There may be two PlayStation 6s (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
The Thursday letters page wonders what would’ve happened to Xbox if Starfield had been a smash hit, as readers are baffled by the new God Of War rumours.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
1 for the price of 2 This stuff about the portable PlayStation 6 is very puzzling to me. I don’t see how a portable could possibly be more powerful than a PlayStation 5 but I also don’t understand why, if it can run the same games as the home console, they do not make it a hybrid like the Switch.
I guess maybe that would make it a little more expensive but I’m not sure? The original Switch was pretty cheap. Why have two consoles when you can have one that everyone gets and is both portable and home.
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Unless they want the home one to be much more powerful but then what’s the point of saying the portable runs PlayStation 6 games? If they’re going to have such a big difference in performance it’s all beginning to seem more and more like just owning a PC. Olliephant
Love and Thunder That God Of War rumour sounds nuts. I trust the director, but I worry that the world of Kratos is not really fleshed out enough to allow all these different mythologies to combine. If you think about it, the Greek and Norse games have almost nothing in common, in terms of story or gameplay.
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In the Greek one it was all happening in what was supposed to be the real world, but I still don’t really understand where the Norse ones were meant to be. Where were all the ordinary humans? Why where there ordinary people in the Greek games but none in the Norse ones?
It says it was Midgard but I thought that meant Earth, but it felt more like some sort of fantasy realm for the gods. The worst thing is, as I write this and try to figure it out, all I can think of is that terrible Thor film with all the gods in it. I really hope Sony has seen that and does the exact opposite. Trepsils
Free franchise With this new God Of War rumour it made me realise how few attempts there have been to make a proper King Arthur game. I bought the Blu-ray of Excalibur recently and I love that film. I have a feeling FromSoftware do too, as it has a very Dark Souls/Elden Ring style vibe.
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So did The Green Knight, if anyone’s seen that. Sorry to be bringing up obscure films but I would love to see a game that used the Arthurian legends but seriously, without being grimdark. I know there are games, because I looked them up, but I’ve never heard of any of them before. I’m surprised there’s never been a big budget game because it’s a free IP that everyone’s heard of it. Limbert
To the stars I would be very surprised if we ever hear about Starfield again after the PlayStation 5 port. Maybe you’ll get one on Switch 2 as well, maybe even an extra bit of DLC, but it’s under the carpet with it after that.
I wonder how much its failure affected Xbox as a whole. Microsoft was clearly banking on it being a system seller, boosting Game Pass, and proving that buying all these companies was worth it. It didn’t do any of that though, it was just kind of a bit disappointing and not even bad enough to get upset about – the definition of meh.
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The problem for Microsoft is that they didn’t have another contender after that. Fable is probably the next one but obviously that came too late for them having to avoid going multiformat. Think about it. If Starfield had been Skyrim quality the Xbox Series X/S might have been a hit after all. Koblet
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Broken knowledge So Blizzard planned a new Switch 2 version of Overwatch that runs at 60fps? But when they launched it, it was still 30fps? I really don’t see how this happens so often. I’ve often wondered, do companies not know their game is bugged or do they just think people won’t care?
I think about Cyberpunk 2077 on console and wonder, what was the plan? That nobody would notice? That the game was so good people would forgive it being completely broken? Or they’d just happily wait for the patches, because you needed it out for Christmas.
The fact that this sort of thing still goes on, and on every format, is really not good enough. Xane
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Next gen worries So everything is pointing towards Sony releasing a home and portable console at the same time for the PlayStation 6? The only real question seems to be the release date, which maybe they don’t even know yet. I don’t think people realise just what a huge risk that is. I know PlayStation 5 is flying high at the moment, with no real competition, but people being broken is going to be a lot more competition than Xbox ever offered up.
Two high-end consoles is going to be in the region of £1,500 to get everything at launch and that seems crazy for anyone but the 1%. Sony must have a plan but I am very interested to hear about it, because I really don’t see how all this works out.
Although I do worry that the answer is AI. If a portable can only just PlayStation 5 games, but using low power mode, that kind of implies the PlayStation 6 isn’t any more powerful. But what if Sony are trying to make up for that with AI, like with DLSS 5?
I’m willing to bet that’s exactly Microsoft plan for Project Helix and while I don’t care if they waste their time with that I’d hate to see Sony ruin the PlayStation 6 with slop. Oscar
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Second best Bit late to the party but I just finished Resident Evil Requiem and loved it. Yes, the final boss battle is bad, like everyone said, but everything else is great though.
However, I would not say it was my favourite Resident Evil by any means. I think Resident Evil 4 (both of them) are better, but I would say that the Resident Evil 2 remake is the absolute best of the bunch. For me that is the perfect Resident Evil game in terms of length, scares, gimmicks, and general atmosphere.
And that’s despite the fact that the police station setting makes absolutely no sense, in terms of the weird puzzles and furniture. But that’s just part of the Resident Evil charm. Rothamn
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The joy of sadness I honestly can’t say that any video game has made me cry, and definitely not a Japanese role-playing game. I’m not sure anything I’ve played has even been trying to make me cry. That said I have played a lot of miserable games, that somehow I’ve still enjoyed.
The Last Of Us, Silent Hill, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Walking Dead (season 1 at least), and This War Of Mine are great at making you feel down but that’s what they’re going for and they’re very impressive.
I don’t know that games are really very good at making you feel so attached to a character that you cry though. Just like they’re no good at romance. It’s hard to get that involved in a character if they’re constantly killing people and fighting monsters or whatever.
I think of that bit in Uncharted 4 where Nate is being all romantic (kind of) playing Crash Bandicoot, but he’s killed like a hundred people. Does Elena know that? How does she feel about it? She’s killed a bunch of people too, I think. I don’t really remember because it’s a video game and that kind of real-world worry doesn’t really come into it.
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Maybe some people get into their games a little deeper than I do but something like the end of Metal Gear Solid 3, which I thought was really cool, I didn’t get upset about it or anything. Apart from anything the logic of what was going on didn’t seem to make any sense. It just looked good and created a vibe, which I feel is what most video game storytelling is all about. Josston
Inbox also-rans RE: Clambake. It’s not going to take six years for GTA 6 to make its money back. ANON
GC: Isn’t that what he said?
Can you imagine what a nightmare it would be living in a world where pokémon were real? All these giant, weird monsters roaming about and ghosts are not only real but people catch them and fight with them! Shute
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The sex offender had previous convictions for offences involving children
A registered sex offender, who has had previous convictions for offences involving children, has breached a strict court order. Police visited Vincent Flemons, 53, after the team in charge of managing sex offenders discovered he was breaching orders in place around him.
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Flemons was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in July 2025 which stated he must not install, download, or use any instant messaging service which does not save internet history without obtaining prior written consent.
Officers received a notification in February that he had downloaded a social media app which does not record chat history, and without receiving prior consent. The SHPO further stated that any device Flemons used must retain all internet history, and that he must notify police of any change of home address within three days.
A search of Flemons’ device revealed that he had also deleted several apps, including Instagram and Twitter, from his phone. He had also been staying at a property in Waterbeach without alerting police, both further breaching the conditions of his SHPO.
On Thursday, May 7, Flemons, of no known address, was jailed for one year for two counts of breaching a SHPO and one count of failing to comply with Sex Offenders Register notifications. He admitted the offences at Huntingdon Law Courts.
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DC Sonia Kauser, who investigated, said: “Flemons was well aware of the conditions of his SHPO, but decided to breach them anyway. I’m pleased that he has now faced justice, and I hope this case shows how committed we are to managing sexual offenders and ensuring they comply with court orders.”
I want to start by first saying that we have worked closely together on Violence Against Women and Girls for many years and I have no doubt you have genuine knowledge and desire to rectify this dreadful social ill. We have started to make steps towards change whilst in government and I have been grateful for your support.
However, it would be remiss of me not to say that real change and direction in this area usually came from threats made by me in light of catastrophic mistakes. The Mandelson saga whenever it bubbled up made Number 10 kick into gear on the subject in order to prove our credentials. I will never waste a crisis to make advancements for women and girls and so demands were made and some were met.
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I think you are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things however I have seen first-hand how that is not enough. The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed.
Over a year ago presented solutions, long worked on by brilliant civil servants that would end the ability for children in the UK to take naked images of themselves. 91% of online child sex abuse is self-generated by children groomed, tricked and exploited in to abuse. The technology exists to stop children being able to take naked images of themselves. We could make this possible on every phone and device in the country. We could stop this abuse. It has taken me a year to get you to agree to even threaten to legislate in this space. Not legislate, just threaten. This is the definition of incremental change. Nothing bold about it. The announcement was meant to be in March, I’m still on a promise this will happen in June, I’ve given up believing it. How many children were left without a safety net in the time we dilly dallied and worried about tech bosses?
This is just one example.
Labour governments come around rarely is the constant refrain at the moment. It’s true they are precious. Every Labour government in my and my family’s lifetime has forged progress that changed our country and the world for the better. I know you care deeply, but deeds, not words are what matter. I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress.
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Decency is vital, calm curiosity is also needed, but so too are fight and drive required. Have a row, push back, make arguments, bring people along. Standing up and being counted can’t always be workshopped. Politics is as much about feelings as policy, especially at the moment.
I want a Labour government to work and I will strive as I always have for its success and popularity, but I’m not seeing the change I think I, and the country expect, and so cannot continue to serve as a minister under the current leadership.
For the UK’s young carers, life is a cycle of adult responsibilities and social isolation. But for one weekend a year, the Young Carers Festival helps them swap domestic stress for the simple joy of being a child
For most UK festival fans, the last weekend of June is important for one reason: Glastonbury. But for the country’s young carers, there’s another let-your-hair-down jamboree held that weekend that leaves lasting memories.
The Young Carers Festival in Hampshire is an annual residential weekend held exclusively for children aged 11 to 17 with caring responsibilities.
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Run by the YMCA Fairthorne Group, in partnership with The Children’s Society, for attendees “it’s the only weekend that they getaway from their caring responsibilities”, organiser Karina Barnett tells Positive News.
Estimates for how many young carers (described as someone aged five to 18 who helps care for a loved one) there are in the UK vary wildly. The 2021 census put the figure at around 120,000, but other surveys estimate hundreds of thousands more.
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However, despite there being so many young carers in the UK, the group remains largely forgotten, unseen by society.
“They don’t get paid for what they do. They don’t get asked to do what they do. It’s almost like they’re just [brushed] under the carpet,” says Annie Jones, a former festival attendee. “They put their life on hold to do this.”
That’s where the Young Carers Festival comes in. Over three days, hundreds of young carers descend upon YMCA Fairthorne Manor, an outdoor activity centre in the Hampshire countryside, and unpause the childhood that many of them have not been able to prioritise.
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There, the air is thick with the chatter of new friendships being formed and the yells of kids, often adorned with glitter or face paint, racing from activity to activity. Do I want to kayak or climb? What about the dance classes? This is a festival, so I should stop by the hair braiding or silent disco… but we can’t miss the farm animals, can we? For these children, the YCF (as the attendees excitedly call it) is a rare thing: not only somewhere that they can be kids, but somewhere that they can do so surrounded by other young carers.
Jones cared for her mother growing up and went to the festival for the first time when she was 16. “It feels like these people that you’re with at this festival you’ve known forever, because they just get it and understand,” she says. “It’s like you can relate to them and you’ve known them a long time. If you’re feeling a bit wobbly, they just get it straight away.”
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Over the years, the numbers of children attending the YCF has fluctuated dramatically. When the festival was first created, there were more than 1,500 young carers present. Due to a lack of funding, only roughly half that came along in 2025. Still, it remains the world’s biggest gathering of young carers.
They don’t get paid for what they do. They don’t get asked to do what they do. It’s almost like they’re just brushed under the carpet
Angel Brown, who cares for her mother, attended the festival between the ages of 11 and 16, and only then began to grapple with how many young carers like her there were in the UK.
“You don’t realise how many people are in the same boat as you,” she says. “I didn’t realise how much of a big deal it actually was.”
This summer, the Young Carers Festival returns with the theme ‘celebrating you’, and more activities than ever. The kids will arrive on Friday to live music, fun fair rides and a firework display, then spend the Saturday doing whatever their hearts desire: painting, playing on inflatables, yoga. Beyond meal times, there is no itinerary for them to follow. For young people so used to living their lives for their loved ones, such freedom can be life-changing.
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Still, the barriers preventing people from attending have grown in recent years. Ticket costs are kept as low as possible (a spot including a tent costs £140), and while local groups pay rather than attendees themselves, budget cuts and the closure or merging of young carers groups by councils means that many organisations have had to cut the number of kids they can send.
Travel costs are also high for those coming from further afield. While The Children’s Society offers grants to assist, the need far outstrips supply.
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The Young Carers Festival leaves its mark on those who do attend. Keren Ben-Dor is a group leader with the Romsey Young Carers, and says that older children return with stories from the festival, leaving their younger counterparts itching to go.
“There’s almost a bit of a legacy to the whole event… so [the] young people build up and wait for the opportunity when they get to be invited,”she says.
While some kids seek adventure at the festival, there are options for those wanting to take part in mental health workshops, speak to organisations who help young carers, or simply switch off in the chill-out zone.
You don’t realise how many people are in the same boat as you
“Being a teenager, being a young carer, going through exams, everything can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, and some kids do get a little when they’re in that situation,” says Jones.
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Having benefitted from the Young Carers Festival as an attendee, Jones now volunteers at the event. Brown does the same. Whether it’s volunteering, donating or sponsoring a child to attend through the YMCA Fairthorne Group or The Children’s Society, any action that can help more children experience the YCF comes hugely appreciated, Jones says.
“It’s hard to describe the atmosphere, but if you came down you’d feel it,” she says. “It’s so full of love.”
That, ultimately, is what Barnett wants for the kids: for them “to have that weight off their shoulders for a weekend to just enjoy themselves”.
“I hear that every festival, and then I know that they’ve had a good time, and I’ve done a good job,” she says.
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Images: YMCA
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Acting Under Secretary of Defense and Chief Financial Officer Jules Hurst testified that the cost of the Iran war has hit $29 billion.
Late last month, the Pentagon said the total cost was an estimated $25 billion.
Hurst attributed the increase to “updated repair and replacement of equipment costs,” along with “general operational costs.”
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Katie Hawkinson12 May 2026 14:20
Hegseth pressed on US-Iran ceasefire
Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, asking how officials know whether or not it’s active.
“As you know, for the most part, a ceasefire means the fire is ceasing, and we know that has occurred while negotiations occur. And there are lots of different discussions with our negotiating team that are happening,” Hegseth said.
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Aguilar then asked: “Is the theory to create more ceasefires or more projects just to evade the War Powers Act?”
“The theory of the entire case is to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. And if that has to be done kinetically and militarily, the Department of War is locked and loaded and ready to do that,” Hegseth replied.
Katie Hawkinson12 May 2026 14:16
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In pictures: Hegseth and Caine testify
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are testifying before Congress Tuesday morning. (Reuters)
Hegseth is appearing before Congress to justify President Donald Trump’s $1.5 trillion budget request for the U.S. military (AFP/Getty)
Hegseth called the budget ‘historic’ (Reuters)
Katie Hawkinson12 May 2026 14:10
Hegseth keeps it calm during opening statement
Hegseth’s opening statement thus far is devoid of the bluster and partisanship that characterized his testimony before the House and Senate Armed Services committees.
That’s likely because he’s been advised that the appropriations subcommittees he is appearing in front of today are responsible for cutting the check that funds his department. He’s not going to walk into their house and bite the hand that feeds him.
Andrew Feinberg12 May 2026 13:48
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Hegseth’s testimony comes after a combative exchange with lawmakers
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony to Congress Tuesday morning comes less than a month after he got into a tense exchange with lawmakers who questioned the validity of the Iran war.
Catch up with Hegseth’s most recent testimony:
Ariana Baio12 May 2026 13:48
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Welcome to The Independent’s live blog
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live blog for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony to Congress on the Trump administration’s budget request for $1.5 trillion.
The expansion of the BBC licence fee to cover Netflix and Amazon Prime streaming is being discussed to protect the future of the BBC, according to reports
Netflix and Amazon Prime subscribers could be forced to pay the TV licence fee in a bid to safeguard the BBC, according to reports. The potential broadening of the levy is being explored as part of wider plans to secure the future of the broadcasting corporation, the Times has revealed.
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Industry insiders told The Times that the Labour government is weighing up whether to extend the licence fee to include streaming platforms such as Netflix, home to Love on the Spectrum, Wednesday and Stranger Things, and Amazon Prime, which hosts The Boys, Fallout and Rings of Power.
One streaming industry source told the paper: “It’s pretty desperate to argue that everyone should be made to pay for the BBC whether they watch it or not.
“The BBC needs to think more radically and creatively about how to generate income in ways that don’t undermine universal access.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has previously voiced reservations about a subscription-based model, warning it could diminish the BBC’s capacity to “unite the nation”, reports Birmingham Live.
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She told The House magazine last year: “It is absolutely right that we explore subscriptions, but if you believe, as I do, that one of the greatest strengths of the BBC is its ability to unite the nation that has found multiple ways to divide itself, then I think you’ve got to be cautious about the use of subscriptions and paywalls.”
Ministers are additionally concerned that financing the BBC through advertising revenue could harm commercial competitors, including ITV and Channel 4, both of which are already facing significant financial pressures. The BBC has put forward a proposal that viewers of streaming platforms should be required to pay the licence fee.
“The precise set of rules that require households to be licensed no longer reflect typical audience behaviour among many households in the UK,” it said.
“The TV licence is predicated upon content being consumed via ‘live TV’. But on-demand consumption is not licensable, unless it is BBC content consumed via iPlayer.”
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The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “The government does not comment on speculation.
“We are reviewing responses to the BBC Charter Review consultation and will set out our decisions in a white paper to be published later this year.”
The incident happened in Mobberly Road, Breightmet on Sunday evening, and residents said cables were hanging down near the road.
Fire crews attended the scene.
The road was closed yesterday (Monday) to replace the fallen pole with a new and more up-to-date one.
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A homeowner who lived opposite the incident told The Bolton News: “It caused the kids anxiety because there were wires in the road. The fire service blocked it all.
“I was nervous because all of the wires were hanging down, but thankfully now it’s sorted.”
The road was closed on Monday, 11 May, as a result, while the replacement was underway.
Nobody was reported to be injured in the incident.
Film Club was well-reviewed when it came out – but it won’t return (Picture: BBC/Gaumont/Ben Blackall)
One of BBC’s buzziest comedy-dramas, Film Club, is not coming back for round two, leaving fans (me) devastated.
The six-episode show created by and starring Sex Education breakout and Bafta winner Aimee Lou Wood follows best friends Evie (Aimee) and Noa (Nabhaan Rizwan).
Evie lives at home with her eccentric family, including her eternally worried and well-meaning mum, Suz (Suranne Jones) and is all but housebound after a traumatic event.
Her main interaction with the outside world comes in the shape of local bike-riding miscreant Callum, played by the inimitable Owen Cooper, who himself has a touching storyline.
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Oh, and she has a weird boyfriend, Josh (Adam Long), who we’re all immediately hoping she’ll bin.
A movie enthusiast at heart, she and Noa, along with a gaggle of less committed but still supportive friends, host a weekly film club in the shed, capped off with costumes, decorations and a vow from Suz to not interrupt.
The series follows the blossoming love story between Evie and Noa (Picture: BBC/Gaumont/Ben Blackall)
When Noa gets a job offer in Bristol, however, the underlying romantic tension finally comes to a head as the pair race against the looming deadline to confess their feelings and figure the whole mess out.
It’s got all the ingredients for the perfect watch – a heartwarming group of characters you’re rooting for, delightful family and friend dynamics, and just enough stakes to keep you hooked while still knowing everything will work out in the end.
With a delicate touch, it explores mental health, the impact of trauma and the beauty of human connection when life is at its hardest.
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The impressive cast made it all the more appealing and effortlessly dropped into the shoes of their characters, with Aimee’s portrayal of Evie immediately capturing her heart.
Did you like Film Club?
Yes, I’m so sad it’s not coming back!
I’m yet to check it out
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And as someone who is not the biggest fan of the friend-to-lover trope, this was one of the rare occasions where it felt well-executed, brimmed full of chemistry, and their interactions made me equally laugh out loud and groan in exasperation when things weren’t working out.
It had an endearing spark to it that could have been nurtured into a roaring fire had it been given the space to grow beyond one season.
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Clearly, the story resonated with others as well, not only landing 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a slew of rave fan reviews, but also a Bafta nomination.
Which is why I am so heartbroken that Deadline has revealed it won’t have a second outing. According to the publication, it was a mutual decision between Aimee and the broadcaster.
The White Lotus star reportedly wants to prioritise other writing.
It has a stacked cast and potential for more (Picture: BBC/Gaumont/Ben Blackall)
Yet Film Club feels as though it has plenty of potential for more. Although we get a somewhat satisfactory ending (a small mercy), there were definitely loose ends that could have been explored.
Has Noa left his job for good to choose Evie? What will it look like to give their relationship a proper go? What’s next for Evie’s recovery as she makes a resolution to work on experiencing life to the fullest?
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I want to check back in with Suz and her romantic and not-so-romantic exploits and see Callum grow into a young man who still has a penchant for teasing Evie.
Aimee painted a delightful world that would have been nice to live in for a little while longer, at least.
I’m not the only one sad to see it go (Picture: BBC/Gaumont/Ben Blackall)
I’m far from the only one disappointed at the news.
‘Just fell to my knees,’ Josh Carr wrote on X.
‘Literally one of the best series of the last few years, the reviews were great, Aimee is a massive star now, why isn’t this being renewed???????? What are we even doing,’ gaea reflected.
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‘I thought it ended pretty satisfyingly, but I would have liked to have seen more,’ hj agreed.
‘What? Devastated, man. Film Club was an amazing show,’ Edward Burger said.
Still, if it must end, then it remains a wonderful bite-sized limited series to enjoy as a sweet rewatch. And, with her career going from strength to strength, time will tell what’s next for Aimee.
Film Club is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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He will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely
13:00, 12 May 2026Updated 13:17, 12 May 2026
A paedophile who sexually assaulted a young girl under 13 years old over a 12-month period has been jailed. Robert Clark, 47, sexually assaulted the girl over a 12-month period between summer 2020 and 2021.
Detective Sergeant Mark Williamson, who investigated, described Clark’s abuse of the young victim as “beyond sickening”. The abuse came to light after the girl told her mum what had happened and she went to the police.
Clark, of Fairfields Crescent, St Ives, was found guilty following a trial of two counts of sexual activity with a child under 13 years old. He was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, May 8, and jailed for five and a half years.
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He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
Detective Sergeant Mark Williamson, who investigated, said: “Clark’s abuse of the young victim was beyond sickening. I would like to praise the victim and her family for the bravery and composure they have shown throughout this whole ordeal.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to please come forward and report it to us, you will be taken seriously and we will investigate thoroughly.”
Lamine Yamal waves a Palestine flag during Barcelona’s open-top bus parade to celebrate capturing La Liga
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has criticised Lamine Yamal for flying a Palestine flag during Barcelona’s La Liga trophy parade.
The newly crowned Spanish champions celebrated their success with an open top bus parade through the streets of the city on Monday evening.
Lamal, who played a major role in his side’s success, was prominent part of the celebrations despite missing Sunday’s win over Real Madrid through injury.
The teenager courted controversy by signaling to a supporter that he was willing to bring the flag on board and wave it above his head in a show of support.
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Asked about Yamal’s actions at a press conference on Tuesday, Barcelona head coach Flick suggested he would have advised such an act and revealed he has spoken to his star player.
He said: ‘I don’t usually like that very much, I spoke with him, we have to take into account what people expect from us, but he’s of legal age, he’s 18 years old, it’s his decision.’
Yamal’s show of solidarity with Palestine came a month after he condemned Spain’s fans for anti-Muslim chanting during their friendly against Egypt.
Yamal said at the time: ‘Yesterday at the stadium, a chant was heard: ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim’. I know it was aimed at the opposing team and wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim, this still counts as disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour.
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‘I understand that not all the fans are like that, but to those who chant phrases like this: using religion for mockery in the stadium makes you ignorant and racist people.
‘Football was created for enjoyment and cheering, not for insulting people because of who they are or what they believe in.’
Barcelona were crowned Spanish champions after Sunday’s win over Real Madrid (Credits: REUTERS)
Yamal, meanwhile, also appeared to aim a dig at England international Jude Bellingham by by posting on social media a video of himself celebrating Ferran Torres’s goal in Barcelona’s title-clinching 2-0 win over Real along with the caption: ‘Talk is cheap.’
Bellingham had posted the same message following Real’s Claisco win over the eventual champions back in October and the dig was clearly noted by Yamal who also brandished a Barcelona shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Thank God I’m not Madridista’.
‘It was very emotional to see tears in people’s eyes,’Flick, meanwhile, added on the opportunity to celebrate with Barcelona’s supporters.
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‘The first thing we have to do is make people happy. And I’m proud of that, and I’ve told the players that because it’s been a difficult season due to injuries.
‘There have been key players who haven’t been available at times, who were in and out of the squad, like Lamine, Pedri, Raphinha, Frenkie.
‘It’s incredible the season we’ve had and how we’ve improved in the last two months in attack and defense. You could see it against Real Madrid. That’s why we won La Liga. We conceded the fewest goals, and nobody expected that.’
Officers want to speak to 25-year-old Sam Watson, who has recent links to Gilesgate, Belmont, and Sherburn Hill.
A spokesman for Durham City Police said: “If you have any information regarding Sam’s whereabouts, please don’t comment below, call us on 101 quoting incident 62 of May 5, alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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