Stars from two of the biggest shows of the century are going head-to-head in an upcoming thriller on Sky
Sky has just released a brand new trailer for its upcoming thriller series, Atomic, starring some very recognisable names from the world of TV.
The gripping new footage released this Thursday (14th August) promises plenty of action and jaw-dropping twists and turns throughout this high-stakes chase across North Africa and the Middle East.
Game of Thrones icon Alfie Allen leads the series as a drug smuggler who gets mixed up with wanderer JJ, played by Star Trek: Discovery’s Shazad Latif.
When they find themselves inadvertently trafficking some valuable and volatile cargo, their mission catches the attention of worldwide enforcers who will stop at nothing to take them down.
The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley heads up their opposition as Cassie Elliott, who’s determined to bring them in after falsely connecting them to dangerous elements.
Two unlikely friends get swept up in a high-stakes mission(Image: SKY)
An official synopsis reads: “When the path of free-spirited drug smuggler Max (Allen) collides with JJ (Latif), an enigmatic outsider on the run, an unlikely friendship is formed.
“They’re swept into a chaotic, high-stakes mission they never signed up for— trafficking highly enriched uranium across North Africa and the Middle East, with the CIA, MI6, and a global web of opposing forces closing in fast.
“Leading the charge for the CIA is highly skilled scientist and a Non-Official Cover (NOC) officer Cassie Elliott (Wiley).
The Handmaid’s Tale star Samira Wiley has got them on the run(Image: SKY)
“Convinced Max and JJ are in league with violent extremists, her relentless pursuit puts them all on a collision course revealing that nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an ulterior motive.
“The pair find themselves on a wild road trip, confronting covert operatives, an internationally funded cartel, and ultimately their own pasts.
“What starts as a bid for survival slowly becomes something more: a reluctant partnership, a shot at redemption, and one hell of a ride.”
Atomic is shaping up to be one of Sky’s biggest shows of the year and is set to cap off the summer with a bang.
The must-watch thriller is hitting Sky at the end of the summer(Image: SKY)
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The new Netflix limited series is already being described as a perfect binge
Fans are already cancelling plans in anticipation for the limited series release(Image: Netflix)
Netflix fans are already cancelling all their plans in anticipation for a new eight part thriller that looks perfect for Harlan Coben fans.
The streaming giant have revealed the first in depth look at one of its upcoming limited series. Landing on the platform later this year, The Beast in Me will be released on November 13.
First details about the show have been released with it reported to come from some of the same creative team behind hit series Homeland. In fact, one of the stars of the spy thriller series will also lead Beast In Me, with Claire Danes taking on a prominent role.
She will be joined by the star of the Perry Mason revival, as well as The Americans and Brothers & Sisters in Welsh actor Matthew Rhys. Also in the cast will be Brittany Snow from The Hunting Wives and The Walking Dead Dead City’s Natalie Morales.
Netflix has revealed the first look at the upcoming thriller(Image: Netflix)
According to the show’s synopsis, since the tragic death of her young son, acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs (Danes) has receded from public life, unable to write. She has become a ghost of her former self.
But she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Jarvis (Rhys), a famed and formidable real estate mogul who was once the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance. At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth.
She begins to chase down his demons while fleeing her own in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly. The show asks who’s the real monster? And who’s the bad neighbour?
Not much more details about the story are known with Netflix keeping any twists under wraps. With promises of plenty of secrets to unravel it gives the feel of a Harlan Coben story and should be perfect for fans of the writer’s adaptations.
The showrunner has been named as Howard Gordon who previously helped develop the show Homeland and 24. Beast In Me is created by author and screenwriter Gabe Rotter who has written episodes of The X Files.
Fans have already started to share their excitement for the series release and are planning accordingly. Responding to the news on social media, one commented: “Looks like November 13 is officially ‘cancel all plans’ day.”
One of the stars of Homeland Claire Danes reunites with showrunner Howard Gordon(Image: Netflix)
Another added: “Secrets, suspense, and stellar cast, this series is already giving chills before it even drops.” While a third posted: “This sounds like the perfect binge for a cold November night.”
Someone else simply declared: “I was sold when I read ‘Homeland’ one of the best series to exist.”
The showrunner hasn’t shared too many details as yet but they did comment on their excitement of reuniting with Danes after Homeland, and pairing her with Rhys.
He said: “I’ve always appreciated Matthew (Rhys)’s work, but seeing him with Claire on our first Zoom made me especially excited that he’s agreed to play Nile. We’re all looking forward to working with him!”
The Beast In Me is streaming on Netflix from November 13.
Tonight, Channel 4 viewers sat down for the first instalment of gripping new thriller, In Flight but it seemed like they all had the same complaint as they took to X to discuss
Channel 4 viewers all have the same complaint about In Flight(Image: Channel 4)
Tonight, Channel 4 aired the first episode of highly anticipated thriller, In Flight. The six-part series follows the story of single mum and flight attendant Jo Conran whose life is turned upside down when her son is imprisoned for a murder in Bulgaria. However, he swears he didn’t commit it.
In a desperate attempt, to save her son, Jo takes a huge risk and begins to smuggle drugs over the boarder through her job – but how will things pan out?
Katherine Kelly stars in the lead role (Image: Channel 4)
Fans had no complaints about the series, just the lack of it. “Too many bloody ads,” said one disappointed viewer, while another penned: “More adverts than programme!”
Aside from the adverts, the series had good reviews, with excited fans ready to watch the new series. One penned: “I Can’t wait! I’m going to have to watch the rest of the series on 4 now!”
Those who can’t wait for the next episode next week can catch all episodes on the streamer now. Fans were left on a cliffhanger with Jo telling a concerned Dominic that she needed her help – and some can’t wait until next week to find out what happens next.
The series continues next week(Image: Channel 4)
We won’t give too much away for those who haven’t caught up, but for those wanting to know more, the official synopsis for the drama reads: “As Jo becomes ensnared in the murky underworld of corruption and hired killers, she is forced to carry out their orders while desperately trying to find a way out.
“She turns to her ex, Dom, for help. However, no matter how far Jo finds herself from her old life, her mission remains the same: to keep her son alive.
“Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure backdrop of international air travel, In Flight follows Jo’s relentless quest to protect her family while entangled in a dangerous criminal syndicate.”
The fictional crime drama, which stars Coronation Street‘s Katherine Kelly in the lead role, is set to air weekly, with fans not wanting to binge online having to wait until Tuesday for the next part of the series.
Joining Katherine Kelly in the series is Babylon’s Stuart Martin who plays the role of lead criminal gang member Cormac.
Jo’s ex, Dom Delaney also plays a key part in the role and is played by actor Ashley Thomas, who also goes by stage name Bashy. Fans may recognise the star for his role as Jermaine Newton in TopBoy.
After gracing the Weatherfield cobbles and other hit shows, Suranne Jones stars in Netflix’s political thriller Hostage, sharing the spotlight with a grime star.
Suranne Jones shares the spotlight with Bashy in Hostage(Image: Des Willie/Netflix)
Bombshells, diplomacy and danger collide in Matt Charman’s new thriller Hostage – and some grime fans might be surprised to see one of their favourite stars grace the screen.
Now, the versatile star is taking on her most powerful role yet – quite literally – as the British Prime Minister in Hostage, Netflix’s explosive new political thriller from Oscar-nominated Matt Charman (Bridge Of Spies).
In Hostage, Suranne plays Abigail Dalton, a politician plunged into chaos when her husband, Dr Alex Anderson, is kidnapped. And she made sure she was thoroughly prepared and did her homework.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to say [who], but I did speak to three really high-up women from different parties,” Suranne, 46, says. “I read their books and I interviewed them, and that was very exciting.”
That attention to detail paid off. Abigail isn’t just a PM fighting for her family – she’s a woman balancing power and vulnerability. Portraying the latter involved getting close to her co-star and on-screen husband, Ashley Thomas, aka grime star Bashy.
“We did chemistry tests, and when he came in, it was just like, ‘Oh, you’re intriguing, handsome, lovely, smart, intelligent,’” Suranne remembers. “And then we met our daughter (Isobel Akuwudike), who is also brilliant. It was her first job.”
Suranne Jones portrays British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton(Image: Des Willie/Netflix)
Ashley also prepared thoroughly to portray medic Alex. He consulted real-life doctors, but it was the emotional weight of Alex’s kidnapping that hit the hardest.
“That was tough. Putting yourself in those places is heavy – especially as Alex is a father,” says Ashley. “The environment I’ve come from, I’ve witnessed and experienced a lot of trauma, so there were things I was able to pull from.”
While Abigail grapples with domestic turmoil, things aren’t calm across the Channel either. French President Vivienne Toussaint – played by French-American actress Julie Delpy – is battling her own political scandal after being blackmailed.
During a state visit to the UK, Vivienne is forced to work with Abigail to expose a common enemy, despite their vastly different political backgrounds.
“She’s quite conflicted, which I liked,” Julie, 55, says. “She is someone who started out with ideals but had to give up part of what she believes in to get access to power.”
Vivienne is dangerous and captivating – a role that seemed made for Julie, who has spent her career tackling complex characters. “She might not be a very good person, but she’s more than just a bad guy,” Julie adds.
But beneath her icy exterior lies a secret: an age-gap relationship that threatens everything. “A May-September relationship these days isn’t a big deal – but this is a little darker and more complicated than that. A little more destructive,” Julie explains.
Bashy aka Ashley Thomas takes centre stage in Hostage as Suranne Jones’ on-screen husband (Image: Ollie Upton/Netflix)
“Her husband is key in her ascent to power, so to put herself in this situation and put everything at risk is kamikaze.” Hostage shows Vivienne’s struggle to keep her Achilles’ heel hidden.
“She’s good at handling situations and power, but her weakness is her hidden side,” Julie says. “She’s romantically involved with someone she shouldn’t be and that’s a huge weakness for a politician – especially a woman.”
Before Sunrise actress Julie embraced the opportunity to portray someone morally grey. “I loved the idea of playing someone very different from me,” she says. “She’s not the most likeable of characters, but that’s fine with me.
If they are unlikeable as a person, you find a way to approach them as a human being. When I played a Nazi character, she was obviously repulsive, but then you have to think that she sees it differently.”
Despite Vivienne’s complicated personality, Julie found herself intrigued by her. “It was interesting to see someone that seems so rational and together, but behind the mask, her life is a mess,” she says.
“I’m the opposite – I look messy and crazy, but I would never do what she does!” And when it comes to politics? “I’m not interested at all [in politics] because of the compromises you would have to make. I don’t even do that in the movie business, and you see a lot of people give up their morals to succeed. I’m not able to do that. I’m just not that kind of person.”
Julie Delpy stars as French President Vivienne Toussaint(Image: Des Willie/Netflix)
Julie’s first day of filming for Hostage set the tone that the tense series demanded. “I’m always nervous, and not just on the first day,” she admits.
“My first day on Hostage was a kissing scene – so it was even more stressful than usual. I didn’t know this person so I had to switch off my mind a little.”
If that wasn’t enough, the role involved linguistic hurdles, too. Julie had to learn the more official, formal speeches in English. “Those are hard enough in your own language, but to do them as a non-native speaker was tough,” she says.
Luckily, the tension on screen was offset by the real-life camaraderie with her castmates – particularly Suranne. “She’s a lovely person and a great actress,” Julie says.
“Sometimes, it takes a little time to find your way with certain people, but with Suranne it was immediate. I like communication to be quick and fast and clear, I have no time for ego and she’s like that as well. So it made it very easy.”
The friendly feelings appear to be mutual. Suranne revealed during a recent appearance on the Table Manners podcast, “There were a lot of unrepeatable stories, told in the make-up trailer. Julie would be talking in the corner, and then everyone would go quiet!”
Watch the dramatic finish of Southern Brave’s one wicket win over Manchester Originals, as the away side seal the victory with a ball to spare in the Men’s Hundred at Old Trafford.
England needs 35 more runs to beat India as fifth Test thriller goes to the last day of the five-match series.
It’s going to be a Monday morning thriller to decide the cricket series between England and India after bad light and rain forced an early end to play in the fifth and final Test, with England needing another 35 runs to win.
England was 339-6 at stumps on day four on Sunday, chasing a target of 374. England leads the series 2-1.
India needs to claim another four wickets – perhaps three – for victory and tie the series.
England has potentially only three wickets left because of all-rounder Chris Woakes’s shoulder injury. Woakes was seen in his cricket whites at the Oval on Sunday, but with his left arm in a sling amid speculation he would come out at number 11 if needed and bat one-handed.
Joe Root was again England’s saviour on Sunday with 105 runs, and Harry Brook hit 111, as England aimed to pull off another awe-inspiring run chase.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (2 not out) and bowler Jamie Overton (0 not out) are at the crease.
Prasidh Krishna of India celebrates the wicket of Joe Root of England during day four of the fifth Test [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]
Root and Brook had hit what looked to be series-clinching Test centuries – Root’s 39th and Brook’s 10th – before India stormed back to set up an agonizing day five finish as the two batters stumbled with victory in sight.
Jacob Bethell also fell to a dreadful shot, piling the pressure on England.
England had been set to achieve its most audacious chase of the Bazball era, and the second-highest in its history, with apparent ease. But its late stumble started when Brook threw his bat and wicket away against Akash Deep, skying a catch to mid-off. The century in his 30th test made Brook the fastest man to 10 hundreds in 70 years. Brook had made India dearly pay for not getting him out on 19 before lunch, when Mohammed Siraj caught Brook but carried it over the boundary rope.
Then the jittery Bethell produced an ugly swipe to drag down his stumps, before Root was caught behind in a wicket maiden for Prasidh Krishna (3-109), with the hosts still needing another 37 runs.
Root and Brook had reversed the momentum of the match in a cruisy afternoon session after India won the morning session and was heavily favoured at lunch.
Zhao Xintong lost his first snooker match for nine months as he fell victim to the Ding Junhui Curse.
Kyren Wilson moved into Sunday’s final of the Shanghai Masters with a superb 10-5 victory over China’s reigning world snooker champion.
The Warrior, 33, scored breaks of 66, 75, 70, 95, 70, 101 and 51 across the 15 frames and crucially claimed all SIX frames in the evening session.
For Xintong, it was a first defeat since losing to Shaun Murphy in the Last 32 of the UK Championship in York on November 23, 2024.
After that loss in the North Yorkshire cathedral city, Xintong won an astonishing 26 matches in a row, which included lifting the Crucible crown in historic scenes for his country.
But Xintong’s Far East homecoming was ruined by the Kettering cueist as he completely flopped in the evening action.
The Cyclone potted breaks of 113, 59, 95 and then a 121 to lead 5-4 in the afternoon but when nighttime came, he was outclassed by the Englishman.
And forget all about the Crucible Curse, which he has to negotiate next spring in Sheffield – the Curse of Ding Junhui struck again in a competitive environment.
This was the 21st time in a row that someone had beaten Ding, 38, and then LOST their next match.
A run that stretches back to John Higgins being the first victim at the Players Championship in February 2024 in Telford.
A new teaser trailer for upcoming historical thriller Nuremberg has left film fans with chills as they’re all saying the same thing about the upcoming World War II drama
Film enthusiasts have been left spellbound by the debut trailer for an eagerly awaited World War II drama that promises to be utterly compelling.
Boasting a stellar ensemble of British and Hollywood stars, this gripping thriller will delve into one of the most pivotal post-war moments in unprecedented detail.
No Time to Die and Oppenheimer actor Rami Malek takes on the role of American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley in the Sky Original production Nuremberg, the specialist charged with evaluating one of Adolf Hitler’s most loyal Nazi associates.
Prior to the landmark Nuremberg Trials, Kelley was given the responsibility of assessing the psychological state of senior Nazi officials before proceedings could commence.
Gladiator legend Russell Crowe transforms into Hermann Göring, the Nazi military commander and Hitler’s most devoted aide, reports the Express.
Sinister trailer for WWII thriller gets split reaction from fans(Image: SKY)
The historical drama’s synopsis states: “The film unfolds as a gripping cat-and-mouse drama.
“Nuremberg features a stellar ensemble cast, including Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, and Leo Woodall as translator Howard Triest.
“Set in the shadow of the unimaginable crimes committed during the war, Nuremberg explores the human mind at its most chilling and complex.”
Viewers will undoubtedly be thrilled to witness One Day heartthrob Woodall tackle his most demanding performance to date, appearing dramatically different from his charming romantic comedy persona.
With Nuremberg set to hit UK cinemas this November, cinema-goers have been expressing their excitement, with one particular element of the production capturing widespread attention. Russell Crowe’s latest role as Hermann Göring has certainly caught the attention of movie buffs, with one YouTube user expressing surprise: “I never thought I will see Russell ‘Maximus’ Crowe as Hermann Göring.
“But here we go. Packed with great actors. I put on my watchlist 4 sure.”
Another viewer anticipates the release, replying: “What a great cast, and original storyline. Looking forward to it.”
A third chimes in with praise for the star-studded lineup: “So many excellent actors, it’s going to be awesome,” and adds, “This is how movies should be made.”
Oppenheimer’s Rami Malek leads as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley(Image: SKY)
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Sky has just launched an overhaul of its overhaul of its TV packages, which includes the new Essential TV and Sky Cinema bundle.
This includes more than 100 channels, more than 1,000 films on-demand, plus subscriptions to Netflix, Discovery+, and Paramount+, plus two Vue cinema tickets every month.
Echoing the enthusiasm, another comments on the film’s visual appeal: “Cast and cinematography look stunning.”
However, not everyone on Reddit shared the same excitement, with some critical of the trailer.
One user didn’t mince words: “I can’t think of anything worse that a bombastic movie about the Nuremberg trial featuring Russell Crowe butchering another accent,” and sarcastically remarked, “Jesus what the hell was this trailer? Bwaaaaaah.”
Another Reddit user was unimpressed by the teaser: “This trailer kinda sucks lol I know it’s a teaser but is it really going to have this weird a** style with that subject matter?”
Yet, even the critics acknowledged the intriguing casting choices: “Very interesting cast though.”
With opinions divided, are you eager to see Nuremberg when it hits cinemas, or will you be skipping this WWII drama?
Nuremberg will be released in UK cinemas on 14th November, 2025.
One of Sex Education’s biggest breakout stars took on a very different role in a sun-soaked new drama coming to streaming soon
Sex Education star worlds away from Netflix role in new drama streaming soon(Image: NETFLIX)
Sex Education star Emma Mackey’s latest cinematic role will be available to watch at home very soon.
Best known for portraying Maeve Wiley in all four seasons of Netflix’s beloved comedy-drama, she has since appeared in major films like Barbie and Death on the Nile.
Still currently in cinemas, her latest project sees her taking on her first leading role in a provocative and mysterious drama based on a Booker Prize nominated novel.
Inspired by Deborah Levy’s 2016 novel of the same name, Hot Milk follows Mackey as Sofia, a young woman whose mother, Rose (played by Fiona Shaw), has contracted an unknown illness that’s left her wheelchair-bound.
When the mother-daughter pair travel to a small Spanish seaside town to track down a physician with unusual methods who could hold the cure, Sofia finds herself drawn to an alluring traveller named Ingrid (Vicky Krieps).
Emma Mackey takes on her first leading role in this sultry drama(Image: MUBI)
The film will be streaming on Mubi from Friday, 22nd August for anyone who missed out on Mackey’s sultry and thought-provoking drama on the big screen.
The Independent gave Hot Milk four stars, calling it “a slippery, subversive coming-of-age tale”.
Mackey and Krieps were praised as “formidable” in The Guardian, while Deadline says Shaw’s performance is “truly extraordinary”.
One fan of the film gave it a five-star Google review, penning: “Powerful performances set against dreamlike scenery where reality merges with imagination.
“Starts as a slow burn but builds into a heightened frenzy of complex sensations that is impossible not to sense as you witness each separate character’s life unravel and deteriorate.”
Someone else praised: “Fever dream magic, great indie film if you like trippy movies, reminds me of I’m Thinking of Ending Things on Netflix.”
Hot Milk is based on the Booker Prize nominated novel by Deborah Levy(Image: Mubi)
Enthusiasm for the film continued on Letterboxd, where one user wrote: “The pace was perfect. The score was stunning.
“The acting was incredible, Fiona Shaw is such a talented actor. Emma Mackey is just an unreal actress too.
“I felt as if she was speaking to me and I shall carry these words with me the rest of my life. This was a film I watched at the right time in my life. A film I didn’t know I needed till I had seen it. I wish I had words to properly express how much I adore this film.”
And a final fan said: “Beautiful adaptation of the book, felt it in my soul – the story, the characters, the setting…. so moving and so real.”
Film fanatics should make sure they sign up to Mubi to check out this indie cinema gem, and many more movie masterpieces, in just under a month’s time.
Hot Milk will be released Friday, 22nd August on Mubi.
The Assassin is a fast-paced thriller interwoven with family drama
Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express.
The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job.
However, there’s a significant hitch: Julie’s estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she’s a simple head hunter.
What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect.
This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC’s tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes’ last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV’s heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu.
Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes in The Assassin(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
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However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly.
The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing.
Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits.
The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show.
Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease.
The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel.
The Assassin is a sharp-witted thriller (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist’s Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake.
However, this isn’t your typical thriller – there’s a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline.
The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers’ razor-sharp writing skills.
From Julie being dubbed a “menopausal James Bond” to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father “isn’t Mamma Mia”, The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives.
Sometimes you’ll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly.
The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin – this is a genuine winner.
Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.
The Assassin is available to stream on Prime Video now
Luke Littler survived a real scare before fighting back to beat Jermaine Wattimena 13-11 in a thriller to reach the World Matchplay quarter-finals in Blackpool, but three-time champion Michael van Gerwen is out after defeat to Josh Rock.
World champion Littler looked out of sorts at Winter Gardens as he slipped 4-0 and then 7-2 behind against Dutchman Wattimena.
After pulling one leg back immediately before the second break, a clearly fired up Littler let out a roar of delight and gestured to the crowd that he was not going home just yet.
Littler returned from the break reinvigorated, winning six legs in a row, but Wattimena rediscovered his composure and the two players traded blows to send the game to a tie break
Littler missed two match darts as the nerves began to show, but after making the third he once again roared in celebration and pointed to the star on his shirt, which signifies his World Championship victory.
“When I pointed to the star on my shirt, I’m a world champion for a reason, I find these gears when I need it,” Littler told Sky Sports.
“I’ve not felt pressure like that since the first round of the World Championship. I was a bit nervous and it’s on to my third game here, I’ve won two of them.
“I want to get back on stage and right now I can’t wait to be in the quarter-final.”
Van Gerwen made a flying start against Northern Ireland’s Rock, taking the opening leg with a 150 checkout before surging into a 5-1 lead.
Rock narrowed the game to 6-4 at the second break only for Van Gerwen to move into a 9-6 lead and seemingly on the brink of victory.
But Rock fought back again and the momentum to swung in his favour when a superb 152 checkout cut Van Gerwen’s lead down to one, before winning the next two legs to take the lead for the first time.
Van Gerwen needed a 138 checkout to stay in the game and make it 10-10, but Rock held his nerve in a tense tie break.
“I kept my emotions, I think, throughout the game. I don’t know what was going on but I got into the game at the end,” he told Sky Sports.
“One of the most dramatic, my heart was pumping throughout the whole game. The stress has finally gone. What a game.”
Gerwyn Price stormed into the quarter-finals with an 11-3 thrashing of England’s Chris Dobey,
Welshman Price, who was involved in an angry confrontation with Daryl Gurney in the previous round, averaged 108.7, hit eight 180s and had a 146 checkout in a dominant performance.
“It was fantastic. In the middle part of the game I felt like I couldn’t miss,” he told Sky Sports. “I put Chris under a lot of pressure. I think he still played pretty decent in patches.
“I think early on we were both flying and I was just pipping him on a couple of legs, probably disheartened him a little bit. It’s a good game for me.”
Andrew Gilding set up a meeting with Littler after the former UK Open champion beat Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 11-5 to reach the last eight of the World Matchplay for the second successive year.
LONDON — Frederick Forsyth, the British author of “The Day of the Jackal” and other bestselling thrillers, has died after a brief illness, his literary agent said. He was 86.
Jonathan Lloyd, his agent, said Forsyth died at home early Monday surrounded by his family.
“We mourn the passing of one of the world’s greatest thriller writers,” Lloyd said.
Born in Kent, in southern England, in 1938, Forsyth served as a Royal Air Force pilot before becoming a foreign correspondent. He covered the attempted assassination of French President Charles de Gaulle in 1962, which provided inspiration for “The Day of the Jackal,” his bestselling political thriller about a professional assassin.
Published in 1971, the book propelled him to global fame. It was made into a film in 1973 starring Edward Fox as the Jackal and more recently a Peacock television series starring Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch.
In 2015, Forsyth told the BBC that he had also worked for the British intelligence agency MI6 for many years, starting from when he covered a civil war in Nigeria in the 1960s.
Although Forsyth said he did other jobs for the agency, he said he was not paid for his services and “it was hard to say no” to officials seeking information. “The zeitgeist was different,” he told the BBC. “The Cold War was very much on.”
He wrote more than 25 books including “The Afghan,” “The Kill List,” “The Dogs of War” and “The Fist of God” that have sold over 75 million copies, Lloyd said.
His publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, said that “Revenge of Odessa,” a sequel to the 1974 book “The Odessa File” that Forsyth worked on with fellow thriller author Tony Kent, will be published in August.
“Still read by millions across the world, Freddie’s thrillers define the genre and are still the benchmark to which contemporary writers aspire,” Scott-Kerr said.
Alcaraz emulated his childhood hero Rafael Nadal – a record 14-time champion at Roland Garros – by winning his fifth major at the exact same age of 22 years, one month and three days.
Sinner, meanwhile, is the youngest man to reach three consecutive Grand Slam singles finals since 14-time major winner Pete Sampras in 1994.
Such statistics offer a strong indication of the trajectory they both find themselves on.
So, where does their rivalry go from here?
The pair both have titles to defend at the two remaining slams in 2025 – Alcaraz at Wimbledon and Sinner at the US Open.
Alcaraz, who leads Sinner 20-19 in career titles, has reduced Sinner’s lead at the top of the world rankings to 2,030 points.
But the reigning champion has 2,000 points to defend at Wimbledon, compared to just 400 for Sinner after his quarter-final exit last year.
“I’m sure he will learn from this match and come back stronger next time we face each other,” Alcaraz added.
“I’m sure he’s going to do his homework. I’m going to try to learn how I can be better [and] tactically hurt his game.
“I’m not going to beat him forever, that’s obvious. So I have to keep learning from the matches I play against him.”
His arms must feel so heavy after virtually four-and-a-half hours on court but Alcaraz shows superb touch with the nifty drop shot – and Sinner does not run for it.
Literally a carbon copy in the second point. Again Sinner does not chase it down – that is very, very telling.
He has been running those down for the whole match until now.
Have his legs gone?
He is really struggling to move and it is Alcaraz that is deciding which way the points go – winners, errors or forcing Sinner into mistakes.
After going down 40-30, Sinner lets out some emotion towards his team – that is the first sign of any frustration he has allowed out.
But fast forward a couple of minutes and Sinner has a break point… surely he can’t can he?
Alcaraz kicks in a second serve and brushes the winner away.
Oh my word – how has he pulled that drop shot off? That is staggering from Alcaraz as he cuts a forehand just over the net and though Sinner chases it down, it is simply too good.
But back comes the Italian to deuce before two serves clip the net and go out – not the time for a double fault!
Huge from Alcaraz to go on the offensive and save it in style.
Sinner mishits a return and has a small outburst of anger – and he will be seething inside as Alcaraz eventually holds after nearly ten minutes with a forehand winner.
Yamal inspires Spain to thrilling 5-4 win over France to book a final against Iberian rivals Portugal.
Lamine Yamal won the battle of Ballon d’Or contenders by scoring twice as Spain eclipsed France 5-4 in their Nations League semifinal.
The 17-year-old Yamal outshone French counterparts Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele on Thursday as Spain initially ran riot against Didier Deschamps’s tired-looking team to book its place in Sunday’s final against Portugal.
Thursday’s game had been billed as a contest between young stars, but it was clear that Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win in Munich on Saturday had added more weight to French legs, with PSG stars Doue and Dembele disappointing.
It was the highest-scoring game in the Nations League’s short history, but three of the four French goals came after Yamal had made it 5-1 and the Spanish players eased up, thinking the game was won.
“It was a great game. In the end, it was a little close, but we played very well and I think deserved to win,” Yamal said.
Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after Yamal threaded the ball through to Mikel Oyarzabal, who held off two defenders and served it on a plate for Williams to rifle to the roof of the net.
Mikel Merino, the hero when Spain last played in Stuttgart, made it 2-0 three minutes later after playing a one-two with Oyarzabal.
Theo Hernandez struck the crossbar and Spain needed goalkeeper Unai Simon to deny Doue, then Mbappe and Dembele.
But Spain looked capable of scoring at any time. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen thought he had scored spectacularly after a brilliantly worked free kick, only to have the goal ruled out for offside.
It was the 20-year-old Huijsen’s third game for Spain. It looks like he is set to stay.
Adrien Rabiot conceded a penalty for a mistimed challenge on Yamal, who dusted himself off to make it 3-0 from the spot in the 54th.
Pedri scored a minute after that, taking Williams’s pass with his first touch and dinking it past the bewildered Mike Maignan with his next.
Pedro Porro’s foul gave Mbappe his chance from the penalty, but Yamal replied to that by prodding the ball past Maignan for 5-1.
Substitute Rayan Cherki scored late on his France debut after Yamal scored Spain’s fifth, then Spain defender Daniel Vivian conceded an own goal, and Cherki set up fellow substitute Randal Kolo Muani in stoppage time as France ultimately came close to an improbable comeback.
Scotland suffered a surprise last-ball defeat by Nepal in a nailbiting World Cup League 2 one-day international in Dundee.
Chasing the home side’s 296-7, Nepal’s last pair levelled the scores with one ball of the final over to spare.
And, when left-arm spinner Mark Watt’s delivery down the leg side was signalled as a wide to hand Nepal victory, it sparked a pitch invasion from passionate Nepal fans.
Nepal, who sit second bottom of the eight-team qualifying section, had lost to a second-string Scotland A side in a warm-up match on Thursday.
With Scotland asked to bat first, it looked like opener Charlie Tear’s 80, with Finlay McCreath pitching in with 55, had set a healthy target for the visitors.
Although Nepal opener Khushal Bhurtel scored 55, they slumped from 152-2 to 192-7 before all-rounder Karan KC, coming in at nine, did the damage with an unbeaten 65 from 41 balls, including four sixes.
Nepal went into the final over on 290-8 after Karan had plundered 18 from the 49th, but George Munsey caught Sandeep Lamichhane off Watt’s first delivery.
However, a wide from Watt and a single from last man Rijan Dhakal left Karan on strike with five needed for victory from three deliveries.
Karan hit two twos before Watt’s second wide of the over sealed an unlikely victory.
It looked like the fateful delivery may have come off Karan’s pad, but any protests were to no avail as Nepal took the points against a Scotland side sitting fourth in the table and four places above the visitors in the world rankings.
The ODI tri-series continues on Wednesday at the same venue, with Nepal taking on the Netherlands.
You know those smug, perfect mums? How well do you really know them? What if they’re not that perfect after all? Little Disasters, airing today (Thursday 22 May) on Paramount+, is a deliciously gripping psychological thriller. Based on the novel by Sarah Vaughan, it follows a group of four women whose friendship implodes.
When Jess (Diane Kruger) takes her baby to hospital with an unexplained head injury, her close friend and on-duty A&E doctor Liz (Jo Joyner) must make the excruciating decision of whether to call social services.
It starts with Jess taking her screaming baby to hospital. It’s A&E on a Friday night and only Liz is available to check baby Betsy. When Liz finds a significant bump on Betsy’s head, she asks Jess what happened – but Jess is sketchy on the details. “She slipped,” she says. Turns out the 10-month-old has a skull fracture and significant bruising. The action flashes back to when she and Jess met 11 years ago at a class for expectant mums, along with two other women.
Exploring themes of motherhood and friendship, the series looks at what happens to this group of women after Liz sets off a catastrophic chain of events. Liz says: “I always thought that Jess was the perfect mother, but then something happens, some little disaster and suddenly you ask yourself, what else is she hiding?” Also starring Shelley Conn, Emily Taaffe, Stephen Campbell Moore, Ben Bailey Smith, Patrick Baladi, Robert Gilbert, Chizzy Akudolu and JJ Feild, this thriller will have you questioning everything. All six episodes are now available to binge.
*Little Disasters is airing now on Paramount+
There’s plenty more on TV tonight – here’s the best of the rest..
THE HORNE SECTION TV SHOW, CHANNEL 4, 10pm
Riotous, wacky, sublimely silly, this sitcom revels in taking a swipe at popular culture and definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. Written by and starring Alex Horne, with an appearance from his real life wife Rachel, playing his wife (who else!), this is a second run for the quirky comedy.
Struggling with his newfound fame, the pressures of filming live from his family home, and a subsequent lack of money, Alex is determined to prove to the nation that he’s a credible leader of his band, while trying not to be overshadowed by the real musicians he works with.
It starts with an unsuccessful appearance on Sunday Brunch, during which Alex is irritated by the presence of ‘proper musician’, James Corden’s band leader Reggie Watts. Producer Thora (Desiree Burch) then books Reggie as a guest on The Horne Section TV Show, while C4 exec Ash (Georgia Tennant) commissions talent contest, World’s Strongest Musician, which gives Alex a chance to prove himself. Or not.
NINE PERFECT STRANGERS, PRIME VIDEO
Nicole Kidman returns as the creepy, mysterious wellness guru Masha, who has invited nine new strangers to a transformational retreat in the Austrian Alps. With her ageless face, white blonde hair and bewitching eyes, Nicole is made for this role and this is another thrill-ride of a series.
The nine people have been chosen under bizarre circumstances for a healing retreat – they think they’re heading off to a spa, but they are connected in ways they could never imagine. Over the course of a week, Masha takes them to the brink. She says: “I invited you all here because sometimes you shouldn’t deal with pain gently.”
The first series included vials of blood and digging your own grave, so we know that something sinister is definitely going on. An excellent cast includes Henry Golding, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, Lucas Englander, Murray Bartlett, Mark Strong and Aras Aydin. “You have to trust me,” says Masha. They definitely shouldn’t…
EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm
With Mack being ostracised by sister Moira and mortified over his actions, he backs out of being Aaron’s best man. Belle tells Sam that Nate never arrived at his job in the Shetlands. Suspicious, Belle vows to get to the bottom of his sudden disappearance. John pushes a flashback of Nate’s dead body out of his mind and focuses on relaxing. Sarah slips away to her hospital appointment alone where she’s forced to face her potential cancer diagnosis.
EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm
Stacey leaves the house for the first time in weeks. However, Kat is concerned when Stacey invites them for a big family meal, fearing that she’s trying to do too much too soon.
Everything comes crashing down later when Stacey realises that her coat and mobile phone have accidentally fallen into the laundry bag and Freddie has taken everything to be washed. The phone contains voicemails, photos and texts from Martin and if the phone is damaged, they will be lost forever.
Jamal Murray scored 27 points, and the host Denver Nuggets dominated in overtime to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 113-104 in Game 3 of their Western Conference second-round playoff series.
Nikola Jokic missed all 10 of his 3-point attempts in Friday’s matchup and finished 8-for-25 from the field but ended the night with 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Nuggets, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.
Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Denver.
Aaron Gordon scored 22 points, including a tying bucket in the final minute of regulation, and Michael Porter Jr went 5-for-6 from deep and finished with 21 points for the Nuggets, who finished 39-for-85 from the field (45.9 percent).
“We’ve been in this situation before, we stayed poised,” Porter said about Denver’s ability to win close games. “[Aaron Gordon] hit that big 3 to send it to overtime, like he’s done all playoffs. Huge win.”
Jalen Williams scored 32 points for Oklahoma City, who were 1-for-7 from the field in overtime with two turnovers. Chet Holmgren had 18 points and 16 rebounds, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Isaiah Hartenstein had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who were 40-for-104 (38.5 percent) from the field.
“One thing that it takes to be a great team is you get taken to the limit in the playoffs, and you’ve got to rise to the challenges that you’re confronted with,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “This team’s made a habit of doing that repeatedly. I have full confidence we’ll continue to do that, but we have to embrace what this is.”
Jokic opened overtime with a layup, and Porter drained a 3-pointer to make it 107-102. Williams missed a floater and had a turnover, which led to Murray’s layup with 3:02 left.
Holmgren’s dunk with 1:56 left was Oklahoma City’s only basket in overtime, and the Nuggets closed it out.
“I think, late in the games, you can rely on what you’ve seen and felt and done,” Nuggets head coach David Adelman said about the team’s playoff experience. “You can feel a game that maybe you played a couple of years ago.”
Gilgeous-Alexander went 7-for-22 from the field but put the Thunder ahead 93-92 with his first 3-pointer of the night with 7:33 left in the fourth.
Oklahoma City led 95-93 after Murray split a pair of free throws with 5:58 left, and both teams went cold from the field. Gilgeous-Alexander missed three straight shots, and Denver tied it on Gordon’s two free throws with 4:26 remaining.
Williams hit a layup, and Murray tied it at 97 with two free throws and put Denver ahead with a 17-footer with 2:17 left.
Luguentz Dort gave Oklahoma City back in front with a 3-pointer – his only points of the night – Murray was called for a travel with 1:31 remaining, and Williams made a pair of free throws to make it 102-99.
Gordon’s 3-pointer tied it with 27.5 seconds left, Gilgeous-Alexander missed a floater, and Jokic’s 20-footer at the buzzer was off, sending it to overtime.
Jamal Murray (#27) led the Denver Nuggets with 27 points in Game 3 against the Thunder [Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images via AFP]
Banged-up Cavs blow out Pacers in Game 3
In an earlier playoff matchup on Friday, Donovan Mitchell scored 43 points to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 126-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series in Indianapolis.
The top-seeded Cavaliers outscored Indiana by a 34-13 margin in the second quarter en route to cutting their deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is on Sunday in Indianapolis.
Mitchell, who added nine rebounds, made 14 of 29 shots from the floor and 10 of 14 from the free throw line. The six-time All-Star drained five 3-pointers on 13 attempts after entering the contest just 2-for-18 from beyond the arc.
Cleveland’s Max Strus collected 20 points and seven rebounds, Jarrett Allen had 19 and 12, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley added 18 and 13, respectively, in his return from a one-game absence caused by a sprained left ankle.
Darius Garland finished with just 10 points while being plagued by foul trouble. He was playing his first game since April 23, having recovered from a toe injury.
“[We were] down 2-0,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “It’s kind of now or never. You’re banged up and you’re hurting … They had to test it today. They showed a lot of fortitude. We have one day of recovery here, so it’s a quick turnaround, and they can turn it around and be ready to go.”
Cleveland held a decisive 56-37 edge in rebounds, including an 18-4 advantage on the offensive end.
Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 points off the bench, and Pascal Siakam added 18.
Star Tyrese Haliburton was limited to just four points on 2-of-8 shooting for the fourth-seeded Pacers.
Cleveland will try to level the series when the Pacers host Game 4 on Sunday.
Donovan Mitchell (#45) of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers on May 9, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, US [Ron Hoskins/Getty Images via AFP]
Finn Little, who played Carter in the hit Western drama, has a lead role in the new thriller The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage
Yellowstone enthusiasts, take note!
There’s a fresh thriller on the big screen featuring one of the series’ most talked-about stars.
The young and talented Finn Little, 18, has made waves as the plucky ranch hand Carter in the hit Western series, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Kevin Costner.
With 24 episodes under his belt, Carter has been picking up the ropes from Reilly’s formidable Beth Dutton and her other half Rip Wheeler (played by Hauser), while also learning some crucial life lessons along the way.
Now stepping into his late teens, Little has matured for his new gig in The Surfer, sharing the screen with none other than Nicolas Cage, reports the Mirror US.
Finn Little is all grown up in the new thriller movie
Fans might do a double-take seeing how much Little has grown since his Yellowstone beginnings, and they’ll get to hear his true Brisbane twang in this Aussie-based flick – a stark contrast to his American persona on the ranch.
In this edge-of-your-seat film by Lorcan Finnegan, Little takes on the role of ‘The Kid’, son to Cage’s protagonist, who finds himself at odds with a menacing gang of surfers.
Despite the daunting task of acting alongside the esteemed star, it turns out Little wasn’t fully clued in on Cage’s A-list status.
“He was gloriously not aware of Nic Cage being a big actor,” revealed Finnegan in a chat with Express Online.
“We had a casting director from Australia, Jane Norris, and she suggested him. All the cast are Australian, apart from Nic. We had a lot of actors to get for the film, locally, and she was great at putting people forward.
“Finn auditioned, he did a self-tape and then we did a Zoom.
“It’s tricky because when you’re trying to find someone who could possibly look like Nic’s son, as well, and be Australian, we were still toying with the idea of whether he would have an Australian accent or an American accent.
“We decided to keep his Australian accent, but he does a good American accent, obviously.”
The Yellowstone star was unfazed about working with Nicolas Cage
Director Finnegan shared how Little seemed unbothered about joining forces with Cage, a huge name in the industry. Recalling their initial chat on Little’s forthcoming scenes with Cage, he found the young actor’s attitude laid-back.
“I remember, he arrived in Australia quite early, before Nic got there,” he said.
“We were walking along, down to the beach to show him the location. I asked him how he felt about making a movie with Nic Cage and he was like, ‘Yeah… yeah, I’ve heard of him. Yeah, pretty cool’. Just not fazed.”
Away from his work on Yellowstone, Little doesn’t have any confirmed projects for now, albeit rumours abound that he might reappear in the wildly successful Western series due to Beth and Rip leading a new spin-off.
The Surfer is in cinemas now. Yellowstone is available to stream on Paramount+.
