The acclaimed series starring Kris Marshall, Keira Knightley and Sam Neill boasts a 78% Rotten Tomatoes rating with viewers describing it as a ‘masterpiece’

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A ‘masterpiece’ period drama featuring Kris Marshall that has long been overlooked is now available to stream on ITV.

Doctor Zhivago was released in 2002, adapted from Boris Pasternak’s acclaimed 1957 novel of the same name, which had previously been adapted for cinema in 1965, reports the Mirror.

The 2002 series can currently be viewed on ITV and ITVX, where a synopsis states: “Having witnessed his father’s suicide, Yury is sent to live in Moscow with his uncle, aunt and cousin. Whilst there, he becomes captivated by a stunning young girl called Lara.”

The impressive ensemble cast features Hans Matheson as Yuri Zhivago, Keira Knightley in the role of Lara Guishar Antipova and Sam Neill as Victor Komarovsky. Further cast members include Kris Marshall portraying Pasha Antipov/Strelnikov, Celia Imrie as Anna Gromeko and Hugh Bonneville as Andrey Zhivago – among others.

Kris, 53, is perhaps most recognised for his performances in My Family and the beloved 2003 film Love Actually. Though in more recent times, he has gained widespread recognition as DI Humphrey Goodman through his appearances in Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise.

Doctor Zhivago, directed by Giacomo Campiotti, holds an impressive 78% Rotten Tomatoes rating with countless viewers hailing it as a ‘masterpiece’. One viewer commented: “A masterpiece by Giacomo Campiotti”, adding: “It deserves an Oscar.”

Another viewer commented: “I have never seen the original Doctor Zhivago film, so I can’t take any prejudged bias. This mini-series is possibly the best UK mini-series I have ever seen and is a sign that perhaps the UK networks are serious about creating some top quality drama television that HBO have been producing for ages!”.

They continued: “Kris Marshall as Pacha is a welcome revelation, worlds away from the tired “My Family” ‘comedy’. The scene always looks great and you can see the time and effort (not to forget money! ) has gone into the creation of this great series. The overall look is very convincing and there is some beautiful theatrical-quality cinematography.”

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Meanwhile, another viewer praised Kris’ performance, stating: “Kris Marshall turns in a stellar performance, truly suspending disbelief and losing himself in the role to deliver solid convincing work. It would be marvellous now to see him in further challenging roles!”.

A different admirer remarked: “A truly amazing performance comes from Kris Marshall who plays Strelnikof/ Pasha Antipof- I am in love with this man! ! I am now forever a fan. The film is thought-provoking, harrowing and heart-warming in equal measure. Watch this film!”.

The drama is even more poignant following the sad news of Sam Neill’s death.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Jurassic Park legend Sam had passed away at the age of 78. Sam sadly died after contracting pneumonia, according to a statement from his management.

Doctor Zhivago is available to watch on ITV and ITVX

Firefighters have been at Dovestone since Saturday (July 11) evening when the blaze initially broke out.

In an update Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said that this weekend their firefighters have seen people lighting barbecues in the affected areas, despite warnings to avoid such practices.

There are “challenging conditions” for crews working to control the fires, GMFRS said.

(Image: MKDronePhotography/ Facebook)

Firefighters are creating additional firebreaks to limit the spread, alongside water drops from helicopter support.

The fire service is urging members of the public to stay away from the affected areas.

Barbecues, campfires, and open flames are prohibited.

The statement from GMFRS read: “Our firefighters continue to tackle two major moorland fires at Swineshaw and Dovestones.

“This weekend, we have already seen people visiting the area and lighting BBQs. People must stay away from affected moorland areas and must not light BBQs, campfires or any other open flames. 

“With our partners we continue working in difficult conditions to bring both fires under control.

(Image: Sean A.F.C)

“Crews are creating additional firebreaks to limit the spread of the fires, while helicopter support continues to carry out water drops and aerial surveys.

“The images show crews working in challenging conditions yesterday as they continue their efforts to tackle these large-scale moorland fires.

“For more information on these incidents, wildfires and public safety advice check out our website.”

Three arrests have been made in relation to the Dovestones fire so far.

A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson yesterday (Thursday, July 16) and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Then yesterday (Friday, July 17), a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the same charges and remains in custody for questioning.

This follows the arrest of 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede earlier this week.

She has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 18.

By LIAM MORGAN, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 20:54 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 23:28 BST, 18 July 2026

Argentina’s rugby stars appeared to join the mocking of England after their World Cup victory over their arch-rivals by wearing a kit paying homage to Diego Maradona‘s 1986 team.

Players wore a jersey similar in colour to that of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning side – made famous by Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ and superb solo goal in a win against England – for their Nations Championship clash in Santiago del Estero.

The Pumas’ limited edition kit has been created to mark the 40th anniversary of Argentina lifting their second World Cup. 

‘With this tribute, the Argentine Rugby Union and Los Pumas celebrate that legacy and renew their commitment to representing Argentina with the same pride, passion, and dedication that distinguish our national teams,’ the Argentine Rugby Union said.

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England’s rugby team had already been forced to switch hotels in Buenos Aires because of the chaos caused by Argentina’s World Cup victory.

Tens of thousands of fans gathered in the Plaza de la República on Wednesday night, celebrating their football team’s 2-1 win over England with a huge street party.

Argentina’s rugby stars wore a kit similar to the one worn by Diego Maradona’s team in 1986

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The jersey was made famous by Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ en route to Argentina winning the 1986 World Cup

Argentina fans also displayed banners touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands

Flares and fireworks were set off throughout the night, with barricades erected outside England’s team hotel to provide additional security.

Steve Borthwick’s side were due to return to the same hotel on Sunday, but Argentina’s progression to the final means the area is braced for more chaos.

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The contest between the two sides comes just days after Argentina broke English hearts in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. 

Argentine fans attending the Nations Championship match were also seen displaying banners touting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

FIFA is exploring disciplinary action against Argentina after several members of the team lifted a sign declaring ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ – the country’s term for the South Atlantic islands.

The banner triggered a fierce backlash in the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he supports calls for FIFA to open an investigation made by Business Secretary Peter Kyle.

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FIFA’s rules forbid the use of any political messaging at the World Cup but have previously turned a blind eye to continued references to the 1982 conflict in a song sung by the players – and posted on social media by the country’s association – in the dressing room throughout the tournament. 

England were also mocked by Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, who shared a post on Instagram featuring a picture of him smiling alongside Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes. 

The post was accompanied by the Oasis hit Wonderwall, which had become the soundtrack to England’s World Cup campaign in North America. 

The divisive England back-row was met with a remarkable reaction during the Nations Championship

Henry Pollock was met by a chorus of boos as he stepped onto the pitch during England’s Nations Championship clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero.

The Northampton Saints flanker was already a divisive figure in Argentina, having been filmed goading football fans ahead of the World Cup semi-final between the two countries on Wednesday.

Steve Borthwick had to step in to defend the 21-year-old later in the week, after he was filmed shushing supporters from the team bus in Buenos Aires.

Argentina were mounting a comeback when England turned to the divisive Pollock from the bench.

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Having been 19-3 up at half-time, Argentina got the scoreline back to 19-17 – with England losing two to the sin-bin in relatively quick succession.

The second yellow card for Alex Coles handed Argentina a penalty try to close the gap to two points.

Amid the celebrations in the ground, England brought Pollock – who scored a hat-trick against Fiji last week – on, with the back-row’s introduction met by boos.

“Henry Pollock comes on and listen to the boos,” said ITV commentator Nick Mullins.

“His reputation has travelled far and wide. They all saw the photograph from the team bus before the football on Wednesday.

“Boos now mingling with celebration and this place is soudning like an Argentinean sports stadium.”

By GLEN OWEN and DAN HODGES, DAILY MAIL COLUMNIST and BRENDAN CARLIN

Published: 22:02 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 23:09 BST, 18 July 2026

Andy Burnham‘s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ last night, amid mounting mayhem over who will serve in his Cabinet.

At the centre of the chaos is the divisive figure of Ed Miliband, whose hopes of becoming the next Chancellor appeared to have been dashed last week following briefings that Mr Burnham was planning to give the job to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

However, Ms Mahmood is now being accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’. In his coronation speech on Friday, Mr Burnham pledged to end factionalism and the ‘insidious’ briefing culture in Westminster, saying: ‘We won’t beat Britain’s new Right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions’.

But the fierce resistance to Mr Miliband’s proposed appointment has already served to poison relations. And a source said: ‘There’s a lot of anger at Shabana and her team for the Treasury briefing. Andy and James [Purnell, the new No 10 chief of staff] were furious.

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‘It’s why he included the line about not having made any decisions in his Friday speech, with her sitting there. They felt it was a naked attempt to bounce him into appointing her.’

A second source added: ‘Shabana tried to convince Andy and James she wasn’t behind the briefings. She claimed she was in the Home Office secure room for four hours when the briefings were happening. But no one believed her. It’s well known among Home Office staff that she hates that room.’

Burnham allies also claim that the new Northern Secretary could even rank ahead of the Chancellor in the Cabinet pecking order, something the all-powerful Treasury is likely to resist.

To add further to the chaos, Sir Keir Starmer’s remaining rump of supporters in the Commons are lying in wait to ambush his successor. His allies were said to be angry at Mr Burnham’s claim on Friday that he had ‘supported all our Labour leaders in my lifetime’, and had played no role in Sir Keir’s ousting.

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Andy Burnham’s pledge to unite Labour was branded ‘dead on arrival’ on Saturday 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was accused by Burnham allies of trying to ‘brief herself into the job’ of Chancellor

One senior MP said last night that was ‘manifestly untrue and Keir’s people will be very angry with it’. He added: ‘Andy may be the King of the North and South just now but the Starmer loyalists will be lying in wait for him.

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‘His hopes of ending the infighting are dead on arrival.’

There are also nerves within Whitehall over plans to establish the new No 10 North by abolishing Liz Kendall’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), transferring officials to the new Northern department and handing its responsibilities to the Business Department.

Amid all the jostling for position, Labour sources claim that Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds has already called current Business Secretary Peter Kyle to request ‘access talks’ about his plans – because he had been promised the job.

It has led to concern about disruption to DSIT’s work on the social media ban and AI, with one source saying: ‘I know he [Burnham] wants to take Britain back to the 1970s, but trying to pretend the internet doesn’t exist is going a bit far.’

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed, an ardent loyalist of Sir Keir, is expected to leave Government along with Attorney General Lord Hermer and David Lammy, the hapless Deputy PM and Justice Secretary.

Lesbury sits on the north bank of the River Aln, around three and a half miles south-east of Alnwick, on the main coastal road that runs towards Alnmouth and the sea.

Half a mile away at Hipsburn is Alnmouth railway station on the East Coast Main Line, linking the village directly to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London, which makes Lesbury one of the easiest rural bases in mid-Northumberland to reach without a car.

Historic heart and ancient church

At the centre of the village stands the Anglican Church of St Mary, thought to sit on an original Saxon site and first mentioned in medieval records.

The present building is largely Norman in origin, dates back to the 12th century, and is now Grade II* listed, with a simple stone tower and churchyard that look out over the river meadows.

St Mary’s has long served a wider parish that historically included Alnmouth and several surrounding townships, which is why old parish records here are a rich source for local family history.

Everyday life in a small rural community

Today, Lesbury remains a small rural village of stone houses and cottages, sitting in the lands once held by the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland.

There is a village pub, the Coach Inn, which serves both locals and passing visitors, along with active community groups and an outdoor bowling green that help give the place its lived-in feel rather than a purely tourist one.

Why people love Lesbury

For visitors, the appeal is in the mix: quiet riverside walks along the Aln, easy access to the golden beaches at Alnmouth and the wider Northumberland Coast National Landscape, and a fast rail link from Alnmouth station that makes weekend trips straightforward.

The village’s position also means Alnwick’s attractions — from the castle and gardens to shops and restaurants — are a short drive or bus ride away, while smaller coastal villages such as Boulmer and Craster are close enough for day trips.

It was a chaotic ending to the summer’s final Nations Championship Test, with England barely hanging on for victory in Santiago del Estero

Argentina were controversially denied a draw against England in their Nations Championship clash in Santiago del Estero, following a lengthy TMO check that left the home side furious.

Los Pumas winger Bautista Delguy thought he had scored in the corner at the end of a pulsating 22-phase attack as Argentina looked for a try that could level the scores, having been trailing England 31-24 in the dying seconds. However, English duo Noah Caluori and Henry Slade did just enough to make referee Angus Gardner go upstairs.

The referee did award the try on-field, but decided to go up to the TMO to check at the end of a dramatic and action-packed match that contained eight tries and seven yellow cards.

“Angus Gardner thinks it’s a try so we need evidence that it isn’t,” said ITV commentator Nick Mullins.

After spending a few minutes trying to find a conclusive angle that showed Delguy’s left hand hit the touchline before he grounded it, Gardner seemed set to stick with his on-field decision of try.

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However, his video referee Brett Cronan was adamant that it wasn’t a try.

“I’m going frame-by-frame here,” said Cronan. “His hand is up at the moment. It’s still up and then that ball is then grounded against the corner post and the tryline at the same time, meaning it is no try and the end of the game.”

However, Gardner wasn’t convinced – taking issue with his TMO.

“No, hang on, are you sure because the on-field decision is a try so we’ve got to make sure. To me, it looks like it hits the ground first.

“That looks like a try to me, mate. You’ve got a HD screen, but that ball looks down to me, mate.

“It’s got to be conclusive evidence to overturn. That looks like a try to me.”

However, Cronan remained adamant that the score shouldn’t be given.

“That is clearly grounded on the touchline,” reiterated the TMO.

Surprised by the interaction, Mullins chimed in: “Well, the referee and TMO having a barney about whether Argentina have scored a try to give them a kick to save a draw at the death.”

Photos show the extent of damage to the food van involved in the fire

A food van has been destroyed in a fire near a busy Cambridge railway station. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the blaze at Cambridge North train station at around 3.37pm on Friday (July 17).

A food truck caught fire on Cambridge Square. A fire spokesperson confirmed the fire was accidental and they will not be carrying out any further investigations.

A fire spokesperson said: “At 3.37pm on Friday, a crew from Cambridge and the south roaming fire engine were called to a fire on Cambridge Square in East Chesterton ward, Cambridge.

“Firefighters arrived to find a food van well alight. Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using hose reels. The cause has been recorded on the incident log as accidental. There isn’t any further investigation planned from our officers.”

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Photos captured by people at the scene show the truck completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Trains were not disrupted while the fire was dealt with.

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