Gemma Arterton and Bill Nighy star in this acclaimed wartime drama about London screenwriters during the Blitz — viewers are calling it a ‘delight from start to finish’

Enthusiasts of period dramas seeking the ideal film should search no further.

The historical picture Their Finest unfolds in wartime London and features former James Bond star Gemma Arterton as Catrin Cole, a screenwriter who unwittingly battles gender discrimination in Britain’s film industry.

Set in 1940, Catrin secures employment creating a propaganda film designed to lift spirits, featuring declining star Ambrose Hilliard, portrayed by Bill Nighy, who initially resists the project.

Teaming up with co-writer Buckley (Sam Claflin), the threesome embarks on producing a picture intended to inspire the nation while captivating American audiences.

Their Finest draws on Lissa Evans’ novel Their Finest Hour and a Half, presenting a romantic, humorous, yet poignant depiction of a young woman discovering her path and voice amid wartime chaos, reports the Mirror.

Following its release seven years ago, Their Finest has garnered an exceptional 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside numerous glowing critiques.

One admirer described the picture as “escapism”, noting: “There’s a sweet love story and some wonderful work by an array of British actors. My heavens, this is charming, rib-tickling escapism.”

Another viewer observed: “It feels inappropriate to be moved by a film about propaganda during an era of ‘alternative facts’. Yet I found my soul soothed by Their Finest.”

A third remarked: “A delight from start to finish, except for the part where the film rips your heart out.” Another viewer admitted: “Love this movie so much, I’ve watched it at least 4 times. Give me more.”

“Tremendous, witty, moving”, one viewer simply commented, while another shared similar praise: “This is one of the most beautiful movies I’ve seen. Great story, great message!”

Who stars in Their Finest?

• Gemma Arterton as Catrin Cole
• Sam Claflin as Tom Buckley
• Bill Nighy as Ambrose Hilliard
• Helen McCrory as Sophie Smith
• Jack Huston as Ellis Cole
• Eddie Marsan as Sammy Smith
• Claudia Jessie as Doris Cleavely
• Jake Lacy as Carl Lundbeck
• Richard E Grant as Roger Swain

Where can I watch Their Finest?

Their Finest is presently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, though it won’t remain online for much longer. It’ll be accessible until Monday, 15 June, meaning fans must act swiftly.

The reality TV star and Kiss breakfast show host surprised Soccer Aid viewers during her England debut

Soccer Aid fans said Love Island star Chloe Burrows was ‘robbed’ after delivering the ‘best ball of the match’. The star-studded football match returned for 2026 on ITV on Sunday (May 31) with footballing legends and celebrities joining together to raise money for UNICEF.

The game sees England take on a World XI, with both teams aiming to lift the trophy. World XI won last year, reclaiming the title back from England after the team’s sixth win in the last seven years.

Playing for England this year were former professionals Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Jack Wilshere, who were joined by celebrities such as Tom Hiddleston, GK Barry Danny Dyer, Jack Whitewall, Olly Murs, Chloe Burrows and Joe Marler.

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Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Matic played for the Rest of the World XI, joined by the likes of Nicky Byrne, Dermot Kennedy and Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) from Gladiators.

The World XI team looked set to equalise at the last minute, but Lukas Podolski opted to square the ball instead of take a shot at Joe Marler. Not long after, the referee blew the whistle to signify the end of the match and England were victorious. The final score was England 3-2 World XI.

For the second year in a row, Angry Ginge was handed the man of the match award. The YouTuber has put in another impressive display, playing the full match and making one crucial clearance of the line earlier in the game.

More than £16million has been raised for UNICEF this evening, taking the historic total from the event to around £137million.

But viewers appeared to be impressed by Chloe Burrows, who came on in the second half. Chloe rose to fame on the seventh series of Love Island in 2021, and now has her own podcast Chloe vs The World and co-presents the Kiss breakfast show alongside Tyler West.

The Love Island and Celebs Go Dating star exclusively told Mirror that she played at semi-pro level ahead of making her debut at Soccer Aid for England.

Impressed by her play, Soccer Aid fans took to X as @kiyburkeera said: “Chloe burrows I wasn’t familiar with your game fair play c money !!!,” as @Si_23Q said: “Chloe Burrows robbed of a superb assist #SoccerAid.”

@svnxvx wrote: “All the talent on the pitch and Chloe Burrows played the best ball of the entire match. Shame it fell to Theo Walcott #SoccerAid.”

@Larsson_Maeda said: “Chloe Burrows should’ve had assist of the match, Theo Walcott finishing is atrocious #SoccerAid.”

@LJ1862 wrote: “Chloe Burrows putting Kouhyar to shame tonight #socceraid,” as @occfox added: “Chloe Burrows has got a kick on her you know fair play- me with minimal ball knowledge #socceraid.”

@iGeorgiaWalton also said: “What a knock that was from Chloe Burrows‍ #socceraid,” as @Makka_pakz added: “Chloe Burrows pinging a ball to Theo Walcott was not on my 2026 bingo card #socceraid.”

@Siiel12 also wrote: “Chloe Burrows came on and said ‘what am I doing?’ then made that outrageous pass #socceraid,” as @gbenson77 echoed: “Can we all just appreciate that through ball by Chloe Burrows #socceraid.”

Leicester: Pearson; Radwan, Wand, Bailey, Hassell-Collins; Titcombe, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Blamire, Heyes, Martin, Chessum (c), Liebenberg, Reffell, Moro.

Replacements: Clare, Van der Flier, Hurd, Henderson, Watson, Cracknell, Whiteley, Kata.

Exeter: Woodburn; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Ikitau, Ridl; Skinner, Varney; Sio, Norey, Iosefa-Scott, Jenkins (c), Zambonin, Hooper, Roots, Fisilau.

Replacements: Dweba, Burger, Tchumbadze, Tuima, Tshiunza, Cairns, Wimbush, Brown-Bampoe.

Sin-bin: Woodburn (58).

Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe.

According to new analysis by Rightmove, these towns still have relatively affordable homes compared to many other areas.

Peterlee took the top spot as the cheapest seaside town, with average asking prices of £120,657, while Seaham secured the tenth place in the list with an average price of £157,994.

These figures are well below the UK’s May average market price of £378,304, suggesting that coastal living remains affordable in several parts of the country.

Rightmove’s analysis looked at around 100 seaside towns across Britain, and found that coastal towns still offered better value for money than other parts of the country.

Here are the top 10 cheapest seaside towns in Britain, with the average asking price:

1. Peterlee, County Durham, £120,657

2. Grimsby, Lincolnshire, £133,706

3. Ashington, Northumberland, £133,775

4. Bootle, Merseyside, £141,680

5. Blackpool, Lancashire, £142,277

6. Fleetwood, Lancashire, £147,910

7. Birkenhead, Merseyside, £148,942

8. Workington, Cumbria, £155,013

9. Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland, £157,754

10. Seaham, County Durham, £157,994

In other parts of the analysis, seaside towns in Merseyside and Wales were named as coastal hotspots where house prices are rising the fastest, outpacing the wider UK market.

Bootle in Merseyside topped the chart with an 11 per cent increase in average asking prices, yet remained below the national average at £141,680.

Properties in Sandbanks, Poole commanded the highest average price tag at £1.12 million.

Rightmove’s property expert, Colleen Babcock, said: “The fastest-growing seaside markets this year show that demand for coastal homes remains resilient, even as overall price growth across the UK stays more modest.

“While some locations are seeing strong price increases, there are still many areas where living by the sea is more affordable, giving buyers a wider range of options depending on their budget.

“We’re also seeing that homes priced realistically continue to attract interest, particularly in locations where price growth is being supported by buyer demand.”

Katie Price is set to appear on her daughter Princess Andre’s ITV2 series despite previously being ‘banned’.

The former glamour model, 48, previously hit out at Princess’ reality show and claimed that she is considered ‘trash’ who ruined her daughter’s brand.

Speaking to her sister Sophie Price on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, Katie alleged that she was deliberately cut out because it wasn’t a good look for the budding beauty influencer.

This came before a TV insider claimed that Princess was left ‘genuinely’ upset by her mum’s feud with dad Peter Andre, as it ‘ruined’ The Princess Diaries.

Now, however, Katie is said to have filmed scenes with her 18-year-old daughter this week as it shoots its third season.

‘Princess loves her mum, regardless of what is going on. Katie filmed with Princess on Friday,’ a source told the Daily Mail this weekend.

‘Other family members are featured in her show, so why shouldn’t Katie be allowed?’

Discussing her absence from the series, Katie previously said: ‘I want the best for Junior and Princess, and I would never get in the way of it.

‘Princess is taking that same path, trying to do the same as what I’ve done, which I absolutely love and adore [about] Princess.

‘But I have not been allowed to go on any photoshoot, no signings or Superdrug openings or anything like that. Why? Because I’m not allowed and I’m not welcome.

‘And it puts Princess in a situation because I don’t want her to feel she has to choose between me and her work because I want her to do well.’

The Princess Diaries, which charts the teen’s endeavours and family life, has been a hit with audiences after becoming ITV2’s biggest launch outside of Love Island and Big Brother. It also appeared on the long list for the NTAs this year.

Katie added that it was her ex-husband and his management team who were stopping her involvement. Led by Claire Powell, CAN Associates also used to manage Katie.

‘Unfortunately, the management team and Pete won’t allow me to be near here. They have made it clear: they won’t allow Princess to do photoshoots with me, they won’t allow me to go to any events with Princess – because they think I am trash, basically.

‘Now, everyone knows she’s my daughter. So what difference does it make? Like if it wasn’t for me or Pete, Princess and Junior wouldn’t be known anyway. And I find it an insult, as I’ve been in the industry for 30 years.’

Fortunately for Princess and older brother Junior, their parents have called a truce now, which even led to Katie featuring via phone calls in the second series of Princess’ show.

Releasing an unexpected joint statement after years of mudslinging in the press after divorcing in 2009, they said in February this year: ‘Katie Price and Peter Andre have decided to close the door on the past and move forward into a new chapter with positivity and respect.

‘We are both focused on creating a calm and supportive environment for our children. We have reached a mutual agreement, both legally and personally confirming that neither of us will speak negatively about the other going forward.’

They added: ‘We want to stand united for our children. We are hoping this is the start of a positive relationship. We ask for understanding and support from both the media and the public as we move ahead.’

While pop star Peter has been married to NHS doctor, 36, since 2015. Katie is now famously married for the fourth time to Lee Andrews.

Their romance has made countless headlines since they met in January, with Katie being warned to ‘run’ from the so-called millionaire businessman after the truth over his disappearance emerged.

On Wednesday, Katie revealed that Lee was holed up in a Dubai prison and claimed he was being held on espionage charges after nearly two weeks of no contact from him.

However, this has been disputed, with other reports suggesting he had to pay a four-figure fine after being detained over a ‘private civil matter’.

The Princess Diaries series 2 is available to watch on ITVX.

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There will be chances of thundery showers in Manchester throughout the week

Greater Manchester is expected to face a week of rain and potential thunderstorms in a sudden shift following the recent heatwave.

Forecasters have predicted ‘thundery showers’ and periods of heavy rain this coming week across the region, with the weather to take a sudden turn into Monday (June 1).

The Met Office said on Sunday that the thunderstorms and heavy downpours are due to hit much of the UK in a ‘big change’ in conditions after the end of the heatwave, which saw temperatures hit record-breaking levels.

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The change in conditions come after the UK baked earlier this week, with 35.1C measured in Kew Gardens, west London, and 32.9C recorded at Cardiff’s Bute Park, on Tuesday.

In Manchester, according to BBC Weather, there will be chances of ‘thundery showers’ every day from Monday to Thursday. Temperatures will still be mild, between 16C and 18C, but there will be periods of heavy rain and cloud.

From Monday (June 1), a band of rain will move in from the west, and will continue for much of the day. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will then see the potential for thunderstorms, particularly in early evenings.

It comes after the Met Office said there was a ‘big change on the way’, with strengthening winds, rain and thunderstorms affecting much of the UK this coming week.

Rebecca Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the weather service, said: “Going into next week, there is a big change on the way. We’ve got spells of rain, possible thunderstorms, and some strengthening winds through much of the week.

“The other part of the story is the temperatures will be much lower compared to the week just gone. They’ll be around average for the time of year, which typically is around 17 to 19 degrees in the north and around 18 to 21 degrees in the south, so about 14 degrees lower in some places compared to the previous week.”

On Monday, heavy rain is expected to cross the whole country. Ms Mitchell added: “We’re not expecting too many impacts from this because it has been so dry recently for many places, and actually for some areas the rain will be welcome, I think, for gardeners, farmers, anyone hoping for some rain.

“And then, following that, into Tuesday, we’ve got some heavy showers and potential thunderstorms. The main areas likely to see some thunderstorms would be central and southern areas, so Northern Ireland, northern England, southern England, and Wales.”

Booze, a secluded settlement in Arkengarthdale in the Yorkshire Dales, is home to only a small number of households but has become well known because of its quirky name and isolated location.

Despite what many visitors first assume, the name has nothing to do with alcohol.

The hamlet’s name actually comes from the Old English words “boga” and “hus,” meaning “house by the curved hill,” referring to the landscape overlooking Slei Gill and Arkle Beck.

Perched above Langthwaite in upper Swaledale, Booze is reached only by a steep, narrow single-track road winding up the hillside.

Its remoteness became national news in 2008 when Royal Mail announced it would no longer deliver mail directly to the hamlet due to health and safety concerns over the road’s steep gradient and difficult access.

The decision meant residents were left facing a round trip of around an hour to collect their post from Richmond.

Postal deliveries were eventually restored after improvements were made to the road by North Yorkshire Council.

Though tiny today, Booze was once much larger.

The 1851 census recorded 41 houses in the hamlet, with many residents employed in farming and lead mining, industries that shaped much of Arkengarthdale during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The surrounding hills are still marked by the remains of old mining levels and spoil heaps linked to the area’s industrial past.

Local legend also tells of a mining disaster near Boldershaw, where miners reportedly blasted into an underground lake, flooding the workings and drowning dozens of men and pit ponies.

Although historians have questioned parts of the story, it remains one of the Dale’s best-known mining tales.

Today, Booze is better known for its peaceful scenery and unusual road sign than its industrial heritage.

Visitors travelling through Arkengarthdale often stop for photographs beside the village sign, while walkers and cyclists exploring the Yorkshire Dales pass through the hamlet on routes across the surrounding hills.

Ironically, despite the name, there is no pub in Booze itself.

The nearest place for a pint is the nearby Red Lion Inn in Langthwaite, which has become famous in its own right after appearing in the television series All Creatures Great and Small.

Weather experts have warned of a ‘big change’ with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds

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A “big change” is predicted this week as thunder and heavy rain is set to replace the recent heatwave. The UK was scorched earlier this week with temperatures up to a record 35.1C measured in Kew Gardens, west London.

However, there will be a massive drop in temperatures going forward, including 17C to 19C in the North. The South, meanwhile, could see around 18C to 21C.

Rebecca Mitchell, senior operational meteorologist at the weather service, said: “Going into next week, there is a big change on the way. We’ve got spells of rain, possible thunderstorms, and some strengthening winds through much of the week.

“The other part of the story is the temperatures will be much lower compared to the week just gone. They’ll be around average for the time of year, which typically is around 17 to 19 degrees in the north and around 18 to 21 degrees in the south, so about 14 degrees lower in some places compared to the previous week.”

On Monday, heavy rain is expected to cross the whole country, particularly in parts of Wales, Ms Mitchell said.

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“We’re not expecting too many impacts from this because it has been so dry recently for many places, and actually for some areas the rain will be welcome, I think, for gardeners, farmers, anyone hoping for some rain,” she said.

“And then, following that, into Tuesday, we’ve got some heavy showers and potential thunderstorms. The main areas likely to see some thunderstorms would be central and southern areas, so Northern Ireland, northern England, southern England, and Wales.”

For the rest of the week, much of the county will see “unsettled weather” along with some sunny spells and highs of low-20Cs, she said. The cooler conditions come after at least 14 people died during the heatwave after getting into difficulties in bodies of water, prompting emergency services to issue safety warnings.

On Sunday morning, South Yorkshire Police said a search remained ongoing at the River Don in Mexborough after the force had received reports that an 11-year-old boy had entered the water on Saturday evening but had not been seen getting out.

Officers were called to the scene at Ferry Boat Lane at 7.59pm on Saturday and emergency crews from the National Police Air Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services also responded, police said.

The boy’s family had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers. Thousands of people in Kent were without drinking water or experienced disruptions to their supply over the weekend as South East Water continued to grapple with issues following the hot weather.

On Sunday evening, the company said drinking water supplies had been restored for “most customers” across the county, including those in Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Some 4,058 customers may still be experiencing low pressure or intermittent supply in areas including Whistable, Coxheath and Loose, South East Water said. The company apologised for the disruption and said it was working to resolve the issues.

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The BBC’s Paris correspondent, James Waterhouse, described the French capital as “jubilant” on Sunday as he reported from the Champ de Mars where fans greeted the Paris St-Germain (PSG) players after their Champions League win.

But celebrations were tainted on Saturday, as thousands of police officers were deployed to curb unrest that disrupted public services and left 219 people injured.

Eight people were in a serious condition following clashes between football fans and police, France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.

French authorities said that 780 people were arrested in Paris after clashes.

More on this story here.