Fans of ITV’s Endeavour and DCI Banks must watch this period crime drama

Crime drama enthusiasts have just discovered their next obsession – and it’s an ideal watch for devotees of ITV series such as Endeavour and DCI Banks.

Australian crime series The Doctor Blake Mysteries is set in the 1950s and centres on Dr Lucien Blake (portrayed by Craig McLachlan) as he solves cases alongside the police, reports the Express.

The programme opens with Dr Blake returning to his hometown of Ballarat after a 30-year absence, having studied medicine in Scotland before serving in the Far East during the Second World War. He takes over his late father’s practice and assumes the position of police surgeon.

In the course of his daily duties, Dr Blake employs his sharp powers of observation to function as an amateur investigator, unravelling complex crimes.

The series ran from 2013 to 2017, concluding with a television film that tied up the storyline.

McLachlan, formerly known for his roles in Neighbours and Home and Away, earned a prestigious Golden Logie for his leading performance in The Doctor Blake Mysteries.

On Reddit, numerous viewers recommended it as essential viewing following ITV’s Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour.

One user wrote: “The Doctor Blake Mysteries (set in 1950’s-1960’s Australia, way darker than Endeavour). I’ll also second Inspector George Gently (amazing series! ) and Unforgotten.”

While another contributed in a separate Reddit thread on the same subject: “Agree with all the foyles war and george gently suggestions, they’re awesome. I would add dr. Blake mysteries, father brown, grantchester… [sic].”

The Doctor Blake Mysteries has garnered significant acclaim on IMDb, with one viewer awarding a 10/10 rating and stating: “Craig McLachlan’s acting is brilliant in this show! I just can’t say enough of his brilliance at portraying the part of Dr. Blake. As I said, outstanding acting on Craig’s part.”

Another highly-rated review described it as a “thought-provoking show”, noting: “Amazing writing and intrigue. Dr. Blake is a marvel. I wish they had shows like this in the US.”

A third enthusiastic reviewer observed in their top-tier assessment: “It is a classic example of the period detective genre like ‘Ripper Street’ or ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ with a little bit of 21st century hindsight.”

The same viewer continued: “I didn’t find Blake at all grumpy – quite the opposite. I get a little fed up with the short tempered detectives of the likes of Frost or DCI Banks.”

The Doctor Blake Mysteries is currently available to stream on U and Channel 4 at no cost.

Officers arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after being called to Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, at 1.24pm on Thursday to “reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the crocodile enclosure”, Cambridgeshire Police said.

A villager who did not want to be named told the Press Association that the zoo owner’s wife, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to try to save the child.

And a local told The Sun: “Apparently, the wife of the zoo owner, Tracey Johnson, jumped in to the enclosure to save the child.”

The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with serious injuries and is critical but stable, the force added.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, police said.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital and our thoughts remain with them.”

In a statement on social media, Johnson’s said that “out of respect to the family” Tropical House will remain closed until further notice.

They added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the boy and his family following the incident that occurred today.”

An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle and an air ambulance were sent to the scene, the ambulance service said.

A uniformed police officer was at an entrance to the site on Thursday evening, with a marked police car parked in the car park.

The zoo is off a leafy rural lane with residential properties along it in the village of Old Hurst, with a tea room, farm shop and steakhouse also at the site.

The zoo is home to more than 100 animals, including lions, tigers, sloth bears, capybaras, and meerkats.

The crocodiles are kept inside a tropical house building in a converted cattle shed, and there are also other animals in outdoor enclosures.

A blog post on the zoo’s website says the crocodiles were initially kept to help dispose of waste meat from the butchery, but they went on to be the start of a zoo.

The Johnson family has cared for and been involved with crocodiles for the last two decades and Andy Johnson, who is the current owner, has participated in composing a “European published dossier on the farming, welfare and husbandry of crocodilians”, according to the zoo’s website.

Mike Annicelli, 52, who lives close to the zoo, said he had previously visited the attraction and had felt safe.

Describing the crocodile enclosure, he said: “Everything is elevated, you’re far away from the animals.”

He said there was a “raised platform” and estimated the crocodiles were about 15ft below and that there was fencing along walkways which he estimated was around 4ft high.

Local councillor Charlotte Lowe said she “can’t fathom” how the boy ended up in the crocodile enclosure.

Speaking outside the attraction on Thursday evening, the Huntingdonshire District Council councillor for Warboys ward said: “I can’t fathom how it’s happened because they’ve got all the right protection and safety equipment, for want of a better word, in there.”

She continued: “This incident, I think it’s shocked an awful lot of people, especially the locals.”

Ben Obese-Jecty, the MP for Huntingdon, said: “I am aware of the incident at Johnson’s of Old Hurst and have been liaising with senior officers at Gold Command who are treating this as a critical incident.

“This is now a live criminal investigation and I would ask people to refrain from speculation online.

“The police will provide an update with further information in due course.

“My thoughts are with the young victim and his family during a hugely traumatic and difficult time.”

Alastair Torrance, deputy chairman of Old Hurst Parish Council, said: “I do feel enormously for the family of the child.

“It must’ve been absolutely terrible for the child and the family.”

A spokesperson for Huntingdonshire District Council said: “We are aware of the serious incident that has taken place today at Johnson’s of Old Hurst.

“Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family at this very difficult time.

“We are working closely with partners, including Cambridgeshire Police.

“We urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this incident while inquiries are ongoing.”

“When Governor Maura Healy, the Governor of Massachusetts, came to an event I was hosting last Friday night, she started off her contribution by saying, ‘I think the right thing to say is No Scotland, No Party’, and she captured beautifully the sense of welcome for the Scotland fans in Boston, and that’s something that I will cherish forever.”

Described by organisers as a vibrant day of visibility, community and celebration, the theme for this year is ‘Louder, Prouder, Stronger.’

Police have issued a traffic warning ahead of a pride parade taking place in Co Antrim this weekend.

The second Mid and East Antrim Pride is set to take place on Saturday, June 20, in Ballymena. Ahead of last year’s event, a man was arrested after slurry was spread in the Granville Drive area on the night before the parade.

Posting on social media, Mid and East Antrim Pride said they are aware of several counter-protests planned for this year, but are urging on all parade participants and spectators to join their initiative to “Block Out The Bigots.” They added: “Use your imagination, get creative, but most importantly keep yourselves and those with you safe and stay classy.”

Described by organisers as a vibrant day of visibility, community and celebration, the theme for this year is ‘Louder, Prouder, Stronger.’

Sharing a traffic warning ahead of the event, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Mid and East Antrim Pride will take place in Ballymena this Saturday 20th June, 2026. As a result, there is likely to be some disruption to traffic in the town centre, with a number of road closures in place.

“The parade is expected to assemble in the Waveney Road area at approximately one pm, and commence at two pm. It will move along Galgorm Road, towards Pentagon, and then via Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street, Ballymoney Street and Greenvale Street, where it will conclude at three pm.

“There will be an increased police presence in Ballymena to ensure everyone’s safety. Police would remind everyone to follow the instructions of officers, respect others and follow our advice on protests and parading available online.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI added: “Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community.

“We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.

“Members of the public are also advised that protest activity is due to take place in the Harmony Hub and Broughshane Street areas. This activity is expected to remain peaceful.

“For more information on protests and parading please visit: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/processions-and-protests.

“Find out how the Police Service respond to victims of sexual orientation or gender identity hate crime: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/hate-crime.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

T20 World Cup, Group 2, Headingley

West Indies 153-6 (20 overs): Taylor 47* (19); Fraser 2-34

Scotland 146 (20 overs): Carter 59 (62), Lister 33 (25)

West Indies won by seven runs

Scorecard. Tables

Scotland came agonisingly short of a famous victory at the T20 World Cup as West Indies somehow won a tumultuous game at Headingley.

Put on the back foot by Stafanie Taylor’s 19-ball 47 not out and having lost four wickets for seven runs in their chase of 154, Darcey Carter, who was battling a calf injury, and Ailsa Lister took the Scots to the point of needing 22 from the last two overs.

Deandra Dottin was in tears while conceding 13 from the 18th over but Windies seamer Aaliyah Alleyne held her nerve through the tension to dismiss Carter for 59, Lister for 33 and Kirstie Gordon first ball in the penultimate over.

Still Scotland refused to go quietly. They fought on to the point of needing 13 from the last four balls with two wickets left, only for Qiana Joseph, who had previously dropped catches and bowled two horribly-timed no-balls, to close out a seven-run win – Scotland dismissed for 146.

Scotland were superb for much of the first innings – athletic in the field and clever with the ball – but veteran Taylor, playing her first match of the tournament at 35, hit three sixes in her last five balls to boost an innings that was floundering at 85-5 in the 15th over.

That, ultimately, was decisive.

Having beaten Ireland for their first World Cup win on Saturday, Scotland’s hopes of progressing are not over but, after being denied a major scalp that would have given them a real shot at a semi-final place, they next play England on Saturday.

West Indies are back in action on Sunday against Sri Lanka in Bristol.

Thousands of people in Greater Manchester headed to the polls on Thursday, June 18, to cast their votes in a by-election that could have huge consequences for the Labour government.

Voters in Ashton-in-Makerfield have selected a new MP after former Labour minister Josh Simons resigned to open up a path for Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster. The Greater Manchester mayor, who previously served as MP for Leigh between 2001 and 2017 before stepping down to run for the mayorship, has made his intentions to replace Sir Keir Starmer clear in recent weeks.

Mr Burnham’s return to the House of Commons would give him a launching pad to challenge the current premiership and put himself forward for the top job. Sir Keir has been fighting to stay in Number 10 after a disastrous set of results in the local elections in May, with several Labour members withdrawing their support for the prime minister since.

The turnout for a by-election is usually lower than in a general election, but with the consequences of Thursday’s vote expected to reach far beyond the Greater Manchester constituency, it had been predicted that many more voters would be taking to the polls.

There are around 76,500 registered voters in the Makerfield constituency, according to the latest figures.

Now that the votes have been verified, it can be revealed that the turnout of the 2026 Makerfield by-election was 45,510 from an eligible population of 77,462. That makes it a turnout of 58.75 per cent.

In 2024, Mr Simons won the general election in Makerfield with 45.2 per cent of the vote, and a majority of 5,399 votes. The turnout for that election was 52.5 per cent with a total of 40,263 votes cast.

In the 2019 general election, when Boris Johnson’s Tory government won a landslide victory, the turnout was 59.7 per cent. Labour candidate Yvonne Fovargue won that vote with 45.1 per cent of the vote. She had held the seat since 2010 but decided not to stand in the 2024 general election.

Makerfield has been seen as a safe Labour seat since its creation in 1983, with no other party having won it. However, during the local elections this year, Reform UK won 24 out of 25 seats on Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council that were up for election. Although, Labour suffered heavy losses, the party still managed to keep hold of its majority in the borough.

Makerfield is one of three parliamentary by-elections that took place on Thursday. The other two are in the Scottish seats of Aberdeen South, and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, where SNP MPs Stephen Gethins and Stephen Flynn had stood down after winning elections to the Scottish Parliament in May.

Trump did not directly respond to Khamanei’s statement, but posted on Truth Social that he expects a ceasefire to take effect “on all fronts”, including between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and that he expects countries in the Middle East to “maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations” to take place.

And today we are sharing a gallery of photos of York school proms through the years as the 2026 season begins.

Following months of revision and exams, the summer balls mark a stylish farewell for pupils in Years 11 and 13.

Over the years, thousands of teenagers have donned their glad rags to enjoy a VIP-themed party at some of the best venues in and around York, including leading hotels such as The Milner by the railway station and also York Racecourse

Flashback to Owen and Jack Bradshaw with the family tractor at York Racecourse for Jack’s school prom. Photo supplied

And in true prom tradition, some school leavers have gone all out to make a dramatic entrance.

From horse‑drawn carriages, to sports cars, boats on the Ouse, to tractors, and even via horseback, creativity has never been in short supply.

We are sharing some our favourite school proms photos from recent years – and would love to see how this year’s prom-goers have stepped out in style for their big night.

2021: Rosie Henderson Holmes, Alex Shepherd and Tianna Wigginton, of Huntington School, York, were whisked away to a night to remember via boat decked out with rose-gold balloons spelling out ‘Prom 2021’. Photo by Heather Louise Photography

We will be sharing photos of school proms throughout York and the surrounding area in coming weeks, both in The Press and online

Recommended reading:

And we would love to see your photos – and hear all about your stories.

If there is a special story connected to the school prom or pupil, we’d love to hear all about that too – and share with readers.

2023: Lily and Miss V riding to prom

You can get in touch with us via the ‘send now’ button below which allows you to quickly fire your favourite proms photos, info, and story straight to our news team.

Or you can email our Community Content Editor at maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk.

Congratulations to the class of 2026 – we hope you have an absolute ball.

Have prom photos to share? Send us your favourites via the ‘Send Now’ button below.

Today, a major astrological shift takes place as Chiron departs fiery Aries for grounded Taurus. This moves away from Chiron’s cosmic placement for the past seven years.

Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces, this change will bring greater clarity. Let it alleviate some emotional baggage from your life.

Step into this new cosmic moment and let go of old habits. Don’t give energy to what no longer serves you.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday June 19, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

A major change occurs in the astrological calendar today, as the healer Chiron leaves your sign and arrives in the earthy Taurus for an initial three-month visit. For the past seven years, he has been urging you to develop your sense of individuality and come to terms with any perceived vulnerabilities. Now you have a chance to work on your personal value and worth.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

A developing healing dimension has shaped up in your situation in the last year. It may have felt a little bit raw at times, but this has nudged you towards deeper insights and coming to terms with past hurts and disappointments. Now you can move more into the moment. This is a fine opportunity to discover your authentic self-worth rather than rely on others’ validation.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

The Sun in Gemini forges a pivotal link to the powerful Chiron, which then relocates to the most sheltered area for you personally, for the next three months. Friends who really understand the deeper side of your nature can really show up and can be influential in the next three months. You can enjoy getting into nature with them or going for spa days or retreats.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

If you have a well-established friendship group, today’s arrival of the complex Chiron into the most social part of your chart for three months may not impact on you obviously. Your natural and instinctive ability to tune into others can be amplified, and people can share their concerns more with you. You’ll likely happily oblige, but don’t lose yourself by being too giving.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

The archetype of your sign gives you an aura of invincibility with your charisma sufficient to overcome ever challenge. Is that always how it feels? No? Well, if your professional success hasn’t always matched up, you may have been frustrated that the “stars” don’t deliver. The truth is, we’re all forged by our unique birth chart, not just our sign, but do push hard now for acclaim.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Knowledge comes in many forms. For some, it can be hard-earned life experience, developed at the sharp end of daily reality. For others, it can be born from academic prowess. Others, through a love of travel, culture, and languages. Whatever your special talents, they can shine out strongly now. Yet ironically, you can become more conscious of what you believe you lack.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

You could find yourself becoming more aware that within your innate desire for partnership, or at least cordial relationships with people in general, where you feel required to open up and make yourself vulnerable. This can be true of many of us, of course, but the transforming power of Chiron will likely flag this dynamic more powerfully over the next three months.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

You may often find yourself giving friends brilliant relationship advice and can do so even more frequently in the months ahead. If you are looking to meet someone special, you may find yourself becoming more aware that, for all your consideration, others may not be so open to tuning into your relationship situation. Look to point your wisdom towards your own needs.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

You’re one of the most freedom-loving members of the zodiac. Daily routines can be an anathema. You know that you have to do your bit, and do, but if it all gets too rigid and dull, your attention span plummets. In recent years, the chaotic energies of Uranus may have left a mark, but now healer Chiron urges you to embrace life’s finer details and your well-being.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

In your early life, did you feel you had to be the adult in the room, or at least take on a lot of responsibility? If so, this may still echo. If embracing spontaneity and fun makes you feel uncomfortable, as if you should be attending to more virtuous and worthy demands, healer Chiron’s arrival in your pleasure sector, prompts you to look to become more at ease with joy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Over the last seven years, your rebellious ruler Uranus, has stormed through the tender home and emotional part of your life. This disrupts but it also pushes us to break free of what no longer serves. If you have been affected by a separation, loss, home move, or have felt isolated, the potent energies of Chiron for the next three months can help you gently unpick things.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

As a water sign, your senses and feelings define you. Yet we live in a world of fast exchanges and multiple types of messages, which can both amuse and stimulate or overwhelm. Working on your resilience to this welter of information is going to be a theme in the next three months. It’s not words, memes, or music; it’s the deeper meaning they hold that will call out to you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of June here.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Add us as a Preferred Source

Advertisement

MORE: Daily horoscope June 18, 2026: Today’s redictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope June 17, 2026: Today’s redictions for your star sign

MORE: Daily horoscope June 16, 2026: Today’s redictions for your star sign

The former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh regarding their plans for the squad

Rangers have been compelled to postpone the first-team squad’s pre-season return following Derek McInnes’s appointment as manager.

Previous manager Danny Rohl had instructed his players to reconvene at their Auchenhowie training ground on Monday to commence preparations for the upcoming season.

However, the squad has now been informed to delay their return until Thursday, when they will be introduced to new manager McInnes for the first time.

The 54 year old is currently in the United States, where he had been on a family break.

He was also seen among thousands of enthusiastic Scotland supporters in Boston as he watched the national team’s opening World Cup triumph over Haiti last week. It’s anticipated he’ll attend the Gillette Stadium tomorrow evening to witness Steve Clarke’s side take on Morocco, reports the Daily Record.

Meanwhile, Reach Sport understands the former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager has been engaged in extensive talks with Rangers’ American chairman Andrew Cavenagh as they start mapping out the alterations McInnes wishes to implement at the club.

He is due back in Glasgow within the next 72 hours, when he will intensify his assessment of the first-team squad he has taken over from Rohl, alongside the summer recruitment targets he aims to secure.

McInnes has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox and will now be tasked with restoring the club to the success it enjoyed in the late 1990s when he was part of the title-winning teams assembled by Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat. Meanwhile, Rohl has expressed his gratitude to the Ibrox club and believes they are now better placed to challenge for honours.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “As I move on to a new chapter, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone connected with Rangers.

“It’s been an incredible honour to be part of this amazing club. Thank you to the players, staff and, of course, the brilliant supporters for the way you welcomed and backed us.

“It was a privilege to experience your passion and have you by our side.

“I would also like to thank Andrew for giving me the opportunity and his support throughout my time at the club.

“I’m proud of the work we all did together over the past year. While there is always more to achieve, I believe the club is in a stronger position and well placed for what lies ahead.

“I will take with me many great memories and a huge amount of respect for this club and everyone connected to it.

“I wish you all nothing but success for the future. All the best, Danny.”

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox