Reviews of the new 10-part horror comedy series starring Matthew Rhys are full of praise

Fans of Stephen King in particular have been told this new series is a must watch.

The first couple of episodes of Widow’s Bay are streaming now and early reviews urge audiences not to miss out. In fact, some have claimed that it is the best new show of the year so far.

However, while critics have been able to make their judgement on the entire 10-part series, fans will face a wait. Only two episodes have landed on Apple TV+ so far.

Following instalments will be released on a weekly basis, each Wednesday. As a result, the finale is expected to be available sometime in June.

Star of Netflix series The Beast in Me and The Americans Matthew Rhys leads the cast as Mayor Tom Loftis. As expected, it is set in Widow’s Bay, a quaint island town 40 miles off the coast of New England where something lurks beneath the surface.

The Mayor is desperate to revive his struggling community. Not only is there no Wi-Fi, spotty cellular reception and very little to actually do, he must also contend with superstitious locals who believe their island is cursed.

They don’t respect him or his position but he is determined to build a better future for his teenage son and turn the island into a tourist destination. Even in the face of some success, unfortunately, it seems the locals were right. After decades of calm, the old stories that seemed too ludicrous to be true start happening again.

Reviews have already begun to be published online and the vast majority are extremely positive. In fact, at the time of writing, Widow’s Bay has managed to record a perfect 100% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes against 23 reviews.

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Critics have so far praised the show’s blending of the comedy and horror genres, highlighting that the series is so far a thrill for fans of both genres. As one person pointed out: “Just about every horror trope is accounted for, and they are masterfully woven together through the eyes of several of Widow’s Bay’s most quirky residents.”

Another declared: “Apple TV’s delightfully oddball horror-comedy may have a few flaws, but it’s like almost nothing else on TV at the moment.”

One reviewer penned: “A brilliant horror comedy packed with atmosphere – it’s Jaws meets The Shining meets Veep! Matthew Rhys stars in yet another great show backed up by a very strong cast. Dippold & Murai have created something special.”

Meanwhile, one verdict claimed: “While still feeling original, it riffs on supernatural legends and ghost stories that come naturally to old seafaring towns, with references to classic sea horror like The Fog, and Jaws. Amid the supernatural tension and jeopardy, it’s also a lot of fun.”

One seemed to agree as they said: “Widow’s Bay starts as a horror-comedy that is engaging, scary and entertaining from all angles. The combination of clever character development, subtle comedy and horror is a beautiful concoction that makes for must-watch TV.”

Another added: “Eerie and uniquely haunting, the outstanding visuals, coupled with the exceptional performances, ensure that the series beams like a lighthouse, waiting to welcome lost souls back home.”

While others confidently stated that Widow’s Bay should be considered a highlight of the year: “The result is a series that’s as funny as it is unsettling, with moments so genuinely scary you can’t help but laugh. Without a doubt, creator Katie Lippold has delivered one of the best new shows of 2026.”

In a similar vein, another critic put forward: “A charmingly ghoulish saga about a locale beset by the sins of the past. It’s also, to date, the best new show of the year.”

Widow’s Bay is streaming on Apple TV+.

Jack Grealish says his recovery from the operation he had on his season-ending foot injury is going extremely well and that his surgeon is delighted with the progress.

The 30-year-old England midfielder, who is on loan at Everton, had the operation on a stress fracture 10 weeks ago.

He suffered the injury during a 1-0 win against his former club Aston Villa in January.

“I feel really good in myself now. I had a 10-week Zoom call with the surgeon, who said it couldn’t be looking any better at this stage,” he told BBC Sport.

“So for me, it’s happy days and so good to hear news like that.”

Grealish has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists.

“As a footballer it’s always difficult being injured,” he said.

“I came to the Merseyside derby game and it got me a bit emotional, because its something I miss doing so much.”

He has a year left on his Manchester City contract, and BBC Sport previously reported that Everton would be interested in signing him on a permanent basis if they can negotiate a lower price than City’s rough valuation of £50m.

“I can’t thank [Everton] enough for the way they’ve been with me since I’ve been injured – they’ve been brilliant. From the staff, to the players, to the manager,” he added.

TV legend Derek Thompson is returning to Casualty.

The actor, who is 78, left his role as Charlie Fairhead in 2024. He played the role for 38 years, making him the longest serving cast member after joining the show when it first began in 1986.

Charlie departed Holby City ED after making the decision to retire. Before this though, Charlie’s life was put in danger after being stabbed by a patient.

Finally feeling the weight of his lengthy career, Charlie realised he needed to give himself a break and handed in his notice.

Joined by friend Josh (Ian Bleasdale), who worked as a paramedic back in the day, Charlie then got into a brand new yellow beetle and prepared to leave for Cyprus, ready to find his son Louie.

Charlie and Josh drove off ready for their new adventure together, leaving their friends behind as they got back to work, ready to do the most important thing Charlie dedicated so much of his life to.

Two years on from his departure, Charlie is set to head back to Holby ED.

Whether he’s returning as a nurse, patient, or simply to visit his friends is yet to be revealed, but it’s said that he’s already been filming on set in Wales.

Metro understands that while Derek is reprising his role, it is only for a short storyline.

‘Fans will be delighted to see Charlie. The character was never killed off and the door was left open for a return’, a source told The Sun.

‘Viewers will have to wait to see how Charlie’s storyline pans out. But it is an appearance rather than a permanent return to the cast.’

Last Saturday, the medical drama’s latest boxset Lethal Legacy kicked off.

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Former Emmerdale star Mark Womack has joined the show, playing the role of domineering Colonel Jack Bard, whose powerful hold over his subordinates, and ties to Flynn Byron (Olly Rix), threaten to shake the bedrock of the ED.

When history begins to repeat itself, Flynn faces a past he believed was long behind him, while Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) and Matty Linklater (Aaron Julius) turn to an unexpected source of comfort. Also, a decision made by Matty pushes Dylan Keogh (William Beck) away from the son he’s only just started to get to know.

Meanwhile, Jodie Whyte (Anna Chell) uncovers a disturbing truth buried deep within a local estate and risks everything to expose it.

Trouble within the military casts a shadow, while strained relationships come to the fore as the team struggles to keep the ED afloat. With old wounds reopening, the team need to pull together – or watch everything unravel.

Lethal Legacy will be an action-filled exploration of the impact the past can have and how it can be challenged, reshaped – and ultimately broken.

Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier has been crowned the UK’s best seaside pier, winning the National Piers Society’s Pier of the Year 2026 award following a £2.2 million renovation. The historic Victorian pier boasts rides, amusement arcades, fish and chips, and a theatre — and it’s not Brighton or Blackpool.

A vast seaside pier offering classic British coastal entertainment has been crowned the nation’s finest – and it may surprise you.

Britain boasts stunning coastlines, from expansive golden beaches, salt marshes and dunes to striking chalk cliffs, hidden coves and caves. However, what distinguishes UK shores from anywhere else in the world is its remarkable collection of historic pleasure piers extending into the sea, embodying quintessential British seaside character.

Notable examples include Southend Pier in Essex, the world’s longest pleasure pier, the famous Brighton Palace Pier, and Blackpool Pier with its Victorian entertainment. Yet, one pier has remained somewhat overlooked – that is, until it was crowned the national Pier of the Year.

Following an extensive multimillion-pound refurbishment, Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth was awarded ‘Pier of the Year 2026’ in the National Piers Society’s annual competition. The beloved attraction, originally constructed in 1858 as one of the Victorian timber-framed piers, secured top spot, triumphing over 62 other seaside piers from across the UK – and it offers a wonderful day out!

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Britannia Pier offers all the classic seaside attractions for a thoroughly enjoyable day out, boasting amusement arcades, rides, attractions, a bar, two pubs and stunning coastal views. At its far end sits the Britannia Pier Theatre, which has been welcoming audiences since 1880 and remains one of just five surviving pier theatres in the UK, continuing to draw visitors with an impressive programme of live entertainment.

There is no shortage of seaside dining options along the pier, with a varied selection of eateries including a fresh seafood bar, an American burger bar, and the much-loved Krispies Fish and Chip restaurant. Those with a sweet tooth will be well catered for, with food stalls serving up warm doughnuts, ice cream and churros, reports the Mirror.

In December 2022, the pier was acquired by businessman Joseph Abbott and his wife, Cherise Abbott, who have devoted themselves to restoring this cherished seaside landmark through a £2.2 million refurbishment that remains ongoing. As part of its fresh new look, the dated 1970s signage has been replaced with a sleek, contemporary façade and an eight-metre digital advertising screen.

The amusement arcade has been significantly upgraded and expanded to three times its former size, with new rides, attractions and food stalls also added to the mix. Further plans are in place to renovate the Pier Tavern, one of the pier’s two pubs, with new bars and bifold doors opening out onto a seafront terrace, allowing visitors to make the most of the spectacular views.

Joseph told the BBC: “I used to come to Great Yarmouth as a child – my mum and dad used to bring me, and we used to always go on the pier… play on the rides and the games. To now own it and see it grow – it’s fantastic. To win this award… It’s a great achievement.”

The pier’s transformation has clearly caught visitors’ attention, with one TripAdvisor reviewer writing: “I was not looking forward to seeing the new pier as I was nostalgic for the old style, but good news is, the new pier looks fantastic and has been well renovated, feels so much more spacious now!

“New advertisement screen is excellent, the new renovated frontage of Britannia Pier looks good and professional, well done,” another commented.

Highlighting its classic seaside appeal, one visitor shared: “Enjoyed the pier amusements with grandchildren. There’s plenty of affordable 2p machines which do give out prizes and the attendant even gave us some ‘lucky’ 2ps, very happy kids, thank you.” Though they observed that the toilets might require “more regular cleaning”, during their visit last July.

Meanwhile, another visitor simply said: “A typical British pier. All the things you’d expect, bars, food, funfair, amusements. Worth a visit, lots to do. Nice view.”

Further details about the National Piers Society can be found on their website. Alternatively, plan your trip to Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth via their website.

Drivers are facing delays on the road

A major motorway is blocked due to an “obstruction” on the road. Drivers face long delays along the M11 southbound between Saffron Walden to Bishops Stortford this morning (Wednesday, April 29).

Traffic monitoring site Inrix reports the road is partially blocked. Inrix said: “M11 Southbound partially blocked, long delays due to obstruction on the road from J9A A11 (Saffron Walden) to J8 (Bishops Stortford).”

Emergency services have been contacted for more information.

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Frasers Group plc has bought the York Designer Outlet from the property firm  McArthurGlen.

Fraser Group plc is the retail and property conglomerate behind Sports Direct and the House of Fraser and was founded by Mike Ashley in 1982.

The deal, announced today, also includes Fraser Group Plc also buying the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

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The exterior of York Designer Outlet (Image: Pic supplied)

The company says the move reflects progress in extending its range of brands both as a landlord and retailer.

The 250,000 sq ft York Designer Outlet at Fulford is home to 120 leading UK and international brands and welcomes 4.3 million visitors annually.

The 170,000 sq ft East Midlands Designer Outlet, positioned near the M1 motorway, offers over 65 designer brands and has a footfall of 3.5 million visitors annually.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, said: “These strategic acquisitions reinforce our vision, leveraging strong partnerships with leading global brands to unlock mutual value – supporting their outlet strategies while driving growth. Today, we own over one-fifth of the UK outlet market and have a clear ambition to grow our share further.”

The sale price has not been disclosed.

Costco shoppers are sprinting to their nearest branch of the supermarket chain to get their hands on a Heinz gift set that will easily see you through this summer’s barbecue season

Costco is now stocking an item that could take your summer barbecues to the next level. With the warmer weather finally upon us, many Brits are starting to think about spending weekends in the garden with family and friends, enjoying a variety of foods cooked on an outdoor grill.

You’ll have noticed that supermarket shelves until recently filled with Easter eggs are now stocked with disposable barbecues, and there are more burgers than ever on display in the chilled meats section. And for those with a membership to Costco, you could also get yourself a Heinz product that takes your barbecues to a whole new level.

A post shared on Instagram by New Foods UK claimed that new “Heinz selection packs” were on offer at Costco. These selection packs come with six bottles of Heinz sauce, including tomato ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard – all the classics you need for a good summer barbecue.

The post featured a picture of the sauce selection, which appeared to include Classic Barbecue, Tomato Ketchup Pepinillo Cetriolino, American Burger, Yellow Mustard, Mayonnaise, and standard Tomato Ketchup.

New Foods UK captioned the image: “New Heinz Selection Packs spotted at @costco_uk!”

While the account claimed the sauces had been spotted in the UK Costco, Pepinillo Cetriolino is the Italian name for the Heinz Pickle Tomato Ketchup, which is standard ketchup with added pickle flavour. The mayonnaise was also listed as ‘Mayonesa’ on the bottle, which is the Spanish word for mayonnaise.

On the Costco UK website, you can buy a Heinz Selection Pack, but it does not come with the same selection of sauces that were featured in the Instagram post.

You still get tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and barbecue sauce, but instead of burger sauce and pickle ketchup, you get sweet chilli sauce and smoky baconnaise sauce.

The product description for the selection pack reads: “Heinz Selection Pack offers every condiment you may need for your picnic, from the Classic Tomato Ketchup and Barbecue Sauce to that little extra kick of Sweet Chilli and Smokey Baconnaise Sauce.”

Commenters on New Foods UK’s post were eager to get to their local Costco and buy the selection pack, no matter what sauces it comes with. Some said that Costco has stocked the sauces before, and they were a hit with their family last summer when barbecue season began.

One person said: “It’s like it’s a barbecue set.”

Another added: “They’ve had this two years running!”

To buy products from Costco, you must have a valid Costco membership card. In order to qualify for a Costco Gold Star Membership, you must be a current or retired employee of certain employment groups or professions, including working in education, civil service, armed forces, health service, fire and rescue service, police service, banking, and more.

If you don’t qualify for a Costco membership, you can still purchase an Online-Only Membership that allows you to shop for some products on their website. However, you cannot shop in a physical Costco store with this membership type.

After establishing himself at Scarlets, North joined Northampton in 2013, winning the Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup a year later.

He returned to Wales in 2018 on a national dual contract with Ospreys before leaving for Provence amid financial uncertainty in Welsh rugby.

His spell in France has not been helped by injury. Having suffered a ruptured Achilles in his final Wales game, against Italy in March 2024, he did not make his Provence debut until January 2025.

He has made 16 appearances for Provence, four of which have come this season.

North, who is married to former world champion sprint cyclist Becky James, said he is “still working on” on what the next chapter will be in his stellar career.

“But I am excited to see where that journey takes me,” he added.

The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011.

Fundraisers will head to Wishaw Golf Club for an annual golf tournament that will raise funds for Epilepsy Scotland in memory of a Lanarkshire schoolgirl.

The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011.

Natalie’s mum and dad Eileen and Eddie launched the charity foundation following the unexplained death of their daughter, who had epilepsy.

Over the years the foundation has kept the memory of the East Kilbride girl alive in people’s minds, and has raised a staggering total of over £180,000.

Natalie’s uncle, Iain Cairns from Wishaw, forms part of the committee and helps organise the event each year.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event, which will be held on Sunday, May 24, Iain said: “In the 15 years since we started the foundation we have raised close to £180,000 for the charity which shows the level support we have received.

“This year is no different thanks to our lead sponsors Vertu Toyota Hamilton. We have also received backing from businesses including KPP Accountants, Watson Towers, Halls Coaches and Serco who have all donated prizes.

“We’d like to thank all of them for their support, they always look after us.”

Around 140 golfers are set to take part in the fundraising highlight of the year and features a brand new car, courtesy of Vertu Toyota, as a prize for a hole-in-one at one of the greens.

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Other prizes include a hospitality trip to see Manchester United in the new season as well as four-balls at Royal Troon, Dundonald, the picturesque Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre and a host of other courses.

There is also the chance for a round of golf at Gleneagles with a Celtic legend as well a host of other top prizes.

Iain added: “We are doing all of this in memory of Natalie and that is what keeps us going. We would like to hit the £200,000 mark this year if we could.

“It might be a bit of a tough ask but we will try our best. It’s always a good day and hopefully the weather is kind to us.”

More information on the Funky Natz Foundation is available on its Facebook page. For more information on Epilepsy Scotland, visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

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For the first time, Ukraine has captured a Russian position using only ground robots and aerial drones, reports suggest. In a message posted on social media on April 14, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky said: “The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side.”

Zelensky offered no further details about the operation, but this points to a serious shift in how such robots are used. They are increasingly being deployed in direct combat in war zones. What was once imagined as the future is now a reality.

Until recently, these ground robots were used mainly by the Ukrainian army in support roles, including resupplying frontline positions, evacuating wounded soldiers, and carrying out mining or demining operations in targeted areas.

However, there have been other reported uses of these robots (also known as an unmanned ground vehicles) in combat roles in the war between Russia and Ukraine. In January 2026, Ukrainian forces were reported to have captured three Russian soldiers in Zaporizhzhia using a single ground robot. Footage of the incident, which circulated online, showed the impact of facing a robotic system in combat written on the faces of the captured soldiers.

This has been going on for some time. In March 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukrainian forces engaged Russian forces near Kharkiv using several ground robots equipped with machine guns. These were deployed from different positions and supported by first-person-view (FPV) attack drones.

Improving with experience

Not much is known about the type of unmanned ground vehicles used by Ukraine. But reports suggest that among the weapons used in most of these attacks is the Droid TW 12.7, developed by Devdroid, a private tech company in Ukraine involved in the manufacture of military robotics.

This robot is armed with a 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, has a firing range of up to roughly one kilometre, and is equipped with night-vision capability. It is remotely operated, rather than fully autonomous, although it can carry out preprogrammed combat tasks.

Devdroid, like most military tech start-ups in Ukraine, appears to hold an advantage in manufacturing these systems and in testing them in active combat conditions on a timely basis. This creates rapid feedback, allowing for quick adjustments and improvements based on battlefield experience.

A coordinated attack, like the ones conducted by Ukraine, involving a group of ground vehicles and swarms of drones, is not just a low-cost way to defend or seize positions but also points to a change in how force is applied on the battlefield.

Such a coordinated “multi-swarm” of killer robots on the ground and in the air would reduce the exposure of human soldiers for the attacking side, while increasing the pressure on those defending both in terms of casualties and the loss of expensive equipment. Such robots are produced locally and are far cheaper to lose than trained soldiers or expensive military hardware, such as tanks.

There are early indications of this effect. In December 2025, near Kostyantynivka, a Ukrainian Droid TW 12.7 is reported to have detected and disrupted a Russian night assault, destroying an MT-LB armoured vehicle in the process. Incidents like this suggest an opportunity to learn with each deployment and to feed that information back in to subsequent operations.

At present, these robots are not fully autonomous. They are remotely operated, with limited automated functions depending on their programmes. Nonetheless, the direction is clear. As production expands, as these robots are tested, and their designs are refined, these weapon systems are likely to become more capable. They are likely to feature increased levels of coordination and a likely increase in autonomy.

Like any battlefield technology, they have limits. Rough terrain can restrict their movement, and they may be vulnerable to jamming. However, the recent history of drone warfare suggests that such weaknesses are unlikely to remain without resolution for long. Design changes, battlefield testing and production cycles are likely to lead to the manufacture of robots that are more capable over time.

No one wants to face a coordinated attack involving swarms of drones and unmanned ground vehicles on the battlefield. Whatever the view anyone may hold, the advantage is shifting towards systems such as the Droid TW 12.7, both now and in future conflicts.

The future is now

The use of these robots raise ethical and legal concerns, including questions of accountability when multiple weapons systems are deployed at once, and issues related to reduced restraint in their use.

In our recent study, we found that existing international laws are insufficient to regulate the development and use of killer robots that may target and kill autonomously. We argue that such weapons pose serious ethical, legal and security risks in the places where they are deployed, often in the global south. For instance, the first recorded use of an autonomous killer robot occurred in Libya in 2020, when an armed group reportedly deployed a Turkish-made Kargu-2 drone that “hunted down” members of the Libyan National Army.

We recommend that humans must remain in control of these weapons, and that clearer human-centred rules are needed to govern the design, testing and deployment of autonomous weapons systems, which include robots.

The unprecedented use of robots to capture an enemy position in Ukraine marks a clear shift in how robots are used on the battlefield. It might already be possible for one or two soldiers to deploy groups of coordinated robots that, together with swarms of drones, attack or defend front lines in the battlefield.

Killer robots are no longer something that exists only in science fiction movies. They are real and here to stay. This shift in the use of robots on the battlefield increases the need for international regulation on the production, testing and use of AI-enabled weapons.