When Charlotte Regan’s debut feature film, Scrapper, won the grand jury prize at the prestigious Sundance film festival in 2023, it announced a filmmaker of rare instinctive warmth.

Scrapper showed Regan to be capable of rendering working-class life with tenderness, wit and a magical lightness that felt entirely her own. With her new eight-part BBC series Mint, the filmmaker turns her hand to crime drama, bringing that same sensibility to television.

Mint sits squarely within what film scholar David Forrest, in his 2020 book New Realism: Contemporary British Cinema, identified as a poetic turn in British screen culture. Where the social realist tradition (think the films of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh) favours direct, politically explicit storytelling, this newer mode prefers something more impressionistic and ambiguous. Forrest traces this tendency through filmmakers such as Andrea Arnold, Clio Barnard and Shane Meadows. Regan is its natural inheritor.

That she should apply this sensibility to a BBC crime drama was, at first, enough to raise an eyebrow. The genre’s conventions (cold proceduralism, gritty realism, familiar signifiers of deprivation) seem antithetical to everything that made Scrapper so alive – a film in which a 12-year-old girl squatting alone in a council house is the unlikely centre of a story that is both sweet and charming.

Set in Grangemouth, Scotland, amid the eerily beautiful landscape of cooling towers and housing estates, Mint is, in its first episode, unapologetically Romeo and Juliet. Shannon (Emma Laird) is the daughter of crime boss Dylan (Sam Riley); Arran (Benjamin Coyle-Larner, the rapper better known as Loyle Carner, making his acting debut) is the prodigal son of a rival family, newly arrived from London. The two are star-crossed before even exchanging a word.

They meet at a train station, lock eyes across the tracks and the air around Arran seems to catch light. This is not a metaphor. Sparks erupt around Arran’s silhouette and the camera lingers on Shannon’s face with piercing intensity. It is a visual language of magic realism shaped by Regan’s background in music videos, which she has directed since she was 15. Super 8 footage punctuates the narrative throughout the series, offering slivers of a family history that feel, texturally, as immediate as the present.

But Mint runs into difficulties when it must dramatise rather than observe. Regan’s camera is an attentive instrument, alive to the unspoken interior lives of its subjects – but lyricism alone cannot carry a story.

A shallow love story

Shannon and Arran’s romance, for all its visual electricity, is paper thin. Their relationship escalates from a quick encounter at a train station to declarations of deep emotional significance within the space of 30 minutes. This is not Laird’s fault – she is magnetic throughout, giving Shannon a volatile, searching quality that makes the character compelling even when the writing does not. It is a problem of the script’s pacing and, perhaps, its misplaced faith that poetic vision can do the emotional work character development has not yet earned.

The crime world that surrounds the central romance is similarly under-explored. Sam Riley is reliably imposing as Dylan. But the gang dynamics feel sketched rather than inhabited, gesturing toward the genre’s conventions (slow-motion confrontations, coded loyalties, fathers trying to keep daughters in gilded cages) without interrogating or subverting them with any particular rigour.

There is a richer series lurking in Mint, one that more seriously pursues the feminist undercurrent running through it. At its heart are three generations of women – Shannon, her mother Cat (Laura Fraser) and grandmother Ollie (Lindsay Duncan) – watching the men in their lives perform masculinity and violence, navigating complicity and quiet resistance in equal measure.

Too often, though, visual boldness is allowed to stand in for dramatic depth, and the result, for all its beauty, is a series that dazzles more than it moves.

The Other Bennet Sister fans have fallen in love with the BBC period drama and are now looking for their next Jane Austen fix – this could be it

The Other Bennet Sister has resonated deeply with period drama fans, but as they complete the first and only season, they’re desperately seeking another Jane Austen tale.

Within the same universe Austen crafted, viewers can discover Death Comes to Pemberley, a narrative that continues directly from where Pride and Prejudice ended.

Much like the 2026 production, The Other Bennet Sister, this 2013 standalone series also extends Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, penned by a different author. It draws from P.D. James’s 2011 novel, which employs the same characters and literary style as the original 1813 work.

Spanning three episodes, it pursues a murder mystery storyline, featuring the beloved characters Austen devotees recognise but placed in a somewhat altered setting.

The Guardian described its execution was “respectful” towards Austen’s iconic masterpiece while still managing to “stand out” as its own “very different” creation.

It also shares similarities with the Pride and Prejudice adaptation, as Chatsworth House in Derbyshire served as Pemberley’s exterior backdrop. This identical location featured as the estate in the 2005 film.

One viewer posted their thoughts on IMDB, saying: “If you are like me and enjoy your Pride and Prejudice and a good murder plot, then you would love this series!”

They added: “Elisabeth in particular is just like I would have imagined; she is the same spirited, outspoken person we know and love, while Darcy is more brooding, quiet and responsible (while I may have chosen other actors in terms of appearance, I think they portray the characters very well as reactions).”

A PopMatters reviewer wrote: “Death Comes to Pemberley, a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by P.D. James, is a worthy addition to Austen’s original, and the BBC adaptation makes that case wonderfully.”

Taking place in 1803, the programme opens six years following the union of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, when a disappearance occurs which rocks the whole community. Following a dispute, Wickham and Denny leave in a horse-drawn carriage, and moments later, two gunshots ring out.

Upon learning of the incident and the men’s disappearance, Darcy dispatches a search team. They find Wickham in a state of hysteria, clutching Denny’s lifeless body, and the narrative unfolds revealing how this devastating death came to pass.

Naturally, venturing into Austen’s universe carries significant risk, as the cherished writer’s work holds almost sacred status amongst devoted readers.

Consequently, the adaptation has attracted its share of detractors regarding its depiction of certain Austen characters that have been reimagined by subsequent authors.

One viewer says on IMDB: “When you use well-known and loved characters from something as famous as Pride and Prejudice, they should at least stay faithful to their original characters. Which it does, mostly, but the portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett was just really off.”

Elizabeth is portrayed by Anna Maxwell Martin, alongside Matthew Rhys as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jenna Coleman as Lydia Wickham and Matthew Goode as George Wickham.

For those seeking their next Austen-inspired drama, this makes an excellent starting point with its easily bingeable three-episode run; Death Comes to Pemberley can be streamed now on BBC iPlayer.

Ian McAllister, from Choppington, is raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service through a series of running events to mark his 50th birthday— including the 100-mile Pilgrims Ultra taking place in September.

Mr McAllister is running in memory of his nephew, Guy Comber, who died in 2013.

Guy Comber (Image: Supplied)

He said: “Living in a rural area, I see time and time again how important the requirement for an air ambulance service is.

“When my nephew, Guy, needed to get to hospital urgently it was actually the Sea King from nearby RAF Boulmer that transported him, but since this service has been disbanded the requirement for an air ambulance service is more important than ever.”

Guy, just eight years old when he died, is remembered as “a cheeky, smiley character” who adored his older brothers, rugby, and life on the farm.

Ian McAllister with his dog (Image: Supplied)

Mr McAllister said: “He lived, breathed, ate, slept, and dreamt of farming.

“Even at a tiny age, he’d be wandering around the stack yard in his John Deere boiler suit checking on the cattle.”

This is not Mr McAllister’s first tribute in Guy’s memory.

Ian McAllister with his running number (Image: Supplied)

In 2016, he marked his 40th birthday by running 400 competitive miles, raising £1,773 for the Newcastle Healthcare Charity.

That challenge included two ultra-distance events of 65 and 30 miles, five marathons, two duathlons, 11 half-marathons, a 10km race, and six park runs.

A decade later, and after three ankle reconstructions, Mr McAllister is pushing himself further than ever.

(Image: Supplied)

The Pilgrims’ Ultra follows the full length of St Oswald’s Way, finishing at Chollerford, with a 30-hour cut-off time.

When asked why he chose such a demanding goal, Mr McAllister replied: “To see if I can.”

He is also taking part in a range of other events, including the Bamburgh Half Marathon, Kingdom of Northumbria Ultra, Allendale Challenge, and the Priory Ultra.

Mr McAllister said: “Once the donations and good luck messages come in, it motivates me to want to continue.”

He has set a fundraising target of £500 for GNAAS.

EastEnders’ Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) is finally diagnosed next week amid his ongoing mental health storyline. 

The popular character’s well-being has been spiralling in recent months following his involvement in the cuckooing plot involving Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) and Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway). 

Fans of the BBC soap have seen him start self-harming as well as holding up a hostage situation at the local pharmacy. 

This week’s episodes have also seen him drop the bombshell on his son Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) that he was the person responsible for his horrific attack in the street earlier this year. 

The revelation left their family in tatters as Ravi’s deeply concerned partner Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) has been at a loss of how to help him. 

In forthcoming scenes, Priya tricks him into going to hospital by suggesting they all leave Walford together, but the family end up in a car accident involving Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). 

In the aftermath of the crash, Ravi is at a crisis point and goes missing, but it’s not long before Priya finds him feeling suicidal on a bridge. 

Fortunately, she’s able to get him down to safety and make him see that he needs help and is taken to a mental health unit. 

Next week, Ravi receives a diagnosis of complex PTSD and begins his therapy sessions. 

EastEnders has been working with Samaritans on this part of Ravi’s mental health storyline, with the show’s executive producer Ben Wadey explaining: ‘EastEnders always takes great care when researching storylines such as Ravi’s and we’re grateful to Samaritans for the advice they have given us, helping us ensure Ravi’s story is told with the care and sensitivity it deserves.’ 

Lorna Fraser, Head of Media Advisory Service at Samaritans, added: ‘Storylines responsibly reflecting experiences of mental health and suicide can help tackle stigma and encourage viewers who might be struggling to talk about how they are feeling. 

‘We’re proud to have supported EastEnders with covering Ravi’s self-harm and mental health crisis sensitively and grateful for their efforts in making this as safe as possible. We hope it helps anyone watching to seek support if they need it.’

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MORE: EastEnders confirms devastating Ravi scenes as Nugget is left staggered

MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected comeback as character from murder story returns after 4 years

MORE: Ravi’s EastEnders situation spirals as he refuses to free his terrified family

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two U.S. officials killed in a vehicle crash as they returned from destroying a clandestine drug lab in northern Mexico over the weekend were working for the CIA, according to a U.S. official and two other people familiar with the matter.

Two Mexican investigators also were killed in the crash, which Mexican authorities said occurred while the convoy was returning from an operation to destroy drug labs of criminal groups. There have been discrepancies in the public accounts of what happened from U.S. and Mexican officials, which experts say underscores heightened American involvement in security operations in Mexico and across the region.

The CIA’s involvement was confirmed Tuesday by the three with knowledge of the crash, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence matters. That the U.S. officials worked for the CIA was reported earlier by The Washington Post.

It comes after days of contradictions from Mexican and U.S. authorities about the role that American officials played in an operation to bust a narco-laboratory in northern Chihuahua state.

The lack of clarity from authorities reignited a debate over the extent of U.S. involvement in Mexico’s security operations as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum faces extreme pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to crack down on cartels. Trump has taken a more aggressive stance toward Latin America than any leader in recent U.S. history, capturing Venezuela’s president, blockading oil shipments to Cuba and launching joint military operations in Ecuador, a country also marked by criminal violence.

Trump has repeatedly offered to take action on Mexican cartels, an intervention that Sheinbaum has said was “unnecessary.”

The CIA officers were initially identified as U.S. embassy personnel by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson, who is himself a former CIA employee.

The U.S. Embassy declined Monday to identify the individuals or which entity of the U.S. government they worked for, but said the officials were “supporting Chihuahua state authorities’ efforts to combat cartel operations.” The embassy, State Department and CIA declined to comment on the identities of reports of CIA involvement in the operation.

Local Mexican officials originally claimed they were working with the U.S. on an operation, but later walked those comments back after the effort came under scrutiny from Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum said she knew nothing of a joint operation between Chihuahua’s government and the U.S. despite reports that the Mexican army was also involved in the raid on the lab.

She maintained in a Tuesday press briefing that she didn’t know if the officials were part of the CIA but acknowledged that state officials and the U.S. “were working together.”

It’s a sensitive issue for the Mexican leader as she walks a careful line with the Trump administration, working to maintain a strong relationship to offset threats of U.S. intervention on cartels and tariffs while also underscoring Mexico’s sovereignty.

The CIA has recently expanded its collaboration with Mexican authorities, part of the Trump administration’s effort to stop the flow of illicit drugs.

The presence of U.S. intelligence officials in Mexican territory has been the subject of ongoing debate, which has only intensified after Trump’s military actions in Venezuela and Iran.

Last year, Sheinbaum said the U.S. had conducted surveillance drone flights at Mexico’s request after a series of conflicting public statements.

The most recent controversy surfaced in January over the detention in Mexico of former Canadian athlete Ryan Wedding, one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives. While Mexican officials claim he surrendered at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. authorities have described his capture as the result of a binational operation.

“There is a rise of hidden operations by the United States in Mexico under Trump,” said David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst. “They’re hidden because … the Mexican government has a discourse that they can’t permit the presence of armed U.S. agents — it’s a kind of violation of sovereignty. The Mexican government has always tried to hide this collaboration.”

___

Janetsky reported from Mexico City. AP writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

“The voluntary four-day week gives Tube train drivers an extra 35 days off every year with rosters based on a 34-hour working week in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions and moving to electronic, rather than paper-based, systems for booking on for duty.

The Alice Ruggles Trust, named after Alice Ruggles who was killed by a former partner in 2016, will continue delivering school assemblies across the Northumbria Police force area to teach young people about stalking, healthy relationships and how to seek help.

The programme is funded through the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)’s Supporting Victims Programme, with support from Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth.

Sandhill View Academy assembly (Image: Supplied)

Ms Dungworth said: “The school assemblies programme is a great example of prevention work in action.

“I’ve seen these assemblies being delivered – the young people were presented with emotionally resonant stories and relatable scenarios.

“It not only helps them recognise harmful and complex behaviours like stalking, but it also helps them see the emotional impact on victims and the importance of seeking support.

“We need to keep reaching more and more students with these assembles to get important messages out there and help prevent what happened to Alice from happening to others.”

The trust was founded by Alice’s parents, Clive Ruggles and Sue Hills, who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the dangers of stalking and the importance of recognising unhealthy behaviours in relationships.

School assemblies have become a key part of the charity’s outreach, prompting “thought-provoking and hard-hitting” discussions among students and increased confidence among students, with high levels of participation and curiosity in lessons.

Academic evaluations from a team of three universities have highlighted the positive impact the assemblies had on student knowledge levels.

Last year, the Government included stalking in its official Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance for schools, and the work of the Alice Ruggles Trust was mentioned in its strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

This recognition has led to a rise in schools signing up for the programme.

Since its launch in Northumbria in October 2024, the programme has reached 3,661 students in the region.

Mr Ruggles said: “Since we set up the Alice Ruggles Trust, raising awareness about stalking amongst young people has become a core priority for us, and school assemblies have shown themselves to be the most effective way of doing this.

“Only through education will we reduce stalking in the long term: it’s about changing the mindset of future generations.

“While our volunteers present assemblies in schools around the country, we are hugely grateful for the support from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner which has enabled us to establish, and now to sustain, a concentrated project in the area in which Alice lived happily, but sadly died.

“It is a real boost to our efforts to prevent what happened to Alice happening to others.”

Stalking affects one in five young people in the UK, according to the trust.

A large proportion of cases now involve digital abuse, with 47 per cent of young victims reporting that the stalking took place online.

Stalking can cause lasting emotional, psychological, and in some cases, physical harm.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also funds specialist support services for victims, including the Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service.

The trust and the PCC’s office both encourage young people, educators, and families to use the Victims Services Directory on the PCC website to find tailored support in their area.

The Alice Ruggles Trust continues to advocate for broader education and conversation around stalking, particularly at a time when digital communication and social media make it easier for perpetrators to maintain unwanted contact.

More details can be found at alicerugglestrust.org.

One mum is warning others after her daughter suffered a very nasty reaction to a temporary henna tattoo while on the picturesque island on her travels – she is now ‘slowly recovering’

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A mum has issued a stark warning to holidaymakers and parents after her daughter suffered burns on holiday that could leave her with permanent scars. The Australian woman shared a warning against temporary henna tattoos whilst on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, after her daughter suffered a nasty reaction after a mini-break on the popular tourist island. She shared before and after photos of her daughter’s temporary henna tattoo, adding that her daughter had it done while at a beach. “My daughter came back with what she thought was a henna tattoo,” the mother said on the Australian Bali Info for Travelling Facebook page. “Approximately one week afterwards, the dye had almost completely faded.”

She shared before and after photographs of her daughters henna tattoo. The first, showed a shiny, black, intricate henna tattoo. Seven days later, photographs showed it had faded to leave behind stinging, itchy skin with pinks welts.

“She is now on day four of a course of steroid cream and slowly recovering,” the mum said, adding doctors fear the temporary tattoo may become a forever addition to her skin. “There is a concern that this will leave a long-lasting or even permanent scar on her hand. We talked about not buying knock off perfumes and makeup because we don’t know what is in them, but clearly I should have added temporary tattoos and henna to the list.” Unlike natural henna, which is orange or brown and is designed not to stain the skin, black henna contains a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is a toxic chemical added to make temporary tattoos appear dark black, dry faster, and last longer. Black henna with PPD can cause severe allergic reactions, permanent scarring, oozing blisters, and long-term sensitisation to hair dyes and other substances. Which is precisely what the poor mum was told by others in the group as they shared their horror stories. One user said: “They use hair dye for their tattoos. I got a dolphin tattoo about 25 years ago, and I’m still sporting the scar. It was awful.”

A second added: “As a result of this, I am now completely allergic to hair dye, so I would suggest if she uses hair dye, to do a patch test before using in your hair.”

A third chimed in with: “This exact same thing happened to my son. It did scar for a while but has since faded. He will never get another given the pain he was in.” Others attacked the young woman’s decision, arguing she should have known better. One said: “People have known not to get this crap for years, it’s nothing new”, while another added: “Black henna has been known as dangerous for many years.”

Approximately 300,000 British tourists visit Bali annually, making the UK one of the top source markets for the Indonesian island. In 2024, the UK ranked among the top five countries for visitors, with roughly 295,326 recorded arrivals.

The Office of the Public Guardian has confirmed that households on low incomes or certain benefits can apply to reduce the cost of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA).

Registering these documents normally costs £92 – but many people won’t have to pay the full amount.

Who can pay less – or nothing at all

Support is split into two main types:

• Full exemption (pay £0):
  If the person making the application (known as the donor) receives certain means-tested benefits, they won’t have to pay any fee.
• 50% reduction (pay £46):
  If the donor earns less than £12,000 a year before tax, the fee is cut in half.

Repeat applications can also be reduced to as little as £23.

However, there has been an important update for those on Universal Credit.

From February, people receiving Universal Credit will no longer qualify for a full exemption – but may still be eligible for the 50% discount depending on their income.

A Power of Attorney is more important than a Will. Should you get one?

Just a snippet from my Wills & Power of Attorney Martin Lewis Money show which includes how to DIY a PoA. Watch it back on https://t.co/ChFj8Kq0cD pic.twitter.com/6wEWmpVCeL

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 5, 2026

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The changes, detailed in an updated document on gov.uk, come as more families turn to power of attorney arrangements to manage finances and care for loved ones – often during periods of illness, ageing or financial stress.

For households already struggling with rising living costs, even a £92 fee can be a barrier.

There is also extra support available for those facing severe financial pressure.

If someone does not qualify for an exemption or reduction but still cannot afford the fee, they can apply for a hardship review, which may lower the cost further.

What is a Power of Attorney, and why do I need one?

Martin Lewis has been very clear that it is a vital document, and one we should all consider.

There’s more information here, but in short, he said: “I think in many ways, a Power of Attorney is more important than a will, because if you die, you die and the money is going to go on to other people and you won’t use it anymore.

“But if you lose your faculties, if you lose your ability to look after yourself mentally, then the question is what happens to your finances? And the truth is, let’s say it’s a dementia or an accident or a stroke – severe ones – don’t assume your family can access your money, not even if it’s the money needed to pay for your care.

“It can be locked away without anyone being able to touch it. To get it they’ll need to apply via the Court of Protection or equivalent. That’s a hassle. It’s long. It’s costly. You might not get the right person appointed that you would have wanted to take over your faculties.”

There’s more details on his Money Saving Expert website.

How to apply for a Power of Attorney for free or a reduced rate

To get help, applicants must submit a fee support form along with evidence of income or benefits when registering the power of attorney.

The Office of the Public Guardian said applications without the correct documents may be rejected – meaning the full fee would still need to be paid.

Decisions can also be challenged, with applicants given 28 days to request a review if they believe they were wrongly refused support.

Recommended reading:

Scottish types of Power of Attorney (PoA)

Power of Attorney rules are broadly similar across the UK, but Scotland does have some key differences, under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

These are:

Continuing Power of Attorney

This gives powers to deal with money and/or property

Continuing (financial) powers can be used by the attorney immediately after the PoA document has been registered with us. If the PoA is only to be used in the event of your incapacity, it must clearly state that the powers are not to be used until this happens. You may wish to add a statement about who should make this decision about your incapacity.

For details, contact:

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)   

Hadrian House                                                             
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
Falkirk
FK1 1XR                                          
Telephone: 01324 678300

Email: opg@scotcourts.gov.uk      

Welfare Power of Attorney

This gives powers to make decisions around health or personal welfare matters

Welfare powers may only be acted upon after the PoA has been registered with us and when you have lost capacity to make decisions on matters to which the powers apply. Read the definition of incapacity.

Combined Power of Attorney

This is the key difference as it gives both continuing and welfare powers

The majority of PoAs registered with the Scottish Public Office of the Guardian are a combination of continuing and welfare powers. However, it is your choice as to the type of PoA you wish to grant.

The queue at the Liverpool Street station taxi rank is growing.

Finance worker Anthony Craft was waiting for a taxi with two friends.

He said: ‘Typically our journey home takes around 30-40 minutes but now it’s looking like an hour and a half, so not very pleasant.’

His friend Joe Carter, who owns Pure Health Care recruitment firm, said: ‘We are waiting for an Uber, a Bolt and a black cab, so contingency planning.’

The pair said they are already seeing surge pricing on the apps.

‘It’s £60-£70 to get back to Woodford in Essex,’ Joe said, adding that the journey usually costs around £30.

He continued: ‘We usually get on the Weaver line and that was supposedly meant to be okay today and it was just meant to be the Tube strike. But unfortunately there’s a signal failure on the Weaver line, of all days. No Central line, no Weaver line, so we should have worked from home.’