Latest news with #MrBatesvsThePostOffice
Time Out
14 hours ago
- Time Out
Grenfell: Uncovered
There's a protocol you can count on to follow a public disaster in this country. It tends to begin with a years' long and expensive inquiry, and end with little change and none of the responsible parties being held to account. Some, if they're lucky, may even find themselves elevated to the House of Lords. That establishment playbook is in operation again in this poignant, winding and righteously angry documentary about the Grenfell tower fire – just as it was in ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office or Disney+'s 7/7 drama Suspect. Directed with forensic skill and lots of compassion by first-timer Olaide Sadiq, Grenfell: Uncovered holds the survivors of the fire in one hand, honouring their anger and grief in moving interviews, while using the other to slap down the many companies and governmental bodies whose decisions led to the loss of 72 lives on the night of June 14, 2017. The title, of course, has a poignant double meaning. The aluminium cladding applied to the residential tower block for aesthetic reasons – supposedly to satisfy Grenfell's well-heeled neighbours in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea – turned a small kitchen fire into a building-wide inferno, transforming the Fire Brigade's 'stay put' policy into a death sentence for residents. This is a poignant, winding and righteously angry documentary Sadiq pieces the night of the fire back together using audio from the emergency services, news footage, and the shakycam videos of locals. The shock and dawning horror of disembodied voices as the blaze takes hold stays with you. The list of guilty parties is long – from David Cameron's deregulation craze, to the deeply cynical cladding manufacturers, to the cost and corner-cutting of local government, and beyond – and even on that roll of dishonour ex-housing minister Eric Pickles (now Lord Pickles) is especially odious: telling the Grenfell inquiry not to 'waste his time' and confusing the death toll with Hillsborough. Campaigning housing journalist Peter Apps, heartbroken firefighter David Badillo, and a host of Grenfell residents, including teenage survivor Luana Gomes, bring humanity and heart to the story. There's so much in Grenfell: Uncovered about the state of modern Britain that Sadiq does brilliantly not to get sidetracked. About how working-class communities are talked down to and ignored. About how capitalism pursues profit even at the expense of endangering lives. About how the urgent need for change is stymied and sapped by the very review process designed to expedite it.
Wales Online
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sarah Beeny to host Channel 4 housing series I Bought it at Auction
Sarah Beeny to host Channel 4 housing series I Bought it at Auction The 53-year-old broadcaster will front the six-part programme that will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to final renovation Sarah Beeny Sarah Beeny is to host the new Channel 4 property series 'I Bought it at Auction'. The 53-year-old broadcaster will front the six-part programme that will document the journey of the buyers from initial purchase to final renovation as the property expert hands out advice along the way. 'I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny' is being made by the same production company behind the hit ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' and adds to Channel 4's housing programming – with the broadcaster already showing 'Location, Location, Location' and 'Grand Designs'. Sarah said: "Buying property at auction is risky and not for the faint-hearted but for those who dare, it can be an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, way to get on or move up the property ladder. "I've always believed there is possibility in almost any piece of land or building, and those sold in auction are sometimes packed with potential – if you know what to, and what not to look for. "I'm thrilled to bring viewers along for the ride and shine a light on this high risk but sometimes high gain part of the market." Article continues below Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, said: "Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer dreaming big, 'I Bought it at Auction with Sarah Beeny' is the ultimate guide to the risks – and rewards – of buying property at auction. "Sarah knows firsthand how to navigate the property market and what it really takes to make bold moves pay off." Beeny was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 – although thankfully was given the all-clear the following year – and explained that she "lived in fear" of the disease after her mother passed away from the illness when she was a child. Article continues below She said in 2023: "When I got to 39, which is the age she died, I thought 'Here we are.' And then I got to 40 and thought, that's weird! "And then I got to 50 and got the diagnosis. "I've lived with this fear for such a long time. But once I realised how the treatment works, it's not nearly as bad as the fear."
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BGT choir Hear Our Voice dream of show win and Royal gig to bring 'justice'
Post Office scandal victims are favourites to win tomorrow's final - as we catch up with all of the finalists Post Office scandal choir Hear Our Voice look set to take their fight all the way to the King by winning tomorrow night's Britain Got Talent final. The group - made up of victims of the sub postmasters scandal, which saw hundreds of lives ruined by the Horizon IT fiasco - are favourites to be crowned victorious. If they are, they will get an audience with King Charles at the Royal Variety Show. Member Tim Bretnall says it would 'take their story to the highest level.' 'The absolute best bit of this journey has been the audiences reactions and support, and to be able to feel that for Royalty would be unbeatable," he said. 'Winning the show would be huge, we've all spent so long fighting what's felt like an uphill battle, and it's still going on now, but knowing that the public are firmly behind us would mean the absolute world to us. 'It would give our cause a real seal of approval and hopefully a platform to continue to fight for the justice that people deserve, what's already changed my life is the joy that being in choir has brought.' The 40-strong choir was set up a year ago, to provide a happy outlet for their shared pain. Founder Mark Wildblood said it's become "therapy" for them. Hundreds of sub-postmasters were accused or convicted of theft and fraud due to the faulty Horizon system, developed by Fujitsu and installed by the Post Office. It incorrectly financial shortfalls, leading to one of the biggest ever miscarriages of justice. Prosecutions started more than 25 years ago but victims are still fighting for compensation and for those responsible to be held to account. Their story inspired last year's ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. The award-winning show, which starred Toby Jones as campaigning sub-postmaster Sir Alan Bates, led to the quashing of convictions. One whose conviction for was overturned is Tim, 42, who ran a post office in Roch, Pembrokeshire. Speaking ahead of today's final, he says logistics has been the hardest part of the week, not nerves. 'That's the hardest bit of the choir because we are all from all over the country,' he explained. "Strangely nerves haven't really come into it, it feels so good to be standing alongside all my friends doing this, we love the opportunity it's given us.' Promising an emotional performance, Tim teased what fans can expect. 'It's another song that really speak to us all, how we feel now we've come together, it really shows how courage is our talent," he said. 'We've been working on this song for months, we hope it will really give a feeling of how together we've all been brought by doing this.' With a £250,000 prize fund also up for grabs, Tim has big plans for the money. 'If we were lucky enough to win we'd split the money evenly between all the members of the choir - after putting a little into saving for my children I plan to give the majority of my share to the 2 postmasters charities - Lost Chances and Horizon Shortfall Fund," said Tim. Hear Our Voice are one of 10 finalists performing night. We caught up with the rest of the hopefuls ahead of the finale. Guitarist Olly Pearson, 11, says her's overcome a few hiccups ahead of the final. 'I did have a problem with my guitar set up which I had to spend a lot of time working on with my grandad to stop one note 'choking out', he explained. But it's all sorted now!' Olly wants to treat his grandad if he wins. 'First thing I would do is buy my Grandad his dream guitar a USA Fender Strat to say thank you for teaching me!' he promised. Magician Harry Moulding, 24, is going all out to try win with a never before seen trick. 'All I can say is that it's going to be the biggest thing that I've ever tried to do," he teased. "I don't think any magician has ever done this before. And I'm pretty sure that no magician has ever done it on Britain's Got Talent or on live TV. So just expect for this to be the biggest one yet.' Swiss dance troup The Blackouts are promising another spectacular light and dance show with a heartwarming message. 'Our final show is called Thank You Britain,' explains Elias. 'It's our way of expressing just how much this experience — and the kindness of the British public — has meant to us. You've welcomed us with open arms, and this is our love letter back to you. Expect emotion, energy, surprises and a lot of light — not just in the technical sense, but in the way we hope it makes people feel.' Glaswegian singer Vinnie McKee, 29, is channeling his nerves and emotions into his performance - which he says will be a tearjerker. 'I'm extremely nervous but more excited than ever before!' he admits. 'You will need to have tissues at the ready as I'm doing my own version of an emotional classic that's never been performed like this before.' Mum-of-one Stacey Leadbeatter, 29, has big plans for what she'll do with the prize money if she wins - hoping it will help her grow her family. 'If I was to be lucky enough to win, I promised that I would take my little girl to Disneyland!' she begins. 'I've promised her that one day I'd do that and this would help! I'd also use the money to help with funding to extend my family by looking into getting IVF and also it would help a great deal towards wedding costs and also releasing my own music.' Gymnast Binita Chetry, nine, is the youngest finalist of the series - and while she may be small, she's certainly mighty. 'It's great because I look small but my performance is as impactful as someone bigger than me,' she said. 'I feel the advantage of being the youngest contestant is I get all the love and care of others and that makes me happy. 'I want to inspire all the young girls that no matter how young you are if you have a passion for something you can do anything.' Italian dance troupe Ping Pong Pang are promising an 'original, wild, and full of rhythm' show, which they hope takes them all the way to the Royal Variety Performance. Patrizio Ratto said: 'As always, we'll mix dance, energy, and our unique style with rackets and ping pong balls. Performing for royalty is something beyond imagination. We would live it with deep respect, emotion, and all the wonder we carry in our hearts. We'd just have to polish our rackets a bit first! Drag opera singer Jasmine Rice, 37, is promising another show stopping performance - and outfit - but says she's struggled with hay fever in the lead up to the final. "Aside from the usual pre-show butterflies, this British hay fever has me in a chokehold!" said the New York native, who overcame the secret heartbreak of losing her grandmother to progress to the final."I landed here and thought my nose was auditioning for a solo of its own. But with that all aside I know now it's just me, my voice, and that big, fabulous stage." Comedian Joseph Charm, 32, says he wants to win the show for his family. The dad-of-two, whose mum got involved by hitting the golden buzzer, shared: 'Winning the show would be incredible but nothing will ever trump giving my mum that special moment, that will live with me forever.' On the prize fund, he said: 'That's a lot of money… it would finally allow me to pay for one month of nursery.' Watch the BGT final tomorrow on ITV from 7pm.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kerry Katona says 'get me on Loose Women' in brutal swipe at ITV cuts
Kerry Katona has joked for Loose Women to enlist her as a panellist to add some 'spice' to the show amid ITV cuts which will see the long-running series on TV much less. Kerry Katona has called for ITV to bring her onto daytime show Loose Women amid cuts across the channel, with the long-running show being cut back to a 'seasonal' schedule of 30 weeks a year in cost-saving measures. Alongside the scheduling change, nearly 220 staff members could lose their jobs across ITV 's daytime schedule, affecting flagship shows like Loose Women, Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, and This Morning. Giving her opinion on the broadcaster's worrying shake-up, former singer Kerry, 44, wrote in her New! Magazine column:"So, ITV has announced big cuts, with Loose Women and Lorraine scaled back to just 30 weeks a year, which I think is a shame. But if I'm honest, I'm not completely surprised. I think in the modern world it can be difficult for shows like these to stay afloat. "People don't watch live TV like they used to. But saying that, things can always be revived. I've been around for many years and am still reinventing myself and coming back stronger, so I don't think it's the end for the shows. They need to get me on the Loose Women panel. I'd certainly add some spice!" Kerry has appeared as a guest on Loose Women several times over the years, but never as a permanent panellist. While Loose Women has taken a hit, morning chat show Lorraine, fronted by Lorraine Kelly, will see the most drastic changes. It's to be reduced from an hour-long show to just 30 minutes and will go on-air for 30 weeks a year, rather than 52. A spokesperson for ITV said of the latest move that it was not related to the performance of any of its shows, but about centralising its national news-gathering production in one place and investing resources into high-profile shows such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office and big sporting events like the football World Cup. Last year there was already talk that ITV was tightening its belt and flagship daytime shows were reportedly in 'crisis talks'. Denise Welch recently told the Mirror before the latest changes were announced, 'When Loose Women first started, it was never a staple of the daytime schedules like it is now. It was on for three months, off for three months. Then another programme came along and notched it down to half an hour, which the racing still does – but we've got our place.' The Waterloo Road actress added, 'There's life in these old girls yet. Older women's voices are so important, and I'm very proud to be a part of a show that continues to celebrate that.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Good Morning Britain hit as ITV cuts hundreds of jobs
ITV is to cut hundreds of jobs across its most popular daytime TV shows as part of the broadcaster's scramble to cut costs. In a radical restructuring unveiled on Tuesday, the channel told staff it plans to transfer production of its flagship breakfast programme Good Morning Britain (GMB) from its in-house studios division to ITN, the news production business it jointly owns with Channel 4 and Channel 5. The move, which will merge GMB's production teams with those of ITV News, is expected to result in more than 220 redundancies – almost half the broadcaster's daytime staff. The shake-up will also see ITV make sweeping changes to its daytime schedule. GMB, whose presenters include Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, will be extended by half an hour until 9:30am. Lorraine, the current affairs show fronted by Lorraine Kelly, will be slashed in half to just 30 minutes. Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will also now air for just 30 weeks of the year, with plans for one team to produce all three shows from next year. The shake-up underscores efforts to slash costs in daytime programming as traditional broadcasters grapple with an exodus of viewers to streaming rivals such as Netflix and Disney. The public service broadcaster has already cut around 200 jobs in the past year and in March, bosses outlined plans to strip a further £60m out of the business. GMB has also been falling in popularity in recent years. The show pulled in an average audience of more than 1m prior to Piers Morgan's dramatic departure in 2021, but has since slid to around 700,000 and is lagging behind key rival BBC Breakfast. ITV is also receiving interest from a growing number of suitors over a potential takeover that could see the channel broken up or sold entirely. RedBird IMI, the UAE fund blocked from taking control of The Telegraph, has approached the broadcaster about a potential merger with All3Media, the production company behind The Traitors, which it acquired for £1.2bn last year. Banijay, the French production behemoth whose hits include Big Brother, MasterChef and Peaky Blinders, has reportedly also held early-stage discussions about a possible tie-up. Discussions over a potential break-up have sparked concerns among MPs about the sustainability of ITV's traditional broadcasting business and potential cuts to its local news programming. Sources close to ITV insisted that the daytime overhaul was unrelated to any possible deal. Instead, they said the broadcaster will reinvest the savings into big-hitting dramas such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office, as well as major sporting events. The shake-up also comes amid calls for greater support for traditional broadcasters in the face of deep-pocketed US rivals. High-profile figures across the industry have warned of a funding crisis facing traditional TV that they say puts quintessentially British dramas at risk. Patrick Spence, the former ITV executive who produced Mr Bates vs The Post Office, has said there is 'absolutely no chance' the programme would get funding now. The crisis has prompted calls by MPs for a 'Netflix tax' on streaming companies to help fund British shows. However, ministers have ruled out a levy. Kevin Lygo, ITV's head of media and entertainment, said: 'Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres. 'These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output and to build upon our proud history of trusted journalism at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
