With the game now available on consoles, a reader gives their verdict on indie hit A Game About Digging A Hole, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

You’re on a sunny, suburban street. A van draws up. An unidentified someone jumps out of the van and nails a notice to a public noticeboard. The van and the unidentified someone drive off. Close in on the noticeboard and the newly attached notice. It’s a brightly coloured advert. The advert reads:

House For Sale. Only 10,000 $. With Gold Treasure In the Garden! Buy Now & Get Rich!

This is how A Game About Digging A Hole begins. Played in first person view, what you see first is the back garden of the house that you’ve bought and a box containing a Super Mega Digger 3000 Ultimate 2.0 Detector Set. This battery powered tool is the primary component of a game that’s played out in two locations. Your back garden and your garage. Unfortunately, you can’t enter the main part of the house that’s now yours, or at least I never managed to.

Go into the garage and you’ll find a workbench and a computer. The computer allows you to sell the ore/items that you obtain and by selling ore you accumulate funds. The workbench is where you spend the funds that you’ve accumulated. The workbench offers upgrades for your shovel, the aforementioned Super Mega Digger 3000.

Upgrades are also available for your inventory, battery and you can buy a jetpack which will become an essential item later on. Charge can be bought for your battery on the workbench screen and you can replenish your personal health there too. Dynamite and lamps are useful extras for when you want to take your digging to new depths.

Exit the garage, stroll into your sunlit back garden and you’ll see an X on the grass. X marks the spot, or so they say. In actuality you can begin your treasure hunt anywhere, so long as it’s on the back lawn.

On the PlayStation 5, digging involves pulling the right trigger of the joypad. Do this and your battery powered shovel takes a single bite out of the ground. While your back lawn steadily gets taken away chunk by chunk, various ores are uncovered. At first, you’ll find stones and coal. When you uncover these items they’re sucked straight into your inventory, which quickly fills up because at the start of the game your inventory is small.

Once your inventory is full you can keep digging but any ores that you uncover will be destroyed, so it’s best to turn those unearthed items into money so that you can buy upgrades and recharge your shovel battery. Without an upgrade the shovel battery’s charge soon runs out.

Initially this game seems repetitive. Do a bit of digging. Fill up your small inventory with stones, coal, iron, etc. Nip back into the garage. Sell what you’ve extracted from the ground on the computer. Spend your earnings on upgrading your equipment if you’ve earnt enough, then go back outside and carry on digging.

However, the steps that I’ve just described become compulsive, or at least they did for me, due to pressing questions inside my head. How deep can I actually go? How powerful are those $100 sticks of dynamite? Where did the previous owners of this house put that buried treasure?

Your current depth is shown on the left side of the screen. Anticipation serves as a magnet, drawing you downwards. What will you uncover next and how much cash are you going to receive for selling it?

When I earned $100 I bought some dynamite and put it to good use. The ground dropped further. I dug, and I dug, and then I dug some more. I got so involved with digging, with the race to earn money and to reach new depths, that I virtually ignored changes around me. That cheery birdsong had gone, replaced by eerie low notes that unsettled and brought no comfort at all. Before I knew what I’d done I’d placed myself in…darkness.

Turning around I saw only more darkness. I tried looking up. Darkness. Where was that nice blue sky? Who stole away the heavens when I wasn’t looking? Sensible miners stock up on $25 lamps before they get trigger-happy with their battery powered shovels. When you’re disorientated and many metres below the ground a light source can really alleviate attacks of panic and claustrophobia.

I won’t spoil what happens when you keep on digging. I will say that at depth minerals become more precious. Your Super Mega Digger 3000 has extra sensors that appear when you’re close to certain objects of interest. Subterranean structures wait to be discovered, and near the end of the game you realise that you’re not alone in the pit of your own making. A bestial grunt sent a shiver of fear through me. Time to make use of that jetpack and escape back up to the surface.

A Game About Digging a Hole is short and probably doesn’t have much replay value once you’ve learnt its secrets. But for the money, about the same price as a film rental, A Game About Digging A Hole is well worth a few hours of your time. Just remember, however deep you dig your hole, make sure you can get out of it again.

By reader Michael Veal (@msv858)

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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The Prime Minister insists he will lead Labour into the next election after another turbulent week in office.

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he will lead Labour into the next general election but admitted that appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador was a “mistake”.

The Prime Minister has endured a turbulent few weeks amid controversy surrounding the appointments of Lord Mandelson and Lord Matthew Doyle despite their association with sex offenders, three departures from Downing Street, and a call from Anas Sarwar to resign.

Speaking to the Sun on Sunday at the Munich Security Conference, Sir Keir came out fighting against suggestions he should resign, and reports of plots within Labour to oust him.

He told the newspaper: “I won the leadership of the Labour Party when people said I wouldn’t. I changed the Labour Party when people said I couldn’t. I won an election when people said we wouldn’t.

“And now I intend to change the country – whatever other people say.” Sir Keir then insisted he would “absolutely” lead the Labour Party into the next election.

Elsewhere in the interview, the Prime Minister was asked if appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador was his biggest mistake since he took office. He replied: “I’m not going to list mistakes in rank order. It was a mistake.”

Sir Keir previously said at the conference that he had “ended the week much stronger” than he started it after a period of political turbulence.

Asked in a panel discussion after his speech whether the turmoil left him vulnerable to challenges from Reform UK and the Tories, the Labour leader replied: “No, I reject that. I ended the week much stronger than I started it.

“And that’s a very good place to be, and my party and my government is completely united on the question of Ukraine and defence and security and the need for stronger relations with Europe on defence, on security and on economy as well. And so I think that there is real strength in the position I’ve now set out.”

Attacking Nigel Farage’s “pro-Putin” Reform UK party, Sir Keir suggested it was the only faction in the House of Commons not behind the UK’s support for Ukraine.

He said: “Imagine if they were in government in the United Kingdom. The Coalition of the Willing could not exist without UK participation in it. We would not be seen as a leader on the European or international stage.

“We would be seen as a country that people couldn’t do business with. So it’s not universal across our Parliament, but there’s a very strong feeling amongst right-minded politicians that we stick together on Ukraine.”

Anas Sarwar said on Monday that Sir Keir should quit in the wake of the scandal around the appointment of Lord Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington despite his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

But the attempt to oust Sir Keir failed, with members of the Cabinet publicly backing the Prime Minister in the hours after Mr Sarwar’s statement.

Further questions about Sir Keir’s judgment were thrown up later in the week in a row over the appointment of his former spin doctor Lord Doyle to the House of Lords after the aide campaigned for a paedophile councillor.

The departure of the head of the Civil Service Sir Chris Wormald prompted criticism of negative briefings in Government, while senior Labour women suggested the string of scandals had exposed a “boys’ club” within Downing Street.

Sir Chris was the third senior figure to quit the Government in the past week, following Sir Keir’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allan.

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In March, Mark Farrow, a computer expert from Scorton, and Stephen White, an administrator from Richmond, will drive 1,318 miles over three days across Europe to deliver the vehicle to Ukraine, where it will be donated for work on the Ukrainian frontlines.

Mark and Steve are joining the Driving Ukraine team for their fourth mission to deliver a vehicle, but they still need help in the way of donations for the mission.

Mark Farrow (right) with Stephen White (left) (Image: MARK FARROW)

So far, people have helped to raise more than £30,000 for the missions that Mark and Stephen have embarked on.

“While the news channels may not talk about Ukraine as much these days, their need for our help is greater than ever,” Mark said.

We haven’t forgotten our Ukrainian friends, and each vehicle we can provide for them saves lives, bringing Ukrainian men and women safely home to their families.

Mark Farrow (centre) with Stephen White (right) (Image: MARK FARROW)

“This will be our fourth trip, and with your help, the fourth evacuation vehicle we take them.

“Thanks to everyone who has donated to us in the past (an incredible almost £30,000 so far!), as we couldn’t do any of this without you, it really is a team effort.

“Having met some of the Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by your and our help, I can say for sure this is the most worthwhile thing I have ever been part of.”

The route that the pair will take (Image: MARK FARROW)

Driving Ukraine vehicles, 4×4 pickup trucks and ambulances, are purchased in the UK and modified by dedicated volunteers, before being placed with essential teams in Ukraine, including: ambulance crews, 4×4 evacuation teams, first-aid responders, international volunteer medics, air defence teams, humanitarian bomb disposal units, and hospitals, among others.

The current fundraiser from the pair aims to collect £7000 worth of donations, with the current total just below £4,000.

If Mark and Stephen get more than £7,000, it will go towards upgrading the vehicle with a Чуйка 3.0 (Chuyka) drone signal detector.

Two of the aid vehicles donated to Ukraine (Image: MARK FARROW)

This is a tool that allows teams on the front line to stay one step ahead of Russian drones.

Mark added: “The urgent need for international support in Ukraine is undeniable, particularly today, even as some sort of peace is discussed.

Mark and Stephen with other aid workers (Image: MARK FARROW)

“The longer this invasion persists, the more challenging it becomes for Ukraine. The war is now in its fourth year.

“The future of Ukraine’s survival hangs in the balance with new international leaders in power.

“The Ukrainians need more vehicles, aid, and international support from volunteers than ever before.

“The toll of this conflict is staggering, with tens of thousands of civilians killed, countless more injured, and hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure damage.

“4,000,000 Ukrainians have lost their homes, 10,000 missiles have been launched at the country, and over 1,000 medical facilities have been destroyed.”

Tom Parker Bowles’ book features more than 100 recipes spanning from Queen Victoria’s reign to King Charles III

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Tom Parker Bowles has revealed a simple recipe that Queen Elizabeth savoured during her Coronation 72 years ago, while also lamenting how it’s been butchered over time. Despite acknowledging the ‘vile’ alterations to the dish over the years, Tom chose to focus on the original version crafted by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume.

“I know, I know it really wouldn’t be a royal cookbook without this so-called regal ‘classic’,” he wrote in his 2024 book, Cooking & The Crown. “…Now the original version, as below, is perfectly civilised, but as the years went on, all manner of base and vile things were done to this perfectly innocent recipe, adding almonds and sultanas, lashings of turmeric and God knows what else, until it became a banana-hued, sickly-sweet aberration, the abject filling for a thousand sorry service station fillings.”

The dish in focus is Poulet Reine Elizabeth, or as we know it, Coronation Chicken sandwiches. While Spry and Hume are credited with its creation, the exact source of their inspiration remains a mystery.

Back in 1935, George V was served Jubilee Chicken, a concoction of mayonnaise, chicken, and curry powder. This has led some to speculate that it might have influenced the creation of Coronation Chicken, although concrete evidence is scant.

Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation took place at Westminster Abbey in 1953, just a year shy of rationing’s end after 14 years of post-war austerity. Chicken wasn’t exactly an everyday staple back then, which made the Coronation dish quite the indulgence.

For anyone fancying a taste of Royal history, Tom’s book lays out the uncomplicated recipe. Whilst boiling and shredding chicken is standard fare, nailing the sauce might take a bit more finesse.

You may be surprised to learn that the original filling contains more than just chicken, mayonnaise, and curry powder. It also includes tomato paste and red wine, amongst other components.

Bay leaves, lemon juice, and the usual salt and pepper seasoning are added for additional flavour before the mixture is served on brown bread. Tom explained the crusts must be cut off to enjoy sandwiches the Royal way.

“Remove the crusts and cut each sandwich into three fat fingers,” he added, according to a previous OK! article. Tom’s book Cooking & The Crown provides a more detailed step-by-step recipe and ingredient guide to creating the Coronation classic.

Beyond Poulet Reine Elizabeth, it features more than 100 recipes spanning from Queen Victoria’s reign to King Charles III. Whilst many of these seem rather lavish, including ‘Pommes Elizabeth’ and ‘Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises’, there are numerous simpler recipes to attempt at home.

More information can be found here.

The penultimate episode of the Game of Thrones spin-off series is coming to HBO and Sky Atlantic very soon – here’s the lowdown

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is nearly reaching its conclusion now, with only two episodes remaining in the six-part series. This week signals the penultimate episode of the popular HBO programme, which is set prior to Game of Thrones, and is broadcasting on Sky Atlantic in the UK, and is titled In the Name of the Mother. Here’s everything you need to know about when the upcoming instalment of the Game of Thrones spin-off series will be released following a recent scheduling adjustment, reports the Mirror.

When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5 coming out?

In the UK, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode five will be released on Monday, February 16 on Sky Atlantic and streaming platform NOW at 3am GMT. The episode will then be repeated on Sky Atlantic at 9pm for those who didn’t stay up to catch the instalment during the simulcast.

The episode marks a return to the standard time slot after the fourth instalment was moved earlier to prevent clashing with the Super Bowl, which aired last week. Meanwhile, in the USA, episode five will be screened on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, February 15 from 10pm Eastern Standard Time. Consequently, the programme will be simulcast on both sides of the Atlantic simultaneously and means British fans won’t be missing out.

What will happen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5?

HBO released a brief preview earlier this week from the forthcoming episode, along with a summary of the instalment, which read: “Before Ser Duncan the Tall can learn the fate of his future, he must relive his past.” The teaser then revealed flashbacks to Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall’s (played by Peter Claffey) childhood and his friendship with a young girl, long before he harboured dreams of becoming a noble knight of the realm.

The young Dunk is portrayed as a frightened boy and his friend urges him not to lose his nerve in following the path that lies ahead for them. The trailer then jumps to Dunk in the present day as he prepares to fight in the Trial by seven and prove his honour against Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett).

A speaker declares shortly before the trial: “May the Seven bear witness to our solemn and bloody offering. May they reveal the guilty in their falseness and find the truth. May the Warrior grant victory to the innocent.” Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), who has joined Dunk’s side, tells the knight and the others: “Be vigilant and don’t die.”

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However, it’s all too much for Dunk, who gags and vomits in fear of the brutal fight that’s about to unfold.

The preview concludes with a striking shot from inside the knight’s helmet as he takes on Aerion and his allies, promising an impressive fight sequence.

Many rushed to the comments section on YouTube beneath the trailer to share their thoughts on the preview as one person posted: “Egg (the little squire) is the most fascinating actor I have seen in years.

“when he is on screen you cant take your eyes off him. plus he and Dunk have a legit chemistry! He will be a huge star! ! ! [sic].”

A second individual posted: “Anyone else thinking that Angry Dunc is gonna be a beast on the battlefield?”

Another person remarked: “Dunk is essentially a chosen one. Imagine several dragons dreaming of you and you’re just a tall peasant who was lucky enough to be chosen as a squire for an old hedge knight. It helps that dude is a good, loyal person. God knows Targaryens need them.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs on HBO and HBO Max on Sundays in the USA and on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Mondays in the UK

Cholesterol has long been seen as a key culprit in cardiovascular disease. While it’s true that cholesterol does play a role, not all cholesterol is bad for us.

There are two main types of cholesterol.

The first type is low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. This is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because it causes fat to collect in the arteries as plaques. This makes it harder for blood to pump throughout the body, leading to greater risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The second type is high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — often referred to as “good” cholesterol.

HDL cholesterol has two key roles in the body. It removes excess bad cholesterol from the tissues and arteries and returns it to the liver so it can be removed from the body. HDL cholesterol also protects the artery walls so there’s less risk of a blockage forming.

Boosting HDL

The ratio of LDL to HDL in a person’s body is related to their cardiovascular disease risk. If you have a higher ratio of HDL to LDL, your cardiovascular disease risk will be lower. But if you have a lower ratio of HDL to LDL, you’ll have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Fortunately, it’s possible to shift this ratio and increase HDL cholesterol levels. This can be achieved by exercising, quitting smoking and managing your weight, for example.

Certain foods can also improve HDL ratios.

The main way that diet helps boost HDL ratios is by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a key problem in cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation makes it possible for blood platelets to stick together in our arteries at a much higher rate. This makes it difficult for the HDL cholesterol to do its job, which increases risk of blood clots forming and raises likelihood of heart disease.

By eating anti-inflammatory foods, it makes it easier for HDL cholesterol to do its job of sweeping away excess LDL cholesterol. Here are four examples you can include in your diet:

1. Fruits and vegetables

Research shows that people who have diets high in fruits and vegetables have higher HDL cholesterol levels and a better total cholesterol ratio. They also have lower blood pressure and healthier blood sugar levels, all of which can be supportive to heart health.

Fruits and vegetables exert their positive effects by trapping free radicals.

Free radicals are highly reactive, unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and trigger inflammation in the body. By preventing inflammation, this makes it possible for HDL cholesterol to continue doing its job of removing bad cholesterol and protecting the arteries.

2. Oily fish and olive oil

Oily fish (such as salmon, sardines and tuna) and olive oil are rich in a type of fat called “polar lipids”.

These lipids are able to reach the bloodstream more quickly compared to other types of fat, allowing them to reduce inflammation and prevent the aggregation of platelets more effectively.

Cell and animal studies have shown that a diet rich in the polar lipids from oily fish is effective in preventing blood clots from forming. This effect can help cholesterol ratios stay balanced, meaning cardiovascular disease risk is lower.

3. Fermented dairy

Fermented dairy products, such as yoghurt, kefir and cheese, can all have a positive effect on HDL levels.

During fermentation, the lipids are broken down into smaller compounds that have a greater anti-inflammatory effect than milk. They can also be metabolised faster by the body.

Fermented dairy products are also rich in polar lipids, which means that they can considerably reduce cardiovascular risk.

Research found that for every 20g of fermented dairy products people consumed each day, there was a modest reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.

4. Red wine

Finally, red wine is completely misunderstood. According to the latest research, moderate consumption of red wine (the equivalent of one to two small glasses per day) is linked with better HDL ratios.

Wine reduces inflammation when consumed in small quantities because it contains polar lipids. However, if wine intake is high, the negative, pro-inflammatory effect of alcohol outstrips the positive effect of the lipids.

This is why it’s important only to drink small amounts and in moderation – otherwise, alcohol can have many negative effects on the body. Indeed, the World Health Organization has said there is no safe level of alcohol consumption as the negatives, such as increased cancer risk even from light drinking, outweigh any positives.

Non-alcoholic wines also contain polar lipids. Research suggests that polar lipid extracts from non-alcoholic beverages have comparable benefits on preventing the formation of blood clots as their alcoholic counterparts.

Inflammation is a key factor in heart disease. By eating foods that reduce inflammation in the body, it’s possible to look after your heart health and lower cardiovascular disease by improving the ratio of HDL to LDL in the body.

Aunt Bessie’s came in second place

A budget supermarket’s own-brand frozen Yorkshire puddings have been crowned the nation’s finest, beating the longstanding favourite Aunt Bessie’s. Yorkshire puddings are an essential component of any proper roast dinner, though making them from scratch can be messy and laborious.

As a result, countless households nationwide opt for frozen Yorkshire puddings, with Aunt Bessie’s traditionally being a go-to choice. However, a rigorous taste test conducted by Which?, the UK’s leading consumer champion, saw a supermarket’s own-brand snatch the crown.

The comprehensive trial involved 74 participants, who were blind-tasting and scoring seven premium supermarket own-brand Yorkshire puddings from the freezer aisle alongside Aunt Bessie’s offerings.

While Aunt Bessie’s impressed the panel, they fell short of claiming the number one position, with the victor proving both more affordable and more delicious.

Bear in mind that Yorkshire pudding dimensions vary, so it’s worth checking before purchasing. Most are medium-sized, weighing around 48g each, though Aunt Bessie’s are slightly larger at 55g, while Tesco’s are smaller at 33g.

Aldi Specially Selected Large Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings triumphed with an impressive score of 73%. At £1.99 for 288g, they were also joint-cheapest, securing a Great Value badge from Which?.

Roughly two-thirds of testers praised the Yorkshire puddings for their crispy exterior and airy centres, while remaining soft with the perfect level of moisture. Just shy of three-quarters of participants deemed the golden colour absolutely spot-on. These own-brand Yorkshire puddings earned the prestigious Best Buy status from Which?.

Aunt Bessie’s Spectacular Yorkshire Puddings secured second spot, retailing at £2 for 220g and achieving a score of 72%.

These family favourites proved popular with taste testers, with two-thirds praising both their visual appeal and satisfying crunch. Testers also commended their fluffy interior and noted they had just the right amount of moisture.

What sets Aunt Bessie’s apart from other Yorkshire puddings is their inclusion of herbs and spices, featuring rosemary, cumin, sage and horseradish. While this enhances the taste, a third of testers felt the flavouring was somewhat overpowering.

Aunt Bessie’s Yorkshire puddings are stocked at various supermarkets and stand out as one of the few vegetarian-friendly options, as they’re made without beef dripping.

Tesco Finest 6 Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings shared second place alongside Aunt Bessie’s, also notching up 72%. Testers were impressed by the texture, with over half expressing satisfaction with the taste. The consistency received approval from most testers, though 41% found it excessively soft.

Despite their runner-up position, they proved to be the smallest and priciest puddings in the trial.

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Yorkshire Puddings claimed third place with a score of 71%. At £2.60 for 252g, they offer better value than Tesco but cost more than both Aunt Bessie’s and Aldi.

Two-thirds of testers approved of the puddings’ golden colour, with even more praising their crispy exterior.

Half the testers were pleased with the flavour, though the majority felt they lacked firmness.

How did other supermarket Yorkshire puddings stack up?

• Waitrose No. 1 6 Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings – 69% £3 for 252g (£1.19 per 100g)
• Iceland Luxury 4 Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings – 68% £2 for 192g (£1.04 per 100g)
• Lidl Deluxe Beef Dripping Yorkshire Puddings – 67% £1.99 for 288g (69p per 100g)
• Morrisons The Best 6 Yorkshire Puddings with Beef Dripping – 65% £1.99 for 240g (83p per 100g)

Here, she gives her insight into Ant John’s, her kids and her relationship with Clive, while sharing some brilliant anecdotes from the series.

Were there any standout moments or challenges during filming this season?

Oh, there’s always a challenge. For a start, the weather is always the big challenge, but I mean, if you just literally think of the number of variables we’ve got going on there literally isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. So, I also feel that as time is going on and the children are growing up and becoming more independent, there’s less likelihood of me actually knowing where everybody is! So, getting them rounded up to lend a hand is always a big deal!

Has the farm or Anty John’s changed a lot since the last series?

It has moved on, but it’s been a slow project because there have been so many jobs that have morphed into another job. The plaster has been a big bugbear because it took so long for that to dry out. So, it’s been a bit of a waiting game. Because of course, if you rush and go in all guns blazing and put the timber work in too early, then inevitably your hard work and money will all be wasted because it will all swell, and basically that would be a disaster. So yes, I’ve had to be patient!

In this series, we see the children growing up and maturing. What do you think they love most about farming, and what do they enjoy about filming?

Every day is different here, so every day brings its fair share of sort of wins and losses. There actually is no such thing as a typical day here! With regards to the children, some days they will be in their absolute element on the farm, out and about doing what needs doing. Today, I’ve seen one of them go past with a snowboard, which probably should be slightly worrying as there’s no snow, but there you go. There’s always plenty to do. And it gives me great joy to see them so busy with whatever project we have going on. So, you know, when it comes to filming, I think, yes, they do enjoy filming, but I’ll be honest with you, quite often, they don’t notice that they’re being filmed and that’s the joy of it because I’m afraid that the film crew have become part of the furniture. I guess we are all so entrenched in what we’re doing that they don’t take any notice of the film crew. And that’s why I think the show is successful because it isn’t acted out, it isn’t in any way false or scripted. We just go with whatever is happening and that’s exactly how the children operate.

How do you balance farm work, family life and filming commitments?

I just take every day as it comes! Filming, pretty much, is all about farming and family life. So, in a way, filming is the least of my problems, because the other two have to happen and will happen. So, the filming element doesn’t come into it really. All I have to do is put a brush through my hair and try and make myself look a bit more presentable than usual. Apart from that, the crew, like me, have to go along with whatever the day brings, which we never know. And you always get your best footage when things go slightly awry, but that’s what makes the programme relatable because that is everybody!

Can you share a memorable or funny behind-the-scenes story?

I do seem to remember one of the crew managed to crash his drone into a roof and we had to get the children with a fishing rod to get it off the roof. That was definitely a highlight for the children, probably a low point for the drone operator. It is memorable of course trying to sort out condensation on cameras, going from hot to cold on repeat. And of course, the other week when basically I had the director in the off-roader and I managed to somehow break down, not mentally or physically, I mean literally break-down in the off-roader further down on the farm and we had to walk back, and he was carrying all his kit. But there you go. Yeah, we had to do the walk of shame and come home. So yeah, it’s had its moments.

You have a lovely turn of phrase in episode 1, where you say, ‘All roads lead to Ravenseat’, it seems like you really enjoy the history of the farm and the connection people have with the farm and the land through history up to the current day. What do you hope viewers take from this?

Well, if anything I would like to think that what viewers take from this is that you need to have your eyes open to what there is around you, you know, you can come to a place like here and just see it as sort of (particularly at this time of year), as quite desolate and a quiet place for thought and reflection. Then you get here and you find out that actually it is a place that is full of life. It has so much going on and it always has. That’s the interesting element, that history repeats itself. It also rather miserably makes you realise that your time is limited, so you must get on and do your thing because as time goes on, you’ll soon be forgotten about and become just another person who was here. I take notice and on the bad days when the weather has turned and things are going really wrong – it gives me something to sort of fall back on and think to myself, you know, don’t feel too sorry for yourself because you know you will have your good days and they will come too. You know, after a hard winter, spring will always come as sure as eggs are eggs.

What message would you like to give to viewers who have followed you and your family from the beginning?

I’d like to say thank you to all the people who followed us because I’m very aware that, really speaking, we aren’t anything special, we’re just people who are getting on with our daily lives and doing what we have to do. In a way they have been absolutely intrinsic to keeping us going.

We’re in the depths of winter, which is your favourite season on the farm?

I don’t actually mind it now when it’s snowy and icy. It can feel quite nice if you’re prepared for it. You feel like you can hunker down, especially with the children still at home. It’s a nice feeling. You feel ever so slightly more isolated. And that can be either a good or a bad thing, but I kind of like it. I like being out amongst the animals and making them cosy and comfortable. Yeah, it’s like a bit of a nesting sort of a thing. Lambing time’s hard work and very, very tiring, so I’m not going to say that’s my favourite time. So, I’m going to be very specific and say the month of June. The month of June, because basically you’ve finished lambing, it’s too soon to hay time. So, there’s this little hiatus, this little sort of downing tools and you get a little bit of time to enjoy the farm and the land coming back to life. That’s the best. The flowers, the insects, the birds, everything is wonderful. All those winter woes are just put behind you.

Do the children always get on or do they bicker? They always seem to be having great fun on the show.

Well, bearing in mind, when it comes to asking about the children, I have just heard Annas string a lot of swear words into one sentence towards Sidney when he knocked a drink over after launching himself onto the sofa. I think the answer to that one is quite clear. No! Of course they don’t always get on. It doesn’t usually sort of end in fisticuffs or anything, but this morning I think they were hitting each other with icicles. So, but I just kind of let it play out. I think, the bottom line is, they’re all on each other’s sides, but the dynamics are always changing. The three little ones seem to hang out together, but, you know, it’s not always like the Waltons or anything like that. It can be pretty dysfunctional. It’s just like me and Clive, isn’t it? You know, one minute we’ll be agreeing on something, next minute, you’ll be saying something through gritted teeth, and I’ll be giving him the old evil eye. It’s, it is just how it is.

In regard to the children I think because they have got space around them and a zillion things to do it means that they can take off. You know, if you were all trapped under one roof and in confined quarters, then it would be very, very different. But as it is, because they are different characters, and that has developed too, they all have the different interests too. Annas is particularly good with the hounds, and Clemmie, of course, she spent all yesterday afternoon out with the horses. Nancy, she likes her dancing, and it’s good, because it means that, yes, they do all stick together, but they can also go off and be their own individual selves. They are very very unique characters each and every one of them and that in a way is what I enjoy about this time now with regards to the children. So far this is the best period I’ve enjoyed since them being little babies. You just get to see their independence and their characters and what they absorb and what they take in and that never fails to surprise me.

This stage is the best part because the children are becoming more independent and you’re getting really to see their characters shining through and I don’t know, you feel rejuvenated. It does make you feel more alive when you’ve got these youngsters bobbing about doing their thing and you think to yourself it’s all positive, it all good.

Your beloved Chalky passed away – what’s your favourite memory of her?

Sadly, we lost Chalky and that was awful. I mean, not unexpected, because obviously she was a good age. And I mean it happens. I mean if there’s one thing you preach when you live on a farm, it’s that you see the cycles of life. You know, you get to see it, but it still doesn’t make it any easier, because you know, particularly for the little ones, she’d been a constant, she’d always been there. But we were blessed in respect to the fact that she wasn’t particularly poorly, she wasn’t in any pain and she just faded away. But yes, it was hard and I think, to be honest with you, Sprout has found it incredibly difficult because Sprout is still looking for her.

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids concludes its third series on More4 on February 16.

Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of the FA Cup fourth round as we focus on Manchester City vs Salford City.

That match is one of five games kicking off at 3pm. The others are Burnley vs Mansfield Town, Norwich City vs West Brom, Port Vale vs Bristol City and Southampton vs Leicester City.

At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola, the City manager, said his players are “exhausted physically and mentally” having not had more than four days of rest between games since the turn of the year.

”Our priority is beating Salford and going to the next round. In this competition, over the last years, [we have been] reaching finals, finals and finals,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference.

”Unfortunately we could not win the last two finals but being there is always a success. I always think about that.

”Hopefully, before ⁠this long week that we need, because we are so, so exhausted physically and mentally from this incredible amount of games in many months — we can have a little break after the game.”

Last season, City thrashed Salford ⁠8-0 in the third round but Guardiola does not think that result will have a bearing on what happens today.

”Of course, they are [in] League Two and of course we play at home, but I try to knuckle into the mind of the players that nothing is for granted and that everything is difficult,” ‌he said.

”Of course, it could be easy afterwards but we have to do our job. That’s why in a tight competition in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, we have always been there. We have always behaved really, really good and Saturday ‌cannot be an exception.”

Elsewhere, James Ward-Prowse is in line to make his first Burnley start in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Mansfield.

A January signing on loan from West Ham, the former England midfielder made his debut as a substitute on Wednesday night as the Clarets ended their 16-match league winless run with a 3-2 come-from-behind victory at Crystal Palace.

”I was really pleased that he came on the other night and in the time he had, and with the dynamics of the game as they were, you saw his experience,” Scott Parker said.

”It’s another opportunity for him to get minutes. He’s not played a lot of football, albeit here a little bit with the under-21s, so it’s another opportunity for us to see his quality and what he can bring for us.”

Stand by for all the line-ups and team news from the upcoming matches.

Here is your latest court round-up for cases heard from February 9 – 13

9 cases heard before Northern Ireland courts this week

1. On Monday, February 9, Co Tyrone man, Padraig Anthony James Brolly, 26, was banned from entering Belfast as he was granted bail after seven months in custody. He is one of four people charged with a burglary offence following an incident in South Belfast in June 2025.
2. Kevin Duggan, 31, from Co Derry appeared in court on Monday charged with a number of offences which included attempting to incite sexual activity with children. He is alleged to have held the two teenage victims in his home while showing them a machete and spear-type weapon, offered them drugs, and suggested taking part in different sexual acts which they refused.
3. Aaron McCready, 28, of Donegal Road, Belfast, appeared in court on Tuesday, February 10, where he was accused of putting his ex-partner into a bath and dangling an electric toaster over the water after declaring he would kill her. he is also alleged to have tried to wrap a light switch cord around the woman’s neck as part of a sustained attack in her home.
4. Stephen Patrick David Crumley, 34, who is currently serving a prison sentence, received a further 9 months in custody after pleading guilty to ten charges of burglary and five counts of fraud by false representation. His offending occurred between October 27, 2024 and February 7, 2025 with the crime spree consisting of breaking into a total of nine businesses in the centre of Belfast – one of which he targeted twice.
5. Ezra Garfield was jailed for 19 months on Thursday after he set up a fake Instagram account in the name of a woman and claimed she was using it to harass him. He told police that a woman had had called him 17 times and had sent him a threatening Instagram message, however it was later discovered that he had created the account himself.
6. A court heard that a man who was found with dangerous chemicals in his house and an improvised grenade had no connection to terrorism and was not ideologicaly driven and suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. Radoslaw Kuc appeared in court on Thursday following an incident on January 29, 2025 in South Belfast, as he requested bail.
7. Sean Pearson, 32, from Culmore Park in Omagh, Co Tyrone, had an application to vary his bail denied when he asked the courts if his curfew could be extended to watch Derry City. Pearson is awaiting trial on charges dating back to May 2023 following an incident where a group of masked men claiming to be from the IRA held a motorist at gunpoint who was forced to drive an item to Omagh PSNI station.
8. Adam Crawford, 26, of Lenadoon Avenue was jailed for 10 months on Friday after he broke a man’s eye socket during a drug-fuelled assault in the city centre. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard the victim was attacked in broad daylight after he left the Ulster Reform Club with friends on May 25, 2024.
9. A former teacher appeared in court on Friday accused of sexually abusing children from two separate primary schools in Belfast. The 76-year-old man is also facing prosecution for allegedly molesting his own daughter as part of a campaign of historic offences. He cannot be named and the schools involved are not being identified to ensure the protection of any complainants.The pensioner has been charged with gross indecency towards unknown children from the two primary schools. The alleged offences were committed sometime over a 30-year period from 1975 to 2005.

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