The reckoning for America’s Next Top Model came just as it did for much of the cultural phenomena that populated the noughties. 

It was a brutal, toxic gold rush for reality TV, where the humiliation of women was often an easy punchline. ANTM arrived in 2003 to become a pop culture juggernaut of meltdowns and viral moments, all posing as a modelling competition.

Netflix has now given the Tyra Banks-created show the exposé treatment, with Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, a three-parter promising to be ‘the definitive, must-watch chronicle’ of the show and its unique flavour of carnage across 24 so-called cycles.

I don’t quite have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the cycles and their contestants. I started tuning in after the show went co-ed, becoming a proto-Love Island. My abiding memories are of Banks demonstrating her come-hither ‘smize’ and chastising contestants about the dreaded ‘no neck monster’. 

But watching ANTM through the prism of this documentary makes me wonder how I ever enjoyed it at all.

Compiling one morally questionable scene after another tells a dire story, one of body-shaming weigh-ins, eating disorders going unchecked, tear-strewn makeover scenes and challenges ranging from the offensive to the disturbing.

‘We are actually going to switch your ethnicities!’ the stunned models were told on one shoot. Now, the production talking heads are sheepish at the decision, but they then did the same thing a few cycles later.

Elsewhere, models were styled as homeless people, a bulimic woman with fake vomit on her hands and violently killed crime scene victims.

One contestant recalls being told to pose as a woman shot in the head, when her own mother had been left paralysed by a bullet. This, at least, prompts remorse from producer Ken Mok in front of the Netflix cameras.

The docu-series access is notable, with former supermodel Banks in the hot seat, alongside several contestants, as well as show judges Nigel Barker, Miss J Alexander and Jay Manuel.

All three were culled ahead of cycle 19, which Banks said she cried herself to sleep over. None of them appears to have had much to do with her since.

As Banks tells it, her pitch for ANTM came from a boundary-pushing place to create racial and body diversity on screen and in fashion. That ethical underpinning was somehow lost along the way.

Many contestants did not see that ANTM was a reality show before it was a career launchpad. They clearly do now. Winnie Harlow – whose follower count is finger-wagged at us – is one of the handful that went on to genuine success. Most left Banks’ runway and returned to obscurity.

Shandi Sullivan’s story in cycle two is particularly devastating. It is a sequence of events she is still distraught over, but Banks needs to be reminded of the grotesque circumstances. 

Directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan might have pressed Banks and co on certain moments, but if they squirmed, it is not evident here. The show’s host has an excuse for everything: narrow beauty standards, agents in her ear for a certain look, viewer demands and network pressure.

Those arriving with expectations of a mea culpa from Banks will likely be disappointed.

Perhaps fairly, the poorly-aged clips are often excused as a product of the time. But I can’t see how Banks has taken stock of the outpouring of grief and hurt from the models, because she says (with the excitement of someone devoid of the ability to read the room) that the show will be back for cycle 25.

The two up top does, however, depend on Farke’s three at the back, and with Pascal Struijk still out with a hip problem, Farke may revert to a back four and load the midfield.

Either which way, Birmingham’s recent form, unbeaten in their last eight, means manager Chris Davies will likely be undeterred by Farke’s tactical flexibility. His side’s 0-0 draw to West Brom on Tuesday was the first time Birmingham have failed to score at home since August, and they’ve lost just once at St Andrew’s in the league this season. They’ve dusted themselves off from a poor December and are just two points off the play-offs, meaning owner Tom Wagner’s expectation of Premier League football in 2026 remains within reach.

Just the one recent injury for Birmingham, who will be missing Paik Seung-ho to a shoulder injury. That presents former Leicester and Everton winger Demarai Gray with the opportunity to make his first start since an injury in late December.

This is the first time these two sides have met in the FA Cup since Leeds won a repay at St Andrews in 2013. No replays today, stay tuned for team news and build up!

Batter Steve Smith has been added to Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in time for Monday’s crucial match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

Smith, 36, travelled to Sri Lanka as cover after captain Mitchell Marsh was hit in the groin area last week and suffered “testicular bleeding”.

Smith was not officially added to the squad, with the management waiting to see how the situation developed, but now comes in as a replacement for bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood was ruled out on the eve of the tournament and not replaced.

Selector Tony Dodemaide said: “With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required.”

Smith has not played a T20 for Australia since February 2024 but scored a century and two fifties in six matches in the Big Bash after the Ashes in January, leading some to suggest he should have been in Australia’s squad regardless.

Australia’s batters have struggled in the tournament so far, bowled out for 146 all out in a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe to leave their place in the Super 8s.

They beat Ireland by 67 runs in their opening match but also lost 3-0 in Pakistan prior to the World Cup.

Australia will be eliminated from the World Cup if they lose to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday.

They may need to win both their remaining games and rely on net run-rate.

The most indulgent day of the year is here once again. No, we’re not talking about Christmas, or Easter – it’s Pancake Day. The one date in the calendar when you can absolutely eat the same dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner – without guilt, without shame.

Seasoned flippers have been practising, supermarkets have been stocking up on sauces and spreads for alternative toppings, and now the time is finally here to show off your skills.

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So, gather your ingredients, grease your pan and don your apron. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s traditional feast day, from why it’s celebrated to how to make pancakes as light as clouds – whether you favour a thin British classic or a fluffy American stack. And if you’re after the simplest batter and a fail-safe cooking method, try Mary Berry’s easy pancake recipe for Shrove Tuesday.

Pancake Day has been celebrated in Britain for centuries as the feast day before Ash Wednesday, when the fasting season begins.

Historically, Anglo-Saxon Christians would go to confession on Shrove Tuesday to be absolved of their sins, before indulging in rich fat-based foods to use up ingredients ahead of Lent.

However, it is believed that the Christian Pancake Day was in fact borrowed from an old pagan festival to welcome the arrival of spring. Circular, hot pancakes were seen to symbolise the sun, providing those who ate them with the sun’s power and strength.

Shrove Tuesday originates from the Old English word “shrive”, which means to give absolution once hearing confession, usually by a priest. The day marks the end of Pre-Lenten Season, also known as Shrovetide.

This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on February 17th, but the exact date of Pancake Day changes year on year as it is determined by when Easter falls – which can also differ annually due to the spring equinox.

Shrove Tuesday is always celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, which takes place 40 days before Easter to represent Jesus’ 40 days spent fasting in the desert.

The all-important question. Many a family argument has been sparked due to over-confident flips and splattered batter, resulting in tears, tantrums and reluctant clean-ups. So, what is the secret to a slick flick of the wrist?

• Use a steel or cast-iron pan (not a non-stick one), greased with a little oil
• If the edges of the pancake don’t come away from the sides of the pan when you give it a gentle shake, it’s not ready to be flipped
• Be confident, and use the same action as you would when tossing a stir-fry

Death in Paradise fans will see the team up against a particularly puzzling case involving the murder of a “reclusive pensioner”.

Death in Paradise continues with stars from the worlds of Happy Valley and Keeping Faith joining the season 15 cast.

BBC fans were disappointed when Death in Paradise failed to air in its usual time slot on Friday but thankfully, viewers won’t have much longer to wait as it returns tonight, Monday, February 16, at 9pm on BBC One.

This time around, DI Mervin Wilson (played by Don Gilet) is tasked with tracking down the killer of a “reclusive pensioner” who was shot dead in his home.

Ahead of the cosy crime’s return, here’s everything there is to know about the guest stars of Death in Paradise season 15, episode three.

Death in Paradise season 15 episode 3 guest stars

Henry Ashby – Aneirin Hughs

Henry is at the heart of the investigation as he is this week’s unfortunate victim but what could he have done that made someone want to kill him?

Welsh actor Aneirin Hughes is best known to some for starring as Chief Superintendent Brian Prosser in the Welsh police drama Hinterland.

But for BBC viewers, Hughes will be remembered as father-in-law Tom Howells in the Welsh thriller Keeping Faith with Eve Myles.

Fleur Edwards – Siobhan Finneran

Actress Siobhan Finneran is no stranger when it comes to hit dramas having starred as Clare Cartwright in BBC’s Happy Valley, Sarah O’Brien in Downton Abbey and ITV’s Protection, along with a string of other popular shows.

This time around, Finneran is playing the overly enthusiastic and chatty neighbour of the deceased, Fleur Edwards, but is she hiding a dark secret?

Craig Pinnock – Ben Willbond

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After some digging, unassuming accountant Craig Pinnock is depicted as the team’s prime suspect after a witness spotted someone matching his description fleeing the scene.

However, Craig has a rock solid alibi so it’s up to Mervin and his colleagues to determine whether they’ve really got the right culprit.

Actor Ben Willbond is a member of the “British Them There” collective, meaning that he has written and starred in productions like Yonderland, Horrible Histories and Ghosts, in which he played Captain.

He has also had minor parts in various dramas including The Wives, The Cleaner and Hijack with Idris Elba.

Baxter Turton – Kojo Kamara

As of yet, few details are known about Baxter Turton but going by images from the episode, he could be working as a gardener.

Actor Kojo Kamara stars as DS Rob Selforth in the BBC sitcom The Outlaws, with smaller roles in shows like The Beast Must Die, There She Goes and Sherlock and Daughter.

Death in Paradise continues every Friday at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

One resident believes “bigger cafés are taking over” from independent brands

People have said they find it ‘disappointing’ that some shops have ‘disappeared’ from their Cambridgeshire town’s high street. Over the years, many shops have disappeared from town and city high streets, leaving shoppers sad when some of their favourite brands leave.

This is the feeling for some residents in St Ives. Jackie Smith said St Ives is a “very safe” and “lovely” town, but said that more shops and cafés are leaving the high street.

She said: “The bigger cafés are taking over from the smaller people. We used to have one café down the road that has gone now.

“There’s a big Caffe Nero, but also a Costa opposite. Younger people can afford to go somewhere like Costa now. You couldn’t do that in my day!”

Derek Green said he finds it ‘disappointing’ that more shops are leaving the high street. He added: “That’s the only thing disappointing about St Ives. We used to have a lot more independents, like cafés and shops, but the bigger brands are taking over.”

His thoughts were echoed by another long-term resident, who wished to remain anonymous. They said the “high street is not what it used to be”.

They added: “We used to have a lot more shops than we do now, I mean you can see from how some are left empty. I guess it’s the same everywhere, but it’s a shame to see shops disappearing from the high street.”

Not only do people think there could be more in the high street, but they also think there could be more to the town’s market. Sara Jarlett, who runs a pick and mix stall in the market every Monday and Friday, thinks the market could be bigger.

She added: “Apparently years ago, the market used to be all the way down to the other side of the crossing. It’s a lot smaller now.” Sara thinks more stalls could be on offer at the market. She said: “You could get other stalls here like bric and brac.”

As well as improving the high street, some locals believe there is a problem with traffic in the town. Amelia Phillips said: “The traffic sometimes heading to Cambridge at commuting times is bad.”

Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said traffic in the centre has “become a problem”. She added: “There are a lot more cars on the road compared to when I moved here a long time ago. But, I guess that is the same everywhere else.”

Humberside Police said it happened in Kilham Lane, Kilham at around 7.30pm on Saturday, February 7.

A force spokesperson said a blue-coloured Ford S-Max, mounted a grass verge at the junction with Burton Lane in the village and hit a tree, after travelling south-west along Killham Lane.

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The spokesperson added: “Emergency services were deployed however an occupant of the car, a 31-year-old man, sustained fatal injuries and sadly died at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist trained officers at this difficult time.

“A 34-year-old woman who was also in the vehicle was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not thought to be life threatening.

“Extensive enquiries have been carried out over the course of the last week to establish the full circumstances around the collision, and we are now appealing to anyone who was in the area of Bridlington between the hours of 6pm and 7pm and may have seen or had some kind of interaction with the blue Ford S-Max prior to the collision.”

Humberside Police issued an image of the Ford S-Max as part of its appeal for witnesses and information.

The spokesperson said: “If you have any information, no matter how small, including dashcam footage, please contact us on our non-emergency number 101, quoting log 376 of 7 February 2026.”

He admitted he wants the iconic 90s pop group to extend their two-night farewell at the Emirates Stadium in London in June into a full tour

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Boyzone star Keith Duffy has admitted he wants the iconic 90s pop group to extend their two-night farewell into a tour.

The Irish heartthrobs will play their biggest headline shows ever in June at the Emirates Stadium in London over back-to-back nights having already sold out their initial gig and adding an extra date.

It was initially billed as their final ever performance – called One For The Road – to please their fanbase and the clamour for a comeback after the massive success of their three-part Sky Documentary No Matter What last year.

READ MORE: Ronan Keating says Boyzone tour would be ‘incredibly unhealthy’READ MORE: Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic: Boyzone singer set to explore Derry in new travel series

Keith, 51, will take a break from a UK-wide tour with his spin-off act Boyzlife – a duo with ex-Westlife singer Brian McFadden – to reunite with Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Mikey Graham for Boyzone’s final hurrah.

It will be their first performance together since a five-night run at the London Palladium in 2019. And Keith revealed: “It’s going to be over like that (clicks fingers). So we need to make sure we do enjoy it.

“Now it’s two nights now, we’re doing Friday and Saturday now, the Saturday is sold out. Both of them will be sold by then. But we’re going through all the usual rehearsals spaces, music, choreography, dancing – we’re going through the whole f***ing two, three-week rehearsal to do two nights – and then it’s done.

“That’s the thing about it. We’re going to be trained and tested. It’s a shame just to do two nights, we should do a whole f***ing tour.”

According to the Official Charts, Boyzone have racked up 18 UK Top 10 hits with six of them number ones, alongside five albums also topping the charts. Looking back on his breakthrough as a pop star with the band, Keith admitted it was a baptism of fire when they first found fame.

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He explained: “The promotional stuff was crazy. You’d be up at half five in the morning and you’d be still going at half 11 that night and it’s tiresome and there’s five guys in the back of a van going around Amsterdam, going around Dusseldorf, going around wherever and that’s when the s*** happens.

“That’s when you’re getting tired and grumpy and somebody’s annoying you and you’re crapping off at each other and then you’re just about to break up because it’s all just a f***ing pressure cooker of s***. And then you go on tour and you go out on stage and then you realise: ‘This is what it’s all about.’”

Keith’s other project Boyzlife kicked off their 2026 tour in Guilford this week and it will run until November with a break between for the Boyzone spectacular – but Keith said he only agreed to it as long as “Brian’s a part of it, absolutely”.

He said it hasn’t been decided yet whether Brian will be a support act for Boyzone or join the quartet for songs in a cameo appearance on the stage but insisted “they’ll definitely be something”.

The duo, who are both Manchester United fans and firm friends for decades now, will also use the stage to plug the second half of their own tour.

Keith added: “This is only the first half of our tour. We’ve 30 dates and we do Thursday to Sunday for eight weeks and then we have our festivals and our corporate gigs, our charity events, whatever the f***’s going on – but we have 30 more dates in October and November. So those dates are on sale now.

“So we’ll use the Boyzone show in June, put them up on the big screen, get him out on stage, do a couple of songs and sell them out.”

When the Boyzone show was first announced in September last year, singer Ronan Keating made it clear he felt it was a one off gig.

“We’re not making new music, it’s not a reunion,” Keating told BBC Breakfast. “There’s plenty of bands out there doing that.

“Everybody has been part of Boyzone’s journey, this story they’ve shared, they’ve cried with us, they’ve laughed with us through the documentary.

“And now, to get to Emirates together, all of us, and say our final farewell the way we want to do it, will be pretty powerful.”

However the huge demand for tickets means they are already extending the comeback to two nights.

*Boylife are on tour across the UK until November – visit www.boyzlife.co.uk for details.

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The disease is extremely infectious

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is alerting the public about when medical help should be sought after 96 new cases of a Victorian-era illness have been confirmed in England.

The latest figures reveal nearly 100 laboratory-confirmed cases were documented over a span of less than five weeks (from January to 2 February). UKHSA said on X, formerly Twitter: “A blotchy, sometimes raised, rash is one of the signs of measles. It’s not usually itchy, and it can look different on different skin tones. If you think you or your child has measles, contact your GP practice urgently or call NHS 111.”

Measles is extremely infectious, with a single person capable of passing it on to 15 other unvaccinated individuals on average. Measles generally begins with symptoms resembling a common cold, developing into a rash after several days and occasionally tiny spots inside the mouth.

Initial symptoms include fever, nasal congestion or runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and red, sore, watery eyes. The rash usually starts on the face and behind the ears, before spreading throughout the body.

Spots can combine to create blotchy patches and aren’t normally itchy. On white skin, the rash looks brown or red, though it may be harder to spot on darker skin tones.

NHS guidance adds that if you’ve received both doses of the MMR vaccine or have had measles before, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll catch the disease. People are advised to ring 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment if they suspect they or their child may have measles, if their child is under one year old and has been in contact with someone with measles, or if they’ve been near someone with measles and are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Urgent medical advice should also be sought if:

• you or your child have a high temperature that hasn’t reduced after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• you or your child are experiencing breathing difficulties – you may feel more breathless than usual
• your baby or young child isn’t feeding well, or is consuming fewer feeds or fluids than normal
• you or your child are urinating less frequently (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
• you or your child feel extremely unwell, or you’re concerned something is seriously wrong

Anyone diagnosed with measles should refrain from attending work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and should avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a compromised immune system.