Things You Should Have Done star admits she sometimes goes too far with dark comedy about "awful things”
"I just think the best, most awful things in life are the best to get through with laughing and taking the piss out of them."
Lucia Keskin is not your average 24-year-old. By 23, the YouTube sensation had already amassed an impressive online following, landed her first BBC Three series, Things You Should Have Done, and went onto win a BAFTA for Best Rising Star for her performance. All from her childhood bedroom. Keskin is now back demonstrating her signature deadpan humour as her alter-ego, Lucia (or Chi) in season 2, as a recently bereaved stay-at-home-daughter who is an adult-in-progress as she works through a list of tasks her dead parents have left her to accomplish. The premise is desperately sad: both of Chi’s parents die in a car crash in the first episode, leaving her the sole owner (and grown up) of the house. But she has no life skills whatsoever, every task from finding a job to learning to drive leads to woefully inappropriate scenarios, all while her vulture of an aunty, Karen (played tremendously by Selin Hizli), circles around her to try and inherit the house. With a “face like depression” (as noted in the series), the multi-hyphenate talent admits that it’s often hard to strike the balance between the tragedy and comedy, as she has a tendency to take the dark humour to extremes. “That's where I have to have people tell me because I will just go as dark as possible and I see no issue, and they're like, ‘no, not that, you can’t do that,” Keskin tells RadioTimes.com. “But I just think the best, most awful things in life are the best to get through with laughing and taking the piss out of them. I’ve always viewed it that way.” “I’ll just say ‘Yeah, let’s joke about that’ and they’re like ‘No, actually, we can’t.’ I did get away with quite a lot, but I was trying to push it.” <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/BBC-comedy-96ee4bd.jpg" width="4241" height="2827" alt="A young woman stands outdoors beside a black-and-white horse, which is close to the camera and slightly out of focus in the foreground. She wears a colourful padded jacket and a scarf, with a mildly unimpressed expression, while trees and greenery fill the background." title="Things You Should Have Done Series 2" /> Season 2 opens with a sense of deja vu as the same two police officers turn up to break the news that there has been another untimely death. This time Chi’s aunty has died, after tripping over a hoover cord and falling down a flight of 86 stairs. “I just thought it would be so ridiculous if it happened to her again,” Keskin says, “Even though she doesn't grieve in a normal – well, not that there is a normal way – but in a stereotypical way, I thought it was like, now she has to at least address the fact that she's grieving after the second death because it's so unrealistic that that would happen again. “I definitely found grieving is just – there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. I felt it was fun to get to explore what we didn’t do much of in series one, which is talking much about [grief].” Across the six episodes, Chi starts counselling with the most unprofessional therapist, Ruth (Bridget Christie), who capitalises and thrives on her grief, believes Karen is reincarnated as a cordless hoover at a local Bingo, and grapples with the growing anxiety that someone else in her life will die too. Alongside Christie, there’s a whole host of new roster of guest stars this season from Marc Wootton to Juliet Cowen and Sarah Kendall. “I love working with new people and adding funny people that I love watching,” she says, “Bridget was one of them, just being so hilarious. It was lovely and an amazing, incredible, hysterical time working with her and getting to see what she does and even in real life. They're all so funny.” Keskin admits it was a “treat to come back” and she was “so grateful” to return for a second season, especially as it was a chance to take the biggest lessons from last season and lean into what resonated with audiences. “I think it's more just what I thought worked in series one, what didn't as much,” she says about this season’s scripts, “There were some green screen things we've changed focusing on tiny celebrities and TV stuff for the surreal bits.” Read more: The Office icon's new comedy series finally gets BBC release window confirmed Riz Ahmed auditions for James Bond 007 role in first look at new comedy - as release date confirmed Keskin’s signature-style sketches which she found fame with on YouTube – with parodies of the likes of Friends and Gemma Collins – are also woven into the show, including a meta version of Chi watching herself in the show she’s in on Gogglebox. “I was eager to do Charli xcx,” she says, “That was definitely my favourite one, saving the day at the end, but all of them were so fun.” Keskin was keen to include more of this style of surrealism as it seemed to translate with the style of comedy her audience had already grown to expect. She continues: “I think focusing on that more and trying to make it more what I did on more online, which was the TV parodies and things like that, which I think works better than just random cut offs of me on someone's balls.” Working on the series has been the most she’s “ever learnt, more than school” as she moved from being a one-woman-production – scripting, filming, lighting, costumes and editing all of her own videos – to having a full team on set to collaborate with. “You learn as you go, and it's so fun doing it,” Keskin says, “I've really enjoyed doing it with, obviously, on a larger scale because you get to not have to worry about doing everything from lighting to catering yourself. “So, even though you have that lack of control a little bit, you get so much help and It's lovely working as a team and trusting people, learning to take other people's opinions and things like that. I love it.” Though Chi shares her name, Keskin is playing an exaggerated version of an amalgamation of her childhood and teenage self, but admits there’s “probably more of [her] than [she’d] like to admit” in the character. “It’s very much based on just how I felt and I suppose not really growing up,” she says, “It’s based on myself, but in a very wide, extravagant sense, because I feel like, luckily, I know how to cook something now and things like that.” Writing and starring in two seasons has also changed how Keskin approaches her short-form content too, as she used to “make it up” as she went along, but now she’s much more structured (and efficient) about the process. “It's so much easier now knowing how to plan, even just doing green screen videos and stuff, because I've had a team and I've worked with a director and make up and costume,” she continues. “It's a much easier ways of planning things and writing.” Did she ever think writing sketches in her bedroom would lead to her own TV show? “I was always a bit delusional and had big dreams, but for them to actually happen is crazy and unbelievable,” Keskin replies. “But it's just such a dream come true to get to write your own show.” In contrast to her character, Keskin is a self-starter having created her own path into the industry by writing and shooting her own sketches online, all of which demonstrated the breadth of her acting and comedic abilities. “I think [doing social media] is showing what you can do, whereas it's really hard to do that I know traditionally,” she says, “obviously people had to do it with the stand-up route or go to drama school or finding an agent. So, I think it's just a way of showing, here's what I can do and it's an easy presentation.” If the series does come back for a third outing, Keskin is conscious she doesn’t want to “overkill, quite literally” with the gag of someone dying in the first episode again. And we’re honestly not sure whether Chi could take much more. “I'd love to do a series 3,” she continues, “There’s more to explore within the world, but also just looking to see what else I can come up with... I always want to make it unexpected, whether or not you do it. "I don't want to overkill, quite literally, but also don't want to just be basic and boring. Who knows? Maybe it'll be Chi [who dies]." Things You Should Have Done is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emily in Paris creator reveals why key character hasn't returned for season 5 - and why "fun Gabriel" is now back
Emily in Paris is back for another delicious, dramatic outing with season 5, following the American expat as she jet sets across Paris, Rome and Venice and meets a whole host of new people along the way. Creator Darren Star told RadioTimes.com that the new cast, which includes Minnie Driver, Bryan Greenberg and the return of Eugenio Franceschini as a series regular, "gave the show a lot of new energy." One notable absence this time around is Camille Razat who played Camille, a central figure in the season's love triangle which included her, her ex-boyfriend Gabriel and former close friend Emily. In season 4, Camille was in a whirlwind of turmoil as it was revealed that she wasn’t pregnant, but had a rare false positive, and kept it hidden from Gabriel to try and make him stay with her… rather than go back to Emily. The revelation that she’d concealed the truth leads to the breakdown of their relationship and Camille leaves to seek new horizons and loves beyond her small circle in Paris. Speaking about Camille’s absence, Starr said: “I think Camille's storyline was a wonderful storyline, but I think it ran its course by the end of season 4, so it opened up some new doors for us.” Moving away from the familiarities in Paris, as Emily spends a good portion of the series in Rome (then Venice), also meant a major dynamic change for this season as the core will-they-won’t-they storyline between Emily and Gabriel also faded into the background. Speaking about his character arc on the show with Variety, Bravo expressed that he wanted to bring back "fun Gabriel" to the show after a "gloomy" period of pining over the one that got away, Emily. Starr felt as though the geographical distance between Emily and Gabriel this season helped them both have more freedom to find new loves, passions and joy away from this romantic storyline. "I think some of the fun Gabriel came back in season five, I really do," Star added, "I think it was just a wonderful balance of having Gabriel on the show in just the right way because their relationship was not the main focus this season, but he's always a part of the show. "I think if we have a season 6, it'll be a great storyline to continue with this." Though a new season hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected that an announcement could be imminent for another season, as one is usually released every year. Read more: Has Emily in Paris been renewed for season 6? Emily in Paris cast reveal shocked reaction to surprising new romance this season: "I was like: 'This is a joke'" Thankfully, Star already has in mind "endless possibilities" for the future of the show and has left the season 5 finale open ended for anything to happen. "First we have to get our order for season 6, but [the finale] teases a lot," he began, "I think that we have endless possibilities. "We have a lot of open-ended story lines, a lot of conflicts and unresolved tensions between our characters, and I think all of our characters are left with some real dilemmas at the end of the season." Meanwhile, Ashley Park and Lily Collins are "definitely" on for another season and have some luxurious destinations in mind. "We wouldn’t mind Greece," Park tells RadioTimes.com, "we wouldn't mind the yacht either." "We’ve done so many different things now," Collins adds, "I’m like ‘nothing would surprise me.’ Darren always brings something new and bold. "But the thing is, we have actually no idea. So, we can romanticise it, but we're both crossing our fingers being like, ‘let's not get our hopes up.'" Park’s one request? "As long as it’s not Emily in space right now, we're good with wherever." Emily in Paris seasons 1-5 are streaming now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Add Emily in Paris to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emily in Paris cast reveal shocked reaction to surprising new romance this season: "I was like: 'This is a joke'"
After the first trailer dropped for Emily in Paris season 5, everyone was talking about the same plot twist: Emily’s former flame, Alfie, started a flirtation with her best friend, Mindy (Ashley Park). For the past two seasons, Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) has been on-and-off with the American expat in Paris, Emily (Lily Collins) in an awkward little love triangle with her former chef neighbour, Gabriel (Lucas Bravo). Creator Darren Star has never been afraid to disrupt the norm on the show, but this romantic storyline felt like a curveball for everyone, including Collins and Ashley Park themselves. In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, the duo revealed that they thought Mindy and Alfie’s relationship was a ‘joke’ from the creator and that initially they were being 'punked'. Collins revealed: “Well, I warned her, then we read it, because I read the outlines, but I didn’t know if it was going to end up in the script. “She thought we were being punked,” Park added, as Collins confirmed: “I did. I really was like, ‘This is a joke.’” As soon as Park read the script, she phoned Collins to discuss the new storyline as they were both in shock about what it could mean for their close friendship on the show. Read more: Who was Diego Borella? Emily in Paris tribute explained Has Emily in Paris been renewed for season 6? “We both were like, ‘What?!’” Collins said, as Park continued: "But mostly because the only thing I'd seen was just the beginning of this development. “And for me, my biggest panic was 'What is going to be the fallout? What does this mean for our characters in this friendship that we hold so dear?' Which we didn't have the answers to, so, it's always fun to panic with another friend.” “We're both panicked about how are we going to fight and make up,” Collins said. The new love triangle opened up a whole new dynamic this season, one that challenged their friendship, but also allowed the duo to work closely as a trio with Laviscount, which was a welcomed change. “I was really excited,” Park says, “I really haven't had any scenes with Lucien and I think that I was really excited that we were going to be able to bring out a different dynamic in each other, perhaps, and see each other in a new way.” Park felt as though this new relationship was also a shock for Mindy, which is why she struggled to know how to handle her situation with Alfie, when it came to telling Emily. “I think that for Mindy, it’s as unexpected as we felt as actors having this storyline coming in,” Park said, “She’s so thrown by possibly what this is and the person she would go to talk about it with is Emily and it's the first time she tries to suppress that and tries to make it not a thing and not bring that onto Emily's plate. “In the end, that's the downfall a bit. So, I think that they learn, ‘oh, really, we can lean on each other, even ways that are uncomfortable sometimes’.” Secrets naturally have a way of unravelling, but Emily and Mindy do find a way to navigate this awkward situation. More than anything, Emily, who is happily with Marcello during this time, is mostly hurt about the lies from her close friend. “I think the lack of communication between the two of them or the withholding of information is really what is the biggest issue for Emily,” Collins said, “I think in any friendship, there are cracks. “It doesn't mean that something catastrophic is going to happen, but real friendships have ups and downs, and it's how you deal with them that really defines the growth of a friendship and the heart of the friendship.” Emily in Paris seasons 1-5 are streaming now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Add Emily in Paris to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Has Emily in Paris been renewed for season 6?
What's next for Emily? ***MAJOR EMILY IN PARIS SEASON 5 SPOILERS AHEAD***
Major season 5 spoilers ahead. Season 5 of Emily in Paris has just arrived – but we're already desperate to know what happens next... Does Emily go to Greece? Does Mindy cancel the wedding? As we wait with bated breath to hear if the long-running series will be renewed for another outing, it seems that an announcement could be imminent. Netflix's CEO Ted Sarandos seemed to hint that the show would come back for a sixth season when he announced a list of returning series for 2026, which included Emily in Paris. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it’s another positive sign that Emily’s story might not be over, especially after that season five finale. Creator Darren Star has left plenty of threads left to unravel. Emily has a decision to make about her romantic future, as does Mindy — who arguably has an even more complicated situation this season. Gabriel and Alfie have made their decision and feelings clear, but who will they end up with? As we ruminate over all the potential futures for our favourite Americans in Paris, here’s everything we know so far about season six. Has Emily in Paris been renewed for season 6? As of yet, there's been no official announcement from Netflix – but a renewal seems likely given those recent comments from Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. When could a potential Emily in Paris season 6 be released? To date, there’s no confirmed release date for the sixth season of the series, but if the past seasons are anything to go by then a 2026 release seems likely. Season 4 debuted back in August 2024, while season 5 has just landed on Netflix in December 2025. Fingers crossed this means fans of the show won’t have too long to wait to find out what happens next in Emily’s story. Who could return for a potential Emily in Paris season 6? As season 5 ends, it seems that the majority of the main cast would return for another outing such as Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo and Lucien Laviscount. Newcomer Minnie Driver, as Princess Jane, has also cemented herself within Sylvie’s company, as a co-head after making a large investment. It seems safe to assume that she’ll return next season to provide more conflict and headaches for Emily. Though, we might see less of the extended Italian cast, as the main events of the season move back towards Paris. Sylvie makes the decision to close the Rome office and relocate the whole team back to Paris to focus on rebuilding relationships with their existing clients. While their Italian summer is over, there’s scope for more European travel in season six, which could introduce more characters into the main cast. Though nothing has been confirmed yet, it seems likely that the majority of long-running characters will return for season six such as: Lily Collins as Emily Cooper Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau Ashley Park as Mindy Chen Lucas Bravo as Gabriel Samuel Arnold as Julien Bruno Gouery as Luc William Abadie as Antoine Lambert Lucien Laviscount as Alfie Thalia Besson as Genevieve Paul Forman as Nico Arnaud Binard as Laurent G Minnie Driver as Princess Jane What could a potential Emily in Paris season 6 be about? There’s no synopsis for season six yet, but it’s safe to assume that it would pick up at the end of season five with the potential of a new adventure for Emily in Greece. After an emotional break up with Marcello, Emily decides to stay in Paris, as she’s built a life there. Word travels quickly that Emily is back for good - thanks to Sylvie’s input, as she messages Gabriel to let him know that Emily is back in the city. Conveniently, Gabriel has a few weeks break from his lavish new gig as a private chef on a yacht and doesn’t hesitate to send Emily a postcard and invite her to Greece. Could this be the start of their relationship again? Or will she turn him down? Meanwhile, Mindy is also left in the middle of an awkward love triangle. After trying to move on from her brief affair with Alfie, Nico and Mindy grow closer and when they’re in Rome he even proposes on a gondola. When she returns to Paris, giddy with the thought of planning a bachelorette more than a wedding, Mindy and Emily bump into Alfie and he tells her she’s making a big mistake. Will Mindy stay with Nico, even though it’s clear she still has feelings for Alfie? Or will she follow her heart? Only time will tell. When could the trailer for a potential Emily in Paris season 6 be released? If the show is scheduled for a 2026 release, as anticipated, we might not have to wait too long for the trailer. The official trailer will likely arrive in the month leading up to the premiere, but we might get a teaser trailer or some first look pictures before then. Emily in Paris seasons 1-5 are streaming now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Add Emily in Paris to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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Emily in Paris soundtrack: Every song from season 5 of the Hit Netflix show
Emily in Paris season 5 has arrived, and viewers are still recovering from the whirlwind of revelations and surprises these 10 episodes served up. Emily’s (Lily Collins) Italian adventure doesn’t end quite as she would have hoped, with much of her heart shattered in Rome (then again in Venice), bringing her firmly back to her roots in Paris. To amplify the highs and lows is a well-chosen soundtrack that always becomes an integral part of the show’s culture, but this season feels particularly iconic. From setting the scene for steamy dance routine to a remix of Singin’ In the Rain for a flooded Venetian runway, it’s a decadent blend of Italian, Parisian and American classics that all align perfectly with the drama on-screen. Ashley Park also delivers multiple memorable musical moments this season as the almost Eurovision-star Mindy, such as singing a rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso in a life-sized martini glass. Read more: Emily in Paris season 5 reveals conflict as "big secret" threatens relationships Emily in Paris star quits after 4 seasons – but confirms door is open for return With so many standout songs to sift through, here’s the entire soundtrack for season 5. Emily in Paris season 5 soundtrack Episode 1 Mi Ami Mi Odi by Elodie Run Run by Kid Francescoli Sei Tutta Un Rock (1959) by Nick Pagano Faience by Alex 100, November Ulta Tutti A Vendere Il Rex by Nino Rota from Amarcord Film Sur Les Quais Du Vieux Paris by Lucienne Delyle Racconti D’Amore by Piero Piccioni OMG by Dopamoon feat Louis Sixteen Episode 2 Ma Che Bella Compagnia by Melania, Christian Lisi Cuba Libre by Nico LaOnda La Vita Fantastica by Dopamoon A Roma Tutto è Bello (1960) by Miranda Martino Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter (performed by Ashley Park) Millie Incendi by Anthony Lazaro Neon Love by Odessa Caramel (Mon Coeur S'ouvre À Toi) by Munya Got to be Real by Cheryl Lynn Episode 3 Wait for Me by Franky Selector feat Banda Maje Ciao Milano Spring in July Maladdiction by Kiz Libertango Recording for Mindy and Alfie dance Please by Ex Habit Omido Sintetica by Rosario Ligammari, Vasily Igor, Ky Phung Francois Nguyen Amore Bello by Kid Francescoli Episode 4 Canta by Julietta, The Human Experience, David Satori Quando Ti Vedo Cosi by Sergio Sandrini La Più Dolce Serenata by Rosetta Fucci Buscie D’Ammore by Mimi Doris A Vucchella by Tony Dalli, Roland Shaw & His Orchestra Io Voglio Te (1959) by Maurizio Arena Besties Only by Ruby Red Bricks in a Wall by SLUMB feat Aurus Weekend in Rome (Cover) by The Rodeo Episode 5 Eau Froide by Rallye Codeine by Metro Verlaine Sous Les Néons by Slowaves feat Jeanne Bonjour Oops! I Did it again by Britney Spears (performed by Ashley Park) Retrograde by Ferielle Massive Alright by Benjamin Nakache, Campbell E Browning, David Bossan, Matthieu Rosenzweig Piege De La Nuit by Chambre 317 En Boucle by Caroco L’Amour Incertain by Dorothee Rascle, Marie Morales Lopez De Lerena Je Danse, Ce Soir by Mirabell feat Clyde L’Amour Ca Vient et puis ca passe (1945) by Roberte Marna Je te pardonne by Marvin Marchand White Flag (Cover) by UTO Episode 6 I don’t want to be friends by Rosemary Fairweather Pantera Blue by Nara Sayonara Stay as you are by Msaki & Tubatsi Rockin’ Good Time by Sharon Mayeux You don’t know by Paul Cox Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus Moi Je by Lou De La Falaise Un air de fete by Corine Episode 7 Strange Love by Panache! Carmen (Blanche Palace Remix) by Mathilda Bel et Bien by Matild Petite Larme by Jim Caplan Reve Party by Bolivard Un Jour ou L’Autre by Juniore It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls (performed by Ashley Park) Episode 8 Facile Da Dire (Italian version) by Sasha Distel Viens (Radio Edit) by Motel Club Fresh out of the oven by Tony Brown Viens, Maintenent by FERVORR Nowhere I’d Rather Be by Falamour Libertango (Remix by HENRI) OMG by Dompamoon feat Louis Sixteen L’Odeur de tes 2 Yeux by Vérité Absolue You Always Say by French 79 feat Prudence Episode 9 BFF by Dopamoon feat Les files et Christophe Quelqu’un Quelque Part by Clio Le Feu by Walter Astral Hold Up by Axel Enderlin Come What May (performed by Ashley Park) Le Luci Della Citta by Anthony Lazaro Episode 10 Stradivarius by Piergiorgio Farina Amaro Erotico by D’aniello C’ E’ Un Francese by Musica Da Ripostiglio Singin’ in the Rain by Gene Kelley Singin’ in the Rain (REMIX) by Obsimo Affection by Rose Rose Run to You by Lanney x RAY Evviva II Surf by Mimi Berté Sky Queen (Night Version) by Rose Rose Emily in Paris seasons 1-5 are streaming now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Emily in Paris to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emily in Paris cast: Who stars in season 5 of the hit Netflix drama?
Emily's back – and she's living it up in Italy....
Emily in Paris is back for season 5 with more drama and new love triangles all set to the gorgeous tableaux of Emily (Lily Collins) living the American dream of a summer in Europe. There are new love interests and new locations at play in the big shake up for the series, as Emily spends the majority of the new season in Rome with her new flame, Marcello. Collins told Tudum about their connection: "Marcello is a whole other adventure that we want for Emily, because we ultimately want Emily to be able to have a better work-life balance. We want to have Emily be able to smile without condition. We want to see her beyond her vacay mode. And he comes at that perfect time." The one thing that may threaten those smiles is a potential new flirtation between her best friend, Mindy (Ashley Park) and her ex-boyfriend, Alfie (Lucas Laviscount), as teased in the trailer. Laviscount told People about season 5: "All I’m gonna say is strap in. Because it goes left, so far left, and a little bit right this season. I didn’t know what to expect – none of us do before we get the scripts – and we got the scripts for this season and it’s … Yeah, I don’t think anyone could have foreseen that coming." With so many unexpected twists this season, here’s a refresh on all the returning cast and newcomers for season 5. Emily in Paris season 5 cast: Who’s new and who is returning? Lily Collins as Emily Cooper Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau Ashley Park as Mindy Chen Lucas Bravo as Gabriel Samuel Arnold as Julien Bruno Gouery as Luc William Abadie as Antoine Lambert Lucien Laviscount as Alfie Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello Thalia Besson as Genevieve Paul Forman as Nico Arnaud Binard as Laurent G. Bryan Greenberg as Jake Michèle Laroque as Yvette Minnie Driver as Princess Jane Read on to discover more about their characters and where you may have seen the actors before. Lily Collins as Emily Cooper Who is Emily Cooper? Emily is a driven marketing executive who relocated to Paris from Chicago after she landed her dream job. Since then, her ambitions (and turbulent love life) has taken her to Rome to start a new office and tackle Italian fashion brands. Where have I seen Lily Collins before? The actress is best known for her roles in Disney’s fantasy adventure, Mirror Mirror, the romantic comedy Love, Rosie, the action-thriller Abduction and the adaptation of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie Grateau Who is Sylvie? Sylvie is the glamorous head of her own luxury marketing firm in Paris and Emily’s boss. The pair don’t always see eye to eye, but over the past four seasons they’ve learned to work as a team. This season, Sylvie wants to open a new office in Rome and is torn between two romantic relationships. Where have I seen Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu before? The French actress has mainly appeared in French productions such as the TV series, Call My Agent and most recently the period coming-of-age drama, Colours of Time. Ashley Park as Mindy Chen Who is Mindy? Mindy is Emily’s best friend and a musician who lives in Paris. She’s recently broken up with her boyfriend, Nico, and embracing her new single era. Where have I seen Ashley Park before? The American actress has appeared in other hit TV shows such Only Murders in the Building and Girls5Eva, as well as in Netflix’s award-winning comedy drama, Beef. Alongside this, she’s also appeared in films such as the musical comedy, Mean Girls (after appearing in the stage show) and the comedy, Joy Ride. Lucas Bravo as Gabriel Who is Gabriel? Gabriel is Emily’s former downstairs neighbour who has been in love with her ever since she moved to Paris, despite having a long-term girlfriend at the time. After an on and off relationship (and a very awkward love triangle), the couple break up in season 4. The Michelin star chef is now left behind in Paris, while Emily moves on with her life in Rome. But can he do the same? Where have I seen Lucas Bravo before? The French actor has appeared in various French films, as well as the comedy drama Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and romantic comedies such as Ticket to Paradise and The Honeymoon. Samuel Arnold as Julien Who is Julien? He’s a colleague of Emily’s in Paris who helps to try to get the Rome office off the ground in season 5. He didn’t always see eye to eye with Emily (like most of her French colleagues), but now they’ve become friends. Where have I seen Samuel Arnold before? The actor is best known for his appearance in the French comedy Platane, as well as the National Theatre Live production of Anthony & Cleopatra, which he starred in alongside Ralph Fiennes. Bruno Gouery as Luc Who is Luc? Luc and Julien are Emily’s Parisian co-workers who have slowly come to warm to the American. He offers plenty of light relief and forms a great comic duo with Julien. Where have I seen Bruno Gouery before? The actor is best known for appearing in season 2 of black comedy drama The White Lotus as Didier, as well as starring in the French adaptation of Doc Martin. William Abadie as Antoine Lambert Who is Antoine? He’s the owner of a luxury fragrance house in France and an old friend (and former flame) of Sylvie’s who has been working closely with her team in Rome in season 5 to impress a big new Italian client. Where have I seen William Abadie before? The French actor has appeared in many American TV series such as Homeland, Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl, 90210, The O.C and Sex and The City. Lucien Laviscount as Alfie Who is Alfie? Alfie is a British businessman working in Paris and Emily’s ex-boyfriend, who was left broken-hearted when Emily left him for her other flame Gabriel. This season he starts to move on and is open to new relationships. Where have I seen Lucien Laviscount before? The British actor rose to fame in the teen dramas Grange Hill and Waterloo Road and has since starred in series such as Skins, Death in Paradise, Snatch and Scream Queens. Most recently, he appeared in the Sky Christmas movie, Tinsel Town. Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello Who is Marcello? Marcello came into Emily’s life in season 4 as a businessman who is working for his family’s company. The Italian continues to navigate his relationship with Emily while she’s in Rome this season. What else has Eugenio Franceschini been in? The actor has appeared in series such as the mystery drama Grand Hotel and the crime series Carlo & Malik. Thalia Besson as Genevieve Who is Genevieve? Genevieve is Laurent’s daughter who relocated to Paris from New York. She initially had a strained relationship with Emily and caused plenty of complications, but the distance this season has done them good. That doesn’t mean she isn’t still ready to stir up some rumours though… What else has Thalia Besson been in? The actress starred in the American thriller Dangerous Waters, and more recently appeared in the romance thriller When I’m Ready. Arnaud Binard as Laurent Who is Laurent? He is Sylvie’s husband who continues to have a strained relationship with his wife this season, as she spends more time living a second life in Rome. What have I seen Arnaud Binard before? He has appeared in many French titles such as Le juge est une femme, Quartier des Banques, Agathe Koltès and Sous le soleil. Bryan Greenberg as Jake Who is Jake? Jake is a newcomer this season and another American living in Paris who enters the orbit of our favourite Parisians. What have I seen Bryan Greenberg before? The actor's best known for his roles in One Tree Hill, How to Make it in America and The Mindy Project. More recently, he also appeared in the Suits legal drama spin-off, Suits LA. Minnie Driver as Princess Jane Who is Princess Jane? Princess Jane is an American living in Italy, after she married into the Royal family. She’s an old friend of Sylvie’s and a new glamorous, well-connected woman in Rome. What have I seen Minnie Driver before? The actress rose to fame after her role in Good Will Hunting, since then, she’s starred in series such as the sitcom Speechless, About a Boy, Will & Grace and BBC’s The Deep. Alongside this, she’s also appeared in films such as Motherhood, I Give it a Year, Cinderella and The Beekeeper. Additional Emily in Paris cast includes: Michèle Laroque (Brillantissime, La Crise) as Yvette – an old friend of Emily’s boss, Sylvie, who reconnects when they’re in Rome. Emily in Paris season 5 will be released on Netflix on 18th December, season 4 parts 1 and 2 are streaming now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Emily in Paris to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Eternity stars reveal they're already living in their idea of hell in the afterlife: "America right now"
Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, John Early and Da'Vine Joy Randolph spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the inventive new romcom.
David Freyne’s new film Eternity contemplates what heaven (or hell) might feel like if you had to spend an eternity there – and the options are endless. Tired of living with men? 'Men Free World' is a good option. Ready to retreat into a stunning landscape? 'Mountain World' might be a good move for you. Always wanted to go to Paris? Well, how about you spend an eternity there? The Irish writer-director imagines that death is not the end, as after your time in the real world is done, you arrive by a retro-fitted train to the afterlife where you meet your AC (afterlife consultant) who will help you choose how to spend your eternity. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and John Early play Anna and Ryan, the ACs of Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller). Instead of opting for eternal uptopian relaxation, Anna and Ryan have chosen to spend their afterlife in service of everyone else’s happy ever afterlives (if you will). Joy Randolph has already thought about what afterlife she’d choose, if a system like the one in the retro-futuristic world of Eternity exists. "Just luxury," she told RadioTimes.com. "Not super lux, but like when you go on a really nice holiday and you’re like 'You know what? I did the research and I found a great hotel.' You know that feeling when you open the door to the hotel and you’re like, 'Yes.' I want a nice holiday." Early is more influenced by the fact it’s already past lunchtime when we chat. "Mac and Cheese World," he responds. "But that's just because I'm starving right now. There's lots of different kinds of mac and cheese!" Though he doesn’t tend to watch romcoms himself, Early does have one film he could watch for an eternity. "I just rewatched The Way We Were with my mom and seeing the way that it just worked on her, it was so sweet," he says, "She was like, by the end [wipes tear], we were both like [wipes tear]… I’d choose that maybe. I love that." In the film, there are also many discontinued eternities that are either inherently problematic or just creepy and unpopular, such as 'Clown World', that would feel like hell if you had to experience them for ever more. For Joan, it’s 'Beach World', for Larry, it’s living for an eternity without Joan. When asked what would be hell to them if they had to experience it for an eternity, Joy Randolph replied: "America right now." "Yeah, we’re living in it," Early adds, exclaiming that an eternity where there is "no Mac and Cheese World, where it's banned" would also be far from ideal. Meanwhile, what Olsen loved about the script was how it reinvented the idea of the afterlife through the modern lens of capitalism – as eternity is now something that has been packaged up and marketed to us. "This idea of the afterlife presenting not really a spiritual option, but more consumerism and capitalism and trying to force people to buy into an idea or something, I just thought it was a really funny reflection back at what culture has become," she tells us. "And because of it feeling so bleak in a way, it allowed for the relationships and what matters most to, in my opinion, really shine through. You can decorate whatever you need in your life to have the best version of this or that, but the only thing that really matters are the people you have these relationships with while you're alive and that is what I love most about the film." Olsen and Teller had the fun challenge of playing eighty-something souls in thirty-something bodies, as Larry and Joan arrive at their eternity in the happiest version of themselves. View Green Video on the source website The actors took different approaches to crafting their character, with Teller being influenced by his grandma’s outlook as a young soul in an 85-year-old body. "My grandma, she’s always considered herself a vampire of the youth," he says. "She does not like hanging out with old people, even though she's 85 herself. But when I've asked her questions about getting older, she says. 'Well, Miles, first of all, I remember when I was your age. I felt like I was your age yesterday and I also still feel like I am 35, and I wonder who this old person is looking back at me'. "So, for her, even though she's been through some of life's most tragic of circumstances, she hasn't really aged. She's been – I imagine – that same personality long before I even got to know her. I was just excited with Larry to explore what that would feel like when he finally doesn't have the aches and pains and how exciting that would be, even though he's dead." Meanwhile, Olsen dived into historical research to find touchstones within film and TV of what would have influenced Joan’s character to build out her old soul. She explains: "It was Shirley MacLaine films with Billy Wilder and things like that that were fun to watch and think about that woman being an aspirational type of woman for Joan in her life growing up. I really enjoy prep work because I think it helps just find ideas, even if they're not useful in some ways." Eternity also breaks the mould of many romantic comedies with a compelling love triangle that moves away from a prescriptive idea of what love should and can be. "I loved reading this script," Olsen says. "I felt very comforted by meeting Joan and Larry in their old age. It was something that to me is aspirational when it comes to romantic comedies — growing old with someone and that bickering and familiarity." She added that she enjoyed that each love was "equally valid" in the film from a five-year crush to a 60-year-long marriage as "those experiences are so real and also so valid. They stay with you as well." The romantic comedy also champions 'ordinary love' over fireworks and grand gestures, which Joy Randolph emphasised was important to see on-screen. "You don’t see that," she says. "I remember when I was younger and I used to watch romcoms, I used to make a little list in my brain and I was like, 'OK, who I date needs to do this based off of that movie'. Early on in my dating career, I was like, 'I'm disappointed because people don't do those things.'" In each eternity, there’s an opportunity for people to revisit some old memories from their life on Earth in the archives. If that power existed in reality, Joy Randolph knows exactly which moment in her career she’d like to relive. "Maybe High Fidelity and get that second season," Joy Randolph says, "I'm not playing, that was a blast. It's fun to film in New York in the summer. You just feel on fire." Meanwhile, Early would return to one of the most ‘surreal’ moments of his career: "I have to say for me, when I did the Wet Hot American Summer reboot, that was one of my favourite movies growing up, and so it was really surreal. "That's the weird thing about reboot culture. You literally get to enter into the whole thing that you loved. Wow." Eternity is released in UK cinemas on Friday 5th December 2025. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Big Little Lies' Laura Dern teases season 3: "We are very excited"
Details about the upcoming season are being kept firmly under wraps.
It’s been eight years since the award-winning second season of Big Little Lies graced our screens, following on from the acclaimed adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same name. Back in September, it was confirmed that the long-awaited third season was finally in development with Mr & Mrs Smith co-creator and showrunner Francesca Sloane set to write the first episode. To date, there have been very few details about the new season, but ahead of the release of the second season of Palm Royale, Laura Dern and her producing partner Jayme Lemons have opened up about returning to the show. “Let me tell you everything,” Lemons joked, before Dern added: “I can only tease that we have a group chat of amazing female friends that are very excited to spend as much time as possible together.” Dern is set to reunite with Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman on the project, who are also serving as executive producers, alongside creator David E Kelley and Sloane. In the meantime, Dern and Lemons and their production company, Jaywalker Pictures, have other projects in the pipeline from Palm Royale to The Dolls, a HBO series about the Christmas Eve riots in Walmart Arkansas. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Palm-Royale-439108d.jpg" width="8256" height="5504" alt="Four women stand in a dimly lit, slightly eerie hallway decorated with hanging ropes and rustic wooden beams. In the foreground, a woman in a bright blue, feather-trimmed dress folds her arms with a tense, guarded expression. Beside her, another woman wears a pale blue sleeveless dress, a colourful silky headscarf, and holds an orange handbag, looking alert and slightly anxious. Behind them, two older women in pastel and sequined outfits watch with concern. The scene has a dramatic, suspenseful atmosphere." title="Palm Royale" /> “We read a lot of IP that is so worthy of being made. It's hard to determine the right ones to go after,” Lemons continued. “It's a really long and arduous process to get something made and so you have to be really forward thinking about what to go after, because who knows what the world will look like by the time something gets made. But I mean, there are innumerable books.” “And articles,” Dern said, “which have gifted us things we're working on now. A couple of amazing articles from great journalists that you can't believe it's true, so you have to make it, which is really exciting.” The second season of their current Apple TV series, Palm Royale, is about to be released and the duo described it as an “incredible” experience reuniting with the cast for this instalment. “I think something that Kristen [Wiig] and I were talking about the other day is we just loved that despite all the noise that surrounds us, even if we're separated by thousands of miles, Maxine and Linda, with entirely other goals, both learn what is most important, similarly, in this season,” Dern teased. “And that is the friendship that I think in all the friendships [in the show] is the truest, and they would do anything for each other, despite the fact that they're such opposites, which I really love.” Read more: Malice's Jack Whitehall on the "strange" challenge of playing a villain while adjusting to fatherhood Emma Thompson reveals why her Down Cemetery Road character was unlike any she had played before Palm Royale season 2 is streaming now on Apple TV, with new episodes arriving on Wednesdays – sign up to Apple TV+ now. Add Palm Royale to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" class="x_OWAAutoLink" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How Sean Bean reinvented classic villain Sheriff of Nottingham for all-new Robin Hood series
"We wanted the sheriff to be a complex character, not just a bad guy."
Every great hero needs a villain, but the role can often become a one-dimensional one in comparison to the titular character. Robin Hood co-creators Jonathan English and John Glenn wanted to avoid that in their adaptation. In the MGM+ series, the duo reimagined the Sheriff of Nottingham for acting legend Sean Bean, creating a multi-faceted and “complex character” who experiences his own sense of internal turmoil, as opposed to being the typical self-serving, almost-pantomime baddie he’s often reduced to. English, who served as the co-writer and director for all ten episodes, told RadioTimes.com: “We wanted the Sheriff to be a complex character, not just a bad guy, the typical baddie that the Sheriff of Nottingham often is. “We wanted him to be a very complex character who's torn between trying to uphold the law, trying to uphold what is it – Norman culture – but also struggling with everything that he deals with, his responsibilities as the sheriff, as the policeman of Nottingham, and having a rather unruly daughter as well. Sean just brought so much complexity and greyness to all of that.” Read more: I'm an expert historian and here's how accurate Robin Hood on MGM+ is to real events Sean Bean is a ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham in dramatic trailer for new Robin Hood Alongside the introduction of his daughter, Priscilla (Lydia Peckham), the co-writers also credited Bean’s “extraordinary” abilities as an actor to transform every line of dialogue into a rich and memorable moment. Glenn added: “He’s just an extraordinary actor in his ability, but also in how collaborative he is and just brings so much to every scene and makes interesting choices. It's his choices and how he delivers lines, which are fairly simple, not necessarily important moments and he just instils such colour and complexity [in them].” The Lord of the Rings actor is joined by relative newcomers for the series, as well as acting icons such as Connie Nielson, but the co-writers wanted to ensure they championed new talent as well as offering substantial enough roles for their “big name” actors too. “I think the goal always for both of us was to cast relatively unknowns for Robin and Marion, which is challenging to get done,” Glenn continued. “They're always going to want names or a star, but Lionsgate and MGM+ were very supportive of that.” “We really spent a ton of time on Eleanor (Nielson) and the Sheriff of Nottingham, on those roles really writing them, making them dimensional, creating characters that you haven't quite seen before.” “The Sheriff is a very unique version of the Sheriff of Nottingham, and we felt if we could land that, we would be able to attract heavy hitter actors that would offset the unknowns that we wanted to cast,” he added. Jack Patten, who landed the role of the leader of a rebel band of outlaws, Robin, admitted he felt “very lucky” to be able to work with actors such as Bean and Nielson, who led the set by example for the younger actors to follow. “It was awesome,” he said when asked about working with Bean. “It was so great. I think we were very lucky with the senior actors that we got on this show. They really just led from the front in their own way and they’re such great actors, and we both learnt so much from them, but just great people as well. “We really couldn't have asked for a better group. Then all us youngsters, we were just hungry and we just wanted to put our best foot forward and we were all just so pumped. We were just so keen.” Robin Hood arrives on MGM+ on Sunday 2nd November 2025. Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Robin Hood cast: Who stars alongside Sean Bean in the MGM+ series?
Everything you need to know about the characters and where you've seen the cast before.
There have been many adaptations of the legend of Robin Hood, but the MGM+ series promises to be a romantic spin on the tale offering a new psychological depth, grit and historical accuracy than ever seen before. Co-written by Jonathan English and John Glenn, the 10-part series follow Rob in his origins story as a Saxon forester’s son who falls in love with a Norman Lord’s daughter, Marian. Together, the duo must fight for justice and freedom against the oppression in the Middle Ages, Rob with his band of rebel outlaws and Marian by infiltrating the courts. Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Glenn and English set out to create something new, rather than a recreation or extension of a previous adaptation. We both love all the shows," said English. "I've been a huge Robin hood fan and fan of the Middle Ages since forever, and I love all of those shows. I grew up watching Kevin Costner and I think we all did, as most people do, even the recent Russell Crowe film. Glenn added: "There have been so many great interpretations over the years, even the Walt Disney film – I mean, the Walt Disney film is actually one of the best – and people love it. "We wanted to actually, in our story, to have all of the fun and the humour and the high-action adventure, but we also wanted to tell an origin story, and we wanted it to be more believable, more grounded. So certain things you can't get from the other films because they just didn't choose to show that version of it." But who can you expect to see in this reimagining? Alongside Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, a number of recognisable faces appear, plus some you might not recognise. Find the full cast rundown below. Robin Hood cast: Who stars in the MGM+ series? Jack Patten as Robert of Locksley Lydia Peckham as Priscilla of Nottingham Lauren McQueen as Marian Sean Bean as Sheriff of Nottingham Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon Marcus Fraser as Little John Angus Castle-Doughty as Friar Tuck Henry Rowley as Will Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine Richard Lintern as the Bishop of Hereford Erica Ford as Ralph Miller Ryan Gage as Spragart Oscar Salem as Marshal, The Earl of Pembroke Graeme Thomas King as Prince John Tom Mison as Hugh Locksley Anastasia Griffith as Joan Locksley Jelena Gavrilović as Godda Matija Gredić as Drew Miller Mihailo Lazić as Henry Boban Marjanović as Drogo For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on. Read more: Robin Hood review: MGM+’s reimagining eventually finds its target with Sean Bean as Sheriff I'm an expert historian and here's how accurate Robin Hood on MGM+ is to real events Jack Patten as Robert of Locksley Who is Robert? Robert of Locksley is the hero of our tale, who will later be known as Robin Hood. Rob is a Saxon who witnessed the Norman invasion as a child and has been shaped by this tense rivalry and high-stakes power struggle to lead a band of rebel outlaws to steal from the rich and feed the poor. Where have I seen Jack Patten before? This is the Australian actor’s first television series leading role, but he is set to star in Patrick Hughes' upcoming Netflix film, War Machine. Lydia Peckham as Priscilla of Nottingham and Lauren McQueen as Marian Who is Priscilla? Priscilla is the daughter of the Sheriff of Nottingham and a formidable woman who wields her own forms of power to her advantage. Strong willed with a ruthless streak, she serves as a stark contrast to Marian. Where have I seen Lydia Peckham before? The New Zealand actress is a relative newcomer with early television roles in Apple TV+’s Mr. Corman and Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, but she also appeared as a CGI ape, Soona, in the science-fiction epic, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Who is Marian? Marian is the daughter of a cruel Norman, the Earl of Huntingdon. Raised in an abusive household, Marian’s life has been planned out for her, before a chance meeting with a Saxon boy, Robert, in childhood, changes the trajectory of her future. Where have I seen Lauren McQueen before? The Liverpudlian actress is best known for her two-year-long role on Hollyoaks as Lily Drinkwell. McQueen has also appeared in series such as Apple’s Masters of the Air and Outlander: Blood of My Blood. Sean Bean as Sheriff of Nottingham Who is the Sheriff? The Sheriff of Nottingham is a strategic Norman statesman, a loving father to Priscilla and cousin to King Henry II. His position of power is constantly attacked by dangerous forces such as the outlaws in the woods, as well as the ambitions of Eleanor of Aquitaine. He’s determined to uphold Norman values and respect, whatever the cost, even if that means ruling with an iron hand. Where have I seen Sean Bean before? Bean has had an extensive career, but he’s best known for his iconic role as Boromir in The Lord of the Rings films, as well as playing Eddard (Ned) Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. More recently, the English actor has appeared in the BBC’s This City is Ours and Time, as well as post-apocalyptic dystopian series, Snowpiercer and Amazon’s action comedy, Deep Cover. Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon Who is the Earl of Huntingdon? The Earl of Huntingdon is a cruel and ruthless Norman Lord who acquires the former family (and ancestral) home of Hugh and Joan Locksley, Rob’s parents. He is also Marian’s father and a brutal ally to the Sheriff, but he still manages to serve his own agenda too. Where have I seen Steven Waddington before? The English actor has appeared in numerous TV series and films over the years including recurring roles in Apple TV+’s Slow Horses, The Long Shadow, Jamestown and BBC’s Waterloo Road and appeared in films such as The Imitation Game, Uncharted and The Last of the Mohicans. He even played King Richard in the BBC series, Robin Hood, back in 2007. Marcus Fraser as Little John Who is Little John? Little John becomes one of Rob’s most loyal allies in his band of rebel outlaws who fight for justice against the oppressive Norman court. Where have I seen Marcus Fraser before? Fraser has appeared in Apple TV+ Foundation, as well as The Outlaws and films such as Transformers: The Last Knight and Arthur’s Whisky. Angus Castle-Doughty as Friar Tuck Who is Friar Tuck? Friar Tuck is a principled young monk who wants to fight for true justice, which means opposing the Normans and aligning himself with Robin Hood and his outlaws. Where have I seen Angus Castle-Doughty before? Castle-Doughty is best known for his role in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone, playing Eric Foster in Hollyoaks and appearing in the hit film, The King’s Man. Henry Rowley as Will Who is Will? Will is Rob’s cousin and a man who is caught between two worlds, raised in rural forest by Saxon family sent to serve the King at the palace in London. He wants a life beyond the forest and is determined to work his way up in society. Where have I seen Henry Rowley before? Rowley is a TikTok comedy star, actor and stand-up comedian and this is his first television role. Connie Nielsen as Eleanor of Aquitaine Who is Eleanor of Aquitaine? Eleanor is a Queen and a force of nature who is formidable presence in the film, who offers guidance and aspiration for other women to fight and exert their power. The world is her battlefield so beware anyone who crosses her. Where have I seen Connie Nielsen before? The Danish actress has had an extensive on-screen career most recently reprising her role as Lucilla in Gladiator II. She’s also starred as Queen Hippolyta in DC’s Wonder Woman (and its sequel) and Justice League, as well as appearing in films such as Mission to Mars, Nobody and The Hunted. Richard Lintern as the Bishop of Hereford Who is the Bishop of Hereford? The bishop is a greedy and savvy figure in this tale, who has been appointed by the Vatican to hold a political and spiritual power in England. Though he serves the King and is an extension of the Norman rule, he also enjoys his cruel influence over the Saxons in his allyship with the lords and Sheriff in Nottingham. Where have I seen Richard Lintern before? Lintern is best known for his long-running role as Dr Thomas Chamberlain in BBC’s Silent Witness, but he’s also appeared in series such as Endeavour, Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, The Reckoning, Lewis and has a recurring role on Heartbeat. Erica Ford as Ralph Miller Who is Ralph Miller? Ralph is the eldest Miller sibling (to Henry and Drew), who has turned to live in the forest which is when she meets Rob. She’s been disguised as a boy for most of her life as protection, and is fiercely loyal and protective over her two brothers. Ralph is instantly taken with Rob and hopes that one day he may love one of his own kind, instead of Marian, her. Where have I seen Erica Ford before? Ford is best known for her roles in The Nevers, as well as appearing as Skipper in 2023’s Barbie and an episode of House of the Dragon. Ryan Gage as Spragart Who is Spragart? Spragart is a quick-thinking Saxon poacher and thief who by chance finds himself allied with Rob and his outlaws, especially as the scale of their raid’s increase. Where have I seen Ryan Gage before? Gage is best known for his role as King Louis XIII in the BBC series, The Musketeers, but he also appeared in two of the Hobbit films as Alfrid Lickspittle, righthand man to the Master of Laketown. Oscar Salem as Marshal, The Earl of Pembroke Who is Marshal, The Earl of Pembroke? Marshal is Eleanor’s closest and loyal advisor and confidant who is wildly ambitious and pursuing a romantic relationship with the Sheriff’s daughter, Priscilla. Where have I seen Oscar Salem before? Salem appeared in ITV’s mini-series, Des, as well as HBO’s House of the Dragon and films such as The Substance. Graeme Thomas King as Prince John Who is Prince John? Prince John is the younger brother to Richard and son of King Henry, and a rightful – but dangerous – heir to the throne. Where have I seen Graeme Thomas King before? King is best known for his role as Jeremy Beckett in Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, a spin-off to Pretty Little Liars that is loosely based on Sara Shepard’s novel, The Perfectionists. Tom Mison as Hugh Locksley Who is Hugh Locksley? Hugh is Rob’s father and the former owner of Locksley manor, before the Normans invaded the land and the Earl of Huntingdon claimed his land as his own. He’s a proud Saxon with deep ties to the lands who struggles to adapt to his new life in the forest, enraged by the corruption, greed and duplicity of the Normans, he must learn to temper his emotions if he is to survive. Where have I seen Tom Mison before? The actor is best known for his role as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, as well as appearing in the Paramount+ mystery thriller, The Ex-Wife, Apple TV+’s See and starring in films such as One Day and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Anastasia Griffith as Joan Locksley Who is Joan Locksley? Joan is Rob’s mother and a voice of reason for both Hugh and Rob within the series, as the family comes to terms with their new position in society. Where have I seen Anastasia Griffith before? Griffith has appeared in films such as Alfie, Dirty filthy love, as well as series such as Royal Pains, Once Upon a Time, Damages and Deep State. Jelena Gavrilović as Godda Who is Godda? Godda is a mythological Saxon Goddess that they believe lives in the forest to guide them. They call to Godda for aid, encouragement and protection during times of crisis. She is a beautiful and ethereal being whose legend lives on in folklore. Where have I seen Jelena Gavrilović before? The actress has appeared in TV series such as The Outpost as well as films such as Human Zoo. Miloš Timotijević as Egbert Who is Egbert? Egbert is a Royal Forester who serves alongside Rob’s father Hugh to protect Sherwood from poachers and illegal activity. Where have I seen Miloš Timotijević before? The Serbian actor has appeared in films such as In the Land of Blood and Honey, as well as TV series such as Black Sun, Besa and South Wind. Matija Gredić as Drew Miller Who is Drew Miller? Drew is the middle sibling in the Miller family, who is protected by his sister, Ralph and who helps to take care of their mute youngest brother, Henry. Where have I seen Matija Gredić before? Gredić is a relative newcomer appearing most recently in a war film, Battle for Castle Itter. Mihailo Lazić as Henry Who is Henry? Henry is the intelligent and perceptive youngest Miller sibling, who is mute and relies on his older siblings to help him navigate the world. Where have I seen Mihailo Lazić before? Lazić is also relatively new to the industry, but he’s also a writer and director of the 2025 short film, Tur De Zur. Boban Marjanović as Drogo Who is Drogo? Drogo is Guy Gisbon’s silent executioner who is a terrifying presence from his size and stillness alone. Where have I seen Boban Marjanović before? The Serbian actor has appeared in films such as Hustle, Happy Gilmore 2 and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Robin Hood arrives on MGM+ on Sunday 2nd November 2025. Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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Robin Hood review: MGM+’s reimagining eventually finds its target with Sean Bean as Sheriff
Sean Bean takes on the iconic role of the Sheriff of Nottingham in MGM+’s reimagining of Robin Hood.
Robin Hood has been retold across countless mediums, most recently in Disney’s family-friendly adventure Robin and the Hoods. Now, John Glenn and Jonathan English have reimagined the tale as an origin story with psychological depth and mythological and historical undertones — a portrait of a man fighting for justice under oppressive rule in MGM +'s Robin Hood. Stripped of their lands and ancestral homes, the Saxons struggle to adjust to their new status as outlaws after the Norman conquest of the Middle Ages. Their usurpers sit comfortably in their manors, while Rob (Jack Patten) and his parents, Joan (Anastasia Griffin) and Hugh (Tom Mison), are turned out of their home and into a modest hut in the forest. The series begins in Rob’s childhood, when the Normans first seize power, exploring the devastating effect this has — particularly on his father. Robbed of his title, position, and home, Hugh’s dangerous rage puts the family at risk, as his wife tries to temper his fury for the sake of survival. Driven by pride and ego, the opening episode dissects Hugh’s shortcomings as a man forced to kneel before a king and authority he does not recognise — a conflict Rob will later inherit. Most crucially, Hugh introduces his son to the bow and teaches him to control his emotions in order to always hit his mark. Rob’s relationship with his father is pivotal to this adaptation, and it’s a testament to Mison’s performance that the full weight of that bond — and its undoing — lands within the first hour. His father’s death becomes a powerful motivator, shaking Rob from his submissive slumber and igniting the rebellion that defines him. Read more: I'm an expert historian and here's how accurate Robin Hood on MGM+ is to real events Sean Bean is a ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham in dramatic trailer for new Robin Hood Heavily influenced by Vikings (and, at times, Game of Thrones), this is unmistakably an adult watch. Graphic sex scenes, power plays, and gruesome tableaus are framed to haunting effect, illustrating the depth of devastation caused by invasion. Justice and equality are now hollow ideals, twisted by the Normans to serve their own ends and exploit honour as a weakness. The Saxons’ one hope – and a strange supernatural force – lies in their connection to the forest and the faerie Godda (Jelena Gavrilović), said to dwell within and protect her devoted followers. Prayers are whispered like spells on the wind, strengthening the hearts of believers who cling to the hope that something – or someone – will save them from the evil that has claimed their lands. It’s a fraught, richly grounded story that feels both historical and eerily relevant to the present day, where mass displacement, loss of land, and the manipulation of power are ongoing realities. The anger towards conquerors – those who rewrite history and reshape culture and faith – is easy to understand. That sense of enormity carries through to the series’ production. Compared with earlier adaptations, such as the BBC’s 2006 version, this Robin Hood is vast in scale. Backed by Amazon and MGM’s budget, the 10-part series unfolds across expansive real and CGI-enhanced sets, from the forests and Nottingham to London and the royal palace. Dramatic licence is balanced with medieval realism, creating an immersive take on the legend that truly finds its footing in the second episode. After an exposition-heavy opener that establishes tone and historical context, the story gains momentum as Rob’s revolution begins to take shape. A welcome addition is the influx of women in this world. Marian (Lauren McQueen) is far more than Rob’s love interest — she’s a woman reckoning with her abusive upbringing, complete with her own ambitions and convictions. Told almost as a Romeo and Juliet-style romance between two people from opposing worlds, Rob and Marian sit at the emotional heart of this retelling. After a fleeting childhood encounter — when Marian, frog-hunting in the forest, meets Rob — the truth of her father’s sins begins to surface. Huntington (Steven Waddington) is a cruel, calculating presence who stops short of pantomime villainy, but his blind malice starkly contrasts with the story’s traditional antihero: the Sheriff of Nottingham (Sean Bean). Bean excels as the conflicted Sheriff, given more depth than ever before – a man burdened by the power he wields as judge, jury, and executioner. He’s humanised, tormented by the constant state of war around and within him, as it becomes clear that peace is an impossible dream. The cast balances seasoned talent – Bean, Waddington and Connie Nielsen as the formidable Queen Elena – with rising stars like Patten, McQueen and Lydia Peckham, who all leave lasting impressions. Priscilla (Peckham), the Sheriff’s daughter, is another dynamic addition – a woman who wields her sexuality as a weapon of control, initially over the Captain of the Guard. Defiant and sharp-willed, she adds a compelling shade of villainy and serves as a foil to the initially meek Marian, who gradually finds her voice and purpose as an informant to the rebellion. Across 10 hours of action, shifting allegiances and reimagined legend, Robin Hood delivers the familiar beats with fresh grit and emotional resonance. Will it be the definitive version? Perhaps not. But it carries a surprising weight, heart and ambition – a series that rivals even the most acclaimed historical dramas. A must-watch for fans of the lore and the genre alike, and a timely tale of defiance against those who seek to oppress, censor or erase. Robin Hood arrives on MGM+ on Sunday 2nd November 2025. Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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The Woman in Cabin 10 ending explained: Who was thrown overboard?
Keira Knightley leads the cast of the new Netflix thriller as a journalist who is convinced something is amiss...
All good thrillers save their best twists till last, and Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10 is no different. The new film starring Keira Knightley arrived on the streamer on Friday (10th October) and despite a relatively poor critical reception, it has instantly shot to the top of the Netflix Top 10 list. Based on Ruth Ware's novel of the same name, Knightley plays an investigative journalist named Lo who is convinced she sees a passenger thrown overboard the luxury yacht she is travelling on – even though everyone aboard claims that nothing is amiss and all the passengers and crew are still accounted for. As she investigates, things continue to get increasingly suspicious leading up to a major twists – if you've seen it and need it all unpacked, read for The Woman in Cabin 10 ending explained. The Woman in Cabin 10 ending explained: Who was thrown overboard? As Lo’s paranoia grows, it’s starts to become apparent that she was right to be fearful of the rest of the guests on the boat, as she was right all along. After discovering that the woman she had seen in the supposedly unoccupied cabin (number 10) is actually the spitting image of Anne (Lisa Loven Kongsli) things start to click into place. Richard (Guy Pearce) had invited this doppelgänger, Carrie (Gitte Witt), to the maiden voyage of his luxury yacht to temporarily switch places with his wife, Anne, so she could change Anne’s will to leave everything to him. However, in Agatha Christie-style fashion, nothing goes to plan. It’s revealed when Anne discovered Carrie and her husband scheming in cabin 10, a fight broke out, and she fatally hit her head, before Richard pushed Anne overboard. Horrified, Carrie does as Richard tells her and becomes Anne for the rest of the trip. Carrie confides all of this to Lo when she traps the inquisitive journalist in a storage room (as Lo realises quickly that the woman she saw in cabin 10 was Anne or someone who looked like her). Lo is missing for several days, which Dr Robert Mehta (Art Malik) along with Richard cover up as illness, checking in on Lo and keeping a growingly concerned Ben (David Ajala) at bay. When everyone leaves the ship for the day, apart from Ben who feels bad for leaving Lo (his ex-girlfriend) behind, Robert sets out to look for Lo in every corner of the ship. He doesn’t find her, but as the boat quietens down, Lo escapes from her hidden room to go up to Anne’s study, find the hidden key and steal her confession from her desk drawer – the one Anne had read her several days before. As Lo descends back down towards her cabin, she’s stopped by Robert, who blocks her way and has a syringe in hand to silence her once and for all. Lo fights him off, as the duo scrap on the floor and Robert tries to strangle her, before Ben appears and fights Robert off Lo. In the altercation, Robert accidentally injects Ben with the lethal syringe, much to Lo’s horror. As he shouts at her to run even though Lo is too distressed to leave him, Ben continues to fight Robert off, until he collapses on top of him and dies. Thanks to Ben’s help, Lo manages to rush back into her room and leap off her balcony into the icy waters below. Manically, she swims to shore and hides a shed and starts a fire to keep warm. Robert – who has always been in on the fraudulent scheme as Richard holds something over him – tells Richard that there’s no way Lo could have survived the freezing temperatures of the water, and they assume that she’s died in her attempt to escape. Richard takes the fake Anne (Carrie) to meet with their lawyers to rewrite the terms of Anne’s so that upon her death everything isn’t given to charity, but her greedy husband, Richard. Carrie has no choice but to sign on Anne’s behalf, despite being torn about how disposable she’ll be after the gala (as Lo warned her). Carrie hides her doubts and gets ready for the gala to pretend to be Anne for one more night. During the preparations, Lo gatecrashes the event and is stopped by one of the members of the crew. Lo asks if she’s seen a change in Anne’s behaviour, before revealing the truth that it’s a doppelgänger and proves it by letting her read the speech Anne wrote. She allows Lo to stay and mid-way through Richard’s speech, dedicated to his wife, Lo enters the room full of people saying she has something that Anne would want her to read. Carrie (as Anne) gives her permission for the letter to be read, despite Richard’s attempts to throw Lo out, as even his wealthy friends (and the guests who didn’t believe Lo’s wild theories on the boat) remind him that this gala is in honour of Anne, so she should be allowed to speak. Lo reads the speech that the real Anne prepared for the gala, the one where she revealed that she wanted to give her fortune away, rather than leave it to her husband. Richard becomes more distressed, but he can’t challenge what Lo says as then he’d have to admit the truth: that he killed the real Anne and replaced her with the fake next to him. As Lo reads more incriminating words, Richard panics and takes Carrie hostage at knifepoint to flee from the scene and heads along the docks and back towards a lifeboat. In the tense moment, Lo’s new ally, the member of the crew, shoots Richard in the shoulder. He becomes desperate and tries to strangle Carrie, before Lo finishes him off with one fatal blow with a x and he falls to his death. Carrie and Lo embrace, now free from this wicked scheme. In a fast forward, we see that Carrie is now reunited with her family, as she sends Lo a video to invite her to visit them. Meanwhile, Lo has published her expose in The Guardian about Anne’s charitable final act, her legacy and the fateful events on the ship. A younger journalist compliments Lo on her making the story a tribute to Anne, as opposed to solely about Richard’s actions instead. Her article is also a tribute to her late ex, Ben, who heroically saved her from being silenced on the ship, and it also details the two-remaining co-conspirators at large, Robert and the Captain, John (John Macmillan). In true Lo fashion though, she’s straight back to work, but not before one final smile at her screen at the picture of Ben. The Woman in Cabin 10 is now streaming on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Woman in Cabin 10 director reveals the scene that almost didn’t make it into the script
Simon Stone spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about his new Keira Knightley-led Netflix thriller.
It’s inevitable in a book-to-screen adaptation that changes are made to offer a new perspective on the story, and that’s the challenge director Simon Stone had with Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10. The psychological thriller follows Laura (Keira Knightley), a journalist who is covering the maiden voyage of a luxury yacht and believes that she has seen a passenger being thrown overboard. Despite her integrity as a journalist, none of the other guests or crew believe her, as everyone is accounted for. The film makes a few changes from the source novel, but Stone explained in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com that there was one moment he was desperate to keep, even though it was almost left out. “The moment that I always knew I was going to have, and it disappeared from the script and it came back, was the 'stop' written on the mirror,” he explained. Knightley added that Stone was "wed to" that detail, before he continued: “Yeah, like I know that's going to be an awesome moment, because the scary thing is someone was just in the room with her. "But it's also the moment where she goes, 'They've shown themselves. This person, whoever it is – I don't know who it is – has shown that they exist. I am therefore not crazy'. So there's a triumph in it as well." Stone also made a number of alterations to the screenplay, which he set out to make his “own thing” as opposed to a replication of the book. “If it's the shadow of a previous thing, you can't gain anything from that," he said. "I think that the only thing that you can do is to treat it as if you're making your own piece of work." He added that a lot of decisions and directions had to be made to shape the story into something tangible as opposed to an open subjective experience that people may have had when reading the book. "You have to choose an actor in a film, you can't go, well, just imagine yourself in that role, which is what novels do," Stone continues, "You can go 'I'm projecting all of my connections onto this character' that's what's great about reading books. They can feel so deeply personal. "But we have to choose someone – Keira – we have to choose a boat, we decide what it looks like. There's no openness to the individual's imagination. It's a subjective and a collective experience for an audience only in as much as they're watching the subjectivity of another person as opposed to themselves." Stone emphasised that films are about "empathising with someone else’s situation" as opposed to "imaging yourself in that situation," which is what he set out to do with Laura’s story. The Woman in Cabin 10 is now streaming on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Woman in Cabin 10 star reacts to character's "bittersweet" ending
David Ajala and Guy Pearce spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the new Netflix thriller.
(**WARNING: Contains spoilers for The Woman in Cabin 10**) There’s always an element of danger in a psychological thriller, and David Ajala has opened up about his character’s "bittersweet" end in Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10. The film follows Lo (Keira Knightley), a journalist who is covering on a maiden voyage of a luxury yacht. Early on, she believes she sees someone thrown overboard – but her concerns are brushed off given that every member of the crew and the guests are all accounted for. The suspected murder mystery (which has all the trappings of an Agatha Christie work) also sees Lo reunited with her ex-boyfriend, Ben (David Ajala). Ben is a photographer, there to capture the splendour of the trip, and initially sits on the fence about helping Lo follow her "journalist instincts" due to her lack of evidence. But one of the most shocking moments comes when he finally picks a side, which has deadly consequences for him. "I think it was a wonderfully surprising moment to read," Ajala explained to RadioTimes.com in an exclusive interview. "Because without judging the character, I was very taken by how this guy became the sacrificial lamb for this lady. I love seeing when characters are revealed in their actions and that was such a massive thing to do." He added: "I don't think Ben weighed up the weight of the sacrifice as he was in it, but he made a decision to do it and commit to it for Lo. [It happens so quickly] so you don’t have time to process, but you see the conviction that he has to go, 'I'm doing this for the better good.' But then it is bittersweet because there's nothing heroic about it because he doesn't win." Ajala's co-star Guy Pearce, who plays the billionaire philanthropist Richard, added: "You're going to get so many more fans after this… But our audience then within the translation of it, they then get to feel the loss of you." Ajala was interested to explore a character who "operates in a very grey area" who is both with the wealthy, but disconnected from their world at the same time. Meanwhile, Pearce was “fascinated” by Richard as a billionaire who carries a “number of secrets” but has a “relaxed way” about him. “The idea of greed and this idea of once you have money, then you want more and you don't want to let go of what you've got, and it corrupts your sense of compassion and empathy etc, that stuff I'm interested in," Pearce explained. "And I'm interested in playing a character like this who perhaps once upon a time was a more empathetic and thoughtful and considerate human being. “But in the nature of where he's got to at this point in his life, he's grabbed onto something that's seemingly working for [him] and he doesn't want to let that go. I feel like I see that a lot. "That's why the world is the way that it is, that greedy people just get greedier and richer people just get richer, the imbalance of that is fascinating to me and it was interesting to play a character that embodies that.” The Woman in Cabin 10 is now streaming on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Keira Knightley gives exciting update about Black Doves season 2
The actress can soon be seen starring in the new Netflix film The Woman in Cabin 10.
It’s been almost a year since the first season of Black Doves debuted – and now star Keira Knightley has revealed an exciting update about the second run of the series. While promoting her latest Netflix psychological thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10, the actress admitted in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com that she was "so ready" to return to action in the spy-for-hire thriller. She teased about the next season: "I mean, we start on Monday… That's all I know… and I'm in it a lot." Knightley’s latest foray into her "favourite" genre is in an adaptation of Ruth Ware’s novel of the same name. She plays Lauren (or Lo), a journalist who is dead set on uncovering the truth when she is invited to a private yacht and believes she sees a woman fall overboard. "I love the genre; it's always been my favourite," she said. "There's a claustrophobia. They're trapped on a boat. She thinks she's seen somebody; she knows she's seen something, and everyone tells her that she's wrong. "For most people that would make them go, 'Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry. You're totally right. I must have got drunk or something.' Instead, she goes, 'I saw it. This is what happened' and she just ploughs on through. I was just really interested in looking at somebody who was that sure." Lo is dedicated to her work – and finding the real story whatever the cost - but there’s also a level of catharsis in her job too, which Knightley also finds in her work. When asked which role has been the most therapeutic in her career, Knightley revealed: "I think all of them are. There’s always a level of catharsis in quite a lot of them." But she added: "In Black Doves, I get the mum rage out by smashing people up, I'm like, 'This is brilliant'. But I think that's what I look for. "I look to exercise bits of my psyche through a character, through a place where it's not real, but I can go into these depths and explore those things. I think that's what's fun about my job." Another part of the appeal of this particular film was working with renowned theatre director, Simon Stone. "I heard that Simon was doing it and he's such an interesting director," she said, "It was so interesting that he wanted to do a thriller because I'd never seen [him] do anything like this, so I thought, 'Oh, that's really exciting!'" The Woman in Cabin 10 is released on Netflix on Friday 10th October 2025. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Slow Horses star teases future plans for Claude Whelan after dramatic season 5 twists
After the explosive season 4 finale of Slow Horses, Claude Whelan is still feeling the after effects of his alter-ego being ousted by Moira to get her job back. And a raise. Though his secret is still somewhat contained, James Callis has teased how that information may come back to haunt him and continue to unravel in season 5. "In this season, it's a different thing,” he tells RadioTimes.com. "To be honest, they came to me with a lot of ideas, I had a rap sheet of potential Claude peccadillo's and we chose one that we thought was the most fitting.” Before the actor teased: "He's compromised, but through his own actions, if he'd been smarter with the journalist at the very beginning [in episode one], he probably wouldn't be in this mess. So again, it's like you do it to yourself." For his second season in the spy drama, Callis felt as though he was “cooking with gas” coming back to the “familiarity” of the cast, unlike Claude, who is still finding his feet in the cut-throat environment. Even though he has a new-found confidence again this season, Callis warns it might not last. “I think that’s, spoiler alert, a certain amount of misplaced confidence,” he says, “When you have one idea, you're basically like a kid on a bike with the training wheels, and then they take the training wheels off. It's like, ‘maybe we should have waited a couple of weeks. That's when you had that bad accident, when the bike took off down a thing and you went into a tree.’” “It reminds me of a Radiohead song, which I think a lot, it’s like ‘You do it to yourself. You do. You and no one else. You do it to yourself.’ It's true, that's why it hurts.” Read more: Slow Horses star reacts to "satisfying" episode 3 reveal and major book change Slow Horses star breaks down shocking, personal twist for Zahar Jaffrey in episode 3 In some ways, Callis is conscious that while Claude has an amount of integrity, he is also a man who doesn’t know when to quit, hang up his suit and call it a day. He continues: “A certain amount of Claude's journey – I'm just realising so many things - is you’ve got to know when to call it a day, but in looking at the world, as we do, the amount of people who don't call it a day. They keep on going. It’s like how principled, what principles?” “The reason you're in the service is because you love the country and you want to protect the people, you may not be the best person at it, mentioning no names, but you come at it with an intention to protect the country and serve the people in it and serve the best interests of the people in it. That's the idea.” Slow Horses season 5 airs every Wednesday on Apple TV+ – sign up to Apple TV+ now. Add Slow Horses to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Monster's Charlie Hunnam found the one "obscure" unreleased Ed Gein tape during research
The actor made the discovery as he was preparing to play the serial killer.
Most actors who appear in a dramatisation of a true story research the real-life person behind their character, but Charlie Hunnam arguably went one step further when preparing for the lead role in Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The third instalment in Netflix’s anthology series follows the prolific serial killer Ed Gein, who murdered a number of women and exhumed bodies from graveyards in the 1950s. Despite the wide notoriety of Gein’s crimes, there are no public videos or tapes of the trial that Hunnam could have referred to in his research. There were rumours of one tape being recorded during his imprisonment but no one could track it down. So, Hunnam set out to. “There is one tape that's very obscure that was never released because a) Ed never stood trial for his crimes because he was deemed medically unfit because of his psychological disorders,” he told RadioTimes.com. “But they'd also never read him his Miranda rights, and he was also beaten up while he was in jail and so these tapes were just sort of put in a drawer and never released to the world. I'd heard about them, but nobody could find them.” He added: “I ultimately did find them, but only about three or four days before we started to shoot.” It was a historic discovery, but Hunnam had already set about crafting his own unique accent for Gein of a “gentle, high-pitched voice”, which he created through his own research prior to filming. Part of his introduction to the story which he knew “very little” about before being cast, was a “three-hour” deep dive into the history of Gein’s crimes from director Ryan Murphy. Read more: Monster: The Ed Gein Story's Charlie Hunnam reveals the reason behind his unique accent Charlie Hunnam defends Monster: The Ed Gein Story, says Netflix series is not gratuitous Even though Murphy had been enthusiastic about the project during their meeting, Sons of Anarchy actor was surprised when Murphy asked him to take on the lead role. “Two hours in,” Hunnam continued, “there was this moment where he said, 'So would you like to play him?' And I was gobsmacked. I had no indication that that's where this conversation was leading to.” Monster: The Ed Gein Story is now streaming on Netflix – sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Monster: The Ed Gein Story's Charlie Hunnam reveals the reason behind his unique accent
"That voice that I use grew out of my research..."
Charlie Hunnam has revealed how he created the distinctive accent for serial killer Ed Gein in the latest instalment of Netflix’s anthology series: Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The actor, best known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and The Gentlemen, didn’t have any real material to draw from to build Gein’s voice, as the one recording of him was only discovered just before filming began. “That voice that I use grew out of my research,” Hunnam told RadioTimes.com, "and the thing that I couldn't stop thinking about was Ed's burning desire to get the love and affection and acceptance from his mother that he never got, who was the only person he ever had a relationship with in his life. “She told him every day for 41 years that she hated him because he'd not been born the daughter that she wanted. I thought if you don't have any other contact with the outside world, you only have a relationship with one person, and that person tells you every day that she hates you because you're not a girl, what would that do, psychologically and emotionally? And how would that manifest in the body? “So, I thought this gentle, high-pitched voice might be a way that Ed gave permission to his mother to love him.” Alongside his own research into the infamous American serial killer, who murdered at least two women and exhumed corpses from local graveyards in the 50s, Hunnam also had a three-hour debrief from director Ryan Murphy that was like “watching a documentary”. When asked how much he knew about the true story prior to being cast, Hunnam responded: “Very little. I had a three-hour meeting with Ryan Murphy, I thought as a general meeting to get to know each other, I didn't know we were actually meeting to talk about Ed Gein. “But Ryan was in the process of breaking the story and figuring out his research, so he had spent the whole day writing and came to the meeting just 10 minutes late, but was effusively apologetic for being late, and then just started telling me that he'd lost track of time because he was in sort of the creative splendour of discovering this story.” Read more: Monster season 3's hypocrisy with Ed Gein means it's nowhere near as clever as Ryan Murphy thinks it is Who was Ilse Koch and did she influence Ed Gein? Monster season 3 character explained Hunnam said Murphy was “passionate about storytelling and the creative process” and that he did a “fantastic job” of informing him about the real-life material. “We just started talking about Ed, and it was like watching a two-hour documentary, where you can learn a lot about a character in two hours, listening to Ryan talk,” he added. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is now streaming on Netflix – sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Industry season 4 star teases new episodes - and reveals what workplace she wants to portray next
Myha'la was speaking to RadioTimes.com about her role in new movie Swiped.
It’s been over a year since Industry last aired, and viewers have been waiting with bated breath for an update on season 4, which is expected to land in January 2026. Ahead of the highly-anticipated new season, Myha’la, who plays Harper in the acclaimed drama, has opened up about what fans can expect from the next instalment. When asked by RadioTimes.com if she can tease anything about season 4, she replied: “Of course not [laughs]. No, I think you can expect from Industry what you can always expect from Industry. Drugs, sex, rock and roll. It's going to be great.” It comes as the actress tackles another toxic workplace in the tech biopic, Swiped. The film follows the career trajectory of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, who in real life brought a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against Tinder – ultimately reaching a settlement for an undisclosed sum and without admission of wrongdoing. Myha’la stars as Whitney’s best friend, Tisha, who is also subject to the misogyny and sexism seen in the film. Tisha, who is a fictional character based on several real people, plays a pivotal role in Whitney’s story, as she addresses that by not challenging the sexism to fit in with the ‘boys club’, she is in a way complicit. “If I were watching it and when I read it, I was just like, ‘Two things can be true at once’,” she explained about the nuance of Tisha’s position. She continued: “You can support your friend. You can have sympathy and empathy for what they're going through and you can also say, ‘Hey, I respect that this is what you're going through, but you're also mistreating me’. As someone who cares about you, you can care about me, too. "I think that mutual respect and acknowledgement is important, especially among friends. I think starting that dialogue is so important. You don't have to just blindly support someone because they're going through a hard time if they're also being... If they're not recognising the way their actions affect the people around them." She also addressed how Swiped is a reminder of the importance of representation on-screen, including seeing women in high-powered STEM roles and challenging sexism in any male-dominated environment. "The power of film and TV representation is that it tells people, either on an explicit level or a subliminal level, that their stories matter, that they're important,” she aeed. “It might be a small thing, but it can affect some serious change in someone's self-confidence. “That's the power of what we do. We tell people like, ‘Hey, if you look like this and this is your story, it's important enough to be on a screen’, which can really affect someone's confidence.” Now, Myha’la has taken on the finance sector and the tech world, what workplace does she have her sights on next? "Oh, boy, maybe like a lawyer. I don't know. More suits. I love a suit. Any suit is fine." Industry season 4 is expected to air in 2026. Swiped is streaming now on Disney+ – sign up to Disney+ from £4.99 a month or £89.90 for a year. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
​​Swiped director explains capturing Whitney Wolfe Herd's story - but with NDAs preventing speaking with her
Lily James stars as the Bumble founder in the new film.
Biopics can often fall into two categories, those that are created in tandem with the estate or real person behind the camera and those that are retold, to the best of their ability, in a part-fictional tale. The latest tech biopic, Swiped, is the latter. Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg wanted to tell Whitney Wolfe Herd’s "inspiring" story as a woman navigating a male-dominated environment from a co-founder at Tinder to the founder of dating app, Bumble. However, Wolfe Herd is not legally allowed to talk about her time at Tinder due to a non-disclosure agreement she signed when she left, after accusing her former colleagues of sexual harassment. Tinder ultimately settled without any admission of wrongdoing for an undisclosed sum. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Goldenberg explained that she set out to create as true-to-life a film as possible with the extensive evidence available online. "It was a huge responsibility to tell this story, and especially without speaking to her," she said. "It was super important to my writing partner and I and the whole team that we just did as much research as possible. "There's a ton of stuff out there. There are interviews with everyone involved, tons of articles. We pored over her court documents. The lawsuit is available online. We literally stalked everyone's old social media. We found old Vines that people had made to try to piece together like, 'Oh, OK. So, they were a couple here'." Naturally, some of the story had to be fictionalised due to the gaps in the complex puzzle of Wolfe Herd’s life. She added: “There’s some story shaping, but making sure that was all on a bed of as much deep research as we could do." Even with the NDA, Goldenberg wanted to tell this "cinematic" story, as she found it to be an empowering tale of a woman who "took some of the most difficult things that ever happened in her life and forged them into this great success". "I was reading interviews and articles with her and her talking about both having some really hard times and then also her own complicity of feeling like, initially, there was only room for one woman at the table,” she continues. "And feeding into the boys' club to get ahead. “I just related so hard to that and thought she found such a beautiful way to change her behaviour and move in a path forward. It just felt like not only a film to me, but also a film that I felt like I need to make this." View oEmbed on the source website Swiped is streaming now on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ in the UK – sign up to Disney+ from £4.99 a month or £89.90 for a year. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Lily James reveals the vital reason she starred in Bumble creator biopic Swiped
The actor stars as Whitney Wolfe Herd in the new movie – which is coming to Disney+ this week.
Lily James has opened up about the motivation to take on her latest role as Whitney Wolfe Herd in the tech biopic Swiped. The film follows the youngest female self-made billionaire on her journey from a fresh-faced graduate, to a co-founder at Tinder, to the founder of the "revolutionary" dating app Bumble. The entrepreneur is still under a non-disclosure agreement with Tinder after she sued the company over claims of sexual harassment, and later reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum without admission of wrongdoing. In conversation with RadioTimes.com, James shared: "One of the things that really compelled me to want to be a part of this project and take on this role was this exploration of women being silenced and how to take away someone's right to speak their truth or tell their story is a very vicious act." She added: "I think it's a relevant and important conversation that we all need to be having." In the UK, the government has been working on the Employment Rights Bill, which would prevent employers from using NDAs to silence workplace harassment and abuse. In the film, James portrays the immense emotional distress – including panic attacks and anxiety – that came with being legally gagged from telling her side of the story, when the accusations were leaked to the press. "I think if this film can in any way, big or small, be a part or contribute to that topic, then I think everyone involved creatively would be really proud of that," James added. The actress admitted that while she didn’t know much about Wolfe Herd’s career before joining as a producer and star, she was intrigued to explore how a woman navigated a toxic male-dominated environment and still managed to come out on top. "I think her story is such an inspiring one and how she achieved so much in her professional career was extraordinary," James began. "But also the challenges she faced on a human level as a woman, and the way she overcame the struggles in her life. I really felt very empowered by and wanted to explore this story and bring it to screen." This isn’t the first real person that James has played either, after she starred as Pamela Anderson in the Disney+ series, Pam & Tommy. However, the actress approaches each role with the same process and the hope to bring as "much humanity" to each scene as possible. "I feel a huge sense of responsibility when you're playing someone real because you really want to honour or do justice to their story," she explained. "I just approach it in a way where I try and bring as much authenticity and integrity and work really hard. "But I feel that pressure, whether I play a fictional or a real-life person, to be honest, to want to just bring as much humanity as I can to what I'm doing." Swiped is streaming now on Disney+ – sign up to Disney+ from £4.99 a month or £89.90 for a year. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Summer I Turned Pretty ending explained: Who does Belly choose?
The finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty has finally arrived, and is aptly named, At Last. Based on Jenny Han’s novels of the same name, the third season has been an agonising watch for viewers, as the love triangle only divided the Fisher brothers further, when Belly decided to marry Jeremiah. After he cheated on her, oh and just before (literally just before the wedding day), Conrad revealed that big secret – that he still loved Belly. By the finale, Belly has removed herself entirely from the situation. The Summer I Turned Pretty ending explained Belly's said goodbye to both of the Fisher boys, built a life for herself in Paris and entered a new era with a daring new bob, but Conrad got on the plane to Paris. He makes his way to her apartment and patiently waits for her arrival and she turns up on a moped with her friend/lover, Benito. They kiss and he leaves, so finally, Conrad is reunited with Belly. Once the shock subsides, they exchange awkward hugs and Conrad explains her has a conference in Brussels so thought he’d just pop by ahead of her birthday. Though Belly seems reluctant at first, she suggests they spend the day sightseeing before his train. Anxious, she puts on lipstick but berates herself for doing so and says she’ll just spend the day with him and send him on his way. Meanwhile, back in Boston, Jeremiah is preparing to host a dinner as a new up and coming chef with Denise and Taylor’s help. Jeremiah confesses that Conrad is in Paris to Denise and admits while the anticipation was agonising, he’s OK with it knowing there together now, as so much time has passed. As he suggests getting a new couch for their apartment, Denise reveals that she’s moving to San Francisco with Steven as they’ve been given seed funding for their project. He’s thrilled for her, but she tells him not to tell anyone as Steven hasn’t told Taylor yet. Cue Taylor’s entrance. She’s outraged and declares everything is ruined as the bar they were meant to host the dinner in also has a leak. Taylor argues with Denise as she’s upset about not being told about the move, before they work together to find an alternative venue and Denise suggests Jeremiah’s house in Cousins. Even though he’s in two minds about it, he agrees and they start to pack and relocate their event. The finale flits between Boston and Paris, where Belly and Conrad soak up the sights on a big bus tour. He keeps stealing glances at her and has flashbacks to their previous summers together. They exchange awkward small talk, until Conrad says he wishes he could see Paris the way that Belly does. She derails the conventional tour to take him to a secluded rooftop with views across all of Paris. She admits that it was only when she saw Paris from above everything started to click and Conrad likens it to the human body – in isolation, every element feels overwhelming to understand, but it makes sense as a whole. He thinks she’ll tease him for being a nerd, instead she says "for a second you looked like 10-year-old you". The sweet tension between them grows, and Conrad starts to realise how comfortable she is in Paris. She admits it hasn’t been easy and she felt like an idiot for so long with the language barrier, but remembered what he’d said about the pacific that it was like "standing on another planet, like anything was possible". For her, that’s Paris. Read more: The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 ending reveals important message on hit show's future The Summer I Turned Pretty soundtrack: Every song in season 3 Conrad reminds her that she’s always been competitive, brave and as their mum’s called her a "feral ally cat," so Paris never stood a chance. After their candid chat, Belly invites him to the small dinner party her friends are throwing ahead of her birthday tomorrow and he agrees. Back in Cousins, Taylor and Denise are setting up decorations, while Steven arrives and friction starts to show with Taylor, who doesn’t tell him she knows about San Francisco. Everything is slightly falling apart, but they make it work. Taylor hires his frat bros to be wait staff and sets out to buy ramekins. After she leaves, Jeremiah admits to Steven that Taylor knows about San Francisco. Conrad is in awe of Belly’s little black dress for her birthday, as he soaks in her apartment, her books, photos and pictures of the guy she was with on the bike. He feels a touch out of place until he sees the bear he won for her at the fair. At the dinner, everyone greets Belly in French which gives them a chance to take in the sight of the ‘legendary’ Conrad Fisher, as Benito calls him and says "we’ve heard everything about you". Her girl friends swoon over him and find his surprise arrival romantic and want Belly to end up with him. But he still feels slightly on the outside as Belly sits with Benito and talks intimately at the big table, after he gave her a gorgeous sunlight photo of her half-naked in bed. Benito finally asks the question that everyone wants to know, why Conrad is in Paris as they debates whether Conrad is the villain in their story, but Belly says is actually her. Thankfully, the awkwardness subsides when Celine drops in that Benito is only salty as Belly dumped him six weeks ago, and Belly teases that he will always be the guy who taught her to ride a scooter. To which Conrad comes back to "I’ll always be the guy who taught you how to ride a bike". In Cousins, Jeremiah’s dad arrives for the dinner and Denise gives him a pep talk to keep going with it, as it won’t implode as he’s worked so hard. They share a sweet moment, but Denise shuts it down so he can get back to cooking. Belly and Conrad sit cosily at the table, as she opens gifts, and her friends tease in French that he himself is a gift. She realises he memorises everything she says. He reveals that he wanted to bring a bit of Cousins to Belly on her birthday, as she’s spent every birthday there, so he gives her a vial of sand that when he’s lonely reminds him of home. She gives him a kiss on the cheek, before making a wish while blowing out her candles on the cake. Laurel is pleased that Jeremiah’s dad is there – even with his disgusting jokes – as she’s glad he’s trying. Laurel admits she misses everyone being together they toast to Belly. Taylor returns and argues with Steven in the kitchen, before Jeremiah throws them out. Taylor is upset that he didn’t ask her to move with him, when they’re serious now and Steven says he didn’t want to ask her to move for him when she’d already done that with Boston. She says it isn’t moving for him, but with him, and they reconcile saying it’s ‘fate’ they’re together and decide to move to San Francisco. Belly and Conrad walk home together in the moonlight, as Belly’s birthday officially begins. He admits that he thought Belly was living in exile, but now sees the beautiful life she has in Paris. Belly says at the start she thought the loneliness was a punishment, but is happier now. Conrad reveals Jeremiah knows he’s in Paris, and Belly is relieved he’s OK with it. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/09/jeremiah-12d90da.png" width="1362" height="908" alt="A young woman in a white dress holds a drink with a lime wedge, looking up at a young man beside her. He wears a light gray suit jacket over a white shirt and looks back at her with a slight smile. They are indoors, with warm lighting in the background." title="The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2" /> At Jeremiah’s dinner, everyone loves the food and Denise taste tests the dessert for him. She tells him that he’s amazing, and a 10 and needs to stop being obsessed with his brother, before Jeremiah kisses her. Later, he pops out to make a speech and thanks everyone for coming, before his dad tells him how proud he is and has always been of him. Belly and Conrad go down to the Seine and dance together to I Only Have Eyes for You, as they reminisce about their frightful Prom night, before Belly admits she didn’t write back to Conrad in an attempt to move on. He asks if she has moved on, before they kiss. Another Taylor Swift needle drop happens (this time with Dress) as a montage of them in a passionate frenzy kissing in the taxi home, all the way back to her apartment ensues. Afterwards, Belly says she used to wish for him every birthday and he says well "now you’re stuck with me forever," and it unsettles her. She asks when he’s leaving, but he says he might skip the conference and she tells him not to change his plans for her as she wouldn’t do that for him. He understands but she retreats to the bathroom and when she comes back encourages him to get the next train in an hour at 5am. He suggests they grab breakfast first, but she shoots him down. Conrad addresses the situation and asks what’s wrong as Belly admits she doesn’t know why he’s there or what he wants. He reveals he loves her and wants to know if she loves him. She says she does, but doesn’t know if it’s because his mum wanted them to be together, and if she hadn’t died, then maybe he wouldn’t feel like this. Belly says she wishes she could be as sure as he is about how they feel, but she isn’t. So, in tears, he gets dressed and leaves. Belly opens a picture from her mum of her when she was younger, sticking her tongue out. She realises as much as she believed she had to change, she loved who she was, and still is that same girl, and even after her mistakes she still loves herself. She says: “I have brown hair and brown eyes and I love him.” Taylor Swift's Out of the Woods plays as Belly gets her big romcom moment, running through the streets of Paris and getting a cab to the station to chase him down. She rushes down the platform, walks through every carriage until she finds Conrad, crying, and says: “Is this seat taken?” Then Belly says what audiences have waited three seasons to hear: “Conrad, I choose you, of my own free will, if there are infinite worlds every version of me chooses you in every one of them.” She’s wearing the infinity necklace he gave her, they kiss and both say I love you. The elation continues back home too as everyone celebrate Jeremiah’s successful night, as he holds hands with Denise under the table and Steven and Taylor seem more loved up than ever. In a voiceover, Belly reveals she didn’t go back to Cousins that summer, but eventually she did. Conrad drives them back to the house, and they walk in together, as the camera pans out of them two of them in each other’s arms on the back garden. Before the credits, there’s a sweet photo montage of their Christmas together in Paris. And the tease to end all teases, the episode ends with a handwritten note from the author Han herself who thanks fans for their love and dedication to the show, and adds: "Maybe we will meet again one summer in Cousins, until then… All my love always, Jenny." We’re already seated. The Summer I Turned Pretty is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. 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Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a tribute to its present and past matriarchs
The new film puts the beloved period drama's iconic women at the front and centre.
Since its small-screen debut back in 2010, Downton Abbey has closely followed the ever-evolving position that women held in the early 1900s though the three Crawley sisters, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), Edith (Laura Carmichael) and (in her time) Sybil Crawley (Jessica Brown Findlay). From taking on men’s roles during the war to choosing to work when it was over, adopting more androgynous styles and haircuts and fighting for a right to inherit property, it’s been a riveting ride through the roaring twenties and beyond for women’s liberation. Despite being set in a repressive time for women, Downton has always felt at its core very forward-thinking and the franchise’s final outing is no different. In The Grand Finale, the Crawley family are once again hit by a scandal of Mary’s own making, when it’s announced in the papers that she is now divorced from her former husband, Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode). The news sets her social circle ablaze and Mary is swiftly shunned as a social pariah and even dismissed from a family friend’s home, as their guests cannot bear to be in the same room as a divorced woman. In a stark change of tone to the early series, even Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is outraged by her unfair dismissal as everyone’s tolerance for the double standards towards women starts to tire. Surprisingly, it’s Edith who comes to her sister’s aid by luring the locals back to Downton to stomach Mary’s presence, as the renowned playwright Noel Coward will be there too. Gone is the catty sisterly friction between Edith and Mary, in its place a mutual respect for each other. Edith uses her prestigious position in society as a ‘great lady’ as leverage to bargain for a snake’s silence and protect Mary’s reputation. No longer do the Crawley women cower from scandal, but they face the potential storms together and refuse to be threatened by men who want to exploit their power over them. The Grand Finale is a tribute to the present and past matriarchs of Downton Abbey and their colossal impact in the community to bring about change. Most of the resolutions in the film happen due to the female characters stepping in to resolve every challenge that comes their way. Lady Edith brings her sister back from social disgrace, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) helps her brother recover from losing their mother’s fortune (and ensures he won’t lose any more money too). Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mrs Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) even get the word around the village to other ladies’ maids about Downton’s famous dinner guest so they reconsider their invitations. Meanwhile, Daisy (Sophie McShera) is invited to be on a local committee by Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and the duo form an unlikely alliance to challenge oppressive, sexist and classist views within the village. Once an impressionable, uncertain girl, Daisy has grown into a confident woman who isn’t afraid to speak up for injustice or to command her new-found authority as head of the kitchen as she prepares to take over from her mother-like figure Mrs Patmore (Lesley Nicol). Even at dinner parties, Mary is now openly asked for her opinion on building developments at Downton, as opposed to being disparaged by her father or kept completely out of the conversation. A new age has dawned at Downton, one that is ruled and guided by women both up and downstairs. The female characters work to dismantle social stigmas and fight against repressive social norms to bring about more liberal beliefs in their community that benefit everyone, as opposed to one class or another. One notable absence is the former ruling matriarch, Dame Maggie Smith as Violet, who passed away in the previous film. The Grand Finale also serves as a tribute to Violet (and Smith), as a woman who stood up for what she believed in and usually did it with a charming quip or a stellar one-liner. At its heart, Downton’s final farewell is a nostalgic reflection on the past sixteen years and a tribute to the women who have, in spite of the odds, shaped the trajectory of its future. They now hold positions of power within their homes and communities, command respect and in a Violet-like fashion, don’t back down from fighting against injustices. Julian Fellowes has crafted a final farewell to the matriarch they’ve lost, Violet, and the ones who have been left behind to steer the ship. Downton is left in Mary’s charge, as a happily divorced woman with a son, George, and she has the support of the entire family and local community. It’s hard not to feel emotional for Mary, as arguably it’s one that a decade ago, she wouldn’t have ever been allowed to pursue on her own. But she is her grandmother’s daughter, and the next great Lady is ready to command the next chapter of Downton Abbey. I wonder if it’s one we’ll get to see... Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is now showing in UK cinemas. Check out more of our Drama coverage or Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Smoke's Taron Egerton didn't know about bombshell finale twist
"At the end of the show, you realise something quite profound I just didn't know was coming."
Apple TV+’s new crime drama, Smoke, packs some surprising twists and turns that were even withheld from some of the main cast. The nine-part series follows Rocketman’s Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen, an enigmatic arson investigator who joins forces with a troubled detective, Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett), to attempt to catch two serial arsonists. Inspired by Truth Media’s podcast Firebug, the series offers a fresh spin on the story, which includes some major revelations in the final two episodes that left even Egerton in disbelief. Creator Dennis Lehane, the mind behind Blackbird and the author of Shutter Island, didn’t tell Egerton about his character’s journey ahead of reading each script, which the actor believes only strengthened his performance. "At the end of the show, you realise something quite profound about Dave that I just didn't know was coming," Egerton shared. "Dennis really kept that from me, and it was a hugely exciting prospect for me as an actor because it means I'm kind of very wilfully playing against a type if I have one. "I just think it's such an interesting different piece, this show, and Dennis did something really imaginative and I'm very glad to be a part of it." Read more: Smoke star Taron Egerton didn't know "disturbing" true story prior to show Best TV shows on Apple TV+ Lehane wanted to ground the series in real reactions, such as keeping those secrets under wraps, as well as using real fire throughout the show, as opposed to relying on visual effects. Egerton praised the crew for their "incredible" practical effects, as, though it was "intimidating" working with real fire, it helped the actor become more immersed in his role. There was just one downside. "Well, you stink to high heavens at the end of the day," Egerton continued. "That’s the bit about it that I don't enjoy. Gets really right into your skin, that very acrid, burny smell. "I try to maintain a sense of wonder when I'm working and being like, holy s**t, look at what I get to do for a living. This is cool. I certainly felt that way about the fire stuff. "It's incredible to see people create those practical effects. It's quite intimidating and can be quite full on. But, I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel safe." It also meant that Egerton and his co-stars were very "present" when filming each scene on set, as they had to interact and be mindful of the real flames. "As an actor, it really makes you feel alive and present because it's a lot, but it just looks so amazing in camera and I was always very excited by the sequence that I'm closely involved with in that first episode with the fire, because it's a hugely significant beat for the character." Smoke is available to stream on Apple TV+. Add Smoke to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Smoke star Taron Egerton didn't know "disturbing" true story prior to show
"It's just very difficult to wrap your head around."
Taron Egerton is no stranger to playing real-life characters, but the actor wasn’t familiar with the true crime that inspired his latest series, Smoke. The nine-part Apple TV+ series is based on Truth Media’s 2021 podcast, Firebug, that dissected the crimes of a serial arsonist who burnt down businesses in broad daylight in Southern California in the '80s and '90s. Egerton stars as Dave, an arson investigator who joins forces with a detective, Michelle Calderone (Jurnee Smollett), to finally try and catch the two serial arsonists he’s been chasing for months. However, prior to shooting the series, Egerton has revealed that he was not familiar with the "disturbing" true story of the most prolific arsonist in America that Dennis Lehane created this series around. "No, I hadn’t," he told RadioTimes.com when asked if he had listened to Firebug. "I listened to the podcast when the show first came about and the idea was first raised. "There’s so much about it that I found - sure, it's disturbing - but it's just very difficult to wrap your head around as well, because his behaviour was so odd in such a multitude of different ways. "It struck me as being a real challenge to try and pull all of those together into something that felt like a cohesive character." He added: "I think that's really true of the show. It's a real juggle, sort of trying to figure out who Dave is and who the other characters in the show are as well, because no one is very easily squeezed into a box." Yet, Egerton was on board from the beginning; keen to collaborate with his Blackbird showrunner, Lehane, and explore this "fascinating" character who is fuelled by a misguided hero complex. "I was actually pretty sure I was gonna do it before I read the script because [Dennis and I] started talking about it when we were still shooting Blackbird," the actor explained, "so it's been a long time in the works. But when he did finally send me the first couple of scripts, god, I was so excited." The prospect of playing Dave intrigued Egerton as it wasn’t like any role he’d played before, as he has so many conflicting sides to his identity. "It's a fascinating role," he continued, "he's so unlike anything that I've ever been asked to play before, and actually, in a lot of ways, really unlike anything that I've seen on TV before." "He’s complicated in a number of different ways," Egerton explained. "He's not split personality, but he has somehow compartmentalised who he is in a way that's really strange, and if you have an insight into what's going on behind closed doors, it's really quite disturbing. "Dave is somebody who would style himself as a hero and as just a regular Joe who's trying to save the day. "On the surface of things, that doesn't seem that unnerving, but anyone in real life who would describe themself as a hero is probably someone I'd think was a little bit weird. And Dave is definitely more than a little bit weird." Read more: Slow Horses has already finished filming on season 6 – and season 7 update revealed Presumed Innocent confirms Jake Gyllenhaal's replacement for season 2 – new female lead revealed Egerton teased that as the series progresses, Dave develops more clarity about his identity and purpose, but has warned it’s an uncomfortable journey, at times, to witness. "Dave has no idea who he is," he continued. "He has no conception of how he fits into the world or any sense of the truth of who he is, but he's gonna have some sense of it by the end of this season. I'm really hopeful that people enjoy getting to know Dave, although it won't be comfortable." The first two episodes of Smoke will be available to stream on 27th June on Apple TV+, followed by one episode a week released every Friday – sign up to Apple TV+ now. Add Smoke to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Forever cast: Who stars in the Netflix romantic drama?
Netflix's latest romance series Forever has won the hearts of the nation. Since landing on the streamer earlier this month, the show has received an overwhelmingly positive response and has held onto its spot in the platform's most-watched list. Adapted from Judy Blume's groundbreaking 1975 novel, it's the series's nuanced and heartfelt love story that's captured the attention of viewers, as well as the brilliant performances from relative newcomers Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper, who lead the cast as young couple Keisha and Justin. Fans have been blown away by the chemistry between the leading duo and, speaking recently about the pair's casting, creator Mara Brock Akil recently told Tudum: "When I saw them, I saw the world come together around them. I wasn’t in an audition anymore." A handful of more established stars also feature in the series. Wondering who's who, and where you've seen the cast before? Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Forever on Netflix. Forever cast: Complete guide to the Netflix series Here’s an overview of the main characters within the cast, and underneath is a breakdown of the main characters, as well as a note on where you may have seen them before. Lovie Simone as Keisha Michael Cooper Jr as Justin Karen Pittman as Dawn Wood Harris as Eric Marvin Lawrence Winans III as Jaden Xosha Roquemore as Shelly Barry Shabaka Henley as George Ali Gallo as Chloe Niles Fitch as Darius Paigion Walker as Tiffany Adriyan Rae as Brittany Xavier Mills as Christian E’myri Crutchfield as Tammy For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on. Lovie Simone plays Keisha Who is Keisha? Keisha is a young, confident woman (and incredible running track star) who has a lot of aspirations for when her life really starts after high school. She’s smart, with her focused fixed on college, but is forced to reassess what’s important when she reconnects Justin. Speaking about what it was like leading a show for the first time, she recently told ELLE: "At first, I was really nervous, but once it started happening and the pre-production turned into production, which turned into post-production, I was like, 'Wait a second, that was actually really fun.' I enjoyed the entire process. "I’ve wanted to do this for my entire career. As the lead, I had a huge chunk of meat to work with as a creative and as an actor. And it was nice to play someone who wasn’t just a girlfriend." What else has Lovie Simone been in? Simone rose to fame playing Zora Greenleaf in the series, Greenleaf, which was produced by Oprah Winfrey. Since then, she’s popped up in TV roles such as Orange Is the New Black, PowerBook III: Raising Kanan and starred in Apple TV’s Manhunt. The actress has also appeared in films such as The Craft: Legacy, Monster, 57 Seconds and The Walk. Michael Cooper Jr plays Justin Who is Justin? Justin is someone who feels trapped within his life. He’s a great athlete, but deep down he’s a nerd with a passion for making music. He wants to pursue a life different to the one his parents have planned for him, but struggles to stand up for himself. What else has Michael Cooper Jr been in? One of Cooper Jr’s breakout roles was in the TV show series Vindication, before he appeared in films such as On the Come Up and The Inhabitant. Wood Harris plays Eric Who is Eric? Eric is Justin’s father, Dawn’s wife and an excellent restaurateur. He’s an easy-going father who gets on well with Justin, but also wants to make sure his son is making the right decisions about his future and the most of the opportunities that they’ve worked hard to provide for him. What else has Wood Harris been in? Harris has appeared in films such as Ant-Man, Creed and Blade Runner 2049 in his extensive career. Alongside this, he’s had recurring roles in TV series such as The Wire, Empire and Winning Time: The Rise of Laker’s Dynasty. Xosha Roquemore plays Shelly Who is Shelly? Shelly is Keisha’s mother, a hard-working single mother who is incredibly supportive of her daughter’s ambitions. They haven’t had much throughout their life, but she’s determined to be a grounding, supporting presence for her daughter going through the good and bad times. What else has Xosha Roquemore been in? Roquemore has appeared in TV series such as The Mindy Project and Black Monday, as well as starred in films such as Precious, Netflix’s Family Switch and, most recently, Captain America: Brave New World. Barry Shabaka Henley plays George Who is George? George is Keisha’s grandfather, a very protective father figure who is on hand to give advice during the moments when she feels lost with her ever-changing teenage life. What else has Barry Shabaka Henley been in? Henley has had an extensive acting career appearing in series such as Bob Hearts Abishola, Black-ish, Hustle, Grey’s Anatomy, as well as films such as Collateral, Carrie, A Star Is Born and The Terminal. Karen Pittman plays Dawn Who is Dawn? Dawn is Justin’s mother, a hard-working college graduate and a respected top executive with a thriving finance career. She wants Justin to succeed and always tries to support both her sons by serving up some tough love at times, but only as she wants what’s best for them. What else has Karen Pittman been in? Pittman rose to fame as Lisa in The Americans, after appearing in iconic TV series such as House of Cards, Law & Order and 30 Rock. Since then, Pittman is best known for her lead roles as Mia Jordan in Apple TV’s The Morning Show and a recurring role in Yellowstone as Willa Hayes. She’s set to reprise her role as Dr Nya Wallace in And Just Like That… in the upcoming third season too. Marvin Lawrence Winans III plays Jaden Who is Jaden? Jaden is Justin’s younger and slightly annoying brother, but he’s sweet, offers some light relief and thoroughly idolises his big brother. What else has Marvin Lawrence Winans III been in? You might recognise the young actor from series such as Abbott Elementary and Santiago. Ali Gallo plays Chloe Who is Chloe? Chloe is Keisha’s best friend who is on hand to be support her through her highs and lows, even if she does become slightly self-involved at times, as, well, she has her own high school teenage issues to deal with. What else has Ali Gallo been in? The actress is known for her film roles in Incoming and Unhuman, as well as for the TV series The Sex Life of College Girls. Niles Fitch plays Darius Who is Darius? Darius is Justin’s best friend and fellow athlete, who wants to help Justin become more confident. He’s more outgoing than Justin, especially when it comes to speaking and flirty with girls – which is one of the main goals at this point in his life. What else has Niles Fitch been in? Fitch began as a child actor and had a long-running role in the acclaimed series This Is Us. He’s also appeared in That ‘90s Show, Atypical and films such as The Fallout. Paigion Walker plays Tiffany and Adriyan Rae plays Brittany Who are Tiffany and Brittany? Tiffany is Keisha’s older cousin. She’s a stylish new mum who is struggling to let go of her life before motherhood. Brittany is one of Keisha’s cousins, along with Tiffany. The trio often hang out together and put the world to rights. What else have Paigion Walker and Adriyan Rae been in? Walker has appeared in film such as Quarantine Day 99, A Kill for a Kill and Why Do Men Cheat?. Rae has appeared in TV series such as Syfy’s Vagrant Queen, Chicago Fire, The Game and Atlanta. Xavier Mills plays Christian Who is Christian? Christian is Keisha’s ex-boyfriend and another great basketball player, who Keisha is slightly hung up on at the start of the series. What else has Xavier Mills been in? Mills is best known for his roles in films such as The Burial, as well as TV series Legacies and Genius. Additional cast includes: E’myri Crutchfield (The Kicks, Fargo) plays Tammy - Every teenage drama needs a rival, and for Keisha, that’s Tammy. She’s another track star on the team, who is confident and determined to do what it takes to bump Keisha off the number one spot. Forever is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Forever ending explained – Do Keisha and Justin end up together?
Netflix's Forever is an epic love story of two teens exploring their identities and first romances. The adaptation of Judy Blume's 1975 novel has proved to be a huge hit following its arrival on the platform earlier this month, and has already been officially renewed for a second season. Season 1 follows Keisha Clark (Lovie Simon) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr), and follows the pair's relationship as it blossoms from childhood friendship to first love. However, along the way there are quite a few bumps in the road, and things aren't looking too rosy for the duo by the end of the penultimate episode of Forever. So, how does the show end? And do the duo stay together (you guessed it) forever? Read on for everything you need to know about the ending of the new series on Netflix, including whether the pair end up together. Forever ending explained: Do Keisha and Justin end up together? When Keisha comes round later, the couple finally talk about their future. Justin admits that he can’t spend another four years at a school his mum picked out for him, but he also feels like he’s been clinging to Keisha and the idea of following her to Howard as he doesn’t know what he wants from his own life. He knows he wants Keisha, but they seem to be stuck in a loop. Keisha agrees that he doesn’t want to go to Howard and it wouldn’t be the right fit, but panics as she worries he’s breaking up with her. In the emotional conversation, Justin says he’s got to figure out who he is otherwise he’s going to keep making her his whole world. He says: "Maybe we weren’t meant to be together forever." She starts to cry, as he says he has a lot to figure out and he doesn’t want to let her down any further, so things need to end now. Justin drives Keisha home, and during the agonisingly long (but beautifully shot) ride, the couple don’t speak. When they reach Keisha’s house, Justin begs for her to say that he’s wrong and that they shouldn’t break up, but she doesn’t. Instead, Keisha encourages him to fight for himself and his future, if he won’t fight for them, to make the break-up worth it. Justin suggests that instead of being destined for each other, they may have been destined to get each other out of this rut they’ve been in in their lives, especially at this pivotal point into adulthood. "Do the hard thing," she says as she encourages him to speak to his parents: "Don’t spend the next four years not being yourself." They agree to not see each other for a while, both shed a few tears and Keisha leaves. At home, her mum comforts her. When Justin arrives home, he takes a moment to collect himself in the car, before he goes in and finds his parents celebrating as his dad is opening a new restaurant. Even though he doesn’t want to bring the mood down, Justin is finally honest with his parents that he doesn’t want to go to North Weston, but instead wants to make music, and he’d only be going to college to make them happy. Dawn is frustrated and walks out, while his dad, Eric, is more sympathetic and says Justin could never lose their love. What happens to Keisha at the end of Forever on Netflix? After the break-up, Keisha graduates from high school and at the ceremony gives a speech where she says she’s not the person who she was when she started at St Maria’s. While college was initially the race she was running towards, she feels more herself for living in the moment and being supported by her extensive family, or her 'village'. She says as long as you have one person who brings you back to who you are and pushes you to do better then you can do anything. Her grandfather, George, sheds a tear as he’s so proud, while half the audience erupts into cheers as her village is all in attendance. Does Justin go to college in Forever on Netflix? Two months after their break-up, Justin is working with his friend on his music and bumps into Keisha. He reveals to her that he now works at CVS, but only to pay for his one-year music production engineering course himself. He’s deferred his place to North Weston to take a year to work on his music, which is what he’s been doing all summer. Keisha says she’s proud of him and they seem to part ways, before he asks her for one final dinner before she leaves for Howard. That evening, Justin asks if she hoped to bump into him when she came to the studio, which Keisha admits she might have done. He says that he always hopes to see her every day. It’s clear there’s a lot of good feelings between them, the atmosphere is light and friendly. Justin gives her a going away present, before admitting that the real gift Keisha gave him was getting him out of the loop he was stuck in. He was trapped in a life he didn’t like and she helped him out, and also, by happy accident, helped him find his old songs and rebuild his passion for music. At the end of the night, after an evening filled with laughter, they admit they’ll miss each other and he notices she’s still wearing the infinity necklace he gave her. Justin kisses Keisha’s forehead and they linger close to each other’s faces, as though they might share a kiss. But Keisha turns and walks away, breaking the cycle and bringing their will-they-won’t-they relationship to a definitive end. Does Forever on Netflix have a happy ending? While the couple breaks up in the finale, creator Brock has said this is the right decision for both characters – and in fact is a happy ending. She previously told Marie Claire: "First loves, even deeply meaningful ones, often serve as stepping stones rather than final destinations." She continued: "Teen relationships are often profound precisely because they are impermanent and transitional." Meanwhile, speaking about the break-up and ending, Simone told TODAY: "When you’re that age, everything feels intense. Every choice feels like the most important decision of your life." Cooper added: "Their relationship felt high-stakes, like the world would end if it didn’t work out. But that’s just part of growing up." Forever is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Royals ending explained: What was the final bombshell?
Netflix’s regal romantic drama, The Royals, has been packed with dramatic twists, as Sophia and Aviraaj navigate their turbulent personal and professional relationship. After spending a passionate night together, the finale begins with the duo continuing their steamy relationship on the rooftop together. They’ve kept their relationship a secret and act nonchalant in public around each other in person, but agree to have a dinner date together. It’s only three days until the launch of Royal B&B at Morpur, but the Queen Padmaja (Sakshi Tanwar) calls Sophia (Bhumi Pednekar) over to tell her the launch will have to be postponed as Aviraaj’s (Ishaan Khatter) coronation needs to happen on that day. Sophia’s solution is to hold both events on the same day and foot half the bill for the coronation to make it a grander than the family can afford and invite influencers and press too. The Maharani agrees, but there’s one catch: Sophia has to tell Aviraaj about his coronation. Kunal (Udit Arora) and Sophia briefly make amends and both agree to have dinner, as they miss each other. But, he steps away to answer a call from Sameera (Shweta Salve) who is frustrated that Kunal hasn’t told Sophia he’s leaving yet and suggests it’s because he has feelings for her, which he denies. The Maharani has her own liaison with Dhodi, who she’s been having a private relationship with, but he says their love isn’t a mistake, as she tries to prevent it going any further. The Royals ending explained Does the Royal B&B launch happen? Aviraaj sets up a romantic candle-lit dinner with Sophia, with a live musician to play for them. Yet, the mood swiftly changes when Sophia tells him about his imminent coronation. He laughs it off as a joke to begin with, before becomes very concerned and warns Sophia not to get caught in his mother’s traps. He reveals it the ceremony isn’t just a formality, but that his life would change overnight, so she says let’s leave it. However, Sophia refuses to move the launch date and she explains that in three days it’s the anniversary of her parent’s death in a car accident and she has been building up the courage for years to do something new and exciting on that day for years. Reluctantly, he changes his mind and agrees to the coronation and launch. Meanwhile, Digvijay (Vihaan Samat) has been enjoying his double life as a local baker, Dilip and strikes up a friendship with his colleague who also competed in the baking competition. He lets slip he lives at the palace, but pretends he works there and promises to give her a tour someday. The day before the ceremony, Aviraaj has a fitting for his ceremonial outfit, but half-way through panics when he sees a picture of his father as the Maharaja in the background. Ayesha (Nora Fatehi) keeps calling him, but he doesn’t answer and reassures his mother that everything is fine between them. On coronation day, Aviraaj’s uncle delivers the worrying news that his beloved horse, Khan, has been vomiting and seems very unwell. Sophia FaceTimes her grandparents, as they all light incense near photos of her parents to remember them, as they send their best wishes to Sophia for this big day. Aviraaj is tormented by his dad’s words about the Maharaja being a lonely position, as all the royal families and guests start to arrive for the grand, once-in-a-lifetime event. Sophia gives a speech to reporters and influencers for the grand opening and announces that the Royal B&B is now open for bookings. Aviraaj’s family are impressed by the beautiful event that Sophia has pulled together, but they’re quickly pulled out of their happy bubble when Dhodi winks as Padmaja. Aunt Maji (Zeenat Aman) warns her that a Queen’s private life should remain exactly that – private. Heeding the message, the Maharani asks Dhodi to show her some respect and not flirt in public, but he sours as says this palace will be his soon anyway. Confused, he explains to the Maharani that when his daughter Ayesha marries Aviraaj, they’ll be in charge. To seal his villainous turn, he even threatens to tell her son about their affair. Do Sophia and Aviraaj end up together? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/05/Netflix-The-Royals-0524ce2.jpg" width="7408" height="4939" alt="Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh and Bhumi Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar stood next to one another in an ornate open air courtyard. She's holding a piece of paper and wearing a beige tank top and green trousers, he's wearing a dark-coloured jumper and white trousers" title="The Royals" /> Meanwhile, the Prince has been hiding out with his horse in the stables, as the doctor suggests if he doesn’t respond to treatment, Khan may have to be put down. Aviraaj dismisses the vet and is frustrated with Sophia and admits he feel as though his father left him without saying goodbye. Sophia says she understands and that his dad is still with him and in him, but he dismisses her. She says everything she’s done has been for her parents, but he denies it and says everything she’s done has been for herself. He says he was only doing this all for her too. Hurt by his spiteful words, she leaves. Does Aviraaj become the Maharaja? Digvijay goes to find the MIA prince and worries he’s run off again. In his absence, Digvijay tries on the full Maharaja coronation outfit and impersonates himself as a King in the mirror. Aviraaj bursts in and throws up in the sink, as he breaks down in tears over the grief for his father. He tells Digvijay that the crown swallowed his father whole, but he tells Aviraaj that the darkness was inside him, not from the crown. Digvijay reassures his brother that he can and will do this as he was destined to become Maharaja and thousands of people have gathered in support as they love him. He adds that their dad would be so proud of him. The pep talk is cut short as Digvijay is required at the front gate as his friend from the bakery arrives, unannounced, and is shocked to discover he’s actually a royal and swiftly leaves. Meanwhile, Sophia is faced with Nandini, a local reporter again, who reveals that Kunal is leaving her company. Ayesha arrives and Aviraaj tells her he’s been sleeping with Sophia, which she dismisses as fine as affairs never last. He insists it isn’t just an affair and asks why she came to the ball that night – as Sophia didn’t invite her. Ayesha reveals that she wants to be a Maharani and run her father’s company, while her husband, Aviraaj, is away partying in New York. When she insults Sophia, Aviraaj calls for her car and tells her to leave. Dhodi also is stopped from attending the ceremony and forced to go to the car or the Queen threatens to have him thrown out. What happens to Sophia's company? Still shocked by Nandini’s news, Sophia confronts Kunal and he says that Sameera values him so he’s leaving. Yet, he also drops another bombshell: the board also asked him to be CEO and replace Sophia but he turned them down. Sophia tries to ring Zubin (Adinath Kothare), her head of the board, but he keeps dismissing her call. The coronation starts and Aviraaj leads the extensive procession, as the crowd cheers and Sophia retreats into a side hallway. She finally manages to get through to Zubin and asks why he’s trying to kick her out of her own company, when she’s just thrown a successful event. In response, Zubin lists the issues: her team are unhappy, she’s changed deliverables and budgets, the relationship with her clients has been difficult. Before dropping the final blow: Zubin has a majority on the board and someone else will be chosen as CEO. Sophia vows to fight for her company, but as she walks out of the coronation it feels as though all hope is lost. The coronation ends with Aviraaj riding an elephant through enthusiastic crowds, through confetti and erupting with cheers. Later that evening, he discovers that Khan has recovered and Sophia has left. What was the final bombshell? When Aviraaj opens the Maharaja’s chest, he discovers a letter from his late father, who tells him to do better than he did and that he can find love and companionship, and the role doesn’t have to be lonely. The final bombshell? Aviraaj’s father encourages him to find his own true love, as he reveals that he found his with Maurice – the mystery man whom the late Maharaja left all his fortune too. All episodes of The Royals are available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Royals on Netflix cast: Who stars in the Indian romantic and regal drama?
Netflix has a new romantic regal series, The Royals, that brings together acclaimed Indian actors Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter to debut a whirlwind of a love story that has one hell of an ending. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the original series is written and produced under the beloved storytellers Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy, who worked together on Amazon’s Four More Shots Please. In The Royals, a carefree, party-loving Prince Aviraaj inherits the royal throne of Morpur, and his life is turned upside down when he discovers his father has left him a title but no inheritance. Struggling with his new responsibilities, Aviraaj meets Sophia Shekhar, a feisty CEO of a hospitality start-up who has a promising proposition for him… after she insults him and their egos clash. They strike an agreement, but their journey runs far from smooth: the series is packed with heated fights, humour and a whole host of drama and spice. The series is fronted by Pednekar and Khatter as the star-crossed lovers, Sophia and Aviraaj, but the supporting cast includes a host of well-known stars from Hindi films, such as veteran Indian actress Zeenat Aman. Here’s everything you need to know about the cast of The Royals and where you might recognise them from. The Royals on Netflix cast: Who stars in the Indian romantic and regal drama? Here’s an overview of the full cast for the six-part series, as well as a more detailed overview of our two lead cast members and where you might have seen them before. Bhumi Pednekar plays Sophia Shekhar Ishaan Khatter plays Prince Aviraaj Singh Vihaan Samat plays Digvijay Singh Kavya Trehan as Divyaranijini Singh Sakshi Tanwar plays Padmaja Zeenat Aman plays Aunty Marji Sumukhi Suresh plays Keertana Udit Arora plays Kunal Lisa Mishra plays Niki Nora Fatehi plays Ayesha Dino Morea plays Salad Milind Soman plays Yuvanath Sign Shweta Salve plays Sameera For more information about the characters and where you've seen the cast before, read on. Ishaan Khatter plays Prince Aviraaj Singh Who is Prince Aviraaj Singh? Aviraaj is the last person you’d suspect to be the next Maharaja of Morpur. He’s a ‘playboy’ party prince who has plenty of experience of running away from his responsibilities. He flits from topless photoshoots to throwing lavish parties with very little care in the world, at least to start with. It’s only when he meets Sophia that he starts to reassess his situation and responsibilities and work towards something more substantial for his life… after a few clashes of their ego and wit, of course. What else has Ishaan Khatter been in? Khatter is a well-known Indian actor who has appeared in Hindi-language series Beyond the Clouds and Dhadak, as well as the British miniseries A Suitable Boy. Bhumi Pednekar plays Sophia Shekhar Who is Sophia Shekhar? Sophia is an award-winning CEO of her own hospitality start-up, Work Potato. She’s a self-made girl boss who is focused on breaking into a whole new market by opening a Royal B&B – a hotel within an unused royal palace. She’s ambitious, feisty and disciplined, aka the complete opposite to Aviraaj, and is often challenged by her male-dominated board. What else has Bhumi Pednekar been in? Pednekar rose to fame in Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Alongside this, she starred in other well-received films such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Pati Patni Aur Woh. The Royals is her debut performance in a TV series. Vihaan Samat plays Digvijay Singh Who is Digvijay Singh? Digvijay is Aviraaj’s younger brother, though he appears more mature, responsible and uptight than the party boy prince and would be more suited to the role of the Maharaja. He also has a strong passion for baking. What else has Vihaan Samat been in? The actor has appeared in numerous Netflix series before, such as Eternally Confused and Eager for Love and Mismatched, as well as the Hindi-language comedy drama Call Me Bae. Kavya Trehan as Divyaranijini Singh Who is Divyaranijini Singh? Divyaranijini is Aviraaj’s twin sister who often goes by the nickname Jinnie. She’s care-free and more concerned with parties, outfits and what she’ll do without a hefty inheritance than much else. What else has Kavya Trehan been in? The actress has appeared in TV series such as Hush Hush and Jugaadistan, as well as the film If Only. Alongside this, she’s also a songwriter and producer. Sakshi Tanwar plays Padmaja Who is Padmaja? Padmaja is the Maharani, Aviraaj’s mother. She’s recently widowed after the death of the Maharaja and struggles to adjust without the luxuries his wealth afforded them. She wants the best for her children and starts to pursue a new romantic interest. What else has Sakshi Tanwar been in? The actress and presenter has appeared in a host of acclaimed Hindi films and series such as Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, Mai: A Mother’s Rage and Samrat Prithviraj. Zeenat Aman plays Aunty Marji Who is Aunty Marji? Marji is Aviraaj’s aunty who exudes a relaxed energy, loving a smoke and even some gummy teddies. She’s a grounding presence to advise Padmaja in her times of need and supports her nieces and nephews. What else has Zeenat Aman been in? Aman is one of the leading actresses in Indian cinema with an extensive career spanning films such as Abdullah, Alibaba Aur, 40 Chor, Insaf Ka Tarazu and Dostana. Sumukhi Suresh plays Keertana Who is Keertana? Keertana is Sophia’s executive assistant at Work Potato and provides some much-needed light relief during the series. She’s always on hand to support Sophia throughout all her business and personal challenges. What else has Sumukhi Suresh been in? Suresh is a stand-up comedian and actress who often writes and performs her own sketches. She’s appeared in comedies such as Pushpavalli, Comicstaan, Go Straight Take Left and Humble Politician Nograj. Udit Arora plays Kunal Who is Kunal? Kunal is the co-founder of Work Potato with Sophia, and they have a close working relationship and friendship. He’s always on hand to support her in board meetings and when challenges appear on the Royal B&B launch. But Kunal holds a secret – well, not so secret – torch for Sophia, but she doesn’t feel the same way. What else has Udit Arora been in? Arora has appeared in TV series such as Crash Course, Bombay Begums and Tanaav. Lisa Mishra plays Niki Who is Niki? Niki is another key member of Sophia’s team as her head of design, bringing to life Sophia’s vision for Royal B&B to become a reality in Morpur. What else has Lisa Mishra been in? The singer-songwriter and actress has appeared in films such as Veere Di Wedding, Judgemental Hai Kya, The Sky Is Pink and Good Newwz. Nora Fatehi plays Ayesha Who is Ayesha? Princess Ayesha is Aviraaj’s ex-girlfriend with ambitions to become his current girlfriend and future wife. She’s to inherit her father’s hospitality company and wants to join forces with Aviraaj so she can be a Maharani while he’s off in New York partying. What else has Nora Fatehi been in? The actress and dancer has predominately appeared in Hindi, Telugu and Malayalam films and starred in titles such as Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans, Double Barrel and Kayamkulam. Dino Morea plays Salad Who is Salad? Called Salad by his friends, the Maharaja of Alsipur is an ambitious leader and a non-stop flirt. He shows an interest in Sophia’s vision for the Royal B&B to expand beyond Morpur and wants to form a beneficial alliance. What else has Dino Morea been in? Since his debut in 1999, Morea has starred in a host of films such as Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Raaz, Holiday, Plan and Acid Factory. He also was nominated for an Indian Television Academy Award for his role in the series The Empire. Milind Soman plays Yuvanath Singh Who is Yuvanath Singh? Yuvanath is Aviraaj’s dad or the late Maharaja of Morpur, who dies just before the series begins. Yuvanath is seen through flashbacks when Aviraaj is navigating the grief of losing his dad and following in his footsteps as the next Maharaja. What else has Milind Soman been in? Soman is an actor, producer and model who has appeared in India TV series and films such as A Mouthful of Sky, Emergency, Captain Vyom and Jurm. Additional cast includes: Shveta Salve (Hip Hip Hurray, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi) plays Sameera - a fellow CEO of a hospitality company and Sophia’s frenemy. She’s all smiles and support, but is driven, competitive and isn’t afraid to try and poach Sophia’s team and steal her business opportunities. All episodes of The Royals are available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Andor season 2's portrayal of sexual violence is a first for Star Wars – and an incredibly impactful depiction
Adria Arjona gives a powerful performance in a distressing - but important - moment.
*Warning: This article contains discussions of sexual abuse that some readers may find distressing.* Andor is one of the most grounded entries in the Star Wars slate with a central focus on the everyday experience of living under a repressive regime from a multitude of perspectives in the galaxy. It’s extraordinary due to its ordinariness, as regular people’s lives are exploited, upheaved and decimated by the brutality and horrors of war. Nowhere has this been more evident than in Andor season 2, episode 3, Harvest. In episode 2, Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain) and Wil’s (Muhannad Bhaier) secluded haven is interrupted when an Imperial ship arrives to conduct a visa audit to find any undocumented individuals. One lieutenant takes an interest in Bix and invites her out to dinner, which she politely declines by inventing a husband, who is off-planet, that would not like it. The threat to her physical safety in this scene is palpable, though he never touches her or approaches her. But with every forced smile and tense breath Bix takes, it’s clear she’s terrified of being alone with him. Thankfully, Brasso arrives and the forward officer swiftly leaves. Yet, in the next episode, Andor crosses over into more distressing territory when the officer returns to her home and tries to rape her. In the graphic and distressing scene, Bix begs him not to assault her. He pins her to the wall and attempts to coerce her by telling her it’s a ‘simple choice’ to not resist his violent advances, as he threatens her over her presence on the planet. It’s one of the most disturbing scenes in the franchise to date and the first time a character has said the word ‘rape’ on-screen in Star Wars. Bix is dragged across the floor, thrown across the room and fights for her life against his relentless advances, before she manages to kill him. When his driver demands she surrender, Bix explains: “He tried to rape me.” By his unfazed response and refusal to drop the weapon, it becomes clear that this kind of exploitation has happened before. View Green Video on the source website In Return of the Jedi, it is implied that Princess Leia may have been raped when she was a prisoner to Jabba the Hut, enslaved in that sexualised gold bikini. Connotations of sexual violence could also be read into other dark and light power dynamics, but nothing manifests in the way it does in Andor. It is apparent that this fictional world mirrors our own, as the same prejudices are present in both. In season 1, Dedra (Denise Gough), the ruthless ISB supervisor, is belittled and demeaned by her colleagues, as she is the only (and potentially first) woman to sit at the table. This reiterates the misogynistic culture in the Empire, and when combined with the authority and fear Imperial soldiers instil, it’s surprising that Star Wars has never explored a woman’s perspective in this way before. For the first time, Andor has drawn a spotlight to women’s unique experience in both the rebellion and the Empire as a whole, which is different to that of a man’s, as there is always an undertone of sexual violence from their oppressors too. Star Wars is allegorical and George Lucas has spoken at length about taking inspiration from the Vietnam War, but Andor is the first project that hasn’t shied away from addressing the scope of such viciousness on-screen. Bix was psychologically abused in season 1, but Harvest took this one step further by introducing grotesque sexual violence into the show, which has previously been left out of the franchise. It’s a difficult scene to stomach, but important viewing. Andor is pushing the boundaries of the adult content within Star Wars to showcase something new, but harrowingly familiar. The series also benefits from having the scope to explore these short, but memorable individual experiences across 12 hours of screen-time, as opposed to a two-hour film. Harvest consolidates Andor as one of the strongest entries in the canon, as it brings to the forefront formerly overlooked perspectives of living under a terrifying, sadistic regime. For support and advice on matters raised in this article, please visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk, call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to Rape Crisis online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. Andor season 2 continues weekly on Disney Plus. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on this week. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.