‘Over two thousand cults exist in the United Kingdom.’
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Seconds after pressing play on the first episode of Netflix’s new drama Unchosen, I could already feel chills creeping up my spine when these words appeared on the screen.
I know very little about cults. When I hear the word, I instantly think of horrific historical cult leaders like Charles Manson, or Klaus growing a hippie cult in The Umbrella Academy. But in my ignorance, the idea of thousands of cults existing in 2026 shocked me to my core.
Inspired by real cults that exist in the UK, Unchosen tells the story of the fictional Fellowship of the Divine, a secluded Christian sect in England.
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The women’s roles are to be demure homemakers, looking after their children and caring for their husbands. The men’s roles are to provide and be the leaders for their families. And they’re all expected to lead devout lives dedicated to the tenets of their religion.
Rosie’s entire world is turned upside down when she starts to question the community she’s known here whole life (Picture: Justin Downing/Netflix)
She’s married to Adam, a pious man with a dark streak he’s kept concealed from his wife (Picture: Justin Downing/Netflix)
Key details about Unchosen
When is it out? The whole series is released on Tuesday April 21 on Netflix.
How many episodes are there? There are six episodes in total.
Who’s in the cast? The lead stars are Molly Windsor, Fra Fee, Asa Buttefield, Christopher Eccleston and Siobhan Finneran.
Who created Unchosen? The series was written by Julie Gearey, who previously created the TV series Intergalactic and has written on shows including Prisoners Wives, Coronation Street and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
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At the beginning of the series, the Fellowship is painted as a picture of peace and serenity, with smiles all around and laughing children playing together. But everything changes when a mysterious outsider called Sam (Fra Fee) enters their community and upends their lives.
Sam is an ex-convict with a violent past, whom Rosie (Molly) feels an instant gravitational pull towards when they inadvertently cross paths. Their connection is undeniable from the start, and as time goes on, the deep-rooted cracks in her marriage to Adam (Asa) deepen.
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The Fellowship is led by Mr Phillips (Christopher), a charismatic man with the power to wield unrestrained influence over his followers, convincing them that they are the ‘Chosen’, and that anyone who isn’t in their community is ‘Unchosen’.
That same philosophy goes for anyone who chooses to renounce their cult. They are seen as unworthy, ungodly, are treated as though they’re the scum of the earth, and are forced to cut off all contact with their friends and family as they’re cruelly discarded.
Sam’s arrival might help Rosie realise that her sheltered life was not the idyllic utopia she thought it was, but the horrors within the Fellowship were there all along. This society is run on a culture of coercive control, where brutality and abuse take place behind closed doors.
Sam changes everything when he comes into their lives (Picture: Rekha Garton/Netflix)
Mr Phillips wields unrestrained power over the Fellowship (Picture: Justin Downing/Netflix)
When Netflix released the trailer for Unchosen, TV fans were hooked right away, drawing instant parallels with films and TV shows like Midsommar and The Handmaid’s Tale. Nonetheless, it’s so rare to imagine a story like this set in modern-day England, which makes the reality around which this fictional tale is based feel that much more haunting.
Through Rosie’s eyes, I could see how someone who has only ever known this life would accept all she’s ever been told, and fear the unknown. Molly’s earnest performance tugged on my heartstrings, even when she frustratingly kept being drawn back into her toxic society.
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That frustration made me feel even more proud of her when she stood up for herself and called out behaviour that was not ok, knowing that doing so could at the least cause shame for her family, and at the most result in her being ostracised and separated from her daughter, Grace (Olivia Pickering).
The most impactful dramas on TV aren’t just a one-off thrill. They stay with you when the final episode has ended, making you question what you knew about certain parts of life, or even yourself. Unchosen demonstrates how important it is to look beyond the surface, delving deep until you discover what’s really bubbling underneath.
There’s more to Mrs Phillips than meets the eye (Picture: Justin Downing/Netflix)
Can Sam be trusted, or is he just a master manipulator? (Picture: Justin Downing/Netflix)
Rosie, a reserved and dutiful wife, is willing to rebel to do what’s morally right. Sam, a former prisoner, has kindness in his heart, but has also spent years refining his own skills of manipulation to ensure his survival. Adam, one of the most pious followers of their religion, is secretly harbouring a ruthless streak that his wife has never seen.
It’s plain to see that Mr Phillips is a dark and menacing figure. At first, his wife, Mrs Phillips (Siobhan Finneran), appears as though she is too – but the women in this series are not to be underestimated.
Verdict on Unchosen
Unchosen is, at times, a chilling watch, but you’ll be hooked from start to finish. And left with a desperate need to jump into some dark and fascinating internet rabbit holes.
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The horrifying violence inflicted by men in the drama is, at times, sadly no surprise, given the devastating world that we live in, but it is haunting nonetheless. I felt particularly unsettled watching Asa play such a sinister character, when I’ve come to know him so well as the kind-hearted Otis from Sex Education.
Fra’s masterfully cunning performance had me second-guessing Sam at every turn, changing my mind over whether I believed he had sincere intentions or was using Rosie for his own gain.
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The creative brains behind Unchosen couldn’t have chosen a better person to play a cult leader than Doctor Who star Christopher, with the nefarious air that Mr Phillips brings into every room he enters. And Siobhan stole every scene as Mrs Phillips, reminding me why I loved watching her so much as the sharp-tongued Miss O’Brien in Downton Abbey.
The thriller is coming out during what’s become an important release window for Netflix in the UK. In April 2024, the streaming platform launched the critically-acclaimed Baby Reindeer. In March 2025, Adolescence came out and became a global phenomenon.
Now, in April 2026, it’s Unchosen’s turn. Your next must-watch series has arrived – and you’re going to struggle not to binge it in one go.
Unchosen is available to stream from today on Netflix.
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A spokesperson said: “Any future disruption to supply could seriously affect our ability to reach patients as quickly as possible”
A vital air ambulance service has said it is “closely monitoring” aviation fuel availability amid ongoing international conflict. The ongoing conflict between Iran and America means fuel availability and costs are proving a problem across industries.
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The East Anglian Air Ambulance, which operates in Cambridgeshire, is watching its fuel consumption due to the ongoing conflict. Matthew Jones, Chief Executive Officer at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “East Anglian Air Ambulance crews, based in Cambridge and Norwich, treat five patients every day.
“Operating a 24/7 helicopter service depends on a consistent and reliable supply of aviation fuel. Any disruption risks delaying our response and, ultimately, putting lives in danger.”
Mr Jones said there is “no immediate threat” to fuel availability, although the ambulance service is “closely monitoring” the situation. Mr Jones added: “As a charity, rising fuel costs are already having a significant impact, and any future disruption to supply could seriously affect our ability to reach patients as quickly as possible when every second counts.
“It is crucial that policymakers act now to protect air ambulance charities from fuel supply challenges and to ensure emergency response capability is properly safeguarded for the patients who rely on us.”
Plans have now been submitted by Colourbox Montessori School Ltd to change the former school into a pre-school. Kennett Primary School still runs as a school, but moved from its former 19th century building in November 2025.
If approved, the pre-school could accommodate up to 64 children and employ 15 new staff members. The pre-school would open from Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6pm.
The applicant does not wish to make changes to the existing buildings or part of the exterior. The trees, boundary hedging, and soft landscaping will also be retained as part of the plans.
As part of the plans, 10 onsite car parking spaces are proposed, alongside a separate cycle storage facility. There is also already a playground on site.
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The applicant said the proposals to reuse a former primary school are “wholly appropriate”. The applicant added that the proposals will “suitably respect the character, scale and design of existing neighbouring and nearby dwellings along with the setting, character and appearance of the wider rural surroundings”.
The school building was first built in 1865 by W. Godfrey, who was lord of the manor and rector. It was also used as a school then and had an adjoining school house.
In the winter months, especially in the UK, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D – mainly because the biggest source is sunlight. This is why the NHS advises adults to take a vitamin D supplement, to support bone, skin and muscle health, while also protecting your immune system.
Whether you prefer a tablet or a spray, you might be wondering if there’s an optimal daily dose when it comes to the best vitamin D supplements. For adults, experts recommend taking 10 micrograms or 400IU (International Units). The NHS recommend taking no more than 4000IU a day.
But are there people who may need more of the supplement? “People of colour and those who may have moved from hotter countries [may need more], because their body is used to higher levels of sun exposure. It’s also really important for pregnant women, but it can benefit everyone,” explains Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP.
Of course, vitamin D isn’t just found in sunlight – you can get some through your diet, too, with Dr Ahmed explaining that the “best sources of vitamin D come from oily fish, eggs and lots of vegetables.” While he adds that the main causes of a deficiency are: “Low sun exposure and having an unbalanced diet. People with vitamin d deficiency can get muscle aches, fatigue, low energy and weakened bone health, which can then increase the risk of fractures as a result.’
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So, what source of vitamin D is best? “Vitamin D2 is from plants, while D3 is from animals. D3 is usually preferred and recommended,” adds Dr Ahmed. Some D3 supplements are also paired with vitamin K2, which helps direct calcium into the bones and teeth rather than allowing it to build up in arteries, kidneys or soft tissues.
Before you start taking vitamin D, it’s worth speaking speak with your GP to find out which dose is right for you. Once you know the suitable dosage, below, you’ll find my guide to the best vitamin D supplements, including capsules, sprays and gummies.
Police are asking people to check their video doorbells and CCTV for any sightings of the missing teenager
A teenager from Cambridgeshire has gone missing and police are asking the public to call 999 if they see him. Joshua Pierce, 17, was reported missing yesterday (April 20) after last being seen leaving his house in Trinity Close, Fordham at 9am.
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The 17-year-old is described as 6’2”, of slim build, with red hair. When Joshua was last seen, he left the address on his push bike and may be cycling in the East Cambridgeshire area.
DI Emma Garwood said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Joshua’s welfare, with searches of surrounding areas taking place and set to continue.
“Please can anyone in the area check their video doorbells and CCTV from yesterday onwards for any sightings of Joshua, to try and help trace where he has gone.”
Cambridgeshire Police has urged anyone who has seen him or who has information concerning his whereabouts to call 999, quoting incident 573 of April 20.
Drivers who are members of The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have begun the first of two 24 hour walkouts this week.
They are the first walkouts in a series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the Tube.
But why are the drivers striking, when are they and how much disruption can passengers expect? Here is all you need to know.
What time are the Tube strikes?
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As it stands, members of the RMT union are striking at the following times (all BST):
21–22 April (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
23–24 April (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
19–20 May (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
21–22 May (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
16–17 June (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
18–19 June (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
Why is the strike taking place on the Tube?
Transport for London (TfL) is offering Tube drivers the chance to work a four-day week, but the RMT has rejected the offer.
Under the plans the majority of drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours – but they would work longer shifts on days they work.
The RMT argues the working day would be too long under the proposals, risking driver fatigue and potentially compromising safety.
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The union instead wants to negotiate a 32-hour week over four days for drivers, meaning they would work three fewer hours each week for the same salary.
TfL is currently rejecting the RMT proposals, saying drivers do not need to take up the four day week offer and could remain on a five-day week if they want.
Members of the Aslef union have also already voted to accept TFL’s four-day week offer.
How much disruption is expected?
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All London Underground lines will be affected by the Tube strikes between April 21 and 24, TfL has said.
No service is expected at all on the Piccadilly and Circle lines during the strikes.
A reduced service will run across other lines but “significant disruption” is expected.
Any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train, TfL is warning.
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No service is expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate.
No service is expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
Outside of the specific strike times disruption is also expected.
While normal services will be expected until mid-morning on the Tuesday and Thursday, services will then begin to ramp-down before the 24-hour strikes.
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Tube services that do run on Tuesday and Thursday will finish early. You should aim to have completed your journey by 8pm, TfL has said.
On the Wednesday and Friday, significant disruption will take place on all lines until midday.
Tube services that do run will start later than normal with no service expected before 7.30am on Wednesday and Friday.
In the afternoon on those days some disruption is expected until the evenings.
The Amy Wyatt star took to Instagram to share a series of selfies alongside Olivia, thanking her for being ‘our hero’.
‘Find yourself a friend who will drive half way across Yorkshire to rescue you when you’ve been hit by a Lorry!’ Natalie added in the caption, followed by: ‘RIP little red car’.
In the comments, she shared an update, confirming that no one was hurt in the accident.
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Dawn Taylor actress Olivia also commented, leaving a series of red love heart emojis, followed by two red car emojis.
Understandably, Natalie’s former Emmerdale co-stars were concerned, taking to the comments to share their disbelief.
When the limo she was riding in with the other Emmerdale women careened off the road and onto an icy lake, Amy tried to cross to dry land but ended up falling into the water.
She later died in hospital, after managing to tell husband Matty that she loved him one last time.
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Speaking to Metro at the Cure Usher Ball last year, Natalie reflected on filming her dramatic exit scenes.
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‘It was really sad,’ she admitted. ‘It was very cold, very sad, but it was also quite fun.
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‘I got to do a lot of things that I’ve never done before in my career, quite a few ticks on the bucket list. Things that I don’t necessarily have to do ever again!
‘I don’t need to be plunged into icy water ever again. People do it for fun nowadays, but I just think those people are mad.’
Earlier this year, it was announced that Olivia would also be leaving the ITV soap, with Dawn’s final story expected to play out in the summer.
That woeful run of form has damaged Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season, sat seven points behind fifth place Liverpool.
With their focus on the FA Cup this weekend, Chelsea could drop to as low as 11th place before the week is out if the sides below them pick up victories.
‘No Champions League football will be a kick in the teeth for Chelsea,’ Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports.
Palmer has been linked with a return to Manchester (Picture: Getty)
‘Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don’t think so.
‘Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was playing there next season.
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‘I don’t see Enzo Fernandez leaving though. Where is he going? No one’s paying £100m for him. And Chelsea aren’t going to accept a loss on him.
‘There’s a lot that needs to be done at Chelsea. They need a centre-forward, badly. They need a goalkeeper.
United could have Champions League football back on offer next season (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve got some good defensive midfielders in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos – but they need another player in there with a bit more guile.’
Despite talk of being unsettled in London, Palmer insisted last week he is happy with life in the capital.
‘When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway.
‘I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea. We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’ve got the FA Cup semi-final and if we finish in a Champions League spot it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need.
Eleven Eleven in Holcombe offered brunch and evening menus, alongside cocktails and other drinks in a cosy setting with velvet-style booths and bright, modern décor.
The establishment has been closed for around two weeks, despite being listed as open from Wednesday to Sunday online, and there are no notices on the door or windows of the restaurant to suggest why.
Customers have been openly speculating about the sudden closure on social media, but it seems that an official update is yet to be issued by the owners.
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Documents on the Companies House website show that an application to register the business was first made in April 2024, with Miss Paula Jane Kitchen and Mr Sam Davenport both listed as managing directors.
On March 1, 2026, a notice of ceasing to be a person of significant control was issued naming Mr Davenport, suggesting that he may have taken a step back.
The Bolton Road West property is now up for sale at £400,000.
The mixed‑use premises is being advertised as a ‘substantial and versatile’ property offering ‘immediate trading potential’.
According to the estate agents listing, the ground floor features an open‑plan trading area of around 1,515 square ft, with a central bar, fully equipped commercial kitchen and customer toilets, with a further 568 square ft basement for storage or cellar use.
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Above the business, a self‑contained flat of roughly 1,039 square ft provides additional living accommodation, which agents say could suit an owner‑operator, staff housing or generate rental income, subject to consents.
The Bury Times has attempted to contact the restaurant owners for more information.
Lize van der Walt shot to fame after appearing on the Gladiators TV series in 1997 and has now sadly passed away
Jordan Lloyd Beck and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
12:01, 21 Apr 2026
A Gladiators star has sadly died at the age of 60 after battling cancer. Lize van der Walt, known as Gold on the popular British TV series, shot to fame when she joined the line-up in 1997.
Lize, originally from South Africa, was a “talented athlete” before she joined Gladiators where she earned the nickname Gold and established herself as a standout personality on the show.
On social media pages for Gladiators, it was announced today (Tuesday) that she had died last week on April 19, reports The Mirror. Tributes have since been pouring in for the “golden girl” of the show in the wake of the sad news.
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An emotional statement from a Gladiators spokesperson read: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gladiators’ golden girl, Gold.
“Originally from South Africa, Lize was a talented athlete long before Gladiators, excelling in the 400m and relay.
“Lize joined the UK Gladiators in 1997, bringing strength, spirit and determination to the Arena.
“Chosen from thousands of applicants to become one of the show’s new Gladiators, she quickly made her mark. Although injury limited her appearances, she showed incredible resilience and when she did compete, she proved that all that glistens truly was Gold.”
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It continued: “Our thoughts are with her son Michael, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.
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