A quarter of a century ago, Steven Spielberg released one of the most unusual films of his career: A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a futuristic fairytale about a robot boy programmed to love.

Yet the movie’s origins lay not with Spielberg but another giant of cinema. For more than two decades, Stanley Kubrick had wrestled with the project, convinced it contained questions about technology, humanity and what it means to be loved. He never managed to bring it to the screen, though.

Released in 2001, A.I. arrived years before smartphones, social media and the boom in artificial intelligence. Yet today, as AI systems become woven into everyday life, the film feels newly relevant – not because it accurately predicted ChatGPT or generative AI, but because it explored the emotional and ethical questions that emerge when people form relationships with machines.

The story began with a 2,000-word short story, Supertoys Last All Summer Long, written by British author Brian Aldiss in 1969 for a special issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

It was set in a dystopian future where, because of overpopulation, reproduction was strictly controlled by the government and childbirth was granted through a lottery scheme. As they wait for their number to come up, Henry Swinton brings home a synthetic robotic child called David and a robotic teddy bear to keep his wife, Monica, company.

Although David is supposed to behave like a real child, there is a failure in communication between the robots and the couple. “Nobody knows what ‘real’ really means,” the teddy tells David. Despite the bear’s coaching, David is unable to please the childless couple.

Kubrick was attracted to the lyrical fairytale, mythic and cosmic qualities of Supertoys. He saw in it a modern version of Pinocchio, the story of a child who longs to become real.

The director began working on it in 1976 and, over the next two decades, kept returning to the story, engaging many writers to adapt it into a workable film. But rarely were they able to supply the necessary fuel to feed his imagination.

Technology presented another obstacle. Kubrick imagined David as an artificial child who would be indistinguishable from a real boy. But visual effects in the 1980s and early ’90s were not advanced enough to create such a character convincingly.

Using a child actor posed a different problem: Kubrick’s famously lengthy productions meant David might visibly age during filming. “The way we worked, the boy would be a teenager,” Kubrick’s brother-in-law, Jan Harlan, quipped.

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Faced with an impasse, Kubrick approached his friend Spielberg with an unexpected suggestion: perhaps he should direct the film instead. Spielberg initially resisted – but Kubrick continued to champion the idea, believing Spielberg’s emotional sensibility was better suited to the material.

By then, the project had been renamed A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Kubrick intended it to follow his film Eyes Wide Shut, but he died in 1999 before that film’s release. Only afterwards did his family and longtime collaborators ask Spielberg to take the project forward.

The finished film was a fascinating mix of Kubrickian irony and Spielbergian sentimentality. The odyssey of a robot boy who longs for the love of his human mother across aeons of time ends in a symphony of yearning and sadness. Robots of the future bring the boy’s mother back to life for a brief time, which no other Kubrick film had attempted. Spielberg insists he was faithful to Kubrick’s intent.

What was A.I. really about?

Don’t be fooled by the title. The film isn’t exactly a prediction of the rise of generative and agentic AI (for that, you should watch Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey).

In fact, today’s AI systems are very different from David. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can generate convincing text and images, but they don’t experience loneliness, desire or love. David, by contrast, is imagined as a conscious being capable of suffering.

But this is precisely why the film feels so contemporary. As people increasingly interact with AI assistants, companion chatbots and emotionally responsive technology, questions once confined to science fiction are becoming part of everyday life. How easily do we form attachments to machines? What responsibilities do creators have towards intelligent technology? And what happens when a machine appears to need us as much as we need it?

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The film also reflects on the disastrous effects of man-made climate change, responding to the rapidly intensifying public debate about global warming in the late 1980s and early ’90s.

The most unsettling part of the film is the role of sex robots designed to pleasure lonely adults. Kubrick’s vision of the future blended suggestive pornographic imagery with technology. It was a futuristic Sodom and Gomorrah too hardcore for a family movie, even if Spielberg softened this when the film became his.

Rather than predicting the types of technology we use today, A.I. anticipated something more fundamental: the human desire to find companionship, meaning and connection through machines.

Twenty-five years after its release, the film remains unsettling not because its future arrived exactly as Kubrick and Spielberg imagined, but because many of its deepest questions remain unanswered.

Laura Hughes first discovered weightlifting while training at her local Crossfit gym, making the transition from amateur gym-goer to competitive lifting.

Now a member of the Welsh national weightlifting squad, the 33-year-old holds the Welsh record for both the snatch and the clean and jerk (the two official competitive lifts in weightlifting) and is currently third overall in the women’s Welsh rankings. Hughes won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia and was selected again for this summer’s Games in Glasgow.

We caught up with her for our Readers Ask series, where industry specialists answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended Reader Panel.

Who inspired you to get into weightlifting?

Olamilekan, South East

Originally, it was lots of different people, particularly general gym goers who were doing weightlifting at my gym. As I’ve grown as an athlete and become more competitive, I’ve had other inspirations.

Most notably, coming into [the Commonwealth Games], it has to be Gareth [Evans], our coach. Looking back at his performance in 2018 when he won his gold medal is so inspiring. [English lifter] Emily Godley was another competitor in 2018. She won the gold medal in my category and I just remember thinking that she was on fire that day.

What are the best exercises for you to build muscle mass?

Norman, Wales

We spend a lot of time doing our main lifts, so snatches, clean and jerks, but we also do lots of pulls and squats. I spend a lot of time doing accessory work to make sure that my body stays healthy, especially being an older athlete. I’ve put on quite a lot of muscle in this last block just from going heavier and pushing my limits with my main lifts.

What advice would you give to people who want to improve their strength?

David, North West

The most important thing is consistency. As long as you’re doing something, do it regularly, even if it’s twice a week. Don’t be afraid of picking up some dumbbells. If you’ve got somebody that can teach you how to lift weights properly, that’s going to be the best option. Do it safely, do it consistently, and don’t be afraid to try new strength exercises.

The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year

Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning that the threat posed by wildfires “remains elevated across the UK”, following more than 200 incidents in just the past fortnight.

The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday. A Met Office assessment has indicated that blazes could become exceptionally serious by Wednesday should they ignite across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to the hot, arid conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.

The alert runs from Tuesday to Thursday, with the agency warning that rising temperatures may present heightened health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

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Fire and rescue services throughout England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents occurring between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

The NFCC added that the latest figures, which do not include wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, demonstrate “how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather”. Fire chiefs have additionally warned that wildfire risk “remains elevated across the UK”, with the NFCC confirming there were “currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems”.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters were continuing to “make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor” following the deployment of 60 personnel on Tuesday.

While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs have warned that “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas”, are creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread with alarming speed.

Images have shown extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched, dried-out grass evident in many parks throughout the capital following the recent period of hot weather.

This development comes as Royal Parks staff have been instructed not to leave deckchairs beneath trees, due to concerns that branches could fall during the hot weather.

Large-scale wildfires sweeping across Europe, including areas of Spain, France and Greece, have prompted evacuations, caused substantial environmental damage and placed enormous strain on emergency services. The NFCC acknowledged that wildfires in the UK are generally smaller in scale and differ in character from those seen across southern Europe, but cautioned that the “long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring”.

Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, said: “More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold.

“The scenes we’re seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services. We are not seeing fires of that scale in the UK today, but the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future.

“That’s why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so we’re prepared for the risks ahead.

“But prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable, and we’re asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather to help keep their communities safe.”

Senior fire officers warned that a considerable proportion of wildfires are sparked by routine human activity, pointing out that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”. According to provisional Met Office figures, July has been 3C warmer than average across the UK, potentially ranking it among the hottest three or four July months on record.

Fire chiefs have urged members of the public to report any signs of fire without delay by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.

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Some of the highlights include a pair of Eminem x Nike Air Jordan 3 Slim Shady PE trainers, which are expected to sell for 25,000 to 35,000 US dollars (£18,000-£26,000), a pair of Eminem x Carhartt x Nike Air Jordan 4s and a pair of Eminem x Nike Air Jordan 4 Encores from 2017, which are also both expected to go for up to 25,000 dollars.

As first reported by The Bolton News, filming is currently taking place around Le Mans Crescent, one of Bolton’s most recognisable locations and a favourite backdrop for some of Britain’s biggest television dramas.

Commuters heading home caught glimpses of the cast and crew in action around the iconic arches and on the steps of the Grade II-listed former courthouse, adding to the town’s growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the North”.

Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

The Woods is the latest Harlan adaptation to be filmed in Bolton and features a star-studded cast including Tom Bateman, Michelle Keegan, Mandeep Dhillon and Pearce Quigley. Production is taking place across Greater Manchester.

Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

The gripping mystery thriller centres on Paul Copeland, a county prosecutor haunted by the disappearance of his sister during a summer camp massacre 20 years earlier. When evidence found on a modern-day homicide victim appears to connect to the decades-old case, Paul is forced to confront long-buried family secrets and question whether his sister could still be alive.

Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

Bolton has become a regular filming location for Coben adaptations, having previously featured in hit Netflix dramas Fool Me Once and The Stranger.

While Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for The Woods, Harlan Coben’s adaptations have developed a reputation for becoming instant chart-toppers, with several previous series proving hugely popular with viewers worldwide.

Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate Navaeh, who is reported as missing.

The 14-year-old was last seen at around 4pm on Saturday 25 July in Rogerstone, close to the train station.

Navaeh is described as white, around 5″4 tall, with light brown hair in a bun.

She was last known to be wearing black leggings, a black vest top, a brown cardigan and black slider shoes with a cream handbag.

Navaeh has links to the Cardiff area.

Anyone with information on Navaeh’s whereabouts should contact Gwent Police via the website, direct messaging the force on Facebook or X social media pages or call 101, quoting log reference 2600240166.

Navaeh is also asked to contact us.

Everyday habits that could weaken your heart

1. Poorly controlled blood pressure

2. Untreated sleep apnoea

3. Drinking too much alcohol

4. Physical inactivity

Junior Andre has revealed he used to have a crush on his stepmother Emily, before she tied the knot with his dad Peter.

The 21-year-old aspiring singer, son to Mysterious Girl crooner Peter and Katie Price, had his secret initially blabbed by younger sister Princess, 19, during a new episode of her ITV2 reality show The Princess Diaries.

While enjoying a BBQ outside in the garden towards the end of the second episode of season three, Princess asked her dad Pete, 53, when he knew he loved his wife Emily, whom he married in 2015.

Emily, who works as an NHS doctor and shares three children with Peter, is 36 – 15 years older than Junior, and 17 years younger than her husband.

Peter then told his oldest kids, who recently revealed their matching tattoo, that they were friends for two years before things turned romantic and they started to date in 2012, with Junior and Princess thought to have first met her when they were aged around five and three, respectively.

Princess reflected that she had known Emily ‘literally my whole life’, before turning to Junior and adding: ‘And you used to fancy her when we were younger.’

With her slightly mortified brother laughing along at the on-camera revelation – while his dad cackled – Junior then recalled how distraught he’d felt learning that Emily was Peter’s girlfriend.

Junior responded: ‘Did I cry to you or something? Because you said that Emily is going to be your girlfriend and I cried and said, “No, she’s my girlfriend”.’

Princess then quipped in a to-camera segment: ‘There’s some things that Junior will never let me live down, and there’s some things that I’ll never let Junior live down… and that is one of those things.’

Returning to the garden scene, Princess – known affectionately by her family as Bista – then added: ‘I remember we were camping outside in the garden, and you were like, “Emily, I want you to sleep in my tent!”’

Peter and Emily became parents to their oldest daughter together Millie, 12, in January 2014.

Following their lavish marriage at in July 2015 at Mamhead House in Devon, they went on to welcome nine-year-old Theo in November 2016 and youngest daughter Arabella Rose, now two, in April 2024.

Elsewhere in their conversation from The Princess Diaries, Peter spoke to Junior about Princess possibly moving into his bigger bedroom at their house now he was living with girlfriend Jasmine.

‘Wait, if I got a boyfriend, would he have to sleep in Junior’s room? The spare room?’ Princess asked, before her protective father revealed his rules for her.

‘You’re going to hate me, he’d still have to stay downstairs, or you’d have to stay downstairs. Sorry, I know you’re 18.’

Princess also admitted that she struggled to keep up with her mum’s ‘extreme’ love life, following her latest – rather turbulent – marriage to most recent husband, Dubai-based businessman Lee Andrews.

While she doesn’t ‘follow’ the former glamour model’s ‘stories’ about her romances, she shared that she hopes Katie is ‘happy’.

‘Mum’s in Dubai right now to see her husband and to be honest I don’t really know much about it,’ the teenager explained.

‘I’ve never met him but mum’s love life is everywhere at the moment. Mum’s love life stories are quite extreme and honestly I don’t even follow it myself, but as long as my mum’s happy, we’re happy, and that’s all that matters.’

Katie tied the knot with her fourth husband in January just weeks after they met for the first time, and Princess admits her mother’s life has been a whirlwind, saying: ‘Mum never has time to relax, her life is chaos.’

However, during the show, Katie was seen dispensing advice to Princess and Junior, warning them about the dangers that come with wealth.

Katie told the pair: ‘It’s good to have money but it doesn’t bring you happiness, it’s the people around you that bring you happiness. When you’ve got money you attract the wrong people.

‘Because you two have been brought up seeing that, you’ve seen so many hangers on use and abuse me for all kinds of different things, hopefully you will have learnt to keep your circle small.’

The third season of The Princess Diaries is the first to feature both of Princess’s parents, Katie and ex-husband Peter.

Katie was previously blocked from appearing in the first season, but she made a cameo in the second while Peter has made his debut on the show in series three, after signing an agreement in February to never speak ill of each other again.

However a review of Katie’s recent life and times documentary saw her already test the limits of that truce, when she shared a fan review of it which appeared to label one of her exes a ‘narcissist’.

But joking about the situation in a montage shown on her own series, Princess deadpanned: ‘What could possibly go wrong?’

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Hull Crown Court heard that over 12 years, Bush breached the trust placed in him by grieving families “on an almost industrial scale”, by keeping bodies for months after they should have been cremated, giving out the wrong ashes, taking money for funeral plans without making any of the arrangements and stealing charity donations collected at services.