We’re not even half way through the year, but one of 2026’s most controversial films – unlikely to be dethroned – has arrived on streaming.

Released in time for Valentine’s Day and becoming one of the highest grossing films this year so far with $242million (£178.1m) at the box office, Emmerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights caused a big stir, fiercely dividing audiences.

It did away with a large chunk of the narrative from Emily Brontë’s original 1847 novel – to many readers’ outrage – and focused more on the tragedy and yearning between central characters Cathy Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi).

The movie’s bold provocation, including songs on its soundtrack by Charli XCX as well as explicitly sexual imagery and scenes of BDSM, saw it labelled ‘less Wuthering Heights, more Fifty Shades of Grimm’ and ‘lurid and wildly over-sexed’, as well as ‘luminously feral’.

Others were also unhappy with the casting of the lead roles, deeming both Elordi and Robbie unsuitable due to age and also the long-held theory over Hathcliff’s background.

The film’s official synopsis describes it as ‘a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw’.

Now fans can make their own minds up (or start the first of those ‘100,000%’ guaranteed rewatches) from the comfort of their own sofas, after Wuthering Heights was added to HBO Max on Friday – and NOW in the UK as well.

Adopted as an orphan sibling but treated poorly by Cathy’s father (a grotesque Martin Clunes), Heathcliff runs away when he thinks he has been rejected by Cathy after she sets her cap at wealthy new neighbour Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif) in a bid to save the family from poverty.

But his return years later sets a string of devastating events in motion.

The film’s cast also includes Adolescence’s award-winning star Owen Cooper as the young Heathcliff, Alison Oliver, Oscar nominee Hong Chau, Charlotte Mellington and House of the Dragon actor Ewan Mitchell.

‘Best movie ever. 100,000% would watch so may more times,’ insisted Evany on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, while Joanna agreed, adding: ‘The story is powerful, emotional, and unforgettable. It really pulls you in with its intense characters and deep love story, making it a film that stays with you long after watching.’

Celcilia said that the film ‘transported me to a different time, social class, and a tug and pull love story. I enjoy the classic Emily Brontë love story and this adaptation is cinematic and raw if nothing else’, giving it a full five -star review.

Other fans appreciated the tear-jerking nature of this adaptation, with Charley saying their girlfriend was ‘bawling her eyes out’ and Kimmie writing, ‘Loved it, so emotional!’ as another fan admitted to tears and said they were ‘blown away by their acting and the chemistry between Jacob and Margot’.

Lilia also shared that, having not read the book, she was ‘devastated’ by the film’s ending – although it does diverge somewhat from the original’s – while Abra’s review warned that it was ‘very sex heavy and not true to the book’, but felt if you could get past that the movie was ‘enjoyable’.

Others had no time for it at all though, with Joe seething: ‘Worse [sic.] movie I have seen in a long time. Didn’t even come close to the book!!’

Critics were similarly divided, with The Daily Beast describing Fennell’s adaptation as ‘a fleetingly recognisable tale of love, desire, obsession, regret, bitterness, and ire that, at every turn, plays as florid, horny, juvenile fanfiction’.

‘With a chemistry-free central romance between the bizarrely uninteresting Heathcliff and Cathy, this film self-deflates,’ complained Kevin Maher of The Times, while Little White Lies’ Hannah Stong called it ‘a half-remembered story dressed in a beautiful gown that seems destined for TikTok fan edits and Pinterest mood boards rather than soul-stirring emotional catharsis’.

However, the BBC’s Caryn James argued: ‘If you embrace the film’s audacious style and think of it as a reinvention not an adaptation, this bold, artful Wuthering Heights is utterly absorbing.’

And in a five-star review, The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin called the movie ‘a bosom-heaving, gasp-inducing thrill ride’, adding: ‘Style over substance? Not at all – it’s more that Fennell understands that style can be substance when you do it right.’

Wuthering Heights is streaming now on HBO Max and NOW (with a cinema membership) in the UK.

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Following Alex Scott’s corner from the left, Evanilson’s header appeared to be going wide, only for Colombia international Lerma – who spent five seasons as a Bournemouth player – to inadvertently nod the ball over his own goal-line, despite the best efforts of Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

John claims the NHS has refused to operate on the growing “watermelon-sized” hernia that leaves him unable to work

A man living with a “watermelon-sized” hernia says he has been left unable to live a normal life after finding a lump that has led to a draining health battle. John Burden says he now has to rely on PIP and Universal Credit to get by.

The 61 year old from Weymouth in Dorset, says his ordeal began in October 2022 when he woke up with a small golf ball-sized lump in his stomach. After being rushed to hospital, fluid was drained and he was initially told to return once he had lost weight.

However, John claims that despite losing nearly 20kg, he was repeatedly told by the NHS that he needed to lose more weight before surgery could be considered. Over time, the hernia continued to grow, eventually reaching the size of a watermelon and leaving him reliant on XXXXL clothing to cover it.

He says the condition has left him unable to work as a shop fitter or drive. He says this is forcing him to rely on Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to get by.

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In recent months, John says the hernia has begun rupturing, causing severe bleeding and repeated A&E visits, including one incident that required a blood transfusion. He claims he is still being told further weight loss is needed before surgery could be considered.

“It causes me pain at night, I can’t drive any more, and I haven’t been able to work in three years,” he said. “All I want is to have the hernia removed so I can get my life back.”

John now believes his only option is to raise £4,500 for surgery in Lithuania. He says a specialist has agreed to treat him, including travel and accommodation costs.

He first noticed the lump around three and a half years ago, shortly after recovering from pneumonia. After being admitted to hospital and having fluid drained, he claims he was told to return once he had lost weight, but says he was repeatedly turned away on follow-up visits despite his weight loss. John has since dropped around 20kg to 114kg, but says the condition has continued to worsen.

In 2023, he became unable to work due to the condition and began claiming benefits. By late 2025, the hernia had grown significantly and began rupturing, leading to multiple emergency hospital admissions.

He said: “I was projecting blood 10 feet across the floor. The ambulance came and they couldn’t stop it. I had to have a blood transfusion.”

Despite this, he claims consultants have not offered surgery. He says he was later sent for a liver scan, which came back normal, but received no further update.

John has since contacted specialists in Lithuania, who he says are willing to operate. According to one local NHS foundation trust’s website, there are rules around surgery for people who are overweight – although John’s own trust says it is unable to comment on his case.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust’s website says: “People with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have an increased risk of developing serious problems both during and after surgery. These problems include infection, delayed wound healing, increased pain, and increased risk of needing further surgery on the joint.

“The operation is often more difficult, and it may take longer to get back on your feet and return home. For people with a BMI of 40 or over, the risks increase further. Your surgery may need to be delayed until your BMI is below 40.”

A spokesperson for Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re not able to talk about individual cases due to patient confidentiality, but we would encourage Mr Burden to get in touch with our patient experience team so they can look into this on his behalf.”

A gambling addict defrauded his friends in an elaborate con. Scott Clode abused the trust of fellow sports club members in Cardiff – some of whom he had known for many years – to steal tens of thousands of pounds.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the 33-year-old targeted people he knew from Radyr cricket club and Llandaff squash club. He defrauded eight victims of a total of £41,320 and there was another “victim” who chose not to support a prosecution, the court was told.

Clode bowed his head low in the dock as he heard how his crimes had caused panic attacks, financial struggles, and “massive humiliation” for people who had considered him a close friend.

Prosecutor Abdallah Barakat said the defendant told lies about a “mystery shopper” scheme offered by a market research agency called Retail Active. He claimed he was acting as a “platinum ambassador” but in reality the firm had no knowledge of his actions.

“He would invite victims to send him money so they could get vouchers from businesses that worked with Retail Active,” said Mr Barakat. “He would do so on the false pretence that they would be reimbursed the money they’d paid.

“Mr Clode told them they would be reimbursed within weeks as long as they used the vouchers and they photographed and reviewed their experiences.

“They just had to send him the reviews and photos, which he would then send to Retail Active. Soon thereafter they would get a refund, he told them.

“He had fabricated the scheme to obtain money to fund his gambling addiction. Once the victims realised what had happened he apologised in a group chat and stated that he was suffering with a gambling addiction.”

One of the victims, Simon Walters, had known Clode for 15 years through the cricket club. In 2023 the defendant sold him the con that he could enjoy an expenses-paid holiday as long as he reviewed his experience.

Mr Walters parted with more than £15,000 and received £10,000 worth of Tui holiday vouchers from Clode. “The vouchers were genuine and some victims did benefit from the experience of those vouchers,” said the prosecutor. “But they would never have done it in the first place had they known they would not be reimbursed.”

In a victim impact statement Mr Walters said: “It was all very convincing at the time. My wife told me to trust her and not my mate. It caused me massive humiliation and I feel betrayed by Scott. It’s affected my confidence in people.

“If he’d told me he was in a couple of thousand pounds’ debt and needed help we would have got together and helped him. It’s the detail and planning and deceit that really annoy me.

“When my mum was on her deathbed he was asking how she was. In his next breath he was asking about Tui vouchers.”

Another Radyr cricket club member, Rhys Lloyd, had been friends with the defendant for 14 years. He sent Clode £11,000 and received around £7,000 worth of vouchers with no further reimbursement.

Karl Ford, a cricketer who was swindled into paying Clode for Tui vouchers, said: “I had sleepless nights and panic attacks. I had to go into my overdraft for the first time. Words such as ‘voucher’ now trigger me and take me back to the scam.”

The court heard some victims did not receive vouchers at all. One described losing savings for a house. Another said they had lost money meant to cover their wedding, adding: “I have not told my family out of embarrassment.”

“Falling for such a scam is something I had only heard about in the media,” said one victim. “I always questioned how people could fall for it. Now I understand anyone could be tricked by someone like Scott Clode.”

Clode, of Heol Seddon in Danescourt, pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud from between June 2023 and November 2024. He had no previous convictions.

His barrister Ieuan Callaghan pointed to six of Clode’s loved ones who were sitting in the public gallery to support him. “His family and friends paint a picture that, aside from this addiction, he is a really good person,” he told the court.

Mr Callaghan turned to the defendant, hunched low in the dock, and went on: “He is in a state of some distress. The victims’ statements have been difficult for him to listen to.

“He did not do this to live a lavish lifestyle. He really was driven by a gambling disorder which he had struggled with for years. In 2018 he was bailed out twice – first by his dad and then by his mum.

“In 2022, when he relapsed and these offences happened, he was treating the scheme as a payday loan without any interest to be paid by him.

“He thought that by sending vouchers and promising things to these people – and many did receive genuine vouchers – he could pay them back from gambling winnings. It sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud – and it was – but that was the addiction he was going through.”

The barrister said a psychiatric report showed his client would not have committed the fraud if he did not have a gambling disorder. Clode has a new “well-paying” job in robotic process automation and has been making efforts to gradually repay the victims, Mr Callaghan added.

Judge Gregory Bull KC told the defendant: “You abused your close friendships at the sports clubs. Some people didn’t get vouchers at all and in other cases there were no reimbursements.

“The fraud had a devastating effect on more than one of your victims. They will find it hard to forgive you knowing you abused them in the way you did. You struck at their sense of security and feelings of integrity. This was a serious crime.”

But the judge took into account the medical report and found Clode had a prospect of rehabilitation. “Prison would be damaging and set back the rehabilitation you have achieved so far,” he said.

Judge Bull imposed a two-year prison term suspended for 18 months. At this Clode exhaled deeply and became tearful while his loved ones in the gallery gasped and embraced each other.

Clode must complete 10 days of rehabilitation activity and 240 hours of unpaid work. A proceeds of crime hearing will be held in September to determine a financial penalty and compensation.

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Dr Blankshein said: “Through excavating and through the photogrammetry work that we did, we were able to build a picture of this coherent timber structure, not just bits of wood supporting a stone mound with a kind of timber platform underneath, but actually, the timber itself was the basis of the structure.

Cambridgeshire Police said the force is aware of antisocial behaviour and is working alongside partners to tackle it

Residents have raised concerns about antisocial behaviour in a Cambridge suburb. Some locals have said they would highly recommend Trumpington as a place to live and that it is the ideal location for families.

However, some told CambridgeshireLive that “everything [in Trumpington] looks amazing” but that there are problems with antisocial behaviour.

Elif Gueu, 51, has lived in Trumpington for three years. She said she likes Trumpington because it is a “very multicultural place” where it is “peaceful” and people “respect each other”. She likes that she is not far from Cambridge city centre, but she does have some concerns about the area.

She said: “Sometimes there are some shouts and fights. There are some issues around here.” In one incident, in the last year, she said she was “shocked” because she said she saw “someone chained by police”.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Members of our Neighbourhood Policing Team are aware and are working with partners, including residents associations, housing associations and councils to tackle ASB.”

Another lady, who wished to remain anonymous, said Trumpington is “very nice on the exterior” but “there is a lot of social discord beneath the surface and a lot of anti-social behaviour”. The resident of 10 years added: “A lot of the time you have got people doing things they shouldn’t be doing.”

She said that over time, Trumpington has seen some “violent incidents”, including a fire and vandalism. The lady said that “on the surface, everything looks amazing but you just have some problems from time to time.”

The spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police continued: “We would encourage anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour where they live to report this to us, so we are able to build up an accurate picture of what is happening in an area and act accordingly.”

On the other hand, others have said that they have not experienced this and that it is actually the ‘best place for for families to live in. Raneem Almutairi, 32, has lived in Trumpington for around eight months.

She said she thinks it is the “best area for families to live in Cambridge”. Raneem said she has heard of the concerns but she “feels safe”. “I haven’t seen anything or experienced anything myself”, she added.

Information about antisocial behaviour can be found on Cambridgeshire Police’s website, where it can also be reported.

– The Attenborough’s hawkweed or Hieracium attenboroughianum – the wildflower became the first living species in the UK and Ireland to be named after him. It was discovered more than 10 years ago in the Brecon Beacons but it took a decade for scientists to establish whether or not it was actually new.

A gardening expert known shared his popular three-step method for reviving a tired lawn this summer

The condition of your lawn can make or break the overall look of your garden. As temperatures climb and rainfall becomes scarce throughout the summer months, grass can deteriorate far more rapidly than many homeowners realise.

To help keep your lawn looking lush throughout the season, gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish has shared his straightforward three-step approach to maintaining verdant grass for months on end. In a recent video, he said: “If you want a perfect lawn like I’ve got here, well, I’ll show you just how easy it is in three steps.”

Ish wrote in the video’s caption: “Today’s gardening tips will show you my tried and tested method to reviving an old, tired lawn by introducing air into the soil, seeding and feeding it. Your grass has never looked better.”

Breathing new life into a neglected and worn lawn needn’t be an overwhelming task. Ish’s technique, in fact, breaks it down into just three straightforward steps.

The first step involves preparing the lawn to ensure the grass is in good health and clearing away any moss, reports the Mirror. Ish advised using a lawn tonic or iron sulphate dissolved in water and applied via a watering can, spreading the mixture evenly across the grass before leaving it to absorb over several days.

This process causes the moss to “turn to crisp”, at which point you can begin scarifying the lawn. To prepare the ground, an aerator, scarifier, garden fork, or hand rake can all be used to puncture the soil, allowing water to drain through more effectively.

Scarifying is a lawn maintenance technique that involves using mechanical blades or tines to cut through and extract a thick layer of thatch – comprising dead grass, roots and organic debris – from your lawn.

By thinning out and clearing away this material, the overall condition of your lawn is significantly enhanced, promoting improved air circulation, water penetration and nutrient uptake while removing competing matter within the soil.

Ish said: “Once you’ve successfully butchered your lawn, you can now focus on over-seeding, especially where there are bald patches where the weeds and moss were. And did you know you could get special lawn seed for shady parts of your garden? Now you do.

“Leave the lawn to grow and in about four to six weeks, making sure you keep it fairly hydrated, and then after that, you want to introduce a good feed. Do this every couple months or so and your lawn will absolutely thrive.

“And if you’re feeling particularly lazy, do this in the rain. You don’t have to water it in then.”

B&Q recommends giving your lawn a thorough watering to help the soil retain moisture. The retailer also suggests that the optimal time to aerate your lawn is a day or two following rainfall, while the soil remains damp.

That said, it’s advisable to steer clear of aerating lawns after “extremely” heavy downpours, as the ground may become saturated. Following scarification and aeration, you can apply generous amounts of autumn grass seed, which contains higher levels of phosphorus.

This feed prioritises root development, in contrast to feeds with higher nitrogen content, which concentrate on encouraging grass growth. After completing these three steps, Ish assured viewers they can enjoy their lawn “all summer long”.

The luxury Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel, set on 20 acres of countryside near Allensford, has several cottages on its expansive land.

The popular hotel claimed that the actor and comedian, Rowan Atkinson, was born in one of the cottages on site.

The Derwent Manor Hotel (Image: Tripadvisor)

Hollywood’s Rowan Atkinson is best known for his title roles in the sitcoms Mr Bean and Blackadder, along with his performance in the spy action film Johnny English.

“Did you know Rowan Atkinson – aka Mr Bean – was born in our very own Rowan Cottage… and that’s exactly how it got its name?

“Rowan Cottage is a beautiful three-bedroom retreat, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and a cosy lounge.

“Step outside and you’ll find a stunning garden with a hot tub, overlooking the valley and the breathtaking Hownsgill Viaduct.”

The recently refurbished Derwent Manor also hosts weddings and events.

Rowan Atkinson is best known for roles in Mr Bean, Blackadder and Johnny English (Image: Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments)

One Tripadvisor review said: “After booking our wedding here a few weeks ago we thought we would head up for an overnight stay and to try out the food.

“Amazing stay in one of the hideaway rooms. Beds and pillows are so comfy! Lovely chill vibes in the bar area and the staff are very welcoming and friendly.”

The Derwent Manor, Allensford (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another added they enjoyed a ‘wonderful experience’ at the hotel, celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary.

“We’re both very grateful for our room upgrade, which was a lovely surprise, the entire stay was fantastic as it always has been, food delicious and beautifully kept grounds and luxurious interior and rooms.”

“This is our third visit to the hotel, it is so nice,” a satisfied customer said. “The staff on reception and the staff in Prego restaurant are so pleasant and helpful. The grounds are so peaceful as you’re away from the main road and the views are lovely.”

Jamie Carragher named the two favourites to win the Premier League title next season after defending champions Liverpool were beaten by Manchester United.

Liverpool’s dismal season suffered another blow on Sunday as Arne Slot’s side lost 3-2 to arch-rivals United at Old Trafford.

The Reds battled back from 2-0 down to level the match through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo before Kobbie Mainoo scored a 77th-minute winner for Manchester United.

United’s victory confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League and all-but secured them third-place in the Premier League with a six-point lead over fourth-placed Liverpool with three games remaining.

Speaking after the game, Old Trafford legend Gary Neville suggested Manchester United were not far away from challenging for the Premier League title and said it was ‘up for grabs over the next one or two years’.

But Carragher dismissed United’s title credentials and also ruled Liverpool out of winning the Premier League next season, claiming there will be another title race between current contenders Arsenal and Manchester City.

Asked if Liverpool or Manchester United are in a better position to win the Premier League next year, Carragher said on The Gary Neville podcast: ‘I still think Liverpool are better-placed and the reason I say that is we’ve seen Man United’s best team out there today.

‘Liverpool are three of four short there. They also have the players who have won before in terms of the biggest trophies.

‘I don’t think either of them will be there in terms of the title next season. I still think it will be Arsenal or Manchester City.

‘There’s a false economy with Manchester United when they haven’t played any European football and they went out in the first round of both cup competitions.

‘Now that can fool you. Man United will finish third this season but I don’t think for a minute believe they’re the third-best team in the Premier League.

‘I still think Liverpool are in a better position in terms of the squad when the injured players get back and having those players that have won trophies before.’

Addressing the same talking point, Neville said: ‘There’s a couple of real unknowns. The managers and which club is going to recruit the best this summer.

‘Both are going to sign three or four. But how much money do the clubs have to spend money on recruitment?

‘I do think the league could be up for grabs over the next couple of years and I think Manchester United could be in a position to exploit that.

‘At some point, Pep [Guardiola] has to leave. And I don’t think the other big clubs aren’t quite right. There is a league title up to grabs over the next one to two years.’

Manchester United return to Premier League action next weekend against Sunderland, while Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield.

Title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City can barely be separated going into the final few weeks of the Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners beat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday to move six points clear but Man City now have two games in hand, the first against Everton on Monday night.

Arsenal are bidding to win their first Premier League since 2004, while Manchester City have won six titles in the last eight years.

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