconvenience but, ultimately, public safety is our priority.
“Our enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information which could assist with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 304 17/07/26.”
His family has been told to stay close to his side
11:50, 17 Jul 2026Updated 13:20, 17 Jul 2026
A fundraising page has been set up to support the family of a man who is fighting for his life in a hospital in Spain. Danny Hayes, from March, Cambridgeshire, remains in a medically-induced coma in Spain, currently fighting for his life.
After receiving ‘hundreds and hundreds’ of messages from people asking how they can help, the family decided to start a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised more than £6,460 of the £10,000 target to help pay the expenses. Danny’s family say they do not want to discuss how he ended up in hospital.
In a statement, his family says: “Asking for help has never come naturally to us. We have decided to put our pride aside and accept the kindness that so many of you have shown. Every day is filled with hope, fear, and uncertainty. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are holding onto every bit of hope that he will pull through this.”
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While he continues to receive “incredible care” in Spain, the family says they know there may be medical costs ahead, and their greatest hope is that, when he is strong and stable enough, they will be able to bring him home to England to continue his recovery surrounded by his family and friends.
The funds raised through the GoFundMe page will go towards giving Mr Hayes “every possible chance in his fight”. This includes supporting any medical needs, treatment, rehabilitation, specialist care, and, when the time is right, helping them bring him safely back to England.
At the same time, the costs for the family to remain in Spain are quickly piling up.
They say: “We don’t want Danny to face this alone, so any support will also help us stay by his side while he continues this battle, allowing us to be with him every step of the way. The doctors told our mum not to leave the country and to stay as close to Danny as possible.
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“Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. We cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming love, prayers, messages, and support we have received. It has reminded us just how many lives Danny has touched and how deeply he is loved.
“Please keep praying, keep believing, and keep hoping with us. Danny is a fighter, and with all of your support behind him, we are praying he can win this battle and come home where he belongs.”
Visiting a city that’s known for its A-list celebrity status and Hollywood glamour is like stepping into another world, and I can’t believe what I experienced in five days
Greater Palm Springs has a reputation as a glamorous desert hideaway that has drawn in Hollywood’s finest since the 1920s. Stars including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe have all sought retreat in the Southern California oasis, while nowadays it’s a haven for the stars who descend on the region for Coachella every summer.
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A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio, own lavish homes in the area, framed by dramatic, rugged mountains and lined with towering palm trees. Aside from its Hollywood glam, Greater Palm Springs, which spans nine cities, is known for its natural hot springs, thriving LGBTQ+ community, year-round desert sunshine, and iconic mid-century modern architecture. Here’s everything you need to know about the A-list getaway…
Where to stay
Stretching across 450 acres of immaculate gardens and 18 acres of waterways, the lavish four-star JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is concealed within its own private paradise, where ‘Old Hollywood glamour meets modern day luxury’ – and it quickly became my desert sanctuary. With an impressive 884 guestrooms, five swimming pools, two championship golf courses, and 10 dining options, the resort towers over the desert. It even boasts its own Lobby Boat Dock and resident flamingos, and is where Frank Sinatra made his final public performance in 1995.
The four-star Hilton Palm Springs was another desert haven to rest after a busy day, conveniently located in downtown and at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are 257 spacious rooms with retro interiors, and set within their tranquil gardens is a pristine courtyard and outdoor swimming pool – perfect on those sun-drenched days!
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Where to shop
Downtown Palm Springs is packed with independent stores, galleries, and inviting cafes set against colourful facades in what feels like a tight-knit community. A stop by Destination PSP for retro airline homeware or artisan gifts at Just Fabulous is a must, and every Thursday evening, the area comes alive with its beloved pedestrian-only street fair, VillageFest.
Elsewhere, I marvelled at the mid-century homes that characterise the desert during an architecture tour, with innovative ideas to savour mountain views and incorporate natural light from any direction. Legendary architect Albert Frey played a key role in the minimalist and timeless desert modernist architecture that defines Greater Palm Springs today.
Where to adventure
To explore the Coachella Valley, I spent one morning on a Red Jeep Tour with Desert Adventures. We drove through acres of rugged terrain in an area described by our guide as an ‘area of weirdness’ with fan palm trees, golden desert sand, towering rock formations and canyons. We walked through narrow mountain gaps and climbed small peaks, only to be met with stunning views across the valley that felt as though I was on a different planet.
Where to step back in time
My really wild encounter came when I visited the same grounds where Hollywood’s cowboy legends had once made their name – at the real-life Western movie set and small community of Pioneertown. Nestled in the High Desert of San Bernardino County, California, Pioneertown was created as a “living, breathing movie set” with an 1880s-themed design, so it could function as a filming location and a genuine residential community.
A wander through the main stretch of Mane Street felt like stepping back in time, with rows of Western-town frontages of rustic timber buildings and signs of the red Likker Barn, Jail and Hay Feed. While these exist purely as a cinematic backdrop, there are a few artisan shops, along with a petting zoo and the music venue and barbecue restaurant, Pappy & Harriet’s, which has hosted performances by the likes of Paul McCartney, Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys.
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Where to escape
I also found myself immersed in the extraordinary landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park for a truly otherworldly experience, passing mountains of dramatic boulders and rock formations stretching for endless miles, looming over the sandy plains and casting long shadows. Scattered around the almost 800,000-acre national park, which sits at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, were hundreds of thousands of Joshua Trees, also known as Yucca brevifolia.
The breathtaking terrain is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. With the help of expert guide Caitlin Gill at Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventure, I had the chance to marvel at the galaxy and the moon one evening, which left me utterly speechless as I sat beneath a sky packed with glowing stars.
Where to unwind
Amongst the adventures, I soaked in the largest hot mineral spring pool in Southern California and unwound with a full-body massage at Natural Hot Springs Oasis at Azure Palm Hot Springs. I dipped into their mineral-rich waters across five tubs nestled within their peaceful outdoor sanctuary, and made sure to experience their reflexology pathway.
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For an insight into the city’s history, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum shares the story of the Agua Caliente people, including a 360-degree video of the Tribe’s creation story, which is truly fascinating. While the historic Plaza Theatre shines light on its performance heritage, having opened in 1936 with the world premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo, and today has a beautiful domed auditorium that hosts various shows.
Where to eat
I devoured sharing plates of mouthwatering caramelised blueberry pancakes and Turkish eggs for breakfast at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, and savoured the flavours of Mexico with a plate of Huevos Rancheros at El Patio La Quinta. Another favoured brunch spot was The Pink Cabana, with chic, pink-and-green interiors and a Mediterranean-inspired menu of chorizo shakshuka and smoked salmon tartine.
When I wasn’t indulging in glam brunches and a Mimosa, I dined on Baja Shrimp Salad – a local’s recommendation – during an al fresco lunch at Spencer’s Restaurant. I also tucked into seared sea scallops in a tomato risotto at Parcifica Seafood Restaurant while enjoying the evening warmth on their patio, and relished a succulent fillet with Chimichurri sauce at Mr Lyons Steakhouse.
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Another highlight was The Copper Room at the Yucca Valley Airport, a 1957 supper club and vintage lounge with red leather booth seats and wood-panelled walls overlooking the runway. For pre-dinner drinks, a cocktail at Beaton’s at Bar Cecil was a must, set within its eccentric setting of red velvet ceilings, leopard print carpets and walls adorned with black and white celebrity photographs – I genuinely felt like I was about to become an extra in a glamorous Hollywood film.
BOOK THE HOLIDAY
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Purely America offers packages from £1,999pp based on two people sharing, including flights with Air Alaska from London to Palm Springs via Seattle, 3 Nights at the Hilton Palm Springs and 4 Nights at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. purelytravel.co.ukPlan your trip at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.
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Peter Wright, Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet, appeared at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday (July 15) and spoke to host Christine Talbot about everything TV, travels, and his future plans.
During the chat, the broadcaster shared some fond memories from the set of the modern All Creatures Great and Small adaptation when he appeared in a Christmas episode, while also noting what the real-life vets that the show is based on were like.
“I loved my time on the set of All Creatures Great and Small; it was great to chat to the actors and make a small appearance,” he said.
Peter Wright at The Great Yorkshire Show (Image: GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW)
“I remember heading to Grassington, where the show is filmed and seeing Nicholas Ralph, who plays James Herriot, wearing a full coat and getting into an RAF car on one of the hottest days of the year.
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“I started to feel for him in the end because they made him do this scene 17/18 times and he was massively sweating by the end of it.”
He then went on to say how difficult it was for the new cast of the All Creatures Great and Small cast, compared to those who portrayed the characters back in the 1970s and 1980s.
“The cast back then had the original people that these characters are based on to turn to, but you don’t have that now.
“The cast of both shows are very talented and do such a great job.”
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He then recalled working alongside Alf Wright, who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, as well as knowing James Herriot during his life.
“It was a great experience to spend time around them when I was becoming a vet,” he added.
Later in the talk, the TV star let the audience know that he’s currently filming the 23rd series of The Yorkshire Vet and has a four-part ‘At Home with the Greens’ series in the pipeline too.
He has also been over to India recently to film ‘A Passage to India: A Yorkshire Vet Special’, which saw him join colleague Rohin to explore Punjab, where he said that he had a “fantastic time,” despite calling part of the journey “utter chaos”.
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Peter Wright at The Great Yorkshire Show (Image: GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW)
During the trip to India, Peter said that he and Rohin went to a festival dressed in traditional Punjabi outfits.
Joking about the experience, he said: “It reminded me of Del Boy and Rodney when they dressed as Batman and Robin in Only Fools and Horses.”
The TV star also spent some time with the judges of the schools’ Veg Box Competition.
Schools across the region took part in building, designing and growing a veg box from scratch. Learning all about growing and nature along the way.
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This year’s theme was Waste to Grow, and judges visited all the schools to choose 12 finalists, which were displayed at the show.
Peter said: “It’s very early in the morning, but it’s great to see such enthusiasm from the youngsters. At the GYS, we get to appreciate our food and where it comes from.
For children to be given seeds and flat packs to create these veg boxes, they can grow their own food and learn about how it. For many children, food comes from a supermarket or a packet, so this is really important for them.
The children have really got into the task, and it is an important extension of school life. It’s a wonderful initiative.”
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