Sarah Ferguson ‘never approved’ of Princess Beatrice and Edo Mapelli Mozzi’s marriage, according to royal author Andrew Lownie – and now, the York sisters’ husbands are ‘pushing for their wives to distance themselves’ from their scandal-hit parents.

The daughters of disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Fergie have mostly sought to stay out of the public limelight following the ensuing fallout of their parents’ controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to Mr Lownie, both Beatrice and Eugenie are publicly ‘playing down their contact’ with Andrew and Fergie ‘as they realise it is toxic for their careers and public reputation’.

However, Edo, who wed Beatrice in July 2020, alongside Jack Brooksbank, who tied the knot with Eugenie in 2018, are said to feel strongly that a separation between the princesses and their disgraced parents should be enforced.

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie, writer of bestselling book Entitled: The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, told the Daily Mail.

He added: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York. A complication is the latter themselves never approved of Edo so no love lost there.’

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple.

Mr Lownie told The Daily Mail: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York’

Beatrice was 31 when she exchanged vows with Edo during a small ceremony before 20 guests at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in the grounds of Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

While the former Duke of York, who has since been stripped of his royal titles and is under investigation for misconduct in public office, walked Beatrice down the aisle, Andrew was conspicuously absent from the official wedding portraits released by Buckingham Palace.

Instead, the late Queen and Prince Philip joined the newlyweds in their wedding photos, as Elizabeth made every effort to ensure that her granddaughter’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was an occasion for the couple to remember.

The Queen lent Princess Beatrice the tiara that she wore at her own wedding and a vintage gown first worn to a glitzy film premiere almost 66 years ago.

It was an acknowledgement not only that lockdown had denied Beatrice the wedding-day fanfare enjoyed by her sister Eugenie and cousins William and Harry, but also of the distress of seeing her father’s reputation wrecked by his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

However, according to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset – prompting further questions about her and Andrew’s lesser involvement in the nuptials of their oldest daughter. 

The royal author added that despite the actions of her shamed parents, both Beatrice and Eugenie feel a sense of ‘loyalty’ to their parents. 

Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands. 

‘They also realise they need to keep in with Royal Family, petrified Charles will change their subsidised arrangements at St James’s and Kensington Palaces and that their titles may be removed. If so, bang go their lucrative earnings from the Middle East.’

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie said

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Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands’

According to Mr Lownie, while relations become ‘fractured and complex’ with Andrew, the pre-existing ‘tripod’ that Sarah once boasted she shared with her two daughters remains somewhat intact. 

‘There has been plenty of scandal over the years and the daughters have not cut themselves loose largely because they are cut from the same cloth and very much under the thumb of their mother,’ he added. 

However, he noted that Eugenie’s relationship will likely have diminisehd with her mother amid the ensuing revelations about her ties to Epstein.

‘Relations with their father are particularly fractured and complex as daughters take on board each new disturbing disclosure about Andrew,’ he said.

‘It is unlikely Andrew will see his new grandchild except through Facetime.’ 

Eugenie and Jack’s third child was born on August 3 at a hospital in Lisbon weighing 6lb 9oz – with mother and baby said to be doing well.

However, the happy family news is in stark contrast to Andrew’s fall from grace over his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein. 

The controversy surrounding Beatrice and Eugenie’s shamed parents only intensified in the wake of the release of millions of documents connected to the billionaire financier, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The file dump included a disturbing photograph of Andrew crouching on all fours over a female lying on the floor, as well as multiple damning revelations about his and Fergie’s association with the man convicted of soliciting sex from girls as young as 14.

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple

According to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Edo in 2019

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It emerged that Andrew sent photographs of his daughters, Eugenie and Beatrice, to Epstein in two festive emails in 2011 and 2012, up to two years after the former prince previously claimed to have cut off all contact with Epstein.

Astonishing emails unearthed by The Mail on Sunday revealed Fergie was so desperate to cosy up to the convicted paedophile that ‘she was the first to celebrate’ his release from jail ‘with her two daughters in tow’.

The Daily Mail has also found an email from Epstein in 2015 where he told a friend not to worry about meeting Beatrice at an event in Mexico because she ‘liked’ him.

The fallout led to King Charles formally stripping Andrew of all his titles and forcing him out of Royal Lodge, with His Majesty’s younger brother being arrested on his 66th birthday by Thames Valley Police in an extraordinary moment for the monarchy.

It would have been an especially trying time for his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who retreated from public life as questions were raised about how much they knew about Andrew and Fergie’s dealings with Epstein.

On the same day that Andrew was held in police custody, Edo was spotted spending time in Palm Beach, Florida.

His trip to the US saw him visit the same area where Ferguson and the princesses dined with Epstein, just days after the end of his prison sentence for trafficking a minor for prostitution.

Snaps show him reclining outside the pink art deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and holding a glass of rosé at the Bellini restaurant on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel.

He attended a talk at stylish interiors store Hive Home, popular with super-wealthy locals, and was spotted at an evening event at The Carriage House, an exclusive members’ club.

At one point, he visited the ultra-private Fisher Club, a gated island enclave with just 800 residents favoured by billionaires and A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts. One post – a video taken from behind – featured Edo sashaying theatrically along a Florida pavement.

Yet Edo’s decision to travel to the United States, albeit for work, instead of remaining by his wife’s side sparked speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.

One source told the Daily Mail: ‘Things haven’t been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

‘Beatrice is quite different from her sister. She really wants to almost naively see the good in people and will turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths – that is why she was blind to her father’s behaviour, and the same is true of her belief in Edo.

‘She wants to stay together, but he seems more and more distracted by work and travel. Just when she needs him most, he’s been pulling away.’

It would be located at the site of a former steakhouse restaurant

The location of a possible new Greggs store in Cambridge has been revealed – and it’s just a short walk away from another Greggs that’s already in the city. Plans have been submitted to Cambridge City Council asking for permission to open a new bakery and fast-food chain at Cambridge Leisure Park.

The site, praised for its “top quality” food by customers, was formerly Rocker’s Steakhouse. The restaurant closed following “so many unforgettable years” on Sunday, July 19. The proposed site is located less than a 10-minute walk away from another Greggs location on Station Square. Cambridge also has a Greggs store operating on Fitzroy Street and at Budgens Stores on Cherry Hinton Road.

The proposed plans includes a new shopfront and external seating area and advertisement consent for Unit 7A at Cambridge Leisure Park. Mondays to Saturdays are proposed to be open between 7am and 7pm, while Sundays would open at 9am and close at 5pm.

Greggs recently revealed its intentions to launch more than 100 new storess by the end of this year. The bakery chain opened 34 new stores in the first half of 2026.

The brand operated 2,773 stores as of June 27, 2026 and is looking to expand to 3,500 UK locations over the longer term. It has also begun trialling new Greggs Express outlets, a self-service for food and drinks.

Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Port Vale in the Carabao Cup as violence broke out in the League Two side’s away end

A violent brawl broke out in the stands during the match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Port Vale on Friday evening. Police were forced to intervene as punches were thrown in the away end at Molineux.

The sides were playing for a place in the Carabao Cup second round when the brutal scenes broke out. Punches could be seen being furiously thrown, seemingly amongst Port Vale vans, as some supporters attempted to escape beyond stewards into vacant seating.

One punch-related conflict sparked further fans to join in, despite the presence of young children in the vicinity. Upon their arrival, police quickly broke up the violence as supporters continued to hurl abuse at each other.

Port Vale have confirmed they are looking into the incident alongside their hosts on Friday evening. “We’re aware of an incident in the stands at last night’s game and will be working closely with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding it,” they said.

“We take matters of this nature seriously and will consider any appropriate action once the facts have been established.”

Wolves came away 3-0 victors in the opening match of their season. The Championship side scored all three goals in the opening half as Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez all got on the scoresheet.

Despite the defeat, Port Vale boss Jon Brady was pleased with his team’s efforts. Brady wanted his team to be brace against the Premier League hopefuls.

“I thought in the first 15 minutes we had two of the best efforts,” he said. “Jammo (Jaheim Headley) hits the bar, if it goes in, it could have been a different story, maybe. Three big chances we had.

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“I could have come here and play 5-4-1 but I wanted us to go brave as a team and we went after them at times. I was really pleased with some of our play. We just didn’t put the ball into the back of the net.

“You’re playing a team that is expected to go back into the PL with top-class players. We pushed and I feel we showed a very determined side to us. But some of the play from them was fantastic. I’m really pleased and proud of the boys tonight.”

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto told BBC Radio WM: “I’m happy for sure. A first victory is important to bring confidence.

“A lot of things still to improve, that is normal. But we want to stay at a good level to start the season.

“We still need to bring in players that can improve the level of the team. I want things done as soon as possible but the market is delayed because of the World Cup.”

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The young centre is currently playing for England U18s, but could pull on the red jersey in years to come

Will Moore has signed his first professional deal with Bristol Bears.

The son of former Wales second-row Andy has penned a senior academy deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Moore is one of 13 players from Bristol’s NextGen U18 title-winning squad to be offered terms by director of rugby Pat Lam.

Moore is currently in South Africa, turning out for England U18s in the 2026 International Series.

He was previously called up by England’s age-grade side earlier this year for the U18s Six Nations.

However, Moore hasn’t ruled out playing for Wales at senior level – telling WalesOnline earlier this year that he had already met with Steve Tandy.

The young centre was raised in Swansea, having initially come through the Ospreys academy.

He accepted a place at Clifton College, bringing him onto Bristol’s books.

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“I saw it as an ideal opportunity with it only being an hour and a half from home,” he told WalesOnline back in April.

“You hear about how good English schoolboy rugby is and I would agree it does live up to that. I’m studying maths, chemistry and PE for my A levels at Clifton and I’m also part of the senior Bristol Bears academy.

“I had a few Wales U18s non capped appearances but I missed out on the Six Nations period last year with my shoulder. But now is probably the perfect time to try it out.

“It’s no fault of Wales because Richie Pugh (WRU pathway coach) and all the boys were brilliant with me but personally I am eligible to play for England.

“So, I thought there’d be no harm in giving England a try because at this age it doesn’t tie me down to anyone.

“Every camp I’ve been to has been very professional. It’s not much different to Wales.

“I’m not looking any further than this U18s Six Nations. The last two games v Georgia and Italy I want to get my international caps.

“As soon as that finishes I’ll do my A levels, finish school and whatever comes next from that I’ll take it step by step.”

Moore also revealed this year how he has already trained briefly with the star-studded senior team at Bristol, rubbing shoulders with Louis Rees-Zammit and Ellis Genge.

“It’s pretty cool thinking in a couple of years time I could potentially be playing with Louis Rees-Zammit and Ellis Genge,” he said. “It’s just really exciting and I can’t wait to get into it.

“The first day I had with the seniors was the most open environment I’ve ever been to. Everyone is just talking and shaking each others hands.

“It’s an environment where everyone can be themselves. Over the next couple of years I want to keep improving and hopefully sink into that Bears senior environment and hopefully get a senior appearance.”

Having confirmed his senior and academy squad for this season, Lam said: “Next season’s squad of 38 senior players and 30 senior academy players is an exciting blend of experienced PREM performers, established internationals and young, hungry players with huge potential, strengthened further by the arrivals of Ethan Staddon, Sol Moody, Khalik Kareem, Tobi Wilson, Louie Sinclair, and the return of Josh Caulfield and Oscar Lennon.

“With more than 2,000 senior appearances and 15 capped internationals across the squad, there is real experience, leadership and quality throughout the group. We’ve worked hard to build a squad with the cohesion, depth and competition needed to compete consistently across a demanding PREM season and put ourselves firmly in the mix for the play-offs.

“One of the biggest positives for us is to see our pathway produce high-quality young players. The opportunity to offer professional terms to 13 players from our title-winning Under-18s side is hugely exciting. There is real belief amongst our Senior Academy that if they work hard and perform, there are genuine opportunities to progress into the first team.

“This squad has a strong core of players who have grown together over the last few seasons, alongside experienced leaders who know what it takes to compete at the highest level. That balance is important because cohesion and continuity are massive factors in building a team capable of challenging at the top end of the Gallagher PREM.

“It’s an exciting time for the Bristol Bears and we believe this is a squad with the quality, experience and togetherness to compete strongly for the Gallagher PREM in 2026/27.”

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The proposal is for a 32-bed home on the former Chubb Fire factory site in Ferndale

A new care home could be built in the Rhondda Fach if plans are approved. A planning application has been submitted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council for the proposed construction of a 32-bed care home on the site of the former Chubb Fire factory on an industrial estate in Ferndale.

The new home is set to replace the existing Ferndale House when it is open. In January 2025, RCT’s cabinet decided not to go ahead with the proposed closure of Ferndale House at the time, agreeing to keep it open until new care accommodation in Rhondda Fach is built.

The council says that staff working at Ferndale House will transfer to the new development when it is completed, alongside the current residents.

This new home would be organised into four clusters of eight rooms to support personalised care with staff facilities on site.

The development includes supporting facilities including office spaces, dining areas, kitchen, laundry, and other amenities as well as sustainable drainage, landscaping, car parking, and associated works.

The application site measures around 1.23 hectares and is the former Chubb Fire & Security factory which opened in 1950 and during its occupation was used to supply fire-fighting equipment. Get the latest Rhondda news first by signing up to our newsletter here

The factory closed in 2005 and all of the buildings have now been removed.

The site has been recently used for a construction compound as part of the development of the adjacent school which was completed in January 2025.

There have been no public letters of objection to the application.

In recommending approval, planning officers said: “The site provides an opportunity to deliver a scheme that responds to local need and helps address the identified demand for care home provision across thecounty borough.

“The development would be located on a brownfield site within the settlement boundary of Ferndale and is considered acceptable having regard to relevant national planning policy and all other material planning considerations.”

The application is due to go before the council’s planning committee on Thursday, August 13.

As a spa lover, I’m surprised this wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.

When it comes to luxurious spa breaks in Northern Ireland, there are always a few places that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue, the Galgorm Resort, Ballymena, The Merchant, The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick, Lough Erne, Enniskillen, the Culloden and the Slieve Donard, to name but a few.

But one wasn’t on my radar until fairly recently, and its charming, intimate, and quiet luxury will ensure I definitely return again.

The Old Inn has long been a staple destination for food and events in the coastal village of Crawfordsburn. Having been crowned the AA Hotel of the Year 2025, it has since evolved into a luxury spa experience under the Galgorm Collection.

While its “big sister” resort in Ballymena offers vast, sprawling luxury, which I am a fan of, The Old Inn offers a more intimate, less crowded alternative that still has the same high standards we’ve come to expect from the hospitality group. It really is the perfect setting for those seeking a tranquil, more personal experience.

We were kindly invited down to experience their Coastal Calm retreat, which, for busy parents, was the perfect Sunday morning escape. You get access to the Treetop Spa from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm as well as the choice of two 30-minute bespoke treatments followed by a Spa lunch in the restaurant.

The Treetop Spa is aptly named, perched above the beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park. The outdoor facilities at Spa aren’t huge, but they have everything you need: a large hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, some cosy cabanas perfect for lounging, and a really cosy Conservatory for relaxing, featuring heated marble loungers and a cosy log burner.

From the minute you enter the changing rooms, it’s clear it has the same bougee standards we’ve come to expect with Galgorm properties. I loved how all amenities were covered in the spa: Dyson hairdryers and a tray of hair, body, and hygiene products for use if you forgot your own. They’ve really thought of everything!

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I opted for the Elemis mini facial and back, neck and shoulder massage. My therapist really helped me relax and worked on the areas of my back and neck that I am prone to tightness. Afterwards, she talked me through the products she used and the areas of my skin I had concerns with, and gave me some great advice. I walked out of my treatment after an hour, literally floating. It felt amazing to just switch off and enjoy a quiet Sunday morning.

Afterwards, I joined my husband in the Conservatory for a tasty crumble and yoghurt compote, the perfect refreshing treat after your treatment.

I honestly could have sat there all day, just sitting amongst the trees and listening to the log fire crackling. But it was time to get freshened up and head for our lunch; all that relaxation made us hungry.

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We were shown into the Old Inn Restaurant, which was bustling on a busy Sunday afternoon with tables of families enjoying Sunday Roasts together, while others enjoyed Afternoon Tea.

We were treated to a choice of Prosecco or No-secco if you preferred, and then shown our menu. There were lots of options filled with local produce, Portavogie Prawns to classic chicken wings, but neither my husband nor I could pass up the Minute steak and frites, cooked pink, and it was melt-in-your-mouth, fantastic.

Feeling chilled out and content, we headed home to collect our little darlings from their grandparents. For those looking for a luxury spa journey without feeling overwhelmed by the size or large crowds, The Old Inn, for me, is Northern Ireland’s best-kept secret for a quiet, character-filled escape.

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The incident occurred in Moss Bank Way, Bolton, shortly after 9.33pm on Friday, August 7, and involved a white Vauxhall Corsa and a black Audi A3.

A fire broke out in one of the cars, leading to two fire engines being dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel and were in attendance for over an hour.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the injuries of the six taken to hospital were not life-threatening.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and is currently being questioned in custody, the force said.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 9.33pm today (Friday, August 7), two fire engines from Bolton North and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Moss Bank Way in Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving one of the cars and are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe.

“Six casualties have been taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Crews have been in attendance for around one hour and remain at the scene.”

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The crash led to the closure of Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road.

Photos from the scene show two cars, one that appears to be burnt.

Eyewitnesses reported a second collision nearby, around the same time, at the junction of Smithills Dean, Moss Bank Way, and Halliwell Road.

It is estimated they were around half a mile apart from one another.

GMP said there was a crash between two vehicles, but thankfully no serious injuries.

Two red cars crashed (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The force said no arrests were made in relation to the second crash.

Photos show two red cars that appear to have been involved, surrounded by police cars.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has been contacted for further information.

The Bolton News will provide further updates as they become available.

Save the best till last, they like to say. So maybe it should come as no surprise that some of the best TV of the year has been packed into the final month of summer this August.

To start off, Ted Lasso, the tear-jerking show that made everyone ‘believe’, thanks to Jason Sudeikis’ unwavering optimism, Brett Goldstein’s endearing gruffness and Hannah Waddingham’s scene-stealing moments.

The reviews might be mixed, but there’s been an outpouring of adoration among fans who’ve watched season 4 episode 1. ‘This is the ONLY show on TV that makes us feel good again,’ one wrote, while another said: ‘The writing is still sharp and can’t wait where the story goes.’

Fans of the American drama Power will be ecstatic to tune in for 50 Cent’s latest TV show Fightland, a crime thriller set in London about a boxer who’s released from prison after eight years and is now vying for revenge against the man he believes betrayed him.

Meanwhile, as a longtime fan of Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s work, I’m gripped by the premise of her new Sky supernatural series Possession, which transitions from the present day to a plantation in Jamaica in the 18th century.

As TV Editor at Metro – and someone who spends most of their free time watching and rewatching TV – here are my seven top picks for shows to binge this August.

Ted Lasso

The most heartwarming TV show is back. At least, that’s how plenty of Ted Lasso fans describe the Apple TV series.

Read Metro’s four-star review of Ted Lasso season four here.

The comedy-drama about an American coach managing a British football team originally ended after season 3, but then co-creator and star Jason Sudeikis had an ‘epiphany’ to bring it back with a female football side leading the charge.

This might be the Ted Lasso we know and love, but it’s also not. ‘But football is life?’ Brendan Hunt’s Coach Beard asks one of the footballers, in a callback to Dani Rojas’ iconic catchphrase. ‘No,’ the new football star replies. ‘Life is so much more than football.’ True.

Ted Lasso might have had its dips, but it spreads unbridled joy in a way that few TV shows can master. I don’t know about you, but I need that cheesiness in my life.

Ted Lasso season 4 premiered on Wednesday August 5 on Apple TV, with new episodes being released weekly.

Lanterns

Aaron Pierre has been on a hot streak over the past few years.

Following Netflix’s Rebel Ridge, he voiced Mufasa in the Lion King spin-off movie, before joining the cast of Apple’s hit drama The Morning Show. Now, the 32-year-old is taking one of the world’s most popular superheroes – DC Comics legend John Stewart, aka Green Lantern.

There are some actors who ooze star quality, and Aaron is certainly one of them. He’s suave, talented to boot, and it’s clear that HBO Max’s Lanterns means a great deal to him.

‘If I had the choice to portray any character in the DC Universe, I would still choose John. I would choose John every time,’ he said at San Diego Comic Con. He deserves this, and as a major superhero geek, I can’t wait to see his star shine even more.

Lanterns premieres on Monday August 17 on HBO Max.

Fightland

50 Cent producing a crime drama set in London about a formerly incarcerated boxer vying for revenge and redemption? Sign me up.

Fightland follows Maduka ‘Dule’ Kilroy (The Musketeers star Howard Charles), a man who suffers a devastating fall from grace following the death of his brother.

After eight years behind bars, he returns to his hometown to infiltrate the criminal network of kingpin Kingsley Marshall (Nicholas Pinnock), a man who he believes betrayed him.

It has all the ingredients of a tantalisingly gritty thriller, and as a Londoner, I love that my city provides the backdrop for such a compelling piece of television. This is a London that feels real and authentic, sprinkled with some American flair.

According to 50, Fightland is even better than Power, which his fans vow is one of the best TV shows of all time. It’s a bold statement – I hope it’s true.

Fightland premieres on Thursday August 27 on Sky and NOW.

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Possession

I’ve followed Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s career avidly ever since her 2013 breakthrough role in Belle, a beautifully moving period piece that remains one of my favourite films of all time.

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She moved me to my core in one of the best Black Mirror episodes ever, San Junipero, before taking a villainous turn in Loki opposite Tom Hiddleston.

Gugu now stars in Possession, a supernatural Sky thriller about a lawyer who travels from the UK to Jamaica to settle an inheritance dispute over a former slave plantation.

With the story flitting between the 18th century and present day, the actress told Metro how her character Claudia is a ‘warrior fighting for justice’. If the premise hadn’t already won me over, her passion for this project brought Possession to the top of my to-watch list.

All episodes of Possession are available from Thursday August 6 on Sky and NOW.

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Lion

I was born the year that The Lion King came out, the original animated Disney masterpiece. So obviously, my childhood was spent being traumatised by Mufasa’s tragic death.

Lion, a new docu-series coming out on National Geographic, is like a true-life version of Simba’s story – and trust me when I say you’ll be locked in straight away.

The visually stunning show marks a dream collaboration between director Jon Favreau (who directed the ‘live-action’ 2019 live-action Lion King), maestro composer Hans Zimmer and producer Mark Gunton, who’s spent decades as one of Sir David Attenborough’s closest collaborators.

What makes this show even more impressive is that the crew filmed a lion over the course of four years. I couldn’t believe it when I learnt that most male cubs don’t make it past the age of two, so I have a feeling this series is going to blow us all away.

Lion premieres Thursday August 20 on National Geographic, airing in two weekly double bills at 8pm and 9pm. All four episodes stream from August 20 on Disney Plus.

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Love Is Blind UK season 3

Love is in the air this summer – and no, it’s not because Love Island recently ended (a show that I used to watch religiously, and no just catch up with via Instagram reels)

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No – it’s the superior millennial-targeted dating show that’s finally returning to Netflix this month. Love Is Blind UK, the series where people date in pods without seeing one another, get engaged within a matter of days and then brace the real world to see if they can actually make it long-term as married couples.

Love Is Blind has been going for years now, spawning multiple international versions around the world. But the UK series has been highly praised for its stellar casting, for good reason.

‘UK version is so much better than US. Looks like such a good season,’ one fan commented underneath the trailer on Instagram, while another wrote: ‘LIB UK has better casting, so, fingers crossed 😁.’ Who else feels ready to be swept off their feet?

Love Is Blind UK season 3 premieres on Wednesday August 19 on Netflix.

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My Brilliant Career

I knew nothing about My Brilliant Career before Netflix released the trailer for the upcoming period drama – but the first look, and the excitement from fans already familiar with the story, sucked me right in.

The original novel, published in 1901 by Miles Franklin, follows a rebellious teenager called Sybylla Melvyn growing up in the Australian outback. It was adapted into a beloved 1979 film starring Judy Davis and the late Sam Neill, and now Netflix is reviving the story in a six-episode adaptation.

Philippa Northeast seems captivating as the ambitious protagonist, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a man called Harry, played by Slow Horses star Christopher Chung.

‘I’ve decided that I need to fully experience the world before I can write about it,’ Sybylla says in the trailer, fighting against the expectation to become a prim and proper lady of society. A woman after my own heart.

My Brilliant Career premieres on Thursday August 13 on Netflix.

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The man was arrested after police were called to an address in the Langthorpe area of Boroughbridge on Monday, August 3.

North Yorkshire Police said the man was arrested “in connection with a number of offences” and taken into custody.

He was assessed by a mental health professional and detained under the Mental Health Act then transferred to hospital to receive further treatment and support, the force said.

A police spokesperson said its investigation into the incident remains ongoing but “there is no wider threat to the public, and officers would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding during the police activity in the area”.

“The man was in possession of a knife and making threats to harm himself and others,” they said. “However, he was in the property on his own at the time of police attendance.

“Thank you to residents who gave their cooperation during this incident so we could safely resolve it.”

A TikToker who says he attended the same primary school as Professor Jason Arday has claimed the academic was not mute until he was 11 but would talk ‘all the time’.

Professor Arday, 41, this week resigned from the University of Cambridge following a storm of plagiarism allegations and claims he has embellished details of his personal life and achievements.

The university has launched an investigation following the furore, which has seen countless details of his biography – including his claims of charity fundraising and roles he has held at academic institutions – questioned.

Professor Arday has often told of his journey to academia after overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds – such as being diagnosed with autism and global development delay as a youngster, being non-verbal until he was 11 and illiterate until 18.

But now a former classmate appears to have disputed the most often repeated details of his struggles, claiming that far from being mute, Professor Arday was actually a ‘chatty patty’.

The TikToker, who goes by the moniker ‘strictlyvibeswithga’, said he attended Heathbrook Primary School in Lambeth in the year below him and socialised with him at Sunday School and associated clubs.

Taking to the social media platform this week, he alleged: ‘I knew it was a joke thing and I knew it was fraud, man said he was a mute. 

‘What do you mean bro? I went school with you, I was in primary school with you.’

A TikToker who says he attended the same primary school as Professor Jason Arday has claimed the academic was not mute until he was 11 but would talk ‘all the time’

Heathbrook Primary School previously congratulated Professor Arday on his appointment to Cambridge

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He went on to claim Professor Arday had been a ‘class clown’ and a ‘chatty patty all the time’, adding: ‘It’s bait. You should have known it was going to be peak for you bruv, you should have known they were going to dig up.’

In a second video, he continued: ‘The brother [Professor Arday] was chatting, the brother was chatting all the time. And I didn’t just go school with him, I went Sunday school with him as well.’

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he added: ‘I would just stress I feel I’m making light of the situation and I’m playful [but] this is actually serious and people regardless of who they are should not be allowed take liberties.’

Representatives for Professor Arday have been contacted for comment. 

After Professor Arday’s appointment as Cambridge’s youngest black professor aged just 37 in 2023, Heathbrook Primary School publicly congratulated him.

A spokesman said: ‘Thrilled to see one of our ex-pupils Jason Arday become the youngest ever black professor at Cambridge.

‘We share his aim to inspire others from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds’.

It’s understood that both Jason and his older brother attended Heathbrook, in Lambeth, London, and lived on the same estate as the TikToker.

It comes after Cambridge – and now Glasgow – launched an investigation following allegations of plagiarism by Professor Arday, who quit this week as Cambridge’s youngest black professor over the ‘personal cost’ of the furore.

He was accused of using passages of another academic’s work in his 2015 PhD thesis without proper credit.

An investigation by Liverpool John Moores University cleared him of plagiarism, but the allegations surfaced in recent weeks and put Professor Arday under the spotlight.

The anecdotes appeared in a 2024 proposal for Great and Unfortunate Things, which is due to be published next week, but not in the final version (pictured: Professor Jason Arday)

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Since then, other claims about his life have been called into question, including around his superhuman fundraising feats which he claimed in various talks saw him raise £5.5million for charity.

Professor Arday said as part of this effort he had run 600 miles in six days – a feat that would have been a near-world record-breaking achievement.

He later admitted this was actually undertaken in 12 days, and that the £5.5million was raised by multiple syndicates of more than 100 people. He could not name any of these contributors, Professor Arday said, because they had all signed non-disclosure agreements.

At least three universities have also disputed roles he claimed in his Cambridge biography on the Jesus College website.

It stated Professor Arday ‘is a Visiting Professor at The Ohio State University in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’ and at the ‘University of Glasgow in the School of Education’. Both denied he had ever held the roles. 

The profile also described him as an ‘honorary professor at Durham University in the Department of Sociology’. Although Professor Arday previously held several roles at Durham, the Daily Mail has been told he no longer has any ‘formal’ position there, contradicting his online biography.

Elsewhere, claims the academic made in a book proposal for his upcoming memoir due to be published next week, have mysteriously changed in the final work.

In the proposal he claimed he had locked-in syndrome and testicular cancer, in addition to his previous detailing of a brain tumour, epilepsy and muteness. 

In the proposal, Professor Arday recounted being struck by a car as a teenager and spending several months in a coma – whereas in the memoir he described simply finishing school and taking his exams at that time.

The proposal said he had locked-in syndrome during the coma, and witnessed doctors telling his parents that he would never recover and should be taken off life support ‘as an act of mercy’.

It read: ‘As I will describe to readers in the book, these months afforded me another profoundly different way of perceiving the world.’

It added he awoke ‘miraculously’ from the coma, and spent a year ‘relearning everything—how to walk, to talk’.

The proposal also referred to a bout of testicular cancer, rather than the two brain tumours described in the final version of the memoir.

In an anecdote about a group of boys beating him up – an experience he says left him suffering with epilepsy – they were four years older in the proposal than in the book.

A suicide attempt was described in the proposal as happening before the pandemic – whereas in the memoir it happened during.

Today former students of Professor Arday at Cambridge have called for their grades to be reviewed after receiving lower than expected results.

They claimed supervision by him was ‘inadequate’, with some even reporting he told them they did not need it because they were so talented.

It emerged this week that when Times Higher Education magazine began investigating the academic’s record, Professor Arday made a complaint to the police, resulting in officers calling the journalist involved.

On Thursday, Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, admitted the force ‘dropped the ball’ when it spent four months investigating the journalist. 

The University of Glasgow has now said it will review its past appointment of Jason Arday as a professor following controversy over alleged plagiarism and claims made by the academic. 

A spokesman said on Friday evening: ‘Jason Arday was employed as Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Glasgow, from January 2022 to March 2023.

‘He left the University to take up his role as Professorial Chair at the University of Cambridge.

‘The Principal has commissioned a review of the appointment with the aim of understanding all the facts and learning lessons for the future.’

Dozens of academics at the University of Cambridge have signed a letter calling for an independent inquiry into the processes around Mr Arday’s appointment.

In a statement earlier on Friday, Cambridge said: ‘As has been widely reported, Jason Arday has resigned from his post at the university with immediate effect.

‘Regardless of this, and for clarification, the university will continue to investigate the circumstances around Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure. The findings will feed into a review of the process for the appointment of senior academic roles.

‘In addition, and as previously stated, the university’s Research Policy Committee will review the misconduct in research policy.’

Professor Arday said in his open resignation letter that the ‘only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away’.

In the letter, addressed to colleagues and published on the Good Law Project’s website, he said: ‘This decision should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship or in the values that first brought me to Cambridge.

‘Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me.

‘It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.’